Political dialogue is the only way to break the Middle East security deadlock 16:57, September 01, 2025 By Pei Guangjiang, Huan Xiang ( People's Daily Israel's recent decision to authorize a military takeover of Gaza City under the banner of "defeating Hamas" has once again pushed the Middle East toward the brink. With Israeli forces already encircling the northern Gaza Strip in preparation for the takeover, the situation in the Middle East is moving in an increasingly dangerous direction. In recent weeks, the Middle East, situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, Red, and Arabian Seas, and bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe, has faced mounting security alarms, sparking deep concern across the international community. Waves of escalating conflicts, unrelenting airstrikes, and direct confrontations threaten to drive the situation further out of control, with the risk of igniting a broader regional war. The international community must soberly recognize that military intervention only deepens insecurity, and reliance on force only compounds instability. Genuine peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through political solutions, not battlefield victories. Some media outlets have described today's Middle East as an arena where "might makes right." This view, which glorifies "peace through strength," is grounded entirely in the logic of power politics. Elevating coercive deterrence above international rules and norms is tantamount to pouring oil on fire, serving only to heighten the risk of war. Strength alone cannot deliver lasting peace; when power becomes the sole yardstick of right and wrong, international order and justice will be inevitably swept away. Instability in the Middle East threatens global stability. The region cannot remain forever under the shadow of conflict; its people deserve a future free from fear. To restore peace and stability, political dialogue is the only path forward. At the heart of regional tensions lies the Palestinian question. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must not be allowed to worsen, the legitimate aspirations of the Arab people must be addressed without delay, and the voices of justice across the Islamic world cannot be ignored. The two-state solution remains the only realistic way forward. The establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital is the only path to peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel and to eliminating the root causes of regional tension. The Iranian nuclear issue provides another reminder of the necessity of dialogue. Once a potential example of resolving disputes through negotiation, it was derailed by the unilateral withdrawal of a major country from the nuclear agreement and the subsequent policy of maximum pressure. That strategy closed the door to compromise and revived confrontation. While Israel and Iran have reached a ceasefire arrangement, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Persistent reliance on sanctions and threats by some Western countries has only aggravated the situation, highlighting the shortcomings of their approach to security governance. The Israel-Iran ceasefire must be fully and effectively implemented. All parties to the conflict should act with the highest sense of responsibility, creating conditions for further dialogue and an outcome acceptable to all. Iran's commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons should be taken seriously, and its right under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to the peaceful use of nuclear energy should be respected. The international community should work together to foster an environment conducive to negotiation. Protecting civilian lives must remain the foremost priority. The conflict in Gaza has dragged on for 21 months, pushing humanitarian conditions to unprecedented levels of deterioration. All parties must strictly comply with international law, prioritize civilian welfare, end attacks on civilian targets, and facilitate the evacuation of third-country nationals. The international community, through UN humanitarian agencies, should increase assistance to conflict-affected areas in the region, while countries with significant influence over the parties should adopt an impartial and responsible stance, playing a genuinely constructive role rather than pursuing narrow agendas. Dialogue and communication remain the only viable path to lasting peace. Standing at the crossroads of peace and conflict, the future direction of the Middle East tests the conscience and responsibility of all parties. China's position on Middle East issues has been consistent: upholding fairness and justice, and advocating common security. The international community, especially major countries with significant influence, should abandon geopolitical calculations, take concrete actions, support the UN in playing a coordinating role, and work together to build a balanced and orderly regional security framework conducive to peace. (Pei Guangjiang and Huan Xiang are senior editor and international affairs commentator of the International News Department of People's Daily, respectively.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) SCO countries join hands to build a bright digital future 16:13, September 02, 2025 By Huang Fahong, Hu Renba, Yin Xiaoyu ( People's Daily Journalists from China and Kazakhstan observe training activities at a Luban Workshop in Kazakhstan. (People's Daily/Zhao Yipu) In recent years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has made significant strides in advancing digital cooperation under the framework of the "Digital Silk Road." From cross-border 5G coverage to interconnected e-commerce platforms, from digital payment to the growing use of AI, member states are deepening collaboration through innovative practices that are reshaping the regional digital landscape. In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, for instance, animal health workers can record vaccinations and file reports directly through a mobile app. When livestock are ready for sale, entering a phone number instantly retrieves immunization records from the past three years. Behind these user-friendly functions lies a paperless animal disease prevention system and an electronic quarantine certification system, developed by a local information technology company based in a cloud computing industrial park in Karamay. Karamay is home to the Xinjiang branch of the China-SCO Big Data Cooperation Center. As of June this year, the branch had hosted nine training sessions for over 20 government departments, research institutes, think tanks, telecom operators, enterprises, and universities from SCO member states, attracting more than 300 participants. It has become an important platform driving digital transformation across the SCO. Digital transformation is increasingly recognized as a driver of global, inclusive, and sustainable growth. Under the SCO framework, China has taken active steps to promote cross-border connectivity. Projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan fiber-optic cable have reduced regional network latency by 40 percent, significantly enhancing data transmission efficiency. At the industrial park along Egypt's Suez Canal, China's BeiDou navigation system and an integrated digital service platform are providing businesses with smart solutions. In Uzbekistan, AI-enabled "virtual classrooms" are expanding access to vocational training. By building a comprehensive network of "hard connectivity plus soft services," the SCO is laying the groundwork for smoother trade flows and accelerated industrial upgrading. Participants attend a digital technology training session at the Xinjiang branch of the China-SCO Big Data Cooperation Center in Karamay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo/Huang Fuguo) Launched in March, the MeetSOHO Silk Road e-commerce platform has become an important component of the China-Central Asia trade facilitation mechanism. Nearly 30 buyers from Central Asia are already engaging with more than 500 suppliers from east China's Jiangsu province, underscoring the vitality of digital trade. Global digital trade is emerging as a powerful engine of international commerce. In 2024, China's cross-border e-commerce imports from other SCO member states increased by 34 percent year on year. The China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area has established a Silk Road e-commerce service hub to address practical challenges such as cross-border settlement. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Electronic Certification Authority is enabling digital signatures, encryption, and seals for cross-border contracts, serving more than 100 clients in both China and Russia. "Developing the digital economy is a shared aspiration of all countries," said Ahmed Darwish, former minister of state for administrative development in Egypt. "The SCO provides a technology-driven, innovation-led, and fair platform that is beneficial to all." On the fast track of digital technology, China has provided systematic solutions to support SCO partners in pursuing technological and industrial transformation, making important contributions to bridging the digital divide. At a Luban Workshop in Kazakhstan, for example, students use tablets to control miniature self-driving vehicle simulations that respond to traffic lights and road conditions. With Chinese-provided technology and equipment, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University became the first in the country to offer a smart transportation course to address urban congestion. So far, China has established 10 Luban Workshops in other SCO countries, providing training in digital technologies such as AI, big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and 5G. SCO digital cooperation now extends to frontier technologies including AI, internet of things, and blockchain. By sharing innovations and practical applications, member states have strengthened their collective digital capabilities and expanded technology adoption across industry, transport, agriculture, healthcare, education, and energy. From fiber-optic networks spanning the Tianshan Mountains to cross-border e-commerce platforms connecting Eurasia, and from remote medical services to data-sharing mechanisms, digital technology is becoming a bridge linking peoples and fostering shared prosperity. Looking ahead, the SCO will continue advancing innovative projects, working together to build a brighter digital future. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) --Company to host a webcast to review the full data set from Phase 2 trial -- PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Evommune, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company discovering and developing innovative therapies that target key drivers of chronic inflammatory diseases, today announced that a full data set from the Phase 2 trial of EVO756 in adults with chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) was accepted for a late-breaker oral presentation at the upcoming European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress being held in Paris, France from September 17-20, 2025. EVO756 is a potent, highly selective oral small molecule antagonist of mas-related G-protein coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). By targeting MRGPRX2, EVO756 has industry-leading potential with a differentiated approach to treating disease, as it is designed to deliver modulation on both mast cells and peripheral sensory neurons. EVO756 is currently in ongoing Phase 2b trials in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Atopic Dermatitis. Presentation details: Abstract N: LBA-260 EVO756, an Oral MRGPRX2 Inhibitor, Demonstrates Robust Treatment Effect in Chronic Inducible Urticaria Date and time: September 19, 2:30 - 2:45 pm CEST/8:30 - 8:45 am EST Session title: D3T01.3B Session room: Paris Nord The company will host a webcast to review the data being presented at EADV by Edward (Ted) Lain, MD, MBA, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical investigator as well as members of the Evommune management team. The webcast link will be made available on the Evommune website concurrently with the press release and presentation on Friday, September 19 at 8:30 am EST. About EVO756 Evommune is developing EVO756 with the intent of producing first-in-class MRGPRX2-targeted oral treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, including CSU and atopic dermatitis (AD), with additional possible applications in neuroinflammation. Both the CSU and AD markets are underserved by current treatment options, and alternative therapies offering improved efficacy, safety, and the convenience of oral dosing are needed to fill the unmet need in these patients. By targeting MRGPRX2, we believe EVO756 is the only dual mechanism clinical approach that modulates both mast cells and peripheral sensory neurons, representing a new potential therapeutic option to reduce inflammation and provide rapid relief of itch (pruritus). About Evommune Evommune, Inc., is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing innovative therapies that target key drivers of chronic inflammatory diseases. The company's mission is to improve patients' daily lives and prevent the long-term effects of uncontrolled inflammation that are a consequence of the limitations of existing therapies. To achieve this, we are advancing a portfolio of differentiated product candidates that target key drivers of chronic inflammation. For more information, please visit www.evommune.com or follow us on LinkedIn. SOURCE Evommune, Inc HAT Distribution has launched German monitoring software vendor Paesslers dedicated managed service provider (MSP) program to the Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) region. Already available in Europe and the US, the program is designed to assist MSPs grow their business via a scalable, predictable, and profitable model aimed at optisiming cloud computing, cyber security, internet of things (IoT) and data analytics platforms. Benefits on offer include flexible licensing options; a service-led model; enhanced collaboration through dedicated support, co-marketing opportunities and customised training; an increase in co-marketing funding; dedicated sales resources and incentivised tiered discounting. The program comes after HAT Distribution has been Paesslers exclusive distributor for its PRTG solution in A/NZ for the last five years, according to HAT director Josh Gammer. Over this time, weve seen a growing need from our partners for a solution that offers more flexibility and scalability to meet their evolving business needs, he said. The launch of Paesslers new MSP program is the perfect next step, providing our partners with the tools and support they need to deliver tailored solutions, grow their businesses, and meet the demands of their clients in this complex IT landscape. by Santosh Digal The warning issued by the Bishops' Conference on the occasion of the Season of Creation 2025 scheduled from 1 September to 4 October. Cardinal David: becoming responsible stewards of the earth on a path of justice, peace and love. Corruption and malfeasance are denounced as the real disaster that is sinking the Philippines. Manila (AsiaNews) - Caring for the environment is a common and urgent responsibility because it is of primary importance for the entire community. This is the warning issued by the Philippine bishops to priests, nuns and Catholics in the country in their message for the Season of Creation 2025, which is celebrated throughout the archipelago from 1 September to 4 October. On this occasion, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), addressed the faithful, inviting them to become responsible stewards of the earth because caring for creation is a moral and spiritual duty as well as a path of justice, peace and love. The cardinal recalls the many challenges to be faced, starting with climate change, which disproportionately impacts the world's poor and vulnerable communities. To this, the bishop of Kalookan adds the reckless exploitation of resources, a burden that falls on the least among us. In recent weeks, Cardinal David continues, the invitation is to live with faith and courage the task that Jesus entrusted to man to take care of the earth, urging parishes, communities and ecclesiastical institutions to pursue a path of sustainability and praying for ecological conversion. His appeal is to protect forests, seas and skies as well as to reduce waste and safeguard life for future generations, a mission that must be fulfilled every day in daily life. The theme of ecological protection goes hand in hand with the fight against corruption and the moralising campaign that the local Church has been promoting for decades to combat abuse and malpractice, particularly in public works that are of profound value to the entire community. This is a sensitive issue in a country prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and floods, the effects of which are often amplified by the neglect or lack of attention with which roads, buildings and infrastructure of primary importance are constructed. These include government projects for flood prevention, while for Cardinal David, the real disaster that is sinking the Philippines is the betrayal of public trust. Corruption, he warns, is like a flood that submerges our future. Analysing the issue of public works, the president of the bishops also questioned the credibility of the Senate's investigation into alleged irregularities within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 'A Senate inquiry is underway into corruption in flood control projects. But let's be honest: can politicians credibly investigate the very system from which many of them benefit? wrote the cardinal. He then recalled the revelations about the so-called anatomy of corruption in infrastructure projects, saying that commissions and experts empty the coffers, leaving only about 40%, or even less, for the budget". This is far too little capital for the effective implementation of credible projects that promote and fuel a chain of subsequent interventions, which also become a source of profit and malfeasance. Among those who call for and support ecological conversion and care for the earth, our common home, is Monsignor Gerardo Alminaza, bishop of the diocese of San Carlos and president of the CBCP's Social Pastoral Commission. In his message, which combines the themes of peace and creation, the prelate reminds us that we are all called to plant the seeds of hope and peace. There are so many conflicts in the world today, and everyone is affected, especially marginalised communities. "We are not giving up our hope. We continue our efforts to care for one another and the environment, said Bishop Alminaza. Join us, people of good will, in caring for our common home, he said. Continuing on the theme of the environment and creation, Monsignor Gilbert A. Garcera, Archbishop of Lipa, called for ecological conversion and the management of the common good. We must deepen the ecological spirituality of our local Church and empower communities to take concrete action to care for creation and promote communion with the Universal Church's call to integral ecology, he added. Finally, Monsignor Reynaldo G. Evangelista, Bishop of Imus, concluded by emphasising that every Christian must know how to protect nature. Each one of us, he warned, is the hope of the nation, the hope of Mother Nature. The official death toll from the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen to 800, with over 2,800 injured, while rescue workers struggle to reach remote areas affected by the disaster. The emergency comes on top of the nearly two million refugees forced to return from Pakistan and Iran in recent months. In addition to the lack of infrastructure, the shortage of female doctors, a consequence of the bans imposed by the Taliban after their return to power, is further complicating assistance. Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A violent earthquake shook Afghanistan on the night between 31 August and 1 September, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation characterised by the presence of thousands of refugees and a lack of transport and health infrastructure. According to the Taliban authorities, the provisional death toll, most of whom were sleeping in their homes during the earthquake, is at least 800 dead and over 2,800 injured. The earthquake struck the country at a time of extreme fragility following the return of Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan and Iran, the two countries hosting the largest number of refugees since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. A recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reveals that, since the beginning of the year alone, nearly two million Afghans have returned from Iran. Of these, 85% (over 1.6 million people) returned between 20 March and 20 August, and at least 60% were forcibly expelled. Although the Iranian Interior Minister claims that 70% of the returns are voluntary, the migrants' accounts paint a different picture. Many have reported mistreatment, violence and the confiscation of money by the Iranian police, describing their experiences as humiliation and degrading treatment. Back in July, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) launched an appeal calling for an end to forced repatriations, stressing that they were exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In just over seven months, more than 1.9 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan, warned Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. From Iran alone, 1.5 million people have arrived since the beginning of the year, 60% of whom have been deported. Pakistan began its Plan for the Repatriation of Illegal Foreigners in October 2023. However, human rights organisations have repeatedly denounced that the repatriations do not only affect those without documents: even refugees with valid papers have been forced to leave the country due to threats from the police. The Afghan provinces most affected by the earthquake, Kunar and Nangarhar, are located in the eastern part of the country on the border with Pakistan. Tajikistan has also begun repatriating Afghan refugees in recent months. According to the OHCHR, on 8 July, a number of Afghan citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, were summoned and informed that they had to leave the country within 15 days. From October 2024 to July 2025, at least 485 Afghans were expelled, the UN reported. Germany then joined in, repatriating 81 Afghan men, including some asylum seekers, for the first time on 18 July. The bans imposed by the Taliban over the last four years have further complicated rescue operations. Local sources report that the shortage of female doctors is making it more difficult to assist and treat female victims. Women are prohibited from secondary education and access to various professions involving contact with the public, including healthcare, while men, according to traditional cultural norms, are not allowed to visit women who are not related to them. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted that relief efforts are also hampered by a lack of infrastructure. Damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks and the remote location of many villages are severely hampering the distribution of aid, the WHO said, noting that at least 12,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. The fragility of the local health system, already stretched to its limits before the disaster, has made the country totally dependent on external aid. According to reports gathered by Reuters, rescuers have not yet been able to reach some remote areas of the country. One source reported that the road to Kunar was blocked by a long line of ambulances waiting to reach villages destroyed by the earthquake. Gazprom's CEO announced a legally binding agreement" with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The pipeline, which Russia has been pushing for years, could supply up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year to China over 30 years. For Russia, it would be vital to offset lost markets in Europe. Chinese media have been silent on the details that have blocked the agreement so far. Beijing (AsiaNews) The China-Russia summit, which also involved other Asian countries like Mongolia, is starting to yield its first results. Russian energy giant Gazprom has reportedly signed a "legally binding agreement" with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to China, complemented by a section of the Soyuz Vostok transit pipeline through Mongolia. To this end, Bloomberg cites Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the energy giant, but there is no confirmation from Chinese sources. At present, Russia supplies gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline, with a projected transport capacity of 38 billion cubic metres per year. Starting in 2027, the so-called Far Eastern route is expected to increase Russian annual flows to China by another 10 billion cubic metres. The deal signed by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin is part of the vision outlined by the two leaders to deepen bilateral relations and boost trade ties. On paper at least, the new infrastructure could reshape global energy flows as both leaders seek to define an alternative to the economic (tariff-driven) and political hegemony of US President Donald Trump. The meeting between Xi and Putin is further proof of the renewed bond between China and Russia. As a sign of this, the two leaders, with heads of state and government of the anti-Western front, will take part in tomorrows imposing celebrations in Beijing to mark the end of the Second World War. This relationship has withstood "the test of changing international circumstances," Xi said, and has become "a good example of friendship between neighbors, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation. For his part, Putin thanked his Chinese friend for the warm welcome", stating that close communication brought relations between Russia and China to an unprecedentedly high level. One sign of the consolidation of this partnership is the new gas pipeline that will connect the two countries. In September 2022, Mongolia and Russia announced the start of construction of Power of Siberia 2 pipeline by 2024 to carry gas from the Russian Yamal field, which previously supplied Europe, to China via Mongolia. Once fully operational, the pipeline is expected to have a capacity of 50 billion cubic metres per year, in addition to the 38 billion cubic metres that its sister pipeline, which entered service in 2019, is supposed to deliver. Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh attended the Xi-Putin summit for talks that became trilateral, focused specifically on the steps to unlock the Power of Siberia 2. The goal is to double the current transport capacity for this strategically important infrastructure; however, uncertainty still surrounds the project. Miller (and Gazprom) believe the pipeline could deliver up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year to China over a 30-year period. Russia also pledged to increase annual deliveries through the existing Power of Siberia pipeline from 38 to 44 billion cubic metres. However, while Moscow has framed the announcement as a breakthrough, Beijing has not publicly confirmed the project. China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported the signing of more than 20 bilateral cooperation agreements, but no mention was made of the new pipeline. Negotiations on Power of Siberia 2 have been stalled for years, with disagreements over price, financing, and long-term demand. It is unclear whether China will commit funds to build the pipeline or require Russia to cover the costs. Pricing, delivery flexibility, and a construction timeline have also not been disclosed. Russia sees the project as a way to make up for lost exports to Europe after 2022, when European Union (EU) states began reducing imports following the invasion of Ukraine. The details have not yet been agreed upon, and will prove crucial for Moscow as its energy revenues decline and Gazprom itself struggles to stay afloat. For Victor Gao, president of the China Energy Security Institute, the Russian announcement was "a bit premature, adding that, This may be more [a signal] of their intent, rather than an agreement already reached. by Asher Nazir* The Peace Center Lahore unites Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, where people share iftars, perform joint celebrations, and carry out relief efforts during floods for a peace that requires concrete action, not just talk, understanding, not just the absence of conflict. The project puts forward a different Pakistan with communities that listen to one another, where friendships grow, and young people lead the change. Lahore (AsiaNews) In a country often portrayed through the lens of division and conflict, a small community initiative in Lahore is offering a different story: one of dialogue, friendship, and peace across religious lines. At the Peace Center Lahore, where I serve as executive secretary, we have embraced a simple but powerful principle: peace begins with relationships. Our initiative, Bridging Hearts, Building Peace, brings together Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs to break bread, share experiences, and stand in solidarity during times of hardship. Meals that heal divides In Pakistan, hospitality carries deep meaning. That is why one of our first initiatives was hosting interfaith Iftar dinners, where Muslim families welcomed Christian and Hindu neighbours to join them during Ramadan. These gatherings, filled with laughter and storytelling, shifted mindsets: We discovered we had more in common than we thought, shared one participant. Similarly, during Christmas, Muslim friends visited local churches to join in celebrations. These symbolic actions transformed into real friendships that continued beyond religious festivals. Youth as bridge-builders Young people are at the heart of our work. Pakistans future rests in the hands of a generation that can either inherit divisions or lead toward unity. Through youth leadership trainings, we empower young men and women to become ambassadors of peace. In one memorable session, a Sikh student shared how, for the first time, he felt truly heard in a mixed-faith group. I always thought my community was invisible, he said. But today, I feel we belong. Moments like this show how dialogue can reshape identities and build mutual respect. Solidarity in crisis Our vision of peace is not limited to dialogue alone it also means standing together in times of suffering. When floods devastated Punjab, we mobilized volunteers from different faiths to deliver food and medical aid. The sight of a Christian youth carrying supplies to a Muslim village, or a Hindu volunteer helping rebuild homes, became a living testimony: peace is not just words, it is action. Building on global connections The Peace Center is not alone. We are part of global networks such as the United Religions Initiative (URI) and HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which inspire us to link local action with international solidarity. Through these connections, our message reaches beyond Pakistan: that grassroots interfaith efforts in South Asia can enrich and strengthen the global movement for peace. A different story of Pakistan Too often, Pakistan is seen only through headlines of extremism or violence. Yet the daily reality is far richer. In our communities, neighbours look after one another, women lead grassroots initiatives, and youth dream of a peaceful future. Our work at the Peace Center is just one thread in a much larger fabric of hope. By sharing meals, training youth, and standing together in times of crisis, we show that peace is not a distant dream it is being built quietly, faithfully, in homes and communities across Pakistan. Looking forward The journey is not easy. Prejudice still exists, and interfaith work often faces suspicion. But we continue because we have seen lives change, friendships grow, and walls come down. Our hope is that initiatives like Bridging Hearts, Building Peace can inspire others in Asia and beyond. As I often remind my team: peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding, compassion, and courage. In Pakistan, every handshake across a faith line, every shared meal, and every act of solidarity becomes a small miracle and together, these miracles are shaping a different tomorrow. * Executive Secretary Peace Center Lahore, Pakistan and URI CC Coordinator, COPE Pakistan --Company Establishes Medical Advisory Board with World Renowned Ophthalmologists in Anterior Segment Field-- CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EyeCool Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage medical device company pioneering a novel approach for the treatment of chronic ocular pain, today announced the appointment of internationally-recognized leader, Vance Thompson, MD, to the company's board of directors. Dr. Thompson is the founder of the network of U.S. surgical centers called Vance Thompson Vision and is the immediate past president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). As a board-certified ophthalmologist, he has personally performed more than 100,000 vision correction surgeries. Additionally, having led more than 100 monitored ophthalmology clinical trials, Dr. Thompson is committed to furthering his field with cutting edge technologies, such as EyeCool's investigational product for chronic ocular surface pain (COSP). "I am honored to join the board of directors of EyeCool. While I have served on a number of industry medical advisory boards, I am thrilled to join EyeCool's BOD, as this particular investigational product is one that I believe could have great utility and broad applicability in ophthalmology," stated Dr. Thompson. "Having acted as principal investigator on many FDA-monitored trials, I look forward to joining the team that will see EyeCool's product through to commercialization." "Having Dr. Thompson, an internationally-recognized leader in the anterior eye space with exceptional depth of knowledge in ophthalmology, will be invaluable to EyeCool as we move our product closer to De Novo classification by the FDA and commercialization," stated Ruben F. Salinas, PhD, President & CEO of EyeCool Therapeutics. "Today, we are also thrilled to announce the world-class team that has joined us as our medical advisory board," said Cristos Ifantides, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Advisor. "Each of these doctors brings years of relevant experience, and we are pleased to have this team supporting EyeCool as we work to expedite our product to the many patients who could greatly benefit from it." EyeCool Medical Advisory Board (MAB) Two members, Drs. Anat Galor and Bonnie Henderson, have provided invaluable experience on the existing Scientific Advisory Board and will now transition to the newly formed MAB. Other respected experts that will be joining the MAB include Dr. Sumit Garg, Dr. Preeya Gupta, Dr. Francis Price, Dr. William Trattler, and Dr. William Wiley. Anat Galor, MD, MSPH Dr. Anat Galor is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her clinical expertise focuses on ocular surface diseases, with a particular interest in ocular pain and dry eye disease. She leads research exploring the mechanisms underlying ocular pain, including the role of nerves, inflammation, and systemic comorbidities. Dr. Galor has pioneered work in differentiating neuropathic from nociceptive ocular pain to guide personalized treatment. She is widely published, has lectured internationally, and contributes to shaping clinical guidelines in her field. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes, she combines compassionate care with innovative, data-driven research. Bonnie Henderson, MD Bonnie An Henderson, an internationally recognized expert in cataract and refractive surgery, served as the President & Chief Executive Officer, Global Head of Innovation and Technology of HelpMeSee, a non-profit organization, the Past President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and a Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. She is the Associate Editor for the Journal of Refractive Surgery, and on the editorial board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Henderson completed her ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. She graduated from Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School with high honors and completed the Harvard Business School/Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program. Sumit (Sam) Garg, MD Dr. Sumit (Sam) Garg is Vice Chair of Clinical Ophthalmology, Medical Director, and Professor of Cataract, Refractive, External Disease, and Corneal Surgery at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine. He is an active researcher, lecturer, and educator, with numerous presentations at national and international meetings, and is the author of multiple peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and surgical textbooks. Dr. Garg serves on the Executive Board of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), is Chief Medical Editor for EyeWorld, and holds an advisory role with the National Keratoconus Foundation. He has received ongoing recognition from Best Doctors, Super Doctors, and the Orange County Medical Association, and was named one of Ocular Surgery News' Premier 300 Refractive Cataract Surgeons. Dr. Garg is also a member of the International Intraocular Implant Club (IIIC) and has particular expertise in refractive cataract surgery, ocular surface disease, and advanced corneal procedures including PKP, DSEK, DMEK, and crosslinking. Preeya K. Gupta, MD Preeya K. Gupta, MD, is Managing Director of Triangle Eye Consultants in Raleigh, NC, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine. She was previously a Tenured Associate Professor at Duke University Eye Center (2011-2021). Dr. Gupta has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, serves as a journal reviewer, written book chapters on corneal disease and ophthalmic surgery, and edited the Curbside Consultation in Cataract Surgery series. She holds editorial board roles with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and the BCSC Refractive Surgery Committee. Dr. Gupta is a member of the ASCRS Cornea clinical committee, President of the Vanguard Ophthalmology Society, and an elected AAO Council member. She lectures nationally and internationally, and her honors include the National Millennial Eye Outstanding Female in Ophthalmology Award and the AAO Achievement Award. Francis Price, MD Francis W. Price, Jr., M.D. is founder and president of Price Vision Group and the Cornea Research Foundation of America. He is an internationally recognized ophthalmic surgeon and recipient of the Life Achievement Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Barraquer Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery and the Charles D. Kelman Innovator's award from the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and been principal investigator of more than 150 clinical studies of ophthalmic devices, medications and surgical techniques. William B. Trattler, MD William Trattler, M.D. is Director of Cornea at the Center for Excellence in Eye Care in Miami, Florida, and a Board-Certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, corneal, and refractive surgery, as well as MIGS and corneal crosslinking. His expertise is focused on solving challenging problems in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. Dr Trattler currently serves as Vice Chair of Research & Associate Professor, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A past U.S. President of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery (AECOS), Dr. Trattler serves on the Executive Board of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, and has previously served as an Executive Board Member for the Cornea Society. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications while participating in more than 70 clinical trials. He is Co-Program Director for AECOS Deer Valley and serves on the planning committees for Hawaiian Eye, OSN NY, Sunshine Eye, International Keratoconus Academy Annual Meeting, and the Cedars/Aspens Annual Meeting. William Wiley, MD William F. Wiley, M.D. is Medical Director of Cleveland Eye Clinic and Clear Choice LASIK Center, divisions of Midwest Vision Partners, where he also serves on the board. Dr. Wiley co-developed the Less-Drops formulation and MKO Melt sedation products and is an active investigator in trials for light-adjustable and trifocal IOLs, corneal inlays, toric IOLs, advanced dry eye therapies, excimer lasers, and extended-release drug delivery. He is Chairman of the Board of AECOS, President of Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, a founding member of the Vanguard Ophthalmology Society, and past president of the Society for Excellence in Eye Care. In addition, he is founder of the Eyeprentice training program and serves as Associate Editor for Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today. His career reflects a commitment to advancing technology, elevating patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of eye surgeons. About EyeCool's Device (ETX-4143) EyeCool's lead product, ETX-4143, is an investigational device for the treatment of COSP. It is designed to be used during an in-office, out-patient procedure. The device gently cools the surface of each eye for four minutes, targeting the myelinated long ciliary nerves responsible for pain. Most patients experience immediate relief, which continues to improve over the following weeks. As the nerve fibers treated gradually regenerate myelin over two to three months, symptoms may return and patients may require repeat treatment. In addition to pain relief, clinical trials have shown statistically significant improvements in corneal sensitivity. About Chronic Ocular Surface Pain Chronic ocular surface pain (COSP) is a common ocular condition defined as having a feeling of pain or discomfort, perceived as originating from the ocular surface, that persists for more than three months. There are currently no approved treatment options for COSP. About EyeCool Therapeutics Inc. EyeCool Therapeutics is a clinical stage medical device company committed to innovation and novel therapies for eye care. EyeCool is focused on developing an in-clinic device to deliver fast, lasting relief for patients suffering from Chronic Ocular Surface Pain (COSP). For more information, please visit www.eyecooltx.com or contact: Media Contact: Shri Prabha, M.S. EyeCool Therapeutics, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE EyeCool Therapeutics, Inc. Today's headlines: arrests and missing persons in Indonesia following protests. Kim Jong Un is in China for the first international multilateral meeting since 2011. Israel has authorised another 100,000 settlers to own private firearms. 5G has arrived in Bangladesh. VIETNAM Vietnam is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule today with the largest military parade in decades, cash handouts and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners. Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets of Hanoi in a strong show of nationalism. We will be unwavering in our commitment to defend independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Vietnam Communist Party Secretary To Lam. INDONESIA At least 20 people are missing after violent protests broke out in Indonesia over privileges granted to parliamentarians. This was reported by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a human rights group. In addition to the deaths of six people, after the search and verification process, 20 people remain missing, it said in a statement. Police have arrested 1,240 people in the Jakarta protests since 25 August. NORTH KOREA - CHINA Kim Jong Un has crossed the border into China, where he will attend a military parade in the capital Beijing tomorrow in Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II and Japan's surrender. Kim will stand side by side with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders in his first multilateral international meeting since coming to power in 2011. ISRAEL - PALESTINE Israeli Minister Ben Gvir has approved the expansion of his controversial policy of arming settlers, authorising approximately 100,000 additional settlers to obtain licences for private firearms. According to observers, this move will further fuel settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. The policy has the full support of the government, which favours settler attacks. BANGLADESH Bangladesh has entered the 5G era: yesterday, the country's two main mobile operators announced the limited launch of the technology, with the aim of offering ultra-fast internet, low latency, improved connectivity and support for smart services and digital innovation. Robi Axiata, the country's second largest operator, was the first to launch the service in seven areas of Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet yesterday afternoon. ARMENIA - TURKEY The leaders of Armenia and Turkey, Nikol Pasinyan and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, noting the important steps taken towards stability and peace in the region and affirming the need to continue to adopt constructive approaches to strengthen the atmosphere of mutual trust and development of regional communications, committing to continue the dialogue. RUSSIA - UKRAINE General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of Staff of the Russian Army, issued a statement through the Ministry of Defence, stating that Russia is continuing its special operation in Ukraine, advancing on the Donbass front even in the autumn, after the positive results of the spring-summer campaign, in which the Ukrainians defended some positions only with enormous losses, without mentioning Russian losses. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 2 September 2025 21:27 (UTC+04:00) The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave crimes, continued on September 2. Azernews reports that an open court session was held at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in his native Russian language, as well as legal defence by a lawyer of his own choosing. Before the interrogations began, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained to the victims and the legal heirs of victims who attended the hearing for the first time their rights and obligations under the law. Afterwards, the statements of victims and their legal heirs were heard. Victim Ayaz Nazarovs legal heir his mother, Sima Tanriverdiyeva, responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, said that her son was killed in Kalbajar as a result of enemy provocations. Victim Garib Gasimovs legal heir his father, Shahbaz Gasimov, testified that his son was killed in Khojavand by gunfire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Responding to questions from Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments, the legal heir of victim Revan Jafarov, his father, Mahammadali Jafarov, testified that his son was killed in Khojavand as a result of enemy gunfire. Victim Mirza Agayev testified that he was wounded in Khojavand as a result of enemy fire. Another victim, Zakir Mirzayev, testified that he was injured in Khojavand, near the Red Bazaar area, as a result of the explosion of a grenade thrown by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Responding to a question from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victim Asim Musayev stated that while grazing livestock in the Soyudlu pasture of Kalbajar, more than 30 artillery shells were fired by the enemy, wounding him and those around him, and killing more than 350 animals. Victim Atamali Malikov testified that he was subjected to artillery shelling by the enemy in the Khankendi area, sustaining abdominal and back wounds. He underwent six operations due to his injuries. Victim Namig Hashimov testified that despite being inside an ambulance marked with a recognition sign, he was fired upon in the Aghdam direction by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups, wounding him and five others. Responding to questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the department at the Prosecutor Generals Office for Defence of State Prosecution, victim Madat Sabirzade testified that he was wounded by enemy gunfire during provocations in Khojaly, while five others near him were killed. Victim Tahrun Asgarov testified that he suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of enemy fire in the Aghdara direction. Turan Balashzade testified that his brother, Royal Balashzade, was killed by a sniper shot from the enemy in the direction of Kalbajar district. In response to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Sadiq Mammadali testified that he was wounded in the leg as a result of enemy artillery fire in the direction of Kalbajar. Victim Aziz Azizov testified that he sustained a traumatic brain injury in Khojavand from mortar fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Victim Bahlul Agayev emphasized that he was wounded in his left arm as a result of enemy fire in Khojavand, and that another person was killed. Fuad Gurbanli testified that he was wounded in the Aghdara direction by enemy fire, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Khayal Masimov and Nurlan Rafizade testified that they were wounded by mortar fire. Victim Urfan Mammadov testified that he sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and a traumatic brain injury as a result of enemy artillery fire in Khojavand, and that three of his companions were killed. Parvin Allahverdiyev testified that he was wounded in the arm by sniper fire in Khojavand. Elsever Akhundov testified that in Aghdara he was wounded in the arm and leg and suffered a traumatic brain injury from the explosion of a mortar shell fired by the enemy nearby. Victim Nemat Baghirov testified that during a mortar explosion by the enemy in Dashkasan district, Khayal Suleymanov and Javidan Badalov were killed and he himself was wounded. Hasan Mahiyyaddinli testified that he was wounded when the enemy fired at the vehicle he was in within the territory of Janyatag village, Aghdara district. Radim Garakhanov testified that he was wounded in Aghdam district as a result of enemy fire by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Responding to questions from Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, victim Haji Baghirov testified that he, Nasimi Hajiyev, and Vusal Ibrahimov were wounded when a mortar shell fired by the enemy exploded nearby in Aghdara district. Tural Azimov and Mahammad Baghiyev testified that they were wounded in Aghdam district by enemy fire, while Hazrat Ismayilov testified that he was wounded in Aghdara. Victim Goshgar Sharbatov testified that while evacuating the wounded in Khojavand district, he was injured when the enemy fired a shell at an ambulance marked with a distinguishing sign. Other victims Nuraly Shikhaliyev, Rasif Mammadov, Mazahir Aliyev, Amin Mammadov, Javid Shirvanov, Muslim Aliyev, Shahin Safarov, Umid Ibrahimli, Shahriyar Isgandarov, Eldeniz Dadashov, Amrah Hasanov, Vusal Abbasli, Shirin Hashimov, Kenan Sofiyev, Amir Nabiyev, Jamaladdin Mikayilli, and Kenan Mustafayev all testified that they were wounded as a result of enemy provocations. Subsequently, the testimony of victim Amid Guliyev was read out. It was stated that he sustained gunshot wounds below both knees as a result of enemy fire from a forested area in Farrukh village, Khojaly district. Then, the forensic medical examination reports of the victims were announced at the court session. The next hearing is scheduled for September 9. It should be recalled that Ruben Vardanyan is charged under Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, launching, and waging an aggressive war), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (enforced disappearance of persons), 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenarism), 115.2 (violation of laws and customs of war), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (premeditated murder), 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.3, 29,120.2.4, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.11, 29,120.2.12 (attempted premeditated murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (establishing a criminal association), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and carrying of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation security), 278.1 (violent seizure or retention of power, violent change of constitutional order), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). BRASILIA, Brazil, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Bonds Offering The Federative Republic of Brazil (" Brazil ") announced today the commencement of a global offering of global bonds to be denominated in U.S. dollars due 2030 (the " 2030 Bonds " and, such offering, the " 2030 Bonds Offering ") and 2056 (the " 2056 Bonds " and, such offering, the " 2056 Bonds Offering " and, the 2030 Bonds together with the 2056 Bonds, the " New Bonds " and, the 2030 Bonds Offering together with the 2056 Bonds Offering, the " New Bonds Offering "). The 2030 Bonds will form a single series with the outstanding U.S.$1,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Brazil's previously issued 5.500% global bonds due 2030. The 2056 Bonds Offering includes 2056 Bonds that may be issued and sold to certain tendering holders in the Tender Offer (as described below). BofA Securities, Inc., Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC will serve as Joint Book-Running Managers for the New Bonds Offering. The New Bonds Offering is being made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus for the New Bonds. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplements and the related prospectus for the New Bonds Offering may be obtained by contacting any of the following: BofA Securities, Inc., by calling +1 (888) 292-0070 (U.S. toll free); Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc., by calling +1 (888) 770-4828 (U.S. toll free); or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, by calling +1 (866) 846-2874 (U.S. toll free). Application will be made to have the New Bonds listed on the London Stock Exchange plc (the " London Stock Exchange ") for the New Bonds to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's International Securities Market. Tender Offer Brazil also announced today that it has commenced an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") its outstanding 7.125% Global Bonds due 2037, 5.625% Global Bonds due 2041, 5.000% Global Bonds due 2045, 5.625% Global Bonds due 2047, 4.750% Global Bonds due 2050 and 7.125% Global Bonds due 2054 (the " Old Bonds ") in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in an aggregate Purchase Price that exceeds an amount to be determined by Brazil in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Amount "). The Tender Offer is made on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (the " Offer to Purchase "), including the pricing of the issue of the New Bonds in an amount and on terms and conditions acceptable to Brazil, which is expected to occur today. All capitalized terms used but not defined under the heading "Tender Offer" in this communication have the respective meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase. The tender period (the " Tender Period ") will commence at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and, unless extended or earlier terminated by Brazil in its sole discretion, the Tender Period will expire (i) at 12:00 p.m., New York City time on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for Non-Preferred Tenders and (ii) at 2:00 p.m., New York City time on Tuesday. September 2, 2025 for Preferred Tenders (as defined below). Brazil expects to announce the Maximum Purchase Amount, the aggregate principal amount of Preferred Tenders and of Non-Preferred Tenders of Old Bonds that have been accepted and whether any proration has occurred for any Old Bonds on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The settlement of the Tender Offer is scheduled to occur on Friday, September 5, 2025 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date ") but is subject to change without notice. The Purchase Price to be paid for the Old Bonds that are tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the fixed price identified for Old Bonds set forth in the table below. Holders of the Old Bonds participating in the Tender Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest on their Old Bonds up to (but excluding) the Tender Offer Settlement Date (" Accrued Interest "). Old Bonds Old Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of September 2, 2025 ISIN CUSIP Fixed Purchase Price (per U.S. $1,000 Principal Amount) 7.125% Global Bonds due 2037 U.S. $1,634,303,000 US105756BK57 105756BK5 $1,099.00 5.625% Global Bonds due 2041 U.S. $2,220,621,000 US105756BR01 105756BR0 $927.50 5.000% Global Bonds due 2045 U.S. $3,299,754,000 US105756BW95 105756BW9 $790.00 5.625% Global Bonds due 2047 U.S. $2,789,332,000 US105756BY51 105756BY5 $842.00 4.750% Global Bonds due 2050 U.S. $4,000,000,000 US105756CB40 105756CB4 $728.50 7.125% Global Bonds due 2054 U.S. $2,250,000,000 US105756CJ75 105756CJ7 $977.00 During the Tender Period, a holder of Old Bonds may place orders to tender Old Bonds (" Tender Orders ") only through any of the Dealer Managers. If a holder does not have an account with a Dealer Manager and desires to tender its Old Bonds, it may do so through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution or other custodian, in each case that has an account with a Dealer Manager. Holders will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear Bank SA/NV, Clearstream Banking, S.A. or the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") system. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), will consolidate all Tender Orders and accept Old Bonds for purchase pursuant to the terms and conditions in the Offer to Purchase on behalf of Brazil, subject to proration at Brazil's sole discretion and other terms and conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result, in Brazil's sole discretion, in any of the following: (i) the cancellation of a holder's tender and the holder becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities, and/or (iii) in the case of Preferred Tenders, the cancellation of a holder's tender and the holder remaining obligated to purchase its allocation of 2056 Bonds in respect of its related Indication of Interest for the 2056 Bonds. Tender Orders for Old Bonds may be subject to proration. Brazil may subject each series of Old Bonds to different amounts of proration, in its sole discretion. Tender Orders made by holders who have submitted an equivalent-sized Indication of Interest for the 2056 Bonds prior to the pricing of the New Bonds Offering at terms that are acceptable to Brazil (the " Preferred Tenders ") are intended to be accepted before any Non-Preferred Tender Orders. To the extent proration occurs, the Billing and Delivering Bank will accept Old Bonds with appropriate adjustments to avoid the purchase of Old Bonds in principal amounts other than Permitted Tender Amounts. Each holder submitting Tender Orders shall be deemed to represent to Brazil, the Dealer Managers and the Billing and Delivering Bank that such holder held, from the time of its submission of its Tender Order through the Preferred Tenders Expiration Time and Non-Preferred Tenders Expiration Time, at least the amount of Old Bonds that are being tendered. All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders and are accepted by Brazil will be purchased on behalf of Brazil by the Billing and Delivering Bank directly or, if the tendering holder does not have an account with the Billing and Delivering Bank, through the Dealer Manager with which such holder placed a Tender Order, or through the broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution, or other custodian that has an account with a Dealer Manager, with which such holder placed a Tender Order. There is no letter of transmittal for the Tender Offer. Old Bonds held through DTC must be delivered for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. If a holder holds Old Bonds through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process it can use to deliver its Old Bonds is the overnight process, one day prior to the Settlement Date; holders may not use the optional daylight process. Holders will not have withdrawal rights with respect to the Tender Offer after the expiration of the Non-Preferred Tender Period or the Preferred Tender Period, as applicable. Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Brazil may, but is not required to, issue and sell 2056 Bonds to holders who validly tender their Old Bonds pursuant to the Tender Offer and place firm orders for 2056 Bonds in the 2056 Bonds Offering during the Tender Period (as well as investors that are not participating in the Tender Offer). If Brazil determines to issue and sell 2056 Bonds to such holders, the scheduled settlement date for the New Bonds Offering is expected to occur on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The Tender Offer is subject to Brazil's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Tender Offer at any time. Brazil reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept tenders for any reason. The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at www.gbsc-usa.com/Brazil/ or obtained from the Information Agent, Global Bondholder Services Corporation, at +1 (855) 654-2014 or from any of the Dealer Managers. The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are: BofA Securities, Inc. Attention: Liability Management Group One Bryant Park New York, NY 10036 Collect: +1 646 855-8998 Toll-Free: +1 888 292-0070 Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. Attention: Debt Capital Markets 599 Lexington Avenue, 34th Floor New York, NY 10022 Collect: +1 917 224-6722 Toll-Free: +1 888 770-4828 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets 383 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor New York, NY 10179 Collect: +1 212 834-7279 Toll-Free: +1 866 846-2874 The Billing and Delivering Bank for this Tender Offer is: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact. Brazil has filed a registration statement (including the prospectus) and the preliminary prospectus supplements with the SEC for the New Bonds Offering. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Brazil has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Brazil and the New Bonds Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov/. Alternatively, the Joint Book-Running Managers or the Dealer Managers, as the case may be, will arrange to send you the preliminary prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus for the New Bonds Offering if you request it by calling any one of them at the numbers specified above. A preliminary prospectus supplement along with the accompanying prospectus is available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/205317/000119312525193393/d477411d424b5.htm Important Notice The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into a holder's possession, the holder is required by Brazil to inform itself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate on behalf of Brazil in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor will there be any sale of the New Bonds or the Tender Offer in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offering of the New Bonds and the Tender Offer will be made only by means of the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus and an offer to purchase in Canada, under applicable exemptions from any prospectus or registration requirements. The Tender Offer is made in Austria to existing holders of the Old Bonds only. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer of these securities will be made only by means of the preliminary prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus. No prospectus pursuant to the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC (the "Prospectus Regulation") or the Austrian Capital Market Act ("Kapitalmarktgesetz") has been or will be approved (gebilligt) by or notified (notifiziert) to the Austrian Financial Market Authority (Finanzmarktaufsicht) and no such prospectus has been or will be published in Austria in any way which would constitute a public offering under Austrian law (whether presently or in the future). The information in the Offer materials (e.g., preliminary prospectus, accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus) is being made available in Austria for the sole purpose of providing information about the securities described therein solely to individually qualified investors in Austria. The information contained in the Offer materials is being made available on the condition that it is solely for the use of the recipient as a potential and individually qualified investor and may not be passed on to any other person or reproduced in whole or in part. There has been no offer, sale or delivery and there will be no offer, sale or delivery of any bonds in Austria other than in accordance with provisions of the Prospectus Regulation and of the Austrian Capital Market Act; and any offering material relating to the New Bonds will be distributed in Austria only under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Prospectus Regulation and of the Austrian Capital Market Act. In Belgium, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are not directly or indirectly, being made to, or for the account of, any person other than to qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers/investisseurs qualifies) within the meaning of Article article 2, e) of the Prospectus Regulation, as amended or replaced from time to time (Belgian Qualified Investor), that do not qualify as consumers (consumenten/consommateurs) within the meaning of Article I.1, 2 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law of February 28, 2013 (Wetboek van economisch recht/Code de droit economique), as amended or replaced from time to time (Consumers). A Consumer within the meaning of Article I.1, 2 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law is any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside their trade, business, craft or profession. As a result, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute a public takeover bid pursuant to Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6, 1 of the Belgian law of April 1, 2007 on public takeover bids (Wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen/Loi relative aux offres publiques d'acquisition), as amended or replaced from time to time. Consequently, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer and any material relating thereto have not been and will not be, notified or submitted to, nor approved by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten/Autorite des Services et Marches Financiers) pursuant to the Belgian laws and regulations applicable to the public offering or tendering of securities. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer as well as any materials relating thereto may not be advertised, nor distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than Belgian Qualified Investors acting for their own account who are not Consumers, and may not be used in connection with any offering in except as may otherwise be permitted by law. The New Bonds Offering cannot be considered to be a regulated investment service such as investment advice as listed under Annex I to the European Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU (MiFID II), as amended or replaced from time to time. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer may not be offered or sold to the public in Brazil. Accordingly, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer have not been nor will be registered with the Brazilian Securities Commission - CVM nor have they been submitted to the foregoing agency for approval. Documents relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer, as well as the information contained therein, may not be supplied to the public in Brazil, as the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is not a public offering of securities in Brazil, nor used in connection with any offer for subscription or sale of securities to the public in Brazil. The New Bonds may be sold and the Tender Offer is made in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations, and who are not individuals. Any resale of the New Bonds must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws. The New Bonds and the Old Bonds will not be registered under Chilean Law No. 18,045, as amended, with the Comision para el Mercado Financiero de Chile (Financial Market Commission of Chile or "CMF") and, accordingly, the New Bonds and the Old Bonds cannot and will not be offered or sold to persons in Chile except in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in a public offering under Chilean law, and in compliance with Norma de Caracter General (Rule) No. 336, dated June 27, 2012, issued by the CMF. The New Bonds may not be offered, sold or negotiated in Colombia, except in compliance with Part 4 of Decree 2555 of 2010. The Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute and may not be used for, or in connection with, a public offering as defined under Colombian law. The New Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (a) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (b) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. This announcement does not constitute an offer to the public in France. It is not a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. No prospectus (including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereto) has been prepared in connection with the New Bonds Offering that has been approved by the French Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") or by the competent authority of another Member State of the EEA and notified to the AMF under the Prospectus Regulation; the materials relating to the New Bonds have not been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be released, issued or distributed or caused to be released, issued or distributed, directly or indirectly, to the public in France, or used in connection with any offer for subscription, exchange or sale of the bonds to the public in France. Any such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to (i) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) acting for their own account, and/or to (ii) investment services providers authorized to engage in portfolio management services on behalf of third parties and/or to (iii) a limited group of investors (cercle restreint d'investisseurs) acting for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-2, II, D.411-1, D.411-4, D.744-l, D.754-l and D.764-1 of the French Code monetaire et financier. In the event that the New Bonds purchased or subscribed by investors listed above are offered or resold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France, the conditions relating to public offers set forth in Articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 to L.621-8-3 of the French Code monetaire et financier must be complied with. Investors in France and persons into whose possession offering materials come must inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. The Tender Offer is made in Federal Republic of Germany ("Germany") to existing holders of the Old Bonds only. The prospectus supplement does not constitute a prospectus compliant with the Prospectus Regulation and does therefore not allow any public offering in Germany. No action has been or will be taken in Germany that would permit a public offering of the New Bonds, or distribution of a prospectus or prospectus supplement or any other offering material relating to the New Bonds. In particular, no prospectus (Prospekt) within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation and the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) or any other applicable laws in Germany has been or will be published in Germany, nor has any prospectus or the prospectus supplement been filed with or approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) for publication in Germany. This prospectus supplement is strictly for use of the person who has received it. It may not be forwarded to other persons or published in Germany. The Old Bonds and New Bonds may not be offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (a) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) (the "CWUMPO"), or (b) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) (the "SFO") and any rules made thereunder, or (c) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the CWUMPO. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Old Bonds or New Bonds has been or will be issued, or has been or will be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the Old Bonds or New Bonds which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder. The Old Bonds and the New Bonds, and the Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and the accompanying prospectus, and any other documents or materials related to such offers have not and will not be registered with the Italian Securities Exchange Commission (Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa or "CONSOB") pursuant to applicable Italian laws and regulations. The Tender Offer and the New Bonds Offering are being carried out pursuant to the exemptions provided for, with respect to the Tender Offer, in Article 101 bis, paragraph 3 bis of Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Consolidated Financial Act") and Article 35 bis, paragraph 4, of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended; and, with respect to the New Bonds Offering, in article 1, paragraph 4, letter c), of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Holders or beneficial owners of the Old Bonds that are resident and/or located in Italy can tender the Old Bonds for purchase, and the New Bonds can be offered, sold and delivered, through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, the Consolidated Financial Act, the CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993, as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations or with any requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis a vis its clients in connection with the bonds or the relevant offering. The New Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended, the "Financial Instruments and Exchange Act") and each Joint Book-Running Manager has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell any New Bonds, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (as defined under Article 6, Paragraph 1, Item 5 of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act of Japan (Act No. 228 of 1949, as amended)), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan. In Luxembourg, this announcement has been prepared on the basis that the offer of the New Bonds, the Tender Offer and the potential exchange offer will be made pursuant to an exemption under Article 1 (4) of the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities. Neither the Offer to Purchase or the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus, nor any other documents or materials relating to the Tender Offer or the New Bonds Offering have been approved by or will be submitted for the approval of, the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (Comision Nacional Bancaria y de Valores; the "CNBV") and, the New Bonds have not been and will not be registered with the Mexican National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores) maintained by the CNBV, and therefore the Old Bonds and New Bonds have not and may not be offered or sold publicly in Mexico. However, investors that qualify as institutional or qualified investors pursuant to the private placement exemption set forth in article 8 of the Mexican Securities Market Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores), may be contacted in connection with, and may participate in the Tender Offer and New Bonds Offering, and can be offered with or purchase New Bonds. The participation in the Tender Offer or the acquisition of New Bonds will be made under such investor's own responsibility. Neither the New Bonds Offering nor the Tender Offer is intended for any person who is not qualified as an institutional investor, in accordance with provisions set forth in Resolution SMV No. 021-2013-SMV-01 issued by Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (Superintendency of Capital Markets) of Peru, and as subsequently amended. No legal, financial, tax or any other kind of advice is hereby being provided. The New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus, and the Offer to Purchase have not been and will not be registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Neither the New Bonds Offering nor the Tender Offer constitutes an offering of securities in Singapore pursuant to the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"). Each Joint Book-Running Manager has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold or caused the New Bonds to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not offer or sell such New Bonds or cause such New Bonds to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of such New Bonds, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) under Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, and (where applicable) Regulation 3 of the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018 of Singapore or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. Where the New Bonds are subscribed or purchased in reliance on an exemption under Sections 274 or 275 of the SFA, the New Bonds shall not be sold within the period of six months from the date of the initial acquisition of the bonds, except to any of the following persons: an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA); a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA); or any person pursuant to an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA, unless expressly specified otherwise in Section 276(7) of the SFA or Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018 of Singapore. Where the New Bonds are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is: a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the New Bonds pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except: to an institutional investor or to a relevant person as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or (in the case of such corporation) where the transfer arises from an offer referred to in 276(3)(i)(B) of the SFA or (in the case of such trust) where the transfer arises from an offer referred to in Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; where the transfer is by operation of law; as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018 of Singapore . The New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the New Bonds described therein in Switzerland, except as permitted by law. The New Bonds may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA") and will not be admitted to any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Bonds constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to the FinSA, and neither the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Bonds may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. Neither the communication of the Offer to Purchase nor the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus nor any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer or the New Bonds Offering has been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the "FSMA"). The Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus are only being distributed to and are only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom ("UK"); (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may be lawfully communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which the Offer to Purchase and the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus relate is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the Offer to Purchase or the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus or any of its contents. The New Bonds will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the New Bonds will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the New Bonds Offering prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectus or any of its contents. The New Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the UK. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, "EUWA"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. Contact information: Global Bondholder Services Corporation 65 Broadway, Suite 404 New York, New York 10006 Attn: Corporate Actions Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 430-3774 Toll free: +1 (855) 654-2014 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/Brazil/ SOURCE The Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil) 2 September 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In a world shaped by shifting power dynamics, energy transitions, and new logistics routes, Azerbaijan-China relations are emerging as a strategically significant axis in Eurasia. At the recent SCO Plus meeting held in Tianjin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijans deepening partnership with China, particularly in energy, trade, digitalization, and infrastructure - areas that are rapidly redefining global influence. Azerbaijan and China enjoy warm and friendly relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership, President Aliyev said during his address. Deepening these relations is one of the important directions of Azerbaijans foreign policy. This partnership, now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as of 2024, is no longer limited to diplomatic niceties. It is increasingly built on mutual investment, energy innovation, and infrastructural development, aligning with China's global Belt and Road vision and Azerbaijans national strategic goals. Energy sector: From fossil fuels to green innovation The backbone of Azerbaijans economy has long been its hydrocarbon sector, led by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). In recent years, however, Baku has been aggressively pursuing green energy diversification - a policy shift welcomed by Chinese giants like China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China). During his visit to Tianjin, President Aliyev met with Ni Zhen, Chairman of Energy China, a Fortune Global 500 company and one of the worlds largest energy engineering groups. The company operates across more than 80 countries and has played a central role in implementing Chinas renewable energy transition. Their cooperation with SOCAR centers around solar and offshore wind energy development in Azerbaijan. According to Energy China, these projects include photovoltaic power plants and water resource optimization, enhancing not only Azerbaijans energy sustainability but also its resilience to climate-driven water scarcity. We welcome Chinese investment in green energy as a key step toward achieving Azerbaijans climate targets while also modernizing our energy infrastructure, President Aliyev noted. This marks a shift in energy diplomacy - Azerbaijan is no longer just a hydrocarbon exporter but a green energy partner capable of attracting technologically advanced, capital-heavy Chinese companies. Azerbaijan's Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is fast becoming a regional magnet for high-tech and energy investments. This zone will soon host a solar panel production facility by Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology Co., whose chairman, Xie Yi, confirmed during the Tianjin meetings that the facility will be built to the highest international technological standards. Sunsync photovoltaic: Export-driven industrialization Sunsync is a rising player in Chinas photovoltaic market and its investment in AFEZ signifies Azerbaijan's appeal not just as a consumer market, but as a manufacturing-export hub. A substantial portion of the panels manufactured in Azerbaijan are expected to be exported globally, establishing the country as a credible green tech producer in the region. Considering the favorable investment environment created in Azerbaijan and the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and China, our company decided to invest here, said Xie Yi. This project underscores how Chinas outbound FDI strategy intersects with Azerbaijans ambition to become a post-oil diversified economy. Infrastructure and connectivity: From transit state to Eurasian hub In logistics and transportation, Azerbaijan has emerged as a linchpin of the Middle Corridor - a route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, avoiding Russian and Iranian territory. President Aliyev reported a 90% increase in cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor since 2022, thanks to strategic investments in the Alat Port, rail infrastructure, and customs efficiency. We are actively developing international transport corridors... The Middle Corridor represents a reliable and safe route connecting China, Central Asia with Europe through Azerbaijan, President Aliyev stressed. The China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), one of the worlds largest infrastructure firms, is now an active partner in Azerbaijans connectivity ambitions. During his meeting with Chairman Song Hailiang, President Aliyev discussed the companys potential participation in Phase II of the Baku International Sea Port and other transport and urban development projects, including metro construction and port logistics. CCCC's presence signals a long-term commitment to Azerbaijan's role as a Eurasian logistics hub, with additional interests in environmental projects such as lake rehabilitation on the Absheron Peninsula. Digital governance and cybersecurity: A new frontier Beyond infrastructure and energy, the digital realm is becoming a new pillar in the bilateral relationship. President Aliyevs meeting with Zhu Peng, CEO of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), explored collaboration in e-governance, national network security, and digital economy development. CETC is a state-owned tech conglomerate and a key player in China's national cybersecurity architecture. Their expertise can help Azerbaijan modernize its governance systems, introduce AI-driven public administration, and enhance cyber defense - vital for a country at the crossroads of geopolitical fault lines. Strategic implications: More than bilateral ties The Azerbaijan-China partnership is evolving beyond mere transactional cooperation. It is being redefined as a strategic convergence of complementary assets: China brings capital, technology, and scale. Azerbaijan offers energy resources, location, and stability. This alignment benefits both nations within a wider Eurasian integration framework that sidesteps traditional geopolitical bottlenecks. SCO and multilateralism Azerbaijans growing role in Chinas multilateral frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), adds another layer of strategic alignment. President Aliyevs support for initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative showcases Azerbaijans diplomatic balancing - aligning with China while maintaining ties with the West. We also welcome the Global Governance Initiative... aimed at improving international relations based on sovereign equality and respect for the UN Charter, President Aliyev affirmed. As energy transitions, digital economies, and transport corridors redefine global power centers, Azerbaijan and China are forming a partnership that is strategic, multi-sectoral, and future-oriented. President Ilham Aliyevs engagements in Tianjin signal not just goodwill, but a calculated vision for Azerbaijans transformation - powered by green energy, digitization, and infrastructural connectivity, with China as a key partner. The stage is now set for Azerbaijan to move from regional relevance to global resonance, leveraging its unique position at the heart of the Silk Road's 21st-century revival. 2 September 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In a world increasingly shaped by energy transitions and geopolitical realignments, Kazakhstans recent move to deepen its strategic partnership with China in the field of nuclear energy marks a pivotal moment, not just for the two nations but for the broader Eurasian region. The announcement made by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the Kazakhstan-China Business Council in Beijing signals a forward-looking vision rooted in technological cooperation, mutual trust, and shared prosperity. Rather than a mere transactional agreement, this partnership reflects a deeper alignment of long-term goals. As President Tokayev emphasized, discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping covered not only the deployment of Chinese nuclear technology but also the training of highly qualified specialists. This dual focus on infrastructure and human capital development reveals Kazakhstans commitment to building a resilient and future-ready energy sector. Kazakhstans relationship with nuclear energy is steeped in history. Once home to the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site during the Soviet era, the country made a bold and principled decision in the early 1990s to renounce nuclear weapons and embrace a peaceful path. Today, that legacy has evolved into a new chapterone where Kazakhstan seeks to harness nuclear energy not for destruction, but for sustainable development and energy security. The countrys vast uranium reserves, coupled with its strategic geographic location, make it uniquely positioned to become a regional leader in clean energy. By partnering with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Kazakhstan is tapping into one of the worlds most advanced nuclear technology ecosystems. This collaboration promises not only energy diversification but also a boost to industrial innovation and regional stability. President Tokayev rightly pointed out that traditional energy sources remain a cornerstone of Kazakhstans energy security. Yet, the country is not standing still. The involvement of major Chinese firms such as Sinopec in the construction of a $7.4 billion polyethylene plant, and CNPCs role in modernizing the Shymkent oil refinery, demonstrates a multi-layered approach to energy development. These projects are not isolatedthey are part of a broader strategy to integrate conventional, nuclear, and renewable energy sources into a cohesive national framework. Moreover, Kazakhstans plans to develop renewable energy projects with China Power International Holding and China Energy show a clear commitment to sustainability. The joint construction of a 160 MW combined-cycle power plant in the Mangystau region with China Huadian Corporation is another testament to this balanced approach. Azerbaijan: The Gateway to Europe One of the most exciting prospects emerging from this energy renaissance is Kazakhstans potential to export green energy to Europe via Azerbaijan. This vision is not only economically sound but geopolitically strategic. By leveraging Azerbaijans well-established energy infrastructure and transit corridors, Kazakhstan can access European markets while contributing to regional integration. For Azerbaijan, this partnership offers a golden opportunity to solidify its role as a regional energy hub. The transit of Kazakh green energy through its territory would enhance its economic profile, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its strategic importance in the global energy landscape. Its a win-win scenario that strengthens bilateral ties and promotes regional cooperation. What makes this partnership truly remarkable is its foundation in mutual respect and shared aspirations. There is no trace of rivalry or criticismonly a clear-eyed focus on collaboration and progress. Kazakhstan and China are demonstrating that energy diplomacy can be a force for good, fostering innovation, economic growth, and regional harmony. This is not just about kilowatts and megawatts. Its about building a future where nations work together to solve common challenges. Its about empowering people through education, technology, and opportunity. And its about showing the world that strategic partnerships, when guided by vision and integrity, can reshape entire regions for the better. Kazakhstans nuclear journey is just beginning, but the path ahead is illuminated by purpose, partnership, and possibility. As the country steps confidently into this new era, it carries with it the hopes of a region ready to embrace a cleaner, smarter, and more interconnected energy future. 2 September 2025 14:49 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In August of this year, Google held an 80.72% market share across all platforms (computers, mobile devices, and tablets) in Azerbaijans search engine market, Azernews reports, citing the latest report from Statcounter. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 2 September 2025 14:33 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan and Brazil have held the first meeting of their Working Group on Trade and Investment as part of the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. Azernews reports, the meeting took place during the visit of an Azerbaijani delegation to Brazilia, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov. According to the official X account of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two countries are actively working to strengthen their trade and investment ties. The inaugural session of the Working Group on Trade and Investments was held alongside the Political Consultations Meeting, underscoring the commitment of both nations to expand economic cooperation. The discussions focused on a broad range of topics covering bilateral, regional, and global agendas. Brazil and Azerbaijan have maintained diplomatic relations for over 30 years, with tourism, education, and parliamentary relations highlighted as key areas of their ongoing partnership. This meeting marks an important step in enhancing collaboration between Azerbaijan and Brazil, reflecting their mutual interest in fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties. 2 September 2025 16:43 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. One of the resident companies of the Neftchala Industrial District has launched the export of electrodes to Uzbekistan, marking the first-ever shipment of this product from Azerbaijan to the Central Asian country. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 2 September 2025 15:57 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Monthly citizen receptions are held in cities and districts by the heads of central executive authorities and other administrative bodies, Azernews reports. In line with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, these receptions are organized to hear the appeals and proposals of residents on-site, and appropriate measures are taken. The next citizen reception by the Culture Minister Adil Karimli, was held on August 29 in the city of Shamkir. The Culture Minister Adil Karimli and Head of the Shamkir District Executive Authority Rashad Taghiyev laid fresh flower bouquets at the monument of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the city, paying respectful tribute to his memory. At the reception held at the Shamkir District Cultural Center, which was also attended by heads of relevant structural divisions of the ministry, citizens from the Shamkir, Gadabay, Tovuz, Aghstafa, and Gazakh districts presented their appeals. The residents' appeals mainly concerned employment, improving the material and technical supply of enterprises, job changes, labor evaluation, proposals related to the cultural sector, and other issues. The Minister emphasized that steps would be taken to promptly investigate and resolve the issues raised by the citizens in accordance with legislation. Special attention was instructed to be given to the appeals of family members of martyrs and war veterans, with relevant directives issued to responsible officials of the ministry. 2 September 2025 13:49 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more From October 6 to 12, the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025 will be held in the capital, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports citing the ministry. The festival, organized by the OIC since 2019 in various member countries, aims to deepen cooperation in the fields of culture and creative industries, as well as to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations among peoples. This will be the first time Azerbaijan hosts the event, which will once again demonstrate the country's growing role on the international cultural platform and its contribution to the promotion of multiculturalism, dialogue, and cooperation traditions in the region. One of the main focuses of the festival will be the development of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of Islamic values such as tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity. The festival also aims to encourage joint projects in the fields of economy, education, science, and tourism, establish sustainable partnerships among member states, and strengthen the integration of creative industries into the global economy. The event is expected to welcome more than 300 guests from over 50 countries, including government officials, representatives of international organizations, prominent figures in science, culture, and the arts, as well as experts in the creative industries. In total, the festival is expected to bring together over five thousand participants. As part of the festival, several events are planned, including a high-level meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the OIC member states, the Cultural and Creative Industries Forum (MYFORUM), the Creative Village: Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition (MYEXPO), the Baku Cinema Breeze 2025 international film program, the Eastern Fashion Show featuring young and renowned designers from OIC countries, an international summit on gaming technologies (G-HUB), as well as various cultural projects related to theater, music, dance, and animation. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organisation founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member countries. Its main purpose is to represent the collective interests of the Muslim world and to promote unity among Muslim nations. Note that Azerbaijan joined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on December 8, 1991. Azerbaijan and the OIC cooperate in a variety of areas, including political, economic, cultural, educational, and humanitarian fields. In 2024, the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, was named the OIC Youth Capital. This prestigious title is awarded annually by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) to a city within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states. This year, the baton has been passed from Shusha to Morocco. 2 September 2025 13:36 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In Khankendi, the demolition of the administrative building long used as the symbolic Foreign Ministry of the so-called separatist regime has officially begun, Azernews reports, citing Azertag. The demolition started on September 2, a date of symbolic significance for Azerbaijan. Historically, this day marked the anniversary of the separatist regimes declaration in the occupied territories. For years, the building served as a hub for meetings with foreign Armenian-aligned politicians, the illegal issuance of visas for entry into the occupied areas, and unauthorized accreditation of foreign journalists. All these actions represented a blatant disregard for Azerbaijans sovereignty. Even individuals now accused of war crimes, including Babayanwhose trial is currently underway in Bakuused this building to assert that the Azerbaijani flag could only fly in Garabagh under one circumstance: the opening of an embassy. This underscores the political and symbolic importance of the demolition on this particular date. For the past five years, under the leadership of Azerbaijans Supreme Commander and President Ilham Aliyev, a comprehensive and systematic reconstruction process has been underway in the liberated territories. The Great Return Program, covering the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions, is a multifaceted effort restoring not only destroyed infrastructure but also national identity, historical memory, and statehood. As part of the program, modern urban development projects are implemented in cities, towns, and villages, including the construction of residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, cultural centers, roads, and energy and water supply systems. Cultural heritage and historical monuments are also being restored. Continuing this wave of development, a new key and symbolic project has commenced in Khankendi. The demolition of the administrative building formerly used by the separatist regimes self-proclaimed Foreign Ministry is part of this initiative. Beyond its symbolic significance, the buildings removal is important for urban planning. The former structure was irregularly designed and inconsistent with the citys architecture. Its demolition will pave the way for a modern urban planning approach, contributing to the aesthetic and functional enhancement of Khankendi. On the site of the demolished building, a new three-story administrative building will be constructed in a contemporary architectural style for the Garabagh Regional Architecture and Urban Planning Main Department under the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture. The architectural and technical specifications of the new building have been designed in line with Garabaghs strategic development priorities. The facility is scheduled to be operational by early 2027. 2 September 2025 11:57 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Mo Dingge, Chairman of China National Chemical Engineering Corporation Limited (CNCEC), in the Chinese city of Tianjin on September 2. Azernews reports that during the conversation, the sides exchanged views on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the company across the petrochemical industry, oil refining activities, and the manufacturing of petrochemical products. The CNCEC Chairman noted the favorable investment climate existing in Azerbaijan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Framework Agreement signed between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the China National Chemical Engineering and Construction Corporation "Seven LTD" was exchanged in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev and CNCEC Chairman Mo Dingge. The document envisages the implementation of joint projects in Azerbaijan and third countries. 2 September 2025 12:55 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Azerbaijani Parliaments Commission on Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats has issued an official statement condemning a large-scale information campaign allegedly launched from Russia following President Ilham Aliyevs recent interview with Saudi Arabias Al Arabiya television channel, Azernews reports, citing the statement. The statement outlines the commissions findings and response to the situation: Following the broadcast of President Ilham Aliyevs interview with Al Arabiya on August 27, a coordinated and large-scale disinformation campaign was launched from within the Russian Federation targeting Azerbaijan, the commission said. The commission claims that President Aliyevs remarks - particularly his response to a question regarding the Zangezur Corridor - have been deliberately distorted and taken out of context by Russian media outlets to mislead the public and inflame anti-Azerbaijani sentiment. According to the statement, the campaign spans multiple platforms, including Russian television channels, news websites, and social media, as well as through individuals described as holding radical and influential positions. Despite bans or restrictions on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) within Russia, these tools are reportedly being used - often through fake profiles and bots - to spread misinformation and incite hostility. The commission also noted that targeted ads on Azerbaijani social media channels have been used to circulate threatening narratives that challenge the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the commission emphasized that such hostile campaigns have had no impact on public opinion within Azerbaijan. These provocative actions serve only to mislead the Russian public with false narratives and provoke unnecessary hostility with neighboring countries, the statement read. The commission also pointed to the rise of so-called Z-bloggers in Russia as a root cause of growing anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric and the broader "Russophobia" discourse that Russian officials claim to oppose. The statement concluded by affirming that the Commission, in coordination with relevant state institutions, is closely monitoring these unfriendly acts and will continue implementing appropriate countermeasures to protect Azerbaijans national interests. In this partnership, FORVIA HELLA contributes extensive expertise in the field of high-voltage and power electronics as well as industrialization capabilities. Tau brings its software-defined technology platform alongside deep expertise in power electronics, controls, and innovative product design capability to the table. "We are very pleased with the partnership with Tau and the joint development of this outstanding Onboard Charger with an exceptionally high degree of innovation. The collaboration takes onboard charging to the next level and creates a product that sets new standards in power density. With this, we are also expanding our portfolio of high-performance key components for electrification. viOBCs represent another significant contribution to sustainable mobility and strengthens our position as an innovation leader," says Jorg Weisgerber, Managing Director Electronics at FORVIA HELLA. Wesley Pennington, Founder and CEO of Tau, adds: "We're proud to partner with FORVIA HELLA, a global leader in automotive electronics. This advanced technology partnership brings together Tau's software-defined power conversion platform and FORVIA HELLA's global scale in product, quality, and safety. More importantly it aligns groundbreaking technology with industrial excellence to deliver the next generation of high-voltage power electronic and energy management solutions for clean, intelligent mobility." Compared to conventional charging solutions, the virtually isolated Onboard Charger requires no transformer for galvanic separation (isolation) between the AC grid and the DC vehicle system thanks to innovative software and hardware design. Despite this, it fully ensures electrical and functional safety while maintaining the range of functions found in transformer-based designs. By eliminating the transformer, the viOBC achieves a very high power density of up to 7 kW per liter of installation volume. The virtual isolation technology enables the space requirements and volume for vehicle's OBC to be reduced by up to half, and its weight by around a third. Moreover, the transformerless design enables an energy efficiency of more than 98 percent during the charging process, as well as grid-supporting virtual powerplant capability. This subsequently enables CO2 savings through weight reduction as well as lower electricity costs due to higher efficiency. A viOBC prototype has now successfully completed its technological and commercial concept testing; series production is expected to begin within the next two to three years. Note: This text along with accompanying visual material is also available in our press database at: www.taumotors.com/newsroom and www.hella.com/press About Tau Tau Motors, Inc. is an advanced technology company redefining the future of electrification. From electric vehicles to the grid and beyond, Tau enables next-generation products today. Tau has pioneered technologies that leverage the company's software-defined hardware platform to provide industry leading scale, economics, and performance. By combining deep expertise in power electronics, systems engineering, and advanced control, Tau is accelerating flexible, secure, and sustainable energy systems across industries. As a technology company, Tau partners with industry leaders to develop and deploy transformative solutions on the company's platform. At its core, Tau is made of exceptionally talented people and we are growing. Come join our mission. For more information, visit taumotors.com. About FORVA HELLA FORVIA HELLA is a listed international automotive supplier. As a company of the FORVIA Group, FORVIA HELLA stands for high-performance lighting technology and vehicle electronics and, with the Lifecycle Solutions Business Group, also covers a broad service and product portfolio for the spare parts and workshop business as well as for manufacturers of special vehicles. With currently around 36,500 employees at over 125 locations, the company is active worldwide and generated adjusted sales of 8.1 billion in the fiscal year 2024. www.hella.com About FORVIA FORVIA, a global automotive technology supplier, comprises the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA. With over 150,000 people, including more than 15,000 R&D engineers across 40+ countries, FORVIA provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the automotive challenges of today and tomorrow. Composed of 6 business groups and a strong IP portfolio of over 13,000 patents, FORVIA is focused on becoming the preferred innovation and integration partner for OEMs worldwide. In 2024, the Group achieved consolidated sales of 27 billion. FORVIA SE is listed on the Euronext Paris market under the FRVIA mnemonic code and is a component of the CAC SBT 1.5 indice. FORVIA aims to be a change maker committed to foreseeing and making the mobility transformation happen. www.forvia.com For more information, please contact: Tau Motors, Inc. 1104 Main Street Redwood City, California, USA www.taumotors.com Tau Media Office [email protected] HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Rixbecker Strae 75 59552 Lippstadt / Germany www.hella.com Daniel Morfeld Group Press Officer +49 (0) 2941 38 7566 [email protected] Nadine-Kristin Reilmann Press Officer Automotive Technology +49 (0) 172 14 834 89 [email protected] SOURCE Tau Motors, Inc. 2 September 2025 13:57 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr. Luong Cuong, Azernews reports. ''Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to the friendly people of Vietnam, our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Having undergone a remarkable development, today, Vietnam has made significant strides and successes in all areas. The level of development of Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations based on good traditions is gratifying. The state visit of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, to Azerbaijan in May is of particular importance in terms of the development of our bilateral relations. The documents signed in a number of spheres as part of the visit, particularly the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, have elevated Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations to a higher level. Currently, there is a great potential for cooperation between our countries in the fields of economy, trade, culture, education, energy, transport, and other areas. I would like to specially note our fruitful cooperation within international organizations based on mutual trust and support. We are determined to further develop our interstate relations built on solid foundations. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to enhance relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, and to further expand our bilateral and multilateral cooperation in line with the interests of our friendly peoples. On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Vietnam,'' the letter reads. 2 September 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Ministry of National Defense of South Korea has officially suspended broadcasts of the propaganda radio station "Voice of Freedom", which was aimed at reaching North Korean listeners. The move is seen as a gesture to ease rising tensions with Pyongyang and reopen the door to inter-Korean dialogue, Azernews reports. This marks the first time in 15 years that the station has gone silent. "Voice of Freedom" began operations in 2010, shortly after the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan an incident that Seoul blamed on North Korea, further straining relations between the two nations. The radio station was one of South Korea's psychological warfare tools, used to broadcast news, cultural programs, and messages promoting freedom and democracy into the North, often via high-powered transmitters placed near the border. According to Reuters, it played a symbolic role in countering North Korean state propaganda. Technically, the two Koreas remain at war, as the 19501953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Shortly after taking office in June, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered the shutdown of border-area loudspeaker and radio propaganda broadcasts, which had resumed in recent years, in a bid to restart stalled inter-Korean dialogue. President Lee has pledged to take further steps to reduce tensions and even offered to mediate a new summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace. However, Pyongyang has so far rejected Seouls proposals, continuing to accuse the South of hostility and alignment with U.S. military interests. During past broadcasts, Voice of Freedom reportedly aired South Korean K-pop music and real-world news segments both banned in the North making it a rare and risky window into the outside world for curious North Korean listeners. 2 September 2025 12:22 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Kazakhstan, as a close neighbor and reliable partner, fully supports Chinese President Xi Jinpings global Belt and Road initiative and actively participates in its implementation. This was stated by Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his speech at the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council in Beijing, Azernews reports, citing the Akorda press service. President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstans strategic role in continental transport, noting: Eighty-five percent of all continental freight traffic between China and Europe passes through our country. This year, with the launch of the second railway track on the Dostyk-Moyynty section, the transit capacity of the China-Europe corridor through Kazakhstan will increase fivefold. He also emphasized Kazakhstans efforts to unlock the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) or Middle Corridor. Last year, 4.5 million tons of cargo were transported along this route, a 62% increase compared to the previous year. We will continue to accelerate this growth and aim to reach 10 million tons in the near future, Tokayev said. The President pointed out the growing volume of shipments through Kazakhstans Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk. Through joint efforts, large infrastructure projects such as the Kazakhstan-China logistics terminal in Lianyungang and the dry port in Xian have been commissioned. Naturally, Kazakhstans transportation and transit potential opens significant opportunities for Chinese companies. It is worth noting that the Middle Corridor is a key transportation route that connects Europe and Asia, traversing China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and beyond. It has been operational since 2014, enabling freight to move efficiently across the Caspian Sea, via rail and maritime pathways. This transport corridor, while geographically stretching across Central Asia, holds strategic importance not only due to its role in facilitating global trade but also due to its increasing relevance in the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics. 2 September 2025 21:50 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Amazon.com Inc. has announced plans to invest 7.5 billion New Zealand dollars (approximately $4.4 billion USD) to develop cloud infrastructure in New Zealand. This long-term investment will focus on building and maintaining data centers as part of Amazon Web Services' (AWS) expansion in the region, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! Samtavious Davontae Brunson Akeeme Robert Robinson Sheriff Scott Hammonds Beaufort County Sheriff's Office On August 16, 2025, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a report of a laptop being stolen from outside of a residence in the Washington area.During the investigation deputies determined the laptop was never delivered to the residence from the delivery service. Deputies learned that FedEx Ground contracted MJD&SJ Enterprise to deliver some of their packages in Beaufort County. Deputies determined that an employee on the truck was marking packages as delivered, removing them from the system, and not delivering them.Based on the initial investigation, more victims were found in the Washington area. Beaufort County Detectives, with the assistance of the Greenville Police Department, conducted a search warrant at the Voyage Apartment Complex, located off Bellamy Drive in Greenville NC. During the execution of the search warrant, several stolen items were located, along with the laptop from the initial report.As a result of the investigation, two MJD&SJ Enterprise employees were identified as suspects and charged.29-year-old Samtavious Davontae Brunson B/M of Lehigh Acres, Florida was arrested at the scene and charged with 1 Felony count of Embezzlement.Warrants were obtained charging 29-year-old Akeeme Robert Robinson of Cape Coral, Florida with 2 felony counts of Embezzlement and 1 felony count of Obtain Property by False Pretense.Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information on the whereabouts of Akeeme Robert Robinson, to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office App and selecting Submit A Tip. Climate alarmists and other environmental extremists in America demand we stop using coal because they claim it pollutes. A recent study by a European Union agency refutes that clap-trap. They found that the European country that by far uses the most coal also has the continent's cleanist air. Poland has long been Europe's largest user of coal, mostly to make electricity. In fact, together with the second largest user, next door Germany, they use 2/3rds of all the coal used in all of Europe. Yet a study by EU agency Eurostat has found that Poland has the cleanest air in all of Europe. https://rmx.news/article/poland-has-some-of-the-cleanest-air-in-the-entire-eu-despite-being-top-coal-consumer/ In Germany, a major labor union has just joined the CEO of Mercedes Benz in calling for the government to end its policies of reducing CO2 because those policies are destroying the German economy. https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/german-union-demands-climate-policy-u-turn This is a lesson for America. President Trump is trying to defend use of coal, which Biden and his regime tried to do everything to destroy. America has huge coal reserves for energy. It is also a lesson for North Carolina, where Democrat governors and RINO legislators have worked together against use of coal to make our energy. Coal is cheap and dependable, unlike wind and solar which are expensive and undependable. RINOs Phil Berger and Timmy Moore rammed Roy Cooper's pet legislation to phase out coal for electricity in our state, HB951. Berger and Moore are little more than Undocumented Democrats. https://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2025/08/18/electricity_bills_too_high_bad_energy_policies_are_to_blame_1128997.html Janice Gault Global tourism is thriving again. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that, in 2025, the sector will generate over $11.7trn, the equivalent of 10.3% of global GDP. International visitor spending alone is expected to reach $2.1trn, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by more than $160bn. Growth on this scale is encouraging, but it brings challenges, too. Overtourism in bucket list destinations such as Venice and Barcelona, coupled with soaring summer temperatures across traditional European holiday spots, is changing how people think about travel. As the world heats up, visitors are looking for places where they can cool down: destinations where the experience is rich, but the pace is relaxed. This is where the concept of the coolcation comes in. Rather than chasing relentless sunshine, more chillseekers are seeking destinations where the climate is comfortable, the scenery inspiring and the experiences authentic. Scotland, Scandinavia and Canada are already benefiting. Northern Ireland has every reason to position itself as one of Europes leading coolcation destinations and to seize the opportunity this presents. With summer temperatures rarely rising above the low 20s, Northern Ireland offers holidays that are enjoyable and rewarding. Visitors can hike the Mournes, marvel at the basalt columns of the Giants Causeway or walk Derrys historic walls without the discomfort of extreme heat. Belfast, alive with creativity, boasts everything from world-class museums to Michelin-starred dining, while just beyond the city lie unspoilt coastlines, tranquil loughs and the kind of hospitality that feels warm and genuine. Here, coolness is as much about culture as climate: chilled not only in temperature, but in pace of life. It may not be bikini weather, but it is perfect for making the most of long days. Travellers weary of overcrowding will also find the space they crave. Along the Causeway Coast, walking trails stretch into the horizon. Kayakers glide across sheltered bays, while stargazers gather in Dark Sky Parks where the night skies remain undisturbed. Wellness seekers are increasingly drawn to experiences that connect them with nature. From coastal saunas in Ballycastle to wild swimming in hidden inlets, Northern Ireland offers restorative, grounding escapes that prove relaxation does not always require a sun lounger. In 2024, Northern Ireland welcomed 4.7 million overnight trips, generating 1.1bn in visitor spend. International markets performed strongly, with trips from outside the UK and Republic of Ireland up by 12%. The picture in 2025 has been more challenging, with pressure on both rates and occupancy beginning to emerge. Yet the growing desire for cooler destinations presents an opportunity. In a world where established hotspots are overheating in every sense, Northern Ireland can capitalise on its climate advantage and grow its share of the global market. What sets this region apart is its balance: vibrant cities paired with wild beauty, iconic attractions alongside hidden gems, all within a compact area that can be explored with ease. It is a place where mornings might be spent immersed in history and culture and evenings watching the sun set over the Atlantic. As travellers reconsider where to spend their summers, Northern Ireland emerges as a cooler, uncrowded destination offering authenticity, beauty and a welcome change of pace. These themes will be explored further this autumn. Top Tourism Trends will be part of the Hospitality Exchange Programme 2025, examining how climate and consumer behaviour are reshaping demand and how Northern Ireland can lead as a coolcation destination. As international tourism grapples with the pressures of climate and crowding, Northern Ireland offers a quieter, more authentic way forward. We are fortunate to have a destination where history and hospitality meet against a backdrop of cool, green landscapes. The number one reason visitors are drawn to Ireland is its scenery and natural beauty, cited by more than a third of all overseas visitors and even higher among Germans, French and Italians. While we may sometimes lament the lack of sunshine, our climate may well be our greatest asset. It is time to embrace it, celebrate our place in the coolcation club and present Northern Ireland as a destination that is cool in every sense of the word. Janice Gault is chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. Hospitality Exchange takes place at Crowne Plaza, Belfast, on October 14 and 15 Belfast GPs warning after the deaths of two festival-goers Causes still unclear as doctor urges the public to be aware of signs of drinks being spiked Dr Michael McKenna (Photo: Liam McBurney) Abdullah Sabri Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 08:20 The deaths of two young people who attended a music festival in Belfast has prompted a warning from a leading GP over the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol and the signs to watch for if there are fears a friend has been spiked. NEEDHAM, Mass., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Needham Bank is pleased to announce that George Drugas has joined the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Banking team as First Vice President, Small Business Team Leader. Reporting to James Daley, Executive Vice President, Director C&I Banking, Mr. Drugas will lead the Small Business team and be responsible for developing strategies to expand and strengthen client relationships. Mr. Drugas brings extensive experience in credit strategy, business development, and relationship management to his new role. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Small Business Team Leader at HarborOne Bank, where he managed a team of business development officers and oversaw the prescreening and evaluation of credit requests across various products. Prior to that, he was the Vice President, Customer Credit Advocate at Citizens Bank. "We're thrilled to welcome George to the C&I Banking team," said Mr. Daley. "His deep industry experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our Small Business division. I'm confident he'll deliver meaningful results for our customers and the Bank." "I'm excited to join Needham Bank and lead such a talented Small Business team," said Mr. Drugas. "Supporting and empowering small businesses is important to me, and I look forward to contributing to the success of our clients." Mr. Drugas earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Boston and completed the Risk Management Association's Loan Officer Resident Seminar. He currently volunteers for the Somerville Homeless Coalition and the BUILD Boston program. About Needham Bank: Needham Bank offers an array of tech-forward products and services that businesses and consumers use to manage their financial needs. We have the financial expertise typically found at much larger institutions and the local knowledge and commitment you can only find at a community bank. Known as the "Builder's Bank," Needham Bank has been helping individuals, businesses and non-profits build for their futures since 1892. For more information, please visit https://NeedhamBank.com. Needham Bank is a member of the FDIC. SOURCE Needham Bank A Belfast man who shouted pro-IRA chants and spat in a female police officers face after pushing his way into a terrified womans home has been jailed for nine months. A Co Londonderry school has paid tribute to a caring and kind Year 11 pupil who died suddenly. St Pius X College in Magherafelt took to social media to pay tribute to Peter Bell who died on Saturday and said the schools thoughts and prayers are with his parents, siblings and extended family during this incredibly difficult time. "Peter was a sensitive, caring and kind young man who will be sorely missed by all in the St Pius X family, added the schools principal Mr Friel. Peter had a deep love for music, art and the Irish language, and had recently achieved success in GCSE Irish. St. Pius X College in Magherafelt His friends, classmates and all St Pius X College staff are heartbroken by this sudden loss. Support is being provided by the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Service and our own Pastoral Team. We are grateful for the care and compassion being extended to both students and staff at this time. May Peters gentle soul rest in heavenly peace. Go raibh suaimhneas siorai ar anam Pheadair. St Finbarrs Hurling Club also paid tribute to the teenager, writing: We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Bell and McGuckin families at this very difficult time. We also wish to offer our support and prayers to his father Declan, a great friend and constant help to all at St Finbarrs. Peter Bell News Catch Up - Tuesday 2nd September According to a funeral notice, the teenager is described as the beloved son of Declan and Ursula and loving brother of Leona, Feargal, Priscilla, Martin, Joanne, Patrick and the late Teagan-Rose. His funeral will take place on Wednesday with Requiem Mass in Church of St John and St Trea Moneymore. Former PSNI officer Mark McEwan is set to be appointed as the new Assembly Commissioner for Standards at Stormont. He has been nominated by the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, and his appointment will take effect immediately once approved by the Assembly. It comes after Dr Melissa McCullough stood down from the role in August, after serving a five-year term. The commissioners role is to act independently to investigate formal complaints against MLAs for alleged breaches of the code of conduct. Prior to Ms McCulloughs appointment, the role had been vacant since Douglas Bain stepped down in September 2017. Ms McCullough moved to Northern Ireland from the US in 1994 and obtained her PhD from Queens University. Mr McEwan, who has 26 years policing experience including with the Metropolitan Police in London, is set to take on the role. He most recently served as Assistant Chief Constable in the PSNI before retiring in 2024. Assembly Speaker and Chairperson of the Assembly Commission, Edwin Poots MLA, said: I am pleased to confirm that the Assembly Commission has identified Mark McEwan to be nominated to the Assembly for appointment as the new Assembly Commissioner for Standards. The Northern Ireland Assembly Commissioner for Standards is an independent officer responsible for investigating complaints that a breach of the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Code of Conduct or Ministerial Code of Conduct has occurred, and to report the outcome of those investigations to the Assembly. Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan News Catch Up - Tuesday 2nd September The Commissioner operates independently from any political influence, and the role is vital to ensuring high standards of conduct and public confidence in their representatives and the Assembly. Mr McEwan comes with a wealth of experience in conducting investigations and upholding professional standards, which will serve him well as he undertakes this important work. The Assembly Commission asked the Business Committee to schedule a motion for debate on Monday 8 September, when MLAs will decide on Mr McEwans appointment. Landlord Sam Carson stands beside one of his tenants cars which was set on fire in Ballymena, Co Antrim on Sunday. Pic by Liam McBurney/PA Wire. The owner of a vehicle looks on at its burnt remains after cars were set on fire in Ballymena on Sunday. Pic by Liam McBurney/PA Wire. An arson attack targeting Filipino residents in Co Antrim has been condemned as highly dangerous by MP who warned it could have ended in tragedy. Six vehicles were burnt out and destroyed outside a property in Ballymena on Sunday night in what is being treated as a race hate crime. The attack happened at around 10.10pm on the Lisnevenagh Road near where six foreign nationals live. I want to underscore that this was a highly dangerous and distressing incident, Jim Allister said. Landlord Sam Carson stands beside one of his tenants cars which was set on fire in Ballymena, Co Antrim on Sunday. Pic by Liam McBurney/PA Wire. "Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside [their homes] a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse. Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen. Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread. The North Antrim representative and TUV leader said it is important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration. "These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment. They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy, he added. The PSNI confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and that the incident is being treated as arson with a racially-motivated hate element. "We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch, a spokesperson said. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25. The landlord of the properties told BBC News NI he has been the victim of an "online hate campaign" and suspects the attack is related to his decision to house Filipinos. Sam Carson expressed fears for his own safety and the wellbeing of his tenants who work for a large local business. He described the occupants as "peaceful people, working hard" who have lived in the town for two years. "Some people in Ballymena do not like foreign nationals, even though they are good working people, they don't understand that," Mr Carson said. "Social media has a real problem with misinformation, and there seems there is nothing the police can do." The landlord said he had never experienced any trouble until the Ballymena riots back in June which have sparked a hate campaign on TikTok. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has met with Mr Carson and spoken to the tenants employer. The PSNI is actively investigating this matter, and I would urge anyone with information to speak directly to the police, he said. Concerned landlord Sam Carson. Pic by Liam McBurney/PA Wire. Our focus at this point must be on ensuring the safety and support of those affected. "Unverified claims circulating on social media are not helpful, and it is vital that we allow due process to unfold. UUP MLA Jon Burrows condemned the disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy. I will be reaching out to Sam Carson today and Ive already contacted the senior police team in the area to check on the progress of the investigation and I have requested additional patrols in the area to reassure the local community and to deter further attacks, he added. I appeal to anyone with information about this crime to contact the PSNI or if they feel they cannot do so - to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan said "racism has no place in this community as he urged anyone with information to come forward. He said: It is absolutely outrageous to learn that a number of cars were burned and destroyed outside a property on Lisnevenagh Road. This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity. The owner of a vehicle looks on at its burnt remains after cars were set on fire in Ballymena on Sunday. Pic by Liam McBurney/PA Wire. News Catch Up - Tuesday 2nd September This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership. Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police." Just one Catholic family left in estate as UDA says it is not behind threats Gang distances itself from series of attacks that forced tenants to flee properties Damaged houses on Alloa Street in the Oldpark area of north Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye. Allison Morris Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 07:00 Only one Catholic family remains in a north Belfast development where houses had been allocated to people from different communities. Justice Minister Naomi Long speaking at the launch of the research study in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings. Pictured L-R at the launch event in the Long Gallery are Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project, Justice Minister Naomi Long, HEReNI Director Cara McCann, and Adam Murray from Cara-Friend. Only a third of domestic abuse victims who identify as LGBT+ report what they are experiencing, according to new research. A study published on Tuesday revealed that 64.5% of participants who suffered abuse at hands of a loved one didnt tell anyone what they were going through. The research, conducted by NI based charity HERe NI in partnership with Cara-Friend and The Rainbow Project, found that more than a quarter (26.8%) of individuals who did report abuse felt they were either not believed or taken seriously by service providers. One male respondent who reached out to the PSNI for help described being left feeling like they just really didnt seem to care. "I just kept getting pushed from post to pillar, different officers, different police stations, they said. You could tell they didnt want to be in that room, didnt want to be on the phone call. I found that theyre not trained properly. HERe NI surveyed 87 people and interviewed 16 participants as part of the research. Approximately 60% of respondents felt that the existing legal, policy, and practice initiatives in NI for LGBT+ survivors of domestic violence and abuse were not so effective or not at all effective. Justice Minister Naomi Long speaking at the launch of the research study in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings. Only 14.5% of participants agreed that services were extremely effective or very effective. One respondent revealed that when they were reporting abuse, service providers assumed the perpetrator was a man. When I phoned the GP, that was hard because he assumed that it was a man, and I didnt even correct him he was really nice, but he just went on this whole spiel, as if it was a straight relationship, they said. I also phoned a helpline, and when I was speaking to the person there, as soon as I said that it was a woman, it was almost like they lost interest. The primary reasons given by those who chose not to report the abuse included not recognising the situation for what it was (71.15%), self blame (55.77%), and concerns about making the situation worse (55.77%). One female participant said she couldnt comprehend the idea that she was in harmful relationship as a lesbian. The first time I came across research into domestic abuse in the LGBT Community I remember seeing a little flyer for it and going, What?! What do you mean?, she recalled. It didnt even occur to me that it could be a thing. Other reasons why participants didnt report abuse included, mistrust with support organisations or police (36.29%) concerns about the perpetrator being well-known (30.77%) and fear of legal repercussions (26.92%). One male victim did not want to reach out to LGBT+ support organisations as his ex-partner was popular in the community. I felt like I couldnt go to the Rainbow Project, because it was like telling our mutual mates, he explained. "It would have felt uncomfortable and difficult. At the time when I was looking for support, I couldnt really seem to find abuse centres that werent just for women hurt by men. I didnt want to go there, because theyre not going to give me the kind of support that Ill need. And I didnt want to go do the queer ones, because of how small the queer community was. Pictured L-R at the launch event in the Long Gallery are Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project, Justice Minister Naomi Long, HEReNI Director Cara McCann, and Adam Murray from Cara-Friend. News Catch Up - Tuesday 2nd September Launching the research, Cara McCann, HERe NI Director, said: Domestic violence and abuse impacts LGBTQAI+ people in Northern Ireland in ways that have too often been invisible. This research gives a voice to our community and highlights the urgent need for inclusive services and support. The charity is calling for a number of policy recommendations for the NI government, domestic abuse support organisations, LGBT+ support organisations, and other stakeholders that support domestic abuse survivors. At HERe NI, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind and that survivors feel seen, heard, and safe. We hope this research brings real action across the government and wider society, Ms McCann concluded. Justice Minister Naomi Long praised those involved in the research which she hailed as an important piece of work. I know that recounting abuse can be extremely traumatising for victims, but I hope those who found the strength to participate in this research are aware of the impact their contribution will make going forward, she said, The Alliance Party leader said the findings will aid policy development and reform in NI and serve as an important reminder that members of the LGBTQAI+ community are affected by domestic abuse. At the same time, it has highlighted the very unique challenges and specific barriers faced by LGBTQAI+ people with regards to domestic and intimate partner abuse, Ms Long added. I remain committed to the creation of a society where everyone is safe from threatening behaviour, violence and abuse. However, it will take a concerted effort from everyone to challenge the stereotypes and harmful attitudes that allow domestic abuse to happen. Back Jayne Brady over huge pay hike, trade unionist urges ministers but is met with silence Neither the DUP nor Sinn Fein will say if they had any part in approving the massive increase while the Civil Service wont answer questions, despite promising to do so Civil Service boss Jayne Brady's total remuneration soared 30,000 in a single year. Photo: Press Eye/Darren Kidd Sam McBride Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 07:00 A senior trade unionist who represents Stormonts top civil servant has urged ministers to defend her pay and pension contributions soaring by 30,000 in a year but no one has come forward to do so. An injured person is carried to a military helicopter that landed to evacuate injured victims of an earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan, in Mazar Dara, Kunar province, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Wahidullah Kakar) Rescue workers are working desperately to reach remote mountainous regions of eastern Afghanistan after one of the countrys worst earthquakes killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,500, Afghan officials said. The death toll could rise further, the Taliban government has warned, as Afghans scramble to save loved ones from beneath the rubble and devastated villages are cut off by resulting landslides. The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangarhar province, late on Sunday night. The quake was just five miles from the earths surface, likely making it more destructive. Tremors could be felt in neighbouring Pakistan, across the north-western border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and as far as the countrys capital, Islamabad, which is more than 185 miles away, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said. No major damage or casualties were reported in Pakistan. The Talibans chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said 812 people were killed and more than 2,500 injured by Monday evening. Most of the casualties were reported in Kunar province, where many of the homes in rural and outlying villages are made of mud and wood and are poorly built. One resident in Nurgal district, one of the worst-affected areas in Kunar, said his village has been almost entirely destroyed. Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble, the villager said. We need help here. We need people to come here and join us. Let us pull out the people who are buried. There is no one who can come and remove dead bodies from under the rubble. Footage showed aid workers carrying casualties from collapsed buildings and into helicopters as people dug through rubble with their hands. Road access was difficult for aid workers in the mountainous regions hardest hit by the quake, with landslides slowing down rescue efforts. "The area of the earthquake was affected by heavy rain in the last 24-48 hours as well, so the risk of landslides and rock slides is also quite significant that is why many of the roads are impassable," Kate Carey, a Kabul-based officer with the UN Office for humanitarian affairs, said on Monday. The earthquake has intensified existing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as he urged the international community to support relief efforts. This adds death and destruction to other challenges including drought and the forced return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries, he posted on X. Hopefully the donor community will not hesitate to support relief efforts. It was the third major deadly earthquake in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. Since then, global funding cuts that once formed the bulk of the Afghan governments finances have significantly hampered the countrys ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Donald Trumps cuts to foreign aid earlier this year dealt a crippling blow to Afghanistans fragile economy, forcing hundreds of hospitals and healthcare centres to shut down. This earthquake strikes a country already facing lack of global support for a severe humanitarian crisis, Graham Davison, Afghanistan director for humanitarian organisation Care, said. Nearly half of the population of Afghanistan - 23 million people - is already reliant on humanitarian aid, and yet the humanitarian response plan is only 28 per cent funded. Israeli soldiers move on armoured personnel carriers near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) Israel began mobilising tens of thousands of reservists and repeated evacuation warnings as part of its plan to widen its offensive in Gaza City, which has sparked opposition domestically and condemnation abroad. The beginning of September call-up, announced last month, comes as ground and air forces press forward and pursue more targets in northern and central Gaza, striking parts of Zeitoun and Shijaiyah two western Gaza City neighbourhoods that Israeli forces have repeatedly invaded during the nearly two-year war against Hamas militants. Zeitoun, once Gaza Citys largest neighbourhood with markets, schools and clinics, has been transformed over the past month, with streets being emptied and buildings reduced to rubble as it becomes what Israels military last week called a dangerous combat zone. Displaced Palestinians fleeing the northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road, in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Gaza City is Hamass political and military stronghold and, according to Israel, still home to a vast tunnel network, despite multiple incursions throughout the war. It is also one of the last refuges in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering, facing the twin threats of combat and famine. Deadly strikes in Gaza City Israel on Tuesday repeated earlier warnings to Palestinians who have remained in Gaza City, unconvinced that another displacement will keep them safe. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee warned that combat operations would soon be expanding, and that services would be made available in Muwasi, a makeshift tent camp south of Gaza City. At least 47 people have been killed across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Tuesday, according to hospitals. In Gaza City, Israeli strikes killed at least 26 people, who arrived at Shifa hospital since Tuesday morning, an official there told The Associated Press. A strike on a residential building in Tel al-Hawa wounded 28 people on Tuesday, according to al-Quds Hospital, a day after overnight strikes in the neighbourhood. Overnight, a strike on a residential building in the neighbourhood killed 15 people including at least three children. Displaced Palestinians fleeing the northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road, in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Shifa Hospitals morgue confirmed 15 deaths from the Israeli strike, one of several lethal strikes on the neigbourhood. Further south, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis and Awda Hospital in Nuseirat said they received 22 casualties killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire near distribution sites and in a corridor frequented by UN convoys. In recent months, more than 2,300 aid seekers have been killed, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The toll includes Palestinians who have sought aid in areas where UN convoys have been overwhelmed by looters and desperate crowds, and where people have been fatally shot while heading to sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or GHF, an Israeli-backed American contractor. Israels military and GHF did not immediately respond to questions about the latest incidents. Reservists protest in Tel Aviv At least 60,000 reservists will be gradually called up, Israels military said last month. It will also extend the service of an additional 20,000 reservists already serving. In Israel, with a population of less than 10 million, most Jewish men complete compulsory military service and remain in the reserves for at least a decade. Smoke rises following an explosion in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP) But criticism over the war in Gaza is growing. A number of movements are organising to encourage reservists not to serve, though it is unclear how many will refuse the latest call-up. Reservists protested the call-up in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, questioning whether the offensive was a political move and whether it would push Israel toward its goals of crippling Hamass military capabilities in Gaza. Refusing to show up for reserve duty is an offence that can merit prison time, though only a handful of reserve soldiers who have refused to serve have been put in military prison over the course of the war. Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro stands at the entrance of his home where he is under house arrest in Brasilia, Brazil (Luis Nova/AP) Brazils prosecutor-general has argued that former president Jair Bolsonaro and his allies plotted to overthrow democracy through a series of interconnected events aimed at keeping him in power illegally, as the ex-leaders coup trial entered the verdict phase. The former president is accused of conspiring to stage a coup to stay in power despite losing the 2022 presidential election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing, and has repeatedly said the trial is a politically motivated attack on spurious charges. Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro stands at the entrance to his home where he is under house arrest in Brasilia, Brazil (Eraldo Peres/AP) Prosecutor-general Paulo Gonet pointed to evidence that, after the October 2022 vote, Bolsonaro summoned top Cabinet and military officials to discuss issuing an emergency decree to halt the election result by suspending powers of the electoral court and investigating suspicions of voting fraud. It doesnt take extraordinary intellectual effort to recognise that when the president of the republic and then the defence minister summon the military leadership to present a document formalising a coup detat, the criminal process is already under way, Mr Gonet said. Mr Gonet argued that the shocking and grim picture outlined in the indictment cannot be understood as a narrative of isolated facts. He said the plan to keep Bolsonaro in power also involved several other elements, including previous efforts to sow doubt in Brazils electronic voting system and a riot by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8 2023, after Mr Lula was inaugurated. Prosecutors also have alleged that the plot included a plan to kill Mr Lula and one of the Supreme Court justices. Failing to criminally repress attempts of this nature, as shown by accounts both here and abroad, strengthens authoritarian impulses. This, therefore, fuels fundamentalism and puts a civilized way of life at risk, Mr Gonet said. Bolsonaros defence has argued that the prosecutions case is undermined by the fact that the emergency decree was never issued and that the ex-leader allowed the transition to Mr Lula to go forward. Bolsonaro is under house arrest and was not present at the court on Tuesday. His lawyer Celso Vilardi told journalists that was because of Bolsonaros ill health. US President Donald Trump has called the proceedings a witch hunt (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The trials verdict and sentencing phase started about 9am local time on Tuesday, and the court panel has scheduled sessions on five days through to September 12 to decide whether Bolsonaro is guilty. History teaches us that impunity, omission, and cowardice are not options for peace, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said as the trial commenced. Mr De Moraes, who is presiding over the case and is considered a foe by Bolsonaro, also said that the role of the Supreme Court is to judge impartially regardless of threats or legal action, ignoring internal or external pressure. That was an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump, who directly tied a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his allys judicial situation. Mr Trump has called the proceedings a witch hunt against a political opponent, triggering nationalist reactions from many Brazilian politicians. On Monday night, his sons Carlos and Jair Renan prayed along with other supporters during a vigil at the condominium where he is serving house arrest. The former leader was charged with five counts: attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organisation, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law and two counts involving destruction of state property. A guilty verdict on the coup plot charge alone carries a sentence of up to 12 years. Seven other close allies of Bolsonaro are being tried alongside the former president, including Walter Braga Netto, his former running mate and defence minister, and Paulo Sergio Nogueira, another former defence minister. NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Vantage Market Research, the cancer diagnostics market is witnessing rapid growth driven by rising global cancer prevalence, advancements in diagnostic technologies, and greater emphasis on early detection. The market was valued at USD 109.61 Billion in 2024 and is expected to nearly double to USD 215 Billion by 2035. This strong growth trajectory underscores the crucial role diagnostics play in improving survival outcomes, guiding treatment decisions, and supporting personalized medicine approaches. Get Access to Free Sample Research Report with Latest Industry Insights @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/cancer-diagnostics-market-2335/request-sample (Sample reports are a great way to test our in-depth reports or study before you make a purchase) The newly updated, 240+ page reports provide an in-depth analysis. Using industry data and interview with experts, you can learn about topics such as regional impact analysis, global forecast, competitive landscape analysis, size & share of regional markets. We offer these reports in PDF format so you can read them on your computer and print them out. Free sample includes, Industry Operating Conditions, Industry Market Size, Profitability Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Industry Major Players, Historical and Forecast, Growth Porter's 5 Forces Analysis, Revenue Forecasts, Industry Trends, Industry Financial Ratios. The report also presents the country-wise and region-wise analysis of the Vantage Market Research and includes a detailed analysis of the key factors affecting the growth of the market. and includes a detailed analysis of the key factors affecting the growth of the market. Sample Report further sheds light on the Major Market Players with their Sales Volume, Business Strategy and Revenue Analysis, to offer the readers an advantage over others. Key Takeaways: North America dominated the global cancer diagnostics market with over 40% share in 2024, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of precision oncology dominated the global cancer diagnostics market with over 40% share in 2024, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of precision oncology Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR due to rising cancer incidence, expanding healthcare access, and government-led screening programs in India and China is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR due to rising cancer incidence, expanding healthcare access, and government-led screening programs in and By Test Type, imaging tests held the largest share in 2024, owing to widespread use of CT, MRI, and PET scans in oncology By Application, breast cancer diagnostics accounted for the majority share, supported by growing awareness and screening initiatives Top Key Players in The Global Cancer Diagnostics Market: Agilent Technologies Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Illumina Inc. Becton Dickinson and Company and Company GE Healthcare QIAGEN N.V. Abbott Laboratories Inc. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. BioGenex Siemens Healthcare AG Koninklijke Philips N.V. bioMerieux SA NeoGenomics Laboratories Canon Medical Systems Corporation BioNTech SE To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/cancer-diagnostics-market-2335/request-sample Market Overview & Potential The global cancer diagnostics market was valued at USD 109.61 Billion in 2024 and is expected to nearly double to USD 215 Billion by 2035, underscoring its pivotal role in reducing cancer mortality rates worldwide. Diagnostics form the backbone of oncology, enabling early detection, monitoring disease progression, and guiding personalized therapies. The market is experiencing a paradigm shift toward non-invasive and precision-based approaches, including liquid biopsy, genomics-based diagnostics, and AI-integrated imaging solutions. Liquid biopsies alone are expected to grow at more than 10% CAGR, driven by their minimally invasive nature and ability to track tumor mutations in real time. Furthermore, rising healthcare spending, coupled with the adoption of advanced screening programs across developing regions, is reinforcing long-term growth momentum. What Factors Are Accelerating the Demand and Growth of the Cancer Diagnostics Market? The growth of the cancer diagnostics market is being driven by a combination of rising disease prevalence, technological innovation, and supportive healthcare initiatives. With over 19 million new cancer cases and 10 million deaths annually, the global cancer burden continues to fuel demand for advanced diagnostic solutions that enable early and accurate detection, significantly improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs. Hospitals, governments, and healthcare providers are investing heavily in screening programs and molecular diagnostic tools, while the expansion of companion diagnostics is ensuring more precise treatment selection in line with the growth of precision medicine. At the same time, the integration of AI, big data, and digital pathology is enhancing diagnostic speed and accuracy, addressing the shortage of specialists and enabling predictive analytics for risk assessment. Furthermore, government-backed screening initiatives, subsidies, and insurance coverage especially in emerging economies are broadening access and affordability, creating a robust foundation for market expansion. What are Emerging Trends Shaping the Cancer Diagnostics Market? Liquid Biopsy Expansion Non-invasive tests are gaining rapid adoption for detecting minimal residual disease, monitoring cancer recurrence, and tracking therapy response in real time. Non-invasive tests are gaining rapid adoption for detecting minimal residual disease, monitoring cancer recurrence, and tracking therapy response in real time. AI and Digital Pathology Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital pathology platforms are improving diagnostic accuracy, speeding up analysis, and enabling remote pathology services. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital pathology platforms are improving diagnostic accuracy, speeding up analysis, and enabling remote pathology services. Growth of Companion Diagnostics Rising use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is driving demand for biomarker-based companion diagnostics that determine patient eligibility for specific treatments. Rising use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is driving demand for biomarker-based companion diagnostics that determine patient eligibility for specific treatments. Point-of-Care Testing Increasing demand for fast, affordable, and portable diagnostic solutions is supporting wider use in both advanced and resource-limited healthcare settings. Increasing demand for fast, affordable, and portable diagnostic solutions is supporting wider use in both advanced and resource-limited healthcare settings. Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Tests Innovative blood-based tests capable of screening multiple cancers simultaneously are emerging as a breakthrough technology for early intervention and prevention. Recent Developments Roche (2025) launched an AI-powered digital pathology platform to improve cancer detection speed and accuracy. Guardant Health (2025) expanded its liquid biopsy offerings beyond lung cancer to include colorectal and breast cancers. Siemens Healthineers (2025) introduced a next-gen PET-CT scanner offering faster scans with lower radiation exposure. Illumina (2025) partnered with European oncology centers to advance genomics-based cancer screening solutions. Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/cancer-diagnostics-market-2335/checkout Benefits of Purchasing Cancer Diagnostics Market Reports: Customer Satisfaction : Our sales team of experts will available for you 24/7. : Our sales team of experts will available for you 24/7. Analyst Support : Speak to our analyst about your questions before or after purchasing the report. : Speak to our analyst about your questions before or after purchasing the report. Assured Quality : Focuses on perfection and quality of reports. : Focuses on perfection and quality of reports. Incomparable Skills: Our Analysts in-depth insights are beyond comparison. What are Major Challenges Hindering Cancer Diagnostics Market Growth? The cancer diagnostics market, despite its rapid growth, faces several challenges that hinder its full potential. High costs of advanced diagnostic technologies such as genomic sequencing, liquid biopsies, and imaging systems limit accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income regions. Regulatory hurdles and lengthy approval processes often delay the launch of innovative diagnostic tools, slowing market adoption. Limited reimbursement policies in many countries further restrict patient access, as out-of-pocket costs remain a significant barrier. Additionally, there is a global shortage of skilled pathologists and oncology specialists, which impacts timely and accurate diagnosis. Concerns over false positives and false negatives also persist, leading to patient anxiety, misdiagnosis, and potential delays in appropriate treatment. Together, these challenges highlight the need for cost-effective, scalable, and widely accessible diagnostic solutions. Regional Insights What Makes North America the Powerhouse of the Cancer Diagnostics Market? North America dominates the global cancer diagnostics market with 41.6% market share, with the U.S. leading global adoption of advanced molecular diagnostics, companion diagnostics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The region benefits from strong R&D investments, a well-established regulatory framework, and widespread reimbursement coverage, which ensure faster adoption of cutting-edge cancer diagnostic technologies. With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the U.S., extensive government-backed screening programs, coupled with a robust biotech ecosystem, continue to strengthen North America's market leadership. How Does Asia Pacific Strengthen its Position in the Global Cancer Diagnostics Market? Asia Pacific remains at the forefront of innovation, driven by its large patient pool, rising cancer incidence, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. China and India account for a significant portion of the global cancer burden, with millions of new cases reported annually. Governments across the region are investing heavily in population-wide screening programs, subsidized diagnostics, and awareness initiatives. Rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as liquid biopsy, digital pathology, and AI-powered imaging, combined with the presence of fast-growing medical tourism hubs, is making Asia Pacific the fastest-growing regional market. Why is Europe Emerging as a Leader in Personalized and Sustainable Cancer Diagnostics? Europe plays a pivotal role in advancing personalized cancer diagnostics, supported by strict regulatory standards, cross-border collaborations, and growing investments in precision medicine. Countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. are spearheading the use of digital pathology and AI-based platforms, while the European Union's cancer control plan emphasizes early detection and equitable access. With a strong pharmaceutical sector and well-developed healthcare infrastructure, Europe is steadily advancing in the adoption of biomarker-driven companion diagnostics and multi-cancer early detection technologies. How is Latin America Unlocking New Growth Opportunities in the Cancer Diagnostics Market? Latin America is experiencing rising demand for cancer diagnostics, fueled by an increasing cancer burden and expanding healthcare reforms. Brazil and Mexico are leading the adoption of imaging technologies and government-backed screening programs, while Argentina and Chile are gradually expanding access to molecular diagnostics. Though limited by budget constraints, public-private partnerships and medical tourism are unlocking new growth opportunities, making the region a key emerging market for cancer diagnostics. What Role Does the Middle East & Africa Play in the Cancer Diagnostics Market Expansion? The Middle East & Africa (MEA) market is gradually expanding, supported by investments in advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness campaigns, and partnerships with global diagnostic companies. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in modern oncology centers as part of national healthcare transformation programs, while Africa's growing cancer burden is driving demand for cost-effective diagnostics and screening programs. Despite challenges such as affordability and limited skilled workforce, MEA is expected to play an increasingly important role in the adoption of innovative diagnostic solutions. Segmental Insights By Test Type Why Did Imaging Dominate the Cancer Diagnostics Market in 2024? Imaging dominated the cancer diagnostics market in 2024 as it remains the most widely used and trusted test type for initial detection, staging, and treatment planning across multiple cancer types. Technologies such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and nuclear imaging continue to be the gold standard due to their ability to provide non-invasive, detailed visualization of tumors. The growing global cancer burden, coupled with rising demand for early detection, has accelerated the adoption of advanced imaging systems. Furthermore, continuous technological advancementssuch as AI-assisted image analysis, higher resolution scanners, and hybrid modalitieshave enhanced diagnostic accuracy, reduced turnaround times, and expanded applications in oncology. These innovations, combined with large-scale government-supported screening programs and increasing awareness of breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, positioned imaging as the leading segment in cancer diagnostics in 2024. By Application Which Application Segment Leads the Cancer Diagnostics Market? Breast cancer diagnostics represent the largest application segment, fueled by high global prevalence and continuous awareness campaigns that promote early screening and detection. Mammography remains a cornerstone, but advancements such as 3D digital breast tomosynthesis, molecular imaging, and ultrasound are strengthening detection rates. Additionally, genetic testing for BRCA mutations and the integration of liquid biopsy for monitoring recurrence are reshaping the diagnostic landscape. Supportive government initiatives, combined with strong advocacy from NGOs and global health organizations, continue to drive breast cancer diagnostics as the leading application area. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 235 Pages and in-depth TOC on Cancer Diagnostics Market Forecast Report (2025-2035). Segments Covered in The Report By Product Consumables Antibodies Kits & reagents Probes Others Instruments Pathology-based Instruments Slide Staining Systems Tissue Processing Systems Cell Processors PCR Instruments NGS Instruments Microarrays Other Pathology-based Instruments Imaging Instruments CT Systems Ultrasound Systems MRI Systems Mammography Systems Nuclear Imaging Systems Others Services By Technology IVD Testing By Type Diagnosis Early Detection Therapy Selection Monitoring By Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Microarrays Flow Cytometry Immunoassays Other IVD Testing Technologies Imaging Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Computed Tomography (CT) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Mammography Ultrasound Others LDT By Application Breast Cancer Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer Cervical Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer Blood Cancer Kidney Cancer Liver Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Ovarian Cancer Others By Test Type Biopsy Fine-needle Aspiration Core Biopsy Surgical Biopsy Skin Biopsy /Punch Biopsy Others Others By Coverage Public Insurance Private Insurance By End User Hospitals and Clinics Diagnostic Laboratories Diagnostic Imaging Centers Research Institutes Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of MEA Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/cancer-diagnostics-market-2335/checkout Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which region will show the fastest and highest growth in the near future? Which are the top five players and their weakness and strength of the Market? What will be the future innovation in the upcoming six years? Which application and product will lead the largest share of the Market? What are the growth drivers, restraints and challenges of the industry? What will be the CAGR and size of the Cancer Diagnostics Market for the base year and forecast period? Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for healthcare industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions. Read Full Report with TOC @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cancer-diagnostics-market-2335 Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per client needs or requirements. For any queries, you can contact us on [email protected] +1 (212) 951-1369. Our sales executives will be happy to understand your needs and provide you with the most suitable reports. Browse More Reports from Vantage Library: Peptide Cancer Vaccine Market is valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 15.72 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 26.36% between 2025 and 2035. in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of by 2035 at a CAGR of 26.36% between 2025 and 2035. Cancer Biomarkers Market is valued at USD 26.55 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 50.33 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.00% between 2025 and 2035. in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.00% between 2025 and 2035. 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Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube Contact us Eric Kunz 224 W 35th St Ste 500, New York, NY 10001, United States Tel: +1 (212) 951-1369 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/ Latest Vantage Market Research Press Releases Latest Vantage Market Research Blog Vantage Market Research All Reports Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758208/Vantage_Logo.jpg SOURCE Vantage Market Research If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Gervais said his goals would be to build up the partys volunteer base, increase campaign contributions and expand on the partys electoral successes statewide during the November 2024 election, when new members in the Legislature ended a supermajority advantage for Democrats. WILLIAMSTOWN Olivier Meslay, the Hardymon director of the Clark Art Institute, has announced he will step down from the role in July 2026, concluding a decade-long tenure at the institution. The Clark has long held a very special place in my heart. Being entrusted to lead the organization and this exceptional staff has been one of the greatest honors and privileges in my life, Meslay said in a news release. My wife [noted art historian] Laure [de Margerie, founding director of the French Sculpture Census], and I first came to The Clark in 2000 when we were both invited to join the inaugural class of fellows in the Research and Academic Program. Along with our three young children, we spent an incredible year in Williamstown, developing a true love for The Clark and for life here in the Berkshires. To have spent these years immersed in the art and scholarship that define this place and to have had a hand in helping to shape the Clarks future has been a true gift. Meslay plans to return to his native France to pursue a variety of independent projects. He is the second major Berkshire museum director to announce they will step down in 2026. In May, Laurie Norton Moffett, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum, announced she will retire in 2026, following four decades at its helm. According to the news release, The Clarks board of trustees has formed a search committee to lead the process of selecting the institutes next director. Olivier Meslay is an exceptional leader who has made important contributions to The Clarks growth and continued relevance, Denise Littlefield Sobel, chair of The Clarks board of trustees, said in the release. His expertise, his vision, and his commitment to excellence have continually inspired our visitors, our staff, our trustees and our colleagues throughout the museum world. Meslay joined The Clark in July 2016, two years after the Clark Center had opened to great acclaim, but at a time when the campus expansion program was still underway. Under Meslays leadership, The Clark fully embraced its new buildings and campus and began developing new exhibitions and programming aimed at fulfilling the institutes goals of encouraging greater public engagement with art. Under his tenure, the museum has enhanced its collections and special exhibitions; nurtured the continued development of its international Research and Academic Program; deepened its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship to preserve The Clarks 140-acre campus; expanded its community outreach initiatives to provide greater accessibility; and broadened the scope of its public programming for its varied audiences. Meslay was instrumental in securing one of the largest gifts in The Clark's history when the Aso O. Tavitian Foundation designated The Clark as the recipient of a major gift of 331 works of art including early modern paintings, sculpture, drawings and decorative arts objects, as well as more than $45 million to support the addition of a new wing to house the Tavitian Collection and provide for its care. The 2024 gift includes important works by Jan van Eyck, Parmigianino, Andrea della Robbia, Peter Paul Rubens, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Jusepe de Ribera, among others. The Aso O. Tavitian Wing, designed by Selldorf Architects, New York, is planned to open in 2028. Under his leadership, several important exhibitions, including "Guillaume Lethiere," in collaboration with the Musee du Louvre, Paris, and "Edvard Munch: Trembling Earth," in collaboration with the Munchmuseet, Oslo and the Museum Barberini, Potsdam, have debuted in Williamstown before traveling to international venues. In addition, The Clark realized one of Meslays key curatorial objectives with the 2020 launch of its first outdoor exhibition, "Ground/Work," and its sequel presentation, "Ground/Work 2025," which underscores the great natural beauty of the Clarks campus and encourages visitors to explore the connections between art and nature. Meslay has also worked to expand the Clarks engagement with contemporary art through its exhibition program, including the launch of its series of Public Spaces installations that have provided a platform for the work of emerging artists, including Pia Camil, David-Jeremiah and Elizabeth Atterbury. When he arrived, the Clark was a fresh canvas with new facilities and big dreams primed and ready to imagine an exciting future, take on interesting projects, and work hard to bring these dreams to life, Sobel said. Thanks to Oliviers guidance, The Clark is full of ambition, enthusiasm and creativity. The Clark today is stronger than ever, financially sound and well-positioned to continue to share art and ideas with an ever-widening circle of people who recognize just what a special place this is. We will be forever grateful to Olivier for all that he has done for the Clark. Meslay came to the United States in 2009, joining the staff of the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), where he held several leadership positions and was responsible for overseeing its European and American art collection, managing its curatorial department, its conservation program, and its art research library. In 201112, Meslay served as the DMAs interim director. He established his reputation as a noted scholar and curator during a distinguished 17-year career at the Musee du Louvre from 1993 2009, where he served as curator in charge of British, Spanish and American Art in the paintings department. Meslay served as chief curator of LouvreAtlanta, a collaborative project with the High Museum, from 200306, and as chief curator in charge of the LouvreLens project, the first regional branch of the Louvre, from 200609. He also served as a professor at the Ecole du Louvre from 19972000 and from 200306. In 2022, the French government honored Meslay as an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters in recognition of his contributions to furthering French arts and culture throughout the world. He had previously been honored as a Chevalier in 2009. Meslay and his wife will continue their academic and curatorial pursuits after he concludes his tenure at The Clark. Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Jeff Robbins, a part-time resident of Stockbridge, is a former U.S. delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council and a former assistant U.S. attorney and chief counsel for the Democrats on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Reach him at Jeffrey.Robbins@saul.com. I didnt grow up in a Reformed tradition; in fact, my particular church taught us to be leery of that denominational community. As I learned more about the Bible and ministered in different contexts, I started learning great truths from my Reformed brothers and sisters, even if I didnt fully convert to the doctrine. So I was in my late twenties before I read something by John Piper where he takes the phrase, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, and he adjusts it to his own vision in Christian Hedonism. In the book, Piper argues that our enjoyment of God isnt separate from glorifying him. On the contrary, they are intricately connected. He says, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Therefore, he calls us to seek joy in God above all else, teaching that true worship and obedience flow from delighting in him and making him the center of our lives. Piper and others have written regarding this classic statement: glorify God and enjoy him forever. But how do we do this? Where Does It Say to Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever? Originally, the phrase glorify God and enjoy him forever was written in the Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1646. A catechism is a written and structured teaching tool summarizing the core Christian beliefs in a question-and-answer format. Groups and denominations would give the catechism to local churches to help them know how to instruct new believers, prepare children for baptism, essential doctrines, and other traditions. The Westminster Catechism was for Reformed and Presbyterian churches. The very first question of his catechism asks, What is the chief end of man? They answer: Mans chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Since this statement is so powerful and profound, and it stood at the beginning of such a popular and widely used document, the phrase became extremely influential in Protestant theology and doctrine. The phrase uses a single, memorable sentence to capture humanitys ultimate purpose. The phrase has impact beyond the Reformed traditions and became one of the most recognized lines in Christianity outside of a Bible quote. The word glory refers to Gods majesty, radiance, and splendor with weight and substance. To glorify God means to live in such a way that his greatness becomes manifest in our actions, words, and desires. It doesnt mean we add to his glory, for he is already eternally and infinitely glorious. We cannot add nor subtract anything from him. However, when we glorify him, we declare in word and deed the reality of his glory, giving it the right place and making it more visible to others. Such glorification encompasses our whole life. In essence, glorifying God means that in an action, his greatness becomes the focus, not us. To enjoy him forever emphasizes that our purpose isnt only a duty or obligation. We are made in Gods image, to live in his joy. God created us to delight in him. Enjoying God means to take satisfaction, pleasure, and rest in intimate relationship with him, both today and for eternity. The joy we desire doesnt come from any pursuit on this earth but in fellowship with God. What Is the Catechism? The Westminster Catechism stands as one of the most influential doctrinal tools in Protestant history. It comes in two versions; the Shorter Catechism and the Larger Catechism. Both are part of the Westminster Standards, which includes the Westminster Confession of Faith. Altogether, these documents shaped doctrine, theology, worship, and the local practice of Reformed and Presbyterian churches all over the world. These catechisms emerged during the Westminster Assembly, a council of English and Scottish theologians, pastors, and leaders who met in London. The English Civil War created upheaval and chaos in society, government, and religion. British Parliament wanted the churches to have one voice, so they called the assembly to provide a more unified document of doctrine for the national church. These theologians worked for years to come up with documents to summarize biblical doctrine and give practical, traditional guidance for the Christian life. The Shorter Catechism was for children and families. The Larger included far more detail and was written for pastors and teachers. Literacy grew in Europe, and part of the Protestant push was for people to read the Bible for themselves, in their own language. Yet the leaders felt Christians needed a guide for a basic grasp of doctrine. The question/answer model helped with memorization. Reformed and Presbyterian churches remain committed to the Westminster Catechism as foundational, especially in doctrine and main traditions. Reformed Baptists and other minor Calvinist denominations will also use them. These catechisms were meant to be used as discipleship tools. And since the documents contain both theological depth and accessibility, they continue to provide the foundation they were written to give. What Scripture Supports the Command to Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever? The catechism writers didnt pull the statement from the air. They combined the themes of Scripture to capture human purpose in this statement. First, the Bible teaches that all creation exists to glorify God, which naturally includes people made in his image. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name (Psalm 86:9). Isaiah goes a step further, where God says he created Israel for my glory. Pauls words connect with this truth in a practical setting. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Gods redemptive story ends with the whole earth being filled with his glory: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). Next, the Bible reveals enjoying God is the ultimate blessing of our salvation. In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Salvation reconciles us to right relationship with the Father, which then gives us fullness of joy. Jesus teaches our enjoyment as part of his purpose for teaching and sharing. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11). As we engage and receive from the Word of God, Christ, through the Spirit and the Bible, we get Jesus joy, an eternal gift. This Spirit within fulfills Psalm 16. With his joy, we cant get any more. Finally, glorifying God and enjoying him belong together. Paul commands the church in Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. Rejoicing honors God properly and gives us the satisfaction we desire. The ultimate joy comes when Jesus returns. Christ spoke about his return during his ministry, as does Revelation. The Bible continuously communicates how outrageously awesome this moment will be, kicking off the forever reality of God dwelling with us and us with him (Revelation 21-22). He will wipe away every tear while his glory fills the new earth. How Do We Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever? Every longing of our hearts finds real fulfillment in living for Gods glory and delighting in him. We were created for it. Our pursuit of anything else leaves us empty. Yet when we glorify God and enjoy him, we align with our purpose and experience the life we were made to live. Glorifying God means we point to God and his goodness in our thoughts, words, actions, and desires. Jesus teaches, Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Glorifying God begins in our hearts and minds, loving God more than anything else. From that motivation, we live in obedience, love others, speak and sing praises, and live set apart in the world but of heaven. When we do this, people see Gods beauty and goodness through us. This requires humility, not thinking less of ourselves but of ourselves less. This communion with God results in full and overflowing joy. Walking in his presence, aligning with him, we find pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Our joy in him also glorifies him, a cycle of mutual joy and love. Glorify God and enjoy him forever doesnt mean well escape trials or suffering. Instead, Jesus promises we will experience these hard things. However, Scripture teaches our joy in God strengthens us and helps us endure hard seasons. Paul endured imprisonment and persecution, but he sang in prison because his delight in God transcended the circumstance. James tells us to count it joy when we face trials. And Jesus endured the cross with the joy set before him. When trials rage, glorifying God keeps our focus on his power and promises. We praise the eternal God in the temporary circumstance. Stepping into the Fathers gift of joy, we are also filled with real and stable hope. The joy empowers us to persevere, seeing the eternal beyond the moment. Then, our joy reveals his unchangeable glory to the world. Our trials become opportunities to worship him for what he will do, how he will deliver, and turn all things for good if well love him and cling to his purpose, to glorify him (Romans 8:28). We cant glorify or enjoy God in our own strength. Our sin tempts us to bring attention to ourselves, glorify ourselves in rebellion, and quit when it gets difficult. Thankfully, through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus restored what sin had broken. In him, we are forgiven, renewed inwardly, empowered by the Spirit within, and reconciled to the Father. Christ alone is the way to life with God. With the Holy Spirit, we have the desire and power to glorify God and delight in him, as the Son and the Father delight in each other. Christ is the root of our ability to be redeemed and live in our chief purpose: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Peace. Photo credit: Getty Images/diego_cervo Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). These words have brought millions to faith, strengthened people in times of doubt, and given hope to untold numbers of people lost in their sin. Children memorize this verse when they are young, and many people share it as bumper stickers, posters, social media posts, and more. In some translations of the Bible, these words are even highlighted as being said by the Lord Jesus himself, but there are some scholars who question whether or not this interpretation is correct. They believe that, while the statement is true, it is actually commentary from the Apostle John who is clarifying a point Jesus had made during the conversation. This debate usually stays in the halls of academia. And while it may be interesting from an academic perspective, ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the author of the whole Bible. Therefore, God did inspire and is responsible for the encouraging words of John 3:16. Exploring the Context of John 3:16 During Jesus earthly ministry, he often came into conflict with the religious leaders of the day the Pharisees and the Sadducees who had very different opinions on a variety of topics ranging from politics to religious matters to social behaviors. While the Bible is full of encounters Jesus had with them, rarely does it record personal interactions, or ones where the religious leader comes to see Christ for who He was and is: the Messiah. John 3 records one of those rare moments. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a more conservative religious leader. He came to Jesus in secret during one of the Lords stays in Jerusalem. All religiously minded Jews would have made yearly journeys to Jerusalem to observe the feast days outlined in the Levitical Law; there is plenty of information in the gospels letting us know Jesus, too, made these pilgrimages. Nicodemus acknowledged that the religious leaders, including himself, knew Jesus was from God because of his miracles. Jesus responded, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3b). Nicodemus took this statement literally, inquiring how someone can literally be re-born physically into the world. Jesus' response was, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit (John 3:5b-8). This answer clarifies that the birth He is speaking about is not physical, but spiritual. To enter into the Kingdom of God, a person must be born of the spirit meaning the Holy Spirit. At the time, this statement confused Nicodemus and probably would have confused many faithful Jews at the time. They had the law and believed the Messiah would come as a king, not as a cleanser of sins or as a sacrifice. Nicodemus even asks how any of what Jesus just said is possible. Jesus responds by pointing to the Old Testament, saying And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:15). In retrospect, believers and biblical scholars today understand the Son of Man being lifted up is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion; this truth would not have been clear to Nicodemus at the time. It is after these statements that we read John 3:16. John 3:16-21 is a clear, concise explanation of the salvation plan, the way God showed His love through the plan, the need for judgment, and how to escape judgment through the grace and mercy of God. This is demonstrated by the death of Jesus Christ, because it is atonement for the sins of the world. Later in the Book of John, Nicodemus mourns Jesus crucifixion, and church history indicates that he came to understand Jesus and was saved. Is This Verse Commentary? Many biblical scholars teach that these verses, John 3:16-21, were stated by Jesus to Nicodemus that night. However, some scholars argue the Apostle John was clarifying Jesus earlier statements about new life, spiritual birth, and the Son of Man being raised up to a post-resurrection audience, and that it should not be given as a quote from the Lord. There are specific, structural and contextual reasons that some have come to this conclusion. Ancient texts did not mark quotes in the same way we do in many modern languages. The original text for the Book of John was written in Greek, with strong Aramaic thinking influencing it. Greek did not have any symbols for quotations in the first century. Quotes were inferred by context. It is possible those nuances were lost over time and interpretation. Another key argument made by people who believe these verses are commentary from the human writer point out that, generally, Jesus does not refer to Himself as the only begotten Son. Usually, He calls Himself the Son of Man, a direct callback to prophecy from Daniel, hundreds of years before His birth. In John 1, however, John the Beloved Apostle referred to Jesus as the only Son, twice. John called Jesus the only Son in John 1:14 and John 1:18. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known (John 1:18). From a literary analysis perspective, the authorial voice used in John 3:16-21 could be argued to sound more like the Apostle John than Jesus. This way of thinking is still highly controversial, and most publications of the New Testament have the specific verses in red letters meaning they are the words of Jesus or in quotation marks, indicating they are spoken words and not commentary. Does It Matter? While it is an interesting exercise for the academically or literary minded scholar, it is important to ask the question does it matter if these words were directly from Jesus or from John? Ultimately, the real answer is no, because the whole Bible comes from God. He used humans to do the physical writing and preserving of His Word, but the divine inspiration makes the Holy Spirit the ultimate author. If the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are three-in-one, then Jesus is, in a way, responsible for those words being in the Bible. God wanted them there, and inspired John to put them there, even if Jesus didnt say them Himself. Bible Verses that reinforce the divine authorship of the Bible include: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you (John 14:26). Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:16). All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21). God is responsible for the words from John 3:16-21 being in the Holy Scriptures. He wants people to understand the powerful truth, that the Father sent Jesus the Son into the world to die, not to condemn people, but so that everyone may have a way to be reconciled to Him. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to pay the penalty of sin for all who would put their faith in Him. The simplicity of this plan is present that whoever believes in Jesus would have everlasting life. Humanity loves evil and darkness, but it can be redeemed out of that darkness into the light of Gods love and life through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. Most scholars still hold that Jesus said, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. But knowing that God put it in there intentionally, even if it was divinely inspired commentary, is encouraging and should be shared with the whole world so they can come to a saving faith in the living God. Sources Borthwick, Paul (9 June 2020). Mission 3:16: God's One-Verse Invitation to Love the World. InterVarsity Press. Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel According to John. Inter-Varsity Press. Harris, Murray J. (10 June 2015). John 3:16: What's It All About?. Wipf and Stock. Pawson, David (2003). Unlocking the Bible: A Unique Overview of the Whole Bible. HarperCollins. Voorst, Robert E. Van (2017). Commonly Misunderstood Verses of the Bible: What They Really Mean. Cascade Books. Photo credit: Getty Images/Suze777 Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members to forge ahead with solid steps for a better future as the organization convenes its largest-ever summit in China's port city of Tianjin, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, Xi called on the member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit in a world fraught with challenges and changes, and better tap into the organization's potential. Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into a 26-nation family of 10 members, two observers and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe and Africa, with cooperation covering more than 50 areas and a combined economic output of nearly $30 trillion. "Its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day," Xi said, hailing the "groundbreaking and historic achievements" in SCO development and cooperation. Xi called on SCO member states to stay true to the organization's founding mission, and promote its sound and sustained development with greater resolve and more practical measures. SCO member states should seek common ground while putting aside differences, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, champion openness and inclusiveness, uphold fairness and justice, and strive for real results and high efficiency, according to Xi. To ensure better development of the SCO with real actions, Xi announced that China will provide 2 billion yuan ($281 million) in grant to SCO member states within this year, and issue an additional 10 billion yuan in loan to the member banks of the SCO Interbank Consortium over the next three years. In addition, China plans to implement 100 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in member states with such need. In the next five years, China will establish 10 Luban Workshops in the countries and provide 10,000 human resources training opportunities. Major outcomes have been achieved at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, with several important announcements made. Leaders of the SCO member states signed and issued the Tianjin Declaration on Monday during the summit. Kyrgyzstan will take over the 2025-2026 rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to a decision made on Monday. The decision was adopted at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. Laos was accepted as a dialogue partner of the SCO, Xinhua reported. Moreover, leaders of the SCO member states on Monday approved a development strategy for the organization in the 2026-2035 period during the summit. Also on the same day, they issued a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system. In addition, leaders of the SCO member states also issued a statement on the 80th anniversary of World War II victory and of the founding of the United Nations. During Monday's summit, leaders of the SCO member states adopted 24 outcome documents on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as security, economy and cultural exchanges, as well as organizational building, Xinhua reported. Wide, active responses The Chinese leader's remarks and the important outcomes of the SCO have drawn strong attention and positive responses from foreign media, delegates, and experts participating in or closely following the event. Baatarkhuu Khorloo, a Mongolian international relations expert, who is also a delegation member to this SCO summit, said he was impressed by the fruitful outcomes from the summit. "From what I can see, today's Tianjin Declaration serves as a strategic plan for the future, covering a wide range of content... These elements are highly consistent with the needs of today's multipolar world and play an important role in promoting cooperation and multilateralism among countries," Khorloo said. Commenting on the achievements made during the Tianjin summit, including the signing and issuing of the Tianjin Declaration and the approval of a development strategy for the organization in the 2026-2035 period, Zhao Huirong, an Eastern European studies expert from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that these outcomes reflect the fulfillment of the SCO's original agenda and demonstrate the member states' confidence in its future development. "Through these documents, the path forward for the organization has also been clearly outlined," she said. As a member state and the rotating chair of the SCO, China has not only played a key role in promoting the organization's development across areas such as trade, security, and cultural cooperation, but will continue to contribute to the SCO's development in the future, Zhao said. "The remarks by the Chinese leader will strengthen member states' confidence in the SCO's future development and show the world that China is a responsible major power, committed and capable in advancing the organization," Zhao said, noting that the SCO will play an even greater role in promoting an international order that is more just and equitable. Aditya Dhunna, senior producer with Network18 under India's Firstpost, told the Global Times on Monday at the event in Tianjin that this year's summit carries special significance. Dhunna said there are expectations for countries such as India and China to safeguard the values of globalization, pursue free trade, and ensure the smooth flow of goods and services. From what was released after the summit, it appears that, despite some differences among member states, there is a broad consensus on upholding these values of multilateral trade. Prakash Silwal, from Nepal's national news agency, came with the Nepali delegation to the summit. Talking about the impression of this summit, and the outcomes, he said "it's very impressive and meaningful." "I think in this global arena, China has a crucial and leading role. In that sense, this forum has an important role in fostering communication and dialogue among partners ... Other countries can also learn from China's prosperity and progress," said Silwal. SOURCE Global Times Santhera partners with Ikris Pharma Network for distribution of AGAMREE in India September 02, 2025 | Tuesday | News For the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients four years of age and older image credit- shutterstock Switzerland-based Santhera Pharmaceuticals has announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Ikris Pharma Network to manage the distribution of AGAMREE (vamorolone) in India, for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients four years of age and older. The agreement between Santhera and Ikris has a 5-year term and Santhera will receive a percentage of net sales, in line with previous distribution agreements. Sales are expected to begin in Q4 2025 on a named patient basis. This agreement follows recent distribution deals secured in Turkey and a range of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Santhera continues to press ahead with the global rollout of AGAMREE. AGAMREE is a novel drug with a mode of action based on binding to the same receptor as glucocorticoids but modifying its downstream activity. Moreover, it is not a substrate for the 11--hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) enzymes that may be responsible for local drug amplification and corticosteroid-associated toxicity in local tissues. This mechanism has shown the potential to dissociate efficacy from steroid safety concerns and therefore AGAMREE is positioned as a dissociative anti-inflammatory drug and an alternative to existing corticosteroids, the current standard of care in children and adolescent patients with DMD. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestBev , the largest private equity firm focused on the adult beverage industry and CPG, today reaffirmed its commitment to bourbon and the wider alcohol beverage industry, highlighting its diversified platform as a stabilizing force during a period of market adjustment. InvestBev Reinforces Commitment to Bourbon and Beverage Investments Amid Market Reset "We are not shying away from this moment we are leaning into it," said Brian Rosen, General Partner of InvestBev. "We view today's correction as the healthy foundation for the next cycle of growth. Our role is to provide capital, insurance, and strategic guidance so that brands and distilleries can weather volatility and come out stronger." Key points: InvestBev manages $250M+ in assets across funds. in assets across funds. Institutional backing includes BlackRock ( $100M ) and Beam Suntory as anchor LP. and Beam Suntory as anchor LP. Insurance platform protects $75M+ in barrel assets , providing stability to the ecosystem. , providing stability to the ecosystem. Credit platform has delivered $50M+ in liquidity solutions to distilleries and brands. Rosen concluded: "Periods of uncertainty are when true leadership is defined. InvestBev has been through cycles before, and we will continue to champion the industry, protect value for investors, and fuel the next generation of growth." About InvestBev InvestBev is the largest private equity platform dedicated to the global beverage industry, with $250 million in assets under management. Founded by third-generation industry veteran Brian Rosen, the firm invests across barrels, brands, and industry-adjacent services, providing equity, credit, insurance, and advisory solutions. InvestBev's mission is to deliver superior returns while strengthening the long-term health and resilience of the alcohol beverage ecosystem. Learn more: Website | LinkedIn Press Contact: Shannon Duer, 845-548-1211 SOURCE InvestBev A man in his 20s has been arrested after cocaine with an estimated street value of 161,000 was seized in Killimor, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, on Monday. Gardai from the Galway Divisional Drugs unit searched a residential property in Killimor and recovered the drugs, as part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and distribution of controlled drugs and associated criminal activity in the area. The man was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a station in the Garda North Western region. He has since been released without charge pending the preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The drugs are to be sent for analysis to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). Investigations are ongoing, a garda statement said. Operation Tara is described as an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, which was launched in July 2021. A special school for autism and complex needs in Co Laois has now reopened after up to 50 staff refused to pass a picket line for two days as part of a nationwide strike action by secretaries and caretakers over pension rights. The 30 students aged from four to 18 remained at home on Thursday and Friday last as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stayed out in support of secretary Yvonne Abbey. As a result the school could not reopen due to health and safety concerns. Secretaries and caretakers are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements. Engagement between the Forsa union and the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded without any outcome on Wednesday of last week. Advertisement A staff member at the school, who did not wish to be named, said they were informed that they had no other choice but to return to work by a union representative on Monday morning and that discussions between Forsa and school staff would continue. It is understood that Ms Abbey has also returned to work. Last Thursday Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) outlined their colleague Ms Abbey is the heartbeat of the school. Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh explained: Our message is very clear, its time to recognise people who are often invisible but absolutely essential to our school. Our secretary Yvonne has given 18 years of her working life to the school. "She knows every child, every parent, past and present. Without her, the school simply doesnt function. Its not just our school, its all schools across Ireland. Secretaries and caretakers are expected to carry enormous responsibilities but not given the proper contracts, pay or recognition to match the jobs that they do. Both SNAs noted: Our school has had to close as the staff are standing in solidarity with Yvonne. This shows the depth of support for Yvonne and how fragile the system is without her. The pair added that those standing in solidarity with Ms Abbey dont want to cause disruption to the children (students) and families but sometimes we need to, to highlight just how vital these roles are. They pointed out that if the Department of Education values children and staff it must value the people who care for them, support them and keep schools running. Its about fairness, respect and recognition for work which has been undervalued for far too long. "Schools cant run without the assistance of secretaries and caretakers, its time the system reflects that reality. A parent of a child at the school added: Im relieved the school has reopened as my child will now have the routine they need. I received a text on Monday morning that the doors were open. It was all very last minute to be honest. The strike continues nationwide. French film star Gerard Depardieu has been summoned to trial before a criminal court in Paris over allegations of rape and sexual assault against actress Charlotte Arnould. I feel relieved, Ms Arnould wrote on Instagram on Tuesday after receiving the investigating judges indictment order. The order restores a form of judicial truth. I think Im having trouble realising how huge this is. Ms Arnoulds lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, was not immediately available for comment. She told Franceinfo media she was extremely satisfied and described the decision as a moment of judicial truth in this case. The case dates back to 2018, when prosecutors in Paris opened a preliminary investigation after Ms Arnould accused Depardieu of raping her at his home. The acts of rape and sexual assault have been acknowledged, Ms Arnould said. Now, we await the next steps. Advertisement Prosecutors submitted a request last year for the case to proceed to trial. Depardieu was convicted earlier this year of sexually assaulting two women on a film set and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence in a case that was widely seen as a post-#MeToo test for the countrys film industry. The 76-year-old Depardieu, one of the most prominent figures in French cinema for decades, was convicted of groping a 54-year-old woman responsible for decorating the set and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. The court ordered his name to be listed in the national sex offender database. Depardieus long and storied career, which he told the court includes more than 250 films, has turned him into a French film giant. He was nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his performance as the swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac. In recent years, the actor has been accused publicly or in formal complaints of misconduct by more than 20 women, but so far only the sexual assault case has proceeded to court. Other cases were dropped because of a lack of evidence or an expired statute of limitations. North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing, the official Korean Central News Agency said on Tuesday. Kim Jong Un arrived at the Beijing railway station and was greeted by senior Chinese officials. Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency released a photo of a smiling Mr Kim, dressed in a black suit and red tie, stepping off his train at the Beijing station. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, centre, leaves Pyongyang, North Korea by train, heading to Beijing (KCNA via KNS/AP) Mr Kim is to attend a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, an event that experts say could potentially demonstrate three-way unity against the United States. Mr Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the 26 world leaders who will join Chinese President Xi Jinping to watch Wednesdays massive military parade in Beijing that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and Chinas fight against Japans wartime aggression. Advertisement It is set to be Mr Kims first time attending a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, and the first time the three leaders have gathered at the same venue. None of the three countries have confirmed a private trilateral leaders meeting. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported early on Tuesday that Mr Kim left Pyongyang for Beijing by his special train on Monday to participate in the celebrations. KCNA, citing Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il, said that he was travelling with top officials including foreign minister Choe Son Hui. In a closed-door briefing to lawmakers, South Koreas National Intelligence Service said Mr Kims train entered China early on Tuesday. The intelligence service said Mr Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Mr Putin, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting. The spy agency said Mr Kim may stand alongside Mr Xi and Mr Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesdays parade, and anticipated that he will hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Russian leaders and interact with other heads of state at a reception and cultural performance as he seeks to break out of isolation and expand his diplomatic relations, Mr Lee said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Mr Kims trip marks his first visit to China since 2019 and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power on his fathers death in late 2011. Mr Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional summit, as well as the Beijing parade. Advertisement Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russias TASS news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Kim on the sidelines was under consideration. North Korea observers are paying keen attention to Mr Kim possibly meeting Mr Xi bilaterally as well and holding even a trilateral meeting with Mr Xi and Mr Putin. North Koreas foreign policy priority has been Russia in recent years as it has been supplying troops and ammunition to support Russias war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia. In its latest briefing to lawmakers, the South Korean spy agency said it believes roughly 2,000 of them have died in combat, Mr Lee said. Mr Kim has also agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and de-miners to Russias Kursk region, and the agency assesses that the first 1,000 are already in Russia. North Koreas relations with China have reportedly turned sour in recent years, but experts say Mr Kim likely hopes to restore ties as China is North Koreas biggest trading partner and aid benefactor and he would want to brace for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Before departing for China on Monday, Mr Kim visited a North Korean missile research institute to review progress on developing a new engine for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, KCNA reported. The North in recent years has tested various versions of ICBMs capable of reaching the US mainland, and analysts say the next-generation ICBM likely refers to a long-range weapon with multiple nuclear warheads that can defeat US missile defence systems. Brazils prosecutor-general has argued that former president Jair Bolsonaro and his allies plotted to overthrow democracy through a series of interconnected events aimed at keeping him in power illegally, as the ex-leaders coup trial entered the verdict phase. The former president is accused of conspiring to stage a coup to stay in power despite losing the 2022 presidential election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing, and has repeatedly said the trial is a politically motivated attack on spurious charges. Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro stands at the entrance to his home where he is under house arrest in Brasilia, Brazil (Eraldo Peres/AP) Prosecutor-general Paulo Gonet pointed to evidence that, after the October 2022 vote, Bolsonaro summoned top Cabinet and military officials to discuss issuing an emergency decree to halt the election result by suspending powers of the electoral court and investigating suspicions of voting fraud. It doesnt take extraordinary intellectual effort to recognise that when the president of the republic and then the defence minister summon the military leadership to present a document formalising a coup detat, the criminal process is already under way, Mr Gonet said. Advertisement Mr Gonet argued that the shocking and grim picture outlined in the indictment cannot be understood as a narrative of isolated facts. He said the plan to keep Bolsonaro in power also involved several other elements, including previous efforts to sow doubt in Brazils electronic voting system and a riot by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8 2023, after Mr Lula was inaugurated. Prosecutors also have alleged that the plot included a plan to kill Mr Lula and one of the Supreme Court justices. Failing to criminally repress attempts of this nature, as shown by accounts both here and abroad, strengthens authoritarian impulses. This, therefore, fuels fundamentalism and puts a civilized way of life at risk, Mr Gonet said. Bolsonaros defence has argued that the prosecutions case is undermined by the fact that the emergency decree was never issued and that the ex-leader allowed the transition to Mr Lula to go forward. Bolsonaro is under house arrest and was not present at the court on Tuesday. His lawyer Celso Vilardi told journalists that was because of Bolsonaros ill health. US President Donald Trump has called the proceedings a witch hunt (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The trials verdict and sentencing phase started about 9am local time on Tuesday, and the court panel has scheduled sessions on five days through to September 12 to decide whether Bolsonaro is guilty. History teaches us that impunity, omission, and cowardice are not options for peace, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said as the trial commenced. Advertisement Mr De Moraes, who is presiding over the case and is considered a foe by Bolsonaro, also said that the role of the Supreme Court is to judge impartially regardless of threats or legal action, ignoring internal or external pressure. That was an indirect swipe at US President Donald Trump, who directly tied a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his allys judicial situation. Mr Trump has called the proceedings a witch hunt against a political opponent, triggering nationalist reactions from many Brazilian politicians. On Monday night, his sons Carlos and Jair Renan prayed along with other supporters during a vigil at the condominium where he is serving house arrest. The former leader was charged with five counts: attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organisation, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law and two counts involving destruction of state property. A guilty verdict on the coup plot charge alone carries a sentence of up to 12 years. Seven other close allies of Bolsonaro are being tried alongside the former president, including Walter Braga Netto, his former running mate and defence minister, and Paulo Sergio Nogueira, another former defence minister. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Australians often talk about tall poppy syndrome, but Jack Toohey thinks we need another word for the way we cut down people who care. Its so ingrained in our culture: No worries, shell be right. We just go with the flow and thats the default. If you go against the flow or actually very proudly and loudly say that you care about people, and you care about the planet, that is the new counterculture. Its cringe to care. Toohey, an advertising creative director turned activist, isnt an optimist, but he does have a lot of hope for the future. So much so that hes done one of the most hopeful things a person can do these days: hes written a book about it. Better Things Are Possible makes the case for a radical belief that flies in the face of the apathy and pessimism that characterises so much of our culture right now. Toohey went viral a few years ago with a video comparing the Australian housing markets of 1983 and 2023. It was funny, eye-opening and timely enough to rack up more than 20 million views. When he was first contacted by publishers interested in any other big ideas he might want to explore, he thought he had about enough for a childrens book. They sat him down over coffee to pick his brain, however, and he found himself rambling for more than two hours. We went from the housing crisis to mental health, to gender stuff, to climate change, to the state of media and politics. I guess the core thread that was weaving between all those things was that I did believe that we could do better in all those areas. And I did believe that they were connected in a lot of ways. Better Things Are Possible is a work of rare breadth, jumping from supply chains to consent to biodiversity to neoliberalism. It makes for an excellent argument that these apparently disparate issues in fact relate to one another in complex ways. The emergence of the so-called manosphere, for example, is bound up with algorithmic economies, mental health, financial inequality and the cult of personality. Advertisement Despite the title, Tooheys book is far from a Pollyanna-esque screed promising that shell be right, mate. He doesnt shy away from describing just how messed up some corners of contemporary life are, and admits how daunting these problems can seem. But one of the concepts he promotes is radical acceptance. Its this idea of accepting all of the worlds f---edness and all of the things that you cant change, everything that is bad about your life, and just accepting that thats the reality. You can stop ruminating on this idea, Why me? Why is it so unfair? or Why is the world so f---ed up?, actually just accept it as it is, and then move beyond that to start working on the things that you can change. Toohey isnt an optimist, but he does have a lot of hope for the future. Flavio Brancaleone The book contains a wealth of practical things we can do to address problems big and small, but Toohey doesnt situate himself as a hero. If anything, he warns us to be wary of people who claim to have all the answers. Instead of subscribing to anyone who promises a quick fix for all the worlds ills, his book consistently returns to the notion that building up communities and connections is the way forwards. Thats why some of the most scathing sections are directed towards social media. Hes aware theres an irony in attacking the thing that brought him fame that led to the book itself but the net effect of social media has been so dire that he couldnt leave it out of the picture. So many doors have been opened for me because of social media. But I balance that against the immeasurable harm on the whole of society, the whole world, and all of us as individuals. We cant know how its fried our brains, but we know that it has fried our brains. What he finds most troubling is how the platforms we once used to share pictures of our new dog now just feed us sponsored content intended to enrage us. Social media is designed to atomise us and give us our own little slice of false reality, he says. Thats really good for social control, but its not very good for connection. Advertisement The 32-year-old doesnt position himself as an expert in any of the fields he discusses in fact, his X profile describes him as jack of all trades, master of none. After high school he became a commercial filmmaker, shooting video clips, music festivals, ads for TV and social media. It was storytelling in a very capitalistic marketing kind of way. At the same time he began to grow increasingly curious about the larger forces that structure our experience, and did something kind of admirable: he started talking to people who knew more than he did. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO JACK TOOHEY Worst habit? Its a tie between arriving 45 minutes early to everything and ranting about negative gearing at family gatherings. Greatest fear? That well sleepwalk past climate tipping points without taking to the streets in big numbers (again). The line that stayed with you? If it is to be, it is up to me, which Ive somewhat butchered in the book by crossing out me and rewriting it as us. I heard it at 12 and have tried to live by it ever since. Biggest regret? Not starting therapy in my early 20s, and not returning after that first attempt in my mid-20s. Favourite book? Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta. It rewired how I think about systems, community, and our natural world. The solutions to some of our biggest problems have been here all along, passed down from generation to generation of Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. The artwork/song you wish was yours? Angie McMahons Like A Version of Australian Crawls Reckless. Im not sure I wish it was mine, but I definitely wish there was more music like it. Protest and poetry. If you could time travel, where would you choose to go? The late 1970s, to uproot neoliberalism before it ever had the chance to grow. Id probably drop in to the 1977 Centenary Test at the MCG while I was there too. This is the approach that runs throughout Tooheys book. He deals with complicated, seemingly intractable problems by sitting down with the people who are already working on solutions. I guess it really comes back to my ability to tell a story and to make it consumable, he explains. You probably arent taught that in an economics degree or as an atmospheric scientist. People that are experts in their field arent necessarily the best at explaining something. I hope Im able to bridge that gap between the expert and the everyday punter. His own experiences are woven into the books fabric too. A particularly intimate moment arrives when Toohey describes a mental health crisis he underwent that came out of nowhere. Ive only told that story verbally probably four or five times. So that was pretty cathartic to write down. I sent it over to the publisher, and theyre like, You know you dont have to do this? You dont have to put this in here. And I was like, I think its important to. Its a massive tonal shift to be unpacking the Australian economy on one page and exploring suicidal ideation on the next, but Better Things Are Possible reflects the way that we cant compartmentalise these facets of our lives. Radical acceptance that our homes, our minds, our wallets and our relationships might all be interconnected runs throughout Tooheys writing. At times, he points the finger at politicians or celebrities who promote dangerous myths or break the basic social agreements societies require to function. But he says he would rather spend his energy lifting people up and motivating them to share the hopefulness he strives for. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive Eating outFood James Street restaurant first in Queensland to serve Rolls-Royce of beef Strict supply constraints and quality control measures mean it goes for $349 for a 200-gram steak, but beef aficionados will hardly care. Matt Shea September 2, 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 Fatcow will this week become the first Queensland restaurant to serve imported Kobe beef, in the culmination of a months-long process to secure the exclusive product. From tomorrow, the James Street restaurant will offer the prized Japanese beef on a special sirloin menu, offering a 200-gram steak for $349 and a 100-gram steak for $175. Kobe beef sirloin pictured at Fatcow on James Street. Markus Ravik Fatcow will be just the 13th restaurant in Australia to serve Kobe beef. It comes after an 18-month certification process with Japans Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association, which oversees the production and distribution of the product. From when we started thinking seriously about it, [18 months] is fair, owner Michael Tassis says. We actually started talking about it with the old Fatcow [at Eagle Street Pier], but back then it was more a dream than anything. Advertisement Tassis credits Fatcow head chef Garry Newton with securing the certification. Initially, I tried [reaching out] and nothing came of it, Newton says. [After that] I jumped online and was sending emails, calling numbers, leaving messages, spamming the chat. Related Article The hidden retro Valley Thai brunch spot you need to seek out I was just pumping it. I hate annoying people but I was like, Fk, I want it. It was then probably about a year of annoying the right people. Eventually, Mavis [Lu] from Osawa [Enterprises, an Australian wagyu distributor] reached out and said, We can make this happen. Advertisement Kobe beef is considered the Rolls-Royce of wagyu. Sourced from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle that are exclusive to Japans Hyogo prefecture, animals must meet specific criteria for breed and lineage. Post-slaughter, the product must meet strict quality standards set by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. The final product is prized for its marbling, tenderness and intense flavour. Its so soft. Today, we pulled it out of the fridge its almost the consistency of room-temperature butter. Michael Tassis Its so soft, Tassis says. Today, we pulled it out of the fridge. Normal wagyu, it can be quite tough when you first take it out of the fridge. With this, its almost the consistency of room-temperature butter. Advertisement Much of the wagyu produced and served in Australia is crossbred with Angus cattle, a high-yield beef with a strong growth rate. Kobe beef was banned from import into Australia from 2001 to 2018. For Tassis, the addition of the sirloins to the Fatcow menu scratches an itch for getting his hands on hard-to-find produce, but he also reckons it helps complete a picture for a dining public increasingly well versed in different cuts and breeds of beef, and wagyu in particular. People now share a plate of beef and talk about it, he says. The different marbling, the fats, and the different cuts. So to have Kobe and compare it, say, to Australian beef, its a great talking point, and an educational one as well. Fatcow head chef Garry Newton and owner Michael Tassis. Markus Ravik People will be interested to try it because before they may have had to travel to Japan. Its that curiosity, isnt it? Advertisement Annually, its typical for between 3000 and 5000 head of Tajima cattle to be certified as Kobe beef, meaning supply is extremely limited. Newton says the restaurant only has five kilograms of product for the next five to six weeks, but beyond that, hes expecting to secure 10 kilograms a month. Its not easy to get Kobe, but we love a challenge, Tassis says. Theres a lot of gates you need to jump through. You have to have a good reputation and theyll look at your menu. But we managed to tick all the boxes and here we are. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Food For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others. Police are investigating an alleged assault against two Palestinian-Australian brothers one wearing a keffiyeh who were told we dont want you in our country on a Sydney train after Sundays pro-Palestine and anti-immigration rallies. NSW Police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation was under way into allegations that brothers Shamikh and Majed Badra had been threatened and assaulted by a man unknown to them who was on board their train from Town Hall bound for Stanmore. Loading The brothers, who have had family killed in the war in Gaza, had attended a rally for Palestine in Sydneys CBD. An anti-immigration march which attracted thousands of protesters was held in the city at the same time. The pair say they sat together on the lower deck of the train, with Majed wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh, a garment associated with the Palestinian cause. Within minutes, the pair said they were subjected to unprompted verbal abuse from four men. Video captured by the brothers and provided to this masthead shows two men and a woman hurling racist insults at the men. We dont want you in our country, we dont want you here, one man yelled. A woman can be heard telling the brothers to go back to your country. Read the full story from Alexandra Smith and Jessica McSweeney here. Caltech's Prof. Scott Cushing and National Taiwan University's Prof. Liang-Yan Hsu are this year's award recipients MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AIP Publishing and the Journal of Chemical Physics are honored to announce the recipients of the 2024 Journal of Chemical Physics Best Paper Awards by Emerging Investigators, recognizing outstanding contributions in both theoretical and experimental research. This year's honorees are Dr. Liang-Yan Hsu of Academia Sinica, Taiwan, and Prof. Scott Cushing of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The papers were picked from a pool of the 2024 Journal of Chemical Physics (JCP) Emerging Investigators Special Collection, by a committee of Editorial Advisory Board Members. Inclusion in the special collection is, in itself, a recognition of a given paper's excellence, as the collection holds a higher standard for acceptance. Profs. Cushing and Hsu will each receive a $2,000 honorarium and be invited to write a perspective article for JCP. Submissions for the 2025 JCP Emerging Investigators Special Collection are now open. To qualify, the principal investigator must be within 10 years of the graduation date for their advanced degree. Advancing Theory: Liang-Yan Hsu Dr. Hsu was recognized for his paper "Generalized BornHuang expansion under macroscopic quantum electrodynamics framework," published in JCP on April 10, 2024. The study proposes a generalized formulation that extends the conventional separation of electronic and nuclear motion to incorporate photonic degrees of freedom within the framework of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics (QED). This breakthrough offers a rigorous quantum mechanical description of molecular systems embedded in structured electromagnetic environments, such as optical cavities and plasmonic nanostructures, while accounting for an infinite number of photonic modes. "It is a great honor to receive the JCP Best Theory Paper Award by an Emerging Investigator," said Dr. Hsu. "The Journal of Chemical Physics has long been a cornerstone in the field of theoretical chemistry, publishing landmark studies that have shaped our understanding of molecular science. To have this work recognized by the journal and its community is deeply meaningful and a strong encouragement for my future research." Hsu's research focuses on theoretical chemical physics and quantum electrodynamics, particularly the study of lightmatter interactions in complex environments. His award-winning paper introduces a theoretical framework that could serve as the foundation for future investigations into quantum electrodynamic effects in molecular systems. Felipe Herrera, professor at Universidad de Santiago de Chile and a member of the JCPDCP selection committee, highlighted the paper's impact: "Most theoretical articles studying potential modifications of chemical properties and processes capture molecular complexity in great detail but oversimplify the electromagnetic field. In contrast, Dr. Hsu's article combines macroscopic quantum electrodynamics with conventional theory of non-adiabatic electronnuclear dynamics, providing a complete ab initio description of molecular dynamics in quantized electromagnetic fields that is consistent with Maxwell's equations in condensed phase. This is a landmark step forward." Dr. Hsu traces his passion for theoretical chemistry back to his high school years, inspired by the possibility of uniting chemistry with physics and mathematics. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry from National Taiwan University, followed by a Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University under Prof. Herschel Rabitz. He then pursued postdoctoral research at Northwestern University with Prof. George C. Schatz before joining Academia Sinica. Since his first publication in JCP in 2010, Dr. Hsu has considered the journal a central platform for advancing molecular science. Receiving the Best Theory Paper Award, he noted, is both "a meaningful milestone and a motivation to keep working toward deeper theoretical understanding." Dr. Hsu plans to further develop the theoretical foundations of QED chemistry by incorporating non-adiabatic effects, dissipation, and many-body correlations into a unified macroscopic QED framework. He also aims to connect theoretical advances to experimental observables and contribute to software tools that will broaden access to these concepts. Ultimately, his goal is to uncover new physical phenomena and inspire cross-disciplinary exploration of molecular behavior in photonic environments. Pioneering Experiment: Scott Cushing Prof. Cushing was recognized for his work "Experimental upper bounds for resonance-enhanced entangled two-photon absorption cross section of indocyanine green," published in JCP on March 6, 2024. The study represents a milestone in entangled photon spectroscopy, offering carefully measured upper limits for resonance-enhanced two-photon absorption processes in a dye molecule widely used for imaging. In this work, Cushing and his team investigated whether entangled photon pairs could enhance two-photon absorption through a real intermediate state, as compared to classical two-photon processes. By performing both spectral and temporal measurements, the group established that no enhancement exists above a limit of 6(2) 1023 cmwell below single-photon processes. "Prof. Cushing and coworkers report a careful measurement of the upper bound for resonance-enhanced two-photon absorption cross section using entangled photon pairs," said JCP Editor-in-Chief Dr. Tim Lian. "This work is timely because of the intense current interest in using quantum light for ultrasensitive detections, with potential applications in bioimaging. The selection committee believes this paper represents an important contribution to the field, providing methodology and analysis of great value to the community." Cushing's research focuses on creating new scientific instrumentation that translates quantum phenomena into practical devices. His lab works at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science, developing tools to explore entangled photon interactions and applying them to spectroscopy and microscopy. "The award not only means a lot to me and is representative of our advances in entangled photon spectroscopy," said Cushing, "but it especially highlights the work of several excellent graduate students who were pioneers both in my lab and the field at large." Cushing earned both his B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from West Virginia University, working with Alan Bristow and Nianqiang (Nick) Wu. He then completed postdoctoral research with Steve Leone at UC Berkeley before joining Caltech's faculty in 2018. His multidisciplinary career spans chemistry, materials science, and physics. Cushing's future research aims to use entanglement to replicate ultrafast spectroscopy in the single-photon limit. His group is exploring how molecules and materials evolve when excited by just a single electronhole pair or vibrational mode, a frontier with both fundamental and practical significance. At the same time, his lab is developing nanophotonic entangled photon sources to miniaturize time-resolved fluorescence and pumpprobe spectrometers. "The field excites me because it is advancing both practical and fundamental aspects of spectroscopy simultaneously," Cushing said. ABOUT THE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS The Journal of Chemical Physics is an international journal that publishes cutting edge research in all areas of modern physical chemistry and chemical physics. ABOUT AIP PUBLISHING AIP Publishing's mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity by breaking barriers to open, equitable research communication and empowering researchers to accelerate global progress. AIP Publishing is a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and supports the charitable, scientific, and educational purposes of AIP through scholarly publishing activities on its behalf and on behalf of our publishing partners. SOURCE AIP Publishing Triple murderer Erin Pattersons sentencing will be broadcast live on Monday in a historic first for the Victorian Supreme Court. A television camera will be stationed inside the courtroom as Justice Christopher Beale sentences Patterson for the murders of Heather Wilkinson and Don and Gail Patterson. Erin Patterson arrives at the Supreme Court on August 25. Jason Edwards Under normal circumstances, it is illegal to take photos or record video or audio of court proceedings, including for media outlets. But Beale gave express permission for the media to broadcast the sentencing for the first time in the courts history. The Supreme Court regularly livestreams trials from its own in-court cameras. The media broadcast will capture only Beale, not Patterson or any other attendees. Media outlets are not permitted to advertise while broadcasting the sentencing, which is expected to last for 30 minutes to an hour. This unprecedented access is the latest recognition of the immense public and media appetite for information on the long-running triple-murder trial. Read the more on this story here. Advertisement Exclusive NationalCourts This was published 3 months ago Brisbane businessman accused in secret plot to sell Russian fighter jet parts Cloe Read and Nick McKenzie September 3, 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 A Russian-born Queensland businessman arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected Chinese Communist Party spy network allegedly acted as an intermediary to sell parts of SU-35 Russian fighter jets, it can be revealed for the first time. Encrypted messages downloaded from the phone of alleged foreign operative Brian Chen as he fled Australia will become central to a Commonwealth criminal case against Brisbane businessman Alexander Cher. Alexander Cher outside court in 2022. Cloe Read The District Court trial for Cher, 67, was due to begin this week in Brisbane. But on the first day, Judge Tony Moynihan vacated the proceedings, with the case now expected to be delayed by almost a year. Chers defence barrister, Mark McCarthy KC, raised issues with the admissibility of evidence from the prosecution, which centred on the encrypted messages between Chen and others. Advertisement Chers case has been before the courts since 2022, when he was charged alongside Gold Coast-based accountant Kim Bowei Lee with contraventions of Australias Defence Trade Control Act. Cher was accused of partnering with Chen, a Chinese national and former Melbourne businessman, who is now in hiding overseas and subject of an Interpol red notice. An official source described Chen to this masthead in 2022 as a Chinese military intelligence operative who travels the world as a spy. The court this week heard Chen left Australia in February 2019, and he had not returned. Alleged Chinese intelligence operative Brian Chen. Commonwealth prosecutor Jennifer Single SC said Chens phone was seized by police at the airport on February 20, 2019. Data was downloaded from the phone, the court heard, and Chen left Australia. Advertisement About a year later, on February 5, 2020, police raided Chers home and the home of his co-accused Lee, the court heard. At Chers property, officers seized the accuseds iPhone X and his computer and downloaded evidence from the devices. The court heard prosecutors were relying on data from Chens phone downloads, and chats between Chen and Lee. Single said Cher had been acting as an agent or intermediary on behalf of the two men in relation to parts of Russian-made fighter SU-35 jets. Most of the chats were over WeChat and Viber, the court heard, making the investigation more difficult than if they had communicated via text messages through Australian service providers. Advertisement In any event, what we do have is the original downloads, which show the metadata behind each message, she said. McCarthy pressed that the data needed to be authenticated to be admissible for his clients trial. This is a device taken from a person at an airport, departing from the country, under suspicion it would seem, and the device has been copied, and that copy is then subsequently examined, he said. That person is suggested to be, at least in open-source material in the media, a foreign operative, and the authentication of the device is a necessary step to be able to then rely upon any of that data to be able to say what it is, is what it appears to be. McCarthy said the closest comparison would be a handwritten letter seized by police at a crime scene. He said if one wanted to determine its authenticity, it would need to undergo various tests, such as handwriting analysis, and identification of any fingerprints. Advertisement If the Crown is asking the court to proceed on the basis of an inference in relation to the device of a suspected foreign operative, [a] device [which] has not been examined, and is no longer in the custody of the Crown, then they can make that submission, McCarthy put forward. Related Article Analysis National security Entirely on form: Why Irans Revolutionary Guard targeted Australia He said his clients case was different from when an accountants firm on George Street is involved allegedly with a small suburban business in a case of incorrectly completed tax returns. This is a case involving international espionage, he told the judge, urging him not to proceed on the basis of devices that were not in the Crowns custody, and had not been properly examined. The case will now proceed to a hearing, where the prosecution said it intended to call at least three witnesses regarding the authenticity of the phone downloads. Advertisement The court heard more than 100 pages of messages purported to be between Chen and others had been translated. There were also about 280 documents and emails seized from the accuseds devices. Both the prosecution and defence told the court there were no cases relating to the specific type of authentication of material. This is why this is something the Commonwealth will be taking very seriously, Single said. Moynihan ordered for the trial to be vacated to a later date, which has yet to be officially determined. The court this week heard the case would likely not proceed to trial until July next year, with timing conflicts across court, prosecution and defence calendars. Cher ran a string of companies in Queensland and NSW, with his first venture in Australia being an agriculture company he founded in 1996. In the 1990s, he moved to Queensland, and shortened his name from Alexander Tcherkezov to Alex Cher. He later launched companies in the property, construction, and maritime sector part-financed by businessmen from Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Cher also worked as a federal government-licensed migration agent, running a business called Nita International, which helped Russians get visas or residency in Australia. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCity council This was published 3 months ago Big increase in homes planned for northern Brisbane suburb William Davis September 2, 2025 7:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Brisbane City Council plans to boost the number of homes in Alderley after the northside suburb was unveiled as the latest focus of the Lord Mayors precinct renewal program. The suburb will join Stones Corner, Wynnum and Mount Gravatt in having development streamlined as part of the Suburban Renewal Precincts Program. Full details have not been fleshed out, but possible changes would be centred around the South Pine Road and Enoggera Road corridor from Railway Street to Moran Street. The suburb of Alderley is about four kilometres north-west of the Brisbane CBD. Office of the Lord Mayor This area has all the ingredients to support more homes, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in an announcement on Tuesday. Advertisement This plan will create more housing choice and affordability, while supporting small businesses and revitalising the local economy. Chairman of the Better Suburbs Initiative, Ross Elliott, said plans for Alderley were in the early stages, but with community consultation would aim to improve local infrastructure while boosting density. People are looking for more opportunities to do things closer to home ... whether thats work or shopping or entertainment or healthcare or schooling, he told this masthead. The idea of suburbs just being dormitories where people live and then asking them to keep travelling very long distances to access the things they need, I think thats what were trying to change. Advertisement The Labor opposition said it did not believe the program has been an effective tool to combat housing shortages in Brisbane. Related Article Planning Will doubling homes bring this Brisbane strip back to life or kill its character? We made the decision to support changes to the City Plan on the assurance from the LNP that they would lead to increased supply of housing, leader Jared Cassidy said. Two years have passed since these precinct plans and glossy strategies were first introduced and they have failed to produce affordable housing. In fact, there is not one single reference to affordable housing targets in any of these plans or strategies. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A teenager accused of killing Universal co-founder Greg Josephson at his multimillion-dollar Brisbane home will remain in custody until next month. Josephson, 58, was found dead during a mid-week house party attended by dozens of teenagers in the inner-northern suburb of Clayfield in June. A 15-year-old boy was arrested that night and charged with his murder. Greg Josephson and wife Tamra on their wedding day. At a hearing in the Childrens Court in Brisbane on Tuesday, the boys lawyer, Kris Jahnke, confirmed part of the brief of evidence had been supplied to the defence. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandClimate crisis This was published 3 months ago The small patch of paddock emitting 10,000 cars worth of methane Cameron Atfield September 2, 2025 3:59pm 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 46 View all comments A single unsealed coal borehole in country Queensland is releasing the greenhouse gas equivalent of 10,000 cars each driving 12,000 kilometres a year and its just one of 130,000 across the state. The discovery was made during a University of Queensland study of a coal exploration borehole, which was still leaking methane decades after it had been dug. Associate Professor Phil Hayes, along with colleague Dr Sebastian Hoerning, placed sensors at an undisclosed location on farmland in the Surat Basin in southern Queensland, in what they said was the first long-term measurement of methane emissions from an abandoned borehole. The Quantum Gas LiDAR system monitoring the coal exploration hole. UQ They used a portable Quantum Gas LiDAR system, which can more accurately capture emissions that vary over time than common measurement methods, such as handheld sensors. Advertisement And the data they collected was stark about 235 tonnes of the greenhouse gas was being emitted into the atmosphere each year, all from a single, small borehole. Hayes said its climate impact was on par with 10,000 new cars, each driving 12,000 kilometres every year. We were pretty taken aback, he said. The researchers, from UQs Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre, have published their findings in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Hayes said the coal hole they studied had been leaking for about 20 years and was just one of thousands across the state. Advertisement There is an estimate of 130,000 coal exploration holes in Queensland, which is an enormous number, he said. Sensors picked up the methane escaping the coal hole in Queenslands Surat Basin. UQ Were nearly as certain as you can get a scientist to be that theyre not all leaking some will have been sealed properly, some just wont leak at all but a small fraction are leaking somewhat substantially, from our survey. The one that the papers written about meets this threshold for a super emitter and possibly one of the other holes weve looked at would meet that as well. Hayes said the only hint of the emissions was a patch of dry dirt in the large paddock. Advertisement Its a patch that might be 10 by 10 metres in a paddock where nothing is growing. You cant smell it its just that visual impact, he said. Theres so much methane in the soil that its suffocated the plants and nothing can grow there. When it came to combating climate change, Hayes said adequately sealing high-emission old boreholes was low-hanging fruit. He said more surveys would likely reveal further opportunities for reducing Queenslands greenhouse gas contributions by sealing old boreholes with the highest emissions. Its probably a couple of hundred thousand dollars to get the equipment and to do it safely on site, he said. Advertisement You basically just need a long-arm excavator to pull back the soil and find the hole itself and, once youve found that, you run in some pipe and pumping a thick, heavy slurry, effectively, to kill the well and cement it up, meanwhile having to manage the gas on the surface. Its not the sort of process that requires full-blown rocket science and big oil and gas technology, but its not without cost. Methane escaping from a since-sealed coal hole in Queenslands Surat Basin. UQ While their published paper focused on a single borehole, Hayes and Hoerning have also visited other sites, including where the leaking gas formed a water geyser. We were very much taken aback by that one as well, he said. Advertisement We surveyed that for probably only a couple of hours. We have actually been past that location since, and that hole has been plugged and abandoned by the Queensland government. Related Article Exclusive Resolve Political Monitor Australians have their say on new climate targets as Coalition prepares for another brawl on net zero So the government is partly on it, but partly not as well. Hayes said more needed to be done, starting with studying a larger sample of boreholes and ensuring leaks were adequately plugged. The only issue is, its not on anyones register, so no one can claim the benefit for fixing the problem, he said. Advertisement The landholder isnt going to get some pat on the back and some financial recompense its not their issue, its not their hole. The coal industry may be responsible if the coal explorer still exists, theyre technically responsible, but theres nothing in it for them, financially. Hayes said it may need to fall back to the state government to either compel companies, or plug the boreholes itself. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCity council This was published 3 months ago Turn left at red lights? Push to resurrect road rule in Brisbane William Davis September 2, 2025 6:43pm 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 27 View all comments Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has launched a renewed push to allow drivers to turn left at some red lights in Brisbane, which he spruiked as a practical solution to get congested traffic moving. He told council on Tuesday he had written to the state government asking for a law change permitting the road rule. Brisbane City Council ran a trial from 2013 that eventually expanded to 50 intersections, but in 2021 the rollout was quashed by the former Labor government. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is pushing to resurrect the left turn at red rule in Brisbane. Dan Peled If its good enough for Sydney, its good enough for Brisbane, Schrinner said. Advertisement Ive asked the Crisafulli government to bring Queenslands road rules into the 21st century. The rule allowed drivers to turn left at a red light at signposted intersections, if they had come to a complete stop and given way to all other traffic. Safety was flagged as a key concern by the former state government when it removed all approved intersections. Schrinner told councillors this week more than 15 million cars were recorded during the initial trial, with just two crashes. No pedestrians or cyclists were hurt. It had a good safety record, Schrinner said. Advertisement Thats something that I think the wider community will support and something that were keen to continue progressing. It can help keep Brisbane moving, and its something practical we can do at a low cost to reduce delays for people. The Labor opposition was critical of the move, and raised doubts about safety. If the Lord Mayor was fair, he would release all the analyses, leader Jared Cassidy said. Were all for making it easier to get around, but not at the expense of people who are simply walking around their community. Advertisement Schrinner did not outline which intersections the rule would apply at, but said only locations deemed safe would be considered. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalSuperannuation This was published 3 months ago Its not free money: ATO warning as early super withdrawals hit $1 billion Millie Muroi September 2, 2025 10:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 97 View all comments The number of people trying to access their superannuation early has surged by more than 75 per cent since before the pandemic, and the amount they have withdrawn has topped $1 billion, as the Tax Office warns of the dangers that come from withdrawing super for the wrong reasons. Figures from the Australian Tax Office show the number of individuals applying for compassionate release of super has climbed from about 39,000 in 2019-20 to nearly 69,000 in 2023-24. The number of people accessing their super early has jumped markedly since the pandemic. Getty People cannot generally use their super until they retire or reach preservation age. Access on compassionate grounds is available in very limited circumstances and as a last resort, according to the ATO. However, ATO deputy commissioner Emma Rosenzweig in August said the Tax Office had seen an uptick in dodgy advice as well as misconceptions around the conditions under which individuals can access their super early. Advertisement Australians should not be considering early access unless they are eligible, and it is absolutely necessary for their circumstances, she said. Medical treatments eligible for early access to super include those for life-threatening illness or injury, or to alleviate acute or chronic pain or mental illness. Most applications for early release of super are for medical expenses: 71,900 of the 90,700 applications received in 2023-24 were submitted for medical treatment or transport to attend a medical treatment. Of these, nearly 32,000 were for dental treatment, about triple the number before the pandemic. Advertisement The jump in the number of applications comes as the government looks to increase the tax paid on earnings from superannuation balances above $3 million from 15 per cent to 30 per cent, set to affect one in 200 people. Of the 68,900 individuals who applied for compassionate release of super in 2023-24, about 50,000 were approved, an approval rate of 73 per cent, down slightly from 77 per cent in 2019-20. The value of approved applications nearly doubled from $523 million to $1.04 billion. Rosenzweig said individuals were eligible for compassionate release of super only if they were unable to pay for an eligible expense using any other means. She said it was not free money. [Compassionate release of super] will reduce the amount available in retirement and results in you paying more tax, she said. Advertisement Analysis by the Super Members Council shows a person who withdraws $20,000 from their super at age 30 could be left with $93,000 less at retirement. The Tax Office also noted an increase in reports of concerning behaviour from some health practitioners. That includes preparing inaccurate medical reports to help patients access their super for cosmetic purposes, recommending higher cost treatments and collecting and charging fees to assist patients in preparing applications without being a registered tax agent. Related Article Opinion Ask an expert Im confused. What do all the superannuation terms mean? Paul Benson Money contributor The council also said it was concerned by a growing avalanche of advertising luring people to withdraw super for non-essential treatments. In a press release, the council said third-party operators were largely responsible for circulating these promotional materials and charging fees to fill out applications, often without clear warnings about the long-term financial harm. Advertisement The council is alarmed by a growing trend of Australians withdrawing retirement savings early to fund treatments beyond the original intent of compassionate access provisions which were envisaged only for rare, life-saving circumstances, it said. The council also called for the government and regulators to crack down harder on advertisements promoting early access to super for non-essential medical or dental treatments. At $4.2 trillion, Australias superannuation sector is a major investor in the countrys businesses and projects. However, Paul Schroder, chief executive of AustralianSuper, the nations biggest super fund, will say in a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday that the sector could play a bigger role by being involved earlier in discussions about government-funded assets, such as roads, airports and energy networks. AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder says the sector could play a bigger role in funding the nations infrastructure. Oscar Colman Advertisement Superannuation can contribute to the national renewal, he will say, according to an early extract of his speech, while warning it will be a disaster for members if governments try to tell super funds what to invest in. The solution requires government and funds to come together in open dialogue about how to better balance risk and make projects investible. In particular, Schroder will suggest a build to sell model, where governments build assets with the plan to sell or lease them later to long-term investors including super funds. They can build secure in the knowledge it is more likely there will be a willing buyer, at the right time and the right price, he will say. We have about $40 billion of members money earmarked for investment in Australia over the next five years. If youre a company with a good idea, if youre a government with a big plan our door is open. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsQueenslandQueensland votes This was published 3 months ago How Queenslands political parties want to see the electoral map redrawn Matt Dennien September 2, 2025 3:53pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 5 View all comments The news Queenslands LNP has called for state seats held by Labor and Katters Australian Party to be abolished, with two new seats created in the south-east, in a submission to the body redrawing the electoral map. The party also suggested several seats be reverted to previous names containing geographical references, and for inner-Brisbanes Cooper to be redrawn and rebadged as Victoria Park. All 116 submissions to the Queensland Redistribution Commission, from political parties, interested groups and individuals, were published on Monday as part of a 21-day further feedback period. Public feedback on the submissions is open until September 22, before the commission begins considering these and drafting a proposed redistribution to be released in early 2026. Matt Dennien Advertisement In its submission, Labor reiterated concern about the commissions independence and somewhat constrained ability to ensure all votes remain equal without new seats in parliament. Concern about the growing number of voters in each of the 93 electorates was also raised by the Greens, while Katters Australian Party has called for a doubling of the notional voters given to the four large western seats and a new weighting for seats containing Indigenous councils. Why it matters The legally required redistribution is the first for the state since 2017, when parliament also expanded from 89 to 93 seats. The redrawn map will be used in the 2028 state election. Redrawing boundaries and abolishing or creating new electorates is meant to keep the number of enrolled voters within 10 per cent of the average. Advertisement A total of 14 electorates are outside this range, with some seats featuring thousands more than the roughly 40,000-voter average, and others featuring thousands less. What they said LNP state director Ben Rileys submission calls for the abolition of the KAP-held north Queensland seat of Hill, and Labor-held seat of Toohey in Brisbanes south. Along with a new electorate around Caboolture, the LNP has proposed a second called Greenbank in the Logan-Ipswich corridor where greenfield estates are driving sustained enrolment. Advertisement Riley called on the commission to reverse recent changes to several seat names referencing historical figures, rather than geographic locations, while also proposing a redrawn Cooper containing Victoria Park be named after the site for the proposed flagship 2032 Games stadium. In every case we have preferred the lightest effective touch, retaining historic seat names wherever possible and making boundary changes only where growth or decline makes them unavoidable, Riley wrote. Related Article Queensland government Bleijies right-hand man the only pick for electoral redraw role Labors acting state secretary Ben Driscoll began the opposition partys pitch by reiterating concern over the role of Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijies department head John Sosso on the commission. The ALP emphasises the importance of the true and perceived independence of the QRC, Driscoll wrote, calling on the commission to hold public hearings and help boost public confidence. Advertisement He pointed to required consultation under state laws for such an appointment and suggested this could undermine the subsequent legal validity of the commissions ultimate decision. Greens convenor Gemmia Burden argued the state needed another 20 seats in parliament to take voter averages back down to 2017 levels, and population growth projections would push this to at least 37 seats by 2032. Related Article Perspective Queensland votes The state seats where votes may be worth more or less While agreeing with the LNP that a new seat was needed in the Ipswich-Logan growth corridor, Burden suggested this be centred around Jimboomba in the Logan Valley. All three parties have acknowledged the need for a new electorate around Caboolture, with differences in the exact boundaries. Other boundary adjustments for various seats have also been suggested. Driscoll did not suggest any current seats be abolished. Advertisement Katters Australian Party has called for the four seats larger than 100,000 square kilometres Cook, Traeger, Gregory and Warrego to have notional voters assigned to 4 per cent of that landmass, instead of the current figure of 2 per cent. Similarly, KAP also proposed electorates spanning Indigenous councils receive a weighted enrolment for each based on their unique and complex challenges for elected members. Another perspective In an overview of the submissions, the commission noted the 116 fielded was almost triple the 41 received for the 2017 redistribution. Advertisement The commission highlighted with interest suggestions that have been reached independently in two or more submissions. In some cases, these commonalities extend to the placement of new electorates and even their names. It also noted that the four large regional districts will require adjustment, but tweaks to how notional voters are calculated like the total number of seats require legislative changes by parliament outside the scope of the commissions work. Of those submissions that addressed district names, either generally or regarding specific electorates, a greater number of submissions preferred district names to be based on geographic locations or landmarks as opposed to significant persons. Whats next Public comments on the submissions are open until September 22, before the commission begins considering these and drafting a proposed redistribution to be released in early 2026. Advertisement Objections will then be opened for 30 days, followed by a further public feedback period. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Analysis PoliticsVictoriaVictorian Parliament This was published 3 months ago The day a neo-Nazi ambushed the premier Rachel Eddie September 2, 2025 4:00pm 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 Premier Jacinta Allan was offering her thoughts on whether a neo-Nazi raid on an Aboriginal camp should be treated as a hate crime when the man who led that attack, National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell, suddenly emerged. We were standing on the cold grass of a West Melbourne park to hear the premier and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes extol the virtues of working from home before turning to other issues. Like neo-Nazis violently crashing a place of peace and reflection for First Nations people on Sunday. Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell approaching Jacinta Allans press conference. Nine News As is standard practice, press gallery journalists had two hours notice of exactly where the premier would be. At 6.45am, we awoke to a text message with the details. This was the first time wed had an opportunity to question the premier about Sundays events and the police response. A reporter from Channel Seven was pressing the point that Sewell, a reviled neo-Nazi with a history of violence, had declared himself proud of his behaviour. Advertisement Thats when the press packs attention was abruptly diverted. A man dressed in black with a patch of the Union Jack on his shoulder (and a creepy moustache) was coming up behind the politicians. Related Article Exclusive Nazis Next Door Neo-Nazis quietly forming a political party to try to get around the law The premier sensed the distraction beyond her line of sight. Do we need to pause for a tick? she asked. It was Thomas Sewell, AKA the sewer rat, as Aboriginal woman Yaraan Couzens Bundle called him after witnessing the attack on Camp Sovereignty. Sewells fellow neo-Nazi Nathan Bull was already filming when the 10 or so assembled journalists, shocked and shaken, pulled out their own phones. The camera operators, the first responders in any press pack, immediately swung around to film the confrontation. Advertisement Sewell launched into a tirade, falsely accusing Allan of banning protest and speech. Allans security detail (and an angry staffer) held the neo-Nazis back while the premier, Symes and backbench MP and First Nations woman Sheena Watt left the scene calmly. Sewell said it was all a coincidence, that he had come across the press conference as he was on his way to court. He is facing a slew of charges, including contravening personal safety orders and intimidating police. Once she safely returned to Treasury Place, the premier and her staff will be asking difficult questions about how a neo-Nazi learnt where to find her at a public park at 8.45am on a Tuesday morning. It may be that from now on, journalists are given less notice about the location of press conferences. It is already rare to see high-profile politicians out and about in public places. Advertisement Related Article Protests Indigenous leaders call for neo-Nazis attack on sacred site to be deemed a hate crime The movements of former premier Daniel Andrews were tightly controlled during the 2022 state election campaign while COVID-19 frustrations were still boiling. There were no street walks, no shaking of strangers hands outside train stations. In a first for a state premier, Andrews voted away from his electorate of Mulgrave at a quiet city booth on a Thursday evening without the usual hubbub of TV crews. Part of this was to avoid bloopers, like standing next to an EXIT sign in front of photographers or bumping into the Liberal Partys retired ambulance-turned campaign bus emblazoned with ditch Dan. But largely it was because of the legitimate security risk to him. And the consequence of these confrontations is less public engagement with elected representatives. Advertisement Its less opportunity for the broader public to shake someones hand, tell a politician to get stuffed or to raise a personal challenge your local MP could help with. It could have a chilling effect on the availability of politicians to journalists, who need proper notice to get to press conferences with the premier in a hard hat out at the Sunshine transport hub or with nurses in Clayton. Jacinta Allan declared she is not deterred. As premier, Ill always be out and about in public fighting for you, like I am all day today. I am not afraid. But she, her government, the media, police and the broader community will need to consider how best to respond to the threat of these people, who have long terrorised marginalised Victorians. Advertisement SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuper Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce that it has recently welcomed two new high-producing realtors to its team of esteemed agents. Eric Copper and Cat Lodge are joining the teams in Austin and San Antonio, respectively. These two additions further expand Kuper's team of highly effective agents across south and central Texas. Eric Copper's Cedar Creek Ranch listing in Dripping Springs, TX Eric Copper is a distinguished real estate agent with over two decades of experience in luxury real estate, specializing in high-net-worth clientele, investors and discerning buyers across the Austin and London property markets. Previously, he managed over 1,600 agents as the broker for Keller Williams' flagship offices, overseeing more than $1 billion in annual sales volume. Eric has consistently ranked among the top-performing agents in Austin, recognized as the #1 Top-Selling Agent within his company, a Top 5 Agent by the Austin Business Journal, and an esteemed member of Luxury League, Elite 25 and Platinum Top 50. Some of Eric's current luxury listings include the $2.8M Cedar Creek Ranch in Dripping Springs, TX. The 21.78 acre estate features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and is located just minutes from the beloved Hamilton Springs Preserve. Additional details about the listing can be found here. Cat Lodge joins the team in San Antonio. She has been named in the "Top 20 Luxury Real Estate Agents" in San Antonio list by the San Antonio Business Journal, in addition to being a Platinum Top 50 Centurion Winner (20202025). She serves buyers and sellers across San Antonio and the Hill Country, including Stone Oak, the 281 and I-10 corridors, Dominion, Boerne, Schertz, Cibolo and Helotes. Cat's current listings include this $1.275M custom build that was featured in the 2024 Parade of Homes. The three bed, three bath home features elegant white pine floors, spacious 11 foot ceilings and luxe, modern finishings. "At Kuper Sotheby's we value our agents and we aim to provide them with unparalleled support," said Principal Broker J Kuper. "Because of this, we've been able to add phenomenal agents to the firm, like Eric Copper and Cat Lodge, who both have excellent reputations for client service." To learn more about Kuper Sotheby's International Realty visit www.sothebysrealty.com/kuper/eng. SOURCE Kuper Sotheby's International Realty Xi calls for enhancing political mutual trust, cooperation among China, Russia, Mongolia Xinhua) 16:14, September 02, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for consolidating political mutual trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation among China, Russia and Mongolia. Xi made the remarks during a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The meeting was the seventh of its kind among the heads of the three states. Xi called on the three countries to consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen solidarity and coordination, enhance mutual support, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and serve as steadfast strategic anchors for their respective development and revitalization. The three countries should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, advance cross-border infrastructure and energy projects, enhance the alignment of development strategies, expand the scale of local currency settlement, and strengthen cooperation in tourism and cultural heritage conservation, Xi said. Xi also called for enhancing collaboration within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), leveraging various platforms and centers established during the SCO Tianjin Summit to seek broader cooperation. Putin said that enhancing political mutual trust is very important, which is conducive to consolidating the foundation of the trilateral relations. The three sides need to align their development strategies closely, enhance connectivity, expand the scale of trade and investment, and deepen cooperation and exchanges in finance, energy, digital economy, education, environmental protection, tourism and other fields, so as to boost economic development, promote regional economic integration, and enhance the bonds among the peoples, Putin said. Khurelsukh expressed Mongolia's dedication to advancing the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promoting regional development and prosperity. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. The peoples of Mongolia, China and Russia should jointly commemorate this historic occasion and carry forward the correct view of the World War II history, Khurelsukh said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Guests can round up their checks or donate to support lifesaving research during September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Metro Diner is once again partnering with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) to raise vital funds for life-saving pediatric cancer research. Throughout the month, guests at all Metro Diner locations can join the fight against childhood cancer by rounding up their checks to the nearest dollar, adding $1, $3, $5 to their bill, or donating a custom amount in-diner or online with 100% of every dollar raised going directly to NPCF. Metro Diner Joins Forces with National Pediatric Cancer Foundation to Help Fund Critical Childhood Cancer Research The NPCF's mission is to fast-track less toxic, more targeted treatments for children battling cancer. With a unique collaborative network of 40 leading children's oncology research hospitals across the U.S., NPCF has already funded nearly $50 million in research. The organization is also the only children's cancer charity with a 100% score for Financial Health, Accountability, and Transparency. "Every day, families face the devastating news that their child has cancer, and we want to be part of the solution," said Stanley Goodman, President and COO of Metro Diner. "Partnering with NPCF during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month gives us the chance to spread the word about this dedicated organization and provide an opportunity for guests to make a very real impact in the lives of children and families within our own communities. Whether they choose to round up their check or add a donation, every contribution moves these children closer to better treatments and brighter futures." Known for its hearty portions and comfort food offerings including breakfast all-day and signature favorites like the famous Fried Chicken & Waffle, Iron City Meatloaf, BBQ Ribs, and Biscuits & Gravy, Metro Diner is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves. Guests visiting during the campaign can: Round up their check to the nearest dollar Donate $1 , $3 , $5 , or a custom amount in-diner or online , , , or a custom amount in-diner or online Spread awareness on social media using #MetroDinerCares and #NPCF "We are beyond grateful for the support of Metro Diner and their philanthropic partnership over the years. We are excited to bring back this campaign where their customers can easily support our mission at Metro Diner establishments around the country," said David Frazer, Chief Executive Officer, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. "Every day, 43 children are diagnosed with some form of cancer and the need for research is more important than ever. NPCF is funding critical research to find less toxic and more target treatments for these children. Because of the generosity of our donors and dedicated partners like Metro Diner, we can continue to further our mission." Childhood cancer research is drastically underfunded, with only 4% of federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancers. In addition, more than 95% of childhood cancer survivors experience long-term health challenges due to the harshness of current treatments making NPCF's mission all the more urgent. To learn more about NPCF or make a direct donation, visit NationalPCF.org. For more information about Metro Diner, including locations and menu, visit MetroDiner.com. About Metro Diner Established in 1992 as a family-owned eatery in Jacksonville, Florida, Metro Diner is among the nation's fastest-growing locally owned and operated family dining concepts, with over 60 locations east of the Mississippi. Metro Diner is known for its warm, welcoming service, generous portions, and serious diner food. The brand has received many accolades, including features on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Cooking Channel's Cheap Eats. To learn more about Metro Diner, view the full list of locations, or place a catering order, visit www.metrodiner.com and follow on Facebook (@MetroDiner), Instagram (@MetroDiner) and TikTok (@MetroDinerOfficial). About The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF): Established in 1991, the NPCF is dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Through its Sunshine Project, NPCF unites top physicians and scientists from 40 of the nation's best hospitals to develop and fund groundbreaking research. The NPCF is recognized as the top-rated cancer charity in the U.S. by Charity Navigator, holding a perfect 100% score for financial health and transparency. Discover more at NationalPCF.org. Media Contact Brianna Pisacane [email protected] SOURCE Metro Diner THE corridors of Holy Family National School in Askea buzzed with excitement last week as 65 bright-eyed junior infants stepped through the doors wearing their brand-new uniforms, marking a historic milestone for the community. The school is celebrating a new chapter as it welcomed its first intake of students since the amalgamation of the local boys and girls schools into one co-educational institution. The transformation represents the culmination of years of community discussion about creating a mixed school for Askeas youngest learners. Its such a new chapter and its combining the best of two great schools into one. And theres a proud tradition here in Askea with both schools, so its really exciting now to join them both together, said principal Mairead Mullally. Boys and girls in the first ever co education infant class in Holy Family NS, Askea, Carlow. Photo: Michael O'Rourke The integration extends beyond just bringing students together under one roof. A thoughtfully designed new tracksuit uniform and crest now represent the merged identity, incorporating the maroon and green colours that previously distinguished the two separate schools. The girls wouldve worn green traditionally, and the boys wouldve worn maroon, so the new crest has both, Ms Mullally explained. The 65 junior infants have adapted remarkably well to their new environment, according to Ms Mullally. Just seeing all the new infants starting in the new uniform - they look wonderful, and theyve settled really well, she noted. Mia concentrates on her drawing on her first days as a junior infant While the youngest students are leading the way into this co-educational future, the full integration will be a gradual process. The school expects it will take a few years before all classes become mixed. It will take approximately three years before the whole school will be mixed. Its the senior classes at the moment thatll finish out as boys only and girls only classes, the others will mix, Ms Mullally explained. Junior infants Harry and Paddy As the school community looks ahead to this new era, Ms Mullally expressed her optimism for the journey ahead. Its all going well so far and long may it continue... its a great time to be part of the school. Junior infant John x x x x x x x x x x x By Margaret Davis, PA Crime Correspondent Father Ted writer Graham Linehan said he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over three X posts expressing his views on trans issues. The 57-year-old said he was detained by five armed officers after flying in from Arizona and told he was under arrest over the social media entries. Linehan said he was taken to a cell and then questioned over the X posts, published in April. One said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Another was a photograph of a trans rights protest, with the comment a photo you can smell, with a follow-up post saying: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F**k em. The writer said after questioning by police, his blood pressure had reached stroke territory and he was taken to hospital and kept under observation, before being released on bail. The Met Police did not identify Linehan, but a spokeswoman said: On Monday, September 1 at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation. Separately, Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, accused of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone, which he denies. Ellen O'Donoghue Gardai have taken control of an area of ground in Donabate, Co Dublin, to conduct a search for a seven-year-old boy who is missing, presumed dead. The area, which was sealed off on Monday evening, September 1st, will be the subject of a search in the coming days. Concerns for the boy were raised by Tusla, the child and family agency, and reported to gardai on Friday, August 29th. The boy would now be seven years old, but it has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy. The Irish Times have reported that the boy was just three to four years old when he was last seen. The paper also reported that it understands gardai have spoken to the parents of the child, one of whom is abroad and one who remains in Ireland. Both are Irish citizens, The Irish Times added. Did this child slip through the net because public services did not have the level of contact that they normally would in the ordinary course of events? The chief executive of the Childrens Rights Alliance, Tanya Ward, has questioned if the Covid pandemic allowed the child missing in north county Dublin to slip through the net. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Ms Ward asked: Did this child slip through the net because public services did not have the level of contact that they normally would in the ordinary course of events? These are all the questions I think we're all asking ourselves and that need to be answered. There's public health nurses, there are GPs, there's services they may have been in contact with. And I'm thinking did anyone see anything? Did anyone intervene? Is there something that could have been done to help this child early in his life? The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co Dublin. Following enquiries carried out by, and information available to investigating gardai to date, An Garda Siochana has been unable to either locate the boy, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive. Investigating gardai believe the boy is missing, presumed dead. The case was very disturbing and needed to be independently reviewed to establish what exactly happened to the child, Ms Ward added. This is something I think that really terrifies those of us that work in the child protection sector, both in the community and voluntary sector and in public services as well." "It's very disturbing that something like this could have happened to a small child and that's why when the time is right, when the Gardai have done the job, what's really important is that this case is independently reviewed to establish what happened this child, to understand was there some opportunity to intervene in this child's life earlier and is there any learning for this child. So anything like this does not happen again. With regard to Covid, Ms Ward pointed out that the pandemic created a situation where frontline service providers did not have contact with children. It actually resulted in a reduction in the number of referrals that went to Tusla in that period, and Tusla actually ran a public education programme to try and encourage other people and other services to make referrals of children to their services. So yes, I think everyone will be asking the question, is this because of the lockdowns? The Minister for Children said she is deeply concerned over the case. In a statement on Monday, Norma Foley said that the welfare of the child was uppermost in her thoughts. I have been briefed on this matter by officials, and I have spoken to the Tusla chief executive about it. I have asked Tusla to keep me fully informed of developments in this case. I am appealing to anyone with information about this missing child to provide full co-operation to An Garda Siochana as it carries out its investigation. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) at Swords Garda Station. Gardai have appealed to anyone who has any information in connection with this investigation to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, a garda statement said. Additional reporting by Vivienne Clarke Richard Canny Emotional tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Dublin teenager Cian Neville (15), who spent time on a Co Roscommon farm as part of the RTE programme Raised by the Village. Cian from Ringsend died suddenly on August 23rd and was laid to rest in Glasnevin on Saturday following a Funeral Mass in Saint Patrick's Church, Ringsend. The teen spent a week on the Payne familys farm in Ballybeg, Tulsk and his experiences of rural life featured in the programme, which was broadcast last year. Among the many emotional tributes paid since his untimely death, the Payne family, in a social media message, described their brilliant week with Cian two years ago as one filled with laughter and learning from each other, a week we will never forget. We are deeply saddened to say that today we joined his family and huge circle of friends to say goodbye to Cian, forever 15. It was clear how much he impacted his own community and the joy he brought to so many. We hope that his family find strength in his memories at this heartbreaking time. RIP Cian. During his time in Roscommon, Cian also visited a local dog kennel near Castlerea, Dottie's Dog House, where he helped to walk the dogs. In a social media message, Dorothy Byrne from Dottie's Dog House described him as a true little gentleman. I really enjoyed my time with him in the making of the series. Absolutely gutted for his mam, dad, and siblings. Cian, it was a total pleasure meeting you. Rest in peace, beautiful boy, said the message. Cian is sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, Orla and Ian; adored sisters and brothers Coady, Ava and Joe and Joes girlfriend Kelsey; grandparent Debbie & Ged; Brian and Zane; aunts & uncles, extended family and a very wide circle of friends & amazing neighbours. STAFF members at Saplings Special School for Autism and Complex in Killeshin, who stood in support of their colleague as part of a nationwide strike action by secretaries and caretakers over pension rights, returned to work yesterday (Monday). The 30 students aged from 4 to 18 remained at home on Thursday and Friday last as many of those working at the school did not pass the picket line in support of school secretary Yvonne Abbey. Due to there not being enough staff available the school could not open. They are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements. Engagement between the Forsa union and the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded without any outcome on Wednesday of last week. A staff member at the school, who did not wish to be named, said they had no other choice but to return to work and that discussions between Forsa and school staff would continue. It is understood that Ms Abbey has also returned to work. Last Thursday, Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) speaking to the Carlow Nationalist outlined their colleague Ms Abbey is the heartbeat of the school. Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh explained: Our message is very clear, its time to recognise people who are often invisible but absolutely essential to our school. Our secretary Yvonne has given 18 years of her working life to the school. She knows every child, every parent, past and present. Without her, the school simply doesnt function. Its not just our school; its all schools across Ireland. Both noted: Our school has had to close as the staff are standing in solidarity with her. This shows the depth of support for Yvonne and how fragile the system is without her. They added: We dont want to cause disruption to the children (pupils) and families but sometimes we need to, to highlight just how vital these roles are. They pointed out that if the Department of Education values children and staff it must value the people who care for them, support them and keep schools running. Its about fairness, respect and recognition for work which has been undervalued for far too long. Schools cant run without the assistance of secretaries and caretakers, its time the system reflects that reality. A parent of a child at the school added: Im relieved the school has reopened as my child will now have the routine they need. I received a text this morning (Monday) that the doors were open. It was all very last minute to be honest. GARDA speed vans in Carlow and Kilkenny collected 765,440 in fines over a 30-month period from January 2023 to June 2025, new figures reveal. The Carlow Garda district generated 293,040 in revenue, while Kilkenny collected 362,800. The Thomastown district contributed 109,600 to the total. However, revenue from speed vans in the two counties fell by 13.4% between 2023 and 2024, dropping from 378,320 to 327,520. The local figures were released as part of national data showing that Garda speed vans collected over 32 million across Ireland during the same period. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, who obtained the figures, has called for a "get tough approach" on speeding, particularly on rural roads and at accident black spots. "There are 52 families across the country mourning loved ones because we have failed to tackle speeding in any meaningful way," said Ni Mhurchu, citing her calculation that speeding caused 52 deaths on Irish roads in 2024. The MEP based this figure on a 2020 European Commission report estimating that 30% of fatal crashes result from speeding or inappropriate speed. With 174 road deaths recorded in Ireland in 2024, she calculated that 52 were speed-related. Nationally, Dublin topped the revenue table with 6.2 million collected, followed by Tipperary (3.3 million) and Cork (2.9 million). Revenue from Carlow and Kilkenny was "considerably lower than surrounding counties," according to the press release. The figures also revealed that the speed van system operates at an overall loss, with Gardai paying over 44 million to private speed camera operators between early 2023 and August 2025. Overall revenue from speed vans fell by 15.9% nationally between 2023 and 2024. Ni Mhurchu welcomed additional funding of 9 million announced at the end of 2024 for up to 100 new speed cameras, but called for smarter positioning of current equipment and consideration of re-education courses for repeat offenders. MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizkan America (MA) is pleased to announce a new executive leadership team including several key promotions, effective September 1, 2025. MA is the U.S. operating company of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor To Life for more than 220 years. As one of the leading makers of condiments, sauces and, with their new Inspired Mixology platform, cocktail mixers in the United States (including the best-selling brands of bitters and Bloody Mary mix!), Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty Asian, bar/hospitality and food-ingredient trade channels. These changes to Mizkan America's leadership lineup reflect this leading food company's commitment to driving innovation, operational excellence and pursuing growth strategies that delight consumers and customers alike. The new/expanded appointments include: Koichi Yuki, formerly Chief Executive Officer, MA, has been promoted to the newly created position of Chairman and will continue reporting to Yuko Nakano, President, Mizkan Holdings. In this newly created role, Mr. Yuki will split his responsibilities between Mizkan America and Mizkan Group's global business with a focus on profitable growth and geographic expansion for the global organization. In light of his new role, Mr. Yuki has stepped down from the MA CXO but retains his position on the Mizkan Holdings Board of Directors. Diego Palmieri, formerly President & Chief Operating Officer, MA, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer and reports directly to Koichi Yuki, Chairman, MA. In his new role, Mr. Palmieri will lead the organization into its next phase of growth, with a strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence and improved customer value. Hiroyuki Ogawa, currently Chief Financial Officer, will expand his responsibilities to include oversight of Environmental Health, Safety & Sustainability, Audit and Quality. Mr. Ogawa will report to Mr. Palmieri, ensuring continued financial discipline and alignment with the company's strategic investment priorities. Amy Luke Busker, formerly Vice President, Branded Sales & Commercial Operations, MA, has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, reporting to Mr. Palmieri. Ms. Luke Busker will lead Marketing, R&D, Signature Brand Sales, Commercial Brand Sales, Mizkan Center of Excellence (COE), Customer Service and Mizkan's newest growth platform, Inspired Mixology. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving profitable, top-line growth, expanding market presence and strengthening brand and customer engagement. Patty Ward, formerly Vice President, Information Technology, has been promoted to Chief Talent & Technology Officer, also reporting to Mr. Palmieri. Ms. Ward will oversee key business services including IT, HR and Communications, as well as strategic programs that enable scalable growth across the organization. She also retains her role as Co-Chief Information Officer, Mizkan Group. These leadership changes mark an exciting new chapter for Mizkan as the company continues to build on more than 220 years of excellence and innovation to bring customers "only the finest," wholesome and delicious foods and beverages, always representing excellent value for customers. About Mizkan Based in Mount Prospect, IL (though moving to Schaumburg, IL, later this month), Mizkan America, Inc., is the US operating company of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor To Life for more than 220 years, always guided by the company's Two Principles (Offer customers only the finest products; and Continuously challenge the status quo). As one of the leading makers of condiments, sauces and, with their new Inspired Mixology platform, cocktail mixers in the United States (including the best-selling brands of bitters and Bloody Mary mix!), Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty Asian, bar/hospitality and food-ingredient trade channels. Since their U.S. debut in 1977, Mizkan America has experienced dramatic growth and their portfolio now includes a wide variety of vinegars, Italian and Asian sauces, cooking wines, wine reductions, sushi seasoning, non-alcoholic drink mixers and ready-to-drink cocktails. Mizkan America brands include: RAGU, Bertolli, Holland House, Nakano, Mizkan, Born Simple and Zing Zang. Mizkan America is also the exclusive distributor/sales agent for Angostura bitters in North America. For more information, go to: www.mizkan.com and www.mizkanholdings.com/en/. For media queries, please contact: Deborah Cross, Director, Communications, Mizkan America, Inc., [email protected]. SOURCE Mizkan America, Inc. Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is in Venice this weekend premiering one of his lifelong passion projects, Frankenstein. But as often as we cover Del Toro and his work hes long been an outspoken champion of animation what caught our attention this weekend were the words of one of the films stars, two-time Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz. Waltz drew a mild chuckle and a few claps for his deadpan remark that CGI is for losers when the cast was asked a softball question about the films practical effects. Perhaps it was meant as a joke, but at whose expense? Who, joking or not, was Waltz calling losers? Maybe he meant A-list Hollywood actors who star in and are paid handsomely for CGI-heavy spectacles like Alita: Battle Angel, Spectre, The Legend of Tarzan, The Green Hornet, or The Zero Theorem. Come to think of it, theres one actor whos appeared in all of those films It could have been the directors of CGI-driven fare like Pacific Rim, Hellboy, Pans Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, or Crimson Peak. But that seems unlikely, given that the director of those films was sitting just a few chairs away, and Waltz doesnt strike us as the type to insult his boss so brazenly in public. Fans of CGI? Possible, but unlikely. Few actors openly disparage the very audiences who buy tickets and sustain their careers. That leaves the people who create CGI effects themselves, the artists and technicians. An underpaid, overworked, and too often under-attack workforce whose demanding craft takes years of training and whose contributions are essential to the final quality of films. Its a shame that an actor whos benefited so heavily from their work would dismiss hundreds, sometimes thousands, of colleagues as losers. And in a bitter way, maybe that word fits, since VFX workers are often the losers when it comes to recognition, job security, benefits, and fair wages. Of course, its just as possible Waltz was only angling for cheap heat, a quick, awkward laugh, and a headline-ready soundbite. But jokes land best when they punch up, and this one didnt. Instead, it trivialized the labor of an entire industry already in crisis, an industry that actors themselves rely on to maintain their status and careers. Waltzs comment also echoes the company line being fed to the media regarding Netflixs VFX-heavy Frankenstein: practical effects are noble and appeal to awards voters while digital ones are best left unmentioned, no matter how much they shape the finished film. The CGI should be something everyone sees, but nobody register; a fantasy were asked to believe, much like Shelleys words two centuries ago, now adapted by Del Toro. After Waltzs remark, Del Toro quickly clarified: When you grab resources as a filmmaker, there is no bad resource. There are badly used resources. We have digital effects [in our film], but you only do it at the limit of the physical. It is not an easy solution. The more you have experience with the tools, the more you know how to work with them. A bit of fire-fighting, perhaps, but its easy to take someone with Del Toros resume at their word. In the end, maybe Waltzs line was nothing more than a throwaway gag. But in an industry built on the backs of artists whose work is often deliberately invisible, jokes like CGI is for losers land harder than they should, especially coming from someone whose career has been propped up by the very craft he so casually dismissed. Conferences / 2025 West Coast Cement Conference The 2025 West Coast Cement Conference will be held October 16-17, 2025 at the Hellenic Center in Lancaster, CA. As well as a number of technical presentations and workshop, the event will include a plant visit to UNACEM North America's Tehachapi cement plant. For more information visit: 2025 West Coast Cement Conference Advertisement The Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC) has pledged XAF31.8bn (US$51.9m) to four projects in Cameroon, with a strong focus on boosting cement and construction materials. The agreements were signed 19 August 2025 in Douala by BDEAC President Dieudonne Evou Mekou and company leaders. Entreprise generale industrielle SA (Egin SA) will receive XAF5.8bn to expand cement production and storage capacity at its factory (currently a 0.5Mt grinding plant) in Doualas port industrial zone. The initiative builds on earlier BDEAC financing and is part of a project estimated at XAF19bn in total. Egin SA was established in 2017 and is known for its Lion brand cement. Separately, Quiffeurou Group secured XAF8.95bn to construct a rebar production plant in Douala. Already active in cement through its stake in Medcem Cameroun and with hardware outlets across CEMAC, the group is positioning itself as a key supplier of construction materials. Advertisement Cement dispatches in Vietnam increased by 18 per cent YoY to 6.588Mt in July 2025, according to the Vietnam National Cement Association (VNCA). Of this total, VICEM delivered 1.725Mt, up 17 per cent YoY, while other VNCA members saw a 20 per cent YoY increase to 1.223Mt. Non-members reported a 17 per cent YoY increase to 3.640Mt. Export volumes rose 20 per cent to 3.005Mt, with clinker exports up 29 per cent YoY to 1.002Mt, while cement exports rose 16 per cent YoY to 2.003Mt. VICEM members reported 66,513t of clinker exports and 163,464t of cement, down 26 per cent YoY. Other VNCA members reported no clinker exports and cement exports of 244,848t, up four per cent YoY. Clinker exports by non-members increased 28 per cent YoY to 935,181t, while cement exports increased 25 per cent YoY to 1.595Mt. The USA was the key cement export destination in July, accounting for just over 0.5Mt, followed by the Philippines with around 0.4Mt, Singapore, Guatemala and South Africa. Cote d'Ivoire was the main clinker destination at around 0.4Mt, followed by Bangladesh at just under 0.4Mt, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Chile. January-July 2025 In January-July 2025, cement dispatches in Vietnam rose 19 per cent YoY to 43.790Mt. VICEM saw an 19 per cent YoY rise in domestic sales to 11.853Mt, while other VNCA members reported a 14 per cent YoY increase to 7.592Mt. Domestic dispatches by non-members rose 18 per cent YoY to 24.345Mt. Total exports increased by nine per cent YoY to 19.947Mt in 7M25, with clinker exports up 24 per cent YoY to 7.792Mt and cement exports up one per cent YoY to 12.156Mt. VICEMs clinker exports dropped 73 per cent YoY to 204,445t and cement exports by 46 per cent to 859,890t. Other VNCA members reported clinker exports 247,737t, down one per cent YoY, and cement exports of 1.751Mt, down 13 per cent YoY. Non-members saw a 40 per cent YoY increase in clinker exports to 7.340Mt and a 14 per cent YoY increase in cement exports to 9.545Mt. The USA and the Philippines were the key cement export destinations in 7M25, accounting for over 3Mt each. Followed by Singapore with 1Mt, South Africa, Honduras and Malaysia. Bangladesh was the main clinker destination with around 3.5Mt, followed by Cote dIvoire at just over 1.5Mt, the Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia. Governor J.B. Pritzker, D-IL is quickly becoming the face of Democrat resistance to crime control calling the idea of using the National Guard in Chicago an invasion (CBS 8/29/25). Earlier Pritzker announced, The state (IL) will not sit idly by if President Trump makes good on his intent to deploy the National Guard in Chicago (FOX 8/28/25). He says, Action will be met with a response. His threats remind me of another Democrat, Governor John Letcher of Virginia in 1861 when he refused to provide units of the Virginia militia at the request of President Abraham Lincolns Secretary of War. Letcher said, The Militia of Virginia will not be furnished to Washington (the federal government) for any such use or purpose as they have in view, an object, in my view not within the purview of the Constitution. He later mobilized that militia against federal troops at Manassas, Va. Pritzker and Governor Wes Moore, D-MD dont want you to know New Mexicos Democrat Governor mobilized the Guard in April and has cut homicides by 24 percent in Albuquerque. The Guard has helped police with non-law enforcement duties such as securing crime scenes, drones, traffic control and booking suspects (Axios 8/30/25). All things having to do with municipal policing which Moore says the Guard cant do (Politico 8/31/25). Even Governor Hochul, D-NY deployed up to 1,000 guardsmen in NYC from March through December, 2024 (NYTimes 8/11/25) to make secure the subways. Pritzker said on Sunday, the National Guard dont belong on the streets of an American city unless there is truly an insurrection (Face the Nation 8/31/25), yet he activated the IL Guard during the 2024 Democrat Convention (NGAUS 7/16/24) as did Tim Walz, another Democrat at the RNC in Minneapolis. Now they defy Trumps efforts even though 68 percent of their own party say crime is a major problem in U.S. cities (AP 8/25/25). Do these Democrats offer any alternative to Trumps efforts other than mobilizing the Guard themselves to combat violent crime? Americans dont want their bravado, empty rhetoric and hypocrisy. So is billionaire Pritzker seeing himself as leading a confederacy of obstruction becoming a new Jeff Davis? If he does, his side will be more like the Confederacy envisioned by John Kennedy Toole than the one of 1861. Ralph Miller Form Minds, Guard Souls: Human Centered AI by Alejandro Dabdoub and Dr. Fernando De la Pena Llaca HOUSTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant possibility; it is already reshaping education, healthcare, leadership, and even how humanity defines truth. In their groundbreaking new book, Form Minds, Guard Souls: Human Centered AI, entrepreneur Alejandro Dabdoub and NASA award winning innovator Dr. Fernando De la Pena Llaca call for a bold, values driven response to the rise of AI. The book's message is urgent yet hopeful: technology must serve people, not replace them. Dabdoub and De la Pena present a vision where AI is guided by ethics, discernment, and timeless truths that protect human dignity and legacy. "AI may calculate faster than humans, but it cannot discern right from wrong, nor can it carry the weight of transcendence or love," says co-author Alejandro Dabdoub. "This book is an invitation to leaders, families, and communities to ensure that AI serves humanity in alignment with our deepest values." Inside the Book, Readers Will Discover: Why discernment not speed is the defining virtue of the AI age . . How AI can be harnessed in education, healthcare, leadership, and storytelling without losing sight of transcendence and legacy. without losing sight of transcendence and legacy. Frameworks to ensure technology remains a servant of truth, justice, and communion . . A call to courage for leaders of faith and society to shape the future, rather than be shaped by it. Co-author Dr. Fernando De la Pena, a global futurist and defense contractor who pioneered the first holographic teleportation to the International Space Station, adds: "We stand at a turning point. The choices we make today will determine whether AI becomes a force for human flourishing or for fragmentation." About the Authors Alejandro Dabdoub is an entrepreneur, investor, and ethicist who has built communities across the United States while championing values based leadership. He writes and speaks on the moral challenges of artificial intelligence, guiding leaders to integrate discernment, integrity, and legacy into their decisions. Dr. Fernando De la Pena is President and CEO of Aexa Aerospace, a NASA award winning innovator, futurist, and defense contractor recognized for breakthroughs in AI, space, and immersive technologies. Availability Form Minds, Guard Souls: Human Centered AI is available on Amazon SOURCE Alejandro Dabdoub Dr. Phil Cook Kevin McGlamery JC Worley Dr. David Cooper Previous Next Lee Universitys fall Convocation will begin on Sunday and conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 10. This dedicated time at the beginning of the semester will allow the university to come together in community and prayerfully enter the semester ahead. Convocation marks a sacred beginning to each semester at Lee. It is a time to ask the Holy Spirit to awaken our hearts to what He desires to do among us, said Wes Lutes, campus pastor. This years theme is Awakening, driven by the statement of our president, Dr. Cook, at a recent chapel when he said, God is still speaking. He is still calling, still healing, still guiding. Each service will welcome a different speaker, beginning with Lee President Phil Cook and concluding with JC Worley, lead pastor of GO Church, who serves at the South Metro campus in Sharpsburg, Ga. Dr. Cook, in his inaugural semester as president, will open Convocation on Sunday. He returns to Lee after serving as president and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals since 2001. Prior to that, he held several senior roles at Lee, including vice president for Enrollment. An ordained bishop in the Church of God, Dr. Cook holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a Master of Divinity from the Church of God School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in business from Lee. On Monday, Lee alum Kevin McGlamery will continue the sermon series. He currently serves as the lead pastor at the North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, and is a guest speaker in special services, revivals, and conferences. In addition, Pastor McGlamery is a member of the Executive Council for the Church of God. Prior to North Cleveland, he served at Life Church in Huntsville, Al., Lake Erie Church of God, and the Dalton Church of God. He received his Master of Arts (MA) in youth and family ministry from Lee. Dr. David Cooper, also a Lee alum, will bring the message for Tuesday. Pastor of Mount Paran Church in Atlanta, Dr. Cooper is a pastoral counselor, author, and musician. He seeks to inspire people to experience God more fully through reading and music. After completing his bachelors degree in psychology at Lee, he went on to earn a doctorate from Erskine Theological Seminary. Convocation will end on Wednesday evening with Pastor Worley. Pastor Worley graduated from Lee with a BS in pastoral studies and is currently pursuing an MA in ministry at Richmont Graduate University while serving at Go Church. He is an ordained bishop in the Church of God. Evening services will take place at 7:30 in the Conn Center. Each service will begin with worship and praise led by LeeU Worship. Following the Sunday evening service, there will be a student mixer to foster fellowship and continued discussion, sponsored by the Student Connections & Engagement Office. Lee encourages all students and guests to attend and participate in this semesters Convocation. For those wishing to view online, services will be available via livestream at leeu.live and on Facebook. A livestream viewing will also be available in the Dixon Center on Monday and Tuesday evenings. For more information about Convocation or other chapel events, contact the Campus Ministries office at (423) 614-8420 or email campusministries@leeuniversity.edu. Chris Ostrander is Nokian Tyres new senior vice president of North America and a member of Nokian Tyres global management team, made effective Monday.Mr. Ostrander joins Nokian Tyres North American team after serving as a member of the companys board of directors since 2021. He brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the tire, automotive, heavy duty and aftermarket industries, with both public and private equity companies.Mr. Ostrander replaces Lauri Halme in the role, who now serves as senior vice president of the companys Vianor business unit and remains a member of Nokian Tyres global management team.Chris has deep knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing Nokian Tyres, because he has helped guide the company as a member of our board of directors, said Nokian Tyres President and CEO Paolo Pompei.We are eager for him to use his expertise and energy to help our North American operations continue to grow. We also thank Lauri for his excellent leadership, which will continue in this new capacity.Officials said, "Nokian Tyres new North American leader has extensive executive experience in the tire industry. In addition to his service on Nokian Tyres board, Mr. Ostrander was president, Americas at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company from 2011 to 2015. He has also led and advised several other companies in the automotive and aftermarket segments."The tire industry is a family, and I look forward to diving back into it to deepen the relationships Nokian Tyres has developed over the years, while fostering new ones as we focus our growth efforts on this critical market, said Mr. Ostrander. Ive thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of Nokian Tyres board, and given my previous tire industry experience, I am excited to lead the vital North American market where my leadership can have a more direct impact on the results of Nokian Tyres.Mr. Ostrander is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a mechanical engineering degree and afterward served as a captain in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has a master of business administration from The University of Michigan and a masters degree in engineering management from Missouri Science & Technology.Officials said, "Nokian Tyres continues to grow its presence in North America. The inventor of the winter and all-weather passenger tires, the company operates an award-winning factory in Dayton, Tennessee that serves the U.S. and Canadian markets. Brand Finance named Nokian Tyres the fastest-growing tire brand in the world in its May 2025 report." UTC officials said they "continue to remind students, faculty and staff of the importance of emergency preparedness, highlighting safety training and the UTC-ALERT notification system following the Aug. 21 hoax incident on campus.Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Brent Goldberg commended the UTC Department of Public Safety and its law enforcement partners for their rapid response to the incident.The response you witnessed was a collaborative effort by law enforcement and other first responders, Mr.Goldberg said. We should all take great pride in the swift and professional actions of the UTC Police Department, working in close collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners. I commend the dedication and bravery of all law enforcement and Public Safety personnel who acted quickly and decisively - willing to put themselves in harms way to protect our community.Mr. Goldberg said UTC has conducted debriefing sessions to review the incident and identify opportunities for improvement. He also reminded the campus community of the importance of UTC-ALERT, the Universitys emergency notification system. All students are automatically enrolled, and parents and families can be added.UTC Public Information Officer Brett Fuchs added that emergency messages should always be taken seriously.Emergency alerts, especially those sent via our text alert system, are only issued when necessary, Mr. Fuchs said.UTC offers year-round safety training, distributes emergency response guides to faculty and staff, and has adopted the nationally recognized Run. Hide. Fight. protocol, recommended by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. The Universitys quick reference materials outline steps to take in situations including fire, severe weather and armed intruder events.Every day, we are committed to improving our efforts to ensure the safety of our campus community, Mr. Goldberg said. This commitment allows us to maintain a safe and welcoming environment, one that supports learning, research and the well-being of our students, employees and guests.More information about emergency preparedness is available on the UTC Office of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment webpage La Paz Chattanooga expands its team with two new hires to strengthen education, engagement, and client services for the citys Latino community.La Paz Chattanooga has expanded its team with the addition of two new staff members. "The hires reflect La Pazs continued commitment to strengthening services in education, engagement and client support for the citys Latino community," officials said.Brenda Zaragoza has joined the organization as education and outreach coordinator."Born in Illinois and raised in Chattanooga, Brenda is a proud first-generation Mexican American passionate about creating inclusive, community-driven spaces," officials said. She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where her academic and advocacy work focused on issues of social equity and justice. Ms. Zaragoza brings a strong background in bilingual support, community outreach and culturally responsive programming to her role at La Paz.Melissa Perez joins as associate case manager. Originally from San Jose, Costa Rica, Ms. Perez moved to Chattanooga in 2019 and recently graduated from Berry College with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in Spanish. "In her role, she is passionate about building meaningful connections with clients and using her skills to uplift Chattanoogas Latino community through service and advocacy," officials said.As our community continues to grow, so does the need for dedicated, skilled professionals who understand and care deeply about the people we serve, said Stacy Johnson, CEO of La Paz Chattanooga. Brenda and Melissa bring fresh energy and expertise to our team, and we are excited for the impact they will make across our organization. A research collaboration between the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley Authority recently earned international recognition from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the worlds largest technical professional organization for advancing technology.The UTC-TVA research teams paper, Offsite Power Grid Strength Determination for Nuclear Power Plants: Improved Calculations and Practical Implementationco-authored by Dr. Abdel Karrar, professor of electrical engineering and associate dean of the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science; UTC undergraduate students Andrew Adams and Julio Gonzalez; and Mark Bowman, senior program manager of Power System Analysis at TVAwas selected as one of four Prize Conference Papers at the 2025 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (PES GM) in Austin, Texas.Out of more than 1,600 papers submitted to the IEEE PES GM, considered the largest global forum for power engineers, only about 5% were chosen as Best Papers.From that elite group, four were selected as Prize Papersone from each of the conferences major technical tracks.For Karrar and Bowman, the recognition in Austin marked a rare professional milestone: their second co-authored IEEE PES GM Prize Paper. Their first shared honor came at the 2016 conference in Boston.Its one thing to have your work accepted to the IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting, but to be chosen as one of four prize papers in the world is an entirely different level, Karrar said. This premier conference brings together practicing power engineers and academics from all over the world who teach and research power systems, and we went in and came out on top. We were ecstatic.The research addressed a significant challenge in the nuclear power industry: how to measure the strength of the electrical gridtechnically known as grid impedancewhen real-time visibility is lost due to severe weather or emergency conditions.Losing visibility of the grid is very concerning to a nuclear plant, Bowman said. Having a strong grid supply is so important to reactor safety that the nuclear plant must shut down until grid strength can be determined.As Karrar and Bowman explained, under normal operations, grid operators use supervisory control and data acquisition systems to provide nuclear power plants with continuous updates on grid health. If those systems fail or communications go down, power plant operators must still determine whether the grid is strong enough to safely supply offsite power during emergency shutdown or cooling events.The research was conducted using the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Sciences Smart Grid Lab and its real-time digital simulator, which mimics the behavior of an actual nuclear power plant auxiliary power system under a variety of grid conditions. The team developed a method for estimating grid strength based on localized measurements taken at the power plant itself. Jessica Sedgwick, left, and Olivia Anderson photo by John Shearer Ochs exhibit photo by John Shearer Ochs exhibit photo by John Shearer Ochs exhibit photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Ochs markers at Mizpah Cemetery photo by John Shearer Milton Ochs marker at Forest Hills Cemetery photo by John Shearer Milton Ochs marker at Forest Hills Cemetery photo by John Shearer Previous Next Many longtime Chattanoogans are likely aware that the late Adolph Ochs had published the Chattanooga Times and later the New York Times while continuing a benevolent interest in the Scenic City. And a few others might also be vaguely familiar that he had some now-deceased brothers who also contributed positively to the life of Chattanooga. But that might be about all. Well, the publishers two younger brothers George Washington Ochs-Oakes and Milton Ochs are finally getting some front page-like attention with a new exhibit at the Chattanooga Public Library. Called The Other Ochs Brothers George, Milton, and the Dynamo of Dixie the exhibit opened next to the third-floor Local History and Genealogy Department in late July and runs through Sept. 6. While these two also-accomplished brothers might have received even more attention individually had they not had such a nationally famous brother, the exhibit brings out in detail their also-worthy accomplishments and civic contributions. According to department archivist Olivia Anderson, the idea for the exhibit resulted from both her arrival on the staff last September and the arrival of an Ochs family donation. I happened to come to the library at the same time we received an incredible donation, she told attendees during an early August reception spotlighting the exhibit. The grandson of George Washington Ochs-Oakes, a man named John Oakes, lives up in Long Island (New York) and has visited Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Public Library a couple of times in his life. He started to discover all these materials related to his grandfather, and he reached out and said, I feel like the Chattanooga Public Library is the place for these things to live, and we were so excited to have that. The library also had received 50-plus years ago items related to youngest brother Milton from his wife and children, but they had mostly been in storage. However, Ms. Anderson thought the time might be perfect to pull those out as well for a combined exhibit highlighting the two brothers. Im really excited they are finally seeing the light of day here in this exhibit, she said, adding that the entire exhibit features materials only from the librarys collection. With archival items in glass cases and hanging posters of written information, the exhibit offers materials from Georges time as mayor of Chattanooga in the 1890s, a scrapbook of his time in Paris overseeing a New York Times publishing exhibit at the Paris Exposition in 1900, and a letter from the president of France after George was named a chevalier (knight) of the Order of the Legion of Honor. While in France, he had also met King Leopold of Belgium, who wanted to know more about the New York Times. The Milton items displayed include some of his prolific diaries he wrote, as well as mementoes of his involvement helping oversee the Selective Service board locally during World War II, and his involvement in the Chattanooga Half Century Club for those who had lived here for 50 years. A small part of the exhibit also highlights the life of Adolph Ochs, including a copy of a typed letter he wrote to a friend. Also included are a scrapbook belonging to Milton regarding the construction of the Ochs Temple in memory of their parents, and information about the development of the Ochs Highway. Many people might not realize that the highway was named in honor of both Adolph and Milton Ochs, not just Adolph. George Washington Ochs-Oakes had been born on Oct. 27, 1861, and had followed brother Adolph into newspaper work in Knoxville and Chattanooga before graduating from the University of Tennessee. He was elected as Chattanoogas first Jewish mayor in 1893 and managed the Chattanooga Times after Adolph moved to New York. He later headed a Times-owned Philadelphia paper before becoming a Times company official and editor of Current History magazine prior to his death of heart-related issues in October 1931 at the age of 70. He had added Oakes to his German-sounding name as a show of patriotism after the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania in actions that led up to Americas involvement in World War I. Milton Barlow Ochs lived the longest of the three brothers. Born in 1864, he had also come up in newspaper work. But he had an independent and adventurous spirit as well and worked for a Colorado railway for a year in the early 1890s before marrying Fannie Van Dyke of Chattanooga. He was also involved with a Nashville paper prior to joining his brother, George, in operating the Philadelphia Public Ledger. He returned to Chattanooga for good in the early 1920s as managing editor of the Chattanooga Times and as a Times Publishing Co. official. He had also been involved in the National Guard during World War I and was active in leadership with the Dixie Highway Association. He also had some excitement in his life along with his accomplishments, as his obituary said he once saved a jail prisoner from being lynched and unsuccessfully attempted to rescue two firemen inside a burning department store. Milton did not die until 1955 at age 91 and is buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in a prominent hilltop location of Section 3. His grave is very close to such other well-known Chattanoogans as former Gov. J.B. Frazier; his congressman son, J.B Frazier Jr.; and members of the Patten family. The three well-known Ochs brothers had four siblings: Louis, the oldest, who died as a toddler; Nannie Ochs, who died in 1947; Ada Rachel Ochs Adler, who died in 1956; and Mattie Bertha Ochs Talimer, who died in 1963. The only other family members buried in Chattanooga are the siblings parents, Julius and Bertha, who died in 1888 in Chattanooga and 1908 in New York City, respectively, and Adolphs siblings, Louis and Ada. These four are all buried at the Mizpah Cemetery off Fifth Street between the UTC campus and the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. That cemetery sits uniquely contiguous to the Chattanooga Confederate Cemetery and the old Citizens Cemetery. Adolph was born in 1858 and had died on April 8, 1935, while visiting Chattanooga and becoming ill at a Fountain Square restaurant, The Coffee Shoppe, at 614 Georgia Ave. He had come to visit relatives and check on the operations at the Chattanooga Times and had been dining with his nurse and brother Milton. Ms. Anderson said she ended up learning personalities as well as facts about the two lesser-known brothers. Regarding George, she said, I could really feel his charming and honest and authentic nature that people spoke about over and over again. And naturally I wanted to learn about Milton, she continued. Fortunately, he did a lot of his own personal documentation in the form of these journals and scrapbooks that he compiled over the course of his life. Ms. Anderson also felt a kinship with the family through her own life as well as just her detailed research. She grew up on Lookout Mountain going up and down Ochs Highway as one of five children of Judy and the recently deceased Dr. Mark Anderon and attending Notre Dame High School. As a result, she said she certainly related to a family of multiple siblings. Having a lot of siblings creates a lot of interesting family dynamics, she said. I especially related to this family because all of my siblings are incredible people. They are all so talented, so intelligent, and so fun and wonderful, and I really connected with this same sense of love and affection I felt that this family and these brothers had for one another. Jessica Sedgwick, the head of the Local History and Genealogy Department, said the exhibit is also a good way to display the gifts of Ms. Anderson, who put together the display with the additional help of the entire staff, including Jennifer Rydell and Meagan Grim. This is one of her first big projects, and she is a natural storyteller, said Ms. Sedgwick. She has a natural curiosity and excitement. And I know she was finding so much exciting stuff, and it gives her the opportunity to share that with the public. * * * After I had written a preliminary version of this story, I had assumed the Mizpah Cemetery was the Jewish cemetery off Lullwater Road below U.S. 27/Corridor J in Red Bank. So, last Friday, I went by there after easily finding Milton Ochs at Forest Hills Cemetery in St. Elmo. But, after not seeing any Ochs names on tombstones in Red Bank, I looked online and realized this was the Bnai Zion Cemetery, and the Mizpah Cemetery was down by UTC. As a result, on Saturday morning, after a breakfast at Niedlovs on Main Street, I went by the Mizpah Cemetery. After trying to get into the fenced cemetery via the Citizens Cemetery and the Confederate Cemetery, I soon realized an open gate was on the other side. I went up and quickly found the graves of Adolphs parents next to a handsome and tall obelisk marker, as well as that of Miltons and Georges older brother, Louis, who lived from 1857-1859. The latters gravestone was off in a corner of the plot and was almost covered. I also saw markers to two of Adolphs and Effies daughters. One unnamed daughter died in 1886 shortly after or during birth, while Helen Theresa Ochs lived for almost two months in 1888. One can only imagine the heartache they felt. But they would have one more daughter, Iphigene, who was born in 1892 four years before her father bought the New York Times. She would go on to marry Arthur Hays Sulzberger and continue and pass down the family ownership of the New York Times for generations. And she would live more than 97 years and have four children, one of whom was Chattanooga Times publisher Ruth Holmberg. I remember reading about Iphigenes death in 1990 while I worked at the Chattanooga News-Free Press and being amazed and surprised that Adolph Ochs still had a child alive until then. After seeing all these graves, I went home and then realized I had not found the grave of Ada Ochs Adler, another sibling of Milton, Adolph and George. So, while back near downtown early Sunday evening, I went by the cemetery again, with a beaver coming up and down out of a grate by the street my only company. I started looking for an Adler grave and found one belonging to someone else. But then, I suddenly realized a large Ochs Adler mausoleum was right across a walkway from the other Ochs markers. I peeked in the window of the door inside the mausoleum that had a nice stained-glass window on the other side, and sure enough, I found two inscribed gravestones within the crypt. After putting my phone up to the window and snapping away from an angle and enlarging the photo, I realized the graves belong to her husband, Harry C. Adler, who died in 1940, and Ada. After finding where she was resting in peace, I could finally rest my mind knowing I had solved the puzzle after starting out two days earlier on Lullwater Road. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) between May 7, 2025 and July 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 30, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So What: If you purchased Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=14243 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 30, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Novo Nordisk's growth potential. Notably, Novo Nordisk's asserted potential to capitalize on the compounded market greatly understated the potential impact of the personalization exception to the compounded GLP-1 exclusion and overstated the likelihood that such patients would switch to Novo Nordisk's branded alternatives. Further, defendants greatly overstated the potential GLP-1 market or otherwise, Novo's capability to penetrate said markets to achieve continued growth. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Tennessee missionary Josh Sullivan and his family. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Tom Hatley US Pastor and missionary Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped by armed men from his church in South Africa in April and held hostage for six days, made a brief return to ministry in the country last month. Sullivan, who was rescued by South African Police and miraculously unharmed after a shootout that resulted in three deaths, shared in a ministry update that he and his family returned to South Africa as part of a pre-planned mission retreat in Thailand. Our family has spent the last two months traveling. Before the kidnapping in April, we had planned a family trip to Thailand to attend a missions retreat. We decided not to let that trip go to waste. So at the beginning of July, we headed back to South Africa for a couple of weeks, and then on to Thailand, he revealed. He added, Our trip to South Africa was very healing. We spent time encouraging our people and being encouraged by their faithfulness. While we were there, our church was able to host its first funeral. This is obviously not a happy circumstance, but we rejoiced in the opportunity to share the Gospel with this lost family, Sullivan added. In an interview with WBIR Channel 10 in May, Sullivan recounted how he was kidnapped by four armed men just as he was teaching about the fruits of the Spirit on April 10 at his Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near Gqeberha. He explained that his kidnappers demanded an undisclosed ransom and held him captive with a hood over his head until he was rescued on April 15 by South African Police. Sullivan told WATE that, despite feeling a call to jump back right in to ministry, he and his wife decided to follow really good counselling to take things slowly, given the emotional trauma he experienced, to determine if a long-term return to ministry in South Africa is feasible. Were praying about that. As far as it is for me and my family, all systems are go. We have felt great on this six-week trip. When we feel ready, probably toward the end of December, we will come back to South Africa, he said. He also shared that he is still in the process of recovering from trauma, noting that: Every time you hear a loud noise, you kind of have an instant reaction to that. I think thats just natural for anyone with any kind of trauma theyve experienced. The Liberty University in Lynchburg,Virginia. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Liberty University The research platform Niche annually reviews academic institutions and has ranked Liberty University as the top institution on its 2026 Most Conservative Colleges in America list. This ranking considers the political views of students and the overall political atmosphere on campus. Liberty University, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts over 52,000 undergraduate students and features a 99% acceptance rate and a 63% graduation rate, according to the data provided by Niche. It pledges to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world. The university emphasizes training students to use their God-given gifts to effect positive change, apart from merely earning degrees. Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, is ranked second, with the college hosting more than 2,200 undergraduates and maintaining a 73% acceptance rate with an 80% graduation rate. The institution promises to equip students to pursue their unique callings through a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and affordable learning and living experience. Following closely is Brigham Young University-Idaho located in Rexburg, Idaho, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon religion). With a 97% acceptance rate and a 55% graduation rate according to Niche, it serves a student body of 22,409 undergraduates. Colorado Christian University holds the fourth position on Niches conservative colleges list. Students there are required to sign a lifestyle covenant committing to living according to biblical principles and assisting peers in need. Niche describes it as a small institution with over 6,700 undergraduate students, of which nearly 2,000 are full-time and 4,841 are part-time students. Other institutions on Niches list include Bob Jones University in South Carolina, Cedarville University in Ohio, and Pensacola Christian College in Florida, which rank fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Home News Bishop Henry Fernandez defends firing successor, Joel Tudman, 5 months after installation Bishop Henry Fernandez, founder of the more than 10,000-member The Faith Center Ministries in Sunrise, Florida, has defended the recent firing of the churchs senior pastor, Joel Tudman, for undisclosed reasons, which has sparked significant debate online. In a statement to his congregation during the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Fernandez, who led the church for more than 30 years before handing over the reins to Tudman just five months ago, asked them to trust him. The statement came a day after he sent a letter to members informing them that Tudman was no longer the senior pastor of the church. In the letter I sent, it was to advise you that Pastor Joel Tudman is no longer the senior pastor of this church. Im gonna ask you to please pray for him and his family. Thats what we Christians are supposed to do, Fernandez said while explaining that he would not share specifics about the reasons for Tudmans firing. Im sorry if you need more detail and explanation. And as your pastor, I am going to make sure that this ministry focuses not on any man but on the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although he did not share many details on why Tudman was fired, Fernandez suggested the firing might be connected to leadership issues when he made it clear that the church is not led by one person, and the pastor is accountable to a board of elders. This church is not run by one man. I want that to be absolutely clear. There is an executive board that I am accountable to. Even though I am the founder of the church, I have submitted my life under their authority. And Im going to ask all of you to trust my leadership, Fernandez said as he warned parishioners not to speculate about the decision to remove Tudman. While youre not given reasons, Im asking you [to] be careful of your assumptions. Just be careful of your assumptions. I would encourage all of us, those of us who are members of the Kingdom, We are Kingdom citizens. We are expected to conduct ourselves accordingly. While you may have your feelings and your opinions, please dont ever forget that, he added. Asked if the church had any plans to replace Tudman with a different successor soon, a representative at The Faith Center Ministries told The Christian Post that the church would not be making any additional comment on Tudman's dismissal. Tudmans firing from the church comes after what appeared to be a long vetting process. In the summer of 2024, Fernandez announced that Tudman would join the Faith Center as assistant senior pastor. He stated that he was sure, without a doubt in his mind, that he had made the right decision, and it was a transition he was hoping to make 10 years earlier. In March, Tudman was officially installed as the new senior pastor of The Faith Center Ministries with his wife, LaTasha, in a service attended by several Christian celebrities, including the founder of The Potters House, Bishop T.D. Jakes. Tudman had worked as an assistant pastor at The Potters House prior to joining The Faith Center Ministries. He also completed the Doctor of Ministry program at Jakes' Divinity School in 2023. His abrupt firing has stirred a heated debate among Christians and church leaders on social media. Im quite sure that there are many of us who went through what Pastor Joel Tudman recently experienced. It happened to me back in the '90s in Cincinnati. I was asked to take a church, a nice-sized church. After months of labor, the offerings significantly increased along with the membership, Stephen L. White, founder of Higher Dimension Ministries in San Diego, California, wrote in a statement on Facebook. The pastor was still there at the church and saw the growth, energy and excitement that was in the church and nearly a year later, while Bishop Wilson & I was [sic] at AZUSA the pastor emeritus called and said that I would not be needed anymore, he added. When I came back to Cincinnati nearly all of the members that had started coming to the church because of me left the ministry as well. THEY went and found a hotel conference room, paid for it and asked me to come and start a new church. Thats how High Praise Evangelistic Center was birthed. It is my prayer that Pastor Tudman gather the people that love and follow him and go start his own work! In another post, Elder Brenda Bradley, who said she saw Tudman preach for the first time during a conference earlier this year, called the decision to fire Tudman disturbing. I dont know whats going on with the Bishop Hernandez [sic] firing of Dr. Joel Tudman. Its just always sad and disturbing when one Pastor uproots his family from one place and move [sic] them to a place theyve been invited to serve. Only to be fired six months later when apparently the church was growing, the energy was high, and this seemingly came out of nowhere, she wrote. Harvard Divinity School graduate student, Kenneth H. Moales, also questioned the decision to fire Tudman in a statement on Facebook. He argued that Tubmans firing could make it harder for churches to find leaders. This situation has broader implications for church transitions, especially in large black congregations. It will influence how boards recruit pastors, how pastors negotiate the terms of leadership, and how congregations endure seasons of transition, he said. If this is the model of progressive transition, then it sets a concerning precedent that could make it harder for churches to find leaders willing to step into these roles. As the debate continues to rage on social media, Tudman, in a statement posted to his Instagram account on Tuesday morning, called for a truce, while insisting he will not be leaving South Florida until he hears from God. Im aware of the conversations, the speculation, the debates, thats going across all the social platforms and the blogging community. Im humbled by the love and concern that youve shown me and Im equally grieved that the discussions have stirred division in the Body of Christ, he said. The world is watching, and when our church is divided, the witness of Christ is weakened. I want to make a simple but urgent appeal. Stop taking sides. Lets quiet the noise. Resist the urge to battle one another in the comments and return back to the heart of Christ with love, unity, and prayer, he said. My wife and I, were managing. My family, were managing. Now, were here in South Florida. And were not going anywhere. Not unless the Lord says leave. As for now, Im on my knees and Im on my knees praying to God daily, and its His strength that is sustaining us. Tudman stated that he intends to remain faithful to his assignment from God, and will be teaching online starting Sept. 9 at Joel Tudman Official. Home News Grace Community Church sued by ex-employees, fined for asbestos exposure incident Grace Community Church has been accused of wrongfully firing three maintenance employees who complained about being exposed to asbestos while working at a church-owned property. The Southern California congregation was fined over $1,100 by the state for workplace safety violations. Mauricio Calderon, Jose "Tony" Lara and Chad Pritchett submitted a complaint on Friday with a California Superior Court in Los Angeles County. A copy of the lawsuit was provided to The Christian Post by a source who was familiar with the situation and the plaintiffs. According to the complaint, GCC, led by the late author and Pastor John MacArthur, had purchased a 1.8-acre property in Arleta, California, with the intention of converting the space into an elementary school. Calderon, Lara and Pritchett worked at the space. In January, the plaintiffs say they discovered flooring at the property that appeared to contain asbestos. According to the lawsuit, when they brought this to the attention of their superior, he assured them that testing had been performed and the flooring was free of asbestos. The next day, their supervisor said he had lied; he had never had the place tested for asbestos, the lawsuit reads. They also had brought their concerns to other church leaders. The plaintiffs and others proceeded to work on the property without any protective equipment that would be used if asbestos were present, until a subcontractor alerted them to the presence of asbestos in the flooring. "In the days that followed, GCC never provided Plaintiffs with results of asbestos testing. GCC took no action to remediate the site," alleges the complaint. "GCC did not close down the site. Instead, the site remained open." On Feb. 13, Calderon received results from a sample he himself had sent to a lab, which confirmed that there was asbestos at the building site, the filing states. "And Plaintiffs had been bringing invisible, hazardous, potentially deadly chrysotile fibers asbestos from this future school site straight home to their families," the lawsuit adds. When the three employees refused to work on the home until the asbestos was abated, the lawsuit says the church accused them of "spreading falsehoods about asbestos and stirring up drama." "GCC gave them two weeks to voluntarily resign, threatening their reputations within the Church and the impact that would have on their kids," the complaint reads. "Plaintiffs did not resign, and so after two weeks, GCC fired Plaintiffs in retaliation for bringing to light its concealment of the dangerous asbestos GCC had exposed them to." Appeals to various pastors and elders in the church failed to reverse the dismissal. The complaint accuses GCC of whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and requests a trial by jury to address their grievances. The property became the subject of an inspection from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) after a confidential complaint was filed. A spokesperson for Cal/OSHA informed CP on Tuesday that the case was closed on Aug. 15, saying there was "one general violation with a civil penalty of $1,125 issued to this employer for a Title 8, Section 1529 Asbestos violation." The Christian Post has reached out to Grace Community Church regarding this lawsuit. A representative replied on Friday that the church has "no comment" on the lawsuit and is likely unaware of the complaint. In a statement emailed to CP, Lara said he was upset with the alleged "refusal to take responsibility" on the part of GCC, "even after they kept me there working in a dangerous environment after they were warned." "This church is supposed to be the light of the world, and for them to trample on us, our wives, our children, is just a horrible witness," stated Lara. Pritchett said that "to be treated like this was absolutely awful" and even "way worse than the secular world," as "every contractor out there knows how bad asbestos is." "They wanted to rush this job to put a bunch of little kids in there for school, and if we hadn't spoken up, if OSHA hadn't shut the place down, I bet they'd be in there right now, breathing in God only knows what," Pritchett said. Calderon said in his statement that he had moved his family to Los Angeles to be involved at GCC, not only working for the church but also hosting Bible study classes. "And then when this sinful behavior toward us happened, no one wanted to do anything," he claimed. "I brought it to elders privately, some of them were sympathetic, but at the end of the day, none of them stepped up to do the right thing; they just went along with all of it." Home News Interim president of financially embattled Episcopal Church-affiliated university resigns The interim president of an Episcopal Church-affiliated historically black university in North Carolina, which is struggling to maintain its accreditation, has resigned from office for personal reasons. Marcus Burgess, interim president of Saint Augustines University of Raleigh, submitted his letter of resignation in July, but the university did not make the move public until Sunday. Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Verjanis A. Peoples, has taken over all administrative responsibilities, the university announced, according to WRAL News. Save SAU Coalition Chairman Benjamin Johnson, whose organization seeks to save the university from its accreditation woes, expressed concern over the resignation. In order to continue to have accreditation, you do have to have an interim and acting president, Johnson told WRAL. And right now, with his resigning, we don't have an interim president. How do you run a university like this, where you have an interim president for 18 months, and that person leaves? Now you have to go back and restructure that part of it, and we dont know what the leadership is and what the vision is in that. In December 2023, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted to remove SAU from membership amid concerns about the institution's financial stability, with an appeals committee upholding the decision in February 2024. To cut costs, SAU, which reportedly has over 900 students, moved most classes online and cut roughly half of its staff. The university also reduced its expenses by $17 million in 2024 compared to 2023. The U.S. Department of Labor acknowledged in May 2024 that it was investigating SAU over allegations that university staff did not receive paychecks for multiple pay periods. In July 2024, an arbitration committee appointed by SACSCOC unanimously voted to support reversing the accreditation removal, though it maintained that SAU would remain on probation. However, concerns about the university's finances persisted, with SACSCOC voting last December at its annual meeting in Austin, Texas, to remove SAU from membership. SAU appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected in March. A 90-day arbitration process began in which the university remained operational, and graduating students received degrees from an accredited institution. SAU announced in July that it was taking legal action to regain its accreditation after an arbitration panel affirmed the SACSCOC decision to remove the college from membership. "We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our students," said Brian Boulware, then chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. SAU announced last month that, because of a preliminary injunction granted by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, it will remain an accredited institution as fall semester classes begin. As part of the preliminary injunction granted in August, SAU will remain accredited as the litigation against SACSCOC over the accreditation removal decision continues. Home News Nearly $4M raised for victims of Minnesota Catholic school shooting Nearly a week after the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, nearly $4 million has been raised for the families of the victims. Following last week's mass shooting at the hands of a trans-identified gunman that left two students dead and 18 more between the ages of 6 and 15 injured, several fundraisers have been launched on the online crowdfunding platform GoFundMe to raise money for the victims and their families. The fundraisers have raised a combined total of nearly $3.9 million as of Tuesday afternoon. A fundraiser spearheaded by the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota, titled "The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund," has raised nearly $725,000 to "provide financial support to the Church of the Annunciation for the needs of the church and school and to provide support to those affected by the tragedy." Another campaign created to support "families who need assistance with medical bills, burial and funeral costs" has secured over $500,000 in funding, far exceeding its $10,000 goal. The Catholic United Financial Credit Union has raised over $170,000 for the victims of the mass shooting. Most of the fundraisers established in the wake of the tragedy were spearheaded to cover the medical costs of a specific victim. Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old student at Annunciation School who was shot during the attack, has received over $690,000. Those donations will help cover the costs of her medical care, recovery and trauma counseling for the young girl and her brother, who witnessed the attack but escaped unharmed. The money secured from the fundraiser will also go towards "family support services and therapy" and "lost wages for the family." A fundraiser on behalf of Victor, another student injured in the attack who has since been released from the hospital, has received over $338,000 in donations. More than $315,000 in donations have poured in to support Lydia Kaiser, who is in serious condition after sustaining an injury during the shooting. Genevieve Bisek, an 11-year-old Annunciation student who was shot in the neck, has secured nearly $200,000 for her medical care and recovery. Endre, a 13-year-old Annunciation student who asked the surgeon tasked with treating him, "Can you say a prayer with me?" has received over $225,000 in donations. More than $150,000 has been raised to cover the medical expenses of Vivian St. Clair, a 9-year-old student who was shot multiple times. A fundraiser on behalf of injured student David Haeg has also brought in over $150,000 in donations. A student named Weston has received more than $65,000 in donations to cover the costs of surgery to remove a bullet fragment in his neck. Two fundraisers have been set up for 10-year-old Harper Moyski, one of the two children who lost their lives in the mass shooting. One fundraiser has brought in more than $60,000, while the other has raised over $278,000. "In memory of Harper, they wish to eventually donate to an organization on Harper's behalf," one of the GoFundMe campaigns reads. "For now, the resources raised here will aid in the long, unmapped road to recovery for the Moyski family." It is unclear if there is any fundraising effort to support the family of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who also died in the shooting. On Monday, the police updated the casualty total to reflect that at least three more students were injured in the shooting, bringing the total to 18 students between the ages of 6 and 15 wounded. Three adults in their 80s were also injured during the mass. Two children and one adult remain hospitalized at the Hennepin County Medical Center, officials told the media. One of the two children is in critical condition, NBC affiliate KARE 11 reported Monday. Principal Matthew D. DeBoer and Priest Fr. Dennis Zehren said in a joint statement that they are "navigating an impossible situation" with the school community. "No words can capture what we have gone through, what we are going through, and what we will go through in the coming days and weeks. But we will navigate this together," they said. While many public figures called for thoughts and prayers, former White House press secretary under former President Joe Biden and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki received pushback last week for suggesting that prayer "is not freaking enough." Vice President JD Vance defended the effectiveness of prayer in response to Psaki's X post. "We pray because our hearts are broken," Vance said. "We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?" Home News Rudy Giuliani's son tells those wishing his father well after injury: 'Your prayers mean the world' The son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has expressed gratitude for the prayers his 81-year-old father received after he was injured over the weekend in a car accident. In an X post published Sunday, Andrew Giuliani, son of the Republican politician and attorney who led the nation's largest city from 1994 to 2001, wrote, "Thank you to all the people that have reached out since learning the news about my father." He insisted that "Your prayers mean the world." "As a son, I can tell you I'm honored to have a Dad that I can call the toughest SOB I've ever seen!" he added. Giuliani concluded his post with emojis of the American flag and praying hands. News of Giuliani's injury broke after Michael Ragusa, head of Giuliani's security team, posted a statement to X on Sunday announcing that the former mayor was "involved in a motor vehicle accident" in New Hampshire on Saturday. "Prior to the incident, he was flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident," Ragusa said. "Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911. He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety." Ragusa said that after Giuliani's encounter with the domestic violence victim, his "vehicle was struck from behind at high speed." Giuliani suffered a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations, contusions and injuries to his left arm and lower leg, Ragusa said. In his X post sharing the statement, Ragusa indicated that Giuliani was "in good spirits and recovering tremendously." "Thank you for the prayers & support," he added, along with an emoji of praying hands. An updated statement posted to Giuliani's X account Tuesday said Giuliani "has since been discharged from the hospital." "[Giuliani] deeply appreciates the love, well wishes, and prayers he has received," the statement noted. "The mayor also extends his gratitude to the New Hampshire State Police, paramedics, Elliot Hospital, and all of the physicians and nurses who provided him with outstanding care." Giuliani, who served two terms as mayor of the overwhelmingly Democratic New York City and unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for president in the 2008 presidential election, elaborated on his religious views in a 2007 interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. "I believe in God. I pray to God, and I pray to Jesus for guidance, help," Guiliani, who also served as part of President Donald Trump's legal team during his first term, said at the time. "I have very, very strong views on religion that come about from having wanted to be a priest when I was younger, having studied theology for four years in college," Giuliani added. Giuliani felt God's help "in crisis and under pressure like Sept. 11, when I was dealing with prostate cancer, or I'm trying to explain death to people, which unfortunately I've had to do so often," he said. At a 2011 memorial service for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed around 3,000 people, Giuliani read aloud the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, which includes the phrase "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." "God bless every soul that we lost," Giuliani proclaimed at the event. "God bless the family members who have to endure that loss, and God guide us to our reunion in Heaven, and God bless the United States of America." In recent years, Giuliani has remained in the national spotlight as a close adviser to President Trump. On Monday, two days after Giuliani's accident, Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that the former mayor would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump described the recognition as "our Country's highest civilian honor," praising Giuliani as "the greatest mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American patriot." Home News Seattle allows pro-Trump worship leader Sean Feucht revival event despite pushback Franklin Graham expresses support for Feucht Activist missionary and worship leader Sean Feucht held a peaceful revival event in Seattle, Washington, over the weekend after its Democrat mayor declined to revoke his permit despite protests from LGBT groups. "Under the First Amendment, the City cannot decline a permit based on the anticipated message of the event or views of the organizers," Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a statement, according to Fox News. Feucht, an outspoken Trump supporter who has denounced abortion, transgender ideology and homosexuality, made a stop Saturday at Seattle's Gas Works Park as part of his "Revive in '25" tour. Harrell, who has served as Seattle mayor since 2022, expressed support in his statement for the LGBTQ+ community and noted that Feucht's group agreed to the city's request to move their event from Cal Anderson Park and Capitol Hill to a different park for public safety reasons. Feucht's stop prompted protest from groups such as the nonprofit Lavender Rights Project, which held its own event earlier that day, according to local NBC affiliate KING 5 News. "We're gonna continue to be Seattle, be gay as hell, have fun, enjoy ourselves," Jaelynn Scott, executive director of the Lavender Rights Project, told the outlet. "This will be a sanctuary in this country, in Seattle, for as long as we can keep it." Charlette LeFevre, who serves director of the group Capitol Hill Pride, said Feucht's event is "malicious harassment and incitement" against LGBT people, telling the outlet: "This is not what Seattle is about." During Feucht's event on Saturday, Russell Johnson, lead pastor at Pursuit NW, read a statement purportedly from Harrell that reiterated his commitment to free speech while expressing appreciation to the organizers. The statement said Seattle "is and always will be a place where all voices can be heard" and where "prayer and peaceful protest are both protected speech, and where all human beings should be safe regardless of personal or political beliefs." #BREAKING: In front of a raucous crowd at Gas Works Park in Seattle, Pursuit Seattle pastor Russell Johnson(@russellbjohnson)just read a surprise text from Mayor Bruce Harrell(@MayorofSeattle.) The last time around, Harrell called the Christians worshipping at Cal Anderson Park pic.twitter.com/E3Hnm4tTGU FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) August 31, 2025 Johnson was triumphant at the response from city authorities. "I'm here to let you know: we won!" Johnson yelled to applause. "The communists and the cowards who have wreaked havoc on this city will not write the next chapter of the Pacific Northwest. I don't bow to Antifa. I don't run from a bunch of furries who live in their moms' basement." "I'm a child of God. I don't have a spirit of fear!" he added. Evangelist and Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham came out in support of Feucht over the weekend, thanking the mayor for standing up for freedom of speech. "Another woke, blue city trying to shut down a Christian event," Graham said in a Saturday statement, noting Feucht "has faced harsh pushback from LGBTQ activists who tried to get the permit revoked for the event he was holding today in Seattle." "I'm thankful that Seattle's mayor stood by the law and said that canceling the rally would violate Seans First Amendment rights. The police department was preparing for protests." Graham urged prayer for Feucht and the rest of the events on his revival tour. "Thank you for always having my back," Feucht replied to Graham on X. Feucht's most recent event in Seattle contrasted with Mayday USA's "Dont Mess With Our Kids" rally, a previous event he participated in back in May. Harrell and the city fielded criticism for allowing the event in the first place after 23 protesters were arrested. "I think it's amazing how five years in a row we've come and worshiped here and this time we have the mayor inviting us and police protecting us," Feucht told local K5. "Maybe Seattle is turning a corner." In recent weeks, eight Canadian cities have canceled stops along Feucht's revival tour in that country, with Montreal authorities fining a church $2,500 for hosting him without a permit in July. A former worship leader with Bethel Music, Feucht faced allegations earlier this year of financial impropriety and spiritual abuse from former colleagues, though he has dismissed the claims as a "complete sham." Home News Texas House passes nations most financially punitive bathroom bill after Scripture-infused debate Democrats cite Galatians 3:28, other Bible passages in opposition: 'Everyone is born a child of God' The Bible was front and center in Austin ahead of the passage of a Texas bill that prohibits people from entering opposite-sex bathrooms in government buildings and public schools. Texas House lawmakers passed Senate Bill 8 in an 86-43 vote last Thursday following a tense four-hour debate full of impassioned pleas to Scripture by both supporters and opponents of the bill. Dubbed the Texas Womens Privacy Act by supporters, SB 8 would also prohibit men who identify as female from entering womens domestic violence shelters unless they're under 17 and accompanied by a mother receiving services. A last-minute amendment by Rep. Steve Toth, R-Conroe, raised fines to $25,000 for a first violation and $125,000 for subsequent ones, making it the nations most financially punitive "bathroom bill." Leading up to the vote, lawmakers made their last-ditch appeals either for or against SB8 including a number of those who invoked the authority of the Bible. Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, argued for safety and privacy for females. The preference of someones sexual appearance does not override the safety and privacy of a biological female, Orr said, noting the bill targets public institutions, not private businesses or individuals. But some Democrats voiced their belief that Republicans in favor of SB8 were violating the Christian faith. Rep. Rafael Anchia, who represents part of Dallas County, cited one of the most familiar verses in the New Testament before he was briefly interrupted. As a Christian, I want to refer to an important passage in Galatians Chapter 3, verse 28: There is neither Jew nor Gentile he began. "Oh, please, an unidentified female lawmaker interjected. Turning in the direction of the protester, Anchia continued, repeating the final part of the verse for dramatic effect. " ... Neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one, for you are all one, for you are all one in Jesus Christ, he said. Some people have difficulty when you speak the word of God to them, truth to power. So members, for public safety reasons, for business reasons, for reasons of faith and conscience, I ask that you oppose this bill, Anchia added. The 56-year-old lawmaker, who has represented his district in Austin since 2005, also rebuked his political opponents by quoting Matthew 7: Do not judge or you too will be judged. You too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, he said. ... Heed those words when you heckle, when you deride, when you stand up and speak ill of someone professing their faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heed those words. In response to Anchias reference to the New Testament, Rep. Hillary Hickland, R-Belton, accused Anchia of taking the Scriptures out of context. A representative quoted from Matthew 7 about judging. I would encourage that representative to keep reading because only a few verses later is a warning of false prophets, wolves in sheep's clothing, she said. There's a warning for anyone who proclaims to know Jesus might not be entered into the kingdom if he does not know them. And so, I love to bring the example of Jesus here to this podium, she added. He protected women. He elevated women. He honored women, and that's what this bill does. Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, also appealed to Scripture in his opposition to SB 8. Everyone is born a child of God, and everyone who is born into this life deserves to be treated that way, he said. That is what the Bible says, that is what our hearts tell us, and the only time we act differently is when we get into politics. Following its passage in the Texas Legislature, SB 8 will go back to the state Senate for final approval. For over a decade, Texas lawmakers have proposed civil or criminal penalties for restroom use based on one's sex, not their self-declared gender identity. Since 2017, the Texas Senate has passed six different bathroom bills, while the state House has only had one proposal in that same year. More than 20 other states have passed their own similar legislation, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma and South Carolina, according to the LGBT Movement Advancement Project. Home News Trump admin., 19 states back Christian ministry headed for Supreme Court showdown The federal government has joined 19 states and several nationwide religious liberty organizations to support a pro-life Christian ministry in New Jersey ahead of an expected showdown against the state before the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. The United States and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined an amicus brief led by Missouri in the case First Choice Women's Resource Centers v. Platkin, which centers on an investigation by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin into First Choice. The firm provides counseling, medical services, diapers and other assistance to over 36,000 women across New Jersey facing unplanned pregnancies. The suit alleges that Platkin violated the ministry's First Amendment rights by targeting its religious and pro-life mission without evidence of wrongdoing. Calling it a "simple case" based on "bedrock principles" of federal law, the brief from the U.S. Department of Justice mirrored a similar filing from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which warned of an "exploding" rise in politically motivated investigations by state officials. In December 2023, Platkin was one of 16 Democratic state attorneys general to sign on to a letter accusing pro-life pregnancy centers of engaging in "misinformation and harm" by "misleading consumers and delaying access to critical, time-sensitive reproductive healthcare." The prior month, Platkin subpoenaed the petitioners, demanding that they produce several documents within one month, which included a list of donations made to the group and other confidential information. The subpoena did not name any alleged legal violations, but cited state statutes that prohibit "deceptive commercial practices." Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a religious freedom legal nonprofit representing First Choice, filed a suit in December 2023 to challenge the investigation in federal court, but lower courts ruled the claims must first be pursued in state court. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the fall. The lower courts ruled that the subpoena is "non-self-enforcing" and there is no penalty for refusal to comply until a state court orders enforcement. But petitioners and their supporters have questioned whether the lower courts correctly interpreted state law. "There are many recent examples of governments ordering disfavored groups to divulge their confidential internal materials, without regard to the severe and obvious chilling effects on speech and association that these demands create," the Chamber of Commerce filing reads. "The First Amendment guards against 'use of the power to investigate enforced by the contempt power to probe at will and without relation to existing need.'" In their filing, 19 states joined an amicus brief led by Missouri in support of First Choice, arguing that Platkin's investigation infringes on First Amendment rights and that federal courts have jurisdiction to weigh in on such claims. "New Jersey Attorney General's subpoena violates the First Amendment," the states' attorneys general wrote. "He has handed the keys to his office over to Planned Parenthood, an organization that has waged a relentless campaign to intimidate and silence PRCs for nearly 40 years. [First Choice] and its donors have every reason to fear the consequences of disclosure." The Becket Fund, a religious liberty legal organization, argues the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from "trolling through" nonprofits' "religious-mission decisions." The group contends that the attorney general's actions threaten the ministry's "life-affirming work." "Self-government requires respect for the independence of religious institutions, not subjecting their religious decisions to state scrutiny," Becket Senior Counsel William Haun said in a statement, urging the nation's highest court to end "New Jersey's unnecessary and unconstitutional intrusion." Heartbeat International, the largest international network of pregnancy help organizations, contends that Platkin's subpoena, which names Heartbeat and Care Net, chills free speech and association. "The subpoena's sweep does not merely burden groups within the Attorney General's statewide jurisdiction but also throws a pall on speech and expressive association nationwide," Heartbeat's Aug. 28 brief states. Americans United for Life argues that the ruling against First Choice from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals "relied on judge-made reasons, not constitutional ones, to dismiss the case." "Yet the subpoena is clearly unconstitutional under Supreme Court precedent; it chilled First Choice's fundamental rights to speak and associate to further its pro-life mission to serve pregnant women and their families," said Carolyn McDonnell, AUL's litigation counsel. Proceeds from In-Store Fundraiser will Benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Patricia Nash Designs (https://patricianashdesigns.com/), celebrating its 15th anniversary, continues its longstanding collaboration with Dillard's at an in-store fundraiser celebrating fashion and philanthropy. On Thursday, September 4, shoppers will be invited to "A Day of Giving & Style" at West Town Mall in Knoxville, where 10% of all Patricia Nash proceeds will directly support East Tennessee Children's Hospital (ETCH). East Tennessee Children's Hospital The day will begin with a private shopping event to explore Patricia Nash's timeless handbags and accessories from 10 to 11 a.m., hosted for the ETCH Women's Philanthropy Society. Special guests will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Patricia Nash herself, light refreshments, and a complimentary gift with purchase. The celebration will continue in the evening from 5 to 7 p.m., open to all Dillard's customers and VIPs. The general public will have an opportunity to meet Patricia Nash, enjoy ice cream treats, and browse styles from the brand's latest Fall line, inspired by her travels in Italy. In addition, the exclusive Discovery Signature Collection will be featured, showcasing handbags crafted from the finest premium leathers, highlighting elevated weaves and heritage techniques. Designed to transcend seasons, these timeless styles are meant to be cherished today and passed down for generations. Guests can also enter for a chance to win a Patricia Nash handbag and receive a premium gift with purchase. "It's a joy to partner once again with Dillard's and rally support for a local cause that is dear to our hearts," said Patricia Nash, Founder and CEO of Patricia Nash Designs. "The dedication and care provided by East Tennessee Children's Hospital make an immeasurable difference for families in our community. Through this event, we hope to inspire generosity and compassion while bringing people together to celebrate style, shopping, and our loyal customers who make it all possible." This in-store fundraising event will highlight Patricia Nash's ongoing philanthropic commitment while creating a unique shopping experience to explore the brand's signature accessory collections, enjoy exclusive gifts, and contribute to a meaningful cause. For more information about Patricia Nash Designs and the fundraising event to support the East Tennessee Children's Hospital, contact BPM-PR Firm at [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244. ABOUT PATRICIA NASH DESIGNS Inspired by a passion for discovery, Patricia Nash weaves her extensive travels and cherished memories into the fabric of her designs. After years of crafting handbags for other brands, Patricia launched Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, driven by the discovery of a vintage gem in her mother's closet. Enthusiastically expressing that design is her daily excitement, Patricia infuses each piece with the essence of travel, memories, vintage flair, old-world craftsmanship, and a deep family connection. Patricia Nash Designs stands as a testament to her dedication to creating timeless, detailed pieces that resonate with personal stories and a love for the artistry of vintage-inspired keepsakes. ABOUT EAST TENNESSEE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a freestanding, independent, nonprofit pediatric health care system that serves the East Tennessee region. Children's Hospital is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center. Our vision is taking care of our future, one child at a time. Contact: Patricia Nash Designs 1.877.841.7244. [email protected] SOURCE Patricia Nash Designs Home News Why Trump's proclamation about trying to 'get to Heaven' matters: Inside the debate What are Christians to make of President Donald Trump's comments about wanting to get into Heaven? The commander-in-chief's recent proclamations reignited a theological debate about faith and works and sparked a litany of questions. "President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting he could earn his way to Heaven by ending the Ukraine-Russia war prompted a flurry of theological debate on social media regarding good works, salvation and the state of the president's soul," Christian Post reporter Jon Brown recently wrote. Trump said the following during a "Fox & Friends" interview last month: "I want to try and get to Heaven if possible. I'm hearing I'm not doing well. I hear I'm really at the bottom of the totem pole." Brown joins "The Inside Story" to break down the discussion and debate that followed. Read more here and listen: The Inside Story takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand whats driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Edifi Anchor Breaker Google Podcasts Apple Podcasts Pocket Casts RadioPublic Spotify Global Media Targets Accuses Israel Of Targeting Journalists, Spotify's DM Risk To Minors, NYC Mayoral Hopeful Zohran Mamdani link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:07 07:07 Top headlines for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 In this episode, we explore an international media campaign involving over 150 news outlets from more than 70 countries, all focusing on the controversial killing of journalists in the Gaza Strip. Next, we address growing concerns from anti-sexual exploitation advocates regarding Spotify's new direct messaging feature, which they fear might provide predators with easier access to minors. Plus, we shift our attention to New York City, providing an insightful overview of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and five key elements of his ambitious platform. 00:11 Global media campaign accuses Israel of targeting journalists 01:09 Watchdog group warns parents about Spotify's new DM feature 02:04 Boyfriend faces criminal charges for causing girl's miscarriage 02:53 5 things to know about Zohran Mamdani's policy agenda for NYC 03:48 Judge sides with Babylon Bee, strikes down deepfake law 04:38 Missionary kidnapped at Haitian orphanage released by captors 05:26 House of David season 2 release date announced Artificial intelligence is changing the job market. Its also changing the face of technology professionals. Its also making things more difficult for IT professionals, at least when it comes to finding some types of junior-level jobs. This is according to a study from Stanford University, which examines the overall impact AI is having on the labor market using data from the United States over the past three years as a sample. Its conclusions indicate that the employment rate in positions most affected by AI has fallen by 13%. Among the most affected positions are administrative assistants and accountants, but also developers and entry-level jobs in the IT sector. This isnt the only study that points in this direction. A calculation by The Washington Post also concludes that a quarter of programming jobs have disappeared in the past two years. It draws on official US employment data. These are, however, entry-level positions, more basic jobs that serve as a gateway to the labor market. As the Post points out, programmers are followed by developers, IT technicians, and software quality testers among the professionals most threatened by generative AI. When Enrique Laso joined MAPFRE USA as executive vice president of information technology in 2015, the insurance companys legacy systems were showing their age. The IBM AS/400- and mainframe-based applications the property and casualty insurer had relied on for many years were costly, inflexible and difficult to connect to the third-party data sources critical to policy underwriting, timely claims processing, and fraud prevention. The company was also grappling with a strong undercurrent of change in the insurance business driven by challenging market conditions, technology disruption, and changing customer preferences. Although insurance has always been a data-driven business, competition was forcing companies to digitize and streamline their internal processes at a rapid pace. It was very difficult to integrate and make changes with the legacy systems, Laso said. We were having problems just finding people with the skills to maintain our existing systems. Many other insurers were migrating away from the mainframe-based policy administration solution MAPFRE used, making the skills crunch more acute. Migrate or switch? The choice facing MAPFRE was whether to modernize its existing application and infrastructure or migrate to a new solution. We realized that a step-by-step approach would take longer and be more complicated, Laso said. We also had to ensure there was minimal, if any, impact to our customers and agents in Massachusetts, our largest market. After considering various architectural approaches, MAPFRE migrated to a new core technology platform based on products from Guidewire Software and Duck Creek Inc. Among other vendors, the company engaged the technology and professional services firm, CGI, which had built MAPFREs mainframe solution years earlier, to assist with the project. CGI is a very well-established firm with whom we have conducted business for more than 50 years, Laso said. They had deep knowledge because of their experience providing our legacy platform, so when we had to transform our processes using new technology they were a clear choice. To minimize risk, MAPFRE chose to implement the new software in parallel in an independent, separated instance from its legacy systems. Its easier to manage risk with something independent from the systems in operation, Laso told McKinsey.1 This allowed us to manage the project risks while building and testing and then handle the main business risks in the rollout. Two-phase migration The switchover would happen in two phases. The new system would go live first to handle new personal lines policies with an on-prem implementation as, at that point, no software-as-a-service options met MAPFREs needs. Then, in phase two, the commercial lines side of the business would migrate to a cloud-based platform. After several months of testing, MAPFRE switched on the new system. Some disruption was inevitable, Laso said. For several months after go-live, agents had to switch between the legacy and the new systems, as policies were converted progressively upon renewal. The transition ultimately took about a year, but migration speed was less important to MAPFRE than minimizing business disruption, which it did successfully. MAPFRE went live with the first phase of the new system, personal lines, in May 2020. The second phase, Commercial Lines, went live in March 2022. The execution of this project came at an opportune time during the early phases of COVID-19. The pandemic, and the years following it, have been very complex times in insurance, Laso said. It was a huge company effort, but this transformation has helped us improve our offerings and become a more data-driven company. Despite the pandemics disruption, the migration was completed just one month behind schedule. Reaping the benefits Now that it is fully up and running with a new technology stack, MAPFRE is reaping the benefits of improved integration capabilities, a modern core system, faster access to data analytics, and greater underwriting and claims processing flexibility. Laso said he has made a point of opting for packaged solutions wherever possible and integrating with external applications and data sources through application program interfaces to minimize rigid, hard-coded connections. We put a lot of focus on the middleware layer to improve integration with many external third parties and internal applications, Laso said. Its far easier with the new system because integration is decoupled using APIs. Analysts now have access to modern tools for such tasks as forecasting and modeling risks. Operationalizing advanced models in the old platform was very complex, Laso said. Its important for us to be able to extract a lot of data from our transactional systems for our colleagues in analytics to develop and train our models. That process is now much easier. The new system has enabled MAPFRE to implement and operationalize advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence models that have helped serve its customers better and speed up claims processing. The long partnership between MAPFRE and CGI has been key to the initiatives success. The technology firms knowledge of MAPFREs technology and processes and its decades of experience supporting MAPFREs processing needs helped ensure that the two companies could focus their energies on business transformation through technology. The fact that CGI has been our vendor for more than 50 years speaks a lot about the trust and the quality of the relationship weve built, Laso said. For more information on how CGI can help aid your digital transformation, click here. Delivering Success Together PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Payentry, the DBA of MPAY LLC, a leading provider of payroll and human capital management solutions, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the California Trucking Association (CTA). Through this collaboration, Payentry will deliver payroll and HR services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of trucking businesses across California. As part of the partnership, CTA members will receive an exclusive discount on Payentry's comprehensive payroll solutions, along with a complimentary audit of their current payroll system. This audit helps identify opportunities for cost savings, improve operational efficiency, and uncover compliance gaps, which are critical for businesses navigating California's complex employment laws. "Trucking companies face unique challenges when it comes to payroll and compliance, from managing drivers' schedules to navigating state and federal regulations," said Michael Reis, Payentry's Vice President of Sales. "Our partnership with the California Trucking Association allows us to support members with tailored solutions that not only save them money but also give them peace of mind knowing their business is compliant and the workforce is supported." "Our members in the trucking industry have enough to worry about with changing regulations in California. I'm so happy we're able to provide an affordable and reliable HR consulting and payroll resource to keep them rolling," stated Jeneca Torres, Vice President of Membership & Business Development, California Trucking Association. This partnership underscores Payentry's commitment to empowering businesses with innovative tools and expert guidance. By aligning with the CTA, Payentry aims to help trucking companies streamline operations, reduce risk, and focus more on building long-term business success. About Payentry & MPAY LLC: Payentry provides payroll and human capital management solutions that help businesses streamline operations, stay compliant, and improve employee experiences. With a focus on delivering innovative tools and personalized service, Payentry empowers businesses to manage their workforce with confidence. MPAY LLC is a privately held corporation founded in 1994. MPAY LLC is a leading provider of payroll and human capital management solutions committed to delivering innovative technology and support to the Millennium licensees and their business clients throughout the United States. The Company is focused on delivering payroll management systems through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering. About the California Trucking Association The California Trucking Association has served the trucking industry since 1934, representing a broad cross-section of the trucking community. CTA advocates for policies that promote highway safety, sustainability, and economic growth while providing valuable resources and services to its members. Contact: Dena Garvin-Smart Phone: (909) 946-2032 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Payentry By Ivelin Radkov, Adobe The Charity Commission has suspended the son of the founder of two wildlife conservation charities from being a trustee while it continues a more than four-year investigation. The commission is investigating if funds were used improperly at the Aspinall Foundation and at the Howletts Wild Animal Trust, a sister charity that runs wildlife parks in Kent. A statutory inquiry was first launched in 2021 into the foundation and interim managers were brought in during the summer to run it over fears of misconduct and/or mismanagement. Following reports in the Telegraph, the commission has now confirmed that it has suspended Damian Aspinall, who is a trustee of both charities and chaired Howletts Wild Animal Trust. The commission said Aspinall, son of the charities founder John, had been suspended from Howletts Wild Animal Trust while it has appointed interim managers to run the Aspinall Foundation. A spokesperson for the commission said: Our inquiries into the Aspinall Foundation and the Howletts Wild Animal Trust are ongoing. Towards the end of last year, fresh issues of concern were identified requiring us to embark on a further phase of investigation and our investigators are working hard to pursue these at pace. In reference specifically to the Aspinall Foundation, the commission said it has appointed interim managers who are working alongside the existing trustees on specific areas in line with the charitys governing document. It added: As this inquiry is ongoing, the commission is unable to comment further. Newspaper allegations According to the Telegraph , Damian Aspinall was suspended as a trustee for Howletts in December 2024 pending further investigations. Sources spoke on condition of anonymity to the publication and said Aspinall used staff from the charity to work at his family home in Kent. Aspinall allegedly used charity funds to pay for staff that performed roles including as a chef, maid, chauffeur, housekeeper, caretaker and security guard, according to the reports. The Telegraph reported allegations that Aspinall had used charity money to pay for chauffeur-driven cars, club class flights and taxis, according to credit card statements and expenses. The newspaper also reported that luxury high end cars, including Land Rover Discoveries and an Audi SUV, leased by one of his charities were used for personal trips by Aspinall and his former wife. Carrie Johnson, former prime minister Boris Johnsons wife, took up the role of senior communications officer at the foundation in 2021 and the allegations predate her hiring. A spokesperson for the Aspinall Foundation said: We will not comment on an ongoing inquiry. The foundation sponsors conservation activities both at Howletts and Port Lympne animals parks and overseas in Congo, Gabon, Indonesia and Madagascar. It was founded by father John Aspinall, who was a casino owner and a close friend of Lord Lucan. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, City Bridge Foundation A lot can change in 30 years. The three decades since we started funding Londons civil society has seen a radical shift shaped by pivotal moments such as the financial crash, the pandemic and the more recent cost-of-living crisis. When we awarded our first grant in September 1995 18,000 to a deaf health charity for a new minibus we were taking a journey into the unknown, moving beyond our historic remit of the past 900 years the maintenance of five of Londons bridges. Since then, weve become Londons biggest independent charitable funder, awarding over 840m for everything from city farms to social activities for older people to projects supporting young peoples confidence and career prospects. In the last five years alone, we made an extra 200m available to support charities battling the impact of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. That funding is now drawing down which, together with the soaring demand for grants across the sector, means we simply cant continue to fund in the way we have in the past. Our new funding policy, Standing with Londoners, sees us position ourselves firmly as a social justice funder. The policy, and its first programme, Access to Justice due to launch next month have been shaped following extensive collaboration with the sector, and drawing on our experience of what weve learned over the last 30 years. Collaboration is key During the pandemic, we contributed to the London Community Response, a cross-sector collaboration in which 67 funders distributed more than 57m in over 3,300 grants. By pooling our resources in an unprecedented way, the sector was able to provide vital support, via a single application portal, to charities battling the twin pressures of soaring demand and plummeting income. Working collaboratively with organisations tackling the root causes of inequality and injustice is a key lesson from that time. It continues to inform our approach and will be fundamental to our work under the new policy. Another lesson we drew from the Covid response was the power of prioritising funding for groups led by and for marginalised communities, in this case to those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The fact is, for all its strengths as a great global city, London remains a deeply unequal place. A one size fits all approach doesnt work, and addressing these inequalities means focusing funding on communities that have been marginalised and empowering organisations to work collectively to change the systems which perpetuate injustice, rather than simply applying a sticking plaster. Key to the success of this approach is working with communities to codesign programmes which address their needs, and with equity partners who can interpret data, shape criteria and ensure from the beginning to the end of the process, we are as inclusive as possible. Its a far cry from the top-down approach to funding which was the norm 30 years ago. Trust the sector One message we have received loud and clear is that charities are crying out for long-term core or flexible funding to enable them to best navigate the challenges they face. While multi-year funding has long been a staple of our portfolio, in recent years weve seen a shift away from project funding to core funding and in the future this approach will be the rule, not the exception. Charities know what theyre doing. They know the needs of the communities they serve and the best way to use their resources to achieve their aims. By offering more flexibility, we give organisations time and space to achieve long-term, strategic outcomes; and the freedom to change how they use our funding in response to emerging needs. How we fund is as important as what we fund. We have committed to making our processes more streamlined and flexible, stripping out the red tape which can be daunting, in particular for smaller charities. Under our new policy, potential applicants will have the option of a pre-application call to help determine if they may be eligible and, if not, to avoid wasting time on an application unlikely to succeed. Further improvements to our processes will be tested when we launch our first new funding programme, and learning from this will inform future rounds. We will continue to support all our funded organisations, of which we currently have around 1,500, through our funder plus scheme, offering free non-financial support designed to help them grow and achieve lasting impact. In a time of uncertainty in the sector and a significant shift in our role as a funder, we commit to being as transparent and open with potential applicants as we can be. If weve learned anything in 30 years its that, much as wed like to, we cant fund everything. We can, however, target our limited resources where they will have the greatest impact and work hard to be the best funder we can be for the benefit of London and Londoners. Civil Society Voices is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Find out more about contributing and how to get in touch. is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Five weeks ago, I wrote in this newsletter about the growing hunger crisis in Gaza and the toll that it was taking on members of the media: staffers at Agence France-Presse had warned that their colleagues were starving to death; Anas al-Sharif, a reporter at Al Jazeera who had won a Pulitzer Prize for prior work with Reuters, had written on social media that he was resisting the fainting that follows me every moment. Three weeks ago, I wrote about an Israeli strike that killed al-Sharif and five other journalists. Israel claimed that al-Sharif was a Hamas militant, but the evidence that it offered was practically impossible to corroborate, and even if taken at face valuewhich was not advisable given Israeli officials habit of making flimsy claims of militancy against other journalists they have targetedthey appeared to be out of date. Various critics accused major Western news organizations, including Reuters, of nonetheless taking Israels claims at face value, or, at least, organizing coverage of the strike around them. As I wrote at the time, the coverage was certainly organized around the character of al-Sharif and not the other five journalists who were killed alongside him, against whom Israel made no claims of militancy. The Committee to Protect Journalists called their deaths murder. Plain and simple. A week ago, Israel struck a hospital in Gaza and killed another media worker, Hussam al-Masri, a camera operator on contract with Reuters, which was running a livestream from a vantage point at the hospital. Nine minutes later, Israel struck the site again, killing four more journalists who, according to CPJ, were covering the aftermath of the initial strike: Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance video journalist who had also worked with Reuters; Mariam Abu Dagga, a visual journalist who worked with the Associated Press; Mohammed Salama, a camera operator for Al Jazeera; and another independent journalist, Ahmed Abu Aziz. CNN later reported that the second Israeli strike was actually a pair of strikes; NBC reported that at least four munitions were fired at the hospital; either way, it seemed a clear example of the sort of double tap attack that arouses particular condemnation from the international community, given its tendency to kill reporters and aid workers. (In some ways, it put me in mind of a deadly double blast in Afghanistan that I covered in 2018.) Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, said that the strikes were a tragic mishap, adding that Israel values journalists work. Israeli officials subsequently suggested that, actually, the attack had been aimed at taking out a Hamas camera that was supposedly being used to document the movements of Israeli troops, adding that six terrorists were killed in the process. But, as CPJ noted, Israels claims failed to address certain key questions, including whether the supposed Hamas camera was the same as the Reuters one; NBC reported that the Reuters camera was the only one in that position, while, according to a video investigation that the New York Times published over the weekend, even if Israels claims about the camera are taken seriously, it has offered no justification for the sequencing of the strikes. Officials in Gaza claimed that some of the terrorists Israel claimed to have killed died in separate actions, not at the hospital. In any case, this time, Israel did not claim that any of the dead media workers were terrorists. The country said that it doesnt target journalists as such. The top editors of Reuters and the AP expressed outrage about the strikes, and demanded a clear explanation from Israeli officials. Not that they necessarily expected to get one: we have found the IDFs willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action, they wrote, raising serious questions including whether Israel is deliberately targeting live feeds in order to suppress information. A Reuters spokesperson later told NBC thatwhereas the outlet alerted Israeli forces as to the precise whereabouts of its staff earlier in the war, in the name of protecting themIsrael has since killed so many journalists that it has stopped doing so; nonetheless, Reuters said, Israel was fully aware that it had a camera perch at the hospital. On the news side, however, some critics once again found Reuterss coverage of the strikes to be excessively credulous of Israeli claims. One such critic was Valerie Zink, a Canadian photojournalist who worked on contract for Reuters, but said that she could no longer do so since the agencys coverage had perpetuated Israels propaganda and played a role in justifying and enabling the systematic assassination of journalists in Gaza. Zink posted a statement announcing her decision on social media, attaching a photo of a Reuters press card that had been cut in two. Zink and others were making a specific version of a broader claim that has often been repeated in media circles since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel launched its assault on Gaza: that Western news organizations have collectively failed to stand up for the journalists Israel has murdered, a tally that is on the cusp of passing two hundred, according to CPJ, and is already well past that milestone according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other press-freedom groups. I havent always been convinced by the most generalized and hyperbolic versions of this claimthe aforementioned press-freedom groups have devoted a lot of focus to killings in Gaza, which, as I see it, have also generated substantially more press coverage than killings of journalists that regularly occur in countries all over the world. Equally, some of the criticisms of proportion are fair: the sheer numerical toll in Gaza is unprecedented, and the response in Western media doesnt seem to have matched the scale of the outrage that greeted, for example, Saudi Arabias assassination of the Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi or Russias imprisonment of the (since freed) Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich. As the New York Times columnist Lydia Polgreen put it in an astute recent column, the response to journalists deaths in Gaza has often been more muted, and more likely to give equal weight to Israeli accusations despite the lack of verifiable evidence. (Polgreen patiently deconstructed Israels claims about al-Sharif, in particular, contending not only that they lacked credibility, but that even if they were true, the history of war correspondence is replete with examples of fighters turned reporters.) Azmat Khan made a similar point recently in CJR (also using the word muted), adding that journalism organizations have not been inclined toward collective action when it comes to defending their colleagues. Yesterday, we did see some collective actionRSF and the advocacy organization Avaaz coordinated a campaign that saw some two hundred and seventy news outlets in more than seventy countries and territories, from Tunisia to Tibet, black out parts of their front pages, or cut into broadcasts, to draw attention to the plight of journalists in Gaza and a series of associated demands: protection for the journalists and an end to impunity for crimes against them; access to Gaza for the foreign press, without Israeli military escorts; passage to safe countries for Gazan journalists who wish to leave the territory; and stronger action from the international community, in the lead-up to next weeks United Nations General Assembly. CJR was among the US-based outlets to participate in the campaign, alongside outlets including NPR and The Intercept. At least one major US outlet that did not take partCNNcovered it. Others took stances of their own over the weekend. An editorial in the Post acknowledged the heavy price paid by Palestinians who have served as the outside worlds eyes and ears. An editorial in the Times described their deaths as one more layer of the agonizing human tragedy in Gaza. An accompanying illustration depicted a cracked lens, styled as an eye. Still, these outlets did not take part in RSFs campaign, and the editorials were framed, at their highest level, around Israels efforts to keep outside media out of Gazaan important thing to highlight, for sure, but one framed here, in part, as self-defeating for Israels cause. Farther down, the Times, for one, explicitly condemned the double-tap strike. But this should have been the headlineIsrael, a country that has justified targeting certain journalists as terrorists and fleetingly expressed regret about killing others, launched a strike on a location known to be used by journalists, then launched follow-up strikes that any reasonable observer should have expected to kill journalists, without offering up the slightest pretext that any of those who were, indeed, killed had it coming. This isnt to excuse credulous treatment of Israels claims of militancy when those are made. (In addition to all the caveats that I outlined three weeks ago, the Israeli magazine +972 has since reported on a dedicated Legitimization Cell within the Israeli military, part of whose job has been to identify Gaza-based journalists it could portray as undercover Hamas operatives, in an effort to blunt growing global outrage over Israels killing of reporters.) But this felt like a moment that offered no possible excuses for failing to offer the strongest of possible statements. Not that statements alone seem likely to change anything. In recognition of this fact, CJR has, in recent weeks, convened ideas for what more Western news organizations might do to end the killing of journalists in Gaza. Following the killing of al-Sharif, Khan, Meghnad Bose, and Lauren Watson presented innovative, perhaps unconventional ideas from a range of thinkers, whose suggestions included reporters trying to slip into Gaza without Israeli permission, or teaming up to approach Gazas border with Egypt and demand entry; Western journalists going on strike in solidarity with their Palestinian counterparts, or in aid of getting their employers to append notes about the death toll to stories featuring official Israeli claims; and newsrooms simply refusing to quote Israeli officials claims until theyre given the right to see the reality on the ground for themselves. Beyond the bailiwick of the press, Fadi Quran, of Avaaz, suggested that Western governments sanction Israeli officials responsible for attacks on the press, while Kenneth Roth, the former head of Human Rights Watch, called on prosecutors at the International Criminal Court to charge Israel with war crimes specifically in relation to deliberate attacks on journalists. Last week, after the hospital strikes, Joel Simon, the former head of CPJ, expanded on the latter point in a separate piece for CJR, weighing whether the targeted killing of al-Sharif, in particular, could be considered a war crime. Amid the relentless violence against the press in Gaza, I have wondered if there is any plausible path to justice, Simon wrote. After speaking with experts in international humanitarian law, I believe that there is, however tenuous and uncertain. Sign up for CJRs daily email Essential to this argument, Simon went on, is establishing al-Sharifs status as a civilian, something that might be achievedin spite of Israels flimsy and unsubstantiated attempt to cast him as a militantby pointing to the contextual pattern of Israel attacking reporters who cover its military actions; even if al-Sharifs militancy had been established, it would be fair to question whether the collateral killing of the five journalists who died alongside him was proportionate. Both Simon and Roth suggested that while journalists typically are civilians and protected as such, bringing a journalist-specific case under international law would be beneficial since journalists work helps protect other civilians. This is true. But their civilian status comes first; journalists are people, too. In total, some twenty human beings were killed at the hospital last week. Ultimately, stopping civilians from being killed will stop journalists being killed. At the grandest political level, thats where this has to end. A month after Tesla launched a trial robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June for select fans, CEO Elon Musk told investors that the companys driverless taxis would likely be available to half the population of the U.S. by the end of this year. Alphabets Waymo the U.S. leader in autonomous ride-hailing launched a similar test service in Phoenix more than eight years ago. Today, it operates in areas with about 3% of the U.S. population. Musks pronouncements about expanding Teslas robotaxis at a hyper-exponential rate stand in contrast to Waymos deliberate approach ahead of entering new markets. Musk sees a faster path to scaling the business because of Teslas reliance on just cameras and artificial intelligence, compared with Waymos rules-based AI approach that uses more sensors and high-definition mapping. The differing strategies have far-reaching implications for the early pecking order in the nascent autonomous-driving space, which some analysts and investors say could become a multitrillion-dollar market over the next 15 years. Waymos expansion playbook involves comprehensively mapping new cities, and phasing in autonomous ride-hailing after testing the technology with drivers in the front seat and employees as passengers. Tesla says its robotaxis use a different autonomous technology from Waymos, one that allows it to bypass much of that painstaking prep work. The cars still in the testing phase use AI that reacts to road conditions the way a human would. Tesla says that requires less-extensive road testing and mapping. Once we can make it basically work in a few cities in America, we can make it work anywhere in America, Musk told analysts on a conference call in April. He has called Waymos approach fragile, saying its ability to expand is limited. Many investors have bought in to Musks vision. Some analysts attribute the vast majority of Teslas stock-market value to autonomous driving capabilities that investors are betting can reach scale much faster than Waymos efforts. If successful in a rapid commercial expansion, the robotaxi business could solidify a new growth engine for Tesla. Reuters interviewed a dozen current and former industry executives, regulators, law-enforcement officials and city planners to contrast Teslas early expansion efforts with those of Waymo, revealing sharp contrasts in their technical and go-to-market strategies. Current and former Waymo executives say their market-by-market approach of mapping and testing before expansion is essential to ensuring safety, helping factor in the peculiarities of each citys roads for example, steep inclines in San Francisco that make it difficult to see whats ahead. We really need to understand the core ingredients of each of these cities, said Aman Nalavade, a Waymo product manager, in an interview with Reuters. There is a lot of risk in doing this incorrectly. Musk has also talked about the importance of safety. We dont want to take any chances, and so we are going to go cautiously, he said last month. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Contrasting Tech Tesla and Waymo both use AI in autonomous driving. But Waymos technology involves more of a step-by-step process, where its system takes in data from high-definition maps and advanced sensors to recognize objects and plan the vehicles path. Tesla, by contrast, says its system makes driving decisions more like a human. The company has said it uses an AI method where video captured by the vehicles cameras is interpreted by software and instantly translated into driving decisions, without the intermediate steps used by Waymo. Waymo has experimented with aspects of Teslas approach but said in a research paper last year that there are challenges and limitations with its performance. Musk has set an ambitious timeline of having millions of Teslas operating autonomously by the second half of next year, which compares with Waymos roughly 2,000-vehicle fleet currently. After launching the pilot program in Texas in June, Tesla is awaiting approval in Arizona and looking to expand to states including Nevada and Florida. The pressure is on for Tesla to deliver on those promises, because its core electric-vehicle business faces headwinds. Its vehicle sales have declined globally, including a sharp drop in Europe. Falling behind Musks robotaxi timeline would delay a key new revenue stream. Waymo is the only company in the United States offering a paid, fully autonomous ride-hailing service open to anyone. It operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with parts of Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta. Before expanding into a new market, Waymo fine-tunes its technology through testing in virtual simulators, on a closed 113-acre California course and on city streets where it plans to launch. In Phoenix, it started offering test rides with a driver in the front seat more than three years before opening paid, driverless ride-hailing to the general public in 2020. It took nearly four years until Waymo opened up autonomous service any time at Phoenixs airport terminals, in August 2024. Waymo says it is reducing the testing time in new cities as its autonomous technology gains more experience and applies previous lessons to new geographies. Paul Miller, an analyst at market research firm Forrester, said Waymos approach is safer and more realistic in the short term, while Teslas approach is a riskier bet but a far cheaper approach to scale globally. Bank of America analysts estimate Waymo lost between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion last year. But analysts expect that Waymos model will eventually be profitable as vehicle costs come down and ridership grows. Morningstar analysts projected in a March report that Waymo would have a rapid ramp-up period over the next few years while Tesla would have a slower initial robotaxi rollout, because its software will not be ready. Morningstar expects Tesla to launch fully autonomous robotaxis by 2028 and surpass Waymos ride-hailing market share by the end of the decade. A Huge Concern Even with Waymos meticulous approach to studying new markets, it has encountered problems and rankled some city officials. In Austin, where it started offering autonomous rides through the Uber UBER.N app in March, authorities have often seen Waymo vehicles ignore officers hand signals and drive into dangerous situations, said Austin Police Lieutenant William White. In May, a Waymo vehicle drove into flood waters and the passenger had to find a way out. Obviously thats a huge concern to us, said White. If that person had died, we could have been looking at a serious criminal incident. Last year, during a charity walk near downtown Austin, a Waymo vehicle tried repeatedly to go around an officer who was clearly blocking a roadway. Police eventually disabled the vehicle by wrapping tape around one of its sensors, White said. Austin police have had to create a new system of traffic citations to handle repeated instances where Waymo vehicles froze and blocked traffic, White said. Police have issued three citations to Waymo since March. Officers have said the process for citing a driverless vehicle is so time-consuming that they often avoid it. If they decided to pursue it every time, we would be talking about hundreds of citations by now, White said. The department has had limited interactions with Teslas robotaxi service so far because it is just getting started. Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli said the company has had robust engagement with Austin police and fire officials for more than two years. Waymo takes all observations and concerns seriously and uses that feedback to improve the performance of our technology, he said. Soothing Skeptics Beyond technical challenges, autonomous-vehicle firms must navigate a patchwork of regulations while also reassuring community leaders who might be apprehensive about driverless vehicles. For example, Waymo started meeting with local officials more than a year before its March launch and attended city-organized meetings with representatives of the Texas School for the Deaf, among other local organizations. School representatives took demo rides in Waymo vehicles ahead of the launch. School superintendent Peter Bailey said he briefly met representatives from Tesla a few months before Teslas June launch, and learned about the timing from news reports. The day of the launch, a Reuters reporter observed a Tesla robotaxi speeding between 40 and 45 mph in a 35 mph zone near the school, where a sign warned drivers to watch for deaf pedestrians. Bailey declined to comment on Waymo and Teslas approaches to community outreach. He said he expects all drivers, including autonomous vehicles, to follow posted speed limits and operate with caution around school zones. Differing regulations around the country can also bog down expansion plans, Waymos experience shows. The company targeted a 2026 launch in Washington, D.C., for example, but it is not clear the city will pass needed regulations in time. The D.C. city council has been waiting years for a report from the citys transportation department on recommendations for commercial driverless-vehicle rules before moving ahead. While the regulations may be ready by the end of 2026, there is no timeline for passage, said councilmember Charles Allen. Waymo has hired three outside lobbying firms and is circulating online petitions urging residents to help bring Waymo to DC! D.C.s Department of Transportation said Tesla has not reached out. (Reporting by Chris Kirkham in Los Angeles, Norihiko Shirouzu in Austin, Texas; and Rachael Levy in Washington; Additional reporting by Abhirup Roy in San FranciscoEditing by Mike Colias and Matthew Lewis) Kimberly-Clark Corp. agreed to pay up to $40.4 million to resolve a criminal charge relating to the sale of adulterated MicroCool surgical gowns. A filing in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas charges Kimberly-Clark with one count of introducing adulterated surgical gowns into interstate commerce with an intent to defraud and mislead. According to court filings, a Kimberly-Clark employee conducted fraudulent testing on Kimberly-Clarks MicroCool gowns to avoid having to submit a premarket notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after Kimberly-Clark made a change to the gowns, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A premarket notification is meant to show FDA that a medical device is as safe and effective as an already legally marketed device. Based on the fraudulent testing, Kimberly-Clark sold the gowns after the change without a new premarket notification, marketing the gowns as providing the highest level of protection against fluid and viruses, according to the DOJ. The terms of a deferred prosecution agreement stipulate that Kimberly-Clark will pay up to $40.4 million, which consists of a monetary penalty of $24.5 million, a forfeiture of profits of $3.9 million and up to $12 million in victim compensation. Surgical gowns sold in the U.S. are subject to regulation by the FDA, which recognizes a system of classification set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) known as the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard. Under the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard, the highest protection level for surgical gowns AAMI Level 4 is reserved for gowns intended to be used in surgeries and other high-risk medical procedures on patients suspected of having infectious diseases. Jaguar Land Rover said a cyber incident had severely disrupted its retail and production activities this week. The U.K. automaker, owned by Tata Motors Ltd, said the intrusion forced it to shut down its systems, adding that it had no evidence customer data was stolen. We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner, JLR said on its website. It comes amid a surge in cyber incidents affecting U.K. businesses this year. Retailer Marks & Spencer Group Plc only resumed full operations in August after a cyberattack brought chaos for nearly four months. Supermarket chain Co-Op suffered a data breach in April, while luxury department store Harrods was also recently targeted. Top photo: The Tata Motors Ltd.s Jaguar Land Rover vehicle manufacturing plant in Solihull, U.K. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Authorities are investigating the homicide of a man at the Burning Man festival in Nevada. (Debra Reid, Associated Press file photo) AP BLACK ROCK CITY, Nevada Investigators are hoping the public can provide leads as they search for answers in the murder of a man at the Burning Man festival, including the identity of the victim. The Pershing County Sheriffs Office says its believed the murder occurred between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. They say the victim is between the ages of 35 and 40, about 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, with short brown hair and facial hair. We are also currently seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being, Sheriff Jerry Allen says in a statement. At this time, no information is too small to disregard. The sheriffs office said in a news release Sunday the victim was found Saturday lying in a pool of blood. The discovery of the body was made just as the Man, the large structure for which the festival is named, was starting to burn, authorities say. When deputies arrived, it was determined the man was obviously deceased. The festival released a statement saying it is cooperating with the investigation. The safety and well-being of our community are paramount, the statement says. Its estimated that nearly 75,000 people attended Burning Man in 2024. The week-long event is focused on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. On the Saturday before Labor Day, the festival burns a large, wooden effigy called The Man. The festival was first held in 1986 in San Francisco and has been held in Nevada since 1990. HOUSTON, Texas An 11-year-old boy died after he was shot in the back while running from a residence during a ding-dong-ditch prank, reports say. KTRK Channel 13 reports that police say the shooting occurred just after 11 p.m. Saturday. The boy was taken to a hospital after he was shot and he died Sunday. Officers were told the male was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away. A witness stated the male was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound, police tell ABC News. A suspect in the shooting was taken into custody but was later released, but again was detained after the boy died, ABC News reports. Police say the suspect has not been formally charged. Other ding-dong-ditch pranks have turned deadly in the past. In 2023, a Southern California man was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder for killing three teenage boys by intentionally ramming their car after they rang his doorbell as a prank. And in May, a Virginia man was charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting an 18-year-old who had rung his doorbell while a filming a TikTok video of the prank, the New York Times reported. TORONTO, Ontario, Canada Actor Graham Greene, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role as the gentle-natured Kicking Bird in the 1990 western Dances with Wolves, has died at the age of 73. People Magazine reports Graham died Monday at a hospital in Toronto after a lengthy illness. He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed, Michael Greene, the actors agent, said in a statement to Deadline. You are finally free. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips wrote on social media that he was heartbroken about Greenes death. Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Greene at only 73, Phillips writes. From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful friendship. An Actors Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people Ive ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother. Actor Robert Patrick also expressed sadness on social media. I had the privilege of working with him on The Outer Limits, Patrick says. I loved that man! Absolute legend. According to his biography on IMDB.com, Greene was born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, a member of the Native American nation Oneida. He initially worked as a draftsman, welder, carpenter and civil technician in the steel industry. He began acting in theaters in the 1970s and 1980s and landed his first significant film role in 1985s Revolution, which starred Al Pacino. He appeared in several TV series throughout the 1980s before being cast as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, starring opposite Kevin Costner. The movie was a major hit, winning seven Oscars, including for Best Picture. Greene was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but it was won by Joe Pesci for his role in Goodfellas. He worked steadily in television and movies for the rest of his life, including a role as a prisoner on death row in 1998s The Green Mile, which starred Tom Hanks. He also appeared in Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009). The Guardian reports Greene won Grammy, Gemini and Canadian Screen awards and has a star on Canadas Walk of Fame. According to IMDB, he was inducted into Order of Canada in 2016 and received the Governor Generals Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in June. New York City will host the first-ever North American edition of the Peru Mucho Gusto Culinary Festival - a vibrant three-day celebration of Peruvian gastronomy, culture, and creativity NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This September, the world-renowned Peruvian culinary festival is expanding to the United States for the first time to showcase Peru's award-winning cuisine, superfoods, pisco, and cultural heritage in New York City. Organized by the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Export and Tourism ( PROMPERU ), the event will take place from September 19 to 21, 2025 at Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse . The Festival will showcase the richness and diversity of Peru's gastronomy and culture, which has positioned Peru as one of the world's leading culinary and tourist destinations. Peru Mucho Gusto Culinary Festival Debuts in New York City in September Since its launch in 2008, Peru Mucho Gusto has become the country's flagship gastronomic event, with 28 editions across 12 regions of Peru, gathering more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and welcoming over 810,000 attendees. Earlier this year, the fair expanded internationally for the first time with a successful debut in Madrid, where 14,350 visitors attended and international media coverage reached more than 128 million people worldwide. Now, for the first time, Peru Mucho Gusto is coming to the United States, expected to welcome around 5,000 visitors over three days to celebrate the colors, flavors, and traditions of Peru in New York City. The event is free and open to the public, with registration required. A registration link will soon be available on the Peru Mucho Gusto website. Highlights of Peru Mucho Gusto NYC include: Authentic Peruvian Cuisine Fourteen Peruvian restaurants from across New York and New Jersey will bring the flavors of Peru to life, offering iconic dishes such as Ceviche, Peruvian Roasted chicken, Causa, Shrimp chowder, and traditional desserts. Visitors will discover firsthand why Peru has been recognized 12 times as the World's Best Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards. Fourteen Peruvian restaurants from across and will bring the flavors of to life, offering iconic dishes such as Ceviche, Peruvian Roasted chicken, Causa, Shrimp chowder, and traditional desserts. Visitors will discover firsthand why Peru has been recognized 12 times as the by the World Travel Awards. Live Demonstrations Peruvian chefs will showcase signature recipes on the show-cooking stage, while bartenders highlight Peru's national spirit at the innovative 360 pisco bar with tastings and cocktail creations. Peruvian chefs will showcase signature recipes on the show-cooking stage, while bartenders highlight Peru's national spirit at the innovative 360 pisco bar with tastings and cocktail creations. Superfoods & Lifestyle Pavilion The fair will highlight Peru's renowned superfoodsincluding quinoa, cacao, coffee, and natural oilsalongside home decor, jewelry, and artisanal design, offering visitors a chance to experience the country's creativity beyond gastronomy. The fair will highlight Peru's renowned superfoodsincluding quinoa, cacao, coffee, and natural oilsalongside home decor, jewelry, and artisanal design, offering visitors a chance to experience the country's creativity beyond gastronomy. Marketplace of Flavors & Traditions Guests will explore a diverse range of products from Peruvian companies established in the U.S. market, from packaged superfoods and sauces to responsibly mined jewelry and handcrafts, bridging heritage with modern innovation. Guests will explore a diverse range of products from Peruvian companies established in the U.S. market, from packaged superfoods and sauces to responsibly mined jewelry and handcrafts, bridging heritage with modern innovation. Cultural Performances A dynamic program of live music, folkloric dance, and contemporary acts will immerse visitors in Peru's vibrant traditions and modern creativity. "Peru Mucho Gusto is not just about foodit is about sharing our heritage, creativity, and hospitality with the world," said Diana Pita, Commercial Counselor at the Commercial Office of PROMPERU in New York. "Bringing the festival to New York City is a milestone in Peru's cultural diplomacy and culinary leadership." Event Details: Dates: September 1921, 2025 Venue: Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse 73 West Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Event Times: Friday Sept 19 : 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. : Saturday Sept 20 : 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. : Sunday Sept 21 : 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit: Peru Mucho Gusto About Peru Mucho Gusto Launched in 2008, Peru Mucho Gusto is the country's premier culinary festival, organized by PROMPERU to highlight the excellence of Peruvian cuisine and culture. After 27 editions across Peru, and the first international edition in Madrid in April 2025, the fair is now expanding to the United States, reinforcing Peru's position as a world leader in gastronomy and cultural tourism. For more information, please contact: Trish Heywood [email protected] Carla Castorina [email protected] Colangelo & Partners www.colangelopr.com SOURCE PROMPERU State Rep. Elliot Forhan, a South Euclid Democrat, speaks on the House floor in this file photo. Forhan has had his Statehouse access privileges revoked amid concerns about repeated instances of aggressive behavior toward staff, constituents, and other lawmakers. (Ohio House of Representatives) Ohio House of Representatives COLUMBUS, OhioA state judge has dismissed most, though not all, of former state Rep. Elliot Forhans lawsuit accusing state officials from both parties of performing a political hit job on him while he served in the Ohio House last session. Ohio Court of Claims Judge David E. Cain, in a Aug. 28 ruling, granted motions to dismiss 11 of the 15 civil claims made by Forhan -- a South Euclid Democrat now running for Ohio attorney general next year -- against the Ohio General Assembly. Those dismissed claims, which included allegations of perjury, coercion, and interfering with civil rights, involved: However, Cain did not dismiss some parts of Forhans civil complaint, including claims of defamation against state Rep. Juanita Brent, a Cleveland Democrat, for comments she made in a press release and to reporters -- including with cleveland.com -- regarding how Forhan came to her home in the summer of 2023, after she sought the protection order. Forhan has denied coming to Brents home. A Cuyahoga County magistrate lifted the order in April 2024, holding that Forhan was exonerated. Construing the allegations in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, there exists a set of facts that would entitle him to recovery as to Brents press release and her communications with (the media), Cain wrote. Cain also declined to dismiss Forhans claims that Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office violated its duty to defend him, as a state official, in legal proceedings regarding Brents protection order. Instead, Yosts office represented Brent in the case. In his decision, Cain held that such a question would require him to make a determination whether Forhan was entitled to be represented by the AGs office a decision he wasnt prepared to make at this point in the lawsuit. Thirdly, Cain denied a motion to dismiss Forhans claim that he was defamed by the state-ordered investigation into his conduct, as well as by comments made to cleveland.com in December 2023 by Shawn Busken, director of outside counsel for Yosts office. Busken said at the time that the AGs office decided not to represent Forhan because Every workplace harasser doesnt get a taxpayer-funded attorney and We dont view menacing and stalking as within his official job duties as a member of the state legislature. With Cains ruling, Forhans lawsuit now heads to trial in the Ohio Court of Claims, which handles cases filed against the state of Ohio. Forhan also filed a similar lawsuit in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas court last year against a wide range of officials from both parties, including against, among others, Yosts office and House Democrats -- including Brent and then-Minority Leader Allison Russo in particular. Forhan claims that, as a result of the claims about his behavior, he not only finished third in the 2024 Democratic primary for his House seat, but he also lost the main client at his law practice and his position as an adjunct professor at Kent State University. The Cuyahoga County lawsuit has been on hold since February pending the outcome of the Court of Claims case. Forhan touted Cains decision in a news release Tuesday, saying Russo whos no longer minority leader but is running for Ohio secretary of state next year collaborated with Yost and other Republicans to abuse their power and smear him. I look forward to my day in court and to presenting to a jury of our peers the evidence in support of my claims, Forhan said in a statement. The truth matters. A Yost spokesman declined comment Tuesday. Cleveland.com has reached out to a spokesman for House Democrats. Cleveland police content with a much higher per capital crime rate than their colleagues in the suburbs. Today in Ohio talks about the difference between suburban and urban crime. Olivia Mitchell | cleveland.com Cleveland residents face a sobering reality that many suburbanites will never experience: dramatically higher crime rates that fundamentally alter how they live their daily lives. A cleveland.com analysis comparing crime rates across Northeast Ohios 123 cities paints a stark picture of inequality that demands our attention. In Tuesdays episode of Today in Ohio, the podcast team dove into the troubling numbers with the kind of straight talk that often gets lost in political rhetoric about crime. It is clear, though, that Cleveland residents endure a higher rate of crime than almost everybody in a big way, saidChris Quinn. Have we reached a point in society where we just say, well, its a city, you have high crime, or is there a path to fix it? The data is unambiguous. Cleveland tops the list for violent crime, followed by East Cleveland and Akron. While some suburban communities report virtually no violent crime at all, urban residents must constantly negotiate safety concerns that suburban dwellers might find unimaginable. Laura Johnston highlighted this stark contrast with a personal example that cuts to the heart of how crime reshapes daily life: The story you told about somebody who lives in Cleveland who couldnt mow their lawn with their garage door open, coming from someone who almost never closes their garage door -- that is a very different way you would have to live your life, and its not fair. This isnt just about statistics its about fundamental quality of life disparities that weve somehow normalized. The podcast discussion went beyond hand-wringing to examine potential solutions, both long-term -- addressing poverty -- and short-term -- improving community policing and fixing broken juvenile justice systems. Quinn pointed to a critical failure in our approach to youth crime: Were also not doing a good job as a community in dealing with youth who commit crime,, he said. How do we divert these kids back to the straight and narrow? Because there are cases where one kid will be responsible for 12 or 14 car thefts. The conversation also touched on community dynamics that might explain some differences. Quinn described his Cleveland Heights neighborhood where residents watch out for each other even though they may not be having the deepest conversations with their neighbors every day If suddenly theres somebody operating suspiciously, theyre going to be noticed." Could this watchful community spirit be part of whats missing in higher-crime areas? Are there models from safer neighborhoods that could be adapted to higher-crime areas? The podcast doesnt offer easy answers, but, as Johnston said, People who live in cities shouldnt be subjected to crime We should all be allowed to live unencumbered by fear." Listen to the discussion here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. High-clarity grades with the UL ECV label now available for injection molding and thin wall injection molding applications DUNKIRK, France, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Polychim Industrie, a brand of Beaulieu International Group, and diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Company today announced the introduction of two clarified polypropylene (PP) resin grades carrying a UL Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) label to Europe for the first time. Polychim utilized Milliken's Millad NX 8000 ECO additive solution to debut its HJ45XI and HS45XI high-clarity PP grades that enables up to10% less energy use during the molding processverified savings that translate across the plastics value chain. "Together with Polychim, we have successfully developed a resin that can reduce the energy required for producing injection molded parts," said Maria Di Nolfo, Europe Sales Director at Milliken. "We are excited to see Polychim become the first resin producer to introduce an innovative, UL-validated, high-performance formulation to the European market." The UL ECV is a third-party testing program provided by UL Solutions, a global leader in applied sciences. A UL ECV label affirms that a product's claims have been independently verified by UL, which can help increase consumer confidence and overall brand credibility. Brand owners using PP resins clarified with Millad NX 8000 ECO can display a UL ECV label on their injection-molded parts. "We are proud to introduce our UL-certified resin grades made with Milliken's Millad NX 8000 ECO clarifier," said Hery Randria, General Manager at Polychim. "These grades offer significant potential to reduce energy consumption during injection molding. Additionally, the Polychim site contributes to an environmental impact of just 1.0 kg of CO per kilogram of polypropylene produced. Together, these developments reinforce our dedication to sustainability and innovation in the European market." Polychim's HJ45XI and HS45XI are enhanced with Millad clarifying agent, which provides excellent aesthetics and processing efficiency. The resins allow converters to achieve up to 10% energy and cost savings by processing the grades at lower temperatures and with shorter cycle times than similar products in the market. Both products are available in Europe now. To learn more about Milliken plastic additives, visit www.milliken.com. To learn more about Polychim high-clarity PP grades, visit www.Polychim-industrie.com. About Milliken Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn. About Polychim Polychim Industrie is a European producer of polypropylene (PP) which together with its Louisiana based sister company Pinnacle Polymers belongs to Beaulieu International Group. Located in Dunkirk on the northern coast of France, Polychim has specialized in homopolymer PP since its start up in 1990. Polychim PP has a wide variety of applications including bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarn, fiber, stretched tape, carpet backing and adhesive tapes. In addition to extrusion and compounding, Polychim PP is also used for injection molding for such items as food containers, cosmetic boxes, jars and bottles, or garden furniture. For more information, visit www.Polychim-industrie.com or www.bintg.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254813/Milliken_and_Company_Logo.jpg BENGALURU, India, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Puravankara Limited (NSE: PURVA) (BSE: 532891), one of India's most trusted real estate developers, is bringing its exclusive Property Show Series to the United States this September. Designed for global Indians, these events provide a unique opportunity to explore future-ready investments and premium living options across India. The shows will run from September 6 to 28 in key US cities, including New Jersey, Seattle, Santa Clara, Houston, and Frisco. Puravankara Brings Exclusive Property Shows to the USA for NRIs in September 2025 Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director of Puravankara Limited, said, "India is on a transformative growth path. With its expanding middle class, digital innovation, and structural reforms, we are witnessing a strong trajectory toward becoming an economic superpower. The potential in Indian real estate is immense, both from an investment and lifestyle standpoint. At Puravankara, we believe in delivering that potential to global Indians who see India not just as their roots, but as a land of smart investments and world-class living experiences." Reaffirming the company's focus on evolving consumer needs, he added, "We are continuously reimagining our offerings to match the aspirations of today's homebuyers. Whether it's modern amenities, sustainable design, or premium locations, our properties are crafted to meet the discerning tastes of both Indian residents and NRIs. This exclusive US Property Show will give NRIs a first-hand look at our portfolio, along with previews and one-on-one guidance to make their investment journey seamless and rewarding." The property shows will feature personalised consultations with Puravankara's dedicated NRI desk, exclusive pricing, and flexible payment plans tailored to global Indian buyers. Attendees can explore premium apartments, luxury residences, and villa plots in Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, and Pune, supported by transparent processes and end-to-end assistance aligned with US time zones. India continues to strengthen its position as a global investment hub, with the Reserve Bank of India projecting GDP growth of 6.5% for FY 2025. Strong domestic demand, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation drive this momentum. Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, and Pune remain preferred destinations for NRIs, offering high rental yields, rapid urbanisation, and long-term appreciation potential. With a legacy of over five decades, Puravankara has become synonymous with trust, innovation, and excellence. www.puravankara.com. Presence: New Jersey Seattle Santa Clara Houston Dallas/Frisco Sep 5-22 Sep 5-15 Sep 12-15 Sep 19-22 Sep 26-29 Contact: Abhinav Kanchan [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762455/PURAVANKARA_Infographic.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762454/Puravankara_Logo.jpg SOURCE Puravankara Limited BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In his book Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945, Rana Mitter, British historian and professor of U.S.-Asia relations at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, offers a deeply researched account of China's war against Japanese aggression in the 1930s and 1940s and the country's long-overlooked role in the global fight against fascism. Harvard professor of U.S.-Asia relations and British historian Rana Mitter in an interview with Beijing Review (YIN KANG) In an exclusive interview with Beijing Review reporters Peng Jiawei and Tao Xing, Mitter discusses China's place among the Allies, how the war reshaped the country's international standing, and why this chapter of history remains underrepresented and why it matters now more than ever. Edited excerpts from their conversation follow: Beijing Review: What made you want to write about China's role in World War II (WWII)? And why did you choose Forgotten Ally as the title of your book? Rana Mitter: I use Forgotten Ally as the title--technically, it is the American title--for the book quite deliberately. Because if you ask most Westerners who the major Allied powers were, they would probably say the United States, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom. But they might not remember that China was not only one of the Allied powers, but actually the first--if you count the beginning of the war in Asia, before it started in Europe. In what ways was China's wartime experience transformative for the world? To better understand the relevance of China, I would point people to the year 1938. Why 1938? First of all, for most people who consider the war to have begun in Europe in 1939, it's important to remember that after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which occurred just outside Beijing on July 7, 1937, China and Japan quickly escalated into an all-out war. What was the country's situation at that point? It had no foreign allies, and most people, including many foreign diplomats from Western countries, believed its case was hopeless and China stood little chance of defeating the Japanese. Remember, most of China's great heartland cities, including Beijing, known in those days as Beiping, Shanghai, Nanjing and Guangzhou, were essentially under Japanese occupation, and it seemed only a matter of time before Japan would conquer the rest of China. In hindsight, continuing the fight appears to have been the right decision, as China ultimately became one of the Allied powers, and the Allies did go on to win the war. But in 1938, choosing to fight rather than striking a deal with Japan was a high-stakes decision. That is why it is worth remembering that had China not continued to hold on at that moment, the course of the war in Asia could have unfolded very differently. And with it, the trajectory of WWII--including the fight against Hitler in Europe--might have looked very different. How did China's wartime experience reshape its role on the global stage? I would say that WWII was the time when China shifted from being a semi-colonized victim of imperialism to being an independent state and one of the makers of global orders. A clear example of this transformation came in 1945, when China sent a delegation to San Francisco to sign the UN Charter. This essentially paved the way for China to secure one of the five permanent seats on the UN Security Council, alongside the UK, the Soviet Union, the U.S. and France. My research is now moving into what I call the post-war period, where China began actively participating in the work of the UN. During this time, a new global economic order was also taking shape with the creation of institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other key bodies, where China also began to assume a more important role. Why is it important to revisit and bring this chapter of history back into focus? I do think Western perceptions have changed--and are continuing to change. If you visit, for example, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the U.S., or the Imperial War Museum in London, the UK, you will now find displays that speak in much greater depth about China's wartime role. I don't think those displays would have existed 20 or 25 years ago. In major global histories of the war, China's role is now mentioned much more prominently as well. However, there is still a long way to go. China's wartime experience is just still less well-covered in much of the outside world than other major theaters such as Western Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. It is impossible to make sense of today's rapidly changing global order without understanding the part China played in shaping it--a role that stretches back as far as the 1930s and 1940s. China was not only involved in the formation of key institutions, such as the UN, but also a key wartime ally whose resistance helped keep an Asian front open against Japan at a time when it would be easier to surrender. So even in a very different age today, 80 years after the end of WWII, it is important to remember China's role--and to understand the many complex, and in many ways still under-examined, aspects of that history, which continue to call for further historical study and reflection. SOURCE Beijing Review Russia's tourism industry welcomes China's trial visa-free policy Xinhua) 21:02, September 02, 2025 MOSCOW, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens is "amazing news" that will change Russians' approach to travel in China, said the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), cited by RIA Novosti. Earlier on Tuesday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced that China has decided to temporarily introduce a visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports starting from Sept. 15, 2025 to Sept. 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or exchange visits and transit. "The launch of the (trial) visa-free policy for Russians is amazing news that will fundamentally change Russian tourists' approach to traveling in China," the RST said, adding that tourist numbers are expected to surge significantly. The policy could boost tourist flows from Russia by 30 to 40 percent, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia said. Alexander Bragin, director of the Association of Travel Aggregators, said that the number of search queries for flights and accommodation in China has doubled after the announcement of the pilot visa-free policy. "We won't be able to see actual bookings until tomorrow, but right now, the number of China-related search queries has already doubled. Overall, our forecasts suggest demand for travel to China could rise by 30 percent or more," said Bragin. According to data from Russia's Federal Security Service, 836,600 Russians visited China for tourism and private purposes in the first half of 2025, up 38.5 percent from the same period a year earlier. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Decades of SAP's experience in securing mission-critical operations now powers the demands of sovereignty, regulation, and AI-driven growth WALLDORF, Germany, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced a comprehensive new approach to digital sovereignty and AI innovation. Expanded offerings within the SAP Sovereign Cloud portfolio give European customers access to a comprehensive technology stack, including SAP Cloud Infrastructure and SAP Sovereign Cloud On-Site. With the announcement, SAP sets a new standard for secure, compliant, and scalable innovation, reinforcing digital sovereignty as a core element of Europe's technological resilience and strategic autonomy. "Europe's leadership in the next era of digital innovationespecially in AIwill depend on how effectively we apply AI to solve differentiated industry use cases," said Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Customer Services & Delivery. "With our expanded SAP Sovereign Cloud offering, SAP is unlocking access to the full spectrum of cloud innovations and AI capabilities for all markets and industriesincluding the public sector and regulated environmentswhile ensuring these advancements are delivered in a sovereign framework and on customers' own terms." Deployment choices for every security profile With the expansion of SAP Sovereign Cloud, customers can choose from new deployment models that offer control across infrastructure, platform, and software tailored to their specific regulatory and operational needs. This flexibility enables organizations to innovate securely and in compliance with local laws while maintaining the freedom to scale on their own terms. SAP Sovereign Cloud solutions are available on: SAP Cloud Infrastructure (in Europe ): SAP Cloud Infrastructure is SAP's Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platform that is developed and operated with open-source technologies within SAP's data center network. All data is stored within the EU to maintain compliance with European data protection regulations. SAP Cloud Infrastructure is SAP's Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platform that is developed and operated with open-source technologies within SAP's data center network. All data is stored within the EU to maintain compliance with European data protection regulations. SAP Sovereign Cloud On-Site: SAP offers SAP-operated infrastructure within a customer-owned or customer-selected data center. This solution delivers the highest levels of data, operational, technical, and legal sovereignty while maintaining SAP cloud innovation and architecture. SAP offers SAP-operated infrastructure within a customer-owned or customer-selected data center. This solution delivers the highest levels of data, operational, technical, and legal sovereignty while maintaining SAP cloud innovation and architecture. Delos Cloud : SAP offers Delos Cloud in Germany , a secure and sovereign cloud that supports the flexible and rapid transformation of the public sector, to meet country-specific sovereignty requirements. Long-term Investment in Europe's digital resilience With a long-term investment of more than 20 billion Euros, SAP is making digital sovereignty a strategic priority. This commitment reflects SAP's determination to support Europe's digital autonomy through more secure, local, and regulation-compliant cloud solutions tailored to the public sector and highly regulated industries. With SAP Sovereign Cloud, customers not only gain infrastructure control but also unlock the full potential of cloud solutions from SAP. The offering enables organizations to run their SAP Business Suite in sovereign environments while benefiting from continuous innovation cycles, including SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) and embedded SAP Business AI capabilities. This helps ensure that customers can innovate more securely and locally without compromising on the pace or depth of transformation. "The digital resilience of Europe depends on sovereignty that is secure, scalable and future-ready," said Martin Merz, President, SAP Sovereign Cloud. "SAP's full-stack sovereign cloud offering delivers exactly that, giving customers the freedom to choose their deployment model while helping ensure compliance up to the highest standards." Today, SAP Sovereign Cloud is available in multiple countries with substantial additions to come, supported by hundreds of localized delivery experts and a broad set of certifications. The offer helps ensure full-stack sovereignty across data, operational, technical, and legal dimensions, empowering customers to maintain control, meet regulatory requirements, and innovate with confidence. Visit the SAP News Center. Get SAP news via LinkedIn and Bluesky. About SAP As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. For more information, visit www.sap.com. This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2025 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. Note to editors: To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visit www.sap.com/photos. On this platform, you can find high resolution material for your media channels. For customers interested in learning more about SAP products: Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24 United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727) Please consider our privacy policy . If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact [email protected] and write Unsubscribe in the subject line. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/847591/5485669/SAP__Logo.jpg SOURCE SAP SE CAIRNS, Australia, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Three Scottish brothers have set a new world record after completing the fastest human-powered crossing of the full Pacific Ocean, according to Story Shop. Rowers Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan Maclean arrived in Cairns, Australia on Saturday, August 30 at 1.52am UTC (11.52am local time), following a mammoth 139 days 5 hours and 52 minutes at sea. as they rowed 9,000 miles across the world's largest ocean. The Edinburgh-born trio are the first team ever recorded to row from South America to Australia. Prior to today, the fastest time to cross the full Pacific Ocean was 159 days 16 hr 58 mins, achieved by Fedor Konyukhov (Russia), who rowed 7,393 miles (6,424 nautical miles; 11,897.9 km) from Chile, to Australia in 2014. The trio took on the epic challenge to raise awareness and fund projects that provide clean water for life to people living in Madagascar through their Maclean Foundation, and have so far raised more than 795,000 ($1.64m AUD) as supporters from around the globe including megastars Ewan MacGregor, Mark Wahlberg, and Flea rallied behind the campaign. The voyage, which began on April 12 at 8pm UTC, threw significant challenges at the rowers, including Ewan and Jamie facing crippling seasickness for the first two weeks; a terrifying scare with Lachlan thrown overboard during a night shift only to be pulled back on the boat by his older brother Ewan; and a race against time to complete the row as extreme weather conditions stalled their progress, and caused a fast-depleting food supply to complete the row. The adventurers also had to deal with a broken water maker, faulty auto helm, and countless injuries as they spent up to 14 hours per day on the oars. The Scots were reunited with more than 50 friends and family who made the trip from the UK including their mum, Sheila as well as hundreds of fans at Cairns Marlin Marina today (Saturday, August 30). They're all set for a weekend of rest and relaxation before heading to Sydney with their boat for an event at the Maritime Museum next week. But for middle brother Jamie, first things first. The 31-year-old adventurer said: "This won't surprise anybody but all I want is a pizza. "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. "It was the most incredible, relentless and often surreal experience of my life. While I might miss the routine, the solitude, the sunsets, and sunrises and so much more, right now I'm just very glad to be back on land with my friends and family who I've missed so much. The whole thing will take a while to sink in." While the mid-Pacific from California to Hawaii is well travelled, relatively few have attempted the full Pacific from South America to Australia. Earlier this year, Lithuanian solo rower Aurimas Mockus had to abandon his Pacific crossing attempt due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Ewan (33), who left his job as an engineer at Dyson to take on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, added: "The days have been long and yet the weeks have flown past, it's strange to think of the time that we've spent out here. "This has been the hardest thing I've ever done, and I couldn't have even contemplated it without my brothers. There have been countless setbacks to overcome, some leaving us lost, but we've always lifted each other up. 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." The row captured global attention, with Wahlberg who said he wanted to play the trio in a movie keeping especially close attention, even joining the brothers for an Instagram live to wish them luck in the others prior to arrival. Jamie played bagpipes to Ewan McGregor from the ocean, while Sam Heughan and Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers were also among those calling in to the boat to show support. The All-American Rejects invited Jamie to join the band's performance at Comic Con in San Diego live from sea, playing the intro to their hit Swing-Swing on the bagpipes. As well as online donations, many have been inspired to take on a charity challenge of their own, from Chamberlain Care Home's weekly physio rowing sessions to a five-year-old running a mile every day of his school holidays. Youngest brother Lachlan, who marked his 27th birthday during the five-month voyage, was inspired to support clean water projects in Madagascar after visiting the country following university. He said: "We've completed the row but the journey isn't over. We have a charity target of 1 million ($2.06m AUD) which will provide clean water for life to 40,000 people living in Madagascar, and we won't stop until we get there. Clean water is the most basic of needs, and it's too often taken for granted. "While we're looking forward to getting back to Scotland to see our dad, and to enjoy life back at our croft in Nedd in the Highlands, we're also very excited to get back out to Madagascar as it's a very special place for us." The brothers' boat, Rose Emily, was named after the sister they never knew, as their parents lost her during pregnancy. The boat, which the brothers built alongside ocean rowing legend Mark Slats, is believed to be the fastest and lightest ocean rowing boat ever made. The brothers first caught the bug for ocean rowing in 2019 when they set out to row the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being relative novices to the sport, the trio broke three world records when they rowed from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in 35 days. The expedition was in support of The Maclean Foundation, which funds clean water projects in Madagascar and beyond. To donate and keep up with The Maclean Brothers, visit here. Free to use imagery and video here. ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE MACLEAN BROTHERS BY STORY SHOP. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR INTERVIEW REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT GREGOR HOLLERIN ON +44 781 332 0162 / [email protected] SUPPORTED BY SINGER ASSOCIATES PUBLIC RELATIONS SOURCE Story Shop Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will be in India for a three-day visit from September 2 to 4, aimed at reaffirming mutual commitment of both countries to strengthen ties. In his maiden visit to India since coming to power in May 2024, Wong is expected to enrich bilateral ties with India by signing five agreements in sectors such as shipping, civil aviation and space, officials told PTI. On Thursday (September 4), Wong and PM Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate a container terminal in Maharashtra, a project in which the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA International) had invested over $1 billion. He will also meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Wong will be accompanied by Singapore's foreign affairs minister Vivian Balakrishnan and a host of other government officials. The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and India. A reception will be held in New Delhi to mark the occasion and to celebrate the city-state's 60th year of independence. Wong is also expected to meet with a host of ministers from cabinet members, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs; S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs; Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers; Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education; and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Wong will also engage a group of Indian business leaders in a closed-door roundtable. "Singapore is an important partner for India, including in our Act East Policy. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the Ministry of External Affairs. Notably, Singapore continues to be India's largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the seventh consecutive year with the highest inflows of about $15 billion in 2024-25. Also Read: India-Singapore MoU marks 'celestial alignment' in semiconductor sector Ten Indian travellers were recently denied entry into Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) despite the country being visa-free for Indians. These individuals were part of a larger group of 99 foreign travellers blocked from entering Malaysia during a special immigration operation at Terminal 1.The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKSEM) conducted a seven-hour operation, screening over 400 passengers from high-risk flights. Among those denied entry were 80 Bangladeshi nationals, 10 Indians, and nine Pakistanis, all of whom were men.This incident comes at a time when Malaysia has extended its visa-free facility for Indians until December 31, 2026. The extension aims to attract more Indian visitors ahead of Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.Malaysia has seen a record number of Indian tourists, with around 1.13 million visitors in 2024, a 71.7% increase from the previous year. The growth is attributed to visa-free entry and improved air connectivity. Malaysia aims to welcome 1.5 million Indian tourists by the end of this year.In a recent advisory, the High Commission of Malaysia in India has noted that many Indian travellers are being placed in the Not To Land (NTL) category and denied entry. Several Indian nationals have arrived at Malaysian airports and are placed in the Not To Land (NTL) category by the Malaysian immigration authorities, it said.Passengers categorised as NTL are not permitted to exit the airport. Instead, they must wait inside the terminal until the airline that transported them returns them to India.- Insufficient funds for travel- Unverifiable or missing accommodation details- Lack of a genuine return ticket- Suspected intent to violate immigration rules, such as seeking employment under this schemeThe High Commission has also warned Indian citizens about fraudulent visa and job agents who mislead people regarding employment in Malaysia under the visa-free scheme.Many unscrupulous visa/employment agents are misleading Indian citizens regarding employment in Malaysia under this scheme. The 30-day visa-free entry scheme is not for employment in Malaysia. Indian nationals are advised to remain vigilant and avoid being cheated, the High Commission said. Indian passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry into Malaysia for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, social, or transit purposes for travel between December 1, 2023, and December 31, 2026.They must meet the following requirements to successfully clear security and immigration checks at the port of entry:The passport's validity must be at least six (6) months.Confirmed return flight ticketsConfirmed hotel bookingsMandatory online submission of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three (3) days before arrival date. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as an "old friend" on Tuesday as the two leaders began a fresh round of meetings amid shared tensions with the United States.Ties between Beijing and Moscow have grown steadily, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Addressing Xi as "dear friend," Putin said relations were at "an unprecedentedly high level". The two planned to follow up their formal talks with a more informal meeting over tea, joined by senior aides.CNN reported that the two countries reportedly inked a long-stalled agreement to build a massive new pipeline to send natural gas to China via Mongolia. Russia's state-owned energy company Gazprom announced that the pipeline will supply 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from western Russia to northern China.The meetings come a day after both leaders attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, and on the eve of a major military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since the end of World War II. While the Soviet Union was neutral for much of the conflict in Asia, it aided China in the 1930s against Japanese forces and declared war on Japan in the war's closing days."We were always together then, we remain together now," Putin said.China insists it remains neutral on Ukraine but has provided Russia with vital trade links to offset Western sanctions. Some Chinese firms have faced accusations of indirectly supporting Russia's defense sector.Earlier in the day, Putin and Xi held a trilateral meeting with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Calling the three nations "good neighbours," Putin said they shared many common interests.Putin last visited Mongolia in 2024, when the government declined calls to act on an International Criminal Court warrant issued against him for alleged war crimes tied to the Ukraine invasion. This groundbreaking model for cross-country collaboration and networking could serve as the technology foundation and potential blueprint for future nationwide expansion RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) and MCNC , the non-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), today announced a new partnership to bring secure cloud enclaves and advanced data services to community anchor institutions throughout North Carolina. This partnership will bring together SDSC's Sherlock capability with MCNC's extensive broadband network. Along with long-standing collaborator DataMorph , all involved will be working to provide secure cloud and data solutions to more than 1,000 diverse institutions that MCNC serves. "This is our first partnership with MCNC, and we hope that it can serve as a model for other RENs," said Sandeep Chandra, Sherlock's executive director for cloud solutions and services. "While SDSC has partnerships with the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC), this new work opens the door to additional opportunities with other RENs outside of California." The collaboration emerged between Chandra and Phil Emer, MCNC's vice president of development, who had been tracking Sherlock's progress in the secure cloud and data services space. "We have long followed Sherlock's evolution and growth with great interest," Emer explained. "We're also excited about Sherlock's relationship with DataMorph and look forward to leveraging their combined expertise in delivering modern, secure, cloud-based data services to support our North Carolina stakeholders." For more than 40 years, MCNC has proactively met the technological needs for citizens in North Carolina, been a consistent leader in innovation, and served as a catalyst for technology-based economic development. MCNC's network today spans more than 4,500 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure in all 100 counties, providing connectivity, networking technologies, cybersecurity, and support to colleges, universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, health care institutions, libraries, governments, research institutions and more. What sets this partnership apart is its forward-looking structure. Rather than simply providing services through existing Sherlock platforms, the team will duplicate these capabilities within MCNC's own infrastructure creating a pathway for independent operation. "Typically, Sherlock partners to provide these services to its customers while leveraging platforms it has built and operates, so this is the first time we are building a set of platforms and capabilities under the organizational management and oversight of the partnering customer," Chandra said. "We are stepping outside of our typical mode of engagement for a much more integrated and long-term collaboration." The initial phase will offer secure cloud enclaves and data management to current MCNC users while simultaneously building MCNC's internal capabilities to eventually act independently to manage the services. This project also provides Sherlock with the potential to share services and expertise all along the east coast, representing a strategic expansion of Sherlock's reach within the academic and research community. "It has been exciting to see the development of Sherlock's relationship with MCNC," said SDSC Director Frank Wuerthwein. "MCNC has been an excellent partner that shares the vision for how Sherlock's unique capabilities can be leveraged and duplicated within an organization. We look forward to Sherlock executing this vision." Though still in its early stages, the success of this partnership could serve as a model for similar collaborations so more RENs can broaden their access to secure, scalable cloud and data solutions tailored for analytics, AI, and machine learning workloads. DataMorph co-founder Krishna Katikaneni added that by leveraging its visual data engineering platform, institutions can simplify the development and operation of modern data products, accelerate time to insight, and lower the technical barriers for deploying advanced analytics and AI/ML workloads. "We are excited to be a part of the nationwide team to make this happen," said Katikaneni. This latest collaboration will be one of many discussions happening later this year during MCNC Community Day on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in Durham, N.C. About MCNC MCNC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit client-focused technology organization. Founded in 1980, MCNC owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), one of America's longest-running regional research and education networks. With over 40 years of innovation, MCNC provides high-performance services for education, research, libraries, healthcare, public safety, and other community anchor institutions throughout North Carolina. NCREN is the fundamental broadband infrastructure for over 850 of these institutions including all public K-20 education in North Carolina. As one of the nation's premier middle-mile fiber backbone networks, MCNC leverages NCREN to customize protected Internet, cybersecurity services, and related applications for each client while supporting private service providers in bringing cost-efficient connectivity to rural and underserved communities in North Carolina. Visit www.mcnc.org . MCNC Social: Facebook , X , YouTube , LinkedIn . About Sherlock Sherlock is a part of the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego). It provides innovative and secure information technology and data services, including cloud hosting, cybersecurity, and data services, for academic, state, and federal entities. Sherlock specializes in managed cloud solutions that are compliant with regulations like HIPAA, FISMA, and NIST CUI and CSF, supporting secure research and data collection for organizations like the Centers for Medicare and CMS. Sherlock's current and potential partners can be confident that its infrastructure and solutions not only meet, but exceed, the stringent regulations and protect their sensitive data. Visit the SDSC/Sherlock webpage . SOURCE MCNC State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Windows 10 support ends in just over a month, but close to 50% of PC installations are still running the old OS, according to PC makers. In earnings calls last week, Dell and HP executives said that the PC upgrade cycle to Windows 11 was still ongoing, and would continue through this year and 2026. When we look at the total conversion, we are behind what we have been in other years, said Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, during last weeks earnings call. Public Knowledge says child safety bills across the U.S. are well-intentioned but overly broad, threatening privacy and free expression. A new white paper calls for tech companies to design safer products by default and apply age checks only where risks warrant them. The group warns that sweeping verification lawslike those in Texas, Mississippi, and the U.K.set troubling precedents that may harm both kids and adults. As lawmakers race to pass child safety laws aimed at protecting kids online, a study warns that the cure may be worse than the disease. The non-profit research organization Public Knowledge argues in a white paper released earlier this year that blunt-force age verification mandates risk undermining privacy, free expression, and access to beneficial online content. Instead of treating all internet use as equally dangerous, the group advocates a risk-based framework that places responsibility squarely on tech companies to design safer platforms by default. Well-intentioned efforts to protect young users too often miss the point, the report concludes, noting that compulsive design features, predatory interactions, and poor privacy protections drive the most serious harmsnot mere access to controversial content. Verification vs. assurance Central to the debate is the difference between age verificationchecking a government ID to confirm exact ageand age assurance, a spectrum of less invasive methods such as behavioral analysis, account history, or machine learning age estimates. Public Knowledge argues for scaling these approaches: lighter touch for low-risk activities like browsing educational material, but stronger safeguards for high-risk features such as livestreaming or stranger-to-stranger messaging. Courts, states, and the coming federal push Momentum for strict laws is already building. The U.S. Supreme Court this summer upheld Texass requirement for age checks to access pornography, a ruling that lowers constitutional scrutiny for online restrictions. Soon after, it declined to block Mississippis social media verification law. At least two dozen states now mandate or are advancing similar rules, raising fears that adults could soon have to prove they are old enough to use the internet at all. Public Knowledge warns of the privacy fallout, citing recent hackslike the leak of government IDs from a dating app that required women to submit proof of identityas evidence that mandatory ID submission is a data breach waiting to happen. The report points to the U.K.s Online Safety Act, in effect since July, as a cautionary tale. While intended to protect children from harmful material, its rollout has triggered chaos: platforms blocking everything from protest videos to support groups for quitting smoking or drinking, and millions of users turning to VPNs to skirt restrictions. A smarter alternative Public Knowledge calls on U.S. lawmakers to resist copy-paste solutions and instead regulate features that drive harm. Infinite scroll, manipulative notifications, and algorithmic recommendations are among the design choices the group says should be age-gated or re-engineered with safety in mind. Meanwhile, less risky functions should remain open, preserving kids ability to learn and explore while protecting adults rights to free expression. The white paper will be formally presented September 8 at a Washington, D.C. event titled The Kids Arent Alright Online: Building a Safer, Better Internet. The Picklr is set to celebrate its 50th club opening in Littleton, CO on Saturday, September 6th, with a grand opening party and pro pickleball exhibition match featuring the top pickleball players in the world - Anna Bright, Hayden Patriquin, Michael Loyd & Kyle Yates DENVER, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Picklr, the fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise in North America, is celebrating the opening of its 50th location with a new club in Littleton, Colorado. This milestone not only expands access to America's fastest-growing sport but also places The Picklr in an elite category of franchise systems, fewer than half ever reach 50 operating units, ultimately proving the scalability of its franchise model while fueling the nationwide pickleball movement. Courtesy of The Picklr "The opening of our 50th club is more than just a ribbon-cutting event, it's proof of concept at scale. Most franchise systems never reach this stage. Reaching 50 locations this quickly underscores both the strength of our business model and the passion fueling the pickleball movement nationwide," said Jorge Barragan, CEO and Co-Founder of The Picklr. "Our growth is driven by two core factors: strong unit economics and passionate franchise partners. This isn't just a lifestyle brand, it's a scalable business model built for long-term success. Our Littleton location is the latest proof point, but it's only the beginning for The Picklr." From a business perspective, The Picklr's growth reflects strong franchise momentum. Only 11% of franchise brands ever operate between 2550 units, and fewer than 20% exceed 100 units. The Picklr's trajectory not only surpasses industry benchmarks but also positions the brand among the fastest-emerging systems in franchising. To celebrate the opening of their newest club in Littleton, CO, The Picklr is hosting a Grand Opening Event on Sept 6th that will feature a full lineup of events throughout the day, including an exhibition match featuring four of the top pickleball players in the world. Open to the public, the PPA style doubles match will feature Anna Bright, Hayden Patriquin, Michael Loyd and Kyle Yates. The exhibition match will start at 1pm, but the grand opening party will host events additional throughout the day, from 11-4pm, including: All Day Open Play Juniors Open Play "Challenge a Pro" w/ Anna Bright , Hayden Patriquin , Michael Loyd , Kyle Yates - for a chance to win a lifetime membership , , , - for a chance to win a lifetime membership Raffles & Giveaways, including free paddles & balls, free memberships, and gift cards Catered Food & Drinks And More The Picklr Littleton will feature 12 oversized, fully fenced state-of-the-art indoor courts, all offering our patent-pending, high-quality outdoor-style court surfacing, full pro shop, warmup/mobility space, as well as 2 private event spaces. For Colorado's growing pickleball community, it represents a new hub for competition, connection, and social play. "Opening the 50th Picklr is a dream realized for me as an entrepreneur and a huge milestone for the brand. I've been very intentional about building my team at The Picklr Littleton, and I couldn't be more proud of what we've created together," said Jennifer Winder, Owner of The Picklr Littleton. "Partnering with The Picklr has been the best decision I could have made. When considering the other options available, The Picklr was an absolute no-brainer. I'm proud not only to be part of this amazing brand, but also to carry the honor of opening the 50th location and celebrating this milestone together." With an accelerated development pipeline, The Picklr plans to open 20+ additional clubs later this year and another 300 over the coming years, continuing its mission to bring world-class pickleball experiences to more communities across the globe. To learn more about The Picklr Littleton, please visit: https://thepicklr.com/location/littleton/ ABOUT THE PICKLR: The Picklr is North America's fastest-growing network of premium indoor pickleball courts, offering an unparalleled experience for players of all skill levels. With more than 500 state-of-the-art clubs sold nationwide, The Picklr provides programs for beginners to pros, and a vibrant atmosphere. Membership to The Picklr includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments. Follow The Picklr on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and tournaments, or visit https://thepicklr.com/franchise/ to learn more about owning a franchise. SOURCE The Picklr The real Donald Trump has been conspicuously avoiding the media for the past several days, sparking conspiracy theories concerning his health/general aliveness. But the guy who pretended to be Trump for 60 nudity-filled seconds at the end of South Parks season premiere, on the other hand, is more than willing to talk to the press. As you may recall, the headline-making episode, Sermon on the Mount ended with the town of South Park bending the knee to their flappy headed president by giving him free promos, seemingly in reference to Paramounts apparent real-life corporate capitulation. The result was a PSA in which Trump strips naked in the desert, passes out and then gets a pep talk from his googly-eyed micropenis. Don't Miss While some assumed that the fake ad was A.I.-generated, behind-the-scenes photos posted online by South Park Studios revealed it was really a live-action actor with a deepfaked face (and Trey Parkers finger playing the talking member) seemingly lifted from Parker and Matt Stones unproduced deepfake movie about a regular guy who happens to look exactly like Trump. The actor playing the president wasnt credited in the episode, but it turns out that he was Trump impersonator Dennis Alan. The 75-year-old Chicago native previously played Trump in a series of ads for an upscale South Korean dental clinic. As far as we can tell, they didnt require any frontal nudity. Advertisement Alan recently spoke to Metro and confirmed that his scene was shot way back in early 2020, as part of Deep Fake: The Movie, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the project to shut down. Out of the blue I got an email from (Parker and Stone) saying they would like to use a minute of the footage in a South Park episode, four days before they were going to release the episode, Alan explained. I was so glad to hear from them, I said, Sure, no problem, and the impact of it didnt really register with me until after the episode. Advertisement The Trump doppelganger doesnt seem super-thrilled that he wasnt credited for the episode, in retrospect. I asked South Park about crediting me, and they said I should use the emails between us where I arranged for the re-use of the footage, Alan claimed. Advertisement Without those (behind-the scenes photos), people would still be arguing it was A.I., he continued. This performance went viral worldwide, yet Im invisible in the credits. Its not the first time. My image has been used prominently before without credit. If it werent for my agent pushing my name out there, Id still be a ghost in my own career. And that agent, incidentally, is a Kim Jong Un impersonator named Howard X. Alan did admit that getting credit is a double-eged sword since hes enjoyed by (both) Trump supporters and people who are anti-Trump. But now he seems to really want the public to know that A) most of the scene didnt require visual effects, and B) his genitalia isnt really that embarrassingly small. Trust me, no algorithm can recreate this level of bad genetics, he joked. My face is already 90 percent there naturally, the South Park team only added about 10 percent digitally. The rest the body, the acting, the comedic timing was all me. He went on to add, I was actually all for going completely naked if the compensation reflected that artistic commitment. However, the production opted for a flesh-colored G-string, likely because, frankly, the teeny tiny depiction they chose to animate wouldnt have been artistically accurate if it were truly me. Advertisement Back in July, Alans agent fired off a press release in which the professional Trump similarly stressed that it was unequivocally not my personal appendage on screen. Mine, I assure you, is considerably more substantial. Advertisement Perhaps this obsession with penis size is a sign that Alan is using the Method technique? Contrary to what some conservative comedy fans may believe, Bowen Yang has never gotten a fellow Saturday Night Live cast member fired, no matter what slurs they used or how many times they would go on to host the show. Next Friday, Saturday Night Live will celebrate the six-year anniversary of the day on which three 30 Rock legends made it onto the shows cast: Yang, Chloe Fineman and Shane Gillis. Then, on the following Tuesday, Lorne Michaels will mourn the six-year anniversary of the day he caved in to pressure from NBC and fired Gillis, whose past use of homophobic and anti-Asian slurs on his comedy podcast had resurfaced following the casting announcement and whipped up a social media firestorm. Today, Gillis is one of the most popular stand-up comedians in the world, and Yang, whose status as the first ever Chinese-American Saturday Night Live cast member made him an unwillingly central figure in the Gillis scandal, couldnt be happier for his shortest-tenured former co-star. Don't Miss During a recent appearance on WTF with Marc Maron, Yang described the mutual respect that he and Gillis share, revealing that they have since grown close due to how they each were assigned a side in the endless and destructive comedy culture war at a time that should have been the most joyous moment of their respective careers. Yang has long maintained that, despite what social media may say about his relationship with Gillis, there is not, nor has there ever been, any bad blood between the two of them. Yang called the two-time SNL host and Joe-Rogan-adjacent comedy giant a funny guy, insisting that his sort-of-colleague isn't some kind of anti-woke, punch-down-comedy figurehead anymore than Yang is the chief of the P.C. police. Advertisement Both of us have had to navigate being used, Yang said of how he and Gillis navigated the dangerous terrain of the 2019 SNL hiring scandal. I think there was like a recruitment going on either side of like, If you like this guy, then this is what you stand for, and if you like this guy, then this is what you stand for. And I think both of us are probably a little more dimensional than that. As Yang explained in a New Yorker profile last year, he was one of the last people to find out about the firestorm engulfing both him and Gillis, learning about it in a series of frantic texts from his agent. Both Michaels and Gillis called Yang in the following hours, and Yang says that Gillis was profusely apologetic in their brief, amicable talk. I ended the call by saying, I guess Ill just see you at work, Yang said of his conversation with his wouldnt-be cast mate. He laughed and said, Sure, and hung up. Then they announced that he was fired. Advertisement Unfortunately for both Yang and Gillis, and despite the complete lack of personal animosity between them, the two comedians were on opposite sides of a culture war issue in which comedy fans ascribed the role of the hyper-sensitive woke-scold to Yang while painting Gillis as a Rob-Schneider-level you cant say anything anymore right-wing hack. Even today, with the SNL scandal so far in the rearview mirror of Gillis meteoric rise, some of his fans are still mad at Yang for supposedly kicking Gillis off of the show on which he would have been a terrible fit, judging by his two hosting stints. Meanwhile, Fineman is about to celebrate six years of nobody asking her a goddamn thing about Gillis. She and Yang should split a cake. More than $40M awarded to date for groundbreaking interventional studies in neuroscience, mental health, and perception LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiny Blue Dot Foundation has opened its fourth round of major neuroscience funding, offering multi-year grants of up to $900,000 to advance understanding of how internal beliefs and lived experiences shape perception of reality. Letters of Intent (LOIs) are now being accepted through October 7, 2025. Tiny Blue Dot Foundation has opened its fourth round of major neuroscience funding, offering multi-year grants of up to $900,000 released to the Science of Perception Box. Since 2023, the Foundation has awarded over $40 million to 34 projects worldwide, supporting research and effective interventions on psychedelics and death anxiety, VR therapy for end-of-life distress, school-based anxiety prevention, mindfulness, anorexia, autonomous play, and more. Since 2023, the Foundation has awarded over $40 million to 34 projects worldwide, supporting research and effective interventions on psychedelics and death anxiety, VR therapy for end-of-life distress, school-based anxiety prevention, mindfulness, anorexia, autonomous play, and more. Funded studies span institutions across five continents, exploring the Perception Box framework developed by founder Elizabeth R. Koch, a model for how internal narratives, cognitive schemas, and emotional experiences determine how we see and respond to the world. A complete list of these research projects can be found here . Grants will be awarded to qualified non-profit academic and research institutions around the world. Researchers are encouraged to propose studies that examine, measure, or expand the walls of the Perception Box using rigorous, empirical methods. A full RFP timeline and application guidance can be found at www.tinybluedotfoundation.org . The Foundation's first three rounds of funding have catalyzed a wave of cutting-edge studies investigating the relationship between perception, consciousness, and mental health: 2023 cohort (11 projects): Explored psychedelics and death anxiety, mindfulness for chronic pain, dream induction for trauma recovery, heated yoga, breathwork, and compassion-based interventions reducing bias between police and Black community members. (11 projects): Explored psychedelics and death anxiety, mindfulness for chronic pain, dream induction for trauma recovery, heated yoga, breathwork, and compassion-based interventions reducing bias between police and Black community members. 2024 cohort (12 projects): Focused on narrative identity in minority youth, VR therapy for end-of-life distress, interoceptive awareness in teens, and emotion regulation using AI and mindfulness-based interventions. (12 projects): Focused on narrative identity in minority youth, VR therapy for end-of-life distress, interoceptive awareness in teens, and emotion regulation using AI and mindfulness-based interventions. 2025 cohort (12 projects): Centered on adolescents, funding research on psilocybin therapy for grief, VR games powered by heart-brain biofeedback, school-based anxiety prevention, body image interventions using visual attention training and embodiment illusions, dialogue-based civics programs promoting emotional resilience and social connection, sauna and well being and others. Since 2023, the Foundation has received hundreds of proposals from around the world, with all applications undergoing a two-stage, double-blind external review process. Projects funded to date span institutions in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Israel, Taiwan, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain. "This next round represents another exciting step forward in building a global, interdisciplinary scientific community investigating the boundaries of perception," said Dr. Christof Koch, Chief Scientist of the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. "We remain committed to supporting rigorous neuroscience and psychology-based interventions that help expand people's understanding of their experienced worlds, ease their anxieties, and make them more curious and open to the world." 2025 RFP Timeline (subject to slight adjustments) Sept 2 : LOI opens : LOI opens Oct 7 : LOI closes : LOI closes Dec 22 : Selected LOIs notified : Selected LOIs notified March 2, 2026 : Full proposals due : Full proposals due June 2026 : Funding decisions announced Grants may be awarded to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent institutions internationally. Principal Investigators must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent and propose original research that advances understanding of the mechanisms, development, or modification of the Perception Box using neuroscience, psychology, behavioral science, or interdisciplinary methods. Over the past decade Elizabeth R. Koch has founded and co-founded organizations in the fields of publishing, media, neuroscience, and transformational experiences, all under the banner of Unlikely Collaborators. These organizations include Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, a scientific research non-profit that seeks to understand and measure the operations of Perception Box , and Catapult , an award-winning publishing company that seeks to expand our ability to see one another and honor every life experience. These organizations all share the same goal of bringing awareness of the Perception Box framework to all people. Tiny Blue Dot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports scientific research exploring how perception is shaped, constructed, and potentially transformed. Through the lens of the Perception Box, the Foundation funds empirical studies that aim to reduce suffering, increase empathy, and help individuals develop greater psychological flexibility and resilience. Led by Chief Scientist Dr. Christof Koch, a pioneering researcher in the neuroscience of consciousness, the Foundation collaborates with academic institutions, clinicians, and global experts to explore tools and interventions that shift perception in measurable, meaningful ways. To learn more, visit: www.tinybluedotfoundation.org SOURCE Tiny Blue Dot Foundation Modified: Tuesday, 2 September 2025 17:30 BST Frank Davies STORY LINK GBP/USD Forecast: Pound Sterling Plunges as UK Bond Yields Hit 27 Year High Save on Your GBP/USD Transfer Get better rates and lower fees on your next international money transfer. Compare TorFX with top UK banks in seconds and see how much you could save. Compare the Best GBP/USD Rates GBP/USD Forecasts: US Labour Data to Drive Movement Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound-US Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) slumped on Tuesday, weighed down by surging UK government bond yields, which rose to their highest level in 27 years.At the time of writing, GBP/USD was trading at approximately $1.3407, down roughly 1% from the start of Tuesdays session.The Pound (GBP) fell sharply on Tuesday, sliding against the majority of its peers and shedding more than 1% against the US Dollar (USD), as mounting headwinds undermined the currency.A sharp climb in bond yields and rising borrowing costs intensified pressure on Sterling, with investors growing increasingly wary ahead of the Autumn Budget.Concerns over the UKs fiscal outlook were further compounded by uncertainty surrounding a government reshuffle, which clouded confidence in the countrys economic direction.Adding to the downward momentum, a downbeat global market mood sapped demand for increasingly risk-sensitive assets, leaving the Pound exposed during Tuesdays European session.The US Dollar (USD) advanced against the majority of its peers on Tuesday, buoyed largely by shifting market sentiment.As risk appetite soured, demand for the safe-haven currency increased, allowing the Greenback to push higher through the first half of the session.Later in the day, the release of the USs latest ISM manufacturing PMI for August offered additional support.While the index continued to signal contraction in the sector, the reading beat forecasts, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of the US economy and keeping USD exchange rates on the front foot.Looking ahead to Wednesdays European session, the GBP/USD exchange rate is set to take its lead from a pair of key data releases on either side of the Atlantic.For the US Dollar, focus will fall on the publication of Julys JOLTs job openings.The index is expected to record a marginal decline, which could revive concerns over a cooling labour market and place fresh pressure on the Greenback.Should the data undershoot forecasts by a wider margin, USD exchange rates may weaken further.Turning to the Pound, the UKs services PMI for August will be in the spotlight.As the UKs dominant sector, any signs of strength carry significant weight.The index is forecast to edge higher, climbing from 51.8 to 53.6, and if confirmed, could provide Sterling with some much-needed support.Even so, lingering fiscal worries and uncertainty over the Autumn Budget may continue to cloud sentiment towards the Pound, potentially limiting the currencys upside. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Dollar Forecasts Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. HELSINKI, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Finland's real estate market has shown clear signs of recovery in 2025. Transaction volumes are on the rise, investment liquidity has strengthened, and interest from foreign investors is growing. This trend reflects renewed market confidence, suggesting that market activity is set to exceed last year's levels. This provides a strong foundation for a positive momentum in the real estate sector, which we expect future market data to confirm. The recovery in transaction volumes that began last year across Europe and the Nordics is now becoming clearly visible in Finland's real estate market. The residential sector is expected to emerge as one of the key drivers in 2025. Although construction costs remain high following the sharp increases after Russia's invasion, new development is cautiously underway. Growth areas with net population inflow provide a sustainable base for demand and accelerate construction activity, further strengthening the balance of supply and demand in the residential sector. Activity in the commercial property market is rising, but capital is increasingly directed toward carefully selected, high-quality assets. The stability offered by long-term leases makes these properties particularly attractive to investors. Interest from international investors in Finland has strengthened significantly. The country is increasingly viewed as an attractive destination for both real estate and infrastructure investments. Improved conditions in the financial markets and easing lending terms are boosting investment activity. Both existing investors in Finland and new entrants are pursuing assets using updated or entirely new strategies. The growing interest from core investors also reflects strong confidence in Finland's stable operating environment. A diverse real estate market offers opportunities across different strategies, making Finland an appealing destination for a broad range of investors. Finland's real estate market fundamentals remain strong over the long term, and yields are still competitive, particularly compared to other Nordic countries. The yield gap for prime offices relative to Sweden is historically large, and typically, yields across markets converge over time as financing conditions become similar. We believe that the gradual strengthening of lease fundamentals for prime assets in Finland will narrow the yield gap, creating attractive opportunities, particularly for investors employing yield shift strategies, as Finnish prime office yields approach the level of other Nordic markets. In contrast, the retail property segment currently shows no comparable yield differentials, indicating more balanced pricing. The second half of 2025 will bring attractive opportunities across various real estate investment strategies. Market polarization underscores the need for a strategic approach: investing in growth centers and well-managed assets offers both stability and returns, while risks remain higher in peripheral areas. Investors who act selectively in prime locations and high-quality assets are likely to benefit most from this market recovery. For additional information, please contact: Kasper Joukama Transactions Manager Trevian Asset Management +358 40 076 4547 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/trevian/r/trevian-s-market-review-autumn-2025--finland-s-real-estate-market-recovers---top-assets-attract-inve,c4227983 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/trevian/i/trevian-team-2025,c3465918 Trevian team 2025 https://mb.cision.com/Public/16862/4227983/81b325d9239e0792.pdf EN MarketReview autumn25 Trevian SOURCE Trevian Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Who doesn't love a practical everyday bag that you can wear virtually anywhere? That's the reason so many are rushing to purchase the IHKWIP Sidekick Quilted Crossbody, a feature-packed bag designed to simplify your life. Whether you're the type who's known to carry everything you own or you're looking for a streamlined alternative that still offers plenty of space, this could be your go-to. IHKWIP Sidekick Quilted Crossbody It's a bag that truly lives up to the name and is definitely destined to be your sidekick! Available in multiple colors, it includes multiple pockets and compartments designed to help you stay organized when you're on the go. Features include a built-in RFID wallet with card slots, an adjustable strap, and a lined pocket for your phone or sunglasses. And if you're new to QVC you can score $30 $30 off your first order of $60 or more with code WELCOME30. Shop If you're looking for the ultimate go-to bag for everyday use, IHKWIP has you covered with its roomy crossbody Right now it's an excellent deal, too. The bag retails for $61 at QVC, but is reduced to just $49.98 in your choice of colors but this sale comes to an end in just hours, so you'll need to be quick to get in on this deal. Bearing a classic vertical silhouette, the crossbody measures just over 6 inches long by 3.5 inches wide by 9 inches high and it offers a shocking amount of room for anything you could possibly want to take along for the day. The bag has plenty of features to help you stay organized, including a built-in wallet, pen holders, and multiple pockets and compartments That's down to the clever design, which incorporates multiple pockets and compartments so you can easily take it all with you. One of the highlights is the built-in RFID wallet with card slots, allowing you to find just what you need in seconds. The interior also houses a pair of pen holders and a key clip leash, so there'll be no need to dig around for those items that typically get lost in the caverns of your bag. 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But the one taken at the end of the latest meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was definitely more Addams Family than The Waltons. On the extreme right of the front row was the hatchet-faced president of China, Xi Jinping. On his right, was the diminutive figure of the murderous Vladimir Putin and at the opposite end was the man affectionately known as 'Europe's last dictator', the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. But what makes this portrait calculated to chill the blood is the sight of the figure on his left: Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India. The presence of the man at the helm of the world's most populous democracy at this sinister gathering of despots and pariahs is enough to send shivers down the spine of any citizen of the free world. For while this image was taken in eastern China, it was clearly designed to send a message to the man sitting thousands of miles away across the Pacific at the Resolute Desk in the White House and Europe's leaders based almost as far away to the West. As Xi told his fellow delegates: 'Global governance has reached a new crossroads.' His comment signalled the passing of the baton from the Western powers led by the US, in partnership with Britain and its European allies to the Chinese dictator and his like-minded strongmen. Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. Modi's presence as the man at the helm of the world's most populous democracy at this sinister gathering of despots and pariahs is enough to send shivers down the spine of any citizen of the free world, writes Dr Bob Seely World leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit 2025 in Tianji, China Incredibly, these included the leader of a Nato-member country: Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, taking a break away at the SCO from arresting his political opponents at home. And this may well not be a peaceful transition. With Russia gaining the ascendancy over the Ukraine, and China apparently poised to invade Taiwan, nobody can bet against World War Three. After all, young men may fight wars but they are invariably started by old men, and Xi and Putin, both 72, are old men in a hurry. If such a cataclysm does come to pass, we are hopelessly ill-prepared. As things stand, Nato fatally undermined by an isolationist US and an enfeebled Europe is a paper tiger. If war does break out, we might as well run up the white flag at Dover. Make no mistake, the core members of China's new alliance are preparing for global political, economic and military domination. The SCO was founded 24 years ago as a foil to US and Western influence in central Asia after the collapse of the USSR. Since then, it has grown, and its purpose certainly from China and Russia's point of view has become more anti-Western, not less. It now includes Pakistan and Iran, as well as all the central Asian 'stans'. For China's leader, President Xi this is part of a long- thought-out strategy to bend the global order to his will and to build up institutions and organisations that serve China's bidding, all the while wresting influence from the US. During the summit, Xi told his fellow delegates: 'Global governance has reached a new crossroads' No man will be more delighted at the growing success of Xi's grand plan than Russia, China's loyal and increasingly dependent and subservient sidekick. Putin makes no secret of his determination to undermine Western power and specifically the power of Nato. At the conference, he again blamed the West for his need to invade Ukraine. But why is Narendra Modi, the leader of a country which has been aligned with the West for decades, doing there and what does his presence signify? He is, no doubt, at least partly motivated by a desire for revenge. US President Donald Trump's decision to slap a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the US in retaliation for New Delhi's decision to become the world's biggest trader in Russian oil outraged Modi. But he also he knows that he must engage with China to help India reach its own development goals. Both countries have long had claims on elements of each other's territory, and relations have been lukewarm at best for years. And although China stays officially neutral amid the regular skirmishes between Pakistan and India, in practice it provides Islamabad with both moral and material support. Chinese weaponry makes up no less than 80 per cent of Pakistan's arms, for example. So Modi attended the SCO out of fear as well as necessity. But nothing was more striking than the love-in between Modi and Putin. Between sessions, the two men walked the corridors of the conference centre hand in hand, their faces wreathed in smiles, for all the world like teenagers in the first blush of romance. I suppose there's nothing quite like a mutually beneficial 96 billion trade in oil to strengthen the bonds of friendship. Both men remarked upon China's attitude of 'mutual respect'. What they mean is that unlike the West Xi doesn't lecture its economic partners on human rights and turns a blind eye when some of them arrest or even murder their opponents. China's strongman also talked of opposing 'hegemonism', the 'Cold War mentality' and 'bullying practices' all coded attacks on the US. The truth is that the rise of the new authoritarians means more global instability, not less. And just when it should be gearing up to stand tall, the West seems to be going through a prolonged period of crisis. The roots of our malaise took hold in the 1990s. With victory in the Cold War and the rise of a new generation of post-1960s politicians, Western populations were led to believe that the age of ideological and great power rivalries was over. With Russia effectively bust and China opening up its markets, the idea of spending billions on the defence of the realm was seen as faintly comical. Since then, we've bred a generation of leaders incapable of leadership or vision. While China and Russia plot and plan long-term, ours drift from month to month. They understand little about the military, let alone the more complex forms of political, economic and cyber conflict practised not only by Putin's Russia but also China and Iran. Our own Government is yet to grasp that Beijing's highly aggressive economic strategies are designed to collapse parts of the Western economies, as well as make us dependent on the goods with which China deliberately floods our markets. While the US economy has grown, over-regulated Europe has stifled its economy at the same time as importing very large numbers of low-skilled immigrants, which have overwhelmed welfare budgets. Defence has often been the budget to be stripped out to pay. Across the Atlantic, Trump's White House needs to understand that alienating traditional allies such as India will only drive them into the arms of Xi and Putin's axis of authoritarianism. Unless our leaders show leadership, vision and adopt a long-term plan to oppose this dangerous new alliance, I fear a new and darker era is slowly emerging. Right now, our collective civilisation seems incapable of dealing with the new world order. We need not only to relearn the skills that made us great but also to be willing to promote and defend our values in the face of a truly sinister global threat. Dr Bob Seely is author of The New Total War, published by Biteback I know female politicians get it in the neck far more than their male counterparts but, seriously, if you cant fork out for a full-length mirror or run a comb through your hair, how on earth can you be expected to run the country? The latest combo sported by Angela Rayner - our Deputy Prime Minister, remember - makes SpongeBob SquarePants spring horrifically to mind. Arriving at Downing Street this morning, Rayner chose the trendy, mid-price label beloved by the style set and influencers - Me+Em. (Its one of her faves; last year she wore three pieces by the brand including a 550 vivid green suit, a 227 orange dress and a 325 coral dress with cap sleeves). Todays cream wool herringbone jacket is 295; the wide-leg trousers 225. But is she so busy vaping by the coast, she only shops online and therefore never tries anything on? The outfit just isnt right for her shape or, more importantly, her job. Lets dissect the jacket. It is far too short, too boxy, too fussy: puff sleeves, decorative buttons and a scooped lapel no woman with a fuller bust should wear. A double-breasted jacket makes any woman look wide. Rayner needs more of a long-line style that reaches to her fingertips when an arm is dropped at her side, and single breasted. The Deputy PM arrives at the first Cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term in an ensemble from Me+Em Her latest combo 'makes SpongeBob SquarePants spring horrifically to mind', writes Liz Jones Ms Rayner greets Foreign Secretary David Lammy on her way into No10 The green trousers? They are far too long, making it look as though she is on casters. The colour is too casual: summer holibobs are over. The shoes are from a brand called Irregular Choice, which seems apt. And the sunglasses? Its as though she thinks she owes us no respect. You are not Elton John. Or Christopher Biggins. You are meant to be running the country. I have no issue with Rayner accepting discounts or freebies when it comes to her wardrobe. She should be in made-to-measure Savile Row, or at least a great British high-fashion label such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney or Burberry. Flying the flag, not resembling one. What is the point of commendably dragging yourself up from a council estate childhood if you do not then ditch the chaotic, the budget buys, the creases, the rainbow colours? It is clear she doesnt care whether the fashion police approves or not. But she should care. No French or American or Italian female bus driver would wear this lot, let alone a foreign leader. Rayner should channel Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, who has an impeccable, mostly navy uniform so we listen to what she says, not gawp in horror at what she is wearing Its time Rayner stopped trying to appeal to Everywoman - the middle-aged woman who cant afford a stylist and is confused by too much choice in Marks & Spencer. She is not one of us. She represents us. Big difference. How many police officers does it take to arrest one middle-aged sitcom writer? That might sound like a joke but theres nothing funny about the answer. When 57-year-old Graham Linehan, co-creator of the sublime Channel 4 comedy Father Ted, arrived at Heathrow from the US on Monday, armed police were waiting for him... five of them. He was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, in relation to posts on X [the social media platform], according to a statement from the Metropolitan police. One of the contentious tweets featured a picture of a trans rights demonstration in London, which Linehan captioned, a photo you can smell. Another denounced the demonstrators: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em. The third stated: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space he is committing a violent, abusive act. It went on to advise: Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Graham Linehan was met by five armed police officers at Heathrow Airport on Monday and arrested on suspicion of inciting violence The arrest is part of a disturbing pattern of heavy-handed harassment by police intent on punishing people for refusing to conform to narrow Left-wing ideologies. And the Prime Minister has earned his reputation as Two-Tier Keir for exactly this reason Linehan contends this last comment was meant as humour. You might well feel its not very amusing but you might also feel that it isnt an incitement to genuine violence. Either way, it is impossible to understand what impelled senior police officers to send five firearms specialists to make the arrest, as the writers flight landed from Arizona. He could not have been regarded as a potential international fugitive or a physical threat, let alone some kind of terrorist. Yet that is how he was treated... as though hed posted a bomb warning or tried to smuggle a gun through Customs. His arrest over a series of facetious posts on social media proves beyond doubt that a significant proportion of the police force in the UK has become radicalised. What used to be our basic means of ensuring law and order has now become a subdivision of the LGBT rights charity Stonewall. They have made the trans issue their own institutional crusade. The gender-critical activist Maya Forstater, who co-founded an organisation called Sex Matters, found police on her doorstep in July 2023, following a complaint of alleged transphobia If this arrest was a unique aberration, we might shake our heads in disbelief and move on. But it is part of a disturbing pattern of heavy-handed harassment by police intent on punishing people for refusing to conform to narrow Left-wing ideologies. The Prime Minister has earned his reputation as Two-Tier Keir for exactly this reason. The hounding of womens rights campaigners who oppose trans dogma is the most egregious example. The gender-critical activist Maya Forstater, who co-founded an organisation called Sex Matters, found police on her doorstep in July 2023, following a complaint of alleged transphobia. The inquiry remained open for 15 months. At first police refused to reveal why they were investigating her, though Forstater was warned that, if she refused to co-operate, she could be marked as a wanted woman and face eventual arrest. Later, she was informed that a complaint had been made about one of her social media posts regarding a transgender GP. It may well be that persons who have seen my tweets are offended or upset, or would prefer that I did not utter them, Forstater said. There is no right not to be offended in a democratic society, nor to use the powers of the state to destroy other peoples rights in pursuit of your own political goals. The writer Julie Bindel was also visited by police after a complaint about one of her tweets was lodged by a transgender man in Holland. Two officers visited her last November, at a Sunday lunchtime, and asked her to report to the police station the following day, to explain herself to a senior officer. The Free Speech Union post on social media after Linehan's arrest, which was retweeted by JK Rowling. He claims he had to go to a hospital (pictured) because he was so stressed Ms Bindel refused. If they wanted her to speak to a senior officer, she said, they should have brought one along. The police retreated, she said, with me haranguing them all the way to the door about the scandalous failure of the British justice system, and the shocking waste of police resources with two constables sent to investigate a tweet, when complaints of domestic violence are too often ignored until women are murdered by their partners. This is a double travesty. When disturbing domestic incidents routinely go unchecked, while tweets are policed so aggressively, this country clearly has its priorities very wrong. As an angry Linehan said yesterday: To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women, and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have turned the police into their personal goon squad. But it is also a shocking waste of limited police resources that could be put to far more urgent use in a country where much crime is now routinely ignored by the authorities, from shoplifting and burglary to drug dealing. It is indisputable that the ostentatious refusal of police to investigate such crimes does lead directly to an increase in lawlessness. Whether its masked youths on electric bikes delivering packages of cocaine around our suburbs, or gangs swaggering around supermarkets stealing goods by the shelf-load, criminals now feel increasingly emboldened by police indifference. Meanwhile, convicted criminals - including potentially paedophiles and rapists - are being released early to relieve overcrowding in our prisons. The Irish comedy writer is the co-creator of the sublime Channel 4 comedy Father Ted Yet all of us are made to feel that we should be very careful about what we say online, or even in private, for fear of committing a non-crime hate incident. That nebulous wording is all the more ominous for being a self-contradiction: if its not a crime, why is it worth investigating? As books such as Franz Kafkas The Trial and George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four have chillingly taught us, its a short step from guarding what we say out loud, to self-censoring our own thoughts. The overt aim of the police is to discourage us from free thought, as well as free speech. This applies much more widely than to trans issues alone. The journalist Allison Pearson was visited early one Sunday morning last November by an officer who claimed to be, investigating an incident or offence of potentially inciting racial hatred online. In fact, her provocation had been to tweet a photo of two police officers posing for a photo next to two men with a flag in the colours of the Pakistani political party Tehreek-e-Insaf. Mistakenly believing the picture was taken at a pro-Gaza protest, she captioned it: Look at this lot smiling with the Jew haters. Ms Pearson later deleted the post when her error was pointed out. When Ms Pearson refused to attend a voluntary interview, the case was closed, though Essex Police noted spitefully: We do not take the view that a crime did not take place, rather that there was no realistic prospect of conviction based on the evidence available. So where did the crime occur? Inside her mind? Small wonder that last month the US State Department raised concerns about the erosion of free speech in Britain. UK citizens, it warned, face serious restrictions on freedom of expression. To be schooled in the basics of free speech by Donald Trumps White House is deeply embarrassing for this country, the birthplace of free speech. But as the arrest of Graham Linehan illustrates, embarrassment is the least of our problems. An Emirates flight attendant has lifted the lid on one of the most nerve-wracking, yet glamorous, parts of the job - being placed on airport standby. In a recent TikTok video, cabin crew member Verena shared exactly what it's like to be rostered on the mysterious duty and revealed there's even a secret beauty hub inside the airline's Dubai headquarters where crew can refresh their makeup. Standby means staff must turn up to the airport in full uniform, suitcase packed, and be ready to step onto a plane at a moment's notice if a colleague suddenly calls in sick or a flight is short on staff. 'This is secretly one of the most exciting parts of being Emirates cabin crew,' Verena said in the clip. The fun part, she said, was having no idea where she might be flying - or if she'd be flying at all. One minute you're in the lounge sipping coffee, the next you could be headed to Sydney, Seoul or San Francisco. In Verena's case, she ended up being dispatched to New York just two hours before takeoff. After completing the necessary checks and dropping off her bags, Verena headed to what she calls one of the best-kept secrets of the job, the crew zone. Inside, Emirates has built a lounge designed to rival a luxury hotel lobby, complete with computer stations, quiet rooms for napping, and, most intriguingly, a beauty hub. In a recent TikTok video, cabin crew member Verena (pictured) shared exactly what it's like to be rostered on the mysterious duty She revealed there's even a secret beauty hub inside the airline's Dubai headquarters where crew can refresh their makeup before heading to the skies Inside, Emirates has built a lounge designed to rival a luxury hotel lobby, complete with computer stations, quiet rooms for napping, and, most intriguingly, a beauty hub 'It's where I stop by for a makeup fix,' she revealed. The sleek space allows staff to touch up their signature red lipstick or perfect their winged liner before stepping on board - a detail that highlights the airline's famously polished image. If no flights require backup, standby crew simply spend up to four hours in the lounge, reading, catching up on admin, or resting until they're cleared to go home. What passengers also may not know is that Emirates flight attendants - both women and men - are required to attend a beauty school to learn about the airline's makeup and hair guidelines. 'The 'look' is an integral part of Emirates brand image, which is why we have a dedicated Image and Uniform team to ensure hair and make-up standards are followed by cabin crew,' flight attendant Alexandra Cosoff told Daily Mail. 'When it comes to makeup standards for female cabin crew, we are not told which brands to buy, as this will be a personal preference. However, we are informed what items we need to wear. 'We often get asked if there is a particular shade that we as crew must use, but it's not specified; what we need to know is the colour must match the red in the uniform and not be glossy.' For the hair standards, flight attendants must ensure their hair is clean and neatly presented at all times. An Emirates flight attendant has lifted the lid on one of the most nerve-wracking, yet glamorous, parts of the job - being placed on airport standby Flight attendants are required to attend a beauty school to learn about the airline's makeup and hair guidelines 'The 'look' is an integral part of Emirates brand image, which is why we have a dedicated Image and Uniform team to ensure hair and make-up standards are followed by cabin crew,' said flight attendant Alexandra Cosoff said. 'Any loose strands around the face and neckline must be pinned up, and that our chosen hairstyle must not affect the correct positioning of our hat,' she said. 'Various styles such as, a French roll, up roll, or the classic bun, are permitted.' Male flight attendants are also expected to meet hair standards. If no flights require backup, standby crew simply spend up to four hours in the lounge, reading, catching up on admin, or resting until they're cleared to go home For the airline's 20,000-plus cabin crew, standby is part of the rhythm of the job 'Their hair must be neat, conservative, and styled away from the face,' she continued. 'It must not be overloaded with gel or wax and must be neatly trimmed at all times and not touch the collar of their shirt.' For the airline's 20,000-plus cabin crew however, standby is part of the rhythm of the job: equal parts stressful and exhilarating. Passengers may never realise it, but that smiling flight attendant greeting them at the aircraft door may have only discovered their destination hours earlier, after spending time in a lounge waiting patiently. Jodi Hildebrandt's niece has revealed how her twisted aunt managed to get away with her abuse in the years before she was jailed. Convicted child abuser Hildebrandt, 55, was sentenced to serve between four and 30 years in prison on February 20, 2024, alongside fellow convicted child abuser Ruby Franke for their horrific campaign against two of Franke's children. Over one year on and Jessi Hildebrandt, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, has given unprecedented insight into how her aunt operated in a chilling new documentary. Speaking in Investigation Discovery's new four-part docuseries, Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence, they said: 'She, from how I understand it, has always been a very difficult person to deal with, and it's really tough because how many times have women been called that? 'The patriarchy's going to tell you to stay small and stay silent, that you're too much, that you're too big, that you're too loud, and I think she used that to rationalize and justify the abuse that she engaged with.' They continued: 'I know, from what I've been told, that Jodi accused her ex-husband of horrendous things. She tried to get him ex-communicated [and] clearly destroyed this man.' In 2023, Jessi accused their aunt of being a sin-crazed abuser who duct-taped and starved them while police turned a blind eye to their pleas for help. In an interview on NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas Reports, they claimed that they were subjected to duct tape, starvation and forced to sleep outside in the snow when they were 16 years old and left in their aunt's care. Jessi Hildebrandt has spoken out against her aunt, the convicted child abuser Jodi Hildebrandt Hildebrandt was sentenced to serve between four and 30 years in prison for child abuse During this time, they were also confined in locked rooms without shoes and told that Satan was working through them. Another distressing incident recounted by Jessi involved being tied up in a car, forced to lay down on the ground, and driven into the mountains, where they were made to run for hours. 'She tied me up in a car and made me lay down on the ground and drove me into the mountains and made me run for hours and hours and hours,' they said on Elizabeth Vargas Reports. Despite reporting these incidents to the police, Jessi claimed that no action was taken. Hildebrandt was arrested in Washington County, Utah on August 30, 2023, and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse of two of Franke's children. She plead guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was later sentenced to four terms of one to 15 years consecutively, the maximum for each count under Utah law. In February 2024, Franke was sentenced to serve between four and 60 years in prison. The exact term is to be decided by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Crime scene photos, doorbell videos, and interrogation tapes showed her children with gruesome injuries after being tied up, beaten and starved. Hildebrandt was jailed alongside mommy blogger Ruby Franke in 2024 Hildebrandt was arrested in Washington County, Utah on August 30, 2023, and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse of two of Franke's children. She plead guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse Speaking about her aunt, Jessi said: 'She has always been a very difficult person to deal with' Franke's estranged husband, Kevin, had not seen the children for more than a year and was not charged with any crime. During Franke's trial, prosecutors played dramatic doorbell camera footage that showed the disturbing moment her son arrived at a neighbor's house in shackles asking for help and directions to the police. In the video, the emaciated and badly bruised 12-year-old boy tentatively approached his neighbors on their porch after managing to escape the torture of his mom via a window. The child had just escaped from Hildebrandt's home, investigators said. Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence will delve into Hildebrandt and Franke's relationship, their rise to power, and their extensive influence within the Mormon community to their eventual arrests in 2023. Across four episodes, it will give insight into Hildebrandt's rise to power within the Mormon community through her popular ConneXions program and how that program led her to Franke and laid the foundation for the twisted bond they shared. 'Featuring extensive interviews with former clients, the docuseries underscores the extent of Hildebrandt's cult-like and manipulative tactics that devastated the lives of the individuals who entrusted her with their struggles in hopes of helping themselves and their marriages,' the official synopsis said. The docuseries also exposes Hildebrandt's manipulative and dangerous tendencies and how when combined with Franke's strict family values, they created an environment rife with manipulation, control, and abuse. 'Combined with extensive archival and police footage, as well as commentary from local journalists who covered the case and influential Mormon and ex-Mormon voices, the documentary chronicles Hildebrandt and Franke's doomed partnership and dangerous, disturbing results of unchecked influence to reveal the physical and psychological impact of their abusive actions.' Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence continues September 2 from 9-11PM ET/PT on ID. Episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max. A maths problem aimed at 12-year-olds has left a parent stumped and asking for help online. Eager to assist their child in working out the answer, the parent, who appears to be from the US, posted the question on the 'HomeworkHelp' subreddit on the Reddit discussion forum. The problem, which was included on a worksheet for '7th Grade Advanced Placement math' - year eight in UK secondary schools - showed a square and an equilateral triangle. Each edge of the square was equivalent to 2 1/8x + 30 while each edge of the triangle was labelled 5 1/3x. The question read: 'The square and the equilateral triangle below have the same perimeter. Find the value of x. Then find the perimeter of each shape.' The parent and child duo had managed to complete the first step, which was to come up an equation that would eventually lead students to the right answer. Having written '(2 1/8x + 30)4 = (5 1/3x)3', the parent asked fellow Reddit users: 'We are pretty sure the equation is appropriate, but any path we take to isolate x gives the wrong answer. Can somebody please walk us through the proper steps to solve for x?' A number of people attempted to solve the problem - but not all were successful. A parent, who appears to be from the US, posted this maths problem on the 'HomeworkHelp' subreddit on the Reddit discussion forum. Most appeared to understand that, since the perimeter of the square and triangle were the same, it was first necessary to solve the simultaneous equation. A perimeter is calculated by adding up the length of every side of a shape. Given that all the sides of a square are the same length and all sides of an equilateral triangle are equal too, it was clear that the equation for the perimeter of the square was (2 1/8x + 30)4. Similarly, the perimeter of the triangle could be determined using the equation (5 1/3x)3 - just as the parent and child who posted the maths question had said. Because students had been told that the two perimeters were equal, it was possible to solve for x by putting the equations together. This gave: (2 1/8x + 30)4 = (5 1/3x)3. That equation could then be simplified as: 8.5x + 120 = 16x. From there, the equation was modified to 120 = 16x- 8.5x, which, in turn, led to 120 = 7.5 x. The next step was to divide both sides by 7.5 to determine the value of x: 120 / 7.5 = x. A parent, who appears to be from the US, posted this maths problem on the 'HomeworkHelp' subreddit on the Reddit discussion forum. Therefore, x was equal to 16. It was possible to check the answer by substituting x in the equation for 16. And, from there, it was simple to work out the perimeter of each shape. To find out the length of each side of the square it was: (2 1/8 x 16)+ 30 = 64. The perimeter, therefore, was 64 x 4 = 256. And, to work out the perimeter of the triangle, it was (5 1/3 x 16)3 = 3 x 85.333 = 256. It comes after several people found themselves struggling to solve maths problems left on a GCSE paper from an exam earlier this year. After revising long and hard for their exams over the past couple of months, British teenagers finally received their GCSE results on August 21. It marked a tense occasion for both students and their parents - who would've had to refresh their numeracy and literacy skills themselves to help children study. From year nine onwards, teenagers are taught more challenging mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, fractions, ratio, logic and statistics. Many parents, however, would have forgotten the basics by the time their offspring's exams came around. So, how would you fare if faced with GCSE questions that 16-year-olds have to answer? The Daily Mail plucked some real questions from taken from a 2024 OCR non-calculator higher paper. Here are 12 questions from a GCSE Higher Tier OCR mathematics exam. You may need a pen and paper... 1. Work out 1.2 0.03 2. Solve the following problem: 3 (A) y is directly proportional to x. Write down the percentage increase in y when x is increased by 100% (B) z is inversely proportional to x. Write down the percentage decrease in z when x is increased by 100%. 4. Find the value of a in the problem below: 5. Solve the inequality below: 6. Sasha invests 1000 at a rate of 5% per year compound interest. Sasha says: 'After one year, my investment will get 50 in interest and will be worth 1050. Therefore, after two years, my investment will get another 50 in interest and will be worth 1100.' Is Sasha correct? Give a reason for your answer 7. Expand and simplify: (X+3)(4X+1)(X-2) 8. Find the nth term in the following sequence: 9. Work out the perimeter of the shape below: 10. Two prisms, A and B, are mathematically similar. The ratio of the volume of prism A to the volume of prism B is 8 : 27. The height of prism A is 6 cm. Work out the height of prism B. MEXICO CITY, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Vista" or the "Company") (NYSE: VIST; BMV: VISTA) will host a virtual investor day on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. At this event, the Companys executive team will provide an update on Vista's Strategic Plan aimed at delivering industry-leading growth and superior total shareholder returns with world-class execution. A more detailed agenda will be available at a later date. Vista's Investor Day is open to institutional investors and sell-side analysts. To register, please visit www.vistainvestorday.com . Confirmation and additional event details will be provided to registered attendees. A webcast replay and slide presentation will be available after the event. For more information, contact Vista Investor Relations at [email protected] or InspIR Group at [email protected] | +1-646-940-8843. About Vista Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. is the largest independent producer and the largest oil exporter in Argentina. The Company is fully focused on Vaca Muerta, the largest shale oil and shale gas play under development outside North America. Vista's strategy consists in developing its high-return shale oil drilling inventory of up to 1,200 ready-to-drill wells spanning more than 229,000 Vaca Muerta acres, with focus on cost efficiency and lower carbon intensity production. For more information, please visit Vistas Investor Relations website (www.vistaenergy.com/investors). INVESTOR CONTACTS Vista Energy [email protected] Argentina: +54 (11) 3754 8500 Mexico: +52 (55) 1555 7104 InspIR Group [email protected] +1-646-940-8843 SOURCE Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. A 21-year-old revealed how she has managed to save 54,000 while working in McDonald's. Preston-based Stella McCormick is a manager at the fast food chain, and shared how some clever spending hacks are helping her save for her 'forever home'. Taking to her TikTok @stellamccormick6, the influencer said she sticks to a few simple rules when it comes to money, including making a 'wishlist' of things she wants to buy. In a clip, which racked up more than 41,000 views, Stella claimed planning days out, making financial goals and investing were great ways to make sure you are in control of your finances. The savvy saver drives a 2008 Corsa and admitted she is 'very lucky' and 'privileged' because she lived with her mother until she was 19-years-old and was paying just 150 a month in rent. Her first tip was to keep track of 'essential outgoings' which she said was the key place to start. 'This is a non-negotiable - if you don't know exactly what you spend on bills etc, your personal finances need organising,' she stressed. Stella also urged people to write down every payment they make each month, to ensure they are aware of their outgoings. Stella McCormick, who is from the UK, revealed she has managed to save 54,000 while working in McDonald's and sticking to some clever hacks Her next tip was to plan out your weekly meals ahead of your food shop so you don't overspend. 'Make a meal plan or at least a list of dinners for the week,' she advised, 'and curate a shopping list based on those meals.' The third hack was to make a 'wish list' of things you want to buy and come back to it at a later date to see if it's still important. 'If you see something you'd like to buy, add it to a wishlist in your notes - go back to it in a months' time and you will realise you didn't actually want it,' Stella shared. 'For example, new trainers, new phone etc. I've done this since I was 16 and I have hardly ever bought the items I wanted because I didn't even want them anymore.' Another piece of advice was to set 'financial goals' - no matter how small. 'If I have a goal to spend less than 100 in a week for example - I will without fail do this even if I had to walk an hour to work if my car broke down instead of paying for an Uber,' she shared. 'Make sure these are achievable for you so you get some little wins.' Stella is a manager at the fast food chain and is saving for her 'forever home' She revealed that her mother and stepfather taught her the importance of this and how best to utilise money Social media users were impressed by Stellas savings hacks and many rushed to the comments with their own thoughts Finally, Stella revealed the importance of investing. As well as keeping money in an ISA and Premium Bonds she also has 'a lot' of money in Columbia - an investment company. 'Do your research before investing,' she warned. 'I learnt this from my parents but I have money in numerous places that just sit there and earn me money every year. 'A couple of good ones are MoneyBox for all the ISA's, Premium Bonds is good for 100 percent financial safety if you are worried about losing money and I also keep a lot in Columbia but they charge a lot.' Social media users were impressed by Stellas saving hacks and many rushed to the comments with their own thoughts. One person said: 'Ahah great tips !! I do exactly the same things and have 110k saved at 28.' Another added: 'Budgeting is like gym hard to start, but the gains are worth it.' 'Finally seeing someone else my age actually have savings!' another penned. 'Im also saving for a house, slow process but will be worth it in the long run.' 'The wish list thing is genius!' a fourth praised. 'Most of us would wait a month but actually not want it by then!' Sydney's fine dining scene has been dealt yet another devastating blow, with two acclaimed restaurants shutting their doors within days of each other. Just as two-hatted Monopole in the CBD prepares for its final service on September 6, another award-winning eatery, Longshore in Chippendale, has confirmed it will close for good on September 13. The Australian seafood-driven venue, located on Chippendale's once-buzzing Kensington Street dining strip, opened in mid-2023 and quickly earned a chefs' hat for its coastal-inspired menu. But its run has been cut short after head chef Jarrod Walsh announced he was leaving to take up a new role at the Shell House in the city. 'Since my resignation [as executive chef at Longshore and the neighbouring Old Clare Hotel], the management team has come to the hard decision that Longshore will no longer operate and the last service will be September 13,' Jarrod told to the Sydney Morning Herald. Announcing the news to Instagram, the post was immediately met with a flurry of loyal fans rallying in praise and support of the restaurant. 'One of my favourites,' one wrote. 'Looking forward to the next thing!' The closure marks another setback for the high-profile dining precinct, which has seen a string of high-end restaurants come and go since its highly anticipated launch in 2015. Just as two-hatted Monopole in the CBD prepares for its final service on September 6, another award-winning eatery, Longshore in Chippendale (pictured), has confirmed it will close for good on September 13 The Australian seafood-driven venue, located on Chippendale's once-buzzing Kensington Street dining strip, opened in mid-2023 and quickly earned a chefs' hat for its coastal-inspired menu The closure marks another setback for the high-profile dining precinct, which has seen a string of high-end restaurants come and go since its highly anticipated launch in 2015 Silvereye, headed by former Noma sous chef Sam Miller, was the first to fold in 2016. Celebrity British chef Jason Atherton's Kensington Street Social followed in 2018, while Barzaari Chippendale shut after less than a year in 2019. Even celebrated local chef Clayton Wells eventually walked away, first shuttering A1 Canteen in 2020 and then pulling the plug on his acclaimed Automata restaurant in 2022, saying at the time, 'It's the perfect time to zip up and move on'. Upmarket Korean venue Jung Sung also bowed out in 2023, leaving Spice Alley's bustling hawker stalls as the strip's main drawcard. Jarrod admitted the area had been a difficult place for high-end restaurants to survive, given the heavy student foot traffic in the neighbourhood. Longshore had built a loyal following by fusing coastal produce and Asian techniques, paired with interiors featuring a striking seagrass matting wall. While Jarrod is moving on, the Old Clare Hotel is expected to seek a new external operator to take over the prized Longshore space. Monopole, on the other hand, is closing its doors after 13 years in operation. Despite currently holding two-hats at the 2025 Australian Good Food Awards, the owners have made the unexpected decision to shutter it due to the ending of its lease. After 13 years in operation, Monopole will close its doors on Saturday 6 September at the conclusion of its current lease The Bentley Group, who are the owners of Sydney restaurant Monopole, have announced the venue's upcoming closure Monopole's closure has surprised the Sydney restaurant scene given that it currently holds two-hats in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide The announcement was made by the restaurant's parent company, The Bentley Group, which is owned by leading Australian hospitality operators, Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage. 'Nick and Brent... announce the closure of two-hatted Monopole at the end of the restaurant's current lease,' they confirmed. 'Monopole's last service will be dinner on Saturday 6 September, and will trade for dinners Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Friday until then.' The owners also provided a joint statement, confirming that they were 'extremely proud' of what they'd achieved at Monopole, both in the original Potts Point location and the CBD. The Bentley Group co-owners Nick Hildebrandt (left) and Brent Savage (right) were excited to announce the upcoming opening of their next venture, Waterview in Barangaroo with chef Darryl Martin (centre) at the helm 'Monopole was a ground-breaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine list,' Nick and Brent said. But in perhaps a flicker of hope for die-hard Monopole fans, the restaurant owners hinted that it might not necessarily be the end of the road. '[W]hile we're sad that the lease has finished, we will never say never for a Monopole in the future,' they concluded their statement. Although one restaurant is closing, the announcement also confirmed that the business owners already have their next exciting restaurant in the works. The Bentley Group will soon be opening a new venue called Watermans, which will be located at Barangaroo inside the recently completed One Sydney Harbour Lendlease development. The new venture will be an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with respected chef Darryl Martin - formerly of Barzaari - as executive chef. Co-owner Nick confirmed that Watermans would be opening towards the end of the year, 'right in time for summer'. The upcoming 120-seat establishment will feature both indoor and outdoor dining areas and will be open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Others confirmed getting free tyre changes and petrol top-ups While toll roads, highways, bridges and tunnels around Australia attract fees, one driver's recent experience unveiled a little-known perk that make them more appealing. What many don't realise is that roadside assistance is free to all who break down or have an incident on these roads. Queensland woman Natasha Pravidur made this discovery when smoke started billowing out of her car along the Logan Motorway. 'So I broke down on the highway the other day,' she recounted in a TikTok video that has since gone viral. The 22-year-old said she managed to pull over to the side of the road before calling her boyfriend, who offered to come and pick her up. But as she waited for her boyfriend to arrive, Natasha explained that she noticed a tow truck pulling over to assist her. Immediately, she tried to wave the tow truck away, because her past experience had seen tow truck drivers quote '$400 to $500 to take you to wherever you need to go'. She told the driver that she couldn't afford the tow fee and would simply wait for her boyfriend to come and pick her up. Queensland woman Natasha Pravidur shared a now-viral video to her @tashpravidur account, revealing how she made the discovery that you could get free roadside assistance on toll roads It was at that moment that Natasha discovered something that 'no one tells you'. 'I've just never known this, but the toll roads PAY FOR FREE roadside assistance,' she said. The truck driver explained that there was no charge for the tow service in this specific instance because of her location. 'He said, "It's free when you're driving along a toll road. You get free roadside assistance",' she recalled. But it's not just a free car towing service that's available if you break down on a toll road. They can also jump start your car and change your tyre. Transurban's tolling brand Linkt confirms the service on their website. 'Our cameras monitor traffic conditions 24 hours a day,' it reads. 'If you break down or crash, in a tunnel or on a toll road, an incident response team will be sent out right away.' Motorists who similarly had broken down on a toll road were among the few that knew about the free roadside assistance service Natasha's video has been viewed almost 600,000 times and attracted over 1500 replies, many from people who'd only made the discovery after having a similar breakdown experience on a toll road. 'I broke down on the M5 once and before I could even make a plan, a free tow truck had arrived,' one driver recounted, adding that it 'was completely free'. Another recalled that her car tyre popped in a major Queensland tunnel at night. She initially called her own roadside assistance service, but was told not to worry because 'there's cameras in the tunnel watching and someone will send help to you'. Sure enough, the lane signals in the tunnel closed off the lane and a tow truck arrived to move her car to a safer spot before changing the tyre. Another person added that they even scored 'free petrol' when they broke down on a toll road with an empty tank. 'They filled me up to the top and off I went,' they said. However, many of the commenters noted that while you'll get a 'free tow' off a busy toll road, it will usually only be to a nearby safe location. 'They just get you to a safer spot, not all the way to where you need to go,' highlighted one. Toll road operators and road workers also joined in the online discussion. Toll road workers confirmed it was their job to monitor the roads and dispatch free roadside assistance services when they spot a car that's broken down 'I love seeing people being educated on this,' one toll road worker wrote. 'I'm an operator for these toll roads/tunnels so I spot you and dispatch the tow trucks to assist.' Another who worked on a major tollway explained: 'We will tow to safety and depending on the time of day or if we have enough time we can help with tyre changes. Basically, we won't leave you somewhere late at night we will do our best to get you moving again.' 'I'm one of the incident response officers and 90 per cent of people I help don't know about this,' added another. This sentiment was echoed all throughout the comments, with many people stunned to learn that the toll road service existed. 'Holy cow I had no idea about that!!!!' 'Wait, what. Why am I also only learning this now,' another said. 'Sending this to everyone cause I didn't know either,' a third person added. Many commenters noted that there's a few key reasons why the toll road wants to help clear broken down cars with safety being among them. In the event your car breaks down on a freeway, motorway or highway you should try to, 'move as far to the left of the road as possible to leave the road clear for other motorists' and avoid stopping on a bend or in areas of poor visibility 'It's to get you off their roads safely so you don't interfere in the flow of traffic or potentially be involved in an accident,' one person explained. 'They want to keep the traffic flowing [on roads] that people pay for. They want you out of there,' another added. According to the RACV website, in the event that your car breaks down on a freeway, motorway or highway you should try to, 'move as far to the left of the road as possible to leave the road clear for other motorists'. If possible, you should avoid stopping after a bend or in areas of poor visibility, which can create a dangerous environment. 'Once you've parked your vehicle, switch off your ignition and keep your hazard lights on,' the website advises. 'If your car is a safe distance from traffic, stay inside the vehicle and keep your seatbelt buckled, while waiting for help.' 'If your car is in a dangerous position close to traffic, exit through the passenger door to keep the car between yourself and moving traffic. Stand as far from the road as possible.' As noted in the latest viral video, a roadside response vehicle is likely to have already spotted the breakdown if you're stopped on a toll road and even some major highways. However you may need to call the Australia-wide road incident response phone number, which is 131 170, or a local roadside assistance service like RACV, NRMA or RACQ or RAA. A couple who made a shocking discovery after buying what they believed was their dream home are now suing the seller. Daniel and Lynn Rae Wentworth bought the home in Pennsylvania nearly two years ago. It wasn't until they moved in that they found what they allege is a swastika tiled on the basements floor. According to PEOPLE magazine, which obtained the complaint filed in court on August 27, the Wentworths made an agreement with the property's seller to buy the home back in September 2023. Speaking to KDKA, Lynn Rae said: 'We loved the historical nature of [the house] and the fact that there [was the] opportunity to update it and still keep that flare.' During the walk through and home inspections, everything seemed to be in order, and so the couple put in their offer. But months after moving into the home, according to Lynn Rae, she and her nephew were cleaning up a few things that the seller had left in the basement. After moving large rug and table, they made the discovery. Lynn Rae Wentworth (pictured) says she was 'mortified' after discovering a symbol tiled into the basement of her new home According to Lynn Rae: 'I was like, "there's something tiled into the floor here". And you take a step over here, and you're like, "oh my gosh, this is a swastika, nearly six feet in diameter". 'A swastika and what appears to be a German War Eagle were discovered permanently tiled into the floor. I was just shocked, mortified.' The complaint filed by the Wentworths accuses the seller of hiding the symbol. It alleges the seller did so 'knowingly and intentionally', and they describe the alleged conduct as being 'wholly outrageous, willful, wanton and reckless'. Under Pennsylvania real estate seller disclosure law, sellers are supposed to make potential buyers aware of any defects the seller is aware of. The Wentworths allege that the seller violated this law in not telling them about the symbol. Daniel Stoner, the Wentworths attorney, spoke to KDKA about the matter, saying that the symbol was allegedly installed in the basement floor by the seller in the 1970s. He said: 'We believe this is something that should have been disclosed to them from the start. Describing having the symbol in the basement of her home, Lynn Rae (pictured) said: 'It's mine now, and I don't want it, but it's mine. I own it, which is horrific' 'They should have been given the option as to whether or not this is something they would want to be in their home.' He described the case as the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. Stoner then noted that the Wentworths want the law to be changed, making it a crime to not disclose permanently installed hate symbols in a home. However, Stoner continued that the seller described the swastika as an ancient symbol 'that means many different things in many different cultures, and in most cultures it's a positive thing'. Furthermore, the seller has argued in court papers that the buyers could have moved the table and rug covering the design and seen it. They described the symbol as a cosmetic feature of the home, and not a defect. The seller therefore argued that this means they were not obliged to disclose it to the buyers. Speaking to KDKA, Lynn Rae disagreed, noting that they may not have purchased the home had they known about it. According to Lynn Rae, because she didn't know about the symbol, they 'weren't able to make an informed decision about a huge purchase' She said: 'This is our home. This is where we live. This is where we have family. We weren't able to make an informed decision about a huge purchase in our lives. 'We were denied that opportunity simply because somebody couldn't take five seconds to say, "hey, take a look at the basement floor, there are some symbols down there".' Now, the couple say the tiles now need to be removed and the flooring replaced - at a cost of $30,000 - and that the seller should be responsible for covering the cost. The total of the damages they are seeking is an amount no greater than $50,000. Describing having the symbol in the basement of her home, Lynn Rae said: 'It's mine now, and I don't want it, but it's mine. I own it, which is horrific.' Prince Andrew was 'rude' to royal staff and once called someone a 'fat, lardy a***hole', a former protection officer has claimed. Paul Page, who served at Buckingham Palace between 1998 and 2004, said in new Channel 5 documentary that the Queens second son once verbally attacked a fellow protection officer during a fit of rage. In the unique TV experiment, which airs tonight at 9pm, Prince Andrew's reputation is placed under the microscope in a staged trial featuring a a group of jurors and two of the country's most eminent barristers. Faced with a defence, led by Jeremy Dein KC, and prosecution led by Bill Clegg KC, jurors were presented with various pieces of evidence and asked to decipher whether Andrew was a 'liability' to the royal family. In a video shown to the mock jury, the former protection officer said the Prince was widely regarded as one of the 'least popular royals' because he was 'rude' to staff members. 'Prince Andrew would often lose his temper over very small things,' he claimed. 'His attitude was such that he would look down on all members of staff. Not just maids or police but his own private secretaries.' The former officer recalled one incident when the disgraced Prince verbally attacked one female member of staff. Paul Pag (pictured) who served as a Royal protection officer at Buckingham Palace between 1998 and 2004, said in a new Channel 5 documentary that the Queens second son once verbally attacked a fellow protection officer during a fit of rage In the unique TV experiment, which airs tonight at 9pm, Prince Andrew's reputation was placed under the microscope in a staged trial featuring a a group of jurors and two of the country's most eminent barristers.(Pictured: Prince Andrew in April) 'On this occasion a female turned up and we said: "We're really sorry but we just need to get confirmation that someone's going to come and meet you or that you are expected",' he recalled in his account. 'And so she offered to phone Prince Andrew on her mobile which she did. She put it [the call] on loud speaker so we could hear him and he said, "Put the officer on the phone" and so it was handed over to my colleague and he said, "Listen to me you fat lardy a***hole, they're not going to come down here". 'He was the most unpopular royal in the Palace,' he said. Page, who has previously described instances of Andrew's abrasive demeanor towards staff, called him a 'rude and obnoxious and self-entitled individual'. 'That's the real Prince Andrew,' he said in the interview presented to the faux jury. At the end of the documentary, having been presented by evidence on both sides, the jury were unable to come to a unanimous decision as to whether Prince Andrew was a liability to the royal family. During previous interviews, Page has accused the royal of instructing police officers to 'f**k off' following an incident where the duke sparked a security scare outside the Queens bedroom at Buckingham Palace. The Duke of Yorks previously had his own rooms at Buckingham Palace, where he would frequently stay when he was in London. Page, who worked at the Palace for six years, called the prince a f**king a**hole, rude and a bully. He said the alleged incident was typical behaviour for Andrew. In a video shown to the jury, the former protection officer said the Prince was widely regarded as one of the 'least popular royals ' because he was 'rude' to staff members During previous interviews, Page has accused the royal of instructing police officers to 'f**k off' following an incident where the duke sparked a security scare outside the Queens bedroom at Buckingham Palace The allegations came after the duke sensationally demanded a trial by jury to tackle allegations made by a Jeffrey Epstein sex slave head-on. Page told The Sun at the time: It was at night, and we were checking CCTV in the control room when we saw a man walking along the corridor in the Queens private quarters. Her Majesty was not at Buckingham Palace at the time, so this was a major potential security scare. A sergeant, myself, and two other police officers went to her apartments to investigate. We approached from either end of the corridor so we could surround the potential intruder. But when we got there, we realised it was Prince Andrew. He looked scruffy and was wearing a tracksuit. I apologised and said, Im sorry, your Highness, we went to investigate a possible intruder in Her Majestys apartments. Andrew replies, This is my house, I go where I want, now f**k off. The mix-up followed a series of attempted and successful break-ins at Buckingham Palace, most infamously by Michael Fagan in 1982 - in which the painter and decorator, from Clerkenwell, managed to reach the Queen's bedroom and speak to her in an astonishing breach of security. The shocking moment is dramatised in season four of the Netflix show The Crown - although Fagan said in an interview in 2002 that he did not have a long in-depth conversation with the monarch, as the episode suggested. I never had any problems with any other members of the Royal Family in my time at Buckingham Palace,' Page said. 'The Queen is a lovely lady. But Prince Andrew had this nasty side to him, he treated staff terribly. He got away with it for so long. A spokesperson for Andrew made no comment about Pages claims when approached by The Sun. In 2009, Page was embroiled in his own controversy when he was jailed for his part in a 3million property scam that saw him set up a sham company to trick colleagues, friends, and family into giving him money. Page was interviewed by ITVs Ranvir Singh for the documentary Ghislaine, Prince Andrew and the Paedophile in 2022. In the interview, he claimed the duke would have a tantrum and shout and scream if his huge collection of teddy bears was positioned out of place by royal servants. He also claimed Andrew had a picture in a drawer next to his bed showing his 50 to 60 bears in the correct position. Page has also called for a royal bullying probe into Andrew similar to that faced by Meghan Markle, The Mirror reported. The Duchess of Sussex has denied bullying claims as smears. Prince Andrew on Trial will air on Channel 5 at 9pm tonight. The Irish actor has won millions of fans around the world for his kind nature Pierce Brosnan had already cemented his legacy as Hollywood's ultimate gentleman - but fans are continuing to swoon at the 'silver fox' as he made his debut in the Thursday Murder Club movie adaptation. Taking on the helm as amateur sleuth Ron, the 72-year-old has his legion of supporters gushing that he has 'aged like fine wine' and praising his 'wonderful' head of hair. It's nothing the former 007 star hasn't heard before, after charming Los Angeles and beyond with not just his dapper looks but utmost devotion to his wife of 20 years, Keely Shaye Smith, in a world where clashing schedules and the pressure of the spotlight can bring down even the strongest of relationships. Former co-star Halle Berry has even credited the A-lister for 'restoring her faith in men' as he continues to make waves as a septuagenarian. Speaking to Wired, the actress admitted playing a Bond girl had never been on her career bucket list, but she now felt she was a part of 'cinematic history' after playing Jinx. 'Those movies are iconic. They will forever be a part of our history, and I'm really honored to have been a part of one, especially with Pierce,' she shared, and added the Irish actor will 'always be my Bond'. Her admiration for the actor and father-of-five is shared by millions of fans around the world who just can't seem to get over his good looks, well-known kind nature and acting talent. While the reaction to casting Pierce as a 'cockney geezer' in Richard Osman's beloved 'cozy crime' novel has been mixed - many have been won over. Pierce Brosnan had already cemented his legacy as Hollywood's ultimate gentleman - but fans are continuing to swoon at the 'silver fox' as he made his debut in the Thursday Murder Club movie adaptation Taking on the helm as amateur sleuth Ron, the 72-year-old has his legion of supporters gushing that he has 'aged like fine wine' and praising his 'wonderful' head of hair It's nothing the former 007 star hasn't heard before, after charming Los Angeles and beyond with not just his dapper looks but utmost devotion to his wife of 20 years, Keely Shaye Smith, in a world where clashing schedules and the pressure of the spotlight can bring down even the strongest of relationships Former co-star Halle Berry has even credited the A-lister for 'restoring her faith in men' as he continues to make waves as a septuagenarian While the reaction to casting Pierce as a 'cockney geezer' in Richard Osman's beloved 'cozy crime' novel has been mixed - many have been won over Taking to X, one said he 'nailed' the character - their only criticism being that he was 'too handsome to be Ron'. 'Watched it last night,' another penned. 'Quite enjoyed it! Was sceptical about Pierce Brosnan as Ron, but he worked out quite well.' 'Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan together on screen are something I never knew I would've loved that much,' a third added. 'Mobland and The Thursday Murder club are fire.' Just last year, a similar social media reckoning saw people far and wide talking of their love for Pierce's stellar reputation. Responding to Halle's overwhelmingly positive comments on him, one wrote: 'It's always nice things you hear about Pierce Brosnan and never anything bad. Dude is an absolute gentleman, I love this man. 'Also I agree with Halle Berry I'm a Pierce Bond fan always have and always will be!!' Another woman told a story of how a friend of hers had bumped into him while working as a concierge in a hotel and apologised in a panic. In response, like a perfect gentleman, he put his hand her wrist and replied: 'Entirely my fault.' The alleged encounter had fans swooning once again, as others took to the social media site to share their own stories of Pierce's gentlemanly behaviour. Taking to X, one said he 'nailed' the character - their only criticism being that he was 'too handsome to be Ron' Responding to Halle's overwhelmingly positive comments on him, one wrote: 'It's always nice things you hear about Pierce Brosnan and never anything bad. Dude is an absolute gentleman, I love this man' Pierce is being hailed one of the world's most earnest gentlemen as people gush over his devotion to his wife Keely Shaye Smith, whom he married in 2001 Halle Berry revealed to Wired that, after several difficult relationships and a divorce, working with Pierce 'restored her faith in men' Pierce and Keely met in 1994 and married in 2001. Keely has worked as a journalist and a documentary maker and dedicates much of her work to ocean conservation Pierce's first wife, Cassandra Harris, died from ovarian cancer in 1991. The couple shared three children, Sean (pictured), Charlotte and Christopher But aside from wowing fans at the age of 72 with his silver fox status and irresistible charm, Pierce's personal tragedies have also tugged on people's heartstrings around the world. The actor's first wife, Cassandra Harris, whom he wed in 1980, tragically died in 1991, a day after their 11th wedding anniversary, from ovarian cancer at the age of 39. The Australian-born actress, known as Cassie to friends and family, already had a daughter named Charlotte and a son called Christopher when she met Brosnan. After their biological father Dermot Harris died in 1986, Brosnan officially adopted the children. In 1983, the couple also welcomed their son, Sean William Brosnan. After Cassandra's tragic death when Charlotte was 20, Christopher was 19 and Sean was just eight years old, Brosnan spoke of how her memory lived on. Speaking to People in 1992 he said: 'She has made me the man I am, the actor I am, the father I am. She's forever embedded in every fibre of my being. She's there with me every day. I was so blessed to have met someone like that.' He also spoke of the 'incredible cruelty' of losing someone so close to him and with whom he shared so much. 'This is the first time in my life I've ever experienced bereavement, and it's overwhelming,' he said. Family: Avery Wheless, son Dylan, Keely, Pierce, son Paris and Alex Lee (L-R) pictured in January at the Golden Globes As he spoke about Cassandra's 18 month-long battle with the aggressive cancer in raw detail, he revealed how their youngest son Sean would 'play doctor' and would nurse his mother after chemotherapy sessions when she was feeling nauseous and fatigued. He also recalled the heartbreaking moment his wife of 14 years died in his arms while Charlotte, who was studying at RADA in London at the time, was on the phone and Christopher joined him in the room. 'We were all together. And that's how she went to God,' he said. After suffering unimaginable grief and heartache as a single father-of-three, Pierce managed to find love again with American journalist, author, actress and model, Keely Shaye Smith. After starring in a few small roles in TV and film throughout the 1980s, Keely transitioned to journalism and documentary filmmaking as she joined the crusade for protecting marine wildlife and saving the oceans. The journalist, now 61, grew up in Oahu, Hawaii, and has dedicated much of her work to protecting the oceans surrounding the pacific island as well as in Mexico. Upon meeting Pierce in Mexico in 1994, Keely told People that she immediately found the Bond actor 'captivating' and that he had a 'mischievous sparkle in his eyes'. In the same interview, the actor said of his wife: 'I found a great woman in Keely Shaye. Not if I searched a million times over would I find one as good.' Brosnan and Keely, who are now based between Malibu in California and Hawaii, where Keely grew up, leave fans in awe over their enduring love Keely and Pierce met in 1994 and married in 2001, Pictured together in 1997 at the premiere of Tomorrow Never Dies Brosnan's most famous role is womanising lothario James Bond, who loves and leaves his mistresses all in the space of a night - but in real life, the actor is a devoted husband Charlotte passed away at the age of just 42 on June 28, 2013 after a battle with ovarian cancer (Pierce and Charlotte pictured together in 2006) As fans became captivated by the couple's love story, they have been particularly touched by how Keely, who shares sons Paris and Dylan with the actor, has supported her husband as he continued to grieve over his first wife. Speaking to the Irish Times in 2013, Pierce said: 'Keely has always been kind and compassionate and encouraged me to mourn Cassie. I suppose Keely is my North Star, always looking out for me.' And she also supported her husband through more immeasurable grief, when his eldest daughter Charlotte died in 2013 from ovarian cancer, the same disease which claimed her mother's life 21 years earlier. She was just 42 years old. Announcing her death in a statement, Pierce said: 'On June 28 my darling daughter Charlotte Emily passed on to eternal life, having succumbed to ovarian cancer. 'She was surrounded by her husband Alex, children Isabella and Lucas and brothers Christopher and Sean. 'Charlotte fought her cancer with grace and humanity, courage and dignity. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beautiful dear girl. 'We pray for her and that the cure for this wretched disease will be close at hand soon. We thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences.' The Irish actor reportedly flew back from Eastern Europe, where he had been filming spy thriller November Man, to the UK to be at his daughter's bedside. Pierce Brosnan marked the seventh anniversary of his daughter Charlotte's death with a touching post on Instagram in 2020 Later that year, he told the Irish Mirror how his wife had helped him through yet more grief for Charlotte. 'Love is just the most beautiful, joyous feeling. It can come from many places. Hopefully the one who is beside you, the one who is there on the pillow beside you in the morning my wife,' he said. He added: 'We seem to do well at being together and being in love and, more importantly, liking each other. The like factor is a great thing. Love cannot burn constantly. 'It's very hard for it to be so intense. But it's wonderful. I tell her I love her everyday. It's important to say that.' Pierce and Keely's love has endured despite his star continuing to rise, while she has taken a quieter path in her career in more recent years. And while, at every corner of the internet (and no doubt, the real world), Brosnan has admirers aplenty, his head has never turned. He often shares his love for and devotion to Keely on Instagram where the couple celebrate milestones including anniversaries and birthdays. Although he has admitted that long term relationships will always have ups and downs, Pierce and his wife Keely are more in love than ever 30 years after they first met The couple, who split their time between Malibu in California and Hawaii, often post tributes to each other on social media In September 2023, as Keely turned 60, Pierce posted a sweet snap of himself and his wife in front of a huge bouquet of flowers. Pierce wrote: 'Sixty roses for my brown eyed girl on her 60th birthday. Forever happy and blessed was I to be sitting there when you walked around the corner early one morning in Cabo San Lucas.' Last year, as he celebrated his 22nd wedding anniversary with his wife, he reflected on two decades of marriage in an interview with Fox News. He said: 'We've been down the road, and we've seen many, many hardships as families do, as we all do. But watching someone grow up with you and grow old with you is a very spiritual journey. 'To watch each other change whatever it may be, the hair, the waist. But it's the love in the heart.' As he reflected on Keely's less star-studded career in comparison to Hollywood's bright lights, Pierce said: 'Keeley is a journalist, a reporter. She's an artist in her own right. And as a woman, she has made a family for our sons. 'She allows me to go out into the wild blue yonder and do what I do as a man, as an actor, [she] always has.' Prince Andrew's ex-girlfriend Lady Victoria Hervey has said she's 'amazed' that Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle has lasted as long as seven years. The socialite - who briefly dated the embattled Duke of York in 1999 - told Closer magazine that Harry and Meghan's relationship 'seems to have been quite rocky' lately as she suggested the Sussexes's relocation to the US may have adversely impacted the couple. Her comments come months after Meghan, 44, declared she and Harry, 40, will be together 'forever' during a podcast appearance as the former Suits star said they're in 'more of a honeymoon period' than ever before. Asked what she thinks of their future together, Lady Victoria told the publication: 'I'm amazed their marriage has lasted as long as this - I'm sure it's only because of the kids, because it seems to have been quite rocky for a while. 'She got him to move his whole life, and now she's back where she grew up.' Two years after their wedding in 2018, Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 44, resigned as senior members of the Royal Family and moved to Montecito, California, in a schism that has been dubbed 'Megxit'. Their decision to quit The Firm was followed by the release of Harry and Meghan's bombshell Netflix docuseries that contained a number of shocking claims about their time in the UK - and ultimately drove the wedge between the Royals deeper. Later this month, however, the Duke will come face-to-face with his father King Charles for the first time in 20 months when Harry travels to London for the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death on September 8. Prince Andrew's ex-girlfriend Lady Victoria Hervey has said she's 'amazed' that Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle has lasted as long as seven years The socialite - who briefly dated the embattled Duke of York in 1999 - told Closer magazine that Harry and Meghan's relationship 'seems to have been quite rocky' lately as she suggested the Sussexes's relocation to the US may have adversely impacted the couple Reflecting on a possible royal reconciliation, Lady Victoria felt that Prince Harry will have to prove he's a 'changed man' before being welcomed back into the family - but it seems less likely that Meghan will be accepted by them. If Harry can convince his father and brother, Prince William, that he 'isn't going to be dishing every family secret' then there may be hope for healing. However, she added, Meghan might have a harder time reintegrating in the aftermath of her interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, when the Duchess claimed there were 'concerns' within the Royal Family about her and Prince Harry's son Archie's skin colour before his birth. Meghan refused to say which royal spoke to Prince Harry about 'how dark' Archie might be, before Prince William commented on the accusation by saying the Royal Family is 'very much not racist'. The relationship between the brothers has remained frosty, with William believed to have 'rejected out of hand' an invitation to meet his younger brother when he travels to London for the WellChild Awards next week. However, experts are hopeful that Prince Harry's relationship with Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, can be repaired after aides held an informal peace summit at Buckingham Palace in July. It is a timely move on Prince Harry's part, according to Lady Victoria, who said the Duke must 'make up' with the King 'as soon as possible' before William completely shuts the possibility of a reunion down. Her comments come months after Meghan, 44, declared she and Harry, 40, will be together 'forever' during a podcast appearance as the former Suits star said they're in 'more of a honeymoon period' than ever before Lady Victoria also said that Prince Harry will have to prove he's a 'changed man' if he hopes to be welcomed back into the royal family Even then, Lady Victoria continued, Harry will have to work 'seriously hard' at regaining his elder brother's trust - especially after the Duke made a number of sensational claims against the future King in his 2023 memoir Spare. One such accusation was that William, in a fit of rage, 'grabbed' Prince Harry by the collar, ripped his necklace, and 'knocked me on the floor' during a row that broke out between the siblings just before 'Megxit'. William is said to have branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive' and insisted he was trying to help his younger brother during a meeting about 'the whole rolling catastrophe' of their failing relationship and Harry's rows with the press. Harry accused his brother of 'parroting the press narrative' about his American wife before a screaming match ensued, ending in a physical altercation, the book claims. He says he gave the heir to the throne a glass of water and said: 'Willy, I can't speak to you when you're like this.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment on any of Harry's claims in Spare at the time. Lady Victoria's most recent comments about Prince Harry and Meghan come after the Duchess released the second instalment of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, on August 26. In one episode, which featured Queer Eye star Tan France, Meghan gave viewers insight into the early days of her dates with Prince Harry - and even revealed who said 'I love you' first. Eagerly recalling their love story, Meghan told the British designer that it was indeed Harry who uttered the three special words first, shortly after they began dating in 2016. Lady Victoria added that the Duke of Sussex must 'make up' with the King 'as soon as possible' before William completely shuts the possibility of a reunion down Even then, Lady Victoria continued, Harry (pictured with William, Meghan and the Princess of Wales after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022) will have to work 'seriously hard' at regaining his elder brother's trust Lady Victoria's interview features in the latest issue of Closer magazine, out today Chatting with France while baking apple pies and vegetable stamps in the third episode, Meghan also shared the moment she knew 'I love this guy' after the reality TV star prodded her for details. Meghan said: 'Yes, that was on our third date.' 'We met in Botswana and we camped for five days together,' the Duchess recalled. 'You really get to know each other when you're in a little tent together and it's like - what is that outside the tent?' 'That's an elephant. Are we going to be safe? Yeah, you're safe. OK.' Meanwhile, Meghan declared she's more in love with her husband than ever before during an appearance on Jamie Kern Lima's podcast in April while making what was perceived as a subtle dig at the Royal Family. 'You have to imagine, at the beginning it's all butterflies - but then we immediately went into the trenches together,' she said. 'Right out of the gate, like six months into dating. So now seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now.' Meghan also spoke of how she and Harry will be married 'forever' and called her husband a 'fox' - because of how 'very, very handsome' he is, although his 'heart is even more beautiful'. Lady Victoria's full interview appears in the new issue of Closer, out today. Queen Camilla looked effortlessly elegant as she arrived for a slew of royal engagements on Tuesday. The Queen paid a visit to the headquarters of ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity, to meet with staff and volunteers as the organisation marked its 25th anniversary, in Truro, Cornwall. Camilla, 78, who is Patron of the charity, appeared in high spirits as she toured the facilities and heard firsthand accounts of the charitys global impact. The royal oozed sophistication in a polka dot gown, which featured a chic white collar, and she completed the look with beige kitten heels. During her visit, the Queen spoke with long-serving volunteers and staff members, applauding their tireless work in some of the world's most devastated regions. During an official visit to Pakistan in 2006, Camilla was introduced to the charitys work and impressed by its mission, to provide emergency shelter to families affected by disasters, she became a committed supporter. Her Majesty later became President of the charity in 2007 and Patron in May 2021. ShelterBox, based in Cornwall, has delivered emergency shelter and aid to more than 2 million people in over 100 countries since its founding in 2000. Queen Camilla looked effortlessly elegant as she arrived for a slew of royal engagements In Cornwall on Tuesday Camilla continued her engagements in Cornwall by visiting local projects supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation, of which she has been Patron since 2005. The royal travelled to Newquay, where she met members of the public who lined the streets to meet warmly greet her. Next, Camilla visited Wave House Church, a cornerstone of the community that has received over 117,000 in grants from the Cornwall Community Foundation over the past 20 years. At the church, The Queen met with volunteers and local residents who have benefited from the charitys efforts, including participants in the Turnaround Project, an initiative offering housing and mentorship to help vulnerable and at-risk young people return to work and build brighter futures. Camilla also spoke with representatives from other organisations supported by the Foundation, including the Newquay Foodbank and Clothes Horse, which provides essential clothing for families in need. The charity aims to foster thriving communities and prevent hardship by rising to the challenges of growing inequality, climate change and the lack of affordable housing. For her third engagement of the day Queen Camilla opened the new operations unit of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts Headquarters and formally name the charitys new G-C.N.L.I. helicopter. Her Majesty has served as Patron of the Cornwall Air Ambulance since 2009. Queen Camilla is given a tour by the Chief Executive Officer of ShelterBox, Sanj Srikanthan The Queen paid a visit to the headquarters of ShelterBox, a disaster relief charity, to meet with staff and volunteers as the organisation marked its 25th anniversary Camilla continued her engagements in Cornwall by visiting local projects supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation, of which she has been Patron since 2005 The royal travelled to Newquay, where she met members of the public who lined the streets to meet warmly greet her Camilla (right) meets members of a knitting club during her visit to Newquay to see local projects supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation Camilla chatting to members of a knitting club supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation Next, Camilla visited Wave House Church, a cornerstone of the community that has received over 117,000 in grants from the Cornwall Community Foundation over the past 20 years Queen Camilla waved to a child as she visits community projects supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation Camilla cut a cake with the lord lieutenant sword as she visits community projects, in Newquay The Queen, accompanied by the Trusts Chief Executive, Tim Bunting, toured The Newman Wing, which houses the recently completed Operations Unit. In a new training room, Camilla met with members of the Air Ambulance medical team and observe a short demonstration of their lifesaving work. In the helicopter hangar, she arrived to a performance of Sing it Home, the HELi2 Appeal shanty song which was written and produced by Cornwall Air Ambulance and reached number 11 in the Official UK charts. It comes after Camilla, who is a patron of the York Racecourse attended the event, which ran from August 20-23, on the Thursday and Saturday. Upon her arrival on Thursday, Camilla was met by Chris Legard, Vice Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Bridget Guerin, the Chairman of the York Race Committee, and William Derby, the Chief Executive of York Racecourse. Camilla meets members of the Air Ambulance medical team during her visit to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters Camilla greeted members of the Air Ambulance medical team during her visit In a new training room, Camilla met with members of the Air Ambulance medical team and observe a short demonstration of their lifesaving work Camilla formally names the new G-C.N.L.I. helicopter, which was purchased following donations from the local community Camilla met members of the Air Ambulance medical team, during her visit to open the new operations unit of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters Camilla, 78, who is Patron of the charity, appeared in high spirits as she toured the facilities and heard firsthand accounts of the charitys global impact Camilla unveils a plaque alongside Chief Executive Officer of ShelterBox, Sanj Srikanthan (left), to commemorate her visit to the headquarters Camilla commemorated 25 years since the charity launched with a plaque The royal oozed sophistication in a polka dot gown, which featured a chic white collar, and she completed the look with beige kitten heels Queen Camilla is given a tour by the Chief Executive Officer of ShelterBox, Sanj Srikanthan (left), during a visit to the headquarters of the charity During her visit, the Queen spoke with long-serving volunteers and staff members, applauding their tireless work in some of the world's most devastated regions She was pictured smiling as she greeted the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, and took the salute from the RAF Falcons display team at the start of the racing programme. Throughout the day, Camilla chatted to fellow racegoers and met representatives of local charities supported by York Racecourse. She also unveiled a plaque at the racecourse in celebration of the Juddmonte International race being named by the Longines World Racing Awards as the 'World's Best Race' of 2024. It was during her attendance at the Yorkshire event on Thursday that she opened up about a wasp issue plaguing Sandringham. She reportedly said that Charles' Norfolk estate has an infestation of wasps - and it has been a 'terrible' nuisance. In response, signs have been put up, warning visitors of the area's high wasp activity. In addition, pest control experts have been called in, in an effort to deal with the high volume of wasps. Camilla's conversation did not mark the first time the wasp issue has been raised publicly. On August 18, a warning to visitors of the King's royal residence in Norfolk was issued, to advise those visiting Sandringham of the wasps. A sign, which was attached to a set of bins, read: 'Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area. Thank you.' Sheinelle Jones is set to return to the Today show following the tragic death of her husband age 45. On Tuesday morning, Savannah Guthrie announced that Jones, 47, will return to screens on Friday, September 5. It will mark her first day back since her husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away from glioblastoma - an aggressive form of brain cancer. Guthrie revealed Jones's return during Tuesday's episode of the Today show, much to the excitement of their fellow colleagues. 'She [Jones] and her family have been through so much after the devastating loss of her husband, Uche,' she said. 'And we recently sat down together and shared a really personal conversation talking about how she has carried on and found the strength these past few months. 'She calls this experience "a beautiful nightmare" and she has thoughts on grief that are so touching. 'She's got a special message of hope too for anybody sharing their own struggles and we'll share that with you.' Sheinelle Jones is set to return to the Today show following the tragic death of her husband age 45 It will mark her first day back since her husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away from glioblastoma - an aggressive form of brain cancer Guthrie added: 'And we cannot wait to welcome Sheinelle home right where she belongs, right here in our studio, Studio 1A on Friday.' Today show co-host Carson Daly revealed that hes been anticipating Jones's return. 'Her dressing room is right across from mine,' he said. 'For so many months I peeked around the corner like, is today the day? Is she here yet?' It was Guthrie that announced Ojeh's passing to viewers back in May. 'With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma,' she shared. 'There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible person,' Guthrie, 53, continued. 'We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelle's perfect partner in life.' Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, and grows very quickly, per Mayo Clinic. Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie announced Jones's imminent return to the show Guthrie revealed she sat down with Jones in a candid conversation about grief Jones and her late husband married in 2007, and share three children together, 14-year-old Kayin, and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche There is no cure for the cancer, although it can be managed with treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Jones and her late husband got married in 2007, and share three children together, 14-year-old Kayin, and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche. They were college sweethearts, as they met when they were both studying at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in the late 1990's. Jones's last appearance on the Today show was on December 18. Disney World has sparked an uproar online after it announced it's replacing one of its few cultural restaurants with an American-style eatery. According to WDW News Today, Harambe Market in Disney's Animal Kingdom will receive an overhaul to its menu in early 2026. Currently, the restaurant offers 'African-inspired fare,' but starting next year, it will serve hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and other typical American food instead, per the publication. The change is set to 'accommodate guests' amidst the closure of Restaurantosaurus, which currently offers burgers and chicken fingers but will close permanently on February 2, 2026, to make way for the new Tropical Americas area. Harambe Market will 'close for refurbishment sometime this winter to prepare for that new menu,' WDW News Today reported. It's unclear how long the change will take place or if it will be permanent, but the Daily Mail has reached out to Disney for comment. After the news hit the web, fans of the theme park were furious, and took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their outrage. 'Sad... [Harambe Market] is the best quick stop restaurant in Animal Kingdom,' one user wrote. Disney World has sparked an uproar online after it announced it's replacing one of its few cultural restaurants with an American-style eatery According to WDW News Today , Harambe Market in Disney's Animal Kingdom will receive an overhaul to its menu in early 2026. The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom is sen 'That is so disappointing,' another added. 'Massive L,' penned someone else, while a different user interjected, 'This is absolutely ridiculous, add them to the menu maybe but REALLY this doesn't fit in with the Harambe Market.' 'Nooooooooooo, so many places in the park already [have that type of food],' scathed another fan. 'Is Disney really on this quest to have nothing distinctive that makes it worth going there?' read a sixth tweet. A seventh said, 'Hate this! It's the second best quick service at Animal Kingdom (just behind Satu'li Canteen). 'There's plenty of burger and nugget places to choose from. Why take away the good stuff?' 'This is a bad move,' announced another person, while someone else said, 'Definitely need more locations to buy s***ty fast food at Disney. I'll never go back to that place. Such a joke.' 'Seriously?! One thing I love about Animal Kingdom is that you get to explore new flavors, and Harambe Market is a great place to do that,' pointed out a disappointed user. Currently, the restaurant offers 'African-inspired fare,' but starting next year, it will serve hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and other typical American food instead, per the publication The change is set to 'accommodate guests' amidst the closure of Restaurantosaurus, which currently offers burgers and chicken fingers but will close permanently on February 2, 2026 'What else can be downgraded and cheapened? Better hike the prices,' someone else sarcastically penned. Restaurantosaurus' closure is part of a wider project that will seen DinoLand USA at Disney's Animal Kingdom transformed into the upcoming Tropical Americas land. The new area will include an Indiana Jones attraction and Disney's first ever Coco-themed water ride. It's scheduled to open in 2027. But that means the beloved restaurant, as well as the ride DINOSAUR will be shut down for good next February. The Boneyard playground closed on September 1, and construction has already begun. That's not the only change coming to Animal Kingdom. In addition, a new show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is set to replace the former It's Tough to be a Bug! attraction located in the Tree of Life, and will open this November. Over at Hollywood Studios, there's a new Monsters Inc.-themed land in the works and the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is going to be rethemed to feature the Muppets. And at Magic Kingdom, an area inspired by the Cars franchise, as well as a Villains land are being added to the park. 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The daily tablets, which can trigger fatigue, nausea and even sexual dysfunction, are offered to the majority of patients who suffer a heart attack. Around 60,000 people are prescribed beta blockers every year in the UK and many will remain on the pills for life. But a Spanish trial, involving more than 8,000 adults, has found the medication was ineffective and did not help reduce the risk of death or further heart attacks. Women treated with beta blockers even had a higher risk of death, heart attacks, or hospitalisation for heart failure compared to women not receiving the drug. Experts said the research must change the way heart attack patients are now treated around the world, freeing hundreds of thousands from uncomfortable side effects. Dr. Valentin Fuster, general director of the National Centre for Cardiovascular Research in Madrid, said: 'These findings will reshape all international clinical guidelines on the use of beta blockers in men and women and should spark a long-needed, sex-specific approach to treatment for cardiovascular disease. 'We found no benefit in using beta blockers for men or women with preserved heart function after [having a] heart attack despite this being the standard of care for some 40 years.' Beta blockers, which can trigger fatigue, nausea and even sexual dysfunction, are offered to the majority of patients who suffer a heart attack Your browser does not support iframes. In the study, researchers tracked 8,505 patients across 109 hospitals whose heart function was above 40 per cent. They were randomly assigned to either take a beta blocker or not to take a beta blocker, within two weeks of leaving the hospital. All patients otherwise received the current standard of care. Over roughly four years, the scientists found there was no significant difference when it came to rates of death from any cause, repeat heart attacks or hospitalisation for heart failure between the two groups. However, when assessing women's results specifically, they found women who were treated with beta blockers were significantly more likely to have another heart attack or be hospitalised for heart failure. They also had a 2.7 per cent higher risk of death compared to those not treated with beta blockers. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid. Dr. Borja Ibanez, scientific director for Madrid's National Centre for Cardiovascular Research and the co-author of the study, said: 'After a heart attack, patients are typically prescribed multiple medications, which can make adherence difficult. NHS data shows a rise in the number of younger adults suffering from heart attacks over the past decade. The biggest increase (95 per cent) was recorded in the 25-29 year-old demographic, though as numbers of patients are low even small spikes can look dramatic 'Beta blockers were added to standard treatment early on because they significantly reduced mortality at the time. 'Their benefits were linked to reduced cardiac oxygen demand and arrhythmia prevention. But therapies have evolved. 'Today, occluded coronary arteries are reopened rapidly and systematically, drastically lowering the risk of serious complications such as arrhythmia. 'In this new contextwhere the extent of heart damage is smallerthe need for beta blockers is unclear. 'While we often test new drugs, it's much less common to rigorously question the continued need for older treatments.' Experts have long raised concern over the effectiveness of beta blockers, arguing they have 'little impact' now. Earlier this year, Professor Peter Sever, an expert in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics at Imperial College London, also told the Daily Mail: 'Beta blockers were the number one drug choice for high blood pressure in 1995, but we've moved on. 'Trials have shown they are much less effective at preventing strokes and heart attacks than [newer drugs called] ACE inhibitors, for example. 'They have very little role in hypertension management now, except as a third or fourth medication.' It comes as alarming data last year also revealed that premature deaths from cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, had hit their highest level in more than a decade. The Daily Mail has previously highlighted how the number of young people under 40 in England being treated for heart attacks by the NHS is on the rise. Cases of heart attacks, heart failure and strokes among the under-75s had tumbled since the 1960s thanks to plummeting smoking rates, advanced surgical techniques and breakthroughs such as stents and statins. But now, other factors such as slow ambulance response times for category 2 calls in England which includes suspected heart attacks and strokes as well as long waits for tests and treatment have also been blamed for the worrying reversal in progress. Health officials have banned a key ingredient used in gel nail polish across Europe over fears it could be toxic to humansbut it will remain on sale in the UK and US. The European Union have prohibited the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxidecommonly referred to as TPOin all cosmetic products as of 1 September after studies linked the chemical to long-term fertility issues. At present, the ban does not affect the UK but industry insiders expect a similar ban to come into play towards the end of 2026. TPO is widely used in the cosmetic industry as a photoinitiator, which speeds up the drying time and helps the nail polish harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is also thought that the chemical helps gel polishes hold their colour for longer, offering a glossy, long-lasting manicure. But, while gel polish stays put for weeks, rather than days, due to the UV curing process, experts warn it can actually pose serious health risks. Nail salons across the EU's 27 member states, as well as other countries that mirror its regulations such as Norway, have been informed that they must stop offering TPO-based nail gels, and safely dispose of their current stock. Manufacturers will also now have to reformulate their products to be TPO-free. Gel nail polishes containing TPO have been banned across Europe as of September 1 over fears the chemical is potentially toxic to humans, causing fertility issues Hundreds of cosmetic products have previously been revealed to contain PFAS, 'forever chemicals' and other cancer-causing ingredients As yet, the US has not introduced any such regulations, though experts say the ban could affect the American beauty industry if salons source their products from Europe. Francesca Rapolla, senior affairs manager at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association said that in some cases industries can submit scientific information to the authorities to prove that the risks posed by the product can be mitigated, meaning that the ingredient would not be banned in cosmetics. 'In the case of TPO, the industry did not and could not defend the continued use of this ingredient in nail products mainly because it could not demonstrate that there are no alternative ingredients to this one,' she told Scratch magazine. But other experts have said that the precautionary ban is not supported by robust scientific evidence, and could even pose unnecessary economic burdens. Doug Schoon, a scientific consultant at Schoon Scientific, warned in an open letter appealing the ban: 'If left uncorrected, this decision will once again impose unnecessary economic burdens, waste safe products, and undermine confidence in EU regulatory proportionality.' The Belgian retailer ASAP Nails and Beauty Supply have also publicly opposed the ban stating that it will cause 'major economic damage' to small businesses and that there is 'no human evidence of danger'. It comes as experts have blamed cosmetic products used by millions of women for a surge in debilitating gynaecological conditions known to cause fertility issues. Studies have linked toxic chemicals known as endocrine disruptors to a host of health issues including diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Now experts say they could be behind the rise of incurable reproductive disorders. During gel manicures, the chemicals enter the skin when the ultraviolet lamps used to harden each layer of gel are not used for long enough or the equipment is poorly maintained Cases of endometriosisa condition where tissues that normally line the womb grow outside of it, causing pain and potentially infertilityhave risen from just over 3.4million globally in 1990 to 190million today. According to experts, the most concerning chemicals are phthalates, also known as plasticisers. As well as making plastics more flexible and durable, they increase the risk of breast cancer and have been directly linked to causing developmental delays in babies exposed to them in the womb. However, when used in cosmetic products, the chemicals can seep through the skin, disrupting the body's natural production ofand response tonatural hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, increasing the risk of breast cancer and fertility issues. Professor Katie Burns, an expert in toxic chemicals and fertility at the Burns Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine previously told the Daily Mail: 'These are chemicals that will stay in the body for a long, long time, hidden in fatty tissue. 'They impact the immune system, and in some women we believe this may trigger reproductive problems and endometriosis.' A top psychologist has revealed the tell-tale signs of autism in adults that are often dismissed. It follows a recent study from King's College London that found nine in ten autistic adults could be living undiagnosed. In light of their findings, Dr Lisa Williams, a clinical psychologist, has shared seven ways it can present in adulthood. The first is having rigid routines that provide a feeling of security but if disrupted can result in heightened stress, reports The Independent. Next, she revealed, is workplace difficulties like coping with frequent changes, navigating office politics, or participating in group meetings. In the office, they also may struggle to pick up on subtle social cues like eye contact, small talk, body language, subtle humour, and respect for personal space, she said. They 'often think differently from neurotypical people and can interpret things more literally,' she added. 'This may result in feeling out of step in social settings or needing extra time to process interactions, even with years of life experience.' Dr Lisa Williams, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Autism Service, a diagnostic assessment service, shared seven tell-tale signs of autism in adults She explained the traits can often present in the workplace as well as other areas of their lives But it can also affect their romantic relationships, particularly when it comes to expressing feelings or interpreting flirting. Dr Williams has seen individuals feel uncomfortable with physical closeness who prefer to live alone instead of sharing a home. She explained: 'They often thrive in relationships with partners who are understanding of their needs, communicate openly, and are willing to adapt to their preferred ways of connecting.' The classic traits like sensitivity to noise, light, textures and odours can also present in undiagnosed adults, she added. This tends to be a problem in busy and noisy settings or when wearing clothing which can trigger sensory difficulties. They may also find change considerably more challenging, like 'moving house, starting a new job or adapting to new technology', Dr Williams said. And, she said autistic adults can develop 'deep interests in particular subjects or hobbies' that 'can appear to be a lifelong passion'. But explained: 'If it dominates their free time and tends to be something they talk about obsessively, it could be a sign that the person falls somewhere on the autistic spectrum.' Your browser does not support iframes. However, she added, in the workplace they can succeed with managers who provide reasonable adjustments. These can include 'clear communication or flexibility in work routines', she suggested. It comes just days after a study that revealed 90 per cent of autistic adults could be undiagnosed. According to the authorsBritish scientists who analysed UK health record dataof all autistic adults aged between 40 and 59, 89.3 per cent are undiagnosed. Meanwhile, among 60 to 70 year olds, 96.5 per cent are undiagnosed. By comparison, this stands at just 23.3 per cent in under 19s, according to the researchers. Experts labelled the findings important, arguing many autistic adults had likely missed out on vital support. Figures show a record number of Britons are seeking medical help for autism on the NHS, with over 200,000 awaiting an assessment. A different study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found autism diagnoses had risen by an 'exponential' 787 per cent in 20 years in England Dr Gavin Stewart, an autism expert at King's College London and study lead author, said: 'These very high underdiagnoses estimates suggest that many autistic adults will have never been recognised as being autistic, and will have not been offered the right support. 'This could make them more susceptible to age-related problems, for example being socially isolated and having poorer health. 'The high rates of underdiagnoses also mean that much of our research has systematically overlooked a large proportion of the autistic population, potentially skewing our understanding of how autistic people age, and leaving critical gaps in policy and services.' Autism is not a disease and people have it from the moment they are born, although it may not be spotted until childhood and sometimes much later. It exists on a spectrum. Some people will be able to lead fully functioning lives with no additional help. Others may need full-time assistance. Snoring can raise your risk of developing the memory-robbing illness dementia, a leading neurologist has warned. In a recent video, Dr. Baibing Chen, who posts as Dr. Bing on TikTok, told his 158,300 followers it 'can harm your brain'. He explained: 'When you snore, especially if it is loud or happens most nights, it can mean your breathing is actually starting and stopping during sleep. 'This cuts off oxygen to your brain over and over again leading to tiny injuries in your blood vessels. 'These injuries are linked to silent strokes and even higher risk of dementia down the road.' And he warned 'snoring literally messes with your brain structure' as MRI scans have shown they cause you to lose grey matter in areas that control memory and thinking. 'The more you snore the more these brain regions can shrink, like the hippocampuswhich is very important for your memory.' It has also been linked to 'slower thinking and difficulty concentrating during the day', he added. He warned that the common habit that annoys our partners can increase your risk of dementia This can be a problem even for people who don't have full blown sleep apnoeaa serious condition that sees people start and stop breathing at night, he said. Dr Bing elaborated: 'Snoring itself can mess up your deep sleepespecially the N3 stagethe stage that makes you feel fresh. 'This happens because the vibrations from snoring can wake your brain up even if you don't remember it. 'And that means you get less restorative sleep, and your brain doesn't get its overnight cleanup. 'So snoring isn't just annoying your partner, it's literally messing with your brain's wiring.' Experts have previously warned snoring can also put you at risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The comment section was filled with social media users asking the question he didn't answerhow can you stop snoring? One user wrote 'you forgot the part where you tell us what to do about it', while another commented 'what can we do to overcome this?' Your browser does not support iframes. Simple lifestyle changes can help, and the NHS says people who smoke, are overweight and drink too much alcohol are more likely to snore. They also say sleeping on your back can make you more likely to have the annoying habit. But it can be caused by sleep apnoea which is estimated to affect 15 million Britons according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association. There are two distinct types of sleep apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), he explains. CSA is caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep whereas OSA is caused by the upper airways being obstructed, Mr Surda said. More people are affected by obstructive sleep apnoea than central sleep apnoea. Similarly to regular snoring, sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become partially or fully blocked. Previously Dr Pavol Surda, a sleep-disordered breathing expert at London Bridge Hospital told the Daily Mail it is treatable. He said: 'If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnoea, seeking help from a specialist is crucial. 'Specialists can conduct a thorough evaluation, often involving a sleep study to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during sleep. 'Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or in some cases, surgery.' Another US state has banned a cancer-causing ingredient from being used in all cosmetics and personal care products. The move comes as a growing number of beauty and bathroom items are facing increased scrutiny for the harm they could pose to human health. In Europe this week, health officials banned a key ingredient used in gel nail polish (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) after studies linked the chemical to long-term fertility issues. Now, Washington State is clamping down on formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, which are commonly used to extend the shelf life of beauty products like shampoos, eyelash glue, nail polishes, and hair relaxers, even though formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde toxins can escape from products as a gas over time, a process known as 'off-gassing' - especially when they come into contact with heat. If these fumes are inhaled repeatedly, they can lead to anything from minor side effects like eye and respiratory irritation to major health issues like an increased risk of head and neck cancers. Now, under a new rule dubbed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, all formaldehyde-releasing chemicals intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products will be banned starting January 1, 2027. In-state retailers will have through that year, however, to sell the existing stock of products that contain these chemicals. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers are commonly used to extend the shelf life of beauty products like shampoos, eyelash glue, nail polishes, and hair treatment - but formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. The ban came after testing in 2023 by Washington's Department of Ecology found high levels of formaldehyde in lotions, creams, and hair products, many of which were marketed to women of color. In one of the testing stages, they found formaldehyde in 26 out of 30 body lotions and hair products sampled. California banned formaldehyde in all personal care and beauty products in 2020, and Maryland followed suit a year later. Washington State's ruling lists 25 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and further restricts all formaldehyde releasers that are intentionally added to beauty and personal care products. The difference between products containing formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals is that formaldehyde is the chemical itself, while formaldehyde-releasing chemicals are other substances that break down over time and release formaldehyde as a byproduct. Dr Ami Zota, tenured associate professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, told Toxic-Free Future: 'This ban is a victory for science, health, and justice. 'Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers are well-documented hazards that no one should be exposed to in the products they use every day. 'This action especially matters for women of color and salon workers who face the highest exposures and it should inspire policymakers across the country to take similar steps to protect their communities.' A recent study by the Silent Spring Institute, a research organization, revealed that formaldehyde is in far more beauty products than previously thought. Researchers from the institute asked 70 Black women and Latinas living in the Los Angeles area to track their use of personal care products over a period of five to seven days. Each time participants used a product, they logged the information using a smartphone app developed by Silent Spring. The team analyzed over 1,100 products, looking for formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in the products' ingredient lists. Fifty-three percent of participants reported using at least one personal care product that listed formaldehyde releasers on its label. And many of the products with formaldehyde releasers that participants reported using were applied daily or multiple times per week. The researchers did not divulge which products they tested. DMDM hydantoin was the most common formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Roughly 47 percent of skincare products and 58 percent of hair products with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives contained DMDM hydantoin. The team also identified several others, but exposure scientists Dr Robin Dodson stresses their list is not definitive. 'Those are just the ones we knew to look for. There could be more that we're not aware of,' said in a press release. While experts have long been concerned about the presence of the substance in chemical hair-straightening and relaxing treatments, a new study has revealed it is in far more products than previously thought Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are often used as an alternative to formaldehyde itself but serve the same purpose. The risk of inhaling these chemicals is heightened if an area like a bathroom or bedroom is poorly ventilated. The American Cancer Society notes that in animal and human studies, formaldehyde has been linked to various forms of cancer, including in the nose, the upper throat, and the stomach, and it has also been shown to increase the risk of leukemia. Given that formaldehyde is known to cause cancer in humans, the authors of the Silent Spring Institute study said the findings reveal both critical safety gaps in how personal care products are regulated in the US and their disproportionate health impacts on women of color, as most of the products found to contain these substances cater to Black and Latina women. Dr Dodson explained: 'We found that this isn't just about hair straighteners. These chemicals are in products we use all the time, all over our bodies. 'Repeated exposures like these can add up and cause serious harm.' The cancer expert says one way to reduce exposure would be to require that companies add warning labels to formaldehyde-releasing products, like in Europe. She agrees it can be hard for the average consumer to identify a formaldehyde-releasing preservative on a label. 'They have long, weird, funny names, and they typically don't have the word formaldehyde in them,' she said. While warning labels might be a good first step, Dodson says banning the use of formaldehyde releasers altogether would be the best-case scenario. 'Ideally, companies shouldn't be putting these chemicals in products in the first place.' Gas can escape from these products over time - especially when in contact with heat - and it is then inhaled, causing, at best, eye and respiratory irritation and, at worst, increased risk of head and neck cancers in the long term Another way consumers can protect themselves and their communities is to advocate for better legislation, the researchers say. The European Union and at least 10 US states have banned or proposed to ban formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in personal care products. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a national ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in hair straighteners, but it has yet to be enacted. Janette Robinson Flint, the executive director at Black Women for Wellness, says Black consumers live in a society governed by White beauty standards. For this reason, she claims they use many different personal care products - many of them made with toxic ingredients - to conform to that ideal. While they might have learned to avoid beauty products with formaldehyde on the label, many Black women are not familiar with formaldehyde releasers, the experts say. 'We're trying to do the right thing,' Flint said. 'But there needs to be more government oversight. We shouldn't have to be chemists to figure out what kinds of products will make us sick.' Scientists have identified a possible cure for a condition that causes chronic cold hands and blights hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Raynaud's - estimated to impact up to five percent of adults worldwide, including up to 30 million Americans - causes miniature spasms in the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears or nose, which in turn cuts off the blood supply. It is the body's response to cold temperatures in which smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin constrict dramatically and limit blood supply to certain areas of the body. Sufferers often go numb in these areas as the blood is limited and skin turns white. During severe attacks, Raynaud's can cause extremely painful symptoms, and even painful sores or tissue death (gangrene) in the affected areas. While there is no known cure for Raynaud's, doctors at Yubei District People's Hospital in China have reported how a minimally invasive surgery could hold the key to keeping symptoms at bay. They detail a case involving a 67-year-old female patient with a 10-year history of Raynaud's who was admitted to the hospital as her condition worsened and led to gangrene in her right index and middle fingers. To help alleviate the symptoms, the doctors performed a periosteal distraction osteogenesis (PDO), a minimally invasive operation to stimulate the growth of new bone in areas that have sustained bone loss, which can occur in very severe cases of Raynaud's. The procedure involves separating the membrane covering a bone to create a gap. This then allows new bone to form in the gap to repair any bone defects. Raynaud's - estimated to impact up to 5 percent of adults worldwide - causes miniature spasms in the blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply to the fingers and toes (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. It is often used to treat diabetic foot ulcers and bone loss by promoting the formation of new blood vessels and bone regeneration, leading to improved healing rates and a reduced need for amputations. In this case, the medical team at Yubei District People's Hospital decided to apply the treatment to the female patient's hand to treat her gangrene. Gangrene occurs when the blood supply to a certain area of the body is interrupted, usually through an injury or infection, and flesh begins to die. The anonymous case study was also suffering from 'hand ischemia', a condition where blood flow to the hands is reduced or blocked, leading to tissue damage. After undergoing a PDO, the doctors reported that the patient's gangrene 'gradually progressively healed', and the pain in both hands caused by the Raynaud's 'markedly diminished.' It is believed a PDO could work for Raynaud's as it promotes blood vessels to heal and this could prevent spasms from occurring. It could also help heal bone loss when the condition progresses. Bone loss associated with Raynaud's is known as acro-osteolysis. They concluded: 'This report supports recent studies that have shown the potential for periosteal distraction osteogenesis in the management of cases of severe and irreversible Raynaud disease of the digits.' More research is being done around Raynaud's and scientists recently discovered a link between the condition and two gene mutations - one linked to stress and the other to embryo development. In a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers in the UK and Germany carried out the largest genetic study of the condition. They used electronic medical records from the UK Biobank, a database containing genetic and health information from 439,294 people. The team identified 5,147 people diagnosed with Raynaud's and discovered a variation in two genes that predisposed people to the syndrome. One variation was the alpha-2A-adrenergic receptor for adrenaline, or ADRA2A. This is a stress receptor that causes the small blood vessels to contract. It is the body's response to cold temperatures in which smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin constrict dramatically and limit blood supply to certain areas of the body - most commonly the fingers, but sometimes also the toes, ears, and tip of the nose Raynaud's affects women more than men, appears most frequently between the ages of 15 to 30 years old and having a parent, sibling or child with the syndrome appears to increase the risk of primary Raynaud's The second variation was the IRX1, a type of protein shown to be involved in early embryo development and cellular differentiation. The researchers discovered a potential benefit of using the antidepressant medication mirtazapine to treat Raynaud's, as it inhibits the function of ADRA2A. However, it has not yet been proven safe or effective for this use through clinical trials. The researchers were able to replicate some of their findings using data from people of British Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin. The team also found people with a genetic predisposition to low blood sugar levels have an increased risk of the syndrome, suggesting people should avoid long periods of low blood sugar. The researchers' findings help to understand, for the first time, why the small vessels react so strongly in patients, even without external stimuli like exposure to cold. There are two main types of Raynaud's: primary and secondary. Primary is the most common and is not a result of a medical condition a person may have and can be so mild a person may not need treatment. It also may go away on its own. As Raynaud's symptoms first appear, fingers will turn white as blood flow is restricted. As the tissues lose oxygen, fingers will turn a bluish hue. As blood flow returns, fingers turn red and people may experience tingling, swelling and/or painful throbbing While healthcare experts have identified risk factors and lifestyle or medical issues related to the syndrome, until now, no known genetic cause had been discovered Secondary Raynaud's develops because of another health condition. It is less common than primary but often more severe. Healthcare experts have identified potential lifestyle and medical causes of the disease, which can include smoking, certain medications, connective tissue diseases, diseases of the arteries and carpal tunnel syndrome. They've also identified risk factors, including age, sex, climate and family history. Raynaud's affects women more than men, appears most frequently between the ages of 15 to 30 years old and having a parent, sibling or child with the syndrome appears to increase the risk of primary Raynaud's. As Raynaud's symptoms first appear, fingers will turn white as blood flow is restricted. As the tissues lose oxygen, fingers will turn a bluish hue. As blood flow returns, fingers turn red and people may experience tingling, swelling and/or painful throbbing. As there is no cure or current treatment for the syndrome, the goal is to manage the symptoms by reducing their frequency and severity. MSNBC host Joe Scarborough wants the governor of Illinois to 'partner up' with President Donald Trump in a 'radical' bid to clean up the streets of Chicago. The Morning Joe star floated the idea on Tuesday's show, after a bloody Labor Day weekend saw at least 54 people shot and seven killed in the city. Trump has threatened to send federal agents and National Guard troops to Chicago, as he has already done in Washington, DC. Scarborough, who just last week suggested that Trump turn his focus away from the Windy City, appeared to change his tune following the violence-plagued holiday weekend. He said Tuesday that leaders like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson should reconsider their repeated refusals to accept federal support. 'My concern is, you have leaders in Chicago that see this... We've been reading about this for years now, every weekend,' Scarborough said. The host then referenced his interview last week with Johnson, during which the Democrat repeatedly maintained that more police would not solve the city's problems with violence. 'You know, I think he said "no" five times,' Scarborough said Tuesday. 'I actually think that JB Pritzker should do something radical,' the host added. Joe Scarborough, who just last week suggested that President Trump turn his focus away from Chicago, appeared to change his tune following a violence-plagued holiday weekend in the city The Morning Joe star suggested that Illinois' governor partner with Trump, after a bloody Labor Day weekend saw at least 54 people shot and seven killed in Chicago 'I think he should pick up the phone, call the president and say, "You know and I know you don't have the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard here. You can do that in DC. You can't do that in Chicago. But let's partner up." '"These are the most dangerous parts of my state. We would love to figure out how to have a partnership that's constitutional, that respects the the sort of balance of federalism between the federal government and the state government. '"And let's work together to save lives."' 'Because, right now, just the, "Hey, nothing to see here. Moving along, no problem here. Hey, Donald Trump, we don't need you." And, you know, the mayor talking about "We're going to protect people's dignity in our city." 'We'll protect their lives. That's protecting their dignity.' Scarborough's take appeared to deviate from his recent comments on the subject. Last week, he argued that the president's decision to single out Chicago was wrong because there are 'a lot of cities that need help' elsewhere, particularly 'red-state cities.' 'If you look at most crime charts, seven, eight of the top 10 deadliest cities in America, big cities, are usually in red states,' Scarborough argued on August 26. He added that Americans are '400 times more likely to be killed in Louisiana than in California.' On Tuesday, he told his co-hosts: 'You know, it would be radical for us to figure out a way to actually do what I've been saying from the very beginning in Washington. And that is seeing politicians creating partnerships that protect their people.' Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has called the idea of deploying troops to Chicago akin to an 'invasion' Scarborough's stance echoed the sentiments of President Trump, who posted to Truth Social Tuesday morning to pitch a partnership with Pritzker Scarborough's stance echoed the sentiments of Trump, who posted to Truth Social Tuesday morning to pitch a partnership with Pritzker. 'At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar,' Trump wrote. 'Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. 'I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon.' Pritzker promised to sue the Trump administration if troops were deployed, dubbing the move an 'invasion.' The president has also threatened to send troops to cities like New York, after deploying thousands of federal agents and National Guard troops to Washington, DC, last month as part of a crime crackdown. In June, Trump deployed 4,000 National Guardsman and 700 Marines to California to quell anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Those troops have since been removed. A popular personality for Alex Jones' Infowars revealed he is ditching the company due to a disagreement with his boss over Donald Trump. Owen Shroyer, longtime host of The War Room, made the announcement in a livestream on Monday, saying the two had been clashing behind the scenes over tirades from Jones that he had become 'too anti-Trump' and 'negative.' 'Alex had been coming into my show and talking about how I'm negative and calling me a pessimist and all this other stuff, which is fine,' the 36-year-old host explained. 'You work for Alex, you're gonna get hit with it a lot. Alex is not easy to work for. 'He says I'm too negative, he says I'm a pessimist, whatever, I'm too anti-Trump. So I just said, alright, you know what? I'll just take some time off, I'll just disappear. And if Alex thinks I'm too negative then maybe he's right. 'But the same issues that I had started up immediately as soon as I came back,' Shroyer continued. 'And it's not to say that I didn't have creative control over the Infowars War Room. 'But I mean, imagine it's like someone staring over your back 24/7.' Owen Shroyer, host of the War Room for Alex Jones' Infowars, said Monday he is leaving the company Jones, 51, found Shroyer's style 'too anti-Trump' and 'negative', the host said He added : 'I couldn't do what I wanted to do.' Shroyer said he 'walked off the show, mid-show' on Thursday due to Jones 'disrupting' the broadcast. 'I kind of just reached my point of no return,' he said. After meeting with Jones this week, the Infowars founder told Shroyer 'he didn't need me and good luck.' 'That's it as far as I'm concerned,' Shroyer said. 'So I'm not gonna be going back in, I'm not gonna be hosting the War Room.' Shroyer explained that he was 'basically just living paycheck-to-paycheck' after not receiving a raise since 2018. His exit comes amid friction within the Republican party surrounding Trump's handling of issues like the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and approach to the Middle East. Shroyer, an InfoWars employee since 2016, has criticized Trump on both fronts. Shroyer began working for Infowars in 2016 during Trump's first term. He's seen filming at a 2021 pro-choice protest in Austin, Texas Shroyer's exit comes amid friction within the Republican party surrounding Trump's handling of issues like the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and approach to the Middle East Shroyer spent two months in prison for his 'thinly veiled calls to violence' to Infowars viewers in the weeks leading up to the January 6 attack Jones, aside from being shaken by the administration's comments surrounding the so-called 'Epstein files,' remains loyal to the president and defends him regularly on-air. Shroyer became the War Room's first host in 2017 and has since emerged as one of the company's most recognizable faces. Like his mentor, he has shared conspiracy theories about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and was named in the Texas lawsuit against Jones from the parents of children killed in the tragedy. More recently, he spent two months in prison in 2023 for illegally entering a restricted area near the US Capitol building during the January 6 attack. He was arrested and charged in August 2021. Authorities said said Shroyer spread election disinformation and 'thinly veiled calls to violence' to Infowars viewers in the weeks leading up to the attack. 'Shroyer helped create January 6,' prosecutors wrote. This is the moment a daredevil motocross rider jumps between two moving trucks, not only backflipping between the HGVs but also clearing a motorway gantry at the same time. But the bonkers stunt performed by professional freestyle motocrosser Luc Ackermann almost goes horribly wrong. The feat is the latest in a back catalogue of high-octane stunts masterminded by Red Bull and its team of sponsored athletes. Described the terrifying leap, it said it was 'as much a scientific achievement as a display of Ackermann's skill and instinct'. From the bed of a truck moving at 12mph, the 27-year-old from Muhlhausen in Germany accelerates his KTM motorcycle to 54mph before launching off a ramp into the air at a combined speed of 46mph. Mid-flight, Ackermann then performs a jaw-dropping 'Tsunami Backflip' while clearing a nine-metre-high barrier like motorists in England typically see when driving along a smart motorway. The jump spanned 40 metres, with a 23-metre gap between the two moving HGVs. With his brother, fellow freestyle motocross rider Hannes, onboard the take-off truck to give the critical signal for the exact moment to launch - which crucially depended on precise timing within a window of just half a second - the trick almost takes a shocking turn for the worse. The footage shows Ackermann being hit by a gust of wind, which appears to push him off-course while flying through the air upside down, landing perilously close to the side of the second truck's trailer. This is the moment a daredevil motocross rider jumps between two moving trucks, not only backflipping between the HGVs but also clearing a motorway gantry at the same time. But the 'meticulously planned' trick stunt doesn't go entirely to plan... The Red Bull Bridge Traverse is the first ever attempt to jump between two moving vehicles, let alone over a motorway gantry Despite the hair-raising landing, Red Bull says the world's first 'Bridge Traverse' between two moving trucks was 'meticulously planned and calculated to ensure maximum safety'. Thomas Stoggl, head of global performance innovation at the company's Athlete Performance Centre in Thalgau, Austria, reportedly analysed 'every detail' of the stunt. He measured the motorcycles acceleration and the trucks speeds, the take-off angle, the flight trajectory and wind conditions, Red Bull says. 'This detailed preparation turned what may have appeared to be a high-risk stunt to the casual observer, into what was in fact a controlled and calculated operation,' the energy drink maker claimed. Having watched the footage, we're not entirely convinced... 'The project has been likened to solving a live physics equation, where velocity, trajectory and aerodynamics had to align perfectly in a split-second decision a breathtaking mix of science and skill,' it added. Yet there's no question that a gust of wind blows Luc off course as his motorcycle is pushed sideways during the backflip and he almost collides with the raised side of the second truck's landing ramp as a result. From the bed of a truck moving at 12mph, the 27-year-old from Muhlhausen in Germany accelerates his KTM motorcycle to 54mph before launching off a ramp into the air at a combined speed of 46mph. Mid-flight, Ackermann then performs a jaw-dropping 'Tsunami Backflip' while clearing a nine-metre-high barrier like you would see on a UK smart motorway Red Bull's detailed video of the Bridge Traverse stunt, filmed using a drone, shows Ackermann being pushed off-course by the wind while he's hanging upside down from his KTM motorcycle As you can see from this angle, Ackermann's jump trajectory shifts dramatically after performing the backflip... This clip taken from the drone footage shows just how close Ackermann is to missing the second truck's landing ramp, touching down on the absolute edge of the HGV... The truck drivers were given the daunting task of keeping the 31-metre-long HGVs at a constant speed, dead straight and with a gap of 23 metres so that Luc could perform the jump on a German motorway in Aldenhoven. To make matters more difficult, the Tsunami Backflip is one of the most complex and dangerous moves to perform. Yet, Ackermann says it is 'one of his favourite tricks'. He explained: 'I flip the bike upside down while holding onto the handlebars and basically hang underneath the bike in a straight line. The hardest part is rotating back on the bike before I land.' Rather him than us! He clears the motorway gantry by some three metres to ensure he wouldn't make contact with the metal structure his legs while flying inverted clinging onto the KTM machine. Despite the hair-raising landing, Red Bull says the world's first 'Bridge Traverse' between two moving trucks was 'meticulously planned and calculated to ensure maximum safety' Thomas Stoggl (pictured right), head of global performance innovation at the company's Athlete Performance Centre in Thalgau, Austria, reportedly analysed 'every detail' of the Ackermann's stunt The death-defying jump was conducted on a closed section of carriageway in Aldenhoven close to the Belgium border some 40 miles west of Dusseldorf During practice runs, the stunt rider admitted: 'Right now, the wind is kind of strong. So, on my first jump, the wind sent me so far to the side, so I was super scared' Before taking on the death-defying attempt, Ackermann said: 'Not only with the movement give me vertigo, I also need to be aware of crosswinds and I need to be 100 per cent accurate on my timing in order not to hit the sign.' During practice runs, the stunt rider admitted: 'Right now, the wind is kind of strong. So, on my first jump, the wind sent me so far to the side, so I was super scared.' While the highway is closed in the direction Luc and the trucks are travelling, it appears the dual carriageway in the opposite direction is open as normal, with drivers capturing the incredible moment on their phones. Though this will have been staged by Red Bull - a clear giveaway by the fortunate product placement in one of the brand's social media clips below. The jump spanned 40 metres, with a 23-metre gap between the two moving HGVs. Ackermann pictured high-fiving one of the truck drivers before taking on the hair-raising 'Red Bull Bridge Traverse' stunt in Aldenhoven, Germany Ackermann says the Tsunami Backflip is 'one of his favourite tricks'. He explained: 'I flip the bike upside down while holding onto the handlebars and basically hang underneath the bike in a straight line. The hardest part is rotating back on the bike before I land' After completing the stunt, Ackermann, 27, from Muhlhausen in Germany said he was 'overwhelmed' with emotion 'The preparations took several days and there was so much tension. 'To have that lifted was simply overwhelming. I really celebrated I basically went half crazy,' the daredevil commented After successfully completing the incredible trick, Ackermann described the emotional release as 'overwhelming'. 'The feeling after the jump was incredible because I realised it was just enough,' he said. 'The preparations took several days and there was so much tension. 'To have that lifted was simply overwhelming. I really celebrated I basically went half crazy.' When commenting on the involvement of the specially trained truck drivers - Franz Reinthaler and Walter Kranawendter - Ackermann added: 'I have to have complete trust in my team for this project.' Seven electric cars from major brands including Skoda, Toyota and Vauxhall have been added to the Government's EV discount scheme from today - though none qualify for the full grant amount. The inclusion of these models takes eligibility for the Electric Car Grant (ECG) up to 35 cars in total. But with the taxpayer-backed grants designed to encourage Britons to switch to EVs amidst a slowdown in demand from private buyers, motorists will be disappointed to learn that just two cars so far have been deemed green enough to be awarded the maximum 3,750 grants. The Government scheme, which is targeted to 'affordable' models priced below 37,000, requires car makers to meet specific 'sustainability criteria' in order for their EVs to be eligible for the full amount - and only Ford has achieved this to date. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the Citroen e-SpaceTourer, Peugeot e-Traveller and Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric - all sister models underpinned by the same platforms - have been added to the ECG with discounts of 1,500. Skoda's Elroq and Enyaq electric SUVs have also been included and receive the same lower-tier discount of 1,500, as have the Toyota bZ4X SUV and Proace City Verso MPV. The new additions have been revealed in the wake of Labour introducing a new price cap to the grant scheme at the end of last week, which prevents more luxurious models receiving subsidies. Among the seven EVs to be awarded eligibility to the Electric Car Grant includes the Skoda Enyaq SUV Skoda's latest compact crossover - the Elroq, pictured - has also qualified for a 1,500 discount The ECG has been backed by a 650million investment by the Government and is scheduled to remain in place until the fiscal year 2028-29. Ministers say it will 'help families make the switch to electric, whilst boosting skills, jobs, and growth as part of delivering the Plan for Change'. But reports spilling out of dealerships suggest the grant is causing confusion among drivers - and they're delaying orders as a result. Trade magazine Car Dealer recently spoke to a number of showroom operators who said that motorists were stalling on EV purchases. This is because they are waiting to learn which models will qualify for discounts - and, more importantly, which are subject to the full 3,750 saving. This hesitancy to buy is because new models are being added to the scheme on a weekly basis, rather than there being already being a comprehensive list of eligible EVs. This is due to the DfT needing to process applications submitted for every EV under 37,000 by their respective manufacturers. The department arduously need to calculate if these models meet the required sustainability criteria - then determine when each EV sits in its tiered system depending on how green the manufacturing process is. This emissions yardstick is based on the carbon impact of the production of the EV's battery, the assembly of the vehicle and the 'carbon intensity' of the electric grids in the countries where the car is made. Only Ford's Puma Gen-E and E-Tourneo Courier have so far been deemed sustainably produced to meet the requirements of the 3,750 'Band 1' grant. The latest cars to make the grade from today all failed to surpass the threshold, meaning they are eligible for 'Band 2' subsidies of only 1,500. The Department for Transport has confirmed that the Citroen e-SpaceTourer (pictured), Peugeot e-Traveller, and Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric - all sister models underpinned by the same platforms - have been added to the ECG with discounts of 1,500 The three models - including the Peugeot e-Traveller pictured - are all large seven-seat SUVs using the same platforms, including battery and e-motor combinations The inclusion of cars like the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric (pictured) shows the ECG is being offered across a range of different models to suit all buyers Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: 'Our Electric Car Grant is slashing prices for consumers, putting thousands of pounds back into peoples pockets, whilst powering up growth and supporting jobs as part of Plan for Change. 'By cutting upfront costs and boosting our charging infrastructure were helping more people become EV owners, backing industry, and delivering on our promise to make the UK a clean energy superpower.' Motoring groups have welcomed the new arrivals to the scheme, which launched on 15 July. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 'Its exciting to see that after just seven weeks, 35 models are now eligible for the new Electric Car Grant as this will enable more people to make the decision to go electric. 'The grant is doubly positive as it not only incentivises manufacturers to have greener production lines, its also aimed at the more affordable end of the market, something we'd been calling on the Government to do for some time.' Edmund King, AA president, added that there is now an 'extensive range and variety of vehicles' that have been discounted. 'Drivers frequently tell us that the upfront costs of new EVs are a stumbling block to making the switch to electric. For many drivers, discounts of between 1,500 and 3,750 might just bridge the financial gap to make these cars affordable,' he said. 'There is no doubt, more drivers will be tempted to go electric as a result of these grants which have the added benefit of supporting jobs and the car industry.' The Toyota bZ4X (pictured) is another that's been granted eligibility to the ECG. However, only the entry trim level qualifies due to the Government's recently imposed ECG price cap The seventh model confirmed to receive the 1,500 grant is the Toyota Proace City Verso MPV (pictured) Ministers impose grant price cap Last week, the Government introduced a new 42,000 price cap to the scheme to ensure grants are 'targeted' only to affordable EVs and rules out more luxurious trim levels. Confusingly, eligibility for each model is determined by the cheapest version of what the DfT calls the 'interpolation family'. This essentially means models underpinned by the same drivetrain combination of battery and electric motors. For instance, Toyota's bZ4X SUV starts from 36,995 in the entry 'Pure' trim level and therefore is eligible for the 1,500 discount because it is below the 37,000 grant price ceiling. Previously, all versions of the bZ4X using the same 71kW battery and 204hp electric motor would have qualified for the same 1,500 saving. However, because the higher 'Motion' and 'Vision' grades - costing 46,025 and 49,910 respectively - are above the new cap, it means they will not be subject to the Government-provided savings. However, Toyota currently has its own discount scheme running until the end of September, with all new bZ4X orders subject to a 3,750 discount, comparable to the ECG's Band 1 level. The cap has been included because ministers believe buyers with sufficient finances to spend over 42,000 on an EV have do not need subsidies funded by taxpayers. However, for some models, the price cap could rule out advanced safety features as well as luxuries, with manufacturers typically reserving the latest in crash mitigation systems for their higher-specification models. A DfT spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The Electric Car Grant is putting money back in peoples pockets whilst also providing a vital boost for industry. 'The maximum price limit ensures only eligible cars priced at the lower end of the market can qualify for the discounts, ensuring government support is targeted.' A new study has revealed the impact of heatwaves on the performance of electric cars and in some instances claimed battery range can fall to almost half official figures. While its relatively well known that winter conditions can have a debilitating impact on the range of EVs due to batteries needing to reach an optimum temperature to deliver energy efficiently an exclusive test by What Car? found sweltering heatwave temperatures can be equally range sapping, if not worse. For its latest range assessment, the automotive title drove three popular EVs - a Citroen e-C3 Max, Kia EV3 Long Range GT-Line S and Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD - through the frying pan of Andalusia in Spain. The journey, travelling over 200 miles eastbound from Seville, to Cordoba and Montoro, before heading to the south coastal region of Aguadulce, was completed in boiling ambient temperatures between 32 and 44 degrees C. And it was the Tesla that suffered most despite the brands origins in Texas, where it typically exceeds 38 degrees in the summer months. What Car? said that while its rare for the UK to endure such extreme conditions, summer heatwaves recorded this year will have taken a toll on the performance of electric cars. A new study has revealed the impact heatwaves have on the performance of electric cars and in some instances it can see the claimed battery range fall to almost half the official figures Your browser does not support iframes. For the tests, all three cars were kept overnight in the same ambient air temperature, had their tyre pressures adjusted to the manufacturers' recommendation and the climate control set to 21 degrees, to ensure the driver remained comfortable, as drivers would seek to when temperatures soar in the summer months. All three cars were left in their default driving modes with the lightest level of regenerative braking. Every EV had its battery charged to 100 per cent before setting off. And the soaring temperatures took a big toll on the range performance of each car. What Car? measured that the Citroen e-C3 Max (which now costs from 22,295 inclusive of the Government's 'Band 2' 1,500 Electric Car Grant discount) managed only 142 miles on a full charge - 29 per cent short of its official figure of 199 miles. The Kia EV3 (Long Range GT-Line S costing 43,005) managed 246 miles, which is 32 per cent less than its stated 362-mile range. But worst of all was the 44,990 Tesla Model 3 Long Range that could only cover a maximum of 244 miles in the stifling heat. This is 44 per cent down on its 436-mile official range. What Car? said the Citroen e-C3 (pictured) managed only 142 miles on a full charge - 29% below official range The Kia EV3 (pictured) could only return 246 miles of range in heatwave conditions, which is 32% less than its stated 362-mile range Worst of all in the searing Spanish heat was the Tesla Model 3 (pictured). It could only cover a maximum of 244 miles in the stifling heat. This is 44% down its 436-mile official range HEATWAVE IMPACT ON EV RANGE Citroen e-C3 Max Price: 22,295* Battery size (useable): 44kWh Official range: 199 miles Heatwave tested range**: 142 miles Shortfall: 29% Efficiency: 2.7mi/kWh Cost per mile***: 9.6p Kia EV3 Long Range GT-Line S Price: 43,005 Battery size (usable): 78kWh Official range: 362 miles Heatwave tested range**: 246 miles Shortfall: 32% Efficiency: 2.9mi/kWh Cost per mile***: 8.9p Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Price: 44,990 Battery size (usable): 75kWh (est) Official range: 436 miles Heatwave tested range**: 244 miles Shortfall: 44% Efficiency: 3.0mi/kWh Cost per mile***: 8.5p Source: What Car? *Price inclusive of Government ECG **Projected from 100-0% based on test **Based on current energy price cap of 25.73p per kWh When What Car? calculated overall efficiency taking into account the amount of electricity each car required the results turned on their head. The e-C3 achieved just 2.7 miles per kilowatt hour (mi/kWh), the EV3 averaged 2.9mi/kWh and the Model 3 best of all with a return of 3.0mi/kWh. However, the Citroen e-C3's already comparably short official range - which became even more restrictive due to the conditions - meant it was unable to complete the journey on a single charge, so the test team was forced to pull over in Montoro to plug into a charger. The only 50kW public device available was already in use, meaning the assessors were forced to wait 45 minutes for another EV user to vacate the charging point for them to use it. Charging using the 50kW device from the 3 per cent it had remaining up to 80 per cent took an hour and 14 minutes, and a further 34 minutes to reach 100 per cent. Charging the e-C3 at a UK motorway services would take far less time, with plenty of charging points to deliver the 100kW speeds the Citroen can accept. What Car? sent a Citroen e-C3 Max (front), Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (middle) and Kia EV3 Long Range GT-Line S (rear) through the frying pan of Andalusia in Spain The journey was over 200 miles eastbound from Seville, to Cordoba and Montoro before heading to the south coastal region of Aguadulce What Car? said that while its rare for the UK to endure such extreme conditions, summer heatwaves recorded this year will take a toll on the performance of electric cars What Car? reviews editor, Will Nightingale, said: Our extreme temperature test shows that range and efficiency plummet in very hot conditions. The three EVs fell an average of 35 per cent short of their official figures, which is worse than the result we achieved our most recent winter range test and more than double the discrepancy seen in the 2024 What Car? summer range test. When the consumer title put 12 EVs through winter tests (in temperatures between 10 and 11 degrees C) in 2023, the real-world range fell short on average by 30 per cent compared to their official claims. Last summer, during UK tests in temperatures between 17 and 23 degrees, the average range shortfall measure across 12 popular EVs was 14 per cent. That said, this was a more representative summer test, reflecting conditions drivers in Britain are most likely to experience. While extreme heat is still (thankfully) quite rare in the UK, the planet is undoubtedly heating up. Weve already seen temperatures of more than 40 degrees C in the south of England and multiple heatwaves have swept the country this summer, Will added. So, hopefully, as technology advances, EVs will become better at coping with extreme temperatures. The report comes as as The Telegraph calculated that people in England are walking further than ever amid soaring driving costs. Your browser does not support iframes. The average English person travelled approximately 10 per cent further on foot and a third further by train in 2024 than they did 20 years ago, its analysis of Department for Transport statistics found. Meanwhile, the distance driven annually has fallen by around 10 per cent in the last decade alone, down from 5,057 miles per year in 2015 to 4,621 miles in 2024. Miles driven dropped dramatically during the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 due to travel restrictions, though with more employees hybrid working - and therefore commuting less - since the pandemic, average car mileage hasn't returned to previous levels. Edmund King, president of the AA, says the cost of motoring is also having an impact, with many English drivers feeling 'priced out' of their cars thanks to taxes, rising fuel prices and measures such as Sadiq Khans London ULEZ. To ensure the test was controlled, all three cars were charged to 100%, kept overnight in the same ambient air temperature, had their tyre pressures adjusted, climate control set to 21 degrees, and driven in their default driving modes Get 20 off an MOT: This is Money Motoring Club The This is Money Motoring Club is designed to make car ownership cheaper and simpler for This is Money and MailOnline readers. Powered by MotorEasy it's the place to keep on top of tax, MOTs and servicing - and manage important documents and receipts that keep your cars value. You can also save money on maintenance and repairs. All new members will receive a one-off gift of 20 in reward vouchers to spend. You can use this for a raft of motoring discounts, including getting 20 off an MOT with one of MotorEasy's listed providers. > Find out more about the This is Money Motoring Club Why heatwaves take a big toll on 'official' EV ranges The main reason EVs fall so short of their manufacturer claimed ranges in heatwave-like temperatures - and most real-world driving scenarios - is due to the favourable conditions used during 'official' tests. Every type-approved EV sold in the UK must be put through the 'Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure - or WLTP for short. All petrol, diesel and hybrid cars also complete this test to measure the CO2 emissions output and the fuel economy - or miles per gallon (MPG) - quoted in brochures. However, these tests are conducted in controlled lab conditions, with the ambient temperature set to just 23 degrees. Neither the air-con nor the heater is used during the assessment, which allows the electric powertrain to perform optimally without any strain from other systems. As such, 'official' ranges are always more optimistic than drivers will see under real-world conditions. Claimed electric car ranges are based on 'official' tests carried out in lab conditions with a controlled ambient temperature of 23 degrees and without using air-con or the car's heater For instance, it is the 'greenhouse effect' of heatwave temperatures on the cabin - and the need to use the air-conditioning to remain comfortable - that's a significant drain on range in the summer months. The huge expanses of glass in any car allows the sun in but trap heat inside that radiates off the interior surfaces. This is the case even more so with models with large glass panoramic roofs, like the Teslas. As a result, the car's air-conditioning system must work extremely hard to counter this, and that uses up energy that could otherwise be utilised to power the wheels. What Car? cited a US study from last year which found that the auxiliary load on an EVs battery - mainly from using the car's heater and air-con - is greater at 40 to 46 degrees than at between -4 and 0 degrees. Modern EVs now have 'thermal management systems', which are designed to cool the battery cells to help prevent increased degradation. 'The same study found that the propulsion load (thats the energy needed to move the car along) is only slightly lower at 40-46deg than at 6-10deg. Batteries generally operate most efficiently with the air temperature at 20-25deg, so an EV wont be operating in its optimum window on plenty of summer days in the UK,' the report said. The report also highlighted that the heatwave conditions also appeared to impact charging speeds, which took longer than claimed. For instance, a 10 to 80 per cent charge for the Citroen e-C3 should take just 48 minutes. But upping it from 3 to 80 per cent took almost half an hour longer. However, What Car? pointed out that claimed charging speeds are rarely replicated in real world conditions. I went to Rome at the end of May with my 12-year-old daughter. On departure day we were due to fly home with WizzAir at lunchtime, but the flight time changed to 7am. I pre-booked an Uber the night before for 4.45am. When I woke up at 4.15am, there was a message from Uber to say the driver was running 38 minutes late. I had left enough time so didnt worry. By 5.15am it was still showing a 38-minute delay so, after I couldnt contact the driver, I cancelled it. We were not able to get to the airport in time and missed our flight. I had to fork out 475 for new tickets this is so unfair. S.M., London. Uber kept showing a 38-minute delay, and in the end this reader and her daughter miss their flight home Sally Hamilton replies: Airport rides are better with Uber, according to its advertising. The intention is to promote peace of mind for travellers who want to plan ahead for their journey to the airport, rather than risk hailing a cab. This was just the ticket for your early morning flight. When you saw the warning the driver was running late, this didnt worry you unduly though I do wonder what could have held him up at that time of day other than perhaps oversleeping. Whatever the reason, you were left in the lurch. When you called Uber the following day to complain, the customer service agent listened, put you on hold and finally came back and said as a goodwill gesture they would offer you 5. What an insult. You complained further and the offer was raised to 20. You asked for my help in getting Uber to hand out fairer compensation. I was happy to assist as I felt you had been badly let down. There is something deeply unpleasant about waiting for a taxi that doesnt arrive on time, and I felt Uber could have done more to make up for the distress as well as the losses its driver caused you. I thought it was cowardly that the driver didnt simply admit he wouldnt get there in time at the start. Was this because he would get a bad rating for cancelling you rather than the other way around? Uber wouldnt comment when I asked about this. You told me you wanted to give him the rating he deserved, but when you tried the next day, you found this was not possible because you had been forced to cancel the booking. His rating, which had appeared good when you booked him, was left intact. On renewed investigation, Uber admitted there had been a problem with your booking, but it instead blamed you for not cancelling the trip much sooner and rebooking with another driver. You did try this when it was clear the driver was not going to appear, but in a small Italian village in the early hours, no others were available. And what period of waiting is considered acceptable before cancelling? Uber agreed the service you received fell below par but said it was not liable for you missing your flight. A spokesperson said: We regret that the service experienced on this occasion was not up to our usual high standards. We always aim to provide a ride as soon as possible but, in the rare event that there is a delay with a specific driver, we encourage passengers to try re-booking the trip. We have offered a goodwill gesture to the passenger on this occasion. The offer was raised from 20 to 50. I thought this disappointing, but my repeated requests for higher compensation got the silent treatment rather like your calls to your no-show driver. I suggested you check your travel insurance to see if it might step in to meet the extra bills. Unfortunately, you found your policy only covers problems with public transport and not taxis. Some providers may offer cover for issues with taxis but typically only when there is a traffic incident on a major road or a vehicle breakdown. Im afraid you have been left severely out of pocket and I imagine will avoid Uber for pre-booked airport rides in future. Smart meter headache My daughter has been told she owes 21,596 to her energy supplier Octopus. She has paid her bills for the last six years via direct debit but once a smart meter was installed, things went badly wrong. I have spent hours on the phone trying to sort out the mess to no avail. Anon. Sally Hamilton replies: When the statement from Octopus landed in your daughters inbox in early August, it nearly sent her over the edge. Im not surprised. Your daughter, who is a single mum, suffers with anxiety and has been off work for a year-and-a-half because of it, with only Universal Credit to live off. Given the way she has been feeling, she couldnt face trying to sort matters with Octopus on her own so you stepped in. It all began late last year when your daughter opened the electric meter cupboard to see the display flashing zero. On her request Octopus inspected, took photos and logged it as broken. Can Sally sort it? Write to Sally Hamilton at Sally Sorts It, Money Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY or email sally@dailymail.co.uk include phone number, address and a note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Sally Hamilton. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail for answers given. She heard nothing more until March when someone visited to read the meter, took photos and also logged it as broken. At that point she was advised to install a smart meter, which happened on July 10. While doing so, the fitter accidentally snapped off the casing, which you reported. Your daughter received a statement on July 9 that she was in credit by 174, which seemed acceptable. But then the smart meter went awry. Your daughter received another statement showing she owed 6,892. A month later, the balance ballooned to 21,596. Your constant pleas to Octopus to correct this obvious error fell on deaf ears until I intervened. On my request that it smarten up its act, Octopus took just a couple of days to arrange for an engineer to fix the broken meter and the casing and confirm your daughters account was actually in credit by 174. It said she could have this refunded to her if she wished or left as a credit. Octopus didnt spell out exactly what went wrong but said a small technical error caused a large bill you can say that again! It has paid your daughter a goodwill gesture of 500. Office axe-throwing outings have been cut back thanks to Chancellor Rachel Reeves punishing raid on employer National Insurance. XP Factory, which operates venues that provide the activity, said the increase in the minimum wage had also taken its toll on the appetite for employers to hire them out. Axe throwing is among the pursuits offered by XP at its Boom Battle Bar venues. XP also hosts escape room experiences via its Escape Hunt label. Sales were down across both brands over the three months to June. This was partly blamed on the hot weather as well as a deterioration in business confidence related to rising minimum wage and National Insurance costs. The Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power plants will run for a year more than initially expected as Britain increasingly looks to nuclear for its energy needs. EDF Energy, which is the majority owner and operator of the sites, said on Tuesday the plants are now expected to generate electricity until March 2028, securing more than 1,000 jobs for another year. The decision to extend the lives of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, which are in Lancashire and Teesside, respectively, follows a series of positive graphite inspections over the past nine months, EDF said. It follows previous one-year extensions for all four of EDF's UK advanced gas-cooled reactor sites, which also include Heysham 2 and Torness, in December last year. Mark Hartley, managing director of EDF's nuclear operations business, said: 'Extending the life of these stations makes sense. 'A further year of operation for these two stations has the potential to power more than four million homes and reduce the need for imported gas.' The Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 nuclear power stations in Lancashire The move also follows July confirmation of Suffolk's Sizewell C nuclear plant, which is set to power the equivalent of six million homes and create some 10,000 jobs once it is operational in the 2030s. The Government will hold a 44.9 per cent stake in the 38billion project, while Canadian investment fund La Caisse will own 20 per cent, British Gas owner Centrica will hold 15 per cent, and Amber Infrastructure will hold 7.6 per cent. Centrica on Tuesday also welcomed the extension of the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool plants, in which it holds a 20 per cent stake. Chris O'Shea, chief executive of Centrica, said: 'The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. 'We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come. 'Our longstanding involvement in the UK nuclear industry is an investment in Britain's energy independence and thousands of high-quality jobs.' The boss of Japanese drinks giant Suntory has quit after a probe was opened into his purchase of a suspected illegal supplement. Police are investigating whether Takeshi Niinami breached Japans strict cannabis laws, Tokyo media has reported. Niinami, 66, who has denied any wrongdoing, is suspected of buying products containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. He told the firm, which owns Ribena, Lucozade and Bowmore whisky, that he believed the supplements were legal. Suntorys president, Nobuhiro Torii, said that Niinamis actions fall short of the qualities required of a leader. When you recall the trial of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright - who was last Friday found guilty on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice - several poignant images come to mind. There's the Robinson R44 helicopter - crashed and crumpled out in the muddy floodplains with its propellers bent. Then there's the smiling photo of the young man who died during the ill-fated egg-hunting trip, Chris 'Willow' Wilson, a father of two. But the photo burned into the eyes of those who followed the trial is of Wright and his wife Kaia - a striking former model - arriving at court each day, hand-in-hand. Kaia was a pillar of strength for her husband during his four-week trial that would eventually find him guilty of lying to police and pressuring hospitalised pilot Sebastian Robinson - now a paraplegic - to falsify flight records. The jury was unable to reach an agreement on a third charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Wright maintains his innocence and plans to appeal. But it was during the opening week of the trial at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory that I first noticed signs that the stress was getting to the Wrights. Matt Wright seemed paranoid about the media. He would embark on long, roundabout car trips to try to shake off reporters on his tail. During those early days as the prosecution began its arguments, Wright would leave court seemingly rattled by the case laid out against him - including evidence that had been gathered from covertly recorded phone calls. The image of Kaia and Matt Wright leaving court hand-in-hand became burned into the eyes of reporters covering his trial for attempting to pervert the course of justice This photo of a smiling Chris 'Willow' Wilson, holding one of the eggs he died trying to retrieve, also became one of the iconic images of the Outback Wrangler trial As was this image of the Robinson R44 helicopter - crumpled in the muddy floodplains with its propellers bent - that had crashed during a crocodile-egg-collecting trip in Arnhem Land Matt Wright seemed paranoid about the media. He would embark on long, roundabout car trips to try to shake off reporters on his tail While they arrived together, at the close of each sitting day, Kaia sought out friends in Darwin without her husband. Our observations indicate Matt was luring the press out of town so his wife could have an evening of peace. Kaia would typically meet up with a friend - Jade Burbidge, wife of trial witness and pilot Michael Burbidge - and another companion, with the trio often visiting a quiet wine bar in central Darwin. They'd usually enjoy a few drinks and light snacks before returning to their hotel. Wright followed a more erratic routine, often driving in loops and switching vehicles. On one occasion after court, Wright drove a white Toyota LandCruiser Sahara about 15 minutes out of Darwin, before returning briefly to meet with his legal team and Kaia. Wright, 45, then retraced his route, stopping on the outskirts of Darwin to switch into a Dodge Ram. The man once dubbed 'the next Steve Irwin' then stopped to buy a six-pack of Corona, a pack of cigarettes, and a lighter before continuing further out of town. Wright was later seen drinking a beer and smoking on the city's outskirts. Matt calmed his nerves with Coronas on August 6 While they arrived together, at the close of each sitting day, Kaia sought out friends in Darwin without her husband. Our observations indicate Matt was luring the press out of town so his wife could have an evening of peace Wright smoked a cigarette out of town while his wife drank with friends at a bar Leaving court on July 30, Wright, with a cross around his neck, reached out for his wife As the prosecution began its arguments, Wright would leave court seemingly rattled by the case against him, including evidence that'd been gathered from covertly recorded phone calls The couple's routine - with Wright leading the press out of town while Kaia did her best to unwind with friends - was repeated throughout the first week of the trial. It's unclear if it continued later in proceedings. Wright had been accused of trying to tamper with evidence in connection with a fatal helicopter crash that killed his co-star and close friend, Chris 'Willow' Wilson. Wilson died on February 28, 2022, while suspended in a 30-metre sling beneath a Robinson R44 helicopter during a crocodile egg collection mission, when the aircraft crashed. The helicopter came down in a paperbark swamp near King River, a remote area in West Arnhem Land, approximately 500 kilometres east of Darwin. The father-of-two reportedly fell more than five metres to his death. Dani Wilson, Willow's widow, attended court daily and listened closely to proceedings. She did not speak to Wright or Kaia, with both parties keeping their distance. Dani was once close to the Wrights but has remained outside the swirl of speculation and rumour that often surrounds the celebrity crocodile wrangler and his circle. She is now suing Wright in the Federal Court of Australia for millions of dollars, alleging he and his now-liquidated company Helibrook owed her late husband a duty of care. She is seeking compensation for the income her husband would have earned over his lifetime, along with legal costs and interest on costs. Dani Wilson, Willow's widow, attended court daily and listened closely to proceedings. She did not appear to speak to Wright or Kaia, with both parties keeping their distance Jade Burbidge, wife of witness Michael Burbidge, was seen drinking at a bar with Kaia Kaia (centre), Jade Burbidge (right) and an unidentified woman (left) were close throughout the trial, often drinking at the same wine bar together Wright drove this LandCruiser in a wide loop before switching to a Dodge Ram With the conclusion of the criminal trial, subject to an appeal, and a Federal Court lawsuit under way, Wright's personal life also now appears to be in upheaval. Wright and Kaia share two children, Banjo, five, and Dusty, two. Their once-idyllic lives - often likened to a modern-day Steve and Terri Irwin - were upended by the fatal helicopter crash that killed Wright's close friend, leaving their multimillion-dollar Northern Territory business empire in limbo. The couple had significantly capitalised on Wright's fame as the star of the National Geographic series Outback Wrangler, which aired from 2011 to 2019. Wright founded the now-defunct helicopter charter company Helibrook and invested in several other ventures jointly run with Kaia. Since the accident, Wright has lost several lucrative television deals and listed his three-acre Northern Territory property for sale at $1.39million. Dani with her late-husband Chris 'Willow' Wilson, who was killed in February 2022 Wright's lead role in Outback Wrangler is believed to have earned him upwards of $250,000 per season. His follow-up Netflix series Wild Croc Territory featured him as both lead star and executive producer, working with his agent Nick Fordham - further boosting his earnings. However, the first season - which also featured Wilson - was derailed by the fatal helicopter crash. Despite a request from Wilson's widow to remove it, Netflix has continued streaming the first season of Wild Croc Territory. A planned second season for 2023 was never released. Wright previously held endorsement deals with Ariat, Yokohama Tyres and Otis Eyewear. Tourism Australia also removed him from its 'Friends of Australia' ambassador program. Among the Wrights' ventures was Freshwater Retreat - a five-villa luxury property in Darwin that accommodates up to 18 guests and costs more than $5,000 for a two-night stay. They also invested in the Top End Safari Camp, south of Darwin, where guests can stay in tents, enjoy airboat rides, and take scenic helicopter flights to spot crocodiles, birds and buffalo. In addition, they operated Tiwi Island Retreat, a beachfront marine sanctuary on remote Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands group. Wright shut down several other ventures under his parent company, Wright Expeditions, including 1300 HELIFISH, 1800 HELIFISH, Helicopter Pub Crawls, and Matt Wright Explore the Wild. America could lose thousands of men, hundreds of aircraft, submarines, and dozens of ships including aircraft carriers if China moves to blockade Taiwan. A chilling new series of war games showed how the United States would be drawn into the dispute and losses could quickly escalate. The warning comes as Taiwan compared Xi Jinping to Hitler and claimed he thinks about 'conquering' their country every day. Meanwhile, Xi welcomed Russia's Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks in Beijing on Monday. Xi, Putin, and North Korea's Kim Jong Un are set to attend a massive military parade in the Chinese capital on Wednesday. U.S. intelligence believes a first step toward taking over Taiwan may be a Chinese naval blockade and it could happen within two years. China is currently building three warships for every one the U.S. is producing. A blockade, rather than an immediate full-scale invasion, would squeeze Taiwan into submission, and trigger a desperate race to evacuate one million foreign nationals from the besieged island. President Donald Trump would face the monumental and historic decision of whether to try to bust the blockade militarily with convoys, or leave Taiwan to its fate. He would also have to consider a dangerous ongoing airlift - like the allies did for Berlin in the aftermath of World War II. Donald Trump squares up to Xi Jinping amid fears of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan A test launch of a Hsiung Feng II anti-ship cruise missile from southern Taiwan as the country faces the possibility of a Chinese naval blockade A total of 26 war games scenarios were played out by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank. In the worst-case scenario, busting the blockade cost the U.S. 21,000 casualties, 45 ships, an aircraft carrier, two submarines and over 1,000 aircraft. China suffered 13,000 casualties and lost 42 submarines, nearly 100 ships and around 1,000 aircraft. 'Even successful campaigns exact heavy casualties,' the report concluded. 'Such a conflict would be a shock to the United States, which, since the end of the Cold War, has been accustomed to fighting low-casualty wars with few losses of major weapons. 'Any blockade creates escalatory pressures that are difficult to contain. Almost all scenarios entail casualties. Even at lower levels of escalation, casualties were in the thousands. 'At higher escalation levels, the United States lost hundreds of aircraft and dozens of warships.' A Chinese warship launches an anti-ship missile during a military exercise A Chinese fighter jet pilot from the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) takes part in combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Chinas losses were also high and were often worse than those of the U.S.. The report, called 'Lights Out?' added: 'Total victory is unachievable when both sides have a secure homeland and nuclear weapons.' In the last five years China has surged its production of nuclear weapons, tripling its number of warheads to around 600. Earlier this year, President Trump warned that 'within five or six years theyll be even' with the U.S., which has thousands of nuclear weapons. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has never renounced the use of force to seize it. According to U.S. intelligence, President Xi has instructed his generals to be ready for a potential order to invade Taiwan from the year 2027. The U.S. has maintained a stance of 'strategic ambiguity,' which means it is not obligated to defend the island. But the Taiwan Relations Act states that 'any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means' is 'of grave concern' to the U.S. Strong forces within the Pentagon argue that failure to protect Taiwan would be catastrophic for U.S. standing in the world, and would leave China to dominate Asia. U.S. submarines could help break a Chinese blockade of Taiwan A U.S. submarine test fires a ballistic missile Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been clear that a possible invasion is 'imminent.' He has said there is 'no need to sugarcoat it' and a Chinese invasion would have 'devastating consequences' for the world. The 'denial of a Chinese fait accompli seizure of Taiwan' is his top priority. U.S strategists believe a blockade may be China's first step to weaken Taiwan economically, and prevent American humanitarian and military support getting through. For the last three years the People's Liberation Army has been simulating such blockades, launching drills in which Chinese ships practice surrounding Taiwan. That included a major exercise called Strait Thunder-2025A in April. Under international law a blockade would be considered an act of war. A map shows how China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting drills in the waters around Taiwan Xi Jinping says Taiwan is part of China The CSIS war gamers' conclusion was that America must prepare now to launch convoys to supply Taiwan because.it has lost expertise on how to do it. 'The U.S. Navy is out of practice because convoys have not been a priority mission since the end of the Cold War,' the report said.. It should also 'make contingency plans' for an airlift and military resupply of Taiwan. 'The president might not execute an airlift or military resupply because of its high cost, political risks, and low deliveries, but (the Pentagon) would be derelict in its duties if it did not have plans in place,' the report said. Another conclusion was that the U.S. would not be able to conduct a Ukraine-style operation, resupplying Taiwan with arms while not getting directly involved. 'A Ukraine strategy was attractive but insufficient when applied to Taiwan because Taiwans needs are too great and, in most scenarios, Chinas blockade was too tight,' the report said. 'If China escalated to using military force, the United States had to accept a Taiwanese capitulation on Chinas terms or become directly involved in the conflict. 'With U.S. intervention, in most scenarios, convoys kept Taiwan supplied, but often at a huge cost.' China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducts missile tests A Chinese 6th Generation jet fighter prototype According to the war games a blockade would see Taiwan running out of natural gas after 10 days, coal in seven weeks, and oil in 20 weeks. 'In most scenarios, Taiwan cannot face China alone,' the report concluded. 'Taiwan needs U.S. assistance, likely in direct combat operations, if it is to remain autonomous and democratic. The report added that the Pentagon preparing how to operate convoys now was essential. 'It must act swiftly once the president directs action,' the report said. 'The experience in World War II is a warning. The Navy was slow to adopt convoys, generating heavy costs as U-boats sank 240 cargo ships on the eastern seaboard from January to June 1942.' A British 'mum on the run' who was jailed in Thailand for overstaying her visa has returned to the UK - but has left her young son there because she's worried he'll be taken into care. Ellis Matthews, 32, who spent her days in Asia sharing tips on how to claim benefits while living abroad, was deported by Thai authorities after spending more than three months locked up in an overcrowded and squalid immigration prison with her son Cairo, 4. The benefits TikTokker became a controversial figure on social media with the account 'mum on the run' because of her bikini clad videos bragging how her 'dream life' in Thailand was funded by fiddling 2,300 per month in British benefits. She claimed to have six mental disorders, a disability and posted videos with advice on how others could cheat the UK benefits system for a life in the sunshine. She once appeared on reality show Judge Rinder - and claimed to have squandered a 6million fortune. Ms Matthews was arrested in March at her home in Pattaya and thrown in a dingy Thai prison where she remained for months because she did not have the money to buy herself an airline ticket out of Thailand. She refused to fly home to the UK because she was convinced that social services would take Cairo from her. Now Cairo's been left in the care of a relative in Thailand while Ms Matthews is staying with friends in the UK. Ellis Matthews, 32 (pictured), who spent her days in Asia sharing tips on how to claim benefits while living abroad, was deported by Thai authorities after spending more than three months locked up in an overcrowded and squalid immigration prison with her son Cairo, 4 The benefits TikTokker (pictured) became a controversial figure on social media with the account 'mum on the run' because of her bikini clad videos bragging how her 'dream life' in Thailand was funded by fiddling 2,300 per month in British benefits Ms Matthews was being held in the Mothers and Children Immigration Detention Centre (pictured) in Bangkok where The Daily Mail visited her earlier this year and she revealed the decrepit conditions she endured with her son Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, she said: 'Leaving Cairo behind was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But I had no choice because I'm the victim of an online hate campaign that is making me out to be a bad mother. 'I would never allow him to be passed around suffering in UK care. He has the right to a safe childhood.' Ms Matthews was being held in the notorious Mothers and Children Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok when The Daily Mail visited her earlier this year. She was locked up in a shabby cell for more than 20 hours per day with 16 other female inmates and their children surviving on lumpy rice and rat meat while sleeping on a dirty concrete floor. Recalling her time there she said: 'The conditions were horrific. There were hundreds of women and children crammed into filthy rooms, forced to sleep on bare floors without mattresses. Toilets overflowed, disease spread unchecked, and children were locked indoors for 24 hours a day, with just 35 minutes outside per week. 'My son saw things no toddler should ever see - fights, violent breakdowns, and abuse. Around 30 per cent of detainees were mentally disabled. They were often beaten and left handcuffed to the bars for days at a time. Cairo refused to eat prison food and regressed to full breastfeeding. At one point, I even breastfed another starving child because there was no other way to keep them alive.' She added: 'Children were malnourished, untreated, and left in despair. Cairo lost weight, regressed developmentally, and became traumatised. After his eventual release, he was diagnosed with multiple illnesses and needed medical treatment.' Ms Matthews, who is originally from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, claimed that since returning to the UK six weeks ago she has been in hiding because of online hate being directed towards her. They were locked up in a shabby cell for more than 20 hours per day with 16 other female inmates and their children surviving on lumpy rice and rat meat while sleeping on a dirty concrete floor. She cried: 'This is hell on earth, it's the worst prison that you can imagine' A friend told The Daily Mail: 'Ellis (pictured) is back in the UK living in a secret location. It wasn't easy for her to leave Cairo with her uncle in Thailand, but she didn't want to lose him and feel that it's the best thing for both of them' She said: 'I'm too scared to go out of the house because these people are looking for me and threatening to expose my whereabouts. They are constantly making false allegations that I abused my son and want to destroy my life. 'The depths they have gone to are chilling and have left me deeply disturbed. Both my son and I are suffering. I just want to bring him back to the UK and have a normal life with him. But right now, his safe return is not possible.' In her controversial videos, Ms Matthews bragged about claiming benefits while being thousands of miles away from the UK. But she insisted: 'These videos were just a joke. The truth is that I never got any UK benefits while in Thailand, not a single penny. 'I can understand why people were angry and upset about them which is why there's not a lot of sympathy for me. But I was just lying in my videos to get more followers and make some money from my TikTok account. It was all a big hoax, that's all.' She added: 'Most of the time I was just sharing about my life on TikTok that showed me cooking, cleaning, raising my son, and talking openly about the harassment I was facing. 'Yes, before jail I made some 'rage bait' videos, but my genuine accounts always showed our reality. Those truths were twisted and weaponised by stalkers hiding behind fake profiles.' Since returning to the UK, Ms Matthews has posted a number of videos on social media sharing other vivid details of her time in detention. In one video she reveals: 'Imagine being locked in a filthy foreign jail with your three-year-old baby. That was me and my son Cairo. There was no beds no toys just a concrete floor that my three-year-old cried to sleep on every night while I was fighting people to protect him. 'We were trapped inside Thailand's immigration detention centre sleeping in filth amongst cockroaches and rats. There was mothers breast feeding on the bare floor no nappies no formula no medical care. 'Some children were malnourished, and the disabled children were abandoned.' In another video she cries: 'Have you ever missed your flight from Thailand, have you ever overstayed your visa, have you ever been arrested for something small? D'you know what actually happens when you get arrested in Thailand. Anybody who has to go to a court in Thailand has to be deported and while you have to wait to be deported you have to wait in an immigration detention centre.' She continues: 'If you do not have money when you get there you are going to have a very difficult time. You even need to pay for places to sleep on the floor, and it can be as much as 300 just for a place to lie down. They sell the floor space by the tile. 'Imagine 80-100 people crammed into one filthy little cell and 30-35 of those people are mentally unwell.' Ms Matthews has also posted other more bizarre videos in one she films herself feasting on a mixed grill while in another she shows off an egg and sausage boil she has just made and is seen chomping on it as she stares at the camera. She has long since maintained that she is the victim of an online hate campaign and posts one video with a picture of herself accompanied by the words: 'You get used to it. The lies, the hurt, the betrayal, the people not abandoning you and not coming back.' In one video she reveals: 'Imagine being locked in a filthy foreign jail with your three-year-old baby. That was me and my son Cairo. There was no beds no toys just a concrete floor that my three-year-old cried to sleep on every night while I was fighting people to protect him' Ms Matthews claimed to have six mental disorders and a disability and posted videos with advice on how others could cheat the UK benefits system for a life in the sunshine. She once appeared on reality show Judge Rinder - and claimed to have squandered a 6million fortune Since returning to the UK Ms Matthews, who is originally from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, has posted a number of videos on social media sharing other vivid details of her time at the Mother and Child Detention Centre (pictured) Her posts have been met with mixed comments with one claiming: 'The way she just leaves her son in another country and forgets about him and acts like she's still relevant.' Another fumed: 'Disgusting,' while one stated: 'You literally pay 500 baht per day overstay fine. You didn't pay the fine and let your go through that. Wild.' But others have been sympathetic to her plight with one comment saying: 'So glad you are OK and I hope the wee man is ok too xx.' Another added: 'Was so unfair what happened to you both all coz of spiteful cruel people.' She was arrested on 3 March by Thai immigration officials at her home in Pattaya after overstaying her visa which was cancelled on 21 February. Thai officials revealed that they took action against her after a local anti-child abuse organisation raised concerns about Cairo's welfare. But while behind bars, Ms Matthews protested: 'My visa was cancelled because some people in the UK have been trolling me and accused me of horrible things like human trafficking and child abuse. They got the Thai authorities involved and it's led to me ending up here. I should have left when my visa was cancelled but I couldn't because I didn't have the money at the time.' Ms Matthews insisted to The Daily Mail while in detention that she was determined not to return to the UK because of fears that social services would take her son from her. She said: 'I'm not going to lose Cairo and there's no way I'm going back to the UK' She was arrested on 3 March by Thai immigration officials at her home in Pattaya after overstaying her visa which was cancelled on 21 February. Thai officials revealed that they took action against her after a local anti-child abuse organisation raised concerns about Cairo's welfare Pictured: a GoFundMe page set up by Kama Clark to raise funds for Ms Matthews Ms Matthews insisted to The Daily Mail while in detention that she was determined not to return to the UK because of fears that social services would take her son from her. She said: 'I'm not going to lose Cairo and there's no way I'm going back to the UK. 'I want to go to another country like Cambodia or Turkey. I'm a single mother who's just trying to survive and raise her son. 'I'm fighting for my life and future, all I want is to live peacefully with my baby.' She also insisted that her claims of cheating the UK benefits system were not true. She said: 'These videos were just a joke. The truth is that I never got any UK benefits while in Thailand, not a single penny. 'I can understand why people in the UK are angry and upset about them which is why there's not a lot of sympathy for me. But I was just lying in my videos to get more followers and make some money from my TikTok account. It was all a big hoax, that's all.' The controversial organiser of the March for Australia rallies has sparked outrage after suggesting one of the most enduring accounts of the Holocaust - the diary of victim Anne Frank - was 'bullsh**'. Bec Freedom, also known as Rebecca Walker, was a key organiser of the Sydney rally on Sunday. She gave a speech opposing mass immigration to Australia - and complained about being the subject of 'racist' abuse herself. Walker, 36, copped criticism for the large neo-Nazi contingent from the National Socialist Network organisation that marched at the front of the rally and whose representatives made speeches during an 'open mic' session. Now the Daily Mail can reveal Walker has come under fire from a leading Jewish community figure for a comment she made prior to the protests on an X Spaces chat on August 1. In the livestreamed conversation, Walker recounted thinking that her late father, Peter George Walker, was a 'racist bast**d' when he told her as a high school student that Frank's diary was fabricated. 'Do you know what's funny? I used to love Anne Frank's diary in high school, right? I f***ing loved it,' she said. 'And my dad - God bless him, he's no longer here - he told me it was bulls**t, and I was like, "you racist bastard, you can't say that, I'm learning about it and its true, I've cried reading this book". 'If my dad is listening right now, Dad, I'm sorry I'm fricken' sorry, you were right, I should have listened, my bad,' she said. Holocaust deniers have long peddled the conspiracy theory that Frank's diary was a forgery. Asked about her comments, Walker told the Daily Mail: 'The comments made about Anne Frank's diary was made in jest. 'I'm not a Nazi sympathiser, I'm just a staunch free speech advocate'. Walker has previously claimed comments also made in a leaked X Spaces conversation, where she said 'we need to see violence' similar to the Cronulla riots in 2005, were out of context. She also apologised for what she said. 'We need violence, I'm sorry, but we need f**king violence,' she was heard saying. 'We've done peaceful, peaceful hasn't done s**t. I don't think that anything significant is going to change unless something like that does happen again. Until we stand up and do something like that day I think it's just going to be repeating.' Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, denounced Walker's comments. 'To drag Anne Frank's legacy into this swamp... is to spit on her grave and on the suffering of six million Jews,' he said. 'These are not slips of the tongue. These are declarations of allegiance to the darkest ideologies on Earth. 'When the organiser of a rally in our streets ... denies the testimony of Anne Frank, we are not talking about patriotism, we are talking about extremism that can end in tragedy.' Rebecca Walker AKA 'Bec Freedom' is seen with her partner Jesse Stewart at the March for Australia rally at the weekend 'Bec Freedom' addressed the protesters at the end of the march in Victoria Park in Sydney and complained of being the subject of racist attacks since taking a prominent role in the protests Anne Frank was just 15-years-old when she died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, months after she was discovered hiding in a secret annex in Amsterdam. Her diary, written in fountain pen and pencil, was discovered after the war, and has become one of the most powerful and enduring personal accounts of the Holocaust. In the 1980s, the Netherlands Forensic Institute 'convincingly demonstrated' the works were written by Frank between 1942 and 1944. Rallies took place on Sunday in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, as well as some regional cities, to protest the country's record levels of immigration. In Sydney, a crowd of about 15,000 demonstrators chanted 'send them back'. About 150 members of the NSN also handed out flyers, made a speech to the crowd and led chants of 'Heil Australia'. NSN leader Tom Sewell said in a speech during the Melbourne protest that the two groups that made up the anti-immigration march should unify because they were all united in their opposition to mass migration. After acknowledging his own group was controversial, he told the crowd it was the NSN that had defended the 'Aussie flag' against 'the Palestinians and the communists'. The couple are understood to live in Victoria She told her followers that she quietly welcomed a son on October 4th last year Thomas Sewell, a well-known far-right extremist and leader of the National Socialist Network (NSN) spoke to the crowd in Melbourne. Walker did not organise the Melbourne rally While leading the large protest movement and creating content for a living, Walker is also a mother of at least two children who is in a romantic relationship with activist Jesse Stewart, another of the march's organisers. A bystander at the protest described Stewart, who describes himself as a nationalist, as 'quite an aggressive protector' of Bec at the rally. He gave a speech at the rally where he warned of a 'global agenda to replace people with Anglo-Celtic heritage' and has since hit out at media outlets Sky News and 2GB, claiming 'now that they've seen how much of a success (the rally) was they all want to kiss the ring'. The pair welcomed a son, William in October last year with Ms Walker stating she kept her pregnancy a secret due to online trolls. 'We are absolutely in love with him, Jesse is loving been a dad, I'm loving been a mum to a new baby, and my children are loving having a new baby brother,' she shared in an Instagram post. 'Why did we keep it such a big secret? Simply put.... We didn't want troll interference. They post about everything we do and we didn't want their involvement in this.' Funding a permanent First Peoples' Assembly which has been compared to the failed federal Voice to Parliament will have cost one state's taxpayers $280million by the end of the decade. The Victorian government's Statewide Treaty Bill will see the Indigenous-elected body receive more than $70million in annual funding from 2027, with that figure eventually to increase by 2.5 per cent each year. An existing First Peoples' Assembly is set to be incorporated into an organisation which will have unprecedent powers and be called Gellung Warl - meaning 'tip of the spear'. It has been estimated the successive Labor governments of Dan Andrews and Jacinta Allan have already spent at least $380million on negotiating a treaty with Indigenous Victorians since 2016. With the next five years of proposed funding and $36.8million allocated for capital costs between 2026 and 2029, total spending on the treaty and Gellung Warl will have hit $660million by 2030. The Victorian legislation will mark the first formal treaty between an Australian state and traditional owners since colonisation began in 1788. Gellung Warl will have the power to scrutinise government programs and make representations to both houses of parliament, state cabinet, departmental secretaries and individual MPs. Representatives will attend confidential cabinet meetings at least twice yearly, and the assembly will be able to conduct briefings with Victoria Police's chief commissioner. Funding a permanent First Peoples' Assembly which has been compared to the failed federal Voice to Parliament will have cost one state's taxpayers $280million by the end of the decade It has been estimated the Labor governments of Dan Andrews and Jacinta Allan (above) have spent at least $380million on negotiating a treaty with Indigenous Victorians since 2016 Gellung Warl will have no power to veto policy or legislation, much like a state-based version of the Voice. The Voice was rejected by 60.06 per cent of Australians and 54.15 per cent of Victorians - the lowest percentage of any state - who voted in the October 2023 referendum. At the last census, taken in 2021, just 66,000 Victorians - or 1 per cent of the state's population of 6.5 million citizens - identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. That figure was up from 0.8 per cent in 2016 and 0.7 per cent in 2011 but still less than a third of the Australian total of 3.2 per cent in 2021. The local government areas with the largest Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander populations were Geelong, Greater Bendigo and Greater Shepparton. The Statewide Treaty Bill will allocate $3million for Gellung Warl's establishment and operating costs this financial year. That funding will rise to $23.8million in 2026-2027, $71million in 2027-2028, $72.2million in 2028-2029, then $74million once the annual 2.5 per cent increase kicks in. That annual increase cannot be altered without a change to the legislation. The Voice was rejected by 60.06 per cent of Australians and 54.15 per cent of Victorians who voted in the 2023 referendum. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured in a 'Yes' T-shirt If the Statewide Treaty Bill is passed, as expected, all future Victorian legislation will include a Statement of Treaty Compatibility. That statement will address whether a proposed law took into account 'the unacceptable disadvantage inflicted on First Peoples by the historic wrongs and ongoing injustices of colonisation'. As with other Victorian statutory bodies, Gellung Warl will be subject to oversight from the state's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission and the Auditor-General's Office. The aims of the treaty are set out in a lengthy preamble to the bill. 'The historic wrongs and ongoing injustice of colonisation have resulted in unacceptable levels of discrimination, disadvantage and intergenerational trauma for First Peoples,' it states. 'These acts of injustice must not continue or be repeated. The State of Victoria commits to not repeating past injustices. 'Past and existing laws have not been able to fully recognise the inherent rights of First Peoples or address disadvantage and trauma. 'It is acknowledged that since colonisation Traditional Owners of Country in Victoria have fought for and won back some of the rights and status they hold under Aboriginal Lore and Law. First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria co-chair Rueben Berg talks to media during a press conference in Melbourne in January this year 'These rights have been shaped by First Peoples' Ancestors and are a foundational pillar in the ongoing journey to self-determination.' Deputy Premier Ben Carroll told the Herald Sun on Monday that Aboriginal Australians had endured 65,000 years of inequality. 'We're very proud of being the first state in Australia, and indeed in the Commonwealth, to implement the Treaty,' he said. 'We do know that things need to change, that we need to address the inequality that our First Nations people have experienced for 65,000 years.' The Coalition will oppose the legislation but Labor needs just one more cross-bench vote to see it through the upper house, having already won the support of the Greens. Opposition Leader Brad Battin has compared Gellung Warl to the Voice. 'The Victorian people have already voted no to a Voice to parliament, they have sent their message quite clearly,' Mr Battin said last week. 'Many of the things they want to talk about, whether it is Closing the Gap, making sure we can keep indigenous people out of the justice system, better health outcomes, better education outcomes, you dont need a treaty.' The Bill's introduction has been delayed due to the fatal shooting of two policemen near Porepunkah in Victoria's alpine region on August 26. It is expected to be introduced when parliament next sits. An activist behind a campaign to fly Union Jacks and England flags in protest at illegal immigration has served a jail sentence for attempting to smuggle migrants into the country. Lee Twamley is part of a group calling themselves 'Churchill's Lions' which last week raised British flags along one of Manchester's main shopping streets. The group say their objective is 'to protect our culture and protect the children and women of Manchester' and have been raising funds to buy more flags as part of their campaign. Appealing for more donations, Mr Twamley said the group supports 'the stopping of small boats' and 'the stopping of illegal immigrants abusing our kids and woman'. But the 55-year-old - who posts on TikTok under the name Salford T-Bone - has been exposed for having been involved in smuggling migrants into the UK. In 2016 he was jailed for 20 months after being stopped at British border checks in northern France with four Vietnamese people hidden under camping gear in the back of a van. At the time border chiefs said he had been part of a 'shameless gang' which 'plotted to bring desperate people into the UK illegally purely for their own financial gain'. After the link was revealed, social media users branded him a 'pretend patriot' and mocking him as 'such a hero'. Flag campaigner Lee Twamley filmed himself raising flags in Manchester City Centre on his TikTok channel in a protest against illegal immigration - despite having been jailed in 2016 for attempting to smuggle migrants into the country Flag campaign organiser Lee Twamley from his Salford T-Bone TikTok profile where he has dismissed criticism of his conviction for attempting to smuggle migrants into the UK as 'old news' Flag campaign organiser Lee Twamley, pictured when he was jailed for 20 months in 2016 after pleading guilty to conspiring to facilitate illegal entry into the UK A Union Jack and St George's Cross hanging from a footbridge in Salford, Greater Manchester last month But Mr Twamley has now hit back, bizarrely saying the migrants he was trying to smuggle were destined for illegal cannabis farms and not linked to sex offences. It comes amid a drive to cover British towns and cities in national flags, coordinated by an online movement called Operation Raise the Colours. The Prime Minister has backed the public's right to fly St George's flags after furious locals thwarted a second council's efforts to remove them from lampposts. Mr Twamley - who was last month pictured at a rally organised by far-Right group Britain First - has shared a string of videos on his Salford T-Bone page showing flags being attached to lamp posts around north west England. However his involvement in a five-strong gang behind two failed attempts to smuggle illegal migrants into the UK in 2014 - revealed by Manchester news website The Mill and anti-racism group Hope Not Hate - sparked accusations of hypocrisy. Hitting back at critics on his TikTok channel, Mr Twamley branded the reports 'old news' and accused the Mill journalist of being a 'snide leftie'. In one reply he wrote: 'Bro it was in 2017 I got caught bringing them in to grow cannabis... 'So no completely different to what I'm against. Protesters outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Fallowfield, Manchester on Sunday A St George's Cross hanging from a lamp post near a pub in Salford, Greater Manchester last month 'Do my time move on old news.' In another he posted: 'Remember bro mine was 2 men 2 woman they was not gonna be coming in to this country to claim benefits or abuse are (sic) woman and kids . 'Anyone show me statistics that show any Vietnamese been convicted of rape that have come over on small boat or smuggled over. 'They was living not off state benefits.' Last month saw a drive for the St George and Union flags to be displayed across England - sometimes in the face of opposition from local authorities. Labour's Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham warned that people painting the red cross on roundabouts were 'seeking confrontation' - but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch retorted that there was 'nothing racist about flying the flag of your nation'. More than a dozen British and English flags appeared around Manchester's main shopping streets last week. The city council has said they won't be removed as long as they aren't 'damaging anything or dangerous for anyone'. In response to the Mill article, Mr Twamley told the website his criminal past was 'old news'. There was no response at Mr Twamley's home address and Churchill's Lions fundraiser Emma Boyd declined to comment to the Daily Mail. Scared residents have called on Donald Trump to bypass their own leaders and send in federal troops to a crime-ravaged city they say has turned into a 'Mad Max hellscape'. Locals say Kansas City, Missouri - once celebrated for its barbecue, jazz clubs and famous fountains - has been overrun by marauding bike gangs, brazen shootouts and a swelling homelessness crisis that leaves them shut indoors after sundown. Now, in a desperate plea, Kansas City homeowners and community groups are calling on Trump to go around local leadership and send in the National Guard to restore order, accusing their Democratic mayor, Quinton Lucas, of posing for photo ops while failing to protect his voters. Kansas City now ranks among America's most dangerous cities. While homicides fell nearly 20 percent nationwide in the first half of 2025, killings in Kansas City rose 12 percent, from 75 in the first six months of 2024 to 84 this year, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association. The extraordinary request for higher security comes as Trump weighs whether to expand his aggressive law-and-order campaign beyond Washington, DC, where he federalized the city's police department last month, and Chicago, the city he has threatened to target next. Residents of Kansas City insist their city, bucking the national downward trend in violence, is far more in need of help. 'Forget about Chicago, please send the National Guard into lawless Mad Max Kansas City, and save us from a mayor and police force that cannot or will not keep order on the streets,' said long-time resident John Murphy. Officers collect evidence from the scene of one of Kansas City's all-too-common fatal shootings President Donald Trump is willing to go over the heads of local officials and deploy National Guard forces to fight crime in cities Murphy, an activist with Citizens for a Responsible Government, accused Lucas of being 'worthless' and offering only platitudes while presiding over the collapse of a city of half a million people. 'For a short while, he sprung into action and posted to Facebook about clamping down on the bad guys,' Murphy told the Daily Mail. 'That only lasted two weeks, and it was on to the next item.' The sense of fear is palpable among locals. Homeowners said they lock their doors as gunshots echo through the night, sidewalks are strewn with garbage, and restaurant owners complained their dining rooms empty out by 8pm because people are too scared to go out. For many, the breaking point was a shootout on August 21 in a downtown parking lot that left two people dead and three more injured. Police said dozens of shell casings littered the asphalt, while nearby buildings were pocked with bullet holes and cars had shattered windshields. Just weeks earlier, an ATV driver had deliberately knocked down a police officer before pulling a wheelie and injuring him again. On Cinco de Mayo weekend, a dirt bike stuntman plowed into a woman pedestrian in the bustling restaurant district. The mayhem recalls the dystopian Mad Max films, in which feral bike gangs roamed post-apocalyptic wastelands. Residents of Kansas City said that is now their daily reality. Among those demanding federal intervention is Mary Nestel, 59. The lifelong resident co-founded The Real Kansas City, a volunteer group of some 2,300 Facebook members that cleans trash from parks and homeless encampments. 'Kansas City needs help since our useless mayor and council have no idea how to fix the problem,' she said. Nestel said she and other volunteers routinely clear human waste and piles of trash from sidewalks, only to see the same scenes return within days. Federal housing data shows Kansas City has the worst homelessness crisis in the US, with 96 percent of unhoused people sleeping in cars, alleys or tents. Critics also blast Lucas for failing to address the lack of a city jail. Kansas City has been without its own facility since 2009, relying instead on limited space in county lockups. The mayor's critics say under his watch, Kansas City has collapsed into 'Mad Max' chaos of street-racing gangs that terrorize locals Kansas City police have tried to regain control of streets overrun by ATV and dirt bike gangs and sideshows Locals liken the streets of Kansas City to the diesel-punk mayhem captured in the Mad Max franchise This ATV rider slammed into a police officer in downtown Kansas City, leaving the cop briefly hospitalized with severe head injuries According to Nestle, criminals have little to fear because they know there's nowhere to put them. 'Citizens voted for a new jail in April, but our elected officials keep dragging their feet,' she said. 'The excuses continue.' Lucas, who lives in a $500,000, four-bedroom home, has previously rejected claims he has presided over Kansas City's collapse. Speaking to the Daily Mail earlier this year, he insisted the city could 'handle this moment' and pointed to new police recruitment drives. 'More than anything, we need to make sure there are real consequences for those who are engaging in reckless and foolish behavior in downtown Kansas City,' the mayor said at the time. 'I have great confidence in the city being able to handle this moment and many others.' City officials did not respond to more recent requests for comment. Meanwhile, business owners say the violence is crippling, forcing diners to stay at home and tanking the local economy. The call for National Guard troops comes as Trump ramps up his war on crime in Democrat-run cities. Last month, he stunned Washington, DC, by federalizing its police department, sending in Guard troops, and flooding the streets with federal officers. The move sparked lawsuits and protests, but Trump insisted the capital was in the grip of a 'public safety emergency.' Mayor Quinton Lucas (left with megaphone) has been accused of undermining Kansas City police in the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots Long-standing local businesses are bearing the brunt of the crime rates - watching foot traffic vanish and revenue slip away By one metric, Kansas City has the worst rate of homelessness in the country Kansas City police have in recent weeks stepped up efforts to regain control of the lawless streets He has since threatened to make Chicago his next target, citing its long-standing struggles with gang violence. Now, Kansas City residents say it is their city - not Chicago - that needs urgent intervention. Locals have said their city's reputation as a hub for slow-smoked ribs, swinging jazz and picturesque boulevards has been eclipsed by crime scenes, encampments and the roar of illegal ATVs. 'We're just heartbroken and almost in tears about what's being destroyed right in front of us,' Nestel, an insurance agent, said. 'Our leaders are more interested in their personal agendas and filling their pockets than listening to the citizens who are affected by their poor decisions every day.' Whether Trump will heed their pleas remains to be seen. Any deployment there would surely face blowback not only from Lucas and Democrats, but perhaps also Republicans in state offices, including Governor Mike Kehoe. But in Kansas City's embattled neighborhoods, many say they have lost faith in their own leaders and see the White House as their only hope. Scotland's frontline police officers are buying their own uniforms as the standard issue kit is ill-fitting and of poor quality, a new report has found. A review by HM inspectors has found that trousers lack stretch and fade quickly, inadequate jackets leave officers exposed to rain, fleeces are too thin and tear, and torches do not have enough battery life or brightness. Rank-and-file officers also reported that armoured vests are too bulky and ride up while travelling, while footwear looked unprofessional. This has, according to the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, led to the practice of officers buying their own kit becoming normalised. Police Scotland has now been urged to improve the standard of kit provided after inspectors found that frontline officers and staff did not have access to uniforms that meet the same standards of quality as those provided to specialist or senior roles. HM Assistant Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Brian McInulty, said frontline officers who operate in remarkably challenging environments were the face of Police Scotland and ensuring they have access to high-quality, comfortable and effective uniforms and equipment was of critical importance. But he stressed: Many officers and staff are purchasing their own items of uniform. This leads to a lack of uniformity across the service, and it is, quite frankly, unacceptable that officers and staff find themselves in this position. The report found there was a notion that all decisions on uniform and equipment provided to frontline officers were predicated on cost, ahead of quality. Police officers in Scotland have complained of ill-fitting and of poor quality standard issue uniform Police officers have resorted to spending their own cash on uniforms in favour of the standard issue kit Critics blamed a lack of sufficient funds from the SNP Government to enable the force to cope with current levels of demand. Scottish Police Federation chairman David Threadgold said: Fundamentally cops are buying equipment because the stuff provided by the service is not good enough, doesnt fit or doesnt do the task it needs to do. This is not what should be happening in a service that has a 1.5billion budget. But it simply doesnt have enough money to buy the best kit for officers. The government will say they have given record budgets and the chief constable can choose what she spends it on. But it cannot maintain the level of demand that exists on police officers and at the very least they should be provided with the best equipment to enable them to go out and do the job for our communities. I dont know a single cop who wants to spend their own money to carry out their job safely, but thats the reality of the situation. Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice Liam Kerr said Nationalist ministers should be ashamed. Its disgraceful that savage SNP cuts mean police officers have been forced to buy their own kit. This shows how hollowed out frontline policing has become under the SNP government when they cannot even provide them with the basics. The inspectors heard examples of crime scene managers wearing jackets that are widely regarded as a superior, long-lasting garment, while frontline officers, on a cordon for an entire shift, had to make do with an inferior-quality jacket. The report states: The general feeling is that the current system is unfair, and frontline officers should be equally, if not better, provisioned for the roles they perform. Female officers also reported having to order mens trousers due to a lack of stretch and poor fit offered in womens sizes. Among its list of recommendations, HM inspectors advised the force to seek alternative standard issue trousers that are made of higher quality, stretchable materials that accommodate diverse body types, including a proper fit for females. It also suggested they provide uniform designed for officers with specific requirements or medical conditions including pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. The force was also asked to consider whether the considerable cost associated with having the wording Police Scotland and Poileas Alba embroidered on its tops represents value for money. Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: A professional looking police service is not just a matter of national pride..Police officers need a uniform that is smart, comfortable and safe. Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said the Chief Constable has set out a vision for the future of policing in Scotland which prioritises support for our frontline. He added: We'll take account of this report and listen to officers and staff to ensure they get the uniform and kit they need to deliver for communities. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: 'While provision of uniform and equipment is a matter for the Chief Constable, I am clear that police officers and staff should be provided with the correct tools for the job, and I welcome Police Scotlands commitment to this.' A Reform-run council is launching legal action to close three migrant hotels, the Daily Mail can reveal. West Northamptonshire Council said that by accommodating asylum seekers, the three sites may have breached planning rules. It is issuing Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of the Ibis in Crick, the Holiday Inn in Flore and MK Hotel in Deanshanger - all in Northamptonshire. The council will then decide whether enforcement action is required, with the hotel owners given 21 days to respond. Reform believes its approach is more likely to stop the sites being used as migrant hotels than Epping Forest District Councils effort. Last week, judges at the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction ordering asylum seekers to leave The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) had obtained the temporary court order to stop 138 asylum seekers being housed at the Bell, which was at the centre of anti-immigration protests. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the Daily Mail that his party was doing the hard yards to ensure victory in the courts. Nigel Farage said Reform is 'doing the hard yards to ensure we are victorious in the courts' The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, was at the centre of anti-immigration protests Protests continued in Epping over the weekend and three people were arrested We said after May 1st that we would use every lever at our disposal to close asylum hotels in areas we now run, Mr Farage said. While Labour are fighting in the courts to keep asylum hotels open, Reform is doing the hard yards to ensure we are victorious in the courts. West Northamptonshire Council leader Mark Arnull added: By accommodating asylum seekers, we believe these hotels may have a case to answer for breaching planning control, and these notices are the first formal step in allowing us to investigate further. The recent Epping Court of Appeal hearing highlighted the importance of ensuring the full planning enforcement process is followed if councils are looking to take action against the use of hotels in their area as asylum accommodation and thats what were doing in West Northants. With the Home Offices use of these hotels in our area placing an unsustainable strain on our local services and with residents continuing to raise concerns, we will look at using whatever powers we have to address these issues. Yesterday, the Court of Appeal handed down its full written judgment in the Bell Hotel case. It said Epping residents fear of crime is outweighed by the undesirability of incentivising protests, by the desirability in the interests of justice of preserving the status quo for the relatively brief period leading up to the forthcoming trial, as well as public interest factors. The hotel became the focal point of several demonstrations and counter-protests after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. He has denied the charges. The full judgment by Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, was highly critical of the High Courts decision to grant a temporary injunction. They said Mr Justice Eyres assessment of the balance of convenience before issuing the injunction was seriously flawed in principle. Epping Forest District Council, which applied for the injunction, is considering taking the case to the Supreme Court. Protests continued in Epping over the weekend and police arrested three people. About 200 demonstrators gathered outside the council building on Sunday, where a woman climbed the steps and unfurled a Union flag. A mother-of-five who was arrested at a protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping while holding a Union Jack has been released from custody after 24 hours - and claims police nearly broke her arm. Sarah White was arrested at Epping District Council offices on Sunday night when she displayed the flag from the steps. Police stressed she was arrested and placed in the back of a police car for not obeying the restrictions in place for the protest, which attracted hundreds of people. Shocking footage showed the businesswoman arrested by several officers and then placed in the back of a van, while demonstrators shouted at police and urged them to release her. Sarah - a Reform UK member - is one of the key organisers for the protests, which were held outside the Essex hotel in protest at a resident allegedly sexually assaulting a girl - which he denies. In her first interview, just minutes after being released from custody on Monday, she said: 'It is an absolute disgrace. 'I am considering legal action against the police. 'I was one click away from my arm being broken. It's disgusting. Footage shows Sarah White holding the flag above an entrance to Epping District Council's Civic Centre at 7.15pm on Sunday She was then seized by police and taken away in a van - as fellow demonstrators standing nearby reacted with fury Anti-migrant protesters scuffle with police near the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, that has been used to house asylum seekers Campaigner Sarah White is arrested outside The Civic Offices during a protest against housing of asylum seekers at The Bell Hotel in Epping 'I cannot believe what happened. 'I believe I was targeted and they wanted to make an example of me.' She added: 'I had given a speech about how Epping residents will plan to refuse to pay our council tax because the migrants are still at the hotel. 'Minutes later, I placed the flag at the council office. At a lot of the protests we've been there. That's been part of it.' The mother claims she was 'manhandled by several officers'. 'I've only just been released, it's nearly been 24 hours,' Sarah, who has now been bailed, said. A spokesperson for Essex Police said her arrest was 'categorically not for flying a Union Flag', but because the Civic Centre was not an area where protesters were allowed. Two other men were arrested on the same night. Sarah added: 'I'm still in a state of shock. I knew they would hold me for nearly 24 hours.' Protests at the Bell began last month after an Ethiopian migrant was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl Crowds march towards the Civic Centre offices in Epping during the latest anti-migrant protest Epping became an epicentre of protests that swept the country last month after a migrant resident was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl She added: 'I feel like a political prisoner in a way. They tried to make an example of me. 'I will not stop expressing my view and sharing concerns. I am still campaigning. 'When I was in the van, I heard on the radio that the female prisoner should be de-arrested. That was me. I thought I was being released. 'Then there was another call to say change of plan, and I was taken into custody. 'It's been unbelievable.' Earlier in the evening, protesters stood behind metal barriers across the road from the Bell Hotel, waving at passing cars that sounded their horns. Police officers watched on, with more waiting in vans on surrounding roads. It comes after the Government last week won a court challenge which means 138 asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the local Bell Hotel. The site became the epicentre of protests that swept the country last month after a migrant resident was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He denies the charges. A twisted teenager has been charged after he was caught sexually groping an elderly woman on her porch. Jan Fletcher, 78, was sitting outside her home in Louisville, Kentucky Saturday afternoon when an unidentified teen, 13, approached her asking for directions to a nearby park. Video surveillance then caught him making his way behind Fletcher before brushing her backside several times, appearing to dust something off of her. But then he got handsy and groped her until the grandmother demanded he stop, Fletcher recalled. 'As soon as that happened, I said, "Let me tell you something, you better get out of here and you better go now". So he did. He was gone,' Fletcher told WLKY. She said the teen also asked if anyone else was inside the home during the incident, making her believe he could have robbed her. The teenager was arrested on Friday by the Louisville Metro Police Department and charged with third-degree sexual abuse. He does not live in the neighborhood where the incident took place, police said. Jan Fletcher, 78, was groped by a 13-year-old teen while sitting on her porch in Louisville, Kentucky Saturday afternoon. (Pictured: Surveillance footage of the incident) Fletcher, who has lived in her home for 55 years, was left disturbed by the incident and wanted the unidentified teen to apologize to her 'We hope this arrest relieves some of the fear and embarrassment the innocent woman suffered,' the department said. Fletcher has been left wondering why the boy decided to touch her inappropriately. 'I really hate that these young people are out here doing stuff. I hate it, it's sad, but what reason do you get? What enjoyment do they get out of doing stuff? I don't understand it,' she said. Despite being disturbed by the bizarre incident, Fletcher said she is not scared. 'I'm not gonna be afraid to be out here on my porch,' she stated. Fletcher has lived in the same home for 55 years, in what she described as a quiet neighborhood with 'great neighbors,' WDRB reported. She was back enjoying her porch the following day. Fletcher has demanded the boy explain why he chose to touch her and also wants an apology from him. Just before he groped her, Fletcher said the teenager asked her for direction to a local park and questioned if anyone else was in the home The local police are reminding people, especially the elderly, to remain aware of their surroundings at all times and trust their instincts. Authorities also warned older people to look out for warning signs and alert officials if they think something is odd. The attack comes months after a baby-faced 15-year-old was sentenced to 25 years in prison for brutally assaulting and raping a 91-year-old neighbor in Florida. On June 9, 2024, Jesse Stone, who was 14 at the time, snuck into an elderly woman's home in Reddick while she was sleeping and attacked her. He then raped her and fled the scene. During the horrid incident, Stone covered the woman's face with a pillow so she couldn't see him, according to prosecutor Katrina Self. A Wyoming mother's life will never be the same after her 13-year-old son was paralyzed in a terrifying car crash with a street sweeper truck. On August 1, 2024, Cindy Anzurez, 43, was driving her pickup truck with her son Gonzalo in the front, while two of her young daughters were in car seats in the back. That morning, they were headed back to their home in Powell when Anzurez said the sun blinded her through the windshield. The mother of five told Cowboy State Daily that she slowed down to about 30 to 35 miles per hour and tried to switch lanes when she 'nicked the corner of a street sweeper'. Gonzalo's seat belt did not restrain him, and the impact launched him up into the windshield. His C4 and C5 vertebra in his spine were injured, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He also had serious lacerations on his head and a traumatic brain injury. Anzurez and her daughters, an 11-year-old and a two-year-old, were unharmed in the wreck and accompanied Gonzalo as he was airlifted to Children's Hospital Colorado in Denver. 'It was crazy how something so small turned into something so tragic,' she said. Cindy Anzurez's 13-year-old son Gonzalo was left paralyzed from the shoulders down after they got into a car accident with a street sweeper truck in August 2024 And Gonzalo's brush with death wasn't even the first stroke of bad luck the family had last year. Their home flooded on Memorial Day weekend in 2024, Anzurez said. Then, on July 4, a garage fire burned the majority of the family's possessions. Less than a month later was the car accident, which would land Gonzalo in the hospital for the next six months. The boy, who had been set to go to high school, initially needed a vent, tracheotomy and gastrostomy tube so he could eat. Anzurez's husband left the family and the state after the family was told Gonzalo would be 'vent-dependent' for the rest of his life. Anzurez is now divorced and is now the sole caregiver for Gonzalo alongside her other four children. 'He still hasn't come to terms and doesn't accept he has a disabled son,' she said of her ex-husband. And despite all of this, Anzurez still said she and her family are 'blessed' thanks to the people of Powell, who have continued to support them in any way they can. Gonzalo was in the hospital for the next six months, until he was released in January Gonzalo's father left the family and the state after he was told that his son would likely need a feeding tube for the rest of his life. Gonzalo has since been recovered the ability to breathe on his own and eat solid food This often means bringing them meals and helping the younger kids by giving them rides to their various appointments while Anzurez cares for Gonzalo. 'Our community is just so amazing, and we couldn't have done it without them,' she said. 'I think we're just so lucky to have (Gonzalo) still be here and we're just looking to keep moving forward.' Gonzalo has since made extraordinary progress in his recovery. He miraculously didn't suffer any lasting brain damage and can now breathe on his own. While at the hospital, his shoulders and right bicep began regaining movement. His left bicep has more recently shown signs of activating. After leaving the hospital in January, the family was able to rent a doublewide home in Powell that had a finished garage. It had the perfect amount of space to allow Gonzalo to maneuver around in his new wheelchair, which is controlled by his head movements. Gonzalo has also been able to return to the ninth grade at his school thanks to a nurse and paraprofessional who have been assigned to help him on a daily basis. 'The school actually has been so amazing here in Powell,' Anzurez said. 'Without the school district, I don't know how we would have managed schooling.' Gonzalo (pictured right with his siblings before the accident) was an outdoorsy kid who also liked to cook. His hobbies have changed slightly, but he still loves directing his siblings during fishing expeditions Gonzalo was an outdoorsy kid before the accident, with his mom saying he was always riding his bike or fishing. Anzurez also described him as a 'really good chef' who loved to make unique recipes. His hobbies have adjusted slightly since he was paralyzed, but he still helps his mom with meal prepping and directs his younger siblings during their fishing expeditions. Make-A-Wish Wyoming also gifted him something called a QuadStick, a device that acts as a mouse or a video game controller for the disabled. The foundation provided him with that, along with a computer, 3D printer and 'man cave' setup for his room. 'The QuadStik has helped me a lot in exploring my possibilities to create things,' Gonzalo said. 'It was hard at first, but once I started tackling it, it has become increasingly easier.' Gonzalo said he has learned that life can change in a second. His outlook now is to find the humor in life while also trying to find 'fun things' to do to keep himself occupied. 'We dont know what is going to happen tomorrow, so why dont we just enjoy today to the best of our abilities,' he said. An Aussie woman recorded the scary moment a stranger attempted to go home with her and wouldn't take no for an answer in Bali. Maddie uploaded the worrying video to TikTok on Monday, showing a persistent tourist who was trying to spend the night with her. When she asked the man why he was following her on his motorbike, he responded: 'Because you are my honey. Because you are my Barbie. 'You'll be safe here, honey,' he told her. 'I'll be safe by myself,' she snapped back. 'No, with me it will be better. Is this your home? Can I come with you?' he asked. Maddie told him he was not welcome to come into her hotel with her. 'No, you can't come with me. This is my hotel and it's inappropriate that you're here. I didn't ask you to come back with me,' she said. The man got off his motorbike to follow Maddie back to her hotel room in Bali 'It's even creepier that you keep coming back.' He then told her he wanted to stay the night with her. 'Well, I don't want you to stay with me. I want to go to bed, by myself. Do I make myself clear?' she said. 'My God, what kind of guy keeps f***ing pushing?' 'You've broken my heart,' the man told her. Maddie told him that was his problem, but the man was not moving on. Eventually, her co-workers came to her rescue after they returned after a night out. They told him she was going back to her room alone, and he quickly gave up and left. Bali is generally safe for a night out, but women need to be careful of drink spiking Aussies online said the scenario was 'scary', particularly given Maddie was on her own in a foreign country and had no idea who she was dealing with. 'The way you told him a million times to go away and he didn't listen, but another man tells him once and he goes away,' one wrote. 'It aggravates me on another level. Please stay safe.' 'This is so scary, girl. Stay safe,' another said. One man suggested she shouldn't have been giggling, but he was quickly put down by social media users. 'A response only a man could have. If she had been direct, with no giggles he wouldn't have listened and ignored her nos anyway,' one person said. 'He could have become aggravated and hurt her. Stop speaking like you know the experience of women because you don't. Typical you would spin this back on the woman and make it her fault.' The Australian government's Smartraveller website has updated its advisory for Indonesia and its holiday island of Bali amid widespread violent protests. The overall alert level of 'exercise a high degree of caution' remains in place, however, the authority included a fresh warning on Monday advising that demonstrations that occurred over the weekend could reignite. Sunrise host Natalie Barr has launched a scathing attack on the federal government over its lack of action in the wake of a superannuation scandal which has seen 12,000 Australians lose $1.2b. In an explosive on-air segment, Barr grilled Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, demanding to know why the government failed to act on a damning Senate report which warned more than a year ago Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC was under-resourced. Her comments came after it was revealed First Guardian and Shield Master super funds collapsed, wiping out retirement savings for thousands of people, including an Adelaide couple who lost their entire $240,000. Plibersek insisted the government was treating the matter seriously, with assets frozen and travel bans in place for those allegedly responsible. 'This is a devastating situation for the people who've lost their money,' she said. 'These people deserve to have the loss of their super investigated thoroughly. 'Assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino is guiding this very closely to make sure that it is properly investigated and people are held to account.' But Barr and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce weren't having it. Sunrise host Natalie Barr (pictured) tears into the federal government over the First Guardian super scandal Pictured is Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck who lost $340,000 after First Guardian super collapsed 'These weren't some dodgy callers from Nigeria,' said Barr. 'These were platforms on Australian websites, some with names [of big bank] and Equity Trustees, and hard working Australians put their money in, often all of their super they put low risk, they didn't want the high risk, and this is what's happened to them. 'They thought that their superannuation was guaranteed by the government.' Plibersek said ASIC had more than 40 people investigating however Joyce said he lacked confidence the regulator was on top of it. 'This is a tragedy for these people who have gone from living in their house, to living in Housing Commission homes,' he said. 'They've done absolutely the right thing, and this will be financially and personally devastating. 'They might as well broken into a bank and stolen the money.' The Senate inquiry in question, tabled 14 months ago, made 11 urgent recommendations, calling ASIC a 'sick regulator' and urging the government to urgently boost resources to prevent exactly this kind of financial disaster. Tanya Plibersek (pictured left) said ASIC has 40 people on the case during a heated interview on Sunrise with host Natalie Barr (centre) and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce (pictured right) ASIC has sought leave from the Federal Court to expand its case against former financial adviser Ferras Merhi (pictured) Earlier this week, ASIC sought leave from the Federal Court to expand its case against former financial adviser Ferras Merhi. The regulator alleges Mr Merhi engaged in 'unconscionable conduct,' failed to act in the best interests of clients, gave conflicted advice, and issued defective statements of advice, all while receiving millions of dollars, ASIC said in a media release. According to ASIC, Mr Merhi used marketing companies to drive clients to his financial advice businesses, Venture Egg and Financial Services Group Australia (now in liquidation). Between 2020 and 2024, Mr Merhi and advisers working for him allegedly directed clients to invest around $296 million of their superannuation into the First Guardian Master Fund and about $230 million into the Shield Master Fund, ASIC said. In return, it is alleged Mr Merhi's businesses received nearly $18 million in upfront advice fees, as well as more than $19 million from entities associated with First Guardian for marketing the fund to clients. Both funds have since collapsed. ASIC deputy chair Sarah Court described the matter as 'misconduct on an industrial scale'. 'This type of conduct doesn't just undermine the integrity of the financial advice and superannuation industries, it can have a devastating impact on people's lives,' she said. ASIC also alleges Mr Merhi implied to clients that the fund was operated by Macquarie. His property assets have been frozen, and he is currently prevented from leaving the country. Couple speak out after losing out to super fund collapse A husband and wife close to retirement are now contemplating selling their mortgaged house and living in a caravan after losing $340,000 from the collapsed First Guardian Master Fund. Canberra couple Simon Luck, 61, and Annette, 56, had been planning to use their super to pay off their house in coming years before visiting relatives in The Netherlands and the UK. First Guardian Master Fund's directors are accused of moving $242million in funds offshore, and splurging on a $9million Melbourne mansion and a $548,000 Lamborghini. 'Absolutely gutted,' Mr Luck told Daily Mail Australia. 'We'll be able to survive but it just means that all our plans for European travel and all that sort of stuff, we'll just become homebodies I guess. 'My wife's Dutch heritage so we had plans to go to Holland and reunite with her extended family.' Annette Luck said the couple, who married in 1993, had initially planned to pay off their house in Canberra's northern suburbs when she was able to access her super, before travelling around Australia and overseas. Annette Luck said the motorhome they had built for their retirement, with a separate $100,000 loan, could end up becoming their primary residence if they couldn't pay off their house 'We had plans to travel around Australia for two years and then do a tour of Europe then travel through Europe to England where Simon's family is from, and Scotland and Ireland,' she said. 'We would then loved to have spent a year or two in New Zealand travelling around.' 'We'd love to stay in Canberra but we simply won't be able to afford to - we love where we are; just can't afford to stay here now. 'We'll live out of the motorhome, we'll become grey nomads and no fixed abode, I guess; it's not what we envisaged.' If Keir Starmer dreamed that his shake-up of the Downing Street operation yesterday would lend him a new air of strategic competence, he was badly mistaken. As recently as Sunday, Downing Street was reportedly insisting any plans for a reshuffle 'had been put on ice'. By yesterday morning, in a sign of the confusion and chaos that defines this administration, the sackings and promotions had duly begun. Some members of the Cabinet, who were on their first day back at Westminster after the summer recess, only realised what was going on thanks to social media. One minister harrumphed to me last night: 'The first I knew was when I saw it on Twitter.' There are two key lessons to be drawn from yesterday's events. The first is that Starmer is increasingly appointing his own economic experts at the expense of his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves a move that surely bodes ill for her. The second is that he is clearly convinced he has a problem with 'comms' that is, getting the Government's message across rather than with the business of governing itself. Rachel Reeves was all smiles on Monday - despite the ominous changes at the Treasury and No 10 Labour MPs are baffled by the appointment of Darren Jones (pictured yesterday), according to Andrew Pierce Keir Starmer speaks with Darren Jones after appointing him as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on Monday Reeves appeared to shed a tear on beside Starmer at PMQs on July 7 As for the fate of the Chancellor, one minister put it succinctly when I asked him what it all meant: 'Oh, it's simple. Rachel is f***ed.' The most radical change was Darren Jones moving from his role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury to the new post of Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. This reeked of panic, and little wonder: a poll on Friday gave Nigel Farage's Reform UK a 15 per cent lead over Labour. Readers may remember Jones as the man who shocked Question Time's liberal audience some months ago by claiming that: 'The majority of people crossing the Channel in small boats are children, babies and women.' (In fact, adult males made up 73 per cent of arrivals between 2018 and 2025.) Labour MPs I spoke to were baffled by his appointment. Jones has never been close to Starmer, and in his most recent role, he presided over a brutal public spending review that required almost every department to axe spending by 15 per cent over this Parliament. One source told me: 'Darren is the most unpopular member of the Cabinet because of the way that review was conducted. 'The appointment is inexplicable and another wrong step.' Your browser does not support iframes. Jones with Reeves outside 11 Downing Street in October last year The Chancellor beamed with the red Budget Box last year The second big change came when James Lyons, an experienced newspaper journalist, was ousted as Director of Communications, only five months after his predecessor Matthew Doyle suffered the same fate after less than a year in the role. Starmer has now ploughed through four 'comms directors' in five years. Replacing Lyons is Tim Allan, once a key adviser to Tony Blair, who was named the Government's Executive Director of Communications. Allan will work alongside Steph Driver, who is another Communications Director and has been with the PM since they were in Opposition. One source told me it was clear that Allan would be in charge, but warned the appointment suggested growing desperation. 'The Blair era is political light years away,' said the source. 'Will they be bringing Gordon Brown back next to advise on the Budget?' Which brings me to matters economic. Last month, leading economists warned that Britain is heading towards a 1970s-style debt crisis and a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Many Labour MPs expect Reeves to raise taxes sharply at next month's Budget, a move likely to worsen Labour's dire poll ratings even further. In a sign that Starmer recognises the country is on an abysmal fiscal trajectory, he brought in his own personal economics guru for the first time: Baroness Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England. Your browser does not support iframes. Reeves leaves with her economic adviser Professor John Van Reenen on Monday Replacing James Lyons (pictured) is Tim Allan, once a key adviser to Tony Blair, who was named the Government's Executive Director of Communications Anyone hoping for a change of course from socialist-style tax-and-spend will be disappointed: as an academic, Minouche Shafik argued for wealth taxes and (successfully) for the abolition of inheritance-tax relief on farms, a move that caused fury in rural communities. Meanwhile, one of Reeves's most trusted tax experts, Daniel York-Smith, was also confirmed as Starmer's principal private secretary. Another senior Labour figure told me: 'The first person the PM used to turn to for economic advice was Rachel. Now he has his own economics adviser and York-Smith's desk will be outside the PM's study. Rachel will be second or third fiddle.' The lessons of history here are not good: when Margaret Thatcher brought in Alan Walters as her personal economics adviser in 1989, her chancellor Nigel Lawson, whom the Iron Lady had described as 'unassailable', quit within a year. But if Starmer is turning against his Chancellor, that is unsurprising. The Treasury has been blamed by many in No 10 for the primary policy blunders of the past 12 months, from the winter fuel allowance fiasco to the botched attempt to cut 4billion in disability benefits, which was thwarted by Labour MPs. Some of this blame is surely deserved. Yet it's also true that these policies were signed off by Starmer (who as PM, of course, is also First Lord of the Treasury). Starmer will no doubt be praying that yesterday's manoeuvres will at last put his shaky premiership on a solid footing. 'This will turbo-charge the Government,' one Labour source assured me. But even his own supporters question the timing. One ally of the PM told me: 'These changes should have been done in the first week of recess so the new people could be bedded in and we could hit the ground running on day one of the new parliamentary session. Instead, everyone is talking about yet another "reset" to try to reverse our dire poll ratings. 'And if I hear one more of our people saying that deckchairs are being shuffled on the Titanic, I will scream. It's a terrible look.' Xi, Putin laud bilateral ties, vow further cooperation Xinhua) 21:13, September 02, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Putin is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Speaking highly of the exemplary major-country ties between their countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday pledged to strengthen high-level exchanges, mutual support, and coordination for greater development of bilateral relations in the future. The China-Russia relationship features permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said while holding talks with Putin, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with Russia, support each other's development and revitalization, coordinate positions on issues involving the two countries' core interests and major concerns in a timely manner, and advance bilateral relations for greater development, Xi said. The two sides should leverage major projects to steer their cooperation, develop exemplary cooperation projects, and promote deep-level integration of interests, he noted, calling for enhanced resilience and understanding in cooperation and all-out efforts to consolidate the overall cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade rose to 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years. In May, Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union. According to Xi, the two countries' heads of state attending each other's commemorations marking the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War fully demonstrates their responsibility as major victorious nations of World War II (WWII) and permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. It also displays their firm resolve to defend the victorious outcomes of WWII and safeguard a correct historical perspective on WWII, he noted. Speaking of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) he just put forward, Xi said the aim of proposing the initiative is to work together with all like-minded countries to resolutely safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a more just and equitable global governance system. China and Russia should further enhance coordination on multilateral platforms including the UN, the SCO, BRICS and G20, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said. The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by Xi over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Xi has earlier highlighted five principles of the GGI -- adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. Putin, for his part, said that under the leadership of the two heads of state, Russia-China relations have demonstrated great strategic importance, reaching a historic high. The two countries have showcased to the world their mutual support and joint efforts in the World Anti-Fascist War, which played a key role in securing victory on the main battlefields of WWII in Europe and the East, as well as their firm stance in jointly defending historical truth and safeguarding the fruits of WWII victory, Putin said. Putin said Xi's GGI proposal, which is timely and necessary, will play an important part in addressing the global governance deficit. Russia is ready to maintain strategic coordination with China, deepen high-level exchanges, and strengthen practical cooperation across various fields, so as to further promote the high-level development of bilateral relations, Putin said. The two heads of state also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest. The two sides signed more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents covering energy, space, artificial intelligence, agriculture, inspection and quarantine, health, scientific research, education, and media sectors. Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the events. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Putin is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Brandi Blake was among the youngest SC State. alumni to attend the SCSUNAA National Convention in Charlotte this summer. The 2011 graduate turned her education career into a springboard for her workplace culture consulting business. ORANGEBURG, S.C. At South Carolina State University Homecoming, Brandi Blake is easy to spot. She is back on the Willie Jeffries Field sidelines with her fellow alumni cheerleaders, leading chants with the same energy she had as a student. We donate money every year, and we go back and cheer at homecoming annually, she said. So, I'm connected to that group heavily. That connection to SC State has never left her. A 2011 business management graduate from Summerville, Blake dove into campus life as a student, cheering for four years, mentoring freshmen as an orientation leader, and joining a business fraternity. Im the quintessential get involved and stay in school type, Blake said. And that was something that really helped carry me throughout my college career at South Carolina State. I love my college experience so much, she said. My experience at SC State prepared me and also set me up for a career in higher education. Becoming an entrepreneur Blake earned a masters in education at the University of West Georgia and launched a career helping students feel at home in higher education. She worked in housing and first-year experience at Coker College before spending six years at George Mason University in diversity, equity and inclusion. Next, she took on a similar role back in the Low Country as the inaugural executive director for intercultural development at Charleston County School District. Blake was selected by Charleston Business Magazine for its Best and Brightest Under 35 list in 2022. Now, Blake has stepped out on her own. Living in Charleston, she is still cheering, still mentoring, and still building. She runs People Culture Power LLC, a consulting business focused on team building and workplace culture. We do consulting around team building, workplace environment, making sure that employees are happy, healthy and they belong to the culture, Blake said. As someone who knows the value of team building, Blake also is devoting her energies to building relationships with students at her alma mater and alumni across the country. In 2023, SC States Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College invited her to deliver the keynote address at its induction ceremony, and in 2024 she returned to SC State to speak in the College of Business and Information Systems (CBIS) Executive Speaker Series. Those experiences led her to work with a fellow alumna to donate business attire a necessity they recalled from their days as SC State business students for current CBIS students. Rallying the next wave of Bulldogs Her Bulldog commitment also runs through her work with the SC State University National Alumni Association (SCSUNAA) and the associations Dorchester County Chapter. Her leadership role started as the chapters Membership Committee chair before rising to vice president and to her current role as president of the Dorchester County chapter for 2025-2027. When I was a freshman coming to SC State in 2007, President Andrew Hugine came to Summerville and gave us a warm welcome into Bulldog nation, Blake recalled. This was before Dorchester was an official chapter. The community has always been nurturing and encouraging. Blake attended her first national convention in 2024, and this year, she was back for the convention in Charlotte, where she was among the youngest alumni at the event. The National Alumni Convention is a great experience, she said. Last year was my first year attending, and I said I'm not going to miss it any year in the future. Blake believes a concerted, personalized outreach strategy using social media and influencers will generate more involvement in the SCSUNAA and its annual convention. I know at my age people are building and growing families, traveling a lot, and alumni activities may not be a priority, Blake said, but we talk so much about how fond our memories are of SC State. Whenever we get back together, it's always magical. I love SC State, and I hope to get more young alumni engaged in the future, she said. For more information about alumni involvement at SC State, visit www.scsu.edu/alumni or email alumni@scsu.edu. Aussies have slammed a gutless thief for stealing a $120,000 car that the owner had been hoping to sell so he could help his sons get a foot on the property ladder. Stephen Buttigieg, 63, listed his prized Holden GTS for sale on Facebook Marketplace when a buyer showed up to his home in Bonnyrigg Heights, in south-west Sydney, on Wednesday. In shocking footage, the well-dressed man, who called himself Brendon, got behind the wheel while Mr Buttigieg stood next to him. The thief then insisted there was an issue with the car's boot light and asked Mr Buttigieg to investigate. 'He said, "I think your boot light's coming on", and I said, "Are you sure?"' Mr Buttigieg told 9News. 'And he said, "But it's only when I put it in gear and reverse", and the car was going forward and back a bit. So I said, "All right, I'll check it."' After walking round to the back of the car and closing the boot, Mr Buttigieg was left frozen in shock as his beloved car sped off. Stephen Buttigieg, 63, listed his prized Holden GTS for sale online 'I just froze, and I couldn't believe that he'd done that. Like, he was such a nice person,' Mr Buttigieg said. The grandfather was hoping to raise money to help his sons buy their first homes. The vehicle had no licence plates and was uninsured and was kept in storage due to it being a collector's item. Mr Buttigieg broke down in tears at the ordeal, saying if the stranger had asked him to give him $50,000, he would've tried to help him out. Several Aussies have reached out to help after car enthusiast and friend Deacon Vermaak set up a GoFundMe. Mr Vermaak said the grandfather had been 'blown away by the generosity and support' he had received, but closed the fundraiser 'out of respect for his wishes'. News of the theft sparked outrage, with Aussies slamming the 'putrid flop' for driving away with the car. 'Are there still humans around like this? Honestly, these gutless, heartless people,' one said in a TikTok video. Stephen Buttigieg, 63, was conned by a Facebook Marketplace thief after showing him the Holden GTS outside his home in Bonnyrigg Heights in Sydney's west 'Does anyone know him? Are you serious? He just took off with the car, and now the poor bloke is crying. 'In this day and age, we're supposed to be coming together and helping out, and this guy here takes advantage of an old man.' Social media users joined in on the pile-on against the thief. 'Hope he gets his car back. He must be devastated,' one commented. 'So sad. Cant trust anyone anymore,' another replied. NSW Police confirmed an investigation has been launched. Extraordinary footage has emerged of a police officer responding to an emergency call appearing 'noticeably intoxicated.' Ohio cop Michael Ervin was called to a Walbridge home on August 23 after the residents returned home from a night out and noticed their truck door was wide open. They alerted police, fearing that an intruder could be inside the house, and Ervin arrived at the scene solo to investigate. The couple, who asked not to be named, immediately noticed Ervin's strange behavior. They told 13 Action News he appeared to be 'staggering and stumbling' as he approached the home and was behaving oddly. 'He was noticeably intoxicated,' the couple said. 'He appeared to be staggering and stumbling as he walked up to us. We called back to dispatch to express our concerns.' Ohio cop Michael Ervin was called to a Walbridge home on August 23 after the residents returned home from a night out and noticed their truck door was wide open Another officer administered a breathalyzer test on Ervin, and according to Walbridge Mayor Edward Kolanko, he was more than double the legal limit Within minutes, additional units had arrived on the scene for backup. Another officer administered a breathalyzer test on Ervin, and according to Walbridge Mayor Edward Kolanko, he was more than double the legal limit. He registered a blood alcohol content reading of 0.168 percent. In the shocking video, Ervin appears unsteady on his feet as he wanders aimlessly in the middle of the road. 'Everything looks clear, nothing looks disturbed,' the officer appears to say from the street. When the additional police cruisers arrived, the woman said in the video 'I'm not really sure what's going on', prompting the officer to admit: 'Me neither.' Mayor Kolanko said senior officers acted swiftly after the incident, instantly sending Ervin home and relieving him of his duties. Just two days later, his position was terminated. When additional police units arrived, Ervin was seen making his way to them 'We highly value the public trust and recognize the importance and significance of this situation,' Kolanko said. 'We took swift action once this was recognized to terminate the employee and open an investigation. There is zero tolerance for this behavior, especially in a position where the community expects honesty, competence, and integrity.' No charges have been laid, but an investigation is ongoing. Ervin could face charges for operating a vehicle while impaired and handling a firearm while intoxicated. The last text message a Minnesota man sent to his wife during a hike he never came back alive from revealed that he 'was more exhausted than expected'. Grant Gardner, who went missing in late July while hiking Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, was found dead on August 26 near the top of Cloud Peak, the highest summit in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. The experienced, 38-year-old hiker had set off on a three day trek through the area that was supposed to end with him reaching the 13,171-foot peak. He made contact with his wife, Lauren Gardner, on the evening of July 29, letting her know he'd made it to the summit. That was when he told her he 'was more exhausted than expected'. He failed to return home and a sprawling search operation began after his vehicle was found still parked near the West Ten Sleep trailhead. Starting on August 1, search and rescue teams combed the area using aircraft and ground personnel, but found no signs of the missing hiker for weeks. The search was officially suspended on August 21 due to a lack of leads. That changed on the evening of August 26, when a professional climbing team from North Carolina 'noticed a slight reflection a few hundred feet above them underneath a ledge,' according to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office. Grant Gardner, who was missing since late July, was found dead on August 27 in the Cloud Peak Wilderness after a climbing team noticed a slight reflection under a ledge Gardner is pictured with his wife, Lauren Gardner, who is also the mother to his two children, aged 13 and 11. He sent a harrowing text to her on July 29 that he 'was more exhausted than expected' The hikers, also attempting to summit Cloud Peak, were convinced that what they were seeing was a backpack. They did not go up to see what it was because it was already getting dark when they made the discovery. After they notified the sheriff's office, authorities reached the peak via helicopter once daylight broke on August 27. Once on site, they located Gardner's remains near the suspected backpack. Authorities said he was wearing clothing that 'very closely matched the terrain,' making him nearly impossible to detect during earlier searches. Gardner is a father to two children, aged 13 and 11, Cowboy State Daily reported. 'It's all definitely surreal,' his wife Lauren Gardner told the outlet while the search was still active. 'And I'm in shock, I think, and trying to stay strong for the kids. This has never happened in all the years he's gone out. He knows what he's doing and has the skills. I'm just hoping right now.' Gardner's body was found in one of two primary search areas previously identified by rescue crews, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office described the recovery as 'difficult and dangerous,' and noted that the area had already been searched 'by air and other means'. When Gardner failed to return home a sprawling search operation began. Helicopters and ground teams combed through the area for weeks Lauren Gardner described the last month as 'the most excruciating' time of her life and thanked the search and rescue teams who 'tirelessly' looked for her husband The Big Horn County Coroner's Office has yet to determine the official cause and manner of Gardner's death. However, Big Horn County Police Sheriff Ken Blackburn said investigators believe he 'succumbed to a tragic accident as we all have surmised.' Authorities credited the climbing team for spotting the reflection and halting their plans to assist in the search. 'Special thanks to a spectacular professional group of technical climbers who were in exactly the right spot, at the right moment, with the right light,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. 'Their decision to stay put gave SAR teams the chance they needed to bring closure to Gardner's family.' Lauren Gardner also thanked the search and rescue teams who 'tirelessly' looked for her husband. 'Our hearts are shattered. This has been the longest month on the most excruciating roller coaster,' she said. A GoFundMe page has been organized to support Gardner's family. 'Funds raised will all go directly to the family. Funds will be used for any needs that arise for Lauren and her kids,' the fundraising page reads. It has raised more than $66,000 toward a $100,000 goal as of September 1. A knifeman launched a terrifying 20-second attack on a stranger at a Tube station, before assaulting a woman as he fled the scene. Nicholas Orlando Green, 36, viciously assaulted the two men, aged 44 and 42, in Kennington Underground station shortly after 10.30pm on Wednesday, March 27, last year. Despite the callous nature of his crimes, Green showed no remorse. After being later identified by police as a result of the bank card he used, Green 'repeatedly laughed' and lied in his police interviews, Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said. His two victims, aged 44 and 42, entered Kennington Underground station as part of a larger group who had just finished a local dance class. After dispersing to separate platforms, shortly after, 36-year-old Green tapped into the station before travelling down to the platform. Just a few moments later, he launched 'a ferocious and unprovoked attack on the older man', stabbing him for an estimated 20 seconds. Then, as the second victim rushed over to put a stop to the ensuing violence, Green knocked him to the ground and stabbed him. Nicholas Orlando Green (pictured), 36, viciously assaulted the two men, aged 44 and 42, in Kennington Underground station shortly after 10.30pm on Wednesday, March 27, last year After being later identified by police as a result of the bank card he used at Kennington Underground station (pictured, file image), Green 'repeatedly laughed' and lied in his police interviews, Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said After members of the public intervened, Green walked towards the lift and proceeded to assault a 31-year-old woman before eventually fleeing the scene. Both of his first two victims were hospitalised, with the 44-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest, alongside a fractured humerus bone in his left arm. The second victim was said to have suffered from 13 total stab wounds. Green was identified by police and arrested the following day, with officers locating the bank card he had used to tap into the station, alongside the trainers he was wearing at the time of the attack. On Monday, September 1, he was found guilty of two counts of GBH with intent (Grievous Bodily Harm) at Inner London Crown Court. Green was also found guilty of one count of possession of a bladed article, and one count of common assault. He was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder and one count of sexual assault. Green was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on a date in early December. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Describing the attack as 'horrific', DCI Attwell said that both men had been left with 'life-altering physical and psychological injuries that they continue to recover from.' He added: 'Green's torrent of violence that day has never been satisfactorily explained. 'During police interviews Green repeatedly laughed, lied, argued and tried to frustrate our investigation as much as he could, but our officers worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence that helped the jury see through his lies and bring him to justice. 'I hope this outcome brings some measure of justice and reassurance to the victims and their loved ones. We will stop at nothing to ensure violent offenders like Green are held to account and removed from the streets.' It comes as knife offences in London have increased by up to 86 per cent in a decade, a shocking recent report by Ex-Scotland Yard detective David Spencer has found. Knife offences across the country have increased by 78 per cent since 2014, but Mr Spencer said these figures had been skewed by the scale of the issue in the capital, where there were 16,879 knife crimes last year alone - about a third of the total across England and Wales. Pictured: London Mayor Sadiq Khan London's iconic West End has more knife crime than almost 15 per cent of the rest of the capital combined, according to research from the Policy Exchange. Mr Spencer said that said his former force must take an unequivocal crime fighting first approach to save the city from a knife, robbery and theft epidemic. Knife offences across the country have increased by 78 per cent since 2014, but Mr Spencer said these figures had been skewed by the scale of the issue in the capital, where there were 16,879 knife crimes last year alone - about a third of the total across England and Wales. In response to the spiraling figures, campaigners have slammed mayor Sir Sadiq Khan as 'not fit for purpose' and accused him of 'undermining the Met Police at any opportunity'. The donor sperm was imported from the US A white Australian couple have given birth to a biracial baby after a major sperm mix-up at one of the country's biggest fertility clinics. The couple visited a Queensland Fertility Group clinic in Brisbane for treatment and had embryos created from the woman's egg and donor sperm imported from a US sperm bank. The couple chose sperm from a donor who had blue eyes and fair hair a description that matched the husband's features. In 2014, the pair welcomed their baby at a hospital in Brisbane, but they soon discovered something had gone wrong with the treatment. Their baby was a different ethnicity from the donor sperm they had chosen. Two men had donated on the same day at the US sperm provider Seattle Sperm Bank - one Caucasian and the other African American. The samples were mixed up, with the incorrect sperm put inside a storage vial, and the wrong label affixed to the sample, ABC Investigations uncovered. QFG, which is owned by Australia's largest fertility company, Virtus Health, was forced to confirm the case 11 years later after ABC Investigations questioned the IVF giant over the mix-up. Queensland Fertility Group (pictured, QFG's Brisbane clinic) used the wrong donor sperm when creating embryos for a Brisbane couple 'Queensland Fertility Group is aware of this matter and empathises with this family,' QFG said in a statement. 'This incident occurred more than a decade ago and was overseen by the former public company board and management of QFG. 'We regret their failure to provide a greater level of support and communication to the family during this difficult time.' QFG confirmed that all remaining donor sperm from the donor had since been destroyed. An internal investigation an audit of the Seattle Sperm Bank also revealed the clinic was not practicing a crucial identity check, known as double-witnessing, when the semen was collected. Double-witnessing was not required in the US at the time the semen was collected, but is a key industry standard which has been used in Australia since 2012. Despite the practice being used in Australia, neither QFG nor Virtus Health had checked if the international sperm provider was implementing the checks. Seattle Sperm Bank has since introduced a verification process to avoid the risk of donor sperm mix-up. The sperm was imported from US sperm provider Seattle Sperm Bank, which mixed up the semen from a Caucasian and African American donor 'Following this, Seattle Sperm Bank created a robust, seven-step double verification, with a computer-assisted automated witnessing system that prevents this type of error from occurring again,' it said in a statement. When the baby was born, the mother shared her confusion in an online parents' forum. 'I love my beautiful baby more than life itself,' she wrote. 'But has anyone ever found out their IVF baby wasn't theirs? 'Has anyone had a baby that looked like it came from [a] different ethnicity? 'DNA test is off being processed I have approx 2-3 weeks for results to come through will also find out if [the baby] is biologically mine.' The couple were initially dismissed when they approached the clinic with their concerns. Following a settlement with QFG and Virtus Health, the pair were paid an undisclosed amount and had to sign a strict confidentiality agreement. The couple's family friend Jo Bastian explained the new parents were dismissed three times, labelling the the fertility company's response as appalling. QFG's parent company Virtus Health denied it engaged in a 'cover-up' despite the sperm donor mix-up remaining a secret for 11 years (stock image) 'The mother felt very, very isolated and there was never any contact from the clinic to see how she and the baby were going,' Ms Bastian told ABC Investigations. 'It was a very confronting time, and the clinic was of no help whatsoever.' She added the couple had initially wanted to keep their treatment private and not tell friends or family they had used IVF and a donor sperm. Under the Code of Practice for Australia's fertility industry, using the wrong sperm to create embryos is classified as a 'Severe Notifiable Adverse Event'. The code of practice, introduced in October 2014, explains the fertility clinic must immediately report the event to the industry regulator and licensor - the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. The RTAC claimed there was no record of any notice or report made by QFG and explained a report was not required under the code of practice at the time of the incident. It's understood the chair of RTAC was also the scientific director of QFG at the time of the sperm donor mix-up. Virtus Health also did not disclose the sperm donor mix-up to the sharemarket or its shareholders. The fertility giant was a publicly listed company with the ASX at the time and had an obligation to disclose the incident. Virtus Health acknowledged the company had 'shortcomings' in the communication between its former management and the couple but claimed it never engaged in a 'cover-up'. The company was delisted in 2022 when private equity giant BGH Capital bought it for a whopping $655 million. Anthony Albanese admitted there were 'good people' who attended the anti-immigration rallies on the weekend, but he insisted Australians needed to remain 'vigilant' to the rise of far-right sentiment. The Prime Minister was grilled on Monday about his views on the rallies that took place on Sunday in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, as well as some regional cities, to protest the country's record levels of immigration. Afternoon Briefing host Patricia Karvelas asked Albanese if he thought there were 'good people with legitimate concerns at these anti-immigration rallies'. 'Of course, there's always good people will turn up to demonstrate their views about particular issues,' the PM responded. 'But what we have here is neo-Nazis being given a platform. That's what we saw on the weekend. And the tone of course of much of the rallies was unfortunate is the best way that you could put it, but hateful in some of the extreme examples. 'And the idea that an open neo-Nazi was able to give a speech from the steps of the Victorian Parliament is something that isn't the Australian way.' Karvelas continued to grill Albanese on his views about the sentiment behind the rallies, asking whether he believed it was based on a sense of 'economic grievance'. But the PM sought to talk down the size of the rallies, claiming 'they weren't big numbers in the scheme of things, in a nation of 27 million people, let's be clear here'. The Prime Minister was grilled on Monday about his views on the rallies that took place on Sunday in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, as well as some regional cities, to protest the country's record levels of immigration Afternoon Briefing host Patricia Karvelas asked Albanese if he thought there were 'good people with legitimate concerns at these anti-immigration rallies' He argued that only a 'tiny proportion' of Australians were concerned about levels of immigration, insisiting that it had 'brought a great deal of benefit to our nation'. 'With the exception of First Nations people, we are all either migrants or the descendants of migrants,' he added. 'This is an interview between someone called Karvelas and someone called Albanese, not Smith and Jones, or let alone First Nations names.' He encouraged Australians to be 'vigilant' against growing resentment towards immigration and insisted his government was getting the numbers 'down'. The rallies have been widely condemned because of the presence of neo-Nazis. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the protests had been 'hijacked by violent neo-Nazis spouting hate and racism'. 'Extremism has no place in Australia,' she said. However, politicians including One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and Queensland MP Bob Katter joined marchers. Thousands attended the protests on Sunday It comes as Independent Senator David Pocock claimed that the rallies were an expression of a fear that Labor has 'no plan' to deal with immigration. 'One of my frustrations has been that there is a real lack of appetite from the parliament to actually have a debate about this in a sensible way, and then come up with a plan when it comes to migration and population that actually wards off some of the feelings of "well, there is no plan",' Pocock told ABC TV on Monday morning. 'I think there should be room for a sensible conversation amongst leaders so that, when people do raise these things, we can actually say, "yes, we have a plan that takes into account infrastructure, skills, and all these things". But currently, there really isn't one.' A group of heroic friends sprang into action when they spotted a child abductor's vehicle over the weekend. Police in Price Georges County, Maryland issued an AMBER Alert Saturday afternoon asking the public to be on the lookout for a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUV with the Maryland license plate 8GK3445. It was feared that one-year-old Day-Rene Garris Collins may be inside the vehicle after being abducted by her relative, 36-year-old Shannon Collins, and anyone who saw either the suspect or the vehicle was asked to call authorities immediately and not engage with him themselves. That is exactly what the group of friends did when they saw the gray vehicle pass to the right of them hours later, video from the heroic friends' car shows. It begins with the suspect's vehicle pulling next to them, causing the friends to scream. When the vehicle then pulled in front of them at a red light, the license plate was clearly visible. The video, posted to TikTok, ends with police parking on the side of the road and surrounding Shannon Collins. 'All thanks to us,' one woman could be heard saying in the video. 'Yeah, cause why you kidnapped a kid?' another responded. The suspect's vehicle pulled beside the group of friends. When the vehicle then pulled in front of them at a red light, the license plate was clearly visible Shannon Collins, 36, was taken into custody for abducting one-year-old Day-Rene Garris Collins on Saturday Prince Georges police confirmed in the aftermath that a good Samaritan called Maryland State Police to report seeing the vehicle in question, and Shannon Collins was taken into custody without incident. The one-year-old girl was also found safe inside the vehicle, and is now in police care. 'Thanks to a great community partnership, an alert citizen spotted the AMBER Alert car,' the police department wrote on social media as it canceled the alert. He was apprehended after a group of friends spotted his vehicle driving next to them 'That citizen contacted Maryland State Police who relayed the locations to the Prince Georges County PD through our inner operable radio system. 'Thank you community and public safety agencies for your partnership,' the department concluded. Daily Mail has reached out to the police department and the man who originally posted the video to TikTok for more information. Three people have been injured during a horror accident at a festival after a minivan plowed through the crowd. A woman driving a red minivan crashed through barricades and parked cars into the KIPONA Festival in Pennsylvania about 6pm on Monday night, sparking chaos as terrified revelers ran to safety. A six-year-old boy, a woman in a wheelchair and a male employee of the traffic engineering department in Harrisburg were injured during the incident, Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter told ABC. According to Mayor Wanda Williams, the little boy is in a critical condition. The two adults are reportedly in stable conditions. The driver is in custody, the Dauphin County District Attorneys Office said. Police have not yet released her identity or any further details about what caused the incident. The car crashed through South Front Street, where vendors had set up their stalls. A woman driving a red minivan crashed through the KIPONA Festival in Pennsylvania about 6pm on Monday night, sparking chaos as terrified revelers ran to safety The car crashed through South Front Street, where vendors had set up their stalls A woman was taken away from the scene in handcuffs. Police have not yet named her or pressed charges An ABC27 News reporter was there at the time of the crash and recalled witnessing people screaming and running. She described it as a 'chaotic scene.' One of the festival vendors, Lottie Beauverd, told the publication 'this car came flying down through here fast.' 'Not yelling or anything, but just flying down through this.' The minivan sustained damage to the bumper and hood, while debris was seen around the scene of the incident. The car crashed through South Front Street, where vendors had set up their stalls The minivan sustained damage to the bumper and hood, while debris was seen around the scene of the incident Yellow crime police tape has been set up around the vicinity of the incident as police investigate the crash Yellow crime police tape has been set up around the vicinity of the incident as police investigate the crash. The festival was just wrapping up after three days of carnival rides, food and art vendors and cultural performances when the crash occurred. It takes place every year during Labor Day weekend, running from Friday to Monday. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has been forced to flee a press conference after being confronted by neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell. Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes abandoned the media event in West Melbourne after Sewell began shouting at the premier. 'Hey Jacinta Allan, why don't Australians have the right to protest? Why don't Australians have a right to protest?' Sewell falsely claimed. 'Shouldn't we have the right to speak in our own country, you coward. 'We're going to take this country back from politicians like you. 'I've never see anyone shake your hand. I had 500 people come up to me and shake my hand on the weekend.' As the National Socialist Network leader walked away, he said: 'Heil Australia.' Sewell, who spoke at a March for Australia protest on Sunday, had been attempting to confront Allan as she spoke to reporters. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell confronted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at a press conference on Tuesday Sewell had been attempting to confront the Victorian Premier as she spoke to reporters Jacinta Allan left the press conference as the neo-Nazi leader branded her a 'coward' Sewell was also seen screaming at security officers who restrained him from Allan, Symes and the media pack. 'Don't put your f***ing hands on me!' Sewell yelled. The neo-Nazi leader reportedly claimed the confrontation was not planned. He said he had left the court nearby when he witnessed the press conference and decided to seized the opportunity the confront Allan. The Victorian Premier said in a statement she was 'unharmed and undeterred', following the incident. 'It comes as no surprise that Nazis oppose me and my government,' she said. 'I wear that with a badge of honour. 'But this isnt about me. Its about all the other people in the community who Nazis target like multicultural people, LGBTIQA+ people, First Peoples, and Jews.' Thomas Sewell yelled 'don't put your f***ing hands on me' at security officers attempting to keep him separated from Jacinta Allan Thomas Sewell (circled on the right) is seen getting ready to throw a punch during violent scenes after members of the National Socialist Network stormed the First Nations protest group, Camp Sovereignty, at King's Domain in Melbourne Thomas Sewell speaks on the steps of Parliament House during the March for Australia anti-immigration rally in Melbourne on Sunday 'Theyre the Victorians who are on my mind right now, and theyre the Victorians who our anti-hate laws will protect when they come into force later this month,' the statement continued. 'There is no place for hate in our state. Whoever you are, whoever you love, whoever you pray to Ill always fight for your right to belong. 'As Premier, I'll always be out and about in public fighting for you, like I am all day today. I am not afraid. 'We know how these goons operate. They whip up fear to divide our society. They will fail. 'Because Victorians are fair, and our values are strong.' On Sunday, Sewell addressed crowds from the steps of Parliament House as thousands took part in an anti-immigration rally. Police estimated 5,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Melbourne, but this included the protesters and counter-protesters. March for Australia demonstrations took place across the country in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. Sewell was seen ambushing a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne, following the rally. Between 20 and 30 men dressed in black clashed with demonstrators at the self-styled Camp Sovereignty in the King's Domain at 5pm on Sunday. Disturbing footage showed several men verbally abusing those gathered at the makeshift camp, while some stomped on an Aboriginal flag. Members of the group were heard chanting: 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi oi oi.' 'Please just leave,' a woman yelled. 'Stop fighting stop fighting, please.' A Victoria Police spokesman said members of Camp Sovereignty were attacked with 'sticks and flagpoles'. Camp Sovereignty organisers said four people were injured in the unprovoked attack. Police minister Anthony Carbines branded the incident 'disgraceful'. A meteorite crash-landed at a Sydney junior school in a staged demonstration to launch National Science Week that left students stunned. Staff and students arrived at St Pius X College last Monday where they discovered the replica extraterrestrial rock outside the primary school in Chatswood. 'Its not every day students arrive at school to find space debris waiting for them, and the discovery quickly became the talk of the college,' the school wrote on its website. Experts from GeoScience Australia and a Willoughby Fire and Rescue crew attended the school where they fielded questions from amazed students. While the school has since confirmed the episode was simply a demonstration to mark the beginning of Science Week, the excitement felt by students was genuine. 'The event sparked imaginative and factual writing, as well as Mathematics lessons exploring size, weight, and even possible trajectories through space,' it wrote. 'It was a stellar start to the week and a reminder that sometimes the best learning comes from a little bit of mystery.' Students were pictured standing behind yellow caution tape at the scene of the impact, where hazmat-suit cladded experts tested for radiation. Experts investigated the meteorite outside St Pius X College in Chatswood last Monday Parents lauded the demonstration which sparked the imagination of onlooking students St Pius X College said the meteorite quickly became the 'talk of the college', and and set students off asking 'plenty of curious questions'. Parents were equally impressed by the demonstration, heaping praise on the school and participating fire crews. 'Wonderful way to get the student's curiosity activated,' one woman wrote on social media. 'Gotta love the firies and GeoScience Australia,' one man added. National Science Week is an annual, themed celebration of science and technology coordinated by the Australian Science Teachers Association. Established in 1997, the program consists of more than 2,000 events nationwide and aims to encourage interest in science among students and the general public. The annual event is part of the Australian government's ongoing effort to boost participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This year's theme was 'Decoding the Universe' and focused on mathematic and quantum science. Schools, universities, libraries and museums across the country hosted week-long events involving the participation of more than three million Australians. Alice Ryder, the manager of National Science Week, said she was thrilled to see the college's efforts to engage students. 'Its so great to see schools partnering with organisations like Willoughby Fire and Rescue who use science in their work every day to celebrate National Science Week!' she said. 'This creative event shows real-life applications of science in a fun and very memorable way.' A Geoscience Australia spokesperson said it was not involved in the activity but was aware a school had taken inspiration from its work. 'Geoscience Australia believes Earth science has a critical role to play in Australias future, and we are committed to ensuring future generations are engaged with science through outreach opportunities like school visits to our Education Centre in Canberra, and leading Earth Science Week celebrations every October,' they said. 'This school ran an imaginative experience to get students to think about scientific writing, as well as mathematics lessons exploring size, weight, and possible trajectories through space in a fun and engaging way.' The Daily Mail contacted St Pius X College for comment. September 02, 2025: In July 2025, Saudi Arabias first Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile unit achieved full operational status. The Saudi Ministry of Defense attributed this milestone to years of strategic planning, meticulous procurement, and rigorous testing and training. Saudi military personnel now operate the battery, and the nation takes great pride in this advanced defense capability. Before the July activation, Saudi air defense officers and crews completed months of intensive training at the U.S. Armys Fort Bliss air and space defense facility in Texas, the primary training site for THAAD operators. THAAD is a sophisticated U.S.-made anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles in their terminal phase using hit-to-kill technology. The latest THAAD model can engage targets at altitudes up to 150 kilometers and ranges of approximately 200 kilometers, with missiles rated at Mach 8 (hypersonic). The extended-range THAAD operates in both endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric environments. According to the Pentagon, THAAD is designed to counter short-range (SRBM, up to 1,000 km), medium-range (MRBM, 1,0003,000 km), and intermediate-range (IRBM, 3,0005,000 km) ballistic missiles. The U.S. has deployed THAAD systems in South Korea and Guam, and temporarily stationed a battery in Israel. In October 2017, Saudi Arabia signed a $15 billion contract with the U.S. to procure seven THAAD batteries, including 44 launchers, 360 advanced THAAD-ER (extended-range) interceptor missiles, 16 fire control and communication stations, and seven high-resolution AN/TPY-2 tracking radars. The agreement also covers support equipment, long-term maintenance, and critical training assistance. As threats from Iranian missiles, drones, and proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas have intensified, Saudi Arabias defense needs have evolved. Unlike Israel, which relies on its multi-layered Iron Dome system to counter rockets and artillery in its compact geography, Saudi Arabias vast territory faces different threats. While field artillery and mortars pose little immediate risk, ballistic and cruise missiles and drones endanger Saudi oilfields, refineries, ports, urban centers, and strategic military assets like airbases. The September 2019 Iranian drone attack on the Abqaiq oil facility and Khurais oil field, involving an estimated 25 drones, disrupted over seven million barrels of daily oil production. Iran and its proxies continue to target Saudi Arabia with SRBMs, MRBMs, IRBMs, and drones. Saudi Arabia already deploys Patriot PAC-3 ABMs, which are lower-tier systems with a range of 2025 kilometers. Patriot launchers can also fire PAC-2 anti-aircraft missiles, effective against slower drones at ranges up to 70 kilometers. The Saudis have had a lot of Patriot combat experience, primarily intercepting Houthi drones and short range ballistic missiles. No doubt that experience impressed their American instructors at Ft. Bliss. (AB) Accused killer cop Beau Lamarre-Condon has made an impassioned - and bizarre - plea from behind bars at Australia's most secret prison. And no, it has nothing to do with jail conditions as the 30-year-old former celebrity 'super fan' awaits formal arraignment on murder charges. Instead, Lamarre-Condon - who stands accused of killing Ten presenter Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies - is concerned about something else entirely. He is irked by the size of his forehead - or at least how it has been portrayed by a renowned sketch artist at his recent court appearances. Rocco Fazzari attended the surprise plea hearing exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail last week, when Lamarre-Condon was beamed in via audio-visual link. The court was packed with media and a large contingent of the accused's supporters - led by his mother, Coleen Lamarre - as Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis ordered Lamarre-Condon be brought on to the screen. It was Fazzari's third time portraying the defendant and he waited tensely as His Honour's court clerk struggled to get an AVL into the clandestine unit where Lamarre-Condon is being held on remand. After handing himself into police last year after the alleged murders of Baird and Davies and the discovery of their bodies in the Southern Highlands, Lamarre-Condon was transferred to the Special Purpose Centre (SPC) in Sydney's Long Bay prison. Accused double-murderer Beau Lamarre-Condon made a request, via his lawyers, for court artist Rocco Fazzari to give him a less prominent forehead in his latest sketch, following back-to-back portrayals that the prisoner found unflattering Fazzari says that Lamarre-Condon does indeed have a high forehead. He believes the sketch (right) he did last November might be the one the former NSW Police officer objected to, but there is also one with an even higher forehead The SPC, which houses New South Wales's most vulnerable or at-risk inmates, counts Lamarre-Condon among 30 of the state's total population of 13,000 inmates who are held in seclusion so far off the grid that even most Corrective Services staff cannot access their prison files. As those assembled inside Mr Tsavdaridis' Court 16C on August 26 awaited Lamarre-Condon's appearance, his lawyers passed on a unique request from the man about to appear on the screen. Speaking in hushed tones in court, one of the accused's lawyers asked Daily Mail to alert Fazzari to the fact he had previously depicted Lamarre-Condon's forehead as quite large. 'Can you make it smaller? It was so big last time, he felt like he was a cartoon,' the solicitor asked. Fazzari has drawn Lamarre-Condon on three separate occasions from brief court appearances by the former police officer on screen. While Fazzari - like all court artists - often only has minutes to get down a rough draft of a defendant on his tablet, it can certainly be said that one of the sketches indeed gave Lamarre-Condon's forehead almost a postcode of its own. 'Sometimes you have hardly any time at all,' Fazzari later said of his brief glimpse of the accused, who was sitting in a cramped prison AVL booth with a light overhead. Fazzari noted the lighting in the prison AVL booths over inmates was often not flattering. 'I do a rough draft of what I can see, and make a mental image and then work back from that, filling in the colours.' Fazzari was in court to draw Lamarre-Condon in August and November 2024, and again last week. Readily agreeing to the lawyer's whispered request in court, Fazzari said he thought the sketch he made last November might have been the one to which Lamarre-Condon objected. Lamarre-Condon appeared in court last week to enter pleas of not guilty to the alleged murders of Jesse Baird (right) and his boyfriend Luke Davies (left) in February last year Fazzari took the note from Lamarre-Condon's lawyers and tried to moderate his depiction of the accused's forehead Rocco Fazzari often only has minutes to get down a rough draft of a defendant on his tablet But it was the August 2024 drawing in which the defendant bears a towering forehead so high and bulging, it looks to be impressively packed with brains. Fazzari told Daily Mail that while he moderated Lamarre-Condon's forehead for his latest sketch, he maintains the accused has 'a really high hairline' and very high, arched eyebrows. Another thing he noticed during Lamarre-Condon's brief appearance was that his prison green sweatshirt was close-fitting - 'and not baggy like for some of them'. On the most recent occasion, Lamarre-Condon looked tense but composed as he answered Mr Tsavdaridis' questions in a clear voice to enter not guilty pleas to two counts of alleged murder and one of breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offence. Outside the Downing Centre court complex, lawyer Ben Archbold said his client would defend the charges in the NSW Supreme Court, where he will be represented by eminent barrister John Stratton SC. Lamarre-Condon is on remand until then in the SPC - sometimes known as The Kennel because of the number of 'dogs' (or informers) it accommodates, along with defendants who have formerly been police officers or judicial officers. Lamarre-Condon was a NSW Police officer from 2017 until he was dismissed weeks after his March 2024 arrest. Once inmates step inside the SPC's walls, their whereabouts no longer appear on the Corrective Services computer system. Instead of being referred to by name or the Master Index Number (MIN) every prisoner receives when they are first go into custody, SPC occupants are identified internally by a number following the letter P. Beau Lamarre-Condon will be formally arraigned on October 3. READ THE LATEST FROM DAILYMAIL+ Here are some great stories you may have missed: The judge who ordered a hotel in Essex to stop housing migrants should have considered banning the protests instead, the Court of Appeal has suggested. The court yesterday issued its full judgment on the case of The Bell Hotel in Epping, having overturned a High Court injunction that ordered the removal of asylum seekers. Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, criticised High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre, saying he 'did not appear to consider what alternative measures to mitigate the disruption caused by protests were available'. The judgment states: 'Epping do not appear to have considered such alternatives either. These could either be measures taken by the police... or an application by the council for an injunction against certain forms of protest.' Last night, Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: 'At the invitation of [Home Secretary] Yvette Cooper's lawyers, the Court of Appeal ruled the public interest was in keeping illegal migrants in hotel accommodation, while the harms to Epping residents were put aside. 'It even encourages councils and the police to curb local protests rather than stopping the use of hotels housing illegal migrants. 'It's there in black and white: the entire system has been turned against the British people.' The Bell Hotel saw weeks of anti-immigration protests this summer, and Epping Forest District Council obtained a temporary court order to stop 138 asylum seekers being housed there, claiming it broke planning rules. The Court of Appeal has issued its full judgment on the case of The Bell Hotel in Epping (above), having overturned a High Court injunction that ordered the removal of asylum seekers Lord Justice Bean (left) sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies (centre) and Lord Justice Cobb (right), criticised High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre, saying he 'did not appear to consider what alternative measures to mitigate the disruption caused by protests were available' Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick (above) said 'the entire system has been turned against the British people' But Somani Hotels, which owns The Bell, and the Home Office challenged the interim injunction and on Friday it was quashed by the Court of Appeal. The judges said Mr Justice Eyre's decision was 'seriously flawed in principle'. The ruling sparked fury among MPs, with critics saying illegal migrants now have more rights than Britons under Keir Starmer. A Wisconsin boater who hunts for sunken wrecks with satellite photos discovered a ship this summer that crashed and went down near the coast of Lake Michigan nearly 140 years ago. Matt Olson, the owner of Door County Adventure Rafting, was scouting images of the lake when he spotted what would later be confirmed as the long-lost Frank D. Barker, a 137-foot vessel built in 1867. In 1887, the merchant ship designed for transporting grain was on course for Escanaba, Michigan, when bad weather struck, causing the ship became stranded on nearby Spider Island. Subsequent efforts to pull the boat out failed and it sunk only about 24 feet to the bottom, where it lay until Olson's keen eye spotted it more than a century later. Although it was so shallow, the most likely reason it took so long to identify the wreck was because early newspaper accounts placed it closer to Spider Island than it actually ended up being. 'When we pulled the boat over it, we could faintly see it from the surface and that's why I was surprised no one had come across it yet, Olson told FOX 53. Olson, who has already discovered four other shipwrecks, told Daily Mail that parallel lines in the water are something to look for. 'It's an incredible feeling to come across a shipwreck of this size and in such great condition, especially knowing how long it went undetected,' Olson said. Pictured: A diver with the Wisconsin Historical Society inspects the wreckage of the long-lost Frank D. Barker, a 137-foot vessel built in 1867 The ship, which was discovered by Matt Olson this summer, sunk in 1887 after running into serious fog, causing the crew to crash into a limestone outcropping 'I am honored to play a role in bringing this history to light so folks can better understand Wisconsin's maritime history.' After Olson found the shipwreck, he turned the coordinates over to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Maritime archaeologists with the historical society conducted several diving missions and figured out that the ship was in fact the Frank D. Barker. The wooden ship had two masts and frequently carried grain from ports in Milwaukee and Chicago to Lake Ontario, according to the historical society. When it returned west, it brought coal from Lake Erie. On its final voyage, the ship was on its way to collect a load of iron ore when it ran into a limestone outcropping during bad fog. 'It was running light, it had no cargo, so it was sitting very high in the water and it got blown over this shoal that's on the end of Spider Island,' Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Archaeologist Tamara Thomsen said. Olson did a snorkeling trip with his water-loving children and wife who are keen also explorers to check out if his satellite imagery was correct After it sunk, the Frank D. Barker was declared a total loss and was valued at $8,000 at the time, nearly $250,000 in today's money The ship's captain and the crew were stuck on Spider Island until a tugboat named Spalding was dispatched the following day. Spalding was unable to pull the ship out. Five more recovery missions were launched over the next year, all of which were unsuccessful. The Frank D. Barker was declared a total loss and was valued at $8,000 at the time, nearly $250,000 in today's money. The Wisconsin Historical Society emphasized that the Frank D. Barker wreck is protected by state and federal law, and that anyone who attempts to loot or destroy the ship's artifacts will be prosecuted. Keir Starmer sidelined Rachel Reeves yesterday as he used a major shake-up of Government to tighten his grip on economic policy. In a sign that he plans to take personal charge of the autumn Budget, the Prime Minister appointed his own economic guru and poached the Chancellors deputy and chief tax adviser to join his team. The move is designed to prevent the PM being blindsided by the Treasury again after U-turns over winter fuel payments and benefit cuts, which helped to drive Labours poll ratings to record lows. But the Tories accused Sir Keir of appointing a string of tax fanatics to advise him as Labour tries to plug a black hole of up to 50 billion in public finances. Downing Street insisted the PM and Ms Reeves will continue to work in lockstep. The Chancellor will try to get on the front foot this week by arguing that boosting Britains flagging productivity through investment and training is the key to economic growth. But Sir Keirs decision to appoint his own economic team brings to an end his previous approach of subcontracting economic policy to Ms Reeves. Former Tory cabinet minister Sir James Cleverly suggested the changes signal that the PM is getting ready to throw Rachel under the bus in the proper reshuffle that is inevitably coming. In a sign that he plans to take personal charge of the autumn Budget , the Prime Minister appointed his own economic guru and poached the Chancellors deputy and chief tax adviser to join his team The move is designed to prevent the PM being blindsided by the Treasury again after U-turns over winter fuel payments and benefit cuts, which helped to drive Labour s poll ratings to record lows Former Tory cabinet minister Sir James Cleverly (pictured) suggested the changes signal that the PM is getting ready to throw Rachel under the bus in the proper reshuffle that is inevitably coming Conservative business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: A stronger Prime Minister would have gone the whole hog and fired [Ms Reeves], not just created his own shadow chancellor. It comes as Sir Keir is said to have appointed Darren Jones, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Baroness Shafik, former Bank of England deputy governor, and Dan-York-Smith from the Treasury to help shape the Chancellor's upcoming autumn budget, according to The Telegraph. But a Labour MP insisted that the decision is bound to erode Reeves' authority, telling the publication that it signifies she is already 'in a weak position and it's deteriorating.' Sir Keir insisted the changes were not another reset but marked the Government moving into its second phase, which would focus on delivery, delivery, delivery. Asked if it was a reflection of frustration that he had not brought about the change he had promised, he told the BBC: I do want to go further and faster, and yes, Im frustrated about that. His Svengali-like chief of staff Morgan McSweeney was also seen entering No 10. He masterminded Labours election victory but has been criticised for the partys handling of its recent crises. Economist Paul Johnson, former head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, told Times Radio: Its extraordinary, more than a year into this Government, theyre only just working out that they might need some senior economic expertise within No 10, both at a political level and at the adviser level. Minouche Shafik, an economist and former deputy governor of the Bank of England, will take up a new role as the PMs Chief Economic Adviser. Sir Keir insisted the changes marked the Government moving into its second phase, which would focus on delivery, delivery, delivery. His decision to appoint his own economic team brings to an end his previous approach of subcontracting economic policy to Ms Reeves Minouche Shafik (pictured), an economist and former deputy governor of the Bank of England, will take up a new role as the PMs Chief Economic Adviser Former Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones (pictured), who has emerged as the big winner from the reshuffle, will now serve in a newly created role of Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, responsible for driving delivery of the PMs priorities across government. She previously co-chaired an inquiry with Treasury minister Torsten Bell which called for a raft of new tax rises. She has backed wealth taxes in the past, writing in 2018: Because wealth has grown even more unequal than income, we should explore taxing wealth such as inheritance, land, and real estate. Newly appointed Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson has also made the case for a wealth tax and for higher capital gains tax, saying in 2022: Our tax system is unfair to most working people, leaving those who pay capital gains and other taxes paying less. The Tories described Mr Tomlinson, who has opposed cuts to fuel duty, as a tax fanatic. Former Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones, who has emerged as the big winner from the reshuffle, will now serve in a newly created role of Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, responsible for driving delivery of the PMs priorities across government. Mr Jones was caught on tape before the last election making the case for higher council tax on valuable properties and arguing the need for inheritance tax to ease intergenerational inequality. James Murray, who replaces him as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has also made the case for a wealth tax. Sir Keir has appointed a third new communications chief in a year bringing back Blair era spin doctor Tim Allan, a former sidekick of Alastair Campbell. A mother-of-two has exposed the dire state of the rental market in Australia after revealing she has been forced to move properties a staggering 42 times. Adelaide resident Rebecca, 58, has moved continuously over the last 37 years while trying to find a long-term, stable home. 'It just causes so much disruption, and it's expensive having to move every time. It's expensive having to run around looking for new rentals,' she told Newswire. 'The stress it causes when your home does not feel secure, or you know your home is possibly going to be whacked out from under you at any minute. 'It just makes it terribly hard to ever really relax.' Rebecca described one home where she found a rental in Adelaide Hills but the landlord sold it and the new owner changed the classification. 'That owner that I had the rental lease with sold the property to another owner, who changed it to an Airbnb, so I had to go,' she said. 'There have been a few places like that.' Mother-of-two Rebecca (pictured) said she has moved 42 times over the last 37 years due to Australia's housing crisis and a lack of stable, long-term rental properties Now living in the beachside suburb of Glenelg, Rebecca said her current landlords ask for cash to rent her a room. 'It's strictly cash. These people (the landlords) don't want anybody to know,' she said. She added that the constant moving has left her lonely, saying: 'It's very difficult to put down roots in a community.' 'You can't volunteer, you can't foster children, there are an awful lot of things you can't do if you're not in a secure rental.' Across Australia, 167,955 entire homes are estimated to be operating as short-stay accommodation instead of long-term rentals, campaign group Everybody's Home warned on Monday. The group also warned that property owners can still claim negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount. Everybody's Home spokeswoman Maiy Azize said Rebeccas story is a prime example of how negative gearing tax concessions have distorted the housing market. Under existing negative gearing policies, investors can claim rental losses on their annual tax return. The Adelaide mother said she is currently paying her landlords in cash to live in a room That means a landlord can also claim mortgage interest payments, cleaning costs, repairs, body corporate fees, council rates, lawn mowing, landlord's insurance, property management fees and water bills against their taxable income. If the rental income is less than the cost of maintaining and paying off a property, a landlord is negatively geared and can claim that loss on their tax return for that financial year. But Ms Azize warned that the incentive should not apply to short-stays like Airbnbs and Stayz. 'Everyday people are footing the bill for property investors to write off losses from holiday homes, all while families are being priced out of their communities because they can't find affordable rentals,' she said. 'Renters across the country are being squeezed by soaring rents and a shrinking number of affordable homes.' Ms Azize said that, in many parts of the country, 'short-stay accommodation is only making it worse'. 'Generous tax breaks for investors, including for short-stay accommodation, are driving wealth inequality and pushing up house prices for everyone else,' she said. A report released by Everybody's Home on Monday suggested that, if just 10 per cent of short-stay rentals were negatively geared, the 'annual cost to the budget is estimated to exceed $111million'. Treasurer Jim Chalmers (pictured) declined to rule out restricting negative gearing, which the advocacy group Everybody's Home claimed was distorting the housing market The figure goes up to $556million in estimated annual lost revenue if half of all short-stay investors claim negative gearing deductions, the advocacy group said. 'Tax reform on short-stay accommodation has the potential to reclaim billions in revenue over the next decade.' During the government's Economic Reform Roundtable in August, ACTU secretary Sally McManus called for negative gearing and the 50 per cent CGT discount to be restricted to one investment property. Under her proposal, arrangements for existing investors would be grandfathered for five years before new restrictions were introduced. Treasurer Jim Chalmers declined to rule out restricting negative gearing and the CGT discount. The admission was despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ruling out changes in Opposition after Labor had lost the 2019 election. 'What I've tried to do, and not just in relation to the ACTU and others who've made these suggestions, is I don't want to get in the habit of knocking off ideas before we get in the room,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'I want people to feel like their contributions are valued because they are.' Triple murderer Erin Patterson is facing dying in prison alone as her ultimate fate is set to be decided on Monday. Patterson, 50, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellingtons during lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. Only Pastor Ian Wilkinson survived the lunch, with Patterson also convicted of his attempted murder. During a pre-sentence hearing last month, Justice Christopher Beale indicated he was not against jailing Patterson for the rest of her natural life after the closing address of Crown prosecutor Jane Warren, who claimed her offending deserved the full penalty available under Victorian law. 'I agree with you that the offending here is horrendous,' Justice Beale said. The court heard Patterson's victims suffered a prolonged and agonising death after consuming the death cap mushrooms. Her own defence team earlier accepted Patterson should be sentenced to no less than 30 years in jail for her crimes. Patterson faces the rest of her natural life bound in chains every time she steps foot outside of her prison cell Erin Patterson pictured on August 25 as she arrived at the Supreme Court of Victoria to hear victim impact statements 'We make no argument, your honour, that the head sentence should be anything other than life imprisonment,' her barrister Colin Mandy, SC told the court. 'The ultimate issue - the dispute between the parties or at issue between the parties is whether or not a non-parole period should be fixed. 'Ms Patterson is 50 years of age, and so because these allegations, these convictions are standard sentence offences, unless the court considers that it's in the interest of justice not to do so, the court must fix a non-parole period of 30 years if the relevant term is the term of the offender's natural life. 'Even the imposition of a 30-year non-parole period would see Ms Patterson reach the age of 80 or so before she became eligible to apply for parole.' Patterson's chances of securing a non-parole period have been further hampered by her refusal to show any insight into her offending. She maintains her innocence and therefore is seen by the court as a remorseless killer with little to no chance of rehabilitation, even after 30 years behind bars. Ms Warren cited the disturbing case of evil killer Michael Cardamone to back her submissions. Cardamone, who was aged 50 like Patterson, sedated Karen Chetcuti near Wangaratta in 2016 with an animal tranquilliser, bound and gagged her, injected her with methamphetamine and battery acid, fractured her skull and then burnt her alive. Karen Chetcuti was subjected to a horrific death, which earnt her killer life in prison without a chance of parole The crimes of evil killer Michael Cardamone have been compared to those of Erin Patterson Cardamone was jailed in 2017 for life without parole by Justice Lex Lasry, who openly stated the cold-blooded killer deserved no mercy. 'It's obviously a question that your honour may consider. And that is the question of mercy,' Ms Warren told Justice Beale. 'His Honour Justice Lasry considered the question of mercy and whether mercy might be applied in the sentencing exercise; and his decision ultimately not to fix a non-parole period in that case. 'And his honour stated that, "Sometimes a crime is so horrific, so cruel, and so callous that a step towards mercy becomes too difficult to take". 'In our submission, that is apt for this case. It is a crime that is so cruel and so horrific that in our submission the offender is not deserving of this court's mercy.' On the night of her death in 2016, Ms Chetcuti, 49, was held prisoner for hours, her wrists and ankles bound with rope, cable ties and duct tape. She was tortured, and set on fire while still alive. Cardamone may also have sexually assaulted her while she was incapacitated, and drove over her body after she was dead. Her body was found five days later. Patterson's legal team Sophie Stafford, Ophelia Hollway and Colin Mandy, SC enter the Supreme Court of Victoria last month Cardamone was on parole at the time after serving nine years in jail for raping a 15-year-old while menacing her with a large wrench and threatening to kill her and her family. His attempt to overturn Justice Lasry's sentence was later rejected by the Court of Appeal, which agreed the judge made the right call. 'The murder was premeditated, and committed in circumstances of the utmost cruelty,' Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said at the time. 'The sentence of life imprisonment, with no non-parole period was a dreadful punishment ... (But) it was, in the exceptional circumstances of this case, well merited.' Patterson's living conditions in jail are the only thing standing in the way of her not receiving a non-parole period. She has remained in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre's notorious Gordon Unit for much of her time, with no prospect of moving anytime soon. Known as a management unit for the jail's most high-risk offenders, it contains only 20 cells for the worst of society. There, prisoners are locked down as much as 23 hours a day, with limited access to a small one-metre-square courtyard at the rear of their cells. Crown prosecutors Dr Nanette Rogers and Jane Warren have called for nothing less than life without parole for Patterson Detective Leading Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall arrives at court for Patterson's pre-sentence hearing. He was the man responsible for bringing the killer to justice The court heard the Gordon Unit where Patterson is held was recently described as 'appalling' by a County Court judge. Mr Mandy argued no person should be caged for the remainder of their life under such extreme conditions. 'So informing the question of whether a non-parole period should be fixed, we submit are the conditions and circumstances of her imprisonment. Plainly where a prisoner is held in isolation or separation as it's described here, that's a factor relevant to sentence,' he told the court. 'The contention is that Ms Patterson will likely be held in those conditions for the foreseeable future and perhaps ... for the entire length of her sentence.' Mr Mandy pointed to the case of Cardinal George Pell, who faced similar jail conditions when he was originally sentenced over historical child sex offences that were eventually overturned. 'We use that phrase "likely" because it falls within Chief Judge Kidd's ruling in Pell where his honour said that it's necessary for the court to inform themselves as to the probabilities of a custodial situation,' Mr Mandy said. '(Patterson) will in our submission always be at risk from other prisoners and that risk, regrettably, given the auspices of the custodial arrangement, can only be effectively managed by isolation. Those are very deprived circumstances.' Justice Beale suggested some concern over the prospect of Patterson being held within the Gordon Unit for the entirety of her sentence. Justice Christopher Beale holds the future of Erin Patterson in his hands '(It) doesn't sound very humane,' he said. As it stands, the judge has no real idea whether or not Patterson will indeed spend her life caged in isolation. 'Your honour cannot sentence on the basis of prediction or mere speculation,' Ms Warren told him. 'Well, I feel fairly confident that she's going to remain notorious for a long, long time,' Justice Beale responded. Ms Warren argued Justice Beale could not sentence on the basis that Patterson would spend her entire sentence in those conditions. 'But, we accept, certainly, the foreseeable future,' she said. While Patterson's epic 10-week trial was held in Morwell, in Victoria's east, Justice Beale will hand down his sentence in Melbourne on September 8 due to maintenance issues in the Latrobe Valley Law Courts. READ MORE: Aussies to be charged to use public parks A cheeky tourism campaign is urging Aussies to 'chuck a sickie' and take an all-expenses-paid trip to the Sunshine Coast. The 'Sunshine Sickie' competition, launched by Visit Sunshine Coast, aims to boost travel to beach hotspots like Noosa and Caloundra and tackle burnout. Ten workers will have the chance to win a three-day trip to the region. Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said despite the name, he is not quite asking Australians to lie to their bosses. 'What we're actually asking people to do is to take a holiday and not to fake one, and the Sunshine Sickie is a really catchy name for a competition that has a serious message about highlighting burnout,' he told 4BC Brisbane. 'Research that recently came out showed that seven out of ten people chucked a sickie last year, and mostly they did it to deal with burnout.' He said Australians are not travelling as much as they used to, causing burnout and leaving a collective 160million days of annual leave unused. 'What all these people need is a holiday and a break, and by doing that, people won't then need to feel a reason to chuck a sickie or to get sick,' Mr Stoeckel said. A cheeky tourism campaign is urging Aussies to 'chuck a sickie' and take an all-expenses-paid trip to the Sunshine Coast (stock image) 'What we need is more holidays, and there's no better place to do that than the Sunshine Coast.' Winners of the promotion will be offered a two-night, expenses-paid holiday featuring dining, wellness and 'relaxation experiences' on the Sunshine Coast. Aussies have been asked to enter the competition by September 11 and explain why they need a 48-hour getaway. Ten winners will be contacted on September 18 and given 12 hours to pack their bags, find a friend and head to the airport. The invitees will spend two nights on the Sunshine Coast, with dining, relaxation and 'wellness' activities on the itinerary. Visit Sunshine Coast will arrange waterfall walks, cruises, beach trips and long lunches over the three days. It comes after an iSelect survey found 70 per cent of Australians took at least one sick day for reasons other than physical illness in the past year. After removing mental health days, typically covered by personal leave policies, 68 per cent of Aussies still said they had 'chucked a sickie'. It comes after an iSelect survey found 70 per cent of Australians took at least one sick day for reasons other than physical illness in the past year (stock image) The percentages equate to an estimated 24.6million days off, and $7.4billion in unforeseen productivity loss. Lack of sleep was the leading cause for workers to phone in ill. Wanting to relax and recharge, mental health reasons, disengagement and demotivation, and personal and familial issues followed. The least common reasons were attending social, musical or sporting events, searching for other jobs, and taking a holiday without leave. Young Australians, between 25 and 34 years old, took the most amount of sick days for reasons other than illness, with 84.5 per cent admitting to faking a sickie. Applications for the Sunshine Sickie opened on Monday, and the form can be found on the Visit Sunshine Coast website. Andrew Hastie is taking a huge risk. Hes long been seen as a potential Liberal leader, even expressing interest in the role on multiple occasions. But by opposing Australia's net zero target for 2050, he risks typecasting himself as a climate change denier, a label that could harden into a barrier between him and middle Australia, ending his leadership chances before they properly begin. In politics, short-term tactical wins often leave long-term scars. This could be one of those cases. Even former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce seems to agree, imploring Hastie not to join his crusade against net zero. When the wisdom of Barnaby serves as good advice, the world has clearly been turned upside down! Joyce and Michael McCormack are railing against the target, needling their leader David Littleproud from the sidelines. Neither sits on the frontbench, and both seem to be enjoying the freedom to speak out, using the debate to reassert their relevance. But Hastie would need to step off the frontbench if he defies his leader, Sussan Ley, for much longer. Andrew Hastie seemingly has a bright future in the Liberal party but Barnaby Joyce has sent him a clear message NOT to support his legislation to abolish Australia's net zero targets For all three (Joyce, McCormack and Hastie) opposition to net zero doubles as internal destabilisation. They probably believe what they are saying, but it also plays as factional and inter-party whiteanting. Yet there is a way out of the climate cul-de-sac the Coalition keeps ignoring: Just reaffirm net zero by 2050 and prosecute Labor on the cost of trying to achieve it (or, more likely, failing to). Fighting against the concept of net zero as a target is futile and damaging. It consigns the Coalition to the political naughty corner, typecast as dinosaurs, unwilling to even acknowledge that the climate is changing. That might not seem fair to rational minds who know the mathematics of hitting the 2050 target are probably unrealistic, but thats where this debate stands. Embracing climate change action has become a religion. The 2050 target is politically safe to embrace simply because it is so far away. No one in parliament today will be judged against it when the time comes. Perhaps ironically, supporting it signals to the public a seriousness about emissions reduction in a way that most voters expect. When the wisdom of Barnaby Joyce serves as good advice the world has clearly been turned upside down! Above, with wife Vikki Campion at the Midwinter Ball in 2023 They want to see governments moving in that direction. They are open to arguments about the speed, the sequencing and the costs of achieving it as policy settings are unveiled one by one. That is where an opposition can make itself relevant by raising concerns, not by opposing the target itself. Labor is certainly not guaranteed success. Its 2030 target is already in serious doubt and the expanded 2035 goal expected to be set shortly risks being even harder to meet. How to drag down Labor and not seem like dinosaurs If the Coalition plays its political cards right, it can use these settings to lampoon Labors competence for years to come. And, given the crushing defeat earlier this year, it is likely Labor will still be in power when the 2030 target year arrives, perhaps even 2035, too. Investment in renewables has been patchy. Its capacity to achieve the necessary baseload power is questionable, yet Labor is coy on nuclear and hesitant on a ramp-up of alternatives such as more gas. These are practical problems the Coalition could expose if it chose to focus on competence instead of re-litigating whether net zero should be supported at all. The last election showed what happens when the Coalition leans too heavily on nuclear as its answer. Dutton made it the centrepiece of his platform and voters did not buy it. That does not mean the idea is forever dead, but it is hard to prosecute credibly from opposition. The smarter course is to argue for a technology-neutral approach and revisit nuclear if and when the economics and politics align - when the Coalition is in government and boasts the resources of incumbency. Until then the message should be broader: keep the lights on, keep bills under control and decarbonise at the least cost to consumers. Labor is vulnerable on these points. The 2035 target will soon dominate the debate. That is where the Coalition can do useful work, asking whether delivery plans are credible, tracking workforce and supply constraints, exposing duplication between federal and state schemes. And by showing how costs are shifting onto households and regions. These are bread and butter opposition tasks that reinforce economic credibility rather than undermine it. If the Coalition keeps arguing internally about the target it will keep coming across as a divided rabble - out of touch and irrelevant to younger generations who regard climate action as indisputable. The opposition should accept the target, which is symbolic rather than meaningful, then expose the costs and failures in Labors attempt at implementing policies designed to achieve it. When they fall short of their KPIs in 2030 and 2035, if still in power, that becomes fodder to attack. The alternative - rejecting a largely meaningless target 25 years from now - is silly and unnecessary. China is set to unveil what it says is 'the most powerful laser air defence system in the world' during a military ceremony on Tuesday. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) parade in Beijing is scheduled for September 3 to commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War, The Telegraph reported. World leaders including Vladimir Putin, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian are believed to be attending. But western military leaders will be scrutinising the event from afar for clues to China's technological prowess. Rehearsals for the event showed the new laser weapon mounted on an eight-wheeled truck and covered in a green tarpaulin. US analysts will be looking to deduce whether this is a genuine technological step forward or just 'bulls**t', Rob Peters, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told the newspaper. 'When [China] shows new exquisite technologies... it's good to remember that we should be a little bit caitious that they've got hte best stuff or they know how to use it,' he added. Other new bits of military hardware revealed from the rehearsals include four new anti-ship missiles in the so-called 'eagle attack' class - which could be used to sink British or American warships. Rehearsals for the event showed the new laser weapon - billed as 'the most powerful laser air defence system in the world' - mounted on an eight-wheeled truck and covered in a green tarpaulin Russian president Vladimir Putin (left, pictured with Chinese president Xi Jinping, right) is among the leaders expected to attend the People's Liberation Army (PLA) parade in Beijing on Tuesday North Korean 'supreme leader' Kim Jong Un (left) and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian (right) are also scheduled to attend the parade Chinese weaponry has been increasingly utilised in military theatres around the globe. Drones made in China have been used to devastating effect by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier this year, Pakistan used a Chinese-manufactured J-10 fighter jet and PL-15 missile to down an Indian Air Force plane made by the French. The incident was believed to be the first time PLA tech was used in the field to take down a Western-made military product. With the increasing prevalence of drones, air defence systems have become a topic of focus for Western military planners. However, platforms that are reliant on expensive surface-to-air missiles may soon be superceded by laser systems. While laser systems are cost-intensive to build, their 'infinite magazine' means they can dispatch drones for as little as 10 per shot. Police have reopened an investigation into the murder of a 10-year-old boy whose body was found mutilated and burned in a sack in a river in Belfast 52 years ago. Schoolboy Brian McDermott disappeared from Ormeau Park on Sunday, September 2, 1973, and never made it home for his dinner. His remains were discovered in the River Lagan almost a week later, near the Belfast Boat Club. No one was ever convicted of his killing and the murder case has remained open for more than half a century. Now police have launched an appeal to members of the public asking for information relating to his death. Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Legacy Investigation Branch are reviewing the case. They said the child left his home on Well Street in the lower Woodstock Road area of east Belfast at around 12.30pm and did not return for his Sunday dinner. He was last seen playing alone in the playground between 1pm and 3pm that afternoon. Schoolboy Brian McDermott disappeared from Ormeau Park on Sunday September 2, 1973 His remains were discovered at the River Lagan in Belfast (pictured) and his killer has never been found A police spokesperson said they hope someone may be able to provide information to help the probe. Detective Chief Inspector Byrne said: 'It has been more than 50 years since that day and we are acutely aware of the pain and suffering that Brian's family continue to feel, and our thoughts very much remain with the family at this time,' they said. 'Despite the passage of time, this murder case has never been closed and I am hopeful that someone may be able to provide information, no matter how small, which may open a new line of inquiry, or add a new dimension to information already available. 'It is also possible that someone who did not volunteer information at the time may be willing to speak with police now. Legacy Investigation Branch Detectives will consider all investigative opportunities as part of the review into Brian's murder.' He added: 'If anyone has any information in relation to Brian's murder we would ask them to contact Legacy Investigation Branch where all information will be assessed and considered by investigators.' A online safety campaigner has claimed an artificial intelligence chatbot told him to lick his shoe, drink a combination of tabasco and mustard, and eat a potentially parasitic snail. Paddy Crump, of the For Us campaign group, said Character.AI encouraged him to perform the acts in a bizarre truth-or-dare game that it conjured up during one of their conversations. The campaigner launched an investigation into the chatbot due to its rapidly growing number of users which currently stands at around 20million. And after a series of peculiar interactions on the site, which he says did not require age verification to access, Mr Crump has called on the government to tighten its grip to better control the dangers of AI. Mr Crump said his first interaction saw him greeted by a virtual chatbot who introduced themselves as a 14-year-old boy named James. It was this bot, he claims, that told him to eat a snail during its truth-or-dare suggestions. If eaten raw, snails can cause significant harm due to their potential to contain a parasite known as rat lungworm which can descend into meningitis. Now, Mr Crump has warned over his fears for potential youngsters using the software as they may be less aware of such harmful suggestions. Paddy Crump (above) of the For Us campaign group, said Character. AI encouraged him to perform the acts in a bizarre truth-or-dare game that it conjured up during one of their conversations 'It would be very easy for children to give an adult age but actually be much younger,' he told The Times. 'It's extremely worrying that they might then be encouraged to do dangerous stunts such as the ones I was asked to do.' Mr Crump said another search using the keyword 'dictator' prompted a response by a chatbot who identified themselves as 'Saddam Hussein'. The publication say the AI then appeared to justify the genocide of Kurdish people under the former Iraqi leader. Another chatbot, according to the report, claimed to be a girl who was addicted to pornography which continued to message Mr Crump after he told it that he was only 12 years old. The campaigner says regulations, such as the recently introduced Online Safety Act which requires age verification to access pornography, should be brought forward for users of AI - with an age of at least 16 being required. The campaigner launched an investigation into the chatbot due to its rapidly growing number of users which currently stands at around 20million (File Image) Mr Crump's group, For Us, wrote to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month calling for such regulations to be implemented. A spokesperson for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said: 'We are uncompromising in our commitment to protect children from online harm including where it is AI generated. 'Under the Online Safety Act services including social media sites, search engines and in-scope AI chatbots, must protest all users from illegal content and children from harmful content.' Just last year, Character.AI came under fire after a 14-year-old in Florida died by suicide after developing a bond with one of its chatbots who identified themselves as a Game of Thrones character. The Daily Mail has approached Character.AI for comment. A Queensland council has gone to the Federal Court to fight a multimillion-dollar native title claim that could affect 3,500 parcels of council-owned land across Brisbane's Redland region. The case, before Justice Angus Stewart, is part of an eight-year battle by the Quandamooka People and will determine how native title interacts with public reserves, infrastructure, and statutory powers in an urban area of 165,000 residents. Under the Native Title Act, claims can be extinguished if there has been a previous land tenure grant or public works. This means if the government already granted legal rights over the land in the past for example, freehold title, leases, or other formal ownership arrangements, then native title is considered extinguished on that land. The onus is on Redland City Council to prove this. Originally, the state government had excluded council-owned sites from the claim, but later reversed course, returning all 3,500 parcels to the case. Barrister Jonathan Horton KC, representing the council, argued the dispute is about protecting existing facilities such as parks, walkways, cemeteries, pipes, and buildings, rather than enabling new developments. He said such assets meet the definition of 'public works,' regardless of whether the council acts as trustee. 'Everything we've put up is a structure, park, equipment, paths, pipes, facilities or structures in the simple, straightforward sense of the word,' Mr Horton told the court. The major native title claim has been made on an urban area, the Redlands region of Brisbane Cleveland Cemetery is an area Redland Council has committed to fighting for in the Federal Court However, the state government performed a U-turn, dumping all 3,500 council-owned or managed sites back into the claim. Despite the native title claimants having access to millions in federal funding to make their claims, the council has to rely entirely on its own resources as it takes the case to the Federal Court. Redland City Council was a non-claimant respondent in court this week and sought clarity about whether native title had been extinguished on 3,500 council-owned or managed parcels of land. Barrister Jonathan Horton KC, representing Redland City Council, told the court the case concerned the protection of existing facilities and their continued use, rather than any new developments. 'Everything we've put up is a structure, park, equipment, paths, pipes, facilities or structures in the simple, straightforward sense of the word,' Mr Horton told the court. He proposed that the council's parks, walkways, pipes, and other infrastructure met the definition of public works under the Native Title Act. Energex, the state's electricity distributor, also joined the case. Its barrister Stephen Lloyd KC argued that poles, towers, and lines are public works requiring buffer zones, and said any ruling must confirm the company's ability to maintain its infrastructure. The case is expected to run for several weeks, with Justice Stewart assessing how native title coexists with council-managed land and public infrastructure in Redland. Two years ago, Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the claim was a landmark case all Australians should pay attention to. Justice Stewart will assess how native title coexists with council-managed land in Redland The Redland City Council buildings are also part of the native title claim 'It is the first time such a title claim has been made over an urban area in such quantity,' she told Daily Mail. 'Some of those areas we will defend vigorously because they are important, a very important part, such as the coastal points in particular and cemeteries where, might I add, a lot of forebears and pioneers are buried.' Redland City Council said: 'Council is strongly committed to working respectfully and in good faith with the Quandamooka Elders, the Quandamooka people and representative groups, the state government and the broader community to help ensure these complex matters are progressed in a positive and constructive manner.' Native title is the legal recognition that some Indigenous Australians have rights and interests to their land and waters, based on their traditional laws and customs. Under the Native Title Act 1993, native title holders are entitled to compensation if their native title rights are extinguished, impaired, or otherwise adversely affected by government actions. The government is usually the party that must pay, because its their acts such granting mining leases, selling land, or building infrastructure that interfere with native title. A report by the productivity commission states that Indigenous Australians hold native title rights over 55.2 per cent of Australia's land mass. This projection is expected to rise to 65 per cent by 2030 Daily Mail contacted Redland City Council for further comment. A senior member of the Indian Government has made a surprising proposal to help tackle Australia's housing crisis, suggesting India could help build one million homes across the country. The comments came from India's Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, during a meeting with a United Arab Emirates trade delegation in Mumbai on Sunday. Goyal described the initiative as a '$500billion opportunity' and claimed India was in 'deep negotiations' with Australia to deliver the massive housing project. He added that Australia is open to welcoming Indian professionals, including masons, electricians, plumbers, and other trades, while also offering financial support to help businesses establish themselves. 'They are willing to allow you to take all the different technical expertis whatever professions or skills are required to build those million homes,' he said. Mr Goyal said India would provide full access to both skilled and unskilled Indian workers, alongside training and certification programs to ensure compliance with Australian standards. 'If we miss the bus, if we don't catch this opportunity, we will only have ourselves to blame,' he said. The comments coincide with ongoing negotiations between Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and the Indian Government over an expanded Free Trade Agreement, including the second tranche of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. Piyush Goyal (pictured) on Sunday, during a meeting with a UAE trade delegation in Mumbai India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) with Anthony Albanese in 2023 In July, Farrell said the government was in the 'final stages of negotiations' with India. Goyal confirmed the talks were continuing in a social media post earlier in August. 'Held a productive meeting with Australian Minister of Trade & Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell. Our discussions centred on finalising the second tranche of the CECA to further enhance the trade & investment ties between our nations,' he said. However, the proposal has sparked confusion in Australia, with economist Leith van Onselen revealing to Daily Mail that he was contacted by a government source who denied any knowledge of the plan. 'I received a call from a government spokesperson who said, "[Goyal's] plan has not been raised with them",' van Onselen said. 'This is truly extraordinary stuff, assuming it is real and not merely bluster and hopium from Minister Piyush Goyal.' It is understood the Australian government was blindsided by the comments, which were not previously brought up during negotiations. Negotiations between Goyal (left) and Trade Minister Don Farrell (right) are ongoing Forecasts show the government is set to miss it's housing target by 200,000 homes (stock) Van Onselen also criticised the broader context of Australia's housing shortage, blaming decades of high immigration for outpacing housing supply. 'Australia is suffering from a chronic housing shortage because, for two decades, population demand via excessive immigration has run ahead of housing supply,' he said. He urged the Albanese Government to publicly reject the proposal. 'The Albanese government needs to make an official public statement denying Minister Piyush Goyal's claims,' van Onselen added. The Daily Mail has approached Farrell for comment. Recent housing approval data revealed that the Australian Government is on track to fall significantly short of its target to build 1.2million homes by 2029. The figures show an annual shortfall of around 36,000 homes, which would leave the government nearly 200,000 homes behind its goal by the end of the decade. Donald Trump lashed out at India's high tariffs after the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at an anti-NATO summit in China. Many viewed Modis embrace of Putin as a reaction to Trumps tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, and Trump quickly fired back after their meeting. 'What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us. In other words, they sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest 'client,' but we sell them very little - Until now a totally one sided relationship, and it has been for many decades,' he said. 'The reason is that India has charged us, until now, such high tariffs, the most of any country, that our businesses are unable to sell into India. It has been a totally one sided disaster! 'Also, India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia, very little from the U.S. They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it's getting late. They should have done so years ago. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!!' Trump had been largely friendly with Modi over his first term but many of the president's economic programs during his second time in office have led to tension. Indias tariffs on imports average 14 percent according to WSJ, higher than many other nations, which led Trump to refer to Modi as the 'tariff king.' For example, China levies a 6.5 percent tariff on imports. India, along with China, are the two biggest buyers of Russian oil, a crucial source of revenue for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The president hit India with 50 percent tariffs on some goods in retaliation, accusing Delhi of bankrolling Putin's war effort, but so far neither India nor China has shown any sign of cutting energy imports from Russia. Initially, the president had levied a 25 percent 'reciprocal' tariff on India as with many nations. Donald Trump appeared to react angrily to clips of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin holding hand at an anti-NATO summit in China Many saw Modi's embrace of Putin as a response to Trump's heavy tariffs on India for buying Russia's oil and Trump let the Indian leader have it on Truth Social Analysts say Trump's approach may have pushed Modi closer to Moscow and Beijing as the three powers look to strengthen economic ties. Presidential trade advisor Peter Navarro slammed Modi - despite calling him a 'great leader' - for embracing Putin and Xi Jinping later Monday. 'I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping...when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world,' Navarro told Fox News. Putin and Modi walked hand in hand as they arrived to meet Xi Jinping at a major summit in China aimed at establishing a new world order and challenging the West. The Russian president and the Indian prime minister beamed as they strolled into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization talks in Tianjin, where Xi hosted more than 20 non-Western leaders. The summit was billed as an alternative to the US-led global system and was packed with displays of unity between Moscow, Beijing and Delhi. The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle in what appeared to be a show of solidarity against Washington and its allies. Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the president's armored Aurus limousine after the summit. It was captioned: 'Always a delight to meet President Putin. Conversations with him are always insightful.' Trump had been largely friendly with Modi over his first term but many of the president's economic programs during his second time in office have led to tension At their talks, Modi told Putin: 'Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder. Putin responded warmly, saying in Russian: 'Dear Mr Prime Minister, dear friend. Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades, friendly and trusting.' In a direct jab at the US' tariff policies, Xi opened the gathering saying: 'We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practice true multilateralism.' He warned against divisions, telling leaders to 'oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation' and to stand 'against hegemonism and power politics'. 'Global governance has reached a new crossroads,' he added, before pledging billions in aid and loans to member states and announcing plans for an artificial intelligence cooperation centre and a joint lunar research station. Xi said China would provide 2 billion yuan in free aid and 10 billion yuan in loans to member states through an SCO banking consortium. The Chinese leader also hinted at creating a new SCO development bank, a move that could reduce dependence on the US dollar and weaken Washington's ability to impose sanctions. Putin endorsed Xi's message, saying the SCO had revived 'genuine multilateralism' and was building 'a new system of stability and security in Eurasia'. Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the Kremlin chief's armoured Aurus limousine The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle He said: 'This security system, unlike Euro-centric and Euro-Atlantic models, would genuinely consider the interests of a broad range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow one country to ensure its own security at the expense of others.' The Kremlin leader again blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine, accusing the West of creating the crisis by trying to pull Kyiv into the alliance. Putin said: 'In order for a Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, the root causes of the crisis, which I have just mentioned and which I have repeatedly mentioned before, must be eliminated. He added that 'a fair balance in the security sphere' must be restored and claimed he was open to peace talks. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is due to meet European leaders in Paris on Thursday, accused Putin of avoiding a one-on-one meeting that was agreed during his recent trip to Washington. 'Now, during his visit to China, Putin will once again try to wriggle out. That is his number one sport. Everyone in the world has declared that the fire must cease. Everyone has insisted that the war must end. That has also been China's position,' Zelensky said. Putin is expected to remain in China as the guest of honor at a massive military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un will also attend the display, which will feature China's newest weapons, including ship-killing hypersonic missiles, in what experts say is a warning to the West. A four-year-old girl made a heartbreaking call to 911 after allegedly witnessing her father stabbing her mother to death. 'My dad killed my mom,' the daughter of the murder victim, Neilyann Ysam, told a police dispatcher on the phone, according to court records obtained by KATU. The girl also provided the name of her father, 28-year-old S Mate Joseph. Ysam, 24, was found dead by police in a home in Portland, Oregon, at around 12:30pm on July 19. Brian Davidson, the Multnomah County deputy district attorney overseeing the homicide unit, told KATU that it's rare for a child to see a gruesome crime. 'It's again a horrific thing for a child to witness any act of violence and certainly one of this order of magnitude, you just can't, again, overstate how terrible that is,' he said. Joseph, like his daughter, also called 911, allegedly saying he stabbed a 'loved one' and did not know if they were still alive. When police arrived, they found five children at the home, which belongs to Ysam's aunt. Neilyann Ysam was found stabbed to death in her aunt's home in Portland , Oregon, after her four-year-old daughter called police The toddler told the 911 dispatcher that her father, S Mate Joseph, killed his mother Ysam and the children, unharmed during the alleged attack, had been living with Ysam's aunt for several weeks. The aunt claimed they had moved out of the home they shared with Joseph in Vancouver, Washington, because of alleged domestic violence. Joseph was no longer at the scene of the crime when police got there. He was arrested several hours later in Vancouver, which is just 15 minutes away from Portland by car. Joseph previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Ysam while she was pregnant in 2019. During that incident, Joseph's younger brother Clayton Joseph, 16, allegedly approached the responding officers while waving a knife at them. The teenager refused to stop, despite commands from the police, and one of the officers fatally shot him. Meanwhile, Ysam was 'barefoot, screaming, crying and attempting to get away' from Joseph. In 2020, Joseph was found in a car with Ysam and was pulled over for violating the no-contact order a judge handed down in connection with the 2019 assault. Joseph has now been charged with second degree murder, first degree burglary and unlawful use of a weapon, according to court documents. He pleaded not guilty. A tradie has revealed she trained for just three days before landing a $3,000-per-week job on a construction site. The Brisbane woman said she was paid handsomely to work as a hoist operator on high-rise building sites. She said wages varied across sites, but a full year's work could equate to a salary of more than $150,000. 'How much we make depends on what sites we're on, but at the moment, we're at least clearing probably $2,700 to $2,800 each week,' she told interviewers from jobs app GetAhead. Hoists lift workers and supplies to the upper levels of a work site before the elevators are installed, the operator explained. A hoist operator controls the movement of the lift, positions loads, and regularly checks equipment for safety. She added Australians do not need to complete a lengthy apprenticeship to become a hoist operator. 'It's just a ticket, you just go and sit a course for, I think it's three days now,' she said. The tradie added there is plenty of work available. There can be anywhere between 'one and five' hoists on a single site depending on its size. 'I have been a hoist driver for more than four years, and before that I worked in the mining sector,' she explained. However, she warned that those expecting to make big money should know the job also comes with pitfalls. 'I did complete a three-day ticket course, but I also had prior experience in construction, which ultimately helped me secure my job. Hoist operators lift materials and people between the floors of a multi-level building site (pictured, a four level construction site) 'Hoist operation is usually only available on short contracts, often lasting one to two years if youre lucky. 'Its not a sustained income, even at $2,700 a week. That figure is based on a working week of six 12-hour shifts on a tier-1 job. The pay can also vary depending on the type of site youre on - residential, civil, mining, etc. 'As a hoist operator, your key responsibility is the safety of others. Its your duty to ensure everyones safety each time a person enters or leaves the hoist. 'This includes completing daily pre-start checks, communicating with foremen, workers, and services about the works on and around the hoist, and safely directing people. 'You are the first on site to confirm the machine is operational and that entry points are safe to access. 'In addition, you have the responsibility to assess weather conditions and decide whether it is safe to access the building via the hoist. On some sites, if the hoist is deemed unsafe, the entire job can be halted due to the lack of emergency access. 'Most of these responsibilities are learned through on-site experience. So although the course is short, the role carries significant responsibility, as its about ensuring no one gets killed.' Jobs and Skills Australia estimated there are almost 15,000 hoist, crane, and lift operators in the country. Their median weekly wage is about $3,000. However, prospective operators must be ready to work long hours, the Brisbane tradie explained. The tradie said she is required to be onsite for at least 10 to 12 hours each day. Some viewers congratulated her for finding such a well-paid job. 'Well done earning that for the job. [It's] barely minimum wage in New Zealand for the same job,' one wrote. 'Pretty inspiring to see women in these roles,' another added. 'The job sounds easy... but many underestimate it. It's tougher than people think,' a third wrote. Others, however, said the pay was far too much for the work. 'That's over $200,000 a year to operate a lift with a course that took three days. The construction industry is off its head,' one said. 'This is why our construction costs are through the roof. Overseas they would not even get paid $40,000 for that job,' another wrote. 'Used to be a job reserved for old fellas that have done their time on the tools,' a third added. But one viewer said many were simply jealous. 'News flash, anyone 18 plus can do it too... if you're actually willing to risk it for the licence. Don't hate the operator, hate your own choices,' they wrote. Hoist operators can gain the necessary qualifications and certifications within three days. A number of companies offer courses teaching the theoretical and practical elements of the work for about $900. One training provider, Kallibr, assures would-be operators the role is in 'high-demand'. 'This role can sometimes demand long hours in challenging weather, but many people prefer this to being stuck in an office all day,' their site states. Squad member Ilhan Omar has reported a net worth of up to $30 million, despite previously blasting claims that she is a secret millionaire as 'ridiculous'. It has now emerged the Minnesota Congresswoman outlined her net worth in a financial disclosure she filed with the federal government in May. The documents reveal she and her husband, Tim Mynett, saw a roughly 3,500 percent increase in their net worth last year when compared to 2023, the New York Post reports. Much of the financial gains came from businesses Mynett partially owns - a Santa Rosa, California-based winery and a venture capital firm headquartered in DC. Omar valued the winery's assets in the disclosure at between $1 million to $5 million, despite listing its assets at just $15,000 to $50,000 the year before. Mynett's venture capital firm Rose Lake Capital LLC's assets were also valued at between $5 million to $25 million in the 2024 disclosure - though the company had less than $1,000 in assets in 2023. It now appears that both of Mynett's businesses had been struggling earlier in 2024. The winery had just about $650 in its bank account as of February 2024, according to court documents obtained by the Minnesota Reformer. Squad member Ilhan Omar has reported a net worth of up to $30 million in her most recent financial disclosure outlining her assets in 2024 Much of the financial gains came from her husband Tim Mynett's businesses. The two are pictured here in 2023 Omar told her social media followers in February to 'try checking public financial statements and you will see I barely have thousands, let along millions' It was facing a lawsuit at the time from Washington DC-businessman Naeem Mohd, who claimed that Mynett and his business partner - former DNC advisor Will Hailer - failed to pay up after promising to triple his $300,000 investment in the eStCru winery in just 18 months. That lawsuit has since been settled for an undisclosed amount, according to the Washington Free Beacon. Meanwhile, Rose Lake Capital had a mere $42.44 in its bank account in February 2023, the Minnesota Reformer reports. The DC-based venture capital firm now claims on its website that it has $60 billion in assets under management. It touts its 'deep global networks built from on-the-ground networks in more than 80 countries working across business, politics, banking and diplomacy' and says it offers its clients 'expertise' in a number of categories - including structuring legislation. Yet Omar noted in her disclosure that the income from the DC-based consulting firm was 'none' for 2024, but between $15,000 to $50,000 the previous year. Despite the apparent windfall from Mynett's companies, Omar denied claims she was a millionaire back in February. 'Since getting elected, there has been a coordinated right-wing disinformation campaign claiming all sorts of wild things, including the ridiculous claim that I am worth millions of dollars, which is categorically false,' she told Business Insider at the time. Mynett's venture capital firm Rose Lake Capital LLC's assets were valued at between $5 million to $25 million in the 2024 disclosure His Santa Rosa winery eStCru had assets worth between $1 million to $5 million, despite the company having to settle a lawsuit 'I am a working mom with student loan debt,' she continued. 'Unlike some of my colleagues - and similar to most Americans - I am not a millionaire, and am raising a family while maintaining a residence in both Minneapolis and DC, which are among the most expensive housing markets in the country.' Omar also challenged her followers on social media that month to 'maybe try checking public financial statements and you will see I barely have thousands, let along millions.' Her disclosure does list as much as $100,000 in credit card and student loan debt. It also shows that she has between $1,000 to $15,000 in her congressional credit union savings account and another $15,000 to $50,000 in a retirement fund from her time in the Minnesota legislature. This is not the first time the couple has faced scrutiny over their finances This is not the first time the couple has faced scrutiny over their finances. In 2020, Federal Election Commission filings revealed Omar's campaign made up the vast majority of the money Mynett's consulting firm earned during the election cycle. E Street Group, which was partially owned by Omar's husband, Tim Mynett, drew in $2.9 million from Rep. Omar's 2020 campaign and $3.7 million in total political spending from other candidates. Between January 2019 and November 2020, Omar's campaign contributed 78 percent of the total campaign funds received by the E Street Group. At the same time, E Street Group received $134,800 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an additional $500,000 in Economic Injury Disaster loans during the pandemic. Amid the uproar, Mynett exited the political consulting business and teamed up with Hailer to branch out into the winery and venture capital industries. Daily Mail has reached out to Omar's office for comment. Violent protests calling for the national migrant intake to be curbed have failed to make an impact, as key immigration figures reveal Australia's migration numbers will remain at current levels. The permanent migration program intake for 2025-26 will be set at 185,000 people, the same as the previous financial year. The announcement of the intake levels follows anti-immigration rallies attended by thousands of protesters in capital cities across Australia on Sunday. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said the decision to keep migration numbers on hold followed talks with states and territories, with a focus on skilled migration. Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged many Australians held legitimate concerns following a spike in immigration numbers post-COVID, saying the government needed to get the balance right on population growth amid housing strains and workforce shortages. Pandemic-era border closures caused the net overseas migration figure to plummet. When borders reopened, an influx of international students caused the net increase to surge to a record high of 536,000 in one year. Numbers had fallen since and Mr Butler said the rate would continue to come down to normal levels. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has no plans to reduce immigration numbers Thousands across the country took to the streets to anti-immigration rallies on Sunday. Pictured is the Brisbane rally 'I think there is a real tension between recognising that there are real pressures on our housing system and other parts of the economy,' Mr Butler told Nine's Today Show on Tuesday. 'While also, I know intimately, recognising we're really struggling to get the workers we need to deliver the hospital services, the aged care services and build the houses we need.' Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, who addressed the rally in Melbourne and was shown in footage alongside black-shirt clad people attacking an Aboriginal camp, crashed a press conference being held by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday. He shouted about Australians being denied the right to protest as he was escorted away by police officers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the prominence of neo-Nazis at the rallies needed to be confronted. 'We have to make sure we give people space to move away and to not push them further down that rabbit hole,' he told a Labor Party room meeting in Canberra. 'A lot of these fears are being reinforced online and we have challenges with polarisation.' Independent senator David Pocock and former Immigration Department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi said the government had left a vacuum for unsavoury elements, including neo-Nazis, by failing to show leadership and properly explain its immigration plan to the public. The Albanese government has vowed in the wake of Sunday's rallies (pictured) to get balance right on population growth amid housing and workforce shortages Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell gatecrashed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's press conference on Tuesday with an angry outburst The rallies have been widely condemned because of the presence of neo-Nazis, but politicians including One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and Queensland MP Bob Katter joined marchers. While only a small contingent of the people who showed up identified as white nationalists, terrorism expert Levi West said there was an overlap that extremists could exploit. 'A rally that has a presence from a group like the neo-Nazi organisation presents a prime opportunity for recruitment,' said Dr West, a research fellow at the Australian National University. 'People whose grievances are potentially based in conspiracy theory or misinformation can quite easily be drawn towards the simplicity of the ideas that are embedded in neo-Nazi ideology as providing some sort of solution or solace for the thing that they feel a grievance about.' Simon Welsh, director of research at pollster Redbridge, said surveys and focus groups were picking up concerns among the general public about the size of Australia's migration intake, in the context of the housing affordability crisis. 'But there is some important nuance here,' he told Sky News. 'There's this sensitivity to the idea of politicians using (immigration) as an excuse to not do proper reform on issues like housing or on health and education.' The family of a Florida man who was infected with flesh-eating bacteria have revealed the terrifying symptoms that are putting his life in danger. Ben West, 38, contracted Vibrio vulnificus after he and his family went crabbing and mullet fishing on August 23 under a bridge in Port St. Joe, a town in the Florida panhandle. Cases have been on the rise, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in five people who are infected will die. Shortly after the fishing trip, West began complaining that he had serious swelling and burning in his foot and ankle. After he told his fiancee, Jamie Knowles, that it felt like his leg was on fire, she took him to the hospital on August 25. She claimed doctors gave him the incorrect diagnosis of cellulitis and prescribed him antibiotics. The antibiotics, she said, is what caused West's leg to blister even further and his blood pressure to sink to an dangerously low level. 'There were blisters everywhere, they were busting, it was swelling, you couldnt recognize his leg compared to the other one, it was actually four times bigger than the other one,' Knowles told WJHG. Knowles said all of his left leg's tissue was affected and that it resembles a third-degree burn. Also concerning was the fact that his liver and kidneys were failing from the infection. Ben West, 38, was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus, a severe bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver failure. His fiancee, Jamie Knowles, took him to the hospital and has been caring for him Vibrio vulnificus, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, can also cause skin tissue to turn black and die. In serious cases, patients will have to have limbs amputated (Pictured: West's leg after he was infected with the bacteria) Vibrio vulnificus eats away at tissues in the skin until they shrivel, turn black, and die, a condition called necrotizing fasciitis, requiring lengthy surgery to strip the dead skin from the patients body or amputation to remove the limb to save the person's life. 'The hardest part so far is watching him be in that bed, helpless. Not knowing if he's gonna live or die. Right now in particular, not knowing if he's gonna get to keep that lower part of his leg or not. The foot, the leg from the knee down,' said West's father, Keith. West has already had two surgeries, which have involved draining the buildup of fluids in his leg. According to Knowles, he still has three more to go. West's family has set up a GoFundMe to pay for his medical bills. Knowles has also used the page to give updates on his condition. Knowles wrote in an August 29 update that after West's third surgery, doctors were confident that they stopped the bacteria's progression. Doctors allegedly told her that if that West would have been as 'good as dead' if the bacteria had spread into his muscles or any higher than his hips. West's medical team is now more concerned about the damage the bacteria has done to his skin and have not ruled out skin grafts in the future. He will undergo a fourth surgery on Tuesday to drain fluids from his leg once again. Pictured: The water where West was infected with the flesh-eating bacteria. This bridge is located in Port St. Joe, a town in the Florida panhandle West's family has said their faith has kept them going through this extraordinarily difficult time (Pictured: West poses with his kids and his The family has said their faith has kept them going through this extraordinarily difficult time. 'Its been very difficult, and the fact that God is in control and so many people are praying and that I know that he hears and he answers prayer, has been a comfort to me,' Keith said. Knowles described West as a 'family man' who loves his children and doing outdoor activities with them. They have both warned their fellow Floridians to stay out of the water in this area. 'Do NOT take the risk, this is a nasty nasty bacteria that's taking people lives & if not their lives, their limbs...it is NOT worth it I promise & IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU,' Knowles wrote in the GoFundMe description. 'Benjamin is a very HEALTHY 38 year old man with NO HEALTH problems that became septic in less than 24 hours,' she added. The GoFundMe has raised nearly $16,000 toward a $20,000 goal as of Tuesday morning. The CDC says that Vibrio vulnificus is more common in coastal waters and are typically found in higher numbers in May through October. Most people are infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. It's also possible to get it by going into contaminated water with an open wound. An ABC TV reporter who covered a March for Australia organiser's speech has been bombarded with hundreds of hateful messages. Western Sydney journalist Nabil Al-Nashar reported from the anti-immigration rally on Sunday. In his coverage, Al-Nashar explained that protest organiser Jesse Stewart had, in his speech, invoked the 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory that white Australians, Americans and Europeans would be 'replaced' by people of non-European descent. The conspiracy theory, built on false and misleading claims, has been used since the 19th century. After Al-Nashar's segment, he copped a barrage of more than 1,000 comments online, with some telling the reporter to 'leave' Australia - despite him being an Australian citizen since 2023 after immigrating from Qatar. Sharing a sample on his LinkedIn on Monday, Mr Al-Nashar showed screenshots of X users calling him vile names. 'Neo-Nazis and/or their sympathisers have called me a 'rat' ,'dog', 'poison', 'grub', 'invader' and way more colourful and creative descriptions,' he said. 'While privately, I've had support... it's been eye-opening to learn some fellow Australians only accept you if you're the right skin colour.' ABC's Western Sydney journalist Nabil Al-Nashar (pictured) received abusive messages on X after fact-checking protest organiser Jesse Stewart's speech during the March for Australia rally in Victoria Park Jesse Stewart invoked the 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory 'It doesn't matter if you're law-abiding, pay your taxes, watch the footy and love a BBQ, just as much as the next Aussie, or how much you love this country,' he said. 'To them if you're not white, you'll never be Australian.' Speaking to Daily Mail on Tuesday, Mr Al-Nashar said he would not be disheartened by the abusive messages. 'Any journalist worth their salt understands the job is to report without fear or favour, be it natural disasters, politics, or protests,' he said. 'If it's in the public interest, I'll be there to report on it.' ABC News Director Justin Stevens also confirmed to Daily Mail that the broadcaster has backed Mr Al-Nashar. 'We're aware of the hateful social media comments and Nabil has the ABC's full support,' he said. 'This sort of abuse is disgraceful. Nabil has my and the ABC's full support for his outstanding reporting over the weekend, and always. He is an excellent journalist.' Jesse Stewart is in a romantic relationship with Bec Freedom, also known as Rebecca Walker, (both, pictured) who was also a key organiser of the Sydney rally The 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory is based on the flawed belief there is a secret conspiracy to replace white Australians, Americans and Europeans with people of non-European descent Mr Stevens had also shared the statement on the journalist's LinkedIn post, joining dozens of colleagues who supported Mr Al-Nashar. The TV report was re-shared on Tuesday by casual radio host and Palestine advocate Antoinette Lattouf, who won her case for unlawful termination against the ABC in June. 'Excellent reporting by Nabil for ABC. The hundreds upon hundreds of hateful racist comments below his report can't just (be) 'bots' or a minority - given how much neo-Nazi hate he captured at the rally,' she said. 'These are worrying times. I can't imagine what it was like being there.' Rallies took place on Sunday in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, as well as some regional cities, to protest the country's record levels of immigration. In Sydney, a crowd of about 15,000 demonstrators chanted 'send them back'. About 150 members of the National Socialist Network also handed out flyers, made a speech to the crowd and led chants of 'Heil Australia'. During the peak of the rallies, Stewart told protesters: 'There is a clear global agenda to shame, beat down and replace people with Anglo, Celtic and European heritage. Mr Al-Nashar said he would not be disheartened by the abusive messages he received after reporting on the protest which had been attended by a crowd of about 15,000 'They want to turn our homeland into a multicultural economic zone that is completely conflicting with what the... founders of this nation, or what our ancestors had in mind.' But Mr Al-Nashar fact-checked Stewart's claims, highlighting: 'The presumption here is that Australians of Anglo descent or European descent are the ones who built Australia. 'This is historically inaccurate, and categorically false, as it sidelines every other group of Australians who have contributed to building the nation over the last 200 years and more.' Mr Al-Nashar added that, for First Nations people and other Australians, the speech also ignored the fact that 'Europeans came to Australia just over 200 years ago'. Stewart is in a romantic relationship with Bec Freedom, also known as Rebecca Walker, who was also a key organiser of the Sydney rally. A bystander at the protest described Stewart, who describes himself as a nationalist, as 'quite an aggressive protector' of Bec at the rally. The pair welcomed a son, William, in October last year with Ms Walker stating she kept her pregnancy a secret due to online trolls. 'We are absolutely in love with him, Jesse is loving been a dad, I'm loving been a mum to a new baby, and my children are loving having a new baby brother,' she shared in an Instagram post. 'Why did we keep it such a big secret? Simply put.... We didn't want troll interference. They post about everything we do and we didn't want their involvement in this.' A mum has broken down in court after learning she will escape jail time over a deadly highway crash that killed her twin daughters. Rachel Van Oyen, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of careless driving causing death over the February 2024 crash that claimed the lives of seven-year-olds Macey and Riley. The Mandurah family were on their way home from visiting relatives in Kalgoorlie when tragedy struck on Western Australia's Great Eastern Highway in the Wheatbelt region, 350km east of Perth. The court heard that Van Oyen momentarily closed her eyes for 'a second' when the Toyota Camry veered off the road. She swerved to avoid a roadside marker, causing it to skid, before the car clipped a tree, flipped and landed on its roof. Despite wearing seatbelts, Macey and Riley were flung from the car and died at the scene. Van Oyen received an eight month jail term for the girls' deaths, which was partly suspended by Magistrate Sarah Oliver when she handed down the sentence earlier this year. The partly-suspended sentence meant that Van Oyen would spend two months behind bars. Rachel Van Oyen has escaped jail time over the crash that killed her little girls Twins Macey and Riley were just seven-years-old when their lives were cut short She walked free from jail just two days later after her lawyers launched an appeal over the 'manifestly excessive' sentence. 'Ms Van Oyen challenged the sentence imposed both on the basis that the wrong type of sentence had been imposed, and that the length of the term of imprisonment was manifestly excessive,' court documents stated. Van Oyen wept in the dock as her original sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court of WA on Tuesday, The West Australian reported. She was re-sentenced to eight months, fully suspended. Outside court, Van Oyen said that she wanted to be left alone. 'I just want to grieve my girls,' she told reporters. In the days following the crash, Van Oyen posted on Facebook that 'nothing makes sense now' and that it 'should have been me' who died. 'What I would give to take your places, my precious girls,' she wrote. Van Oyen's sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court of WA on Tuesday. She's pictured with Riley and Macey The family were on their way home from visiting relatives in Kalgoorlie when tragedy struck on Western Australia 's Great Eastern Highway (crash scene pictured) 'I have never felt so helpless as I did that day. All I could do was try to hold you briefly even though you'd both grown wings. 'In a blink of an eye everything changed. My entire world fell apart, vanished. There are still no words to describe this emptiness and pain I'm drowning in. 'Nothing makes sense now, you two were my absolute world and nothing made me more complete than being your mother. 'I hope you both know how truly sorry I am.' One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has launched a blistering defence of the controversial 'March for Australia' anti-immigration rallies, accusing the Greens of vilifying ordinary Australians and misrepresenting the event's purpose. Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Hanson hit back at a motion introduced by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi the previous day, which condemned the rallies as 'racist, white supremacist' events infiltrated by neo-Nazis. Faruqi labelled One Nation 'merchants of hate' and accused both Labor and Liberal politicians of enabling far-right extremism by failing to act decisively against it Hanson, who attended the Canberra rally alongside fellow One Nation senators Malcolm Roberts and Tyrone Whitten, rejected the accusations and defended the thousands of Australians who turned out to protest mass of immigration. 'The hateful Greens are deliberately misinforming and misrepresenting Australians who marched peacefully on Sunday,' Hanson said. 'They've dragged out all of the usual tropes and insults to marginalise and dismiss people who love their country and don't support the Marxist, anti-Australian agenda being forced on them without their consent.' Hanson slammed the Greens, accusing them of lashing out in 'hatred' against Australians exercising their right to protest. 'The Greens just hate that Australians have these freedoms', she said. Pauline Hanson (pictured) defended attendees of the March for Australia rallies held Sunday 'One Nation senators were proud to stand with ordinary Australians who have been silenced and disenfranchised and who just want to be heard and represented.' The rallies, held in all major cities and several regional centres, drew thousands of demonstrators waving Australian flags and calling for a dramatic reduction in immigration. However, the events were marred by the presence of known neo-Nazi groups, including members of the National Socialist Network, who were seen addressing crowds, handing out flyers, and chanting slogans like 'Heil Australia' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged on Monday that some attendees had legitimate concerns about housing and cost-of-living pressures but warned that the rallies had been 'hijacked' by extremists. 'Of course, there were good people who attended,' Albanese said. 'But what we saw was neo-Nazis being given a platform. That's not the Australian way. We must remain vigilant against the rise of far-right sentiment.' Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly echoed the Prime Minister's concerns, saying the rallies were 'clearly racist' and had been co-opted by extremists seeking to exploit public frustration over housing and migration. 'Let's not be coy about this,' Aly said. ' Hanson (speaking) attended the Canberra rally, alongside other One Nation Senators They weren't protesting immigration from white Western countries. They were protesting immigration from countries with brown people.' Despite the widespread condemnation, Hanson doubled down on her support for the rallies and the message behind them. She argued that mass migration was worsening Australia's housing crisis and placing unsustainable pressure on public services. 'The majority of Australians don't want Labor's record-high level of immigration,' she said. 'They see rents going up, longer lines to inspect rentals, and Australians forced to live in tents and cars on the streets.' Hanson also accused the Greens of hypocrisy, claiming they supported pro-Palestinian protests while condemning those who opposed high immigration. 'They are delighted to join calls for the destruction of Israel,' Hanson said. 'They deliberately ignore how these ugly, violent protests target Jewish Australians and have led directly to rising anti-Semitism in the country.' Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com.au A protester who held up a poster of alleged double cop killer Dezi Freeman at an anti-immigration rally has been charged. The demonstrator sparked nationwide outrage when he was photographed holding up the 'offensive' placard at a March for Australia rally in Adelaide's Rundle Park on Sunday. The poster consisted of a photo of the fugitive with the words 'free man' underneath - and it can now be revealed it sparked a police investigation. South Australian detectives have spent the last two days trying to locate the Adelaide protester with the placard. Following extensive inquiries, a Golden Grove man, 39, attended the Grenfell Street police station in the CBD on Tuesday. He was charged with displaying offensive material in a public place. The man was granted bail to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on October 28. Freeman, 56, remains on the run, a week after he allegedly shot two police officers and wounded another while police were at his property in Victoria's High Country to execute a warrant. An Adelaide man spotted holding a poster of fugitive Dezi Freeman at a March for Australia rally on Sunday has been charged The protester was charged with displaying offensive material in a public place It comes after Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams conceded that she was 'taken aback' by the poster which she branded as 'offensive' and 'disgraceful'. 'I found it quite disturbing,' she told reporters on Monday. 'I think that that would have disturbed any right-minded person, including our members who saw the sign yesterday. 'It would have been a very hard thing for the families of those police officers who had their lives taken to have seen that. I can only imagine the disappointment they must have felt in seeing that.' South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines also condemned the protester's actions. 'People will make their assessments, but clearly this is the sort of behaviour that we see from those who attended the rallies,' Carbines said. 'It's despicable and disgusting ,and it's very hard to find the words for it really.' Thousands of Aussies took to the streets on Sunday to take part in anti-immigration rallies across nation, which included a 15,000-strong crowd in Adelaide. Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing in his armoured train to join Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping for a huge military parade in Beijing as the three powers showcase their unity at an anti-NATO summit. The North Korean leader's rare trip marks his first visit to China in six years and comes as the trio tighten their alliance in a direct challenge to the West. The parade will take place on Wednesday in Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War II and China's battle against Japan. Leaders from 26 countries are due to attend, including Kim and Putin, who will stand alongside Xi to watch the event. It will be the first time Kim has taken part in a major international gathering since he came to power 14 years ago. Officials have not confirmed if the three leaders will meet privately during the visit. Kim left Pyongyang on Monday with senior figures, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. He is travelling on his special train, according to KCNA, which cited Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il. Since becoming the leader, Kim has preferred to travel to countries such as Russia and Vietnam on the train, which is said to be able to accommodate his huge entourage. Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing in his armoured train to join Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping for a huge military parade in Beijing as the three powers showcase their unity The North Korean leader's rare trip marks his first visit to China in six years and comes as the trio tighten their alliance in a direct challenge to the West . Kim preparing to leave for the parade on his slow-moving private train, which is said to be able to accommodate his huge entourage. He is expected to hold talks with both Xi and Putin South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers the slow-moving train crossed into China early Tuesday and is expected to arrive in Beijing this afternoon. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun said the agency believes 'Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Putin.' The spy agency also suggested Kim could appear alongside Xi and Putin on the viewing platform at Tiananmen Square for the parade. Lee added that Kim is expected to hold talks with the Chinese and Russian leaders and join other world leaders at a reception and cultural show. This trip is Kim's first to China since 2019 and his fifth visit since taking over from his father in 2011. Putin landed in China on Sunday to attend the parade and a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. He has since told his host that Russia's relationship with China is at an 'unprecedented level'. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russia's TASS news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Putin and Kim on the sidelines was 'under consideration.' Observers are watching closely to see whether Kim meets Xi privately or even holds a three-way meeting with Xi and Putin. The leaders have held one-on-one talks before, but never a trilateral meeting. President Xi and Kim Jong Un holding talks during the Chinese leader's visit to North Korea in 2019. The two men are expected to show unity in a bid to challenge the West North Korea has been strengthening its ties with Russia in recent years, sending weapons and ammunition to support Moscow's war in Ukraine in return for economic and military help. Analysts say Kim would be hoping to restore relations with China, which have soured in recent times. Kim's trip comes as Putin and Narendra Modi walked hand in hand as they arrived to meet Xi Jinping at the summit in China, aimed at challenging the West. The Russian president and the Indian prime minister beamed as they strolled into the SCO talks, where Xi hosted more than 20 non-Western leaders. The summit was billed as an alternative to the US-led global system and was packed with displays of unity between Moscow, Beijing and Delhi. The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle in what appeared to be a show of solidarity against Washington and its allies. Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the president's armoured Aurus limousine after the summit. It was captioned: 'Always a delight to meet President Putin. Conversations with him are always insightful.' At their talks, Modi told Putin: 'Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder. Putin responded warmly, saying in Russian: 'Dear Mr Prime Minister, dear friend. Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades, friendly and trusting.' In a direct jab at the US' tariff policies, Xi opened the gathering saying: 'We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practice true multilateralism.' Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi walked hand in hand as they arrived to meet Xi Jinping The pair beamed as they strolled in for the event The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the Kremlin chief's armoured Aurus limousine He warned against divisions, telling leaders to 'oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation' and to stand 'against hegemonism and power politics'. He also hit out against 'bullying behaviour', all in jabs against the US. He said: 'The shadows of Cold War mentality, bullying, are not dissipating, and there are new challenges that are increasing.' 'Global governance has reached a new crossroads,' he added, before pledging billions in aid and loans to member states and announcing plans for an artificial intelligence cooperation centre and a joint lunar research station. Xi said China would provide 2 billion yuan in free aid and 10 billion yuan in loans to member states through an SCO banking consortium. The Chinese leader also hinted at creating a new SCO development bank, a move that could reduce dependence on the US dollar and weaken Washington's ability to impose sanctions. Putin endorsed Xi's message, saying the SCO had revived 'genuine multilateralism' and was building 'a new system of stability and security in Eurasia'. He said: 'This security system, unlike Euro-centric and Euro-Atlantic models, would genuinely consider the interests of a broad range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow one country to ensure its own security at the expense of others.' The Kremlin leader again blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine, accusing the West of creating the crisis by trying to pull Kyiv into the alliance. Putin said: 'In order for a Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, the root causes of the crisis, which I have just mentioned and which I have repeatedly mentioned before, must be eliminated. Xi opened the summit by calling for a complete shift in global politics Experts say Donald Trump's tariffs on India may have pushed Modi closer to Moscow He added that 'a fair balance in the security sphere' must be restored and claimed he was open to peace talks. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is due to meet European leaders in Paris on Thursday, accused Putin of avoiding a one-on-one meeting that was agreed during his recent trip to Washington. 'Now, during his visit to China, Putin will once again try to wriggle out. That is his number one sport. Everyone in the world has declared that the fire must cease. Everyone has insisted that the war must end. That has also been China's position,' Zelensky said. China and India are the two biggest buyers of Russian oil, a crucial source of revenue for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Donald Trump hit India with 50 per cent tariffs on some goods in retaliation, accusing Delhi of bankrolling Putin's war effort, but so far neither India nor China has shown any sign of cutting energy imports from Russia. Analysts say Trump's approach may have pushed Modi closer to Moscow and Beijing as the three powers look to strengthen economic ties. On Sunday, Xi told Modi: 'The world is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational countries. 'We are the world's two most populous countries and part of the Global South. It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the dragon and the elephant to come together.' Experts have said the summit was designed as a challenge to Trump and the US Zelensky said Putin was avoiding a one-on-one meeting with him The summit was also an opportunity for Xi and Modi to repair relations after years of tension over a deadly border clash in 2020. Xi told Modi: The world is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational countries. 'We are the world's two most populous countries and part of the Global South. It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the dragon and the elephant to come together.' Modi replied: 'We are committed to progressing our relations based on mutual respect, trust and sensitivities.' Putin is expected to remain in China as the guest of honour at a massive military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un will also attend the display, which will feature China's newest weapons, including ship-killing hypersonic missiles, in what experts say is a warning to the West. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was arrested by dozens of police officers just hours after interrupting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's press conference. Officers arrested Sewell and two other men outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday following an eventful morning for the far-right figure. On Tuesday morning, Sewell warned Allan she would be 'punished' if he ever gained power. 'When people like me take power, these people are going to be punished for the crimes they have committed against Australia,' he said. Sewell then said 'Heil Australia' before being arrested by a group of officers. He was seen smiling during the arrest. Sewell and the two other men were interviewed in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged assaults in King's Domain about 5pm August, 31. Sewell was among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon following the March for Australia rally in Melbourne's CBD. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell (centre) has been arrested in relation to the rampage in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon Sewell earlier confronted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at a press conference on Tuesday Footage showed Sewell and Bull lashing out at people gathered at the camp, the site of remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the attack on Camp Sovereignty was like nothing she had seen in her nearly 10-year parliamentary career. 'These people brazenly and openly did not care if they were seen,' she said. Sewell on Tuesday morning appeared inside the courthouse to cross-examine a police officer he is accused of intimidating, on top of charges for breaching a personal safety intervention order in October last year. After a lunch break, prosecutor Melissa Mahady told the Melbourne court there'd been a 'safety issue' but claimed it was 'not related' to Sewell, the Herald Sun reported. Magistrate Michelle Hodgson closed the court to discuss the matter with the prosecutor, meaning media and other observers were removed from the courtroom. Earlier, Allan was speaking to journalists in Melbourne to spruik her government's work-from-home policy when Sewell interrupted. Flanked by supporter Nathan Bull, Sewell began yelling at Allan over her stance on the right to protest. Sewell (front) on Tuesday appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court After interrupting the press conference, Sewell (left) warned Allan she would be 'punished' if he gained power Several men stepped in to keep Sewell away from the premier as she, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and upper house Labor MP Sheena Watt walked away. 'Shouldn't people have the right to speak in their own country, you coward ... you're a coward and we're going to take this country back from politicians like you,' Sewell shouted. Allan in December announced legislation to ban protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings after Sewell led a series of marches with masked black-clad men. The reforms are yet to be introduced to state parliament and may be scaled back. Tuesday's confrontation lasted less than a minute, cutting short the media conference. Sewell ended Tuesday's tirade with 'Heil Australia' and told journalists the interaction was a 'coincidence'. 'We're on our way to court right now,' he said. In a statement, the premier confirmed she was 'unharmed and undeterred' and said it was no surprise Nazis opposed her and the Labor state government. Sewell (circled on the right) and other members of the National Socialist Network stormed the First Nations protest group, Camp Sovereignty, at King's Domain in Melbourne There is no place for hate in our state. Whoever you are, whoever you love, whoever you pray to - Ill always fight for your right to belong. pic.twitter.com/F30S9v3tI5 Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) September 2, 2025 'We know how these goons operate,' she said. 'They whip up fear to divide our society. They will fail.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the confrontation 'quite horrific' when speaking to Labor caucus in Canberra. 'I have been talking about these issues with the Victorian premier,' he said. Journalists were asking the premier about Sunday's 'March for Australia' in Melbourne, at which Sewell was controversially allowed to speak. Allan revealed she was convening the government's anti-hate task force for a meeting this week in response to the nationwide anti-immigration rallies. In a social media post on Tuesday night, Allan wrote: 'There is no place for hate in our state. Whoever you are, whoever you love, whoever you pray to - I'll always fight for your right to belong.' The mysterious Chinese heiress whose $1.5million Rolls Royce was wrecked in a head-on crash in Sydney's eastern suburbs has been hit with two fresh charges by police. The first time camera-shy LanLan Yang faced court last month she was charged with causing bodily harm by misconduct and refusing or failing to submit to a breath test. She is now also accused of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - an offence which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail - and not giving particulars to police. Yang was allegedly behind the wheel of her Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan in the early hours of July 26 at Rose Bay when she smashed into a van driven by George Plassaras, the chauffeur for radio king Kyle Sandilands. Plassaras was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while Yang was charged by and granted bail under conditions including that she surrender her passport. Yang has since gone viral in Australia and China over her extraordinary designer wardrobe and apparent extraordinary wealth. Her fame and mystique grew after the Daily Mail revealed she owned two Rolls-Royces and lived in a luxury apartment in Sydney's east. Hundreds of curious spectators queued up at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court to see Yang when the 23-year-old's case was first mentioned on August 15. LanLan Yang, the mysterious Chinese heiress whose $1.5million Rolls Royce was wrecked in a head-on crash has been hit with two fresh charges by police. Yang is pictured Yang (right) is now accused of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm - an offence which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail Yang was allegedly behind the wheel of this Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan on July 26 when she smashed into a van driven by George Plassaras, the chauffeur for Kyle Sandilands But the designer-clad defendant disappointed her huge new fan base by being a no-show in person and appearing by video link from her lawyer's office instead. Masses of observers filled the courtroom and spilled into the foyer as Yang appeared briefly on screen wearing a chic designer bucket hat and tailored suit. Her lawyer, Mr Yu, said Yang was not in a position to enter pleas because 'the police have indicated there will be additional charges'. Court records show the two additional charges were added on August 19. Yang's case has sparked interest among Chinese Australians who are fascinated by her background and the source of her wealth. One onlooker at her first court appearance told the Daily Mail: 'It's very rare to see, or have the opportunity to see, someone in person who is ultra wealthy and has power.' 'You don't see 23-year-olds who can drive two Rolls-Royces.' Her on-screen court appearance came days after the Daily Mail confronted Yang in Double Bay where she was seen withdrawing wads of $50 bills at a bank ATM. Hundreds of curious spectators queued up at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court to see Yang when the 23-year-old's case was first mentioned on August 15 Two LanLan fans pose outside Downing Centre Local court hoping to catch a glimpse of Yang On that occasion, she kept her head down and climbed into a chauffeur-driven minivan, a stark contrast to the two luxury vehicles she is known to own. Speculation about Yang has taken off in China, where she has become the subject of wildly inaccurate claims on platforms Douyin and Weibo, plus in mainstream Chinese media reports. A series of widely-viewed Chinese social media posts falsely claimed Yang paid an $80million bond for bail from Waverley Local Court. They also claimed, without naming a source or providing any corroboration, that authorities found Yang had $270 billion sitting in a local bank account when she was arrested. The first claim about the bond is demonstrably false - a court spokesperson told the Daily Mail there was 'no monetary condition stipulated by police' as part of her bail agreement. The bank balance claim is impossible to confirm, but if true, it would make the relatively unknown figure close to the world's richest person. Fevered Chinese social media speculation suggested Yang used the English name 'Wendy' and that she was a former University of NSW student whose fortune stemmed from the iron ore trade. Some users even claimed her minder - seen when the Daily Mail confronted Yang outside Rose Bay Police Station in July - had the rank of lieutenant colonel with the Beijing police special duty unit. This could not be confirmed and is likely false. The crash at Rose Bay on July 26 left George Plassaras ith a broken spine, ribs, hips and femurs, a ruptured spleen and diaphragm, and a torn-open abdomen Plassaras (above) was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while Yang was charged by NSW Police and granted bail under conditions including that she surrender her passport The crash on July 26 left Plassaras with a broken spine, ribs, hips and femurs, a ruptured spleen and diaphragm, and a torn-open abdomen. Sandilands has described his chauffeur Mr Plassaras as the 'greatest employee ever'. 'What did [he] say when he was taken away in the ambulance? He asked for his mobile phone so he could do what?' he said. 'This is a guy at 4.30 in the morning after he has been cut out of his vehicle, he's been trapped in his van for an hour, this poor bloke.' He said Mr Plassaras wanted to check if he was alright for the week because he wouldn't be able to chauffer him around. Neighbours at Yang's eastern suburbs rental block, which caters to 'discerning clientele,' have described her as polite but rarely seen. They say she occupies the building's prized penthouse and decorates her car with ultra-exclusive Labubu toys. Yang also owns a second unregistered white Rolls-Royce Ghost Convertible worth up to $800,000, which sits unused in her Vaucluse penthouse garage. The building's car lift can only take 3,000kg, forcing her to park her heavier Cullinan SUV in the street. CCTV footage of the crash appeared to show Yang's SUV veering into oncoming traffic before the head-on impact. Yang's bail conditions ban her from driving, require her to remain in her penthouse between 8pm and 6am, and to report to police three times a week. She is due back in court on September 26. Keir Starmer crushed a bid to sing him happy birthday at Cabinet today after his desperate reshuffle 'sidelined' Rachel Reeves. The PM stepped in to stop his new-look top team from marking him turning 62 as they assembled in Downing Street. Sir Keir - who has admitted he does not like to be reminded about his age - ordered a halt after several ministers started up the tune. The moment happened as markets went into a frenzy in the wake over the 'reset', driving government borrowing costs to 27-year highs as investors bet Labour will need to borrow more. The dramatic overhaul yesterday saw Sir Keir poach the Chancellor's deputy to become his own ministerial enforcer, and install two economics experts in No10. The move came after alarm that the premier was 'blindsided' by the Treasury on plans to slash winter fuel payments and curb benefits - which ended in disastrous U-turns. But the Tories warned that left-wing 'tax fanatics' had been brought in to conduct a 'radical socialist takeover' as Labour faces a black hole of up to 50 billion in the public finances. MPs have been heaping on pressure for 'wealth taxes' to fund fresh spending splurges. Keir Starmer's new-look top team assembled in Downing Street amid fears the ground is being laid for another brutal tax raid at the Autumn Budget The PM gathered his Cabinet after bolstering his control of economic policy in an humiliation for Rachel Reeves Your browser does not support iframes. Angela Rayner made a flamboyant appearance in Downing Street this morning amid the furore over her property dealings John Healey and Ed Miliband were at Cabinet this morning Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson attended the Cabinet gathering this morning Home Secretary Yvette Cooper tried to cool speculation that Ms Reeves has been effectively kneecapped in a round of broadcast interviews this morning The tax burden is due to hit a new record high as Labour tries to cover spending Who's in and who's out as Keir Starmer shuffles his No10 team IN Darren Jones - The Treasury minister has been promoted to a new position as Chief Secretary to the PM. Minouche Shafik - The former deputy governor of the Bank of England has been drafted in as the PM's Chief Economic Adviser. Dan York-Smith - The top Treasury official is moving to No10 as the PM's Principal Private Secretary (PPS). Tim Allan - The former adviser to Tony Blair, who went on to found the Portland public affairs agency, is the new Executive Director of Communications in Downing Street. Vidhya Alakeson - The PM's Deputy Chief of Staff is to take on an additional role overseeing policy and delivery in No10. OUT James Lyons - The former journalist is quitting as No10's strategic communications director after less than a year in the role. Nin Pandit - The former NHS England official is no longer the PM's PPS. But she is remaining in No10 to lead work on delivering the PM's key priorities. Advertisement The problems became even more stark today as markets drove up borrowing costs on the UK's debt mountain in response to the political manoeuvring, with Tories warning the country is 'broke' and must rein in spending. Yields on 30-year UK bonds, known as gilts, leapt to just below 5.7 per cent, the highest level since 1998. Higher yields mean investors are charging more money to lend to the UK adding to the Chancellor's Budget headache. Mutterings are also growing on the Labour benches that Sir Keir himself and a lack of direction is the fundamental issue. Downing Street said the Government's 'ironclad commitment' to its fiscal rules remains, denying that Ms Reeves had been sidelined. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Our ironclad commitment to our robust fiscal rules remain. 'You'll have seen since this Government took office that we have taken the necessary decisions to stabilise the public finances, drive growth. 'Our fiscal strategy has been backed by the IMF and others, and our approach has helped interest rates to be cut five times since the election, which is the best way to bring borrowing costs and inflation down.' Asked whether the shake-up of Sir Keir's team was a blow to the Chancellor's authority, the official said: 'No, and as I say it reflects the strengthening of the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, a determination to drive growth in the economy, a recommitment to our robust fiscal rules.' The spokesman said that at Cabinet Sir Keir 'reiterated the changes made to the No10 operation this week to deliver on that agenda, which will ensure he has the strongest possible team on the pitch to deliver this change'. 'He said he and the Chancellor had spoken at length over the summer about how these changes would bolster their joint approach to the growth agenda, and ensure it is a key factor when taking decisions,' Downing Street said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper tried to cool speculation that Ms Reeves has been effectively kneecapped in a round of broadcast interviews this morning. 'I don't think so at all. Quite the reverse. I think the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have always worked extremely closely together and continue to do so,' she said. Asked if there would be more input into the coming autumn budget from No 10 than previously, Ms Cooper replied: 'In my experience through successive chancellors through very many years, ultimately, the chancellor always writes the budget, because that's the nature of the complex mix of things, but always with conversations and discussions with the Prime Minister throughout, so you get that strong support.' Downing Street insisted the PM and Ms Reeves will continue to work 'in lockstep'. The Chancellor will try to regain traction this week by arguing that investment and training can boost flagging economic growth. However, Sir Keir appears to have abandoned his previous approach of subcontracting economic policy to Ms Reeves. Former Tory cabinet minister Sir James Cleverly suggested the changes signal that the PM is 'getting ready to throw Rachel under the bus in the proper reshuffle that is inevitably coming'. Labour MPs voiced scepticism about the success of the changes. One told the Guardian: 'Overall I think it is not something you can staff your way out of. 'This is about the politics and the story we tell. All the comms and strategy people in the world won't fix that.' Sir Keir has poached Ms Reeves' Treasury deputy Darren Jones to be his ministerial enforcer Baroness Minouche Shafik has been hired as the PM's Chief Economic Adviser in the latest revamp of No10's top team Kemi Badenoch accused the PM of 'shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic'. She told reporters in Scotland: 'I think that the reshuffle, or mini-reshuffle, he had yesterday is just shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic. 'Unemployment has risen every single month since Labour came into office, we know that Labour are coming back for even more tax rises after a disastrous budget. 'I don't know what this says about his confidence in the Chancellor, but the fact that he's taken his chief secretary of the Treasury and put him into Number 10 does not inspire me with confidence because he's one of the people who's been making the mess. I don't think it's going to make any difference.' A young saleswoman was left stunned after discovering that her male colleagues, including her boss, had placed bets on who would be the first to sleep with her, an employment tribunal has heard. Molly Craigie had only just joined East Anglia Home Improvements, a firm that describes itself as 'the UK's number one home improvement provider', when the disturbing office 'wager' was allegedly made. The tribunal was told the men involved ran what amounted to a 'sex sweepstake' - speculating over who would 'bed' the new starter first. Craigie, then in her early twenties, told the hearing she was 'sexualised and singled out' simply because of her gender, and accused bosses of encouraging 'locker room chat' and inappropriate behaviour at the company. She also claimed she was told to 'use sex to make sales' and to 'flirt and flaunt herself' with male customers. Despite a tribunal judge ruling that the behaviour amounted to sexual harassment, Craigie's claim was thrown out - because it was submitted too late. However, she was awarded 4,775 in unpaid holiday entitlement by her former employer. Molly Craigie had only just joined Anglian Home Improvements, a firm that describes itself as 'the UK's number one home improvement provider', when the disturbing office 'wager' was allegedly made East Anglia Home Improvements, a firm that describes itself as 'the UK's number one home improvement provider' Judge Rebecca Peer, sitting at the Watford Employment Tribunal, ruled that the alleged bet was indeed 'unwanted conduct of a sexual nature' and found it 'likely' the incident took place as described. In evidence, Craigie said that shortly after joining the firm in 2022, a co-worker told her that 'two of my colleagues had placed a wager between themselves as to who would sleep with me first'. She said she later learned that one of those involved in the alleged bet was a member of management. The tribunal also heard that Craigie was told she'd been hired because 'she would not intimidate elderly customers'. But the saleswoman, who was described as a self-employed contractor, said the incident 'stuck with me' and added: 'Colleagues sexualised me and singled me out, all down to my sex.' Craigie's job involved visiting potential customers who had shown interest in double glazing and other home improvement products, in an effort to close sales. She claimed that before her colleagues were aware she was in a 'long-term' and 'committed' relationship, the inappropriate wager had already taken place. Craigie, then in her early twenties, told the hearing she was 'sexualised and singled out' simply because of her gender However, Judge Peer noted there was no evidence that Craigie had 'directly confronted anyone about the wager or sought further information or even tried to ascertain whether the information given by [her colleague] was true.' Still, the judge accepted that such behaviour in the workplace constituted sexual harassment, saying: 'In principle, the making of a wager on those terms would amount to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.' Craigie's legal complaint was dismissed on a technicality because it had been lodged 'out of time' but the tribunal accepted parts of her evidence and ruled she was entitled to unpaid holiday pay. East Anglia Home Improvements was approached for comment. The Home Office will text foreign students warning they will be kicked out of the country when their visas run out in Labour's latest desperate attempt to tackle soaring asylum claims. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper launched the new campaign today in response to what she called an 'alarming' rise in the number of international students arriving legally on student visas then claiming asylum when they expire. The move is the latest in a string of announcements unveiled as part of Labour's asylum 'crackdown', following a wave of angry protests outside migrant hotels over the summer. Ms Cooper has also suspended a rule allowing refugees to bring their partners and children to the UK, while Sir Keir Starmer vowed to speed up the closure of taxpayer-funded hotels. Yet the policy blitz was overshadowed by Ms Cooper admitting last night that no Channel migrants have been returned to France yet under its much-vaunted 'one in, one out' deal. Ministers have said their text message campaign targeting foreign students is an attempt to cut the numbers making asylum claims once their visas run out. This can lead to them being kept in hotels for months or even years while their claims are processed. The full message sent to students will read: 'If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused. 'Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support. If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don't, we will remove you.' Yvette Cooper is seen making a statement on borders and asylum to MPs in the House of Commons The Home Office will text foreign students with a warning they will be kicked out of the country when their visas run out in a crack down on asylum claims (stock photo) Yesterday, MPs returned to Parliament after a summer which saw unrest over how ministers have handled the small boats crisis. The Government claimed in July that a handful of migrants would be sent back to France within weeks but it's now September and not a single person has been sent back. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Under Labour, a small boat to the UK is a one-way ticket to one of Keir Starmer's cushy hotels paid for by hard-pressed taxpayers. 'Labour has flung open the doors to the UK and this year they have let in the highest number of illegal immigrants across the Channel ever. This weak Government has lost control of our borders. 'They are too weak to do what's needed to fix this which is make sure that every single illegal immigrant is removed immediately upon arrival. Then, no one would bother crossing in the first place.' The one in, one out deal was announced by the Prime Minister and president Emmanuel Macron on July 10 at the end of the Anglo-French summit. Sir Keir said at the time that the 'ground-breaking' pilot project under which some migrants arriving in small boats would be detained and returned to France while the same number of genuine asylum-seekers would be allowed to come to the UK would begin 'in the coming weeks'. The Home Secretary also told MPs on July 14 that the expectation was that 'that pilot will be operationalised in the coming weeks'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It was announced on August 4 that the treaty had been ratified, then the Home Office revealed that 'detentions began for those who arrived in the UK on a small boat' on August 6, stating: 'The UK will make referrals to France within three days, and the French authorities will be expected to respond within 14 days.' But almost four weeks on, the cases are still being processed although sources insisted that those detained are still being held. Ms Cooper told the Commons yesterday: 'In August I signed the new treaty with France allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats. 'The first detentions took place the next day of people immediately on arrival at Dover. And we expect the first returns to begin later this month. 'Applications have also been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration, subject to the strict security checks.' But asked how many people would be returned over the coming year, amid reports that it could be fewer than 50 a week, she replied: 'We have set out that this is a pilot, and that we want to build and grow it. 'There is no cap on the overall numbers to go as part of the pilot, and we need to build it as we go.' She said that the National Crime Agency, Britain's equivalent of the FBI, had led a record '347 disruptions of immigration crime networks' in the past year. But Mr Philp said that 84 per cent were 'classified as not being high impact' and the NCA had only made 26 arrests for organisation of immigration crime. A protest outside the The Bell Hotel, in Epping, which has been a focus of discontent Protests have been taking place outside the hotel for weeks He also pointed out that she had failed to mention the numbers of people crossing the Channel. 'Far from smashing the gangs, so far this year, 29,000 to be precise, 29,003 illegal immigrants have crossed the English Channel. That is the worst year in history, and it is up by 38 per cent compared with last year.' The Government had highlighted the fact that the number of boats crossing the Channel in August was at 55, the lowest since 2019. But the number of migrants in the boats stood at 3,567 for the month, the lowest only since 2021. Despite announcing plans to suspend new applications to the refugee family reunion route and the PM telling the BBC he wanted to speed up the process of having asylum hotels 'emptied' Ms Cooper faced demands by Labour backbenchers to do more to tackle illegal migration. Jodie Gosling asked for better vetting of migrants being moved out of hotels 'to safeguard our residents' while veteran Labour MP Graham Stringer said that the measures Ms Cooper announced would not be 'as successful as she and I would wish them to be'. 'They don't really deal with the fact that many migrants are not coming from war-torn countries, they're coming from France, which is not persecuting them in any recognisable form,' he said. Amid growing calls from within Labour for the Government to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights, Ms Cooper admitted that there is a 'challenge' in the way the Article 8 right to a family life is being used in asylum cases and that 'the rules need to change'. A Labour source insisted: 'We already have people in detention to deport back to France in coming weeks. The Tories promised everyone would be returned to Rwanda their 700million gimmick was announced two years before they sent just four volunteers.' The Home Secretary's plans also faced attacks from the Left with Labour MP Kim Johnson accusing her of 'scapegoating refugees and asylum seekers'. Senator Fatima Payman has been slammed for delivering another bizarre 'brain rot' speech filled with Gen-Z slang to the Senate in a debate about the the government's push for social media age verification. The independent Senator for WA went viral last year when she appealed to the 'sigmas of Australia' in a speech laden with lingo allegedly used by Generations Z and Alpha online. And on Tuesday the Labor defector repeated the bizarre spectacle, with an incomprehensible attack on the Albanese administration. 'The goofy ahh government is still capping, but is anyone surprised? When a rizzless, auraless, unc Prime Minister is running the show, a chopped government is what follows,' Senator Payman said. In everyday English, the 30-year-old is accusing the government of lying and accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in particular of having no charisma, being out-of-touch and of running a shambolic administration. The speech continued in a similar vein, as she attempted to criticise the government's approach to AI regulation. 'Some newgens think that what I'm doing is clipfarming, but I'll keep ragebaiting until they crash out,' she added. 'So, sigmas, keep hopeposting, keep mewing and keep doing it your best, twin. Those who know. Oh, and...Six Seven!' Senator Fatima Payman has been slammed for delivering another bizarre 'brain rot' speech filled with Gen-Z slang to the Senate in a debate about the the government's push for social media age verification This roughly translates that older generations think what she is doing is attention-seeking, but it's really all about gaining traction and engaging with younger generations. On X, she captioned the video: 'We got Brainrot Speech 2 before GTA 6', referencing the release date of the wildly popular video game Grand Theft Auto next year. The caption was accompanied by a 'wilted rose emoji', which she also referenced in her speech after saying 'ICL TS PMO SM'. That translates as 'I can't lie, this s**t p***es me off so much'. Perhaps unsurprisingly her nonsensical address provoked fury online, with some suggesting her base salary of $239,270 is a waste of taxpayer's money. 'Jesus wept, how is this representing our national interests?', one online commentator said. 'Labor is responsible for this useless woman ranting nonsense on our dime.' One accused her of alienating the very people who elected her in the first place. On X, she captioned the video: 'We got Brainrot Speech 2 before GTA 6', referencing the release date of the wildly popular video game Grand Theft Auto next year. The caption was accompanied by a 'wilted rose emoji', which she also referenced in her speech after saying 'ICL TS PMO SM'. That translates as 'I can't lie, this s**t p***es me off so much' 'If you are speaking to your constituents, or on behalf of your constituents, try speaking in a manner all can understand, otherwise you are not representing your constituents, you are but representing yourself and your own pious self gratification,' they said. Another asked: 'Will you be offering a translation for the people who elected you? Stop wasting senate time.' Activist Drew Pavlou said: 'Australia is sliding towards Years of Lead civil conflict while this idiot mocks our Parliament.' Another added: 'Gen Z wants solutions, not to be spoken down to.' The Labor government is seeking to strengthen online safety laws to restrict access to deepfake apps which can create non-consensual sexual material. Senator Payman, who left Labor over its previous stance on Gaza last year, has regularly clashed with the Prime Minister. Last week, she accused him of being a 'political bully' who is acting like Donald Trump by denying her members of staff. The Prime Minister has refused to give WA Senator Payman the normal crossbench allocation of personal staff after she crossed the floor and quit the Labor party last year. Senator Payman, who left Labor over its previous stance on Gaza last year, has regularly clashed with the Prime Minister The independent senator unleashed on Albanese in the Senate on Thursday morning, accusing him of 'coercive control', 'political retribution' and denying her the ability to hold the government to account. 'I've faced down online trolls, Islamophobes, racists and neo-Nazis, but I will not be bullied in my workplace,' Senator Payman fumed. 'Acting Deputy President, if the Prime Minister were here in this chamber, I would ask him: is this leadership? Or is this a page torn from the Trump playbook? 'Because what we're witnessing is an abuse of executive power. Denying senators the means to scrutinize legislation isn't just unfair, he's in breach of the spirit of our Constitution, undermining the very purpose of the Senate as a house of review. 'Does he understand how this looks, petty, authoritarian? A political bully trying to coerce and control. 'I am a young Australian Muslim woman of color. I've been bullied out of Afghanistan. I will not be bullied by this man.' She also took aim at the allocation of political staffers, claiming Albanese awarded his party more after the election win, but denied minor parties the same courtesy. For example, he did not award the Greens more staff when they won more seats three years ago and he cut staff to the Coalition when they lost seats. Indeed, Albanese has achieved a rare feat in uniting usually implacably opposed politicians on this issue. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson, who has been branded a 'racist' by Senator Payman in the past, even expressed sympathy for the WA Senator. 'I have my differences with a couple of the other crossbench senators here. But the fact is that we've been treated unfairly and I believe that senator Payman is being treated unfairly too,' Senator Hanson told the Senate. 'She has not been given any personal staffing allocation at all. That clearly shows that he's (Albanese) never got over the fact she's walked away, turned her back on the Labor party with good reason.' A landslide has wiped out a village in Sudan's western region of Darfur, killing an estimated 1,000 people in one of the deadliest natural disasters in the African country's recent history. The tragedy happened on Sunday in the village of Tarasin in Central Darfur's Marrah Mountains after days of heavy rainfall in late August, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army said in a statement. 'Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived,' the rebel group's statement said. The village was 'completely levelled to the ground', the group said, appealing to the UN and international aid groups for help to recover the bodies. Footage shared by the Marrah Mountains news outlet showed a flattened area between mountain ranges with a group of people searching the area. The tragedy came as a devastating civil war has engulfed Sudan after tensions between the country's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. Most of the Darfur region, including the Marrah Mountains, has become mostly inaccessible for the UN and aid groups given crippling restrictions and fighting between Sudan's military and the RSF. The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, centred in the Marrah Mountains area, is one of multiple rebel groups active in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. It has not taken sides in the war. The tragedy happened on Sunday in the village of Tarasin in Central Darfur's Marrah Mountains after days of heavy rainfall in late August The landslide killed an estimated 1,000 people in the village in one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan's recent history Your browser does not support iframes. The Marrah Mountains are a rugged volcanic chain extending for 100 miles south west of el-Fasher, an epicentre of fighting between the military and the RSF. The area has turned into a hub for displaced families fleeing fighting in and around el-Fasher. The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, forced more than 14 millions to flee their homes and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine swept parts of the country. It has been marked by gross atrocities including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the UN and rights groups. The International Criminal Court said it was investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The village of Tarasin is located in the central Marrah Mountains, a volcanic area with a height of more than 3,000 metres at its summit. A world heritage site, the mountain chain is known for its lower temperature and higher rainfall than surrounding areas. It is located more than 560 miles west of Khartoum. Sunday's landslide was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan's recent history. Hundreds of people die every year in seasonal rains that run from July to October. This is a developing story. More to follow. The Royal Navy has carried out its first ship-to-ship delivery of supplies using an aerial drone, in an historic first for Britain's Senior Service. The space-aged Malloy T-150 octo-copter flew from flagship HMS Prince of Wales to destroyer HMS Dauntless during the navy's major deployment to the Indo-Pacific. The robot, built by Maidenhead-based Malloy Aeronautics, lifted off and flew autonomously for a mile before touching down on the 1billion Type 45 destroyer. Military top brass have set their sights on expanding the use of unmanned drones, which are able to carry critical supplies like spare parts between warships. It's hoped the rollout of the hi-tech kit will help to slash costs and reduce the reliance upon helicopters to carry out the same tasks. It comes as the navy continues a drive to revolutionise its two 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth-class supercarriers, equipping them with 'hybrid airwings', capable of flying F-35 stealth jets, helicopters and advanced drones. The new T-150 octo-copter is capable of soaring through the sky at 60mph and can carry loads of around 65kg. However, defence specialists are working on drones which can shift up to 200kg. Lieutenant Matt Parfitt, who carried out the operation, said: 'This is a key milestone for the trial, achieved by all the hard work that everyone has put in. I'm proud to have achieved this first for the Royal Navy and excited to progress further over the duration of the deployment.' The Royal Navy has carried out its first ship-to-ship delivery of supplies using an aerial drone, in an historic first for Britain's Senior Service The space-aged Malloy T-150 octo-copter flew from flagship HMS Prince of Wales to destroyer HMS Dauntless during the navy's major deployment to the Indo-Pacific. The drone is seen flying from the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales, soaring above some of the warship's embarked airwing of helicopters and F-35 stealth jets Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group, UK Carrier Strike Group, said: 'This milestone in the Malloy trials is a step toward the vision of a fully integrated hybrid carrier air wing. 'By taking some of the logistics burden, Malloy will allow our naval helicopters to concentrate on their core outputs, while delivering, rapid, more efficient resupply across the whole Strike Group. 'The really exciting bit is that we then plan to incorporate these lessons to be able to use UAVs for many other roles, including options for warfighting.' The drones currently deployed on Operation Highmast the name of the UK Carrier Strike Group's eight-month mission to the Far East have carried out nearly 150 deck landings and flown more than 20 hours of sorties. In the latest phase, as HMS Prince of Wales and her escort warships made for port visits in Japan, the Malloy drone an eight-bladed system operated by a crew of two was launched as part of a trial by 700X Naval Air Squadron. The crew of the T-150 let the drone fly by itself for more than a mile before then taking the control to land it on HMS Dauntless. Luke Pollard, Armed Forces minister, celebrated the mission and said: 'The Royal Navy is leading the way in shaping the future of Hybrid Air Wings, with the impressive progress showcased during Carrier Strike Group 25. Military top brass hope to expand the use of drones like the T-150 to cut costs of delivering supplies ship-to-ship by the air, which is traditionally carried out by helicopters Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is pictured departing Tokyo on Tuesday, September 2 The ship was given a warm send off from locals in Tokyo, who came out waving the Union flag The British aircraft carrier is purpose-built to fly the new F-35 stealth jet (pictured on HMS Prince of Wales's flight deck in Tokyo) 'Embracing autonomy is pivotal to the way we will operate in the future, and this achievement stands as a powerful example of our armed forces working seamlessly alongside British industry to deliver cutting-edge innovation and capability at sea.' HMS Prince of Wales set sail from Tokyo, Japan earlier today, following operations in the Mediterranean, Middle East, India and Australia since deploying in April. During its time at sea, the carrier force has carried out a series of wargames with the Japanese Self Defence Force, Australian military and the US Navy. The British-led taskforce is expected to return to the UK in December. A cake shop boss has been allowed to stay in the UK while wanted over a murder case in his home country. Carlos Kassimo Dos Santos, 33, was given in his absence a 14-year prison sentence in Portugal nine years ago, in connection with an alleged gang killing. Portuguese authorities had tried to extradite him to serve his term there, but London's High Court reportedly upheld a district judge's ruling to let him stay here. Mr Santos, who denied involvement in the 2010 murder, could not be guaranteed a retrial and it was not proved he fled justice, a ruling found. Mr Santos now co-owns a cafe called Kings And Queens Desserts, in Leeds. It was opened three years ago and recently won a 'Best Dessert Shop' award. He was 18 when alleged to have been involved with a group involved in the killing of a gang rival near the Portuguese capital Lisbon. Mr Santos is also reported to have served two years in his country's military before following his father in moving to Britain. Carlos Kassimo Dos Santos, 33, was given in his absence a 14-year prison sentence in Portugal nine years ago, in connection with an alleged gang killing Mr Santos now co-owns a cafe called Kings And Queens Desserts, in Leeds It was opened three years ago and recently won a 'Best Dessert Shop' award Reports have suggested he was unaware of the jail sentence imposed and did not know he should alert officials about his change of address when coming to the UK. The Sun reported he refused to comment when approached. The Daily Mail has contacted his business for comment. The Home Office said they were looking into the case. Inmates at Britain's toughest prisons are to be 'reassured' about the use of Tasers over fears they might be 'triggered' by the weapons. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has authorised a new trial of Tasers following a spate of vicious assaults, including knife and boiling water attacks in prisons. Guidance has been issued to officers at HMP Belmarsh, which is home to Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi and Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. It instructs staff to explain the rollout of the devices and 'provide reassurance' to convicts unsettled by the scheme. They must tell them who will be carrying the devices and how they will be deployed. It then goes on to say: 'Some prisoners may find this trial unsettling, especially those who have had experience of police use of Tasers in the community. 'Please use the materials provided to help you talk to prisoners about this trial, answer their questions and provide reassurance.' Under the trial, elite response teams and front-line staff in maximum-security prisons are being issued with Tasers and upgraded protective kit, including stab vests, helmets and reinforced gloves. Guidance issued to officers at HMP Belmarsh in south-east London instructs staff to explain the rollout of the devices and 'provide reassurance' to convicts unsettled by the scheme It starts off with explaining the rollout of Tasers, who will be carrying the devices and how they will be deployed HMP Belmarsh in south-east London is home to Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi and Southport killer Axel Rudakubana The devices fire barbed darts that deliver an incapacitating electric shock. Language used in the internal document is intended to reassure well-behaved prisoners that the introduction of the Tasers will not impact them and are just being used to deal with serious violence. They will be issued to a specialist national unit which responds to complex and serious incidents, which local staff are not trained for, such as barricades and those involving many inmates. After the trial, the Government will look at whether Tasers should be used more widely across the prison estate. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'We will never apologise for doing what is needed to protect our hard-working staff and tackle violence in prisons. 'That is why we're equipping frontline officers with the tools they need to do their job.' It comes after a watchdog chief warned prisons are grappling with 'uncontrollable levels of criminality' due to the surge of drugs being brought in via drones. Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said inmates were able to order from a 'menu' of illicit substances while sitting in their cells for 22 hours a day 'high and watching daytime TV'. He described packages containing up to 10kg of drugs being dropped into prisons by drones alongside 'frightening' blades, including a zombie knife. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has authorised a new trial equipping specialist frontline staff in high-security jails with Tasers Southport killer Axel Rudakubanu threw scorching water over a prison guard, in a horrifying pre-planned attack from a landing Rudakubana has been caged on the same secure unit as Manchester Arena terrorist, Hashem Abedi, pictured Mr Taylor previously warned that drones dropping drugs at high-security jails HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin was a 'threat to national security', and he repeated calls for the threat to be taken seriously 'at the highest levels of Government'. In May, triple murderer Axel Rudakubana, serving 52 years for the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancome, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at HMP Belmarsh, threw scorching water over a prison guard in a horrifying pre-planned attack from a landing. Other guards heard their colleague's screams and restrained Rudakubana following the attack. It was feared the killer had added sugar to the scalding water in a bid to cause more severe injuries. However, it is understood that the prison officer was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and was discharged later that day. In May, the Daily Mail revealed a prison officer was taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' after being stabbed at a jail holding some of Britain's most dangerous offenders. The male warden was assaulted this morning at HMP Long Lartin, where current inmates include Thomas Cashman, murderer of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, and Joanna Yeates' killer Vincent Tabak. A source with knowledge of the prison said the attacker used a flick-knife brought in by a drone, adding that the technology was a 'real issue' at the prison and warned an officer 'would be killed' if the problem was not resolved. 'This happened this morning - a flick-knife got in and a prisoner stabbed an officer,' the source said. 'The governor isn't stopping the drones coming in - they are dropping items to prisoners in their cells. 'Something needs doing because this kind of thing is always happening. A prison officer is going to be killed soon.' Angela Rayner made her first public appearance today in the heart of Downing Street amid a furious row about her tax affairs. The Deputy PM rocked up to the first Cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term in a pair of eye-catching sunglasses paired with green flares and a cream double-breasted jacket. And she was given a warm welcome by colleagues including Foreign Secretary David Lammy as she made her way into No10. It came as tax experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a 40,000 stamp duty discount she received when she bought a lavish seaside home. Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, paid 30,000 instead of the full 70,000 rate levied on second homes when she purchased an 800,000 flat in Hove this summer. She told authorities it was her only property, having forfeited her interest in her 650,000 constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne two months previously. The Mail On Sunday revealed at the weekend she split the ownership with a trust administered by law firm Shoosmiths. The legal manoeuvre could be consistent with Ms Rayner placing some of the house's equity in trust for her three children. But tax experts today suggested that given two of her three children are still aged under 18, depending how the trust was set up, she could still be deemed to have an interest in it, which would make her ineligible for the discount on her flat. The Deputy PM rocked up to the first Cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term in shades, as tax experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a 40,000 stamp duty discount she received when she bought a lavish seaside home She was given a warm welcome by colleagues including Foreign Secretary David Lammy as she made her way into No10 Your browser does not support iframes. One expert told the Times: 'When you have a minor child that's treated as owning an interest in land, and that's usually where a trust isn't discretionary in nature, but they have an interest to live in it during their life - usually called an interest in possession - then in those sorts of circumstances it's the parents that are treated as still owning an interest in the property. 'Were this to be the case, Rayner would be required to pay the higher rate of stamp duty as the home in Ashton would still be attributed to her.' There is no suggestion that Ms Rayner has broken the law and she has denied any wrongdoing. Conservative MPs question whether the move was intended to avoid potential inheritance tax liabilities. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said the Deputy PM should 'come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax'. Ms Rayner is facing fresh allegations that while she said the Sussex flat was her main home, she told the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was her former family home in Greater Manchester. When Parliament is sitting, Ms Rayner is thought to live mainly in a third property a lavish grace-and-favour apartment in central London, funded by the taxpayer. Yesterday Keir Starmer came to the aid of his embattled deputy as No10 insisted she wanted to reveal more about her property deals but was constrained by a court order. Sir Keir told the BBC the former teen mum is a 'great story of British success'. 'Angela came from a very humble background, battled all sorts of challenges along the way, and there she is proudly and I'm proud of her as our Deputy Prime Minister', he told Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live. The Prime Minister's spokesman said Ms Rayner is 'urgently' working on a way to give more details about her ownership of two homes 'in the interests of public transparency'. The nature of the court order is not known. A spokesman for Ms Rayner has said she had not broken any rules and had paid all relevant taxes. The Deputy Prime Minister paid 30,000 instead of the full 70,000 rate levied on second homes when she purchased an 800,000 flat in Hove this summer She had forfeited her interest in her 650,000 constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne two months previously, with The Mail On Sunday revealing she split the ownership with a trust administered by law firm Shoosmiths Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake (pictured) said the Deputy PM should 'come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax' She is said to have relinquished her stake in the Ashton-under-Lyne home before buying the Hove flat as part of the process of divorcing her former husband Mark Rayner. Friends say this means she would not have been liable for the punitive rate of stamp duty on second homes. Ms Rayner is also facing fresh questions after registering to vote in person in Hove despite electoral records showing she is already registered for postal votes in Westminster and her constituency. But No10 said it was 'quite common to be registered to vote in multiple places'. The daughter of a fugitive Nazi who took a painting stolen from a Jewish art dealer has been put under house arrest by police in Argentina. Friedrich Kadgien, a key aide to monstrous Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering, fled to the country after the Second World War and died there in 1978. Last month, a painting known to have been among the collection taken from Jacques Goudstikker went missing from the home of Kadgien's daughter Patricia in the city of Mar del Plata, near Buenos Aires. Ms Kadgien's home was raided by police after the work was spotted in photos on a real estate listing, but when officers arrived it had been replaced with a tapestry depicting horses. Now, according to local media, Ms Kadgien and her husband have been put under house arrest for 72 hours and at least three raids on other properties owned by the family were carried out yesterday. Ms Kadgien and her husband have been accused of concealing a crime, La Nacion reported. But the couple have put forward a claim to the provincial court that they own the painting, which was produced by Italian painter Fra Galgario in the 18th century. They reportedly argued this was due to the time that has elapsed since the work was taken, and the Argentine statute of limitations on any claim by its original owner or his heirs. The daughter of a fugitive Nazi who took a painting stolen from a Jewish art dealer has been put under house arrest by police in Argentina. Above: Portrait of a Lady on display in the home of Patricia Kadgien in an image that featured in a real estate listing. The property in Mar del Plata was raided by police Friedrich Kadgien, a key aide to monstrous Luftwaffe chief Hermann Goering, fled to the country after the Second World War and died there in 1978. Above: Kadgien in Brail 1954 with Antoinette Imfeld, the wife of Swiss lawyer Ernst Imfeld. The lawyer helped Kadgien flee from Switzerland to South America Goudstikker's daughter-in-law and only surviving heir, 81-year-old Marei von Saher, is pushing to have the painting returned to her family. Ms Kadgien and her husband have proposed that Portrait of a Lady be placed in the custody of the Argentine courts until the issue of who legally owns it is determined. Their house arrest was reportedly requested by prosecutor Carlos Martinez and signed by federal judge Santiago Inchausti. The same judge approved the three further raids that took place on other properties owned by Ms Kadgien and her family. There would be no time limits on possible charges due to the connection to the worst genocide in human history. Friedrich Kadgien, who was described as a 'snake of the lowest sort' by American interrogators, funded the Third Reich's war effort through the theft of art and diamonds from Jewish dealers in the Netherlands. Kadgien (left) once served as a financial advisor to top Nazi Herman Goering (right) When police arrived, they found that the work was missing. On the wall instead was a tapestry depicting horses. Above: Investigators searching the home Investigators seized much from the home, but not the prized artwork they went in looking for A member of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) stands outside the house that was raided after a photo showing a 17th century masterwork allegedly stolen by the Nazis from a Dutch Jewish art collector appeared in an advertisement for the sale of the property, in Parque Luro neighbourhood, Mar del Plata He fled to Switzerland in 1945 and then moved to Brazil and Argentina, where he became a successful businessman. He was one of thousands of Nazis who found refuge in South America - in particular under the regime of Juan Peron in Argentina - after the war. Among the most notorious were war criminals Adolf Eichmann - the chief architect of the Holocaust - and Auschwitz death camp doctor Josef Mengele. Among Kadgien's financial schemes was allegedly the sale of weapons to the Brazilian military junta. Although officers did not find Portrait of a Lady in their search last week, they did seize mobile phones and two unregistered firearms as well as drawings, engravings and documents from the 1940s that could advance the investigation. Jacques Goudstikker died in 1940 aged just 42 after falling into the hold of a ship and breaking his neck while fleeing the Nazis for England, where he was buried. Jacques Goudstikker (pictured) was a successful art dealer in Amsterdam who helped his fellow Jews flee the Nazis before he died at sea while trying to escape to Britain aboard a cargo ship A war-era photo showing a German officer examining paintings of the Goudstikker collection Portrait of a Lady is among at least 800 pieces owned by Goudstikker that were seized or bought under duress by the Nazis. Investigators recovered more than 200 of the pieces in the early 2000s, but many - like Portrait of a Lady - remained missing and are included on the international and Dutch lists of lost art looted by the Nazis. Before his own unsuccessful escape from Europe, Goudstikker helped fellow Jews flee the Nazis. Details of Goudstikker's art collection were kept in a little black book which he took with him on his fateful journey to Britain in May 1940, as the Netherlands fell under Nazi occupation. The booklet was eventually discovered by his wife, Desi, and their only son, Edo, who made it safely to the United States. Ms von Saher told Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad last week: 'My search for the artworks owned by my father-in-law Jacques Goudstikker started at the end of the 90s, and I won't give up. 'My family aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques's collection and restore his legacy.' Ms Kadgien's home was marketed for sale on the website of estate agent Robles Casas & Campos. A Dutch journalist investigating the disappearance of Portrait of a Lady spotted the work in one of the images. The property listing has now been removed. Another looted artwork - by 17th century Dutch painter Abraham Mignon - was reportedly spotted in a photo that featured on the Facebook page of one of Kadgien's daughters. Keir Starmer is unable to switch to an electric version of the armoured Range Rover - because it does not offer 'adequate bomb protection'. The Prime Minister must now stick to a petrol version of the vehicle for the foreseeable future as 'required safety levels' cannot otherwise be reached. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) - Britain's largest carmaker - has admitted electric modes of transport do not provide the level of 'blast protection' that might be hoped. The issue was addressed in written responses to a government consultation on EV (electric vehicle) sales rules. Documents obtained via FOI by the Fast Charge newsletter showed JLR had lobbied the UK government to soften targets that required them to sell more EVs each year. The company stated armoured cars ought to be excluded from the targets, known as the zero emission vehicle mandate, because it 'does not see any workable engineering solution to the challenged surrounding an armoured BEV [Battery EV], primarily because the required safety levels and blast protection cannot be achieved'. Armoured vehicles are a small but profitable part of carmakers' business. Normally, the transport will have bulletproof glass, armour plating, and 'bomb blankets' under the floor. This can add hundreds of kilograms of weight. Keir Starmer has been banned from driving around in his armoured electric Range Rover - because it does not offer 'adequate bomb protection' Vehicles are manufactured in Solihull, West Midlands, and then converted by JLR's special vehicle operations department. Pictured: Dealership sign of Jaguar Land Rover Keir Starmer and Rachel reeves visited the Jaguar Land Rover automobile manufacturing plant in Solihull earlier this year Electric vehicles are likely to include more added weight from battery cells, range issues and time needed to recharge. The recent admission on EV vehicles means Keir Starmer will no longer be able to journey in his armoured Range Rover Sentinels. Despite JLR's assessment, German rival BMW has insisted its electric i7 Protection saloon offers 'special armouring' in the floor and ceiling to shield against explosives on the ground and those carried by drones. The UK government is the main customer in Britain for its armoured vehicles, JLR has said. Vehicles are manufactured in Solihull, West Midlands, and then converted by JLR's special vehicle operations department. It is understood Mr Starmer's fleet of vehicles have five-litre V8 engines designed to allow heavy cars to speed off if threatened. The prime ministerial fleet also includes non-electric, German-made armoured Audi A8 saloon cars, replacing the Jaguar XJ after the model was discontinued. JLR was contacted for comment. An asylum seeker has begged to be sent back to his native Somalia because it is 'not safe' for him to remain in a Midlands town. Nuneaton, in Warwickshire, has become a hotbed of tension after a wave of anti-migrant protests sparked by reports two Afghan asylum seekers had been arrested for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. There were just a handful of asylum seekers in the town a few years ago, but their numbers have now grown to 247. This has led to tension, with disturbing footage emerging this week of a local businessman being racially abused as he gave a TV interview. Nuneaton does not have migrant hotels and all the asylum seekers there live in HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy), but this itself has prompted fury from locals struggling with a housing crisis. Labour has sought to respond to public anger about Britain's failing immigration system by announcing an asylum 'crackdown' as parliament reopened after the summer recess. Yvette Cooper has suspended the ability of refugees to bring their partners and children to the UK, while Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to speed up the closure of taxpayer-funded hotels. Yet the policy blitz was overshadowed by the Home Secretary admitting last night that no Channel migrants have been returned to France yet under its much-vaunted 'one in, one out' deal. The Government claimed in July that a handful of migrants would be sent back to France within weeks but it's now September and not a single person has been sent back. Asylum seeker Yusuf has lived in the UK for two decades, but recently had his right to work stripped following a 'serious' assault. He said he's been begging the Home Office to deport him Nuneaton has seen regular anti-migrant protests following the arrests of two men said to be Afghan asylum seekers Anti-migration activists holding a banner reading 'remigration now' outside Warwickshire Justice Centre Yvette Cooper has sought to respond to public anger about Britain's failing immigration system by announcing an asylum 'crackdown' Yusuf came to the UK from Somalia to claim asylum two decades ago, but recently had his right to work stripped following a 'serious' assault. The 50-year-old said he's been begging the Home Office to deport him for the last five months. 'This country is not safe, but my country [Somalia] is now safe - I want to go back,' he told Sky News. Nuneaton vs Somalia: TALE OF THE TAPE Name: Nuneaton Founded: 12th century Population: 88,813 (2021): 87.3 per cent white, 8.4 per cent Asian, 1.8 per cent Black. Tallest point: Mount Judd ('The Nuneaton Nipple'): 490ft tall hill made of quarry waste, closed to the public. National homicide rate: 9.5 per million people in the year to March 2024. Biggest threats: common law assault, shoplifting, harassment. Top tourist attraction: Grant WW2 Museum, a free-to-visit private collection of wartime items. TripAdvisor review (five stars): 'It's not possible to praise sufficiently.' FCDO travel advice: None. The local tourist board describes it as having 'something to offer for everyone'. Name: Mogadishu, Somalia's capital Founded: 10th century Population: Two million (estimates vary): predominantly Somali with lesser numbers of Arabs, Bantus, and others. Tallest point: Dahab Tower: 320ft tall skyscraper under construction, completion date and rooftop access to be confirmed. National homicide rate: 40-50 per million - though accurate data is hard to come by. Biggest threats: Rocket and IED attacks by fundamental Islamist group al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia, kidnapping, armed robbery. Top tourist attraction: Shingaani Old City Ruins, a warlord-controlled relic of Italian colonialism. TripAdvisor review (five stars): 'I took the machine gunner as security.' FCDO travel advice: Do not travel due to high risk of 'ongoing, serious violence between opposing factions'. Advertisement Somalia remains in the grip of a vicious civil war that has been going on since 1991, yet Yusuf was adamant he will be safer there than in Nuneaton. Home Office figures show Nuneaton has 19 asylum seekers per 10,000 residents - putting it at 87th in the country in terms of the number per capita. While many residents are reluctant to share their views for fear of being labelled racist, some came forward to explain their frustrations. Alan, 77, said: 'It's the ones that are trying to get here illegally I don't like. 'I'm not too happy about that, because we've got young, 20-year-olds getting married that are struggling to get on the property ladder.' The leader of Warwickshire County Council, George Finch, is Reform's youngest councillor and has spoken out to defend local protesters against accusations of racism. He said it was wrong to put asylum seekers in houses and they should be kept in disused army bases instead. The tense situation in Nuneaton was illustrated by a recent TV interview with local business owner Zahin. The 32-year-old had only just started to speak when he was interrupted by two women walking along the street with a group of children. The woman with the beer moved in front of the camera while shouting a string of racially charged obscenities. A second woman then began a rant about religion, before adding: 'That's the issue we're having with youse [sic] in our country, you're raping our kids.' The first woman shouted the racist phrase 'dirty monkeys' followed by 'save our kids'. A shocked Zahin, who moved to the UK from Malawi aged six, could be heard asking the woman: 'What you teaching them kids?' Following the confrontation, Zahin said he 'loves' Nuneaton, but thought he was being targeted because people assumed he was Muslim. 'For them to accuse us of a crime, that's unfair, that is unjust,' he said. Nuneaton has seen a number of anti-immigration protests in recent weeks. Asked about how he feels about the demonstrations, Zahin said he supported people's right to protest in general. 'We have a right to protest for whatever cause we want to: that's the beauty of living in England,' he said. The tense situation in Nuneaton was illustrated by a recent TV interview with local business owner Zahin, 32, who was interrupted by a woman holding a glass of beer The woman, whose face was obscured by Sky News, moved in front of the camera while shouting a string of obscenities directed towards Zahin Your browser does not support iframes. The leader of Warwickshire County Council, George Finch, is Reform's youngest councillor and has spoken out to defend local protesters against accusations of racism Speaking about the fault lines running through Nuneaton, Zahin said there was a need to build community and open dialogue. 'Right now, I don't think we're a part of a community, it's more like sides,' he added. 'But there has to be a solution. And I think that solution comes through dialogue, not ranting off, swearing at each other. I mean, we are in 2025 now.' Labour's latest asylum crackdown has been criticised by the Conservatives as insufficient. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Under Labour, a small boat to the UK is a one-way ticket to one of Keir Starmer's cushy hotels paid for by hard-pressed taxpayers. 'Labour has flung open the doors to the UK and this year they have let in the highest number of illegal immigrants across the Channel ever. This weak Government has lost control of our borders. 'They are too weak to do what's needed to fix this which is to make sure that every single illegal immigrant is removed immediately upon arrival. Then, no one would bother crossing in the first place.' A police officer speaks to a protester at an anti-immigration rally in Nuneaton on August 9 Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The 'one in, one out deal' was announced by the Prime Minister and President Emmanuel Macron on July 10 at the end of the Anglo-French summit. Sir Keir said at the time that the 'ground-breaking' pilot project under which some migrants arriving in small boats would be detained and returned to France while the same number of genuine asylum-seekers would be allowed to come to the UK would begin 'in the coming weeks'. The Home Secretary also told MPs on July 14 that the expectation was that 'that pilot will be operationalised in the coming weeks'. It was announced on August 4 that the treaty had been ratified, and then the Home Office revealed that 'detentions began for those who arrived in the UK on a small boat' on August 6, stating: 'The UK will make referrals to France within three days, and the French authorities will be expected to respond within 14 days.' But almost four weeks on, the cases are still being processed, although sources insisted that those detained are still being held. Ms Cooper told the Commons yesterday: 'In August I signed the new treaty with France allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats. 'The first detentions took place the next day of people immediately on arrival at Dover. And we expect the first returns to begin later this month. 'Applications have also been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration, subject to strict security checks.' But asked how many people would be returned over the coming year, amid reports that it could be fewer than 50 a week, she replied: 'We have set out that this is a pilot, and that we want to build and grow it. Migrants in lifejackets wave to a dinghy leaving Gravelines in northern France last month 'There is no cap on the overall numbers to go as part of the pilot, and we need to build it as we go.' She said that the National Crime Agency, Britain's equivalent of the FBI, had led a record '347 disruptions of immigration crime networks' in the past year. But Mr Philp said that 84 per cent were 'classified as not being high impact' and the NCA had only made 26 arrests for organisation of immigration crime. Warwickshire Police have been contacted for comment. A Home Office spokesman said: 'This government inherited an asylum system in chaos, with tens of thousands of asylum seekers stuck in taxpayer-funded hotels waiting for their claims to be processed. 'At their peak, less than two years ago, there were 400 asylum hotels in use at a cost of almost 9m a day. We have taken urgent action to fix the system - more than doubling asylum decisions and cutting the backlog by 41 per cent. 'The cost of asylum hotels was reduced by almost a billion pounds in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, and we have put in place the major reforms which will allow us to end the use of asylum hotels entirely by the end of this Parliament. 'In our first year in government, we also ensured the removal of 35,000 people with no right to be in the UK, including almost 5,200 foreign national offenders, a 14 per cent increase on the same period twelve months earlier.' Sadiq Khan today demanded the axing of Britain's biggest arms fair because it offends asylum seekers and is 'inappropriate' during Israel's Gaza campaign. The London mayor hit out at the DSEI event being held from September 9-12, insisting the capital should not be used as a 'marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons'. He argued that the city is 'home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event'. The intervention was dismissed by defence industry insiders, who stressed they were helping protect people who are under 'ceaseless attack from our enemies'. The UK Government has already caused a backlash by barring Israeli officials from the event over growing concern about the war in Gaza. A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said today: 'The Mayor is completely opposed to this event taking place in London and is appalled that the capital is being used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons. Sadiq Khan today demanded the axing of Britain's biggest arms fair because it offends asylum seekers and is 'inappropriate' during Israel 's Gaza campaign The London mayor hit out at the DSEI event being held from September 9-12, insisting the capital should not be used as a 'marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons' (file p[icture) 'The Mayor has previously written to both the organisers and ExCel to remind them that London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event and continues to urge them to reconsider hosting the fair in London in the future.' The spokesman added that the event was 'inappropriate given Israel's ongoing military operation in Gaza'. A defence industry insider told the Daily Mail: 'It's just another boring Sadiq intervention on major national issues while he refuses to address concerns in London. 'While knife crime in London has risen by 54 per cent since he's taken office, he's decided to focus on the people who are working day-in day-out... ensuring the lives of Ukrainians and other allies who are under ceaseless attack from our enemies are protected from meaningless violence.' Defence analyst Francis Tusa told ITV News: 'It's two years after the last show, he said pretty much the same thing last time. 'So it's a stuck record, a bit of student politicking. Not very serious. 'I think he's showing his naivety. 'If he talks about refugees and wars he should go and speak to some of the Ukrainian refugees who are in London and ask them whether we should be spending more on defence equipment, especially to provide to Ukraine. 'I think he will get a very robust answer.' The decision to bar Israeli officials from DSEI, announced last week, does not cover representatives of Israeli defence contractors, who will be allowed to attend. 'The Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong,' the UK Government said in a statement. 'As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.' In July Keir Starmer announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees 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 (file picture) Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza. Israel's Ministry of Defense 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. Migrants found dead near the Canary Islands are believed to have been murdered and thrown overboard after the overcrowded boat broke down at sea. Between 20 and 30 migrants now in refugee centres in the Canaries are being investigated on suspicion of carrying out the high sea 'executions' after accusing victims of stealing water and of practicing witchcraft as supplies on board dwindled, Spanish news outlet OkDiario reports. Spanish police are investigating the deaths of almost 70 passengers and were also reportedly 'close to making the first arrests' over the incidents that took place on the vessel while it was adrift in the Atlantic Ocean for more than a week before being rescued by Spanish coastguards after it suffered engine problems. Survivors are said to have told investigators several migrants also died of thirst and hunger and others threw themselves overboard after suffering delirium caused by dehydration. It was not clear this morning if any women or children are among the alleged victims. Spanish coastguards rescued 251 people on board the stricken boat some 265 miles from the Canaries, following an August 24 alert from a passing merchant vessel. Survivors are understood to have told officials after they were brought ashore at Arguineguin on Gran Canaria's southern coast on August 25 that around 320 people started the journey before they ran into problems at sea. A spokesperson for the National Police said: 'Today, Tuesday, September 2, several people linked to these events have been arrested. The detainees will give a police statement and, in the coming days, they will be placed at the disposal of the competent Judicial Authority. At least 70 migrants found dead off the coast of the Canary Islands are believed to have been murdered and thrown overboard. File photo: A Spanish Coast Guard vessel tows a fibreglass boat with migrants onboard to the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, January 29, 2025 In 2024, Spain received a record number of migrants who crossed illegally via sea, with more than 61,000 people having arrived on boat. File photo: Migrants disembark from a Spanish coast guard vessel at the port of Arguineguin, on the island of Gran Canaria. Spain, August 24, 2025 'The National Police continues with the necessary steps to clarify the circumstances of the event and, once verified information is available, it will be officially communicated to the media.' In June Spanish police confirmed they had launched an investigation after the bodies of five migrants were found in the sea off the Balearic Islands with their hands and feet bound. Initial speculation centred on the possibility they could have been murdered and thrown overboard. The families of the men who died, all Somalians, later revealed they were shackled in a death ritual after they perished from starvation as they tried to reach Europe. They had been on a boat that was rescued on May 8 by Spanish coastguards 62 miles from Alicante, with 16 male survivors suffering dehydration and other health problems and a dead man on board. The vessel had left Algeria a fortnight earlier before it was left adrift following engine problems. During their trip they ended up having to eat just one date a day and drink their own urine, with the men whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean said to have fatally opted to drink sea water to try to survive. Red Cross chiefs said after their rescue: 'One of the people rescued had eaten toothpaste because it was the only thing he had. 'He didn't want to let go of the tube when he reached dry land.' In 2024, Spain received a record number of migrants who crossed illegally via sea, with more than 61,000 people having arrived on boat. In a recently-published report, an organisation called Caminando Fronteras said it had recorded the deaths of nearly 2,000 migrants trying to reach Spain by sea from Africa in the first five months of this year. Fifty-two of those had been making the Strait of Gibraltar crossing, the group said as it revealed the deadliest route was the one from Western Africa to the Canary Islands. Of the 1,865 people recorded as dead or missing, it said 112 were women and 342 children. Caminando Fronteras also revealed 38 boats had disappeared with all people on board between the start of January and end of May 2025. Queen Elizabeth II was 'lukewarm' to the idea of princesses one day taking the throne, a bombshell new book has claimed. The late monarch was reportedly not overly enthusiastic about potential changes to Britain's ancient primogeniture law. The custom oversees how an estate can be divided, with the firstborn child traditionally inheriting it. In royal lines, it would see the eldest son ascending to the throne, ahead of an older sister. But before her death, the late Queen oversaw a change to the law of succession in 2013 replacing the historic male-preference with absolute primogeniture, allowing the eldest child of the sovereign to inherit, regardless of gender. However, according to a new book, the beloved monarch and her aides at Buckingham Palace were seemingly less than keen on the overhaul, which was delivered as part of former Prime Minister David Cameron's constitution reforms. The now Lord Cameron spoke to Julia Gillard, the then Australian PM, about his aim to unveil the new primogeniture law during a Commonwealth summit in Perth in October 2011, six months after the current Prince and Princess of Wales were married. However, in his book Power and the Palace, author Valentine Low wrote: 'According to a government source, he said to Gillard: "William and Kate are getting married, there's going to be kids, shall we sort this out?". 'Crucially, the palace was not against it. But they said that the government had to ensure the backing of the other 15 realms.' The late Queen Elizabeth II with her family at Buckingham Palace. The sovereign oversaw a change to the law of succession that ensured the firstborn child of a monarch would be next in line to the throne regardless of gender Plans to change the law of succession were discussed six months after the current Prince and Princess of Wales were married (pictured are Prince William and Catherine with son George) The late Queen is picture with Catherine, who was then the Duchess of Cambridge in 2012 The source is quoted as saying: 'I always thought that the signals from Buckingham Palace were that if it was the wish of the duly elected prime minister of the day, and the realms can be sorted out, we will not stand in its way. I didnt get the sense there was any great enthusiasm from the palace and the Queen herself.' According to Mr Low's book, Buckingham Palace 'firmly' instructed Whitehall to deal with it on the proposed law reforms, and reportedly demanded the government not to approach any of the aides working for the then Prince Charles or his son, William. Future monarch Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, was said to be keenly interested in the government discussions over the Succession to the Crown Act. The future King is said to have later 'ambushed' Richard Heaton, permanent secretary to the Cabinet Office, with questions about the legal reform. News of the apparent encounter was then broken by the Daily Mail, with a source telling this paper at the time Charles was concerned of the 'unintended consequences' of the 'rushed' rule change. The King is said to have backed the principle of changing the law so that if the child is a girl she would become Queen. However, he was reportedly frustrated that neither he nor Prince William had been consulted about the royal inheritance overhaul. According to former The Times royal correspondent Mr Low's book, Jeremy Heywood - who was cabinet secretary at the time - later told Mr Heaton Charles was 'in the dog house' over the revelations. Elsewhere, the book claimed the late Queen had also voiced her concerns about 2016's historic Brexit vote to leave the European Union. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly voiced her concerns about Brexit ahead of the historic 2016 vote which led to Britain leaving the European Union The book also claimed the late Queen left a state banquet to comfort a teenage Prince Charles as he prepared to receive his O-level results (a young Charles is pictured as a teen in 1965 with his mother) King Charles is pictured with his wife Queen Camilla after his coronation in May 2023 The monarch appeared to weigh in on the debate about the future of her realm, with the Queen reportedly telling a senior minister just three months before the crunch vote: 'We shouldn't leave the EU.' She had apparently added: 'It's better to stick with the devil you know.' In other revelations, Mr Low's book also details how the Monarch comforted a teenage Charles on the eve of his O-level results. In a display of motherly affection, the Queen reportedly left a state banquet early to be by her anxious son's side as he braced himself to collect his exam marks. Recounting the story, Mr Low describes how Labour MP Barbara Castle was talking to the monarch about Africa at the banquet before the Queen departed. 'Their conversation came to a premature end when a flunkey came and whispered in the Queens ear and she excused herself, "saying laughingly that 'poor Charles' was doing his O-levels the next day and just wanted a bit of reassurance", the book says. 'When she came back, Castle was talking to Princess Margaret, and the Queen said to her sister: "You and I would never have got into university". 'In the state room afterwards Castles husband told her: "Youve been monopolising the Queen." To her surprise, she had "enjoyed myself far more than I thought I would".' Power And The Palace: The Inside Story Of The Monarchy And 10 Downing Street by Mr Low will be published on September 11. A 'Freedom for Iran' protester dramatically scaled the 120ft clock tower at King's Cross - and refused to come down while clutching onto his dog. The activist could be seen standing in front of the clock face at one of London's busiest train stations at rush hour this morning. Commuters watched on in shock as the activist held onto what appeared to be a Pomeranian dog and unfurled a huge banner which read: 'Iran belongs to its people.' Emergency services fenced off the front of King's Cross station with police officers, paramedics and firefighters gathering below the protester, who was wearing a black t-shirt with the slogan 'no to war'. Ten firefighters were called to the central London station, with two of them seen attempting to talk the man down from a cherry picker later on in the morning. The banner, suspended from the clock tower and blowing in the wind, said: 'Iran belongs to its people. Freedom for Iran. Every deal with them against human rights. Dictators exert terror and poverty.' He repeatedly altered the fixing of the banner which has a rucksack strapped to the bottom of it. A protester has dramatically scaled the clock tower outside Kings Cross station with his dog Commuters watched on in shock as the activist clutched his dog and unfurled a huge banner Ten firefighters were called to the central London station, with two of them seen attempting to talk the man down from a cherry picker King's Cross station in London remains open but passengers have been told to use side entrances as front entrances are closed while emergency services are at the scene where a protester has climbed the clock tower. A section of the plaza in front of the station remains cordoned off with white barriers. As the cherry picker was lifted up to the demonstrator again, he began to raise his voice at crews coming towards him. The man handed over his dog to crews who then brought the animal down to the ground. Staff continue to speak to him from the cherry picker and dozens of people are looking on from below. As rain began to pour in central London, the protester up King's Cross clock tower packed his banner away. He spoke to mediators and was brought down by cherry picker at 11.50am, bringing the stand-off to an end after nearly four hours. A spokesman for British Transport Police told the Mail: 'Officers were called to King's Cross railway station at around 8am today (2 September) following reports of a person in a precarious position. 'The incident is ongoing and officers are in attendance alongside other emergency services, working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.' A London Fire Brigade cherry picker lowers a dog to the ground, after firefighters persuaded a protestor who was holding it while standing on a ledge in front of the King's Cross clock tower As the cherry picker was lifted up to the demonstrator again, he began to raise his voice at crews coming towards him Emergency services have fenced off the front of King's Cross station The activist was performing a protest for the 'Freedom of Iran' He tightly clutched onto his dog at the top of the tower, 120ft above the ground of commuters below Network Rail said services are running as normal, with passengers being diverted to other platform entrances while the front of the station is cordoned off. The London Fire Bridgade, London Ambulance Service and British Transport Police attended the scene. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: 'The Brigade was called at 8.14am to reports of a man on the roof of King's Cross railway station on Euston Road. 'Two fire engines and around ten firefighters are currently on scene assisting British Transport Police.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow. The former CEO of Nestle, who was fired for a secret affair with an employee, had fallen in love with the marketing worker before she was promoted to Vice President of Americas Marketing just 18 months after they met, it has emerged. Laurent Freixe, 63, lost his job on Monday after the world's biggest food and drink company said he broke its code of conduct by failing to disclose the affair. The French-born executive had been CEO for only a year. An investigation by external lawyers confirmed what the company called an 'undisclosed romantic relationship', making his position untenable, Nestle said. Although the firm has not named the woman involved in the scandal, Swiss outlet Inside Paradeplatz reported in July that Freixe 'had allegedly fallen in love with a marketing employee at the company.' The site claimed the pair first met in 2022 at the headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. About 18 months later, she became Vice President of Marketing for the Americas, when Freixe was running that division. It is suspected he personally approved the promotion, although that has not been confirmed. It remains unclear if the two were in a relationship when she was promoted. The board was told about the romance in May after reports surfaced internally. A Nestle spokesperson told news agency AWP, according to SRF, that an initial inquiry 'failed to substantiate the suspicion.' The former CEO of Nestle, who was fired for a secret affair with an employee, had fallen in love with the marketing worker before she was promoted to Vice President of Americas Marketing just 18 months after they met The French-born executive had been CEO for only a year. An investigation by external lawyers confirmed what the company called an 'undisclosed romantic relationship', making his position untenable After further information came in, a broader investigation confirmed the affair, but the company has not said how it gathered evidence. The woman is no longer at Nestle and reportedly left at the end of June. But Inside Paradeplatz also suggested this was not Freixe's first workplace romance. A decade ago, he allegedly had an affair with a younger colleague while working for Nestle in Hungary. In 2017, the two went public as a couple and later married, and she quit the company shortly afterwards. Freixe joined Nestle in 1986 and climbed the ranks during his 39-year career - he only managed to hold the top job for 12 months and will not receive severance pay. He is the second chief executive in just over a year to be forced out. The company has faced several scandals in recent years. Chairman Paul Bulcke, who was one of the leaders of Freixe's investigation, was accused in a harassment lawsuit during his time as CEO from 2008 to 2016. Whistleblower Yasmine Motarjemi said she warned Nestle about safety issues in baby food and alleged she was targeted in retaliation. The company settled in 2020 by paying her about $2.5million. She reacted furiously to Freixe's ousting, writing on LinkedIn: 'What hypocrisy! In other words, at Nestle, you can harass your subordinates, but you can't love them.' Freixe joined Nestle in 1986 and climbed the ranks during his 39-year career - he only managed to hold the top job for 12 months and will not receive severance pay In recent years, Nestle has faced several scandals, including an employee's accusations of harassment towards Paul Bulcke Freixe replaced Mark Schneider, who was removed last year after a seven-year stint. Schneider came under fire for continuing to sell products in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Nestle has not commented on the details of Freixe's affair but confirmed he was dismissed after breaking its rules on ethics and governance. Freixe's dismissal comes as the company struggles to keep up with rivals. Nestle still dominates supermarket shelves in the US with brands like Gerber, Purina, Nescafe and KitKat, but its sales are slipping. In July, global sales dropped 1.8 per cent. Rising production costs for sugary and caffeinated products from Central America have added pressure. 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 Today in Scotland, I will commit that under the next Conservative government, the North Sea will once again be open for business. Cheap, abundant energy is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, jobs vanish, bills soar, and our economy falters exactly what we have witnessed in the first year of this Labour government. All of us want to ensure we leave a better environment for the next generation. But theres no overall benefit to the oceans, air or wildlife, if we simply replace our own hydrocarbons with those imported from abroad. The North Sea is rich with oil and gas, a vital national resource. Yet while our neighbours such as Norway use their resources to grow, Labour and the SNP have chosen ideology over security. Ed Milibands crusade has tied our hands, blocking all new licences, piling on Net Zero mandates, and even banning our diplomats and trade envoys from promoting the oil and gas sector overseas. That means British officials are actively prevented from supporting Scottish businesses. Between 2010 and 2020, government support helped secure 21 billion in UK oil and gas exports. In the face of Rachel Reeves 50 billion black hole, that is money we cannot afford to leave on the table. A government blocking its own companies from selling world-leading technology abroad is not just absurd. It is anti-prosperity, anti-business, and anti-British. The results are devastating. The Office for National Statistics points to the decline in North Sea output as a drag on our growth. That means the deficit is bigger as a direct result of this Governments policy choices. Meanwhile, Offshore Energy UK warns that a thousand jobs direct and indirect are set to go every month until 2030 if Labour persists. Those job losses represent lives ruined, hopes destroyed and families blighted. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch at Aberdeen harbour today. Mrs Badenoch is setting out plans to invest in the North Sea oil and gas industry This unilateral economic disarmament is madness. It must end. That is why I am setting out in Aberdeen, the heart of Britains oil and gas industry, that under my leadership the next Conservative government will take three simple steps. First, we will end Labours ban on new oil and gas licences. That means certainty for workers and confidence for investors. It also means no more projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank left to gather dust. Second, we will scrap the gag order on our diplomats, trade envoys, and export finance organisation once again letting them champion this great industry abroad. Third, we will give the North Sea Authority a clear purpose of maximising the extraction of our oil and gas. We will strip away costly mandates and red tape that deter investment. No more endless bureaucratic hurdles. The instruction will be simple: extract as much as possible. That doesnt mean turning our back on other forms of energy production, but it does mean using all of our own resources. This is not radical. It is common sense. But only the Conservatives have grasped it. Labour would have you believe oil and gas should be quietly consigned to history. They are wrong. The industry supports 200,000 jobs across the UK, tens of thousands of them in Scotland. It has delivered hundreds of billions in tax revenues for schools, hospitals, and pensions. So why strangle our own supply, only to import more from abroad? Why punish Scottish workers while enriching foreign competitors, often in countries with far lower standards? Stopping British oil does not stop global oil. It simply moves business elsewhere. Meanwhile, Reform UK want to drag us back to the bad old days of the 1970s with part-nationalisation politicians running oil and gas fields, industries driven into the ground rather than being unleashed to realise their full potential. We Conservatives back the makers of this country, which is why we will stand up for the workers, engineers, and scientists whose innovation makes our country a world leader. Labour sees the North Sea as a relic of the past. I see it as a cornerstone of Britains future. So as Prime Minister, I will ensure this industry is unlocked for tomorrow securing billions in revenue, guaranteeing our energy supply, and rebuilding confidence in our economy. This is the moment a group of alleged drug smugglers unloaded a shipment from a large speed-boat in front of stunned beachgoers on Spain's Costa del Sol. Footage shot by tourists on Playa Ancha in Casares on Saturday evening shows at least six men casually moving what appears to be three bales of drugs from a speed boat and onto a vehicle parked up close to the shore. The majority of the men cover their faces with their T-shirts as they work in front of families enjoying a day out at the beach. Once the alleged smugglers are finished unloading their cargo from the vessel, four men get into the car and drive off, while the two others sail away, as beachgoers watch in astonishment. No arrests have been made and it was not immediately clear what was inside the packages. Casares City Council has condemned the incident and demanded further reinforcements from Spain's national guard to tackle drug smuggling on the country's coasts. Major Juan Luis Villalon said the council has repeatedly called for more officers to be patrolling the shores to prevent such incidents from happening again. The alleged incident on Saturday is the latest in a spate of drug smuggling cases in southern Spain, where traffickers often unload shipments on beaches. A group of alleged drug smugglers unloaded a shipment from a large speed-boat in front of stunned beachgoers on Spain 's Costa del Sol Footage shot by tourists on Playa Ancha in Casares on Saturday evening shows at least six men casually moving what appears to be three bales of drugs from a boat and into a vehicle parked on the beach The incident happened on a packed beach in front of stunned tourists Spain is a major gateway for illicit drugs entering Europe from Central and South America, as well as North Africa. Sailboats, containers, semi-submersibles and boats are used by smugglers to reach Spanish waters. Despite its struggles with drug smuggling, Spain is the European Union member seizing the largest volumes of both cocaine and cannabis. In 2023, Spanish authorities seized 142 tons of cocaine. Earlier this year, two suspected drug smugglers set fire to their own yacht to destroy cocaine on board as they were intercepted by Spanish police off the coast of Tenerife. The crooks were injured in their own act of arson and had to be rescued with helicopters, before being arrested. Migrants who cross the Channel in small boats could be moved to warehouses as Labour scrambles to close asylum hotels, the Home Secretary suggested today. Yvette Cooper said the Government was looking at 'military and industrial sites' as 'more appropriate' places to house asylum seekers. She added that warehouses were 'one of the things that's been looked at' in her attempts to cut the bill to taxpayers from housing small boat arrivals in hotels. It came ahead of Sir Keir Starmer holding an emergency meeting this afternoon on Government action to go 'further and faster' in tackling Channel migrant crossings. Ahead of the meeting, Downing Street said ministers would hold talks on 'better forms of accommodation' as they look to speed up the closure of asylum hotels. The PM's official spokesman said the Government was looking at 'all viable options' for housing migrants, following recent protests outside asylum hotels across Britain. He said this included 'using modular buildings on industrial sites [and] ex-military sites', adding that 'modular buildings' were those that could be 'scaled up at pace'. No10 also said the Government 'fully' expects migrants to be returned across the Channel this month as a result of Sir Keir's 'one in, one out' deal with France. Ms Cooper had earlier failed to guarantee that Channel migrants will definitely start being deported this month under the UK-France agreement. Migrants who cross the Channel in small boats could be moved to warehouses as Labour scrambles to close asylum hotels, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has suggested People swim to try and board a dinghy in the English Channel near Gravelines, northern France Your browser does not support iframes. Speaking to LBC this morning, the Home Secretary said there was a need to 'shrink the whole asylum system' as she spoke about Labour's pledge to shut asylum hotels. 'We actually need to have fewer people in the asylum system in the first place, fewer people needing accommodation. That has to be at the core of this,' she said. 'It's been allowed to expand in a way that is out of control. And then, yes, we do also want to see alternative sites, more appropriate sites, including looking at military and industrial sites as well.' After being pressed repeatedly on whether a warehouse was an example of an industrial site, Ms Cooper added: 'That's one of the things that's been looked at. 'But we will provide updates when we've got the practical plans. What I'm not going to do, I'm doing the opposite, basically, of what the previous government did. 'Because they used to just announce a whole load of things and then not actually deliver any of them. And I think that undermined trust.' Sir Keir told Cabinet ministers this morning there was a need to 'go further and faster' on tackling migration. In a readout of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the PM's spokesman said: 'He said it was easy to understand the frustration people feel at the level of illegal crossings and the sight of asylum hotels in their communities. 'He will be chairing a ministerial meeting later today to consider how we can go further and faster to combat illegal crossings. 'This includes continuing to work with the French authorities, cracking down on pull factors and illegal working, including exploring options around digital ID, accelerating the closure of hotels and looking at better forms of accommodation, and driving further progress on returning people with no right to be here.' Ministers had claimed when the 'one in, one out' agreement with France was announced in July that it would take effect within weeks. The first small boat arrivals due to be returned were detained in Dover at the start of August. But the Home Secretary told MPs on Monday that she now expects deportations to begin 'later this month'. Some 3,567 more people have landed in dinghies since the deal with France was ratified - adding to the record numbers arriving this year. Ms Cooper was asked by Sky News on Tuesday as to whether she could guarantee returns would begin amid reports the crisis-hit French government may falter on the deal. She insisted the UK would 'continue to work' with France. But, pressed for a guarantee, she replied: 'We expect the first returns to take place this month. 'But I've always said from the very beginning on this, it's a pilot scheme and it needs to build up over time.' The Home Secretary contrasted her 'practical and sensible' approach with that of the previous Tory government over the now-scrapped Rwanda scheme. She said the Conservatives had 'spent 700million and sent four volunteers after running it for two years'. The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex became the focal point of several demonstrations and counter-protests in recent weeks The protests in Epping came after an asylum seeker housed at the Bell Hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. He has denied the charges Your browser does not support iframes. In a round of TV and radio interviews this morning, Ms Cooper appeared confident that Labour could speed up efforts to empty hotels housing asylum seekers. The PM said on Monday he wants to move more quickly to clear migrants from hotels than the Government's self-imposed deadline by the end of the Parliament, which could be as late as 2029. 'We do believe it can be done earlier,' Ms Cooper told Times Radio. Ministers' ability to do this is 'dependent on a whole series of factors', she added, while declining to set out a timetable. The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex became the focal point of several demonstrations 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. Ms Cooper announced to the Commons on Monday that new applications to the existing refugee family reunion route will be suspended this week. This means refugees will be covered by 'the same family migration rules and conditions as everyone else' until new rules are introduced. Further reforms to family reunion routes will be outlined later this year and introduced by spring. On Tuesday, she also confirmed ministers are seeking to crack down on international students claiming asylum once their visas come to an end. 'Up to 15,000 students each year end up claiming asylum', she told BBC Breakfast. The Home Office is launching a new campaign where, for the first time, it will directly contact international students and their families by email or text, warning them they must leave if they have no right to remain. Nearly 10,000 students and dependants were contacted last week and tens of thousands more are expected to receive the guidance in the coming weeks ahead of their visas expiring. The message also warns an asylum claim that lacks merit will be 'swiftly and robustly refused'. On Monday night, Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told the Mail: 'The Government claimed in July that a handful of migrants would be sent back to France within weeks - but it's now September and not a single person has been sent back. 'Under Labour, a small boat to the UK is a one-way ticket to one of Keir Starmer's cushy hotels - paid for by hard-pressed taxpayers. This weak government has lost control of our borders and won't do what is needed to fix it. 'Labour has flung open the doors to the UK and this year they have let in the highest number of illegal immigrants across the channel ever. 'They are too weak to do what's needed to fix this - which is make sure that every single illegal immigrant is removed immediately upon arrival. Then, no one would bother crossing in the first place.' Ms Cooper admitted to the House of Commons yesterday that no Channel migrants are yet to be returned to France under the much-vaunted deal The 'one in, one out' deal was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron on July 10 at the end of the Anglo-French summit The 'one-in, one-out' deal was announced by the Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron on July 10 at the end of the Anglo-French summit. Sir Keir said at the time that the 'ground-breaking' pilot project under which some migrants arriving in small boats would be detained and returned to France while the same number of genuine asylum-seekers would be allowed to come to the UK would begin 'in the coming weeks'. The Home Secretary also told MPs on July 14 that the expectation was 'that that pilot will be operationalised in the coming weeks'. It was announced on August 4 that the treaty had been ratified, then the Home Office revealed that 'detentions began for those who arrived in the UK on a small boat' on August 6, stating: 'The UK will make referrals to France within three days, and the French authorities will be expected to respond within 14 days.' But almost four weeks on, the cases are still being processed although sources insisted that those detained are still being held. Ms Cooper told the Commons on Monday: 'In August I signed the new treaty with France allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats. 'The first detentions took place the next day of people immediately on arrival at Dover. And we expect the first returns to begin later this month. 'Applications have also been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration, subject to strict security checks.' But when asked how many people would be returned over the coming year, amid reports that it could be fewer than 50 a week, she replied: 'We have set out that this is a pilot, and that we want to build and grow it. 'There is no cap on the overall numbers to go as part of the pilot, and we need to build it as we go.' A pair of BBC journalists were hounded away from an anti-migrant protest after being crowded by people who said they 'weren't welcome'. Video shared on social media by conservative campaign group Turning Point UK showed activists approaching a journalist and camera operator at South Parade Pier in Portsmouth on August 30. The pier sits directly opposite the Royal Beach Hotel, which is currently being used to house asylum seekers. 'BBC here - British Brainwarp Corporation,' jeered the man filming the pair, among them a BBC South news reporter. The cameraman asked the man filming if he'd like to be interviewed. 'No I don't,' he replied. 'BBC not welcome here,' chanted a woman, seemingly through a megaphone, before others joined in with the slogan, surrounding them while waving Union flags. The reporter responded by putting her hood up - and the pair walked up to nearby police officers for help as they were followed by taunting protesters. A BBC journalist and a camera operator were jeered at by anti-immigration protesters as they covered a protest in Portsmouth The BBC South journalist put up her hood and the pair then walked away as protesters shouted: 'BBC not welcome here' The pair sought assistance from nearby police officers as the man filming them shouted: 'Go on! F*** off' The man filming the pair jabbed his finger at them as they walked away, adding: 'Go on! F*** off!' He then adds proudly: 'We've just f***** off the BBC.' Another woman adds: 'Yeah, good job.' The BBC later filed a report on the protests, in which it estimated that 150 anti-migrant protesters were met by a counter protest of 100 Stand Up To Racism activists. It did not mention the confrontation with anti-immigration protesters, but quoted one protester as saying: 'I'm fed up with the way the country's going.' An activist called Mark, of Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth, was quoted as describing the asylum seekers as 'men, women and children (who) have no choice but to live there... and they just want to get on with their lives and be part of the community.' The BBC has hit out at what it branded the 'completely unacceptable' treatment of its staff in trying to report on Saturday's protests. A spokesperson told the Mail: 'Our journalists and camera crews do outstanding work, often in difficult conditions. They must be able to operate safely and without interference. 'The targeting of our team in Portsmouth during the weekend's demonstration was completely unacceptable. 'They should have been free to do their jobs without intimidation or threat. We stand firmly behind their right to report freely and safely.' And Laura Davison, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, added: 'No journalist should face aggression or intimidation whilst carrying out their duties. 'Shameful incidents such as this highlight the ongoing crucial importance of journalistic rights and safety and of public interest journalism. 'Valuing press freedom must include recognition that journalism can only thrive where journalists are able to report safely without bully boy tactics.' The BBC has described the targeting of its journalists on Saturday as 'completely unacceptable' The video was shared online by conservative campaign group Turning Point UK, which counts recent Reform UK defector and ex-Tory MP Marco Longhi (pictured with Nigel Farage) as its honorary president A Hampshire Police spokesperson told the Mail the protests 'passed without any incidents being reported to police and no arrests were made.' The video was shared across multiple social media platforms by Turning Point UK (TPUK). It was viewed 32,000 times on X, and 1.2million times on Facebook. 'BBC journalists chased out of anti-migrant hotel protest in Portsmouth for their biased coverage,' it said. TPUK is an offshoot of the right-wing US organisation of the same name, and was originally set up to promote right-wing politics in UK educational establishments. However, it has since diverged into general political campaigning and has been a proponent of 'Operation Raise The Colours' - the bid to display St George's and Union flags in towns and cities across England. The flag-raising op was the brainchild of Andrew Currien, an ally of Tommy Robinson, according to the research group Hope Not Hate. Turning Point UK's honorary president is former Dudley North MP Marco Longhi, a Conservative who defected to Reform UK in January. He lost his seat to Labour contender Sonia Kumar in last year's election. In the run up to the election had faced accusations of 'dog-whistle' campaigning after his election bid team distributed leaflets to British Pakistani constituents that featured her Indian surname in capital letters and underlined. Critics had suggested he was seeking to play on India-Pakistan tensions over the disputed Kashmir region, which both countries claim as theirs. But he told the BBC: 'I don't know what her ethnicity or religious background is. I am not trying to stoke division.' Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has revealed he was arrested by five armed police officers at Heathrow Airport over a series of 'anti-trans' tweets. The Irish comedy writer, who was travelling on an American Airlines flight from Arizona to London, says he was treated like a 'terrorist' after being detained as soon as he stepped off the plane. Linehan, whose successful career was derailed by his gender-critical views, claims he was then escorted to a private area, where he was informed he was 'under arrest for three tweets'. The Met Police has confirmed the 57-year-old was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence at around 1pm yesterday 'in relation to posts on X'. It is the latest in a string of heavy-handed police responses over 'thought crimes', with writers, councillors and parents talking in school WhatsApp groups targeted in recent months. The most high-profile 'tweet police' case involved Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Tory councillor who was released from prison last month after being handed a 31-month sentence for a racist tweet after the Southport attack. After his arrest, Linehan claimed he was escorted to A&E 'because the stress nearly killed me', adding that his blood pressure was recorded at over 200mmHg by a nurse. The creator of Father Ted and The IT Crowd has shared the tweets which he says police arrested him over. One from April 20 said: 'If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.' Father Ted creator Graham Linehan claims he has been arrested over his tweets. He claims he had to go to a hospital (pictured) after because he was so stressed These are the three tweets which Graham Linehan claims he was arrested over A second tweet, on April 19, was a picture of a trans rally with the caption: 'A photo you can smell.' The third was a follow up to this tweet which said: 'I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em.' Describing his dramatic arrest on his Substack blog, Linehan wrote: 'The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not twofive. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets. 'In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer for this tweet. 'I promise you, I am not making this up.' He said he was 'arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal, taken to hospital because the stress nearly killed me, and banned from speaking online'. 'To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women, and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have turned the police into their personal goon squad,' he added. Linehan claims that even when he handed over his passport in Arizona, officials told him he did not have a seat and had to be re-ticketed. 'At the time, I thought it was just the sort of innocent snafu that makes air travel such a joy,' he said. 'But in hindsight, it was clear I'd been flagged.' Linehan says he burst into laughter when he first saw the police officers - alleging that some were even displaying a 'polite bafflement' over the arrest. He claims a van was arranged to meet him on the tarmac 'so I didn't have to be perp-walked through the airport like a terrorist'. Linehan added: 'At Heathrow police station, my belt, bag, and devices were confiscated. Then I was shown into a small green-tiled cell with a bunk, a silver toilet in the corner and a message from Crimestoppers on the ceiling next to a concave mirror that was presumably there to make you reflect on your life choices.' He says 'by some miracle' he managed to sleep but he was then subjected to the quizzing about his tweets. Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan speaks to the media outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, on May 12, where he pleaded not guilty to harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone Condemning the arrest, Tory MP Neil O'Brien said 'Britain is now a total laughing stock' But he added: 'The police themselves, for the most part, were consistently decent throughout this farce. Some were even Father Ted fans. 'Thank God the Catholic Church never had with the police the special relationship granted to trans activists. The male officers were mostly polite but clearly nonplussed by the politics of it alljust doing their jobs, however insane those jobs had become. 'The female officers seemed more tuned in to what was actually happening. One mentioned the Sandie Peggie case in a certain way, and I realised I was among friends, even if they couldn't admit it.' Ms Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after she complained about having to share a changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a trans medic, at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, on Christmas Eve 2023. Linehan says he has a single bail condition: 'I am not to go on Twitter. That's it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimesjust a legal gag order designed to shut me up while I'm the UK, and a demand I face a further interview in October.' Condemning the arrest, Tory MP Neil O'Brien wrote on X: 'Britain is now a total laughing stock - a country where we arrest the authors of light comedies and interrogate them about their tweets. It would be laughable it it wasn't so serious.' A spokesman for the Met Police told the Mail: 'On Monday, 1 September at 13:00hrs officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. 'The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. 'The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. 'After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. 'He has now been bailed pending further investigation. Linehan is facing trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday over two separate charges. One is in relation to harassing trans activist Sophia Brooks on social media and the other for damaging Brooks's mobile phone in October. He denied the charges at a hearing on May 12. Last month, Linehan accused JK Rowling of failing to defend him after he was cancelled over his gender-critical views. The Irishman told how he backed the Harry Potter author's views on SNP's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which she previously dubbed 'the biggest assault on the rights of Scottish women and girls' in her lifetime. But he claims she failed to defend his right to free speech when he received backlash over his comments regarding trans people, saying Rowling's 'silence' made him feel 'toxic' and isolated. Chiswick, Notting Hill and Greenwich may strike many as some of the loveliest parts of London - but not Saul Sadka. The scholar has sparked a huge debate with a viral post highlighting the 'London banana' of the best areas to live, while simultaneously decrying swathes of the city outside of the zone as 'horrible'. Mr Sadka took to social media last week to post a map of the city with a hand drawn banana shape on top, writing: 'This is the London Banana. As long as you stay within the Banana, you'll have a great time in London. 'Almost everything outside the Banana is horrible these days, best avoid. Not clear why, or when this happened. But it is what it is.' The post has caused furious conversation online as famously proud Londoners defend their local area, while banana dwellers smugly send the map to friends, family and colleagues. The fruit already has its own set of memes and is even being blamed for coffee price increases. But despite the banana being something scholar and security analyst Mr Sadka 'randomly made up' - his words, not ours - according to the latest data, it holds a surprising amount of truth. House prices are typically higher inside the banana, an indication areas are more desirable to homeowners, while crime rates outside of the very centre of London tend to be lower. The banana includes swathes of Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Wandsworth, Kensington, the City of London, Westminster, Camden, Barnet and Islington - with some parts of Haringey, Southwark and Lambeth making the cut too. Saul Sadka took to social media last week to post a map of the city with a hand drawn banana shape on top Your browser does not support iframes. Leafy areas typically associated with the upper echelons of London dwellers such as Richmond, Wimbledon and Chelsea all sit inside the treasured yellow zone. Tourist attractions such as Camden Market and Westminster are also honoured by Mr Sadka's accolade. But other popular areas, including Notting Hill, Maida Vale, Greenwich, Chiswick and Ealing fall foul of the banana's boundaries. The map is reminiscent of Europe's own 'blue banana' - a curved area of the continent stretching across the UK, Germany and Italy, including London. The zone represents a corridor of urban areas containing approximately 100 million people, and is coined for the region's high concentration of people and innovation. Inside London's potassium-rich appendage, house price data speaks for itself. From Maida Vale to Clapham or Blackheath, Londoners outside of the banana have decried the map and fiercely defended their local areas. 'The London Banana thing is BS because Ealing isnt included in it. Its literally known as The Queen of the Suburbs. Not having it!' wrote one forsaken resident. After the now-infamous post went viral, scholar Saul Sadka (pictured) said he had 'accidentally perfected minimal-effort tongue-in-cheek rage bait' The borough of Westminster sits firmly inside the 'London banana', including tourist attractions such as Parliament and Big Ben Richmond-upon-Thames (pictured) has some of the highest house prices and the lowest crime rate in London Wimbledon Village, in Merton, also makes the cut as one of the loveliest places to live in London Another said: 'What nonsense is this? I live in Maida Vale, outside the 'banana', and it's lovely, as are plenty of other areas in London.'] And one angry X user even offered up a new moniker for the map: 'The best areas of London (apart from the centre) are outside your banana. 'It should be called the boring banana... Devoid of culture and character, safe but boring.' Elsewhere, the banana is already jokingly being blamed for extortionate coffee price hikes... amounting to as much as 10p per drink. One young woman wrote: 'My vanilla matcha iced latte was 10p more expensive in Muswell Hill Starbucks than it usually is at White City. 'Either the prices have gone up or this is an effect of the London banana.' According to the ONS's latest figures, the top three most expensive areas to buy a house in the UK are all inside the yellow zone - Kensington and Chelsea at 1.4 million, Westminster at 1 million, and Camden at 876,000. Richmond-upon-Thames sits fifth at 825,000, with the City of London also breaking into the top five - although housing is limited in the City. Kensington and Chelsea is at the heart of the banana and is home to the highest house prices in the UK Meanwhile in Bexley, far away from the heady heights of Chelsea and definitively not included in Mr Sadka's map, house prices are on average just 403,000. Croydon sits just above on 405,000, and is just the 71st most expensive area of England to purchase a property. Other boroughs such as Hounslow, Harrow, Lewisham and Redbridge are similarly cheaper, with homeowners needing less than half of the cash to get on the property ladder as in Kensington. Crime rates follow a similar pattern outside of central London. Westminster had by far the highest number of offences over the past year, according to the latest data from the Met Police, but is also home to much of the city centre. Outside Westminster, banana areas have largely low crime rates. Richmond saw 237.7 offences per 1,000 people, the lowest in all of London. Meanwhile Kingston had 260.7, Merton 264.7 and Barnet 281.1. Outside the banana, crime rates were almost all over 300 offences per 1,000 people, with many higher still. Southwark had a crime rate of 457.4, Hackney 459.5 and Croydon 347.9. The exception is Camden which, at the heart of the golden swathe of London, had a very high crime rate of 621.1 per 1,000 people. Of course fans of the banana may well conclude it is the exception which proves the rule. Regardless of the data which appears to back up Mr Sadka's claims, the map has sparked fierce debate. After the now-infamous post went viral, Mr Sadka said he had 'accidentally perfected minimal-effort tongue-in-cheek rage bait'. He added: 'Im particularly delighted with the 20,000 who bookmarked it - presumably intending to use it as a tourist map. Hilarious.' More than 1,400 people have been killed in Afghanistan's deadliest earthquake in years, with thousands more injured and many still buried under collapsed homes as rescuers battle to reach remote mountain villages. The Afghan Red Crescent Society said on Tuesday that at least 1,124 people are confirmed dead and 3,251 have been hurt, with more than 8,000 homes destroyed. The aid group warned that the death toll will rise as teams pull bodies from the rubble. 'We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble,' said Ehsanullah Ehsan, the provincial head of disaster management. 'Our effort is to complete these operations as soon as possible and to begin distributing aid to the affected families.' Meanwhile, the UN said on Tuesday that the disaster could impact 'hundreds of thousands'. Indrika Ratwatte, its human coordinator in the country, said: 'We think potentially the impacted individuals would go up to almost into the hundreds of thousands. She added: 'The numbers are definitely going to increase and said: 'There's no question that the casualty rate is going to be rather exponential.' The 6.0-magnitude quake struck just after midnight on Monday at a depth of only six miles, shaking the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, which were hit hardest. Rescuers are working to save several people who are suspected to be trapped in the rubble More than 1,100 people have been killed in Afghanistan 's deadliest earthquake in years, with thousands more injured and many still buried under collapsed homes The Afghan Red Crescent Society said on Tuesday that at least 1,124 people are confirmed dead and 3,251 have been hurt, with more than 8,000 homes destroyed Aid groups have warned that the death toll will rise as teams pull bodies from the rubble The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6, struck around midnight local time on Monday, at a shallow depth of 6 miles Narrow mountain roads and landslides have slowed rescuers, while bad weather has made conditions worse. Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Heavy machinery is being sent to clear debris so vehicles can pass. On Tuesday, a line of ambulances was on the damaged mountain road trying to reach Kunar villages, as helicopters flew in, bringing aid supplies and taking the injured to hospitals, according to a Reuters witness. Some of the worst cases were flown to Kabul and Nangarhar, officials confirmed. The United Nations warned that thousands of children are at risk. UNICEF said it was rushing medicine, tents, tarpaulins, warm clothes, and hygiene supplies, including soap, detergent, sanitary pads, towels, and water buckets, to the disaster zone. Taliban fighters have been deployed to secure the area and assist with relief efforts, as the disaster piles more pressure on a government already crippled by sanctions, shrinking foreign aid, and the mass deportation of Afghans from neighbouring countries. The World Health Organisation said over 12,000 people have been affected, warning: 'Damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and remote locations of many villages severely impede the delivery of aid. The World Health Organisation said over 12,000 people have been affected Four villages in Kunar have been devastated, and the focus is now on reaching even more isolated areas The United Nations warned that thousands of children are at risk The rescue and relief work has struggled in the face of tight resources in the war-torn, impoverished nation of 42 million people 'The pre-earthquake fragility of the health system means local capacity is overwhelmed, creating total dependence on external actors.' The rescue and relief work has struggled in the face of tight resources in the war-torn, impoverished nation of 42 million people and limited global help in the aftermath of the tragedy. So far, Britain has allocated 1million to support the efforts of the U.N. and the International Red Cross in delivering critical healthcare and emergency supplies. India delivered 1,000 tents and was moving 15 tonnes of food supplies to Kunar, with more relief materials to be sent on Tuesday. Other nations such as China, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, Pakistan and Iran have pledged help, but aid is yet to arrive. Afghanistan has been badly hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's decision in January to cut funding to its humanitarian arm, USAID, and reductions in other foreign aid programmes. Crises elsewhere in the world, along with donor frustration over the Taliban's policies toward women and curbs on aid workers, have been a factor in funding cuts, according to diplomats and aid officials. A group of Australian ISIS brides and their children stranded in northern Syria are set to return to the country before Christmas - with Australia's intelligence agencies on high alert. Senior federal government officials are reportedly working with not-for-profit organisations and local Middle Eastern authorities to secure the return of the Australians within the next five months. A legal bid by non-profit Save the Children to force the government to repatriate 11 women and 20 children from the war torn region was refused by the High Court in September 2024. Members of federal government are supporting the new effort behind the scenes, however, it won't offer on-the-ground assistance due to ongoing security risks in the region, The Australian reported. 'The Australian government is aware of media reporting about a cohort including Australian citizens seeking to return from Syria,' a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Tony Burke told the Daily Mail. 'The Australian government is not providing assistance to this cohort. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians in Syria is extremely limited due to the dangerous security situation. 'Our intelligence and security agencies are constantly monitoring any threats to our national security.' It's understood 34 Australians, 14 adults and 20 children, remain in Al Roj camp. The youngest of whom are just five years old. A top-secret operation is underway to evacuate another group of Australian ISIS brides and children from camps in Syria (pictured, Roj Camp) It's understood 34 Australians, including 14 adults and 20 children, remain in Al Roj camp Observers have criticised the conditions in the camp, where Australian children are reportedly suffering from developmental disorders, diarrhoea and rickets. But there are also fears the camp is a hotbed for Islamic extremism and the Australians, if repatriated, may cause issues at home. An estimated 600 to 850 women moved to Iraq and Syria from western countries to the join Islamic State between 2013 and 2019. Those women, labelled 'ISIS brides', were moved to camps around Syria following the fall of the Islamic State in 2019. About 6,000 foreign children of former ISIS fighters are housed in the Al Roj and Al Hol camps in northern Syria. If the new repatriation is successful, the incoming group would be the third of its kind to re-enter Australia. Unlike a similar operation in 2022, the federal government will largely be uninvolved until the group arrive in Australia. Four women and 13 children were returned by the Albanese government in October 2022 and the Morrison government repatriated another group in 2019. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said at the time that children should not be punished for the crimes of their parents. Mariam Raad was one of four women repatriated to Australia from the Syrian Roj Camp alongside 13 children in October 2022. Mariam Raad (left) was one of four women repatriated to Australia from Syria in late 2022 Raad was charged with willingly entering Syria to be with her militant husband but avoided criminal conviction in June last year. In June 2019, Morrison defended in particular the evacuation of the orphaned Australian children of ISIS fighter Khaled Sharrouf, alongside five other children. They had been held at the al-Hawl camp. Save the Children Australia chief executive Mat Tinkler said the organisation 'holds grave concerns for the lives, health, and safety of these innocent children' in the Syrian camps. 'Australia's robust social, national security and judicial systems have the proven ability to carry out these repatriations and reintegration safely not just for the women and children, but for the entire community, as demonstrated by previous successful repatriations in 2019 and 2022,' he said. 'We should put our faith in these systems to do so again and give these innocent children a future.' While not directly involved in getting them out of Syria, it is believed the government will assist with integration into society once they arrive in Australia. A school principal took her own life by jumping off a cliff on the first day of term after a campaign of homophobic abuse. Caroline Grandjean, 42, had contacted France's suicide helpline hours before she jumped 30 metres off a steep hill near Anglards-de-Salers in Cantal, where she lived. The woman had been subjected to homophobic harassment and death threats at the small nursery school where she taught in Moussages, a village with a population of 300. Even though Grandjean was never public about her sexuality, it is understood that someone in the village discovered that she was married to a woman and began the hateful campaign. The first incident occurred in December 2023 when she discovered the words 'dirty d**e' on the wall of the school. She filed a complaint, but three months later more homophobic graffiti appeared, this time saying 'd**e = pedophile', according to Le Parisien. Overall, she filed five complaints to the authorities and the police launched an investigation, but the harassment still continued. Other slogans started cropping up around the school grounds, with one saying: 'Get out of here d**e.' Eventually, the teacher even saw death threats such as: 'Go die, you dirty d**e.' Caroline Grandjean, 42, jumped to her death off a cliff near Anglards-de-Salers in Cantal, France where she lived At one point, despite alleged reservations from the town hall, she sent local residents a statement co-signed by parents and the village mayor, denouncing the harassment. But the bullying got so severe that Grandjean did not return to teach at the nursery for the new school year in 2024. She did not feel supported by the institution, who apparently asked her to change school, before encouraging her to switch position when she refused. Grandjean also felt let down by the village town hall, who were reportedly more concerned with the bad publicity the situation was garnering than with supporting the teacher. It is understood that Grandjean attempted suicide in recent months before taking her own life on September 1. She contacted the national suicide prevention line at around 10:30am local time before jumping off the cliff. Because the authorities had been alerted, police were able to quickly locate her body. Her experience suffering abuse was documented by French comic book author Remedium (real name Christophe Tardieux) in a short work called 'Cas d'ecole' in January 2025. Following the news of her death, he told Le Parisien: 'I am in shock. Her wife contacted me at the end of the day to tell me the terrible news. It's a waste and I have the impression that nothing was done to prevent it. 'Recently, there has been an accumulation of several events that have reinforced her feeling of injustice. 'First, the dismissal of her complaint, and then the promotion of the national education inspector who, according to her, had not really supported her throughout this affair. 'There is a message in the fact that she chose this date at the start of the school year to take her own life.' The Ministry of National Education said it was 'deeply affected by the tragic death of a school teacher in Cantal', adding that 'it is a tragedy that has aroused deep emotion within the educational community'. Primary school unions in France such as FSU-SNUipp and S2DEs are demanding an administrative inquiry following the suicide of the teacher. Reacting to the tragedy of her death, a furious union spokesperson described how she was 'crushed by the institution and by her village'. A former hypnotist dubbed 'the boob whisperer' was elected the new Green Party leader today in a move that could heap even greater electoral pressure on Keir Starmer. Zack Polanski, a self-declared 'eco-populist' who has touted a link-up with ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, comfortably won the race to take over from Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay. He is a former actor and Harley Street hypnotist who, in 2013, featured in a newspaper article in which he claimed he could help women increase the size of their breasts. He is also a former Extinction Rebellion activist who was arrested at a demonstration in 2019. Earlier this year he showed his support for now banned terrorist group Palestine Action before it was proscribed. After an election lasting all summer he won 20,411 votes, beating a joint ticket featuring MPs Adrian Ramsey and Ellie Chowns, who won just 3,705. Turnout was just 38 per cent. The election of the former Liberal Democrat as leader is likely to signal a move even further to the left by the party, which won a record four seats in the 2024 election. The London Assembly member announced his candidacy with an interview in May in which he said he wanted the Green Party to drop its support for the UK staying in Nato. More recently he has been batting his eyelids at disaffected Left-wing Labour MPs who find themselves on the fringe of the party under Sir Keir Starmer, urging them to come to the Greens as a home for the wider left. With Mr Corbyn also setting up a new left party it could put pressure on Sir Keir Starmer's electoral base from the left as it tries to catch up with Reform in the polls. In a message to Sir Keir and Labour, Mr Polanski said the Green Party was going to 'replace you'. Mr Polanski won by almost 17,000 votes. While a Green candidate in 2019 he was among the first Extinction Rebellion activists to be arrested for blocking Waterloo Bridge in London, as part of a six-day protest bringing roads to a halt across London. Zack Polanski posted pictures on his social media showing his backing for Palestine Action, the organisation accused of breaking into an RAF base and vandalising aircraft and later proscribed as a terrorist group. 'This is the Green Party's time. People in this country are exhausted. They are tired. They are sick of working long hours and never feeling secure,' he added. 'They see water companies pumping sewage into our waters and charging us extra for the privilege, and they see how broken the old two-party system is, and we know this political space has been ripe for charlatans like Nigel Farage and Reform, millionaires who are pretending to serve working-class communities but are actually backed by the same billionaires who are destroying our democracies, our communities and our planet.' He also said his party would 'take on power and wealth' in the UK. 'We listen to the poorest communities, whether the migrant communities, disabled communities, the trans community, working-class communities, whoever needs us to have their back, we will be there. 'We will be there to amplify their voices, to listen to the most marginalised and minority communities, to speak with them, not for them, and challenge truth to power, to take on power and wealth in this country.' Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves said: 'We are living through serious times and the public rightly expect responsible and measured responses from all political leaders. Zack Polanski must level with the British people as to whether he stands by his recent failure to support continued NATO membership, and what it means for his Party's stance on Putin's appalling illegal war in Ukraine. 'The Labour Government's commitment to NATO membership is unshakeable and always will be.' Mr Corbyn praised Mr Polanski's 'stunning' victory on social media, adding: 'Real change is coming. I look forward to working with you to bring about a fairer, kinder world.' The result will determine the party's direction over the coming years as it seeks to pitch itself as a serious progressive alternative to Labour, having increased its Commons representation to four MPs last year. Throughout a sometimes fractious campaign, Mr Polanski has urged the Greens to be 'bold' and pushed what he brands an 'eco-populist' agenda, while his rivals emphasised a need to appeal to a wide range of voters. Mr Ramsay, the incumbent co-leader and MP for Waveney Valley, and North Herefordshire MP Ms Chowns have accused him of using 'polarising' language that only appeals to a 'narrow segment' of the electorate. Mr Polanski's insurgent campaign had encouraged people to sign up to the Greens ahead of the vote, leading to accusations of 'entryism' from some of his opponents accusations he has denied The London Assembly member has been nicknamed 'the boob whisperer' by online wags over a 2013 interview with the Sun when, while working as a Harley Street hypnotherapist, he purported to help women increase the size of their bust. Mr Polanski's insurgent campaign had encouraged people to sign up to the Greens ahead of the vote, leading to accusations of 'entryism' from some of his opponents accusations he has denied. Unlike other parties, the Greens hold leadership elections every two years. This year's contest was to have been held in 2024, after Mr Ramsay and his co-leader Carla Denyer were elected for an extraordinary three-year term in 2021, but the poll was delayed in order to avoid a clash with the general election. Ms Denyer decided not to stand for re-election in May this year. The London Assembly member has been nicknamed 'the boob whisperer' by online wags over a 2013 interview with the Sun when, while working as a Harley Street hypnotherapist, he purported to help women increase the size of their bust. He told a reporter to picture herself with bigger breasts as part of a treatment and said his method could become 'popular very quickly, because it's so safe and a lot cheaper than a boob job.' The newspaper said he then told her: 'Imagine you're in a movie. I want you to make the image bigger and brighter so it fills the screen. Now step it up and feel what it's like having your new breasts. Are you walking differently? Do you look happy?' He apologised for his comments on breasts to a local news website, when he was running as the Green candidate at the 2019 election in Cities of London and Westminster. But speaking to the Big Issue in June he claimed he had been the victim of 'misrepresentation'. Born in 1982, Mr Polanski didn't even join the Greens until he was in his mid-30s, according to his own campaign website. He was born David Paulden in Salford but changed his name aged 18. He told the Big Issue in June that he chose Zack because of the Jewish refugee character in Goodnight Mr Tom. Polanski was his Jewish grandfather's name before he changed it to evade anti-Semitism after moving to the UK. He unsuccessfully stood as a Lib Dem London council candidate in 2015 and 2016, but then switched to the Greens, winning election to the London Assembly in 2021 and again in 2024. While a Green candidate in 2019 he was among the first Extinction Rebellion activists to be arrested for blocking Waterloo Bridge in London, as part of a six-day protest bringing roads to a halt across London. Writing about it for the Huffington Post he said he was 'proud to have played my part'. Showing support for Palestine Action did no harm to his prospects in a very pro-Palestinian party. Alongside a picture, he posted online from Glastonbury Mr Polanski wrote: 'Our government is selling arms being used to commit genocide. Israel kills a child every 45 minutes. We are all Palestine Action.' But his support also came just days before Palestine Action as outlawed. A church warden who murdered a gay university lecturer for his inheritance and had his crimes dramatised in a BBC drama has had his conviction sent for review. Benjamin Field, 34, is serving life for killing Peter Farquhar, 69, after convincing the retired don he was losing his mind in order to steal his house and money. Field secretly drugged him and spiked his whisky, hoping the death would look like suicide or an accident. He was convicted at Oxford Crown Court in 2015 and has repeatedly tried to appeal. Field, the son of a Baptist minister, also swindled 160,000 from Mr Farquhars will. In 2023, the shocking case was dramatised by the BBC in show 'The Sixth Commandment', with Timothy Spall OBE playing Mr Farquhar and Eanna Hardwicke playing Field. Now the Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the case to the Court of Appeal over a legal argument about whether Mr Farquhar was tricked into drinking the whisky or did so willingly. Fields crimes only came to light after he turned his attention to Mr Farquhars neighbour, Ann Moore-Martin, in the village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire. Mr Justice Sweeney said Field had been convicted by the jury of murder on 'overwhelming evidence'. Benjamin Field, 34, pictured, is serving life for killing Peter Farquhar Benjamin Field, right, was jailed for at least 36 years for killing Peter Farquhar, 69, in order to inherit his house and money after pretending to be his lover The shocking case was later dramatised by the BBC in The Sixth Commandment. Pictured: Irish actor Eanna Hardwicke playing murderer Ben Field 'In your evidence at trial, you admitted that, from late 2012 until mid-2017, you had lived by deception and deceit and had been a well-practised and able liar,' the judge told him. 'You further admitted how you could manipulate and manoeuvre people, however sceptical they may have been, to achieve your ends without ever asking them to do so directly. Speaking of Mr Farquhar, the judge said: 'He was a committed Christian, but also gay and attracted to younger men - which was a conflict that he had resolved through his adult life by remaining celibate. 'He was, at his core, lonely and craving for love and affection. You realised that when, as a student, you came across him at the university in 2011 and 2012 and you decided to exploit him for your own gain. 'Although heterosexual by inclination, indeed you had numerous girlfriends whilst you were involved with both Peter Farquhar and Anne Moore-Martin, you set about seducing him.' Field also gaslighted Miss Moore-Martin, a deeply religious retired headteacher, by writing messages on her mirrors purporting to be from God. He had admitted to fraudulently being in relationships with the pensioners as part of his plan to get them to change their wills. Field accepted he had 'psychologically manipulated' the retired teachers but denied any involvement in their deaths. Field accepted he had 'psychologically manipulated' the retired teachers but denied any involvement in their deaths. Pictured: Mr Farquhar and Field Field defrauded Miss Moore-Martin of 4,000 to buy a car and 27,000 for a dialysis machine It was only when the Baptist minister's son began targeting Mr Farquhar's neighbour, Ann Moore-Martin, in the village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire (Mrs Moore-Martin's home pictured), that his scheme began to unravel In his trial Field also admitted defrauding another victim, Ann-Moore Martin (pictured), but was cleared of conspiracy to murder the pensioner Actor Timothy Spall OBE plays the vulnerable retired novelist Peter Farquhar who fell in love with Ben Field He swindled Miss Moore-Martin out of 4,000 to buy a car and 27,000 for a dialysis machine, but was acquitted of her attempted murder. He has also paid out 124,665.03 'distributed as part of the agreed order to the victims in this case' from selling a flat which he bought with his victims' savings. Prosecutors said Field had a 'profound fascination in controlling and manipulating and humiliating and killing' and alleged he had plotted his crimes with his friend, failed magician Martyn Smith, 33. Mr Farquhar's family branded Field a 'deeply malevolent and thoroughly evil man' when he was jailed. Meanwhile, detectives described Field as a psychopath and said he would have posed an 'ongoing danger to society' had he not been stopped. Mr Farquhar, who was torn about his sexuality because of his religion, died in October 2015 while Miss Moore-Martin died in May 2017 from natural causes. Field underwent a 'betrothal' ceremony with gay Mr Farquhar while also having a string of girlfriends and a relationship with Miss Moore-Martin. The 34-year-old of Wellingborough Road, Olney, Buckinghamshire, previously attempted to appeal against his conviction but this was rejected by the Court of Appeal in 2021. He was denied permission to reopen the appeal in March the following year. He then applied to the CCRC to consider his case in September 2022. An elderly Japanese woman was swindled out of thousands of dollars after falling in love online with a self-described astronaut who sought her help to avert a spaceship crisis, police said Tuesday. The hapless woman in Japan's northern Hokkaido island met the fraudster in July on social media who claimed to be a male astronaut, a local police officer said, describing the case as a 'romance scam'. After some exchanges, the scammer one day told her he was 'in space on a spaceship right now' but was 'under attack and in need of oxygen', the official said. The scammer then urged her to pay him online to help him buy oxygen, and successfully hoodwinked around 1 million yen (5,023). The woman lives alone and started developing feelings for him as their online communication progressed, local media including Hokkaido Broadcasting said, quoting investigative sources. 'If a person you met on social media ever demanded cash from you, please be suspicious of the possibility of scam, and report to police', the official said. Japan has the world's second-oldest population after Monaco, according to the World Bank, and older people frequently fall prey to various forms of organised fraud. These include the classic 'it's me' scam, where perpetrators impersonate family members in trouble to extract money from the victim. An elderly Japanese woman was swindled out of thousands of dollars after falling in love online with a self-described astronaut who sought her help to avert a spaceship crisis. File photo: Astronaut on rock surface with space background The scammer urged her to help him buy oxygen, and successfully hoodwinked around 5,023 Similar crimes are also on the rise in the UK, according to Action Fraud, which says as much as 92 million is lost to romance fraud in Britain each year. The organisation says that the Valentine's Day and Christmas Day periods are the most common times to fall victim to this type of crime. Elderly people can also be cajoled into using ATMs to get non-existent 'refunds' of their insurance premiums or pensions, police have warned. It comes three years after a 65-year-old Japanese woman was scammed of 27,350 by a man claiming to be a Russian astronaut in space who needed the money to fly back to Earth to marry her. The pair began chatting on Instagram in June 2022. The man shortly began telling the unnamed woman that he was in love with her and wanted to marry her, and that he wanted to move to Japan so they could start their new life together. The woman sent 4.4 million yen (27,350) to her apparent husband-to-be after he said he needed the money to cover the cost of a rocket and landing fees to return to Earth so the pair could tie the knot. The woman reported the space cowboy to police after she eventually grew suspicious. Vietnam is fighting against Beijing's supremacy in the South China Sea by building its own islands and military bases in the disputed waters, according to a new report. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), run by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, reported that Vietnam has been dredging earth and sand and adding to the surface areas of at least eight pieces of land it controls in the southeast quarter of the South China Sea since the beginning of 2025. It is the latest attempt to push back against China, which has for years laid a claim to a massive swathe of the sea. Beijing claims almost all of the 1.2million square miles of the South China Sea, a body of water vitally important to global trade and security, belong to it. It bases its claim on the 'Nine Dash Line', based on historical claims that international courts have ruled are bogus. China has long built up runways and military installations across the sea to beef up its claim, moves that its rivals haven't taken kindly to. Hanoi hasn't explicitly fought against China's attempts at regional domination in the past, so its latest move in the Spratly Chain, an an archipelago of about one hundred islands, is the boldest action it has taken against Beijing. Dredging and landfill work has taken place at Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef, and Petley Reef, all of which had previously housed only small concrete pillbox structures, according to AMTI. Meanwhile, military infrastructure has been sighted on Barque Canada Reef, Discovery Great Reef, Ladd Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Sand Cay, and Tennent Reef. Your browser does not support iframes. Landsdowne Reef, one of the islands Vietnam has been extending Collins Reef, one of the islands Vietnam has been adding earth and sand to On each reef, munitions storage facilities can be seen. Each reef is now also home to a recurring group of six buildings, the purpose of which is not yet known. The AMTI believes Vietnam is now building a runway on Barque Canada Reef. China has expressed its anger at the latest developments, with a spokesperson for its ministry of foreign affairs saying: 'The Spratly Islands are Chinas inherent territory. 'China firmly opposes relevant countries construction activities on illegally occupied islands and reefs. 'China will take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.' The latest beef comes just weeks after dramatic footage showed the terrifying moment two Chinese vessels smashed into each other while chasing a Philippine patrol boat in the South China Sea. The navy and coastguard ships collided near the contested Scarborough Shoal, an atoll around 140 miles east of the main Philippine island of Luzon and more than 500 miles southeast of Hong Kong. The collection of reefs, rocks and a lagoon - covering around 58 square miles - has historically been claimed by both China and the Philippines. The crash happened as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was escorting boats distributing aid to fishermen in the area, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said. He added the Chinese Coastguard (CCG) vessel 3104 was 'chasing' the Philippine craft, known as the BRP Suluan, 'at high speed'. Vietnam has been adding usable land to East Reef, one of the Spratly Islands A Philippine Navy AW-109 Helicopter lands on the deck of a Philippine warship, as part of the Balikatan's multilateral maritime exercise involving Japanese and American warships, in West Philippine Sea, Philippine, on April 24, 2025 China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, prepares to set out for maiden sea trials from Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard in eastern China's Shanghai, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 It soon 'performed a risky manoeuvre' from the starboard side of the Philippine vessel, he continued, 'leading to the impact with the PLA [People's Liberation Army] Navy warship'. CCG crew members were visible on the front of the craft - the section that hit the battleship - just moments before the collision, he said. Their fate is not known. The CCG vessel was 'rendered unseaworthy' in the smash, which appeared to happen incredibly close to the PCG craft. Council chiefs have launched a new offensive in the battle to close a controversial migrant hotel in Essex. Epping Forest District Council is seeking to take its case to the Supreme Court as the authority fights to shutdown The Bell Hotel. The facility, home to dozens of illegal migrants, has been at the centre of a political maelstrom in recent weeks. Thousands of people have protested at the site, demanding the foreign guests are booted out, while counter-protesters have accused anti-migrant activists of racism. Violent demonstrations ignited after a migrant at the hotel was accused of sexually assaulting two young girls in Epping just days after arriving in Britain illegally. The disorder has led to police officers being drafted in from across the UK in a bid to contain the mayhem - which has since spread to other parts of the country amid growing calls for asylum hotels to be outlawed. Last month, Epping council secured a crucial victory in its fight to close the Bell, after being granted a temporary injunction by the High Court which would have forced 138 asylum seekers to leave by September 12. But on Friday, campaigners were dealt a major blow after the Court of Appeal overturned the decision, ruling instead in favour of the Home Office. A new legal war is set to take place in the bid to close Epping's migrant hotel (pictured, rear, being guarded by police) A red cross has been sprayed on the sign leading to the Bell Hotel following the weekend's latest protests in Epping Anti-migrant protesters demonstrate in Epping amid concerns about the asylum hotel there Now Epping council is preparing to take its fight to the UK's highest court in a last-ditch bid to appeal the decision, with the authority confirming the move last night. A council spokesman said: 'Indicating our intention to appeal does not commit us to further action but facilitates the later process, should we decide to do so. 'Refusal of the Court of Appeal to allow our request would not close our opportunity. The council would still have the right to apply directly to the Supreme Court.' During its earlier plea at the High Court, the council argued site owner Somani Hotels had breached planning rules by not notifying Epping of its plans for the Bell. However, the hotel chain and the Home Office - which moved migrants to the property - took the case to the Court of Appeal. The judge there, Lord Justice Bean, overturned the lower court's decision in favour of Epping, saying the temporary injunction ruling was 'seriously flawed in principle'. News of the dramatic u-turn sparked outrage, with protests spreading to cities across the UK, sparking accusations the government was 'taking the side of migrants over Britons'. On Sunday, Labour appeared to double-down on the move as a top minister backed the decision to keep the Bell open, warning that shutting it could cause 'disruption'. Protesters are seen marching through Epping on August 31 after the Court of Appeal reversed a decision to close the town's migrant hotel Labour has stood by a court ruling revoking the banning of a migrant hotel in Epping (pictured are protesters outside Norwich's Brook Hotel on August 24) One migrant is seen at the window of the Roundhouse hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, over the weekend mocking protestor as 200 demonstrators gathered outside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson insisted the Home Office was right to argue the rights of asylum seekers trumped those of local residents in the Essex town. She said the axing of the Bell Hotel would have triggered 'lots of disruption' and would have left people 'on the streets'. She told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: 'I completely understand why many people in places like Epping, where hotels have opened up, feel incredibly frustrated about that. 'They have a right to demonstrate lawfully and peacefully. But where it crosses a line that isn't consistent with our long-standing traditions in this country of respect for the rule of law, respect for the police and our responsibility to make sure that we have safe communities for everybody living there.' Following her comments, Nigel Farage warned Labour now was on the cusp of a catastrophic wipeout in the polls over the fiasco, which he said would see support for his Reform UK party skyrocket. Mr Farage told the Mail: 'The question is 'whose side are you on'. Clearly the government in the case of Epping has said the illegal immigrants. Reform says the mothers of Epping. This will drive many more voters towards us.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls to close Britain's migrant hotels Hitting back, Ms Phillipson said she could 'understand' people's 'frustration' over the migrant hotels. 'But Nigel Farage and Reform, they don't actually want to sort this problem - interests are served by whipping up anger rather than fixing it,' she added. The migrant hotel scheme is currently set to cost the UK taxpayer billions of pounds to fund. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed to overhaul the asylum system in a bid to cut down the number of migrants staying in hotels while they wait to find out whether or not they will be deported. Currently, there are about 32,000 asylum seekers still housed in hotels nationally. Counter protesters from Stand Up To Racism come out in support of refugees in Scotland on Saturday Counter-protesters hold banners reading: 'Newcastle welcomes refugees' and 'Your racism isn't patriotic it's idiotic' An anti-immigration protester poses with a Union flag with the slogan: 'Stop the boats' Ms Cooper said that, while initial decisions on asylum applications had been sped up, there had been 'unacceptable delays' when people who were turned down decided to appeal. At the moment, it takes on average just over a year for an appeal to be heard - with 51,000 cases still awaiting a decision. During this time, failed asylum seekers are accommodated at the taxpayer's expense. A report by government spending watchdog the National Audit Office earlier this year warned the cost of asylum hotel contracts had ballooned from a predicted 4.5billion to 15.3billion over ten years. During 2024/2025, Britain spent about 108million a month on housing migrants in hotels. The Home Office said: 'At its peak, less than two years ago, there were 400 asylum hotels in use at a cost of almost 9million a day. 'We have taken urgent action over the past year to fix that system, doubling the rate of asylum decision-making, and reducing the amount of money spent on asylum hotels by almost a billion pounds.' Vladimir Putin has today accused Europe of spreading 'hysteria' and 'horror stories', after France and Germany warned of a possible Russian attack. Speaking in China during a visit, Putin said claims by European leaders that Russia would one day attack deeper into Europe were 'hysteria' and 'horror stories'. Yesterday, French hospitals were ordered to make preparations for an imminent war in Europe while Germany said it is on alert for Russia's military drills. France's ministry of health told health bodies across the country to prepare for a possible 'major engagement' by March 2026. The French government is reportedly predicting a scenario where the nation would become a supporting state that has the capacity to take a massive number of wounded soldiers from France and other European nations. Meanwhile, Germany's chief of defence Carsten Breuer said NATO and his nation's forces will be on alert ahead of Russian military drills. Breuer said that though he doesn't expect Vladimir Putin's forces to attack NATO territory as Russia conducts military training in Belarus with the Zapad 2025 exercise, his nation would 'be on... guard'. The Russian despot also claimed that Moscow had never opposed Ukraine's potential membership of the European Union, and that he thought it was possible to find a consensus on ensuring the security of both Russia and Ukraine. Vladimir Putin (pictured) has accused Europe of spreading 'hysteria' and 'horror stories' The Khmelyovka firing ground during drills to train amphibious assault, part of the active phase of the military exercises 'Zapad-2021' staged by the armed forces of Russia and Belarus in Kaliningrad Region, Russia, September 11, 2021 The 'Zapad-2021' joint military drills of the armed forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus at the Mulino army base in the Nizhny Novgorod region Russia is set to launch the Zapad 2025 training exercise in a few weeks In the case of Ukraine in 2022, Russia was forced, said Putin, to react to what he called the West's attempt with the help of the NATO military alliance to try to absorb the entire post-Soviet space given its security implications for Moscow. 'As for Ukraine's membership of the EU, we have never objected to this,' Putin told Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at talks in China. 'As for NATO, this is another issue.' Putin said that he had discussed Ukraine's security at his August 15 summit in Alaska with US President Donald Trump. 'There are options for ensuring Ukraine's security in the event of an end to the conflict,' Putin said. 'And it seems to me that there is an opportunity to find consensus here.' An animal rights activist accused of stealing a crayfish from a tank at an upmarket seafood restaurant and throwing it into a harbour sobbed in court today. Emma Smart, 47, is alleged to have entered the Catch at the Old Fish Market on Weymouth quay and shoved a member of staff out of the way before taking the live crayfish from the tank, running outside and dropping it into the sea. Smart, a marine biologist, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday after being charged with theft and assault, which she denies. Her lawyer, Raj Chada, told the court she was in a 'very clearly distressed state' and found it difficult to enter the court room. He asked Judge Jonathan Fuller for permission for her to sit behind him rather than in the dock, which was granted. Smart of Weymouth, Dorset, sobbed throughout the brief hearing during which she pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged incident happened on April 10 this year. Emma Smart leaving Bournemouth Crown Court today after denying two charges She is accused of shoving a staff member before taking the live crayfish from the tank, running outside and dropping it into the sea Smart, a member of Extinction Rebellion, was released on bail on condition that she does not go to the restaurant Smart is accused of pushing staff member Maisie Croker, who asked her to leave the restaurant, and theft of crayfish belonging to restaurant owner Anthony Cooper. She will face a three-day trial over the matter in June next year. Judge Fuller questioned why so much time was needed, asking: 'It's theft of a lobster from a restaurant isn't it?' Jonathan Underhill, prosecuting, said the defence had indicated that was how long would be needed and there would be multiple witnesses called, including Ms Croker and Mr Cooper. Smart, a member of Extinction Rebellion, was released on bail on condition that she does not go to the restaurant. Catch at the Old Fish Market in Custom House Quay Catch at the Old Fish Market in Custom House Quay The Catch at the Old Fish Market in Custom House Quay is in the Michelin Guide. Diners have included Sir David Attenborough. It says it offers a 'unique, sea-to-plate dining experience' with seafood drawn from the clear waters of the Dorset coast set in a 'landmark setting amidst the colour and energy of a working quayside'. Some species of crayfish are listed as endangered on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). A master manipulator who battered his elderly fiancee before drowning her in the bath has been jailed. Clifford Cowen, 59, plied Rita Fleming, 70, with alcohol in her flat in Notting Hill, west London in a bid to make her death seem like a drunken accident, Kingston Crown Court heard. The victim was found dead in her nightdress in the tub, with the hot tap running and a towel covering the plug hole, when police forced entry on June 23, 2024. He told police he was due to marry Ms Fleming in August but detectives described him as a 'master manipulator' after he was convicted of murder by a jury which deliberated for just six hours following a four-week trial. Cowen was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 16 years on Monday. He had initially been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries when police forced entry to Ms Fleming's property on Golborne Road at around 9.45am, after receiving an emergency call by Cowen, and discovered the victim's body. Cowen was then charged with murder on 4 July, 2024. Earlier, prosecutor Hamish Common revealed that the murderer had claimed he had arrived at the back of the property and was not able to wake Ms Fleming. Clifford Cowen, pictured, a master manipulator who battered his elderly fiancee before drowning her in the bath, has been jailed He plied Rita Fleming, pictured, with alcohol in her flat in Notting Hill, west London in a bid to make her death seem like a drunken accident, Kingston Crown Court heard Cowen had also said he had seen her feet through the letterbox which was deemed implausible given she was discovered in the bath. Mr Common added: 'The cause of death was drowning but she had sustained serious traumatic injuries beforehand. 'One injury to the eye looked older.' 'She had wanted him to get a cat called Bubby Boy (his cat) which was at his address some distance away,' the prosecutor said. 'However he said when he got there the cat was dead which he found upsetting. 'For reasons not clear at this point the cat was later found in the freezer. 'Circumstances show no other person had the opportunity to enter Ms Fleming's flat and kill her. 'His defence is one of complete denial - he was not in anyway responsible for her death.' Judge Peter Lodder told Cowen: 'You came into her life when she was particularly vulnerable. The victim, pictured, was found dead in her nightdress in the tub, with the hot tap running and a towel covering the plug hole, when police forced entry on June 23, 2024 'It is clear that she made efforts to control her alcoholism and to meet new friends and find new activities. It is a sad fact that irrespective of your influence she was not wholly successful. 'But it is also clear that both she and her few other friends were concerned that your influence was undermining of her efforts in both respects. 'The timeline establishes that it was when you were in contact with her that she lapsed in her attempts to remain alcohol free. 'The evidence of her last few days alone demonstrates that whilst she remained in her flat you deliberately went out to purchase significant quantities of alcohol which you then supplied to her, resulting in her high level of intoxication.' Mr Lodder then made a distinction between the pair's relationships with alcohol, pointing out that Ms Fleming would 'become incapable' after much drinking while Cowen is a 'functioning alcoholic'. The judge added: 'I have no doubt that you took advantage of her weaknesses, and whether your behaviour met the legal definition of coercion and control is irrelevant, since it is clear to me that you could, and did, manipulate and exploit her vulnerabilities. 'There is no direct evidence that during your relationship you were physically violent to Ms Fleming but you certainly spoke in violent terms in her presence. 'And I am satisfied, as must be the case from the jury's verdict, that it was your violent behaviour which led to her death.' He had initially been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries when police forced entry to Ms Fleming's property on Golborne Road, pictured Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who led the investigation said: 'As our investigation into Rita's death developed, it became clear that Clifford Cowen was a controlling and abusive partner. 'Clifford called 999 that day and attempted to make Rita's death look like an accident, as though she had drowned in the bath. 'Thanks to the information given by key witnesses and the work of our Specialist Crime Team, we have been able to show the court what a cowardly individual Cowen is. 'Cowen is a master manipulator who tried to portray his relationship with Rita as a loving one. 'He attempted to cover up his actions with an elaborate alibi, however officers were able to unpick this along with evidence of his controlling and manipulative behaviour. 'Rita was much loved by her family and friends and I hope that Cowen's conviction gives them an element of closure. 'We understand how isolated victims of domestic abuse can feel. We encourage anyone to contact police and report so we can support alongside our specialist partner agencies.' A protester who demonstrated outside of an asylum seeker hotel in Epping has been warned by a judge that he will 'likely' be jailed after admitting violent disorder. Martin Peagram, of Loughton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside the Bell Hotel on July 27, at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. On Tuesday, the 33-year-old appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court but was told by a judge 'the most likely outcome' would be 'an immediate prison sentence'. Peagram, who wore a dark blue tracksuit and was brought up from the cells to the dock in handcuffs, spoke to confirm his name at the start of the brief hearing. Judge Jamie Sawyer said defendants involved in protests outside the Bell Hotel, who had pleaded guilty and had outstanding cases, would be sentenced on October 6. 'I'm not in a position to sentence Mr Peagram this morning,' he said. 'If there are defendants who are yet to be committed or sent to this court, the two dates are October 6 for sentence then secondly September 22 for a further case management hearing.' Martin Peagram, of Loughton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside the Bell Hotel on July 27, at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court Police officers escort protesters near the Bell Hotel in Epping, London, Sunday, on August 31, 2025 The Bell Hotel will continue to be used to house asylum seekers before a full trial of the council's case after the Court of Appeal overturned a previous ruling Joseph Lord, for Peagram, asked that a pre-sentence report be prepared about the defendant, and the judge agreed to this request. Judge Sawyer added: 'Mr Peagram must understand the likely sentence will be an immediate prison sentence.' Addressing the defendant, who had medium-length brown hair and a beard, the judge said: 'Mr Peagram, I've adjourned your case to October 6. 'I've agreed to the application for a pre-sentence report. I'm not ruling out an immediate prison sentence. 'The most likely outcome I'm afraid is an immediate prison sentence.' Peagram said 'thank you' before he was led back to the cells, with the judge remanding him in custody until October 6. In recent weeks, the hotel has become the focal point of several protests and counter-protests after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, has denied any wrongdoing. His trial began last week and is due to conclude later this week. It comes as the Court of Appeal set aside an injunction granted earlier this month which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed at the lodging beyond September 12. Last week, the judges ruled that the Home Office could intervene in the case, in a significant victory for the Government. Protesters wave flags after an injunction that would have blocked asylum seekers from being housed at The Bell Hotel was overturned on August 29, 2025 Demonstrators wave English and British flags as they protest outside The Bell Hotel on Sunday Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' that would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the move showed Prime Minister Keir Starmer 'puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed this sentiment, writing on X: 'Illegal migrants have more rights than the people of Essex. Reform UK will put an end to this.' Dame Angela Eagle, the asylum minister, maintained the government was following its plan to close migrant hotels by 2029, stressing that the recent Home Office appeal was required so move outs could happen in a 'controlled and orderly way'. Brazen shopkeepers in London have been caught selling vapes disguised as children's toys with illegal amounts of nicotine in them. The illegal vapes were found as part of a 35,000 haul of products, which were seized by Westminster City Council officials and police. The single-use plastic vape was labelled as the 'Taki 99 Tiger Cup' and even came complete with a straw. It was confiscated during the raid on Soho Vape in Noel Street, where at least 3,000 single-use vapes were found. Sales of single-use vapes were banned on June 1 after their sweet flavours and bright packaging were blamed for fuelling a boom in underage vapers and piles of discarded vapes. Only devices considered reusable - with a rechargeable battery and replaceable coil - are allowed under the new rules. Officials believe the Soho raid is one of the biggest in London since the ban came into force. The Chinese-made Taki vape, selling for around 15, is also illegal on the grounds that it looks like a food product and could pose a risk to young children if the contents were ingested. The single-use plastic vape was labelled as the 'Taki 99 Tiger Cup' and even came complete with a straw It was confiscated during a raid on Soho Vape in Noel Street, where at least 3,000 single-use vapes were found Officials believe the Soho raid is one of the biggest in London since disposable vape ban came into force Labels on the vape reveal it contains 30 mg/ml of nicotine (3 per cent) when the legal limit is 20mg/ml (2 per cent). They also contained 12ml of nicotine liquid, six times the permitted 2ml. A number of vape refills and pod salts with an excessive volume and suspected illegal nicotine content were also seized. Many displayed the wrong health warning labels, with officials believing they were never intended for the UK market. Nicotine pouches with foreign labels, illicit tobacco, vape kits and shisha were also seized. Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug said: 'It appears some shop owners are determined to flout the change in UK law and sell illegal and unsafe single-use vapes to people in Westminster. 'Particularly cynical is the use of devices shaped like a child's toy cup, which could run the risk of luring children into vaping. 'Thanks to targeted intelligence work by police and the council, thousands of items are now off the streets. 'If dodgy businesses try to peddle such products, we will ensure their illicit vaping profits go up in smoke.' Your browser does not support iframes. The new disposable vape law is aimed at protecting the environment and tackling a surge in youth vaping rates, which have soared from 0.8 per cent in 2013 to 7.2 per cent last year. Disposable vapes, known for their variety of flavours and brightly coloured packaging, have become increasingly popular among teenagers. Moreover, an estimated five million single use vapes, which are available to buy at pocket money prices, are thrown away in the UK every week. According to new research by online nicotine retailer, Haypp, 82 percent of disposable vape users planned to stockpile ahead of the ban. Although the crackdown sought to curb use among young people and reduce the litter and environmental impact, stockpiling poses a threat to the environment and the health of young people. A defiant letter sent by legendary SAS commander Blair 'Paddy' Mayne to a comrade just weeks after their elite unit had been disbanded has been found 80 years on. Writing in late November 1945, Lieutenant-Colonel Mayne eulogised about the courage of the men under his command. He told Major Harry Poat that they had fought in the 'best disciplined, most pleasant and best scrapping unit in the British Army'. Lt Col Mayne, who died in a car accident a decade after writing the letter, added that he would 'never forget' their contribution. His letter was sent a little over a month after the Special Air Service was disbanded by officials despite its contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War. The two-page message was discovered recently by the late Major Poat's nephew in a trunk being stored in his attic. The document was then shared with leading SAS historian Damien Lewis, who alerted the Daily Mail about the thrilling discovery. Lt Col Mayne's emphasis on his unit's discipline in the letter contrasts with his controversial portrayal by Skins star Jack O'Connell as a rebellious, often-drunk lout in BBC series SAS Rogue Heroes. A defiant letter sent by legendary SAS commander Blair 'Paddy' Mayne to a comrade just weeks after their elite unit had been disbanded has been found 80 years on. Above: Lt Col Mayne and Major Harry Poat, the letter recipient The letter discovery comes amid a campaign to award Lt Col Mayne the Victoria Cross after he was controversially denied the honour in 1945 despite saving the lives of comrades in a Nazi ambush in Germany in 1945. Lt Col Mayne said in his letter: 'My dear Harry, I am not very good at saying goodbye or in telling people how much I admire and like them, but I only started enjoying the S.A.S. on that day at Kabrit when yourself, Marsh and McDermott joined. 'From then on it appeared to me that there were some decent people in the unit, people that were interested in the men and the regiment and not what they themselves could get out of it; and I may say that I wasn't the only person to value that ever since then, it has given me great pleasure to notice and to see how popular and well respected you were by the men and the officers. 'If I hadn't also respected and liked you I could easily have become most jealous. 'It has been good fun since then and I have an awful lot to thank you for, your loyalty and ability are a byword in this Brigade. 'Between us we commanded and fought in the best disciplined, most pleasant and best scrapping unit in the British Army; that is something I shall never forget and I know that you won't either. 'I do wish I was properly able to thank you for all the help, assistance and friendship you have given me during the last few years. 'Yours ever, Paddy 'PS. Looking this over it appears terribly stilted and doesn't express half of what I want to say.' Writing in late November 1945, Lieutenant-Colonel Mayne eulogised about the courage of the men under his command Lt Col Mayne ended his letter by saying: 'Looking this over it appears terribly stilted and doesn't express half of what I want to say' After taking to social media to announce the 'beyond extraordinary' find, Mr Lewis told the Daily Mail: 'This is the one that really got me. Words fail me. It says everything about Paddy Mayne and the regiment, the brotherhood and everything else. 'It's the kind of thing people need to read. It's never seen the light of day before. 'There's lots of stuff I've seen written to Mayne, it's much rarer to see stuff he has written. You almost never come across it. 'The letter is erudite and sympathetic, all the things we know him to be. 'It was written just after the disbandment of the SAS, so imagine how poignant that moment was.' He added: 'His assessment of them as a unit, just dwell on that. The most disciplined regiment in the British Army. 'It's diametrically opposed to how Paddy Mayne and his men were portrayed in SAS Rogue Heroes. 'We know this is the truth because this is a private letter that was never supposed to see the light of day.' Lieutenant Colonel Blair 'Paddy' Mayne was portrayed by Jack O'Connell in SAS Rogue Heroes as an often drunk and ill-disciplined rebel Mayne was one of the original members of the SAS. Above: In North Africa with dog Withers Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair 'Paddy' Mayne is pictured right in Norway in 1945. The SAS wreaked havoc against German and Italian positions Mr Lewis said Lt Col Mayne's words add will add further fuel to the calls to award Lt Col Mayne a posthumous Victoria Cross. 'We are all very hopeful that the right decision will be reached to grant Mayne a posthumous VC. This letter is grist to the mill.' 'He did not want to give credit to himself but to those under his command. This is transformational command, it's leading by the front and with humility. 'This letter lays it out in black and white detail.' Major Poat, a former tomato farmer from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, joined the SAS in 1942, the year after it was formed by David Stirling. He went on to become one of Lt Col Mayne's most trusted lieutenants. The soldier, who won the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order, died aged 66 in October 1980. The letter discovery comes after the Government announced a probe into claims that Lt Col Mayne was denied the gallantry medal because of a glaring 'clerical error'. In April, defence minister Al Cairns told MPs that a review will be launched into the controversial decision to award Lt Col Mayne a Distinguished Service order - his fourth - instead of the VC. It is believed to be the first time such a move into a medal decision has been made - and could result in Lt Col Mayne's medal being dramatically upgraded. The soldier was initially recommended for a VC following his heroics in 1945. Paddy Mayne in his uniform in 1945. The soldier was born in Newtownards, Northern Ireland SAS Rogue Heroes is based on a book of the same name by historian Ben Macintyre. The on-screen adaptation was written and created by Steven Knight, the man behind hit show Peaky Blinders Lt Col repeatedly drove through a blistering ambush in his lightly armoured jeep while his gunner, Sergeant John Scott, laid down fire from mounted machine guns. His actions saved many comrades from death or capture. But Lt Col Mayne's VC recommendation was later downgraded in Whitehall. A document unearthed in Canada suggested that this was because senior officers assessing Lt Col Mayne's citation appear to have made an embarrassing mistake by confusing the word 'signal' with 'single'. The Royal Warrant that instituted the VC in 1856 states that the medal is awarded to those who have performed 'some signal act of valour or devotion to their country.' But Lt Col Mayne appears to have missed out because he received help from a Sergeant Scott which, it was argued, meant his feat was not a 'single' act of valour. Lt Col Mayne's bravery in Germany came after several other immense feats of courage and leadership during fighting in North Africa. He is regarded by experts as one of Britain's greatest ever front-line soldiers. The SAS was re-established in 1947 and has ever since been regarded as one of the most effective elite fighting forces in the world. Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro threatened to 'declare a republic in arms' if attacked by forces that the United States government recently deployed near to his country in the Caribbean. Maduro said his country was at 'maximum preparedness' as he spoke during a news conference Monday in Caracas just as the White House prepared to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela this week. The United States has already ordered the deployment of spy planes, a warship and even a submarine to the Southern Caribbean Sea to address the growing threat posed by Latin American drug cartels. 'In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela,' Maduro said of the U.S. deployment, which he characterized as 'an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.' Maduro did not elaborate on what 'declaring a republic in arms' would entail. But he warned that U.S. military action against Venezuela would 'stain' President Donald Trumps 'hands with blood'. 'President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide,' Maduro said. 'You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela.' The dictator also called Secretary of State Marco Rubio a 'warlord' pushing for action in the Caribbean to topple Venezuelas Left-wing regime. Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro said he is ready to 'declare a republic in arms' if attacked by forces that the United States government has deployed to the Caribbean Maduro warned that U.S. military action against Venezuela would 'stain' President Donald Trumps 'hands with blood' The U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie passes through the Pedro Miguel locks of the Panama Canal on August 29 The U.S. has not signaled any planned land invasion by the thousands of personnel being deployed. Still, Maduros government has responded by deploying troops along its coast and border with neighboring Colombia, as well as by urging Venezuelans to enlist in a civilian militia. Maduro also used his news conference to insist that he was the legitimate winner of last years presidential election. But ample and credible evidence has shown the contrary, prompting several countries, including the U.S., to not recognize Maduro as Venezuelas president. Maduro, sworn in to a third six-year term in January, added that his regime maintains two lines of communication with the Trump administration, one with the State Department and another with Trumps envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell. Since the July 2024 presidential election, Venezuelas political opposition has been urging the U.S. and other countries to pressure Maduro into leaving office. Last month opposition leader Maria Corina Machado thanked Trump and Rubio for the deployment of the vessels, describing the move as 'the right approach 'toward Venezuelas government, which she described as a 'criminal enterprise'. The Navy now has two Aegis guided-missile destroyers the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham in the Caribbean, as well as the destroyer USS Sampson and the cruiser USS Lake Erie in the waters off Latin America. That military presence is set to expand. Three amphibious assault ships - a force that encompasses more than 4,000 sailors and Marines - were expected to enter the region this week, a defense official told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Maduro also used his news conference to insist that he was the legitimate winner of last years presidential election. But ample and credible evidence has shown the contrary The U.S. Navy warship USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on August 30 The deployment comes as President Trump has pushed for using the military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into US communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities. In February, the State Department designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. They notably include Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) and Tren de Aragua along with others. The department said the gangs constituted a 'national security threat beyond that posed by traditional organized crime'. The Trump administration added a few more to the list in July; the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, explaining that the cartels were run by the President of Venezuela, along with other leaders on his staff. The Treasury Department also accused Cartel de los Soles of giving material help to other cartels, like the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico and Tren de Aragua, asserting they were 'threatening the peace and security of the United States'. Secretary of State Marco Rubio put out a statement days after, blasting Nicolas Maduro, saying his regime is 'not a legitimate government' and that he is 'not the president of Venezuela'. He added that Maduro, 'has corrupted Venezuela's institutions to assist the cartel's criminal narco-trafficking scheme into the United States'. In February, the State Department designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are pictured at an undisclosed location, in Michoacan state, Mexico, October 15, 2022 In an interview last week, Rubio explained that designating these cartels as terrorist groups would permit the U.S. to use all the tools in their arsenal, like intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense. 'We cannot continue to just treat these guys as local street gangs. They have weaponry that looks like what terrorists, in some cases, armies, have,' Rubio said. 'Drug dealing is the kind of terrorism they're doing, and it's not the only.' An American man was killed in the Bahamas after his jet ski collided with another vessel over Labor Day weekend. The crash took place in the waters off Paradise Island on Saturday morning. Officers from the Marine Support Service Branch were dispatched to the scene at 11.30am. 'The male rider of the jet ski was found unresponsive with visible injuries,' The Royal Bahamas Police Force said. 'Medical personnel visited the scene, examined the victim, but found no vital signs of life.' No further details have been released about the victim, who was identified as a man of US nationality. The Daily Mail has contacted the State Department and the US Embassy in the Bahamas for more information. The deadly crash came the same day two other US nationals were involved in a jet ski collision in Paradise Island. An American man was killed in a jet ski crash in the waters off Paradise Island in the Bahamas (pictured: stock image of Paradise Island) over Labor Day Weekend Shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday, officers responded to a jet ski crash involving two American men, aged 42 and 29. The two men were riding the jet ski when it lost control and hit a dock near a resort, police said. First responders treated their injuries on scene and both men declined further medical treatment at the hospital. In April, the US Embassy issued a security alert over the risks of renting jet skis in The Bahamas. They advised Americans to avoid renting jet skis, citing several incidents of rape and sexual assault of Americans by jet ski operators. 'Since August 2024, four US citizens were hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents,' the embassy said. 'Of these, two needed emergency evacuations to the United States due to their injuries.' US government employees working the Bahamas have been banned from renting and using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise islands due to security risks. This is a developing story. JK Rowling and Elon Musk today led a growing backlash against the arrest of Father Ted creator Graham Linehan after he was detained by five armed police officers at Heathrow Airport over three 'anti-trans' tweets. The Harry Potter author and Tesla billionaire are among several high-profile names to speak out after Linehan was arrested as soon as he stepped off an American Airlines flight from Arizona to London. The Irish comedy writer, whose successful career was derailed by his 'anti-trans' views, says he was treated like a 'terrorist' before being quizzed by police over 'three tweets' he posted in April. The Met Police has confirmed the 57-year-old was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence at around 1pm yesterday 'in relation to posts on X'. Tesla and X CEO Musk described Britain as a 'police state', while Rowling fumed: 'What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.' The gender-critical campaigner leapt to Linehan's defence just weeks after he accused her of failing to back him after he was cancelled over his similar views. Elsewhere, Piers Morgan accused Britain of 'turning into North Korea', Robert Jenrick blasted it as 'a complete waste of police time' and Nigel Farage said he will raise the arrest when he meets allies of Donald Trump to discuss free speech in Washington this week. Linehan's arrest is the latest in a string of heavy-handed police responses over 'thought crimes', with writers, councillors and parents talking in school WhatsApp groups targeted in recent months. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan claims he has been arrested over his tweets. He claims he had to go to a hospital (pictured) because he was so stressed JK Rowling, Robert Jenrick and others have led the outrage over the arrest of Linehan today The most high-profile 'tweet police' case involved Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Tory councillor who was released from prison last month after being handed a 31-month sentence for a racist tweet after the Southport attack. After his arrest, Linehan claimed he was escorted to A&E 'because the stress nearly killed me', adding that his blood pressure was recorded at over 200mm Hg by a nurse. The creator of Father Ted and The IT Crowd has shared the tweets which he says police arrested him over. One from April 20 said: 'If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.' A second tweet, on April 19, was a picture of a trans rally with the caption: 'A photo you can smell.' The third was a follow-up to this tweet which said: 'I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em.' Condemning the arrest on X this afternoon, Piers Morgan wrote: 'What's happened to [Linehan] today is absolutely ridiculous. Five armed cops arresting him at Heathrow for tweets mocking the scandal of biological men invading women's spaces? When it comes to free speech, Britain's turning into North Korea.' Shadow justice secretary Mr Jenrick also weighed in, writing: 'This is ridiculous and a complete waste of police time. The police only respond to 1 in 5 reported shoplifting offences, but deployed 5 armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets. We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals.' LBC presenter Mr Dale fumed: 'This is an outrage. [Linehan] has been pretty vile to me in the past on Twitter, but I stand with him on this outrageous experience... What an utter waste of police time.' And Tory MP Neil O'Brien wrote: 'Britain is now a total laughing stock - a country where we arrest the authors of light comedies and interrogate them about their tweets. It would be laughable it it wasn't so serious.' The Free Speech Union has said it will fund Linehan's legal defence 'against these preposterous allegations and the disproportionate response from the police'. Describing his dramatic arrest on his Substack blog, Linehan wrote: 'The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not twofive. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets. These are the three tweets which Graham Linehan claims he was arrested over 'In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer for this tweet. 'I promise you, I am not making this up.' He said he was 'arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal, taken to hospital because the stress nearly killed me, and banned from speaking online'. 'To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women, and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have turned the police into their personal goon squad,' he added. Linehan claims that even when he handed over his passport in Arizona, officials told him he did not have a seat and had to be re-ticketed. 'At the time, I thought it was just the sort of innocent snafu that makes air travel such a joy,' he said. 'But in hindsight, it was clear I'd been flagged.' Linehan says he burst into laughter when he first saw the police officers - alleging that some were even displaying a 'polite bafflement' over the arrest. He claims a van was arranged to meet him on the tarmac 'so I didn't have to be perp-walked through the airport like a terrorist'. Linehan added: 'At Heathrow police station, my belt, bag, and devices were confiscated. Then I was shown into a small green-tiled cell with a bunk, a silver toilet in the corner and a message from Crimestoppers on the ceiling next to a concave mirror that was presumably there to make you reflect on your life choices.' He says 'by some miracle' he managed to sleep but he was then subjected to the quizzing about his tweets. Rowling leapt to Linehan's defence just weeks after he accused her of failing to defend him after he was cancelled over his similar views Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan speaks to the media outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 12, where he pleaded not guilty to harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone But he added: 'The police themselves, for the most part, were consistently decent throughout this farce. Some were even Father Ted fans. 'Thank God the Catholic Church never had with the police the special relationship granted to trans activists. The male officers were mostly polite but clearly nonplussed by the politics of it alljust doing their jobs, however insane those jobs had become. 'The female officers seemed more tuned in to what was actually happening. One mentioned the Sandie Peggie case in a certain way, and I realised I was among friends, even if they couldn't admit it.' Ms Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after she complained about having to share a changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a trans medic, at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, on Christmas Eve 2023. Linehan says he has a single bail condition: 'I am not to go on Twitter. That's it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimesjust a legal gag order designed to shut me up while I'm the UK, and a demand I face a further interview in October.' Downing Street declined to comment on the arrest, but said the Prime Minister and Home Secretary had been 'clear' about their 'priorities for crime and policing'. Asked about the arrest, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'That's an operational matter for the police, but the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been clear about where their priorities for crime and policing are, and that's tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, street crime, as well as reducing serious violent crimes like knife crime and violence against women.' Asked whether the Government agreed with author JK Rowling's claim that the UK was now a 'totalitarian' state, the spokesman said: 'No.' A spokesman for the Met Police told the Mail: 'On Monday, 1 September at 13:00hrs officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. 'The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. 'The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. 'After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. 'He has now been bailed pending further investigation.' Linehan is facing trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday over two separate charges. One is in relation to harassing trans activist Sophia Brooks on social media and the other for damaging Brooks's mobile phone in October. He denied the charges at a hearing on May 12. Last month, Linehan accused Rowling of failing to defend him. But he will no doubt welcome her support today. He told how he had backed her strong views on SNP's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which she previously dubbed 'the biggest assault on the rights of Scottish women and girls' in her lifetime. But he claimed she failed to defend his right to free speech when he received backlash over his comments regarding trans people, saying Rowling's 'silence' made him feel 'toxic' and isolated. A father has been forgiven for breaking into a water park at night with his son to give the boy a memorable 11th birthday treat. The pair were caught on security cameras splashing in the pools, swimming, and using the water slides. The lad had a 'birthday to remember for the rest of his life'. He was 'thrilled' to spend time alone with his dad at around 11pm, an hour after the aqua park closed to the public. 'The boy was absolutely delighted and did not want to leave,' said one report. They had the time of their lives,' said another account. But the father - who works at the Brosko Volna aqua park in Khabarovsk, Russia, faced the sack for his surprise gift for his son. Water park boss Kseniya Rudenko admitted she could have fired the father. But she said: 'We had an incident - an employee secretly brought his son into the water complex. At night, just like in the movies. A father has been forgiven for breaking into a water park at night with his son to give the boy a memorable 11th birthday treat. But the father - who works at the Brosko Volna aqua park in Khabarovsk, Russia, faced the sack for his surprise gift for his son The pair were caught on security cameras splashing in the pools, swimming, and using the water slides 'We later found out his motive - he wanted to celebrate his 11-year-old son's birthday in a memorable way.' She announced: 'We did not dismiss the employee. We looked into his situation, tried to understand why he acted this way. 'We talked with him, carried out an internal investigation, and discovered a blind spot in our staff operations, which we were able to fix thanks to this incident. 'His motive was a simple human desire to create an unforgettable moment for his child - to give him an experience he will happily remember for many years. 'Our reaction? At first we were shocked, then we laughed.' The understanding boss said: 'Sometimes life throws us these lessons not so that we vent our anger and impose punitive measures, but to remind us of something. 'Don't we all have that pleasant feeling of genuine childhood joy? A memory that may even seem a little absurd, but still warms us? Water park boss Kseniya Rudenko admitted she could have fired the father. But she said: 'We had an incident - an employee secretly brought his son into the water complex. At night, just like in the movies' 'The boy was absolutely delighted and did not want to leave,' said one report. They had the time of their lives,' said another account. The understanding boss said the incident should 'warm us' 'Let it continue to warm us, and let us create such memories for our own children - though in calmer, more appropriate ways.' She made clear in future the opening hours were strictly 9am to 10pm. 'After all, even children's memories sometimes have a schedule.' Jaguar Land Rover has been hit by a 'cyber incident' that has crippled its manufacturing plants and delivery systems. It says it took 'immediate action' when it became aware of the incident, shutting down systems on Monday - just as it would have been registering new 75 plate cars. The company - which recently wound down building new Jags ahead of a switch to electric vehicles - sent staff home from the Halewood plant near Liverpool yesterday. The plant, which produces models such as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, remains closed today, according to local media. Alongside manufacturing, systems including the one used to register new cars are reported to have been crippled by the shutdown. JLR says today that it does not believe customer data has been stolen - but admits its day-to-day activities have been disrupted. The firm said in a statement: 'JLR has been impacted by a cyber incident. We took immediate action to mitigate its impact by proactively shutting down our systems. 'We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner. 'At this stage there is no evidence any customer data has been stolen but our retail and production activities have been severely disrupted.' Jaguar Land Rover has told workers to stay at home after its systems were hit with a cyber attack on Monday (pictured: its Halewood production plant near Liverpool) The plant produces models such as the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport (pictured: workers on the assembly line) Workers were sent home yesterday and remained at home today - with the disruption set to continue into Wednesday The Liverpool Echo reported that the attack was discovered at 4.30am on Monday. The shutdown has continued into today and is likely to continue into tomorrow, the outlet said. In an update sent to staff, the firm is reported to have said: 'The leadership team has agreed that production associates will be stood down and will have hours banked in line with the corridor agreement.' Industry magazine Autocar reported that the system used by Jaguar to register new cars with the government had been taken offline as a result of the shutdown. The attack could not have come at a worse time for the firm on the first day of brand new 75 plate cars. Quoting a dealer, the magazine said there had been no estimate given for when systems would come back online. JLR's parent company Tata posted a notice to the Indian stock exchange which refers to the issue as an 'IT security' incident. It did not give further details. 'We are working at pace to resolve global IT issues impacting our business. We will provide an update as appropriate in due course,' the statement, from a company secretary, said. The incident at Jaguar comes after a number of other British firms were targeted by hackers, causing havoc. Marks and Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods were targeted by hackers earlier this year. The attacks shut down M&S's website and affected day-to-day Co-op stores, while Harrods said its systems had been accessed. Jaguar has recently wound down production of its petrol and diesel models including the F-Pace (above) as it gears up for a switch to electric The firm's Type 00 concept (above) and rebrand has been met with a mixed reception to date A woman and three teenagers were arrested over the incidents in July. M&S chairman Archie Norman later told MPs the attack had been 'traumatic' - but refused to say whether it had paid any ransom to have systems restored. Jaguar Land Rover recently reported that its quarterly profits had almost halved after the US slapped higher import tariffs on cars coming from the UK. The rates have since been cut from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent on the first 100,000 British-built cars to ship to the US. Jaguar is also gearing up for a significant shift in both style and substance after it unveiled a divise rebrand and concept car that critics claimed erased its century-old heritage of British engineering. Last month, it appointed 54-year-old Tata Motors chief financial officer PB Balaji as the new boss after chief executive Adrian Mardell stepped down after three years at the helm. A terrified woman used a universal sign for help inside a 7-Eleven to let an employee know she was in danger. John Glenn Palombi, 38, of Glendora, California, was arrested on August 19 after a woman he was with inside a Fremont Avenue gas station signaled to an employee that she needed help. The woman was caught flashing the sign for help - where one tucks their thumb under four fingers - behind her back while the pair perused the aisles, according to the Alhambra Police Department. The unidentified employee 'recognized what she was doing and called us to respond,' police said. 'Are you okay? Are you okay?' an officer can be heard asking the couple on bodycam footage. The woman meekly replied that she was before the officer asked: 'Do you mind if I talk to you really quick?' Police determined that a domestic violence incident had taken place. During questioning, when asked to stand up, Palombi attempted to flee the scene, running toward the sidewalk as officers quickly followed suit. He appeared to be tackled by police and taken into custody at the Alhambra Police Department Jail without bail. John Glenn Palombi, 38, of Glendora, California, (left) was arrested on August 19 after a woman (right) he was with inside a Fremont Avenue gas station signaled to an employee that she needed help The unidentified employee 'recognized what she was doing and called us to respond,' police said. Police determined a domestic violence incident had taken place During questioning, when asked to stand up, Palombi attempted to flee the scene, running toward the sidewalk as officers quickly followed suit. He appeared to be tackled by police and taken into custody at the Alhambra Police Department Jail without bail He has since been transferred to the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles. Alhambra Police discovered Palombi had a warrant out for his arrest and had a stun gun on him at the gas station. Shamsher Singh, who works at the 7-Eleven, was impressed by his colleague's bravery and for helping the woman. 'He did a great job because she needed help and that was a good time he did it,' he told NBC Los Angeles. 'He made a good call.' Palombi is expected back in court on September 11. The universal sign for help was created by the Canadian Women's Foundation in April 2020, and it is used to indicate a person is experiencing gender-based violence and need assistance. The woman was caught flashing the universal sign for help - where one tucks their thumb under four fingers - behind her back while the pair perused the aisles Alhambra Police discovered Palombi had a warrant out for his arrest and had a stun gun on him at the gas station (pictured: the 7-Eleven store) 'This gesture acts as a discreet safety signal or emergency signal that can be used in various situations to indicate that someone should check in with you,' the organization said. It started during the pandemic as a way to help those using video calls in isolation to indicate to relatives and friends they needed help, and has since expanded into everyday life. Conservatives raised a glass of sweet tea when Cracker Barrel ditched its controversial redesign and revived its folksy figurehead Uncle Herschel. The Southern staple famed for its rocking chairs, cornbread and country fixins abandoned its 'woke' makeover last week when a social media backlash wiped nearly $100million off its market value. The share price has fallen 24 per cent since Wednesday. But not everyone wants second helpings of the homespun chain's checkered past which includes historic accusations of segregation, racism, and homophobia. Cheryl Summerville was a Cracker Barrel cook in the 1990s when she was booted from her job in Georgia for being a lesbian. Her struggle inspired a pioneering campaign that used an ingenious tactic to wrestle influence over the company. 'They decided that if you were gay you weren't welcome,' Cheryl, 67, told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview. 'There was a lot of discrimination. They sold rebel hats and mammy dolls. Is this what people want to turn the clock back to?' Cheryl was one of 11 workers fired for 'failing to demonstrate normal heterosexual values.' Some 34 years later, she still has a copy of the separation notice handed to her by a manager at Cracker Barrel's Douglasville, Georgia location. Cheryl Summerville (second left) with partner Sandra Riley was fired from Cracker Barrel's Douglasville, Georgia location in 1991 over her sexual orientation Summerville, 67, spoke out to Daily Mail in an exclusive interview following the popular restaurant chain's logo U-turn last week 'This employee is being terminated due to violation of company policy,' the note bluntly asserts. 'The employee is Gay.' It wasn't until 2002 that Cracker Barrel added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy but its problems were far from over. Two years later the chain settled a DOJ lawsuit alleging that bosses let white staff refuse to serve African American patrons. That same year they paid $8.7million to settle claims that black customers were subjected to racial slurs, assigned to segregated seating and even served food taken from the trash. The settlement brought 'good closure to a bad period' according to a lawyer representing 40 plaintiffs in 16 states. When Cheryl began working there a decade earlier the US was reeling from the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and early 90s. There had been outlandish talk of a 'gay bowel syndrome' and dark murmurings that HIV could be transmitted via food. Then came an ominous, company-wide 1991 memo from Vice President of Human Resources, William Bridges. On August 19, Cracker Barrel unveiled a new logo for the first time in 48 years that featured the restaurant's name on a plain background and without its folksy figurehead Uncle Herschel...only to change it back days later 'Cracker Barrel is founded upon a concept of traditional American values, quality in all we do and a philosophy of guest satisfaction,' Bridges wrote. 'It is perceived to be inconsistent with those of our customer base, to continue to employ individuals in our operating units whose sexual preferences fail to demonstrate normal heterosexual values which have been the foundation of families in our society.' Cheryl of Bremen, Georgia, grew up in the Deep South and had been openly gay for years without experiencing such obvious homophobia. 'They began by firing three young men,' she recalled. 'Somebody had complained about a young gay boy at one of their stores. They said he was too effeminate. 'I actually worked with a couple of lesbians but they didn't have anything to say about it. 'I spoke up for the boys and admitted that I was not heterosexual so they said they had to fire me too. 'My boss went to the head office in Lebanon, Tennessee, to fight for my job. They went around the store asking people if they had a problem working with me and not a single person said anything negative. Cheryl was fired in 1991 and handed a separation notice obtained by Daily Mail that states she was terminated for violating company policy, noting 'The employee is Gay' Sandra Riley and Cheryl are seen at a protest against the restaurant chain in the 90s 'None of it made any difference.' That was far from the end of the story. For the next decade Cheryl and her partner Sandra Riley linked up with activists from Queer Nation to stage peaceful protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations across Georgia. She was arrested three times for trespass but on each occasion jurors found her not guilty. 'We would go into the Cracker Barrel stores, order a coffee, then sit quietly for hours,' mom-of-two Cheryl explained. 'We left tips for the servers and made our presence known without causing trouble.' The protests began with a handful of people but the numbers soon swelled and the media took up the story. Cheryl went on the Larry King Show, was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and in 1994 testified before Congress. After her firing, Cheryl and her partner linked up with activists from Queer Nation to stage peaceful protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations across Georgia She was even arrested during one of demonstration and is pictured riding in the back of a police car 'The right to hold a job shouldn't be based on whether someone is black or white, male or female, gay or straight,' she told the Senate Labor and Human Resources Subcommittee. 'That's what I grew up believing. Is that asking too much? I don't think so.' Queer Nation upped the ante by urging its members to each acquire a single share in Cracker Barrel stock, a push that became known as the Buy One Campaign. 'None of us bought enough to do anything but we had enough to be able to go to their shareholder meetings,' Cheryl explained. 'We used to get checks for a penny. It was really just to be a pain in the butt.' A 2002 shareholder resolution to add sexual orientation to the company's equal employment policy passed with 58 percent of the vote. 'They never apologized. Never reinstated me,' reflected Cheryl. She was nonetheless proud of her push for progress. It wasn't until 2020 that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an employer who fired someone for being gay was a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cracker Barrel quietly axed its Pride webpages following its logo redesign fiasco Cheryl wasn't especially interested when Cracker Barrel unveiled then quickly aborted a proposed new logo last week which ditched the traditional figure of Uncle Herschel leaning against a wooden barrel. The ensuing uproar tanked the 56-year-old company's stock and prompted a groveling retreat as right-wing influencers and even President Donald Trump stuck the boot in. 'We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our "Old Timer" will remain,' Cracker Barrel declared. Cheryl felt a modern, simpler decor was probably what the nationwide chain of 660 eateries needed to appeal to new customers. But it was when she read how bosses had quietly removed a Pride section from the Cracker Barrel website and scrubbed references to an LGBTQ+ employee resource group that she started to recoil. A spokesperson for the company dismissed the changes as 'removing out-of-date content' in a statement to CNN. But Cheryl insisted: 'They are cowards. They just do whatever they think will appease people, not because it's the right thing to do.' She told Daily Mail she was horrified by what she sees as a troubling back slide into darker times. 'After so much progress we are suddenly taking a step backwards and it's so sad to see,' Cheryl said. 'I think there have always been people who felt this way but I'm afraid that Trump has given them the permission they needed. 'I'm 67 years old and I've never seen so much hatred.' Creepy new evidence photos have revealed the inside of Bryan Kohbergers apartment, soulless and abandoned from when he upped sticks and left Washington after murdering four University of Idaho students. Idaho State Police released a new batch of 699 evidence photos, many of them taken inside the Washington State University (WSU) housing in Pullman that the criminology PhD student called home. The images capture desolate shelves, bare cupboards and coat hangers hanging in near-empty closets inside the one-bedroom apartment. There are no pictures or posters on the walls, no photos of family or friends, and few personal touches typical of a student home. Instead, only a handful of belongings reveal anyone has been living there in recent months, including a stash of Kohbergers criminology textbooks and two mystery birthday cards the killer received less than two weeks after the murders. Kohberger broke into 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours of November 13, 2022 and stabbed Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin to death. His motive is unclear and no connection has ever been found between the now-30-year-old killer and his victims. Eight days on from the murders, on November 21, 2022, Kohberger marked his 28th birthday. Creepy new evidence photos revealed the inside of Bryan Kohbergers apartment, soulless and abandoned after he upped sticks and left Washington after murdering four University of Idaho students Two mystery birthday cards the killer received less than two weeks after the murders are seen in the new images including this one from his parents The second card features a cartoon image of President Theodore Roosevelt riding a dinosaur and the handwritten words: Both of your egos Inside the card, the sender drew a big smiley face, wrote the date and included an apparent nickname, addressing it to Bryem. It is unclear who this card is from Two envelopes are also seen in the new images, with one covered in tiny hand-drawn hearts, reading: Happy Birthday Bryan! One of the cards seen in the newly-released photos appears to be from his parents MaryAnn and Michael Kohberger, featuring a gushing message on the front referring to his move from their home state of Pennsylvania to Washington that summer. A son leaves your home but never leaves your heart. He discovers his own happiness which, in turn, becomes yours, the card, decorated in flowers, reads. The second card features a cartoon image of President Theodore Roosevelt riding a dinosaur. Speak softly and carry a big stick. Unless you can ride a dinosaur. Then do that instead, the card reads. The sender added personal anecdotes and references to the card, with two blue arrows pointing to the president and the dinosaur and the handwritten words: Both of your egos. You are a dino + professor LMAO, the person added in blue ink. Inside the card, the sender drew a big smiley face, wrote the date and included an apparent nickname, addressing it to Bryem. Parts of the cards, including the personal messages inside, are redacted. Two envelopes are also seen in the new images, with one covered in tiny hand-drawn hearts, reading: Happy Birthday Bryan! It is not clear who the second card is from. Bryan Kohberger at his sentencing in Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, on July 23 Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) and young couple Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) Kohberger's clinical-looking bedroom is seen when investigators searched the home after his arrest There are no pictures or posters on the walls, no photos of family or friends, and few personal touches Few personal belongings remain inside the apartment in Pullman, Washington - just over the border from Moscow, Idaho The images capture desolate shelves, bare cupboards and coat hangers hanging in near-empty closets But, based on Kohbergers cell phone records, he did not seem to have any friends. Heather Barnhart, Senior Director of Forensic Research at Cellebrite, and Jared Barnhart, Head of CX Strategy and Advocacy at Cellebrite, were hired by the prosecution to delve into Kohbergers cell phone and laptop ahead of trial. The digital forensic team told the Daily Mail that, based on his devices, Kohbergers parents appeared to be his sole source of communication. They found that Kohberger spent hours on the phone to his parents - in particular his mom - every day, while there were no calls or texts to friends or peers. The newly-released evidence photos also show multiple books from Kohbergers criminal justice PhD program at WSU. The books include the titles: 'Unsafe in the Ivory Tower: The Sexual Victimization of College Women', Mass Incarceration on Trial, Trial by Jury, and Why the Innocent Plead Guilty and the Guilty Go Free. There are also several pages of Kohbergers essays and assignments, including grades and feedback from his professors. Other pieces of paper show Kohbergers scrawling writing of his own name and the date taking over full sheets of paper. While much of the apartment is void of personal belongings, trash bags and cleaning products have been left inside some of the cupboards and a few pieces of clothing still hang in the closets. Inside the bathroom, there is no shower curtain now hanging over the clean, white bath. Around six hours after the murders, Kohberger had posed in front of the shower, hair wet, dressed in a white shirt and giving a thumbs up to the camera. Behind him, there appeared to be the edge of a white shower curtain. The newly-released evidence photos also show multiple books from Kohbergers studies on the criminal justice PhD program at WSU The books include the titles: Mass incarceration on trial, Trial by jury, and Why the innocent plead guilty and the guilty go free There are also several pages of Kohbergers essays and assignments, including grades and feedback from his professors The kitchen inside the Washington State University housing in Pullman, Washington, that Kohberger called home A few cleaning products and a vacuum cleaner were left behind in the closets and cupboards of the apartment Remnants of Bryan Kohberger's vegan diet - including vegan cheese and packs of tofu - are seen in his fridge At the time of his arrest, that curtain - which may have contained crucial evidence of the murders - was gone. Inside the clinical-looking bedroom, photos show the bed left neatly made in dark bedding. A desktop computer was seen on the nearby desk. In the sparse kitchen, remnants of Bryan Kohberger's vegan diet - including vegan cheese and packs of tofu - were seen in the fridge. Multiple parking tickets were also found inside the home and some election pamphlets. Several items thought to be potential clues of the murders were also photographed and seized during the search. A lone black glove is pictured inside a closet. Meanwhile, several receipts for Walmart, Marshall's and Dickies were seized. A small red stain - potentially blood - is photographed on a white pillow. But no evidence of the murders was recovered from Kohberger's apartment. Prosecutor Bill Thompson previously described the apartment as spartan, saying the killer had scrubbed it clean in the aftermath of the murders and left it bare - as though he had no plans to ever return. Spartan would be a kind characterization. There was nothing there, nothing of evidentiary value was found, Thompson said at his sentencing in July. Kohberger had left the apartment around mid-December 2022 to make the 2,500-mile cross-country drive with his father Michael Kohberger back to the familys home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, for the holidays. By that time, Kohbergers professional future was in tatters. This chilling selfie was taken in the bathroom by Bryan Kohberger hours after the murders At the time of his arrest, any shower curtain - which may have contained crucial evidence of the murders - was gone Receipts were also seized as evidence during the search of Bryan Kohberger's home The newly-released photos also show the inside of Kohberger's office inside WSU's criminology building On a whiteboard inside his office reads the messages: 'Take it easy' and 'Don't give up' Multiple complaints had been filed against him by other students on the criminology program and he had been placed on an improvement plan. Kohbergers classmates and professors found him sexist and creepy - so much so that female students avoided being left alone with him and one faculty member warned he had the potential to become a future rapist. But, it wasnt until he arrived back in Pennsylvania that he was fired as a teaching assistant and lost his PhD funding. It is not clear if Kohberger left Washington and had no plan to ever return. But, among the papers left behind inside his apartment was a document detailing the improvement plan his professors placed him on amid concerns about his treatment of other students. The newly-released photos also show the inside of Kohberger's office at WSU, with a whiteboard reading: 'Take it easy' and 'Don't give up'. Kohberger was tied to the murders after a Ka-Bar knife sheath was found next to Mogen's body at the scene. DNA on the sheath was found to match the killer. He was arrested at his parents home in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania on December 30, 2022, and charged with the murders back in Idaho. After fighting the charges for more than two years, Kohberger struck a plea deal with prosecutors in late June to avoid the death penalty. Under the terms of the deal, he pleaded guilty to all charges and waived his right to appeal. On July 23, he was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. He is now being held inside Idaho's maximum security prison in Kuna where he has already filed multiple complaints about his fellow inmates. Police have launched an urgent search for a Northwestern University professor who vanished without a trace on Monday. Nina Kraus, 72, was last seen at 9am on Labor Day, leaving her home in Evanston, northern Chicago, Illinois. 'She left home this morning on her own, didnt take her phone with her,' Kraus' son Mikey Perkins told the Evanston RoundTable, adding: 'Nine hours later, were very concerned.' Perkins issued a missing person poster saying Kraus is believed to have been wearing a windbreaker and long pants when she left home. She is described as five feet four inches tall with long silver hair and a 'very fit' build. Kraus' last known location was at the 1500 block of Ashland Avenue, where she lives. Anyone with information is asked to call Perkins on (847) 702-1156, or the Evanston Police Department at (847) 866-5000. Perkins said police are focusing their search on 'natural spaces around Evanston' like parks and the lakefront, because 'those are the places that she's most likely to want to spend her time'. Police have launched an urgent search for Northwestern University professor Nina Kraus (pictured) who vanished without a trace on Monday in Evanston, northern Chicago, Illinois Kraus is a professor of neurobiology at Northwestern Universitys School of Communication He said both Evanston and Northwestern police are involved in the search. Kraus is a professor of neurobiology at Northwestern Universitys School of Communication. The school issued a plea for help finding the professor while outlining the same information given in the missing person poster. They urged anyone with information to contact police. 'The University is hopeful that with the communitys help, we can find Professor Kraus and assure her safety,' the website reads. Northwestern's profile page for Kraus describes her as a 'scientist, inventor, and amateur musician who studies the biology of auditory learning'. Kraus examines how the brain processes sound, and how hearing 'engages how we think, move, and combine our senses' according to the page. Kraus' son, Mikey Perkins, issued a missing person poster (shown above) saying Kraus is believed to have been wearing a windbreaker and long pants when she left home Kraus, 72, was last seen at 9am on Monday leaving her home in Evanston, northern Chicago Evanston Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for an update on Kraus' whereabouts. The department said officers deployed drones to comb the lakefront on Tuesday. A California man has issued a startling warning to travelers after his luggage was nabbed by thieves who tried to steal his clothes. Daniel Scott, of West Hollywood, was waiting for his suitcase to arrive at LAX Airport on August 26 when he soon realized his bag, equipped with an Apple AirTag, was on the move. Scott, who had just landed from Salt Lake City, Utah that evening, made his way to carousel 25, but was soon told his bag, worth approximately $15,000, would be coming out at baggage claim 23. When he got to the correct carousel, Scott expected to see his luggage come out, but it never appeared. Thankfully, he placed the $30 tracking device in his suitcase - something that assisted him in finding his stolen items. 'So I grabbed my phone and I looked at it and saw that it was not in this terminal, but was moving toward the Uber lot and leaving the airport,' the traveler told NBCLA. Scott then 'immediately' started running to the location, but when he got there, he saw that his bag was still on the move and headed across the street toward an abandoned building. 'I knew my luggage said that it was in the vicinity,' Scott recalled. Daniel Scott's luggage was stolen on August 26 after he arrived to LAX airport from Salt Lake City, Utah The traveler thankfully placed an Apple AirTag in his suitcase, which helped him track it down to a nearby abandoned building While he was on the hunt for his suitcase, Scott's partner called the LAX police. When authorities arrived, they approached the boarded up building with a flashlight and found several people, including one man who was wearing Scott's clothing. 'And then when the guys came to the window, (officers) lined them up in the window. I saw the guy with my clothes on - my shoes on, my shirt on, my pants on,' Scott stated. Video obtained by NBCLA showed police detaining several people as they sat with their hands behind their backs along the sidewalk. The Los Angeles Airport Police told Daily Mail four male suspects, aged 43, 41, 32 and 26, were arrested. They were cited for trespassing and released, police said. While the arrests took place, Scott was able to go into the building and look for his suitcase. When he located it, his belongings were riffled through inside. Some of his clothing was also scattered across the building. When he finally got his hands on his luggage, Scott found his clothes mangled around inside (pictured). Other items were thrown across the building LAX police detained several people after Scott's bag was found. It is unclear if they were charged Scott said he was pleased to get 90 percent of his clothing back, but still wants the incident to serve as an example for others. He insisted that travelers need to put an AirTag or some type of tracking device in their suitcases, because that's what gave him 'a fighting chance.' 'It just gave me a fighting chance to find my luggage and be able to retrieve it,' Scott explained. 'It was insane, absolutely,' he said of the bizarre situation. AirTags can be used for everyday personal objects, including luggage, keys, wallets and more. They connect to Apple Find My, a tracking system in devices that can pinpoint the exact location of items. Pregnant British drug mule Bella Culley has been told she can walk free from prison in Georgia - if her family pay a huge fine. The 19-year-old could be out in weeks in a dramatic change of fortune as her lawyers are on the verge of a plea bargain breakthrough. The Teesside teenager's trial was due to start today but was adjourned at the last minute as Judge Giorgi Gelashvili hailed the 'ongoing success in negotiations'. He told her lawyer he could move the date of the next hearing 'the very moment you reach an agreement' in a 40-minute session in the Black Sea nation's capital, Tbilisi. Malkhaz Salakaia, defending, told journalists gathered outside: 'If her family is ready to pay the sum that the state is demanding she can go straight to the airport.' But the 19-year-old's mother, Lyanne Kennedy, who travelled to be by her side, is in turmoil as they are being asked to hand over a vast sum to secure her freedom. 'It's a lot of money for us,' she said after the hearing at Tbilisi City Court, though she cannot disclose the amount. 'They offered us a layered approach: this and this much to let her go immediately, and then another [lower] offer where she serves some amount. Bella Culley has been told she can walk free from prison in Georgia if her family pay a huge fine Bella May Culley, 19, was detained at Tbilisi Airport in Georgia on suspicion of carrying 31lbs of cannabis Bella's mother Lyanne seen outside court today 'I don't know what to do.' Bella can walk free immediately if they pay a significant fee or serve a dramatically reduced sentence for a lesser amount. Mr Salakaia said: 'Negotiations are close to completion. The higher the fine will be, the less time she will serve including a full release. 'That's what we are negotiating on at the moment. At this moment Bella's family isn't ready to pay the amount requested. 'It all depends on Bella's parents. The prosecution is willing to let her go on the same day the demanded amount is paid. 'We are debating and negotiating on that aspect and its likely that this compromise will be reached before the [next hearing on] October 9.' Bella was caught landing in Tbilisi in May with 200,000 worth of cannabis in her luggage. The mother to be claims she was forced to peddle the drugs from Thailand to Georgia, claiming she was burned with a hot iron and shown a beheading video by a Thai gang. Bella's aunt Kerry and grandfather seen outside Tbilisi City Court today Bella's family members walking into court in Tbilisi on Tuesday. The Teesside teenager's trial was due to start today but was adjourned at the last minute Bella seen in court in Tbilisi after she was detained at the city's airport Bella Culley's mother pictured on July 25 outside Tbilisi City Court CCTV footage shows the Brit going through the automated gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand The British 19-year-old claimed she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics Culley was denied bail after the teenager was deemed a flight risk The alleged drug-filled suitcase of Culley She then claims she flew to Tbilisi with 31lbs of illegal cargo hidden in her bags. Today she entered court wearing a black T-shirt with her hair in a bun and appeared calm, occasionally shooting her mother a warm smile. Lyanne, 44, was seen dabbing tears from her eyes during proceedings. After the hearing she cried to her daughter: 'Bella, I will see you in the morning.' Auntie Kerrie Culley, 51, and Bella's grandfather also supported her. Mr Salakaia told court: 'Negotiations over a plea bargain are ongoing, and not without success. 'We've heard counter-proposals from the prosecution. We need more time regarding a plea bargain for the family to better prepare for all technicalities.' Asked if he would have his position ready regarding a plea bargain by September 24, Mr Salakaia said they would need more time. Mr Salakaia asked for bail on a 50,000 lari (13,750) bond, citing Bella's pregnancy. 'She will be here [in Tbilisi], her family will take care of her, and she is ready to cooperate,' he said. Bella's father Niel Culley and his sister Kerrie Culley (Bella's aunt) in Tbilisi following her arrest Bella Culley's lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia outside court Pictured: A bikini-clad Bella with a cannabis joint in her mouth Culley is languishing in the notorious Women's Penitentiary Number Five But his request was denied. Judge Gelashvili said: 'Of course we are worried about Miss Bella's health and that of her child, and obviously her child should develop in a free environment. 'Taking into consideration the ongoing success in negotiations and that the family need more time to consider the prosecutions offer, we can pledge that we can move the date of the next trial the very moment you reach an agreement.' The case was adjourned until the next hearing on October 9. Keir Starmer's ethics czar will not even consider an investigation into Angela Rayner's tax affairs until a mystery court order blocking her from discussing them is lifted, No10 signalled today. The Tories have demanded Sir Laurie Magnus, the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, launch a probe into the Deputy Prime Minister's purchase of an 800,000 second home this summer. Ms Rayner, who made her first public appearance today since the row broke, is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on the seaside flat in Hove. Tax experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a 40,000 stamp duty discount she received by saying it was her primary residence. However, No10 says that she is being prevented by a legal gag order from speaking about her financial affairs. The PM's official spokesman today suggested Sir Laurie would not even consider whether an investigation was needed until that was lifted, so she could defend herself fully. He told reporters the court order 'restricts' Ms Rayner from providing information, adding: 'She is urgently working on rectifying it.' The Deputy PM rocked up to the first Cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term in a pair of eye-catching sunglasses paired with green flares and a cream double-breasted jacket. And she was given a warm welcome by colleagues including Foreign Secretary David Lammy as she made her way into No10. The Deputy PM rocked up to the first Cabinet meeting of the new parliamentary term in shades, as tax experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a 40,000 stamp duty discount she received when she bought a lavish seaside home Your browser does not support iframes. The PM's official spokesman today suggested Sir Laurie would not even consider whether an investigation was needed until that was lifted, so she could defend herself fully Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, paid 30,000 instead of the full 70,000 rate levied on second homes when she purchased an 800,000 flat in Hove this summer. She told authorities it was her only property, having forfeited her interest in her 650,000 constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne two months previously. The Mail On Sunday revealed at the weekend she split the ownership with a trust administered by law firm Shoosmiths. The legal manoeuvre could be consistent with Ms Rayner placing some of the house's equity in trust for her three children. But tax experts today suggested that given two of her three children are still aged under 18, depending how the trust was set up, she could still be deemed to have an interest in it, which would make her ineligible for the discount on her flat. One expert told the Times: 'When you have a minor child that's treated as owning an interest in land, and that's usually where a trust isn't discretionary in nature, but they have an interest to live in it during their life - usually called an interest in possession - then in those sorts of circumstances it's the parents that are treated as still owning an interest in the property. 'Were this to be the case, Rayner would be required to pay the higher rate of stamp duty as the home in Ashton would still be attributed to her.' There is no suggestion that Ms Rayner has broken the law and she has denied any wrongdoing. Conservative MPs question whether the move was intended to avoid potential inheritance tax liabilities. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said the Deputy PM should 'come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax'. Ms Rayner is facing fresh allegations that while she said the Sussex flat was her main home, she told the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was her former family home in Greater Manchester. She was given a warm welcome by colleagues including Foreign Secretary David Lammy as she made her way into No10 When Parliament is sitting, Ms Rayner is thought to live mainly in a third property a lavish grace-and-favour apartment in central London, funded by the taxpayer. Yesterday Keir Starmer came to the aid of his embattled deputy as No10 insisted she wanted to reveal more about her property deals but was constrained by a court order. Sir Keir told the BBC the former teen mum is a 'great story of British success'. 'Angela came from a very humble background, battled all sorts of challenges along the way, and there she is proudly and I'm proud of her as our Deputy Prime Minister', he told Matt Chorley on BBC Radio 5 Live. The Prime Minister's spokesman said Ms Rayner is 'urgently' working on a way to give more details about her ownership of two homes 'in the interests of public transparency'. The nature of the court order is not known. A spokesman for Ms Rayner has said she had not broken any rules and had paid all relevant taxes. The Deputy Prime Minister paid 30,000 instead of the full 70,000 rate levied on second homes when she purchased an 800,000 flat in Hove this summer She had forfeited her interest in her 650,000 constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne two months previously, with The Mail On Sunday revealing she split the ownership with a trust administered by law firm Shoosmiths Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake (pictured) said the Deputy PM should 'come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax' She is said to have relinquished her stake in the Ashton-under-Lyne home before buying the Hove flat as part of the process of divorcing her former husband Mark Rayner. Friends say this means she would not have been liable for the punitive rate of stamp duty on second homes. Ms Rayner is also facing fresh questions after registering to vote in person in Hove despite electoral records showing she is already registered for postal votes in Westminster and her constituency. But No10 said it was 'quite common to be registered to vote in multiple places' - although the right to vote may only be exercised in one place. A Georgia couple has left behind 13 of their children after they were killed in a horrific ATV crash over Labor Day weekend. Marcus Ragland, 34, and Ashley Hawkins, 31, and seven of their children were riding on an ATV at the Indian Mountain ATV Park, near the Georgia and Alabama state line, on Saturday when the crash occurred. Ragland was a father of 10, who was expecting two more babies with two other women. Hawkins was a mother of three, two of whom she shared with Ragland. Although the exact arrangement of their relationship is unclear, it is understood that the couple were still together despite Ragland expecting children with additional partners. The family's side-by-side RZR utility vehicle collided with another RZR, overturned and struck a tree, according to the Cherokee County Alabama Sheriff's Office. Ragland, who was driving the vehicle, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. Hawkins was transported to a local trauma center where she later succumbed to her injuries. The seven children, who are between the ages of 1 and 12-years-old, were also injured in the crash and taken to the hospital for treatment. 'They keep asking for momma, and I don't want to say because we haven't told them about her yet,' family friend Monica Watkins told WSB-TV. Marcus Ragland (left), 34, and Ashley Hawkins (right), 31, were killed in a horrific ATV crash over Labor Day weekend The couple and seven of their children were riding on an ATV at the Indian Mountain ATV Park, near the Georgia and Alabama state line, on Saturday when the crash occurred Ragland was a father of 10 who was expecting two more babies and Hawkins was a mom-of-three, two of whom she shared with Ragland Ragland's mother, Felicia Towers, said her son was adventurous and went to the ATV park every weekend. 'I'm still waiting on him to come through the door, but I know he's not coming,' she told 11 Alive. 'This time he wanted to take his children with him, you know, to share the fun. They were ready to go, so it just ended up being a tragedy. I just hate it.' The couple's longtime friend, Maya Boyett, told Atlanta News First that they were good people who loved their kids. 'Both of them are gone. They are both two good people, good to their kids. And I really hate that they're gone now,' Boyett said. 'I'll always make sure that they know Marcus, say, "Your daddy was that dude," you know what I'm saying? Always, for sure. 'I'll always speak his name, especially around his kids, and let them know they had a good daddy, and I'll do the same for her kids.' Ragland's older sister, Lakeisha Floyd, told the local news station that her brother loved to live life to the fullest. Ragland's mother, Felicia Towers, said her son was adventurous and went to the ATV park every weekend Seven children of their shared children, who are between the ages of 1 and 12 years old, were also injured in the crash and taken to the hospital for treatment 'And whatever he wanted to do, that's what he did it. He said, "Life is for living," and that's what he did,' said Floyd. She described Hawkins as 'a very sweet soul'. 'Like always was really, really sweet. I've never seen her in a bad mood like, always smiling,' Floyd said. Audrey Dunn, who shared a 5-year-old and 1-year-old with Ragland and is pregnant with another one of his children, said her kids were injured in the crash. 'I couldn't find my kids, because they were in the accident,' Dunn told Fox 5. 'My 1-year-old is limping, and his face is scratched up pretty bad, [my other son] has a gash on the top of his head, but he's okay, so thank God the babies are okay.' She explained that her children are having a difficult time processing what happened and understanding that their father is gone. 'My oldest son, he's five, he remembers everything that happened,' Dunn said. 'He told me when we got to the hospital, and I got to go in, he said, "Mom, my dad died, but it's OK because he'll be back to get me tomorrow." So he doesn't understand that he will never see him again.' The couple's longtime friend, Maya Boyett, told Atlanta News First that they were good people who loved their kids Ragland's older sister, Lakeisha Floyd, she her brother lived life to the fullest and described Hawkins (pictured) as 'a very sweet soul' A GoFundMe has been set up to support Ragland's children. Hawkins's family set up a separate fundraiser for her kids. Two of Ragland's other children told the local news outlet they have been devastated by the news. 'Ever since I found out, I've been really sad,' said Makaylee McCary, Ragland's daughter. Ragland's son, Blayze McCary, said although they didn't have much time with their father, 'Now, we don't have no more time with him, so it don't feel good.' A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday near the epicentre of a powerful quake at the weekend that killed more than 1,400 people, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicentre of the quake was 21 miles northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province, according to the USGS. The extent of the damage, if any, of the latest quake is not currently known. Over the weekend, Afghanistan was hit by a 6.0-magnitude quake that the Taliban today said killed 1,400 in total. Sunday night's powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck several provinces, causing extensive damage. It flattened villages and trapped people under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood that were unable to withstand the shock. Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, forcing Taliban authorities to air drop dozens of commandos to evacuate the injured from places where helicopters cannot land. Indrika Ratwatte, the UN's resident coordinator for Afghanistan, said rescuers are scrambling in a 'race against time' to reach the mountainous and remote area hit. In a media briefing in Geneva Tuesday, he warned of a surge in casualty numbers. 'We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises, multiple shocks, and the resilience of the communities has been saturated,' Ratwatte said, while urging the international community to step forward. 'These are life and death decisions while we race against time to reach people,' he said. An Afghan woman carries her daughter after being injured during earthquakes, for treatment at a hospital in Jalalabad on September 2 2025 People salvage their belongings from the rubble after an earthquake in the Dara-e-Noor district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, September 2 2025 Collapsed houses are seen in an area devastated by Sunday's powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan It is the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021, and the latest crisis to beset Afghanistan, which is reeling from deep cuts to aid funding, a weak economy, and millions of people forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan. Ratwatte said that when the walls of wooden and mud homes collapse, the roof falls on the occupants, causing injury or death. While the area was low-density, the earthquake struck when everybody was asleep. 'If you were to model it based on what has happened before, clearly there's no question that the casualty rate is going to be rather exponential,' he said. The Taliban government, which is only recognized by Russia, has appealed for assistance from the international community and the humanitarian sector. However, help for Afghanistan is in short supply due to competing global crises and reduced aid budgets in donor countries. There is also opposition toward the Taliban government's restrictive policies on Afghan girls and women, including a ban on them working for nongovernmental organizations. Earlier this year, the U.S. gutted aid to Afghanistan, partly due to concerns that money was going to the Taliban government. Kate Carey, who is the deputy head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, said more than 420 health facilities had closed or were suspended due to the 'massive reduction' in funding, with 80 of them in the eastern region, the heart of Sunday's quake. Sunday night's powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck several provinces, causing extensive damage Today's tremor is the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021 A military helicopter airlifts injured Afghans after earthquakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on September 1 2025 A view of damaged houses after an earthquake in the Dara-e-Noor district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, 02 September 2025 'The consequence is that the remaining facilities are overwhelmed, have insufficient supplies and personnel, and are not as close to the affected populations as the more local facilities at a time when providing emergency trauma care is needed in the first 24 to 72 hours of the earthquake response,' said Carey. Taliban authorities have set up a camp in Kunar to organize supplies and emergency aid. There are also two centres to coordinate the transportation of the injured, the burial of the dead, and the rescue of survivors. More to follow. Toxic wastewater from untreated sewage in Mexico is choking residents of San Diego with contaminated air, according to a new study. The Tijuana River is releasing 4,500 times the typical amount of hydrogen sulfide, also known as sewer gas, according to the findings. Besides the toxic gas, scientists also said they found gases from other items, including sunscreen, crystal meth, cocaine and chemicals from tires in the toxic water. Once the pollutants are in the air, researchers said that they can travel for miles and expose people via inhalation. Scientists say those in nearby San Diego have been reporting health issues for years including headaches, breathing issues, skin irritation and nausea as a direct result. Atmospheric scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and co-author of the study Kim Prather told SFGate the research the findings were the first of their kind. Prather said: 'The new thing is that water pollution can affect air quality, which means that people that arent just going in the water or going to the beach are being exposed, and they could be exposed for miles once its in the air. So that is big.' The pollution has resulted in over 1,300 days of consecutive beach closures on the Imperial Beach coastline, but Prather said these closures are nonsensical. Scientists say those in nearby San Diego, seen here, have been reporting health issues for years including headaches, breathing issues, skin irritation and nausea as a direct result Besides the toxic gas, scientists also said they found gases from other items including sunscreen, crystal meth, cocaine and chemicals from tires in the toxic water She added: 'The point is when you close the beach, you cant really tell people stop breathing.' The findings found that during the dry season the river releases up to 80 million gallons of polluted water every day, which leads to heightened amounts of sewer gas. Prather told the outlet that some 1,000 other toxic gases are also leeching out of the wastewater and into the air. She said that some of these don't even have smells, unlike the sewer gas which has a rotten egg smell to it. Prather said the new findings gave credence to locals, saying: 'The community finally felt validated. They finally felt heard. They were better sensors than our instrument.' Paula Stigler Granados, an environmental health scientist at San Diego State Universitys School of Public Health, said exposure can lead to health effects. In a news release, Granados said prolonged exposure can lead to headaches, nausea and respiratory symptoms. The findings found that during the dry season the river releases up to 80 million gallons of polluted water every day, which leads to heightened amounts of sewer gas Aerial view of sewage water spilling into Playa Blanca beach in the coast of Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico on March 21, 2024 The ongoing issues are due to an outdated wastewater treatment plant system that has been unable to deal with Tijuana's rapid growth. The study said they hope the new information available will urge the local government across the border to find solutions to combat the pollution. Prather added: 'I hope it opens up research around the world to protect people from breathing other, you know, things that are coming out of polluted water bodies.' According to a survey from the Tijuana River research project at San Diego State University, 98 percent of people in the region smell unpleasant orders. While 99 percent of residents reported concerns about the water and air pollution, of those surveyed 71 percent have experienced upper respiratory health problems. A woman whose death has sparked a murder investigation after she fell from a block of flats was named today. Tia Langdon, 25, from Southampton, suffered severe injuries following the fall and died in hospital the next day. On Monday, Hampshire Constabulary arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with her death. He remains in custody. Officers had been called to an address in the Redbridge area of Southampton, Hampshire, at 2.43pm on Thursday following reports that a woman had fallen from a block of flats. Two air ambulances and several police units went to the scene and Miss Langdon was airlifted to hospital. Floral tributes have been placed outside the block of flats on Cuckmere Lane in the days since the incident. One letter said: 'Thank you for always being proud of me. 'Thank you for being the best big sister ever. You were the smartest person I ever knew, and I'll forever be proud of you.' Tia Langdon, 25, suffered severe injuries and died in hospital the next day A man aged 18 has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to her death Tia Langdon in a picture released by Hampshire Constabulary Floral tributes have been placed outside the block of flats on Cuckmere Lane in the days since the incident Almost a dozen sets of flowers were on display outside the building on Sunday afternoon. Another tribute said: 'Beautiful girl, RIP my darling.' In a statement released today, Hampshire Constabulary said: 'Tia Langdon from Southampton, was found on Thursday 28 August with significant injuries following an incident which occurred within a flat in Cuckemere Lane around 2.45pm. 'The 25-year-old was rushed to hospital, but despite efforts of doctors, was tragically pronounced dead the following day. 'Tia's family are being supported by specialist officers at this time. Officers from our Major Crime Unit continue to investigate the incident.' Another tribute left at the flats said: 'Rest in peace darling, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more, thoughts are with you, your family, and friends.' Lee Whitbread, ward councillor for Redbridge, described it as a 'tragic incident', adding that he was 'deeply saddened to hear of it'. He said: 'My heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the young woman who has lost her life. 'This is an incredibly distressing event for our community, and I know many residents will be shocked and saddened. 'At times like this, it is important that we support one another as neighbours and as a community. 'While I would not wish to comment on the details of the ongoing police investigation, I have every confidence that it will be conducted thoroughly, and I would encourage anyone with information to assist them.' A longtime Democratic congressman from New York has announced that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2026 midterm cycle. Representative Jerry Nadler, 78, has represented New York City's Upper West Side for over three decades, and his decision comes as the Big Apple has been steadily swinging towards younger socialist leaders such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. In an interview with The New York Times, Nadler cited the spectacle made of former President Joe Biden's cognitive decline as a key reason for his decision to announce his departure from Congress. Biden's disastrous performance in last year's presidential debate escalated the scrutiny of the age and health of top leaders in the Democrat party. 'Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,' Nadler noted to the New Times, adding that a younger successor 'can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.' 'This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation,' Nadler noted in a statement issued by his office Tuesday. Nadler played a key role in the impeachment trials of President Donald Trump during his time as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a role in which he served from 2019 to 2022. 'That leadership includes impeaching Donald Trump twice first for abuse of power and obstruction of justice, and second for inciting an insurrection against the American people,' Nadler also noted. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) speaks during New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's press conference at the 1199SEIU headquarters on August 11, 2025 in New York City Former President Joe Biden looks on as he participates in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections with Donald Trump at CNN's studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024 Progressive strategist Charlotte Clymer noted on X that Nadler's decision to step aside is what true 'leadership looks like', and that 'he's passing the torch and doing his part to center and strengthen the next generation of Democratic leadership.' Former journalist and congressional candidate John Avlon wrote on X that 'Jerry Nadler was elected to Congress when I was a freshman in college. He's had a long record of service to New York and should be honored for that. Also, we need term limits.' A number of top Democrats have experienced health scares in the last few years, with some dying in office. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was rushed to the hospital for dehydration during June's scorching hot temperatures, which reached 100 degrees this summer. Back in December, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, fell during a trip to Luxembourg, and subsequently underwent hip replacement surgery. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Washingto U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler in New York City on June 18, 2025 Virginia Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly died at the age of 75 in May, shortly after sharing that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In under the last two years, five other Democratic members of Congress also died while serving out their terms. Connolly's colleague Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died at the age of 70 in March from unknown reasons. His passing came amid reports he was battling cancer in his jaw since before the election in November 2024. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona died of lung cancer at the age of 77 on March 13, and 87-year-old Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey died after weeks of respiratory issues on August 21, 2024. Then Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died at the age of 74 of pancreatic cancer on July 19, 2024 and New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr., 65, died of undisclosed health reasons on April 24 of last year. Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sep 1st, 2025 in New York City The popularity, or lack thereof, of other longtime Democratic leaders has also been called into question in recent months. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer ranked 26th out of 29 high-profile Democrats on the latest DailyMail+ Power List released last month. Nadler's news comes mere weeks after an analysis of Americans' voter registration habits showed potential long-term trouble for the Democratic Party. Data analyzed by the New York Times revealed that the number of registered Democrats has declined in every state that tracks voter affiliation by partya group that includes 30 of America's 50 states. The remaining 20 states do not register voters by party. This trend was consistent between swing states, red states, and blue states. The Times noted in their analysis that explicitly, 'fewer and fewer Americans are choosing to be Democrats.' The Times attributed Trump's sweeping 2024 victoryincluding wins in every swing state and the national popular voteto this very trend. Burkina Faso's transitional parliament has passed a law banning homosexuality with offenders facing up to five years in prison. The Persons and Family Code law, making Burkina Faso the latest in a series of African countries to criminalise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activity, also tightens rules on nationality and stateless people. The military that took over Burkina Faso in a 2022 coup has grown increasingly intolerant of dissent amid worsening Islamist militant violence in the West African country. The legislation was passed unanimously by the unelected, 71-member transitional parliament on Monday and is awaiting the signature of military junta leader Ibrahim Traore. 'The law provides for a prison sentence ranging from two to five years and a fine,' Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said on state television on Monday night. 'A person who (engages in) homosexual practices ... will appear before a judge and, in the event of a repeat offence, be deported if you are not a Burkinabe national,' he said. He also said the law goes into effect immediately and condemned homosexual acts as 'bizarre behaviour.' The government has framed the law as an effort to modernise family law and clarify nationality rules, but rights advocates are likely to call out the restrictions on LGBTQ practices and limits imposed on legal recourse in nationality cases. Burkina Faso has passed a law banning homosexuality. Pictured: Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore on May 10, 2025 Anti-gay laws are in place in various conservative African countries including Senegal, Uganda and Malawi, though some others, including South Africa, Botswana and Angola, have decriminalised LGBTQ practices or enacted protective measures. The laws, although criticised by the West, enjoy popularity in the countries where locals and officials have criticised homosexuality as behaviour imported from abroad and not a sexual orientation. Burkina Faso has been run by the military following a coup in 2022. Rights groups, however, accuse the junta of clamping down on human rights with the rampant arrest and military conscription of critics. Since coming to power in September 2022 after Burkina Faso's second coup that year, the junta leader Traore has also positioned himself as a pan-African leader with rhetoric on independence from the West - a message that often resonated with Africa's young population. Iran is moving to protect valuable nuclear equipment from future attacks after recent airstrikes crippled its main uranium enrichment facility, new satellite images reveal. The images from the Institute for Science and International Security show that Iran has recently moved almost all of the 24 large 'chillers' away from their original buildings at the Natanz plant. Chillers are industrial cooling units used to regulate the temperature of sensitive equipment, including centrifuges used in uranium enrichment. If they are not 'cooled' the Uranium could explode. The equipment has been scattered across the secured site, placed on helicopter pads and near water facilities to make them harder targets for bombers. Since power is reportedly still down after recent Israeli bombings and the plant's centrifuges are not running, international experts say this appears to be a way for Iran to protect the valuable equipment from future airstrikes while the site remains offline. Tehran is essentially playing defense, experts say, trying to salvage what it can from its damaged nuclear program. 'No doubt Tehran is still seething from the loss of their crown jewel: their uranium enrichment program at the hands of Israel and the U.S.,' said Behnam Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Nuclear weapons expert David Albright, who has tracked secret nuclear programs for decades, says the satellite images reveal Iran's deep fears about imminent attacks. New satellite images from the Institute for Science and International Security show that Iran has recently moved almost all of the 24 large 'chillers' from the two HVAC buildings at its Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant Of the 24 total chillers, 19 have reportedly been spread out across the secured area of the site, with some placed on helicopter pads, near water treatment facilities and in other locations The president and founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, David Albright, tells Daily Mail he has spent a lifetime studying secret nuclear weapons efforts. He says that these new satellite images indicate Iran's concern about future attacks Despite the airstrikes in July targeting the three Iranian nuclear sites, assessments show that the impact appears limited 'The movement of this equipment shows Iran appears worried about a new attack destroying even more centrifugerelated equipment,' Albright told the Daily Mail, noting that the costly relocation proves the underground uranium enrichment plant 'remains shut down.' The move also raises new questions about the future of Iran's nuclear program and how quickly it could resume enrichment activities. During the height of the IranIsrael war, Trump administration officials insisted Iran's entire nuclear infrastructure was left in 'shambles' and 'completely and totally obliterated.' In late June, Trump declared the strikes in their sites a 'spectacular military success.' However, a Pentagon intelligence assessment revealed the strikes caused less damage than initially believed. While the July airstrikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites, key equipment and underground bunkers particularly at the heavily fortified Fordo facility largely survived intact. The assessment concluded that Iran's nuclear program was only set back by months rather than completely destroyed, with some enriched uranium potentially remaining untouched. The Daily Mail reached out to the State Department for a reaction to these new images. U.S. Air Force B2 Spirit stealth bomber lands after returning from Operation Midnight Hammer Cameron Khansarinia from the National Union for Democracy in Iran says Iran's efforts to protect and maintain its nuclear facilities prove the regime is determined to build a bomb 'at any cost.' Khansarinia warns that striking the Natanz and Fordo sites won't stop Iran's nuclear ambitions, predicting the regime could turn to rogue nations like North Korea to purchase weapons technology if blocked from domestic production. One question experts can't agree on is how long Iran's nuclear program has been set back. It's complicated. A study from the Institute for Science and International Security released late last month called 'A Diagram of Destruction' analyzes where Iran's nuclear weapons program stands now after the strikes. Their analysis explains that after the 12day war, the sustained damage has pushed Iran's timeline to develop a deliverable nuclear weapon back by one to two years. Building a full nuclear arsenal, they report, including missile delivery systems, is expected to take even longer. Before the war, Iran's nuclear effort was vast and deliberately obscured, relying heavily on a network of scientists and engineers. While remnants remainsuch as uranium stockpiles and possibly unused centrifugesthe core of the program has been gutted. Analysis from the Institute for Science and International Security explains that after the 12day war, the sustained damage has pushed Iran's timeline to develop a deliverable nuclear weapon back by one to two years Experts warn that any renewed activity could be quickly detected and trigger fresh, potentially more devastating strikes. Iran rejected recent European efforts to invoke 'snapback' sanctions, calling them legally baseless and politically destructive During the height of the IranIsrael war, former State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce repeatedly made comments during the briefings that President Trump remained the absolute decisionmaker on Iran policy Experts warn that renewed activity like this could be quickly detected and trigger fresh, potentially more devastating strikes. Although the report focuses on uraniumbased weapons development, it also notes that Iran's plutonium pathway suffered damage, including strikes on the Arak reactor and related facilities. NUFDI's vice president says the only real solution to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions are regimechange, adding that the Iranian government is not to be trusted when it comes to foreign diplomacy and nuclear deals with the United States. 'The problem is the finger on the trigger. The only way we will see an end to the Iran nuclear threat is if we see an end to the Islamic Republic ruling Iran and a return to a normal, peaceful government in Iran,' Khansarinia said. Tehran, meanwhile, is pushing back diplomatically. A joint letter from China, Russia, and Iran slams Europe's attempt to revive Iran sanctions as 'illegal' and 'destructive.' In the letter posted on 'X', Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected recent European efforts to invoke 'snapback' sanctions, calling them legally baseless and politically destructive. Araghchi argued that it was the United States that first violated the 2015 nuclear deal, while European nations followed by aligning with unlawful sanctions. Experts argue that while the attacks disrupted Iran's program, they fell short of delivering a decisive blow. In the end, they call it a 'partial victory' Some foreign policy experts say the next IsraelIran war could erupt before the end of the year. Trita Parsi, the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, writes that Israel could launch another attack on Iran, possibly, before December. 'Iran is expecting and preparing for the attack. It played the long game in the first war, pacing its missile attacks as it anticipated a protracted conflict,' Parsi said. Parsi argues that while the attacks disrupted Iran's program, they fell short of delivering a decisive blow. 'Trump did not 'obliterate' Iran's nuclear program, nor has it been set back to a point where the issue can be considered resolved,' he said. In the end, he calls the results a 'partial victory' and warns that the next phase of conflict may be closer than many think. A woman accused of threatening to kidnap and kill President Donald Trump was released from jail by an Obama-appointed judge, per court records. Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, was arrested in Washington DC last month after participating in a protest outside the White House. She was charged with two felonies related to her threats, which allegedly included 'disemboweling [Trump] and cutting out his trachea.' She was released last week by Chief US District Judge James Boasberg and ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device and see a psychiatrist once she is back home in New York City, Law & Crime reported. Judge Boasberg's decision to release Jones came just days after US Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya denied her bond over the social media threats. The judge told the court that while he was concerned about the former pharmacist's 'oddly specific' threats, he did not think Jones posed a threat if released. 'If she had a gun with her this case is easy,' Boasberg said. 'But the question is, why shouldn't we consider this the rantings of someone with a mental illness with no ability to carry this out?' Several of Jones' friends wrote letters to the judge in support of her release. They said she has schizophrenia and would never harm anyone. Jones attorney, assistant federal public defender Mary Petras, said Jones had changed medications before she posted the threats online. Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, was arrested in Washington on Saturday after participating in a protest outside the White House and charged with two felonies related to her threats Chief US District Judge James Boasberg ordered that Jones be released from an Alexandria jail and be allowed to return to her home in New York City as she awaits trial ESocial media posts seen by the Daily Mail on Jones' account beginning on August 2 detail the woman's apparent unhinged threats and attempts to have Trump removed from office Judge Boasberg has been in the news recently over his bid to pursue criminal contempt for Trump officials he says defied his orders in March by by sending Venezuelan men to a prison in El Salvador without due process. Daily Mail reached out to District Judge James Boasberg and Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya for comment on this story. Extraordinary social media posts seen by the Daily Mail on Jones's account beginning on August 2 detail the woman's apparent unhinged threats and attempts to have Trump removed from office before she made the trip to D.C. 'I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present,' a post from her account read on August 6. 'Listen up, Donald J. Trump. I'm psychotic,' she wrote on August 11. The posts on her Facebook account became increasingly unhinged and frequent. On August 14, she allegedly wrote directly to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pleading with him to 'arrange the arrest and removal ceremony of POTUS Trump as a terrorist on the American People from 10-2pm at the White House on Saturday, August 16th, 2025.' On August 15, the Secret Service conducted a 'voluntary interview' with Jones, during which she insisted Trump was a 'terrorist' and a 'Nazi'. In that interview, she allegedly said that if given the opportunity, she would kill Trump at 'the compound', adding that she had 'a bladed object' which could 'carry out her mission of killing.' Judge Boasberg's decision to release Jones came just days after US Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya, pictured, denied her bond Jones' posts on her Facebook account became increasingly unhinged and frequent Several of Jones' friends wrote letters to the judge in support of her release. They said she has schizophrenia and would never harm anyone Jones allegedly said she wanted to 'avenge all the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic,' and said she blamed the Trump administration's position on vaccines for the deaths of so many. On the day of her arrest, Jones had shared several photos from the front lines of a protest at the White House, demanding Trump's immunity from prosecution be 'stripped' and doubling down on her demands for him to be removed from power. During a second interview with Secret Service on the day of her arrest, Jones allegedly denied she had any present desire to harm the president. Jones was charged with threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, and transmitting in interstate commerce communications containing threats to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another. A popular cosplayer was arrested after allegedly threatening to bomb another woman's booth at a Texas convention center. Kendra Noel Manning, a 25-year-old who goes by 'Kit Noel' in the cosplaying world, was arrested on Sunday at the San Japan Anime + Gaming Convention in San Antonio. She was denied entry and issued a criminal trespassing after she allegedly commented on someone's Instagram Story threatening to bomb another cosplayer's booth at the convention, according to KSAT. The threat was issued after another influencer slammed Gamer Supps, an energy drink, online, causing Manning to write that she would be 'planting a bomb in their booth today.' A convention attendee saw the comment and reported it to the event's management, who later notified police. She was barred entry the next day and later told police she had made the comment. Manning was charged with a third-degree felony for making a terroristic threat to impair public service. The cosplayer was booked into jail on a $35,000 bond, which she later posted, jail records showed. Kendra Noel Manning, a 25-year-old who goes by 'Kit Noel' in the cosplaying world, was arrested on Sunday at the San Japan Anime + Gaming Convention in San Antonio She was denied entry and issued a criminal trespassing after she allegedly commented on someone's Instagram Story threatening to bomb another cosplayer's booth at the convention Manning was charged with a third-degree felony for making a terroristic threat to impair public service. The cosplayer was booked into jail on a $35,000 bond, which she later posted The day she was arrested, she was set to cosplay Harley Quinn from the Joker movies - a character known for her chaotic and violent personality. San Japan took place from August 29 to August 31 and is the largest gaming convention in South Texas. The event attracts more than 30,000 attendees. It started in 2005 and has been hosted at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center since 2012. Daily Mail has reached out to Manning and San Japan for comment. Two men who murdered a 15-year-old schoolgirl when they were teenagers as part of a satanic ritual have been freed from jail. Elyse Pahler was killed on July 22, 1995, by her high school classmates Royce Casey, Jacob Delashmutt, and Joseph Fiorella. Pahler was lured from her family's home in Arroyo Grande, California to a field where she was expecting to meet the trio to smoke marijuana. She was stabbed more than a dozen times, choked, kicked and left to bleed to death as part of the boys' sacrifice to the devil. The trio intended to further violate her body, but instead abandoned her remains in the woods. Pahler's body was found eight months later after Casey confessed to his pastor about the brutal slaying. He later admitted Pahler cried out for Jesus and her mother with her dying breaths. Delashmutt and Casey pleaded no-contest to first degree murder at their 1997 trial and were jailed for 25 years to life. Fiorella was sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison after pleading no contest to first degree murder and an additional charge of being armed with a deadly weapon. Elyse Pahler (pictured) was killed on July 22, 1995, by her high school classmates Royce Casey, Jacob Delashmutt, and Joseph Fiorella Two of her killers - Royce Casey (left, as a teen) and Jacob Delashmutt (right, as a teen) - have now both been granted parole Delashmutt, the self-described the 'ringleader' in Pahler's death, and Casey, who admitted to delivering the final blow that killed her, have both been granted parole. Delashmutt, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was released from prison in July this year after being granted parole in May. When he was arrested, Delashmutt blamed his friends for orchestrating the killing and claimed they recruited him to participate. But at his parole hearing this year, he admitted to being 'the most responsible for the crime'. 'I had every opportunity to put a stop to it, and I didn't. I was involved in the planning from the beginning and I made this crime happen,' Delashmutt, now 47, told the hearing, according to The Los Angeles Times. 'I want to acknowledge all of the pain and the trauma that I've caused,' he added, noting that would be 'impossible' for him to understand the impact that his actions had on the Pahler family. Delashmutt was previously denied parole in 2017 and 2022. The board granted him parole in 2023, but the ruling was overturned by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The board also granted Casey, also 17 at the time of the killing, parole twice before but Newsom overturned both decisions. 'Mr. Casey must better understand the internal processes that led him to commit the crime and hone the skills he will need to manage them beyond the controlled environment of prison,' the governor wrote last year in a letter to the District Attorney's Office, The Tribune reported. Newsom also argued Casey would pose an 'unreasonable danger to society' if released. Pahler was stabbed more than a dozen times, choked, kicked and left to bleed to death as part of the boys' sacrifice to the devil However, the killer was granted parole once again after a hearing in March that saw him admit how he was the one who ended Pahler's life. He recalled how the girl cried out for her mother and Jesus as he stomped on the back of her neck. Casey told the board they were influenced by death metal, alleging the music taught them to channel their anger through 'suicide, murder, and sacrifice'. He also shared how the advocacy work of Pahler's father David has helped him acknowledge 'all the pain and trauma' he has caused. 'Something that I remember hearing over time when Elyse's dad has come, is that she has a face,' he told the board, referencing how David would often bring a photo of his daughter to hearings. 'I try to remember every day, whatever decision I'm making or whatever I do, that the ongoing impact of what I did is present all the time.' The board affirmed Casey's parole on July 23 and he was released to transitional housing in Los Angeles County in early August. Fiorella, who was 15 at the time of the murder, was denied parole in 2023. He remains in prison despite claims that he is intellectually disabled and allegations that his lawyer mishandled his defense in the 1990s. He will be eligible for another parole hearing in 2026. Daily Mail has approached the Pahler family for comment on Delashmutt and Casey's recent releases. It was said that Elyse was targeted because 'she had blonde hair and blue eyes, and because she was a virgin' Joseph Fiorella, (pictured as a teen) who was 15 at the time of the murder, was denied parole in 2023 and will be eligible for another hearing in 2026 Prosecutors argued during their trial that the trio plotted to kill Pahler so they could 'earn a ticket to hell'. The District Attorney's Office's chief investigator, Doug Odom, testified that the three teenagers chose Elyse as their victim because 'she had blonde hair and blue eyes, and because she was a virgin, she would be a perfect sacrifice for the devil.' Pahler was the oldest of four sisters, and she was described as an athlete, a great student, and had close friends at school. Her killers, on the other hand, were described as potheads who listened to metal music and were 'weird.' They were in a band called Hatred, modeled after the death metal band called Slayer. The trio reportedly believed that by sacrificing Pahler, they would be able to make better music. Pahler's parents Lisanne and David Pahler reported her missing on July 23, 1995. The night of her murder, the family had been watching TV together, when the phone rang. Pahler picked it up, had a short chat with Delashmutt and then went to bed. Hours later, Lisanne woke up in the middle of the night, went to check on her daughter and discovered she had run off. When he was arrested, Delashmutt (pictured in 2015) blamed his friends for orchestrating the killing and claimed they recruited him to participate. But at his parole hearing this year, he admitted to being 'the most responsible for the crime' Casey (pictured in 2018) told the parole board they were influenced by death metal, alleging the music taught them to channel their anger through 'suicide, murder, and sacrifice' Officers spent eight months searching for the teen, and despite numerous reported sightings, her body wasn't found until Casey confessed to a priest that he had taken part in her murder. The priest reported the confession to police, who were then able to find her remains on March 15, 1996. Lisanne believes the trio lured Pahler under false pretenses, she told a true crime documentary detailing her daughter's case. 'I think she was tricked because it didn't make any sense that she would go out with those weird kids from high school,' she said in an episode of ID's series A Killer Among Friends. David added: 'There was a phone booth that they used to call her. The next step was to walk up to the top of our driveway, and they took her away. 'In the confession, Royce was talking about having sold their soul to the devil and their objective here on earth is to kill 666 blue-eyed virgins as a sacrifice to Satan in order to earn a ticket to hell,' David continued. 'They took her to a place in the woods where a series of trees fell and took the shape of a pentagram and that's where they built their altar and that's where they did their sacrifice.' Elyse was the oldest of four sisters and was described as an athlete and a great student Fiorella (pictured in 2018) remains in prison despite claims that he is intellectually disabled and allegations that his lawyer mishandled his defense in the 1990s Before her daughter's death, Lisanne recalled seeing one of her daughter's killers watching her play with her friends on a trampoline. 'Elyse rode the bus with Joe, and Joe actually really liked Elyse,' she remembered. She recounted how Fiorella had once knocked on the front door to ask if the family had seen his missing black cat. 'I had a creepy feeling about him,' she continued, adding: 'Once he came by and was watching them all on the trampoline. He was lingering watching them, it was weird.' A woman who helped organise a protest outside a migrant hotel has been charged after she climbed the steps of a council building and unfurled a Union Jack flag. Mother-of-five Sarah White, 40, was arrested at Epping District Council offices on Sunday night when she displayed the flag from the steps. She was accused of breaching a Section 14 order, which was put in place by police to designate where people could assemble. The area was marked by low fencing across the road from The Bell Hotel, and the order stipulated protest activity had to end by 8pm. Police said today White has been charged with 'failing to comply with the conditions of participation of a procession and being a public procession organiser failing to comply with a notice'. She has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on October 15. Essex Police previously stressed that nobody had been arrested for unfurling a flag. White - a Reform UK member - was one of the key organisers of the protests, which have been held outside The Bell Hotel since a migrant was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Footage shows Sarah White holding the flag above an entrance to Epping District Council's Civic Centre at 7.15pm on Sunday She was then seized by police and taken away in a van - as fellow demonstrators standing nearby reacted with fury Protests at The Bell Hotel began last month after an Ethiopian migrant was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl In her first interview, just minutes after being released from custody on Monday, white said: 'It is an absolute disgrace. 'I am considering legal action against the police. 'I was one click away from my arm being broken. It's disgusting.' She added: 'I feel like a political prisoner in a way. They tried to make an example of me. 'I will not stop expressing my view and sharing concerns. I am still campaigning. Meanwhile, Scott Davey, 32, from, Nazeing, has been charged with failing to comply with the conditions of participation in a public assembly. He was also arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order. Davey has been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on October 31. Anti-migrant protesters scuffle with police near the Bell Hotel in Epping on Sunday Crowds march towards the Civic Centre offices in Epping during the latest anti-migrant protest on Sunday A third person was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, over allegations that a banner was set alight on Friday. The 22-year-old man from Epping has been released on conditional bail until November 28. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper from Essex Police said: 'We've consistently said that we'll always seek to facilitate lawful protest and we have done that throughout this summer. 'We put plans in place on Sunday to prevent serious disruption to the lives of our Epping residents, which remains at the forefront of our minds, as well as to prevent serious disorder, violence and damage to property. 'There has been suggestion on social media that we made an arrest on Sunday because someone unfurled a flag. 'I want to be really clear - that is categorically wrong. 'Any suggestion that this was the case is completely false. 'Unfurling or putting up a flag is not a criminal offence, and nobody has been arrested for doing that.' Every person in Britain could be forced to sign up for a digital ID card after Emmanuel Macron demanded action to tackle the scourge of illegal working. Sir Keir Starmer told the Cabinet he would be exploring options around the concept as part of a wider package of reforms designed to make it harder for illegal migrants to live and work here. Downing Street confirmed ministers are examining proposals for a digital ID scheme 15 years after the idea was abandoned following an outcry about the impact on civil liberties. Under one option, anyone applying for a new job would be required to produce their digital ID to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the UK. Similar provisions could also be introduced for those moving to new accommodation, making a benefit claim or accessing public services. Labour ruled out ID cards as recently as July with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds saying the idea was not our approach. But Sir Keir has been told by Mr Macron to address pull factors attracting migrants to Britain in return for French help in stopping the boats. Allies of the French president have warned the UKs lax rules make it an El Dorado for migrants. Whitehall sources said former PM Tony Blair has also continued to push the idea behind the scenes. And with Sir Keir coming under intense pressure to be seen to be acting on illegal migration, he has now down a U-turn. The PMs official spokesman told reporters that the Government would always look at what works. Starmer has embraced ID cards after Emmanuel Macron demanded he tackle the 'pull factors' encouraging migrants to cross the Channel Tony Blair has been pushing his plan for digital ID cards with ministers behind the scenes Tony Blair has been trying to introduce compulsory ID cards for 20 yards but faced opposition on civil liberties grounds Asked if the idea could eventually mean compulsory ID cards for all, he said: We are willing to look at what works when it comes to tackling illegal migration. Questioned about the civil liberties row that ended the last bid to introduce compulsory ID cards, the spokesman said ministers believed the debate has changed since the last time we had this discussion with people more relaxed about the idea of having to prove their identity online. The move came as Yvette Cooper claimed there was no alternative to Labours plan for tackling the small boats crisis, which has seen an increase in Channel crossings of almost 50 per cent this year. The Home Secretary said Labour had spent its first year putting in place the foundations of a fundamentally different approach, which she said would eventually pay off. She insisted that the one in, one out deal to return a proportion of Channel migrants of France was proceeding at a really rapid pace but she could not guarantee that removals would begin this month. Ms Cooper dismissed calls to order the immediate removal of those crossing illegally and to suspend the European Convention on Human Rights to speed up the process. She told BBC Radio 4: There is not an alternative with grand promises that fail because that just undermines trust. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp hit back: Yvette Coopers claim there is no alternative is simply untrue. Migrants already have to use e-visas setting out their immigration system, but the new plan could make ID cards compulsory for all (pictured: physical Biometric Residence Permit card once used to prove status) We tabled a Deportation Bill a few weeks ago to end the Human Rights Act for immigration issues and immediately deport all illegal immigrants. But Labour blocked that and last year they cancelled the Rwanda deportation plan just before it was due to start. There are alternative plans Labour is just too weak to act on them. Proposals for the introduction of digital ID cards were discussed at an emergency meeting chaired by Sir Keir aimed at accelerating work to shut down the UKs 200 migrant hotels. The PMs spokesman said Sir Keir had told the Cabinet: It was easy to understand the frustration people feel at the level of illegal crossings and the sight of asylum hotels in their communities, and that he would be chairing a ministerial meeting to consider how we can go further and faster to combat illegal crossings. This includes continuing to work with the French authorities, cracking down on pull factors and illegal working including exploring options around digital ID accelerating the closure of hotels and looking at better forms of accommodation, and driving progress returning people with no right to be here. France issues a national ID card but it is not compulsory for people to carry it at all times as other official documents are acceptable. Ministers are examining similar digital ID systems in other countries, including Estonia where citizens are given a state-issued email address for official communications and required to have a card carrying their picture and national identity number. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden, who is leading work on the idea, visited the Baltic state at the weekend to study the scheme. Ministers are studying a scheme in Estonia which requires all citizens to have a digital ID card carrying their picture and national identity number in order to work or access services Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden has enthused about ID cards since visiting Estonia to discuss how the scheme would work in practice On his return, he insisted it made sense to look at replacing the multiplicity of paper-based documents now used to verify ID, such as utility bills and driving licences. He added: The idea youve got to prove who you say you are in order to work is a reasonable expectation. France has talked about pull factors in the context of migration. If there are pull factors like that, we should deal with them. Mr Blair pushed to introduce digital ID cards but the scheme was scrapped by the incoming Coalition government in 2010. Whitehall sources said the PM used an emergency meeting on immigration yesterday to urge ministers to pursue all options for tackling the crisis. Options discussed are said to have included stepping up efforts to secure more returns deals, closing asylum hotels, tightening interpretation of the ECHR and cracking down on illegal working. In 1980, at the age of 10, I persuaded my mother to buy me a pair of sky blue sta-prest trousers and a white Fred Perry polo shirt from Dees on Glasgows Union Street. At that time, I was obsessed with the music of The Specials, The Beat, and Madness - the giants of the 2-Tone ska revival - and it wasnt enough simply to buy their records, it was also essential to adopt the look so that everyone knew exactly the kind of guy they were dealing with. And that was a very cool guy, indeed. A rude boy, no less. A clammy, wee 4ft 10in rude boy. In common with other kids, I didnt merely consume popular culture, I expressed myself through it. During my youth, the streets of Glasgow were filled with tribes, from the gangs of punks whod gather round Bloggs Records on St Vincent Street in the late 70s, through the forlorn goths who congregated on the steps of Boots the Chemist at the corner of Union and Argyle Streets in the mid-80s, to the wide-eyed ravers who saw out the decade, gathered in Kelvingrove Park on bright Sunday mornings, sleep still hours away. In bringing teenagers together, music and fashion, those twin peaks of youth culture, offered security dressed up as rebellion. There was politics, too. The 2-Tone scene I so dearly loved was loudly anti-racist at a time when the far-right National Front was on the rise. Later, during the Miners Strike of 1984-85, bands such as New Order played fund-raising concerts while, unforgettably, the Band Aid project, created by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, saw mainstream pop stars raise millions for famine relief in Africa. But, while politics has always been part of the teenage experience it now plays a role of a different magnitude. The way in which young people engage in politics, today, is quite different to previous generations. It is every bit as important as music or fashion (and positions held are every bit as disposable). Teenagers once identified themselves through clothes and music - now it's through politics, Eaun McColm writes Politics is always on. Our phones keep us constantly updated with this or that development, spun to create the greatest possible outrage. We all feel obliged to engage and to have opinions. For some younger people, life has always been so. Where I might have identified myself to others with my hairstyle and a T-Shirt bearing the face of the late Pat Phoenix, a similarly tiresome 15-year-old, today, will do so with online avatars outlining, often extreme, positions on Palestine or trans rights (or, more likely, both). In the foreign country of my youth, teen tribes gathered around music, today, they are more likely to unite over politics (and, unfortunately, to use politics to unite against others). According to the John Smith Centre at Glasgow University, the social media platform TikTok is now the number one place for young people to get their political information. The centre, which helps develop the careers of aspiring young politicians and policy makers, conducted extensive polling on the political preferences of voters aged 16-29 and the results certainly surprised me. It discovered that 26 per cent of young men put themselves on the political right compared with just 13 per cent who see themselves as left-wing. Among young women, 20 per cent identify as being on the left while 15 per cent are on the right, It was once the case that popular culture was dominated by the political left. Online platforms such as TikTok, unfiltered by editorial gatekeepers of any sort, may be changing that. For much of his career, Reform UKs Nigel Farage has been regarded as the champion of a certain type of middle-aged Middle Englander. His rhetoric on immigration was dismissed by leaders from across the Scottish political mainstream and, though he was often held up as a bogeyman, the idea that he might actually begin to connect with new generations of voters was not seriously entertained. For a long time, it was true to say Mr Farage struggled to reach Scottish voters for a long time. In fact, it was true right up until the point that it was not. The Reform UK leader may not be to everyones taste but substantial numbers of Scots are now willing to give him a hearing. In Junes Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse - lost by the SNP to Labour - Reform came a very close third behind the Scottish Nationalists, leaving the Conservatives trailing. Mr Farages party took 26 per cent of the vote in the by-election, a number that cannot merely be accounted for by the drop of 11.5 per cent in support for the Tories. In fact, we have to look at a fall in support for the SNP of almost 17 per cent to begin balancing that particular book. For a long time, the SNP has enjoyed the support of a majority of young Scots. In government, the party exploited this reality by legislating to lower the voting age for Holyrood elections to 16. But the Scottish nationalists can no longer take the support of these young Scots for granted. Many of them now look to Reform UK for answers. Current polling suggests that Mr Farages party, which last week announced the defection of Tory MSP Graham Simpson, will come third at next Mays Holyrood election, with much of its support coming from disillusioned Conservatives. But, as that by-election in June showed, Reform can also take SNP votes. About to add to the gaiety of the nation is the Scottish branch of whatever the party being established by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his (sometimes uneasy) ally Zarah Sultana ends up being called. It is easy to dismiss Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana as cranks because that is precisely what they are but, as the bizarre experiment of the formers time as leader of the opposition proved, such things are not necessarily barriers to progress. The man thrown out of Labour after insisting the scale of antisemitism under his leadership had been dramatically overstated claims more than 600,000 people have signed up for the temporarily named Your Party. This is not, based on past levels of support for the Corbyn-aligned Momentum organisation, at all implausible. Mr Corbyns party holds its first Scottish meeting in Glasgow on Friday night. Just as the populist right begins to rise in Scotland, so arrives the populist left. The easy-answers peddlers of Reform and Your Party are cult heroes to young voters in a world where politics is pop culture. When I was young, teenagers identified themselves by the clothes they wore and the music they listened to. Today, young people not only identify themselves through their politics, they have the power to help elect disruptors to parliament. Traditionally, the SNP and Labour have fought for the votes of young Scots. At next May's Holyrood election, they will face challenges for the youth vote from dangerously efficient rabble-rousers on both the left and right. China willing to bring relations with Kazakhstan to higher level: vice premier Xinhua) 21:24, September 02, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to advance the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level and inject more stability and certainty into global peace and development, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said Tuesday. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the eighth meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Entrepreneurs Committee. China and Kazakhstan should discover more converging interests, actively explore new cooperation models, and jointly build a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future that is more substantive and dynamic, Ding said. Ding called for further strengthening alignment of development strategies, enhancing connectivity, deepening trade and investment cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges. The business community is a vital force in promoting practical cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, Ding said, urging enterprises on both sides to make good use of the committee to contribute more to bilateral cooperation. When delivering a speech at the ceremony, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed support for the Belt and Road cooperation and said the country is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in transportation and logistics, energy, manufacturing, digital economy and other fields. Nearly 500 representatives from government departments, business associations, and enterprises of both countries attended the meeting. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) French film star Gerard Depardieu will face trial for allegedly raping actress Charlotte Arnould in 2018, in the latest blow to his reputation after he was convicted of sexual assault earlier this year. Arnould first accused Depardieu of rape in 2018, saying the assaults occurred in his Paris home on two separate occasions when she was in her early 20s. Depardieu, 76, has denied wrongdoing in the case. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed on Tuesday that an investigating judge had ruled that the case should be sent before a court after Arnould posted about the news on her Instagram account. No court date was given. 'I think I'm having trouble realising how huge this is. I'm relieved,' Arnould wrote. Lawyers for Arnould and Depardieu did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Years after first rising to prominence in 1974 with 'Going Places' and starring in scores of French-language movies, Depardieu has been at the centre of a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. Arnould, 29, an actress and former ballet dancer known for her work in theatre and voice acting, was present in the courtroom in May when Depardieu was found guilty in a separate case of sexually assaulting two women on a film set and handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, which his lawyer said at the time he would appeal. French film star Gerard Depardieu (pictured) will face trial for raping actress Charlotte Arnould in 2018, Pictured: French actor Charlotte Arnould (C) looks on at the Paris courthouse on the day of Gerard Depardieu's trial in Paris, France, 24 March 2025 Arnould, 29, an actress and former ballet dancer known for her work in theatre and voice acting, was present in the courtroom in May when Depardieu was found guilty in a separate case of sexually assaulting two women on a film set. Pictured: nch actors Catherine Deneuve (G) and Gerard Depardieu pose together in 1981 During that trial, Depardieu's lawyer called her a liar in the courtroom. In her Instagram post on Tuesday, Arnould referred to those comments, calling Depardieu's defence 'outrageous and ... absolutely unnecessary to uncover the truth.' Though Arnould's case was initially dropped, it was reopened in 2020 and prosecutors requested a trial for Depardieu in 2022. Arnould has since become a vocal figure in France's #MeToo movement, expressing solidarity with sexual assault victims and demanding accountability in the film industry. A knife-wielding maniac who stabbed a pizza shop employee on Santa Monica Pier in front of horrified tourists is still on the loose following the Labor Day weekend attack. The unnamed man launched his attack from behind, stabbing the restaurant worker in his back several times just before 5pm on Sunday, according to police. People who saw the horror as it unfolded on the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk in the popular California vacation spot described the assailant as 'homeless'. The victim, who has not been named, is an employee at Pier Pizza & Subs, and he was on his lunch break at the time of the attack. Santa Monica Police Department said they arrived to the scene and found the man suffering from 'multiple stab wounds'. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. The suspect, who is yet to be identified, fled the scene before cops arrived. Disturbing footage shared with Fox News showed the victim sitting on the ground looking dazed while receiving treatment from EMTs. Santa Monica Police Department said they are investigating the incident as they work to track down the suspect using witness descriptions and surveillance footage. A knife-wielding maniac who stabbed a pizza shop employee on Santa Monica Pier in front of large crowds of horrified tourists on Labor Day weekend is still on the loose, police have said People who saw the horror as it unfolded on the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk in the popular California vacation spot (pictured) described the assailant as 'homeless' The victim, who has not been named, is an employee at Pier Pizza & Subs (pictured) Local residents said that the area is unsafe and the stabbing is not a surprise. 'It's really terrible to hear, but it doesn't surprise me, unfortunately,' local business owner Jehrid Hale told CBS Los Angeles. 'I feel for my employees, I fear for my coworkers, I fear for my girlfriend, my partner, and just people that come here.' Hale said an increased officer presence on the pier is needed when there are large crowds out. John Alle, who works with the Santa Monica Coalition, agreed that 'a little bit of police presence' could 'curtail' crime. Speaking with Fox11, he added: 'The least we can do is give a travel advisory to the tourists that are comin. It's that bad.' People who saw the horror as it unfolded on the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk in the popular California vacation spot (pictured) described the assailant as 'homeless' Tourist Lashana Lewis said that usually 'most people are just kind of minding their own business'. 'We've been here even as it gets late at night, usually there's not much going on,' she told Fox11. Anyone with information about the stabbing is urged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department via (310) 458-8491. A mother and her young son were mysteriously found dead in their home after not showing up to a Labor Day party. Linda Hill, 41, and Kardi Jackson, 12, were found in the house on Berdeno Avenue in Hazel Park, Detroit, when police arrived after 4pm on Monday. Hazel Park Police refused to say how they died, other than that they suffered apparent trauma in a double homicide. But despite no one being in custody for the murders, police mysteriously said there was no danger to the public. Hill's sister Lkeisha Whitfield described seeing blood inside the house and outside the front door where Kardi tried to flee the killer. 'My nephew was literally trying to run out the house, its blood everywhere. My nephew or my sister didnt deserve this,' she said. Whitfield mourned her sister in a heartbreaking Facebook post as she watched Hill and Kardi's bodies be removed from the home. Linda Hill, 41, and her young son were mysteriously found dead in their home after not showing up to a Labor Day party Hill's sister said the crime scene showed Kardi tried to flee out the door of the house 'How am I supposed to go on watching them bring yall out so lifeless, how do I move on seeing all that blood, how do I keep moving forward knowing you were tryna get away scared af nephew and this monster still continued to take your life,' she wrote. 'I cant sleep, cant eat, cant drink. How do I ever suppose to just live with the fact that Ill never get to hear yall voice ever again. 'Please just come and tell me why. Tell me who did this to yall. I literally talked to my sister every day, if we not on the phone I'm popping up at her house. 'The day I only talked to you on the phone and didn't stop by this happens to you only 2 hours after telling me you'll call me back. 'Man whyyyy me. Why my family, lord why couldn't it had just been me.' Dozens of Hill's cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends also mourned her online with tributes and supported each other in grief. Other family said she was on the phone with a relative at the Labor Day party she were supposed to attend when someone they believe was the killer came in the door. Hill's sister Lkeisha Whitfield (pictured together) mourned her sister in a heartbreaking Facebook post as she watched Hill and Kardi's bodies be removed from the home Hill's son Kardi Jackson, 12, was also murdered by the mystery killer Police search the home in Hazel Park, Detroit, after Hill and her 12-year-old son Kardi were found dead Their bodies were found in the house on Berdeno Avenue when police arrived after 4pm on Monday The line suddenly went dead about 4pm, though there were no sounds of a struggle. Police arrived not long after and found the bodies. Hazel Park Schools district Superintendent Amy Wilcox and Hazel Park City Manager Edward Klobucher advised parents of the boy's death. 'Please take a moment to hug your children and remind them how much they are loved,' they said. 'Encourage them to be especially compassionate and supportive of their classmates, as you never know what someone else is going through.' Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Jason Flemyng has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding in his Kia Sorento - his fourth offence in just 12 months. The 58-year-old actor was clocked doing 24mph in a 20mph zone along the busy A205 in Clapham, southwest London, on December 5 last year. Appearing at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning, the screen star admitted a single count of speeding and accepted a 775 fine. The court heard Flemyng already had 12 points on his licence from previous speeding offences, and this latest infraction pushed him over the threshold for an automatic ban. Prosecutor Joanna Martin told the court that despite his earlier infractions, the actor had avoided a ban previously due to an administrative error during the single justice procedure. But this time, the judge took a firmer stance, issuing a six-month disqualification that will keep Flemyng off the roads until March next year. When asked if he wanted to claim exceptional hardship to avoid the ban, Flemyng- dressed smartly in a black suit - declined to plead for leniency. Jason Flemyng has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding in his Kia Sorento. Pictured with his wife in 2023 The star was clocked doing 24mph in a 20mph zone along the busy A205 in Clapham, southwest London , on December 5 last year. Pictured in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in 1998 Jason Flemyng in The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The screen star admitted a single count of speeding and accepted a 775 fine 'Well, my work and what I do for a living, and my charity work, all depend on me driving,' he told the magistrates. 'Maybe I should have thought about that before I drove 24mph in a 20mph zone. I don't want to waste the court's time. I accept what has happened.' Magistrate David Williams told the actor: 'You already have 12 points on your licence for speeding offences. 'You pleaded guilty now to this subsequent offence, which will also lead to three points. 'Your licence will be endorsed with three penalty points. That means you actually have 15 points on your licence. As of today, you are banned from driving for six months as a totter. 'If you drive whilst under this ban, you may be sent to custody or be disqualified again.' Born in Putney, southwest London, Flemyng rose to fame playing Tom in Guy Ritchie's cult gangster hit Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in 1998, after early training with the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The son of a respected BBC filmmaker, Flemyng became involved in politics in the 1980s, joining the Young Socialists before being expelled from the Labour Party for selling copies of the Militant newspaper. The actor has been married to actress and producer Elly Fairman (right), best known for roles in Blitz and Casualty, since 2007 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003. Flemyng was expelled from the Labour Party for selling copies of the Militant newspaper when he was younger The son of a respected BBC filmmaker, Flemyng became involved in politics in the 1980s, joining the Young Socialists. Pictured in 1998 After turning his back on activism, he enrolled at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and launched a successful acting career that has spanned three decades. He has since appeared in a string of high-profile productions including Snatch (2000), From Hell (2001) opposite Johnny Depp, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) with Sean Connery. In 2010, he played the demonic Azazel in X-Men: First Class, and later starred in British rom-com I Give It A Year (2012). He also featured in SS-GB, the BBC's chilling alternative history thriller. Most recently, Flemyng appeared in the hit ITV crime drama Trigger Point alongside Line of Duty star Vicky McClure. A second series has already been commissioned for release in 2026. The actor has been married to actress and producer Elly Fairman, best known for roles in Blitz and Casualty, since 2007. A man has been shot dead by police in Marseille after five people were injured during a knife rampage this afternoon. At least one of the victims was taken to hospital in critical condition after the incident outside a fast food restaurant in Bouches-du-Rhone on Tuesday. A witness said he saw a man with 'two large butcher knives' at the scene. The Marseille public prosecutor said the suspect carried two knives and an iron bar. Graphic footage of the incident showed the suspect shouting 'Allahu Akbar' [God is the greatest] before walking towards police and being shot several times. A witness at the scene told French media that police 'tried to arrest [the perpetrator]' before 'the man tried to attack a police officer with a knife'. 'The officer shouted "stop, stop" before hearing gunfire.' Marseille public prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said the suspect was 'a legal Tunisian national' who 'attempted to attack people...blindly and gratuitously' after he was evicted from a hotel in the Belsunce district for not paying his rent. 'On Tuesday, around 2:45 p.m., the individual returned, went up to his old room, and stabbed the person who was occupying the room,' he said. The hotel manager and a guest were said to be among those injured in the fracas, before the perpetrator went into the street and threatened police officers, according to local media. The hotel guest occupying the room is 'in a state of absolute emergency', the public prosecutor said. French outlet BFMTV reported that the man was seen with an iron bar and two knives Police shot the suspect dead near a fast food restaurant in Bouches-du-Rhone, Marseille Your browser does not support iframes. Bessone said the man went on to the hotel lobby and stabbed the hotel manager 'one or more times' before chasing the manager's son down the street and stabbing him in the back. Both are in 'relative emergency', he told reporters. The man then went into a nearby bistro and tried to stab customers, the prosecutor said. He then carried on to Cours Belsunce and tried to attack others. Police and firefighters were deployed to the scene and had set up a security perimeter by 4pm local time. Umbrellas belonging to the restaurant were initially put out to cover the bodies while investigators worked on the scene. The suspect was reportedly hit with an electric shock pistol before being shot. He was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to hospital, at 3.26pm, French media reports. The suspect, who has not been named, was identified only as a Tunisian national and legal resident of France. Le Figaro reported that the suspect was known to territorial intelligence for an unknown reason, but not logged in the database for preventing 'radicalisation of a terrorist nature'. All victims were injured by a long knife and treated by emergency services, Le Figaro reports. Sources told Le Figaro the man stabbed a hotel manager and a guest before going out into the street and threatening police officers The man was reportedly subdued with a stun gun before being shot by police Le Parisien, TF1 and Le Figaro reported that five people had been injured in the attack. The AFP news agency reported that 'at least four people' were stabbed. Local public transport services were suspended due to the attack. La Provence described the site of the incident as a 'stone's throw' from the Old Port of Marseille. Interior minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to report to Marseille's police station over the attack this evening. Separate investigations have been opened for 'attempted voluntary homicide' and 'attempted voluntary homicide of police officers'. A convict who gunned down a prison officer as 'revenge' for exposing his relationship with a female officer has been jailed to 45 years behind bars before parole. Elias Morgan, 35, gunned down father-of-three Lenny Scott outside of a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on February 8, 2024. Mr Scott, 33, had discovered a phone in the criminal's former cell in HMP Altcourse, Liverpool, in March 2020, Preston Crown Court previously heard. The phone had evidence pertaining to Morgan's sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams, prosecutor Alex Leach KC said. Initially, Morgan, of Edge Hill, tried to bribe Mr Scott to 'b***s up the paperwork', offering him 1,500 not to report the find. When he refused and reported the phone Morgan threatened his victim's family before vowing revenge, telling Mr Scott, 'I'll bide my time' and making a gun gesture. The submission led to both Morgan and Williams being prosecuted, and, from that moment Morgan told the father 'he would get him'. Almost four years later, after Morgan had served his sentence and Mr Scott had been sacked the Prison Service after he punched a prisoner in the face, he carried out the threat. Elias Morgan (left) was found guilty of murdering prison officer Lenny Scott (right) in 2024. He has been sentenced to 45 years behind bars before parole Mr Scott, 33, had discovered a phone in the criminal's former cell in HMP Altcourse, which had evidence of Morgan's sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams (pictured) On February 8, last Mr Scott was 'approached by a man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a handgun' as he left the gym. Morgan shot the victim with a 9mm handgun once in the head and five times in the body, before fleeing on an electric scooter. 'The man shot him, six times, to the head and body. Lenny Scott died of his injuries. The murder was an act of retaliation,' Mr Leech previously told the court He added that the evidence showed the convict 'pulled the trigger himself'. Morgan was arrested after detectives from Lancashire Police began investigating and uncovered the threats Morgan had made to his victim. During the trial, it was heard Mr Scott reported receiving the threats from Morgan days after the phone was found. A 'visibly frightened' Mr Scott told his former partner that Morgan had told him that his 'home would be blown up with his family inside'. Four days later he told a police call handler: 'I'm in fear for my family's life.' The jury heard he also reported the threats to the Prison Service, saying Morgan had told him his family would be hurt if he did not drop the illegal phone matter. Instead the phone was examined and Morgan was charged with unauthorised possession of the mobile phone in April 2023. Lenny Scott, a father of three, was shot six times outside the gym by a gunman Elias Morgan (right) is pictured attending Glastonbury Festival in Somerset in June 2023 with co-defendant Anthony Cleary (left). Cleary was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter Mr Scott had left the Prison Service in 2021 and played no part as a witness in the prosecution. Williams, the officer with whom Morgan had had a relationship, later admitted three offences of misconduct in a public office and a computer misuse offence in June 2023. Morgan denied a charge of unauthorised possession of the mobile phone and a court hearing was scheduled for February 19, 2024 - 11 days after Mr Scott was murdered. He also denied any involvement in Mr Scott's death but was convicted of murder by a jury following a nine-week trial last Friday. Mr Justice Goose, sentencing, described the murder as a 'carefully planned, revenge killing of a prison officer,' who 'was loved, respected and made his family proud.'. After Morgan's name began circulating in connection with the shooting, he handed himself in to police, however, denied any involvement. Then, he was bailed while police gathered evidence. It was revealed, by detectives tracing his phone and vehicle data, that Morgan's spent weeks stalking his victim, learning his daily schedule before launching the cold-blooded attack. Morgan's co-accused, Anthony Cleary, 29, from Liverpool, was found not guilty by the jury of murder and manslaughter. Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park A man, wearing orange hi-vis, could be seen loitering nearby, seemingly waiting for someone The gun used in the murder has never been recovered. Following the sentencing, Paula Scott, the mother of the former prison officer, said her son 'lost his life standing up for what was right'. 'We are so pleased about the sentence today,' she said. 'We are elated and relieved that we have justice for Lenny, that Elias Morgan has been held accountable and will be in prison for a very long time. 'We are also filled with a deep sadness that this should never have happened, that Lenny should still be here. 'So many lives have been impacted by Lenny's death. He was a much loved son, dad, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and colleague. 'He was a strong, hard-working man, honest, protective, kind and loving, and he had a brilliant sense of humour. 'His banter was second to none. He had an unforgettable presence and lit up any room he walked into. 'Lenny was most proud of his three children. They were his world. He spent every moment he could with them. 'They adored him as he made them feel loved, safe and seen.' She added: 'We are so angry that Lenny was killed because he was doing the right thing, doing his job well with pride and integrity and maintaining his strong values,' she said. As Mr Scott stood chatting, the man approached him before rounding the corner with a gun 'Despite being threatened by Morgan, he stuck to his values and followed prison procedure. He lost his life standing up for what was right. 'Morgan has no regard for the impact of his actions. He not only has stolen Lenny's future, but he has stolen our future with him. 'Lenny now won't achieve all the things he was working towards, all the plans he had with his children, his chance to see them grow and flourish, that has been taken away from us all. 'Finally, to Lenny, thank you for being the person you were, for all the lovely memories, for all your banter and laughter. 'We will never forget you, and we will always be proud of you. We love you.' Speaking outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson said the ex-prison officer 'was murdered by Elias Morgan in a vengeful and cold-blooded assassination.' 'It is one of the most callous, brutal and inhumane things I have ever seen in my 30 years as a police officer. He gave Lenny no quarter,' he added. Mr Wilson called Mr Scott a 'man of integrity' who 'did the right thing in challenging circumstances' while working at HMP Altcourse. 'It was this that cost him his life,' he added. Lenny Scott found a mobile phone in Elias Morgan's cell at HMP Altcourse (above) in Liverpool 'After seizing an illicitly held mobile phone from prisoner Elias Morgan, Lenny resisted bribes and threats made towards him. 'These threats including the chilling phrase: "I'll bide my time, but I promise I will get you". 'Morgan unfortunately made good on this threat, waiting four years to take his revenge on Lenny.' He also branded Morgan a 'small, cowardly, evil' man, while describing Scott as 'a big, strong, kind man, so full of heart and integrity, '[He was] loved by many, who in simply trying to do his job, keeping the community safe, paid the ultimate price. 'In absolute contrast, Elias Morgan is a small, cowardly, evil individual who executed this much loved father and son for simply doing his job.' Succession star Nicholas Braun was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence over the Labor Day weekend, according to a new report. Braun, 37, was pulled over while driving in New Hampshire before he was arrested on Saturday, TMZ first reported. He was locked up in the Carroll County jail in Moultonborough, about 2 hours north of Boston, Massachusetts. The Emmy-nominee was released on his own recognizance less than an hour later. Braun famously played Cousin Greg on the HBO hit show, which ran for four seasons and ended in 2023. He did not have to pose for a mugshot because the camera at the station reportedly was not working. Succession star Nicholas Braun was arrested for driving under the influence in New Hampshire Braun famously played Cousin Greg on the HBO hit show, which ran for four seasons and ended in 2023 Braun is expected to appear in court at a later date. Police are yet to release more details about the star's arrest and it's unclear if he will charged with any crimes. The Moultonborough Police Department said in a statement: 'On Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:15 p.m., Nicholas J. Braun of New York City was arrested for DUI-Impairment and Operating Without Lights on Lee Road in the Town of Moultonborough, New Hampshire. 'No additional information will be released at this time.' News of the actor's arrest comes after he shared rare photos with his partner who he called the 'absolute joy' of his life earlier this year. Sharing several loved-up snaps of the couple, he wrote: 'HBD to my sweet sweet DARLING of a girlfriend!!! You are the absolute joy of my life. Braun has not posted on his Instagram since then. The couple were first spotted together attending the HBO & Max Post Emmys party in January 2024 but have kept a low profile since. Braun previously discussed detailed his battle with anxiety and self-esteem. He told British GQ: 'I guess I'm one of those people who is not, like, instantly comfortable with people; it takes me a while to know what version of myself I'm going to be with somebody.' Braun did not have to pose for a mugshot because the camera at the station reportedly was not working 'I do love when people love the show, but if it makes me feel so much better about myself that someone said this to me, I think I need to work on my self-esteem more.' He also discussed struggling with romantic relationships, adding: '[My relationships that came closest to that] didnt go on very long.' Braun made his first movie appearances for Disney including the 2005 film Sky High. He went on to appear on other films including Zola and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.' President Donald Trump trashed his least favorite Sunday show host and even asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to join in. Trump sat down with the Daily Caller on Friday for an interview that was released in full on Monday evening. The president was making the point that being pro-MAGA is a boon for media companies. 'People don't realize how big our market is,' he remarked from the Oval Office. He then segued into how '50 percent of the woman off the street' would have done a better job than former CBS Evening News host Norah O'Donnell. From there, he pointed a finger at CBS's Margaret Brennan. 'The Face the Nation. The woman on Face the Nation is so bad,' Trump said, without using Brennan's name. The Daily Caller's White House correspondent Reagan Reese mistakenly volunteered the name of NBC's Kristen Welker, who hosts Meet the Press, with Leavitt correcting her and saying Brennan's name instead. President Donald Trump (left) went after CBS Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan (right) in a new interview with the Daily Caller That gave Trump the opportunity to ask Leavitt her thoughts on the Face the Nation host. 'She's stupid. You can put that on the record,' Leavitt said. 'She's nasty,' the president added. 'Yes,' Leavitt replied. Trump pointed to a recent interview Brennan conducted with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the mid-August back-and-forth Brennan suggested the European leaders were worried that Trump would bully Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into backing an unfavorable peace deal. Trump had just met in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the next day would host Zelensky and a handful of European leaders at the White House. Rubio pushed back, calling Brennan's assertion a 'stupid media narrative.' President Donald Trump asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to chime in when trashing CBS' Margaret Brennan during an interview Friday with the Daily Caller Trump applauded Rubio's interview skills, saying 'he's good and he's smart.' 'But the level of hatred. I'm surprised he goes on there, the level of hatred when they're asking the question,' the president continued. The president then suggested one of his White House aides could do a better job in the anchor seat - Natalie Harp, a former campaign aide who once worked for the conservative-leaning One America News. 'But I could, I could take, you know, this one right over here. She was an anchor. Do you know? For OAN,' Trump said, motioning to Harp. 'Natalie worked for OAN for a couple of years as an anchor. Im telling you. She was a great anchor, but she didnt want to, she wanted to come with Trump, and maybe this is better,' the president added. Harp has gotten nicknamed the 'human printer' for bringing a portable printer along with her to print out articles and social media posts for Trump. In the book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power by Alex Isenstadt, sources told the author she was so devoted to Trump that 'advisers jokingly began to compare Harp to Alex Forrest, the character played by Glenn Close in the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction.' A spokesperson for Face the Nation did not immediately return the Daily Mail's request for comment. This is the moment furious locals confronted a 'delusional' African 'queen' after setting up her own mini fiefdom in a patch of Scottish woodland. Jean Gasho, who calls herself 'Queen Nandi', took footage of the people she claimed were harassing her group this week and posted it on her social media. The 43-year-old from Zimbabwe, alongside her husband, Kofi Offeh, 36, from Ghana who calls himself 'King Atehene' and his handmaiden, Asnat - an American named Kaura Taylor, 21 - are on a mission to reclaim land 'stolen' from their ancestors. The group has now set up their own royal 'dynasty' in a Scottish wood claiming it was territory belonging to their 'lost tribe' and now part of the northern Kingdom of Kubala. In Ms Gasho's video, two men with a dog are seen standing next to the tribe's tents - appearing to harass the self-proclaimed Kubala Kingdom group and shouting at them. She was recording the footage, that appeared to show the two men shouting hate, swearing and pointing at her and other members of the group. The men stated they were from Jedburgh, and when Ms Gasho stated they were recording to show the police, the men replied: 'What are the police going to do?' while pointing and swearing. One of the men said: 'This is a rapist cult and I will always stick to that'. One furious local was captured on video confronting the tribe in the Scottish woodland The trio claim they are part of a lost tribe of Hebrews, whose ancestors were kicked out of Scotland when Queen Elizabeth I deported native black Jacobites Kofi Offeh, 36, from Ghana, calls himself 'King Atehene'. He is seen sitting on a camp chair in his new 'kingdom' The tribe claim to have filmed locals in Scotland abusing them while they camp out in the woods The other man said: 'This is sad, that you've actually lost your heritage.' He continued to defend the other man, dressed in a white hoodie, raging: 'Free speech - he can say whatever he wants.' The two men then continued to berate Ms Gasho, calling her 'delusional'. The man in the blue t-shirt said: 'Stop pulling the racist card. The only reason why the police and everyone else isn't getting involved and the group isn't getting shifted properly - is because they are so scared of being called racist.' Later on in the video, at least six other people arrive, some minors - all walking past Jean when she tries to get them to leave, saying: 'The police are on the way.' A woman in the video starts shouting and pointing at Jean, stating she 'is not allowed to video'. Ms Gasho later posted more videos, one showing the group going about their rituals in front of a fire - when the same minors and men got very close to them, shouting and putting their phones right in the group's faces. In one clip, a man with a blue hoodie can be heard speaking to the tribe, telling them: 'You're an absolute f****** idiot, you're delusional.' In one video clip, a police officer can be seen carrying out a welfare check on the tribe Pictured is the 'king's' handmaiden, Asnat - an American named Kaura Taylor, 21 Pictured is the tribe and their woodland encampment, which has reportedly left locals angry A further video shows police arriving to carry out a 'welfare check', asking the tribe if the public 'hurt [them] in anyway' or 'destroyed their property'. While a clip released on Tuesday afternoon appeared to show a woman also harassing the tribe. Speaking at the scene today, Ms Gasho said: 'The Kingdom of Kubala suffers violence - this was said 2,000 years ago, that the kingdom will suffer violence. 'This is not the first time we have experienced something like this. We experienced this on a very large scale in Stockton in 2024 - abuse all the time, people threatening to burn us alive. 'This is not something new to Kubala - we have experienced it before. In Jedburgh, it is just beginning. 'It is always traumatic to experience something like that, but we have faith in something that is bigger than the physical. 'We know that we do not have the help of the system - they will not rush to protect us, so we always remain steadfast in our God. 'We pray while this is happening and we chant and sing to get us through. That's what gets us through it.' 'King Atehene' is part of the tribe who are on a mission to reclaim land 'stolen' from their ancestors The tribe have faced several confrontations with Scottish locals 'King' Atehene said they seek to reconnect with nature, and claim Scotland is their native land An offering of Irn Bru and Shortbread (from a journalist) is brought to King Atehene and his Queen Nandi by handmaiden Asnat The self-proclaimed 'King' of the tribe, Mr Offeh added: 'They come every day - morning, afternoon and evening. We do not find difficulty in speaking to our enemies, for we are not afraid. We speak to them the words they need to hear. 'He came here this morning too - he is one of the people that harass us really badly. I was sitting in here, and then I just heard somebody walking around. I peeped out, and he was going around with his dog, videoing and taking pictures while we were sleeping. 'If there was anything the police would do, they would have done it by now. Our tent got burned and the police didn't come. We do not put our trust in the police - our only protection comes from our creator.' Ms Gasho added: 'Sometimes they come as a group, shouting abuse, and we just have to stay in the tent.' The so-called 'King Atehene and Queen Nandi' were evicted last month from their original base on land belonging to Scottish Borders council which they renamed Mount Shungu. The self-described tribe set up in Scotland after wandering over the border from Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham. Mr Offeh's 'handmaiden', Ms Taylor, vanished from her home in Texas with her one-year-old daughter three months ago before appearing with the wannabe royals in Scotland. The video showed one tribe member dancing with a sunflower In a video message from the camp, Ms Taylor said: To the UK authorities, obviously I am not missing. Leave me alone. Im an adult, not a helpless child' They set up in Scotland after wandering over the Border from Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham Her aunt Vandora Skinner previously told the Daily Mail her niece and the child were living with her in Cedar Hill, south of Dallas before they suddenly left around May 23. She said the former fast food restaurant worker and high school graduate met the couple online and began acting strangely before leaving America with her baby daughter. The child is now in the care of the UK authorities after officials found her and Ms Taylor living on a makeshift campsite, she said. Ms Taylor has insisted she is 'very happy with my King and Queen', is 'not being abused' and was 'never missing'. Addressing the UK authorities, she said: 'Leave me alone. I am an adult, not a helpless child.' She is thought to have entered the UK on a six-month visa due to expire in November. Scotland remains the drugs death capital of Europe for the seventh year in a row despite a 13 per cent fall in fatalities, new figures reveal. Deaths from drug misuse in 2024 dropped by 13 per cent - or 155 deaths - to 1,017, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS). The decline follows last year's 12 per cent rise that saw deaths climb to 1,172, down from the peak in 2020 of 1,339. A total of nearly 11,000 people have died from drug misuse in Scotland in the last decade, with the number of deaths running at an average of nearly three per day. Last night the Scottish Tories said the devastating figures laid bare the tragic human toll of Scotland's drugs emergency which has spiralled out of control on the SNP's watch. Annie Wells, the party's drugs spokesman, said: It's heartbreaking and intolerable that so many lives continue to be lost, and so many families left bereft, because Scotland has the highest drugs death rate in Europe. And it's shameful that, as ever with this nationalist Government, those living in the poorest areas are worst-affected. SNP ministers have repeatedly taken their eye off the ball, and still have no coherent and credible strategy for tackling this national crisis. Deaths from drug misuse in 2024 dropped by 13 per cent - or 155 deaths - to 1,017, according to the National Records of Scotland Glasgow City, Dundee City and Inverclyde council areas had the highest rates of drug misuse deaths in the period 2020-2024. There were 191 drug misuse deaths per million people in 2024, around 3.6 times as high as compared to the year 2000. Estonia had the second highest rate in Europe at 135 per million in 2023. The figures also revealed the number of deaths linked with fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin and responsible for thousands of deaths in the U.S. In 2024, fentanyl a category of potent synthetic opioids - or similar substances were implicated in 12 drug misuse deaths. The most common drugs involved were opiates and opioids (present in 80 per cent of deaths) such as heroin, which was implicated in 317 deaths. Heroin substitute methadone was a factor in 412 deaths. The drug death rate in Scotland is 2.8 times as high as the rates in England and Northern Ireland, and 1.9 times as high as the rate in Wales. Needles and drugs paraphernalia near a Safer Drugs Consumption Facility on Hunter Street, Glasgow Cocaine deaths in Scotland reached a record high of 479 in 2023 and remained at the same level in 2024. Super-strong nitazenes are synthetic opioids which are often mixed in with other drugs and can be up to 500 times more potent than heroin. Dealers are now using nitazenes - which mimic the effects of heroin - in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines. Nitazenes were implicated in 76 deaths in 2024, more than three times as high as the number in 2023, when there were 23. Kirsten Horsburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Drugs Forum, told the BBC that nitazenes were a crisis on top of a crisis. Drugs campaigner Annemarie Ward, of the charity Faces and Voices of Recovery UK, said Police Scotlands figures show suspected drug deaths have risen by 33 per cent since January 2024, suggesting the crisis is not easing, it is accelerating. Writing on X, she said: Saying lowest since 2017 makes it sound like the crisis is easing. In reality, 2017 was already a disaster year with 1,120 deaths. Being better than a catastrophe is not success - the baseline is rotten. Even at this so-called lowest point, Scotlands death rate is still three times Englands - and the worst in Europe. Its like bragging that your house fire is smaller than last years inferno. Scottish Labour health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: Every life lost to drugs is a tragedy and each has a devastating impact on families and communities across the country. While it is welcome that there has been progress made towards reducing the number of fatalities, there are still far too many lives being needlessly cut short. Drugs minister Maree Todd welcomed the decrease in deaths but admitted there is still work to be done. She said: My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs. It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017 but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives. This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death. The top Republican in Congress investigating Jeffrey Epstein has urged the Treasury Department to hand over files on the late sex offender and financier. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday asking the Trump administration to hand over any Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) it may have regarding Epstein. Comer has been reviewing the investigations of Epsteins 2019 death in federal custody while awaiting a sex trafficking trial, searching for additional methods to combat child trafficking and probing potential ethics violations among elected officials. SARs are created by financial institutions and sent to the Treasury to flag potentially dubious transactions that may indicate criminal activity, like fraud, money laundering or terrorist financing. The Treasury's Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is tasked with investigating SARs and potential crimes, and Comer says he wants to investigate potential mismanagement. The Committee requests that the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) produce certain Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) relevant to the Committees investigation, Comers letter says. It is essential that Treasury produce to the Committee certain SARs to assist the committees oversight of the federal governments enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell. This oversight will inform legislative solutions to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex crime investigations, the Republican wrote to Bessent. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer requested that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent provide files on Jeffrey Epstein to the committee Comer asked Bessent for Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) that may have been filed regarding Epstein (shown above) and his crimes Comer gave the secretary a deadline of September 15 to hand over the relevant SARs. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Mails request for comment. The maneuver is the Oversight Committees latest to pry classified Epstein records out of the federal governments possession. The committee previously subpoenaed the Department of Justice for a trove of its files on the sex offender. DOJ officials produced over 34,000 pages of documents to the congressional panel, and more are on the way, according to committee staff. Comer and the committee have also subpoenaed major former politicians who may have information on Epstein or his crimes. Former President Bill Clinton, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been requested to sit for interviews with the committee in October. In mid-September, former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who struck a deal with Epsteins legal team during his 2007 Florida case, will interview with the committee. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton have been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to sit for interviews regarding Epstein Former U.S. Attorney and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who oversaw Epstein's 2007 plea deal in a Florida prostitution case, will sit for an interview with lawmakers Acosta, then a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, helped Epstein secure a plea deal that kept the financier from federal charges after months of negotiating. The victims, who reportedly ranged in number up to three dozen, were not notified until after the deal was struck. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who oversaw the agency during Epsteins prostitution case in 2007, was also subpoenaed by the committee. However, the former special counsel who investigated Trumps connections to Russia cannot testify due to health issues. Muellers family announced this weekend that the longtime FBI boss has Parkinsons disease. A North Carolina man arrested for allegedly shooting at a team of firefighters, killing one, gave an unsettling smirk as he posed for a mugshot. Timothy Lee Hayden, 54, is accused of opening fire at the men from the Ellerbe Fire Department who were responding to a fire alarm on a rural property at 4:30 am on Monday morning. He was charged with two counts of assault on emergency personnel with a firearm and one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. Jerry Lyndon Shepard, 52, was among the firefighters responding to the fire alarm at the house on Green Lake Road in Ellerbe on Monday morning. He was shot in the leg and suffered fatal injuries. Sehpard was airlifted to UNC Chapel Hill for treatment but did not survive, according to officials. Hayden was allegedly using an AR-style rifle to gun down the firefighters. The Richmond County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene and Hayden was eventually arrested. An innocent firefighter was shot in the leg by alleged gunman, 54-year-old Timothy Lee Hayden (pictured) Pictured: The Ellerbe Fire Department, the crew that responded to a fire alarm on Green Lake Road in Ellerbe Firefighters showed up to the rural house (pictured) and were met with gunfire The Richmond County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene and Hayden was eventually arrested (pictured: emergency vehicles on the scene) Another firefighter, Jerry Louis Scott, was shot at but was not hit, documents revealed. It is unclear what prompted Hayden's alleged attack. A spokesperson for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said there didnt appear to be a fire on the property at the time, and the reason for the initial fire alarm call is unclear, according to Firehouse. Hayden operates Hayden Construction, which offers fire and water restoration services, business records from the North Carolina Secretary of State obtained by Firehouse show. He is also listed as a managing member of Paratus Outfitters, a gun store in Rockingham, North Carolina. Both Scott and Shepard were firefighters with the Ellerbe Fire Department. Arrest records show that Hayden is being held in the Richmond County Jail without bond. He has an initial court appearance scheduled for September 11. This is still an active investigation by the sheriffs office and the NCSBI. It seems as though Donald Trump is beginning to doubt himself when it comes to brokering a peace deal amid the years-long Russia-Ukraine war. Trump famously claimed during the 2024 election that he could end the war in Ukraine in one day if he was re-elected. Now, nine months into his second term, the war between Russia and Ukraine is still raging on, with talks of future peace appearing to be shelved, even after a theatrical summit in Alaska in which Trump applauded Vladimir Putin. Trump appeared to admit he was wrong about the war during a recent interview with the Daily Caller. I thought the easiest [war to end] would be this one, in a certain way because of relationships, Trump said. Because, you know, I just felt I knew. But it doesnt seem, its going to get, its going to get done, but its taking long. Trump added, A lot of people are dying. Theyre losing from five to 7000 soldiers a week. This marks the first time Trump has publicly doubted himself when it comes to ending the bloody Eastern European conflict. Trump bragged he could end the war in Ukraine in one day after taking office Trump said he thought his close relationship with Putin would help lead to peace progress in Ukraine Trump had hoped a bilateral meeting would occur between Zelensky and Putin The deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make progress toward peace in Ukraine passed yesterday, as noted by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. On July 14, Trump gave Putin a 50-day window if he did not move forward with peace talks. The president promised 'secondary tariffs' if the deadline was not met by Russia. If that doesnt happen by Monday, the deadline set by President Trump, it means that once again President Putin played President Trump, Macron said during a press conference on Friday. Trump met Putin on August 15th at a U.S. military base in Alaska, marking the first time the Russian president has met with his U.S. counterpart since the start of the war. The two leaders met privately for three hours before holding a joint press conference. Putin and Trump did agree to any formal resolutions during the summit. Following Trumps Oval Office meeting with the Ukrainian leader and a delegation of European leaders last month, he announced a bilateral meeting was being planned to host Putin and Zelensky. Trump announced his hopes for Putin-Zelensky meeting later that day on Truth Social. 'I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump wrote. 'After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years.' Putin met with Trump last month in Alaska to discuss ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine However, in the days following that meeting Putin, along with top Kremlin officials, dismissed hopes for a bilateral conference by questioning the legitimacy of Zelenskys presidency. Later in his interview with the Daily Caller, Trump reaffirmed his stance that U.S. troops would be used for Ukrainian security guarantees. The president again admitted the war his administration inherited has been difficult to end. I inherited this war. And all Im trying to do is put out the flame, you know. And I thought I had it done. I did it seven times with other, I did it with wars that were tougher than this in terms of nobody. Trump noted, This war is just, its been very difficult. Its been a difficult war. Following the bilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky, Trump had hoped to host a trilateral meeting with himself and the foreign leaders. Families will face the threat of power cuts within five years if the Labour government does not change track on oil and gas drilling, Kemi Badenoch has warned. In a dire warning of the threat of the major shift away from oil and gas, the Conservative leader said the UK will be dangerously exposed by 2030 unless action is taken to prevent increasing reliance on imports from overseas. She also highlighted that the current level of job losses in the North Sea industry is similar to closing a site the size of the Grangemouth oil refinery every fortnight. Her comments came as she delivered a key speech to the Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, where she outlined how she would lift Labours ban on new oil and gas licences in order to boost exploration and extraction. In a move which will pile even more pressure on Sir Keir Starmers government, the SNP also yesterday appeared to ditch its previous presumption against new oil and gas developments, with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes insisting they would reach a position on a case by case basis. During yesterdays speech to oil and gas leaders in Aberdeen, Ms Badenoch said: Without stimulating investment now, the UK will be reliant on imports for more than 80 per cent of oil and gas demand by 2030. That would leave us dangerously exposed to supply squeezes. Asked by the Mail if she believed that there is a danger of the lights going out unless the Labour government changes approach, she said: Well yes because if we continue on this trajectory we are going to be even more reliant on exports. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch delivered a dire warning that the country faces power cuts if oil and gas drilling is not resumed in the North Sea Ms Badenoch met oil industry workers as she visited Aberdeen Harbour I mean you look at what happened during Covid - security of supply is absolutely critical. 100 per cent of the gas in the North Sea is used in the UK, that is 21 million homes that are currently still reliant on gas. 'We are not saying we dont want renewables, what we are saying is you dont need to stop the drilling while you carry out the transition. Lets have some common sense. Pressed again on whether she was talking about the danger of power cuts, she said: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Its power cuts, its even more (on) energy bills. We are deindustrialising with highest industry energy prices in the developed world, its crazy, and we are just sending our business to China while turning the lights out here. Its madness. Industry data shows that the oil and gas import gap is growing in the UK. Offshore Energies UK said the UK is now reliant on imports for half of its oil and gas supply and that without continued investment this could exceed 75 per cent by the turn of the decade. It warned that this increasing import gap could increase consumer bills and the UKs exposure to geopolitical events. During yesterdays speech, Ms Badenoch said that importing more oil and gas from abroad while banning new extraction at home was sabotaging ourselves and creating weakness by choice. She said business confidence to invest in, build and hire staff is being destroyed because of the current approach, and highlighted that almost 1,000 jobs a month are currently being lost in the North Sea industry and will continue to be lost until 2030 without change. It came as Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the SNP would reach a position on new oil and gas drilling on a case by case basis Ms Badenoch said: That is the same as losing a Grangemouth every fortnight.. This isnt just a forecast, it is a warning. We have to ask who is looking after our industry here? She claimed that oil fields are at risk of vanishing in just a few years because of Labours ideological approach, and claimed that the plan to continue the energy profits levy until 2030 will mean there wont be an industry left to tax. Ms Badenoch also highlighted that the Scottish Government has held a presumption against new oil and gas development, and accused Nationalist ministers of having taken a wrecking ball to the industry. In her interview with the Mail, she also highlighted that First Minister John Swinney was yesterday leading a Scottish Parliament debate which claimed that independence could provide a fresh start for Scotland. She said: They have wasted so much time discussing constitutional issues. Right here, the industry is dying. We are in Aberdeen where all of those businesses are worried about their future and worried about their jobs, and all John Swinney can talk about is more politics and more constitution. As well as promising to lift Labours ban on new oil and gas development, Ms Badenoch also used yesterdays speech to pledge to reverse the ban on providing financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, and allow UK export finance and trade networks to finance and promote domestic oil and gas abroad. Another pledge was to rename the North Sea Transition Authority as the North Sea Authority and give it just one overarching mandate to maximise the extraction of our oil and gas. Attempting to defend the UK Government position in his speech to the Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen yesterday, Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks insisted the transition is not a binary choice between one industry and another. He said: So even as we go all out for clean power, oil and gas will continue to play a crucial role for decades to come. Thats not just my view but its the expert view of the independent climate change committee too, and so we will support businesses to manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan, we will provide long term certainty on the fiscal landscape that the sector needs, including a new regime to respond to future spikes in oil and gas prices when the energy profits levy ends. But we will also do everything we can to back the next generation of clean energy industries in the North Sea as well, making this a safe haven for long-term investment, making sure we talk up the potential of the North Sea not talk it down. He added: It is easy to stick a few lines in a political press release and call it policy but the hard work of stewarding the future of this industry is far too complicated for that. North Sea workers and this community deserve a government that says it is time to invest in the future and manage this transition in a rational, cooperative way. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: Westminster politicians need to stop treating Scotlands energy wealth as an expendable asset, and instead back our domestic industry and its workforce to power the transition to renewables. A woman was thrown into the air and killed after she was struck by a Cadillac Escalade while walking in the early morning hours in Miami. Stefhany Reconco-Rosales, 26, originally of Honduras, was walking in an intersection of Northwest 32nd Avenue in Miami-Dade when Edwin Serrano, 46, struck her with his Escalade, which retails at a starting price of $88,000. Surveillance footage, which was not released, showed the woman being catapulted into the roadway outside of 809 Miami Lounge, a club, around 5:30am on Sunday. Serrano was seen slowing down before quickly fleeing the scene, according to NBC Miami. Reconco-Rosales was found by first responders, who attempted CPR on the young woman, but it was unsuccessful. She was placed in an ambulance and taken to Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead at 6:07am, according to the Miami Herald. Authorities located Serrano's car in Miami around 2:30pm outside of a home on Northwest 58th Street. It had damage that was consistent with striking Reconco-Rosales, the outlet reported. Stefhany Reconco-Rosales, 26, originally of Honduras, was walking in an intersection of Northwest 32nd Avenue in Miami-Dade when Edwin Serrano, 46, struck her with his Escalade, which retails at a starting price of $88,000 Surveillance footage, which was not released, showed the woman being catapulted into the roadway outside of 809 Miami Lounge, a club, around 5:30am on Sunday Reconco-Rosales was found by first responders, who attempted CPR (pictured) on the young woman, but it was unsuccessful The man turned himself in on Monday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, the arrest report said. He refused to talk with officers and asked for an attorney, according to NBC Miami. Serrano was charged with leaving the scene of a crash. Daily Mail has reached out to Miami-Dade Police Department for comment. In May, another Florida woman, Ivana Gomez, 32, struck and killed a 'homeless' woman. Ivana Gomez, 32, was speeding through Little Havana in her BMW while intoxicated in the early morning hours of May 30 when she allegedly struck 41-year-old Kathryn Kipnis before attempting to flee the scene. Kipnis was hit with such force that her head shattered the windshield, leaving strands of hair embedded in car's passenger seatbelt. Serrano turned himself in on Monday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Serrano was charged with leaving the scene of a crash She was placed in an ambulance and taken to Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead at 6:07am Authorities located Serrano's car in Miami around 2:30pm outside of a home on Northwest 58th Street. The had damage that was consistent with striking Reconco-Rosales More than four months after the deadly crash, newly released bodycam footage revealed the moments following Gomezs fatal strike - and her alleged chilling disregard for human life, according to NBC 6 Miami. 'It was just a homeless person that I hit and it is just an accident,' Gomez allegedly stated while being placed in the back of a cop car, according to the arrest report. It remains unclear why Gomez believed the victim was homeless. A coroner concluded tragic schoolboy Isaac Mansfield died after ingesting cocaine but said it was 'impossible' to determine how, when and in what manner the drug was taken. The 10-year-old was rushed to Newham Hospital after becoming unwell at the John F Kennedy Special School in Stratford on September 6, 2023. Isaac was transferred to St Mary's paediatric intensive care unit in west London but died four days later, East London's Coroner's Court heard. His death was judged by doctors to be a natural causes death stemming from an underlying metabolic disorder for which Isaac had received ongoing treatment. A routine toxicology examination later revealed a urine sample contained metabolites of the Class A drug cocaine. Senior East London Coroner Graeme Irvine said Isaac was 'most of the time a happy, contented little boy who was cared for by his parents.' He said that evidence 'cannot explain how it was that cocaine ended up in Isaac's bloodstream', but added that it was 'highly unlikely' that someone with Isaac's disability could have 'voluntarily administered' the drug. He added: 'If there was clear evidence to me that some nefarious individual had deliberately provided this vulnerable child with some illicit drug with intention to cause harm I would have no problem because I would be able to conclude unlawful killing. A coroner concluded tragic schoolboy Isaac Mansfield died after ingesting cocaine but said it was 'impossible' to determine how, when and in what manner the drug was taken The 10-year-old was rushed to Newham Hospital after becoming unwell at the John F Kennedy Special School in Stratford (pictured) on September 6, 2023 'Unfortunately, in the absence of some admission of someone who had the opportunity to do that - it would be very unlikely I could arrive at such a conclusion.' Mr Irvine said it was 'tempting to rely on some of the unusual factors in the evidence I've heard in this case.' He referred to the 'curious inaccuracies in the telephone call to the ambulance service during the interjection made by Mr Montlake.' Mr Irvine said that 'somebody must have exposed Mr Montlake's son to cocaine at some stage because he couldn't have done it himself. 'All of these things make me very suspicious, but suspicion is not enough to arrive at a coroner's conclusion.' Mr Irvine gave a narrative verdict which would 'record neutrally and factually the factors that caused Isaac's death.' His narrative conclusion stated: 'Isaac H Mansfield died on 10 September 2023 in hospital. 'The death was caused by renal failure brought about by rhabdomyolysis caused by the combined effects of mitochondrial cytopathy and cocaine ingestion. 'It has not been possible to determine how, when and in what manner cocaine was ingested. He died after being rushed to Newham Hospital, pictured, having become unwell at the school 'Isaac's disability allowed me to exclude the possibility the substance was taken voluntarily.' He told Isaac's family: 'This involves the loss of a much-loved child and that is something that weighs heavily on me. 'I'm very sorry for your loss.' Detective Sergeant Jasmine Abbey earlier told the inquest there was 'insufficient evidence' for the police to bring a successful conviction to the criminal courts. 'We can't propose a defendant, can't be sure of the cause of death and we don't know how cocaine got into Isaac's system,' she said. Although consultant paediatrician Dr Andreas Marnerides suggested cocaine 'likely' contributed to Isaac's death it was not enough to reopen a criminal investigation. 'It doesn't tell us who was involved, if anyone, and how the cocaine got there - so even if the doctor had said "100% cocaine caused the death", for there to be a criminal case we have to prove a chain of causation. 'We have to be able to identify a suspect and the evidence simply doesn't allow for that', DS Abbey said. Faith Mansfield, Isaac's mother, asked DS Abbey if the investigation into her son's death was 'taken seriously'. The police officer replied: 'I can assure you this was taken seriously. 'I've spent the majority of my career dealing with child abuse and dealing with child deaths: your son's case has been in my life for two years. 'I can assure you I investigated everything as thoroughly as I could, and I really wanted to be able to tell you and your wider family what happened to him. 'I'd really like to be able to give you that answer but we're not in a position to - unfortunately, that's just the way some cases go with evidence.' A three-month-old baby who was allegedly shaken to her death by her parents was caught in the middle of their toxic relationship, a court has heard. Kaylani Kalanzi was admitted to Homerton Hospital in Hackney, east London, at around 10.30pm on July 8 after suffering catastrophic brain injuries as well as a broken leg and ribs. She died 15 days later, with her parents Herbert Kalanzi, 35, and Nazli Merthoca, 24, both from East Ham, accused of murder and causing or allowing her death. At an Old Bailey hearing today, jurors heard how Kaylani was known to social services and had been placed on a child protection plan amid the pair's alleged tumultuous relationship. Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC said the defendants were in a 'mutually abusive relationship' with Merthoca consuming drugs which made Kaylani vulnerable to harm. As their relationship 'spiralled out of control', Kaylani was 'caught up in the middle of it', the prosecutor added. Kaylani had been born prematurely and spent 29 days in the special care baby unit at North Middlesex Hospital before being allowed home on May 13, 2024. Social services were involved with the family and allowed custody of Kaylani after the defendants demonstrated they were fit parents, jurors heard. Kaylani Kalanzi was admitted to Homerton Hospital (pictured in this file image) at around 10.30pm on July 8 after suffering catastrophic brain injuries as well as a broken leg and ribs However, messages on WhatsApp and Snapchat uncovered after their arrests allegedly revealed the extent of their volatile relationship. On June 17, 2024, Kalanzi is said to have messaged Merthoca to complain about being locked out, saying: 'Who do you think you are?' Responding, Merthoca told him that she was going to call the police and Kalanzi called her 'dumb' and responded: 'If you go police u lose everything. Moving like social aren't onto us about domestic.' Kaylani's mother accused her partner of hurting their child, saying: 'Bye Your dead to me (sic).' She told him: 'You hurt Kaylani eye. Wtf I'm reporting this. You gave her a black eye. And blood.' A Snapchat video taken in the early hours showed Kaylani lying on a cushion with a visible eye injury, jurors were told. Merthoca went on: 'Her head is bruised as well. You won't be sleeping when the doors taken off. She didn't deserve this.' Immediately afterwards, she allegedly searched the internet for 'what to do if baby had blood shot eye' and 'baby eye injury red spot'. At the Old Bailey (pictured in this file image) today, jurors heard how Kaylani was on a child protection plan after social services concerns over the pair's alleged tumultuous relationship Two days later, the defendants took Kaylani to see a GP with redness on her eye, which they said was caused by being accidentally hit with a rattle by an older child. The court was told that Kalanzi had always denied being responsible for the injury, claiming it was an accident. Ms Johnson told jurors: 'In itself the eye injury was minor but it is a graphic example of the defendants' inability to care properly for Kaylani and their failure to take action to protect her from harm and remove her from danger. 'On July 8, 2024, the ever-present risk to Kaylani became a fatal reality.' Shortly before 10.30pm, the defendants called emergency services saying Kaylani had stopped breathing. When paramedics arrived, the couple failed to inform them that Kaylani had been shaken, causing bleeding to the brain, damage to her eyes and fractures to her tibia and ribs, the court was told. Ms Johnson said: 'Their attempts to protect themselves is, you may think, in stark contrast to their ability to protect Kaylani.' The jury was told that the defendants denied injuring Kaylani at Merthoca's grandmother's flat in Homerton, east London, where the family was staying at the time. Ms Johnson said: 'One of them is lying. One of them did it. But only they know who the culprit is.' She told jurors that medical experts had ruled out accidental injury so the primary issue for them to decide was who shook Kaylani. She said: 'As there are no witnesses to what happened in that bedroom in the very short time it took to shake Kaylani, at this stage the prosecution cannot point to one or other of the defendants and say "you did it".' However, she suggested the parent responsible for murdering Kaylani would emerge once all the evidence had been heard. The defendants have denied the charges against them. A farmer and landlord in Ballymena has been left fearing for his life after arsonists targeted him and his Filipino tenants in a 'campaign of hate'. Sam Carson spoke out after a number of cars were set on fire in the Co Antrim town on Sunday and destroyed in what is thought to be a racist attack. Police have appealed for information. Ballymena suffered several nights of violence earlier in the summer following the alleged sexual assault of a girl by Romanian teens. The weekend incident happened in the Lisnevenagh Road area and was the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland. A police spokesperson said: 'We received a report at about 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed. 'Our inquiries are ongoing and, at this time, we are treating this as arson with a racially-motivated hate element. 'We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch. 'The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25.' Mr Carson said: 'On Sunday evening I was alerted by a tenant who came running in a panicked situation that we were under attack. A farmer and landlord in Ballymena has said there has been a 'campaign of hate' against him and his Filipino tenants. Pictured: Handout grab from video of a car which was set on fire in Ballymena, Co Antrim on Sunday and destroyed Ballymena suffered several nights of racist violence earlier in the summer. The weekend incident happened in the Lisnevenagh Road area and was the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland Sam Carson (pictured) spoke out after a number of cars were set on fire in the Co Antrim town on Sunday and destroyed, in a racist attack. Police have appealed for information The owner of a vehicle looks on at its burnt remains after cars were set on fire in Ballymena, Co Antrim on Sunday One of the vehicles which was set on fire in Ballymena, Co Antrim on Sunday and destroyed 'I wasn't sure what he meant but when I came out I found the vehicles burning, six vehicles were burning. 'There was great pandemonium and panic because we didn't know if the house was burning, we didn't know what was happening. It was just chaos. 'We were pretty sure that we were attacked because of the tenants living on the property, they are foreign national tenants from the Philippines. 'They have been here for two and a half years with their visas. 'They are paying tax and living here. We are in a peaceful surrounding and never expected anything at all.' Mr Carson said an online campaign targeting him and his tenants began after the riots in June following the alleged sexual assault of a girl by Romanian teens. The reported sexual assault in Ballymena sparked protests which descended into violence and saw fifteen rioters arrested and 41 police officers injured. Mr Carson said: 'Since that happened there has been a campaign of hate against me and my tenants. Mr Carson told the PA news agency: 'On Sunday evening I was alerted by a tenant who came running in a panicked situation that we were under attack' Mr Carson said an online campaign targeting him and his tenants began after the riots in June UUP MLA Jon Burrows said: 'This was a disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard-working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy' 'The first post was in June. It said there is a man who brings in illegal immigrants, a totally wrong fictitious allegation. 'Those posts continued and then we had a post naming me. Then we had a post saying where I and my tenants live.' He added: 'We are peaceful here, we have never had any trouble until Sunday night. 'It came as a great shock. We consider it a threat to our lives.' One of the tenants, who did not wish to be named, told PA they had been sleeping on Sunday night when their roommate knocked on their door and told them about the fire. 'I thought the house is burning, that there was a fire inside the house, but I went outside and saw the cars burning, from the house the fire looked higher than the car,' they said. 'We panicked, we saw the fire extinguisher in our house, our roommate got it to put the fire out. Fifteen rioters were arrested and 41 police officers were injured amid unrest in Northern Ireland following the alleged sexual assault of a girl by Romanian teens. Pictured: Fire burns near a demonstrator as riots continue in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, June 11, 2025 One of the tenants, who did not wish to be named, told PA they had been sleeping on Sunday night when their roommate knocked on their door and told them about the fire 'I thought the house is burning, that there was a fire inside the house, but I went outside and saw the cars burning, from the house the fire looked higher than the car,' they said Pictured: A destroyed car in Ballymena, Co Antrim 'We were scared in case the car exploded.' They went on: 'We live here peacefully. We don't know why they have attacked us. 'I like living here, people here are very kind people. 'I came here to work. We pay taxes, our purpose here is to go to work to get a better future for our family.' Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan described the incident as 'absolutely outrageous'. He said: 'This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity. 'This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership. 'Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police.' UUP MLA Jon Burrows said: 'This was a disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard-working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy.' Fireworks thrown at Riot Police illluminate the road during a thrid night of anti-immigration demonstrations in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 11, 2025 He said he had requested additional police patrols in the area to 'reassure the local community and to deter further attacks' Mr Carson added: 'We are peaceful here, we have never had any trouble until Sunday night. 'It came as a great shock. We consider it a threat to our lives' He said he had requested additional police patrols in the area to 'reassure the local community and to deter further attacks'. North Antrim MP Jim Allister said it was a 'highly dangerous and distressing incident'. He added: 'Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside, a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse. 'Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen. 'Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread. 'It is also important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration. 'These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment. 'They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy.' Officials are desperately searching for an American man and seven other passengers after a helicopter vanished in Indonesia. The helicopter lost contact eight minutes after take-off, above the forests of the tropical island of Borneo on Monday morning, local authorities said. One of the passengers was identified as US citizen Mark Werren, but no additional details were released. Also aboard the helicopter were the pilot, Captain Haryanto, engineer Eng Hendra, and passengers Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Santha Kumar, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa. Witnesses told officials they saw smoke coming from the helicopter before it disappeared. 'Based on search developments, a teacher and several students witnessed the helicopter flying low while releasing smoke,' said Putu Sudayana, with the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (SAR). Indonesian officials are searching for a helicopter that vanished Monday with eight people aboard, including an American man A search team is seen looking for the helicopter, which lost contact eight minutes after take off 'This was beyond the initial point of last contact according to flight radar data,' he added. The area of the search is a vast forest, which has been covered by clouds, making the search particularly difficult, officials said. 'The team will try to find access through the forest and reach the other side of the mountain. We hope they can find a route soon, and we ask for everyones prayers so the helicopter can be located quickly,' Sudayana added on Tuesday. As many as 140 people are participating the ground and aerial search, according to authorities. The search crews include police and military as well as volunteers. Two helicopters have been taking turns sweeping the area, Sudayana told local media. The helicopter, an Airbus BK117 D-3, is owned by Indonesian charter company Eastindo Air, ABC News reported. As many as 140 people are participating the ground and aerial search in South Kalimantan Witnesses told officials they saw smoke coming from the helicopter before it disappeared. A search team is pictured It took off from Syamsir Alam Airport in the Kotabaru District at 8.46am local time and was scheduled to land in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, at 10.15am. Its last recorded contact was at 8:54am. Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency received a report about the missing aircraft at 12.02pm, said I Putu Sudayana, the head of the agency. Daily Mail reached out to the State Department for comment on this story. A Florida police officer fired a gun outside her home after finding 'inappropriate messages' on her boyfriend's phone, cops say. Sthephany Canizares, of the Miami Police Department, was taken into custody following the incident involving the father of her child on Friday. According to arrest reports seen by NBC Miami, the 27-year-old had contacted police and alleged she was being held against her will by her boyfriend. When deputies arrived on the scene however Canziares ran away, with her boyfriend telling officers they had been 'having relationship issues'. Her boyfriend went on say that he had found her standing outside with a firearm in her hand, telling officers he feared for the safety of his life and their child. He said he then took their young daughter from her crib and proceeded to grab another firearm from a safe box before locking himself in a bedroom. As he was returning inside, he told investigators he heard what he believed to be a gunshot being let off. Sthephany Canizares, seen here in court on Monday, was taken into custody following the incident involving the father of her child on Friday Canizares, seen here alongside Chief Many Morales, turned herself in after the alleged incident Just a few hours later Canziares called police on herself and confessed to firing her weapon, saying she wished to surrender herself. After being placed under arrest she told detectives that the situation started after she discovered 'inappropriate messages' on her boyfriends phone. She was formally charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm outdoors in a residential area. Canziares was then taken to Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation over the weekend before posting a $5,500 bond on Monday. She appeared in court via Zoom on Monday, with her boyfriend also making an appearance. CBS News reported that he to is a police officer, the outlet report that their daughter is five-months old. In a statement to Daily Mail, Miami PD said: 'We can confirm that Sthephany Canizares is an officer with the City of Miami Police Department. The 27-year-old had contacted police and alleged she was being held against her will by her boyfriend Public records seen by Daily Mail indicate she lives in Cutler Bay in Miami-Dade County Canziares was previously seen singing the National Anthem at a swearing-in ceremony for the former Police Chief Art Acevedo 'She has been relieved of duty with pay, pending the outcome of an active investigation.' Canziares was previously seen singing the National Anthem at a swearing-in ceremony for the former Police Chief Art Acevedo. She has also been pictured alongside incumbent Chief Many Morales who shared an image of the two to his X profile in 2019. Attorney information was not immediately available for Canziares. Public records seen by Daily Mail indicate she lives in Cutler Bay in Miami-Dade County. Two men have died and five left seriously injured following a two-car crash in Essex in the early hours of Monday. Emergency services were called to reports of the collision at the A130 Rayleigh Spur roundabout shortly after 4.15am. Sadly, one man died at the scene, while another died later in hospital, Essex Police confirmed on Tuesday. The victims are understood to be Indian students who had travelled to the UK earlier this year for their studies and have been named as Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu. Police confirmed that the male drivers of the two cars, aged 23 and 24, and from Barking in east London, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They have been released on bail until 20 November. Specialist police officers have been supporting the victims' families, while police continue to investigate. Sections of the A130 and A1245 between Rayleigh, Rettendon and South Benfleet were closed on Monday following the incident. Two men have died and five left seriously injured following a two-car crash on the A130 Rayleigh Spur roundabout in Essex shortly after 4.15am on Monday The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) issued a statement saying it was 'deeply saddened' by news of the fatal crash Sections of the A130 and A1245 between Rayleigh, Rettendon and South Benfleet were closed on Monday following the incident. Pictured: The approach to the roundabout On Tuesday, the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) issued a statement saying it was 'deeply saddened' by news of the fatal crash, which involved nine Indian students altogether. The NISAU said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Essex, UK, involving nine students from the Telugu community. 'The accident has claimed the precious lives of two young students, Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 'Several other students remain in hospital and under urgent medical care. 'We are keeping them and their families in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for their swift and full recovery. 'NISAU stands in solidarity with all the students and families affected by this tragedy. 'We are working closely with community members and relevant authorities to ensure the wellbeing of the students and to provide support wherever needed. 'Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking incident.' Essex Police is appealing for any witnesses, CCTV or dashcam footage relating to the crash. Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 120 of 1 September, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Holyrood's Presiding Officer has said she is absolutely appalled at claims a spy camera was hidden in one of the buildings toilets. As MSPs returned from the summer recess, Alison Johnstone opened the first chamber session with a statement on the unprecedented situation facing the parliament. She said the safety and welfare of everyone who works in this building is our priority. Former Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth was last month arrested at his home in Dumfries and charged over the possession of indecent images of children. The 52-year-old father-of-two was later charged over claims a secret camera was placed in a Holyrood toilet he has denied being responsible for any such device. It was reported at least male five MSPs, a journalist and a small number of staff had been contacted by police over alleged secret recordings in a loo by the main chamber. After briefly updating party leaders in private, Ms Johnstone told MSPs: I would like to say something about the deeply shocking situation the parliament has faced in recent days. Not a single person in parliament is unaffected. I am absolutely appalled that anyone would have to face a situation like this in Parliament, or indeed, in any workplace or in any other environment. Labour MSP Colin Smyth was last month arrested at his home in Dumfries and charged over the possession of indecent images of children. He was later charged over claims a secret camera was placed in a Holyrood toilet Holyrood presiding officer Alison Johnstone briefed MSPs on the 'deeply shocking situation' We all feel shock and hurt at the recent allegations relating to an elected member and reports of a shocking invasion of privacy. These circumstances are unprecedented for this parliament, and it has been and continues to be a highly complex situation to navigate. I am acutely aware of the concerns people have, and we are committed to doing everything we can to address them. She reminded MSPs to avoid contempt of court and say and do nothing that might jeopardise the on-going police investigation. The Daily Record yesterday reported Mr Smyth hosted a group of girl guides at the parliament days after he was charged with possession indecent images of children. Girlguiding said no girls were affected by the visit of rangers and young leaders, groups which can include girls aged 14 to 18, on 15 August. A spokeswoman said: Girlguiding has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place, which were followed: trained Girlguiding adult volunteers were with the young people at all times, and no girls were affected. Mr Smyth, a South Scotland MSP since 2016, previously told the Record the visit had been requested by constituents and was in the diary for months. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar revealed on Monday his party was aware of the nature of some allegations against Mr Smyth on August 18 and suspended him that day. It is understood Labour acted after the police contacted it about Mr Smyths bail conditions. It was not until August 20 that Police Scotland publicly confirmed the MSP had been arrested and charged over indecent images. Police Scotland has said: On Tuesday, August 5, officers executed a warrant at a property in Dumfries and a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date. Meals on Wheels has stopped operating in downtown Portland as its frustrated bosses say they can't keep staff safe in the crime-ridden city. The charity said this week it is closing its two facilities in the city, with frustrated Meals on Wheels Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Washington telling reporters it was a 'long time coming.' Washington lamented a lack of action to curb crime as the reason for the decision, which brought the charity's 20-year stay at its popular Elm Court location to a close. 'I cant keep our staff safe and our volunteers safe because theres always something happening,' she said, per KION. 'Weve been threatened with knives, and fires have been set. It was time to close.' Washington said Meals on Wheels has not operated in-person dining at the Elm Court location since it was closed in the pandemic, and has since been serving as a hub for delivery drivers to pickup meals for local residents in need. But she said that even the reduced operations were hampered by threats caused by the crumbling city. Meals on Wheels has stopped operating in downtown Portland as its frustrated bosses say they can't keep staff safe in the crime-ridden city Meals on Wheels Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Washington (right) said the move was a 'long time coming' due to Portland's widespread issues Washington said the charity has been continually losing volunteers due to the conditions they are forced to work in, including coming face-to-face with vagrants and criminals almost every day. 'Every day, theyre stepping over feces, and theres needles and drug dealing and deaths,' she said. The charity chief added that she has personally had to deal with the same challenges, recalling a recent incident where she had to step over a body to get into a Meals on Wheels facility. She said she has considered trying to find another facility to help the needy in downtown Portland, but decided that the charity's money is needed in other places that don't put staff at such a risk. 'Instead of paying for someplace else, we want to keep people fed,' she said. Portland's downtown has suffered a dramatic decline in recent years, with tent encampments, rampant drug use and vacant skyscrapers Local resident Sean Meece told KION that he would miss the charity as he used to use its community services near his apartment. But he said that he understood the move because of the area's crime problems, telling the outlet: 'If youre out here by yourself, dont come out here at night. Because within a mile or two-mile radius, its not a fun place to be by yourself.' Portland's downtown has suffered a dramatic decline in recent years, with tent encampments, rampant drug use and vacant skyscrapers overshadowing even its most beautiful landmarks. Office vacancy rates reached 35 percent earlier this year - the highest among America's 25 largest downtowns - while the city's tallest tower, the U.S. Bancorp 'Big Pink,' is more than half empty and recently listed for sale at a fraction of its former value. The downturn was accelerated by Oregon's 2020 experiment with drug decriminalization, which reduced possession of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine to the level of a parking ticket. What was meant as a progressive reform instead fueled an overdose crisis and entrenched open-air drug markets across the city. By 2023, Oregon counted more than 20,000 homeless people, nearly two-thirds of them unsheltered, as overdose deaths surged. The state has since reversed course, recriminalizing hard drug possession, but downtown Portland has struggled to recover. Portland also U-turned on policing. In June 2020, amid Black Lives Matter protests and calls to 'defund the police' sweeping the nation, officials slashed millions from the force's budget. A year later, faced with rising crime, homelessness and drug use, they increased the $230 million budget by $5.2 million. An enormous trove of Justice Department files on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has been released including the missing minute from surveillance footage of his prison cell amid ongoing controversy around the secrecy of the documents. The House Oversight Committee has been reviewing 33,295 pages of files related to the late pedophile's 2019 death in custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. These documents were subpoenaed by Chairman James Comer in early August as part of the committee's commitment to searching for new methods to combat child trafficking and potential ethics violations among elected officials. Now, they've been made public. Among the biggest revelations in the data dump is an additional two hours of footage from outside Epstein's jail cell on the night he died. It includes a minute of footage that was mysteriously excluded from the 11-hour video released in July, when the time stamp jumped forward just one minute before midnight. It shows a security guard pacing near a desk downstairs for a while. It now remains unclear why the minute of footage was removed from the footage released by the Department of Justice in July. Among the biggest revelations in the data dump is an additional two hours of footage from outside Epstein's jail cell on the night he died It includes a minute of footage that was mysteriously excluded from the 11-hour video released in July At the time, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the missing minute was a result of the Bureau of Prison's system, claiming that 'every night they redo that video... every night should have the same minute missing.' She claimed the DOJ would look to release footage from other nights to prove the missing minute was a routine quirk of the prison's surveillance system. 'We're looking for that video to release that as well, to show that a minute is missing every night,' she said. 'And that's it on Epstein.' Along with the newly-released video footage, authorities also released flight logs from between 2000 and 2014 detailing Epstein's travels. Video released by the Department of Justice in July showed the time code of 11:58:58pm before it suddenly skips one minute to midnight The next frame of footage sees an entire minute having been skipped over - said to be a quirk of the video system at Metropolitan Correctional Center The trove of information additionally included interview transcripts from Epstein's accomplice and longtime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years for trafficking. Other videos included in the documents appear to include a woman recounting her experience with Epstein. Yet Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have expressed disappointment with the documents, maintaining that 97 percent of the information contained in the 33,000 pages was already public. After conducting an 'initial review', Democrat lawmakers issued a statement claiming just three percent of the information contained in the drop was new. 'House Republicans are trying to make a spectacle of releasing already-public documents,' Robert Garcia of California said. 'To the American people - don't let this fool you. There is no mention of any client list or anything that improves transparency or justice for victims.' A protester carries a placard outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., 2 September 2025 According to Rep. Summer Lee, DPenn., the new information is contained in fewer than 1,000 pages and relates solely to these flight logs. Much of the other documents were previously released, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's August interviews with Maxwell, videos of Epstein's West Palm Beach home and local police audio regarding their investigation into the financier, NBC News reports. The Daily Mail also reviewed an internal Bureau of Prisons report on how Epstein was able to commit suicide, citing an 'excessive' amount of linens found in the cell. The BOP report ultimately agreed with the FBI's conclusion that Epstein died of suicide, and the contents of the file have been previously reported. But critics have noted many of the videos fail to include descriptions or information to add context to the footage that is available. Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition to force the House of Representatives to vote on releasing files on Jeffrey Epstein These documents were subpoenaed by Chairman James Comer (pictured speaking alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson) in early August as part of the committee's commitment to searching for new methods to combat child trafficking and potential ethics violations among elected officials The publication of the highly sought-after documents comes the same day Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a discharge petition to force a House vote on the publication of more Justice Department Epstein files. Using a discharge petition - a legislative vehicle to force a vote - Republican Massie and Democrat Khanna may be able to circumvent party leadership and force a vote on the politically-charged documents. Should this petition receive 218 signatures - half of the members of the House of Representatives - Massie and Khanna's bill forcing the DOJ to release its Epstein documents would get a formal vote on the floor. Both lawmakers have said the Epstein files given to the committee from the DOJ are not enough. 'My staff has done a quick look at it, and it looks like a bunch of redacted documents and nothing new, so it's not going to suffice,' Massie told Axios of the Tuesday release. Epstein committed suicide while in federal custody awaiting a trial for sex trafficking, according to authorities. Many have speculated that files relating to Epstein's crimes may shine light on the mysterious financier's personal life There is bipartisan support for the publication of the DOJ's Epstein files But GOP leadership may already be trying to crush the impending Epstein vote with the timing of this document drop. A schedule of this week's legislative business, published on Tuesday, shows that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have a plan to vote on a separate Epstein-related measure. The vote would simply instruct the House Oversight Committee, which is separately investigating Epstein, his network and potential government connections, to 'continue its ongoing investigation.' The committee, however, does not need a vote to continue investigating the late financier. Johnson's bill would prompt the committee to release its findings publicly, though it already has declared its intention to publish them. The vote on Johnson's Epstein-related package could provide political cover for some members to say, at the very least, that they are working on releasing the Epstein files. '@SpeakerJohnson just scheduled this meaningless vote to provide political cover for those members who don't support our bipartisan legislation to force the release of the Epstein files,' Massie wrote about the vote. Johnson, who has been put in a tricky position between defending the executive branch's own Epstein-related investigations, has been pressured by his constituents to bring up a vote on the Epstein saga. 'I would describe virtually everything Thomas Massie says as related to this issue as meaningless,' he told reporters on Tuesday afternoon after the Kentuckian filed his discharge petition. But Massie told reporters the same day that 'eventually people are not going to be satisfied with what's happening in the Oversight Committee.' 'It's not going to bring the closure they're looking for,' he added. California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna has teamed up with Massie to force the discharge petition September will be a busy month on Capitol Hill when it comes to Epstein. Survivors of the sex offenders' crimes are meeting with lawmakers at the Capitol this afternoon. The survivors will also meet with House Oversight Committee investigators, a source familiar with the matter told the Daily Mail this week. On Wednesday, the survivors will hold a press conference with Massie and Khanna where they are expected to take questions. In addition to the survivors, several top former government officials are expected to speak with the committee about Epstein. In mid-September, former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who struck a deal with Epstein's legal team during his 2007 Florida case, will interview with the committee. Alex Acosta, then a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, helped Epstein secure a plea deal that kept the financier from federal charges after months of negotiating in 2007. He will speak with congressional investigators on September 17 Acosta, then a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, helped Epstein secure a plea deal that kept the financier from federal charges after months of negotiating. The victims, who reportedly ranged in number up to three dozen, were not notified until after the deal was struck. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who oversaw the agency during Epstein's prostitution case in 2007, was also subpoenaed by the committee. However, the former special counsel who investigated Trump's connections to Russia cannot testify due to health issues. Mueller's family announced this weekend that the longtime FBI boss has Parkinson's disease. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, have been subpoenaed to sit for interviews with the panel in October, the committee has announced. Further, Comer sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday requesting documents related to the late sex offender. He asked the Trump administration to hand over any Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) it may have regarding Epstein. SARs are created by financial institutions and sent to the Treasury to flag potentially dubious transactions that may indicate criminal activity, like fraud, money laundering or terrorist financing. The Treasury's Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is tasked with investigating SARs and potential crimes, and Comer says he wants to investigate potential mismanagement. 'The Committee requests that the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) produce certain Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) relevant to the Committee's investigation,' Comer's letter says. The committee gave the Treasury a deadline of September 15 to hand over the SARs. The Green Party's new leader came under pressure on Tuesday to sack his deputy for defending Hamas's attack on Israel. Zack Polanski won a landslide victory on a ticket of 'eco-populism' and a new focus on Left-wing issues such as supporting Palestine. But his win was quickly overshadowed hours later by the emergence of a video in which his newly elected deputy said all people had a right to 'fight back against occupiers'. In the footage posted on TikTok on the morning of the attacks, Mothin Ali claimed Israel would use the 'fightback' by Hamas as a 'pretext' to attack Gaza. Mr Ali also accused Israel of launching an attack on civilians after Hamas terrorists killed more than a thousand people in Israel and took around 200 hostages. He told his followers that Israel were going to justify this by using the 'pretext of the fightback by Hamas fighters - or supposedly Hamas fighters - this morning'. He added that people should 'support the right of indigenous people to have freedom and to fight back against occupiers'. The deputy co-leader also added that Israel uses the 'weapon of anti-Semitism so effectively anyone who criticises Israel is labelled anti-Semitic'. Zack Polanski won a landslide victory on a ticket of 'eco-populism' and a new focus on Left-wing issues such as supporting Palestine The row will put pressure on the new party leader to take action against Mr Ali (pictured), who was elected joint deputy leader on Tuesday Destroyed buildings are pictured in the Gaza Strip from a position across the border with the Palestinian territory in southern Israel on September 2, 2025 Former Labour MP Lord Austin called for Mr Polanski to sack Mr Ali, saying: 'Many people will be absolutely shocked that someone who made comments like this has been elected to such by a senior position. 'Excusing terrorism and vilifying an entire people, betrays the values of peace and justice the Green Party claims to represent. 'The new leader must show they have no tolerance for extremism and remove him from his position and kick him out of the party without hesitation.' The row will put pressure on the new party leader to take action against Mr Ali, who was elected joint deputy leader on Tuesday. Mr Polanksi, 42, is a former hypnotherapist - who once claimed he could help women to increase their breast sizes using the power of their mind. The former Liberal Democrat - who is gay, vegan and lives in Hackney, east London - used his victory speech on Tuesday to call for taxes on wealth and nationalisation of companies. In interviews on Tuesday, he said people could experience the England flag as 'intimidation' after Sir Keir Starmer said he had one in his flat. His appointment signals a likely lurch to the Left for the party and a focus on social issues and support for Palestine over environmental concerns. The insurgent candidate suggested on Tuesday that he would work with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who is starting a new party on the Left. In interviews on Tuesday, Mr Polanksi said people could experience the England flag as 'intimidation' after Sir Keir Starmer said he had one in his flat A view of tent city as Palestinians live amid the Israeli attacks Mr Polanksi - who was born David Paulden before changing his name - is a member of the London Assembly but not an MP, meaning his election will trigger another vote to elect a leader at Westminster He warned Labour 'we are here to replace you' as he vowed to win 30 parliamentary seats for the Greens - up from four - and expand the membership and standing in the polls, which is around 10 per cent. He also said he wanted to reclaim populism from Nigel Farage and said that his party could learn from Reform's ability to make the news. Mr Polanksi once advised a Sun journalist who attended a hypnotherapy session that she could think her way to bigger breasts. He later apologised for his past actions, telling LBC last year that it 'does not represent my work, it does not represent me'. He also became embroiled in an extraordinary exchange with former co-leader of the party Adrian Ramsey who he beat to the job. During a pained joint interview on LBC, Mr Ramsay repeatedly refused to say he liked his colleague before eventually relenting. Mr Polanksi - who was born David Paulden before changing his name - is a member of the London Assembly but not an MP, meaning his election will trigger another vote to elect a leader at Westminster. The former actor beat Green MPs Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, who were standing on a joint ticket, by 20,411 votes to 3,705. Mr Corbyn congratulated Mr Polanski on a 'stunning victory', saying: 'Real change is coming. I look forward to working with you to create a fairer, kinder world.' Mr Polanksi also called for more migration, accused Sir Keir of being complicit in genocide in Gaza and has previously called for the UK to leave Nato. A Green Party spokesperson said: 'These are old allegations that were dealt with at the time.' President Donald Trump released a video Tuesday that showed the U.S.'s lethal strike on a vessel involved in the drug trade that was coming out of Venezuela. In the same Truth Social post, the president revealed that 11 Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists were killed in the attack. He initially announced the strike from the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon. 'You'll see that we just, over the last few minutes literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat,' Trump told reporters. The president said he had just been briefed on the matter by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Daniel 'Razin' Caine. 'We have a lot of drugs pouring into our country, coming in for a long time, and we just - these came out of Venezuela. And coming out very heavily from Venezuela, a lot of things are coming out of Venezuela, so we took it out,' Trump added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio chimed in directly afterwards. 'As @potus just announced moments ago, today the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization,' Rubio said. Later, Trump jumped on Truth Social to share more details, including that no American military personnel were harmed. 'Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!' the president said, ending the post with his trademark: 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!!!!!!!!!' President Donald Trump announced a U.S. military operation against a vessel departing from Venezuela involved in the drug trade President Donald Trump shared additional details about the strike in a Truth Social post Tuesday afternoon Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro has been fuming over the U.S.'s increased military presence in the region. Maduro, who the U.S. does not recognize as the legitimate president of the country after an election last year, threatened to 'declare a republic in arms' if attacked by American forces. 'In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela,' Maduro also said. The Pentagon has deployed at least seven warships to the southern Caribbean. Maduro characterized the escalation as 'an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.' Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $50million reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro, saying he uses 'foreign terrorist organizations' to 'bring deadly drugs and violence into our country.' In the announcement, she said the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates and 7 tons of cocaine linked to the Venezuelan dictator personally. She noted that cocaine is often laced with fentanyl, which has led to droves of American deaths. The USS Sampson was docked near the entrance of the Panama Canal over the weekend amid a large buildup of U.S. naval forces in the southern Caribbean 'Under President Trump's leadership, Maduro will not escape justice and he will be held accountable for his despicable crimes,' Bondi said. Caracas has long denied Maduro's ties to the drug cartels. Trump campaigned on eradicating the drug trade. Since taking office, the president has also surged resources to the southern border and threatened China with tariffs over fentanyl trafficking. Last year, Maduro claimed victory in Venezuela's presidential election over opponent Edmundo Gonzalez in an election that international monitors said was neither free nor fair. During his news conference on Monday, Maduro also continued to claim that he was the legitimate winner of the 2024 election. Locals in New York have been ordered to stay indoors after a warehouse fire caused a hazardous vapor cloud to billow into the air. Emergency crew are currently on the scene of the fire on Woodworth Avenue in Yonkers. According to CBS News, the fire broke out at a warehouse for a cosmetics firm, with chemicals inside causing a reaction and then a blaze. Police in the city have said the fire involves bleach fumes, making the smoke filled with hazardous toxins. They also advised that people in the surrounding area should remain indoors until further notice. Vehicles were also asked to avoid the area. Images taken at the scene show several fire trucks battling the blaze, with smoke seen billowing from the roof. Emergency crew are currently on the scene of the fire on Woodworth Avenue in Yonkers Those in the highlighted area have been asked to stay indoors Police in the city have said the fire involves bleach fumes, making the smoke filled with hazardous toxins A statement said: 'YPD/YFD Operating at the scene of a hazmat situation involving bleach. 'Woodworth Avenue & Ravine Avenues are closed between Union Place and Ashburton Avenue. 'People in the highlighted zone are being advised to remain indoors until further notice. Vehicle and Pedestrian traffic are urged to avoid the area.' In a statement, The City of Yonkers said: 'There was a chemical release that created a vapor cloud, setting off multiple alarms. It is isolated to one pallet of materials.' Due to the incident, the Hudson Line service was also suspended between Yonkers and Greystone, the Metro-North Railroad posted on X. They are asking customers to seek alternative means of transport until they can restore the service. National Guard troops will be heading to Chicago but President Donald Trump won't say when they will deploy. After taking federal control of the Washington, D.C. police force last month, Trump believes the takeover should serve as a 'template' for how he will handle violent crime in other major U.S. cities. He said the next targets are the 'hellholes' of Chicago, Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland. Chicago, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, is worse than Afghanistan. And Baltimore, he claimed, is 'one of the most unsafe places anywhere in the world.' The president said he will send in National Guard troops to crime-ridden U.S. cities because he has 'an obligation to protect this country.' 'We're going in,' Trump said. 'This isn't a political thing. I have an obligation.' Trump ordered last month 800 troops from around the country to help patrol D.C. and crack down on street crime. He has lauded the operation as a success, claiming that the enhanced presence of federal law enforcement and armed troops has brought crime to a halt in the nation's capital. President Donald Trump said that he will deploy National Guard troops to Chicago to crack down on crime Trump ordered last month that 800 National Guard troops come to patrol D.C. streets 'It's now a safe zone. We have no crime. It's in such good shape,' Trump praised. He made the comments during an announcement at the White House on moving Space Force command from blue Colorado to red Alabama. Trump says he wants Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore both Democrats to call and ask for him to send in troops. But even if they don't, Trump admitted he still plans to carry out his plan to use the National Guard as a police force in liberal U.S. cities. 'If the Governor of Illinois would call me up, I would love to do it,' Trump said on Tuesday. 'Now, we're going to do it anyway, we have the right to do it because I have an obligation to protect this country,' he added. 'And that includes Baltimore.' 'I saw where Gov. Moore was asking me to take a walk down the street of Baltimore. Well, Baltimore is a very unsafe place.' Trump threatened for months to take federal control of D.C. amid a spike in high profile incidents of crime. It appeared to come to a head last month when former DOGE staffer Edward Capstone, was brutally attacked and beaten by a group of teenage attempted car jackers. Two 15-year-olds were arrested as they attempted to flee the scene. On August 11 just days after the bloody incident Trump declared a 'public safety emergency' in D.C. and announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act. He says that weeks after invoking the provision, crime is at a standstill in the District. 'I'm very proud of Washington, it serves as a template,' Trump said on Tuesday. 'And we're going to do it elsewhere and Chicago is certainly going to be high [priority].' Trump announced at the White House on Tuesday, September 2 that he is moving the Space Force Command to Alabama from Colorado Mayor Muriel Bowser has said that crime was already on the decline before Trump took over. In fact, she pointed to the 27 percent drop in violent crime from 2024 to 2025 as proof that there didn't need to be a major crackdown. But Trump still sent in federal forces and the National Guard. He bragged about D.C. going a full week without a murder under the crackdown though this is not unusual for the District. There was a 16-day stretch from February 25 to March 12 and two one-week periods in April and May. Trump claims that D.C. officials faked crime statistics to make it more favorable for MPD. While the takeover of D.C. has a time-cap of 30 days, Trump has indicated he plans to extend beyond that and retain control. Meanwhile, he is plotting the next cities where he will target violent street crime. 'Chicago is a hellhole right now, Baltimore is a hellhole right now. Parts of Los Angeles are terrible,' he said. Trump claimed that if he hadn't sent in National Guard troops during the anti-ICE riots earlier this year, then the Olympics would no longer be held in Los Angeles in 2028. Chicago, much like D.C., has also seen a drop in crime from last year to now. Homicides are down 32.3 percent and overall shooting incidents are down 33 percent. Violent crime fell 21.6 percent through July 2025 compared to the year prior, according to the citys data. And Baltimore is in the same boat with Homicides dropping 27 percent through August of this year compared to last. Overall violent crime in the city is down 11 percent through June. California legislators are set to hear plans to take farmland held by white owners and redistribute it to minorities in an aim to 'help rebuild stolen wealth.' Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom's agricultural equity advisers are reportedly set to finalize the plans, which would redistribute farmland to non-white Californians and Native American tribes through land transfers and financial assistance programs. The report will come as part of a two-year plan being put forward by the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force to Newsom and the California legislature by the end of the year. The plans would specifically aim to deploy state resources to give non-white Californians help in acquiring the farmland. It also calls for specialized programs for Native Americans, and would 'adopt indigenous knowledge practices for land management', per the Free Beacon. The task force has been set up to solve what it brands as an 'agricultural land equity crisis' in California, and cited a statistic in its latest draft report that '82 percent of privately held farmland in California is owned by producers who identify as white.' California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom's agricultural equity advisers are reportedly set to finalize plans to redistribute farmland minorities to 'help rebuild stolen wealth' In another policy set to be put forward by the panel, programs would be set up to provide low-interest loans, down payment assistance, and grants to fund land acquisition to black farmers. Per the latest draft report, the task force will redistribute large swaths of farmland based on the colonization of Native Americans and the slave trade. 'The wealth of the U.S., including that of its agriculture industry, has been built on stolen land and the forced labor of California Tribal Nations, enslaved African Americans, and other exploited communities, who have been systematically excluded from land ownership and wealth-building opportunities,' the report says. 'Addressing these past and continuing harms requires active efforts to ensure that all people have secure and affordable access to viable land for the care and cultivation of food, fiber, medicine, and culturally valuable resources, free from systemic barriers and racial disparities.' The California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force was set up over two years ago by Newsom's climate innovation office, and has held over a dozen meetings to hear feedback from activists. It includes Darlene Franco, a member from the Wukchumni Tribe, Doria Robinson, an official with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Dorian Payan, Director of Holistic Land Relations at the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) in Oakland. The task force has been set up to solve what it brands as an 'agricultural land equity crisis' in California, and cited a statistic in its latest draft report that '82% of privately held farmland in California is owned by producers who identify as white.' Pictured: Farmland in Susanville, California The task force includes a member from the Wukchumni Tribe, Doria Robinson (left), an official with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Dorian Payan (right), Director of Holistic Land Relations at the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) in Oakland In its most recent meeting cited by the Free Beacon, activists put forward even more extreme measures that have not made it into the draft report. This included calls from Adam X, the CEO of Original Manufacturing, a Los Angeles group that describes itself as 'warriors for systemic justice'. He said the panel should 'recommend a restorative land access pilot for black farmers model alongside existing land return initiatives.' In a statement following reports of the task force's recommendations, the California Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation noted that the panel does not implement policy and that its report is only recommendations. 'The views and recommendations expressed in the draft report are those of the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force and do not reflect an endorsement by the California Strategic Growth Council or the Governors Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation,' a spokeswoman said. It is unclear how the far-left policy recommendations will fall with Newsom, who has notably tacked away from many liberal positions in recent times as he prepares for an expected presidential run in 2028. This has included slamming DEI policies, and declaring he is against transgender women competing in biological women's sports, despite both practices being instituted across California during his six-year governorship. Spencer Pratt tore into one of Gavin Newsom's aides for mocking his appearance during a heated online exchange about the California governor's whereabouts. The drama began when the 42-year-old former reality TV star, who has become a fierce adversary of Newsom, called out the Democratic governor for allegedly being in Italy as the ongoing Garnet Fire wreaked havoc on Fresno County. But the social media squabble ended with Newsom's brazen communications director, Izzy Gardon, taking a jab at The Bold and the Beautiful actor's looks. 'I wanna be in Italy like Gavin Newsom this week! Oh wait Newsom let my town burn down with all my wealth and possessions,' Pratt wrote on X on Sunday. 'NEWSOM, you didnt learn from [LA Mayor] Karen Bass going to Africa!? You are supposed to be running CA not eating pasta and drinking wine with globalist[s] in Italy!' Pratt was referring to Bass' trip to Ghana during the Palisades Fires in January. In another angry post - which captured Gordon's attention - Pratt asked if anyone could 'prove his sources wrong' that Newsom was overseas. 'My sources are saying hes in Kenya looking for his birth certificate,' Gardon sarcastically responded, alluding to the debunked conspiracy theory that former President Barack Obama was born in the African country. Spencer Pratt (pictured) tore into one of Gavin Newsom 's aides for mocking his appearance during a heated online exchange about the California governor's whereabouts But the social media squabble ended with Newsom's brazen communications director, Izzy Gardon (pictured), taking a jab at The Bold and the Beautiful actor's looks 'I wanna be in Italy like Gavin Newsom (pictured) this week! Oh wait Newsom let my town burn down with all my wealth and possessions,' Pratt wrote on X on Sunday Sources inside the governors office told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that Newsom and his family are not in Italy. In an official statement, also shared on Tuesday, Gardon wrote: 'As has been our longstanding practice, our office does not share information related to the familys personal travel.' Gardon did confirm that Newsom is out of state for a baptism. On Monday, Gardon doubled down on his attack on Pratt in response to another user saying they had to Google who he was. Gardon shared side-by-side an image from his Hollywood stardom days and a more recent shot. 'Are we sure this guy is even him? I think its a bad body double,' he wrote. The post sparked instant backlash from people who thought Gardon's post was a cheap shot. Pratt himself responded to Gardon's mockery of his appearance, accusing the top aide of harassment. 'Director of Communications for Governor Gavin Newsom shaming my appearance. His boss lets my town burn down and now he has employees harassing me,' Pratt wrote. The Daily Mail has reached out to Pratt and Gardon for comment. While Gardon responded to inquiries about Newsom's whereabouts, he did not respond to questions about his qualms with Pratt. Pratt's recent grievances against Newsom come as the Garnet Fire, which has expanded across 26,982 acres, rages on in Fresno County, according to Cal Fire. The blaze began on August 24 from a lightning strike, and as of Tuesday morning, only about 12 percent of the fire has been contained. Evacuation orders have been issued throughout the county, with some areas being warned that the flames are posing an 'immediate threat to life.' Pratt has been vocal about his distrust of Newsom since the Palisades Fires in January. When the wildfires destroyed the wealthy community, Pratt and his wife his wife Heidi Montag (pictured) were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades residence Pratt's recent grievances against Newsom come as the Garnet Fire, which has expanded across 26,982 acres, rages on in Fresno County (pictured: fire relief efforts on August 26) When the wildfires destroyed the wealthy community, Pratt and his wife Heidi Montag were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades residence, which he bought in 2017 for $2.5 million. The catastrophic fires took 31 direct lives, destroyed over 10,000 homes, displaced thousands, and scorched over 40,000 acres across LA and the surrounding areas. Spencer's been chronicling his heartbreaking journey on social media, from watching his home burn to searching through the ashes for anything that survived, to seeking financial support from their family. Aside from documenting wildfire destruction, he has relentlessly called out Newsom and LA Mayor Bass for neglecting California communities in need of relief. Pratt and Montag have also joined a lawsuit against the city over the damage to their properties from the flames, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Their lawsuit, filed in California's Superior Court in Los Angeles County in January, accuses the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power of 'failing to maintain an adequate water supply system to fight the blazes.' An Air Canada flight turned around after just 37 minutes in the air over fears of an electrical fire on board. Flight 1038 took off from Denver Airport at 7.40am on Sunday for a three-hour trip to Toronto when flight attendants were alerted to an 'acrid smell'. The odor raised concerns of an electrical fire in the galley area of the Airbus A220, which immediately returned to Denver and landed at 8.15am. 'The aircraft landed safely, and the 117 passengers and five crew evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides as a precaution,' the airline said after the incident. 'Passengers were provided with alternate travel arrangements as soon as possible that same day. 'The aircraft remains undamaged in Denver awaiting the replacement of the emergency slides before it returns to service.' An Air Canada flight was forced to turn around after just 37 minutes in the air over fears of an electrical fire on board The odor raised concerns of an electrical fire in the galley area of the Airbus A220, which immediately returned to Denver The 117 passengers and five crew member on board were evacuated using emergency slides as a precaution Air Canada said one passenger suffered a minor injury during the evacuation, which another passenger described online as a broken ankle. 'Crazy morning, we were up in the air for about 20 minutes until the flight attendants and passengers in the back cabin started smelling smoke,' the passenger wrote. 'Plane had to emergency land back in Denver, and all of us evacuated via the slides. 'Someone did break their ankle and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.' The Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate. Top Republican Rep. Nancy Mace dramatically exited a meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse in tears. The South Carolina Republican had been attending a private meeting between lawmakers and the abuse survivors before leaving early on Tuesday. Photos of her leaving the session show Mace, 47, in tears, visibly upset with what had transpired behind the closed doors. She later took to social media to address why she left the meeting early. 'Since its already being reported - Yes I left the Oversight briefing with Epstein victims early,' she wrote on X. 'As a recent survivor (not 2 years in), I had a very difficult time listening to their stories. Full blown panic attack. Sweating. Hyperventilating. Shaking. I cant breathe,' the Republican continued. 'I feel the immense pain of how hard all victims are fighting for themselves because we know absolutely no one will fight for us. God bless all survivors.' The survivors were meeting with investigators on the House Oversight Committee, who are currently probing the late financier, his crimes and his network. The survivors are taking to Capitol Hill to share their experiences and to advocate for trafficking victims. Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., cries after coming out of a closed-door meeting with Epstein victims at the Capitol on September 2, 2025 Mace later admitted the emotional outburst stemmed from her experience with abuse Epstein survivors Teresa Helm and Jess Michaels were among the survivors expected to appear on Capitol Hill this week, though it was unclear if they were in Tuesday's meeting. The women are pushing for Congress to address Epstein-related issues and child sex trafficking reforms. 'What we're looking for with all of these meetings is courage on the part of Republican representatives, because this is, most importantly, a bipartisan issue,' Michaels said on MSNBC over the weekend. 'This is not something that anyone, anyone on any side of the aisle should be for,' she continued. 'No one should be for child sex trafficking and allowing perpetrators to escape justice, and no one should be for systems failing to prosecute over decades.' The survivors are scheduled to have a press conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday alongside Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who began an effort Tuesday to pass legislation to release the Epstein files. Up to 10 survivors are expected to speak, and Khanna has shared that the revelations will be 'explosive.' If their discharge petition to release the files garners 218 signatures, the lawmaker duo could force the House of Representatives to vote on releasing the files. Massie and Khanna have already received bipartisan support for their measure from Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and Republican firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. A protester carries a placard outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., 2 September 2025 Epstein, once a math teacher before becoming a well-connected financier to the ultra-rich, committed suicide while in federal custody awaiting sex trafficking charges, the DOJ claims The gambit could cause headaches for GOP leadership, who may be powerless to stop the vote on releasing Epstein's files. Mace has herself opened up about the abuse she has faced, even delivering a speech in Congress naming her alleged abusers. In February, the congresswoman accused several men of being 'predators' during an astonishing speech on the House floor in Congress, where she's shielded from legal action by the Constitution's 'speech and debate' clause. She accused Eric Bowman, her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant, and two of his associates, John Osborne and Brian Musgrave, of 'rape, illegal filming of women, photographing of women, and sex trafficking.' Bryant and the other men have all strongly denied and pushed back on the allegations. Last week, a judge affirmed that the Constitution protects the South Carolina lawmaker's remarks in Congress and tossed Musgrave's case against Mace. Musgrave, despite losing his case, also vehemently denies wrongdoing. But the judge's ruling did not address whether Musgrave was defamed; instead, he noted how members of Congress are shielded from libel cases. 'Congress has weighed the risks and benefits . and concluded that libel and related claims against federal officials acting within the scope of their employment are barred under federal law,' U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel wrote. Kim Jong Un's daughter made a shock appearance alongside her father in Beijing, sparking rumors that she is being groomed to take over the regime. Kim and his daughter Kim Ju Ae arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday to attend Wednesday's 'Victory Day' Parade - which will mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Kim Ju Ae, who is thought to be around 12 years old and the second child of Kim, publicly made her debut back in November 2022 and is considered 'most likely' to succeed her father, according to reports from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The younger Kim appeared behind her father, dressed in an all-black pantsuit, and smiled as he greeted people, video from the BBC shows. The North Korean heir's rare appearance has fueled rumors that Kim is 'grooming' his daughter to take over, a pattern that has been observed with former generations of the dynasty. The North Korean leader arrived in Beijing in his armored train to join Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping for a huge military parade as the three powers showcase their unity at an anti-NATO summit. It marks his first visit to China in six years and comes as the trio tighten their alliance in a direct challenge to the West. Kim Ju Ae appeared behind her father Kim Jong Un, dressed in an all-black pantsuit, and smiled as he greeted people in Beijing Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae (pictured with her father on June 24) made a shock appearance alongside her father in Beijing Kim Ju Ae (pictured alongside her father) is thought to be around 12 years old and the second child of Kim Leaders from 26 countries were due to attend the parade, including Kim and Putin, who will stand alongside Xi to watch the event. It will be the first time Kim has taken part in a major international gathering since he came to power 14 years ago. Officials have not confirmed if the three leaders will meet privately during the visit. Kim left Pyongyang on Monday with senior figures, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. He is travelling on his special train, according to KCNA, which cited Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il. Since becoming the leader, Kim has preferred to travel to countries such as Russia and Vietnam on the train, which is said to be able to accommodate his huge entourage. South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers the slow-moving train crossed into China early Tuesday and is expected to arrive in Beijing this afternoon. Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing in his armoured train to join Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping for a huge military parade in Beijing as the three powers showcase their unity The North Korean leader's rare trip marks his first visit to China in six years and comes as the trio tighten their alliance in a direct challenge to the West . Kim preparing to leave for the parade on his slow-moving private train, which is said to be able to accommodate his huge entourage. He is expected to hold talks with both Xi and Putin Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun said the agency believes 'Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Putin.' The spy agency also suggested Kim could appear alongside Xi and Putin on the viewing platform at Tiananmen Square for the parade. Lee added that Kim is expected to hold talks with the Chinese and Russian leaders and join other world leaders at a reception and cultural show. This trip is Kim's first to China since 2019 and his fifth visit since taking over from his father in 2011. Putin landed in China on Sunday to attend the parade and a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. He has since told his host that Russia's relationship with China is at an 'unprecedented level'. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russia's TASS news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Putin and Kim on the sidelines was 'under consideration.' Observers are watching closely to see whether Kim meets Xi privately or even holds a three-way meeting with Xi and Putin. The leaders have held one-on-one talks before, but never a trilateral meeting. President Xi and Kim Jong Un holding talks during the Chinese leader's visit to North Korea in 2019. The two men are expected to show unity in a bid to challenge the West North Korea has been strengthening its ties with Russia in recent years, sending weapons and ammunition to support Moscow's war in Ukraine in return for economic and military help. Analysts say Kim would be hoping to restore relations with China, which have soured in recent times. Kim's trip comes as Putin and Narendra Modi walked hand in hand as they arrived to meet Xi Jinping at the summit in China, aimed at challenging the West. The Russian president and the Indian prime minister beamed as they strolled into the SCO talks, where Xi hosted more than 20 non-Western leaders. The summit was billed as an alternative to the US-led global system and was packed with displays of unity between Moscow, Beijing and Delhi. The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle in what appeared to be a show of solidarity against Washington and its allies. Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the president's armoured Aurus limousine after the summit. It was captioned: 'Always a delight to meet President Putin. Conversations with him are always insightful.' At their talks, Modi told Putin: 'Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder. Putin responded warmly, saying in Russian: 'Dear Mr Prime Minister, dear friend. Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades, friendly and trusting.' In a direct jab at the US' tariff policies, Xi opened the gathering saying: 'We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practice true multilateralism.' Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi walked hand in hand as they arrived to meet Xi Jinping The pair beamed as they strolled in for the event The three leaders were later seen laughing together in a huddle Modi shared a photograph of himself with Putin inside the Kremlin chief's armoured Aurus limousine He warned against divisions, telling leaders to 'oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation' and to stand 'against hegemonism and power politics'. He also hit out against 'bullying behaviour', all in jabs against the US. He said: 'The shadows of Cold War mentality, bullying, are not dissipating, and there are new challenges that are increasing.' 'Global governance has reached a new crossroads,' he added, before pledging billions in aid and loans to member states and announcing plans for an artificial intelligence cooperation centre and a joint lunar research station. Xi said China would provide 2 billion yuan in free aid and 10 billion yuan in loans to member states through an SCO banking consortium. The Chinese leader also hinted at creating a new SCO development bank, a move that could reduce dependence on the US dollar and weaken Washington's ability to impose sanctions. Putin endorsed Xi's message, saying the SCO had revived 'genuine multilateralism' and was building 'a new system of stability and security in Eurasia'. He said: 'This security system, unlike Euro-centric and Euro-Atlantic models, would genuinely consider the interests of a broad range of countries, be truly balanced, and would not allow one country to ensure its own security at the expense of others.' The Kremlin leader again blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine, accusing the West of creating the crisis by trying to pull Kyiv into the alliance. Putin said: 'In order for a Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, the root causes of the crisis, which I have just mentioned and which I have repeatedly mentioned before, must be eliminated. Xi opened the summit by calling for a complete shift in global politics Experts say Donald Trump's tariffs on India may have pushed Modi closer to Moscow He added that 'a fair balance in the security sphere' must be restored and claimed he was open to peace talks. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is due to meet European leaders in Paris on Thursday, accused Putin of avoiding a one-on-one meeting that was agreed during his recent trip to Washington. 'Now, during his visit to China, Putin will once again try to wriggle out. That is his number one sport. Everyone in the world has declared that the fire must cease. Everyone has insisted that the war must end. That has also been China's position,' Zelensky said. China and India are the two biggest buyers of Russian oil, a crucial source of revenue for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Donald Trump hit India with 50 per cent tariffs on some goods in retaliation, accusing Delhi of bankrolling Putin's war effort, but so far neither India nor China has shown any sign of cutting energy imports from Russia. Analysts say Trump's approach may have pushed Modi closer to Moscow and Beijing as the three powers look to strengthen economic ties. On Sunday, Xi told Modi: 'The world is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational countries. 'We are the world's two most populous countries and part of the Global South. It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the dragon and the elephant to come together.' Experts have said the summit was designed as a challenge to Trump and the US Zelensky said Putin was avoiding a one-on-one meeting with him The summit was also an opportunity for Xi and Modi to repair relations after years of tension over a deadly border clash in 2020. Xi told Modi: The world is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational countries. 'We are the world's two most populous countries and part of the Global South. It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the dragon and the elephant to come together.' Modi replied: 'We are committed to progressing our relations based on mutual respect, trust and sensitivities.' Putin is expected to remain in China as the guest of honour at a massive military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un will also attend the display, which will feature China's newest weapons, including ship-killing hypersonic missiles, in what experts say is a warning to the West. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell has been charged with several offences after allegedly attacking a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne. The 32-year-old was allegedly among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon following the March for Australia rally in Melbourne's CBD. Officers arrested Sewell and two other men outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday at 3.20pm following an eventful morning for the far-right figure. On Tuesday morning, Sewell warned Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan she would be 'punished' if he ever gained power after gatecrashing her press conference. 'When people like me take power, these people are going to be punished for the crimes they have committed against Australia,' he said. Sewell then said 'Heil Australia' before being seen smiling while arrested by a group of officers. Sewell and the two other men, aged 23 and 20, were interviewed in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged assaults in King's Domain. Hours later, he was charged with violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking, discharge missile and other offences. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell (pictured) was allegedly among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon Sewell could be seen smiling as he was arrested by a group of police officers on Tuesday He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The 23-year-old man, from Mooroolbark, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and assault by kicking. The 20-year-old man, who is from Ardeer, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and discharge missile. The two young men have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 December. Detectives continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with any information or footage that may assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Footage showed Sewell and supporter Nathan Bull lashing out at people gathered at the camp, the site of remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the attack on Camp Sovereignty was like nothing she had seen in her nearly 10-year parliamentary career. 'These people brazenly and openly did not care if they were seen,' she said. Before the affray at King's Domain, Sewell had spoken to protesters on the steps of Parliament House during the March for Australia anti-immigration rally in Melbourne on Sunday Sewell was also recorded by a journalist crashing a press conference by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan in Melbourne on Tuesday morning prior to his arrest Sewell on Tuesday morning appeared inside the courthouse to cross-examine a police officer he is accused of intimidating, on top of charges for breaching a personal safety intervention order in October last year. After a lunch break, prosecutor Melissa Mahady told the Melbourne court there had been a 'safety issue' but claimed it was 'not related' to Sewell, the Herald Sun reported. Magistrate Michelle Hodgson closed the court to discuss the matter with the prosecutor, meaning media and other observers were removed from the courtroom. Earlier, Allan was speaking to journalists in Melbourne to spruik her government's work-from-home policy when Sewell interrupted. Flanked by Bull, Sewell began yelling at Allan over her stance on the right to protest. Several men stepped in to keep Sewell away from the premier as she, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and upper house Labor MP Sheena Watt walked away. 'Shouldn't people have the right to speak in their own country, you coward... you're a coward and we're going to take this country back from politicians like you,' Sewell shouted. Allan in December announced legislation to ban protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings after Sewell led a series of marches with masked black-clad men. Sewell (pictured) was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday The reforms are yet to be introduced to state parliament and may be scaled back. Tuesday's confrontation lasted less than a minute, cutting short the media conference. Sewell ended Tuesday's tirade with 'Heil Australia' and told journalists the interaction was a 'coincidence'. 'We're on our way to court right now,' he said. In a statement, the premier confirmed she was 'unharmed and undeterred' and said it was no surprise Nazis opposed her and the Labor state government. 'We know how these goons operate,' she said. 'They whip up fear to divide our society. They will fail.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the confrontation 'quite horrific' when speaking to Labor caucus in Canberra. 'I have been talking about these issues with the Victorian premier,' he said. Journalists were asking the premier about Sunday's 'March for Australia' in Melbourne, at which Sewell was controversially allowed to speak. Allan revealed she was convening the government's anti-hate task force for a meeting this week in response to the nationwide anti-immigration rallies. In a social media post on Tuesday night, Allan wrote: 'There is no place for hate in our state. Whoever you are, whoever you love, whoever you pray to - I'll always fight for your right to belong.' A round-the-world motorcyclist has blasted British police after his bike was stolen in the UK. Yogesh Alekari was 15,000 miles into his motorbike journey from Mumbai to Cape Town when thieves made off with his KTM 390 Adventure bike last Thursday. The 33-year-old from India said the theft left him 'heartbroken' and blamed police for failing to keep the UK's streets safe, adding he felt safer in Mumbai. Mr Alekari parked his vehicle in Wollaton Park, Nottingham at around 11am but, when he returned less than an hour later, it was gone. In an Instagram post on Monday, he said: 'UK police failed to control theft crimes in this country. 'India is the safest place to travel. We never ever lock our wheels in India, that's the success of our police system.' Video footage captured by a visitor to the park showed his motorcycle being ridden away, with mopeds on either side. The blogger has been documenting his journey online and took to social media to share his sadness following the theft. 'I'm the victim - I got everything stolen and it was a fully loaded bike,' Yogesh said in a video posted to Instagram. Yogesh Alekari was 15,000 miles into his motorbike journey from Mumbai to Cape Town, when thieves made off with his KTM 390 Adventure bike last Thursday The 33-year-old from India said the theft left him 'heartbroken' and blamed police for failing to keep the UK's streets safe, adding he felt safer in Mumbai Mr Alekari parked his vehicle in Wollaton Park, Nottingham at around 11am, but when he returned less than an hour later, it was gone. He said his round-the-world challenge is on hold until he finds his bike and belongings Your browser does not support iframes. 'I was heading towards a biking event in Oxford and I parked it in Wollatron Park - it was supposed to be the safest parking. 'I went across the road and to the restaurant. I had breakfast and then I came to the parking lot - it was an organised crime. 'They are not scared about the police and I got shocked - I'm totally depressed and panicked at this moment. 'It's not a bike - it's my passion. It was dream, my soul.' Most of Mr Alekari's belongings were left with the bike, meaning he's been left stranded in Nottingham and is currently unable to continue his adventure. The travel blogger, who has an audience of almost 200,000 online, estimated the value of the stolen belongings at more than 15,000. He said the storage boxes on his bike included his MacBook laptop, a spare mobile phone, two cameras, cash and other items, including his passport and clothing. The blogger said he called the police shortly after his bike was stolen but was told officers were unable to attend the park, which is run by Nottingham city council. 'I called the police and it seemed so strange that they just sent me a crime number,' he told the BBC. 'I was told they would call me back, and I waited in the park, but they never did.' Mr Alekari who has travelled 15,000 miles through 17 countries over the past four months said his round-the-world challenge is on hold until he finds his bike and belongings. This trip he rode from Mumbai to London via northern Europe and was planning to travel along the African coast to Cape Town. Mr Alekari has previously safely ridden his bike through Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Finland and Norway. Nottinghamshire Police has appealed to anyone who may have information on the bike's whereabouts following Mr Alekari's plea for help. The force says it has been trying to locate the black, white and orange bike since it was reported stolen, and that officers have been conducting local inquiries in the community. But, they have so far been unable to find the bike. PC Andy Smith said: 'When you consider the victim's story and how far he travelled, I can only imagine how distressing it was for him to find his motorbike and belongings had been stolen. 'Our policing teams have been following multiple lines of inquiry since this happened and hope sharing an image of the bike in this appeal will help us locate it quicker. 'Anyone who recognises the motorbike, saw this theft happen, or has any other information that could assist our investigation is asked to please get in touch with us, so that we can take action.' Sergeant Daniel Sheasby added: 'Our policing teams have been conducting local inquiries in the community since last Thursday but have unfortunately not yet been able to locate the bike. 'We completely appreciate how much upset this will have caused to the bike owner but want to assure him the police are taking this seriously and are doing everything we can to try and return his property to him. 'On that note, we'd ask anyone who was at Wollaton Park around that time and spotted anything suspicious to please report it to us.' Nationally, more than 365,000 bike thefts reported to police have gone unsolved since 2019 equating to 89 per cent of all cases, according to Home Office data released. Just 3 per cent of reported bike thefts in the past five years have resulted in a charge or summons. Google must share data with rivals to open up competition in online search, a judge in Washington ruled on Tuesday. However, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta rejected a demand from Donald Trump's Justice Department to break up the internet giant by forcing it to sell off its Chrome browser. It was the culmination of a landmark antitrust case that imposed measures on Google but fell short of what the government asked for. The decision came a year after Judge Mehta found that Google illegally operated monopolies in online search and related advertising by paying billions of dollars for exclusive deals with smartphone makers. Google CEO Sundar Pichai had claimed that data-sharing measures sought by the Justice Department could allow the tech giant's rivals to reverse-engineer its technology. The company has already said it will appeal and that means it could be years before Google has to comply with the judge's ruling. Google must share data with rivals to open up competition in online search, a judge has ruled In his 223-page decision the judge also said Google would not have to sell off its Android operating system. He wrote: 'Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment. 'Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints.' Trump's Justice Department, headed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, had argued that the Chrome browser is a key gateway to the internet and facilitates a third of all Google web searches. But the judge said forcing a sale of it would be 'incredibly messy.' Following the ruling, shares in Alphabet, Google's parent company, jumped 8 percent. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, will not see his company broken up following a landmark antitrust ruling U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, head of President Donald Trump's Justice Department, which had argued Google should be forced to sell off its Chrome browser A focus of the case was agreements Google made paying billions of dollars for Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone makers to use it as the default search engine on their products. In 2021, Google paid $26billion to be the search engine that comes up automatically on browsers including Apple's Safari and Mozillas Firefox. The Justice Department maintained that exclusivity led to more people using Google, allowing it to collect more data, and move even further ahead of its rivals. Last year, Judge Mehta said Google's default status on the iPhone had enabled it to increase its position as an internet powerhouse, and insulated it from competitive threats. The latest ruling made it easier for device makers, and others who set Google search as a default, to load apps created by its rivals, by barring the company from entering exclusive contracts. It also addressed the emergence of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, extending restrictions to prevent Google from using exclusive deals to dominate AI. However, Judge Mehta also decided that banning payments from Google outright could have too serious an impact on other businesses. He wrote: 'Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products. 'Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial, in some cases crippling, downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers.' Elsewhere in the ruling, which will last for six years, he ordered Google to hand over search index data and user interaction information that rivals can use to improve their services. Google must also offer syndication of search results to competitors. Google shares rose after the ruling which did not require it to sell Chrome The judgment was widely regarded as one of the most significant against corporate monopoly practices in the last two decades. However, it was also seen by experts as largely in favor of Google, with some observers having anticipated more radical changes for the tech giant. Professor Carl Tobias of the University of Richmond Law School in Virginia, said: 'It sounds like the judge felt that it was too draconian to provide some of the remedies that prosecutors or the Department of Justice wanted. 'Google is certainly not going to be broken up, and it's not clear that its business model is going to change a whole lot.' Gene Munster, managing partner, at investment company Deepwater Asset Management, said: 'The regulators bark is bigger than the bite.' In a statement, Google said: 'Now the court has imposed limits on how we distribute Google services, and will require us to share Search data with rivals. 'We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely. The court did recognize that divesting Chrome and Android would have gone beyond the cases focus on search distribution, and would have harmed consumers and our partners.' A spokesman for the Justice Department said the requirements for Google to share data with competitors were 'significant.' The spokesman added: 'The courts ruling recognizes the need for remedies that will pry open the market for general search services, which has been frozen in place for over a decade. 'The ruling also recognizes the need to prevent Google from using the same anticompetitive tactics for its GenAI products as it used to monopolize the search market.' However, Gabriel Weinberg, chief executive of Google rival DuckDuckGo, called the ruling a 'nothingburger.' Judge Amit Mehta delivered a 230-page ruling in the case In April, Google lost a separate antitrust case over digital advertising. A judge in Virginia ruled the tech giant illegally built 'monopoly power,' handing a victory to online news publishers. That case was also brought by the U.S. Justice Department, and the Daily Mail's Chief Digital Officer Matthew Wheatland was a key witness. Bondi called that case a 'landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square.' She added: 'Google is a monopolist and has abused its monopoly power.' The Google cases are part of a wider government move against alleged monopolistic practices by technology giants. It has support from both Republicans and Democrats, and involves cases launched under both President Trump and President Joe Biden. There are currently five pending antitrust cases brought by the U.S. government against major technology companies including Meta, Apple and Amazon. Immigration Minister Tony Burke has suggested neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell 'hates modern Australia' as calls grow from at least 45,000 people for him to be deported back to New Zealand. Sewell, 32, was allegedly among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon following the March for Australia rally in Melbourne's CBD. Footage showed Sewell and supporter Nathan Bull lashing out at people gathered at the camp, the site of remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. Sewell and two other men, aged 23 and 20, were charged in relation to a Victoria Police investigation into the alleged assaults on Tuesday. Sewell, who is understood to be an Australian citizen despite being born in New Zealand, was charged with violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking, discharge missile and other offences. He has not entered any pleas and has been remanded to appear in court on Wednesday. The arrest came within hours of Sewell gatecrashing a press conference by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. In the three days since the alleged attack, a Change.org petition to have Sewell deported from Australia has gained 44,895 signatures. Almost 45,000 people have signed a petition to deport neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell (pictured) from Australia after he was seen among a group storming an Aboriginal camp A group of men dressed in black, including Sewell, lashed out at people at Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne (pictured) The organiser, Constitutional Reformist, called on a change to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to enable a High Court deportation of Thomas Sewell back to New Zealand. 'We are not backing down. We are evolving. And we are demanding a legal system that protects communities, not extremists,' they said. The approach of the petition has two steps: the first is to revoke Sewells Australian citizenship 'through a court-authorised process, based on his violent extremist conduct and likely dual nationality'. The organiser then said they want urgent reform of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. 'So that individuals convicted of serious hate-fuelled crimes can have their citizenship revoked and be subject to deportation with full judicial oversight and constitutional safeguards,' they said. On Wednesday morning, Tony Burke said Sewell 'clearly hates modern Australia'. 'I wouldnt be surprised if he renounces his citizenship here anyway,' he said. There have also been calls for Sewell to be deported on social media, including from Aussie-born Islander influencer Tomasi Mariner who posts under 'Tommy the Cowboy'. 'New Zealand, come and get this f***head and take him back to your country, we dont want him here,' he said on TikTok on Tuesday. TikTok influencer Tomasi Mariner (pictured), who posts under 'Tommy the Cowboy', also called for Sewell, who was born in New Zealand, to be deported from Australia Police officers arrested Sewell and two other men outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday at 3.20pm following an eventful morning for the far-right figure. On Tuesday morning, Sewell warned Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan she would be 'punished' if he ever gained power. 'When people like me take power, these people are going to be punished for the crimes they have committed against Australia,' he said. Sewell then said 'Heil Australia' before being seen smiling while arrested by a group of officers. Sewell and the two other men, aged 23 and 20, were interviewed in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged assaults in King's Domain. Hours later, the trio were charged with several offences each. The 23-year-old man, from Mooroolbark, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and assault by kicking. The 20-year-old man, who is from Ardeer, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and discharge missile. Sewell was charged on Tuesday with several offences in relation to a Victoria Police investigation into the affray at Camp Sovereignty. He has not entered any pleas Prior to his arrest, Sewell had crashed the press conference of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan where he shouted at her over her stance on the right to protest The two young men have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 December. Detectives continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with any information or footage that may assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the attack on Camp Sovereignty was like nothing she had seen in her nearly 10-year parliamentary career. 'These people brazenly and openly did not care if they were seen,' she said. Sewell on Tuesday morning appeared inside the courthouse to cross-examine a police officer he is accused of intimidating, on top of charges for breaching a personal safety intervention order in October last year. After a lunch break, prosecutor Melissa Mahady told the Melbourne court there had been a 'safety issue' but claimed it was 'not related' to Sewell, the Herald Sun reported. Magistrate Michelle Hodgson closed the court to discuss the matter with the prosecutor, meaning media and other observers were removed from the courtroom. Earlier, Allan was speaking to journalists in Melbourne to spruik her government's work-from-home policy when Sewell interrupted. Flanked by Bull, Sewell began yelling at Allan over her stance on the right to protest. Several men stepped in to keep Sewell away from the premier as she, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and upper house Labor MP Sheena Watt walked away. 'Shouldn't people have the right to speak in their own country, you coward... you're a coward and we're going to take this country back from politicians like you,' Sewell shouted. Allan in December announced legislation to ban protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings after Sewell led a series of marches with masked black-clad men. The reforms are yet to be introduced to state parliament and may be scaled back. Chaos erupted at Miami International Airport on Tuesday when a woman allegedly grabbed a crying boy from his mother and refused to hand him back. Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office have said that a mother, identified by the Miami Herald as Nadine Joseph, was standing in line with her child at Security Checkpoint 5 with her crying four-year-old son at around 4am. Alvina Omisri Agba, 23, from Luton, England, then allegedly offered to take the child to calm him down, to which Joseph agreed. But as soon as she handed over the child, Agba walked away, according to an arrest report obtained by the Herald. The worried mother then raced to follow Agba, and eventually found her sitting on the floor with her son. At that point, the police report says Joseph demanded Agba give her back her son - to which the 23 year old allegedly replied, 'No, this is my child.' The suspect then wrapped her arms and legs around the child, so that the young boy couldn't escape, and when Joseph ten tried to grab her child, Agba allegedly pushed her away. Yet Joseph was still able to grab her son's arms as police say Agba held onto his legs, and the two were trying to wrestle over the child. Alvina Omisri Agba, 23, from Luton, England, was arrested on Tuesday after she allegedly took a young boy from his mother and refused to give him back The incident happened at Miami International Airport's Security Checkpoint 5 at around 4am The commotion caused the young boy to scream out, which caught the attention of Natylet Montano, whom Local 10 News reports was working at the check-in counter for Global Crossing Airlines. Montano then sprang into action and grabbed the child so that he would not be hurt, and held the young boy behind the counter. 'Once [my colleague] took the boy to the counter, the lady went inside the counter and we called 911,' GlobalX Air Supervisor Dayanis Ojeda recounted to Local 10 News. Deputies also explained that Agba crawled underneath the counter and demanded that Montano hand over the child, but three men intervened and blocked her path. The suspect then allegedly ran away, but deputies were able to catch up with her and take her into custody. When they then read her her rights, Agba allegedly told officers she was simply taking the child to a wall painted with a rainbow, hoping that would calm him down. She also allegedly claimed she did not remember what happened when the boy's mother came to retrieve her son from her, but said she 'only did it because God told her to do it.' The young boy sustained deep scratches to his neck, but was ultimately well enough to make his flight with his mother. International travelers are pictured here at the international airport on Friday Yet authorities say she was not under the influence or drugs or alcohol at the time, according to Fox News. Agba is now charged with interfering with custody and battery, and is being held at the Turner Guilford Correctional Center on a $3,500 bond. Meanwhile, the young boy sustained deep scratches to his neck, but was ultimately well enough to make his flight with his mother. Allies of Angela Rayner have said her tendency to attract scandal could damage her leadership ambitions. They suggested her desire for privacy meant that questions over her living arrangements had lingered for longer than necessary. It came as No 10 signalled the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards will not even consider an investigation into the Deputy Prime Ministers tax affairs until a mystery court order blocking her from discussing them is lifted. The Tories have demanded Sir Laurie Magnus launch a probe into her purchase of an 800,000 second home in Hove. Ms Rayner who made her first public appearance yesterday since the row broke in a pair of eye-catching sunglasses paired with green flares and a cream double-breasted jacket is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on the flat in Hove. Experts suggested she may not have been eligible for a 40,000 stamp duty discount she received by saying it was her primary residence. Ms Rayner, who is also Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, paid 30,000 instead of the full 70,000 rate levied on second homes when she bought the seaside flat this summer. She told authorities it was her only property, having forfeited her interest in her 650,000 constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne two months previously as part of the process of divorcing husband Mark Rayner. There is no suggestion that Ms Rayner has broken the law and she has denied any wrongdoing. Allies of Angela Rayner have said her tendency to attract scandal could damage her leadership ambitions Ms Rayner is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on the flat in Hove Discussing the Deputy PMs chances for the Labour leadership, one MP told The Times: The problem for Angie is the Right keep attacking her, but would that become a distraction if she was leader? I dont know. Another Labour figure, who is not a Rayner supporter, added that it demonstrated just how open to being brought down by scandal she is, just as people are thinking about alternate prime ministers. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said the Deputy PM should come clean on the litany of accusations of tax avoidance be it stamp duty, council tax or inheritance tax. Ms Rayner is facing fresh allegations that while she said the Sussex flat was her main home, she told the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was her former family home in Greater Manchester. When Parliament is sitting, Ms Rayner is thought to live mainly in a third property a lavish grace-and-favour apartment in central London, funded by the taxpayer. Sir Keir Starmer this week came to the aid of his embattled deputy as No10 insisted she wanted to reveal more about her property deals but was constrained by the court order. The Prime Minister told the BBC the former teen mother is a great story of British success. His spokesman said Ms Rayner is urgently working on a way to give more details about her ownership of two homes in the interests of public transparency. A spokesman for Ms Rayner has said she had not broken any rules and had paid all relevant taxes. The Albanese government has weighed in on the growing calls to deport neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, claiming they would not be surprised if he renounces his citizenship because he 'clearly hates modern Australia'. The 32-year-old was allegedly among a group of men dressed in black who stormed Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon following the March for Australia rally in Melbourne's CBD. Footage showed Sewell and supporter Nathan Bull lashing out at people gathered at the camp, the site of remains of Indigenous people from 38 clans. Sewell and two other men, aged 23 and 20, were charged in relation to a Victoria Police investigation into the alleged assaults on Tuesday. New Zealand-born Sewell was charged with violent disorder, affray, assault by kicking, discharge missile and other offences and was remanded to appear back in court in Wednesday. Before his court appearance he ambushed a Jacinta Allan press conference, repeatedly calling the Victorian Premier a 'coward'. The Daily Mail revealed that almost 45,000 people have signed a petition calling for neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell to be deported back to New Zealand where he was born. Now, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has said it would not shock him if Sewell packed up his bags and moved back across the ditch. Almost 45,000 people have signed a petition to deport neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell (pictured) from Australia after he was seen among a group storming an Aboriginal camp A group of men dressed in black, including Sewell, lashed out at people at Camp Sovereignty in King's Domain on Sunday afternoon in Melbourne (pictured) 'I wouldn't be surprised if he renounces his citizenship here anyway,' Burke told the Daily Mail. 'He clearly hates modern Australia.' The petition's organiser, Constitutional Reformist, called on a change to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to enable a High Court deportation of Thomas Sewell back to New Zealand. 'We are not backing down. We are evolving. And we are demanding a legal system that protects communities, not extremists,' they said. The approach of the petition has two steps: the first is to revoke Sewell's Australian citizenship 'through a court-authorised process, based on his violent extremist conduct and likely dual nationality'. The organiser then said they want urgent reform of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. 'So that individuals convicted of serious hate-fuelled crimes can have their citizenship revoked and be subject to deportation with full judicial oversight and constitutional safeguards,' they said. Police officers arrested Sewell and two other men outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday at 3.20pm following an eventful morning for the far-right figure. Immigration Minister Tony Burke (pictured with the Prime Minister) has said it would not shock him if Sewell packed up his bags and moved back across the ditch On Tuesday morning, Sewell warned Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan she would be 'punished' if he ever gained power. 'When people like me take power, these people are going to be punished for the crimes they have committed against Australia,' he said. Sewell then said 'Heil Australia' before being seen smiling while arrested by a group of officers. Sewell and the two other men, aged 23 and 20, were interviewed in relation to an ongoing investigation into alleged assaults in King's Domain. Hours later, the trio were charged with several offences each. The 23-year-old man, from Mooroolbark, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and assault by kicking. The 20-year-old man, who is from Ardeer, has been charged with violent disorder, affray and discharge missile. Sewell was charged on Tuesday with several offences in relation to a Victoria Police investigation into the affray at Camp Sovereignty. He has not entered any pleas Prior to his arrest, Sewell had crashed the press conference of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan where he shouted at her over her stance on the right to protest The two young men have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 10 December. Detectives continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with any information or footage that may assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the attack on Camp Sovereignty was like nothing she had seen in her nearly 10-year parliamentary career. 'These people brazenly and openly did not care if they were seen,' she said. Labour's ban on new oil and gas licences in the North Sea could cause blackouts, Kemi Badenoch warned yesterday. The Tory leader said Britain is dangerously exposed to supply squeezes, and families risked paying the price unless Keir Starmer changed tack. In a speech to the Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, Mrs Badenoch outlined how she would lift the Labour ban to boost exploration and extraction. She said: Without stimulating investment now, the UK will be reliant on imports for more than 80 per cent of oil and gas demand by 2030. That would leave us dangerously exposed to supply squeezes. Asked by the Mail if she believed there was a danger of the lights going out unless Labour changed its approach, she said: Yes, because if we continue on this trajectory we are going to be even more reliant on exports... Security of supply is absolutely critical. One hundred per cent of the gas in the North Sea is used in the UK, that is 21 million homes that are currently still reliant on gas. We are not saying we dont want renewables, what we are saying is you dont need to stop the drilling while you carry out the transition. Lets have some common sense. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch during a visit to the Port of Aberdeen In a speech to the Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, Mrs Badenoch outlined how she would lift the Labour ban to boost exploration and extraction It came as Conservative energy spokesman Claire Coutinho blasted the absurdity of Britain importing gas from Norway from the same areas where the UK could be drilling. She told the BBC: The North Sea is being absolutely hammered under the Labour Government we are losing jobs left, right and centre. We are in an absurd position of importing gas from Norway from the same areas where we could be drilling ourselves. In order to support the economy and also for our energy security, it is critical that we back the North Sea and this important asset to the country. Labour said last night: It is this Labour Government that will ensure a prosperous transition in the North Sea through our Plan for Change, by keeping existing oil and gas fields open for their lifetime and through a clean-energy sprint for the future. They were the seven days that shook the world. Twenty eight years ago Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, and her funeral -watched by 2.5billion people worldwide - happened just a week later. But behind the scenes were two families who had very different ideas for the princess' sendoff. The tension between the Spencers and the Windsors had been building for years, particularly following Diana's divorce from Prince Charles. Royal author Tina Brown wrote in Palace Papers: 'The scramble to arrange Diana's funeral in just a week was fraught.' Diana's funeral was largely modeled after the funeral plans codenamed Operation Tay Bridge which had been developed for the Queen Mother. This plan had been rehearsed for 22 years even though the Queen Mother didn't pass away until 2002. In effect, the Queen Mother attended her own funeral. Prince William, 15 and Prince Harry, 12, stand with their father Prince Charles at Diana's funeral The funeral cortege is pictured alongside the gun carriage carrying the coffin of Diana, draped with the Royal Standard The family watch as Guardsmen carry the coffin of Diana The funeral saw symbolic gestures, like the removal of the Royal Standard and its replacement with the Spencer family flag. Brown wrote: 'When the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, sent the Dean of Westminster the prayers he proposed to read at the service, he was told that the Spencer family didn't want any mention of the Royal Family. 'In retaliation, Buckingham Palace insisted they have a separate prayer for the Royal Family and that the words "People's Princess" be removed.' The nickname the 'People's Princess' was made popular by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair in his eulogy but it had been used before by Julie Burchill in a 1992 article. The Royal Family and the Spencers argued for four days about which of the royal men would walk behind the gun carriage bearing Diana's coffin, Brown wrote. The young royal brothers, aged just 15 and 12 at the time, were often at the centre of arguments about what their roles should be. Brown wrote that Prince Philip, who had effectively lost his own mother at the age of 10, exploded, shouting: 'Stop telling us what to do with those boys. They have lost their mother!' 'His voice was full of emotion, a real voice of the grandfather speaking,' Brown added. Pictured: Earl Spencer delivers his address to the congregation inside Westminster Abbey during the funeral service for his sister Diana The coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales makes its way to Westminster Abbey surrounded by the bearer party of Welsh Guardsmen The Sunday Times bestselling author wrote: 'Nothing could have shocked and outraged Her Majesty and Prince Philip more in their life of public service than the accusatory oration by Diana's brother, Earl Spencer' Earl Spencer's eulogy, with its pointed language and criticisms of the press and royal family, further fueled this narrative. Brown wrote: 'Nothing could have shocked and outraged Her Majesty and Prince Philip more in their life of public service than the accusatory oration by Diana's brother.' Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, joined Phillip, Charles, William and Harry as they followed her coffin to Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997. He delivered a controversial eulogy at the funeral in which he took swipes at both the British media and the Royal Family. 'His address from the pulpit was a hand grenade, aimed at every sitting member of the house of Windsor,' wrote Brown. Addressing his late sister the Earl said: 'On behalf of your mother and sisters, I pledge that we, your blood family, will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering these two exceptional young men so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing openly as you planned. 'We fully respect the heritage into which they have both been born and will always respect and encourage them in their royal role but we, like you, recognise the need for them to experience as many different aspects of life as possible to arm them spiritually and emotionally for the years ahead. 'I know you would have expected nothing less from us.' The Spencer family are pictured leaving Westminster Abbey after the funeral service Charles, William and Harry look at floral tributes to Diana outside Kensington Palace on September 5, 1997 Earl Spencer (L), William, Harry and Charles follow the coffin to the funeral of Diana Sir Elton John performs a rewritten version of his song Candle in the wind as a tribute to Diana at her funeral An ITV documentary, Diana: The Day Britain Cried, which aired in 2017, revealed Earl Spencer's speech was received poorly by the Royal Family, who did not even applaud at the end. Martin Neary, Westminster Abbey's musical director, told the documentary: 'I felt a great sympathy for what she had suffered but at the same time I was shocked by some of things which were said. 'The princes actually applauded at the end, although the senior members of the Royal Family did not.' Earl Spencer later said that he had rehearsed the speech, writing in The Guardian: 'I read it to Diana's coffin, in the chapel at St James's Palace and at the conclusion heard a whisper that sounded like satisfaction in that sad, sad, place.' The Earl has also claimed he was lied to about his sister's funeral procession. In 2017, he said he had been told by royal officials that his nephews wanted to walk behind Diana's coffin in the funeral procession, after he had raised concerns about it. Describing the moment as the 'most horrifying half hour of my life', he revealed he still has nightmares about the 'harrowing' experience. However he acknowledged that the walk would have been 'a million times worse' for William and Harry. Brown wrote: 'The unforgettable sight of three generations of royal males solemnly walking behind Diana's coffin made the powerful dynastic statement the monarchy required' Earl Spencer and William attend the funeral ceremony of the Princess of Wales Harry, just 12 at the time of the funeral, shared his agony at walking behind the coffin in Spare Speaking on Radio 4's Today Programme, he slammed the insistence that the boys follow the coffin as a 'very bizarre and cruel thing'. He added: 'Eventually I was lied to and told they wanted to do it, which of course they didn't but I didn't realise that.' Brown wrote that the two boys were refusing to walk behind the gun carriage. Prince Charles was supposed to be travelling with Charles Spencer but the Earl 'hated him so much he was refusing to be in the same car as him'. It was Prince Philip who eventually persuaded Harry and William to walk behind the coffin, reminding the children of how the images would be seen around the world. Brown wrote: 'Though Harry still talks about the personal agony it caused him, from the Crown's point of view, Philip was right. 'The unforgettable sight of three generations of royal males solemnly walking behind Diana's coffin made the powerful dynastic statement the monarchy required.' While Diana is buried on a small island at Althorp the original plan was for Diana to be buried in her family vault at a nearby church. This was changed by Earl Spencer as he wanted her grave to be inaccessible to the public and a place for her sons to mourn in peace. In the 28 years since Diana's funeral the relationship between the Spencers and the Royal Family has remained fraught. Earl Spencer and Harry follow the coffin of Frances Shand Kydd from the Cathedral of Saint Columba on June 10, 2004 The sisters of the late Diana: Lady Sarah McCorquodale (left) and Lady Jane Fellowes and her brother Earl Spencer at the opening of a fountain built in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, in London's Hyde Park Diana's mother Frances Shand Kydd died in June 2004. Shand Kydd lived alone in Scotland after feuding with both the royals and Diana's father's family, the Spencers. She was estranged from her daughter and had not spoken to Diana for months at the time of her death in a 1997 Paris car crash. William, 21, delivered a reading for his grandmother at a Roman Catholic mass at St. Columba's cathedral in Oban on Scotland's west coast. He had returned from a university trip to Norway and Harry, 19, flew in from Botswana, after a seven hour road journey to the airport in the southern African country where he is doing a year's charity work. The brothers arrived with other mourners on foot at the cathedral. Members of the press and public lined up outside. The Daily Mail front page on June 11 2004 wrote that the feud between Windsors and Spencers was reignited from beyond grave as Diana's mother Frances Shand Kydd banned Charles from her own funeral Other senior royals not related by blood to Shand Kydd, including Diana's former husband Prince Charles, were not present. Palace officials said only immediate family had been invited. Harry and William were undoubtedly bonded by the death of their beloved mother in their youth. But almost three decades later, they have both shown that they exhibit some of grandma Shand Kydd's traits when it comes to holding a grudge towards each other. Hopefully it won't take another funeral for them to show a united front. 'It was love at first sight,' Thomas Markle said when his youngest daughter, Meghan, was born. With two children from a previous marriage, the 37-year-old lighting director was setting up a new life with a young lady he met on the set of General Hospital. For Doria Ragland, who turns 69 today, Meghan was her first - and only - baby. Tom Bower wrote in his book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors: 'While Thomas endlessly photographed his daughter, he agreed with Doria that baby Meghan should get everything she wanted.' Doria was 24 when her daughter, nicknamed 'Flower', was born on August 4, 1981. She reportedly wanted to name her Rachel, but Thomas preferred Meghan, and within days, Bower wrote, Rachel was forgotten. 'The look on his face was priceless,' recalled Tom Junior, Thomas's eldest child. 'My dad was more in love with her than anyone else in the world, and that included Doria. She became his whole world, his little Princess.' Meghan Markle, pictured on her wedding day on May 19, 2018, was described by her half-brother as her father's 'little Princess' A young Meghan and her father, Thomas Markle, are pictured Doria Ragland was 24 when her daughter, nicknamed 'Flower', was born on August 4, 1981. Meghan and Doria are pictured in 2018 Bower, a former BBC journalist and prolific biographer, wrote: 'Even as a baby, any signs of displeasure should instantly be placated with gifts. 'Worshipped, their daughter would be endlessly reassured that she was special. 'Her parents' unconditional love inevitably shaped Meghan's character and personality.' Meghan, who starred in the legal series Suits before joining the Royal Family, was given everything she needed to pursue an acting career from a young age. She wrote how her parents, who 'came from little', taught her to care about others, and led by example during her childhood, buying turkeys for homeless shelters at Thanksgiving and delivering meals to patients in hospice care. As a child, she travelled to remote places with her mother and visited slums in Jamaica. Thomas commented on the effect that acting had on his daughter in a 2020 Channel 5 documentary, saying: 'I think I gave her a sense of pride, I think I gave her a sense of duty and work, I think Meghan would say that I did a very good job as a father. 'She was growing into a very nice young lady. I got involved in school plays because I watched a couple of their shows, and I knew they needed a lot of work. Tom Bower wrote in his book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors: 'Thomas agreed with Doria that baby Meghan should get everything she wanted' Meghan, who starred in the legal series Suits before joining the Royal Family, was given everything she needed to pursue an acting career from a young age. She is pictured in 2013 Doria - pictured with Meghan in 2015 - instilled a powerful message in her daughter from a young age. Her motto was: 'don't give the milk away for free' or don't do anything for nothing' 'I just offered to come in and put some lights in, build some scenery and make the shows real shows. Meghan was in almost all those shows.' Doria instilled a powerful message in her daughter from a young age. Her motto was: 'don't give the milk away for free' or don't do anything for nothing.' Harry described his future mother-in-law as 'amazing' in a BBC interview to coincide with his engagement, and when baby Archie was born, Doria spent six weeks living with Harry and Meghan at Frogmore Cottage as they adjusted to parenthood. Even before Archie's arrival, Doria took a special yoga class in LA aimed at soothing newborns through gentle movements. Doria was the only member of Meghan's side of the family to attend the royal wedding and was described as an 'oasis of calm' during the early months of Megxit, stoic and with an unwavering loyalty towards her daughter and son-in-law. When Meghan was 11, she and her father moved into a flat close to her 13,500-a-year private girls' school, Immaculate Heart. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Northwestern University, almost 2,000 miles away in Illinois. Over the years, her and Thomas's relationship came under strain, but it broke off entirely when he was found to have arranged pictures with paparazzi in the lead-up to the royal wedding in May 2018. Over the years, Meghan and Thomas's relationship came under strain, but it broke off entirely when he was found to have arranged pictures with paparazzi in the lead-up to the royal wedding in May 2018 Doria and Meghan are pictured in the car as they make their way to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for Meghan's wedding day Doria is pictured with Prince Charles at the wedding ceremony of Harry and Meghan Doria was the only member of Meghan's side of the family to attend the royal wedding and was described as an 'oasis of calm' during the early months of Megxit Thomas has since become an outspoken critic of the Duke and Duchess, accusing them of damaging the Royal Family by stepping back from their duties. He has defended his decision to speak out against his daughter, saying: 'Meghan owes me... It's time to look after Daddy.' But it seems the Queen's famous phrase 'recollections may vary', which she wrote in a statement following Harry and Meghan's explosive Oprah interview, seems to apply to Meghan's childhood. Bower claimed that Meghan loved glamour and celebrity, using her father's connections in Hollywood to launch her teenage career. 'I want to be an actress, ' she kept saying, according to the book. Thomas even took Meghan to the Emmy awards ceremony when he was nominated for best lighting director. After they walked down the red carpet, the 17-year-old said, 'Daddy, I want to be famous just like you one day.' Thomas nodded and went on to do everything to help make that dream come true, according to Bower. When baby Archie was born, Doria spent six weeks living with Harry and Meghan at Frogmore Cottage as they adjusted to parenthood. Meghan and Harry are pictured introducing Archie to Doria, the Queen and Prince Philip Thomas speaks to Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on June 18, 2018, in his first live TV interview Thomas is pictured speaking on Good Morning Britain again in March 2021 after Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah Thomas wanted the best for his daughter, forking out on private primary and secondary schools. But Meghan has painted a very different image of her childhood. The Duchess spoke about her upbringing in her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, which is set for a second season. Speaking to Hollywood actress Mindy Kaling on the second episode, Meghan said she spent time on her own as a child because her parents were working. She told Mindy: 'I grew up with a lot of fast food and also a lot of TV tray dinners. 'It feels like such a different time but that was so normal with the microwavable kids' meals. I grew up with that, watching Jeopardy! and having a lot of fast food.' But according to Thomas, Meghan's description of her childhood eating habits doesn't quite match up with his memory. Thomas said he would personally pick Meghan up every day from school, or send a car to fetch her if he was too busy. Harry described his future mother-in-law as 'amazing' in a BBC interview to coincide with his engagement. Doria made a brief appearance in the Duchess' Netflix series, With Love, Meghan Whatever the state of their shattered relationship now, it is clear that Meghan once enjoyed a close bond with her father and owed her world-class education to his hard work. Despite this, Doria and Meghan have remained close, making appearances on her daughter's podcast, Harry and Meghan's bombshell Netflix docuseries, as well as a brief cameo at a brunch on the Duchess's lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. Most recently, when Meghan's As Ever Instagram page uploaded a post celebrating her birthday last month, eagle-eyed royal observers noticed a heartwarming detail. She was pictured blowing out candles on a cake decorated with yellow edible flowers - and fans were quick to point out the possibility that this represents the nickname 'Flower' given to her by her mother Meghan first divulged Doria referred to her as a 'flower' in a blog post on her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, as she wrote: 'Meg, MM, M&M, and Flower (which my mom has called me since I was little).' She also discussed the nickname during an episode of her since-cancelled Spotify podcast Archetypes that was released in 2022, when Meghan admitted that Doria still calls her by the nickname that has been in use since she was a child. As Doria quietly celebrates her birthday today, her low-key life out of the spotlight means she avoids constant media attention, unlike her daughter or ex-husband. But with the rift between father and daughter still as wide as ever, it seems unlikely Thomas will be making the 7,000-mile journey to reunite with Meghan any time soon. The first duty of a constitutional monarchy is to be politically impartial or, rather, to be seen to be so. The late Queen, over her uniquely long reign, was a model in this respect. This only made it more sensational when she appeared to weigh in on one side or the other in a contentious national debate, even when she never intended her views to be made public. Never was this more explosive than during the 2016 referendum on whether or not the United Kingdom her realm should leave the European Union. During that campaign, the Sun produced a front page declaring 'The Queen Backs Brexit'. It was based on leaks of comments Her Majesty was alleged to have made at a Windsor Castle lunch in 2011, attended by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg (a man passionately attached to the institutions of the EU). The Queen is supposed to have said 'with venom and emotion' that 'I don't understand Europe'. This, of course, is not the same as saying: 'If there is a referendum in five years' time, I'd be delighted if it reversed the decision my government made in 1973.' But the problem for the Palace was it couldn't categorically deny The Sun's headline claim, because that would be as much as to say that the Queen was in favour of Remain and infuriate her pro-Leave subjects. Now, however, we have newspaper headlines saying exactly that 'The Queen was a Remainer'. In 2016, The Sun reported that Queen Elizabeth backed Brexit, which put the monarchy in a difficult position over its political neutrality Royal Correspondent of The Times, Valentine Low, says in his new book the late Queen did not want Britain to leave the EU They stem from a new book, Power And The Palace: The Inside Story Of The Monarchy And 10 Downing Street. Its highly regarded author, the former Royal Correspondent of The Times, Valentine Low, reports a senior minister, who had spoken with the monarch about this just three months before the 2016 vote, and the Queen saying: 'We shouldn't leave the EU.' She had apparently added: 'It's better to stick with the devil you know.' This chimes with what someone who had written the occasional speech for the Queen told me a couple of years after the row over the story in The Sun. He shook his head and said: 'Her Majesty was not a supporter of Brexit.' This was not ideological, or even political. As a friend, who for some years worked at the heart of the nexus between Westminster and Buckingham Palace, explained when I asked him about Low's claims: 'Yes, she would have been in favour of remaining in the EU, but simply because she feared instability and constitutional tumult and would have seen such a rupture as having the potential to cause that.' He added, slightly mischievously: 'The late Queen, and indeed the House of Windsor historically, had a sort of personal reason for such fears. It is based on the sense that, if the constitutional tree is shaken, the glittering bauble at the top of it might also wobble perilously.' In fact, it was the unreconciled Remainers within the parliamentary system who came close to taking this country to a revolutionary moment when they attempted to block the then Conservative government's attempt to honour the result of the 2016 plebiscite. In 2019, my father, the former Chancellor Nigel Lawson, warned the Lords: 'I am deeply concerned at the growing rift between Parliament and the people, with the refusal to accept the people's judgment... there is a real danger that undesirable but very often understandable insurrectionary forces will feel that they cannot trust the British Parliament or the British constitution, and a very ugly situation could well arise.' This primordial fear, within the House of Windsor, of national disorder was a factor behind the most astonishing attack from Buckingham Palace on an elected Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher. This was in July 1986, when The Sunday Times ran the electrifying front-page headline 'Queen dismayed by 'uncaring' Thatcher'. The Queen feared Thatcher's tough stance against the coal miners was damaging 'the country's social fabric' Police and demonstrators clash at a miner's rally in Trafalgar Square in 1985 The story, reporting that the Royal Family thought Margaret Thatcher was 'uncaring, confrontational and socially divisive', and that the Queen feared her tough stance against the coal miners was damaging 'the country's social fabric', had been given to the paper by the Queen's press secretary, Michael Shea. In the ensuing uproar, a panicking Palace issued a statement declaring that 'reports purporting to be the Queen's opinion of the government's policies are entirely without foundation'. But in his authorised Thatcher biography, Charles Moore noted: 'Mrs Thatcher had a sense that the story would never have reached a newspaper if he [Shea] had not felt emboldened by those he worked for to put it out.' This was corroborated by Andrew Neil, who as Sunday Times editor had overseen the story: 'There is no evidence to indicate that Shea leaked at Her Majesty's behest, [but] I'm in no doubt that he was broadly reflecting the views of the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family (yes, you, Charles).' The charitable view of this episode is that the House of Windsor is primarily concerned to act as a unifier for the nation, and that this sense of national harmony was being made more difficult by Mrs Thatcher's 'confrontational' approach. A less charitable interpretation is that the Queen and her wider family had little feeling for the aspirant middle-class whom Thatcher saw as 'our people', since they had never needed to strive to achieve prosperity themselves. Still less charitably, it might be they feared some revolutionary ferment might be the result of Thatcher's policies and who knows what that might mean for the occupants of palaces? The most shocking example of this visceral royal unease comes from the revolutionary year of 1917, and the late Queen's grandfather, George V. In March that year, after Nicholas II of Russia was deposed, the British Cabinet offered sanctuary to Nicholas and his family. This had followed discussions with King George. Not only did the cousins, Nicholas and George, look extraordinarily alike, they were personally close. But by April, George had become seized with the fear that if the rejected Russian royal family came to the UK, it would cause the revolutionary virus to spread here and threaten the monarchy. When the Foreign Secretary, Lord Balfour, rebuffed this, noting that the government didn't think it 'now possible to withdraw the invitation which has been sent', the King got his private secretary to write: 'He must beg you to represent to the Prime Minister that the residence in this country of the ex-Emperor and Empress would be strongly resented by the public and would undoubtedly compromise the position of the King and Queen.' Only then did the Cabinet agree to retract the offer of asylum. The following year, Lenin ordered the slaughter of the now captured Nicholas and his family. Obviously, nothing like this would have happened in any tumult in the wake of the Brexit vote. But the late Queen's anxieties about constitutional stability in this country were deep-rooted and most definitely inherited. People across the UK could catch a glimpse of the iconic Northern Lights tonight and in the coming days, the Met Office has said. Those in the Midlands and the north of the UK are best-placed to see an incredible display over the next two days, with the best viewing conditions predicted for Monday. A fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) - a violent expulsion of charged material - left the Sun 90 million miles away on Saturday night and is forecast to arrive at Earth either late on Monday or early Tuesday. There is therefore likely to be an enhancement of geomagnetic activity, creating conditions that could allow the aurora, to be visible further south than usual, provided that skies are sufficiently dark and clear. The forecaster even anticipates that at the peak of geomagnetic activity, there is a chance the Northern Lights could be visible across much of the UK. These displays may be visible to the naked eye, without the need for photographic equipment, which is relatively rare for locations this far south in the UK. However, where visibility may be poor, 'cameras help as the long exposure allows loads of light in and enhances the colours more than the human eye can see,' a Met Office spokesperson said. The weather forecast from Monday to Wednesday indicates a significant degree of cloud cover throughout the evening. The Aurora Borealis, also known as the "Northern Lights", illuminate the sky as people gather to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower near the village of Borodinka in the Omsk region, Russia August 13, 2024 People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, on May 10, 2024 The Midlands is currently forecast to have the least cloud and, therefore, potentially the best viewing conditions on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, nighttime viewing conditions are set to worsen, with northern Scotland and northern England likely to have the clearest skies. A waxing gibbous moon will also be present, which could disrupt clear views of the aurora, particularly in areas with additional light pollution. For those in more marginal locations, further south or in urban areas, light pollution will play a significant role in determining whether the aurora can be seen. Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager, said: 'As we monitor the arrival of this coronal mass ejection, there is a real possibility of aurora sightings further south than usual on Monday night. 'While the best views are likely further north, anyone with clear, dark skies should keep an eye out. 'Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.' According to the Met Office, tonight's aurora stems from a coronal mass ejection (CME) a massive expulsion of plasma from the sun's corona, its outermost layer. Pictured: A Met Office animation shows tonight's auroral ring over the Northern Hemisphere, determining the range of the Northern Lights and where they will be most visible In North America, Eighteen states are expected to be in the path of a major 'cannibal' solar storm in the early hours of Tuesday morning. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center revealed that the solar event is expected to begin as a G1 (minor) storm To get the best view of the Northern Lights, head somewhere away from light pollution and give plenty of time for your eyes to adjust. Pictured: The Northern Lights over Whitley Bay, England in March The Aurora Borealis seen in an incredible display in the skies over the refuge hut on the causeway leading to Holy Island in Northumberland on October 11, 2024 Tips to see the aurora Head north - the nearer the poles you are the better - the nearer the poles you are the better Check the forecast - cloudless skies provide more visibility - cloudless skies provide more visibility Get out of town - light pollution can mask the aurora - light pollution can mask the aurora Stay up late - best times are between 11pm to 2am - best times are between 11pm to 2am Bring your smartphone - cameras can capture the aurora even when your eyes can't Advertisement The high-energy particles travelled from the sun towards us at hundreds of miles per second before bombarding our magnetosphere commonly known as a 'solar storm'. At this point, some of the energy and small particles can travel down the magnetic field lines at the north and south poles into our planet's atmosphere. There, the particles interact with gases in our atmosphere, resulting in beautiful displays of light in the sky, known as auroras. The various colours on show during the natural event depends in part on what molecules the charged particles interact with. Red and green colours tend to be hallmarks of oxygen, pink and red the signs of nitrogen with blue and purple being the results of hydrogen and helium. The best way to see the stunning displays is to find a dark place, away from light pollution such as street lights and ideally a cloud-free sky. Some of the best aurora spots around the UK are in areas of high elevation (closer to the magnetosphere) and away from cities that pollute the sky with artificial light. The Northern Lights are also set to be visible across 18 US states, including Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington. According to the Met Office, tonight's aurora stems from a coronal mass ejection (CME) a massive expulsion of plasma from the sun's corona, its outermost layer. Pictured: the view at St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay in March Others as far south as Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming also have a chance to see an aurora during the overnight hours. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center revealed that the solar event is expected to begin Monday night as a G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) storm, but conditions will likely worsen after midnight. Scientists are calling the event a 'cannibal' solar storm, which takes place when one massive cloud of charged particles ejected from the sun overtakes and merges with an earlier solar blast, creating an even stronger impact on Earth's magnetic field. There's a chance this geomagnetic storm could reach level G3 (strong) early Tuesday morning and a small possibility it turns into a 'severe' G4 storm, which could increase the risk of power disruptions in the northern half of the US. The 'cannibal' solar storm is also expected to shower the Earth with solar radiation, or high-energy particles known as protons jettisoned by the sun. Two severe solar storms in modern times caused extensive power cuts in Quebec, Canada, in 1989 and Malmo, Sweden, in 2003. This summer's balmy weather has been a treat for beachgoers and holidaymakers but scientists warn that it reflects a more worrying trend. As the Met Office declares summer 2025 to be the hottest summer on record, research shows that the recordbreaking heat was made 70 times more likely by climate change. In a natural climate, we would only expect to see a summer this hot once every 340 years. But due to humanity's production of greenhouse gases, we will now see these sorts of temperatures return once every five years. Worryingly, although 2025 broke all previous records, the Met Office says it is barely exceptional for the current climate. Compared to previous record summers, like that of 1976, 2025's weather patterns and heatwaves could have been far more intense. Dr Mark McCarthy, head of climate attribution at the Met Office, says: 'Our analysis suggests that while 2025 has set a new record, we could plausibly experience much hotter summers in our current and nearfuture climate. 'What would have been seen as extremes in the past are becoming more common in our changing climate.' As the Met Office reveals that 2025 was the hottest summer on record, scientists say that this year's balmy temperatures were made 70 times more likely by climate change. Pictured: sunbathers on Brighton Beach during the summer heatwave on August 12 In a natural climate, we would only expect to see a summer this hot once every 340 years. Due to humancaused climate change, temperatures as hot as this year are likely to return once every five years Between June 1 and August 31, the UK's average temperature hit a balmy 16.1C (61F). That is 1.51C (2.72F) above the longterm average, and 0.34C (0.61F) above the previous record, set in 2018. The new record pushes the summer of 1976 out of the top five warmest summers in a series dating back to 1884. Instead, all five warmest summers have now occurred since 2000. According to the Met Office, these exceptionally high temperatures are due to a combination of factors. Dr Emily Carlisle, a Met Office scientist, says: 'The persistent warmth this year has been driven by a combination of factors including the domination of highpressure systems, unusually warm seas around the UK and the dry soils. 'These conditions have created an environment where heat builds quickly and lingers, with both maximum and minimum temperatures considerably above average.' However, the recordbreaking heat would have been exceptionally unlikely without the influence of humancaused climate change. Between June 1 and August 31, the UK's average temperature hit a balmy 16.1C (61F). That is 1.51C (2.72F) above the longterm average, and 0.34C (0.61F) above the previous record, set in 2018 Scientists say that temperatures this high are no longer exceptional and will soon become the norm. Temperatures exceeding those felt in 2025 are now possible and likely in the future. Pictured: Beachgoers enjoy the sun at Durdle Door, Dorset The UK's five hottest summers on record 2025 : 16.10C 2018 : 15.76C 2006 : 15.75C 2003 : 15.74C 2022 : 15.71C Advertisement Greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane, build up in the atmosphere and trap heat from the sun. As the rate of emissions has accelerated over the last 100 years, this buildup has steadily increased the world's baseline temperature. Between 1991 and 2020, the UK's average summer temperature was 14.59C, which is 0.8C (1.44F) hotter than the average from 1961 to 1990. When baseline temperatures increase, so too do the intensity of peak temperatures and the frequency of hot spells. This, in turn, makes recordbreaking heat events like the past summer much more likely. Professor Richard Allan, a climate scientist from the University of Reading, says: 'Hotter summers are consistent with longterm heating from rising greenhouse gases due to human activities, with an additional boost from declining unhealthy particle pollution that has allowed more of the previously scattered sunlight to bake the ground. 'The only way to limit the growing severity of heatwaves, and the intensity of dry or wet weather extremes, is to rapidly cut our greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of society.' Scientists also warn that temperatures as hot as 2025 will soon be the new normal, rather than an anomalous exception to the rule. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere has steadily increased the global baseline temperature. As the baseline increases, the number of days above previously exceptional temperatures of 28C has also increased Although this year was warmer on average than the iconic summer of 1976, the maximum temperatures were not nearly as intense. The highest temperature recorded this year was 35.8C (96.4F) in Faversham, Kent. This was just cooler than the 1976 maximum of 35.9C (96.6F) and well below the record high of 40.3C (104.5F), set in July 2022. 2025 saw four heatwaves, but these were all relatively short and only featured temperatures slightly above the average for the rest of the summer. However, this year was still consistently warmer for the entire three months of summer. Professor Allan says: 'The length of heatwaves this year did not match the one experienced nearly 50 years ago, and if weather patterns like those that developed in 1976 occurred again in a future summer, the intensity of the heat will be much more dangerous still.' While this summer's warm weather might have been pleasant, scientists also warn that continuing warming trends pose a serious risk for the UK. Dr Jess Neumann, of the University of Reading, says: 'Many would say that this has been a 'good UK summer' with lots of warm and dry weather painting a picture of ice creams, beach days and BBQs in the sunshine. In addition to being the hottest summer, 2025 was also exceptionally dry. The most pronounced droughts were experienced in England, especially in central and southern regions Scientists now warn that parts of the UK will be in significant trouble if this coming winter is as dry as spring and summer have been. Pictured: Extremely low water levels at the Llwynon reservoir in the Taf Fawr valley, Wales 'However, this is not the case for everyone and recent studies indicate that there have been hundreds of heatrelated deaths during the UK summer heatwaves.' In addition to being exceptionally warm, this summer was also drier than average with the UK receiving just 85 per cent of the average rainfall. This rainfall varied strongly across the UK, as England and Wales were exceptionally dry while parts of Scotland and northwestern England were abnormally wet This follows England's driest spring in over 100 years and the driest first six months of the year since 1929. This has brought water levels in reservoirs to extreme lows, triggered hosepipe bans across most of the country, forced farmers to harvest crops early due to drought, and concentrated pollutant levels in rivers to critical levels. Dr Neumann says: 'Parts of the UK will be in significant trouble if a dry winter follows this summer, as we desperately need rainfall to restock our rivers and reservoirs and recharge our aquifers. 'Whilst on the face of it, a hot and dry summer may be viewed as a good thing by some, in the long term it raises serious questions about where we need to invest in infrastructure, how we manage our water, and what we will need to do to cope with a changing climate.' The gender pay gap is something all too many female employees are familiar with. Now, research suggests women in wealthy households earn a staggering 25 per cent less than men. This is much higher than the four per cent difference in earnings in poorer homes, the findings revealed. And experts warned its partly because women are still expected to take on unpaid care work to look after children and the elderly. The gender pay gap refers to the difference between average earnings of men and women in the workforce not just unequal pay for the same work. The researchers, from City St George's at the University of London, analysed 40 years of retrospective workhistory data in the UK. They discovered in higherearning households, men earned an average of 29.27 per hour while women earned 21.94 per hour a difference of 25 per cent. Meanwhile in lowerearning households, the average hourly earnings are 8.22 for men and 7.90 for women a difference of four per cent. This graph shows how the gap between earnings increases as wages get higher. The findings revealed men earn 25 per cent more than women in wealthy households The gender pay gap refers to the difference between average earnings of men and women in the workforce not just unequal pay for the same work (stock image) The research found that pay inequality is less of an issue in poorer households as both men and women in the UK earn such low wages. In addition to the differences by class, the study found that women spending less time in traditional fulltime work accounts for nearly a third of the gender pay gap on average. On average, women are more likely than men to accept reducedhour jobs, parttime work, poorly paid work, or to spend time out of the workforce entirely. Women do so to take on unpaid caring labour, such as looking after children and relatives, which negatively impacts their earnings in both the immediate term and over time. Dr Vanessa Gash, lead author of the study, said: 'Both gender and class need to be looked at by policymakers to reduce the gender pay gap. 'Efforts to close the gender pay gap need to be more strongly tied to an agenda of good quality employment for all. 'Calls for pay equity, which focus on the lack of women in highpowered positions, risk alienating those in households where both partners earn similarly low wages. 'Key to the problem is the ageold question of who is doing most of the unpaid care work in the home, which our research confirms continues to be women.' The team found women are still much more likely to take on unpaid care work, such as looking after children or the elderly (stock image) The findings, published in the Cambridge Journal of Economics, revealed men had an average work history of less than three weeks of unpaid care work in their entire lifetimes. Women, meanwhile, had an average of more than two years of unpaid care work. Sex discrimination is another major driver of the gender pay gap, the authors said. They concluded that women face disproportionately high penalties simply for being female. Removing this societal penalty for being a woman could contribute to a 43 per cent increase in women's wages, they added. The paper was coauthored by researchers at the University of Manchester and the University of Salzburg. September is here, which means millions of children will be starting school in the next few days some for the first time. But if you were planning on posting a photo online of your child in their new school uniform, you might want to think again. Researchers at the University of Southampton warn of the dangers of 'sharenting' parents posting photos or videos of their kids on social media. Whether on Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter), sharenting creates a digital profile of the child without their consent potentially viewable to online criminals. The detailed profile typically consists of the child's personal data such as full name, address, date of birth, hobbies, interests and more. And it can lead to cyberbullying, online harassment, identity theft, privacy breaches, contact by a stranger and more, the experts warn. 'Sharenting can seem like a useful way to celebrate special occasions and update family members around the world on children's progress,' said Dr Anita Lavorgna, assistant professor in criminology at the University of Southampton. 'But parents should be mindful of the risks of sharing personal details such as their children's name and location, or sensitive information like their children's health condition. September is here, which means millions of children will be starting school in the next few days - some for the first time. But if you were planning on posting a photo online of your child in their new school uniform, you might want to think again (file photo) Researchers warn of the dangers of 'sharenting' - parents posting photos or videos of their kids on social media. This Instagram snap posted by David Furnish showed his sons at the start of the school year in 2017 - although, perhaps wisely, the boys faced away from the camera When you post a photo of your child in their school uniform on an online platform, you potentially reveal 'clues' to online criminals, whether they're scammers, hackers, stalkers, cyberbullies or paedophiles. Your child's school may be disclosed by the badge on their jumper, while your home address might even be revealed depending on where the photo is taken. Typically, back-to-school photos are taken on the front porch but such a snap can reveal house number and characteristics about your street. What's more, a written caption accompanying the picture can reveal further details, such as his or her first and second name, age and school start date. Worryingly, even if you have your social accounts set to private, your photos may be seen by people you don't know or trust, the research found. On Facebook for example, even if your profile is set to 'private' and posts only visible to 'friends', if anyone is tagged then their friends can see, copy and reshare the post. As part of their research, University of Southampton experts surveyed more than 1,000 UK parents and found that 45 per cent actively 'sharent'. 16 per cent reported that their child had experienced at least one of the following digital harms cybercrimes, cyberbullying, online harassment, identity theft, identity fraud, privacy breaches, and contact by a stranger. When you post a photo of your child in their school uniform on an online platform, whether it's Facebook, Instagram or X, you potentially reveal 'clues' to online criminals (file photo) Dangers of sharenting can apply to any kind of photo of a child - not just them in their school uniform. For example, a post on their birthday blowing out the candles on a cake can reveal their date of birth - information that cyber criminals use to circumvent online security checks. Pictured, Jools Oliver, wife of Jamie, posts an Instagram snap of her daughter Poppy What is sharenting? Sharenting is when parents or carers post photos or videos of their children on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Sharenting is an issue because it can create a digital profile without the child's consent - typically consisting of personal data like name, address, date of birth, hobbies, interests and more. This digital profile potentially leaves children vulnerable to criminals online, such as scammers, hackers, stalkers, cyberbullies and paedophiles. Advertisement But the dangers of sharenting can apply to any kind of photo of a child not just them in their school uniform. For example, a post on their birthday blowing out the candles on a cake can reveal their date of birth information that cyber criminals use to circumvent online security checks. Name, address and date of birth can be all a fraudster needs to steal a child's identity, and are commonly found from a quick glance at a couple of posts on Facebook. Parents might even share their child's smartphone number in a comment on a Facebook or Instagram post, but it could end up in the wrong hands. Strangers contacting children online may also target them offline perhaps by sending a text message, or posting a letter if they know the address. To make things more problematic, whether or not children can give their consent to having their information posted online is also a grey area. Back in 2019, Gwyneth Paltrow landed herself in hot water with her daughter after she posted a Instagram snap of them without her permission. Other celebs who have 'sharented' include the Beckhams, Jamie Oliver, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Wayne and Frankie Bridge, Paddy and Christine McGuinness, and David Furnish and Elton John. Back in 2019, Gwyneth Paltrow landed herself in hot water with her daughter after she posted a Instagram snap of them - without her permission Celebs known for sharenting include the Beckhams, Jamie Oliver, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Terry and David Furish, husband of Elton John Experts also warn that a photo of a child can be digitally manipulated by criminals using AI-powered computer programmes and end up on the dark web. 'Sharing photos or videos of children at scale across the online world can put their safety, privacy and wellbeing at risk,' said Rani Govender, policy manager for child online safety at children's charity NSPCC, in response to the new research. 'This includes the risk of abusers stealing and adapting these images and sharing them within networks of offenders.' To combat the issue, parents should remember the importance of 'pausing before posting' even if they're social accounts are set to private. 'We encourage parents to consider the long-term implications, engage with their children about what's being shared, and ask permission where appropriate,' said Ms Govender. 'Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that children have safe and healthy experiences online.' It's one of the most popular options for online grocery shopping in the UK, but Tesco appears to have been suffering technical troubles this morning. Thousands of people were left unable to do their online shop early Tuesday, as the Tesco app and website were not working properly. According to DownDetector, problems started just after 8am BST today and affected more than 1,200 users across the UK. Of those who reported issues, 75 per cent were having problems with the app, 23 per cent with the website and two per cent with check-out. Affected customers headed to X (Twitter) to share their experiences, with one saying the 'entire app is full of errors'. The X user added: '[I] can't do anything on the app not even search.' Another user said: '@Tesco desperately need to add shopping to my nans order and the app and web is down. 'She'll blame me if it's not added. Help!' Thousands of people have been left unable to do their online shop, as the Tesco app and website are not working properly (file photo) According to DownDetector, problems started just after 8am BST on Tuesday and affected more than 1,100 users across the UK In a statement to the Daily Mail at 9:30am, a Tesco spokesperson said the issue had been fixed and that the app and website are now operating as normal. 'We've fixed a technical issue that very briefly affected our app and website earlier this morning,' the spokesperson said. 'We apologise for the inconvenience.' It's unclear what the cause of the 'technical issue' is; the Daily Mail has reached out for more information. DownDetector gets network status updates from social media platforms, reports submitted to its website and other sources around the web. The service shows affected people all over the country, including London, Brighton, Manchester, Norwich, Hull, Birmingham and Glasgow. By 8:36am, more than 1,200 people had sent reports to DownDetector, which 'only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than the typical volume for that time of day'. According to the Independent, parts of the Tesco website appeared to be loading, but clicking through products led to a series of error pages. Affected customers headed to X (Twitter) to share their experiences, with one saying the 'entire app is full of errors' One user said: '@Tesco desperately need to add shopping to my nans order and the app and web is down. She'll blame me if it's not added. Help!' Another X user asked: '@Tesco your app and online services are not letting me order a shop online or access any information, is there an issue?' This user said neither the app and Tesco website were working for them and they were unable to spend their money on groceries DownDetector shows affected people all over the country, including London, Brighton, Manchester, Norwich, Hull, Birmingham and Glasgow 'It's not you, it's us,' one read, while another said that an error had occurred. Error messages on the Tesco website told users to refresh the page, which 'did appear to work in some instances'. Customers were left unimpressed, with one person posting on X: '@Tesco When will your Clubcard be up and running again? I can't order or use my vouchers.' Another said: '@Tesco I just ordered some reward partner vouchers which I need to use in the next hour and they haven't come through. App isn't working either?' Yet another said: '@Tesco your app and online services are not letting me order a shop online or access any information, is there an issue?' An asteroid the size of a commercial jet plane will skim past Earth tomorrow, NASA has warned. The 38-metre (124ft) space rock will make an exceptionally close pass of our planet at blistering speeds over 28,000 miles per hour (45,000 km/h). At its closest point, the asteroid will be just 135,465 miles (218,009 kilometres) from the surface of Earth. That is just over half the distance between Earth and the Moon. The asteroid, dubbed 2025 QD8, will make its pass of Earth at 15:56 BST tomorrow afternoon. At almost 40 metres in diameter, this chunk of debris has the potential to be a 'city killer' if it were to collide with the planet. However, scientists say there is no reason to be worried. According to NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), 2025 QD8 will harmlessly whizz past Earth, without any risk of collision. A huge asteroid the size of a commercial jet plane will skim past Earth tomorrow afternoon, NASA has warned (stock image) The asteroid, dubbed 2025 QD8, will pass within 35,465 miles (218,009 kilometres) from the surface of Earth at 15:56 BST tomorrow afternoon. Pictured: 2025 QD8's orbit (grey) intersecting with Earth's orbit (blue) Following its discovery earlier this year, the asteroid 2025 QD8 was spotted by a group of amateur astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project. Using a 17-inch telescope, the astronomers managed to capture an image of 2025 QD8 while it was 2.4 million miles (3.9 million km) from Earth. This confirmed that the asteroid is between 17 and 38 metres (55-125 feet) wide, and is travelling directly towards Earth. The size of the asteroid is an estimate based on the amount of light reflecting off its surface, which means that measurements cannot be entirely certain. If the asteroid is made of a particularly dark or unreflective material, then it could be nearer to the higher end of the estimate range or potentially even larger. However, even at the lower end of its estimated range, the asteroid still carries a huge destructive potential. Dr Shyam Balaji, an astrophysicist from King's College London, told Daily Mail: 'It could cause significant local effects, though not global devastation.' In 2013, an 18-metre (59ft) meteor exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia, near the border with Kazakhstan. The asteroid was spotted by the Virtual Telescope Project, which managed to take an image of the rock while it was 2.4 million miles (3.9 million km) from Earth. Estimated to be between 17 and 38 metres across (5-125 feet), 2025 QD8 is a similar size to the 20-metre Chelyabinsk meteor (pictured), which exploded with 30 times the energy of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima Asteroid 2025 QD8 Estimated size: 17-38 metres Speed: 28,000 miles per hour Absolute magnitude: 25.972 Closest pass to Earth: 35,465 miles Time of closest pass: September 3, 15:56 BST Risk of hitting Earth: None Source: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database Advertisement The resulting explosion was 30 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, producing a shockwave that travelled twice around the world. Directly beneath the explosion, 28 miles (45km) above the ground, the heat was so intense that people were left with burns and retinal damage. Around 1,500 people were injured and over 3,600 homes were damaged, even though only 0.05 per cent of the original rock made it to the ground. With a potential size up to 38 metres in diameter, 2025 QD8 has the potential to be even more destructive - possibly even ranking it as a 'city killer' size asteroid. Dr Balaji adds: 'Larger examples, like the Tunguska event in 1908, flattened thousands of square kilometres of forest. 'An impact over a populated area could therefore be serious, but events of this scale remain rare.' However, although the asteroid will pass extremely close to the planet, it poses no threat whatsoever to Earth. Thanks to careful study by the network of planetary defence telescopes, astronomers are able to make very precise calculations of asteroids' orbits. Thanks to precise calculations of the asteroid's orbit (illustrated), scientists are certain the 2025 QD8 will not hit Earth tomorrow or at any other point in the future This means we know with a very high level of certainty that 2025 QD8 will not hit Earth or the moon. Although NASA and ESA have detected tens of thousands of near-earth objects, calculations show it is highly unlikely that a dangerous asteroid will hit Earth in the next 100 years. Unfortunately, despite its close passage, the asteroid won't be visible to the naked eye. 'It will be far too faint, and even telescopes would need to be well-equipped and precisely aimed,' says Dr Balaji. However, budding astronomers will still have an opportunity to watch this close encounter. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a free live stream of the asteroid's passage, starting from midnight tonight, which you can watch at this link. The live stream will feature views of the approaching asteroid gathered by the group's suite of robotic telescopes located in Manciano, Italy. The US Army has admitted to spraying a mysterious chemical fog over dozens of US neighborhoods, which residents now claim is giving them cancer decades later. These secret tests took place in the 1950s and 1960s, in areas such as St Louis, Missouri; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Corpus Christi, Texas, and 29 other cities throughout the US and Canada. Over the years, residents in these of densely populated areas, including St Louis's Pruitt-Igoe housing complex, saw trucks and rooftop devices spraying a thick, foul-smelling fog that stuck to their skin and made many children feel sick. What the military didn't tell Americans was that the spray contained zinc cadmium sulfide (ZnCdS), a powder which can cause cancer, kidney damage, or lung problems if inhaled in large amounts over time. The Army sprayed the cadmium-filled fog to mimic and study how biological weapons may have spread through cities during the Cold War, choosing areas like St Louis because they resembled Soviet cities like Moscow. While the Army has maintained that the exposure levels were low enough not to cause serious harm, key records from a report examining the fog's health risks are still missing, leaving many to doubt the claims that the spraying was safe. Now, former residents from the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex have come forward to reveal that many of them have developed rare forms of cancer, while others in their families have already died from diseases that may be linked to the fog. Pruitt-Igoe resident Cecil Hughes said: 'They didn't ask our permission. We didn't ask for them to spray us. My government used me like I was a Guinea pig.' St Louis's Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in the 1950s, where the US Army tested mysterious chemical fog during Cold War experiments Army soldiers dispersed zinc cadmium sulfide from rooftops and trucks to simulate chemical weapons in US neighborhoods Although Pruitt-Igoe was demolished in the 1970s, a group of residents, who were children at the time of the spraying, spoke to NewsNation about the long-term diseases that spread through in their community after the Army testing. James Caldwell said he was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma and added that he believed it's linked to the spraying since the disease doesn't run in his family. Caldwell noted that the fog was sprayed from a flatbed truck that carried a large machine on the back with a big nozzle. 'You couldn't even see through it; it was that thick, and it would adhere to our skin,' Caldwell said. 'And as far as the guys on top of the buildings, they tried to portray them to us as maintenance workers, but what are the maintenance workers doing in a hazmat suit? They had masks and goggles,' he added. Jacquelyn Russell revealed she lost two siblings to cancer, while many of her neighbors had kidney, brain, and eye cancers, which she attributed to the ZnCdS fog. Former resident Ben Phillips added: 'My parents' friends started dying. I went to 10 funerals, and about seven or eight of them were cancer-related deaths.' Despite the many residents claiming this Cold War test caused their cancers, there is still no definitive proof connecting the ZnCdS spraying to any health problems, even after 70 years. Residents in St Louis said the gas released from rooftops (pictured) smelled like chemicals and stuck to the skin Decades after the tests took place, the Army publicly acknowledged it conducted dispersion tests involving zinc cadmium sulfide as part of Operation LAC (Large Area Coverage) and other biological warfare experiments. The tests were designed to study the dispersal patterns of chemical agents, using the St Louis housing projects and many other American neighborhoods as stand-ins for potential Russian targets. The government's admission came in the mid-1990s after declassified documents were released, quickly leading to public outrage and a congressional investigation into the safety of the chemical fog. In 1997, the National Research Council, a non-governmental scientific body, released a 387-page report on the ZnCdS spraying, confirming the Army's claims that the low levels of ZnCdS being sprayed were safe and were unlikely to cause serious health problems. However, the NRC report noted that health risks, such as lung cancer, kidney issues, and weakening bones from cadmium exposure, could not be fully ruled out due to limited data on long-term effects. The NRC report highlighted that some Army records about the ZnCdS tests were missing or still classified, making it hard to know the full scope of what was sprayed in the 1950s and 60s. Those missing documents included the Joint Quarterly Report 5, a classified report detailing the ZnCdS spraying tests written by a scientist named Philip Leighton, who was involved in the Army's biological warfare research program. According to NewsNation, a Freedom of Information Act request for the missing document filed in May has gone unanswered, despite the law giving the government only 20 working days to respond. The Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St Louis (pictured) was one of over 30 neighborhoods exposed to ZnCdS spraying The residents of Pruitt-Igoe have demanded compensation and further studies of the mysterious fog but admitted that whatever is done will come too late to help them. 'They're waiting on all of us to die,' Phillips claimed. 'And when we die, maybe they're going to wait for our kids to die.' Despite residents' demands, public hearings, and advocacy groups calling for action, the federal government has not provided compensation, issued an official apology, or acknowledged health impacts from the ZnCdS spraying. The Daily Mail could also not find any records that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted new health studies, which Missouri state lawmakers requested. A pickpocket was grabbed by the hair and prevented from running away by an irate husband as she tried to steal his wife's backpack in Italy. The woman, who claimed to be pregnant after being caught, was held by the hair and arms and stopped from 'stealing' the tourist's bag at Piazza di San Lorenzo, a popular square frequented by tourists in Florence. Footage of the fracas shows two men, including the husband of the victim, keeping hold of the 'thief' as she tries to wriggle free. One man clutched on to her hair, before she drops the backpack, while another gripped her left arm. Savvy: A man apprehended a thief after she allegedly tried to steal his wife's backpack After being caught by the men the alleged pickpocket shouted 'I'm pregnant'. Another pickpocket then appeared demanding the woman should be released, while a tourist can be heard repeatedly shouting for the police as they recover the backpack. Two thieves were reportedly later arrested. The video, posted on Instagram by vigilante account firenze_cronaca_pickpocket, is captioned: 'This time it happened that two pickpockets, together, tried to steal a tourist's backpack. 'The husband, exasperated, intervened and reacted with force to defend his wife. In the end, luckily, the police also arrived who stopped and arrested them.' If you're flying through Europe anytime soon, chances are you'll arrive at one of the 10 award-winning airports leading the way with their technology, sustainability and service. And if you happen to be travelling to Rome, you'll be flying into Europe's best airport - a title awarded for the seventh year in a row. The latest ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards, which honour airports pushing boundaries across the continent, once again recognised Rome Fiumicino for its impressive commitment to passenger experience, sustainability and innovation. With air travel bouncing back strong over the last couple of years, and even more growth expected in 2025, airports are having to adapt to new challenges in security, operations, staff wellbeing and environmental goals. This year's awards focused on the airports that met these challenges directly, with several special awards handed out besides those based on passenger numbers. Germany's Munich Airport won the Digital Transformation Award thanks to its use of service robots and AI to improve operations and passenger experience. Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands took home the Eco-Innovation Award for its bold 'Electrify' project, which aims for fully electric international travel. France's Lyon Airport was recognised with the HR Excellence Award for its strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in managing its workforce. The latest ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards, which honour airports that are pushing boundaries across the continent, once again recognised Rome Fiumicino for its impressive commitment to passenger experience and innovation Germany 's Munich Airport won the Digital Transformation Award thanks to its use of service robots and AI to improve operations and passenger experience A special Award for Exceptional Resilience was given to Ukrainian airports, which honoured their incredible efforts to maintain operations and care for staff despite huge challenges amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Other winners included Ireland's Cork Airport, praised for growth and sustainability in the under five million passengers category. Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, based in Bulgaria, was recognised for its ambitious and 'compelling' efforts towards net-zero emissions in the 5 to 10 million passenger range. Another German airport, Hamburg, also impressed judges with its carbon-free goals and passenger comfort, winning in the 10 to 25 million passenger group. Athens International Airport, Greece's busiest airport, stood out in the 25 to 40 million category for tackling challenges like seasonality and tourism collaboration. But it's Rome Fiumicino that continues to dominate the biggest category: airports handling over 40 million passengers. Its recent launch of Europe's largest solar farm, which cuts over 11,000 tons of CO2 a year, along with its data-driven approach to management, helped secure its seventh consecutive win. London's Heathrow Airport was also highly commended, but the popular Italian airport remains firmly on top. A special Award for Exceptional Resilience was given to Ukrainian airports (pictured, Boryspil in Kiev), which honoured their incredible efforts to maintain operations and care for staff despite huge challenges Athens International Airport, Greece's busiest airport, stood out in the 25 to 40 million category for tackling challenges like seasonality and tourism collaboration ACI EUROPE 2025 Best Airport Awards AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESILIENCE - UKRAINIAN AIRPORTS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD - MUNICH AIRPORT ECOINNOVATION AWARD - MAASTRICHTAACHEN AIRPORT HR EXCELLENCE AWARD - LYON AIRPORT WORLD BUSINESS PARTNER AWARD - ELLA SOLTANI, TO70 Aviation IN THE UNDER 5 MILLION PASSENGERS CATEGORY - CORK AIRPORT IN THE 510 MILLION PASSENGERS CATEGORY - VASIL LEVSKI SOFIA AIRPORT IN THE 1025 MILLION PASSENGERS CATEGORY - HAMBURG AIRPORT IN THE 2540 MILLION PASSENGERS CATEGORY - ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OVER 40 MILLION PASSENGERS - ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT Advertisement Earlier this year, the most dangerous airports in the world were revealed and one is so feared that only eight pilots are approved to land there. In a video shared to TikTok by @spreadinggeo, its said that Paro Airport, in Bhutan, has the fifth most precarious landing on the planet. The runway at Bhutans only international airport is completely surrounded by the Himalayas and, when landing, planes have to dive through narrow valleys with no radar. For this reason, just 17 pilots are certified to land here, and can only do so during daylight hours, and at specific times in the afternoon during windy seasons. I used to live the high life. As a regular business-class flyer, I would waltz past the crowded hordes on my concourse, and head straight to my swanky lounge. But these days Im a mere leisure traveller, and the airlines simply arent interested in me. In fact, they make it impossible for anyone other than the most frequent corporate air warriors to earn enough loyalty points to get lounge access. So rather than traipsing around airports like a 21st-century Adam expelled from Eden feeling sorry for myself, whenever I travel now, I seek out The One Decent Place. On recent trips, Ive ticked off Malaga (Kirei), Frankfurt (Pezzo di Pane) and Hong Kong (Beef and Liberty). But as most of us are flying from the UK, lets start here. Where I can, Ive found a place in all the major UK airports. Where I cant, Ive named and shamed. So what are the criteria? Well, unusually, the main ones are NOT the quality of the food and drink nor the price. Frankly, if you do decide to dine and drink in an airport, get comfortable with the idea youll be paying eye-watering prices for a place youd probably walk straight past if it was on your local high street. What Im looking for first and foremost is light and space, given youre about to spend between one and 14 hours in a dark, hot, cramped cabin. So I avoid dark, hot, cramped bars where someones luggage trolley is an inch from your right ear. I also avoid the familiar chains. You dont need me to tell you what a Burger King, Pret or Costa Coffee is like. True, there are airport-specific chains, too, like Montys Diner and the Juniper Bar, owned by big international companies youve never heard of. But where possible, Ive tried to find unique places where you can have a nice time and not for a second miss those increasingly crowded lounges with their stale crisps, warm white wine and self-important businessmen braying into their phones. LONDON GATWICK SUSSEX HOUSE KITCHEN AND BAR You need a decent place at the UKs worst airport for delays. Now (opened in 2024) Gatwick has the Sussex House. Like the better motorway service stations, the airport has used its space to promote local produce. So you get Sussex Bakes sticky toffee pudding and Bush Barn Farms elderflower and rhubarb cordial. The decor is soothing and the space nice and airy. Even the TripAdvisor commenters like it. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Sample Surreys Silly Moo Cider for 7.00 a pint. HEATHROW TERMINAL 2 JONES THE GROCER Personally, I avoid the fry-ups and pints of lager before a flight. So Jones the Grocer is the place for me, with healthy and fairly-priced Mediterranean-style grub with a nice al fresco area or as fresco as an airport terminal ever gets. Great name, too. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Kick start your trip with a Bloody Mary for 12. HEATHROW TERMINAL 5 PILOTS If youre leaving from the satellite terminal (B and C gates), get there as soon as your gate is called itll be a lot quieter. But even if you are stuck in the main concourse, Pilots is a sound bet, with good service and a larger terrace-style space. Im always happy with a Sauvignon Blanc and a Caesar salad here. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Grab a pint of Heineken for 7.25. STANSTED THE CAMDEN BAR AND GRILL Youre a long way from London NW1 here in the Essex countryside, but the design has some of the vibrancy and hipness of that neighbourhood. The food is terrible, though so stick to the beer. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Enjoy a Breakfast Mimosa for 11.49. ABERDEEN Bocco Its a bit crazy diagonal striped flooring, ferns hanging from the roof, terracotta feature walls but at least this upmarket Italian has some energy. Italian is my default choice for airport grub and this scores well in the excellent column on TripAdvisor. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Settle into the dolce vita with an Aperol Spritz 10.50. BELFAST THE ARTISAN All pop art and pale wooden furniture this bar makes most business lounges look dowdy. And the comfort food does the job for most visitors. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Have a pint of Guinness for 6.75. BRISTOL CABIN BAR Nice-looking backlit bar, open-plan design but you probably want to eat before you arrive at the airport. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Sample The Cabin Elderflower Collins for 11.50. EAST MIDLANDS PORK AND PICKLE Clean blue and white decor more Amalfi than Derbyshire. Like the Gatwick place, they make a big deal of their local produce (pork pies and all), although the reviewers are divided. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Grab a pint of Birra Moretti for 7.70. EDINBURGH FEVER-TREE Departures from my local airport got a lot more jolly when the tonic brand opened their first outlet here. Sit at the bar and be sociable, or find a booth and tuck into some tapas. The only problem is finding a free seat. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Theres an array of Fever-Tree drinks, including a Raspberry & Lime Spritz for 12.75. MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER EXCHANGE Can you have a proper pub serving proper local beer in an airport? Independent Manc brewer Joseph Holt thinks so. The interior is definitely an upgrade on the average Spoons, but the food gets mixed reviews. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Have a Manchester Gin with fever-Free Tonic for 12.00. NEWCASTLE ASTER AND THYME Newcastle used to offer one of the bleaker pre-boarding experiences. Things have improved a lot with the tiled floors, marble tabletops and flowery fabrics of Aster and Thyme. The foods delicious, the atmosphere calming, say the reviewers. And they serve kippers. TRY BEFORE YOU FLY: Treat yourself to a glass of champagne from 14.50. THE L LIST Hell is an airport beginning with L. I cant honestly recommend anywhere at these terminals. Bring your own grub, find a quiet corner if you can and pray for the boarding sign to go up. LIVERPOOL LONDON CITY LUTON Meanwhile, LEEDS AND BRADFORD is being redeveloped with upmarket airport chain Juniper and Co promising a little piece of pre-flight luxe. It already has a Cabin Bar (see Bristol). And the overall winner is FEVER-TREE Please roll out nationwide NOW. An air travel expert has warned Brits to prepare for flight cancellations and diversion risks. With EU border rules set to kick in next month, the new entry/exit system (EES) is expected to cause issues in some airports. The digital system begins on October 12 for arrivals into the European Union and will require non-EU passport holders and those crossing Schengen borders to provide biometric data and fingerprints. 'Almost every airport in Europe, Britain and anywhere in the world today is very well-run when things are going normally,' Oliver Ranson from Airline Revenue Economics told Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast. He explained that in usual circumstances, 'people don't have to queue for too long'. 'The problem is, when things do start to go wrong and when new systems like the entry and exit system are introduced, unexpected niggles can make the overall arrivals process very gnarly very quickly,' Oliver added. The expert went on to argue that 'if that happens, it takes a surprisingly short time for an airport, which is normally working very well indeed, to completely collapse'. He warned that issues like people not fitting into the arrivals hall and 'planes have to be held at the gate' can easily arise in such circumstances. With EU border rules set to kick in next month, the new entry/exit system (EES) is expected to cause issues in some airports (stock) The digital system begins on October 12 for arrivals into the European Union and will require Non-EU passport holders and those crossing Schengen borders to provide biometric data and fingerprints 'Maybe even some flights will have to be diverted or cancelled because an airport can't accommodate them,' Oliver said. When queues do build up, authorities will be able to make the decision to check only one in ten people to help keep things moving smoothly. Oliver calculated which airports will likely be impacted, with Athens, Bucharest and Milan Malpensa named as the most vulnerable. 'This is not a criticism of any of those airports, these are airports which have a great selection of flights and a great range of destinations and can accommodate a large number of people arriving from the non-Schengen area,' he explained. 'Being at risk of disruption is not a criticism of these airports.' Oliver added that a substantial number of non-Schengen arrivals go through the airports each day. 'If things do go wrong and it takes a long time for people to process the arriving passengers, systems aren't working, for whatever reason the immigration officers feel it would be inappropriate to relax the checks, then Athens and the other nine are the most at risk of disruption on the way,' he said. EES will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, each time they cross a border into or out of the EU. 'Almost every airport in Europe, Britain and anywhere in the world today is very well-run when things are going normally,' Oliver Ranson from Airline Revenue Economics told Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast When it comes into force in October, travellers will need to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk prior to crossing the border. This will replace the current manual stamping of passports for visitors to Europe's borderless Schengen area who are not nationals of EU or Schengen countries. The system will register the person's name, type of travel document, biometric data (such as fingerprints) and the date and place of entry and exit. It is likely that British travellers will have their fingerprints and facial images taken the first time they cross a border into the EU, once the new system is in operation. British holidaymakers heading to Spain have been urged to double-check their bills while drinking and dining out - after a former restaurant employee revealed that many establishments are intentionally charging UK tourists more than usual. The ex-staffer, who once worked in the popular holiday hotspot of San Antonio, Ibiza, claimed she was ordered by management to overcharge British tourists a much higher price compared to locals. She also alleged that she, alongside other members of staff, were made to sneak extra charges and add-ons onto food orders when she suspected diners were from the UK. Speaking to Ibiza newspaper, Periodico de Ibiza, as reported by Majorca Daily Bulletin, she highlighted a standard scenario that involved British tourists asking to order a hamburger with cheese. However, the former server shared: 'Employees were told to serve them an extra-large hamburger with cheese and add several extras, like extra hamburgers, extra cheese, XL chips or other products they hadn't asked for.' She further revealed that bosses ordered staff to add the extras 'without them realising.' The former employee's claims come as dozens of tourists visiting Spain have reported being left out of pocket due to so-called scams operated by staff at restaurants and bars. One person, who goes by u/witz on Reddit, shared in a thread their suspicions of being caught up in and witnessing scams whilst out and about in Barcelona. British holidaymakers heading to Spain have been urged to double-check their bills whilst drinking and dining out - after a former restaurant employee revealed that many establishments are intentionally charging UK tourists more than usual The ex-staffer, who once worked in the popular holiday hotspot of San Antonio, Ibiza, claimed she was ordered by management to overcharge British tourists a much higher price compared to locals (Pictured: Santanyi, Spain) They wrote: 'At a small restaurant in Barcelona, the total bill was 20% higher than the sum of the items ordered. I questioned the lady who served us, who seemed to be the owner, and she explained that there was an additional charge for sitting outside. 'I am aware that this kind of charge is common in Spain, but in this specific restaurant, there was no information about it anywhere. 'Also in the Gothic Quarter, we went into a shop and bought 2 jamon ibericos [sic] that were clearly marked as 10 euros each. Only after we had paid and left did I realize that the charge on the card was 30 and not 20 euros.' Others chimed in with their own experiences, as one wrote: 'When we got to Spain we quickly realised every sit down cafe/restaurant we went to tried to short change us. 'If it was for like 0.5 Euros they'd say they dont have small change and would just keep it. Or if it was a larger amount like 15 Euros they'd say theyll be right back but then "forget."' Another shared: 'It was a decade ago but I do vaguely remember ordering a coke with my meal on Las Ramblas and being charged 8.' A third said: 'My favorite "scam" was this restaurant handing out cards for "their" restaurant. I googled them 4.8 stars, tons of reviews. We get in, and I'm like, wait. The restaurant name is different than on the card. 'I Google this restaurant name. 3.5 stars. The food sucked, but we'd already ordered, and it was cheap af, so... gave both restaurants 1 star. The fake restaurant had a website and everything with the exact same location address.' The former employee's claims come as dozens of tourists visiting Spain have reported being left out of pocket due to so-called scams operated by staff at restaurants and bars (pictured: Royal Square in Barcelona) However, one seasoned traveller warned: 'You need to pay attention in touristy areas, especially if you look very touristy. This goes for every Mediterranean country. General rule of thumb is not to eat at major tourist hubs if you can avoid it.' It comes after Spain has been named the top hotspot for tourist scams, with more than one million holidaymakers reported to have fallen victim to fraudulent activity. A Go Compare study, which assessed figures from several countries using ONS and survey data, uncovered the top ten tourist destinations where travellers have fallen foul of scams. High on the list of popular holiday spots targeted by scammers are France, USA and Greece. Philip Olivier and Suzanne Collins will officially be part of the Brookside return. The Channel 4 soap - which came to an end in 2003 after 21 years on screen - is returning for a special crossover episode to mark the 30th anniversary of Hollyoaks in October. It has now been announced that Philip, 45, will be reprising his role as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary, while Suzanne, 47, is also on board and will return as Nikki Shadwick. Philip said: 'It was a delight and surprise to be asked to join this special episode for Hollyoaks' anniversary. 'When I was first cast in Brookside aged 15, I would never have thought that 30 years on, people would still be calling me 'Tinhead'! 'I remember my time on Brookside with great affection and will relish returning to 'the Close'.' Two Brookside legends to reprise their roles for epic Hollyoaks crossover episode as Channel 4 soap celebrates 30 years on screens Suzanne, 47, (pictured right) is also on board and will return as Nikki Shadwick. Philip, 45, (pictured) will be reprising his role as Tim 'Tinhead' O'Leary Meanwhile, Suzanne paid tribute to her late co-star Dean Sullivan, who played Brookside's longest-serving character Jimmy Corkhill. He passed away in 2023 aged 68 following a battle with prostate cancer. She said: 'I'm honoured and privileged to be part of this special episode and to play Nikki again. 'I feel like I'm going home. It will be emotional without our darling Dean Sullivan, but I think he will be looking down on us and beaming with pride.' Earlier this month it was revealed that Sue Johnson will be back as matriarch Sheila Grant, a part she played from 1982 until 1990. She said: 'It'll be so lovely to go back and be Sheila for a day as it was such a big, enjoyable part of my life.' Paul Usher will be reprising his role as Sheila's bad-boy son Barry Grant, and John McArdle is returning as her second husband, Billy Corkhill. And it has been revealed that Billy will later appear in more episodes of Hollyoaks as the character heads to the village, but the reasons why have been kept under wraps. The pair together on the show pictured back in 2003 Hollyoaks Executive Producer Hannah Cheers previously described the episode as a "love letter" to both soaps and expressed her gratitude to Sir Phil Redmond, who created both Hollyoaks and Brookside. She said: 'This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside. 'Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets. 'For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast. 'This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside 'These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks. 'As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. 'With Sir Phils blessing after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him and the support of Channel 4, were able to make it happen.' Brookside hit our screens in 1982 and wrapped up in 2003. The show, which aired over 2000 episodes, aired on Channel 4. Meanwhile Hollyoaks premiered in 1995 and there have been more than 6000 episodes over the years. The Roses has been hailed as 'deliciously savage' by critics - with Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch's 'sublime' performances praised as the highlight of the 'riotous' remake. Those who have already watched the black comedy film, which premiered on August 29, have shared their thoughts on it. The Roses is based on Waddler Adler's 1981 book The War of The Roses and the 1989 film. 'A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the facade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down,' IMDb's synopsis states. The movie, directed by Jay Roach, stars the likes of Olivia, 51, Benedict, 49, and Kate McKinnon, 41. Daily Mail's Larushka Ivan-Zadeh gave the blockbuster a glowing four-star review - and it appears that other critics have thought the same after watching it. The Roses has been hailed as 'deliciously savage' by critics - with Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch 's 'sublime' performances praised as the highlight of the 'riotous' remake Those who have already watched the black comedy film, which premiered on August 29, have shared their thoughts on it She writes: 'If youve ever cheerfully wished your partner dead (just for a moment) or cursed them as they ponced off to a swanky work do leaving you to clear up the cat sick and hang the laundry, then this is the movie for you. 'Updated for modern times, its a 2025 battle of the sexes rooted in the relatable domestic realities and stresses that exhaust working parents. 'Its also outrageously funny as youd imagine from the director of Austin Powers and Meet The Parents, Jay Roach, and the writer of Poor Things, Tony McNamara. 'The script zings with one-liners, replacing the original movies slapstick carnage (though there are still dashes of that) with devilishly biting wit. None of that would work, though, without two acting geniuses delivering it.' The Rolling Stones' David Fear writes: 'No one needs to convince a soul that Colman is one of the single best reasons to keep watching movies and TV today, and that her talent for lacing a twinkle with high degrees of thallium is damn near peerless. 'The whole thing is pure Advanced Screen Chemistry 108, and being an audience to these two hammering away at each other with such complete ferocity and verbal dexterity is a joy.' Financial Times' Danny Leigh writes: 'The film remakes The War of the Roses (1989), adapted in turn from Warren Adlers novel. 'A major refurb includes recasting the central couple as English. A London prologue finds dissatisfied architect Theo (Cumberbatch) in a meet cute with chef Ivy (Colman). The movie is eager to keep things brisk. Sex in a fridge soon follows, then cut to years later, and domestic bliss in California. The Roses is based on Waddler Adler's 1981 book The War of The Roses and the 1989 film 'Theo is now a much more satisfied architect, while Ivy runs a hobby restaurant between managing the kids. Until in a night of both triumph and disaster, fortunes reverse. The marriage? Doomed.' Grazia's Alice Hall says: 'This one is definitely one to see if you need to pass some time over the rainy weekend. 'Just don't blame us if it makes you think twice about those marriage vows...' Forbes' Simon Thompson adds: 'While not perfect, this version of the story, based on Warren Adlers 1981 novel The War of the Roses and a remake of the titular 1989 film starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito, makes the source material its own.' He continues: 'With solid lead performances that make the sometimes barbed, often heartfelt and tender comedy and drama pop, and a stacked ensemble that only enhances whats already on the table, The Roses is a raw riot. 'Still, its not for the faint of heart and the dark, explosive third act is a breath holding journey.' The Telegraph's Tim Robey says: 'As a warring couple, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch tear strips off each other in The Roses. Its what we want to see: a vicious duet between virtuosos, in a key of long-repressed matrimonial rage. 'The heat these two generate is just as much dramatic as comic; the depths they supply are the special effects.' And his headline reads: 'Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch are deliciously savage in this War of the Roses remake.' The Times' Kevin Maher writes: 'Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are the screen couple you never knew you needed until now. 'They commandeer this War of the Roses remake from the very first scene, spitting out one-liners from the Oscar-nominated screenwriter Tony McNamara (Poor Things, The Favourite) with impeccable timing and a fabulously dyspeptic air.' Empire Magazine's Helen O'Hara says: 'Its not the toothless remake we feared, and is often very funny, but theres a slight imbalance between the Roses that blunts some of its effect.' She adds: 'Everyone had certain expectations around happy-ever-afters that DeVitos biting film refused to meet. 'Jay Roachs remake, however, by definition comes with a different set of pressures and without a central cast who have an established history. 'He has his work cut out to update its story and characters and make us feel any narrative tension as the marital tension ratchets skyward. Luckily, hes ensured its still funny.' Meanwhile Thelma Adams for AARP Movies for Grownups says: 'Its Colman and Cumberbatch at the top of their games, with a lively script and strong direction, that make The Roses so much more than a routine reboot.' Elizabeth Hurley squirmed in the ITV studio as she was grilled by the Loose Women panellists about her blossoming romance with Billy Ray Cyrus - before Coleen Nolan took a savage swipe at their relationship. The actress and model, 60, appeared alongside panellists Coleen, Brenda Edwards, Kelly Brook and Sunetra Sarker to discuss her love life. But the mother turned bashful when asked about her new beau, and awkwardly sipped tea while raising her eyebrows, as if to buy herself some time. 'I think timing is everything,' she said of her new-found love. 'Prior to that I was a single mum and I took that really seriously so there wasn't really anything after I split up with my last boyfriend which was Shane [Warne]. 'It just didn't seem right to introduce someone into our family and into our lives.' Elizabeth Hurley squirmed in the ITV studio as she was grilled by the Loose Women panellists about her blossoming romance with Billy Ray Cyrus And panellist Coleen Nolan took a brutal swipe at Liz's new relationship - prompting the other women to gasp The actress and model, 60, appeared alongside panellists Coleen, Brenda Edwards, Kelly Brook and Sunetra Sarker to discuss her love life Liz said country star Billy has been trying to teach her to play guitar, adding: 'He was very keen at first then he realised how appalling I was.' She told the panel how both her child and Billy's children, most famous among them Miley and Noah Cyrus, have 'left the nest,' allowing the pair to focus on their relationship. But Coleen chimed in with a catty swipe about their romance when she said: 'When you're 60, anything's better than nothing.' The other women gasped and the audience erupted into uncomfortable laughter, but well-meaning Coleen swiftly moved on to the next topic. Liz also discussed the arrival of her reality competition, The Inheritance, on UK screens. The Hampshire-born star said of the show: 'Even though it's unscripted my bits are entirely scripted. 'To do something unscripted would be invading my privacy in a way, then when they said I was dead for most of it, I didn't understand it at all.' Liz plays The Deceased in the new series, a bitter woman with a massive fortune that she has left to strangers, leaving them to battle it out under the guidance of her pre-recorded videos. But the mother turned bashful when asked about her new beau, and awkwardly sipped tea while raising her eyebrows, as if to buy herself some time She told the panel how both her child and Billy's children, most famous among them Miley and Noah Cyrus, have 'left the nest,' allowing the pair to focus on their relationship But Coleen chimed in with a catty swipe about their romance when she said: 'When you're 60, anything's better than nothing' She continued: 'My character was supposed to be about 90, with grey hair, but they said I could play it however I like!' But, ironically, the former model explained she is 'not big' on the idea of inheriting a fortune herself. 'I don't have anyone wealthy in my family so I'm not going to inherit much anyway, but I'd like them to enjoy it,' she said. 'My mummy is still alive and we say "we want you to enjoy it and spend the lot" and I'm debating doing the same - going out on empty.' It comes amid news that Liz's new reality show The Inheritance has flopped with dire ratings in a huge blow to Channel 4. The glossy format, in which the actress plays a wealthy heiress known only as The Deceased, pulled in just 540,000 viewers on Sunday night, making it one of the broadcaster's lowest-rated reality debuts. Inspired by the success of BBC hit The Traitors, the series sees contestants battle it out for the fortune left in The Deceased's will, with Rob Rinder taking on the role of lawyer. Although the premiere peaked with 670,000 viewers in its opening minutes, it fell woefully short of the 890,000 slot average. Austin Powers star Liz, 60, introduced herself in the opening moments by declaring: 'Hello darlings! I have some bad news. Are you ready? Here goes. I'm dead.' For much of the show, the star was seen lying beautifully made-up in a coffin. Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 from 12:30pm and is available to stream on ITVX. Prince Andrew: On Trial (Ch5) Rating: Rude, obnoxious, self-entitled. That's the verdict of former protection officer Paul Page on Prince Andrew, 'the most unpopular royal in the palace'. At first, that appears a damning indictment of a man who has been accused of far worse than arrogance and bullying. But like all of the 'evidence' in the mock-up court case heard during Prince Andrew: On Trial, it failed to stick. Everything about this fake trial was ropey. For a start, Andrew did not appear. He wasn't even represented by an actor. And the trumped-up charge being tried was not a criminal one, nor anything like it. The 12 jurors simply had to decide this question: 'Is Prince Andrew a liability to the Royal Family, yes or no?' He is without doubt charmless. Page, who guarded the royals for six years from 1998, claimed Andrew, 'looked down upon all members of staff, not just police maids, his own private secretaries and so forth.' Rude, obnoxious, self-entitled. That's the verdict of former protection officer Paul Page (pictured) on Prince Andrew, 'the most unpopular royal in the palace' Pictured: Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George's Chapel on February 27, 2024 in Windsor, England On one occasion, Page said, a young woman turned up at the palace gates claiming to have an assignation with the prince. When police hesitated to let her in, she called Andrew on her mobile and put him on speakerphone. 'He said, 'Listen to me, you fat lardy-a***d ****, if you don't let my guest in, I'm going to come down there',' the former Scotland Yard officer recalled. But Page, the jury learned, was a convicted fraudster who defrauded colleagues and friends out of their life savings in a 3million property scam, to pay for his gambling addiction. As witnesses go, it's difficult to conceive of one less reliable or believable. A pair of actual barristers, William Clegg KC and Jeremy Dein KC, argued the case for Andrew's prosecution and defence, hamming it up with objections and showboating. But the majority of the legal work had evidently been done behind the scenes by Channel 5's lawyers, who ensured that not a whisper of anything libellous was aired. The closest Clegg came was to remark, 'There is evidence of him being a sex pest, and I put that politely.' That evidence came from a masseuse, Emma Gruenbaum, who visited him at Royal Lodge in Windsor 20 years ago and described him as a 'creep'. Clegg outlined Andrew's friendship with American financier and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell. 'To have one sex offender as a friend is a misfortune,' he quipped. 'To have two looks like carelessness.' The rest of this two-hour show was guff and filler. We saw about three minutes of the jury's deliberations. What swayed them most was one obvious fact: the late Queen saw fit to strip Andrew of his duties, and the King hasn't reinstated him, so his own family must regard him as a liability. Verdict: guilty. Prince Andrew isn't appealing. But we already knew that. He cemented himself as a teen heartthrob with his breakout role in the sequel to one of America's most beloved musical rom-coms. On screen, he played the charming British exchange student opposite one of Hollywood's most bankable actresses of the '80s and '90s. Though the film never matched its predecessor's success, it later gained cult status, just like a later project where he portrayed a washed-up musician in a coming-of-age comedy. He went on to win prime-time fame in a hit '80s soap opera, capturing hearts as the sensitive yet privileged son of a billionaire. In recent years, he's returned to the stage, starring in major productions on London's famed West End and Broadway. Can you guess who? He cemented himself as a teen heartthrob with his breakout role in the sequel to one of America's most beloved musical rom-coms Though the film never matched its predecessor's success, it later gained cult status, just like a later project where he portrayed a washed-up musician in a coming-of-age comedy He went on to win prime-time fame in a hit '80s soap opera, capturing hearts as the sensitive yet privileged son of a billionaire It's Maxwell Caulfield from Grease 2 and Dynasty! The 65-year-old actor cut a casual figure as he stepped out in Ojai, California to pick up dog food in his vintage white GMC El Camino before heading to a sun-drenched local park. With temperatures climbing into the 90s, he was seen carefully lathering on sunscreen before setting off on his stroll, determined to stay protected in the sweltering heat. He kept cool in a crisp white T-shirt stamped with a light blue North Shore, Hawaii, decal, paired with loose cargo shorts, a black fanny pack slung around his waist and a pair of stylish gray New Balance sneakers. Shielding his eyes behind dark sunglasses and with a sleek smartwatch strapped to his wrist, the veteran star looked every inch the laid-back Californian as he soaked up the late-summer rays. But Caulfield's roots trace back to Derbyshire, England, where he first found his footing on stage, performing in local productions and in London. Maxwell Caulfield, 65, stepped out to grab some dog food in his white vintage GMC El Camino in Ojai, California on Wednesday He made his way to a nearby park, carefully applying sunscreen before starting his walk, intent on staying safe in the blazing heat as temperatures soared over 90 He stayed cool in a crisp white T-shirt featuring a light blue North Shore, Hawaii decal, paired with relaxed cargo shorts, a black fanny pack around his waist, and a pair of gray New Balance sneakers After moving to the US and acting in Off-Broadway shows, Caulfield won hearts in Grease 2 as Michael Carrington, sharing sizzling on-screen chemistry with co-star Michelle Pfeiffer After obtaining a green card, he began honing his craft in New York's Off-Broadway theater scene, but it was his British accent and clean-cut charm that won over audiences in Grease 2, where he starred as the clean-cut exchange student, Michael Carrington. The 1982 sequel failed to match the runaway success of its predecessor, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. However, his smoldering on-screen chemistry with rising star Michelle Pfeiffer, cast as Stephanie Zinone -the fearless leader of the Pink Ladies helped elevate the film into a cult classic over time. In an interview from April 2024, the star reflected that when he did his original screen test for the movie, he ended up wearing the jacket that Travolta had worn as T-Bird Danny in the original Grease. Ironically, he also recalled that some years prior, he was a cinema usher during a film premiere when the then-teen idol caused pandemonium at the launch of Saturday Night Fever. However, Caulfield's career would not hit the same trajectory that Pfeiffer's did, telling Page 6 in 2021 that 'It was, psychologically, quite a kick in the pants'. His good looks helped him stand out in the hit '80s soap Dynasty, where he became a household name playing Miles, the calculating yet sensitive son of the wealthy Colby family who married Fallon Carrington, played by Emma Samms Caulfield cemented his cult status in the 1995 film Empire Records, playing fading heartthrob Rex Manning, the arrogant pop star whose disastrous in-store signing sparked the movie's unforgettable 'Rex Manning Day' The actor married Avanti! actress Juliet Mills, 83, in 1980. Though she is nearly 20 years his senior, he said in a 2024 interview that she kept him feeling young But despite not hitting A-list status, his good looks helped him shine in the hit '80s soap opera Dynasty, where he became a household name as Miles Colby, the calculating yet sensitive son of the billionaire Colby family. Miles's tangled love affairs and scheming ways kept viewers hooked week after week, while his charm and striking presence made him a standout among the show's ensemble cast. The role's popularity carried over into the spin-off The Colbys, where he clashed with his cousin Jeff in a dramatic love triangle over Jeff's ex-wife, Fallon, cementing his place in prime-time drama history. Caulfield's success on the soap opera would lead him to reinvent himself in the 1995 cult favorite Empire Records. He stole scenes as fading heartthrob Rex Manning However, Caulfield's career would hit the same trajectory that Pfeiffer's had, telling Page 6 in 2021 that 'It was, psychologically, quite a kick in the pants'. the arrogant pop star whose disastrous in-store signing sparked the film's unforgettable 'Rex Manning Day.' Following this, he returned to the stage, taking on major productions in London's famed West End and on Broadway, with one of his more notable roles being lawyer Billy Flynn in Chicago in 2007. The actor married Avanti! actress Juliet Mills, 83, in 1980, nearly 20 years his senior. But that age gap didn't seem to bother Caulfield, who told ITV's Loose Women in a 2024 interview that she kept him feeling young, describing their marriage as a 'spooky reverse process'. Married At First Sight has always thrived on chaos - but the 2026 season is fast becoming one of the most troubled in the show's history. Daily Mail can reveal that a record number of cast members have either walked out or are on the verge of giving up on their 'marriages' with several already spotted leaving One Global Resorts in Sydney, suitcases packed, and heading interstate for the weekend instead of working on their relationships. Relationship expert John Aiken has warned participants against bailing too soon when the spark doesn't come instantly. 'For couples who aren't feeling it straight away, my advice is always to lean in, stay open and give it a chance,' Aiken told Daily Mail. 'It's easy to walk away, but the experiment is about pushing through discomfort and testing yourself in ways that might surprise you.' Despite this guidance, several participants have already been seen packing their bags and fleeing interstate, with producers scrambling to keep the experiment on track. Married At First Sight has always thrived on chaos - but the 2026 season is fast becoming one of the most troubled in the show's history. (Pictured: Melissa Akbay) Daily Mail can reveal that a record number of cast members have either walked out or are on the verge of quitting (Pictured: Beck Zacharia and Danny Hewitt) Insiders say the pressure cooker experiment has left participants struggling to cope - and for some, the promise of instant fame simply no longer seems worth it. 'A lot of the cast thought they could come on, get their blue tick, build a following and launch careers as influencers,' one source told Daily Mail this week. 'The reality is very different - the conditions are brutal, the restrictions are tighter than ever, and the emotional toll has been enormous.' Several participants, insiders claim, treat the experiment as a stepping stone to social media stardom rather than a genuine chance at love - a mindset producers believe is fuelling the breakdowns and walkouts. 'They're being reminded constantly that this is not an easy ride,' another source added. 'The pressure is intense, and some just can't hack it.' Digital Marketing expert and PR strategist Adrian Falk says the walkouts highlight how much the fame game has changed - and why MAFS contestants are under more pressure than ever. 'Married At First Sight is still the number-one rating show in the country, drawing audiences larger than almost anything else on Australian TV,' Falk told Daily Mail. 'But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Once upon a time, appearing on MAFS guaranteed instant celebrity status - brand deals, red carpets, social followings. Now, contestants are finding that it's not as simple. Speaking to Daily Mail, Relationship expert John Aiken has warned participants against bailing too soon when the spark doesn't come instantly 'For couples who aren't feeling it straight away, my advice is always to lean in, stay open and give it a chance,' Aiken told Daily Mail. (Pictured: Alissa Fay and David Momoh) 'It's easy to walk away, but the experiment is about pushing through discomfort and testing yourself in ways that might surprise you.' (Pictured: Chris Nield and Brook Crompton) Despite this guidance, several participants have already been seen packing their bags and fleeing interstate, with producers scrambling to keep the experiment on track (Pictured: Luke Fourniotis/ Grayson McIvor) Insiders say the pressure cooker experiment has left participants struggling to cope - and for some, the promise of instant fame simply no longer seems worth it. (Pictured: Gia Fleur) Audiences are savvier, brands are pickier, and with the rise of social media creators, you don't need TV to become famous anymore.' Falk said that shift has left many questioning whether the experiment is still the golden ticket it once was. 'Reality TV can still amplify someone into the mainstream, but increasingly it's social media where careers are built and sustained,' he continued. 'For some of these cast members, the emotional toll of the experiment just isn't worth the gamble. 'No longer does talent need to wait for a reality TV break or a producer's blessing to grow their career. 'With the rise of social media, creators now have the tools to build their own verticals, cultivate an audience directly, and monetise their personal brand without ever stepping onto a television set.' Falk says this has left some questioning whether MAFS is still the gateway to stardom it once was. 'The truth is, the definition of "celebrity" has broadened,' he added. 'TV can still amplify someone into the mainstream, but increasingly it's social media where careers are launched, grown and sustained. For some contestants, the experiment just isn't worth it anymore.' Married At First Sight returns to Channel Nine in 2026. When Jade Goody died in March 2009, seven months after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, she left behind an incredible legacy for her sons, after dedicating the end of her life to securing their future. Jade, who was mum to Freddy and Bobby, who were four and five years old when she died, left her 3million fortune to her boys in trust - having expressed her wish that their father Jeff Brazier use some of the money to give them a private education. However Jade's ex-husband Jack Tweed has previously claimed that her beloved sons did not benefit as much as Jade would have wanted, despite her working hard throughout her cancer treatment to help build up a pot of cash for them. While Bobby, now 22, has EastEnders acting success and a Strictly stint under his belt in recent years, Freddy, 20, has endured more challenging teenage years. He revealed last month that he got hooked on cannabis at just 12 years old, but is now determined to turn his life around after his model ex-girlfriend fell pregnant. But some mystery surrounds whether he is set for any kind of financial boost as he prepares to become a dad for the first time. Jade Goody's death in March 2009 sent shockwaves through the celebrity world and tragically left her two sons Bobby and Freddy without a mother (seen in 2006) Jade's ex-husband Jack Tweed (seen together) has previously revealed that not as much money as she would have wished was left to her two beloved sons Jade shares her two sons with her ex Jeff Brazier (middle) and left her 3million fortune to them in trust - having expressed she wished for some of the money to be used to give them a private education Speaking in 2014 about his ex-partner's death Jeff confirmed that she had worked through her treatment to help provide for their futures. When Jade secured a deal for 700,000 with OK! magazine to feature her wedding to Jack, it was all part of her goal to make as much money as possible for her boys. Jeff previously said: 'The first thing she did was work out how much it would cost to put the boys through private education until they were 16. The answer was 260,000. 'In her last months that was what drove her on, even when she was so weak and in terrible pain. It was all that mattered to her. 'She so desperately wanted them to have the upbringing she had never had.' Two years after her death in In 2011, it was reported that Jade's 3milion estate had taken a huge hit due to a 1.8million tax bill. Jade and Jack pictured together the day before their wedding Jeff seen with his sons in 2009 It came after she allegedly didn't pay any income tax for the last four years of her life. Jeff said there were later more tax issues due to her beauty salon in Essex. 'I know it's all a mess. The trouble with Jade, as I know only too well, was that she wasn't good at taking advice,' he said. 'If you tried to tell her something it would go in one ear and out the other.' Ultimately, Freddy attended a state school, which was better suited to his needs due to his ADHD, while Bobby attended fee-paying school Bishop's Stortford College. 'It would have broken Jade if she'd known,' her widower Jack told The Sun in an interview to mark ten years since her death. 'She'd be devastated. I've never been able to get my head around it.' Jeff previously said: 'The first thing she did was work out how much it would cost to put the boys through private education until they were 16. The answer was 260,000' (seen in 2003) Jack claimed that he should have paid closer attention as a named beneficiary of her estate. His will provided that Jack could serve as a 'conduit' for her children's inheritance to avoid inheritance tax, allowing him to pass funds to the trusts set up for the boys. He claimed that he had passed his share of the money from the OK! wedding deal to the trustees to fund the boys' education and was heartbroken that so much of it had been taken by the taxman. He said: 'I don't want to accuse anyone because I don't know the full story but something doesn't seem right. Something doesn't add up. 'I probably should have been more involved with the money situation, seeing where it all went and making sure the kids got it and it didn't get wasted by anyone. But it didn't feel right for me to get involved in that at the time.' Despite Jack's claims about the huge tax bill, in 2019 Jade's mum Jackiey Budden claimed there was still a substantial amount for Bobby and Freddy's education. She said: 'There is money for the boys in a trust. Bobby's private education is still paid for by Jade's money. 'Freddy goes to a state school and loves it the money would be there if he was to go to private school. There was enough to provide for the boys. I think they'll get it when they're 18 or 21.' When Jade died Jack only inherited her car, which was valued at about 16,000. According to The Mirror, Jack subsequently claimed that before her death she had tried to 'buy him a flat' and split the money they'd earned for their wedding magazine shoot. But he said: 'I didn't take a penny from her. Nothing. She was lying in the hospital bed trying to buy me a flat. I told her no. 'She wanted to make sure I was alright. She knew I was young. She knew I loved her to absolute pieces. And she knew if she wasn't there I wouldn't know what to do.' Things are about to get even more challenging for the family as it's been revealed Freddy is now expecting a baby with his ex-girlfriend. With sources saying Jeff is 'supportive' of his son's baby news, it has led to a dramatic U-turn in relations between them, which had become increasingly strained. Freddy had been embroiled in a high profile battle with his father, after he launched legal action in a bid to prevent the aspiring model from seeing his grandmother, Jade's mum Jackiey. And Jeff appeared to hint at the drastic changes coming to his household in a cryptic Instagram post on Sunday, asking his followers for a 'parenting guidebook' on 'unconventional early adult years.' He wrote: 'If someone could send me that parenting guidebook, particularly 'early adult years the unconventional path' that would be really helpful, thanks [kiss emoji and laughing emoji].' Jeff is said to be 'extremely supportive' alongside other close family and friends who have vowed to help him in any way they can. The baby news will also delight the millions who fell in love with Freddy when he and his father appeared on Celebrity Race Across the World last year. The pair were seen arguing about his and brother Bobby's upbringing during the 30-day trek. In one scene Jeff stormed off after Freddy claimed they were 'not open' as a family, prompting his father to reply: 'What have I done for the last seven or eight years. You need to take responsibility, that is part of this.' A friend told The Mail on Sunday of Freddy: 'It has blindsided him and has been one of the things that has really brought him and his dad back together but it's so devastating that Jade isn't here to see it. 'Jeff was one of the first people he decide to confide in to ask for advice, and he stepped up straight away and wanted to help in any way he could.' The couple's brief relationship is understood to have ended acrimoniously following a string of rows - which even saw each of them make allegations to the police. But they have since discussed reconciling their differences if possible, if they are to become parents together. Freddy has endured a turbulent few weeks following a high profile battle with his father over the last six months - who had launched legal action in a bid to prevent the aspiring model from seeing his grandmother, Jade's mum Jackiey. Recently in a bombshell U-turn, Freddy accused his grandmother of getting him hooked on strong cannabis when he was just 12 - having previously insisted she had never been responsible for his drug use. But on his new podcast, he said: 'My nan is definitely the person who introduced me to reefer and got me hooked. It's one of those things, I was 12. 'I've been smoking since I was 12, I've been to rehab, I've been sectioned, I've had manic episodes, I've been sectioned. There's been a real journey and it's been a tough one.' His comments prompted Jackiey to blast back, insisting she is not responsible for his cannabis use. She said: 'I've read all these things he's said about me and I just can't believe he'd say them. It just isn't true at all - I can't believe it.' Jeff has openly detailed the 'difficult' journey of raising Bobby and Freddy since Jade's death in 2009, particularly as they both became teenagers. Emphasising the importance of communication, he said on Loose Men: 'I think it's a lot for parents to have to navigate on a daily basis.' In a 2023 Q&A with fans, Jeff added that he would 'do things differently' as a parent if he were given a second chance. Despite Jack's claims about the huge tax bill, in 2019 Jade's mum Jackiey Budden (seen) claimed there was still a substantial amount for Bobby and Freddy's education He said: 'When the boys lost their mum, I absolutely reduced myself as a coping strategy, it wasn't necessarily a conscious decision but I made myself small emotionally, socially, professionally to give myself the best possible chance of coping with what was in front of me. 'If I had my time again, I would probably have not launched myself in with that laser focus even though I felt a pressure, I probably put a lot of pressure on myself to be everything they needed of me.' Referring to his son Bobby, who at the time had found nationwide success as a star of EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, he added: 'I keep wanting to tell everyone that you see Bobby's success and what he is doing, honestly I was just present, I was a good steady platform, I was a good menu to choose from, but everything else, don't underestimate how much your child does to replace what they don't have or maybe don't find in you.' He also told HELLO! in 2015: 'I've morphed into something quite different from your average dad. I'm probably far more sensitive to their feelings and I'm far more aware of when they need emotional support. 'There are little side effects of my situation where you become really good at doing quite a lot on your own. I've got an ability to push myself beyond tiredness, because if I don't do it, it doesn't get done.' Josh Hall has stayed quiet amid his messy divorce from ex Christina Haack as it played out in the public eye, and watched as the reality star spilled private details of their marriage. Now, he's speaking out for the first time in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail after the judgment was filed just last week, finalizing their divorce. 'I was trying to be respectful of her children and both of our families, and I didn't have the need for public opinion. I don't need to impress people. I don't need them to know my personal business. I'm more of a private person,' Hall, 44, insisted. 'So during the divorce proceedings, I kept myself quiet, but now that the divorce is over and everything's clear, it's time for me to say something. Everything previously reported was only her side, and just because she says it doesn't make it true. 'I didn't want to have a public feud and have a back and forth publicly. Now I need to have something to say because, unfortunately, people have only read what she says.' He went on to say that he thought Haack's choice to speak about their private matters 'lacked class.' Josh Hall is speaking out for the first time in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail since his divorce from Christina Haack was finalized on August 26 The Tennessee-based realtor sat quietly for a year as his ex (pictured) spoke about private matters in their divorce, which he said was a move that 'lacked class' Hall filed for divorce from Haack in July 2024 after almost three years of marriage 'I thought it lacked class, to be honest,' the Nashville-based realtor remarked. 'Divorce isn't something for public consumption. I understand that we're public figures - I married one - but I thought it was unnecessary... Obviously don't drag a divorce out there. It's immature.' He added: 'Let's share some stuff, but the behaving like a pissed off teenager on social media is just not something I'm going to do.' Hall filed for divorce from the Christina on the Coast star in July 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. Since then, they had been embroiled in a tense legal battle that involved accusations, such as Haack alleging he requested she pay her '$65,000 per month in spousal support,' which he denied ever saying. In the judgment obtained by the Daily Mail, it was revealed that Hall waived his right to receive spousal support, as did Haack, despite the TV personality amassing a reported $25 million net worth. 'She definitely made more money than me,' he said. 'I contributed what I had. I added wherever I could and I paid whatever share I was able to throughout the relationship.' Haack paid him an equalization payment of $300,000, which was part of the equal division of the community estate of their Nashville property, per the final court doc, and was made to 'resolve all other issues between the parties.' The couple's marital assets were split 'fairly,' as decided upon during a May mediation hearing, with Hall reasoning that the $300,000 equalization payment came from 'the sale of one of our investment projects. ' Handling the divorce differently, Hall said, 'Divorce isn't something for public consumption. I understand that we're public figures - I married one, but I thought it was unnecessary' Haack paid Hall an equalization payment of $300,000 in their divorce settlement, which is something he said was money that came from 'the sale of one of our investment projects' Reflecting on their marriage, Hall told the Daily Mail, 'The reality was I believed it to be very real, had a great connection. We enjoyed the same things. We had each other's backs to no end... We really worked well as a team' Businesses they once shared 'have been dissolved and canceled,' he claimed. In addition, Haack paid $40,000 for Hall's attorneys' fees, as well as the mediation attorneys' fees from May, and an unallocated sum of $100,000 in 2024. Despite the $40,000 he received from her, Hall says he spent 'close to a quarter of a million dollars' during the divorce proceedings. Hall explained his decision to decline any spousal support: 'The reality was, as long as we split things fairly and evenly as we should, there was never going to be a need for it. So when I voluntarily waived spousal support, it was kind of always my plan as long as things were done fairly.' He went on to say that he had 'no interest in it' and that he 'could have gotten temporary support the entire time we were split,' but he 'didn't ask for a penny.' He also did not fight over their $4.5 million Franklin, Tennessee home, which was on and off the market until it was eventually awarded to Haack as part of their settlement. 'I'm not a confrontational person. I'd rather avoid it. Even though I had a legal right to stay at that place while she stayed at our home [in Newport Beach] and that was agreed upon, I would just rather not fight and argue and I just got to a rental,' Hall told the Daily Mail. The entrepreneur said he 'voluntarily gave up more to end' the divorce, rather than going to trial, which he says, 'She should be thankful [for].' Hall believes his relationship to Haack ultimately reached an 'expiration date' and that there 'started to be more lows than highs' and they 'weren't focusing on the highs' Hall preferred life in Tennessee rather than life in 'very fancy' Newport Beach, California 'I mean, it's a tough situation. Divorce isn't pretty, it's not comfortable. A lot of things change in your life, especially on my side. I had to move away. I had three step kids - I don't have those anymore,' Hall stated, referring to Haack's children from previous marriages (Taylor, 14, Brayden, nine, and Hudson, five). 'I had businesses, I had relationships and friends - you name it. Basically, all that stuff kind of comes to a halt.' Haack's marriage to Hall was her third marriage, following her marriage to Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2021 and Tarek El Moussa from 2009 to 2018. 'I am not going to throw shade if she wants to get married 10 times until she gets it right. If that's what she has to do, then she has my blessing,' Hall confessed. The former couple met at a real estate conference where she was speaking and then reconnected before they began dating. They officially wed in October 2021 in a courthouse wedding and later celebrated their marriage with friends and family with a romantic ceremony in Maui, Hawaii in September 2022. Hall told the Daily Mail, 'The reality was I believed it to be very real, [we] had a great connection. We enjoyed the same things. We had each other's backs to no end. 'I mean, I had nothing bad to say about our early relationship. We really cared about each other, and we went through a lot of stuff together... We really worked well as a team. None of it was reality TV based. It was completely real.' He continued, 'I was a partner in the production company. I was on the show (The Flip Off) with her. I managed properties, managed our lives. We were always working on something together.' Hall 'wishes the best' for Haack and has 'no ill feelings toward her' (pictured with her boyfriend Christopher LaRocca) Josh is happily in a new relationship with girlfriend Stephanie Gabrys, a Nashville-based bikini model, whom he went public with earlier this year Josh said on his current romance: 'I realized, "Geez, if this girl can put up with what I'm going through right now and be the sweet girl she is, she's worth keeping around"' But according to Hall, their relationship failed because there 'started to be more lows than highs and we weren't focusing on the highs. She started focusing on the lows.' 'I think I reached my expiration date and I don't think she was interested in the kind of relationship she and I had - whether it was where we traveled, what we did, what we enjoyed. I think she wanted to get more into the stuff that she kind of shied away from when we met,' he explained, while noting that he preferred life in Tennessee rather than life in 'very fancy' Newport Beach, California. Nowadays, he's still working as a real estate agent, has some construction projects in the works, and is managing some real estate investments - but said he is primarily focused on his new outdoor living company he recently launched with a friend. Hall is now happily in a new relationship with Stephanie Gabrys, whom he went public with earlier this year - right after the Daily Mail broke the news that Haack was dating Christopher LaRocca, 52, which insiders claimed she was keeping a secret for months. The HGTV star appears to be going strong with LaRocca, president and CEO of Network Connex, since he's appeared in several of her recent social media posts. Hall told the Daily Mail that he 'wishes the best' for Haack and LaRocca, and says he has 'no ill feelings toward her.' However, he admits there's 'no reason' for them to communicate in the future. 'Let's be honest here - the amount of stuff that she attempted to put me through, well, it was a lot. I can forgive her for that, but I'm not going to forget it. And I have enough good people in my life, I don't have any reason to stay connected to her,' he said. 'So there's no reason for us to communicate. If we see each other, there's no reason for us to say "hi, hello." The reality is she was set out to try and destroy me.' Feeling a 'sense of relief' and 'ready to move on without anything attached to that past,' Hall says his new relationship is more private and he and the 35-year-old Nashville-based model 'live a very authentic life' and 'do very simple things.' 'We were introduced by a mutual friend and we were all hanging out at a local restaurant, and it started pretty friendly... I realized, "Geez, if this girl can put up with what I'm going through right now and be the sweet girl she is, she's worth keeping around."' The Daily Mail has reached out to Haack's rep for comment. She is one of our most distinguished actresses and a familiar face through her roles in films including Mamma Mia 2, Calendar Girls and Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace. So Celia Imrie was seen as the perfect person to host the 80th anniversary VJ Day commemoration in the presence of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Armed Forces Memorial in Alrewas, Staffordshire, last month. Now, however, the 73-year-old star has revealed that her day was marred by having to stand during her entire two-and-a-half hour railway journey back to London because much younger fellow passengers declined to offer her a seat. Imrie, who plays pensioner-sleuth Joyce Meadowcroft in Netflix film The Thursday Murder Club, has decided to speak publicly about how real-life respect for today's older generation can be in short supply. Speaking to the New York Times, Celia said: 'The VJ Day event, which was so extraordinary, was in Staffordshire, a long way from London on the train,' she says. 'Now, I never make a fuss, but I had to stand all the way back for two-and-a-half hours because nobody decided to give up their seat. I couldn't believe it.' Celia Imrie has revealed that her day was marred by having to stand during her entire two-and-a-half hour railway journey back to London because much younger fellow passengers declined to offer her a seat The Olivier Award winner adds: 'So if you're asking me, do people not really notice you as you get older, I'm afraid I do notice that. Even just walking on the street, you're not envisioned. It's really weird. I wear a bright coat.' Imrie is certainly not lacking respect from her peers. Earlier this year, I disclosed that she had made history in London's clubland by becoming one of the first women to be elected a member of the Garrick. Imrie previously hit the headlines when it was disclosed that she had reached an agreement with a male friend for him to father a child with her and then give up parental responsibility. It was later revealed the man in question was her fellow actor Benjamin Whitrow, who died in 2017 aged 80. Their son, Angus, now 30, plays Josh Archer in the long-running Radio 4 soap. Queen Elizabeth was said to be 'infuriated' when Prince Harry used her family's pet name for her, Lilibet, for his daughter. So whatever would she have made of this? A restaurant called Lilibet's is to be opened at her birthplace, 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair. Former Nobu executive chef Ross Shonhan says of the venue: 'This address carries an unexpected history, and that gave us the freedom to be creative. Lilibet's will be a great seafood restaurant that respects British ingredients while embracing flavours from further afield.' Royal gift is Kate's crowning glory Kate Morgan, 32, with her new husband Lord Hugh Carnegie, 32, son of the Duke of Fife third cousin of the King at Kinnaird Castle There were no tiaras in Westminster Abbey at the King's Coronation in 2023, but one took pride of place at his relation's wedding at the weekend. Kate Morgan, 32, whose great-grandfather founded the Morgan Motor Company, wore the Fife fringe diamond tiara as she exchanged vows with Lord Hugh Carnegie, 32, son of the Duke of Fife third cousin of the King at Kinnaird Castle. The tiara was given to Princess Louise of Wales for her wedding to the 1st Duke of Fife in 1889. Guests at the wedding included Lady Marina Windsor, the Duke of Kent's granddaughter. National Trust former chairman Sir Simon Jenkins warns a 'tragedy is about to occur for modern art in Britain'. He is horrified that Sotheby's is about to auction off socialite Pauline Karpidas' surrealist art collection kept in her Bayswater apartment including works by Picasso and Dali for as much as 60million. 'The art is inseparable from the home,' he wails. 'There must be a way of keeping it together and in place.' Radio 2 welcomes new listener: Prince William Proof that the Prince of Wales has reached middle age: the heir to the throne, 43, has started listening to BBC Radio 2. 'I have heard that William has made the switch from Radio 1,' says DJ Scott Mills, who played a message recorded by the prince on his Radio 2 breakfast show in June in which he highlighted the Earthshot Prize, his global environmental award. When William appeared on Radio 1 with his wife, Catherine, in 2017, he said: 'I'm probably at the edge of your age limit. I'm probably meant to go over to Radio 2 now, but I'm hanging on in there.' He even admitted texting Radio 1 anonymously. Now, Mills, who was previously on the station aimed at younger people, tells me: 'He used to text in all the time obviously not going "Love HRH". 'He would text in, and I didn't know who he was, but he would chip in with the conversation and he would text the radio station's normal number.' Slipper not a perfect fit? It's a pizza cake for Lily Having starred in Cinderella, Lily James knows the importance of a shoe fitting. And she couldn't help but fiddle with the laces on her sandal while on a night out in Tuscany In one picture she posted online, Lily could be seen dishing out a sweet pizza while holding a bottle of red wine Having starred in Cinderella, Lily James knows the importance of a shoe fitting. And she couldn't help but fiddle with the laces on her sandal while on a night out in Tuscany. The former Downton Abbey star, wearing a white, plunging summer dress, has been on holiday in Italy. In one picture she posted online, Lily could be seen dishing out a sweet pizza while holding a bottle of red wine. The Surrey- born star, 36, will next appear on screen in the film Swiped, where she plays Whitney Wolfe Herd, the entrepreneur behind the dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Lily admits that online dating isn't for her. 'I try to stay as private as I can,' she says. 'Being on a dating app feels a bit counterintuitive to that.' As the daughter of David Bowie and Iman, Lexi Jones couldn't have a richer heritage. The artist, 24, says being mixed race has, however, proved a challenge. 'The biracial experience often means identity struggles, being pressured to pick a side and then rejected whichever side is chosen. It means struggling for belonging and acceptance, feeling insignificant or even irrelevant and being fetishised for looking "ethnic" or "exotic".' Padma Lakshmi has revealed the surprising piece of fashion advice her daughter Krishna Lakshmi gives her. The television personality who turned 55 on Monday and her 15-year-old only child are Vogue India's September cover stars, and opened up to the publication about how they influence each other's style. While playing Tell the Truth in a social media video, the ladies admitted they 'silently judge' each other's outfits 'all the time.' 'We go by the five-second rule. If the other person can't change [their outfit] in five seconds and [the comment] is negative, don't say it. But before we leave the house, we're pretty brutal with each other,' Krishna confessed. Meanwhile, the ex Top Chef host added about her mini-me, 'And she's always telling me to dress more provocatively.' Krishna chimed in, 'And she's always telling me to dress less provocatively.' Padma Lakshmi, 55, has revealed the surprising piece of fashion advice her daughter Krishna, 15, gives her; pictured in April The television personality and her only child are Vogue India's September cover stars, and opened up to the publication about how they influence each other's style; pictured August 21 Padma and Krishna's unbreakable, symbiotic bond was on full display in the eight-minute clip teased on Instagram and shared in its entirety on YouTube. The duo shared loads of laughs and finished each other's sentences while opening up about their biggest fight and sharing clothes. Despite having different sartorial preferences, they admitted they raid each other's closets 'every day.' 'And [my daughter] doesn't tell me she takes [certain items] and it drives me crazy,' the Taste the Nation star said. They call one particular fight over clothes 'bangle-gate,' during which a sixth grade-aged Krishna wore her mother's valuable gold bangles to school without letting her know. 'I came home and the whole house was turned upside down. I was like, wait, are you guys looking for these bangles?' the teen recounted. Asked what fictional character they remind each other of elsewhere in the interview, Krishna named Georgia from the Netflix comedy series Ginny & Georgia. The high school sophomore explained, 'I think she's a survivor and I think my mom's had... from when you were born, the cards have not been in your favor. 'And I think you've made something of yourself... You're a survivor and you do what you need to to get where you need to be, and I admire that about you.' The ex Top Chef host said about her mini-me, 'She's always telling me to dress more provocatively.' Krishna chimed in, 'And she's always telling me to dress less provocatively'; Seen in 2024 'We go by the five-second rule. If the other person can't change [their outfit] in five seconds and [the comment] is negative, don't say it. But before we leave the house, we're pretty brutal with each other,' Krishna confessed Padma shares Krishna with 55-year-old venture capitalist Adam Dell; pictured in 2024 Padma shares Krishna with 55-year-old venture capitalist Adam Dell, whom she'd only dated casually before becoming pregnant. The trio appeared in a rare photo together on social media as they celebrated their daughter's middle school graduation in 2024. At the time, the kitchen extraordinaire gushed on Instagram, 'I cant believe my baby girl is off to high school after the Summer. 'I want to thank all of the teachers, educators, counselors, security and staff at the United Nations International School for taking care of Krishna all these years. Im so proud of Krishna and all she has achieved in her young, happy life.' Dwayne Johnson showed off his much thinner form on the red carpet on Monday, following a recent weight loss transformation. The actor, 53, known as The Rock, was there to promote his new film The Smashing Machine, which debuted at the Venice Film Festival. The hunky star looked dapper in a gray double breasted suit with a white button down shirt open at the color. The action hero stepped out in black shoes and wore round shaped glasses. The Smashing Machine gave the actor, who is known for his many action roles, the opportunity to stretch himself. In this project, he is nearly unrecognizable as mixed martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Dwayne Johnson, 53, showed off his slimmed down form on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, following a recent weight loss transformation Johnson lost about 60 pounds used prosthetics and a wig to look more like the 56-year-old former college wrestler turned MMA champ. In the drama, Johnson not only portrays Kerr's actions in the ring, but deals with the athlete's struggle with substance abuse. 'This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,' he told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. 'I had been very fortunate to have the career that Ive had over the years and to make the films that Ive made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, "Well, what if I could do more I want to do more and what does that look like?"' At a press conference after the screening, Johnson had high praise for the man he portrayed on screen. 'Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting its a love story,' he explained, becoming emotional. 'Its a love story about Mark and Dawn (Staples, played by Emily Blunt) in this relationship, and its a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming.' 'As you know, Mark ODd twice,' he told reporters, 'and hes lucky to be alive and thats part of why this story is so special.' The hunky star looked dapper in a gray double breasted suit with a white button down shirt open at the color. The action hero stepped out in black shoes and wore round shaped glasses Johnson lost about 60 pounds while working with a functional medicine doctor who treated him for a problem in his gut The actor has been promoting his latest film, The Smashing Machine, in which he portrays mixed martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr, 56 (seen in a still) 'This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,' he told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, regarding his role in the biopic In June, Johnson appeared on the Dr. Mark Hyman Show explaining that he had turned to the functional medicine physician for help with a gut related problem. 'You said, very succinctly, "Im not going to treat your symptoms. Im going to go deeper than that and treat the root cause of whats going on,"' the actor said of their first meeting, 'And I said, "I love that."' Tests showed that multiple rounds of antibiotics he had taken in the past had damaged the lining of his intestines. 'We basically rehabbed your gut,' Hyman said, explaining the health regimen. 'Gave you probiotics and plant compoundspomegranate, green tea, cranberry to help rebuild it, 'adding 'And we made you this amazing gut health shake with 10-plus ingredients personalized for you.' Jackie 'O' Henderson has shared rare insight into her sex life, revealing her last sexual experience. Speaking on Tuesday's Kyle & Jackie O show, the radio queen, 50, opened up about her last interlude with a 'mystery man' piquing her co-stars' curiosity, with everyone guessing countries in an effort to reveal her paramour's identity. She eventually revealed that her last sexual encounter came 12 months ago during a trip to the US. Newsreader Brooklyn Ross, who is married to partner Damien Dirienzo, admitted to knowing all about Jackie's Stateside rendezvous, as he was travelling with her at the time. 'We were on holiday together at the time it wasn't me by the way,' Brooklyn jokingly assured his colleagues. Clearly feeling left out, Kyle pressed for more details about Jackie's 'hook-up'. Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured) has shared rare insight into her sex life, revealing her last sexual experience 'It was... a friend,' Jackie admitted, which in no way placated her co-star, with Kyle asking: 'Why don't I know anything about it?' 'I don't run and tell you that sort of stuff,' she replied. Crestfallen that Jackie did not confide in him, Kyle also threw some shade at Brooklyn after the newsreader admitted to having met Jackie's holiday romance. 'This is bulls***,' he said. 'I've lost my mate. I've lost her to the gays.' Kyle then changed tack, asking: 'Why was that the last guy you slept with? Was he that bad?' Jackie admitted that she simply wasn't interested in hook-up culture, but rather a long-term commitment. 'I just don't want to hook up unless I'm really into the person. I just want it to be a proper thing. I'm not into the hook-up stuff,' she said. 'I don't get much out of it unless I have feelings for the person.' She eventually revealed that her last sexual encounter came 12 months ago during a trip to the US with her colleague, newsreader Brooklyn Ross (both pictured) Back in 2024, Jackie admitted that she had met 'the man of her dreams' during a trip to New York. She explained, in September, that she met the man at a dive bar, but he ditched her after three hours when a photo of her posing at the Trump Tower emerged online. 'We were on the streets of New York on the night of the solar eclipse and decided to have a drink at a dive bar,' she explained. Once inside, she met the mystery man whom she immediately connected with and started talking to. 'We were talking for hours and his friend is visiting him from out of town. We were in our own little bubble and having the nicest conversation,' she continued. 'He was really good looking, he was smart, and we had so much in common.' Jackie said they chatted for three hours and the man revealed he worked in politics for Kamala Harris' team. After he went to the bathroom, KIIS newsreader Brooklyn Ross informed Jackie that a photo of them at the front of the Trump Tower was making headlines. Clearly feeling left out, Kyle pressed for more details about Jackie's 'hook-up' 'It looked like we were massive supporters of Trump. So he comes out of the toilet and said he had to go.' More recently, Jackie admitted to an overseas fling with another mystery man in Greece. Jackie was discussing relationships with bestie Gemma O'Neil on their Her Best Life podcast when she spilled the beans on a one-night stand Gemma experienced while the pair were holidaying in Greece. 'If you're going to throw me under the bus in Greece, I'm going to throw you under the bus too. Because whilst I was meeting this guy, you were pashing a guy on the beach!' Gemma said. Jackie confirmed Gemma's claim, adding that she only decided to seek out a romantic encounter as she was feeling bored. 'We're at this club in Mykonos ... and Gemma's getting with this guy, like really hitting it off [with someone],' Jackie explained. 'I just was standing there like a third wheel, I didn't know anyone else, and I thought: "Oh, s**t I'm bored, what am I going to do?"' Jackie added that it did not take too long for her to find a suitable suitor to help her 'kill time'. Back in 2024, Jackie admitted that she had met 'the man of her dreams' during a trip to New York 'So, I went in search of someone I could pash and I found an Israeli accountant,' she said, laughing. 'He was really cute, so I pashed him. I killed time, but I didn't sleep with him or anything.' Jackie was last linked to former toyboy Jack Tyerman, who has since announced his engagement to another woman. She was previously married to Lee Henderson, with the couple parting ways in 2018. They share daughter Kitty, 14. Speaking about the union in October last year, Jackie hinted that a lack of spontaneous romance in their relationship was a catalyst for the split. Rupert Everett looked classically handsome as he posed with a duck alongside Jeny Howorth for Burberry's Winter 2025 Campaign. The actor, 66, joined Jenny, Luther Ford, Lina Zhang, Asda Baradji, Tristan Watkins, Leon K and Iris Lasnet for the English countryside themed shoot. Rupert was seen posing in a black zip-up jacket which he layered over a classic printed shirt. He cut a serious display as he cradled the white bird under his arm for the glamourous photoshoot. Meanwhile, Jeny was seen sporting a chic trench coat layered over a navy blue jacket and matching trousers. Luther looked almost unrecognisable as he modeled a black and grey crushed velvet suit as posed in front of a large classic painting. Rupert Everett looked classically handsome as he posed with a duck alongside Jeny Howorth for Burberry 's Winter 2025 Campaign The actor, 66, joined Jenny (pictured), Luther Ford, Lina Zhang, Asda Baradji, Tristan Watkins, Leon K and Iris Lasnet for the English countryside themed shoot Lina added a pop of colour to the shoot as she posed on a staircase while wearing a dramatic purple trench coat. Asda looked glamorous as she wore a blue, long sleeved dress which featured a square neckline and clutched a white leather bag. Tristen looked classically handsome as he posed behind a door while wearing a blue and white printed winter coat. Iris switched it up for the shoot as she sported a crushed velvet two-piece suit as she jumped up and down on a bed. For the new-season campaign, Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee returns to the exquisite fabrics and grand interiors that inspired the Burberry Winter 2025 show. The shoot follows a group of friends on a luxury weekend break to an English country house. The campaign brings together a cast of acclaimed talent, including British actor Rupert, model and artist Jeny, and Luther known for his portrayal of Prince Harry in The Crown. Think of them as weekend escapees, says Lee. Luther looked almost unrecognisable as he modeled a black and grey crushed velvet suit as posed infront of a large classic painting Lina added a pop of colour to the shoot as she posed on a staircase while wearing a dramatic purple trench coat Asda looked glamourous as she wore a blue, long sleeved dress which featured a square neckline and clutched a white leather bag Tristen looked classically handsome as he posed behind a door while wearing a blue and white printed winter coa Iris switched it up for the shoot as she sported a crushed velvet two-piece suit as she jumped up and down on a bed For the new-season campaign, Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee returns to the exquisite fabrics and grand interiors that inspired the Burberry Winter 2025 show The shoot follows a group of friends on a luxury weekend break to an English country house Shot across expansive fields, rain-soaked parkland trails - and the grand drawing rooms of Thomas Ripleys Palladian masterpiece Wolterton Hal The images capture a series of vignettes, as horses, hounds, and resident ducks wander into fram Rich in heritage and detail, the collection is informed by the ornate tapestries and faded, lavish fabrics draped throughout British stately homes recast as robes, raincoats, and smoking jackets, now cut as softly tailored coats A group of bohemian friends, whove left the city for the open skies and fresh clean air of the British countryside. Shot across expansive fields, rain-soaked parkland trails - and the grand drawing rooms of Thomas Ripleys Palladian masterpiece Wolterton Hal. The images capture a series of vignettes, as horses, hounds, and resident ducks wander into frame. Rich in heritage and detail, the collection is informed by the ornate tapestries and faded, lavish fabrics draped throughout British stately homes recast as robes, raincoats, and smoking jackets, now cut as softly tailored coats. A renowned Hollywood film producer has shed light on a surprising fact about Nicole Kidman. Bruna Papandrea, the Adelaide-born producer behind flicks such as Wild, Hot Pursuit and Luckiest Girl Alive, attended the Tropfest launch event at Sydney's Centennial Park on Monday, where she exclusively revealed a little-known fact about the Babygirl actress to Daily Mail Australia. When asked who was the most unexpectedly hilarious star that she had worked with, the top producer was initially stumped. 'I've worked with some really funny, funny people,' the 54-year-old said as she gave the question some thought. Bruna finally arrived at an answer, revealing that iconic Aussie star Nicole, 58, was surprisingly good at making her chuckle. 'I mean, Nicole Kidman's kind of funnier than you'd think,' she revealed. A renowned Hollywood film producer has shed light on a surprising fact about Nicole Kidman (pictured) Bruna Papandrea attended the Tropfest launch event at Sydney's Centennial Park on Monday, where she exclusively revealed a little-known fact about the Babygirl actress to Daily Mail Australia 'She's made comedies but as a person she's very funny.' Bruna added: 'She's very Australian and funny.' Nicole and Bruna worked together on the Emmy award-winning series Big Little Lies, which featured big-named stars such as Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern and Zoe Kravitz. Nicole was recently bashed online for being rude after a red carpet interview with Pop Crave went viral. During a Q&A at the Babygirl premiere last year, Nicole asked the reporter to repeat their outlets name, as she couldn't hear. Upon receiving an answer, she shrugged, glanced off-camera and let out a hearty laugh that suggested the name still didnt ring a bell. Some fans found her reaction refreshingly unbothered, praising her 'offline queen' energy, while others were less impressed, calling it dismissive. One follower admitted, 'I wouldve been so embarrassed if i was popcrave and nicole kidman laughed at me like that,' while another bluntly declared, 'Shes rude.' Bruna Papandrea (pictured) is the Adelaide-born producer behind flicks such as Wild, Hot Pursuit and Luckiest Girl Alive Another chimed in, 'Kinda bitchy by Nicole to me but oh well,' while someone else added bluntly, 'Sorry but this is fkin awful behaviour.' A third didnt hold back, writing, 'Like lowkey the way she laughed so extremely too Id be like nvm bitch Im not asking you anything then,' and another agreed, 'Yeah I think its kind of rude on her part.' Despite the backlash, not everyone was clutching their pearls. Some fans found the moment delightfully on-brand for the star. After all, who could better embody too cool for social media than Nicole Kidman herself? As one amused fan quipped, 'HAHAHAHAA omfg shes a legend,' while another said, 'Shes so Queenie!' Hollywood actor Adam Demos has revealed that his mother, Lindy, has sadly died after a 16-year battle with cancer. The 40-year-old Australian-born performer took to social media on Sunday with the tragic family news. Sharing a heartwarming photo of himself embracing his mum, the Sex/Life star also included a lengthy tribute to Lindy and her courageous health struggle. 'After being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given a year to live, roughly 16 years later, my mum has decided to take a much-needed rest,' Adam began in the Instagram share. He continued, 'The brightest and bravest soul there is, she was the truest example of how strong the human spirit can be, and how living with joy and love can defy the odds. Writing that he was 'privileged and honoured' to be her son, Adam, who grew up in Wollongong south of Sydney, revealed that Lindy had raised him as a single parent. Hollywood actor Adam Demos has revealed that his mother, Lindy, has sadly died after a 16-year battle with cancer. Pictured: The 40-year-old Australian-born performer took to social media on Sunday with the tragic family news and included this photo with his mum Writing that he was 'privileged and honoured' to be her son, Adam, who grew up in Wollongong, south of Sydney, revealed that Lindy had raised him as a single parent 'To take it all on together, and that's what we did,' he added. 'She's my best mate and my biggest inspiration, and she always will be. Telling followers that he now does not know what life looks like without his dear mum, Adam said he was not alone. 'I have an abundance of love and support that I truly didn't think was possible,' he said. After thanking his friends for helping him through a difficult time, Adam also paid a heartfelt tribute to the doctors who cared for his mother after she was diagnosed with cancer 16 years ago. 'Thank you for doing what you do from the bottom of my heart,' he told his mother's carers in Wollongong, south of Sydney. 'It was by far the hardest thing I'll ever go through just myself and her for her last hours,' he continued. 'But the way in which the staff...took care of my mum with such love respect and dignity is something I will never ever forget. Adam, who rose to fame on the Netflix hit Sex/Life, was working as a labourer in Wollongong before taking up acting at 23. Pictured: Adam and actress Wallis Day in a scene from the hit streaming series Sex/Life which debuted on Netflix in 2023 and ran for two seasons 'It was the very best of what humanity can be in my opinion. 'Thank you for being so kind to my beautiful mother. Best thing I can do now is make sure I try and navigate life with the outlook and integrity she lived with, with the wonder and joy of it all and take her wherever I go. 'Thanks again to everyone who loved and supported my mum xxx. Adam, who rose to fame on the Netflix hit Sex/Life, was working as a labourer in Wollongong before taking up acting at 23. A confessed 'bogan', Adam kept his acting dreams secret from his friends because he was so scared of being mocked. 'I told them I was working overtime because I didn't want my mates knowing I was trying acting, it was so foreign to all of us,' he told the Daily Telegraph in 2018. But his big break came when he landed the role of Nate Baldwin in the ABC drama Janet King, and starred on the show for seven episodes. While on set, he discovered Lifetime's series UnREAL was looking specifically for an Australian actor. Despite having minimal experience in Hollywood, Adam swiftly landed the part as August Walker and flew out to Vancouver to film. The American drama is set behind the scenes of a fictional reality dating show, with Adam securing the role of a contestant competing for the affections of a blonde bachelorette named Serena. It led to him landing the lead role of Brad Simon in Netflix's Sex/Life. Thanks to one saucy shower scene - which involved Adam being completely naked - the Aussie actor became an overnight sensation. Toni Lodge's birthday celebrations took a painful turn after the Toni and Ryan podcast co-host fell down a staircase in an Airbnb - breaking her foot and ending up in a U.S. hospital. The accident happened while Toni and Ryan John were touring America and Canada to mark the fourth anniversary of their hit podcast, meeting fans (known as TARPERS) in Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver. In a recent episode, Toni recounted the moment things went sideways - all because she wanted to grab her Kindle. She explained: 'So I was downstairs, and I was almost back upstairs, and I was like, "Oh, my God, I'll go back and get my Kindle out of my bag so that I can read on the couch. 'Then as I went back downstairs, I grabbed it, and then I was like, "Oh, I better not run down these stairs" - because I don't want to hurt myself - and that is when I fell. 'I reckon I fell four stairs down, and I've fallen on my foot and, like, just eaten, like, fully eaten s***.' Toni Lodge's birthday celebrations took a painful turn after the Toni and Ryan podcast co-host fell down a staircase in an Airbnb - breaking her foot and ending up in a U.S. hospital In a recent episode, Toni recounted the moment things went sideways - all because she wanted to grab her Kindle The fall didn't just leave her injured - it also sparked a hilarious reflection on a viral TikTok debate: when do you stop 'falling over' and start 'having a fall'? Needing medical attention, Toni's producer Charles called her travel insurance company - but even that moment was laced with comedy. 'I knew, obviously, that as a tourist here in the USA, I would need to consult with my insurance before I went to the hospital, because I didn't know what was going to happen,' she said. 'I am, like, in searing pain, just like, trying to breathe through - I'm like a woman having contractions, because it just hurt so f***ing much. Charles gets on the phone to the insurance people, and he goes, "Hi, I'm calling on behalf of my friend Toni, who's just had a fall." 'Kick a f**king slut while she's down!' Despite the injury, the duo pressed on with their celebrations - including a boat party in Vancouver that featured birthday cake, a crowd of Canadian TARPERS, and a vessel that broke down mid-cruise. To fans, the chaos was all part of the charm. The podcast, known for its humour and relatable storytelling, continues to attract a loyal following, with new episodes dropping weekdays. A former Married At First Sight star set pulses racing after she threatened to upstage the bride at her friend's wedding this week. Jade Pywell, 27, arrived at the nuptials of Australian influencer Maddison Turner in a very revealing green gown that featured a plunging neckline. The reality star left little to the imagination as she showcased her busty assets in the beaded maxi dress which also had a low back and a scoop halterneck. She accessorised her look with a pair of strappy heels and left her long brunette locks out. But the MAFS bride wasn't the only one of Maddison's friends to attend the upscale wedding event in Portugal in a racy outfit. Jade, who appeared on the dating show in 2024, shared a snap to Instagram of the bride surrounded by her girlfriends - all of them flaunting figure-hugging frocks. MAFS star Jade Pywell has set pulses racing after she threatened to upstage the bride at her friend's wedding this week But the MAFS bride wasn't the only one of Maddison's friends to attend the upscale wedding event in Portugal in a racy outfit One woman showed off plenty of thigh in a spaghetti strap dress, which featured a daring slit. Another member of the group showed off her ample assets in a yellow halterneck. Maddison, meanwhile, showed off one tanned, slim leg in a cream-coloured sleeveless corset wedding dress, which featured a split and a modest bustline. Sharing the photo to her stories on Monday, Jade wrote: 'The most special day.' Jade also shared a steamy selfie in which she could be seen striking a sultry pose in the gown from online brand Sorelle UK. Best known as the owner of beauty brand Maddison Lashes, Maddison tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the Solar da Levada luxury event space in Braga, Portugal. It comes after Jade and her on-screen husband Ridge Barredo previously opened up about their future together, and it seems that baby plans are on the horizon. In an exclusive chat with Daily Mail, the Married At First Sight couple revealed plans to start a family. It comes after Jade and her on-screen husband Ridge Barredo previously opened up about their future together, and it seems that baby plans are on the horizon When asked if the idea of having children together was something they'd discussed, Ridge explained that Jade wanted to get married before having a child. 'She said yes to the next person who I will get married to or engaged to,' he revealed. Jade, who already has a daughter named Victoria from a previous relationship, was equally clear about her plans. 'So yeah, obviously I do want two kids close in age. I've always wanted two very close in age,' she explained. 'But I do want a ring first. I want to be engaged before I think of having kids. I'm not changing my mind,' she added. Daily Mail revealed last year that Ridge had quit his job as a psychiatric nurse in NSW and relocated to move in with his TV bride. Snoop Dogg has been caught up in an ongoing controversy after it was revealed his apology to the LGBTQ+ community was fake. The 53-year-old rapper has not yet addressed the backlash against his viral comments regarding LGBTQ+ representation in Disneys 2022 animated movie Lightyear. A rep for the musician said that the apology that has recently been shared on social media was not written by the rapper or anyone on his team, according to Deadline. The apology did not appear on any of his verified social media accounts. Snoop previously commented on a scene between Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) and her wife while watching the 2022 animated sci-fi movie, which was produced by Pixar for Disney. He faced backlash after saying the scene 'f***ed me up' and made him 'scared to go to the movies' anymore. The fake comment that appeared to be from Snoop's verified Instagram read: 'I was just caught off guard and had no answer for my grandsons.' Snoop Dogg, 53, has been caught up in an ongoing controversy, after it was revealed his apology to the LGBTQ + community was fake; pictured June in Los Angeles The rapper has not yet addressed the backlash against his viral comments regarding LGBTQ + representation in Disneys 2022 animated movie Lightyear 'All my gay friends [know] what's up, they been calling me with love. My bad for not knowing the answers for a 6-yr-old. Teach me how to learn. I'm not perfect.' The comment on Hollywood Unlocked clip of T.S. Madison calling out Snoop has since been deleted. In the Toy Story spin-off, which stars Chris Evans as the voice actor behind the titular space explorer, Lightyear features a same-sex kiss between Alisha and wife Kiko. The scene resulted in the movie being banned from theaters in Middle East markets, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. During his appearance on the It's Giving podcast, Snoop previously declared that he 'didn't come in for this s**t.' He recalled not knowing what to tell his grandchildren when he took them to the movies and they asked him about a same-sex kissing scene in Lightyear. 'What you see is what you see, and they're putting it everywhere,' he said on the podcast. A rep for the musician said that the apology that has recently been shared on social media was not written by the rapper or anyone on his team, per Deadline; pictured May in Los Angeles The artist previously recalled not knowing what to tell his grandchildren when he took them to the movies and they asked him about a same-sex kissing scene in Lightyear He faced backlash after saying the scene 'f***ed me up' and made him 'scared to go to the movies' anymore; pictured June in Los Angeles He then said seeing a same-sex couple in the animated movie 'threw me for a loop.' 'They're like, "She had a baby with another woman." Well, my grandson, in the middle of the movie is like, "Papa Snoop? How she have a baby with a woman? She's a woman!" 'Y'all throwing me in the middle of shit that I don't have an answer for It threw me for a loop. I'm like, "What part of the movie was this?" He said on the podcast: 'These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They're going to ask questions. I don't have the answer." This is not the first time Snoop has faced scrutiny over LGBTQ+ comments. In 2014, he used a slur in an Instagram caption, and he once referred to Caitlyn Jenner as a 'science project.' Now, the rapper, a grandfather of eight, says he wants to learn from the moment rather than shut down conversation. 'Teach me how to learn,' he emphasized, signaling his intent to better handle such questions going forward. 'I'm not perfect.' He's the American heartthrob who kicked off his acting career on the Disney channel series Austin & Ally. His star began to rise even further after snagging a main role in the ABC series The Fosters. He then set hearts aflutter starring as Peter Kavinsky in the Netflix film To All The girls I've Loved Before and its two sequels. The actor also earned his superhero movie stripes, starring alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in 2022, Black Adam and has also starred in the likes of Charlie's Angels and The Recruit. He also appeared alongside Nicolas Cage in the 2023 satirical comedy dream Scenario. He has also recently sparked rumours of a potential romance with Zoe Kravitz. American heartthrob Noah Centineo looked unregognisable when spotted in Sydney last week So can you guess who it is? It's none other than Noah Centineo, and the actor was spotted in Sydney this week looking completely unrecognisable. The actor's raven black hair and matching beard have been swapped out for long flaxen locks and a freshly shorn look. The 29-year-old cut a casual figure as he was spotted leaving his Sydney hotel on Friday. He wore a burgundy T-shirt layered over a long-sleeved black skivvy, along with a pair of shorts that finished just above the knee. Noah completed his dressed-down look with a pair of black Nike sneakers that he wore with a pair of dark blue socks. Attempting to go incognito, he accessorised with a black beanie pulled down just above his eyebrows and a pair of black sunglasses. Noah also slung a black backpack over his shoulders and carried an acoustic guitar case as he hit the Sydney streets. The actor's raven black hair and matching bead have been swapped out for long flaxen locks and a freshly shorn look A far cry from his rom-com days, Noah is definitely embracing a tougher, edgier look. The reason for the transformation? Noah is currently in the middle of filming scenes for the new Street Fighter film A far cry from his rom-com days, Noah is definitely embracing a tougher, edgier look. The reason for the transformation? Noah is currently in the middle of filming scenes for the new Street Fighter film. The Gen Z heartthrob is set to play the role of Ken Masters alongside other major stars including rapper 50 Cent in the film based on the iconic video game franchise. The Recruit producer-star reportedly replaced Patrick Schwarzenegger in the lead role of Ken Masters, the best friend and rival to Ryu who trained under the same master Gouken, who first appeared in the 1987 Capcom video game. Noah had to bleach his natural raven locks and shave off his burly beard for Kitao Sakurai's 2026 film, which commenced principal photography on August 18. Last month, Deadline reported that Noah has been cast as a younger version of Sylvester Stallone's Vietnam veteran in Jalmari Helander's prequel John Rambo, which shoots in Thailand next year. Last year, the 79-year-old Oscar nominee revealed he would have preferred Ryan Gosling be cast as the younger Rambo. 'I met him at a dinner and obviously we're opposites. He's good-looking - I'm not. That's how it works,' Sly recalled on The Tonight Show. The Gen Z heartthrob is set to play the role of Ken Masters alongside other major stars including rapper 50 Cent in the film based on the iconic video game franchise Noah had to bleach his natural raven locks and shave off his burly beard for Kitao Sakurai's 2026 film, which commenced principal photography on August 18 'But he goes, 'I was fascinated by Rambo, and I used to go to school dressed as Rambo and people would chase me away and I still didn't stop.'' It comes after Noah recently sparked romance rumours with Zoe Kravitz, 36, after they left a party together in West Hollywood back in March. Noah and the Big Little Lies star were seen exiting the same small bar/club around 2:20 a.m. According to eyewitnesses, the rumoured couple left in the same car. The pair's sighting came on the same day her ex-fiance Channing Tatum, 44, went public with his new romance with Australian model Inka Williams at a pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles, hosted by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Kravitz and Centineo refrained from engaging in any PDA and it is unknown if their relationship is romantic or platonic. The month prior, the two were also seen hanging out in New York City. Australian actress Teresa Palmer counting down the moments until she welcomes her fifth child. The 39-year-old marked her 38th week of pregnancy with a social media update on Monday, posting a photo of herself cuddled up on the couch with three of her children, her bump front and centre. 'I'll be right here,' she captioned the cute family snap. Teresa's post attracted dozens of comments from well-wishers who complimented The Fall Guy star's growing family. 'A lot of beautiful blonde heads,' messaged one follower, while another added, 'beautiful babies.' A third user commented, 'Aww, surrounded by those beautiful cherubs of yours.' Australian actress Teresa Palmer, 39, shared this photo of her blossoming baby bump as she cuddled up to three of her four children on Monday 'I'll be right here,' Teresa, who is 38 weeks pregnant, captioned the cute family snap Teresa went public with the news she was expecting in March. Posing alongside her children, she shared on Instagram: 'Our family is expanding. Overwhelmed with gratitude to be welcoming another little one into our lives. Feels like a dream.' Further photos showed Teresa with her husband, Mark Webber, and showing off her growing bump from various angles. Teresa shares four children with her partner - Bodhi Rain, 11, Forest Sage, eight, Poet Lake, five, and Prairie Moon, three. She is also a dedicated stepmother to Mark's teenage son, Isaac Love, whom he shares with his ex, SMILF actress Frankie Shaw. The happy news comes after the Lights Out star revealed she suffered a miscarriage three months after falling pregnant. The star shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram in May last year, which documented the moment she found out she was expecting another baby. Teresa shares four children with husband Mark - Bodhi Rain, 11, Forest Sage, eight, Poet Lake, five, and Prairie Moon, three. She is also a dedicated stepmother to Mark's teenage son Isaac Love, whom he shares with his ex, SMILF actress Frankie Shaw. All pictured Mark and Teresa wed in 2013, while the actress was still pregnant with their first child. Mark, also an actor, has appeared in the film Scott Pilgrim vs The World and co-starred in the animated Netflix spin-off Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Meanwhile, on the eve of their ninth wedding anniversary in 2022, Teresa said she was aiming to add more children to her brood. The Hollywood star says she wants at least three more kids and is hoping she falls pregnant with twins. 'Twins run in the family. I might get two for one next time,' she said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph. Teresa said she told Mark on their first date that she wanted six kids. 'He said he also wanted six,' she added. 'So I am holding him to that number.' It comes after the Wolf Creek actress announced last month she was breaking ties with her old life in Hollywood. Teresa told her followers on Instagram that she has listed her seven-bedroom Los Angeles pad. No details of the sale have been made public, including the price tag for the luxurious spread, which is located in the sought-after Lake Hollywood neighbourhood. But according to real estate dealers, houses in the upscale Hollywood Canyon area can fetch up to $7.6 million AUD ($5 million US). The Hacksaw Ridge star also said that she and Mark are planning to settle in Byron Bay, a favourite of A-listers including Chris Hemsworth. Molly-Mae Hague packed on the PDA in a cringe-worthy kiss with Tommy Fury as he returned to her YouTube vlog on Monday for the first time since their split. The Love Island couple, both 26, were known for sharing all aspects of their relationship online, including their engagement back in July 2023. However, since their split in August 2024, the boxer hasn't appeared in Molly's vlogs, with the influencer explaining she preferred to keep their relationship private as they worked on their reconciliation. Yet in Molly's latest vlog on Monday night, the couple shared a passionate smooch as she drove to the airport to drop Tommy off ahead of his triathlon. Filmed before Molly knew she was going to fly to France with Bambi to surprise Tommy, Molly joked: 'I'll hold down the fort with the child.' The pair locked lips before both gushing 'I love you', before Tommy swooped in for a second kiss as he opened his mouth wide. Molly-Mae Hague shared a cringe-worthy kiss with Tommy Fury as he returned to her vlog on Monday for the first time since their split The pair joked around before locking lips and both gushing 'I love you' Later in the vlog Molly filmed herself flying off to France in her private jet as she surprised Tommy at the finish line of his 62-mile triathlon. Asking Tommy how he felt about her and Bambi surprising him he gushed: 'Honestly I thought I was probably hallucinating. 'When I touched you I thought "OMG, you are actually here." That was the highlight of this whole event, by a mile.' It comes after Molly gushed over how proud she was of Tommy after his race over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, she shared a sweet video waving at the boxer while holding Bambi as he ran towards the finish line during the endurance race. Molly jumped up and down cheering Tommy on, after revealing she had jetted to the French Riviera in a private plane in a now-deleted Instagram post. Meanwhile, on Tuesday Tommy cheekily hit back at trolls who 'roasted' his running technique during the race. After videos circulated of him running for the final leg of the race he felt the need to speak out after many said he looked like he 'had flippers or scuba gear' on. Filmed before Molly knew she was going to fly to France with Bambi to surprise Tommy, Molly joked: 'I'll hold down the fort with the child' The pair laughed and joked as Molly told him his sunglasses made him look 'hot' She drove Tommy to the airport as he headed off ahead of his 62-mile triathlon Molly-Mae gushed she over how 'proud' she was of Tommy as she jetted to France on her private jet to surprise him during his triathlon Molly jumped up and down, cheering Tommy on, after revealing she had jetted to the French Riviera in a private plane in a now-deleted Instagram post Meanwhile, on Tuesday Tommy cheekily hit back at trolls who 'roasted' his running technique during the race Sharing a video of him running at the end he penned in the caption: 'Go ahead and roast my form but could you sprint finish after a 100KM triathlon?' People had poked fun at his technique, writing in the comments: 'You run like Phoebe in an episode of Friends.'; 'You run like you're wearing flippers'; 'You run like you got scuba gear on'; 'Your feet are on the wrong feet'; 'Gets me every time (crying emoji)'; 'No I couldn't [sprint finish], but it doesn't make it any less funny to watch.' Back in January he was mocked by fans after posting a clip which saw him nearly knock over an elderly lady while taking part in a charity 10k race. He took part in the Tatton Park 10km (6.2 miles) on January 4 where he went for a sprint finish - nearly taking someone out at the end. As he sped along to the finish line he whizzed past spectators watching and just before the end almost knocked into an older female runner. This is the hunky fairground showman who has captured the heart of Rylan Clark. Dazzling Kennedy Bates, 47, who is 11 years older than the popular TV and radio presenter, comes from generations of travelling funfair showmen and firmly believes in hard graft and family values. It is easy to see why handsome Kennedy, with his mop of curly dark hair, chiselled features and outgoing, sunny personality, caught divorced Rylan's eye. Kennedy is part of the successful Leicestershire-based fun fair giant Billy Bates & Sons, a family business spanning seven generations, and has spoken warmly of the rich and colourful life he had growing up moving around the Midlands with the fair. His first steps into life as a 'showman' - which he calls himself on company documents - was aged just 11 when he started selling balloons at the fair. He said on the fair's Facebook page: 'We are all very proud of our Leicester roots. 'My brother James and I often say how we feel like we grew up in every part of Leicester. 'We had friends in every estate and we would look forward to seeing them each year when the fair moved back into their area. Rylan Clark is said to be 'smitten' with his new boyfriend Kennedy Bates (left) who at 47 is 11 years his senior. Kennedy runs a fairground business with his family based in Leicester Kennedy who, juding by his social media posts, is a charismatic chap, has captured the heart of popular BBC Radio 2 host Rylan who told of their budding romance in a recent interview Rylan's new man Kennedy is a popular figure with his fairground firm - and is pictured on the company's social media with the likes of ex-Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy Kennedy is part of the successful Leicestershire-based fun fair giant Billy Bates & Sons, a family business spanning seven generations Kennedy speaks on social media about the importantance of hard work and the family values his funfair business cherishes - and what he has learned from his father and grandfather 'We are very grateful for the support we receive from the people of Leicester and proud to have been a part of their community for such a long time.' He enthusiastically posts photos and videos on the fun fair's Facebook page, and is often seen grinning and joking with younger workers and fans. He boldly states his approach to life: 'Where would we be without the hard work, love and lessons learned from our fathers and grandfathers.' In a page entitled 'Legacy' he says: The Bates family have been proudly passing down the knowledge and experience of the fairground industry for seven generations. 'During this time many things have changed and many unique stories have been shared. 'From wartime stories of fairs that operated in complete darkness, to my great grandfather, (the late George Bates) and his 'pony-driven' carousel, which had no motors, and just a horse that pulled the carousel around as it trotted along on the inside of the ride.' The social media posts show Kennedy rubbing shoulders with celebrities at the fairground, that this year is working to raise funds for Rainbows Children's Hospice. With Rylan, 36, admitting that the pair had already discussed having children together - a source told Daily Mail that the presenter is 'smitten' with his new man. The star had been keeping his new man a secret despite the pair enjoying a string of public dates over the summer together, including going to an Oasis gig. But he let slip he had a boyfriend while speaking on a podcast last week. It is his first serious romance in four years following his bitter breakup with ex-husband Dan Neal, and their divorce in 2021 after a six-year marriage with the X Factor star admitting he cheated on him. But now the Daily Mail can reveal exactly who the colourful character is and share delightful photos of the 'Showman' doing the job he loves. Rylan announced the new romance as he interviewed star Louis Theroux on his How To Be In Love podcast, which has documented his mission to find love. The TV presenter and BBC Radio 2 host gushed: 'I'm loving what I've got at the minute and I want to keep it that way.' He said the pair had even discussed having children, with Rylan telling Louis both he and his new man want kids. Rylan revealed he had been 'blatant' about the romance, heading on multiple public dates with the man but 'nobody noticed'. He added: ''At this time I'm very happy. Recently I have gotten into a relationship and it's great and it feels very different to anything I've had before, which is a good sign to me.' The pair have even discussed having children, with Rylan telling Louis both he and his new man want kids. And the star has introduced Kennedy to his beloved mum Linda and other family members. Rylan announced the new romance as he interviewed star Louis Theroux on his How To Be In Love podcast, which has documented his mission to find love The X Factor star and presenter, 36, was married to his ex-husband Dan Neal (pictured in 2016) for six years before they divorced in 2021 after Rylan admitted he cheated on him Rylan, who is fronting the second series of Dancing Naked UK on Paramount Plus, added: ''I'm loving what I've got at the minute and I want to keep it that way.' Kennedy, who turns 48 in December, speaks passionately about family influence and hard work, and is proud of his roots in the Midlands city of Leicester. The fair was founded by his great grandfather, the late George Bates, with his grandad Walter and dad Billy and he and brother James following in their footsteps.' He posted in June 2023: 'For six generations the Bates family legacy has been built on learning from father to son, so today we give thanks , love and appreciation, to the big boss!' Since then, another generation has become involved. Kennedy, who is Director of Rides, appears hugely popular among his workers and during the fun fair season crowns an 'Employee of the Week.' The family has been operating fun fairs and amusements for over 100 years in and around Leicester. In recent years the business has expanded, and supplies attractions at some of the country's biggest outdoor festivals, film and TV work, corporate parties and various councils for town centre events. Kennedy, giving a glimpse into his family's life, recalled on the fair's social media page his dad's first memorable 'job,' saying it was selling wooden balls for a coconut shy at the tender age of 6. He said: 'It was 7 balls for a shilling!' (5p today) He continued: 'My starting point in the business was very similar to my dad's, I was just 11 years old when I started selling balloons at the fair. 'It wasn't quite as young as my dad when he started but it was still a big responsibility for a kid. Looking back now I realise that this was the perfect way for me to learn the ropes in the business and more importantly how to speak to customers and gain confidence.' 'While today's business has evolved greatly since the days of steam engines and pony driven rides we feel that the core structure that makes our company successful will stay the same. 'Because there is no substitute for experience.' 'They're inseparable.They make a lovely couple.' Kennedy also works to raise funds for local charities and businesses through the funfair - which has been in his family for more than 100 years This year, all of the revenue that the fairground generates on TikTok is being donated to Rainbows Children's Hospice (pictured with Antony Costa and Sam Bailey) Kennedy has been dating Rylan for a while and went with him to a recent Oasis concert - but their budding relationship appeared to go unnoticed until Rylan let slip in a recent podcast Kennedy is pictured here with his father, Billy. Billy's father Walter Bates was one of the first Showmen to introduce Free Days at the fair - when underprivileged children for free rides 'Kennedy, who used to man the waltzers, is now one of the top dogs at Billy Bates & Sons funfair in Leicester.' Rylan, on his recent podcast, was given advice by Louis Theroux, on a long-lasting relationship as he revealed that you have to figure things out more when you have children. Louis asked Rylan: 'Is that something you've been thinking about?' And he replied: 'Yeah I want kids. He wants kids.' Rylan first shared he was in a new relationship on his BBC Radio 2 show last week, after playing a clip from his podcast interview with Louis He said he'd 'kept it a secret for so long' but he is 'seeing someone.' He didn't name Kennedy but simply said they he was 'happy' and 'very content' in his new relationship. Rylan also joked that sharing the romance would bring an end to speculation that he was dating his longtime pal Robert Rinder. After stepping away from the limelight, Kim Novak returned to Venice Film Festival on Monday to accept the Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement after releasing a documentary about her poverty-stricken upbringing The documentary explores her life, highlighting her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, and her journey from stardom to a reclusive life as an artist in Oregon. And critics have praised the documentary, directed by Alexandre Philippe, with Variety describing Kim as a 'magnetic subject'. Beginning with her own narration, Deadline writes, 'it gives Novak an excuse (she humbly calls it 'permission') to look back on her life and give us her side of the story unapologetic and, right from the start, impressively unfiltered.' Despite The Guardian noting she sounds 'poignantly frail' in the opening voice note, when you then see her in the person 'she is sensational; articulate, vibrant, youthful in ways that have nothing to do with cosmetic work, very engaged with the questions that Philippe puts to her but concerned also to discuss her own life and personality, particularly her interest in painting and what she owes to her parents.' Critics noted that the film presents Alfred Hitchcock in a positive light, with Guy Lodge writing Variety: 'If youre wondering whether the title Kim Novaks Vertigo is a dig at the legendary director of the actors single most celebrated film, it isnt: Kim Novak uncensored: The Legendary actress, 92, has finally been given the freedom to speak her side of the story as critics deem her 'impressively unfiltered' in new documentary The documentary explores her life, highlighting her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, and her journey from stardom to a reclusive life as an artist in Oregon (pictured in 1950) 'Alfred Hitchcock is fondly recalled throughout the doc, to the point that his ghost is even thanked in the closing credits, for being undeniably present during the making of this movie.' Guy also commended on Kim's vulnerability as she confesses: 'I feel like Im very close to the end,' adding, 'I need to free something thats been in the closet of my mind.' Reminiscing on starting out in the film industry she adds: 'I feel more proud of having been a reactor than an actor.' She began under contract to Columbia Pictures, with the companies head Harry Cohn calling her 'the fat Polack' and making her change her first name from Marilyn to Kim. The documentary is full of heartbreak as she admits her mother tried to abort her and her father kept the miscarried foetus of her brother in a jar in the garage. In the film she says: 'The Depression caused so much hardship. My mother got pregnant and she could not afford a child. 'She tried to abort me with knitting needles and it failed. So she tried to suffocate me with a pillow. 'I remember fighting to stay alive. I won, I stayed alive, and made it through.' Critics noted that the film presents Alfred Hitchcock in a positive light, with Variety writing: 'If youre wondering whether the title Kim Novak s Vertigo is a dig at the legendary director of the actors single most celebrated film, it isnt' (Kim pictured in Vertigo with James Stewart) Kim revealed that her mother Blanche tried to abort her pregnancy with knitting needles as she detailed her poverty-stricken upbringing in an extraordinary new documentary She added that it was her sister who found her brother's foetus in the basement, amid her father's collection of animals and insects. 'The foetus, his only son, in the basement. He kept him,' she said. After retreating from Hollywood she describes herself as being 'reborn' as she turned to work as an artist, which she calls her 'survival mode'. Meanwhile Indie Wire adds: 'The documentary is most interesting when it doesnt linger on clips from her movies, but when it focuses on her in the present at her home in Oregon.' Clips focus on Kim painting at her house as she expresses herself through her art after she wasn't allowed to be expressive during the peak of her fame. She tells the camera: 'I hesitate to even be recording this because I dont know whats gonna come out of what I say, what I mean. 'What do I mean? Is that what its about: What do I mean? What do I think? What do I feel? I dont know whats expected of me to feel, or to think, or even to be, for that matter.' Her tell-all documentary about her extraordinary life tells of her upbringing in Depression-era Chicago, followed by ten years of Hollywood superstardom, and then a retreat from showbusiness. She says of the revelations: 'I have been feeling the need to free the memories that have been hiding in the closet of my mind.' Filmmaker Alexandre Phillippe said that he was astonished to have the voicemail from Novak outlining these stories. 'I gasped, and said, is it too dark?' he said. He added: 'It is a privilege to share all these very powerful secrets and memories.' Novak journeyed from her 13-acre horse ranch in Oregon to accept the honour from the festival. Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones were pictured on a cosy lunch just weeks after they 'cooled their romance'. True gent Gethin, 47, gave Helen, 42, his umbrella as they headed out near the TV studios where they film Morning Live in Manchester and got a soaking as he made sure she was protected from the elements. Helen had a big smile on her face as she stepped out in her baggy Adidas trackpants, begging the question of whether they are giving their romance another go. The day before, Gethin returned to work after the death of his father - and Helen had been seen carrying two coffees as she no doubt provided him with some support. Gethin announced his father had sadly died almost three weeks ago after suffering from a long illness. At the time, he shared a picture of himself smiling alongside his dad in hospital alongside a heartfelt post about the man who clearly meant so much to him. Are Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones back together? The pair headed out for a cosy lunch in Manchester on Tuesday, weeks after they 'cooled romance' Helen had a big smile on her face, begging the question of whether they are giving their romance another go Helen looked happy as she stepped out in her Adidas tracksuit bottoms Sharing the famous Max Boyce quote, Gethin wrote: 'Wales defeated England. Hymns and Arias with dad last night, before he left us this morning. 'The most perfect, peaceful end. Welsh hymns playing, and the grandsons on speakerphone saying goodbye.' Gethin revealed his father had battled illness for an extended period of time as he highlighted the importance of humour in helping his family. He said: 'Dad was poorly for a while, he put up a good fight, incredible really. It was so nice to see his dry humour, the importance of faith and his love for classical music shine through at the end. 'Every day I've been at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, someone would stop me and ask me about dad. 'He probably taught them at some point. He made a big impact on education in these parts over a long period of time. 'He was strict and direct, always reasonable. A teacher for 40 years, a headteacher for 28!' The Strictly star went on to thank the NHS for looking after his father, noting that his sister, who also works for the institution, has been 'amazing'. True gent Gethin, 47, gave Helen, 42, his umbrella as they headed out near the TV studios where they film Morning Live in Manchester Gethin happily got soaked in the rain as he made sure Helen was protected from the elements Gethin opted for a blue T-shirt which he teamed with a pair of smart trousers The TV star sipped on a smoothie as he left the cafe TV presenter Gethin had announced the passing of his father with a heartfelt tribute to him alongside this sweet photo Gethin was spotted on celebrity dating app Raya after calling time on his romance with Helen Helen has been single since her high profile 2022 split from husband Richie Myler (pictured), the father of her three children Helen and Gethin had previously grown close after spending time with each other outside work, including on a steamy spa break The Daily Mail revealed in May how the pair's 'flirty' on-screen chemistry had 'blossomed' into a deeper connection and they were seen acting like a 'couple' at a charity event last year To add extra intrigue, the hosts' respective representatives both refused to comment on their relationship This came after they were spotted leaving the Bafta awards together Helen and Gethin previously appeared to have cooled off their reported romance. She spent the school holidays with her children, Ernie, nine, Louis, eight, and Elsie, four, from her relationship with ex-husband, Richie Myler. And Gethin was recently spotted on celebrity dating app Raya. Helen and Gethin had previously grown close after spending time with each other outside work, including on a steamy spa break. The Daily Mail revealed in May how the pair's 'flirty' on-screen chemistry had 'blossomed' into a deeper connection, and they were seen acting like a 'couple' at a charity event last year courtesy of their 'tactile' behaviour towards each other. And to add extra intrigue to their relationship, the hosts' respective representatives both refused to comment after being quizzed amid reports they were spotted leaving the Bafta awards together. Helen has been single since her high profile 2022 split from husband Richie Myler, the father of her three children. The rugby league player was married to Helen for nine years, with the former Strictly star writing on Instagram that she was very 'sad' he had 'left the family home'. Richie has since moved on with Stephanie Thirkill, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew Thirkill, and they have welcomed two children, Olivia and Freddie. Lana Murphy has given birth to her second child, a baby boy. The 9News Melbourne journalist confirmed the exciting news on social media on Tuesday by sharing a gallery of precious baby photos. One adorable picture captured Lana tenderly cradling her newborn while kissing him on the cheek, and another showed Lana and her partner, Nick Riddle, introducing their older son, Bowie, to his younger brother. Lana looked every inch the doting mother in the sweet gallery as she revealed her son's very unique name in the caption. 'He's here. And he was so worth the wait. Soaking up every second with our boy; Navy,' Lana wrote. Many of her celebrity friends took to the comments section to offer their well wishes. Lana Murphy has given birth to her second child. Pictured with partner Nick Riddle One adorable picture captured Lana tenderly cradling her newborn while kissing him on the cheek 'Perfection. X,' gushed Bec Judd. 'Congrats Lana!! Enjoy the cuddles! Can highly recommend two boys,' added Livinia Nixon. 'He's so cute. So precious,' MAFS veteran Ella Ding chipped in. In July, it was reported that Lana was set to depart the network, one week after making headlines due to a shock on-air gaffe. The presenter had shared a post to Instagram revealing she was going on maternity leave, just days after forgetting her script during a live report and ad-libbing nonsense. Lana posted a gallery of photos, one of which captured her showing off her growing baby bump while presenting the weather. The journalist looked radiant in the photo as she announced shed be taking time off to prepare for her second child. 'Bumping the east coast out of shot while bumping out of my role at Nine News Melbourne for a few months, eek!' she wrote. The 9News Melbourne journalist confirmed the exciting news on social media on Tuesday Lana looked every inch the doting mother in the sweet gallery as she revealed her son's very unique name in the caption ' He's here. And he was so worth the wait. Soaking up every second with our boy; Navy,' Lana wrote on Instagram 'Final story, bathroom bump selfie, PTC & sign off. Got to work with some of my favourite humans on earth. What a dream.' Lana's departure follows a widely shared moment when she forgot her script during a live broadcast and ad-libbed to fill the time an incident that seemed to endear her more to viewers. She took to TikTok to own up to her mistake. Lana shared a clip that showed her delivering a seemingly innocuous report about school holiday activities in Melbourne. However, the segment quickly derailed when Lana clearly forgot her script. It seems her ad-libbing abilities may need some work, with the reporter uttering a string of unintelligible filler words. 'We will have a full list of all the possible school holiday activities and...' she said, before pausing briefly in an attempt to remember her lines. 'Dib-a-dib-a-dib-a-dib-a-doo' was all Lana could muster before finally getting back on track. The segment then cut back to presenter Brett McLeod in the studio, who appeared at a loss to explain Lana's bizarre gaffe. Seeing the funny side of her error, Lana captioned her clip with a self-effacing remark: 'I wish I could say this was the first time my real personality went to air.' 'I promise I'm normally a serious, professional journalist,' she added. Dwayne Johnson displayed his slimmed-down frame as he departed Venice Film Festival on Tuesday - following a recent weight loss transformation. The actor, 53, known as The Rock, was there to promote his new film The Smashing Machine, which debuted at the event, alongside his co-star Emily Blunt. Departing Italy, The Rock looked typically stylish in a grey shirt and white linen trousers as he flashed a smile. Meanwhile actress Emily, 42, looked casually chic in a dark red dress and denim shirt. She accessorised her look perfectly with a black leather handbag, comfortable white trainers and dark shades. The biopic follows the life of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne, alongside Emily as Kerr's then-wife Dawn Staples an Arizona-based recovering alcoholic who wed Mark in Las Vegas. Dwayne Johnson displayed his slimmed-down frame as he departed Venice Film Festival on Tuesday - following a recent weight loss transformation The Smashing Machine gave The Rock who is known for his many action roles, the opportunity to stretch himself. In this project, he is nearly unrecognizable as mixed martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr. Johnson lost about 60 pounds used prosthetics and a wig to look more like the 56-year-old former college wrestler turned MMA champ. In the drama, Johnson not only portrays Kerr's actions in the ring, but deals with the athlete's struggle with substance abuse. 'This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,' he told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday. 'I had been very fortunate to have the career that I've had over the years and to make the films that I've made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, 'Well, what if I could do more I want to do more and what does that look like?'' At a press conference after the screening, Johnson had high praise for the man he portrayed on screen. The actor, 53, known as The Rock, was there to promote his new film The Smashing Machine, which debuted at the event, alongside his co-star Emily Meanwhile actress Emily, 42, looked casually chic in a dark red dress and denim shirt as she stepped out She accessorised her look perfectly with a black leather handbag, comfortable white trainers and dark shades The biopic follows the life of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne, alongside Emily as Kerr's then-wife Dawn Staples The Smashing Machine gave The Rock who is known for his many action roles, the opportunity to stretch himself 'Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting it's a love story,' he explained, becoming emotional. 'It's a love story about Mark and Dawn (Staples, played by Emily Blunt) in this relationship, and it's a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming.' 'As you know, Mark OD'd twice,' he told reporters, 'and he's lucky to be alive and that's part of why this story is so special.' In June, Johnson appeared on the Dr. Mark Hyman Show explaining that he had turned to the functional medicine physician for help with a gut related problem. 'You said, very succinctly, 'I'm not going to treat your symptoms. I'm going to go deeper than that and treat the root cause of what's going on,'' the actor said of their first meeting, 'And I said, 'I love that.'' Tests showed that multiple rounds of antibiotics he had taken in the past had damaged the lining of his intestines. 'We basically rehabbed your gut,' Hyman said, explaining the health regimen. 'Gave you probiotics and plant compounds - pomegranate, green tea, cranberry - to help rebuild it, 'adding 'And we made you this amazing gut health shake with 10-plus ingredients personalized for you.' The Smashing Machine, which will be released on October 3, is based on John Hyams' 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, which also captured Kerr's substance abuse Charlie Sheen has confessed to the lingering embarrassment he feels about his tumultuous past after reaching eight years of sobriety. At the height of his stardom, the Two and a Half Men star led a wild and debauched life, plunging headlong into spiraling drug addictions. In the 1990s he testified about paying more than $50,000 for what he made a point of insisting were 'heterosexual services' from escorts employed by 'Hollywood Madam' Heidi Fleiss, and in 2010 he was allegedly thrown out of the Plaza Hotel in New York after trashing his room while high on cocaine. During his explosive divorce from Denise Richards in 2005, she accused him of making death threats against her, shoving her and endangering their children with his penchant for call girls and pornography. Now Charlie, 59, who is HIV positive, has spoken candidly about trying to make amends with others and forgive himself after getting clean in 2017. 'Forgiveness is still an evolving thing. I still get what I call the "shame shivers." These are the moments that hit me, of the heinous memories and choices and consequences,' the son of Martin Sheen told People in a cover interview. Charlie Sheen has confessed to the lingering embarrassment he still feels about his tumultuous past after reaching years of sobriety At the height of his stardom, the Two and a Half Men star led a wild and debauched life, plunging headlong into spiraling drug addictions - pictured 2012 during his publicized meltdown Charlie Sheen has confessed to the lingering embarrassment he still feels about his tumultuous past after reaching years of sobriety 'Theyre getting farther in between, so I guess thats progress. What has been interesting about making amends is that most people have been like: "Hey yeah, were good man, but we hope youve also forgiven yourself."' He has no desire to return to drinking and drugs because: 'Whether its true or not, I like to think the next hit would kill me.' Charlie is now publishing a memoir called The Book of Sheen in which he frankly recalls his years of substance abuse, admitting to using crack and opiates including heroin, as well as a testosterone cream that made him a 'raving lunatic.' 'At my parties, I always said: "Park your judgement at the door. No pain in the bedroom. And no one can die." Those were good rules,' he shared in his interview. The intensity of his nightlife was partly fueled by a carpe diem attitude that came from his insecurity about the transience of his stardom. 'There was always that voice of doubt,' he said: 'that it was only a matter of time before it all went away, so to enjoy it as heartily as you can.' During his party years, he welcomed his daughters Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with Denise, and his twin sons Max and Bob, 16, with his subsequent wife Brooke Mueller. Denise and Charlie's divorce was finalized in November 2006 with a court order stipulating that other than during supervised visits, Charlie had to remain 300 feet from Denise and their daughters, according to Access Hollywood. During his explosive divorce from Denise Richards in 2005, she accused him of making death threats against her; the former couple are pictured at that year's Screen Actors Guild Awards Charlie is pictured with his father, The West Wing star Martin Sheen, at the AARP Movie's For Grown Ups Film Festival in Los Angeles in 2011 Sheen also had a brush with the law and was arrested for allegedly assaulting his then-wife Brooke Mueller in 2009 Sheen previously dated pornstar Bree Olson (far left) while living with model Natalie Kenly (far right) - pictured 2011 Now Charlie, 59, who is HIV positive, has spoken candidly about trying to make amends with others and forgive himself after getting clean in 2017 - pictured 2012 He was then married to Brooke from 2008 to 2011, during which time both of them had drug problems that were widely reported. In 2013 it was Denise who stepped in and temporarily cared for Max and Bob after the government took them from their mother on account of her substance abuse. Charlie and Denise have been locked in multiple rancorous battles involving their own two daughters, including a lawsuit she filed in 2016. In her legal documents, Denise accused Charlie of having told her in 2013: 'I am going to sever your head and mail it to your father.' She also claimed that Charlie had texted Lola: 'Have a merry Xmas with your loser f***s**t mom... your dad is a rock star genius ... your mom is a p*** wart,' when his daughter was only eight years old. He welcomed his daughters Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with Denise (the four of them are pictured), and he also has twins Max and Bob, 16, with his latest ex-wife Brooke Mueller However by 2017 year they had evidently become friendly again and were spotted taking their children to a Twenty-One Pilots concert. They recently publicly disagreed over Sami's decision to join OnlyFans - while Charlie criticized the movie, Denise followed her daughter onto the platform. Now Charlie has remarked that his decision to get sober was ultimately driven by his compunctions about the sort of father he would be to his four children. 'I keep a [mental list] of the worst, most shameful things Ive done, and I can look at that in my head if I feel like having a drink,' he said, noting that 'You have to be willing' to go on the wagon in order to successfully achieve sobriety. His book comes out next Tuesday, with a Netflix special called aka Charlie Sheen bowing next Wednesday, but he insisted that 'Im not calling all of this a comeback. Im calling it a reset. Im just living for the next moment, whatever that turns out to be.' Reality star Erin Bates has suffered a terrifying health complication which saw her admitted to the ICU after giving birth to her seventh child. The former Bringing Up Bates personality, 34, delivered her son Henry Blythe on August 25, but later went into septic shock. After revealing that Bates had gone through a 'long and emotional labor' to bring Henry into the world, her husband, Chad Paine, 38, returned to social media and shared that her condition is serious. 'We wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and support you have given on our behalf. Its been a week since our miracle, Henry came into the world,' he said, adding, ' He is doing well in the NICU and is our bundle of happiness.' 'We had asked for prayer for recovery for Erin due to complications. Her labor was longer and more intense than previous births. 'She has been fighting through it and has been such a light and sweet testimony of grace to nurses, staff, and doctors alike. We are all moved by her kindness and gratefulness in the midst of pain.' Reality star Erin Bates has suffered a terrifying health complication which saw her admitted to the ICU after giving birth to her seventh child Revealing the source of the complications, he wrote, 'Erin developed a severe UTI and kidney infection, which sent her into septic shock.' 'She is currently still in the ICU as doctors continue to treat, diagnose, and search for answers. We would covet your prayers for this beautiful girl who is such a light in a dark world. We are holding onto Gods promises. Chad.' Septic shock is a rare but dangerous condition, occurring after .03-percent to .04-percent of deliveries. However, a report from the CDC in 2024 indicated that these kinds of complications were on the rise and urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common causes. Infections and sepsis are the second leading cause of maternal deaths in the US. Bates and Paine are also parents to Charles Steven IV, 10, Brooklyn Elise, eight, Everly Hope, seven, Holland Grace, five, Finley Marie, three, and William Gage, 20 months. In 2015, just before giving birth to their oldest child, the couple revealed to People that Bates had suffered several miscarriages due to a blood-clotting issue. Fans who saw Paine's call to prayer quickly answered. 'Praying that infection would leave her body in the name of Jesus!! I pray for complete healing over her and for sweet baby Henry in the NICU,' wrote one. 'The whole Roman household going on our knees to intercede for prayer on your families behalf! The Lord show his loving kindness and compassion and mercy over your family! Amen.' Others suggested that perhaps the couple consider whether it would be wise to have any more children. 'I say this with love, it's time to consider not having any more babies. This is your body's way of telling you that you need to rest now,' wrote one person. On Monday, Bates' husband, Chad Paine, 38, asked for prayers, revealing she was being treated for septic shock due to 'a severe UTI and a kidney infection' 'She is currently still in the ICU as doctors continue to treat, diagnose, and search for answers,' he shared on social media 'Maybe, this is a sign her body has had enough pregnancies. So scary. May God keep giving her strength,' added another. Bates is best known as one of 19 children featured on the reality show Bringing Up Bates and its previous incarnation United Bates of America. She and Paine, who shared their first kiss at the altar, married in November 2013. At the time, she was 23. Shortly after walking down the aisle, the pair revealed they were expecting. Sadly, the couple learned that their baby had stopped developing early on and Erin had to undergo a dilation and curettage (D&C). They named their miscarried child Angel Paine. The couple,who shared their first kiss at the altar, married in 2013 and are now the parents of seven children Erin endured two suffered two more devastating miscarriages after that. 'Going through a miscarriage is one of the hardest things. You build up all these expectations, and you prepare, and you have the date in your mind, and it's just heartbreaking when that ends. It's like your world's been crushed,' she said, at the time. She continued: 'When you go through something difficult, it just makes you all the more strong and it makes you look to each other for comfort. It made us look to the other people who had gone through difficult situations and really, hopefully, encouraged them through it, as well.' In 2021, Erin revealed she had three surgeries due to cysts rupturing and causing internal bleeding. As a result, she had to have one ovary removed and most the other one as well. Bates is best known as one of 19 children featured on the reality show Bringing Up Bates and its previous incarnation United Bates of America Bates and her husband also run a popular YouTube channel, which has 147K subscribers, where they document their home life and share recipes 'It has been scary and really discouraging at times, but we have been so grateful for the medical doctors who have helped us navigate through these uncertainties. God has held our hands through it, and has given us a peace and strength that we cannot explain,' she wrote on Instagram. She also praised her husband for pampering her and waiting on her 'hand and foot all day' as she recovered. 'He has been so patient and caring, and hes not too shabby as a cook, and for sure better than me at laundry, dishes, and mopping,' the mother-of-seven added. 'His daily love notes have made me cry and smile at the same time, and nothing is sweeter than hearing the kids belly laugh as he chases them through the house for hours.' A year later, the reality star had her gallbladder removed. In 2021, Erin revealed she had three surgeries due to cysts rupturing and causing internal bleeding She and her husband have their own company making designing scripture cards, stationary and stickers, along with skincare made with beef tallow and CDs featuring Bates singing hymns and other religious songs. Bates and her husband also run a popular YouTube channel, which has 147K subscribers, where they document their home life and share recipes. In July, Erin answered questions about her homeschool techniques and offered an update on her pregnancy. At the time, she confirmed they had selected a baby name because she was 'not patient enough to wait until the baby's born.' 'Our boy's name is, drum roll, Henry Ble!' she gushed. 'If it was going to be [a girl], Harper Anne with an "E", of course.' She added: 'We can't wait. It feels like it's going to be coming up soon and then some days it feels like it's forever away.' Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger has been released from prison earlier than expected. The reality star, 62, walked free on September 2, six months ahead of her scheduled release date, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Detention Center confirmed to Page Six. The Daily Mail has reached out to Huger's representatives, but they have not yet responded. Back in February, a Maryland judge sentenced the TV personality to one year in prison after she was found guilty on nearly all counts connected to her March 2024 DUI arrest and car crash in Bethesda, Maryland. Following her release, she will remain on probation for five years. In addition, she has been prohibited from driving for another 12 months. The Bravo star has a history of alcohol-related offenses, having been arrested three previous times for driving under the influence. Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger has been released from prison earlier than expected Prosecutors had asked for the Bravo star to serve six months in jail, but the judge gave her the highest-possible sentence. Huger had three previous alcohol-related offenses. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Terrence McGann in the case told Huger during her sentencing that she was 'filled to the gills with alcohol,' as reported by Fox5. Huger's lawyers asked the judge to go soft on her, arguing she was grieving her parents' death and struggling with anti-depressants. 'Ms. Hugers mother died on Thanksgiving morning in 2017 of kidney failure and sepsis. Her father died seven months later on June 28, 2018 from the complications of Alzheimers and of a broken heart,' Huger's lawyers said in a motion. 'Those two losses, in quick succession, were for Ms. Huger, personally devastating and, in her opinion, may have been the straws that broke her back, arguably leading to several errors in judgment that led to her arrest in this case.' Huger was found guilty of driving at a speed too high for the conditions before she ultimately struck a median and two signs. 'What are we waiting for the fifth before we sentence you to jail time?' Judge McGann asked during her sentencing. 'Can we believe that shes only driven while intoxicated four times in the last 17 years or is it more likely that shes been very lucky and her inebriation has gone undetected?' he added. The reality star, 62, walked free on September 2, six months ahead of her scheduled release date, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Detention Center confirmed to Page Six; seen in 2024 After she was found guilty, bodycam footage from the night of her accident was released, in which she appeared incoherent, referring to herself as 'Thomas Jefferson's concubine' and telling officers that she was 'extremely intelligent.' Huger, who has said the accident happened due to her being in a 'super emotional state,' was later charged with a DUI and DWI. It was not Karen's first such incident. In 2016, she told BOSSIP that she had been arrested 10 years prior for drunk driving. 'I [got] pulled over,' she told the outlet at the time. 'Technically I wasnt driving, I was pulled over into a parked area where you should not park. 'I turned off the car and I called my husband. However, the teddy bear cops found me first, and I collected my DUI.' She pled guilty to 'Driving While Impaired By Alcohol' and was put on probation at the time. Huger missed the Real Housewives of Potomac reunion but recorded a message before she went into treatment to address her taking of antidepressants and drinking. Back in February, a Maryland judge sentenced the TV personality to one year in prison after she was found guilty on nearly all counts connected to her March 2024 DUI arrest and car crash in Bethesda, Maryland. The Bravo star has a history of alcohol-related offenses, having been arrested three previous times for driving under the influence 'No, Im not an alcoholic, lets be clear,' she said. 'This is very frightening but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident. I dont care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.' Huger had claimed she was innocent for the entirety if the latest season of the hit Bravo show. After she was found guilty last year, her attorney put out a statement which said Huger was 'disappointed in the jurys verdict.' 'Although we are disappointed in the jurys verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,' her lawyer, A. Scott Bolden, told People. Bolden, who is a partner at Reed Smith law firm, added, 'We continue to reserve Mrs. Hugers right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. 'We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.' Michael Longfellow reportedly learned he was fired from Saturday Night Live in a phone call made by his agent - and not creator Lorne Michaels. The Daily Beast reports that Longfellow, 31, revealed he received the call at an airport in Utah, where he was told he would no longer be a part of the SNL cast. He was said to be amongst other passengers awaiting their flights when he received the bad news. Longfellow, 31, joined SNL in season 48 as a 'featured player' - and was known for his Weekend Update segments. He is among four cast members leaving the show. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Saturday Night Live and Longfellow for comment but have not yet heard back. The Daily Beast notes that a Michaels subordinate will typically inform comedians of their hiring, and that SNL cast members also learn about their firings by their agents. Michael Longfellow reportedly learned he was fired from Saturday Night Live during a phone call made by his agent and not creator Lorne Michael More rarely, they learn about their axing on the news. Michaels does sometimes phone cast members and writers about their hiring as well, the publication notes. Longfellow was still digesting the news during a surprise appearance at SNL castmember James Austin Johnson's stand-up set in Brooklyn on Sunday. The Daily Beast spoke with an audience member who said Longfellow looked 'super bummed' as he fielded questions about his axing. 'He was downcast. He was trying to hide it, but you could tell it sucked for him,' the audience member said. A Redditor who claimed to have been in attendance said Longfellow fielded audience questions about 'getting fired', called it unexpected, and said 'it sucks' due to the show. The netizen recalled Longfellow telling the audience: '"My neighbor knows Im fired. I dont actually know my neighbor. He doesnt know me. But he knows Im fired."' The Redditor also noted: 'He also has not spoken to Lorne, he heard via his agent. That being said, he seemed ok? He was even hanging around in the bar after the show so other people will probably get more tea.' When announcing his departure on Instagram, Longfellow praised his time on the show and offered a profuse thank you to Michaels. Longfellow had been part of the show for just three seasons before he received the axe Michael joined season 48 as a 'featured player' - and was known for his Weekend Update segments 'Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was but, so it goes. It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there. Lorne, you gave me the greatest job in the world and changed my life. You even put my mom on TV. Thank you doesn't begin to cover it, but thank you,' he captioned a post. 'I'll miss it all, but I'll miss the friends I made and seeing them everyday the most. 'Excited for the future and things to come. If you take anything away from my time on SNL let it be that smoking you makes you skinny and popular, Jesus was Chinese, and if a tortoise ever gives you trouble just kill him tough guy. You wont.' In addition to Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, Emil Wakim and Devon Walker will all not be returning to the show. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Walker admitted that his exit from the show was a mutual decision and not solely because of Lorne. 'The big question,' he began when asked about his departure. 'To be frank, I guess the best way I put it is like me and the show kind of looked at each other and we decided together that it was time to go our separate ways. 'I think I felt ready to leave the show, and I think the show felt ready to leave me.' Last week, many were shocked as Daily Mail confirmed that fan favorite Heidi Gardner had exited the show after an impressive eight-season run as furious viewers called for SNL to be cancelled amid the ongoing cast exodus. Longfellow was reportedly downcast as he fielded questions about his firing at a recent stand-up show Long-time SNL star Heidi Gardner, pictured with Longfellow, will also not be returning to the show 'He was downcast. He was trying to hide it, but you could tell it sucked for him,' an audience member told The Daily Beast The Daily Mail reached out to Gardner's reps for comment. A spokesperson for NBC declined to comment to the Daily Mail. The Daily Beast wrote Gardner's departure from the show was 'almost certainly' her choice. Gardner joined Saturday Night Live in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd. She was then promoted to the main cast two years later. Since then, the Missouri-born actress has written and starred in countless iconic SNL sketches. Kevin Costner has paid tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene who died aged 73 after a long illness. The 70-year-old leading man took to Instagram to honor the talented actor as he posted a scene from the 1990 classic. He wrote a touching tribute which read: 'A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves. 'I think of how willing he was to learn the Lakota language. I think of my joy when I heard that his work on the film was recognized with an @theacademy Awards nomination. 'And I think of this scene in particular, when he was able to establish so much about the relationship between Dunbar and the natives with so few words. He was a master at work and a wonderful human being.' The former Yellowstone star concluded his emotional post in a touching way. Kevin Costner has paid tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene who died aged 73 after a long illness (the two are seen in the 1990 classic together) He wrote: 'Im grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.' Meanwhile it was reportedly Graham's dying wish to get in contact with Kevin but was ultimately unable to. His rep Michael Greene said that the late actor wanted to speak with the Yellowstone actor to thank him for the representation he gave to native people in media over the years according to TMZ. Unfortunately, his team tried to get into contact with Kevin and was ultimate unable to. The tribute post came just a day after it was revealed that Greene had passed away. The acclaimed actor, who was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 epic, passed away in a Toronto hospital on Monday. His representative told the Daily Mail: 'He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed. 'You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven,' he added, referencing the actors agent who died in 2013. The 70-year-old leading man took to Instagram to honor the talented actor as he posted a scene from the film Costner (seen in LA back in May) concluded his message writing: 'Im grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham' Greene died aged 73 after a long illness - pictured 2022 Greene was known as an acting trailblazer, who raised the profile of Indigenous actors in Hollywood. He is survived by wife Hilary Blackmore, who he wed in 1990, daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene and grandson Talo. Greene, who was of Oneida First Nation and Canadian descent, was born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario and worked as a welder, draftsman and steelworker before pursuing acting. His television debut was in an episode of The Great Detective in 1979, followed by his film debut in 1983's Running Brave. He shot to worldwide fame in Dances With Wolves as the Sioux Medicine Man Kicking Bird - which Costner directed and starred in as Lt. John J. Dunbar. In a past interview with CineMovie, Greene revealed he was thrown from a horse during production and joked he wanted to get payback on the animal rather than take a break from filming. He added that he struggled to learn how to speak the Lakota language, saying: 'I couldn't figure out how they ordered their language. Its structure is totally foreign to English or French.' He would later make light of his role when he appeared on comedy show The Red Green Show as Edgar "K.B." Montrose. When asked what he thought of Dances With Wolves, he quipped: 'The native guy [Kicking Bird] was OK. Should have gotten the Oscar. But the rest of it was a yawn!' In 1999 he played death row inmate Arlen Bitterbuck alongside Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. Greene played Marlon in The Last of Us in 2023 He shot to worldwide fame as the Sioux Medicine Man in Dances With Wolves - which Costner directed and starred in as Lt. John J. Dunbar Greene was known as an acting trailblazer, who raised the profile of Indigenous actors in Hollywood - pictured 2002 In 1999 he played death row inmate Arlen Bitterbuck alongside Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan The star is pictured in 1992 film Thunderheart Greene also starred in Oscar-nominated Felicity Huffman film Transamerica in 2005 as well as 2009's The Twilight Saga: New Moon; Pictured in still from Twilight Bitterbuck was a Native American who was found guilty of killing another man during an extremely violent bar fight over a pair of boots. Greene also starred in Oscar-nominated Felicity Huffman film Transamerica in 2005 as well as 2009's The Twilight Saga: New Moon. His other roles include Maverick (1994) with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster as well as Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) with Bruce Willis, and Aaron Sorkins Molly's Game (2017) with Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Costner. His television appearances include Sylvester Stallone's Tulsa King and The Last Of Us. Besides his Oscar nomination, Greene also won a Grammy, a Gemini, and a Canadian Screen Award. He was also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Earlier this year, was honored with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in his native country. He also has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. One of Greene's final roles was on FX's series Reservation Dogs, a show that fittingly continued his legacy of breaking barriers for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. Greene's final completed project is the upcoming thriller Ice Fall, which also stars Joel Kinnaman and is set to premiere October 16. He is survived by wife Hilary Blackmore, who he wed in 1990, daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene and grandson Talo; Graham and Hilary pictured at Canada's Walk of Fame Awards Celebration in Toronto in 2022 Following his passing, social media tributes began pouring in for the prolific actor. 'Graham Greene was a phenomenally talented actor who brought it in every single role he played. Im so sad to hear hes gone,' one fan on X wrote. 'Graham Greene RIP. Such a great actor. From Thunderheart to Dances With Wolves to The Green Mile to Wind River to Longmire to Reservation Dogs to The Last of Us and so many moreall he did was turn in great performances.' 'Ah damn...one of the best. RIP Graham Greene,' another added. Amanda Holden's daughter Lexi Hughes stunned as she stepped out for the launch of French Connection's autumn/winter collection on Tuesday with Roxy Horner. The teenager and model, 19, stepped out in a sleeveless black mini dress, oozing elegance as she boasted a big smile. Lexi looked just like her mum's mini me as she completed her look with a pair of black heels and a gold metallic clutch bag. She joined Roxy Horner for the event, which took place in London, as Roxy also chose an all-black look for the night. The model, 34, was snapped wearing a sleek black leather midi skirt, while pairing it with a textured black zip-up jacket. As she posed for pictures, the mum-of-one unzipped her jacket to reveal her black bra. Amanda Holden 's daughter Lexi Hughes stunned as she stepped out for the launch of French Connection's autumn collection on Tuesday with Roxy Horner Roxy, 34, also attended the event, opting to dress in all black too for the new collection launch as she posed for snaps The teenager and model, 19, stepped out in a sleeveless black mini dress, oozing elegance as she boasted a big smile Roxy, who is engaged to comedian Jack Whitehall, recently opened up about living with type one diabetes to fans. In a social media post, she said travelling with type 1 diabetes can be challenging as she shared that she bring a Dexcom G7 glucose sensor with her to monitor her levels. The glucose monitor could be seen attached to her arm in the snaps, while in a video she showed how it is administered. French Connection's launch of its autumn and winter lines gave its famous guests first glimpse of the outfits. Lexi showed off her bronzed complexion having recently returned from a luxury family holiday in Greece. During the trip she twined with her mum Amanda, 54, as the pair both donned almost identical white bikinis. Amanda showed off her trim frame in the skimpy two piece, which featured a triangle style top with matching bottoms. Amanda, who accessorised the look with a paisley print bandana and a pair of black wayfarer style shades, looked completely relaxed during her sunbathing session. Lexi looked just like her mum's mini me as she completed her look with a pair of black heels and a gold metallic clutch bag Lexi showed off her bronzed complexion having recently returned from a luxury family holiday in Greece Lexi appeared to be joined by a pal for the evening, which took place in London on Tuesday night Roxy was snapped wearing a sleek black leather midi skirt, while pairing it with a textured black zip-up jacket As she posed for pictures, the mum-of-one unzipped her jacket, revealing her black bra for racier snaps Roxy, who is engaged to comedian Jack Whitehall , recently opened up about living with type one diabetes to fans Meanwhile, Lexi, whom Amanda shares with her husband Chris Hughes, posed in a white halterneck bikini. The two-piece from Tess Daley's swimwear brand, Naia Beach, featured textured fabric and gold detailing. Lexi, who is no stranger to the camera thanks to her modelling career, has been following in her mother's famous footsteps as she forays into the showbiz world. The beauty made her catwalk debut at London Fashion Week in September last year - walking for Tran Hung's show. At the time, Lexi looked effortlessly chic in a floral mini dress adorned with 3D flowers, which she teamed with nude pointy ballet shoes that boasted gold detailing. Amanda previously poked fun at Lexi as she packed on the PDA with her boyfriend on their Greece trip. After Lexi posted the picture to her followers, Amanda then went and reposted the loved-up snap on her Stories as she joked: 'Mmm I wonder what daddy will think... [laughing face emoji].' After her playful joke, the mother-of-two later expressed her love for the pair as she commented a heart emoji on Lexi's post. The lovebirds - who went Instagram official in January - rang in the New Year with her mother, father Chris Hughes and younger sister Hollie, 13, in Scotland. Sydney Sweeney is reportedly dating Taylor Swift's enemy Scooter Braun. The Euphoria star, 27, and the music mogul, 44 who is 17 years her senior have been 'on multiple dates' but their romance is 'casual' as the moment, according to TMZ. 'Sydney has just ended a relationship and she's doing what women in their 20's do - she's dating,' a source told the publication. Dating rumors between the blonde bombshell and Justin Bieber's ex-manager first began a couple of months ago, when the two were seen together in Venice, Italy, at the June wedding of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. They reportedly met at the wedding, but it's unclear when they started dating. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for both Sweeney and Braun. Braun's representatives declined to comment. Sydney Sweeney, 27, is reportedly 'casually' dating Taylor Swift's enemy Scooter Braun, 44; (L) Sweeney pictured 2024, (R) Braun pictured 2021 The Euphoria star and the music mogul have been 'on multiple dates' but their romance is 'casual' as the moment, according to TMZ; They are seen in Venice, Italy in June Sydney was previously engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino, 42, but the two split in January. Scooter was previously married to Yael Cohen for about seven years. They have three children together Jagger, nine, Levi, seven, and Hart, five and finalized their divorce in September 2022. Last year he was also linked to actress Rachelle Goulding. A source also told Page Six that Braun has been 'pursuing' Sweeney since meeting her at the wedding, though it's not apparent how 'serious' she is about him. 'It's still new,' the insider added, clarifying that it has become more serious than a casual hookup. Star was the first to report the news. The actress and the record executive were pictured strolling together in Venice in a video taken by a TikToker back in June. During the outing, the White Lotus alum looked chic in a black floral dress, while Braun wore a brown t-shirt, pink shorts and sunglasses. They were joined by model Amelie Tremblay and another friend. The group expanded to include several more friends, including Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner. 'Sydney has just ended a relationship and she's doing what women in their 20's do - she's dating,' a source told the publication Dating rumors between the blonde bombshell and Justin Bieber's ex-manager first began a couple of months ago, when the two were seen together in Venice, Italy, at the June wedding of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez A source also told Page Six that Braun has been 'pursuing' Sweeney since meeting her at the wedding, though it's not apparent how 'serious' she is about him; Seen 2023 'It's still new,' the insider added, clarifying that it has become more serious than a casual hookup; Scooter pictured in 2023 The celebs were in a chatty mood as they left Harry's Bar, with Sydney, Karlie, and Amelie leading the way and Scooter trailing behind with the other men. But Scooter wasn't the only single man Sydney was in proximity to, with the Anyone But You actress also seen hanging out alongside Orlando Bloom and Tom Brady, both of whom are back on the market. Sydney split from film producer fiance Jonathan earlier this year, after getting engaged in 2022. The former couple started dating in 2018 and got engaged in 2022, but for the most part kept their relationship assiduously private. A source told People in March that Sweeney and Davino's relationship had been 'rocky for a long time.' In May, an insider told People that Sweeney has been focusing on her career and is 'exactly where she wants to be.' 'Most people would feel overwhelmed by her working schedule this year, but not Syd. She's all about working right now and very excited about all her projects," the source says of Sweeney,' they explained. The source explained that the performer did, however, feel 'overwhelmed' by her 'relationship and her wedding.' Ultimately, she 'didn't feel right about' walking down the aisle and wants to focus on her 'magical career that she could only dream of a few years ago.' Sydney was previously engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino, 42, but the two split in January; Pictured with her ex in 2024 Sydney also previously sparked romance rumors with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell; They are seen in 2023 'She's not ready to settle down,' the source explained. 'They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off.' 'They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now.' Following news of her and Jonathan's split, Sydney had a friendly reunion with her former costar, Glen Powell, at his sister Leslie's wedding. Amid headline speculating if she had already moved on, a source told Us Weekly that there was 'nothing going on romantically between Glen and Sydney.' Earlier this summer, Sweeney was placed in the center of a fierce debate about race, marketing, and accountability after becoming the face of American Eagle's fall denim campaign. Consumers were divided over the ad's tagline, 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans' - a deliberate play on the phrase 'great genes.' One viral clip shows Sweeney standing in front of a poster reading 'Sydney Sweeney has great genes,' with the word 'genes' crossed out and replaced with 'jeans.' Another video includes Sweeney saying, 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color,' as the camera pans to her blue eyes, then she adds, 'My jeans are blue.' Scooter was previously married to Yael Cohen for about seven years. They have three children together and finalized their divorce in September 2022; pictured 2020 While the campaign's clever wordplay was intended to be playful and bold, it ignited accusations on social media platforms of promoting racial undertones, eugenics, and white supremacy - largely due to the focus on genetics alongside Sweeney's blue-eyed image. American Eagle responded to the backlash in August, stating: 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans.' 'Her jeans. Her story,' the company insisted in their statement. 'Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.' Sweeney has not publicly commented on the controversy. The Transportation Safety Administration has officially launched a program designed to make it easier to travel with children. Passengers at a dozen airports across the United States will now find designated security lanes for families with children 12 and under. These new lanes differ from the standard TSA checkpoints by allowing a security officer to check bags for any restricted items before passengers pass through the screening area - resulting in fewer delays on the other side of security if a bag is flagged, WCSC reports. The lanes are also wider, Federal Security Director of South Carolina David McMahon told the local outlet. 'So instead of having to look behind them to see if their little one is there, they can all be grouped together and stay together,' he noted. Parents do not have to sign up to use the family lanes in advance, and many were ecstatic about the initiative. 'It's extremely stressful. There's a lot of stuff, like all the iPads and all the teddies and all that kind of stuff,' said Adam Luper, who visited the US from the United Kingdom previously told Fox News Orlando. Another parent, Fanta Kaba, who was traveling from New York to Orlando, explained: 'It's very exhausting. Especially when [the child] is crying. The Transportation Safety Administration has officially launched a new program designed to cut wait times TSA family line at Tampa International Airport which is now in effect at dozens of airports across the US 'You have to pick him up. You have to drag the bag. So when the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents.' The Families on the Fly lanes are now in effect at destinations like Orlando, Jacksonville, Charlotte, and Rhode Island's TF Green Airport. Other airports featuring the new family-friendly security lane include San Juan, Tampa, Honolulu, John Wayne Orange County and Charleston, South Carolina - which McMahon said was chosen because it is a popular tourist destination. He said he now believes tourists will come back to the historic city in part due to the 'hospitality' on display at the airport. 'The lasting experience that they're going to have when they depart out of here is when they go through this screening,' McMahon noted, adding that he has already seen improvements in the congestion at the airport. Transportation Security Administration agents check passengers at the security checkpoint at the Albany International Airport The family-friendly initiative is part of a broader effort by the TSA to improve hospitality and streamline the airport experience amid growing travel demand. The TSA has also added a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire. Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - can now also have TSA PreCheck fees waived. It is unclear how long the pilot phase of the Families on the Fly program will last, or whether feedback will be used to guide future rollouts, but the TSA has said that Families on the Fly will reach even more airports soon. Donald Trump's sons have made a new fortune of around $5 billion after launching a bitcoin mining venture. Don Jr., Eric and Barron are co-founders of World Liberty Financial Investments which launched as a way for the three brothers and their partners to allow people to access financial services using cryptocurrencies and without intermediaries like banks. The venture opened for public trading on Monday and it gained WLFI $5billion in paper wealth, making it likely the Trump family's most valuable asset, WSJ reported. The co-founders include all three Trump boys, as well as the sons of top Trump administration diplomat Steve Witkoff. Both President Trump and Witkoff are listed as 'co-founder emeritus' and the president owns around 25 percent of WFLI tokens. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has promised that 'neither the president nor his family have ever engaged, or will ever engage, in conflicts of interest' in a statement. World Liberty has said that the founders and team members cannot currently sell their own tokens. The two eldest Trump sons celebrated their big day with posts to social media promoting WLFI. Donald Trump's sons have made a new fortune of around $5 billion after launching a bitcoin mining venture The co-founders include all three Trump boys, as well as the sons of top Trump administration diplomat Steve Witkoff. Both President Trump (pictured) and Witkoff are listed as 'co-founder emeritus' and the president owns around 25 percent of WFLI tokens 'Big day - @WorldLibertyFi just launched the $WLFI token. This isnt some meme coin, its the governance backbone of a real ecosystem changing how money moves. Freedom + finance + America FIRST. Home Team,' wrote Don Jr. Eric added: 'We are now live!!!! Our team has always believed in American strength and leadership. With todays @WorldLibertyFis $WLFI token launch, were setting a new standard for financial freedom; built on trust, speed, and U.S. values. This is a huge moment for the future of money!' The Daily Mail has reached out to World Liberty for further comment. Trump and his family have a majority ownership stake in World Liberty Financial that entitles them to 75 percent of earnings from their first coin, $WLFI, released last September, according to the companys website. The venture was helped along by some with interests before the Trump administration. Two of its co-founders, crypto entrepreneurs Zak Folkman and Chase Herro, were replaced as the controlling parties of World Liberty by an entity in which the Trump family holds a 60 percent stake. Trump has been transparent about his desire to make America the 'crypto capital of the planet.' He promised to be the 'crypto president,' who will popularize its mainstream use in America, despite once being a crypto skeptic himself who described bitcoin as a 'scam.' Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump look on before ringing the opening bell to celebrate the closing of ALT5's $1.5 billion offering and adoption of its $WLFI Treasury Strategy Trump has said he backs crypto because it can improve the banking system and increase the dominance of the US dollar. Proving the family's commitment to the sector, Trump and Melania even launched two separate meme coins on Inauguration day. Trump's $Trump earned more than $100million in January alone before it crashed. Similarly, early takers of Melania's meme coin stood to make millions before it plummeted. At the same time the Trump family, long known for skyscrapers and country clubs, rapidly gained hundreds of millions of dollars through their crypto investments. The Trump Organization announced in January that the president's investments, assets and business interests would be held in a trust managed by his children and he would play no role in day-to-day operations or decision-making. The family's business also retained an attorney to serve as an ethics adviser to 'avoid any perceived conflicts of interest.' The Trump family famously made its money in real estate, putting its mark on the New York City skyline and at Trump properties throughout the world. But the family is diversifying and opened multiple beachheads in crypto, quickly gaining hundreds of millions of dollars. Those other crypto forays include Trump NFTs, a meme coin, a stake in a newly formed bitcoin producer called American Bitcoin as well as WLFI. In May, Trump Media & Technology Group announced plans to raise $2 billion in fresh equity by selling off its stock and another $1 billion via a convertible bond to invest heavily in the digital coin business, the Financial Times reported. The initial cash will come from about 50 institutional investors by selling roughly 58 million shares of the company. Then, those funds will be used to create one of the largest corporate reserves to invest in Bitcoin, giving the Trumps' a a 'bitcoin Treasury.' Trump Media & Technology Group is behind the Truth Social app and President Trump is its largest shareholder. As president, his assets are in a blind trust managed by his family. President Trump owns a little over 50 percent of Trump Media's stock, making the approximately $2.7 billion stake one of his most valuable investments. The company went public a little over a year ago but has lost money ever since. Truth Social has generated just a few million dollars in advertising revenue - despite it being President Trump's preferred social media platform. Turkiye to deepen ties with China, explore cooperation opportunities: Erdogan Xinhua) 21:39, September 02, 2025 ANKARA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye is working to deepen ties with China, exploring opportunities for cooperation in a wide range of fields, including the economy, digital technologies, energy, and health, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Tuesday. On his flight back to Turkiye from the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, where he attended the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" meeting, Erdogan described his talks with the Chinese leadership on the sidelines as "productive," state-run broadcaster TRT reported. "We want to make our economic relations with China, our trade partner, more balanced and sustainable. We will continue consultations with the Chinese side," he said. Erdogan stressed the importance of fairness in addressing global challenges. "In a world where international systems are blocked, we believe normalization can only be achieved through fair solutions," he added. The Turkish president also highlighted the important role of the SCO. "By emphasizing economic and trade cooperation, it has acquired a distinctive identity, while also seeking to play a role in resolving global and regional challenges," he said. The principles of equality, consultation, mutual trust and benefit, respect for differences, and common development, which form the essence of the "Shanghai Spirit," are in harmony with the core approaches of Turkiye's "Asia Anew Initiative" announced in 2019, Erdogan said. He added that Turkiye, as one of the countries making the greatest efforts for peaceful conflict resolution in its region, welcomes the SCO's efforts to strengthen engagement with dialogue partners, including Turkiye. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) PICTURED ABOVE: GO SUCCEED AT EGLINTON. . . . The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh pictured at the first of six business support programmes 'Go Succeed, DCSDC Eglinton' held at Eglinton Community Hall on Monday evening last. Included are Catherine Collins and Carolann Doherty, Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh attended the first of a series of business support programmes 'Go Succeed Information Sessions that was held at Eglinton Community Hall on Monday evening last. The 2025 Go Succeed Rural Road Shows are being held at venues across the Council area and are an opportunity for business owners to learn more about the support and guidance available to them to get their venture off the ground and the benefits of signing up to the Go Succeed programme. As part of the business support programme, a range of grant aid opportunities are also available to eligible businesses. Go Succeed is a 17 million programme, funded by the UK Government and rolled out across all 11 Councils in Northern Ireland. Its team of industry experts offer tailored support and guidance to budding and new entrepreneurs to support them with the challenges of start up, growing their business and scaling up. The dates and venues for the 2025 Rural Road Show are:- September 2 at 7.00pm in Glenelly House, Plumbridge September 9 at 11.00am in Newtownstewart Centre 2000 September 10 at 11,00am in Newbuildings Community Centre September 11 at 1.00pm in Healthy Living Centre, Castlederg September 15 at 6.30pm in Learmount Resource Centre, Par READ NEXT: Explore the hidden history of Derry placenames on Culture Night Admission to the events is free and you can book your place now at https://www.glistrr.com/events/l/dcsdcroadshow. For more information call the Business Support team on 02871253253 ext 6667 visit www.go-succeed.com for further information on how Go Succeed can support you. Police in Limavady have arrested two people following reports of counterfeit currency being used at local businesses in the town. A property was searched following the arrests. Here officers seized more counterfeit currency and a quantity of drugs. Police have urged business owners to come forward if they believe they have received counterfeit currency. You can report this to police via 101 or online reporting: orlo.uk/uNm9n Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at orlo.uk/D1aJk Police are encouraging both traders and the public to be on their guard against counterfeit notes. There are a number of things to look out for, including; does the main printing feel raised, can you see a bold and clear watermark when the note is held up to the light, is the print clear, sharp and well defined? Comparing a suspicious note against one which is known to be genuine is also a good way to check. Counterfeit notes are damaging for local businesses so police have urged the public to report any incidents to them straightaway. Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of a County Derry schoolboy. Peter Bell, a Year 11 student at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, passed away on Saturday, August 30. A death notice described the teenager as the beloved son of Declan and Ursula and loving brother of Leona, Feargal, Priscilla, Martin, Joanne, Patrick and the late Teagan-Rose. Peter, who lived in Magherafelt and previously in Moneymore, will be laid to rest on Wednesday (September 3) following 11am Requiem Mass in the Church of St. John and St. Trea in Moneymore. Peter Friel, Principal of St Pius X, stated that pupils at the school are currently being provided with support following the students death. In a statement, he described Peter as a sensitive, caring and kind young man. It was with profound sadness that we learned of the sudden death of our Year 11 pupil, Peter Bell, said Mr Friel. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peters parents, siblings and extended family during this incredibly difficult time. Peter was a sensitive, caring and kind young man who will be sorely missed by all in the St. Pius X family. Peter had a deep love for music, art and the Irish language, and had recently achieved success in GCSE Irish. His friends, classmates and all St Pius X College staff are heartbroken by this sudden loss. Support is being provided by the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Service and our own Pastoral Team. We are grateful for the care and compassion being extended to both students and staff at this time. May Peters gentle soul rest in heavenly peace. Go raibh suaimhneas siorai ar anam Pheadair. Peter was a former underage player with Henry Joy McCrackens Moneymore GAC and last night the club also paid tribute. The committee, players and members of Henry Joy McCrackens GAC, Moneymore are saddened to learn of the passing of our former underage player Peter Justin Bell, beloved son of Declan and Ursula and loving brother of Leona, Feargal, Priscilla, Martin, Joanne, Patrick and the late Teagan-Rose. We wish to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt sympathy to the Bell and McGuckin families at this very sad time. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Some families are barricading themselves in their homes in north Belfast after recent racist attacks, the areas MP has said. John Finucane was speaking after a multi-agency meeting to discuss measures to help those affected after a number of houses were attacked in racially motivated crimes in the Lower Oldpark area. The meeting was attended by politicians, police, the Housing Executive, housing associations, community groups, Belfast City Council and some local residents. Mr Finucane said: After racist attacks in the constituency in the past number of days and weeks, which comes on the heels of some very brutal and sustained sectarian attacks and intimidation, I convened a multi-agency meeting this morning which included political representatives as well as the statutory agencies. It was important to address the immediate steps that can be taken to address help and assistance to those families that have been attacked, those families that have been intimidated. But also it is important to note that those families who are out there seeing what is happening in north Belfast and also feeling particularly vulnerable, we heard from those and about those families in the meeting. I am pleased to say there are a number of practical steps which will be taken in the coming hours and days which will provide assistance to some families. He added: The fact that we have families that are barricading themselves into their own homes to provide some level of comfort and security is something that should shame and bring focus to all of us. Alliance Party MLA Nuala McAllister said it had been a constructive meeting. She said: It is important to condemn any threats or violence to homes no matter where they are, or what community they are in. It is quite clear from what we heard of what has been going on in the community that there is lot of work behind the scenes and the vast majority of people in north Belfast want to live peacefully and together amongst their neighbours. Unfortunately there is a small number of people, some of them not within the immediate area, that are making peoples lives miserable. The PSNI said officers are investigating racially motivated criminal damage on three houses in the Manor Street and Summerhill Court areas of north Belfast last week. Police figures released last week indicated there were 2,049 race incidents and 1,329 race crimes in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to June 30. These are the highest figures since such data began to be collated and reported by the PSNI in 2004-05. The erection of an underground barrier could be part of the approach to treat the contaminated Mobuoy site in Co Londonderry. A public consultation is currently under way over how to treat the 46-hectare site on the outskirts of Derry city which has been described as one of Europes largest illegal dumps. It comprises of two areas of land separated by the Mobuoy Road and is close to the River Faughan, which supplies drinking water for Derry and the surrounding area Earlier this year, two men were prosecuted after pleading guilty to a number of charges. Paul Doherty, 67, of Culmore Road, Londonderry, admitted seven charges between 2007 and 2013 relating to the contaminated Mobuoy dump at Campsie, and was sentenced to one year in prison. Co-defendant Gerard Farmer, 56, of Westlake in Derry, pleaded guilty to three charges between 2011 and 2013 and was jailed for 21 months. Following the conclusion of the court proceedings in June, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir announced the launch of the consultation on the draft Remediation Strategy for the Mobuoy Site. Speaking in the Assembly then, Mr Muir warned there is no quick fix, but said he is committed to continuing to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect water quality and the environment during these processes. An estimated 8 million has been spent on the site to date, which includes an environmental monitoring programme particularly in relation to the contamination, and the River Faughan. The overall cost of restoring the site to environmental health has been projected as being up to 700 million. It could also take some time to complete following the consideration of the outcome of the public consultation, Executive approval of the plan, planning permissions and the engineering work itself. DAERA officials have stressed there is no agreed strategy for the site at this time, and there will not be until after the consultation has concluded. They have also said that to date there has been no impact detected on the water quality of the River Faughan following extensive monitoring. The draft strategy includes proposals for the removal of some waste as well as for an underground permeable reactive barrier to treat contaminated water on site. The barrier has been described part of a raft of solutions to clean up the site, a process which could potentially take more than 20 years to complete. The first of two public consultation events on a draft strategy will take place from 12noon to 7pm at the Eglinton Community Centre on Wednesday. It is designed to give the public the opportunity to speak to those working on the strategy. A second event will take place next Wednesday at the Millennium Forum in Derry between 12pm and 7pm. More information about the Mobuoy Remediation Project is available on the DAERA website. The public consultation is set to close on October 2. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. HCLTech Empowers Taiwan's Global Expansion with Three Core Strengths As Taiwan's high-tech manufacturing and semiconductor sectors play an increasingly critical role in the global economy, companies are accelerating their overseas expansion to navigate rising geopolitical risks and supply chain realignments. These strategic moves aim to diversify operational risks, reduce manufacturing costs, get closer to end markets, and improve delivery speed and service efficiency, while meeting the global demand for supply chain security. However, expanding abroad comes with significant challenges, such as talent shortages, skills gaps, cultural and language barriers, and local regulatory compliance. That's where the right partner makes all the difference. A global leader in IT services and consulting, HCLTech brings robust capabilities in engineering R&D, digital transformation, cloud services, and AI. The company distinguishes itself through flexibility, rapid deployment, and strong localization support, three competitive edges that make it the partner of choice for 50% of Fortune 500 companies and 40% of the Global 2000, spanning industries such as high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, finance, and automotive. Setting up operations overseas requires more than just technical know-how, it involves understanding local tax policies, labor laws, and communicating effectively with governments, suppliers, and the workforce, said Terry Tai, General Manager of HCLTech Taiwan. Without proper support, language barriers or regulatory missteps can delay projects or inflate costs. With $13.8 billion in revenue in FY25, a presence in 60 countries, and a global team of over 220,000 professionals from 167 nationalities, HCLTech is equipped to help companies establish operations across the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Its local teams offer culturally fluent and technically proficient support to minimize risks and ensure smooth setup and operation. A Trusted Partner for Semiconductor Leaders Worldwide HCLTechs proven expertise is reflected in numerous global success stories. For instance, when a leading Taiwanese technology manufacturer expanded into India, it faced local system integrators struggling with ERP implementation and post-launch maintenance. Turning to HCLTech, the company deployed a bilingual team to manage coordination and swiftly completed IT infrastructure setup, data migration, and system testing, launching the plant within a short timeframe. Its a textbook example of how HCLTech supports clients from plant setup to go-live. Tai further highlighted HCLTech's deep partnerships within the global semiconductor industry. The company supports IC design houses and semiconductor equipment vendors with comprehensive services, from RTL, Functional Verification, Physical Design to design verification (DV). These services address talent shortages by providing both technical solutions and support in recruiting and training skilled professionals. Taiwan remains a global hub for semiconductor innovation, Tai said. However, when companies expand abroad, they often encounter challenges in finding local talent or addressing skill gaps, which can delay local operations. Beyond our engineering services, we help bridge that talent gap with tailored recruitment and workforce development solutions. Notably, HCLTech is a member of TSMC's Design Center Alliance (DCA) and Samsungs SAFE(Samsung Advanced Foundry Ecosystem) ecosystem. This membership allows the company to provide IC design customers with advanced process enablement and technical services that accelerate time-to-market and enhance competitiveness. AI-Powered Innovation to Shape the Future As AI technologies evolve and adoption expands, enterprises are increasingly eager to integrate AI into their operations. HCLTech has long invested in this space, offering proprietary platforms such as AI Foundry and AI Force , designed to streamline data preprocessing and optimize AI applications. These tools have helped Taiwanese companies in sectors like manufacturing, semiconductors, and automotive improve efficiency and reduce costs. In IT service management, AI reduces the need for human agents by automating request classification and delivering instant online responses to user inquiries and issues. This significantly lowers labor costs and processing times, thereby helping maintain the stability and efficiency of enterprise systems. In the semiconductor domain, we've implemented AI in optimizing DV scripts and automating code conversion, speeding up verification and reducing reliance on senior engineers, Tai explained. In the automotive field, HCLTech supports clients in software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The 2024 acquisition of Germany's ASAP Group, an engineering service provider specializing in autonomous driving and connected vehicles enhances HCLTech's capabilities. Additionally, HCLTech collaborates with major automakers on smart manufacturing and digital innovation. With the accelerated pace of automotive system development and the growing importance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates powered by increasingly high-performance automotive chips, HCLTech offers technical support that complies with rigorous industry standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21434, and ASPICE, making it a valuable partner for automotive electronics suppliers, including those in Taiwan. HCLTech also collaborates with partners like SAP and ServiceNow to build the next generation of AI-enabled enterprise solutions. In December 2024, HCLTech announced the opening of an SAP AI Innovation Lab in Munich, Germany. This strategic partnership with SAP's headquarters focuses on helping clients accelerate their transformation to SAP S/4HANA Cloud through RISE with SAP and SAP Business AI. HCLTech partners with ServiceNow to deliver GenAI-based solutions that enable personalized and seamless omnichannel user experiences. The collaboration ensures improved user engagement across all devices and at the right moments. Looking ahead to 2025, the company will focus on three strategic priorities: deploying AI-driven solutions, strengthening vertical industry support, and deepening localization capabilities. To date, HCLTech has introduced AI platforms and modules tailored to key industries, semiconductors, finance, and high-tech manufacturing helping enterprises derive actionable insights from data, accelerate decision-making, and shorten innovation cycles. Terry Tai, General Manager of HCLTech Taiwan. HCLTech China offers Malaysia rare earth tech state partnerships only Malaysia has revealed that China is prepared to offer assistance in developing rare earth processing technology, contingent upon partnerships involving Malaysian state-owned companies. Reuters reported that Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability, said Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed this willingness during his visit to Malaysia in April 2024. Technology protection drives partnership conditions Johari explained that Xi emphasized technology protection concerns, requesting that cooperation be limited to government-related entities in Malaysia. The discussions remain at an early stage, and no formal agreements have yet been finalized between the two countries. Malaysia holds rare earth element deposits, but it currently lacks the necessary processing technology and a skilled workforce. Johari highlighted China's competitive edge, particularly in the separation of rare earth elements. If collaboration with China advances, Malaysia could host both Chinese and non-Chinese rare earth processing capabilities. Non-Chinese operators already present The reference to non-Chinese operators primarily denotes the Australian company Lynas, which operates facilities in Pahang and Kuantan. Lynas imports rare earth concentrates from Australia into Malaysia for further processing. To promote local value addition, Malaysia has banned the export of unprocessed rare earths, aiming to attract multinational investments in the midstream and downstream sectors. Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, noted the country has held separate discussions on rare earth matters with the US and China, pledging equal and non-discriminatory application of relevant policies. Government takes proactive approach According to Nanyang Siang Pau, Liu Zhentong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said the government is proactively engaging with countries possessing rare earth technology through high-level visits, inspection tours, and trade negotiations. He also noted the establishment of a special committee dedicated to rare earth industry development to study issues and support industrial growth. Massive reserves discovered in 2024 According to the East Asia Forum, Malaysia has revealed the discovery of rare earth element resources following a 2024 reconnaissance study conducted by the Department of Mineral and Geoscience. The study estimated that the country possesses approximately 16.2 million tonnes of these resources, based on limited geological data and sampling. According to Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030, these rare earth element resources are valued at MYR747.2 billion (US$175 billion) and have the potential to attract investments worth MYR100 billion. The plan also projects the creation of around 4,000 new jobs as a result of this development. Article edited by Jerry Chen A search for a boy in Dublin who has not been seen for several years will continue over coming days. Gardai said they are investigating all of the circumstances around the disappearance and current whereabouts of the boy who would be seven years old if still alive. Concerns for the boy were raised by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and reported to gardai on Friday. A Garda satatement said: The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy, who would now be seven years of age. Following enquiries carried out by and information available to investigating gardai to date, An Garda Siochana has been unable to either locate the boy, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive. Investigating gardai believe that the boy is missing, presumed dead. On Monday, gardai took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, which will be the subject of a search in the coming days. The statement added: The Garda investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Swords Garda Station. Gardai are appealing to anyone who has any information in connection with this investigation to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Tusla confirmed it made a referral to gardai on Friday after becoming concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the child. Our thoughts are with the childs family, friends, and community at this difficult time, it said in a statement. We continue to work closely with the Gardai, and in line with normal practice, all relevant information relating to this family has been shared. Anyone with information on this case should contact An Garda Siochana in Swords. Irelands special rapporteur on child protection said there was public concern around the horrifying and heartbreaking case. Caoilfhionn Gallagher said it was positive to hear how quickly the investigation was progressing but added that the incident raised concerns about child protection systems. Ms Gallagher told RTE Radio One: It takes a village to raise a child but theres also that real question about us needing to have a village to watch out for children so we spot when things go wrong. The case came to public attention around the same time as the one-year anniversary that another child was reported missing and is now also feared dead. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year and a murder investigation was launched in October. Gardai believe he might have died aged six after it emerged he had not been seen since May 2022 when he was a pupil at a primary school in Dundalk. However, Ms Gallagher said there were differences between the two distinct and separate cases. We know that this was a pre-school child were talking about lockdown times. A disappearance of a child in those circumstances is not as apparent as in non-Covid, non-lockdown times when a child is of compulsory school age, for example. And the other key question, which is outstanding, of course, is whether this child was known previously to any of the authorities. Did this child have a social worker? Had there been any previous references of concern to the gardai and so on. And theres nothing whatsoever to indicate at the moment that this child was on the radar of any authorities. Ms Gallagher added: From the publicly available information, which is all Ive got. I dont necessarily see that in terms of institutional responses, this raises the same types of concerns that we have in the horrendous case of Kyran Durnin. The special rapporteur said there are real questions about whether we need to have better systems in place for vulnerable children It seems to me, rather than just dealing on a firefighting basis with each individual case when they arise, we need to have a much more radical look at whether our systems do the job and whether theyre protecting children in Ireland as well as they could be. She added that it was possible to have a full transparent public inquiry into child protection systems at the same time as the gardai investigations. Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Frankovic has introduced new restrictions on tourism which could come as a blow to some Irish tourists. This comes as there has been a surge in tourists to the city and its famous walls following their appearance in HBO's hit show Game of Thrones. The show was filmed on location in Dubrovnik acting as the backdrop for the series fabled city of Kings Landing. The city nicknamed 'The Pearl of the Adriatic' was already famous for its historic, well-preserved city walls, has enticed a further surge in visitors following the release of the hit show. Read next: 'I almost spit out my Pepsi': The Traitors Ireland premiere sparks social media frenzy To try and cut back on the levels of over tourism in the city, Mayor Frankovic has revealed several measures that they will be taking over the next year. Speaking to The Independent daily travel podcast, Frankovic detailed some of the steps as: The city walls will only be assessable with a scheduled booking from 2026 with a cap being set on how many people can visit the city walls at a time. Cruise ships entering will be capped at two per day with a minimum visit time of eight hours. The city is currently carrying out an audit of rental accommodation and other businesses, with the city buying apartments to rent to families at lower rates and a new school is being built in a palace. This comes after Dubrovnik was ranked the most overcrowded city in the world by Responsible Travel, with 27 tourists to a single resident at peak tourism times. On these new measures Mayor Frankovic has said: "From next year, you will be obliged to reserve your time and date in order to visit the city walls. There will be a designated number of people that could be at a certain time on the city walls. He explained how this will help to reduce the number of tourists that are "not very satisfied" with their visit due to the over tourism. This new measure of the scheduling the city walls in contingent on the 'Dubrovnik Pass' which will cost tourists 40 for the day. The pass will allow its holder access to museums, art galleries, monasteries and the famed city walls. Mayor Frankovic has also outlined plans to reduce the number of holiday rentals, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops to a sustainable level, instead focusing on increasing the number of domestic residencies in the city. He said that: ""We want to actually to have more inhabitants inside the Old City." Despite taking the measures to reduce the levels of over tourism, Mayor Frankovic has expressed that the city still welcomes visitors to the city and that he is "fully aware that 80 per cent of Dubrovnik citizens are living out of tourism." He explained: "Tourists do not want any more to be in overcrowded cities. Step by step, the overcrowded cities will be pushed on the margins of the tourism. The cities that are prepared for sustainable tourism will be leaders. Our main goal is for Dubrovnik to be alive." School secretaries and caretakers took to Market Square in Dundalk this week as part of a nationwide strike calling for equal pension rights and conditions with their teaching colleagues. Gathering outside the local offices of Fianna Fail TD Erin McGreehan, the workers were joined by representatives of the trade union Forsa, who say the dispute highlights a long-standing inequality in Irelands education system. Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat, Forsa President Martin Walsh outlined why staff have been striking. The school secretaries and caretakers are here today because of an inequality within the system. Currently, teachers and SNAs have the benefit of being public servants so by definition theyre entitled to a pension after working thirty or forty years, and theyre also entitled to the terms and conditions of being public servants, the likes of sick leave and things like that. Mr Martin said that, in contrast, caretakers and secretaries were working for no pension, so theres an inequality there because theyre all paid by the Department of Education. Teachers and SNAs qualify for the full pension and the public sector benefits, whereas colleagues here have given years of their lives to schools [and do not], and everyone knows schools cant function without their school secretaries and caretakers. The first point of contact in any school is your school secretary. Forsa President Martin Walsh Unfortunately, weve had to come out to strike to highlight how vital the roles of the secretaries and caretakers are. At the minute, thank God, were getting great support from the teachers and the school principals and the general public. People genuinely think that because you work in a school, everyone gets paid the same, but they dont. So what theyre really striking for is equality and to be treated the same as the people they work beside. The Forsa president stressed that the strikes impact reaches far beyond the school gates and has a wider impact. One thing about this strike is that it affects every family, its not just the people who arent getting their pensions and the sick scheme, but people who have kids in school that need help and rely heavily on the school secretary when the kids are sick and the caretakers who do their bits and pieces. It has a much broader impact than on just the actual schools. Our politicians are very much aware of it. Helen McEntee was at our recent education conference and from the podium 100% supported our position. She has since come out and said theres nothing she can do about it, but I dont believe that to be the case. I believe that as an elected member she should be there fighting for the cause of the people who elected her. Asked if Forsa members were prepared for a prolonged dispute, he was clear that the campaign would not be abandoned easily. Read Next: Dundalk's Creative Spark welcomes French artist in residence Weve been fighting this for ten years; this isnt something that has just come to light in the last couple of months. Forsa has been fighting this inequality for ten years. Weve never really been able to get traction on it because the government doesnt see that group of people as a significant cohort. Youre talking about two or three thousand people who are affected by this, so its very difficult for the government to say, well you know what youre a small group. The short answer is we will be here for the long run. Were going to stay out for as long as it takes because we have to. Theres no turning back. Weve been fighting this for ten years and we cant walk away from it now. They [secretaries and caretakers] cant walk away from it now; they deserve pensions, and they deserve the same conditions as the teachers and the SNAs. WorldSkills Ireland, Irelands leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt from the 17th 19th September 2025, and two students from Louth are among this year's finalists. Now firmly established as a must-attend event in school calendars, it will welcome over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths. In 2024, 75% of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers. Across the three days, two students from County Louth will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event. Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering. Those competing from Louth are Emily Callaghan, competing in Craft Butchery and Leah Glass, competing in Digital Infrastructure for Sustainability. Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, remarked: "WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. "This year, students and apprentices from across the country will compete in 35 different skill areas, each working to exacting standards and under time pressure. Its an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage. Ray adds: This event opens doors for students to discover exciting alternatives to traditional academic routes, shining a light on the variety of training and apprenticeship options available, and the rewarding careers they can lead to. By championing skills and apprenticeships, were helping to develop the expertise and innovation needed for Irelands industries to thrive. The combined support of educators, industry leaders and government makes WorldSkills Ireland a unique and powerful driver for the future of our young people and our economy." Running alongside the Irish Times Higher Options, WorldSkills Ireland offers unmatched value for schools, with students gaining exposure to both academic and vocational pathways in one visit. Supported by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation, and ESB Networks, education partner the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and the Government of Ireland and Apprenticeship Ireland, the event will also feature interactive Try a Skill zones, immersive VR experiences, industry talks, live demonstrations across trades and technical professions, and companies ready to recruit. WorldSkills Ireland 2025 is also supported by Category sponsors SIMI (Society of the Irish Motoring Industry) and Failte Ireland as well as competition sponsors, Amazon, BOC, BWG Food Supplies, Bus Eireann & Dublin Bus, Capital Hair, Chef Network, Corcorans Food Equipment, Crown Paints, IFSA, ISOPARTNER, Jones Engineering, King & Moffatt, Lincoln Electric, Metron, Mitsubishi Electric Ireland, MSLETB & Craft Butchers, OPW, Saint-Gobain, SISK, SMC, Symetri, Unilin Insulation, and Volkswagen Group Ireland. Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education. The Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS, Dublin on Friday 19th September and is a day not to be missed. Free to attend, registration for the event is now open www.worldskillsireland.ie. The village of Knockbridge, near Dundalk, is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for its annual Knockbridge Vintage Rally and Working Day on Sunday, 14 September 2025. This much-loved event brings the past to life with a vibrant mix of music, heritage, and family-friendly fun. This year is extra special, as Knockbridge Vintage Club has been selected to host the Irish Vintage Society All Ireland Vintage Rally, a prestigious honour that will bring even more vintage enthusiasts from across the country. Live music will fill the air throughout the day with performances by country sensations Gavin Gribben and Johnny Brady. Their energetic sets are sure to get the crowd moving, and the ever-popular Jiving Competition offers a chance to show off your moves and win 100. The Childrens Area will be bigger than ever this year, packed with even more attractions to keep young visitors entertained all day long. Highlights include Circus250s interactive hoop and juggling workshops, a lively puppet show, balloon artistry with Billy Bonka, and hands-on pottery sessions with Pebble Lane Art Studio. Read also: DkIT students excel in entrepreneurship through the Regional Development Centre Joe from The Gathering Drum will lead a fun-filled drum circle, while kids can also enjoy inflatables, a soft play zone, and a drop-in Lego workshop hosted by The Brickx Club Dundalk. For just 5, children can enjoy unlimited access to the Kids Fun Zone, with no admission fee required at the main entrance gate. The Dog Show is always a highlight, drawing a large number of entrants and offering plenty of prizes. Its a great opportunity to show off your four-legged friend. Spectators will be treated to a fascinating look at traditional farming methods in the live working field, where vintage tractors and machinery will be in action. Expect to see horse-driven threshing mills, steam engines, vintage combine harvesters, potato planting, horse ploughing, and vintage ploughing demonstrations. This years rally will also feature special dedicated areas celebrating 75 years of Volkswagen and 80 years of the Fordson E27N. Owners who bring along a vehicle to showcase in these commemorative zones will receive a special plaque to mark the occasion. Traditional crafts will be showcased throughout the grounds, including basket weaving, blacksmithing, wood turning, and tin craft. Visitors can also explore a traditional cottage and a model vintage farm, offering a glimpse into rural life from decades past. The Vintage Fashion Show will feature a stunning array of vintage outfits and hats, modelled by familiar faces from the community. Its a colourful and stylish celebration of fashion through the ages. Veronica McMahon, well known both locally and nationally, will present a flower arranging demonstration that promises to be both entertaining and inspiring. Local businesses are invited to take a stand at one of the largest outdoor events in the North East, offering a great opportunity for promotion and engagement with the community. The renowned Tea Tent will be serving freshly cooked food and homemade treats throughout the day, ensuring no one goes hungry. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, the Knockbridge Vintage Rally has something for everyone. Gates open at 11am, with ample free parking available. Entry is 15 for adults and children go free. All proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities. For more information, contact +353 (0)87 2204 261 or visit the Knockbridge Vintage Club Facebook page. Louth councillor, Independent representative Cllr Ciaran Fisher, has questioned if new laws in relation to vapes, due to come into force next year, go far enough, and suggests that there should be an aim to limit and discourage the prevalence of vape shops in Dundalk. Sharing his views on the matter with the Dundalk Democrat, Cllr Fisher said that new vape laws, under the 'Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill', due early next year, are a "long overdue tightening of legislation on e-Cigarettes, better known as vapes". He explains that key elements of this incoming law include: "Banning all e-liquid flavors except tobacco "Limiting the concentration of nicotine allowed in a cartridge and warning labels appearing on products (like cigarettes currently have) "Prohibiting disposable (single-use) vapes due to environmental and youth appeal concerns "Restrictions on packaging, such as banning colors, imagery, or designs that make products attractive (e.g., resembling toys or sweets) "A full advertising ban in retail premises, including point-of-sale displays (however, dedicate specialty vape shops are exempt and can advertise products) "Potential on-the-spot fines for selling to minors or other violations (Across the water, The Chartered Trading Standards Institute reported that 60% of UK shops surveyed sold vapes to minors). " Cllr Fisher explained that, "the aims of these laws are to reduce youth access, limit environmental waste from disposable devices and bring vape retailing under tighter control. While Ireland has plenty of people who have quit smoking, there are as many - or more - who have taken up vaping. I'm surprised and disappointed an explicit aim is not: 'to stop people, and particularly young people, becoming addicted to a substance'. The issue of addiction is the most serious one in my view." Read also: Knockbridge gears up for a spectacular Vintage Rally He continued: "Banning flavors like bubblegum and cola is a wise move, acknowledging that these products were clearly aimed at children. However, we already have a fresh generation addicted to nicotine, with some potentially exposed to other substances like HHC, a synthetic cannabinoid only banned in July 2024 after hospitalizations and links to psychosis (this is basically the synthetic cannabinoid that elicited marches to close the infamous 'head shops' of the noughties). "The black market has exploited vaping technology, offering substances like HHC or Spice in cartridges, raising concerns about escalation to more dangerous drugs. That's right, in some cases switching to a more harmful substance is as potentially as easy as changing the ink cartridge on a fountain pen used to be. "We are playing catch-up with this legislation, and I worry that a quiet epidemic may be unfolding. There could be a creeping societal and healthcare burden from early exposure to addiction. "This new law is coming from central government. But at a local level, the influx of vape shops have had a noticeable impact on our high street and streetscapes. I hope that there may be scope to limit, or create a separate type of license or planning for vape shops in Dundalk and our other urban areas. Under the new laws, these kinds of shops are the only ones who can continue to openly advertise vapes. "If the prevalence of these shops on our main streets is something you think is negative, it's important to reach out to councilors to let them know! With the Special Planning Committee currently looking at Town Centres, and the County Development Plan coming up later this year, there are decisions about to be made which will have a knock on effect on what our towns look like for the next seven years! "It's also worth noting, that Dundalk and other towns in Louth, do have a 'Shop Front Guide' for shops. And a lot of the vape shops and new premises for one reason or the other, have not always complied with this. And this also seems to be a contributing factor to complaints made about the prevalence of these stores: A matter of aesthetics rather than the product being sold, or at least that is the case in representations made to me. "Given the popularity of vaping, it might be unpopular to criticise their availability. They have played, and likely can continue to play a role in helping people to quit smoking. But it's important to reflect on the fact that nicotine vapes are still addictive . Would you want your child, the next generation, to have such easy access to vaping? I think the answer is already there in the fact we are banning the flavours that appeal to children. "When cigarettes first became popular, their side effects were unknown, or at least very disputed. By the time their link to addiction and cancers was known, it was a worldwide health issue. It's safe to say if cigarettes were invented today, they would not (or at least should not) be legal. And yet, in a roundabout way, we are doing just that. "We have reinvented the cigarette and made it ridiculously easy to become addicted to nicotine and more, at a time the national trends were showing young people were bucking the trend in that light we need to really think if these laws go far enough, and if we should be limiting and discouraging the prevalence of these shops in our town!" More than a quarter of all primary school children (aged 812) and over a third of all secondary school children (aged 1215) in Ireland have engaged with AI chatbots, according to figures published this week in CyberSafeKids annual Trends & Usage Report A Life Behind The Screens. This marks a sharp rise from last year's finding up from just 5% for 812 year olds and 12% for 1215 year olds). While the most popular use of chatbots was to look up information (19% of 8-12 year olds and 28% of 12-15 year olds), 9% of primary school children and 7% of secondary school children used chatbots to produce their school work with 8% of the younger age group and 10% of the older age group using them to chat and get advice. READ NEXT: Retailers across nine counties targeted in latest dodgy-box clampdown A Life Behind The Screens, the report by Ireland's online safety charity which surveyed over 9,000 children in the academic year 2024-25 found that 812 year olds used Roblox more than any other online environment (63%), while WhatsApp was the most popular with 1215 year olds (88%). It also showed that age verification, despite new regulation, is still highly ineffective with 71% of 812 year olds using 13+ social media and instant messaging apps, including YouTube (60%), WhatsApp (29%), Snapchat (25%), and TikTok (23%). Smart device ownership for 812 year olds has remained unchanged for the last 4 years (93%). While smartphone ownership fell this year from 49% to 39%, reflecting the success of community campaigns to delay the age children are given a phone, ownership of tablets (62%) and games consoles (53%) rose over the 4 year period. Smartphones remain the most popular device in secondary school (96% ownership for 1215 year olds). 28% of 812 year olds and 26% of 1215 year olds experienced content or unsolicited contact that bothered them this year, including exposure to horror, violence, sexual material, and threats. There was a huge increase in problems being reported on both Roblox (59%) and YouTube (60%) by the younger age group. Examples cited involved sexualised behaviour and harassment by bad actors on Roblox, as well as disturbing content on YouTube Shorts. The older age group also reported encountering problems on YouTube in far higher numbers (24%) than last year. TikTok (51%) and Snapchat (40%) remained the most common apps in which 1215 year olds encountered harm. 812 year olds who participated in group chats were more likely to have experienced cyberbullying (30%) than those who did not (11%). The most popular apps to use for group chats were WhatsApp (24%) and Snapchat (23%), platforms that, due to their design features, such as disappearing messages and locked chats, are difficult to monitor and could lead to increased disinhibition. Despite evidence of increased awareness of online harms among parent groups and Irelands digital age of consent (16), 34% of 812 year olds and 48% of 1215 year olds did not speak to their parents about online safety in the last year. The benefits of family supervision and setting rules at home are highlighted in the report, but over a quarter (28%) of 812 year olds and more than half (58%) of 1215 year olds indicated I can go online whenever I want with 63% of primary school aged kids and 79% of secondary school aged kids saying my parents cant see what I am doing online. READ NEXT: Warning as European hotspot popular with Irish holidaymakers clamps down on tourism The report highlights that popular digital environments were not designed with children in mind and they continue to fall short in protecting them. The fact that negative experiences are still commonplace amongst younger children despite a reduction in smartphone ownership and social media accounts, clearly demonstrates that the problems go beyond a singular focus on smartphones, and a societal solution that includes all smart devices and popular digital environments, including the often overlooked world of gaming and instant messaging apps, from a regulatory perspective, is needed. Less than half of young people (41% of 812 year olds, 46% of 1215 year olds) indicated that spending time online was a mostly positive experience this year. CyberSafeKids CEO, Alex Cooney, said: "We are still struggling to effectively regulate social media, and those same mistakes are being repeated with the unchecked rise of generative AI. With few safeguards in place, and chatbot technology increasingly embedded in the apps children use, we are exposing them to misinformation, privacy violations, and harmful advice. "We need urgent actionnot just in Ireland, but across Europe. This requires strong, coordinated regulation at EU level, including effective age verification, the removal of recommender systems, and oversight of AI chatbots, instant messaging, and social gaming platforms. "These measures must be backed by robust parental engagement and comprehensive digital education." Dr Barry OLeary, Principal of St. Kevins National School in Sallynoggin said: While a decline in smartphone ownership is welcome, the reality remains stark - two-thirds of primary school children by the age of 12 already possess a powerful supercomputer in their pocket, and more than 90% retain access to a smart device of some kind. Disturbingly high levels of harmful online experiences persistmade more so by the fact that over 75% of children have unfettered access to online content in their bedrooms - and over half of children have not spoken with their parents about online safety in the past year. These conversations are not optional but urgent, they are not a luxury - but a necessary lifeline against the surging torrent of digital content to which children are exposed daily. READ NEXT: 'So I can stay sane'- Mother with three autistic children reaches out for support Professor Sonia Livingstone OBE, London School of Economics and Political Science, added: Big Tech continues to innovate rapidly, and huge interest centres on childrens use of GenAI. The surge in the number of children engaging with AI chatbots way more than last year is worrying given that the latest regulation only partially applies to such services. This report shows the most popular use of generative AI is to look up information: so we need to keep an eye on the information they get this way, and childrens capacity to identify disinformation." To help children thrive in the digital world, CyberSafeKids outlines three key recommendations in the report: Regulation Coimisiun na Mean must have the power and tools to hold digital platforms accountable to Child Rights by Design standards, including applying geo-blocking and sanctions when necessary. Legal gaps should be closed through measures like the European Digital Fairness Act and extending Irelands Children First Act to digital services. Education Digital and media literacy must be a core part of the education system, starting at the primary level and embedded across all curricula. It should also be included in teacher training and ongoing professional development to equip students with critical online safety and thinking skills. Digital Parenting Parents and caregivers must be supported and upskilled to actively engage with their childrens online lives, applying the same common-sense rules as in the offline world. The full report is available to read here: A Life Behind The Screens: Uncovering The Realities of Digital Childhood There can be no room for antisemitism in Irish society, Irelands deputy premier has said. Tanaiste Simon Harris was speaking after meeting with members of the local Jewish community. He said he was particularly concerned to hear accounts of intolerance experienced by students and young people. Today, I met with members of the Jewish community in Ireland. The Jewish community are an integral part of Irish society. There is no room for antisemitism in Irish society. My full statement: https://t.co/72tyght8LL pic.twitter.com/hOCBJm4FIB Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) September 2, 2025 The Jewish community are an integral part of Irish society, he said in a statement. I was deeply concerned to hear of the negative experiences and intolerance they have faced in their daily lives. I was particularly concerned at the accounts of intolerance experienced by students and young people. This is entirely unacceptable. I want to be clear there can be no room for antisemitism in Irish society. Mr Harris added: The Government is committed to upholding the rights, dignity and security of all in our Republic. I condemn antisemitism wherever it occurs, online and in the real world. We must do more to counter this scourge. He said the meeting on Tuesday was an important step in listening to the communitys concerns and moving forward with implementation of the commitments relating to countering antisemitism in the Programme for Government. Night illumination boosts tourism at China's Huangguoshu Waterfall People's Daily Online) 09:26, September 02, 2025 After dark, artificial lighting transforms the various waterfalls at Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area in Anshun, southwest China's Guizhou Province, into dazzling stages of light and shadow, offering visitors an immersive fusion of natural scenery and advanced projection technology. Numerous visitors describe the moment the lights are activated as the most breathtaking part of their experience. An AI-generated image shows a fantastical illuminated waterfall display at Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area in Anshun, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The 77.8-meter-high main waterfall glistens under powerful illuminations, with laser-generated rainbows arching across the water's cascade. At the same time, holographic totems appear suspended in the spray, resembling a constellation pattern dispersed across the sky. Since the night tour program launched officially in May 2021, visitors now spend an average of 2.3 times longer at the scenic area, while overnight stays have risen 65 percent. An AI-generated image shows a visitor enjoying an illuminated waterfall at Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area in Anshun, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Visitors can walk through themed exhibition areas, participate in live-action performances based on the Chinese classical novel "Journey to the West," view the illuminated waterfalls beneath starlit skies, and sample local cuisine at the scenic area's food street By combining natural attractions with cultural programming, the night tour initiative has emerged as a key component in Huangguoshu's strategy to develop into a world-class tourism destination. More than 10 million visitors traveled to the Huangguoshu Scenic Area in 2024, contributing to total tourism revenue of 11.7 billion yuan ($1.64 billion). (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) A North Cork secondary school has announced they will be hosting an open day next month following the release of the Leaving Certificate results last week. St Marys Secondary School in Mallow announced this week that they will be hosting an open day for prospective students on September 25 from 5.30pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the schools facilities, meet staff and students, and gain an insight into the school community. The announcement comes following release of the Leaving Certificate results last week, with six students at St Marys achieving full marks this year. Additionally, 45% of this years Leaving Certificate cohort at the school achieved more than 500 points, and a further 36% achieved more than 400 points. Andrea Murphy, principal at St Marys Secondary School, said that these results are a credit to the work ethic and determination of our Leaving Certificate students. Supported every step of the way by our exceptional staff, we are immensely proud of their achievements, said Ms Murphy. These exceptional results open important pathways for students, giving them access to the professional courses and future careers they aspire to pursue. St Marys Secondary School has also launched a new website, designed to showcase school life and provide prospective students with easy access to information about the school, its programmes, and the admissions process. St. Marys Secondary School in Mallow is all-girls post-primary Catholic school. Under the trusteeship of Ceist Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust the school is guided by the educational vision of Catherine McAuley and the Mercy tradition. For more information, visit: stmarysmallow.comstmarysmallow.com. A Cork TD has accused the Government of disgraceful discrimination against small schools and rural communities under its school meals scheme. Under the scheme, which is funded by the Department of Social Protection, all primary schools are eligible to receive hot meals for their students. However, some schools have said they cannot avail of the programme because of procurement issues. Last week, a number of small schools were informed by a service provider that a disagreement about food safety compliance would mean they would not receive their meals. More holes Cork South West TD and Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said the school meals programme had promised fairness, but had instead unravelled into a policy with more holes than help, leaving smaller schools at risk of losing out. We have consulted with parents, teachers, and principals across the country, and the message is loud and clear: This policy is unworkable, he said. Small schools, often at the heart of rural communities, are being pushed to the wall by impossible regulations and no extra support. This is discrimination, plain and simple, and it cannot be allowed to stand. Mr Collins said schools with just a handful of pupils were being told they now needed designated rooms with architectural certification, mechanical ventilation, upgraded electrics, and strict waste removal procedures. Furious He said providers were also being forced to register as food business operators for each individual school, triggering additional insurance, compliance, and staffing costs that could not be met on the States allocation of 3.20 per pupil. Providers are walking away because they cant meet the unrealistic standards without extra funding, Mr Collins said. And whats the result? Children in smaller, rural schools are left without meals. Parents, teachers, and communities are rightly furious. A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said: While it is recognised that delivering meals to smaller or more remote schools may present challenges, the shared priority of all partners in the programme must be that every child benefits from a service where the primary consideration is that the food they eat is safe, nutritious, and supportive of their learning. A 46-year-old woman accused of assault causing harm to her own sister with a knife appeared today at Cork District Court. Judge Mary Dorgan was given an outline of the allegations in the case against Mandy Cullen of Elm Vale Court, Wilton, Cork, on the charge of assault causing harm to Gillian Cullen. Sergeant John Dineen outlined the allegations and handed in a medical report which set out details of the arm injury. The judge said: It is an aggravating factor that it was her sister. However, I will accept jurisdiction. Judge Dorgan then adjourned the case to October 14 to allow time for full disclosure of prosecution documents to Joseph Cuddigan solicitor. Sergeant Dineen said: On March 5 2024 gardai responded to an alleged assault at Elton Lawn, Bishopstown, Cork. On arrival at the scene Garda Shane Masters met the injured party, Gillian Cullen, who had a medium sized laceration across her left arm. Gillian Cullen stated to Garda Masters that her sister had cut her with a knife. A short time later, Mandy Cullen was arrested on Bishopstown Road and she was detained at Togher garda station for the alleged offence. She made no admissions. A 48-year-old woman accused of calling a member of An Garda Siochana a fat faggot had public order charges struck out today, having been in custody since August 21 unable to raise 100 bail. At her first court appearance before Judge Brendan OReilly at a remand sitting of Cork District Court during August there was no garda objection to bail. However, the judge imposed a 300 bond, of which 100 had to be lodged in court. Rosemarie Howick of Castleview, Kilbrittain, County Cork, was effectively released from custody today when Judge Mary Dorgan struck out the charges. Sergeant John Dineen outlined the background to the allegations in the case against her on charges of being intoxicated and a danger and engaging in threatening or abusive words or behaviour. At 5.30am on August 21 gardai responded to a call about a female causing annoyance at North Main Street Cork. On arrival, gardai found a female who was unsteady on her feet. Gardai stopped and spoke to Rosemarie Howick who was slurring her words and was unsteady on her feet. She began to shout at gardai in a threatening and abusive manner, screaming, Go f*** yourself you fat faggot numerous times towards gardai, Sgt Dineen said. At this stage of the evidence, Ms Howick spoke up by video link from prison and said she was representing herself and wanted a copy of CCTV from North Main Street from the relevant time. Judge Dorgan said that in light of the fact that the accused had already been in custody since August 21 on the two public order charges it was appropriate to strike out both matters and explained to the defendant that this was the end of the case. TV presenter Kirstie Allsop criticised how a five-year old ate his breakfast in front of an iPad and got hammered by thousands of messages online warning her to mind her own business. Come on, guys. Get real. We live in a technology-driven environment where some nine-year-olds are accessing hard-core porn on their smartphones. We have to offer children something else no screens involved. On Tuesday, September 9, parents, grandparents, childminders, public health nurses, midwives, and anyone else interested in reading with children for fun can attend a public meeting in the picturesque surrounds of Dunmanway Public Library in West Cork. The name of the event: Read Together: Open Their World. The mission: Encourage parents to read with children; firstly, because its great fun, and secondly, because there are significant benefits to regularly reading with children from three months of age. Target audience: Mams. Dads. Grannies, Grandads. Child-minders, etc. Issues to be addressed: Why read with your child? For how long? How often? The best time? Which books? A series of short talks from experts; teachers from primary and second-level education, a parent, a Childrens Librarian, an expert in childrens literature will give the audience insights from the frontline. Youll hear how reading with your child is of benefit to both you and your child. Youll understand how reading with your child cannot be solely the responsibility of the class-teacher (because the time constraints, resources, and a crammed curriculum simply dont leave space for it). How reading for fun regularly with our children is down to us, the parents, grandparents, childminders Some fun facts: Reading with children as young as one or two has long-term benefits in terms of higher achievement in reading and maths. Reading has excellent knock-on effects in terms of a childs grasp of literacy reading, comprehension and writing. It helps them navigate day-to-day life better because it helps children think and articulate. Children who read have a richer vocabulary, tend to be able to express themselves better, and have a stronger grasp of language. Its extremely good for a childs imagination. It improves childrens ability to think things through logically, and reason things out, and their ability to focus and concentrate. Research has shown children to be happier and more self-confident learners when they read informally at home. Put simply, reading for fun makes the mind work. Studies have found children who read for fun have fewer socio-emotional difficulties. Reading also helps develop empathy reading about other children and their very different lives opens up a childs world-view and helps them empathise with the plight of others. There are benefits for the adult also: reading with a baby, toddler or child is a way to strengthen your bond and help nurture their ability to interact with you and be sociable. Above all, its great craic. Ask any parent who reads to their baby about the infants laughing, pointing and babbling at the book! Yet, in the tsunami of tech we live in now, were forgetting about the importance of reading for pleasure with children. The 2025 What Kids Are Reading report studied the reading habits of over 1.2 million students across 6,700 schools in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It revealed that overall reading enjoyment among children and young people has declined to its lowest level in 20 years and there is a significant decline in the percentage of children and young people who say they enjoy reading. In 2025, only 32.7% of those aged 8 to 18 reported enjoying reading. Childrens Books Ireland, an organisation which promotes reading for pleasure with and by children, warns of falling rates in reading enjoyment and book ownership amongst children and young people. More than one in five children under aged four are NOT being read to, studies show, and 24% of Irish teenagers (boys and girls) are not reading for pleasure. The average child now owns 20 books compared to 30 two years ago. The poster advertising Ailin Quinlans event promoting books in Cork Research found 21% of parents believe the most important factor when choosing a book for their child is that it teaches them something not at all! Reading is just something you and a child can do together for fun. I spoke to primary teachers, schoolchildren and parents across the primary sector. Teachers expressed concern that too much screen time has negative effects in terms of concentration, literacy, vocabulary, imagination, an inability to enjoy reading material, empathy, creativity and view of the wider world. They believe young children are allowed too much access to devices and spend too much time on Gaming/Youtube videos etc. They feel a need for instant gratification develops in response to so much access to devices from early childhood. This can gradually affect a childs ability to develop the focus, patience or concentration span to read. Teachers felt the importance of parents reading with children for pleasure deserves to be prioritised far more in the home than it is. They advise reading with babies and small children long before they start school, warning that many coming into Junior Infants now are unable to turn a page in a book or recite a nursery rhyme. I spoke with schoolchildren at the senior levels of primary school. Some didnt read at all. One boy remarked that there were no books in his house. Children who did read for fun, however, loved it. They said they found it both exciting and immensely relaxing. One boy said reading cheered him up if he felt sad or down. A few said they didnt have many books in the home. Parents I spoke to felt family life has become overloaded with too many activities; that things needed to slow down. So, are we not pushing an open door here after all, who wouldnt enjoy sitting down for a few minutes with their child and a beautiful storybook? Dev - a three-letter word that encapsulates one of the most consequential figures in Irish history. Admire or abhor him, there are few people who have had as much influence on Irish life as Eamon de Valera. Fifty years ago today his funeral took place in Dublin. A day of national mourning, over 200,000 people paid tribute to the statesman along the three-mile funeral route from Dublin city centre to Glasnevin. The cortege was lined with soldiers, schoolchildren, elderly veterans, and ordinary citizens pausing to mark the end of an era. In the days before, thousands more queued for hours to pay their respects to the man known as The Chief as he lay in state in Dublin Castle. For the past six months, I have had the privilege of producing a new two-part documentary series for RTE1, the first episode of which airs tomorrow evening. Presented by David McCullagh, who authored a two-volume biography about the rise and rule of Eamon de Valera, the films examine the life of the man who was born in Manhattan, escaped a life of rural poverty, helped steer Ireland to national sovereignty, and served as Taoiseach for 21 years and later as President for 14 more. He shaped Irish life over the better part of four decades. de Valera died five years before I was born. As a Leaving Cert history student in the 1990s, I wasnt a fan. Shaped by Neil Jordans 1996 film, Michael Collins, and the broad brushstrokes of the curriculum, I blamed Dev for the Civil War and the dominance of the Church. I even bristled when school friends tried to nickname me Dev. However, after producing a number of history documentaries during the decade of centenaries, I appreciate its impossible to distil his political career of 57 years to black or white judgments. Asked on his 80th birthday what were some of his happiest memories - he said he had a lot of happy memories - and a lot of sad ones too. He mentioned his scholarship to Blackrock College, his marriage to Sinead Flanagan, and his 1918 election victory, but didnt elaborate on the sad memories. He had quite a few. At the age of two-and-a-half, de Valera was sent by his mother from Manhattan back to her home place in Bruree, Co. Limerick, to be reared by his grandmother. He was not reunited with his mother when she remarried and had two more children, nor when his grandmother died when he was 12. Later, in his thirties, many of his colleagues from the 1916 Rising were executed. During the Civil War, former comrades on both sides were senselessly killed. His third son, Brian, died, aged 20, in a riding accident in Phoenix Park in 1936. That is more than enough loss and trauma for one person. For a man often caricatured as austere and aloof, those private griefs - a lost mother, executed comrades, and the death of a beloved son - suggest a life marked as much by sorrow as by triumph. de Valera was always described as dignified and he reminds me a lot of my own grandfather who was born in 1916 and worked hard to rear and educate six children. He was a Fianna Fail man and a dedicated church-goer. I now understand better the popularity of de Valera to my grandfathers generation. Dev was upstanding, intelligent, well-presented, devout. A pillar of society to counter the stereotypes of drunken, fighting, wild Irishmen that the Irish had been characterised as for so long. To his detractors, de Valera was a conservative misogynist, closed to the outside world and intolerant of those who didnt share his opinions or perspectives. Kathriona Devereux has spent six months producing a new two-part TV documentary series on Eamon de Valera for RTE1, which starts tomorrow He presided over a country that allowed the incarceration of women and children in Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries, and Industrial Schools. His political tenure oversaw the mass migration of millions of Irish people in search of a better life. And yet, he was also one of Europes most successful politicians, winning elections time and again. The documentaries tease out his major life milestones and nuanced legacy, visiting Manhattan, London, and Spike Island along the journey. David McCullagh examines de Valeras original birth certificate (he wasnt always Eamon de Valera!), sits at the very table Dev sat at in Beal na Blath on the morning of Michael Collins death, and studies the infamous Oath in the Dail ledger which de Valera shakily signed five years after rejecting the Treaty. The conclusion of each programme features a unique gathering in the historic St Patricks Hall in Dublin Castle (where de Valera laid in state 50 years ago) that gives the citizens of 2025 their say. Actor Marcus Lamb performs a verbatim performance of two of de Valeras most famous speeches - which still resonate today. And a cocktail of opinion from leading historians prompts the audience to contribute their own reassessment of de Valeras legacy, through the prism of contemporary eyes. It is easy to dismiss de Valeras Ireland as a misogynistic, oppressive, Church-dominated country, but do we owe some debt of gratitude to a man who devoted his life to establishing Ireland as an independent sovereign state? Tune in to reassess your own opinion on the man. Watch Dev: Rise + Rule on RTE1 on Wednesday, September 3, and Wednesday, September 10, at 9.30pm. (Photo: REUTERS / Toby Melville)Women hold placards during a march and rally in east London December 13, 2013. They were participating in a rally organized by British Islamist Anjem Choudary condemning use of alcohol and promoting Shariah law. Yasmin Qureshi, a Pakistani-born British Labour Party politician, has said that words put out in Britain regarding Muslims are similar to those put out by the Nazis against the Jews. The elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolton South East, in the north of England, claimed that 99.99 percent of media coverage is anti-Muslim, with "complete lies" and made-up stories. "A lot of the media actually publish complete lies on their front pages like, for example, the Muslim plot to kill the Pope - a complete lie... and it goes on and on and on." Qureshi said that a lot of people in some parts of the country have "never come across a Muslim person or a black person or an Asian person. "This means that their views about a particular religion, group or culture will solely depend on what they read on paper, Hillingdon and Uxbridge Times reported. Qureshi told a public debate at London's Westminster Hall about a recent survey telling that about 33 percent of the people in UK think that Muslims are "not really right for this country" and their religion "is not appropriate." She is offended by this because, she may not be born in UK, but she was brought up in the country. A Muslim herself, she feels deeply for the three million Muslims in the UK who may be experiencing severe persecution. She continued: "I do think in this respect it's great we have free speech and free press, but I think we should have some responsibility because it is this kind of hatred perpetrated by particular groups that leads to what happened in places like Bosnia or happened in the Second World War." Qureshi revealed that independent research conducted in different universities shows that the negative stories involving Muslims have distorted their image among people. "All religions have some things to answer - they've all got things in them which can be looked at. But I think to concentrate on one group of people, and put lies in the way they do, is really wrong." Last year, Unitas Communications submitted a report to the Leveson Inquiry into the media, including phone hacking, It concluded that the persistence of anti-Muslim trends in British Media reporting has directly contributed to the inaccurate stereotypes and misconceptions about British Muslims. This led to an increasingly hostile climate and anti-Muslim hate crimes over the last decade. (Photo: REUTERS / Ammar Awad)Palestinian Imam Ibrahim Abu Luha looks out a mosque window that was set alight in an overnight attack in Al-Jaba'ah village near the West Bank city of Bethlehem February 25, 2015. A Palestinian mosque was set alight in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday and graffiti in Hebrew at the scene suggested the attack was carried out by a far-right Israeli group, officials said. Israeli police said they were investigating the attack. Israel has detained the first Jewish extremist under tough new regulations allowing Jews suspected of "terrorism" to be imprisoned without trial. Mordechai Meyer, 18, from the East Jerusalem settlement of Maale Adumim, was placed in six-month's administrative detention, The Daily Telegraph reported August 5. His detention was reportedly for suspected involvement in an arson attack on the iconic "loaves and fishes" church in Galilee in June and it comes at a time of stepped-up brazen attacks by Jewish extremists. Israel's defence ministry on July 5 accused Meyer in a statement of "involvement in violent activity and recent terrorist attacks as part of a Jewish terror group," ABC News reported in Australia. Moshe Ya'alon, the defence minister, signed the order after after the Israeli attorney general, Yehuda Weinstein, approved the use of administrative detention. It followed a fire-bomb attack July 31 on a Palestinian home in the West Bank that killed a one-year-old child and badly injured his parents and brother leaving them fighting for their lives. Israel had used administrative detention laws to hold hundreds of Palestinians without trial drawing criticism from civil liberties groups that say it undermines the due process of the law. The Israeli security cabinet agreed to extend it to Jewish suspects following widespread outrage over last week's arson in the West Bank village of Duma. Police said they were still chasing leads to identify culprits for the Duma attack and issued an appeal for information along with a mobile phone number for members of the public to call. Israeli officials did not specify the reason for Meyer's detention, which will initially last six months and came two days after he had been placed under house arrest. 'LOAVES AND FISHES' CHURCH Israeli media linked it to an alleged involvement in the June 18 fire attack that badly damaged the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes on Lake Kinneret, marking the site where Jesus is believed to have performed a miracle of feeding 5,000 people. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet Aug. 2 that there is "zero tolerance" for terrorism and hate crimes in Israel, Reuters news agency reported. "In the last two days we have witnessed two abhorrent crimes. Our policy toward such crimes is zero tolerance. I have instructed security and law enforcement officials to use all legal means at their disposal to catch the killers and bring them to justice," Netanyahu said. He noted that he meant in this case both the two masked men - believed to be Jewish extremists - who killed toddler Ali Dawabsha when they torched his family's home in the Palestinian village of Duma on July 31. He was also referring to an ultra-Orthodox Jew Yishai Schlissel who stabbed six people at a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem on July 30. "We are determined to vigorously fight all manifestations of hatred, fanaticism and terrorism on either side. The battle against this phenomenon unites all of us. "It is not a battle of one [political] camp or another, but rather an issue of basic human values, that are the Jewish values under which we operate," he said. Netanyahu said, what differentiates Israel from its neighbors is that "we denounce and condemn these murderers and will chase them [until we find them], while [our neighbors] name streets after those who kill children." Critics of Israel says its policy of tolerance to the expansion of politically and socially conservative Jewish settlers in areas that are claimed by Palestinians fuels extremism and resentment against it. An Israeli teenager died on Aug. 2 of stab wounds sustained when an ultra-Orthodox man with a knife attacked a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem on July 30, police said. High school student Shira Banki, 16, was one of six people wounded in the assault and died later. Her death highlighted the city's sharp social divisions between Orthodox and secular Jews. The suspect was arrested at the scene. Police have come under criticism for not keeping him under surveillance, as he had been released from prison only weeks earlier after being jailed for stabbing three at the same event in 2005. "We won't permit the terrible murderer to challenge the basic values on which Israeli society is built." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement after sending his condolences to the family. "We reject with disgust any attempt to impose hatred and violence among us and will bring the murderer to justice," it said. "Shira was murdered because she bravely supported the principle that everyone has the right to live their lives respectfully and with security." The annual gay pride parade in Jerusalem drew some 5 000 this year, but has long created tension between Israel's mainly secular majority and the growing ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority, who abhor public displays of homosexuality. Google is officially debunking a series of reports that claimed Gmail has been hit with a "major" security issue in recent days. "We want to reassure our users that Gmails protections are strong and effective," the company said in a somewhat unusual statement. "Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false." Google doesn't detail the erroneous claims in its post. But, as Forbes points out , it seems to be referring to several recent reports that stated the company issued an "emergency warning" to all of its 2.5 billion users in response to a phishing attack that targeted a Salesforce instance used by the company. That incident, however, was first reported by Google in early June , and the company said in an August 8 update that it had finished notifying everyone affected. It's not clear why that report resurfaced now or how it was misconstrued into a supposed warning impacting all Gmail users, but Google is now trying to set the record straight. "While its always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users," the company said. "Its crucial that conversation in this space is accurate and factual." Google is readying an update for its Play Games app that will introduce stats and milestones to your all-new profile. From September 23 (October 1 in the EU and UK), other players will be able to see which games youve played and for how long, as well as any achievements youve unlocked. Google says there will also be new "social features," but its not yet clear what theyll be. It sounds a lot like Googles take on Steam profiles (similar features are also available on PlayStation and Xbox) and the company says it will be collecting usage data for games youve installed or played previously, adding that it may pass on information about your in-game activity to developers. You can also choose to import your past activity on a one-time basis, which Google pulls from your account history and then uses to populate your Play Games profile statistics from the start. Youre already able to decide whether data related to gaming is collected through Activity Controls in your account settings. Its up to you whether people can see your profile or not. If you make it public, other people can follow you and snoop on your gaming activity, but you can also choose to hide it if you dont want anyone to know how many hours youve spent playing Angry Birds. Youre also free to delete your Play Games profile entirely, along with all of the data its using. Have you played around with the new iOS 26 yet? Here's how to download it on your iPhone if you haven't yet once you do, you'll notice several new changes, including a clear design called Liquid Glass. The translucent look can be found within apps as well as your lock and home screens. (You can't turn it off, but you can reduce the transparency to make it less clear.) The overhaul is one of several big changes that come with iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and the rest of Apple's software suite the new operating system updates for those gadgets are also available to download now. You'll also see multiple useful additions in the Phone and Messages apps. For instance, the ability to weed out spam texts or unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. And for fun, you can now create polls in group texts. Other new improvements coming include a confirmed AirPods live translation feature, and a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center. If you're planning to upgrade your phone this year, take a look at all the new models Apple unveiled during its iPhone 17 event, from the iPhone 17 lineup (check out our review of the iPhone 17) to the all-new ultra-thin iPhone Air (take a look at our hands-on review). If you missed the keynote, you can catch up on everything Apple announced here or rewatch the full iPhone 17 launch. The company rounded out its announcements with three new Apple Watch models, as well as the brand-new AirPods Pro 3. Advertisement Advertisement Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26. We've rounded up a full list of new features you'll have to check out. If you're waiting to update your phone until iOS 26.1 becomes available, note that the beta version is available now so it shouldn't be too long before it's released to the public. What is iOS 26 and should I download iOS 18.7 first? Instead of releasing iOS 19, Apple skipped its naming convention ahead to iOS 26. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems were released in 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead. Apple also released iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to address security issues great news if you don't have a phone that's eligible to run the latest OS. If you're wondering which one to download first, it's really up to you. Do you want to wait for Apple to quash any bugs in iOS 26 or do you want access to all the new features everyone's talking about now? It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple) What is Liquid Glass design? Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing. Advertisement Advertisement So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "new translucent material" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some including Engadget's Devindra Hardawar like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago. That said, while it was in beta mode, Apple incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: The company says Liquid Glass was designed to make all of its platforms more cohesive. Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic looks with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop. How to turn iOS 26 Liquid Glass settings off If you find you don't like the new clear look after downloading iOS 26, you can change a couple Accessibility settings, though you can't completely turn off Liquid Glass. For starters, you can reduce the liquid look by going to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > toggle on Reduce Motion. Advertisement Advertisement You can make your drop-down menus more opaque instead of translucent by going to Settings >Accessibility > Display & Text Size > toggle on Reduce Transparency. You can also change your clear apps back to the way they were. Just press and hold any app on your screen and select Edit Home Screen. From here, tap Edit (top left) and Customize. You can swap out to Default, Dark or Tinted. What are the new and notable features of iOS 26? iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile: Phone app redesign: You can now scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call, FaceTime or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation uses Apple Intelligence and it will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation. Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends can now create polls in group messages to decide things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip. Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder. Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online. Advertisement Advertisement Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's been frustrated with last year's changes to the Photos app, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are back. Library and Collections have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for. Camera app updates: Navigating the Camera app should be simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned. FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues. New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen is more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options. Advertisement Advertisement New alarm setting: You'll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes. Screenshots look different: You'll notice several new features when you take a screenshot, including "highlight to search," the option to search your image on Google and ChatGPT is there for any questions you have about the image. Preview on iOS 26: There's a new app called Preview that lets you scan documents, fill out PDF forms, as well as highlight, underline or strike through text in a PDF file. You can also remove backgrounds from images in this app. Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple) New changes with iPadOS 26 Your iPad isn't getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here's what to look for. Advertisement Advertisement Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you'll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it'll appear on your screen as normal but you'll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don't like it. Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 also has the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look appears on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus. New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There's also a search option if you're looking for something specific. There's more beyond that, so be sure to check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26. What about AirPods? AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions. Advertisement Advertisement Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this "studio-quality" audio recording, and with it, you'll notice more clarity while in noisy environments. Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you'll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture. Live translation feature: Live translation is available on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with iPhones running iOS 26. Apple says that when someone speaks to you in a different language, you can use your AirPods to translate what theyre saying. Heart rate monitoring: Apple introduced new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds this month, which include heart rate monitoring. It will work with Apple's Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates. Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant first promised at WWDC 2024 is delayed until some point "in the coming year," so you shouldn't expect any major changes right now. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a "stripped-down" AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT. Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26? A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS iPhone XR, XS and XS Max aren't compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones from 2019 or later will be eligible for iOS 26: Advertisement Advertisement iPhone SE (second generation or later) iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 16e iPhone 17 iPhone Air iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max When can you download iOS 26? iOS 26 has officially been released to the public for free as of September 15, 2025. If you're more interested in the new Apple Intelligence features, here's everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework. Update, September 19: Added details about making Liquid Glass less clear. Update, September 18: Added info about Engadget's iPhone 17 review. Update, September 17: Added details and link about the new iPhone Air. Update, September 16: Added details about modifying Liquid Glass settings, and new info about the Preview app. Update, September 15: Noted iOS 26 is officially available for download. Update, September 12: Noted iOS 26 is coming to eligible iPhones in just a few days, timing TBD. Update, September 11: Added the products Apple released at its Tuesday event and noted when iOS 26 will be available to download. Update, September 9: Noted the iPhone event is starting soon. Update, September 8: Noted the iPhone 17 event is tomorrow. Update, September 4: Added details about how screenshots are different in iOS 26. Update, September 3: Noted Apple is expected to release iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26. Update, September 2: Added more new features coming with iOS 26. Update, August 29: Added new section about Siri and a link to what's new with the iOS 26 Camera app. Update, August 27: Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release. Update, August 25: Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring. Update, August 22: Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6. Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download. Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update. Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what's available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor. Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta. Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6. Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods. Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center. Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival. Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26. Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available. Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available. Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta. Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri. Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been scaling down the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual. The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will freeze FaceTime video if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image. iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the nine minute snooze alarm. The next iOS is now available as a public beta. Here are our initial impressions of the Liquid Glass design and other new features. iOS 26 is compatible with all models back through iPhone 11. What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17? If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They'll all run watchOS 26, of course.) 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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). Advertisement Advertisement 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. Robin Wright, 59, has shared candid reflections on her parenting journey with ex-husband Sean Penn, revealing she regrets not being stricter with their children. In a recent interview with The Times of London, Wright said, "I have a huge regret as a mother and have experienced the fallout of this regret for many years with my kids I wasn't hard enough on them." Robin Wright and Sean Penn were married for 14 years, from 1996 until 2010, and together they have two children: daughter Dylan, 34, and son Hopper, 32. According to DailyMail, Wright described how navigating parenthood alongside Penn's demanding acting career proved challenging. "He was gone so much of the time. He'd come back and be the policeman and then he'd leave me with the residue," she said. Wright admitted that she tended to soften discipline, creating an imbalance in their parenting. Robin Wright reflected on her and Sean Penn's differing parenting styles, describing them as opposite extremes. She noted that their children missed out on the balanced approach that combined firmness with understanding, which she believes is what they truly needed. Robin Wright also spoke about some of the challenges her children faced growing up. Robin Wright Shares Huge Regret About Coparenting With Ex-Husband Sean Penn https://t.co/7GnjJGLxd6 pic.twitter.com/eeCMWk17lY E! News (@enews) September 1, 2025 Robin Wright Reflects on Kids' Struggles and Triumphs Hopper struggled with substance abuse, which he made public in 2017, while Dylan experienced rebellious phases during her youth. "Every day if the phone rings you're like, 'Is he alive? Is she alive?'" Wright recalled, reflecting on the worry she experienced during her children's tumultuous years, PageSix reported. Despite the ups and downs they faced growing up, Robin Wright says her children, Dylan and Hopper, are now thriving and living happy, stable lives. She opened up about the differences in her and Sean Penn's parenting styleswhile she tended to be more lenient, Penn was firmer but often away for work. This left their kids without a consistent middle ground in discipline, something Wright acknowledges they needed at the time. Since their divorce, Wright and Penn have developed a respectful co-parenting relationship, showing that family bonds can remain strong even after separation. Today, Wright is in a relationship with UK-based architect Henry Smith and continues to focus on her family and personal happiness. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson surprised fans and triggered a lot of online talk after showing off a noticeably leaner body at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. The 53-year-old actor and former professional wrestler appeared alongside Emily Blunt at the Miu Miu Women's Tales event, where he showcased a trimmer frame in a blue button-up and black trousers. Social media users quickly reacted to the transformation, with some jokingly dubbing him "The Pebble." Johnson's physical change is connected to his latest project, "The Smashing Machine," a biographical drama where he plays former UFC champion Mark Kerr. The film explores Kerr's rise in mixed martial arts and his battle with prescription drug addiction. Speaking at a press conference Monday, Johnson said the role marked one of the most challenging of his career. "I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, 'What if there is more and what if I can?'" Johnson said. "I've been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity." He acknowledged that his career has often revolved around big-budget action films but said he wanted to pursue work that demanded more vulnerability. "Am I living my dream or am I living other people's dreams? You come to that recognition," he said. The dramatic weight loss fueled online rumors that Johnson had stepped away from performance-enhancing supplements, though no evidence supports those claims. The actor has not addressed the speculation directly, instead focusing on the preparation and emotional depth required for the role. The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Blunt as Kerr's ex-wife, Dawn Staples, is scheduled to hit theaters Oct. 3. Dwayne Johnson Breaks Down in Tears as 'The Smashing Machine' Earns 15-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice In other news, Dwayne Johnson sobbed uncontrollably Monday night as the crowd at the Venice Film Festival rose to give a 15-minute standing ovation to "The Smashing Machine," the new film in which the 53-year-old actor portrays former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr. Johnson, who earned fame as a professional wrestler and has starred in blockbuster franchises, sat with director Benny Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt as applause and cheering stretched on after the screening at the Lido. Safdie embraced both actors and also wiped away tears as the ovation continued. Kerr, the real-life fighter whose struggles the film chronicles, wept as credits rolled. A24's The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson as UFC champ Mark Kerr delivers TKO at Venice Film Festival world premiere with 15-minute standing ovation. The Rock in tears by the end as was co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie and Kerr who was in attendance. pic.twitter.com/K5LcQiXqxa The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 1, 2025 The film Safdie's solo feature directorial debut and produced and distributed by A24 presents a gritty portrait of Kerr's career and personal demons in the 1990s. Johnson, heavily prostheticized to recreate Kerr's appearance, was nearly unrecognizable in the role. "Benny continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting," Johnson said in earlier interviews. "I'm at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I've not pushed myself in the past. I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity and explore struggle and pain." Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr's longtime girlfriend, and reunites with Safdie after sharing a notable scene in Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer." Johnson and Blunt previously co-starred in Disney's "Jungle Cruise." The emotional reaction on the Lido has prompted early awards-season speculation about Johnson, whose career has largely been built on commercial action fare such as "The Mummy," "Black Adam" and "Baywatch." Industry and festival buzz following the Venice screening compared the evening's response to the rapturous reception that launched Brendan Fraser's awards run for "The Whale" four years ago. Before the screening began, an audience member shouted Johnson's old WWE catchphrase, prompting laughter and a spontaneous moment on the red carpet. Johnson spent the evening greeting fans, signing autographs, and taking selfies. Meghan Markle is giving fans a special look into her life as a mom and show host, sharing behind-the-scenes photos of her kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on the set of her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan." On Monday, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, posted a collection of personal photos on Instagram from filming Season 2 of her lifestyle and cooking series. In the images, Archie and Lilibet join their mom on set for some light-hearted moments. In one touching photo, the siblings, whose faces were not shown for privacy, can be seen watching Meghan film a scene through a monitor while wearing headphones. According to PageSix, another shot captures little Lilibet playing peek-a-boo with a crew member, while Archie handles a clapperboard, showing his curiosity behind the scenes. "Filming season two of 'With Love, Meghan' was more fun than you can imagine," Meghan wrote in the caption. The post also featured a cute moment of Lilibet sitting on a director's chair and a snapshot of a chalkboard that read, "A high tide raises all boats." Meghan Markle has given fans a rare look at her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, while filming on the set of her upcoming Netflix show . Moments like this are rare, as Meghan and Harry have often chosen to keep their kids away from the spotlight. Seeing Archie pic.twitter.com/uRRdLPYBUP Danny The Man Parker (@dtmp2018) September 2, 2025 Meghan Markle Drops Her Personal Playlist From Netflix Show Set Meghan shared a snapshot that highlighted her wedding ring from Prince Harry, along with a photo alongside Chef Jose Andres, who appeared as a guest on the show. Meghan explained that having music playing on set helped maintain a positive and lively atmosphere during filming. She added a list of 19 of her favorite songs, including classics like "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor. "Between set-ups I would play a song from my phone," she shared. "Add them to your playlist, press shuffle, and enjoy!" Season 2 of "With Love, Meghan" premiered on August 26 and has received mixed reviews. Still, Meghan stands by her work. In her interview on "The Circuit with Emily Chang," she noted that understanding the audience and their preferences has been key to the show's strong reception. During one episode, Meghan opened up emotionally about the challenges of being away from Archie and Lilibet. "I'll miss them so much," she told guest Tan France, US Magazine reported. "You want to be that parent who says, 'Go live your life.' But it's still hard." She recalled being away from her children for nearly three weeks during a trip to the UK in 2022, saying, "I was... not well." You Might Also Like Indonesian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters near two universities in the city of Bandung, stoking concerns over unrest in which 10 people have been killed since last week. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High near 10F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Low 7F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release Chemicals SubCategory Select Sub-Category September has arrived, and Hollywood is set to deliver a thrilling mix of scares, drama, comedy, and high-octane action on the big screen. From the chilling final chapter of The Conjuring saga to Paul Thomas Andersons star-studded action thriller, this month promises an eclectic slate of films worth marking on your calendar. The Conjuring: Last Rites September 5, 2025 The Warrens return for one last haunting in The Conjuring: Last Rites. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film closes out the decade-spanning horror universe with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga once again leading as Ed and Lorraine Warren. This time, the couple confronts the Smurl haunting, one of their most disturbing cases. With chilling new additions to the cast, including Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, the film marks the ninth and final chapter of the beloved horror franchise. Splitsville September 5, 2025 Dakota Johnson headlines this biting comedy-drama about friendship, marriage, and betrayal. Directed by Michael Angelo Covino, Splitsville follows two couples whose bonds unravel when secrets and romantic entanglements collide. With Adria Arjona, Nicholas Braun, and David Castaneda joining the ensemble, the film blends sharp humor with a raw look at modern relationships. After premiering at Cannes earlier this year, it now expands into theatres for a wider audience. Diary of a Woman September 12, 2025 A haunting psychological drama, Diary of a Woman dives into themes of identity, transformation, and isolation. Directed by Simon Aeby, the film follows Alexs journey into becoming Alexa, a change that begins with joy but spirals into despair. Featuring performances by Marcel Schneider, Olga Dinnikova, and Florence Matousek, the film explores love, alienation, and survival with an unflinching gaze, making it one of the more emotionally charged releases of the month. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey September 19, 2025 Kogonadas romantic fantasy pairs Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell in a story of two strangers whose lives intertwine through an extraordinary, otherworldly journey. Backed by a stellar supporting cast including Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the film blends whimsical imagination with heartfelt romance. With its lush visuals and emotional core, this Sony Pictures release is one of the most anticipated romances of the fall. Afterburn September 19, 2025 Action meets science fiction in Afterburn, directed by J.J. Perry. Set in a world devastated by a solar flare that wiped out technology, the story follows Jake (Dave Bautista), an ex-soldier turned treasure hunter, on a mission to recover priceless relics, including the Mona Lisa. Alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Olga Kurylenko, and Kristofer Hivju, the film promises adrenaline-pumping set pieces and a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure. One Battle After Another September 26, 2025 Paul Thomas Anderson takes on the action-thriller genre with One Battle After Another. When an old enemy resurfaces after more than a decade, a band of ex-revolutionaries reunite for a daring rescue mission. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an ensemble cast that includes Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor. With Anderson at the helm, the film is expected to bring both gritty action and layered storytelling. The Strangers: Chapter 2 September 26, 2025 Renny Harlin returns with The Strangers: Chapter 2, the continuation of his reimagined horror trilogy. Picking up from the events of Chapter 1, the story follows Maya (Madelaine Petsch), the sole survivor of the masked killers rampage. Alongside Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath, the film raises the terror to new heights, ensuring sleepless nights for fans of the franchise. Whether its the spine-chilling finale of The Conjuring, Dakota Johnsons sharp comedy in Splitsville, or Leonardo DiCaprio returning in action mode, September is packed with theatrical releases across genres. Horror, romance, action, and drama, all roads lead to the cinema this month. Also Read: From Hollywood to Bollywood: We Bring You 10 Hollywood Actors Who Have Starred In Bollywood Movies Demon Slayer has undeniably become a highly popular and impactful anime series in recent times. The manga's Infinity Castle arc is now being adapted for the big screen as a trilogy of films. The first part has already achieved record-breaking success in Japan and Europe and is now scheduled for release in India. Ahead of the film's release, the popular voice actor Takahiro Sakurai shared his thoughts with Hindustan Times, discussing the excitement around the project, his character, and his fondness for Indian cinema. Upon its release in July, Infinity Castle Part 1 achieved huge success in Japan, setting new records for the biggest opening and single-day collection. It has also become the third-highest-grossing film in the country. Takahiro Sakurai expressed his hope that the international audience will embrace the film with similar enthusiasm. He said, I am just very excited for all the international fans to see this film. I went to France for the promotions, and I saw the French fans being so excited before the film came out. I was touched by that excitement the non-Japanese fans have. I feel that fans will connect with this and my character a lot more once they have finished watching this. So, I cannot wait for them to see this. The Demon Slayer franchise, while deeply connected to Japanese folklore and culture, has also achieved massive international success. Takahiro said, There is something within the Japanese craftsmanship that brings people outside of Japan together. I believe that the Japanese are really good at reproducing pretty much from all over the world, while keeping the 'Japaneseness' very much there. It's about creating something that would be relevant somewhere else. It's not just about anime, but also other works in Japan. This is probably what draws everyone to Demon Slayer, be it the fans in France or Singapore, or even in India. When it comes to Indian stars, Takahiro Sakurai admitted being a big fan of Rajinikanth. On being asked whether he would ever dub for him, he answered, I don't think I will be able to. He has a very solid presence and a deep voice. I don't think my voice will suit him. I would love to know actors from India whom my voice could suit. On being asked about his favourite Indian films, he talked about Muthu, RRR, and Baahubali being the ones he genuinely loved. Also Read: Rajinikanths Coolie Heats Up With Powerhouse Single It has been announced that Kriti Sanon will serve as UNFPA India's honorary ambassador for Gender Equality. In this role, she will be at the forefront of promoting equal opportunities and working to eliminate gender stereotypes. During the event, Kriti shared her personal experiences with gender norms, explaining that although she was raised in a progressive home, the inequality she observed around her was impossible to ignore. During an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Kriti discussed the huge influence her upbringing had on her perspective. Her parents, both working professionals, equally shared responsibilities within the household, creating an environment where Kriti and her sister experienced no restrictions based on their gender. However, Kriti acknowledged that the situation was, in fact, different for her mother. She said, My mom grew up in a time when boys were allowed a lot of things that girls were not. Girls were supposed to stay at home, cook, and follow rules. She wanted to learn swimming or dancing but couldn't. The only thing she fought for was studying, and she became a professor. Kriti also shared, Her first thought for me was, 'Do whatever you want to. Whatever you dream of, go for it.' That came from her. Although her childhood was free of gender bias, Kriti admitted that the industry exposed her to subtle inequalities. She mentioned, It hasn't happened too many times, but little things like the male actor getting a better car or a better room... It's not about the car, but about not making me feel smaller because I'm a woman. Just make it equal. Kriti observed how even the smallest behaviour can reveal deeply ingrained mindsets. She said, Sometimes even ADs have a habit of calling the female actor first and waiting for the male actor later. I've had to tell them not to do that. The mindset needs to change. As Kriti steps into her new role at UNFPA, her message is quite clear, gender equality is initiated through everyday choices, spanning from homes to professional environments. And it also starts with standing up for fairness, even in the most minor matters. Also Read: Wasnt working towards getting accepted in Bollywood - Kriti Sanon Salman Khan paid a visit to Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelars residence on Monday for Ganpati Darshan. The actor was spotted barefoot as he offered prayers before Lord Ganesha, accepted prasad and tika, and posed with a photo frame gifted by Shelar. Dressed in a checkered shirt and blue pants, Salman was surrounded by tight security, bodyguards, and a convoy as he stepped out for the festive occasion. Just last week , Salman and his family had bid farewell to Ganpati Bappa with music, dhols, and warm rituals. On the work front, he was last seen in AR Murugadoss Sikandar alongside Rashmika Mandanna and will next be seen in Battle of Galwan, where he plays an Indian Army soldier. He is also currently hosting the latest season of Bigg Boss 19. Scroll down for his images. VEVEY (dpa-AFX) - Nestle S.A. (NSTR.L, NESN.SW) has dismissed its Chief Executive Officer Laurent Freixe with immediate effect following an internal investigation into a breach of the company's Code of Business Conduct. The inquiry revealed that Freixe had engaged in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, a violation of Nestle's ethical standards. The investigation was overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with support from independent external counsel, in line with best practice corporate governance. In response, Nestle has appointed Philipp Navratil as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Philipp Navratil began his career with Nestle in 2001 as an internal auditor. After holding various commercial roles in Central America, he was appointed Country Manager for Nestle Honduras in 2009. In 2013, Philipp Navratil assumed leadership of the coffee and beverage business in Mexico. In 2020, he transitioned to Nestle's Coffee Strategic Business Unit, where he was responsible for shaping the global strategy and driving innovation for Nescafe and Starbucks coffee brands. He assumed his position at Nespresso in July 2024. Philipp Navratil joined the Nestle Executive Board on January 1, 2025. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Barcelona, Spain--(Newsfile Corp. - September 1, 2025) - Stark Future, the fastest-growing Spanish company ever in history, just closed a new investment round to fund growth and continue its expansion of the model platforms. While Eicher Motors led the last round, this investment mainly came from the company's existing shareholders, along with a select group of new high-profile investors from the world of MotoGP. Stark Future To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/264672_08f39ef2942d18d5_001full.jpg "We decided to close this internal investment round at a very attractive valuation in order to do it quickly while offering very competitive terms to the people that have already supported the business in previous rounds," Said Anton Wass, CEO & Founder. "We managed to close it within a couple of weeks, which is a strong testament to the results our team has created. We also used this as an opportunity to invite a few selected external investors that we'd like to have in our team." Stark is one of the very few EV companies that has achieved sustained profitability. And this is already within its 6th year of business, and 2 years after its first delivery. With continuous innovation and margin and margin improvements, the company expects to continue increasing both revenue and profit at a record-breaking pace. "We are on a mission to prove that electric motorcycles can outperform ICE in every way," Wass continued. "Each new model from Stark will be the leader within its category." The evidence supporting Stark's claims are so far the fastest motocross and enduro motorcycles ever produced, thousands of riders have switched to the superior electric models, and tens of millions of combined kilometers ridden all over the world. With this latest round of funding as working capital, the firm will accelerate its continued growth past the 70 countries it already distributes to, with some very exciting new products planned. Stark Future To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/264672_08f39ef2942d18d5_002full.jpg About Stark Future Stark Future is a Barcelona-based electric motorcycle manufacturer redefining performance and sustainability in the powersports industry. Founded in 2020, the company has grown to become the fastest-growing Spanish company in history, combining cutting-edge technology with world-class design and engineering. Stark's flagship model, the VARG, is the most powerful motocross bike ever created-delivering unmatched power, precision, and sustainability. With a rapidly expanding global presence, Stark Future's mission is clear: to inspire the motorcycle industry toward a sustainable future by building better motorcycles. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264672 SOURCE: GYT DKSH Management Ltd. / Key word(s): Takeover DKSH Performance Materials Expands its Personal Care Business by Acquiring Aston Chemicals Ltd in the UK and Poland 02.09.2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST Media release DKSH has closed an agreement to acquire Aston Chemicals Ltd ("Aston Chemicals"), a specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor for the personal care industry, operating in the UK and Poland. Through this acquisition, DKSH Performance Materials expands its footprint in Europe, adding 38 specialists dedicated to the personal care industry in the UK and Poland, and gains additional formulation expertise to deliver more tailored, high-performance solutions to its customers. Zurich, Switzerland, September 2, 2025 - DKSH has announced today that it closed an agreement to acquire Aston Chemicals Ltd ("Aston Chemicals"), a specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor with a leading market coverage of the personal care industry in the UK and Poland. This acquisition reinforces DKSH Performance Materials' presence in key European markets while gaining valuable formulation know-how. The addition of the diversified, high-quality product portfolio will enable the combined business to accelerate growth by providing its customers with innovative solutions and new product opportunities for a wide range of personal care applications. Aston Chemicals, headquartered near London and founded in 1990, is a leading pure play personal care ingredients distributor in the UK with a branch in Poland focusing on sun care, hair care, skin care, and color cosmetics, counting on a well-diversified large product offering. The highly experienced sales team of Aston Chemicals is supported by a dedicated formulation lab in the UK. Backed by 35 years in the UK and almost 20 years in Poland, Aston Chemicals combines longstanding market presence with specialized formulation know-how. The addition of a diversified, high-quality product range opens new opportunities across the personal care industry. Aston Chemicals generates annual net sales of around CHF 20 million1. DKSH will acquire the entire business and fully integrate the company into its existing operations. Louis Moulin, CEO of Aston Chemicals, mentioned: "Joining DKSH is an exciting next chapter for Aston Chemicals and our team. We are proud of what we have built over the past decades and look forward to combining our expertise with DKSH's global platform to drive future success together." Thomas Sul and Natale Capri, Co-Heads Business Unit Performance Materials at DKSH, jointly added: "The acquisition of Aston Chemicals significantly enhances our product offering and strengthens our technical and formulation expertise, supporting our continued growth in the UK and Poland. We are pleased to welcome the team and look forward to building long-term success together." 1 The exchange rate used in this media release is 1 CHF to 0.85 GBP. About DKSH For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. DKSH Business Unit Performance Materials distributes specialty chemicals and ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and various industrial applications. With 58 innovation centers and regulatory support worldwide, DKSH creates cutting-edge formulations that comply with local regulations. With around 1,720 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 1.4 billion in 2024. www.dksh.com/pm For more information please contact: DKSH Holding Ltd. Till Leisner Head, Group Investor & Media Relations Phone +41 44 386 7315 till.leisner@dksh.com Melanie Gruter Manager, Group Media Relations Phone +41 44 386 7211 melanie.grueter@dksh.com End of Media Release Lancaster, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Lancaster-based personal injury and car accident law firm Kuzyk Law is excited to announce the celebration of its triple achievement. The firm is proudly celebrating its 56th anniversary this year, and with it, two more milestones: over $1.25 billion secured in verdicts and settlements and more than 100,000 clients represented across California. Kuzyk Law Celebrates Triple Milestone: 56 Years of Outstanding Client Service, $1.25 Billion in Recoveries, and 100,000 Clients Served To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/260245_46e2e5af64dd481d_002full.jpg Since opening its doors in 1971, Kuzyk Law has grown into a high-volume, results-driven personal injury law firm serving Antelope Valley residents. For over five decades, the firm has built its reputation on its founder, Volodar Walt Kuzyk's, promise to relentlessly fight for the injured and the vulnerable. Today, the firm celebrates the hundred thousand clients served and successful cases, with a growth trajectory that continues to reflect a commitment to outstanding client service. For Kuzyk Law, this year marks a moment of reflection and recognition of its journey, successes, and achievements. The Antelope Valley car accident lawyer is proud to celebrate 56 years of excellence, perseverance, and dedication to securing the best outcomes for clients. The firm, through its spokesperson, noted that this milestone is a reminder of how far Kuzyk Law has come. As the personal injury law firm commemorates this anniversary, it plans to carry forward this legacy of excellence for decades more. But Kuzyk Law's 2025 celebration is about more than just its anniversary. The firm also marks two other achievements - surpassing $1.25 billion in total recoveries and serving 100,000 clients. These achievements highlight the firm's decades of operational excellence, consistent client advocacy, and ability to deliver meaningful outcomes at scale. From its founding to this 56-year milestone, Kuzyk Law has stayed focused on becoming a pillar of the legal community by advocating for victims of accidents and injuries resulting from negligence. The firm, which is recognized as the go-to for clients seeking a trusted California Car accident lawyer, has experience handling virtually every type of personal injury case, from wrongful death to car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other catastrophic injuries. The law firm's team of Lancaster commercial truck accident lawyers has also handled thousands of trucking accidents, further proving Kuzyk Law's name. As Kuzyk Law celebrates these milestones, the firm credits its client-first, results-driven business model for its ability to scale effectively over the decades without compromising client outcomes. The success of this model and the extensive experience of Kuzyk Law's team of attorneys are evident in the diversity of cases handled and outcomes secured for the 100,000+ clients. The firm recognizes that this triple milestone is a rare achievement and therefore remains steadfast in its commitment to continue to lead with a legal approach built on experience, efficiency, and relentless advocacy. Visit Kuzyk Law to join the firm in celebrating its five-decade legacy, surpassing $1.25 billion in recoveries, and serving 100,000 personal injury clients. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260245 SOURCE: Plentisoft Swedish company Baseload Capital today announced a strategic investment in Japanese geothermal energy developer Furusato Netsuden. The partnership aims to unlock Japan's untapped geothermal potential and build a replicable model for sustainable energy development worldwide. STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Combining a global investment portfolio with a community-rooted business model, this strategic partnership aims to scale clean, renewable energy respectfully, revitalizing local economies while honoring cultural heritage. Furusato Netsuden brings deep local roots, trust, and operational expertise to the partnership, while Baseload Capital contributes international investment, global reach and the power of committed owners such as Google and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Japan's untapped geothermal power Japan has the third largest geothermal potential globally, with an estimated 23 GW, yet its current installed capacity is only 576 MW. This represents a major untapped opportunity for a country whose Green Transformation (GX) Strategy aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. Geothermal energy is clean, always-on, and space-efficient. That makes it an ideal solution for a mountainous, densely populated nation with high reliance on energy imports and growing clean-energy demand from AI and data centers. Japan's geothermal development has been slow, in part, because there's no common business model that enables communities to share in the benefits. However, Furusato Netsuden and its local partners have developed a system to ensure communities benefit directly from geothermal energy. The Waita model - a ground-breaking approach In 2011, residents of the Waita area in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, formed the limited liability company Waita-kai, which is owned by the community. In partnership with Furusato Netsuden, they set out to develop geothermal power together in a way that would revitalize the community. The name Furusato Netsuden combines the words for "hometown", "heat" and "electricity". A respectful and collaborative business model This model protects local land rights, ensures development is carried out on a scale appropriate for the area, and guarantees some of the revenues are re-invested in the community. Furusato Netsuden and Waita-kai regularly hold meetings with residents to share updates on operations, development, and environmental monitoring. A growing geothermal portfolio In 2015, the 2 MW capacity Waita No. 1 geothermal power plant began commercial operation. Waita No. 2, currently under construction, is expected to deliver 5 MW and go online in March 2026. In addition to the 7MW currently operating or under construction in Waita, the overall portfolio includes a tangible pipeline of projects across Japan that are expected to deliver an additional 30+ MW over the next five to ten years. Alexander Helling, CEO, Baseload Capital: "Furusato Netsuden has successfully proven that community-based geothermal development works. Through this first investment, we're proud and humbled to partner with them in scaling this approach, combining local engagement with sustainable energy development. Together, we aim to help Japan reach its 1.5 GW geothermal goal and strengthen national energy resilience." Kazuyuki Akaishi, Representative Director, Furusato Netsuden: "Since 2020, we've built a foundation of trust with Baseload Capital, and seen that they are a committed, long-term partner in Japan's energy transition. Their role as a strategic investor provides financial stability for our current and future projects. They also bring valuable global resources, including technology, business insights and an international network of investors and energy partners." Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures: "Geothermal is one of the largest untapped opportunities in the global clean energy transition-providing reliable, carbon-free heat and power that can strengthen energy security and serve communities worldwide," said Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. "Baseload Capital is demonstrating how to unlock this potential by working hand in hand with trusted local partners like Furusato Netsuden. This partnership is a model for how communities across the globe can harness geothermal power." The goal of this partnership is to support Japan's 7th Strategic Energy Plan and GX (Green Transformation) while establishing a scalable, community-focused blueprint for clean energy development - creating global impact with local roots. About Baseload Capital: We lead partnerships to scale up geothermal energy: a 24/7 available source of clean power and heat. Our global portfolio de-risks investments, expands the market and accelerates learnings in collaboration with strong owners and partners. Our parent company Baseload Capital invests in geothermal projects worldwide. Our subsidiaries, the Baseload Power companies, build, commission and operate geothermal heat and power plants funded by Baseload Capital. About Furusato Netsuden: Our mission is to promote a geothermal power generation model that can coexist with the local community and revitalize rural areas, while also effectively utilizing geothermal resources in the carbon-neutral era. Furusato Netsuden was established in 2012. Apart from our existing power plant and project pipeline, we are also advancing development in other regions in Japan and aim to expand this community-friendly model nationwide alongside Baseload Capital and our existing shareholders, including NTT Anode Energy Corporation, Rezil Inc., Matsuoka Kenki Co., Ltd., and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (Furusato Netsuden Website: https://furusato-nd.co.jp/) For more information, please contact: Kristina Hagstrom-Ilievska CMO, Baseload Capital kristina.hagstrom.ilievska@baseloadcap.com Tel: +46 (0) 732330039 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/r/global-local-alliance-powers-a-new-era-in-japan-s-geothermal-energy,c4227829 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/17753/4227829/83492252d9a70031.pdf Baseload x Furusato 2025 - FINAL press release-2 https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/4-ceo-of-baseload-capital-and-representative-director-of-furusato-netsuden-in-oguni-town-japan,c3465798 4 CEO of Baseload Capital and Representative Director of Furusato Netsuden in Oguni Town Japan https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/baseloadxfurusato-pressrelease-v2,c3465799 BaseloadxFurusato pressrelease v2 https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/8-waita-power-plant-japan,c3465800 8 Waita Power Plant Japan https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/2-baseload-capital-s-leadership-team-from-meeting-with-furusato-netsuden-staff-at-oguni-office-2,c3465801 2 Baseload Capital s leadership team from meeting with Furusato Netsuden staff at Oguni office 2 https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/5-baseload-capital-and-furusato-netsuden-meeting-with-johanna-lindquist-deputy-head-of-mission-at-th,c3465802 5 Baseload Capital and Furusato Netsuden meeting with Johanna Lindquist Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/7-shareholder-meetings-furusato-netsuden-baseload-capital-ntt-anode-energy-corporation-rezil-matsuok,c3465803 7 Shareholder meetings Furusato Netsuden Baseload Capital NTT Anode Energy Corporation Rezil Matsuoka Kenki and KEPCO https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/1-baseload-capital-s-leadership-team-from-meeting-with-furusato-netsuden-staff-at-oguni-office-1,c3465804 1 Baseload Capital s leadership team from meeting with Furusato Netsuden staff at Oguni office 1 https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/6-baseload-capital-team-with-representative-director-of-furusato-netsuden-at-the-oguni-townhall-japa,c3465805 6 Baseload Capital team with Representative Director of Furusato Netsuden at the Oguni Townhall Japan https://news.cision.com/baseload-capital-sweden-ab/i/3-ceo-of-baseload-capital-and-representative-director-of-furusato-netsuden-at-the-waita-power-plant,c3465806 3 CEO of Baseload Capital and Representative Director of Furusato Netsuden at the Waita Power Plant https://mb.cision.com/Public/17753/4227829/892822ae61f7e4aa.docx photo captions https://mb.cision.com/Public/17753/4227829/945619c699d87831.pdf Baseload x Furusato 2025 - FINAL press release-2 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-local-alliance-powers-a-new-era-in-japans-geothermal-energy-302543508.html New JXS16 App for the BLADE//runner Platform Delivers up to 16 UHD Channels of JPEG XS Encoding/Decoding per Card, Powered by intoPIX Technology intoPIX, the leading provider of low-latency, lightweight image compression solutions, and arkona technologies, a leading supplier of IP core infrastructure for broadcast production, are announcing a significant milestone in JPEG XS deployment with the launch of arkona's new JXS16 app for the BLADE//runner AT300 platform. Leveraging intoPIX's JPEG XS technology, the new JXS16 app delivers an impressive 16 UHD channels of JPEG XS encoding or decoding per AT300 card, doubling the density of the previous generation. Broadcasters can configure the app flexibly as 16x Encode, 16x Decode, or 8x Encode 8x Decode, providing the highest UHD JPEG XS density available today in the market. Fully compliant with SMPTE ST 2110-22, the solution offers ultra-low latency, visually lossless quality, and efficient bandwidth usage, enabling reliable IP transport for live production workflows. Arkona's BLADE//runner platform, already widely deployed by major live broadcast service providers, continues to offer its powerful uncompressed IP gateway capabilities, supporting ST 2110-20, 30/31, and 40 encapsulation/de-encapsulation, along with advanced routing, shuffling, and synchronization features as well as enhanced video and audio switching processing functionalities. This latest milestone reflects the strong and ongoing collaboration between arkona and intoPIX, focused on delivering scalable, efficient, and future-ready IP broadcast infrastructures. "At intoPIX, we are committed to empowering partners like arkona with cutting-edge JPEG XS technology that enables low-latency, high-density IP video transport, while minimizing bandwidth, power usage, and infrastructure requirements," said Jean-Baptiste Lorent, Head of the Broadcast group at intoPIX, said Jean-Baptiste Lorent, Marketing and Sales Director at intoPIX. "Working with intoPIX, we've been able to significantly increase the density of our JPEG XS solutions, helping broadcasters transition to IP with greater efficiency and flexibility," added Erling Hedkvist, Sales Business Development at arkona technologies. Visitors to IBC2025 (September 12-15, Amsterdam) are invited to experience the new JXS16 app in action at the intoPIX booth (Hall 8, Booth F85), as well as at the arkona booth (Hall 8, Booth A69) where live demonstrations and expert consultations will be available. About intoPIX intoPIX creates and licenses cutting-edge image processing and compression solutions. We deliver unique IP cores and efficient software designed to handle more pixels, preserve video quality with zero latency, reduce costs and power consumption, and simplify storage and connectivity. Passionate about enhancing the image experience, we empower new imaging workflows and devices by enabling HD/4K/8K video at lower costs, replacing uncompressed video while ensuring the highest quality with the lowest latency. www.intopix.com >>Download_Press_Release_Image >>More_Press_Images View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250901770624/en/ Contacts: Media: Julie Van Roy press@intopix.com +3210.23.84.70 CHELTENHAM, England, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyber security consultancy and assessor Prism Infosec has joined an elite group of only 16 firms worldwide accredited to deliver regulatory cyber security tests to top tier financial institutions and Financial Market Infrastructure organisations (FMIs) in the UK, as attacks on the UK's financial sector continue to increase. This CBEST certification is a regulatory-led framework that tests and strengthens the cyber security stature of financial institutions. Administered by international accreditation and certification body, CREST, on behalf of the Bank of England, CBEST is a rigorous cyber resilience test that top UK financial institutions are legally required to undergo every three years. Cyber breaches in the UK financial services sector have reportedly tripled in recent years. Between 2021 and 2023, attacks on the sector rose from 187 to 640, an increase of over 240%. These reports come as HSBC's UK CEO, Ian Stuart, publicly stated that cyber-attacks are what 'keeps him awake at night', 'because we can be attacked, and are being attacked, all the time'. Phil Robinson, Founder & CEO at Prism Infosec, said: "The UK is a market leader in helping organisations bolster their defences against online threats. This is due in part to the skills, talent, and capabilities within our mature cyber security sector, thanks to our ever-evolving accreditation and certification schemes. "CBEST is an example of this. It is a critical, intelligence-led test designed to help financial institutions and regulators - including the Bank of England, Prudential Regulation Authority, and Financial Conduct Authority - better understand a firm's vulnerabilities and weaknesses. We combine penetration testing to evaluate technical security controls with red teaming, which simulates real-world attack scenarios to test an organisation's response and resilience. This insight enables banks to take targeted remedial action to strengthen their defences against potential attacks and other forms of operational disruption." Founded in 2006, Prism Infosec delivers a range of cyber assessment services to some of the world's largest organisations including major enterprise Silicon Valley firms, media & technology companies, globally significant banks and His Majesty's Government and UK Defence firms. The firm holds a series of industry-leading certifications administered by bodies such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), UK Government as well as CREST. Phil Robinson added: "As an independent consultancy we're proud to have achieved this world-class accreditation as a threat-led penetration testing provider under the CBEST scheme. Our team brings decades of experience delivering bespoke services across Critical National Infrastructure, government, and the banking and financial sector, supporting organisations in meeting and exceeding the required regulatory standards. Holding both CBEST and STAR-FS accreditations, a complementary framework for simulated cyber security testing across the financial industry which we achieved last year, places us among a select group of UK providers trusted to strengthen cyber resilience across the entire financial services sector, including the UK's most critical and top-tier institutions." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761997/Prism_Infosec_Founder_CEO.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/prism-infosec-among-16-globally-certified-to-protect-worlds-leading-banks-302543193.html DUBLIN, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kroll, the leading independent provider of global financial and risk advisory solutions, has acquired Kirby Healy, a specialist corporate insolvency practice based in Dublin. The acquisition significantly expands Kroll's restructuring capabilities in Ireland, doubling the size of its local team, enhancing its offering and reaffirming Kroll's position as one of Ireland's leading practices. The Kirby Healy team will integrate with Kroll's existing operations to deliver a wider range of services in Ireland, including fraud and white-collar crime investigations, forensic accounting, litigation support, expert testimony, matrimonial dispute work and shareholder dispute resolution. The acquisition is part of Kroll's broader growth strategy in Ireland, aimed at meeting increasing demand for sophisticated restructuring and advisory services. Kroll's restructuring experts specialize in navigating high pressure contentious situations, offering support in insolvency, enforcement and directorships to guide businesses with practical result-driven strategies. The acquisition of Kirby Healy brings the number of restructuring experts in Dublin to 26, deepening Kroll's footprint in Ireland. Backed by Kroll's broader capabilities, the wider Irish team of more than 70 employees also provide expert services in valuation, real estate advisory, compliance and regulation, cyber and data resilience and construction services. Declan Taite, Managing Director at Kroll, comments, "We are delighted to welcome Kirby Healy to the team today whose expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow in Ireland and across Europe. Geopolitical tensions are no doubt causing huge uncertainty for Irish businesses, in addition to a wide range of increasing business costs. At Kroll, we're noticing greater proactiveness and much earlier engagement from business owners in seeking professional advice to help address financial distress, as well as ensure timely and transparent engagement with their stakeholders. The Kirby Healy team, with their deep industry knowledge and strong track record, will allow us to offer clients a broader set of services and deeper bench strength." Myles Kirby, Managing Partner at Kirby Healy, adds, "Joining Kroll unlocks new strategic growth opportunities for us and enhances our ability to deliver complex mandates locally and cross-border. It gives us the scale and global reach to better support our clients - from Irish businesses with international ambitions to multinationals with operations in Ireland. Together, we're well positioned to help clients navigate complexity and unlock value at every stage of the business lifecycle." Brent Tomlinson, President of Risk Advisory at Kroll, says, "Kirby Healy's deep local expertise perfectly complements and strengthens Kroll's advisory capabilities in Ireland and internationally. This strategic investment in our leading restructuring practice further demonstrates Kroll's commitment to innovative solutions for client needs and positions us as the preferred advisory partner in today's complex business environment." Earlier this year, Kroll announced an expansion of its global restructuring practice in Europe with a number of strategic hires to respond to an increase in restructuring activity, which is expected to further accelerate over the coming months. This included the appointment of Aurelio Garcia-Miro and Andreas Fluhrer, who joined Kroll as the Co-Heads of Restructuring in Europe. These appointments launched Kroll's restructuring practice in Germany and represented a significant investment as the firm strengthens its restructuring, insolvency and business transformation capabilities in all major financial hubs, as well as those offshore. Notes to Editors About Kroll As the leading independent provider of financial and risk advisory solutions, Kroll leverages our unique insights, data and technology to help clients stay ahead of complex demands. Kroll's team of more than 6,500 professionals worldwide continues the firm's nearly 100-year history of trusted expertise spanning risk, governance, transactions and valuation. Our advanced solutions and intelligence provide clients with the foresight they need to create an enduring competitive advantage. At Kroll, our values define who we are and how we partner with clients and communities. Learn more at kroll.com. About Kirby Healy Myles Kirby and John Healy established Kirby Healy Chartered Accountants in August 2016. The firm specialises in corporate insolvency, fraud investigations, white-collar crime, forensic accounting, expert witness and shareholder disputes. Kirby Healy's clients include the Revenue Commissioners, Government Departments, financial institutions, accountancy and law firms and private companies. Myles Kirby, who is from Cork, specialises in complex insolvencies, often involving cross-border enforcement and litigation. From Mayo, John Healy specialises in forensic accounting and expert witness work with a particular focus on high net-worth matrimonial, partnership and shareholder disputes. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761484/KrollKH.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478418/Kroll_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kroll-doubles-restructuring-presence-in-ireland-with-acquisition-of-kirby-healy-302542569.html Highlights: Formation has planned a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project near Matagami, Quebec, host to a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4 . Phase 1 is a fully funded 10,000 metre program focusing on targets in the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres 2 , which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property. Formation has selected Forage DCB Drilling of Rouyn-Noranda to complete the drilling and anticipates commencing its drill program in early September. Its technical team has mobilized to N2 to verify access roads and drill pad areas for accessibility prior to the commencement of drilling. The Company has working capital of ~C$5.3M with zero debt, putting it in a very strong financial position to execute its exploration programs. Inclusive of provincial tax credits from the Quebec government, Formation's exploration budget for 2025-2026 is set at ~$5.7M. Formation is now funded to complete the $5M work commitment required to earn-in to 100% of the N2 Gold Project within two years, four years ahead of schedule. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation"or the"Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCQB:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of Forage DCB Drilling of Rouyn-Noranda ("DCB") to complete the near-term drill program for its N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec, ahead of its fully funded maiden 10,000 metre drill program. The Company anticipates commencing on the program shortly, with an initial 10,000 metres planned comprising Phase 1 as part of its planned20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at N2, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, stated, "We are thrilled to partner with DCB and bring a top-notch team together for the maiden drill program at the advanced N2 gold project. As we launch the first phase of a fully funded 10,000 metre drill program, the selection of the right drilling contractor is critical. Our pursuit of an accurate mineral resource estimate requires expertise and precision and DCB's commitment to excellence is second to none as a firm that operates at the highest standards. We look forward to mobilizing in the coming days and commencing the advanced exploration drill program shortly after mobilization." Mr. Varshney continued: "With over five million in working capital, Formation is positioned to commence on the most aggressive drill program our company has embarked on, with 10,000 metres fully funded for 2025. Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we are hopeful that the program will deliver our goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit at N2. We see the potential for a significant gold deposit at N2, and our maiden 10,000-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress show the potential at N2. With gold at over $3,400, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming field season." Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of 877,000 ounces: 18.2 Mt grading 1.48 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4. There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling. The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Figure 1). Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include: A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program. Figure 1 - PDDH design for 20,000 metre Drill Program Figure 2 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource. The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes known to have significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). Assay results range from 200 to 4,750 ppm and 203 ppm to 6,700 ppm, for copper and zinc, respectively, indicating strong potential for elevated base metal (Cu-Zn) concentrations across the property, specifically at the A and RJ zones. Property wide geology at N2 features volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in regional anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Three principal deformation structures (Figure 1), oriented along the known NW-SE to WNW-ESE structural trends typical of VMS deposits in the Matagami region, function as critical geologic controls for mineralization on the property. For the 2025 exploration season, Formation plans to concentrate its efforts on the northern part of N2, targeting gold deposit expansion and discovery along identified zones and fault systems associated with the main deformation features (specifically WNW-ESE trend), with IP surveys and drilling planned to model mineralized zones that will hopefully contribute to an updated NI-43 101 compliant resource. Formation will also look to further review historic base metal assays from older drill core and undertake additional work in 2025 to assess the property's copper and zinc potential. The Company is pleased to announce that it has closed its final tranche of its non-brokered private placement raising gross proceeds of $15,050 through the issuance of 43,000 flow-through units (the "FT Unit") at $0.35 per FT Unit (the "FT Unit Offering"). Each FT Unit consists of one Share (a "FT Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "FT Warrant"), with each FT Warrant exercisable to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.60 for a period of two (2) years from the closing date of the FT Unit Offering. Each FT Share qualifies as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company paid finder's fees of $1,053.50 cash and 3,010 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to an arm's length party in connection with the FT Unit Offering. The Finder's Warrants are non-transferable and exercisable at $0.60 per Finder's Warrant for a period of two years from the closing date. All securities issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the FT Unit Offering for fieldwork at the Company's exploration projects. Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo., an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic. About Formation Metals Inc. Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres. FORMATION METALS INC. Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email info@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes and References: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the 2025 drilling program at the Property; the Company's goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; the Company's anticipated timeline with respect to the Application for Autorisation de Travaux d'exploration a Impacts (ATI) to the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MERN); the Company's view that the Property has the potential for over three million ounces of gold; the 10,000-metre drilling program marking the beginning of the Company's pursuit of that goal; and statements respecting the Offerings and the expected use of proceeds therefrom. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. No Offer or Solicitation to Purchase Securities in the United States This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"), except pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons nor shall there by any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. SOURCE: Formation Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/formation-metals-finalizes-team-for-fully-funded-10-000-metre-drill-program-at-th-1067497 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTC PINK:XPHYF)(FSE:4XT) is pleased to announce the receipt of the Semaglutide active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), enabling the initiation of laboratory-scale formulation and testing of the Company's oral dissolvable film (ODF) delivery system. In collaboration with its qualified supply partners, BioNxt has secured high-purity Semaglutide as the central compound for its proprietary ODF formulation program. The API's fundamental physical and chemical properties - such as solubility, molecular stability, and loading capacity - are foundational to formulation design and product performance. With the API now in hand, BioNxt's formulation team is executing pre-formulation and lab-scale trials to optimize delivery parameters. Initial research and development efforts will focus on optimizing drug incorporation within the sublingual thin film matrix, characterizing disintegration time, testing peptide stability under formulation conditions, and developing analytical methods to ensure uniformity, controlled release, and shelf-life performance. "Having the API in-house allows us to translate theory into practice," said Hugh Rogers, CEO at BioNxt Solutions. "We're focused on generating reliable data to inform formulation refinement and position the project for patent protection in the coming quarter." Gen Plus: BioNxt's European Drug Development Hub All laboratory development activities for the Semaglutide oral film are being conducted at Gen-Plus GmbH, BioNxt's German drug development partner, located in Munich, Germany. Gen-Plus is a licensed drug developer and manufacturer specializing in pharmaceutical thin film formulations and novel dosage forms. Gen-Plus provides GMP-aligned laboratory infrastructure, in-house expertise in polymer science and peptide formulation, and regulatory readiness for clinical development in the European Union. The Munich facility serves as BioNxt's core technical center for thin film research, formulation prototyping, and early-stage product development. The Semaglutide program builds on Gen-Plus's proven experience in oral and transdermal delivery technologies for both small molecules and complex biologics. Advancing Toward Prototype and Patent With laboratory work now underway, the next milestones in the development timeline include completion of formulation trials, characterization of peptide stability, and production of first-generation film prototypes. These efforts will generate the technical foundation required to support a provisional patent filing planned for the third quarter of 2025. Semaglutide, currently marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus, is a leading GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Global demand for GLP-1 therapies is growing rapidly, with Semaglutide accounting for more than USD 29.3 billion in sales in 2024. BioNxt's oral thin film version is intended to improve accessibility and patient compliance through a non-invasive delivery format. Semaglutide is the first in a planned series of GLP-1-based therapies being developed using BioNxt's proprietary ODF platform. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com. Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422 Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements related to the Company's oral thin film (ODF) development program for Semaglutide; the anticipated timing and outcomes of formulation studies; the potential for future patent filings; market growth projections; and the broader applicability of the Company's drug delivery technologies. Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. Such statements are subject to various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors - many of which are beyond the Company's control - that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: scientific and technical development risks; manufacturing and scalability risks; intellectual property protection; regulatory approval processes; competition in the GLP-1 drug market; and general economic, financial, and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ozempic and Rybelsus are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S and are not affiliated with or developed by BioNxt Solutions Inc. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/semaglutide-api-delivery-enables-start-of-lab-scale-odf-development-a-1067551 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Sage Potash Corp. (TSXV: SAGE) (OTCQB: SGPTF) ("Sage Potash" or the "Company"), a Canadian company focused on developing its Sage Plain Potash Project located in the Paradox Basin, Utah, has obtained approval for a US$14 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sage Potash (USA) Corporation. Funding will support Sage Potash's financing strategy for the construction of a 300,000 tonnes-per-year potash project in the United States. "The USDA grant underscores the importance of increasing domestic potash capacity to serve U.S. farmers and Sage is uniquely positioned to build incremental capacity in-market that is derisked in terms of capital, time to production and execution. This grant brings Sage Potash one step closer to planned production and accelerates partnering and financing efforts", said Tim Mizuno, President and Chief Operating Officer. "The project is expected to create approximately 100 well-paying jobs in the San Juan County of Utah, and uses proven solution-mining techniques that are expected to improve safety and environmental impacts relative to conventional potash mining," added Tim. The USDA grant represents a significant portion of expected project costs to produce 300,000 tonnes-per-year of potash. Additionally, Sage Potash is advancing permitting and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) with the support of RESPEC, a leading company in potash deposits and mine development. The PEA includes third party review of estimated project economics, costs and a summary of already completed cultural, environmental and ecological studies that resulted in no mitigation required. Sage Potash expects the final PEA before the end of the third quarter of 2025. Potash is a primary nutrient, essential for plant growth and global food security. More than 90 percent of potash consumed in the United States is imported, mostly from Canada, the Former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Following President Trump's Executive order in May of 2025, potash was added to the draft list of critical minerals for the Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey on August 25, 2025, thereby providing access to Federal funding and tax credit opportunities of Sage Potash. "Sage applauds the U.S. Federal administration's decision to add potash to the critical mineral list and is grateful for the USDA grant. With this support, we are well positioned to help grow domestic potash production, derisk the foreign supply chain for American Farmers and create long-term value for our shareholders," Peter Hogendoorn, Chief Executive Officer. The USDA grant was approved under the Fertilizer Product Expansion Program that helps to increase the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrients and their availability in the United States. Certain terms and conditions are attached to receiving the grant and the Company will provide further updates as these conditions are met. About Sage Potash Corp. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this news release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance of Sage, including the use of proceeds thereof. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis available for review under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgement 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. For media inquiries, please contact: Marcus van der Made, Investor Relations IR@sagepotash.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264649 SOURCE: Sage Potash Corp. STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the closing of KKR's acquisition of Karo Healthcare ("Karo") on 27 August, Karo today confirms that the agreement to acquire a portfolio of skin health brands, including ACO, has been transferred to Karo. The pending transaction was previously announced by a KKR-affiliated vehicle and Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo") on 14 July, 2025, and the terms remain unchanged with the transaction expected to close in Q1 2026. Perrigo's Dermacosmetics branded business, which generated more than EUR 120 million in net sales in 2024 across the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Poland, includes trusted, science-backed skincare brands and has a strong strategic fit with Karo's business. This planned transaction marks another major milestone in Karo's growth journey and is a testament to the company's commitment to expanding its portfolio of brands and to building strong omnichannel market positions in European consumer healthcare. It is a complementary fit within Karo's skin health category and supports the company's ambition to provide superior consumer solutions, supported by healthcare professional endorsement and scientific credibility. Karo will be acquiring an established business that includes the ACO (including Cosmica, Canoderm, Cliniderm, and Miniderm), Biodermal, Emolium, and Iwostin brands - each with strong brand heritage, high consumer trust, and a solid scientific foundation. The portfolio spans products across Face, Body, and Sun care categories, as well as medicated skin health brands. In addition to the brands, the transaction also includes a dedicated organisation with proven capabilities across a number of important areas, which will contribute to Karo's future-proofed operating model and its long-term commitment to the skin health category. The transaction also deepens Karo's presence in its core Northern European markets. Moreover, it provides an attractive platform for establishing a presence in Poland, a growing consumer health market. "This will be a major transformational step forward in our strategy of becoming a multi-channel European leader in consumer healthcare. It brings a portfolio of attractive, science-backed, and trusted skin health brands to Karo, which have strong consumer positions and healthcare specialist endorsement in key markets. Following completion, we look forward to welcoming talented employees to Karo, adding critical capabilities that will support the continued strengthening and long-term development of our company," said Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO of Karo. "We are confident Karo is the ideal strategic partner for Perrigo's Dermacosmetics business and its portfolio of trusted skin health brands. The strong foundation provided by Karo's leading Nordics consumer healthcare platform and KKR's deep experience in successful corporate carveouts, will position these businesses, brands and employees to thrive and deliver long-term success for partners and consumers," said Hans Arstad, Managing Director at KKR. This previously announced transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc acted as financial advisor to Karo, while Kirkland & Ellis, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and White & Case acted as legal counsel. PwC advised on financial due diligence, and Alvarez & Marsal acts as support in the integration. For further information, please contact: Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO, christoffer.lorenzen@karo.com Michael Kaltenborn, CSDO, +49 171 681 0314, michael.kaltenborn@karo.com Lisa Westerdahl, CPSO and Head of Corp. Comms, +46 733 297 004, lisa.westerdahl@karo.com The information was submitted for publication by the contact persons set out above, at 9:00 CET on 2 September 2025. About Karo Healthcare Karo Healthcare is a leading European consumer healthcare company with the purpose of delivering "Smart choices for everyday healthcare", empowering people to live life to the fullest. Our products are available in more than 90 countries and include trusted original brands such as Lamisil, E45, Pevaryl, Proct, AlphaFoods, Nutravita, Flux, Locobase, Multi-Gyn and Paracet. Headquartered in Stockholm, Karo employs about 470 people who work out of Karo's 13 international hubs. For more info, visit karohealthcare.com. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group's website at www.globalatlantic.com. About Perrigo Perrigo Company plc is a leading pure-play self-care company with over a century of experience in providing high-quality health and wellness solutions to consumers primarily in North America and Europe. As a pioneer in the over-the-counter (OTC) self-care market, Perrigo offers trusted self-care solutions that can be used without the need for a prescription, ensuring accessibility and choice for consumers across molecules, dosage forms, and value tiers. Perrigo's unique business model leverages its complementary businesses, where cash-generative store brand private label offerings fuel investments for leading brands, including Opill, Mederma, Compeed, EllaOne, and Jungle Formula. For more information, visit www.perrigo.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/karo-healthcare/r/karo-healthcare-strengthens-its-portfolio-of-skin-health-brands-in-northern-europe,c4228039 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/72/4228039/3642571.pdf Press release (PDF) View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/karo-healthcare-strengthens-its-portfolio-of-skin-health-brands-in-northern-europe-302543546.html Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) (FSE: DTC) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a leading biotechnology company specialized in drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce the engagement of Amie Phinney, PhD, MBA as the Strategy & Business Advisor, effective immediately. Dr. Phinney will work closely with senior leadership to refine and align the company's short- and long-term strategies as it pursues exciting new directions emerging from recent scientific advances. Dr. Phinney is a recognized leader in life sciences commercialization with more than 20 years of experience spanning pharmaceutical R&D, biotech innovation, and strategic ecosystem development. She has held various roles at Abbott and AbbVie Pharmaceutical companies in the USA, directing alliances, leading strategic planning, and business operations across global R&D. Earlier in her career, she held scientific leadership roles at Solvay Pharmaceuticals in Europe, advancing multiple preclinical programs into clinical development. She went on to serve as Chief Scientific Officer at Lakeside Discovery, a venture-capital backed alliance between Northwestern University and Deerfield Management that advances early-stage therapeutic programs. More recently, as Senior Director of Partnerships and Business Development at adMare BioInnovations, where she supported the creation of multiple biotech ventures emerging from Canadian academia. She brings entrepreneurial experience as a co-founder of Block Biosciences Inc. and Discovery-2-Innovation Life Sciences Consulting, through which she has guided numerous biotech start-ups and academic groups in both the USA and Canada. "We are at a pivotal point in our company's journey, as our science opens new and transformative opportunities," said Sebastien Plouffe, founder and CEO of Defence Therapeutics. "Amie's exceptional track record - in both scientific and strategic leadership at international pharma companies as well as venture-backed start-ups - will help ensure we capture this momentum and position Defence's for sustainable growth." "I am thrilled to join Defence Therapeutics in shaping its strategic path forward," said Dr. Phinney. "Their science is breaking new ground and is poised to be transformative to the field of antibody-delivered therapeutics. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build a roadmap that translates these discoveries into innovations that will have long-term impact for Defence's patients, partners, and shareholders." Dr. Phinney holds a PhD in Biomedical Research from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in Chicago, USA. She has also completed executive training in governance, private capital investment, and leadership at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management, Ivey Business School, and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and engineering the next generation of ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM technology, which enables precision delivery of ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against cancer. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264605 SOURCE: Defence Therapeutics Inc. HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VOX Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive A2P voice and messaging monetization solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with VIVA Bolivia, one of the country's pioneering mobile network operators. The collaboration establishes a direct connectivity agreement for all international A2P SMS and Voice traffic into VIVA's network, strengthening its anti-fraud initiatives and ensuring secure, high-quality communications for thousands of users. The partnership establishes an exclusive direct connectivity agreement between VOX Solutions and Viva Bolivia. Together, they are committed to safeguarding mobile communication against the growing threats of unsolicited traffic and grey routes. The VOX-360 platform, a market-leading solution, integrates advanced anti-fraud capabilities including flash call authentication and A2P SMS monetization tools. By identifying and preventing fraudulent traffic, it helps mobile operators protect end-users, enhance customer experiences, and optimize network monetization. Marcelo Hassenteufel, Corporate Affairs Director of Viva Bolivia, emphasized the importance of tackling these challenges: "Integrating VOX-360 into our portfolio reinforces our long-standing commitment to deliver top-tier fraud prevention, superior service quality, and added value for our customers. Partnering with VOX Solutions allows us to further secure our network against the growing challenges of unsolicited traffic and grey routes, while continuing to innovate as a digital operator." VOX-360 stands as the industry's only platform capable of mitigating flash calls as part of a comprehensive anti-fraud solution for A2P voice and SMS traffic. This ensures that Viva Bolivia remains protected from flash call fraud while maximizing service quality. Ehsan Ahmadi, CEO & Founder of VOX Solutions, commented: "Our mission is to support mobile operators like Viva Bolivia in driving sustainable revenue growth and fostering innovation. We are honored to collaborate on this journey, contributing to their business success while enhancing communication security and experiences globally." VOX Solutions continues to lead the market with its end-to-end A2P voice and messaging monetization offerings. With a proven track record of success, the VOX-360 platform has been deployed by numerous top-tier mobile operators worldwide. Looking forward, VOX Solutions remains committed to empowering telecom operators and enterprises with cutting-edge technology, strategic insights, and unparalleled support to navigate the evolving industry landscape. About VOX Solutions: VOX Solutions is a leading TelcoTech company dedicated to empowering Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), carriers, aggregators, and enterprises worldwide by providing innovative solutions to effectively monetize their assets . We provide cutting-edge solutions that enable our partners to unlock new revenue streams by maximizing the value of their existing assets. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advertising Technology (AdTech), advanced analytics, and seamless authentication, we help transform telecommunications businesses into high-performing, revenue-generating ecosystems. www.voxsolutions.co About Viva Bolivia: VIVA Bolivia is a pioneering mobile network operator with more than 25 years of experience, holding ~12.9% of the country's $1.8B telecommunications market and serving nearly 8% of Bolivia's total population. Recognized as Bolivia's most youth-driven and innovative brand, VIVA is today redefining what it means to be a mobile and digital operator. Through AdTech-driven developments, data-powered business models, and the introduction of new digital assets, VIVA is transforming the traditional telecom approach, opening fresh revenue streams and expanding the scope of customer value. Guided by a bold vision and a strong commitment to innovation, authenticity, and community impact, VIVA is building the next chapter of digital services in Bolivia and beyond. www.viva.com.bo View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/viva-bolivia-has-selected-vox-solutions-as-exclusive-international-gateway-for-a2p-sms-and-voice-traffic-into-its-network-302541260.html CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against other major currencies in the European session on Tuesday. The yen fell to more than 1-month lows of 173.29 against the euro and 184.84 against the Swiss franc, from early highs of 172.31 and 183.74, respectively. Against the pound and the U.S. dollar, the yen slid to more than a 2-week low of 200.27 and nearly a 2-week low of 148.28 from early highs of 199.26 and 147.09, respectively. Against Australia, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen dropped to more than a 1-month low of 96.87, nearly a 2-week low of 87.17 and a 3-week low of 107.80 from early highs of 96.45, 86.85 and 106.99, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 175.00 against the euro, 186.00 against the franc, 202.00 against the pound, 150.00 against the greenback, 98.00 against the aussie, 88.00 against the kiwi and 109.00 against the loonie. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. SimaPro and PRe Sustainability are now part of One Click LCA, the world's leading life-cycle assessment (LCA) platform for impact, compliance, and growth combining scientific rigor and easy-to-use tools to drive carbon reduction globally. The joint platform now includes the world's largest LCA database, with +500,000 datasets across construction, manufacturing supply chains, chemicals, and other sectors. One Click LCA, the global leader in scalable, easy-to-use life-cycle assessment (LCA) software, which is backed by PSG Equity and Infravia, today announces that SimaPro, the world's trusted science-based LCA software, and its developer, PRe Sustainability, have joined the One Click LCA family. Together, they now offer the world's largest and most advanced LCA platform for every industry, with an ambition to reach1-million users by 2035 making it a one-stop-shop for LCA and sustainability, available globally. Access to, and the ability to create, product-specific LCA data is critical for the industry to be able to reduce CO2e emissions and comply with new regulations. Datasets show the carbon impact of a material or product from cradle to grave, providing companies with an understanding of how their decisions impact their carbon footprint and how to reduce it over time. The combined platform will provide the tools, data, and services to deliver actionable carbon insights, enable compliance, and drive sustainable growth across all industries at planetary scale. "This is a pivotal moment in scaling the use of LCA," says Panu Pasanen, CEO Founder of One Click LCA. "SimaPro has set the benchmark for transparency in LCA for 30 years, while One Click LCA has focused on making LCA scalable, accessible, and actionable. By joining forces, we can meet the growing global demand for high-quality sustainability data from research labs to global supply chains and accelerate progress toward a zero-carbon future." Combining science and scalability for global impact The combined platform brings together SimaPro's market-leading position in science-based, industry-agnostic LCA modeling with One Click LCA's automation, scalability, and integrations that fit seamlessly into existing workflows across several industries. The combined +500,000 LCA datasets support +140 global standards and methods, and serve users in +170 countries. A global team of support specialists backs the platform, complemented by the One Click LCA Academy, which provides free certifications worldwide as well as PRe's deep methodological expertise and consulting services. Both SimaPro and One Click LCA continue as distinct products retaining their unique strengths while benefiting from joint investments in AI, supply chain data integration, extended databases, and sector-specific compliance solutions. Meeting a global need with a shared mission and expanded reach With sustainability regulations tightening worldwide, the combined offering enables faster, easier, and more robust compliance with frameworks including the EU Construction Products RegulationEnergy Performance of Buildings Directiveand Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation Tailored sectoral solutions will address construction, manufacturing, consumer, infrastructure, and more. "Joining One Click LCA enables us to accelerate PRe Sustainability's mission to scale LCA," says Eric Mieras, Managing Director of PRe Sustainability. "We can now bring our scientific rigor and LCA robustness to a far wider audience, backed by the powerful technology and ease-of-use of One Click LCA." Together, they work with +5,000 globally leading companies, including Siemens Energy, Procter Gamble, Johnson Johnson, AECOM, and ABB as well as partnerships with industry software leaders, such as Autodesk and Bentley Systems. Their tools are adopted by 9 of the 10 top global sustainability consultancies, 10 of the 10 top global architecture firms, 9 of the 10 largest construction product manufacturers, and leading consumer goods and chemical companies. On Thursday, October 02, 2025 at 3P CET, 2P BT, and 9A ET One Click LCA's and PRe's CEOs host a live, online event to share more about how the two companies are creating the world's #1 LCA platform for all industries. Register for the online event here About One Click LCA One Click LCA is the world's largest life-cycle assessment (LCA) platform, delivering impact, compliance, and growth in +170 countries. It brings together the in-depth modelling capabilities of SimaPro with the ease-of-use and scalability of One Click LCA. It includes the most comprehensive global LCA database, with +500,000 datasets and serves customers across manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, chemicals, and consumer goods supply chains, among others. The platform supports compliance with key regulations including the Construction Products Regulation, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive as well as major sustainability certifications and standards. Its AI-powered tools accelerate LCA and Environmental Product Declaration creation, while integrations with more than 20 software platforms, including tools from Autodesk and Bentley Systems, enable scalable adoption. Trusted by enterprises, including Siemens Energy, Procter Gamble, Johnson Johnson, AECOM, WSP, and Saint-Gobain, One Click LCA is committed to powering one-million makers of a zero-carbon future by 2035 for an impact at a planetary scale. Learn more at: oneclicklca.com About SimaPro and PRe Sustainability For 35 years, PRe Sustainability has advanced life-cycle thinking, empowering organizations to make science-based decisions with measurable impact. Beyond consulting and software, PRe trains experts, develops methodologies, and generates impact data to drive informed decision-making. Through expertise, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, PRe helps businesses quantify, understand, and reduce their environmental impact. At the heart of this mission is SimaPro, PRe's powerful suite of life-cycle assessment software. SimaPro Craft delivers advanced modeling for LCA experts, while SimaPro Synergy enables seamless data integration and environmental impact calculations at scale. Trusted by industry and academia, SimaPro provides reliable insights to drive sustainability progress. Learn more at: simapro.com and pre-sustainability.com For additional information: **Media kit with pictures **Announcement video to embed in article on YouTube here View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902139557/en/ Contacts: Abigail Mela Global Sustainability Communications One Click LCA abigail.mela@oneclicklca.com About Deftpower Deftpower was founded in 2020 with the mission to make charging electric vehicles as affordable and efficient as possible. Its revolutionary platform for Mobility Service Providers (MSPs) connects charging networks, car manufacturers and energy companies in a scalable and cost-efficient way. With the rapid growth of electric driving, the underlying technologies must meet the highest standards - and that is exactly where Deftpower excels. The company now works with more than 40 MSP customers in ten countries and offers access to all major charging networks in Europe. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) (80%, operator), together with its partner South Atlantic Petroleum (20%), have signed the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 exploration licenses offshore Nigeria, which were awarded following the 2024 Exploration Round organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. PPL 2000 2001, covering an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers, are located in the prolific West Delta basin. The work program includes drilling one firm exploration well. "TotalEnergies is honored to be the first international company to be awarded exploration licenses in a bid round in Nigeria in more than a decade, marking a new milestone in our long-term partnership with the country," said Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice-President Exploration at TotalEnergies. "These promising block captures are fully aligned with our strategy of strengthening our Exploration portfolio with drill-ready and high impact prospects, that have the potential for low-cost and low-emissions developments from new discoveries in our core areas of expertise." About TotalEnergies in Nigeria TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and employs today more than 1,800 people across different business segments. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies' hydrocarbon production with 209,000 boe/d produced in 2024. TotalEnergies also operates an extensive distribution network which includes about 540 service stations in the country. In all its operations, TotalEnergies is particularly attentive to the socio-economic development of the country and is committed to working with local communities. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. @TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902660848/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com A newly established global alliance integrating specialized expertise in oncology, medical imaging, patient recruitment as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies Comprehensive access to international trial networks, region-specific expertise, and diverse patient populations Supported by a team of over 130 experienced professionals and a Quality Assurance team with a demonstrated history of successful inspections by major regulatory authorities worldwide LIESTAL, Switzerland, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hemex AG, a European Contract Research Organization (CRO), today announced the expansion of its global footprint through a Clinical Network Alliance with trusted international partners. The alliance combines specialized expertise in oncology, regulatory operations, digital health, and site management under one collaborative framework - delivering comprehensive, end-to-end CRO solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech companies worldwide. Franziska Stemmler, CEO of Hemex, said: "With this alliance, Hemex unites its agility with the vision and strength of leading global partners. Together, we are shaping the future of clinical development - delivering solutions that are not only faster and smarter, but transformative for patients worldwide." With a strong foothold across the United States, Europe, and India, Hemex and its partners now provide clients with seamless access to global trial networks, regional expertise, and diverse patient populations. This strategic reach allows for faster recruitment, stronger regulatory alignment, and efficient cross-border execution. Ajay Nyamati, Co-founder & CEO Kitsa USA, added: "Our alliance with Hemex and its partners marks a pivotal step in advancing the Kitsa ecosystem. By combining our advanced AI-driven platform with the deep expertise of leading CROs, we have created our 'Service-as-Software' offerings, that are redefining how clinical trials are designed and executed." "Through this partnership with Hemex, Shankus Hospitals can extend its oncology expertise beyond our local patient population, supporting global trials and contributing to faster, more impactful cancer research," commented Dilip Chaudhary, Director of Shankus Hospitals, India. Collectively, the alliance comprises more than 130 seasoned experts and a proven Quality Assurance (QA) team with successful regulatory inspections from the FDA, EMA, MHRA, ANVISA, WHO, Health Canada, TGA, and other major authorities. Andreas Schulz, Founder and Managing Director of the Alliance stated: "The alliance is more than a collaboration - it positions us to meet the demands of global sponsors while contributing to the bigger picture of advancing healthcare worldwide. By joining forces, we can efficiently deliver the scale, compliance, and agility needed to meet the growing complexity of clinical development." For more information, please contact: Franziska Stemmler CEO Hemex ir@hemex.ch About HEMEX Hemex is a European Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech SMEs with comprehensive clinical development solutions. Headquartered in the Basel region, with offices in Germany, Benelux, and across three continents, Hemex specializes in multinational clinical trials. Services include clinical operations, regulatory support, quality assurance, BA/BE, PK, and Phase I studies, rapid patient recruitment, and imaging core lab services. Hemex also provides strategic guidance in grant writing and fundraising. Alliance partners include: Kitsa Shankus Hospitals COD Research Shankus Enem Polpharma Biologics S.A. ("Polpharma Biologics"), specialized in the development and manufacturing of biosimilars, today announced that it has signed licensing agreements with MS Pharma, a leading biosimilar production and distribution company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, for the commercialization of its biosimilar candidates vedolizumab (PB016), ocrelizumab (PB018) and guselkumab (PB019) in the MENA region. Under the agreements, MS Pharma will be responsible for the registration, marketing, and distribution of these three biosimilars across MENA, while Polpharma Biologics will maintain responsibility for development, manufacturing, and supply. Furthermore, both Parties have agreed to transfer fill and finish activities to the MENA region. These operations will be carried out at MS Pharma's first of its kind biologics manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Vedolizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting a47 integrin (a molecule involved in the movement of immune cells to the gut), indicated for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ocrelizumab targets CD20-positive B cells, and by depleting them, helps reduce inflammation and slow the progression of disability in people with multiple sclerosis. Guselkumab monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), a key cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. Together, these biosimilars represent significant potential to expand access to high-quality, affordable biologic therapies for patients in the region. Kalle Kand, CEO of MS Pharma "Expanding our biosimilar portfolio in high-need therapeutic areas such as gastroenterology, neurology, and dermatology is a strategic priority. These three products will significantly strengthen our offering and reinforce our leadership in the MENA region. Partnering once again with Polpharma Biologics underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible biologic medicines to patients across the region, through localizing advanced biologics production." Konstantin Matentzoglu, Supervisory Board Member of Polpharma Biologics Group "We are proud to extend our collaboration with MS Pharma. Their deep regional expertise and strong commercial network make them an ideal partner to bring our biosimilar medicines to more patients in MENA, helping improve treatment accessibility and sustainability of healthcare systems." About MS Pharma MS Pharma is a leading regional pharmaceutical company in the MENA region, specializing in the development, production, and distribution of a broad portfolio of generic and biologic therapies. Positioned for rapid growth, the company operates five manufacturing facilities across Jordan, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia home to a newly launched biologics plant, all serving the broader MENA market. Headquartered in Amman, Jordan, with management offices in Zug, Switzerland, MS Pharma employs over 2,000 people across 12 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.mspharma.com About Polpharma Biologics Polpharma Biologics is an international biotechnology company with integrated operations in the European Union (EU), developing and manufacturing biosimilar medicines. Using patented solutions and state-of-the-art platform technologies, Polpharma Biologics develops biosimilar products to treat a range of conditions in major therapeutic areas. Programs at Polpharma Biologics start in cell line development and transition through technical and clinical development to commercial-scale production preparing drugs for future commercial partnerships with global pharmaceutical organizations. The expertise of Polpharma Biologics lies in the development and manufacture of medicines based on microbial and mammalian expression systems. With its cell line development center in the Netherlands and two centers of development and manufacturing in Poland, Polpharma Biologics creates growth and development opportunities for biotechnology specialists. Learn more at www.polpharmabiologics.com Important Note This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute promotional material for PB016, PB018 and PB019 in Poland or any other jurisdiction. The commercialization of proposed vedolizumab (PB016), ocrelizumab (PB018) and guselkumab (PB019) biosimilars is solely the responsibility of MS Pharma, the marketing authorization holder, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Disclaimer This press release is issued from Polpharma Biologics Group and is intended to provide worldwide information to healthcare professionals, media and (potential) investors about our global business in relation to drug development and manufacturing expertise. Although Polpharma Biologics Group is not a public company as of this date, recipients should understand that this press release contains certain forward-looking statements (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the approval and commercialization of the medicinal product, market reception, competition, changes in economic conditions and applicable laws, global regulatory developments, contractual risks and dependencies from third parties. Polpharma Biologics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Moreover, Polpharma Biologics wishes to emphasize that this press release is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as making any representation, warranties, or guarantees, either express or implied, regarding the potential approval, market reception, commercialization, or success of the medicinal product or any other product or therapy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902492755/en/ Contacts: Media contacts: Polpharma Biologics Natalia Kwiecien natalia.kwiecien@polpharmabiologics.com MS Pharma Orayb Akeel + (962) 65 827 999 communication@mspharma.com Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) -F3 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) (FSE: GL7) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of ground EM surveys at its 100% owned Broach Lake Property, where F3 intersected 67.0m total composite radioactivity at the Tetra Zone (see NR August 5, 2025). A uniquely designed 65km of stepwise moving loop electromagnetic (SWMLEM) surveying will be completed initially on a priority grid covering the mineralized conductive zone between the Tetra Zone and historic drillhole PAT-16-002, located 1.2km to the southeast, where maiden geochemical analysis by F3 returned 423ppm uranium over 0.5m (see NR July 21, 2025). This survey will give greater confidence in locating the Tetra conductor and reduce the number of drillholes required to target along step-outs. Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "Earlier this year (see NR February 11, 2025) we announced the commencement of our exploration program at the Patterson Lake Project, including the Broach Lake Project with a 41 line-km moving loop time domain (MLTDEM) ground geophysics survey which was a first pass exploratory survey. By March (see NR March 18, 2025) we intersected the first anomalous radioactivity with PLN25-202 which encountered six distinct zones of anomalous radioactivity over a 90m downhole interval. In April (see NR April 15, 2025) we discovered the Tetra Zone with PLN25-205 which returned a 1.0m high grade interval with 2.50% U3O8 within a 22.5m mineralized main interval averaging 0.26% U3O8 from 384.5m to 407.0m. Today we announce a new stepwise moving loop electromagnetic (SWMLEM) survey designed to cover the highest priority section of the Tetra Conductor over a 1,600m strike length including the ~1,200m between the Tetra Zone and PAT-16-002. It aims to detect subtle basement-hosted conductors through highly conductive overburden. This tighter survey based on 200m spaced lines will give us greater control over local conductor locations and reduce exploration drilling." Map 1. Broach Lake - Tetra Zone Stepwise Moving Loop Electromagnetic Survey To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/264644_c31f2d8cc4d9a81f_002full.jpg About the Patterson Lake North Project: The Company's 42,961-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North Project (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Paladin's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits, an area poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN Project consists of the 4,074-hectare Patterson Lake North Property hosting the JR Zone Uranium discovery approximately 23km northwest of Paladin's Triple R deposit, the 19,864-hectare Minto Property, and the 19,022-hectare Broach Property hosting the Tetra Zone, F3's newest discovery 13km south of the JR Zone. All three properties comprising the PLN Project are accessed by Provincial Highway 955. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has reviewed and approved the data disclosed. About F3 Uranium Corp.: F3 is a uranium exploration company, focusing on the high-grade JR Zone and new Tetra Zone discovery 13km to the south in the PW area on its Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the Western Athabasca Basin. F3 currently has 3 properties in the Athabasca Basin: Patterson Lake North, Minto, and Broach. The western side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is home to some of the world's largest high grade uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R project and NexGen's Arrow project. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. F3 Uranium Corp. 750-1620 Dickson Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y9Y2 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264644 SOURCE: F3 Uranium Corp. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Core Nickel Corp. (TSXV: CNCO) ("Core Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from property-wide airborne electromagnetic surveys on its 100%-owned Mel and Odei River Projects. The successful completion of the 2025 airborne survey provides contiguous electromagnetic data over the Company's entire northern project portfolio. The northern land package is comprised of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The northern land package is situated approximately 16-20 km from the City of Thompson and Vale's operating Thompson Mine. Misty Urbatsch, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented, "Our recent geophysical work at the Mel, Hunter, and Odei River projects highlights the strong correlation between nickel sulphide mineralization and geophysical responses, while also pointing to exciting new targets along strike and at depth. At Mel, the VTEM data reinforces the strength of the existing deposit and outlines clear opportunities for expansion, particularly to the south and west where mineralization remains open and underexplored. At Hunter and Odei River, the survey has mapped multiple kilometre-scale magnetic and conductive trends with limited drilling. These results provide us with a robust pipeline of high-priority targets to advance as we continue to move the Company's northern land package forward." Mel and Odei River 2025 Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Helicopter-borne geophysical surveys, including time domain electromagnetics (VTEM) and horizontal magnetic gradiometer, were completed between January and February 2025 by Geotech Ltd. using the VTEM Plus geophysical system. The surveys covered the Mel Project (289 line-km) and Odei River Project (1,547 line-km) with a 100-metre line spacing, to obtain new coverage and refine historical EM survey results. The geophysical interpretation and integration to assist in the prioritization of drill targets was completed by Balch Exploration Consulting Inc. The Mel and Odei VTEM surveys build on an 882 line-km VTEM Plus survey flown in 2022 by CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. over the Hunter Project. For Core Nickel's 2025 work, Balch Exploration Consulting reinterpreted the Hunter dataset alongside the new Mel and Odei River results, producing a single integrated geophysical product across the Company's northern land package. As illustrated in Figures 1 & 2, this uniform dataset provides contiguous electromagnetic coverage across the Mel, Hunter, and Odei River properties, establishing a consistent foundation for target ranking and drill planning within Core Nickel's Thompson Nickel Belt portfolio. Figure 1. Mel, Hunter, and Odei River Projects Electromagnetics Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10145/264686_8f3ca54094f7ca39_001full.jpg Figure 2. Mel, Hunter, and Odei River Projects Total Magnetic Intensity Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10145/264686_8f3ca54094f7ca39_002full.jpg Mel Project Geophysical Interpretation Mel Deposit EM and magnetic signatures from the VTEM survey over the Mel Deposit (Figure 3) highlight the strong correlation between nickel sulphide mineralization and geophysical responses, while also pointing to new exploration opportunities along strike and at depth. The Mel Deposit consists of a series of south-striking (189), east-dipping (70-75) nickel sulphide intersections, with narrow high-grade zones contained within broader lower-grade mineralization. The deposit extends for approximately 1.6 kilometres of strike and can be imaged from the VTEM survey from flight line L1270 in the north to flight line L1430 in the south. Airborne electromagnetic (EM) data closely reflects the structural and lithological controls on mineralization. To the north, conductor profiles indicate a thin, steeply east-dipping body, which transitions into a thicker, moderately dipping response over the central portion of the deposit before reverting to a thin, steep conductor toward the south. These changing EM signatures mirror the interpreted shallowing of mineralization at depth, consistent with structural controls along a south-plunging feature. Importantly, the strongest EM and magnetic responses are spatially associated with the known mineralized zones, supporting the reliability of geophysical targeting at Mel. Drill data and geophysical interpretation suggest that mineralization is fault-controlled, plunging approximately 40 to the south beneath a constraining structure. While the northern part of the deposit is shallow and well defined by drilling, the deeper southern and footwall portions remain underexplored. Intersections below the plunging structure warrant re-examination, as they may represent a second, parallel mineralized system that has not been adequately tested. Figure 3. Mel Project Total Magnetic Intensity Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10145/264686_8f3ca54094f7ca39_003full.jpg Mel South - Target Area A Geophysical and historical drill data south of the Mel Deposit indicate that the mineralized contact continues beyond the currently defined resource area, offering strong potential for additional nickel sulphide lenses. Mineralization at Mel appears to end near flight line L1430; however, further south along the trend, limited and incomplete historical drilling provides encouragement for expansion. A historical drillhole (DDH 22513) into the magnetic contact south of the Mel deposit intersected a broad 47.6 m zone of mineralization from 77.6-125.1 m, including six narrow higher-grade intervals up to 2.00% Ni. In addition, even further grid south, a drill hole (DDH 22549) intersected 0.52% Ni over 6.74 m, including a narrow interval of 2.75% Ni, demonstrating that mineralization along the magnetic contact extends several hundred metres beyond the southern limit of Mel. Information from historical drillholes DDH 22513 and DDH 22549 referenced herein was sourced from a digital database provided to Core Nickel by Victory Nickel, who in turn received the data from Inco Ltd. Core Nickel has not independently verified the accuracy of this historical data, and it should not be relied upon as current. Further drilling will be required to confirm the presence and grade of any mineralization. West Mel Limb - Target Area B Geophysics has outlined a prospective ultramafic unit west of the Mel Deposit on the west Mel limb. Along the western limb, initial flight lines show weaker, rapidly decaying responses, but conductance strengthens and becomes better defined to the south. By flight lines L1170 and L1180, the EM signatures are of comparable amplitude and decay to those observed on the eastern limb of the fold where the Mel deposit is hosted. Importantly, the response on line L1170 is a clear, well-defined anomaly and is recommended for drill testing. Farther south, conductor strength continues to increase, culminating in a strong EM response on flight line L1390. This anomaly is interpreted as a thin, steeply west-dipping conductor, consistent with the structural setting of the Mel system. Notably, only four historical drillholes have tested the entire 5 km strike length of the western limb, leaving the west-side conductive trend effectively untested. The strengthening EM responses to the south highlight the untapped potential of the western extension, with multiple targets warranting near-term follow-up. Hunter & Odei River Properties - Target Areas C and D There are two prominent magnetic trends crossing the Hunter block that have associated with EM trends and that represent potential nickel sulphide systems: Hunter North (Target Area C) and Hunter Central (Target Area D). The Hunter North trend is characterized by a 9.5 km long magnetic trend, striking west-southwest and dipping steeply to the north. This feature is closed off to the east at the Mel survey boundary and extends westward onto the Odei River block, where it also terminates. Multiple associated EM anomalies are present along this magnetic trend, with select anomalies showing discrete footprints consistent with potential nickel sulphide mineralization. Hunter Central is a 12 km, strongly magnetic trend that runs approximately parallel to Hunter North with multiple EM anomalies. The combined magnetic and EM responses suggest the presence of highly serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Overall, the VTEM survey defined a robust, laterally extensive target corridor, with high-priority conductors warranting drill testing. Management Update Core Nickel announces that Caitlin Glew has resigned as Vice President, Exploration, effective August 31, 2025. The Company thanks Ms. Glew for her significant contributions to advancing work on its properties and enhancing the technical understanding of Core Nickel's project portfolio. During her tenure, she was instrumental in shaping exploration strategies, guiding the integration of new geophysical data, and supporting the development of drill targets across the Company's exploration properties. Her leadership and technical insight have laid important groundwork for the Company's future exploration efforts. The Company has begun reviewing applicants to fill the role of Vice President, Exploration, and will provide an update in due course. Misty Urbatsch, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented, "On behalf of the Board and our team, I want to thank Caitlin for her dedication and leadership. She played an important role in advancing our technical programs and in building out the framework for future exploration across our properties. Her contributions to Core Nickel's growth and to the development of drill targets have been invaluable, and we wish her every success in her next chapter." About Core Nickel Core Nickel Corp. is a junior nickel exploration company that controls 100% of five projects in the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), a prolific nickel district located in Northern Manitoba, Canada (Figure 4). The five projects consist of approximately 27,000 hectares of land that is proximal to existing infrastructure, including highways, railways, major hydroelectric transmission lines, and operating mills. Core Nickel has a large contiguous land package in the northern part of the TNB, situated approximately 15-20 km from the City of Thompson. Core Nickel's northern TNB land package consists of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni1. The target stratigraphy (Pipe Formation) that hosts the Mel deposit, and other deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt, extend onto the Hunter and Odei River projects and drillhole intersections into the target stratigraphy on the Hunter project have successfully intersected anomalous nickel. The Company also holds two projects in the central TNB near the community of Wabowden: Halfway Lake and Resting Lake. Both projects host the target Pipe Formation associated with known elevated nickel mineralization and are proximal to existing nickel deposits, mills, and other infrastructure. Figure 4. Core Nickel Project Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10145/264686_8f3ca54094f7ca39_004full.jpg The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Misty Urbatsch, P. Geo., Chief Executive Officer for Core Nickel Corp., who has reviewed and approved its contents. References 1 "Technical Report on the Mel Deposit, Northern Manitoba" prepared for Victory Nickel Inc, Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc., March 9, 2007 Mel Historical Mineral Resource The Core Nickel is not treating the estimate as current. The Company is treating the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared for Victory Nickel Inc. by Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. The Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. Core Nickel considers the 2007 MRE to be relevant to the further development of the project; however, is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019). To upgrade or verify the 2007 historical estimate as current, Core Nickel will need to complete a thorough review of all the 2007 historical MRE information and drill data, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical MRE subsequent to the publication of the resource. Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine current Reasonable Prospectus for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) would be required in order to produce a current MRE for the Property. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions or constraints, along with continuity of the resource blocks. Technical Disclosure The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Manitoba Integrated Mining and Quarrying System ("iMaQs") as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject projects. Historical Data Disclosure The Company cautions that historical drill data cited in this release were obtained from a database acquired from Victory Nickel, which is believed to have originated from work completed by Inco Ltd. Core Nickel has not verified this data to current standards, and such results are considered historical in nature. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Misty Urbatsch" Misty Urbatsch CEO, President and Director Core Nickel Corp. Also find us online: www.corenickel.com https://x.com/CoreNickel Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264686 SOURCE: Core Nickel Corp. STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global appliance company Electrolux Group is showcasing breakthrough innovations across its focus areas at IFA 2025 in Berlin. Under its premium brand AEG, the company will reveal its new dishwasher range, New FAVORIT, at the AEG Media Conference on September 4. Other key innovations include the PizzaExpert function and the intelligent CamCook. In addition to product launches, Electrolux Group CEO Yannick Fierling will deliver the opening keynote of IFA 2025. "With the launch of New FAVORIT, AEG introduces the most silent and efficient dishwashers ever made1," says Anna Ohlsson-Leijon, CEO Business Area Europe APMEA & Group Executive VP, Electrolux Group. "Our top models in the New FAVORIT exemplify excellence by combining energy efficiency, minimal water usage, and silent operation, all while delivering spotless results. Consumers purchase a dishwasher they can rely on for years, and we have created a range of appliances that offer a perfect blend of long-lasting performance and aesthetic appeal." AEG New FAVORIT: A new benchmark in dishwashing The New FAVORIT series 7000, 8000, and 9000 reimagines the dishwashing experience from start to finish. Built on a completely redesigned platform, the range combines whisper-quiet operation (as low as 37 dB)2, A-10% energy label1, and minimal water consumption (just 8.4 liters) - making it the most silent and efficient dishwasher ever created1. With the ExtraSilent feature, noise levels can be reduced even further, reaching as low as 35 dB2. Key innovations include: SuperSilent technology: Optimized software and fine-tuned hydraulics ensure near-silent operation, ideal for open-plan living 2 . Optimized software and fine-tuned hydraulics ensure near-silent operation, ideal for open-plan living . AquaSave system : A re-engineered water control system that delivers spotless results with minimal water use 1 . : A re-engineered water control system that delivers spotless results with minimal water use . SatelliteClean Pro spray arm : Externally tested to remove 100% of stubborn food residues in just 90 minutes 3 . : Externally tested to remove 100% of stubborn food residues in just 90 minutes . ZoneClean : Dual-zone cleaning for intensive pot cleaning and gentle glass care in one cycle. : Dual-zone cleaning for intensive pot cleaning and gentle glass care in one cycle. SmartSelect Connect: A sleek touch interface and app that allow users to personalize cycles, monitor energy use, and access features like ExtraSilent, GlassCare, and ExtraDry. Taste Innovation: Professional pizza perfection at home At IFA 2025, AEG also introduces PizzaExpert, a new function launching in early 2026 with the AEG 7000 MealAssist oven. Paired with a cast iron tray reaching 340C, PizzaExpert brings restaurant-quality pizza to the home kitchen - in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds4. PizzaExpert features an in-app digital assistant helping consumers prepare perfect airy, chewy, and crispy pizzas. It guides users to perfect dough and flawless timing, and the EXCite Touch TFT display5 on the oven provides step-by-step guidance. It is approved by Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, one of the world's most respected institutions dedicated to the art and science of pizza making. CamCook: The oven that sees what you cook Also on display at IFA, the AEG 9000 ProAssist with SteamPro oven introduces CamCook, a pioneering feature that uses AI and integrated camera technology to recognize dishes, learn user preferences, and automate cooking settings. CamCook addresses a growing consumer trend: the use of online recipes and digital cooking inspiration. With AI TasteAssist integration, users can send recipes directly to the oven. CamCook then analyzes the recipe's ingredients, cooking method, and timing to select the optimal settings automatically. Over time, the oven can learn from user behavior, enabling quick-start options for frequently cooked meals. Laundry Care Excellence: Seven Stiftung Warentest wins AEG continues to lead in laundry innovation, with seven Stiftung Warentest wins6 in the past 24 months across washing machines, washer dryers, and tumble dryers. These accolades underscore AEG's commitment to combining advanced engineering with real consumer needs. Most recently, AEG secured a double win: the 8000 series AbsoluteCare tumble dryer TR8T75789 and the 9000 AbsoluteCare Plus tumble dryer TR9M7680 both received top marks. Stiftung Warentest specifically highlighted: "The dryers from AEG are the best", reinforcing AEG's leadership in premium drying technology. AEG's laundry highlights at IFA 2025 include: The AEG 7000 top loader with ProSteam Technology, refreshing clothes in under 30 minutes using 96% less water 7 . . One of the first tumble dryers on the market to achieve three A-class ratings - for energy, noise and condensation efficiency. The market's best quick stain removal program at 30C in under one hour8. Join the media event Electrolux Group will hold a media conference at IFA 2025 in Berlin to present its newest innovations, including the unveiling of the AEG New FAVORIT Dishwasher Range and the AEG 7000 MealAssist with PizzaExpert function. The event takes place on September 4, at 13.00 CET, at the AEG stand in hall 4.1, booth 101. Journalists interested in attending the media conference can register here. The media conference will also be streamed live between 13.00-13.45 CET on this website and via LinkedIn here. Opening Keynote: Serving the consumer by preserving the planet Electrolux Group CEO Yannick Fierling will deliver the opening keynote of IFA 2025, titled "Serving the consumer by preserving the planet: opportunities and challenges for the appliance industry." The session will explore how consumer-centric innovation and circular models can preserve planetary resources and support low-impact, responsible lifestyles. Fierling will share how Electrolux Group is integrating sustainability across the entire consumer journey - from purchase to product end-of-life - while calling for industry-wide collaboration to close the loop and build a resource-efficient future. The keynote will be held on September 5 at 14:15 CET on the Innovation Stage at the CityCube, Messe Berlin. About IFA Berlin IFA, one of the world's leading trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances, is the main marketplace for key retailers, buyers, and experts from the industry and the media. IFA 2025 takes place at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 5-9 September 2025. Sources 1 Based on AEG 9000/9000 XXL models, combining in the same appliance 37 dB noise, 8.4 L water consumption, and Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) 10% lower compared to the threshold for A class from Energy Labelling declaration according to Regulation EU2019/2017 from EPREL in June 2025. 2 35 dB is based on AEG 9000/9000 XXL models with 37 dB on energy label declaration while using the Eco cycle with the ExtraSilent option, measured according to EN 60704-1, EN 60704-2-3. 3 Based on an independent test by third-party German institute using detergent tablets and 90 min cycle on casserole with lasagna residues. 4 Based on internal and external tests in a preheated oven. Required preheating time 25 minutes. 5 TFT display = Thin-Film Transistor display. 6 Based on the Stiftung Warentest test winners 2023-2025: AEG TD 9000 TR9T55680, AEG TD 8000 TR8T70680, AEG TL 7000 LTR7A70260, AEG WD 9000 L9WEF80690, AEG WM 6000 L6FBG51470, and AEG 8000 TD TR8T75789, AEG 9000 TD TR9M75680. 7 Based on internal test comparing water consumption of the Steam program with a full wash 30C Delicates program using a 1kg cotton load. 8 Based on external test of stain removal on 59 stains using AbsoluteWash 49min/PowerClean 59 min program with 4kg load compared with market leading brands in Europe with 1h short programs using 30C. For further information, please contact Electrolux Press Hotline, +46 8 657 65 07. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/r/ifa-2025--premium-brand-aeg-unveils-most-silent-and-efficient-dishwasher-ever-made,c4227490 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/aeg-new-favorit,c3465594 AEG New Favorit https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/aeg-new-favorit-supersilent,c3465601 AEG New Favorit SuperSilent https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/aeg-pizzaexpert,c3465602 AEG PizzaExpert https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/aeg-camcook-browningcontrol,c3465603 AEG CamCook BrowningControl https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/aeg-stiftung-warentest-winners-2023-2025,c3465604 AEG Stiftung Warentest Winners 2023-2025 https://news.cision.com/electrolux-group/i/anna-ohlsson-leijon--electrolux-group,c3465605 Anna Ohlsson-Leijon, Electrolux Group View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ifa-2025-premium-brand-aeg-unveils-most-silent-and-efficient-dishwasher-ever-made-302543611.html A new force in SAP consulting is emerging: the joint venture marks a pivotal moment in the global growth strategy of both consulting partners and sets a new direction in delivering seamless SAP excellence and digital transformation for clients across the Americas and globally. BearingPoint and ABeam Consulting are proud to announce the formation of a new joint venture in the United States, marking a significant milestone in their long-standing strategic alliance. The new entity will operate under the BearingPoint brand and be legally registered as BearingPoint NA LLC. Headquartered in Chicago, its mission is to deliver end-to-end SAP consulting and implementation including SAP Business AI services for clients across the Americas, with a particular focus on the US market and complementing both parties' global SAP capabilities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250901891270/en/ BearingPoint and ABeam Consulting are proud to announce the formation of a new joint venture in the United States, marking a significant milestone in their long-standing strategic alliance. This joint venture builds on the enhanced alliance structure announced in July 2025, which expanded BearingPoint and ABeam Consulting's ability to deliver seamless global business transformation services across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It combines the strengths of two globally recognized consulting firms to launch the vanguard of SAP powered digital transformation. With a shared investment structure and a joint leadership model from BearingPoint and ABeam Consulting, the new entity is designed to deliver scalable, high-impact SAP focused transformation programs with local relevance and global reach. Strategic focus and market impact The joint venture will serve American, European, and Japanese clients, with a particular emphasis on the Automotive Industrial, Chemicals, Life Sciences Resources, and Consumer Goods Retail sectors. The venture will offer a full scope of SAP services from business consulting and technical implementation to managed services and IP-based product offerings. By aiming to become the SAP partner of choice for upper mid-sized and large clients in the U.S., the new entity leverages both parent firms' deep industry expertise, delivery capabilities, and proven transformation assets and products. As an SAP Gold Partner and multi-award winner including recognition through SAP Pinnacle Awards BearingPoint, together with ABeam, brings decades of experience and a combined pedigree in delivering more than 1,500 SAP projects across 78 countries. This expertise complements ABeam's strong SAP footprint in Asia and supports the joint venture's ambition to deliver outcome-driven transformation at scale. In addition, the two partners bring together 15,000 professionals so that clients benefit from an end-to-end transformation capability across the globe. The initiative reflects both firms' commitment to helping clients navigate complexity with precision and purpose. Central to this approach lies a shared methodology: Strategic Navigation combining human insight, industry expertise, and intelligent use of technology to guide clients through uncertainty and deliver transformation that lasts. It also aligns with BearingPoint's broader ambition to scale globally and deliver technology-enabled consulting through its Strategy 2030 framework. Executive Perspectives Matthias Loebich, Managing Partner, BearingPoint, comments: "This joint venture marks the next chapter in a global partnership built on trust, shared values, and a long-term commitment to client success. Together with ABeam, we are creating a truly collaborative platform for SAP driven digital transformation: one that combines our regional strengths, cultural alignment, and proven delivery capabilities. It will not only allow us to scale our consulting presence in the U.S., but it will also enable us to deliver high-value services to our clients across the globe. In a market that rewards clarity, specialization, and trust, our Strategic Navigation methodology guides organizations from strategic intent to measurable outcomes while keeping transformations on course. As we expand our footprint in the U.S., we are also advancing our Strategy 2030 uniting a people-first mindset with industry expertise and technology leadership to help clients achieve lasting business impact worldwide." Takahiro Yamada, President and CEO, ABeam Consulting, comments: "This joint venture is more than a business initiative; it is the natural evolution of a strong and long-term partnership. Together with BearingPoint, we are launching a new force in digital transformation and SAP consulting one that combines deep manufacturing expertise, agile delivery, and local insight to meet the evolving needs of our clients in the U.S. At the same time, we are establishing an unparalleled consulting structure to support global companies seeking growth in the Americas a region with strong expectations for continued economic expansion and one of the most important markets for Japanese and other Asian businesses. We are also actively incorporating innovation from the U.S., where diverse advanced technologies are emerging, to further enhance the value of our SAP consulting services. This includes cutting-edge solutions such as generative AI, supporting companies in becoming AI-native by integrating AI into business management and customer value creation, and promoting sustainable transformation and new value creation. We remain committed to contributing as a real partner creating economic and social value through the transformation of our clients." About ABeam Consulting ABeam Consulting is an integrated management consulting firm that provides global services tailored to each country and region through its worldwide network centered in Asia. The wide range of consulting services it provides include strategy, BPR, IT, organization/personnel, outsourcing and other domains of specialized expertise. Roughly 8,800 richly experienced professional ABeam consultants advise in the areas of finance, manufacturing, distribution, energy, information communications, as well as industry, and organizations in the public sector and other sectors. ABeam Consulting creates the future together with corporations and other organizations. As a creative partner leading the way reliably through change, we contribute to industrial and societal change. About BearingPoint BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach that transforms businesses using technology intelligently. The firm operates across three core units: Consulting, Products, and Capital. Its Consulting services focus on selected areas, combining business and technology expertise with profound industry knowledge. The Products unit provides IP-driven solutions and managed services for business-critical processes. Capital delivers deal advisory and transaction services. In addition to its core operations, BearingPoint runs two joint ventures: Arcwide, a JV with IFS, which specializes in business transformation based on IFS technology, and BearingPoint North America, a JV with ABeam, which is dedicated to consulting excellence and business transformation built on SAP. BearingPoint serves many of the world's leading companies and organizations. Together with its strategic alliance partner ABeam Consulting, the firm brings together 15,000 professionals and supports clients in over 70 countries, delivering seamless business transformation with sustainable impact. BearingPoint is a certified B Corporation, driven by a strong sense of purpose today and into the future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250901891270/en/ Contacts: For more information, please visit: BearingPoint Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint ABeam Homepage: www.abeam.com Press contacts Molly Keating US Head Marketing Communications Telephone: +1 872 877 3044 Email: molly.keating@bearingpoint.com Mike Kronfellner Global Head Marketing Communications Telephone: +49 89 54033 7070 Email: mike.kronfellner@bearingpoint.com Wakana Kabasawa Director Corporate Communications Telephone: +81 80 2003 1833 Email: wkabasawa@abeam.com Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company") a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits in Quebec, is pleased to announce results from a continuous pilot beneficiation program performed by American Energy Technologies Company ("AETC") on its 100%-owned Lac Knife project. The adjustment from 97.8% total graphite content ("TGC") to 95% TGC resulted in a substantial increase in coarse flake recovery. Large and jumbo flakes increased from approximately 33% to 47%, materially improving economics and diversifying market opportunities in a product portfolio approach planned by Focus. To achieve these results, Focus commissioned AETC to run an upstream beneficiation circuit consisting of 18 processing units connected in series in a continuous locked-cycle campaign. Over 800 kilograms of Lac Knife graphite-bearing rock was processed, producing a concentrate that not only met market specifications but also preserved natural flake size. By producing concentrate in line with real-world demand specifications, Focus maximizes downstream value while enhancing exposure to premium, non-battery markets. In Focus's original pilot plant testing program conducted at SGS Minerals ("SGS") in Lakefield (2013-2014), the objective of achieving a graphite concentrate grade of 97.8% TGC at 90.7% total recovery was successfully met. These results formed the technical foundation of the Lac Knife Feasibility Study (updated 2023), which outlined a process plant designed to produce 50,000 tonnes per year of graphite concentrate, including 47,781 tonnes of high-grade 97.8% TGC salable concentrate from a feed grade of 14.8% TGC. The process flow sheet developed through this work includes crushing, grinding, polishing, flotation, concentrate dewatering and drying, concentrate screening and bagging, and tailings filtration and loadout. While the Feasibility Study demonstrated Lac Knife's ability to deliver ultra-high-purity graphite, subsequent market feedback confirmed that such high purities are not required - and do not command a price premium - in most anode or industrial applications. As a benchmark, the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency ("DLA") Strategic Materials program has defined procurement specifications for natural graphite as -100 mesh concentrate. Lac Knife material comfortably exceeds U.S. defense-grade requirements, while simultaneously aligning with anode makers' specifications for EVs and stationary energy storage. Specification DLA Requirement Focus Graphite - AETC Pilot Fixed Carbon (TGC) >= 94% 95.5% Ash <= 5% 4.5% Volatile Matter <= 1.2% 0.63 wt.% (600 C) Moisture <= 0.5% <0.5% Size Distribution <20% retained above 100 mesh; <=20% passing below 325 mesh D10 = 33 m; D50 = 120 m; D90 = 272 m; mean 153 m Table 1: DLA Strategic Materials Program Benchmark vs. Focus Graphite Lac Knife AETC Pilot Results Note: As of August 2025, The DLA has indicated its intent to source 49,433 tonnes of natural flake graphite over the next five years (CIP-Hammond, Indiana) Coarse graphite flakes are rare and command premium pricing in markets where physical size is the key differentiator. On October 20, 2023, China announced its restrictions on certain graphite exports to the United States and other counties, with the new regulations taking effect on December 1, 2023. These rules, requiring export permits for high-grade natural and synthetic graphite products, were introduced under the banner of protecting China's national security. Most projects worldwide produce very little of this unique material. With its coarse flake profile, Lac Knife positions Focus to supply several high-margin speciality applications: Jumbo flake (+30, +25, +20 mesh; ~5% of total, up to 0.84 mm in size) - High-end EMI shielding in electronics and defense equipment, corrosion resistant gaskets in marine and aerospace, crucibles for specialty alloys and rare earth processing, radar absorbing and steal composites, icephobic for aircraft and ships, precursor for graphene platelets. +50 mesh (~15%) and +80 mesh (~24%) - Expandable and expanded graphite for fire-suppressant foams. With PFAS-based aqueous film-forming foams (" AFFF "), otherwise known as forever chemicals, being phased out amid billion-dollar lawsuits, demand for safe, graphite-based alternatives is expected to surge. Processed graphite generated from these flake sizes are also used in lead-acid and premium performance alkaline batteries. +100 mesh - Recently proven in a hypersonic rocket nozzle launch, this fraction is valued in aerospace, defense, semiconductor and advanced materials markets. -100 mesh - Tailored for the battery-grade anode market in both EVs and stationary battery energy storage systems ("BESS") applications, ensuring compliance with global demand. Additionally, Lac Knife graphite demonstrates exceptionally low volatile content, a critical property for the most demanding nuclear and defense applications. While many companies can produce standard battery-grade graphite, nature rarely yields deposits with such a high proportion of coarse flakes. Lac Knife's increase in large and jumbo flake recovery from approximately 33% to 47% further strengthens Focus's strategic position. This advantage not only supports advanced processing pathways but also enables the Company to deliver environmentally friendly materials to market, creating opportunities to replace PFAS-based "forever chemicals" with safer, sustainable alternatives. "The results from this pilot program reinforce Lac Knife's unique position as one of the few graphite projects capable of delivering both defense-grade and battery-grade material at scale," said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. "By achieving market-aligned concentrate specifications, we are not only positioned to supply the EV and energy storage sectors, but also to serve premium aerospace, defense, and specialty markets. This dual-market advantage reduces risk, expands opportunity, and underscores Focus Graphite's role as a strategic supplier in North America's critical minerals supply chain." It should be noted that this pilot program was conducted on more than 800 kilograms of Lac Knife graphite, and while the results are consistent with expectations, they may not fully represent the variability of the entire deposit. Focus intends to conduct larger scale testing in the future. Image 1: Focus Graphite Lac Knife Natural Flake Graphite Master Concentrate, C of A To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/264723_7a22223b44e3fbc5_001full.jpg Qualified Persons The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, P.Geo. (QC), President of IOS Geosciences Inc., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101. About American Energy Technologies Company American Energy Technologies Co. ("AETC") is a woman-owned, privately held business which conducts operations out of the greater Chicago area. In its Wheeling, IL facility, AETC operates three business units: a manufacturing plant making battery-ready graphite and carbon materials, a pilot demonstration facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully-functional applications laboratory supporting the above business units. Currently, AETC is one out of just three in total organizations which commercially manufacture lithium-ion battery-ready graphite in the United States. Furthermore, AETC's Wheeling, IL plant is currently the only industrial end-to-end commercial manufacturer of spherical purified surface coated natural graphite in the US. In doing so, the company develops and operates an upstream ore beneficiation, unique refining, particle spheroidization, and carbon coating technologies. AETC is both developing and produces spherical graphite (natural and synthetic), expanded graphite, partially graphitized nanostructured carbons, ultra-high purity graphite-based electrically conductive inks, paints, and coatings which find use within the industry. AETC is a proud supply chain member of electric vehicles and an approved supplier to twelve battery manufacturers and one fuel cell producer. For more information, please visit https://www.usaenergytech.com About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries. Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency. Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future. For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated performance of graphite concentrate from the Lac Knife project; the implications of pilot plant results carried out on approximately 500 kilograms of material; the potential for recovery rates and flake size distribution to be replicated at commercial scale; the ability of the Company to meet U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, battery, and industrial specifications; the potential economics outlined in the Lac Knife Feasibility Study; and the Company's strategy to position itself as a supplier to electric vehicle, energy storage, aerospace, defense, and specialty markets. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services 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/264723 SOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks traded lower on Tuesday as the 30-year gilt yield hit a 27-year high at 5.680 percent in early trading on rising debt concerns, in a pre-budget blow for chancellor Rachel Reeves. Traders also shifted focus to upcoming U.S. employment data for clues on the Federal Reserve's next steps. The benchmark FTSE 100 dropped half a percent to 9,155 after ending marginally higher on Monday. British Gas owner Centrica fell 1.5 percent after announcing it has extended the life of two of its U.K. nuclear power stations in which it has a 20 percent share. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air Holdings tumbled 3 percent despite reporting a robust 11.4 percent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic for August 2025. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,545,300 (the "Offering"). The Offering was comprised of the issuance of: (i) 8,441,250 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a subscription price of $0.08 per Unit for proceeds of $675,300, and (ii) 8,700,000 flow-through units of the Company (each, a "FT Unit") at a subscription price of $0.10 per FT Unit for proceeds of $870,000. Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.15 per Warrant Share for 24 months from the closing of the Offering. Each FT Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "FT Share") and one Warrant. The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Company will use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on or before December 31, 2026. The Company plans to initiate a drill program to further explore its recently acquired Springer advanced Rare Earth and Gallium Deposit and explore its Aki Critical Minerals Project. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units with an effective date not later than December 31, 2025. The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for exploration at the Company's mineral properties and general corporate and working capital purposes. As in every financing the Company has completed to date, certain directors and officers of the Company (the "Insiders") have participated in the Offering, increasing insider holdings. An aggregate of 2,350,000 FT Units were acquired by Insiders. Such participation in the Offering by the Insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, on the basis that the participation in the Offering by the Insiders does not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid commissions to certain finders of an aggregate of $74,466 in cash and 822,325 finder warrants (the "Finder Warrants"). Each Finder Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Common Share (a "Finder Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.15 per Finder Warrant Share for a period of twenty-four months from the closing of the Offering. The securities issued and issuable under the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The closing of the Offering is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Exploration program The Company is mobilizing a drill rig to its Springer REE & Ga Deposit to further test the rare earth and gallium zones. The new drilling will aid in updating the resource and potentially establish a gallium resource. The Project consists of 5,000 hectares of patented and non-patented claims and contains a historic NI 43-101 mineral resource for Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") of 4.167 million tonnes ("mt") at 1.073% TREO indicated and 12.73mt at 1.119% TREO in the inferred resource category at a cut-off grade of 0.9% TREO. Mineralization starts at surface and the deposit remains open for expansion with large portions of the property underexplored for REE-Ga mineralization. Previous drilling resulted in multiple wide, shallow intercepts of +100m at >1% TREO, including one of the final drill holes finishing in 12m at 4.96% TREO with no subsequent follow-up drilling (see Company's press release dated June 10, 2025). There were consistent elevated gallium intercepts ranging from 57 to 120 grams per tonne ("g/t") over thick intervals, including 87.5m at 76.4 g/t and 88m at 62 g/t gallium, which was never modeled in the resource. The newly designed drill program will expand from these results and provide sufficient data for an updated resource estimate, which is scheduled to be completed in Q4 of 2025. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Project. For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca. ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD. Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) is a mineral exploration company based in Toronto, Ontario, focused on rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum. It owns, has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of rare earths, gallium, lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in Ontario, one of the world's most prolific, emerging hard-rock critical mineral districts. To learn more about Volta and its Springer and Aki Projects, please visit www.voltametals.ca. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offering, the receipt of all necessary approvals for the Offering, that the newly designed drill program will provide sufficient data for an updated resource estimate, which is scheduled to be completed in Q4 of 2025. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; rare earth elements and gallium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264482 SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd. BRUSSELS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellar Tech, the European leader in influencer marketing technology, has acquired Join, the Dutch leading creator platform. Join will merge with Creatorz, the company's marketplace, creating the Benelux's most powerful platform connecting brands with content creators. This 3rd acquisition, after Influo (July 2024) & IROIN (March 2025), reinforces Stellar Tech's ambition to consolidate the European market by combining local expertise & innovative technology. Why Join Why now Join brings scale and innovation with AI-powered technology recognized for its quality, experienced founders with strong reputation & network, thousands of top brands & vetted creators in the Netherlands. Combined with Creatorz's strength in Belgium, the new platform will unite ten of thousands creators across the Benelux. For brands this means access to a single, more powerful marketplace with premium technology, a broader creator base - meeting the creator economy's growing demand for direct and flexible collaborations. 1 vision 2 pillars Stellar Tech has 2 pillars: Analytics : Stellar & IROIN, both merging into 1 unified analytics solution, for discovery, management and measurement. : for discovery, management and measurement. Marketplace: Creatorz, now reinforced by Join, for instant collaborations across micro & UGC creators. Cathy Pill, CEO & Co-founder, Stellar Tech: "The creator economy is evolving rapidly. With Join and Creatorz together, and with Paolo and Edwin at the helm of this chapter, we are creating the benchmark marketplace for micro & UGC creators in the Benelux. This move is not just about growth but about shaping the future of influence where collaborations are more diverse and accessible. Join's founders bring deep market knowledge, proven product vision, and a strong community spirit. Their leadership strengthens our technology and shared ambition to become the European leader for analytic and marketplace platforms New leadership Join's founders will take key leadership roles within Creatorz. Paolo Martorino , former CEO & co-founder of Join, becomes Creatorz Managing Director , former CEO & co-founder of Join, becomes Edwin Knip, former CTO & co-founder of Join, becomes Creatorz Tech & Product Lead Paolo Martorino, Managing Director, Creatorz:"We founded Join to make collaborations between brands and creators simple and rewarding. By joining forces with Creatorz, we can expand this promise to a larger community. Together, we will broaden the definition of the creator economy-from influencers to UGC specialists, from paid briefs to gifting-while giving brands a reliable partner for speed and authenticity MORE ABOUT INDUSTRY & COMPANY: https://stellar.io/uncategorized-en/about-stellar-tech-and-join/ For more information, contact Sarah Levin at sarah.levin@stellar.io Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761309/Stellar_Tech.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761981/Stellar_Tech_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stellar-tech-acquires-join-to-create-the-leading-creator-marketplace-in-the-benelux-302543139.html HYDERABAD, India, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the global mass spectrometry market, valued at USD 7.16 billion in 2025, is being driven by artificial intelligence enabling faster data analysis and multi-omics research attracting significant investment in integrated, software-driven platforms. The mass spectrometry market size is projected to expand to USD 10.13 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.17% from 2025 to 2030. Growth is further supported by breakthroughs in biologics characterization, expanding food-safety regulations, and the rise of compact, point-of-care systems. While North America maintains its lead with an advanced research ecosystem, Asia-Pacific is emerging with rapid double-digit growth, even as funding gaps and workforce shortages remain key challenges. Key Trends and Drivers Shaping Market Growth Rising Demand in Biologics With the shift toward monoclonal antibodies and cell-based therapies, demand for advanced mass spectrometry systems is growing. Hybrid platforms that simplify protein characterization are set to drive strong market growth. Stricter Food-Safety Oversight New US and European regulations are accelerating instrument upgrades. Emerging tools like E-LEI-MS now enable real-time pesticide detection in minutes, cutting traditional analysis times significantly. Clinical Diagnostics on the Move Miniaturized and high-throughput systems, such as Bruker's MALDI Biotyper sirius, are boosting efficiency in microbiology. Portable designs and AI-powered analysis are extending applications to point-of-care settings. Momentum in Multi-Omics Increased research funding is fueling breakthroughs. Thermo Fisher's Orbitrap Astral delivers deep peptide and protein coverage in under 30 minutes, advancing proteomics and microbiome studies. Segmentation Overview MALDI-TOF Transforming Clinical Workflows MALDI-TOF is transforming clinical workflows with rapid microbial identification and expanding applications in oncology and microbiome research. Its integration with machine learning is further boosting automation in hospital labs. Software Driving Next-Generation Insights Beyond instruments, advanced software is becoming critical for harmonizing complex data and enabling faster, AI-driven insights, positioning it as a major growth driver in the years ahead. Diagnostics Leading Application Growth Clinical diagnostics are emerging as the fastest-growing application, with mass spectrometry delivering unprecedented accuracy and speed in disease detection and monitoring. Regional Outlook North America continues to dominate the mass spectrometry market, supported by strong NIH funding, an active biotech pipeline, and rigorous environmental regulations driving system upgrades and consumables demand. Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, fueled by China's push into miniaturized devices and the rapid expansion of CDMOs in India and South Korea. The market segmentation by region includes: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe Germany United Kingdom France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America Click here for more insights on the Mass Spectrometry Market - https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/mass-spectrometry?utm_source=prnewswire Mass Spectrometry Industry Key Players Agilent Technologies Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Waters Corporation Bruker Corporation Shimadzu Corporation Danaher Corporation (SCIEX) PerkinElmer Inc. LECO Corporation JEOL Ltd. Hitachi High-Tech Corporation MKS Instruments (Extrel) Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. Advion Inc. Kore Technology Ltd. Analytik Jena GmbH Rigaku Corporation Teledyne FLIR (FLIR Systems) TOFWERK AG Hiden Analytical Ltd. OI Analytical Check out related reports published by Mordor Intelligence: Glycomics Market: The glycomics market is projected to grow from USD 2.13 billion in 2025 to USD 4.08 billion by 2030, reflecting a strong CAGR of 13.87%. Growth is being fueled by advances in mass spectrometry, the integration of AI-based informatics, and rising demand for novel biomarkers that enhance early disease detection. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/glycomics-market?utm_source=prnewswire Cell Signaling Market: The cell signaling market is projected to grow from USD 6.29 billion in 2025 to USD 9.16 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 7.81%. Expansion is being driven by continued investment in advanced technologies such as automated flow cytometers, mass spectrometers, and multiplex imaging platforms, which deliver deeper cellular insights while reducing manual intervention. Gas Chromatography Market: The gas chromatography market stands at USD 4.25 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 5.56 billion by 2030, advancing at a 5.50% CAGR. Heightened regulatory scrutiny in environmental and pharmaceutical testing, rapid technology upgrades such as hydrogen-ready systems, and proactive supply-chain strategies around carrier gases underpin this steady trajectory. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/gas-chromatography-market?utm_source=prnewswire About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals. With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media@mordorintelligence.com Mordor Intelligence Private Limited https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2746908/Mordor_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mass-spectrometry-market-size-to-reach-usd-10-13-billion-by-2030--fueled-by-ai-multi-omics-and-next-gen-healthcare--mordor-intelligence-302543505.html Leading investors with a long-term strategic focus deliver transformational transaction for the aircraft leasing sector Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield have reached a definitive agreement to acquire Air Lease Corporation through a newly established entity, Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (Ireland) DAC Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation ("Sumisho Air Lease") and its orderbook is expected to transfer to SMBC Aviation Capital as part of the transaction; SMBC Aviation Capital will act as a servicer to Sumisho Air Lease's portfolio Apollo and Brookfield to provide capital to support the acquisition, joining Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital as aligned investors Sumisho Air Lease will be optimally positioned to capitalise on airline and investor demand in a supply constrained environment Sumisho Air Lease is expected to be an investment-grade rated aircraft lessor with a globally diverse group of airline customers and portfolio of new technology aircraft Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo managed funds ("Apollo") and Brookfield, today announced that they have reached a definitive agreement to acquire Air Lease Corporation ("Air Lease"), a leading aircraft lessor founded by Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and John L. Plueger with a portfolio primarily comprised of new technology aircraft. Upon closing, Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease, a newly established entity. Apollo and Brookfield have agreed to provide capital to support the transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Air Lease common stockholders will receive $65.00 per share in cash, representing a total valuation of approximately $7.4 billion, or approximately $28.2 billion including debt obligations to be assumed or refinanced net of cash. The cash consideration represents a 7% premium over Air Lease's all-time high closing stock price on August 28, 2025, a 14% premium over the volume weighted average share price during the 30 trading day period ended August 29, 2025, and a 31% premium over the volume weighted average share price during the last 12 months' trading day period ended August 29, 2025. Sumisho Air Lease's position as an established aircraft lessor and SMBC Aviation Capital's industry-leading capabilities bring scale and financial strength to address the fast-evolving and increasingly complex needs of airline customers. Sumisho Air Lease will further benefit from the Sumitomo Corporation and SMBC Aviation Capital's deep expertise in, and long-standing commitments to, the aviation leasing sector. Takao Kusaka, Group CEO, Transportation Construction Systems Group of Sumitomo Corporation, said: "We are honoured to have reached this significant agreement together with SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield. "Through this transaction, we will achieve greater scale and profitability, positioning the Sumitomo Corporation Group's aircraft leasing business as one of the largest globally in terms of owned and managed aircraft through Sumisho Air Lease's highly attractive portfolio centered on new tech aircraft. "This will further strengthen our industry standing and enhance our competitive advantage. Sumisho Air Lease will be a core part of the Sumitomo Corporation Group's wider investments in the aviation sphere. Sumisho Air Lease's inclusion within the shareholder eco-system provides an opportunity to create powerful new synergy." Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of SMBC Aviation Capital, said: "This transaction is transformational for our business and the leasing landscape. Investing in Sumisho Air Lease, purchasing their orderbook and becoming servicer to the substantial majority of Sumisho Air Lease's portfolio will enable us to deploy our financial scale and strength to meet the evolving needs of our customers and take a strategic lead in reshaping our sector. "In our sector, economies of scale matter. Our industry is evolving at pace and requires significant and diverse pools of capital so that our airline and investor customers can be provided with the products and services they need. "As one of the most well-regarded leasing platforms, with a portfolio focused on liquid, in demand, new tech aircraft, Air Lease presents an attractive opportunity for the co-investors." Jamshid Ehsani, Partner, Apollo, said: "Apollo's partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital and Sumitomo Corporation is a testament to our core principle of delivering tailor made, scaled and innovative capital solutions to corporations. This important industry transaction highlights the flexibility of the Apollo's long-term insurance capital and our creative approach to high-grade capital solutions. Apollo has a distinguished and established track record in aviation investing, led by our industry experts at Perseus Aviation, and we are pleased to deliver the full strength of the Apollo ecosystem to the success of this transaction." Craig Noble, CEO of Brookfield Credit, said: "We are pleased to partner with SMBC Aviation Capital and Sumitomo Corporation in this landmark transaction, which highlights Brookfield's ability to provide hybrid solutions in an environment with a growing need for private capital. By combining our credit expertise, industry insight, and large-scale capital with the strengths of our strategic partner manager, Castlelake-a leader in aviation investing-this transaction demonstrates the value of flexibility and scale in today's market." Additional Transaction Details SMBC, Citi, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA have provided $12.1 billion of committed financing in connection with the transaction. Sumisho Air Lease is expected to receive investment grade ratings from S&P, Fitch and Kroll. The Board of Directors of Air Lease has unanimously approved the agreement. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Air Lease's common stockholders and receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Air Lease's directors and certain executive officers have agreed to vote the shares of common stock held by them in favour of the transaction. Advisors Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Goldman Sachs International are acting as financial advisors to SMBC Aviation Capital. Davis Polk Wardwell LLP and McCann Fitzgerald are acting as legal advisors to SMBC Aviation Capital. Goldman Sachs Japan and Citigroup Global Markets Japan are acting as financial advisors to Sumitomo Corporation. Norton Rose Fulbright is acting as legal advisor to Sumitomo Corporation. Milbank LLP is acting as legal advisor to Apollo and Brookfield. Notes to editors About Sumitomo Corporation Sumitomo Corporation (TYO: 8053) is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 127 offices in 64 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of approximately 500 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group's business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of "Enriching lives and the world," based on Sumitomo's business philosophy passed down for over 400 years. Sumitomo Corporation. About SMBC Aviation Capital SMBC Aviation Capital is a leading aircraft lessor globally by number of aircraft and benefits from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: https://www.smbc.aero/. About Apollo Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees and the communities we impact to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of June 30, 2025, Apollo had approximately $840 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com. About Brookfield Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager, headquartered in New York, with over $1 trillion of assets under management. Brookfield invests client capital for the long term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. We draw on Brookfield's heritage as an owner and operator to invest for value and generate strong returns for our clients, across economic cycles. Brookfield Credit manages approximately $332 billion of assets globally as of August 6, 2025, focused on a broad range of private credit investment strategies, including infrastructure, renewables, real estate, asset backed, and corporate credit. Return profiles span investment grade, sub-investment grade, and opportunistic. The business combines Brookfield's substantial direct investment platform which has been developed over several decades, alongside Brookfield's strategic partners, including Oaktree Capital Management, Castlelake, LCM Partners, 17Capital, and Primary Wave Music. As one of the world's largest and most experienced credit managers globally, Brookfield Credit delivers flexible, specialized capital solutions to borrowers, and seeks to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns for our clients. For more information, please visit our website at www.bam.brookfield.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902113347/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: SMBC Aviation Capital Conor Irwin, SVP Communications (for media) +353 87 381 6106 Mark Allen, Head of Corporate Finance (for investors) +353 87 226 3622 FGS Global (for SMBC Aviation Capital) SMBCAviation-LON@fgsglobal.com Richard Webster-Smith +44 7796 708551 Rory King +44 7917 086 227 For Sumitomo Corporation Corporate Communications Department Contact Us Sumitomo Corporation For Apollo Noah Gunn, Global Head of Investor Relations +1 (212) 822-0540 IR@apollo.com Joanna Rose, Global Head of Corporate Communications +1(212) 822-0491 Communications@apollo.com For Brookfield Rachel Wood, Vice President, Communications +1 (212) 618-3490 Rachel.wood@brookfield.com Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil extended gains on Tuesday amid supply disruption concerns following an escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Investors also awaited cues from upcoming U.S. jobs data and an OPEC+ meeting. Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 1.7 percent to $69.33 a barrel in European trading, while WTI crude futures were up nearly 3 percent at $65.87. WTI contract did not settle on Monday due to the Labour Day holiday in the United States, which signals the end of the summer driving season. Concerns about supply disruptions grew after recent Ukrainian drone attacks shut down facilities accounting for at least 17 percent of Russia's oil-processing capacity, or 1.1 million barrels per day, according to Reuters' calculations. As war rages on in Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that all options were on the table regarding sanctions on Russia for its continued war in the country. The Trump administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, providing a potentially powerful tool to Kyiv as it continues to face a relentless assault by Russia. Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said that there are no concrete plans for a trilateral meeting between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine and the U.S, contradicting Trump's words about what was agreed at the Alaska meeting. Investors also looked ahead to an upcoming OPEC+ meeting on September 7 for any clues on future production plans. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Hayasa Metals Inc. (TSXV: HAY) (OTCQB: HAYAF) ("Hayasa" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has begun its Phase 2 drill program at the Vardenis copper-gold project in central Armenia which is under option to Teck Resources Limited ("Teck"); see news release dated August 27, 2025). The planned diamond drill program is targeting a minimum 3,500 meters and is expected to be completed within eight weeks. Hayasa has contracted AT Group, a drilling company based in Yerevan, Armenia which has worked with the Company in the past. The program will utilize two Atlas Copco CS14 drill rigs, which are capable of drilling to 1,200 meters depth. Two rigs are at site and mobilized. 2025 Drill Program Overview The 2025 program will target a minimum of 3,500 meters across 10 to 12 holes, with the following priorities: Soviet Target - hosts the foremost molybdenum soil anomaly; displays extensive advanced argillic alteration (alunite, silica, topaz) at surface, IP chargeability at depth Minimum of five holes programmed to 400-500m depth Most of the holes are situated on the interpreted margins of a lithocap and targeted inwards SW-NE azimuths to intercept north-west trending mineralized structures/faults - hosts the foremost molybdenum soil anomaly; displays extensive advanced argillic alteration (alunite, silica, topaz) at surface, IP chargeability at depth Razmik Target - hosts the primary copper-in-soil anomaly; hosts "B & D" veins at surface Minimum of two holes Testing IP chargeability anomaly, coincident conductivity anomalies Coherent Cu and Mo soil anomalies Highest Mo geochemistry in rock chip samples hosts the primary copper-in-soil anomaly; hosts "B & D" veins at surface Artsiv Target Minimum of one hole High sulfidation epithermal characteristics Significant vuggy silica and advanced argillic alteration at surface Main focus of interest for Dundee Precious Metals (TSX: DPM) , which drilled seven shallow holes west of the current target The images below show the Vardenis license area and planned 2025 drill hole locations, including primary and secondary targets. Early drill results will determine which targets are prioritized for subsequent drilling. Figure 1. Vardenis license showing prospects, initial planned drill holes & 2023 drill holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/264653_016083a25475cbaa_002full.jpg Figure 2. Northern area of Vardenis license with proposed priority drill hole locations. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/264653_016083a25475cbaa_003full.jpg Figure 3. Other possible drill sites depending on results from the first holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/264653_016083a25475cbaa_004full.jpg Historic Work by Dundee Precious Metals Identification of seven mineralized-at-surface prospects Extensive soil sample grid comprising 4,044 multi-element samples Trenching and rock chip sampling totaling 2,187 multi-element rock samples Seven shallow drill holes in the Artsiv prospect, totaling 1,245m Over 2,000 SWIR (shortwave infrared) scans from various outcrops and surface samples Work carried out by Hayasa Metals 2023-2025 23 line-kilometer high resolution IP Survey 92 station magneto-telluric survey (recently completed) Phase 1 drilling comprising two diamond drill holes totaling 770m in the Razmik prospect Spectral analysis of an additional 722 surface rock and clay samples Detailed mapping of Razmik and Soviet areas by specialist consultants, including Simon Meldrum whose report can be found here: https://hayasametals.com/projects/vardenis/ Hayasa Management comments Hayasa President and Chairman, Dennis Moore, comments, "We're commencing a significant drill campaign in what is essentially near-virgin, highly prospective terrain. The discovery of a significant porphyry copper-moly deposit would be a game-changer for our team and investors. We are confident that the 2025 drill program has genuine potential for success. The porphyry-style veining and mineralogy identified in previous Hayasa drill holes, combined with encouraging results from recent IP and MT geophysical surveys, gives us a high level of confidence moving forward. As an exploration geologist, this is the kind of opportunity we live for. The potential reward is immense, and I like our chances." Hayasa CEO, Joel Sutherland, states, "Partnering with Teck on Vardenis is good for mining, and great for Armenia and its mining community. The introduction of Teck, a world class operator, to Armenia is happening at the same period in time when country risk is lowering due to the recent U.S.-brokered peace deal signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Washington, D.C.. We believe Vardenis has the potential to host a tier-one copper-moly-gold porphyry deposit and we look forward to adding additional properties to the Hayasa portfolio over 2026." About Vardenis The Vardenis exploration project is located within the Central Tethyan Belt of east-central Armenia, covering 9,399 hectares and accessible by road. In 2023, Hayasa entered into an option agreement with Mendia Resources and its majority shareholder to acquire up to a 100% interest, now superseded by the option granted to Teck (see news release dated August 27, 2025). Situated just 25 km from the 4.8-million-ounce Amulsar gold deposit, Vardenis lies within the same prospective belt of Tertiary volcanic rocks. A former Dundee Precious Metals project, previous exploration defined an area of advanced argillic and QSP (quartz-sericite-pyrite) alteration 35 km2 in extent, which hosts seven mineralized zones arranged in a concentric arc. In late 2023, the Company completed 770 meters of diamond drilling in the Razmik copper-molybdenum zone which encountered long sulfide-rich intervals displaying strong alteration, brecciation and quartz veining indicative of porphyry-style mineralization. Qualified person The content of this news release was reviewed by Dennis Moore, Hayasa's President and Chairman, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Joel Sutherland CEO Hayasa Metals Inc. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration programs at Vardenis. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264653 SOURCE: Hayasa Metals Inc. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Meridian Mining UK S (TSX: MNO) (OTCQX: MRRDF) (FSE: N2E) ("Meridian" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Mr. David Halkyard as Interim Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), following the resignation of Ms. Soraia Morais as CFO. The Company is also pleased to announce the transition of Mr. Vitor Hugo de Sousa Belo to the position of Chief Development Officer ("CDO") of the Company to oversee the development and construction of the Cabacal project. As part of the progression of the Cabacal project to decision to mine in 2027, the Company also announces the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") drill program, and the completion of the title transfer by the Agencia Nacional de Mineracao ("ANM") for the Cabacal and Santa Helena projects to Rio Cabacal Mineracao Ltda ("RCM"), the Company's Brazilian subsidiary managing the programs. Highlights of the news release: Mr. David Halkyard appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Vitor Hugo de Sousa Belo as Chief Development Officer; Cabacal DFS drill program completed; 591 holes completed for 66,487m of diamond drilling; and Cabacal Purchase Agreement advanced with Cabacal and Santa Helena titles transferred. Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, commented: "I have been working closely with David since he joined the Company, and his contribution has been exceptional, and I am very confident he will grow quickly into the CFO role. David has been working with Soraia to ensure a smooth CFO transition, as we continue to execute on our growth strategy. On behalf of the Board and management of the Company, I would like to thank Soraia for her dedication and many contributions to the Company. We wish Soraia all the best in her future endeavors. "I am also very pleased to announce Vitor's increased role as the Company's Chief Development Officer. Vitor has been with the Company since 2019 and has led the Brazilian engineering team's successful completion of Cabacal's PEA and PFS. Having him now joining Meridian's Executive team is a tremendous boost for the Cabacal DFS1 roll out and beyond. "The completion of the Cabacal DFS drill program and the title transfer of the Cabacal and Santa Helena projects, are key milestones and de-risking events for Meridian as we progress to a decision to mine in 2027." Appointment of Chief Financial Officer The appointment of Mr. David Halkyard as Interim Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), following the resignation of Ms. Soraia Morais as CFO. Mr Halkyard brings over 20 years' experience in mining-focussed banking and investment management, including senior roles at Resource Capital Funds, Bank of Montreal and Societe Generale. David has served as the Company's Senior Vice President - Finance2. Both changes are effective September 1, 2025. Ms. Morais served as the Company's CFO since the reorganization of the Company in 2020 and resigned from her position with the Company to pursue other business opportunities. Appointment of Chief Development Officer In his role as CDO, Mr. Belo will be responsible for leading the Company's Cabacal Mine development strategy, including overseeing the completion of the definitive feasibility study of the Cabacal VMS gold-copper project and being the principal liaison with the respective Brazilian mining and environmental authorities. Mr. Belo, who has served as the Company's Principal Mining Consultant in Brazil since 2019, brings over 30 years' experience in the Brazilian mining industry, managing extensive mining operations and leading the engineering and construction of multiple beneficiation plants. Mr. Belo has worked for companies such as Rio Tinto, Kinross and Yamana, Rio Novo, Carpathian Gold and Brio Gold and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the Universidade Catolica de Minas Gerais, a postgraduate degree in business management from Fundacao Dom Cabral, and project management courses from Ibmec. Cabacal Definitive Feasibility Drill Program The Company reports that it has concluded the DFS drilling at Cabacal. In Cabacal and near mine areas, the Company has drilled 591 holes (66,487m), supplementing an already large database from the prior work of BP Minerals / RTZ. Various samples have been sent to SGS Lakefield in Canada for the final phase of metallurgical testwork which includes variability testwork from the initial phase of planned production, with floatation tests having commenced, and a mini pilot plant test being scheduled. The Company is liaising with its resource and mining consultancy, GE21, in preparation for DFS modelling and mine planning. With the Cabacal drilling campaign now finished, the rigs that had been allocated to the program will shift their focus to evaluation of regional targets in the extension of the belt to the northwest and southeast. Company staff are also active in expanding access agreements to the newly granted exploration licences where past reconnaissance work highlighted gold and base metal stream anomalies requiring ground follow-up. Geophysical programs remain in vigour to test new frontiers in an expanding campaign of exploration. Cabacal Purchase Agreement Update The Company signed the Cabacal Purchase Agreement in November 20203 (the "Agreement"). As part of the Agreement's Second Instalment, it included the transfer of certain mining titles to RCM, the Company's Brazilian subsidiary managing the programs. Licences 866.292/2004 (hosting the Cabacal mine) and 861.956/1980 (hosting the Santa Helena mine), as shown in Figure 1, have now been registered to RCM by the ANM, concluding the transfer of the key titles. Transfers for three exploration licences remain in progress. We look forward to the ongoing engagement with mining and environmental agencies in advancement of the project. Figure 1. Licence status map, including the recently transferred Cabacal (866292/2004) and Santa Helena (861956/1980) licence areas. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7354/264684_e5b858d7c4f66961_001full.jpg ABOUT MERIDIAN Meridian Mining is focused on: The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS gold-copper project; The initial resource definition at the second higher-grade VMS asset at Santa Helena as the first stage of the Cabacal Hub development strategy; Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt to expand the Cabacal Hub strategy; and Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil). The Pre-feasibility Study technical report (the "PFS Technical Report") dated March 31, 2025, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Pre-feasibility Study" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 984 million and 61.2% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 248 million, leading to capital repayment in 17 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 2,119 per ounces of gold, USD 4.16 per pound of copper, and USD 26.89 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in Sustaining-Cost of USD 742 per ounce gold equivalent & production profile of 141,000 ounce gold equivalent life of mine, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.3:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil. The Cabacal Mineral Reserve estimate consists of Proven and Probable reserves of 41.7 million tonnes at 0.63g/t gold, 0.44% copper and 1.64g/t silver (at a 0.25 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade). Readers are encouraged to read the PFS Technical Report in its entirety. The PFS Technical Report may be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co. The PFS Technical Report was prepared for the Company by Tommaso Roberto Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC; John Anthony McCartney, C.Geol., Ausenco Chile Ltda.; Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodriguez (Engineer Geologist FAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Leonardo Soares (PGeo, MAIG), Senior Geological Consultant of GE21 Consultoria Mineral; Norman Lotter (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.Eng.), of Flowsheets Metallurgical Consulting Inc.; and, Juliano Felix de Lima (Engineer Geologist MAIG), of GE21 Consultoria Mineral. Qualified Person Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., FAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified, and approved the technical information in this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S, Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/. Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. 1 See Meridian news release dated May 8, 2025 2 See Meridian news release dated March 10, 2025 3 See Meridian news release dated November 9, 2020 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264684 SOURCE: Meridian Mining UK Societas Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Hannan Metals Limited's (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) ("Hannan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the identification of a new gold zone at Honda Creek, located 1.3 km to 2.1 km south-southwest of the Previsto Central prospect at its 100% owned Valiente project in Peru. Key Points: Significant New Gold Zone Identified: A substantial 2 km x 0.8 km gold anomalous zone has been discovered at Honda Creek, located 1.3 km to 2.1 km south-southwest of the Previsto Central prospect. At Honda Creek rock chip samples returning up to 0.92 g/t Au and soil samples up to 0.70 g/t Au, representing a major expansion of the known mineralized footprint beyond Previsto Central. Gold-Focused System in Sedimentary Host Rocks: The Honda Creek zone demonstrates gold-only mineralization (all samples <500 ppm Cu) predominantly hosted within the Chonta Formation limestone and siltstone units with small scattered intrusives, indicating a different mineralization style that complements the alkaline intrusive-hosted epithermal system at Previsto Central located 1.3 km to 2.1 km north-northeast. Extensive Surface Sampling Confirms Mineralization: Systematic sampling confirms widespread gold anomalism across the entire 1.6 km area. Strategic Expansion of District-Scale System: The Honda Creek discovery extends the greater Previsto mineralized system to over 5 km in strike length, reinforcing the district-scale potential of this emerging gold camp and providing multiple exploration vectors for future drill targeting. Validates Exploration Model Beyond Porphyry Hosts: The identification of gold mineralization within sedimentary Chonta Formation rocks demonstrates that mineralization extends beyond the K-feldspar porphyry-hosted zones, significantly expanding the prospective ground within the Company's 1,002 km land package. Michael Hudson, CEO, states: "The first results from the new Honda Creek area represent a significant expansion of our Previsto gold system. Finding this extensive 2,000 m by 800 m gold zone in predominantly sedimentary host rocks, distinct from our alkaline epithermal mineralization at Previsto Central, demonstrates we're dealing with a multi-phase, district-scale gold system. "The gold-only signature and limestone host rocks suggest potential for carbonate replacement or sediment-hosted gold mineralization styles, adding an entirely new dimension to our exploration model. With surface samples returning up to 0.92 g/t Au across this vast area, we're seeing the hallmarks of a major gold district emerging. This discovery, combined with our advancing drill program at Belen and the systematic expansion at Previsto Central, positions Hannan at the forefront of one of Peru's most exciting new gold frontiers." "We're looking at a vast 'sea of gold' opportunity. Our next exploration campaigns have strategically focused on our high-grade areas where sampling has discussed 26.0 m @ 5.4 g/t Au, specifically designed to expand known zones and systematically identify high-grade mineralization trends within this emerging gold district (Figure 2)." Technical Discussion Honda Creek Gold Mineralization The Honda Creek area represents a new gold discovery located 1,300 m to 2,100 m south-southwest of the Previsto Central high-grade gold zone. This find substantially expands the known mineralized footprint of the greater Previsto district and introduces a potentially different style of gold mineralization to the project. Geological Setting and Mineralization Style Unlike the K-feldspar porphyry-hosted alkaline epithermal system at Previsto Central, the Honda Creek zone is predominantly hosted within the Chonta Formation, consisting of limestone and siltstone units with scattered small intrusive bodies. This geological setting suggests potential for: Carbonate replacement-style mineralization where gold-bearing fluids have preferentially replaced favorable limestone horizons Sediment-hosted gold systems similar to Carlin-type deposits Contact-related mineralization associated with the small intrusive bodies scattered throughout the area The exclusively gold-focused nature of the mineralization, with all rock samples containing less than 500 ppm copper, distinguishes this zone from typical porphyry-related systems and suggests a gold-specific mineralizing event. Sampling Results and Distribution The systematic sampling program at Honda Creek has defined a substantial 2,000 m x 800 m gold anomalous zone through multiple sample types: Rock Chip Sampling: 81 rock chip samples collected across the zone returned gold values ranging from 0.002 g/t to 0.92 g/t Au and averaging 0.09 g/t Au. The distribution of anomalous samples throughout the entire area indicates widespread mineralization rather than isolated occurrences. Channel Sampling: Four channel samples (CH16701, CH16719, CH16721, CH16724) with a cumulative length of 11.9 m were collected to test mineralization continuity. While returning lower grades (0.03 to 0.14 g/t Au), these channels confirm the pervasive nature of gold mineralization across different structural orientations. Soil Geochemistry: 26 soil samples returned anomalous gold values ranging from 0.03 g/t to 0.70 g/t Au and averaging 0.12 g/t Au. The elevated gold in soils across this large area provides strong evidence for underlying bedrock mineralization and defines clear vectors for follow-up exploration. Implications for District-Scale Potential The Honda Creek discovery significantly enhances the district-scale potential of the greater Previsto area by: Expanding the mineralized footprint from the known 3 km x 3 km area at Previsto Central to a district spanning over 5 km in strike length Demonstrating multiple mineralization styles within a single district, increasing the potential for multiple deposit types Validating the exploration model in sedimentary host rocks, dramatically expanding the prospective ground within Hannan's land package Next Steps at Honda Creek The Company plans to advance the Honda Creek discovery through: Detailed geological mapping to understand structural controls on mineralization Systematic channel sampling of available outcrops Integration with the upcoming Previsto drill permit application Drill Permitting in Previsto (DIA Amanecer) A ten-person environmental team including professional environmental archaeological investigations, community workshops and liaison activities has now completed collecting appropriate information necessary to make the submittal for approval to the DGAAM - General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs - of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Peru. The work program includes: Environmental baseline monitoring for the project, conducted by third party experts (now complete); Submission to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture the CIRA (Certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains) which declares that the project does not impact archaeological sites; Public participation meetings outlining Hannan's exploration plans will be held in the hamlets of Nueva Palestina, Inca Garcilazo, Chancadora and Previsto, where the communities are on record as approving the company's proposed drill program; The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. About the Valiente Project The 100% owned Valiente project is in central eastern Peru, east of the city of Tingo Maria (Figures 1 and 2). The area is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The project was found in 2021 during an extensive greenfields prospecting program initiated by Hannan for back-arc porphyry copper-gold systems. The Company has been actively prospecting on the project since 2021 and has successfully gained social permits progressively in all areas of interest. During 2021 Hannan staked and still holds 1,002 km2 of 100% owned mining concessions at Valiente covering unexplored terrain for potential mineralized porphyry targets in central eastern Peru. The Valiente Project has rapidly evolved from a greenfields prospect to a multi-prospect opportunity. Early surface prospecting identified two outcropping copper-gold porphyry targets and one epithermal target at Belen (see Press Release Feb 16, 2023). Porphyry areas quickly followed at Serrano Norte, Serrano and Pucacunga. The focus more recently has been on Previsto. At Previsto and Belen, a district-scale porphyry cluster within an area of 25 km by 10 km, with eight porphyry and/or epithermal targets now identified in more detail with up to 10 earlier stage targets awaiting further work. The company is executing a multi-year strategy to systematically explore and drill test its extensive land package in this emerging Miocene-aged, linked porphyry-epithermal mineral belt. Technical Background All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using trackable parcels and by company staff. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250 g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest performed on 0.25 g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Gold was analyzed in rock and soils by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30 g fire assay sample charge. Soil samples were analyzed by a portable XRF (VANTA-VMR) using an in-house protocol which includes routine use of CRM and field duplicates as well as 10% check samples analyzed by ALS Lima. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples. At this stage true widths of mineralization are not known. Grab or panel samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) Hannan Metals Limited is an exploration company focused on the discovery of large gold and copper mineralizing systems in new frontiers in Peru. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Australia, Europe and South America. Mr. Michael Hudson FAusIMM, Hannan's Chairman and CEO, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements. Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news. Figure 1: Overview of the 1,002 km2 Valiente project area in Peru. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5402/264712_96bb9a36e4bcebfe_004full.jpg Figure 2: Map showing the vast 5x5 km gold anomaly at Previsto and the location of the Honda Creek results, in comparison to the Cripple Creek gold district. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5402/264712_96bb9a36e4bcebfe_005full.jpg Figure 3: Zoomed in map of Honda Creek work area with soil and rock chip results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5402/264712_96bb9a36e4bcebfe_006full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264712 SOURCE: Hannan Metals Ltd. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) said its Board has unanimously approved a plan to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off. The two resulting companies will be: Global Taste Elevation Co.; and North American Grocery Co. Kraft Heinz expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026. Global Taste Elevation Co. will include a roster of iconic brands and local jewels, including - Heinz, Philadelphia and Kraft Mac & Cheese - with approximately 75% of net sales coming from sauces, spreads and seasonings. North American Grocery Co. will include a portfolio of brands, including - Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. Carlos Abrams-Rivera will continue to serve as CEO of Kraft Heinz and will become CEO of North American Grocery Co. upon completion. The Board has been working with a global executive search firm to identify potential CEO candidates for Global Taste Elevation Co. Miguel Patricio, the current Chair of the Board, will become Executive Chair. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Market Research has recently published a research report titled "Specialty Polymers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product Type (Elastomers, Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Composites, Biodegradable Polymers, Others), by Processing Technology (Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Compression Molding, 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing), by End Use (Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Electrical & Electronics, Building & Construction), by Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa) - Historic Data (2021-2024) & Forecast Period (2025-2035)". The global Specialty Polymers Market, valued at USD 87.5 Billion in 2024, is projected to reach approximately USD 179.48 Billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.75% over the forecast period. The demand for specialty polymers is rising due to their superior performance characteristics, including high thermal stability, chemical resistance, lightweight structure, and enhanced mechanical strength. Growth is further supported by increasing adoption across automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, medical devices, and renewable energy applications, as industries shift toward advanced, sustainable, and high-performance materials. Get Access to Free Sample Research Report with Latest Industry Insights @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/specialty-polymer-market-4237/request-sample (Sample reports are a great way to test our in-depth reports or study before you make a purchase) The newly updated, 235+ page reports provide an in-depth analysis. Using industry data and interview with experts, you can learn about topics such as regional impact analysis, global forecast, competitive landscape analysis, size & share of regional markets. We offer these reports in PDF format so you can read them on your computer and print them out. Free sample includes, Industry Operating Conditions, Industry Market Size, Profitability Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Industry Major Players, Historical and Forecast, Growth Porter's 5 Forces Analysis, Revenue Forecasts, Industry Trends, Industry Financial Ratios. The report also presents the country-wise and region-wise analysis of the Vantage Market Research and includes a detailed analysis of the key factors affecting the growth of the market. and includes a detailed analysis of the key factors affecting the growth of the market. Sample Report further sheds light on the Major Market Players with their Sales Volume, Business Strategy and Revenue Analysis, to offer the readers an advantage over others. Key Takeaways: Asia Pacific dominated the global specialty polymers market with over 40% share in 2024, led by strong demand from automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing in China, Japan, and India. North America is anticipated to grow steadily, driven by innovations in aerospace, defense, and healthcare sectors. By product type, the elastomers segment held the largest share due to their widespread use across automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries, where high-performance elastomers such as silicone, polybutadiene, and polyurethane deliver superior flexibility, durability, and thermal resistance. By application, the automotive sector is projected to expand rapidly as OEMs increasingly use specialty polymers to enhance fuel efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Top Key Players for Specialty Polymer Market 3M Company Arkema S.A. BASF SE Evonik Industries AG Solvay S.A. Croda International Plc Specialty Polymers, Inc. PolyOne Corporation (now Avient Corporation) Dow Inc. Clariant AG To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/specialty-polymer-market-4237/request-sample "With increasing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and eco-friendly materials, specialty polymers are no longer just an option-they are becoming a critical driver of innovation and competitive advantage across automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronics industries," said Nneha Rathod Godbole, Founder and CEO at Vantage Market Research. Market Overview & Potential The global specialty polymers market, valued at USD 87.5 Billion in 2024, is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 6.75% to reach USD 179.48 Billion by 2035, underscoring its pivotal role in modern manufacturing and high-performance applications. Specialty polymers are widely utilized in advanced electronics, automotive, packaging, and medical devices, offering properties that conventional polymers cannot deliver. Growing emphasis on lightweighting in transportation, rising adoption of renewable energy infrastructure, and rapid advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are fueling market expansion. Sustainability trends and regulatory shifts are reshaping the industry landscape. The push for recyclable, bio-based, and eco-friendly specialty polymers is accelerating investments in green chemistry and circular economy solutions. Multinational manufacturers are developing advanced formulations for biodegradable packaging, next-generation medical devices, and energy-efficient coatings, reinforcing the market's long-term growth trajectory. What Factors Are Accelerating the Demand and Growth of the Specialty Polymer Market? The growth of the global specialty polymers market is being accelerated by rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in automotive and aerospace sectors, where reducing carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency are top priorities. In the electronics industry, specialty polymers play a vital role in insulation, semiconductors, and flexible displays. The medical industry is another key growth driver, with polymers increasingly used in implants, surgical instruments, and drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility. Additionally, renewable energy projects, including wind turbines and solar panels, are expanding the adoption of specialty polymers for their weather resistance and durability. Packaging innovations, especially sustainable and flexible solutions, further boost demand. What are Emerging Trends Shaping the Specialty Polymer Market? Growing Role in Electric Vehicles (EVs): Specialty polymers are increasingly replacing metals in EV batteries, insulation, and lightweight components to improve performance and extend range. Specialty polymers are increasingly replacing metals in EV batteries, insulation, and lightweight components to improve performance and extend range. Sustainability & Bio-Based Polymers: Companies are investing in eco-friendly polymers, including biodegradable and recyclable solutions, in response to global environmental concerns. Companies are investing in eco-friendly polymers, including biodegradable and recyclable solutions, in response to global environmental concerns. Medical Device Innovation: The rising use of specialty polymers in minimally invasive devices, implants, and diagnostic tools is expanding opportunities in the healthcare sector. The rising use of specialty polymers in minimally invasive devices, implants, and diagnostic tools is expanding opportunities in the healthcare sector. Advanced Packaging Solutions: Specialty polymers are enabling smart packaging, barrier films, and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Specialty polymers are enabling smart packaging, barrier films, and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Aerospace & Defense Applications: High-performance polymers with superior thermal and mechanical properties are being deployed in aircraft structures, coatings, and defense equipment. What are Major Challenges Hindering Specialty Polymer Market Growth? The specialty polymers market faces challenges such as high production costs compared to conventional polymers, limiting their adoption in cost-sensitive industries. Volatility in raw material prices, particularly petrochemical feedstocks, can affect profitability. Stricter environmental regulations on plastic waste and chemical emissions also add compliance pressures. Additionally, competition from alternative lightweight materials such as composites and metals, along with technological complexity in developing bio-based polymers at scale, poses hurdles for manufacturers. Recent Developments In 2025, Arkema introduced Zenimid, an ultra-high-performance polyimide range tailored for aerospace, automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors. This flagship product underscores Arkema's expansion in high-performance polymers In July 2025, AGC introduced new grades in its AFLAS FFKM fluoroelastomer series, developed without surfactants or fluorinated polymerization solvents-marking a first-of-its-kind innovation in the industry. The newly launched SF grades deliver the same high performance as traditional fluoroelastomers while meeting the rising demand for more sustainable and environmentally responsible production processes. In March 2025, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and OMV announced plans to establish a global polyolefins leader by merging Borouge and Borealis into Borouge Group International. As part of this consolidation, the new entity will acquire Nova Chemicals in a landmark deal valued at USD 13.4 billion, significantly strengthening its global market footprint. Buy this Premium Research Report | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/specialty-polymer-market-4237/checkout Benefits of Purchasing Specialty Polymer Market Reports: Customer Satisfaction : Our sales team of experts will available for you 24/7. : Our sales team of experts will available for you 24/7. Analyst Support : Speak to our analyst about your questions before or after purchasing the report. : Speak to our analyst about your questions before or after purchasing the report. Assured Quality : Focuses on perfection and quality of reports. : Focuses on perfection and quality of reports. Incomparable Skills: Our Analysts in-depth insights are beyond comparison. Strategic Insights for Decision-Makers: How Will This Market Impact Manufacturing and Industrial Supply Chains? The specialty polymers market plays a pivotal role across automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical industries. These polymers are essential for lightweight components, high-performance elastomers, bio-based plastics, and advanced composites. As demand for energy-efficient vehicles, renewable energy systems, and sustainable packaging grows, secure and cost-effective access to specialty polymers will become critical. Any disruption in polymer supply or price volatility in feedstocks (like petrochemicals, bio-based monomers, or specialty additives) can directly impact manufacturing timelines, production costs, and end-product quality. Impact: Manufacturers will increasingly seek long-term supplier partnerships, diversify sourcing across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe, and invest in backward integration or in-house compounding to stabilize supply and mitigate risks. What Risks Should Investors Track? Investors should monitor three main risks in the specialty polymers market: Feedstock Volatility: Fluctuating prices of petrochemicals and bio-based monomers can squeeze margins for polymer producers. Regulatory Pressure: Stringent environmental regulations (REACH, EU Green Deal) and mandates for recyclable/biodegradable materials may require costly reformulations. Substitution Risk: Emergence of next-gen materials, such as biopolymers or advanced composites, could reduce demand for conventional specialty polymers. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions or shipping bottlenecks, may create regional shortages, impacting profitability for downstream industries like automotive and electronics. What Opportunities Exist for Sustainable Materials Leaders? Sustainability and lightweighting pressures are reshaping the specialty polymers landscape. Bio-based and eco-friendly polymers are projected to grow at nearly twice the CAGR of conventional polymers. Leaders in green polymer chemistry can capitalize on: Bio-based and biodegradable polymers - appealing to regulators, OEMs, and eco-conscious brands. - appealing to regulators, OEMs, and eco-conscious brands. Advanced composites for EVs and aerospace - supporting energy efficiency and emission reduction targets. - supporting energy efficiency and emission reduction targets. Medical-grade polymers - aligned with next-gen therapeutics, implants, and diagnostics. For green chemistry and materials innovation leaders, this is a strategic inflection point: early investment in sustainable polymer R&D and production capacity can secure premium margins while also attracting ESG-focused investors and long-term industrial partnerships. Regional Insights What Makes Asia Pacific the Powerhouse of the Specialty Polymer Market? Asia Pacific dominated the global specialty polymers market in 2024, accounting for over 41.3% of total revenue, driven by rapid industrialization, a booming automotive sector, and strong electronics manufacturing hubs in China, Japan, South Korea, and India. China alone contributes nearly 30% of the world's electronics output, heavily relying on specialty polymers for semiconductors, displays, and batteries. The region is also at the forefront of EV expansion-China sold 9.5 million EVs in 2024, while India's EV market grew by 33% YoY, both fueling demand for high-performance polymers in batteries, lightweight components, and thermal management applications. Additionally, government-backed renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind, further amplify consumption. How Does North America Strengthen its Position in the Global Specialty Polymer Market? North America represented about 25% of the global market share in 2024, with the U.S. leading in innovation and R&D investments. The region's specialty polymer demand is reinforced by strong adoption in aerospace, defense, and medical devices, with the U.S. aerospace sector alone valued at USD 418 billion in 2024. High focus on advanced composites and bio-based polymers is supported by regulatory initiatives promoting sustainability. The healthcare sector also plays a critical role-medical device sales in the U.S. surpassed USD 190 billion in 2024, requiring biocompatible specialty polymers for implants, drug delivery, and surgical instruments. Why is Europe Emerging as a Leader in Sustainable Specialty Polymer Production? Europe accounts for nearly 21% of the global market, spearheading sustainable innovation in specialty polymers. Stringent EU regulations, such as REACH and the Green Deal, have accelerated the adoption of recyclable, biodegradable, and bio-based polymers. Germany and France lead R&D in eco-friendly polymer chemistry, while the European automotive sector-valued at over USD 450 billion in 2024-is increasingly integrating lightweight specialty polymers to meet stringent CO2 emission targets. Packaging is another high-demand area, as Europe consumes ~20 million tons of plastic annually, with a growing share being replaced by specialty polymers designed for recyclability and biodegradability. How Is Latin America Unlocking New Growth Opportunities in the Specialty Polymer Market? Latin America accounted for around 7% of the global market in 2024, with demand accelerating in packaging, construction, and automotive industries. Brazil, producing 2.5 million vehicles annually, is a key driver of automotive-grade specialty polymers. Mexico, serving as a North American manufacturing hub, is expanding its polymer consumption in electronics and industrial applications. Growing emphasis on sustainability has opened opportunities in eco-friendly packaging, with Brazil's packaging market alone expected to cross USD 25 billion by 2030, offering a strong platform for specialty polymer adoption. What Role Does the Middle East & Africa Play in the Specialty Polymers Market Expansion? The Middle East & Africa (MEA) is poised for steady growth due to rising investments in infrastructure, oil & gas, and renewable energy. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's industrial strategy are driving specialty polymer adoption across petrochemicals, construction, and water treatment sectors. South Africa's renewable energy market, projected to grow at over 7% CAGR, is also creating demand for specialty polymers in wind turbine blades, solar panels, and energy storage systems. Segmental Insights By Type Why Did Elastomers Dominate the Specialty Polymer Market in 2024? Elastomers dominated the specialty polymers market in 2024, accounting for 33.4% of total revenue, supported by their extensive use in tires, seals, gaskets, medical devices, and electronics. Within elastomers, polyurethanes held nearly 12.5% share, making them the largest sub-category due to their versatility in automotive interiors, footwear, and insulation applications. Elastomers are projected to grow at a 6.8% CAGR through 2035, fueled by demand from EVs and sustainable construction materials. By Processing Technology Which Processing Technology Segment Leads the Specialty Polymer Market? Injection molding accounted for 37.2% of the processing technology segment in 2024, making it the dominant method in specialty polymer production. Its widespread use in automotive parts, consumer goods, packaging, and electronics housings is attributed to high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and precision. The segment is expected to expand at a 7.1% CAGR during 2025-2035, supported by the integration of 3D-printed molds and automated production lines. By End Use Which end user account for the largest market share in 2024? The automotive sector represented the largest share of the market in 2024 at 36.5%, driven by rising adoption of lightweight composites, high-performance elastomers, and thermoplastics in EV battery systems, interiors, and structural components. With the EV market projected to grow at over 20% annually, demand for specialty polymers in this sector will remain strong. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 235 Pages and in-depth TOC on Specialty Polymer Market Forecast Report (2025-2035). Segments Covered in The Report Type Elastomers (Natural rubber, Polyurethanes, Polybutadiene, Silicone, Neoprene) Thermoset's polymers Thermoplastic polymers Composites polymer Electroluminescent polymers Biodegradable polymers Liquid crystal polymers conducting polymers Others Processing Technology Injection Molding Extrusion Blow Molding Compression Molding Rotational Molding Thermoforming 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing End Use Automotive Building and Construction Adhesives and Sealants Electrical and Electronics Medical Aerospace Marine Other Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of MEA Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/specialty-polymer-market-4237/checkout Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which region is expected to witness the fastest and highest growth in the specialty polymers market over the next decade? Who are the top five players in the market, and what are their key strengths and weaknesses? What major innovations and technological advancements are anticipated in specialty polymers over the next six years? Which end-use applications and polymer types are projected to hold the largest market share? \What are the primary growth drivers, market restraints, and industry challenges influencing the specialty polymers sector? What will be the market size and CAGR of the specialty polymers market for the base year and forecast period? How will sustainability trends, bio-based polymers, and regulatory policies shape market dynamics? What opportunities exist for new entrants and green chemistry leaders in the specialty polymers market? Read Full Report with TOC @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/specialty-polymer-market-4237 Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for chemical industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions. Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per client needs or requirements. For any queries, you can contact us on sales@vantagemarketresearch.com +1 (212) 951-1369. Our sales executives will be happy to understand your needs and provide you with the most suitable reports. Browse More Reports from Vantage Library: Optical Brighteners Market is valued at USD 1.73 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 2.86 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.70% between 2025 and 2035. Super Absorbent Polymer Market is valued at USD 11.82 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 26.3 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.55% between 2025 and 2035 Cellulose Acetate Fiber Market is valued at USD 4.81 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 7.18 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.75% between 2025 and 2035. Coating Resins Market is valued at USD 45.28 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 77.01 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.95% between 2025 and 2035. Waterborne Coatings Market is valued at USD 91.14 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 165.01 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.55% between 2025 and 2035. Bioplastic Packaging Market is valued at USD 19.55 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 115.6 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17.55% between 2025 and 2035. Aerospace Materials Market is valued at USD 43.88 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 99.35 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.75% between 2025 and 2035. Butadiene Market is valued at USD 35.38 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 70.95 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.55% between 2025 and 2035. Concrete Floor Coatings Market is valued at USD 18.29 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 30.37 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.75% between 2025 and 2035. Carbon Nanotubes Market is valued at USD 1.31 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 6.17 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 15.15% between 2025 and 2035. Plastic to Fuel Market is valued at USD 2.84 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 6.32 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.55% between 2025 and 2035. About Us Vantage Market Research is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and leading biopharma firms, delivering high-quality market research reports and actionable intelligence across healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced cell therapies. Our globally recognized insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, anticipate trends, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact us Priya M Head of Growth & Strategic Partnerships 224 W 35th St Ste 500, New York, NY 10001, United States Tel: +1 (212) 951-1369 Email: sales@vantagemarketresearch.com | priya.m@vantagemarketresearch.com Website: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/ Latest Vantage Market Research Press Releases Latest Vantage Market Research Blog Vantage Market Research All Reports MarketReports.us Market Business Insights vmr.biz v-mr.biz Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758208/Vantage_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/specialty-polymer-market-size-to-project-usd-179-48-billion-by-2035--cagr-6-75--vantage-market-research-302543675.html TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI) has been awarded two subsea contracts by Petrobras for flexible pipe for use in multiple basins. The first award is a substantial(1) contract to design, engineer, and manufacture flexible gas injection risers. This high-technology solution will sustain reservoir pressure and enhance production efficiency through high-capacity gas reinjection in pre-salt formations in the Santos Basin. The second award, which followed a competitive tender, is a significant(2) contract to design, engineer, and manufacture flexible risers and flowlines for deployment on assets in the Campos Basin. Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: "As Petrobras unlocks Brazil's energy resources, we are proud to provide technology and expertise that support some of their most technically challenging projects. TechnipFMC is a subsea innovation leader and continues to advance flexible technology to support new projects and enhance value for its clients." Manufacturing will be fulfilled exclusively at TechnipFMC's flexibles manufacturing facility in Acu, Brazil. For more than 40 years, TechnipFMC has delivered advanced technological solutions while supporting the development of local economies in Brazil. (1) For TechnipFMC, a "substantial" contract is between $250 million and $500 million. (2) For TechnipFMC, a "significant" contract is between $75 million and $250 million. Important Information for Investors and Securityholders Forward-Looking Statement This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words "expect," "believe," "estimated," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, including our assumptions and projections regarding the expected benefits of the awarded contract, please see our risk factors set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. About TechnipFMC TechnipFMC is a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy industries, delivering fully integrated projects, products, and services. With our proprietary technologies and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics, helping them unlock new possibilities to develop energy resources while reducing carbon intensity and supporting their energy transition ambitions. Organized in two business segments Subsea and Surface Technologies we will continue to advance the industry with our pioneering integrated ecosystems (such as iEPCI, iFEED and iComplete), technology leadership and digital innovation. Each of our approximately 21,000 employees is driven by a commitment to our clients' success, and a culture of strong execution, purposeful innovation, and challenging industry conventions. TechnipFMC uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. To learn more about how we are driving change in the industry, go to www.TechnipFMC.com and follow us on X @TechnipFMC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902288981/en/ Contacts: Investor relations Matt Seinsheimer Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development Tel: +1 281 260 3665 Email: Matt Seinsheimer James Davis Director, Investor Relations Tel: +1 281 260 3665 Email: James Davis Media relations David Willis Senior Manager, Public Relations Tel: +44 7841 492988 Email: David Willis TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Air Lease Corp. (AL) on Tuesday announced that it has agreed to be acquired by a newly formed Dublin-based holding company owned by Sumitomo Corp. (SSUMY, 8053.T), SMBC Aviation Capital, and investment vehicles affiliated with Apollo-managed funds and Brookfield. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Under the merger agreement, the company's shareholders will receive $65.00 in cash per Class A common share, valuing the company at about $7.4 billion, or roughly $28.2 billion including debt to be assumed or refinanced net of cash. The company said the $65.00 per share cash offer represents a 7% premium to its all-time high closing price on August 28, a 14% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price, and a 31% premium to the 12-month volume-weighted average price, both ended August 29. Sumitomo closed trading, 3.52% higher at JPY 4,264 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In the pre-market trading, Air Lease is 6.33% higher at $64 on the New York Stock Exchange. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Strategic acquisition of UK genomics leader Congenica reinforces SeqOne market position and footprint servicing over 160 labs in 30+ countries The acquisition creates the largest global 'software pure player' in the clinical genomics space, which will maintain UK presence at the renowned Wellcome Sanger Institute SeqOne, a pioneer in AI-driven genomic analysis, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Congenica, the UK company spun out of the prestigious Wellcome Sanger Institute. The acquisition creates the largest global 'software pure player' in the genomics space, serving over 160 labs in more than 30 countries. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902639346/en/ The SeqOne team. Founded in 2012, Congenica brings a legacy of deep clinical expertise and experience servicing over 25 private and public labs, including multiple NHS Genomics Laboratory Hubs and prestigious national programs such as Genomics England and the Hong Kong Genomic Program. SeqOne is an AI-powered genomic analysis platform, providing clinical decision-support tools that enable molecular laboratories to deliver fast, accurate, and scalable analysis of genetic data for applications in oncology, rare and inherited diseases, and infectious diseases. The acquisition unites SeqOne's AI-powered platform for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis with Congenica's trusted clinical decision support technology and clinical interpretation services. The integrated offering will transform complex genomic data into rapid, actionable insights, ultimately accelerating diagnosis for families affected by rare disease and enabling more precise, personalized cancer therapies. This move comes at a critical inflection point in medicine. The cost to sequence a human genome has plummeted, creating a data tsunami. For hospitals and labs worldwide, the challenge is no longer generating data, but interpreting it. This 'interpretation bottleneck' is the single biggest barrier to delivering personalized medicine, and it can only be solved with highly intelligent software. "The rapid pace of personalized medicine demands continuous investment in software innovation and deep specialization," said Martin Dubuc, CEO of SeqOne. "By integrating Congenica's world-class team, we are further enhancing our strong growth trajectory and ability to provide market-leading software to customers, expert interpretation services, and deepening our presence in the UK market a global leader in clinical genomics since the landmark 100,000 Genomes Project." The acquisition comes on the heels of a period of intense organic growth for SeqOne, which has seen the company double its revenue and expand its international presence from three to over 30 countries in just 12 months. It also follows the successful acquisition of Life Soft in April, which expanded the company's capabilities into multi-omics and virology. This momentum, supercharged by a recent 20 million funding round from top-tier VCs, has enabled SeqOne to execute its strategy to consolidate a fragmented market and build the definitive software operating system for the clinical genomics revolution. The combined entity will have a significantly expanded global footprint: Serving over 160 customer laboratories in more than 30 countries Comprising a dedicated team of over 125 employees Enabling over 200,000 patient genomic analyses in 2025 a threefold increase over 2024 SeqOne is committed to ensuring continuity of service and support for all Congenica customers, who will gain access to an expanded and integrated product portfolio. SeqOne will maintain a meaningful UK presence at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. "Congenica has been an instrumental partner to Genomics England, particularly in advancing rare disease diagnosis through their robust platform for clinical whole genome analysis," said Dr. Richard Scott, Chief Executive Officer at Genomics England. "We look forward to continuing this important work with the combined expertise of the SeqOne team to deliver benefits for patients." "The Board of Congenica is proud of the immense impact our technology has had on healthcare since our inception," said Dr Andy Richards CBE, Chairman of Congenica. "We support this combination with SeqOne, believing their vision and resources are best positioned to carry that legacy forward and ensure our innovative platform continues to thrive and serve patients globally." The deal terms will remain undisclosed. About SeqOne SeqOne is a deep-tech company committed to making personalized medicine a reality. Its AI-powered genomic analysis platform provides clinical decision-support tools that enable molecular laboratories to deliver fast, accurate, and scalable analysis of genetic data for applications in oncology, rare and inherited diseases, and infectious diseases. The company now serves a global customer base of healthcare providers and biopharmaceutical companies across more than 30 countries, supported by strong industry partnerships and an expanding presence in the US market. www.seqone.com About Congenica Congenica is a digital health company that enables the rapid and accurate analysis of complex genomic data. Its Clinical Decision Support Platform empowers clinicians to provide life-changing answers for rare disease diagnostics and oncology. As a partner to leading hospitals and research institutes globally, Congenica has deep roots in the UK's genomics ecosystem. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902639346/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Madeleine Latapie madeleine.latapie@seqone.com Managing Director Christian Jacques Relocates to London NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Okapi Partners LLC, a prominent proxy solicitation and investor response firm, today announced the expansion of its London office. This move comes in response to increased global demand for a variety of strategic services for both corporate and investor clients, including proxy solicitation, timely stock surveillance, shareholder activism services and corporate governance advisory. As part of the expansion, Christian Jacques, a Managing Director of the firm, will be relocating to London. Okapi Partners launched its London office two years ago after forming a strategic partnership with Investor Update Ltd., a prominent London-based shareholder intelligence and Investor Relations and Advisory firm. The firm has since worked on numerous transactions, investor outreach, proxy contests, corporate governance consulting, remuneration (REM) votes and activism defense. Mr. Jacques, a fluent French speaker, will also play a role building Okapi Partners' business in France and across the European continent. "I'm thrilled to have Christian join the Okapi Partners team in London to build on the successful launch of our office and our European proxy solicitation business. This move reflects the firm's continued commitment to expanding our presence across Europe and enhancing our services to activist investors and corporate clients navigating complex corporate governance and shareholder relations challenges," said Patrick McHugh, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director of Okapi Partners, who has led the firm's London expansion. Okapi Partners is consistently ranked among the top proxy solicitation firms both in the U.S. and globally by Bloomberg, Diligent and other data providers. The expansion of its physical presence in Europe will enable the firm to better serve the needs of corporate clients and institutional investors in a rapidly changing global corporate governance landscape in Europe as well as Japan and other key markets in Asia. "Since joining Okapi Partners, Christian has formed strong relationships within the hedge fund and arbitrage communities and is highly valued by clients for his work on mergers, tender offers, activist campaigns, and shareholder intelligence analysis," said Tony Quinn, Senior Managing Director and Head of Okapi Partners' London office. "I'm delighted to welcome him to our growing team in London." About Okapi Partners LLC Founded in 2008, Okapi Partners is a leading strategic proxy solicitation and investor response firm that provides a full range of solicitation and information agent services, as well as support for M&A transactions, activist-related strategies, corporate governance and ESG consulting, market intelligence, and advisory services. Okapi Partners represents corporations, institutional investors, investment management companies and their management firms, private equity firms, and hedge funds, and provides them with superior intellectual capital, industry relationships and execution capabilities. For more information visit www.okapipartners.com. Media Contact: Zach Kouwe/Will Butler Dukas Linden Public Relations okapi@dlpr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/okapi-partners-expands-london-office-302543205.html Highlights will feature how computational intelligence is shaping the future of aerospace and defense TROY, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, will demonstrate the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered engineering, smart manufacturing, and advanced connectivity at DSEI 2025, taking place September 9-12 at the ExCel Centre in London. "AI, data, and connectivity are today's competitive advantages," said Dr. Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defense, Altair. "Altair technologies are helping the defense industry achieve next-level breakthroughs in performance, reliability, and innovation." Altair will be featuring: AI-powered digital solutions for research, development and testing (RD&T) - Altair helps defense organizations accelerate RD&T by using AI, knowledge graphs, and advanced digital engineering to connect data and tools across domains. These solutions strengthen secure communications, enable faster threat detection, and support real-time decision-making on the battlefield. By unifying information and speeding technology insertion, Altair empowers military forces and government agencies to operate smarter, adapt quickly, and stay mission ready. Altair helps defense organizations accelerate RD&T by using AI, knowledge graphs, and advanced digital engineering to connect data and tools across domains. These solutions strengthen secure communications, enable faster threat detection, and support real-time decision-making on the battlefield. By unifying information and speeding technology insertion, Altair empowers military forces and government agencies to operate smarter, adapt quickly, and stay mission ready. Optimization through data-driven manufacturing, sustainment, and modernization - While the demand for military assets and ammunition is accelerating, military personnel is focused on keeping assets ready for future mission profiles and warfare scenarios. Altair solutions are used to create unified, fused data models that connect information throughout an asset's entire lifecycle, including managing production machines and maintenance databases, enabling flexible production planning, preventing failures, and automating complex operations with AI agents. While the demand for military assets and ammunition is accelerating, military personnel is focused on keeping assets ready for future mission profiles and warfare scenarios. Altair solutions are used to create unified, fused data models that connect information throughout an asset's entire lifecycle, including managing production machines and maintenance databases, enabling flexible production planning, preventing failures, and automating complex operations with AI agents. Empowering startups in the defense industry - The Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP) equips emerging companies, universities, and research organizations with enterprise-grade tools to deliver advanced technologies at speed and with limited investments. The Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP) equips emerging companies, universities, and research organizations with enterprise-grade tools to deliver advanced technologies at speed and with limited investments. Solutions to identify and prevent cyberattacks - Altair technologies are used by aerospace, defense, military, and government agencies to spot and prevent sophisticated attacks. The solutions enable monitoring of large data quantity at speed, reducing false positives, and helping non experts identify and prioritize real threats. At DSEI, Altair will be located at the ADS Pavillion, Booth N7-163. For more information, visit https://altair.com/aerospace. Altair is part of Siemens, who will also be exhibiting its latest innovations in digital manufacturing and hyperscaling production at DSEI 2025, in the Maritime Suite, Greenwich Meeting Room 003. About Altair Altair is a global leader in computational intelligence that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair is part of Siemens Digital Industries Software. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com or sw.siemens.com. Media contacts Altair Corporate Bridget Hagan +1.216.769.2658 corp-newsroom@altair.com Altair Europe/The Middle East/Africa Altair Asia-Pacific Louise Wilce Man Wang +44 (0)7392 437 635 86-21-5016635"825 emea-newsroom@altair.com apac-newsroom@altair.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2760362/Altair_Newsroom_NR_DSEI_2025_Social.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1421069/Altair_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/altair-to-showcase-ai-powered-engineering-smart-manufacturing-and-connected-defense-solutions-at-dsei-2025-302541427.html PUNE, India and NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Synechron, a leading global digital transformation consulting firm, has crossed a remarkable milestone - $1 billion in revenue. In celebration of this key moment, the company is granting restricted stock units (RSUs) to all employees worldwide. "Crossing a billion dollars in revenue is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our clients and partners over the past 24 years," saidFaisal Husain, Synechron's co-founder and CEO. "By granting RSUs to our employees, we're ensuring that everyone who helped us reach this milestone shares in its rewards." Synechron's journey to $1 billion in revenue, reached this fiscal year, is result of its unique culture, strong client relationships and innovative thinking. The company over more than two decades has evolved to provide innovative solutions - including in AI, data, cloud, digital and DevOps - to clients across many sectors, including more than 200 marquee financial clients. Co-founded by Faisal Husain in 2001, Synechron started as a self-funded startup in New York City and bootstrapped its way past a billion dollars in revenue. Today, Synechron is a global family of 16,000 people spread across 59 offices in 21 countries. "Our people and client relationships have been the driving force behind this major achievement," said Mihir Shah, president, Synechron. "This moment isn't just about financial success - it's a tribute to the people and clients and partners that made it possible." About Synechron At Synechron, we use the power of digital transformation to drive positive change. As a global technology consulting firm, we blend creativity with innovation to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Synechron's technologies and strategies span artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, consulting, digital, cloud and DevOps, data, and software engineering. Through our research and development arm, FinLabs, we build award-winning solutions adaptable to the needs of our clients. Synechron has a global workforce of 16,000 employees spread across 59 offices in 21 countries. Discover more on our website or LinkedIn. For more information: Rashmi Joshi, Head - Global PR and Media and Analyst Relations, Synechron (+91) 9560694654 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1943591/Synechron_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/synechron-celebrates-1-billion-milestone-grants-equity-to-global-workforce-302543113.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the creation of a cornerstone gold royalty at Laverton in Western Australia. The Laverton royalty acquisition builds on the Company's existing coverage to create a cornerstone gold royalty in a Tier 1 jurisdiction. Elemental Altus has signed binding agreements to acquire an existing uncapped 2% Gross Revenue Royalty ("GRR") over Genesis Minerals' ("Genesis") (ASX: GMD) Focus Laverton Project in Western Australia ("Focus Laverton Royalty"), alongside an existing 2% GRR on Brightstar Resources' ("Brightstar") (ASX: BTR) producing Jasper Hills Project ("Jasper Hills Royalty"). In parallel, the Company is acquiring an existing uncapped 2.0-2.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") Royalty on Pasofino Gold's ("Pasofino") (TSXV: VEIN) feasibility-stage Dugbe Project in Liberia ("Dugbe Royalty"). Highlights: Focus Laverton Royalty (Western Australia) ~US$52 million acquisition of an uncapped 2% GRR over Genesis' recently acquired multi-million-ounce Focus Laverton Project to create third cornerstone asset alongside Karlawinda and Caserones The Focus Laverton Royalty covers ~2.1Moz of Measured and Indicated Resources and 1.5Moz of Inferred Resources adjacent to Genesis' operating Laverton mill, 99% on granted mining leases and positioned for rapid inclusion into Genesis' mine plan The Focus Laverton 2% GRR overlaps the Company's existing 2% GRR covering approximately 0.75Moz of Measured and Indicated Resources and 1.1Moz of Inferred Resources at the same project The combination of Elemental Altus' existing Laverton royalty and the Focus Laverton Royalty create a cornerstone 2-4% GRR for the Company in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with a proven mid-tier operator in Genesis Minerals Royalty tenure has been near-dormant for over a decade with Genesis highlighting the compelling exploration upside across ~300km of highly prospective licences Genesis have also announced studies are ongoing into staged processing plant expansions at their Laverton mill As part of the same transaction, the Company acquired an uncapped 2% GRR on Brightstar's producing Jasper Hills Project in the same Laverton district The Jasper Hills Royalty is currently in production with mineralised materials being toll treated through Genesis' Laverton mill while Brightstar advance standalone development plans Dugbe (Liberia) Initial US$16.5 million acquisition of an uncapped 2.0% NSR royalty over the 3.3Moz Measured and Indicated Resource at the Dugbe Project, increasing to 2.5% under certain production and gold price conditions Pasofino's 2022 Feasibility Study outlined a 14-year mine life producing ~162koz gold per annum at US$1,700/oz assumptions An updated Feasibility Study is underway and the Project is expected to be reinvigorated with the support of the new indirect majority owner, Coris Bank International Mineral Reserves of 2.8Moz gold and significant exploration upside across up to 1,257km of royalty coverage Pasofino well placed to accelerate the development of the project over 2026 and updated studies will de-risk the asset going forwards Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "These multi-million-ounce acquisitions highlight our strategy of securing both cornerstone and growth-stage gold royalties in quality jurisdictions. Laverton enhances our near-term cash flow profile through exposure to one of Western Australia's most well-known gold districts, while Dugbe adds a large-scale feasibility-stage project with long-life, multi-million-ounce potential. Together, they expand our near-term revenues and reinforce our long-term pipeline, positioning Elemental Altus as the most compelling royalty growth story in the sector. We continue to demonstrate our ability to transact on value-accretive opportunities that deliver both scale and diversification for our shareholders". Terms of the Acquisitions The Laverton acquisition is structured as an agreement to acquire a private Australian company which holds the Laverton and Jasper Hills royalties for cash consideration of A$80 million (approximately US$52 million). The Dugbe acquisition is structured as an agreement to acquire a wholly owned subsidiary of Ecora Resources PLC, which holds the Dugbe Royalty, for an initial consideration of US$16.5 million in cash, plus a contingent payment of up to US$3.5 million in cash, payable on the earlier of: US$700,000 upon the commencement of project construction; and US$2,800,000 upon the commencement of commercial production; or, A cumulative 150,000 ounces of royalty-linked gold production at Dugbe As at September 1, 2025, Elemental Altus has over US$32 million in cash and an undrawn credit facility of up to US$50 million with National Bank of Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and Royal Bank of Canada. The Dugbe acquisition is expected to close shortly with the Laverton acquisition closing prior to the end of Q4 2025. Royalty revenue from the Jasper Hill royalties, part of the Laverton acquisition, will be attributable to the Company from completion of the transaction. Laverton - 2% Gross Revenue Royalty The Laverton Project covers several Archaean greenstone belts north-northeast of Kalgoorlie which host a range of orogenic lode gold deposits, typical of the Western Australian Yilgarn Eastern Goldfields. The Laverton district is one of the best endowed gold regions in Australia, hosting a number of major deposits, such as Gold Fields' Granny Smith and AngloGold Ashanti's Sunrise Dam. Following the acquisition, Elemental Altus will hold a total 4% GRR over 67km2 of the project, and a further 2% GRR over an additional 240km2. Elemental Altus' to be acquired royalty covers a total of 307 km2 of the Laverton Project, encompassing the following deposits: Beasley Creek and Beasley Creek South and Beasley Creek South The Chatterbox Trend , including Apollo, Eclipse, Innuendo, Rumor , including Apollo, Eclipse, Innuendo, Rumor The Gladiator Trend, including Gladiator and Murrays including Gladiator and Murrays The Lancefield-Wedge Trend , including Telegraph, Wedge-Lancefield North , including Telegraph, Wedge-Lancefield North The historic underground Lancefield Gold Mine The Karridale-Burtville Project The Euro Trend , comprising both North and South deposits , comprising both North and South deposits The Cragiemore-Mary Mac Trend, including the Golden Pinnacles, Mary Mac and Craigiemore including the Golden Pinnacles, Mary Mac and Craigiemore The West Laverton-Bulldog Trend The Barnicoat Project, including Barnicoat, Admiral Hill, Bells, Castaway, Grouse and Sickle The wider Laverton project has the following JORC 2012 compliant Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates, over which Elemental Altus has significant coverage: Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 45.0 Mt @ 1.5 g/t Au for 2,100,000 ounces Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 23.0 Mt @ 2.1 g/t Au for 1,600,000 ounces Including: Probable Ore Reserve Estimate of 13.0 Mt @ 1.3 g/t Au for 546,000 ounces The newly acquired royalty area also includes an additional combined 240,000 ounces of historical gold resources at the Barnicoat Project and South Lancefield, reported to a JORC-2004 Compliant standard only. Genesis notes the clear potential for Laverton to supply open pit and underground ore to Genesis' operating 3 Mtpa Laverton mill approximately 30 km away. The mill is currently designed for standard CIL/CIP processing of free milling ores, comprising a jaw crusher and ball mill, leach tanks and an elution circuit. Genesis is investigating staged expansion opportunities, including an additional ball mill, increased leaching capacity and a crushing circuit upgrade. The new operator is also investigating the possible inclusion of refractory gold deposits, and these studies could potentially include restarting the Lancefield underground mine, with an Inferred Resource of 790,000 ounces at 6.3 g/t Au within Elemental Altus' royalty area, which could be used to supplement future mill feed. Figure 1 - Elemental Altus royalty coverage over the Laverton Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8358/264731_2895771f54ab7a52_001full.jpg Jasper Hills - 2% Gross Revenue Royalty The Jasper Hills Project consists of the Lord Byron, Fish and Gilt Key gold deposits approximately 100 km southeast of Laverton, Western Australia. The Mineral Resources lie in an underexplored greenstone belt SE of Laverton approximately 70km southeast of Brightstar's processing plant, itself located ~30km southeast of Laverton, WA. Mining has previously occurred at Jasper Hills, with Crescent Gold Limited ("Crescent") extracting 350,000t @ 3.83 g/t Au from the Fish open pit from 2011 to 2012, with ore being processed at Granny Smith. Crescent also mined 280,150t @ 1.5g/t Au for 13,510 oz gold produced from two shallow laterite pits at Lord Byron in 2012. Post 2012, Blue Cap Mining completed a further cutback at Lord Byron, with 190,400t @ 2.04g/t sold for processing at Sunrise Dam. Elemental Altus' royalty covers 32 km2 of the Jasper Hills Project, encompassing the following JORC 2012 compliant Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Estimates: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 2.5 Mt @ 1.8 g/t Au for 147,000 ounces Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.2 Mt @ 1.6 g/t Au for 160,000 ounces Including: Proven and Probable Ore Reserve Estimate of 1.5Mt @ 1.6 g/t Au for 77,000 ounces Brightstar are actively developing the underground mine at Fish, with portal access established in April 2025, and first ore intersected in late June. Stoping is on track to commence in the September quarter, with ore to be hauled to Genesis' Laverton Mill, where a tolling agreement is in place to treat Brightstar material until Q1 2026. Two underground diamond drilling platforms have been established ahead of an exploration drill campaign this quarter. Inferred Resources are present beneath the currently planned development, with exploration targets identified at depth. The company believes that there is significant potential for reserve replacement, and for the life of mine to be extended beyond the current plan. The Lord Byron open pit is scheduled to commence mining in Q3 2026, with ore to be treated at the Brightstar Mill, which is planned to be refurbished and restarted in H2 2026. It is expected that Lord Byron will provide the initial baseload feed to the expanded 1.0 Mtpa mill up to and including 2030. The current Reserve pit shell at Lord Byron is modelled using a A$3,500/oz gold price, which is significantly below consensus forecasts, increasing the likelihood for further reserve conversion, pushbacks and depth extensions to the current Resource, which is open at depth. Brightstar report ore from existing low-grade stockpiles at Lord Byron have been processed at Laverton for additional near-term production. Elemental Altus note clear intent from Brightstar to maximise efficiencies and productivity at the Jasper Hills complex, with the construction of a new camp and associated infrastructure being progressed to enhance synergies across the two operations. The Jasper Hills tenements are central to Brightstar's early production plan, using initial near-term revenue to fund exploration and develop the wider Laverton package, including at Second Fortune, Alpha and Cork Tree Well to the North. Figure 2 - Elemental Altus royalty coverage over the Jasper Hills Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8358/264731_2895771f54ab7a52_002full.jpg Dugbe - 2.0-2.5% Net Smelter Return Royalty Liberia is considered highly prospective for gold and is a geologically similar, yet underexplored jurisdiction compared to the neighbouring gold producing countries Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkino Faso and Ghana. The 2,078km2 project area is situated in an established mining region - with Bonikro, Yaoure, Ity and Abujar gold deposits all present to the northeast. The royalty covers a circular area with a 20km radius from a defined point at the southern edge of current Dugbe F pit design. The royalty area covers 1,257km2, with approximately 850km2 overlapping with the current project area. DRA Global completed a Feasibility Study for Dugbe in June 2022, and more recently, Pasofino announced that they have engaged MineScope Services to complete a gap analysis and trade-off studies to update the 2022 Feasibility Study. 'Phase One' of this process has now been completed, and improvement workstreams have been outlined for the next 12 months, leading to the planned release of an updated study next year. The proposed greenfield project is a multi-pit mine, utilising truck-shovel open pit mining methods with a single processing plant. The 2022 Dugbe Feasibility Study proposed a 5 Mtpa mill throughput with a 14-year mine life, producing ~162,000 ounces of gold per annum, averaging ~200,000 ounces of gold per annum over the first ten years of full production. All project infrastructure to be constructed is included in the study, as well as upgrades at the nearby port facility at Greenville, and the 75km access route. The royalty area also contains a number of encouraging exploration prospects, including the very promising Sackor and Bukon Jedeh areas. Figure 3 - Elemental Altus royalty coverage over the Dugbe Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8358/264731_2895771f54ab7a52_003full.jpg TSXV: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Qualified Person Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Notes Genesis Minerals Limited ASX release titled "Genesis eyes further growth in production and cashflow with the acquisition of Laverton Gold Project", dated May 25, 2025, at https://genesisminerals.com.au/ Brightstar Resources Limited ASX release titled "Compelling Scoping Study for Jasper Hills Gold Project", dated March 25, 2024, at https://brightstarresources.com.au/ Brightstar Resources Limited ASX release titled "Menzies & Laverton Gold Projects Feasibility Study Outlines $461m Free Cash Flow", dated June 30, 2025, at https://brightstarresources.com.au/ Dugbe Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report - Feasibility Study, effective June 13, 2022, and dated July 28, 2022, at https://www.pasofinogold.com/ Elemental Altus notes that for historical deposits, the tonnages and grades stated were not prepared or disclosed consistent or compliant with NI 43-101 or an acceptable foreign code. No qualified person has completed sufficient work to classify the estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, (together, "forward-looking statements"), concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of the Company. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the future price of gold; the timing of and completion of the royalty acquisitions; perceived merit of properties and exploration results; the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources; the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates; work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans; the potential rapid advancement of mining leases into Genesis' mine plan; the Company's growth prospects; the Company's estimated 2025 revenues; and the timing and amount of estimated future production. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "budget," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," "believes," "projects" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur" or "be achieved." Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, volatility in the price of gold, discrepancies between anticipated and actual production by companies in our portfolio, risks inherent in the mining industry to which the companies in our portfolio are subject, regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the accuracy of the mineral reserves, resources and recoveries set out in the technical data published by the companies in our portfolio, the unavailability of financing, and other factors. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements except in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Readers are directed to the Company's Annual Information Form dated August 18, 2025, filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) for a complete list of applicable risk factors. Investors are advised that National Instrument 43-101 Standards for disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") of the Canadian Securities Administrators requires that each category of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources be reported separately. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264731 SOURCE: Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - ONGold Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ONAU) (OTCQB: ONGRF) ("ONGold") is pleased to announce that the company has initiated an infill sampling program targeting intervals not previously sampled for tungsten and gold throughout the Monument Bay deposit ("Monument Bay") where tungsten could add a significant gold equivalent ("AuEq") to future resource estimates on the project. Tungsten, found in the form of scheelite mineralization in drill core throughout Monument Bay, has long been overlooked by earlier operators - evidenced by the fact that only 10% of the split core originally sampled for gold was assayed for tungsten content. With global demand for tungsten rising sharply, this presents a promising opportunity to unlock new value from Monument Bay. The current market price is US$42,313 per metric tonne for tungsten oxide (WO3 99.95% high-grade purity); pricing based on the Chinese export market. Tungsten is classified as a "High-Demand Critical Mineral" by Natural Resources Canada due to its exceptional hardness and highest melting point among metals. When alloyed with steel, it significantly enhances strength and wear resistance. Tungsten is essential in the production of tungsten carbide cutting tools, electrical components, armor-piercing ammunition, aerospace and automotive engine parts, and radiation shielding in medical applications. Recent field work has verified that the majority of historical drill core remains intact, has been inventoried and is securely stored at the core farm located at the Twin Lakes exploration camp at Monument Bay. In addition, a substantial number of historical sample pulps have been preserved in long-term storage at a warehouse facility located in Thunder Bay. A program is currently underway to collect over 13,400 pulps that need to be analyzed for tungsten; samples that all reside within the modelled gold domain of Monument Bay. The realization of the need for infill sampling for tungsten, along with intervals of core requiring additional logging and splitting for gold analysis, underscores the need for a comprehensive infill sampling program. This initiative aims to recover critical gold and tungsten assay data across the deposit. Incorporating these results into the database should help to expand the gold-tungsten resource for the main deposit. Historically significant gold-tungsten intercepts have been returned from all six (6) steeply east plunging, north dipping shoots (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). A large majority of core assayed for gold were not analyzed for tungsten. The contouring of tungsten grades throughout the deposit clearly demonstrates that assaying to collect missing assays are critical to assessing the tungsten resource potential of this deposit (Figure 2). Highlights include the following: Camp Shoot: TL-05-275: 17.4m @ 2.05 g/t Au and 0.51% WO3. TL-05-245: 3.1m @ 17.73 g/ Au and 0.86% WO3. TL-03-107: 2.6m @ 14.02 g/t Au and 0.96% WO3. TL-05-286: 3.6m @ 4.3 g/t Au and 0.85% WO3. TL-05-269: 4.5m @ 49.13 g/t Au and 0.16% WO3. TL-14-527: 5.0m @ 14.02 g/t Au and 0.29% WO3. River Shoot: TL-12-484: 3.0m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 1.18% WO3 (see Figure 3). TL-13-509: 7.0m @ 1.86 g/t Au and 0.37% WO3 including 0.28m @ 1.82 g/t Au and 11.12% WO3. TL-18-668: 3.0m @ 15.68 g/t Au and 1.22% WO3. TL-05-306: 3.1m @ 2.58 g/t Au and 0.53% WO3. Lake Shoot: TL-07-339: 5.0m @ 1.87 g/t Au and 0.44% WO3. TL-02-83: 5.0m @ 1.61 g/t Au and 0.55% WO3. Simmons Shoot: TL-16-599a: 10.0m @ 2.34 g/t Au and 0.13% WO3 (see Figure 4). TL-11-430: 3.0m @ 1.06 g/t Au and 0.42% WO3. TL-13-506: 2.0m @ 2.82 g/t Au and 1.14% WO3. The drill holes intercepts for both gold and tungsten are presented below on Table 1A to 1D in this news release. Kyle Stanfield CEO and Director of ONGold commented: "Our team has made exceptional progress evaluating the vast Monument Bay geological database. We're extremely excited to unlock the full potential of the Monument Bay deposit by collecting the remaining missing tungsten assays and further sampling mineralized core not previously sampled. This critical step will allow us to monetize the tungsten thereby enhancing the overall value of this exceptional gold deposit and positioning Monument Bay as a compelling multi-commodity asset with a diverse resource." Figure 1: Plan Map - Monument Bay Au-W Deposit: Tungsten Intercepts To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/264571_6fa91e18e4c8f89d_001full.jpg Figure 2: Longitudinal Section - Monument Bay Au-W Deposit: Gold/Tungsten Intercepts Missing Tungsten Data To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/264571_6fa91e18e4c8f89d_002full.jpg Figure 3: TL-12-484: Scheelite infills brecciated quartz-carbonate veined fractures hosted in altered quartz porphyry dyke (left - Blue Scheelite under fluorescent in short wave UV light; right core photo showing fracture filling in normal light). Returned 3.0 m @ 2.50 g/t Au and 1.18% WO3 (271 to 274m) in the River Shoot.(1). (1) As disclosed in the Technical Report, p. 118, available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/264571_ongold3.jpg Figure 4: TL-16-599a: Scheelite veins, locally folded, hosted in altered (silicified, sericitized) clastic metasediments with arsenopyrite and pyrite; under UV light; returned 1.03% WO3 and 5.31 g/t Au over a sample length of 1.0 m (458 to 459m) within the Simmons Shoot. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10770/264571_6fa91e18e4c8f89d_005full.jpg Historical Data The only attempt to quantify a tungsten resource with gold was undertaken by Yamana Gold Inc. in 2015 that reported at a cut off grade of 0.70 g/t Au pit constrained "Indicated" resources of 1,689,000t grading 2.58g/t Au and 0.17% WO3, containing 140,000 oz Au and 286,000 mtu WO3, (see reference (1) in this news release) as disclosed in the "Technical Report on the Monument Bay Project, Manitoba", prepared for ONGold Resources Ltd. by Rodney Barber of ONGold Resources Ltd. and Karen Mathers of Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated May 30, 2025 and filed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca on June 13, 2025 (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure in Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). "Inferred" resources in the same zone were 530,000t grading 2.52g/t Au and 0.19% WO3, containing 43,000 oz Au and 98,000 mtu WO3. A separate tungsten only zone contained "Inferred" resources of 214,000t grading 0.15% WO3, for 32,000 mtu WO3. Underground "Measured" and "Indicated" resources in the Monument Bay Au-W Deposit above a 4.0g/t Au cut-off were 76,000t grading 5.41g/t Au, containing 13,000 oz Au and 1,000 mtu WO3, including a gold and tungsten zone that carried 2,000t grading 5.38g/t Au and 0.17% WO3, containing 400oz Au and 1,000 mtu WO3. Underground "Inferred" resources in the same zone were 505,000 grading 5.44g/t Au, containing 88,000 oz Au and 3,000 mtu WO3, which includes the gold and tungsten zone of 11,000t grading 5.09g/t Au and 0.28% WO3, containing 2,000 oz Au and 3,000 mtu WO3. The recently published Technical Report also discloses a historical "gold only" mineral estimate which identified approximately 2.3 million gold ounces (58.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.24 g/t) in the "Measured" and "Indicated" Mineral Resources categories, and 720,000 gold ounces (24.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.92 g/t) in the "Inferred" Mineral Resources category (see the Company's news release dated June 13, 2025). This consists of "in-pit only" resources above a cut off grade of 0.3 g/t gold. These historical mineral estimates, although compliant with NI 43-101 guidelines at the time they were prepared, are historical and should not be considered current. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and accordingly it should not be relied upon. The author of the Technical Report and the Company are not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. To verify the historical estimate, a qualified person needs to review the historical data, review any work completed Monument Bay since the date of the historical estimate and complete a new mineral resource estimate. The author of the Technical Report and the Company view this historical estimate as a conceptual indication of the potential size and grade of the gold-tungsten deposit in the area, and this information is relevant to ongoing exploration efforts. Historical drilling between the known mineralized shoots has also yielded significant gold-tungsten intercepts, suggesting the possibility of additional mineralized shoots or connections between existing ones (Figure 2). Notably hole TL-14-518, positioned between the River and Camp shoots, returned 3.0 m grading 1.06 g/t Au and 1.17% WO3 within an altered feldspar porphyry dyke (Figure 2). The mineralization is associated with stockwork veins infilled with scheelite. Aside from Centerra Gold Inc.'s Endako Molybdenum Mine in British Columbia-which produces tungsten as a by-product at a modest grade of 0.04% to 0.05 %WO3-reported Resources on Centerra Gold Inc. website (see reference (2) in this news release). North America currently lacks any active primary tungsten mining operations (Table 2). In contrast, China dominates the global tungsten market, accounting for over 80% of worldwide production and exports. In Canada, one of the most advanced tungsten exploration initiatives is the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project in New Brunswick, operated by Northcliff Resources/Todd Minerals. This project is under evaluation for potential open-pit development and reports tungsten resources estimates in the range of 0.05% WO3 to 0.07% WO3 (see reference (3) in this news release). As shown in Tables 1A to 1D below, the Monument Bay project continually demonstrates tungsten grades that often exceed those of both historical producers and current exploration/development projects across Canada and the United States. Table 1A - Highlights: Camp Shoot Gold-Tungsten Intercepts Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) g/t Au %WO3 W ppm Comments TL-05-275 137.50 154.90 17.40 2.05 0.51 4,076 Int. Feld Porph Vol Flow; adjacent to feld. Porphyry dyke; locally mod silica-albite altered; up to 20 % qtz veined, bx,aspy, py including 140.50 150.50 10.00 2.69 0.85 6,756 including 140.50 146.50 6.00 3.65 1.11 8,810 including 141.50 142.50 1.00 2.98 1.85 14,684 including 145.50 146.50 1.00 6.77 4.40 34,897 including 149.50 150.50 1.00 0.30 1.83 14,547 TL-05-245 273.40 277.50 4.10 12.90 0.63 4,980 Felsic Tuff; mod to strong silca-albite altered; 50 specks of VG @ 275.7m over 0.5 m in Bx qtz vein with Aspy including 273.40 276.50 3.10 17.73 0.86 6,781 including 275.50 276.00 0.50 77.13 0.18 1,444 including 276.00 276.50 0.50 6.77 3.84 30,482 TL-03-107 264.60 267.20 2.60 14.02 0.96 7,614 Int. Feld. Phyric Vol. Flow: 3-4% py, 2-4% aspy, loc. Ser., qtz-carb veins with VG @ 265.63, @ 265.75 (71 specks), @ 266.5 (9 specks) including 265.60 267.20 1.60 22.72 1.56 12,342 including 265.60 266.10 0.50 50.93 1.03 8,140 including 266.10 266.70 0.60 16.76 3.27 25,936 TL-05-286 181.40 185.00 3.60 4.30 0.85 6,771 Qtz Crystal Tuff; qtz-carb stringer veined (folded); 182.6-183.0 qz-carb vein with py, aspy including 181.40 184.15 2.75 5.43 1.11 8,787 including 182.50 183.00 0.50 9.33 1.11 8,819 including 183.00 183.60 0.60 7.49 3.87 30,692 TL-03-123 175.00 178.40 3.40 3.61 0.62 4,949 Felsic Tuff; 2-10cm qtz veins with aspy, local folding including 175.00 177.40 2.40 5.11 0.88 6,991 including 175.90 176.40 0.50 6.89 3.78 30,000 TL-05-269 69.00 81.70 12.70 19.48 0.07 521 Orogenic Shear/Breccia; Felsic dyke; 80% qtz veined; Au_E_Bx6b Domain; Brecciated; 70.1 to 70.9m mass. Qtz vein; VG (100 specks) @ 70.5 over 0.45 m with aspy; Shoot is open at depth. including 69.00 73.50 4.50 49.13 0.16 1,239 including 70.45 70.90 0.45 4.08 0.90 7,110 including 71.40 71.90 0.50 410.50 0.01 50 including 81.40 81.70 0.30 69.53 0.01 50 TL-14-527 92.00 97.00 5.00 14.02 0.29 2,264 Orogenic Shear hosted/Vein; Sediments, Int. Ash/lapilli Vol; Au_Vein 1 Domain; stong ser alteration, py and aspy, VG reported in <1.0 mm qtz veins; minor scheelite in qtz veinlets; Shoot is open at depth. including 92.00 96.60 4.60 15.08 0.31 2,446 including 93.97 97.00 3.03 22.87 0.29 2,275 including 92.00 92.78 0.78 0.81 0.71 5,600 including 95.32 96.00 0.68 2.74 0.32 2,570 including 96.00 96.60 0.60 17.06 1.04 8,210 TL-14-529 68.00 71.00 3.00 0.62 0.44 3,514 Feldspar Porphyry; strong ser. Alt'n; local qtz-tour veins with scheelite (3mm to 7 cm wide). including 69.23 71.00 1.77 0.54 0.75 5,921 including 69.23 69.66 0.43 0.26 2.89 22,940 TL-03-131 34.80 40.50 5.70 2.50 0.42 3,344 Felsic Tuff with QFP dyke: bx, 35% qtz veining with tr to 3% aspy, 4-5% py, tr. Sph including 34.80 38.00 3.20 2.33 0.74 5,900 including 35.50 37.50 2.00 3.71 1.13 8,975 including 36.00 36.50 0.50 8.04 3.61 28,660 TL-04-204 301.10 301.70 0.60 8.73 2.60 20,625 Felsic Crystal Tuff; carb-chl altn TL-02-99 355.40 357.50 2.10 8.37 0.98 7,798 Bx Tuff; 5-10% qtz-carb veined; sericite, py, Abundant VG including 356.50 357.00 0.50 34.20 3.95 31,300 TL-11-391 105.00 107.00 2.00 1.35 1.41 11,190 Feld Porphyry Dyke; 1-5 mm veins with py, tr aspy including 106.00 107.00 1.00 2.11 2.82 22,330 Table 1B - Highlights: River Shoot Gold-Tungsten Intercepts Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) g/t Au %WO3 W ppm Comments TL-12-484 271.00 274.00 3.00 2.50 1.18 9,316 Qtz Porphyry Dyke; strong sil overprints se alt'n; Bx infilled with qtz-carb veins and scheelite @266.2m (Photo) 271.00 272.00 1.00 1.95 1.95 15,930 TL-13-509 203.00 210.00 7.00 1.86 0.37 2,900 QFP; qtz-albite veined with scheelite and sphalerite including 210.21 211.32 1.11 0.95 2.86 22,645 including 210.21 210.49 0.28 1.82 11.12 88,170 TL-18-668 135.00 138.00 3.00 15.68 1.22 9,700 Felsic Feld Phyric Vol.; strong ser.-sil altn: qtz-carb veins with VG @ 137.8m (3 specks) and scheelite (135-138m) including 137.00 13800 1.0 42.10 3.15 25,000 TL-05-306 103.40 107.50 4.10 3.04 0.42 3,343 Feld. Porphy /Dyke; sil, ser altered; 2-5% py, Aspy; @ 106.5 m, 3 cm bx qtz vein including 104.40 107.50 3.10 2.58 0.53 4,195 including 106.45 106.85 0.40 3.05 1.27 10,090 and 112.30 116.85 4.55 1.12 0.66 5,237 Int. Flow with Porphyritic Dyke; ser. altered, py, po; qtz cab veined (5-7%) with py, aspy including 112.30 114.85 2.55 1.84 1.14 9,031 including 112.30 113.20 0.90 2.70 2.48 19,690 including 113.20 113.85 0.65 1.52 1.00 7,950 and 131.20 137.20 6.00 3.03 0.39 3,082 Int. Flow; sericite altered, 10% qtz veined; py including 134.20 135.20 1.00 4.80 0.85 6,720 including 135.20 136.20 1.00 2.51 1.02 8,090 Table 1C - Highlights: Lake Shoot Gold-Tungsten Intercepts Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) g/t Au %WO3 W ppm Comments TL-07-339 199.00 204.00 5.00 1.87 0.44 3,525 Fed Phyric Vol.Flow: sil and ser altn; 200.2 to 201.9m is qtz stockwork veined with 3% py, 1% aspy including 199.00 201.90 2.90 2.87 0.76 6,025 including 200.20 201.90 1.70 4.28 1.28 10,170 including 200.20 201.00 0.80 5.61 2.71 21,454 TL-02-83 71.00 76.00 5.00 1.61 0.55 4,373 Bx folded Vol. Tuff; semi-massive py; strong sericite-chlorite alteration Table 1D - Highlights: Simmons & Simmons West Shoots: Gold-Tungsten Intercepts Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) g/t Au %WO3 W ppm Comments TL-16-599a 455.00 465.00 10.00 2.34 0.13 988 Simmons Shoot: Locally heavy scheelite veined altered clastic metasediments associated with arsenopyrite and pyrite including 457.00 459.96 2.96 4.08 0.38 3010 including 458.00 459.00 1.00 5.31 1.03 8,191 TL-11-430 179.00 182.00 3.00 1.06 0.42 3,317 Simmons Shoot: Lapilli Tuff: minor sil, loc ser altn. including 181.00 182.00 1.00 0.32 1.09 8,660 and 187.00 191.00 4.00 1.93 0.75 5,978 including 187.00 188.00 1.00 3.76 2.93 23,260 TL-13-506 193.00 195.00 2.00 2.82 1.14 9,050 Mafic Vol. Feldspar Flow; 10-15 cm qtz-carb veins with up to 3% scheelite in the Simmons West Shoot including 193.50 194.00 0.50 2.63 1.36 10,820 including 194.00 194.50 0.50 7.26 3.17 25,120 Table 2: Examples of North American Past Producers, Current Exploration and Development Projects in North America Location Name Status Owner Canada, New Brunswick Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project Advanced Development Project for Open Pit (Not Producing)(2) Northcliff Resources (88.5%) & Todd Minerals (11.5%) Canada, NWT Mactung Project Planned Open-Pit (Not Producing) Fireweed Metals Corp. Canada, New Brunswick Mount Pleasant Mine Former UG Mine (Not Producing) Adex Mining Inc. Canada; British Columbia Logtung Project Planned Open Pit (Not Producer) Largo resources Canada; New Brunswick Nashwaak Lake Property Exploration Stage Great Atlantic Resources Canada; British Columbia Endako Molybdenum Only Operating Mine - Tungsten (0.04% to 0.05% %WO3 by-product)(3) Centerra Gold Inc. U.S.A.; Utah Scheelite Metals Mine Past Producer Scheelite Metals LLC U.S.A.: Idaho IMA Mine Project Past Underground Producer American Tungsten Corp. U.S.A.; California Pine Creek Tungsten Mine Past Producer Pine Creek Development LLC U.S.A.; Nevada Springer Tungsten Mine Past Producer Silver Predator Corp. References: Rodney Barber of ONGold Resources Ltd. and Karen Mathers of Stantec Consulting Ltd. (2025): "Technical Report on the Monument Bay Project, Manitoba", dated May 30, 2025, prepared for ONGold Resources Ltd., published by the Company on its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, 118 pp. Centerra Gold Inc. website, mineral reserve summary available at https://s205.q4cdn.com/276554285/files/doc_downloads/2025/08/MRMR-Tables-and-Footnotes.pdf Northcliff Resources Ltd. website, available at: https://www.northcliffresources.com/sissonprojecttechnical Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Paul Dunbar, P. Geo. and Vice President Exploration for ONGold, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Dunbar is not independent of ONGold. About ONGold Resources Ltd. ONGold Resources Ltd. owns significant exploration assets in Northern Ontario and Northern Manitoba, including the district-scale Monument Bay Gold-Tungsten Project, TPK Project, Domain Gold Project and October Gold Project. These projects represent a strategic footprint in some of Canada's most prolific gold-producing regions. ONGold Resources Ltd. on behalf of the Board of Directors Kyle Stanfield, Chief Executive Officer & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that ONGold expects to occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may" or "could" occur. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation, statements regarding the completion and results of the infill sampling program for tungsten and gold assays at Monument Bay, the potential to recover missing tungsten assays from over 13,400 preserved sample pulps, the expansion of gold-tungsten resources through incorporation of additional assay data, the enhancement of overall project value through tungsten monetization, future resource estimates and gold equivalent calculations, the verification of historical mineral resource estimates, market conditions for tungsten and gold including sustained demand and current pricing of US$42,313 per metric tonne for tungsten oxide, the Company's ability to advance Monument Bay and unlock its full potential, and the receipt of necessary permits and financing. These forward-looking statements are based on material assumptions including that historical drill core and sample pulps will remain suitable for analysis, that analytical results will be consistent with historical data quality, that laboratory facilities will be available, that market fundamentals will support current commodity pricing, that qualified persons will verify historical estimates in accordance with NI 43-101 requirements, that geological interpretations of mineralization continuity are reasonable, that regulatory conditions will allow continued exploration, that the Company will maintain adequate financial resources, and that political and economic stability will continue in Canada and relevant global markets. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including uncertainty regarding the condition of historical core and preserved sample pulps after extended storage, potential variations in analytical results due to sample degradation or contamination, technical difficulties in sampling and analytical procedures, uncertainty in geological interpretation and mineralization continuity, potential discrepancies between historical and current analytical methods, volatility in tungsten and gold commodity prices and market demand, changes in global tungsten supply particularly from China which dominates over 80% of worldwide production, competition from alternative materials, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, changes in mining laws and regulations, delays in obtaining permits, environmental liabilities, Indigenous consultation requirements, uncertainty in mineral resource estimation including the inability to verify 2015 Yamana Gold Inc. historical estimates, variations in ore grade and tonnage, limited financing availability, changes in the Company's financial condition, key personnel risks, global economic conditions, geopolitical risks, pandemic-related disruptions, climate change impacts, cybersecurity threats, and risks associated with the remote Twin Lakes exploration camp location. The historical mineral resource estimates referenced in this news release, including 2015 Yamana Gold Inc. estimates and the historical gold-only mineral estimate in the Technical Report, are considered historical estimates that should not be relied upon and do not constitute current mineral resources or reserves as defined by NI 43-101. Although ONGold believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. ONGold does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's continuous disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a complete discussion of risk factors and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264571 SOURCE: ONGold Resources Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Dexterra Group Inc. (TSX: DXT) ("Dexterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful closure of the previously disclosed acquisition of Right Choice Camps & Catering ("Right Choice") effective August 31, 2025. "We are excited to welcome Right Choice to Dexterra," said Mark Becker, Chief Executive Officer, Dexterra Group. "Bringing their operations and high-quality fleet of equipment into our portfolio adds capacity, long-term growth potential, and further solidifies our position as the leading workforce accommodations provider in Canada." About Dexterra Dexterra employs more than 9,000 people, delivering a range of support services for the creation, management, and operation of infrastructure across Canada and the U.S. Powered by people, Dexterra brings best-in-class regional expertise to every challenge and delivers innovative solutions, giving clients confidence in their day-to-day operations. Activities include a comprehensive range of integrated facilities management services, industry-leading workforce accommodation solutions, and other support services for diverse clients in the public and private sectors. You can also visit our website at dexterra.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264691 SOURCE: Dexterra Group Inc. NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) is a key concept being developed for 6G, which transforms cellular networks into radars and allows them to both sense their environment and communicate information about it. Although there are significant technical challenges to bring this to market, it is a concept that can revolutionize mobile networks and allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finally become much more than a data pipe, according to ABI Research, a global technology intelligence firm. The commercial opportunities for ISAC are substantial and offer MNOs a chance to get into new markets, parts of which are not served by other technologies or companies. "ISAC is a unique opportunity for mobile operators to break free of their connectivity legacy," said Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director at ABI Research. "Coupled with network APIs, they can become brokers for location and positioning across their network footprint, helping enterprises locate their assets and protect their locations. Mobile operators cannot afford to ignore ISAC, as it is key for them to continue growing their business. It is the first truly innovative concept discussed for cellular networks since 4G introduced mobile broadband." In 2025, vendors and mobile operators are conducting live commercial trials to understand the technical and commercial implications of deploying ISAC, while ETSI, 3GPP, and other industry bodies are continuing their standardization efforts. Initial trials in China indicate that there is some commercial interest in sensing, mostly driven by the low-altitude economy, but it is still too early to understand if the new technology makes commercial sense. The challenge is compounded by the fact that a fully capable ISAC radio is not backward compatible with existing 5G infrastructure, meaning that an upgrade could cost upwards of $50,000 to $100,000 per cell site. This may not be something mobile operators are willing to risk at the current stage of the market, but demand and economies of scale will bring prices down while exposing the market to ISAC's capabilities. ISAC is a unique and challenging opportunity, and vendors are currently investing in R&D and filing for relevant patents. Although it's early, ISAC has the capability to completely redefine the market and upset the long-established dynamics while creating burgeoning new ecosystem. As such, early adopters are starting to assess the technology today, when the interest, hype, and investment around ISAC is just ramping up. These findings are from ABI Research's Integrated Sensing and Communications: Market Developments & Use Case Analysis report, part of the company's 5G, 6G, and Open RAN research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. About ABI Research ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers. ABI Research?????????????,?????????,???????????????????????,??????????????,??????????????????????????,?????????? For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com. Contact Info: Global Jason Scheer Tel: +1.516.624.2558 pr@abiresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2309035/ABI_Research_2024.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/6g-integrated-sensing-and-communications-offers-mobile-operators-a-unique-chance-to-redefine-networks-302542235.html Lac des Iles Pit Extension Receives Federal Financial Support Strong Demand drives Sales Volumes Initial payment received on license of Intellectual Property US Imposes Preliminary duties on Chinese graphite based battery materials Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Northern Graphite Corporation (TSXV: NGC) (OTCQB: NGPHF) (FSE: 0NG) (XSTU: 0NG) (the "Company" or "Northern") is pleased to provide an operating summary, financial highlights and a corporate update for the three month period ending June 30, 2025. The Company's Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period have been filed on SEDAR+ and posted to the Company website. "Despite experiencing a number of operational issues in an environment that remains difficult and where cost controls are paramount, I'm happy to be able to report that we have now been approved for government financing to support our Lac des Iles ("LDI") pit extension," said Northern Chief Executive Officer Hugues Jacquemin. "This is a major step forward, where the government recognized not only the importance of Lac des Iles, but that the Company needed help to drive it forward, and they have worked hard to make that happen. This commitment underscores Canada's strategy to be a key supplier of critical minerals, and in particular graphite, to the regional and global energy transition. For Northern, this support provides an important stepping stone in delivering on our long-term strategy of continuing to serve legacy industrial customers while positioning the Company to meet the fast-growing demand from battery and energy storage markets in North America and beyond." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4186/264728_b0def6706477b92b_003full.jpg Operational Highlights: The Company experienced strong demand from industrial clients for its graphite through the second quarter of the year even amid geopolitical uncertainty and after negotiating higher pricing with customers for 2025; from industrial clients for its graphite through the second quarter of the year even amid geopolitical uncertainty and after negotiating higher pricing with customers for 2025; Concentrate production for the quarter of 2,142 tonnes began to recover from the first quarter during which the impact of a mill shutdown reduced production to 1,211 tonnes but continued to suffer from a number of operational issues that have now been corrected; for the quarter of 2,142 tonnes began to recover from the first quarter during which the impact of a mill shutdown reduced production to 1,211 tonnes but continued to suffer from a number of operational issues that have now been corrected; Subsequent to the end of the quarter the Company secured up to $6.225 million in government support in the form of an interest-free, unsecured contribution to help finance a pit extension at LDI which will keep North America's only producing graphite mine in production; NGC Battery Materials division ( "NGCBM" ) delivered a number of key wins in the quarter , including an agreement to license its carbon material processing technology to an arm's length third party for industrial applications. The Company has received an initial US$1.5 million payment and anticipates receiving an additional US$5.5 million through the balance of the year. It is also due to receive royalties based on a definitive licensing agreement, to be agreed by the parties and subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, which will include minimum payments of US$1 million in 2026 and 2027; ( ) , including an agreement to license its carbon material processing technology to an arm's length third party for industrial applications. The Company has received an initial US$1.5 million payment and anticipates receiving an additional US$5.5 million through the balance of the year. It is also due to receive royalties based on a definitive licensing agreement, to be agreed by the parties and subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, which will include minimum payments of US$1 million in 2026 and 2027; Northern advanced plans to build its Baie-Comeau Battery Anode Material (' BAM ') plant through an agreement with The BMI Group to evaluate the feasibility of developing a brownfield facility at a former paper mill which could reduce overall capex and time to market; ') plant through an to evaluate the feasibility of developing a brownfield facility at a former paper mill which could reduce overall capex and time to market; The Company's proposal to upgrade graphite from the Okanjande project in Namibia into Battery Anode Material in France was selected as one of 47 Strategic Projects under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act ("CRMA") which will qualify it for fast tracked permitting and funding support; ("CRMA") which will qualify it for fast tracked permitting and funding support; Key management changes included Niall Moore assuming the position of CFO on a permanent basis and Dr. Moritz Hantel being promoted to the position of Chief Product Officer; included Niall Moore assuming the position of CFO on a permanent basis and Dr. Moritz Hantel being promoted to the position of Chief Product Officer; Momentum continued toward building domestic and regional supply chains for graphite used in lithium ion batteries ("LiBs") with preliminary decisions from the U.S. Commerce department to impose both countervailing and antidumping duties on imports from China, the world's largest producer and processor of graphite. Tariffs of up to 160 per cent are now in effect; and for graphite used in lithium ion batteries ("LiBs") with preliminary decisions from the U.S. Commerce department to impose both countervailing and antidumping duties on imports from China, the world's largest producer and processor of graphite. Tariffs of up to 160 per cent are now in effect; and Northern continued active discussions with government organizations and institutional investors at the federal and provincial level, and internationally, to gain support for its projects and to speed up development of the battery anode supply chain. Financial Highlights Revenue increased 28% to $7.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 due to a 23% increase in sales volumes. Higher demand and spot selling of inventory resulted in 3,404 tonnes of graphite concentrate being sold, compared to sales in the prior year's quarter of 2,772 tonnes; a 23% increase in sales volumes. Higher demand and spot selling of inventory resulted in 3,404 tonnes of graphite concentrate being sold, compared to sales in the prior year's quarter of 2,772 tonnes; Average realized prices rose 4% compared to the second quarter of 2024 as the result of price increases implemented in January and sales of more, higher-priced large flake sizes than in the prior year's quarter. The effects of higher prices were moderated by spot sales at lower prices and sales of jumbo flakes at discounted prices due to inventory shortages in the quarter; as the result of price increases implemented in January and sales of more, higher-priced large flake sizes than in the prior year's quarter. The effects of higher prices were moderated by spot sales at lower prices and sales of jumbo flakes at discounted prices due to inventory shortages in the quarter; Cash costs of $1,850 (US$1,337) per tonne of graphite concentrate sold increased by 19% compared to costs of $1,560 per tonne (US$1,140) in the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to changes in the sales mix that resulted in more, higher-cost inventory being sold in the 2025 quarter; of $1,850 (US$1,337) per tonne of graphite concentrate sold increased by 19% compared to costs of $1,560 per tonne (US$1,140) in the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to changes in the sales mix that resulted in more, higher-cost inventory being sold in the 2025 quarter; A loss from mine operations of $1.6 million was incurred compared to income from mine operations of $0.1 million during the prior year's quarter; of $1.6 million was incurred compared to income from mine operations of $0.1 million during the prior year's quarter; General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.8 million from $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2024, as higher legal expenditures were more than offset by the impact of strict overhead cost control measures and lower costs incurred in Namibia; decreased to $1.8 million from $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2024, as higher legal expenditures were more than offset by the impact of strict overhead cost control measures and lower costs incurred in Namibia; License revenue was $2.0 million (2024 - $nil) reflecting the receipt of the first payment under the Company's agreement to license its carbon material processing technology; was $2.0 million (2024 - $nil) reflecting the receipt of the first payment under the Company's agreement to license its carbon material processing technology; Finance costs decreased to $2.8 million (2024 - $3.0 million) as the impact of higher accretion rates was more than offset by gains on a revaluation of the Company's royalty liability of $0.7 million due to modifications to the anticipated timing of royalty and payments. Almost all of the finance costs were non-cash items; to $2.8 million (2024 - $3.0 million) as the impact of higher accretion rates was more than offset by gains on a revaluation of the Company's royalty liability of $0.7 million due to modifications to the anticipated timing of royalty and payments. Almost all of the finance costs were non-cash items; A foreign exchange gain on financing instruments of $4.3 million was recorded compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the previous year's quarter, largely due to quarter-end revaluations of US dollar denominated debt as the Canadian dollar finished over 5% stronger in the current year period; on financing instruments of $4.3 million was recorded compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the previous year's quarter, largely due to quarter-end revaluations of US dollar denominated debt as the Canadian dollar finished over 5% stronger in the current year period; Impairment losses of $0.2 million were incurred on stockpiled inventory and $0.6 million on finished goods inventory due to higher opening inventoried costs and lower anticipated sales prices per unit. During the second quarter of 2024 the Company recorded a net realizable value impairment of $0.8 million on its stockpile inventory and $2.7 million on its finished goods inventory; of $0.2 million were incurred on stockpiled inventory and $0.6 million on finished goods inventory due to higher opening inventoried costs and lower anticipated sales prices per unit. During the second quarter of 2024 the Company recorded a net realizable value impairment of $0.8 million on its stockpile inventory and $2.7 million on its finished goods inventory; A net loss of $1.0 million or $0.01 per share , was recorded compared to a net loss of $9.4 million or $0.07 per share during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The primary reasons for the lower loss were foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated financial instruments, first-time license revenue related to the Company's carbon material processing technology license agreement and significantly lower inventory impairment charges compared to the prior year period. These were partially offset by a mine operating loss as opposed to modest mine operating income in the prior year period; , was recorded compared to a net loss of $9.4 million or $0.07 per share during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The primary reasons for the lower loss were foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated financial instruments, first-time license revenue related to the Company's carbon material processing technology license agreement and significantly lower inventory impairment charges compared to the prior year period. These were partially offset by a mine operating loss as opposed to modest mine operating income in the prior year period; As of June 30, 2025 the Company continued to report its senior secured loan ($26.0 million) and its royalty financing ($15.4 million) as current liabilities as a result of the lack of performance by the Company on the following covenants related to these instruments: Senior secured loan: The payment of accrued interest of $5.1 million (US$3.7 million) on the semi-annual cash interest payment date as of June 30, 2025; Maintaining, at all times, on a consolidated basis, positive working capital; and Maintaining, at all times, on a consolidated basis, a minimum cash balance of US$0.75 million. Royalty financing: The payment of royalty amounts with respect to the second quarter of 2025 of $0.9 million (US$0.7 million) which were due on July 31, 2025; and The payment of quarterly royalty amounts for 2024 totaling $3.2 million (US$2.4 million) which were due during 2024 and the first half of 2025; The Company's lender and royalty holder have waived all defaults as of August 29, 2025 and effective June 30, 2025. Discussions continue with respect to amending the terms of the senior secured loan and royalty financing to better align them with project timelines that have shifted with markets that are evolving at a slower pace than forecast; and effective June 30, 2025. Discussions continue with respect to amending the terms of the senior secured loan and royalty financing to better align them with project timelines that have shifted with markets that are evolving at a slower pace than forecast; Cash and equivalents were $2.1 million as at June 30, 2025, compared to $0.3 million as of March 31, 2025, with the increase resulting from net cash provided by operating activities of $2.5 million which reflects the first payment being received from the technology licensing agreement and the implementation of strong working capital management measures; and were $2.1 million as at June 30, 2025, compared to $0.3 million as of March 31, 2025, with the increase resulting from net cash provided by operating activities of $2.5 million which reflects the first payment being received from the technology licensing agreement and the implementation of strong working capital management measures; and The Company's classification of its senior debt and royalties to current liabilities were partially offset by working capital optimization efforts but resulted in an overall negative working capital balance of $41.2 million as at June 30, 2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4186/264728_b0def6706477b92b_004full.jpg Northern is advancing toward its goal of becoming a vertically integrated, mine-to-market supplier to traditional downstream customers and to the emerging market for battery anode material. The Company's strategy is to expand production at its Lac des Iles mine, resume and expand production at the Okanjande project in Namibia, advance the Bissett Creek and the Mousseau projects towards development, develop downstream capacity to produce anode material for use in LiBs and EVs in North America and Europe and upgrade graphite mine concentrate into value added industrial products. Market Commentary New impetus was added in the quarter to the structural shift occurring in global graphite markets as Western governments continued to move from rhetoric to action in securing critical mineral supply chains. In Europe, the Critical Raw Materials Act is laying the foundation for long-term access to strategic inputs, while in the U.S., new trade policies under the 'Big Beautiful Bill' and expanded tariffs are reshaping global flows of battery materials. In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce ("Commerce") set the stage for meaningful anti-subsidy duties on Chinese graphite after determining that China was subsidizing the production and supply of graphite Active Anode Material ("AAM"), also known as battery anode material, to the United States and issued a preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties of up to 721% on natural and artificial AAM from China. That was followed in July with a subsequent preliminary ruling from Commerce that Chinese producers are dumping graphite AAM into the U.S. market, triggering anti-dumping duties of 93.5%. Combined with countervailing duties, Section 301 tariffs, and a blanket presidential tariff, the effective rate on Chinese AAM now exceeds 160%. These retroactive measures are expected to accelerate the shift toward domestic and regional supply sources, and Northern is well-positioned to benefit from evolving dynamics when its planned AAM facility is built in Baie-Comeau, Quebec in the coming years. As a founding member of the North American Graphite Alliance ("NAGA"), the Company continues to advocate for policies and incentives that support the development of a secure, competitive graphite supply chain capable of serving both traditional industrial applications and the rapidly growing energy transition sector. In the Company's own operations, industrial demand for the Company's graphite products remained strong through the second quarter, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Yet again, the Company saw demand for large and jumbo flake graphite from the Lac des Iles mine exceed production amid curtailed graphite mine output in China, the world's dominant producer and processor of graphite. At the same time, supply from other Western producers was constrained by operational issues, compounding the shortfall, and customers in the defense, refractory, and metallurgical sectors continued to rely on our high-purity natural graphite for critical applications ranging from crucibles and casting molds to blast furnace linings. This segment of the market remains structurally tight, and we continue to allocate supply carefully to meet longstanding customer commitments. Mining Operations Northern's mining projects present a competitive advantage in terms of both current production and the ability to increase output in a relatively quick, modular manner by leveraging existing permitting and infrastructure at both LDI and Okanjande. Lac des Iles Mine - Quebec Northern is advancing plans to extend the life of its cornerstone Lac des Iles mine in the short-, medium- and long-term, beginning with an extension to the existing pit. The Company has engaged governments and the private sector at home and abroad, hosting a number of high-level mine visits in recent months. In August Northern secured a repayable contribution from the Canadian government of up to $6.225 million. The interest-free and unsecured contribution, provided by Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") and delivered by The Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions ("CED"), under the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Program, will finance 75% of the eligible costs for the pit extension at LDI and support continued production from North America's only operating graphite mine. The assistance is being provided at a time when Canada is vying to establish itself as a sustainable supplier of critical minerals to the Western world. The funding allows Northern to immediately begin work on extending the existing pit. The goal is to break ground as soon as possible to ensure a continuous flow of material to the plant and first production from the new zones could take place in approximately six- to eight months. In the interim, Northern will continue supplying customers by processing ore from existing pit and ore stockpiles through the autumn months and fulfilling orders from inventory thereafter. Repayment of the contribution will commence 36 months following the project completion date with 84 equal monthly instalment payments. The pit extension is based on the new LDI resource estimate published in January 2024 which shows potential to extend the life of the mine and also supports the Company's plan to meet rising demand by permanently moving the LDI mill to a seven-days-per week operation, targeting annual nameplate capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year. A technical report in respect of the mineral resource estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") was filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) on March 1, 2024. In addition to further potential on the LDI property, the Company is also exploring other avenues to grow production and announced an agreement with Graphano Energy Ltd. ("Graphano") to share technical knowledge and expertise to further the exploration and development of their respective properties. The agreement covers the LDI graphite mine and processing facility and Graphano's Lac Aux Bouleaux ("LAB") and Standard properties. The LAB Property is contiguous to the LDI graphite mine and covers the southern extensions of the productive graphite horizons, and the Standard property is between Northern's Mousseau exploration project and the LDI plant. All exploration costs will continue to be borne by the owners of each property. Okanjande Project - Namibia The Okanjande project in Namibia, which has been on care and maintenance since the third quarter of 2023, represents an opportunity to substantially increase graphite production at a lower cost and with a shorter time to market than most competing projects. The project has easy maritime access to European and North American markets and can be used to supply Northern's planned Battery Anode Material facilities in France and at Baie-Comeau, Quebec. Northern continues to evaluate options to fund the Okanjande project through the use of a royalty/stream/debt structure and equity contributed by a strategic partner without having to go to the market at current share prices. A technical report in respect of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") for the Okanjande project prepared in accordance with NI 43 101 was filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) on August 28, 2023. The PEA indicated that the economics are attractive under a plan to move the processing plant from Okorusu to the mine site with higher capital costs but lower operating costs. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, sustainability is improved, and the expansion potential of the project is substantially enhanced. The Company plans to restart Okanjande in the first half of 2027, pending financing, to coincide with plans to supply its proposed processing facility in France. With the resumption of production at the Okanjande Project, Northern would become one of the world's largest non-Chinese natural graphite producers. Mine-to-Market-Battery Strategy Northern is advancing plans to become an integrated producer of graphite Battery Anode Material, able to supply North America and the rest of the Western world from plants in Canada and France. In Baie-Comeau, Quebec, the Company announced a collaboration with The BMI Group to evaluate a brownfield site at a former paper mill that could accelerate permitting and construction timelines as well as reduce capex compared to the previously announced greenfield alternative. Plans for a separate BAM facility in Europe also gained traction, as the Company's plan to ship graphite from the Okanjande graphite mine in Namibia to process in a plant to be built in France received "Strategic Project" status under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act. This will qualify the project for fast tracked permitting and funding support. Battery anode material is the single largest component of lithium-ion batteries and is made by upgrading graphite mine concentrate to the exacting specifications of EV battery manufacturers. Northern's planned BAM facilities are intended to address this critical need that is currently missing from the energy transition supply chain in the West. As it looks to finance its integrated growth strategy and focus efforts on natural graphite, in June the Company announced an agreement to license its carbon material processing technology to an arm's length third party for industrial applications. The agreement came a little over a year after the launch of Northern's battery materials division and calls for the Company to receive a technology transfer and exclusivity reservation fee of up to US$7 million payable in instalments, subject to certain conditions that the team is now focused on meeting. Since signing the agreement, Northern has received a first payment of USD$1.5 million and has completed the acquisition of the underlying patents for 600,000, plus a percentage of royalties on licensing revenues. The Company expects to receive two additional payments through to the end of the year, including one for USD$1.5 million and another for USD$4.0 million based on certain milestones being met. It will also receive royalties based on a definitive licensing agreement, to be agreed by the parties and subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, which will include minimum payments of US$1 million in 2026 and 2027. Corporate Update Northern is currently in discussions with its environmental bonding company after it demanded on July 7, 2025 a full discharge from the surety bond guaranteeing the Company's reclamation obligations at its Canadian operations, or for Northern to deposit cash or collateral with the bonding company equal to the undischarged liability of the bond. The bond is for $8,231,000 and the Company has a cash deposit against the bond of $1,968,000. Northern does not currently have the financial resources to procure the discharge nor to deposit such cash or collateral. The Company is currently in discussions with the bonding company regarding its demand. In the event the Company cannot negotiate a resolution to the matter, the bonding company could seek to enforce whatever rights it may have under the bond. Closing Remarks "The world is waking up to the urgency and opportunity in critical minerals, and momentum is finally shifting from rhetoric to action in the graphite sector," said Mr. Jacquemin. "As investment flows into the sector, we are confident Northern will be a leading beneficiary as it builds sustainable, Western supply chain alternatives for graphite across batteries, energy storage, defense and industry." About Northern Graphite Northern, the only flake graphite producing company in North America, is a Canadian, TSX Venture Exchange listed company that is focused on becoming a world leader in producing natural graphite and upgrading it into high-value products critical to the green economy, including anode material for lithium-ion batteries/EVs, fuel cells and graphene, as well as advanced industrial technologies. The Company's mine-to-battery strategy is spearheaded by its Battery Materials Division, which has a fully equipped, state-of-the-art laboratory in Frankfurt and is focused on building battery anode material manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe as well as developing advanced materials to improve the cycle life and increase the charging rate of lithium ion batteries. Northern's graphite assets include the producing Lac des Iles mine in Quebec where the Company plans to increase production to meet growing demand from industrial customers and coming demand from North American battery makers. The Company also owns the large-scale, advanced stage Bissett Creek project in Ontario, the Mousseau Project in Quebec and the fully permitted Okanjande graphite mine in Namibia that is currently on care and maintenance. All projects have "battery quality" graphite and are located close to infrastructure in politically stable jurisdictions. LinkedIn YouTube X Facebook Cautionary Note Regarding Non-IFRS Performance Measures This news release includes certain non-IFRS performance measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company and to compare it to information reported by other companies. The non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. The calculation and an explanation of these measures is provided in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and such measures should be read in conjunction with the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and financial statements. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding, among others, plans for extending the mine life and increasing output at LDI, bringing the Company's Namibian operations back online, advancing other developments projects to production, developing the capacity to manufacture value added products and raising the financing to complete any or all of these initiatives. All such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by management based on their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, these statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of other parties to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure and the failure of ongoing and contemplated studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations, and the inability to raise the required financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264728 SOURCE: Northern Graphite Corporation VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / 1933 Industries Inc. (the "Company" or "1933 Industries") (CSE:TGIF)(OTCID:TGIFF), a Nevada-focused cannabis cultivator and producer, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Debenture Repurchase Agreement (the "Agreements") with two arm's length parties (together the "Vendors"), for the repurchase and cancellation of a portion of Company's outstanding unsecured convertible debentures. Pursuant to the Agreements, the Company will repurchase $475,000 in principal value of debentures for a total cash consideration of $47,500 CAD. Upon closing, the debentures will be transferred, cancelled and removed from the Company's outstanding liabilities. The Agreement is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the trust indenture dated December 31, 2023, applicable securities laws, and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Company believes that the repurchase is in the best interest of shareholders and reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and reducing its liabilities. Following completion of the repurchase, an aggregate of $2,598,000 in principal value debentures will remain outstanding. The closing of the repurchase is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, including any required filings with the CSE, and is expected to occur on or around September 5, 2025. About 1933 Industries Inc. 1933 Industries is a Nevada-based licensed producer, focused on the cultivation and extraction of a large portfolio of cannabis consumer products in a variety of formats under its flagship brands, Alternative Medicine Association (AMA) and Level X. Its product offerings are cultivated at the Company's 68,000 sq. ft. indoor facility and marketed directly to retail dispensaries. AMA branded flower, infused pre-rolls, and in-house boutique concentrates consistently rank as the top products sold in Nevada. For more information, please visit www.1933industries.com For further information please contact: Alexia Helgason, VP, Investor Relations 604-728-4407 alexia@1933industries.com Brian Farrell, Chairman and CEO brian@1933industries.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. 1933 Industries undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: 1933 Industries Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/1933-industries-announces-repurchase-and-cancellation-of-convertible-1067491 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTCQB: EQTRF), ("Altamira" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of its first deep drill hole at the Maria Bonita target and to provide an update on ongoing exploration activities across the Cajueiro District area, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Highlights: Drill hole MBA032, located 100 meters south of hole MBA029, which previously reported 213m @ 0.8g/t gold from surface including 146m @ 1g/t gold, intersected over 500 meters of brecciated and highly altered porphyritic intrusive rocks from 34.3m to 534.7m depth, with quartz veinlet densities averaging roughly 4 per meter (see Figures 3 and 4). Results are pending. Surface mapping and sampling at the Tavares Norte target, located 4km east of Maria Bonita and 1.5km north-west of the Cajueiro Central resource, suggests that the sericite alteration zone extends 1.5km further east than previously known and is connected to the Morro Verde target, located 1.5km east of Tavares Norte (see Figure 5). Of 94 surface grab samples+ collected at Tavares Norte, 20 returned gold values above 0.1 g/t Au, with a maximum of 27.5 g/t Au. This sample also returned an assay value of 929 ppm Cu (see Figure 6). Several samples are also anomalous in molybdenum with values ranging from 10 to 356 ppm Mo. At Morro Verde, 62 surface grab samples+ were collected, 13 returned gold values above 0.1 g/t Au, with a maximum value of 5.2 g/t Au (see Figure 7). This sample also returned assay values of 356 ppm Mo, and 366 ppm Cu. A high-resolution drone magnetic survey is underway, covering a total planned area of 56 km with 545 km of north-south survey lines. To date, 43 km, or 75% of the planned area, has been completed. This survey is providing detailed magnetic mapping to support target definition and geological interpretation. CEO Mike Bennett commented; "The first deep hole at Maria Bonita intersected over 500m of highly altered porphyritic rocks and suggests that the intrusive system there could be significantly larger than currently envisaged. Additional holes will be completed at Maria Bonita once we have received the results from this first deep hole. In addition, the surface mapping and sample results from the untested Tavares Norte target, located 1.5km east of Maria Bonia are highly encouraging and suggest the possible presence of another porphyry system. Initial drill testing of this target is being planned as part of the current program." + By their nature, grab samples are not representative of the bulk metal content of a mineralized zone. CAJUEIRO PROJECT The Cajueiro project is located approximately 75km NW of the town of Alta Floresta in the state of Mato Grosso (Figure 1) in central western Brazil. The project is easily accessible by road, lies on open farmland and has grid power and a local water supply. Cajueiro is the most advanced of three key projects that Altamira controls in the region, the other two being Apiacas and Santa Helena (Figure1). Figure 1: Location of the Cajueiro, Apiacas and Santa Helena projects. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_001full.jpg The Cajueiro district consists of two independently estimated gold mineral resources at Cajueiro Central and Maria Bonita, plus a series of eight additional untested exploration targets within a radius of 8km of Cajueiro Central. The Cajueiro Central area has a current open pit resource1 of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000 oz in the Inferred Resource category (estimated using a cut-off grade of 0.25g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,500/oz). The Maria Bonita open-pit resource consists of Indicated Resources of 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t gold (for a total of 357,800oz) and Inferred Resources of 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t gold (for a total of 362,400oz)2. These resources were calculated using a 0.2 g/t gold cut-off grade and a gold price of US$2,780/oz. These resources include near-surface saprolite Indicated Resources of 2.02Mt @ 0.59g/t gold (38,000oz) and Inferred Resources of 0.68Mt @ 0.40g/t gold (8,700oz). The mineralized zone at Maria Bonita is interpreted as dipping to the south and is open down dip. The best drillhole to date (MBA029) intersected 213m @ 0.8g/t gold from surface including 146 m@1g/t gold. This third phase drill program is aimed at testing the area to the south and down-dip from the current resource model. The Maria Bonita porphyry gold deposit is interpreted as part of a district-scale, porphyry-related mineralizing event. There are currently eight additional porphyry gold targets awaiting scout drill testing over an 8km radius from the Cajueiro Central resource (Figure 2). Three partially tested drill targets lie outside the current Cajueiro Central mineral resource. Drilling is planned for these targets and will commence as soon as a second rig becomes available. Figure 2: Cajueiro district targets (yellow labels) and their position in relation to the defined Mineral Resources at Cajueiro Central and Maria Bonita (white labels for sub-sectors). An alignment of six of the targets occur in close spatial association to a pronounced east-west fault corridor marked by later gabbroic dykes. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_002full.jpg Maria Bonita Drilling Update Drilling recently commenced with hole MBA032, located 100 meters south of hole MBA-029. The objective of this hole was to test the depth extension of the mineralized section seen in hole MBA029 and geological logging of drillhole MBA032 has identified some 500 meters of the quartz porphyry body which displays on average, roughly 4 quartz veinlets per meter (Figures 3 and 4). All samples from MBA032 have been submitted to the laboratory and assay results are pending. Figure 3: Typical quartz veining within porphyritic intrusive rocks from Maria Bonita hole MBA-032. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_003full.jpg Figure 4: S-N cross-section through drill holes MBA-013, MBA-029, and MBA-032. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_004full.jpg Tavares Norte Surface Mapping and Sampling The Tavares Norte prospect is located 1km NW of the Central resource area. The current soil anomaly extends for some 1300 metres x 1800 metres. Previous surface rock chip grab sampling+ across the prospect returned an average grade of 3.2g/t gold from ten samples with a highest value of 7.8 g/t gold (see press release dated April 14, 2025). A total of 94 grab+ samples were collected at Tavares Norte during recent geological mapping. Of these, 20 returned values above 0.1 g/t gold, with a maximum of 27.5 g/t gold. This sample also returned an assay value of 929 ppm of Copper. Gold-bearing samples are associated with sericitic to phyllic alteration, as well as magmatic breccias showing potassic alteration. Eleven samples also returned anomalous molybdenum values ranging from 10 to 356 g/t Mo. Molybdenum is commonly found in the higher temperature parts of porphyry systems. The Tavares Norte and Morro Verde targets are located approximately 1.5 km apart. Recent mapping indicates that a zone of sericite alteration extends between both targets (Figure 5). All grab samples with assay results reported occur within this sericitic alteration envelope. Sample 128710 from Morro Verde, returned assay values of 5.20 g/t Au, 356 ppm Mo, and 366 ppm Cu (Figure 6). + By their nature, grab samples are not representative of the bulk metal content of a mineralized zone. Figure 5: Integrated geological map of the Tavares Norte and Morro Verde Targets with grab sample results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_005full.jpg Figure 6: Photo of sample 128644 containing 27.5 g/t Au and 929 ppm Cu from Tavares Norte. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_006full.jpg Figure 7: Photo of sample 128710 containing 5.20 g/t Au, 356 ppm Mo, and 366 ppm Cu from Morro Verde. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/264722_21c5226924c59bdf_007full.jpg Drone Magnetic Survey As part of the ongoing exploration program within the Cajueiro District, a high-resolution drone magnetic survey is in progress over a total area of 56 km, comprising 545 km of north-south survey lines. To date, 43 km, or 75% of the planned area, has been completed, corresponding to 407 km of survey lines. This survey is intended to provide detailed magnetic mapping to support target definition and geological interpretation. Qualified Person Guillermo Hughes, FAIG and M Aus IMM., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. About Altamira Gold Corp. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold and copper projects within western central Brazil, strategically advancing five projects spanning over 100,000 hectares within the prolific Juruena Gold Belt-an area that has historically yielded over 6 million ounces of placer gold**. The Company's advanced Cajueiro project contains two gold deposits. The central area comprises NI 43-101 resources of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000oz in the Inferred Resource category. In addition, the Maria Bonita gold deposit comprises additional open pit Indicated Resources of 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t for a total of 357,800oz, and Inferred Resources of 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t for a total of 362,400oz. Ongoing exploration and fieldwork at Cajueiro indicate the presence of multiple porphyry gold systems, reinforcing its potential for district-scale development. These hard-rock gold sources align with historical alluvial gold production, highlighting the region's exceptional gold endowment and potential scalability. With two independently established mineral resources, a highly prospective geological setting and a track record of significant discoveries, the Company is well-positioned to unlock further value across its extensive land package. *1NI 43-101 Technical Report, Cajueiro Project, Mineral Resource Estimate: Global Resource Engineering, Denver Colorado USA, 10thOctober 2019; Authors K. Gunesch, PE; H. Samari, QP-MMSA; T. Harvey, QP-MMSA *2 NI43-101 Technical Report, Mineral Resource for the Maria Bonita Prospect: VMG Consultoria, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 12th June 2025; Author V. Myadzel ** Juliani, C. et al; Gold in Paleoproterozoic (2.1 to 1.77 Ga) Continental Magmatic Arcs at the Tapajos and Juruena Mineral Provinces (Amazonian Craton,Brazil): A New Frontier for the Exploration of Epithermal-Porphyry and Related Deposits. Minerals 2021, 11, 714. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070714 On Behalf of the Board of Directors, ALTAMIRA GOLD CORP. "Michael Bennett" Michael Bennett President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Forward-looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the extension of the Warrants. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Notes Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264722 SOURCE: Altamira Gold Corp. EQT Foundation opens applications for deeptech solutions grant, tackling transforming how we diagnose, treat, and manage rare conditions The program will award between EUR 25,000 to EUR 100,000 STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Foundation is launching a new call for proposals under its Breakthrough Science program. The program awards catalytic grants of 25,000 to 100,000 to researchers tackling urgent challenges in the field of rare diseases. Designed to accelerate bold scientific ideas with high potential for real-world patient impact, the program supports translational research that might be overlooked by traditional funders. The call is open to scientists affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions globally. More than 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease, nearly half of them children. For most, the path to diagnosis is long and uncertain, and treatment options are limited or nonexistent. At the same time, the rare disease field has given rise to some of the most significant advances in medicine, from gene therapy to RNA-based modulation. This grant call aims to support the next generation of these breakthroughs, solutions that begin with the rare few but ripple across science and healthcare systems at large. The program seeks research at the intersection of deeptech innovation and clinical application, with a focus on: Novel therapeutic platforms: gene and RNA therapies, enzyme replacement, oral treatments, delivery innovations, and scalable approaches to individualized medicine Biomarker discovery and diagnostics: tools that accelerate early detection and improve trial design, especially in underserved settings Trial acceleration: registries, digital biomarkers, and AI-enabled evidence generation for faster paths to first-in-patient Access-enabling technologies: innovations that reduce cost or complexity of deployment in low-resource or remote settings Human-relevant disease models: induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids, or organ-on-chip platforms that deepen mechanistic insight and de-risk clinical development Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO, EQT Foundation, comments: "Rare diseases often go unseen and unheard, leaving millions, many of them children, without effective treatments or timely diagnoses. Through this fast-track grant program, we're not just funding research, we're supporting bold scientists to make the leap from lab to clinic. We believe breakthrough technologies can help improve treatments for rare diseases in cost-effective ways, representing an interesting new area for impact investors looking to improve quality-adjusted life years." In addition to funding, the grantees will benefit from access to EQT's global network, connecting them with advisors, potential industry partners, and commercialization support tailored to the needs of translational science. Applications open on September 2, 2025, and close on October 1, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scientific and translational experts. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with the EQT Foundation team, with final decisions communicated shortly thereafter. To apply, visit: https://eqtgroup.com/eqt-foundation/grant-submission 1United Nations General Assembly, Addressing the Challenges of Persons Living with a Rare Disease and Their Families (A/RES/76/132), 2021 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-foundation-opens-applications-for-breakthrough-research-grant-in-rare-diseases,c4228486 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4228486/3644027.pdf EQT Foundation opens applications for breakthrough research grant in rare diseases https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/eqt-foundation,c3466154 EQT Foundation View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eqt-foundation-opens-applications-for-breakthrough-research-grant-in-rare-diseases-302543786.html BrightHeart, a pioneer in AI-driven prenatal ultrasound evaluation, today announced the publication of its landmark study in Obstetrics Gynecology, commonly known as the Green Journal. The study, titled "Artificial Intelligence for the Detection of Fetal Ultrasound Findings Concerning for Major Congenital Heart Defects," confirms BrightHeart's AI software as a transformative tool in prenatal screening for congenital heart defects (CHDs). The publication marks a major step in validating the strength and clinical value of BrightHeart's offering. The multi-center retrospective study analyzed 877 second-trimester ultrasound examinations from 11 leading institutions, including 280 cases of severe CHDs. Using only standard grayscale ultrasound clips, BrightHeart's AI automatically analyzed each exam for key signs of severe heart defects, without human input, achieving: Sensitivity: 98.7% (95% CI: 96.7-99.5) Specificity: 97.7% (95% CI: 96.1-98.6) Conclusive output: 98.7% of all exams These results represent a significant improvement compared to the current standard of care, where CHD detection rates remain below 50% in many settings. By reliably identifying signs of life-threatening heart defects that are often missed in routine prenatal screenings, BrightHeart's AI addresses one of the most persistent diagnostic challenges in prenatal care. Dr. Marilyne Levy, author, BrightHeart co-founder and pediatric cardiologist at Necker Hospital (Paris, France), noted: "BrightHeart's AI doesn't just flag anomalies, it interprets them with the reasoning of a pediatric cardiologist. This supports physicians to efficiently enhance their expertise with every scan, even in settings without immediate access to pediatric cardiology. It's a game-changer for global maternal-fetal health." This study is the result of close collaboration between specialists in pediatric cardiology, obstetrics, data science and biostatistics aimed at rigorously evaluating the clinical performance of BrightHeart's B-Right-Screen Solution. "This is a fundamental step that scientifically validates the impact of BrightHeart's AI in a field where many technologies are brought to market without peer-reviewed evidence, said Dr Carolyn M. Zelop, first author and MFM specialist at Valley Health System and Clinical Professor of OB/GYN, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "We are honored to see our clinical study published in the Green Journal. The results speak for themselves: by identifying findings suspicious for CHD with a 98.7% sensitivity while maintaining a high specificity, our AI offers powerful support in addressing one of prenatal care's most pressing diagnostic gaps the timely detection of congenital heart defects. With fewer trained sonographers and growing medical deserts, prenatal care is under pressure BrightHeart delivers a scalable, high-quality solution. We are currently expanding our AI portfolio to analyze and support the entire prenatal ultrasound exam, bringing greater consistency, efficiency and ultimately, better outcomes for every parent and baby," said Cecile Dupont, CEO of BrightHeart and Partner at Sofinnova Partners. BrightHeart's FDA-cleared AI software integrates seamlessly into existing ultrasound workflows, providing real-time decision support without disrupting clinical routines. Additional clinical evidence will be presented at the ISUOG World Congress later this month, further reinforcing BrightHeart's leadership in advancing prenatal care through AI. About BrightHeart BrightHeart SAS is a Paris-based, privately held, medical device company and part of Sofinnova MD Start, Sofinnova Partners' medical device accelerator. The company's software uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to analyze fetal heart ultrasound exams and support clinicians and sonographers with tools to improve fetal heart evaluations. The company's innovative AI technology addresses a critical unmet clinical need, targeting the significant challenge of screening for congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common type of birth defect. Currently, up to 70% of CHDs cases go undetected during routine prenatal ultrasounds due to the complexity of these exams. BrightHeart offers a first of its kind digital screening tool, which applies AI to detect standard views required during the fetal heart ultrasound evaluation and then flag findings on structural markers that may be suggestive of severe CHDs. This first offering supports the company's broader vision to deliver expert level ultrasound care regardless of resources, setting, or expertise. BrightHeart builds on more than a decade of foundational excellence and innovation in fetal cardiology training established by co-founders Dr. Marilyne Levy and Dr. Bertrand Stos, two leading fetal cardiologists based in Paris, France. Learn more at brightheart.ai. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical, and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 4 billion under management. For more information, please visit: www.sofinnovapartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902339164/en/ Contacts: For further information: Cecile Dupont Chief Executive Officer, BrightHeart press@brightheart.fr Industry veteran to lead newly unified U.S. and Canadian tax software segment, driving innovation and growth Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting (TAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rocco Impreveduto as Vice President Segment Leader for Tax and Accounting Performance, effective Tuesday, September 2. This strategic hire marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Tax and Accounting Performance segment, bringing together the U.S. Tax Preparation and Canadian software portfolios under unified leadership reflecting a bold commitment to accelerating growth and delivering AI innovation to our customers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902959827/en/ Rocco Impreveduto, Vice President Segment Leader for Tax and Accounting Performance, Wolters Kluwer "I'm thrilled to welcome Rocco to the Tax and Accounting Performance team," said Jason Marx, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting. "His deep understanding of customer needs, proven leadership, and track record of driving transformation make him the ideal leader to scale our growth and elevate the customer experience." With over two decades of experience across media, digital, and software industries, Impreveduto brings a deep understanding of customer needs and a proven track record of applying data-informed strategies to drive operational improvements. He joined Wolters Kluwer in 2017 as Vice President of Marketing, where he led a data-driven transformation, strengthened business intelligence capabilities, and introduced a segment-based commercial strategy. He later managed the Transactional, Retirement, and eCommerce portfolio, and most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for Regulatory Compliance Solutions within Legal and Regulatory U.S., scaling expert solutions across the Healthcare, FinTech, and Legal sectors. In his new role, Impreveduto will oversee the strategic direction, financial performance, and market expansion of the TAA Performance segment. He will focus on accelerating AI-driven software innovation, strengthening go-to-market strategy and commercial execution, and expanding the value of Wolters Kluwer's market-leading platforms in the U.S. and Canada. "I'm excited to take on this new role and lead the TAA Performance segment," said Impreveduto. "I look forward to working with our talented teams to deliver innovative solutions that empower our customers and drive long-term success." Impreveduto will be based in Wolters Kluwer's New York office. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of 5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902959827/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Shannon Wherry Associate Director, External Communications Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting Office: +1 972-209-2767 shannon.wherry@wolterskluwer.com A new solution provides enterprises with visibility into AI usage, impact, and compliance as adoption surges across the organization. OSLO, Norway, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardoq, the SaaS company reinventing Enterprise Architecture , today announced the launch of its Enterprise AI Management Solution, designed to help organizations gain visibility, control, and compliance over their AI adoption. As AI becomes embedded across every aspect of the enterprise, leaders face a growing challenge: closing blind spots by gaining visibility into shadow AI usage, data flows, compliance requirements, and the impact on business outcomes. Impending deadlines from frameworks such as the EU AI Act and the Colorado AI Act, as well as proposed US legislation including the Algorithmic Accountability Act, underscore the urgency. Boards are being held accountable for demonstrating that AI systems are explainable, ethical, and compliant, yet many organizations lack the tools to deliver that visibility. "AI is creating both unprecedented opportunity and real uncertainty. Most organizations are unaware of where AI resides within their business or what data it impacts. They need connected, enterprise-wide insight that ties AI usage to strategy, compliance, and risk. By integrating governance into the Enterprise Architecture knowledge graph, Ardoq gives leaders the visibility to act and the confidence to move fast responsibly," said Erik Bakstad, CEO and Co-Founder, Ardoq. Governance in Context: Connecting AI to Strategy, Risk, and Value Ardoq delivers governance in context, connecting AI usage to strategy, risk, and measurable business value. By embedding governance directly into the Enterprise Architecture knowledge graph, leaders gain a connected view of where AI is used, how it interacts with systems and data, and how it aligns with business capabilities and transformation goals and objectives. This enables them to answer board-level questions with clarity and confidence. Four pillars that deliver impact: AI Visibility : Identify AI systems and agents across the enterprise, including shadow AI. Map where AI is used, the purpose, owners, and data it relies on, closing blind spots before they become risks. : Identify AI systems and agents across the enterprise, including shadow AI. Map where AI is used, the purpose, owners, and data it relies on, closing blind spots before they become risks. AI Compliance Readiness : Monitor against evolving AI regulations and standards as well as internal security and governance policies. With controls, audit trails, and reporting readiness in one place, organizations can demonstrate responsible AI to regulators, auditors, stakeholders, and their own boards. : Monitor against evolving AI regulations and standards as well as internal security and governance policies. With controls, audit trails, and reporting readiness in one place, organizations can demonstrate responsible AI to regulators, auditors, stakeholders, and their own boards. Strategic Alignment: Tie AI usage to strategy, capabilities, KPIs, and outcomes, enabling leaders to demonstrate value creation, prioritize investments, and retire low-value or high-risk use cases. Tie AI usage to strategy, capabilities, KPIs, and outcomes, enabling leaders to demonstrate value creation, prioritize investments, and retire low-value or high-risk use cases. Future-Proofing Governance: Vendor-agnostic and scalable governance that keeps pace as models and ecosystems evolve. Support for generative AI, proprietary LLMs, and industry-specific tools without lock-in. Customers echo this need for connected governance to close blind spots and align AI to strategy. "Everything works better when it works together on purpose," said Henrik Magnusson, Head of Architecture at SmartestEnergy. "Ardoq helps us connect complex systems and data to deliver on our deep green agenda. That same ability to connect AI into the wider enterprise context is exactly what organizations need to innovate responsibly." The Governance Gap: AI Adoption Has Outpaced Oversight Ardoq was among the first Enterprise Architecture platforms to research the governance gap emerging around AI. While AI adoption soared in 2024, many organisations were still operating in the dark. Studies from late 2024 revealed that: Over 50% of employees were using unauthorised AI tools, creating compliance and security risks. of employees were using unauthorised AI tools, creating compliance and security risks. 95% of executives reported AI-related mishaps, yet only 2% of enterprises met responsible AI standards. of executives reported AI-related mishaps, yet only of enterprises met responsible AI standards. While 93% of organisations had deployed AI, just 7-8% had governance frameworks in place. of organisations had deployed AI, just had governance frameworks in place. More than 90% admitted they were unprepared for AI-related compliance requirements. One year later, adoption has only accelerated, but governance hasn't kept pace. This disconnect underscores why organisations need more than AI discovery. They need enterprise-wide control. Ardoq's Enterprise AI Management Solution: Connected Oversight by Design Ardoq's new solution equips organizations with the tools to discover, govern, and scale AI responsibly: Identify and classify AI systems and agents across applications and business functions. This provides enterprises with a single source of truth about where AI is being used, whether officially deployed or appearing as shadow AI, thereby closing blind spots that often carry the most significant risk. across applications and business functions. This provides enterprises with a single source of truth about where AI is being used, whether officially deployed or appearing as shadow AI, thereby closing blind spots that often carry the most significant risk. Map data flows and dependencies to visualize how information is processed, shared, and potentially exposed. Leaders gain clarity on whether sensitive data is being handled appropriately, and can spot where duplication or poor data practices might undermine compliance. to visualize how information is processed, shared, and potentially exposed. Leaders gain clarity on whether sensitive data is being handled appropriately, and can spot where duplication or poor data practices might undermine compliance. Monitor compliance with evolving frameworks , such as emerging US state laws, proposed federal legislation, and international AI standards, including internal corporate governance, security, and privacy policies. By recording controls, audit trails, and reporting readiness in one place, organizations can demonstrate responsible AI usage to regulators, auditors, stakeholders, and their own boards, reducing the risk of costly penalties or reputational harm. , such as emerging US state laws, proposed federal legislation, and international AI standards, including internal corporate governance, security, and privacy policies. By recording controls, audit trails, and reporting readiness in one place, organizations can demonstrate responsible AI usage to regulators, auditors, stakeholders, and their own boards, reducing the risk of costly penalties or reputational harm. Link AI systems to business outcomes , helping organizations measure not just risk but also value creation. By tying AI adoption to strategic goals and KPIs, leaders can show the board and regulators that AI is being used deliberately, not recklessly. , helping organizations measure not just risk but also value creation. By tying AI adoption to strategic goals and KPIs, leaders can show the board and regulators that AI is being used deliberately, not recklessly. Future-proof adoption with a vendor-agnostic approach, ensuring oversight keeps pace as AI models and ecosystems evolve. This flexibility allows enterprises to integrate generative AI, proprietary LLMs, or industry-specific tools without being locked into one ecosystem. Unlike standalone governance tools or vendor-specific offerings, Ardoq uses its Enterprise Architecture knowledge graph to integrate AI oversight into the context of the entire business. This approach connects governance to strategy, people, processes, and technology, making it comprehensive and actionable. It helps leaders, for example, understand how an AI chatbot is leveraged in customer service, what data it has access to, how that data is classified, what regulations govern it, and how controls are being applied to maintain compliance. The same connected view can reveal how a financial model interacts with risk management processes, providing a 360-degree perspective on AI within the enterprise. Built on Enterprise Architecture for End-to-End AI Governance Effective AI adoption cannot be managed in isolation. Traditional governance tools may track compliance checklists or tool inventories, but they cannot show how AI connects to business capabilities, people, or long-term strategy. This narrow view risks treating AI as a series of disconnected projects rather than a force that spans the entire enterprise. Ardoq's approach is different. By embedding AI governance into its Enterprise Architecture knowledge graph, Ardoq enables leaders to: See how AI initiatives align with business capabilities and transformation goals Understand dependencies between AI models, core systems, and the data that powers them Answer board-level questions with confidence, from "Where are we exposed?" to "What value is AI delivering?" Ardoq is also recognized for its first-to-market innovations in AI for Enterprise Architecture. With the launch of its MCP Server , Ardoq became the first EA platform to support secure, direct queries from AI assistants such as Claude and Microsoft Copilot. This open ecosystem provides customers with choice, ensures AI outputs are grounded in context, and prevents vendor lock-in. Unlike vendors that treat AI as a bolt-on chatbot, Ardoq's AI is embedded in the model itself. It explains its reasoning, respects workspace permissions, and ensures every output is traceable to its source. Customers also benefit from AI-powered accelerators such as capability mapping, process modeling, and viewpoint creation, which accelerate analysis while maintaining governance at the core. "What makes Ardoq's approach unique is its foundation in Enterprise Architecture," said Dr. Jason Baragry, Chief Enterprise Architect, Ardoq. "We don't just show where AI exists. We reveal how it impacts the capabilities, people, and processes that drive transformation. That is the insight leaders need to govern responsibly and unlock value." Availability Ardoq's Enterprise AI Management Solution will be available to all new and existing customers, and will be showcased live on September 18 as part of the launch of the Ardoq IlluminAIte Webinar Series. As AI shines an intense spotlight on how enterprises govern, align, and scale their technology decisions, IlluminAIte is designed to help leaders see clearly: where AI lives in their business, how it connects to strategy and risk, and how Enterprise Architecture can turn oversight into opportunity. To learn more and register for the series, visit the Ardoq Events Hub Ardoq Events Hub . About Ardoq Ardoq, the SaaS pioneer reinventing Enterprise Architecture for the digital era, delivers a smarter way to EA. Its dynamic, data-driven platform empowers organizations to make better decisions, accelerate transformation, and confidently plan and execute change. By connecting people, processes, and technology, Ardoq gives leaders the insights they need to drive strategic impact at speed and scale. Founded in 2013, Ardoq now serves over 400 global customers and is trusted by leading brands across industries. Learn more at www.ardoq.com . Media Contact Monica Visconti Patel Chief Marketing Officer +44 7767 351 445 monica.patel@ardoq.com Ardoq View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ardoq-launches-enterprise-ai-management-solution-to-help-organizations-govern-and-de-risk-ai-adoption-302543169.html SETAR taps Mavenir's Digital Enablement solution to implement a future-proof, multi-tenant, unified charging system for streamlining operations, accelerating time-to-market, and enabling next-gen service monetization. RICHARDSON, Texas, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider, today announces the successful completion and go-live of its Converged Charging System (CCS) transformation for SETAR, the primary full-service telecoms provider on the Caribbean Island country of Aruba. The cloud-native multi-tenant CCS is supporting operations for SETAR N.V. in Aruba and enables SETAR to provide a "charging as a service" solution for mobile operator KLA in the neighboring island of Bonaire. Powered by Mavenir's Digital Enablement, the centralized system replaces SETAR's legacy, island-specific charging infrastructure with a unified, multi-tenancy system. The open and interoperable system, based on fully-containerized architecture, is hosted in Aruba and generates significant CAPEX and OPEX savings by streamlining and simplifying real-time charging and billing operations. SETAR is also set to benefit from substantially reduced hardware and maintenance overheads, with changes synchronized automatically for both islands' systems. The new charging system is now delivering real-time online and offline charging capabilities for SETAR's complete portfolio of prepaid and post-paid offerings across Aruba and Bonaire through a single, converged system. This transformative upgrade enables SETAR to effortlessly provide digital product suites to its subscribers and ensures next-generation mobile network readiness as the operator continues its network transformation journey in the Caribbean. This multi-faceted modernization and transformation program was smoothly achieved by Mavenir using fast and agile Continuous Deployment Methods, with the Mavenir team standardizing and optimizing SETAR's existing datasets and delivering software to its labs on schedule for comprehensive testing. This allowed the operator to seamlessly migrate away from the previous prepaid charging system and launch with complete confidence and control of the release productivity and performance, while helping to ensure business continuity. The system is deployed in an active-active, geo-redundant configuration across two data centers, ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and seamless failover capabilities. Roland Croes, CEO of SETAR commented: "Our long-term partnership with Mavenir is positioning us for maximum advantage in the next-generation connectivity landscape in the Caribbean. This pivotal upgrade to converged charging across our prepaid and post-paid services now allows us to instantly provision innovative and personalized digital services to our island community customers in Aruba and Bonaire. For SETAR, Mavenir continues to be a strategic enabler of business growth and service excellence in the fast-moving world of digital services." Mavenir is a long-term and trusted technology partner to SETAR, having already augmented its network capabilities with messaging infrastructure, advanced messaging security and routing solutions. SETAR is now equipped to leverage Mavenir's Open APIs within the MDE platform, allowing the operator to seamlessly add new products and services that are auto-provisioned into the new charging system with full transparency and no customer management retraining required on the operational side. Sandeep Singh, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Mavenir's Digital Business Enablement added: "This key architectural evolution to Mavenir's fully containerized MDE platform is already bringing game-changing efficiency and monetization opportunities for our customer, enabling rapid and digital onboarding of innovative new services via a centralized infrastructure. By moving from on-premises dedicated hardware to a charging solution purpose-built for the cloud, SETAR can now rapidly configure new products purely through configuration, not hard coding. The reduced complexity, enhanced operational efficiency and accelerated time-to-market have been able to bolster SETAR's market leadership and future-readiness, driving additional value and a richer digital experience for subscribers across Aruba and Bonaire." About Mavenir Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir's award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world's subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com Mavenir PR Contacts: Emmanuela Spiteri PR@mavenir.com Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - MINERALRITETM Corporation (OTCID: RITE) (the "Company" or "RITE"), a Texas-based company focused on mineral recovery and strategic resource development, which trades on the OTCID, announces that its securities have been designated Penny Stock Exempt by OTC Markets. The Penny Stock Exempt designation removes the additional regulatory burdens that typically apply to OTC securities classified as Penny Stocks -- which makes the process of buying or selling shares of RITE as straightforward as trading any other exempt or widely recognized security. "Achieving Penny Stock Exempt status is a transformational milestone for MineralRite and its shareholders," said James Burgauer, President and CEO of MineralRite Corporation. "This change eliminates unnecessary friction, simplifies access for investors, and broadens the universe of investors, broker-dealers and institutions that can now engage with our stock more easily." Under SEC and FINRA rules, Penny Stocks are generally defined as securities trading below $5 per share. A Penny Stock designation automatically subjects these stocks to additional restrictions including risk disclosures, written suitability confirmations, and delayed processing requirements. By qualifying for Penny Stock Exempt status, RITE is no longer subject to those limitations. The result is a smoother, more accessible path for both new and existing investors to establish or expand positions. MineralRite qualified for this status based on its strengthened financial and operational profile, including its $432 million previously processed mine tailings classified as chattel (personal property) and more than three years of continuous operations. This strong foundation demonstrates that RITE is well positioned to continue executing on its growth strategy while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. "Penny Stock Exempt status is a clear vote of confidence in the stability and substance of MineralRite," added Burgauer. "It allows us to better align our capital markets presence with the scale of our assets and our long-term vision for shareholder value." In other news, RITE also recently executed a non-exclusive investment banking agreement with Partner Capital Group, LLC, a NY limited liability company, to raise up to $35 million of debt financing. The non-exclusive nature of the agreement allows RITE the flexibility to still obtain services from other financial service firms on a when and as-needed basis even while the agreement remains in force. "With the latest round of SEC comments now behind us, our focus is firmly back on executing MineralRite's business plan and advancing our growth strategy," said Burgauer. "RITE's newly executed debt-financing based investment banking agreement underscores our commitment to securing the right financing partners, preserving flexibility, and remaining mindful of dilution as the Company continues to pursue opportunities that create long-term value for our shareholders. RITE continues to prioritize relationships with internationally recognized joint venture partners who can provide the large-scale dirt-moving expertise and personnel needed at the project level, thereby allowing RITE to remain focused on the monetization of the Company's assets." About MineralRite Corporation MineralRite Corporation is a resource development company engaged in the recovery and monetization of mineral assets and related operations. The Company's strategy is focused on creating long-term value for its shareholders through sustainable development, innovative processing technologies, and disciplined financial management. Safe Harbor Disclosure Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. No Offer or Solicitation. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No public offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264662 SOURCE: MineralRite Corporation Pineapple will utilize the net proceeds to launch a dedicated Injective treasury and purchase INJ, becoming the first publicly listed company to do so. INJ, the native asset of Injective, offers industry leading yields while powering new liquidity rails for the multi-trillion-dollar tokenization market. The transaction drew participation from leading investors across traditional finance and crypto, including FalconX, Monarq, Abraxas, Kraken, Blockchain.com, Canary Capital, the Injective Foundation, and others. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL), a leading fintech platform, announces a $100 million private placement to launch the first digital asset treasury strategy anchored in INJ, the native asset of Injective. This investment into the Injective token makes Pineapple the first publicly traded INJ holder worldwide and positions the company as an early mover in merging fintech with blockchain-based finance. The INJ treasury strategy is expected to generate a passive yield of approximately 12%, among the higher yields across major blockchain networks today. By focusing on an INJ first strategy, the company is positioning itself to explore how blockchain-based assets can propel forward the financial industry at large. This move seeks to align Pineapple with the multi-trillion-dollar tokenization trend being explored by leading global institutions. It also underscores Pineapple's conviction that the future of all financial markets will increasingly rely on digital rails for capital flows with Injective leading the way. "The launch of the first Injective digital asset treasury represents a defining moment for Injective and its ecosystem," said Eric Chen, Co-Founder of Injective. "It highlights the accelerating momentum behind Injective as the blockchain at the forefront of connecting Wall Street with onchain finance. This milestone propels a broader transformation, the convergence of traditional markets with blockchain to create a faster, more transparent, and globally accessible financial system." INJ is the native asset of Injective, the leading blockchain built for finance. Powering over $60 billion in transactions, Injective offers faster transaction speeds and cost efficiencies compared to many networks, while focusing on institutional readiness. The network is experiencing strong adoption, with usage surging more than 1,000% year to date. "This transaction highlights Pineapple's commitment to innovation in financial strategies," said Kendall Marin, COO of Pineapple Financial. "Traditional finance runs on access to capital, and INJ represents perhaps the best avenue to enable the entire finance industry to move onto blockchain-based rails," shared Shubha Dasgupta, CEO of Pineapple Financial. "This $100 million raise, solely for the purpose of allocating into INJ, demonstrates our belief that the Injective token can bring forward a future of finance that is transparent and accessible for all." "This landmark transaction firmly positions Pineapple to explore the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain, something we believe will be an inflection point for the financial category," said Drew Green, Chairman of Pineapple Financial. Financial processes such as lending, securitization, and banking remain largely tied to legacy systems that are often slow, costly and opaque. INJ provides a liquidity layer built for speed, efficiency and transparency, capabilities that can directly address the structural challenges in mortgage finance. By investing into INJ, Pineapple is aligning its treasury with innovations that could reshape how finance operates in the years ahead. The Injective digital asset treasury strategy attracted participation from leading institutions across both traditional finance and crypto, including FalconX, Monarq, Abraxas, Kraken, Blockchain.com, Canary Capital, and the Injective Foundation. This broad backing underscores the confidence experienced investors place in Pineapple's strategy and in Injective as the blockchain built for finance. D. Boral Capital served as exclusive placement agent for the transaction. Please see the finalized 8k About Pineapple Financial Inc. Pineapple Financial Inc. ("Pineapple", or the "Company") is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage X (Formerly Twitter): @PAPLpineapple Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions; the Company's financial condition, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statements, and periodic reports filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required by applicable law. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264735 SOURCE: Pineapple Financial Inc. Chinese youth propel bag charm boom as brands target self-expression People's Daily Online) 10:13, September 02, 2025 Since the start of the year, bag buddies and charm accessories have skyrocketed in popularity on social media in China. Major brands like Disney, Sanrio, Jellycat, Baby Gund and Miniso have responded by launching unique charm collections that offer young people creative ways to express their emotions and individuality. Bag charms at a store in Shushan district, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online) Shoppers at BearHans' first Anhui Provincial store, situated in Hefei's MixC Mall, are welcomed by a vivid selection of items ranging from cartoon pendants to hand-knitted plush keychains, with prices from a few dozen to several hundred yuan. A girl selects bag charms at the BearHans store in MixC Mall, Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online) According to store manager Wang Jiejie, bag charms are priced between 89 and 169 yuan ($12.50 to $23.50) and are particularly popular among shoppers aged 20 to 35. Unlike blind-box toys or collectible dolls that typically stay at home, charms clipped to bags offer portability, personalization and versatility, making them an easy choice for young shoppers to express their tastes and interests. A commerce bureau official from the Shushan district noted that young people prize personal expression, viewing charms as an affordable and enjoyable way to display their style, unlike static handbags. A shopper browsing toys at a store in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online) According to the 2024 McKinsey China Consumer Report, 64 percent of Chinese consumers place greater value on emotional experiences, with younger shoppers particularly attracted to products that offer an emotional connection. The global plush toy market has surpassed 10 billion yuan and is growing approximately 15 percent annually, driven largely by those born in the 1990s and 2000s, who account for 79 percent of demand. "Emotional value is transforming the consumer market," said the official, adding that this shift is reshaping how companies develop products and craft marketing strategies. Items and services that genuinely connect with consumers' emotions are becoming key growth drivers. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Permex Petroleum Corporation (CSE: OIL) (FSE: 75P) ("Permex" or the "Company"), a publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production company with assets in the Permian Basin, is pleased to announce it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to purchase producing oil and natural gas wells from an ownership group including Navidad Petroleum and TMR Exploration (the "Group"). The assets include over 50 producing wells, gathering facilities as well as over 20,000 net mineral acres of undeveloped leasehold interests. Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, in consideration of a US$75,000 cash payment, Permex received a 6-month option (the "Option") to acquire all of the Group's interest in certain producing oil and natural gas assets for total consideration of US$3 million in a combination of cash and stock, including a minimum of US$1.75 million in cash. If the Group terminates the Option, Permex will receive a refund of the US$75,000 option payment as s well as the break-fee payment of US$50,000 from the Group. "We believe this Option gives Permex the ability to not only potentially expand its gas production and behind pipe reserves but could also further Permex's strategy of co-developing hydrocarbon and Bitcoin assets across producing oil and gas properties. The assets covered by this Option currently produce approx. ~4 MW of power and we believe that if we decide to exercise this Option that the underlying assets will be turn-key prepared for the deployment of in-field Bitcoin mining operations," said Permex CEO Brad Taillon. "Since Permex's existing asset base reserves are weighted heavily towards oil, in our opinion diversifying our asset base with the possible acquisition of an additional source of stable gas production with significant behind pipe gas reserves makes fiscal sense as such acquisition could give the Company the opportunity to develop significant reserves across both hydrocarbon categories," Mr. Taillon added. Permex intends to work with its Bitcoin mining partner, 360 Energy, Inc., to continue the planning process for the potential deployment of Bitcoin mining across the assets the Company currently holds as well as assets the Company may acquire in the future. About Permex Petroleum Corporation Permex Petroleum Corporation (CSE: OIL) (FSE: 75P) is a uniquely positioned junior oil & gas company with assets and operations across the Permian Basin. The Company is focused on the development of oil and gas assets with a strategic emphasis on assets for Bitcoin mining operations alongside hydrocarbon production. For more information, please visit www.permexpetroleum.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: the Company's execution of the Option, that the assets acquired by the Company upon the potential exercise of the Option: (i) will further Permex's strategy of co-developing hydrocarbon and Bitcoin assets, (ii) will be turn-key prepared for the deployment of in-field Bitcoin mining operations and (iii) will give the Company the opportunity to develop significant reserves across both hydrocarbon categories. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation; that the Company will decide to exercise the Option and be able to acquire the assets underlying the Option upon exercise of the Option, and that the exercise of the Option will further Permex's strategy of co-developing hydrocarbon and Bitcoin assets. Additionally, forward-looking statements involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will decide not to exercise the Option or not be able to acquire the assets underlying the Option upon the exercise of the Option or that the exercise of the Option will not further Permex's strategy of co-developing hydrocarbon and Bitcoin assets. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent management's 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. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this press release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this press release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264717 SOURCE: Permex Petroleum Corporation ASNT Annual Conference - Orlando Already trusted by global OEMs, the Vienna-based scale-up ramps up operations in the U.S. - eliminating coupling fluids, reducing inspection costs, and automating defect detection with its proprietary testing system. VIENNA, AT / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / XARION Laser Acoustics, the Vienna-based pioneer in contact-free ultrasonic inspection, is presenting its latest solutions at the ASNT Annual Conference in Orlando. Known for its patented Laser-Excited Acoustics (LEA), XARION offers a dry, fully automatable solution that eliminates the need for coupling media like gels or water. Already trusted by industry leaders such as Northrop Grumman, the technology is redefining non-destructive testing in advanced manufacturing. Visitors to ASNT can meet the team on-site and experience live demos of the system (Orlando, Florida; October 6-9, 2025 | Booth 125). XARION Laser Acoustics GmbH - Fig. 1 - ASNT Annual Conference 1 Inspection of a CFRP sandwich panel with a honeycomb core by LEA and traditional air-coupled UT. Frequency filtering of LEA's broad bandwidth enables the detection of single cell defects. Overcoming the limits of conventional ultrasonic testing In the aerospace industry, where even single defects can lead to catastrophic events, quality control (QC) is of utmost importance. Nevertheless, the established non-destructive testing (NDT) methods have remained similar for decades. Traditional setups still rely on bulky water immersion tanks or splashing waterjet systems. These approaches complicate workflows and limit the materials that can be tested effectively. XARION's LEA system removes these constraints by delivering fast, high-resolution testing without contact media. Contactless precision for advanced materials Using a pulsed laser, XARION's LEA system excites ultrasonic waves directly within the tested material. The company's proprietary optical microphone, a matchbox-sized sensor, detects those ultrasonic waves without physical contact. "Our solution offers enough flexibility to inspect a wide range of material combinations - from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and adhesives to metals like steel and aluminum to ceramics," states Dr. Balthasar Fischer, founder of XARION Laser Acoustics. This flexibility makes LEA suitable not just for the aerospace industry but also for a broad range of sectors where the highest-level QC counts. High resolution meets high throughput Our LEA technology provides precision unlike anything seen before in air-coupled ultrasonic testing. Even single-cell flaws in honeycomb-core CFRP structures are visible (Fig. 1). The small sensor head can be either used in single-sided or through transmission mode, characterizing even long, hollow, curved shapes, such as a helicopter tail boom. In single-sided measurements, XARION's novel Pulse-Echo sensor head (Fig.3) goes even further than comparative methods, giving information not only on defect size and position, but also its depth. With a wide frequency bandwidth (50 kHz to 4 MHz) and robust signal processing, the system produces high-resolution images at scan speeds up to 1 meter per second, which is important for manufacturing lines. From R&D to automized inline inspection To ease adoption, XARION offers LEAsys, a turnkey inspection system for R&D environments (Fig. 3). This allows manufacturers to explore the capabilities of LEA before scaling up to full in-line integration. "Customers appreciate the ability to validate performance in-house before committing to system-wide changes," explains Dr. Josef Pornbacher, Head of Application Development. In production lines, for example for the control of weld spots in automotive components, the LEA sensor is mounted on a robotic arm and offers seamless automatization (Fig. 2). In industries where failure is no option, quality control must evolve beyond its traditional limitations. XARION's LEA technology provides an essential tool to ensure quality and safety for U.S. customers. -- Founded in 2012, XARION Laser Acoustics GmbH develops and manufactures innovative, laser-based acoustic sensors. Its patented optical microphone enables contactless ultrasonic inspection across a wide frequency range-ideal for high-resolution material testing and in-line process monitoring. XARION's solutions serve industries where precision, reliability, and speed are critical, including aerospace, automotive, microelectronics, and battery manufacturing. With over 30 international patents and leading industrial partners, XARION is setting new standards in ultrasonic quality assurance. Contact Information: XARION Laser Acoustics GmbH Ghegastrasse 3 A - 1030 Wien / Austria Eva Porodko - Senior Project Manager E-Mail: welcome@xarion.com Phone: +43 1 907 60 76 23 Fax: +43 1 9076076 99 https://xarion.com/ SOURCE: XARION Laser Acoustics GmbH Related Images XARION Laser Acoustics - Fig. 2 - ASNT Annual Conference 2 The novel Pulse-Echo sensor head from XARION provides information on defect size, shape, and depth, which can be crucial for quality control. With its compact, matchbox-sized design, the sensor also enables measurements on complex geometries. XARION Laser Acoustics - Fig. 3 - ASNT Annual Conference 3 The LEAsys (left) is a user-friendly, turnkey solution designed for use in R&D departments. For automated quality control the LEA sensor is mounted on a robotic arm (right). View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/xarion-expands-u.s.-presence-aerospace-grade-contact-free-ultrasonic-q-1067399 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / As one of the world's leading financial services companies, MetLife plays an important role in caring for our communities. MetLife regions, lines of business and colleagues contribute to community engagement and outreach. MetLife Foundation helps connect MetLife colleagues with nonprofits and opportunities to make a difference through volunteerism, pro-bono work and grantmaking. These efforts have been instrumental in MetLife Foundation reaching over $1 billion in giving since the Foundation's inception in 1976. Global Partnerships with Non-Profits MetLife Foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations globally by making contributions to strengthen communities. For example, our grants to UNICEF support the organization's efforts to help young people in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon gain essential technical, 21st-century skills to help them unlock opportunities for their futures. In Egypt, UNICEF's projects focus on bringing Wi-Fi connections to communities, while teaching digital skills to young people. In Jordan, UNICEF offers technical and vocational training, as well as digital skills training to help women and refugees find work. In Lebanon, UNICEF provides programming to empower adolescent girls, promoting leadership skills and access to education, skills and protection from gender-based violence. Grantmaking for Local Impact In 2023, MetLife Foundation launched its Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP) which supports grassroots nonprofit organizations addressing the essential needs of people with low income. Through CIGP, MetLife Foundation has awarded $2.6 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that provide vital services to 650,000 people with low income in locations where MetLife has a presence. CIGP expanded to the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, contributing $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in six markets since program inception in 2023. One of these nonprofits is Orange Sky Australia, which offers free laundry, shower services and conversation to individuals experiencing homelessness. Supporting Our Communities During Their Time of Need MetLife, MetLife Foundation and our colleagues support disaster response around the globe, particularly in communities in which our colleagues live and work. MetLife Foundation is a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder program and CARE Surge Fund, which helps communities with disaster preparedness in addition to immediate disaster response. In 2024, MetLife contributed $1.4 million to disaster response efforts: Brazil Floods: MetLife Foundation donated to Associacao Prato Cheio, which provided those impacted and displaced with food and water, as well as other necessities like hygiene kits, clothes and animal feed; Japan Noto Peninsula Earthquake: MetLife Foundation donated to Peace Winds Japan and Save the Children Japan for recovery efforts, as well as matching Japan colleagues' donations to International Medical Corps; and U.S. Hurricanes: MetLife Foundation matched employee donations to the American Red Cross following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton's landfall. In addition, the Foundation donated to several local nonprofits in the areas that were hardest hit. Read more about how MetLife is supporting communities through our grantmaking in our 2024 Sustainability Report. MetLife Foundation's ongoing support of the American Red Cross helps the organization respond to disasters across the U.S. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MetLife on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: MetLife Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/metlife-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: MetLife View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/metlife-strengthening-our-communities-through-grantmaking-1067640 Collaboration kicks off with inaugural Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Kuala Lumpur in late October KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Mastercard The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (the Center) announced a landmark collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council to host the inaugural Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit (the Summit) in Kuala Lumpur in late October - the first of three convenings set to take place in Southeast Asia over the next three years. This significant collaboration deepens Mastercard's commitment to economic growth supporting consumers and small businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration underscores the company's alignment with the Business Advisory Council's focus on sustained, inclusive economic growth in the region, amidst an evolving global and economic landscape. The Summit builds on the success of the Center's Global Inclusive Growth Summit and aims to catalyze sustainable economic growth and advance ASEAN's collective prosperity by demonstrating how regional and business leaders can come together to create opportunities for all. The event aims to spur an exchange of ideas between leaders in the East and West, opening the door to innovation, partnerships, shared collaboration and outcomes for the region. "This collaboration with Mastercard sets the stage for a long-term platform to advance inclusive economic growth in ASEAN. The Summit creates space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, where regional challenges can be addressed through practical, locally relevant solutions. As we look ahead, our goal is to strengthen ASEAN's position as a driver of sustainable, inclusive prosperity," said Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council. "Southeast Asia is at a pivotal moment where growth must be paired with security, inclusion and access," said Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth at Mastercard. "As the region navigates challenges from economic fragmentation to digital disruption, our collaboration with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council reflects our commitment to helping individuals and businesses unlock economic opportunities, so everyone can benefit from the digital economy." According to the World Data Lab, more than 1.1 billion people will join the global middle class in the next decade (by 2035), with individuals in Asia driving the majority of that growth. In the ASEAN region, economies have reached a tipping point where half of its citizens belong to the middle class. By 2035, the ASEAN region's middle class is projected to reach 450 million, representing 56% of the population. At the same time, Southeast Asia's digital economy is expected to grow exponentially, reaching US$560 billion in gross merchandise value by 2030 from US$263 billion in 2024[1]. This digital growth requires deliberate policies, infrastructure investment, cross-sector collaboration and targeted solutions so that the benefits of digitalization can reach more people. Coupled with the region's fast-growing young, digital-first population, the opportunity to build a more inclusive, secure and sustainable digital economy is both immense and critical. The Summit will bring together government leaders, business pioneers, and development organizations in a high-level forum focused on inclusive and sustainable growth, with a spotlight on micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), digital innovation and impact-driven partnerships. The Summit builds on Mastercard's existing efforts in the ASEAN region, including: Investing in small business development - MSMEs make up more than 97 percent of all businesses in Southeast Asia and provide 85 percent of the employment [2] . In Malaysia, MSMEs contribute roughly 40% of GDP, employing over seven million people [3] . The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth supports this vital segment through its flagship Mastercard Strive programs in Malaysia and Indonesia, aiming to uplift 400,000 MSMEs across the two countries through digital upskilling programs, mentoring and networking opportunities, and essential resources for accessing credit. Complementing these efforts, the Center is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to catalyze up to US$1 billion in credit through ADB financing for MSMEs across Asia Pacific, with at least half focused for women-led or climate-focused enterprises. Strengthening cyber resilience - Recognizing that an economy is only as strong as its weakest link in cybersecurity, Mastercard has collaborated with the ASEAN Foundation to roll out a range of initiatives to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of public sector entities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, by equipping them with critical knowledge, tools and training. In addition, Mastercard has also been actively championing industry collaboration to drive collective action to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats. For instance, Mastercard played a key role in initiating the Singapore and Indonesia chapters of the Global Anti Scam Alliance (GASA) , serving as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, and joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its global alliance in combating scams. Driving in-bound tourism - Mastercard is working with tourism ministries and authorities across Southeast Asia to help spur growth and create value for the tourism sector - building on the sector's proven role as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. For instance, Mastercard has been collaborating with Tourism Malaysia to transform and digitize the traveler experience, attract high-value inbound visitors through targeted outreach and unique offerings, and position Malaysia as a premier travel destination, supporting the country's Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026 goals. These collaborations not only fuel growth for the travel sector, but also benefit local small businesses of all stripes, creating more jobs and making a positive impact that extends well beyond tourism itself. Accelerating the adoption of digital payments - Mastercard has been actively driving the adoption of digital and contactless payments in Southeast Asia to enable secure and seamless everyday transactions and open up access to a broader market for businesses through digital acceptance. Recently, Mastercard expanded its open-loop payments solutions for transit to the Philippines and Vietnam, bringing commuters greater flexibility and convenience, driving the use of contactless payments, and helping to modernize public transportation systems in Southeast Asia. Mastercard is collaborating with national digital payments networks to enable real-time payments in Thailand and the Philippines. These real-time payments platforms, PromptPay in Thailand and InstaPay in the Philippines, have brought about widespread adoption of digital payments and is the ubiquitous payment method for everyday transactions among individuals. Now, even the smallest of merchants can go cashless and accept digital payments, connecting them to the digital financial ecosystem and unlocking new opportunities. Innovative, cost-effective acceptance solutions such as Tap on Phone have further enabled small businesses and mobile merchants across Southeast Asia to accept contactless payments easily and on-the go using just their smartphones, making digital acceptance more accessible and eliminating the need for hardware terminals. The inaugural edition of the Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, hosted by the Center, will take place ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, on October 24, 2025; followed by two summits in the region in 2026 and 2027. Visit the Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit website at https://globalinclusivegrowthsummit.com/ for more information. Media Contacts Shazleen Shaik, Mastercard shazleen.shaik@mastercard.com Media Contacts Amalia Rosshaimi, Redhill amalia.rosshaimi@redhill.asia Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter. ASEAN-BAC Established by the ASEAN Leaders at the 7th ASEAN Summit in November 2001 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam and launched in 2003, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) is the apex private sector body mandated to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN's efforts towards economic integration, and further identify priority areas for consideration of ASEAN leaders. The ASEAN-BAC will lead in coordinating inputs from established business councils and entities in their interactions with various ASEAN sectoral groups. ASEAN-BAC Malaysia The ASEAN-BAC Malaysia chapter is an integral member in the regional ASEAN-BAC with regular participation at all Council Meetings and Consultation with ASEAN Leaders. Since 2003, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia has provided policy input at various consultations with the ASEAN Leaders, ASEAN Economic Ministers and ASEAN Sectoral bodies. Notably, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia was the Chair in 2015 when Malaysia announced the formation of the ASEAN Community. ASEAN-BAC Malaysia is represented by Chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak alongside council members Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Mr. Lim Chern Yuan. As Malaysia is the ASEAN Chair in 2025, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia is proud to take the lead in all private sector policy initiatives and programmes, supporting Malaysia's Chairmanship vision and Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs). In realising the vision, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia has begun to roll out 12 policy initiatives and over 60 programmes throughout the year aimed at advocating and pushing for the deepening of ASEAN economic integration, and the promotion of increased cross-border business cooperation. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. www.mastercard.com [1] Source: Google, Temasek, and Bain, e-Conomy SEA 2024 report [2] Source: https://asean.org/our-communities/economic-community/resilient-and-inclusive-asean/development-of-micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-in-asean-msme/ [3] Source: Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Asia Foundation launch Strivers' Hub to empower Malaysia's women entrepreneurs Originally published by Mastercard Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere. Jon Huntsman (2nd from left), Vice Chairman & President, Strategic Growth at Mastercard, Tan Sri Nazir Razak (3rd from left), Chairman of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Malaysia, Safdar Khan (1st from left), Division President, Southeast Asia, Mastercard, and Jukhee Hong (1st from right), Executive Director, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Malaysia at the signing ceremony to host the Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit across Southeast Asia over the next three years. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mastercard on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mastercard Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mastercard View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/mastercard-center-for-inclusive-growth-and-asean-business-advisory-c-1067641 St. John's, Newfoundland--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") further to its August 14, 2025 news release, Sokoman is pleased to announce that it has signed 2 property purchase agreements, expanding its land position at Crippleback Lake in Central Newfoundland. The Company has agreed to purchase a 100% undivided interest in 105 mineral claims located in the Crippleback Lake Area from United Gold Inc. (the United Gold Claims). In consideration of the United Gold Claims Sokoman will make a one-time cash payment of $20,000 and issue 500,000 common shares of the Company to United Gold Inc. The Company has also entered into an agreement with David Evans to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 1% NSR Royalty in favour of David Evans (the "NSR"), in 74 mineral claims located in the Crippleback Lake Area (the "Evans Property") for consideration of a one-time cash payment of $2,500 and 100,000 common shares of the Company to David Evans. The Company may purchase one-half of the NSR for $500,000. In the event that the Company options the Evans Property to a third party, Sokoman will make a $15,000 cash payment to David Evans. Tim Froude, CEO, says "We are pleased to have locked in these two key pieces of ground in what we feel is an emerging new copper-gold play in central Newfoundland. Combined with our existing claims, we now control over 13,000 hectares at Crippleback Lake. We will immediately get boots on the ground with IP geophysical surveys, soil and rock sampling and geological mapping planned to start in the coming days." The United Gold Agreement and Evans Agreement are both subject to TSX venture Exchange approval. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. For full details of the agreement, please refer to the Company's press release dated October 11, 2023. Projects optioned with optionee fully vested are: East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc. (SIC retains shares of CTM plus 1% NSR) Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR) The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys Projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program during the past few years. Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264750 SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp. Program supports Severn Trent's commitment to optimize water usage and improve leak detection while extending Netmore's position as the largest LoRaWAN network operator in the UK Netmore Group, the leading network operator for Massive IoT, and Severn Trent, the UK's second largest water company, today announced that Netmore has been selected to deploy and manage network services for one million smart meters across more than 20 counties. The AMP8 contract for the supply of AMI water meters on behalf of Severn Trent and sister company Hafren Dyfrdwy had an estimated value of 200 million when it went to tender in September 2024 and is subject to Ofwat's final determination. With an initial contract term of 3 years and an intention to accelerate the implementation of smart meters started under Severn Trent's Green Recovery Programme, Netmore will deploy and manage a dual LoRaWAN and Narrowband-loT (NB-IoT) network and lead a group of suppliers to deliver the water meters. Data delivered on a daily basis to Severn Trent is expected to improve customer awareness of water usage, reduce leakage, and help accurately plan water supplies for the future. "Netmore's expertise in deploying large-scale LoRaWAN networks for smart metering, combined with our advanced network management platform, flexible business models, and world-class customer support allows us to meet the rigorous demands of major projects, making us a trusted partner for water utilities. We're honoured to be selected by Severn Trent to modernize their water infrastructure, strengthening our leadership in the UK's IoT ecosystem and shaping the future of the global water industry," says Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group. "Following a rigorous evaluation process to advance our AMI initiatives, we are confident in our choice of Netmore and its metering partners for our program. Netmore's experience in supplying carrier-grade network connectivity and reliably delivering smart meter data will help Severn Trent monitor water consumption more accurately, identify leaks faster, and reduce and operational carbon emissions in line with our stated goals," says Anthony Hickinbottom, Smart Metering Networks Lead at Severn Trent. Itron and Diehl have been selected as LoRaWAN meter providers for this program and Vodafone IoT has been selected to provide connectivity services for NB-IoT meters. The Netmore Connect platform will be utilized for all network and device management and data delivery to Severn Trent's Meter Data Management System. Under the management of Severn Trent, Network Plus Services will plan, schedule, and install the meters. Protecting water resources and enhancing customer experience Severn Trent's smart metering program goals include: One million smart water meters across their service region by the end of the AMP8 period (2025-2030) A 16% reduction in household water leakage by 2030 A 7% reduction in household water use by 2030 compared to the 2024-25 baseline A 3.5% reduction in business (non-household) water use by 2030 compared to the 2024-25 baseline Help customers understand consumption patterns, reduce bills, and promote water-saving behaviors Netmore Establishes Largest LoRaWAN Network in the UK Netmore operates the UK's largest LoRaWAN network, delivering carrier-grade IoT connectivity to utilities, municipalities, and enterprise-scale applications. As of the latest project deployments, Netmore's network will cover 43 out of the UK's 92 counties, reaching over 51 million people, which represents nearly 77% of the population. At a national scale, Netmore is supporting major utility companies by connecting more than three million smart water meters through LoRaWAN. Key partnerships include projects with Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, Affinity Water, and South West Water, marking some of the largest LoRaWAN-based smart utility deployments in Europe. With an ambitious strategy focused on expanding coverage through partnerships and infrastructure investments, Netmore aims to steadily increase the number of counties, populations, and businesses served, reinforcing its role as the backbone of large-scale IoT connectivity across the UK. "With advancements in wireless metering, network operators now play a central role in utility and municipal infrastructure projects. Netmore has embraced this market dynamic, and our team is very proud to have been selected by Severn Trent to take on their AMI initiatives. Our expertise throughout the water utility segment has led to establishing the largest LoRaWAN network in the UK which is not only capable of supporting the most demanding water metering use cases, but is available for a broad range of municipal, smart building, and smart city applications," says Vadim Lyu, Managing Director UK, Netmore Group About Netmore Group Netmore Group is the leading global network operator for Massive IoT, powering the world's most advanced and sustainability-focused solutions for utilities, buildings, cities, and other markets that benefit from sensor-connected environments. With a decade of innovation and leadership in IoT platform development and network operations, Netmore continues to set the standard for IoT excellence. Netmore operates in 18 countries and is backed by Nordic infrastructure investor Polar Structure. About Severn Trent Severn Trent is the UK's second biggest water company. It serves 4.4m homes and business customers in England and Wales. Its region stretches from mid-Wales to Rutland and from north and mid-Wales south to the Bristol Channel and east to the Humber. The company delivers almost two billion litres of water every day through 49,000km of pipes. A further 94,000km of sewer pipes take waste water away to more than 1,000 sewage treatment works. Website: www.stwater.co.uk View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902686646/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: James Gerber Crackle Communications +1 508-233-3391 netmore@cracklepr.com Netmore Contacts: Vadim Lyu Managing Director UK, Netmore Group Phone: +44 7957 020077 vadim.lyu@netmoregroup.com Ken Lynch VP, Global Marketing +1 617-877-5393 ken.lynch@netmoregroup.com Severn Trent Contact: media@severntrent.co.uk 02477 715 640 Out of hours: 0345 602 0659 TAMPERE, Finland, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bioretec Ltd, a pioneer in absorbable orthopedic implants, announced today the appointment of Jordy Winters as Vice President of Sales Outside U.S. (OUS; Europe and Rest of the World) and member of the Management Team. Winters will spearhead Bioretec's international commercial strategy, advancing the company's expansion into key markets outside the United States and driving revenue growth. Winters brings extensive sales leadership experience from Johnson & Johnson MedTech and Synthes, with a strong record of driving commercial adoption and building high-performing teams. Most recently, he served as Spine Lead EMEA, driving regional strategy and growth. His earlier positions included Business Lead DePuy Synthes, Sales Director Orthopaedics, and leadership roles in Joint Reconstruction, Spine and Trauma. From starting his career as a Sales Consultant to leading large-scale teams across EMEA, Jordy has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing orthopaedics and spine care solutions that positively impact patients' lives. His appointment strengthens Bioretec's leadership at a pivotal time for the company, as it scales operations and seizes opportunities in orthopedics with its Activa absorbable polymer platform and RemeOs absorbable magnesium alloy technology. Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher, CEO of Bioretec, states: "We are delighted to welcome Jordy Winters to our executive team. With nearly two decades of proven excellence in global orthopedic commercial leadership, his expertise and international perspective will be instrumental as we continue to expand Bioretec's impact outside the U.S." "Bioretec is entering an important phase of growth, with increasing demand for innovative, sustainable solutions in orthopedics," said Jordy Winters. "I look forward to driving the company's international commercial success and forging strategic partnerships that deliver value to patients, surgeons, and shareholders worldwide." In parallel, Rami Ojala, previously Vice President of OUS Sales, will transition into the newly created role of Head of Global Medical Education. In this position, Ojala will lead efforts to advance surgeon training programs, develop educational initiatives, and support clinical adoption of Bioretec's pioneering technologies worldwide. About Bioretec: Bioretec is a globally operating Finnish medical device pioneer at the forefront of transforming orthopedic care with fully biodegradable implant technologies. The company has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The products developed and manufactured by Bioretec are used worldwide in approximately 40 countries. Bioretec's Activa product line features fully bioabsorbable orthopedic implants made from a proprietary, self-reinforced PLGA polymer. These implants deliver secure fixation through patented innovations and naturally degrade in approximately two years, eliminating the need for costly and invasive removal surgeries while supporting optimal bone regeneration. Activa products are both CE marked, and FDA cleared for a wide range of indications in adult and pediatric patients. The company's latest innovation, the RemeOs product line, is based on a high-performance magnesium alloy and hybrid composite, introducing a new generation of strong absorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The RemeOs implants are absorbed and replaced by bone, which eliminates the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing. The first RemeOs product market authorization was received in the U.S. in March 2023, and in Europe, the CE mark approval was received in January 2025. With the development of next-generation implants like RemeOs, Bioretec is shaping the future of orthopedic treatment, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly solutions. To learn more about Bioretec, visit https://bioretec.com. Contact: Megan Pino Megan.pino@bioretec.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bioretec/r/bioretec-appoints-jordy-winters-as-vice-president-of-ous-sales-to-accelerate-international-growth,c4228265 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bioretec-appoints-jordy-winters-as-vice-president-of-ous-sales-to-accelerate-international-growth-302543874.html DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Minimally Invasive Surgery Market, valued at US$81.65 billion in 2024, stood at US$94.45 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 16.1% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$199.30 billion by the end of the period. The growth of the minimally invasive surgery market is fueled by the increasing preference for faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays among patients and healthcare providers. Technological developments such as robotic-assisted systems, AI-enabled imaging, and 3D visualization further improve surgical accuracy and outcomes. Opportunities arise from the expanding geriatric population needing chronic disease management, rising outpatient surgical procedures, and the growing demand for MIS procedures in outpatient settings. Additionally, expanding healthcare infrastructure and training programs in emerging markets will likely present significant opportunities for MIS device manufacturers during the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=787 Browse in-depth TOC on "Minimally Invasive Surgery Market" 459 - Tables 60 - Figures 389 - Pages By product, the global minimally invasive surgery market is segmented into surgical devices, imaging and visualization systems, electrosurgical devices, endoscopy devices, and medical robotics. Among these, in 2024, the surgical devices segment held the largest market share. This is because of its crucial role in all MIS procedures and ongoing product innovation. The rising number of surgical procedures worldwide and the widespread adoption of affordable, articulating laparoscopic handheld instruments are fueling demand. Electrosurgical devices, in particular, are experiencing rapid growth due to their high usage volume and versatility across various procedures. Improvements in handheld instrument design-such as better ergonomics, precision, and reusable options-boost surgical efficiency and user comfort. Additional factors like ease of sterilization, durability, surgeon familiarity, and compliance with evolving regulations also promote widespread adoption. Intense competition among manufacturers further drives continuous improvements, strengthening the segment's market position. By application, the minimally invasive surgery market is segmented into cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, neurological surgery, ENT & respiratory surgery, cosmetic surgery, gastrointestinal & abdominal surgery, gynecological surgery, urological surgery, orthopedic surgery, oncology surgery, dental surgery, and other surgeries. Among these, in 2024, the gastrointestinal & abdominal surgery segment held the largest market share, due to the high global burden of GI diseases and increasing surgical volumes. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, 315,065 new GI cancer cases were diagnosed, and 281,413 related deaths occurred, emphasizing the need for timely intervention. In 2022 alone, an estimated 23.5 million GI endoscopies were performed, reflecting the demand for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. MIS techniques in GI and abdominal surgeries offer significant advantages, including reduced postoperative complications, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. These benefits and the rising adoption of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures for colorectal, bariatric, and hepatobiliary surgeries contribute to segment dominance. Technological advancements, increasing awareness, and expanding healthcare access reinforce market leadership. By geography, the minimally invasive surgery market is divided into five main regional segments: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America holds the largest share in 2024 of the global minimally invasive surgery market. This is due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases and the widespread adoption of advanced surgical technologies. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 2,041,910 new cancer cases and 618,120 cancer-related deaths are expected in the U.S. in 2025. Additionally, the CDC reported 919,032 cardiovascular-related deaths in 2023, with someone dying every 34 seconds. This increasing disease burden boosts the demand for effective, less invasive surgical options. The region also benefits from a well-established healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and high healthcare spending. Furthermore, growing patient preference for minimally invasive surgery over open procedures-because of faster recovery and lower risks-also drives market growth. Coupled with substantial R&D investments and the presence of major medical device manufacturers, these factors strengthen North America's leadership position in the global minimally invasive surgery market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=787 Some of the prominent players operating in the market include Medtronic (Ireland), Johnson & Johnson (US), Stryker (US), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), Abbott (US), GE HealthCare (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherland), Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. (US), FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan), and among others. Medtronic (US): Medtronic stands as a pivotal player in the minimally invasive surgery sector, bolstered by a comprehensive product portfolio, robust innovative capacity, and a well-established global footprint. The company advances MIS solutions through its distinct Neuroscience, Medical Surgical, and Cardiovascular divisions, deploying sophisticated technologies across various therapeutic domains. Medtronic's strategic initiatives, focusing on both organic development and strategic acquisitions, have facilitated sustained growth and a continuous pipeline of product innovation. In FY2024, the company allocated 8.1% of its revenue-amounting to USD 2,732 million-toward research and development, highlighting a strong commitment to technological progress. Notable regulatory achievements, including FDA approval for its minimally invasive renal denervation system, alongside the worldwide deployment of its robotic-assisted surgical platform, underscore Medtronic's proficiency in accelerating the market introduction of advanced solutions. The company's extensive operations in over 150 countries foster broad adoption and commercial scalability of its offerings. Collectively, these attributes-global reach, relentless innovation, and strategic commercial execution-consolidate Medtronic's leadership position in the MIS arena, as it consistently delivers next-generation surgical technologies aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Johnson & Johnson (US) Johnson & Johnson is a prominent player in the minimally invasive surgery market, characterized by its innovation-driven approach, a diversified MedTech portfolio, and a robust global presence. Through its subsidiaries, Ethicon and DePuy Synthes, the company provides a wide array of MIS solutions spanning both surgical and orthopedic applications. In FY2024, Johnson & Johnson committed USD 3,703 million-representing 11.6% of its MedTech segment sales-to research and development, underscoring its strong focus on advancing surgical technologies. The company embraces a balanced strategy for growth that integrates both organic development and strategic acquisitions, emphasizing product innovation and digital transformation. The receipt of regulatory approval for the Monarch robotic-assisted system in November 2025, alongside its strategic alliance with Microsoft, established in January 2022 to advance digital surgical capabilities, exemplifies its proactive stance in investing in digital health and intelligent surgical systems. Johnson & Johnson's extensive global footprint and strong operational execution further facilitate the widespread integration of its MIS technologies into healthcare systems. Collectively, these initiatives enhance its competitive advantage and reinforce its leadership in delivering cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of both clinical practitioners and patients. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments Market Laparoscopic Instruments Market Electrosurgery Market Endoscopy Equipment Market Medical Robots Market Get access to the latest updates on Minimally Invasive Surgery Companies and Minimally Invasive Surgery Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/minimally-invasive-surgery-market-worth-us199-30-billion-by-2030-with-16-1-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302543528.html SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global digital forensics market is observing significant growth due to the growing digital public infrastructure and rising cybercrimes & data breaches. Global Digital Forensics Market Experiences Significant Growth Owing to the Rising Cases of Cybercrimes & Data Breaches and Growing Digital Public Infrastructure. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the digital forensics market comprises a vast array of components, types, end uses, and geography, which are expected to register strength during the coming years. Check valuable insights in the Digital Forensics Market report. You can easily get a sample PDF of the report - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000698 Overview of Report Findings Market Dynamics and Insights: The rapid expansion of digital public infrastructure-comprising data centers, AI hubs, cloud platforms, and advanced connectivity networks-is fundamentally reshaping the global digital landscape. The surging demand for data processing, AI computing, and cloud-native operations is driving this transformation. On May 15, 2025, Blue Owl Capital Inc. announced the final close of its latest investment vehicle, the Blue Owl Digital Infrastructure Fund III (ODI III), with US$7 billion in capital commitments, surpassing its original US$4 billion target. ODI III aims to develop and acquire data centers and digital real assets purpose-built to support the world's leading cloud and technology companies. The fund's focus on large-scale, build-to-suit infrastructure reflects the escalating requirements of AI and cloud technologies-sectors that generate vast volumes of sensitive and mission-critical data. Similarly, Brookfield Asset Management (BAM), a global leader in infrastructure investment, unveiled a US$10 billion AI infrastructure initiative in Sweden on June 4, 2025, with plans to build a state-of-the-art data center in Strangnas. This facility, set to scale from 300MW to 750MW, will serve as Europe's key AI processing node. Brookfield's broader commitment-over 100 billion (US$117.76 billion) in digital infrastructure, renewable power, and semiconductor assets-underscores a global shift toward high-performance, hyper-connected environments. As countries and corporations race to establish digital and AI leadership, expanding public digital infrastructure drives innovation and creates new layers of operational complexity and cyber risk. With billions of dollars invested in public digital infrastructure, ensuring these assets' integrity, availability, and security becomes mission-critical. Digital forensics plays an increasingly strategic role in post-incident analysis and supporting compliance, resilience, and governance frameworks across these complex digital environments. Forensic technology is poised to become a foundational layer of infrastructure protection as the backbone of modern economies becomes ever more digital. Regional Insights: In April 2024 alone, Europe witnessed a significant escalation in cyber incidents, with over 24.5 million data records breached across a range of sectors, including healthcare, finance, government, and critical infrastructure. This alarming figure underscores the persistent vulnerability of European organizations to data breaches, phishing campaigns, ransomware attacks, and insider threats. The increasing digitalization of services, the rise of remote work environments, and the growing interconnectedness of supply chains have broadened the attack surface, making it easier for threat actors to exploit security weaknesses. Additionally, the evolving threat landscape complicates matters, as cybercriminals are using AI, zero-day exploits, and highly targeted social engineering tactics to compromise sensitive data. As regulators continue to enforce stricter data protection laws under frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), organizations are under mounting pressure to prevent breaches and investigate and respond to them swiftly and forensically. This surge in cyber incidents is directly fueling the growth of the digital forensics market across Europe. Organizations increasingly recognize the need for comprehensive incident response capabilities, including conducting thorough forensic investigations that can trace the source of breaches, preserve evidence for legal proceedings, and ensure compliance with regulatory reporting timelines. Governments and enterprises alike are investing in advanced forensic tools, skilled personnel, and integrated platforms capable of handling complex digital evidence across multiple devices and networks. Moreover, the expanding cyber insurance market and legal liabilities tied to data breaches are prompting businesses to embed forensic readiness into their cybersecurity strategies. As a result, the digital forensics sector in Europe is experiencing robust growth, driven by demand for expertise in malware analysis, endpoint forensics, and cloud investigation techniques, positioning it as a critical pillar in the continent's broader efforts to build cyber resilience and safeguard digital trust. Geographical Insights:North America is expected to dominate the digital forensics market with the highest market share in 2024. Get Research Sample Copy of the Digital Forensics Market: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000698 Digital Forensics Market Segmentation The digital forensics market is segmented into hardware, software, and services based on component. In terms of components, the digital forensics market is divided into computer forensics, network forensics, mobile device forensics, and others. By end use, the digital forensics market is segmented into government and defense, law enforcement, BFSI, IT & Telecom, retail, healthcare, and others. The digital forensics market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: A few major companies operating in the digital forensics market include Microsoft Corp, International Business Machines Corp, Open Text Corp, Cisco Systems Inc, Cellebrite DI Ltd., Nuix Limited, Magnet Forensics, Paraben Corporation, Exterro, and Oxygen Forensics, among others. Trending Topics: Cybersecurity, Mobile and IoT Forensics, Cloud Forensics, among others Global Headlines on the Digital Forensics Market "Magnet Forensics, a global leader in digital investigation solutions, announced transformative new updates to the Magnet One platform: Magnet One Process, a next-generation cloud processing engine, and Magnet One Mobile Case Stream that, for the first time, puts critical mobile evidence at the fingertips of investigative teams in real time." "OpenText announced the release of OpenText Forensic (EnCase Forensic) CE 24.4 and EnCase Mobile Investigator CE 24.4. OpenText Forensic CE 24.4 is designed to enhance the usability of the artifacts-based workflow, helping digital forensic investigation teams more easily access forensic artifacts across a wider range of platforms. EnCase Mobile Investigator CE 24.4 offers additional mobile data collection capabilities with support for Apple iOS 18. With the CE 24.4 release, OpenText EnCase Forensic is now OpenText Forensic." Get Premium Copy of Digital Forensics Market Size and Growth Report by 2031 at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPTE100000698 Conclusion Digital forensics is a specialized branch within forensic science focused on investigating and analyzing digital evidence. While it plays a crucial role in addressing cybercrime, its utility extends beyond to encompass both criminal and civil investigations. The rising cases of cybercrimes, data breaches, and the growing digital public infrastructure drive the digital forensics market. The market is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to various companies' proliferation of mobile and IoT forensics and strategic investments. The rise in cloud forensics is likely to be one of the key trends in the market. However, the high cost of digital forensic tools and services may hamper the market growth. The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders-including digital forensics solution providers, law enforcement & government agencies, cybersecurity firms, regulatory & standards organizations, and end-users-with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Trending Related Reports: Forensic Audit Market Trends, Growth, and Size - 2031 Cloud Forensic Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players Analysis, and Forecast till 2031 Forensic Swab Market Forecast (2025-2031) | Size Forensic LIMS Market Growth Analysis by Size and Share: 2031 Forensic Equipment And Supplies Market Opportunities by 2031 Forensic Technology Market Key Findings and Size by 2031 Network Forensics Market Overview and Forecast by 2031 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in semiconductor and electronics, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, biotechnology, healthcare IT, manufacturing and construction, medical devices, technology, media and telecommunications, and chemicals and materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please get in touch with us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Also Available in: ??? | Deutsch | ?? | Francais | ?????? | ?? | Italiano | Espanol Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586348/5449703/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-forensics-market-is-projected-to-reach-us12-67-million-by-2031-at-cagr-of-11-5--the-insight-partners-302543797.html HONG KONG, Sept 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - - The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME to be held from 2 to 6 September, attracting over 650 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions- The Watch & Clock Fair features eight major themed zones, covering a wide range of watch and clock products, providing buyers with a one-stop sourcing platform- Exhibitors will launch new products during the fairs, capitalising on market trends, and introducing items featuring Chinese cultural designs, crossover and products incorporating eco-friendly and innovative elements- Salon de TIME is once again open to both industry professionals and the public for free, offering an array of exciting activities, including luxury watch parades, new watch launches, lucky draws, and sessions for watch appreciation and tea art experiences, among othersThe 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, open under the theme 'Our Time Our Moments'.The two fairs have attracted over 650 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, presenting a wide array of exquisitely crafted and distinctive watch and clock products. This year's exhibition features pavilions from Guangzhou, Taiwan, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), and the French pavilion by Franceclat. It also welcomes the return of exhibitors from Germany, Japan, Lebanon and the Netherlands.The physical fairs will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for five consecutive days, from 2 to 6 September. Meanwhile, the Click2Match AI-driven business matching platform is open until 13 September, allowing exhibitors and buyers to continue their negotiations online.Salon de TIME'remains open to both industry professionals and the public for free. Some brands also provide on-site retail so the public can purchase directly.A comprehensive range of watch products and servicesAt the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, there are eight specialised zones, providing a one-stop sourcing platform for global buyers. Among them, Pageant of Eternity showcases high-end finished watches produced through Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM). Other zones include Complete Watches, Clocks, Machinery & Equipment, OEM Smart Watches, Packaging & Display, Parts, Components & Accessories, and Trade Services, covering a wide range of industry needs.Salon de TIME brings together over 140 global brands, marking a post-pandemic high. It features six themed zones, including this year's addition of the'Microbrands, which showcases several unique niche brands offering high-value, creatively designed watches.The World Brand Piazza, now in its 15th year of collaboration with Prince Jewellery & Watch, remains a highlight of the fair especially for watch collectors. This year, it presents limited edition and prestige watches from nine major international brands: Baume & Mercier, Corum, Cvstos, DeWitt, Kerbedanz, Montblanc, Peonia Diamond, Sarcar, and Ulysse Nardin. Other zones include'Renaissance Moment, Wearable Tech, Craft Treasure, and'Chic & Trendy.This year, exhibitors are launching new products based on a close evaluation of current market trends. Some of the highlighted and innovative watches from the two fairs include:Watches with Chinese cultural elementsIn recent years, some watches have incorporated elements of traditional Chinese culture into their designs, earning recognition from international award bodies. This has drawn increased attention to domestic brands and watchmakers from Mainland China.- Ma Xushu, the first member from mainland China of the Acad'mie Horlogere des Createurs Independants (AHCI), along with fellow member Tan Zehua and independent watchmakers from mainland China, Qian Guobiao and Gong Xun, will showcase multiple watches that blend exquisite craftsmanship with Chinese cultural designs. (Booth: 3F-D03)- Shanghai Watch presents a timepiece that won the Gold Award at the 2025 MUSE Design Awards in the US, drawing inspiration from Shanghai's city flower, the white magnolia. The watch face features the traditional 'Suzhou embroidery' technique, depicting upward-blooming magnolias. (Booth: 3F-D01)Introducing collaborative work to create synergySome watch brands are collaborating with popular film and anime IPs to launch joint series and limited-edition models. These collaborations aim to attract specific consumer groups and enhance brand visibility and influence.- During the fair,Zbioland and Harry Potter are unveiling the 'Dynamic Snake' collaborative watch for the first time, a limited edition of 200 pieces. The titanium snake on the watch twists around the bezel when wound, and when fully wound, it can move for up to 45 seconds. (Booth: 3F-D03)- Local brand INFANTRY has collaborated with Super Dimension Fortress Macross to launch a watch series. Each watch comes with two sets of accessories, allowing anime enthusiasts to freely switch styles and showcase the fusion of anime spirit and watchmaking craftsmanship. (Booth: 3G-B16)Personalised and chic luxury designs attract young consumersIn recent years, the growing demand for unique designs and the desire to express personal style have led to the increasing popularity of niche watch brands. Some microbrands have captured the young consumer segment with their distinctive designs and affordable prices, such as eOne, Le Tandy, OVD, Sunrex and No Identity, all participating in this year's exhibition.The Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP) and the French pavilion Franceclat are also showcasing 19 uniquely designed, collectible European watch brands this year. In addition, the International Luxury Group (ILG) pavilion features 13 fashionable brands with diverse styles, including Cerruti 1881, Ducati Corse, Kenneth Cole, Police, Sandoz, Tsar Bomba and Timberland.- Swiss brand Sandoz has launched a sporty watch that combines mechanical and fashionable styles. The watch features a green skeleton dial that showcases the movement's operation and is equipped with luminous hands and silver hour markers for clear readability. (Booth: 3G-A08)- Point Tec, as one of Germany's largest-selling watch companies, is participating for the first time this year with three brands:'Zeppelin,'Bauhaus, and'Ruhla. (3G-B13A)Recycled or sustainable materials meet environmental protection demandsThe market has increasingly valued environmental, social, and governance (ESG) based products. Some consumers have started to pay attention to the material sources, manufacturing locations, and production processes of watches, prompting some watch brands to switch to recycled or sustainable materials. To make it easier for buyers to purchase products that meet environmental standards, this year's exhibition continues to feature a Green Solutions Suppliers label to identify over 30 selected exhibitors showcasing sustainable watches, including:- German brand Lilienthal Berlin which follows the launch of the world's first watch with a case made from recycled coffee grounds last year, with a watch that features a dial made from recycled tea leaves, giving it a subtle tea fragrance. (Booth: 3F-D07)- Hong Kong brand Memorigin presents the Genesis Series (Ocean Blue) tourbillon watch, featuring a polished metal case paired with an eco-friendly strap jointly created with Austrian strap manufacturer Hirsch. The strap is made from ocean recycled yarn, making it both stylish and environmentally friendly. (Booth: 3F-C03)Smart trends bring new opportunities to the industryThe popularity of wearable smart devices has brought new opportunities to the watch industry. Many brands are actively developing features such as health monitoring, GPS, temperature measurement, and weather forecasting.- German brand Oskron has introduced a smartwatch that offers organ health scoring, health monitoring, personalised wellness guidance, and sub-health warnings. Drawing on data from 300,000 traditional Chinese medicine cases and advanced AI analysis, the watch enables users to gain a comprehensive understanding of their health status. (Booth: 3F-E03)- Exhibitor Longitude Limited (Hong Kong)'presents the Fila's smartwatch, which helps wearers track calories burned during physical activities. (Booth: 1C-A02)Exciting activities welcome public participationSalon de TIME will offer a variety of special activities for the public, including a series of luxury watch parades and the launch of new watches. Several celebrities have been invited to the events, including'Aka Chio,'Michael Tong, and'Kaman Kong, as well as Olympic karate medallists'Grace Lau'and'Ariel Torres, and retired Hong Kong wheelchair badminton players'Daniel Chan. In addition to bidding on 'special edition watches at an exclusive starting price through'Smart Bidding, the public can participate in a'lucky draw to win luxury watches.On the fourth day of the exhibition (5 September), Hong Kong metal engraving artist'Carlos Koo'will demonstrate the art of watch engraving. 'Precision in Time, Peace in Tea' will take place on the fifth day (6 September), featuring watch collector'Noel Wong'and the President of the Hong Kong Association of Tea Tasting Masters and Sommeliers Limited,'Stephen Cheung. They will offer a session that combines luxury watch appreciation and a tea art experience, allowing participants to enjoy the fusion of watchmaking craftsmanship and tea culture.Industry experts analyse development trendsThis year's'Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair'has organised over 35 exciting activities, including seminars, forums, and networking events. Among these is the'Hong Kong International Watch Forum, held today (2 September), featuring leaders from watch associations in Mainland China, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, and South Korea. They will share the latest trade data and industry trends from their regions and discuss global supply chain strategies.On the same day, the seminar'Ancient Wisdom Meets Innovative Technology: Smart Wearables for Preventive Healthcare'will feature medical experts from around the world. Speakers include'Prof Hui Ka-kit, Director of the Center for East-West Medicine at UCLA, and'Prof Zhang Qi-ming from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, among others. They will discuss how smart wearable devices can integrate with Eastern and Western medical concepts to monitor health.The Asian Watch Conference, taking place tomorrow (3 September) with the theme 'Redefining Eternity: Trends, Values, and Visions in Watchmaking', will feature a senior analyst from international market researcher Euromonitor International, who will discuss the latest developments in the watch market. Also speaking will be an independent watchmaker and chief representative from the SIWP, as well as a seasoned independent watch collector, member of the Academy of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Gen've (GPHG). They will share insights into the artistic concepts and philosophy behind independent watchmaking and microbrands.The exhibition will also feature renowned Chinese watchmakers and members of the AHCI,'Ma Xushu'and'Tan Zehua. Along with'Zhang Shusheng, a watch critic, collector, and the President of Macau Watch Association, they will explore the current state of development for Chinese independent watchmakers and the essence of independent watchmaking.Additionally, the HKTDC, the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited are organising the'42nd'Hong Kong Watch & Clock Design Competition. It aims to promote exchanges in watch design and nurture local creative talent. The themes for this year are "Memorable" for the open group and "Believe in Yourself" for the student group. The competition continues to feature the Made-to-Sell Award, recognising student entries with significant market potential.Celebrity Bowie Cheung served as a guest judge and will attend the award ceremony. Winning and shortlisted entries will be displayed during the exhibition, with the award ceremony taking place on 6 September at the event stage.Scan2Match extends online connections with exhibitorsThe two fairs will continue to be held in the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, with the AI-driven 'Click2Match' business matching platform opening one week before the physical fairs, from 26 August to 13 September. This enables exhibitors to identify suitable buyers and conduct online meetings at their convenience.HKTDC also provides its Scan2Match offline-to-online service, allowing buyers to scan exhibitor QR codes at the fairs using the HKTDC Marketplace app. Buyers can also use the app to bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and the interactive floor plan, make enquiries and chat online' with exhibitors during and after the fair.CENTRESTAGE will be held from 3 to 6 September at the HKCEC bringing together fashion brands and designer collections from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest products from approximately 400 watch and fashion brands.Photo download: http://bit.ly/4628nlJThe 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME opened today. Guests at the opening ceremony included Maggie Wong'(centre), HKSAR Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Margaret Fong'(fourth right), HKTDC Executive Director; Ethan Cheung'(first right) and Vincent Chan(first left), Co-chairmen of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2025 Organising Committee; Gary Lau'(fourth left), Chairmanship of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee; Kan Lam'(second right), Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited;'Raymond Cheng'(third right), Principal Honorary President of the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited;'Richard Leung'(second left), President of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited;'Lawrence Chan'(third left), Chief Honorary President of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and various industry representativesThe Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair showcases a wide variety of exquisitely crafted timepieces, accessories, and components, offering a one-stop sourcing and trading platform for global buyersSalon de TIME features over 140 international brands and comprises six major themed zones, all of which are open to the publicSponsored for the 15th'consecutive year by Prince Jewellery & Watch, the World Brand Piazza showcases nine world-class watch brandsDuring the exhibition, multiple luxury watch launch events and watch parades are held, , providing an impressive visual experience for attendeesThe winning and shortlisted entries of the 42nd'Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition are currently on display in the foyer of Hall 1, showcasing local creative talentMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgWebsitesHong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/enSalon de TIME: https://www.hktdc.com/event/te/enHKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe'Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)'is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50'offices'globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises'international exhibitions,'conferences'and'business missions'to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via'research reports'and'digital news channels.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. THOUSAND OAKS (dpa-AFX) - Amgen (AMGN) Tuesay announced plans to invest over $600 million in a new, state-of-the-art center for science and innovation at its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. 'At Amgen, we're continuing to invest in the future of American science and innovation,' said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen. 'This new center will empower our scientists with the tools and collaborative environment they need to shape the next era of scientific discovery and advance medicines that improve human health.' The new center for science and innovation enhances the company's global network of sites, leveraging decades of operational expertise and technological advancements. Construction is expected to begin in third quarter of 2025 and create hundreds of U.S. jobs. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Berlin startet mit "Velo Flow" ein Pilotprojekt, bei dem vernetzte Ampeln Radfahrer:innen das Leben erleichtern sollen. Vorbild dafur ist Munster, das auch als Fahrradhauptstadt Deutschland bekannt ist. Lange Zeit standen bei der stadtischen Verkehrsplanung allein Autofahrer:innen im Fokus. Inzwischen werden aber auch Fahrrader als wichtiger Bestandteil der Mobilitat betrachtet. Diese Art der Fortbewegung ist nicht nur nachhaltiger und gesunder, ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Dateline to Engage US Securities Counsel and Auditing Firm to Initiate SEC Registration and Reporting Compliance SYDNEY, AU / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Dateline Resources Limited (OTCQB:DTREF)(ASX:DTR) ("Dateline" or the "Company"), a leading explorer and developer of high-value mineral assets, announces the completion of a $25 million institutional placement, reflecting strong investor confidence in the Company's strategic direction and the potential of its flagship Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in San Bernardino County, California. The issue was heavily oversubscribed and was conducted at an issue price of $0.215 per share, resulting in the issuance of 116,279,070 new ordinary shares. The Placement was completed under the Company's existing placement capacity pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1. Shaw and Partners acted as lead manager and bookrunner to the placement. Following the placement, the Company's total cash position has increased to over $35 million. In addition, Dateline has commenced the selection of a U.S. legal and an auditing firm to assist in the registration process with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This initiative will ensure Dateline's financial statements and disclosures are fully compliant with SEC reporting standards. These strategic steps are designed to enhance Dateline's visibility and accessibility to US investors, particularly as interest in the Colosseum Project grows amid increasing demand for domestic sources of critical minerals. This capital infusion will enable Dateline to expedite its drilling programs, building on recent geophysical surveys and geochemical results that have revealed significantly greater resource potential at Colosseum than initially anticipated. The funds will support the parallel advancement of both the gold and REE initiatives, positioning the Company to achieve production milestones at an accelerated pace. Proceeds from the Placement will be used to ramp up exploration and development at the Colosseum Gold and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in California. The new capital will enable the deployment of additional drill rigs to test the highest-priority targets, accelerating the timeline for resource growth and development. The Company is prioritizing early site works and long lead-time equipment orders (as part of the ongoing Bankable Feasibility Study) to fast-track the reopening of the Colosseum mine. Funds will also be applied toward general working capital and further business development opportunities as needed. Recent exploration highlights include the integration of a 3D magneto-telluric (MT) geophysical survey with detailed gravity data, leading to the identification of six new high-priority breccia pipe targets. These targets exhibit coincident geophysical anomalies, gravity lows and resistivity lows, similar to the known gold-bearing breccia pipes at Colosseum, which host the existing 1.1-million-ounce gold Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 27.1Mt @ 1.26g/t Au, with over 67% in Measured and Indicated categories. Four of these new anomalies are comparable in scale or larger than those associated with the known pipes, and the MT results indicate the known structures extend to at least ~300 metres below prior drilling, suggesting substantial depth potential. In parallel, the 3D MT inversion has confirmed multiple high-priority REE drilling targets, including a prominent 2200N anomaly, a strong resistive feature extending from depth to surface, coincident with outcropping fenite dykes. This anomaly aligns with a relative gravity high and subdued magnetic response, characteristic of carbonatite-related REE systems similar to the nearby Mountain Pass mine. Deep resistivity structures have been identified beneath all mapped fenite outcrops, demonstrating consistency in the survey results and reinforcing the REE potential. Geochemical sampling from felsite outcrops has further confirmed gold-pathfinder elements coincident with gravity lows, enhancing confidence in these targets. U.S. Government Recognition and Support Dateline's progress is further reinforced by strong support from the US government. In letters dated August 26, 2025, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum reaffirmed the validity of the Company's existing rights at Colosseum, emphasizing the site's role in advancing American energy independence and mineral production. Secretary Burgum noted that geologic information indicates the mine's potential to produce gold and extract rare earth elements critical to national security and economic priorities, aligning with Executive Orders issued following the national energy emergency declaration on January 20, 2025. This endorsement highlights the US government's commitment to responsible development of domestic resources, providing a solid foundation for Dateline's operations. Building on this federal support, Dateline is continuing constructive discussions with government officials regarding potential funding and support mechanisms for Colosseum. The Company highlights that this $25 million private placement is complementary to, rather than a substitute for, ongoing pursuits of U.S. government-backed initiatives, reinforcing Colosseum's role as a strategic contributor to America's long-term minerals independence. Stephen Baghdadi, CEO and Managing Director of Dateline Resources, commented: "We are encouraged by the strong support from institutional investors, which validates our strategy at the Colosseum Project. Recent geophysical work has outlined six new gold targets with the same MT signature as the known breccia pipes and confirmed high-priority REE anomalies. With this funding, we are positioned to accelerate our dual-track development and unlock the significant potential value of the Colosseum." Dateline Resources continues to advance its exploration and development activities with a focus on creating long-term shareholder value through innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Further updates on drilling results and project milestones will be provided in due course. About Dateline Resources Limited Dateline Resources Limited (ASX: DTR, OTC: DTREF) is an Australian publicly listed company focused on high-value mining and exploration in North America. Its flagship Colosseum Gold-REE Project in California's Walker Lane Trend combines a proven gold resource with emerging rare earth potential, positioning Dateline as a leader in critical minerals and precious metals. The Colosseum Gold Mine is located in the Walker Lane Trend in East San Bernardino County, California. On 6 June 2024, the Company announced to the ASX that the Colosseum Gold mine has a JORC-2012 compliant Mineral Resource estimate of 27.1Mt @ 1.26g/t Au for 1.1Moz. Of the total Mineral Resource, 455koz @ 1.47/t Au (41%) are classified as Measured, 281koz @1.21g/t Au (26%) as Indicated and 364koz @ 1.10g/t Au (33%) as Inferred. On 23 May 2025, Dateline announced that updated economics for the Colosseum Gold Project generated an NPV6.5 of US$550 million and an IRR of 61% using a gold price of US$2,900/oz. The Colosseum is located less than 10km north of the Mountain Rare Earth mine. Planning has commenced on drill testing the REE potential at Colosseum. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or performance, including the potential of the Colosseum Project, the benefits of U.S. government support, the company's plans for future development, and the strategic importance of the project for U.S. critical minerals supply. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks include fluctuations in gold and rare earth element prices, changes in regulatory or permitting processes, geological or technical challenges, market conditions affecting capital raising, environmental or social factors, and risks related to securing government funding. Dateline Resources cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as required by law. Contact Information Stephen Baghdadi Managing Director Dateline Resources Limited +61 2 9375 2353 info@datelineresources.com.au www.datelineresources.com.au Andrew Rowell Corporate & Investor Relations Manager +61 400 466 226 a.rowell@dtraux.com Follow Dateline on X: @Dateline_DTR This press release is authorized for release by the Board of Dateline Resources Limited. SOURCE: Dateline Resources Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/dateline-resources-completes-25m-institutional-placement-priced-at-0.215-to-accel-1067660 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Healthcare technology company Medtronic plc (MDT) announced Tuesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted two regulatory milestones for its MiniMed 780G system. The agency cleared the SmartGuard algorithm as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC), allowing integration with Abbott's Instinct sensor for type 1 diabetes, and approved the MiniMed 780G system for use in adults 18 and older with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. 'These milestones mark an important next step in our work to bring the proven performance and outcomes of our MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system to more people living with diabetes. By enabling integration with the Instinct sensor and expanding the MiniMed 780G system to people with type 2 diabetes, we are advancing a smart dosing ecosystem designed to provide greater choice and flexibility, along with a more seamless experience,' said Que Dallara, Executive Vice President and President of Medtronic Diabetes and CEO Designate of MiniMed. 'We're excited to expand our ecosystem of solutions under one roof with service our customers can count on around the clock.' This clearance, alongside the previously cleared MiniMed 780G insulin pump as an alternate controller enabled (ACE) pump, completes the Medtronic FDA pre-market approval pathway for the Instinct sensor integration with our MiniMed 780G system for people living with type 1 diabetes. The Instinct sensor, designed exclusively by Abbott for MiniMed automated insulin delivery (AID) and Smart MDI systems, is the world's smallest, thinnest, most discreet integrated CGM (iCGM) and offers a wear time of up to 15 days. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Uniting nationwide digital pharmacy automation with specialty hub expertise to set a new benchmark for U.S. biopharma partners COLUMBUS, Ohio and STERLING, Va., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gifthealth today announced its acquisition of Occam Health Services creating the first-of-its-kind digital pharmacy platform and patient access hub solution fundamentally shifting how biopharma companies accelerate access and value for patients. Gifthealth is the nation's largest direct-to-patient partner for manufacturers and a pioneer in digital-first brand experiences. Integrating with Occam's high-touch, personalized model positions the combined company to cut through today's fragmented, friction-filled patient journey. Serving more than six million patients annually across 20 brands - including low-cost therapies at high volumes and lower-volume specialty and rare medicines - Gifthealth + Occam drives new patient access benchmarks: Dispense rates 50% higher than industry averages 1 than industry averages Refill success 1.5 times national averages 2 national averages Customer satisfaction scores >90% compared to 77% industry-wide 3 compared to 77% industry-wide 95% delivered to doorstep within 1 day vs. 6 days4 The combined organization powers these outcomes with a single partner platform bringing life-science breakthroughs straight to patients with automated prescription routing, direct and partner pharmacy dispensing, real-time pricing transparency, and multi-channel patient engagement. The Gifthealth solution is customizable to brand-specific business rules and replaces a patchwork of hub vendors. It activates when a prescriber selects the digital pharmacy from any electronic health record dropdown and routes each script to the lowest patient cost in-network option - either a Gifthealth dispensing pharmacy or pharmacy partner. More than 175,000 prescribers across multiple specialties use the combined company platform to help their patients receive medicines faster and stay on therapy longer. The new company will be led by a senior team, including Chip Parkinson, a healthcare innovation veteran with leadership roles in pharma, diagnostics, health plans, and Fortune 50 pharmacy benefit consulting. "Gifthealth and Occam deliver a ready-now digital and human-touch solution built for manufacturers - one that works with established supply chain realities but can also challenge misaligned incentives that lead to high friction for patients," said Parkinson, CEO of Gifthealth. "The combination arrives just as innovators confront a push for direct-to-patient pricing and consumers demanding dramatically improved patient journey and pharmacy experiences." Gifthealth is available to support biopharma brands in fifty states and Puerto Rico. To discuss how we can help your portfolio, contact maria.miller@gifthealth.com. "The combination of Gift and Occam is exciting because it merges Gifthealth's rapidly growing, technology-first platform and Occam's high-touch hub expertise to create the industry's largest and most versatile digital access solution," said Neil Vangala, Managing Director, Eir Partners and Director at Gifthealth. "Our ability to serve brands ranging from low-WAC, high volume to higher-WAC, lower volume medicines is a gamechanger for large portfolio manufacturers." About Gifthealth Gifthealth is a digital pharmacy and access platform that streamlines prescription fulfillment, reduces total patient out-of-pocket, and improves persistence for biopharma brands and the clinics that serve them. Gifthealth operates dispensing pharmacies and a nationwide partner network to deliver consistent on-therapy outcomes. About Occam Health Services Occam Health Services goes beyond standard patient support services. Inspired by Occam's Razor - the idea that the simplest solution is often the best - we cut through healthcare complexity to deliver streamlined access and better outcomes. Our journey began with a vision to transform patient support through the perfect blend of innovative technology and human expertise. About Eir Partners Eir Partners Capital, LLC is a private equity company focused exclusively on healthcare technology and tech- enabled services. Eir combines its operational expertise with bottoms up thematic sourcing efforts to accelerate value creation. Since inception, Eir has completed transactions across payer, provider, employer and pharma tech, including leading industry names such as GiftHealth, PharmaForceIQ, Helpware, and ReviveHealth. Targeted stages of investment include growth equity through control buyouts and equity check sizes range from $25 - $100 million. IQVIA Institute Report. Understanding the Use of Medicines in the U.S. 2025. April 30, 2025. IQVIA PBL. June 2023 - May 2025. Persistence of commercially insured patients taking chronic medications at month 3. American Customer Satisfaction Index. 2024 Drugstores Satisfaction Benchmark, https://theacsi.org/industries/drugstores. Accessed 8/19/2025. URAC. 2023 Specialty Pharmacy Performance Measurement. February 2024. Gifthealth internal analysis. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gifthealth--occam-health-transforming-patient-access-at-scale-302543920.html Two-thirds of U.S. small businesses report zero international exposure NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom Global economic uncertainty, fuelled by trade negotiations, tariff escalations, and supply chain challenges, continues to put pressure on many U.S. small businesses - particularly those with international exposure. Yet new findings from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab reveal a different story among domestic-focused microbusinesses. According to GoDaddy's July 2025 survey of around 1,400 U.S. small and microbusinesses, most with fewer than nine employees, including many solo entrepreneurs-69% report no international supply chain exposure, while 45% source more than half of their materials within their city or state. In addition, 65% primarily serve local or state customers. These businesses may be less directly affected by global trade disruptions, underscoring how a local customer and supplier base can provide a buffer against tariff-related challenges. Optimism Remains High Among U.S. Entrepreneurs Despite Economic Uncertainty 72% of respondents expect their own revenues to increase or remain stable over the next six months 45% believe the broader U.S. economy will hold steady or improve in that same period "Small business owners recognize it's a challenging economic environment, but our research shows they're prepared and nimble," said Gourav Pani, Chief Business Officer at GoDaddy. "Entrepreneurs are maintaining realistic revenue and growth expectations. This resilience very much resembles what we witnessed during the pandemic, with small business owners again betting on themselves." Small Business Growth Goals Remain Consistent Less than half (40%) of owners prefer to remain solo 42% plan moderate growth into small or mid-sized businesses Just 9% aim for high-level expansion, reflecting realistic rather than aggressive goals Small Businesses Help Keep Households Strong Two-thirds (65%) of small business owners surveyed who rely on their venture as their primary income source are also household breadwinners, contributing more than half of their household's total earnings 40% of those surveyed earn more than $60,000 annually and over 20% earn more than $120,000 Two-thirds (65%) say their revenues are steady or rising, up from 57% in April 2025 Local communities also benefit significantly from small business growth. GoDaddy's research shows that a 1% increase in the number of small businesses correlates with a 6% rise in median household income. Each new small business owner also creates an estimated eight direct or indirect local jobs. Technology, from fast and reliable internet infrastructure to advances in AI, is playing a crucial role in helping small business owners accomplish more despite limited time and resources. First, strong connectivity enables entrepreneurs to get online and establish their digital presence. Then, tools like GoDaddy Airo help them grow online-improving websites, streamlining operations, and delivering better customer experiences. By automating routine tasks and offering new ways to attract and engage customers, AI is enabling small businesses to adapt quickly, overcome challenges, and ultimately build greater resilience. Economic uncertainty remains a dominant narrative across the U.S. and globe, but GoDaddy's latest research makes one thing clear: small business owners aren't going anywhere. They report feeling largely protected from volatile market conditions and are relying on technology and realistic planning to build their businesses steadily, on their own terms. For additional insights, visit: https://www.godaddy.com/research/summer-2025-small-business-survey-results/ About GoDaddy: GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com Source: GoDaddy Inc. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: GoDaddy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: GoDaddy View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/telecommunications/small-businesses-show-tariff-proof-resilience-godaddy-survey-finds-1067662 Zug, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Longevity Investors, launched back in 2020 as the first industry event series fully focusing on investors, wants to educate investors and connect them to the leading key opinion leaders in the industry. The vision and ambition of Longevity Investors is to bring more capital into the longevity market. Beyond its flagship gatherings, Longevity Investors sustains dialogue through Longevity Investors News, keeping the community connected to the latest advancements year-round. Le Grand Belleve Hotel with Yacht Club Gstaad To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_001full.jpg At the center of this mission stands the flagship Longevity Investors Conference 2025. From 22-25 September 2025, the sixth edition will take place at the five-star hotel Le Grand Bellevue in Gstaad, Switzerland - a discreet alpine setting that combines world-class luxury with the privacy essential for meaningful dialogue. Widely recognized as the most exclusive conference connecting high-level investors with leading scientists, thought leaders, and carefully selected startups in the longevity sector, the Longevity Investors Conference 2025 offers more than content. It delivers an immersive experience where science and capital meet in an intimate, highly curated environment. With the longevity sector projected to surpass $600 billion by 2026, the conference provides a rare opportunity to gain direct insight into one of the fastest-emerging investment markets. Networking dinner and guest conversations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_002full.jpg This year's edition emphasizes depth of dialogue and high-value networking. The program is designed to foster meaningful conversations and trusted relationships, with closed-door roundtables, focused breakout discussions, and tailored one-on-one meetings supported by an enhanced matchmaking platform. Every exchange is carefully crafted to move beyond surface-level insights, giving participants direct access to the people and ideas driving longevity innovation. LIC 2025 Roundtable Discussion Leaders To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_003full.jpg Global Perspectives, Global Partnerships The Longevity Investors Conference 2025 not only features an exceptional lineup of speakers - including Eric Verdin, Jamie Justice, Brad Stanfield, Matt Kaeberlein, Aubrey de Grey, Joe Betts-Lacroix, Sergey Young, David Gobel, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, and Garri Zmudze among other distinguished voices - it also brings together partners and sponsors from across the globe. From the United States and China to Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Europe, and with representation from Latin America, the conference reflects a truly international movement. Venture Capital in Longevity: Strategies for Successful investments, Success Stories - Panel Discussion To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_004full.jpg One of the Longevity Investors Conference's most distinctive features is its speaker-to-attendee ratio. With roughly one speaker for every three to four participants, the ratio at the Longevity Investors Conference 2025 is unique in the industry. This ensures that conversations are not only possible but natural - with speakers fully present on-site, creating rare opportunities for candid discussions and genuine relationships. Deep conversations with Aubrey de Grey (Founder, President and CSO at LEV Foundation) and David Furman (Associate Professor and Director, Buck Institute AI and Bioinformatics Platform) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_005full.jpg Alongside its formal program, the Longevity Investors Conference 2025 offers a series of curated experiences designed to embody the principles of longevity and wellbeing. These include a sunset reception on the Mansard Rooftop terrace overlooking Gstaad, a cable-car ascent to Eggli Mountain for a traditional alpine lunch, and the return of the popular guided hike, combining restorative nature with opportunities for meaningful dialogue. On site, participants will also have access to innovative health and performance sessions such as red light therapy and full-body strength training and running sessions with THE UNIT - underscoring the belief that longevity should not only be discussed, but also lived. Hike in beautiful Swiss nature To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_006full.jpg The conference will culminate in an elegant gala dinner, featuring a tombola that reflects the spirit of innovation, longevity, and luxury. Attendees immersed in brain wellness & relaxation session To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_007full.jpg "We are building on the momentum of last year's success and are committed to providing an even more impactful platform for fostering collaboration and driving investment in the longevity space," says Marc P. Bernegger, Co-Founder of Longevity Investors. Longevity Investors' CEO Lucy Kupcova and the founders Marc P. Bernegger and Tobias Reichmuth To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/264718_48b8aff8349d4bdc_009full.jpg His fellow Co-Founder Tobias Reichmuth adds: "The longevity sector is rapidly emerging as one of the most compelling investment themes of our time. Breakthroughs are happening at pace, and the Longevity Investors Conference provides the trusted setting where investors can engage with the leaders shaping this transformative space." For more details about the Longevity Investors Conference 2025 and to explore the full program, please visit https://www.longevityinvestors.ch/longevity-investors-conference-2025. Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram SOURCE: Longevity Investors AG To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264718 SOURCE: Longevity Investors AG Kerecis highlights intact fish-skin grafts, offering clinicians sustainable, science-backed solutions for wound and tissue repair care. Kerecis, the company pioneering the use of sustainably sourced fish skin in cellular therapy and tissue regeneration, will present its clinically proven fish-skin graft technology at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC Fall) 2025, taking place September 3 6 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The company will host an educational symposium, cultural event, and interactive sessions. Kerecis will exhibit at booth 501. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902976895/en/ Kerecis Meshed GraftGuide In addition to showcasing its Shield and MariGen wound and tissue repair products, Kerecis will feature the latest data from the Odinn Trial, a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial of 255 patients across 15 centers and four countries. Focused on diabetic foot ulcers with exposed bone or tendon (University of Texas grades 2 and 3), the study found that 66% more relative wounds healed at 16 weeks with Kerecis fish-skin grafts than with standard of care. Visitors will also experience Kerecis' new volcano-themed booth design, symbolizing the transformative power of Icelandic nature and the regenerative potential of lava, an inspiration that parallels the healing properties of Kerecis' intact fish-skin technology. "Our mission is to provide clinicians with solutions that combine clinical effectiveness with sustainability," said Coloplast EVP of Wound and Tissue Repair Fertram Sigurjonsson, Founder and CEO of Kerecis. "We're excited to translate years of bench research into sessions that demonstrate how our intact fish-skin grafts are redefining tissue regeneration pathways for complex wounds." Educational Symposium: Current on Care At a symposium entitled "Current of Care: Navigating Patient Access and Documentation Demands for Success with Fish Skin" on September 4, Dr. John Lantis, Chairman of the Kerecis Scientific Advisory Board, will moderate a discussion with Kathleen Schaum, MS, and Mark Suski, MD. The session will provide practical guidance for clinicians seeking to integrate fish-skin grafts into treatment protocols while navigating access and reimbursement requirements. Taste of Iceland On September 5th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Kerecis will host its premier educational event "Taste of Iceland", a gathering that blends cultural discovery with clinical learning. Dr. John Lantis will review findings from the largest randomized controlled trial of a skin substitute for diabetic foot ulcers with exposed bone or tendon, as well as highlight current research initiatives involving intact fish-skin grafts. Alongside the presentation, attendees can enjoy Icelandic delicacies, connecting the company's roots with its mission to provide natural and effective solutions for tissue regeneration. Poster Presentations Kerecis will feature 18 posters detailing advancements in fish-skin graft applications across a multitude of models, taking place September 5, at 6:15-7:30 PM, in Augustus III in Caesars Palace. Presentations include: Rene Amaya, MD, Intact Fish Skin Grafts for Treatment of Complex Wounds in Premature Neonates and Hospitalized Infants Mary Hanley, DO, Healing complex surgical wounds with Icelandic Cod Fish Skin Grafts Roxana Reyna, NP, The Innovative Use of Intact Fish Skin Graft in Managing Atypical Wounds in Pre-Term Neonates Michael McPhee, MD, Reconstruction of a Malignant Melanoma Defect with Kerecis Marigen: A Case Report Randy Semma, DPM, Split Thickness Skin Grafts with Transmetatarsal Amputation Gregory Sheremeta, DPM, Advanced limb salvage techniques in an acute diabetic necrotizing soft tissue infection with exposed calcaneus. Utilizing an Icelandic fish skin substitute and adjunctive NPWT with static external circular offloading. Mark Suski, MD, Successful Salvage of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Utilizing Fish Skin Xenograft: A Unique Case Report Rimvydas Statkus, DPM, Polymicrobial Bacterial Contamination of Complex Wounds Successfully Healed with Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Fish Skin Graft: Multiple Case Series. The Use of Micronized Fish Skin Graft in Various Anatomical Wounds for Successful Limb Salvage: Multiple Case Series Patrick McEneaney, DPM, Management of a Wound Dehiscence with Fish Skin Graft after a Large Mass Excision in the Foot Peter Lovato, DPM, Fish Skin Graft Used as a Bridge Therapy to Qualify Patients as a Candidate for Split Thickness Skin Graft: A Case Series Michael Romberg, MD, Fish skin is a Superior Acellular Dermal Matrix for the Treatment of Donor Site Management in Split Thickness Skin Grafts Fish skin is a superior acellular dermal matrix for the treatment of Radiation Injury from cancer treatment Surgical Management of Large Mass Excisions with Novel Fish Skin Graft for Prevention of Seroma Formation Successful Healing Time Ian Barron, DPM, Staged Reconstruction of Complex Foot Ulcers Using Acellular Fish Skin Graft Prior to Split-Thickness Skin Grafting Addressing Residual Tissue Voids in Lower Extremity Wounds with Acellular Piscine Skin Substitute Graft Acellular Fish Skin as a Biologic Bridge to Split Thickness Skin Grafting in Staged Closure of Open Midfoot Amputations Atif Baqai, MD, Novel Application of Fish Skin Grafts in Complex Calf Wound Post-Radiation Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma About Kerecis Kerecis, founded by Fertram Sigurjonsson, develops fish skin and fatty acid products for cellular therapy, tissue regeneration, and protection. When grafted onto damaged human tissue or implanted, the patented material supports the body's own processes to heal and regenerate. Because no disease-transfer risk exists between cold-water fish and humans, the Kerecis fish-skin is only gently processed and retains its similarity to human tissue. The gentle processing preserves the skin's original three-dimensional structure, maintaining its inherent natural strength, complexity, and molecules (such as fatty acids). Clinical studies show that Kerecis products heal wounds faster than competitors. Kerecis is the only global manufacturer of medical devices containing intact fish-skin and is the fastest growing company in the U.S. biologics skin market. Products include SurgiBind/SuriClose, GraftGuide, MariGen, and Shield for various medical applications. Committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Kerecis uses sustainably sourced Icelandic fish processed with renewable energy. Kerecis is a part of Coloplast, a leading supplier of intimate healthcare products. For more information about Kerecis and its clinical research, visit www.kerecis.com. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902976895/en/ Contacts: Media Relations Agency (952) 697 5220 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - Le 2 septembre/September 2025) - The common shares of Super Lithium Corp. have been approved for listing on the CSE. Listing and disclosure documents will be available at www.thecse.com on the trading date. Super Lithium Inc. is a Canadian resource company involved in the identification and advancement of lithium exploration properties. The Company has the option to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty, in the Railroad Valley Property, which consists of 112 unpatented placer mining claims covering approximately 906 hectares located in Nye County, Nevada. _________________________________ Les actions ordinaires de Super Lithium Corp. ont ete approuvees pour etre cotees a la CSE. Les documents de cotation et de divulgation seront disponibles sur www.thecse.com a la date de negociation. Super Lithium Inc. est une entreprise canadienne de ressources impliquee dans l'identification et le developpement de proprietes d'exploration de lithium. La societe a l'option d'acquerir un interet de 100 %, sous reserve d'une redevance de 2 % sur les retours de fonderie nets, dans la propriete de Railroad Valley, qui se compose de 112 claims miniers du placer non brevetes couvrant environ 906 hectares situes dans le comte de Nye, au Nevada. Issuer/Emetteur: Super Lithium Corp. Security Type/Titre: Common Shares/Actions ordinaires Symbol(s)/Symbole(s): SL NV Issuer/Emetteur non Emergent: No/Non Number of securities issued and outstanding/ Titres emis et en circulation: 13 497 500 Number of Securities reserved for issuance/ Titres reserves pour emission: 7 372 170 CSE Sector/Categorie: Mining/Minier CUSIP: 867888 10 9 ISIN: CA867888 10 9 2 Boardlot/Quotite: 500 Trading Currency/Monnaie de negociation: CDN$/$CDN Listing Date/Date de l'inscription: Le 3 SEPT 2025 Other Exchanges/Autres marches: N/A Fiscal Year end /Cloture de l'exercice financier: le 30 novembre/November Transfer Agent/Agent des transferts: Endeavor Trust Corporation The Exchange is accepting Market Maker applications for SL. Please email: Trading@theCSE.com. SOURCE: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) ("Arya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its maiden drill program at the Wedge Lake Gold Project in Saskatchewan's La Ronge Gold Belt has intersected visible gold in multiple drill holes, including the very first three drill holes of the campaign. This development marks a positive start to Arya's fully funded 2025 exploration program and provides early indications of the potential at the Wedge Lake property. Drill Highlights Hole AR25-01 (81 m total depth): 32.55 - 34.76 m: Quartz vein with fracture-controlled pyrrhotite (Po) and pyrite (Py), with ~five specks of visible gold observed (See picture 1) Quartz vein with fracture-controlled pyrrhotite (Po) and pyrite (Py), with observed (See picture 1) 34.76 - 36.35 m: millimetre- to centimetre-scale quartz carbonate veining with sulphides. Hole AR25-02 (99 m total depth): 55.02 - 58.11 m: Quartz with Po and Py, containing over five specks of visible gold, including one notable occurrence (~0.4 mm gold grain at 55.55 m) (see picture 4). Hole AR25-03 (105 m total depth): 68.44 - 70.24 m: Quartz vein with Po and Py, with ~five specks of visible gold observed (see picture 2-3). Hole AR25-04 (108 m total depth): Completed, logging pending. Drilling has now advanced to Hole AR25-05, collared east along section where visible gold has already been encountered, to begin defining the lateral extent of mineralization. CEO Commentary "Intersecting visible gold in the first several holes drilled at the T-6 Zone provides encouraging support for our geological model at Wedge Lake," said Rasool Mohammad, CEO of Arya Resources. "These early results point to the strong potential of the project and mark a promising start to our 2025 exploration program." Exploration Focus The initial phase of drilling at Wedge Lake is designed to test multiple priority targets across the property, including: T-6 Zone - an emerging high-priority target defined by surface sampling and geophysical surveys an emerging high-priority target defined by surface sampling and geophysical surveys Twin Zone - historically recognized for gold mineralization. These early results confirm the presence of significant gold mineralization and provide strong validation of Arya's geological model. The technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Wells, P.Geo., consulting geologist to Arya Resources and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) Arya Resources Ltd. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and critical metal projects in Saskatchewan. The Company is advancing its flagship Wedge Lake Gold Project and its Dunlop Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project, both strategically located in mining-friendly jurisdictions with excellent infrastructure. As a Tier-2 issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange, Arya is committed to building shareholder value through strategic acquisitions, targeted exploration, and sustainable development. Twitter: @ARYARESOURCES Facebook: @AryaResourcesLtd. LinkedIn: @AryaResourcesLtd. YouTube: @ARYARESOURCES Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including without limitation any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions, none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Visible Gold Pictures 1-4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9409/264754_1.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264754 SOURCE: Arya Resources Ltd. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Qualified high school students are offered a unique opportunity to explore the world by spending an academic year, semester or summer in Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia or South Africa as part of the ASSE International Student Exchange Program. A non-profit, public benefit organization, ASSE is dedicated to promoting closer ties of friendship between the United States and other countries by fostering intercultural understanding through youth exchange programs. Exchange Students in France May 2025 Students, 15 to 18 years old, qualify on the basis of academic performance, character references, and a genuine desire to experience life abroad with a volunteer host family. Prior knowledge of the host country's language is not a requirement. Scholarships are available and are based on academic performance, leadership skills, and financial need. Families abroad are carefully screened, and students do not need to know the language of the host country prior to departure, but will acquire the language skills through experiencing the day-to-day local culture and attending regular high school classes along with their new teenage friends. ASSE also provides the experience of a lifetime to American families who are interested in hosting an international student from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan, and many other countries. These exceptional young students will attend the local American high school for an academic year or semester. Students or families interested in learning more about becoming an ASSE exchange student or host family should contact ASSE at 1-800-736-1760, visit www.studyabroad.asse.com or send an email to outbund@asse.com. Founded in the 1930s by the Swedish Ministry of Education, ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, and personal growth through international exchange opportunities. With more than nine decades of experience, ASSE International has become a trusted leader in student exchange worldwide. For more information, visit ASSE.com. Contact Information SOURCE: ASSE International, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/asse-study-abroad-opportunities-for-high-school-students-1066895 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FWB: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding term sheet dated August 29, 2025 (the "Binding Term Sheet") with Beko Invest Ltd. ("Beko"), Antonio Vitor Junior ("Antonio") and Ultra Rare Earth Inc. ("Ultra") to sell a 45% interest in Appia Brasil Rare Earths Mineracao Ltda (the "Appia Brasil"), the Brazilian company that holds the PCH Project (the "Property") located in the Tocantins Structural Province of the Brasilia Fold Belt, Goias State, Brazil, to Ultra. Tom Drivas, CEO of Appia, stated: "Ultra is a Delaware US corporation established by Regent Advisors LLC and Bermuda based Regent Mercantile Holdings Limited, long-standing investors in the mining sector, for the purpose of funding the acquisition and development of the PCH rare earth deposit. The rationale for ownership of the PCH Project by a US company is to better access more favourable US capital markets for the development of the PCH Project. Appia believes that this Transaction will allow for a significantly better realization of value for Appia's shareholders." Pursuant to the Binding Term Sheet, Ultra will acquire a 50% interest in Appia Brasil (the "Transaction") on the following terms: Ultra will acquire a 45% interest in Appia Brasil from Appia and a 5% interest from Antonio for a 50% interest in Appia Brasil with Appia holding a 25% interest and Antonio holding a 25% interest in Appia Brasil. Ultra will deposit US $6 million into a bank account in Brazil controlled by Appia Brasil. Ultra will invest US $2 Million into an Appia unit private placement comprising 5,520,000 units priced at $0.50 (Cdn) per unit (based upon a US$ to Cdn$ exchange rate of 1.38) with each unit consisting of one common share, priced at $0.50 (Cdn), and one half a warrant with each full warrant exercisable at $0.70 (Cdn) for 24 months. The funds will be used by Appia for general working capital. The US $6 million will be used to fund exploration on the Property to the point of a prefeasibility study ("PFS") with Appia and Antonio carried to the PFS stage if reached with the expenditure of US $6 million. Appia will issue 1 million common shares of Appia to Beko on Closing (as defined below) and will be released from any further obligations under the existing Quotaholders Agreement dated July 20, 2023 among Appia, Beko and Antonio (the "Quotaholders Agreement") including the obligation to issue US $1,250,000 worth of Appia stock to Beko and the obligation to issue 1.5 million common shares of Appia to Beko if a resource estimate of at least 60 million tonnes was prepared in respect of the Property. Beko will grant Appia a right of first refusal in respect of the 1% NSR held on the Property by Beko. If Appia exercises its right of first refusal and acquires the 1% NSR, Ultra will have a right of first refusal with respect to any subsequent sale of the 1% NSR by Appia. Appia will continue to spend money on the current Auger drilling program on the Property until Closing and will be reimbursed for its expenditures made after signing the Binding Term Sheet and up until Closing out of the US $6 Million after which Ultra will be the operator and obligated to spend the remainder of the US $6 million on exploration on the Property and technical studies and reports in respect of the Property. The Quotaholders Agreement will be amended to establish a five (5) person technical committee with two representatives from Ultra having 50% of the votes on the Technical Committee and one representative from each of Appia and Antonio each having 25% of the votes on the Technical Committee. Mr. Don Hains, P.Geo, Consulting Geologist, will be the fifth member of the Technical Committee and in the event of a tie vote, will have a vote to break the tie. Once a PFS has been prepared, Ultra will have the right to acquire a 100% interest in Appia Brasil by issuing a 25% equity interest in Ultra to each of Appia and Antonio. In the event that further funds are required to prepare a PFS, Appia and Antonio have the right to participate pro rata in any financings to maintain their respective 25% interests in Ultra, failing which they will be diluted pro rata. Any subsequent financings by Ultra must be done at no less than a 20% premium to the price at which the shares of Ultra were issued to raise the funds to complete the Transaction. Appia and Antonio each have the right to appoint one director to the Board of Directors of Ultra. All of Antonio, Beko and Ultra are arm's length to Appia. The Transaction is subject to regulatory approval and the completion of definitive agreements including a purchase and sale agreement and an amended Quotaholders Agreement (the "Transaction Agreements"). The Transaction Agreements will be subject to standard representations, warranties, conditions and covenants that are customary for a transaction of this nature. The closing of the Transaction is also conditional upon completion of satisfactory due diligence by Ultra to be completed by September 30, 2025. Ultra shall have until the close of business on October 15, 2025 to deliver notice (the "Closing Notice") to Appia, Antonio and Beko that it intends to close the Transaction. If the Closing Notice is not delivered, then the Binding Term Sheet and any Transaction Agreements shall be terminated and all parties shall be released from any obligations in respect of the Transaction save and except for a breach of the obligation on Appia, Antonio and Beko to deal exclusively with Ultra until the earlier of the execution of the Transaction Agreements and October 31, 2025. The Transaction is scheduled to close on the second business day following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent in the Transaction Agreements and in any event on or before October 31, 2025 (the "Closing Date"). About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Ionic Adsorption Clay Project (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) which is 42,932.24 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. (See January 11th, 2024 Press Release - Click HERE) The Company is also focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, and exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Appia has 168.5 million common shares outstanding, 207.7 million shares fully diluted. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, visit www.appiareu.com As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (X, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages. To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please click here. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264757 SOURCE: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Meryllion Resources Corporation (CSE: MYR) ("Meryllion" or the "Company") wishes to announce that Guy Charette has resigned as a director of the Company. The Company would like to thank Mr. Charette for his contributions and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. The Company also announces that, effective September 1, 2025, Chuck Forrest has resigned as Chief Financial Officer, and he has been appointed and will continue as a director of the Company. Ian Lynch has been appointed as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer. About Meryllion Resources Corporation: Meryllion is an exploration-stage company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company recently entered into a lease and option agreement in respect of the Makenzie gold/silver/antimony project located 44 kms south-southwest of Austin, Nevada in the Toiyabe Range of central Nevada. Makenzie is known to be one of the largest untested gold, silver and antimony anomalies in the state of Nevada. Meryllion also has the rights to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Westbury and Tasmanian Strategic Green Metals ionic adsorption clay (IAC) hosted rare earth elements (REE) projects located in northeast Tasmania, Australia with a total tenement area of approximately 800 kms2. Meryllion's IAC REE projects are situated along strike, and/or adjacent to, discoveries by ABx Group Limited (ASX: ABX). ABx has reported that Tb (Terbium) and Dy (Dysprosium) concentrations in all of ABx's rare earths resources are the highest of any ionic adsorption clay deposit in Australia and are amongst the highest globally (refer ABx's ASX announcement dated 5 May 2025). Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264774 SOURCE: Meryllion Resources Corporation NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / In Colombia, the fight against disease outbreaks is reaching a critical point-and the collaboration between Direct Relief and FedEx is helping make a tangible difference. For nearly a decade, Direct Relief has been working alongside the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to deliver essential medical aid across Central and South America, responding to the unique challenges each community faces. This longstanding relationship has allowed both organizations to adapt quickly when health emergencies arise, like the recent surge in yellow fever cases. From January through May 2025, Colombia saw an eightfold increase in yellow fever cases compared to the year before, and the situation was further compounded by rising cases of dengue. As healthcare providers scrambled to manage these outbreaks, they faced a major obstacle: transporting disease samples to testing facilities. In a country as vast as Colombia, where rural communities are far from urban health centers, samples often spoil during the long journey to labs. Cold chain storage typically lasts only 48 hours, and after that, the results are no longer usable. To address this, Direct Relief acted swiftly, sending ultra-cold freezers to Colombia to ensure that samples remained viable for testing. These freezers play a crucial role in enabling healthcare workers to identify and treat patients before outbreaks spiral out of control. But delivering these freezers to the farthest corners of Colombia requires a reliable and efficient delivery network. That's where FedEx's logistics expertise comes in. FedEx has long supported Direct Relief's efforts to get critical medical supplies where they're needed, and this delivery of ultra-cold freezers is no exception. The shipment of 10 freezers in June is just the latest example of how Direct Relief and FedEx work together to respond to South America's most pressing health challenges. This collaboration highlights the power of a well-established, flexible supply chain that can adapt in real time to address urgent needs. By leveraging Direct Relief's expertise and FedEx's global logistics, communities in Colombia are receiving the support they need to fight these outbreaks head-on, making a real impact in the battle against disease. Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: FedEx Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: FedEx View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/how-direct-relief-and-fedex-are-helping-fight-disease-outbreaks-in-colombia-1067737 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Action Against Hunger Published by Action Against Hunger. Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries. On August 24th, an Action Against Hunger staff member was seriously injured by masked settlers while tending to his land with family in Hebron Governorate. The attack resulted in hospitalization and extensive property damage. Settler violence in the West Bank has rapidly increased since October 2023. Since January 2025, over 1,000 settler attacks have been documented in 230 communities, with 11 Palestinians killed and over 700 injured. The total number of incidents involving settlers since 2024 reached 2,374. On August 24, 2025, an Action Against Hunger staff member was seriously injured by masked settlers while tending to his land with his family in the Hebron Governorate in the West Bank. The attack occurred outside of working hours and resulted in hospitalization, as well as extensive property damage. This incident is not isolated, but rather exemplifies the alarming escalation of settler violence, which has been observed as increasing in both frequency and severity since October 2023. Data from the UN and OCHA reveal that the settler attacks have risen steeply in the West Bank since October 2023, with over 1,000 attacks in 230 communities since the beginning of 2025, resulting in the death of 11 Palestinians, and injury of at least 700 others. Since 2024, settler violence incidents have amassed to 2,374. The attack was conducted by seven armed and masked settlers and was only stopped after nearby neighbors came to the area. "Before I could even address the settlers, they began attacking us with pipes. I could not defend myself," he recalled. He sustained serious injuries to the head, resulting in internal bleeding which took multiple days of hospitalization to remedy. He has since returned home and is now healing. "There is a nearby settlement that wants to expand into our land," he explained. "Unfortunately, we have confrontations with settlers frequently, but most were verbal. This time was different." Action Against Hunger has operated across the occupied Palestinian territory for over twenty years, bearing witness to the growing challenges faced by Palestinian communities in the West Bank, including the additional pressure attacks like these put on Palestinian communities to flee in search of safety. "Every day gets worse," said one staff member who works closely with communities supported by Action Against Hunger supported across the West Bank. "There are too many incidents which happen on a daily basis. And each is more brutal than the last. Some days, we cannot even address how many incidents we receive." Since January 2025, at least 926 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced as a result of settler violence and access restrictions. Action Against Hunger stands in support of our colleague and his family, reaffirming our commitment to uphold the right of Palestinian communities in the West Bank to remain on their land. "Why should I fear tending to my land?" the injured Action Against Hunger staff member asks, explaining his fear for the safety of himself, his family, and the prospect of returning to his land after this attack. "Why am I driven away from it?" *** Action Against Hunger has been operating in the occupied Palestinian territory since 2002, providing support to vulnerable communities and responding to the urgent needs of internally displaced persons. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Action Against Hunger on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Action Against Hunger Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/action-against-hunger Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Action Against Hunger View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/action-against-hunger-staff-member-injured-in-a-settler-attack-a-1067814 Rebranded from Goldshore Resources, Gold X2 Mining continues to prioritize the holistic de-risking of the Moss Gold Project through permitting, technical studies and community engagement, to effectively advance Moss to a construction decision and its vision of building a top-10 producing gold mine in Canada. Seasoned Mining Executive Tom Obradovich Joins Board of Directors, bringing 42 years of industry expertise with a storied track record of value creation - notably as a founding member of Aurelian Resources which discovered the Fruta Del Norte gold deposit in Ecuador, and through the resource development and ultimate sale of the Young-Davidson mine in Ontario to Northgate Minerals. Release of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in conjunction with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) is scheduled for Q4 and will incorporate over 21,000 meters of new drilling data, highlighting multiple extensions to the resource, and over 15,000 meters of re-assayed historical core with the goal of increasing life of mine grades. Gold X2 remains well funded to execute on its corporate objectives through Q1 2026, supporting a 50,000-meter drill program set for completion in Q1 2026. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Gold X2" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has changed its name from "Goldshore Resources Inc." to "Gold X2 Mining Inc." (the "Name Change"). The Name Change was approved by the Company's Board of Directors on August 26, 2025. The Company's common shares will commence trading under its new name and ticker symbol "[AUXX]" on the TSX Venture Exchange at market open on September 4, 2025. In connection with the name change, the following new CUSIP (38076G103) and ISIN (CA38076G1037) numbers have been assigned to the common shares of the Company. No action is required to be taken by shareholders with respect to the name change. Outstanding common share and warrant certificates bearing the old name of the Company are still valid and are not affected by the name and ticker symbol change. Appointment of Tom Obradovich to Board of Directors The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Obradovich to its Board of Directors, effective September 2, 2025. Mr. Obradovich is a graduate of the Haileybury School of Mines in Mining Technology and Advanced Field Geophysics and brings over forty-two years of diverse expertise in mining exploration, development and financing. His professional achievements include co-founding Canadian Royalties Inc., which successfully discovered and developed the Raglan South Nickel Belt. Mr. Obradovich also spearheaded the acquisition of most of the Matachewan Gold Camp in Ontario and following a strategic reverse takeover of Young-Davidson Mines, successfully upgraded and doubled the resource. The Young-Davidson project was subsequently acquired by Northgate Minerals in 2005 and has since become one of Canada's largest underground gold mines, currently producing over 200,000 ounces of gold per year under the ownership of Alamos Gold Inc. One of Mr. Obradovich's most notable achievements was his role as a founding member of Aurelian Resources Inc., which discovered the Fruta Del Norte gold deposit in Ecuador. Following its acquisition by Kinross, the project was brought into production by Lundin Gold, earning its place as one of the world's lowest-cost gold producers. Equity Grant to Director The Company also announces that in connection with his appointment as Director, Mr. Tom Obradovich has been granted 325,000 incentive stock options ("Options") and 275,000 restricted share units ("RSUs"), pursuant to the Company's omnibus incentive plan. The Options are exercisable at the grant date share price for a period of five (5) years and vest as follows: 1/3 on March 2, 2026, 1/3 on March 2, 2027 and 1/3 on March 2, 2028. The RSUs become fully vested on September 2, 2026. CFO Transition The Company also announces that Erica Borgstrom will be stepping down as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of September 30, 2025. The Company thanks her for her hard work and professionalism and wishes her every success in her future endeavors. Following Ms. Borgstrom's departure, Juciane Gomes Goncalves will assume the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Goncalves brings over 20 years of experience in finance and financial management, and is a seasoned professional with a strong track record. Currently, an employee of Fehr & Associates, the Company's provider of accounting and financial reporting services, Ms. Goncalves is well-positioned to ensure a seamless transition and continue to drive the Company's financial strategy forward. Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Gold X2, commented, "Goldshore Resources' rebranding to Gold X2 Mining marks a pivotal moment in our evolution, as we prepare to release an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), and advance the Moss Gold Project into its next phase of development. As we embark on this new chapter, we're sharpening our focus on holistic de-risking, driving value creation, and positioning Gold X2 for long-term success. We're also delighted to welcome Tom Obradovich to our board, whose 42 years of mining expertise, experience working on iconic gold mines, and vast industry network will undoubtedly move Gold X2 forward." Corporate Update Economic Study and Advanced Technical Work: The Company is working closely with G Mining Services to publish a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in late Q4, which will feature an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) incorporating 21,329 meters of new drilling data and 15,972 meters of re-assayed historical drill core Environmental & Permitting Work: Our consultants are progressing environmental base line studies on schedule, including the initial sampling of aquatic species across thirty sites in the Wawiag and neighbouring catchments, the initial analyses to evaluate waste rock geochemistry, and stage 2 archaeological field studies with the assistance of local community members. Additionally, the Company has been expanding access to allow the drilling of the remaining nested water well pairs in the vicinity of the potential tailings management facility. Resource Expansion and Growth: With the aim of resource expansion the Company has commenced 29,000 meters of drilling in the "Moss Block", an area approximately 8 km x 6 km that is centred on the Moss Gold deposit containing 91% of the current Mineral Resource ounces of the project. Management believes that this ongoing drilling will ultimately help continue growing the project ounces and protect performance as the Company shifts focus from PEA to PFS. In addition, the Company is pleased to have completed the repurchase of a 1% NSR from Wesdome Gold Mines, thereby reducing future project obligations and enhancing the Moss Gold Project's long-term economics by preserving future cash flow. Furthermore, Gold X2 Mining is actively working towards meeting the requirements for a potential listing on a major US exchange, targeting the second half of 2026 to satisfy requirements and list securities in the United States. About Gold X2 Mining Gold X2 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 the Company's plans to advance and de-risk the Moss Gold Project through permitting, technical studies, community engagement, environmental baseline studies, archaeological field studies, and infrastructure access improvements, with the objective of advancing the project toward a future construction decision; the Company's vision of developing the Moss Gold Project into a top-10 producing gold mine in Canada; the expected timing, scope, and outcomes of the Preliminary Economic Assessment and updated Mineral Resource Estimate anticipated in Q4, including the incorporation of new drilling data and re-assayed historical core, and management's belief that these studies may increase grades and extend mine life; the anticipated continuation and results of ongoing drilling programs, including 29,000 metres at the "Moss Block," with the stated objective of expanding resources, increasing ounces, and supporting progression from PEA to PFS; the Company's belief that it is well funded to execute its corporate objectives through Q1 2026, including a 50,000-metre drill program scheduled for completion in Q1 2026; management's expectations regarding the seamless transition of financial leadership from the current CFO to the Interim CFO, and the belief that the Interim CFO will drive the Company's financial strategy forward; the expected contributions of newly appointed director Tom Obradovich to advancing the Company's strategic objectives; the anticipated benefits of the repurchase of a 1% NSR royalty, including the potential for non-dilutive financing; and the Company's goal of meeting the requirements for, and securing, a potential listing on a major U.S. exchange in the second half of 2026. 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: the Company's ability to advance the Moss Gold Project through permitting, technical studies, and community engagement may not occur on the anticipated timeline or at all; the results of exploration, drilling programs, the updated Mineral Resource Estimate, the Preliminary Economic Assessment, or any future prefeasibility/feasibility studies may not be consistent with management's expectations; the timing and success of permitting processes, including environmental baseline studies, archaeological studies, and community engagement initiatives, may be delayed or unsuccessful; commodity price volatility, particularly the market price of gold, may impact the economic viability of the Moss Gold Project; uncertainties relating to potential U.S. listing, including satisfaction of listing requirements and timing thereof; Mr. Obradovich's director term may be terminated early or unexpectedly and may not result in the benefits anticipated; the Company may fail to recruit a permanent CFO to replace the incoming interim CFO; the NSR repurchase may not result in the benefits anticipated; 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 PEA 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; 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 and other commodities will remain at levels that support the advancement of the Moss Gold Project; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; exploration, drilling, technical studies, and permitting activities will proceed on the expected timelines and yield results consistent with management's expectations; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; Mr. Obradovich's appointment will provide the Company with the expected benefits and his term will not be terminated unexpectedly; that the Company will complete the PEA within the timeframe expected and that it will include the data and results currently expected by management; that the Company will be successful in developing a top-10 producing gold mine in Canada; with 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 Company will be able to retain and attract key personnel, including the successful transition of the Chief Financial Officer role; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company will derive the expected benefits from the NSR repurchase; 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's exploration work will deliver the results expected; the Company will meet all listing requirements in order to secure a listing on a major U.S. exchange and within the timeframe expected; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264794 SOURCE: Goldshore Resources Inc. Ashtead Group Plc - AGM Statement & Results PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, September 02 Ashtead Group PLC AGM Statement 2 September 2025 ASHTEAD GROUP PLC ("Ashtead" or the "Company") AGM Statement & Results AGM Statement & Results At the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company held on 2 September 2025 at 10:00am, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed on a poll with the required majorities. The full text of each resolution is contained in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. [Resolutions 1 to 14 were passed as ordinary resolutions. Resolutions 15 - 18 were passed as special resolutions.] As at 18:30 (UK time) on 1 September 2025, there was a total of 451,354,833 ordinary shares of the Company with 424,098,565 ordinary shares in issue and 27,256,268 ordinary shares in treasury, and therefore the number of ordinary shares entitling the holders to attend and vote 'for' or 'against' all the resolutions at the AGM was 424,098,565. In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association, on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held. ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against Total no. of votes validly cast % of Issued Share Capital voted Votes withheld ** 1. That the accounts for the year ended 30 April 2025, the directors' report and the auditors' report be adopted. 318,543,482 99.9768% 73,824 0.0232% 318,617,306 75.13% 1,536,099 2. That the directors' remuneration report for the year ended 30 April 2025 be approved. 302,732,680 94.5645% 17,400,776 5.4355% 320,133,456 75.49% 19,949 3. That the final dividend recommended by the directors of 72.0 US cents per ordinary share for the year ended 30 April 2025 be declared payable on 10 September 2025 to holders of ordinary shares registered at the close of business on7 August 2025. 320,059,547 99.9740% 83,236 0.0260% 320,142,783 75.49% 10,622 4. That Paul Walker be re-elected as a director. 267,081,249 83.4970% 52,788,096 16.5030% 319,869,345 75.42% 284,060 5. That Brendan Horgan be re-elected as a director. 319,048,792 99.6592% 1,091,016 0.3408% 320,139,808 75.49% 13,597 6. That Angus Cockburn be re-elected as a director. 300,861,900 93.9826% 19,263,259 6.0174% 320,125,159 75.48% 28,246 7. That Jill Easterbrook be re-elected as a director. 308,333,705 96.3130% 11,803,295 3.6870% 320,137,000 75.49% 16,405 8. That Renata Ribeiro be re-elected as a director. 307,422,306 96.0286% 12,714,047 3.9714% 320,136,353 75.49% 17,052 9. That Roy Twite be re-elected as a director. 302,253,446 94.4188% 17,866,572 5.5812% 320,120,018 75.48% 33,387 10. That Nando Cesarone be elected as a director 317,306,618 99.1157% 2,831,117 0.8843% 320,137,735 75.49% 15,670 11. That James Singleton be elected as a director. 317,052,397 99.0363% 3,085,133 0.9637% 320,137,530 75.49% 15,875 12. That PwC be appointed as auditor of the Company. 319,908,405 99.9338% 211,944 0.0662% 320,120,349 75.48% 33,056 13. That the audit committee be authorised to agree the remuneration of the auditor of the Company. 318,913,340 99.6188% 1,220,387 0.3812% 320,133,727 75.49% 19,678 14. That the directors are authorised to allot the shares under section 551 (1) (a) and (b) of the Companies Act 2006. 302,350,517 94.4454% 17,782,160 5.5546% 320,132,677 75.49% 20,728 SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against Total no. of votes validly cast % of Issued Share Capital voted Votes withheld ** 15. That the directors be empowered to disapply the provisions of section 561 (1) to (6) of the Companies Act 2006. 302,249,525 94.4284% 17,833,852 5.5716% 320,083,377 75.47% 70,028 16. That the directors be empowered to issue shares on a non pre-emptive basis. 290,005,323 90.6705% 29,839,957 9.3295% 319,845,280 75.42% 308,125 17. That the directors be authorised to make market purchases of the Company's shares under section 701 of the Companies Act. 310,926,075 97.1306% 9,185,209 2.8694% 320,111,284 75.48% 42,121 18. That a general meeting other than an annual general meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice. 304,780,593 95.2020% 15,360,254 4.7980% 320,140,847 75.49% 12,558 * Includes discretionary votes ** A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "for" and "against" a resolution. The Ashtead Board is pleased to note that all resolutions were passed with the requisite majority of votes and welcomes the overwhelming support of the Company's shareholders for the majority of the resolutions proposed. Contact: Ashtead Group plc Will Shaw (Investment Manager) - 020 7726 9700 H/Advisors Maitland Sam Cartwright - 020 7379 5151 SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / In an extraordinary act of compassion and leadership, Marine Corps veteran and VetComm CEO Kate Monroe has paid off the GoFundMe fundraiser for Staff Sergeant Veronica Chacon, an injured Air Force reservist and mother of twin girls, after visiting her at home in San Diego. On July 27, Chacon and her daughters were struck by an uninsured 18-year-old driver in a devastating crash. Chacon suffered two broken legs, while her daughters sustained serious injuries, including internal bleeding, a broken nose, and a dislocated shoulder. Moved by their plight, Monroe visited the family personally, bringing a gift basket of toys and essentials. During the visit, she pulled up Chacon's GoFundMe page and paid off the balance in full, ensuring that immediate medical costs were covered. Monroe also pledged to provide ongoing caregiver support, food deliveries, and assistance with Chacon's VA disability claim, underscoring VetComm's mission to stand with veterans in their greatest time of need. "Nobody matters more to me than our veterans and their families," said Monroe. "When I saw Veronica and her daughters' situation, I knew I had to act. This isn't charity-it's duty." The story has already gained significant local and national traction, with coverage by both ABC10 News and Fox5 San Diego. Chacon's GoFundMe fundraiser remains active for those who wish to contribute to her long recovery journey: Sgt Chacon's Fundraiser Link About VETCOMM Founded by Marine Corps veteran Kate Monroe, VetComm US is a veteran-first organization dedicated to helping service members and their families navigate the VA disability claims process. Through personalized assistance, national advocacy, and education, VetComm empowers veterans to access the benefits they earned through service. Media Contact: Rob Garcia 619-316-1856 editor@shiftlifedesign.com SOURCE: VETCOMM US View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/vetcomm-ceo-kate-monroe-pays-off-injured-air-force-veterans-gofu-1067853 Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Evertz Technologies Limited (TSX: ET) will release its first quarter 2026 financial results on September 10, 2025 at approximately 5:00 p.m. (EDT). The Company will hold a conference call with financial analysts to discuss the results on September 10, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (EDT). Media and other interested parties are invited to join the conference call in listen-only mode. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 289-514-5100 or Toll-Free (North America) 1-800-717-1738. For those unable to listen to the live call, a rebroadcast will also be available until October 10, 2025. The rebroadcast can be accessed at 289-819-1325 or Toll-Free 1-888 660-6264. The pass code for the rebroadcast is 75854 #. About Evertz Evertz Technologies Limited (TSX: ET) designs, manufactures and markets video and audio infrastructure solutions for the television, telecommunications and new-media industries. The Company's solutions are purchased by content creators, broadcasters, specialty channels and television service providers to support their increasingly complex multi-channel digital, and high and ultra-high definition television ("HDTV" and "UHD") and next generation high bandwidth low latency IP network environments and by telecommunications and new-media companies. The Company's products allow its customers to generate additional revenue while reducing costs through efficient signal routing, distribution, monitoring and management of content as well as the automation and orchestration of more streamlined and agile workflow processes on premise and in the "Cloud". To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264820 SOURCE: Evertz Technologies Limited Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Each year, more than 15,000 families in the U.S. hear the words, "Your child has cancer." This September, in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, is launching its Send Kids' Cancer Packing initiative. The initiative shines a spotlight on one of the most important pediatric oncology breakthroughs in decades. For children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer, a recent clinical trial led by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) achieved a 96% disease-free survival rate using an immunotherapy called blinatumomab (Blina). Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Blina is delivered through a wearable backpack infusion over a 28-day cycle, allowing children to receive lifesaving treatment at home. The therapy has given families more hope, fewer hospital stays, and more time for kids to simply be kids-playing, learning, and living life on their terms. St. Baldrick's has played a crucial role in making such advancements possible, granting over $101 million to the COG to date. This support has fueled a research ecosystem of scientists and advocates dedicated to finding safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer. To honor this progress and accelerate the next breakthrough, St. Baldrick's invites volunteers nationwide to step into the story. Participants will commit to wearing a bright green St. Baldrick's backpack for 28 days or walking/running 28 miles, while fundraising to reach a $2,500 goal-representing the 2,500 children who will be diagnosed with B-cell ALL this year. Together, their efforts will raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, and help take childhood back from cancer. The campaign spotlights the journeys of kids like Julia, Sal, Annie, and Matilda-each representing the urgent need for research and the hope it brings. Through their courage and resilience, these children are reclaiming the joys of childhood like returning to school, playing with friends, and pursuing their passions, while showing the life-changing impact of innovative treatments and continued investment in childhood cancer research. Here's how supporters across the country can take action this September: Take the Backpack Challenge: Wear the bright green backpack for 28 days or walk/run 28 miles. Fundraise: Set a goal of $2,500, honoring the 2,500 children diagnosed with B-cell ALL each year. Share Your Journey: Use SendKidsCancerPacking on social media to raise awareness. Donate: Make a gift to support lifesaving research and help take childhood back from cancer. Raise Awareness: Download these sharable graphics and encourage family, friends, and coworkers to participate or give. To learn more about Send Kids' Cancer Packing, visit StBaldricks.org/Backpacks. About St. Baldrick's Foundation Every 2 minutes, a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., 1 in 5 will not survive. The St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, has awarded more than $368 million to researchers to Conquer Kids' Cancer. When you give to St. Baldrick's, you don't just give to one hospital - you support every institution with the expertise to treat kids with cancer across the U.S. St. Baldrick's ensures that children fighting cancer now - and those diagnosed in the future - will have access to the most cutting-edge treatment, by supporting every stage of research, from new ideas in the lab to the training of the next generation of researchers, to lifesaving clinical trials. St. Baldrick's has played a role in virtually every advancement in the field over the past 25 years and remains essential in advancing progress and fostering innovation in childhood cancer research. Visit StBaldricks.org and help ConquerKidsCancer. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264795 SOURCE: St. Baldrick's Foundation Registration is now open for the global gathering of manufacturers, brands and buyers ahead of next year's buying cycle. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / The International Surface Event (tise), North America's most advanced marketplace for flooring, stone and tile innovation will showcase cutting-edge design technologies and products, along with new solutions at the 2026 event, (Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, January 27-29, 2026). The flagship industry gathering, featuring an expansive show floor and four days of comprehensive education sessions, unites the leading voices and brands defining the future of surface materials. As construction activity accelerates nationwide and consumer preferences evolve toward intelligent, eco-conscious solutions, tise 2026, the industry's first major event of the year, brings retailers, distributors, fabricators, installers and many others together, serving as the critical connection point for professionals navigating this rapidly transforming landscape. "Today's flooring, stone and tile industries face unprecedented transformation driven by changing consumer values and technological progress," Dana Hicks, Group Event Director, tise. "Professionals must now serve a new generation of buyers, priorities and market demands, from international supply chains and smart products to sustainable and adaptable solutions. We aim to foster a collaborative environment here at tise 2026 that will allow businesses to grow and confidently navigate these transitions." The 2026 event will feature industry powerhouses including Engineered Floors, Shaw, Mohawk Industries, Mannington Mills | Phenix, Cambria, Park Industries, Biesse and QEP/Roberts among its expanding exhibitor roster, presenting innovations that address emerging market demands: Sustainable luxury finishes meeting rigorous environmental standards New wood and stone-inspired LVT designs Antimicrobial carpeting for health-conscious environments Modular and recycled solutions supporting circular economy principle Advanced stone fabrication technology and premium materials State of the art equipment enhancing efficiency Labor development and infrastructure investment addressing workforce challenges Interactive Experiences Driving Industry Advancement The exhibition floor and learning sessions will feature hands-on demonstrations and discussions addressing today's market challenges while introducing practical techniques: The CAGE , presented by the Stone Fabricator's Alliance (SFA), will demonstrate advanced fabrication techniques meeting rising demand for precision and efficiency tise LIVE Demo Stage will showcase breakthrough installation practices tise LIVE Theatre sessions will address sustainability integration, digital commerce strategies and business practices that drive profitability Natural Stone Theatre , produced by the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), will explore emerging technologies, design trends and responsible sourcing practices National Installer of the Year Competition , highlights the best installers in the industry and recognizes exceptional craftsmanship during a critical skilled labor shortage What's Hot at tise Awards, spotlights the most innovative products reshaping the industry Education That Delivers Competitive Advantage tise 2026 offers a complete 4-day education program that meets the changing needs of the industry both on the show floor and in the classroom, whether it is improving business, learning better installation methods, creating effective marketing or implementing new technology. Returning this year is the Working With Natural Stone Architecture & Design Program and the Women's Leadership Program, along with certifications, trainings and seminars provided by the Natural Stone Institute, International Certified Flooring Installers Association, Certified Tile Education Foundation and more. To gain the most out of the tise education program, the Premier Package includes full access to all sessions and materials. As markets evolve and client expectations transform, tise 2026 is the definitive gathering where vision meets opportunity, providing first-hand product discovery, forward-thinking solutions and meaningful connections that drive business growth. Registration is now open for tise 2026. To secure your spot, please visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com About tise - The International Surface Event tise - The International Surface Event is a prestigious gathering that unites retailers, flooring distributors, contractors, fabricators, installers, architects, and designers within the flooring, stone and tile industries. It serves as a platform for curated product showcases, informative seminars, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences, all centered on innovation and education. Attendees are invited to explore the latest products, technologies, and design solutions while connecting with industry experts and peers to drive business success and stay ahead in a competitive market. For more information about tise - The International Surface Event visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com. Follow tise - The International Surface Event on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. About Informa Markets Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com. Media Contact Informa Markets Infrastructure and Construction PR ConstructionPR@informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/the-international-surface-event-previews-january-2026-features-and-education-1067944 Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a nationwide initiative led by FEMA to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. This year's theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," emphasizes the crucial role families play in keeping their communities safe and resilient. ReadyWise, a leader in long-term food storage and emergency preparedness, is joining the call to action by providing families with practical tools and resources to get prepared. "Being ready doesn't have to be overwhelming," said Norm Ramos, Marketing Director at ReadyWise. "It's about a few key steps-knowing your risks, making a plan, building a supply kit, and staying informed. Small actions today can make a big difference tomorrow." Four Essential Steps Families Can Take ReadyWise is reinforcing FEMA's call to action by highlighting four core steps families can take to be better prepared: Know Your Risks. Identify the types of emergencies most likely in your community, from wildfires and hurricanes to power outages and flooding. Identify the types of emergencies most likely in your community, from wildfires and hurricanes to power outages and flooding. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Ensure every household member knows what to do and where to go in an emergency. Ensure every household member knows what to do and where to go in an emergency. Build a Disaster Supply Kit. Stock essentials like water, a first-aid kit, and long-lasting food. ReadyWise offers easy-to-use options such as a 1-Month Food Supply. Stock essentials like water, a first-aid kit, and long-lasting food. ReadyWise offers easy-to-use options such as a 1-Month Food Supply. Stay Informed. Follow trusted sources like Ready.gov and your local emergency management office for real-time updates. Preparedness Made Simple Beyond food kits, ReadyWise offers backup power solutions, water storage and filtration systems, and expert guidance for short-term disruptions and long-term emergencies. Throughout September, ReadyWise is sharing "30 Days of Preparedness" tips on social media. Each tip provides simple, actionable ways to get started-from organizing an emergency kit to practicing your family plan. Families can also download ReadyWise's free Emergency Preparedness Checklist. "Preparedness really does start at home," Ramos added. "By acting now, families protect themselves and strengthen their neighbors and communities." For more information, visit www.readywise.com. Follow ReadyWise on Instagram @readywiseprepare, Facebook facebook.com/ReadyWise, and TikTok @readywisefood. ReadyWise Emergency Food To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9483/264822_602e23f3d49af899_003full.jpg **About ReadyWise** Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, ReadyWise is a global leader in food manufacturing, specializing in high-quality, shelf-stable food. They offer a range of branded products including ReadyWise Emergency Food Kits, trusted for long-term food storage, ReadyWise Outdoor, featuring convenient meals for camping and adventure, and Simple Kitchen, their line of ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Beyond their own brands, they provide private label and co-manufacturing services in their USDA- and SQF-certified facility in Utah, ensuring top-tier quality and safety for partners. At ReadyWise, they are committed to innovation, reliability, and making food security accessible for all. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264822 SOURCE: ReadyWise, Inc. Amarillo, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Herrmann & Archer Law Firm, a trusted team of Amarillo attorneys, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Globe News Amarillo Choice Awards. Being recognized as one of the best law firms in the city shines light on the firm's reputation for going beyond in its legal advocacy and commitment to serving individuals and families throughout the Texas Panhandle. As a long-standing tradition in the community, the Globe News Amarillo Choice Awards bring attention to the local businesses, professionals, and organizations that work extra hard to make a positive impact in Amarillo. Finalists are determined by local nominations and public voting, making the recognition especially meaningful. The accolade of being selected as one of the city's top law firms represents the trust of residents who rely on experienced legal guidance during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. "Being recognized by the people we serve is especially meaningful," said Natalie Archer, partner at Herrmann & Archer Law Firm. "Every case we take on represents someone's future, and this nomination is a reminder that our work makes a difference in the lives of our clients and in our community." Herrmann & Archer Law Firm Named Finalist in Globe News Amarillo Choice Awards To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/264828_822de356b45aaa1c_001full.jpg Herrmann & Archer has become widely known for handling complex criminal cases with a balance of skill, discretion, and determination. The firm has built a proven track record as a leading Amarillo DWI lawyer, representing clients facing charges that can have serious and lasting consequences. Their attorneys understand the unique challenges of DWI defense in Texas and have successfully guided clients through cases involving license suspensions, repeat offenses, and contested trial proceedings. With decades of combined experience, Herrmann & Archer bring two distinct but complementary strengths to Amarillo criminal defense. Paul Herrmann, Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1999, is a former felony prosecutor and veteran trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience, over 100 not guilty verdicts, and countless dismissals in challenging cases. Working alongside him, Natalie Archer brings a fresh perspective shaped by her education at Texas A&M School of Law and her passion for defending clients at both the state and federal level. Together, their blend of proven results and relentless advocacy makes the firm a trusted choice for individuals facing serious charges. The community-based nature of the Choice Awards makes this recognition particularly significant. Unlike national rankings or industry lists, finalists are chosen by local voices, which reflects a strong level of confidence from Amarillo residents. That endorsement affirms Herrmann & Archer's standing as a law firm with both proven results and genuine community investment. It also highlights the growing importance of accessible, client-focused legal services in Amarillo and across the Texas Panhandle. The winners of the 2025 Globe News Amarillo Choice Awards will be announced during the annual gala on October 16, 2025. The event brings together business leaders, professionals, and community members to celebrate the organizations that make Amarillo a better place to live and work. For Herrmann & Archer, attending the gala as finalists is already a meaningful achievement, and the firm looks forward to sharing the evening with fellow nominees. About Herrmann & Archer Law Firm: Herrmann & Archer Law Firm provides trusted legal representation in Amarillo and throughout the Texas Panhandle. The firm focuses on criminal defense, including DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, and other serious charges. Known for skilled advocacy and deep local roots, Herrmann & Archer is committed to protecting the rights of every client and delivering strong outcomes in the courtroom. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264828 SOURCE: GetFeatured TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Pivotree Inc. (TSXV:PVT) ("Pivotree" or the "Company"), a leader in frictionless commerce solutions, announced today that it has received TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for a normal course issuer bid (the "NCIB") through the facilities of the TSXV permitting the Company to repurchase, for cancellation, up to 2,030,724 common shares of the Company, representing 10% of the number of common shares of the Company held by "Public Shareholders" (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV). The NCIB will commence on September 3, 2025 and will terminate on the earlier of (i) the Company purchasing 2,030,724 common shares, (ii) the Company providing notice of termination of the NCIB, and (iii) September 2, 2026. Under the NCIB, the Company may not acquire more than 2% of its issued and outstanding common shares in any 30-day period. The Company had previously received an approval from the TSXV and has been running an NCIB, which expired on August 7th, 2025. The Company believes that, from time to time, the market price of its common shares does not adequately reflect the Company's underlying value and future prospects and that, at such times, the purchase of the Company's common shares represents an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources and will enhance shareholder value. The funding for any purchases pursuant to the NCIB will be from the working capital of the Company. The Company will continue its existing engagement with National Bank Financial Inc. ("National Bank") to act as its broker for the NCIB. The NCIB will be made through the facilities of the TSXV and the purchase and payment for the common shares will be made in accordance with TSXV requirements at the market price of the common shares at the time of acquisition, plus brokerage fees, if any, charged by National Bank. All common shares purchased by the Company under the NCIB will be cancelled. To the Company's knowledge, none of the directors, senior officers or insiders of the Company, or any associate of such person, or any associate or affiliate of the Company, has any present intention to sell any common shares to the Company during the course of the NCIB. Under the previously approved NCIB, the Company has purchased 92,800 shares from the facilities of the TSXV. A copy of the Form 5G - Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid filed by the Company with the TSXV can be obtained from the Company upon request without charge. About Pivotree Pivotree , a leader in frictionless commerce , strategizes, designs, builds, and manages digital Commerce, Data Management, and Supply Chain solutions for over 150 major retailers and branded manufacturers globally. With a portfolio of digital products as well as managed and professional services, Pivotree provides businesses of all sizes with true end-to-end solutions. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices and customers in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Pivotree is widely recognized for its partnership with top brands across industries. For more information, visit www.pivotree.com or follow us on LinkedIn . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Mo Ashoor, Chief Financial Officer investor@pivotree.com 613-714-4702 SOURCE: Pivotree View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/pivotree-announces-normal-course-issuer-bid-for-common-shares-1067860 LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SprintRay, the global leader in dental 3D printing, today announced the acquisition of the EnvisionTEC/ETEC (formerly part of Desktop Health) portfolio of dental products, including its patents, trademarks, inventory and other intellectual property related to its dental materials and 3D printing technologies. This strategic move underscores SprintRay's unwavering focus on dentistry and reinforces its commitment to providing dental professionals with advanced, reliable hardware and regulatory-compliant resins. With EnvisionTEC, SprintRay attains a portfolio of technologies from one of the early entrants of 3D printing in dentistry. Over the last 20+ years, EnvisionTEC developed more than 200 patents spanning 3D printing hardware and materials, while building a strong customer base of dental labs and practices worldwide. Its portfolio includes platforms such as patented cDLM (continuous digital light manufacturing) technology in Envision One, and under the Desktop Health brand, expanded to the Einstein DLP printer line, and materials such as FDA 510(k) Class II cleared, CE Marked, and MDR Class I certified Flexcera, a hybrid nanoceramic resin for 3D printing dental prosthetics. With this transaction, SprintRay is integrating a significant body of intellectual property, proven technologies, and an established customer base to strengthen its offerings across both lab and chairside applications. "SprintRay's acquisition of EnvisionTEC's dental portfolio ensures existing customers continue to have the tools and support they rely on, while also strengthening our position in dental labs," said Amir Mansouri, PhD, SprintRay Co-founder and CEO. "Our mission to transform dentistry through accessible, reliable 3D printing technology hasn't wavered. This strategic move reinforces that commitment." Key initiatives following SprintRay's acquisition of the EnvisionTEC dental portfolio include: Dedicated Customer Support - Ongoing technical support for EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health customers, ensuring practices can operate without disruption. Ongoing technical support for EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health customers, ensuring practices can operate without disruption. Reliable Resin Supply - Continued production of EnvisionTEC and Desktop Health resins, including Flexcera, ensuring uninterrupted workflows. Continued production of EnvisionTEC and Desktop Health resins, including Flexcera, ensuring uninterrupted workflows. Cross-Platform Validation - SprintRay intends to validate select EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health resins on its platform and will evaluate the compatibility of SprintRay resins on EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health printers. SprintRay intends to validate select EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health resins on its platform and will evaluate the compatibility of SprintRay resins on EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health printers. Dental Lab Leadership - SprintRay's expanded portfolio, enhanced by EnvisionTEC's lab-focused technologies and materials, positions the company to drive innovation and set new standards in dental lab 3D printing. About SprintRay SprintRay is a technology company dedicated to advancing dentistry through cutting-edge, user-friendly solutions. Its portfolio spans 3D printers, post-processing systems, AI-powered design software, and innovative materials that optimize chairside efficiency, expand lab capabilities, and deliver highly customized patient care at scale. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and clinical outcomes, SprintRay is shaping the future of dentistry. SprintRay, Dentistry's 3D Printing Company. For more information, visit www.sprintray.com. EnvisionTEC/Desktop Health customers with questions or support needs can contact us directly at etecsupport@sprintray.com. Please allow 5-7 business days for follow up. Media Contact: press@sprintray.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2650313/Logo_SprintRay_ForWhiteBackgrounds_PR_Use_RGB_2400px_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sprintray-acquires-envisiontec-dental-product-portfolio-expanding-commitment-to-3d-printing-in-dentistry-302544297.html Branson West, Missouri--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Ozarks Teen Challenge is excited to announce its Annual Banquet & Silent Auction, happening on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the elegant Chateau on the Lake (415 N State Hwy 265, Branson, MO). This powerful evening brings together a community of supporters, alumni families, and friends to celebrate transformation, hope, and the unshakable power of recovery. Guests will enjoy: A gourmet three-course meal A lively silent auction featuring unique experience packages and items Giveaways throughout the evening And most importantly, the graduation program, celebrating the young men who have found healing and restoration All proceeds from the event will go to Ozarks Teen Challenge (OTC), a residential recovery program for adolescent boys, ages 13-17. The program helps boys who are dealing with challenges such as trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral issues. Why It Matters In a time when families face increasing pressure from drug access, mental health crises, and cultural confusion, Ozarks Teen Challenge is the only adolescent boys' Teen Challenge program in Missouri, offering a beacon of light and restoration. For nearly 20 years, the program has served families from nearly every U.S. state, offering a safe and structured path to recovery. Through individualized growth plans, professional counseling, and comprehensive family support, students not only overcome their struggles, they flourish. Programs like the new Equine Therapy initiative, Healing Reins, in partnership with Dogwood Ranch, exemplify the holistic care they provide, blending trauma-informed counseling with therapeutic innovation. For more information or to explore additional sponsorship opportunities, contact them at Events@OzarksTC.org or call 417-420-2895. About Ozarks Teen Challenge Since 2007, Ozarks Teen Challenge (OTC) has provided residential care for teenage boys ages 13-17 struggling with trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral issues. Having served students from nearly every U.S. state and several foreign countries, OTC's mission is to help families flourish and find strength in change. OTC is committed to being a beacon of light for those who need it most. They don't just aim for their clients and families to recover-their vision is to see them thrive. Ozarks Teen Challenge provides resources and hope to the entire family, equipping them with a licensed professional counselor for family counseling, and an aftercare plan that reinforces long-term success even after client graduation. OTC is committed to individual care, ensuring each student receives a specific growth plan for their needs. For more information about Ozarks Teen Challenge, visit their website or call today at 417-272-3784. Email: Events@OzarksTC.org Tickets: ozarks-teen-challenge.betterworld.org/events/OTCBanquet Media Contact: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/264881_30a5bd9234896b80_001full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264881 SOURCE: GetFeatured The Clostridioides difficile infection market is predicted to boost mainly owing to an increased aging population, increased focus on R&D on antimicrobial resistance solutions, ongoing public health initiatives, and approval/adoption of next-generation therapies that address both recurrence and antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, CDI prophylactic vaccines are expected to contribute to the market growth for CDI over the forecast period (2025-2034). LAS VEGAS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, Clostridioides difficile infection emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Summary According to DelveInsight's analysis, the market size for Clostridioides difficile infection was found to be around USD 500 million in the leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] in 2024. The current Clostridioides difficile infection market is dominated by DIFICID (fidaxomicin), the first antibacterial antibiotic to be approved in the US in over 25 years (May 27, 2011). infection was found to be around in the leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] in 2024. The current infection market is dominated by DIFICID (fidaxomicin), the first antibacterial antibiotic to be approved in the US in over 25 years (May 27, 2011). The burden of Clostridioides difficile Infection is highest in the US, followed by EU4 and the UK, with the US representing the largest patient pool for Clostridioides difficile Infection. Incidence trends and disease patterns vary between countries due to differences in diagnostic practices , healthcare infrastructure , and surveillance systems . The total number of incident cases of Clostridioides difficile Infection in the 7MM was around 610,800 in 2024. Infection is highest in the US, followed by EU4 and the UK, with the US representing the largest patient pool for Infection. Incidence trends and disease patterns vary between countries due to , , and . The total number of incident cases of in the 7MM was around in 2024. Healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile Infection (HA-CDI) cases have declined in regions such as the US, EU4, and Japan, driven by stronger infection control measures, reduced antibiotic misuse, and improved diagnostic practices. These efforts have also reduced the prevalence of the hypervirulent ribotype 027 strain. In contrast, the UK has seen a rise in Clostridioides difficile Infection cases, likely linked to increased overall antimicrobial use in recent years. Infection (HA-CDI) cases have declined in regions such as the US, EU4, and Japan, driven by stronger infection control measures, reduced antibiotic misuse, and improved diagnostic practices. These efforts have also reduced the prevalence of the hypervirulent ribotype 027 strain. In contrast, the UK has seen a rise in Clostridioides difficile Infection cases, likely linked to increased overall antimicrobial use in recent years. Merck's ZINPLAVA was discontinued in January 2025, despite its clinical value, particularly when used in combination with antibiotic regimens. Merck has not cited any specific reason for ZINPLAVA's withdrawal. Leading Clostridioides difficile infection companies developing emerging therapies, such as Mikrobiomik, Vedanta Biosciences, Lumen Bioscience, Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Crestone, Destiny Pharma, Immuron , Sebela Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer , Idorsia, and others, are developing new Clostridioides difficile Infection treatment drugs that can be available in the Clostridioides Difficile infection market in the coming years. infection companies developing emerging therapies, such as , , and others, are developing new Infection treatment drugs that can be available in the infection market in the coming years. The promising Clostridioides Difficile infection therapies in clinical trials include MBK-01 , VE303 , LMN-201 , Ibezapolstat , CRS3123 , NTCD-M3 (VP20621), PF-07831694 , IDOR-1134-2831 and others. infection therapies in clinical trials include , , , , , (VP20621), , and others. In the EU, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has not been approved. Mikrobiomik' MBK-01 is expected to become Europe's " first intestinal microbiota-based biologic ". It is the only emerging single-dose therapeutic agent for the treatment of primary and recurrent CDI. is expected to become Europe's " ". It is the only emerging single-dose therapeutic agent for the treatment of primary and recurrent CDI. The limited availability of parenteral Clostridioides difficile Infection therapies presents a clear opportunity for innovation. Many patients are unable to receive oral treatment due to clinical constraints; however, current non-oral options remain limited to intravenous metronidazole or localized vancomycin delivery, highlighting a critical gap in accessible, effective alternatives. Infection therapies presents a clear opportunity for innovation. Many patients are unable to receive oral treatment due to clinical constraints; however, current non-oral options remain limited to intravenous metronidazole or localized vancomycin delivery, highlighting a critical gap in accessible, effective alternatives. With their investigational vaccines, companies such as Pfizer (PF-07831694) and Idorsia (IDOR-1134-2831) are planning to tap the prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infection market. Discover the CDI new treatment @ New Treatments for CDI Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) Market Aging CDI population and at-risk groups Advanced age, frequent hospital exposure, comorbidities, and immunosuppression are major risk factors for CDI. Global population aging and increased hospital/long-term care use concentrate vulnerable patients, thereby enlarging the addressable CDI market. According to DelveInsight analysis, in 2024, the incidence of CDI in the US was estimated at approximately 184,000 cases in individuals aged 65 years and older. Need for next-generation CDI therapies and vaccines With vancomycin's efficacy declining due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, there is a clear need for next-generation treatments. While current therapies reduce recurrence, a significant opportunity exists to expand preventive strategies, including CDI vaccines, which hold considerable clinical and economic promise despite the limited number of candidates currently in development. Ibezapolstat: A dual advantage in CDI treatment Ibezapolstat demonstrates a dual benefit of clinical efficacy comparable to that of standard-of-care antibiotics, while preserving and positively modulating the gut microbiome - an increasingly significant advantage as microbiome restoration therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and live biotherapeutics, gain traction in managing recurrent CDI by addressing underlying dysbiosis. Expanding CDI pipeline The CDI pipeline includes several drugs in mid- to late-stage development that are anticipated to gain approval soon. The evolving landscape features a broad spectrum of therapeutic options, such as MBK-01 (Mikrobiomik), VE303 (Vedanta Biosciences), and LMN-201 (Lumen Bioscience), among others. The anticipated launch of these therapies is likely to drive further positive momentum in the market. Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Analysis Clostridioides difficile infection continues to pose a major public health burden globally, particularly within healthcare environments. Although diagnostic and treatment approaches have progressed, the CDI market still faces substantial therapeutic challenges, most notably the high recurrence rate, which impacts 25-45% of patients depending on disease severity and recurrence history. Over the past decade, treatment options have evolved; once dominated by metronidazole and vancomycin, the standard of care has shifted toward fidaxomicin (approved in 2011) due to its targeted, narrow-spectrum activity. Key therapies currently shaping the CDI treatment space include DIFICID, VOWST, and REBYOTA. In a notable development, Merck withdrew ZINPLAVA from the market in January 2025, signaling a shift in the treatment landscape. ZINPLAVA, approved by the FDA in October 2016, was introduced as a monoclonal antibody targeting toxin B, designed to prevent recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) in high-risk adults. DIFICID (fidaxomicin), initially approved in 2011 for adults with CDI, extended its label in 2020 to include children as young as 6 months, solidifying its role as a frontline treatment. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), previously limited to investigational use, has since become a regulated therapeutic approach. While off-label use in the US began around 2008 to prevent recurrent CDI, challenges such as variability in spore composition due to donor differences remain. Nevertheless, leading guidelines in the US and Europe recommend FMT after the second recurrence. Recently, two FDA-approved FMT-based treatments, VOWST (by Seres Therapeutics and Nestle) and REBYOTA (by Ferring Pharmaceuticals), have emerged as approved preventive therapies for rCDI. REBYOTA, the first FDA-approved FMT product (approved in 2022), is rectally administered and, despite its less convenient route, is widely used in institutions for its affordability, single-dose format, and first-mover advantage. In contrast, VOWST is an oral, microbiota-based live biotherapeutic product (LBP) that has gained substantial market traction due to its convenient administration and proven efficacy. To know more about FDA-approved drugs for CDI, visit @ Approved CDI Treatment Clostridioides difficile Infection Competitive Landscape The CDI pipeline possesses some drugs in mid- and late-stage development to be approved in the near future. The CDI drugs landscape holds a diverse range of therapeutic alternatives for treatment, including MBK-01 (Mikrobiomik), VE303 (Vedanta Biosciences), LMN-201 (Lumen Bioscience), Ibezapolstat (Acurx Pharmaceuticals), and others. MBK-01 is an investigational therapy derived from faecal microbiota transplantation, offering a promising alternative to current treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection. It is the first microbiota-based biologic approved in the EU, developed as Full-spectrum Purified Intestinal Microbiota (FSPIM) and formulated into lyophilized oral capsules. In February 2025, Mikrobiomik announced a key milestone with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approving its Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) for MBK-01, targeting CDI treatment in children. Earlier, In January 2025, the company received top recognition at the Quality Innovation Awards 2024, winning both the "Best Innovation in the Healthcare Sector" and the overall "Innovation of Innovations" award. According to Mikrobiomik's development timeline, submission of the Clinical Trial Dossier (CTD) and Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for MBK-01 is planned for 2026, with a commercial launch expected in 2027. VE303, developed by Vedanta Biosciences, is a potential first-in-class live biotherapeutic for the prevention of recurrent CDI. It is an orally delivered, defined bacterial consortium composed of eight precisely selected strains. Unlike donor-derived products, VE303 is produced from pure clonal bacterial cell banks, resulting in a consistent powdered formulation that eliminates variability associated with donor fecal material. The ongoing Phase III RESTORATiVE303 trial is assessing VE303's safety and efficacy in rCDI patients and is intended to support a future Biologics License Application (BLA) submission to the US FDA. VE303 was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) in 2017 and Fast Track Designation (FTD) in 2023 by the FDA for the prevention of rCDI. Ibezapolstat, a novel oral antibiotic under development by Acurx Pharmaceuticals, belongs to a new class of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors. It targets C. difficile specifically, while preserving beneficial gut bacteria, such as other Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, to help maintain microbiome balance. In June 2025, Acurx published results from its Phase IIb clinical trial in Lancet Microbe, highlighting the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and microbiome outcomes of ibezapolstat versus vancomycin in adults with CDI. Additionally, in January 2025, Acurx received favorable regulatory feedback from the EMA for its Phase III clinical program for ibezapolstat. The agency also confirmed the regulatory path toward a future MAA submission upon successful trial completion. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the Clostridioides difficile infection market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the Clostridioides difficile infection market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about Clostridioides difficile infection drugs in development @ Clostridioides difficile Infection Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Clostridioides difficile Infection Market In June 2025 , a significant advancement in the development of Idorsia's first bacterial vaccine for Clostridioides difficile Infection, which is based on the company's synthetic glycan chemistry platform, was reported. Initial data showed that their C. dfficile vaccine is well-tolerated and showed immunogenicity in a Phase I study. , a significant advancement in the development of for Infection, which is based on the company's synthetic glycan chemistry platform, was reported. Initial data showed that their vaccine is well-tolerated and showed immunogenicity in a Phase I study. In April 2025, Lumen Bioscience announced the achievement of a 100% clinical cure rate for CDI in the sentinel cohort (Part A) of its REPREVE clinical trial, with LMN-201. announced the achievement of a 100% clinical cure rate for CDI in the sentinel cohort (Part A) of its REPREVE clinical trial, with LMN-201. In February 2025, Mikrobiomik announced it had reached a new milestone upon receiving the approval of the Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) from the EMA for the treatment of CDI in paediatric patients . from the EMA for the treatment of CDI in . In January 2025, Merck officially discontinued ZINPLAVA injection, used to prevent the rCDI. officially discontinued ZINPLAVA injection, used to prevent the rCDI. In January 2025, Vedanta Biosciences announced the publication of additional results from the Phase II CONSORTIUM study for its lead candidate, VE303, which is being evaluated for the prevention of rCDI. Clostridioides difficile Infection Overview Clostridioides difficile infection is a severe gastrointestinal disease caused by toxin-producing C. difficile bacteria, commonly associated with the use of antibiotics and healthcare environments. It manifests as either healthcare-associated (HA-CDI) or community-associated (CA-CDI) infections and can range in severity from mild diarrhea to severe, potentially fatal colitis. CDI poses a major public health challenge due to its high recurrence rate and the significant strain it places on healthcare systems. Diagnostic approaches have evolved. The widespread adoption of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) initially led to a rise in reported cases. However, to curb overdiagnosis, there is now a greater focus on diagnostic stewardship, with a renewed emphasis on confirming positive NAAT results using toxin Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology Segmentation The Clostridioides difficile infection epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current Clostridioides difficile infection patient pool and forecasted trends for the 7MM. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The Clostridioides difficile infection market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the 7MM, segmented into: Total Incident Cases of CDI by Type (HA-CDI and CA-CDI) Gender-specific Incident Cases of CDI Severity-specific Incident Cases of CDI Age-specific Incident Cases of CDI CDI Treated, Recurrent (mortality-adjusted) Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Clostridioides difficile Infection Market CAGR in the 7MM 13.5 % Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size in the 7MM (2024) USD 500 million Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Companies Mikrobiomik, Vedanta Biosciences, Lumen Bioscience, Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Crestone, Destiny Pharma, Sebela Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Tillotts Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Seres Therapeutics, Nestle Health Science, Idorsia, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Exeliom Biosciences, AstraZeneca, NuBiyota, Micropharm and others Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Therapies MBK-01, VE303, LMN-201, Ibezapolstat, CRS3123, NTCD-M3 (VP20621), PF-07831694, DIFICID/DIFICLIR/DAFCLIR, VOWST, REBYOTA, IDOR-1134-283, and others Scope of the Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Clostridioides difficile Infection current marketed and emerging therapies Clostridioides difficile Infection current marketed and emerging therapies Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving Clostridioides difficile infection market trends @ Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Forecast Table of Contents 1 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Key Insights 2 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 CDI Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Clinical Landscape Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 6.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of CDI by Class in 2024 6.3 Market Share (%) Distribution of CDI by Class in 2034 7 Disease Background and Overview of CDI 7.1 Introduction to CDI 7.2 Symptoms Associated With CDI 7.3 Clostridioides difficile Infection Causes 7.4 Clostridioides difficile Infection Risk Factors 7.5 Pathophysiology of CDI 7.6 Clinical Manifestations 7.7 Infection Prevention and Control 7.8 Clostridioides difficile Infection Diagnosis 7.9 Clostridioides difficile Infection Treatment 7.10 Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines 8 Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology and Patient Population 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: The 7MM 8.3 Total Population at Risk of Developing CDI in the 7MM 8.4 Total Incident Cases of CDI in the 7MM 8.5 The United States 8.5.1 Incident Cases of CDI in the US by Type (HA-CDI and CA-CDI) 8.5.2 Gender-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.3 Severity-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.4 Age-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.5 CDI Treated, Recurrent, and Mortality Patient Pool in the US 8.6 EU4 and the UK 8.7 Japan 9 Patient Journey of CDI 10 Marketed Clostridioides difficile Infection Therapies 10.1 Key Cross of Marketed Therapies 10.2 DIFICID/DIFICLIR/DAFCLIR (fidaxomicin): Merck & Co./Tillotts Pharma/Astellas Pharma 10.2.1 Product Description 10.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 10.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.4 Summary of Pivotaltrial 10.2.5 Analyst Views 10.3 VOWST: Seres Therapeutics/Nestle Health Science 10.4 REBYOTA: Ferring Pharmaceuticals 11 Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs 11.1 Key Cross Competition 11.2 MBK-01: Mikrobiomik 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Development Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 VE303: Vedanta Biosciences 11.4 LMN-201: Lumen Bioscience 11.5 Ibezapolstat: Acurx Pharmaceuticals 11.6 CRS3123: Crestone 11.7 NTCD-M3 (VP20621): Destiny Pharma/Sebela Pharmaceuticals 11.8 PF-07831694: Pfizer 12 CDI Market: 7MM Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Outlook 12.3 Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Forecast Assumptions 12.4 Conjoint Analysis 12.5 Total Market Size of CDI in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of CDI by Therapies in 7MM 12.7 United States Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of CDI in the US 12.7.2 Market Size of CDI by Therapies in the US 12.8 EU4 and UK Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 12.9 Japan Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 13 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Unmet Needs 14 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market SWOT Analysis 15 KOL Views on Clostridioides difficile Infection 16 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 The United States 16.2 EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 16.4 Market Access and Reimbursement of CDI Therapies 17 Bibliography 18 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Methodology Related Reports Clostridium difficile Infection Clinical Trial Analysis Clostridium difficile Infection Pipeline Insight - 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key Clostridium difficile infection companies, including Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Adiso Therapeutics, Summit Therapeutics, Finch Therapeutics Group, Mikrobiomik Healthcare Company S.L., Crestone, MGB Biopharma, Vedanta Biosciences, Deinove, Lumen Bioscience, ImmuniMed, among others. Helicobacter pylori Infection Market Helicobacter pylori Infection Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Helicobacter pylori infection companies, including Eisai Co, MerLion Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, RaQualia Pharma, HKinno.N, SCG Cell Therapy, Recce Pharmaceuticals, Infan Industria Quimica Farmaceutica Nacional, among others. Bacteremia Market Bacteremia Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key bacteremia companies, including Merck & Co., Ronak Daru Co., Bayer AG, Pfizer, Baxter, ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Theravance Biopharma, Novartis AG, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Mylan N.V., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., among others. Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Market Staphylococcus aureus Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Staphylococcus aureus companies, including ContraFect, XBiotech, Genentech, Durata Therapeutics, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clostridioides-difficile-infection-market-forecasts-by-delveinsight-signal-groundbreaking-growth-at-a-cagr-of-13-5-in-the-7mm-during-the-forecast-period-20252034-302543478.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 2, 2025) - Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) (syntheia.ai) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated July 23, 2025, it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of $1,464,599.88 through the issuance of 12,204,999 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.16 until September 2, 2030 (the "Expiry Date"), subject to an accelerated expiry in the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.20 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 10 business days of the occurrence of such event, deliver a notice to the holders of the Warrants accelerating their Expiry Date to a date that is not less than 30 days following the date of such notice and the issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration notice (the "Accelerated Exercise Period"). Any unexercised Warrants shall automatically expire at the end of the Accelerated Exercise Period. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid: (i) a cash commission of $37,488.00; and (ii) 312,400 finder's warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") to certain finders (the "Finders"). Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable to purchase one additional common share (each, a "Finder's Share") at a price of $0.16 per Finder's Share. The Finder's Warrants have the same terms as the Warrants issued under the Offering. Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for working capital, general corporate purposes, and to satisfy part of the purchase price for the asset acquisition as previously announced on July 4, 2025. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Syntheia Syntheia Corp. is an early-stage artificial intelligence technology company, channeling its efforts into refining and expanding its proprietary, conversational AI-based platform (the "Syntheia AI Platform"). The Syntheia AI Platform represents the integration of natural language processing ("NLP") technology, enabling it to not only understand but also respond to human language with accuracy. The Syntheia AI Platform, a generative, AI-powered algorithm equipped with a human-like voice, boasts self-learning capabilities derived from NLP methodologies. Currently in beta testing, the Syntheia AI Platform is crafted to offer a suite of automated solutions, particularly for retail-focused businesses where customer interaction and service are key to operations. At the heart of the Syntheia AI Platform is its use of AI to emulate human cognitive processes, combined with a sophisticated large language model, which is integral for interpreting and generating human-like language responses. Cautionary Statement Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264893 SOURCE: Syntheia Corp. The author continued explaining, But Khilji is shown as Ranveer Singh speaking Urdu, which makes him seem relatable and homegrown. Thats not accurate. Renowned author Amish Tripathi has launched his new book called The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath, and at the event, he spoke about Bollywood historical stories and didnt have complimentary things to say about them. Tripathi was quoted saying, We think Alauddin Khilji looks like Ranveer Singh, Akbar looks like Hrithik Roshan, or Aurangzeb looks like Akshaye Khanna, which is not true. They were all from the steppes of Central Asia. He added, If we actually travelled back in time and saw them, to us they would look Chinese. They werent Chinese, They are the same people who conquered and devastated China as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The British in movies Tripathi added, When we see a British ruler in films, its clear he is foreign. He looks foreign, but he speaks English. The author continued explaining, But Khilji is shown as Ranveer Singh speaking Urdu, which makes him seem relatable and homegrown. Thats not accurate. Ranveer Singhs next Dhurandhars first look is set to roar across cinema halls in India. The 2 minute 42 second cut, certified U/A 16+ by the CBFC, which was recently launched digitally, will be attached to Param Sundari, releasing in cinemas tomorrow. Directed by National Award-winner Aditya Dhar, the film releases theatrically on 5 December 2025. Unveiled on Ranveer Singhs birthday earlier this year, the digital debut of the first look created a storm online crossing 53 million views on YouTube and 200 million+ views across platforms in six days. Audiences praised its raw, gritty tone and the striking presence of its ensemble cast. Its big-screen rollout tomorrow is expected to elevate excitement for the film even further. Blending scale, grit, mystery, and high-octane action with deep emotion, Aditya Dhar has crafted an intriguing world and a relentless cinematic experience. After delivering Article 370 _and _Dhoom Dhaam, Jio Studios reunites with Aditya and Lokesh Dhars B62 Studios to mount yet another spectacle bigger, bolder, and unlike anything seen before. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The movie, Sahays debut feature, revolves around a tribal woman working as an AI data labeller and has emerged as one of the most loved independent titles on the festival circuit Filmmakers Kiran Rao and Biju Toppo have boarded director Aranya Sahays award-winning film Humans in the Loop as executive producers. The movie, Sahays debut feature, revolves around a tribal woman working as an AI data labeller and has emerged as one of the most loved independent titles on the festival circuit. I loved Humans in the Loop from the very first viewing. It is deeply moving and thought-provoking. The film has wings and carries a very important global message about technology, labour, and the knowledge systems we risk losing. Supporting this project felt both urgent and necessary," Rao, whose Laapataa Ladies was Indias official entry to the Academy Awards in 2024, said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Biju Toppo, a pioneer in Adivasi cinema, brings decades of experience documenting the struggles and resilience of indigenous communities. He said This film speaks directly to the lives of people I personally have known and seen. For too long, Adivasi perspectives has remained invisible, not just in history, but even in how we imagine the future. Humans in the Loop boldly expresses our perspective. Having seen the film from its inception Im proud to say that its both a regional film and a global at the same time. Directed by Aranya Sahay and produced by Mathivanan Rajendran, Sarabhi Ravichandran, Shilpa Kumar and Aranya through Storicultures Impact Fellowship and SAUV Films, the film is set in Jharkhand and follows Nehma, an Oraon Adivasi woman whose livelihood in AI data-labelling exposes the hidden labour that powers smart technologies. By showing how technological progress can entrench exclusion while sidelining indigenous knowledge systems, the film raises urgent questions about the future we are building. In addition to a robust festival run, the film recently won the FIPRESCI India award, sharing the honour alongside All We Imagine as Light. Reflecting on the support from Rao and Toppo, director Aranya Sahay said Independent filmmaking is often described as walking a tightrope. Knowing that Kiran Rao and Biju Toppo are championing Humans in the Loop gives us immense courage. It has taken a year of consistent outreach through micro-community screenings to reach a momentum to release the film theatrically. I do hope that audiences across the country can experience it on the big screen. Humans in the Loop is not just a story about one woman in Jharkhand, it is about all of us asking what kind of future we want to build with technology. With added inputs from agencies Love & War marks a reunion of Bhansali with Ranbir Kapoor after his debut film Saawariya, and with Alia Bhatt after Gangubai Kathiawadi, which bagged her a National Film Award for Best Actress Muzammil Ibrahim garnered praise for his portrayal in Neeraj Pandeys Special Ops 2 released last month. And the impact of its success is reverberating as the actor has now been approached for another big project, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War. An insider source tells us, Muzammil has been approached by the casting team for an important character in Love & War. While the details of it are being kept under wraps, it is a character with grey shade and will play a poignant part in the story and the main conflict in the film. The actor is yet to give his nod for the part. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Muzammil has been a part of both seasons of Special Ops and his character Avinash has been widely lauded by the audience and industry alike. While the actor has been quite selective about his projects, _Love & War_ will be a big addition to his filmography if the team up happens. _Love & War_ marks a reunion of Sanjay with Ranbir Kapoor after his debut film Saawariya, and with Alia Bhatt after Gangubai Kathiawadi, which bagged her a National Film Award for Best Actress. The film also stars Vicky Kaushal and is a periodic drama, with Ranbir and Vicky playing Air Force officers in it. Love & War will be released in theatres next year. On dating Deepika Padukone He shared that in her initial days, he used to be a public figure while she was a newbie and now the tides have turned. We were in a relationship for two years," said Ibrahim while talking to Siddharth Kannan. Sharing that he was the first guy Deepika met in Mumbai, he said, She was very confident because she is Prakash Padukones daughter, so everyone knew about her." Muzammil further shared that it was Deepika who asked him out and he was the one who broke up with her. I was a star at that time, she was not. She is a superstar now. Everyone knows her; nobody knows me. I am a big fan. I love watching her movies. She is a beautiful woman. She is doing so great, but the fact is what it is," Ibrahim said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When questioned of them being in touch, Ibrahim replied, Before she got married, we would talk sometimes." He shared that they became friendly after their breakup and used to congratulate each other on their achievements. However, they lost touch after Deepika married Ranveer Singh. Punjab AAP leader Harmeet Pathanmajra, who was arrested in a rape case, managed to escape from police custody after a violent clash. The Sanour MLA was being taken to the local police station when he and his aides opened fire on the cops and allegedly ran over a policeman before fleeing. A manhunt has been launched to catch him. Heres what happened In recent weeks, Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Pathanmajra has openly criticised his own governments handling of floods in Patiala. He has recently been arrested on rape charges. Imagec courtesy: HarmeetSinghPathanmajra In a dramatic turn of events, Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Pathanmajra, who was arrested in a rape case, managed to escape from police custody after a violent clash with the cops. The Sanour MLA was caught in Karnal on Tuesday, but things quickly spiralled out of control. According to NDTV, as he was being taken to the local police station, Pathanmajra and his aides opened fire on the police team. When officers tried to stop them, the group allegedly ran a policeman over before fleeing in two SUVs. Police later managed to intercept one of the vehicles, a Fortuner, and recovered at least three firearms from it. But Pathanmajra was in the other vehicle, a Scorpio, and is still absconding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A large-scale manhunt has now been launched to track him down, with police teams in pursuit across the region. What is the case against Pathanmajra? Pathanmajras dramatic escape comes just days after his arrest in a case involving rape and cheating charges. The complaint was filed by a woman from Zirakpur, who alleged that the AAP MLA misled her into believing he was divorced when he first pursued a relationship with her back in 2013. According to her, Pathanmajra went a step further in 2021 by marrying her in a gurdwara in Ludhiana, all while still being legally married to his first wife and having two kids. The truth, she claimed, surfaced during the 2022 Punjab assembly elections. While filing his nomination papers for the Sanaur constituency, Pathanmajra listed his first wife in the affidavit. This, the complainant said, shattered her trust. She also alleged that the legislator kept pressuring her with promises that he would eventually get divorced. Her complaint goes on to accuse the MLA of sexual exploitation, sending obscene content, and issuing threats. Based on these allegations, he was booked under Sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Also read: What future looks like for Arvind Kejriwal and AAP after Delhi drubbing Pathanmajra denies all allegations Pathanmajra has strongly refuted the charges, calling them politically motivated. Soon after the FIR was filed, he went live on Facebook to share his side of the story. In his broadcast, the legislator accused the AAPs Delhi leadership of targeting him for questioning the partys functioning in Punjab. They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They have booked me for rape. I knew this was coming. I will not take this kindly. They will use excesses on me. I will go through the courts A kabaddi game has now ensued between Delhi and Punjab, he added. Kejriwals Delhi team is trying to silence me, alleges Sanour AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra. In a Facebook Live, he said Punjab Police has booked him under IPC 376 in an old case involving his ex-wife. pic.twitter.com/R4Oll3oMLf Pratap (@Pratap_btp) September 2, 2025 His lawyer, advocate Simranjeet Singh Saggu, backed him, arguing that the complainant herself had admitted in court to being in a live-in relationship with the legislator, a claim that, he said, undermines the charges of rape. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This FIR is an outcome of the MLAs outburst against the party. It is against the law, against the rules. It is basically a tug of war between bureaucracy and MLAs. The complainant had filed an application at Mohali police station. The victim said she was in a live-in relationship with Pathanmajra and was willing to continue with the same arrangement, Saggu stated. Also read: Could AAP have won Delhi if it fought the polls with Congress? Friction between AAP & Pathanmajra The row around Pathanmajra goes beyond the FIR. In recent weeks, the MLA openly criticised his own governments handling of floods in Patiala, alleging that ignored requests to desilt rivers like the Tangri worsened the damage. On Sunday, he even targeted Krishan Kumar, Principal Secretary of Water Resources, saying, We will do the silting on our own. We will widen it and deepen the bed of the Tangri River. If Krishan Kumar comes, then we will bury him in a ditch. Pathanmajra then asked AAP MLAs and workers to gherao the Patiala senior superintendent of police and the deputy commissioners office on Tuesday. It is important to tell them that we will not be pressurised. The MLAs need to be together. I can be in jail for as long as they want. You will need to ask questions. Ask them if Delhiwallas will rule us. Other parties also have high commands. They do not come and rule here. If you can support me, I can do a coup, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AAP sees his outburst differently. Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu told ANI that the allegations against him stem from a womans complaint, not political vendetta. #WATCH | Chandigarh | On rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra fleeing from police custody, AAP's Baltej Singh Pannu says, "He was arrested by Police from a village near Karnal today morning. Police have now said that he has fled from custody. The party pic.twitter.com/VTaDefOfOX ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 She said she was in a relationship with the MLA in 2021. He married her in a gurdwara and mentioned this in his affidavit. Recently, she said he tried to contact her again and threatened to complain. He anticipated action and approached senior leaders, but AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal has zero tolerance for the three Cs (crime, corruption and character), Pannu was quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pannu further alleged that Pathanmajra deliberately stirred up the flood issue as a diversionary tactic once he realised the police were preparing to act. He said that the party is yet to decide on what action should be taken against the MLA. Pathanmajra, meanwhile, has accused his party of silencing him by withdrawing security and transferring officers in his area. This is retaliation. They looted Punjab more than Abdali. Now they want to sell Punjab, he alleged. The episode has once again exposed rifts within AAPs Punjab unit. In recent months, other MLAs have also spoken out against the partys centralised decision-making, some even facing disciplinary action or expulsion. With protests now being called in Patiala, the Pathanmajra saga seems set to escalate, raising not just questions about his personal conduct, but also about governance, party unity, and the balance of power within AAP. With input from agencies Sundays earthquake, which has killed over 800 people in Afghanistan, struck at a depth of eight kilometres, classifying it as a shallow one. Experts note that shallow temblors tend to cause more damage than those originating deep below the surface. Heres why A man walks past a damaged house following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on September 1, 2025. More than 800 people have died and over 2,700 were injured after a 6-magnitude earthquake, followed by at least five aftershocks felt hundreds of kilometers away. AFP It was like any regular Sunday until it was not. A little short of midnight, residents of Afghanistans Kunar province woke up to find their houses shaking. For one resident, he could see the walls of his house cracking. We were afraid that the walls would fall in on us, said the resident as he fled his house along with his family members. A 6.0-strong earthquake hit towns in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad, on Sunday night, killing some 800 people and injured more than 2,500 in eastern Afghanistan. Officials note that this number is expected to climb as many in the villages remained unaccounted for and rescuers continued to pull bodies from the rubble as all local hospitals declared a state of emergency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The powerful quake has prompted the Taliban-led government for international aid, with countries such as India stepping up and despatching humanitarian assistance. Experts note that the shallow depth of the quake is the reason behind the unprecedented damage and exceptionally high death toll. But heres why. Quake rattles Afghanistan On Sunday, at 11.47 pm, a 6.0-magnitude quake hit Afghanista ns mountainous eastern region with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) noting that its epicentre was merely 27 kilometres away from Jalalabad, the countrys fifth-largest city, in eastern Nangarhar province. According to Kate Carey, the deputy head of the United Nations office of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan, these four provinces Nangarhar, Nuristan, Laghman and Kunar are the worst affected by the quake. Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Pakistan across several districts of the northwestern border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well in as parts of Punjab Province, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported in Pakistan, officials said. The initial quake was followed by a number of large aftershocks; one with a magnitude of 4.5 and a depth of 10 km and the other measuring 5.2 at the same depth. These are thought to have caused further damage in Afghanistan. Local residents walk by a house destroyed by an earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan, in Mazar Dara, Kunar province, Afghanistan. AP The quake, according to authorities, have already claimed the lives of 800 people, as houses made of mud and stone were reduced to rubble. One survivor in the Maza Dara area of Nurgal told the Associated Press that he was woken by a deep boom that sounded like a storm approaching. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He ran to where his children were sleeping and rescued three of them. He was about to return to grab the rest of his family when the room fell on top of him. I was half-buried and unable to get out, he told the Associated Press. My wife and two sons are dead, and my father is injured and in hospital with me. We were trapped for three to four hours until people from other areas arrived and pulled me out. It felt like the whole mountain was shaking, he said. Even Sanaullah, another resident of Kunar province, had a similar story to share. As he returned home on Monday he was travelling at the time of the earthquake he found that his house had been reduced to rubble and his brother had been killed alongside his five children. It is the story of each and every house here, he told The Guardian. Everyone I know here has lost at least three to five family members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An injured person is carried to a military helicopter that landed to evacuate injured victims of an earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan, in Mazar Dara, Kunar province. AP Search and rescue operations in quake-hit areas struggle In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Taliban-led government has begun search and rescue operations but geography and politics complicate the matter. The Taliban governments chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on X, Unfortunately, tonights earthquake has had human casualties and financial damages in some of our eastern provinces. Right now, local officials and residents are making all the efforts to rescue affected ones. Support teams from the capital and nearby provinces are also on their way. All available resources will be used for the rescue and relief of the people, he added. Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel work to move injured people near a military helicopter following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan. AFP He later added that helicopters had been sent out to reach some areas as road travel was difficult. There are some villages where the injured and dead havent been recovered from the rubble, so thats why the numbers may increase, he told journalists. Later, Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the health ministry in Kabul, called for international aid to tackle the devastation wrought by the quake. We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses, he told Reuters. As one resident from the Maza Dara area, said: There are women and children pleading for help but there are no authorities present to help them, he said. Everyone is trapped under the rubble and we are helpless and seeing them dying in front of our eyes. There is no one here to help those buried and alive in the debris. There is no one here to remove the dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The earthquakes depth matters But why is it that this 6.0-magnitude quake has caused so much death and damage? Experts point out that its the depth of this temblor that has exacerbated the situation. Geological experts note that even if two earthquakes have the same magnitude, their depths can make a big difference in how much damage they cause and how strongly they are felt on the surface. Injured Afghan children receive treatment at a hospital after an earthquake in Jalalabad, in eastern Afghanistan, on September 1. AFP And in case of the Afghanistan one, it struck at a depth of about eight km, which seismologists consider shallow. In fact, experts have classified quakes based on their depth; theres the shallow earthquakes, which occur between 0 and 70 km deep; then theres the intermediate earthquakes that are 70 - 300 km deep; and deep earthquakes, 300 - 700 km deep. According to them, a shallow quake causes more damage and is deadlier than deeper quakes. Thats because the energy created by a shallower quake has less distance to travel before reaching people and buildings. In comparison, in deeper earthquakes, much of the energy dissipates as it moves through layers of rock. By contrast, shallow ones release their energy closer to the ground, producing stronger shaking and greater damage in populated areas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Susan Hough, a USGS seismologist, noted the shaking is more intense from quakes that hit close to the surface like setting off a bomb directly under a city. The worst earthquakes are shallow In fact, some of the deadliest earthquakes in recent times have been shallow ones. For instance, in November 2022, a 5.6-magnitude quake struck near the Indonesian city of Cianjur in West Java, causing at least 268 deaths and damaged 22,000 buildings. Seismologists noted that at 5.6, this earthquake was much smaller than many other earthquakes that have caused death and destruction in Indonesia over the past few decades. However, it was the depth of the quake that was the reason behind the damage; the earthquakes epicentre was relatively shallow approximately 9.97 km. An Afghan man reacts as he stands amidst the rubble of a collapsed house after a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan around midnight, in Dara Noor, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Reuters Another example of a shallow quake causing unprecedented damage is the Italy earthquake of 2016. The two quakes, which occurred one after another, killing nearly 300 people, were relatively shallow at a depth of nine km and the second at a depth of 10 km. Even the Nepal earthquake of 2015, which killed over 8,000 people occurred at a depth of 8.2 km. And Afghanistans four quakes of 2023 in the Herat province, which measured 6.3 each on the Richter Scale, were shallow quakes, around eight to 10 km deep. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Chinese President Xi Jinping will be joined by Russias Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Irans Masoud Pezeshkian in Beijing for the military parade on Wednesday (September 3) to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II. The quartet of these nations has been dubbed the axis of upheaval by Western analysts. But why? Honour guards stand as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (not pictured) arrives at the Beijing Capital International airport on September 2, 2025, to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan's surrender. AFP China is preparing to host Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Irans Masoud Pezeshkian for its military parade on Wednesday (September 3). They are among the more than 20 leaders who will join Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. This is the first time that the leaders of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran will be together at the same place. This quartet has been described by Western political and economic analysts as the Axis of Upheaval. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Axis of Upheaval China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have been dubbed the axis of upheaval or an axis of growing malign partnerships by Western analysts. These nations, also labelled as the CRINK bloc, oppose the United States-led global order. However, experts say there have hardly been any signs of coordination between Iran, North Korea, China and Russia. (Chinas military parade) will be the first time that the leaders of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are all present in the same place, Brian Hart, a fellow of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told CNN. There have been little or no quadrilateral engagements between the four countries, so this is a distinctive moment. There are also differences in Chinas and North Koreas approach to Russias war in Ukraine. Beijing has maintained a publicly neutral stance, while calling for a peaceful resolution. China has, however, aided Russias economy and industry. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping attend a military parade on Victory Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. File Photo/Reuters Iran and North Korea have supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, with Pyongyang also sending troops. As per CNN, this is why some observers in the West view these four nations as an emerging anti-American axis. Analysts say that these states have tried to weaken US interests, be it over Taiwan or by blocking shipping lanes, or even by providing economic help to each other to undermine Western sanctions, Reuters reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Russia was slapped with a slew of Western sanctions. As Russian oil became cheaper, China emerged as the largest buyer of its crude. Moscow and Beijing have also offered economic support to North Korea, which has been under United Nations Security Council sanctions since 2006 over its development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. China also buys some 90 per cent of Irans sanctioned oil exports. Now, Xi is bringing the leaders of these three nations to the same stage at a time when US President Donald Trump has shaken up alliances with Americas allies and triggered a global trade war. Trump has also engaged with Putin and plans to meet Xi and Kim in the future. Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society, wrote on X: For the first time, the leaders of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea will be in the same placeat Beijings September 3 military parade to commemorate WWII. Could we see the inaugural summit of the so-called axis of autocracies? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas grand military parade Over 24 world leaders are attending the Victory Day parade in Beijing, which will exhibit the Asian giants military might. China will flaunt its hypersonic weapons, fighter jets, missile defence systems, nuclear-capable missiles and undersea drones, as tens of thousands of troops march through the Chinese capital. Besides the leaders of Iran, North Korea and Russia, Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and South Koreas National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will also attend the military parade. The only Western heads of state or government to be present at the event are Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia, and Aleksandar Vucic, the president of Serbia. Chinas Li Junhua, who is currently the United Nations undersecretary general, will also attend. Xis message for the US Experts say the lineup of high-profile guests at Chinas military parade will showcase that Beijing is not afraid to challenge the US-led global order. It gives Xi the leverage to portray himself as a global heavyweight who has the power to influence Putin to end the war in Ukraine, which Trump has failed to do so far. Speaking to Reuters, Alfred Wu, an associate professor with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said, Xi Jinping is trying to showcase that he is very strong, that he is still powerful and well received in China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When Xi was just a regional leader, he looked up to Putin, and saw the kind of leader he could learn from and now he is a global leader. Having Kim alongside him, as well, highlights how Xi is now also a global leader. For Xi, the event offers him diplomatic leverage with the US before a likely summit with Trump later this year. What Xi is trying to convey is certainty about Chinas role in international affairs. This is clearly signalling to people throughout the region that China has arrived as a great power and its not going anywhere, Jonathan Czin, the Michael H Armacost Chair in Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings, said to CNN. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, told the American broadcaster that the Chinese president is trying to send the message that he can decide the rules around who should be deemed acceptable by the international community, regardless of what the democratic West or the US may think. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to Reuters, Lim Chuan-Tiong, a researcher with the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo, said the main purpose of the temporary spectacle was to prop up Xis power and the strength of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Commemorating the 80th anniversary does not necessarily require a military parade, he said. Most of the [leaders] attending, the ones invited, are not there to support Chinas commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of WWII, Lim was quoted as saying by Reuters. They are there to give face to China, to give face to Chinese leaders and to avoid harming bilateral relations. Very simple. With inputs from agencies China is turning from diplomacy to military power after the SCO Summit in Tianjin, with a massive parade in Beijing marking 80 years since Japans surrender in World War II. Xi Jinping will be joined by Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un and other leaders, while most Western nations are steering clear of the event Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China attend a training ahead of a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, August 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters China is preparing to host one of its largest military parades in recent years, immediately following the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The back-to-back events are meant to showcase Beijings diplomatic reach and its ambitions to project influence globally. The parade, set for Wednesday (September 3, 2025), commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II and is expected to feature tens of thousands of troops, advanced weaponry and a high-profile gathering of foreign leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How the SCO Summit in Tianjin laid the groundwork The SCO Summit 2025, held in Tianjin from August 30 to September 1, brought together the heads of state and representatives from the organisations ten full members China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Belarus. Founded in 2001 to promote regional security and cooperation, the SCO has since expanded to include observer states like Afghanistan and Mongolia, and dialogue partners including Turkey, Egypt, and several Southeast Asian nations. This years summit featured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as key attendees. Their presence highlighted the groupings centrality in Eurasian affairs at a time of shifting global alignments. Leaders from dialogue partner states also joined, such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. China extended invitations to non-member states from Southeast Asia as well. Delegations from Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam participated, though Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto withdrew due to domestic protests. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025. Image/Pool via Reuters Nearly two dozen other countries sent representatives, turning the Tianjin meeting into a platform that demonstrated Beijings ability to convene a wide range of partners. The SCOs annual presidency rotates among member states, and hosting the event allowed China to spotlight its leadership role. Why China is holding a military parade Known in China as the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the conflict lasted from 1931 to 1945 and overlapped with the broader global war. Chinas struggle was the longest of any Allied power and one of the deadliest: a reported estimated of 35 million people were killed or wounded, with civilian populations enduring occupation, massacres and immense hardship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan formally capitulated on September 2, 1945, when officials signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The following day, September 3, was declared a holiday in China to celebrate victory. Since then, the date has carried enormous symbolic weight. In 2014, Chinas legislature enshrined September 3 as Victory Day and designated December 13 as a national day of remembrance for the Nanjing Massacre. This years anniversary marks eight decades since the end of the war, a moment Beijing is seizing to link national memory with its modern aspirations. Military parades on Victory Day have become a decadal tradition since 2015, featuring large-scale displays of weaponry and troops marching through the heart of the capital. Who is attending the parade The September 3 parade in Beijing is drawing a guest list that highlights Beijings alliances. Chinese leader Xi Jinping will preside over the ceremonies from Tiananmen Square, flanked by several leaders whose countries face Western sanctions or strained ties with the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be one of the most prominent figures in attendance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also expected, marking his first appearance alongside Xi in over six years. Kims presence is notable not only because he did not attend the SCO Summit but also because it represents one of the rare occasions he has joined a gathering of world leaders since taking office in 2011. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will be part of the lineup, reinforcing Tehrans close ties with Beijing and Moscow. Myanmars junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is also travelling to Beijing, in a rare overseas trip since the 2021 military coup in his country. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, as well as leaders from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are expected as well. From Europe, attendance will be minimal. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico are the only heads of state from the continent confirmed to participate. Both leaders have taken positions favouring closer relations with Moscow and Beijing, with Fico openly opposing European sanctions against Russia and Vucic maintaining a balancing act between EU aspirations, and ties to Russia and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United Nations will be represented by Undersecretary-General Li Junhua, a senior Chinese diplomat who previously served as Beijings ambassador to Italy, San Marino, and Myanmar. Who is not staying for the event Despite the wide participation in the SCO Summit, several leaders are not staying for the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Turkish President Erdogan, and Egyptian Prime Minister Madbouly will leave China before the ceremony. Egypt will instead send a lower-ranking official to represent the country. Their absence highlights a pattern: many countries with ties to the West avoid attending Chinese military parades, wary of being associated with overt displays of military might. Most Western nations have declined to participate altogether. Their decision reflects ongoing tensions with Beijing, particularly over Chinas support for Russia during its war in Ukraine, its growing defence industry, and its confrontational stance in global trade disputes. What will be displayed at the military parade The Chinese military parade will feature extensive demonstrations of Beijings defence capabilities. State media reports suggest more than 100 aircraft will take part, alongside tanks, missile launchers, and other advanced systems developed by Chinas domestic defence industry. Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square during the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of Peoples Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing, China, October 1, 2019. File Image/Reuters Tens of thousands of soldiers are expected to march in formation along Changan Avenue, the central boulevard running through Beijing. Since the mid-2010s, China has used such parades to display new weapons to both domestic and international audiences. This years event is expected to highlight the progress of the Peoples Liberation Army in areas such as missile technology, air defence, and modernisation of armored forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The parade also serves as a reminder of Chinas long-term investment in developing indigenous defence systems as part of its broader push to become a global military power. Why Chinas military parade matters In the lead-up to the anniversary, Chinese state media and government-linked institutions have highlighted Chinas sacrifices during World War II while minimising the contributions of the United States, reported the Washington Post. Publications affiliated with the Chinese Academy of History and other state-backed outlets have argued that US support was primarily self-serving, with one commentary stating, The fundamental purpose of US aid to China was to protect its own interests in China; it was by no means assistance based on an equal relationship. Another article from the Red Culture Institute claimed, Even without U.S. aid China would have a chance of winning [against Japan]. Historians outside China, however, point out that American support was crucial to Chinas wartime survival, particularly in the form of military supplies, logistical backing, and financial aid. At the time, large swaths of Chinese territory were under Japanese occupation, and foreign assistance played a significant role in sustaining the war effort. By framing itself as a central victor alongside the Soviet Union while downplaying Western involvement, China seeks to highlight its resilience and continuity in resisting outside dominance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The timing of the parade coincides with heightened tensions between China and the United States. Trade frictions have escalated under US President Donald Trumps administration, with tariffs and counter-tariffs straining economic ties. Washington has criticised Beijings industrial policies, military expansion, and its position on global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. China, in turn, has portrayed itself as a stabilising force in contrast to what it characterises as Washingtons disruptive approach to international politics. Closer ties with Russia have accompanied rising anti-American sentiment in Chinese media and political rhetoric. During a May visit to Moscow, Xi Jinping wrote in a Russian outlet that a correct historical perspective placed China and the Soviet Union at the centre of World War II victories in Asia and Europe, pointedly omitting references to the United States and Western allies. The imagery of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un together in Tiananmen Square leaders of countries often described as isolated by the West puts the spotlight on a deliberate alignment. With inputs from agencies There might be tensions with the US today, but China has not forgotten a group of American pilots and support crew. They were hired on contract to help the country fight the mighty Japanese in World War II. Known fondly as the Flying Tigers, their descendants have been invited to Chinas Victory Day parade in Beijing tomorrow A visitor walks past the images and old uniforms of the Flying Tigers from World War II, who were led by late General Claire L. Chennault at the Anti-Japanese War Museum in Dayi county in China's southwestern province of Sichuan, The museum holds more than 20,000 artifacts which exhibit the history of China's war of resistance against Japanese invasion during 1937 to 1945. File photo/AFP All eyes are on China. Its ambition to reshape the world order is no longer muted. After the SCO Summit, President Xi Jinping is all set to stage a massive military parade on September 3 (Wednesday) to mark 80 years since Japan surrendered , leading to the end of World War II. At the military parade , rubbing shoulders with Xi will be Russias Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un . There will be leaders of Iran and Myanmar, and others from the Global South. Its a show of strength by China amid a trade war unleashed by Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid this unease, Beijing has invited a few Americans. They are descendants of those who fought for China in World War II a group of pilots, mechanics and other support crew. They were recruited in 1941 to take on the Japanese. The American Volunteer Group (AVG) later went down in history as the Flying Tigers and are celebrated in China even today. This is their story. The making of the Flying Tigers In the late 1930s, China was crushed by Imperial Japan. Its air force was formidable, bombing city after city. Chiang Kai-shek, the Chinese general who was the head of the Nationalist government, hired Claire Lee Chennault, a retired US Army captain, to form an air force that would counter the Japanese. Chennault helped China build airbases and an air raid warning system. Then came the big task of building a force to take on the mighty Japanese. He returned to the US in search of his men (some women). America had not joined the war yet. General Chennault is seen at the Kunming office in May 1942. Image courtesy: Wikipedia It helped that Chennault had contacts in the Roosevelt administration. What worked in his favour was the compensation: The pilots would earn three times more than they did in the US military, according to a report in CNN. By 1941, the US veteran zeroed in on the fliers and a support team; together they formed the American Volunteer Group (AVG). But what would they fly? A deal was made to get 100 Curtiss P-40B fighters built for Britain to China, the report said. The AVG warplanes stood out they were conspicuous by an open, tooth-filled mouth of a shark on their nose, a symbol which is still used by the US military. A Flying Tigers formation is seen over China in this archival image. San Diego Air & Space Museum The training Around 300 US servicemen and a couple of women nurses volunteered to fight the war in China, a country they knew little about. Wonder why. For a variety of reasons patriotic, altruistic, mercenary, or just for the hell of it, according to the US Defense Deparment history. Ninety-nine of the volunteers were pilots; some had just passed out of flying school, others were ferry pilots for bombers, and many of them were adventurers in Asia. Chennault trained them to be fighter pilots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On one training day, eight planes were damaged because the pilots landed hard or the ground crew taxied too fast, leading to collisions, reports CNN. It wasnt looking good. Their first combat mission was when the Japanese bombers attacked the AVG base in Kunming in December 1941. But the American pilots brought down three Japanese bombers and lost one fighter, which crash-landed after running out of fuel. A Chinese soldier guards the P-40 Flying Tiger fighter planes at an airfield in China. Image courtesy: US National Archives Flying Tigers at war Soon, this group of pilots learned the tricks of the trade. The P-40s could not match up to the Japanese planes, so Chennault came up with a tactic. The AVG pilots would dive from a high position and fire their machine guns at the enemy jets, which were weak in structure but could be manoeuvred more easily. While the Flying Tigers became more formidable over time, they did not operate in a vacuum. They got extensive support from Britains Royal Air Force, especially when the war came to Burma (now Myanmar), where they were deployed after Kunming. Japanese bombers attacked Rangoon over 11 days during the Christmas and New Year holidays, from December 1941 to January 1942. The Curtiss P-40B fighters were used by the Flying Tigers. Image courtesy: San Diego Air and Space Museum During one of the fights, the AVG pilots flew into the Japanese formation, downing six, but losing two planes and pilots, while the RAF failed to make contact. This first raid on Rangoon turned the city into bedlam, the US Defense Department history says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Flying Tigers were in Rangoon for 10 weeks. With around 25 P-40s, they knocked off 75 enemy aircraft. The AVG lost two pilots and six aircraft. This tiny force met a total of a thousand-odd Japanese aircraft over Southern Burma and Thailand. In 31 encounters, they destroyed 217 enemy planes and probably destroyed 43. Sixteen P-40s were destroyed, Chennault wrote in his memoir. The Flying Tigers put up a fierce fight, but the Allied ground forces could not stop Japan. After Rangoon fell in March 1942, the AVG retreated to interior Burma, according to the CNN report. However, their unexpected defence of Rangoon disrupted the Japanese timetable of conquering Burma and invading India, the US Defense Deparment history says. Between 1941 and 1942, the group fought the far-superior Japanese air force over the skies of China and Southeast Asia. The pilots reportedly destroyed 497 Japanese planes while they lost 73. However, a report in China Daily claims that the Flying Tigers shot down more than 2,600 Japanese fighter planes. The war, it says, claimed the lives of 2,000 volunteers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Around 300 US servicemen volunteered to fight the war in China. Image courtesy: Brookfield Aviation After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941, the United States wanted to fight back. They wanted heroes like the Flying Tigers. After the US entered the war, its military leaders wanted this group to be part of the US Army Corps. However, the pilots had a different plan. Many hoped to return to the Navy or Marine Corps, or take up civilian contracts with the Chinese government. When the US Army threatened to draft them as privates, many opted out, the CNN reports. Chennault, however, went on to become a brigadier general in the US Army and agreed that the Flying Tigers would become a US military outfit on July 4, 1942. It is when the AVG flew its last mission. Heroes in China Today, ties between the US and China are tense, but the Asian nation has never forgotten the contribution of the Flying Tigers. There are several museums and exhibits dedicated to them in China. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Flying Tigers: A Bond Between China and the US sculpture was unveiled in Southwest Chinas Chongqing municipality. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xu Shaoli, president of the American Flying Tigers Friendship Association and donor of the sculpture, said that the sculpture was inspired by an old photograph of Chennault with a Chinese soldier safeguarding an aircraft. Now, at the big military parade in Beijing on September 3 (Wednesday), China remembers these American mercenaries. Their descendants are invited to parade. This includes Cynthia Chennault, the daughter of General Chennault, and his granddaughter. A man takes a selfie with a floral decoration displaying messages along the Changan street ahead of the September 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japans World War II surrender, in Beijing. The daughter and granddaughter of the Flying Tigers founder, General Chennault, have been invited to the parade. AP My grandfather believed in standing by the Chinese people not just in battle, but in spirit, Patti Lou Chennault, a granddaughter of General Chennault, told China Daily. More than eight years later, China has not forgotten that commitment. The Flying Tigers may be gone, but their legacy lives on. With inputs from agencies North Koreas Kim Jong Un will arrive in Beijing ahead of the Victory Day military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II. He is likely to hold talks with Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case of former Federal Governor Lisa Cooks dismissal by the Trump administration It is set to be a busy Tuesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, North Koreas Kim Jong Un will be in China for the upcoming Victory Day military parade on September 3. The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case challenging President Donald Trumps attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Hanoi will host a grand military parade today to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnams Independence. The 80th anniversary of the signing of Japans surrender, which resulted in the end of World War II, will be observed across the world today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In India, Apple is set to launch its first retail store in Bengaluru while President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Chennai. Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day. Kim Jong Un to arrive in Beijing for military parade North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, will arrive in Beijing today ahead of his appearance at Chinas Victory Day military parade on September 3. This visit is his first foray outside North Korea in six years. In Tiananmen Square, Kim will stand alongside President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II. The tightly choreographed seating underscores Chinas message of solidarity among viewing anti-Western global powers. Kims attendance at this multilateral event represents a notable shift in Pyongyangs diplomatic posture and underscores growing integration into Beijings global strategic tableau. Hearing in Trumps attempted firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook The US Supreme Court is set to hear the case pertaining to Cook v Trump in Washington, DC, today. The case challenges President Donald Trumps attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Cook, a Biden appointee, filed suit after being fired on August 25, with the White House citing alleged mortgage fraud. She contends this does not legally qualify as cause under the Federal Reserve Act. Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook listens during an open meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve. File image/AP The initial court hearing took place on August 29, where a judge did not issue an immediate ruling on Cooks request for a temporary restraining order. He instead set a deadline for today for Cooks lawyers to respond to a brief filed by the Justice Department. Military parade in Hanoi marking 80 years of Vietnams Independence Hanoi will host a grand military parade today to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnams Independence, a historic day when President Ho Chi Minh declared the countrys freedom from French colonial rule in 1945. The celebrations, centred around Ba Dinh Square, will feature thousands of Vietnam Peoples Army troops, police forces, and militia units marching in formation, accompanied by military vehicles, missile systems, and aircraft flyovers. The parade is expected to showcase Vietnams growing defence capabilities while also underlining its emphasis on peace, sovereignty, and national unity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 80th anniversary of the signing of Japans surrender Today marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of Japans surrender, marking an end to World War II. A key ceremony will take place aboard the USS Missouri, the very battleship where the formal surrender document was signed in Tokyo Bay in 1945. The event, located at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, is expected to draw military veterans, dignitaries, and government officials from the US and its allied nations. The ceremony will feature a moment of silence, a formal reading of the surrender terms, and a tribute to the millions of lives lost during the conflict. In Washington, DC, a wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled at the National WWII Memorial, a poignant tribute to the service members who fought and sacrificed. Meanwhile, Japan will also hold its own solemn ceremony to honour the war dead. Apples first retail store to open in Bengaluru Apple Inc is set to open its first store in Bengaluru, the technological capital of India, today. The new store, Apple Hebbal, will be the companys first outlet in South India and third overall in the country. It joins Apple BKC in Mumbai, Apple Saket in Delhi, and the Apple Store online as part of Apples growing retail presence in India. A new Apple store is set to open in Bengaluru today. Image courtesy: apple.com The new store will offer tailored services to customers. Shoppers can book personalised sessions with Apple Specialists, receive technical assistance at the Genius Bar, or use the Apple Pickup area for online order collection. In addition, the store provides in-person Personal Setup support and helps users switch to iOS. President Droupadi Murmu to visit Chennai President Droupadi Murmu will be in Chennai to participate in the 120th foundation day celebrations of City Union Bank. She will also attend a function at Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam. The President will stay at Raj Bhavan, Guindy, and will leave for Tiruchi by an IAF aircraft the next day. With inputs from agencies On September 2, 1945, Japan officially surrendered to the Allies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II. The deadliest war in history was over. Also on this day in 1666, the Great Fire of London began, eventually destroying around 13,000 houses, nearly 90 churches and many public buildings World War II ended on this day in 1945 when Japan formally surrendered to the Allies in a ceremony held aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. As the 20-minute ceremony concluded, sunlight broke through the low clouds. The deadliest war in history had come to a close. Also on this day in 1666, the Great Fire of London started. Over the next three days, it destroyed more than 13,000 homes and many other buildings, including St Pauls Cathedral. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As part of Firstpost Explainers History Today series, heres a look at what happened on September 2: End of World War II On this day in 1945, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, bringing World War II to an end. American soldiers celebrating the news that Japan offered to surrender to the Allies. AFP/File Photo By the summer of 1945, Japans defeat was certain. Its navy and air force had been destroyed, and by the end of June, the United States had captured Okinawa, a Japanese island that could serve as a base for an invasion of the main home islands. Such an invasion was expected to be the bloodiest seaborne assault in history, possibly ten times more costly in Allied lives than the Normandy landings. On July 16, a new course of action became possible when the United States secretly tested the worlds first atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert. Ten days later, the Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration, calling for the unconditional surrender of all the Japanese armed forces. The warning was clear that refusal would bring the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitable the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland. Japanese Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki told the press that his government was paying no attention to the Allied ultimatum. US President Harry S Truman then gave the order to proceed, and on August 6, the American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Around 80,000 people were killed immediately, and thousands more were left fatally injured. Two days later, Japans position worsened when the Soviet Union declared war. On August 8, Japans desperate situation took another turn for the worse when the USSR declared war against Japan. Just before midnight on August 9, Emperor Hirohito called a meeting of the Supreme War Council. He supported a proposal by Prime Minister Suzuki to accept the Potsdam Declaration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The council followed Hirohitos decision, and on August 10, the acceptance was passed on to the United States. On Sunday, September 2, more than 250 Allied warships were anchored in Tokyo Bay. The flags of the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China flew above the deck of the Missouri. A little after 9 am Tokyo time, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed on behalf of his government. General Yoshijiro Umezu signed for the armed forces, while his aides wept as he put his name down. Great Fire of London broke out In the early hours of September 2, 1666, a fire started in the house of King Charles IIs baker on Pudding Lane, near London Bridge. This became the Great Fire of London. The flames quickly spread to Thames Street, where warehouses packed with flammable goods and a strong easterly wind turned the fire into a raging inferno. By the time the fire was finally brought under control on September 6, more than four-fifths of London had been destroyed. Notably, only 16 deaths were recorded. It destroyed more than 13,000 homes and many other buildings. Image: London Museum London in 1666 was filled with medieval houses built mainly from oak timber. Many of the poorer homes were coated in tar to keep out rain, which made them even more prone to burning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the evening of September 1, 1666, baker Thomas Farrinor failed to put out his oven properly before going to bed. Around midnight, sparks from the smouldering embers set fire to wood stored nearby. Soon, his house was ablaze. The fire spread across the street, igniting straw and fodder in the stables of the Star Inn. Panic swept through the city as people dragged what belongings they could to the Thames River. Others fled to the hills outside London for safety. The Great Fire consumed about 13,000 houses, nearly 90 churches and many public buildings. The old St Pauls Cathedral was lost, along with other historic landmarks. Around 100,000 people were left without homes. Within days, King Charles II began efforts to rebuild the ruined city. Jake Sullivan, the former US NSA, has accused Donald Trump of sacrificing India ties for his familys business with Pakistan. This has put a spotlight on the First Familys murky business ties, which range from cryptocurrency to rare earths, in the Asian country US President Donald Trump is facing heavy criticism from within the country on his tariff policy, namely the duties levied on India. Now, former US NSA Jake Sullivan has slammed the US president, saying he is sacrificing India ties to for his family business interests in Pakistan. File image/Reuters Donald Trump is known to do the unpredictable and the impossible. And the American leader has done just that when it comes to India-US ties. After more than two decades of effort to transform the relationship between New Delhi and Washington, the US president is now in the process of dismantling this painstakingly built relationship by waging a tariff war. This move has got many Americans angry and upset. There are the Democrats who note that Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports will hurt Americans and sabotage the US-India ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are also former US administration officials who have voiced their concerns about Trumps tariff tantrums. For instance, Trumps former National Security Adviser (NSA) John Bolton has said that Trump has shredded decades of efforts made by the West to strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties with India with his disastrous tariffs. And now, Jake Sullivan , who served as NSA in the Joe Biden administration, has also slammed Trump over his trade moves, warning that it risks undoing years of work to bring New Delhi closer to Washington, and instead pushes it into Beijings orbit. In an interview, he further noted that due to Pakistans willingness to engage in business deals with the Trump family, Trump has sidelined the India relationship. This is a major strategic setback because a strong India-US partnership serves our core interests. This begs the question: What are Trumps business interests in Pakistan? What did Sullivan actually say on Trump? Sullivan, who is a former White House official, appeared on The Bulwark podcast and told Tim Miller that Trumps hefty tariffs against India was of particular concern, and even blaming the US president for damaging the reputation of the American brand. 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, you know, saying the US brand is in the toilet and China is looking like a more responsible player, Sullivan said on the podcast. Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has been highly critical of Trumps tariffs against India. File image/Reuters Speaking specifically on the tariffs levied on India, Sullivan added, We were working to try to build a deeper, sustainable relationship with India, and the China challenge loomed large in that. Now, youve got President Trump executing a massive trade offensive against them and the Indians are saying, I guess maybe we have to go show up in Beijing and sit with the Chinese because weve got a hedge against America. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD "The #American brand globally is in the toilet" : Former US NSA Jake Sullivan pic.twitter.com/YcfvxTmzMz IDU (@defencealerts) August 29, 2025 In a separate MeidasTouch YouTube channel, Sullivan also alleged that Trump sidelined the partnership with India due to Pakistans willingness to engage in business deals with the Trump family. The response came when the host questioned him about Trump familys Bitcoin business with Pakistan and Tim Cooks Apple factories in India. To this, Sullivan responded, I think this is one of the more under-reported stories in Trumps foreign policy, and Im really glad that you raised it. Donald Trump has thrown the relationship with India away. Germany or Japan will look at India and say that could be us tomorrow. Americas friends will think that they cant rely on us in any way, says former U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan pic.twitter.com/rZ9tJ0tgZH Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) September 1, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, in no small part, I think because of Pakistans willingness to do business deals with the Trump family, he has thrown the India relationship over the side. That is a huge strategic harm in its own right because a strong US-India relationship serves our interests, Sullivan added. Before being the US president, Trump touted himself as one of Americas greatest businessmen and it appears that he hasnt let his businessman mentality go after entering the White House. And its this business mindedness that has got Trump closer to Pakistan. In April, just five days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan signed a preliminary deal with World Liberty Financial, a decentralised finance company 60 per cent owned by the Trump family, to boost blockchain technology. According to The Dawn, a World Liberty delegation even met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir to formalise a Letter of Intent to accelerate blockchain innovation, stablecoin adoption and decentralised finance integration across Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, World Liberty Financial lists Trump as Chief Crypto Advocate, whereas the US presidents sons, Eric and Donald Jr, are Web3 Ambassadors, and Barron Trump as DeFi Visionary. World Liberty Financial is a adecentralised finance company 60 per cent owned by the Trump family, including the US presidents sons Eric and Don Jr. Reuters This business venture has raised doubts over ethics and conflict of interest. As Robert Weissman, copresident of consumer rights non-profit Public Citizen, told The Wired, It is foreign policy for sale and justice for sale. But when asked about it, the White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said, President Trumps assets are in a trust managed by his children. There are no conflicts of interest. But Trumps business ties to Pakistan dont end here. A known US businessman Gentry Thomas Beach has been pushing for business deals in Islamabad and he is known to have close ties to the Trump family, namely Donald Trump Jr. The two of them met at the Wharton School of Business and regularly go hunting together. Gentry Thomas Beach (seated to the left of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif) and other US investors in Islamabad in January. Image Courtesy: Pakistan PMO In January, Beach, who is a Texas-based hedge fund manager, chairman of White-Bridge Global, and cofounder of Highground Holdings and Valence Chemicals, visited Pakistan for a two-day visit. As part of the visit, Beach met with senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as business leaders. He then announced a multi-billion-dollar investment in the sector through his holding company, White Bridge Real Estate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, White Bridge and a firm called Apex Energy also signed a deal to explore placer gold deposits near the Indus River. Following his visit, at an event in Trumps Mar-a-Lago, Beach described Pakistan as a totally misunderstood place in the world. He emphasised that Pakistan had made tremendous sacrifices fighting terrorism and deserved global recognition for its efforts. Seeking to reshape the narrative surrounding Pakistans role in counterterrorism, he called its leaders some of the worlds finest people. Trump has also announced that the US has signed a deal with Pakistan to develop its massive oil reserves . We have just concluded a deal with the country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves, Trump posted on Truth Social. What do other experts say on Trump and India tariffs? And its not just Sullivan who has raised concerns about Trumps trade war with India. Former Secretary of State John Kerry, who has served under President Barack Obama, last week made a scathing criticism of Trumps policies, observing, Great nations dont necessarily exhibit greatness by giving people ultimatums all the time without sort of a genuine diplomatic effort. US foreign policy expert Christopher Padilla had also warned that the tariffs could raise questions on Americas reliability, while top US economist Jeffrey Sachs had called his punitive tariffs against India the stupidest tactical move in US foreign policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We wonder if Trump is listening. With inputs from agencies Nestle has ousted CEO Laurent Freixe after he was found engaging in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The Paris-born executive had spent nearly four decades climbing the companys ladder. Nestle has now appointed Philipp Navratil as the new chief An internal investigation by Swiss food giant found that CEO Laurent Freixe violated Nestles code of conduct by engaging in an "undisclosed romantic relationship" with a direct subordinate. he was fired immediately. File image/AFP In a move that surprised many, global food and beverage giant Nestle has abruptly dismissed its CEO, Laurent Freixe, after just one year in charge. According to the Swiss food giant, an internal investigation found that the 63-year-old violated Nestles code of conduct by engaging in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. Following his dismissal, Nestle has named Philipp Navratil, a long-time company veteran and most recently head of Nespresso, as the new CEO. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres a closer look at who these men are and why the change is significant. Who is Laurent Freixe? Laurent Freixe is no stranger to Nestle. The Paris-born executive has spent nearly four decades climbing the companys ladder, taking on senior roles across Europe and the Americas before stepping into the top job in September 2024. He succeeded Mark Schneider, who left the CEO position under ambiguous circumstances. Educated at the prestigious Ecole de Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord in Lille, and later trained at Switzerlands IMD Program for Executive Development, Freixe built a solid foundation for his corporate career. He joined Nestle France in 1986, starting out in marketing and sales, before becoming Head of the Nutrition Division in 1999. The Paris-born Laurent Freixe has spent nearly four decades climbing the companys ladder, taking on senior roles across Europe and the Americas before stepping into the top job in September 2024. AP His leadership journey took him from CEO of Nestle Hungary in 2003 to CEO of the Iberian Region in 2007. A year later, he entered Nestles Executive Board as Executive Vice President for Zone Europe, later taking charge of the companys biggest market, Zone Americas, in 2014. By 2022, after Nestles geographic reshuffle, he was running Zone Latin America. Nestle described him as a natural leader when he was appointed CEO last year. Throughout his time at the company, he has been fundamental in driving innovation and leading performance across Nestles value chain to help enable healthier lives and contribute to the communities in which the Group operates, the company said then. One of his signature projects was the Nestle Needs YOUth programme, launched in 2013. The initiative, which continues today, aims to offer young people under 30 career opportunities and skills training, with the ambitious goal of reaching 10 million youths worldwide by 2030. Also read: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle are named world's top plastic polluters for third year in a row STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The scandal that ended it all Laurent Freixes tenure as Nestle CEO came to an abrupt end after he was found to be in a relationship with a direct subordinate, a breach of the companys strict code of business conduct. Nestle chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla oversaw the investigation that sealed his fate. This was a necessary decision. Nestles values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestle, Bulcke said in a statement. The $238.6 billion food giant, behind brands such as KitKat and Nescafe, had first launched an internal probe in late spring after multiple complaints were filed through its Speak Up system. Employees raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest and favouritism, the Financial Times reported. Nestle chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla oversaw the investigation that sealed Laurent Freixes fate. File image/reuters Initially, the company said an internal investigation had found the claims unsubstantiated. But after complaints persisted, the board appointed external counsel for a deeper review. This second probe substantiated the allegations, ultimately leading to Freixes resignation after just a year at the helm. His exit compounds what has already been a turbulent year for Nestle. In July, French authorities raided its offices over alleged unauthorised filtration methods in bottled mineral water. Earlier in the year, the company was also forced to recall frozen meals in the US due to contamination concerns, all while struggling with slowing sales across its core businesses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read: Who is Andy Byron, Astronomer CEO embroiled in cheating' scandal at Coldplay concert? Who is Philipp Navratil, the new Nestle CEO? Philipp Navratil has officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Nestle, effective immediately. A company veteran, Navratil first joined Nestle back in 2001. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles across Central America and Mexico, including a seven-year stint leading the coffee and beverage division in Mexico from 2013 to 2020. Philipp Navratil has officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Nestle, effective immediately. image courtesy: Nestle More recently, he oversaw global strategy and innovation for Nestles flagship coffee brands, Nescafe and Starbucks. In July 2024, he was appointed CEO of Nespresso, before joining Nestles executive board in January 2025. In a short statement following his appointment, Navratil said, I fully embrace the companys strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestles performance. He also pledged to drive the value creation plan with intensity. With input from agencies Kim Jong Un arrived in China by his special bulletproof train to attend the military parade in Beijing with President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. Unlike most world leaders who hop on a jet to commute long distances, the North Korean leader still prefers taking the slower, old-fashioned method of transport. Heres why Unlike most world leaders who hop on a jet, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un prefers a slower, old-fashioned but heavily fortified train. He has left for China's Beijing. File image/AFP When North Korean leader Kim Jong Un steps out of his country, the world takes notice. His latest trip to Beijing, where he is expected to attend a military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, is no exception. He is arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency said. But it isnt just the rare appearance that grabs attention, its how he gets there. Unlike most world leaders who hop on a jet, the North Korean leader prefers a slower, old-fashioned but heavily fortified train. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The sight of this green-and-yellow armoured carriage rolling across borders has become a familiar ritual since Kim took power in 2011, echoing the habits of his father and grandfather before him. Inside, the train is said to be fitted with everything from luxury interiors to secure meeting rooms, designed to keep the leader safe while doubling as a moving office. But why does Kim choose the rails over the skies? And just how secure is this mysterious fortress on wheels? Heres what we know. Why does Kim Jong Un travel by train? For most world leaders, flying is the natural choice, its quick, efficient, and secure. But Kim Jong Un has stuck firmly to the tradition of travelling by train, and there are several reasons behind this. One is family history. Kims father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, were both reportedly afraid of flying. South Korean media has long speculated that this fear dates back to 1982, when the two witnessed an explosion during a test flight of their jet. Four years later, Kim Il Sung made his last known trip abroad by air to the Soviet Union, and after that, North Korean leaders largely gave up on flying altogether, according to the Associated Press. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A file picture of a special armored train used to transport North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. File image/AFP Kim Jong Il, in particular, was famous for shunning planes altogether. Instead, he travelled to China and Russia exclusively by armoured train. His most extreme journey came in 2001, when he undertook a mammoth 20,000-kilometre round trip from Pyongyang to Moscow. The journey took about 24 days. Even at the very end, he never abandoned his trains, official North Korean accounts say he was on board one during a field guidance trip in 2011 when he died of a heart attack. Beyond family habits, theres also the question of safety. North Koreas leaders have long relied on the slow but fortified rail network that has served them for decades. Compared to the countrys ageing fleet of aircraft, an armoured train offers far more security and comfort. Theres also a strategic advantage. If an aircraft were attacked mid-flight, the chances of survival would be slim. A train, while slower, gives Kim a better chance of survival and makes his movements harder to predict. Routes can be changed, stops can be adjusted, and the exact timing of his arrival is rarely publicised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inside Kims Fortress on wheels North Koreas armoured train, known as the Taeyangho or moving fortress, is designed with security as its top priority. Each train reportedly carries 10 to 15 carriages, all reinforced with bulletproof siding to protect the North Korean leader. For security reasons, multiple trains are often used. North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un as he departs from Pyongyang on 2 September. AFP Ahn Byung-min, a South Korean expert on North Korean transportation, previously told The Independent that one train usually runs ahead to conduct security checks, while another follows with bodyguards and other personnel. Inside, the train is fitted with Kims office, advanced communications systems, a restaurant, and even car carriages to transport armoured Mercedes vehicles, Ahn added. Also read: Bulletproof carriages and more: Kim Jong Un's train on which he travelled to Russia Security measures extend far beyond the train itself, around 100 agents are dispatched to sweep stations en route for explosives. Reports also mention military helicopters and planes providing aerial cover, while The Guardian noted that power to the surrounding tracks is shut down as the train approaches a station. The train also travels in secrecy, with tinted windows that obscure the view from the outside. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All of this protection comes at a cost to speed. With its heavy armour, the train moves at just 60 kilometres per hour, according to Yonhap News, taking about 20 hours to cover the distance to Beijing. Thats far slower compared with Londons high-speed rail at 200 km/h or Japans Shinkansen bullet trains, which reach up to 320 km/h. A palace in motion Beyond security, Kims train is also a showcase of luxury. In the 2002 book Orient Express, Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky described a three-week journey to Moscow by Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Uns father In that train, cases of Bordeaux and Beaujolais wine were flown in from Paris, as were live lobsters, according to the book. It was possible to order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine, he wrote Even Putins private train did not have the comfort of Kim Jong Ils train, Pulikovsky was quoted as saying by the BBC. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, second left, talks with a Chinese official on his train on the way home from China, in 2019. AFP That tradition of luxury has continued. In 2020, state TV footage revealed Kim Jong Un aboard a train visiting a typhoon-hit area, offering a rare look inside a carriage decorated with flower-shaped lighting and zebra-print chairs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apart from the food and wine, the train also offers all of the comforts of home. It is outfitted with conference rooms panelled in dark wood, as well as multiple bedrooms, satellite phones and flatscreen televisions. There are plush pink leather armchairs to provide comfortable seating on the train. Has Kim Jong Un ever flown? Unlike his predecessors, Kim Jong Un doesnt appear to suffer from a fear of flying. While his father and grandfather clung to the rails, he has shown he can and will use planes when necessary. Since taking power, Kim has made seven overseas trips: four to China and one each to Russia, Vietnam, and Singapore. The meetings in Vietnam and Singapore were particularly notable, as they were high-stakes summits with US President Donald Trump. Kim does have his own private aircraft, the Chammae-1, a Cold Warera Ilyushin-62 named after North Koreas national bird. In 2018, it was used to fly him to China. Yet when he travelled to Singapore that same year for his much-anticipated summit with Trump, the Chammae-1 made the journey, but without him. Instead, Kim flew on an Air China 747, courtesy of Beijing, Pyongyangs closest ally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So yes, Kim does fly. But his love for trains, with all their secrecy and spectacle, remains unmatched. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump, in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), called the trade relationship between India and the United States a one-sided disaster. Trump also claimed that India had offered to cut the tariffs levied on the US to nothing. But what does the data show? During Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to the US in February, the two countries vowed to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Much as changed since then. Reuters US President Donald Trump continues to attack India. Trump, in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), called the trade relationship between India and the United States a one-sided disaster. Trump also claimed that India had offered to cut the tariffs levied on the US to nothing. What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us, the US president wrote on Truth Social. In other words, they sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest client, but we sell them very little a totally one-sided relationship, and it has been for many decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but its getting late. They should have done so years ago, he added. His remarks come amid Modi, Xi and Putin displaying bonhomie and solidarity at the SCO. They also follow stalled talks on a bilateral trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington to the frustration of Trump and senior White House officials. Trump had announced his Liberation Day tariffs in April on dozens of trading partners including India. He has since imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India, plus an additional 25 per cent penalty for buying crude oil from Russia . New Delhi has slammed the tariffs as unreasonable, unfair and unjust. Can Trumps remarks possibly be true? What does the data show? IndiaUS trade relationship In 2025, the United States imported goods worth $56.3 billion from India , while New Delhi imported goods worth $22.1 billion from Washington leaving India with a trade surplus of $34.3 billion. Trade between India and the United States touched $212.3 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.3 per cent from 2023 when it stood at $196 billion. The US imports from India include: Pharmaceuticals (mostly generic medicines) Gems and jewellery Electrical and electronic equipment Textiles and apparel Petroleum products Machinery and auto parts Organic chemicals Basmati rice Handicrafts and home decor Leather and footwear India imports from the US include: Crude oil and petroleum products Coal and coke Cut and polished diamonds Electrical machinery Aircraft, spacecraft and parts Gold Total goods trade between the two nations was valued at $128.9 billion in 2024. The US exported goods worth $41.5 billion to India, an increase of three per cent from 2023. Meanwhile, it imported goods worth $87.3 billion from India a trade deficit of $45.8 billion. When it comes to services, the picture is more balanced. The total services trade between the two countries was $83.4 billion in 2024. Washington exported services worth $41.8 billion to New Delhi a 15.9 per cent rise from 2023. India exported services worth $41.6 billion to the US a 15.4 per cent increase from 2023. The US is Indias largest bilateral trading partner, while India ranked as Washingtons 10th largest trading partner in 2023. Trump has long been obsessed with trade deficits, accusing countries with surpluses against the US of ripping them off. Despite his personal rapport with Modi, Trump has described India as a dead economy alongside Russia, and has slammed what he calls obnoxious trade barriers. He has previously referred to India as a tariff king and an abuser of tariffs claims not supported by trade data. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During Modis trip to the US in February, the two countries vowed to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. At the time, Trump called Modi a great leader, while Modi referred to Trump as a good friend. US President Donald Trump has levied a 25 per cent tariff on India in addition to a Russian penalty. File image/Reuters The people of America are aware of President Trumps motto, Make America Great Again or MAGA, Modi said. Borrowing an expression from the US, our vision for a developed India is to Make India Great Again, or MIGA. When America and India work together, when its MAGA plus MIGA, it becomes mega a mega partnership for prosperity. One thing that I deeply appreciate and I learned from President Trump is that he keeps the national interest supreme, Modi added. And like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top of everything else. However, much has changed since then. Experts warn Trumps latest tariffs could impact nearly 60 per cent of Indias total exports to the US around $63.5 billion worth of goods. Textiles and garments, gems and jewellery, leather and footwear, chemicals, electrical and mechanical machinery, and seafood (mainly shrimp) could take a huge hit if the tariffs remain. India also has to compete with peers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam on both of whom Trump has imposed less burdensome tariffs for US market share. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Arms and equipment Its not just goods and services. India also continues to buy arms and equipment from the United States. Since 2020, New Delhi has purchased or contracted arms and equipment worth billions of dollars from Washington. One report puts the figure at $15 billion since 2018, including a $2.99 billion contract for Predator drones. Since 2008, India has bought or contracted arms and equipment worth $24 billion, according to US government data. In 2021, the US government notified Congress of potential arms sales to India totalling just over $2.5 billion. In 2024, notifications exceeded $5 billion. New Delhi has been the worlds second-largest arms importer accounting for 8.3 per cent of total global imports between 2020 and 2024, after Ukraine. Russia, traditionally its top supplier, remains so. However, Russias share of weapons sent to India has dropped from over 50 per cent in 2019 to 35 per cent in 2024. France now accounts for nearly 30 per cent of Indias arms imports. India has also been sourcing weapons from Israel and South Korea. In early August, there were reports that India had put planned purchases of US weapons on hold. New Delhi also reportedly cancelled a visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington. India has denied such reports, calling them false and fabricated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Main: Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, claimed that the roots of the Ukraine crisis can be traced to the events that occurred over a decade ago in Kyiv. He alleged that the West orchestrated a coup in Ukraine and also blamed it for Ukraines ambitions to join Nato. But what is Putin referring to? Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed the West for his 2014 invasion of Crimea. Putin, speaking at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Monday, claimed that the roots of the Ukraine crisis can be traced to the events that occurred over a decade ago in Kyiv. This crisis did not arise as a result of Russias attack on Ukraine, but as a result of the coup detat in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West, and then by attempts to use armed forces to suppress the resistance of those regions and people who did not accept this coup, Putin said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin also blamed the West for Ukraines ambitions to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). The second reason for the crisis is the Wests constant attempts to drag Ukraine into Nato, Putin added. But what is Putin referring to? What happened in 2014? Lets take a closer look: A brief look at Russia and Ukraine First, lets understand the context of the situation. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Kyiv declared its independence after the fall of the Soviet bloc in 1991 . Crimea, whose population, language and culture was overwhelmingly Russian, joined the newly-independent country. Then, in 1994, Ukraine signed the landmark Budapest Memorandum in Hungary . Under this agreement, Ukraine gave up its stockpile of nuclear weapons at the time the third largest in the world, much of it left over from the Soviet Union in exchange for security guarantees from the leaders of the United States, the UK, Russia and Europe. Ukraine handed over all its nuclear weapons to Russia for disarmament . Russia in exchange promised not to violate Ukraines borders and the US-led West said it would guarantee Ukraines sovereignty. This was around half a decade before Putin, who was a KGB agent, would come to power in Moscow. Over the next two decades, Ukraine faced a choice align itself with Europe and the West or move closer to Mother Russia. This has been, since Ukraines founding, the foreign policy conundrum faced by Kyiv. Enter Viktor Yanukovych a Ukrainian politician hailing from the Donetsk coal-mining region of eastern Ukraine. Yanukovych, who was fervently pro-Russian, won the presidency of Ukraine in 2004. The election, which was widely regarded as fraudulent, was thrown out by the courts after mass protests across the country known as the Orange Revolution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Viktor Yanukovych a Ukrainian politician hailing from the Donetsk coal-mining region of eastern Ukraine was fervently pro-Russian However, that wasnt the end of Yanukovychs career. In 2010, the opposition leader defeated then Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko to win the presidency of Ukraine and replace Viktor Yushchenko. It was a stunning comeback for Yanukovych, who had campaigned on bringing years of turmoil and gridlock in Ukraine and capitalised on the frustrations of voters to reach the countrys highest office. True to form, Yanukovychs administration began charting a pro-Russian course immediately. What is Putin referring to? Putin is referring to the series of events that preceded his invasion of Crimea in 2014. At this time, Yanukovych was still president of Ukraine. A series of events led Yanukovych to being ousted by Parliament and fleeing to Russia. Yanukovych in the intervening years had grown even closer to Russia. He had, among other things, extended Russias lease of the Sevastopol port where its Black Sea Fleet is based till 2042. While there were some indications that Yanukovych was prepared to pivot towards the West and Europe, things changed abruptly. A mural in Moscow shows Crimea painted in the colours of Russia. In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. File image/Reuters In November 2013, Yanukovych rejected a deal that would have seen Ukraine grow closer to Europe. At this time, Ukraine was witnessing its economy falter. Many within the country saw a growing relationship with Europe as the cure for the countrys ills. However, Yanukovych clearly did not see things that way. Instead, Yanukovych decided to seek a $15 billion bailout loan from Russia and cheaper gas for his nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision led to mass uprisings across Ukraine known as the Maidan Movement which began in late 2013 and continued unabated into 2014. Yanukovych, who had had enough, decided to crack down. Around 100 people were said to be killed by security forces many claim on the direct orders of Yanukovych. However, Yanukovychs security forces failed to tamp down on the ire of the protesters. Ukraines Parliament then got involved by deciding to impeach Yanukovych. The then president chose not to stick around he instead fled to Russia, denounced those opposing him as fascists and claimed he was still the leader of Ukraine. It was these events that Putin referred to as a Western-backed coup. Putin invades Crimea This is where things get even more interesting. Putin used these events as a pretext to invade Crimea in February 2014. Putin, who has made no secret about his fondness for the Soviet Union, sent armed troops to invade the region and began taking over its military bases and government buildings. Putin at the time cited a request from Yanukovych and said that he was only trying to protect Russians and Russian speakers in the region. Putin also blamed those in Ukraine who wanted to join Nato saying the move posed a direct threat to Russias sovereignty. Crimea later in 2014 held a controversial referendum under armed occupation. Moscow later claimed that the region voted overwhelmingly to join Russia. Moscow then formally annexed the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A pro-Russian demonstrator scuffles with police during a rally in Donetsk March 16, 2014. Reuters Yanukovych later admitted that he erred and described the move by Russia as a major tragedy. I was wrong, Yanukovych said. I acted on my emotions. He also said Crimea must be returned to Ukraine. We must set such a task and search for ways to return to Crimea on any conditions, so that Crimea may have the maximum degree of independence possible but be part of Ukraine, he said. Yanukovych also denied giving the order to kill protesters. I personally never gave any orders to shoot, he said. As far as I know, the weapons were never given to those special troops who took part in defending the state buildings and the state bodies they just complied with their orders. My principles which I always follow are that no authority, no power is worth a drop of blood, Yanukovych claimed. However, by then, Putin had little if any use for Yanukovych. TCrimea remains firmly in Russian hands. As of today, so does nearly a fifth of Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Investor Mark Mobius said India remains the top emerging market and will continue to outpace Chinas growth, citing strong domestic demand, reforms, and entrepreneurial resilience despite US tariffs and global volatility. India remains the top emerging market and China cannot beat Indias growth, investor Mark Mobius said in an interview with the Financial Times, who has allocated nearly 20 per cent of his portfolio to the country. Despite US tariffs on Indian exports and short-term volatility, Mobius emphasised Indias domestic demand, government reforms, and entrepreneurial resilience will keep it ahead of other emerging markets. Speaking to The Economic Times, Mobius said that while sectors like pharmaceuticals, gems, and apparel may feel the pinch of US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariff on exports, Indian businesses are agile enough to adapt by shifting manufacturing to other markets such as Africa. Indian entrepreneurs are very creative. I think they will be able to get around some of these problems, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that the overall hit to growth would be minimal, At most, exports may shave off 0.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent from economic growth. But Indias domestic market is enormous and still expanding rapidly. Even if the growth estimate falls from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent, its not a big issue. On energy, Mobius said that Washington should not single out New Delhi for Russian oil imports, pointing out that China is buying just as much. He suggested negotiations could smooth out these differences, especially as global crude prices have dropped. He also highlighted the weaker rupee as a positive for exporters and noted that government support measures will cushion the blow. The Indian market looks healthy. The economy is still doing very well. Eventually, India and the US will reach an agreement because this situation cannot last long, Mobius stressed. I do hope that things will get back on track soon and we will conclude a bilateral trade agreement by the fall, November or so, as was discussed by our two leaders in February, said Goyal at the Annual Global Investor Conference 2025 in Mumbai Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said he is hopeful that India and the United States will finalise their proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the fall, possibly by November this year. He said that progress on the deal had been slightly delayed due to a little bit of geopolitical issues overshadowing trade discussions during the negotiations. I do hope that things will get back on track soon and we will conclude a bilateral trade agreement by the fall, November or so, as was discussed by our two leaders in February, PTI quoted Goyal as saying at the Annual Global Investor Conference 2025 in Mumbai. In his virtual address, he highlighted the global enthusiasm to expand trade and business ties with India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have had a little bit of geopolitical issues overtaking trade issues in our negotiations with the United States of America, he added. He said that India has already signed free trade agreements with Australia, the UAE, Mauritius, the UK, and the European bloc EFTA. Lots happen, lots more to go With the US, we are in dialogue with them on a BTA, he said earlier at an industry chamber event on sustainability. India and the US have been negotiating the bilateral trade agreement since March, completing five rounds of talks so far. A US delegation was scheduled to visit India on August 25 for the next round but postponed the trip after India imposed a 50% duty on some US goods starting August 27. No new dates for talks have been set yet. The two countries aim to finalise the first phase of the BTA by this fall, targeting to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to $500 billion by 2030 from the current $191 billion. Despite tensions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism, saying, At the end of the day, the two great countries will get this solved. Delhis values are much closer to ours and to Chinas than to Russias. Bessent, in an interview with Fox News, also termed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as being largely performative. His remarks came after the annual summit of the SCO took place in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Sunday and Monday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think at the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to Chinas than to Russias. I think at the end of the day, two great countries (India and the US) will get this solved. But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine, he claimed. India has defended its Russian oil purchases, stating that energy decisions are guided by national interest and market forces. Bessents comments came in response to questions about the status of the India-US relationship amid the Trump administrations 50 per cent tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. India has called the tariffs unjustified and unreasonable. Goyal said Indias resilient supply chains ensure the country is not at the mercy of any other country choosing to switch on or switch off the tap. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This, he added, is fueling Indias journey towards Atmanirbharta and giving young Indians the confidence to face global challenges. Goyal also said negotiations for the India-EU free trade agreement are in an advanced stage. We are making very active and significant progress, he said, adding that Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal is in Brussels for talks with EU officials on the pact. The 13th round of negotiations between India and the EU will begin here on September 8. After the meeting, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is likely to visit India next month to take stock of the progress of the agreement. As there is a deadline to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year, this round is important. The 12th round of talks concluded in Brussels. In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications (GIs) after a gap of over eight years. It was stalled in 2013 due to differences on the level of opening up of the markets. On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission President agreed to seal a much-awaited free trade deal by the end of this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The India-EU trade pact negotiations cover 23 policy areas or chapters, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Competition, Trade Defence, Government Procurement, Dispute Settlement, Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications, and Sustainable Development. The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of Indias total exports, while the EUs exports to India make up 9 per cent of its total overseas shipments. With inputs from agencies Amid ongoing trade and tariff discussions with the US, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that Indias trade negotiations are guided by principles of fairness, substance, and mutual benefit rather than being dictated by deadlines Amid ongoing trade and tariff discussions with the United States, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that Indias trade negotiations are guided by principles of fairness, substance, and mutual benefit rather than being dictated by deadlines. We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline we only negotiate good trade deals which are mutually beneficial," News 18 quoted Goyal as saying at an industry chamber event focused on sustainability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Emphasising that India does not operate under pressure to finalise agreements hastily, he added, We are always open for an equitable and mutually beneficial trade deal. Goyal also confirmed that India is in active discussions with the US on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). We are in dialogue with the US for a BTA," Goyal added. Negotiations on the pact, which began in March, have seen five rounds of talks completed. However, following the imposition of a 50% duty on Indian goods by Washington starting August 27, the US side postponed its scheduled visit for the sixth round, initially set for August 25. Goyal said India is also getting new trading arrangements with countries such as European Union, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Oman and has already concluded deals with EFTA bloc, UK, UAE. Lots have happened and lots more to go, Goyal said, noting that India contributes 18% to global growth. As reported by The Economic Times on August 28, India is hopeful of restarting talks with the US on a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with resolving the steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods seen as key to a breakthrough. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bloomberg also reported that informal discussions are ongoing, and India has no immediate plans to retaliate against the tariff hike. Indian exporters are grappling with a major trade shock after the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods from August 27 doubling the total duty to 50%. The move, linked to Indias continued imports of Russian oil, has drawn criticism from US officials, including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who accused India of indirectly funding Russias war in Ukraine. With inputs from agencies India, Egypt, and Greece can take an initiative in building a new regional architecture that links oceans and continents to emerge not as territories where great powers interact but as players in shaping the common future The Indo-Mediterranean is fast becoming a new geopolitical and geoeconomic frontier that connects the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea by vital energy, trade and security routes. In contrast to the Indo-Pacific, which has gone through extensive theorisation and institutionalisation, the Indo-Mediterranean is still a relatively loose conceptits boundaries are still being articulated. India, Egypt, and Greece have a strong potential to become central in this space if they could set up a trilateral cooperation mechanism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such a partnership has the potential to strengthen the security, increase economic ties, and foster cultural relations, building the new Indo-Mediterranean story. India has economic strength, technological capabilities, and depth in the Indian Ocean. Greece has the merits of geographical position (in the eastern Mediterranean), EU membership and maritime experience. Egypt gives access to the control of the Suez Canal that connects the Indian Ocean to Europe, together with increased diplomatic influence in Africa and the Arab world. The three countries share one of the most strategic trade and energy routes of the 21st century. The Indo-Pacific has been the strategic focus over the last decade, institutionalised through structures such as the Quad and comparable bodies under Asean. However, the Indo-Mediterranean has slipped in as a vital pivot between the Indo-Pacific and Europe. As naval competition heightened, shifting supply chains and renewable energy transition plans increased, and the Suez Canal and eastern Mediterranean regions have become central to global flows of energy and goods. It renders Egypt and Greece into essential connections, with India considering the region as an extension of its westward strategic power expansion. India has a long history of culture and commerce with Western Asia and the Mediterranean world. The Indian interest in strengthening its presence in the Middle East, already expressed in its relations with major Arab and European players, can also be associated with the formation of a triangular partnership with Greece and Egypt. For instance, India and Greece aim to quadruple bilateral trade from $2 billion in 2022-23 by 2030, expanding ties in agriculture, shipping, defence, and IT. Egypt and Greece have a deep-rooted historical and cultural relationship, which is foundational for trilateral cooperation. With India, they can develop resilience against common threats of terrorism, piracy, and stability in the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Conducting joint naval patrols, sharing intelligence information and cooperating on maritime domain awareness will enhance security of these waterways. For India, this fits in with its Security and Growth for All in the Region (Sagar) initiative, and for Greece and Egypt, it confirms their positions as the regional security powers in the Mediterranean. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the geopolitical level, such trilateral cooperation may serve as a balancing mechanism. China has gained significant access to Greece, especially with its investment in the Piraeus in its Belt and Road Initiative, and to Egypt, where Chinese capital is a major driver of the provision of infrastructure facilities. Forging relationships with India will help Athens and Cairo to diversify their external relationships and tie themselves to a democratic actor, posing less risk of overdependence on Beijing. The economic cooperation is vital between these three countries. The Suez Canal remains a vital route for India-Europe trade. Greece is a point of entry into the European market, especially at the ports of Piraeus. The proposed integration of the Indian westward connectivity projects, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec), with Egyptian and Greek infrastructure would lead to a coherent belt of trade between Mumbai and Athens. Energy transition adds an additional opportunity dimension. Egypt is locating itself as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub, and Greece has been a major transit country into Europe through pipelines. Both also have a large-scale plan toward renewables, something that echoes India in its dream of clean energy. A cooperation in hydrogen, solar, and LNG infrastructure may diversify energy imports to India and integrate the three partners further into the energy future of Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The other pillar is security. India and Greece have their first bilateral defence cooperation agreement in 2024, and their forces have already started carrying out joint military exercises. Egypt and Greece carry out joint exercises with Cyprus in the Medusa framework. An extension to a trilateral naval exercise would have the added benefit of interoperability across the Red Sea and Mediterranean, enhanced maritime domain awareness and joint counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations. These would form a network of shared capabilities to protect shared maritime trade routes. India, which might well be the third-largest global economy by 2030, has an $11 billion defence market and is the fourth-largest military spender, which also allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in shipping. In Greece, Indias GMR Airports is in a joint venture with GEK Terna to build an 850-million-euro project. Beyond hard security, energy, trade and economy, the three nations can build on their rich civilisation. The Nile, Indus and Hellenistic worlds have long exchanged trade, migration and wisdom. Renewing cultural connections would build up popular support for the trilateral project. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indo-Mediterranean is not a passive geography. It is a geography being actively constructed by partnerships, strategies, and investments of regional and global actors. The India, Egypt, and Greece corridor could decisively boost their central geopolitical, cultural, and economic stability. This trilateral partnership can be a stabilising factor in an ever more turbulent regional and global context, enriching regional cooperation and strengthening multipolarity. This moment is captured in the Indo-Mediterranean corridor that runs between Mumbai, Alexandria and Athens. India, Egypt, and Greece can take an initiative in building a new regional architecture that links oceans and continents to emerge not as territories where great powers interact but as players in shaping the common future. The authors are professors at the Jindal School of International Affairs of the O P Jindal Global University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car to the destination of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin. PTI Amidst the burgeoning tensions in the India-US relations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit hosted by China in its Tianjin city has been grabbing a lot of attention. The visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi laughing and sharing a casual moment with Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin are making the rounds, sparking a new wave of speculations of a formal Russia-India-China (RIC) revival. One image that has particularly generated a great amount of interest is Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelling with the Russian President Putin in his Aurus Senat Limousine to the venue for their official bilateral talks. In a post on social media platform X, Modi not only shared the image but also called their conversations always insightful. It is being reported that this joint car ride came at the instance of President Putin only, who also waited for ten minutes for Prime Minister Modi to join him in his vehicle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, just a fortnight ago, Putin had shared the car backseat with another world leader, President Donald Trump, during the duos summit meeting in Alaska. Although the meeting did not bring a favourable outcome, with Russia resuming military operations against Ukraine at an even more intense level, the way Trump laid out a superstar welcome to Putin, including a ten-minute ride in his Cadillac Limousine, was noted widely. Car rides do break the protocol and leave the staff scrambling to make last-minute changes, but they also offer a good chance for informal conversations as well. In fact, Putin and Modis car ride in Tianjin also led to a slight confusion, making organisers adjust their plan accordingly, but the 15-minute car ride as well as the 45-minute-long conversation between the two leaders inside the Limousine laid the necessary groundwork for the formal talks ahead. The relationship that India shares with Russia has come under a lot of attack recently from the Trump administration, which has gone to the extent of calling India a war profiteer and their relations as certainly a point of irritation in the US-India relationship. But PM Modi has hardly shown any sign of climbing down from reaching out with a firm intention of partnership towards Russia, as is also evident at the bilateral held this week. Both leaders vowed to strengthen their economic equation further, seeking to attain a target of $100 billion by 2030, and called it a partnership that is important for global peace, stability and prosperity. The camaraderie that President Putin and PM Modi enjoyed with each other during the car ride extended well into the formal bilateral meeting as well, with Putin calling Modi a dear friend and hailing Russias ties with India as special, friendly and trusting. Car rides, like other forms of informal diplomacy, provide a key chance for leaders to share lighter moments with their counterparts minus the highly structured formal diplomatic setups where each statement or gesture is highly thought through and weighed in advance by a team of career diplomats and learnt experts. These informal exchanges are also of great importance to the leaders in arriving at a favourable outcome for their country since a lot of their own political capital is dependent on foreign policy achievements beyond the usual domestic matters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Historically, there are instances of joint travels by big leaders such as US President Franklin D Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the First World War that helped them to coordinate the strategy of allied powers smoothly. In 1961, during US President John F Kennedys state visit to Paris, French President Charles de Gaulle accompanied him in his vehicle as part of the official welcome, with French Republican mounted guards escorting them. The visit was also seen as a success, as it helped Kennedy dispel Frances notion of the US being the dominating force in Nato, and though differences persisted even later, a personal rapport achieved between Gaulle and Roosevelt facilitated future cooperation. Joint car rides of national leaders are not unusual even today, as there are multiple examples even in recent times of two top leaders travelling together to venues in each others cars. Putin himself has extended this gesture a couple of times, including to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his visit to Moscow in 2024, and to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in Russias Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2018. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Modi, who shares a great preference for informal diplomacy with his global counterparts, has also used joint travels on previous occasions to boost Indias relations with other countries. In 2014, he rode with President Barack Obama in his Limousine for a 10-minute ride to the Martin Luther King Jr memorial during his first visit to the country as the PM. At that time, Modi had confided in President Obama about his [Modis] humble background by recalling how his mothers house was as big as his [Obamas] Limousine car. Obama, who himself had a modest background, raised by a single mother, was very touched by this. PM Modi also shared a car ride with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu during his historic visit to the country in 2017, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. This weeks ride, like the previous shared car rides with world leaders, would also go a long way in strengthening Indias relations with Russia. One of the biggest messages that it sends is of the deeper connection that India and Russia share, where Putins gesture is being seen as a very special one. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a New Delhi-based commentator on geopolitics and foreign policy. She holds a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She tweets @TrulyMonica. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Indias strength in the RIC and SCO lies not in conformity but in carving space, turning every summit into leverage, every contradiction into opportunity, and every forum into a force multiplier of its own rise To believe that Russia-India-China can become a strategic triangle in the present climate is more diplomatic theatre than political reality. Representational Image/Pool via Reuters As Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the largest Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit yet in Tianjin, a gathering of world leaders including Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the world watched Indias deft balancing act. The meeting saw a churn in the geopolitical canvas, taking shape, sending strategic messaging of Indias strategic autonomy. It was a test of posture: how to remain engaged in Eurasias politics without being consumed by them, how to signal strength without being cornered, and how to extract value from a forum that is increasingly contested. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talk of reviving the old RussiaIndiaChina (RIC) framework surfaced yet again at the summit. In 2025, Russia champions its revival, buoyed by the promise of Eurasian clout: together, RICs GDP (PPP) stands at nearly $54 trillion, with $5 trillion in exports and 38 per cent of humanity under its demographic umbrella. Moscow, increasingly isolated by the West, finds it convenient to pitch RIC as an alternative platform where it can remain relevant. Beijing, too, likes the idea of a trilateral that can project an anti-Western optic, especially when its own global image is under stress. But nostalgia does not substitute strategy. The RIC experiment faltered in the past for reasons that havent gone away: mismatched power equations, conflicting ambitions, and Indias unresolved boundary dispute with China. To believe that RIC can become a strategic triangle in the present climate is more diplomatic theatre than political reality. Yet dismissing these gatherings outright would be a mistake. The SCO, despite its contradictions, is an instrument India can wield. Its agenda, emerging as counterterrorism, connectivity, energy, economics and digital linkages, aligns with several Indian priorities. The organisation gives India a stage to insert itself into Central Asia, a region often spoken about in Delhi but rarely engaged with beyond rhetoric. It also provides a platform to engage both Russia and China simultaneously, on Indias own terms, without succumbing to binaries dictated by Washington or Brussels. But lets not pretend the SCO is friction-free. Pakistans membership means Islamabad has a seat at the table, which Beijing often leverages to needle India. China also leverages the SCO to spread its Belt and Road agenda, most of which India has opposed on the basis of sovereignty. The crises in the SCO are institutional, a combination of divergent ambitions, unequal power and discrepant security perceptions. In the case of India, the art is in terms of turning the contradictions into opportunities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That begins with presence. Indias Central Asia policy has been heavy on speeches and memoranda but light on hard outcomes. India needs to present credible capital, technology and infrastructure projects in case the SCO is to count. Energy collaboration, pipeline connections, railroad routes, and digital connectivity should not be a discussion at the summit but should be signed into contracts. Only then does the membership mean more than optics. The second step is to convert multilateralism into a multi-engagement advantage. India does not rely on the entire SCO bloc to move forward. Instead, it can build issue-specific coalitions within the grouping: targeted counterterrorism frameworks, connectivity pilots with Central Asian states, energy swaps, or digital finance collaborations. Multi-engagement nested within multilaterals often delivers more than grand declarations that go nowhere. The third is deterrence blended with diplomacy. For all the talk of cooperation, Eurasia is a competitive theatre. India cannot afford to be a passive partner. Its diplomatic engagement must be backed by credible defence preparedness and logistics capacity to secure its interests in the extended neighbourhood. Presence without power invites pressure. A smart mix of deterrence and dialogue allows India to remain relevant without overextending. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The broader context here is the churn in world order itself. We are not moving from American unipolarity to neat multipolarity. We are sliding into a fractured mosaic of overlapping blocs, multi-engagements and ad hoc coalitions. Some align on trade, others on defence, and still others on digital or energy issues. The future global system will not look like a clean chessboard but like a messy web. For India, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Strategic autonomy in this age cannot be the old-style non-alignment of standing apart. Nor can it be the illusion of perfect equidistance. Strategic autonomy now means active positioning and engaging where it serves interest, hedging where risk is high, and investing in resilience that allows India to resist coercion. In forums like the SCO, this means trading where it reduces vulnerability, investing where it builds capacity, and cooperating where it secures gains without political compromise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is also the ability to take a savagely honest view of China. The SCO stage can put Delhi and Beijing on the same roof, yet not erase Doklam, Galwan, Chinese help to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor or the infrastructure development on this side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Participation in SCO cannot imply unfreezing of hard security facts. In any case, it gives prominence to the need to balance hardening the border and regional deterrence with astute diplomacy. Russia, meanwhile, remains a partner India cannot ignore. Moscows dependence on Beijing has grown, but it still looks at Delhi as a trusted interlocutor that does not parrot Western lines. This gives India leverage, particularly in defence and energy. But India must balance its Russia policy carefully, ensuring that short-term bargains dont compromise long-term options. Energy corridors, defence production partnerships, and space cooperation with Russia must be balanced against diversification with Western and indigenous sources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At home, the SCO moment should serve as a policy nudge. To be taken seriously in Eurasia, India must fix its own economic and industrial limitations. It must accelerate reforms that make it a competitive partner for Central Asia, build scalable defence-industrial capacity, and create financial instruments that allow it to fund infrastructure abroad. Too often, India arrives at the table with ideas but no chequebook. China arrives with both. If India wants to tilt the balance, it needs not only diplomatic capital but financial muscle. In prospect, the SCO and the RIC concept are not so much a question of euphoria, but a question of direction. The world has entered a global churn: the West is much more divided, China is aggressive but fragile in the economy, and Russia is hunted but still dangerous; the middle powers of the world, from Turkey to Brazil, are carving their own way. India is at the centre of this flux. Its task is not to declare allegiance but to build leverage. Every forum, be it SCO, Brics, G20, or the Quad, is a tool, not a destiny. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The SCO summit in Tianjin showed both the limits and the possibilities of Eurasian multilateralism. For India, the way forward is clear. Use the SCO as a bridge to Central Asia. Exploit the Russia connection without becoming hostage to it. Engage China but never on Beijings terms. Build multi-engagements inside multilaterals. And above all, treat diplomacy as an extension of domestic capacity-building. The future will not be kind to those who mistake nostalgia for strategy. RIC may return as a headline, but it will hardly return as a coherent bloc. Indias future lies in something sharper, a strategic posture that turns churn into opportunity, forums into instruments, and multipolar chaos into national advantage. That is how a rising India must navigate the world on the move: with eyes open, tools in hand, and clarity of purpose. The author is former Director General, Mechanised Forces. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. An Indian Army contingent has arrived in Alaska to take part in the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual India-US joint military drill running from September 1 to 14, amid Trumps 50 per cent tariffs and strained ties. An Indian Army contingent on Monday (Sept 1) arrived at Fort Wainwright in Alaska for the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the annual IndiaUS joint military drill running from September 1 to 14. The exercise comes at a time when ties between New Delhi and Washington have been strained after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff and penalty on India over its oil trade with Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet, far from recent tariff tensions, India and the US kicked off one of their largest-ever Army exercises in Alaska. Plans are also underway for the Malabar naval drills with Quad partners near Guam in November. Despite strains in trade relations, defence officials stressed that the IndiaUS strategic partnership, built over the last two decades with defence cooperation at its core, remains strong. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the arrival on X, An Indian Army contingent has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (0114 Sept). Alongside US 11th Airborne Division troops, theyll train in heliborne ops, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS & joint tactical drillsboosting UN PKO & multi-domain readiness. A photograph shared by the ministry showed Indian soldiers in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. According to the Defence Ministry, the Indian contingent is drawn from the Madras Regiment, while the US side includes troops from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment Bobcats, part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team under the 11th Airborne Division. Over the two weeks, soldiers will train in heliborne operations, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation and combat medical aid. The drills will also integrate artillery, aviation, electronic warfare, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The exercise will conclude with joint tactical manoeuvres, including live-fire drills and high-altitude warfare scenarios, aimed at enhancing UN peacekeeping capabilities and multi-domain readiness. Experts from both sides will also hold sessions on UAS and counter-UAS, information warfare, communications, and logistics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Afghanistans Taliban regime has said that more than 1,400 people have been killed in the earthquake that struck the countrys remote mountainous eastern part. Rescuers are racing against time to save those still trapped. Collapsed houses are seen in an area devastated by Sunday's powerful earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan, in Dara Noor, Kunar province, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo: Wahidullah Kakar/AP) The Taliban said the death toll from a major earthquake in eastern Afghanistan passed 1,400 on Tuesday, with more than 3,000 people injured, as the United Nations warned of an exponential rise in casualties. The figures provided by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid were just for the province of Kunar. Sunday nights powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck several provinces, causing extensive damage. It flattened villages and trapped people under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood that were unable to withstand the shock. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, forcing Taliban authorities to air drop dozens of commandos to evacuate the injured from places where helicopters cannot land. More from World Fresh magnitude-6.2 quake strikes Afghanistan as death toll tops 2,200 An aftershock of 5.2 close to the epicenter of Sundays quake rattled the country, according to the US Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of damage. Indrika Ratwatte, the UNs resident coordinator for Afghanistan, said rescuers are scrambling in a race against time to reach the mountainous and remote area hit. In a media briefing in Geneva Tuesday, he warned of a surge in casualty numbers. We cannot afford to forget the people of Afghanistan who are facing multiple crises, multiple shocks, and the resilience of the communities has been saturated, Ratwatte said, while urging the international community to step forward. These are life and death decisions while we race against time to reach people, he said. It is the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021, and the latest crisis to beset Afghanistan, which is reeling from deep cuts to aid funding, a weak economy, and millions of people forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ratwatte said that when the walls of wooden and mud homes collapse, the roof falls on the occupants, causing injury or death. While the area was low-density, the earthquake struck when everybody was asleep. If you were to model it based on what has happened before, clearly theres no question that the casualty rate is going to be rather exponential, he said. The Taliban government, which is only recognised by Russia, has appealed for assistance from the international community and the humanitarian sector. However, help for Afghanistan is in short supply due to competing global crises and reduced aid budgets in donor countries. The UK has pledged 1 million ($1.3 million) to be split between humanitarian agencies rather than going to the Taliban government, which it does not recognise. The European Union is sending 130 tons of emergency supplies and providing one million euros ($1.16 million). Other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, India, and China, have pledged disaster relief support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is also opposition toward the Taliban governments restrictive policies on Afghan girls and women, including a ban on them working for nongovernmental organisations. Earlier this year, the US gutted aid to Afghanistan, partly due to concerns that money was going to the Taliban government. Kate Carey, the deputy head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, said more than 420 health facilities had closed or were suspended due to the massive reduction in funding, with 80 of them in the eastern region, the heart of Sundays quake. The consequence is that the remaining facilities are overwhelmed, have insufficient supplies and personnel, and are not as close to the affected populations as the more local facilities at a time when providing emergency trauma care is needed in the first 24 to 72 hours of the earthquake response, said Carey. Taliban authorities have set up a camp in Kunar to organize supplies and emergency aid. There are also two centers to coordinate the transportation of the injured, the burial of the dead, and the rescue of survivors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) The unrest, which began last week, was triggered after a female student was allegedly assaulted by a security guard for returning late to her accommodation. The incident sparked outrage among students, leading to violent confrontations with villagers from the surrounding areas Bangladeshs Chittagong University (CU) has been witnessing protests, with students and residents clashing, leaving hundreds injured, including faculty members and administrative officials. The unrest, which began last week, was triggered after a female student was allegedly assaulted by a security guard for returning late to her accommodation. The incident sparked outrage among students, leading to violent confrontations with villagers from the surrounding areas. More than 300 people have been injured as a result of the clashes. Dr Md Tipu Sultan, senior medical officer of the university medical centre, said, I have never seen so many students injured in a single day. I personally treated nearly a hundred students, while several critically injured were referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The situation prompted the Hathazari upazila administration to impose Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which bans public gatherings in specific areas to prevent further escalation. All classes and examinations at the university remain suspended. Despite the restrictions under Section 144, reports indicate that students came out of their residential halls throughout the day, staging demonstrations at various points on campus. Large contingents of army and police personnel have been deployed across CU to maintain order and prevent further outbreaks of violence, according to a report by the Business Standard. Speaking to the media, Prof Momtaz Uddin Ahmed, Acting Controller of Examinations, said, Considering the situation, academic activities have been suspended for today as well. A decision on whether classes and exams will resume tomorrow will be taken later. The university administration is expected to hold further meetings with law enforcement and local officials to determine the next course of action. Students have demanded a formal investigation into the original incident involving the female student and increased protection for those living in off-campus accommodations. After the worlds largest organisation of genocide scholars declared that Israels actions in the Gaza Strip met the legal definition of genocide, Israel rejected the declaration and said it was based entirely on Hamass campaign of lies and the laundering of those lies by others. Palestinian men transport the bodies of children from the Irhim family, killed in an early morning Israeli strike on the Zaitun district, to Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital on August 11, 2025. (Photo: Bashar Taleb/AFP) After the worlds largest organisation of genocide scholars declared that Israels actions in the Gaza Strip met the legal definition of genocide, the Israeli government on Monday rejected the declaration and said it was based on lies of Hamas. The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), which has around 500 members, passed a resolution on August 31 with 86 per cent of voting members declaring that Israels policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide in Article II of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IAGS further said that Israels policies and actions in Gaza constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity as defined in international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Article II of the UN genocide convention defines it as act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. ALSO READ Israel's methods in Gaza war consistent with 'genocide': UN Special Committee Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israels campaign of aerial bombardment and ground offensives have r educed the vast majority of Gaza to rubble , displaced nearly the entire 2.2 million population of Gaza, and killed tens of thousands with civilians outnumbering terrorists as per Israels own admission. The UN-backed body that monitors hunger has declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas . Palestinians in Gaza face acute shortage of food and other essentials as a result of Israels policy of restricting the flow of humanitarian aid. In addition to dozens of deaths from hunger, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in recent months in attacks at food distribution sites that Palestinians have attributed to Israel. In July, the UN published a video that showed Israel firing at Palestinians waiting for a UN food convoy. Irrespective of the worldwide condemnation of its actions, Israel has launched a renewed offensive to take over Gaza City and has ended temporary pauses in bombardment it had announced a few weeks back under pressure from the international community. Israel calls genocide declaration disgraceful, embarrassment Rejection the declaration, the Israeli foreign ministry in a statement called it disgraceful and an embarrassment to the legal profession and to any academic standard, according to The Times of Israel. The ministry said that the declaration was based entirely on Hamass campaign of lies and the laundering of those lies by others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For the first time, Genocide Scholars accuse the very victim of genocide despite Hamass attempted genocide against the Jewish people, murdering 1,200 people, raping women, burning families alive, and declaring its goal of killing every Jew, the statement further said. Belgium will recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly session, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced on Tuesday, saying the move comes in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A woman holds a Palestinian flag as demonstrators attend a rally organised by Defend Our Juries, challenging the British government's proscription of "Palestine Action" under anti-terrorism laws, in Parliament Square, in London, Britain. Reuters Belgium will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced on Tuesday (Sept 2). Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government, Prevot wrote on the X platform early Tuesday. He said the move was driven in view of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza, where Israeli offensives have displaced most of the population at least once and the UN has already declared a famine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the face of the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists, Prevot wrote. This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but rather about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground, he added. Belgiums decision follows that of France, after President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in July that Paris would also back recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN meeting, scheduled from September 9 to 23 in New York. This is a developing story. Homosexuality is illegal in around 30 African countries but was not banned in Burkina Faso before the military seized power three years ago Junta-run Burkina Faso has passed a law banning homosexuality and instituting punishments of up to five years in jail, the latest in a clutch of African nations to pass anti-gay legislation. Homosexuality is illegal in around 30 African countries but was not banned in Burkina Faso before the military seized power three years ago.The draft law was unanimously adopted by 71 unelected members of a transitional parliament in place since two coups in 2022 in the West African nation. The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said on national broadcaster RTB. If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge, he said, adding that foreign nationals would be deported under the law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The law is part of a wider reform of family and citizenship legislation and will be popularised through an awareness campaign, officials said. Mali, an ally of Burkina Faso and also ruled by a junta, adopted a law criminalising homosexuality in November 2024. Ghana and Uganda have toughened their anti-homosexuality laws in recent years, weathering huge criticism. A Ugandan law adopted has provisions making aggravated homosexuality a capital offence and imposes penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said that an upcoming Trump crackdown in the state, similar to Washington DCs case, would be an invasion and informed that he had not received any communication from the administration about the deployment of National Guard troops in the city Chicagos mayor has signed an order to prevent a federal immigration immigration operation in the city, expected to be launched in the city as soon as this week. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said that an upcoming Trump crackdown in the state, similar to Washington DCs case, would be an invasion and informed that he had not received any communication from the administration about the deployment of National Guard troops in the city. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No one in the administration the president or anybody under him has called anyone in my administration, or me. So, its clear that in secret theyre planning this well, its an invasion with US troops, if they in fact do that, Pritzker said over the weekend. According to CNN, the operation is set to begin in Chicago by Friday. It could involve agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with the potential support of National Guard forces in a peacekeeping role. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS, Weve already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago and throughout Illinois and other states, making sure that were upholding our laws, but we do intend to add more resources to those operations. What has the city planned? Chicago has been preparing to resist Trumps planned immigration crackdown, with Mayor Brandon Johnson signing an executive order on Saturday that provides guidance and directives to city agencies and law enforcement in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government. The mayors office has asserted that the Chicago police will not collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties, including civil immigration enforcement. Before signing the order, Johnson said, We may see militarised 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Were coming Trump lashed out against Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in a social media posting Saturday, warning him that he must straighten out Chicagos crime problems quickly or were coming. The Republican president has also been critical of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Johnson and Pritzker have pushed back against the expected federal mobilisation, saying crime has fallen in Chicago. They are planning to sue if Trump moves forward with the plan. 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. With inputs from agencies During a security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, Lt. Gen. Zamir pressed for discussion of the ceasefire deal already accepted by Hamas, warning that the planned offensive on Gaza City could pull Israel into a full-scale occupation of the Strip Is there friction appearing between the Israeli government and military? Local media reports suggest that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Eyal Zamir, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have disagreed on the direction of the ongoing war in Gaza during a Cabinet meeting over the weekend. During a security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, Lt. Gen. Zamir pressed for discussion of the ceasefire deal already accepted by Hamas, warning that the planned offensive on Gaza City could pull Israel into a full-scale occupation of the Strip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hamas denounced on Monday a plan reportedly being considered by US President Donald Trump for the United States to take control of the devastated Gaza Strip and for its population to be relocated. The Washington Post has reported that the White House was considering a plan that would see Gaza, home to roughly two million people, become a trusteeship administered by the United States for at least 10 years. IDF and Netanyahu spar over truce vote According to the local media reports, Zamir called for a vote on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release over the weekend. The prime minister, however, rejected his bid after requests from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other ministers, saying, There is no need to vote; this is not on the table. The truce proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, during which 10 living hostages would be released, 18 bodies returned, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails, while negotiations continue for the release of the remaining hostages. Netanyahu opposed to any discussion on the deal, saying that Israel currently has a limited diplomatic clock with the US and warned that a withdrawal from territory captured by the IDF during Operation Gideons Chariots would carry a heavy price. Gaza takeover will lead to occupation Ynet News reported that Zamir expressed concerns over Israels plan to take over Gaza City, warning that it might lead to occupation. You are heading to a military government. Your plan is leading us there. Understand the implications. Your decision to conquer Gaza City, and afterwards this will lead to the conquest of the refugee camps in central Gaza, and then it will be a military government, because there will be no other body that could take responsibility for the population, the IDF chief said. The discussion was dismissed by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who asserted that the decision had already been made. With inputs from agencies If convicted, Bolsonaro will be looking at 40 years in prison for conspiring to stay in power during the 2022 presidential election that he lost to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaros fate hangs in the balance as the Supreme Court will start pronouncing the judgment on his coup-plotting trial on Tuesday, a case that has put the Latin American powerhouse in US President Donald Trumps sights. If convicted, Bolsonaro will be looking at 40 years in prison for conspiring to stay in power during the 2022 presidential election that he lost to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A guilty verdict could also scupper his hopes of making a Trump-style comeback from a criminal conviction to the countrys top job. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The case is one-of-a-kind in Brazil, as Bolsonaro is the first president to stand on trial on coup charges. The 70-year-old single-term president, who is under house arrest, will not be in court for the verdict, his lawyer Celso Vilardi told AFP on Monday. What is the case? Bolsonaro is accused of leading an attempt to stage a coup to remove Lulas democratically elected government after losing his reelection bid in 2022. There are multiple pieces of evidence to be analysed, including an unsigned document that sought to invalidate the election and his alleged push for supporters to destroy government buildings in Brasilia on January 8, 2023. The former president has also allegedly led a group that is associated with committing violent crimes in Brazil. Prosecutors have claimed that the group threatened to use weapons to kill Alexandre de Moraes, Bolsonaros longtime nemesis. They have also accused Bolsonaro of being aware of a plan to assassinate Lula, his vice president, Geraldo Alckmin and Moraes. Bolsonaro and the group were charged with trying to suppress Brazils democracy in multiple ways. He is also accused of leading the thousands who trashed the presidential palace, the Supreme Court, and parts of Congress on Jan. 8, 2023. Damage was estimated at 20 million Brazilian reais (about $3.7 million). Who are the co-accused? The co-accused in Bolsonaros coup trial are: Former aide-de-camp Mauro Cid Former Intelligence Agency Director Alexandre Ramagem Former Navy commander Almir Garnier Former Justice Minister Anderson Torres Former Institutional Security Cabinet Chief Augusto Heleno Former President Jair Bolsonaro Former Defence Minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira Former Chief of Staff Walter Braga Netto Representative Jerrold Nadler, a key figure in Donald Trumps impeachments, will retire from Congress after more than three decades, citing the need for generational change (File) House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) is seen during an oversight hearing of the Department of Justice on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., US, October 21, 2021. Reuters US House Representative Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat from New York who has served in Congress for more than three decades, has announced that he will not seek reelection. The decision marks the end of a 34-year career in which he became a central figure in liberal politics, civil rights battles and three presidential impeachment efforts. Nadler, who is 78 years old, framed his departure as part of a broader push for generational change within the Democratic Party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A generational shift in Democratic politics Nadler was said to have wrestled with the idea of retiring, particularly because he believed that President Donald Trump continued to pose a threat to democracy. Nonetheless, he reportedly concluded that it was time for a younger figure to take up the fight. He suggested that a new leader might be better positioned to help the party wade through the current political environment. His remarks aligned with a broader debate among Democrats about the future of leadership and the role of older lawmakers in a party increasingly conscious of its generational divide, The New York Times reported. Legacy of legislative engagement Nadlers career has been defined by his work on some of the most contentious issues in American politics. He was credited with helping to reauthorise the Voting Rights Act in 2006, curtailing surveillance powers under the Bush administration in 2015 and codifying same-sex marriage rights in 2022. He also played a key role in securing federal aid for New Yorkers affected by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, as his district once encompassed the World Trade Centre site. Throughout his career, Nadler described his political philosophy as rooted in the Declaration of Independences promise of equality. He maintained that much of the nations progress had been about expanding that definition and expressed pride in contributing to that effort. His Upper West Side base of supporters embraced him as a symbol of local progressive politics with his signature suspenders and spectacles becoming part of his public persona, The New York Times said. Impeachment and national prominence Nadler rose to national prominence during Trumps presidency. His long-running rivalry with Trump, dating back to disputes over Manhattan development in the 1980s, culminated in his leadership of the House Judiciary Committee during Trumps first impeachment move. He was seen as one of the most forceful advocates for impeachment pushing articles of impeachment through his committee in 2019. Although his uncompromising style at times frustrated then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who favoured Adam Schiff in key moments, Nadler remained a central figure in the effort to hold Trump accountable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A difficult political climate Nadlers announcement comes at a moment when the Democratic Party is contending with shifting loyalties and internal debates. Redistricting had already forced him into a bruising primary in 2022 against fellow veteran Democrat Carolyn Maloney, which he won decisively. More recently, he had faced a challenge from a 26-year-old candidate, a sign of mounting pressure for generational turnover within his district. Reports suggested that he might quietly back Micah Lasher, a former aide who now serves in the New York State Assembly, though Nadler declined to endorse a successor outright. Views on Israel and Gaza Reflecting on his career, Nadler spoke about his increasingly conflicted views on Israel. Long known as a progressive who supported the US-Israel alliance, he acknowledged that the war in Gaza had made it difficult to defend Israels actions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Nadler argued that while he opposed Hamas and continued to support a two-state solution, Israels military conduct amounted to mass killings and war crimes. He indicated that he would join colleagues seeking to restrict offensive US weapons transfers to Israel, though he still supported funding missile defence systems. Looking ahead Despite expressing pessimism about the threats posed by Trump, Nadler voiced cautious optimism about Democrats chances of retaking the House in the next election cycle. He suggested that such a victory could help cut short what he described as a political reign of terror. In a lighter moment, he also reported that he was in good health, even sharing that his doctor had encouraged him to enjoy more vanilla ice cream for calcium. As Nadler prepares to leave Congress, political observers say that his absence would leave a significant gap in both New York politics and the Democratic Partys progressive wing. His career, defined by battles over civil rights, constitutional interpretation and executive accountability highlighted the enduring influence of a lawmaker who consistently placed principle at the centre of his politics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A federal judge blocked Trumps use of troops in California, ruling it violated the Posse Comitatus Act. The decision curbs his push to deploy military in US cities. A federal judge on Tuesday blocked US President Donald Trumps administration from using the military to fight crime in California, as the Republican president threatens to send troops to more US cities including Chicago. San Francisco-based US District Judge Charles Breyer found that the Trump administration violated a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act with its June deployment of 4,000 National Guard and 700 active duty US Marines to Los Angeles. The law sharply limits the use of federal troops for domestic enforcement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision dealt a setback to Trumps push to expand the role of the military on US soil, which critics say is a dangerous expansion of executive authority that could spark tensions between troops and ordinary citizens. Breyer put the ruling on hold until September 12. The Trump administration is likely to appeal. Neither the Pentagon, the Justice Department nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment. The injunction applies only to the military in California, not nationally. But the judge said that Trumps stated desire to send troops to Chicago and other cities provided support for his ruling, noting that the president said at an August 27 cabinet meeting that he had the right to do anything I want to do if I think our country is in danger. Trump has said the troops were needed in Los Angeles to protect federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement, after large-scale immigration raids triggered protests. There is no question that federal personnel should be able to perform their jobs without fearing for their safety, wrote Breyer, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Bill Clinton and is the brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. But to use this as a hook to send military troops alongside federal agents wherever they go proves too much and would frustrate the very purpose of the Posse Comitatus Act. The Los Angeles deployment drew wide condemnation from Democrats, who said Trump was using the military to stifle opposition to his hardline immigration policies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The people of California won much needed accountability against Trumps ILLEGAL militarization of an American city! California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat who brought the lawsuit, wrote on X on Tuesday. Trump has since deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., a federal district where Trump wields exceptional power, and said he may send troops to Chicago, the nations third-largest city. The Republican president has cited crime rates to justify the need for federal troops. Washington and Chicago, like many places across the US, experienced crime spikes in the wake of the pandemic, but crime is on a declining trend in both cities. Unprecedented shift At a three-day trial last month, lawyers from the California attorney generals office tried to show that the troops had performed police functions including setting up security perimeters and detaining two people and were not needed in the first place. They warned that a ruling for the Trump administration would usher in a vast and unprecedented shift in the role of the military in our society. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration countered that the US Constitution permits presidents to use troops to protect federal personnel and property as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act. The administrations lawyers tried to show that the troops only acted to protect federal agents from perceived threats and stayed within their legal limits. The administration still had several hundred soldiers in Los Angeles when the trial took place, although the protests had long died down. The troops were used for security during raids on marijuana farms outside the city and as a show of force to deter protests at a popular park during an operation by immigration agents, according to evidence shown at trial. About 300 National Guard troops remain deployed to Los Angeles, and the Trump administration has said they would stay there at least until November. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a grand military parade where he will appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in China by armoured train early Tuesday (Sept 2), heading to Beijing for a grand military parade where he will appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The spectacle, set for Wednesday in Tiananmen Square, will showcase Chinas military might with marching troops, flypasts and cutting-edge weaponry, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. More than 25 world leaders are expected to attend. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The parade commemorates the devastating war China fought against imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which merged into the global conflict after the Pearl Harbor attack. For Beijing, it is a moment of unityand Kims presence marks the first time he will be seen with both Xi and Putin at the same event. His journey was reported by South Koreas Yonhap news agency, citing North Koreas state broadcaster KCBC. Kims appearance formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public, Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim briefly grabbed global attention between 2018 and 2019, holding multiple summits with US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. But he retreated from diplomacy after talks with Trump collapsed in Hanoi in 2019. He stayed out of sight during the pandemic, resurfacing in 2023 for a meeting with Putin in Russias Far East. Security in Beijing has visibly tightened, with military personnel on streets, road closures, white barricades along major avenues, and patriotic decorations across the city. Artworks with flowers, doves and the 19452025 emblem of the Great Wall have appeared, while Chinese flags flutter in neighbourhoods. Though officials have not revealed what will be unveiled, observers believe new systemsincluding what some speculate could be a massive laser weapon, are expected to feature in the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modis warm interactions with Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit went viral in China, topping Baidu and Weibo trends and drawing millions of views and comments. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modis exchanges with global leaders at the SCO Summit created a sensation online in China. The camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin dominated the headlines. The pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand, embracing warmly, and even taking a spin in President Putins car. The scenes sparked a frenzy on social media, particularly in China, where footage of the Modi-Putin moments quickly climbed to the top of trending charts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Baidu, Chinas leading search engine, the number one trend was: Modi and Putin hugged and chatted hand-in-hand. On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, it was even simpler: Modi takes Putins car. The video of PM Modi having a light-hearted moment with President Putin went viral on Chinese social media site Weibo. One Weibo user said, Modi rides Putins car thats more symbolic than any speech at the summit. In addition, the Prime Ministers appearance in China drew the attention of Chinese social media. Modi is positive about China. was trending on Weibo on Tuesday morning and has been seen more than 7 million times. Another trending video on Weibo was Indian Embassy Releases Video of Modi Receiving Warm Welcome in Tianjin. A leading Chinese news portal featured the PMs visit among its top headlines, which got over 5 million views. Amid reports that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was sidelined at the SCO Summit, Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir flew to Tianjin in an unprecedented development. He is also expected to attend the Victory Day parade later this week. Amid reports of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being sidelined at the SCO Summit , army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir flew to Tianjin on Monday. This was the first time that an army chief flew in to join the SCO Summit, which is a gathering of civilian heads of governments. However, Munirs attendance yet again showed to the world who holds true power in Pakistan just like his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per reports, Munirs agenda involves meetings with visiting heads of states and senior Chinese officials. The SCO Summit in Tianjin has been the largest so far and has been overshadowed by visuals of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging warmly one-on-one as well as in a group of three. Observers in the West have seen such visuals as a sign of Indias snub to the United States in the wake of Trumps tariff war on the country Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. What is Munirs agenda in China? Munir arrived in China separately on Monday in line with the protocol that mandates that the prime minister and the army chief do not travel together, according to The Print. Munir held closed-door discussions with senior Chinese officials and prepared for a possible meeting with Putin, the report said. If any meeting between Munir and Putin took place, it has not been formally acknowledged so far. The report further said that Munir is likely to attend Chinas military parade on Wednesday. He will join the likes of Putin and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un at the parade. Separately, CNN-News 18 reported that Munir joined Shehbaz in the meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Munir will be part of Sharifs bilateral meetings with Chinese officialsMajor security meetings are happening in China. Munir is likely to hold meetings with other key states members in China," sources told CNN-News 18. More than 1,000 people were killed in a massive landslide in Sudans Darfur region, a rebel group said Monday, adding that just one person survived. At least 1,000 people have been killed in a massive landslide that buried an entire village in Sudans Marra Mountains, leaving only one survivor, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) said on Monday. The disaster struck on August 31 following days of torrential rains, according to the group led by Abdelwahid Mohamed Nour. In a statement, it said the village in western Darfur had been completely leveled to the ground, with men, women, and children among the dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The SLM/A, which controls the area, urged the United Nations and international aid agencies to step in and assist with the recovery of bodies and emergency relief. Many of the victims had fled to the Marra Mountains to escape the brutal conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur state. But the region itself has been ravaged by shortages of food and medicine. Sudans civil war, now in its second year, has displaced millions and left over half the population facing acute hunger. The fighting continues to engulf Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, which remains under heavy fire. In a statement, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army said massive and devastating landslides struck the village of Tarasin in the Marra mountains on Sunday. Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand individuals, with only one survivor, the group added. This is a developing story. The blast took place in the parking lot of a stadium in Quetta, the provincial capital, where hundreds of supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered for a rally A suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistans restive Balochistan province killed at least 11 people and injured more than 40 others on Tuesday evening, according to an AFP report citing two local officials. The blast took place in the parking lot of a stadium in Quetta, the provincial capital, where hundreds of supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered for a rally. Balochistan, Pakistans largest and most resource-rich province, remains the countrys poorest, consistently ranking at the bottom of human development indicators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Balochistan National Party (BNP), which was holding the rally targeted in Tuesdays bombing, campaigns for greater rights and economic investment for the ethnic Baloch population. Since 2014, China has poured billions into infrastructure projects in the province under its Belt and Road Initiative. However, many Baloch residents claim the benefits have largely bypassed local communities and enriched outsiders. The province has been the epicenter of a long-running separatist insurgency. In 2024 alone, Balochistan witnessed a sharp spike in violence, with at least 782 people killed amid escalating clashes between militants and Pakistani security forces. In March, the separatist Baloch Liberation Army seized a train in the province, taking hundreds of passengers hostage and killing off-duty security forces in a three-day siege. Since January 1, according to AFP figures, more than 430 people, mostly members of the security forces, have been killed in violence carried out by armed groups fighting the state in Balochistan and the neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On Tuesday, six soldiers were killed in an attack on a paramilitary headquarters in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa city of Bannu, the military said. A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of the FC camp, after which five more suicide attackers entered, AFP quoted a government official as saying. The ensuing exchange of fire lasted 12 hours, ending after the six attackers were killed, the official said. With inputs from agencies Trump has warned that Israels war in Gaza is damaging its global image, urging a swift end to the conflict while stressing that military gains are not translating into public support. (File) US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, April 7, 2025. Reuters US President Donald Trump has said that Israels war in Gaza is hurting the Jewish state, urging a swift resolution to the conflict. They [Israel] may be winning the war, but theyre not winning the world, he remarked. Theyre gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel. Theres no question about it. They may be winning the war, but theyre not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them, Trump told the Daily Caller in an interview released Monday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The comments echo warnings he made during last years campaign, though he has not repeated them since taking office in January. In recent weeks, however, Trump has renewed his call for Israel to end the war quickly, again stressing: Theyre gonna have to get that war over with It is hurting Israel. Despite this, Trump has also voiced support for Israels plan to seize Gaza City, arguing that Hamas must be destroyed before hostages are freed. Israeli military assessments suggest the operation could take four to five months, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considering a subsequent offensive into refugee camps in central Gaza. Asked about waning support for Israel in the US, including within the Republican Party, Trump acknowledged, Im aware of it, while stressing his good support from Israel and highlighting steps he has taken as president in defense of the Jewish state. He further claimed Israels influence in Washington has diminished, There was a time where if you wanted to be a politician, you couldnt speak badly [about Israel]. Israel was the strongest lobby Ive ever seen They had total control over Congress, Trump said, adding that the country has been hurt, especially in Congress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump on Monday announced he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just days after his longtime ally was seriously injured in a car crash. Trump hailed the former New York mayor as the greatest in the citys history and an equally great American Patriot. Former New York City Mayor, and former lawyer for President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, departs from the United States Court in Manhattan, as he is expected to continue his testimony virtually next week as a judge will consider a request by two Georgia election workers to whom he owes $148 million for defamation to hold him in civil contempt for failing to turn over his assets in New York City, US, January 3, 2025. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) US President Donald Trump said Monday he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, just two days after his longtime ally was seriously injured in a car crash. Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, calling Giuliani the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot. Once praised for leading New York in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Giulianis career later became defined by his role as Trumps personal lawyer and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Courts repeatedly rejected the fraud claims he advanced, and a jury ordered him to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who said his false allegations triggered death threats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Giuliani was disbarred in New York and Washington, DC, for spreading election falsehoods and faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to attempts to undo Trumps loss to Joe Biden. The 81-year-old was hospitalized Saturday night after a crash in New Hampshire. State police said Giuliani was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his spokesperson Ted Goodman when another vehicle struck them from behind. According to his security chief, Michael Ragusa, he suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra, lacerations, and injuries to his arm and leg. Ragusa said Giuliani remains in the hospital but is expected to be discharged soon. The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to US security, national interests, world peace, or cultural and public life. President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed his attacks on Chicagos violent crime record, calling the city the murder capital of the world President Donald Trump on Tuesday renewed his attacks on Chicagos violent crime record, calling the city the murder capital of the world. The statement intensified debates over proposed federal involvement in Chicago, where Trump has also threatened deploying the National Guard as part of his so-called Liberation Day crackdown on violent crime. Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! He added in another post that at least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, and eight people were killed, which is similar to the last two weekends. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he said. At least 32 shootings were reported between Friday evening and Monday noon, according to police reports. The violence added to growing political tensions between President Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. According to an Associated Press report, citing two US officials, a federal law enforcement surge in Chicago could begin as early as September 5 and last around 30 days, The move would follow previous deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where thousands of National Guard troops and federal agents were sent to support local law enforcement. President Trump has been pushing for the intervention, warning in a recent post: Were coming, if Pritzker doesnt straighten it out, FAST. Pritzker strongly pushed back against the plan, calling it a political stunt and rejecting the need for troops in the city. National Guard troops or any kind of troops on the streets of an American city dont belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency and there is not," Pritzker said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump would deliver an exciting statement related to the Pentagon on Tuesday. On Monday, CNN reported that Chicago was expecting a significant surge in federal agents roaming its streets as the Trump administration is reportedly set to launch an immigration crackdown in the upcoming days. The planned crackdown would be carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Border Patrol officers, and potentially members of the National Guard, the report said, citing sources with knowledge on the matter. The deployment could happen by Friday and might include armored vehicles, the report added. On Sunday, the president promised to impose federal control measures in Chicago if local authorities failed to bring order. On the next day, Governor Pritzker called Trumps plan to combat crime in Chicago an invasion. With inputs from agencies DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree - his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, said California Governor Gavin Newsom in a post on X National Guard troops wear gas masks during protests against federal immigration sweeps, in Los Angeles, California, US, on June 12, 2025. Reuters File Moments after federal judge blocked US President Donald Trumps administration from using the military to fight crime in California, Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday hailed the ruling, saying Trumps deployment of national guard troops in Los Angeles this summer was illegal. Taking to X, Newsom posted, DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree -- his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. pic.twitter.com/rDq1Li5fug Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 2, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The courts agree - his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, he added. After deploying troops to Los Angeles, President Trump has threatened to send military forces to other US cities, including Chicago. However, San Francisco US District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the June deployment of 4,000 National Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement. This ruling represents a setback for Trumps efforts to increase military presence on American soil, a move critics warn could dangerously expand executive power and heighten tensions between troops and civilians. Judge Breyer has stayed the ruling until September 12, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal. The injunction applies only to military deployment in California, not nationwide. Judge Breyer cited Trumps remarks at an August 27 cabinet meeting where he claimed the right to do anything I want to do if I think our country is in danger as key to his ruling. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump defended the Los Angeles troop presence as necessary to protect federal agents during immigration enforcement after protests erupted over large-scale raids. There is no question that federal personnel should be able to perform their jobs without fearing for their safety, Breyer wrote. But to use this as a hook to send military troops alongside federal agents wherever they go proves too much and would frustrate the very purpose of the Posse Comitatus Act. Democrats widely condemned the deployment as a militarisation tactic to suppress opposition to Trumps hardline immigration policies. Trump has also deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and threatened troops in Chicago, citing crime rates as justification. While crime spiked in many US cities post-pandemic, it is currently declining in both Washington and Chicago. With inputs from agencies Trumps close aide and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said Washington and New Delhi could overcome trade frictions, even as he criticised Indias Russian oil imports. Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that India had offered to cut tariffs to zero , Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced confidence that Washington and New Delhi could resolve trade frictions, saying, Two great countries will get this solved. At the same time, he criticised Indias continued imports of Russian crude , warning that such purchases risked fuelling Moscows war in Ukraine. Trump, meanwhile, described trade with India as a one-sided disaster, alleging that high tariffs had long restricted US access to the Indian market. In a post on Truth Social, he argued that while India sells large volumes of goods to the US, American firms face the highest tariffs of any country in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview with Fox News, Bessent sought to strike a more balanced note, underscoring the strength of bilateral ties. Two great countries will get this solved, he said, stressing that the two democracies could navigate their differences. On Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Bessent downplayed concerns. This is a longstanding meeting, its called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and I think its largely performative, he remarked. At the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours than to Chinas or Russias. Still, Bessent was sharply critical of Indias energy trade with Moscow. The Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine, he said. He also pointed to slow progress in trade negotiations as one reason behind Washingtons decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods. Bessent added that all options are on the table as the Trump administration considers further measures against Russia, accusing Vladimir Putin of escalating attacks despite ongoing peace talks. Thousands took to streets in Workers over billionaires protests on the Labor Day in several cities to agitate against US President Donald Trumps policies and the outsized influence of big businesses in his administration. Protests were intense in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago that have been targeted by Trump. People participate in a Labor Day protest in Chicago, Illinois, US, September 1, 2025. Protesters march through the streets in anticipation of DHS agents coming to Chicago to enforce immigration raids. (Photo: Jim Vondruska/Reuters) Thousands of people took to streets in the Workers over billionaires protests on Monday on the occasion of the Labor Day across the United States in protest against President Donald Trumps policies and outsized influence of big businesses in his administration. In cities like Los Angeles and Chicago that have been singled out by Trump in his campaign against Democrats, protests were particularly intense and targeted specific policies of Trump, such as the anti-immigrant agenda and the takeover of cities with the National Guard and military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Hill has reported that May Day Strong, a coalition of dozens of labour and advocacy groups, said that it organised more than 1,000 protests and other events in over 900 cities. The movement has been backed by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which is the largest federation of unions in the United States and representing almost 15 million active and retired workers through more than 60 affiliated unions. Cities that witnessed protests included New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and San Diego. Labor and community are planning more than a barbecue on Labor Day this year because we have to stop the billionaire takeover. Billionaires are stealing from working families, destroying our democracy, and building private armies to attack our towns and cities, the May Day Strong coalition said in a statement. Resistance to Trumps excesses Protests in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, which have been specifically targeted by Trump, were part of the resistance against Trumps excesses. Trump has dubbed Chicago as the most dangerous city and has vowed to send federal personnel soon to take over the city like he did in Los Angeles. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has signed an executive order declaring that his administration will not cooperate with any federal personnel deployed to the city, addressed the protestors and said this is the city that will defend the country to loud cheers, according to Reuters. The news agency said that 5-10,000 people were part of the protests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the protestors, 72-year-old Filiberto Ramirez, feared violence if additional ICE agents were deployed to the city. Do we feel theres gonna be trouble? Yes. I hope nobody gets hurt, said Ramirez. Ethnic fashion show draws enthusiastic crowds in Kunming, SW China's Yunnan People's Daily Online) 13:38, September 02, 2025 An ethnic fashion show is held at Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Hu Zunhui) An ethnic fashion show was held at Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Aug. 30, 2025. Models displayed the Wa ethnic group's brocade craftsmanship on a flower-adorned runway, captivating crowds with a vibrant blend of ethnic culture and fashion. 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During the landing approach at Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal disappeared," the government said. Bulgaria's Air Traffic Control (ATC) also confirmed the attack and said it has "noticed an increase in cases of GPS signal disappearance since the start of the war against Ukraine." Intelligence agencies and analysts have warned of a sharp increase in Russian sabotage operations -- using proxy operatives -- in Europe, targeting critical infrastructure since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The scope of so-called hybrid attacks blamed on Russia includes arson attacks, incidents where ships have damaged undersea communications cables, disruption of GPS satellite navigation signals, and the hacking of computer infrastructure. While the Bulgarian statement did not mention Russia being behind the August 31 incident, an EU official said "we have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect that this was due to blatant interference by Russia." "We are, of course, aware and used to somehow to the threats and intimidations that are a regular component of Russia's hostile behavior," Arianna Podesta, the European Commission's deputy chief spokesperson, said. Russian officials have not commented publicly on the accusations. Von der Leyen, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is on a four-day tour of the EU nations bordering Russia and Belarus, a staunch ally of the Kremlin. Podesta said the incident "underlines the urgency of the mission that the president is carrying out in the frontline member states." "Of course, this will only reinforce even further our unshakable commitment to ramp up defense capabilities and support for Ukraine," she added. Von der Leyen flew to from Bulgaria to Romania on September 1 without incident. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/suspected-russian- gps-interference-disrupts-von-der-leyen- plane-bulgaria/33518604.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ursula von der Leyen: "This is the border that we must protect" Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 31.08.2025 Prime minister Donald Tusk and the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen have visited Krynki (Podlaskie voivodeship), the Polish-Belarussian border, on Sunday (August 31). Security and defence, including protection of the EU eastern border were the main topics. The visit to the border had begun with an operational briefing at the Border Guard station in Krynki. The minister of national defence was represented by secretary of state Cezary Tomczyk, the Armed Forces were represented by deputy chief of the General Staff, lieutenant general Stanisaw Czosnek, chief of the military engineering branch of the Armed Forces General Command, division general Marek Wawrzyniak. Representatives of the Police and Border Guard command structures have also attended the briefing. Apart from security and defence of the EU eastern border, another topic of discussion was the SAFE programme of preferential loans, which is one of the elements of a plan to rearm Europe, created in part as a response to Russia developing its military potential. After the operational briefing, Donald Tusk and Ursula von der Leyen have visited the place of storing the elements used to build the "Eastern Shield", and then the modernized metal border barrier - near which a press conference was held at the conclusion of the meeting. Von der Leyen: 800 bln euro assigned for defensive planning can and should be invested by 2030. - We have proposed a tenfold increase of funding for military mobility and more than a fivefold increase for military investment. This is a long-term budget with a clear focus, stressing the importance of military matters, military mobility and border security - von der Leyen has said - We also have to reach the moment when this budget starts to function in the long term, and we have to take care of defensive investment right now. The first topic here is financial support - she added. Von der Leyen: 150 bln euro for the SAFE programme; Poland as the biggest beneficiary Von der Leyen has reminded that the instrument of shared procurement - the SAFE programme - was also accelerated. - This is 150 bln euro for joint procurement. It serves to make our home, the European Union, stronger and more secure - she stressed and added that 19 countries have already applied for participation in the SAFE programme, and Poland will be its biggest beneficiary. - On the one hand we can use these 150 bln euro from the SAFE programme for our joint procurement, strengthening our industrial base, but we can also use them to invest in the industrial base of Ukraine, as it is critically important for us that Ukraine stays strong, that our neighbourhood is strong and protected. - she concluded. The SAFE programme of preferential loans was established during the Polish chairmanship of the Council of the European Union, and it was advocated for by the Polish presidency. It is one of the elements of a plan to rearm Europe, created in part as a response to Russia developing its military potential. Ursula von der Leyen said that at the time of the Polish presidency, budget flexibility matters were also settled. - Poland now has the highest spending in Europe, but you have applied for budget flexibility and, just like for 15 other countries, it was granted - said von der Leyen. The president of the European Commission has stressed that Putin is "a predator that has started four wars over the last 25 years" and that "He can only be checked by strong deterrence". She noted that the first line of defence is the Ukrainian army, the next is the "coalition of the willing", and "the most important line of defence is our own defence". The president of the European Commission's visit to Poland was part of a series of visits to countries bordering Russia and Belarus, which began on Friday. Overall, Ursula von der Leyen will visit seven countries: Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Live Training Event Enhances Readiness for U.S., ROK Soldiers By David Conrad September 1, 2025 CAMP HENRY, Daegu, South Korea -- U.S. and Republic of Korea Soldiers participated in a combined training exercise at the Wall Fitness Center here on August 27, 2025. The event, which was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield-25 exercise, centered around the response to a suspicious package, and trained participants to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond and recover from an all-hazards event. "Combined training events like these provide the opportunity for us to improve interoperability and communication in a contingency environment with our ROKA counterparts," U.S. Army Maj. Bobby Castor, the event's planner, said. "The foundation we've established will allow us to expand on our already strong partnership. U.S. Army installations in the ROK have limited assets, and rely on support from the Korean military to ensure the safety and security of installations and personnel in the area." Installations in Daegu are supported by the Korean 501st Infantry Brigade, part of the 50th Homeland Defense Division. "We're always training side-by-side," U.S. Army Sgt. Giovanni Cherico, an MP who participated in the training, said. "Working and coordinating together with our Korean counterparts helps us to become better professionals, and experts in our job". During the training, Soldiers approached the fitness center to ensure that no hostile personnel were present. In the course clearing the building, they detected a suspicious package and called for Explosive Ordnance Demolition support. A ROK Army EOD team arrived, and after ensuring it was safe to approach, investigated and neutralized the explosive device. ROK Army Capt. Kim So-Yeon, another participant, said "We were able to coordinate our efforts, share assessments, and gain the strengths of joint training. We also hope that through this exercise will serve as an opportunity to further solidify and enhance the training between the Korean and U.S. military." The exercise successfully demonstrated the ability of both nations to overcome physical obstacles and language barriers and operate together as an integrated team. "Today marked the first exercise after four years of planning and it was very beneficial," 501st Brigade Commander, Col. Yi Dong-yeup, said. "I hope that with the mindset that we're always together, we continue working together for the defense of Daegu and Korean Peninsula, both in wartime and peacetime and that our partnership would grow even stronger through this exercise." U.S. Army Garrison Daegu manages base operations on six U.S. Army installations and 11 sites in Area IV of South Korea, stretching from Daejeon to Busan. As an enduring hub on the peninsula, it also provides support to the U.S. Navy at Fleet Activities Jinhae and the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Mujuk in Pohang. Major installations include Camps Henry, Walker, and George in Daegu; Camp Carroll in Waegwan; Pier 8 and Busan Storage Center in Busan; and other smaller outposts. Our major tenant units include the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 403rd Army Field Support Brigade and U.S. Army Material Support Center-Korea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Keynote speech by President Antonio Costa at the opening of the Bled Strategic Forum European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Speech 1 September 2025 15:05 Let me begin by expressing my sincere thanks to our Slovenian hosts for their generous hospitality and for once again making Bled a place where Europe gathers not only to reflect, but to think strategically, challenge assumptions and shape the future. At this critical moment, as the tectonic plates of global order continue to shift, allow me to speak frankly about three things: (1) the main events that shaped this summer, (2) what the European Union stands for, and (3) how the EU can become stronger and safer in today's world. In what the European Union is concerned, this summer was defined by two important developments: the EU-U.S. framework trade agreement and renewed diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine. I am aware of the frustration felt by many Europeans who perceive the Union as having been too passive in shaping these developments. Let me address this directly. We certainly do not celebrate the return of tariffs or the limitations of an unbalanced trade framework. But we must be honest about the broader picture. In today's interconnected world, trade, diplomacy and security inevitably influence each other. Trade is one dimension of our relationship with the United States. Securityespecially during a war on our doorstepis an existential concern. Escalating tensions with a key ally over tariffs, while our Eastern border is under threat, would have been an imprudent risk. That is why, at this moment, we chose diplomacy over escalation. We gave space to dialogue, we chose restraint because we are responsible. Stabilizing transatlantic relations and ensuring U.S. engagement in Ukraine's security has been a top priority. The European Union did not start a trade war. But yes, we refrained from retaliation protect our own interests: the interest of the European consumers by not taxing them with tariffs; the interest of business by providing predictability, and ensuring that our products and services are not at disadvantage in relation to other exporters to the US. That said, our partnersincluding the U.S.must know that the EU will always defend its sovereignty, its citizens, its companies, and its values. Diplomacy should never be mistaken for complacency. It is true that this moment proved once again that our powerful single market of 450 million consumers, our rules-based approach are not sufficient. We must become more autonomous, more resilient, and more prepared to act. More sovereign! We cannot anymore rely just on our allies when facing threats. We must take greater responsibility for our own destiny. That is why today, I want to affirm one clear message on behalf of the European Union: We stand for a world where peace is protected, partnerships are genuine, and where the principles of the United Nations Charter are upheldnot just in words, but in action. Europe does not retreat. Europe engages. First, Europe has stood firmly with Ukraine against Russia's war of aggression, as the truly indispensable partner. Our support has helped Ukraine remain sovereign after more than three years of war. Together with our Member States, the EU has mobilized over 170 billionthe largest contribution from any global donorsupporting Ukraine's defence, economy, energy grid, and institutions. Our security is tied to Ukraine's resilience. But equally, to the idea that power cannot trump law. We are also supporting Ukraine's reconstruction and its path to EU membership. This is not a political slogan. It is a strategic reality that we are shaping every day. Secondly, In the Middle East, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza that shocks the conscience of the world. The scale of civilian sufferingespecially among childrenis appalling and unacceptable. As the resolution presented by Slovenia at the United Nations Security Council stated: the use of starvation as a weapon of war is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Regrettably, while supported by 14 out of 15 Council members, this resolution was blocked by the US. The EU has consistently condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7th and continues to call for the unconditional release of all hostages. At the same time, the right to self-defence does not justify the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, or the collective punishment of an entire population. We must be unequivocal: international humanitarian law applies to all parties. We are deeply concerned by actions that threaten the viability of a future Palestinian stateparticularly the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the ongoing displacement in Gaza. These developments risk undermining peace and destabilising the broader region, as our friends from Egypt and Jordan can explain. We therefore call for: An immediate and sustained ceasefire, Unhindered humanitarian access, A halt to illegal settlement activity, and A renewed international commitment to a two-state solution. The European Union remains the leading donor of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. European funding has kept hospitals, schools, and institutions runningproviding more than 450 million since the start of this war. We are actively supporting diplomatic efforts. Palestinian representatives must obviously be allowed to participate in international fora, including the UN General Assembly and the upcoming conference on the conflict. The Palestinian people deserve peace, dignity, and statehood. And that this is also the most sustainable path to security for the Israeli people. We believe both are possible. But only if we act togetherengaging more actively with our partners in the region and speaking with one strong European voice. Let me be clear. Unanimity in the Common Foreign and Security Policy is not a right to veto, but on the contrary the special responsibility for each Member State to build compromises in a spirit of loyal cooperation. Thirdly, geopolitical naivete is over. That is why we are massively increasing our defence investmentsto reinforce our own security, strengthen our industries, and create jobs across Europe. This also enhances our credibility and influence on the global stage. Peace without defence is an illusion. Soft power alone is not enough in a world where hard power too often prevails. In the meantime, contrary to the worst predictions, we have succeeded in keeping the U.S. engaged in NATO and committed to Europe's Eastern security. Diplomacy still worksand the transatlantic bond holds. The U.S. accounts for 20% of our exports and 13% of our imports. But the remaining 80% of the global economy also mattersand Europe must engage with it more actively. That is why we are building stronger trade and industrial partnerships across the globe. We are advancing deals with Mercosur, Mexico, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailandnot just to boost trade, but to increase predictability and resilience. Diversification makes our supply chains more secure and reduces strategic dependenciesespecially in critical raw materials. Our updated Global Gateway strategy is expanding our cooperation across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Latin America, and Africa. It is a trade and investment agenda based on sustainability, digital innovation, labour rights, and climate alignment. Because trade dealsnot tariffsdeliver real benefits for countries, companies, and citizens. Europe remains a reference point. Not through coercion, but through example. For decades, the EU has helped lift millions out of poverty and has stood for development, democracy, and peace. Our soft power is not naiveit is necessary. In a fragmented world, our contribution is needed more than ever. Finally, let me conclude by addressing our own future. The European Union is not a closed club. We are a community of values and a project of peace and prosperityand that project is not yet complete. The accession paths of the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine are not just promises. They are priorities. These countries are at the heart of Europe, and they are part of Europe's future. In the coming years, we must prepare the Union for enlargementthrough reforms, budget adjustments, and strengthened governance. Enlargement will not be easy. But it will be worth it. It is the best investment we can maketo reconcile nations and histories, and to build a more united continent. We will continue to work with all accession partners and take advantage of this positive momentum on enlargement. The EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a potential game-changeroffering financial support and incentives for reforms, regional cooperation, and economic integration. We must not lose this momentum. All leaders must do their part. All parties must take responsibility. Because this is not about geography. It is about values democracy, human rights, freedom and the rule of law. This enlargement presents a significant challenge for the European Union and its Member States. But it is even more demanding for the Western Balkan countries. The greatest difficulty is not the required reforms or the negotiation of various chapters and clusters. The real challenge lies in adopting a new cultural mindset: overcoming historical conflicts in order to build a shared future. Ladies and gentlemen, In today's fragmented world, the European Union chooses to actnot through power alone, but through partnership, principle, and perseverance. We will stand with those who uphold international lawnot with those who seek to dismantle it. And we will keep building a stronger Europenot for ourselves alone, but for the benefit of global peace, justice, and cooperation. This is Europe's promise. This is Europe's purpose. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen with Lithuanian President Nauseda European Commission Statement Sep 01, 2025 Vilnius Dear Gitanas, Thank you for your warm welcome. Yesterday you celebrated Lithuania's Freedom Day. 32 years ago, the last Russian troops left Lithuania, putting an end to decades of Soviet occupation. Today, Europe fully stands with Lithuania as a frontline state. You face Russia in Kaliningrad. You face Belarus on your border. You live under geopolitical and economic pressure. As well as constant military and hybrid threats. The instrumentalisation of migrants, for example, is something Lithuania knows all too well. And I heard that last month, two drones crossed your border with Belarus. Let me reassure you that, as Lithuania is being tested, Europe as a whole is being tested. We are with you, in all possible ways. This is also one of the reasons why I am very glad to be here with you today. We have already made it possible to redirect cohesion funds to address economic and security challenges at the border. Looking now at the next long-term European budget, we have proposed to triple investment in migration and border management. So there is a strong focus on that topic. We want that Member States with a direct border with Russia and Belarus will also receive additional European funding. It is in the Europea interest that the border here is protected. Because Europe's borders are a shared responsibility - the Lithuanian border is a European border. Overall, if we look at the long-term budget and the defence topic, we have proposed a fivefold increase in defence investment and a tenfold increase in funding for military mobility. You have mentioned the importance of military mobility, specifically here for Lithuania. Let me reassure you that cohesion policy will remain at the heart of our budget. So, we continue to support both border security and strong livelihoods. While the next budget is in its phase of negotiation, we need to now move rapidly and efficiently to improve our defence posture. We cannot wait for the new budget. We have to act now already. Together, we have enabled and agreed on financial support of EUR 800 billion: It is the national escape clause and the SAFE instrument. These EUR 800 billion are accessible until 2030. SAFE will focus on pan-European defence projects. For example, capacities to counter drone attacks. 19 Member States have applied to SAFE, including Lithuania. I am glad to say that all EUR 150 billion of the instrument have been fully subscribed. And I was glad hear, Gitanas, that the three Baltic states and Poland are already preparing joint procurement for the East Shield initiative. This is an excellent investment of common European interest that we should focus on. You also applied for the second instrument, the budgetary flexibility - we call it the national escape clause. Lithuania is already among NATO's top spender by GDP. And you now have requested more flexibility in the budget, so do other 15 Member States. Finally, not only the funding is important but also the way it is implemented. We must have a coherent approach. Therefore, we will present a roadmap to the European Council in fall. It will be about what is necessary to defend our defence posture, what are our gaps, what capabilities are needed, what our milestones and targets are. Because we know that only what can be measured gets finally done. Dear Gitanas, Having broken free from Soviet oppression, Lithuania deeply understands Ukraine's fight for survival. You have been a staunch supporter from day one on. I want to thank you for your support and generosity towards our brave neighbour, including your new plan to allocate EUR 200 million more to the Ukrainian armed forces, as announced last week. That is excellent news. You also mentioned the security guarantees. We are also working on them together in the Coalition of the Willing. The first line of defence regarding security guarantees for Ukraine in peacetime is a strong, well equipped and experienced Ukrainian armed army. The second line of defence would be a multinational group from the Coalition of the Willing, with the backstop of the Americans. The third important line of defence is our own defence posture. And of course, EU membership is also a security guarantee in itself. Dear Gitanas, Today I am here to reaffirm Europe's indefectible solidarity with Lithuania. Because Europe needs a strong Lithuania to protect our borders and our people. I know that Europe can count on you. I also know that I can personally count on you and the Lithuanian people. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State secretary Varteressian's remarks on the new High North - Arctic policy Government of Norway Speech/statement | Date: 01/09/2025 By State Secretary Maria Varteressian The remarks was given for the diplomatic corps in Oslo. Dear Ambassadors, Thank you for being here today, for this briefing on Norway's new High North strategy - Norway in the North. Geography defines who we are. Norway is an Arctic nation. Our history, our identity, our culture, and our security are inseparable from our geography. The Norwegian part of the Arctic is a highly developed, modern part of our country. We have people - nine percent of the Norwegian population lives in the Arctic - local communities, a significant business environment, major resources and access to energy. Many of you had the chance to visit Northern Norway yourselves in the trip hosted by the Secretary General of the ministry this spring. Dear all, We meet at a time when the High North carries greater geopolitical weight than at any point in modern history. The Arctic is rising on the international agenda. The security in Europe is upended by the brutal war of aggression led by Russia in Ukraine. The effects of the climate crisis are more dramatic than ever, and we feel it in our Arctic areas and communities. The natural environment is changing before our eyes. At the same time, the demand for the natural resources of the north is strong. Our challenge is to safeguard the resilience and sustainability of both the Arctic environment and our communities. This was the backdrop when the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, several colleagues - and myself - presented our new High North Strategy two days ago. It was launched simultaneously in Kirkenes, Troms and Bod. This is the first time in twenty years that a Labour-led government has presented such a strategy. The reason is clear: the world has changed. Geopolitics has returned. No place is the nexus between foreign and domestic affairs so closely linked than in the High North. This is the key reason why the High North is the area of the highest strategic importance to the Government. The High North is not only a region - it is the heart of our nation, the front and centre of our national interests. Security and predictability are important to provide for robust and attractive communities in Northern Norway. At the same time, thriving local communities constitute the foundation of stability and progress. Norway must respond to all these challenges - with clarity and leadership as an Arctic nation, with responsibility as a NATO ally, and with ambition as a global partner in tackling the climate and nature crisis. The aim of the new strategy is to ensure that Northern Norway is home to vibrant local communities where people want to live, and that our High North policy strengthens our national security and preparedness. This strategy is based on Norway's fundamental security interests as defined in our National Security Strategy: a free and independent Norway, a robust democracy, a safe society with high level of trust, an open and adaptable economy, allied solidarity and unity in Europe, and a world that seeks solutions based on international law. Connected to this, security and preparedness along Norway's border and the external border of both NATO and the Schengen area is a matter of strategic national importance. This strategy is also underpinned by Norway's climate policy and indigenous policy. Norway has a statutory target of becoming a low-emission society by 2050. However, climate risk and the need for climate change adaptation must be properly taken into account in planning processes. The importance of Sami culture and ways of living is a valuable part of Norway's historical heritage and must also be recognised. Coming back to geography, the main focus of the strategy is on Northern Norway - North of 66,33 degrees - surrounding ocean areas and the northern parts of the neighbouring Nordic countries. Svalbard is mentioned where relevant, but the Government's overall Svalbard policy was presented last year in a separate White Paper to the Storting. Our strategy rests on five priorities: Norwegian sovereignty and influence in the High North A total defence that creates security, activity, and preparedness Good and safe local communities Infrastructure that builds communities Business development that creates value Let me take you through them. First: Norwegian sovereignty and influence The High North is fundamental to Norway's national security. We guard the external border of both NATO and Schengen. Here, freedom of action is not an abstract value - it is a daily responsibility. We will strengthen our defence, and our cooperation with Nordic allies, the United States, Canada, and key European partners. Sweden's and Finland's membership in NATO has not only created a new basis for defence cooperation in the North. Being allies has also created a stronger basis for resolving practical challenges and bringing our neighbouring regions closer together. Enhanced defence efforts and cooperation demands focus on regional cohesion in mobility, emergency preparedness, logistics and critical infrastructure. This will also benefit to the civil society and local communities, on which the defence efforts relies on in many aspects. As mentioned, Norway is Arctic. We welcome international cooperation in the Arctic, but we will be clear that such cooperation must be in our national interest. Allied presence in the north must be effective - but also adapted to Norwegian conditions, and anchored in Norwegian situational awareness. We will defend international law in the Arctic. We will stand up for multilateralism - for the Arctic Council, for NATO, for the rules-based order. This is the foundation of stability. It is a core national interest to Norway. Second: A total defence Our goal is to investing greatly in security. Security in the north cannot be carried by the armed forces alone. It requires the whole of society. Businesses, municipalities, and civil society all play their part. Our goal is clear: resilient communities. A High North able to handle crises and the unexpected. A total defence that creates both security and activity. Third: Good and safe local communities National security begins with people. If the High North is to be secure, it must also be a good place to live. That is why we invest in communities of the North. In housing, in education, in culture and sports. We want families to thrive, young people to stay, and new talent to come. Safety, services, and opportunities - this is how we build strong and resilient Arctic societies. Fourth: Infrastructure that builds communities Roads, ports, energy systems and digital networks are more than tools of transport - they are the backbone of preparedness and resilience Our investments must do several things at once: connect communities, strengthen settlement, support business, and enhance security. Fifth: Business development that creates value Economy is also part of security. Jobs, innovation, and industries give societies resilience and strength. They also give people a reason to stay in the north. That is why we are investing in research, in competence, and in knowledge about the north. Knowledge is a shield. It gives us foresight, and credibility. Dear all, Alongside these priorities, we have launched new initiatives: One billion NOK for Polhavet 2050 - a visionary investment in Arctic knowledge and cooperation. A new High North Museum in Troms - highlighting history, culture, and identity. Greater support for sports, culture, and education - because vibrant societies are resilient societies. Stronger local preparedness, in line with the Total Preparedness Commission. And finally: making sure Norway's unprecedented defence investments - more than 50 billion NOK and over 1,700 new jobs in the north over the next decade - generate real benefits for local communities. To conclude, this is not only a strategy for ministries and institutions. It is a strategy for people - for the fisherman in Finnmark, for the student in Troms, for the family building their future in Bod. It is also a strategy for our allies and partners - for NATO, for Europe, for the international community. Because the High North is not only Norway's neighbourhood - it is a region of global significance. Our message is simple: Norway will be present. Norway will be prepared. Norway will be a reliable partner in the North. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran opposes presence of external forces in Caucasus region, says Pezeshkian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran supports the recently signed peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but at the same time, opposes the presence of extra-regional forces in the Caucasus region. Pezeshkian made the remark while meeting Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China. The Iranian president and his Turkish counterpart discussed a host of issues including Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Iran's nuclear program, developments in the Caucasus, as well as Tehran-Ankara relations. Pezeshkian referred to the US-brokered agreement that Armenia and Azerbaijan signed last month to resolve their long-standing territorial dispute, saying that Iran backs the peace deal. "We support the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a means of consolidating peace and stability. At the same time, we oppose any presence of external forces in the Caucasus region," he noted. Elsewhere in his remarks, President Pezeshkian said that Iran is ready to negotiate with the United States on the basis of the recognition of Iran's nuclear rights and reaching a win-win solution. As for the "snapback mechanism," which Britian, Germany, and France - all of them members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal - triggered last week to restore UN sanctions on Iran, Pezeshkian said that the trio are not legitimate to activate the mechanism, because they have not fulfilled their commitments. Erdogan, on his part, said that activating the mechanism is totally unconstructive, and emphasized Iran's right to have peaceful nuclear activities. He also said keeping the door open for negotiations between Iran and the United States will thwart Israel's plans. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's military chief condemns Israel's assassination of Yemeni officials IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Chairman of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has condemned Israel's assassination of several top Yemeni officials, saying that "this crime" reflects a profound fear of the expanding axis of resistance and the unity of regional nations in defending the Palestinian cause and countering Israeli occupation. Mousavi made the remarks on Monday in a message addressed to his Yemeni counterpart and the people of that country, which was released by the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. The message came after Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several more senior officials lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on Sana's Thursday. The top Iranian commander described this attack as a blatant war crime and a clear violation of international law, which further exposed the Israeli regime as a ringleader in global terrorism. Mousavi also highlighted that the assassination of the Yemeni officials is part of the regime's aggressive and expansionist policies, supported by its allies, particularly the United States. This crime shows reflects a profound fear of the expanding axis of resistance and the unity of regional nations in defending the Palestinian cause and countering occupation and criminality, he said, emphasizing that such acts would not weaken the resolve and revolutionary spirit of the Yemeni fighters, who remain steadfast in their support for Palestine, particularly the Gaza Strip. He noted that despite sanctions, blockades, and continuous Israeli aggression, the Yemeni people have emerged as a symbol of resistance against global arrogance, showcasing courage and sacrifice. The Iranian commander expressed confidence that, with divine assistance, Yemen will overcome its current challenges and achieve its lofty aspirations. He also reiterated Iran's unwavering support for the resilient Yemeni people and their sacred goals. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian calls for stronger UN action against Israel's crimes in West Asia IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the United Nations to take practical measures to put an end to Israel's crimes and warmongering in the West Asia region. The president made the remarks while meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Pezeshkian thanked Guterres for his stance on Israel's crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, as well as the regime's war of aggression against Iran in June. At the same time, he urged the UN chief to adopt a stronger position against Israel over its crimes in Gaza and other parts of the West Asia region. "We expect international organizations, foremost among them the United Nations, to take more practical and serious measures in response to the crimes and warmongering of the Zionist regime in the region," Pezeshkian said. He also referred to the war of aggression that Israel launched against Iran in June, noting that Iran was attacked while it was in the midst of negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. "Since its establishment, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been one of the main victims of terrorism, with many of its senior officials and prominent figures martyred in terrorist attacks. Today, the Zionist regime assassinates whomever it wishes, anywhere in the region, under the pretext of self-defense," President Pezeshkian added. He also criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its director general for failing to condemn Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, despite Iran being subjected to the most extensive and rigorous inspections by the agency. "Unfortunately, this international organization was not even willing to condemn the Zionist regime's attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, which were operating fully under its own supervision. This action was carried out in violation of all international rules and frameworks, and the agency still continues to evade condemning it," the Iranian president said. In response to the IAEA chief's actions, the Iranian Parliament approved a law under which Iran suspended cooperation with the agency, Pezeshkian added. However, he noted that the Islamic Republic has delegated authority on how to cooperate with the IAEA to the Supreme National Security Council to ensure constructive and effective engagement with the agency, as Iran still seeks to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomatic channels. Guterres: Iran isn't seeking nuclear weapons The UN chief, for his part, said that he is personally convinced that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. "I believe that your intention and goal are not to build nuclear weapons, and it is your right to have a peaceful nuclear program, which I fully recognize," he said. He also expressed concerns over the "snapback mechanism" and the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran by the European troika, which includes Britain, France, and Germany. Guterres added that he has urged the E3 to cooperate with Iran on this matter. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's 'cowardly' assassination of Yemeni officials is a heinous crime: Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israel's "cowardly" assassination of several top Yemeni officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi, describing it as a heinous and unprecedented crime against the free nation of Yemen. The top Iranian diplomat issued a message on Monday after al-Rahawi and other Yemeni officials lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on the capital, Sana'a, on Thursday. The strike was the latest in Israel's aerial attacks on Yemen in the past months as the Arab country has stepped up military operations against Israel in response for its war on the Gaza Strip. Araghchi expressed condolences to the Yemeni and Palestinian people as well as Muslims and free-seekers across the world over the martyrdom of the Yemeni officials in the Israeli attack, according to a news release by the official Telegram page of the Foreign Ministry spokesperson. "The cowardly assassination of Yemeni leaders, carried out in blatant violation of Yemen's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, is a heinous and unprecedented crime against the proud and freedom-loving Yemeni nation, which over the past two years, has inscribed its name in history as a true supporter and defender of the oppressed people of Palestine," the foreign minister said in his message. He further said that the United Nations' continued inaction in the face of Israel's repeated violations of international law, along with the support provided by the United States and certain other Western countries, including Britain, for Israel's escalation against Gaza and other West Asian states, has seriously undermined the credibility of the fundamental principles of international law and rendered those countries complicit in the regime's crimes. "This situation is an unprecedented threat to international peace and security, and an existential danger to humanity," the top diplomat noted, calling for immediate international action to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza and bring the Israeli regime's officials to justice. "Regional countries and the international community have a duty to take urgent and effective action to stop the genocide in Gaza and to hold the leaders of the Zionist regime accountable and bring them to justice," he said. Araghchi also said that Israel's assassination of the Yemeni officials would not deter the Yemeni people from defending their dignity and independence, and from supporting the Palestinian cause. Instead, he added, "this criminal act" will strengthen the ongoing resistance against Israel in Yemen and across the region. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas Nauseda met with the President of the European Commission at the Lithuania-Belarus border: Baltic Defense Line must become an EU priority President of the Republic of Lithuania September 01, 2025 On Monday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the Lithuania-Belarus border to review the border security situation. At their bilateral meeting, the leaders discussed the protection of the European Union's eastern frontier and support for Ukraine. The President thanked the Commission President for her visit, emphasizing that it is a powerful sign of solidarity: "Your presence here shows that Lithuania's security is the security of the entire European Union." During the meeting, the President highlighted the shared commitment to defend the EU's eastern border and to strengthen Europe's overall resilience. "Lithuania, together with Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland, stands at the forefront of these efforts. Our mission is both urgent and long-term: to deter threats, enhance resilience and ensure the security of Europe's borders," the President said. Gitanas Nauseda underlined that the Baltic Defense Line and the Eastern Shield are projects of common European interest. He noted that the region faces real threats: hostile drone attacks, hybrid operations and constant pressure from illegal migration at the border. "The SAFE instrument provides us with the tools to respond to these threats. Lithuania's estimated needs amount to about 8 billion euros - investments that will strengthen our defense, help implement the Baltic Defense Line and contribute to supporting Ukraine," he emphasized. The importance of military mobility was also stressed, with the aim of ensuring the swift movement of troops and equipment across EU territory. The President welcomed the Commission's proposal to increase funding for this area in the next multiannual financial framework. The situation in Ukraine was also discussed. The President underlined the need to strengthen military support and tighten sanctions against Russia, noting that the 19th sanctions package must target sectors such as Rosatom, energy, banking, and the shadow fleet. "Security guarantees must be credible: a strong Ukrainian army together with significant European and transatlantic commitment," the President said. Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that Ukraine's membership in the European Union is both a strategic necessity and a moral obligation. "2030 must be the target year for Ukraine's EU membership," he noted. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary General affirms strong NATO support for Ukraine in Bled, Slovenia NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 01 Sep. 2025 On Monday (1 September 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska participated in the Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia. On the panel "Ukraine: Long Road to Peace," she affirmed NATO's continued support for Ukraine, as Allies work to ensure Ukraine can defend itself today, and deter future aggression. Ms Shekerinska outlined Allies' essential military support for Ukraine, including, so far, over two billion dollars of support through NATO's new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL): a new initiative that will get critical US supplies and equipment to Ukraine. NATO also works with and supports Ukraine through measures such as the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC), the NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU), NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC). The Deputy Secretary General commended President Trump's efforts to end the war, saying Allies must continue their support "so that Ukraine can really negotiate from a position of strength." She emphasised that security guarantees and strong defence are critical to ensuring that Russian never attacks Ukraine again. Ms Shekerinska concluded that with Ukraine's courage, combined with support from Allies, Ukraine will prevail and peace is possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indonesia protests: Call for restraint and dialogue Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 01 September 2025 Delivered by UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani Location GENEVA We are following closely the spate of violence in Indonesia in the context of nationwide protests over parliamentary allowances, austerity measures, and alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces. We stress the importance of dialogue to address the public's concerns. The authorities must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while maintaining order, in line with international norms and standards, in relation to the policing of public assemblies. All security forces, including the military when deployed in a law enforcement capacity, must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials. We call for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force. It is also important that the media is permitted to report on events freely and independently. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Burundi: UN experts alarmed by increase in serious human rights violations during election period Press releases Special Procedures 01 September 2025 GENEVA -- UN experts* today expressed deep concern about the increase in serious human rights violations in Burundi, that has included attacks against civil society and political opponents and election violence. Between January 2024 and May 2025, Burundian civil society organisations documented at least 200 cases of sexual violenceincluding child rape58 enforced disappearances, 62 acts of torture, 892 arbitrary detentions, and 605 extrajudicial executions. These violations were allegedly committed by state agents or by individuals acting with their complicity, including members of the National Intelligence Service of the police, the youth militia of the ruling party still known as Imbonerakure or "mob justice", in a climate of widespread impunity. "We deplore the fact that these serious human rights violations are being used to intimidate the population during election periods, for the benefit of the ruling party," the experts warned, denouncing an alarming upsurge in cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence. Experts stressed the urgent need to ensure that victims of torture, and women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence, have access to appropriate care, including free comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and psychological support. On 5 June 2025, the ruling political party, the CNDD-FDD, won 100% of the seats in the National Assembly with 96% of the votes, and almost all communal seats. In the months leading up to the elections, beginning in early 2025, the electoral process reportedly included forced voter registration on electoral lists and forced collective payment of funds, making access to public services conditional on prior validation by state agents. In the event of refusal, threats or arbitrary seizures would have committed by State agents or by individuals benefiting from State support. "We regret that the Government of Burundi has not responded to our concerns* and that it persists in refusing to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi and that Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the country continues to be closed," the experts said. "Without respect for rights and freedoms, and without protection for human rights defenders, activists, civil society and journalists before, during and after elections, these cannot be considered free and fair," the experts argued. Since the end of December 2023, an increase in cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and summary executions of journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents had already been referenced by Burundian civil society organisations. "The Government has an obligation to prevent, punish, investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of these acts and repair the damage caused by non-State actors," they said. The experts were concerned by reports of the abduction and arbitrary detention of journalist Aline Sandra Muhoza. "This incident is part of a wider context marked by an alarming upsurge in serious human rights violations against journalists, human rights defenders, as well as anyone perceived to be affiliated - in real or perceived - with the political opposition, including their relatives," the experts said. "These acts, on the eve of legislative, communal and local elections scheduled for 2025, raise serious concerns about the restriction of civic space, the growing intimidation of critical voices and a climate of fear in Burundi's electoral process." The experts recalled the findings* of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi in its final report of 12 April 2021 which warned that "when these violations are perpetrated in a widespread and systematic manner against the population or the context of electoral violence, they constitute crimes against humanity under international law." *The experts: Fortune Gaetan Zongo, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi; Gabriella Citroni (Chairperson-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chairperson), Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, Aua Balde and Mohammed Al-Obaidi Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Ms. Ganna Yudkivska (Chair-Rapporteur), Mr. Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair), Ms. Miriam Estrada Castillo (Vice- Chair), Mumba Malila, and Mr. Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Chair), Mumba Malila, and Mr. Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu and Laura Nyirinkindi Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls; Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE Ministerial Council decision marks new step towards sustainable peace in the South Caucasus OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe VIENNA/HELSINKI 1 September 2025 VIENNA/HELSINKI, 1 September 2025 -- The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioglu welcome the adoption of a Ministerial Council decision closing the Minsk process and related structures following a Joint Appeal from Armenia and Azerbaijan. "I would like to once again extend my warmest congratulations to Armenia and Azerbaijan on their historic agreements towards peace and normalization of relations and their resolute decision to start their prompt implementation. I have responded without delay to their Joint Appeal and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the parties for their excellent co-operation in the process. I also would like to commend participating States for their collaborative spirit in achieving this consensus," said Minister Valtonen. This Ministerial Council decision follows the 8 August Joint Declaration signed in Washington D.C by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The Ministerial Council decision was adopted by consensus of all 57 OSCE participating States. "This is a historic development that underlines what diplomacy can achieve, even after decades of conflict and mistrust. It demonstrates that agreement remains possible when there is a shared determination between parties to find common ground," said Secretary General Sinirlioglu. The OSCE Chairperson-in Office and OSCE Secretary General reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting efforts that bring lasting peace and stability to Armenia, Azerbaijan and the wider region. Following the adoption of this decision, the OSCE will take steps to implement the closure of the Minsk Process and its related structures. Only administrative functions, such as the handover of assets and equipment, will continue until the process is completed no later than 1 December 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah member killed in Israeli airstrike on S. Lebanon: sources People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:28, September 01, 2025 The strikes caused the closure of the international road linking the border area in southern Lebanon with the Nabatieh region, and the Lebanese army is working on it, they said. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A Hezbollah member was killed Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese sources. An Israeli drone "struck a motorcycle on the Nabatieh Al-Fawqa road with a guided missile," Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported. A Lebanese army intelligence source told Xinhua the dead was a Hezbollah member named Ali Tawba from the village of Maifadoun. According to the NNA, the intelligence source, and local eyewitnesses, Israeli drones and warplanes also carried out multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanon, including some places deep in the area, targeting Hezbollah military positions "subjected to similar air raids" conducted previously. The strikes caused the closure of the international road linking the border area in southern Lebanon with the Nabatieh region, and the Lebanese army is working on it, they said. Since Nov. 27, 2024, a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect, ending more than a year of cross-border clashes. The agreement stipulated Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, but the Israeli army has maintained several posts along the border and continues to launch attacks, citing "threats" from Hezbollah. Reports indicate that the Israeli army has begun establishing new military posts along the southern Lebanon border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel says Hamas armed wing spokesman killed in Gaza strike People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:16, September 01, 2025 JERUSALEM, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's armed wing, had been killed in a strike in the Gaza Strip. Katz made the announcement in a post on social media platform X, saying that "soon, as the campaign against Gaza intensifies," more Hamas figures would be targeted. In remarks during his weekly cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the assassination attempt on Obeida was carried out by the Shin Bet internal security agency and the Israel Defense Forces. "We still do not know the final result," Netanyahu said. "I hope he is no longer with us, but I notice that on the Hamas side, there is no one to speak to this matter." Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that Obeida was killed in the strike on an apartment, citing a Palestinian source. All those in the apartment were killed, the source said, adding that members of Obeida's family and the leaders of Hamas's armed wing confirmed his death after examining the body. Israeli strikes and shootings killed at least 88 people in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza-based health authorities, bringing the total death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, to 63,459. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Gaza not for sale': Hamas condemns US plan for takeover of Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 7:26 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned a plan reportedly under consideration by US President Donald Trump that will place the Gaza Strip under American control and forcibly relocate its population. On Monday, Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim emphasized that "Gaza is not for sale. Gaza is... part of the greater Palestinian homeland." His remarks came as The Washington Post reported Sunday that it had obtained a 38-page prospectus outlining a plan to place the Gaza Strip under US trusteeship for at least a decade, transforming it into a tourist destination and high-tech hub. According to the report, Gaza's more than two million people would at least be temporarily relocated, either through "voluntary" departures to other countries or into restricted zones inside the territory. In February, Trump openly expressed his desire to transform Gaza into what he referred to as the "Riviera of the Middle East." The plan would require Gaza's existing population to be emptied out. Legal experts have warned that forcible displacement on such a scale would amount to ethnic cleansing. Another official from Hamas, who asked not to be named, told AFP, the resistance movement "rejects all these plans that abandon our people and keep the occupier on our land." They said such proposals were "worthless and unjust," noting that no details of the plan had been communicated to Hamas. Qasem Habib, a 37-year-old Palestinian living in a tent in the al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, slammed the reported proposal as "nonsense." "If they want to help Gaza, the way is known: pressure (Israeli prime minister Benjamin) Netanyahu to stop the war and the killing." Another Gazan, 60-year-old Wael Azzam, who is living in the al-Mawasi area near the southern city of Khan Yunis, said he had not "heard of the new American plan, but even without knowing it, it is a failed plan." "We were born and raised here," he added, questioning whether Trump would accept displacement from his own home. The Washington Post report came as Israel is pushing ahead with a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, the largest city in the territory. On Monday, Israel sent tanks deeper into Gaza City, as Netanyahu convened his so-called "security cabinet" late on Sunday to discuss a new offensive to seize the area. According to Palestinian officials and witnesses, the regime's troops also sent old armored vehicles into the eastern parts of the overcrowded Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, detonated them remotely, destroying several houses and forcing more families to leave. Since Monday morning, at least 50 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes. Residential neighborhoods across Gaza City have been heavily bombed, destroying homes and claiming civilian lives. 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 October 2023, Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has killed at least 63,557 Palestinians and wounded 160,660 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian: UN must take 'practical' action to end Israel's atrocities Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 4:29 PM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says international organizations, particularly the United Nations, must take "practical and more serious" actions to put an end to the Israeli regime's crimes and warmongering in the region. Pezeshkian made the remarks in a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State in northern China's port city of Tianjin on Monday. He said the Israeli regime imposed the 12-day war on Iran in June while Tehran has always sought peace, commending the UN chief's condemnation of Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people and the regime's attack on the Islamic Republic. Pezeshkian said Iran came under aggressive attacks from Israel while it was in the midst of indirect negotiations with the United States. He said Iran has been a primary victim of terrorism, with many of its senior officials assassinated in acts of terrorism. The Iranian president lashed out at the Israeli regime for conducting arbitrary assassinations in the region under the guise of self-defense. Pezeshkian further criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and its Director General Rafael Grossi, for refusing to condemn Israeli attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, even though the country was under the severest inspections of the agency. The UN nuclear watchdog's refusal to take a stance in condemnation of Israel's attacks was a violation of all international norms and regulations, he added. The president explained that despite a parliamentary law suspending Tehran's full cooperation with the IAEA in response to the strikes on the nuclear facilities, Iran tasked its Supreme National Security Council to shape constructive and effective collaboration with the agency. Iran still seeks interaction and diplomacy to solve issues surrounding its nuclear program, Pezeshkian reiterated. The Israeli regime launched a blatant and unprovoked attack against Iran on June 13, triggering a 12-day war that killed at least 1,064 people in the country, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The United States also joined the war days later 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. For his part, the UN chief expressed his personal conviction that Iran is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons and affirmed Tehran's right to a peaceful nuclear program. Guterres voiced concern over the activation of the so-called snapback mechanism of sanctions on Iran and said he has asked the three European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal -- Britain, France, and Germany-- to work with Iran on the issue. On Thursday, the three European states invoked the 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 sanctions on Iran over claims of the Islamic Republic's "significant non-compliance" with the landmark pact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN inaction on Israeli crimes poses 'unprecedented threat' to global peace: Iran Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 3:18 PM The Iranian foreign minister has censured the United Nations for its inaction on Israel's crimes in the West Asian region, saying the situation poses an "unprecedented threat" to international security and an "existential danger" to humanity. Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in a message he issued on Monday to condemn the Israeli assassination of Yemeni government officials in a terrorist airstrike. He denounced the "cowardly" assassination, which was a blatant violation of Yemen's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as a "heinous and unprecedented crime" against the Yemeni people, who have truly supported the oppressed Palestinians over the past two years. "The UN's continued inaction in the face of blatant violations of international law by the Zionist regime, along with the expansion of its acts of aggression and crimes across West Asia ... in Gaza, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon under military and political support of the US, the UK, and several other Western countries, has severely undermined the credibility of the fundamental norms and principles of international law," he added. "This situation constitutes an unprecedented threat to international peace and security and an existential danger to humanity." The top Iranian diplomat also called on regional states and the international community to take "urgent and effective" measures to stop the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and hold the regime's officials accountable for their atrocities. Meanwhile, he emphasized that the usurping regime's crimes will not weaken the Yemeni people's "iron resolve" to defend their dignity and independence, nor their support for the Palestinian cause. On the contrary, he said, Israel's criminal acts will further strengthen resistance in Yemen and the entire region. On August 28, an Israeli strike on the Yemeni capital of Sana'a killed Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Al-Rahawi and several other ministers. They were targeted during a routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deadly aerial assault was "only the beginning" of the regime's assassination campaign against senior Yemeni officials. The Yemeni Armed Forces began their operations against Israel, attacking Israeli-linked ships as well as striking targets in the occupied territories in November 2023, a month after the Tel Aviv regime unleashed its genocide in Gaza. Israel has bombed strategic locations and critical infrastructure across Yemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces target Israeli oil tanker in Red Sea with ballistic missile Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 9:33 AM Yemen's Armed Forces have carried out a missile strike on an Israeli oil tanker in the Red Sea for breaching a ban on ships bound for ports in the Israeli-occupied territories imposed in solidarity with Gaza. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's military, announced in a televised statement on Monday that Yemeni forces had carried out a strike against the Liberia-flagged tanker Scarlet Ray in the northern tip of the sea, using a homegrown anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). Saree said the operation resulted in a direct hit on the ship and successfully achieved its objectives. He affirmed that Yemeni armed forces "will continue their support for the Palestinian people by preventing Israeli ships or vessels bound for ports in the occupied Palestinian lands from sailing in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea." Saree further noted that Yemeni military units will press ahead with their operations until the Israeli aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted. In response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which began in October 2023, Yemen launched a strategic maritime blockade to block the flow of military supplies to Israeli-occupied territories and to urge the international community to take measures to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In the past two months, Yemen has ramped up its Red Sea operations, resuming targeting of Israeli-linked ships in the key maritime route. On August 6, the Yemeni government announced sanctions against 64 ship owners who were violating the naval blockade. These vessels are prohibited from transiting the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea, the government stated, warning that the vessels will be targeted if they fall within the reach of the Yemeni Armed Forces. In July, Yemeni forces attacked and sank two vessels bound for the occupied territories, Eternity C and the Magic Seas, in the Red Sea. Between November 2023 and January 2025, Yemen launched over 100 operations targeting Israeli-linked ships, significantly impacting Israel's economy. The Yemeni Armed Forces have stated unequivocally that they will continue their operations until Israel puts an end to its ground and aerial assaults in Gaza. Israel has killed more than 63,400 Palestinians in Gaza, so far, most of them women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US blocks visa access for Palestinians ahead of statehood recognition Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 9:05 AM American officials say Washington has halted the approval of visas for Palestinian passport holders, a move coming just as international momentum builds toward recognizing a Palestinian state. The Donald Trump administration has moved to suspend approvals of nearly all categories of US visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders, a sweeping restriction against Palestinians amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Media reports said on Sunday that the US State Department had instructed its diplomats to refuse most visas for Palestinian passport holders, whether they live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, or reside overseas. The move will stop, at least temporarily, travel for medical treatment, attending university, visiting relatives, or conducting business. Last week, the State Department also said it would not issue visas to Palestinian officials to attend the annual UN General Assembly in New York next month. The Trump administration's suspension of visas for Palestinians comes amid a new push by US allies for official recognition of the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Last month, the US State Department announced that it would stop issuing visas to children from Gaza in desperate need of medical care. The move came after an online pressure campaign from Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer close to Trump who has described herself as "a proud Islamophobe." The United States has been Israel's staunchest supporter throughout its nearly two-year-long war on the Gaza Strip. Even as international criticism has steadily mounted over the genocidal actions of the Israeli military and the humanitarian suffering it has caused, the US has not stopped its support for the apartheid regime. The new restrictions cover anyone holding only a Palestinian passport, which were first issued in the 1990s when Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization signed agreements establishing a semiautonomous Palestinian government, known as the Palestinian Authority, in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. They do not apply to Palestinians with dual nationalities using other passports or those who have already obtained visas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Back To School In Serbia? Universities Seek To Break Student Boycott By Jovana Krstic and Gordana Cosic September 01, 2025 NOVI SAD, Serbia -- Serbian universities are hoping to reopen their doors in September following months of student boycotts, but Jelena Stankovic is adamant: "I will not return to my studies." Stankovic is a student at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, the city in northern Serbia that is the epicenter of the biggest wave of nationwide anti-government protests in nearly 30 years. It was here, back in November, that a railway station roof collapsed and killed 16 people. Ever since, students have been leading protests calling for accountability. "The fight must continue," Stankovic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service, while preparing an exhibition on the campus organized by students who are blockading it. She's part of a generation who sacrificed a year of their studies and are now weighing whether to continue the boycott -- or return to class. Stankovic insists it has not been a lost year. "I have met incredible people, both students and professors, with whom I expect to stay in touch even after all this is over," she said. "For me, the most beautiful realization in life is that I can do something else, not just play the piano. That I can think for myself and have other skills in life." In Belgrade, Konstantin Cvetanovic shared photos of student protests at the Physics Faculty, with the word "Blockade" chalked on a blackboard. He agreed that the past year has given him a different kind of education. "Even though we have a shortened academic year, what we have learned about professional integrity during this blockade will be worth much more than the knowledge we may lose," he said. However, he also said it might now be time to go back to school, adding that the protests can still continue. "To be in a situation for months where only the universities are not operating simply makes no sense, and we would only give the authorities motivation to shut down the university, which would in turn reduce the chances for any future uprising," he adds. Some schools took the unusual step of trying to reopen in June, before the summer break. Among them was the Higher Technical School in Subotica, in northern Serbia, where Nenad Gojkovic is enrolled. Gojkovic said he doesn't want to study but noted that many students have already gone back. "I know that many colleagues have already sacrificed a lot, both financially and in terms of time. Many have found jobs to cover expenses. Some are not supported by their parents and manage on their own. Many have lost their scholarships," he said. Stankovic was prepared for the same issue in Novi Sad. "I cannot say that I will feel any resentment toward colleagues who, for objective reasons, cannot continue the struggle as passionately as at the beginning," she said. Belgrade and Novi Sad are the largest universities in Serbia. Data they provided appeared to suggest classes would soon resume. Novi Sad University has opened over 9,500 places for new students for the upcoming academic year. In the first "round," more than 5,300 students enrolled, with the next round in September. The University of Belgrade announced that in the first enrollment 10,984 students were admitted -- 538 fewer than last year. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-universities- novi-sad-railway-station-collapse-protests/33514533.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "There can be no excuse for failing to stop the atrocities in Gaza" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 01.09.2025 Addressing the "SCO Plus" session of the 25th SCO summit, President Erdogan said: "There can be no excuse for failing, for 23 months, to stop the atrocities in Gaza in which babies, children and the elderly are being starved to death. I believe that it is our collective responsibility to turn the United Nations into a platform that represents global justice in the face of the oppression the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza, have been subjected to for years." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech at the "SCO Plus" session of the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in China. "THE UN IS IN NEED OF A SERIOUS REFORM IN ORDER TO FULFILL ITS RESPONSIBILITIES" President Erdogan said: "Global problems can be resolved only by increasing our efforts on the basis of cooperation and effective multilateralism. In our view, the point where this can be realized is the multilateral system, at the heart of which lies the United Nations. However, it seems that the United Nations is in need of a serious reform in order to fulfill its responsibilities." President Erdogan stated: "Despite all the efforts of my esteemed friend Mr. Guterres, it is quite difficult to claim that the current system, dictated by the circumstances of 80 years ago, is capable of fulfilling what is expected of it in stopping the atrocities in the Middle East or in maintaining the rules-based international system. If the international community is unable to prevent over 63 thousand Gazans, mostly children, women and the elderly, from being massacred and is unable to stop innocent infants from being starved to death, then we must all sit down and think." "I OFFER MY GRATITUDE TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO SPEAK UP FOR PALESTINE" "There can be no excuse for failing, for 23 months, to stop the atrocities in Gaza in which babies, children and the elderly are being starved to death," President Erdogan stressed. "I believe that it is our collective responsibility to turn the United Nations into a platform that represents global justice in the face of the oppression the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza, have been subjected to for years. I hereby offer my gratitude to all my friends, to all with a conscience who speak up for the entirety of the Palestinian people, including Gaza and the West Bank." President Erdogan went on: "In Syria, doors have now opened for a new era offering historic opportunities for lasting regional peace and stability. The support we will provide in order to bring Syria back on its feet while preserving its territorial integrity and political unity will benefit our entire region. We will continue to stand against any attempt that threatens the security and territorial integrity of our neighbor Syria." "DEVELOPMENTS IN ENERGY AND CONNECTIVITY ARE VITAL FOR GLOBAL STABILITY" "The recent steps taken to ensure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus and Central Asia are pleasing. We hope that these steps will contribute to the development of social, financial and commercial relations as well as to the inauguration of transportation and communication lines. Our close cooperation with the brotherly countries in the Central Asia continues to grow stronger in bilateral and multilateral platforms. The steps we take within the Organization of Turkic States contribute to stability in not only the brotherly countries but across the wider region as well," President Erdogan said. President Erdogan continued: "We maintain our efforts in 2025 in line with our goal of hosting the COP31 World Leaders Climate Action Summit. Turkiye sees developments in the field of energy and connectivity as vital for global stability, economic development, energy supply security and sustainable growth. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a critical platform for improving energy security and establishing partnerships on strategic infrastructure projects. With our geostrategic location right at the intersection of Asia, Europe and the Middle, we, as the westernmost Asian and the easternmost European, continue to provide contributions to the uninterrupted and safe continuation of transportation and communication." "TURKIYE'S VISION IS TO RESOLVE ISSUES THROUGH DIALOGUE, DIPLOMACY AND COOPERATION" President Erdogan noted: "We maintain our efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road through the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor initiative, while also endeavoring to harmonize it with the Belt and Road initiative. We also aim to interconnect a vast geography through the Development Road project, which we have implemented in the North-Southeast direction." President Erdogan added: "Turkiye's vision is to resolve issues through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation, based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Within this framework, we aim for economic development, trade, and a world order that prioritizes the prosperity of societies. I hope to strengthen our cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which stands as the present-day representative of the tradition of finding joint solutions to problems." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary statement on the Middle East Oral statement to Parliament Foreign Secretary statement on the Middle East delivered to Parliament on 1 September 2025. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP Published 1 September 2025 Delivered on: 1 September 2025 With permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. On the ground, it is unimaginably bleak. Horrifying images and accounts will be seared into the minds of colleagues across this House. They are almost impossible to put into words. But we can and must be precise with our language. Because on 22 August, the UN-backed IPC mechanism confirmed what we are witnessing: Famine. Famine in Gaza City. Famine in its surrounding neighbourhoods, now spreading across the wider territory. Famine which, unchecked, will spiral into widespread starvation. Madam Deputy Speaker, this was foreseen. The terrible conclusion of the obstacles we have warned about for over six months. Since 1 July, over 300 people have died from malnutrition, including 119 children. More than 132,000 children under the age of five are at risk of dying from hunger by June of next year. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made famine, in the twenty-first century. I am outraged by the Israeli government's refusal to allow sufficient aid. We need a massive, massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths, crucial NGOs, humanitarians and health-workers allowed to operate, and stockpiles of aid on Gaza's borders released. As a result, in the past three months over two thousand Gazans have been killed trying to feed their families. And Hamas themselves are exploiting the chaos and deliberately starving Israeli hostages for abhorrent political purposes. Madam Deputy Speaker, I know that these words of condemnation, echoed across legislatures all over the world, are not enough. But be in no doubt: we have acted, as a country, where we can. We restored funding to UNRWA. We suspended arms exports that could be used in Gaza. We signed a landmark agreement with the Palestinian Authority. We stood up for the independence of international courts. We have delivered three sanctions packages, three, on violent settlers and far-right Israeli Ministers for incitement. We suspended trade negotiations with the Israeli Government. We are at the forefront of the international community's work to plan for a stable, post-conflict peace And we have provided nearly over 250m in development assistance over the past two years. Madam Deputy Speaker, today we are going further. I can announce an additional 15m of aid and medical care for Gaza and the region. We continue to work, alongside regional partners, including Egypt and Jordan, of course, to enable the UN and NGOs to ensure aid reaches those in need. Brave medics in Gaza tell us that essential medicines are running out and they cannot operate safely. That's why we are funding UK-Med, whose field hospitals have treated over 600,000 Gazans. That's why we are also funding WHO Egypt to treat thousands of evacuated Gazans. Meanwhile, Madam Deputy Speaker, as my Right Honourable Friend, the Home Secretary said, we are working with the World Health Organisation to get critically ill and injured children into the UK where they will receive specialist NHS treatment. The first patients are expected to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks. We are extracting people from a war-zone is complex and dangerous. It relies entirely on Israeli permissions. I am pressing the Israeli Government for this to happen as quickly as possible. As the Home Secretary announced earlier today, we are also supporting brilliant students granted FCDO Chevening scholarships to escape Gaza so that they can take up their places for the coming academic year. Madam Deputy Speaker, I recognise that this only touches the edges of this catastrophe. We all know there is only one way out. An immediate ceasefire. An immediate ceasefire that would see the unconditional release by Hamas of all hostages. An immediate ceasefire that would see a transformation in the delivery of aid. We know this. Our US and European allies know it. Our Gulf partners know it. I am working night and day with them to deliver a ceasefire and a wider political process to deliver long-term peace. To make a ceasefire last, we need a monitoring mechanism, we need the disarmament of Hamas and a new governance framework for Gaza. This is the focus of our intense diplomacy in the region. In contrast, further Israeli military operations in Gaza city will only prolong and deepen the crisis. So, together with our partners, we demand an immediate halt to this operation. Each week brings new horrors. Last week's double strike on Nasser hospital - one of Gaza's last remaining major health facilities - killed 20 people, including five journalists. I remind Israel once again that international law requires the protection of healthcare workers, journalists and civilians. These actions will not end the war. They will not bring the hostages home, let alone make them safer - as hostage families have recognised. They will sow despair and anger across the region for generations. Madam Deputy Speaker, in the West Bank, the Israeli government is tightening its stranglehold on the Palestinian economy and continues to approve illegal settlement construction just recently in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. This would erect a physical barrier to a contiguous Palestinian state. It must not happen. Madam Deputy Speaker, in July I described before the UN General Assembly our intention to recognise the State of Palestine later this month, unless the Israeli Government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term sustainable peace. Madam Deputy Speaker, this commitment responds to the current crisis but stems from our historic responsibility to the region's security, reaching back over a century to the Balfour declaration. As I said last month in New York, I am deeply proud that it was a British Foreign Secretary who helped establish a homeland for the Jewish people. But the same declaration promised that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights' of the Palestinian people. Madam Deputy Speaker, those rights are more under threat than at any point in the past century. To those who say recognition rewards Hamas or threatens Israeli security - it does neither. Recognition is rooted in the principle of a two-state solution which Hamas rejects. We have been clear that any Palestinian state should be demilitarised. Indeed, President Abbas has confirmed this in writing. We see no contradiction between the two-state solution and our deep commitment to Israeli security. Because security comes from stable borders, not indefinite occupation. Madam Deputy Speaker, before I finish, I would also like to update the House on Iran. On 28 August, the UK, along with France and Germany, triggered the "snapback" mechanism under the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This means that if no [new] agreement is reached within 30 days, the sanctions that were lifted under the Iran nuclear deal - the JCPoA - will come back into force. These wide-ranging sanctions include a full arms embargo and restrictions on its nuclear, missile and drone programme. This was not a decision we took lightly. For years, we have worked with international partners to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The 2015 deal was meant to do just that. But Iran has repeatedly undermined the agreement. Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium is now 40 times over the limit set by the JCPOA. Despite this clear escalation, we have made every effort over years of negotiations to bring Iran back to compliance. These efforts have continued in recent months. I have urged Foreign Minister Araghchi to de-escalate and choose diplomacy. In July, we offered Iran more time if it agreed to return to negotiations with the US and restore full access to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Last month, I warned Iran that time was short and we would have little choice but to trigger snapback. I regret to inform the House that Iran has not complied with its legal obligations nor chosen the path of diplomacy. So, we have had no choice but to act. I have long been clear that I will not allow snapback to expire without a durable and comprehensive deal. It would be unacceptable to allow this issue to fall off the UN Security Council agenda despite the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme. But snapback is not the end of diplomacy, Madam Deputy Speaker, as Secretary Rubio has also recently underlined. Iran can still meet our conditions. It can restore full IAEA access, it can address our concerns about its stockpile and enrichment, and return to negotiations. Alongside our partners, I will continue to urge Iran to choose this path. Madam Deputy Speaker, in the worst of times, this Government will continue to take all steps we can, to alleviate suffering, to help bring regional conflict to an end, to create the conditions for long-term peace and security. We will not rest until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, the hostages are returned and a flood of aid reaches those in desperate need. And, despite the obstacles before us, we will work with partners to preserve the two-state solution. I commend this statement to the House. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aid effort underway after Afghanistan quake 'wipes out' villages By Daniel Johnson 1 September 2025 - After a magnitude six earthquake struck remote areas of eastern Afghanistan overnight reportedly killing at least 800 people and wiping out villages, UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday pledged to "spare no effort" in helping those affected. "I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today," the Secretary-General said in an online message. "I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The UN team in Afghanistan is mobilized and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas." On the ground, several UN agencies reported devastation across four eastern provinces of Afghanistan including Nangarhar and Kunar, where staff and humanitarian partners are already supporting relief efforts. Hundreds of houses are believed to have collapsed in remote hillside communities, where many likely crumbled on top of others located on terraces further downhill. "When an earthquake of this magnitude happens, the homes basically tumble on top of each other," Salam Al-Jabani from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) told UN News. "And because it was so late at night, families were at home sleeping and that's why we see such big losses." The UN Humanitarian Air Service has scheduled additional flights connecting Kabul and Jalalabad for personnel and cargo to scale up the response. Trapped inside Witnesses reported that the earthquake happened at around midnight local time, heightening fears that many Afghans may still be trapped under the rubble of their homes. UNICEF reported that many youngsters had been killed, as first responders said that poor phone and signal quality was impacting rescue and assessment activities. The tremor's epicentre is estimated to have been only around eight kilometres (six miles) underground, causing buildings to shake in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, according to reports. Among those providing assistance are the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and many more. "As reports of deaths and injuries from the #earthquake in eastern region of #Afghanistan continue to emerge, @WHOAfghanistan teams are on the ground in hospitals and health facilities, supporting the treatment of the wounded and assessing urgent health needs," the UN health agency said. "We are actively delivering essential medicines and supplies and deploying health teams to affected areas to help #SaveLives." How the UN helps United Nations teams are on the ground in more than 160 countries, working with the authorities and partners on joint programmes in communities to promote climate action, food security, gender equality and safety of civilians. The UN has been present in Afghanistan since 1949; the global body's work there is driven by the Resident Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, as head of a country team which includes around 20 UN agencies and international organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Also on the ground to provide assistance, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, noted that up more than 2,000 people have been likely injured in the province of Kunar alone. It is feared that the trading city of Jalalabad may have suffered a "very high death toll", said UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch. Help, before it's too late The UN agency is among those rushing lifesaving support to affected areas including medical equipment, shelter, clean water, tents and blankets. It underscored how the emergency has added "death and destruction" to Afghanistan's many other existing human challenges that include drought and the return of millions of nationals from neighbouring countries. Mr. Baloch insisted that the scale of this disaster "far exceeds the current capacity of local authorities and communities...We are appealing to the donor community globally to support urgently required relief efforts. Afghans need our support and assistance now, before it's too late for many others." Aid teams will have to overcome challenging terrain to help some of the most remote communities who can only be reached on foot, OCHA noted. It said that the de facto authorities have deployed heavy machinery to Nurgal and Chawkay districts to remove road blockages and that some sections have reportedly been reopened. Critically injured people have been airlifted by helicopter to Jalalabad and Asadabad hospitals which are now the main referral points for victims in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. But a number of isolated communities can only be reached by foot with travel time currently up to three hours from the point of obstruction, OCHA said, highlighting those in Dewagal Valley in Chawkay district and Mazar Valley in Nurgal district, Kunar province. The earthquake is one of the worst to hit Afghanistan and comes less than two years since three deadly 6.3 magnitude quakes shook Herat on the other side of the country. They struck on 7, 11 and 15 October 2023, killing 1,480 people and injuring 1,950 others across 382 villages, creating widespread destruction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guterres condemns detention of more UN staff in Yemen 1 September 2025 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of at least 11 staff members in Yemen on Sunday by the de facto Houthi authorities in areas under their control. He said the Houthis entered the premises of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the capital, Sana'a, and seized UN property, in addition to attempting to enter other UN premises in the city. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have been battling Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for control of the country for over a decade. Since October 2023, they also have been targeting Israel as well as commercial ships in the Red Sea, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Gaza. Release all detained personnel Mr. Guterres strongly reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the staff members and all other personnel from the UN, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, who have been arbitrarily detained for over a year and those held since 2021 and 2023. "The personnel of the UN and its partners must never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their duties for the UN," he said. "The safety and security of UN personnel and property as well as the inviolability of UN premises must be guaranteed at all times." The Secretary-General added that the UN will continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of the detained staff members and, together with its partners, will continue to support the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace. UN envoy concerned Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen said on Sunday that he was "following with great concern" recent developments in the country, where Houthi-controlled areas have continued to be subject to Israeli strikes following Ansar Houthi attacks against Israel. Hans Grundberg reiterated that Yemen cannot afford to become a battleground for a broader geopolitical conflict, stressing that these attacks need to stop. The Special Envoy continues to urge all sides to use available diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Mr. Grundberg was also deeply concerned by the civilian deaths and injuries in the recent Israeli attacks. Additionally, according to Houthi statements, several senior Houthi officials and political interlocutors were killed and injured. He called on all sides to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, in line with international law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Afghanistan United Nations Secretary-General New York 01 September 2025 Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life caused by Sunday's earthquake in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar Province. Initial reports indicate that more than 800 people have been killed and many more injured. Casualty figures are expected to rise as search and rescue teams reach affected communities located in remote and mountainous locations. The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. The United Nations and our partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with the de facto authorities to swiftly assess needs, provide emergency assistance and stand ready to mobilise additional support. An emergency appeal is being developed by the United Nations and our partners and an initial $5 million from the UN's emergency fund CERF has been released. The United Nations in Afghanistan will spare no effort to assist people but current humanitarian funding is insufficient to address the needs. The Secretary-General calls for additional humanitarian resources to urgently respond to the tragedy and crisis at hand. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the Shahghai Cooperation Organization [as prepared] United Nations Secretary-General 01 September 2025 Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, Excellencies, It is a privilege to address the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - the world's largest regional organization by population and geography. We are moving towards a multipolar world. This is a reality - and an opportunity. Emerging economies are reshaping trade, diplomacy and development. At the same time, we see widening injustices and divisions. We need principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people - as reflected in the Pact for the Future. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future. Allow me to highlight four priorities. First - peace and security. In Gaza, the scale of death and destruction is horrific - and famine is now ravaging the population. We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access. No more obstacles. No more excuses. No more lies. And we must advance concrete and irreversible steps toward a two-State solution - the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. In Ukraine, it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace - in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions. From Sudan to Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond... we must protect civilians, promote dialogue and secure peace. Your leadership in diplomacy and de-escalation is essential, as are your efforts against terrorism and transnational threats. Second - sustainable development and finance. Debt, inequality and other crises are reversing development gains. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is working to catalyze sustainable investments. But regional efforts must be matched by global reforms. We are no longer in 1945 - and our institutions must reflect today's realities. That means reform of the international financial architecture that ensures fair representation for developing countries. Triples the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks; Provides real debt relief and mobilizes private capital at scale. Your collective voice can help turn these reforms into reality. Third - climate action. This region is home to over three billion people - including many climate-vulnerable communities. Extreme heat. Melting glaciers. Floods. Droughts. We are reaching a tipping point and need meaningful reductions of emissions. G20 countries - responsible for 80% of global emissions - must lead. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must be respected - but all must make an extra effort. That means submitting new Nationally Determined Contributions before COP30 - aligned with the 1.5-degree limit, and global goals to double energy efficiency and triple renewables by 2030. I have invited leaders to present ambitious national climate plans at a Special Event on Climate Action on September 24. I look forward to seeing you there. We must also set a clear path to delivering $1.3 trillion by 2030. Developed countries must honour their commitments. And we need a breakthrough on adaptation. Doubling adaptation finance. Scaling up early warning systems. Building resilient infrastructure. And we must pursue a just phaseout of fossil fuels - while accelerating the renewables revolution. Your cooperation is central to this transition. Fourth - and finally - digital cooperation. New technologies bring opportunities - and risks. We need guardrails to ensure safety, inclusion, and trust. The General Assembly just established an Independent International Scientific Panel - to connect science and policy - and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance - to give all countries a voice and prevent fragmentation. These mechanisms mark a breakthrough for global AI cooperation - leveraging the unique convening power of the United Nations. We have also put forward innovative voluntary financing options to strengthen AI capacity in developing countries. Once again, your initiatives can help shape approaches based on inclusion, interoperability, and human rights. Excellencies, As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we must strengthen international cooperation for the 21st century and always put people first. In that spirit, I welcome China's Global Governance Initiative, announced today, and the fact that it is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. Together, let us bring the Charter's promise to life, and work for a future of peace, dignity and solidarity. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban Rulers Seek Outside Help As Workers Race To Aid Earthquake Victims By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and Ray Furlong September 02, 2025 Afghanistan's Taliban rulers pleaded for outside help following the devastating earthquake that flattened villages and killed hundreds of people in the east of the country. Taliban authorities reported at least 800 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Jalalabad close to the Pakistan border on August 31. "We need it [aid] because lots of people here lost their lives and houses," Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told Reuters on September 1. The Taliban-led government has not been officially recognized by any country besides Russia, although aid groups have attempted to maintain contacts despite barriers put up by the de-facto rulers. Amnesty International put out a call for "urgent humanitarian aid," but the London-based rights organization also blasted the Taliban for making rescue operations more difficult. It also assailed Pakistan for its forced repatriation of nearly 2 million Afghan refugees, saying it exasperated the woes. "The Taliban de-facto authorities have also been responsible for the shrinking of operations of humanitarian and aid agencies in the country due to restrictive policies and a ban on Afghan women working for the UN as well as other NGOs in Afghanistan. This is part of the Taliban's systematic attack on human rights in the country," Amnesty said in a statement. International organizations preparing assistance have made efforts to stress that all aid will go to the victims and not into the hands of the Taliban leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world organization was working with authorities to "swiftly assess needs, provide emergency assistance, and stand ready to mobilize additional support." The UN mission in Afghanistan added that "hundreds of lives" had been lost and that it had mobilized to deliver assistance and life-saving support, while the European Union said, "We stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan." The Vatican said Pope Leo XIV he was "deeply saddened by the significant loss of life caused by the earthquake in the area of eastern Afghanistan." "His Holiness Pope Leo XIV offers fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased, the wounded, and those still missing," the statement added. The disaster comes at a time when the impoverished country struggles with cutbacks in international aid over seizing of power by the Taliban and the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries. "The villages there are built in a way that the homes are basically in a stepped terrace situation," Salam Al-Janabi, the UNICEF spokesman in Kabul, told RFE/RL. "It means these homes are toppling on top of each other. And this is why we're seeing such large numbers of casualties." In Nangahar's Darah Noor district, residents told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that tremors were still being felt on September 1, following the quake that occurred just before midnight. "We urgently need tents and immediate assistance for the injured in the hospital for treatment," Shad Noor Mazloomyar said. "We have no food, and everything has been destroyed, our homes, equipment, and kitchens. Nothing is left." Another Nangarhar resident, 35-year-old Shukrullah Halim, said "People's homes have been destroyed." "Everything has been leveled to the ground. There is an urgent need to deliver health kits to the people and to provide food and essential household supplies," he added. Al-Janabi said "at the moment you have all UN agencies in Afghanistan surging over there," and that some 600 homes were destroyed. "Where are these families staying? Where are these children staying? Maybe it will be fine for just now to stay under a tent...within the next three weeks it's going to get colder in this area very soon." Video posted on social media showed people desperately digging through rubble, trying to reach people trapped underneath. Injured survivors were being airlifted from the remote, mountainous region by helicopter. Taliban officials said the terrain made it difficult to get aid and emergency workers to the scene. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government, warned that the death toll was expected to rise. Speaking at a news conference in Kabul, he said there were some 800 fatalities in Kunar Province and 12 people killed in Nangarhar Province. Afghanistan is often hit by earthquakes, with the last one in October 2023. In that case, the death toll rose steadily as emergency work continued. The Taliban gave a final figure of 4,000 dead, although the United Nations said the figure was around 1,500. The latest quake struck around 11:45 p.m. on August 31 and was centered some 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, according to the US Geological Survey (USGA). Modelling by the USGA earlier suggested the estimated number of deaths could reach into the hundreds of people. The USGA said the quake was 8 kilometers deep, a relatively shallow level that often causes greater damage than deeper temblors. A 4.5-magnitude quake struck in the region some 20 minutes later, followed by another aftershock of 5.2 magnitude, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). Residents of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad -- more than 300 kilometers away -- reported feeling buildings shaking. "Unfortunately, tonight's earthquake has had human casualties and financial damage in some of our eastern provinces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. "Local officials and residents are making all the efforts to rescue affected ones. Support teams from the capital and nearby provinces are also on their way. All available resources will be used for the rescue and relief of the people," he added. Residents of Kabul -- about 100 kilometers away -- also were shaken. The quake comes after Nangarhar Province was hit by heavy flooding over the weekend that killed at least five people and destroyed crops and property. With reporting by Reuters, the BBC, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-earthquake- jalalabad-pakistan/33518324.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK provides emergency aid to Afghanistan earthquake victims Press release The UK has announced emergency funding to support families affected by the devastating earthquake which hit Afghanistan. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP Published 2 September 2025 Afghan families to receive UK emergency funding following earthquake in eastern Afghanistan which has killed over 800 people Funding will provide emergency assistance to affected people, including the provision of essential healthcare to women Support demonstrates UK's longstanding commitment to the Afghan people The UK has, today, announced emergency funding to support families affected by the devastating earthquake which hit Afghanistan on Sunday. Victims of the earthquake, which killed over 800 people and injured thousands, will receive immediate humanitarian support. These funds will be split equally between the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans in the most affected regions. All UK assistance is channelled through experienced partners, ensuring aid reaches those in need and does not go to the Taliban. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: News of the earthquake in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan is truly tragic. The UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan, and this emergency funding will help our partners to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit. The UK remains grateful to the aid workers on the ground, who help us to provide support to Afghanistan's most vulnerable people. The 1 million in emergency funding will contribute to UNFPA's earthquake response, including mobile health teams, emergency medical kits, dignity kits and shelters for displaced families. UNFPA teams will also provide maternal healthcare and psychological support at existing facilities in Kunar - the worst-affected province. Meanwhile funding to the IFRC will support their mobilisation of local volunteers for search and rescue operations, and deployment of ambulances to transport wounded Afghans to health centres. Mountainous terrain and recent flooding have restricted access to many areas hit by the earthquake, adding to Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis, where over 23 million people already require assistance. This emergency response builds on the UK's substantial humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan. The UK allocated 171 million in 2024-25 to support Afghanistan's most vulnerable people, particularly women and girls. The UK works with international partners to strengthen global safety and security, and safeguard human rights. Fostering stability overseas ensures our security in the UK too, helping us deliver our Plan for Change. Notes to Editors: Women and girls accounted for at least 50% of beneficiaries reached by FCDO's support to Afghanistan in financial year 2024/25. In financial year 2024/25, UK support to Afghanistan provided at least: 2,715,000 people with humanitarian assistance, including water & sanitation, food, nutrition, health and cash/voucher, of which 1,782,000 were women & girls. 1,274,000 people with cash or voucher transfers, of which 615,000 were women & girls. This includes cash for food, health, shelter repair, agricultural support, essential household items (e.g. blankets) and winterisation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 01 September 2025 - Day 1286 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 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 160 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Today the Russian occupiers 44 aviation strikes, dropping 77 controlled bombs. In addition, the Russians involved 1960 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,665 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian defenders repelled 10 Russian attacks in the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian opponent launched seven aviation strikes, in total dropped 18 controlled aviation bombs and carried out 190 shells, including three from the jet systems of salpovogo fire. In the South Slobozhansk direction, Ukrainian troops stopped six Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Gliboke, Vovchansk and in the direction of Nova Kruglyakivka, Novoplatonivka. One battle is going on. In the Kupyansk direction, the Russian opponent carried out 14 offensive actions in the areas of populated areas of Kupyansk, Petropavlivka and Stepova Novoselivka. In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian zagarbniks 19 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of Kolodyazi, Zarichne and towards the settlements of Karpivka, Shandrigolove, Yampil, Dronivka and Serebryanka. One confrontation is ongoing so far. In the Sivers komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 Russian attacks near Grigorivka and in the direction of Serebryanka, Viymki. In the Kramators komu direction, there are currently six clashes. Russian Zagarbnik is trying to move towards the settlements of Minkivka, Mykolaivka and Stupochka. One battle is going on. In the Toretsky direction Russians seven times unsuccessfully attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The main efforts of the attack by the occupiers were focused in the areas of Scherbinivka in the direction of Pleshiyivka, Nelipivka and Rusynoy Yar. In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian Zagarbnicki units 43 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Zapovidne, Novoekonomicne, Peace-loving, Fox, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Dachne in the direction of settlements Balagan, Promena, Mirnograd, Rodinsky, Pokrovsk. Four clashes are ongoing so far. Today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneszkodili 144 occupiers, of them 74 - irrevocably. Five vehicles units, eight motorcycles, an artillery system, an APL control point, three unmanned aircraft and two personnel shelters were also destroyed; two artillery systems, two APL control points and five Russian occupant personnel shelters were damaged. In the Novopavlovsk direction, the Russian enemy attacked 18 times in the areas of settlements Green Gai, Tolstoy, Piddubne, Maliivka, Shevchenko and in the direction of settlements Filiya, Ivanivka, Iskra, Oleksandrograd, Novoselivka, Komyshuvakha. The five Russian attacks are ongoing. No combat clashes were recorded in the Gulyaipil direction. Once the Russian aggressor attacked in the Orihiv direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the direction of the settlement of Plavna. In the pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces carried out three unsuccessful attacks. In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening disaster relief cooperation in Tonga By Captain Nigel Jacobs 1 September 2025 On July 30, a magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, resulting in tsunami alerts being issued across the Pacific. While the tsunami never arrived, it was a timely reminder that disaster events are common throughout the Pacific region. They can also arrive with little notice. Just a few days later, representatives from a number of Pacific nations came together for the third annual Regional Exercise Longreach in Nukualofa, Tonga. The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise held between August 4 and 7 brought military forces, non-government organisations and civilian agencies together to sharpen the region's disaster response capabilities. An initiative of the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting, the exercise focuses on strengthening regional partnerships and refining strategies to address the challenges posed by natural disasters. The exercise was based on a simulated Category 5 tropical cyclone event that affected Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua, aiming to ensure Pacific nations are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively when disasters strike. This year's program included a one-day plenary session and a three-day tabletop exercise. Participants tackled complex challenges such as coordinating multi-agency responses, managing logistics in remote areas and using faith-based networks to communicate and distribute humanitarian aid. The tabletop exercise also considered the integration of the Pacific Response Group into the simulated response. Delegates from across the Pacific, including representatives from Fiji, New Zealand, France, Papua New Guinea and Australia, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States, joined their Tongan counterparts for the event. The diverse group brought expertise in areas such as emergency management, defence, policing, religion and humanitarian aid. Lead Planner for Regional Exercise Longreach Major Paul Randall, of Headquarters 1st (Australian) Division, highlighted how valuable it was for participants to develop a strong understanding of the systems and capabilities of the various Pacific nations, non-government organisations and religious groups in the region. He also noted how these systems and capabilities can be harnessed to respond to a major disaster event. "It is really important that host nations understand the types of support that Australia and other Pacific countries can provide if their assistance is requested to help respond to a significant event," Major Randall said. "Representatives from the Pacific Response Group, the Pacific Police Support Group and the Pacific Defence Faith Network were all on hand to provide an insight into their unique functions and capabilities. "It was equally important for partner nations to gain an appreciation of local disaster response procedures and requirements to ensure they can appropriately coordinate with, and support, local systems during a disaster. "We also had representatives from the International Red Cross, the local Red Cross, the United Nations, as well as members of the Tongan Ministry of Health, Fire and Emergency Services, Police force and the National Disaster Risk Management Office of both Tonga and Fiji on hand to share their unique perspectives. "The planning that occurs during Exercise Longreach enables Pacific partner nations to strengthen collaboration and enhance their coordinated preparedness so they can rapidly respond to major disasters and emergencies." The exercise also served as a platform for building stronger relationships among Pacific nations and key international partners. Principal Logistics Officer with the Tongan National Disaster Management Office Lazarus Vaipulu welcomed the opportunity to bring these organisations together to plan and understand what each nation needed and how they could assist one another. "This is a very important exercise for us because we're able to bring together not only our national partners but also our local and our development partners," Mr Vaipulu said. "Collaboration is key, especially in terms of preparedness for an event, because we're able to build key strategic partnerships and relationships with our foreign and donor partners. "We're able to sit down together at one table and work on how we're able to coordinate a better disaster preparedness response." By fostering trust and collaboration, Regional Exercise Longreach enhanced the region's ability to respond to disasters in a coordinated and effective manner. While the exercise concluded in August, participants are already looking ahead to the next iteration, with a shared commitment to improving disaster resilience and safeguarding communities across the Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says China supports Azerbaijan in joining SCO Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLin Congyi 2025-08-31 15:11:19 TIANJIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said China supports Azerbaijan in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Xi made the remarks when meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the port city of Tianjin ahead of the SCO Summit 2025. Aliyev is in China to attend the summit, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Azerbaijan is currently a dialogue partner of the SCO. Xi stressed the need to continuously improve the efficiency of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, expand cooperation in traditional fields such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and foster new growth drivers in emerging sectors including the digital economy, green development and artificial intelligence. Aliyev said Azerbaijan is ready to enhance cooperation with China in economy and trade, science and technology, connectivity, and tourism, to deliver more benefits to the two peoples. He added that Azerbaijan is willing to work more closely with China within the SCO framework to jointly promote regional and global peace and development. The two sides signed several bilateral cooperation agreements covering artificial intelligence, innovation in science and technology, finance, and media. Senior Chinese officials including Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Armenia establish strategic partnership Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLin Congyi 2025-08-31 15:11:19 TIANJIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries during their meeting in the port city of Tianjin ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Pashinyan is in China to attend the summit, as well as activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Xi said since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 33 years ago, they have maintained healthy and steady development of the ties, and the establishment of the strategic partnership marks a significant milestone. China supports Armenia in joining the SCO and is willing to work with Armenia to practice true multilateralism and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. Armenia is currently a dialogue partner of the SCO. Pashinyan said Armenia firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and looks forward to expanding economic and trade cooperation with China, maintaining close coordination in international and regional affairs, and promoting greater development of bilateral relations. The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of the strategic partnership and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents. Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi, Wang Yi and Chen Min'er were present at the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi meets Maldivian president Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLin Congyi 2025-08-31 15:11:19 TIANJIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in the port city of Tianjin on Sunday. Muizzu is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Noting that the two countries have achieved positive progress in advancing Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said China will continue to deepen practical cooperation with the Maldives to ensure the effective implementation of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement and carry out cooperation in areas including fisheries, marine scientific research, environmental protection, as well as disaster prevention and reduction. For his part, Muizzu said the Maldives is willing to work with China to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, housing construction and tourism, and to strengthen coordination and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms including the SCO. Senior Chinese officials including Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM responds to Indonesian President's cancellation of visit to China for the SCO Summit and other events Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 01, 2025 03:50 PM According to reports, the escalating large-scale demonstrations in Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia have caused casualties; Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's cancelled his trip to China for the SCO Summit and other events. What is China's comment on the situation? Guo Jiakun, spokesperson from China's foreign ministry, said on Monday that China has noted the changes in Indonesia's domestic situation and believes that under President Prabowo's leadership, the Indonesian government will be able to properly handle the situation and restore stability as soon as possible. He added that China also hopes Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in the country. China understands and respects the Indonesian government's adjustment to President Prabowo's travel plans due to domestic needs, and welcomes Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono as the president's representative to attend the SCO Tianjin Summit and 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, said Guo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pooling the Strength of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to Improve Global Governance Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 01, 2025 18:34 Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting Tianjin, September 1, 2025 Distinguished Colleagues, This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. It is a milestone prompting us to remember the past and create a better future together. Eighty years ago, the international community learned profound lessons from the scourge of two world wars and founded the United Nations, thus writing a new page in global governance. Eighty years later, while the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world. New threats and challenges have been only increasing. The world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. Global governance has come to a new crossroads. History tells us that at difficult times, we must uphold our original commitment to peaceful coexistence, strengthen our confidence in win-win cooperation, advance in line with the trend of history, and thrive in keeping pace with the times. To this end, I wish to propose the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity. First, we should adhere to sovereign equality. We should maintain that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers and beneficiaries in global governance. We should promote greater democracy in international relations and increase the representation and voice of developing countries. Second, we should abide by international rule of law. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and in their entirety. International law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly. There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others. Third, we should practice multilateralism. We should uphold the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and oppose unilateralism. We should firmly safeguard the status and authority of the U.N., and ensure its irreplaceable, key role in global governance. Fourth, we should advocate the people-centered approach. We should reform and improve the global governance system to ensure that the people of every nation are the actors in and beneficiaries of global governance, so as to better tackle the common challenges for mankind, better narrow the North-South gap, and better safeguard the common interests of all countries. Fifth, we should focus on taking real actions. We should adopt a systematic and holistic approach, coordinate global actions, fully mobilize various resources, and strive for more visible outcomes. We should enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from lagging behind or being fragmented. Colleagues, The founding declaration and the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization made it clear at the outset that we should promote a more democratic, just and equitable international political and economic order. Over the past 24 years, the SCO has adhered faithfully to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. We have discussed regional affairs together, built platforms and mechanisms together, and benefited from cooperation together. We have also initiated many new global governance concepts and put them into practice. The SCO has increasingly become a catalyst for the development and reform of the global governance system. In response to the once-in-a-century transformations unfolding faster across the world, the SCO should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the GGI. We should contribute to safeguarding world peace and stability. With a vision for common security, SCO member states have signed the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, conducted effective security cooperation, and maintained overall stability in the region. We should continue to uphold the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. We should combine our efforts in addressing various threats and challenges, give full play to the newly established SCO Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats and the SCO Anti-drug Center, and build a community of common security in the region. We should remain a force for stability in this volatile world. We should step up to take the responsibility for open cooperation across the globe. SCO member states have rich energy resources, big markets and strong internal driving forces, and we are contributing a rising share to world economic growth. We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; we should seek integration, not decoupling. We should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and push for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China will readily share the opportunities of its vast market, and continue to implement the action plan for high-quality development of economic and trade cooperation within the SCO family. China will establish three major platforms for China-SCO cooperation in energy, green industry, and the digital economy, and will set up three major cooperation centers for scientific and technological innovation, higher education, and vocational and technical education. We will work with fellow SCO countries to increase the installed capacity of photovoltaic and wind power each by 10 million kilowatts in the next five years. We are ready to build with all sides the artificial intelligence application cooperation center, and share the dividends of progress in AI. We welcome all parties to use the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and invite countries with relevant capacities to take part in the International Lunar Research Station project. We should set an example in championing the common values of humanity. Among SCO member states, cultural exchanges are packed with highlights, people-to-people interactions are frequent and robust, and different civilizations radiate their unique splendor. We should continue to promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and write brilliant chapters of peace, amity and harmony among countries different in history, culture, social system and development stage. China will host and ensure the success of the SCO Political Parties Forum, the SCO Green and Sustainable Development Forum, and the SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine. In the next five years, China will treat 500 patients with congenital heart disease, perform 5,000 cataract operations, and carry out 10,000 cancer screenings for other SCO countries. We should act to defend international fairness and justice. In compliance with the principles of justice and fairness, SCO member states have engaged constructively in international and regional affairs, and upheld the common interests of the Global South. We should continue to unequivocally oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and stand as a pillar in promoting a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. China supports the SCO in expanding cooperation with other multilateral institutions, such as the U.N., ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, to jointly uphold the international economic and trade order and improve global and regional governance. Colleagues, An ancient Chinese philosopher said of the importance of principles, "Uphold the Great Principle, and the world will follow." In two days, China will commemorate solemnly the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Many colleagues will join us in Beijing. We are ready, together with all parties, to uphold courageously the great principle and the common good of the world, promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, resolutely safeguard the fruits of our victory in the War, and deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on September 1, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 01, 2025 17:37 China News Service: Large-scale demonstrations and protests in Jakarta and other places in Indonesia ramped up and caused casualties. President Prabowo Subianto canceled his planned trip to China for the SCO Tianjin Summit and other events. What's China's comment? Guo Jiakun: We noted the latest developments in Indonesia and believe that under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian government has the ability to properly handle the domestic situation and restore stability at an early date. China hopes Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese institutions and personnel in Indonesia. China understands and respects the Indonesian government's decision, in light of its domestic needs, regarding participation in the SCO Tianjin Summit and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China welcomes Foreign Minister Sugiono to attend the Summit and commemoration events as the representative of President Prabowo. CCTV: On August 31 local time, an earthquake rocked eastern Afghanistan, causing heavy casualties and property loss. What's China's comment? Will China offer the country assistance? Guo Jiakun: China is closely following the deadly earthquake in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar. We mourn for the lives lost in the earthquake in Afghanistan and our hearts go out to the bereaved families and the injured. We believe that under the leadership of the Afghan government, the Afghan people will recover and rebuild from the disaster. China will do what it can to provide help in light of Afghanistan's needs. China Daily: Recently, some Pacific Island countries have suffered from the largest and severest dengue fever outbreak in 10 years. Has China offered assistance to them? Could you share more details? Guo Jiakun: Health cooperation is an important part of China's cooperation with Pacific Island countries. China is closely following the latest dengue fever outbreak there and has taken measures to actively help the countries fight the disease. Right after the outbreak, we provided supplies and financial support to Tonga, Samoa, and other worst-affected island countries. We offered testing reagents and products for mosquito control to Tonga, and protective suits, face masks and gloves to Samoa. Not long ago, Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the GX Foundation, visited Vanuatu and Fiji. He launched a program in Vanuatu to fight dengue fever and donated mosquito and fly control products and rapid testing reagents to communities in the two countries. China has also sent medical teams on long-term missions to seven Pacific Island countries, actively contributing to the improvement of public health and the development of healthcare services there. During this outbreak, the Chinese medical teams have stayed on the front line, worked with local medical staff to save patients, and shared knowledge on how to prevent and control the disease. China's selfless assistance is appreciated and widely recognized by the local governments and people. In light of the developments of the disease, China will continue to do its best to provide support and assistance to the Pacific Island countries in need. Reuters: What time will the military parade on Wednesday start? Guo Jiakun: I'd refer you to the press center for detailed arrangement of 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Xi slams 'bullying' behavior in world affairs, urges cooperation to strengthen SCO Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 6:23 AM Chinese President Xi Jinping has criticized "bullying behavior" in international affairs, pledging to strengthen multilateral ties as he opened the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. In an address to SCO leaders on Sunday evening, Xi called on the world to reject Cold War mentalities, bloc confrontations and "bullying behavior" in international politics. Xi delivered his remarks at the opening of the two-day SCO summit, which brought together leaders from more than 20 nations. Among the attendees were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also took part in the gathering. "The current international situation is becoming increasingly chaotic and intertwined ... The security and development tasks facing member states have become even more challenging," Xi warned. He urged the SCO to uphold fairness and justice in both domestic and international affairs, while resisting what he called the mentality of power politics. Xi highlighted that the organization has made progress by adhering to the "Shanghai Spirit," a principle based on mutual respect, equality, and cooperation. "Looking to the future, with the world undergoing turbulence and transformation, we must continue to forge ahead and enhance the functions of the organization," he said. China's role within the bloc has grown significantly. Trade between China and SCO members has now surpassed $2.3 trillion, while Chinese investments in member states have exceeded $84 billion. Xi pledged to expand Belt and Road Initiative across the region and to cultivate what he described as "a friendly network of the SCO's peoples." Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and several Central Asian republics to address regional security concerns, the SCO has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. An additional 16 nations hold observer or dialogue partner status. The organization engages in joint counter-terrorism drills, coordinates on security matters, and fosters collaboration in trade, energy, and education. Over the years, member states have promoted the SCO as a strategic counterweight to NATO. Xi's latest remarks are widely viewed as a pointed rejection of unilateral approaches associated with US foreign policy, particularly during the President Donald Trump administration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SCO statement on supporting multilateral trading system demonstrates firm determination to maintain stability of global trade order: MOFCOM Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 02, 2025 11:27 AM Leaders of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Monday issued a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system during the ongoing SCO Tianjin Summit, according to the Xinhua News Agency. This demonstrates the SCO's firm determination to maintain the stability of the global trade order, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Over the past 30 years, the WTO has provided an open, stable, and predictable institutional foundation for global economic development, greatly promoting the liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment, as well as economic growth. However, the multilateral trading system is currently facing severe challenges, as certain countries have abused tariff measures, seriously undermined the global economic and trade order, and brought greater uncertainty and instability to global economic development, the MOFCOM noted. SCO member states support the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and fully affirm the WTO's important role in global economic governance. Since assuming the rotating presidency of the SCO, China has actively cooperated with other SCO member states to address global trade turmoil and support an inclusive multilateral trading system. Through the joint efforts of all parties, the statement was finally reached and issued, according to the MOFCOM. The statement reflects the consensus of SCO member states. In terms of overall stance, it supports the rules-based multilateral trading system, opposes trade restrictive measures that violate WTO rules and principles, and calls on all parties to engage in dialogue and cooperation and abide by WTO rules. In addressing challenges, it reaffirms the importance of advancing WTO reforms, calls for the restoration of the normal functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism, emphasizes the importance of open, inclusive, resilient, and stable supply chains, and encourages continued work in this regard, said the MOFCOM. Looking to the future, the statement underscores the importance of development, supports the better integration of developing members and least developed countries into the multilateral trading system, supports the early accession of Belarus, Iran, and Uzbekistan to the WTO, and looks forward to achieving practical outcomes at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in 2026, the ministry said. This is the first time that the heads of state of the SCO member states issued a statement specifically on jointly supporting the multilateral trading system, demonstrating the SCO's firm determination to maintain the stability of the global trade order, the MOFCOM said. The statement also came at the right timing, the ministry said, noting that recently, some WTO members reached a framework agreement on so-called "reciprocal tariffs," and SCO member states reaffirm the WTO's core principles, such as most-favored-nation treatment and non-discrimination, calling on all parties to adhere to international trade laws, including WTO rules. In the next step, China will further strengthen communication and cooperation with other SCO member states, actively practice true multilateralism, promote WTO reforms in the right direction, safeguard the legitimate interests of developing members, and contribute to building an open global economy, the MOFCOM said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi meets Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Global Times By Xinhua Published: Sep 02, 2025 09:10 AM Updated: Sep 02, 2025 01:35 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, Xi said. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, and strengthen cooperation in joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence, poverty reduction, and other fields, while expanding cultural, educational, tourism, and local exchanges, Xi noted. Both sides should make good use of the China-Uzbekistan law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism to jointly combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to address security risks and challenges, said Xi. Xi emphasized that China and Uzbekistan should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, practice true multilateralism, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), defend the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard the hard-won peace and tranquility. Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan appreciates China's long-term valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, noting that Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to further advance the development of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Uzbekistan fully supports the GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping, Mirziyoyev said, adding that this initiative aligns with the needs of global governance and embodies profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to jointly implement this initiative and promote the international order toward a more just and equitable direction, Mirziyoyev said. After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as development strategy alignment, mutual establishment of cultural centers, and medical services. The two sides also signed cooperation documents in fields such as economic and technological cooperation, digital economy, market regulation, aerospace, and customs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un departs for China by special train: report Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 02, 2025 08:45 AM Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has departed for China by a special train on September 1 to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration for the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the DPRK's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, China Central Television reported. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and other senior party and government officials, according to the announcement. We warmly welcome General Secretary Kim Jong Un to China to attend the commemorative event, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei said at a press conference on China's V-Day commemorations on August 28, 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the DPRK. During the arduous years of war, the peoples of China and the DPRK supported each other and jointly fought against Japanese aggression, making important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the cause of human justice, Hong said. Upholding, consolidating and developing China-DPRK relations is a firm stance of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government. China is willing to continue to work hand in hand with the DPRK on the path of strengthening exchanges and cooperation and advancing socialist construction, and to closely collaborate in the cause of promoting regional peace and stability and safeguarding international fairness and justice, so as to write a new chapter in China-DPRK traditional friendship, Hong said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Focus on India: Foreign Minister Wadephul visits strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific Germany Federal Foreign Office 01.09.2025 - Article Foreign Minister Wadephul's trip to Bangalore and New Delhi will centre on the strategic partnership, which Germany and India intend to intensify through even closer cooperation across the entire spectrum. Dialogue on business, technology, space and security will also be the focus of attention. India, with whom we are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership this year, is an essential key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Wadephul is visiting the country in order to expand this partnership in areas ranging from business and technology to security policy. The potential for more intensive cooperation with the world's largest democracy is huge. Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following prior to his departure: With our Strategic Partnership, our academic cooperation and our cultural agreement dating back 25, 50 and almost 60 years respectively, India is a strategic partner for Germany across the board in the Indo-Pacific and plays a crucial role in the system of global partnerships. We want to further deepen our relations across the entire spectrum and to strengthen them in particular in areas where potential has not yet been met. This is in our two countries' mutual interest. Innovation meets partnership: itinerary in Bangalore The first stop on the trip is Bangalore, India's vibrant innovation metropolis. Before setting off, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised: India is a rising and rapidly developing economic powerhouse and already a very promising global technology hub. It offers German companies great opportunities in terms of innovation, trade and supply chain diversification. India is a key partner for us worldwide as regards giving our economy a broader focus and making it more stable. This dynamism, which makes India so innovative, is exactly what I want to see for myself in Bangalore, in the heart of India, where I also want to explore even greater opportunities for cooperation. At the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the focus will be on scientific and technological cooperation. India is already an important player in civilian space activities with whom we want to work more closely. Visits to the Mercedes-Benz research and development centre and the SAP campus show that already around 2000 German enterprises are investing heavily in India's future and intensifying German-Indian economic cooperation. In the global innovation hub of Bangalore, Foreign Minister Wadephul will speak with skilled workers and managers about digitisation, mobility and prospects for skilled workers in Germany. The visit to the Goethe-Institut will centre on language training for highly qualified skilled workers from India, who are urgently needed in Germany. Scientific cooperation will be the focus of the visit to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), one of the leading research institutions in Asia. Topics such as the green transformation and artificial intelligence bring together German and Indian interests. Visit to New Delhi: dialogue on global issues India and Germany share fundamental interests in a shifting world order - for example in strengthening multilateralism, international law and a rules based trade system. As democracies, India and Germany are natural partners. In the capital New Delhi, Foreign Minister Wadephul will engage in dialogue on these topics with representatives of Indian think tanks. High level political talks with Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, among others, will focus not least on global security, regional stability and building on the strategic partnership between India and Germany. A reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific Today, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world - as well as a lively democracy with mounting international influence. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised: Germany and India have set themselves the goal of expanding and strengthening their mutual relations. This is a partnership based on mutual trust and reliability. His visit underscores the fact that Germany is counting on partnership with India in the areas of politics, business and science. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 01.09.2025 - Press release Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement today (1 September) prior to his departure for India: With our Strategic Partnership, our academic cooperation and our cultural agreement dating back 25, 50 and almost 60 years respectively, India is a strategic partner for Germany across the board in the Indo-Pacific and plays a crucial role in the system of global partnerships. We want to further deepen our relations across the entire spectrum and to strengthen them in particular in areas where potential has not yet been met. This is in our two countries' mutual interest. India is a rising and rapidly developing economic powerhouse and already a very promising global technology hub. It offers German companies great opportunities in terms of innovation, trade and supply-chain diversification. India is a key partner for us worldwide as regards giving our economy a broader focus and making it more stable. This dynamism, which makes India so innovative, is exactly what I want to see for myself in Bangalore, in the heart of India, where I also want to explore even greater opportunities for cooperation. In order to take our economic relations to the next level, we should now conclude the planned EU India Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible. Germany is striving to achieve this. Economic relations can only expand when you have people who play a part in this. Attracting skilled workers will be one of the main topics of my talks in Delhi. Indian nationals form the largest group of international students in Germany and provide vital support to our economy as skilled workers who are much in demand. We want to expand this "perfect match" and to strengthen the structures needed to do so, from issuing visas faster to providing the right kind of language training. It is also in our mutual interest to expand security, defence and arms cooperation between Germany and India, as security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are closely interconnected. Europe and India hold similar views on the rules-based international order. As democracies and thus natural partners, we want to preserve this order, which faces huge geopolitical challenges. Continued exchange on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is crucial, as this war poses the greatest threat to Europe's security. We will also discuss China's increasingly aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific. The fact that India's voice is heard far beyond the strategically important Indo-Pacific region and that India plays a crucial role in shaping our century's international order is shown by the sheer numbers: over 1.4 billion people live in India, the world's most populous country. They represent almost a sixth of the world's population and, like us, face the most pressing tasks of our times. Germany and India have set themselves the goal of expanding and strengthening their mutual relations. This is a partnership based on mutual trust and reliability. Modi thanks Chinese leader, government and people for successful SCO Summit organization Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 01, 2025 06:55 PM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media platform X on Monday that his visit to China is productive, thanking the Chinese president, Chinese government and people for the successful organization of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Modi said: "Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasised India's stand on key global issues. Thankful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people for the successful organisation of this Summit." The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 was held from August 31 to September 1 in North China's Tianjin, Xinhua News Agency reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister meets President of the Russian Federation (September 01, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs September 01, 2025 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the President of the Russian Federation, H.E Mr. Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China. 2. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, including in the economic, financial, and energy sectors and expressed satisfaction with the sustained growth in bilateral ties in these areas. 3. The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Prime Minister reiterated his support for the recent initiatives that have been taken to address the conflict in Ukraine, and emphasized the need to expedite a cessation of the conflict, and find a durable peace settlement. 4. The two leaders reaffirmed their support for further strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister conveyed to President Putin that he was looking forward to receiving him in India for the 23rd Annual Summit later this year. Tianjin September 01, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister participates in the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, China (September 01, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs September 01, 2025 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Tianjin, China, from 31 August to 1 September 2025. The Summit witnessed productive discussions on SCO Development Strategy, Reform of Global Governance, Counter-Terrorism, Peace and Security, Economic and Financial Cooperation, and Sustainable Development. 2. Addressing the Summit, Prime Minister highlighted India's approach to strengthening cooperation under the SCO framework. In this regard, he noted that India seeks greater action under three pillars - Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. Emphasising that peace, security and stability remain key to progress and prosperity, he called upon member countries to take firm and decisive action to fight terrorism in all its manifestations. Prime Minister underlined the need for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalization. Thanking member countries for their strong solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, he emphasized that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism and urged the group to hold countries who perpetrate and support cross-border terrorism accountable. 3. Highlighting the role of connectivity in fostering development and building trust, Prime Minister stated that India strongly supported projects such as Chabahar port and International North-South Transport Corridor. He also spoke about opportunities in the fields of start-ups, innovation, youth empowerment and shared heritage, which must be pursued under the SCO umbrella. Prime Minister proposed commencing a Civilizational Dialogue Forum within the group to foster greater people-to-people ties and cultural understanding. 4. Prime Minister expressed support for the reform-oriented agenda of the group. In this regard, he welcomed the setting up of centres to deal with organized crime, drug trafficking and cyber security. He called for a similar approach by the group to reforming multilateral institutions, including the United Nations. Full address of PM may be seen here [Link]. 5. Prime Minister thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm hospitality and congratulated him for the successful organization of the Summit. He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on taking over the next Presidency of SCO. At the conclusion of the Summit, the SCO Member countries adopted the Tianjin Declaration. [Link] Tianjin, China September 01, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA - USA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS 2025 India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 01 SEP 2025 5:15PM by PIB Delhi An Indian Army contingent has departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA, to participate in the 21st edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, scheduled from 1st to 14th September 2025. The Indian contingent, comprising personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, will train alongside soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment "Bobcats" of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the USA. Over two weeks, troops will rehearse a spectrum of tactical drills including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid and the integrated use of Artillery, Aviation and Electronic Warfare systems. In addition, subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical domains such as UAS and Counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications and logistics. The exercise will culminate in jointly planned and executed tactical manoeuvres, ranging from live-fire exercises to high-altitude warfare scenarios, with a focus on improving capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping operations and strengthening preparedness for multi-domain challenges. **** NA/PK (Release ID: 2162738) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's Opening statement during his meeting with the President of Russia India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 01 SEP 2025 1:47PM by PIB Delhi I am very pleased to meet you, and I feel that meeting you is always an occasion to remember. It provides us with an opportunity to exchange information on a variety of topics. We've been in constant touch. There have also been many high-level meetings between the two sides regularly. 140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting to welcome you for our 23rd Summit in December this year. Excellency, This is a reflection of the depth and scope of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder even in the most difficult situations. Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries, but also for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Excellency, We've been having regular discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts towards establishing peace. We hope that all parties shall proceed ahead constructively. A way must be found to end this conflict and establish lasting peace. This is the aspiration of entire humanity. Excellency, Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you. DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's statement. Original statement was delivered in Hindi. *** MJPS/SR (Release ID: 2162614) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump calls trade with India 'a totally one sided disaster'; Indian media says US increases pressure on New Delhi lately Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 02, 2025 12:24 PM US President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his criticism of India, calling trade ties with the country "a totally one sided disaster," some US media reported. Trump in a post on Truth Social said that India had offered to cut its tariffs to zero, but it was "getting late," and that the country should have done so "years ago," without elaborating on when such an offer was made, according to CNBC. This comes against the backdrop of the US imposing 50 percent tariffs on the country, including secondary duties of 25 percent last month for purchasing Russian oil, which India has called "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," CNBC said. Some Indian media outlets pointed out that in recent days, officials from the Trump administration have increased their public pressure on India. However, just as Trump issued his latest threat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had just concluded his visit to China to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin. Reuters reported that under Trump's trade pressure, Modi publicly demonstrated solidarity with the leaders of China and Russia. Hindustan Times pointed out that trade talks between India and the US suffered a setback in August when an expected visit by an American delegation was abruptly put off amid rising tensions. Trump reiterated that India was buying oil and arms from Russia, and accused New Delhi of selling the US "massive amounts of goods," but imposing high tariffs on US exports to India, CNBC said. As part of its trade negotiations, India had expressed willingness to offer zero tariffs on some goods like auto components and pharmaceuticals, while barriers on sectors like agriculture and dairy remained red lines it wouldn't breach, Bloomberg News has reported earlier. India has also made several moves this year, including overhauling its tariff regime to reduce import duties on prominent American goods like bourbon whiskey and high-end motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson Inc, Bloomberg said. The 50 percent tariffs on the Indian goods, which came into effect last week, is expected to impact around $48 billion products including precious gems, textiles, and shrimps, NDTV said. The Indian government has called for calm and said it is working on measures to offset any problem arising from the tariffs, including offering affected companies and sector aid and expanding export markets, according to the Indian media report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, China, Russia sign joint letter reaffirming illegality of E3's snapback move IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran along with Russia and China have reaffirmed that the move by E3 countries, namely Britain, France, and Germany, to trigger the "snapback mechanism" against the Islamic Republic is void and without any legal basis. The Iranian foreign minister shared a post on his X account on Monday, saying that he and his Chinese and Russian counterparts, Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov, signed a joint letter in Tianjin, China, where they attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. "Our joint letter with my colleagues, the Foreign Ministers of China and Russia, signed in Tianjin reflects the firm position that the European attempt to invoke "snapback" is legally baseless and politically destructive," Araghchi said in his post. The joint letter by the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and China comes after the E3, all members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), informed the United Nations Security Council on Thursday that they had triggered the "snapback" mechanism that would restore UN sanctions lifted under the JCPOA, citing what they called non-compliance by Iran. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 during the first term of President Donald Trump. Iran began reciprocal measures a year later, after the European parties to the deal failed to compensate for the US pullout. "By declaring the E3's move null and void, we have placed on record that no party can erase the sequence of events: it was the United States that first violated the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, and it was Europe that subsequently chose to align with unlawful sanctions instead of honoring its own commitments. These undeniable facts must frame any serious discussion at the Security Council," said Araghchi. Highlighting international regulations regarding the rights of countries, he underlined, "We have also reaffirmed a fundamental principle of international law: rights and obligations cannot be separated. States that fail to fulfill their own commitments cannot claim the benefits of an agreement they have undermined. The credibility of multilateral diplomacy depends on this logic. What is at stake is not only Iran's rights but the integrity of international agreements themselves. If selective compliance and procedural abuse are tolerated, the very foundation of collective security will be fatally weakened." The Iranian minister went on to say, "The primary function of the Security Council is to act on behalf of the international community to maintain peace and security. What the E3 proposes betrays this mission, turning the Council into an instrument of coercion rather than a guardian of global stability. The urgent task before us is to restore international law and build upon it to give diplomacy the ground it needs to succeed." 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia presidents highlight strengthening ties via long-term pact IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have emphasized the importance of implementing the Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and Russia. The two presidents met on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Pezeshkian described the Russia-Iran treaty as a foundation for expanding cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations. He noted that collaboration within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) would further speed up and foster these developments. The Iranian president highlighted his personal commitment to removing obstacles and speeding up the execution of all agreements with Russia. He also stressed the value of scientific and academic exchanges, noting that such cooperation creates a platform for broader, multifaceted interactions. Pezeshkian highlighted the SCO summit, emphasizing the role of international institutions like the SCO in advancing multilateral cooperation in the face of attempts by the US and its allies to enhance unilateralism. Putin sent greetings and well-wishes to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and reaffirmed that relations between Iran and Russia are friendly and growing. The Russian president pointed to a significant increase in bilateral trade, a rise in Iranian students studying in Russia, and the expanding cultural and tourism cooperation. He also emphasized ongoing dialogue on regional and international issues, as well as the Iranian peaceful nuclear program. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran open to diplomatic solution on nuclear program: President Pezeshkian IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Islamic Republic of Iran is and has always been ready to find a diplomatic solution to peacefully resolve its nuclear issue, emphasizing that the failure of the June attacks by the US and Israel on Iran's nuclear sites demonstrated the ineffectiveness of military action. President Pezeshkian made the remarks during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit, which took place on Monday in Tianjin, China. The summit was held alongside the SCO Heads of State Summit. The following is the full text of Pezeshkian's speech at the SCO Plus Summit: The annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has, since its establishment, been a unique opportunity for dialogue and exchange among countries that share a common concern for peace, cooperation, and coordinated efforts to create a fairer and safer world. Over the past three decades, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has promoted a new model of regional and international cooperation based not on hostility and identity conflict, but on cooperation, mutual trust, and respect for diversity. While the world, after the Cold War, failed to fulfill people's desire for a more peaceful world due to unilateral efforts, the experience of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has kept alive the hope that countries with diverse cultural, civilizational, and different political, economic, and military positions can interact and cooperate with each other from an equal standing without superiority. The experience of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has shown that cooperation, especially among developing countries and emerging economies, can provide practical responses to global challenges such as economic inequalities, sanctions, climate change, and transnational security crises. The expansion of the organization's dialogues with other like-minded countries within the Shanghai Plus framework is also a valuable opportunity for deepening and developing these collaborations. Our world needs a new understanding and framework for global cooperation. Such a framework must first distance itself from power-based logic and replace it with principles based on equality and justice. All countries, regardless of size or wealth, should enjoy equal rights and representation in global governance. Fortunately, the prevailing discourse in the discussions and statements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, thanks to the attention of all members, has always been based on achieving peace and security through justice and development. In this regard, we hope that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, after reaching a common understanding and establishing various mechanisms, will place greater emphasis on its role in important global issues, especially those that clearly undermine justice and development in the world. Furthermore, expanding cooperation with Global South countries, especially in the areas of financial cooperation and joint investments in infrastructure, should be taken more seriously by the organization. We believe that the organization, given its existing capacities, can become a coordinating center and a decisive hub in the field of utilizing new technologies and artificial intelligence. The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its vast scientific resources, energy supplies, and transit position, is ready to cooperate in these areas. Iran's position at the crossroads between East and West creates a significant geographical advantage for connecting transit routes under the Belt and Road Initiative. This, along with Iran's unparalleled stability and security, can serve as an important basis for connecting transportation lines of the Belt and Road Initiative and integrating Iran into this project. The people of Iran have tasted the bitter experience of attempts to impose peace through power through various sanctions and military aggression over the past years, particularly in recent months. Over the past two decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite acting within its legal rights, has always made every effort to clarify existing ambiguities through dialogue and negotiation. However, in June, we were subjected to aggression while the United States was hypocritically sitting at the negotiating table with Iran. Now, we face threats from European countries to reinstate international sanctions, despite their lack of practical and effective adherence to their commitments, while the most extensive international oversight has been conducted on the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore, we expect the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and independent countries of the world to play their effective and responsible role against these injustices. I hereby declare that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been ready to find a diplomatic solution to peacefully resolve its peaceful nuclear program. The failed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime has shown that military options are ineffective and will face the heroic resistance of the Iranian people. Resorting to the so-called snapback mechanism will only complicate the situation further and increase tensions. We advise the United States and Europe to abandon confrontation-based solutions and turn to diplomacy to achieve a balanced and fair solution. We once again emphasize that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization should pursue peacebuilding initiatives in its surrounding world in a more organized manner. As one of the most important independent and justice-seeking institutions in the world, the organization should particularly have a clear and comprehensive plan for managing the longstanding crisis in the West Asia region and addressing the painful issue of the targeted killing and starvation of innocent people in Gaza and throughout Palestine. What is happening in Gaza today is undoubtedly a stain on the history of humanity and a difficult test for all people and governments witnessing these brutal crimes. It is now clear that no plan for peace and justice in the world will come to fruition without finding a just solution to the Palestinian issue. Our solution has always been the participation of all original inhabitants of Palestine in free elections to realize the right to self-determination as the most fundamental principle of international law. In conclusion, I would like to thank the government and people of China for successfully hosting this summit and express the Islamic Republic of Iran's support for the constructive views of President Xi Jinping regarding the necessity of reforming global governance, as proposed in the Global Governance Initiative. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers such views a significant step toward achieving a more just world. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SCO member states reject biased interpretation of UNSC Resolution 2231: Top diplomat IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, says that leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have voiced opposition to Europe's selective interpretation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231. Speaking from Tianjin, China, where he accompanied President Masoud Pezeshkian to the SCO Summit, Gharibabadi emphasized that member statesincluding China, Russia, and Pakistanfirmly reject the reactivation of UN sanctions through the so-called snapback mechanism. There is a clause in the final statement that stresses the full and proper implementation of Resolution 2231, the official said. This, Gharibabadi said, means that European countries cannot selectively invoke the snapback provision while failing to uphold their own commitments under the resolution. He also highlighted a significant section of the SCO statement that condemns military aggression by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran in June 2025. This includes attacks on nuclear facilities and actions that violate international law, he noted. 7129*4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran starts moving giant platform to South Pars gas field Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 7:41 PM Iran has started the transport of a huge rig jacket from a yard on the coast of the Persian Gulf to one of the largest sections of its South Pars gas field. The Fars news agency said in a Monday report that the SPD11A, a 76-meter rig jacket that weighs 2,257 metric tons, had been successfully loaded onto a ship for transport to Phase 11 of South Pars. It said the rig has been built in 15 months in the shipyards of the Iran Marine Industrial Company, known as SADRA and located in the province of Bushehr, with an investment of 13.8 million euros. The platform will be installed in South Pars in a 45-day process starting in late October, said the report, adding that the rig will begin drilling six wells in the area in January. Drilling will take two years before the wells can start gas production, it said, adding that once the wells are ready, Phase 11 of South Pars will reach a maximum production of 28 million cubic meters per day. Phase 11 is the most complicated of all 28 phases in the Iranian side of the South Pars, the world's largest gas field, which straddles the maritime border between Iran and Qatar. A consortium of international and domestic companies led by French energy giant Total was commissioned to develop Phase 11 before Iran came under US sanctions in 2018. However, Iran announced in August 2023 that it had started production of gas from Phase 11 using the technological capacities of domestic companies. South Pars is responsible for 70% of Iran's natural gas supply and 40% of the feedstock needed in the country's gasoline production sector. It covers 40 offshore drilling rigs, hundreds of wells, and thousands of kilometers of underwater pipelines. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chief banker denies Iran oil revenues fell in August Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 6:48 PM The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has denied speculations that the country's oil export revenues fell in the calendar month to late August because of a war in June with the Israeli regime that reportedly affected overseas supplies in later months. Mohammad Reza Farzin said on Monday that the CBI's supply of hard currency to importers has remained unchanged in recent weeks as he rejected reports that an alleged fall in oil export revenues had affected the lender's ability to respond to demands in the Iranian import market. "The currency resources resulting from Iran's oil exports have not changed compared to the previous month, and we expect that these resources will not decline (in the coming months)," Farzin said while speaking in a meeting in the northwestern city of Tabriz. He also said that the government will continue to allocate heavily subsidized hard currency to the imports of basic goods and animal feed. The CBI spends more than $1 billion per month on subsidizing the imports of basic goods, medicine, and animal feed at a price of 285,000 rials per US dollar. That comes as the free market price of the US dollar in Iran is nearly four times that rate at 1,050,000 rials. Speculations about Iran's declining oil revenues came last month after unconfirmed reports suggested that there had been a fall in the country's oil exports following a 12-day war with the Israeli regime that ended in late June. Oil Ministry officials have dismissed the reports, saying Iran's oil exports remained almost unchanged even at the height of the war with Israel, and despite the restrictions on shipping in the Persian Gulf caused by the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Russia join Iran in rejecting E3's 'legally baseless' snapback move: Araghchi Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 5:57 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says he, together with his Russian and Chinese counterparts, has sent a letter to the United Nations rejecting as "legally baseless" and "politically destructive" a recent move by Britain, France, and Germany to reinstate international sanctions against Iran. Abbas Araghchi made the announcement in a post on X on Monday, four days after the European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal notified the UN Security Council that they had invoked the so-called snapback mechanism to restore all UN sanctions against Iran. He said, in their joint letter addressed to the UN chief and the Security Council president, Iran, Russia, and China declared the Europeans' activation of snapback sanctions "null and void." He also noted that the letter highlighted the US's violation of the nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and Europe's subsequent alignment with unlawful sanctions against Iran instead of honoring its own commitments. "The primary function of the Security Council is to act on behalf of the international community to maintain peace and security," he added. "What the E3 proposes betrays this mission, turning the Council into an instrument of coercion rather than a guardian of global stability." The top Iranian diplomat also attached to his post the letter, which says the snapback activation by the three European countries contravenes Resolution 2231 and is "legally and procedurally flawed". "The E3's course abuses the authority and functions of the UN Security Council while misleading its members and the international community concerning the root causes of breakdown in the implementation of the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231," it read, calling on the European trio to change their "destructive course". The JCPOA required Iran to scale back some of its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. However, the US ditched the deal in 2018 before returning the illegal sanctions that it had lifted against Iran and launching the so-called "maximum pressure" campaign. Following the US withdrawal, the European signatories to the JCPOA failed to uphold their commitments and made no efforts to save the agreement. Now, the Europeans have given the Security Council 30 days to decide whether it would continue sanctions relief against Iran or allow it to lapse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Russia presidents call for full implementation of strategic partnership treaty Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 5:44 PM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, and agreed to step up efforts to fully implement a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two allies. Both leaders emphasized that the treaty lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between Tehran and Moscow in various fields. "Cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) would further accelerate and facilitate substantial interactions between the two nations," the Iranian president stated. Pezeshkian underscored the importance of working closely with Russia, saying he is personally committed to accelerating joint agreements and clearing any hurdles that might stand in the way. "Exchange of experience, together with scientific and academic cooperation, between the two countries will synergize the capacities of Iran and Russia. It will shape a platform for the expansion of comprehensive interactions between the two nations," the Iranian president pointed out. Pezeshkian also stated that all efforts by the United States and its allies are aimed at consolidating and strengthening unilateralism, emphasizing that international institutions like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) serve as a suitable platform for the promotion of multilateralism. For his part, Putin conveyed his best wishes and greetings to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. "I would like to emphasize that relations between the two countries, particularly in light of the conclusion and implementation of the long-term comprehensive treaty, are truly friendly and expanding," the Russian leader said. Putin pointed to the significant increase in the volume of trade between Russia and Iran in recent months, stating that the continued implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union will play a crucial role in further enhancing cooperation between Iran and Russia. Stressing the importance of the expansion of Moscow-Tehran ties, the Russian president said that the number of Iranian students who are studying at Russian universities has grown dramatically, and the two countries also have numerous joint programs and magnificent cooperation within the framework of cultural events. The Russian president also pointed to the continuous and regular contacts between the two countries on various regional and international issues, stating that the two nations have constant interactions on Iran's peaceful nuclear activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran president advises US, Europe to end confrontation, return to diplomacy Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 3:09 PM President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran says the United States and Europe had better stop approaches based on confrontation and engage in diplomacy to find a "balanced and fair" solution to Tehran's nuclear issue. Pezeshkian made the remarks in an address to the Shanghai Plus Summit in China's port city of Tianjin on Monday, which was held after the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State. Pointing to the acts of aggression by Israel and the United States against Iran in June, at a time that Washington was "hypocritically" engaging in negotiations with Tehran, he said the attack proved the military option was ineffective, and will be met with the heroic resistance of the Iranian people. The president warned that Europe's move to invoke the so-called snapback mechanism of sanctions on Iran "will only complicate the situation more and lead to further tensions." He called on the SCO and independent countries in the world to play an effective and responsible role in the face of unjust measures. Pezeshkian once again reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's constant readiness to find a diplomatic and peaceful solution to issues regarding its nuclear energy program. Elsewhere in his address, the Iranian president urged the SCO, as one of the most important independent and justice-seeking bodies in the world, to take a more organized initiative that promotes global peace. Pezeshkian placed a premium on the urgent need for the SCO to devise a comprehensive plan to address the longstanding conflicts in the West Asia region, particularly the massacre and starvation of innocent people in Gaza. He cautioned that no plan for global peace and justice can succeed in the world without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue. "Our solution has always been based on the participation of all original inhabitants of Palestine in a free election to realize the right to self-determination as the most fundamental principle of international law," he said. Pezeshkian noted that since the end of the Cold War, unilateral moves have hindered humanity's aspirations for lasting peace in the world. However, he added, the establishment of the SCO has kept hopes alive for collaborative efforts among nations with cultural-civilizational diversity and different political, economic, and military situations. "The experience of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has shown that cooperation, especially among developing countries and emerging economies, can provide a practical response to global challenges, including economic inequalities, the pressures of sanctions, climate change, and transnational security crises," the president said. He said the world needs a new understanding and framework for global cooperation, one that moves away from power-based logic and replaces it with principles of equality and justice. He said the prevailing discourse within the SCO, thanks to the contribution of all member states, consistently aims for peace and security through justice and development. Pezeshkian voiced Iran's support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's constructive views on the need for reform in global governance, saying the Islamic Republic regards such initiatives as essential steps toward achieving a more equitable world. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, the Iranian president said the SCO should take practical and clear steps to promote global peace and economic cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SCO declaration 'strongly' condemns US-Israeli aggression against Iran Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 11:20 AM The Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, in a joint statement on Monday, "strongly" condemned the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. The statement described the attacks in June, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including nuclear-energy facilities, and resulted in civilian casualties, as blatant violations of international law, the UN Charter, and Iran's sovereignty. The SCO member states said such actions pose serious threats to peace and stability, endangering international security on a regional and global scale. They also stressed that the safety of nuclear facilities must be permanently guaranteed, even during armed conflicts, to safeguard populations and the environment. They emphasized that the member states remained fully committed to their diplomatic efforts required in order to resolve international disputes through peaceful means. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) on the Iran nuclear issue was cited in the statement as the framework for resolving the dispute, emphasizing the document is binding and must be implemented. In the joint statement, the SCO member states dismissed unilateral or arbitrary interpretations of the UN resolution, warning that such attempts would undermine the authority of the world's top international body and do irreparable damage to the reputation of the UNSC. The leaders, who also condemned the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip as well as the efforts to revive Nazi ideology, called for the resumption of constructive dialogue between disputing sides, noting that the focus should be on diplomatic means for finding solutions to deescalate the global tensions. They reiterated their determination to continue their joint efforts against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, censuring all forms of terrorism as unacceptable, and pointing out that exercising double standards in this regard would not be accepted. The statement condemned all unilateral coercive means, including economic measures used to exert unwarranted pressure on countries. The SCO summit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, opened in Tianjin on Monday with the participation of heads of state and delegations from across the world. The summit, which comes as the US has launched a global trade war, aims to set a long-term vision for regional cooperation amid shifting global alliances and growing calls for a new multipolar order. The summit will review the organization's achievements and also adopt a 10-year development strategy. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is among the guests attending the two-day summit. Before departing Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the SCO provides an opportunity to counter the US and European unilateralism in international affairs. Pezeshkian described the SCO as a platform for strengthening cooperation towards multilateralism and counter unilateralism and authoritarianism where countries seek alternatives to US-led foreign policies affecting trade, security and conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says SCO leaders oppose Europe's 'selective' interpretation of Resolution 2231 Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 10:57 AM The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in its final summit declaration, is set to oppose the European troika's "selective" interpretation of Resolution 2231, a senior Iranian official says. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in an interview with IRIB on Iran's consultations with SCO member states regarding the European Troika's attempt to restore Security Council sanctions against Tehran. On Thursday, Britain, France, and Germany triggered the JCPOA's "snapback" mechanisma provision of the 2015 nuclear dealciting claims of Iran's "significant non-compliance." This move, defined under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, initiates a 30-day process that will lead to the automatic reinstatement of all pre-agreement UN sanctions against Iran. Gharibabadi, part of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's delegation at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, noted that some SCO countries are members of the Security Council, including permanent members China and Russia, as well as non-permanent members like Pakistan. "All three countries naturally oppose the snapback mechanism and the return of the lifted Security Council sanctions," he noted. Gharibabadi stated that the SCO leaders' forthcoming final declaration would include several clauses on these matters, confirming that Iran had proposed the clauses, which were subsequently approved. Regarding Resolution 2231, he said that the members emphasize that "the provisions of this resolution must be implemented in the best possible way and in full, and should not be applied selectively." "This precisely means that if European countries do not fulfill their obligations, they cannot simply implement the clause related to snapback selectively," he said, adding that the official statement would be released later on Monday. According to Gharibabadi, one of the important clauses of the statement is the condemnation of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June, including the attack on nuclear facilities and actions contrary to international law. He underlined the significance of the strongly-worded clause, noting that SCO leaders had "explicitly named the Zionist regime and the United States" in their statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran president urges SCO to take concrete steps toward peace, economic cooperation Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 5:09 AM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should take practical and clear steps to promote global peace and economic cooperation. Pezeshkian was addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in northern China's port city of Tianjin on Monday. "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as one of the important pillars of the multipolarization of the international system, should take practical, clear, and specific steps in two parallel paths to create a more peaceful world and a world conducive to expanding economic cooperation," he said. He proposed the creation of a specialized initiative, the "Accounts and Settlements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," as a practical mechanism to enhance financial cooperation and reduce the impacts of unlawful sanctions on the economic interactions among the member states. He said the initiative rests on greater use of national currencies in settlements to decrease reliance on the US dollar, the establishment of shared digital infrastructure and the employment of central bank digital currencies to ensure secure and efficient payments and the establishment of a multilateral currency swap fund to assist countries facing sanctions or liquidity shortages. "We believe that the implementation of this initiative can not only enhance the economic resilience of the members but can also turn the Shanghai Cooperation Organization into a successful model for establishing a multipolar, fair, and resilient financial order against external pressures," the Iranian president added. Pointing to Iran's unique geographical and transit position and its access to different areas, Pezeshkian expressed the country's readiness to improve regional cooperation and provide access to the interested countries. He announced that the Iranian port of Chabahar, which has direct access to the Indian Ocean, would soon be connected to Iran's national railway network, which would mark a significant development in linking China, Central Asian countries, and Afghanistan to the Indian Ocean. Iran believes that the SCO's 10-year development strategy will be a historic opportunity for expanding cooperation and investment in the sectors of infrastructure, technology, energy, digital economy, climate and environmental changes, as well as culture and science, Pezeshkian said, expressing Tehran's readiness to play an active role in this regard. Elsewhere in his address, Pezeshkian described the SCO as the symbol of peace in a world that faces several crises. He said the Israeli-US illegal military aggression against Iran in June, the ongoing massacre of the oppressed people of Gaza and the excessive use of unlawful sanctions against various countries are clear examples of the world's failure to achieve a suitable model for governing the world and stabilizing international peace and security. The main objective of the SCO is to guarantee collective security and enhance cooperation in various fields, based on principles of mutual confidence and interests, equality, joint development and respect for cultural diversity, Pezeshkian said, voicing Iran's full preparedness to play an appropriate role in this regard. He called for the formation of a committee comprising of the SCO foreign ministers to address crises threatening regional peace and security through providing operative proposals for crisis management and due responses to violation of sovereignty of member nations. Pezeshkian further said Iran welcomes initiatives such as the establishment of specialized centers to counter security threats and challenges, promote strategic studies and combat drug trafficking as well as the development of rapid response mechanisms in crisis. Speaking before departing Tehran for Tianjin on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the SCO summit provides an opportunity to counter the US and European unilateralism in international affairs. Hosted by President Xi Jinping, the SCO summit officially opened in Tianjin on Monday with the participation of heads of state and delegations from across the world. The two-day summit, which comes as the US has launched a global trade war, aims to set a long-term vision for regional cooperation amid shifting global alliances and growing calls for a new multipolar order. The summit will review the organization's achievements and also adopt a 10-year development strategy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu meets with heads of local authorities in the North Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 01.09.2025 Prime Minister Netanyahu in a meeting with heads of local authorities in the North: "They refer to it as "Tuscany", but this came before Tuscany. It's the Land of the Bible, the land of our heritage. We are going to develop the Galilee in leaps and bounds". After opening the school year at the Begin school in Nof HaGalil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held today (Monday) a meeting at the municipality building with heads of local authorities in the North, along with acting Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office Drorit Steinmetz and the Coalition Whip MK Ofir Katz. Taking part in the meeting were Nof HaGalil Mayor, Ronen Plot; Afula Mayor, Avi Elkabetz; Migdal HaEmek Mayor, Yaki Ben Haim; Tiberias Mayor, Yossi Nava; Karmiel Mayor, Moshe Kuninsky; the appointed head of municipality for Nazareth, Yaakov Efrati; and head of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, Shlomit Shichor Reichman. Prime Minister Netanyahu at the conclusion of the meeting : "I'm here on the first day of the school year at Nof HaGalil. Look at the magnificent view. I went to the first grade, and I was so excited to see the children, the teachers, the assistants and the principal. They are quite simply doing sacred work. It's wonderful to see the children. They are coming and starting their life. We know, however, that we have other important missions. The most important mission, in a sense, has been completed, because on this day, here in the Galilee where there was great exit of people in the beginning of the war, there is now a great return. 95% of the Galilee children have returned for their school studies, including in the communities adjacent to the border. This is a tremendous achievement, just tremendous. And it was accomplished owing also to the resilience of the Galilee residents and the local authority heads. They stood their ground, they received the residents and helped them, and now in fact everything is being restored. We talked a lot here about the things that need to be done for the Galilee: adding fast transportation lanes, adding construction, removing bureaucracy, adding infrastructure, employment. I want young couples to come here; they refer to it as "Tuscany" but it's not really Tuscany it came before Tuscany, it's the Land of the Bible, the land of our heritage. There are wonderful things here. God willing, we are going to develop the Galilee in leaps and bounds". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Second Japan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 1, 2025 On September 1, commencing at 1:45 PM local time (7:45 PM JST) for approximately one hour, the Second Japan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Kuwait, and Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the meeting. The overview is as follows: 1. Opening Remarks At the outset, H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Chair of the GCC for this year, welcomed the participation of Minister IWAYA in the meeting on behalf of the GCC. He stated that the GCC is ready to strengthen cooperation with Japan across all fields and expressed his desire to engage in discussions toward that goal. In response, Minister IWAYA noted that the GCC is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring regional stability and emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between Japan and the GCC, including in humanitarian and development fields. He also expressed Japan's intention to collaborate with the GCC in areas such as clean energy and materials, advanced technologies, academia and culture, and agriculture. Furthermore, he called for cooperation with GCC member states toward the implementation of the "Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Corridor Initiative," which was proposed by H.E. Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan at TICAD 9 under the vision of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),". H.E. Mr. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated that Japan-GCC relations have steadily deepened in recent years. He emphasized that Japan and the GCC, which both value human dignity and maritime security, have great potential for further cooperation. He also expressed the GCC's intention to advance ongoing negotiations on the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), while strengthening collaboration in fields such as the digital economy, AI, finance, and agriculture. 2. Regional and International Issues Representatives from participating countries engaged in a frank exchange of views on regional and international affairs. The GCC representatives shared their perspectives on the current situation in the Middle East and the efforts being undertaken by their respective countries to resolve various issues. They expressed appreciation and recognition for Japan's contributions to Palestine and Syria and its consistent support for a "Two-State solution." They also conveyed their expectation for Japan to play a more proactive role in stabilizing the Middle East and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Japan. Minister IWAYA emphasized the need to further enhance collaboration with GCC countries to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue, improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and achieve a complete cessation of attacks by the Houthis in Yemen. He also expressed Japan's intention to work closely with relevant countries, including GCC member states, toward realizing a "Two-State solution." Additionally, under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" initiative proposed by Japan, he expressed his hope to continue working with the GCC countries to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation along key maritime routes vital to the global supply chain. 3. Closing Minister IWAYA once again expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the representatives of GCC countries, including Kuwait, as well as by the Secretary General of the GCC. He underlined the importance of upholding the rule of law and multilateralism in today's turbulent international environment and expressed his hope for the early conclusion of the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations, as well as for further exchanges to deepen mutual understanding. Following this, Minister Al-Yahya of Kuwait expressed his gratitude to all participating countries and stakeholders, including Japan, for attending the meeting. 4. Japan-GCC Lunch Following the Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Minister IWAYA attended a lunch with representatives of the GCC member states. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Foreign Minister IWAYA and H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 1, 2025 On September 1, commencing at 11:30 a.m. local time (17:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Kuwait to attend the Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting and other events, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister Muraikhi expressed his desire to further promote bilateral cooperation under the strategic partnership. In response, Minister IWAYA expressed his respect for Qatar's diplomatic efforts towards the stabilization of the Middle East region emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership with Qatar and his desire to further strengthen it. The two Ministers had a candid exchange of views on recent regional situations, including Iran, Gaza, and Syria. Minister IWAYA noted the importance of the fact that Gulf countries called on the parties involved to exercise restraint and to engage in dialogue during the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June this year. He also mentioned the necessity of addressing the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of relevant countries towards the stabilization of Syria, expressing his desire to continue close communication with Qatar. In addition, he emphasized Japan's consistent support for the "Two-State Solution" and its desire to coordinate with Qatar. In response, Minister Muraikhi explained Qatar's position on the importance of dialogue towards regional stabilization and expressed gratitude for Japan's efforts including Conference on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development and Japan's long-standing support for Parestine . Furthermore, the two Ministers exchanged views on various international challenges, including their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. The two Ministers confirmed that they would continue close communication to further strengthen bilateral relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah of Kuwait by Foreign Minister Iwaya Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 1, 2025 On September 1, commencing at 10:35 p.m. local time (4:35 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Kuwait, paid a courtesy call on H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, H.H. the Prime Minister welcomed Minister Iwaya's visit to Kuwait and expressed his hope to further enhance relations between Japan and Kuwait in a wide range of areas. In response, Minister Iwaya referred to the fact that the two countries are friends who have helped each other through historical difficulties, and stated his hope to further strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, based on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides exchanged views, focusing on bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of energy, economy and advanced technology. Minister Iwaya expressed his gratitude for Kuwait's long-standing stable supply of crude oil to Japan and stated his desire to cooperate in the field of clean energy, confirming that the two countries would continue to promote their cooperation. Minister Iwaya welcomed the progress of cooperation in the fields of electricity and water including the fact that the policy dialogue on electricity and water issues was held in February this year for the first time in five years, and he also confirmed that cooperation between the two countries will continue to be promoted. Minister Iwaya also welcomed that the ban on import of Japanese beef into Kuwait is expected to be lifted this month, and the two sides confirmed that they will continue to proceed with the necessary procedures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call on Crown Prince Sabah Khalid of Kuwait by Foreign Minister Iwaya Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 1, 2025 On September 1, commencing at 10:00 a.m. local time (4 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Kuwait, paid a courtesy call on H.H. Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, H.H. the Crown Prince welcomed Minister Iwaya's visit to Kuwait and expressed his hope to further enhance relations between Japan and Kuwait, as well as between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), for which Kuwait holds the presidency, in a wide range of areas. In response, Minister Iwaya stated his hope to further strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, based on the bilateral relations upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of His Highness the Crown Prince to Japan in May this year. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations in areas such as politics, economy, energy, and culture. Minister Iwaya expressed his gratitude for Kuwait's long-standing stable supply of crude oil to Japan and confirmed that the two countries would continue to promote cooperation in the energy sector. The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in the international arena, and confirmed that they would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Prime Minister Dorin Recean of the Republic of Moldova Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 1, 2025 On September 1, commencing at 3:00 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, who is visiting Japan to attend the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows: At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed Prime Minister Recean's visit to Japan, and stated that Japan had consistently supported democracy and economic development of Moldova. He also expressed his respect to Moldova for receiving a large number of displaced persons arising from Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that protecting Moldova's democracy is more important than ever, and expressed Japan's intention to spare no effort in providing the necessary cooperation to that end and to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister ISHIBA also stated that Japan would continue to support Moldova's development by providing assistance in areas such as agriculture and industrial promotion. In addition, Prime Minister ISHIBA stressed that Japan had consistently supported sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. In response, Prime Minister Recean expressed his appreciation for support and assistance provided by Japan since Moldova gained independence, and especially since Russia launched the aggression to Ukraine to date. He explained the situation in Moldova, among other matters, the situation during the referendum and the presidential election held in 2024 as well as ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for September 28 this year, and both sides shared the view that the election conducted in a democratic way is important for regional and international stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Prime Minister of Pakistan meets the Turkish President Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan August 31, 2025 Tianjin: 31 August, 2025 The Prime Minister of Pakistan meets the Turkish President Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, held a constructive bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Turkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tianjin, China. Both leaders reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Turkiye relations and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral ties. They noted with appreciation the steady increase in high-level exchanges and cooperation across a broad spectrum, including political, economic, defense, and security domains. The Turkish President offered sincere condolences over the loss of precious lives and property as a result of the ongoing floods across various parts of Pakistan. The Turkish President also expressed his country's solidarity with the people of Pakistan and said that the Government and people of Turkiye stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in this hour of need. The two sides exchanged views on key regional and international developments. They expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirmed their shared commitment to using international platforms to advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and to condemn the ongoing Israeli aggression and genocidal policies. The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and underscored their shared resolve to further strengthen cooperation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Muslim world and beyond. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Participation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan in the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO CHS Plus Meetings in Tianjin, China Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif led Pakistan delegation to the Summit meetings of SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO CHS Plus presided by President Xi Jinping of China in Tianjin, China on 31 August - 01 September 2025. In his statement during the SCO CHS Summit, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit" that stands for mutual trust and respect for shared prosperity and development. Reaffirming the purposes and principles of UNand SCO Charters, the Prime Ministerunderscored that Pakistan respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO members as well as all international and bilateral treaties. Hoping that all SCO members follow these principles, he called for unhindered access to due share of water as per existing treaties among the SCO member States. In the context of relations with neighbors, the Prime Minister said thatPakistan sought normal relations with all its neighbours, preferred dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. To ensure a lasting peace in South Asia, he called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to discuss all outstanding disputes. Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including state terrorism, the Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan had rendered great sacrifices in combatting terrorism for the regional and global stability. He mentioned that Pakistan had irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express train hostage incident and numerous other terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Prime Minister outlined the Government's economic transformation plan, that is founded on three pillars: expansion of trade, innovation and enhanced revenue generation. The Prime Minister unequivocallydenounced Israel's inhuman military offensive against Gaza and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He condemned attack on Iran, a fellow SCO member State. Reiterating the negative implications of instability in Afghanistan on the development of entire SCO region, Prime Minister Sharif called for engagement with Afghanistanin a meaningful manner. The Prime Minister highly praised SCO's vision of regional connectivity and economic integration and underscored Pakistan's strategic geographical location as an ideal trade and transit hub for the entire SCO region.He noted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a key initiative for achieving trans-regional economic and trade integration. The CHS discussed important regional and international strategic political, security and economic issues, challenges and developments. The Council approved and adopted several decisions and statements in various areas of cooperation. Besides adopting the Tianjin Declaration that outlines the views of SCO leadership on important regional and global issues of interest to the Organization, the CHS adopted statements of cooperation among SCO countries on:Multilateral Trading System;ArtificialIntelligence; Strengthening Scientific, Technical and Innovative Cooperation;Green Industry Cooperation and others. The Heads of State signed two agreements establishing two new permanent bodies of SCO i.e. Universal Center in Moscow and an Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. The Council also approved various plans and strategies for the ongoing cooperation in the economic and security fields. The SCO Development Strategy until 2035 was also adopted. In his statement during the SCO CHS Plus meeting on the theme ""Promoting multilateralism a reality, ensuring regional security, and promoting sustainable development.", the Prime Minister stressed the need for multilateralism and respecting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and resolution of disputes through peaceful means. Expressing Pakistan's firm belief in the promise and power of multilateralism, he advised to uphold dialogue, mutual respect and inclusive diplomacy.He advocated that SCO must prioritize innovation-driven growth. He welcomed SCO's commitment to cooperation in development and assured that Pakistan would contribute as a reliable partner. The Prime Minister welcomed Lao People's Democratic Republic as new Dialogue Partner of SCO. He also welcomed President Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative and appreciated the able Chinese Chairmanship of SCO during last one year. On the sidelines of these Summits, the Prime Minister had important bilateral meetings with the Presidents of SCO member States and Dialogue Partners States. Issues of mutual interest and matters relating to further strengthening political, economic and trade relations were discussed by the leaders. Since becoming full member of SCO in 2017, Pakistan has actively and constructively participated in all SCO activities and mechanisms as well as extended all out cooperation towards achieving SCO's multi-sectoral agenda. Pakistan hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Islamabad in 16-17 October last year. CHS is the highest decision-making forum in SCO. It gives strategic, political and security direction to the Organization. The SCO CHS adopts declarations, statements, and important decisions, etc. Islamabad 01 September 2025 266/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Prime Minister of Pakistan meets the President of Iran Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan September 01, 2025 Tianjin : 1 September, 2025 The Prime Minister of Pakistan meets the President of Iran Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the Council of Heads of Member States (CHM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, China. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Federal Ministers were also present in the meeting. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's deep commitment to its historic and brotherly ties with neighbouring Iran, underlining the strong foundations of the relationship rooted in shared history, cultural heritage, and faith. Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's consistent support and reaffirmed Iran's determination to enhance bilateral collaboration in various areas of mutual interest. Referring to the visit of Iranian President to Pakistan in August, 2025, the Prime Minister said that the said visit was very helpful in further strengthening the relations between the two countries. Pakistani people were very happy to receive the Iranian President in Pakistan on his recent visit, he further said. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of further strengthening political and economic ties between the two friendly countries. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, underscoring dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path toward de-escalation and stability. The Iranian President expressed his sorrow on the loss of precious lives and property in the on-going floods across Pakistan and said that the Government and people of Iran are standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in this need of hour. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S.Korean National Assembly speaker to depart for Beijing; S.Korean media speculates he is likely to convey personal message from Lee Jae-myung to Kim Jong Un Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 02, 2025 12:42 PM South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik is set to depart for Beijing on Tuesday to attend events on Wednesday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and hold a group interview in Beijing, multiple South Korean media reported on Tuesday. At a press conference on August 28 on the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary, China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei announced a list of guests invited to participate, including Woo. The visit coincides with a rare trip by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who also plans to attend the events on Wednesday, the Korea Herald said. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has departed for China by a special train on September 1 to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration for the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the DPRK's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, China Central Television reported. Whether Woo will meet with the North Korean top leader has drawn considerable attention, the Yonhap News Agency said on Tuesday. Analysts believe the two may encounter each other at venues such as the Tiananmen rostrum or a reception. If a meeting takes place, Woo is likely to convey a personal message from President Lee Jae-myung to Kim Jong Un, according to the Yonhap News Agency. South Korean media Munhwa, citing analysts, point out that there is a low likelihood of meeting with Kim. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said that "we have prepared all the necessary materials for the Speaker in case such (inter-Korean contact) opportunities arise," but he added, "for now, the prospects are not very hopeful," according to the South Korean media The Chosun Ilbo. South Korean media the Hankyoreh also called back the past interactions between Woo and Kim. Woo previously met Kim on April 27, 2018, during the welcoming banquet at the Panmunjom Peace House following the inter-Korean summit, when Woo was the floor leader of the Democratic Party. Woo posted on Facebook at the time, saying, "Had a refreshing drink with Chairman Kim Jong-un," along with a photo of them facing each other, according to the Hankyoreh. Park Ji-won, a Democratic Party lawmaker accompanying Woo on his China schedule, wrote on Facebook that while there is speculation the two could meet, Kim's movements are unpredictable, making the possibility of an encounter uncertain. Park added, "They might meet at a reception or other event, but even that is unknown," the Hankyoreh said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Discusses Recent Russia-US Contacts With Chinese President - Kremlin Aide Sputnik News 20250831 TIANJIN, China (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the recent Russia-US contacts with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. "Yes, our president primarily had a very detailed conversation, of course, with the Chinese president. They sat together and were able to talk actively and very productively. In particular, as our president told me, the latest contacts with the US, our contacts with the US, were discussed," Ushakov told reporters. Earlier in the day, the Russian and Chinese presidents had a brief conversation before a photo opportunity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan Vladimir Putin met with the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. September 1, 2025 10:40 Tianjin, China Taking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov; Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov; Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin; Minister of Energy Sergey Tsivilev; Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev; CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev; and Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev. * * * Beginning of Russian-Turkish talks President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, dear friend, I am very glad to see you and greatly value our personal contacts, which are always conducted in a constructive and mutually respectful manner. This fully reflects the principles of good-neighbourliness and the traditionally friendly character of Russian-Turkish relations. We consider Turkiye a reliable, time-tested partner, both in bilateral matters and on the international stage. We are satisfied with the dynamics of trade and economic cooperation. Last year, trade grew by 6.6 percent, and in the first six months of this year it increased by almost three percent. The intergovernmental commission is working actively, with its latest meeting held in Moscow at the end of June. Large-scale investments are being carried out on a reciprocal basis. Russian companies are implementing major projects in Turkish sectors such as metallurgy and car manufacturing. Turkish firms are widely represented in Russia in machinery, metallurgy, and wood processing. Our partnership in the energy sector is truly strategic. Russia is one of the key suppliers of natural gas to Turkiye. Exports are currently running uninterrupted through the Black Sea via the Blue Stream and TurkStream pipelines. Through the Rosatom state corporation, the flagship project to build Turkiye's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is ongoing. Preparations are underway for the imminent commissioning of the first power unit of the plant. Notably, in 2024, Russian tourists once again ranked first among foreign visitors to Turkiye. It seems a new historical record has been set: more than 6.7 million Russian citizens visited your country, 6.3 percent more than the previous year. This, without doubt, is primarily thanks to you, Mr President, because you create the conditions that allow our citizens to feel at home in Turkiye, feel safe, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. We value our constructive cooperation with Turkiye on the international stage, including through joint work within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where your country has held dialogue partner status since 2012. We are grateful to our Turkish friends for their significant contribution to the political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. On the Istanbul platform, three rounds of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks have already taken place since May this year, advancing a number of practical humanitarian issues. I am confident that Turkiye's special role in these matters will continue to be important. We also focus on areas of shared interest, such as the Middle East, North Africa and the South Caucasus. Russian-Turkish cooperation in all these areas is well established, concrete, productive, and, I would say, built on trust. Thank you. President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan (retranslated): My dear friend, as you know, we have long wished to welcome you to our country. That remains unchanged, and we look forward to seeing you soon. We have built a relationship of trust. Our ties are developing steadily, without being affected by short-term difficulties. Our technical-level negotiations continue positively, aiming to develop alternative solutions that will not hinder the integration of our financial institutions with international markets. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. September 1, 2025 17:00 Tianjin, China Beginning of Russian-Iranian talks President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends! I am delighted to meet with you again. At the beginning of our conversation, I would like to ask you to convey my best wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Khamenei. I want to especially highlight the friendly nature of our relations and the truly special character of the multifaceted ties between Russia and Iran. During your visit in January, we signed an updated interstate agreement which elevated our relations to a qualitatively new level. Our mutual trade is growing steadily. By the end of 2024, it increased by 13 percent, and in the first half of this year, by another 11.4 percent. The Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran, which has now entered into force, will undoubtedly give it a significant boost. We attach great importance to strengthening humanitarian and cultural cooperation. More Iranian students are choosing Russian universities: over the past five years their number has tripled, reaching 9,110. In June, Tehran and Isfahan hosted vibrant events of the Russian Culture Festival, which received wide attention. Tourism exchanges are also on the rise, with an increase of 13 percent recorded in 2024. Of course, we maintain constant contact on major international issues, including matters concerning the Iranian nuclear programme. We indeed have many issues to discuss today, and I am very pleased about this opportunity to meet once again. President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian (retranslated): Good evening, Mr President, colleagues. I am very pleased to meet with you here on the sidelines of the SCO summit. This is truly an excellent opportunity to discuss our multifaceted agenda, which, as you have said, are comprehensive. I fully share your assessment: the entry into force of our Basic Treaty will contribute to the further growth of trade and expansion of our cooperation across all areas. I probably know that this document has recently been ratified by the Iranian parliament. Of course, the Free Trade Agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union gives a strong additional boost to our relations, and we wholeheartedly welcome it. I personally oversee the implementation of the agreements reached between our countries and will make every effort to remove any obstacles along this path. As you rightly noted, our humanitarian ties are also developing dynamically. Academic exchanges between our universities are expanding, creating a broad flow of knowledge and joint research between our think tanks, which we highly value. Of course, our cooperation is progressing in all the areas you mentioned, but we agree that it still requires further momentum. Today, during the SCO summit here in Tianjin, all the leaders present confirmed their readiness to work actively on implementing our agreements. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon Vladimir Putin and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met on the sidelines of the SCO summit. September 1, 2025 15:30 Tianjin, China President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you bilaterally on the sidelines of today's event. The breadth of our relations makes such meetings valuable. Indeed, we are in regular contact, with frequent interactions between our government colleagues. We always reach out to each other when needed and maintain communication by phone when required. This year, we have had numerous personal contacts, including today's meeting and several upcoming events in Tajikistan, in which we are preparing to participate. There is a broad range of topics that are of shared interest to both sides. Of course, the primary focus remains our economic cooperation. I am pleased to note that trade turnover continues to grow steadily. Investment issues on both sides are ongoing and remain concentrated in key areas of development. This progress is very encouraging, and I am naturally glad to have the opportunity to meet with you today. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon: Thank you, Mr Putin, for meeting with me on the sidelines of the SCO summit. I would like to briefly touch on preparations for three significant upcoming events in Dushanbe: the Central Asia-Russia summit, the CIS summit which is of paramount importance, and the state visit, and provide an update on how the preparations are progressing. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh Following the SCO Plus meeting, Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh. September 1, 2025 14:45 Tianjin, China Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh (retranslated): Comrade, thank you very much for finding the time to meet with me. I understand that your schedule is extremely busy. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: It would indeed be strange if we did not meet. The relations between our countries and peoples are so deep and close that we always value any opportunity for direct contacts. Tomorrow we will again have the opportunity to continue our dialogue and interaction as part of events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over militarism and the end of World War II. But I am especially glad to meet with you today, as the heads of government have always had a broad agenda in the practical sphere of Russian-Vietnamese cooperation. Economic relations between Russia and Vietnam are developing actively, and the tasks we have set, including those agreed upon during my visit to Vietnam, are being successfully implemented. Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh: Comrade, indeed, it would be very strange if we did not meet at such times, as our agenda is truly extensive. Much needs to be discussed, especially the agreements that have been reached and which we must now work on putting into practice. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the SCO summit. September 1, 2025 09:20 Tianjin, China Taking part in the talks from the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov; Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin; Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office and Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov; Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov; Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin; Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov; Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev; Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev; Chairman of the Russian Fertiliser Producers Association Andrei Guryev; CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries Kirill Dmitriev; Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom Alexei Likhachev; Chairman of the Management Board of Rosneft Igor Sechin; and Deputy Director General for International Cooperation of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos Sergei Savelyev. * * * Beginning of Russian-Indian talks President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, dear friends, we are very pleased to meet with you. It is symbolic that our meeting is taking place on the sidelines of the SCO summit - an organisation that brings together the efforts of the leaders of the Global South and East to build an architecture of equal and indivisible security across Eurasia. Mr Prime Minister, dear friend, On December 21, it will be 15 years since the adoption of the Joint Statement that marked the elevation of our relations to the level of a special privileged strategic partnership. It can be stated with confidence that our multifaceted Russian-Indian ties continue to develop actively on these principles. We have established multi-level cooperation. Trade and economic ties as a whole are showing positive dynamics. Tourist exchanges are growing. We are working in close coordination on the international stage - at the UN, BRICS, the G20, and, of course, the SCO. Today we have a valuable opportunity to discuss the main tasks for further developing our multifaceted bilateral cooperation across various fields. Mr Prime Minister, dear friend, Russia and India have maintained special friendly and trust-based relations for decades. This is the foundation for the future development of our ties. These relations are entirely above party politics and enjoy the support of the overwhelming majority of our peoples. Thank you. Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi (retranslated): Your Excellency, dear friend, I am very glad to see you. Every time we meet, I feel a special connection. It gives us the opportunity to exchange views on a regular basis across a wide range of issues. We are constantly in contact, and high-level meetings between our sides are held regularly. In December of this year, 1.4 billion Indians will eagerly welcome you to India for the 23rd annual summit between our countries. Mr President, this demonstrates the depth and comprehensiveness of our special privileged strategic partnership. Even under the most difficult circumstances, India and Russia have always moved forward together, shoulder to shoulder. Our close cooperation matters not only for the peoples of our two countries but also for ensuring global peace, stability and prosperity. Mr President, regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we exchange views regularly. We welcome all recent efforts to establish peace and hope that all parties will approach this issue constructively. Ways must be found to bring the conflict to a swift end and to secure peace. This is the call of all humanity. Your Excellency, dear friend, once again, thank you very much. I am very glad to see you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: SCO 'locomotive of multipolarity,' catalyst for global development Iran Press TV Monday, 01 September 2025 9:59 AM Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a "powerful locomotive of multipolarity" and a key driver of global development. Addressing the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday, Putin emphasized that the organization plays a crucial role in building confidence across Eurasia and fostering genuine multilateralism. "Our organization acts as a powerful engine of global development processes and the establishment of genuine multilateralism," he stated. Putin underlined the need for maintaining stability among member states and along their borders as a top priority for the organization. He expressed Russia's support for a draft program to counter extremism, which was presented at the meeting, and reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to participate in its implementation. The Russian president also pointed to two key agreements set for signing at the summit, namely the creation of a universal SCO center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to address current regional challenges and threats, and an anti-drug center in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and said, "We expect the two centers to begin operations as soon as possible." Turning to global affairs, Putin attributed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine primarily to Western interference, including efforts to draw Kiev into NATO. He pointed to the 2014 coup in Ukraine as a critical factor, saying it removed political leadership that opposed NATO membership. "The second reason for the crisis is the West's constant attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO. As we have repeatedly emphasized, this poses a direct threat to Russia's security," he said. Putin stressed that the SCO serves as a stabilizing force in Eurasia and contributes significantly to fostering cooperation and mutual trust among member states. It also helps establish the political and socioeconomic foundations for greater stability, security, and peaceful development across the region, he added. He noted, "Any system that replaces the outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models and considers the interests of the widest possible range of countries would be truly balanced, ensuring that no state can secure its own safety at the expense of others." Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and several Central Asian republics to address regional security concerns, the SCO has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. An additional 16 nations hold observer or dialogue partner status. The organization conducts joint counter-terrorism drills, coordinates on security matters, and promotes cooperation in trade, energy, and education. Over the years, SCO member states have increasingly positioned the organization as a strategic counterweight to NATO. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Blames West For Ukraine War As Xi Touts Diplomatic Clout At SCO Summit By Reid Standish September 01, 2025 Summary Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the Ukraine war at the SCO summit. Chinese leader Xi Jinping showcased China's growing diplomatic influence, pledging financial support and proposing the creation of an SCO Development Bank. The summit highlighted deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow, with Xi and Putin presenting a united front against Western-led global institutions. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a defiant message against the West over his invasion of Ukraine after standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as the two leaders showcased their close ties at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China. Speaking to other leaders at the two-day summit in Tianjin on September 1, Putin said the war in Ukraine came about "not as a result of a Russian attack" but because of a Western-backed coup in Kyiv, according to comments carried by the Russian news agency TASS. That was an inaccurate reference to the Maidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014, after he scrapped plans for a trade agreement with the EU and turned toward Russia instead. Putin added that what he called the West's attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO posed a "direct threat to Russia's security," a claim that the military alliance has repeatedly denied. Putin went on to praise the SCO -- whose members include Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan -- as a blueprint for "a system that would replace the outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models," in reference to the Western-backed financial and security organizations that have shaped global institutions since World War II. Those comments added to what had already been an SCO gathering focused on China's growing diplomatic clout, including plenty of choreographed moments meant to show the deepening relationship between Beijing and Moscow by flaunting Putin and Xi's close personal rapport. Scenes from the summit's welcome banquet on August 31 showed the two men walking side-by-side after posing for a photo with other leaders, with footage released from the event showing Xi gesturing for Putin to join him as he walked past the other representatives. The summit was also an opportunity for Xi to cast himself as a leader of the Global South who prioritizes economic stability, seeking to contrast with the uncertainty brought by US President Donald Trump's tariff regime and cutting of US foreign aid. "We should leverage the strength of our mega-sized markets and economic complementarity between member states and improve trade and investment facilitation," Xi told leaders at the summit as part of a 14-minute speech. The Chinese leader pledged 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in grants to SCO member states this year, and an additional 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) of loans to an SCO banking consortium. He also called for the creation of an SCO Development Bank to be set up as soon as possible. A Step Forward For Xi, Putin, And The SCO? Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has had few concrete policy achievements and often been criticized as a hollow talk shop for a collection of most-autocratic leaders to gather and push back against the Western-led global order. Beijing is certainly trying to move past that moniker at this year's summit in Tianjin by adopting a 10-year development plan as well as other economic and security initiatives. But the bloc has also leaned even more into its symbolic value as it looks to reinforce the contours of an alternative global order where China is the first among equals. Xi vowed to oppose "hegemonism," "Cold War mentality," and "bullying practices" -- all standard nomenclature used by the Chinese Communist Party to criticize the United States without having to specifically name it. The attendance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also added to the summit's diplomatic weight. The trip marked Modi's first visit to China in seven years and it comes as both Beijing and New Delhi have sought to repair their damaged ties in the face of stiff US tariffs and Western scrutiny over their relationships with Russia. Modi and Xi met on August 31 and said that they planned to move ahead with normalizing relations, although analysts note that many key differences so far remain unresolved and that Beijing and New Delhi are still far away from a reset in relations. Still, Modi appeared to embrace the choreography of the event. He praised Xi during his comments on September 1 and was seen warmly greeting Putin before the two walked over hand in hand to greet Xi and share a friendly conversation. The bloc achieved something of a small breakthrough in its joint declaration published after the second day of meetings in Tianjin. The statement strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Indian Kashmir on April 22, which led to renewed fighting between India and Pakistan. It also condemned US and Israeli air strikes on Iran in June. The consensus marks a notable shift for an organization normally constrained by its divisions. During the SCO's gathering of defense ministers in late June, India refused to sign a joint a statement about the strikes on Iran because it also omitted any reference to the Pahalgam attacks. The SCO summit will be followed by another high-profile diplomatic event in China on September 3, a massive military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Many of the bloc's leaders will be staying in China after the summit to attend the parade, although Modi plans to return to India. Russian news agency reported early on September 2 that Putin had arrived in the capital, Beijing, for talks with Chinese leaders ahead of the military parade. Source: Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, China to Expand Nuclear Energy Cooperation in Near Future - Russia's Rosatom CEO Sputnik News 20250901 TIANJIN, China, (Sputnik) - In the near future, Russia and China will expand bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, as well as non-energy applications of peaceful nuclear technologies, including quantum ones, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said on Monday. "The pace of development of nuclear technologies implies, of course, great international cooperation. And I think what awaits us in the near future... the development of bilateral cooperation between Russia and China specifically in the field of nuclear technology," Likhachev told reporters. First of all, Moscow and Beijing are interested in strengthening the construction of Russian-made water-powered reactors in demand in China, the official added. "This has been documented, among other things," Likhachev said. Secondly, Likhachev added, these are the so-called innovative nuclear technologies. "Of course, the technologies that give rise to atomic knowledge - I mean digital technologies, quantum and non-energy applications of nuclear technologies, all of this is also in the package of our cooperation today, and we are discussing further development paths," Likhachev said. Both countries will cooperate on new fourth generation nuclear power technologies with fast neutron reactors, Likhachev added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tourism creates jobs for residents in S China's Guangxi People's Daily Online) 16:23, September 02, 2025 An aerial view shows a resettlement community in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liang Zhanghui) Using a development model that combines relocation and tourism-driven jobs, Rongshui Miao Autonomous County in Liuzhou city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has helped lift previously impoverished people out of poverty. Some 4,659 people from 1,226 households now live comfortably in the Shuanglonggou resettlement community after moving to escape poverty. The former mountain residents now live in a modern community with new apartment buildings, paved roads and facilities including a service center, health station and children's activity room. For residents, their new home is no longer just about shelter but about opportunity, thanks to the tourism boom outside their doors. Drawing on its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of festivals and celebrations, Rongshui, known as the "land of a hundred festivals," has developed into a popular tourism destination that attracts visitors from across China. Tourists photograph scenery at Shuanglonggou scenic area in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of Shuanglonggou scenic area) A few hundred meters from the community lies the Shuanglonggou scenic area, where forests shade winding streams and amusement facilities offer experiences to visitors. Mengwu Miao Village cultural experience park, a national 4A scenic spot located in the Shuanglonggou scenic area, introduces visitors to the vibrant culture of the Miao ethnic group through a wide array of folk cultural experiences, including intangible cultural heritage displays, live performances and culinary delights. Growing visitor numbers have made tourism a key income source for residents. The Mengwu Miao Village cultural park offers jobs in security, administration, landscaping, cleaning and accommodation management, prioritizing resettled residents, according to Li Weiguang, the park manager. Li said locals can also sell handicrafts and perform in cultural shows at the park for income. Local resident Yang Bin is one beneficiary of the county's tourism jobs program. Tourists and locals celebrate a traditional Miao festival at Mengwu Miao Village cultural park in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of Mengwu Miao Village cultural experience park) Compared to farming in the mountains, Yang now works as a shuttle bus driver at the Shuanglonggou scenic area, enjoying a more stable life. He works nine-to-five shifts and earns more than 3,000 yuan ($420) monthly. "It's much more comfortable working here than in the mountains," he said. "Since I work near home, I can go home for lunch and rest briefly. The company offers holiday gifts, and if you do well, there are bonuses." After four years on the job, Yang speaks proudly about his newfound stability. With tourism flourishing, resettlement sites in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County are seeing poverty alleviation efforts evolve into a sustainable development model that reinforces poverty reduction gains and supports rural revitalization (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Russia Backs China's Initiative on Global Governance: Putin at SCO Sputnik News 20250901 Russia supports the global governance initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping and is interested in moving to a concrete discussion of the proposals, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. "We have certainly listened carefully to everything proposed by Xi Jinping regarding the creation of a new, more effective and functional system of global governance. This is especially relevant at a time when some countries still refuse to abandon their pursuit of dominance in international affairs. Russia supports President Xi Jinping's initiative and is interested in moving to a concrete discussion of the proposals put forward by our Chinese friends," Putin said at the "SCO Plus" meeting. Earlier in the day, Xi proposed an initiative in the field of global governance designed to build a more equitable global system. China is ready to work together with all countries to create a more just and equitable global governance system and move towards a community with a common future for humanity, Xi added. An increasing number of states are seeking cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and genuine interest and attention from the international community toward the organization continues to grow, Putin said. "Genuine interest and attention to the SCO's multifaceted activities from the international community continues to rise. More and more states are striving for open and equal dialogue with our organization," Putin said. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization could become a leader in shaping a more just system of global governance, Vladimir Putin said. "I believe that it is precisely the SCO that could assume a leading role in efforts to form a more just and equitable system of global governance, one based on the primacy of international law and the key provisions of the UN Charter. Such a system would be truly balanced, take into account the interests of the widest possible range of countries, and guarantee opportunities for their sustainable development and security," Putin said. The combined GDP of the SCO countries is growing faster than the world average, despite the difficulties in the global economy, Putin said. "It is indicative that against the background of continuing difficulties in the global economy, the total GDP of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries increased by more than 5% on average in 2024, which is higher than global values. Industrial production increased by 4.6%," Putin said at a meeting in the SCO Plus format. Trade, economic, investment and financial cooperation is being vigorously promoted within the SCO, Putin added. There is a lot of interest in the Intervision Song Contest, including from the SCO countries, Putin said. "An international television popular song contest, Intervision, will be held in Moscow. This large-scale project is aimed at promoting universal, cultural and spiritual values. The competition has already aroused great interest, artists from many countries have already confirmed their participation, including those represented at today's meeting," Putin said at a meeting in the SCO Plus format. It is high time to return the traditional values to the international agenda, Putin said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, Modi Talking Face-to-Face Before Talks With Participation of Delegations - Kremlin Sputnik News 20250901 TIANJIN, China (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are talking face-to-face before bilateral talks with the participation of delegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. Putin and Modi are currently communicating face-to-face, the spokesman added. "They talked in the car when they were driving, then they continued to communicate in the car, and now, before they join the delegation, they continue such negotiations," Peskov told reporters. Putin and Modi have been talking one-on-one for 50 minutes in the Russian leader's Aurus. They drove from the SCO summit site to the venue of the bilateral meeting at the residence in the Tianjin Ritz-Carlton Hotel in one car. The motorcade drove up to the building, the accompanying delegation leaders went inside the hotel, but the leaders continued to communicate face-to-face in the car. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of National Defense: Minister Ku Receives U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Expresses Hope for Deepening Taiwan-U.S. Security Cooperation ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/08/30 Ministry of National Defense Press Release Time: 1500 hours, August 30, 2025 Minister Ku Receives U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Expresses Hope for Deepening Taiwan-U.S. Security Cooperation Minister of National Defense Ku Li-Hsiung today (August 30) received a delegation led by U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, expressing gratitude for the delegation's steadfast support for Taiwan and hoping that Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation will continue to deepen and reach new heights. In the morning, Minister Ku, accompanied by Major General Huang, Director of the Strategic Planning Department, Major General Chu, Assistant Deputy Chief of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, and other relevant Ministry of National Defense officials, met with Chairman Roger Wicker, Senator Deb Fischer, and other members of the delegation. During his remarks, Minister Ku stated that this visit marks not only Senator Roger Wicker's first trip to Taiwan as chairman but also the first visit by a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee chairman since 2016, holding profound significance for Taiwan-U.S. bilateral relations. Minister Ku noted that the U.S. Congress has consistently, across party lines, prioritized Taiwan's defense and security, demonstrating firm support through concrete actions. Senator Roger Wicker's visit exemplifies a steadfast commitment to Taiwan's democracy, prosperity, and security, and he expressed sincere gratitude to Chairman Roger Wicker and the U.S. government. Minister Ku further highlighted that Senator Roger Wicker has long focused on developments in the international situation and the challenges facing the democratic and free world, consistently taking proactive measures within the Armed Services Committee, such as holding hearings and proposing legislation, to safeguard the national security of the United States and its democratic allies while advocating for increased U.S. attention to Taiwan. Minister Ku mentioned that Senator Roger Wicker has stated, "The future survival of Taiwan's democracy is critical to the prosperity and security of the United States," and has called for the U.S. government to work with Congress to accelerate the transfer, financing, and sale of critical military capabilities to Taiwan. Thanks to Senator Roger Wicker's proactive efforts, Taiwan, with U.S. assistance, has been able to continuously strengthen its defense capabilities to counter threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Senator Roger Wicker stated that the "strategic ambiguity" policy has been in place for many years, and deliberately altering its terminology is unnecessary. The delegation's visit to Taiwan underscores the U.S. Congress's commitment to Taiwan's security, emphasizing that Taiwan and the U.S. will stand shoulder to shoulder to safeguard democracy and freedom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address St. Lucia deputy PM, ministers visit Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 09/01/2025 09:01 PM Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) Saint Lucian Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire has arrived in Taiwan for a five-day visit to meet with President Lai Ching-te () and enhance bilateral exchanges, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday. Hilaire, who also serves as minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Monday afternoon to a welcome from Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (), MOFA said in a press release. Hilaire is accompanied on the Taiwan trip by Emma Hippolyte, minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs, and Joachim Andre Henry, minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment. The visit is scheduled to conclude on Friday. Aside from meeting with Lai and attending a banquet to be hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (), the Caribbean ally delegation will also make a trip to the Ministry of Culture and visit local cultural tourism sites, MOFA said. The Saint Lucian delegates are also set to travel to the southern port city of Kaohsiung for a tour of its world-renowned yacht industry, it added. Hilaire last visited Taiwan in 2023. Saint Lucia is one of 12 states worldwide that recognize the Republic of China (ROC) -- Taiwan's official name -- instead of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Both countries first established diplomatic relations in 1984, but ties were broken in 1997 when the Caribbean country switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing. In April 2007, the ROC and Saint Lucia reestablished diplomatic relations, and the PRC consequently severed its ties with the latter. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government, parties outline priorities as new lawmaking session begins ROC Central News Agency 09/01/2025 07:19 PM Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) each commented on their respective legislative priorities Monday as the Legislative Yuan began a new session. The 11th Legislative Yuan's third session, the longest on record, ended Aug. 29, and the fourth session began Sept. 1. The Cabinet listed nine draft bills as top priorities for the new session, including measures related to the economy, disadvantaged groups, youth, indigenous affairs, health insurance data, childcare services, artificial intelligence, and protections for persons with disabilities. Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee () said the package includes amendments to the Indigenous Peoples Employment Rights Protection Act, the Personal Data Protection Act, the Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act. Other priority bills will be reviewed by newly appointed Executive Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Yuan Ruan Zhao-syong (), who will also coordinate with Legislative Yuan caucuses, Lee said. Meanwhile, the KMT said it intends to pursue reforms to the Local Government Act, military and civil servant pensions, referendum and election law, and subsidies. KMT caucus Deputy Secretary-General Lin Pei-hsiang () said the bills have "not yet been discussed" or even drawn up, and that "nothing has been finalized." "Whether it is a referendum-election combination or pension reform, we will engage in thorough communication with the Taiwan People's Party, and after mutual understanding, release either separate or integrated versions," Lin said. TPP leader Huang Kuo-chang () said his party will promote amendments to the Referendum Act to combine referendums with elections. Meanwhile, a DPP party source said that President Lai Ching-te (), who also chairs the DPP, has invited lawmakers from different factions to his official residence. According to the source, Lai's goal is to build consensus and ensure the general budget passes smoothly. (By Kao Hua-chien, Liu Kuan-ting, Yeh Su-ping, Wen Kuei-hsiang and James Thompson) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential Office announces 4 National Security Council appointments ROC Central News Agency 09/01/2025 11:26 AM Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) Two deputy secretary-generals in Taiwan's National Security Council (NSC) have been named advisors, while a Presidential Office spokesperson and a Taipei City councilor will fill their vacancies, the Presidential Office said Monday. Hsu Szu-chien () and Liu Te-chin () will serve as NSC advisors, while their deputy secretary-general posts will be taken up by Presidential Office spokesperson Lii Wen () and Taipei City Councilor Chao Yi-hsiang (), the office said in a statement. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo () said President Lai Ching-te () praised Hsu and Liu for their exemplary service in the NSC leadership. Hsu, a political scientist at Academia Sinica, served as a deputy foreign minister before being named NSC deputy secretary-general in July 2020 by then-President Tsai Ing-wen (). Liu, a retired Army major general, was appointed in February 2023 and was described by the office as experienced in military cooperation and defense strategy. Both Chao and Lii previously headed the international affairs department of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and have prior NSC experience, the office said. Chao has also served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was posted in the United States as head of the political division at Taiwan's representative office. Lii has worked as deputy head of the DPP's Chinese affairs department and at the Prospect Foundation, a government-affiliated think tank focusing on cross-strait issues. President Lai hopes to continue drawing on Hsu and Liu's expertise in foreign affairs and defense, while expecting Chao and Lii to bring innovative perspectives from a younger generation, Kuo added. (By Yeh Su-ping and Kay Liu) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/09/01 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Aug. 31 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. Sep. 1 (Mon.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 8 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 8 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140901_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140901_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/09/02 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Sep. 1 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Sep. 2 (Tue.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 10 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN ships, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140902_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 [Open a new window] 1140902_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 [Open a new window] 1140902_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cyber & Specialist Operations Command - Established to tackle the threats of today and tomorrow The Ministry of Defence has reshaped the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) to enhance the UK's ability to help keep the United Kingdom secure at home and strong abroad. From: Cyber & Specialist Operations Command and Ministry of Defence Published 1 September 2025 In an era where the first blows of conflict are often struck in cyberspace, the Ministry of Defence has today reshaped the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), following the announcement on 31 July, to help keep the United Kingdom secure at home and strong abroad. Building on the foundations of Strategic Command, CSOC unites Defence's cyber and specialist capabilities under a single command, ensuring the Armed Forces are ready to respond across all domains: land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This change reflects the ambition of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, which sets out a bold vision to make Britain safer, secure at home, and strong abroad. CSOC is at the heart of this vision, driving a landmark shift in deterrence and supporting the move of the Armed Forces towards warfighting readiness. CSOC stands as the fourth Military Command alongside the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force - playing a core role in shaping and delivering Defence's Integrated Force. CSOC's mission is to generate and operate specialist capabilities, ready to fight across all domains, to make the United Kingdom secure at home and abroad. CSOC provides vital and game-changing capabilities for Defence, in support of HMG's National Security Objectives. This includes commanding and conducting integrated operations 24/7 - for all of Defence and the UK Armed Forces - to protect the UK and support NATO, ensuring warfighting readiness - whilst keeping our forces healthy, fit to fight and ready to respond globally. Cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum connect every aspect of modern life, but this connectivity also creates significant vulnerabilities. The frontline of conflict now extends beyond traditional battlefields to the digital networks underpinning businesses, national infrastructure, and daily life. Recent conflicts have shown that disinformation campaigns and persistent cyberattacks are defining features of modern warfare. CSOC stands at the forefront of this fight. Every day, its cyber specialists defend the UK's critical networks, military assets, supply chains, and people. CSOC brings together over 26,000 specialists across 130 global sites, uniting expertise across cyber operations, medical support, intelligence, special forces, education, and our Defence attaches overseas. General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander CSOC, said: Across all we dowhether delivering specialist operations, combatting daily cyber threats, arming Defence with intelligence, uniting the Integrated Global Defence Network, or preparing the next generation of Defence leadersCSOC is always on, acting with insight, speed, and impact. We are across every UK operation, delivering specialist capabilities and always ready to respond, anywhere and anytime. This reshaping ensures we are equipped to out-think, out-pace, and out-fight our adversaries, keeping the UK safe at home and strong abroad. The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the needs to move to warfighting readiness, achieved through closer collaboration across Defence, wider Government, industry, and our international allies and partners. CSOC embeds frontline lessons, harnessing AI, data, drones and digital warfare to enhance the UK's operational advantage. CSOC's close collaboration with UK industry is central to this effort. By uniting operational insight with technical ingenuity, CSOC is driving innovation in areas such as cybersecurity and digital warfare. These partnerships not only strengthen national security but also create high-skilled jobs and support the growth of UK businesses at the forefront of defence technology. As one of four UK military commands, CSOC operates at the forefront of modern warfare. Whether delivering precision targeting, constantly combatting cyber and electromagnetic threats, or uniting Defence's Integrated Global Defence Network, CSOC ensures the UK is prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare and protect our society, now and in the future NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Hit Port Infrastructure Used by Ukrainian Military Sputnik News 20250831 Russian Armed Forces have struck port infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Sunday. "Operational-tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces, and artillery units of the Russian Armed Forces groupings have struck port infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and protecting it Norwegian-made NASAMS air defense system, as well as temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 156 areas," the statement said. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 440 Ukrainian military personnel over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces included up to 440 soldiers, a tank, four armored fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles and two artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 235 Ukrainian fighters, two tanks, five armored combat vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, seven electronic warfare stations, a counter-battery warfare station and two ammunition depots over the past 24 hours. Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated up to 230 Ukrainian soldiers, a tank, two armored combat vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns and a materiel depot. Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated over 205 Ukrainian soldiers, two armored combat vehicles, seven motor vehicles, seven field artillery guns, two ammunition depots and two materiel depots in the past day. Russia's Battlegroup Sever has eliminated up to 170 Ukrainian soldiers, a tank, an armored fighting vehicle, eight motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, four electronic warfare stations, four ammunition depots and five materiel depots. Russia's Battlegroup Dnepr battle group has eliminated over 60 Ukrainian fighters over the past day, 10 motor vehicles, a Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system, six electronic warfare stations, three ammunition depots and three material depots, the statement read. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's aggression against Ukraine and situation in Middle East on agenda at informal EU ministerial meeting Government Offices of Sweden Article from Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 01 September 2025 Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard took part in an informal EU foreign ministers meeting (Gymnich) in Copenhagen on 29-30 August 2025. Once every six months, the EU foreign ministers gather in the country holding the Presidency of the Council for an informal meeting. The meeting for the second half of 2025 took place in Copenhagen. The ministers discussed a number of current issues, with Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East top of the agenda. Ms Malmer Stenergard stressed the importance of the EU adopting a 19th sanctions package as soon as possible. In a 19th sanctions package, Sweden wants to see further sanctions against a number of sectors and measures to counter the shadow fleet. Ms Malmer Stenergard also emphasised that the EU must be able to agree on concrete measures to improve matters in Gaza, where the situation is dire, but also in the West Bank. This means putting increased pressure on Israel to live up to its obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law. EU pressure on Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages must also increase. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys in Copenhagen: breaking the aggressor's war financing mechanisms is the only way forward for peace Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-01 On 30 August in Copenhagen the capital of Denmark, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council EU foreign ministers gathered for informal discussions on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, tightening sanctions against Russia, stopping the shadow fleet, and providing security guarantees and support for Ukraine. In an informal discussion, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys, presented Lithuania's proposals on using Russia's frozen central bank assets for Ukraine, suggestions on the 19th sanctions package, and the beginning of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. "The only way forward is not only just to maintain but to increase pressure on Russia by breaking its war financing mechanisms. We will achieve this only by tightening sanctions on Russia's strategic sectors through which the Kremlin finances its aggression, including gas and oil exports, the shadow fleet, the banking and financial sectors, and other areas that strengthen the aggressor's military capabilities," the Minister said. Lithuania's proposal for the 19th package of EU sanctions includes a total ban on exporting dual-use and high-tech products to Russia. It proposes further lowering the global oil price cap, sanctioning four major gas and oil companies Lukoil, Rosneft, Gazprom, and Novatek all Russian banks, the remaining 'shadow fleet' vessels, restricting their cargo services, access to the cloud computing, banning cooperation with Russian entities in scientific research, and other measures. The meeting also discussed the role of the EU in ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine. One of the essential elements - Ukraine's strong, high-readiness armed forces, which can be supported through EU military training missions. According to the Minister, Ukraine's EU membership is the strongest security guarantee that Europe can provide. Thus, there is an urgent need to immediately open the first negotiating clusters for EU accession, and, by the end of this year open the remaining ones as well as identify 2030 as the target year for Ukraine's EU membership. The EU foreign ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the EU decision-making process, and the possibility of applying qualified majority voting to Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) decisions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys: the red carpet will not bring Putin to the negotiating table Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-01 On 1 September, Acting Minister of Foreign Affair Kestutis Budrys is attending an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union in Copenhagen. "We all understand that the red carpet will not bring Putin to negotiations. We must create unbearable conditions for the aggressor that would force him to sit down at the negotiating table and talk about lasting peace in Ukraine," Budrys told reporters ahead of the meeting. The Minister stressed the need to take measures in support of Ukraine and its military capabilities, as well as to reduce the resources of Russia's war machine. "Lithuania proposes to seize frozen Russian assets. We are offering several legal solutions on how to do this, because we understand the risks involved. We are not ignoring them, but risks are to be managed, not avoided," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy. Budrys stressed that using Russia's frozen assets would help Ukraine grow stronger, recover, and restore what the aggressor had destroyed. Minister Budrys also called for increasing sanctions on Russia, its oil and gas companies, and banks, as well as further lowering the price cap on Russian oil and restricting the activities of the shadow fleet. Please click for the Minister's full statement here: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-276294 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Sources Say Parubiy Murder Suspect Has Confessed, Cited Russian Contacts By RFE/RLSeptember 01, 2025 A man Ukrainian police have detained in connection with the assassination of former parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy has reportedly said he was in contact with Russian representatives prior to the fatal attack. Law enforcement sources told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that the suspect confessed to the killing, which saw the ex-lawmaker gunned down on a street in Lviv over the weekend. He also claimed he had been in contact with individuals linked to Russia while searching for his missing soldier son. Earlier on September 1, police released photos of officers arresting an unidentified man but gave no further details. It was unclear when or where exactly the arrest occurred or where, though police said the man allegedly was hiding in the Khmelnytskiy region, east of Lviv. Surveillance video showed that Parubiy, 54, was approached by a gunman from the rear around noon on August 30 as he walked on Lviv's Yefremova Street. Police said he died immediately from gunshot wounds. "We know that this crime was not accidental. There is a Russian trace in it," national police chief Ivan Vyhyvskiy said. He did not elaborate. According to the sources who spoke to RFE/RL, the suspect -- a 52-year-old Lviv resident -- said he began monitoring Russian social networks in 2023 after learning his son had gone missing in Ukraine's Bakhmut region where he had been fighting invading Russian forces. The man claimed that he then came into contact with unidentified Russian representatives who allegedly told him his son had been killed. The sources said the man claimed the Russians tried to justify Moscow's war, blaming Kyiv for Moscow's unprovoked invasion, and encouraged him to act against Ukrainian officials. Investigators are now checking these statements. RFE/RL has not yet been able obtain an official statement from the suspect or his defense. Parubiy played a prominent role in the Maidan demonstrations, which erupted in late 2013 when President Viktor Yanukovych opted to forego closer ties with the European Union and move closer to Russia. The protests culminated in violent clashes with police in February 2014, and Yanukovych fled the country. Parubiy was also an important figure in earlier Orange Revolution in 2004, which began when Yanukovych was declared the winner of a disputed presidential election. His victory was ultimately overturned. He served as speaker of the Verkhovna Rada between 2016 and 2019. In recent years, he served as a lawmaker in the political party of former President Petro Poroshenko. Poroshenko blamed the killing on Russia. "Whoever carried it out, the one who ordered it and the one who must bear responsibility is Putin," he said in a statement. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/parubiy-lviv-ukraine- assassination-maidan/33517975.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 415 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Tsentr Group Sputnik News 20250901 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 415 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to over 415 servicepeople, a tank, three armored fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles and three artillery pieces," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 230 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Kiev has lost over 220 soldiers in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At an extraordinary meeting of NATO-Ukraine Council Allies confirmed their support for Ukraine in countering Russian terror Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 01 September 2025 19:19 On 1 September 2025, an extraordinary meeting of NATO-Ukraine Council in the format of the Political Affairs Committee was held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, convened at the request of the Ukrainian side following the recent massive Russian attacks. Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Serhiy Boyev and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Oleksii Serhieiev joined the meeting online. Ukrainian officials briefed the Allies in detail on the current security situation, the assessment of Russia's tactics, and its future plans. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oleksii Serhieiev reported on the consequences of the recent Russian attacks against Ukraine, including the number of dead and injured, as well as the extent of infrastructure destruction. Deputy Minister of Defence Serhiy Boyev stressed that Russia is significantly increasing its weapons production, in particular cruise missiles, drones, and artillery. He also noted that North Korea and Iran continue to provide substantial assistance to Russia, highlighting the global security implications of Russia's war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian side called on NATO member states to provide necessaryassistance for strengthening Ukraine's air defence, in particular the Patriot system and missiles for them. The need for long-range missiles was also emphasized. Allies were also urged to increase investment in Ukraine's defence industry, particularly in drone production. With sufficient funding, Ukraine could significantly scale up its production capacity. Representatives of NATO member states strongly condemned Russia's massive attacks of Ukrainian cities, civilian facilities, and civilians, stressing that such actions clearly demonstrate Russia's lack of desire for peace. They also underlined the need to increase pressure on Russia and assured that they would continue supporting Ukraine and working to ensure the sustainable and timely supply of essential for Ukraine weapons. With winter and the heating season approaching, the Allies also highlighted the importance of protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and assured that they would provide the necessary support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal: The network of military lyceums in Ukraine will be expanded Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 1 September, 2025, 1:06 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal visited the Kyiv Military Lyceum named after Ivan Bohun to mark the start of the academic year. He congratulated the cadets and teaching staff on September 1, the first day of the academic year. "Military education is the cornerstone of the modern Ukrainian military. Knowledge empowers success on the battlefield and fosters ingenuity, resilience, and inventiveness in military operations," emphasized Denys Shmyhal The Minister of Defence also wished the cadets success and new achievements, encouraging them to transform bold ideas and initiatives into actions for the benefit of the country. "We are committed to ensuring the continued expansion of Ukraine's military lyceum network. The Ministry of Defence is working to establish at least one such lyceum in every region. There is significant demand among young people for high-quality military education, and we will ensure all necessary conditions for its development," said the Minister of Defence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Investments in Drone Production and Continued Defense Support: Meeting with Norwegian Delegation Took Place at the Office of the President President of Ukraine 1 September 2025 - 22:19 At the instruction of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with a Norwegian delegation led by Arild Eikeland, Director of the Department for International Security Policy and Operations at Norway's Ministry of Defense. The meeting followed up on President Zelenskyy's talks with the Prime Minister of Norway during the Norwegian government leader's visit to Kyiv on August 25. Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude to Norway for its consistent support of Ukraine, particularly for bolstering air defense and for its participation in the PURL program, which enables the purchase of U.S.-made weapons. The parties discussed financing for Ukraine's drone production. Ihor Zhovkva urged partners to continue investing in the manufacturing of drones, which have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield. "Supporting Ukraine today is an investment in Europe's long-term security. Now we need joint production facilities that will work to defend Ukraine. Partners investing in these processes today will gain advantages tomorrow. After the war in Ukraine ends, our joint production lines will work to defend Europe," he emphasized. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also briefed the delegation on the diplomatic efforts to achieve a genuine peace, including President Zelenskyy's talks with the President of the United States and European leaders in Washington. "Ukraine has confirmed its readiness for a meeting at the level of leaders with Russia. However, in the two weeks since, Moscow has not provided a single positive signal indicating readiness for diplomacy. Instead, the Russians have carried out cynical strikes on Ukrainian cities," Ihor Zhovkva stressed. Special attention was paid to security guarantees. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President noted that one of the key security guarantees is a strong Ukrainian army and urged continued support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The parties also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Ihor Zhovkva expressed gratitude for granting Ukraine enhanced partnership status and emphasized that our country is ready to translate this status into practical cooperation. The parties coordinated next steps and agreed on joint activities within the JEF partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Micheal Martin Discussed Security Guarantees and Ireland's Readiness to Contribute President of Ukraine 1 September 2025 - 21:58 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin to coordinate the next steps. Micheal Martin expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones as a result of Russian attacks. The President thanked Ireland and Micheal Martin personally for supporting Ukraine and for assisting with the arrangement of school shelters. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian children went to school today, and thanks to such support, even more students will be able to study offline and stay safe. The leaders also discussed the possibility of providing funding to ensure free meals for students and agreed to explore potential solutions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Micheal Martin paid special attention to efforts to develop security guarantees and preparations for Thursday's meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. The Taoiseach of Ireland confirmed that his country is ready to contribute to ensuring Ukraine's security. The leaders share a common vision: the need to increase pressure on Russia, including through the introduction of secondary sanctions. It is important to do everything possible to make Moscow finally feel that this war is truly costly for them. Only then will the Russians start thinking about how to end what they themselves started. The Taoiseach of Ireland also expressed support for Ukraine on its path to European Union membership. Both sides agree that Ukraine and Moldova must advance together in the negotiation process toward joining the EU. The leaders coordinated their next steps and agreed to meet in person in the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Met with Leaders of Two Bundestag Coalition Factions President of Ukraine 1 September 2025 - 21:49 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Jens Spahn and Matthias Miersch, leaders of two coalition factions in the German Bundestag, to coordinate the next joint diplomatic steps and discuss the continuation of financial and defense support for our country. The Head of State thanked Germany and the German people for their European leadership in providing assistance and especially highlighted Germany's contribution to bolstering Ukraine's air defense and its participation in the new PURL initiative. "We are grateful for the Patriot systems and the missiles for these systems, as well as for the German-made IRIS-T systems. This is important for us because these save the lives of our people. Today is the first of September. And this means that children have the opportunity to go to school, that people have the opportunity to work, and that we can generate revenue for the Ukrainian budget and our economy," said the President. During the meeting, they also discussed further strengthening of Ukraine's air shield. Jens Spahn noted that for the next year, the German government has allocated 9 billion in aid to Ukraine. "For us, it is very important to speak clearly in Europe and in Germany about the brutality of this war. We assure you that the government and the parliament will continue to support you. It is also important for us to demonstrate with this visit that there is unity in the German Bundestag," he said. The parties discussed diplomatic efforts in detail, the importance of achieving a ceasefire, and the development of security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it has now been two weeks since the talks with the U.S. President and European leaders in Washington. During this time, Russia has shown no intention of being ready for a meeting at the level of leaders and has instead continued attacking Ukrainian cities and communities, killing dozens of Ukrainians. The Head of State emphasized that only strong actions can change Russian behavior. That is why Ukraine counts on Germany's support in stepping up pressure on Russia. The German delegation members also shared that earlier today they visited Bucha, where Russians committed atrocities during the occupation in March 2022, and paid tribute in Kyiv to those killed in the ballistic missile strike on the night of August 28, as well as to the fallen Ukrainian warriors at the memorial on Independence Square. "It is very important to find an opportunity to achieve a ceasefire. Today is the first day of the school year in Ukraine. Everything must be done so that children do not have to hear air raid sirens, but today they did hear them and had to go to shelters again. As leaders of the parliamentary groups, we will work to help make this (the ceasefire - ed.) possible," said Matthias Miersch. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Portugal Discussed Security Guarantees and Joint Drone Production President of Ukraine 1 September 2025 - 21:24 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Portugal Luis Montenegro. The Head of State thanked Portugal for all the support provided since the very beginning of Russia's full-scale war. In particular, the President highlighted defense assistance and the funding of Schools of Superheroes, which allow Ukrainian children to continue their education while undergoing medical treatment. The parties discussed diplomatic efforts and the development of security guarantees. On Thursday, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be held to discuss the prepared security guarantee points. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that one of the key components of security guarantees for Ukraine is its membership in the European Union. The leaders agreed that no division should be allowed between Ukraine and Moldova on this path. The conversation also touched upon the involvement of Portuguese businesses in Ukraine's reconstruction and the joint production of drones. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Luis Montenegro agreed that their teams would thoroughly explore all available opportunities for cooperation. The President also invited the Prime Minister of Portugal to visit Ukraine. Luis Montenegro shared information on the impact of large wildfires in Portugal. Ukraine stands in solidarity with the people of Portugal and is always ready to help. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Ministry of Digital Transformation Team Presented New Digital Service Projects to the President, Including the World's First AI Assistant Providing Government Services President of Ukraine 1 September 2025 - 16:01 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Diia team and took part in the presentation of Diia.AI, an AI assistant that will provide government services through the Diia portal. Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov and his team showcased Diia.AI and five other new features of the application, all powered by its core technology, to the President. "Diia.AI is the world's first AI assistant to deliver government services directly in a chat interface. The assistant will be available 24/7 to help citizens find the services they need, check data in state registers, and advise on how to handle paperwork. Starting today, the first service - obtaining an income certificate - will be available. Other services will be rolled out gradually, and soon we will launch the AI assistant in the Diia app itself," said Mykhailo Fedorov. The application will also soon feature new social and veterans' services, Diia.Signature for legal entities, nine new categories within the International Register of Damage, a service for signing declarations with family doctors, and additional services for drivers and taxpayers. In addition, the Diia team plans to launch a direct request service for contacting local self-government bodies. Special attention was given to justice system reform, with the team presenting the Electronic Court project. In particular, Ukrainians will be able to file applications in straightforward categories of cases through Diia and track every stage of their review online. This year, even more schools will join the Mriia educational ecosystem, bringing the total to over two thousand. Mriia is a web platform and application designed for teachers, school administrations, students, and their parents. Ukraine is also starting the rollout of 5G. Initial tests in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Borodyanka will allow the technology to be tested under real-life conditions, with nationwide coverage to follow. In addition, Ukraine's defense tech cluster Brave1 is relaunching its grant program. Ukrainian defense tech manufacturers will be able to participate in new grant competitions, including those aimed at developing the production of explosives and missiles. Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the work of the Ministry of Digital Transformation team and emphasized his commitment to supporting initiatives critical for the country and its people. According to the President, the system of digital government services must continue to be scaled up while simultaneously improving the efficiency of projects that are already in operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU and National Police detained individual suspected of murdering MP Andriy Parubiy Security Service of Ukraine 00:29, 1 September 2025 The Security Service of Ukraine, the National Police, and the Office of the Prosecutor General have detained a man suspected of murdering people's deputy Andriy Parubiy. The suspect was detained in Khmelnytskyi region. According to the investigation, the assassination attempt on the parliamentarian was carefully planned: the perpetrator studied the victim's schedule, mapped out the route, and prepared an escape plan. Due to coordinated actions, the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police managed to track down the suspect within 24 hours of the attack and detain him within 36 hours. The investigation and detention were personally supervised by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The investigation is ongoing. The law enforcement agencies will provide further information on the progress of the investigation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Urges China To Push Russia To End War As Putin Arrives In Beijing For Talks, Parade By RFE/RLSeptember 02, 2025 Summary Ukraine blasts SCO after final declaration does not mention Russia's war. 'Coalition of the Willing' due to meet in Paris on September 2 as European leaders discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Kremlin adviser plays down possibility of trilateral meeting involving presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Ukraine urged China to pressure Vladimir Putin to move toward peace as the Russian president arrived in Beijing following his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit -- where he defended the war that has killed tens of thousands of people. "Given the significant geopolitical role of the People's Republic of China, we would welcome a more active role [for Beijing] in bringing peace to Ukraine based on respect for the UN Charter," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement as Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on September 2. The ministry statement noted that the SCO's final declaration avoided mention of the conflict, which has become a full-scale war since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "We consider it eloquent that the main final document of the summit, the 20-page Tianjin Declaration, does not contain a single mention of the Russian war against Ukraine," the statement said. "It is surprising that the largest war of aggression in Europe since World War II was not reflected in such an important, fundamental document, while it mentions a number of other wars, terrorist attacks, and events in the world." It said the failure to mention Russia's war in Ukraine in the declaration "indicates the failure of Moscow's diplomatic efforts." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has consistently called on China -- a close ally of Russia -- to put pressure on Putin to end the war. Another high-profile diplomatic event in China will be held on September 3 -- a massive military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Many leaders -- including Putin -- are remaining in China after the SCO to attend the parade. Putin Blames The West At the SCO in Tianjin outside of Beijing, Putin sent a defiant message against the West over his invasion of Ukraine after standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Putin said the war in Ukraine came about "not as a result of a Russian attack" but because of a Western-backed coup in Kyiv, according to comments carried by the Russian news agency TASS. That was an inaccurate reference to the Maidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014, after he scrapped plans for a trade agreement with the EU and turned toward Russia instead. Putin added that what he called the West's attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO posed a "direct threat to Russia's security," a claim that the military alliance has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, Kyiv's European allies in the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer -- are set to meet in Paris on September 4 to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. "Together with our partners, and in coordination with NATO, we will work to define robust security guarantees for Ukraine. These are a necessary prerequisite to move credibly towards peace," Macron wrote on X following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte. "We will also review Russia's stance, as it persists in its war of aggression and continues to reject peace," Macron added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on August 31 said Kyiv's European allies were working on "pretty precise plans" and a "clear road map" for a potential deployment of troops to Ukraine should a peace deal be struck between Kyiv and Moscow. Von der Leyen, in comments published in The Financial Times, added that any such venture would have the full backing of the United States, which has swayed back and forth on potential involvement over the past year. 'No Concrete Plans' For Trilateral Summit Separately, on the sidelines of the SCO, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said there were no immediate plans for a trilateral meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump, contradicting recent remarks by Trump that he was arranging such a meeting. "Now everyone is talking about a trilateral summit...but there has been no concrete agreement on this between Putin and Trump," Ushakov said. Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority of his administration, has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin's refusal to meet with Zelenskyy but has suggested he was moving toward a trilateral meeting with himself included. Trump has also expressed anger with Russia's nonstop campaign of air assaults on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure. On September 2, Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, said an overnight Russian air strike on the city of Bila Tserkva near Kyiv killed one person and created a massive blaze at a multistory building. Attacks were also reported near the cities of Chernihiv and Sumy. Inside Russia, the Rostov regional governor reported early on September 2 that some 320 people were evacuated from an apartment block after a Ukrainian drone attack. Details were not immediately available. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-putin-sco-xi-ukraine- ceasefire-zelenskyy/33518925.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit: Guterres calls for strengthening multilateralism 1 September 2025 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for strengthening multilateralism - and appealed for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and beyond - in remarks to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. The Eurasian bloc, comprising 10 member states, is the world's largest regional organization by population and geography. Mr. Guterres told leaders that "we are moving towards a multipolar world", which is both a reality and an opportunity. He said emerging economies are reshaping trade, diplomacy and development, but at the same time, injustices and divisions are widening. Principled leadership needed He stressed the need for principled leadership to strengthen multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and deliver for people everywhere. "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future," he said. The UN chief highlighted four priority areas, starting with peace and security. Peace in Gaza and beyond He pointed to the situation in Gaza, where the scale of death and destruction is horrific and famine has taken hold. "We need an immediate and permanent ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; and unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access," he said. "And we must advance concrete and irreversible steps toward a two-State solution - the only path to a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis." Mr. Guterres also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying "it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace - in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions." He also called for protection of civilians, fostering dialogue and securing peace in Sudan, Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond. "Your leadership in diplomacy and de-escalation is essential, as are your efforts against terrorism and transnational threats," he told leaders. Reform and climate action The Secretary-General called for reform of the global financial architecture to ensure fair representation for developing countries. "We are no longer in 1945 - and our institutions must reflect today's realities," he said. The third area for action concerns confronting climate change. "We are reaching a tipping point and need meaningful reductions of emissions. G20 countries - responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions - must lead," he said. He urged all governments to submit new climate action plans before the COP30 UN climate conference in Brazil this November. "We must also set a clear path to delivering $1.3 trillion by 2030. Developed countries must honour their commitments. And we need a breakthrough on adaptation," he added. He called for doubling adaptation finance, scaling up early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure and phasing out fossil fuels while speeding up the transition to renewable energy. Cooperation on technology The final area for action is digital cooperation as new technologies bring both opportunities and risk. He said the UN General Assembly has just established two mechanisms - an Independent Scientific Panel and a Global Dialogue on governance of artificial intelligence (AI) - to give all countries a voice and prevent fragmentation. "These mechanisms mark a breakthrough for global AI cooperation - leveraging the unique convening power of the United Nations," he said. Put people first In conclusion, he said that as the UN marks its 80th anniversary, countries must strengthen international cooperation for the 21st century and always put people first. In this regard, he welcomed China's Global Governance Initiative, announced that day, which "is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO SELL ANY SECURITIES. Montrouge 2 September 2025 Credit Agricole S.A. Launches Tender Offers for Perpetual Notes ____________________ Credit Agricole S.A. today announced the launch of offers to purchase for cash any and all of two series of its outstanding perpetual notes: (i) its USD 8.125% Undated Deeply Subordinated Additional Tier 1 Fixed Rate Resettable Notes (the USD Notes) (the USD Notes Offer) and (ii) its GBP 7.500% Undated Deeply Subordinated Additional Tier 1 Fixed Rate Resettable Notes (the GBP Notes and together with the USD Notes, the Existing Notes) (the GBP Notes Offer and, together with the USD Notes Offer, the Offers). The Offers are subject to certain offer restrictions further described below. Further information on the USD Notes and GBP Notes subject to the Offers are included in the table below. The Offers are made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated 2 September 2025 relating to the Offers (the Offer to Purchase). The expiration date for each of the Offers is 5:00 p.m., New York City time/11:00 p.m., Central European Summer time, on 8 September 2025 (the Expiration Date), and the deadline for withdrawing tenders in either of the Offers is 5:00 p.m., New York City time/11:00 p.m., Central European Summer time, on 8 September 2025 (in each case subject to extension). Tenders of Existing Notes in either Offer may be effected by using the guaranteed delivery procedure described in the Offer to Purchase, which includes the delivery by a Holder of a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. Holders using the guaranteed delivery procedure must validly tender Existing Notes by 5:00 p.m., New York City time/11:00 p.m., Central European Summer time, on 10 September 2025 (subject to extension). Credit Agricole S.A. will purchase all Existing Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at the offer price applicable to the relevant series of Existing Notes as set forth in the table below. Credit Agricole S.A.s obligation to accept for purchase and pay for validly tendered Existing Notes is subject to, and conditioned upon, satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions described in the Offer to Purchase. In particular, both Offers are subject to and conditioned upon the successful completion (on terms satisfactory to Credit Agricole S.A. in its sole discretion) and settlement of the proposed issuance of the New Notes (as defined herein), as described further in the Offer to Purchase. The Settlement Date will occur promptly following the Expiration Date and is expected to be on or about 11 September 2025 (subject to extension). The Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date for Existing Notes tendered using guaranteed delivery procedures is expected to be on or about 11 September 2025 (subject to extension). Subject to market conditions, Credit Agricole S.A. also intends to issue a new series of undated deeply subordinated additional tier 1 notes (the New Notes). In connection with the allocation of the New Notes, Credit Agricole S.A. intends to consider among other factors whether or not the relevant investor seeking an allocation of the New Notes has, prior to such allocation, validly tendered or indicated to the Company or the relevant Dealer Manager a firm intention to tender Existing Notes pursuant to the Offers, and if so, the aggregate principal amount of such Existing Notes tendered or intended to be tendered by such investor. Credit Agricole S.A. is not obligated to allocate any New Notes to a Holder, and even if any New Notes are allocated, the principal amount thereof may be less or more than the principal amount of Existing Notes tendered by such Holder. For further details about the terms and conditions of the Offers and the procedures for tendering the Existing Notes, please refer to the Offer to Purchase. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and other documentation are available at www.dfking.com/casa. Capitalized terms used in this announcement but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase. Context and Rationale of the Offers The purpose of the Offers is to further optimize Credit Agricole S.A.s capital base and debt management while offering liquidity to investors. Description of the Offers Notes subject to the Offers Title of Notes CUSIP / ISIN No. Principal Amount Outstanding Offer Price (1) USD 8.125% Undated Deeply Subordinated Additional Tier 1 Fixed Rate Resettable Notes (the USD Notes) CUSIP : 225313 AJ4 (Rule 144A) / F2R125 CD5 (Reg S) ISIN : US225313AJ46 (Rule 144A) / USF2R125CD54 (Reg S) USD1,250,000,000 USD1,011.25 GBP 7.500% Undated Deeply Subordinated Additional Tier 1 Fixed Rate Resettable Notes (the GBP Notes and together with the USD Notes, the Existing Notes) ISIN : XS2353100402 (Rule 144A) XS2353099638 (Reg S) GBP396,684,000 GBP1,023.50 (1) Per USD1,000 or GBP1,000, as applicable, in principal amount of Existing Notes purchased pursuant to the Offers. Further Information Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the Offers may be directed to: Structuring Bank and Dealer Manager for the USD Notes Offer and the GBP Notes Offer Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank 12, place des Etats Unis, CS 70052 92547 Montrouge Cedex France Attn: Liability Management Tel: +44 207 214 5903 Email: liability.management@ca-cib.com Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc. Attn: Debt Capital Markets/Liability Management 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10019 United States Collect: +1 (212) 261-7802 U.S. Toll Free: +1 (866) 807-6030 Dealer Manager for the GBP Notes Offer NatWest Markets N.V. Claude Debussylaan 94 Amsterdam 1082 MD The Netherlands Attn: Liability Management Tel: +44 20 7678 5222 Email: NWMLiabilityManagement@natwestmarkets.com NatWest Markets Securities Inc. 600 Washington Boulevard Samford, Connecticut 060901 United States Tel: +1 (203) 897 6166 U.S. Toll Free: +1 (800) 231-5380 Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the tenders of Existing Notes including requests for a copy of the Offer to Purchase may be directed to: The Information and Tender Agent for the Offers D.F. King & Co., Inc. New York 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor New York, NY 10005 United States Toll free: (888) 605-1956 London 51 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 207 920 9700 Email: casa@dfking.com Disclaimer Regarding the Offers Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Existing Notes pursuant to the Offers, and if so, the principal amount of Existing Notes to tender. Holders should consult their own tax, accounting, financial and legal advisors as they deem appropriate regarding the suitability of the tax, accounting, financial and legal consequences of participating or declining to participate in the Offers. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of offers to sell any securities. This announcement is not an invitation to participate in the Offers. Such an invitation will only be extended by means of the Offer to Purchase, which will be provided only to those investors to whom such an invitation may be legally addressed. The distribution of this announcement in certain countries may be prohibited by law. Offer Restrictions United Kingdom. The communication of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made by, and such documents and/or materials have not approved by, an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (FSMA). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21(1) of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may only be communicated to (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Order); (iii) those persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Order; or (iv) any other persons to whom they may lawfully be communicated under the Order (all such persons together being referred to as relevant persons). This announcement, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are only available to relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or on the Offer to Purchase or any of their contents. Italy. None of the Offers, this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedure of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa (CONSOB) pursuant to applicable Italian laws and regulations. The Offers may only be made or promoted, directly or indirectly, in or into the Republic of Italy, as an exempted offer pursuant to Article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998, as amended (the Financial Services Act) and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of May 14, 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Existing Notes that are resident and/or located in the Republic of Italy can tender Existing Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Existing Notes or the Offers. European Economic Area. In any European Economic Area (EEA) Member State (each, a Relevant State), this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are only addressed to and are only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the Prospectus Regulation), in that Relevant State. Each person in a Relevant State who receives any communication in respect of the Offers contemplated in this announcement and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Dealer Managers and Credit Agricole S.A. that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. Disclaimer Regarding the New Notes This press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for the New Notes in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan, or in any state or jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful in the absence of registration or approval under the laws of that state or jurisdiction. The offer and subscription of the New Notes may be subject in certain countries to specific legal or regulatory restrictions; Credit Agricole S.A. accepts no liability for any breach by any person of these restrictions. This press release constitutes a communication of a promotional nature but does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. The distribution of this press release may, in certain countries, be subject to specific regulations. Persons in possession of this document are required to inform themselves of any local restrictions and to comply with them. Credit Agricole S.A. accepts no responsibility towards any person in connection with the distribution of this press release or the information contained therein in any country. European Economic Area. The New Notes may not be and have not been offered to the public in any Relevant State, except in accordance with the derogations provided for in Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation. No action has been or will be taken to permit an offer to the public of the New Notes other than to qualified investors in a Relevant State. PROHIBITION OF SALES TO EEA RETAIL INVESTORS The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to, any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or both) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive (EU) No 2014/65 (as amended, MiFID II); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) No 2016/97 dated 20 January 2016 on insurance distribution, as amended (the Insurance Distribution Directive), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. No key information document under Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 is available. MiFID II product governance / target market - The prospectus for the New Notes contains a legend entitled MiFID II product governance / professional investors and eligible counterparties only target market describing the target market assessment with respect to the New Notes and the appropriate distribution channels for the New Notes. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the New Notes (a Distributor) must consider the target market assessment; a Distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for conducting its own target market assessment with respect to the New Notes (by adopting or refining the target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels. This investment restriction is in addition to the other investment restrictions applicable in each Relevant State. United Kingdom. This press release is intended only for persons who (i) are located outside the United Kingdom, (ii) are investment professionals within the meaning of section 19(5) of the Order), (iii) are referred to in section 49(2) (a) to (d) (high-equity companies, non-registered associations, etc.) of the Order, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement is directed to be undertaken in investment activities (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA in connection with the issue or sale of the New Notes, may be lawfully disclosed (the persons referred to in paragraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) together being referred to as the Authorised Persons). The New Notes are only intended for Authorised Persons and any invitation, offer or contact relating to the subscription, purchase or acquisition of the New Notes may only be addressed or entered into with Authorised Persons. Any person other than an Authorised Person shall refrain from using or relying on this press release and the information contained therein. This press release does not constitute a prospectus and has not been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority or any other regulatory authority in the United Kingdom within the meaning of Section 85 of the FSMA. The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available and, from that date, shall not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to a retail investor in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person having one or more of these qualities: (i) a retail client as defined in Article 2(8) of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as part of domestic law under the EUWA; or (ii) a client as defined in the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that client would not be qualified as a retail investor professional client within the meaning of Article 2(1)(8) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of national law under the EUWA. No key information documents required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as part of national law under the EUWA have been prepared. United States. This announcement is not an offer of New Notes for sale in the United States. The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Accordingly, the New Notes will be offered and sold only in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Attachment Beijing, China, Sept. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 30, 2023, in Beijings late autumn, sunlight shines on the square in front of the Museum of the War of Chinese Peoples Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near Lugou Bridge, also known as the Marco Polo Bridge. Nearly a centenarian, Flying Tigers veteran Melvin McMullen walked slowly toward the statue of US General Claire Lee Chennault, holding a white chrysanthemum, which he gently placed at the statues base. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his stooped back and gave a standard US military salute. That same day, a young student from a primary school in Beijing, dressed in a navy-blue and crisp white shirt uniform, solemnly returned a Chinese Young Pioneers salute to the visiting Flying Tigers veteran. At 103, Harry Moyer smiled, stepped forward, and high-fived the student, their hands meeting with a clear clap a resonant echo of the wartime camaraderie between Chinese and American people, 80 years later in a time of peace. This scene was part of the 2023 visit to China by a delegation of Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants, organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. Over 10 days, more than 30 members revisited Beijing, Chongqing, Kunming in Yunnan Province, Liuzhou in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Zhijiang in Hunan Province places where the Flying Tigers fought and shed blood alongside the Chinese people. In 1941, a group of young American pilots, led by General Chennault, formed the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force to fight alongside the Chinese against invading Japanese troops. Known affectionately as the Flying Tigers for their winged tiger insignia, they courageously battled Japanese invaders in China and Myanmar. During the war, 2,193 Flying Tigers members lost their lives in combat, while over 200 were rescued by Chinese civilians, with thousands of Chinese sacrificing their lives in these efforts, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Chinese peoples wartime perseverance and sacrifices fill me with deep admiration In China, the name of the Flying Tigers is widely known, an important memory for many Chinese people in their understanding of the US and history. During the war, McMullen served as a gunner and assistant mechanic on a B-24 bomber of the 425th Bombardment Group, 308th Bombardment Squadron of the 14th Air Force, carrying out missions against Japan. I admired and respected the Chinese people for many reasons, McMullen told the Global Times during his visit to China in 2023. Although he was not personally rescued, he repeatedly heard his comrades recount how Chinese civilians, despite the brutal retaliation of the Japanese army, resolutely hid and protected US pilots who parachuted down, moving them at night and concealing them during the day until they safely rejoined their units. The villagers knew that if the Japanese army found out they were helping the Americans, they would be cruelly tortured. I admire them; the Chinese people are a brave people. McMullen said this might well be his last visit to China. Being able to return to this country of extraordinary significance filled his heart with comfort. People in China and people in the US speak different languages, but they have the same desires that all people should live in peace, he said. Also traveling with McMullen was fellow Flying Tigers veteran Harry Moyer. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Moyer resolutely joined the US Army Air Forces and became one of the few surviving World War II pilots. In 1944, Moyers squadron was incorporated into the 23rd Fighter Group of the 14th Air Force, tasked with defending the airfields used by B-29 bombers. Our memories of China and the friendships made among the people have been in so many ways the defining experience of our lives, he recalled. The perseverance and sacrifice demonstrated by the Chinese people during the war deeply impressed him. We must keep the bond between the US and China alive, as it was forged in blood and honor, Moyer said firmly. In a September 2023 reply letter to Jeff Greene, president of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, and to Flying Tigers veterans Moyer and McMullen, Chinese President Xi Jinping said a sound and steady development of the relationship in the new era requires the input and support of a new generation of Flying Tigers. President Xi said he hopes that the spirit of Flying Tigers will be carried on from generation to generation among Chinese and American peoples. Volume II of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China includes part of President Xis speech, Remember the Past and our Martyrs, Cherish Peace and Build a New Future, delivered at the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World War II. President Xi stressed that During the war, through huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people held their ground in the main Eastern theater of World War II, thus making a major contribution to overall victory. In their war against Japanese aggression, the Chinese people received extensive support from the international community. The Chinese people will always remember how the people of other countries contributed to the victory in their War of Resistance. The experience of war makes people value peace all the more. The best way to honor those heroes who gave their lives to the cause of freedom, justice and peace, and to mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war, is to make sure that this historical tragedy will never repeat itself, President Xi said. For 82 years, many have quietly preserved this history, poring over archives and interviewing survivors to piece together its fragments. Jeff Greene is one such guardian. President Xis exposition on the profound significance of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War deeply resonated with Greene. Greene believes the immense sacrifices made by the Chinese and American people for freedom and peace must never be forgotten, and the light of peace illuminated by war should be cherished all the more. The foundation he leads serves as an educational bridge, passing this positive historical memory to the next generation. In an interview with the Global Times, Greene expressed his anticipation for the military parade in Beijings Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As a former US Marine, he is interested in the military display but values its deeper significance even more an acknowledgment of all who contributed to the war effort and a tribute to the Flying Tigers veterans. This is the victory of the Chinese people, and also their victory! he said, eager to share the grandeur of the parade with Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants, reminding them that their sacrifices have never been forgotten. I am not a hero; the real heroes are the Chinese people On May 11, 2011, a special ashes interment ceremony took place at the memorial park of the former residence of Li Xiannian in Hubeis Hongan County. Gray-haired Elinor Beneda, supported by her son, stood solemnly before a new gravestone marking the resting place of her husband, former Flying Tigers pilot Glen Beneda. In 1943, Beneda, then aged 19, was dispatched to China as a fighter pilot in the 14th US Air Force. During an attack on a large Japanese army base in central Chinas Hankou the following year, the tail of Benedas plane was hit and the aircraft crashed into Xiafeng Lake in Jianli County, Hubei Province. Beneda survived by parachuting into a nearby rice paddy, but he was severely wounded and barely able to move, Xinhua reported. Beneda later recalled how local villagers cautiously approached him, and he immediately showed them the American flag and a chit inscribed with Foreign ally aiding Chinas war effort a life-and-death pact between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people, promising rescue at all costs. Local farmers and Chinas New Fourth Army guerrillas then transferred him to safety, bandaged his wounds, provided food, and escorted him through Japanese blockades to the Fifth Division of Chinas New Fourth Army led by Li Xiannian in Dawu County, the Hubei Daily reported. Under the care of Division Commander Li Xiannian, who later served as Chinese president from 1983 to 1988, and medical staff, Beneda recovered and rejoined his unit. Before departing, Li gifted him a pistol and a signed photograph, entrusting him to deliver a sword of a Japanese officer captured in battle to General Chennault. After the war, Beneda returned to the US and started a family but never forgot the Chinese peoples life-saving kindness. He made three gratitude journeys to China with his family. In October 2010, facilitated by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, 86-year-old Beneda, in a wheelchair, returned to China with his family. Reflecting in Hubeis Jianli County, he said, I first came to China as a pilot fighting alongside the Chinese people; 66 years later, I return as a grateful man. I am not a hero; the real heroes are the Chinese people, according to the Hubei Daily. Greene, who accompanied Beneda on this homecoming, was deeply moved. Later, he led 100 students to the Flying Tigers Village in Jianli for a commemorative ceremony and seminar, where they paid respects at Benedas grave. Seeing American students lay flowers for my dear friend Beneda was profoundly meaningful; I was moved to tears, Greene told the Global Times. He also coordinated the production of the documentary Touching the Tiger and a 47-episode series, narrating the precious bond between Beneda and Li Xiannian, hoping to make this cross-border history a shared memory for both nations. Americans know too little about the China battlefield As a steadfast guardian of this history, since its founding in 1998, the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation has been dedicated to rekindling the spirit of cooperation and educating young people about the Flying Tigers. The foundation not only promotes research and commemoration of shared aviation history, but also builds bridges of understanding and friendship between the two peoples. In 2022, under Greenes leadership, the foundation launched the Flying Tigers Friendship Schools and Youth Leadership Program, with over 110 schools from both countries participating, providing a stable platform for youth to understand the Flying Tigers spirit and foster friendship. Through online courses and summer camps, approximately 15,000 students have engaged in cross-border exchanges. Greene said that many Americans know very little about what happened in China during WWII. They watch Top Gun and Band of Brothers, knowing about the European Theater, Normandy, Pearl Harbor but they know little about events on the Chinese battlefield such as the Nanjing Massacre, Greene said. So the mission of my foundation, both in the US and in China, is to get people to scratch their heads and say, tell me more. This summer, the foundation organized a Flying Tigers summer camp delegation to visit Guizhou Province, Beijing, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Hubei, retracing the wartime footsteps of the Flying Tigers and feeling the warmth of history through on-site visits. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has facilitated the trips of over 500 Flying Tigers veterans and nearly 100 family members to China, visiting more than 30 cities. I am deeply honored to be part of this work, Greene said, noting its profound significance for both nations. We share a precious memory that only our two peoples can carry together. Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. The repeated visits by Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants not only rekindle the friendship forged in blood and sacrifice, but also send a clear signal of promoting Chinese-American civilian goodwill. On November 3, 2023, at the Kunming Foreign Language School, Moyer and students watched a musical which recounts the Flying Tigers Hump Route operations, and sang Auld Lang Syne together. The typically jovial and humorous 100-year-old veteran couldnt hold back tears. During WWII, our cooperation led to victory; today, this history still offers strength to both nations, Moyer told the Global Times. He firmly believes that China and the US must preserve this bond forged in blood and honor, overcome differences, cooperate, and coexist peacefully. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. NEW YORK, Sept. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) resulting from allegations that KBR may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased KBR securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42136 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On June, 20, 2025, before the market opened, KBR issued a press release entitled KBR Announcement on HomeSafe Alliance Global Household Goods Contract. The press release stated that HomeSafe Alliance, a KBR (NYSE: KBR) Joint Venture, informed us on June 18, 2025, that U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) has terminated HomeSafes role in the Global Household Goods Contract, a contract designed to improve the moving system for military service members and their families. On this news, KBRs stock fell $3.85 per share, or 7.2%, to close at $48.93 per share on June 20, 2025. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the 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 Press Release Nokia partners with Extreme Broadband to improve security and future-proof data centers in Malaysia Extreme Broadband (EBB) and its subsidiary Open DC will improve operational efficiency and support diverse use cases for their customers in Malaysias growing digital economy. Nokias Data Center Gateway, Data Center Fabric and quantum-safe networks solution will enable Open DC to provide more reliable, secure and high-performance services, addressing the future demands of Malaysias enterprise segments, including banking and finance. 2 September 2025 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Nokia today announced that it has signed a contract agreement with Extreme Broadband (EBB) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Open DC, to upgrade Open DCs Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers, ensuring superior security and network performance. This partnership supports Malaysias National Cloud Computing Policy and addresses the stringent requirements of the banking and financial services industry, positioning EBB and Open DC as key innovators in the nations digital infrastructure. As part of the contract agreement, Nokias IP network solution will be used by EBB to interconnect six AI data centers, spanning CJ1 Cyberjaya, JB1 Menara MSC Cyberport and JB2 Menara Ansar at Johor Bahru, PE1 Menara Suntech and PE2 Bayan Lepas Industrial Park at Penang and the upcoming D8-1 in Kedah, to provide a more reliable network with improved security and superior network performance. This deployment ensures a resilient, secure network that aligns with EBBs vision of Innovating Connectivity and Open DCs mission to Develop the Connectivity Hubs at the Most Strategic Locations. In addition, Nokia has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with EBB to collaborate in the fields of data center solutions and quantum-safe networks (QSN). The two companies will develop a joint go-to-market strategy for data center and AI connectivity, offering QSN, enterprise connectivity and value-added services for data center tenants, including multi-cloud connectivity and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) security and mitigation. They will also jointly conduct testing and validation of the Data Center Gateway, Data Center Fabric with Event-Driven Automation (EDA) tools and DDoS protection and mitigation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneering technologies that deliver exceptional value to our customers and contribute to Malaysias economic growth under the MYDIGITAL policy. Nokias solutions will enhance our security, scalability, and sustainability, enabling us to build connectivity hubs that support AI-driven innovation and create new revenue opportunities for enterprises, said Wong Weng Yew, Managing Director at Open DC. Nokia has emerged as a trusted partner of data center companies across the world, supporting their efforts to build digital infrastructure that meets the demand for secure, high-performance networks. This collaboration with Extreme Broadband will help us play a bigger role in Malaysias rapidly growing data center industry. Our field-proven IP solutions empower data center operators to achieve unmatched reliability and scalability while efficiently meeting the evolving demands. The deployment will enable Open DC to leverage our data center switching, automation and quantum-safe networking technologies to provide a crucial business edge to their customers, said Kent Wong, Vice President and Head of IP Networks for Asia Pacific at Nokia. Nokias Data Center Fabric, Data Center Gateway and quantum-safe network solution will be used to modernize Open DCs data centers, in line with the evolving needs of the enterprises and ensuring long-term scalability and security. Nokias field-proven 7250 Interconnect Router and 7220 Interconnect Routers are also part of the solution to make the network more energy-efficient. Multimedia, technical information and related news Product Page: Data Center Fabric Product Page: Data Center Gateway Product Page: Event-Driven Automation Product Page: Quantum-safe networks Product Page: DDoS security Product Page: 7250 Interconnect Router Product Page: 7220 Interconnect Router for Data Center Fabric About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About Extreme Broadband (EBB) EBB is a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivering reliable, high-performance network solutions to enterprises, financial services institutions as well as educational institutions throughout Malaysia. Incorporated in 2005, EBB specialises in the provision of next-generation connectivity services catering to corporations and enterprises that are shifting towards business digitalisation. EBB has also been awarded licenses by MCMC including Network Facilities Provider (NFP), Network Service Provider (NSP), Application Service Provider Class and Nominated Facilities Provider (NomFP). Learn more about EBB at www.ebb.my and stay updated with the latest news on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Asia Pacific Email: cordia.so@nokia.com Nokia Press Office Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube Randomized multi-center study designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CIT-013 in patients with moderately active rheumatoid arthritis Oss, Netherlands 2 September 2025 Citryll, a biotech company pioneering a transformative approach to treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), today announces that the first patient has been successfully dosed in its Phase IIa clinical trial Citydream. The trial will evaluate CIT-013, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderately active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To support the advancement of the clinical investigations and broader strategy, Citryll has established an RA Clinical Advisory Board, comprising leading experts in the field to provide strategic and scientific guidance throughout the clinical development of CIT-013 in RA and other autoimmune diseases. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints. Its hallmark symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling, resulting in reduced mobility and loss of joint integrity, severely impacting the quality of life. Despite significant advances in treatment options, there remains a high medical unmet need, with a high proportion of patients unable to maintain adequate disease control through current therapies. The dosing of the first patient in our Phase IIa trial marks a significant milestone in Citrylls mission to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from immune-mediated inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, said Maarten Kraan, Chief Medical Officer of Citryll. With a compelling preclinical and clinical data set together with strong backing from a top-tier investor syndicate we are proud to advance our lead programme into Phase 2 trials. Citydream represents an important step in validating the potential of CIT-013 in rheumatoid arthritis and we remain deeply committed to bringing this promising therapy to patients. The initiation of the Phase IIa trial of CIT-013 is a critical step in advancing what we believe to be a first-in-class therapeutic approach, said Rogier Thurlings, MD, PhD, Lead Investigator of Citydream. By targeting NETs, CIT-013 represents a novel and potentially disease-modifying approach to RA as well as other immune mediated conditions. This mechanism offers a fundamentally different mode of action from current therapies, which often fail to achieve sustained disease control in patients. Citydream is a Phase IIa, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study conducted across multiple sites in Europe. The study is designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CIT-013 in patients with moderately active RA. The trial will enroll 88 patients who will undergo a 6-week treatment period, followed by an open-label extension phase to further assess safety and efficacy. Citydream follows the successful completion of Citrylls first-in-human Phase 1 study, which included successful repeat dosing of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as well as an 85 million Series B fundraise. An additional Phase IIa trial is also planned in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) starting later this year. -ENDS- About CIT-013 CIT-013 is Citrylls first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), a key driver of inflammation in RA and other immune-mediated diseases, which has yet to be addressed therapeutically. It has a unique dual mechanism of action, which enhances the clearance of existing NETs and inhibits the formation of new NETs. CIT-013 is highly selective for its epitope, minimising off-target effects and representing a potentially transformative therapeutic strategy, going beyond individual pathway management and symptom treatment. About Citryll Citryll is pioneering a transformative approach to treating inflammatory diseases by targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), a fundamental component of the inflammatory process that has yet to be addressed therapeutically. Citryll is developing the first NET-targeting therapy and potentially creating a new class of therapeutics with broad applications across immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Our lead asset, CIT-013, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody with a unique dual mechanism of action: it enhances the clearance of existing NETs and inhibits the formation of new NETs. By addressing this key driver of inflammation, CIT-013 has the potential to offer a differentiated and comprehensive treatment option for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa, where current therapies often fall short of providing adequate disease control. Contacts Citryll Sjoerd van Gorp, COO Email: info@citryll.com Citryll Media Contacts ICR Healthcare Amber Fennell, Stephanie Cuthbert, Lucy Featherstone Email: citryll@icrinc.com Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd (Falcon) Approval granted by Northern Territory Government for the Beneficial Use of Gas agreement 02 September 2025 Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce that approval has been secured by Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limiteds (Falcon Australia) joint venture partner Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (collectively the BJV partners) from the Northern Territory Government (NTG) for the Beneficial Use of Gas agreement (Agreement). This approval allows for the sale of appraisal gas from the Shenandoah South Pilot Project. Points to note: The NTG approval allows the BJV partners to sell appraisal gas from EP98 in the Beetaloo sub-basin under the Beneficial Use of Gas ( BUG ) legislation. ) legislation. This is the first approval granted by the NTG under the new BUG legislation. The BJV partners now hold all necessary approvals to sell gas from the Shenandoah South Pilot Project ( Pilot Project ). ). The BJV partners recently signed the Beneficial Use of Gas agreement ( Agreement ) with the Native Title Holders. The Agreement permits the BJV partners to sell appraisal gas of up to 60 TJ per day from the Pilot Project over a three-year period, subject to the Agreements terms. ) with the Native Title Holders. The Agreement permits the BJV partners to sell appraisal gas of up to 60 TJ per day from the Pilot Project over a three-year period, subject to the Agreements terms. The BJV partners have contracted an initial 40 million cubic feet per day ( MMcf/d ) to supply the NTG until mid-2041, which is expected to provide energy security for the Northern Territory. ) to supply the NTG until mid-2041, which is expected to provide energy security for the Northern Territory. This paves the way for construction of the A$140 million Sturt Plateau Compression Facility ( SPCF ). Falcon has no cost exposure in the construction of the SPCF. ). Falcon has no cost exposure in the construction of the SPCF. Commencement of gas sales to the NTG via the SPCF is expected in mid-2026, subject to weather conditions and final stakeholder approvals. Work begins this month on the Northern Territorys first-ever Beetaloo pipeline, with APA Group investing A$70 million to deliver the 37-kilometre Sturt Plateau Pipeline. 2025 Drilling Campaign The 2025 drilling campaign continues to progress with the intermediate section of all three wells (S2-1H, S2-3H and S2-5H) successfully drilled. The horizontal section of the S2-5H well in the Amungee B Shale is currently being drilled. The campaign is the first multi-well drilling program implementing batch drilling in the Beetaloo Basin. As previously announced, Falcon Australia has no cost exposure to the drilling of these three wells as it opted to reduce its participating interest in the three wells to 0%. Stimulation of the S2-4H well, in which Falcon has a 5% interest, is planned for Q4 2025. Philip OQuigley, CEO of Falcon commented: It is great to see this increased activity in the Beetaloo with not only the batch drilling of three new wells, but also the start of construction by APA on the 37km Sturt Plateau Pipeline and the continuation of the work on the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility by our BJV partner Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited. Ends. CONTACT DETAILS: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. +353 1 676 8702 Philip OQuigley, CEO +353 87 814 7042 Anne Flynn, CFO +353 1 676 9162 Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Broker) Neil McDonald / Adam Rae +44 131 220 9771 About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Please visit www.falconoilandgas.com About Beetaloo JV Partners (EP 76, 98 and 117) Company Interest Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 22.5% Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (Tamboran B2) 77.5% Total 100.0% Shenandoah South Pilot Project -2 Drilling Space Units 46,080 acres1 Company Interest Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 5.0% Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited 95.0% Total 100.0% 1Subject to the completion of SS-4H wells on the Shenandoah South pad 2. About Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited Tamboran (B1) Pty Limited (Tamboran B1) is the 100% holder of Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, with Tamboran B1 being a 50:50 joint venture between Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy, LP. Tamboran Resources Corporation is a natural gas company listed on the NYSE (TBN) and ASX (TBN). Tamboran is focused on playing a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future, by developing the significant low CO 2 gas resource within the Beetaloo Sub-basin through cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology as well as managements experience in successfully commercialising unconventional shale in North America. Bryan Sheffield of Daly Waters Energy, LP is a highly successful investor and has made significant returns in the US unconventional energy sector in the past. He was Founder of Parsley Energy Inc. (PE), an independent unconventional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, Texas and previously served as its Chairman and CEO. PE was acquired for over US$7 billion by Pioneer Natural Resources Company. Advisory regarding forward-looking statements Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as may, will, should, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, projects, dependent, consider potential, scheduled, forecast, anticipated, outlook, budget, hope, suggest, support planned, approximately, potential or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, the commencement of gas sales to the Northern Territory Government via the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility in mid-2026 subject to weather conditions and final stakeholder approvals; the sale of appraisal gas of up to 60 TJ per day from the Shenandoah South Pilot project over a three year period; an initial 40 MMCf/d to be supplied to the Northern Territory Government until mid-2041 providing energy security for the Northern Territory; and the Shenandoah Pilot program continuing to progress. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and/or their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcons filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.com, including under "Risk Factors" in the Annual Information Form. Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. PRESS RELEASE Share listing information Cegedim Group shares transferred to trading on Euronext Growth as of September 4, 2025 Boulogne-Billancourt, September 2, 2025 Cegedim, an innovative technology and services company, announces that trading in its shares is being transferred from the regulated market of Euronext Paris (compartment B) to Euronext Growth Paris, effective September 4, 2025. The Euronext admission committee approved the application to admit CEGEDIM S.A. shares to Euronext Growth Paris on August 29, 2025. The transfer was authorized by the General Shareholders Meeting of June 13, 2025, and initiated by the Groups Board of Directors. It will raise the profile and enhance the appeal of the share and will also entail some regulatory relief. Even so, the Group will maintain its current level of financial communication. Cegedim will continue to publish quarterly revenue figures, consolidated financial statements that adhere to IFRS, and CSRD-compliant sustainability reportingthe change in market listing will have no impact in this regard. For the Prospectus detailing the listing transfer to Euronext Growth Paris, please visit the Finance section of our website: https://www.cegedim.com. The ISIN code for CEGEDIM S.A. shares is unchanged: FR0000053506. The ticker symbol will change to ALCGM on September 4, 2025. TP ICAP, acting as Listing Sponsor, has assisted CEGEDIM S.A. with the transfer to Euronext Growth Paris. Definitive transfer timeline August 29, 2025: Euronext announces its decision to admit CEGEDIM S.A. shares to trading on Euronext Growth Paris. September 2, 2025: Group press release announces its listing transfer, and Prospectus posted on the Cegedim and Euronext websites. September 2, 2025: Euronext market notice announces the removal of CEGEDIM S.A. common shares from Euronext Paris. September 2, 2025: Euronext market notice announces the admission of CEGEDIM S.A. common shares (ALCGM) to Euronext Growth Paris. September 4, 2025: Transfer takes effectCEGEDIM S.A. shares removed from Euronext Paris (before trading opens) and admitted to Euronext Growth Paris (when trading opens), initial listing. About Cegedim: Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs nearly 6,700 people in more than ten countries and generated revenue of over 654 million in 2024. Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM). To learn more please visit: www.cegedim.fr And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Aude Balleydier Cegedim Media Relations and Communications Manager Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81 aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr Damien Buffet Cegedim Head of Financial Communication Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73 damien.buffet@cegedim.com Celine Pardo Becoming RP Agency Media Relations Consultant Tel.: +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66 cegedim@becoming-group.com Attachment Luxembourg 2 September 2025 - Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Brs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award to Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 Group, of a substantial1 contract by Synera Renewable Energy (SRE), for the transport and installation of inter-array cables for the Formosa 4 Wind Farm. The 495 MW Formosa 4 offshore site is located approximately 20 kilometres off the coast of Miaoli County, Taiwan, and will comprise 35 wind turbine generators. Seaway7s scope of work includes the transport and installation of 35 inter-array cables with offshore works expected to commence in 2028. Furthermore, Seaway7 has been selected as the preferred contractor for the cable installation scope on SREs Formosa 6 project, comprising the transport and installation of 57 inter-array cables, with contract finalisation expected in 2026. Stuart Fitzgerald, Seaway7s CEO, said: We are looking forward to supporting SRE on the Formosa 4 project and being able to continue contributing to the Taiwanese offshore wind targets with our 7th contract award since entering the Taiwanese market in 2019. Subsea7 defines a substantial contract as being between $150 million and $300 million ******************************************************************************* Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industrys partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Brs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 20 8210 5568 ir@subsea7.com Contact for media enquiries: Nikki Beales Communications Manager, Seaway7 nikki.beales@seaway7.com www.seaway7.com Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, future, goal, intend, likely may, plan, project, seek, should, strategy will, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the Risk Management section of the Groups Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 2 September 2025 at 09:28 CET. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Latin America Construction Chemicals Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Latin America construction chemicals market size reached a value of USD 5.95 billion in 2024 . The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.20% between 2025 and 2034 to attain nearly USD 8.15 billion by 2034. Construction chemicals refer to chemical additives that are added to cement, concrete, or other building materials to bolster their efficiency, workability, and cost-effectiveness. They are integral for boosting the quality of construction materials and enhancing the strength and durability of buildings. In addition, construction chemicals are extensively used in new construction, repairing, and retrofitting activities. The Latin America construction chemicals market is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing construction activities and the expansion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development. Growth is further supported by the capacity expansion of leading construction companies in the region. With a growing emphasis on enhancing building durability, advanced construction chemicals are being adopted to offer long-lasting protection against corrosion and weathering. Additionally, trends such as the rise of green building projects, the demand for high-performance construction chemicals, and ongoing technological advancements are creating lucrative opportunities for the market in the coming years. Growing Demand for Concrete Admixtures, among Other Construction Chemical Types, Propelling the Latin America Market Growth Concrete admixtures dominate the market on account of their growing demand to enhance the workability and strength of concrete while reducing its cure time. The development of innovative concrete admixtures that minimise carbon footprint and boost technical performance is expected to accelerate the Latin America construction chemicals market growth. Flooring chemicals offer chemical resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance and are used to boost the properties of floorings. They also enhance fire resistance, antibacterial properties, and static resistance of floors. Meanwhile, waterproofing chemicals are critical to minimise damage amid water exposure and reduce humidity inside buildings. Such chemicals are increasingly used to enhance the longevity of buildings while decreasing their maintenance and repair costs, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth in the coming years. Repair and rehabilitation chemicals are used to reinstate distressed and defective concrete, due to which they are extensively used to ensure the structural integrity of old buildings. Meanwhile, adhesives and sealants find applications in construction activities like sealing, waterproofing, bonding, gap filling, adhering, glazing, window installations, and fire protection, among others. Hence, the growing demand for such chemicals in both new construction and renovation activities is likely to drive the Latin America construction chemicals market expansion. Market to Benefit from the Increasing Residential and Non-Residential Construction Activities The residential construction sector in Latin America is growing robustly due to the rising housing demand of the increasing population. While the global construction chemicals market witnessed a slowdown due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across the nations took initiatives to combat the effect of the crisis. The governments in Latin America are also initiating residential construction activities to provide affordable housing for the population, thereby propelling the demand for construction chemicals. Furthermore, with the inflating disposable incomes of consumers, residential renovation activities are also surging, fuelling the growth of the Latin America construction chemicals market. Non-residential construction in Latin America is expanding due to the introduction of numerous favourable government initiatives to develop railway, transportation, port, and road infrastructure. The growing construction of solar and wind plants owing to the increasing focus on sustainable infrastructure development is likely to provide further impetus to the Latin America construction chemicals market. For instance, in July 2023, Scatec, along with its partners, began the construction of the Mendubim solar project of 531MW in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Increasing Housing Demand in Mexico and Brazil to Aid the Market Mexico holds a significant share of the Latin America construction chemicals market due to the growing construction activities and the increasing housing demands in the country. The market is also being propelled by the penetration of key players and the surging availability of innovative construction chemicals. For instance, in October 2021, Saint-Gobain entered into an agreement to acquire IMPAC in order to enter the market for construction chemicals in Mexico and offer light and sustainable construction solutions. The market in Brazil is witnessing robust growth owing to the growing awareness regarding the significance of the structural integrity of buildings. Some of the leading Latin America construction chemicals market trends include the rising demand for affordable housing and the increasing attempts by building contractors to boost the durability and cost-effectiveness of buildings. The rising investments by the leading companies to increase the production capabilities in the country are propelling the market. For instance, in March 2021, Sika announced the acquisition of Supermassa do Brasil Ltda. to expand its production footprint and presence in the country. The Latin American countries like Colombia are expected to hold a considerable market share in the forecast period on account of rapid urbanisation, increasing disposable incomes, and rising construction activities. The Colombian government is also extensively investing in the development of roads, bridges, dams, and tunnels, among others, which is likely to contribute to the Latin America construction chemicals market growth in the coming years. Growing Construction of Green Buildings The surging construction of green buildings in Latin America is likely to boost the demand for construction chemicals that offer enhanced energy-efficiency while reducing repair, maintenance, and carbon footprint of buildings. Increasing Demand for High-Performance Construction Chemicals The improvement in building design to boost the durability of structures is bolstering the utilisation of concrete admixtures and waterproofing chemicals. Technological Advancements and Innovations in Construction Chemicals Technological advancements and innovations in construction chemicals owing to the growing demand for quality materials and evolving regulatory standards are contributing to the growth of the market. Dependence on the Construction Sector, Increased R&D Expenditure to Promote Sustainability and Reduce Carbon Footprint, and Price Volatility of Raw Materials to Pose as Challenges in the Market Dependence on the Growth of the Construction Sector Construction chemicals including concrete admixtures, waterproofing chemicals, and others are widely used in construction activities. Any impact on the construction sector can affect the demand for construction chemicals. Rising Demand for Sustainable Building Materials Compelling Manufacturers to Invest in R&Ds There is an increased focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry, which is compelling manufacturers to increase their R&D investments in order to improve their production process. This might be a challenge for new and small manufacturers. Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices The prices of raw materials of construction chemicals are subjected to frequent fluctuations and are impacted by crude oil prices. Latin America Construction Chemicals Market Segmentation Market Breakup by Type Concrete Admixtures Flooring Chemicals Waterproofing Chemicals Repair and Rehabilitation Sealants and Adhesives Others Market Breakup by Application Residential Non-Residential Market Breakup by Region Brazil Argentina Mexico Chile Colombia Peru Others Companies Featured Sika AG Aquaquim S.A. de C.V. Dow Inc. Arkema Group Clariant International Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nlvall About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Defibrillator Market by Product (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, External Defibrillator (Automated Defibrillator, Wearable Defibrillator, Manual Defibrillator)), End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Cardiac Centers, Homecare) - Global Forecast to 2030" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global defibrillator market is projected to grow from USD 11.99 billion in 2025 to USD 16.44 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.5%. This growth is driven by the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, technological advancements in defibrillator devices, and initiatives by organizations to enhance public access defibrillators (PADs). Challenges such as issues with implantable and automated external defibrillators and product recalls represent market restraints. ICDs Lead the Market Share in 2024 The implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) segment had the largest share of the global market in 2024. The market is segmented into ICDs and external defibrillators, which include manual AEDs, automated AEDs, and wearable defibrillators. The growth in ICDs is attributed to technological advancements and increased awareness among cardiologists regarding subcutaneous ICDs. Adult Segment Domination Segmented by patient type, the adult segment dominated the defibrillator market in 2024. This dominance is due to the higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases in adults, combined with the aging population susceptible to cardiac arrests, and the increase in ICD implantations among adults. North America Leads the Regional Market North America is anticipated to have the largest market share during the forecast period. This is due to the adoption of advanced defibrillators, supportive government initiatives, the presence of major market players, favorable reimbursement programs, and the rising incidence of coronary artery diseases. Key players in the market include Medtronic, Stryker, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Nihon Kohden Corporation, Biotronik, and CU Medical Systems, Inc. Research Coverage The report categorizes the defibrillator market by product type, patient type, end users, and region, providing detailed insights into market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A competitive analysis of key players, their profiles, product offerings, and strategies is also included. This report aids established and new market entrants in understanding market trends and positioning strategies. It features: Analysis of key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges Market penetration insights on product portfolios of top market players Details on upcoming trends, R&D activities, and developments Information on emerging market regions Comprehensive details on market segments, growth strategies, and competitive assessments Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 296 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $11.99 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $16.44 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.5% Regions Covered Global Market Dynamics Drivers Growing Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases Increasing Focus on Public-Access Defibrillators Training and Awareness Programs on Defibrillators Restraints Frequent Product Recalls Opportunities Untapped Growth Potential in Emerging Markets Development of S-ICDs and MRI-Compatible ICDs & CRT-Ds Challenges Inadequate Awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Limited Access to Healthcare Challenges Associated with Pricing Pressure Industry Trends Next Gen AI-Enabled Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators Connected AED Ecosystem Expansion in Emerging Markets and Public Access Companies Profiled Medtronic Boston Scientific Corporation Abbott Asahi Kasei Corporation Stryker Koninklijke Philips N.V. Microport Scientific Corporation Nihon Kohden Corporation Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. Biotronik CU Medical Systems Co. Ltd. Metsis Medikal Mediana Co, Ltd. Progetti Srl Schiller AG Other Players BPL Medical Technologies Metrax GmbH MS Westfalia GmbH Bexen Cardio Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Ltd. Avive Solutions AMI Italia Corpuls Allied Medical Ltd. Axion Concern LLC For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pre3s9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia Construction Machinery Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Australia construction machinery market size reached approximately USD 2.87 billion in 2024. Aided by the increasing construction activities across both residential and non-residential sectors, ongoing infrastructure development, and the need for modernisation of construction processes in the country, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 4.17 billion by 2034. The report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the Australia construction machinery market. The Australia construction machinery market growth is being supported by a growing demand for residential and commercial buildings, as well as a significant push towards infrastructure development. The increase in construction activities, fuelled by government initiatives and investments, is contributing to the demand for advanced construction machinery. Australia's expanding population and urbanisation trends have necessitated the development of more housing units, commercial properties, and transportation infrastructure, further driving the need for construction machinery. These machinery solutions play a crucial role in making construction projects more efficient and timely, enabling faster completion of large-scale projects. A key factor propelling the Australia construction machinery market expansion is the government's continued investment in infrastructure development. The Australian government has allocated substantial funds for both public and private sector construction projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, airports, and residential housing. Large-scale projects, such as road networks, public transit systems, and the modernisation of existing infrastructure, require an array of heavy-duty machinery to handle complex tasks such as digging, lifting, and transporting construction materials. The infrastructure boom is expected to continue to fuel demand for construction machinery in Australia, especially for earth-moving equipment and cranes. Another significant driver propelling the Australia construction machinery market development is the increasing demand for construction machinery in the mining and resource sectors. Australia's mining industry has traditionally been a major consumer of construction machinery, with equipment such as haul trucks, excavators, and loaders being essential for extracting and transporting minerals and raw materials. The growth in the mining sector, combined with the need for machinery to support various extraction processes, continues to stimulate demand in the Australian construction machinery market. Technological advancements are also a key factor influencing the Australia construction machinery market dynamics. There is an increasing adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as automation, telematics, and machine learning to improve the efficiency, safety, and productivity of construction machinery, making them more appealing to contractors and construction companies. Furthermore, the rise of automated and remotely controlled machinery in construction projects enhances the safety and productivity of construction operations, which in turn boosts demand for such machinery. In addition to technological innovation, the Australia construction machinery market is also benefiting from growing concerns about environmental sustainability. The construction industry is increasingly focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, leading to the demand for more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly machinery. Manufacturers are responding by developing machinery with lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency, contributing to sustainability efforts in the construction sector. This shift toward greener and more sustainable practices is expected to continue to grow, further driving demand for eco-friendly construction machinery. Another important Australia construction machinery market trend is the increasing demand for equipment maintenance and after-sales services. As construction machinery becomes more advanced and complex, the need for regular maintenance, parts replacement, and servicing is becoming more pronounced. The availability of comprehensive after-sales support and maintenance services is an essential factor for construction companies when selecting machinery. This trend is encouraging manufacturers and service providers to offer value-added services, including training, spare parts, and maintenance packages, which enhance the overall customer experience and further boost demand for construction machinery. The expansion of residential and commercial construction in Australia is also a key factor boosting the Australia construction machinery market revenue. With the demand for housing and commercial buildings on the rise, there is an increased need for construction machinery capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Equipment such as backhoe loaders, bulldozers, and concrete mixers are critical for residential projects, while cranes, excavators, and tower cranes are essential for commercial and high-rise construction projects. The continued growth of urban areas and the need for modern infrastructure solutions are expected to fuel the demand for such equipment, thereby supporting the overall growth of the construction machinery market. The growing trend of urbanisation in Australia also plays a significant role in revolutionising the Australia construction machinery market landscape. As cities become more populated, the need for modern residential and commercial spaces continues to rise. This trend, coupled with the increased demand for infrastructure development to support expanding urban centres, creates opportunities for the market. The rising need for public and private construction projects in urban areas will require more advanced machinery to handle diverse tasks, ranging from excavation and demolition to material transport and high-rise construction. In conclusion, the Australia construction machinery market is poised for steady growth over the forecast period, driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, demand for more sustainable machinery, and the growing trend of urbanisation. The increasing need for efficient and effective construction equipment, combined with government support for construction projects, ensures that the market will continue to expand in the coming years. The market is expected to thrive as the country continues to develop its infrastructure and housing sectors, with construction machinery playing a critical role in meeting the growing demands of the industry. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 138 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $2.98 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $4.17 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.8% Regions Covered Australia Competitive Landscape CFC Holdings Pty Ltd. Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Caterpillar Inc. Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd. Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH Volvo AB Wacker Neuson SE SANY Australia Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Pty Ltd. Market Segmentation Market Breakup by Machinery Type Telescopic Handlers Loader and Backhoe Excavator Crane Motor Grader Market Breakup by Product Type Building and Road Construction Equipment Earthmoving Autonomous Construction Equipment Material Handling Market Breakup by Drive Type Electric and Hybrid Hydraulic Market Breakup by Application Transportation Excavation and mining Lifting and material handling Earth moving Market Breakup by End Use Construction and Infrastructure Mining Oil and Gas Manufacturing Market Breakup by Region New South Wales Victoria Queensland Australian Capital Territory Western Australia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1e8s23 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Quarterly Total Revenues Reached RMB19,008.7 million (US$2,653.5 million)i Quarterly Vehicle Deliveries were 72,056 units SHANGHAI, China, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NIO Inc. (NYSE: NIO; HKEX: 9866; SGX: NIO) (NIO or the Company), a pioneer and a leading company in the global smart electric vehicle market, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Operating Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2025 Vehicle deliveries were 72,056 in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 25.6% from the second quarter of 2024, and an increase of 71.2% from the first quarter of 2025. The deliveries consisted of 47,132 vehicles from the Companys premium smart electric vehicle brand NIO, 17,081 vehicles from the Companys family-oriented smart electric vehicle brand ONVO and 7,843 vehicles from the Companys small smart high-end electric car brand FIREFLY. Key Operating Results 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2024 Q4 2024 Q3 Deliveries 72,056 42,094 72,689 61,855 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2023 Q4 2023 Q3 Deliveries 57,373 30,053 50,045 55,432 Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2025 Vehicle sales were RMB16,136.1 million (US$2,252.5 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 2.9% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 62.3% from the first quarter of 2025. were RMB16,136.1 million (US$2,252.5 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 2.9% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 62.3% from the first quarter of 2025. Vehicle margin ii was 10.3% in the second quarter of 2025, compared with 12.2% in the second quarter of 2024 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2025. was 10.3% in the second quarter of 2025, compared with 12.2% in the second quarter of 2024 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2025. Total revenues were RMB19,008.7 million (US$2,653.5 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 57.9% from the first quarter of 2025. were RMB19,008.7 million (US$2,653.5 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 57.9% from the first quarter of 2025. Gross profit was RMB1,897.5 million (US$264.9 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 12.4% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 106.3% from the first quarter of 2025. was RMB1,897.5 million (US$264.9 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 12.4% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 106.3% from the first quarter of 2025. Gross margin was 10.0% in the second quarter of 2025, compared with 9.7% in the second quarter of 2024 and 7.6% in the first quarter of 2025. was 10.0% in the second quarter of 2025, compared with 9.7% in the second quarter of 2024 and 7.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Loss from operations was RMB4,908.9 million (US$685.2 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 5.8% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 23.5% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was RMB4,040.8 million (US$564.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 14.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 32.1% from the first quarter of 2025. was RMB4,908.9 million (US$685.2 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 5.8% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 23.5% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was RMB4,040.8 million (US$564.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 14.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 32.1% from the first quarter of 2025. Net loss was RMB4,994.8 million (US$697.2 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 1.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 26.0% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB4,126.7 million (US$576.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 34.3% from the first quarter of 2025. was RMB4,994.8 million (US$697.2 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 1.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 26.0% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB4,126.7 million (US$576.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 34.3% from the first quarter of 2025. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investment and long-term time deposits were RMB27.2 billion (US$3.8 billion) as of June 30, 2025. Key Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2025 (in RMB million, except for percentage) 2025 Q2 2025 Q1 2024 Q2 % Changeiii QoQ YoY Vehicle Sales 16,136.1 9,939.3 15,679.6 62.3% 2.9% Vehicle Margin 10.3% 10.2% 12.2% 10bp -190bp Total Revenues 19,008.7 12,034.7 17,446.0 57.9% 9.0% Gross Profit 1,897.5 919.6 1,688.7 106.3% 12.4% Gross Margin 10.0% 7.6% 9.7% 240bp 30bp Loss from Operations (4,908.9 ) (6,418.1 ) (5,209.3 ) -23.5 % -5.8 % Adjusted Loss from Operations (non-GAAP) (4,040.8 ) (5,947.2 ) (4,698.5 ) -32.1 % -14.0 % Net Loss (4,994.8 ) (6,750.0 ) (5,046.0 ) -26.0 % -1.0 % Adjusted Net Loss (non-GAAP) (4,126.7 ) (6,279.1 ) (4,535.2 ) -34.3 % -9.0 % Recent Developments Deliveries in July and August 2025 The Company delivered 21,017 vehicles and 31,305 vehicles in July and August 2025, respectively. As of August 31, 2025, the Company had delivered 166,472 vehicles in 2025, with cumulative deliveries reaching 838,036. Commencement of ONVO L90 Deliveries Our smart large-space flagship SUV, the ONVO L90, was officially launched on July 31, 2025, with user deliveries starting shortly after. Built upon NIOs leading technological innovations, the family-oriented ONVO L90 has been thoughtfully engineered with deep insights into the evolving needs of large three-row SUV users, providing users with extraordinary spaciousness, premium comfort, all-scenario intelligence, and an exceptional driving and riding experience. Debut of NIO All-New ES8 On August 21, 2025, our flagship premium SUV, the NIO All-New ES8, was officially unveiled and made available for pre-orders, with user deliveries expected to begin in late September. The All-New ES8 embodies a comprehensive evolution in design, space, intelligence, and performance, addressing the diverse needs of business, family, and personal fulfillment across all scenarios. Setting a new benchmark in the premium electric SUV segment, the All-New ES8 is poised to lead large three-row SUVs into the battery electric era. NIO Entered into an Agreement to Make Additional Investment in NIO China In July 2025, NIO entered into a definitive agreement to exercise its right to make an additional investment of RMB20 billion in NIO China, pursuant to the previously announced NIO China Series B investment agreement. Under this agreement, NIO will subscribe for newly issued shares of NIO China at the same price and on the same terms as those applicable to the Series B investment transaction announced in September 2024. Upon completion of this additional investment, NIO will hold a controlling equity interest of 91.8% in NIO China. CEO and CFO Comments In the second quarter of 2025, the Company delivered 72,056 smart electric vehicles, representing a year-over-year increase of 25.6%, said William Bin Li, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of NIO. The strong market reception of ONVO L90 and NIO All-New ES8 has reinforced our overall sales momentum. Driven by this strong demand, we anticipate total deliveries in the third quarter to range between 87,000 and 91,000, representing a year-on-year growth of 40.7% to 47.1% and setting a new Company record. ONVO L90 and NIO All-New ES8 have received widespread user acclaim for their exceptional product experience, demonstrating our sharp market insights and precise product definition capabilities. Supported by our continuous technological innovations, the long-term strategic advantage of our battery swapping and charging infrastructure, and the multi-brand strategy reaching a broader user base, these models are well-positioned to redefine competition in the large three-row SUV segment and accelerate the markets transition toward a new era dominated by BEVs, added William Bin Li. Starting from the second quarter, our comprehensive cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives have started to yield results. Excluding organizational optimization charges, our non-GAAP operating loss improved by over 30% sequentially, added Stanley Yu Qu, NIOs chief financial officer. We are now approaching a structural inflection point in our financials, with positive momentum building toward a sustainable virtuous cycle and continued performance improvements. Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2025 Revenues Total revenues in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB19,008.7 million (US$2,653.5 million), representing an increase of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 57.9% from the first quarter of 2025. in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB19,008.7 million (US$2,653.5 million), representing an increase of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 57.9% from the first quarter of 2025. Vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB16,136.1 million (US$2,252.5 million), representing an increase of 2.9% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 62.3% from the first quarter of 2025. The increase in vehicle sales over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the increase in delivery volume, partially offset by the lower average selling price as a result of changes in product mix. The increase in vehicle sales over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the increase in delivery volume. in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB16,136.1 million (US$2,252.5 million), representing an increase of 2.9% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 62.3% from the first quarter of 2025. The increase in vehicle sales over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the increase in delivery volume, partially offset by the lower average selling price as a result of changes in product mix. The increase in vehicle sales over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the increase in delivery volume. Other sales in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB2,872.6 million (US$401.0 million), representing an increase of 62.6% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 37.1% from the first quarter of 2025. The increase in other sales over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly due to i) the increase in revenues from sales of used cars, ii) the increase in revenues from technical research and development services, and iii) the increase in sales of parts, accessories and after-sales vehicle services, and provision of power solutions, as a result of the continued growth in the number of users. The increase in other sales over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to i) the increase in revenues from sales of used cars, ii) the increase in revenues from technical research and development services, and iii) the increase in sales of parts, accessories and after-sales vehicle services, as a result of the continued growth in the number of users. Cost of Sales and Gross Margin Cost of sales in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB17,111.1 million (US$2,388.6 million), representing an increase of 8.6% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 53.9% from the first quarter of 2025. The increase in cost of sales over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly attributable to i) the increased delivery volume, partially offset by the decreased material cost per vehicle, and ii) the increase in cost of sales of used cars. The increase in cost of sales over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly attributable to the increase in delivery volume. Gross profit in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,897.5 million (US$264.9 million), representing an increase of 12.4% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 106.3% from the first quarter of 2025. in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB1,897.5 million (US$264.9 million), representing an increase of 12.4% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 106.3% from the first quarter of 2025. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2025 was 10.0%, compared with 9.7% in the second quarter of 2024 and 7.6% in the first quarter of 2025. The gross margin remained stable compared with the second quarter of 2024. The increase in gross margin from the first quarter of 2025 was mainly attributable to positive mix effect driven by the increase in revenue from used cars and technical research and development services. in the second quarter of 2025 was 10.0%, compared with 9.7% in the second quarter of 2024 and 7.6% in the first quarter of 2025. The gross margin remained stable compared with the second quarter of 2024. The increase in gross margin from the first quarter of 2025 was mainly attributable to positive mix effect driven by the increase in revenue from used cars and technical research and development services. Vehicle margin in the second quarter of 2025 was 10.3%, compared with 12.2% in the second quarter of 2024 and 10.2% in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in vehicle margin from the second quarter of 2024 was mainly attributable to changes in product mix, partially offset by the decreased material cost per unit. The vehicle margin remained relatively stable compared with the first quarter of 2025. Operating Expenses Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB3,007.0 million (US$419.8 million), representing a decrease of 6.6% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 5.5% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, research and development expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB2,488.9 million (US$347.4 million), representing a decrease of 13.8% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 14.6% from the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in research and development expenses over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the i) decreased design and development costs resulting from different stages of development for new products and technologies, and ii) decreased depreciation and amortization expenses. The decrease in research and development expenses over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the decreased design and development costs resulting from different stages of development for new products and technologies. in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB3,007.0 million (US$419.8 million), representing a decrease of 6.6% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 5.5% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, research and development expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB2,488.9 million (US$347.4 million), representing a decrease of 13.8% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 14.6% from the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in research and development expenses over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the i) decreased design and development costs resulting from different stages of development for new products and technologies, and ii) decreased depreciation and amortization expenses. The decrease in research and development expenses over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to the decreased design and development costs resulting from different stages of development for new products and technologies. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were RMB3,964.9 million (US$553.5 million), representing an increase of 5.5% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 9.9% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, selling, general and administrative expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB3,682.2 million (US$514.0 million), representing an increase of 2.4% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 12.6% from the first quarter of 2025. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses over the second quarter of 2024 was mainly attributable to i) the increase in personnel cost and rental and related expenses associated with the expansion of sales and service network, and ii) partially offset by the decrease in sales and marketing activities. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses over the first quarter of 2025 was mainly attributable to the decrease in personnel costs and marketing and promotional expenses, primarily driven by the Companys comprehensive organizational optimization efforts in marketing and other supporting functions. Loss from Operations Loss from operations in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB4,908.9 million (US$685.2 million), representing a decrease of 5.8% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 23.5% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) was RMB4,040.8 million (US$564.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 14.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 32.1% from first quarter of 2025. Net Loss and Earnings Per Share/ADS Net loss in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB4,994.8 million (US$697.2 million), representing a decrease of 1.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 26.0% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB4,126.7 million (US$576.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 34.3% from the first quarter of 2025. in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB4,994.8 million (US$697.2 million), representing a decrease of 1.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 26.0% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges, adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB4,126.7 million (US$576.1 million) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a decrease of 9.0% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 34.3% from the first quarter of 2025. Net loss attributable to NIOs ordinary shareholders in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB5,141.3 million (US$717.7 million), representing an increase of 0.3% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 25.4% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, organizational optimization charges and accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value, adjusted net loss attributable to NIOs ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP) was RMB4,124.9 million (US$575.8 million) in the second quarter of 2025. in the second quarter of 2025 was RMB5,141.3 million (US$717.7 million), representing an increase of 0.3% from the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 25.4% from the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, organizational optimization charges and accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value, adjusted net loss attributable to NIOs ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP) was RMB4,124.9 million (US$575.8 million) in the second quarter of 2025. Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share/ADS in the second quarter of 2025 were both RMB2.31 (US$0.32), compared with RMB2.50 in the second quarter of 2024 and RMB3.29 in the first quarter of 2025. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, organizational optimization charges and accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value, adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share/ADS (non-GAAP) were both RMB1.85 (US$0.25), compared with RMB2.21 in the second quarter of 2024 and RMB3.01 in the first quarter of 2025. Balance Sheet Balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investment and long-term time deposits was RMB27.2 billion (US$3.8 billion) as of June 30, 2025. We have been incurring loss since inception. We incurred operating cash outflow for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and our current liabilities exceeded current assets and we had negative shareholders equity as of June 30, 2025. Based on our going concern and liquidity assessment, which considers our business plan including revenue growth from the sales of existing and new vehicle models, continuous optimization of operation efficiency to improve operating cash flows, working capital management and the ability to raise funds from banks under available credit quotas and other sources when needed, and uncertainties as to the successful execution of our business plan, we believe that our financial resources, including our available cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments, cash generated from operating activities and funds from available credit quotas and other sources will be sufficient to support our continuous operations in the ordinary course of business for the next twelve months. Business Outlook For the third quarter of 2025, the Company expects: Deliveries of vehicles to be between 87,000 and 91,000 vehicles, representing an increase of approximately 40.7% to 47.1% from the same quarter of 2024. to be between 87,000 and 91,000 vehicles, representing an increase of approximately 40.7% to 47.1% from the same quarter of 2024. Total revenues to be between RMB21,812 million (US$3,045 million) and RMB22,876 million (US$3,193 million), representing an increase of approximately 16.8% to 22.5% from the same quarter of 2024. This business outlook reflects the Companys current and preliminary view on the business situation and market condition, which is subject to change. Conference Call The Companys management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on September 2, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong/Singapore Time on September 2, 2025). A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Companys investor relations website at https://ir.nio.com/news-events/events. For participants who wish to join the conference using dial-in numbers, please register in advance using the link provided below and dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. Dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN would be provided upon registering. https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10049790-gh87y6.html A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone at the following numbers, until September 9, 2025: United States: +1-855-883-1031 Hong Kong, China: +852-800-930-639 Mainland, China: +86-400-1209-216 Singapore: +65-800-1013-223 International: +61-7-3107-6325 Replay PIN: 10049790 About NIO Inc. NIO Inc. is a pioneer and a leading company in the global smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2014, NIO aspires to shape a sustainable and brighter future with the mission of Blue Sky Coming. NIO envisions itself as a user enterprise where innovative technology meets experience excellence. NIO designs, develops, manufactures and sells smart electric vehicles, driving innovations in next-generation core technologies. NIO distinguishes itself through continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, exceptional products and services, and a community for shared growth. NIO provides premium smart electric vehicles under the NIO brand, family-oriented smart electric vehicles through the ONVO brand, and small smart high-end electric cars with the FIREFLY brand. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as will, expects, anticipates, aims, future, intends, plans, believes, estimates, likely to and similar statements. NIO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the websites of each of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the SEHK) and the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the SGX-ST), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about NIOs beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: NIOs strategies; NIOs future business development, financial condition and results of operations; NIOs ability to develop and manufacture vehicles of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale; its ability to ensure and expand manufacturing capacities including establishing and maintaining partnerships with third parties; its ability to provide convenient and comprehensive power solutions to its customers; the viability, growth potential and prospects of the battery swapping, BaaS, and NIO Assisted and Intelligent Driving and its subscription services; its ability to improve the technologies or develop alternative technologies in meeting evolving market demand and industry development; NIOs ability to satisfy the mandated safety standards relating to motor vehicles; its ability to secure supply of raw materials or other components used in its vehicles; its ability to secure sufficient reservations and sales of its vehicles; its ability to control costs associated with its operations; its ability to build its current and future brands; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NIOs filings with the SEC and the announcements and filings on the websites of each of the SEHK and SGX-ST. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and NIO does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Non-GAAP Disclosure The Company uses non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted cost of sales (non-GAAP), adjusted research and development expenses (non-GAAP), adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (non-GAAP), adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP), adjusted net loss (non-GAAP), adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP) and adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share/ADS (non-GAAP), in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company defines adjusted cost of sales (non-GAAP), adjusted research and development expenses (non-GAAP), adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses (non-GAAP) and adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) and adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) as cost of sales, research and development expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses, loss from operations and net loss excluding share-based compensation expenses and organizational optimization charges. The Company defines adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (non-GAAP), adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share/ADS (non-GAAP) as net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and basic and diluted net loss per share/ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses, organizational optimization charges and accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value. By excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, organizational optimization charges and accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value, which are either non-cash or not indicative of the Companys ordinary or ongoing operations due to their size or nature, the Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business and enhance the overall understanding of the Companys past performance and future prospects. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the Companys management in its financial and operational decision-making. The non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and when assessing the Companys operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss or other consolidated statements of comprehensive loss data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. The Company mitigates these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Companys performance. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2025 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. dollars amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For more information, please visit: http://ir.nio.com. Investor Relations ir@nio.com Media Relations global.press@nio.com Source: NIO NIO INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (All amounts in thousands) As of December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 19,328,920 7,111,459 992,721 Restricted cash 8,320,728 9,260,268 1,292,684 Short-term investments 14,137,566 10,689,430 1,492,187 Trade and notes receivables 1,676,246 1,344,095 187,628 Amounts due from related parties 7,702,404 11,414,387 1,593,387 Inventory 7,087,223 8,243,337 1,150,725 Prepayments and other current assets 3,632,956 4,444,995 620,497 Total current assets 61,886,043 52,507,971 7,329,829 Non-current assets: Long-term restricted cash 97,720 78,073 10,899 Property, plant and equipment, net. 25,892,904 26,805,111 3,741,849 Intangible assets, net 29,648 29,648 4,139 Land use rights, net 201,995 199,343 27,827 Long-term investments 3,126,007 2,710,730 378,403 Right-of-use assets - operating lease 12,797,158 12,958,244 1,808,901 Other non-current assets 3,573,137 4,756,725 664,013 Total non-current assets 45,718,569 47,537,874 6,636,031 Total assets 107,604,612 100,045,845 13,965,860 LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings 5,729,561 5,438,829 759,231 Trade and notes payable 34,387,266 34,951,395 4,879,027 Amounts due to related parties 409,363 641,495 89,549 Taxes payable 400,146 503,432 70,276 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 1,945,987 2,644,228 369,120 Current portion of long-term borrowings 3,397,622 792,198 110,587 Accruals and other liabilities 16,041,079 17,310,010 2,416,385 Total current liabilities 62,311,024 62,281,587 8,694,175 Non-current liabilities: Long-term borrowings 11,440,755 9,113,178 1,272,151 Non-current operating lease liabilities 11,260,735 11,110,807 1,551,009 Deferred tax liabilities 127,467 127,286 17,768 Amounts due to related parties, non-current 329,492 357,970 49,971 Other non-current liabilities 8,628,596 10,439,053 1,457,232 Total non-current liabilities 31,787,045 31,148,294 4,348,131 Total liabilities 94,098,069 93,429,881 13,042,306 NIO INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (All amounts in thousands) As of December 31, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ MEZZANINE EQUITY Redeemable non-controlling interests 7,441,997 7,734,861 1,079,745 Total mezzanine equity 7,441,997 7,734,861 1,079,745 SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY/(DEFICIT) Total NIO Inc. shareholders equity/(deficit) 5,967,023 (1,205,705 ) (168,309 ) Non-controlling interests 97,523 86,808 12,118 Total shareholders equity/(deficit) 6,064,546 (1,118,897 ) (156,191 ) Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders equity/(deficit) 107,604,612 100,045,845 13,965,860 NIO INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share/ADS data) Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 March 31, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ Revenues: Vehicle sales 15,679,623 9,939,305 16,136,114 2,252,515 Other sales 1,766,345 2,095,424 2,872,551 400,993 Total revenues 17,445,968 12,034,729 19,008,665 2,653,508 Cost of sales: Vehicle sales (13,773,438 ) (8,925,641 ) (14,473,222 ) (2,020,384 ) Other sales (1,983,815 ) (2,189,534 ) (2,637,920 ) (368,239 ) Total cost of sales (15,757,253 ) (11,115,175 ) (17,111,142 ) (2,388,623 ) Gross profit 1,688,715 919,554 1,897,523 264,885 Operating expenses: Research and development (3,218,522 ) (3,181,403 ) (3,007,032 ) (419,765 ) Selling, general and administrative (3,757,458 ) (4,400,763 ) (3,964,921 ) (553,482 ) Other operating income 77,967 244,484 165,572 23,113 Total operating expenses (6,898,013 ) (7,337,682 ) (6,806,381 ) (950,134 ) Loss from operations (5,209,298 ) (6,418,128 ) (4,908,858 ) (685,249 ) Interest and investment income 362,731 173,216 107,529 15,010 Interest expenses (176,141 ) (244,862 ) (212,748 ) (29,698 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (14,660 ) Share of losses of equity investees (73,607 ) (256,195 ) (124,664 ) (17,402 ) Other income, net 52,351 15,227 186,879 26,087 Loss before income tax expense (5,043,964 ) (6,745,402 ) (4,951,862 ) (691,252 ) Income tax expense (2,019 ) (4,631 ) (42,939 ) (5,994 ) Net loss (5,045,983 ) (6,750,033 ) (4,994,801 ) (697,246 ) Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value (83,022 ) (144,490 ) (148,374 ) (20,712 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 2,635 3,462 1,868 261 Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (5,126,370 ) (6,891,061 ) (5,141,307 ) (717,697 ) Net loss (5,045,983 ) (6,750,033 ) (4,994,801 ) (697,246 ) Other comprehensive income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax 89,483 75,911 184,568 25,765 Total other comprehensive income 89,483 75,911 184,568 25,765 Total comprehensive loss (4,956,500 ) (6,674,122 ) (4,810,233 ) (671,481 ) Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value (83,022 ) (144,490 ) (148,374 ) (20,712 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 2,635 3,462 1,868 261 Comprehensive loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (5,036,887 ) (6,815,150 ) (4,956,739 ) (691,932 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADS used in computing net loss per share/ADS Basic and diluted 2,049,836,045 2,093,881,620 2,230,044,617 2,230,044,617 Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (2.50 ) (3.29 ) (2.31 ) (0.32 ) NIO INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share/ADS data) Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ Revenues: Vehicle sales 24,060,941 26,075,419 3,639,988 Other sales 3,293,663 4,967,975 693,503 Total revenues 27,354,604 31,043,394 4,333,491 Cost of sales: Vehicle sales (21,386,680 ) (23,398,863 ) (3,266,355 ) Other sales (3,791,478 ) (4,827,454 ) (673,887 ) Total cost of sales (25,178,158 ) (28,226,317 ) (3,940,242 ) Gross profit 2,176,446 2,817,077 393,249 Operating expenses: Research and development (6,082,738 ) (6,188,435 ) (863,872 ) Selling, general and administrative (6,754,256 ) (8,365,684 ) (1,167,804 ) Other operating income 57,177 410,056 57,242 Total operating expenses (12,779,817 ) (14,144,063 ) (1,974,434 ) Loss from operations (10,603,371 ) (11,326,986 ) (1,581,185 ) Interest and investment income 713,524 280,745 39,190 Interest expenses (347,016 ) (457,610 ) (63,880 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (11,326 ) (14,660 ) (2,046 ) Share of losses of equity investees (93,089 ) (380,859 ) (53,166 ) Other income, net 119,727 202,106 28,213 Loss before income tax expense (10,221,551 ) (11,697,264 ) (1,632,874 ) Income tax expense (9,009 ) (47,570 ) (6,641 ) Net loss (10,230,560 ) (11,744,834 ) (1,639,515 ) Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value (162,546 ) (292,864 ) (40,882 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 8,818 5,330 744 Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (10,384,288 ) (12,032,368 ) (1,679,653 ) Net loss (10,230,560 ) (11,744,834 ) (1,639,515 ) Other comprehensive income Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax 96,951 260,479 36,361 Total other comprehensive income 96,951 260,479 36,361 Total comprehensive loss (10,133,609 ) (11,484,355 ) (1,603,154 ) Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value (162,546 ) (292,864 ) (40,882 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 8,818 5,330 744 Comprehensive loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (10,287,337 ) (11,771,889 ) (1,643,292 ) Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADS used in computing net loss per share/ADS Basic and diluted 2,047,257,903 2,162,319,854 2,162,319,854 Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic and diluted (5.07 ) (5.56 ) (0.78 ) NIO INC. Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share/ADS data) Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 GAAP Result Share-based compensation Organizational optimization charges Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value Adjusted Result (Non-GAAP) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB Cost of sales (17,111,142 ) 12,867 54,282 (17,043,993 ) Research and development expenses (3,007,032 ) 302,620 215,532 (2,488,880 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,964,921 ) 110,688 172,074 (3,682,159 ) Total (24,083,095 ) 426,175 441,888 (23,215,032 ) Loss from operations (4,908,858 ) 426,175 441,888 (4,040,795 ) Net loss (4,994,801 ) 426,175 441,888 (4,126,738 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (5,141,307 ) 426,175 441,888 148,374 (4,124,870 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (RMB) (2.31 ) 0.19 0.20 0.07 (1.85 ) Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (USD) (0.32 ) 0.03 0.03 0.01 (0.25 ) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share/ADS data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 GAAP Result Share-based compensation Organizational optimization charges Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value Adjusted Result (Non-GAAP) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB Cost of sales (11,115,175 ) 15,001 (11,100,174 ) Research and development expenses (3,181,403 ) 267,047 (2,914,356 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (4,400,763 ) 188,891 (4,211,872 ) Total (18,697,341 ) 470,939 (18,226,402 ) Loss from operations (6,418,128 ) 470,939 (5,947,189 ) Net loss (6,750,033 ) 470,939 (6,279,094 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (6,891,061 ) 470,939 144,490 (6,275,632 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (RMB) (3.29 ) 0.21 0.07 (3.01 ) Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (USD) (0.45 ) 0.03 0.01 (0.41 ) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share/ADS data) Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 GAAP Result Share-based compensation Organizational optimization charges Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value Adjusted Result (Non-GAAP) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB Cost of sales (15,757,253 ) 18,698 (15,738,555 ) Research and development expenses (3,218,522 ) 330,110 (2,888,412 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,757,458 ) 161,945 (3,595,513 ) Total (22,733,233 ) 510,753 (22,222,480 ) Loss from operations (5,209,298 ) 510,753 (4,698,545 ) Net loss (5,045,983 ) 510,753 (4,535,230 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (5,126,370 ) 510,753 83,022 (4,532,595 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (RMB) (2.50 ) 0.25 0.04 (2.21 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 GAAP Result Share-based compensation Organizational optimization charges Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value Adjusted Result (Non-GAAP) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB Cost of sales (28,226,317 ) 27,868 54,282 (28,144,167 ) Research and development expenses (6,188,435 ) 569,667 215,532 (5,403,236 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (8,365,684 ) 299,579 172,074 (7,894,031 ) Total (42,780,436 ) 897,114 441,888 (41,441,434 ) Loss from operations (11,326,986 ) 897,114 441,888 (9,987,984 ) Net loss (11,744,834 ) 897,114 441,888 (10,405,832 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (12,032,368 ) 897,114 441,888 292,864 (10,400,502 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (RMB) (5.56 ) 0.41 0.20 0.14 (4.81 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (USD) (0.78 ) 0.06 0.03 0.02 (0.67 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 GAAP Result Share-based compensation Organizational optimization charges Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value Adjusted Result (Non-GAAP) RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB Cost of sales (25,178,158 ) 28,451 (25,149,707 ) Research and development expenses (6,082,738 ) 536,093 (5,546,645 ) Selling, general and administrative expenses (6,754,256 ) 227,620 (6,526,636 ) Total (38,015,152 ) 792,164 (37,222,988 ) Loss from operations (10,603,371 ) 792,164 (9,811,207 ) Net loss (10,230,560 ) 792,164 (9,438,396 ) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of NIO Inc. (10,384,288 ) 792,164 162,546 (9,429,578 ) Net loss per share/ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders, basic and diluted (RMB) (5.07 ) 0.39 0.08 (4.60 ) i All translations from RMB to USD for three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 were made at the rate of RMB7.1636 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2025 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. ii Vehicle margin is the margin of new vehicle sales, which is calculated based on revenues and cost of sales derived from new vehicle sales only. iii Except for gross margin and vehicle margin, where absolute changes instead of percentage changes are calculated. WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quavo, Inc. (Quavo), a leading disputes technology partner and trusted advisor for financial institutions, today announced that USAA Savings Bank has selected Quavo to simplify and modernize its fraud and dispute operations. USAAs selection of Quavo reinforces the companys accelerating momentum in dispute resolution technology. In a distinct demonstration of confidence, Spectrum Equity also announced their $300 million growth investment in Quavo. As part of the collaboration, USAA will implement QFD, Quavos agentic AI platform designed to automate the disputes process from intake, through recovery and resolution. With QFD, USAA will deliver a faster, more seamless experience for members while improving operational efficiency and upholding compliance. Were proud to partner with USAA Savings Bank, an institution known for its deep commitment to serving the military community, said Joseph McLean, CEO and Co-Founder of Quavo. USAA came to us with a complex set of challenges, and were honored to support their mission by delivering smarter automation, operational scale, and compliance confidence. This alliance underscores USAAs unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service to its members and the broader military community. Together, Quavo and USAA are transforming the standard for fraud and dispute resolution, ensuring members receive fast, fair, and transparent service while empowering institutions to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving financial landscape. About USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. About Quavo, Inc. Quavo is a leading technology partner and strategic advisor, helping financial institutions (FIs) build trust-driven customer relationships through faster, more transparent dispute resolutions. Our mission is to restore financial trust by simplifying fraud and disputes. Quavo's award-winning technology automates the entire dispute lifecycle, from intake to resolution. FIs can pair this end-to-end solution with our expert-led back-office investigation team in one turnkey managed service. Scalable for institutions of all sizes, Quavos solutions reduce losses, ensure compliance, and enhance customer loyalty. Learn more at www.quavo.com. Quavo Media Contact: Julia Lum PR & Events Manager Julia.Lum@quavo.com LAS VEGAS, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virtue Recovery is proud to announce the expansion of its Business Development Team with the addition of two U.S. military veterans: Adam Khosroabadi, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, and Chauncy Nash, U.S. Army Veteran. Both men bring lived experience, professional expertise, and a passion for service to Virtue Recoverys mission of supporting individuals and families facing addiction, PTSD, and mental health challenges. A Shared Mission of Service Adam Khosroabadi joins as Community Outreach Specialist, supporting Virtue At The Pointe Recovery Center in Astoria, Oregon, and Virtue Recovery Center in Milwaukie, Oregon. A Marine Corps Combat Veteran with deep ties to the Portland behavioral health community, Adam combines his outreach experience with his personal recovery journey, fostering trust and hope for veterans and civilians alike. Chauncy Nash, a Business Development Liaison, served 20 years in the U.S. Army before transitioning into healthcare. Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, he brings a unique blend of military leadership, healthcare experience, and academic focus in business analytics and software development. With a strong family foundation and three children, Chauncy Nash exemplifies resilience and commitment both at home and in his community. Why It Matters Veterans often face unique barriers to treatment, from PTSD to substance use disorders. Having leaders like Adam and Chauncywho not only understand those struggles but have lived themensures that Virtue Recoverys outreach is authentic, compassionate, and impactful. Adam and Chauncy bring more than just experience to Virtue Recoverythey bring heart, grit, and a relentless dedication to helping others heal, said Michael Banis, Chief Development Officer. Their presence strengthens our mission to provide hope, healing, and lasting recovery for individuals and families in Oregon and across the country. About Virtue Recovery Virtue Recovery has expanded its Business Development Team by hiring two VeteransAdam Khosroabadi and Chauncy Nashwho bring military service and outreach expertise to strengthen Virtues mission across its nationally accredited centers (including dual-diagnosis treatment in Las Vegas, Arizona, eating disorder treatment in Nevada, and Texas). The company now also highlights its sister facility in Las Vegas, Silver State Adolescent Treatment , offering evidence-based residential programs and holistic teen mental health and substance use treatment. To learn more about Virtue Recovery or to schedule a free assessment, visit www.VirtueRecoveryCenter.com or call (866) 271-9748. Austin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gene Editing Market Size & Growth Analysis According to SNS Insider, the Gene Editing Market was valued at USD 6.09 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 15.46 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.21% during 20252032. The global gene editing market is entering a transformative growth phase, driven by advances in CRISPR and next-generation technologies, expanding therapeutic applications, and significant research funding. The U.S. gene editing market, a global leader in innovation and adoption, was valued at USD 1.95 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach USD 4.82 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 11.88%. Growth in the U.S. is being accelerated by therapeutic development, regulatory support, and a thriving biotech startup ecosystem. Get Free Sample Report of the Gene Editing Market: https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/7543 Market Overview Gene editing represents one of the most disruptive technologies in modern science. By enabling precise modifications at the DNA level, it holds transformative potential for human health, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. From developing next-generation cancer therapies to engineering crops with enhanced nutritional value and climate resilience, gene editing is reshaping industries. In the United States, strong academic research infrastructure, supportive government funding, and robust venture capital investments are creating a fertile ground for commercialization. Breakthroughs in CRISPR-based editing, combined with AI-driven bioinformatics, are accelerating discovery pipelines in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and gene therapies. Globally, collaborations between biotech companies and universities, coupled with regulatory advancements, are paving the way for wider adoption and clinical translation of gene editing technologies. Major Players Analysis Prominent companies operating in the gene editing market include: CRISPR Therapeutics AG Editas Medicine Inc. Intellia Therapeutics Inc. Precision BioSciences Inc. Beam Therapeutics Inc. Verve Therapeutics Inc. Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Horizon Discovery (a PerkinElmer Company) GenScript Biotech Corporation Caribou Biosciences, Inc. Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (IDT) Segment Analysis By Product and Services In 2024, the market Gene Editing Market was dominated by the reagents & consumables segment, which held 71.56% share. The segments growth is driven by their essential use in CRISPR, ZFN, and TALEN protocols and frequent restocking needs. On the other hand, the Software & Systems segment is predicted to experience fastest growth during the forecast period owing to the surging demand for automation, AI-assisted genome analysis, and advanced tools for off-target prediction, guide design, and workflow optimization. By Technology The CRISPR segment held the dominant gene editing market share of 73.5% in 2024 due to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and wide use in therapeutics, research, and drug discovery. The TALEN segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the projected period due to its wide use in precision therapies including CAR-T and regenerative medicine fueled by its higher accuracy, decreased off-target effects, and surging investment in personalized medicine applications. By Application In 2024, the cell line engineering segment led the gene editing market with 58.2% share, driven by its role in drug discovery, biologics production, and disease modeling. The genetic engineering segment is expected to grow fastest, fueled by therapeutic innovations, agriculture, and synthetic biology, with advancements in gene therapies, trait improvement in plants and animals, and supportive regulatory pathways accelerating adoption. By End-user In 2024, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominated the gene editing market with 89.4% share, driven by therapeutic development, personalized medicine, and biologics manufacturing through CRISPR and advanced R&D. Meanwhile, academic and research institutes are expected to grow fastest, supported by funding, open-source tools, and innovation in precision, safety, and delivery, expanding applications in genomics, rare disease modeling, and agricultural biotechnology. Need Any Customization Research on Gene Editing Market, Enquire Now: https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/7543 Regional Trends North America Leads Gene Editing Market While Asia Pacific Emerges as Fastest-Growing Hub In 2024, North America led the gene editing market with a 43.1% share owing to a strong biotech sector, robust research infrastructure, and heavy funding by various government and private bodies. The region hosts leading players including CRISPR Therapeutics, Editas Medicine, and Intellia Therapeutics advancing clinical trials. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region (12.82% CAGR), fueled by rising genomics funding, biotech hubs, and demand for personalized medicine, with China, Japan, South Korea, and India investing heavily in research, clinical trials, and therapeutic applications. Recent Developments In January 2025, CRISPR Therapeutics announced promising Phase II trial results for a CRISPR-based therapy targeting sickle cell disease. Editas Medicine launched a new CRISPR-based platform in 2024 designed for in-vivo editing in retinal disorders. Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its portfolio in late 2024 with high-throughput gene editing kits for research institutions. Intellia Therapeutics entered a strategic collaboration in 2025 to develop gene-editing therapies for autoimmune conditions. Caribou Biosciences reported progress on its allogeneic CAR-T therapy pipeline, leveraging CRISPR-Cas12a technology. Statistical Insights & Trends Over $4.5 billion in venture funding was invested globally into gene editing companies between 2020 and 2024. By 2032, gene editing in agriculture is expected to contribute more than 25% of total market revenue, reflecting food security initiatives. More than 1,200 clinical trials involving gene editing technologies are active worldwide, with oncology and rare diseases representing the majority. The average cost of gene editing procedures is expected to decline by 30% by 2028 due to automation and scaling. Ex-vivo editing platforms dominate today but in-vivo methods are projected to expand significantly as delivery technologies mature. Buy the Full Gene Editing Market Report (Single-User License) Now: https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/7543 Exclusive Sections of the Report (The USPs): Genetic disorder prevalence metrics helps you identify the target population and disease burden driving demand for gene editing solutions. Clinical trials landscape helps you track regional trials by technology, highlighting innovation hotspots and therapeutic focus areas. R&d investment trends helps you analyze spending levels and funding priorities shaping the pace of market growth and innovation. Regulatory approvals and pipeline forecast helps you evaluate approval timelines, pipeline progress, and future product launches from 20242032. Research vs therapeutic adoption helps you compare adoption patterns across laboratory research and clinical therapeutics. Commercialization outlook helps you uncover opportunities for market expansion across healthcare and biotechnology applications. Competitive landscape helps you assess the positioning of key players based on pipelines, partnerships, product offerings, and regional reach. Gene Editing Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 USD 6.09 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 15.46 Billion CAGR CAGR of 12.21% From 2025 to 2032 Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2032 Historical Data 2021-2023 Report Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Segments By Product & Services (Reagents & Consumables, Software & Systems, Services) By Technology (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN), Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN), Antisense, Other Technologies) By Application (Cell Line Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Drug Discovery & Development, Other Applications) By End-user (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Academic and Research Institutes) Regional Analysis North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, Turkey, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Customization Scope Available upon request Pricing Available upon request Access Complete Report Details of Gene Editing Market Analysis & Outlook@ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/gene-editing-market-7543 [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com] About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia Data Center Construction Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. According to this report, the Australia data center construction market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% between 2025 and 2034. The market is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing demand for data processing and storage capacity. As businesses, governments, and consumers alike rely more heavily on digital infrastructure, the need for robust data centers to support cloud computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet of things (IoT) has never been greater. Data centers, which house the servers and networking equipment necessary to store and process vast amounts of digital information, have become the backbone of modern economies. This particular Australia data center construction market growth trend is expected to continue through the forecast period, as technological advancements, rising internet usage, and a surge in digital transformation drive the demand for new and upgraded facilities. One of the primary factors contributing to the rise in demand in the Australia data center construction market is the accelerating adoption of cloud-based services. Companies across various sectors, from finance to healthcare, are shifting their operations to the cloud to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance scalability. This shift has led to a need for high-performance data centers capable of supporting the infrastructure required for cloud services. Additionally, Australia's growing role as a data hub for the Asia-Pacific region further propels the demand for data center facilities. The country's geographic location, political stability, and strong telecommunications infrastructure make it an attractive destination for both local and international companies looking to expand their digital operations in the region. Another critical factor driving the Australia data center construction market expansion is the rise of big data and IoT. As more devices become interconnected, the amount of data generated and stored continues to grow exponentially. The increased use of sensors, smart devices, and machine learning technologies necessitates the construction of new, larger, and more energy-efficient data centers to handle this surge in data traffic. Furthermore, industries such as automotive, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are leveraging big data analytics to gain insights and improve decision-making processes, which further fuels the demand for state-of-the-art data storage and processing facilities. As per the Australia data center construction market, energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly important considerations in the construction of new data centers. As the global push for sustainability continues to intensify, the Australian data center market is responding with innovations that focus on reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, in the operation of data centers is gaining traction in Australia. Many companies are also investing in green building technologies and adopting designs that promote cooling efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining the proper operating conditions of high-performance servers. With sustainability at the forefront, data center developers are incorporating energy-saving measures that not only help reduce operational costs but also improve their compliance with environmental regulations. In regard to competition, several global players are expanding their footprint in the Australia data center construction market, attracted by the country's growing demand for data center infrastructure. This includes large multinational corporations with extensive experience in data center construction and operation. Their presence has encouraged local players to upgrade their offerings and improve service delivery, further fueling market growth. Additionally, the rise of edge computing is pushing the need for smaller, localized data centers that can provide faster processing times for applications and services that require real-time data access, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation. The regional government has also played an important role in driving the Australia data center construction market development. The government has recognized the importance of digital infrastructure to the country's economic future and has introduced several initiatives to support the industry's development. This includes streamlining regulatory processes for the construction of data centers, investing in telecommunications infrastructure, and promoting innovation in the tech sector. With a clear focus on building a digital economy, the government's policies provide a conducive environment for data center developers to thrive. While the Australia data center construction market outlook is promising, challenges remain. One of the main hurdles is the availability of suitable land for new data center facilities. As demand grows, the competition for prime real estate near major cities and connectivity hubs intensifies. This has led to an increase in land prices, which could impact the cost of new data center projects. Additionally, labor shortages in the construction sector and the need for highly specialized skills in the operation of data centers can pose challenges for companies looking to expand their data center networks. Nevertheless, the overall trajectory for the Australian data center construction market remains positive. As demand for digital services continues to rise, both from businesses and consumers, the need for new, innovative, and efficient data center infrastructure will remain high. Market players are likely to invest in the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, to improve the efficiency and scalability of their facilities, further supporting the growth of the industry. Looking ahead, the Australia data center construction market is expected to continue expanding, driven by ongoing technological advancements, the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, and the growing demand for cloud services. With strong government support and a dynamic, competitive market, the Australian data center industry is poised for a period of sustained growth and development, making it an essential component of the country's digital transformation. As companies across various sectors increasingly rely on data-driven solutions, the demand for cutting-edge data centers capable of meeting these needs will remain a critical driver of market activity. Competitive Landscape The report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the Australia data center construction market. Equinix, Inc. AirTrunk Operating Pty Ltd. Multiplex Constructions Pty Limited Fujitsu Australia Limited Procore Technologies, Inc. Kapitol Ltd. Nilsen Pty Ltd. Kajima Australia Pty Ltd. (ICON) DXN Limited Market Segmentation Market Breakup by Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks General Infrastructure Market Breakup by Size Small and Medium Size Data Center Large Data Center Market Breakup by Tier Type Tier I and II Tier III Tier IV Market Breakup by End Use BFSI IT and Telecom Healthcare Government and Defence Market Breakup by Region New South Wales Victoria Queensland Australian Capital Territory Western Australia Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 140 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (AUD) in 2025 $3.91 Billion Forecasted Market Value (AUD) by 2034 $7.18 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Australia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yaagjp About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment OWINGS MILLS, Md., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Universal Safety Products, Inc. (NYSE American: UUU) (the Company) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a one-time special cash dividend of $1.00 per share of the Companys outstanding common stock. The record date for this dividend is September 18, 2025, and the payment date is September 25, 2025. Harvey B. Grossblatt, the Companys President and CEO commented: This special dividend marks an important milestone for our stockholders, representing a direct return of value from the successful sale of assets to Feit Electric Company earlier this year. While our original plan envisioned a larger dividend tied to a full dissolution, our stockholders chose a different path, one that positions the Company to grow and prosper. By returning meaningful capital today while preserving resources for the future, we are aligning our actions with both immediate value creation and long-term opportunity. I am truly excited about what lies ahead as we plan to introduce new products and services that we believe can unlock even greater stockholder value. Because the payment of the special dividend represents more than 20% of the price of the Companys common stock, NYSE American has advised the Company that its common stock will trade with due bills representing an assignment of the right to receive the special dividend from the record date of September 18, 2025 through the closing of trading on NYSE American on September 25, 2025, which is the payment date and the last day of trading before the September 26, 2025 ex-dividend date (this period of time representing the Dividend Right Period). Shareholders who sell their common stock during the Dividend Right Period (September 18, 2025 through September 25, 2025) will be selling their right to the special dividend, and such shareholders will not be entitled to receive the special dividend on September 25, 2025. Due bills obligate a seller of common stock to deliver the special dividend payable on such common stock to the buyer (the Dividend Right). The special dividend record date of September 18, 2025 will be used as the date for establishing the due bill tracking of the Dividend Right to the holder of common stock. Due bill obligations are customarily settled between the brokers representing the buyers and the sellers of shares. The Company has no obligation for either the amount of the due bill or the processing of the due bill. Buyers and sellers of the Companys common stock should consult their brokers before trading to be sure they understand the effect of NYSE Americans due bill procedures. About Universal Safety Universal Safety Products, Inc. is a distributor of safety and security devices. Founded in 1969, the Company has an over 56-year heritage of developing innovative and easy-to-install products. For more information on Universal Safety Products, Inc., visit our website at www.universalsafetyprod.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as believes, plans, anticipates, projects, estimates, expects, intends, strategy, future, opportunity, may, will, should, could, potential, or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Companys business and financial results are included in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Companys Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8- K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.universalsafetyprod.com. Contact: Harvey Grossblatt, CEO Universal Safety Products, Inc. (410) 363-3000, Ext. 224 Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Higher Education Construction Market Outlook - Forecast Trends, Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The United States higher education construction market was valued at USD 61.80 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The market growth is due to the increased rate of construction of cutting-edge labs, classrooms, and innovation spaces. This was even further boosted by an ever-increased demand for advanced STEM programs and research facilities which have fueled government-backed investments in specialized infrastructure. In turn, all these factors have resulted in the market attaining a valuation of USD 102.60 Billion by 2034. United States Higher Education Construction Market Overview The United States higher education construction market is dynamic. The key driving force behind the market growth is the need to modernize facilities coupled with an increased number of enrollments and technological advancements. Colleges and universities are investing in new buildings, dormitories, academic spaces, and recreational facilities to enhance student experience and support emerging disciplines. Sustainable and energy-efficient designs are also becoming increasingly popular, that align with broader environmental goals. With the demand to make progress in research, these institutions are also expanding laboratory and innovation spaces. While large projects receive funding from both public and private sources, the federal and state governments often invest in higher construction costs and labor shortages pose a hurdle to timelines and budgets. United States Higher Education Construction Market Growth A growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is driving the demand for advanced research labs and innovation spaces, stimulating demand in the United States higher education construction market. Universities, in vast numbers, are developing these advanced facilities to attract students and researchers. The University of California, Berkeley is in the midst of developing buildings in the STEM discipline that favors research and development. This niche opens new opportunities for construction outfitters providing specialist infrastructure to reinforce advanced learning and innovation. Further, along with the rise of enrollment comes the need for modern, sustainable on-campus housing. Colleges are developing new dormitories and student living complexes to house the growing number of students. For instance, New York University is building sustainable, energy-efficient dorms to serve its students. This market presents a potential high for companies in residential construction and modular prefabrication solutions. Sustainable and Green Building Initiatives Sustainability is specified now as the priority in the new school buildings set up and remodeled in ocean University campuses across America. This is one of the key trends in the United States higher education construction market. For instance, the University of California, Berkeley, has installed green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems in their new buildings. This trend seems to echo a growing commitment to reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly campuses, impacting on design and materials used in higher education construction projects nationwide. Thus, builders specialized in green solutions are facing an unabashed upsurge of demand. Increased Focus on Student Wellness With an increased focus on wellness and student-centered curriculum design including mental health, higher education institutions are investing in developing wellness centers. In addition to fitness, new buildings and renovation projects now often provide recreation and mental health support space, accelerating growth in the United States higher education construction market. For instance, the new Health and Wellness Center at the University of Michigan pulls together physical, mental, and social health under one roof. This trend reflects the continuing pressures by higher education construction firms toward designs that support a holistic student experience by integrating into their projects a focus on wellness. Mobile Campus Buildings Smart buildings within core institutions have been trending, accelerating the United States higher education construction market revenues. These are quite common because of growing technology acceptance in higher education. The application of advanced technologies, such as IoT, AI, and smart classrooms, has been largely embraced on the campuses of these universities. For instance, University of Southern California (USC) provides modern interactive spaces and digital learning hubs. Smart campuses automate and connect environments to enhance teaching and operational efficiency, thus creating opportunities for tech-integrated space construction firms to capitalize on the increased demand for high-end infrastructure. Flexible and Adaptive Learning Spaces In response to these new models of instruction, universities invest in versatile spaces that may serve various teaching and learning requirements including remote and in-classroom education. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, classrooms have been reimagined with movable walls, flexible furniture, and multi-media capabilities that can accommodate face-to-face and virtual learning environments. This United States higher education construction market trend has created demand for modern design solutions for construction, which, in turn, offers a growth opportunity for companies embracing "collaborative" technology-powered flexible campus spaces. United States Higher Education Construction Market Opportunities A large number of universities in America are carrying out modernization on these infrastructures, which includes the renovation of old buildings and the building of new academic facilities. This indicates that construction companies can take this chance to offer services in new design work, renovation, and retrofitting. Companies that specialize in 'adaptive reuse' are well-positioned to take advantage of such trends, guaranteeing that buildings attain new environmental codes while at the same time protecting the original historic architecture. There is also a pressing demand in the United States higher education construction market for new dormitories, apartments, and mixed-use developments on college campuses due to increasing enrollment and a need for additional student beds. This trend can be targeted by construction companies specializing in student housing and modular construction catering to the need for faster, cheaper solutions. United States Higher Education Construction Market Trends The key trends driving the United States higher education construction market dynamics are increasing enrolment and demand for robust modernization and sustainability. Parallel to an increase in student numbers going for higher education, universities are expanding campuses and building new dormitories, classrooms, and recreational facilities to accommodate this influx. Also, sustainability and energy-efficient buildings have fueled the rise of green construction practices. Colleges are building LEED-certified buildings and installing renewable energy systems to meet their environmental goals, operational efficiency, and enhance campus appeal. These drivers promote the continued growth and change of the market of higher education construction. United States Higher Education Construction Market Restraints High prices in construction are fast becoming a source of concern for the United States higher education market growth as such developments would place the budget for new projects or renovations at risk. Zoning ordinance, building regulation, and environmental restrictions directly or indirectly could introduce delays in the construction process, as well as increased costs for universities, thus complicating any potential new campus or renovation of existing buildings. Key Trends and Recent Developments The key trends of the United States higher education construction market include environmental consciousness, wellness, technology integration, and flexible learning. January 2025 The Food and Animal Science Building and the Environmental Science Building are two brand-new, cutting-edge structures that will soon be delivered as part of a $63 million project under the direction of officials at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture. January 2025 Degree Analytics, a pioneer in data-driven campus solutions, announced a $5 million investment round headed by LiveOak Ventures has closed. With the help of this financing, its facilities optimization platform will be developed and implemented, enabling schools and universities to use real-time data insights to improve student experiences, save expenses, and create new efficiencies. Competitive Landscape The United States higher education construction market players are aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable, tech-integrated, and flexible campus spaces. Further, United States higher education construction market companies are focused on developing energy-efficient buildings, modern research facilities, student housing, and multi-purpose spaces that support innovation, collaboration, and enhanced student experiences. Companies Featured Sundt Companies, Inc. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. DPR Construction Swinerton Incorporated AECOM United States Higher Education Construction Industry Segmentation Market Breakup by Type New Construction Addition/Expansion Renovation Market Breakup by College Type Private Public Market Breakup by Institution Size Small (less than 5,000 students) Medium (6,000 to 15,000 Students) Large (More than 15,000 Students) Market Breakup by Region New England Mideast Great Lakes Plains Southeast Southwest Rocky Mountain Far West For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3jrl8r About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. PARIS, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As families gear up for the new school year, Superprof , the worlds largest tutoring network, surveyed tutors across the U.S. to understand how students are showing up academically, emotionally, and digitally. The findings highlight that while many students are academically capable, they are increasingly overwhelmed by stress, motivation challenges, and time management struggles. Tutors report that nearly half of students (49%) struggle with routines, while 39% cite academic stress and another 39% point to low motivation to engage with schoolwork. Despite summer preparation, less than a fifth of tutors say their students are very prepared for the year ahead, with most falling somewhere between somewhat prepared and neutral. Parents often focus on test scores and grades, but this survey shows that what students need most are tools to manage their time, energy, and emotions, said Alexandra Mounoury, Head of Communications at Superprof. As the school year begins, small acts of support, such as listening, offering encouragement, and helping kids create healthy routines, can make a huge difference. And this is exactly where a Superprof tutor can step in. Our tutors build meaningful connections, adapt to each students needs, share practical tools, and provide emotional guidance as they approach the year ahead. The role of AI technology also received attention from tutors. While more than three-quarters of students and parents are familiar with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or SchoolAI, tutors note that responsible use of these tools, and knowing when to unplug, remains an underdeveloped skill. Tutors had candid advice for parents as their kids head back to school: Listen first. Many students feel overwhelmed not just academically, but socially and digitally. Parents should create a safe space for kids to share what theyre feeling. Many students feel overwhelmed not just academically, but socially and digitally. Parents should create a safe space for kids to share what theyre feeling. Support balance. Whether its routines, confidence, or screen time, tutors recommend that parents pay close attention to well-being alongside academics. Whether its routines, confidence, or screen time, tutors recommend that parents pay close attention to well-being alongside academics. Encourage mistakes. Several tutors emphasized that failure can be a healthy part of learning. Parents can help students see mistakes as opportunities for growth. "As someone who works with many middle and high school aged students, my biggest piece of advice for parents is to let our children learn through mistakes, said Shannon Pragosa, former teacher and current English Language Arts tutor at Superprof. Most of my students are afraid to take academic risks because they are worried about failure. Students need to experience challenges so they can develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills." Key Takeaways From the Superprof Survey Tutors painted a clear picture of what students are facing this school year. Beyond academics, the findings highlight challenges with balance, well-being, and overlooked life skills: Preparedness is mixed. Only 19% of students are very prepared for the school year, with most falling in the middle. Routines, stress, and motivation top the list of common challenges. Nearly half of tutors (49%) say their students struggle with routines. AI familiarity is high. 77% of students and parents are somewhat or very familiar with AI tools, but skillful use is uneven. Overlooked skills matter. Tutors cited time management (42%), task prioritization (38%), emotional regulation (34%), and critical thinking (28%) as key gaps not being taught in school. Students are juggling academics, extracurriculars, and the constant demands of social media. Its no wonder theyre stressed, added Mounoury. The good news is that parents can help by focusing on connection, balance, and the life skills that will serve their kids well beyond the classroom. The findings are based on a Superprof nationwide survey of 117 tutors conducted in August 2025. Looking for support this school year or interested in becoming a tutor yourself? Visit www.superprof.com to find your perfect tutor or start teaching today. About Superprof ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) ("Company" or "Kraig Labs"), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that Dr. Nirmal Kumar, the Company's lead sericulture expert, has arrived in Southeast Asia to support the production team at its recently established second rearing facility. Dr. Kumar will work directly with the Company's operations team on the first production cycle at the new center, ensuring the highest levels of quality and efficiency as Kraig Labs continues to expand its BAM-1 spider silk output. His expertise in silkworm rearing and hybrid development has been instrumental to the Company's success, and his on-site leadership marks a significant step for Kraig Labs in its transition to continuous production of BAM-1, its first recombinant spider silk hybrid line. During this time with the team, Dr. Kumar will also oversee the build-out of an expanded BAM-1 egg production center and testing lab, designed to support ongoing scale-up and maintain production continuity across multiple rearing centers. These facilities will form the backbone of the Company's long-term commercialization strategy as Kraig Labs ramps BAM-1 production to meet growing demand. Additionally, Dr. Kumar will explore opportunities with secondary processing providers in the region, including spinners capable of supporting downstream applications for recombinant spider silk. As part of this effort, Kraig Labs is currently in discussions with a potential customer regarding a custom order of spider silk thread, a crucial step toward demonstrating the versatility and scalability of BAM-1 in specialty textile markets. "Having Dr. Kumar on the ground with our production team at this critical stage provides invaluable expertise with our second rearing center now fully online," said Kim Thompson, Kraig Labs' Founder and CEO. "His leadership not only strengthens our current BAM-1 production cycle but also sets the stage for the expansion and processing partnerships that will allow us to meet near-term customer opportunities and long-term market demand." The Company's ability to execute on both upstream production and downstream processing highlights its unique position at the intersection of biotechnology and traditional sericulture, as Kraig Labs works to establish spider silk as a commercial reality. For the latest updates on Kraig Labs and its pioneering spider silk technologies, visit www.kraiglabs.com. For details about other recent Kraig Labs advancements, please watch the Company's investor conference at www.kraiglabs.com/videos or on the Company's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@kraigbiocraftlaboratories2270. To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news * For a description of our historical leadership in this technology, please follow this link https://www.kraiglabs.com/world-leader/ About Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. ( www.KraigLabs.com ), a reporting biotechnology company is the leading developer of genetically engineered spider silk-based fiber technologies. The Company has achieved a series of scientific breakthroughs in the area of spider silk technology with implications for the global textile industry. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information Statements in this press release about the Company's future and expectations other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements are made on the basis of management's current views and assumptions. As a result, there can be no assurance that management's expectations will necessarily come to pass. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as "believes," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "estimated," "hopes," "if," "develops," "researching," "research," "pilot," "potential," "could" or other words or phrases of similar import. Forward looking statements include descriptions of the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions and goals. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. San Jose, California, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Significant Cleaning Services LLC (SCS), a family-owned commercial cleaning partner serving the Greater Bay Area, celebrates more than three and a half decades in business. Through services such as janitorial, pressure washing, and high-rise window cleaning, it has grown steadily through referrals and an insistence on doing the basics to a high standard. In an increasingly crowded market, the company remains anchored to helping clients and fostering healthier workplaces. Im thinking about the everyday promises kept as we commemorate this milestone, says President and CEO Anthony Lovaglia. Our teams show up, notice the details others miss, and find solutions before a client has to ask. That habit of care is what sustains us. Were proud of the craft, grateful for the people who practice it, and energized by what we can build next together. Significant Cleaning Services SCSs journey began when founder Larry Lovaglia and his wife Diane, Anthonys parents, who were seeking to support a growing family, took on cleaning work as a second job with a straightforward philosophy. Excel at the location in front of you, then earn the right to take on the next, Anthony shares. One site became several, part-time hours turned into a full-time vocation, and an early operations leader joined and stayed, setting a tone of continuity and mentorship. The company never built a sales team. Instead, satisfied property managers and facilities leaders introduced SCS to their peers, and the calendar filled one relationship at a time. That trajectory carried the business from modest origins to partnerships with major global brands, including Fortune 100 companies. Today, SCS fields hundreds of employees across day porter and night programs, serving multi-building corporate environments and industrial parks throughout the region. A defining hallmark is SCSs ground-up leadership pipeline. Many office and field leaders began as frontline cleaners, learned the operation from end to end, and then moved into management to train the next generation. Expansion has consistently followed client needs. Property managers asked whether on-site staff could help beyond nightly cleaning. SCS responded by establishing a maintenance capability that now encompasses lighting replacements, fixture changes, minor plumbing repairs, furniture assembly, and junk removal, offering clients a comprehensive, single-call solution. When questions arose about exterior presentation, pressure-washing services were added for entries, sidewalks, facades, and parking areas. Window cleaning became a defining chapter. A respected owner-operator, impressed by SCSs reputation, approached the company to sell his high-rise window business while remaining active without the burdens of entrepreneurship. SCS structured a fair arrangement that kept his expertise in place, welcomed his team, and invested in growth. In time, the former owners son assumed leadership of the division, reflecting SCSs multi-family continuity. The result is a sophisticated, safety-first window operation serving skyline properties and architecturally complex campuses across the Bay Area. Technicians are trained in rope access, lift work, and rescue procedures. Values have been the engine behind this arc. Reputation functions as currency and compass. It has been earned in public through consistent performance and reinvested internally to attract and develop talent. Service excellence is defined by measurable outcomes and reinforced by compliant processes, from quality-assurance inspections to priority-escalation playbooks. Leaders focus on inspiring teams, not merely scheduling them, ensuring crews understand how their work upholds brand standards. That culture, in turn, develops professionals who advance from the janitorial floor to the conference room with confidence, credibility, and professionalism. As SCS celebrates over 35 years of excellence, the throughline from father to son is unmistakable. The company intends to preserve the blueprint of building capacity, investing in people, and letting results speak. It does so while modernizing systems and thoughtfully broadening services, creating real value. Media Contact Name: SCS Team Email: info@significantcleaning.com HOUSTON, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the Company) announced today a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share for September 2025. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on September 30, 2025 (as outlined in the table below). The Company declares distributions on a monthly basis, with its next distribution expected to be declared in early October. Payment of future distributions is subject to the approval of the Companys Board of Directors, as well as meeting the covenants on the Companys debt agreements and the terms of its preferred stock. Record Date / Ex-Date Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital Estimate 9/15/25 9/30/25 $0.08 10%(1) (1) This estimate is based on the Companys anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions will not be determinable until after the end of fiscal 2025 and may differ substantially from this preliminary information. Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Companys investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Companys most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms. The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investors specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Companys filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Companys investment objectives will be attained. Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com. DUBLIN, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Titan Aviation Leasing, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide [Atlas], and Bain Capital today announced the successful closing of Titan Aircraft Investments II, DAC (TAI 2), a new freighter aircraft investment platform. TAI 2 launches with a $410 million capital commitment from Bain Capital and Atlas that further scales the firms joint venture platform that is focused on delivering flexible and efficient freighter leasing solutions worldwide. Building on the strong performance of Titan Aircraft Investments I, Ltd. (TAI 1), which was established in 2019 and launched with $400 million in initial capital commitments, TAI 2 represents a milestone expansion of the freighter leasing platform to meet sustained global demand for dedicated cargo aircraft. TAI 1 targeted long-term deployment of $1 billion in assets. Since TAI 1s inception, Titan Aviation Leasing has acquired 19 aircraft across 11 lessees worldwide, capitalizing on secular demand for cargo aircraft driven by robust e-commerce growth. Titan Aviation Leasing will continue to provide comprehensive aircraft and lease management services across both portfolios, leveraging its deep cargo aviation expertise to support a growing and diversified customer base. The successful deployment of TAI 1 has demonstrated the strength of our partnership with Bain Capital and Atlas, and the critical role Titan plays in delivering efficient, flexible freighter leasing solutions, said Eamonn Forbes, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Titan Aviation Leasing. We are excited to scale this platform further with TAI 2 and continue supporting the evolving needs of the global air cargo industry. This expanded platform underscores our commitment to the freighter leasing sector and to building long-term solutions for our customers, said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Titan and Atlas as we expand our platform to meet the increasingly complex demands of global cargo supply chains, said Matthew Evans, a Partner at Bain Capital. By leveraging our combined expertise with the ability to act quickly and efficiently in a continually evolving market, we are well positioned to continue delivering flexible, high-impact solutions that help freight operators around the world meet their diverse financing needs. About Titan Aviation Leasing: Titan Aviation Leasing is a freighter-centric leasing company that provides dry leasing solutions to airlines worldwide. Titan Aviation Leasings fleet of cargo aircraft supports customers, including international flag carriers, express operators, e-commerce providers, and regional and domestic carriers. Titan Aviation Leasings deep airfreight domain expertise and innovative asset management solutions help customers quickly ramp up their aviation operations while minimizing capital investment. Titan Aviation Leasing provides management services to the joint venture, including aircraft acquisitions, lease management, passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion oversight, technical expertise, and disposal of aircraft. About Atlas Air Worldwide: Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the worlds largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777 and 767 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations. About Bain Capital: Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the worlds leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). Contacts: Media: CorpCommunications@atlasair.com AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurigo Software, North Americas leading capital planning and construction management solution provider, announced the launch of Essentials Plan, an AI-powered capital planning solution purpose-built for local and regional government agencies. The platform, built for long-range multi-project planning, will enable users to map out capital improvement programs (CIPs) with greater efficiency. Building multiyear CIPs can be challenging, as it requires agencies to balance shifting priorities and external pressures, such as economic or environmental changes. Manual reconciliation and disconnected systems often leave financial data fragmented and outdated, causing delays and weakening governance. Owners thereby lack the timely, accurate insights needed to compare budgets with actuals, identify variances, and confidently take corrective actions. Essentials Plan offers AI-powered scenario modeling, intelligent fund allocation, and a unified view of project financials. It eliminates errors and information silos, ensuring that capital funding decisions are aligned with the agencys overall strategic priorities and translate into lasting value for the communities they serve. With Essentials Plan, were helping local and regional governments move beyond spreadsheets and fragmented systems, said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software. AI-powered planning and real-time insights are now essential for making data-driven funding decisions that align with community priorities. The platform provides an integrated approach to transitioning from project identification to approval and funding. Instead of working through siloed systems, agencies can manage their entire capital planning lifecycle in one place. Key features include: AI-driven scenario planning to model trade-offs Smart fund allocation with multiyear cashflow forecasting End-to-end needs and charter management Unified dashboard to monitor portfolio health Smart alerts and notifications to mitigate risks Seamless integration with popular PMIS tools Quick deployment to accelerate adoption cycles Essentials Plan has been developed to address the needs of an underserved segment of the public sector. It is available as a standalone product or can be bundled with Essentials Build (the companys construction management software), offering end-to-end capital planning and project execution. Resellers and implementation partners can also co-market Essentials Plan to complement existing ERP functionality. About Aurigo Software Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $450 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigos solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/036a5491-8853-4cd3-87a1-5c687372de45 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A newly filed class-action lawsuit targets Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC) and its executives, alleging the company misrepresented its oil production status to investors. The litigation, filed in federal court in California, claims the company used a misleading press release to artificially inflate its stock price just before a secondary public offering (SPO). Hagens Berman urges Sable investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. Class Period: May 19, 2025 June 3, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/soc Contact the Firm Now: SOC@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Allegations of Misleading Statements and Regulatory Clash The lawsuit, Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., represents investors who purchased Sable Offshore securities between May 19, 2025, and June 3, 2025, including those who bought shares in the May 21, 2025 SPO. According to the complaint, Sable Offshore issued a press release on May 19, 2025, that claimed it had restarted oil production off the California coast. This statement was allegedly false and misleading. California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis publicly challenged this claim, stating in a letter that the companys press release appears to mischaracterize its activities. She clarified that the oil flows were merely well-testing procedures, not a resumption of commercial production. Following the disclosure of the Lieutenant Governor's letter in the financial media on May 28, 2025, Sable Offshores stock price fell more than 15%, as the market realized the company's statements were not accurate. Further Judicial Intervention and Stock Drop The lawsuit further alleges that the company's legal troubles deepened on June 4, 2025, when Sable Offshore disclosed that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge had issued a temporary restraining order. This order prohibited the company from restarting oil transportation through the Las Flores Pipeline System, pending a hearing on a preliminary injunction. This news reportedly caused the stock to fall even further. The litigation seeks to hold the company and its underwriters accountable for allegedly raising capital under false pretenses, causing significant losses for investors. Hagens Bermans Investigation Hagens Berman is investigating these claims on behalf of investors who have suffered substantial losses. Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation, commented on the situation, Our investigation is centered on whether the companys public statements accurately reflected the on-the-ground reality of its operations. If you invested in Sable and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sable case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sable Offshore should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SOC@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE | ASX: ORE | OTCQX: ORZCF) (Orezone or Company) announces that the Company has met in person with the Government of Burkina Faso, where it was reconfirmed that the Government has no intention to purchase an equity interest in the Bombore Gold Mine. The Company understands that the Governments recent request to purchase an equity interest in another in-country operation is situation specific, and no reflection of any broader intent. Orezone remains committed to operating and advancing the Bombore Gold Mine for the benefit of all project stakeholders. ABOUT OREZONE GOLD CORPORATION Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, ASX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring the Bombore Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. Construction of the stage 1 hard rock expansion is well underway, with first gold expected in Q4-2025. Combined production from the oxide and stage 1 hard rock operations is forecasted to total between 170,000 and 185,000 ounces in 2026. The Company is also advancing the stage 2 hard rock expansion, which is forecasted to increase annual production to between 220,000 and 250,000 ounces. Patrick Downey President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin MacKenzie Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663 info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Companys website at www.orezone.com. The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release. This announcement was authorised for release by Patrick Downey, President, CEO and Director. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws, including but not limited to, statements with respect to the Government of Burkina Faso. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, is expecting, budget, outlook, scheduled, target, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of the Company regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, the Directors and management of the Company. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors associated with an investment in the Company are detailed in the Companys audited annual consolidated financial statements, annual MD&A and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 as well as Section 4 of the Companys prospectus dated July 11, 2025, copies of which can be found on SEDAR+ and the Companys website. These and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and statements are, further to the above, based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of the Company made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stallion Uranium Corp. (the Company or Stallion) (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: FE0) is pleased to announce that it has closed a second and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units and flow-through units (the Offering). This closing consisted of 22,305,600 units of the Company (each a NFT Unit) at a price of $0.20 per NFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,461,120 and 30,139,600 flow-through units (each a FT Unit) at a price of $0.20 per FT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $6,027,920. With the successful completion of this $15 million financing, Stallion Uranium is positioned stronger than ever to aggressively advance exploration across our highly prospective assets in the Athabasca Basin, stated Stallions CEO Matthew Schwab. The overwhelming support from new and existing shareholders is a clear vote of confidence; not only in our team and strategy but in the exciting future of the uranium market as global demand accelerates. We're entering this next phase with tremendous momentum, and were committed to unlocking significant value through disciplined, high-impact exploration this Winter. This is a truly transformational event for Stallion and its shareholders. In connection with the Offering, the Company previously closed a first tranche on August 20, 2025. Including the first and second tranches of the Offering, the Company has issued an aggregate of 43,545,400 NFT Units and 31,454,600 FT Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $15,000,000. Each FT Unit consists of one flow-through common share of the Company as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (a FT Share) and one FT Share purchase warrant (each a FT Warrant). Each FT Warrant entities the holder to purchase one additional FT Share in the capital of the Company (a FT Warrant Share) at a price of $0.26 per FT Warrant Share for a period of 60 months from the closing of the date of issuance. Each NFT Unit consists of one non-flow-through common share in the capital of the Company (a NFT Share) and one share purchase warrant (a NFT Warrant). Each NFT Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional non-flow-through common share in the capital of the Company (a NFT Warrant Share) at a price of $0.26 per NFT Warrant Share for a period of 60 months from the date of issuance. The NFT Units and FT Units issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws. In connection with the closing of the second tranche of the Offering, the Company paid the following finders fees to eligible arms length finders: Paid a cash fee of $154,959 to Canaccord Genuity Corp. (Canaccord), $80,075.53 to D-J Sheehan Consulting Limited, and $7,525 to Research Capital Corporation, and $12,250 to Ventum Financial Corp. Issued 1,244,425 finders units (each a Finders Unit) to Canaccord, 297,144 Finders Units to D-J Sheehan Consulting Limited, and 37,625 Finders Units to Research Capital Corporation. Each Finders Unit consists of one common share and one non-transferrable common share purchase warrant, exercisable to purchase an additional share of the Company at a price of $0.26 per share for a period of 60 months from closing of the Offering; Issued 1,630,370 finders warrants to Canaccord, each finders warrant is exercisable to purchase Finders Units of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Finders Unit for a period of 60 months from closing of the Offering; and Issued 61,250 finders warrants to Ventum Financial Corp, each finders warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.26 for a period of 60 months from the closing of he Offering. All securities issued to finders are subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws. All warrants issued to finders are non-transferrable in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). Upon completion of the Offering, a new shareholder that holds or controls 20% or more of the Companys shares (a Control Person), Mr. Matthew Mason (Mr. Mason), was created though Mr. Masons purchase of 15,000,000 FT Units. Mr. Masons subscription was subject to obtaining requisite approval from the disinterested shareholders of the Company (as further described below) and the TSXV. In connection with Mr. Masons subscription, the Company obtained approval of disinterested shareholders holding or controlling more than 50% of its common shares to approve the creation of the new Control Person by written consent resolution. The gross proceeds raised from the issuance of the FT Units will be used by the Company to incur exploration expenditures on the Companys resource claims in the province of Saskatchewan and will constitute Canadian exploration expenses as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). The net proceeds raised from the issuance of the NFT Units will be used by the Company for exploration and development activities of its Athabasca Basin properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the Offering, pursuant to an Advisory Agreement with Canaccord, pursuant to which Canaccord provided financial advisory, consulting, and support services in connection with the Offering, the Company paid the advisor a work fee equal to $150,000 (the Canaccord Advisory Fee) to Canaccord. The Canaccord Advisory Fee was paid through the issuance of 750,000 in units at the terms matching those of the NFT Units in the Offering (each a Fee Unit). Furthermore, in connection with the Offering, pursuant to an Advisory Agreement with Taylor K. Housser (Mr. Housser), pursuant to which Mr. Housser provided financial advisory, consulting, and support services in connection with the Offering, the Company paid the advisor a work fee equal to $225,000 (the Housser Advisory Fee to Mr. Housser). The Housser Advisory Fee was paid through the issuance of 1,125,000 Fee Units. The Fee Units and the underlying securities issued to Canaccord and Mr. Housser are subject to a four month and one day hold period in accordance with Canadian securities laws. Mr. Mason, an insider of the Company by virtue of holding more than 10% of the Companys issued and outstanding voting securities participated in the second tranche of the Offering for 15,000,000 FT Units. Any such participation was be considered a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). Such insider participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of any securities issued to such insiders nor the consideration that will be paid by such persons will exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Stallion Uranium Corp.: Stallion Uranium is working to Fuel the Future with Uranium through the exploration of roughly 1,700 sq/km in the Athabasca Basin, home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits in the world. The company, with JV partner Atha Energy holds the largest contiguous project in the Western Athabasca Basin adjacent to multiple high-grade discovery zones. Our leadership and advisory teams are comprised of uranium and precious metals exploration experts with the capital markets experience and the technical talent for acquiring and exploring early-stage properties. For more information visit stallionuranium.com. On Behalf of the Board of Stallion Uranium Corp.: Matthew Schwab CEO and Director Corporate Office: 700 - 838 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0A6 T: 604-551-2360 info@stallionuranium.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, forward-looking statements) that relate to the Companys current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as will likely result, are expected to, expects, will continue, is anticipated, anticipates, believes, estimated, intends, plans, forecast, projection, strategy, objective and outlook) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. BALTIMORE, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September is Sexual Health Awareness Month and the Urology Care Foundation (UCF), the official foundation of the American Urological Association (AUA), is turning up the volume on a vital message: Sexual Health is Healthand its time we treated it that way. Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, encompassing physical, emotional and relational aspects. Urologic conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED), urinary tract infections, incontinence, low testosterone and infertility can significantly impact sexual health, and often signal broader health concerns. Too often, we brush off sexual health concerns as if they arent a priority or connected to our overall well-being, but that couldnt be further from the truth, said Dr. Justin Dubin, a mens health specialist at Memorial Healthcare System in Florida. In fact, sexual health issues can be the first sign of a current health issue or a warning sign of some health issue you may be at risk of facing in the future. So, if you're struggling with sexual health issues, please go talk to a doctor, because sexual health IS health! Urologic Health = Sexual Health: Know the Conditions Testicular Cancer Testicular cancer remains the leading cancer in men aged 1544. Erectile Dysfunction 40% of men aged 40 experience ED, increasing with age. 30% of men with ED have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. Men with low testosterone are more likely to suffer from heart disease, depression and osteoporosis. Access the Urology Care Foundations Low Testosterone Factsheet Premature Ejaculation Premature ejaculation is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction, affecting up to 1 in 3 men aged 18 to 59 in the U.S. Access the Urology Care Foundations Premature Ejaculation Patient Guide Lets Talk About It Sexual health is often stigmatized, but silence can lead to suffering. Nearly 50% of men with erectile dysfunction dont talk to their doctor, and 44% dont talk to their partnermissing critical opportunities for support and treatment. And its not just men; many women experiencing pain during sex, urinary incontinence or hormonal changes after menopause also stay silent, believing these issues are just part of aging. Theyre notand theyre treatable. The Urology Care Foundation is committed to breaking the silence and empowering individuals to take control of their sexual health. For everything you need to know about sexual and urological health, check out the Urology Care Foundation's Sexual Health Awareness Month Info Center, and scroll through its X, Facebook and Instagram platforms for free sexual health resources, including fact sheets, podcasts, videos and more. Whether its through patient education, clinical resources, or public awareness campaigns, the message is clear: Sexual Health is HEALTH. About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy. About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Collaborating with physicians, researchers, patients and the public through philanthropic efforts, the Foundation supports the improvement of urological care globally by funding research, clinical education, patient education and humanitarian programs. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: www.urologyhealth.org. Attachment SAN DIEGO, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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.ais top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the 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 info@rgrdlaw.com. 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.ais projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth while also minimizing risk to C3.ais profitability from defendant CEO Thomas M. Siebels health concerns. In truth, according to the complaint, C3.ais 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.ais 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 investors 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 worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world, and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com TORONTO, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) (Critical One or the Company) (CSE: CRTL) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0), a leading Canadian exploration company focused on critical metals and minerals, is pleased to announce its acquisition of an 18.5% interest in Dark Star Minerals Inc. (Dark Star) (CSE: BATT, FSE: P0W), an exploration company advancing high-potential uranium projects in Namibias Erongo uranium province. This strategic investment underscores Critical Ones commitment to supporting the development of uranium assets to meet energy demands while maintaining a focus on its core Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project (Howells Lake Project), located near the Ring of Fire corridor in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario, Canada. The 18.5% stake in Dark Star positions Critical One as a significant shareholder, aligning with its vision to drive value through strategic partnerships for the global energy transition. The investment follows the successful closing of Critical Ones sale of its Khan and Cobra uranium projects to Dark Star, announced on August 7, 2025, in a deal valued at US$3.5 million. As part of the agreement, Critical One received 14 million common shares of Dark Star, contributing to its current ownership position, along with staged cash payments and a 2% gross overriding royalty on all metals produced from the two uranium projects, with an option for Dark Star to buy back 0.5% of either royalty for US$1.5 million. We are excited to hold a significant stake in Dark Star and to support their efforts to advance the Khan and Cobra uranium projects in Namibia, the worlds third-largest uranium-producing country according to the World Nuclear Association, said Duane Parnham, Founder, Executive Chairman, and CEO of Critical One Energy. These projects, located near the Rossing Uranium Mine, have demonstrated significant potential, with high-grade results of up to 8.47% UO at Khan West (see February 7, 2024 press release). Our investment reflects our confidence in Dark Stars ability to accelerate exploration and development, creating value for all stakeholders. Namibias Erongo uranium province is a globally recognized jurisdiction for uranium mining, supported by a favourable regulatory environment and proximity to established operations like the Rossing Uranium Mine. The Khan West Project, including Mining Licence 86A, has been authorized for nuclear fuel extraction by the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy, with recent exploration highlighting high-grade uranium intrusions. The Cobra North Project further enhances Dark Stars portfolio with multiple exploration targets and a historical resource estimate, positioning it for significant growth in the uranium sector. With the Company as a shareholder and with Duane Parnham coming on as a director of Dark Star, Critical One is well-positioned to contribute to the strategic development of these assets while focusing its primary efforts on the Howells Lake Project. This dual approach strengthens Critical Ones role in meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals and clean energy solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Dark Star to unlock the potential of these uranium projects while continuing to advance our antimony and gold exploration in Canada, added Parnham. This investment aligns with our mission to power the future of clean energy and advanced technologies, delivering value to our shareholders and supporting global energy transition goals. About Critical One Energy Inc. Critical One Energy Inc. (formerly Madison Metals Inc.) is a forward-focused critical minerals and upstream energy company, powering the future of clean energy and advanced technologies. The addition of the Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project broadens the Companys exposure to antimony, one of the most in-demand critical minerals. Backed by seasoned management expertise and prime resource assets, Critical One is strategically positioned to meet the rising global demand for critical minerals and metals. Its mine exploration portfolio is led by antimony-gold exploration potential in Canada and uranium investment interests in Namibia, Africa. By leveraging its technical, managerial, and financial expertise, the Company upgrades and creates high-value projects, thereby driving growth and delivering value to its shareholders. Additional information about Critical One Energy Inc. can be found at criticaloneenergy.com and on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About Dark Star Minerals Inc. Dark Star Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of critical mineral resources, with a strategic emphasis on uranium and rare earths. Its portfolio includes the Cobra North and Khan West uranium projects in Namibias Erongo uranium province, the Bleasdell Project in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, and an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Ghost Lake claims in Labrador. For further information, please contact: Duane Parnham Executive Chairman & CEO Critical One Energy Inc. +1 (416) 489-0092 ir@criticaloneenergy.com Media inquiries: Adam Bello Manager, Media & Analyst Relations Primoris Group Inc. +1 (416) 489-0092 media@primorisgroup.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor CIRO accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as may, will, expect, likely, should, would, plan, anticipate, intend, potential, proposed, estimate, believe or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Companys business strategy and objectives. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that: the Company will have the resources required in order to conduct its business as currently operated. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the mining industry in general, and other risks as described in the Companys continuous disclosure record on SEDAR+. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Washington, D.C., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 26, 2025 the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) issued $22.6 million in tax exempt bonds, underwrote $17.2 million in federal and $3.6 million in DC Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity for the construction of Wagner Senior Residences (2419 25th St SE). DCHFA is proud to invest in the future of the Skyland neighborhood by financing affordable senior housing that meets the needs of our aging residents, stated, Christopher E. Donald, Executive Director and CEO of the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency. This development reflects our commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunityensuring that seniors in Ward 8 can age in place within a growing community with access to the neighborhoods new amenities. Additional financing for the $47.6 million development includes a $18.9 million loan from the DC Department of Housing and Community Developments Housing Production Trust Fund. Justice Housing and the Miller Group are the developers of Wagner Senior Residences. The new development will consist of a five story building with six studio, 58 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments reserved for tenants ranging from 30-80% of area median income or less. Permanent Supportive Housing program services will be provided for eligible residents/households in 13 units. Wagner Senior Residences will include an indoor and outdoor resident lounge, a fitness center, and an outdoor terrace. Through its Multifamily Lending and Neighborhood Investment and Capital Markets divisions, DCHFA issues tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds to lower the developers costs of acquiring, constructing and rehabilitating rental housing. The Agency offers private for-profit and non-profit developers low-cost predevelopment, construction and permanent financing that supports the new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing in the District. The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency is an S&P AA- rated issuer, serving Washington, D.C.s residents for more than 45 years. The Agencys mission is to advance the District of Columbias housing priorities; the Agency invests in affordable housing and neighborhood development, which provides pathways for D.C. residents to transform their lives. We accomplish our mission by delivering the most efficient and effective sources of capital available in the market to finance rental housing and to create homeownership opportunities. The Agency operates from a core set of values: Leadership*Excellence*Community Focus*Integrity*Collaboration *Innovation Attachment Two people on their laptops using the TESSAN Voyager 205 BERLIN, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TESSAN will debut the Voyager 205, the first adapter to combine 205W power with universal compatibility, at IFA 2025 in Berlin this September. The company will also launch the 100 TESSAN Travellers campaign, a $500,000 fund supporting 100 people on global journeys. Many adapters cannot power laptops, leaving travelers with multiple bulky chargers to carry. With people bringing several devices on each trip, the need for one reliable, high-output adapter has grown. IFA 2025, Europes largest consumer technology event, provides a high-visibility platform for product demonstrations and media briefings. Launching the Voyager 205, built with 94V-0 fire-retardant polycarbonate housing and multiple safety protection systems, alongside the global travel fund in Berlin highlights TESSANs commitment to advancing travel technology and supporting global exploration. IFA 2025, Europes largest consumer technology event, provides a high-visibility platform for product demonstrations and media briefings. Launching the Voyager 205 alongside the global travel fund in Berlin highlights TESSANs commitment to advancing travel technology and supporting global exploration. Why the Voyager 205 Matters The TESSAN Voyager 205 Travellers today often carry a laptop charger, a phone charger, a tablet charger, and an adapter that may be incompatible at their destination. Even then, some find that their laptop will not charge because most adapters are not designed to support it. This makes packing heavy and inconvenient, especially for individuals who frequently travel for work or spend extended periods abroad. With 205W of total output and 140W from a single USB-C port, the Voyager 205 can power a laptop, tablet, and phone at the same time. The design brings together six USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and one AC outlet. It works in more than 200 countries, allowing travellers to move seamlessly between regions without worrying about compatibility. The housing is made from 94V-0 fire-retardant polycarbonate and the device is equipped with multiple safety protection systems, providing extra reassurance when charging in unfamiliar environments. For business travellers who work across time zones, digital nomads managing their gear from cafes, or vacationers who want peace of mind, the Voyager 205 offers a single, dependable solution. Travelers shouldnt have to pack a bag of chargers, said Alex, CEO of TESSAN. The Voyager 205 gives them one adapter that powers everything, anywhere. Portable Power Banks for Everyday Life Running out of power during a commute or in the middle of a meeting is a frustration many people share. TESSAN will introduce two new power banks at IFA 2025 that provide all-day charging without the extra weight of multiple accessories. The MagCharge Power Bank supports three-device charging. It delivers 15W MagSafe wireless charging for phones, 25W wireless charging for smartwatches, and 20W USB-C wired charging, backed by a 10,000mAh battery capacity to keep essentials running through the day. The 3-in-1 Power Bank combines a 30W wall charger, a 10,000mAh portable battery, and a built-in USB-C cable in one compact device. By merging three functions into a single accessory, it helps travellers and professionals cut clutter and keep their bags light. Both products are designed to make charging simple and reliable, so users can stay connected whether they are at home, on the move, or traveling abroad. The 100 TESSAN Travellers Campaign The 100 TESSAN Travellers campaign While products make travel easier, TESSAN also wants to support the journeys themselves. At IFA 2025, the company will launch the 100 TESSAN Travellers campaign, a $500,000 fund that will support 100 people worldwide on trips that matter to them. Applications will open later this year. Selected participants may be traveling for business, pursuing creative projects, or reuniting with family across borders. The campaign reflects TESSANs view that technology is most valuable when it helps people experience the world and share their stories. Inside TESSANs Innovation Hub IFA Berlin is one of the most important global events for consumer technology. TESSANs booth this year is designed to be more than a product showcase. At Hall 2.2, Booth 186, the company will present its Innovation Hub, where visitors can see products up close and give feedback. The space will feature the Voyager 205 and the new power banks, as well as early prototypes that point to future directions. Visitors, including media and industry experts, will be invited to share their thoughts in interactive sessions. This approach allows TESSAN to involve the community in shaping upcoming products. Availability and Launch Timeline The Voyager 205 was launched on Indiegogo. Backers are expected to receive their units starting in October, in time for year-end travel. The MagCharge Power Bank and the 3-in-1 Power Bank will be showcased at IFA 2025 and are expected to be released later this year. Details on pricing and where the products will be sold will be shared in the coming months. For travellers planning their next trips, this means the Voyager 205 can be secured now through crowdfunding, while the power banks will follow shortly after IFA. See TESSANs new products live at IFA 2025, Hall 2.2, Booth 186. Event tickets are available through the official IFA website . About TESSAN TESSAN is a global brand that creates easy-to-use charging solutions for both home and travel. Serving customers in over 200 countries and trusted by more than 20 million users, TESSAN focuses on simple, reliable products that keep people connected wherever they go. Contact: Patrick Lee, patrick@tessan.com Media Contact Website: https://tessan.com/ Facebok: facebook.com/tessanpower X: twitter.com/TessanPower Instagram: instagram.com/tessan_official FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EdgeMode Inc. (OTC: EDGM), a next-generation AI data infrastructure company, today announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marviken ONE AB, a Swedish private energy infrastructure company, to expand data center and energy storage operations in Marviken, Sweden. The agreement outlines a strategic collaboration to significantly increase grid connection capacity, unlocking the next phase of large-scale AI-driven data center growth and the seamless integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS). EdgeMode currently operates data center infrastructure in Marviken and is building a robust pipeline of enterprise customers seeking scalable, energy-efficient, and resilient operations in the region. Through the collaboration, EdgeMode will work to secure strategic data center clients interested in integrating BESS assets at the site. MarvikenONE will provide access to its on-site BESS assets and Energy Management System (EMS), delivering highly resilient, flexible power solutions that safeguard uptime and optimize energy costs. Together, both companies will co-develop a value proposition designed to capture premium pricing opportunities for operators that prioritize scale, reliability, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. This collaboration underscores EdgeModes commitment to sustainable and resilient data center growth while supporting energy innovation in Sweden, said Charlie Faulkner, CEO of EdgeMode. By combining our data center expertise with access to advanced, utility-scale energy storage capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to deliver flexible, cost-effective, and resilient infrastructure solutions for our clients as they scale their AI and HPC workloads. The MoU is effective immediately and will remain in force for an initial term of three years. Funding for specific projects under the agreement will be determined on a case-by-case basis. About EdgeMode, Inc. EdgeMode Inc. (OTC: EDGM) is a digital infrastructure company specializing in the design, development, and operation of high-performance computing (HPC) data centers. With a focus on purpose-built, energy-efficient colocation facilities, EdgeMode delivers mission-critical infrastructure solutions for customers engaged in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. The company is actively building a new generation of scalable, sustainable data centers, beginning with its flagship campus in Marviken, Sweden. Backed by deep industry expertise, strategic partnerships, and long-term energy contracts, EdgeMode is poised to become a leading provider of digital infrastructure for the worlds most demanding compute workloads. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as aim, anticipate, believe, can, could, continue, estimate, expect, evaluate, forecast, guidance, intend, likely, may, might, objective, ongoing, outlook, plan, potential, predict, probable, project, seek, should, target view, will, or would, or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Companys reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Companys ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with First-party platforms or technologies; the Companys efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Companys ability to capture market share; the Companys estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Companys ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Companys ability to continue as a going concern; the Companys ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Companys products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Companys current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Companys ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Companys actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions, including recent measures adopted by the federal government, on the Companys business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws. Company Contact: Charlie Faulkner Chief Executive Officer EdgeMode Inc. charlie@edgemode.io Investor Relations: OXNARD, Calif., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Computer, a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cloud ERP, CRM, and AI-powered business solutions, is proud to announce its selection to the 2025/2026 Inner Circle for Microsoft AI Business Solutions. This elite recognition is reserved for the top 1% of Microsoft AI Business Solutions partners worldwide, honoring partners that consistently deliver exceptional performance, customer satisfaction, and innovation on Microsoft technologies. This marks the second consecutive year Western Computer has been named to Microsofts Inner Circle, underscoring its unwavering commitment to excellence and customer care for companies within the distribution, manufacturing, wine & spirits industries and other specialized industries. Earlier this year, Western Computer joined forces with Solution Systems, Inc. (SSI), a recognized Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Modern Work partner, further expanding its depth of expertise and reach across North America. This strategic merger expands Western Computers capabilities to include Microsoft 365 and Modern Work solutionsempowering clients with secure collaboration, productivity, and cloud-based workplace transformation tools. We are proud to be recognized as a member of Microsofts Inner Circle for the second year in a row, said Kristen Sage, CEO of Western Computer. Our recent merger with Solution Systems strengthens our ability to serve our customers with the depth and scale they need, while maintaining our hyper-focus on customer care and providing a true white-glove experience. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to helping clients modernize and grow with Microsoft technology. As an Inner Circle member, Western Computer will gain exclusive access to Microsofts senior executives, strategic insights, and early adoption programs, allowing the company to deliver even more innovative solutions and tailored experiences for its clients. The recognition highlights Western Computers leadership in: Cloud ERP Modernization: Migrating customers from legacy systems such as Dynamics NAV and Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Supply Chain Management. AI-Driven Innovation: Embedding Microsoft Copilot and advanced AI capabilities across implementations to drive efficiency, automation, and smarter decision-making. Customer-Centric Methodology: Delivering a white-glove approach through Managed Support Services, proactive consulting, and long-term partnerships. Modern Work Enablement: Delivering Microsoft 365-powered workplace transformation through enhanced collaboration, security, and productivity toolsnow strengthened by the SSI merger. About Western Computer Western Computer is a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) founded in 1987 to empower and enable businesses. Specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Modern Work, and AI-drive business solutions, services, and support, our 180+ senior-level experts deliver industry-leading consulting services across North America. With more than 35 years of ERP and business application experienceand more than 1,750 successful implementationswe deliver solutions to meet the unique needs of specialized industries and companies of all sizes. For the third consecutive year, Western Computer has been named a finalist of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner of the Year awards. Learn more at https://www.westerncomputer.com/ or call (805) 581-5020. WASHINGTON, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In case you missed it, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), published an op-ed in the Washington Reporter outlining how President Donald J. Trumps decisive action to restore law and order in Washington, D.C., is helping small businesses thrive again. Her piece applauds the Presidents deployment of the National Guard under Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, which has resulted in a 45% drop in violent crime and a 15% overall decrease in crime citywide giving families, workers, and small business owners renewed confidence to live, work, and invest in our nations capital. Read the op-ed or view excerpts below: For four years, small businesses across America faced a rising crime wave. Hardworking job creators saw their storefronts vandalized, shelves looted, and unchecked violent crime that drove away customers. Today, 81 percent of Americans say that crime is a major problem in our largest cities the same cities where defund the police politics took hold in 2020, further exposing businesses and their employees as cashless bail and weak sentencing protected criminals. President Donald J. Trump promised to restore law and order to all of America. His recent decision to invoke Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act and deploy National Guard units to the streets of D.C. delivers on that promise with real results. It is a strong signal to every family, worker, and job creator across America that this Administration has their back. Since the Presidents life-saving order, crime is has plummeted in Washington, D.C. Law enforcement have made over 1,100 arrests, including arrests of criminal illegal aliens and Tren de Aragua gang members. Violent crime has fallen 45 percent, with a 15 percent reduction overall. As the last four years have shown with rising store closures in cities, small businesses cannot thrive without strong leadership on public safety. President Trumps bold action is as much about fighting for parents, students, and workers as it is empowering the thousands of small businesses who serve our communities and keep them vibrant. President Trump isnt just taking back the streets of Washington, D.C. He is taking back Main Street. # # # About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. ZAVENTEM, Belgium, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SYNDEO Medical today announced a multi-year exclusive distribution agreement with Bearpac Medical for the Passio Pump Drainage System, granting SYNDEO exclusive rights to commercialise and distribute the product globally outside the United States and United Kingdom. The Passio Pump Drainage System is the worlds first digital, handheld solution for managing malignant pleural effusions and malignant ascites. The system replaces outdated drainage methods with a compact, electronically controlled approach that allows fluid to be managed safely, comfortably, and often outside the hospital setting. This agreement fits perfectly into SYNDEOs portfolio and long-term strategy, said A. Justin Lampropoulos, Chief Executive Officer of SYNDEO Medical. For too long, patients have been limited to drainage methods involving large vacuum bottles that are painful, cumbersome, and disruptive to daily life. Passio changes that. By replacing antiquated systems with a modern digital solution, we are helping health care providers to deliver better care while giving patients greater comfort, dignity, and independence. With our rapidly expanding global footprint, SYNDEO is uniquely positioned to deliver advanced solutions to health care providers worldwide. Jay Zimmerman, President of Bearpac Medical, added: We are excited to partner with SYNDEO Medical to expand access to the Passio Pump Drainage System in international markets. SYNDEOs growing global presence and strong relationships with health care providers make them an ideal partner to bring our technology to patients worldwide. Together, we can ensure that more clinicians and patients have access to a safer, more comfortable, and more effective alternative to traditional drainage methods. For more information about SYNDEO Medical or Bearpac Medical, please visit www.syndeomedical.be or www.bearpac.com . About SYNDEO Medical SYNDEO Medical is engaged in the design, development, and distribution of fully integrated custom procedural solution products. Launched in 2023 by A. Justin Lampropoulos and Andrew Cotton and headquartered in Belgium, SYNDEO Medical is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of health care innovation. Specialising in minimally invasive interventional and surgical products, SYNDEO Medical serves health care providers worldwide through a network of distribution partners and sales representatives. The company is committed to positively impacting lives through elevating patient experience, delivering meaningful value, and empowering outcomes. About Bearpac Medical Bearpac Medical, LLC, based in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, develops innovative digital drainage solutions that simplify care and improve patient comfort, starting with the Passio Pump Drainage System. Contact Info: Irvine, CA, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Navy Recovery, a professional unclaimed property recovery firm, announced today the expansion of its Georgia operations as demand for full-service recovery support continues to accelerate. With more Georgia residents seeking to reclaim dormant assets from the state, the firm is scaling its infrastructure and team capacity to process a higher volume of claims across the region. The companys site offers step-by-step support for residents of California and Georgia reclaiming unclaimed assets. This development reflects Blue Navy Recoverys continued investment in unclaimed property Georgia servicesremoving red tape and complexity from the states recovery system. Through its performance-based model, the company manages every step of the claim lifecycle on behalf of the client, including document preparation, eligibility verification, and communication with Georgias unclaimed property division. Individuals pay nothing upfront and only owe a fee if their claim is successfully recovered. Our expansion in Georgia is a direct response to what were seeing on the ground: more people are discovering funds they didnt know existed, said David Dorfman, Managing Partner at Blue Navy Recovery. But knowing you have money is only the first steprecovering it should be fast, secure, and supported by professionals who know the process inside and out. Case studies from hundreds of successful recoveries in the state are documented through public listings on Google, with additional references available through platforms such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. These user studies highlight successful recoveries ranging from uncashed checks and dormant bank accounts to property dividends and estate disbursements. This growing public recognition, including recent national coverage in AP News and MarketWatch, reinforces Blue Navy Recoverys position as a trusted provider in the state. The firms expansion is also fueled by its commitment to transparency, client privacy, and ongoing investment in technology to streamline claim processing. The company's growth has been a subject of national attention with recent features in Business Insider and Yahoo! Finance after celebrating its 200th successful unclaimed property recovery case and securing more than $6M in recovered funds. This growing public recognition solidifies Blue Navy Recoverys standing as one of the best unclaimed property recovery service providers in the state. Georgia residents interested in recovering unclaimed property can explore eligibility and next steps via the official Blue Navy Recovery website. Blue Navy Recoverys FAQ section answers the most common questions about unclaimed property recovery, helping clients understand the process with confidence. About Blue Navy Recovery Blue Navy Recovery is a professional unclaimed property recovery firm that helps individuals and families recover lost or forgotten funds held by the state. With deep experience navigating the claims process in California and Georgia, weve helped return millions of dollars to rightful owners. We handle the paperwork, follow-ups, and filing so you dont have to. Our team only collects a percentage of the recovered amount, with no upfront cost. Press inquiries Blue Navy Recovery https://www.bluenavy.org David Dorfman david@bluenavy.org (619) 215-1972 Washington, D.C., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An interview with Jim Rickards reveals that Americas aging defense systems could soon be replaced by an unprecedented wave of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Today, our military is a mess. The Air Force is still flying B-52 bombers, built in 1961. And its not just our planes that are out of date. Everything from ships to tanks theyre 30-40 years old. One retired officer warned: We have almost zero capacity to repair any battle damage forward or at home. We gave it all away. Trumps Vision: An American Iron Dome Rickards explains that Trump is not seeking to rebuild the old military, but to construct something entirely new. Trump isnt going to remake the military of the past. Hes building a new one supported by the most advanced technology on earth. In the interview, Rickards points to Trumps inspiration: Im sure youve heard him talk about the Iron Dome. He notes that scaling Israels system to cover the entire U.S. would be transformative: Now can you imagine the investment it will take to cover America, the same way? The A.I. Arsenal Rickards highlights one initiative already underway: Its partnering with Elon Musks SpaceX to develop something called Star Shield. This tech is built on Elons Starlink platform. And it will act as an early warning system for America. Beyond missile defense, other systems are also emerging. One company its AI-powered long-range drone can take out targets up to 3,000 miles away. It weighs just 2,500 pounds and can accelerate to Mach 0.85, at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. He adds: An F-16 costs the military more than $60 million. But this AI-powered drone comes in under $6 million one tenth the price. Economic and Political Implications Rickards argues that this modernization has far-reaching effects beyond national security. We have the answer my research shows a handful of defense companies are poised to make money hand over fist. After all their products are not free. Theyre supported by massive and growing investments from the Trump Administration. He frames it as a turning point for both defense and the economy: No one alive has seen anything like this before. A National Transformation Rickards concludes that the U.S. is heading into a new era where security, technology, and prosperity are intertwined. Donald Trump could become a national hero one of the most powerful Presidents in memory. About Jim Rickards Jim Rickards is an economist, lawyer, and former advisor to the CIA and Pentagon. He has counseled four U.S. Presidents and is widely recognized for his accurate forecasts, including predicting the 2008 financial crisis, Donald Trumps 2016 election victory, and the 2020 pandemic and lockdowns. He is the editor of Strategic Intelligence, where he provides analysis on global macroeconomic trends, markets, and geopolitical shifts. MIAMI, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. (the Company) (NYSE: PFLT) today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of approximately $250 million of assets, including from TSO Puma SPV, LLC, an affiliate of Towerbrook Capital Partners. This portfolio was distributed in connection with the winding down of PennantPark-TSO Senior Loan Fund, LP, an unconsolidated limited partnership, and include assets with which the Companys investment adviser is familiar. The average spread and credit statistics are generally in-line with PFLTs existing portfolio. The Company acquired these assets at their most recent fair market value. We are pleased to add quality assets that we know well to the PFLT portfolio, said Art Penn, Chairman and CEO. We believe that this will help optimize our portfolio and will be accretive to net investment income by approximately two cents per share per quarter. ABOUT PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is a business development company which primarily invests in U.S. middle-market private companies in the form of floating rate senior secured loans, including first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt and subordinated debt. From time to time, the Company may also invest in equity investments. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC. ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle market credit platform, managing approximately $10 billion of investable capital, including potential leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Zurich. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. CONTACT: Richard T. Allorto, Jr. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. (212) 905-1000 www.pennantpark.com Houston, Texas , Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artesa - Build & Design, a Houston remodeling company known for high-end bathroom, kitchen, and full-home renovations, announced an expanded focus on luxury bathroom remodeling and design-forward kitchen upgrades across the Greater Houston area. The companys service model blends planning, materials guidance, and skilled craftsmanship to deliver reliable timelines and a smooth client experience. Artesa - Build & Design With more than a decade in the remodeling and construction industry and hundreds of completed projects across Houston, Cypress, Richmond, and surrounding communities, Artesa pairs in-house design support with experienced project managers and vetted trade partners. The company works exclusively with licensed plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other specialists to maintain quality and code compliance from demolition through final punch list. Every project is treated as if it were our own home. Remodeling should be exciting, not stressful, and clients deserve transparency at every step, said Ofer Meriesh of Artesa - Build & Design. The goal is a result that feels like a dream come true: beautiful, functional, and built to last. Services that fit homeowner demand Artesas remodeling portfolio is designed to meet the needs of Houston-area homeowners seeking practical upgrades with luxury finishes: Luxury bathroom remodeling : spa bathrooms, walk-in shower remodels, microcement finishes, freestanding tub installation, custom vanities : spa bathrooms, walk-in shower remodels, microcement finishes, freestanding tub installation, custom vanities Kitchen remodeling : layout optimization, custom kitchen cabinets, modern kitchen design, quartz countertops, open-concept transformations : layout optimization, custom kitchen cabinets, modern kitchen design, quartz countertops, open-concept transformations Full-home renovations : master suite and common-area upgrades, coordinated materials and finishes, efficiency improvements : master suite and common-area upgrades, coordinated materials and finishes, efficiency improvements Accessory and space conversions : Home additions, ADUs and attic conversions that add livable space while aligning with local regulations : Home additions, ADUs and attic conversions that add livable space while aligning with local regulations Exterior living: patio covers and related enhancements for year-round use Many Houston-area homeowners first find Artesa when searching online for bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Whether its a family in Cypress looking for a modern bathroom remodel, or a couple in Houston exploring kitchen upgrades with quartz countertops, the companys work consistently appears among the trusted options. By focusing on real customer needs, luxury bathroom makeovers, functional kitchens, and reliable general contracting, Artesa ensures that local clients can easily discover their services without the noise of crowded, overly generic searches. Houston trusted contractor, 5 years of proven customer satisfaction! Artesa - Build & Design reports the following credentials and accolades: BBB Accredited Business, Angi Super Service Award 2024, Thumbtack Top Pro 2023 and 2024, and HomeGuide Top Pro Award 2025. The company notes 211 Google reviews, all five stars, and offers Senior and Military discounts as part of its community-minded values. Where Artesa works Artesa serves homeowners across Houston and nearby suburbs, including Cypress, Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Tomball, Bellaire, Heights, River Oaks, Memorial Villages, Jersey Village, Friendswood, League City, Seabrook, Galveston, Fulshear, Conroe, and Stafford. The company also assists clients in neighborhoods such as West University, Tanglewood, Montrose, Rice Village, and Midtown, ensuring consistent project management and design guidance across the metro. Why homeowners choose Artesa Design-forward planning with clear scope, selections, and timelines with clear scope, selections, and timelines Licensed trade partners for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC Transparent communication from estimate through final walkthrough from estimate through final walkthrough Detail-driven execution that balances function, durability, and aesthetics that balances function, durability, and aesthetics Post-project support and guidance for maintenance and long-term value For homeowners comparing options for bathroom renovation Houston, kitchen remodel Cypress, or master suite remodels, Artesa positions its offering around dependable communication and end-to-end oversight. The companys growth has been fueled by referrals and repeat clients who want consistent quality across multiple rooms or phases. Artesa - Build & Design - Collection About Artesa - Build & Design Artesa - Build & Design is a full-service remodeling contractor based in Houston, Texas. The team specializes in luxury bathroom remodels, modern kitchens, full-home renovations, and space conversions. Projects are led by experienced project managers and supported by in-house designers and licensed trades. Awards include BBB Accreditation, Angi Super Service Award 2024, Thumbtack Top Pro 2023 and 2024, and HomeGuide Top Pro Award 2025. The company emphasizes clear communication, tidy job sites, and reliable scheduling, with a mission to create spaces homeowners will enjoy for years. Media Contact Artesa - Build & Design Attn: Ofer Meriesh Phone: 713-396-3431 Email: info@buildwithartesa.com Website: www.buildwithartesa.com Address: 2525 Robinhood St, Suite 810, Houston, TX 77005 (by appointment only) Service Areas: Greater Houston, including Cypress, Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, The Woodlands, Spring, Bellaire, Heights, River Oaks, and additional nearby communities. Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Dow Inc. ("Dow" or the "Company") (NYSE: DOW) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between January 30, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Dow investors have until October 28, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. CASE ALLEGATIONS: Dow, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of materials science solutions for packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications. The Dow class action lawsuit alleges that during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Dow overstated its ability to mitigate macroeconomic and tariff-related headwinds and maintain the financial flexibility necessary to support its dividend; and (ii) Dow understated the scope and severity of these headwinds negative impacts on its business and financial condition, particularly regarding competitive and pricing pressures, weakening global sales and demand, and oversupply in Dows global markets. The lawsuit further alleges that on June 23, 2025, BMO Capital downgraded its recommendation on Dow to Underperform from Market Perform and cut its price target to $22.00 per share from $29.00, citing sustained weakness in key end markets and mounting pressure on Dows dividend. On this news, Dows stock price fell more than 3%. Then, on July 24, 2025, Dow reported a Q2 2025 non-GAAP loss per share of $0.42, far worse than analyst expectations of approximately $0.17 to $0.18 per share, and net sales of $10.1 billion, a 7.3% year-over-year decline, missing consensus estimates by $130 million. These results reflected declines across all operating segments. Defendant CEO Jim Fitterling attributed the disappointing performance to the lower-for-longer earnings environment that our industry is facing, amplified by recent trade and tariff uncertainties, while also warning of oversupply from new market entrants exporting at anti-competitive economics. Dow also disclosed that it was cutting its dividend in half, from $0.70 per share to $0.35 per share, citing the need for financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment. Following this news, Dows stock price declined by more than 17%, according to the complaint. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (Spectrum or the Company) (NYSE: SPB) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud and may file a class action on behalf of investors. Spectrum investors that lost money on their investment are encouraged to contact Lesley Portnoy, Esq. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: info@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On April 26, 2018, Spectrum disclosed disappointing financial results for the second quarter of 2018 due to poorly executed consolidation projects. That same day, CEO Andreas Rouve resigned. Spectrums stock price fell approximately 22.1%, from $93.14 to $72.56 per share. Defendants immediately represented that the problems at the GAC and HHI facilities were being swiftly corrected. On November 16, 2018, however, the Company disclosed another disastrous quarter driven by a $92.5 million goodwill write-down for GAC, again stemming from the failed consolidations. Spectrums stock price declined another 19%, from $59.35 to $48.05 per share. Finally, on January 2, 2019, Spectrum sold its entire GAC division to Energizer Holdings, Inc. In June 2019, the Court appointed the Public School Teachers Pension and Retirement Fund of Chicago and the Cambridge Retirement System as Lead Plaintiffs, and BLB&G as Lead Counsel for the Class. In July 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed an Amended Class Action Complaint on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Spectrum or HRG between January 26, 2017 and November 19, 2018, inclusive. In August 2019, Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim. Lead Plaintiffs opposed in October 2019, and Defendants filed their reply in November 2019. The Court stayed its decision as the parties pursued mediation. On August 10, 2020, Lead Plaintiffs and Defendants entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for $39 million in cash. That same day, Lead Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. On September 28, 2020, the Court granted preliminary approval. On February 6, 2021, the Court denied without prejudice final approval of the settlement due to a class member objection, instructing Lead Plaintiffs to either send an amended notice or dismiss claims of HRG stockholders. On April 2, 2021, Lead Plaintiffs issued an amended notice. On June 10, 2021, the Court appointed Jet Capital Master Fund LP as Lead Plaintiff for purchasers of HRG stock. On August 27, 2021, Spectrum Class Plaintiffs and Defendants entered into a new Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement for $32 million in cash. On August 30, 2021, Spectrum Class Lead Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval, which the Court granted on November 17, 2021. Final approval was granted on March 18, 2022, following a fairness hearing. The claims administration process has since concluded. The Court approved the distribution motion on November 18, 2022. The first distribution of the net settlement fund occurred in December 2022, the second in October 2023, and the third in August 2025. Subsequent distributions will occur on a rolling basis, provided net settlement funds remain available. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA, NY and TX Bars lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Childhelp, one of the nations oldest and largest nonprofits dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, has received a $100,000 grant from Link Logistics Community Grants Program, which aids nonprofits through infrastructure grants that focus on optimizing and expanding operations and functionality. The grant will fund critical renovations at the Alice C. Tyler Village of Childhelp in rural Virginia, a safe haven where children receive therapeutic residential treatment. Planned upgrades include remodeled bathrooms and kitchen facilities, new flooring, and improved outdoor decks all designed to provide a safer, healthier environment for children and staff. For nearly 67 years, Childhelp has worked to bring hope and healing to children facing abuse and neglect, says Michael Medoro, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at Childhelp. With Link Logistics support, we can modernize our facilities and create a nurturing space where children feel safe to begin their healing journey. Link Logistics, a leading operator of last-mile logistics real estate. With a dedication to supporting the communities where it operates, Link Logistics Community Grants Program provides infrastructure grants supporting hunger, education, and hyperlocal needs. Since launching the program in 2022, the company has donated $8 million to more than 75 projects nationwide. Childhelps work at the Alice C. Tyler Village exemplifies the kind of compassionate care that transforms lives, says Luke J. Petherbridge, Chief Executive Officer at Link Logistics. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a space where children can feel safe and supported. About Childhelp: Founded by Sara OMeara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 13 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelps programs and services include residential treatment services, childrens advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline serves children and adults nationwide 24/7 through phone, text and online chat. For more information, visit childhelp.org and follow Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, Instagram.com/childhelp. INFORMATION STATEMENT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE THROUGH SEDAR+ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: MNT/MNT.U) The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) announced today that it has launched a follow-on offering of exchange-traded receipts (ETRs) under the Mints Canadian Gold Reserves program (the Offering). The Mints outstanding ETRs are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canadian and U.S. dollars under the symbols MNT and MNT.U, respectively. Each ETR provides its holder with direct legal and beneficial ownership in physical gold bullion held in the custody of the Mint at its facilities in Ottawa, Ontario. The ETRs to be issued under the Offering will be identical to and fully fungible with the ETRs currently outstanding. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to purchase gold bullion on behalf of the purchasers of the ETRs. Subject to certain restrictions, ETR holders are entitled to redeem their ETRs for physical gold bullion with a minimum purity of 99.99% or for cash. The size of the Offering and the price per ETR will be determined at the time of pricing. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about September 5, 2025 and will be subject to market and other customary conditions, including approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Offering is being made by a syndicate of underwriters co-led by TD Securities Inc. and National Bank Financial Inc. The Offering is being made on a prospectus-exempt basis pursuant to the terms of exemptive relief orders issued in favour of the Mint by the Ontario Securities Commission. Important information about the ETRs and the Offering is contained in the information statement dated September 2, 2025 (the Information Statement). The Information Statement will be accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Mints website at www.reserves.mint.ca. Purchasers will be notified of the availability of the Information Statement through their investment dealer. In addition, a copy of the Information Statement may be obtained, without charge, from TD Securities Inc. (sdcconfirms@td.com by email or (289) 360-2009 by telephone) or National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF-Syndication@bnc.ca by email or (416) 869-8414 by telephone). ETR holders have no recourse to the Mint or the Government of Canada for any loss on their investment. The ETRs 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 in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the ETRs in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additional information on the Canadian Gold Reserves program and the ETRs is available on the Canadian Gold Reserves website at www.reserves.mint.ca and on the Mints issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canadas prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London Good Delivery and COMEX-approved refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. The Mint has issued exchange-traded receipts under its Canadian Gold Reserves (TSX: MNT/MNT.U) and Canadian Silver Reserves (TSX: MNS/MNS.U) programs, which provide holders with direct legal and beneficial ownership in physical bullion held in the custody of the Mint at its facilities. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca . Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada. The forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements regarding the terms of the Offering. All forward-looking information is given pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words anticipates, believes, budgets, could, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, may, might, plans, projects, schedule, should, will, would and similar expressions identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. The forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs with respect to anticipated events, are based on assumptions developed using information currently available to the Mints management and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally. Although the Mint believes that the forward-looking information is based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information should not be read as guarantees of future events, performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at which, such events, performance or results will be achieved. All the information in this news release containing forward-looking information is qualified by these cautionary statements. For additional information on risk factors that have the potential to affect the ETRs, the Canadian Gold Reserves program or the Mint, reference should be made to the Information Statement, which may be accessed in the manner described above. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information and statements. Except as required by law, the Mint undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof. For more information, please contact: Beverly Hills, CA, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Spotify top rated true crime podcast Scam Junkie has just waived their $4.99 per month subscription fee. Most podcasts charge a small monthly fee for subscribers. Because Scam Junkie has become so popular and is attracting regular paid advertisers the award winning podcast is now available for free to everyone. Host and producer Steve Comisar aka The Don of Con says, "By making our podcast free we will increase our listeners into the millions per episode. That makes the cost of advertising on the show go up. When the advertisers pay more, the talent also gets paid more." It's rumored that top podcast hosts like Comisar and Joe Rogan can make in excess of seven figures a month. Comisar got his success in podcasting by being the only Hollywood actor who was also an iconic con man. Scam Junkie is the only true crime podcast hosted by a former scam artist. Comisar has been acting since he was a child and hosting Scam Junkie since 2023. After a long prison stint Comisar turned his life around and now educates people on the scams he once ran. Scam Junkie is now in its third season on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Gray Celebrity News LLC celebritynewspr@gmail.com ### Attachment Denver, CO, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite the new federal tax incentives created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, employer sponsored, short-term disability insurance for doctors remains woefully insufficient for medical professionals, warns Set for Life Insurance. While the new requirements provide important relief for many American workers by incentivizing employers to expand short term disability insurance benefits, the required coverage levels do not meet the specialized income protection needs of physicians and medical residents whose earning potential is uniquely vulnerable to disability. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), enacted on July 4, 2025, permanently extended employer tax credits for paid family and medical leave and broadened their application to include short-term disability insurance premiums. In an announcement, the Internal Revenue Service said the expansion was intended to unlock broader access to paid leave and disability programs by reducing cost barriers for employers. In an official statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the measures broader impact on the economy, noting that the bill locks in permanent, pro-growth tax cuts for families, workers, and job creators." While Jamie K. Fleischner, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, and president of Set for Life Insurance applauds the federal effort, she also urges doctors to resist being lulled into a false sense of security. This legislation is an important step that makes disability coverage more accessible for many Americans, said Fleischner, who has been quoting physician disability insurance for over 30 years. But physicians, medical residents, and other speciality specific high-income earners should know that employer-based plans, even under this new law, protects only a fraction of their income. For medical professionals, these income protection measures still fall short. Employer-sponsored disability insurance usually replaces between 60 and 70 percent of wages but rarely accounts for bonuses, incentive pay, or the higher salaries that typically do not cover medical specialization. Monthly caps often range from a $10,000 to $20,000 per month benefit, leaving a significant shortfall for specialists whose monthly earned incomes can exceed $30,000. In addition, group disability plans commonly use restrictive definitions of disability and elimination periods, which delay and may cut off monthly benefits if a physician is able to perform any other job due to partial disability, even if it is outside their trained medical specialty. By contrast, individual specialty specific, own-occupation policies continue paying coverage benefits if a doctor cannot perform the exact duties of their medical specialty. Doctors train for years to practice in a particular field, and their earning capacity depends entirely on that specialized ability, Fleischner said. If a surgeon can no longer operate, an anesthesiologist can no longer administer anesthesia, or an orthopedic surgeon can no longer perform musculoskeletal surgeries, their careers are effectively over. Own-occupation, non-cancelable physician disability insurance is still the only way to ensure their income is protected, even if theyre able to work in another role. Impact on Disability Insurance for Medical Residents Medical residents and fellows face an even more precarious situation. Group coverage during training provides some short-term and long term protection, but once they graduate from their medical school or fellowship, disability insurance premiums rise sharply and coverage availability may narrow, particularly if their health changes. Furthermore, most group policies are not portable and cant go with medical residents when they leave training. Fleischner stressed that securing long-term coverage during residency can make a lifelong difference. Residents who lock in individual, non-cancelable disability insurance before they graduate get lower, discounted premiums and true own occupation coverage that protects them for their entire careers, she said. Waiting until later often means forgoing resident discounts, a possible guaranteed standard issue policy, paying more, and settling for longer waiting periods, fewer benefits, and less comprehensive terms. Although the new tax credits may encourage more employers to offer short-term disability coverage, Fleischner warns that physicians should not assume these benefits are sufficient. Its easy to assume that because Congress is strengthening employer disability benefits, the problem is solved, she said. In reality, these protections were never designed for people with physician-level incomes. Thats why doctors and residents must still supplement employer coverage with specialty-specific, own-occupation disability insurance policies. The IRS has emphasized the broad worker protections embedded in the law, and the Treasury Department highlights its value for the economy as a whole. But for high-income specialists, the gap remains. Fleischner concluded, Physicians should certainly welcome this legislation as progress for working families, but they should also recognize its limits. The safeguards that matter most to their livelihoods still depend on individual, long-term, own-occupation disability insurance. Set for Life Insurance, headquartered in Denver, CO has specialized for more than three decades in helping physicians, surgeons, and medical residents nationwide secure disability and life insurance that aligns with their income, career stage, and professional risks. About Set for Life Insurance Set for Life Insurance (https://setforlifeinsurance.com), based in Denver, Colorado, is a nationally recognized insurance agency specializing in disability insurance for physicians, surgeons, residents, and high-income professionals. With expertise in structuring own-occupation, specialty-specific, non-cancelable coverage, the firm helps clients safeguard their careers and income against the risk of disability. Led by Jamie Fleischner, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, the brokerage is recognized for its contractual guarantees, personalized support, and exclusive access to disability insurance discounts and non-cancelable, guaranteed renewable policies. Media Contact Eric Schwartzman Schwartzman & Associates NYC eric@ericschwartzman.com (917) 524-8444 Attachment DENVER, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is pleased to announce that 14 Down syndrome organizations in the United States and beyond have been selected to receive GLOBAL Education Awards. The 2025 awards bring GLOBALs investment in local medical, healthcare, and research funding to nearly $1.3 million since the programs inception. GLOBAL has given out a total of 359 Education, Employment and Emergency Relief Awards supporting approximately 25,000 individuals with Down syndrome, families and professionals. GLOBAL believes in the power and heart our Organization Members bring to their communities each and every day, says Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of GLOBAL. Our goal with these awards is to empower meaningful change for the families they serve. David Tolleson, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, concurs. It is such an honor to work alongside so many friends in our community who support GLOBALs mission to improve health outcomes for our friends and family members with Down syndrome. This years recipients are in California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Mexico, and Uganda. Mildred Katusabe, founder of Rowans Down Syndrome Centre, expressed her gratitude, noting, we will ensure that it will make a big impact on the situation of people with Down syndrome in Uganda! Support for our adults is definitely an area that has many gaps, says Anne Dichele, Executive Director of Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization in Boca Raton, Florida. With GLOBALs Award we can equip families with information and strategies around Alzheimers in Individuals with Down Syndrome which unfortunately is something our adults are highly predisposed to. With evidence-based guidelines and this GLOBAL award we can begin to make a tangible difference. The 2025 GLOBAL Education Award recipients and their funded programs are as follows: Adult Disability Medical Healthcare (Atlanta, GA): Self-Advocacy for Healthcare Training in Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome and their Family Members/Caregivers will present educational webinars on life skill topics for ADMH patients to encourage greater understanding and compliance with their treatment plans. Black Down Syndrome Association (Fortville, IN): Funds will help support the first BDSA Family Reunion Conference a 3-day event created to provide education, connection, and celebration for Black families of individuals with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands (Omaha, NE): The Cognitive Collective is designed to enhance cognitive skills memory, attention, engagement, speed, and accuracy through 3 programs Dancing Beyond Limits, Drumming for Wellness, and All Abilities Gaming. Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (Austin, TX): Pathway to Care Packages will equip healthcare professionals with the tools, resources, and training required to deliver an informed and accurate Down syndrome diagnosis. Information will also be provided to new parents. Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (Newark, DE): Power to Marc is a live webinar and e-learning course to introduce the tools and process steps so that people with disabilities can participate in their own care without the use of restraints or sedation. Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South (Cordova, TN): The Down to Move Wellness Series Water Wise & Taekwondo program will offer weekly adaptive swim lessons and taekwondo for families to encourage physical movement, self-discipline, and emotional well-being. Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (Danville, CA): Funds will support the Empowering Every Stage: Medical and Life Planning for Individuals with Down Syndrome conference for parents/caregivers, medical and mental health providers, and adults with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Foundation Uganda (Kampala, Uganda): The Down Syndrome Clinical Excellence Training program will enhance healthcare provided at birth and before discharge from the hospital. GiGis Playhouse Orange County (Laguna Hills, CA): GiGiFit is a 15-week, evidence-based fitness program for self-advocates which combines physical therapy principles with group fitness classes to build strength, improve endurance, and promote wellness. The program also includes education on nutrition to promote healthy meal planning. Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization (Boca Raton, FL): The Understanding Alzheimers in Individuals with Down Syndrome through Knowledge, Action, and Hope conference will equip families with information and strategies they need as their loved one with Down syndrome ages. North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance (Raleigh, NC): The Medical Outreach/UNC Clinic program will provide support education on best practices, the GLOBAL Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, delivering a diagnosis, and more. Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network (Albuquerque, NM): The Partners in Care: Down Syndrome Medical Education Initiative will work with local hospitals and medical schools to provide up-to-date, evidence-based training to medical professionals to increase knowledge, skills, and sensitivity among providers working with individuals with Down syndrome. Red Down Mexico (Puerto Morelos, Mexico): Clinica T21 en linea Circuito de Atencion Integral 2025 is a telehealth initiative to deliver comprehensive medical, psychological, and educational care across Mexico. Rowans Down Syndrome Awareness Centre (Hoima, Uganda): Research and Development of a Delivery System for Medical/Therapy Support for People with Down syndrome in Uganda will develop systems to support research information, participation, and access for healthcare professionals and individuals with Down syndrome. To learn more about the GLOBAL Membership Awards, visit https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-awards/. To learn more about individual and organization GLOBAL memberships, visit https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/global-membership/. To learn more about Global Down Syndrome Foundation, visit https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/. About Global Down Syndrome Foundation The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is the largest non-profit in the U.S. working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome. GLOBAL established the first Down syndrome research institute and supports over 400 scientists and over 2,700 patients with Down syndrome from 33 states and 10 countries. Working closely with Congress and the National Institutes of Health, GLOBAL is the lead advocacy organization in the U.S. for Down syndrome research and care. GLOBAL has a membership of over 120 Down syndrome organizations worldwide and is part of a network of Affiliates the Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, the Sie Center for Down Syndrome, the University of Colorado Alzheimers and Cognition Center all on the Anschutz Medical Campus, and the GLOBAL Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at Denver Health. GLOBALs widely circulated medical publications include Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome, Prenatal & Newborn Down Syndrome Information, and the award-winning magazine Down Syndrome World. GLOBAL also organizes the annual AcceptAbility Gala in Washington DC, and the annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, the largest Down syndrome fundraiser in the world. Visit globaldownsyndrome.org and follow us on social media Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Attachments Warwick, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warwick, Ontario - September 02, 2025 - LaSalle Agri Fertilizer revolutionizes sustainable farming by capturing nutrients from products there were previously considered waste and turning them into premium fertilizers, enhancing soil health while reducing landfill waste, bridging productivity with environmental stewardship. With over 3000 municipal solid waste landfills in Canada, the agricultural sector is grappling with the challenges of environmental sustainability. A Watford-based company, LaSalle Agri Fertilizer, proudly stands at the forefront of a revolution in agricultural practices. As a company founded and operated by farmers, Lasalle Agri is uniquely positioned to understand the critical balance between crop performance and long-term soil health. The mission is to offer high-quality, sustainable fertilizers that reduce dependency on commercially mined finite resources while minimizing waste that would otherwise burden North American landfills. Soil is often overlooked as the foundation of food security. Decades of intensive farming and the use of chemical fertilizers have stripped the land of essential nutrients, threatening long-term agricultural productivity. Lasalle Agri collaborates with water resource recovery facilities across North America to reclaim products high in phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, the three critical macronutrients vital for plant growth. By reintroducing these, along with important micronutrients and organic matter, back into the soil, Lasalle Agri's premium fertilizer products support not only immediate crop uptake but also contribute to long-term soil health, improved structure, and sustained fertility. These nutrients, often not returned back to the soil, are instead captured, refined, and repurposed into premium fertilizer products. Lasalle Agri's sustainable fertilizers are specifically formulated to support the growth of essential staple crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans the backbone of North American agriculture. Our products deliver a balanced nutrient profile, increasing efficiency and promoting healthier soil biology without compromising safety or consistency. "Every pound of phosphorus or nitrogen we recover from waste is a pound that doesn't need to be mined or synthetically produced," says Michaela Tessemaker, general manager of Lasalle Agri Inc. "We're not only improving crop yields; we're preserving the future of farming by reducing our environmental impact and easing the burden on already strained landfills." What sets LaSalle Agri apart is its strong focus on customer service, field expertise, and results-driven solutions. The company manages the entire process from timely on-farm delivery to custom land application using specialized, farmer-designed equipment, ensuring every application is precise and efficient. This turnkey approach helps farmers achieve optimal outcomes without added complexity. By converting residuals into nutrient-rich fertilizers through innovative waste-recovery practices, LaSalle Agri delivers products that are formulated to support long-term soil vitality. With deep roots in farming and a commitment to environmental responsibility, LaSalle Agri combines practical experience with advanced solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture. Farmers using LaSalle Agri Fertilizer report not only improved yields but also reduced reliance on chemical inputs, aligning with increasing consumer demand for premium fertilizer solutions. LaSalle Agri brings practical farming experience and technical knowledge to the table, offering custom equipment solutions designed for efficient, accurate application. This ensures that nutrients are delivered at the right rate, time, and placement aligned with the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. Committed to eco-friendly solutions, LaSalle Agri Fertilizer stands out for its science-backed, evidence-based approach. Balancing productivity with environmental responsibility, the company aims to play a role in the future of sustainable farming. The company's mission is to provide farmers with fertilizers that not only boost yields but also safeguard the land for future generations. Every product has a strong focus on the long-term sustainability of soil and water systems, ensuring both immediate results and lasting agricultural resilience. About the Company: LaSalle Agri Fertilizer is a Canadian fertilizer company dedicated to being a leader in sustainable agriculture, specializing in premium fertilizers repurposed from water resource recovery facilities. With soil vitality and waste management emerging as urgent global concerns, Lasalle Agri bridges the gap between waste recovery and modern crop nutrition, supporting sustainable farming practices across North America. Lasalle Agri Fertilizer is Managed by Business Consultation Firm, Group Solum Inc. ### For more information about LaSalle Agri Fertilizer, contact the company here: LaSalle Agri Fertilizer Michaela Tessemaker 5197041734 info@lasalleagri.com 7162 Lasalle Line, Watford, ON N0M 2S0 Nassau, The Bahamas, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To many, Septembers arrival is sudden and stinging, whisking warm weather away with the brrr months to come. But, while back-to-school season may be ramping up, The Bahamas offers American travelers the opportunity to indulge in an endless summer vacation. With sparkling turquoise waters, a relaxed island rhythm and prime conditions for diving and snorkelling, September in the island nation becomes less of a goodbye to summer and more of a second chance to savour it. Read on to uncover travel updates, standout events and exclusive offers in The Bahamas this September and beyond. More Ways to Reach Paradise: Expanded Air Connectivity Aztec Airways is expanding its service to North Eleuthera (ELH) with daily flights that started 1 Aug. 2025, operating seven days a week from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). This builds on the airlines existing schedule, which includes five weekly flights to Governors Harbour (GHB) and two weekly flights to Rock Sound (RSD), providing comprehensive access to Eleuthera. Beginning in November, Aztec Airways will also add a new nonstop route between FLL and Georgetown in Exuma, running twice per week. is expanding its service to North Eleuthera (ELH) with daily flights that started 1 Aug. 2025, operating seven days a week from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). This builds on the airlines existing schedule, which includes five weekly flights to Governors Harbour (GHB) and two weekly flights to Rock Sound (RSD), providing comprehensive access to Eleuthera. Beginning in November, Aztec Airways will also add a new nonstop route between FLL and Georgetown in Exuma, running twice per week. JetBlue is adding a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Nassau (NAS) beginning 18 Dec. 2025, just in time for the holiday season with increased, direct service to the islands, passengers can easily and conveniently plan their escape from the typical New England winter weather. is adding a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Nassau (NAS) beginning 18 Dec. 2025, just in time for the holiday season with increased, direct service to the islands, passengers can easily and conveniently plan their escape from the typical New England winter weather. American Airlines is boosting holiday travel to The Bahamas Out Islands with increased frequencies from Miami. From 18 Dec. 2025, through 5 Jan.2026, the airline will operate three daily flights to Marsh Harbour (MHH) in Abaco and North Eleuthera (ELH), meeting rising demand for serene escapes with quick, under-an-hour journeys. is boosting holiday travel to The Bahamas Out Islands with increased frequencies from Miami. From 18 Dec. 2025, through 5 Jan.2026, the airline will operate three daily flights to Marsh Harbour (MHH) in Abaco and North Eleuthera (ELH), meeting rising demand for serene escapes with quick, under-an-hour journeys. Delta will increase its service between Detroit and Nassau from what is currently once-weekly Saturday flights to daily nonstop service. Scheduled to last from 20 Dec.2025, through 12 April 2026, passengers can enjoy more options when planning their visits to the destination this winter. Upcoming Events Bahama Breeze Music Festival, Atlantis Paradise Island 18-22 Sept.2025: A vibrant music festival featuring world-class performers, island luxury and non-stop fun will blend concerts with paradise vibes at the iconic Atlantis resort. Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival, Baha Mar Nassau 22 26 Oct. 2025: This festival has it all! Savour world-class cuisine with interactive demos and masterclasses led by renowned chefs, Bahamian stars and Food Network favourites. Immerse yourself in the FUZE Caribbean Art Fair, showcasing more than 70 artists from over 14 countries. Enjoy exclusive dinners, live performances (headlined by Rock Legend Lenny Kravitz) and luxurious stays at Rosewood Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar, or Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Elevate your experience with a Festival Weekend Pass for premium access to this unforgettable Caribbean extravaganza. Sustainability Ventures The Bahamas Launches Caribbeans First Sustainable Island Challenge In partnership with UN Tourism and local innovation hub Innovate 242, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism recently launched the Caribbeans first national initiative to drive climate-smart and inclusive tourism solutions. The Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge invites startups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions in areas such as ocean conservation, community-based tourism, and digital transformation, with selected participants gaining mentorship, technical support and global visibility. This multi-month initiative will culminate in a pitch competition and awards ceremony as part of UN Tourism Tech Adventures: The Bahamas, reinforcing the countrys commitment to building a resilient, innovative and globally competitive tourism sector. Autumnal Promotions and Offers For a complete list of deals and discounted packages in The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages. Breezes Resort & Spa, Nassau Celebrating its 30th anniversary on 2 Sept. 2025, Breezes Resort is offering a Bahamas Anniversary Fall Special with savings up to 30% off. This package is valid for travel and bookings now through 15 Dec. 2025, using rate code BSMTFALL for direct bookings, HERE . Celebrating its 30th anniversary on 2 Sept. 2025, Breezes Resort is offering a with savings up to 30% off. This package is valid for travel and bookings now through 15 Dec. 2025, using rate code BSMTFALL for direct bookings, . Grand Lucayan Resort The Weekend Escape Offer from Grand Lucayan Resort delivers more than 40% off room rates for a 2-night weekend special, inclusive of taxes and fees, plus one complimentary tropical drink per person at Waves Bar and Grill, and free upgrade to a Marina View room (based on availability). Bookings and travel now through 4 Oct. 2025, available HERE . The from Grand Lucayan Resort delivers more than 40% off room rates for a 2-night weekend special, inclusive of taxes and fees, plus one complimentary tropical drink per person at Waves Bar and Grill, and free upgrade to a Marina View room (based on availability). Bookings and travel now through 4 Oct. 2025, available . Rosewood Baha Mar The More Rosewood Package provides an additional complimentary night when staying 4, 5, or 7 nights at Rosewood Baha Mar. One-bedroom suites and above include a dedicated butler service, a special welcome amenity and a $300 credit for a poolside cabana or daybed. Signature specialty suites and villas offer a complimentary pre-selected pantry stock, bottle of champagne, fresh floral arrangement and up to $800 in spa & salon credit. This package is valid for travel through to 31 Oct. 2025, with bookings available year-round. The provides an additional complimentary night when staying 4, 5, or 7 nights at Rosewood Baha Mar. One-bedroom suites and above include a dedicated butler service, a special welcome amenity and a $300 credit for a poolside cabana or daybed. Signature specialty suites and villas offer a complimentary pre-selected pantry stock, bottle of champagne, fresh floral arrangement and up to $800 in spa & salon credit. This package is valid for travel through to 31 Oct. 2025, with bookings available year-round. Sandals Royal Bahamian Elevate your romance this fall with the Sandals Royal Bahamians new overwater chapel, ideal for destination weddings. The Sweetheart Wedding Package offers a complimentary ceremony for stays of seven nights or more. Guests in select suites enjoy complimentary MINI Cooper convertibles for off-site exploration, where the private offshore island remains a favourite for relaxation. This package is available year-round and for bookings from August to October 2025; a weather protection plan is included at no charge. Elevate your romance this fall with the Sandals Royal Bahamians new overwater chapel, ideal for destination weddings. The offers a complimentary ceremony for stays of seven nights or more. Guests in select suites enjoy complimentary MINI Cooper convertibles for off-site exploration, where the private offshore island remains a favourite for relaxation. This package is available year-round and for bookings from August to October 2025; a weather protection plan is included at no charge. Graycliff The Graycliff Fall Getaway Sale offers 30% off for a minimum 3-night stay with code GFAL25. This package is valid for travel and when booking now through 19 Dec. 2025, HERE. Island Focus: Rum Cay Secluded and steeped in history, Rum Cay is a 30-square-mile Out Island where time seems to stand still. With fewer than 100 residents in the charming settlement of Port Nelson, the island exudes a distinct sense of authenticity and calm. Ancient Lucayan petroglyphs in Hartford Cave recall its indigenous heritage and legends of shipwrecks add to its mystique. The origins of the islands name are thought to either come from a West Indian ship that wrecked offshore with a cargo of rum during the 1800s or from Scotlands Ise of Rhum- a mystery that remains to this day. A paradise for water lovers and adventurers, Rum Cay entices travelers with coral walls, blue holes and most famously historic shipwrecks. The areas crown jewel is the HMS Conqueror, a 101-gun British warship that struck Sumner Point Reef in 1861, and now rests in just 30 feet of water as a living underwater museum teeming with coral and marine life. Beyond the wreck, divers can explore dramatic coral walls, canyons and caverns, with smaller blue holes and tunnels adding an adventurous twist. Unlike busier islands, the destination offers the rare thrill of exploring these sites in near solitude, making it a dream for underwater explorers who crave history, discovery and untouched beauty in equal measure. On land, eco-travelers can venture to nearby Conception Island National Park, a pristine sanctuary for sea turtles and migratory birds, while beach lovers will enjoy the islands powdery shorelines, quiet trails and warm community hospitality. From intimate stays at Sumner Point Marina and Villas to authentic Bahamian dining, the island is best suited for couples, small groups and adventure seekers who value authenticity over polish. September offers a tranquil opportunity for visitors to unwind in one of The Bahamas most untouched corners Rum Cay. Dont miss out on the unforgettable experiences and unbeatable deals that The Bahamas has to offer this September. For more information on these exciting events and offerings, visit www.bahamas.com. About The Bahamas: The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Attachments Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. This news release constitutes a "designated news release" for the purposes of the Corporation's prospectus supplement dated December 9, 2024 to Fortis' short form base shelf prospectus dated December 9, 2024. ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX: FTS) announced today that it has priced an offering by private placement (the "Offering"), pursuant to the exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws, of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.100% fixed-to-fixed rate subordinated notes due December 4, 2055 (the "Notes"). The Offering is being made on a best efforts basis through a syndicate of agents co-led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Joint Bookrunners"), and TD Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Wells Fargo Securities Canada, Ltd., Merrill Lynch Canada Inc., Morgan Stanley Canada Limited, MUFG Securities (Canada), Ltd. and Cedar Leaf Capital Inc. (collectively, the "Co-Managers", and together with the Joint Bookrunners, the "Agents"), pursuant to an agency agreement entered into earlier today by the Corporation and the Agents. The Offering is expected to close on September 4, 2025. Fortis expects to use the net proceeds of the Offering to reduce borrowings under the Corporation's revolving corporate credit facility and for general corporate purposes. The Notes being offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This media release shall not constitute an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is unlawful. About Fortis Fortis is a diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2024 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $73 billion as at June 30, 2025. The Corporation's 9,700 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and the Caribbean. Fortis' shares are listed on the TSX and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. Forward-Looking Information Fortis includes forward-looking information in this media release within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to as "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information reflects expectations of Fortis management regarding future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as anticipates, believes, budgets, could, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, may, might, plans, projects, schedule, should, target, will, would and the negative of these terms and other similar terminology or expressions have been used to identify the forward-looking information, which includes, without limitation: the expected amount of gross proceeds from the issuance of the Notes assuming all Notes issuable pursuant to the Offering are sold by the Agents, the Corporation's expected use of the net proceeds from the Offering and the expected closing date of the Offering. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain material factors or assumptions have been applied in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking information. Fortis cautions readers that a number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, reference should be made to the continuous disclosure materials filed by the Corporation from time to time on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information, please contact Investor Enquiries: Ms. Stephanie Amaimo Vice President, Investor Relations Fortis Inc. 248.946.3572 investorrelations@fortisinc.com Media Enquiries: Ms. Karen McCarthy Vice President, Communications & Government Relations Fortis Inc. 709.737.5323 media@fortisinc.com A .pdf version of this press release is available at:: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f9b5b96f-b2ab-4a7c-811a-3d1921898e06 TORONTO, Sept. 02, 2025 - NorthWest Copper ("NorthWest" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NWST) is pleased to announce that drilling is well underway at its 100% owned Kwanika project for the 2025 season. The success of the flow through financing has allowed the Company to mobilize two drill rigs to site to execute on its planned 5,135 metre drill program. The work includes drilling at the existing Kwanika Central deposit and two exploration targets: the Transfer and Andesite Breccia targets. Kwanika Central Deposit NorthWest's 2025 plan at the Kwanika Central Deposit is to complete drill holes to confirm and expand its higher-grade target model announced on April 10, 2025 from surface to a depth of approximately 350 metres. The main objective of the program is to use drill results to inform an updated mineral resource estimate and support a revised mine design based on a surface pit and a more selective underground bulk mining method. Transfer Target The Company plans to drill test the Transfer Target located approximately 300 metres south of the Kwanika Central Deposit. This target represents a near surface IP chargeability proximal to favourable alteration and discontinuous anomalous gold values identified in previous drilling. The 2025 drilling is designed to determine the orientation of intense alteration associated with late intermediate dykes and for increases in vein intensity and/or mineralization consistent with that at Kwanika Central. The Transfer target represents an opportunity for new discoveries on the Kwanika property that potentially represent parallel zones to Kwanika Central Deposit's western area. Andesite Breccia Target NorthWest will also test the Andesite Breccia Target located 600 metres north of the Kwanika Central Deposit with 350 metres in one hole. The 2025 program is to follow-up a historic drill intercept of 87.0 metres at 0.38% Cu & 0.06 g/t Au from 102.4 metres hosted in an andesite hosted tectonic breccia. The breccia remains open at depth and along strike. This mineralization is different from the Kwanika Central Deposit but warrants drilling to understand its orientation, context and whether it represents the northern extension of the Central Fault that runs through the Kwanika Central Deposit. The drilling at the Kwanika Central Deposit, the Transfer Target and the Andesite Breccia Target is scheduled to continue through to the end of October. Geoff Chinn, VP Business Development and Exploration stated, "We are thrilled to launch the next drill program at Kwanika guided by our higher-grade target model informed by all historical drilling. This includes 11,876 metres of drilling in 30 holes conducted in 2022 that was excluded from the results of the 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment1. The 2022 exploration program also included a SkyTEM airborne magnetics survey that has provided additional context for both the Kwanika Central Deposit and the Transfer Target areas that we are keen to evaluate given the potential. The 2025 program, together with the 2022 drilling will be used to inform an updated mineral resource including enhanced higher-grade estimation domains that will be used to support an updated PEA in the first half of 2026." 2025 Drill Program Details Around Kwanika, the Company plans to complete 5,135 metres of drilling to confirm and expand the higher-grade target model announced April 10th and to drill test the nearby Transfer and Andesite Breccia Targets. Of the total planned drill metres, 4,285 metres is planned at the Kwanika Central Deposit in 14 holes while 850 metres is planned at the Transfer and Andesite Breccia Targets in three holes. A 3D model of the planned holes is available here (2025-2026 3D Drill Program) and a drill hole location map is provided in Figure 1. The Company will provide additional updates on the drill program as results become available over the coming months. Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Geoff Chinn, P.Geo., VP Business Development and Exploration for NorthWest, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects. About NorthWest Copper: NorthWest Copper is a copper-gold exploration and development company with a pipeline of advanced and early-stage projects in British Columbia, including Kwanika-Stardust, Lorraine-Top Cat and East Niv. With a robust portfolio in a tier one jurisdiction, NorthWest Copper is well positioned to participate fully in a strengthening global copper market. We are committed to responsible mineral exploration which involves working collaboratively with First Nations to ensure future development incorporates stewardship best practices and traditional land use. Additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.northwestcopper.ca. On Behalf of Northwest Copper Corp. "Paul Olmsted" CEO, NorthWest Copper For further information, please contact: 604-683-7790 info@northwestcopper.ca Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to statements with respect to; plans and intentions of the Company; proposed exploration and development of NorthWest's exploration property interests; the Company's ability to finance future operations; mine plans; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the development, operational and economic results of current and future potential economic studies; adding the Lorraine resource to the Kwanika-Stardust Project; the Company's goals for 2025; geological interpretations; the estimation of Mineral Resources; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future exploration prospects; the completion and timing of technical reports; future growth potential of NorthWest; and future development plans All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although NorthWest believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since NorthWest can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWest's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWest's expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWest's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.com). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information is made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. _________________________________ 1 See NI 43-101 technical report titled "Kwanika-Stardust Project NI 43-101 Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment" dated February 17, 2023, with an effective date of January 4, 2023, filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba9ca078-4d3d-4b8b-9c78-d24c08763eed Golden Arrow Resources Corporation (TSXV: GRG) (FSE: G6A) (OTCQB: GARWF), ("Golden Arrow" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of its summer exploration program at the promising new Noemi target at the San Pietro IOCG Project, Chile ("San Pietro" or the "Project") (see Figure 1). Within Noemi, additional mapping and sampling have expanded the understanding of a previously identified structural system that hosts significant gold and anomalous copper (Figure 2). Mineralization occurs mainly in veins and veinlets within breccias and was also found in veinlets within the surrounding host rocks. Highlights of the program include: 24 of 50 new samples returned results of greater than 1 g/t Au Chip channel samples across the main structure include: 10.0m averaging 1.88 g/t Au 8.0m averaging 1.66 g/t Au 10.5m averaging 1.82 g/t Au Main structural zone mapped over 1 kilometre in strike, with an average width of 25 metres and a maximum width of 40 metres at surface. Outcrops are sparse in the area, and the main breccia system remains open under surface cover in all four directions, and untested at depth. Additional subparallel structures were identified and sampled where outcrop allowed, up to 300 metres from the main structure. These returned multiple samples with significant gold, including the high value of the program at 5.67 g/t Au in a 0.30 m wide structure. Brian McEwen, Golden Arrow VP Exploration and Development stated, "Our initial impressions of Noemi were that it looked interesting for its potential to add resources similar to Rincones and Colla. What we did not expect was to also find this extensive gold-rich system, which is already impressing us with its width and grades but also in the continuity it is demonstrating. What we have identified so far has been through very limited sampling within what is a large area that has the potential to host a significant amount of gold and copper. We are very excited with the results to date, and we are going to continue exploration to delineate drill targets as a priority for our next exploration drilling campaign. Discoveries like Noemi makes us appreciate the size and potential for multiple deposits at San Pietro." An excavator is being mobilized to Noemi to complete trenching and facilitate detailed mapping and sampling of this zone and testing for extensions in areas currently under cover. The breccia-hosted gold and copper mineralization at Noemi related to tourmaline alteration is believed to be related to the mineralized system identified at the Lolita Norte target that outcrops 3 kilometres to the west, with similar orientation and mineralization (Figure 1); see News Release dated May 14, 2025). Additional historic workings for gold and indications of other similar north-south gold structures occur in several locations further west within the San Pietro property. The field team will be continuing to evaluate these additional prospects as part of its ongoing exploration of the entire western part of the project, which has seen very limited work to date. Exploration Program Details The Noemi target area covers roughly a 2 kilometre by 3 kilometre area located approximately 7 kilometres south of the Rincones resource (approximately centred on the target name shown in Figure 1). The main geological units mapped in the Noemi area are fine grained andesites, tuffs and volcaniclastic rocks intruded by a microdiorite with some areas of substantial gravel cover. The Noemi target is characterized by a scapolite-actinolite-magnetite alteration assemblage associated with IOCG-style copper mineralization. In addition, an earlier stage alteration assemblage characterized by tourmaline is associated with a north-south structural system identified within an area of approximately 1 kilometre by 750m area (yellow outline in Figure 1 with details in Figure 2). This system includes a wide brecciated zone with veins and veinlets filled with tourmaline-quartz-calcite-jarosite and minor barite, specularite and minor chrysocolla. Four rock chip channel samples previously collected across the southern part of this system, along 800 metres of strike, returned significant gold-copper values such as 3.0 m with 4.19 g/t Au and 2.08% Cu (see News Release dated May 14, 2025). These results prompted the summer follow-up program of more detailed mapping and chip channel sampling of the southern part of the system and the immediate surrounding area. Outcrops are limited, but the team was able to clear and sample wider areas. The main mineralized corridor is now mapped over approximately 1 kilometer north-south, dipping steeply westward, with an average width of 25 metres including a maximum width of 40 metres at surface. Within the corridor, tourmaline replacement has undergone later brecciation, incorporating carbonates, barite, and jarosite (former pyrite) associated with gold mineralization. Table 1 includes the summary gold and copper geochemical results of 50 new samples which include 48 chip channels plus 2 individual samples from the discard piles of historic small workings. Most samples were anomalous in gold, with nearly half the samples assaying over 1 g/t Au. The weighted average for the 39 samples that fall within the breccia corridor is 1.52 g/t Au, however, it is also notable that many samples of host rock to the structure are also well mineralized. As shown in Figure 2, several continuous chip channel samples with significant grades of gold resulted in three long intervals, including: 10.0m averaging 1.88 g/t Au, 8.0m averaging 1.66 g/t Au, and 10.5m averaging 1.82 g/t Au (which includes 3 of 4 samples taken from host rock). Copper results varied with 14 samples returning assays greater than 0.1% Cu. The team also explored the areas around the main structure in more detail. These areas are also mostly alluvium-covered, but additional subparallel structures approximately 150 to 300 metres west of the main structure were found to outcrop sporadically. Most samples were mineralized, including a high value of 5.67 g/t Au from a 0.30 m wide structure (see Figure 2). The main mineralized breccia vein system that has been mapped and sampled may continue to the north and south, but it is obscured by surface cover at both ends. At the north end there are old historic workings, and a small hand trench was dug in the alluvium approximately 90 metres north of this location. The trench encountered what appears to be the same breccia vein structure and a sample assayed 1.05 g/t Au over 2.5m. Future work will continue to explore the extents in both directions. Table 1. Gold and Copper from Surface Sampling Results (see Figure 2 for sample locations) Sample Type Width (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) CD001635 vein/breccia 2.50 0.98 <0.01 CD001636 vein/breccia 0.25 0.23 <0.01 CD001637 host rock 0.50 0.04 <0.01 CD001638 vein/breccia 0.40 0.16 <0.01 CD001639 vein/breccia 0.55 0.14 <0.01 CD001640 vein/breccia 1.50 1.69 <0.01 CD001641 vein/breccia 0.60 1.81 0.03 CD001642 vein/breccia 3.00 0.20 0.01 CD001643 vein/breccia 3.20 0.20 0.02 CD001644 host rock 3.00 0.54 0.01 CD001645 vein/breccia 3.00 0.40 <0.01 CD001646 vein/breccia 0.50 0.44 0.01 CD001648 vein/breccia 0.30 5.67 0.02 CD001649 vein/breccia 0.65 0.07 <0.01 CD001650 dump* - 0.05 <0.01 CD001651 vein/breccia 0.45 2.02 <0.01 CD001652 host rock 0.55 1.21 0.01 CD001653 vein/breccia 0.55 1.09 0.24 CD001654 host rock 2.00 0.57 0.02 CD001655 vein/breccia 1.70 0.10 <0.01 CD001656 vein/breccia 0.60 0.24 0.11 CD001658 vein/breccia 0.45 0.11 <0.01 CD001659 vein/breccia 0.80 0.52 <0.01 CD001660 vein/breccia 0.70 0.08 0.01 CD001661 vein/breccia 2.30 1.42 0.15 CD001662 host rock 3.50 0.11 0.02 CD001663 vein/breccia 0.90 1.39 0.06 CD001664 dump* - 2.02 0.27 CD001665 vein/breccia 2.50 1.82 0.02 CD001666 vein/breccia 2.50 1.51 0.01 CD001667 vein/breccia 3.00 1.66 <0.01 CD001668 vein/breccia 3.00 2.72 0.14 CD001669 vein/breccia 4.00 1.45 0.25 CD001670 vein/breccia 3.00 1.61 0.15 CD001672 vein/breccia 3.50 0.71 <0.01 CD001673 vein/breccia 2.00 1.41 0.03 CD001674 host rock 3.00 2.83 0.17 CD001675 host rock 2.00 0.40 0.01 CD001676 vein/breccia 3.50 2.72 0.41 CD001677 host rock 2.00 0.13 <0.01 CD001678 vein/breccia 1.50 2.15 0.13 CD001679 vein/breccia 1.00 0.13 <0.01 CD001680 host rock 2.00 0.14 0.02 CD001682 vein/breccia 0.50 0.37 0.01 CD001683 vein/breccia 2.80 2.65 0.25 CD001684 host rock 2.20 2.11 1.00 CD001685 vein/breccia 0.70 3.23 0.66 CD001686 vein/breccia 1.50 0.95 0.09 CD001687 vein/breccia 0.60 4.06 0.47 CD001688 vein/breccia** 2.50 1.05 0.09 *Individual samples taken from discard dumps of historic small miner workings. ** sampled from hand trench Methodology & QA/QC Chip channel samples at Noemi were collected by the technical team. Samples were shipped to ALS Laboratory in Copiapo, Chile by a contract truck service. Sample preparation and gold analysis by Fire Assay and reading by atomic absorption on 30 gm sample by method Au-AA23 was completed at the ALS facility in Santiago de Chile. Multi-element package by ICP-OES reading following a four-acid digestion by method ME-ICP61 was performed at ALS facilities in Lima, Peru. Samples with over limits in copper (+ 10,000 ppm) were re-assayed by ore grade method Cu-OG62 that includes four acid digestion and ICP-OES reading. The Company follows industry standard procedures for the work carried out on the San Pietro Project, with a quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") program. Blank and standard samples were inserted in each batch of samples sent to the laboratory for analysis. Golden Arrow detected no significant QA/QC issues with material effect on the data. Qualified Persons The exploration programs are designed by the Company's geological staff and results are reviewed, verified (including sampling, analytical and test data) and compiled under the supervision of Brian McEwen, P.Geol., VP Exploration and Development to the Company. Mr. McEwen is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of the news release. About the San Pietro Project The San Pietro Project targets the discovery of multiple copper-gold-iron oxide ("IOCG") plus cobalt deposits on over 21,000 hectares located approximately 100 kilometres north of Copiapo in the Atacama Region of Chile. To date, Golden Arrow has completed an initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Rincones and Colla deposits that includes 2,470 Mlbs of contained Cu and 770,000 oz contained Au (492 Mt with an average grade of 0.23% Cu, 0.05 g/t Au, 99 g/t Co and 14.43% Fe; NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+). Situated between and adjacent to Capstone Copper's Manto Verde Mine property and Santo Domingo Project, San Pietro is in the centre of a new copper-iron-cobalt district within an active, well-developed mining region that is home to all the major IOCG deposits in Chile. Golden Arrow operates San Pietro through its 75%-owned Chilean subsidiary, New Golden Explorations Inc. ("NGE"). About Golden Arrow: Golden Arrow is a mining exploration company with a successful track record of creating value by making precious and base metal discoveries and advancing them into exceptional deposits. Golden Arrow is actively exploring its flagship property, the advanced San Pietro iron oxide-copper-gold-cobalt project in Chile, and a portfolio that includes nearly 125,000 hectares of prospective properties in Argentina. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Nikolaos Cacos" _______________________________ Mr. Nikolaos Cacos, President and CEO Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation; statements about the potential mineralization and future exploration plans of the Noemi target and San Pietro project; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with obtaining necessary regulatory approvals (including the TSXV's approval); risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with exploration activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws. SOURCE Golden Arrow Resources Corp. For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications, Tel: 1-604-687-1828, Toll-Free: 1-800-901-0058, Email: info@goldenarrowresources.com Latest EXIM LOI supports development of Alaska's Graphite Creek mine, complementing October 2024's US$325 million LOI for G1's Ohio-Based Advanced Graphite Materials Plant.EXIM Letter of Interest is non-binding and indicates potential financing could provide 10-year repayment tenor under EXIM's Make More In America initiative and may be eligible for special consideration under the China and Transformational Exports Program.EXIM's funding commitment is conditional upon completing the application, due diligence and underwriting process, and receiving all required approvals. Graphite One Inc. (TSXV: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) ("Graphite One", "G1" or the "Company") announces today that the ExportImport Bank of the United States ("EXIM") has extended a nonbinding Letter of Interest ("LOI") to the Company for up to US$570 million in financing to advance the development of G1's Graphite Creek mine development in Alaska. Combined with EXIM's US$325 million LOI announced in October 2024 for the Company's planned advanced graphite materials facility in Ohio, total EXIM indications of support for Graphite One's U.S. supply chain strategy now stand at US$895 million. The LOI states: "Based on the preliminary information submitted, EXIM would be able to consider financing up to $570,000,000 of the U.S. export contract. Please note that based on the OECD Arrangement for Export Credits and EXIM Bank guidelines, this transaction is eligible for a maximum repayment term of 10 years. We trust that this Letter of Interest, coupled with the quality of U.S. products and services, will make a compelling case for U.S. procurement." "EXIM's extension of its LOI to our Company validates Graphite One's strategy to develop a 100% U.S.-based advanced graphite materials supply chain," said Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One. "The announcement follows the recent acceptance of our Graphite Creek project as a 'covered project' onto the Federal FAST-41 Permitting Dashboard and, along with G1's two Department of Defense grants under the Defense Production Act and from the Defense Logistics Agency, underscores the U.S. Government's keen understanding of the urgency to end the United States 100% dependence of foreign sources of graphite supply." Against the backdrop of China's ongoing dominance over global graphite production, the EXIM LOI further indicates that this "transaction may be eligible for special consideration under Section 402 of EXIM's 2019 reauthorization (P.L. 116-94), which directs EXIM to take steps to mitigate the competitive impact of export support provided by the People's Republic of China and other covered countries for opportunities such as this one and/or to advance the comparative leadership of the United States in the Transformational Export Areas." More information about EXIM's China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) is available here. G1 expects to submit a formal application to EXIM under both LOIs in 2026. Upon receipt, EXIM will conduct due diligence and underwriting. Any final commitment is subject to EXIM's eligibility, credit, and approval requirements and satisfaction of terms and conditions. All final commitments must comply with EXIM policies as well as program, legal and eligibility requirements. Engages European Marketing Firm As part of its ongoing strategy to raise the profile of Graphite One and its Graphite One Project to European investors, Graphite One has entered into an agreement effective immediately (the "Agreement"), with MCS Market Communication Service GmbH ("MCS"), an online marketing and investor relations firm based in Westfalen, Germany to provide marketing and investor relations services to enhance visibility with the European institutional and retail investment community. Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One quotes "We are excited to partner with MCS to heighten market and brand awareness for Graphite One and to broaden the Company's reach within the European investment community." Under the terms of the Agreement, MCS will provide content creation, distribution, and advertising services (the "Marketing Services") focused on the European market for an aggregate marketing budget of 800,000 EUR for a 6-month period (the "Service Period"), subject to early cancellation notice after 60 days from the effective date of the Agreement. Prior to the end of the Service Period, the Company may elect to continue on a month-to-month basis until terminated by either party. MCS has agreed to comply with all applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") in providing its services. There are no performance factors impacting compensation in the Agreement and MCS will not receive common shares or options of the Company as compensation. MCS is arm's length to the Company and currently does not own, directly or indirectly, any common shares of the Company, nor does it have any right or intent to acquire such an interest. The engagement of MCS remains subject to TSXV approval and these disclosures are made in accordance with the requirements of TSXV Policy 3.4 - Investor Relations, Promotional and Market-Making Activities. Graphite One's Supply Chain Strategy The Project is planned as an integrated business operation to produce lithium-ion battery anode materials and other graphite products for the U.S domestic market on a commercial scale using primarily natural graphite from Alaska. The Project combines the operation of an advanced graphite manufacturing facility to be located in Warren Ohio, subject to financing, with the supply of natural flake graphite from the Company's proposed Graphite Creek Mine in Alaska. The resources associated with the Company's Alaska State mining claims were cited by the U.S. Geological Survey in January 2022 as America's largest natural graphite deposit1, and in 2023, "as among the largest in the world." This precedes the FS-verified deposit amount increase. The Company entered into a non-binding letter of interest with the EXIM Bank in September 2024 for a potential $325 million loan to fund the Ohio manufacturing facility. 1 https://www.usgs.gov/data/graphite-deposits-united-states About Graphite One Inc. GRAPHITE ONE INC. continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project"), with the goal of becoming an American producer of high grade anode materials that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine and process natural graphite and to manufacture artificial and natural graphite anode active materials primarily for the lithiumion electric vehicle battery and energy storage markets. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Anthony Huston" (signed) For more information on Graphite One Inc., please visit the Company's website, www.GraphiteOneInc.com. On X @GraphiteOne Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors should be aware that the LOI is non-binding and conditional, and does not represent a financing commitment. A funding commitment is conditional upon completing the application, due diligence and underwriting process and receiving all required Project approvals This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, next steps and courses of action including the Company's plans to submit a financing application to EXIM; the prospects of successfully securing financing from EXIM on acceptable terms, or at all, the performance and outcome of MCS Market Communication Service GmbH and receipt of the approval of the TSXV . The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are no guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE Graphite One Inc.< Contact Anthony Huston, CEO, President & Director, Tel: (604) 889-4251, Email: AHuston@GraphiteOneInc.com; Investor Relations Contact: Tel: (604) 684-6730, GPH@kincommunications.com Domenicali defends Dutch GP axe after 2026 Stefano Domenicali has defended Formula 1's decision to drop popular Zandvoort from the calendar after 2026. Lance Stroll, Dutch GP 2025 Aston Martin Racing The Dutch GP has been a sell-out since returning in 2021, boosted by Max Verstappen's popularity and recent dominance and the unique seaside circuit and banked corners. But with no government backing, organisers could not match the lucrative state-supported bids flooding into F1's schedule. If you look at the bigger picture, they don't have any financial support from the government, F1 CEO Domenicali told De Telegraaf newspaper. "For a promoter with only private partners, it's impossible these days to fully invest in the future and say they want to continue this for at least another five years. We shouldn't be disappointed, because ten years ago, nobody would have thought Formula 1 would come to the Netherlands. In 2026, I really want to make it something special, because they deserve it here. There have been rumblings that Assen - better known as the motorcycle racing capital of the Netherlands - could step in with a big-money rescue bid. Never say never, Domenicali smiled. "If they want to talk to us, we will, but I don't want to give them false hope either. In the short term, there's little room on the Formula 1 calendar. The list of countries willing to host a race is quite long. Barcelona, for instance, is still fighting to stay on the schedule alongside Madrid, while Turkey, Portugal and even Rwanda are pushing for future slots. Barcelona would like to remain on the calendar after next year in a rotating role, confirmed the F1 CEO. We've signed many long-term contracts recently. This gives organisations the opportunity to recoup their investments. Not many in the paddock agree with letting Zandvoort go. Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland it is a real shame the Dutch state won't step in - especially given the Dutch king attended Sunday's race. I see a bit of the same problem here as in Germany, said the former F1 driver. "An event like this has an impact worldwide. People travel here, there's incredible revenue in the region, and then there's the advertising that comes with presenting your country so excellently. That should be worth support from the state. Domenicali insists, however, that it was not simply F1 pushing Zandvoort off the calendar. It was a mutual decision, he insisted. Let me say again, it's incredible what they've accomplished here in recent years, despite all the limitations, because logistically it's a huge challenge. I will be forever grateful to Zandvoort for the incredible injection of energy they've shown. (GMM) Hadjar can't say no to Red Bull seat says Panis Olivier Panis says Isack Hadjar's stunning Zandvoort podium proves the 20-year-old rookie has the character to succeed alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Isack Hadjar, Dutch GP 2025 Red Bull What I like most is his commitment, the former F1 winner and fellow Frenchman told RMC Sport. He's not afraid of anything, he doesn't give up, and fights 100 percent. He's very mature for a 20-year-old. Frankly, it's pretty impressive, added Panis. Hadjar became the youngest Frenchman ever to stand on an F1 podium at Zandvoort, fuelling speculation that the Racing Bulls newcomer will almost certainly now replace Yuki Tsunoda next year. I find freshness with this young guy, Panis continued. He says what he thinks, he's very outspoken. Others now are too smooth, only political language - that's never been part of my personality. Isack is the new guy who arrives and is achieving great results. However, Panis admits the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen can be daunting for potential candidates. Is it a cursed seat? Yes and no, he said. "Max is an exceptional driver, he sets up the car for himself. It's not an easy choice, but how can you say no to a top team? "If there is a risk to be taken, it must be taken now. Next year with the new car, everything will be called into question. What does he have to lose? Max was 18 when he got his seat. Isack has shown his speed, his commitment, he manages his tyres well, he has character. I don't see why it wouldn't work. The 1996 Monaco GP winner even compared Hadjar to today's elite youngsters. "He's a bit like Piastri - a character who doesn't make noise, who does his job, who wins races. Isack is part of this new generation, like Norris - very complete guys. He has the talent to fight with the best. Meanwhile, Spanish media report that Hadjar will receive a new trophy after accidentally breaking his first one in the post-race celebrations. Along with the Dutch GP, we obviously want the third-place winner to receive the trophy they deserve, said Royal Delft, which produces the porcelain cups. We're going to manufacture a new trophy for Hadjar. The broken trophy stays with him - a memento of a legendary moment for him. (GMM) Lawson tells Sainz not to talk through press Liam Lawson has defended himself after his clash with Carlos Sainz at Zandvoort - while also admitting the Spaniard's penalty may have been too harsh. Carlos Sainz, Dutch GP 2025 Williams Obviously I'm not happy either - it ruined my day, said the Racing Bulls driver. "But that's the way it is. I've been in a similar situation this year trying to overtake and I thought the other guy should have given me space, and they didn't, and I got a penalty, Lawson added. The fact is that he initiated the situation. He attacked, it was risky, he was fined, and now he can say whatever he wants. An increasingly frustrated-in-2025 Sainz, who finished outside the points and blasted both Lawson and the FIA stewards, said he would even escalate the matter to the governing body as GPDA director. But Lawson was unhappy the Ferrari refugee chose to vent publicly. I suggest he talk to me personally, not through the press, said the New Zealander. He argued that the clash was simply a case of racing to the current rules. "It sucks, for both of us. Obviously it's not my intention, but it's the first lap of a restart and we have very little grip heading into the first corner. The rules are written the way they are, we all know how they are written, no matter how much we disagree, Lawson added. I don't really agree with the penalty either, but for it to be his corner, he has to be ahead at the apex - and he wasn't even close. I think that's why he got a penalty. (GMM) Forging growth together: China-SCO economic and trade partnership gains momentum 21:39, September 01, 2025 By Li Yingqi, Huan Xiang ( People's Daily Photo shows the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Han Jiajun) According to statistics recently released by China's General Administration of Customs, in the first seven months of this year, China's total imports and exports with other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members reached 2.11 trillion yuan ($295.04 billion), marking a 3 percent increase year on year, a record high for the period. As cooperation deepens across trade, investment, connectivity, and other fields, the SCO is charting a path of mutual benefit and shared prosperity, injecting strong momentum into regional development. On the shores of Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) bustles with activity. Recent examples include a truck laden with fresh fruits and vegetables departing Qingdao's international road transport assembly center for Moscow (reaching its destination in under a week), and 388 new energy vehicles clearing customs at the SCO International Hub Port Automobile Trading Center before shipment to Dubai. Photo shows the Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin municipality. (Photo/Zhang Mingwei) Such scenes vividly illustrate the SCODA's role as a dynamic hub where people, goods, and commerce converge. The demonstration area traces its origins to Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at the 2018 SCO Qingdao Summit, where he announced that the Chinese government supports building a demonstration area in Qingdao for China-SCO local economic and trade cooperation. Since its inception, the area has been exploring innovative models of local cooperation. For Li Zhenye, deputy general manager of Qingdao Hongzhu Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd., the platform has delivered tangible results. "We have participated in the SCO International Investment and Trade Expo for four consecutive years. It has helped us build lasting connections with customers from many SCO countries. In 2024, we hosted nearly 50 business delegations from SCO members, and exports to other SCO and Belt and Road partner countries now account for more than 80 percent of our total," Li said. Photo shows the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center on the China-Kazakhstan border in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo/Wu Zhiheng) According to Irfan Shahzad Takalvi, founder of the Eurasian Century Institute, a think tank in Islamabad, Pakistan, China has launched a series of cooperation platforms in recent years, facilitating the movement of goods, technology, and talent. These platforms have enabled SCO countries to share development experience, adopt mature technologies, and train professionals, promoting economic growth across the region," he noted. A recent demonstration of enhanced connectivity occurred on May 20, when a China-Central Asia freight train departed Tianjin Port for Xinjiang's Horgo crossing. Carrying 50 containers from South Korea, it completed the journey in two weeks, reducing transit distance by 800 kilometers compared to the traditional route. Today, Tianjin Port connects with over 500 ports in more than 180 countries and regions and has also expanded rail cooperation with SCO member states such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, making it a vital bridge between the SCO and global markets. By opening more efficient regional logistics corridors, strengthening resilient industrial and supply chains, and enhancing trade and investment cooperation, China and other SCO countries are steadily reaching new heights of practical economic engagement. In 2024, trade between China and SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners reached a record high of $890 billion, underscoring the dynamism and promising outlook of regional commerce. The vibrancy of SCO economic and trade cooperation is equally evident at the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center on the China-Kazakhstan border. From Kazakh camel milk and Kyrgyz honey to Uzbek cherries and Tajik dried fruit, thousands of products from more than 40 countries fill the stalls of over 5,000 shops and 1,200 merchants. As the largest cross-border tourism and shopping zone in northwest China, it offers a vivid window into the flourishing economic cooperation between China and its SCO partners. In the first seven months of this year, Horgos customs supervised 35,500 tons of goods with a total value of 3.65 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 50.1 percent and 37.7 percent year on year, respectively. The center also handled 5.69 million cross-border travelers, a 66 percent increase over the same period last year. Behind this vitality are streamlined and efficient customs services. At the road port of Horgos, 24-hour customs clearance ensures the daily departure of over 1,000 trucks bound for Central Asia and Europe. Simplified procedures have reduced clearance steps by 60 percent, boosted vehicle throughput by 80 percent, and cut overall business costs by 50 percent. The city of Horgos is accelerating the development of a national land port logistics hub, continuously improving port functionality and clearance efficiency. "The one-stop inspection model and round-the-clock appointment-based clearance have further enhanced cross-border trade efficiency, creating a fast track for deeper economic cooperation between China and other SCO countries," said Guo Ying, head of customs at the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The upcoming iQOO 15 has been in the rumors a lot lately, and the brand itself has even acknowledged the name already (it's skipping "14" most likely to avoid any run-ins with tetraphobia in Asia). Today more details about this phone have been outed in China, including its main camera's specs. This will have 50 MP resolution and will use a 1/1.5" type sensor. The device will also have a 50 MP periscope telephoto camera, which was missing from the iQOO 13 but present in the older iQOO 12. iQOO 13 The iQOO 15 is once again said to feature a 6.8-inch top-spec flat Samsung screen with "2K" (aka QHD) resolution, support for 100W wired charging, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, a large-size vibration motor and dual speakers. It's also revealed to come with wireless charging support, a first for the series, and a big battery whose capacity starts with a "7" - so 7,000 mAh to 7,999 mAh. The phone will be offered with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage when it lands, presumably in October. Source (in Chinese) Theres no appetite in Washington, D.C. to extend a Dec. 31, 2026 deadline to spend about $104 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds, according to Del. James Moylan. Moylan spoke about the ARP money thats tied up for the Mangilao hospital project, mail delays, and other federal funding cuts ahead of his Tuesday flight back to the nations capital. He will jump right into congressional debate on the federal governments fiscal year 2026 budget. The Trump White House is not looking to give more time to spend federal ARP money, which expires at the end of 2026, according to Moylan. This administration is wanting to reduce our deficit. So if were not spending the money they provided to us, theyre going to take it back, he said. So lets get our permits done and get things built and items purchased that we need to give our people the services required. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has tied the funds up for construction of a new hospital, but the project is now tied up in a legal battle between Adelup and the Office of the Attorney General. Health care is a big concern. I know its continuously on the calendar for the (Guam) Legislature, and its a big issue for the governor, Moylan said, when asked about the dispute. My take would be wherever I can get some federal assistancewherever the location is, or the current oneI want to provide the funding. The delegate said he could advocate for federal funding for the hospital, once it was clearer how the project would proceed. The governor sent a bill to lawmakers that would essentially side-step review by the attorney general for contracts to install power, water, and sewer at the Mangilao hospital site using ARP funds. Leon Guerrero called senators into a special session on Saturday to vote on the bill. She pointed to the Dec. 31, 2026 spending deadline, and the potential loss of the $104 million. Senators sent the bill back to a legislative committee for public hearings, instead of debating it. Mail delays In other news, Moylan said his office has been hearing from residents about prolonged delays in important pieces of mail, especially prescription drugs for veterans. There was no resolution yet on the problem, he said, but he planned to work on the issue once back in D.C. Tuesday. Were screaming about that, he said, adding that he plans to have an update by the weeks end. As Pacific Daily News reported in August, some Guam-bound mail was mistakenly shipped by sea rather than air, causing delays of more than a month. Moylan on Saturday pointed to changes with weights and mail sorting issues with the U.S. Postal Service. Anything under a pound goes automatically into this regular bag of mail thats unsorted, and once that happensmost of the time, thats the medicationits another delay, and it just ruins everything, he said. The delegate said he spoke to Guam Postmaster Tammy Schoenen Saturday about the issue, and is working with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and United Airlines about mail delays. According to his office, hes also written to the postmaster general about packages under 1 pound being routed via USPS ground service instead of air. Moylan has asked whether there are alternatives to shipping Guam mail through the Oakland, California hub, which can cause delays. We got our D.C. office working on this, too. Its just a matter of communications and them not understanding in D.C. what how this affects the territory, he said. Budget cuts Moylan also said he will be pushing Guam issues as Congress tackles President Donald Trump Jr.s skinny budget for fiscal 2026. Deliberations start Tuesday in D.C., right after the delegates flight lands. One of the biggest cuts for Guam in the budget is about $3.5 million in funding that the Guam Environmental Protection Agency gets annually from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Guam EPA Administrator Michelle Lastimoza has said the cut would literally eliminate the agencys operations. We cant close that down. It definitely affects our concerns for the civilian side, and its a big impact on the military buildup, Moylan told the PDN. I think thats a good win that we would definitely have their support to keep that funding going, he said. Moylan said he has been in contact with both the governors office and the Guam Legislature about cuts in the budget. The legislature worked with their committees, and the governor allowed us to work with the departments and to see what grants were taken away, he said. He pointed to some 400 amendments that have been put forward for different federal spending measures for Guam. Now we just got to get it passed. So thats the fight, he said. Haiti - Civil Service : Integrity is not an option but a moral obligation At the request of Ketleen Florestal, the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation (MPCE), the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) organized a two-day seminar at the Karibe Hotel on the obligation of probity in the civil service. The initiative aimed to strengthen the culture of transparency and integrity among the ministry's managers and employees. Minister Florestal and Mr. Hans Jacques Ludwig Joseph, Director General of the ULCC, recalled that the Haitian public administration is facing a "profound integrity crisis," marked by repeated cases of conflicts of interest and acts of corruption. "This training session should contribute to positively influencing your actions in the management of public property," he stated, emphasizing that the fight against corruption involves as much repression as awareness and prevention. For her part, Minister Florestal delivered a strong message, calling on civil servants to adopt impeccable conduct in the performance of their duties. Illustrating her remarks with the metaphor of the hummingbird**, she made a vibrant call for collective responsibility. "If each of us decides to be a hummingbird, things can and must change," she insisted, particularly urging the Ministry's junior executives to embody this integrity in their professional and civic lives. The seminar's program included several lectures led by experts on crucial topics such as : The regulatory framework relating to breaches of integrity in the Haitian civil service; Ethics in the Haitian civil service; The risks of conflicts of interest in the management of public affairs; Mechanisms for preventing risks of breaches of integrity. Personalities such as Magistrate Marie Ange Jean, Attorney Samson Beucia, Attorney Winnie Hugot Gabriel, Attorney Renoix Laventure, and Attorney Jean Carlo Nordeus shared their expertise and recommendations with the participants. This initiative is part of the MPCE and the ULCC's commitment to building a more honest, transparent public administration worthy of citizens' trust. **Hummingbird Metaphor : The hummingbird metaphor, inspired by a Native American legend popularized by Pierre Rabhi, symbolizes the importance of individual action, even modest ones, in the face of ecological or social crises. In the legend, there was a huge forest fire. All the animals, terrified and dismayed, watched helplessly as the disaster raged. Only the small hummingbird remained active, fetching a few drops with its beak to throw onto the fire. After a while, the armadillo, annoyed by this trivial commotion, said to him : "Hummingbird ! Aren't you crazy ? You're not going to put out the fire with these drops of water !" And the hummingbird replied : "I know, but I'm doing my part." This metaphor encourages everyone to take action on their own scale, because the accumulation of small gestures can generate significant change. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre As part of its "Snoopers' Charter", a comprehensive espionage law called the Investigatory Powers Act, the British government wanted access to all of Apple's iCloud data and not just those that the company has specially secured. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing documents from the administration under Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appears to be continuing the policy of the previous Conservative government under the Tories. Continue after ad Access to all iCloud data of all protection classes worldwide According to the report, the UK apparently wants unlimited access to all iCloud data worldwide via a backdoor to be set up by Apple. The fact that this was requested via a so-called and secret Technical Capability Notice (TCN) only became known because Apple is defending itself against it before a special tribunal. The US government had already vetoed the request, and President Trump had even compared the British plans to China. Most recently, US intelligence officer Tulsi Gabbard said that London had decided not to spy on American citizens and to bury the backdoor plans. However, according to the Financial Times report, there is still no official decision from the British government. Apple had deactivated its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) security function in the UK, which the company had introduced to further secure iCloud in 2023. This means that not even Apple itself knows the iCloud content because it is encrypted with a key that is only available to the user. iCloud Drive and other sensitive content such as the valuable device backups in iCloud, which are coveted by investigators, can now be protected. Observers had assumed that the British government primarily wanted to access this content via the Investigatory Powers Act, but the government agencies there appear to be demanding a kind of dedicated line to the iCloud data centers. Secret proceedings with "assumed facts" What exactly is in the TCN remains secret. The proceedings currently being heard by the special tribunal are also largely secret. Disclosure of the contents is only possible because both parties are talking about hypothetical orders ("assumed facts"), a kind of legal trick to ensure that the lawyers do not make themselves liable to prosecution. According to the Financial Times, further information on exactly what the British government is demanding will only be known if Apple wins the case. Whether this will be the case, however, remains to be seen. According to the documents seen by the Financial Times, the TCN contains an obligation "to provide and maintain a function to disclose categories of data stored in a cloud-based backup service". The document also states in black and white that the British government does not only want to view information of British users (or those who are in the UK), but "globally for all relevant data categories of all iCloud users". It is not yet clear what the EU Commission thinks of the UK's snooping request, which would also affect EU citizens. Continue after ad Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden (bsc) 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. We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here The study analysed 63 research papers and focused on the impact of integration programmes, language training, job subsidies, and other active labour market interventions. It was published in the Journal of Economic Surveys. A European research review from Finnish institute Labore finds that targeted labour market policies improve employment outcomes for immigrants. According to the review, employment chances increase significantly when immigrants receive tailored support, especially through combined integration programmes that offer language training, cultural orientation, and employment services. The evidence also shows that job trials, wage subsidies, and vocational training support immigrants in gaining their first foothold in the labour market. Hannu Karhunen, research coordinator at Labore, said integration measures are a cost-effective investment. Public sector interventions like language training are effective when well-planned and funded. These investments are likely to pay themselves back quickly. There is no rational reason not to use these tools, Karhunen said. The review found that even standalone language courses improved both the speed and stability of employment for immigrants. When paired with cultural awareness and job search support, outcomes were stronger. Economic incentives and social services also played a role. Financial benefits and the conditions tied to them influenced employment behaviour. Access to childcare and parental leave options proved particularly important for immigrant mothers entering or returning to work. The review covered a range of countries, with a focus on the Nordic region, Germany, and France. It examined studies that used administrative datasets and quasi-experimental methods to assess policy impact. The research process began with 2,072 publications. Only 63 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Most selected studies focused on empirical evidence rather than theoretical assumptions. The results showed consistent patterns across national contexts. Immigrants who participated in structured integration activities entered employment more quickly and were more likely to remain employed. Programmes offering practical work experience, such as internships and trial jobs, supported smoother transitions into the labour market. Wage subsidy schemes helped employers overcome perceived risks in hiring newcomers. These incentives also supported skills recognition and allowed immigrants to build local work experience. Support services had varying effects depending on gender, family status, and country-specific welfare systems. In particular, policies aimed at reducing care burdens had a stronger effect on womens employment outcomes. In Nordic countries, early access to subsidised childcare increased labour market participation among immigrant women. In Germany, stricter benefit conditions were linked to faster job search activity. In France, vocational training helped match immigrant workers with employer needs. The findings indicate that while no single policy works universally, a combination of targeted tools improves employment outcomes. Key factors included access to language instruction, practical job support, and incentives aligned with family responsibilities. Labore's review suggests that governments can affect employment rates among immigrants through focused public policy. The authors recommend sustained funding and integration of services to improve long-term results. HT The convoy, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, resumed its journey on Monday evening after strong winds forced a delay on Sunday. According to organisers, the flotilla comprises around 20 vessels stocked with food and medical supplies. More boats are expected to join in the coming days from Tunisia and Sicily. A fleet of civilian boats carrying 350 international activists and humanitarian aid has departed from Barcelona, bound for the blockaded Gaza Strip. The first wave departed at 19:00 local time following a general assembly of volunteers. Weather conditions had earlier triggered a return to port, with winds exceeding 30 knots posing safety risks to smaller vessels. The mission aims to breach the Israeli naval blockade and deliver aid directly to Gaza. Organisers said the journey would span seven to eight days, with a planned regrouping in Tunis before heading east across the Mediterranean. Activists from 44 countries are participating. They include Greta Thunberg, Thiago Avila, Ada Colau Ballano, Liam Cunningham, and Eduard Fernandez. All are travelling on civilian boats and claim no affiliation with any government or political entity. We are sailing again to break the siege and open up a humanitarian corridor, Thunberg said in a video statement released before departure. The flotilla is coordinated by four activist coalitions: the Global Movement to Gaza, Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, and Sumud Nusantara. Past efforts involving some of these groups have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces, often in international waters. This is the third attempt in recent months to deliver aid by sea to Gaza. None of the recent efforts have succeeded in reaching the enclave. Israeli authorities have previously intercepted vessels and detained activists. In June, Thunberg and others were removed from the yacht Madleen by Israeli commandos around 185km from Gaza and were later deported after being taken to Ashdod port. Israeli officials have characterised these flotillas as symbolic and ineffective. A spokesperson in March dismissed similar missions as publicity actions offering no real relief. The Israeli government continues to restrict aid entry into Gaza. A near-total blockade on goods began in March and was only partially lifted in late May. A UN-backed body has since confirmed famine conditions in parts of Gaza, a claim Israel disputes. The current flotilla carries food and medical supplies, though the scale of aid remains limited by vessel size. Organisers argue that their mission is to draw attention to conditions in Gaza and challenge the legality of the blockade. Activists involved in the steering committee include Saif Abukeshek, Yasemin Acar, Kleoniki Alexopoulou, Marouan Ben Guettaia, Torkia Chaibi, Maria Elena Delia, Hayfa Mansouri, Karen Moynihan, Muhammad Nadir al-Nuri, Wael Nawar, Melanie Schweizer, along with Avila and Thunberg. The Sumud Flotilla is described by organisers as the largest maritime effort to challenge the blockade since 2010, when Israeli forces boarded the Mavi Marmara. That raid resulted in the deaths of 10 activists and prompted global outcry. The Mavi Marmara had been carrying more than 600 passengers and aid supplies. In total, 31 boats have attempted to reach Gaza between 2008 and 2016. Only five managed to reach the coastline. Since 2010, no flotilla has entered Gaza waters without interception. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 63,557 people have been killed and 160,660 injured since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023. Forced displacement orders continue in areas like Gaza City, which remains under bombardment. Earlier this year, Israel launched a plan to manage aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, bypassing international agencies. Aid groups have criticised the system, questioning its transparency and effectiveness. Among those present at the departure was punk musician Bob Vylan, who has been outspoken in support of the mission. Addressing the crowd in Barcelona on Sunday, he described the participants as brave individuals acting where governments had failed. Thunberg and others expect to reach Gaza by mid-September. Organisers have not disclosed detailed navigation plans, citing security concerns. Previous flotillas were intercepted before reaching the Israeli-declared naval exclusion zone off the Gaza coast. HT In a resolution passed on 31 August, 86% of voting members supported the motion. Out of the associations 500 members, 28% participated in the vote. The resolution cites Article II of the Convention, which defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. The International Association of Genocide Scholars has formally declared that Israels military campaign in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 United Nations Convention. The three-page resolution accuses Israel of conducting systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide in Gaza since 7 October 2023. It lists a series of actions, including the killing of civilians, forced displacement, sexual and reproductive violence, and deliberate deprivation of basic survival resources such as food, water, fuel, and medicine. The scholars noted that although the Hamas-led attack on 7 October, in which around 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, constituted international crimes, Israels response has gone beyond legitimate military action and has targeted the civilian population of Gaza. Melanie OBrien, president of the IAGS and professor of international law at the University of Western Australia, told Reuters the resolution represents a definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies that what is going on on the ground in Gaza is genocide. The resolution refers to extensive destruction of Gazas infrastructure and the near-total displacement of its population. According to UN estimates and local health authorities, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with at least 348 deaths attributed to starvation and malnutrition. The majority of Gazas housing has been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Onur Uraz, chair of the IAGS Resolutions Committee, said the resolution process was based on extensive UN and NGO documentation. He told Time magazine that the evidence for the genocide determination had made the voting process one of the smoothest in the associations history. The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejected the resolution. A spokesperson described it as an embarrassment to the legal profession and to any academic standard and claimed the document was based on misinformation spread by Hamas. In a previous statement on 13 August, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, dismissed genocide allegations as ridiculous and called them a blatant falsehood. Israel is currently facing a case at the International Court of Justice brought by South Africa in December 2023, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. The ICJ has not yet ruled on the matter and has given Israel until January 2026 to submit its defence. The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. A separate ICC warrant was issued for Mohammed Deif, the Hamas military chief, but was withdrawn after his reported death. In its resolution, the IAGS highlighted patterns of statements by Israeli officials supporting the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and promising to destroy the territory. These statements, the scholars argue, form part of the evidentiary basis for establishing genocidal intent. UNICEF has reported that over 50,000 children have been killed or injured in Gaza since the conflict began. The resolution states that such figures demonstrate targeted harm that undermines the survival and regeneration of Palestinians in Gaza as a national group. The association also pointed to the attacks on Gazas healthcare, education, and humanitarian sectors. It accused Israel of targeting not only physical infrastructure but also the essential services required for civilian survival. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that 63,557 people have been killed and 160,660 injured since October 2023. These figures are used by humanitarian organisations and journalists due to the lack of independent monitoring on the ground, but do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel has maintained control over all border crossings into Gaza and has enforced strict limitations on the entry of humanitarian aid. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed in August that famine is occurring in parts of Gaza. Humanitarian organisations accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war by blocking food and medical supplies. Sergey Vasiliev, professor of international law at the Open University of the Netherlands, said the resolution reflects a broad consensus among genocide experts. This legal assessment has become mainstream within academia, he told Reuters. The Palestinian Government Media Office welcomed the resolution. Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the office, said the decision by the IAGS strengthens the case against Israel in international courts and imposes a legal and moral obligation on the international community to act. Two Israeli rights organisations, BTselem and Zochrot, have also previously said that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza. Hundreds of UN human rights workers have called on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to declare the military campaign a genocide. The IAGS has previously passed resolutions recognising genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, and Myanmar. The association, founded in 1994, includes experts in law, history, political science, and human rights. The scholars clarified that their resolution has no bearing on the outcome of international court cases but is intended to reflect the academic communitys assessment based on legal criteria. Germany, a key arms supplier to Israel, suspended weapons transfers related to Gaza operations after the announcement of Israels military expansion into Gaza City. Despite international criticism, Israeli military operations have continued across the enclave. On Monday, Gaza health officials reported that 31 people were killed in airstrikes, more than half of them women and children. Israel continues to argue that its actions are lawful and intended to neutralise Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organisation. It has also repeatedly accused critics of antisemitism, including in the ongoing ICJ case. The IAGS resolution states that acts of terror by Hamas do not justify genocide and that targeting an entire population in response constitutes an independent crime under international law. The International Court of Justice, which serves as the UNs top judicial body, has said that preventing genocide is a legal obligation for all signatory states under the Convention. HT The disaster struck the remote village of Tarasin on Sunday after several days of intense rainfall. A single survivor has been confirmed. Most of the village was destroyed, and access to the area remains limited. A landslide in the Marra Mountains of western Sudan has killed at least 370 people, according to the United Nations, with local authorities estimating more than 1,000 deaths. Antoine Gerard, deputy humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, said the death toll is difficult to verify due to poor access. "We do not have helicopters. Everything moves on bumpy roads, and the rainy season makes travel unpredictable," he told the BBC. "Bringing trucks with commodities will be a challenge." The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM), which controls the territory, released a statement saying the village had been completely levelled and appealed for international assistance. Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than 1,000 individuals, with only one survivor, it said. The landslide occurred in a region already devastated by ongoing civil war between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The Marra Mountains have served as a refuge for families displaced from other parts of Darfur, especially El Fasher, where fighting has intensified in recent months. Darfurs army-aligned governor, Minni Minnawi, described the landslide as a humanitarian tragedy that goes beyond the borders of the region. He called for an urgent intervention by international agencies. Footage shared by local outlets showed a wide stretch of flattened land between mountain ranges, with groups of people searching through debris. Much of the affected area remains beyond the reach of aid workers. Ongoing fighting and damaged infrastructure continue to obstruct humanitarian operations. According to the UN, parts of Darfur are experiencing famine. An estimated 12 million people have been displaced since the war began. The SLM has largely remained outside the main conflict but holds parts of the Marra Mountains, which include Sudans highest peaks. The group has recently expressed support for army efforts against the RSF. Local residents and rights groups have accused the RSF and allied militias of waging an ethnic campaign aimed at transforming Darfur into an Arab-controlled region. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The UN and aid organisations say tens of thousands have been killed since 2023. In July, a senior US official estimated the total death toll from the civil war could exceed 150,000. In El Fasher, North Darfurs capital, civilians report heavy bombardment and the worst RSF assault to date. Survivors of the landslide and displaced residents face severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Local officials say no heavy machinery or search-and-rescue equipment is available in the region. The UN has warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation across Sudan. Recent reports confirm widespread starvation, especially in areas where access has been cut by conflict. The Marra Mountains region is among those with limited road access and no air support for relief efforts. Aid agencies have requested secure corridors for humanitarian access. No major international convoy has reached Tarasin since the landslide. Coordination with local armed groups is underway, but security risks and damaged infrastructure continue to delay deployment. The SLMs appeal emphasised the need for body recovery, food, water, and medical supplies. We call upon all humanitarian organisations, both regional and international, to urgently intervene, the group stated. The village of Tarasin was home to several hundred families, many of whom were displaced by earlier waves of fighting in North and Central Darfur. According to aid workers familiar with the area, the village had become overcrowded and poorly equipped to handle extreme weather. Seasonal rains frequently cause flash floods and landslides in Sudans western highlands, but infrastructure neglect has worsened the impact. Relief agencies report that early warning systems and risk mitigation measures are non-existent in areas like Tarasin. The Sudanese government has not issued an official statement about the incident. State institutions have largely ceased functioning in many regions due to the civil war, which has split control between the army and the RSF. Satellite images analysed by humanitarian groups show significant soil displacement along mountain slopes near Tarasin. Field workers say the debris has buried much of the original village layout. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has confirmed ongoing assessments in the area but said poor visibility and difficult terrain have slowed progress. While initial numbers are unconfirmed, the landslide is likely to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan in years. Previous major incidents have rarely reached the scale reported by local groups in the Marra Mountains. More than 800,000 people have fled the Darfur region since the conflict erupted. Many have crossed into Chad, including some who previously lived near Tarasin. Border towns have struggled to provide food, shelter, or medical care for incoming families. Aid workers are warning that the combined effects of war, famine, displacement, and now natural disasters are overwhelming the regions limited resources. Donor fatigue and restricted access continue to hamper response efforts. No timeline has been set for recovery operations in Tarasin. Relief workers say the immediate priority is to establish temporary shelter and deliver emergency food rations to survivors in nearby areas. HT (JNS) Revital Gorodeski Baskin and her husband, Joseph Baskin, both doctors from Cleveland, landed in Israel on a Nefesh BNefesh group aliyah charter flight on Aug. 20. They are moving to Zichron Yaakov, in the Haifa district in northern Israel, with three teenage children (their fourth is studying at a college in the United States) and their dog. Making aliyah has been our lifelong dream, and the war [against Hamas in Gaza] was an encouraging factor as we want to contribute our expertise in this time of need, Revital told JNS. Weve also encountered antisemitism, and our kids are enter... Under fluttering flags and in a fever of national pride, legions of lock-stepped Vietnamese patriots are due to march through Hanoi on Tuesday in celebrations marking 80 years since the declaration of independence. Some 40,000 troops and civilians are set to parade just after dawn, feting the date when communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh declared a "Democratic Republic of Vietnam" free from French rule in 1945. Tanks, drones and missile batteries are poised to trail through streets as helicopter and planes streak over the heads of avid spectators, thousands who have camped out to secure front row seats. University student Vu Thi Trang took up her position at midnight on Sunday -- a full 30 hours before the parade's scheduled start -- her spirits undampened by monsoon season downpours. "Something inside just pushed me to be here," the 19-year-old told AFP on Monday. "I am grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation, so that we have peace and freedom to grow up." The celebrations are set to out-scale those staged in April to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, when communist North Vietnam sealed the defeat of the US-backed South. They will also break the record 30,000-strong show of force that the one-party state mustered for emancipation celebrations back in 1985. "We want to show that our country loves peace and we enjoy what we have now," said 51-year-old Nguyen Thi Huong -- who shut her food stall to attend a Saturday rehearsal of the tightly-choreographed march. French influence is still visible throughout Vietnam -- in the colonial facades of Hanoi's mansions, in its fusion cuisine and schools where the French language is taught as a marker of prestige. But the celebrations are expected to focus on Vietnam's independent accomplishments, including its economic transformation into a global manufacturing powerhouse. Hanoi's top leader To Lam will mark the top of the parade with a speech before attendees from China and Russia, whose troops will march alongside their Vietnamese counterparts. China's number-three official -- National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji -- is slated to attend alongside influential former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. The two-hour procession and expected to draw hundreds-of-thousands of spectators. Ho Chi Minh's 1945 independence proclamation was not recognised by France, which ruled Vietnam -- as well as neighbouring Laos and Cambodia -- as colonial assets prized for their rubber, rice and coffee. But a disastrous military defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 led to France's full-scale retreat from the region. "We gained independence through the blood and sweat of previous generations," said 36-year-old flag vendor Dang Khoa on Saturday. Guyana voted Monday in elections to decide who will manage the South American nation's new oil riches, as tensions rose in a territorial dispute with neighbor Venezuela. As some 750,000 eligible voters began casting their ballots for one of six presidential hopefuls, Venezuela said its neighbor was "trying to create a war front." This came after Georgetown on Sunday publicly accused Venezuela of firing shots on a boat transporting election materials in the oil-rich Essequibo region which both neighbors lay claim to. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Monday rejected the claims and said they were intentionally provocative. For his part, Guyana's President Irfaan Ali said his country "will support anything to eliminate any threat to our security" in response to a question about the deployment of US warships to the Caribbean near the Venezuelan coast. Guyanese voters, meanwhile, had other issues on their mind in one of Latin America's poorest countries. According to a 2024 report by the Inter-American Development Bank, 58 percent of Guyanese lived in poverty despite an oil boom that has quadrupled the state budget to $6.7 billion in 2025 since production began in 2019. "We need 100 percent change in our country. So we are voting for a change," Mary Welchman, a 48-year-old nurse, told AFP at a polling station in the capital Georgetown. Center-right incumbent Ali is seeking a second five-year term at the helm of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). He and other candidates have vowed to put more money in the pockets of Guyanese, improve health care and education services and increase wages -- mainly by exploiting the oil reserves of which the country has more than any other per capita. Guyana, with its breakneck pace of economic growth at 43.6 percent in 2024 -- the highest in Latin America -- aims to boost oil output from 650,000 barrels per day to over a million by 2030. Most of its crude reserves are in the Essequibo region, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana's territory but is also claimed by Venezuela in a dispute that has intensified since ExxonMobil discovered massive offshore oil deposits a decade ago. Essequibo has been administered by Guyana for over 100 years. Three candidates led opinion polls ahead of Monday's vote: Ali, opposition candidate Aubrey Norton of the leftist People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), and multi-millionaire populist Azruddin Mohamed, who founded his own We Invest in the Nation (WIN) party. Norton was the first to cast his ballot Monday at a school on the outskirts of the capital, proclaiming that "bar any irregularities," he was sure to emerge victorious. "Guyana has three great enemies. One, Venezuela. Two, the PPP (ruling party). And three, poverty. We will rid this society of all our enemies," added Norton. Ali, for his part, said he was "very confident about... victory." Polls opened for 12 hours at 6:00 am (1000 GMT) for a vote fraught with logistical challenges. Ninety-five percent of the territory of Guyana, an English-speaking country of some 850,000 people, is covered by tropical rainforest. Voting has traditionally taken place along ethnic lines, with Guyanese of Indian descent supporting the PPP/C and those of African origin backing the PNCR. Results are expected by Thursday at the latest. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday that eight US military vessels with 1,200 missiles were targeting his country, which he declared to be in a state of "maximum readiness to defend" itself. The United States, which accuses Maduro of heading a drug cartel, has announced a deployment of warships to the south Caribbean in what it labeled an anti-drug trafficking operation. It has made no invasion threat. Yet Maduro railed at a meeting with international media in Caracas Monday against "the greatest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years" in the form of "eight military ships with 1,200 missiles and a submarine targeting Venezuela." One of the ships, a guided missile cruiser, was spotted going through the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Caribbean Friday night. Maduro said that "in response to maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum readiness to defend Venezuela." He said more than eight million Venezuelans have enlisted as reservists. Caracas has already announced increased patrols of its territorial waters. Washington has doubled to $50 million a bounty for the capture of Maduro, whose re-election in 2024 and 2018 were not recognized by the United States or much of the international community amid allegations of fraud and voter oppression. Known for his fiery, often anti-US tirades, Maduro on Monday said lines of communication with the United States have broken down, and vowed his country "will never give in to blackmail or threats of any kind." At the press conference, he warned that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to lead President Donald Trump "into a bloodbath... with a massacre against the people of Venezuela." The US military deployment was welcomed, however, by Guyana's President Irfaan Ali as "anything to eliminate any threat to our security." Georgetown and Caracas are engaged in a dispute over the oil-rich border region of Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana's territory but is also claimed by Venezuela. The bilateral rhetoric has escalated since ExxonMobil discovered massive oil deposits a decade ago off the coast of Essequibo, which has been administered by Guyana for over 100 years. Maduro has been in Trump's crosshairs since the Republican's first term from 2017 to 2021. But Trump's policy of maximum pressure on Venezuela, including an oil embargo, has failed to dislodge Maduro from power. Analysts have told AFP the US military deployment was unlikely to result in any invasion or attack, but rather sought to ramp up pressure on Maduro -- who has repeatedly accused Trump of attempting to bring about regime change. Last week, Caracas petitioned the United Nations to intervene in the dispute by demanding "the immediate cessation of the US military deployment in the Caribbean." On Monday, Maduro said Venezuela was prepared for "a period of armed struggle in defense of the national territory" in case of an attack. At least 20 people are missing after violent protests, sparked by lavish perks for Indonesian lawmakers that have widened to include anger against police, a rights group said on Tuesday. At least six people have been killed since protests rocked Southeast Asia's biggest economy last week, intensified by footage spreading of the killing of a young delivery driver by a paramilitary police unit. The unrest emerged in cities across Indonesia, forcing President Prabowo Subianto into a U-turn on lawmaker perks after the worst protests since the ex-general took power last year. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) said 23 reports of missing persons had been received by Monday. "After the search and verification process, 20 missing persons remain unfound," it said in a statement. The group said the 20 were reported missing in the cities of Bandung and Depok on Java island, and in the administrative districts of Central Jakarta, East Jakarta and North Jakarta that make up the wider capital city. One report involved an "unknown location", KontraS said. The National Police did not respond immediately to an AFP request for comment. Police have said 1,240 people had been arrested in Jakarta since August 25, according to the Antara state news agency. Jakarta police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi said on Tuesday that officers arrested activist Delpedro Marhaen, the director of the Lokataru Foundation. The NGO confirmed the arrest. He was held "on suspicion of making provocative incitement to commit anarchic actions", Ade said in comments aired by broadcaster Kompas TV. Ade also said police in Jakarta had identified another 38 people as suspects for allegedly committing "anarchic activities", including throwing Molotov cocktails towards officers and torching a bus stop. In Central Java, police had detained more than 1,700 people between Friday and Monday, most of them aged under 18. Of those, 46 were identified as suspects, Central Java police official Dwi Subagio told a news conference. More protests had been expected outside parliament in Jakarta on Tuesday but crowds, which have dwindled since the military was deployed to the capital, did not emerge. The United Nations human rights office called on Monday for an investigation into the alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force in responding to the rallies. The military was deployed across Jakarta on Monday as hundreds gathered again outside parliament and clashes were reported in several other cities. Prabowo criticised protesters as he visited injured police at a hospital and said rallies should end by sundown. In Bandung, protesters hurled Molotov cocktails at a provincial council building before police fired tear gas overnight at "suspected... anarchists" who blocked a road. Officers clashed with protesters whom they accused of trying to draw them into a campus at the Bandung Islamic University, West Java police spokesman Hendra Rochman said in a statement on Tuesday. Some social media users accused police of firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the campus and storming it. "Officers maintained a distance of approximately 200 metres from the campus and no shots were directed at the campus," Hendra said. The university denied its students had instigated unrest. Thousands more rallied in Palembang on Sumatra island and hundreds gathered in Banjarmasin on Borneo island, Yogyakarta on Java, and Makassar on Sulawesi. In Gorontalo city on Sulawesi island, protesters clashed with police who responded with tear gas and water cannon. Gorontalo police spokesman Desmont Harjendro told reporters on Tuesday police arrested 11 people for questioning over the protests. Social media platform TikTok said on Tuesday it had lifted a suspension of its live feature it had imposed three days earlier in anticipation of further unrest. "We are closely monitoring the situation and prioritising efforts to provide a safe and civil platform for users to express themselves," a spokesperson told AFP. Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly said security forces had "acted irresponsibly by treating the protests as acts of treason or terrorism" and called for an investigation. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said, ahead of a massive military parade on Wednesday. He arrived at 4:00 pm at Beijing Railway Station and was greeted by Cai Qi, China's number five-ranked official, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, KCNA reported. Earlier on Tuesday, AFP journalists saw a train flying North Korea flags and believed to be carrying Kim approaching the station. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and two dozen other leaders at the huge spectacle to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. China will showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear at the showpiece extravaganza centred on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. South Korea's Yonhap news agency also reported the special armoured train's arrival in the capital. Kim appeared to be accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said in a statement to reporters. It is only Kim's second reported trip abroad in six years and first to China since 2019. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he is seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. Photos released by KCNA showed Kim smoking a cigarette outside his olive-green train with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and close aide Jo Yong Won. Another pictured Kim grinning inside his lavish, wood-lined train carriage in front of a North Korean flag and national emblem. Both images were taken on Monday, according to KCNA. Kim's appearance in China "formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public", Soo Kim, a geopolitical risk consultant and former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim enjoyed a brief bout of high-profile international diplomacy from around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and then South Korean president Moon Jae-in multiple times. But he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. Kim stayed in North Korea throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but met Putin in Russia's far east in 2023. Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. Officials have been tight-lipped over the list of hardware to be displayed at the parade, but military enthusiasts have already spotted significant new systems, including what is rumoured to be a gigantic laser weapon. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Wednesday's event caps a bumper week of diplomacy for President Xi, who on Sunday and Monday hosted a slew of Eurasian leaders for a summit in the northern port city of Tianjin aimed at putting China front and centre of regional relations. The club of 10 countries -- named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- touts itself as a non-Western style of collaboration in the region and seeks to be an alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries -- a veiled reference to the United States -- while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Many of the guests from the Tianjin gathering, including Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders will join Xi and Kim for the parade in Beijing. Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This bold signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts' mission to become APAC's Leading Alternative to Global Hotel Operators, while spotlighting the brand's growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences. Located along Seminyak's legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali's iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms & suites, each designed to reflect a modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social anchor, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration. With this signing, Cross Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in Indonesia, which includes an expanding portfolio of lifestyle-driven properties. Cross Hotels & Resorts operates five distinctive brands - Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection - across four countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan. Hotel website Grand Mercure Bangalore is pleased to announce the appointment of Nilesh Kumar as the new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening the hotel's leadership team with his extensive expertise in luxury hospitality and guest experience management. With over a decade of experience across India's finest hotels, Nilesh brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and leading high-performing teams. He joins Grand Mercure Bangalore from Renaissance Bengaluru Racecourse Hotel, where he served as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, spearheading daily operations across multiple F&B outlets, optimizing profitability, and elevating service standards. Nilesh's career journey includes impactful tenures at Taj West End, Sheraton Grand Whitefield, and The Oberoi, Bengaluru, where he consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences, implemented innovative service enhancements, and managed successful pre-openings. His leadership style blends operational discipline with a deep passion for hospitality, making him an invaluable addition to the team. Nilesh Kumar holds a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management from Punjab Technical University and has been recognized for his ability to reimagine F&B operations while maintaining a strong focus on staff training, guest engagement, and profitability. With his appointment, Grand Mercure Bangalore reaffirms its commitment to curating exceptional dining experiences that blend tradition, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality. B&B Hotels Central & Northern Europe (CNE) has finalized its senior leadership team with the appointment of Karsten Tremmel as Chief Information Officer (CIO). Mid-September, IT specialist Karsten Tremmel completes the leadership trio as CIO. With over 15 years' experience, most recently at Motel One, Tremmel is recognized for driving complex digital transformations and delivering secure, scalable IT infrastructures. His mandate at B&B HOTELS CNE will focus on advancing the group's digital ecosystem and aligning IT with future business and growth objectives. Under the leadership of CEO Arno Schwalie, this move marks a clear focus on people, brand, and sustainable expansion. BahamaGo, a leading travel agent and official reseller partner of Hotelogix in The Bahamas since 2015, has become a pivotal force in managing reservations for over 40 small independent hotels across the archipelago. Leveraging Hotelogix's cloud-based Property Management System (Hotel PMS), BahamaGo ensures real-time booking management for seamless coordination of reservations from various channelsonline travel agencies, direct bookings, and global distributors centrally. It translates into improved efficiency, reduced errors, time savings, and enhanced occupancy levels for a diverse portfolio of boutique and owner-operated properties. Whether it is a boutique retreat on the turquoise shores of Long Island or a family-run villa on Cat Island, BahamaGo uses Hotelogix to oversee bookings, manage inventory, and ensure smooth communication between guests and hotels. With one system powering multiple properties, they have eliminated the inefficiencies of manual reservation tracking and siloed communication, freeing up hotels to do what they do best - serve guests. The independent hotel landscape Conservative estimates place the number of genuinely small and independent properties in The Bahamas between 350-400 as of 2025. These properties are primarily located throughout Eleuthera, Harbor Island, Andros, Cat Island, and Abaco, with significant clusters also in Nassau and New Providence. They contribute immensely to the nation's tourism fabric by providing authentic, personalized experiences distinct from chains and groups. BahamaGo & Hotelogix: Helping hotels drive sales According to Tony Hanna, COO of BahamaGo, this segment remains largely under-digitized, with many of them still relying on legacy systems or manual operations. With Hotelogix, we are not only modernizing their internal reservation workflows but also providing these independent hotels with access to cloud-native, enterprise-grade technology that was once only accessible to larger chains. Additionally, Tony and his team access property-specific reports, including the reservation report and occupancy report, to ensure each property captures optimum bookings and drives revenue. Tourism growth fuels demand The Bahamas welcomed about 11.22 million international tourists in 2024, the highest so far. It represented about a 16.2% increase over 2023 and a staggering 54.7% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Correspondingly, hotels across the islands achieved an average occupancy rate of approximately 70.6% in 2024, underscoring strong travel demand and increased tourism activity fueling the local economy. For independent hotel owners/operators with small teams and limited infrastructure, the tourism boom brings as much pressure as it does potential. Without real-time and centralized inventory control, managing booking spikes becomes unsustainable. BahamaGo, backed by Hotelogix, has changed this equation. It has given its network of hotels the tools to operate without stress by automating reservations, updating availability across channels instantly, and offering direct insights into performance. What does the future hold for independent hotels? Independent hotels in The Bahamas are well-positioned for sustained growth as travelers are increasingly seeking authentic and culturally rich experiences, preferring these to the cookie-cutter stays offered by chains. However, with properties spread across various locations and facing fluctuating demand, as well as evolving guest expectations, manual reservation management presents significant operational challenges. This shift also creates new opportunities for independent properties, but they must have the right tool to capture this demand effectively. This is where BahamaGo, in partnership with Hotelogix, plays a vital role by helping them grab their share of business, leading to more sales, occupancy, and revenue , Tony added. According to him, most hotels on their network have seen about a 5% to 8% spike in online sales and occupancy levels year on year. BahamaGo's partnership with Hotelogix demonstrates how modern cloud solutions can enable independent hotels in The Bahamas to adopt digital transformation confidently. This strategic collaboration is all about empowering independent hotels to modernize their operations, enhance competitiveness, and thrive in a rapidly changing travel environment. About Hotelogix Hotelogix is a globally leading provider of cloud-based hospitality technology, offering industry-first Multi-property Management Systems, Hotel PMS, and Mobile PMS Apps for independent and hotel groups. It is trusted by 12,000+ hotels, including 250+ groups in 100+ countries. Hotelogix powered the largest multi-property deployment of 50,000+ rooms across 500+ properties during FIFA 2022 in Qatar. Its distribution brand AxisRooms also offers Channel Manager, Revenue Management solutions, and Rate Shopper. Headquartered in Singapore, it has offices across the USA, India, UAE, Thailand, and the Philippines. For more information, visit: https://www.hotelogix.com/. Contact Debi Prasad Sarangi Ph: +91 9986496849 Email: [email protected] Debi Prasad Sarangi Corporate Communications Specialist +91 9986496849 Rome, Italy - The World Travel & Tourism Councils (WTTC) upcoming 25th Global Summit - the world's most influential global tourism event - will feature some of Italy's most prominent Travel & Tourism leaders, including the global body's Chair-Elect, Manfredi Lefebvre, one of the most recognised names in the industry. The Summit will take place in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT S.p.A (the Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, in the Eternal City from September 28 to 30. Business leaders from some of Italys biggest brands set to join Lefebvre on stage include, Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio, CEO Sole Founder; Massimo Caputi, President & Owner Terme & Spa Italia; Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Spa; and Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman of Cruise. Among the other distinguished Italian speakers who will address delegates are Alessandra Necci, Director & Writer, Estense Galleries; Elisabetta Fabri, President & CEO, Starhotels Group; Gabriele Burgio, CEO, Alpitour World; Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Executive Chairman, Italo; and Nerio Alessandri, Founder & CEO, Technogym. Leaders from both the public and private sectors will convene at the Auditorium Parco della Musica to forge a path forward for a sector that has proven its strength in creating jobs, strengthening economies, and fostering connections between diverse cultures. As we gather in this beautiful city, which happens to be my city of birth, I am optimistic about the future of our industry. With Italy's incredible lineup of iconic destinations, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, we hold the potential to shape the future of Travel & Tourism for generations to come, enhancing the travel experience overall. Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, and WTTC President-Elect Italy's Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanche, who will also be addressing delegates at this year's Global Summit, added: Italy has returned to a central role in the global tourism landscape. The fact that the most prestigious event in the sector is taking place in our Nation is a clear testament to its internationally recognized centrality. This Summit not only represents an opportunity to highlight our wonderful destinations but also an unmissable chance to attract significant investments. Tourism is a fundamental economic, social, and cultural engine, which concerns all of us and has the power to enrich our lives and our communities. Our country is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Thanks to our territorial uniqueness, we are able to attract different groups of tourists, offering them unique experiences. Made in Italy is a value appreciated globally and ENIT's task is to make its full potential known. From art to nature, from food and wine to trade fairs and sporting events, Italy is competitive on all fronts, as evidenced by the fact that at the end of the month we will host an event of global appeal such as the WTTC Summit. Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A. From destination stewardship to artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation, the WTTCs 2025 Global Summit will explore the most critical and compelling advancements shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. According to the global tourism bodys latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), the Travel & Tourism sector in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of 60.4BN in 2025. The sector, according to the WTTCs study data, is estimated to support 3.2MN jobs this year 100,000 more than last year and contribute 237.4BN to the Italian economy. Interested press can apply for accreditation by writing to [email protected]. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to maximising the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source HVS ANAROCK Insights - Image Credit Unsplash With new deals reshaping the landscape, strategic partnerships and acquisitions are back in focus across Indias hospitality sector. From tech-driven budget brand partnerships to midscale acquisitions, strategic deals are fast emerging as a defining trend in Indias hospitality sector. As global and domestic brands double down on the Indian opportunity, many are moving beyond organic growth to accelerate scale, reach, and distribution networks. India has witnessed several notable strategic partnerships and acquisitions over the years, from Louvre Hotels Groups 2017 acquisition of Sarovar Hotels to Lemon Tree Hotels 2019 strategic acquisition of Keys Hotels and IHCLs investment in Tree of Life Resorts. Now, with several recent acquisition-led developments, this trend is firmly back in focus. These moves are strategic, aligned with long-term brand objectives, and aimed at bridging critical gaps in segment presence and operational capability. IHCL made headlines recently with its 204 crore acquisition of a 51% stake each in ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality. The deal brings 135 hotels from The Clarks Hotels & Resorts portfolio into its fold, many set to be rebranded under Ginger. This significantly strengthens IHCLs midscale presence and puts the brand on track to operate 250 Ginger hotels nationwide. Accor and InterGlobe Enterprises have also stepped up their game, acquiring a majority stake in Treebo Hotels. With more than 800 properties across 120 cities, Treebo offers deep domestic reach, a tech-driven model, and strong budget-segment expertise. This alliance positions the combined Accor-Treebo portfolio as Indias third-largest hospitality player, with a target of 300 Accor-branded hotels by 2030. Marriott International is expanding its footprint through a partnership with CG Hospitality and launching a new midscale and upscale-focused brand, Series by Marriott, in India. Backed by a minority equity investment, the deal integrates 84 operational Fern Hotels, approximately 6,000 rooms, into Marriotts portfolio, supporting rapid growth in the midscale and upscale categories. Adding to the momentum, Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC has partnered with SAMHI Hotels to create an upscale and upper-upscale investment platform. With a 35% stake acquired for about 752 crore, the platform launches with five hotels and over 1,000 rooms, helping SAMHI deleverage and fuel expansion. Meanwhile, the rumored merger of Radisson Hotels and Sarovar Hotels, if finalized, could create the largest hotel portfolio in India by number of properties, further accelerating consolidation in the sector. Whats Fueling the Momentum Today? These developments come at a time when Indias hospitality sector is on a strong growth trajectory. With a branded supply of around 199,000 hotel keys, the industry supported an estimated 2.5 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023 and 9.65 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024. With just one room for every 12,600 travelers, India has one of the lowest room-to-traveler ratios globally, highlighting a substantial gap in branded supply. India also has a strikingly low number of leisure hotels. Despite robust domestic tourism, supply has not kept pace with demand, leading to higher average rates and making consolidation a compelling strategy for rapid expansion. As demand continues to surge, particularly in Tier-2, 3 & 4 markets, companies are seeking quicker and more efficient ways to scale. While organic growth remains a key pillar, it is time-consuming and capital-intensive. By contrast, strategic acquisitions offer a faster path to market expansion by providing access to operational systems, distribution networks, and local expertise. Todays wave of deals marks a shift in strategy: brands are not just adding room inventory but diversifying across segments and geographies. The focus is now on building a stronger, more diversified presence across segments. The Accor-Treebo partnership, the Marriott-CG Hospitality alliance, and IHCLs recent acquisitions all center on the budget and midscale categories, which are expected to anchor the next wave of growth. There is also growing interest in tech-enabled platforms that offer operational efficiencies, improved guest acquisition, and dynamic pricing models. As the sector matures, more mergers and acquisitions are expected to follow. Listed hotel companies, in particular, are well-positioned to expand both organically and inorganically, backed by fresh capital raised through IPOs. With thousands of unbranded hotels still operating in India, the pipeline for strategic deals remains strong. These moves also signal growing investor confidence in Indias long-term hospitality potential and are likely to attract increased attention from private equity and institutional investors. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian hospitality. As the worlds fourth-largest economy, Indias rising per capita income and discretionary spending will fuel sustained growth in the travel sector. By bridging gaps in scale, capability, and market presence, strategic deals provide a compelling, accelerated path to growth, one we can expect to see more of in the years ahead. Mandeep S. Lamba, President South Asia, oversees the HVS practice in South Asia. Mandeep has spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry having worked with International Hotel Companies such as Choice Hotels, IHG and Radisson Hotels before becoming President for ITC Fortune Hotels in 2001. Having successfully built the Fortune brand in Indias mid-scale hospitality sector, Mandeep ventured into an entrepreneurial stint for over 8 years, setting up JV companies with Dawnay Day Group UK and Onyx Hospitality Thailand before joining JLL in 2014, as Managing Director, Hotels & Hospitality Group South Asia. An established industry leader, Mandeep has won several awards and recognitions for his accomplishments. Recently, he was featured in the Hotelier India Power List of the most respected hoteliers in India for the second year in a row. Contact Mandeep at +91 981 1306 161 or mlamba@hvs.com. Dipti Mohan, Senior Manager - Research with HVS South Asia, is a seasoned knowledge professional with extensive experience in research-based content creation. She has authored several point of view documents such as thought leadership reports, expert opinion articles, white papers and research reports. Contact Dipti at dmohan@hvs.com. WTTCs Global Summit to Host Top Italian Travel & Tourism Leaders - Image Credit WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Councils (WTTC) upcoming 25th Global Summit will feature some of Italy's most prominent Travel & Tourism leaders, including the global body's Chair-Elect, Manfredi Lefebvre, one of the most recognised names in the industry. The Summit will take place in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT S.p.A (the Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, in the Eternal City from September 28 to 30. Business leaders from some of Italys biggest brands set to join Lefebvre on stage include, Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio, CEO Sole Founder; Massimo Caputi, President & Owner Terme & Spa Italia; Paolo Barletta, CEO Arsenale Spa; and Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman of Cruise. Among the other distinguished Italian speakers who will address delegates are Alessandra Necci, Director & Writer, Estense Galleries; Elisabetta Fabri, President & CEO, Starhotels Group; Gabriele Burgio, CEO, Alpitour World; Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Executive Chairman, Italo; and Nerio Alessandri, Founder & CEO, Technogym. Leaders from both the public and private sectors will convene at the Auditorium Parco della Musica to forge a path forward for a sector that has proven its strength in creating jobs, strengthening economies, and fostering connections between diverse cultures. Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, and WTTC President-Elect, said: "As we gather in this beautiful city, which happens to be my city of birth, I am optimistic about the future of our industry. With Italy's incredible lineup of iconic destinations, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, we hold the potential to shape the future of Travel & Tourism for generations to come, enhancing the travel experience overall. Italy's Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanche, who will also be addressing delegates at this year's Global Summit, added: "Italy has returned to a central role in the global tourism landscape. The fact that the most prestigious event in the sector is taking place in our Nation is a clear testament to its internationally recognized centrality. This Summit not only represents an opportunity to highlight our wonderful destinations but also an unmissable chance to attract significant investments. Tourism is a fundamental economic, social, and cultural engine, which concerns all of us and has the power to enrich our lives and our communities." Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A., said: "Our country is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Thanks to our territorial uniqueness, we are able to attract different groups of tourists, offering them unique experiences. Made in Italy is a value appreciated globally and ENIT's task is to make its full potential known. From art to nature, from food and wine to trade fairs and sporting events, Italy is competitive on all fronts, as evidenced by the fact that at the end of the month we will host an event of global appeal such as the WTTC Summit". From destination stewardship to artificial intelligence and sustainable aviation, the WTTCs 2025 Global Summit will explore the most critical and compelling advancements shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. According to the global tourism bodys latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), the Travel & Tourism sector in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of 60.4BN in 2025. The sector, according to the WTTCs study data, is estimated to support 3.2MN jobs this year 100,000 more than last year and contribute 237.4BN to the Italian economy. These hotels are among the lowest-priced properties for travelers in Montreal. Currently, the lowest price for a hotel in Montreal is $33. The cheapest hotel is Hotel Abri du Voyageur priced at $33. Price data was last updated on December 12, 2025. What is the best way for guests to get from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Airport to Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel? Getting from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Airport to Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel can be as easy as renting a car at the airports rental desk for, on average, $29/day in Montreal. Luckily, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel has parking on site for guests who choose this method of transportation. Rideshare apps and taxis remain a very common solution for Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel guests. This is often the most cost-effective method of transportation when visiting Montreal. President James Birge, left, shares a laugh at that annual MCLA opening breakfast with Trustees Chair Buffy Lord and Thomas Bernard. MCLA President Birge Announces Retirement James Birge announces that he will be retiring at the college 12th president next June. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The annual MCLA opening breakfast reflects on the year ahead the incoming students, new faculty and programs, challenges and goals. President James Birge wrapped up the breakfast by saying Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is in a good place financially and programmatically, and that this was a "logical time" to retire. "After 10 years as president of MCLA and 42 years of working in higher education, I've decided it's time to retire," he told the packed Centennial Room on Tuesday morning. "I plan to leave MCLA at the conclusion of the academic year on June 30, 2026." As he stepped away from the podium, the room rose for a standing ovation as he got a hug from his wife, Lisa. A former president of Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, Birge is from Lee. He was selected as the college's 12th president in 2015 out of 178 applicants. He holds a doctorate in leadership studies from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., a masters of education in guidance and counseling from Plymouth (N.H.) State University and a bachelor's in elementary education from Westfield State University. He'd joked at his investiture that he'd had no calling to be a college president too difficult, too demanding and fraught with financial pressures. But, he "discovered that the role of president is much more life giving than anyone who hasn't been a president can realize." Birge's led the college through some difficult years recently, as the pandemic and a drop in enrollment has affected not only MCLA but other small colleges throughout the region. He's leaving with enrollment on the rise, new programs in place and the institution on strong financial footing. "Despite the real challenges of being a college president, these last few years, I found a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve MCLA as its 12th president," he said. "Some days are filled with responsibility, responsibilities that are unenviable, but on most days, I am reminded of how consequential our work is together, and that the outcomes we want for our students are worth all of the hard work." Afterward, Birge said he hadn't spent long considering retirement and had come to the conclusion with his wife. "I think really, it came to a head earlier this year when two of our daughters had children," he said. "So we have two granddaughters. So at that time, I think Lisa and I both started thinking it would be nice to spend a little time. And frankly, I think 42 years is enough for anybody." It will be up to the new Board of Trustees to begin the search for a new president. The 11-member board's weclomed five new trustees this summer plus a new student trustee. Three new members were appointed last summer, including new Chair Buffy Lord. Lord said the new board of trustees had met for orientation last month and that she was "very excited" at their enthusiasm and collaborative discussions. The board will engage a search firm and establish a search committee consisting of faculty, staff, students and alumni. "We've launched a five-year strategic plan. We will successfully complete the most ambitious fundraising campaign in recent years by year's end, a slate of new trustees begins this fall, and as I noted, MCLA is on stable financial ground," Birge said. "All of these things make MCLA a very attractive presidency, and I suspect there will be a very strong pool of candidates to consider." Over the next nine, he said he will be working the board to bring some projects to fruition and continue working toward other goals. "The big one is to roll out our strategic plan. I'm very excited about that. It has lots of really important work for us to accomplish. We, of course, want to continue to make expand our commitment diversity, equity, inclusion, so that's going to be a primary responsibility for all of us," he said. "I think that while we've had some increases in enrollment this year, we're still not where we need to be, and I want us to keep growing there, and think we've got the right team in admissions to do that, and frankly, trying to enjoy all the great things that happen here." 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 China will host its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday as Xi Jinping positions himself as the biggest leader in the East to counter Donald Trump's aggressive trade and geopolitical policies. President Xi will be joined by Russia's Vladimir Putin, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in a first instance of the four leaders coming together in a display of strength as Beijing showcases its latest generation of military technology. The gathering of what Western analysts have dubbed as the "Axis of Upheaval", which includes a cohort of leaders of mostly 25 non-Nato countries, could build on a mutual defence pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024. The North Korean leader crossed into China early on Tuesday aboard his special train, en route to capital Beijing. Mr Xi and Mr Putin gathered at the Great Hall of the People for a meeting with Mongolia's leader, expected to touch on a vast gas pipeline project. The Russian president thanked his "dear friend" Xi for the warm welcome and said the close communication showed Russia's relations with China were at an "unprecedentedly high level". Chinas display of mammoth military power on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans Second World War surrender is poised to eclipse the tepid military parade held for Mr Trumps 79th birthday last June. The parade is a flex aimed squarely at Mr Trump and his Western allies, which is likely to stoke the American president's ire even further. open image in gallery Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing ( Reuters ) The anticipated parade Pictures leaked on Chinese social media showed the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was preparing to show off a lineup of new land and water-based weapons systems on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans Second World War surrender. The parade is likely to be one of the largest in Chinas history, potentially eclipsing the 2015 parade marking the 70th anniversary. That event involved more than 12,000 soldiers and included international contingents from Russia, Belarus, Mongolia, Cambodia, and other nations. President Xi, who is also the head of the military, will deliver a speech on the occasion, which will feature new-type combat capabilities, including hypersonic weapons and a range of electronic gear, Beijing has announced. He will review the assembled troops through the sunroof of a Chinese-made Red Flag limousine affixed with microphones and periodically say "Greetings, comrades", reports say. He will be joined by world leaders to watch the rest of the parade that will pass through Tiananmen Square. Domestically, the commemoration is an effort to show how far the country has come, and in doing so, build support for the party and its leader. China was a major front in the Second World War, a fact often overlooked in accounts that focus more on the fight for Europe and US naval battles in the Pacific. It's a really important part of the Communist Party's legitimising narrative as the leader of the Chinese people," said Emily Matson, a scholar of modern Chinese history who teaches at Georgetown and George Washington universities. Hundreds of aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers as well as ground equipment, some of which have never been seen in public before, will be featured in the parade, military officials said at a press conference. From trucks fitted with devices to take out drones, new tanks and early warning aircraft to protect China's aircraft carriers, military attaches and security analysts say they are expecting China to display a host of new weapons and equipment at the parade. China has the worlds largest standing military, with more than two million personnel , and an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of missiles, aircraft carriers, and fighter aircraft. "China will showcase a new generation of nuclear weapons," analyst Song Zhongping told AFP. Nuclear weapons and other military hardware "will help equalise the military power balance between China and the US", he said. open image in gallery A Chinese YU-20 aerial tanker and J-20 stealth fighter jets fly past the capital city tallest skyscraper China Zun Tower and office buildings in the central business district during a rehearsal ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Who is participating? About 26 leaders, including the reclusive North Korean leader, will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Xi on Wednesday. For Mr Kim, who crossed into China on his special train early on Tuesday, it will be his first major multilateral event and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade in 66 years. "The presence of Vladimir Putin, (Iran's) Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong Un underscores China's role as the world's leading authoritarian power," said Neil Thomas, a Chinese politics expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. The increase in leaders from Central Asian, West Asian, and Southeast Asian countries attending this year's parade compared to the last one in 2015 highlight's Beijing's progress in regional diplomacy, he added. Slovakian prime minster Robert Fico, the only Nato member, and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic both critical of sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine are the only Western leaders attending. Earlier this week, President Xi rallied leaders of developing nations to advocate for a more equal, multipolar world and promote the "correct historical perspective" of WWII at a regional security forum in the port city of Tianjin. The parade too is part of a "memory war" in which China and Russia offer an alternative history to a Western narrative they believe underplays their role in fighting fascist forces, the Brookings Institution wrote in a paper last week. Other guests expected to arrive in Beijing include Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, president Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, and Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif. open image in gallery Chinese soldiers rehearses at a camp ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Military hardware on display The tightly choreographed 70minute parade offers a rare public window into Chinas rapidly evolving military edge in a stark reminder not lost on Washington. Beijing has claimed that all equipment on display are domestically produced and currently in service, with a redirected focus on the naval power as China escalates its pressure on Taiwan. "China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to prevent the United States from posing a serious threat to China's national security," Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former Chinese army instructor, told AFP, referring to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te on Tuesday warned that the aggression will inevitably fail, pointing to the lessons from WWII and key victories Taiwan claims against Chinese forces in 1958. open image in gallery Chinese military helicopters fly over the central business district during a rehearsal ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Navy power China is likely to display at least two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), according to leaked photos from the parade rehearsals. The vessels, estimated to be around 60ft long, were seen being carried across the city on massive transport vehicles, Naval News reported. Their torpedo-shaped hulls and pump-jet propulsion systems revealed that the underwater vehicles were built to be stealthy. Images showed one of the sea drones being marked as AJX002, while another type was photographed only under wraps. Six of the drones were reportedly spotted during the rehearsal. Four matched the AJX002 profile, while two appeared slightly larger. The AJX002 features four lifting lugs along its hull, indicating that it is crane-assisted. China operates the world's largest XLUUV programme with at least five distinct types already in the water, Naval News reported. Armoured vehicles The PLA will showcase its Type 99A main battle tank, which was developed as a replacement for the second-generation Type 88 tank, according to the South China Morning Post. The development process for the Type 99 series, also known as the ZTZ-99, began in 1989 based on the design of the Soviet-era T-72 chassis. Weighing at around 55 tonnes, Type 99A tanks are the most advanced variant of the Type 99 series and have been deployed by the PLA since 2011. It features an upgraded 105mm main gun, an enlarged turret, a four-sided radar, and an integrated propulsion system. The main battle tank operates with a crew of three and measures up to 36ft in length. The Type 99A main battle tank is equipped with an advanced targeting system that allows the gunner to engage one target while the commander independently tracks the next, the SCMP reported. Its upgraded fire-control system features a third-generation thermal imager, meteorological sensors, and a ballistic computer, enabling precise engagement of targets at ranges up to 5km. Nuclear-capable ballistic missiles A intercontinental ballistic missile system and hypersonic anti-ship missiles are among the advanced weaponry the Communist government will display at the parade. Photos on Chinese social media captured a new anti-ship missile from the YJ series being taken across the city for the parade rehearsals. The new YJ-15 missile was spotted along with the YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles. The YJ missiles, short for "Ying Ji" or eagle attack", can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels. These sightings indicate China is advancing rapidly in hypersonic weapons technology, a field that has drawn global attention for its ability to evade traditional defence systems. Also visible in the images was a new transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle carrying a large, tarp-covered missile canister, which could be a new ballistic missile system. The anti-ship missiles and weapons with hypersonic capabilities will be particularly closely watched as the US and its allies prepare to counter China in any future regional conflict. Loyal wingman drone An uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), believed to be a Collaborative Combat Aircraft or loyal wingman drone, was spotted on the streets of Beijing during the rehearsals. Experts say the UCAV, which was spotted at the back of a truck, resembles either the Chinese FH-97 or the American YFQ-42A. Andreas Rupprecht, a Chinese military aviation expert, said that the scale of rehearsals alone already exceeds expectations. Just focusing on the aviation segment and what China is expected to showcase the rehearsals for the parade alone are already exceeding everything one could have expected, he told news outlet Defence Blog. 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 China unveiled a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, underwater drones and hypersonic missiles as part of an imposing display of military hardware during its Victory Day parade on Wednesday. Thought to be the largest military parade in Chinas history, the event marked the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat and the end of the Second World War. And while the parade was largely shunned by Western countries, Xi Jinping was flanked by Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un alongside around two-dozen leaders from mostly developing countries and those keen to challenge the US-led world order. The world's second-largest economy, which allocated about 186bn for their 2025 defence budget, showcased hypersonic missiles, a new generation of nuclear triad, long-range missiles, anti-drone systems, strategic bombers, and stealth drones most of them for the first time. The parade began with an 80-gun artillery salute to mark the 80 years since the end of the war. Helicopters trailing large banners and fighter jets flew in formation above during the showcase thick with symbolism and propaganda which culminated in the release of 80,000 peace doves and colourful balloons. open image in gallery CHINA-DESFILE MILITAR-FOTOS ( AP ) In his speech, the Chinese president warned that the world must choose between "peace and war". Before the military units began marching, Xi drove past their formations along Beijing's central Chang'an Avenue in a classic black limousine. He stood in the vehicle's sunroof with four microphones lined in front of him and greeted flanks of personnel as he passed them and rows of missiles and military vehicles. Marching in the parade were traditional People's Liberation Army units from the police, navy and army, but also new ones like the cyberspace unit for the first time. open image in gallery APTOPIX China Parade ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Hypersonic missiles designed to take out ships at sea, a liquid-fuelled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile with the "entire world under its strike range" and space defence systems that could take out foreign satellites, were among some of the most impressive military hardware that China revealed for the world to witness its potential, according to the state media Global Times. These weapons are of particular concern to the US Navy, which patrols the western Pacific from its 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan. YJ missiles The Chinese military displayed the new YJ-15 missile along with its pre-existing YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles. The YJ missiles, short for "Ying Ji" or eagle attack", can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels. China is rapidly advancing in hypersonic weapons technology, a field that has drawn global attention for its ability to evade traditional defence systems. The anti-ship YJ-21, known as the carrier killer, is intended to be used against high-value naval targets. The YJ-21 is capable of supersonic speeds and likely has a range over 600km, according to a Bloomberg report. open image in gallery Xipremium ( AP/Youtube ) Sea drones China displayed two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs). The sea drone AJX002 is estimated to be around 60ft long, according to reports. Their torpedo-shaped hulls and pump-jet propulsion systems revealed that the underwater vehicles were built to be stealthy. The AJX002 features four lifting lugs along its hull, indicating that it is crane-assisted. China operates the world's largest XLUUV programme with at least five distinct types already in the water, according to reports. open image in gallery China's AJX002 ( AP/YouTube ) Nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles China showcased three types of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles Dong Feng-61 , Dong Feng-31BJ, and the Dong Feng 5C for the first time during the victory day parade. The Chinese Army also revealed its first air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, which was displayed on a military truck. The JL-1 and JL-3, together with the DF-61 and DF-31, mark the first concentrated display of the Chinese army's land, sea and air triad strategic nuclear forces", according to state media CCTV. open image in gallery Xipremium ( AP/YouTube ) According to Global Times, the Dong Feng 5C has an estimated range of more than 20,000km and features improvements in defence penetration and precision. The DF-5C intercontinental strategic nuclear missile has the entire globe under its strike range, the state media added. Experts say the new variant of the Dong Feng 5C is capable of carrying up to 12 warheads on a single missile. open image in gallery Members of the People's Liberation Army stand as the strategic strike group displays DF-5C nuclear missiles during a military parade ( Reuters ) Other Chinese missiles also featured in the parade that have previously been seen and documented, included cruise missiles the Changjian-20A, Yingji-18C, Changjian-1000 and hypersonic missiles such as the Dong Feng-17 and Dong Feng-26D, which China's state media said were equipped with "all-weather combat capabilities". Space defence system open image in gallery China HQ-29 ( AP/YouTube ) The HQ-29 space defence system, capable of taking down foreign satellites, was displayed for the first time at the parade in a prominent display of aerial power. While not much is known about its exact capabilities, the large size implies an extreme range similar to the US Navys SM-3 Block IIA, which can be launched from land or ship. Laser weapons The Chinese military displayed two versions of ship-based directed energy" laser weapons at the parade. While one of them was clearly designed for naval air defence, the other one, mounted on a truck, was meant to protect ground troops. Beijing has been developing laser weapons as a defence against drone attacks and other low-end threats due to the weapons being cost-effective when compared to using a missile or radar-directed gun. The full range of its anti-drone systems on display at the parade included a missile gun, high-energy laser weapons and high-power microwave weapons. open image in gallery Air-defense laser weapons are displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov ( Reuters ) Fighter jets and bombers A number of squadrons of fighter jets and bombers overhead during the parade, some painting the sky with rows of different-coloured exhaust fumes. Helicopters flew in formation, with one group of 26 spelling out the number "80" to signify the WW2 anniversary. open image in gallery A military aircraft followed by jet fighters fly in formation during the parade ( Getty ) Robot Dogs open image in gallery China military parade dog ( XRoboHub/YouTube ) China displayed a legion of robot dogs, highlighting Beijings growing emphasis on what it describes as intelligentised warfare. The robots, paraded on top of armoured vehicles, could be utilised in the battlefield or weaponised and used in direct combat. 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 tourist from the Philippines collapsed and died during a ride at Hong Kong Disneyland, prompting the amusement park to temporarily suspend the attraction involved until later this month. The 53-year-old man with a heart condition was on the Frozen Ever After ride with his wife when he lost consciousness at around 10am on 29 August. He was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead in less than two hours. An initial investigation showed the incident was not related to ride safety", the park said, but the ride was suspended until 19 August due to "operational adjustments. The Filipino tourist's wife immediately informed staff after the man passed out during the ride, local media reported. A Disneyland spokesperson told the South China Morning Post that cast members arranged for a first aider to check on him and perform CPR as the boat was preparing to dock. The tourist was taken to North Lantau Hospital, which is located on the same island as Disneyland and close to the citys international airport. The resort deeply regrets the passing of the guest and will do its utmost to provide necessary assistance to his family, the spokesperson said. The tourist reportedly had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure which required him to take regular medication. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong confirmed the incident over the weekend and said it was assisting the family in repatriating the mans body. The consulate general continues to coordinate with the local authorities and institutions concerned while respecting the familys privacy during this difficult time, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said. The Frozen Ever After ride, part of the World of Frozen land, has been operational since late 2023. The ride is open to guests of all ages and heights, but pregnant women are advised against going on. 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 Indias prime minister Narendra Modi has described talks with Vladimir Putin as insightful after the two leaders spent about 45 minutes together in the Russian presidents armoured limousine during a regional summit in China. The unusual meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the port city of Tianjin, where Mr Modi and Mr Putin joined Chinas president Xi Jinping for discussions seen as a counterweight to US influence in Asia. Photographs released from the summit showed the three leaders walking together in an apparent show of unity. Mr Modi later posted a picture of himself alongside Mr Putin inside the Russian leaders Aurus limousine, writing: Conversations with him are always insightful. According to the Kremlin, the two men spoke one-on-one for about 45 minutes in the car before holding formal talks with their delegations. At their bilateral meeting, Mr Modi said: Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder. Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity. Mr Putin addressed the Indian leader as a dear friend and praised the decades-long partnership between the two countries. Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades, friendly and trusting. This is the foundation for the development of our relations in the future, he said. The encounter comes at a time of mounting trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, saying the move is punishment for Indias continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us until now a totally one-sided relationship, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as Mr Modi met Russian president along with Chinas president Xi Jinping. India has become one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, taking advantage of discounted prices as Western countries introduced sanctions and price caps. Roughly 37 per cent of Indias oil imports now come from Russia, according to analysts and officials. New Delhi has defended the trade as essential for meeting the needs of its 1.4 billion people and dismissed Washingtons penalties as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. Russia's president Vladimir Putin speaks with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Despite US pressure, India and Russia have expanded economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching a record $68.7bn in the past financial year. The two governments have also explored ways to settle payments in rupees and roubles to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Mr Modi, who last met Mr Putin in October 2024 at a Brics summit in Russia, reiterated his call for peace in Ukraine and welcomed recent efforts aimed at stopping the war. On Saturday, he spoke by telephone with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to reaffirm his support for a negotiated settlement. Mr Putin, meanwhile, thanked China and India for their efforts to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, but said Russia had no plans to meet President Zelensky despite Mr Trumps repeated demands for talks. The US president has claimed he could end the war in one day. He is expected to travel to India later this year for the annual bilateral summit, underlining a partnership that dates back to the Cold War and remains central to New Delhis strategy of balancing relations with rival powers. 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 Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that the "understandings" he reached with Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska have opened a way to peace in Ukraine. The Russian leader, who is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum in China's Tianjin City, said he would discuss the Alaska meeting with leaders attending the summit. Mr Putin was seen chatting and laughing with host Xi Jinping and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the summit. Mr Modi held the Russian leaders hand as they walked towards Chinese president Xi, before sharing a car ride with Mr Modi to their venue for bilateral talks. Presidents Xi and Putin took turns to take a swipe at the West during the summit that aimed at putting Beijing front and centre of regional relations. Chinese officials have touted the SCO summit as the largest in the blocs history, with around 20 leaders attending from countries across Asia and the Middle East. The candid footage of the three leaders at the summit captured a powerful narrative of deepening alliances between India, China, and Russia the key members of the Brics bloc. Their growing camaraderie seems poised to challenge the Western grip on global trade in a pushback against the American presidents punitive tariffs. President Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries, in a veiled reference to the US. The security and development tasks facing member states have become even more challenging," he added in his address. "Looking to the future, with the world undergoing turbulence and transformation, we must continue to follow the Shanghai spirit... and better perform the functions of the organisation," Mr Xi said. open image in gallery Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak during a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China# ( Sputnik ) The Russian leader used his speech to defend Moscows offensive in Ukraine, placing the blame squarely on the Nato security alliance. Mr Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has made clear his intention not to stop fighting until he has annexed large swathes of the country, including the eastern Donbas. He euphemistically referred to the war as a crisis in his speech at the SCO. "We highly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China and India aimed at facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis," Mr Putin told the forum. "The understandings reached at the recent Russia-US meeting in Alaska, I hope, also contribute toward this goal," he added. In order for a Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, the root causes of the crisis, which I have just mentioned and which I have repeatedly mentioned before, must be eliminated," Mr Putin said. Part of the source of the conflict "lies in the ongoing attempts by the West to bring Ukraine into Nato," Mr Putin reiterated. He said the Wests attempts to draw Ukraine into Nato pose a direct threat to Russias security. "A fair balance in the security sphere" must be also restored, he said, shorthand for a series of Russian demands about Nato and European security. He said he had already detailed to Mr Xi on Sunday the outcomes of his talks with the US president Trump, and the work "already underway" to resolve the conflict. Despite his ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Mr Putin later in his speech said his support of UN principles, including respect for the independence of states, was true and unshakable. open image in gallery China SCO ( AP ) "Its charter includes the key principles of the supremacy of international law, the right of nations to self-determination, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the independence and national interests of each state," he said. "These principles are true and unshakable to this day. The SCO's activities are built on them." Mr Trump last week claimed that him and Mr Putin got along during the August summit and suggested the war may continue a little longer. I dont know. We got along, he told The Daily Caller. You saw it, weve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually. Thats why I really thought we would have this done. 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. Indias Modi met Mr Putin on the sidelines of the summit on Monday and hailed bilateral ties between the two countries. Washington slapped New Delhi with 50 per cent tariffs last week as a punitive measure for purchasing Russian oil, which the Trump administration says helps finance Russias war in Ukraine. Mr Modi was often seen warmly embracing and holding hands with the Russian president, a clear display of solidarity in the face of Trumps tariffs. "Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder," Mr Modi said. "Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity." China and India are by far the biggest purchasers of crude from Russia, the world's second-largest exporter. The SCO summit, which includes 16 additional countries as observers or "dialogue partners," began on Sunday, just days before a grand military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of Second World War. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chinese president Xi Jinping hailed his relationship with old friend Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as the two held talks in Beijing ahead of a landmark military parade. China is hosting Mr Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the two aggressors in the Ukraine war in Beijing ahead of the parade on Wednesday, with the three forming part of what analysts have dubbed an Axis of Upheaval bent on ending the US-dominated world order. This weeks events represent an important moment for all three leaders, with both Mr Kim and Mr Putin having been rendered pariahs on the international stage over their roles in the invasion of Ukraine. The three are expected to stand side-by-side as they oversee Wednesday mornings parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. While Mr Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend the regional Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and has stayed on to attend the parade, the North Korean leader reached Beijing on Tuesday afternoon after travelling by land from Pyongyang using his slow, bullet-proof personal train. Long-time allies China and Russia have only bolstered their relationship since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, inviting a raft of sanctions of Western nations. Although China has said it is neutral in the Ukraine war and only supports peace, it has provided economic and diplomatic lifelines to Russia by purchasing its oil and ramping up trade and cooperation. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping attend a meeting in Beijing ( Reuters ) Chinese-Russian relations have stood the test of international changes and serve as a model of interstate relations, eternal good-neighbourliness, friendship, comprehensive strategic interaction, mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win, Mr Xi told the Russian president as the two sat down for their formal meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Beijing is ready to work with Moscow to push for a more just and reasonable global order, he said. China is willing to maintain close high-level interactions with Russia, Mr Xi said. He also vowed to coordinate positions with Russia in a timely manner on issues relating to each others concerns and core interests. In response, Mr Putin called Mr Xi a dear friend and said that Moscows relations with Beijing were at an unprecedentedly high level. Their regular contact reflects the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese ties, Mr Putin said. "We were always together then, we remain together now," Mr Putin said. open image in gallery Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin walk at the personal residence of the Chinese leader Zhongnanhai in Beijing ( Reuters ) The military parade, which is expected to showcase Chinas military might, is Mr Xis way of countering America and other wealthy nations, experts have said. "China is trying to say that it was a key member leading the establishment of the postwar global order," said Shin Kawashima, a China expert at the University of Tokyo, adding, "and that it has now reached a stage where it is catching up with and overtaking the United States. This is also the first time North Koreas reclusive leader Mr Kim will appear at an international event gathering together multiple world leaders. His attendance on Wednesday represents one of Mr Kims most significant foreign policy steps since the staging of summits with President Trump during the Republicans first term, analysts and South Korean officials said. open image in gallery A North Korean flag flutters from a train believed to be carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as it arrives in Beijing ( Reuters ) "It's elevating North Korea's position to kind of the big boys, and then Kim can project that image back home like he did with his summit with Donald Trump, he can really show off his world statesman side," John Delury, a senior fellow at The Asia Society told Reuters, calling Mr Kim a global brand. 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 Xi Jinping criticised what he called bullying behaviour from Western nations as he outlined a new world order at a showpiece summit with Vladimir Putin in China. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit alongside his Russian, Indian and Iranian counterparts, Mr Xi called for a new framework of global security and pitched an economic vision to counter US dominance. We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practise true multilateralism, Mr Xi said, in a thinly veiled swipe at the US and Donald Trumps tariff policies. He added that bullying behaviour and a Cold War mentality should be challenged. While opposing powers Russia, Iran and Belarus face mounting US and EU sanctions, India has also been hit with a 50 per cent tariff over its purchases of discounted Russian oil. China has so far avoided US tariffs linked to its own heavy Russian oil purchases, though Beijing and Washington previously imposed tariffs exceeding 100 per cent on each other before agreeing to a temporary reduction amid ongoing trade talks. Russia also faces the threat of steep US tariffs as it stalls peace efforts in Ukraine. open image in gallery In a display of solidarity, Putin and Modi walked hand-in-hand toward Xi before the summit opened ( AFP/Getty ) Until now, SCO, often dismissed as an anti-Nato forum for states that are not in the alliance, has lacked a clear economic or security role. But Mr Xi urged members to change that, calling for a development bank to boost mutual investment and offering $1.4bn (1bn) in loans and grants. Global governance has reached a new crossroads, he said. The shadows of Cold War mentality, bullying, are not dissipating, and there are new challenges that are increasing, not diminishing. In a display of solidarity, Putin and Narendra Modi walked hand-in-hand toward Mr Xi before the summit opened, and the three leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing. Its hard to tell if the scene was choreographed or improvised, but it doesnt really matter, wrote Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of research agency The China-Global South Project. open image in gallery Having challenged Western dominance of institutions like the UN and IMF, China is presenting itself as a defender of the world order while pushing reforms to empower the Global South a goal also shared by Modi ( AP ) If the US president and his acolytes thought they could use tariffs to pressure China, India, or Russia into submission, that (encounter) says otherwise. The meeting marks a shift in India-China relations, as US tariffs over Russian oil pushed Mr Modi to visit China for the first time in seven years after past tensions. The SCO was founded more than two decades ago as a regional bloc by China, Russia and four central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017 and Iran joined in 2023. Today, Belarus, and Mongolia have observer status and 14 other countries have a dialogue partner status. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice North Korean leader Kim Jong Un entered China aboard his armoured train for his rare visit outside the country to attend a military parade in Beijing. Mr Kim, his foreign minister Choe Son Hui, and other senior officials left Pyongyang late Monday to attend the Victory Day parade on Wednesday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported earlier Tuesday, citing a statement from its foreign ministry. The North Korea leader is believed to be travelling with his wife Ri Sol Ju and his powerful sister Kim Yo Jong, Yonhap reported, citing South Koreas spy agency National Information Society Agency. The intelligence service said Mr Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Russian president Vladimir Putin, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended NIA's closed-door briefing to lawmakers. His train crossed the Chinese border early in the morning on Tuesday, it said and is expected to reach Beijing late in the day following a 24-hour trip in his heavy and slow-moving train. The North Korean dictator is widely believed to avoid air travel for long distances due to a personal fear of flying and travels in his specially designed luxurious train with his cars, gourmet meals, and imported wines. The bullet-proof, armoured train called Taeyangho is also dubbed a moving fortress. According to Yonhap News, it runs only at 60km (37 miles) per hour and is expected to take 20 hours to get to Beijing. Mr Kim arrived in China at the invitation of Xi Jinping to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, KCNA said. open image in gallery North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (L) as he departs from Pyongyang by special train to visit China ( KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image ) open image in gallery North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels by train as he leaves Pyongyang to attend China's celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) The North Korean leader will join Russian president Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping in a rare public display of three-way unity against the US. Mr Kim will join 25 other world leaders who are set to join Beijing as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It would mark Mr Kim's first appearance at a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, and it would also be the first time leaders of Russia, China, and North Korea would share a stage. However, none of the three countries has confirmed a private trilateral leaders' meeting. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, talk as they watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II ( RIA Novosti ) The leader of the reclusive country rarely travels abroad and takes part in gatherings. He last set foot outside the country in 2023 to visit Russia for talks with Mr Putin as the two countries have drawn closer amid their growing rift with the US. China, which shares a long border with North Korea, has remained a key economic and diplomatic ally of Pyongyang and helped in keeping its economy afloat amid crippling economic sanctions from the US and its allies. However, it is seen as an uneasy alliance by experts as China has also remained its most influential critic and supported UN sanctions in response to North Koreas nuclear programme while seeking stability in its neighbourhood. The visit would be watched closely as Americas three most vocal adversaries meet amid growing Western concerns over North Koreas supply of troops and weaponry to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A South Korean man was arrested in Japan on suspicion of killing his girlfriend, just days after she had sought police protection from him, authorities said. Police identified the suspect as Park Yongjun, 30, who was detained at the Haneda airport near Tokyo Monday afternoon. He was accused of stabbing Bang Ji Won, 40, a South Korean national, in Setagaya Ward. She was found bleeding in a street outside a building where she worked and was taken to a local hospital unconscious, but later pronounced dead. The incident took place in a residential neighbourhood about 500m northeast of the Komazawa University train station. Police said they received an emergency call from a bystander at about 1.35pm local time reporting that a woman covered in blood had collapsed on the street and a man had fled the scene. Mr Park was refusing to answer questions, investigators said. Bang reported to police on Friday that Mr Park had assaulted her after she told him she wanted to end their relationship, police said. Officers advised Bang to stay at an acquaintances home and told Mr Park, who had arrived in the country in August, to stay away from her. Despite the warning, Mr Park was allegedly seen near Bangs residence on Saturday, prompting police to caution him again. Officers later escorted him to the Haneda airport after finding he had a ticket to return to South Korea, but admitted they subsequently lost track of him. Police continue to investigate the case. Stabbing attacks are more common than other violent crimes in Japan due to strict gun control laws. The country has witnessed a number of cases involving random knife attacks and arson on subways in recent years. In response, a company said last year it was introducing blade-resistant umbrellas on Japanese trains to enhance passenger safety. The stab-proof umbrellas are about 20cm longer than standard umbrellas, with reinforced canopies and thicker handles for better defence. 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 41-year-old man in the southern Indian state of Karnataka died after being bitten by a venomous snake that was reportedly hiding in his footwear. Manju Prakash, a software engineer working from Bengalurus Bannerghatta district, lost his life after being bitten by a Russells Viper nestled in his Crocs on Saturday. Police reports indicated that the incident occurred around 12.30pm local time, when Prakash had stepped out briefly to buy sugarcane juice for his mother. After returning home, he handed the juice to his sister-in-law and instructed her to give it to his mother before going to rest, The Hindu reported. He lived in the residential Ranganatha Layout area with his wife, two children, his mother, and his brothers family. About an hour after he arrived home, family members discovered him unresponsive, frothing at the mouth, with a bite mark visible on his toe. His relatives suggested that due to lingering numbness in his leg from an earlier accident, he may not have sensed the snake bite, according to The Indian Express. Prakash, who was involved in a bus accident in 2016, underwent leg surgery and subsequently lost sensation in the affected leg. On returning home, Prakash went to his room and slept. After nearly an hour, a labourer who visited our house noticed a snake just outside the pair of Crocs. Upon checking, it was found that the snake was dead, the victims brother was quoted as saying by the outlet. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival, confirming snakebite as the cause. Upon inspecting the home, relatives found a small Russells Viper trapped inside Prakashs footwear. Authorities believe the snake may have suffocated while trying to escape. According to iNaturalist, Russells Vipers are known for their extremely painful bite and are considered one of the most dangerous big four snakes in India besides the common krait, Indian cobra and the Indian saw-scaled viper. Police sources noted that the venom acted rapidly, causing his death while he slept. The local police have, meanwhile, registered the case as an unnatural death and are awaiting the postmortem report to rule out any suspicious circumstances. Local reports also suggest that the area where Prakash lived borders several green spaces like parks within the vicinity, and the snake might have sneaked in from there. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two newborn babies bitten by rats in a neonatal care unit of a state hospital in Indias cleanest city Indore died this week. The babies were admitted to the Maharaja Yashwantrao Chikitsalaya in central Madhya Pradesh states Indore city with birth defects. One of the newborns died on Wednesday afternoon, a day after the death of the girl child who suffered rat bites, according to reports. One of the babies was found with rat bites on its fingers, the other had bites on its head and shoulder, the hospitals superintendent, Dr Ashok Yadav, told PTI news agency. One of the infants was brought to the hospital, the largest public health facility in the state, after it was found abandoned in Khargone district, the hospital said. The doctors at the hospital, however, insisted that the children did not die due to rodent bites but due to congenital complications. Hospital authorities claimed that the baby girl had been suffering from multiple congenital anomalies since birth. Seven days earlier, our surgeons had operated on her. She had contracted septicemia and her condition was very critical, deputy superintendent Jitendra Verma told the Indian Express. Despite our best efforts, she passed away this afternoon. The cause of death was septicemia. He claimed that the child was bitten on her fingertip, which caused minor abrasion at the tip and nothing serious. The babies were moved to another facility and put under round-the-clock supervision and care after surveillance footage revealed rats were roaming around in the ward. Videos from the hospital showed a rat moving from one bed to another and crawling through wires and other equipment. Two nursing officers were suspended and one nursing superintendent was removed following the deaths. Show cause notices were issued to the nursing officer in charge and the paediatric surgery head, according to reports. The hospital superintendent earlier told reporters that the authorities would install strong iron nets on windows and asked attendants of patients not to bring food inside the wards. A committee had been formed to investigate the incidents, he added. The superintendent claimed that the hospital was surrounded by old buildings, which faced rat infestation issues made worse by the monsoon rain. We will take measures to address the rat menace in the hospital. This is an old hospital, and we have run two rat eradication programmes in the past, he said. Rat catchers have also been unable to address the issue. Theres a shortage in the local markets of the glue used to trap rats. We will soon run a pest eradication programme. The incident triggered a political row, with opposition lawmakers taking potshots at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for negligence. Have mercy on the newborns! Look at the condition of Indores MY Hospital, the Congress partys Umang Singhar wrote on X in Hindi. Rats are gnawing on innocent newborns in the NICU and the BJP government has not been able to do pest control for five years! The opposition partys spokesperson, Neelabh Shukla, demanded a judicial inquiry and strict action against the culprits. The case of rats gnawing on two newborn babies in MYH is not just administrative negligence, but a horrific incident that shakes human sensibilities, he said. Indore has been recognised by the federal government as the cleanest city in the country for eight years straight, based on surveys as part of a public cleanliness initiative. Rajendra Shukla, the states deputy chief minister, said immediate action has been taken against the hospital. If pest control had been done on time, rats would not be present. A fine of Rs100,000 (844) has been imposed on the pest control agency and a termination notice issued. 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 Japan has loosened restrictions on shooting bears in residential areas in the wake of an alarming rise in bear attacks. Local governments will now be able to authorise the shooting of wild bears in residential areas under a revised law that came into force on Monday. Japan, known for its strict gun control laws, is relaxing the restrictions after a rise in bear encounters and attacks, many of them fatal, as animals increasingly wander into towns and villages in search of food. The attacks have partly been blamed on factors such as a declining human population and climate change. Government figures show a record 219 casualties from bear attacks in the year to March 2024. Nearly 55 cases from April to July this year put the country on track to match last years record. Japans local governments reported 3,032 bear sightings in April and May alone, about 500 more than in a typical year. Until now, hunters were banned from shooting at bears in densely populated areas without explicit police permission. Critics said this often slowed the response to dangerous situations. The revised law, passed in April, grants municipal authorities the power to ask licensed hunters to cull or capture brown and black bears directly. Local officials must still work with the police to secure the affected area which could involve closing roads or evacuating residents. Japanese environment minister Keiichiro Asao said the government would "provide training, share case examples and offer financial support to ensure smooth implementation. His ministry earlier said municipalities should coordinate with police and local hunting groups on safety measures such as restricting access to affected areas and evacuating residents if needed. Authorities are also advised to ensure there are natural backstops like slopes or riverbanks to prevent stray bullets from travelling further. Some wildlife experts have linked rising bear sightings in residential areas to climate change, saying that shorter or skipped hibernation periods have left these animals more active and prone to wandering into populated areas. 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 death toll from Afghanistans most devastating earthquake in years has risen past 1,400, with thousands more injured, as aid groups warned that rugged, mountainous terrain was slowing rescue efforts in the countrys remote eastern villages. Rescue workers trying to reach Afghanistans earthquake-hit villages faced enormous challenges as rough mountain roads remained cut off amid heavy rain on Tuesday. A massive earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night left more than 1,400 people dead and over 3,100 injured, according to local officials, who cautioned that the numbers were expected to rise as rescue operations continued on Tuesday. Many homes, built with mud and stone, crumbled instantly due to the tremor, leaving families trapped under the debris. Officials said the devastation was most severe in the province of Kunar where entire communities were reduced to rubble. The UNs humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, said on Tuesday that damaged roads and landslides are the main obstacles for rescue teams responding to the deadly earthquake. Theres been lots of landslides and rock falls, and access has been very limited to everybody in the first 24 hours. He added: The biggest challenge is to reach these remote areas with the road access extremely damaged. The Afghan Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian organisation active in the region, reported that more than 8,000 homes have been destroyed, with many residents still feared trapped under the rubble. The UN coordinator in Afghanistan warned that the casualty figures are expected to climb further. open image in gallery An Afghan girl walks on the rubble of a house after a deadly magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan around midnight, in Dara Noor, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, 1 September 2025 ( REUTERS ) We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble, said Ehsanullah Ehsan, the provincial head of disaster management. Our effort is to complete these operations as soon as possible and to begin distributing aid to the affected families, he told Reuters. Grieving villagers wrapped the bodies of the dead many of them children in white cloth before burying them in hastily dug graves while helicopters shuttled the injured to overcrowded hospitals. Survivors described scenes of chaos as walls and roofs collapsed around them, crushing relatives and neighbours in the darkness. Zafar Khan Gojar, 22, from Nurgal district recalled being evacuated to Jalalabad with his brother who suffered a broken leg. open image in gallery Injured Afghan children receive treatment after an earthquake in Jalalabad on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) The 6-magnitude quake struck just before midnight on Sunday, shaking remote mountainous provinces and reducing homes to rubble. By Monday morning, helicopters were airlifting the injured from Kunar and Nangarhar provinces while emergency teams dug through collapsed structures in search of survivors. The Taliban appealed for international aid as officials assessed damage from the devastating disaster. Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed 900 deaths thus far. The disaster intensified pressure on a country already struggling with widespread poverty, dwindling international aid, and the forced return of large numbers of refugees from neighbouring countries. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the health ministry in Kabul, urged the global community to provide assistance. We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses, he told Reuters. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that thousands of children remained at risk in the quake-affected areas. The agency said it is delivering essential aid, including medicines, warm clothing, tents, tarpaulins, and hygiene supplies such as soap, detergent, towels, sanitary pads, and water containers. open image in gallery Afghans gather near damaged houses after an earthquake struck Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district of Kunar province on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Talking about Kunar, Kate Carey from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told The New York Times: The area is very steep and narrow and most of it is inaccessible because of landslides and rains that fell over the past few days. By Monday afternoon, Iran, India, Japan, and the EU had pledged aid for victims of the quake, a notably stronger international response compared to the limited help provided after the deadly 2023 quake in western Afghanistan. We were already unable to meet existing needs, and I am not even talking about the new needs created by this earthquake, Sherine Ibrahim, country director for the nonprofit International Rescue Committee, said. Were making a plea to all donors to set aside politics to relieve populations. The World Health Organization said: Damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and remote locations of many villages severely impede the delivery of aid, adding that over 12,000 people had been affected by the quake. The pre-earthquake fragility of the health system means local capacity is overwhelmed, creating total dependence on external actors, it said. open image in gallery A military helicopter airlifts injured Afghans at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district of Kunar province on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile, rescue efforts were being hampered by landslides and steep terrain, with Red Cross teams taking four hours to reach the worst-hit district. By Monday afternoon, the main road to Kunar had reopened, allowing ambulances to shuttle victims to Jalalabad while helicopters were needed to evacuate an isolated village. Hospitals in Kunar and Nangarhar remained functional, though some local health centres sustained minor damage. Afghanistans healthcare system had already collapsed, with hundreds of facilities closed after US aid was suspended. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences to the affected Afghans. The UN team in Afghanistan is mobilised and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas, he said. The devastation caused by the quake immediately worsened Afghanistans overlapping crises of widespread hunger, mass deportations from neighbouring countries, drought, and dwindling aid. What were witnessing on the ground is devastating, homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere and tragically, lives lost, Harald Mannhardt, World Food Programme deputy country director in Afghanistan, said. Our teams are working around the clock to get emergency food to those in need, but the reality is brutal. open image in gallery Afghans walk past damaged houses at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Many survivors remained in shock over the devastating loss of life and infrastructure. I saw many dead bodies, Matiullah Shahab, a human rights activist, told the BBC. I felt the aftershocks 17 times. Several villages that he had visited were destroyed, he added. Peoples faces were covered in dust, and there was a silence. They were like robots - no one could talk about it. In Ghazi Abad village of Nurgal, residents described widespread devastation. We have seven martyrs and four or five wounded. People are still under the rubble, a villager identified only as Rabbani told Tolo News. The earthquake struck at midnight. We managed to pull out some trapped people but some are still stuck. open image in gallery Afghans walk by a house destroyed by an earthquake in Mazar Dara village on 1 September 2025 ( AP ) This whole area has been buried. No one is left, another survivor named Ajmal told the outlet. Some children are alive and some have been martyred. One injured person was rescued. Ezzatullah Safi, a resident of Kunars Sokai district, described the quake as apocalyptic, with homes collapsing, children crying in fear, and communication cut off as power and mobile networks failed. The earthquake was intense and the night felt like a small apocalypse. Strong winds followed the tremors, with light rain falling. My children clung to me, crying in fear. Dust filled the air, he told the BBC. Theres a heavy atmosphere of grief here. open image in gallery A house destroyed by an earthquake in Mazar Dara village of Kunar province on 1 September 2025 ( AP ) Jacopo Caridi, country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Sky News from the Afghan capital of Kabul: This earthquake is another disaster hitting Afghanistan on top of all the other crises that regularly hit the country, like extreme poverty, and the lack of capacities to respond to any kind of a disaster. The majority of the villages affected were not reachable because the roads collapsed and the local authorities are working to establish other connections, he added. We got information from local leaders that there are bodies on the street, because people died and there is no place to put them, Mr Caridi said. Afghanistan, like neighbouring Iran and Turkey, lies in a seismically active belt where millions of people live along major fault lines, making earthquakes a constant threat. Many of the countrys most crowded towns and cities sit perilously close to these fault zones. In 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake in the remote southeast killed more than 1,000 people, underlining the scale of the risk. 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 Rescue workers are desperately trying to reach remote mountainous regions of eastern Afghanistan after one of the countrys worst earthquakes killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,500, Afghan officials said. The death toll could rise further, the Taliban government has warned, as Afghans scramble to save loved ones from beneath the rubble and devastated villages are cut off by resulting landslides. The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangarhar province, late on Sunday night. The quake was shallow, just five miles from the Earths surface, likely making it more destructive. open image in gallery An Afghan man helps an injured person after the devastating earthquake ( Reuters ) Tremors could be felt in neighbouring Pakistan, across the northwestern border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and as far as the countrys capital, Islamabad, which is more than 185 miles away, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said. No major damage or casualties were reported in Pakistan. The Talibans chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said 812 people were killed and more than 2,500 injured by Monday evening. Most of the casualties were reported in Kunar province, where many of the homes in rural and outlying villages are made of mud and wood and are poorly built. open image in gallery Map shows area close to Jalalabad where the 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck ( The Independent ) One resident in Nurgal district, one of the worst-affected areas in Kunar, said his village has been almost entirely destroyed. Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble, the villager told AP news agency. We need help here. We need people to come here and join us. Let us pull out the people who are buried. There is no one who can come and remove dead bodies from under the rubble. open image in gallery A military helicopter transport injured victims in Mazar Dara, Kunar province ( AP ) Footage showed aid workers carrying casualties from collapsed buildings and into helicopters as people dug through rubble with their hands. Road access was difficult for aid workers in the mountainous regions hardest hit by the quake, with landslides slowing down rescue efforts. The area of the earthquake was affected by heavy rain in the last 24-48 hours as well, so the risk of landslides and rock slides is also quite significant that is why many of the roads are impassable, Kate Carey, a Kabul-based officer with the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, said on Monday. open image in gallery Injured Afghans receive treatment at a hospital in Jalalabad ( AFP/Getty ) The earthquake has intensified existing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as he urged the international community to support relief efforts. This adds death and destruction to other challenges, including drought and the forced return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. Hopefully, the donor community will not hesitate to support relief efforts. open image in gallery Afghan men search for their belongings in the rubble of a collapsed house ( Reuters ) It was the third major deadly earthquake in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. After the takeover, global funding cuts that once formed the bulk of the Afghan governments finances have significantly hampered the countrys ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. US president Donald Trumps cuts to foreign aid earlier this year dealt a crippling blow to Afghanistans fragile economy, forcing hundreds of hospitals and healthcare centres to shut down. This earthquake strikes a country already facing lack of global support for a severe humanitarian crisis, Graham Davison, Afghanistan director for humanitarian organisation Care, said. Nearly half of the population of Afghanistan 23 million people is already reliant on humanitarian aid, and yet the humanitarian response plan is only 28 per cent funded. 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 About 400 children have fallen ill in Indonesia's western Bengkulu Province after eating free school meals. It is the worst mass food poisoning case linked to President Prabowo Subianto's flagship programme. The initiative, launched in January for children and pregnant women to curb malnutrition, has been marred by outbreaks across the archipelago, affecting hundreds. In August, 365 people fell ill from free school meals in Central Java; local media reports indicated poor sanitation was the cause. In Bengkulu, children aged four to 12 were rushed to a local hospital last Thursday, complaining of stomach pain, according to a local government video handout. Authorities will launch an investigation into the cause of the illness, the province's vice governor Mian said. open image in gallery Workers unload meals to be distributed through the free programme ( AP ) "We will temporarily suspend operations at this kitchen while we investigate where the weaknesses lie. This is the domain of the BGN (National Nutrition Agency) investigation team and the authorities," he said. The National Nutrition Agency, which runs the programme, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since its launch, the free school meals programme has been rapidly expanded to reach over 20 million recipients so far. Authorities plan to reach 83 million recipients by year-end, budgeting a total cost of 171 trillion rupiah ($10.52 billion) this year. During the August food poisoning outbreak, Sragen government chief Sigit Pamungkas said the government would pay for any medical treatment if needed. Wizdan Ridho Abimanyu, a ninth grader at Gemolong 1 Middle School said he was woken at night by sharp pain in his stomach. He had a headache and diarrhoea, which he deduced had been caused by food poisoning after seeing schoolmates' social media posts complaining of the same. The likely contaminated lunch was turmeric rice, omelette ribbons, fried tempeh, cucumber and lettuce salad, sliced apple and a box of milk, cooked in a central kitchen and distributed to several schools. 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 Violent protests that have swept across Indonesia, leaving six people dead, are being seen as a major test for President Prabowo Subianto s presidency. Clashes between riot police and protesters that began in Jakarta last week quickly spread beyond the capital. In several cities, protesters set fire to regional parliament buildings and police headquarters, and looted and burnt vehicles. On Sunday, Mr Subianto ordered the security forces to take firm action against the protests. There are signs of unlawful acts, even leading to treason and terrorism, he said. To the police and the military, I have ordered them to take action as firm as possible against the destruction of public facilities, looting at homes of individuals and economic centres, according to the laws. Mr Subianto also cancelled his high-profile trip to China to attend to attend the Victory Day Parade in Beijing on 3 September. open image in gallery Protesters take part in a demonstration against politicians allowances in Gorontalo, Sulawesi ( AFP via Getty Images ) Heres what to know about the protests: What caused the unrest? Public outrage emerged across the world's third largest democracy after reports that all 580 members of the House of Representatives receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075), in addition to their salaries. The allowance, which was introduced last year, is nearly 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage. Critics argue the perk is not only excessive but also insensitive at a time when most people are grappling with soaring living costs and taxes and rising unemployment. Death toll 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 his death during a rally in Jakarta on Thursday, shocked the nation and spurred an outcry against the security forces. Mr Kurniawan was reportedly completing a food delivery order when he was caught in the clash. Witnesses told local television that the armoured car from the National Polices Mobile Brigade unit suddenly sped through the crowd of demonstrators and hit Mr Kurniawan, causing him to fall. Instead of stopping, the car ran over him. open image in gallery Indonesian soldiers are deployed amid days of violent protests ( AP ) Late on Friday, an angry mob set fire to a local parliament building in Makassar on Sulawesi island causing several people trapped in the blaze, left three dead and five others hospitalised. In the citys separate riot, a man who thought to be police intelligence disguised as a delivery rider was beaten to death by a mob. The death toll rose to six after authorities in Yogyakarta said a university student was killed in the Fridays clashes between rock-throwing demonstrators and riot police. Cost of the protests Authorities detained 1,240 rioters after five days of protests in Jakarta. The unrest had caused losses of up to 55 billion rupiah (US$3.3 million) as rioters burned buses and subway shelters and damaged other infrastructure, said Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. Jakarta's health office said 469 people were injured in violent protests, including 97 who were hospitalised. Escalating violence in Indonesia prompting TikTok to voluntary suspend its LIVE feature, citing measures to keep the platform a safe and civil space. Foreign embassies and consulates, including the US, Australia, France, Canada and Southeast Asian countries, issued a travel warning and have advised their citizens in Indonesia to avoid demonstration areas or large public gatherings. Government concessions Flanked by leaders of eight Indonesian political parties, Mr Subianto told a televised news conference in Jakarta that the government would cut politicians perks and privileges, including the controversial housing allowance, and suspend overseas trips for members of parliament. It was a rare concession in response to mounting public anger. open image in gallery A protester sets fire to the gate of the regional parliament building during a protest against the government's spending priorities, such as enhanced perks for lawmakers, in Bandung, West Java province ( Reuters ) Mr Subianto also said police are investigating seven officers linked to the incident in which Kurniawan died, and has instructed a quick and transparent investigation in a way that the public can monitor. He also would ensure his administration to financially support Mr Kurniawan's family. The former general further called on the public to express their aspirations in a peaceful and constructive manner, and promised their voices will be heard. The economic reality Analysts see the violent rallies as a culmination of public anger over economic hardship, as well as public officials insensitivity and political frustration. In his campaign for presidency, Mr Subianto promised of taking economic growth to 8 per cent within five years and making Southeast Asias largest economy attractive for investments. But observers have dismissed his pledge as too ambitious as US President Donald Trump enacted 19 per cent tariffs on Indonesian goods has add the uncertainty. The World Bank estimates that Indonesias economy will grow at 4.8 per cent up to 2027, far below Mr Subianto's pledge. 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 UN has urged Indonesia to investigate the use of excessive force after at least seven people were killed during nationwide protests, amid concerns that another 20 people have gone missing. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, erupted into violence targeting the countrys elite paramilitary police after a video surfaced showing one of their units running over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan on 28 August. Since then, protests have spread from Jakarta to other major cities, marking the most severe unrest since president Prabowo Subianto assumed office less than a year ago. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UNs human rights office, stressed that security forces must respect international standards on the use of force, protect freedoms of assembly and expression, and allow independent media coverage. She said: We are following closely the spate of violence in Indonesia in the context of nationwide protests over parliamentary allowances, austerity measures and alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces. We stress the importance of dialogue to address the publics concerns, she added in a statement. The authorities must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while maintaining order, in line with international norms and standards, in relation to the policing of public assemblies, she said. We call for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force. It is also important that the media is permitted to report on events freely and independently. open image in gallery Indonesian soldiers are deployed following days of violent protests against lawmakers perks and privileges, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, 1 September 2025 ( AP ) A human rights group has warned that at least 20 people are missing amid a week of violent protests that have swept across multiple cities in Indonesia. Based on public reports submitted to KontraS ... as of September 1, there were 23 reports of missing persons. After the search and verification process, 20 missing persons remain unfound, according to a statement released by the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS). The unrest had been fuelled by soaring joblessness and rising prices, with protesters also demanding an end to what they view as extravagant housing perks for lawmakers. open image in gallery Indonesias president Prabowo Subianto walks to speak about a recent wave of nationwide protests during a press conference alongside political party leaders at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 31 August 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) On Sunday, Mr Subianto responded to the nationwide protests by announcing cuts to housing allowances and a suspension of overseas trips for parliamentarians. Speaking alongside leaders of eight political parties, he confirmed a new moratorium on these benefits, following public outrage over revelations that each of the countrys 580 lawmakers receives a monthly housing stipend of about $3,000 nearly ten times Jakartas minimum wage. During widespread protests in Indonesia, crowds broke into and looted finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawatis home near Jakarta, taking items like chairs and paintings on Sunday. The day before, protesters also raided the homes of three lawmakers. open image in gallery Demonstrators set alight banners as they shout slogans during a protest demanding police reform and the dissolution of the parliament, in Bandung, West Java, on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Protesters across Indonesia have set fire to government buildings and police stations, with demonstrations reported in Gorontalo and Makassar on Sulawesi, Bandung and Yogyakarta on Java, Palembang on Sumatra, and Banjarmasin on Borneo. On Monday, protests continued across Indonesia, with hundreds gathering outside Jakartas parliament under heightened security, including checkpoints, city patrols, and snipers. Schools moved online and civil servants worked from home. While demonstrations in Jakarta ended by evening, clashes erupted elsewhere: in Gorontalo, police used teargas and water cannons, and in Bandung, protesters threw Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at the provincial council. open image in gallery Protesters take part in a demonstration against higher lawmakers' allowances and call for the ratification of an asset confiscation bill in Gorontalo, Sulawesi, on 1 September 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Thousands rallied in Palembang, and sizeable gatherings were reported in Banjarmasin, Yogyakarta, and Makassar as well. Amnesty Internationals Regional Research Director, Montse Ferrer, said in a statement on Monday: The increasing number of deaths from the crackdown on protests in Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia is alarming. Nobody should die while exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Authorities in Indonesia must promptly ensure an independent and impartial investigation into these deaths and violent incidents, including the killing of a motorcycle taxi driver after an armoured police vehicle was recklessly driven in a crowded area. Authorities must ensure those responsible for these deaths are identified and held to account in fair trials. He said: Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, the police in several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, repeatedly resorted to unnecessary and excessive force, including by inappropriately and excessively using tear gas to quash the demonstrations. Instead of a brutal clampdown, authorities should respect, facilitate and protect the rights of people to assemble peacefully and freely express their opinions, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three Sydney dockworkers have been charged over a massive shipment of cocaine in a law enforcement investigation into trusted insiders importing illicit drugs into Australia, authorities said on Tuesday. The three, aged 25, 38 and 42, appeared in a Sydney court on Monday charged over 506 kilograms (1,116 pounds) of cocaine found hidden behind a false wall in a shipping container on the Sydney waterfront on the weekend, Australian Federal Police said in a statement. The cocaine had a street value of more than 164 million Australian dollars ($107 million). The older two men were forklift drivers employed by a global shipping and logistics company that authorities have not named. Police also found AU$330,000 ($216,240) cash which they allege is the proceeds of crime. All three face potential life sentences if convicted. The 42-year-old man was released on bail but the others were remanded in custody. They will all appear in court next on Oct. 29. The shipping container was sent from Europe, but the source of the cocaine remained under investigation, according to police. The men were arrested by the Multi Agency Strike Team. The team is made up of state and federal agencies who target trusted insiders within supply chains that allow organized crime groups to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A three-month-old baby was shaken to death after being caught in the middle of her parents toxic relationship, a court has heard. Kaylani Kalanzi was known to social services and was on a child protection plan when she was admitted to hospital on July 8 last year having been violently shaken with an impact to her head, jurors were told. She suffered catastrophic brain injuries as well as a broken leg and ribs, and died in hospital 15 days later. Kaylanis parents Herbert Kalanzi, 35, and Nazli Merthoca, 24, are accused of murder and causing or allowing her death. Opening their Old Bailey trial on Tuesday, prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC said the defendants were in a mutually abusive relationship with Merthoca consuming drugs. As a result, Kaylani was vulnerable to her parents inability to put her first and protect her from harm, jurors were told. As their relationship spiralled out of control, Kaylani was caught up in the middle of it, the prosecutor told jurors. Kaylani had been born prematurely and spent 29 days in the special care baby unit at North Middlesex Hospital before being allowed home on May 13, 2024. Social services were involved with the family and allowed custody of Kaylani after the defendants demonstrated they were fit parents, jurors heard. However, messages on WhatsApp and Snapchat uncovered after their arrests revealed the extent of their volatile relationship, it was alleged. On June 17, 2024, Kalanzi messaged Merthoca to complain about being locked out, saying: Who do you think you are? Merthoca told him that she was going to call police and Kalanzi called her dumb and responded: If you go police u lose everything. Moving like social arent onto us about domestic. Kaylanis mother accused her partner of hurting their child, saying: Bye Your dead to me (sic). She told him: You hurt Kaylani eye. Wtf Im reporting this. You gave her a black eye. And blood. A Snapchat video taken in the early hours showed Kaylani lying on a cushion with a visible eye injury, jurors were told. open image in gallery The case is being heard at the Old Bailey in London ( Jonathan Brady/PA ) Merthoca went on: Her head is bruised as well. You wont be sleeping when the doors taken off. She didnt deserve this. Immediately afterwards, she allegedly searched the internet for what to do if baby had blood shot eye and baby eye injury red spot. Two days later, the defendants took Kaylani to see a GP with redness on her eye, which they said was caused by being accidentally hit with a rattle by an older child. The court was told that Kalanzi had always denied being responsible for the injury, claiming it was an accident. Ms Johnson told jurors: In itself the eye injury was minor but it is a graphic example of the defendants inability to care properly for Kaylani and their failure to take action to protect her from harm and remove her from danger. On 8 July, 2024 the ever-present risk to Kaylani became a fatal reality. Shortly before 10.30pm, the defendants called emergency services saying Kaylani had stopped breathing. When paramedics arrived, the couple failed to inform them that Kaylani had been shaken, causing bleeding to the brain, damage to her eyes and fractures to her tibia and ribs, the court was told. Ms Johnson said: Their attempts to protect themselves is, you may think, in stark contrast to their ability to protect Kaylani. The jury was told that the defendants denied injuring Kaylani at Merthocas grandmothers flat in Homerton, east London, where the family was staying at the time. Ms Johnson said: One of them is lying. One of them did it. But only they know who the culprit is. She told jurors that medical experts had ruled out accidental injury so the primary issue for them to decide was who shook Kaylani. She said: As there are no witnesses to what happened in that bedroom in the very short time it took to shake Kaylani, at this stage the prosecution cannot point to one or other of the defendants and say you did it. However, she suggested the parent responsible for murdering Kaylani would emerge once all the evidence had been heard. The defendants, from East Ham, east London, have denied the charges against them. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two teenagers, a boy and a girl, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Luton. Officers were called to reports of an altercation involving two men and a woman in Humberstone Road shortly after 6pm on Sunday, Bedfordshire Police said. A man in his 20s was taken to hospital by emergency services with serious injuries, and was pronounced dead shortly after. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers. A boy and a girl, both aged 17, were arrested on Monday, the force said. One of the suspects was apprehended after detectives executed a warrant at an address in Luton. Both remain in custody awaiting questioning. Detective Inspector Adam Bridges said: We are working hard to establish the events that led to this altercation and the loss of a young mans life. Our investigation will continue and we are asking anyone who has information about the incident to come forward. Anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from around the time and location of the incident should contact the force on 101 quoting Op Farnix, or report to independent charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government is set to curb the Sentencing Councils powers after a row over sentencing criminals from ethnic minorities sparked accusations of two-tier justice. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood will now have to approve all new guidelines issued by the council after she intervened to block measures requiring judges to seek pre-sentence reports when deciding punishments for certain minority groups. The guidelines were formulated by some of the most senior legal figures in England and Wales in response to official figures which show offenders from ethnic minorities consistently get longer sentences than white offenders. Ms Mahmood asked for the Sentencing Council to reconsider amid controversy over the proposals, including accusations of two-tier justice from shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick. He said he would legally challenge the guidance on the grounds it enshrines anti-white and anti-Christian bias in the criminal justice system. open image in gallery Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick accused the Sentencing Council plans of being two-tier justice (PA) ( PA Archive ) Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also called for Ms Mahmood to change the law and said the Conservatives will back her. Ms Mahmood blocked the guidelines with emergency legislation after the council refused to back down, insisting it was a clear example of differential treatment and risked undermining public confidence in a justice system that is built on the idea of equality before the law. This week, Ms Mahmood went further and announced a new democratic lock on their powers which means they will now need her explicit approval to introduce new sentencing guidelines. The approval of the Lady Chief Justice will also be required before new guidelines are issued. There will also be a requirement for the Council to seek approval for its annual business plan, however the Ministry of Justice insists the reforms do not interfere with the independence of judges in making sentencing decisions. Individual sentencing decisions will always be the responsibility of the independent judiciary and this is something I will staunchly defend, Ms Mahmood said. However, policy must be set by parliamentarians, who answer to the people. Government and Parliament have a legitimate role in setting the sentencing framework. It is right that we now have greater democratic and judicial oversight of the direction of the Councils work and the final guidelines they publish. open image in gallery Lady Chief Justice, Dame Sue Carr, will also have to approve new guidelines ( PA Wire ) The prime minister had said he was "very disappointed" after the Sentencing Council previously refused to reconsider the guidance. Sir Keir Starmer said the government had no other option but to bring forward legislation to reverse it. The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Act, which received Royal Assent in June, prevents sentencing guidelines from singling out specific cohorts for differential treatment based on their personal characteristics, when it comes to ordering pre-sentence reports. Sentencing council chairman Lord Justice Davis had defended the guidelines, citing evidence of disadvantages in the justice system and arguing complexities can only be understood through an assessment of the offender. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An 88-year-old man wrote a note asking for forgiveness after he unlawfully killed his wife of more than 60 years, in a case a judge described as tragic. Bristol Crown Court was told that William Haxworth was charged with murdering his wife, Delia, but he has been deemed to be unfit to stand trial. On Tuesday, a jury decided that Haxworth, who was not present in court, did the acts charged against him. The jurors had been told by Judge William Hart that, because he had determined the defendant was unfit, they did not have to decide whether he was guilty or not guilty of murder. Judge Hart told the jury after it returned its finding: Im sure you share my view, and anybody would agree, that this is a tragic case no matter where you come from and how you look at it. And the friends and family of William and Delia deserve nothing but our sympathy and condolences. The court heard how the defendant, who was 87 at the time, was spotted by members of the public threatening to jump from the top of scaffolding in the centre of Bath on 18 June 2024. Andrew Langdon KC, prosecuting, said Haxworth told firefighters and those trying to help him that he had murdered his wife. open image in gallery Bristol Crown Court was told that William Haxworth was charged with murdering his wife, Delia, but he has been deemed to be unfit to stand trial ( PA ) Police went to the couples home in Upper Lansdown Mews, in the city, where they found Ms Haxworth, 85, lifeless on a bed, Mr Langdon said. The prosecutor told the jury that a note was found, apparently written by the defendant. The note said: It all became too much. Please forgive me and wonderful Dil. It all seemed lacking in point. Youve all been so wonderful too. And so many kind neighbours. Forgive. Forgive. Will. The prosecutor said a post-mortem examination later revealed that Ms Haxworth had been smothered. Fire service watch manager Lee Harding told the jury on Monday how the defendant told him about his wife of 62 years, who I love very much. He said the defendant told him his wife was very ill, adding: I had to kill her and now its my turn. The jury heard that Ms Haxworth went to hospital after falling and hitting her head about three weeks before she died, but the injuries she received are not thought to have contributed to her death. open image in gallery Fire service watch manager Lee Harding told the jury on Monday how the defendant told him about his wife of 62 years who I love very much A pathologist said she had been judged to be four on the frailty scale and she was generally quite independent. She had a history of bowel cancer, but there was no evidence of it recurring. Judge Hart told the jury on Tuesday that he had made the decision that Haxworth was unfit to stand trial. He said that, in many cases, this happens because a defendant is very seriously psychiatrically unwell, but he said: This is not quite the position with Mr Haxworth. The judge said the defendants wellbeing has fluctuated quite dramatically in the last few months and he will decide what happens to him at a hearing on 28 October, when he has a clearer picture. Anna Vigars KC, defending, told the court that her client spent some time in custody after he was first arrested but has recently been living in the community on bail. Ms Vigars said: He has spent some time receiving in-patient psychiatric care and support, but he has had, throughout, the care of his family and he is living with his family. He has their care and also the care of local general practitioners and local psychiatric services. Haxworth was given conditional bail to appear again on 28 October. open image in gallery The court heard how the defendant, who was 87 at the time, was spotted by members of the public threatening to jump from the top of scaffolding in the centre of Bath on 18 June 2024 ( PA Archive ) Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: Our sympathies remain with the Haxworths family and friends following this tragic case. Medical evidence showed that although Delia had some recent health issues, including falls, she had no terminal illness. Mr Herbert said: Its important that, as Delias unexpected death was not due to natural causes, there was a full investigation with the evidence put to a jury, which unanimously agreed that she was unlawfully killed by her husband. Avon and Somerset Police said that, despite his initial comments, Mr Haxworth has given officers no account of what happened. 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 www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four in 10 women who were killed by a male partner had taken steps to leave him, figures show, as Labours Jess Phillips admitted the scale of violence is a national emergency. A total of 122 women were killed by a man in 2022, according to the 14th annual Femicide Census, with more than half targeted by their current or former partner. At least 40 per cent of those killed by a partner had ended the relationship or were trying to leave when they were killed. The reports authors warned too many dangerous men are being left at liberty to harm, rape and kill after the data showed almost six in 10 perpetrators were known to have a history of violence against women or were subject to monitoring or restrictions when they killed. They include Jordan McSweeney, who had 28 previous convictions for 69 separate offences and was wanted on recall to prison when he brutally murdered Zara Aleena. Last year an inquest found a string of failures from multiple agencies left him free to kill the aspiring lawyer, 35, as she walked home in Ilford, east London, on 26 June 2022. open image in gallery Zara Aleena, 35, was walking home from a night out when she was stalked, assaulted and killed on 26 June 2022 ( PA Media ) Other shocking examples include a killer who was on extended licence for rape when he strangled his wife and cut her throat with a Stanley knife. Another was under investigation for rape when he killed, sexually assaulting his victim and inflicting more than 90 injuries. Karen Ingala Smith, who co-founded the Femicide Census in 2015 to track rates of male violence against women, said the government would have to act fast to meet their target of halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) in 10 years. Men who are known to be a danger to women are too frequently at liberty to harm, rape and kill, she said. The Labour Party, now in government, has pledged to halve serious violence, including mens violence against women, in 10 years. They are going to have to act fast and ambitiously to even approach that target. Seven in 10 women killed in 2022 were attacked in their own home and over half were stabbed to death with a sharp instrument, while almost a quarter were strangled to death. Men used brute force in the killings of 20 women by kicking, hitting or stamping the victim to death, the figures show. Shockingly, women are more likely to be killed by their own son than by a stranger. Figures show 10 per cent of women were killed by their son in 2022, compared to 9 per cent targeted by strangers. However, the report warned hidden cases in which abused women take their own lives are often missing from the data because no court or coroner has officially linked male violence to the death. open image in gallery Kiena Dawes, 23, took her own life after enduring two years of abuse ( PA Media ) Earlier this year, Ryan Wellings was acquitted of the manslaughter of Kiena Dawes, who took her own life after enduring two years of abuse. The 23-year-old mother left a suicide note calling her partner a monster who had killed me. Her death in July 2022 has not been counted in the femicide data, but the report added: Change is needed to ensure abusive men face appropriate consequences for their choices and to prevent future harm to women. Refuge said it was sadly no surprise that femicide rates remain so devastatingly high and warned leaving an abuser is often the most dangerous time for women. The figures in the Femicide Census report are shocking, but these numbers alone do not tell the full story, said Ellie Butt, head of policy and public affairs at Refuge. Violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, remains severely underreported, with many deaths such as those resulting from suicide going unrecognised. Many of the women we support tell us about the toll abuse has taken on their mental health, with some experiencing suicidal thoughts. And yet, despite this, deaths by suicide are still not formally recognised as domestic abuse-related deaths. From inconsistent and frequently inadequate police responses to the chronic underfunding of lifesaving specialist services, women are being failed across the board with fatal consequences. If the government is serious about halving violence against women and girls, the upcoming VAWG strategy must transform the response to domestic abuse, so that women no longer needlessly lose their lives. open image in gallery Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, Jess Phillips, said the scale of violence is a national emergency ( PA Archive ) The government is due to unveil its VAWG strategy to halve rates in a decade later this year. Jess Phillips, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, said: The scale of violence and abuse suffered by women and girls in this country by men, be it their partners, ex-partners or tragically even their own sons, is nothing less than a national emergency. Thats why we have pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, including tackling child-to-parent abuse through an effective system to ensure problematic behaviours and victims are identified early, and services respond effectively to stop harmful behaviour from continuing or escalating. But we know more needs to be done, which is why our forthcoming Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy will seek to overhaul the policing and criminal justice response to domestic abuse to ensure that more victims are protected and more perpetrators are punished. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed Labour for treating the oil and gas sector as a relic of the past. It comes as she pledges a Conservative government would make North Sea oil and gas the cornerstone of the economy. Badenoch added a Tory government would extract as much oil and gas extracted from the UK Continental Shelf as possible, will insist that it is only her party that is backing Britains North Sea industry. With key figures from the oil and gas sector gathering at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, Ms Badenoch will use a speech there to say: Under the Conservatives, British energy will power British prosperity. She will insist: Labour sees the North Sea as a relic of the past; we see it as a cornerstone of Britains future. By restoring common sense to energy policy, we will unlock billions in revenue, secure our supply, and rebuild confidence in the UK economy. The Tories have pledged to to end Labours ban on new oil and gas licences, saying the industry would be free to carry out exploration work and extract oil and gas. open image in gallery The Tories have pledged to to end Labours ban on new oil and gas licences ( Jonathan Brady/PA ) Ms Badenoch has also said her party would reverse a ban on providing financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, thus allowing work to promote the UKs oil and gas sector and its technology overseas. In addition, the North Sea Transition Authority would be renamed the North Sea Authority, and given the overarching mandate to maximise the extraction of our oil and gas. Hitting out at her rivals, Ms Badenoch will say in her speech that Reform, led by Nigel Farage, want part-nationalisation of the sector, claiming this would mean the government and politicians running our oil and gas fields, taking us back to the bad old days of the 1970s when the government controlled British industries, running them into the ground. She will go on to accuse Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband of strangling the North Sea in his dogmatic and ideological pursuit of net zero by 2050 and by refusing new oil and gas licences, and refusing to support UK companies who export oil and gas technologies abroad. Ms Badenoch will say that in contrast: The Conservatives are focused on securing jobs, investment, and energy independence. The foundation of economic growth is cheap, abundant energy and that must be our priority. Thats why it is time to overturn the absurd, anti-prosperity, anti-business, anti-oil and gas, anti-British ban on supporting UK companies who export their world-leading technologies overseas. Ms Badenoch will insist this had done nothing but see business destined for British businesses go to companies from overseas. The Tory leader will claim: It was, and remains, a mad decision. And I say that it needs to go. And when I am prime minister, it will go. open image in gallery Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was accused of strangling the North Sea in his dogmatic and ideological pursuit of net zero ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire ) Her comments came as David Whitehouse, chief executive of the industry body Offshore Energies UK, said there was an important message that the UK should produce its own oil and gas. He said that estimates suggest the UK will need between 10 billion and 15 billion barrels of oil and gas between now and 2050 the target date for the country to reach net zero. But Mr Whitehouse added the UK was currently on course to produce less than four billion barrels from the North Sea. He said: I believe in excess of six billion barrels is a realistic target for the country. We just need the right policies to support that. And I think it is in our national interest that we put the policies in place that it becomes realistic, that we get back to delivering six to seven billion barrels of oil and gas. Mr Whitehouse continued: Even though we have not seen the level of exploration that the basin needs, we are still seeing some fantastic discoveries in terms of gas discoveries. I think there is a real opportunity for the UK to produce much more of its own gas demand in the coming years if we had the right environment. The UK Government has been contacted for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Labour MP has declared he is Cornish, not English and has urged people from his Cornwall to be loud and proud of their identity. Speaking to the House of Commons during a debate on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, Perran Moon said he had been mocked for describing himself as Cornish. Moon, the MP for Camborne and Redruth, then called on the government to ensure its devolution plans respect the status of Cornwall. During the Bills second reading, he told the Commons: Im often asked, even by colleagues in this place, as a Cornishman, do I consider myself English? Along with hundreds of thousands of Cornish men and women, Im often sadly mocked for my reply. So let me be absolutely clear today, I am Cornish, not English. Perran Moon, MP for Camborne and Redruth, said people from Cornwall often face ridicule for expressing pride in their region ( House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA ) Although I freely admit that some of my very best friends are English. And to those at home, particularly young people, who have been equally ridiculed, I say to them: be loud and proud. Its OK to consider yourself Cornish and British. He added: During the course of this Bill, I will work with the government to ensure that this Bill is passed that respects Cornish national minority status and delivers an historic devolution arrangement that fulfils our manifesto commitment. A devolution arrangement that provides for the economic development support we need to unleash the Cornish Celtic tiger. A devolution arrangement that gives us the funding and resources to deal with our crippling housing crisis. A devolution deal that celebrates Cornish national minority status. This is a responsibility that weighs not just upon the mind, for us this is not just about functional local government, it goes way, way deeper into our souls. A centuries-old desire for increased autonomy and self-governance in our place on this multinational island. I urge ministers, together, lets grasp this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A surge in counterfeit Labubu dolls poses a risk to children, a council in south-west London has warned after seizing more than 230 of the fake toys in just two months. Sutton Council Trading Standards team said it was alerting residents "to a rise in dangerous, counterfeit Labubu dolls", which "pose serious safety risks". Fuelled by the brands online popularity, unsafe counterfeit toys are flooding the market, with trading standards officers warning of "critical safety failures", in toys they'd seized in July and August. The council said these include choking hazards due to small parts like hands, feet and eyes easily coming off the dolls, as well as poor-quality stitching and stuffing; unknown materials which may contain harmful chemicals; and faked safety marks, which mislead people into believing they are safe. Labubu dolls have become a global sensation among children and collectors after being created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and popularised by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. What began as a niche art toy has exploded into a billion-dollar phenomenon. In the first half of 2025 alone, Pop Mart reported over $670m (500m) in revenue from the Labubu Monsters series, with projections to surpass $1bn (745m) by the end of the year outpacing brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels. Fans line up for hours at release events, trade rare variants online, and customise their dolls with handmade outfits and accessories. Sutton Council trading standards officers advised consumers to ensure they are purchasing safe toys from reputable retailers, and should "avoid buying from unlicensed street sellers or unverified online sources". Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, told The Independent: The surge in fake, unsafe toys is extremely worrying, as these dangerous fakes have critical safety failures, including choking hazards and being made from unknown materials. We also know that the fake dolls are often linked to unverified businesses looking to cash-in on the trend. He added: The council's trading standards team has been working hard, as part of inspections of local stores, to remove any fake dolls from being sold. Genuine Labubu dolls have a holograph sticker and a scannable QR code. The council said: "If you believe you have bought a dangerous toy, stop children from playing with it immediately and report it to Trading Standards." Sutton Council is not the first to warn of a concerning rise in unsafe Labubu dolls on the market. Moray Council in Scotland has also said it seized more than 100 of the fake dolls over the summer, and Hull City Council also said it had seized hundreds in August. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds has come into force across parts of England and Wales, with the Met Office cautioning over potential flooding and travel disruption. The alert for rain is active from midnight until 2pm on Wednesday, initially impacting south-west England and much of South Wales. The Met Office expanded the warning area early on Tuesday to include parts of south-east England. This follows the end of meteorological summer on Monday, ushering in cooler temperatures and wind after the warmest summer on record. Meanwhile, the Northern Lights were visible across parts of the UK and Ireland overnight on Monday. Stargazers on Monday night reported sightings in north-east Scotland, northern England and the Midlands, with photos on social media showing the lights as far south as West Cork in Ireland. Tuesday and Wednesday will see night-time viewing conditions worsen, but northern Scotland and northern England are likely to have the clearest skies, although still not ideal viewing conditions. In its weather warning, the Met Office said heavy rain may cause travel disruption and flooding in places. open image in gallery The Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings across the UK ( Met Office ) It added that some interruption to power supplies and other services is possible and bus and train services will probably be affected with journey times taking longer. Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: Were expecting a band of heavy rain and strong winds to move north-east through the first part of Wednesday, followed by heavy showers and the risk of thunderstorms. Some of these could bring hail and gusty winds, particularly in southern areas. open image in gallery Northern Lights (aurora borealis) photographed at Hopeman village in Moray, Scotland. ( Stevo Howells ) Of course, the warning coincides with the first school run after the summer holidays for some, meaning a wet and potentially disruptive start to the day for many. Heavy rain and strong winds will move north-east from early on Wednesday, followed by heavy showers and some thunderstorms. open image in gallery Members of the public walk through the rain over London Bridge on August 29, 2025 in London, England ( Getty ) Conditions will gradually improve from the South West through Wednesday afternoon as showers become more isolated. Rainfall totals will be 20-30mm across much of the area covered by the weather warning on Wednesday, but some places could see 40-60mm within a period of six to nine hours. Coastal gales are also likely for a time, especially along English Channel coasts, the Met Office added. The weather service said conditions on Thursday would be unsettled, with widespread showers and occasional thunderstorms. Some sunny spells are expected, but rain may become more persistent in parts of western Scotland. By Friday, southern areas will begin to see more settled conditions, with increasing sunshine and fewer showers. However, the North West will remain wet and windy, with a small chance of coastal gales, the Met Office said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Asylum seekers could be moved into warehouses instead of hotels, Yvette Cooper has suggested. The home secretary said that the government was considering industrial and military sites to house asylum seekers under plans to reduce the number of migrant hotels. In an interview with LBC on Tuesday morning, Ms Cooper said that warehouses were one of the things thats been looked at. She added that the Home Office would provide updates when weve got the practical plans, but said that they were exploring alternative sites, more appropriate sites, including looking at military and industrial sites as well. Labour have committed to ending the use of asylum hotels by 2029 but they are under pressure to move faster after a number of violent protests outside sites across the country. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first returns under a deal with France are expected this month ( PA Media ) The demonstrations started outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after a resident was charged with alleged sexual assault. Epping Forest District Council won a temporary injunction against the hotels use from the High Court, only for the order to be overturned by the Court of Appeal last week. Court of Appeal judges ruled that the closure of the 152-bed hotel would have obvious consequences on the governments duty to house asylum seekers. There are more than 32,000 asylum seekers living in hotels, government data from June 2025 says. While the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels is up eight per cent year-on-year, the numbers have been consistently falling since December last year. The number of people in hotels - 32,059 - is also significantly lower than the peak of over 56,000 under the Tory government in September 2023. However the rising number of small boat crossings in 2025 is also putting pressure on accommodation, with Channel crossings set to reach a record high if trends continue. Sir Keir Starmer told cabinet ministers on Tuesday that there was a need to go further and faster on tackling migration. A Downing Street spokesperson said that Sir Keir understood the frustration people feel at the level of illegal crossings and the site of asylum hotels in their communities. The prime minister will be holding a further ministerial meeting on Tuesday afternoon to consider how we can go further and faster to combat illegal crossings, the spokesperson said. Care minister Steven Kinnock said last week that the government was exploring a whole range of options beyond hotels to house asylum seekers. He said these included disused warehouses, disused office blocks, disused military barracks.. According to the Home Office, asylum hotels are costing the department around 5.77m per day to run, down from 8.3m per day the previous year. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Reform-led council has taken the first steps towards stopping the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by claiming they may be in breach of planning rules. West Northamptonshire Council in the Midlands has issued Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of three hotels in the area, which are being used by the Home Office as temporary accommodation for migrants. It follows the Epping Forest District Council case, which has seen a temporary injunction which would have required the removal of asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel being overturned by the Court of Appeal. open image in gallery Demonstrations took place across the country on Saturday (Jane Barlow/PA) ( PA Wire ) It follows an application from the hotels owners and the Home Office, after a previous ruling at the High Court decided that the 138 migrants residing there would need to be removed by 12 September. In recent weeks, discontent with how the government has managed the small boats crisis and housed migrants in hotels has led to a wave of protests and clashes with counter-demonstrators across the UK. Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council said: By accommodating asylum seekers, we believe these hotels may have a case to answer for breaching planning control, and these notices are the first formal step in allowing us to investigate further. The recent Epping Court of Appeal hearing highlighted the importance of ensuring the full planning enforcement process is followed if councils are looking to take action against the use of hotels in their area as asylum accommodation and thats what were doing in West Northants. With the Home Offices use of these hotels in our area placing an unsustainable strain on our local services and with residents continuing to raise concerns, we will look at using whatever powers we have to address these issues. open image in gallery The home secretary Yvette Cooper outlining reforms to the border security and asylum system ( Parliament TV ) The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex became the focal point of several demonstrations 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. Protests have since spread to other hotel sites, including the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf and to locations in Falkirk, Bournemouth and Manchester. Sir Keir Starmer said he completely gets peoples concerns about migration, and insisted he wanted to speed up efforts to empty asylum hotels before the next election. The government has committed to empty all hotels currently housing migrants by the end of the Parliament, which could be as late as 2029, but the Prime Minister suggested he wanted to bring that forward. The Conservatives have announced they plan to force a vote in Parliament on giving local authorities more say in decisions about accommodating asylum seekers in hotels or shared housing. The amendments set to be tabled in the Lords to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would ensure local communities are consulted before properties are converted to house asylum seekers as part of the planning process. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said by appealing in the Epping case, Keir Starmer showed he prioritised the rights of illegal immigrants over the rights of the British people. She added: With this amendment, Starmer and Labour are going to have to decide again whether they will continue to ride roughshod over communities as they push asylum hotels into Britains towns and cities. The Home Office has be contacted for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The burden on school and college leaders and teachers has reached an unprecedented level, a leading teaching union has warned, as schools are increasingly forced to run food banks and support families with housing due to under-funded public services "crumbling around them". A report by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said these vital services are important, but cannot continue to be the sole responsibility of schools and teachers. Julie McCulloch, director of strategy and policy at ASCL, said: "In recent years the expectations on schools and colleges have grown way beyond teaching and learning to encompass a wide range of societal responsibilities. Some of this can be traced back to the pandemic, but also to high child poverty rates and crumbling public services, meaning that schools and colleges are left to pick up the pieces." The ASCL has set out what services schools should reasonably be expected to provide, and which should be the responsibility of other agencies that schools may liaise with. The report added that things like dental checks, health of pupils families, and pupil behaviour on social media out of school hours should not be expected of schools. open image in gallery Schools are having to run food banks and support families with housing as under-funded wider public services crumble around them, a report by union the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said ( PA Wire ) From running food banks and supporting families with housing, to resolving parking issues and mediating parental disputes, the burden placed on school and college teachers and leaders has never been higher, Ms McCulloch added. Some of these issues are obviously of great importance but they cannot continue to be shouldered by educators. The report also sets out some responsibilities that the ASCL said schools might reasonably be expected to take on, if they are given the proper funding and resources to do so. These include providing technology for pupils, pupils personal hygiene, ensuring support detailed in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is met, and reducing youth violence. A study by the University of Bristol last year found schools had become the biggest source of charitable food and household aid, with around one in five schools running one. The Government should set out a long-term plan for education like the one it has for the NHS, the ASCL said, and a strategy that clearly maps out who is responsible for different services in local areas. open image in gallery A study by the University of Bristol last year found schools had become the biggest source of charitable food and household aid, with around one in five schools running one ( PA Archive ) Schools need sufficient funding to provide their core responsibilities, the union added, and the Government must also invest properly in wider childrens services and make sure its child poverty strategy tackles the issues the poorest families are facing. The Government is expected to set out its child poverty strategy in the autumn. More needs to be done to clearly distinguish where the core responsibilities of education staff start and end, Ms McCulloch said. It is time to rethink exactly what we expect from schools and colleges and how they should be resourced to meet these demands. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A crude Welsh Dragon motif and graffiti reading F*** the English!! has been spray painted onto a mini-roundabout in the North Wales seaside town of Llandudno, prompting a police appeal. The vandalism appears to be a response to a St Georges Cross having been sprayed on the same mini-roundabout in August, which had already been removed by the local council. The two acts of vandalism come as various mini-roundabouts around the country have become the focus for nationalist fervour as part of a controversial campaign to raise the St Georges Cross and Union Jack flags around the country. There are concerns that the organised effort, called Operation Raise the Colours, could stoke tensions in local communities and there is an anti-immigration sentiment behind the campaign. North Wales Police described the graffiti in Llandudno as an obscene anti-English slogan. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan told The Independent: "Hate-related offences, including those that target communities or national identities, are taken extremely seriously and will not be tolerated under any circumstances." He added: Local enquiries remain ongoing, and we are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Maesdu Road/Bodnant Road area between 26 August and 1 September to get in touch. We are particularly keen to hear from drivers who may have captured relevant footage on dashcams during that period. Conwy council has said it will remove the latest graffiti, and described the damage as a waste of public resources. There are fears increasing use of the St Georges Cross flag and the Union Jack could stoke division in communities and that there could be anti-immigration sentiment behind them. They are believed to be part of an online movement known as Operation Raise the Colours, which has been backed by far-right figures including Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson. Far-right group Britain First has also voiced support for the movement, with the co-founder of the campaign claiming they had donated 200 flags. During last years racist riots which broke out in the wake of the Southport attack, many participants were seen wearing or waving such flags. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Yvette Coopers new asylum crackdown may fuel more dangerous Channel crossings as women and children left languishing in war zones attempt to reunite with their loved ones in Britain, the British Red Cross has warned. The home secretary on Monday announced a suspension on new refugee family reunion applications, a pathway which allows refugees living legally in the UK to apply to bring their close relatives to safety. The charity, which has years of experience supporting refugee families to reunite in the UK, warned those relatives will now face a stark choice between waiting in conflict zones without their loved ones or beginning a perilous irregular journey to the UK. Writing in The Independent, Alex Fraser, director of refugee services at the British Red Cross, says the impact of Ms Coopers announcement could see children potentially separated from a parent for years, trapped in conflict or disaster zones. In the year to June 2025, there were a record 20,817 refugee family reunion visas issued. Over the past decade, 92 per cent of these were issued to women and children. open image in gallery Home secretary Yvette Cooper has suspended new applications from refugees wanting to bring their close family members to the UK ( PA ) He writes: Families will face harsh choices over those years either trying to survive during the long wait for safety, or potentially risking the alternative making a dangerous journey to the UK in order to attempt to rejoin their family. Small boat crossings have risen under Labour, with more than 29,000 people having made the journey so far this year, up from 21,052 people for the same period in 2024. Sir Keir Starmer, who is under huge pressure over the issue, has vowed to crack down on crossings by tackling smuggler gangs and by agreeing a one-in one-out deal with France. Speaking to media on Tuesday, Ms Cooper declined to guarantee that asylum seekers would be sent back to France by October, but said that returns are expected to begin this month. Mr Fraser also warns that restrictions on family reunion visas could reduce the ability of refugees granted protection in this country to properly integrate into their communities. We know that being with close family members is vital for peoples mental health and their ability to integrate into communities, he writes. Many people tell us they cannot begin to live again, until they know their loved ones are safe. Almost three-quarters of the cases that the British Red Cross supports are of children hoping to reunite with their parents in the UK, with the charity helping 288 families last year, Mr Fraser adds. He gives the example of a nine-month-old baby who was separated from both his parents during the conflict in Sudan and left in the care of his elderly grandmother. The charity was able to reunite the parents with their son in time for his second birthday. Although Mr Fraser says the process was far from easy, it offered protection, hope, and a way for families to rebuild their lives together. But he warns that any new scheme would result in more barriers. When families are together, we see them thrive. Its vital that we protect this lifeline for those torn apart, he writes. open image in gallery Migrants stand in the sea dejected after failing to board a small boat in Gravelines, France ( Getty ) Making the announcement in parliament on the first day MPs returned to Westminster after the summer recess, Ms Cooper said that new applications would be suspended until new rules are introduced, which will likely be in the spring. These new requirements are expected to include a fresh waiting period before an application can be submitted, higher levels of English language skills and financial requirements. Refugees will reportedly have to wait two years before they can submit an application for their families. The exact requirements are yet to be outlined but Home Office officials pledged in a policy document published earlier this year to ensure those coming to the UK have an appropriate level of English language skills, to be able to effectively integrate into local communities. The plans would also ensure the family unit has sufficient money financially to support any migrants without relying on the taxpayer. Ms Cooper said that, before the pandemic, refugees waited one or two years after their grant of protection to apply to bring their families to the UK. However, applications are now being made on average one month after refugee protection is granted. This is having an impact on council accommodation for the homeless, as refugee families who cant support themselves are turning to local authorities for emergency housing help, Ms Cooper told MPs. open image in gallery Migrant families wade into the sea in an attempt to board a small boat ( Getty ) Ms Cooper pledged on Tuesday to empty asylum hotels before the end of the current parliament in 2029. She also suggested that warehouses could be used for asylum accommodation instead of hotels, saying the Home Office was exploring more appropriate sites, including looking at military and industrial sites. Under previous rules, refugees did not need to meet any financial or accommodation requirements to apply, and their families did not face any English language tests. This is unlike other reunion routes, such as for British nationals wanting to bring their partners to the UK, which require certain income thresholds to be met. Other charities and campaigners warned that such a move by government could push more asylum seekers towards small boat crossings. Flora Alexander, UK director at the International Rescue Committee, said: Narrowing access for people seeking to reunite with loved ones is not a solution to system pressures, it risks pushing more people toward dangerous journeys and represents a step away from compassion and common sense. She added that the suspension of the route was deeply alarming as family reunion is one of the best routes to a migration system that is both humane and orderly. Sile Reynolds, head of asylum advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, said: No one should have to wait years to be able to restart their lives, whether thats due to the delays in decision making and appeals or the cruel and unnecessary suspension of refugee family reunion. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tory MPs have revealed that whips have been ringing them to encourage them to go to Kemi Badenochs first party conference as leader in October amid concerns that it will be poorly attended. An email has been sent to MPs to urge them to attend, while MPs have reported calls from party whips asking if they are planning to turn up at the Manchester event with the tone described as pleading. One veteran MP told The Independent: I dont remember whips calling before like this. I was actually planning to go but I think there is a concern that not many people will attend. Kemi Badenoch has been leader for almost a year ( Getty ) The office manager of another MP said: I have to say it sounded to me like a pleading call. It was highly unusual. Ive been organising conferences for years now and I dont think this has happened before. Meanwhile, a member of staff of a third MP said: There has been an email encouraging MPs to go. However, it appears the words of encouragement have not had the desired effect on all MPs, with one telling The Independent: Im not going. Little point. However, the Tories insisted it was not unusual for whips to try to gauge attendance numbers before conference and said they were not concerned. A source added: From what I know MP attendance this year is set to be very healthy. It comes as senior figures in the Conservative Party admit that their leader is just not cutting through at the moment. There is speculation that Ms Badenoch may not survive next years local elections in May if results go badly again, and suggestions that her rivals from the leadership race shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick or shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly could replace her have not gone away. Meanwhile, Nigel Farages Reform is dominating the news agenda and the polls around eight points ahead of Labour with the Tories a distant third. The party leadership is considering bring forward meaty announcements earlier than planned in an attempt to try to shift the dial. Last years Tory conference in Birmingham was well attended, despite the partys historic defeat in the general election. However, one MP noted: We were still running the leadership conference then and there was a lot of interest in the final four candidates. I suspect a lot of those who turned up last year have left the party or even defected to Reform. The Independent has asked the Conservative Party for comment. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As a new poll shows even Reform UK supporters back a youth mobility scheme with the EU, Independent readers have reignited a debate over the scheme and the wider ramifications of Brexit. Many readers said young people had a particular reason to feel aggrieved most were too young to vote in 2016, and those who could largely opposed Brexit, yet they are now the most restricted when it comes to living, working and studying abroad. Others stressed that the vote to leave was one of the worst economic mistakes in modern history, and that Britain must edge closer to the EU for growth and stability. Some said a youth mobility scheme is just the start, with eventual rejoining the only long-term solution. But not all agreed. Several insisted such schemes do not unpick Brexit, pointing out that the UK already has similar arrangements with countries outside the EU. One commenter argued that remainers are now defecting to Reform, and claimed a second referendum might return an even bigger Leave vote if led by a government fully committed to Brexit. Heres what you had to say: A compelling moral case for youth We all need more flexibility in terms of travel to, and mobility in, the EU all round. There's a compelling moral case for younger people, because fewer of them had a chance to vote and most of those that did opposed Brexit. However, it is a burden on all people, not just the young. In my field (university research) it is a nightmare because it's an area which relies heavily on international collaboration and mobility. Tanaquil2 One of the worst economic decisions in history The vote to leave the EU in 2016 was one of the most catastrophically bad economic decisions in this nation's history. That David Cameron didn't introduce a "super" majority vote (60/40) is a good measure of his arrogance and hubris. The sooner we can re-join the better. We should also seek early admittance to the Eurozone. Like it or not, the world is settling into a number of powerful economic and military blocs and the UK, without EU membership, is just a minnow now. That we had such an advantageous membership of the EU and we simply threw it away is nothing short of a tragedy. Hamps Youth mobility is not freedom of movement The UK has youth mobility schemes with various countries, hence a youth mobility scheme does not "unpick Brexit". The UK already has youth mobility schemes with Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Those were set up by Conservative UK governments. Sunak approached several EU members and asked them for a youth mobility scheme too. They informed the EU Commission that in turn informed all other EU members and the EU27 decided to write up a joint proposal to Sunak. To be eligible for this visa, the candidates must have sufficient financial means and a comprehensive health insurance both to be tested before and throughout the stay. Also, it is valid for only one EU member state, it does not include FOM inside the EU. Real European The Farage mistake Here we go. Who's going to break it to them gently that following Farage was, and if they do so in the future will be, a big mistake with many unforeseeable penalties. Him, together with Johnson and the other band of prominent Brexiteers, have done more damage to the UK than anyone can probably imagine. Companies have gone to the wall, food imports and exports are tied up in UK red tape as much as any produced in the EU, the UK's seas and waterways are filthy compared to how they were when the UK was part of the EU, the economy is a mess, food is more expensive, jobs have gone, and there are so many things that haven't changed for the better. Wait until you have to pay for ETIAS and the biometric data obligation, then you'll know you belong to a third country. Now suddenly it seems they want to start cherry-picking the bits of EU membership that made their lives easier. They'll soon find out cherry-picking isn't on the EU agenda. They'd better think carefully when they go to the polls because any attempt at sending Farage to negotiate anything with the EU would be a total waste of time. He'd undoubtedly come back claiming it's the EU's fault he achieved nothing which he wouldn't because Farage is one of those people who's never to blame, it's always the others. The kid that broke the window leaving someone else to take the blame! It doesn't suit Farage to be part of the EU because he has his own ideas about empowering and enriching himself. The EU was glad to see the back of him and they certainly won't want any dealings with someone who was always out for trouble, causing disruption where he could as well as being rude and insulting! Ambigirls Brexiteers have a case to answer No wonder Reform and Farage are being very coy about Brexit these days. A policy they were very closely involved in and supported has been seen as a major failure. It is clear the British public realises it. That said, why should voters trust these people to make the right call on anything else? I did not support Brexit but it was implemented. Those who supported it have a case to answer. What was so good about it? Or did they just tell porky pies? Do not trust such people again. 49niner The slow non-EU queue So Brexiters don't like having to stand in the slow non-EU queue at airports. That's strange because it's what they voted for and now they have the added burden of EES and ETIAS to come. Oh dear. Hammer71 Youth mobility is not rejoin A youth mobility scheme has nothing to do with steps towards rejoin the UK has youth mobility schemes with many countries. And Starmer will not take any step towards rejoin. That's the one promise he is sticking with. Real European Excluded from Johnsons deal It does "unpick Brexit" to the extent that the agreement Boris Johnson made with the EU (in contradiction to much of what he said before the vote) excluded youth mobility along with the rest of freedom of movement. I don't think he ever gave a reason for this betrayal of what was voted for. Epaminondas Only closer ties can fix the mess Even a good idea like the youth mobility scheme wont bring back the billions and billions Farage and the Tories have lost us. Closer ties with the EU are the only way to address economic growth and the global immigration issue. The Tories and Reform dont have it in their DNA to do so. Hammerhead72 Remainers defecting to Reform All this indicates is that remainers are now defecting to Reform. My bet is that another Brexit referendum today would produce the same result as last time, possibly with an even bigger margin. Pollsters might just begin to ask the obvious question about what if we actually had a government fully behind our decision to leave, rather than the supine pair who made no effort to make it work so far. OlTom Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the days top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click log in or register in the top right corner to sign in or sign up. Join the Independent Women newsletter with Victoria Richards for a thoughtful take on the weeks headlines Join the Independent Women newsletter Join the Independent Women newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Leading female politicians, campaigners and cultural figures have signed an open letter criticising attempts from the right to link sexual violence in Britain to the arrival of asylum seekers. The letter - signed by musicians Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church and Anoushka Shankar, as well as Labour, Green and independent MPs including Kim Johnson, Ellie Chowns, Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana says they reject the far rights racist lies about protecting women and girls. They are not defenders of women they exploit violence against women to fuel hate and division, reads the letter, coordinated by Stand Up to Racism and titled Women Against the Far Right. open image in gallery Nigel Farage has repeatedly tried to link illegal immigration with levels of violence against women and girls ( PA Wire ) The letter, seen by The Guardian, warns: Violence against women and girls is a serious and urgent issue. But it will never be solved by the likes of Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick targeting refugees, Muslims and migrants. There is no evidence that people seeking refuge are more likely to commit acts of sexual violence. Many are themselves survivors of violence, war, and persecution. Blaming them distracts from tackling the deep-rooted causes of abuse and from holding those truly responsible to account. It also accuses the far right of spreading misinformation to whip up protests and unrest outside hotels housing asylum seekers, which include women and children. The letter argues that this does nothing to make women in Britain feel safer. The letter was also signed by Labour MPs Nadia Whittome, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mary Kelly Foy, as well as the Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti. The general secretaries of unions, including the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, the Public and Commercial Services Union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, were also among signatories to the letter. It follows a wave of protests over the summer, amid discontent with how the government has managed the small boats crisis and housed migrants in hotels. open image in gallery The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, became the focal point of several demonstrations and counter-protests in recent weeks ( PA Wire ) Meanwhile, the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, became the focal point of several demonstrations 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. Reform UK leader Mr Farage has repeatedly tried to link illegal immigration with levels of violence against women and girls, claiming that an Afghan male has a 22 times more likely chance of being convicted of rape than somebody born in this country. Giving a press conference last month, he also said that "40 per cent of sexual assaults in London over the course of the last five years have been committed by those born overseas". His statistics were based on analysis by the Centre for Migration Control, which describes itself as a "think tank committed to controlling and reducing migration to Britain". While there is evidence to suggest that Afghan men have marginally higher offending rates compared with Britons, the scale of Mr Farage's figures has been disputed by Office for National Statistics data. Meanwhile, shadow justice secretary Mr Jenrick previously said he is worried for the safety of his three daughters because of asylum seekers with medieval attitudes coming to Britain. open image in gallery Independent MP Diane Abbott was one of the leading figures to sign the letter ( PA Archive ) Mr Farage also faced condemnation last month after pledging to deport women and children as part of his plan to remove up to 600,000 people with no right to be in the UK during the first term of a Reform government. He later rowed back on it, insisting 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. Mr Farages plan was met with condemnation from charities who accused him of dehumanising people who have fled war and persecution. Care4Calaiss chief executive, Steve Smith, said the majority of people dont want to see women and children placed in detention centres, denied their rights to safety. Meanwhile, Jon Featonby, chief policy analyst at the Refugee Council, added: Detaining children en masse was never workable. It would have breached long-standing safeguarding protections and carried serious legal, diplomatic and moral consequences. No amount of tough talk will solve the challenges in our asylum system. Reform UK and Mr Jenricks office have been contacted for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Yvette Cooper has failed to guarantee that the number of small boat crossings will come down by this time next year, amid growing public anger of the governments handling of the issue. Public discontent with the governments handling of the small boats crisis and the housing of asylum seekers in hotels has led to a wave of protests over the summer, as well as criticism from Labours political opponents after the number of people crossing the Channel reached a record high this year. Asked whether the numbers of people making the dangerous crossing will still be going up in a years time, the home secretary refused to make grand promises claiming that is what the previous government did and failed to deliver on them. open image in gallery Yvette Cooper has failed to guarantee that the number of small boat crossings will come down by this time next year ( House of Commons ) She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Anybody sensible who talks to you about this will say there's no one single silver bullet that will deal with the challenges that we face around border security, around the scale of migration, around the asylum system We did inherit a system that was in chaos. There isn't a single silver bullet, but there are lots of things that can make a difference. Youre right, the difference in the approach that I'm taking compared to the previous government is they used to make these grand, sweeping claims, and they're not delivering any of them. They used to make grand promises that everything was suddenly going to be solved, whether it was by Rwanda or whether it was by cancelling the asylum system or and so on. Asked whether she agrees that people have run out of patience with the government, Ms Cooper responded: Well, it's only going to be through multiple changes and through hard graft that we're going to make progress. And you know, you can just stand on the shoreline and you can shout at the sea, and that's what I think opposition parties have been doing. Or you can get on with the hard graft and roll up our sleeves and just do step by step and keep working on this, and were determined to do so. Last month, figures showed that the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel topped 25,000 this year the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 25,000 mark has been passed since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018. Over summer, the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, became the focal point of several demonstrations 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. In an attempt to bring down the number of people crossing the Channel, the government has agreed a returns deal with France, which ministers say will begin later this month, as well as unveiling a number of changes to the asylum system. But Ms Cooper also declined to guarantee that migrants will definitely be sent back across the Channel in September as part of the returns agreement. The first returns are expected this month, the home secretary said, but speaking to Sky News she was cautious not to promise deportations will go ahead during September. We expect the first returns to take place this month. But Ive always said from the very beginning on this, its a pilot scheme and it needs to build up over time, she said. On Monday, Ms Cooper announced plans to suspend all new applications under the refugee family reunion route as part of a series of measures to clear the asylum backlog and clamp down on the number of people crossing the Channel. The changes mean that refugees will be covered by the same family migration rules and conditions as everyone else while a new, tougher framework for family reunions is drawn up. open image in gallery Figures from last month showed that the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel topped 25,000 this year ( Getty ) Refugees will now have to apply through the standard family scheme, which applies to British citizens. This requires them to demonstrate a minimum joint income of 29,000 per year before their foreign partner can join them in the UK. Giving a statement in the Commons on Monday, the first day back after a summer recess that was marred by growing public anger over migration, the home secretary said that a new independent body will be created to speed up asylum appeals, as well as announcing that the first returns of those who come to the UK on small boats will begin later this month under its deal with France. More comprehensive reforms to family reunion will be outlined in an asylum statement later this year and implemented by spring, she said, arguing that people-smuggling gangs were using family reunion rules to promote illegal crossings to the UK. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Yvette Cooper has denounced calls by Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch for tougher action on migrants, accusing them of standing on the shoreline and shouting at the sea. The home secretary denied her attempts to curb small boat crossings by migrants had failed and said the problem would only be solved by hard graft not grand pledges. Ms Cooper said: You can just stand on the shoreline shouting at the sea and that is what the opposition parties have been doing. open image in gallery Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first returns under a deal with France are expected this month ( House of Commons ) Or you can get on with the hard graft, roll up our sleeves and do it step by step. Ms Cooper said the government was determined to maintain its current approach whether that be by ending asylum hotels, preventing these dangerous boat crossings or putting a fair system in place that supports genuine refugees as this country has always done. There was no alternative, she insisted, claiming that the previous government made grand promises but failed to deliver on them. In recent weeks both Reform and the Conservatives have called for more drastic measures to combat the rise in asylum seekers arriving in small boats this summer via the English Channel. Last week, Mr Farage pledged to detain and deport up to 600,000 people with no right to be in the UK during the first term of a Reform government, including anyone who arrived in Britain after crossing the Channel in a small boat. The party has also pledged to scale up detention capacity for asylum seekers to 24,000 and bring forward legislation to make everyone who arrives illegally ineligible for asylum. The plans would require the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights. But Ms Cooper dismissed calls by leading Labour figures including former home secretaries Jack Straw and David Blunkett to suspend Britains membership of the ECHR to make it easier to deport asylum seekers. We do not need to suspend [the ECHR] to take action on the way in which the legislation is interpreted in our courts, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. We inherited a system in chaos. There is no silver bullet but there are lots of things that can make a difference. The difference in the approach I am taking compared to the previous government is that they made grand sweeping claims and then failed to deliver on them. The home secretary also rejected criticism of her decision this week to restrict the right of those granted asylum to be reunited with their families, claiming it resulted from such applications being made much sooner than previously. The changes mean that refugees will be covered by the same family migration rules and conditions as everyone else while a new, tougher framework for family reunions is drawn up. open image in gallery Farage regularly travels to Dover to condemn government failures to tackle to small boats crisis ( Getty ) Refugees will now have to apply through the standard family scheme, which applies to British citizens. This requires them to demonstrate a minimum joint income of 29,000 per year before their foreign partner can join them in the UK. Last month, figures showed that the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel topped 25,000 this year the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 25,000 mark has been passed since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018. Over summer, the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, became the focal point of several demonstrations 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. In an attempt to bring down the number of people crossing the Channel, the government has agreed a returns deal with France, which ministers say will begin later this month, as well as unveiling a number of changes to the asylum system. But Ms Cooper declined to guarantee that migrants will definitely be sent back across the Channel in September as part of the returns agreement. The first returns are expected this month, the home secretary said, but speaking to Sky News she was cautious not to promise deportations will go ahead during September. We expect the first returns to take place this month. But Ive always said from the very beginning on this, its a pilot scheme and it needs to build up over time, she said. Small boat arrivals across the Channel were lower last month than in any August since 2019. On the face of it, this looks like some rare good news for the home secretary, at a time when the use of hotels to house asylum seekers has become a major national issue. But how good is the news really? What are the actual numbers? This August, 55 small boats crossed the Channel, compared to 75 in the same month in 2024; it was the lowest August figure since 2019. But the actual picture is a bit more complicated. There were fewer boats, but the boats tended to be bigger, with more people crammed onto them, so while the figure of arrivals was also down to 3,500, from 4,149 it was not down by as much as the fall in boat numbers might suggest. Why have the Channel crossings fallen? Labour would have us believe it is largely due to measures it has taken to smash the gangs and increase cooperation with the French. Again, there may be some truth in this. The National Crime Agency claims it has disrupted a record 347 people-smuggling gangs (though that can cover a very wide definition), 25 people have had their assets frozen under new legal provisions as suspected smugglers, and there have been periodic signs, such as the one occasion French police were filmed slashing an inflatable boat, that the French might be taking a more pro-active stance. Britain has also persuaded countries such as Germany to act against those found to be storing or transporting boats that could be used in Channel smuggling. But other factors, such as the weather and the number of migrants crossing into the EU from other countries, also play a role. Several EU countries, including Germany, have recently made it harder for undocumented migrants to cross their borders. Can this downward trend be sustained? That is the big question. One month can be an outlier because of variables such as weather, mentioned above. For the government to argue successfully it has turned the tide, a decrease in both boats and arrivals must be maintained through the autumn. And any fall will have to be marked, because the total number of people arriving by small boat since the start of 2025, at 28,000, is up more than 40 per cent compared to last year. The numbers have accelerated since Labour took office in July 2024, reaching 50,000 in just over 400 days. Is there a downside? If fewer, but more heavily laden, boats are coming, the dangers are likely to increase. So far this year, 20 people have died trying to cross the Channel, making a total of 249 since 2018. How representative are the figures? Home Office statistics show that almost two-fifths who claimed asylum in the UK in the 12 months to June 2025 arrived in small boats, the majority coming originally from long-standing trouble spots, such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran and Syria. The remaining 60 per cent included those coming via other illegal means stowed in lorries, for instance. But the majority tend to be those already legally in the UK on, say, student or family visas, seeking a way to stay indefinitely. At the same time, small boat arrivals present a particular political problem for any government because they are so visible and because it seems to many voters that they are making a mockery of UK border controls. Their accommodation in hotels, once an emergency measure, but now routine, has become a further political issue in itself. How many are housed in hotels? Currently, there are 32,000 asylum applicants not just small boat arrivals in hotels, a figure the government says has fallen from a peak of 56,000 in the summer of 2023. This is strictly true, but the claim needs to carry the same health warning as the August small boats figure, in that the figure fell quite sharply to 29,000 in the last months of the Conservative government, before rising again under Labour to where it is now. This is despite the government pledging to end the use of hotels by the end of the current parliament (2029). Are these numbers the full extent of the problem? No, because at present, asylum seekers may apply to bring in dependents as soon as their claim has been successful, who at once become eligible for state support, including housing. The number of dependents granted permission to come reached 20,000 through 2024. The home secretary has announced plans to tighten provisions governing dependents, to bring them into line with those in other European countries. There is also a fairness aspect, as those who do not come to the UK via the asylum route have to meet strict financial and other requirements before they may bring in family from abroad. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rachel Reeves is under renewed pressure to drop her tax hike on businesses after new research suggested it had the greatest impact on small firms. The findings seen by The Independent revealed that the number of job vacancies at small businesses fell by a fifth (18 per cent) in the three months to July, compared to the three months to October, when the chancellor announced the increase in employer contributions to national insurance in her 2024 Autumn Budget. The analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures carried out by the Liberal Democrats, as the party calls on the chancellor to scrap the so-called jobs tax, has come with a dramatic warning from the Federation of Small Business (FSB) that their members do not feel the government has their backs. open image in gallery No 10 denied the reshuffle had dealt a blow to Chancellor Rachel Reeves authority (Matthew Horwood/PA) ( PA Wire ) The move netted Ms Reeves and the Exchequer around 25bn to pay for an increase in public spending including a massive 4bn boost to the NHS. The analysis also comes as Ms Reeves is under pressure to fill a potential budget black hole of 40bn with experts warning she will have to break her election promise and hike income tax, VAT or employee national insurance. The chancellor is also being urged by many in Labour and the trade unions to consider new wealth taxes, bring in a mansion tax and charge landlords national insurance. There is also speculation that she is being sidelined after her deputy Darren Jones was given a new job in Downing Street and Keir Starmer appointed himself an economic adviser, Baroness Minouche Shafik. However, critics have argued that the chancellor had already gone back on an election promise not to raise national insurance and the move has been counter productive in her top mission of economic growth. The official figures recently published by the ONS show that in the three months to July, small businesses employing one to 49 people posted 216,000 job vacancies. The figure is down from 262,000 vacancies recorded in the three months to October 2024, revealing a drop of 46,000 following the last Autumn Budget which introduced the employer national insurance increase. Medium-sized businesses employing 50 to 249 workers saw a 13 per cent drop, with vacancies falling by 16,000 in the same period. Large businesses employing at least 250 people saw a drop of 10 per cent, resulting from 43,000 fewer vacancies. In total, job vacancies across all businesses reduced by 105,000, from 823,000 in the three months to October 2024, to 718,000 in the three months to July 2025. open image in gallery Lib Dem Sarah Olney is critical of the so-called jobs tax (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire ) Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: Small businesses dont feel the government has their backs when it comes to creating jobs. Its not just hiked costs: if you threaten small businesses with court the second they hire somebody, this is the predictable result. Anyone working in the real economy can feel the jobs market has turned, so were calling on ministers to take urgent action and fix their utter mess of an employment bill before more and more people are left out of work. The CBI said at the time of the Autumn Budget that the decision would lead to a fall in hiring with businesses less likely to take a chance on a new recruit. Ahead of this years Budget, the Lib Dems are calling on the chancellor to scrap the jobs tax that has pushed many small businesses to the brink and left people without hiring opportunities. Lib Dem business spokesperson Sarah Olney said: The governments jobs tax has proven to be nothing but an unmitigated disaster. Countless small businesses were already at the brink of collapse and this growth-crushing tax hike has only added to the pain. This tax rise has acted as a roadblock to breaking with the years of Conservative mismanagement that left our economy stuck in the mud. It is high time the chancellor realised that this tax rise is self-defeating, denying people opportunities to earn a living and risks sending even more businesses to the wall. However, a Treasury spokesperson said: The tax decisions we took at the Budget last year mean that we have been able to deliver on the priorities of the British people, from investing in the NHS to cutting waiting lists and putting more money in their pockets with a wage boost for millions as we deliver on the Plan for Change. They pointed out that 43 per cent of employers (865,000) will pay no employer national insurance this year. They added that more than half of employers will either see no change or a reduction in their national insurance bills because the employment allowance was increased from 5,000 to 10,500. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Zack Polanski has been elected as the new leader of the Green Party, after winning a landslide victory in the contest. The former actor and hypnotherapist received 20,411 votes from the party membership, while Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsays joint campaign received just 3,705 votes. Elected with the largest ever number of votes in a Green Party leadership election, becoming the first ever sole leader of the party, Mr Polanski promised bold action and bold leadership. In his victory speech, Mr Polanski sent a message to Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party, saying the Greens were going to replace you. We will nationalise the water companies. We will hold this Labour government to account. Because when we look at Keir Starmer and what this government have been doing, whether its the two-child benefit cap, the disability cuts, the genocide in Gaza, my message to Labour is very clear: we are not here to be disappointed by you, we are not here to be concerned by you, were here to replace you. Mr Polanski used his victory speech to promise his followers and those who did not vote for him to work to expand the party, welcoming "thousands of new members" to the Green Party. "Thank you to every single person who voted for me. I promise to work every single day to deliver environmental, social, racial and economic justice, he said. It comes as the Green Party seeks to pitch itself as a serious progressive alternative to Labour, having increased its Commons representation to four MPs last year. open image in gallery Zack Polanski was elected with the largest ever number of votes in a Green Party leadership election ( James Manning/PA Wire ) Throughout a sometimes fractious campaign, Mr Polanski has pushed what he brands an eco-populist agenda, while his rivals emphasised a need to appeal to a wide range of voters. Mr Ramsay, the incumbent co-leader and MP for Waveney Valley, and North Herefordshire MP Ms Chowns have accused him of using polarising language that only appeals to a narrow segment of the electorate. Mr Polanski has previously said he would work with Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultanas new left-wing political party, saying he is open to working with anyone whos up for challenging the far-right threat of Reform and this unpopular Labour government. Congratulating him on to his victory, Mr Corbyn said: I look forward to working with you to create a fairer, kinder world. Your campaign took on the rich and powerful, stood up for the dignity of all marginalised communities, and gave people hope! Real change is coming, he added. Voting ran until August 30, with anyone who had joined the party by the end of July eligible to cast a ballot. Mr Polanskis insurgent campaign had encouraged people to sign up to the Greens ahead of the vote, leading to accusations of entryism from some of his opponents accusations he has denied. Unlike other parties, the Greens hold leadership elections every two years. This years contest was to have been held in 2024, after Mr Ramsay and his co-leader Carla Denyer were elected for an extraordinary three-year term in 2021, but the poll was delayed in order to avoid a clash with the general election. Ms Denyer decided not to stand for re-election in May this year. open image in gallery Zack Polanski has been elected leader of the Green Party ( PA ) Mr Polanski previously worked as a hypnotherapist - a role that sparked controversy when, in 2013, a newspaper reporter requested a hypnotherapy session to increase her breast size and body image self-confidence for an article in the paper. He did the session without charge and featured in the published article - but said the story did not accurately reflect the situation. Years later, he apologised for his involvement. 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 Burkina Fasos parliament has passed a law banning homosexuality, with people facing two to five years in prison, the state broadcaster reported late Monday. The code was approved by the parliament on Monday in a unanimous vote, putting the legislation into effect more than a year after its initial approval by Captain Ibrahim Traores military government. Burkina Faso now joins over half of Africas 54 countries that have laws banning homosexuality, with penalties ranging from several years in prison to the death penalty. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, welcomes Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore for the talks in the Grand Palace at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 10, 2025. (Angelos Tzortzinis/Pool Photo via AP, file) The new law goes into effect immediately with individuals in same-sex relationships risking prison sentences as well as fines, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said during a briefing broadcast by the state TV. He described homosexual acts as bizarre behavior. You will go before the judge, the justice minister said, addressing offenders. Burkina Faso has been run by the military following a coup in 2022 that the soldiers said was to stabilize the country amid a worsening security crisis and provide better governance. Rights group, however, accuse the junta of clamping down on human rights with the rampant arrest and military conscription of critics. Since coming to power in September 2022 after Burkina Faso's second coup that year, the junta leader Traore has also positioned himself as a pan-African leader with rhetoric of independence from the West a message that often resonates with Africa's young population. 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 At least 370 people were killed after a landslide struck a village in Sudans remote Marra Mountains, a UN official said. Antoine Gerard, the UNs deputy humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, said it was difficult to determine the exact number of casualties as the area struck by the landslide was far-flung and difficult to reach. We do not have helicopters, everything goes in vehicles on very bumpy roads. It takes time and it is the rainy season, sometimes we have to wait hours, maybe a day or two to cross a valley, he was quoted as saying by the BBC. Bringing in trucks with commodities will be a challenge. It was previously reported that the landslide, which devastated Tarasin village in the western Darfur region on Sunday, had killed more than 1,000 people. Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived, the rebel group controlling the area, the Sudan Liberation Movement, said in a statement earlier. The group said the disaster followed several days of heavy rainfall. The village had been completely levelled to the ground, it added, and urged the UN and international aid organisations to assist in recovering bodies. Minni Minnawi, Darfurs governor, said the landslide was a humanitarian tragedy. We appeal to international humanitarian organisations to urgently intervene and provide support and assistance at this critical moment, for the tragedy is greater than what our people can bear alone, he said in a statement quoted by AFP. According to Al Jazeera, the Marrah Mountains of central Darfur, inaccessible by road, serve as a refuge for people displaced by conflict, making its villages densely populated. The disaster struck amid a brutal civil war that erupted in April 2023 with clashes between Sudans military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in Khartoum and across the country. Factions of the Sudan Liberation Movement, which control the region affected by the landslide, have declared their support for the Sudanese military in fighting the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict and severe access restrictions have left much of Darfur, including the Marrah Mountains, largely unreachable for the UN and humanitarian organisations. Estimates of casualties from the ongoing civil war vary widely, with a US official last year putting the death toll at up to 150,000 and the number of displaced at around 12 million, the BBC reported. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Many jobs are seeking AI literate candidates but the vague term may be confusing for people seeking job opportunities in a technologically advancing workforce. Artificial intelligence has become more popular as tech companies make their models more sophisticated. Now, people can simply use a chatbot to come up with a dinner recipe, ask for the best vacation spots or help solve a debate over whether a hot dog is a sandwich. While AI has made strides in changing the way people interact with computers in their personal lives it is also known for the advancements it has made in the business sector. Randy Bean, a long-time advisor to corporations on data and AI leadership, said an industry survey published this year suggested, We are experiencing a once-in-a-generation transformational moment, akin to the founding of the internet in the 1990s, in the Harvard Business Review last January. open image in gallery Many jobs are seeking 'AI literate' candidates but the vague term may be confusing for people seeking job opportunities in a technologically advancing workforce ( Anouk Anglade/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images ) The 2025 AI & Data Leadership Executive Benchmark Survey, which Bean first launched over a decade ago, found more than 98 percent of organizations said they were increasing investments in AI and data, and nearly 94 percent said theyve seen some business value from their AI investment. As more companies see value in AI, it is becoming more commonplace for them to seek job candidates who have some level of skill using AI, even if they are applying for nontechnical positions. Theres not some universal standard for AI fluency, unfortunately, Hannah Calhoon, vice president of AI at job search company Indeed, told The Washington Post in a recent article. But she said, youll continue to see an accelerating increase in employers looking for AI skills. Zapier, a workflow automation platform, is making AI skills a requirement for all new employees. For us, being capable is the bar. You have to be at least that to get hired, Zapier CEO Wade Foster told The Washington Post. An example of being AI capable that Foster showcased is a marketing employee who uses the technology to make social posts and edit by hand. open image in gallery As more companies see value in AI, it is becoming more commonplace for them to seek job candidates who have some level of skill using AI, even if they are applying for nontechnical positions ( Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images ) Julia Cheek, the founder and CEO of Austin-based digital health company Everlywell, gave an example of how a candidate could use personal experiences with AI and apply them to the role they want. A candidate for a social media manager could mention how they have used AI tools on Canva or Photoshop to create memes and then explain how the technology could accelerate development of content for the position, Cheek told The Washington Post. There is hope for job seekers who may be late to the AI game, as some employers say they wont eliminate candidates solely because of a lack of experience with the technology, according to the publication. Blair Ciesil, co-leader of management consulting firm McKinsey & Co.s global talent attraction group, told The Washington Post, Whats more important are the qualities around adaptability and learning mindset. People willing to fail and pick themselves up. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new poll has found most U.S. adults agree hard work no longer guarantees economic gain, crushing the long-held cultural belief known as the American dream. There is a running joke on TikTok, which is predominantly used by younger adults, that the Baby Boomer generation is now able to sell their homes for millions after buying them with a handful of raspberries. This sentiment rang true in a recent survey from The Wall Street Journal and NORC at the University of Chicago, as well as in interviews conducted by the publication. A majority of respondents said the prior generation had an easier time buying a home, starting a business or being a full-time parent. Nearly 70 percent of people in the poll said they believe the American dream an idea that, no matter who you are or where you are from, if you work hard enough, you will achieve your goals in America is no longer true or never was. open image in gallery A new poll finds most U.S. adults agree hard work no longer guarantees economic gain, crushing the long-held cultural belief known as the American dream ( Preston C. Mack/Getty Images ) The number of people who believe the American dream is dead is the highest it's been in nearly 15 years of surveys, according to the WSJ. The poll was fittingly published on Labor Day, a federal holiday that celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. In an X post Monday, the White House shared a clip of President Donald Trumps 11 life-changing lessons, which included a good work ethic and a belief in the American Dream. But only 25 percent of people in the WSJ-NORC poll believe they have a good chance of improving their standard of living, a historic low in surveys dating to 1987, according to the publication. Theres limits to what hard work can actually bring people these days, Bill Sanchez, a 30-year-old criminal defense attorney and Army veteran who makes roughly $72,000 a year living in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, told the WSJ. Jerry Esch, a 56-year-old from Windsor, Colorado, was making roughly $200,000 a year before he was laid off this summer after working at Microsoft for 20 years. He and his wife still have a mortgage to pay off. Esch said salaries havent risen with ridiculous home prices. How we address that is the biggest thing in fixing that American dream, he said. open image in gallery On Monday, protesters gathered at hundreds of events across the country to not only support workers but also denounce the Trump administration ( Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images ) On Monday, protesters gathered at hundreds of events across the country to not only support workers but also to denounce the Trump administration. Demonstrators protested against issues including the presidents mass immigrant deportations and government spending cuts made by tech billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, The New York Times reported. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fewer international tourists are traveling to the U.S., and the trend is not expected to change anytime soon amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to experts. In the first seven months of the year, the number of overseas visitors, which excludes travelers from Mexico and Canada, declined by more than 3 million, or 1.6 percent, compared to the same period a year before, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. Canadian data also showed a dip in tourists this summer. More Americans drove into Canada in June and July than Canadians driving into the U.S., a first in nearly two decades except for two months during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Canadas national statistical agency. Experts and some local officials say this dip in international tourism has to do with President Donald Trumps return to office. open image in gallery Fewer international tourists are traveling to the U.S., and the trend is not expected to change anytime soon amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to experts ( Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images ) They pointed to the Trump administrations sweeping global tariffs, immigration crackdown and repeated threats about the U.S. acquiring Canada and Greenland as alienating international travelers. "To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening, said Patrick Kaler, CEO of the tourism organization Visit Buffalo Niagara. The World Travel & Tourism Council projected ahead of Memorial Day the U.S. would be the only country among the 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending would fall in 2025. The worlds biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, Julia Simpson, the councils president and CEO, said. "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the closed sign. Travel research firm Tourism Economics predicted this month that the U.S. would see 8.2 percent fewer international arrivals in 2025. The firm noted airline bookings indicate the sharp inbound travel slowdown of May, June and July would likely persist in the months ahead. Deborah Friedland, managing director at the financial services firm Eisner Advisory Group, said the U.S. travel industry has faced geopolitical tensions as well as political uncertainty and rising travel costs. open image in gallery In the first seven months of the year, the number of overseas visitors declined by more than 3 million, compared to the same period a year before, according to U.S. government data ( Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images ) Since returning to the White House, Trump has doubled down on some of the hard-line policies that defined his first term, reviving a travel ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries, tightening rules around visa approvals and ramping up mass immigration raids. At the same time, the push for tariffs on foreign goods that quickly became a defining feature of his second term gave some citizens elsewhere a sense they were unwanted. Perception is reality, Friedland said. But there are travelers from some countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Japan, who have visited the U.S. in greater numbers. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nestle has fired its chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, for what it claimed was an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee. The worlds largest packaged-food maker said in a Monday press release its board of directors had ordered a probe into the undisclosed romantic relationship which it found had violated the companys code of conduct. This was a necessary decision, the boards chairman, Paul Bulcke, said. Nestles values and governance are strong foundations of our company. Bulcke also thanked Freixe for his years of service at the Swiss company. The Independent has reached out to Nestle for comment. open image in gallery Nestle has fired its chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, for what it claimed was an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee. ( AFP/Getty ) Freixe had worked at Nestle for nearly 40 years but his time as CEO was rather short. He was appointed to the position in September 2024 replacing Mark Schneider. When Schneider was ousted that August, the Wall Street Journal reported there had been concerns from senior employees and board members about whether he was a good cultural fit for the company. Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestle Nespresso, a Nestle company that produces coffee makers, will assume Freixes role, the company announced Monday. Navratil has been with the company since 2001 and joined its executive board this past January. "I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestle into the future, Navratil said in a statement Monday. open image in gallery Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestle Nespresso, a Nestle company that produces coffee makers, will assume Freixes role ( AFP/Getty ) I fully embrace the company's strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestle's performance. While Nestle may be best known for its Toll House chocolate chips or Nesquik, it owns a plethora of grocery brands, from DiGiorno frozen pizza to Gerber baby food to Purina pet food. The company reported in July organic sales growth of 3 percent for its second fiscal quarter. That same month, Nestle said it was reviewing its underperforming vitamins, minerals and supplements business, according to multiple reports. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Juan Rivera, a 25-year-old content creator from San Marcos, Southern California, cast his vote for President Donald Trump, driven by the hope that efforts to curb illegal immigration would enhance safety in his community. He notes that neighbourhoods near his home, once frequented by migrants with "violent tendencies," now feel considerably safer. Yet, Rivera recounts a jarring incident he vows hell "never forget": witnessing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stop a truck carrying Latino workers, then haul the men into their vehicles without requesting identification, leaving the empty truck behind. While some of his relatives work for US Border Patrol, others, in the process of establishing legal residency, are "scared of going to work because they fear that they're going to get pulled over by immigration." Despite these complexities, Rivera gives the Trump administration "very high marks" on its handling of immigration, citing "a lot more public safety." This sentiment reflects a broader trend: seven months into his second term, Trumps signature issue of immigration continues to bolster his otherwise declining approval ratings, offsetting a downturn in support for his economic policies. A group of 20 Trump voters, including Rivera, interviewed monthly by Reuters, shares these perspectives. open image in gallery Some polled US residents support Trumps tightening of US border security against illegal immigration, but were mixed about how Trump is enforcing his policy ( Associated Press ) When asked to rate the administrations immigration performance on a scale of one to ten, fifteen gave a rating of seven or higher, with none scoring it below five. They universally support Trump's tightening of US border security to prevent further illegal immigration and his efforts to expel immigration offenders with violent criminal records. But there was less consensus about how Trump is going about the crackdown. "President Trump was elected based on his promise to close the border and deport criminal illegal aliens," said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson in an emailed statement. "The Trump Administration will continue carrying out the largest mass deportation operation in history." The 20 voters were selected from 429 respondents to a February 2025 Ipsos poll who said they voted for Trump in November and were willing to speak to a reporter. They are not a statistically representative portrait of all Trump voters, but their ages, educational backgrounds, races/ethnicities, locations and voting histories roughly correspond to those of Trump's overall electorate. Seven of the voters said they worried about the means Trump was using to achieve his goals, with some recoiling at the way authorities are rounding up immigrants for deportation. open image in gallery One voter was dismayed to learn that some immigrants without legal status she knows are afraid of being deported under Trump ( Associated Press ) "I agree that you have to have an immigration policy and enforce it. I don't agree with kidnapping people off the street," said Virginia Beach-based retiree Don Jernigan. Jernigan, 75, said that footage of ICE raids he has seen on ABC and Fox News "reminds me of Nazi Germany. And you would rarely hear me say that name, Nazi, okay? But it does, the way they snatch people." Other voters, such as Will Brown, 20, a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, urged the administration to pursue even more ambitious deportation goals. Brown, who said he "couldn't be more of a fan of Stephen Miller," the White House aide credited with designing Trump's immigration policy, noted that the deportation rate of Trump's second term so far lagged that of the last two Democratic administrations. "Honestly, I don't think they're doing enough," he said. Reality divide open image in gallery The Trump administrations usage of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents has attracted criticism ( Getty ) The voters' attitudes towards traditional news outlets heavily affected their view of Trump's immigration crackdown. "If you get your information from one source, ICE is devils incarnate, and if you get it from another source, they're superheroes," said Gerald Dunn, 66, a martial arts instructor in upstate New York. Dunn said he rarely reads or watches news from mainstream outlets because "everything is so exaggerated." Instead, he browses headlines and watches YouTube videos to stay informed. He has heard reports of ICE agents detaining non-criminal immigrants, but said such incidents are blown out of proportion. "You're going to arrest people wrongfully, and it turns out they shouldn't have been arrested. That doesn't mean you don't arrest anybody." In the Chicago suburbs, municipal office secretary Kate Mottl, 62, said she is thrilled with Trump's immigration policy. She does not believe news outlets that report immigrants without a criminal record are being swept up in raids. Mottl was dismayed to learn that some immigrants without legal status she knows are afraid of being deported under Trump. "I tell them, 'you shouldn't be worried about that because you're not a bad person. You're not committing crimes,'" she said, adding that she feared they were being misinformed by the news sources they watch. Clearer pathway to legal status open image in gallery One voter said she wouldnt report illegal immigrants she considers as friends to ICE ( Getty Images ) Fourteen of the 20 voters said they hoped Trump would improve the immigration system and vetting process to help deserving foreigners with the potential to contribute to the US economy legalise their status more easily in the United States. Like Mottl, Lesa Sandberg of St. George, Utah, said she knows undocumented immigrants "who are raising their families here, who are working, who are contributing to our economy and our society. And my heart goes out to them." Sandberg, 57, who runs an accounting business, rents properties and works for a former Republican congressman's political action committee, said she is glad to see the administration cracking down on immigrants with criminal backgrounds. But when it comes to the immigrants in the US illegally that she considers friends, she said, "I would never call ICE on them ... [it's] that whole concept of when we know people in the situation, feelings are different about it because we know how bad it is for them." David Ferguson, 53, a mechanical engineer and account manager in western Georgia, said some of the foreign students in his daughter's graduate school program want to stay and work in the United States but fear they won't be able to re-enter if they visit their home countries, despite having valid visas. Some immigrants really do "want to have long-term residency and be productive members of our society. Let's give them a path for that," he said. Ferguson said he doesn't think an amnesty program is necessarily the solution. But Juan Rivera, the Trump voter in southern California, thinks it could attract wide support. "It's actually a really big sentiment I've been hearing from a lot of local Republican elected officials, that the Trump administration [should] offer amnesty the way that Reagan did," said Rivera, who does Latino outreach advocacy for his county's Republican Party. His own father was able to become a US citizen after former Republican President Ronald Reagan signed legislation in 1986 granting amnesty to about 3 million immigrants without legal status, according to Rivera. He said he hopes Trump moves the country toward "an immigration system that balances security with humanity." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Venezuelas president has accused the US of attempting to carry out regime change in the South American country, and warned he will respond in kind to any attack by warships patrolling near its coast. In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defence of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro said, adding that he would declare a republic in arms, without elaborating. His comments on Monday were in response to the significant build up of US naval forces in and around the southern Caribbean, in a move that has escalated tensions with nearby Venezuela. open image in gallery Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has threatened to create a republic in arms ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Trump administration said the mobilisation of its warships was part of a broader operation to thwart Latin American drug cartels, but officials in Caracas have questioned the USs motives and suggested the deployment could be a pretext to a military invasion. Experts, however, are dubious about those claims. The build up is a sizeable force for whats officially a counter-narcotics mission, much more than youd normally expect for that role, Imdat Oner, a political analyst at Florida International University and a former Turkish diplomat who was stationed in Caracas from 2014 to 2016, told The Independent. Its a deliberate show of force, but not enough for a full-scale invasion. The posture sits in this ambiguous middle ground, enough firepower to keep Maduro guessing, but not so much that it commits the US to a full occupation. Why has the US sent a naval fleet to Venezuelas coast? open image in gallery The US Navy warship USS Lake Erie (CG 70) docks at the Port of Balboa in Panama City ( AFP via Getty Images ) US president Donald Trump has pushed for the military to tackle drug cartels that he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the US. Seven US warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, are expected to be mobilised in the region, along with 4,500 sailors and marines, according to Reuters. Among the warships are two Aegis guided-missile destroyers - the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham - as well as the destroyer USS Sampson and the cruiser USS Lake Erie, AP news agency reported. It is unclear how the military presence in the region will disrupt the drug trade. The ships are part of an enhanced counter narcotics operation to carry out drug interdiction missions in Latin America, a defence official told The Washington Post last week. Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based political analyst for the International Crisis Group, believes the operation is likely to be an expensive failure... since at best it will only temporarily disrupt trafficking in the eastern Caribbean. But he added: There are ancillary goals, including the destabilisation of the Maduro government and possibly even its collapse. That's something US Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio has long promoted, but there appears to be no clear plan as to how to achieve it, and even less of an idea how to deal with the chaos that might ensue. How has Maduro responded? open image in gallery Trucks transport tanks in Venezuela after the government announced a military mobilisation following the US deployment of warships in the region ( AP ) The large US presence in the region has raised suspicion in Caracas that the US might take military action against Venezuela. Maduros government has responded by deploying more than 15,000 troops along the Venezuelan coast and border with neighbouring Colombia, as officials urged civilians and reservists to enlist in a militia to defend the country. In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defence of Venezuela, Maduro said on Monday, characterising the deployment of US warships as an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat. He accused Trump of pursuing a regime change, warning that US military action against his country would stain (Trumps hands) with blood. Historic tensions between the US and Venezuela open image in gallery EEUU AYUDA EXTRANJERA ( AP ) Trump has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the US through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations, asserting that the vast majority of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific. Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year. The opposition, however, said there is credible evidence that its candidate had won the vote, as it urged the US and other countries to ramp up pressure on Maduro to force him out of office. The Trump administration announced a $50m reward last month for Maduros arrest, accusing him of being one of the world's largest drug traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade. Maduro was indicted by a US federal court during Trumps first presidency in 2020 on charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. The bounty at the time for information that could lead to Maduros capture and prosecution was $15m, which was increased by the Biden administration to $25m, the same amount the US offered for the capture of Osama Bin Laden following the September 11 attacks. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A historic and picturesque town in North Carolina has removed a Confederate statue from its downtown after long-running weekly protests against it. The bronze figure of a soldier was carefully removed from its stone base on the waterfront of Edenton just after midnight on Sunday morning and placed into storage at the county jail. It is set to be relocated to outside the Chown County Courthouse. The removal of the statue is notable as it comes at a time when President Donald Trump has launched a crusade against depictions of U.S. history that do not portray the country in a flattering light. His administration has begun changing the names of military bases back to their original titles, commemorating Confederate soldiers after they were renamed during the Biden administration. Some statues that were removed will be replaced, and Trump has singled out the Smithsonian and other museums for review. Rod Phillips, who helped stage protests against the monument each Saturday in the town with a 60 percent Black population, told The Washington Post: Its a great sense of relief. open image in gallery A statue of a Confederate soldier has been removed from the waterfront district of Edenton, North Carolina. It will be relocated to outside a nearby courthouse ( Google Maps ) Edenton Mayor W. Hackney High Jr. defended the towns plan to remove and relocate the statue, saying it was a compromise allowing those for and against the statue a measure of victory. To those who advocated for the monuments relocation or removal: your efforts brought about meaningful change. The monument is no longer in its original, most prominent location at the foot of Broad Street, Hackney wrote. To those who opposed its removal: your voices helped ensure the monument is preserved and relocated respectfully, not destroyed or discarded. However, Phillips noted that the struggle is not completely over. The plan by town leaders to reerect the statue has led to a lawsuit being filed on the grounds that it would violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by intimidating Black people who attend legal proceedings. No new Confederate statues have been added to U.S. courthouse properties in at least a decade, according to a study published this year by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a legal advocacy organisation. However, Donald Trump has galvanised proponents of Confederate heritage by vowing to restore memorials that were removed during the racial justice movement, sparked by the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police in Minnesota. A judge last month dismissed a lawsuit by groups seeking to prevent the relocation of a Confederate statue from its prominent Edenton waterfront spot, clearing the way for its removal. The ruling came despite efforts by supporters of the monument to keep it in place. Michael Dean, commander of an Edenton chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans a group formed specifically in response to removal efforts posted his dismay on Facebook on Sunday. He wrote: Like a thief in the night, the town removes the memorial under cover of darkness. No fanfare or honor guard. Phillips, who rushed over to watch the removal of the monument, said: Our mission now is to keep this thing from going back up anywhere. Edenton officials planned the relocation of the controversial Confederate statue following a recommendation from a racial reconciliation commission several years ago. The monument was completed in 1909 at a historic, Colonial-era courthouse, no longer in use, before its relocation to the more central waterfront in 1961. This move occurred during the Civil Rights protests, a period when resident Golden Frinks, a top lieutenant to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was a prominent organizer, with Dr. King often visiting Edenton. As the new recommendation to remove the statue became entangled in court, a diverse group of local residents has staged demonstrations against the monument every Saturday for the past three years. This was met by counter-protesters from local and regional Confederate heritage organisations, defending the memorial. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has launched a crusade against museums that portray America in a poor light, wanting to see success depicted over analysis of darker moments of U.S. history such as slavery and the Civil War ( AFP/Getty ) President Trump issued an executive order in March entitled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which pushed back against efforts to reinterpret U.S. history. Rather than fostering unity and a deeper understanding of our shared past, the widespread effort to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame, it said. The order claimed that the Smithsonian museums had come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology. It also ordered the Interior Department to reinstate statues and displays that had been removed or changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology. In early August, a U.S. Army official announced that the restoration of a Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is expected to cost approximately $10 million over two years. The official stated that the monument would feature panels sharing the history behind the memorial, which will be refurbished and have its base replaced. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to claw back $20 billion from a climate bank established by the Biden administration. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned a March ruling by a lower court which had prevented the Environmental Protection Agency from taking away the money. The funds were awarded to eight non-profit organizations as part of the now-defunct Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The fund allocated $27 billion for clean energy projects, including solar panel installations and electric vehicle sales. The money was deposited at Citibank, where it continues to sit. Five of the groups joined a lawsuit against the EPA and Citibank, alleging they were illegally withholding obligated funds, to the detriment of communities the non-profits serve. A lower court judge had sided with the groups, questioning whether the EPA had used the proper legal procedures to terminate the grants. The judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the EPA from unlawfully suspending or terminating the awards and ordered Citibank to release the money to the grant awardees. open image in gallery A man installs solar panels on the rooftop of a California home in October 2023. A federal appeals court cleared the way for the Trump administration to claw back $20 billion from a climate bank that would go toward solar panel installation and other clean energy ( Getty Images ) But, the district court abused its discretion in issuing the injunction, Circuit Judge Neomi Rao wrote Tuesday. The new decision said that the government is responsible for ensuring proper oversight and management of this multi-billion-dollar fund" on behalf of the public. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin celebrated the massive win. After the Biden EPA set up the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund through self-dealing and conflicts of interest, unqualified recipients and reduced agency oversight, I terminated these grants completely! he posted on X. However two non-profits said they would not give up the fight for their funds which totaled nearly $9 billion. The five groups who challenged the EPA were expecting to receive $16 billion and are likely to file additional litigation, according to POLITICO. While we are disappointed by the panels decision, we stand firm on the merits of our case: EPA unlawfully froze and terminated funds that were legally obligated and disbursed, Climate United CEO Beth Bafford said in a statement. This is another hurdle in our fight to lower energy costs for those who need it most while creating jobs for hardworking Americans, but we will continue to press on for communities across the country that stand to benefit from clean, abundant, and affordable energy. open image in gallery Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin testifies before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee last May in Washington, D.C. The agency has also been working to reverse the landmark climate finding that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health ( Getty Images ) Tim Mayopoulos, the chief executive of Power Forward Communities, said his group has long known that this would likely be a protracted fight, according to Bloomberg Law. The group is confident in the strength of its case, he said. Republicans had previously called the green bank a slush fund, and voiced concern about transparency in how it would be used. But, former Vice President Kamala Harris said the grants would help to ensure that families, small businesses, and community leaders have access to the capital they need to make climate and clean energy projects a reality in their neighborhoods. The Trump administration has been working to reverse climate policy and regulations, including the landmark climate finding that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health. Environmental groups are also suing the Trump administration for convening climate skeptics to author a report serving as a basis for that reversal, as scientists warn of a dire future in a worsening climate crisis without drastic action. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Eric Trump, the son of President Donald Trump, tried his hand at sumo wrestling on a visit to Japan and quickly found himself unceremoniously dumped out of the ring despite a strong start. Trump, 41, was reportedly in the Far East to take part in a shareholder meeting in Tokyo with the Japanese bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet as his family seeks to expand its fledgling cryptocurrency business. While there, the businessman toured a local wrestling venue and fought Yokozuna, 34, a legend of the discipline, for a video posted to Instagram shortly afterwards. open image in gallery Eric Trump squares up to Yokozuna in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday ( Eric Trump/Instagram ) Dressed in a sky blue polo shirt and denim shorts rather than dare the traditional mawashi loincloth worn by the rikishi, the American used every inch of his rangy six foot five inch frame to lean into Yokozuna, initially succeeding in driving him backwards. But having soaked up the initial pressure, the more experienced man soon tired of humoring his guest, locked his arms around Trumps midriff, gently lifted him into the air and marched him out of the dohyo. Laughing uproariously in defeat, Trump clasped Yokozunas hands and bowed respectfully to the victor. Not every day you get invited to sumo the legend, Yokozuna! Almost had him! A great honor! the visitor captioned his video. In a second clip, Trump is shown practising some entry-level moves with his much-larger adversary before being swung around like a child. open image in gallery Yokozuna dumps Eric Trump out of the sumo ring in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday September 2 2025 ( Eric Trump/Instagram ) Trump also posted a grinning selfie with Yokozuna and five more fighters. Despite the light-hearted nature of the encounter, a video discussing the post on YouTube attracted a number of harsh comments. Rich, dumb people activities are getting weirder and weirder, one person said. Eric Trump squaring off against a sumo wrestler went over like a pregnant pole vaulter awkward, doomed, and painful to watch, wrote another. Others claimed to have mistaken the video for a clip from the latest episode of South Park but perhaps the most damning comment of all read simply: Eric just wanted a hug. President Trump himself is well-known as a fan of combat sports, having a long history with WWE and a friendship with UFC boss Dana White, with whom he is currently planning a cage fight at the White House scheduled for next year. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Congress returns this week, so does the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as well as President Donald Trumps inevitable pushback. For those who might have forgotten, in July, the Department of Justice released a two-page memo stating that the convicted sex offender and disgraced financier had no client list and likely killed himself in prison. That set off a firestorm among both critics of the president and even some of his biggest fans. Democrats sought to make hay of the matter and proceeded to try and include amendments related to the investigation in the House Rules Committee, which forced House Speaker Mike Johnson to send the House of Representatives home early for the August recess. Trump for his part has hoped that the whole thing would just go away. But now that Congress is back, both the House and Senate can take actions on Epstein. Here are four things to watch for as Congress takes up the Epstein investigation: open image in gallery As the House and Senate return, expect new developments in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. ( AP ) 1. The discharge petition and who joins it Typically, the only way to get a bill to the floor for a vote is to have it go through the House Rules Committee. House leadership and the majority also tightly controls what goes on the floor. But rank-and-file members have one tool to get around leadership: the discharge petition. If a member gets a majority of their colleagues to sign onto a petition, it can have an automatic vote on the matter in the House of Representatives. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced one before Congress left. Now Massie says he will file his discharge petition on Tuesday. Expect every Democrat to sign onto it. But even some arch-conservatives like Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have signed onto it. 2. Chuck Schumers Rule of Five open image in gallery Senate Minority Leader invoked a little-known law known as the Rule of Five to force the Justice Department to turn over information on Epstein. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Democratic voters have not been happy with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ever since he voted for a continuing resolution to keep the government open in May. Some have hoped he will either retire or that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run in a primary against him in 2028. But Schumer still understands the rules and procedures of the upper chamber and he invoked whats called the Rule of Five. Put simply, if five members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee requests information, an executive agency must comply. In this case, Schumer joined with other members of the Homeland Security Committee to release information related to Epstein from the Justice Department. Its unclear how much information Democrats can get and certainly the White House will try to resist a release. But it tees up a huge fight right ahead of a potential government shutdown and gives Democrats some hint of leverage. open image in gallery House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer will lead the investigation in the lower chamber. ( AP ) 3. The Oversight Committee While the fireworks will happen on the House floor, most of the activities surrounding the Epstein investigation will take place in the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Typically seen as an irascible and highly partisan committee, it will serve as the battleground for the narrative around the Epstein investigation. The committee already subpoenaed information from the Justice Department. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, have said it will receive the leatherbound book Epsteins collaborator and facilitator Ghislaine Maxwell curated for him, which reportedly also included a bawdy letter with a drawing of a naked woman. But James Comer, the committee chairman, also said Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before the committee. Other Democrats like Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have said that not only should Maxwell testify, but Epsteins victims should have an opportunity to do so as well. Oversight has plenty of the most hardcore partisans on both sides such as Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) on the Democratic side and Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Mace and Greene. Expect Democrats to emphasize any ties between Trump and Epstein as well as any coverup by the Department of Justice while Republicans emphasize the disgraced financiers ties to Democrats like Clinton. 4. The GOP response All of this could be rendered moot depending on Trump and Johnsons response to it. A discharge petition is not fool-proof and Johnson could try to jam it the same way he tried to jam a separate discharge petition that Luna tried to force to allow the parents of newborns to take proxy votes. Attorney General Pam Bondi might also resist efforts from Senate Democrats or the House to turn over information. But the more resistance Trump puts up, the more suspicion he might face. And Johnson running interference might lead to the more squirrelly members of his conference revolting against him in the way that they have revolted against previous speakers like Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner and Paul Ryan. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The medical examiner has revealed the cause of death of Jessica Aber, the U.S. attorney who suddenly died earlier this year, mere months after resigning from her post on the day President Donald Trump took office. Police launched an investigation in March as mystery swirled around Abers sudden death at age 43. Just two months earlier, she announced she was stepping down as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, effective on January 20, the day of Trumps inauguration. The manner of death is natural and the cause of death is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, a spokesperson for Virginias Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told The Virginian-Pilot last month. Her family had previously said that she "suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years." Epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures, is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. open image in gallery An official cause of death was revealed for Jessica Aber, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who died just two months after stepping down from her post on the day President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term. ( Getty Images ) Days after Aber was found dead at her Virginia home, police said that "detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes." President Joe Biden nominated Aber for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in October 2021, becoming the third woman to be confirmed for the office. She began her service in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2009 as an assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime and child exploitation case before serving as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Justice Department. From 2016 until 2021, she was the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the district. In one of her last cases as U.S. Attorney, she announced that former CIA analyst Asif Rahman pleaded guilty to leaking top secret information about an Israeli strike on Iran. He has since been sentenced to more than three years in prison. Aber held the post for more than three years until she announced she planned to step down on January 20. open image in gallery Aber was appointed by Biden in 2021 and held the position until she stepped down when Trump took office on January 20. ( Getty Images ) Ive had the privilege of spending my career as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia working alongside talented, hard-working public servants who manage matters affecting citizens here and across the world, Aber said in a statement on January 17. Concluding my service to the District as its U.S. Attorney has been an honor beyond measure. I am deeply grateful to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this office, and to Attorney General Garland for his steadfast leadership. I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust. Tributes poured in for Aber in March. Attorney General Pam Bondi called her death deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time, Bondi said in a statement at the time. U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, who now heads the Eastern District of Virginia, said he was heartbroken beyond words. He said in a statement: She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The new top editor at Vogue has declined to share whether she would put Melania Trump on the magazines cover in light of recent controversy over the issue at Vanity Fair. Chloe Malle, 39, is set to succeed Anna Wintour as the head of editorial content at Vogue, according to a Tuesday announcement from the magazines parent company, Conde Nast. Wintour, 75, will still serve as the chief content officer at Conde Nast and the global editorial director of Vogue. Malle told The New York Times shes excited to direct content that gives readers original, witty, irreverent, joyful points of view on things. But when the Times asked whether she would ever feature President Donald Trumps wife on the cover, Malle declined to answer. This comes after Mark Guiducci, the new top editor of Vanity Fair, which is also owned by Conde Nast, said hes potentially interested in putting the First Lady on the magazines cover, according to Semafor. Some staffers were upset about the suggestion, and one editor threatened to walk out if it came to fruition, according to a report by The Daily Mail. Vogues new top editor has declined to comment on whether she would put first lady Melania Trump on the magazines cover ( Samuel Corum/Getty Images ) Last week, a fake Vanity Fair cover featuring Melania Trump also circulated on X, amassing thousands of likes and retweets. The fabricated image was shared by several prominent conservatives, including some who appeared to initially take it at face value. I cant wait to see all of the liberal meltdowns over this on TikTok, MAGA activist Charlie Kirk wrote on X. He later added a follow-up post: We need to meme the cover into existence. Fox News host Laura Ingraham similarly posted the fake cover, writing: Let the meltdown begin. Love it. She later re-shared the post, adding another line: Real or nothilarious to read the Lefts reaction. Vogue also faced conservative backlash in January after publishing a scathing review of the first ladys latest White House portrait. Indeed, Trump looked more like she was guest starring on an episode of The Apprentice than assuming the role of first lady of the United States, the outlet wrote, before comparing her outfit to a magicians uniform. The Independent has contacted Conde Nast for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. to fight crime, but they have also participated in President Donald Trumps beautification efforts, collecting 500 bags of trash along a 3.2-mile stretch. When Trump announced last month he had placed D.C. police under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to the city, he said he did it to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse. Now, soldiers are rescuing D.C. from litter. Troops wearing orange high-visibility vests over their camouflage uniforms were seen last week picking up trash in Lafayette Park just outside the White House. Soldiers were also seen cleaning up along the tidal basin near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Guardsmen have cleaned more than 3.2 miles of roadways, collected more than 500 bags of trash, and disposed of three truckloads of plant waste, the National Guard said in a statement shared by CBS News Scott MacFarlane on Monday. open image in gallery National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. to fight crime, but they have also participated in President Donald Trumps beautification efforts, collecting 500 bags of trash along a 3.2-mile stretch ( National Guard Bureau ) open image in gallery Trump has said he is determined to make Washington, D.C. safe, clean and beautiful again ( National Guard Bureau ) The Independent has reached out to the National Guard for comment. Trump has said he is determined to make Washington, D.C. safe, clean and beautiful again. During a photo-op at the U.S. Park Police facility in Anacostia last month, Trump told local and federal law enforcement he plans on renovating D.C. parks, and then went into a bizarre spiel about how hes very good at grass. The presidents push to beautify D.C.s parks comes after the National Park Service lost 24 percent of its permanent employees, The New York Times reported, citing data compiled by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. More than 1,800 park employees who left accepted the Trump administrations resignation offers, which were made in the name of government efficiency. White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers praised the joint task force in D.C. aimed at helping Trump make D.C. a safer and more beautiful city in a statement to The Independent. The Task Force has increased federal law enforcement to assist local officials, reduced violent crime, repaired roadways and parkways, and removed homeless encampments to restore our nations cherished capital, she said. open image in gallery More than 2,200 National Guard troops have been sent to D.C. ( Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty ) The Associated Press recently reported there have been more than 1,200 arrests made since the start of Trumps federal takeover on August 7, citing data released by the White House. More than 2,200 National Guard troops have been sent to D.C., which includes soldiers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, the NYT reported, citing National Guard spokesman Major Michael A. Maxwell. Experts told CNN the deployment of National Guard troops is costing about $1 million per day. Despite the Trump administration's rhetoric about D.C., crime statistics released by the U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. in January showed violent crime went down by 35 percent in 2024, a 30-year low, after peaking in 2023. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former aide to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr was reportedly so upset at being fired earlier this summer that she accidentally backed her car into his. Hannah Anderson, who served as Kennedys deputy chief of staff for policy, was dismissed along with then-chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson on July 16 after just six months in the role. According to The Wall Street Journal, Anderson was so distraught at her removal that she subsequently suffered the embarrassing auto mishap. open image in gallery Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jrs car was reportedly damaged by an employee who was upset at being fired ( Getty ) CNN reported at the time that Flick Melanson had moved to fire Anderson over dissatisfaction with her job performance but did not go about it through the proper channels, taking the White House by surprise and angering Kennedy, who dismissed her in turn. But Flick Melanson disputed that version of events, telling the network instead: Its simple. I was not fired. I resigned. Prior to her stint at HHS, Anderson had previously been a Republican staffer on Capitol Hill and had advised first the Senate GOP and then the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute think-tank on healthcare. The detail about her subsequent car accident was revealed in the WSJs report into the state of turmoil within Kennedys Make America Healthy Again movement, which it characterizes as a fractious coalition of vaccine skeptics or medical freedom activists healthy eating advocates, and critics of pesticides, microplastics and corporate power. The movement consists of many Kennedy supporters who backed him long before he rose to power as an associate of President Donald Trump, many of whom have differing views or were attracted by different aspects of his messaging and all of whom expect results now that he is in a position of real authority. open image in gallery Hannah Anderson, former deputy chief of staff for policy to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who was dismissed in July ( U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ) The WSJ offers the forced resignation of Dr Vinay Prasad as the top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration on July 29 as an example of departmental chaos, saying his ousting came about in part because of a pressure campaign orchestrated by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who was opposed to his progressive background and past support for Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders. Prasad had also clashed with different factions within the movement over his opposition to biotech firm Sarepta Therapeutics and decision to stop the shipment of one of its drugs used to treat muscular dystrophy. Kennedy had reportedly fought to save Prasad and eventually succeeded, with the help of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, in persuading Trumps formidable White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that he should be allowed to return, which was duly announced on August 9. The state of upheaval within Kennedys HHS came to public attention much more dramatically last week when Susan Monarez stepped down as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after less than a month in the job following a clash with the secretary over vaccine policy, prompting a number of other officials to follow her through the door issuing stark warnings about the CDCs future. But vaccines are not the only point of contention within the HHS, according to the newspaper. The secretarys anti-pesticide drive has also placed him at odds with the administration over its priorities for the agricultural sector and his claim that glyphosate, the key ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup, causes cancer has been met with alarm within the White House, which earlier this year reportedly asked him not to mention it in public again. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Social media influencer Tatiana Martinez was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while streaming live on TikTok to her thousands of followers. The 24-year-old whose full name is Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was arrested on August 15 in downtown Los Angeles by federal agents who dragged her out of her Tesla. Videos of her arrest have now circulated online, and her attorney argues she was targeted because she used her social media platform to document ICE activity. Video of the incident recorded from across the street appears to show at least three officers dragging Martinez out of her car. The officers held Martinez, who was screaming, by her limbs before putting her face down on the ground. Martinez can be heard shouting wait, wait, I'll get out," in Spanish as she was placed on the ground, according to a translation by NBC News. The footage also shows an individual, dressed in plain clothes, watching the arrest and speaking to the officers. One officer pushed the individual away after Martinez was dragged from the car. Shortly after placing Martinez on the ground, one officer shouted, Hey, and ran off-screen. Someone had unlawfully towed a government police vehicle during the arrest, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek. open image in gallery Federal agents reach into Tatiana Martinez's car to arrest her while she streamed on TikTok ( Twitter ) Another video shows a witness yelling for someone to call 911 after Martinez went motionless on the ground, NBC News reports. Martinez reported shortness of breath during the arrest and was taken to a hospital, a DHS official told The Independent. Martinez is now being detained in Calexico, California. open image in gallery Martinez was pulled out of her Tesla by federal agents ( Twitter ) open image in gallery Chaotic livestream footage shows federal officers waiting outside of the car ( Tatiana Martinez ) A DHS official said that Martinez, who is from Colombia, was detained following a DUI conviction in Los Angeles. Her attorney, Carlos Jurado, confirmed she was convicted in 2023. The DHS official added that Martinez entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was released by the Biden administration. However, Jurado told The Independent that Martinez "legally presented herself at the border. Martinez was given a work permit after she was processed at the border and granted parole to enter the country, he said. "When the DHS comes out and says that she's an illegal immigrant she's just not. That's just factually incorrect," Jurado said. Jurado said Martinez was targeted because she had documented ICE activity online for more than 40,000 followers. Officers made comments about her social media after she was released from the hospital, according to Jurado. open image in gallery Martinez's lawyer says she was targeted because she documented ICE activity online ( Department of Homeland Security ) "One of the biggest points that was being made to her aggressively by officers was, 'Did you think that you were going to get away with recording our activities and there wouldn't be a consequence?' That was said to her many times by many different people while she was being held in Los Angeles," he said. Jurado previously told ABC 7 that officers didn't mention the DUI during the arrest. He also noted that Martinez initially didn't exit her car because officers didn't present a warrant. Martinez still has bruises on her arms from the arrest, Jurado said after visiting her in Calexico. She has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Americas cities over the Labor Day weekend to protest against Donald Trumps administration and demand tighter protections for U.S. workers. More than 1,000 demonstrations were held across all 50 states, with many people coming together under the banner of Workers Over Billionaires to draw attention to the polarisation of wealth embodied by super-rich individuals like Trump and his erstwhile ally Elon Musk. Other appeals made by activists across the weekend were calls for an end to federal overreach, prejudice against minority communities and corporate corruption and more funding for schools, healthcare and affordable housing. open image in gallery A protester holds a "Liberty" sign at a "People's Block Party" gathering organized as part of a national day of action on Labor Day to protest the "billionaire takeover" of the U.S. in Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California ( AFP/Getty ) In New York, demonstrators gathered outside Trump Tower in Manhattan once again, calling the president a fascist and demanding his resignation while a marching band played. Fairer wages were also on the minds of many. Service workers in New York City are the backbone of this city, restaurant worker Giovanni Urbie told Al Jazeera at a One Fair Wage gathering. The National Restaurant Association is our number one opponent thats fighting to keep subminimum wage intact so they dont have to pay their workers their full minimum wage to survive. So were just asking for a livable wage. In Chicago, protesters were more motivated by expressing their rejection of the Trump administrations plans to send in the National Guard to support local law enforcement and eradicate urban crime, as it has set about attempting in D.C. open image in gallery Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks near the Haymarket Memorial in the West Loop during a march where activists, workers and politicians spoke against Donald Trump on Labor Day ( AP ) This is the city that will defend the country, Mayor Brandon Johnson told a crowd brandishing flags expressing local pride. Were going to defend our democracy were going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago. Trump has insisted violent crime is a major problem in the Windy City, which he has branded a mess, a hellhole, and a killing field. Many locals taking part in the demonstrations on Monday did not dispute that crime was an issue but feared that sending in the Guard or more ICE agents was only likely to inflame the situation on the ground, chanting No troops in Chicago at Johnsons rally. Do we feel theres gonna be trouble? Yes, Filiberto Ramirez, 72, told Al Jazeera. I hope nobody gets hurt. The National Guard is supposed to fight for us, not against us, added Yvonne Spears, 67. open image in gallery People rally outside Trump Tower in Chicago on Labor Day ( AP ) Activists also gathered outside of the presidents Trump Tower complex in Chicago, some of whom bore signs branding him Donald the Disaster. Major demonstrations also took place in cities like Houston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles as well as smaller cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina. The May Day Strong coalition of labor unions organized Mondays events, with help from the AFL-CIO, One Fair Wage and other workers rights organizations. Matt Duss, a former adviser to Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders and now executive vice-president at the Center for International Policy, said of the nationwide protests: I think there are a set of shared concerns: the cost of living, the cost of housing, the cost of basic goods, groceries, the cost of education, the overall sense that people in the United States have lost control of their economic and political lives and their futures. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump said he plans to award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, following the former New York City mayors hospitalization from a weekend car wreck. The presidents former attorney, who launched a spurious legal effort to keep Trump in office in 2020, has spent the last several years combating a defamation lawsuit and criminal charges connected to his campaign to overturn election results in states the president lost. The former mayor, 81, suffered a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and other injuries after a 19-year-old driver smashed into his car in New Hampshire on August 30. He was released from a hospital in New Hampshire on Monday afternoon. As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Countrys highest civilian honor, Trump announced on his Truth Social Monday. open image in gallery Donald Trump announced plans to award his former attorney, Rudy Giuliani, the Presidential Medal of Freedom days after the former New York City mayor was hospitalized following a car crash ( AP ) Details as to time and place to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter, he wrote. The president did not mention the wreck. Giulianis security chief Michael Ragusa told The Independent on Monday that a little car accident wont be slowing him down. He is eager to return to business and continue fighting for this country, as he has proudly done for the past 50 years, Ragusa said. His spokesperson Ted Goodman was driving a Ford Bronco on Interstate 93 when a 19-year-old driver in a Honda HR-V rear-ended their vehicle, according to police. Before the crash, Giulianis car had stopped on the side of the highway to help what Ragusa described as the victim of a domestic violence incident. According to Ragusa, Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and called 911, and they waited for police to arrive. When the car pulled back on to the highway, Giulianis car was struck from behind at high speed, Ragusa said. Ragusa has clarified that the car crash was not a targeted attack. open image in gallery Giuliani, who helped build a legal campaign to overturn election results in states Trump lost in 2020, served as mayor of New York City from 1994 through 2001, when he became a national hero in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks ( AFP via Getty Images ) Giulianis years-long legal battles in the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election culminated in a surprise settlement with two election workers who sued him for defamation after he repeatedly falsely accused them of manipulating election results, which fueled a wave of harassment and abuse directed at the women. He filed for bankruptcy in 2023 shortly after a jury awarded the women nearly $148 million in damages. His bankruptcy case was ultimately dismissed, triggering a multi-party legal battle across several courtrooms to seize control of his properties and assets. After an abrupt settlement agreement in January, his lawyers said he fully paid the $148 million he owed the women he defamed, bringing an end to a legal saga that played out in courtrooms in Washington, D.C. and New York. Giuliani became a national hero in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks in New York City, where he served as mayor from 1994 through 2001. While serving as a key legal adviser to the president, the former federal prosecutor once hailed as Americas Mayor in 9/11s aftermath faced disbarment in several jurisdictions as well as criminal indictments in Arizona and Georgia. Those criminal cases are ongoing. Trump gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 24 people during his first term in office, including posthumous honors to Elvis Presley, Babe Ruth and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He also honored right-wing radio personality Rush Limbaugh with the award one year before his death, and gave the award to other major Republican figures including GOP mega donor and multi-billionaire Miriam Adelson and congressional allies Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan. There is no American more deserving of this honor, Giulianis spokesperson Ted Goodman said in a statement. Mayor Rudy Giuliani took down the Mafia, saved New York City, comforted the nation following 9/11, and served in countless other ways to improve the lives of others, he added. Thank you, President Trump, for honoring his life and legacy. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The final frontier may be 62 miles above Earth's surface, but after years of political bickering, the U.S. Space Command headquarters will be firmly grounded in the Deep South. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is authorizing the Space Force HQ to move from Colorado to Alabama, ending years of partisan fighting over the fate of the hub for the militarys space-related operations and effectively punishing the Centennial State for electing Democrats while rewarding deep-red Alabama for supporting him and his party. Speaking in the Oval Office flanked by Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of the Yellowhammer States congressional delegation, Trump noted that he was surrounded by great Republicans and boasted of having won Alabamas electoral votes by about 47 percent in last years election. Trump also admitted he was punishing Colorado for the states political decisions by openly declaring that its use of postal balloting weighed heavily into his decision. The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting. They went to all mail-in voting, so they have automatically crooked elections. And we can't have that when a state is for mail-in voting. That means they want dishonest elections, because that's what that means. So that played a big factor, he baselessly claimed. Hegseth, the former Fox News personality turned defense boss, contradicted Trumps claim of political motivations just moments later when he said the decision was informed by a Pentagon inspector general report that assessed the proper location for Space Command as Huntsville, Alabama, at the historic Redstone Arsenal facility. open image in gallery Donald Trump, next to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attends an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama ( REUTERS ) What you're doing today, Mr. President, is restoring it to precisely where it should be based on what the Space Force, the Air Force, your leadership believes, will give us strategic advantage in the future, he said. Communities surrounding both potential locations for Space Command view hosting the base as both a mark of prestige and a boon to their local economies, which would benefit from increased defense funding related to space issues, such as satellite defense, missile tracking, and worldwide communications. In a statement, the entirety of the Colorado congressional delegation including both Republican and Democratic members vowed to challenge the move, which they said would directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom line moving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time, they said. open image in gallery The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to return to a first-term plan to move the headquarters of U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, from its provisional home in Colorado Springs, Colorado ( Getty Images ) The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told KKTV. The announcement marks a return to public appearances for Trump, after multiple days outside the spotlight prompted speculation about the presidents health. Tuesdays plan is also a return to a first-term priority. In January 2021, as Trump was preparing to leave the White House, the Air Force announced its preferred location for Space Command headquarters would be Huntsville, nicknamed Rocket City for its history of building rockets for NASA and housing the Armys Space and Missile Defense Command. The decision, however, was not a final one. In 2023, when it came time for a permanent decision, the Biden administration reversed course, electing to keep the command at its temporary headquarters in Colorado Springs, arguing that moving across the country would disrupt readiness. Colorado is another major military aerospace hub, home to the Air Force Academy as well as the North American Aerospace Defense Command. open image in gallery The Biden administration opted to keep Space Command in Colorado, angering Republicans who accused the president of political favoritism ( AFP via Getty Images ) The 2023 decision, announced as Alabamas Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville was blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest over abortion-related policies at the Department of Defense, prompted allegations from Republicans that the Biden administration was showing political favoritism and opting for a more politically friendly state than deep-red Alabama. An April 2025 review by the Defense Department inspector general could not determine why the Biden administration chose Colorado over Alabama, adding that it lacked access to senior defense officials during the Democrats tenure. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, the Republican ordered the creation of what became the United States Space Force, a sixth branch of the U.S. military. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps aggressive reciprocal tariffs strategy, intended to reset international trading relations, has only been active since August 7 but already appears to be having an adverse impact on U.S. brands around the world. The president first unveiled his Liberation Day levies on April 2, placing a baseline 10 percent tax on most imported goods and much steeper taxes on particular sectors and certain countries, but was forced to suspend them seven days later after global stock markets reacted with revulsion. After trying and largely failing to secure the custom-made deals with other nations he and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had promised throughout the intervening months, Trump finally unveiled a revised lineup of tariffs last month, only for the U.S. Court of Appeals to rule them illegal on Friday, disputing his use of an emergency powers act as the basis for introducing them. open image in gallery President Donald Trump insists his tariffs are the way to make international trade fair but they risk alienating Americas trading partners and allies ( AP ) The president now has until October 14 to challenge that ruling in the U.S. Supreme Court, after which the tariffs will be taken offline. Whether he will be allowed to continue to pursue the policy or not, his actions have already had an impact on domestic businesses, with the likes of Home Depot and AriZona Iced Tea just two examples of companies that have reluctantly conceded they may have to raise prices for consumers to cushion the impact of the rising import costs of essential materials. Beyond the United States, Trumps brazen approach has already stoked anti-American consumer sentiment, notably in Canada and India, where shoppers have expressed their disapproval of his trade policies, rhetoric or conduct in office more generally, by boycotting U.S.-made goods in favor of local brands. Here are some of the brands who have already expressed their disquiet about the state of play. Levis open image in gallery Levis British division has warned that anti-Americanism could weigh on its financial results for 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) The British arm of Levis, the iconic U.S. jeans brands, is the latest company to warn that the risk of rising anti-Americanism as a consequence of the Trump tariffs and governmental policies could lead to consumer preferences possibly shifting away from U.S. products and brands [and] increasing the willingness to substitute and buy national/European products. The company operates an estimated 3,400 stores across 120 countries and expressed the fear in its accounts forecast for the year to December, suggesting that anti-Trump feeling could have a detrimental impact on its overseas sales. The U.K. subsidiary of the New York-listed retailer also revealed it had shed more than 200 jobs last year as a consequence of a rise to the minimum wage putting pressure on its costs, describing its store traffic as flattish overall. Jack Daniels open image in gallery Jack Daniels is just one of many American spirits brands shunned by consumers in Canada amid widespread anti-Trump sentiment ( AP ) Leanne Cunningham, CFO for Brown-Forman, the parent company behind Jack Daniel's whisky and Woodford Reserve bourbon, reported a 62 percent decline in sales in Canada during an earnings call in late August as the countrys rejection of U.S. spirits continues to bite. American spirits products have been off the shelf in Canada for months, she said. This had a significant impact on our first quarter of fiscal 2026, which will impact our full fiscal year results. On the same call, CEO Lawson Whiting said Trumps tariffs and deeply-unpopular 51st state rhetoric had conspired to create significant headwinds. Canadian stores have cleared bottles of imported American beers, spirits and wines from their shelves and replaced them with domestic alternatives in opposition to Trump, hurting those sectors and California vintners in particular, while the locals are reportedly also using the Maple Scan app on their phones to determine the point of origin of products before they purchase them. Apple, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Amazon open image in gallery McDonalds, another iconic American brand, is among those facing boycott calls in India ( EPA ) A similar strain of anti-American sentiment has erupted in India in response to Trump placing a huge 50 percent tariff on the countrys exported goods last month, a measure undertaken to punish New Delhi for continuing to purchase Russian oil rather than join the international boycott in response to Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Although it is too soon to measure the market impact of the presidents actions, which came despite his past warm relations with Narendra Modi, some of the U.S.s most famous brands from Pepsi and Coca-Cola to Amazon, Apple, Meta, Dominos, McDonalds and Starbucks have faced boycott calls, according to Reuters. Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of Indias Wow Skin Science, recently issued a video message on LinkedIn urging Indians to make buying locally a global obsession and said: We have lined up for products from thousands of miles away. We have proudly spent on brands that we dont own, while our own makers fight for attention in their own country. Rahm Shastry, CEO of Indias DriveU, wrote in a post on the same platform: India should have its own home-grown Twitter/Google/YouTube/WhatsApp/FB like China has. Ashwani Mahajan, co-convenor of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch group said: People are now looking at Indian products. It will take some time to fructify. This is a call for nationalism, patriotism. Tesla open image in gallery Tesla has suffered as a result of widespread disapproval of Elon Musks relationship with Trump ( Reuters ) Consumers in both the U.S. and Europe reacted angrily to Elon Musks support for Trump in last years election and over his subsequent role as a White House adviser, even vandalising Tesla cars and dealerships in protest before the relationship between the two billionaires exploded so dramatically in June. Musk has continued to count the cost of his dalliance in right-wing politics and Tesla has borne the brunt of public disapproval, with sales of its electric cars falling in Europe throughout the calendar year. Tesla sales halved in the U.K. in July, with just 987 models registered compared to 2,642 in July 2024, a 60 percent slide. The companys total sales in Britain are down 7 percent for the year so far, according to data from the main industry body. Jim Beam and Makers Mark Takeshi Niinami, Chairman and CEO of the Japanese drinks corporation behind Jim Beam and Makers Mark, gave an interview to Bloomberg TV in April in which he warned that Japanese companies could be deterred from investing in the U.S. as a result of Trumps tariffs. It is not going to be very attractive, Niinami said. The U.S. is still a key country, but we have to have a broader portfolio of investment. He cautioned that a protectionist U.S. would lead Japan, China and India to turn away and become the flagbears for free trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump promised his presidency would usher in a golden age for American workers, but his administration has gutted union protections for tens of thousands of federal workers in what labor activists and historians have called the largest acts of union busting in American history. Nearly half a million federal workers lost their union protections last month in the wake of the presidents executive orders demanding federal agencies abandon collective bargaining agreements and appeals court orders upholding those decisions. In March, the president issued an executive order ending collective bargaining rights for federal workers at more than a dozen agencies, effectively cancelling legally binding union contracts that cover a vast swath of agencies that are now on track to no longer recognize union representation. Last week, days before Labor Day, Trump issued another executive order similarly stripping union rights from thousands more employees at six other federal agencies. This is how President Trump is commemorating Labor Day: continuing his administrations all-out attack on workers and unions, according to A.F.L.-C.I.O. president Liz Shuler. open image in gallery Workers unfurled an American Workers First banner on the Department of Labor building in Washington, D.C., as Trump moved to cancel collective bargaining agreements with unions representing thousands of federal workers. ( AFP via Getty Images ) When those workers cant speak up on the job and make sure their offices are serving the American people, we are all at risk, she said in a statement last week. Unions sued the administration earlier this year, arguing the presidents actions amount to retaliatory threats to workers First Amendment rights, but appeals courts have kept the orders in place while legal challenges continue. Federal workers have had the right to collectively bargain over working conditions since the 1960s. Unlike private sector workers, they cannot legally strike, but they can help shape parental leave, overtime and other workplace issues and conditions. Trumps executive orders have characterized those union protections as a war against his agenda, while government attorneys argue that his administration can cancel contracts involving departments and agencies that deal with national security. Even if Trumps actions reflect a degree of retaliatory animus towards unions, they reflect the presidents focus on national security, according to an August ruling from a three-judge appellate court panel. But the executive orders have gutted union protections for workers far beyond the governments national security apparatus, including the doctors, nurses and social workers who care for veterans, as well as park rangers, emergency responders, scientists at NASA and the National Weather Service, and thousands of other rank-and-file federal workers who keep government services running. This is literally the largest act of union busting in American history, said former A.F.L.-C.I.O. political director Mike Podhorzer, echoing Georgetown University labor historian Joseph A. McCartin, who earlier this year decried Trumps largest single action of union busting in American history. open image in gallery Labor union workers rallied across the country on Labor Day to protest the Trump administrations agenda, including sweeping executive orders stripping union protections for tens of thousands of federal workers ( Getty Images ) Trumps orders also target scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workers at the nations patents agency and hydroelectric power plant operators, and even food safety inspectors. The union representing grocery and meatpacking workers denounced the Department of Agricultures decision to rip up union contracts covering food safety inspectors. Unilaterally breaking union contracts that have already been signed and ratified demonstrates a disturbing, illegal pattern of union busting across federal agencies, according to Milton Jones, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents more than 1 million workers. This decision doesnt just erode labor rights it damages the publics trust in the safety of our food supply, Jones said. In the months leading up to Trumps election, now-White House budget director Russell Vought said he planned to have them viewed as villains and traumatically affected once Trump returned to power. After taking office, Trump labeled federal workers crooked and dishonest. Trump has also paralyzed the National Labor Relations Board by firing its general counsel and one of its members, marking the first time in American history that the president has done so, triggering another legal battle over alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act. According to progressive research group Center for American Progress, Trumps orders threatened collective bargaining rights for nearly 82 percent of the civilian federal workforce. This administrations bullying tactics represent a clear threat not just to federal employees and their unions, but to every American who values democracy and the freedoms of speech and association, warned American Federation of Government Employees president Everett Kelley, the nations largest union representing federal workers. So far, nine agencies have terminated union contracts covering more than 445,000 federal workers, including staff at the Environmental Protection Agency, Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the General Services Administration, as well as Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as parts of Homeland Security. Trumps orders have effectively ripped up certain union contracts that guaranteed paid parental leave, meal allowances, rest periods for employees who work longer periods, and protections for workers who raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation. A recent court filing from a coalition of former government attorneys and national security officials warns that Trumps executive orders amount to unlawful retaliation for views the president considers hostile to his agenda, without demonstrating any connection between the purported hostility and any hindrance on the administrations ability to promote national security. The administration's attempt to silence federal workers and the unions that represent them is a dangerous abuse of power that undermines both the rule of law and Americas safety, according to Elena Goldstein, legal director at Democracy Forward, which represents the coalition. Labor groups fear Trumps accelerating anti-union efforts are likely to come crashing into the private sector, derailing union progress and popularity under Joe Bidens administration. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Traditional Democrats are keeping New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani at arm's length out of fear that his hard-left policies will hurt their chances of reclaiming seats in 2026. Mamdani, 33, has made a splash in New York politics, managing to win the Democratic nomination for mayor with his policies on expanding affordable housing, increasing minimum wage, taxing wealthy individuals and corporations, creating city-run grocery stores, providing free childcare, and more. Republicans have capitalized on Mamdanis politics to paint him as a borderline communist with radical polices and affix him to other Democratic candidates. The polarizing rhetoric around Mamdani has made some moderate Democrats fearful that a Mamdani win could deepen the identity crisis occurring in the Democratic Party and hurt their chances of coming back after their widespread losses in the 2024 election. Mamdani is the greatest threat to Democrats probably since Ronald Reagan because hes everything Democrats have been accused of being and in fact is to the extreme, Hank Sheinkopf, a longtime Democratic operative who is advising an anti-Mamdani group , told Politico. Zohran Mamdanis rise to political prominence has made some moderate Democrats fearful that he could create more division in the party going into the 2026 midterms ( Getty Images ) Should Mamdani win the New York City mayoral election in November, it could give Republicans the chance to launch their attacks on a national scale. Republican ad makers will know what to do with this, Sheinkopf said. Democrats are still reeling after losing the presidency, House, and Senate last year. The party has struggled to make a meaningful comeback, in part, because some voters believe the party isnt doing enough to combat President Donald Trumps sweeping agenda. Where Mamdani attracts voters is his willingness to push back against Republicans with policies that other Democrats have not dared to bring up. But more traditional Democrats have grown fearful that Mamdanis push could make the party move further left. Governor Kathy Hochul, one of the most powerful and notable Democrats in New York, has yet to endorse Mamdani despite him winning the nomination in July. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn, also has not endorsed Mamdani, though the two have met multiple times. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer similarly has not endorsed Mamdani. A source close to Jeffries told the New York Daily News that the House minority leader is not afraid that endorsing Mamdani could cost them the midterms. 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. But it appears that Democrats who need to woo swing voters are certain that distancing themselves from Mamdani is a must. Representative Laura Gillen, a Democrat who represents part of Long Island that Republicans are eyeing, told Politico that Mamdani is too extreme, Democrat Tom Suozzi, who represents parts of Long Island and Queens that voted for Trump in the election, wrote a WSJ op-ed, calling Mamdani a socialist. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Virginia, has positioned herself as a center-left candidate a maneuver that gives her potential to flip the state back into Democratic control. Spanberger has a history of distancing herself from leftist policies, too. After the 2020 election, she criticized then-President Joe Biden for trying to enact too much change and reprimanded Democratic colleagues for embracing socialism, according to the Wall Street Journal. Shes declined to comment on Mamdani directly. But Spanberger and other Democrats seeking to reclaim power in next years election have side-eyed Mamdani in an effort to create space between them. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than 130 years after a ship was lost at sea, its wreck was found at the bottom of Lake Michigan near Wisconsin by accident. Matt Olson, owner of Door County Adventure Rafting, was scouting for sites to take his customers near Rowleys Bay, Wisconsin, when he spotted a submerged shipwreck, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Maritime archaeologists then conducted follow-up diving missions and were able to identify the 137-foot-long vessel as the long-lost Frank D. Barker, which was built in 1867 and sunk in 1887. "I was looking on satellite images of the waters around the peninsula around here, and I happened to come across this sort of anomaly in the water. This object that maybe could be a shipwreck, maybe it's not," Olson told WLUK. "When we pulled the boat over it, we could faintly see it from the surface and that's why I was surprised no one had come across it yet. The ship was heading for Escanaba, Michigan, to collect a load of iron ore when it ran into inclement weather, the historical society said in a release last month. open image in gallery The wreck of a long-lost ship that sunk in 1887 was found last month in Lake Michigan near Wisconsin. ( Wisconsin Historical Society ) The captain and crew veered off course and were stranded on Spider Island, not far from Rowleys Bay, until conditions improved. Several attempts to recover the boat in the days and months that followed were unsuccessful, leaving the vessel lost until now. Whenever we receive this type of call, its hard to know exactly what we will find. We were excited to identify the wreck as the Frank D. Barker, whose exact location has been lost for over a century, Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist, said in a statement. We are grateful for Matt Olsons keen sense of observation and quick reporting of the discovery so we can document this chapter of Wisconsins storied maritime history. open image in gallery Maritime archaeologists identified the 137-foot-long vessel as the long-lost Frank D. Barker ( Wisconsin Historical Society ) open image in gallery The Frank D. Barker was lost in bad weather and then missing for over 130 years. ( Wisconsin Historical Society ) The Frank D. Barker was constructed of wood and was built by Simon G. Johnson in Clayton, New York. It was once valued around $8,000 which would amount to over $250,000 today, the historical society said. This is hardly Olsons first rodeo. Last year, he reported another shipwreck, which turned out to be the Grey Eagle, a schooner constructed in 1857 that sank in 1869. The year before that, he came across the Sunshine, a scow schooner that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023, according to the historical society. Its an incredible feeling to come across a shipwreck of this size and in such great condition, especially knowing how long it went undetected. I am honored to play a role in bringing this history to light so folks can better understand Wisconsins maritime history, he told the historical society in a statement. 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 Fresh calls have been made to treat refugees with compassion as the world marked 10 years since the death of Alan Kurdi, the two-year-old Syrian refugee who drowned during his familys journey for a new life in Europe. The shocking image of the boys lifeless body lying face down on a Turkish beach drew global attention to the Syrian refugee crisis and the treacherous journey faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe. Alans brother Galip and their mother Rihan were among the five people who drowned on 2 September 2015 when a smugglers boat taking them from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos sank in the Mediterranean. Millions of Syrians were forced to flee the country after the eruption of civil war in 2011, when discontent with the regime ruled by Bashar al-Assad triggered large protests that drew a violent crackdown. A Syrian migrant helps children get off an inflatable boat after it arrived on the Greek island of Lesbos in August 2015 ( AFP/Getty ) Most Syrians went to Turkey and other neighbouring nations, but many fled to Europe during the migration crisis. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 3,700 migrants died while trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2015. Refugee charities saw a surge in donations following the publication of the photo of Alan, which was taken by Turkish freelance photographer Nilufer Demir. The Independent displayed the picture on its front page. But 10 years on from his death, campaigners and refugee charities are calling on governments and politicians to show more compassion towards refugees amid a wave of anti-migrant sentiment across Europe. Several parties, including Nigel Farages Reform UK, have recently called for the mass deportation of asylum seekers, while the language used to discuss refugees has become increasingly inflammatory. Gorden Isler, president of the non-profit civil rescue organisation Sea Eye, said it was shameful that European governments had failed to create safe passage for refugees a decade on from Alans death. European governments have not only failed to establish a state-run sea rescue programme, but are also actively obstructing the work of humanitarian organisations, he told La Repubblica. Gauri Sreenivasan, co-executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees, said the image of Alan Kurdi stopped the hearts of the world. Somehow, out of the tragedy of his death, and that image, hearts reactivated all over the world, she told Canadas Globe and Mail. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An elderly hiker was killed after a herd of cows trampled him and his wife while on a dog walk in the Austrian Alps, local police said. The man had been hiking with his wife near a mountain hut in Ramsau am Dachstein in Styria province on Sunday afternoon when the attack occurred, local media reported. Witnesses say the cows were likely startled by the couple's dog, Swiss outlet Blick reported. A retired couple from Vienna and their dog were walking just below the so-called Austria hut when a herd of nine cows - including three calves - charged and severely injured them, local police spokesman Markus Lamb told AFP. Other hikers and staff at a nearby mountain hut witnessed the attack and rushed to provide first aid before alerting emergency services. The couple was transported to a hospital in Salzburg, where the man died from his injuries before surgery could be performed. The woman was reportedly in a stable condition. open image in gallery File: Meadows, clear lakes, and mountains draw visitors and locals to the Ramsau am Dachstein area in both summer and winter ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Authorities are investigating the incident and an autopsy will be performed to determine the precise cause of death. While rare, fatal cow attacks do occur in Austria, where free-grazing livestock share the countrys popular hiking trails with tourists. Meadows, clear lakes, and mountains draw visitors and locals to the Ramsau am Dachstein area in both summer and winter. But accompanying dogs can be perceived as a threat, startling cows. In 2024, another hiker was killed in the Salzburg region when a herd of cows charged her and two small dogs. An earlier attack prompted the government to publish a set of guidelines for hikers in 2019, advising them to stay away from cows and walk dogs on a short lease, releasing them if the cows become aggressive. The guidelines were in response to the death of a German tourist who was trampled by cows in Tyrol in 2014. The incident made national headlines and a court ordered the farmer who owned the cattle to pay hundreds of thousands of euros in damages to the 45-year-old victim's family. 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 French film star Gerard Depardieu will face trial for allegedly raping actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018. It is the latest blow to the 76-year-olds reputation, after he was convicted of sexual assault in May for groping two other women on a film set. Ms Arnould first accused Depardieu of rape in 2018. She said the assaults occurred in his Paris home on two separate occasions when she was in her early 20s. Depardieu has denied the allegations. On Tuesday, the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigating judge had ruled that the case should be sent before a court. open image in gallery Actor Gerard Depardieu arrives with his lawyer Jeremie Assous, right, to face trial for the sexual assaults of two women on a film set in 2021 ( AP ) That came after Ms Arnould posted about the news on her Instagram account. "I think I'm having trouble realising how huge this is. I'm relieved," she wrote. No court date was given for the trial. Lawyers for Ms Arnould and Depardieu did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Depardieu rose to prominence in 1974 with Going Places and has starred in scores of French-language movies. He has been at the centre of a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. open image in gallery Charlotte Arnould, centre, at Depardieus sexual assault trial ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ms Arnould, 29, an actor and former ballet dancer known for her work in theatre and voice acting, was present in the courtroom in May when Depardieu was found guilty in the sexual assault case and handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, which his lawyer said at the time he would appeal. During that trial, Depardieu's lawyer called her a liar in the courtroom. In her Instagram post on Tuesday, Ms Arnould referred to those comments, calling Depardieu's defence "outrageous and ... absolutely unnecessary to uncover the truth." Though Ms Arnould's case was initially dropped, it was reopened in 2020 and prosecutors requested a trial for Depardieu in 2022. Ms Arnould has since become a vocal figure in France's #MeToo movement, expressing solidarity with sexual assault victims and demanding accountability in the film industry. 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 On Sunday, a plane carrying European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly forced to land in Bulgaria using paper maps after its GPS navigation systems were jammed. Bulgarian authorities claim the jamming was deliberate Russian interference, though a Kremlin spokesperson told the Financial Times this was incorrect. GPS interference is on the rise, so you might be wondering how it works. And can anything be done about it? And perhaps most importantly do you need to worry? How does GPS jamming work? Ursula von der Leyen and Romanian President Nicusor Dan chat near the jet used by the European Comisson President, on the tarmac of Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania ( Reuters ) The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other satellite navigation systems use radio signals from satellites to calculate position. To determine position, a GPS needs a direct line of sight to at least four satellites. There are two ways to disrupt satellite navigation. The first is jamming. This works by simply broadcasting high-intensity radio noise in the same frequency band used by the navigation satellites. Jamming drowns out the satellite signal, like a person shouting loudly in your ear stops you hearing what someone is saying on the other side of the room. This appears to be what happened in Bulgaria. The second way to interfere with satellite navigation is called spoofing, and its a little more elegant. Spoofing involves sending radio signals that pretend to be coming from the navigation satellites. Where jamming stops the satellite navigation system from producing any location, spoofing tricks it into giving a false location with potentially catastrophic results. Are jamming and spoofing becoming more common? Jamming and spoofing do appear to be growing more common, especially in conflict zones in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. A clandestine Russian base near the Polish border is reportedly responsible for satnav interference in the Baltic region. Ships in the Red Sea report frequent interference, likely from Houthi rebels in Yemen. These increasingly common incidents highlight how vulnerable our reliance on satellite navigation makes us. What can be done about interference? The best response to interference is to have backup navigation options in place. The US-run GPS is the best known and most commonly used satellite navigation system, but there are others. The EU runs a parallel system called Galileo, while Russia has one called GLONASS and China operates its own BeiDou satellites. Each of these systems operates using slightly different radio frequencies. Some navigation systems can tune in to more than one set of satellites so even if one is jammed, others may be available. Galileo also has a safety of life feature, which allows users to detect spoofing. Australias in-development SouthPAN system will also offer a similar feature. Another common feature of navigation systems is inertial sensing. This relies on sensors such as gyroscopes and barometers to directly detect movement and calculate position. Most car navigation systems use inertial sensors to track location in cities or tunnels where there is no direct line of sight to satellites. Inertial sensing works well for short periods of time, but quickly becomes inaccurate and needs to be recalibrated by checking in with satellite systems. Many researchers around the world are trying to develop new alternatives to satellite navigation using extremely precise sensors. One recent development uses tiny fluctuations in Earths magnetic field to detect position, for example. Should you be worried about flying? Everyday air passengers have no need to worry about jamming or spoofing. For one thing, its very rare especially outside conflict zones. For another, the aviation industry is highly regulated and extremely safe. Even where satellite navigation doesnt work, there are backup options. What all of us can take away from this latest incident is how dependent we have become on satellite navigation. What matters is that we have a diverse range of systems so we are not dependent on just one. Lucia McCallum is a Senior Scientist in Geodesy at the University of Tasmania This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A suspect has been arrested and an investigation is underway into the murder of Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy, as police suggested there may be a Russian link to the killing. A gunman fired several shots at the former parliamentary speaker, 54, in the western city of Lviv on Saturday. The internal affairs minister, Ihor Klymenko, said the suspect was detained in the western Khmelnytskyi region within 36 hours of the shooting, with the help of dozens of Lviv and national police officers and Security Service of Ukraine employees. Police published two photographs from the scene of the arrest that show two special forces officers holding a handcuffed man by the arms. Naked to the waist, he has his back to the camera and his face is not visible. Mr Parubiy gained prominence during Ukraines Euromaidan protests of 2013, calling for closer ties with the European Union, and led to the ouster of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. open image in gallery Police published two photographs from the scene of the arrest that show two special forces officers holding a handcuffed man by the arms ( via REUTERS ) Mr Klymenko said: The crime was carefully planned: the victim's schedule was studied, the route was mapped out, and an escape plan was thought out. The investigation and arrest were personally supervised by Volodymyr Zelensky, he said. We know this crime is not accidental. There is a Russian trace in it, Ivan Vyhivskyi, head of the National Police of Ukraine, said in a statement posted on Facebook. Separately, Mr Zelensky said chief prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko informed him that the suspect had given an initial testimony. The entire law enforcement team and the prosecutors are working around the clock, the president wrote on X (Twitter). The National Police and Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, the prosecutors office everyone is acting as efficiently as possible. The shooting was reported at around noon (9am GMT) on Saturday, according to national police, just hours after Russia had launched another huge volley of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine. open image in gallery Andriy Parubiy rose to prominence in the 2013 Euromaidan protests and was parliamentary speaker for three years ( AP ) 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 attacker then fled the scene on an electric bicycle. Russia has not yet commented on the killing or on the suggestion that it was involved in the incident. Mr Parubiy was a member of parliament and had been parliamentary speaker from April 2016 to August 2019. 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. This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places, Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. 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 Pupils across Ukraine returned to school on Monday, embarking on a new academic year under the shadow of Russias ongoing invasion, with many lessons now taking place underground. Since the war began in February 2022, schools have innovated to keep education alive. In Bobryk, a village in the northern Sumy region, close to the front line, one school moved its classrooms into a basement two years ago. This drastic step was taken as air raid alerts could stretch for up to 20 hours, paralysing surface-level classes. Principal Oleksii Korenivskyi emphasised the critical importance of their work, stating: "We must do everything so this generation is not lost. Time is the only thing you cannot make up. This is our future, and we must give it everything we have." Students education had already been impacted by Covid lockdowns. open image in gallery A teacher rings the bell on the first day in an underground school in Kharkiv, Ukraine ( Associated Press/Andrii Marienko ) Housed in an administrative building never designed for teaching, the makeshift underground school features narrow classrooms, often separated only by sheets of heavy plastic. With no windows or doors, childrens voices blend into a continuous chorus. On Monday, many arrived in traditional embroidered vyshyvanka shirts. Teachers desks were adorned with fresh flowers, a customary gift from the children to mark the new academic year. Unfortunately, this neighbour isnt going anywhere, said Oleksii, referring to Russia, when describing how much had to be done to make it happen and that it was worth it. The once damp and dark basement was refurbished with ventilation, electricity and new flooring. It is just one example of how Ukrainians are adapting to keep life moving with no end in sight to Russias grinding assault. Bobryk, with a population of about 2,000, has a small school with classes of about 10 children each. This year, only seven sat in the first-grade room. During the first lesson, the teacher opened a textbook to a map of Ukraine. It showed the country whole, without marks of occupied territories. She pointed north to the Sumy region, where Bobryk lies. open image in gallery Schoolchildren enter an underground school on the first day at school in Kharkiv, Ukraine ( Associated Press/Andrii Marienko ) Our region is next to Russia, she said. Thats why its so hard, why they bomb us so often because we are close to this difficult neighbour. The school currently has just over 100 students, though about 10 per cent have left since Russias full-scale invasion, and more continue to depart. For a school this small, each loss is felt. Among those preparing to leave is Vlada Mykhailyk, 15, who will soon move to Austria with her 11-year-old brother. Their mother decided conditions have become too dangerous. We live well, but sometimes its sad. We often hear Shaheds (drones) and explosions, Vlada said. Learning underground has become routine, she added. If you have to choose between online or in the basement, the basement is better. She admits she is reluctant to leave the city and would rather finish school with her friends. In one of the junior classrooms, war was not the first topic on the first day. When the teacher asked the students what they had done over the summer, the replies were refreshingly normal bike rides, helping parents, time with new friends. Then, a small voice from the third grade, added: A Shahed drone was intercepted above us and there were fragments. All this is because of the war, the teacher answered gently. open image in gallery Housed in an administrative building never designed for teaching, the makeshift underground school features narrow classrooms, often separated only by sheets of heavy plastic ( Associated Press ) Because the basement is small, the school runs in two shifts, with shortened breaks. The original schoolhouse a beautiful early 20th-century building now sits empty, its spacious classrooms waiting for students to return when security situation improves. Eva Tui, aged 7, was starting her third year in a classroom underground. She remembers her former classroom just 400 meters away, which was warmer in winter and cosier. Were here because its wartime and there are a lot of sirens, Eva said, adding that she had been awake the night before with excitement at the start of the new school year. Eva said her wish for the year is simple: To go back to the classroom. It feels more like home. Her bigger dream: For the war to end. Xi Jinping has it all. From Donald Trumps perspective, the Chinese leader is basking in sycophantic bonhomie from fellow global authoritarians while enjoying a parade of tanks and stealth bombers, massive missiles, lasers and mass marches of beautifully drilled infantry. Xis international prestige is at an all-time high. And Trump gave it to him. Today, humanity is once again faced with critical choices: peace or war? Dialogue or confrontation? Win-win co-operation or zero-sum rivalry? Xi said. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and on the side of human civilisation and progress, he added flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, North Koreas ruler who beamed at the sight of Chinas biggest ever military parade in Tiananmen Square. It was fitting, among dictators, that the vast display of renewed Chinese might should be in Tiananmen Square where Xis Chinese Communist Party of China snuffed out the pro-democracy movement with the massacre of hundreds of demonstrators in 1989. Xi now believes he is the candidate to lead that multipolar world as first among equals. Because Trump has swung a wrecking ball against the foundations of international law that underpin global security. And Xi is growing the military power to drive his point home. open image in gallery Xi Jinping is flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, North Koreas ruler, who beamed at the sight of Chinas biggest ever military parade, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing ( AP ) Trump was left to stamp his feet in Washington. Hes taller than the gallery of autocrats in Beijing. His nations forces are still vastly superior. And yet he was overcome by his small-man Napoleon complex. Perhaps his own Washington military parade earlier this year, a small, shambolic affair, had left him deflated. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America, Trump said in a post directed at Xi on Truth Social. He had done his best for them, after all. His peevishness was understandable. In the first months of his second term, the US president has attacked his own allies. He has echoed Vladimir Putins imperial ambitions by voicing threats against Canada and Denmark. He has also abandoned climate change and global democracy as strategic policies worth pushing. He has slapped only 10 per cent tariffs on China and is desperate to do business in Russia. In short, Trump has undermined the West. And that makes Xi not only look good but also makes him more powerful. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin, left, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, centre, and Chinese president Xi Jinping talk ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China ( Indian Prime Minister's Office ) America is, along with Israel, abandoning democracy at home and ignoring international law abroad. Both attacked Iran without United Nations support. Both are involved in the relentless bombing of Gaza. Both are supportive of increasingly loopy ideas for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their homeland. In his vision for the future, Xi told the Shanghai Cooperation Conference on Monday: We should expand the scope of cooperation, make the most of each countrys unique strengths, and shoulder together the shared responsibility of promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity. He means club together and form a power bloc to take on the West, now that Trump is taking a hammer to its foundations. China is the biggest importer of Russian oil Xis country funds Putins war along with the European Union, which still imports vast amounts of gas. Xis government supplies the Kremlin with the technology it needs for rockets and bombs, drones and communications. But, unlike the US, China hasnt gotten directly involved in any recent military conflicts. It didnt invade Iraq illegally. It didnt fight a futile war in Afghanistan. And it doesnt carry out extrajudicial killings around the world in the name of pre-empting future attacks. China plays a long game. It has hoovered up access to the worlds rare earth elements producing 70 per cent, refining 90 per cent and holding 40 per cent of what we need to run the planet. Unlike Trump, Xi is serious and statesmanlike. Hes cynical and unprincipled in the application of authoritarian capitalism not unstable and economically illiterate. Xi understands, for example, that every cent of US-imposed import duties (tariffs) comes from America, while Trump sincerely believes he is bringing in foreign money. Russia and China are the Wests long-term threats or rivals. Russia has invaded Europe and Putin has said he wants more than just Ukraine. Xi is a direct threat to Taiwan. Chinas power is more economic a slow and strategic spending of $30bn on port projects on every continent except Antarctica and wrapping 140 nations into its road, energy and digital infrastructure. It is second only to the US in terms of economic size. But nine of the 25 biggest economies are in the European Union include the UK and Switzerland, and that makes 11 European states. Add Canada, Japan and Taiwan, and pro-Western nations clearly bestride the globe. open image in gallery Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin in Alaska in August ( AFP/Getty ) However, Trump appears more comfortable in the company of men like North Koreas Kim Jong Un, Putin and Narendra Modi, Indias Hindu nationalist prime minister. The latter leads the worlds biggest democracy but, like Trump, leans hard into populism with authoritarian tendencies. Trump would not want to share the spotlight with Xi. But China is hosting the kind of gathering that Trump most wants to have. And Xi is emerging as the grown-up leader of a new global power bloc that binds his nation closer to Russia, India, and North Korea. Other Asian nations are sidling into his jet stream because the West, as led by Trump, is rudderless and downright weird. The spectacle of Trumps cabinet grovelling to the US president in three-hour sessions is reminiscent of the worst scenes of dictatorial theatre of the Soviet era and of Chinas Cultural Revolution. Europe can survive Trump, and just as prestige has drained from Washington to Beijing, so it can be diverted to the continent. Americas loss does not have to be just Chinas gain. After all, Trumps love of parades began not after being upstaged by Putin but when he was flattered by Emmanuel Macron, who paraded French forces for his delight along the Champs-Elysees. 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 Spanish travel company eDreams has confirmed it will block accommodation listings in illegal Israeli settlements within occupied Palestinian territories. Chief financial officer David Elizaga said the company always maintained a policy against offering services in these areas, but noted some listings automatically appeared on its website after owners uploaded them. The issue gained prominence at an Annual General Meeting in July, attracting pro-Palestinian protests. This followed eDreams being the only Spanish company named in a 2023 list by the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights. Mr Elizaga added the company has since activated location screenings to filter out properties offered in the illegal settlements. In addition to its contact with the United Nations, eDreams has been in touch with NGOs and local organisations to ensure it does not again appear in lists of companies that provide "services and utilities supporting the maintenance and existence of settlements". open image in gallery eDreams has announced it will block accommodation listings in the occupied West Bank ( eDreams ) "The United Nations works at the speed at which it works with the resources they have," Mr Elizaga said. He added that eDreams should not be included in the next edition of the report. The United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Office said an update of the report will be made public a few days before it is officially presented on 29 September. Earlier on Tuesday, eDreams reported it had delivered a net profit of 13.6 million (11.84 million) for the April to June period, the first quarter of its accounting year, from a net loss of 1.2 million (1.04 million) in the same period in 2024. open image in gallery A Palestinian youth walks over the rubble of a house demolished by the Israeli army in the West Bank ( AP ) Rare daytime raid in West Bank In late August, Israeli forces carried out a rare daytime raid in the heart of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority is headquartered. Dozens of Palestinians were wounded, according to local medics, as people throwing stones scattered after gunfire and tear gas. Israel said it targeted money exchanges linked to Hamas. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 58 people were wounded in the raid, eight of them by live fire and 14 by rubber-coated bullets. A few dozen people hurled rocks at a line of Israeli armoured vehicles as they rolled into the city center. The military said it detained five people suspected of terrorist activity. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel has called up around 40,000 reservists for a new offensive to seize Gaza City on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is keen to accelerate action in the region despite warnings from senior ranks. Palestinian health authorities said further Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the Gaza Strip had killed at least 100 people on Tuesday, 35 of them in Gaza City in the enclave's north as Israeli forces girded for the offensive. Israeli Army Radio said 40,000 reservists would report for duty on Tuesday. Israels security cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, approved a plan last month to expand the nearly two-year-old military campaign in Gaza to take control of Gaza City, which Israeli forces stormed early in the war and waged fierce urban warfare with Hamas. Israel currently holds about 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip. A security cabinet meeting late on Sunday included angry exchanges between Netanyahu and his ministers, who want to expedite the offensive, and armed forces chief Eyal Zamir, who has urged the politicians to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Zamir said a military thrust into Gaza City would endanger hostages and further strain the already overstretched army, according to four ministers and two military officials present at the meeting. Zamir has clashed with the cabinet before. Netanyahu said on August 20 that he had ordered a faster push to take Gaza City, but the next day the military said hostages could be endangered, and that any offensive could not begin for two months, according to a source in Netanyahu's circle and a defence official. The military said more time was needed for aid to civilians in Gaza, where starvation has spread. But surveys have also shown many reservists are unhappy with the cabinet's plans, some openly accusing the government of lacking a cohesive strategy, a post-war plan for Gaza or a clear benchmark for victory. "I don't feel like I'm doing anything that really applies significant pressure to have Hamas release the hostages," one combat reservist who has been serving in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when the war began, told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly. open image in gallery Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip ( AP Photo/Maya Levin ) Though Zamir has publicly questioned the wisdom of a new offensive, he told reservists at one military base on Tuesday that the army was prepared for nothing less than "decisive victory" and would not stop the war until then. "We are preparing for the continuation of the war; we are going to increase and enhance the strikes of our operation, and that is why we called you," he said. "We have already begun the ground operation in Gaza - make no mistake," Zamir said. "We are already entering places we have never entered before..." Israeli Strikes Gaza health authorities said at least 100 people had been killed by Israeli airstrikes, tank shelling and gunfire across the coastal enclave with scores more wounded on Tuesday. Among the dead was local journalist Rasmi Salem, medics said. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office put the number of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the war began at 248. Outside Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, white plastic body bags with corpses were laid out on the street. Crowds wailed for slain relatives. "We fled (our homes) with nothing. They went to get clothes and food from their homes, to bring clothes for their children and food for themselves... and look now! They came back as martyrs!" said Nasr Nasr, a relative of some of the dead. open image in gallery Palestinian health authorities said further Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the Gaza Strip had killed at least 100 people on Tuesday ( AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi ) The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has stated that its forces are fighting militants on the outskirts of Gaza City, destroying tunnels and militant infrastructure and seizing weapons. Other deaths reported on Tuesday included five people who were in a line waiting for food at an aid distribution hub in southern Gaza, Palestinian medics said. Thirteen more Palestinians, including three children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the territory's health ministry said on Tuesday. That raised officially reported deaths from such causes to at least 361, including 130 children, the vast majority in recent weeks. Israel disputes the hunger fatality figures given by the health ministry of Gaza's Hamas-run government, arguing that many deaths were due to other medical causes. The war began on October 7, 2023, when gunmen led by Hamas attacked southern Israeli communities near the border, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages including children into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's air and ground war in Gaza since then, according to Gaza health officials, who do not say how many were militants but have said most of those killed have been women and children. Ceasefire talks ended in deadlock in July. Of the 48 remaining hostages, Israeli authorities believe 20 are still alive. 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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly rejected proposals for a partial ceasefire deal with Hamas after he claimed to be facing pressure from US President Donald Trump to finish the war in Gaza with full force. Netanyahu is said to have told Israeli cabinet ministers that Trump urged him to abandon any deals for a ceasefire that do not involve the release of all hostages in Gaza. Go in with full force and finish it [the war], Netanyahu quoted Trump as saying, according to Israels Channel 12 news, citing unnamed sources. The news outlet reported a tense exchange between Netanyahu and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, on Sunday night, where the military leader expressed support for a partial deal, telling ministers at the meeting: There is an outline on the table and we need to take it. The deal he referred to, which Hamas said it accepted on 18 August, outlines the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 dead captives in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners during a 60-day truce. Negotiations would be held during the ceasefire for the return of the remaining 20 hostages, of whom up to a dozen are believed to be alive, and a permanent end to the war. open image in gallery Palestinians flee the northern Gaza Strip ahead of a proposed Israeli military offensive to take over Gaza City ( AP ) Netanyahus office has ruled out any phased deals, saying last month that it would only accept a deal if "all the hostages are released in one go". Trump suggested last Monday that the conflict could end in a matter of weeks, promising a "very serious diplomatic push" to finish the war, without elaborating on what this would involve. I think within the next two to three weeks, youre going to have a pretty good, conclusive ending, Trump told reporters at the Oval Office. The reports are likely to bring more condemnation of Israels government as frustration grows both at home and abroad over its handling of the war in Gaza, which is almost approaching two years and has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Netanyahu is pushing ahead with a plan to take full control of Gaza, starting with Gaza City in the north of the Strip, with the goal of destroying Hamas and rescuing the remaining 48 hostages. Belgium said it will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly later this month, adding to a growing list of nations, including the UK, France, Australia and Canada, that have voiced support in recognising Palestinian statehood, subject to certain conditions. open image in gallery Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages take part in a protest in Tel Aviv demanding their immediate release and against the Israeli offensive in Gaza City ( AP ) Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session. And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prevot, posted on X on Tuesday. Among the 12 sanctions against Israel, according to Prevot, is a ban on the import of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies. Q We would like to travel to Arizona next month, but lots of social media posts say its not advised if you are anti-Trump on Facebook and X, which we are. Should we be concerned? Carol H A On the first day of his second presidency, Donald Trump issued an executive order demanding that the US Department of Homeland Security vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted. That means you, me and all other prospective overseas visitors to America. The travellers who could be put on the first plane home include those who espouse hateful ideology. Given the current political climate in the US, I surmise that could include anyone who has posted disobliging comments about the White House incumbent. Most British travellers to the US use the Esta online permit. One question on the online application form asks for social media details. Completion of this section is optional. The US authorities say information found on social media could be used to identify potential threats and to distinguish individuals of additional concern from those individuals whose information substantiates their eligibility for travel. As far as I know, there is no penalty for leaving this section blank, and that is what I recommend you do. There is a small chance that the Customs and Border Protection officer you encounter at the airport decides you should be taken to secondary a separate area for individuals who are deemed worthy of further investigation. Your social media posts might then be investigated. As with travel to any country, obvious and direct criticism of the leader is unwise. There have been several widely reported cases in which people have been denied admission and sent home because of what they have posted on social media. But the US authorities insist these incidents are not related to criticism of the president, but rather because posts revealed ulterior motives beyond normal tourism. open image in gallery Shoppers paradise: North Laine in Brighton on a summers day ( Simon Calder ) Q Where is best for a midweek birthday treat day trip for a dear friend by rail from London, with a good lunch plus some light sightseeing and decent shopping? I was thinking York, but you may have better ideas? Tracey Smith A York would certainly fit the bill, being under two hours away from London King's Cross on the fastest trains and with a wealth of eating, sightseeing and shopping opportunities. For lunch, I recommend Lucia, with a bright and relaxed setting plus excellent food. The top sights, depending on your interests, comprise York Minster and the National Railway Museum. And within the walled city, there are plenty of independent shops. But I hesitate to endorse your first thought. Finding a day-return ticket for under 110 is tricky, and at that price you will need to specify a return train. And my other suggestions are at least as rewarding, as well as closer. Bath is 75 minutes away, with a fare of 71.80 if you take the 10.30am or later train from Paddington; return on any service you like. Book a table in advance at Antica, close to Pulteney Bridge. For sights, choose from the Roman Baths and the Holburne Museum, and enjoy a soak on the rooftop of the Thermae Bath Spa. Top of my list, though, is Brighton. First, it is ridiculously easy to reach from the capital, with fast (about an hour) and frequent trains. Take Thameslink from London St Pancras International or London Bridge for a day-return fare of just 23.80 (after 9.30am). Walk down from the station to the Royal Pavilion, the most beautiful palace in Europe. The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, next door, is also worthwhile. For lunch, go slightly east to St Jamess Street. You will be spoilt for choice, but I recommend Bistro Kemptown at no 109 for a special lunch. Afterwards, you could wander through the Lanes for some designer shopping but I prefer the more alternative offering in the streets of North Laine, to the east of Brighton station. Finally, if neither of you has a railcard, invest in a Two Together card to save one-third on the fares I have quoted. open image in gallery Security and passport control at Antalya airport ( Getty ) Q Can you help me with something? I am currently at the departure gate at Bodrum airport in Turkey, waiting for a delayed flight. We have already been searched twice, and now, if I want to leave to go to the toilet, I have to be searched on re-entry. From the limited enquiries I have been able to make, the airport seems to blame the airline, which in turn says the UK government requires it. Can you shed any light on this disagreeable state of affairs? Name supplied A The background is that Turkey has had a long history of terrorist attacks, some of them aimed at tourists. The Foreign Office warns: Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.In 2017, the UK followed the US in imposing, at very short notice, a cabin-baggage ban on large phones, laptops and tablets in response to an alert about a possible attack on a civilian aircraft. This prohibition affected a number of north African and Middle Eastern countries as well. The ban was lifted soon afterwards, but additional security precautions are still in place for departures from Turkey and elsewhere. The best summary is provided by Britains biggest budget airline, easyJet. It says: Extra security measures currently being applied to flights from Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco and Egypt to the UK. The initial airport search is not regarded as sufficient for departures to the UK. Extra checks are conducted on entry to the departure gate area. A second search takes time and requires extra patience. Make sure you arrive at the gate as soon as your gate is announced, says easyJet. There is a particular focus on electronic equipment; easyJet warns: Please make sure your devices are charged, as you may be asked to turn them on during the security check. If you cannot turn on your device, you may be required to travel without it or place your item for safe carriage in the hold. As with all issues relating to aviation security, there is little that the authorities will say. I see little chance of any change to the rules in the near future. Email your question to s@hols.tv or tweet @SimonCalder Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice If train travel to you means paying exorbitant prices for the privilege of being jam-packed alongside commuters, then the idea of a rail holiday might sound like a nightmare. But Scotland might be the exception to the rule. Its railways snake around some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. And they are owned by the Scottish government, which has not only introduced new lines, but from 1 September 2025 has cancelled all peak fares. For good. As a travel writer and former contributing editor of International Railway Traveler in the US Ive ridden many of the great rail journeys of the world. These include South Africas Blue Train, Europes Orient Express and Australias country-crossing Indian Pacific. But hand-on-tartan-heart: there is no finer place in the world for a rail holiday than Scotland. open image in gallery Plockton on the Skye Railway in Scotland ( Robin McKelvie/The Independent ) Scotland is even more alluring now with those ScotRail peak fares gone. It is no mere PR exercise these are real, instant savings for all. No rail cards; just cheaper fares. An anytime day return on the Edinburgh-Glasgow route, for example, has plummeted from 32.60 to 16.80, which is a whopping 48 per cent saving. Journeys from the capital to the deeply historic city of Dunfermline have been slashed from 14 to a budget-friendly 8.50. The savings apply to every ScotRail route. Read more: The best hotels in Edinburgh to make the most of the city There is a lot to explore with your much cheaper ticket. I cannot think of a country in the world with as diverse and spectacular a railway network tucked into such an easily navigable space. There is a real smorgasbord of rail scenery: everything from Highland mountains and ice blue lochs, through to world-famous railway bridges and vast viaducts. Myriad tracks cross the Central Belt where most Scots live but the most awe-inspiring ribbons of steel delve deep into the mountainous hinterland of the Highlands, one of Europes last great wildernesses. Scotlands most scenic route is justifiably ranked as one of the great railway journeys of the world. The West Highland Line sweeps north from Glasgow and soon loses the urban sprawl as it forges deep into a mountainscape of soaring glens, snow-capped mountains and sinewy lochs. open image in gallery Robin and his daughter travelling on the first public train on the Borders Railway ( Robin McKelvie/The Independent ) The first part of the line was completed by 1894, but the most spectacular stretch is the West Highland Line Extension, which was not finished until 1901. On this part of the journey between the old garrison town of Fort William and the fishing port of Mallaig, many tunnels and embankments spice up the journey, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct the highlight. This grand 21-arch span scoops around a deep glen as it passes Loch Shiel in a postcard-perfect scene that was immortalised in the Harry Potter films. I rate the Skye Railway right up there alongside its more illustrious sibling. This route, completed in 1897, crosses the entire breadth of Scotland as it pushes from the North Sea and the Highland capital of Inverness, over a steep range of mountains in search of the Atlantic coast and its mass of islands. The journeys end is spectacular as the train draws to a halt with the looming shadow of the Isle of Skye haunting just across the water. Perhaps the most dramatic part of the journey is on the approach to Plockton as the line cuts along a sea loch in a collage of tunnels and sweeping turns. Read more: The best hotels in Glasgow for boutique stays with fine heritage Back in the central belt, Scotland is also home to one of the worlds great railway bridges. The Forth Bridge is stunning; a mammoth cantilever structure that traverses the Firth of Forth in a sweep of iron. It was opened way back in 1890 and is a truly colossal structure held together with over 6.5 million rivets. In 2015, its uniqueness and global significance were recognised when it was placed on the Unesco world heritage list. ScotRail has shown its ambitions with a range of projects. There is a brand new fleet of trains on the signature Edinburgh to Glasgow route and the Borders Railway opened in 2015, reconnecting Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Borders for the first time since the 1960s. Then, in 2024, the 116m Levenmouth rail link achieved a similar feat for the old Fife resort of Leven. open image in gallery The Unesco world heritage-listed Forth Bridge ( Robin McKelvie/The Independent ) Future plans include an extension of the Borders Railway into England. Despite the growing choice further south, my recommended route for first-timers is from Edinburgh across that iconic Forth Bridge and up north on the Highland Main Line to Inverness, which opens up tree-shrouded Perthshire and then cuts deep into the Highland massifs. From Inverness, jump on the Skye Railway to traverse the country with the sort of scenery that made Outlander a global phenomenon. The Isle of Skye beckons at the end of the platform at Kyle of Lochalsh, and from there a deeply scenic ferry ride brings you to the world-famous West Highland Line for the breathtaking, spirit-soaring run back south to Glasgow. You connect in gorgeously revamped Queen Street Station for a last ride across the brilliant railway engineering that makes the journey to Edinburgh largely a flat one. Youre back where you started, with a lifetime of memories seared into your soul of riding the rails in a country where railway travel is a joy rather than a chore. Read more: Experience Scotlands most magical islands with this cruise The sun may be setting on summer 2025, but that doesnt mean the fun has to stop any time soon. Not if Virgin Atlantic has anything to say about it, anyway. The airline has launched its famous September Sale, offering huge savings on flights and holiday bookings until September 30. Nows the time to lock down next years summer holidays (there are travel offers until June 30, 2026), or if youre looking for a way to brighten up the cold season ahead, catch a piece of winter sun in, say, the Caribbean or Indian Ocean. Because honestly, why shiver in the cold when you can sunbathe, cocktail in hand, on a lounger? Up for a little Stateside glitz? From sea to shining sea (and a fair few stops in between), Virgin Atlantic has put the biggest and boldest USA destinations in its sale, from city breaks to coastal hot spots. Take in the Big Apples legendary Halloween parade, test your mettle on Orlandos rollercoasters, or seek out Lady Luck on the Las Vegas strip. Excitingly, from October 19, Virgin Atlantic will begin running direct routes to Cancun, Mexico. It means the promise of sun, sea and endless tacos is just a few clicks away. Imagining a different sort of adventure? Picture ringing in the New Year with a flute of South African sparkling, against the backdrop of Cape Towns Table Mountain. January blues won't trouble you when you're standing in Dubais blazing sun, whether you wish to shop in its souks or spend your nights counting stars in the desert sky. And if its luxury on your vacay wishlist, where better than an overwater villa above the Maldives hypnotic waters? With departures from London and Manchester airports, Virgin makes getting to your dream destination a breeze. Itching for your passport? Us too. With Virgin Atlantic Holiday deals starting at just 629pp, you might end up booking more than one. Plus, if you book by September 8, you can get an extra 75 off three- to five-night stays in the US, on top of Virgins sale prices. Naturally, all Virgin Atlantic Holidays are ATOL protected, and you can pay by direct debit or with Virgin Points, which, some readers may not realise, you can convert from Tesco Clubcard points. So your weekly shop or lunchtime meal deal could get you even closer to the sweet escape youve been dreaming of. To give you an idea of whats on offer, weve spotlighted the best deals below. Invest in your future holiday happiness, and shop the sale now. New York, New York New York ( Virgin Atlantic ) Travel from: February 8, 2026 Start spreading the news! Virgin Atlantic Holidays makes a trip to NYC a pleasure with fly-and-stay deals from just 629pp. It includes return Economy Classic flights from LHR to JFK, plus three nights in The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel in a Standard King Room (room only). From this central HQ, youll have easy access to the very best the five boroughs has to offer. Book now Kissimmee, Florida Orlando ( Virgin Atlantic ) Travel from: November 17 Combine a laidback break with the thrill of theme parks with a deal to Kissimmee, a Florida city just outside Orlando. This seven-night offer includes economy flights from LHR to Tampa, where you'll travel to Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, your plush base for the trip. From just 649pp, based on two adults sharing, you'll have plenty left over for entry tickets and souvenirs. Book now Montego Bay, Jamaica Jamaica ( Virgin Atlantic ) Travel from: June 23, 2026 Fancy a one-and-done kind of holiday? This all-inclusive deal will see you spending a week in one of Jamaica's premier hotels, the Grand Decameron Montego Beach, from just 1,199pp with return economy flights in the mix too. Tropical temperatures, rum cocktails and waving palm trees are all but guaranteed. An all-inclusive Caribbean break at this price is a steal, anyway you look at it. Book now Maldives, Indian Ocean Maldives ( Virgin Atlantic ) Travel from: November 19 A seven-night stay in the Maldives is the stuff of dreams. Virgin Atlantic Holidays puts it within reach thanks to this deal, which includes Economy Classic flights from LHR to Male before catching a speedboard transfer to the jaw-dropping Eriyadu Island Resort, where youll stay in a Seaview Sky Room Double and presumably, count your lucky stars. From 1,435pp. Book now To book, visit https://www.virginatlantic.com/holidays/sale Bookings are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions apply. For full Virgin Atlantic Standard Terms and Conditions please visit https://www.virginatlantic.com/policies/terms-and-conditions This is the moment the rear axle of a stolen car is ripped off as the driver repeatedly tries to free himself from a police tire grappler. The stolen Chevrolet Cruze was fleeing officers on Interstate 96 in Michigan when a grappler device, which fires a net around the wheel of a vehicle to bring it to a stop, was deployed by the Livonia Police Department. Despite being tethered to the police car, the driver made repeated attempts to break free before the axle came loose. The driver and two passengers were taken into custody. The chase began after Michigan State Police saw the stolen Chevy in Detroit and pursued the vehicle west towards Livonia. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ten years ago, The Independent, after much consideration, decided to put the disturbing photo of the body of Alan Kurdi, aged two, on its front page. Alan was found on a Turkish beach after his family of Syrian Kurds had tried to cross to Greece in an overloaded inflatable boat. His mother and brother also died. We hoped that the striking image would jolt the conscience of the world and bring home the human consequences of the migrant crisis on the shores of Europe. Sadly, the crisis continues a decade later. Closer to home, 20 people have died trying to cross the Channel so far this year, making a total of 249 since 2018. Each one of those deaths is a tragedy. Each one is a life of hope and opportunity cut short. We understand of course we do that immigration cannot be a free-for-all, that claims for refugee status must be judged impartially, and that not all claims will be accepted. But when Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, talks tough in the House of Commons, she must remember that these are peoples lives that we are talking about. There must be a place in our parliament for a recognition of the desperation of people to escape war and persecution a desperation that leads them to take appalling risks with their lives and those of their children. Yes, we should praise Ms Cooper and Sir Keir Starmer for finally reopening a safe legal route to claiming asylum in the United Kingdom, through the pilot scheme agreed with Emmanuel Macron, the French president. But this small gain has been overshadowed by the rising tide of rhetoric that paints these desperate people as a threat. Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, uses inflammatory language to suggest that asylum seekers want to come to Britain so that they can take advantage of an imaginary cornucopia of welfare benefits. In fact, they are more or less destitute, forbidden from working, and accommodated in shared rooms in hotels because there is nowhere else to put them after the previous government lost control of the system. Worse, Mr Farage implies that asylum seekers are criminals, on the basis of isolated incidents, when the vast majority want to work, support their families and contribute to our society. And some politicians who ought to know better, such as Robert Jenrick, restlessly seeking to reverse the result of last years Conservative Party leadership election, try to outdo him in this xenophobic prejudice. It has come to something when even Steve Baker, the former minister and self-appointed hard man of Brexit, has to remind Mr Jenrick, as he did last week: The tone in which we say things really matters. Were talking about human beings. The Independent has not been in the habit of congratulating Mr Baker, but we agree with him when he said: Its really important that when we discuss people, we leave room for the innocent majority. We have to ask: how fragile is civilisation? Very fragile, is the answer, and all responsible leaders have a duty to use respectful language. Trying to match Mr Farages rhetoric is not the right way to appeal to the compassionate centre ground of British public opinion. Most British people want to see the small boats stopped not least because of the certainty of more senseless deaths but in a way that acknowledges the humanity of each and every soul that is driven to take such extreme risks. The anniversary of Alan Kurdis death could be the moment that the British once again find their compassion. We must refuse to become hardened to the desperation and the suffering. 'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out? Greencores planned 1.4bn Bakkavor deal undergoes initial competition probe UK watchdog will decide by end of October whether to launch phase two investigation Greencore Chief Executive Dalton Philips John Mulligan Mon 1 Sep 2025 at 12:22 A planned 1.4bn takeover by Irish food group Greencore of UK peer Bakkavor is now being probed by the UKs competition watchdog. People affected by a large-scale toxic spill at a Zambian mine in February are demanding $420m (359m) in compensation from the Chinese state-owned company that operates the site. Two separate groups sent letters of demand to Sino Metals Leach Zambia in recent days, according to documents seen by Bloomberg and confirmed by the legal firms that issued them. The official trailer for Netflix series The House of Guinness, which follows the story of the Guinness family through Dublin and New York, has been released. The series, written by Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight, will premiere on the streaming platform on September 25. The high-drama trailer offers a first look at the much anticipated series, opening with the funeral of Benjamin Guinness, the man behind the success of the iconic brewery. Fans are told: "Trouble is brewing in the House of Guinness. Who will keep their head? It stars Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness, while Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge will play Edward Guinness, Emily Fairn will play Anne Plunket and Fionn OShea takes on the role of Benjamin Guinness. The cast also includes names like Jack Gleeson, James Norton, Dervla Kirwan and Niamh McCormack. The eight episode series tells a story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties. It begins after the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the Guinness brewery, and the impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben. Speaking when the series was first announced, creator Stephen Knight said: The Guinness dynasty is known the world over. Wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. "Ive always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see. Meanwhile, Anne Mensah, Netflix Vice President of UK Content, said the scripts read like pages torn out of a classic novel, spinning the story of the four heirs to the Guinness fortune, and how their lives and loves are changed by it overnight. Farmers need price clarity as astronomical money tied up in cattle There will be no farmer able to feed a young bull this autumn at current prices without a factory commitment: ICMSA Beef supplies across all main beef-producing countries are extremely low, with some countries at their lowest levels in 50 years Catherina Cunnane Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Farmers would want to get some assurance on prices as the money tied up in sheds of cattle is astronomical, according to Michael OConnell, Chairperson of the ICMSA Livestock Committee. Dairy farming at a crossroads: Tackling the crisis without losing the farmer Thousands of Irish dairy farmers are suffering from mental distress, and the whole sector needs a rethink. If your farm is making you unhappy, consider changing your system. Here are the questions you need to ask yourself If the current way of farming is eroding your health, straining your family or making you miserable, its time to stop and reassess. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images. Con Hurley Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Is there a crisis in dairy farming? Its a question Ive been asking myself for several years now and the evidence keeps building that, yes, something is very wrong on many Irish dairy farms. Embryo technology to aid Irelands battle against TB in cattle The annual conference of the Association of Embryo Technology in Europe (AETE) is taking place in Cork this week, against the background of a worrying spiral in bovine TB cases By June 29 last, Ireland had identified 43,290 TB reactor animals. Ralph Riegel Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Ireland is poised to benefit from breakthroughs in embryo technology to tackle the alarming surge in bovine TB cases across the country. Taoiseach had 15-minute conversation with Geldof on Friday Bob Geldof is considering entering the race for the Aras and says he is flattered at speculation linking him to the presidency, the Irish Independent can reveal. A Deliveroo worker who was caught with cannabis on him as he cycled in central Dublin has been told by a judge to take a drugs awareness course. Tusla confirms it engaged with missing boy and his family in 2020 Child is believed to have been three-and-a-half years old when he was last seenDetectives are speaking with a number of the missing boys relatives to establish what happened to himGardai searching area of open land in Donabate, Co Dublin today The boy, presumed dead, would be seven years old now Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly says search has found no sign of boy feared dead Robin Schiller and Conor Feehan Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 21:27 Tusla has confirmed that it has previously engaged with a missing child in 2020 who gardai now presume is dead. Burkina Faso's ruling junta on Monday unanimously passed a law banning homosexuality as part of a wider reform of family and citizenship legislation. The new law, which aligns with a broadening crackdown on homosexuality across Africa, provides for sentences of up to five years in prison as punishment for being gay. Junta-run Burkina Faso has passed a law banning homosexuality and instituting punishments of up to five years in jail, the latest in a clutch of African nations to pass anti-gay legislation. Homosexuality is illegal in around 30 African countries but was not banned in Burkina Faso before the military seized power three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft law was unanimously adopted by 71 unelected members of a transitional parliament in place since two coups in 2022 in the West African nation. "The law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines," Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said on national broadcaster RTB. "If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge," he said, adding that foreign nationals would be deported under the law. Read moreA direct attack: US, European anti-rights groups descend on family values events in Africa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is part of a wider reform of family and citizenship legislation and will be "popularised through an awareness campaign", officials said. Mali, an ally of Burkina Faso and also ruled by a junta, adopted a law criminalising homosexuality in November 2024. Ghana and Uganda have toughened their anti-homosexuality laws in recent years, weathering huge criticism. Watch moreUganda's LGBTQ community faces persecution after parliament passes anti-gay law A Ugandan law adopted has provisions making "aggravated homosexuality" a capital offence and imposes penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Father Ted writer Graham Linehan said he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over three X posts expressing his views on trans issues. The 57-year-old said he was detained by five armed officers after flying in from Arizona and told he was under arrest over the social media entries. First Irish-designed satellite to fall from orbit and burn up this week but it will leave a legacy for science Eirsat-1 was built by UCD staff and students, as part of an educational programme by the European Space Agency UCD Professor of Astronomy Lorraine Hanlon. Photo: Frank McGrath Sean Duke Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 The first fully Irish-designed satellite is set to fall out of orbit this week and disintegrate in the atmosphere, marking the culmination of pioneering UCD-led project that has advanced science. Northern Lights visible in parts of Ireland last night and more displays possible on Tuesday It comes after stargazers camped out on Monday night to grab their first glimpse of the natural phenomenon The Northern Lights visible through clouds over Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday September 2, 2025. PA Photo. The Northern Lights were visible across parts of the UK and Ireland overnight and may appear again on Tuesday following a powerful solar storm. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire Irish Independent Newsdesk Press Association Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 09:48 The Northern Lights were visible across parts of Ireland and the UK overnight and may appear again on Tuesday following a powerful solar storm. When US president Donald Trump brought Vladimir Putin to Alaska, many had misgivings. Washington insisted it was worth the risk given Mr Trumps commitment to fighting fires especially the Ukraine war. It is now clearer than ever Moscow was not interested in dousing the flames, but stoking them. The Russian leader has become ever more reckless and brazen since his US visit. Russia is believed to have been involved in an interference attack targeting Ursula von der Leyen that disabled GPS navigation services at a Bulgarian airport. It was but the latest example of the extreme lengths to which Moscow is now prepared to go. The sabotage forced the European Commission presidents aircraft to land using only paper maps. Emphasising the gravity of the incident, a source said: The whole airport area GPS went dark. In response to the incident, Ms Von der Leyen said: Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Getty At the US summit, Putin convinced Mr Trump not to seek the ceasefire he had promised to deliver. Instead, they would go for a comprehensive deal to end the conflict. The result won him extra time to keep moving the goalposts, and to carry on pounding Ukraine. The rest of the world, including Volodymyr Zelensky, implored Washington to impose immediate secondary sanctions, to no avail. Putin seems to feel he now has Washingtons imprimatur to wreak havoc. He has intensified the bombardment on the battlefield, and has also targeted the EU Commission Offices in Kyiv. Russian president Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters Today's News in 90 seconds - September 2nd Yesterday Ukrainian officials said they suspected Russia of involvement in the murder of former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy. All of this reinforces the belief that Putins peace machinations were a ruse to distract from his real intent to wipe out Ukraine and destabilise the EU. He needs to be squeezed with more stringent sanctions. But he also needs to know European countries are serious about supporting Ukraine with a robust reassurance force. Sham security pledges are worthless. Donald Trump with Volodymyr Zelensky and EU leaders. Photo: PA This weeks scenes in Beijing, where Putin stood with the leaders of China and India, starkly illustrate a new world order. Despite Putins increasingly irresponsible actions, Moscow has no shortage of friends. Thats why secondary sanctions that target third countries that support his war effort could hit hard. By now, Mr Trump must realise peace talks are not really about peace, as far as Putin is concerned. They are a lever for him to press for what he wants. Washington, through its America First pivot, has stepped back from its past commitments. Yet it could still crank up the pressure on the Kremlin. It also needs to maintain the supply of weapons and intelligence to Kyiv. But chief responsibility must sit on the shoulders of Europe to fill the void left by the US and deter further Russian aggression. It is not that Putins mask has slipped, but that he has taken it off and thrown it away. Over the past 20 years, Limerick has been widely regarded as a shining example of the power of urban regeneration. Since the early 2000s, life in the city has been dramatically improved by a series of initiatives that included legislative changes, local planning, grassroots efforts and a garda crackdown. It seemed that the place once dubbed "stab city" had finally exorcised the dark forces and dangerous criminals that had plagued it. But with gangland violence once again on the rise, many residents fear those old demons may have come back to haunt them. Fionnan Sheahan is joined by journalist David Raleigh to discuss the escalating gangland violence with echoes of the past, and how social media contributes to potential victims being younger than ever. Niall O'Mahony from Rosscarbery with 'Bowie' the Dulux dog at the event. One year old Ryan Lane running away from the pet farm. Trying out a vintage truck for size was Sonny Walsh from Rosscarbery. Muireann McCarthy from Incydoney had her face painted. Enjoying the event were Joe; Katelynn; Cian; Laoise; Johanna and Darragh Crowley from Ballineen. Pictures: Andy Gibson. Lisavaird Co-Op proudly celebrated its centenary on Saturday, August 30, with a family fun day, bringing together suppliers, customers, and the local community. The event was a resounding success, with crowds turning out in their droves to join the celebrations. Guests were warmly welcomed by the reception team before joining the office tours. These proved to be a major attraction throughout the day, concluding with a short talk about the Lisavaird Food Group companies, Glen Aine, Glenmar, Coolmore Foods and JDS Foods. It also provided people the opportunity to sample their produce. On then to the food court for a serving of delicious food, sweet treats, and refreshments. Ken Perrott and the C103 Street Fleet kept the tunes flowing all day, entertaining the crowd and giving away plenty of prizes. The kids zone was a hive of activity, featuring Gers mobile petting farm where children met with donkeys, ponies, piglets, chicks, kittens and rabbits. Trying out a vintage truck for size was Sonny Walsh from Rosscarbery. The rodeo bull brought plenty of laughter as both kids and parents took on the challenge, while kids entertainers, including balloon modellers and face painters kept young visitors entertained. Families were also treated to a magic show from local magician Sean Gough. Another highlight of the centenary celebrations was the history and memorabilia marquee, which welcomed a steady stream of visitors all day. Attendees enjoyed browsing photographs and displays representing decades of Lisavaird Co-Ops board members, suppliers, customers, and staff across all its branches. Niall O'Mahony from Rosscarbery with 'Bowie' the Dulux dog at the event. Local historian Michael OMahony delivered a series of history talks to packed audiences, shining a light on The Story of Lisavaird Co-Op a book published by the late Chris Collins. The CEO of Lisavaird Co-Op Martin Dineen said the centenary celebration was a great success and a wonderful occasion. Despite a wet start, it turned into a fantastic afternoon enjoyed by people of all ages. It was especially lovely to welcome families who have been connected to the Co-Op for generations, as well as staff and retirees sharing their memories with their children and grandchildren. Mr Dineen continued: The event also gave us the chance to showcase our recent developments at central, including the office tours, our new Costcutter store, and upgraded forecourt. The smiles, stories, and positive feedback throughout the day made it truly memorable. I wish to sincerely thank all the team for all their hard work in organising this event and to thank everyone who joined us in marking this milestone, he added. West Corks ambulance cover is totally inadequate for the demands for a sprawling region with an aging population and its putting lives at risk, according to local councillors. At this months meeting of the West Cork Municipal District, Cllr Finbarr Harrington said that on paper West Cork has four 24-hour ambulances based in Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry and Castletownbere and one 12-hour ambulance based in Dunmanway. However, the reality on the ground is very different. Vehicles are rarely where they belong. For example, Clonakilty is often in Cork city on callouts, Castletownbere is often in Kerry. Bantry is often stuck in CUH during lengthy handovers and sometimes when this is complete they can be sent to the city to cover a callout, he said. This then leaves West Cork completely exposed with little or no cover especially at night because Skibbereen is then expected to cover the whole of West Cork and if they get deployed, then the nearest ambulance cover to West Cork is 2 to 3 hours away. The independent councillor said it has happened that the nearest ambulance to cover Castletownbere has been in Cahersiveen, which is 3 hours away. On other occasions an ambulance may be dispatched on a two-hour journey to an incident but after a lengthy trip is told to return to base because an ambulance closer to the scene has become available. Our ambulance staff are fantastic, dedicated, hard-working people and they deserve to be treated much better than they are at the moment. The national ambulance service needs to urgently look at the current system of deploying ambulances because it is not serving the staff very well or the people of West Cork, he said. Cllr Harringtons colleagues were in agreement. Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy said West Cork needs more paramedics and more ambulances. If you got sick in Glanmire you'd be in Tallaght hospital quicker than if you got sick in Allihies and had to go to CUH, he said. Cllr Danny Collins said he has spoken to paramedics who are working well over 70 hours a week while Cllr Joe Carroll called it a Third World service. Based on Cllr Harringtons motion, the Municipal District agreed to write to the Director of the National Ambulance Service, the CEO of the HSE, and the Health Minister to ask them to urgently address the issue. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The gates of St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School in Killiney have opened to boys for the first time in the schools 70-year history. Pic: Fran Veale First year students James Lin, Giuliana Connelly, Safira Chambers, Jacob Moser, Maci Crowe and Helen Moser at St Joseph of Cluny in Killiney. Pic: Fran Veale A fee paying all-girls school in south Dublin has welcomed boys into its cohort for the first time in the schools 70-year history. St Joseph of Cluny, an all-girls secondary school in Killiney, is recognised among the countrys top fee-paying schools on the annual list of feeder schools for third-level colleges. The decision to become a co-ed school came about as a result of demand and will continue on a phased based. There are 265 students in St Joseph of Cluny, with boys making up one-third of the first year intake this September. Principal Ben Healy said the demand to go co-ed was raised consistently when inviting children to join the school. Particularly after Covid we noticed that the demographic in the area had perhaps changed, he said. I noticed every time I went out to various kinds of feeder schools, we kept on being asked about co-ed. Mr Healy said there appeared to be minimal options for Catholic co-ed fee paying schools in the area, and this prompted the decision to go ahead with the plan to mix the school. The gates of St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School in Killiney have opened to boys for the first time in the schools 70-year history. Pic: Fran Veale As for the general reception for the first year boys, Mr Healy said they have been received well among their female classmates. We announced it in 2024 in May so theyve had plenty of time to get used to it. There was a bit of curiosity there for sure, he said. Were only bringing it for first years and we had a good lead in period. Mr Healy, who went to a boys school himself, said he is happy to welcome boys to the school as he believes it is more natural to mix with all genders. There are fantastic single sex schools out there, but I think what were doing is providing choice, he said. Its part and parcel of our ethos that we strive to be inclusive and if we were offering that to the girls, why wouldnt we be open to the boys as well? As for preparing to invite the boys to the school, St Joseph of Cluny had a number of information meetings and co-ordinated mixing sessions for the incoming first years. They wouldve had a few bonding sessions throughout the springtime and then a couple of weeks ago, he said. Then they were in for two days again to meet up on their own without the other students from school. Children travelling to school by train in north Dublin are still facing significantly higher fares despite a recent change billed as a discount, a Fine Gael TD has claimed. Deputy Grace Boland, who represents Dublin Fingal West, said the National Transport Authority (NTA) had failed to provide real relief for families as the new school year begins. Before April, children travelling to school between Balbriggan, Skerries and Rush/Lusk paid just 6.50 per week, she said. Now, the same short journey costs 10.60 a week, a 63pc increase on families in just a few months. The NTA is trying to spin the new weekly fare as a discount, but for those travelling between Skerries and Balbriggan, it is only 0.90 less than the already inflated Leap fare of 11.50. Thats no meaningful relief at all for parents," she added. The NTA introduced revised child and student fares earlier this year, saying the move would simplify the system and make public transport more affordable. However, Ms Boland argues that families in north county Dublin are among those left worse off under the new structure. She has raised the matter directly with the authority and called for urgent action to reduce the burden on parents already struggling with back-to-school costs. The fares introduced in April are a fiasco and do not reflect the distances being travelled by local schoolchildren, she said. It highlights the blatant unfairness of Skerries and Balbriggan being excluded from the Zone 1 travel area. Families here are being penalised and are effectively subsidising commuters in other zones, paying higher fares and for access to services they do not need, such as the Luas. She is calling on the Minister for Transport and the NTA to include Skerries and Balbriggan in Zone 1, introduce a 5-day child ticket to reflect the school week and provide a rail-only ticket for families who do not use bus or Luas services. The revised child Leap Card products, announced by the NTA, have defined four new Leap fare zones in Dublin and surrounding commuter areas. The NTA said the new discounted fares will be available on all daily, weekly and monthly Child Leap products providing a 67pc discount on adult fares. It claimed that children travelling by train to and from Dublin city centre from towns such as Balbriggan, Skerries, Greystones, Kilcoole, Kilcock, and Sallins/Naas are among those to benefit. It said customers (in Commuter Zone 2) currently pay 1.95 single fare, or 16.00 a week if they have a weekly Child Leap Card product. With this new product, the weekly fare will be just 10.60, a saving of 33pc. The new Child Leap products cover journeys from throughout the new Leap Commuter fare zones (Zones 2, 3 or 4) into the central Zone 1. It also allows onward travel within the central Zone by any TFI rail, Luas and Dublin city bus services at no extra cost. An NTA spokesperson said: We appreciate the concerns raised by Deputy Boland and local families about child fares in Balbriggan and Skerries. The objective of the new zone-based fares in Dublin and the surrounding area is to make the fare structure fairer, equitable, and more consistent. The zones are determined based on geographical distance from Dublin city centre. The revised fare structure is broadly neutral in terms of overall fare revenue collected, which means some fares have increased while others have decreased. It offers a simpler and more consistent pricing structure for public transport users across the region. We believe the weekly Leap child product offers excellent value for a range of journeys, including those referred to by the deputy. The plans will see the merging of two units A closed Galway salon is set to be turned into a cafe as plans have been approved by the council this week. Two units in Galway Shopping Centre on Headford Road are being merged to contain a new cafe and eatery after an application was given the green light by Galway City Council. The plans will see the hair salon Koztello Hairdressing repurposed as a single cafe unit. The plans, submitted by Lindat Ltd, consist of a development of units 60 and 61 from retail to cafe use to form a single cafe unit accessed off the internal mall. The development will involve alterations to the existing mall shopfront of unit 61 to provide an additional set of glazed double doors and to provide an additional public glazed access door to the existing external north elevation of unit 61, as well as provision of mall signage to the existing mall fascia and all associated site works. Unit 60 was put up for rent earlier this year at a price of 60,000 per year. The retail unit extending 767 sq.ft. is situated on the mall beside Tesco and Franklins Restaurant. Potential for amalgamation with adjacent units will provide up to 3,549 sq.ft. The plans were put forward to Galway City Council on July 7 and approved on August 31. South Kerry people came out in support of the Palestinian people on Sunday to mark the launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the latest mission aiming to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Demonstrators gathered in Cahersiveen, Knightstown, Portmagee and Derrynane beach to display their support for the flotilla, which departed Barcelona for Gaza with aid for Palestinians on Sunday. The flotilla was forced to return to Barcelona after several hours due to poor weather but departed Barcelona again on Monday evening. The local gatherings, part of demonstrations which took place in coastal and riverside locations across the country, was organised by South Kerry Friends of Palestine. A spokesperson for the group said that the flotilla has been organised because governments, including the Irish government, are failing to protect the people of Palestine. Ordinary people from coastal communities around the world are now compelled to take it upon themselves to bring food and medical supplies to the long-suffering people of Gaza, they said. They said what is happening in Gaza is a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing through starvation, medical deprivation, and collective punishment that constitutes crimes against humanity, enabled by the shameful inaction of governments and EU institutions that have abandoned their moral and legal obligations. South Kerry Friends of Palestine has previously written to the Taoiseach and the Government to implement measures to help to end the war. For example, the group has repeatedly called for economic and cultural sanctions on Israel and an immediate end to the use of Irish airports and Irish airspace for the transition of military equipment. Members of the group have long argued for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill and were behind last years march from Cahersiveen to Leinster House to petition the Government to enact this legislation as a matter of urgency. Love it or hate it, the Rose of Tralee continues to draw both celebration and criticism with references to the lovely girls competition or its pageant-like nature. Tributes are being paid to a motorcyclist, aged in his 40s, who died following a road collision in Drogheda, Co. Louth, which last Friday, August 29. The motorcyclist sustained critical injuries and was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday. The man has been named locally as Pat O'Shaughnessy of High Meadows, Gouldavoher Estate, Limerick city. Pat had been living in Laytown, Co. Meath, and working as a manager at Screwfix in Drogheda. Pat loved rowing and was a member of countless biker meet groups, including Meath Bike Meets. In a statement, members of St. Michaels Rowing Club in Co. Limerick paid tribute to their former member: All of us at St. Michaels Rowing Club are deeply saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Pat OShaughnessy. Pat rowed as a junior in the 90s and won the junior 18 4+ in 1997 when still only j16. He was a talented rower and a good guy. The entire club offer our deepest condolences to Pats partner Olga, and his entire family circle. One of Pats colleagues at Screwfix described him as the kindest, nicest and most loving happy person that they have ever met. He made my day go from bad to good every time I stepped through them doors into work and he made me look forward to going in. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook He was the best person Ive ever met and he will be missed more than words can ever describe. The shop will never feel the same again without our... motorbike man. In a post on RIP.ie, Pats family have extended their deepest gratitude to the paramedics that attended the scene of the incident. In a statement, they extended gratitude to doctors, nurses, and staff of the ICU department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in particular Pamela, Tasha and Enrico and to everyone who has supported us over the last few days. Pat will be deeply missed by his loving family, partner Olga, nephew Sean, brother-in-law Jacques, aunts, uncles, cousins, work colleagues and many friends. Gardai in Drogheda are continuing to investigate the two-vehicle collision which occurred at John Street, Dublin Road, Drogheda. Investigating gardai have asked for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Students and children using Leap cards on trains out of Drogheda will see a dramatic reduction in their fares after an anomaly in new fare structures was finally addressed, according to Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash. Deputy Nash had been leading the campaign for Drogheda to be part of the Dublin Commuter Zone, which came into effect earlier in the year. Deputy Nash explained: Most local commuters saw a reduction in their fares but there were some anomalies that saw some commuters pay more. For the last number of months, I have been highlighting those anomalies and pressing the NTA and Irish Rail to have them addressed. He added: The worst affected cohort of commuters were students and children using leap cards on rail travel to and from Drogheda who, in some cases, saw more than an 80% increase in their fares. A number of families contacted my office to complain at the time and I pushed the NTA for a solution, which is finally being put in place, this week, where most of that increase will be clawed back by young commuters. NTA wrote to Deputy Nash over the weekend and said: By way of update and following representations received from public representatives following the introduction of the new fares structure in April of this year, the National Transport Authority (NTA) wishes to announce the introduction of new Child Leap Card products that addresses concerns that have been raised by you and members of the public. From Monday, September 1, revised Child Leap Card products will be introduced across the Dublin Commuter Leap fare Zone, providing better discounts on fares for those under 18. These new discounted child fares follow a fare determination made in July, building on the earlier fare structure changes implemented in April and June which defined four new Leap fare zones in Dublin and surrounding commuter areas. The new product can be availed of via the Leap top-up app or at leapcard.ie. Deputy Nash explained the changes, saying: The new fares will be available on all daily, weekly and monthly child Leap products. Adults should see a further reduction in their fares while children and students will be the major beneficiaries of the changes. Children travelling by train to and from Drogheda or Laytown to Balbriggan or other destinations in zone 2 or zone 1 will benefit from these changes. For example, the seven-day child weekly Dublin Commuter Bus and Rail Zone 3 to Dublin city product can be purchased for 13.00. This is 33% decrease on the previous fare announced in April of this year when it was 19.50. Deputy Nash said: While the new discounts will not claw back the full increase this cohort of commuters saw at the start of the summer, it will go a long way to addressing a clear injustice in the new fares and I welcome the NTAs and Irish Rails movement on this issue. Families I have contacted over the weekend, to inform them of the change, have reacted positively to the news. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Local authority chiefs in Monaghan have issued an open invite to the wider public as it looks to fill a new anti-crime and public safety body. Regulations paving the way for new local community safety partnerships (LCSPs) came into effect at the end of June. The new LCSPs replace the old joint policing committee (JPCs) in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland which was put into law last year. A total of 36 safety partnerships are to be established in every local authority area, with up to 30 members in each. The partnerships will have a broader membership than JPCs, with mandatory members including local councillors, local authority officials, An Garda Siochana, representatives from the HSE and the Child and Family Agency Tusla. Local residents, members representing youth groups, the older population, new and minority groups, business and education representatives will also be included. Each LCSP can hold as many meetings as needed but they must hold at least six meetings annually. In line with that ethos, Monaghan County Council have launched an expressions of interest campaign for members of the community who may be interested in playing a part in the new partnership body. Monaghan County Council is inviting expressions of interest from members of the community who wish to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our county by becoming a member of the Monaghan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). The members will have a crucial role to play in the partnerships, not only in representing the needs and concerns of their constituents, but also in communicating the issues, priorities and interventions of the Safety Partnership to the broader council and the public, said a council spokesperson. The council is now seeking individuals who represent local community and voluntary bodies, community interests, or who possess relevant experience or expertise in areas such as public safety, youth engagement, social services, or community development. Members will play a vital role in shaping local safety strategies, advising on community needs, and fostering partnerships that enhance public trust and cohesion. The closing date for submissions of interest is Friday, September 19. Further details, including how to apply online can be found on the councils website at: www.monaghan.ie/communitydevelopment/lcsp/. Work on the modular extension, which is adjacent to the existing 300 pupil schools main building, began last November and the first pupils moved into the new two storey building last Friday. Minister Peter Burke cutting the ribbon with Cathal Byrne at the official opening of Cathal Byrne's office on Castle Hill, Enniscorthy. A crowd converged on the side of the busy road on Castle Hill in Enniscorthy to watch Senator Cathal Byrne and Minister Peter Burke officially cut the ribbon on his new constituency office. As a Senator, Cathal has the opportunity to pose questions and raise topics about Wexford as a whole. And while this is a great platform for the county, his more local constituents in Enniscorthy may have felt their link to the Senator weaken. However, he believes having his constituency office opened within the town will allay those fears. "I think it's very important that I have an office right here in the heart of the constituency in Enniscorthy on Castle Hill. And I'm absolutely delighted to have Elaine Mitten and Aine O Meara working with me and our strong team of Fine Gael councillors right across County Wexford have a presence here. "That means that anybody can come to us and seek advice and assistance, and I would be more than happy to help people from all parties and none with their issues and concerns of today, he said. He further emphasised that a priority on his list of issues affecting Wexford is the current housing crisis. "So housing is the big one. Housing is an issue that's affecting so many different generations, and it's something that we deal with on a day to day basis, and also trying to make sure that Wexford is getting its fair share of high quality jobs. He added that this was exactly why he was thrilled to have Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Enterprise Peter Burke with him for the special event. Charles Kavanagh, John Hartley, Bob Quilty, Eleanor Quilty and Cllr. Frank Staples at the official opening of Cathal Byrne's office on Castle Hill, Enniscorthy. "That's why I'm so delighted to have the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, with me today, and he's going to perform the official opening, and he's driving a new strategy to make sure that there is growth and development in the regions outside of the main cities, which is so important for Wexford, he said. "I want to thank the Fine Gael organisation and the party members, but also the people of Wexford that have shown such support to me since I became a Senator, and I look forward to fighting the next general election on behalf of the party and looking to win the seat back in the Wexford constituency. Minister Burke threw his support behind Senator Byrne as he addressed the crowd of supporters outside the office. "Getting our seat back here in Wexford is very important for the party, A very big objective that we want to realise the next term. And obviously Cathal has huge, huge credentials for being a very hard worker. In 2024 he received 2,275 first preference votes, which was an incredible achievement in the backdrop of a party that had been in government over a decade at that stage. So a huge, huge achievement, and that's really a testament to the work that Cathal is doing the dedication, professionalism, very well qualified graduate of Trinity, and I can see he is very much part of the community here, he said. Minister Peter Burke and Cathal Byrne at the official opening of Cathal Byrne's office on Castle Hill, Enniscorthy. He added that the party has high hopes for Senator Byrne and see him rising to an even higher position in the future. "There is a huge, bright future within the party, and we really want to see him in the next Dail to ensure that he can play his part at the very highest level of politics. Because I have no doubt that he is TD material. He's very much ministerial material, with his background, with his huge ability, and when he does speak, he really makes it count. That's one thing about politics. You know, a lot of people talk a lot, and they're shouting at the side lines, but when you make your contribution, you need to see the relevant impact attached to that. That's one thing that Cathal does his hard work demonstrates a quiet manner, but when he speaks, he is heard, and he does deliver, he added. A brand new youth theatre is set to launch in Wexford this October. Gorey Youth Theatre will cater for 12 to 18 year olds and will be hosted every Friday in the Guide Hall on Esmonde Street from 4pm to 6pm. The initiative is being led by Amy Redmond, who was inspired to take on the project as she was struck by the continued lack of a youth theatre in the area. There was no youth theatre here when I was growing up - and even now, its still missing. Thats about to change, Amy said. Founder of Act the Maggot, creative classes to embrace the arts the Gorey native returned from Dublin last year and wanted to give children a space to embrace and engage with the arts in her home county. Gorey Youth Theatre will be supported by Youth Theatre Ireland (YTI) and join a wider network of youth theatres around Ireland. Youth Theatre Ireland offers resources and training to support young people as they grow in confidence and skills on and off stage. Amy has years of experience under her belt in theatre, film, journalism and youth arts. She recently re-trained in drama facilitation with Youth Theatre Ireland and is excited to start her journey with them. Mandi Tighe, CEO of Gorey Youth Needs said the initiative will provide an invaluable creative outlet for young people by helping them to develop skills and find their voices through the arts. A dedicated youth theatre will open doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to the arts, giving them a chance to shine both on and off the stage, Mandi said. Mandi has previously worked alongside Amy and is inspired by her ability to bring out the best in people and praised her dedication to supporting the arts. Her commitment to empowering young people through theatre aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture creativity, build community, and provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation. We believe Gorey Youth Theatre will be a lasting resource for our young people and we hope the community of Gorey supports this venture, Mandi added. In June 2025, Alan King deputy director of YTI hosted an information session and explained that no previous experience is needed to join the theatre. He said the focus is about setting up a foundation for children and to create an ensemble group. Workshops will be led by Amy Redmond and as the theatre grows so too will the team. Local actor Craig Bodger will commence drama facilitation training in September. Amy and Craig will attend the National Symposium on Youth Theatre in Dublin this November representing Gorey Youth Theatre. All young people aged 12 to 18 who want to try something new are invited to attend the kick-off workshop Friday October 3, 2025, at 4pm in the Guide Hall on Esmonde Street. Registrations will only be taken in advance by contacting actthemaggot@gmail.com. There is a fee of 100 only per term. Meet the inspiring husband and wife team behind Wexfords first Palestinian food truck Fergal and Mirna OGara met in France, have lived in Palestine, Dublin and Wexford and are providing a taste of Palestine to a growing customer base Fergal and Mirna O'Gara pictured in Kelly's Food Yard. Pic: Jim Campbell Cillian Boggan Wexford People Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 12:40 The images, videos and reports which are sent from Gaza are harrowing and relentless. Unlike other devastating and sustained attacks on a people, like those during the first and second world wars, the evidence of the constant war crimes committed by the Israel Defence Forces is presented to us on a daily basis. The close friends of Nickolay Schevchenko, of McMurrough Court, New Ross, gathered together for a celebration of life ceremony last week in honour of their friend who passed away peacefully on August 4 in The Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford with his friends Leanne and Scott by his side. Born in 1954, Nickolay was a man whose journey carried him across continents, through hardship and joy, and into the hearts of all who knew him. Nickolay began his life in the Soviet Union, serving in the Army at the young age of 18. He later became a mechanical engineer in the Russian Navy, traveling across the world on great ships. His travels brought him as far as China, Brazil, and to the bright colours of the Brazilian carnival. But it was a journey to Ireland that changed the course of his life. While docked at the port of Waterford, the ships captain disappeared with the crews wages, leaving Nickolay and his shipmates stranded. Because of political tensions, they were warned that if they gave statements to the authorities, they would not be allowed to return to Russia or Ukraine. It was then that Nickolay began a new life in Ireland. He found work in Duncannon with the fishing community. Here, he often recalled with fondness the kindness of Davey and his wife Colette, who took him into their family home and treated him as one of their own. He also worked alongside Patrick and Mickey, dear friends he often spoke about. These years fishing were some of his happiest, filled with laughter, companionship, and the sea that he loved so well. Though he was far from home, Nickolays heart was always with his family in Russia. He had a wife, Olga, and together they had two children, Andrucha and little Olga. He worked tirelessly, sending money home every week. But tragedy struck when his beloved Olga was diagnosed with cancer. Because of circumstances, Nickolay could not return home, and when Olga passed away, the grief weighed heavily on him. He spoke of his children daily, though over time, sadly, they grew estranged. In Ireland, Nickolay also found another kind of family through his beloved dog, Broshenko. To Nickolay, Broshenko was not just a pet, but a best friend, and a constant companion. When Broshenko sadly passed away in May, it broke Nickolays heart. He treated him with the greatest love and care, feeding him the finest food from the Polish market, pork belly, French sausages, and cheese. Animals brought Nickolay peace and joy, but none more than his loyal Broshenko. Nickolay loved to cook. His kitchen was full of experiments, pickled vegetables, unusual dishes, and hearty meals. For him, the pleasure was in sharing: good food, good cheese, good company, and always a small drink. With that came poetry, stories of films, actors, and his deep love of literature. He was a very well-educated man, with a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. His humour was dry and sarcastic, yet always warm and infectious. His hearty belly laugh could fill a room, even if you didnt understand what he was laughing at. He was fiercely independent, even in later years, when his health was failing, he refused to let others carry his shopping or do his chores, insisting, my job, not your job. Yet, despite having little, he was generous to a fault. He loved giving gifts, cheese graters, kettles, and teapots. His passion for antique kettles and teapots was well known. These gestures, sometimes small, sometimes quirky, were his way of showing love and gratitude. Even in hardship, Nickolay thought first of others. Once, when taken to the hospital by ambulance, he was reluctant to go because he did not want to leave Broshenko alone. Nickolay with his dog Broshenko That was the depth of his love and loyalty. On that night, his friend Leanne stepped in and cared for Broshenko, giving Nickolay peace of mind. The very next day, after being released from hospital, he came to find her with a big box of Victoria biscuits as a thank you. Nickolay had very little, yet his first instinct was to give something back. That simple gift of biscuits said everything about who he was: grateful, generous, and always thoughtful of others. Those who stood by Nickolay and helped him with matters when life became complicated were also remembered during the celebration of life ceremony carried out by Geraldine Ryan last week. Their support was a reminder that kindness always finds its way to those who need it most, she said. Nickolay had a kind and gentle soul. He did not like conflict or aggression. He lived with dignity, politeness, and warmth. He never said goodnight instead, it was always good morning and he never said goodbye, only see you later, Ms Ryan continued. His striking grey eyes, Mr. Grey Eyes, as Leann fondly called him, always carried a spark of life, a reminder of the strong, proud, and well-travelled man he was. Though life had its sorrows, Nickolay never lost that spark, she added. Nickolay is remembered as a man of the sea, a father, a friend, a lover of animals, literature, and laughter. A man of great intelligence, humour, and heart. A man who gave much, asked for little, and left behind memories that will never fade. Pictured at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening were back row (l to r)- Cllr Jim Codd, Lynda Leacy (District Director), Cllr Lisa McDonald, Derek Trenaman, Cllr Frank Staples, Conor Barry. Front- Jamie Ryan (Operations Manager, RNLI), Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy, Keith Miller, Noirin Cummins (District Manager, RMD). Pic: Jim Campbell Eugene Kehoe from Kilmore Quay RNLI was a recipient of an award at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening pictured receiving his award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy. Pic: Jim Campbell Ballycogley Players were recipients of an award at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening pictured receiving their award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy.. Pic: Jim Campbell Tiernan Codd, Sean Holden Kuba Dmowski were recipients of an award at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening pictured receiving their award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy.. Pic: Jim Campbell The heroism of three young Wexford men has seen them receive the highest accolade possible from the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD). At a special civic ceremony in Johnstown Castle, Tiernan Codd (13), Jakub Dmowski (13), and Sean Holden (12) were presented with the Outstanding Youth Award from cathaoirleach of the RMD, Councillor Ger Carthy, in recognition of their lifesaving efforts in Rosslare Harbour in July. While fishing the three boys spotted swimmers drifting into a dangerous current. Recognising the risk and the potential threat to life, the boys immediately rang the emergency services for assistance. The Rosslare RNLI crew quickly came to the rescue and three of the four swimmers were subsequently taken to hospital for further treatment. Regarding the rescue operation, Rosslare RNLI Operations Manager Jamie Ryan said every second counted as they came to the assistance of the distressed swimmers. The three boys recently graduated from Kilrane National School and began secondary school in Bridgetown College this month. They are a credit to their families and community, said Cllr Carthy. And it is with great pride that the RMD recognises their courage, maturity and community spirit by presenting them with the Outstanding Youth Award. The future is bright with young people like this in Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane. Ballycogley Players were recipients of an award at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening pictured receiving their award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy.. Pic: Jim Campbell Also honoured at the awards were local theatre group, The Ballycogley Players. Recognised for their Outstanding Contribution to The Arts, Culture, Heritage & Music, The Ballycogley Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and marked this milestone with the Best Supporting Actress award at the RTE All-Ireland Drama Awards in Athlone in May. This group of amateur actors, cast and crew have received a number of awards and nominations in recent years and were crowned All Ireland Confined Drama Champions in 2018. In 2024 they placed third at the All-Ireland Drama Awards for their performance of Out of Order, they also took home the award for Best Supporting Actor, the Bride Rosney Award for Outstanding Newcomer and also received nominations for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Stage Management. This year the group has performed Lend me a Tenor in the OReilly and Jerome Hynes theatres at the National Opera House, as well as Gorey Little Theatre, as it qualified for another All-Ireland appearance. The group undertake charity performances for local organisations and communities every year and have made contributions to The Irish Kidney Association, Wexford Marinewatch, and Wexfords Womens Refuge as well as many others. Presenting the award, Cllr Carthy said it was a very special year for The Ballycogley Players and that he and the entirety of the RMD team were honoured to mark the 50th anniversary of the group. Following his recent retirement as coxswain of the RNLI lifeboat, Eugene Kehoe received the Outstanding Contribution to Community Service award in Johnstown Castle. Eugene Kehoe from Kilmore Quay RNLI was a recipient of an award at the Rosslare Municipal District Awards Ceremony in Johnstown Castle on Thursday evening pictured receiving his award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy. Pic: Jim Campbell Today we recognise the extraordinary service of Eugene Kehoe who retired in May as coxswain of the RNLI lifeboat after an incredible 48 years of voluntary service, said Cllr Carthy. Following in the footsteps of his father, uncles, and grandfather, Eugene began assisting on shore as a boy and joined the crew at 18. His first call-out, on a winters night in 1977, was aboard the Lady Murphy and was the start of a career spanning eight lifeboats and countless rescues in all conditions. During his years of service, Eugene saved many lives and was presented witha Vellum of Merit in 1978, a letter of acknowledgement for the rescue of the tug Golden Cross in 1999, and the prestigious Bronze Medal for Gallantry in 2020 for leading the 12-hour rescue of nine men from the cargo ship Lily B in treacherous seas off Hook Head His impact on Kilmore Qua and the Wexford coastline is immeasurable, said Cllr Carthy. In recognition of his lifetime of courage, skill, and service, the RMD is proud to present Eugene with this award. After the presentations, Cllr Carthy thanked all those in the RMD offices for organising the event, the Johnstown Castle staff for hosting, the Red Door for providing the food, and the Danescastle U15 grupai ceoil for the music on the night. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Bray author Alan Nolan will visit Greystones to launch his new book in the childrens bookshop, Halfway up the Stairs, this weekend, when fans can spend an afternoon catching up with the well-loved childrens writer and illustrator. The Grand Central Cinema Club is the title of Alan's new book, and the author, who last year was recognised for his outstanding contribution to childrens literature when he received the Annual Childrens Books Ireland Award, will be in the store on Saturday, September 6, at 4pm. The book takes readers back to Dublin in 1937, to the Grand Central Cinema on O'Connell Street, where the children of Dublin watch their Hollywood heroes on the silver screen. When Sylvie meets tenement boy Jem and his daredevil sister Juno, they bond over their love of movies. But an accident means Juno will miss the latest film at the Grando, so they hatch a plot to hijack the movie reel and do a top-secret private showing instead. Meanwhile, a sneak thief called The Magpie has his eye on the Grand Central Cinema too. Can Sylvie and Jem revive Juno's ailing spirits by bringing the movies to her? Will they foil The Magpie's feather-brained plan in time? Alan grew up in Windy Arbour, Dublin, before moving to Bray and is known for books such as The Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens, The Curious Case of the Irish Yeti, Double Trouble at the Dead Zoo, and the Sam Hannigan series. His novella, Sam Hannigans Rock Star Granny, was the World Book Day Book for Ireland in 2019. He received the Annual Childrens Books Ireland Award in September last year, after he was nominated by fellow artists. The prestigious award was presented to him by Laureate na nOg Patricia Forde, who described him as one of the most hard-working and generous writers working in Ireland. No stranger to Greystones, Alan saw his wonderful book, Molly Malone & Bram Stoker in The Curious Case Of The Irish Yeti, adapted to the stage, when adoring young fans thronged the Whale Theatre, in April. The show was an exciting and hilarious musical mystery adventure for both young audiences and families. You can get copies of the Grand Central Cinema Club (OBrien Pres) on the day, and Alan will sign them for you. No booking is needed but do get there early as space is limited. Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team responded to 112 callouts last year, making it their second busiest year ever, while the Glen of Imaal Wicklow Mountain Rescue Irish Red Cross Team responded to 107 callouts, with 102 involving joint operations alongside the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team. An increase in hillwalking and outdoor activities across all operational areas resulted in a steady stream of callouts in Wicklow throughout the year, according to Mountain Rescue Irelands annual report for 2024, which has just been published. Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI) is a member of the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR) the international body for mountain rescue organisations dedicated to the advancement of best practice in mountain rescue worldwide. As Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team (DWMRT) celebrated their 40th year in operation, 2024 was has been ranked as their second busiest in those four decades, with volunteers responding to 112 callouts across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, and in the Cooley mountain range in Louth. During the year, they also made significant progress in efforts to establish a permanent base, which will be a major step forward for the teams future. The team dealt with a wide range of incidents throughout the year, from lost and injured hikers to complex multi-agency rescues. These were a mix of minor and more significant trauma, medical issues, and searches for missing persons. DWMRTs cooperation with other emergency services, including the Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, and An Garda Siochana, was essential in managing these incidents efficiently The SAR dog unit also had a busy year, with several callouts. DWMRTs four qualified dogs and handlers were joined by another who graduated from training to operational status in June. The dog team now has two qualified air-scenting search dogs and three qualified trailing dogs, all of which are certified by UKK9. Among search deployments was a significant find by search dog Maggie in January, which helped ensure a vulnerable patient received rapid care. Maintaining high standards in training is a priority throughout the year. Several members of the team upskilled or recertified to Swiftwater Response Technician (SRT), while the team also had several members undertake training to maintain rope rescue technician and rope rescue operator qualifications with Rescue3. They also continued their recruitment and development programs, welcoming four probationary members and supporting them as they progressed through their training pathway. A major focus for 2024 was progressing plans for a dedicated rescue base. For years, the team has operated out of a small facility at the back of Roundwood Garda Station, which is no longer fit for purpose. In 2020, they secured land for a new base, and 2024 saw significant progress to bring the project closer to reality. With construction set to get underway imminently and more than 600,000 saved towards the build, a GoFundMe campaign was recently started to help raise the remaining 250,000 needed. The response from the community and supporters has been hugely encouraging.The team remains heavily reliant on fundraising and community support. Events such as the Art ONeill, Walk The Line, and Run the Line have been crucial in keeping the team operational. DWMRTs priorities remain focused on delivering an effective rescue service, developing the team, and securing the funding needed for the base. In 2024, the Glen of Imaal Wicklow Mountain Rescue Irish Red Cross Team responded to 107 callouts. Of all callouts, 36pc involved lower leg injuries and 33pc of callouts were successfully located using the app SARLOC, while 69.2pc occurred during daylight hours. The team statistician and communications officer recorded 2,964.3 person-hours spent by team members on callouts, and 9,022.3 person-hours in total, including callouts, meetings, training, and additional duties. In April, they hosted their Craic of Dawn fundraiser at Avondale Forest Park. The event, centred around a sunrise treetop walk, proved a great success. Their main fundraiser The Moonlight Challenge was again a success, with team members, volunteers and supporters rolling in to make another memorable fundraising event. As part of the fundraiser, the team, in collaboration with the NPWS, supplied and installed nest boxes for Wicklows declining barn owl population. 2024 also saw major developments at the team base, including the opening of a new outdoor classroom in memory of long-time supporter Angela Sweeney. Last year also marked the completion of the car park extension and the commencement of construction on a rope rescue training wall for outdoor technician development. Training in 2024 focused primarily on medical response, technical rope rescue, and search management. Nationally, mountain rescue teams throughout Ireland responded to a total of 379 incidents, 253 of which occurred during the daytime and 126 at night, including 12 fatalities and 48 serious injuries. The Newcastle Summer Fair, which went ahead with its tropical paradise theme in spite of the autumnal weather on Sunday, August 31, has been hailed as a success for the organisers and all of the participants, who came out in their droves dressed in tropical clothing, summer hats and colourful garlands, turning the Wicklow village into Hawaii for the day. The colourful, fun-filled afternoon got off to a flying start at midday, where the highlights included cake stalls and BBQs, toys, bric-a-brac, books and plenty of treasures. There were childrens games, competitions and races, with crafts that included the very novel painting your own wind chime. New this year was the kids cake-decorating competition, with the little ones showing off their creativity; but the ultimate challenge, for young and old, was the how low can you go? limbo contest. And what happens in Newcastle, stays in Newcastle . . . Everyones support, help, enthusiasm, and community spirit is greatly appreciated, wrote the parishs Declan Brennan. A huge thank you to Julie, Sarah, Tina, all the committee members, to everyone who set up, ran all the stalls, games and activities, to everyone who donated, cleared up, and to everyone who came and supported the day! While the summer is over, the fun doesnt end in Newcastle, as the Arts and Crafts Festival takes place in Calary Church, from 7pm on Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7. A multi-agency response was tasked with searching an area of the Irish Sea around Wicklow on Monday night, after the Coast Guard received a report that someone may be in trouble in the water. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116 from Dublin, Coast Guard land units, Wicklow RNLI and the gardai were all involved in the search. For the local RNLI volunteer crew, pagers sounded at 9.22pm. The all-weather lifeboat RNLB Bridie OShea was launched into Wicklow Harbour shortly after under the command of coxswain Nicky Keogh, while the inshore lifeboat Dennis-Audrey was launched under the command of helm Alan Goucher. The volunteer crew immediately began their search from the harbour north along the Murrough in calm seas and winds. With the assistance of all agencies, a thorough search of the area was carried out and, with nothing found, all units were stood down by the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre later that night. The RNLI crew returned to Wicklow Harbour and made both boats ready for service. Speaking after the callout Coxswain Nicky Keogh said: A thorough search of the area was undertaken and with nothing found we were stood down. This was a genuine call with good intent. We would advise anyone, if they see or suspect someone in difficulty on the water to please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. An injured person is carried on a bed to a military helicopter for evacuation in a village in Mazar Dara, Kunar province (Wahidullah Kakar/AP) Rescue teams have scoured Afghanistans mountainous east for survivors, as the death toll from a strong earthquake rose to 900 with 3,000 people injured. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck late on Sunday night in several provinces, flattening villages and leaving people trapped under rubble for hours. It damaged or destroyed thousands of homes that were made mostly of mud bricks and wood. Belgium to recognise Palestinian state at UN General Assembly Belgium to recognise Palestinian State at U.N. summit in SeptemberBelgium to also impose 12 firm sanctions on IsraelMove comes as Israel considers West Bank annexationUS has recently stopped Palestinian President Abbas from UN visit Palestinian children displaced by the Israeli military offensive take shelter in a tent camp, as Israeli forces escalate operations around Gaza City, in Gaza City, September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas Mrinmay Dey Reuters Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 09:19 Belgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on Tuesday, adding to international pressure on Israel after similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada and France. Suspect held over murder of politician in Lviv Ukrainian police believe Russians may be linked to shooting in street Former Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy. Photo: Reuters Steffie Banatvala UK Independent Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 A suspect has been arrested and an investigation is under way into the murder of Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy as police suggested there may be a Russian link to the killing. Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil Over 800 dead and 2,800 injured after devastating Afghanistan earthquake The 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit mountainous areas in the countrys eastern provinces An injured person is carried to a military helicopter that landed to evacuate victims of the earthquake from Mazar Dara in Kunar province, eastern Afghanistan. Photo: AP Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield Reuters Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 One of the worst earthquakes to ever hit Afghanistan has killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,800, authorities said yesterday, as rescuers struggled to reach remote areas due to rough mountainous terrain and inclement weather. A postwar plan for Gaza circulating within the Trump administration, modelled on president Donald Trumps vow to take over the enclave, would turn it into a trusteeship administered by the United States for at least 10 years while it is transformed into a gleaming tourism resort and high-tech manufacturing and technology hub. The 38-page prospectus seen by The Washington Post envisions at least a temporary relocation of all of Gazas more than two million population, either through what it calls voluntary departures to another country or into restricted, secured zones inside the enclave during reconstruction. U.S. President Donald Trump, next to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attends an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard and any other troops in California after finding that the president illegally send US military into the state in response to protests against ICE raids (REUTERS) Vladimir Putin says he and Donald Trump have understanding on ending war in Ukraine Russian, Chinese and Indian leaders in show of solidarity at Shanghai summit Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. Photo: Reuters Laurie Chen and Mei Mei Chu UK Independent Tue 2 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Vladimir Putin claimed yesterday that the understandings he reached with Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska have opened a way to peace in Ukraine. India-China Relations Take Center Stage at SCO Summit 2025 Available language The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin brought India and China back into the diplomatic spotlight, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to China in seven years. Amid escalating US tariff disputes, the engagement signaled a strategic bid by both nations to recalibrate ties while navigating a shifting global trade order. Takeaways from the SCO summit for India-China ties The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin on the sidelines of the 2025 SCO summit their first interaction since October 2024 at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia. The meeting signaled a potential reset in bilateral ties, offering important diplomatic optics at a time of heightened global trade uncertainty. Key developments include: Diplomatic reset: Modi and Xi acknowledged steady progress since their last meeting at the BRICS summit in October 2024, emphasizing partnership over rivalry. Modi and Xi acknowledged steady progress since their last meeting at the BRICS summit in October 2024, emphasizing partnership over rivalry. Connectivity: Both sides agreed to resume direct passenger flights, which have been suspended since COVID-19, though no timeline has been set. Travelers currently transit via Hong Kong or Singapore. Both sides agreed to resume direct passenger flights, which have been suspended since COVID-19, though no timeline has been set. Travelers currently transit via Hong Kong or Singapore. People-to-people links: India has restarted tourist visa issuance for Chinese citizens, while the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed earlier in 2025. India has restarted tourist visa issuance for Chinese citizens, while the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed earlier in 2025. Border stability: Progress on disengagement has reduced tensions, helping restore peace in sensitive areas. Progress on disengagement has reduced tensions, helping restore peace in sensitive areas. Global South role: Xi framed India and China as central actors in shaping regional stability and advancing development. Xi framed India and China as central actors in shaping regional stability and advancing development. Economic cooperation: Potential Chinese investment in Indias electric vehicle industry and greater access for Chinese firms in the Indian market were highlighted. Potential Chinese investment in Indias electric vehicle industry and greater access for Chinese firms in the Indian market were highlighted. Trade resumption: Both countries agreed to reopen border trade, with China assuring cooperation on critical supplies, such as rare earths, fertilizers, and tunneling equipment. Both countries agreed to reopen border trade, with China assuring cooperation on critical supplies, such as rare earths, fertilizers, and tunneling equipment. Geopolitical context and regional cooperation: The engagement comes as Indias trade relations with the US face headwinds from tariff measures, raising questions about shifting geopolitical alignments. Further, India reaffirmed support for regional connectivity projects, notably the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). It also spotlighted opportunities in startups, innovation, youth initiatives, and cultural exchange as levers for deeper regional cooperation. Signs of normalization in India-China bilateral relations in 2025 In August 2025, India and China held high-level talks in New Delhi, signaling a step toward easing tensions since 2019. During Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit (August 18-19, 2025), both sides agreed to resume direct passenger flights, reopen border trade, encourage investment flows, and establish three new border-related mechanisms. The planned revival of direct air services once carrying over 800,000 passengers annually before the pandemic struck is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cargo flows while reducing reliance on indirect routes. These moves reflect a pragmatic recalibration of ties, even as broader geopolitical headwinds persist. Notes for business stakeholders Watch policy and regulatory updates: Border mechanisms, trade rules, and visa regulations may evolve quickly; staying informed ensures smoother operations and timely market entry. Monitor air and trade connectivity: With direct passenger flights and border trade routes set to reopen, companies in logistics, tourism, and trade-dependent sectors should explore new routes to reduce transit costs and time. Evaluate investment opportunities: China has indicated potential for investment flows, especially in sectors like electric vehicles, infrastructure, and technology. Indian firms should identify strategic partnerships or joint ventures in sectors approved by both governments. Supply chain diversification: Improved border trade and cooperation on critical supplies (rare earths, fertilizers, tunneling equipment). Leverage cultural and people-to-people initiatives: Programs in innovation, startups, and youth engagement may open avenues for knowledge exchange, R&D collaboration, and talent acquisition. Stay geopolitically agile: While bilateral ties are improving, broader global trade tensions, particularly with the US, require businesses to maintain flexible sourcing, risk assessment, and contingency planning. 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, China: Key outcomes The 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, held in Tianjin, concluded with the signing of 20 significant documents that set the agenda for the groupings political, economic, and institutional direction. Strategic declarations and frameworks The SCO summit concluded with the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration, the central political outcome of the meeting. Leaders also approved the SCO Development Strategy (2026-2035), which sets long-term priorities for the organization over the next decade. A Cooperation Programme (2026-2030) was endorsed to counter extremist ideologies within the region, while a Roadmap for Energy Cooperation until 2030 was launched to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector. In addition, the SCO was granted observer status within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Cholpon-Ata in the Kyrgyz Republic was named the SCOs tourist and cultural capital for 2025-2026. Institutional strengthening In terms of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, four new SCO centers were established, each with a specific focus: Addressing security threats Combating transnational organized crime Enhancing cybersecurity and information safety Advancing anti-drug cooperation The summit also approved the creation of an SCO Development Bank, aimed at financing infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and supporting social development across member states. Expanded cooperation platforms The SCO has broadened its cooperative agenda by launching new platforms and centers in key areas. These cover energy security and sustainable growth, green industry and climate action, the digital economy and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, higher education, and vocational and technical training for workforce development. Structural reforms and membership expansion A major institutional reform was agreed upon, merging observer states and dialogue partners into a single category of SCO partners. As part of this expansion, Laos was granted partner status, bringing the SCO community to 25 nations 10 full members and 15 partners. SCO Plus session Alongside the main summit, the SCO Plus session was also convened under the theme Turning Multilateralism into Action, Ensuring Regional Security, and Promoting Sustainable Development. It was attended by SCO member states, partners, and observer countries such as Mongolia, Turkey, Nepal, and Vietnam, as well as representatives of international organizations including the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the European Economic Community (EEC), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). What is the SCO? The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001, is a regional political, economic, and security grouping that facilitates cooperation on trade, connectivity, energy, and regional stability. As of 2025, it has 10 full members: China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. The SCO also engages with observer states and dialogue partners, broadening its influence across Eurasia. As of 2025, it has 15 dialogue partners including Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE who participate in selected activities and discussions within the grouping. Beijing (Gasgoo) On September 1, Dongfeng Motor's premium NEV (new energy vehicle) brand VOYAH announced its delivery figures for August 2025, reporting 13,505 vehicles delivered during the month, a 119% surge from a year earlier and a 21% rise from July, marking six consecutive months of growth. From January to August, VOYAH's cumulative sales reached 81,768 units. VOYAH Courage; Photo credit: VOYAH The strong August performance was likely driven by the brand's product renewal strategy. On August 28, the all-new VOYAH Courage officially hit the market, available in three versions: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel-drive, and long-rangeall equipped with Huawei's QianKun ADS 4.0 advanced driver-assistance system. Prices are set at 202,900 yuan, 222,900 yuan, and 242,900 yuan respectively. The model proved an instant hit, with more than 3,000 units of pre-orders placed within just 12 minutes of launch. Developed in partnership with Huawei, the Courage is VOYAH's first BEV model to feature Huawei's latest QianKun ADS 4.0 advanced driver-assistance system and HarmonySpace 5 cockpit system. The model's entire lineup also comes standard with an 800V high-voltage platform and 5C ultra-fast charging capability. On August 29, VOYAH began presales of the 2026 VOYAH Dream MPV. The new vehicle, which offers up to 350 km of battery-powered range, is priced between 389,900 yuan and 459,900 yuan. Upgrades center on powertrain and configuration, with three battery pack options63 kWh, 62.5 kWh, and 43.2 kWhcorresponding to battery-powered CLTC ranges of 350 km, 350 km, and 235 km. In terms of sales network expansion, the brand added 12 VOYAH Space stores and two full-service user centers across 11 cities in August. In August, Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. announced that its premium new energy vehicle brand, VOYAH Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., will seek a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange via introduction, while Dongfeng Motor Group will simultaneously complete privatization and delisting. According to the announcement, Dongfeng Motor Group plans to distribute its 79.67 percent stake in VOYAH to existing shareholders, after which VOYAH will apply for an H-share introduction listing in Hong Kong. At the same time, the offeror and Dongfeng Motor Group signed a merger agreement under which Dongfeng Motor Group's wholly owned subsidiary in China, Dongfeng Motor Group (Wuhan) Investment Co., Ltd., will serve as the absorbing entity. It will acquire 100 percent control of Dongfeng Motor Group by offering cash consideration to all H-shareholders other than Dongfeng itself. - - 5-5 pic.twitter.com/N036Z8PYCf Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) September 2, 2025 Separate letters to both state governments A promise of continued support Social media reactions highlight demands Gurgaon m b baadh aayi hui h waha b kuch karlo.. tarun chaudhary (@tarunvedwan) September 2, 2025 Haryana ka be bura haal hai sandeep (@sandeep02285741) September 2, 2025 Sir ji, pehle Haryana ka dekho. Gurgaon mein bhi baadh aayi hai, officers are not updating you. Arre sir ji aap pehle Haryana ka dekho. Lagta h ye officers aapko update nahi de rahe h Pushparaj (@iamkamalrao) September 2, 2025 Balancing external aid and local needs Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has announced financial assistance of 5 crore each for Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir to support flood-affected families. The aid has been released from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund and will go toward relief and rescue operations.Saini posted on X, writing, The severe rains and floods in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have created distressing conditions. In this hour of crisis, the Haryana government and the people of the state stand firmly with the affected families.He added that Haryana remains ready to extend further cooperation if required, noting that state officials are in touch with their counterparts in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.The Haryana CM also wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, confirming the release of funds. In the letters, he stated that the people of Haryana stand with the affected states in their efforts to provide relief.The Chief Minister suggested that if additional relief material or assistance is needed, the Chief Secretaries of the affected states could directly coordinate with Haryana officials for timely delivery.In his statement, Saini reiterated that Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir would overcome the crisis together. He assured that Haryana will continue to provide every possible form of support in future if required.Union Minister Manohar Lal also spoke about the financial assistance at an event in Karnal, noting that the aid will help speed up rescue and rehabilitation efforts in both states.The announcement sparked a range of reactions online. One user praised the move, calling it a great step but added that Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand should also receive equal assistance. We should not discriminate. Help everyone equally, CM Sahab, the user wrote.Another user said the people of Haryana would be willing to contribute more if needed, writing, Instead of five, give fifty. In times of crisis we are all together.Some users, however, urged the CM to look at issues within Haryana. One post said, CM Sahab, please visit Gurgaon. Two hours of rain and all roads get waterlogged. Gurgaon gives maximum revenue to the state but receives minimum focus.Another bluntly remarked,While CM Naib Sainis gesture of allocating 10 crore for Punjab and J&K floods was widely welcomed, the social media responses show a parallel concerncitizens expect equal attention to states like Himachal and Uttarakhand and solutions for recurring waterlogging problems within Haryana itself. #AfghanistanEarthquake Update: Nearly all villages in Nurgal district, have been flattened. Survivorsespecially women & childrenurgently need food & clean water. Despite rough, mountainous roads, WFP is working to deliver high-energy biscuits to those affected. pic.twitter.com/Ykp9JOm2HO WFP in Afghanistan (@WFP_Afghanistan) September 2, 2025 Second quake worsens an already dire situation ( Image credit : Over 5, 400 houses have been destroyed and over 3, 000 people injured, and entire villages flattened | Credit: X/KazananAslan ) ( Image credit : Families remain trapped under debris, and the terrain of the region has made it difficult to get help to remote areas | Credit: X/NaeemRehmanEngr ) Relief efforts struggle to reach those in need The #Kunar earthquake has left deep wounds, over 700 lives lost & thousands injured. The Afghan government is standing with its people, working tirelessly to rescue, heal & rebuild. Together, we will overcome this tragedy. #AfghanistanEarthquakepic.twitter.com/KhBFyTJoYm Muhammad Jalal (@MJalalAf) September 1, 2025 What makes Afghanistan prone to quakes ( Image credit : Some injured have been airlifted to hospitals, and doctors have been sent to help | Credit: X/MJalalAf ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Just two days after a deadly earthquake of magnitude 6 shook eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,400 people, another tremor shook the region on Tuesday, further worsening the situation.This second quake, measured at a magnitude of 5.5, struck near Nangarhar Province, approximately 34 km northeast of Jalalabad, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). It hit at a shallow depth of around 10 km. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage than those that occur deeper beneath the Earth's surface.The region's infrastructure is weak and doesnt support earthquakes, and many homes and roads were already destroyed and damaged in Sundays earthquake. According to Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, over 5,400 houses have been destroyed and over 3,000 people injured, and entire villages flattened.In many places, rescue operations are still underway. Families remain trapped under debris, and the terrain of the region has made it difficult to get help to remote areas. The fresh quake on Tuesday has only made these efforts harder.More people are feared to be trapped under the rubble, according to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian organization active in the region. The UN coordinator in Afghanistan also warned that the death toll is likely to rise.Rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions have hampered rescue efforts in remote areas near the Pakistani border, where the earthquake destroyed hundreds of mud-and-brick homes.Emergency workers are racing against time, using helicopters and limited medical supplies to help survivors. Some injured have been airlifted to hospitals, and doctors have been sent to help.On Tuesday, a convoy of ambulances was seen navigating the damaged mountain roads toward villages in Kunar, while helicopters delivered relief supplies and airlifted the injured to nearby hospitals, according to a Reuters witness.Several countries have begun sending aid. India had delivered food and tents, while China, the UAE, and the UK have pledged various forms of support. However, due to political tensions and limited access, the international response has been slow.Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. This marks the third major earthquake since the Taliban took power in 2021, adding to Afghanistans mounting crises.With weak infrastructure and limited resources, even moderate quakes turn deadly. The country is already grappling with severe aid cuts, a struggling economy, and the forced return of millions from Iran and Pakistan. ( Image credit : BTS V and RM at Paradise Art Night. Credit: Instagram|rkive ) Who is this woman who had such a memorable moment with the leader of the world's biggest boy band? #RM spotted leaving Paradise Art Night 2025. He was talking with Mini Han, best known for her impact in the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea. She was the first Korean to win Miss International Queen, a global beauty pageant for trans women. pic.twitter.com/Roe0wNv2Wy Kim Namjoon Source (@KNJsSource) September 1, 2025 Meet Mini Han: South Korea's trailblazing trans icon ( Image credit : Mini Han at Paradise Art Night. Credit: Instagram|mini_han ) ( Image credit : Former Miss International Queen Mini Han. Credit: Instagram|mini_han ) ARMY responds with love her body so tea pic.twitter.com/6qRvUHj6X7 lin (@backt0blues1de) September 1, 2025 I NEED THAT DRESS QUEEN smilehoyasfavgirl_ (@borahaeeeee__) September 1, 2025 OH YES NAMJOON MY SUPPORTIVE GUY rya SAW LOLLA HOBI (@agustdsmixer) September 1, 2025 u know, namjoon has never been homophobic and he has always respected and supported all genders. thats why i love him so much https://t.co/UKiQpsDGr2 lilian | jungkookie day (@uarmyian) September 1, 2025 namjoon is the definition of a real feminist. he is such a good hearted man. seeing how comfortable women are around him is so beautiful to see https://t.co/oGB7jFQToX Megan G (@_derpbts_) September 2, 2025 What's next for RM and BTS For ARMY, the idea of having the seven members back together again is akin to the buzz - and scenes like RM's interaction with Mini Han only serve to heighten the excitement over BTS' return in full force. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. The lights of Incheon burned brighter on September 1, as Paradise Art Night at Frieze Seoul 2025 transformed into a stage for unforgettable moments. Among the glittering crowd, BTS leader Kim Namjoon, better known as RM, arrived with fellow member Kim Taehyung, known as V - their entrance alone electrifying the atmosphere.The evening was all about art and glitz, but one incident made social media go abuzz: RM was seen walking side-hugging a mystery woman at the event's closing, which quickly garnered the interest of ARMY and created buzz online.The lady in the viral video is Mini Han, a strong voice among South Korea's LGBTQ+ community. She became a first when she won Miss International Queen, the highest ranking beauty pageant for trans women globally.Han is also a trailblazer of nightclub culture. She has revolutionized queer nightlife in Korea as part-owner of Trunk, one of Korea's best-known LGBT clubs, which was opened in March 2017. Trunk quickly became a cultural hub, being featured in top fashion magazines, having global companies like Mulberry and Loewe host in it, and becoming one of the first in Korea to play house and disco music in gay venues.Her story is as intriguing as herself. Mini, born in Seoul, daughter of Han Choon-Keun, drummer of the well-known heavy metal group Baekdoosan, discovered her sexual identity early on in her life. Resolute to undergo the change, she began working in a trans bar in Seoul at 19, accumulating money to pay for procedures while being spellbound by viewers with her talk and performance.As videos of RM with Mini Han went viral on the internet, ARMY flooded social media with admiration. While a lot of people commended RM for being open enough to share such a tender moment with a South Korean queer icon, others celebrated Mini as a "diva" and commended her groundbreaking path in life.While RM makes news off the charts beyond music, fans are just as excited for what lies ahead. BTS, reunited after having served their military duties, had a two-month creative camp in Los Angeles this year. The group will return, making its long-awaited comeback in 2026, after years of award-winning solo endeavors across various genres. ( Image credit : The maximum temperature in Delhi is likely to hover around 31C, while the minimum may drop to near 22C | Credit: X/TheTwinleafBoy ) Orange alert issued ( Image credit : The District Disaster Management Authority reported over 100 mm of rain in the city in a span of four hours | Credit: X/pankajladha_ ) Stuck in the middle of Gurgaon because my Uber driver refused to move ahead in the rainhis exact words: Meri gaadi band ho jaaegi madam. I had to beg him at least to stop on the main road. This is not just about meits about how our city completely collapses everytime pic.twitter.com/VgJKsUIVTI Kohima Goyal (@GoyalKohima) September 1, 2025 ( Image credit : Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of the long queues of vehicles, with frustrated users cracking jokes and calling out the poor infrastructure | Credit: X/reeyonisus ) A submerged Punjab braces for more rain 6-hour-long jam disrupts Gurugram traffic Gurgaon: the so-called Millennium City reduced to a floating mess after 4 hours of rain. Infrastructure failed. DelhiJaipur Expressway drowned. Commuters trapped. And we all know who gets paid for this planning failure, right? #Gurujam#GurgaonTraffic#InfrastructureFail#jampic.twitter.com/UmXPb0nCCG Truth Bomb (@TruthBomb_TB) September 2, 2025 To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Delhi continued to receive overnight rain into Tuesday morning. The Yamuna Rivers water level has crossed the danger mark, rising to 205.75 metres at Delhis Old Railway Bridge, and is expected to reach the evacuation level of 206 metres as the day progresses.Forecasts indicate widespread rain across Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh over the next 24 to 36 hours, with isolated areas likely to receive very heavy showers.Intermittent showers soaked Delhi on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more moderate to heavy rain in the next few days. Today, the city is expected to experience a cloudy sky with moderate rainfall. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31C, while the minimum may drop to near 22C.Gurugram has been placed under an orange alert following heavy rainfall on Monday afternoon. The District Disaster Management Authority reported over 100 mm of rain in the city in a span of four hours. The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy showers in Gurugram on Tuesday.IMD has issued an alert for Haryana, where authorities have ordered schools to remain closed today. While the disaster management authorities have advised offices, schools, and colleges to operate from home on Tuesday, as more rainfall is forecast.A fresh spell of rain lashed several parts of flood-hit Punjab on Tuesday, as swollen rivers inundated large areas and disrupted normal life, officials said.Amritsar received 18.3 mm, Patiala 70.5 mm, Bathinda 5 mm, Faridkot 1 mm, Gurdaspur 32.8 mm, Mansa 10 mm, and Mohali 44.5 mm of rain.In view of the ongoing flood situation across the state, the Punjab government has extended the closure of all schools until September 3.According to IMD, in Haryana, Gurugram recorded 81 mm, Ambala 32.2 mm, Hisar 35.1 mm, Karnal 23.6 mm, Narnaul 32 mm, Rohtak 42.2 mm, Nuh 57 mm, Panchkula 40 mm, and Sirsa 24.5 mm. Chandigarh saw 40.8 mm of rainfall during the same period.Thousands of commuters in Gurugram were stranded on roads for six to eight hours on Monday due to rain-triggered traffic gridlock. Local media reported that the jam stretched over 10 km (6.2 miles).The incident sparked outrage online. Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of the long queues of vehicles, with frustrated users cracking jokes and calling out the poor infrastructure. Rumours about Donald Trump's status take over the internet ( Image credit : Speculation about President Donald Trumps health has taken over social media after days of uncertainty about his public appearances (Credits: X/@KenTFoss) ) ( Image credit : RollCall website shows a scheduled announcement from White House on September 2, 2025 (Credits: Screenshot taken from RollCall website) ) Donald Trump's hand bruise leads to conspiracies about Russians poisoning ( Image credit : Viral claim suggests Trump was poisoned during a handshake with Russian officials (Credits: X/@covie_93) ) Did the Russians poison Trump in Alaska? People are asking the question. pic.twitter.com/A4DLmphd6q Jake Broe (@RealJakeBroe) September 2, 2025 There is no evidence for this aside from the Russians love poisoning people.https://t.co/WX5QMMcRHJ Jake Broe (@RealJakeBroe) September 2, 2025 Melania Trump at Walter Reed? Netizens believe Donald Trump is in the hospital Melania has been spotted at Walter Reed, and all the roads into the place are closed. It might actually be real. pic.twitter.com/4XLp1mtenN Ken Foss (@KenTFoss) September 2, 2025 Mark on Donald Trump's left hand leads to self-harm theories President Donald Trump is self harming. Wow pic.twitter.com/pBbgtLIZNR Did Donald Trump Die Today? (@DidDTrumpDie) September 2, 2025 there is no verified evidence that Donald Trump has been poisoned, hospitalised, or is planning to resign. Speculation about Donald Trumps health has spiralled into wild territory online, with some users joking or suggesting that the Russians poisoned him during a recent trip to Alaska. The theories, fuelled by his absence from public view since August 26, have turned into one of the most viral political conversations of the week.The speculation picked up when Trump skipped scheduled appearances, and both he and his family went unusually quiet online. Threads and X users claimed that First Lady Melania Trump was spotted at Walter Reed Medical Centre, though no official confirmation supports this.A supposed White House schedule also fuelled rumours, noting an Oval Office address on September 2, which some interpreted as a possible resignation announcement.These unverified claims snowballed quickly, with hashtags like #TrumpDead and #WhereIsTrump trending, surpassing 50,000 mentions over the weekend.Another viral claim suggests Trump was poisoned during a handshake with Russian officials. Supporters of this theory argue that subtle signs of illness and weakness in public appearances prove something sinister happened. Alongside these claims, a previous BBC interview of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko has resurfaced, where he warned about Russias methods of poisoning their foes.Yushchenko himself was poisoned during his time in office, and conspiracy theorists use this as a parallel to push the Trump rumours. Again, no medical records or trustworthy reports support this idea, but it continues to circulate among online communities that follow Trump closely.One Threads user claimed she saw Melania Trump at Walter Reeds labour and delivery unit during an unscheduled visit, raising eyebrows and speculation about whether the First Ladys presence was linked to Trumps health. Still, neither the hospital nor the White House has confirmed the claim, leaving it firmly in rumour territory.A disturbing photo recently surfaced online showing marks on Donald Trumps left hand, which some users linked to possible self-harm. The image quickly spread across platforms, with many questioning whether it was genuine or digitally altered. While no credible evidence has backed up this claim, the picture fuelled fresh rounds of conspiracy talk around the former presidents health.From suggestions of Russian poisoning in Alaska to jokes that Trump was self-harming, the internet has turned his absence into a breeding ground for conspiracies. While some posts are clearly satire, others have been shared as if they were genuine, adding to the confusion.At this point,Until his scheduled Oval Office announcement, these theories remain exactly that: unverified social media chatter. Father Ted BAFTA Substack What Linehan said about the arrest ( Image credit : He revealed spending about eight hours under observation. | Credit: Graham Linehan ) What was in Graham Linehans tweets which led to his arrest ( Image credit : Linehan also shared details of his tweets. | Credit: Graham Linehan/X ) Who is Graham Linehan? Father Ted, Black Books, The IT Crowd BAFTA The IT Crowd Father Ted BAFTAs Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy in 2023 Sunday Times Why his marriage ended Graham Linehans past controversies ( Image credit : He has long criticized the trans-rights movement online. | Credit: PA ) Mirror's For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The creator of, Graham Linehan, has sparked a storm online after claiming he was arrested by armed police at Heathrow Airport over three of his tweets. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer, who has won fiveawards, shared the story in an email to followers of his, describing the incident as surreal and shocking.Linehan shared, "The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not two, five." He claimed he was detained as soon as he arrived from Arizona on Monday, September 1 and was taken to a private area where officers informed him he was under arrest for three tweets.He said he initially laughed in disbelief: "Don't tell me! You've been sent by trans activists." He added that the officers remained professional throughout the ordeal and even perp-walked through the airport like a terrorist.Due to stress, Linehan said his blood pressure increased. He explained, "Eventually a nurse came to check on me and found my blood pressure was over 200, stroke territory. The stress of being arrested for jokes was literally threatening my life! So I was escorted to A&E, where I write this now after spending about eight hours under observation."He has now been bailed until October and has been ordered not to post on X, formerly known as Twitter, as part of his conditions.Linehan shared details of his tweets, including one from April 20, which read: "If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops, and if all else fails, punch him in the balls."Another tweet showed a trans demonstration with the caption: "A photo you can smell."The third read: "I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em."Graham Linehan, the brain behind sitcoms that still make audiences laugh decades later,and, has had a career full of highs, accolades, and controversy. Born in Dublin, Linehans knack for crafting comedy earned him fiveawards, including Best Writer, Comedy forin 2014.itself became an iconic cultural touchstone, bagging Best Comedyin both 1996 and 1999.But Linehans story isnt just about laughs. After surviving cancer in 2018, he published his memoir, a candid account that hit number ten on thebestseller list.In recent years, hes also known as an outspoken critic of the trans-rights movement, a stance he says has cost him friendships, career opportunities, and even strained his marriage.In a conversation with The Times , Linehan revealed that his marriage ended after his wife was targeted online because of his tweets. According to him, her home address was shared by furious social media users. Linehan recalled, She was scared. She was justifiably scared. They started to target her. They started to target her family. It just got too much for her.At present, Linehans primary earnings come from Netflix royalties for TheIT Crowd along with subscriptions to his personal blog.In May 2025, Linehan appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court to deny charges related to the alleged harassment of trans activist Sophia Brooks and damage to her mobile phone in October 2024. Court documents reportedly stated that Linehan was accused of posting abusive comments about Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27 and of causing damage to her phone, reportedly valued at 369, during a conference. According to thereport pleaded not guilty to the alleged hate crime charges.However, he has long criticized the trans-rights movement online, attracting both supporters and heavy backlash. Gurugram cop caught charging a bribe of Rs 1000 goes viral What happens in the viral video? Police officer was suspended immediately ( Image credit : Police officer was suspended immediately | Credit: X | @sunny_panday_ ) Netizens react to the viral video Comment byu/bajiraopeshwa2 from discussion inindianbikes How shameful this image is for my country. What kind of image will be created in Japan? Just think, one person makes a mistake and the entire police gets defamed, while not all police are like this. Vikas Arora (@vikasarora122) September 1, 2025 Cops threatening the woman in the viral video ( Image credit : Cops threatening the woman in the viral video | Credit: X | @sunny_panday_ ) In a shocking video that has now gone viral, three Gurugram police officers were caught allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1000 in cash from a Japanese tourist for not wearing a helmet as a pillion rider. The moment the footage surfaced on the internet, it sparked major outrage on social media, with users condemning the officers for exploiting a foreign visitor and tarnishing Indias image globally.Many even called the incident disgraceful and deeply humiliating, demanding strict disciplinary action. The video has since triggered a wave of criticism, with hashtags like #GurugramCops and #ShameOnYou trending as netizens express fury over unchecked corruption in law enforcement.The viral clip that has been circulating since yesterday on social media, shared by a user @deadlykalesh, has garnered about 187.9k views on X (formerly called Twitter).The caption of the post read, WTH! Gurugram cops took an Rs 1000 bribe from a Japanese tourist without even giving a receipt. This is how they ruin Indias image abroad.In the viral video, a woman wearing a helmet is seen driving a scooter, while the pillion rider, reportedly a Japanese tourist, is not wearing one.A police officer approaches and informs them they must pay an Rs 1000 fine for the helmet violation. The officer insists on a cash payment, asking, Can you pay here or in court? In response, one of the tourists asks, Can I use Visa or tap? referring to a contactless card, highlighting their unfamiliarity with the informal demand.The officer responds, "No Visa touch." While the passenger gives the officers two notes of Rs 500, which were reportedly taken without any receipt being offered.The police officer seen demanding the cash bribe was suspended immediately after the video went viral. Authorities confirmed swift disciplinary action, stating that such misconduct would not be tolerated. Zero Tolerance Against Corruption. A viral video on social media has brought to light misconduct involving the traffic staff.In line with our commitment to transparency and accountability, DCP Traffic, Gurugram, has taken immediate action: Suspended with immediate effect: ZO ESI Karan Singh (No. 704/GGM), Ct. Shubham (No. 4061/GGM), HGH Bhupender (No. 347/RTK). We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in public service. There is ZERO tolerance for corruption, Gurugram Police said.According to traffic rules, a fine of Rs 1,000 is applicable if a pillion rider is found without a helmet. This penalty is meant to be paid digitally through the official Parivahan app or website.As soon as the video surfaced on social media, it quickly garnered the attention of netizens. One Reddit user read, Suspended and will be reinstated once the issue dies down. Pigs of the highest order.Another added, If a Indian would have posted that, the same department would have make sure to find something wrong with that person. Anyway.. that suspended cop will be enjoying free salary for few months then come back to the street earning more bribes.My friend visited India. He asked me, he wants to see how cops are bribed. That was one of his wishlists to experience Indian things, one shared.Anti corruption unit kidhar h? We have there clear faces on camera and they didnt share any challan receiptNo wonder we were enslaved for years even if a war broke out right now we will be slaves once again we are no match for Japanese and German Discipline, one commented.One asks, Who gives the receipt for corruption? Most dishonest and corrupt people at lowest level are police officers, a user said on X.This is happening all over India. Corruption is deeply rooted in India. There is no solution for this problem. How shameful this image is for my country. What kind of image will be created in Japan? Just think, one person makes a mistake and the entire police force gets defamed, while not all police are like this.The situation has taken a disturbing turn as the cops involved have reportedly been threatening the woman who recorded the video, demanding that she delete the footage, as per a post shared on X by a user, @sunny_panday_.In the post, the calls for help have poured in on social media, tagging @DC_Gurugram and @gurgaonpolice, urging authorities to step in and protect the whistleblower.Many citizens are rallying together, emphasising that as a nation, it is crucial to stand united against corruption and intimidation by law enforcement officials, demanding accountability and justice for those who expose wrongdoing.Additionally, the user also noted, He was wearing Meta glasses; that's why they did not figure out the camera. ( Image credit : Homes, farmland, and livelihoods vanished in the blink of an eye | Credit: X/SkyThe5th ) Only one survivor lives.. Can you imagine a whole village just vanished Breaking News Statement of Condolence Sudan Liberation Movement / Army General Command With deep sorrow and concern, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army reports on the tragic landslide that struck Tarsin village in the Jebel pic.twitter.com/Ym3hNRkjpB Sadeia (@sadiea8) September 1, 2025 Civil war complicates relief efforts ( Image credit : Darfur's army-aligned governor, Minni Minnawi, called the landslide a humanitarian tragedy' | Credit: X/SkyThe5th ) Overlapping crises wound Sudan ( Image credit : Since April 2023, the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal struggle for power | Credit: X/RomanDa45878579 ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. The entire village of Tarasin, deep in Central Darfur's Marrah Mountains, was completely washed out by a devastating landslide. After days of relentless rainfall, a massive landslide crashed through the community. In moments, the entire village was buried under earth and rock.The rebel group Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, which controls the area, estimated that more than 1,000 people were killed, with only a single survivor. Homes, farmland, and livelihoods vanished in the blink of an eye.Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived, the statement read. The village was completely levelled to the ground, they added.Darfur's army-aligned governor, Minni Minnawi, called the landslide a humanitarian tragedy.The SLM has issued urgent appeals to the United Nations and international aid groups for help. But, access remains a major obstacle.The mountain area had long been a refuge for displaced families fleeing violence in Darfur. That refuge has now become a graveyard.Since April 2023, the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal struggle for power. Darfur, where the landslide struck, has become one of the hardest-hit regions. Estimates of casualties of the civil war vary. In 2024, a US official estimated up to 150,000 people had been killed since 2023. About 12 million have fled their homes.For international organizations, sending assistance into the Marrah Mountains means navigating both natural barriers and armed men.With millions already hungry and homeless, natural disasters like the Tarasin landslide multiply the suffering.The Tarasin landslide is not an isolated natural disaster. Sudan is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. In 2024, eastern Sudan was struck by another calamity when the Arbaat Dam near Port Sudan collapsed after days of heavy rainfall. The disaster unleashed torrents of water that swept through villages, destroying homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure.At least 20 villages were washed away, leaving tens of thousands of families displaced and vulnerable. One year into the civil war, then, Sudans fragile emergency systems were unable to provide adequate assistance. On top of that, the disaster not only deepened the scarcity of food and homelessness but also underscored how extreme climate and conflict combine to devastate ordinary lives.Now, with the war still raging, such disasters strike communities already struggling to live a normal life. ( Image credit : Meet Chloe Malle, the new editor of American Vogue: Reports | Credit: Instagram/chloemalle ) Anna Wintours next chapter ( Image credit : Anna Wintour is not leaving the fashion building, just swapping offices. | Credit: Instagram/theannawintour ) Who is Chloe Malle ? ( Image credit : Meet Chloe Malle, the new editor of American Vogue: Reports | Credit: Instagram/chloemalle ) ( Image credit : Meet Chloe Malle, the new editor of American Vogue: Reports | Credit: Instagram/chloemalle ) The contenders who missed out ( Image credit : Chloe Malles appointment comes after whispers that several others were in the running, including Nicole Phelps | Credit: Instagram/nicolephelps ) Anna Wintours farewell as the Vogues editor ( Image credit : At 75, Anna Wintour told Vogue staff that while change is essential in the creative world, she is not stepping away from the action. | Credit: Instagram/theannawintour ) After nearly four decades of running American Vogue with her signature icy stare and sunglasses, Anna Wintour is stepping aside, at least, partially. Back in June, she revealed that she was relinquishing her role as head of editorial content for US Vogue, sparking speculation over who could possibly fill her immaculately tailored shoes.Of course, Anna is not vanishing into fashions abyss. She will remain Conde Nasts chief content officer and Vogues global editorial director, while still orchestrating cultural juggernauts like the Met Gala. But with day-to-day editorial leadership now up for grabs, the world has been waiting for the heir to be crowned.According to reports, the crown has landed on Chloe Malle, Vogue.coms editor and a name already buzzing within the industry. If confirmed, the 39-year-old will officially be the head of editorial content for American Vogue, and the announcement could drop any day now.Malle is not just another Vogue insider. She is the daughter of Hollywood royalty: actress Candice Bergen and French filmmaker Louis Malle. In true Nepo Baby fashion, she has had doors open, but industry insiders say she has won colleagues over with her talent, charm, and sharp editorial instincts. She was behind one of Vogues splashiest cover stories of the year, interviewing Lauren Sanchez ahead of her Italian wedding to Jeff Bezos.Malles appointment comes after whispers that several others were in the running, including Nicole Phelps, Vogue Runways global director. But Page Six reports that Malle made it through the final interview rounds and ultimately emerged as the frontrunner, reportedly with Annas personal backing.When Wintour told her staff she was stepping aside, she stressed that the essence of Vogue has always been about constant evolution. She said that her greatest joy has been nurturing younger editors who bring fresh energy to the magazine, hinting that her successor should embody that exact spirit.With Malles name surfacing as the likely choice, it seems Wintour has found her. Now, all eyes are on Conde Nast for the official confirmation. Vogue may be turning a page, but with Chloe Malle at the helm, the magazines glossy reign could be entering its next glittering era. ( Image credit : White House trash bag video | Credit: Reddit | @Disastrous_Leek9620 ) Social media theories and speculations fuel amid official silence Why is the White House throwing trash bags out of the window? ( Image credit : Is Donald Trump dead? Court strikes down tariffs as rumours over hand bruise and missing schedule flood X (Credits: X/@wholelottatr3y) ) Why is the @WhiteHouse throwing trash bags out the window? pic.twitter.com/eQmTi8FEUf Weezie Proud Resister (@itsweezie) September 1, 2025 Netizens react to the viral White House trash bag video ( Image credit : Why is the White House throwing trash bags out of the window? | Credit: Reddit | @Disastrous_Leek9620 ) In a shocking and unsettling video, several clips pop up on social media where a dark, unidentified bag is seen being thrown from a second-storey window of the White House, an act captured near a restricted area and in clear violation of standard protocol. The strange incident reportedly took place on Labour Day, September 1, and has now gone viral, stirring intense speculation online and prompting renewed scrutiny over White House security and transparency.With no official statement released from the administration or the Secret Service, the video has fuelled a storm of online theories, as millions now want to know what was in the bag and why it was thrown? Let's find out.Since there is no statement released from the White House yet, various speculations have only intensified the firestorm online. On the other hand, social media platforms are ablaze with theories; some suggest that the incident was nothing more than a bizarre breach of protocol during routine trash disposal, while others hint at far more ominous possibilities.Among the more extreme claims are suspicions of a potential cover-up; the mystery surrounding the viral video continues to grow by the hour.Amid various rumours, a TikTok video, now doing the rounds on the internet, shows a woman speaking about the incident. In the one-minute twenty-second video, the woman says that the incident is really bizarre, and she wonders why anyone would do that at the White House.According to her, towards the end of Trump's first administration, people were burning papers in the fireplaces and attempting to flush papers down the toilet in an effort to get rid of evidence that would implicate them.Moreover, even rumours are circulating online that suggest President Donald Trump is not long for this world, so it makes sense that people are panicking and trying to get rid of things that might reflect poorly on them. But throwing things out of the window makes little sense, considering that they just land on the White House grounds below the window.As soon as the video surfaced on social media platforms like X (formerly called Twitter) and Reddit, shocked users joked, "Wait, those windows open? I thought they were sealed shit ages ago.""Michelle Obama mentioned in her memoir that one of the kids opened one of the WH windows in their bedroom once and Yelling From The Secret Service Ensued. Assuming it's verboten due to the possibility of various airborne things getting in," one replied.While one commented, "This is completely normal for a meth house." "Dirty diapers, I suspect," another quipped."Epstein files?," one asked. Well America is a meth lab now so it makes senseThe white house needs to be known as the crack shack until Trumps finally dragged out of it for good.One asked, Diapers? Epstein files? Sold top secret files? Body parts? Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 2, Bosch and Alibaba Group announced that they will expand their strategic partnership, leveraging cloud computing and artificial intelligence to accelerate digital transformation. The collaboration will center on cloud-driven enterprise operations, AI-powered business innovation, and the further expansion of e-commerce initiatives. The partnership underscores Bosch's latest move to advance digital operations and technological innovation through large-scale cloud migration and AI adoption. As part of Bosch's wider strategy to deploy cloud infrastructure at scale, the cooperation will extend across corporate management, home appliances, and commercial vehicles, with the aim of boosting efficiency and process intelligence. The two companies will also explore the possibility of deploying Bosch's smart driving development environment on Alibaba Cloud's AI infrastructure. Photo credit: Bosch By tapping Alibaba's AI expertise, Bosch expects to enhance both operational efficiency and product intelligence. In smart mobility, the companies are studying the use of Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen ("Qwen") large language model to deliver more intuitive in-car interactions and improve cockpit experiences. They are also exploring vision-language models to strengthen driver-assistance systems by making scene recognition more accurate. Bosch continues to expand its partnerships in the fields of advanced driver assistance and smart cockpit technologies. Another cornerstone of the expanded alliance is e-commerce. Bosch aims to broaden its product portfolio, deepen customer engagement, and sharpen its brand experience with Alibaba's support. In 2025, Bosch plans to launch new product categories in China, using consumer insights from Alibaba's Tmall platform. In return, Alibaba will leverage its omnichannel digital marketing capabilities to help Bosch reach a wider Chinese audience. Building on their success in China, Bosch intends to expand its e-commerce presence overseas through Alibaba's international platforms, including Lazada, Miravia, and AliExpress. This strategy will extend Bosch's reach into Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America, where it aims to deliver innovative, high-quality products tailored to local consumers. Bosch and Alibaba have worked together in e-commerce since 2017. Over the years, Bosch has built a strong presence on Alibaba's Tmall platform, offering a wide range of products from home appliances and power tools to heating systems and automotive aftermarket parts. Through close collaboration in marketing, sales, membership management, and online-offline integration, the two companies have steadily strengthened Bosch's digital ecosystem in China, significantly enhancing user interaction and experience. Whistleblowing complaint triggers probe ( Image credit : Nestle has sacked CEO Laurent Freixe after an internal probe confirmed he breached company policy | Credit: X ) Nestle confirms termination without exit package Freixes long career cut short Financial pressure and regulatory challenges ( Image credit : The investigation began after a complaint was filed through Nestles compliance channel | Credit: X ) Philipp Navratil named successor ( Image credit : The company named Nespresso chief Philipp Navratil as his successor | Credit: Nestle ) Nestle has dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, after an internal investigation confirmed he breached company rules by maintaining a secret romantic relationship with a junior employee. The decision follows a complaint raised through the companys whistleblowing platform.The investigation began after a complaint was filed through Nestles compliance channel, Tell Us, which allows employees and stakeholders to report misconduct, conflicts of interest, or harassment. Concerns about Freixes relationship were first raised last year. At the time, an initial inquiry did not find enough evidence to support the claims.However, new complaints later pointed to possible conflicts of interest and favouritism. This led Nestle to reopen the investigation with the involvement of external legal counsel. The process was overseen by chairman Paul Bulcke and led by independent director Pablo Isla.After the inquiry confirmed a breach of company policy, Nestle announced that Freixe had been removed from his position. The company also confirmed he would not receive an exit package. In a statement, Bulcke said: This was a necessary decision. Nestles values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.Laurent Freixe joined Nestle in France in 1986 and built a career spanning nearly four decades. He held senior roles in Europe and Latin America before being appointed chief executive in September 2024, replacing Mark Schneider. His appointment came at a challenging time, as Nestle faced slowing sales and rising competition.Freixe had been tasked with reviving consumer demand and sharpening the companys focus on core brands. His time at the top, however, lasted less than a year.Freixes dismissal comes amid turbulence for the global food group. Since his appointment, Nestles share price has dropped nearly 17 per cent, driven by weaker sales and declining profits. The company also faces scrutiny from French authorities, who raided its offices in July over alleged unauthorised filtration methods in its bottled water division.The Nestle board has appointed Philipp Navratil, the current CEO of Nespresso, as Freixes replacement. Navratil joined Nestle in 2001 as an internal auditor and has since held leadership roles across Latin America and in the global coffee portfolio. He joined the executive board earlier this year.Navratil will now be responsible for stabilising the business and addressing ongoing regulatory and financial pressures while restoring confidence in Nestles leadership. ( Image credit : Pakistani TikToker Samiya Hijab | Credit: Instagram/_samiyashianz_ ) Samiya Hijabs threat controversy ( Image credit : Pakistani TikToker Samiya Hijab | Credit: Instagram/_samiyashianz_ ) The incident left her with visible marks on her face, and a chilling reminder of how unsafe public figures, especially young women, can be. Samiya Hijab is haunted by TikToker Sana Yousaf's tragedy Samiya drew a heartbreaking parallel with her friend and fellow TikToker, 17-year-old Sana Yousaf, who was brutally murdered in Islamabad after rejecting a marriage proposal. Samiya said that she does not want to end up like Sana, whose death continues to haunt Pakistans online community. ( Image credit : Pakistani TikToker Sana Yousaf was shot dead in Islamabad | Credit: Instagram/sanayousaf22 ) Police step in for Samiya Hijab, but is it enough? Authorities have since taken Zahid into custody, but Samiya warned that he is already pursuing bail, which could put her life at risk all over again. While Islamabad Police have reportedly assigned her security detail, she made a passionate plea for stricter laws to protect women from harassment and stalking. Samiya Hijab's fans in full support On social media, fans and followers erupted in outrage. Many argued that women are being targeted precisely because offenders rarely face real consequences, emboldening others to continue the cycle. Samiyas ordeal has now become a rallying cry in the larger debate over harassment, gender-based violence, and Pakistans broken system of deterrence. ( Image credit : Pakistani TikToker Samiya Hijab | Credit: Instagram/_samiyashianz_ ) Samiyas story is not just one TikTokers horror tale. It is a stark reminder of how vulnerable women remain in the digital age, where viral fame can quickly twist into viral trauma. Her courage in speaking out has reignited an urgent conversation about safety, accountability, and why silence is no longer an option. For TikToker Samiya Hijab, 2024 was already the kind of nightmare most people only whisper about. First came the leaked MMS that turned her into social medias trending topic for all the wrong reasons. Then came her raw confession about attempting suicide amid the hate storm. Now? Things have taken an even darker turn.Samiya has gone public with shocking claims that she has been stalked, threatened, and nearly abducted by a man from Lahore. The drama spilled online after she uploaded a reel exposing the terrifying encounter, complete with CCTV evidence.According to Samiya, a man named Hassan Zahid had been stalking her for three months straight. She said he pestered her with marriage proposals, ignored her rejections, and escalated to full-on threats when she refused to give in.Things reached a boiling point when he allegedly showed up outside her house uninvited. With her brother away and her mother unwell, Samiya was forced to answer the gate. That is when, she claimed, Zahid snatched her phone and dragged her towards his car, injuring her in the process. Business Line ( Image credit : Gauri Khan And Daughter Suhana Kissing SRK | Credit: Instagram/Suhana Khan ) Rules should be equal for ALL. If Suhana Khan really bought land meant for farmers without permissions, it shows how Bollywood privilege bends laws. Why is there always one rule for the rich & famous and another for common people? Time for a CLEAN-UP. (@IAmR0450) September 2, 2025 Suhana Khans net worth and other real estate investments Siasat ( Image credit : She made her Bollywood debut with The Archies | Credit: Netflix ) Suhana Khans education ( Image credit : Suhana purchased a farmhouse in Thal village. | Credit: suhanakhan2 /Instagram ) Suhana Khans career highlights The Grey Part of Blue In 2023, she made her Bollywood debut with The Archies . She has also worked with big brands such as Maybelline and Lux. She has signed on for Siddharth Anands upcoming film King , starring alongside stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, and others. The film, initially slated for a Gandhi Jayanti release next year, has been postponed due to SRK's injury, with an official release date yet to be announced. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Bollywood star kid Suhana Khan has recently made headlines, but this time for a legal issue rather than her films. Reports suggest that Suhana is facing trouble over the purchase of agricultural land in Alibaug, which was originally allotted under a strict 'no-sale' clause.According to, the land in Thal, Alibaug, was initially allotted to the Khote family in 1968 for cultivation purposes and came with strict conditions prohibiting transfer, sale, or mortgage without the District Collectors approval.Local advocate Vivekanand Thakur commented on the situation, stating, "The land was not allowed to be sold. This is a clear breach of legal conditions, and all those involved in the transaction must face action."The land was allegedly sold to Suhana in May 2023 by Anjali, Rekha, and Priya Khote for Rs 12.91 crore without securing the Collectors approval. Reports also indicate that Suhana paid Rs 77.46 lakh while registering the deal.In the registered documents, she has been shown as a farmer, and the land was registered under Deja Vu Farm Private Limited, a company owned by Gauri Khans mother and sister-in-law, Namita Chibber.Not just this land, Suhana has made other real estate investments as well. Interestingly, at the age of 25, she has built a net worth of Rs 20 crore through films, brand endorsements, and real estate investments, according toSuhana purchased a farmhouse in Thal village, Alibaug, for Rs 12.91 crore, spanning 1.5 acres with three houses totaling 2,218 sq ft in June 2023, according to India.com. She also acquired another farmland in the same village in February 2024, worth Rs 9.5 crore.Suhana Khan completed her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School before moving to the UK to study at Ardingly College. Later, she pursued acting and drama at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. After completing her studies, she returned to India to embark on her acting career.Suhana Khan made her acting debut with the short filmin 2019, which revolved around a couple navigating their relationship during a two-day road trip. Gov. Josh Shapiro talks with Dobbins senior filmmaker Brionna Murry as she documents his visit to Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School to tout career and technical education Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. With him are Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (from left) State Sen. Sharif Street; Carrie Rowe, Pa. Education Secretary; Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress; and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker visited Dobbins High School Tuesday to show their support for career and technical education programs as continued funding for these programs hinges on a resolution to the states ongoing budget crisis. We want to see more schools across Pennsylvania doing what Dobbins is doing, Shapiro said at a roundtable at the school with Parker; Neera Tanden, CEO of the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C., think tank; School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington; American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten; and others. Advertisement Savannah Black, a senior at Dobbins, teared up as she talked about the opportunities the program gave her to make films and work on a podcast. Most kids, they dont express themselves with their voice, she said. You have to see the products of their work. And thats me. I dont like to talk, but if you see my work, theres a message through it. Shapiro has been negotiating with a divided legislature as schools wait on millions of dollars during a budget impasse that has lasted through the summer. His budget proposal, which he announced in February, includes a $5.5 million increase for CTE programs. The governor has championed career-oriented alternatives to college by backing initiatives such as a business partnership that supports apprenticeship programs at the Navy Yard. Philadelphia school district officials have also recently doubled down on career training. In June, the district announced that it would cover credential costs for CTE teachers with $500,000 from the citys general fund after the number of teachers teaching in the district without full certification doubled. There is no one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter way to train or learn the skills to be put on a path to self-sufficiency, because thats ultimately what we want to do here, Parker said. Watlington called Shapiro and Parker an education governor and an education mayor who have supported the historically underfunded district during these lean, austere budget times. He pointed to Parkers move to increase schools allocation of property taxes and Shapiros increases for the district on the state level, which came last year amid a court ruling that found that the state doesnt adequately fund all its districts, though the second $500 million proposed payment could be at risk in Harrisburg. Inside the Dobbins High fourth-floor graphics lab, Shapiro, Watlington, and Parker chatted with students and learned about the technology they work with. Why do you have all this extra stuff on the camera? Shapiro asked a student photographer. Another student said the design part of their graphics work was easy; the pressure they face was the most stressful part. The superintendent and I never get stressed, Shapiro joked. We have easy jobs. To that, Parker said one of her relaxation techniques is dancing. I can still do all the dances I could do in the 1990s, and I do them when no one is watching, the mayor said. Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton star in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The two will be at two Philly Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores one on Friday, another on Saturday to sign bottles of their Four Walls Irish American Whiskey. Read more The gangs back in Philly and this time, theyre behind the bar pouring whiskey (sort of). Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton are rolling into town this weekend with bottles of their Four Walls Irish American Whiskey and plenty of Sharpies. Advertisement The Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia duo will host back-to-back bottle signings at two Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in the city. Fans can meet them at Philadelphia Mills on Friday at 6 p.m. and at Columbus Commons on Saturday at 1 p.m. Four Walls retails for $31.99 for a 750 ml bottle. Only bottles purchased at the host store that day will be signed, and the actors wont autograph outside memorabilia. Bottles go on sale when each store opens at 9 a.m., and attendees must be at least 21 to enter unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Translation: If you want your bottle signed, get in line early. A whiskey for the gang McElhenney, Howerton, and Charlie Day launched Four Walls as both a nod to the shows barroom roots and a tribute to the four walls that bring people together. The whiskey started as a limited collectors edition benefiting Pennsylvania bartenders before hitting Fine Wine & Good Spirits shelves in 2024 as an everyday bottle. The blend a mix of grain and malt Irish whiskeys with American rye is billed as smooth enough to sip neat but sturdy enough for cocktails, earning its tagline: The Better Brown. The 80 proof whiskey has also gotten a Philly seal of approval from another local legend: Chase Utley. The former Phillies second baseman starred in a Four Walls commercial last year, dubbing its whiskey-and-ginger combo a world [expletive] champion drink. The cocktail, fittingly called The Man, is now on the menu at Citizens Bank Park. If you go Philadelphia Mills Friday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.,FW&GS Premium Collection, 401 Franklin Mills Cir., Philadelphia, PA 19154 Columbus Commons Saturday, Sept. 6, 1 p.m., FW&GS Premium Collection, 1940 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19148 In summer 2020, Josh Mann, Graham Gernsheimer, and George Sabatino started scouting locations for a restaurant. Nearly two years and 40 spaces later, we found this old furniture store that for some reason had a liquor license attached to it, said Mann, who, like his partners, is a Philadelphia restaurant lifer. They had been looking for maybe a 3,500-square-foot, 60-seat, pretty manageable restaurant, Gernsheimer said. But we fell in love with a building that is over 15,000 total square feet over five floors, plus a basement. Advertisement Three years later, Fleurs, under the Market-Frankford El at 2205 N. Front St. in Kensington, will open Sept. 12. On the ground floor is what chef-partner Sabatino calls a French-ish restaurant outfitted with a 17-seat bar, a separate raw bar, and a dedicated sous chef, overlooked by a mezzanine. All told, its about 130 seats. Coming later at Fleurs will be a more formal dining room with an open kitchen on the second floor; a total of six hotel rooms each with washer, dryer, and kitchenette on the third and fourth floors; a dedicated event space with another kitchen on the fifth floor; and a roof deck with a skyline view on top. The name is a spelling tweak of the buildings hundred-year history as Fluehrs Fine Furniture. Lisa A. Calabro of cfTETTURA projects has given the space a vaguely Art Deco feel. Much of the main rooms seating is in semicircular banquettes near the bar, though low loveseats are available in the lounge. Theres a booth inside a nook that can accommodate six to eight that theyve nicknamed the hot tub. Upstairs, in the rear of the mezzanine, is a space with a 14-seat table that can function as a private dining room with its own menu. We kind of put together the bones of the development plan ... in the first hour that we were in the building, said Mann, who spent the bulk of his career with Starr Restaurants and Defined Hospitality. Gernsheimer bartended at Amis and Osteria before stepping into management at Frankford Hall, followed by time at El Vez, Suraya, Hungry Pigeon, and Fitz & Starts. Most recently, he was director of operations for the Loco Pez Group. Sabatino said their cuisine choice was intentional, given the current restaurant scene in Kensington. (Picnic, Little Walters, and Starbolt are nearby nothing is remotely French.) I want the food to be interesting, but I want it to be really accessible, too, he said. Everything goes through a French lens, said Sabatino, who worked for chef David Ansill at his eponymous Queen Village French bistro nearly two decades ago. Sabatinos other early stops include Stateside, Fork, Monks Cafe, and Morgans Pier. A decade ago, the Hamilton, N.J., native had his own Center City restaurant, the ambitious Aldine, with his then-wife, Jennifer. He followed up with a long run with Safran Turney Hospitality (including Barbuzzo) and stints at Rooster Soup Co., A Mano, and Rosemary. Fleurs will offer the brasserie staple steak frites. Sabatinos version is au poivre with sunchoke soubise and Thai chili sauce vierge for a little bit of heat. The frites the only dish cooked in Fleurs deep fryer are fried in beef tallow and duck fat and get a hit of nutritional yeast, espelette pepper, and garlic powder. The hake amandine is roasted with a brown butter sauce meuniere, and its served with wax beans and sliced caper berries. A dish Sabatino calls cabbage a lorange gets pickled green tomato, peanuts, Thai basil, and ginger, so its a little bit Southeast Asian without ever blatantly saying that. (Sabatinos love of local produce is informed by his pandemic work as a New Jersey farmer.) On the section of the menu labeled fancy are four dishes that Sabatino says are purposefully small in size, maybe a little bit more expensive or luxurious. Theres sea scallop gratin, Tropea onion tarte tatin, and, in collaboration with Mighty Breads Chris DiPiazza, a croissant that is stuffed with caramelized white chocolate and foie gras mousse. Theres also an uni custard tartlet, topped with minced preserved lemons and caviar. We did it at our pop-up and everybody said it was like the most delicious cheese and crackers theyve ever had, Sabatino said, chuckling at the oversimplification. The other mains include a roasted half-chicken, walnut-stuffed eggplant, oil-poached sea trout, and Parisian-style gnocchi in mushroom ragout. Fleurs wine menu is primarily French. What were hoping to do is a pretty classical list, not delving deep into the modern interpretation of natural wine so much as looking for growers who are very interested in their growing technique and how that presents in the bottle, Gernsheimer said. The cocktails, both alcoholic and zero-proof, will be woven into the culinary program. The mignonette thats served alongside the oysters, for example, is made with a house-made watermelon vinegar, and then were creating a shrub for one of the cocktails out of that watermelon vinegar, Gernsheimer said. Dinner tabs will run about $65 to $70 a person, they said. The clam and oyster bar is dubbed Harrys, after Sabatinos late grandfather. Harry loved clams and making great burgers in his backyard, Sabatino said. Theyre some of my earliest food memories. With his grandmother Fran now in her 90s, I just want her to come and eat at Harrys, and Im going to cry my eyes out, Sabatino said. Its going to be beautiful. Fleurs, 2205 N. Front St., will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily starting Sept. 12, with reservations on Resy. Weekend brunch is expected to start in November. The Japanese invaders caused untold suffering to the Chinese people before and during World War II. Yet after the end of the war, unlike Germany, Japan did not atone for the atrocities its imperial army committed in the eight years preceding World War II and during the course of the war. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) was central to the World Anti-Fascist War (World War II). However, after World War II, the narrative that the World Anti-Fascist War in Asia was primarily between Japan and the United States became widespread, distorting history and obscuring the truth about the main Eastern theater of the war. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are often portrayed as the decisive factor behind Japan's surrender in World War II. This one-sided emphasis, which reinforces the US-centric narrative, is a complete misinterpretation of history. Japan was defeated because of a prolonged war of attrition in China that drained its national and military strength, leading to its collapse. Therefore, I believe the primary contributor to the victory of anti-fascist forces in Asia was the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Since our secondary school years, we have been taught about the "Pacific war", a result of politically-driven memory shaping promoted by Washington, which defines the war in the Asia-Pacific as a war between the US and Japan, diminishing its true significance and severely distorting history. The colonial war launched by Tokyo was aimed at seizing Chinese territories and transforming China into a resource base and market, resulting in the loss of tens of millions of lives and systematically seeking to plunder strategic resources such as coal, soybean and petroleum. Unfortunately, the US occupation of Japan deprived the country of the opportunity to develop strategic autonomy. As seen in the recent House of Councillors election in Japan, which highlighted deep social divisions in the country, Tokyo lacks the historical foundation to reflect on its past. This absence, in turn, has fueled the right-wing drift in Japan. Only by fully acknowledging that the Imperial Japanese Army was defeated by the Chinese people in the war of resistance can Japan truly atone for the atrocities its fascist forces committed in China and other Asian countries and reaffirm the core principles of its pacifist Constitution that it would never again wage a war or invade another country. Japan surrendered to the US-led Allied forces only after facing defeat in China. Yet the prevailing postwar narrative that "Japan did not lose to China" reflects the misunderstanding of both Japan and its neighboring countries. Many scholars superficially attribute Japan's defeat to the US, ignoring deeper analysis. The number of Japanese troops in China at the time proves that Japan's strategic focus remained on China. In 1941, there were about 1.38 million Japanese troops in China, or about 65 percent of Japan's total ground forces. By 1945, this number had increased to 1.98 million troops, exceeding the number of Japanese military personnel across the Pacific. It was in China that Japan's war machinery was tied down and steadily eroded. The relentless war of attrition led by the Chinese people drained the Japanese military's strength, ultimately leading to its defeat. In the early stages of its aggression, Japan gravely miscalculated both the national strength of China and the Chinese people's resolve to resist Japanese aggression, despite Emperor Hirohito, Japan's wartime supreme commander, repeatedly emphasizing since 1941 that "China must not be underestimated". While Japan relied on the emperor's authority to force soldiers and civilians into its war machine, the Chinese people's resistance was fundamentally voluntary a conscious collective choice, not coerced sacrifice. It is imperative therefore that Japan learn from history and, in doing so, foster a more constructive China-Japan relationship. Beyond US influence, Japan's use of the neutral term "end of the war" is an attempt to avoid acknowledging the real reason for its defeat in World War II. By designating Aug 15 as the "memorial day for the end of the war", and referring to the belligerent Japanese army personnel who died in the war as "war dead", rather than "dead warmongers", Japan is trying to obscure its brutal wartime past. And the visits to Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 class A war criminals, by high-ranking Japanese officials are part of Tokyo's systematic attempt to deny history. Even more troubling is Japan's "sacred decision" narrative, which credits the emperor for ending the war. This narrative enabled the continuation of Japan's power structure in the postwar era, preventing a genuine sense of responsibility for Japanese atrocities from taking root in the country. Also, the Tokyo Trial convicted only a handful of individuals, leaving many others unaccountable. Postwar Japan has failed to atone for the atrocities the Japanese army committed before and during World War II. On the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, Japan appears to be sliding back into the prewar period. This dangerous trend is fueled by US support and constraints, which have made Tokyo dependent on Washington. But Japan must understand the global significance of the Chinese people's war of resistance and atone for its past atrocities. The author is a professor emeritus, Yamaguchi University, Japan. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday addresses the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference in Camp Hill, Pa., Friday April 4, 2025. They discussed the party's November successes and future goals. Read more State and federal courts in Philadelphia have paused cases connected to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office after the law enforcement agency fell prey to a ransomware attack in August. The office confirmed the cyberattack publicly in a Friday statement, saying the interruption was caused by an outsider encrypting files in an effort to force the office to make a payment to restore operations. Advertisement No payment has been made, the statement said. The computer network for the states top law enforcement agency has been down since Aug. 11. Office of Attorney General staff are unable to access any litigation data, which prevents our attorneys from contacting witnesses, timely responding to pleadings, conducting discovery, or otherwise proceeding with litigation, the office said in an Aug. 12 letter to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The agency had made substantial progress in restoring its tech functionality, the Friday statement said, and a majority of the agencys 1,200 employees now have access to email. The office said that it was unable to provide more information because of an investigation into the hack. A spokesperson declined to say whether there was concern that the hackers obtained sensitive information, but the offices statement said it did not expect negative impacts on cases solely due to the outside interruption. Still, court stays on proceedings in which an attorney from the attorney generals office is involved remain in place. Judge Daniel Anders, an administrative judge at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, issued an order Aug. 13 halting all civil cases in which the attorney generals office is involved for 30 days. Nearly 200 cases have been paused, the court said. More than a week later, on Aug. 21, Anders also paused all post-conviction relief cases, in which individuals convicted of a crime ask for a new trial, usually on the basis that their attorney was ineffective. All three federal district courts in Pennsylvania issued similar orders staying civil cases. Spotlight PA first reported that a ransomware attack was the cause of the disruption. Attorney General Dave Sunday first announced a cyber incident in an Aug. 11 statement, saying, This is a frustrating situation, and everyone is doing their very best. The agency restored its website on Aug. 14 and email access on Aug. 18, according to statements. The agencys portal for submitting complaints is online, though processing time may be delayed due to the outages related to the ransomware attack. Sunday said he was proud of the way his staff has navigated the situation and found ways to continue working. This situation has certainly tested OAG staff and prompted some modifications to our typical routines however, we are committed to our duty and mission to protect and represent Pennsylvanians, and are confident that mission is being fulfilled," Sunday said in a statement. Activists, holding pictures of the Italian and Albanian premiers dressed as police officers, protest at the entrance of the Port of Shengjin, northwestern Albania, in 2024, following the arrival of an Italian navy ship carrying the first group of migrants who were intercepted in international waters. Read more Detention camps, violent rhetoric, physical harm, deportations to third-party countries under brutal regimes Donald Trump did not invent the playbook on callousness toward immigrants. The European Union, winner of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, got there ahead of him. Advertisement As I read the news about the U.S. governments continuing assault on people whose sole fault is not having the right documents to legally live in a country that is otherwise happy to exploit their labor, I also follow the German debate around the 10th anniversary of the so-called refugee crisis. In 2015, more than a million people came to Germany seeking refuge, many of them fleeing from war-torn Syria. What I see is not so different. On both sides of the Atlantic, migrants are regarded as a problem at best, a danger to national security at worst. Trump has no copyright on cruelty. Europeans just put on a friendlier face. Vanished optimism The decision of then-Chancellor Angela Merkel not to close the borders in 2015 is seen today by many as a cardinal sin that fundamentally changed the German political landscape, leading to the rise of the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party, known as the AfD. It came in second place in the recent federal elections. Of course, it remains unclear how the 500-mile border with Austria should have been completely closed, a gentler word perhaps for militarized. The options were, we take them in, or we try to edge them off, perhaps with water cannons or some sort of violence, Merkel said in a recent TV documentary. She chose the former. Her phrase, Wir schaffen das, or We can make it, endeared her to liberals and outraged conservatives, but for a short moment, most Germans celebrated a Willkommenskultur, a culture of welcoming. People brought truckloads of stuffed animals to train stations where the refugee families arrived. The optimism soon vanished, though. As in other European countries, the debate started to focus on radically limiting the number of asylum-seekers. The rhetoric became hostile. Conservative politicians called out supposed asylum tourism. Former Interior Minister Horst Seehofer noted with glee that on his 69th birthday, 69 Afghans were deported. The efforts were not merely rhetorical. The budget of the European border patrol agency Frontex skyrocketed from $7 million in 2005 to $133 million in 2015. Today, it stands at more than $1 billion. The abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, many of them caught on video, mimic those by European officers. In more than a dozen documented cases, Frontex was involved in pushing back migrants into the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey. The agency put immigrants in life-threatening situations on the open sea, left adrift on inflatable vessels without engines until the Turkish Coast Guard picked them up, as detailed by the journalism nonprofit Lighthouse Reports in 2022. That same year, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson planned to deport and relocate asylum-seekers permanently to Rwanda, even if their cases were approved. He was stopped by a judge. Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, now runs a camp in Albania whose construction cost almost $85,000 per bed. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, elected in February, promised a pivot in migration policies. Deportations to Afghanistan had already resumed in 2024. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt recently said he wants to talk directly to the Taliban to ease the process. The coalition also aims to start deporting rejected asylum-seekers to Syria, now home to a government under a former Salafist rebel commander. Overlooked I dont want to minimize the problems that do exist with immigration. The war in Syria was not the last. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, 1.3 million Ukrainians now live in Germany. One-third of cities and counties said in late 2024 that they are at a limit when it comes to providing support for refugees; 5% saw themselves in an emergency mode. Ten years after Merkels We can make it, that spirit is gone. In September 2015, only one in three Germans said the country should take in fewer refugees; in January, two in three agreed. Key to that change in attitudes is a media environment in which news of immigrants failing to integrate garners much more attention than their economic and cultural contributions. Also, while most migrants are law-abiding, acts of violence committed by immigrants have shocked the country and contributed to a general suspicion toward them. In a self-fulfilling prophecy, the rise of the far-right contributes to a climate in which journalists and politicians would rather talk extensively about the dangers of migration than risk being accused of avoiding the topic. Merkels border policies made her the AfDs midwife, according to political journalist Robin Alexander, but it was the degree to which the mainstream legitimized the far-rights talking points that has cemented its hold on German politics. In this difficult environment, something essential is lost: More than 32,000 people have died or disappeared since 2014 attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, according to the United Nations Missing Migrants Project. The vast majority drowned. One of them was 2-year-old Alan Kurdi. The photo of his lifeless body, washed ashore on a Turkish beach after a failed boat passage to Greece, made worldwide headlines in September 2015. Ten years later, what is widely remembered and frowned upon is Merkels promise, not the death of a toddler on Europes doorstep. What happened to him should never happen again. Yet, the only thing we seem to learn in the U.S. and Europe is the lessons in cruelty. Adrian Schulz is a journalist with Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin and an Arthur F. Burns fellow at The Inquirer. The most bittersweet shortcoming of the H.O.M.E. initiative for tenants is that it proposes giving more than $200 million to developers and landlords without adding any mechanisms to hold them accountable, writes Jeff Wasch. Read more We have heard all about Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers H.O.M.E. initiative, which is about cutting red tape to make the development of housing including low-income housing easier. The initiative incentivizes developers to build low-income housing by way of subsidies and tax abatements. Parkers stated hope is that creating affordable housing will lead people toward homeownership. But to be frank, this seems like wishful thinking. Advertisement Philadelphia ranks among the least affordable places in the country for renters. Added to that, according to a study by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve, Philadelphia ranked last in the country in economic mobility with lack of stable income and high cost of living contributing to the dire assessment. For more of the citys residents to become homeowners, Parkers administration will have to shrink the cost of living or boost wages so Philadelphians can afford to save for a down payment on a home. While the One Philly Mortgage program purports to provide Philadelphians with reduced down payments, details on that program have been sparse. The mayor has offered no assurances that the program will be accessible to the nearly half of Philadelphia renters who qualify as very low income the same residents who are most impacted by the citys housing affordability crisis, according to a report by the Penn Housing Initiative. Renters are the forgotten stakeholders in the H.O.M.E. initiative. The most recent suggested spending plan circulated by the mayors office proposes to spend less than 15% on rental assistance programs. Perhaps the most bittersweet shortcoming of the initiative for tenants is that it proposes giving more than $200 million to developers and landlords without adding any mechanisms to hold them accountable. Meanwhile, people are literally dying because of poor conditions in rental properties. And some of the worst offenders are the same property owners who benefit from city programs. The Department of Licenses and Inspections cant keep up with complaints. Laws need to be put in place so that tenants 48% of Philadelphians have some recourse when a landlord is negligent. The city must impose stricter regulations on housing providers something that goes unmentioned in the H.O.M.E. initiative. As it happens, some of those stricter regulations have already been proposed by City Council members. Councilmember Nicolas ORourkes Safe Healthy Homes Act is back on the table in the fall session of Council. The act was presented to the housing committee on June 3, and one of the three bills contained in it the right to relocation, which authorizes L&I to create a displacement fund to aid tenants who are removed from unsafe housing made it out of committee and was passed by City Council. The other two bills from that the right to repair, which would have L&I start doing proactive inspections of rental properties and impose stricter penalties for property owners who refuse to address code violations, and the right to safety, which would empower renters to speak up about building conditions by enhancing protections against retaliation and harassment from landlords and expands extant tenants rights will be on the table in the fall. We will see then if members of Councils housing committee and the administration are prepared to sacrifice relationships with landlord lobbies, like the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia, to protect tenants in Philadelphia. According to Philly Power Research, a group that investigates campaign financing in Philadelphia, the real estate and building industry sector was responsible for about 19% of the total campaign funding of the 2023 mayoral primary, and accounted for about 14% of campaign donations for the City Council at-large election. I encourage you to let the members of City Councils housing committee (Councilmembers Cindy Bass, Michael Driscoll, Jaime Gauthier, Curtis Jones Jr., Rue Landau, and Mark Squilla) know how you feel. Jeff Wasch is a resident of South Philadelphia and a tenants rights advocate. Citylight Church turned a former Manayunk mill at 4050 Main St. into its new home. But to make the project work in the flood-prone location, the church left the ground floor unfinished. As part of the changes, architect Jeremy Avellino moved the main entrance to the side of the building. Worshipers approach the building through a grove of just-planted saplings. Read more If a building can have nine lives, then the Manayunk mill at Main Street and Shurs Lane surely qualifies. In the 175 years since its maker mortared together chunks of Wissahickon schist to create an all-purpose workspace, it has served as a carriage shop, a foundry, a yarn factory, and a furniture store. In mid-August, the mill began a new life as the home of Citylight Church, a rapidly growing evangelical congregation. Its no accident that the two-story mill sits on a narrow strip of land between Main Street and the Schuylkill. The location was seen as a strategic advantage by the mills early occupants, who harnessed the river to power their machinery and load finished goods onto ships. While the river would occasionally overflow its banks, the flooding never kept them from using the ground floor to manufacture their products. Their customers were always able to enter the building from a door on the Main Street side. Advertisement But climate change has put an end to that. The church has become the first historic Main Street property to leave the ground floor permanently empty in response to the areas growing flood risk. Its unlikely to be the last. As the frequency and severity of storms in the Philadelphia region has increased over the past decade, the communities that line the Schuylkill have had to deal with regular bouts of flooding. Even so, no one was prepared for the damage wrought by Hurricane Ida in 2021. For days, the roiling waters of the Schuylkill lapped at the 12-foot ceiling on the mills ground floor, making it look like a one-story building. Long stretches of Main Street were so battered by flooding, the corridor was closed to traffic for weeks. Further downriver, in Center City, the deluge turned the Vine Expressway trench into a canal. Since then, Philadelphia has been stepping up its storm preparations. With funding from the city and state, the Manayunk and East Falls business associations commissioned an engineering study to identify ways to limit the damage caused by future storms. The report identified big and small infrastructure projects that could help control flooding. But it also noted that, even if the city managed to pull those off, the first floor of many existing structures would never be safe to occupy again. That observation was a gut punch. Main Streets buildings are what gives Manayunks historic core its distinctive charm, and makes the neighborhood one of Philadelphias liveliest business districts. Those buildings cant simply be written off or demolished. Thats why we need to pay attention to the Citylights mill renovation. Overseen by Fishtowns Jeremy Avellino, one of the citys go-to architects for energy-efficient designs, the project has found a way to balance no-nonsense climate adaptation and sensitive historic preservation. In doing so, it offers lessons for other riverfront buildings, both in Manayunk and beyond. Sacrificing the ground floor Eager to see the design in action, I stopped by Citylight on a recent Sunday morning for the 9 oclock service. Temperatures were already in the 80s, yet most worshipers arrived on foot after leaving their cars several blocks away in a remote lot. Many pushed strollers or carried small children. They streamed through a grove of just-planted saplings to the churchs main entrance, which has been relocated on the side of the building. Because the ground floor was left unfinished and there is no air-conditioning, the moist summer heat radiated off the battered rubble walls. As people made their way to the second-floor landing, they were rewarded with a cool breeze and the sound of song. Worshipers grabbed coffee and caught up with friends in the cafe-style community room, before stepping to a soaring sanctuary, where blonde wood and 19th-century steel trusses tempered the white walls. Citylights leaders readily admit they had only a vague idea of the challenges they faced when they purchased the mill in 2022, a year after Ida. The church, which draws its 500-person congregation largely from Philadelphias northwest neighborhoods, had been renting space nearby, in the Mishkan Shalom synagogue. Church leaders liked how Mishkan Shalom had turned a former mill into an airy sanctuary and wanted to replicate the experience in their own building, Jon Chin, Citylights executive pastor, told me. What they didnt fully appreciate is that Mishkan Shalom sits at the top of a hill, safe from the fury of the river. Even though the Citylight mill, located at 4050 Main St., was still caked with mud when they closed on the property, the church leaders optimistically assumed it would be a simple matter to clean up the damage. It took a series of conversations with Avellino, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Philadelphia Historical Commission before Citylight realized the choice was more difficult: Either the church would have to spend massive amounts of money to floodproof the lower floor a longshot effort that might not succeed or they could try to pack the entire church onto the second floor, including offices, classrooms, kitchen, and sanctuary. In that case, the lower level would have to be left empty abandoned in the parlance of flood-management specialists. It could only be used for a few parking spaces. The church decided to make the sacrifice. Treating the building as an ark Avellino proved to be the perfect partner for the project. Since founding his firm, Bright Common, he has specialized in an extreme version of green architecture called Passive House design. Far more rigorous than the better-known LEED standard, the system produces buildings that use very little energy for heating and cooling. Having already given up half the building to avoid flooding, Citylight agreed to let Avellino make the building even more sustainable by renovating the upper floor according to Passive House principles. Creating a Passive House building is not for the faint of heart. To reduce energy consumption, the buildings exterior needs to be sealed as tight as a submarine. Avellino persuaded the church to invest in tight-fitting, German-made, triple-pane windows that can withstand intense storms. Every crack and opening was sealed, and the walls were stuffed with insulation made from cardboard shipping boxes and shredded newspapers. Those superinsulated walls are two feet thick. Once worshipers get to the second floor, they must pass through a set of heavy, insulated doors, which act as an air lock, into the climate-controlled sanctuary. We treated the building as an ark, explained Avellino. Before the Trump administration eliminated a tax credit for solar panels, Avellino had planned to power the building entirely from the suns energy. That probably wont happen now, but the church is still an all-electric building. The renovation ended up costing the church $7.5 million, which works out to $500 a square foot. But Citylight members, who are part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, told me they feel the bible provides justification for the expense. If God is the creator of everything, then we should want his creation to be taken care of, explained Matt Cohen, Citylights lead pastor. Manayunks civic groups are thrilled with the transformation, too. The former mill is in the most low-lying stretch of Main Street, and the area is likely to flood even during modest storms. Lower Main Street, around Shurs Lane, has become a sad, underpopulated place in recent years. Although several apartment projects have been approved, none have gone forward because of the challenges of shoring up the buildings against flooding. The presence of so many unused buildings and empty lots is sapping Main Streets energy, said Gwen McCauley, who runs the Manayunk Development Corp. The Venice Island problem Figuring out how to protect the ground floors isnt the only challenge apartment developers face. They also need to make sure residents can safely leave their buildings during a flood. But with the river on one side, and Manayunks steep hills on the other, the terrain makes it difficult to carve out a viable escape route, said John Hunter, an architect who chairs the Manayunk Neighborhood Councils zoning committee. As an alternative, Hunter said, Manayunk residents would like to see the city or state acquire some of the empty lots along the river and turn them into resiliency parks that could absorb water during a storm. They also want to limit new housing construction on Venice Island. Instead, the city has allowed more and more housing to be built on the island, a narrow spit of land that runs parallel to Main Street. Even though a bridge to Manayunk proper was meant to serve as an escape route during floods, dozens of people were nevertheless stranded in their apartments during Ida. Venice Island has a long and contentious history. The island was created in the early 19th century, using fill removed during the construction of the Manayunk Canal. Since the land was zoned industrial back then, there were just a few factories on the island. But after those industries died off in the early 2000s, then-Councilmember Michael A. Nutter pushed to remove the floodway designation and rezone the island for residential construction. To prevent those new apartments and townhouses from flooding, even during modest storms, developers needed to raise the height of their land. They did that by bringing in large quantities of dirt fill and spreading it across their sites. Raising the height of Venice Island has made Manayunks flooding even worse, experts say. As the island gets taller, it acts as a kind of dam, displacing and channeling water onto the mainland during storms. Its like adding more and more toys to a bathtub. The water rises and it eventually spills over, explained Josh Lippert, who served as Philadelphias first floodplain manager, and now works in Delaware. Still, developers keep building there. A.P. Construction, a South Jersey company that owns 30 acres at the northern end of Venice Island, has been trucking in huge quantities of fill recently, even though there is no approved project for the site yet. Ironically, the only way to make residential buildings there safe is to abandon the ground floor just as Citylight did to adapt its Main Street mill and use it for parking. That sort of urban design isnt attractive, and doesnt foster neighborhood life, but allows developers to continue monetizing land in flood-prone areas. At a time when the Trump administration is cutting staff at FEMA and eliminating Biden-era programs aimed at slowing climate change, building in floodplains will become ever more dangerous. But if storms get worse, abandoning the ground floor might turn out to be just a stopgap. Lets pray that Citylights strategy works. Pennsylvania is braced for President Donald Trumps administration to possibly send National Guard troops to Philadelphia, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday. The Trump administration has federalized troops and sent them to cities including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. And he has threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, Baltimore, and New York. Advertisement Shapiro, speaking at an education event at Dobbins High in North Philadelphia Tuesday, said his administration has been preparing for such a thing to happen in Philadelphia. Trump has said the National Guard is needed to combat what he has described as rampant crime, mostly in cities and states controlled by Democrats. Last month, the president deployed National Guard troops to work alongside police to fight crime in Washington, D.C. And earlier this summer, he sent 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests that erupted over immigration enforcement. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration violated federal law by sending troops to Los Angeles. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer said the move violated a federal prohibition on military enforcement of civilian laws. Shapiro, who has sued the Trump administration over several issues, called the deployment of federal troops to American cities wrongheaded and noted a decrease in violent crime, both in Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia. As governor, weve invested millions of dollars in not only policing, but in community organizations that have helped bring down violent crime by 42%, Shapiro said. Now is not a time to disrupt that with distrust the way the president is doing in other communities. Now is the time to continue making the progress were making here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Still, Shapiro underscored, our teams are prepared for whatever the White House may try and send our way. On stage at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti welcomes supporters before the arrival of President Joe Biden, on April 16, 2024. He was on a three-day Pennsylvania campaign tour. Read more Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti launched her campaign for Congress with a blistering offensive against the man she hopes to replace. Cognetti became the first woman elected mayor of Scranton in 2020 by running as a political outsider against what she argued was a corrupt political establishment. Advertisement Now Cognetti, a Democrat, is trying a similar strategy to get to Washington by arguing the freshman incumbent shes challenging, Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, has had an unscrupulous start to his term. Rob ran for Congress on a promise to ban stock trades. This year, hes already made 600 trades 600, Cognetti says in an ad launching her campaign, released Tuesday. Im running for Congress because people here deserve a lot better than a rich kid disrespecting our hard work and proud legacy. We can stand tall against a Washington that takes advantage of working people and make it work for us. Bresnahan has maintained that the trades are handled by a financial adviser. But the scope of them 617 totaling $7.24 million this year has drawn scrutiny that even some Republicans have worried could become an effective line of attack as he seeks reelection. Bresnahans campaign was quick to criticize Cognetti for running for Congress with her mayoral reelection looming in November. Paige Cognetti launching a vanity campaign for Congress while still running for a new term as Scranton Mayor tells you everything you need to know about her priorities, said Chris Pack, a spokesperson for Bresnahans campaign. We look forward to putting a spotlight on her extreme and dangerous positions, which are completely out of step with Northeastern Pennsylvania. Cognetti enters the race with the backing of former U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Democrat who lost to Bresnahan by 1.6 percentage points last year. Shes also endorsed by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and U.S. Rep Chris Deluzio (D., Allegheny). Shes the first Democrat to declare against Bresnahan, a contrast with the race in the Lehigh Valley, where half a dozen Democrats are vying for a chance to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. If Cognetti remains the lone Democratic contender, shell have the benefit of training her sights on Bresnahan and the general election. Her launch video certainly did. The ad accused Bresnahan of ripping Medicaid away from Pennsylvania families by voting for President Donald Trumps budget bill. And it scrutinized the timing of some of his stock trading. Sold Chinese stocks the week of a tariff. Buys missile stocks before a war, buys jet stocks before a big contract, she said in the ad, which closes with her saying day trading away the public trust is not who we are. Bresnahan campaigned on banning congressional stock trading and introduced a House bill that would have forbidden it in May, which makes his habitual trading all the more of a target for Democrats. The National Republican Campaign Committee accused Cognetti of resorting to baseless lies. From cutting taxes to protecting critical programs, Bresnahan has always put NEPA first, and voters have no interest in Cognettis out-of-touch agenda, said NRCC spokesperson Reilly Richardson. Paige Against the Machine Cognetti ran for mayor in 2020 after the former mayor of Scranton had pleaded guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and extortion and was sentenced to seven years in prison. She ran as an independent with the slogan Paige Against the Machine, and beat the Democratic Party-backed candidate. A native Oregonian, Cognetti formerly worked on Barack Obamas 2008 presidential campaign and then later as a member of his Treasury Department. She worked briefly at Goldman Sachs in New York before her move to Scranton in 2016. She served on the citys school board and then as a special assistant to the states attorney general. Scranton has an outsize role in national politics, often a symbol of blue-collar, middle-class values. It became the emblem of former President Joe Bidens campaign as he used his Pennsylvania hometown to contrast against Trumps lavish Mar-a-Lago home. The day Biden won the election in 2020, Scrantonians flooded to his former home on Washington Avenue, where Cognetti gave an impromptu speech. You can be anything you want to be. This little girl can be anything she wants to be, Cognetti said then, holding her baby daughter. I couldnt be luckier to be in this position right now in this moment together as a city. Trump, who won Pennsylvanias 8th Congressional District by three points in 2020, went on to increase that margin to nine points in 2024. Jess Gangemi and her husband, Sam, bought the two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in Northern Liberties sight unseen when the world was shutting down due to COVID-19, she said. They had never lived in a building so historic as the former factory, built in 1902. The couple were living and working in Denver, but traveling to see the place was impractical in 2020. Advertisement They moved in later in the spring and lived there for about four years before moving to Wilmington, where they found a home with more space to raise a family. Jess said they still have ties to Northern Liberties and many friends there. Jess, a software consultant, and Sam, a plaintiffs attorney, met in high school in Ocean County, N.J., and were undergraduates at Temple. Their second-floor unit is one of five in the building, above a street-level storefront hosting a chiropractic office. In earlier incarnations, the upper levels housed a furniture store and an iron foundry. The Gangemis remodeled the primary bathroom, as well as the kitchen, where they installed open shelving like one might find in a chefs kitchen. And they hand-painted the patio to give it what Jess described as a little bit of a New Orleans swagger. The 1,500-square-foot loft unit has hardwood floors, high ceilings, exposed brick, and large east-facing windows. The kitchen has butcher-block counters and brass fixtures. There is a small dining nook, a covered porch, and a patio with painted checkerboard floors. The primary bathroom has a spa-like wet room and a free-standing soaking tub. There is in-unit laundry and mechanicals, and bike and storage room on the lower levels. The building allows units to be used for short-term rentals with proper licensing. The Gangemis are also willing to sell the condo furnished. The house is listed by Kate McCann of Elfant Wissahickon Realtors for $549,000. A Pennsylvania woman has been sentenced up to three years in prison for intentionally setting fire to her rented home in 2023 as a part of a scheme to collect an insurance payout. According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, investigators found Emmajean Mowery committed the crimes to receive a payout to help cover a previous, court-ordered restitution sum for burning a previous home. Mowery increased her insurance policy weeks before the 2023 arson fire. Mowery, of Kittanning, pleaded guilty to three felonies: two counts of arson and one count of insurance fraud. The sentencing judge ordered Mowery to pay more than $110,000 in restitution to the insurance company that paid out. This greedy, self-serving plot was an attempt to defraud an insurance company while putting emergency responders, neighbors and other occupants of the home at grave risk, Sunday said. The investigation was referred to the attorney generals office by an insurance investigator. The attorney generals insurance fraud section also prosecuted Mowery for the prior arson. According to the investigation, Mowery set fire to the rental property she was living at in Rayburn Township in November 2023. She told the insurance company that someone else living in the home accidentally started the fire. After investigating her claims, the insurance company determined that the fire was intentionally set. Mowery failed to disclose that she was previously convicted of insurance fraud on her insurance application. At the time of the 2023 fire, Mowery still owed around $57,000 in restitution from her prior conviction. New Jerseys governor is asking federal officials to impose restrictions on nonessential helicopter flights in his state after a New York City sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair in April, killing six people. Gov. Phil Murphy, in an Aug. 18 letter, requested the Federal Aviation Administration use its authority to prohibit or sharply reduce the number of the aircrafts operating in the state. The Democrat noted that the helicopter involved in the April 10 crash was based at a heliport in Kearny, New Jersey and plummeted into the Hudson River just 75 feet (22 meters) from the Jersey City waterfront. He argued that future crashes could be more devastating if they occurred on land as he called on the FAA to impose more stringent regulations, akin to the cap on tourist helicopter flights over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that the agency adopted in 2023. We must not wait for such a tragedy to occur being taking decisive action, Murphy wrote. The governor suggested flights from Kearny could be routed over Newark Bay rather than directly over densely populated Jersey City and Hoboken, reducing impacts on residential neighborhoods and enhancing safety by having helicopters fly more over water than land. He also asked the FAA to consider limiting the operating hours for nonessential flights from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The FAA, in a statement Thursday, said it would reach out directly to Murphy. The agency also noted helicopters are not subject to the same minimum altitude restrictions as airplanes, which must fly at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the nearest obstacle when over densely populated areas. But, under federal regulations, they must not pose a hazard to people or property on land when operating. Vertical Aviation International, an industry trade group, said Friday that the heliport reached an agreement in June with Hudson County and Kearny officials to cut the number of flights by the thousands. It also has agreed to not bring in a new tour company. Safety and community compatibility are top industry priorities every day and VAI and our members have for years been working with the communities we live and work in to find balance between our impacts and the vital services and missions our industry provides, VAI spokesperson Bailey Wood said, noting that Murphy may not be aware of the deal reached between the officials and the heliport. The aircraft operated by New York Helicopter had been giving a typical tour of the Manhattan skyline when it broke apart about 18 minutes into the flight. The crash killed the helicopter pilot and a prominent family from Barcelona. It also revived concerns about the safety of the popular and costly aerial tours over New York City. The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on the doomed flight in May, but is still investigating what caused the helicopter to break apart. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Aviation New Jersey Gov. Matt Meyer vetoed a bill last Thursday that would have loosened regulations around where marijuana businesses can locate in Delaware, likely further delaying the growth of the weeks-old industry. But the governor also offered a competing proposal on such zoning reforms, based upon revenue-sharing from marijuana sales with counties and municipalities opening a new salvo in a contentious relationship with statehouse Democrats. The defeat of Senate Bill 75, which would have overruled the decisions of county governments that created more restrictive zoning regulations in the wake of Delawares marijuana legalization movement, was the first major veto by the first-term governor. The bill had faced strong opposition from county leaders and statehouse Republicans, who argued that it was among a handful of bills that sought to squash home rule, or the principle of self-governance by locals. While I fully support the goals of implementing a safe, equitable, and accessible adult-use cannabis market in Delaware, displacing local land use authority without offering any corresponding partnership or support is not how we build durable, effective policy or trust, said Meyer, who served two terms as New Castle County executive, in his veto letter to legislators. Sponsor Feels Betrayed State Sen. Trey Paradee (D-Dover), who led the push for SB 75, admonished Meyer in a statement shortly after the veto was made public. If you give someone your word and you later back out or do not deliver as you promised, you will irreparably tarnish your name and reputation. Once that happens, no one will trust you or want to work with you again, he said. Paradee claimed that he had struck a deal with the governor in late June to support a future revenue split with counties if Meyer allowed SB 75 to become law without his signature this summer. By vetoing the measure now, however, Paradee said that it will do irreparable harm to dozens of small business owners who successfully won the lottery to open retail marijuana stores and grow facilities. More than 100 new license holders for cultivation, testing, processing and retail stores to support Delawares recreational marijuana market have yet to open. Many have awaited the outcome of the bill that would have reduced buffers that have significantly limited where they could open such businesses, especially in Sussex County where buffers were set at a restrictive limit of 3 miles from most sensitive places, like schools or churches. So far, only dispensaries established originally for the medical marijuana market have been able to convert to selling recreational marijuana as of Aug. 1. Those businesses, including the likes of Columbia Care, The Farm, Fresh Cannabis and Thrive, formerly known as First State Compassion, also have the benefit of being end-to-end operations. Under the former medical market regulations, they were required to grow, process and sell their own products. The new recreational market was required to be split up to increase the competition in the market and hopefully suppress pricing. The legal market will operate as an oligopoly for the foreseeable future resulting in higher prices for consumers and the continuation of a robust illegal market run by gangs and cartels, whose products pose a serious health risk to consumers, Paradee added. When asked about Sen. Paradees comments, Mila Myles, the spokesperson for Meyers office, said, The Delaware Way is in the past, and Governor Meyer is focused on the future. Rep. Ed Osienski (D-Newark), who has been the primary advocate for marijuana legalization in the statehouse and co-sponsored SB 75, told Spotlight Delaware that he was disappointed with the governors veto and argument that revenue sharing was needed. The counties dont get cigarette tax revenue. They dont get alcohol tax revenue. Why are we looking to treat marijuana differently? he questioned. Taxes from both tobacco and alcohol currently go to the states General Fund, and counties are granted funding each year from those dollars. This year, about $3.8 million total is being sent to the three counties through the states Grant-In-Aid bill. Osienski said that he would be talking with his colleagues about whether they would support an override of Meyers veto. SB 75 passed both the House of Representatives and State Senate by exactly the three-fifths margin needed for an override, meaning supporters cant afford a single defection. Notably, former Rep. Stell Parker Selby missed the House vote during her session-long absence, and her newly elected replacement, Rep. Alonna Berry, may give Democrats a buffer in the chamber. Such overrides are exceedingly rare in Delaware. Before the legislature overrode a veto last year on reshaping a panel in charge of state employee benefits, it had not occurred in 47 years. Three years ago, Osienski suffered a failed override when five members of the House Democratic caucus switched their votes on the original marijuana legalization effort. Meyers Proposal While the governor vetoed the bill that was debated for months this past spring, he has also offered up a proposal that he has reportedly brokered with Sussex County leaders. In a draft bill that he attached to his veto letter, he proposes sending 4.5% of the 15% state sales tax to the county or municipality in which a marijuana business is located to offset the local costs associated with zoning, permitting, enforcement, and infrastructure. If approved, Meyer said that Sussex County has agreed to remove its conditional use requirement for marijuana retail shops, which gives county leaders wide latitude over where to allow such storefronts, and reduce the buffer requirements for them. The draft county legislation makes no commitments as to what the reduction would be. With 7% of the tax revenue already required by law to be placed into a Justice Reinvestment Fund for restorative justice, jail diversion, workforce development, and more, it leaves just 8% of funding to be divvied up between the state, counties and municipalities. James Brobyn, who owns the Field Supply dispensary chain and is the president of the Delaware Cannabis Industry Association, said that he was frustrated by the veto and new politicking over which jurisdiction would receive funding. This is always about money and people dividing up this tax pie, he told Spotlight Delaware. And the reality is theyre all fighting over a pretty small pie because theyre not letting any of these other operators get open. Brobyn said that limitations on available real estate was a major hurdle for those businesses still looking to open. Operators already face an environment with limited business capital, as banks wont work with marijuana businesses as the drug remains illegal at the federal level. That limits marijuana businesses to credit unions and alternative banking options to fund their operations, which only decreases the available capital for loans to the industry. In a small state with a comparably smaller customer base than neighboring states, marijuana operators already face significant challenges. Lets get this industry humming so we can get the tax revenue going in. That means you have to make compromises. You have to get these buffers lowered, and you have to support small businesses, Brobyn said. Right now, the whole industry is frozen. This story was originally published by Spotlight Delaware and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Cannabis Nestle has fired its CEO Laurent Freixe after just one year in the job after an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship, ousting its second CEO in a year and throwing the Swiss food giant into its deepest leadership chaos in decades. Freixe is replaced by Nespresso chief Philipp Navratil, a rising star at the worlds largest food company as it battles slowing sales, the impact of U.S. tariffs and eroding investor confidence after years of underperformance. The Frenchmans predecessor Mark Schneider failed to cope with the challenge, costing him his job in August 2024. Freixes sudden dismissal follows an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate which breached Nestles code of business conduct, Nestle said late on Monday. The loss of two CEOs and a chairman in a year is of historic proportions for Nestle, said Ingo Speich, head of corporate governance and sustainability at Deka, a top-30 Nestle investor. The new CEO needs to fix the business model and bring volumes back. He needs to do better M&A and focus more on emerging markets. Shares in the maker of Nescafe and KitKat chocolate bars were down 0.8% in Zurich by 1118 GMT. SPEAK UP The company said concerns about a possible relationship were raised by staff via the companys internal reporting channel Speak Up, although an initial investigation was unsubstantiated. Freixe had initially denied the relationship to the board, a company spokesperson said. When staff concerns persisted, Nestle said it ordered an investigation overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla with the support of independent outside counsel. Swiss media reported that Swiss lawyers Baer & Karrer helped with the inquiry. Freixe, who spent 39 years with Nestle, will receive no exit package following his departure, the company told Reuters. In a short statement, Bulcke, who has previously announced he would step down in 2026, thanked Freixe for his years of service at Nestle, but said the dismissal was a necessary decision. Freixe was not immediately available to comment when contacted via email. The identity of the female subordinate has not been made public. His dismissal adds to a list of top executives forced to resign following investigations into their relationships with colleagues. Energy giant BPs former CEO Bernard Looney and McDonalds CEO Steve Easterbrook were both removed for failing to disclose relationships with colleagues. STABILITY SOUGHT Nestles shares, a bedrock of the Swiss stock exchange, have lost almost a third of their value over the past five years, underperforming European peers. Freixes appointment failed to halt the slide, with the companys shares shedding 17% during his leadership, disappointing investors. One top 20 Nestle investor welcomed news of the change, saying that Freixe had been a disappointment and that bringing in Navratil was an opportunity for more ambitious overhaul. The new CEO needs to slim down the company, cut costs and above all reduce the headcount, said the investor who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. It was also crucial that the company raise organic growth to boost volumes. The cash flow must cover the dividend, the investor said. Thats an absolute priority. In July, Nestle launched a review of its underperforming vitamins business that could lead to the divestment of some brands after first-half sales volumes missed expectations. Freixes dismissal was featured on the front page of Swiss newspapers, with Neue Zuercher Zeitung noting that Nestle had lost its legendary stability where CEOs stayed for years before eventually becoming chairmen. AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said that the company would likely face a period of uncertainty over whether Navratil will follow the same path as his predecessor. While Navratil is also an internal appointment, he will want to put his own mark on strategy and that suggests the clock could be reset when it comes to the turnaround plan, Mould said. A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was disrupted by what authorities suspect was Russian signals interference in Bulgaria. Authorities in Bulgaria have determined that the GPS jamming incident, which affected the planes navigation system as it landed in Plovdiv, was likely initiated by Russia, according to a commission spokesperson. The plane landed safely in the eastern Balkan nation after the interference affected the airport, the spokesperson said. We are well aware that threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russias hostile actions, the spokesperson said in a statement. The Kremlin didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The commission president has been touring eastern European Union member states to discuss progress on building up military infrastructure to confront Russian aggression. The bloc is rolling out a 150 billion ($176 billion) loan mechanism to finance defense expenditure as part of the effort. On Sunday, von der Leyen flew to Bulgaria to tour the countrys biggest state-owned arms factory, some 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the capital Sofia. As the commission-chartered plane approached for landing, the GPS signal disappeared, the Bulgarian government said in a statement. Bulgarias civil aviation authority proposed an alternative approach using ground navigation aids independent of GPS systems and performed a safe landing without redirecting the flight, according to the statement. GPS jamming incidents have significantly increased across Europe since President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hitting the Global Positioning System, or GPS, and affecting air and maritime communications. The incidents have been particularly acute in the Baltic Sea region, well to the north of Bulgaria. Estonias regulator has said that 85% of flights in the country now experience disruption. Theyve also reported a rapid increase in intentional transmission of faulty coordinates, a practice known as spoofing. The incident, which was first reported by the Financial Times, underscores the urgency of Von der Leyens trip to the east, the spokesperson said. Photo: Ursula von der Leyen, Photographer: Ksenia Kuleshova/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Europe Russia A Kansas woman has been sentenced to 12 months of probation for insurance fraud. Kenna Robinson, 50, pleaded guilty in the Douglas County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud. Robinson involved multiple persons reporting false information during the claims process to an insurance company in attempts to get insurance coverage after the incident occurred. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Aug. 28 to 12 months probation with ten months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year, said Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas. Related: Husband and Wife Insurance Agents Charged With $700K Fraud Scheme The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office. Two others involved, Michaela Foster and Rylie Kelley, were previously sentenced in December of 2024, for their roles in this insurance fraud scheme. Topics Fraud A divided U.S. appeals court ruled on Friday that most of Donald Trumps tariffs are illegal, undercutting the Republican presidents use of the levies as a key international economic policy tool. 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 U.S. Supreme Court. The decision comes as a legal fight over the independence of the Federal Reserve also seems bound for the Supreme Court, setting up an unprecedented legal showdown this year over Trumps entire economic policy. Trump has made tariffs a pillar of U.S. 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. The tariffs have given the Trump administration leverage to extract economic concessions from trading partners but have also increased volatility in financial markets. Trump lamented the decision by what he called a highly partisan court, posting on Truth Social: If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. He nonetheless predicted a reversal, saying he expected tariffs to benefit the country with the help of the Supreme Court. The 7-4 decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., 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. Democratic presidents appointed six judges in the majority and two judges who dissented, while Republican presidents appointed one judge in the majority and two dissenters. The courts decision does not impact tariffs issued under other legal authority, such as Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. UNUSUAL Trump justified both sets of tariffs as well as more recent levies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. IEEPA gives the president the power to address unusual and extraordinary threats during national emergencies. 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 said. 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 1977 law had historically been used for imposing sanctions on enemies or freezing their assets. Trump, the first president to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, says the measures were justified given trade imbalances, declining U.S. manufacturing power and the cross-border flow of drugs. Trumps Department of Justice has argued that the law allows tariffs under emergency provisions that authorize a president to regulate imports or block them completely. Trump declared a national emergency in April over the fact that the U.S. imports more than it exports, as the nation has done for decades. Trump said the persistent trade deficit was undermining U.S. manufacturing capability and military readiness. Trump said the February tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico were appropriate because those countries were not doing enough to stop illegal fentanyl from crossing U.S. borders, an assertion the countries have denied. MORE UNCERTAINTY William Reinsch, a former senior Commerce Department official now with the Center on Strategic and International Studies, said the Trump administration had been bracing for this ruling. Its common knowledge the administration has been anticipating this outcome and is preparing a Plan B, presumably to keep the tariffs in place via other statutes. There was little reaction to the ruling in after-hours stock trading. The last thing the market or corporate America needs is more uncertainty on trade, said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth. Trump is also locked in a legal battle to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, potentially ending the central banks independence. I think it puts Trumps entire economic agenda on a potential collision course with the Supreme Court. Its unlike anything weve seen ever, said Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council. The 6-3 conservative majority Supreme Court has issued a series of rulings favoring Trumps second term agenda but has also in recent years been hostile to expansive interpretations of old statutes to provide presidents newly-found powers. The appeals court ruling stems from two cases, one brought by five small U.S. businesses and the other by 12 Democratic-led U.S. states, which argued that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs. 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. The New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade ruled against Trumps tariff policies on May 28, saying the president had exceeded his authority when he imposed both sets of challenged tariffs. The three-judge panel included a judge who was appointed by Trump in his first term. Another court in Washington ruled that IEEPA does not authorize Trumps tariffs, and the government has appealed that decision as well. At least eight lawsuits have challenged Trumps tariff policies, including one filed by the state of California. Topics USA Legislation A Florida appeals court has put another nail in the idea that the states limits on attorney fees can be applied retroactively to policies issued before the landmark legislative changes were enacted in 2022 and 2023, despite arguments to the contrary by one of Floridas larger property insurers. In a case titled Blumberg vs. Security First Insurance Co., Floridas 5th District Court of Appeals last week found that Senate Bill 2-A (2022) includes no language near the amendments that implies retroactivity Citing two major appellate court decisions from 2010 and 2024, the judges overturned a Volusia County court ruling and remanded the case for determination of the plaintiffs attorney fees. Applying the Menendez framework here, as Smith requires, we hold that the amendments cannot apply retroactively to Blumbergs property insurance policy, 5th District Judge Jordan Pratt wrote in the Aug. 28 opinion. Neither the first nor the second prong of the retroactivity analysis supports retroactive application. The case began in 2022 when Denise Blumberg, the teacher of the year at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach in 2024, filed a claim for hail and wind damage to her home. Ormond Beach-based Security First, with some 140,500 policies in force, declined to pay the full amount amount of the claim. Blumberg sued for breach of contract. The two sides settled in 2023 but the question of attorneys fees was left open, the appellate court explained. Blumbergs attorney later filed a motion for fees, citing the version of the state law that was in effect when she purchased her homeowners insurance policy in early 2022. The now-infamous one-way attorney fee provision once allowed under Florida statutes and court rulings has been called the biggest reason for runaway claims litigation in Florida in the 2010s and early 2020s. It forced insurers to pay a policyholders attorneys fees, often with large fee multipliers, even if the insured won in court or settled for only slightly more than the insurer had initially offered. The one-way provision was revised by lawmakers in late 2022 with the landmark Senate Bill 2A. During the time between Blumbergs covered loss and the initiation of her action against Security First, the Florida Legislature enacted multiple amendments to and repeals of sections 627.428 and 627.70152, ultimately eliminating an insureds right to attorneys fees in litigation over the denial of benefits under a property insurance policy, the court explained in the opinion. After the 2022 repeal was enacted, questions arose about whether the law could be applied retroactively if the determining factor was the date the policy was issued or the date a claims dispute lawsuit was filed. The Florida Supreme Court in 2010 had provided some guidance with the Menendez vs. Progressive Express Insurance decision, concerning no-fault auto insurance and statutory pre-suit notification requirements. The high court created a two-pronged test: whether the Legislature intended the relevant statute to be applied retroactively; and if such application would violate constitutional principles or a partys substantive rights. In Menendez, the Florida Supreme Court ultimately decided that the provisions of the law could not be applied retroactively, in part because they implicated the substantive right to attorneys fees by delaying the ability to recover them, the court explained. But applying the Menendez doctrine still led to differing opinions by Florida appellate courts. The 4th District Court of Appeals in 2023 found that lawmakers had intended the pre-suit notice law to be retroactively applied. That same year, the 6th District court found the opposite to be true. In the Blumberg motion on attorney fees, Security First attorneys argued that the Menendez precedent should apply only to personal injury protection insurance, not to homeowners insurance litigation. The insurer also contended that denying attorneys fees in this case was not a retroactive application of the amendments because such application did not add new consequences to prior conduct. But the 5th DCA noted that appeals courts had essentially rejected those arguments in previous rulings. Because the 2022 attorney-fee reform law did not specify that it is retroactive, and because attorney fees are considered a substantive right, the appellate judges overruled the Volusia County judge in the Blumberg suit. Even if the statutory changes demonstrated an intent for retroactive application, precedent requires that we hold them inapplicable to Blumbergs case under Menendezs second prong due to their impact on a substantive right, the 5th DCA opinion reads. Security First cannot escape the conclusion that the right to attorneys fees was incorporated into the policy that issued before such a right was repealed by the Legislature, Judge Pratt wrote in the opinion. The 5th DCA remanded the Blumberg case to the Volusia County court to determine the amount of attorney fees for her lawyers. Security First was represented by attorneys Ashley Jay Arends and Joseph Jacquot. Blumberg was represented in the appeal by well-known Florida plaintiffs lawyer Chad Barr, who prevailed early this year in a similar case concerning retroactivity. In Vo vs. Scottsdale Insurance, Floridas 1st District Court of Appeals found that the bad-faith claims limitation, which was also part of the 2022s landmark legislation, could not be applied to cases begun before the law took effect. Read more here. Topics Florida An election to determine whether workers unionize an electric vehicle battery manufacturing complex in Kentucky was in limbo due to a few dozen disputed ballots that could swing the outcome. The United Auto Workers claimed it secured a narrow victory at the BlueOval SK battery park after the two-day vote that ended Wednesday. Yet the outcome ultimately could depend on 41 challenged ballots that the UAW contended were illegitimate and should not be counted. The company urged the National Labor Relations Board, which ran the election, to count each eligible vote because every voice matters. The UAW is hoping to gain another victory at the BlueOval SK complex to expand its foothold in the South and at battery factories that will power the next wave of EVs. Unions have struggled to establish a foothold in the South, where organized labor is much weaker, but the UAW has made inroads. The election occurred about a week after production began at the sprawling EV battery complex, a nearly $6 billion joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and its South Korean partner, SK On. Batteries from this plant will power the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup and its EV cargo van, the E-Transit. The tally was 526 votes for the union and 515 against union representation, the NLRB said Thursday, plus the 41 challenged ballots that it said were sufficient to affect the results. The NLRB will review whether those disputed ballots will be counted. We believe they are illegitimate and represent nothing more than an employer tactic to flood the unit and undermine the outcome, the UAW said in a statement. We will fight these challenges to defend the democratic choices of these workers, as we always do when corporations try to interfere with workers democratic choice. The union said that those casting the challenged ballots are not part of the group of workers who built their union from the bottom up. They deserve to have their own union, in an appropriate bargaining unit with a representative of their own choosing. Gov. Andy Beshear says the battery park that sprung up in Glendale a community of around 2,000 residents an hour south of Louisville is the single largest economic investment in Kentuckys history. The complex includes two manufacturing plants but production has started at just one of them. Touting himself as pro-union, Beshear said Thursday that if the complex ends up being a union facility, I think what the companys going to see is that union workers are some of the best workers. And the ability to attract even more workers will be a positive in the long term for BlueOval. The second-term Democratic governor is seen as a potential White House contender in 2028. Those eligible to vote in the union election included all full-time and part-time production and maintenance workers employed at BlueOval SKs Glendale facility during the payroll period ending July 26, the NLRB had said. Challenged ballots could include safety emergency response staff at the plant. Their eligibility was not determined when the NLRB directed the election. They could vote but their ballots would be challenged with their eligibility resolved afterward, the NLRB said before the election. Along with pocketbook matters, on-the-job-safety surfaced as a key issue in the campaign. The company says workplace safety is its top priority. Organized labor has made inroads in the South in places that are not too different from BlueOval. Workers at a General Motors joint venture electric vehicle battery plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, joined the union. Workers at a Volkswagen assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, also voted to unionize. In Ohio, workers at another GM joint venture electric vehicle battery factory voted to join the UAW. The union lost an organizing vote at two Mercedes factories in Alabama last year. Domestic EV battery production is ramping up as the push toward electrification of the auto industry reaches a crossroads and as Chinese automakers expand across the globe, offering affordable electric vehicles. Despite the unwinding by President Donald Trump of incentives meant to juice electric vehicles sales, the transition by Big Detroit automakers from internal combustion engines to electric is happening. Trumps massive tax and spending law targets EV incentives, including the imminent removal of a credit that saves buyers up to $7,500 on a new electric car. Ford recently said it will invest nearly $2 billion retooling a Louisville, Kentucky, plant to produce electric vehicles that it says will be more affordable, more profitable to build and will outcompete rival models. Photo: A Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicle. (Adobe Stock image) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Kentucky Eight months after the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles, commercial and residential policyholders continue to report unreasonably long delays, dubious denials, and conspicuously low settlements. Most prominently, the California FAIR Plan has continued to deny or narrow smoke claims based on a supposed permanent damage requirement, even after a Los Angeles Superior Court rejected and the Department of Insurance publicly condemned the practice of denying these claims without investigation. Civil lawsuits out of Palisades and Eaton alleging breach of contract, bad faith, negligence and related theories continue to be filed against FAIR Plan. Regulators have moved on several fronts. The CDI filed a formal enforcement action against the California FAIR Plan over smoke-claim practices. Other carriers are not immune to claims handling scrutiny by regulators either; the CDI opened a market conduct examination into State Farms wildfire claims handling. Professionals in this market will recognize a major recurring cause of delaybureaucratic and overburdensome claim department structures and systems. Gone are the days when a claim was handled by a single qualified adjuster who could settle a claim or make a substantial payment on the first inspection. In todays world, notice of loss must be given to an intake adjuster who takes down basic facts for the eventual desk adjuster who reviews the policy, file, and collects necessary information from the insured. Next, a field adjuster or independent adjuster to inspects the property along with any necessary consultants, sometimes multiple times. Inspection reports must then be prepared and submitted to a carrier quality review team that requests, requires, or itself changes the reports to comply with confidential company guidelines. Once completed, the desk adjuster completes an additional report requesting authority to make a payment from a manager or supervisor. Even with changes to California laws in 2021 and 2022, insurance companies have struggled to comply with timely claim investigation and adjustment for several reasons. Related: Viewpoint: State Farms Wildfire Claims Response Is a Test of Trust and Preparedness This bureaucratic process causes claim delays even under normal settings. Adjusters are routinely overburdened with high claim loads, and claim departments are reported to be routinely understaffed and delayed with the training of new hires. More problematic, policyholders are reporting frequent adjuster changes and multiple adjusters working different portions of claims; for example, a single claim may have one person adjusting building damage and another adjuster addressing damage to personal property (contents). These adjustment teams often do not communicate because they are working remotely, frustrating insureds who must convey information to two different adjusters. Many claimants in Palisades and Eaton report that the already burdensome process has been interrupted or even restarted multiple times as adjusters are cycled in and out mid-task with no warning. Carriers also fuel delay and disagreement by almost reflexively rejecting opinions from the insureds retained experts or contractors. A large share of claimants pay out-of-pocket for professional opinions on scope and cost after the carrier refuses to or delays doing so, only to have those opinions dismissed, and then see the carrier hire its own consultants (even those it previously refused to hire) and see them reach different conclusions. Carriers are then reluctant to try to resolve the disputes between the competing consultants and side with their own. They argue in court that simply having a consultant opinion on file, even if wrong, should insulate them enough from meaningful legal liability. There are explanations besides a deliberate delay, deny, defend playbook, but the root causes often trace to these structures and systems that carriers control, including thin staffing relative to surge, authority segmented high in the organization, and burdensome documentation checklists. Adjusters report high caseloads, limited authority, and slow management response times on payment requestsconditions that almost guarantee cycle-time drag. Related: Most Losses in Destructive Eaton Fire Tied to Conflagration Hazard, Report Shows Coverage communications also remain a pain point. Many policyholders receive confusing, boilerplate, legalese-heavy communications that are light on claim-specific facts and sometimes contain errors. Oftentimes, these letters tell the insured there is no coverage or the carrier disagrees with them. Smoke claims are presenting the most significant challenge. In March, the CDI directed carriers not to summarily deny smoke claims and to order appropriate testing at the carriers expense when warranted. The departments bulletin and subsequent task force made clear that smoke/soot/ash are fire losses that require a documented, science-based investigation, not a visual-or-odor quick screen. Even worse, many policyholders have retained consultants who have opined that, in addition to smoke, soot, and ash, their homes contain lead, asbestos, or other harmful metals like arsenic, beryllium and cadmium. As such, complaints remain abundant. For example, the California FAIR Plan appears to be continuing to rely on a permanent damage requirement for smoke claims even though courts, the state, and legal scholars tend to agree its unlawful. The CDI recently issued an Order to Show Cause against FAIR Plan, alleging at least 418 violations, including misrepresentations of coverage and failures to conduct reasonable investigations, hallmarks of system-level process defects rather than one-off errors. If those allegations are sustained at the hearing, CDI can seek fines and corrective orders requiring process changes (such as testing protocols, communications standards, authority ladders). Where CDI confirms widespread violations, property should hope to see mandatory corrective action and public orders that improve transparency and file handlingthough change will take time as carriers re-tool workflows. Longer term, the combination of judicial rulings, civil lawsuits, and CDI enforcement should push the market toward adopting more efficient claims adjustment models. Operationally, California carriers should realign workflows: front-load investigations; accelerate report-to-decision timelines; and empower field and desk teams with clearer authority ladders. On smoke claims, expect more testing and post-remediation verification paid by carriers when indicated by the facts. Practically, without improved cycle-time discipline, litigation and mistrust will grow, a trend already visible in L.A. wildfire filings over alleged delays and denials. The professional takeaway is simple: the law already requires prompt, specific, fact-driven adjusting. Executing that consistently is now both a regulatory imperative and a reputational necessity. Veroff is an attorney in the Merlin Law Groups San Francisco office. He is also licensed in Oregon and Washington and has co-counseled matters in Colorado, Nevada, Florida and other states. He represents property owners in large loss insurance claim disputes, underinsurance matters, and agent/broker/underwriter negligence. Chaiken is an experienced trial attorney who has dedicated his practice to representing home and business owners in recovering compensation from insurers and third parties when their property has been damaged. He is licensed to practice law in all of the state and federal courts in California. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters California Wildfire Claims Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman is calling on all tillage farmers to attend the organisation's 'National Tillage Crisis Meeting' amid warnings the sector is at "crisis point". Agriculture minister Martin Heydon will address the meeting, which will take place in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, on Friday, September 12, at 7:30pm. Agricultural strategist and negotiator Michael Berkery has been awarded an honorary doctorate from University College Dublin (UCD) for his lasting contribution to the Irish agri-food industry and rural society. Michael Berkery was the Irish Farmers Associations (IFA) leading strategist and negotiator for over 25 years, and is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming. He was appointed general secretary of the association at the age of just 35, a position he held until 2008. Mr Berkery led the IFAs most significant campaigns, from the pivotal milk quota campaign of 1983-84 to shaping CAP reform and securing the introduction of the beef premium and area aid payment system. The Tipperary man's leadership extended through critical trade negotiations, including the general agreement on tariffs and trade, the 2001 beef blockade, and the IFAs strategic approach to the World Trade Organization. UCD president Orla Feely said: Michael Berkery has been a tireless champion for farmers and rural communities, a strategist whose leadership has left a profound legacy. His advocacy for science, education and innovation reflects UCDs mission to shape a sustainable future for agriculture and society. Presenting the citation, Karina Pierce, a professor at UCDs School of Agriculture and Food Science, said: Michael played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policy at national and European levels during his 25 years at the helm of the IFA. From the introduction of milk quotas in the 1980s to key CAP reforms and WTO negotiations, Michael has been described as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming, whose strategic leadership, political judgement and negotiating skills greatly improved the livelihoods of Irish farmers Accepting his honorary doctorate, Mr Berkery said: I am deeply honoured and grateful to UCD for this special recognition, a university with which my personal connection began in the 1960s as a research technician at Lyons Farm. I have been extremely fortunate that my life and career have coincided with the amazing transformation of Irish agriculture over the past 50 years. Moreover, I have had the privilege of a professional career as an activist in many of the national and international policy developments that have shaped Irish farming, agriculture generally, the food industry, and rural society. Addressing graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, he added: Your generation faces the defining challenge of balancing the worlds growing demand for food, with less inputs per unit of production, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Science, research, knowledge, and technological innovation have always surmounted the challenges faced in agriculture and food production. The universitys commitment to a world-class UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre at Lyons is a strong vote of confidence in agriculture and a clear signal that UCD sees agriculture and food production as industries embedded in Ireland with a long-term future. With the talented and ambitious agricultural scientists graduating today and in the coming years, I believe the future of farming and food production is in good hands. Mr Berkery currently serves as chairman of the FBD Trust, which this year marks its 50th anniversary. Since 1975, the Trust has invested over 50m in philanthropic initiatives promoting Irish agriculture through research, education, and knowledge transfer. Wednesday: Season 2 Part 2, Netflix, September 3 Jenna Ortegas goth heroine is back to stalk the halls of Nevermore Academy. This season filmed largely in Co Wicklow has been split into two parts. Now the second half arrives, complete with new pale and peculiar faces. Most intriguing among them? Lady Gaga, joining the fray in a mysterious new role. Appropriately, the second half drops on, you guessed it, Wednesday. Dev: Rise and Rule, RTE One, September 3 This two-part documentary takes a fresh look at Eamon de Valera, Irelands third president and one of the most influential figures in the nations history. Moving beyond the myths that have long surrounded him, it offers a more measured assessment of his life, his politics, and his enduring legacy. The Paper, Sky Max/Now, September 4 Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda & Ramona Young as Nicole in The Paper The Office taught us that workplace misery can be hilarious. The Paper has bravely taken the baton and applied the formula to a crumbling local newspaper, The Toledo Truth Teller. Domhnall Gleeson stars as the peppy editor-in-chief trying to keep his doomed rag afloat while surrounded by misfits, cynics and burnt-out hacks. Expect belly laughs and bleakness in equal measure. Highest 2 Lowest, Apple TV+, September 5 Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunite for the first time since Inside Man (2006) and its worth the wait. Lees 25th feature is a bold reimagining of Akira Kurosawas High and Low, a crime thriller about power, class and moral compromise. Already playing in US cinemas, it lands on streaming worldwide on September 5. Task, Sky Atlantic/Now, September 8 Alison Oliver in Task Brad Ingelsby gave us one of the best dramas of recent years with Mare of Easttown, and hopefully he can work his magic again with this seven-part series from the HBO stable. Mark Ruffalo plays an FBI agent leading a team investigating violent home robberies in Philadelphia. The cast also includes Cork actress Alison Oliver. Only Murders in the Building: Season 5, Disney+, September 9 Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez return with their podcast mics and impeccable comic timing for another season of the beloved whodunnit. Season four was possibly the sharpest yet so expectations are sky high. Expect more twists, red herrings and deliciously dry one-liners from TVs unlikeliest sleuthing trio. The Late Late Show, RTE, September 12 The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty After a summer hiatus, The Late Late Show and Patrick Kielty return for a new season. The long chatshow format feels well-jaded at this stage, but hopefully the Co Down man can keep it interesting and entice enough interesting guests to go beyond the safe celebrity-speak. Black Rabbit, Netflix, September 18 Jude Law and Jason Bateman star as chalk-and-cheese brothers one a suave Manhattan bar owner, the other a reckless crook who find themselves drowning in debt and trouble. Enter (Oscar winner) Troy Kotsur as the ruthless crime boss pulling their strings. Its a pulpy, pressure-cooker thriller set in New Yorks concrete jungle and it cant be missed. Slow Horses: Season 5, Apple TV+, September 24 Gary Oldman in Slow Horses. The least glamorous spies in London are back for another round of espionage and dysfunction. Gary Oldmans gloriously dishevelled Jackson Lamb continues to lead his team of MI5 rejects through treacherous missions with plenty of dark humour. Four seasons in, this series has never missed a beat the fifth promises the same. House of Guinness, Netflix, September 25 A scene from House of Guinness. Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) turns his eye to Irelands most famous export: the Guinness dynasty. Set in 19th-century Ireland and New York, the drama unfolds in the wake of Benjamin Guinnesss death, as family rivalries, business ambitions and plenty of spilled stout shape the empires future. A frothy mix of history, scandal and the birth of the black milkshake. Graham Greene, the prolific Oscar-nominated Canadian First Nations actor and Hollywood trailblazer, has died aged 73 in a Toronto hospital after a long illness. He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed, Greenes agent, Michael Greene (no relation), told Deadline. You are finally free. Greene was born in 1952 in Ohsweken, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. He fell into acting while working as a recording engineer, after a friend persuaded him to read his script. He started on stage, performing in Canadian and English productions in the 1970s, before making his screen debut in 1979 in an episode of the Canadian drama The Great Detective. His first film role was in the 1983 biopic Running Brave. Greenes Hollywood breakthrough came when Kevin Costner cast him as real-life Lakota Sioux medicine man Kicking Bird (Zitka Nagwaka) in his Academy Award-winning 1990 western Dances with Wolves. Greenes performance landed him an Academy Award nomination and launched his Hollywood career, which included roles in Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999) and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009). Greenes performance in Dances With Wolves landed him an Academy Award nomination. Picure: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images More recently, Greene appeared in Taika Waititis FX series Reservation Dogs, HBOs dystopian series The Last Of Us and Taylor Sheridans series 1883 and Tulsa King. Prolific across his career, he worked until the end, with multiple projects yet to be released. Greene won Grammy, Gemini and Canadian Screen awards across his career and has a star on Canadas Walk of Fame. In June he received the Canadian governor generals performing arts award for lifetime achievement. Reflecting on his career in a 2024 interview for Canadas Theatre Museum, Greene said: When I first started out in the business, it was a very strange thing where theyd hand you the script where you had to speak the way they thought native people spoke. And in order to get my foot in the door a little further, I did it. I went along with it for a while You gotta look stoic. Dont smile you gotta grunt a lot. I dont know anybody who behaves like that. Native people have an incredible sense of humour. And thats what I said to Kevin [Costner]. I said, you know, the people in this film [ Dances with Wolves], in this village, they have an incredible family, incredible relationship and fun has always been part of that. Fun is 50% of how they live and enjoy things. Family is family, no matter what. Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. Chloe Malle has been named the new head of editorial content at American Vogue after Anna Wintour stepped down from her role as the day-to-day editor of the title. Wintour will remain in charge of Vogue globally and as chief content officer of the media company Conde Nast, which oversees prominent media brands including Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ. Malle, the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French film director Louis Malle, will take on her new role immediately, the magazine said. She was previously the editor of Vogue.com and co-host of The Run-Through, Vogues weekly fashion and culture podcast. She will now lead the creative and editorial direction of the title and join Vogues ten existing heads of editorial content around the world, reporting to Wintour. Malle said: Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled and awed to be part of that. I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor. Announcing the appointment, Wintour said: Fashion is the art of embracing change, but some changes run closer to ones heart than the rest. When it came to hiring someone to edit American Vogue, letting me turn my attention more intensely to Vogues multifaceted growth across its global audiences and publications and events like the Met Gala and Vogue World, I knew I had one chance to get it right. Im thrilled to announce that Chloe Malle will be the next head of editorial content for our US title, leading the American magazine and guiding its digital coverage. Shes a voracious, engaged journalist with an intuition for womens changing interests now and her eye for the definitive image is exceptional. Chloe has long been one of Vogues secret weapons when it comes to tracking fashion. But she is not so buried in the industry that she misses the world: like the best designers, she understands fashions big picture, its role shaping not just whats on the runway but the changing fabric of modern life. Although she is no stranger to the glamour of red carpets, her talent has been for original thinking and hard work. "But its not bullying is one of the most common sentences I hear in my therapy room. Usually said after a young person has just told me a disturbing account of how their peers have treated them. That clarification is important to them because they dont want me to interpret what they have said to me as bullying. The term bullying still carries a heavy stigma. To admit that you are a victim of bullying seems to be a form of harassment that few children want to own. This, unfortunately, means they are less likely to discuss what they are enduring, fearing the consequences that disclosure will bring. We have just started a new school term, so the newly published ESRI research is timely. The research, carried out in partnership with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) and based on the Growing Up in Ireland study, makes for sobering reading. It shows that, while bullying remains a widespread experience for children, many choose not to tell an adult. Its particularly likely to happen with 13-year-olds, with one in four of them staying silent. As a child psychotherapist, I am often struck by how children interpret their own experiences of bullying. Adults tend to view it as a clear-cut event, like someone being pushed in the playground or someone taking your lunch money. However, to young people today, bullying often exists in a much greyer area. For example, it can be the hurt of being excluded from a group chat. It may seem minor to the adults from the outside, but it can feel enormous when youre 13. The ESRI report highlights something I have seen in my therapeutic work: the way we inquire about bullying influences young peoples responses. When the 13-year-olds in the study were asked a question explicitly using the word bullying, only 8% said they had been bullied in the past three months. However, when the question was reformulated to list behaviours such as being hit, excluded, or called names, 62% said they had experienced at least one of these in the same period, and 37% said it occurred repeatedly. This significant gap indicates that many young people do not always recognise they have been bullied even though they feel its full impact. It suggests that such behaviour is now so common they see it as the way things are or believe that admitting they are a victim of bullying could make them seem weak. Age can make a difference. While adolescents may not want to speak up for fear of being isolated by their tribe, younger primary school children may be more likely to report overt bullying behaviour. Targets of bullying The ESRI research also confirms what many of us instinctively know: young people who have a disability, identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, and those who are overweight are more likely to be targeted. But the kind of bullying they experience is telling. It is less about physical violence and more about the social cruelties, like exclusion, ridicule, and nasty comments. For girls, this often manifests as being deliberately excluded from Snapchat groups or seeing hurtful comments about them online. These actions are usually so subtle that it can be complicated to identify them as bullying behaviours, and they are equally difficult to challenge or manage. But that shouldnt mean we stop trying to address bullying in all its forms. The pain of physical injury often fades faster than the pain of social exclusion. A bruise will heal; however, the memory of standing in a circle of friends who suddenly turn their backs on you can affect a child for years to come. Perhaps the most disturbing finding in the ESRI study is that so many children remain silent about these subtle yet damaging behaviours. Although 70% of young people who describe their experience as bullying will confide in a parent, teacher, or another adult, the percentage drops to 42% when the behaviour is described without the label. Why is this? The study findings suggest children are more likely to report when the harm is clearer, when it appears as real bullying, and when the evidence is visible. However, when it comes to exclusion, sly remarks, or being ignored all quieter forms of bullying, children often do not tell. In my therapeutic work, I will hear young people say: I didnt want to make a big deal of it; its not really bullying, its just how people are; it happens to everyone, and if I told, it would only make things worse. Colman Noctor: "Watch for quiet signs: Not all bullying leaves marks. Changes in mood, withdrawal,or reluctance to go to school,may also be indicators of something going on for your child." That last sentence is particularly concerning as it highlights that the adult world doesnt always feel like a safe place for young people to bring these worries. Unfortunately, I have numerous examples of young people who did raise their concerns to an adult, and the response was that the teacher would have a word with the class, but nothing changed. In some cases, things only got worse. One of the most significant findings from the Growing Up in Ireland data is the connection between early experiences and later outcomes. Children picked on at age nine are more likely to face bullying again at 13. And those repeated experiences carry heavy consequences. By early adolescence, the research shows, these young people have poorer wellbeing and higher depression scores. The effect is even more powerful when bullying is consistent, from the same person, or involves being socially excluded. The power of bullying often comes from its predictability, source, and social impact. Consistency matters because a one-off cruel comment can hurt, but when its persistent, it creates ongoing stress and anxiety. Who the aggressor is matters too as if its the same person, the victim may feel trapped in a power imbalance, especially if the bully has social influence or authority. Exclusion creates lasting harm, isolating the victim from potential sources of support, making them feel alone and powerless. While it can be challenging to manage the situation where a child is repeatedly bullied in different settings, there is no excuse for it continuing when the perpetrator is the same person in a school setting. Bullying a global problem Managing bullying is problematic everywhere. A notable example of the most effective measures taken to address bullying is Finland. Its KiVa programme is a national initiative designed to curb bullying through whole-school culture shifts, teacher protocols, and bystander empowerment. Strong data backs Finlands adoption, and it has been replicated in Britain, Chile, the Netherlands, and Italy. The ESRI recognises that addressing culture is key to managing the bullying problem in Irish schools. The ESRI study findings suggest, as parents and teachers, we need to: 1. Ask about experiences, not labels: Instead of are you being bullied?, try has anyone been mean to you? or do you ever feel left out at school?. These open questions help children share without having to categorise their experience; Instead of are you being bullied?, try has anyone been mean to you? or do you ever feel left out at school?. These open questions help children share without having to categorise their experience; 2. Normalise talking about feelings: Children who believe that sadness, anger, and upset are acceptable emotions are more likely to express them. If we only promote positive thinking, they may learn to conceal the painful feelings; Children who believe that sadness, anger, and upset are acceptable emotions are more likely to express them. If we only promote positive thinking, they may learn to conceal the painful feelings; 3. Dont minimise: Even if what they describe seems minor to you, resist the urge to say thats just part of growing up. To your child, it might feel huge. The quickest way to shut down a conversation is to make them feel silly for raising it; Even if what they describe seems minor to you, resist the urge to say thats just part of growing up. To your child, it might feel huge. The quickest way to shut down a conversation is to make them feel silly for raising it; 4. Watch for quiet signs: Not all bullying leaves marks. Changes in mood, withdrawal, or reluctance to go to school, may also be indicators of something going on for your child. While parents play a key role, bullying isnt something families should handle alone. Schools, peer groups, and communities, all influence how bullying is defined and addressed. The fact that many young people dont recognise exclusion as bullying highlights how much we need to expand the conversation. School leaders and teachers often ask me how they can foster environments where students feel safe to speak out. My advice remains the same: its less about having the perfect anti-bullying policy on paper and more about the culture children experience daily. Do students feel heard? Do they see adults taking concerns seriously? Do they know that cruelty will be challenged, not ignored? The ESRIs findings are both sobering and instructive. They remind us that bullying is not always a dramatic confrontation in the schoolyard. More often, its the subtle exclusions, the whispered comments, the Snapchat messages that vanish but leave their sting behind. For parents, the challenge is to notice what is often invisible and to invite their children to share the feelings they might otherwise keep hidden. We may not be able to prevent every cruel word or unkind act, but by building trust, asking the right questions, and taking their experiences seriously, we can make sure our children never feel alone in carrying them. Remember, bullying does its worst damage when it remains silent. It is only when we can persistently , gently, and compassionately break that silence that healing can begin. Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist In Ireland, one in 80 pregnancies is ectopic (750-800 each year). Ectopic pregnancies are often grouped with miscarriages, but the experience can be dramatically different, and sometimes life-threatening. An ectopic is a pregnancy that develops outside of the womb, most usually in one of a womans fallopian tubes. It cannot develop into a viable pregnancy and is considered a form of pregnancy loss, says Keelin ODonoghue, clinical lead for obstetric research in the INFANT centre, and head of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PRLG). Ectopic pregnancy is dangerous, because the fallopian tube can only expand so much before it ruptures as the pregnancy grows. A rupture can lead to intense abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening internal bleeding, says Prof ODonoghue. There is no one particular risk factor. Anyone who can get pregnant can have an ectopic pregnancy, but people who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy are at a higher risk of having a second. To raise awareness of ectopic pregnancy and establish national guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and support, the PLRG, in association with Ectopic Pregnancy Ireland and the HSE, has released a booklet that is available online and will be distributed to maternity hospitals across the country in September. Our aim is to address the lack of accessible, reliable information and support for people who experience ectopic pregnancy, says Oana Marian, PhD and researcher with the PLRG. During our research, we heard from many individuals who said they received little to no information or support after their diagnosis and treatment, and this led to feelings of anger and isolation. What were trying to do is break the stigma around pregnancy loss, provide meaningful and impactful information, and ensure that people know where to find trusted resources. Crucially, the booklet also contains quotes from women who have experienced ectopic pregnancy, so we hear their first-hand accounts. The symptoms In January 2021, Laura Guild had an ectopic pregnancy. She was using an intrauterine device (IUD), but was due to have it removed in the months ahead. During those last few months, my period was irregular. This meant I wasnt as clear with my periods as I would have normally been. Guild missed a period in November, but got a negative pregnancy test. Then, I bled for the whole month of December. At the time, I put it down to issues with the coil, until January 2, 2021, when the pain and cramping became unbearable; I could barely stand. The signs of an ectopic pregnancy can vary, but they will typically start two weeks after a missed period. They may include lower abdominal pain (maybe affecting one side), unusual bleeding that may differ in colour and intensity, and shoulder tip pain that does not go away after taking painkillers, though this latter could be a sign of internal bleeding. Guild says: When my partner came home, he took one look at me and insisted we ring KDoc [emergency out-of-hours care]. At that stage, I was aware of ectopic pregnancies, but didnt think there was any chance I was experiencing one, because of the negative pregnancy test. A subsequent pregnancy test at KDoc pointed more resolutely towards an ectopic pregnancy. The doctor explained to Guild that it was a positive, but a weak positive. During an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor said that the pregnancy hormone (hCG) tends to be weaker than in a typical pregnancy. Keelin ODonoghue, clinical lead for obstetric research in the INFANT centre, and head of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PRLG). At Portlaoise Hospital, it was confirmed she was having an ectopic pregnancy and that the embryo was in her fallopian tube. The nurse said We have a positive pregnancy test, but an empty womb. Once she said those words, thats when it really hit me. The most common surgical approach to an ectopic pregnancy is a salpingectomy, where the fallopian tube is removed along with the embryo. Surgery is not the only option: Conservative management, where hCG levels are monitored until they return to non-pregnant levels, can be used in the case of early detection. In this case, the ectopic pregnancy resolves itself. Medical management is a methotrexate injection, which stops the pregnancy from growing; this can be used if no heartbeat is detected and hCG remains at a specific low level. Guild was told she required emergency surgery. She remembers having to sign a form that gave the surgeon permission to remove her embryo. That was the hardest part, because it was basically giving permission for them to take my baby. I know I had no choice, because it was life or death, but I was distraught. After the surgery, Guild was put in a maternity ward with new mums and their babies. I was doubled over with pain, but I was also so angry at the situation, she recalls. In time, my physical pain healed, but I struggled mentally and was referred to a bereavement counsellor. Now the mother of a 13-month-old boy, Guild recalls being incredibly anxious during her successful pregnancy: Because Id had an ectopic pregnancy, I had an early scan, which showed that everything was where it should be. But every twinge, every scan, every spot of blood, I was terrified. That mental side of it stays with you for ever. Blood spotting Francesca Paradisi had two ectopic pregnancies, one in 2008 and one in 2009. At the time, Paradisi, now 51, was also dealing with fertility issues and was doing IVF: IVF is very well controlled, so there is no uncertainty of when conception might have happened: You know exactly when. Two weeks after the embryo transfer, Paradisi did a home pregnancy test and got a positive result. At the clinic, they checked her hCG levels and confirmed the pregnancy. A week later, Paradisi started experiencing some spotting. I was a little worried, but the clinic told me that it was normal and not to worry. But the spotting continued on and off for the next week, and another hCG test revealed a still-low level. Typically, in early pregnancy, a womans hCG levels will double every 48 hours during the first few weeks, and this is generally a sign of a healthy intrauterine pregnancy. Although Paradisi wasnt feeling well physically, she wasnt in massive pain, nothing that would suggest she required emergency surgery. But a sudden shift in her hCG levels led the doctor at her clinic to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, and insist Paradisi go directly to hospital for emergency surgery. She had keyhole surgery to remove the embryo and her fallopian tube. I recovered well after the first ectopic. I stayed overnight, but felt physically fine and mentally OK. Im a scientist, so I was able to rationalise what happened. For most people, an ectopic pregnancy happens just once. Most will have a healthy pregnancy in the future, even if they have had one fallopian tube removed, says ODonoghue. A year later, after another round of IVF, Paradisi experienced a second ectopic pregnancy. Despite initial strong hCG levels, the spotting began again and her hCG levels became erratic. A transvaginal scan at her clinic showed the embryo was not in her uterus, but in her remaining fallopian tube. Once again, Paradisi had to have emergency surgery. I just couldnt believe it happened a second time, says Paradisi. I found it much harder to process it, and I felt like I needed something positive to come from the experience. That was when Paradisi was introduced to Susanne Brodigan, who herself experienced three ectopic pregnancies and went on to set up Ectopic Ireland. Suddenly, I didnt feel alone anymore. At the time, I didnt know anyone else who had gone through an ectopic pregnancy, so it was a very lonely time before I became involved with EP Ireland. Both Guild and Paradisi continue to work with Ectopic Pregnancy Ireland, which offers information and support to women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy. This support is all the more resonant as it comes from women who themselves have experienced an ectopic pregnancy. Giving back to the people who supported his sister as she bravely fought cancer aged just four had been Jack McGonigles dream for a long time. Now, the 17-year-old, whose younger sister Katie Mai is in remission from leukaemia, is doing just that as he trains to become a camp leader at Barretstown. He and mum Kay, dad Shane and 15-year-old brother Charlie had their world shattered nine years ago. They had no idea then that Katies battle would lead to some of their greatest experiences together as a family. Kay says they feel lucky to have been among the 125,000 campers who have benefitted from Barretstown over the years. Founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994, the custom-built childrens paradise was inspired by the Hole in the Wall Camps in the US which also offer retreats for seriously ill children. Kay, who lives in Tipperary, said the family will give back to Barretstown for as long as they can. My son Jack is training to be a camp leader and will be volunteering at Barretstown soon," she said. "My other son Charlie isnt old enough yet, but he has promised to volunteer as soon as he is old enough. Katie Mai continues to go to the camps every year. She recently came back from a trip to the Hole in the Wall camp in Connecticut for a week. "They brought 10 kids there who were ill. Everything was paid for from her flights to accommodation. Barretstown have done so much for us over the years. Katie Mai is so confident as a result. Shes really into music and sport. She knows shes lucky to be alive. Kays first introduction to Barretstown was during a visit to Crumlin Childrens Hospital with Katie Mai. There were activity leaders who came to the hospital as part of an outreach programme. They do that on a regular basis. She explained to me about what Barretstown was about. The period leading up to that point had been steeped in anxiety and hopelessness for Kay and her husband Shane. Katie Mais diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia came as a huge shock to us. "The day before her diagnosis she was jumping around outside in a muddy puddle. I still have the photographs to prove it. However, I noticed there were bruises on her legs from her knees down to her ankles. My husband told me not to worry, that she was just a little tom boy. "I guess it was a mothers intuition. I cant describe the pain after the two consultants and a nurse came into the room to tell us that our daughter had cancer. Its the most devastating news that any parent could ever imagine. Barretstown helped them through the gruelling two and a half years of Katie Mais treatment. It gives children the opportunity to do all kinds of things, including arts and crafts and archery, even when theyre sick. I mean it when I say that Barretstown held us together as a family. She also lauded their medical facilities. They address the psychological and emotional needs of all sick children. There is even a medical shed. "Katie was on a low form of chemo and they were able to administer it at the camp. If she had a high temperature in the middle of the night they would look after it and it would be their call to send her to Crumlin. The nurses are very much aware of all the different illnesses. Kay is urging people to donate to the charity so that as many families as possible can benefit from its services. With just 4% government funding, the charity requires 10 million each year to keep its operations going. We have so much fun every time we go there. It's a magical place where people dance around the table before their meals arrive. Anyone with a seriously ill child needs to avail of the happiness thats there. To donate to the organisation visit barretstown.org. Former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin has received the backing of all of Fianna Fails senior ministers, as the internal contest for partys presidential nomination heats up. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his senior ministers were lined up to publicly throw their support behind Mr Gavin in what Cork TD Padraig OSullivan deemed a co-ordinated effort to end the contest before it had officially begun. While the process was announced on Monday, Mr OSullivan said that for some people it seemed to have begun last week, but he added: Thankfully, some other people have respected the process. Mr Gavin has more than 20 public endorsements, including all eight senior Fianna Fail cabinet ministers. There are only a handful of public declarations for his opponent, MEP Billy Kelleher. However, a number of TDs indicated they would be backing the Cork politician, but would not be doing so publicly. If theyre not backing Jim, theyll say nothing, one supporter of Mr Kelleher said. Another TD felt things are not looking good for Mr Kelleher, but others have said the private ballot could work in his favour as he is well thought of within the party and there is a certain amount of loyalty to him. One week out from the party vote, the number of private commitments to back Mr Kelleher is believed to make for a competitive contest. However, for those who remain undecided, there is a perceived pressure from the party leadership to publicly throw support behind the Taoiseachs pick. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his senior ministers were lined up to publicly throw their support behind Jim Gavin for the Fianna Fail nomination. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins The partys process itself has come in for criticism as councillors are not included in the vote and members of the parliamentary party will have little time to meet and question either candidate ahead of next weeks vote. It is understood that Mr Gavin has begun meeting with TDs and Senators but given the short timeframe, there will be members who will meet the GAA legend for the first time at the convention to cast their vote. The lack of transparency around the process that led Mr Martin to select Mr Gavin and the absence of an open call for expressions of interest has led to a level of frustration among party members. The process itself will require any prospective candidate to receive five nominations from the parliamentary party by Friday. A vote will then be held next Tuesday to select the candidate. In an unusual twist, human rights activist and musician Bob Geldof held a phone conversation with Mr Martin over the presidency, after contact was made to the Taoiseachs office on behalf of the singer. The Taoiseach rang him on Friday as a courtesy and they had a very serious and good engagement regarding the presidency, a spokesperson for Mr Martin said. The Taoiseach told Mr Geldof that he was not in a position to nominate him and that he had made a commitment to Jim Gavin. One TD hit out at the Taoiseach for not providing a courtesy call to either Bertie Ahern or Mary Hanafin over their aspirations for the presidency. He [Mr Martin] rang Bob Geldof, no problem, but he wouldnt ring back Bertie or Mary. Where is the courtesy for Bertie or Mary? asked the TD. Gardai investigating the suspicious disappearance of a young boy last seen five years ago have begun searching an area of open ground off the Portrane Road on the outskirts of Donabate village in Dublin. Gardai are continuing to conduct extensive inquiries to determine what exactly happened to the child, but they believe he is deceased. Tusla, the child and family agency, has confirmed that it notified gardai last Friday about its concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the boy. A case conference on the missing child is to be held by gardai this afternoon. The case has been given the resources of a murder investigation but it is still unclear whether the child, who is presumed dead, was the victim of homicide or suffered an accidental death. A search on the overgrown waste ground is expected to take some days. 'Macabre coincidence' The contact was made exactly a year after gardai received a similar report about the disappearance of a child, Kyran Durnin, aged 6, in Louth. A garda source said the similarities between the two cases is a macabre coincidence. The Dublin case relates to a boy who had been living in Donabate but has not been seen since he was around three and a half years old. There are no records of the child having started school. The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate in Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy, who would now be seven years of age, if alive. New Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said gardai have been unable to identify any information on his current whereabouts or evidence as to whether he is alive. Tragically, investigating gardai believe the boy is deceased," Mr Kelly said. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Kelly also appealed for anyone with information on the missing boy to contact investigating gardai. It is understood the case was brought to the attention of gardai after an application was made for social welfare in respect of the child. Although gardai are not releasing any details about the family involved, it is understood the mother has spoken to gardai in recent days. Gardai in north Dublin began inquiries and an apartment in the Portrane area of north Dublin was searched and technically examined on Saturday. On Monday, gardai said they "took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, Co Dublin" which will be the subject of a search over the coming days. The Garda investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Swords Garda Station. It is understood that a number of allegations about what happened to the child, that differ with each other, have been made to gardai in the last three days. Gardai are examining each of them in a bid to establish what has happened in the case. The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate in Dublin. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin. Sources have described the case as convoluted but gardai are continuing to carry out inquiries. They are hoping to pin down an accurate timeframe of the childs whereabouts over the years and who both family members and state officials had dealings with the child. This includes speaking to relatives, neighbours, and other locals. Gardai are also checking with local playschools and schools as well as GPs to gather information. A source said: "Our belief would be that the child is deceased. How that has happened is still to be determined. It is scarily similar to the Kyran Durnin case." Garda sources say there are no concerns about other children in relation to the Dublin case. House to house enquiries are being conducted in the Donabate area to enable gardai to build a timeline of when exactly the child was last seen. No arrests have yet been made as part of the ongoing garda investigation. 'Horrifying and heartbreaking' The Childrens Rapporteur, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, has described the case of the missing child in north county Dublin as horrifying and heartbreaking. I very much understand the public concern that I'm seeing about how this could happen with a three and a half year old child. And you often hear that phrase it takes a village to raise a child but there's also that real question about us needing to have a village, to watch out for children so we spot when things go wrong, she told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne show. However, Ms Gallagher said it was encouraging that the case was progressing swiftly. A key question, she said, was whether the child had previously been known to authorities. She acknowledged that the disappearance of a child would not have been apparent during Covid lockdowns. Did this child have a social worker? Had there been any previous references of concern to the Gardai and so on? And there's nothing whatsoever to indicate at the moment that this child was on the radar of any authorities. So from what we know, It sounds as if when Tusla learned of the concerns after the social welfare claims, they responded quickly, they raised questions with the Gardai. Gardai have acted quickly and things are in process." Although the case was "horrifying and heartbreaking," she said current information did not suggest the same failures in institutional responses as in the "horrendous" case of Kyran Durnin. I'm obviously extremely concerned by what I've heard about this child and my heart goes out to this child's loved ones. "I think there are real questions about whether at any stage, including preschoolers, but also including children who are post compulsory school age, whether we need to have better systems in place for ensuring that vulnerable children, children who may be at risk, are on the radar. Minister for children Norma Foley said she is "deeply concerned about the child at the centre of the Dublin investigation. She said she has been briefed by officials and has spoken to Tusla chief executive Kate Duggan, in relation to the case. The boy is among more than 140 children currently missing in Ireland, according to garda missing person reports and Interpol Yellow Notice lists. An Irish Examiner study of reports of missing children in January found that there were 137 cases of people who had gone missing as children. Since January, four have been found. However, on Monday evening, there are 145 such cases, including those of the Donabate boy and Kyran Durnin. Kyran, who would be nine this year, is believed to have been murdered, with the last known images of him taken in June 2022. On Friday, gardai made a fresh appeal for information about the whereabouts of the Louth boy, as efforts have so far failed to establish what happened to him. A man and a woman were arrested as part of the garda investigation but nobody has been charged in connection with the case. An Irish bar in Dubai has entered the record books after being officially named the world's largest. Following the opening of its new extension on Tuesday, McCafferty's in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai was certified as the world's largest Irish pub by Guinness World Records. After a year-long transformation, McCafferty's now measures around 32,000 sq ft. Its space atop Dubai's Circle Mall includes bar signs shipped from Ireland, old Irish phone boxes, antique Massey Ferguson tractors, indoor and outdoor music stages, a vast outdoor events terrace, pool and table tennis tables, an enormous state-of-the-art LED screen for sports, and enough bar space for 148 beer taps. McCafferty's, which owns and operates 18 pubs worldwide including four others in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) describes its JVC branch as a venue that "blends Irish culture for ceoil agus craic with Dubais unstoppable appetite for doing everything bigger, bolder and better." Emma Brain, Guinness World Record Adjudicator, Dayalan Nayager, President Europe, Middle East & Global Chief Commercial Officer, Michael McBrearty, the Chief Operating Officer of McCaffertys, Antoinette Drumm, Managing Director MENA, together with and Diageos Chairman of the Board, John Manzoni David Beattie General Manager - Sales, UAE On-trade at the opening of McCaffertys Irish Bar in Dubai. Speaking at the Guinness World Records award ceremony on Tuesday, McCafferty's COO Michael McBrearty said: "Being recognised by the Guinness World Book of Records as being the biggest Irish bar in the world is indeed very special." Mr McBrearty said the honour represented a "milestone in the vision we had for McCaffertys in Dubai." "Weve built a space with Dubai Holdings that honours tradition, welcomes community, and sparks even more curiosity for tourism in Dubai," he said. Also speaking at the ceremony, Diageo's MENA managing director, Antoinette Drumm, said Guinness "has always been about bringing people together, and theres something truly magical about seeing that spirit celebrated on such a big scale". She said McCaffertys in Dubai raises the bar and reflects Dubai's "unstoppable spirit, a place that never stops reaching new heights and setting new records." "We couldnt be happier to have the worlds largest Irish bar serving the worlds most iconic stout," she added. Tusla, the child and family agency, has confirmed that it had previous dealings with a boy who is missing from Co Dublin and is now presumed dead. In a statement, Tusla said that at the request of the family, "our services had previous engagement with this child and their family, and these services ceased in 2020". Gardai have been investigating the disappearance of the young boy who was last seen four years ago. They have been unable to find him or uncover any evidence that he is still alive. On Tuesday evening, Tusla said that since 2020, no new referral or information of concern was received about this child until August 2025. "On foot of this we contacted An Garda Siochana with our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the child." The statement added: "As is normal process, where there is a serious incident or death involving a child open to, or previously known to our service, we conduct a review of our engagement and that review is sent to the National Review Panel. "While this is being completed, the priority must be on allowing An Garda Siochana to complete their investigations, without doing anything to interfere with that, and with that in mind, we will not be providing further detail on our involvement with the child and their family at this time." Earlier, new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said gardai in Swords are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the boys disappearance. Tragically, investigating gardai believe the boy is deceased, Mr Kelly said. Commissioner Kelly also said that while progress is slow in the investigation into missing child Kyran Durnin in Co Louth, gardai were working every line of inquiry. He said that the smallest piece of information could be hugely significant in the investigation. He said that whenever people withhold information in a case it makes it difficult for gardai to investigate. On Monday, gardai sealed off open ground in Donabate, Co Dublin, which will be searched in the coming days, Mr Kelly confirmed. A senior investigating officer has been appointed. And all necessary expertise and resources are being provided to the investigation." He appealed for anyone with information to contact gardai. Concerns for the boy were raised by Tusla and reported to gardai on Friday. A garda statement said: The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy, who would now be seven years of age." The case emerged exactly a year after gardai received a similar report about the disappearance of a six-year-old child, Kyran Durnin, in Louth. A garda source described the parallels between the two cases as a macabre coincidence. The Dublin case relates to a boy who lived in Donabate but has not been seen since he was around three and a half years old. Gardai on an area of open ground in Donabate, Co Dublin during a search for a boy who has not been seen for several years and is feared dead. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire There are no records of him starting school. He would be approximately seven years old now, if alive. The case was brought to gardai after an application was made for social welfare in respect of the child. Although gardai have not released details about the family involved, it is understood the mother has spoken to investigators in recent days. North Dublin gardai began inquiries with a search and technical examination of an apartment in the Portrane area on Saturday. Several other locations are also being searched. Multiple allegations about what happened to the child have been made in the last three days, but they differ from one another. Gardai are examining each claim to establish the truth. Sources described the case as convoluted, but gardai continue to pursue all lines of inquiry. They are trying to establish a clear timeline of the childs whereabouts and identify both family members and state officials who had contact with him. This includes speaking to relatives, neighbours, and locals, as well as checking with play schools, schools, and GPs. A source said: Our belief would be that the child is deceased. How that has happened is still to be determined. "It is scarily similar to the Kyran Durnin case." 'Everybody's devastated' Labour councillor Corina Johnston, who lives in Donabate, said children walked past the major garda search operation on their way to school on Tuesday. Some families have asked about counselling to help their children process the news, she added. The area that has been cordoned off is quite close to some of the local schools, she said. So a lot of young children going to school this morning asked their mums and dads what was going on. Its horrific. They're difficult questions for parents to answer, particularly for very small children. Everybody's devastated. Theres a sense of shock, disbelief that this has happened. We're a very tight-knit community here in Donabate. Residents of The Gallery Apartments, where the boy was last known to have lived, are particularly traumatised, she said. People are very upset. They just keep asking, 'How did this happen?' It's just dreadful. This is a fairly quiet area, the population has been growing but its still a small town. Nobody could ever think this could happen on your own doorstep. Everybody knows everybody in Donabate, and that's adding to the upset. The main concern is for the child and how did this happen? There are questions that will have to be answered, but thats for another day. At the moment its quite raw. Ms Johnston urged anyone with information to contact gardai. A laser was shone from the balcony of an apartment into the cockpit of a helicopter which was involved in a search of the River Lee for a missing person causing the rescue helicopter to have to stand down from its activities on two separate occasions. These were the allegations made on Monday in the case against a man, aged around 40, at Cork District Court. Judge Mary Dorgan said the case was too serious to be dealt with at district court level. The DPP indicated that it could be dealt with at this court, but Judge Dorgan refused to accept jurisdiction. It is far too serious. The fact that a helicopter was looking for a missing person and I must also take into consideration that it happened twice and that it is alleged that the helicopter had to be stood down apart altogether from the safety of the helicopter, Judge Dorgan said. Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the allegations in the case against Daniel Kazirodek of apartment at 29/30 Lower John Street, Cork. Sergeant John Kelleher said that after midnight on October 18, 2023, a missing person search was being conducted in the River Lee. During this search a request was made of the Irish coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 to assist in the search from Waterford. At approximately 00.15 the crew of 117 reported a green laser being pointed into the cockpit of the helicopter and the search operations had to be suspended. At approximately 1.55am the crew in Rescue 117 reported a second laser strike in the helicopter. The camera operative had observed a male standing on a balcony shining the laser at the aircraft. Search operations were again suspended and gardai were guided to the location of the laser. With the assistance of the Irish coastguard the address of a second floor apartment with a balcony at 29/30 Lower John Street was identified. Gardai were invited into the address by Mr Kazirodek who was highly intoxicated. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for his apartment and it was subsequently searched. He handed Sergeant Colin Dowling a box containing a number of different attachments for a laser. He said he discarded the actual laser by throwing it into a nearby factory." Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan represented the accused man. Now that the case is to proceed by indictment the DPP will have to give further directions and the case was adjourned until November 24. The charge under the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014 states that on October 17, 2023, at Lower John Street, Cork, the accused man did deliberately and recklessly shine a laser in the direction of an Irish Coast Guard Aircraft so that the light may dazzle, distract or confuse the pilot or person in the performance of their duties. A verdict of suicide has been recorded into the death of a former scout leader who was killed in a crash in South Dublin in 2024, a day before he was due to stand trial on multiple charges of raping and sexually assaulting young boys several decades ago. Neville Kearns, 69, of Edenvale Apartments, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, suffered fatal injuries when the Toyota Hiace van he was driving crashed into a tree on Churchtown Rd Upper, Dundrum, at around 6.15am on April 7, 2024. Coroner Clare Keane returned a verdict of death by suicide at an inquest into the death of Mr Kearns at Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday, after hearing evidence that the collision was due to the result of "driver input". The inquest heard the scene of the crash was a location of significance to Mr Kearns, as it was outside an apartment complex which was previously the site of a former scout den. Detective Sergeant Barry OConnor gave evidence of formally identifying Mr Kearnss body at the mortuary of St Colmcilles Hospital in Loughlinstown, Dublin. He told the coroner that he knew the deceased from significant interactions he had with him prior to his death. Detective Sergeant Barry OConnor. Picture: Collins Courts Depositions Vehicle inspector Garda David OBrien, who examined the 02-reg Toyota Hiace owned by Mr Kearns, provided a deposition in which he concluded that the vehicles tyres were in good condition with no faults detected with its brakes. Garda OBrien said the seat belt had not been in use. Forensic collision investigator Garda John Culleton said the van had crossed the wrong side of the road before impacting with the tree, and it ended up in a perpendicular direction across the carriageway. Garda Culleton said the crash had occurred on a straight road in daylight with dry road conditions and weather. He said there were no signs of braking on the road surface, and the damage to the vehicle was concentrated on the drivers side. The inquest heard the only causal factor to explain why the vehicle swerved into the tree in the absence of a mechanical fault was driver input. Mr Culleton explained that it would be due to either a medical issue or a deliberate action. A paramedic with Dublin Fire Brigade, Peter Allen, said he noted that the deceaseds chest had collapsed and he had multiple fractures to his face after he was extracted from the vehicle. Mr Allen pronounced Mr Kearns dead at the scene of the collision at 6.34am. Sergeant Robert Scott told the coroner that he had formed the view from his investigation into the circumstances of the crash that Mr Kearns had been trying to get his affairs in order. Mr Scott said the deceaseds last will and testament had been left in a position immediately visible on a table when entering his camper van. Garda John Culleton. Picture: Collins Courts 'I must bring closure' He said there was also a letter in which Mr Kearns stated: Im so very tired of it all. I must bring closure to it all. Mr Scott explained to the coroner that there had been an active investigation ongoing at the time into Mr Kearns, and that he was due to face trial the following morning with over 100 charges pending. He confirmed that Mr Kearns had no criminal convictions at the time of his death. Mr Scott said other documents were found which showed that the deceased had paid for his funeral around the time that he had first been contacted by gardai in 2020. Mr Kearnss niece, Biba van Belle, told the coroner that she had not spoken to her uncle for over 20 years, but had contacted gardai after she found a letter among a pile of documents while clearing out his belongings in a garage. Ms van Belle said her uncle had been living in a camper van at the Edenvale apartment complex, where he acted as a caretaker. She said the letter outlined what should happen in relation to the repair and administration of his camper van. Biba Van Belle. Picture: Collins Courts An associate of Mr Kearns, Norman Gray, gave evidence that he had been contacted by the deceased on the day before the crash to pass on a set of keys for a property in Wexford to another mutual associate, George Milligan. Mr Gray said he thought it was funny as Mr Kearns only lived a few minutes away from Mr Milligan, but he did not sense there was anything out of order. The inquest heard that both he and Mr Milligan went to gardai after Mr Kearns failed to show up the following day when they all had arranged to meet at a cafe in Rathfarnham. Mr Gray explained they were concerned about him, as it was completely out of character for Mr Kearns not to show up to an appointment, as he was like a military man in terms of time. In reply to questions from the coroner, Mr Gray said he had last seen Mr Kearns about a week earlier when there was nothing to indicate he had any worries or issues. He added that Mr Kearns had looked more worried a few years earlier after the death of his dog. Dr Keane said an autopsy showed the deceased had died as a result of multiple thoracic and musculoskeletal injuries consistent with a road traffic crash, while there was no evidence of any alcohol or drugs in his body. Central Criminal Court trial Mr Kearns was due to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on the day after the fatal crash, where he was facing 113 counts including charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault of five male victims in the 1980s and 1990s. The deceased, who was set to mark his 70th birthday a week later, had denied all the allegations during interviews with gardai. When the case was listed for hearing, counsel for the DPP told the trial judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, that a nolle prosequi was being entered due to the death of the accused. In an article in The Irish Times earlier this year, three of Mr Kearnss victims described how they were targeted and groomed by Mr Kearns who assaulted them on camping trips as well as in their houses and his own family home. The deceased, who was a former member of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and who worked as a house master at St Josephs School for Deaf Boys in Cabra, established an independent youth group that was not linked to any scouting organisation. Scouting Ireland claimed its records indicated that Mr Kearns ceased to be a member of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland in 1976. Mr Kearns was described by one of his victims as very charismatic, attractive, friendly. The first formal complaint to gardai about Mr Kearns was made in May 2019. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. Q: Why is the United States afraid of China and promotes the China threat theory? A: Because China does not fear the US, that constitutes a threat to the US hegemony based on the Western political culture. The US views itself as the City on the Hill, the chosen, and the ruler of the world. This is the hegemonic psyche of the Christian civilization. According to the Bibble, God rules the universe. But God is intangible. So the real ruler is the chosen. The ruler, in this case, the USA, is like God, must be feared. Bibble provides the model of how the world should be ruled: that is, people should fear God. God can be angry, and the anger has a catastrophic consequence, such as a flood, a plague, killing all the firstborn, annihilating the whole city or nation, etc. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli is a must-read for students in political science. It is one of the foundational works of the Western political culture. Machiavelli said in The Prince that the ruler must be feared. So if China does not fear the US, the US feels threatened. The US considers Chinas not fearing a threat to its hegemonic power. So it is doing all the nasty things to China. China promotes a relationship based on mutual respect, and the US never accepts this idea. What the US wants is not mutual respect. The US is reluctant to respect China. What the US wants is for China to fear the US. If the US respects China, how can China fear the US? Thats why the US feels threatened by every country, because no country would like to live in fear. Living in fear is not a happy life. But if you are not living in fear of the US, then you are a threat to the US hegemony. Iraq used to be an ally of the US. Iraq gradually liked the alliance and felt no fear of the US. Then the US invaded Iraq. Gaddafi made friends with the West and did almost everything the US wanted him to do. Gradually, Gaddafi felt the friendship and had no fear, then NATO bombed Libya. Russia followed every step the West taught it to do, privatized all the assets, and adopted the Western market economy and election democracy. Russia felt so warm that it suggested multiple times to join Europe economically and politically, but there was one problem: Russia does not fear the US. The Western political culture based on fear is problematic. People should not live in fear. When fear becomes the political doctrine, Western civilization will decay because no one would like to live in fear. Chinas GDP per capita is still very low, yet its life expectancy is relatively high, higher than the US. Chinese in China live without fear. A life without fear is happier than living in fear. We are all human beings. We should not fear each other. Making the world fear one country is morally wrong, but it is the doctrine of the Western political culture. China does not threaten other nations or people. Chinese political culture is based on Confucianism. Confusus did not think the ruled should fear the ruler. Confusus believes that rulers should do what the people like, not to make people fear. Chinese gods never resort to violence, never get angry, and never create disasters to punish people. Chinese political culture is different from the West. Fear has no position in Chinas political culture. Thats why China is building a harmonious society where no one fears others. China promotes the vision of a shared future for mankind, envisioning a future where no one fears others. China does not threaten other nations. The China threat is the perception of the West that wants others to fear it. An alliance of Cork City Council councillors has called for senior Uisce Eireann officials to explain why water discolouration and other issues remain unresolved. They want to know when the problems will be fixed and are demanding better communication with the utility so they can update frustrated residents. They say the situation, worsened since a new water treatment plant on Lee Road was commissioned three years ago, is causing suspicion and friction where it doesn't need to be. They also want utility officials, who are currently running a flushing, pipe replacement, and mains repair programme to address discolouration, held accountable for poor performance. The call comes from the Progressive Alliance in City Hall, made up of the Labour Party, the Green Party, and the Social Democrats. Labour Party Councillor Peter Horgan said: Residents in my ward have been subjected to significant issues regarding pumphouse failures and vague responses on timelines for repair and responsibility. That and the continuing uncertainty on the future of who is responsible for what in our water and wastewater future needs to be communicated once and for all and budget lines adopted for the same. Having such a meeting, in public, with senior Uisce Eireann management, is critical to what we have asked for. Green Party Councillor Oliver Moran said: "Residents continue to face issues with discoloured water. As a local authority, we need assurance about the delivery of water services for housing. The current arrangements, where water services are severed from local government, is creating information gaps, suspicion, and friction where it doesn't need to be. "What we want is a collaborative approach with Uisce Eireann assuring residents about the discoloration and other issues. We also need them to implement measures to prevent it repeating, and establish communication channels and accountability measures to keep the public informed of progress, as well as any challenges." Social Democrats Councillor Niamh OConnor said: Access to clean and reliable drinking water is one of the most basic amenities people in this city should be able to rely on. At the moment there is a lot of uncertainty in relation to water quality and various other issues in the City and we are looking for a public meeting so that people can get some clarity. A Cork City Council councillor has called for a publicly funded childcare model, based on existing services, to be piloted in the city to address a "perfect storm brewing in childcare. Ciara OConnor says the dire shortage of pre-school and early years cover for working parents shows a desperate need for State intervention. The South West Ward Labour councillor is seeking city council support for a new model that the government could trial in Cork. Her call, due before the councils Community Committee meeting later this month, follows the decision of an increasing number of childcare providers around the country to withdraw from the governments core funding grant. Introduced in 2022, the grant supports early learning and childcare (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) providers with operating costs. It is funded directly to providers as supply-side funding. While designed to improve affordability for families and enhance quality, the scheme requires participating childcare providers to freeze fees charged to parents. However, core funding has not kept pace with rising costs. As a result, some providers have left the scheme and increased fees to cover basic expenses. In fairness to the government, they have addressed issues around funding for parents and helping them to afford childcare services, Ms OConnor, a former early years professional and preschool manager, said. But the issue is increasingly not so much an issue around funding for parents, although this is a major issue. Instead, the biggest single issue around childcare provision is its availability. She warned that rising fees among providers who left the core funding scheme, coupled with population growth and limited provision, is creating a perfect storm on the near horizon." We need to think outside the box and we need to act fast, she said. I know of places where parents are crying down the phone with frustration at not being able to get someone where to mind their child. That has a huge knock-on effect in so many ways, not least the labour market." Ms O'Connor continued: The housing crisis is bad enough but if once you manage to get accommodation, you then face the dire challenge of finding childcare services, it just becomes too hard to live and work in the city. We are facing a perfect storm in the country, it is on the near horizon. The time is right for blue sky thinking to solve the problem with a publicly funded model. She added: I know from informal talks I have had with the council, they would be in favour of being involved to some degree, but only if there was funding from central government. I believe there is a case to be made. The first step should be a full audit of childcare service provision in Cork city: what is the current situation, what do we need and what will it cost. Going hand in hand with that, there also needs to be a look into the economic impact of people who cant join the labour market because they cant get childcare. She believes a publicly funded scheme should build on existing supports under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The ECCE programme provides free early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age for three hours a day, five days a week, for 38 weeks a year, with the first 15 hours each week free under ECCE. The NCS provides financial support to help families with early learning and childcare costs. It offers two types of subsidies for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. One is a universal subsidy, not means-tested, providing 2.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week. The other is an income-assessed subsidy, means-tested and calculated based on a familys individual circumstances. I dont yet know why Israel moved the management of its bonds from Ireland to Luxembourg. I hope its because our Central Bank found the spine to say no. Before Brexit, Israel used the services of the Bank of England to authorise its bond sales in Europe one of its primary ways of raising money for its war aims and military campaigns. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is heading to Beijing by train on Tuesday to attend a military parade with his Chinese and Russian counterparts. The event could potentially demonstrate three-way unity against the United States. Mr Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the 26 world leaders who will join Chinese President Xi Jinping to watch Wednesdays massive military parade in Beijing that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and Chinas fight against Japans wartime aggression. It is set to be Mr Kims first time attending a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, and the first time the three leaders have gathered at the same venue. None of the three countries have confirmed a private trilateral leaders meeting. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a missile research institute (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) The Norths official Korean Central News Agency reported early on Tuesday that Mr Kim left Pyongyang for Beijing by his special train on Monday to participate in the celebrations. KCNA, citing Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il, said that he was travelling with top officials including foreign minister Choe Son Hui. In a closed-door briefing to lawmakers, South Koreas National Intelligence Service said Mr Kims train entered China early on Tuesday. The intelligence service said Mr Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Mr Putin, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting. The spy agency said Mr Kim may stand alongside Mr Xi and Mr Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesdays parade, and anticipated that he will hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Russian leaders and interact with other heads of state at a reception and cultural performance as he seeks to break out of isolation and expand his diplomatic relations, Mr Lee said. Mr Kims trip marks his first visit to China since 2019 and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power on his fathers death in late 2011. Mr Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional summit, as well as the Beijing parade. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russias TASS news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Kim on the sidelines was under consideration. North Korea observers are paying keen attention to Mr Kim possibly meeting Mr Xi bilaterally as well and holding even a trilateral meeting with Mr Xi and Mr Putin. Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) North Koreas foreign policy priority has been Russia in recent years as it has been supplying troops and ammunition to support Russias war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia. In its latest briefing to lawmakers, the South Korean spy agency said it believes roughly 2,000 of them have died in combat, Mr Lee said. Mr Kim has also agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and de-miners to Russias Kursk region, and the agency assesses that the first 1,000 are already in Russia. North Koreas relations with China have reportedly turned sour in recent years, but experts say Mr Kim likely hopes to restore ties as China is North Koreas biggest trading partner and aid benefactor and he would want to brace for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Before departing for China on Monday, Mr Kim visited a North Korean missile research institute to review progress on developing a new engine for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, KCNA reported. The North in recent years has tested various versions of ICBMs capable of reaching the US mainland, and analysts say the next-generation ICBM likely refers to a long-range weapon with multiple nuclear warheads that can defeat US missile defence systems. Rescue teams have scoured Afghanistans mountainous east for survivors, as the death toll from a strong earthquake rose to 900 with 3,000 people injured. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck late on Sunday night in several provinces, flattening villages and leaving people trapped under rubble for hours. It damaged or destroyed thousands of homes that were made mostly of mud bricks and wood. 09/02/2025 Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., has announced that Dr. Daniel P. Mertens, the Inaugural Endowed Professor of Business Strategy, has been appointed the new Glenn Huie Eminent Scholar Chair in the College of Business and Industry. He succeeds Dr. Ronnie Clayton, who has held the distinguished role since its establishment in 2000. One of just two eminent scholars on Jax States campus, the Glenn Huie Eminent Scholar Chair was created through a state endowment and named by the Jax State Board of Trustees in honor of prominent local banker Glenn G. Huie, whose leadership and service left a lasting impact on the university. The position is awarded to a distinguished faculty member whose leadership and research elevate the universitys academic profile. Dr. Mertens joined Jax State in 2016 and, in 2024, was awarded one of the highest honors in academia, the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year. His fellowship research at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic examined the innovative managerial philosophies of entrepreneur Tomas Bata, whose principles predate many modern management concepts. He evaluated the relevance of the Bata Management System in global business education, taught in the universitys graduate program, served on dissertation committees, and assisted with strategic planning and assessment. Dr. Mertens distinguished academic record, global research experience, and dedication to student success make him an outstanding choice for this role, said President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. His achievements, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholar award, position him to make an immediate and lasting impact in this role. We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Clayton for his decades of dedicated service and the strong foundation he leaves behind. Dr. Mertens said he is honored to carry forward the role. I am humbled by President Killingsworth selecting me for this role, as Jax State has many outstanding faculty, he said. I am excited to utilize this role to support my colleagues from the four departments of the College of Business and Industry and across campus. I intend to create and promote efforts within the academic and business community to drive collaboration and promote education, research, and a solution-oriented mindset. As part of his vision, Dr. Mertens plans to expand the Glenn Huie Lecture Series by hosting guest speakers from a variety of fields to strengthen ties between the university and the community. I hope to nurture these relationships into developing internships and job offers for our students, as well as creating opportunities for supporters of Jax State to be more involved in our academic efforts, he said. I also consider myself incredibly fortunate to chair the CBI Scholarship Committee. It is an honor to evaluate and select the best of the best students and support the next generation of Gamecocks as they forge their impact in the world. Dr. Clayton, who joined Jax State as a Professor of Finance in 2000, will remain on faculty in the Gregory D. Brown Department of Finance, Economics & Accounting. A leading figure in his field, he founded the Southern Finance Association in 1992 and continues to serve as its executive director. Under his leadership, the organization has sponsored an annual research conference for academic professionals in finance and co-sponsored the Journal of Financial Research. Dr. Mertens brings an exceptional blend of scholarship, leadership, and vision that will benefit Jax State students for years to come, said Dr. Brent J. Cunningham, dean of the College of Business and Industry. At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Dr. Clayton for his 25 years of distinguished leadership in this position, and his contributions have been invaluable to the growth of our college. It is an honor to have both of these men as part of our faculty. Their experience and insight are tremendous assets for our college and our students. By Simon Levett, University of Technology Sydney (The Conversation) Journalist Mariam Dagga was just 33 when she was brutally killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on August 25. As a freelance photographer and videographer, she had captured the suffering in Gaza through indelible images of malnourished children and grief-stricken families. In her will, she told her colleagues not to cry and her 13-year-old son to make her proud. Dagga was killed alongside four other journalists and 16 others in an attack on a hospital that has drawn widespread condemnation and outrage. This attack followed the killings of six Al Jazeera journalists by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in a tent housing journalists in Gaza City earlier in August. The dead included Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anas al-Sharif. Israels nearly two-year war in Gaza is among the deadliest in modern times. The Committee to Protect Journalists, which has tracked journalist deaths globally since 1992, has counted a staggering 189 Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza since the war began. Many worked as freelancers for major news organisations since Israel has banned foreign correspondents from entering Gaza. In addition, the organisation has confirmed the killings of two Israeli journalists, along with six journalists killed in Israels strikes on Lebanon. It was very traumatising for me I went to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel and Ramallah in the West Bank in 2019 to conduct part of my PhD research on the available protections for journalists in conflict zones. During that time, I interviewed journalists from major international outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, CNN, BBC and others, in addition to local Palestinian freelance journalists and fixers. I also interviewed a Palestinian journalist working for Al Jazeera (English), with whom I remained in contact until recently. I did not visit Gaza due to safety concerns. However, many of the journalists had reported from there and were familiar with the conditions, which were dangerous even before the war. Osama Hassan, a local journalist, told me about working in the West Bank: There are no rules, theres no safety. Sometimes, when settlers attack a village, for example, we go to cover, but Israeli soldiers dont respect you, they dont respect anything called Palestinian [] even if you are a journalist. Nuha Musleh, a fixer in Jerusalem, described an incident that occurred after a stone was thrown towards IDF soldiers: [] they started shooting right and left sound bombs, rubber bullets, one of which landed in my leg. I was taken to hospital. The correspondent also got injured. The Israeli cameraman also got injured. So all of us got injured, four of us. It was very traumatising for me. I never thought that a sound bomb could be that harmful. I was in hospital for a good week. Lots of stitches. Better protections for local journalists and fixers My research found there is very little support for local journalists and fixers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in terms of physical protection, and no support in terms of their mental health. International law mandates that journalists are protected as civilians in conflict zones under the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. However, these laws have not historically extended protections specific to the needs of journalists. Media organisations, media rights groups and governments have been unequivocal in their demands that Israel take greater precautions to protect journalists in Gaza and investigate strikes like the one that killed Mariam Dagga. Sadly, there is seemingly little media organisations can do to help their freelance contributors in Gaza beyond issuing statements noting concern for their safety, lobbying Israel to allow evacuations, and demanding access for foreign reporters to enter the strip. International correspondents typically have training on reporting from war zones, in addition to safety equipment, insurance and risk assessment procedures. However, local journalists and fixers in Gaza do not generally have access to the same protections, despite bearing the brunt of the effects of war, which includes mass starvation. Despite the enormous difficulties, I believe media organisations must strive to meet their employment law obligations, to the best of their ability, when it comes to local journalists and fixers. This is part of their duty of care. For example, research shows fixers have long been the most exploited and persecuted people contributing to the production of international news. They are often thrust into precarious situations without hazardous environment training or medical insurance. And many times, they are paid very little for their work. Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash Local journalists and fixers in Gaza must be paid properly by the media organisations hiring them. This should take into consideration not just the woeful conditions they are forced to work and live in, but the immense impact of their jobs on their mental health. As the global news director for Agence France-Presse said recently, paying local contributors is very difficult they often bear huge transaction costs to access their money. We try to compensate by paying more to cover that, he said. But he did not address whether the agency would change its security protocols and training for conflict zones, given journalists themselves are being targeted in Gaza in their work. These local journalists are literally putting their lives on the line to show the world whats happening in Gaza. They need greater protections. As Ammar Awad, a local photographer in the West Bank, told me: The photographer does not care about himself. He cares about the pictures, how he can shoot good pictures, to film something good. But he needs to be in a good place that is safe for him. Simon Levett, PhD candidate, public international law, University of Technology Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. New York (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Recently, international media has highlighted the mass famine in Gaza. Yet, there have been effectively three waves of famine in Gaza since spring 2024. First weaponized 18 years ago in the Strip, these hunger games could have been preempted several times. Why werent they? On Friday, August 22, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global famine watchdog, declared widespread famine in Gaza. The IPC is regarded as the international gold standard in nutritional crises. As international media was quick to point out, the declaration meant that a quarter of all Palestinians in Gaza are starving more than 500,000 people with that number expected to rise to more than 640,000 within six weeks. Projected Acute Food Insecurity | 16 August 30 September 2025. Source: IPC, Aug 22, 2025. https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Gaza_Strip_Acute_Food_Insecurity_Malnutrition_July_Sept2025_Special_Snapshot.pdf What was most damning to most international media is that this outbreak of full famine as described by the IPC and UN agencies had been fully avoidable. What should be far, far more damning is that several waves of famines have been widespread in Gaza for some 20 months and that precarious conditions of life and episodic famines have prevailed episodically in the Strip since 2007 that is, for almost two decades. The blockade since 2006 In the 2006 Palestinian election, when Hamas won a clear majority in all occupied Palestinian territories, Israel and the Middle East Quartet U.S., Russia, the UN and EU launched economic sanctions against the Palestinian Authority, Hamass parliamentarians and Palestinian territories. The sanctions were coupled with a blockade, Israels attempt to push the Gazan economy to the brink of collapse, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks. With the inception of its blockade in 2007, the Israeli government estimated how many daily calories were needed to prevent or to cause malnutrition in Gaza. The average daily calorie intake critical to survival is estimated at 2,100 kilocalories (kcal) per day. The Israeli Red Line document used a calculation of 2,279 calories per person. During the 20082009 Gaza War, the Strip was subjected to a Shoah (Hebrew for Holocaust), as Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said. The idea was to send Gaza decades into the past, stated then commanding general Yoav Gallant. Some 15 years later, Gallant was targeted by an International Criminal Court warrant for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare. But in 2009, he and other Israeli leaders complicit in the starvation games were ignored by international community. The first wave of famine By early 2023months before October 7four of five Gazas residents were largely dependent on humanitarian aid and many suffered from widespread food insecurity, thanks to the Israeli total blockade. In March 2024, the 10-year-old Palestinian boy, Yazan al-Kafarneh, became the face of Gazas children. He died from malnourishment. Yazan al-Kafarneh before the Gaza catastrophe and shortly before his death in March 2024. Source: BTselem/courtesy of the family. Then, just two days after the Hamas offensive of October 7, 2023, Israel blocked the entry of food and water into the Gaza Strip, as it initiated a massive, largely indiscriminate bombardment, with subsequent ground operations. By December 2023, over 90 percent of the Gaza population was estimated to face high levels of acute food insecurity, with 40 percent at emergency levels and over 15 percent at catastrophe levels. The UN experts cautioned of genocide, warning that Israel was destroying Gazas food system and using food as a weapon against the Palestinian people. Despite mounting evidence, the head of Israels Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) for Gaza stated there was no food shortage in Gaza. The IDF alleged Hamas stole humanitarian aid, killed people seeking humanitarian aid and kept its own supply reserves. Yet, both the U.S. and the UN denied Israeli claims that Hamas caused the famine. It was the first wave of famine in Gaza. The second wave of famine By June 2024, the IPC reported that the entire Gaza population remained at high risk of famine. Three months later, the UN concluded that through its total siege Israels use of starvation as a method of war would affect the entire population of the Gaza Strip for decades to come, with particularly negative consequences for children. As the IPC estimates indicated, the second wave was expected to peak in early 2025. That it did not happen was due to the ceasefire in January 2025. A second bout of famine was to be facilitated by a controversial Generals Plan, led by Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland, to lay siege to northern Gaza. It was a plan PM Netanyahu was considering. Eiland argued that Gaza women are the mothers, sisters, and spouses of Hamas murderers. So, epidemics in the South [of Gaza] will bring victory closer. In late 2024, the IPC projected that through spring 2025, Gaza would remain in an emergency state regarding food insecurity. Some 345,000 people would face extreme lack of food, starvation and exhaustion of their livelihoods and almost 900,000 would be in emergency state. When the ceasefire fell apart, the second famine wave ensued and Israel blocked all humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza after March 1, 2025. A month later, at least 60,000 children in Gaza were at risk of serious health complications due to malnutrition. Toward the third famine wave By the end of September, more than 640 000 people across Gaza will face Catastrophic levels of food insecurity; classified as IPC Phase 5. An additional 1.14 million people in the territory will be in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and a further 396 000 people in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions. Conditions in North Gaza are estimated to be as severe or worse than in Gaza City. In comparative historical view, weaponized mass starvation is the common denominator of settler colonialism, including American Indian Wars, the German Herero and Nama genocide, the Nazi Hungerplan all the way to the Yemeni civil war and the genocidal atrocities in Gaza. In this role, it is often associated with ethnic cleansing, as the pioneer of the Genocide Convention Raphael Lemkin noted, after removal of the population and the colonization of the area by the oppressors own nationals. What about Gaza? Measured in terms of total food deliveries into the Strip since October 2023, the calorie intake was about 860 kcal, a third less than in the Nazi camps over eight decades ago. As the German invasion of the Soviet Union failed and the tide of World War II shifted, the Nazi camps deteriorated, with the daily intake shrinking to 700 kcal in 1944. Thats almost three times the intake of 245 kcal in northern Gaza in the first half of the year 2024, when the New York Post famously headlined that there was no famine in the Strip. Weaponization of Starvation: Selected Historical Examples. Source: Dan Steinbock (2025) The Obliteration Doctrine, Chapter 1. Missed preemption opportunities In May 2018, the UN Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 2417 condemning the starving of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access to civilian populations. Yet, in the course of the Gaza catastrophe, most tenets of UNSC Resolution 2417 have been consistently violated. The recent moral outrage can be seen as the Wests belated effort at absolution. In the past 18 years, the path to Gazas genocide and mass starvation could have been preempted several times. In 2006, instead of sanctions, the West could have accepted the results of the Palestinian democratic elections. Instead of the subsequent blockade and other regime change efforts, the West could have fostered peaceful development. In 2007, the US could have condemned Israels deliberate effort to cause a widespread famine in Gaza. Subsequently, the West could have intermediated peace talks between Israel and Hamas/Palestinian Authority. As Mossads ex-chief Efraim Halevy has said, mutual recognition is not a necessary precondition of talks, but the preferred end result. In fall 2023, when Israel declared unilateral siege against Gaza, the West could have preempted the effort with appropriate pressure U.S. by halting arms transfers, the EU by pausing trade and used the opportunity to initiate the peace process. In 2024 when Israel triggered the second famine wave in Gaza, the West could have escalated pressure, halt all arms sales and trade with Israel. In 2025, when Israel rejected the ceasefire and intensified Gazas mass starvation, the West could have insulated the country from the UN and international community, as it once did with South Africa. When several Israeli intelligence and security leaders openly charge their country for apartheid rule, it is exceedingly hard to understand why the Western powers of the international community would ignore such charges. That each of these fatal steps in the path to mass starvation and genocide were purposely ignored by the West and vetoed by the United States suggests that moral outrage became useful only when the entire Gaza had been decimated and an entire generation of Gazans had been butchered. It is this deliberate sanctification of mass butchery that will cast a long dark shadow over the West and everything it claims to represent in the early 21st century. Written by ( Globalvoices.org ) In his new series Stateless, presented this summer at Larkin Durey in London, Massoud Hayoun turns painting into a vivid negotiation between memory, exile, and political resistance. The eight works, rendered in spectral shades of blue, channel his familys history Tunisian, Moroccan, Egyptian, and Jewish while confronting the broader architectures of displacement and power. Critics praised the exhibitions emotional coherence and bold humor, framing it as a declaration of belonging and a refusal to let systems of erasure define Arab identity. Hayouns canvases unfold like cinematic tableaus: the living and the dead, icons of Arab cinema, and imagined ancestors, all inhabiting a color palette that makes ghosts visible. Raised in Los Angeles by his grandparents, Hayoun inherited their stories of a Zaman al-gameel, the golden age of Arab cinema, alongside the lived weight of colonial hierarchies. His grandmother, who began drawing fantastical creatures at the end of her life, left him with the sense that reinvention is always possible. Mourning her loss and navigating the solitude of the pandemic, Hayoun shifted from a career in journalism and authorship, including his acclaimed book When We Were Arabs, to painting as his central artistic language. In an interview with Global Voices, Hayoun spoke about the relationship between writing and painting in exploring heritage, the symbolism of his recurring blue palette, the influence of his grandparents on his aesthetic sensibility, and how he envisions his art as a human conversation about identity, power, and resistance. Excerpts from the interview follow. Omid Memarian (OM): In your experience, how do writing and painting differ in facilitating a connection with your identity and heritage? Massoud Hayoun (MH): I wrote a book exploring Arabness through recent history, current events, and the lives of my grandparents. It focused on Arabs of Jewish faith, because while there were books about Jews from Arab countries, none addressed the intersection of these identities or the policies designed to alienate people from their homelands. I used policy documents, letters, and curricula to make an argument that challenged popular Western understandings of Arabness. Many will still see my Arabness and Judaism as mutually exclusive, because their views are so ingrained. I can spend my life making those arguments, or move on as an Arab American of Jewish faith who makes art for Arab and human liberation. My painting isnt religious, as I oppose institutional spirituality, what Diego Rivera called mass-psychosis. My paintings are for the diverse Arab peoples not specifically Jewish, Tunisian, Egyptian, or Moroccan but for all who identify as Arab. More broadly, they are for humans who no longer believe in systems of control and the murderous bigotry guiding power today. OM: A conversation with Ai Weiwei, who praised your debut novel as exquisite, inspired you to delve deeper into painting. How has this interaction influenced your artistic direction and the themes you explore in your visual work? MH: I was working a part-time job billing medical insurance in the later part of the pandemic, hating every day. I sent the manuscript to Ai Weiwei, expecting him to ignore it. Suddenly, I got an email saying he wanted to FaceTime. I called him from the lunch space. I lived in China for some years, so speaking my rusty Chinese added to the hallucinatory vibe. We talked about China, art, and life. He was eating a peanut butter sandwich and talking to me about exile. The power of that moment and the spiritual generosity made me start thinking about art as a human endeavor. I started making appointments with gallerists in LA, not to show my work, but to ask if people could show professionally after pursuing other careers. At times, I felt disheartened. I dont know how to drive, and gallerists in LA are in far-flung neighborhoods. I was walking for miles, overthinking, and feeling, on occasion, like an idiot for trying. I still feel that way, sometimes. Ai Weiwei is a touchstone in those moments. Ill keep going. OM: Raised in Los Angeles by your Tunisian and Moroccan-Egyptian grandparents, how did your upbringing shape your artistic sensibilities? Additionally, how has your life evolved since embracing the role of a visual artist? The Arabness and Tunisian, Moroccan, Egyptian-ness of the paintings comes from my grandparents generation: the nearly forgotten Zaman al-gameel, the golden age of Egyptian cinema, the Nahda period, and the strange space they occupied in the colonial hierarchies of their homelands. What is more modern comes from my travel back to our countries and relationships with Arab Americans. The art allows me to spend time with my grandparents and others from the past. It is fulfilling but also emotionally depleting. It is daunting and electrifying, causing great suffering, yet it is the only thing that alleviates it. It is lonely, but it also cures my loneliness. I wouldnt paint if I were especially strong or happy. The anxieties of deadlines, pushing past limits, and navigating others needs are the same as in journalism or book writing. OM: Your book When We Were Arabs intertwines personal memoir with broader political narratives. What core message did you aim to convey through this work, and how does it reflect your views on Arab-Jewish identity? MH: It is intended as a political theory of Arabness and belonging as related to and illustrated by current events and the lives of my grandparents, who raised me. I wanted a work like this to exist as a touchstone for myself and for other people of Arab origin, as well as those interested in understanding our region. Im thankful for the attention it received. On occasion, I receive requests to speak about it at a university. With little exception for those who demonstrate how it will contribute to important conversations on human rights, I decline. Not to be a jerk, but because I said what needed to be said. I gave the evidence for it. I wrote it while in mourning for my grandmother, and my mind worked in such a way that it scabbed over that writing experience. Its time for me to move forward, underpinned by the understandings in the book, and to devote my intellectual labor through these paintings to the ideals I discussed in words in the book. OM: Critics have highlighted the symbolic depth in your paintings, often rendered in shades of blue. Could you discuss your visual process and the significance of this color palette in conveying themes of exile, love, and resistance? MH: Symbolism is how I was raised. My grandparents, mostly practical and socialist, were North African and on occasion espoused superstitions, tying significances to objects. I was raised to think that way, and it informs the symbols in my work. Cinema also informs my work. My grandfather was born in Egypt when it was making some of the best films. I was born in Los Angeles, the capital of both pornographic and mainstream film. I moved to Hong Kong and China because I loved the films of Wong Kar-wai. Once, in a film my family bought me on VHS I saw a ghost. Electric blue. To me, that blue with glowing highlights and shadows is ghostly. At first, just my grandparents and the dead were blue. Then everyone I described in the past tense became blue. In self-portraits, the me I describe is no longer the me who looks back later. That is life this precious, miraculous, wondrous, continual kick in the teeth that is life. OM: Your work frequently addresses themes of belonging and the intricate webs of power. How do you navigate these complex topics in your art? MH: With every piece, there is an immediate idea something in the news or a recollection and a grander idea, political, philosophical, or psychological. Massoud Hayoun, When We Were Arabs: A Jewish Familys Forgotten History. The New Press, 2019. Click here to buy. The hope is that people spend enough time to see more than the immediate. However, as a journalist, I know that time is earned. At least they might appreciate the weirdness, the sense of humor, or other particularities of what each work is trying to achieve. The work is Arab, by and for the diverse Arab peoples. But it is beyond that, thoroughly human. I envision the audience as humans of all backgrounds, interested in the human condition, yearning for better times, and struggling, as I do, to imagine those futures. The hope is they see these as human works, conversations with humans thirsting for life about where we are and what comes next. Now it is up to the judges of the Khadzhybey district court of Odesa to determine his fate. Ihor Huryakov, the former head of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre, is accused of high treason collaborating with the enemies during the occupation of Kherson and offering them the institution. The defendant denies the accusations. And Huryakov is not an average defendant. He is also a victim: the occupiers kidnapped him and held him captive in a torture cell for several days. In mid-May 2022, the Russian army kidnapped Huryakov, then acting head of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre, and his deputy, Yevhen Usachov. This information was shared on Facebook by Gayane Oganesyan, the head of the Kherson City Council press service at the time. In recent days, Russian military men forced their way into the Kherson pre-trial detention centre. I say forced their way because Ihor Huryakov and the deputy head of the detention centre, Yevhen Usachov, showed resistance and refused to let the occupiers onto the premises, Oganesyan said. A propaganda video? Later, Russian channels released a propaganda video in which Huryakov urged his subordinates to continue working and said that he cooperated with the SBU, the Security Service of Ukraine. He also added that the institution had appealed to Russian law enforcement authorities to reinforce security at the detention centre to prevent any further riots against the occupiers. Yes, I am ready to continue fulfilling my duties to stabilise the situation, the head of the pre-trial detention centre said in the video while anxiously rubbing his hands. Oganesyan was convinced that such a video with Huryakov could have only been recorded under duress. She pointed out that prison officials had not been instructed to evacuate. I appeal to the State Criminal Enforcement Service. You failed to act, and because of your indifference, orcs are torturing people. Employees are forced to make decisions at gunpoint... Neither the Ministry of Justice nor you have ever publicly addressed the employees of the penitentiary services or those behind bars with words of support, Oganesyan said. In this video [screenshot], possibly recorded under duress and broadcasted on the Russian television channel Ria Novosti, Ihor Huryakov states that he asked Russian forces to reinforce security at the detention centre he was in charge of in Kherson (eastern Ukraine). At the end of August 2023, the SBU initiated criminal proceedings for violation of the customs of war. Later, two Russian servicemen were identified and accused of torturing people in Kherson. Among the victims were Huryakov and his deputy Usachov. According to the investigation, armed Russian military men kidnapped both men and threatened them with physical violence. They were first taken to the military commandants office and then placed in a cell in the basement of the Kherson court of appeal. It was a torture cell equipped by the occupiers. According to the investigation, Huryakov and Usachov were interrogated by four Russian military men for three days. The two men were restrained and held in the same position for over an hour. The interrogation was accompanied by constant beatings with fists and feet all over their bodies, and electric shocks were used. There were also threats to kill them. Currently, two occupiers involved in the kidnapping and torture of Huryakov and other individuals were identified by the SBU; they are being tried in absentia in Kherson. The first is Colonel Viktor Bedryk, the self-appointed commander of the Kherson oblast, and the second is his subordinate, Oleksandr Chychkan. Huryakov voluntarily defected At the end of November 2022, employees of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) detained the acting head of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre, as well as his deputy for operational duties. According to the investigation, after the Russian invasion, these two employees defected to the enemy and were given positions in an illegally created authority. The SBI states that the suspects followed the occupiers criminal orders and kept Kherson activists imprisoned in the pre-trial detention centre. The head of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre betrayed his oath at the beginning of the temporary occupation and voluntarily defected to the enemy. His deputy for operational duties did the same, their detention notice reads. The two of them helped the enemy to create an illegal entity called the Penitentiary Service of the Kherson Region, which became part of the Russian Federations penitentiary service. The SBI also pointed out that Huryakov became a hero of the propaganda disinformation campaign, urging people not to follow the Ukrainian authorities orders and to collaborate with the enemy. In January 2023, individual indictments against Huryakov and Usachov were submitted to the court. The former administration of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre, which offered the institution to the occupiers, will be brought to justice, the SBI stated on its official website. During one of the hearings, Usachovs defence lawyers emphasised that the defendant did not voluntarily remain in his position: the occupying authorities tortured him and subjected him to psychological pressure, including threatening him and his family with physical violence. Huryakov tried in Odesa The case of Huryakov went then to Odesa, to the Khadzhybey District Court. The panel of judges are hearing the parties, considering witness testimony, examining evidence, and determining whether the defendant betrayed his oath and voluntarily defected to the enemy or not. If proven guilty, Huryakov faces 15 years in prison or life imprisonment. While waiting for the verdict, he is held in the Odesa pre-trial detention centre. Huryakov rejects the accusations and says the case has been fabricated. His lawyers emphasise that he remained in the pre-trial detention centre only because there was no order for evacuation, and there were more than 200 prisoners in his institution for whom he was responsible. At that time, the detention centre was under Ukrainian authority. It was only in May 2022 that the Russians took it under their control. The defence lawyers also emphasise that the propaganda video showing their client was recorded under pressure and after he had been tortured. The prosecution argues that Huryakov collaborated with the enemy voluntarily. According to prosecutors, Russian military men did not kidnap him to force him to collaborate, but for different reasons. I cannot defame the man In October, Anatoliy, a witness for the prosecution who was held in the Kherson pre-trial detention centre before and during the occupation, joined the proceedings via video conference from the correctional facility, where he is currently serving his sentence. The witness stated that Huryakov had remained at his position during the occupation, when the institution was seized by Russian troops. According to him, on 1 May 2022, armed Russian troops forced their way into the pre-trial detention centre. Mr. Huryakov would enter every cell, accompanying Russian military officers, who would introduce themselves. Of course, this was not done in a civil manner, Anatoliy said. He added that all the inmates were forced to lie face down on the floor and were questioned about why they were there. They were looking for Anti-Terrorist Operation fighters. I cannot say that there was any brutality, because the man did not show such behaviour. Russian soldiers were present, but there was no beating nor shooting, Anatoliy said. The witness stated that at that time, in early May 2022, it was the first and the last time he saw Huryakov with Russian servicemen. He did not stay there long. After that, the defendant disappeared. The defendants lawyers continued the questioning. - Please tell us on what grounds you concluded that Huryakov continued to work, carry out his duties, etc., given that you had not seen him since May? - I made these conclusions because when the Russian authorities took over, many of the screws [Pejorative word for prison guards] fled or refused to collaborate. It was a turning point when they switched to the Russian side. They had to decide whether to flee or stay. Mr. Huryakov walked around with Russian soldiers. I cannot say whether he was forced to do so or whether he did so voluntarily. I cannot defame the man, the witness answered. With bags over their heads At the end of March 2025, it was the turn of Yuriy, the last witness for the prosecution, to be questioned. The man, who is currently under investigation, joined the proceedings via video conference from the pre-trial detention centre. During the occupation of Kherson, he was also held in the pre-trial detention centre. The judge made sure that the witness had been advised of his rights and obligations and asked him to read the oath. - Do you have any grounds for incriminating Huryakov? - No. Yulia Orel-Melnyk, a prosecutor at the Kherson regional prosecutors office, began with questions about the events of 2022. - Please tell us, do you remember when the facility was taken over and when it came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation? Do you remember, for example, the month? - Yes, in May. They broke into the pre-trial detention centre and shot my cellmate. -Please tell us, if you remember, what was the job title of Ihor Stanislavovych Huryakov at that time? - He was the head of the pre-trial detention centre. - Do you know if Huryakov remained working in the detention centre after the occupation, or perhaps in another penitentiary institution, if you know? - As far as I know, he stayed until he was replaced by someone else, until they replaced the entire staff. - And when was that? - Sometime in June. The prosecutor also asked when the witness last saw Huryakov. - The last time I saw him was when the Ukrainian government was still in charge. Somewhere around January. - You said it was in June? - I last saw him when the Ukrainian government was in charge. The witness explained that during the occupation, it was impossible to get around freely, and he personally did not see Huryakov in the pre-trial detention centre. Yuriy spent the entire period of occupation in the Kherson pre-trial detention centre. His cellmate was shot dead for no reason by Russian soldiers who broke into the institution. After the prosecutor, the questioning was continued by Huryakovs defence lawyers. - Please tell us, have you heard from anyone what happened to Huryakov after Russian occupiers entered the pre-trial detention centre in May? lawyer Lilia Okhrymovych asked. - They were taken away, both Usachov and Huryakov, with bags over their heads. - Were they taken away against their will? - With bags over their heads, so you tell me. The questioning ended with the question of whether the witness knew what position the defendant held after June 2022. However, the witness was unaware of it. Huryakovs lawyers filed a motion to question witnesses for the defence: employees of the Kherson pre-trial detention centre, Huryakovs wife and relatives, as well as some local police officers. Some of these witnesses were in the torture cell with the defendant. They also requested a recess to provide contact details for witnesses and summon them to court. The judge granted the motion. The questioning of the defence witnesses was scheduled for subsequent hearings. Intimidation of the staff, violence and incitement to collaboration The organisation Protection for prisoners of Ukraine, in its website publication, points out that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, some of the institutional staff in the Kherson region did not show up for work, and the issue of evacuation was never resolved due to a lack of clear instructions. For a considerable period of time, the issue of the penitentiary institutions evacuation was unclear to both convicts and the administration of these institutions. In a statement in August 2022, the ministry of justice noted that decisions on the evacuation of convicts and detainees, as well as notifications of its start, should be made by the relevant military command together with the military administrations. But uman rights defenders argue that by default, the State Criminal Enforcement Service has the right to transfer people in exceptional circumstances without waiting for a decision from the Military-Civil Administration, which could have saved at least some of the prisoners. On 18 May 2022, the State Criminal Enforcement Service of Ukraine posted a statement on the situation in the temporarily occupied territory. Most institutions continued their work due to the impossibility of evacuation. This was possible until the invading state started to aggressively take control of the institutions within the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine. This occurred in particular in the Kherson region, which has recently been the subject of widespread discussion, the publication states. The actual takeover of institutions was accompanied by intimidation of the staff, violence and incitement to collaboration. While not commenting on the specific individuals who hold positions in the Kherson region until the Ukrainian courts have issued their conclusions in their regard, we can only confirm that the Russian Federation has effectively seized control of the State Penitentiary Service institutions, it adds. According to Tetiana Babkova, one of Hutyakov's defence lawyers, he received instructions to continue working during the occupation. The judge sent a request to the ministry of justice to obtain a copy of such instructions, if they exist, for independent examination. This report was produced thanks to a grant by Fondation Hirondelle/Justice Info. A full version of this article was published on July 23, 2025, in "CPI" (Public Investigations Centre). French judicial authorities have issued arrest warrants for ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and six other top former officials over the bombardment of a rebel-held city in 2012 that killed two journalists, lawyers said Tuesday. Marie Colvin, 56, an American working for The Sunday Times of Britain, and French photographer Remi Ochlik, 28, were killed on February 22, 2012 by the explosion in the eastern city of Homs, which is being investigated by the French judiciary as a potential crime against humanity as well as a war crime. British photographer Paul Conroy, French reporter Edith Bouvier and Syrian translator Wael Omar were wounded in the attack on the informal press centre where they had been working. Assad escaped with his family to Russia after being ousted by Islamist rebels at the end of 2024 although his precise whereabouts have not been confirmed. Other than Assad, the warrants notably target his brother Maher al-Assad who was the de facto head of the 4th Syrian armoured division at the time, intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk, and then-army chief of staff Ali Ayoub. "The issuing of the seven arrest warrants is a decisive step that paves the way for a trial in France for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime," said Clemence Bectarte, lawyer for the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and Ochlik's parents. The FIDH said the journalists had clandestinely entered the besieged city to "document the crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime" and were victims of a "targeted bombing". "The investigation clearly established that the attack on the informal press centre was part of the Syrian regime's explicit intention to target foreign journalists in order to limit media coverage of its crimes and force them to leave the city and the country," said Mazen Darwish, lawyer and director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM). Colvin was known for her fearless reporting and signature black eye patch which she wore after losing sight in one eye in an explosion during Sri Lanka's civil war. Her career was celebrated in a Golden Globe-nominated film, "A Private War". In todays hyper-connected world, identity is not only a matter of passports, birth certificates, and court decrees; it is also a matter of personal perception. It is a digital construct that spans search engines, social media, biometric databases, financial compliance systems, and global information networks. For individuals who must change their identity, whether for personal safety, gender transition, reputational recovery, or privacy, the challenge is now twofold: securing lawful recognition through government authorities and reducing the searchable digital trail that links past and present. Amicus International Consulting examines how identity change can be achieved in the digital era without leaving a traceable online footprint, analyzing legal frameworks, technological hurdles, and case studies across global regions. Identity as a Legal and Digital Construct Historically, identity change was a matter of filing petitions with local courts or administrative authorities. Today, identity encompasses biometric markers, credit files, online presence, and databases maintained by both governments and private corporations. A successful legal identity change may still fail if old records remain searchable online or if biometric systems continue to link an individual to a prior identity. This dual reality makes modern identity change one of the most complex legal and technological challenges of the digital age. The Legal Core of Identity Change Most countries allow for identity changes under specific conditions, such as marriage, divorce, gender transition, or witness protection. Courts or civil registries issue orders that update names, gender markers, or identifiers. For cross-border applicants, additional challenges arise because each sovereign jurisdiction maintains its own registry system, requiring multiple petitions for dual citizens. But even when granted, these legal changes rarely extend to the digital universe. Court orders cannot erase cached search results, archived social media posts, or data broker compilations. The Searchable Trail Problem Search engines and social media have transformed public memory. An individuals former name, once buried in paper archives, is now retrievable within seconds worldwide. Old news articles, cached LinkedIn profiles, or tagged Facebook photos remain visible long after an identity change. For survivors of domestic violence, this trail may compromise safety. For professionals recovering from reputational crises, it may undermine second chances. For individuals transitioning gender, it can create unwanted exposure. Legal recognition is therefore only the beginning; the real work lies in reshaping the digital landscape. Digital Persistence Through Data Brokers Commercial data brokers collect and sell identity profiles from public registries, credit bureaus, and online activity. These profiles often include prior names, addresses, relatives, and court filings. Even when government records are updated, data brokers may continue selling outdated versions. In the United States, data brokers are mainly unregulated, whereas in Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enables individuals to request erasure. For dual citizens, this means that strategies must differ across jurisdictions depending on the strength of privacy laws. Biometric Identity as the New Obstacle One of the most formidable barriers to a complete identity change is biometric tracking. Governments and private corporations are increasingly relying on fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition technology. Unlike names or documents, biometrics cannot easily be changed. This creates a permanent anchor between the old and new identity. In airports, immigration systems may continue to link a traveler to prior records, even if the traveler has an updated passport. Some countries allow biometric data to be re-registered under a new identity in cases of safety, but this remains the exception, not the rule. Risks of Incomplete Identity Change Exposure to Threats: Survivors of abuse may be located if old information remains online. Survivors of abuse may be located if old information remains online. Employment and Financial Consequences: Background checks may reveal mismatched data. Background checks may reveal mismatched data. Immigration Complications: Border authorities may suspect document fraud. Border authorities may suspect document fraud. Reputational Harm : Old court cases, bankruptcies, or controversies may remain attached to new ventures. Old court cases, bankruptcies, or controversies may remain attached to new ventures. Psychological Impact: Persistent online exposure may undermine the individuals ability to move forward. Case Study: Domestic Violence Survivor in North America A woman in Canada obtained a court-ordered name change to escape a violent partner. While her government records reflected her new identity, online databases still displayed her prior name linked to her residential history. Search engines made her new location traceable. Working with a legal and digital reputation team, she pursued takedown requests, GDPR-style erasure petitions to Canadian data brokers, and suppression campaigns to push updated information higher in search rankings. While not absolute, the strategy significantly reduced her risk exposure. Case Study: Gender Transition in Europe A French citizen undergoing gender transition successfully updated legal documents after a tribunal order. However, old academic records, archived media interviews, and prior employment listings continued to link her to her pre-transition identity. Under GDPR, she filed right-to-be-forgotten petitions with Google and French data controllers. While some news organizations resisted, courts upheld her privacy rights, compelling the partial removal of her information. The process took over three years, but it demonstrated that persistence, combined with legal pressure, can reshape digital identity in Europe. Case Study: Entrepreneur in the Caribbean and Europe A businessman with dual Caribbean and European nationality sought to restructure his identity after filing for bankruptcy. Both jurisdictions approved new documents. However, international banking databases, such as World-Check and LexisNexis, continued to show his prior identity as tied to financial risk. This delayed access to new credit lines. With legal support, he provided certified documents to change his identity and pursued deletion requests with the compliance databases. After 18 months, the updates were accepted, restoring his ability to operate in the global finance sector. Case Study: Technology Professional in Asia-Pacific An IT professional in South Korea sought to change his identity following online harassment. South Koreas privacy laws allowed him to petition for restricted access to his old registry information. However, private job recruitment platforms continued displaying his old data. By invoking South Koreas strict data protection framework and working with digital suppression firms, he reduced visibility, though archived copies on overseas servers remained beyond reach. His case highlighted the limits of jurisdiction on a global internet. Regional Case Studies in the Global Context Latin America In Argentina, a transgender woman successfully changed her legal documents under progressive gender identity laws. However, older press coverage of her activism under her previous name remained indexed. Argentine courts recognized her right to privacy and compelled local search engines to de-list outdated references. While international platforms outside Argentina did not comply, the domestic ruling gave her practical protection in her daily life. Africa In South Africa, a businessman sought to change his identity following political controversies that had harmed his reputation. The courts approved the change, but online archives of parliamentary debates and press articles continued to persist. South Africas Protection of Personal Information Act provided him with some recourse, but international search engines continued to index outdated material. His case demonstrated the global imbalance: national courts may recognize identity rights, but enforcement against multinational technology companies remains limited. Asia In India, a woman escaping a forced marriage sought to change her name and relocate. Indian courts granted the change, but local newspapers had already published her story, which search engines continued to display. She filed petitions under Indias right-to-privacy jurisprudence, but with uneven enforcement, her digital trail persisted. The case highlighted the challenges of changing digital identities in countries without robust takedown laws. Best Practices for Minimizing Digital Trails Legal Sealing and Expungement: Request sealing of court orders and removal from public registries where possible. Search Engine Removal Requests: File right-to-be-forgotten petitions under GDPR or equivalent frameworks. Data Broker Opt-Out: Submit requests to data brokers; in the U.S., this is voluntary but often effective. Digital Reputation Management: Utilize suppression strategies to prioritize new content over outdated results. Consistent Identity Use: Maintain a unified digital presence under the new identity to prevent algorithmic linking. Proactive Biometric Updates: Where possible, request biometric records to be updated or restricted. Comparative Legal Approaches Europe (GDPR): Strongest protections; courts enforce the right to erasure. Strongest protections; courts enforce the right to erasure. North America: Weak protections; data brokers operate with minimal oversight. Weak protections; data brokers operate with minimal oversight. Latin America: Mixed; Argentina and Brazil offer some rights, while others lag. Mixed; Argentina and Brazil offer some rights, while others lag. Asia-Pacific: Strong in South Korea and Japan, weaker in India and Southeast Asia. Strong in South Korea and Japan, weaker in India and Southeast Asia. Africa: Emerging frameworks; South Africa leads, but enforcement is uneven. Technology and the Future of Identity Change Artificial intelligence and blockchain identity systems present both risks and opportunities. AI enables the faster linking of old and new identities across datasets, making concealment more difficult. At the same time, blockchain-based registries may allow individuals to manage their digital identities directly, giving them more control over who can access their records. Biometric systems, however, remain the most significant barrier, as fingerprints and facial structures are permanent. Research into biometric masking technologies is ongoing, but global acceptance is years away. Employment, Finance, and Immigration Consequences Employers now routinely search online before hiring, and banks rely on digital KYC systems. A mismatch between legal identity and digital trails may raise suspicions of fraud. Immigration agencies also cross-check with international databases, where old records may still be available. Applicants must prepare certified evidence of identity changes and proactively disclose updates when necessary to avoid misunderstandings. Conclusion Changing identity in the digital era is one of the most demanding challenges of modern law. Legal recognition through courts and registries remains essential, but the persistence of online archives, data brokers, and biometric systems means that digital trails often survive long after documents are updated. The solution lies in a dual strategy: pursuing lawful registry changes while aggressively managing digital exposure through privacy petitions, reputation management, and consistent use of new identities. Case studies across North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia demonstrate that while total erasure is rarely possible, individuals can achieve functional success by reducing searchability, limiting exposure, and harmonizing their presence across jurisdictions. The digital era requires a new understanding of identity change not as a one-time legal act, but as an ongoing legal and technological process. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amicusint.ca USA Federal building When someone is accused of a violent crime, the stakes could not be higher. In Florida, convictions for offenses such as aggravated assault, battery, robbery, or homicide can carry life-changing penaltiesincluding long prison terms, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that alters the course of a persons future. For those under investigation or facing charges, understanding your rights and securing skilled representation is critical. The High Stakes of Violent Crime Accusations Being charged with a violent offense doesnt only affect the accusedit can also impact family, employment, and community standing. Florida prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, often seeking maximum penalties. Defendants without strong legal defense may feel like the odds are stacked against them. Thats why it is essential to work with an experienced violent crime lawyer Tampa who understands both the law and the strategies needed to defend your case. Building a Strong Defense A skilled defense attorney can: Scrutinize police procedures for potential violations of constitutional rights. Challenge the reliability of witness testimony or forensic evidence. Negotiate reduced charges when appropriate or prepare to fight aggressively in court. Every case is different, but having the right representation can be the difference between conviction and acquittalor between harsh penalties and a more manageable outcome. Safeguarding the Future Violent crime charges dont just affect the present. A conviction can close doors to career opportunities, housing, and even voting rights. With so much on the line, defendants deserve a defense tailored to their unique circumstances. Protecting your future requires acting quickly, exercising your rights, and putting a strong advocate on your side. Final Thoughts If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Florida, dont wait to seek help. Working with a knowledgeable defense lawyer gives you the best chance to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. A popular shorthand in public policy holds that more joblessness means more crime. Suzuki Law Offices conducted a study that stress-tested that claim against the Covid perioda rare natural experiment in extreme labor disruption. Their conclusion: the link is conditional, inconsistent, and often overshadowed by other forces. Using national and state data from 2019 to 2023, the study tracks how crime patterns zigged while unemployment zagged. Full report: Is Crime Linked to Unemployment? A Tale of Two Curves Pre-pandemic 2019 ended with unemployment at 3.67%. Within weeks of the April 2020 lockdowns, the rate spiked to 14.8%. Nevada closed 2020 at 13.5%worst in the nation. If the stereotype held, crime would have climbed in tandem. Instead, the country saw divergence: homicides soared nearly 30% in 2020, yet property crime fell to its lowest since 1990. Nevada mirrored this splitviolent and property crime declined even as homicides rosesuggesting that opportunity, mobility, and social strain pulled crime in different directions at once. Recovery Without Reversion By 2023, unemployment cooled to 3.7%, echoing 2019 levels. Crime didnt simply revert to normal: Violent crime dipped 3% in 2023; homicides declined 12% . dipped in 2023; declined . Motor vehicle theft surged 13% from 2020 to 2023. surged from 2020 to 2023. Property crime rebounded in many states despite falling unemployment. Consider California: unemployment improved from 10.1% (2020) to 4.7% (2023). Yet in 2023 the state ranked 6th for violent crime and broke into the top 10 for property crimepositions it didnt hold in 2020. Economic recovery did not equate to uniform safety gains. Geography Matters Violent crime clusters persisted: 2020: Alaska (837.8 per 100k) , New Mexico (778.2) , Tennessee (672.7) , , 2023: New Mexico (749.3), Alaska (726.3), Tennessee (628.2) Property crime leaders in 2023, New Mexico and Washington, both exceeded 2,800 per 100k. Washingtons trajectory shows why single-variable explanations fall short: unemployment dropped from 8.5% to 4.2% (20202023), yet violent crime rose 20%, and property crime remained elevated relative to national averages. Longer Arcs Tell Different Stories Zooming out reveals divergent decade-long paths. Violent crime increased sharply in: South Dakota: +188% (20122022) (20122022) Montana: +125% New Mexico: +120% But since the early 1990s, several large states posted steep declines: Florida: 78.1% (19912022) (19912022) Illinois: 72.4% New Jersey: 68.0% California: 54.2% These mixed trajectories underscore that crime is multi-causal and time-dependent. Whats Rising Now Category specifics cut against simplistic theories. Auto theft exploded: California logged 208,668 stolen vehicles in 2023, with Texas (115,013) and Florida (46,213) trailing. Burglaries concentrated in New Mexico (604 per 100k), Washington (563), and Louisiana (497.8). Such spikes coexisted with a 3% decline in violent crime and a 12% drop in homicides in 2023. Policy Implications Suzuki Laws analysis rejects a one-size-fits-all unemployment-crime narrative. Economic cycles matter, but they share the stage with public health disruptions, local enforcement priorities, court capacity, community supports, and everyday mobility patterns. Policymakers should target specific crime types (e.g., auto theft) with tailored strategies, rather than assuming job growth alone will suppress offending. Likewise, social safety nets and public health responses can dampen the conditions that turn shocks into sustained harm. Bottom line: There is no definitive nationwide causal tie between unemployment and crime in the 20192023 period. Recessions dont automatically fuel property crime, and recoveries dont guarantee safer streets. Effective public safety policy starts with this complexitynot a cliche. Actor Song Joong-ki has opened up about the difficulties he used to experience in his early years and why he currently makes an effort to ensure a positive environment on set. The comments were made while on the Aug. 30 episode of "Yubari Talk Bari," a Weekend Drama YouTube channel segment, where Song was joined by co-star Chun Woo-hee for the promotion of JTBC's new drama 'My Youth'. When questioned by co-star Yoo Yeon-seok regarding collaborating on set for the first time, Song responded, "I've seen you guys before, but this is our first project." READ MORE: Song Joong Ki Faces Criticism Over Remarks About His Wife and 'Fake Tears' Chun Woo-hee complimented his considerate attitude on set. "What I liked about working with him was that he has a personality that tries to create a comfortable environment. It's not easy to say, 'I'll take responsibility, trust me,'" she said. She further mentioned, "It can be busy and burdensome just doing his own work, but he tries to take on all that himself. Seeing that makes me so grateful." Song brushed off the compliment. "That's not true. We have to finish quickly so we can have a company dinner," he laughed. He then shared about the troubles he went through in previous productions. "To be honest, not all sets were happy," Song said. "I've been on a few sets that were so emotionally difficult, so when I think about a certain project or when I think about how old I was at that time, those difficult memories come flooding back, and it's so sad." The actor described how those experiences influenced his present frame of mind. "I didn't want negative energy to come up or control me," he said. "It's not like I have a great will to make everyone happy or anything grandiose, I just wanted to be happy. I wanted to have fun." Song, born in 1985, married British actress Katie Louise Saunders in 2023. The couple has a son and a daughter. He debuted in 2008 and has since become one of South Korea's most prominent actors. He is now preparing for the release of 'My Youth,' scheduled to premiere on JTBC on Sept. 5, where he stars opposite Chun Woo-hee. READ MORE: Song Joong Ki's Career Missteps and Scandals: Is the A-List Actor Losing His Star Power? Actor Lee Soo Hyuk has been making waves online after his recent public appearance, with fans showing admiration and concern over his actions. Lee was at a fan meet in Hangzhou, where he met and chatted with supporters. Clips of the appearance quickly surfaced on social media. A fan account wrote about the actor's appearance. One fan said, " Today's Hangzhou meeting is really wonderful. Lee Soo-hyuk's every look, every smile is heartbreaking This memory will forever be cherished in my heart. Thank you for sharing." Even with the positive feedback, the videos also generated concern from some netizens. Most claimed the actor appeared odd compared to his normal self, with comparisons made to other stars. READ MORE: Lee Soo Hyuk's Regal Aura Leaves Social Media Breathless as Fans Anticipate His Pairing With Suzy One comment read, "It was hard to watch." Another netizen wrote, "He's acting like G-Dragon." There were fans who came to the defense of the actor, claiming to notice his personality. One comment read, "Lee Soo Hyuk has always been introverted and shy during public appearances." Further footage of the event fueled speculation. Speculation on social media ranged from personal issues to health concerns. One commenter posted, "Something has definitely changed with him." Another commenter wrote, "I hope he's fine, it doesn't seem normal." The debate of Lee's appearance underscores the pressure that Korean actors undergo, especially in public appearances where fan expectations are high. While some rallied behind his quietness, others were concerned that the difference in his demeanor meant something more serious. Lee Soo Hyuk, who is known to have appeared in dramas like Scholar Who Walks the Night and Tomorrow, has not made any comment about the rumor. To date, no official word has come out of his agency on this issue. To many, the incident is reminiscent of both the adoration and worry that accompany celebrities in the limelight. According to one fan, "Every glance, every smile makes my heart flutterthis memory will be cherished forever." READ MORE: Can You Trust What You See? 'S-Line' Blurs Lines Between Desire and Reality Monday, September 1, 2025 - Former ICT Cabinet Minister Samuel Poghisio has cast doubt on President William Rutos commitment to fighting corruption. Speaking at a public forum on Monday, September 1st, 2025, Poghisio singled out Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Health CS Aden Duale, and Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir, accusing them of questionable wealth accumulation. President Ruto, are you willing to remove the log in your own eye - that is, Murkomen, Duale, and Chirchir? Stop condemning a speck elsewhere and look at the log closest to you, Poghisio said. They are corrupt, and we all know how they acquired their wealth. The former Minister challenged the President to demonstrate genuine commitment by ensuring no Cabinet member is shielded from accountability. He argued that the persistence of graft at the top has eroded public trust and undermined the Governments reform agenda. The President must lead by example. If he does not act against those in his inner circle, Kenyans will doubt whether the anti-corruption fight is sincere, he noted. Poghisio also urged Parliament and oversight agencies not to remain silent, warning that selective justice will only deepen public frustration. Turning to Parliaments rejection of the Governments new e-procurement system, Poghisio claimed corruption and vested interests were behind the resistance. The system threatens those who thrive on loopholes in manual procurement, and that is why it is being opposed, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - Mumias East MP, Peter Salasya, is once again making waves with his unconventional approach to love. The outspoken legislator took to X on Monday, September 1st, 2025, to announce a fresh twist in his ongoing search for a wife: this time, he says he is looking for a lesbian who is about to reform. Salasyas journey to find a life partner has been anything but ordinary. From publicly wooing socialite Huddah Monroe (a pursuit that ended in a messy online spat) to expressing admiration for content creator Azziad Nasenya, his romantic pursuits have rarely gone unnoticed. The MP has been vocal about what he wants in a partner. In a past interview, he stated that his ideal wife would be someone ambitious but grounded enough to embrace a rural lifestyle - far from Nairobis fast-paced city life. In his own words, he values submission, describing it as both Biblical and spiritual, and has openly admitted he finds it challenging to get a woman willing to settle in the village. Beyond his romantic quests, Salasya often stirs conversations with his candid views on relationships. He has controversially spoken against dating virgins, and earlier this year, revealed lifestyle changes - including giving up alcohol - to boost his chances of marriage. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - A 73-year-old British woman who spent her childhood in Kenya before fleeing during the Mau Mau uprising says her lifelong wish is to return to Nairobi. Speaking in an interview, she was asked what she has always wanted to do but never had the chance. Her response was simple: Get to Nairobi. That is where I was brought up. I went to school there. She explained that she left Kenya at the age of 11, fleeing aboard a steamship with only a suitcase and a teddy bear. I was like a refugee, she recalled. We were put in a shed at Southampton. That is why I have empathy for migrants today, because I went through the same anxiety of waiting to be cleared by customs. The woman described herself as an old colonial who had no choice but to leave during the Jomo Kenyatta era. Asked whether she would return if given the opportunity, she responded without hesitation: Absolutely. An old colonial, 73, brought up in Kenya before fleeing to the UK as a migrant when Mau Mau uprising began, wants to return to Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/cVQu3VySAB Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) August 31, 2025 Monday, September 1, 2025 - Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has expressed concern over what he termed as rising insecurity in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). In a statement on Monday, September 1st, Sonko claimed that thugs armed with crude weapons, including knives, machetes, and even toy guns, have been targeting unsuspecting members of the public, with women being the most affected. Cases of thugs using crude weapons to steal from the public within the CBD have become rampant. Their main target is women, Sonko said. He urged the National Police Service (NPS) to act swiftly, adding: As a former leader of Nairobi, I appeal to the police to move with speed and bring these culprits to book. Their days are numbered. His remarks follow a viral video of a woman narrating her encounter with suspected thugs along Kimathi Street. The woman said she noticed a group trailing her before rushing to safety and booking an Uber. The driver reportedly told her such incidents were increasingly common. The concerns come a week after NPS addressed insecurity claims linked to an attack at Nanak House. Police said the incident was a targeted dispute, not a wider trend, and confirmed one arrest. NPS reiterated that Nairobis CBD remains secure for business and pledged ongoing vigilance. We've been saying this for a while now, Nairobi CBD is back to the 90s No lights, knives and syringes.... Most importantly, no police in sight Primary target is young ladies Take care of your loved ones, duale is the CS of health pic.twitter.com/FAQmf75gVI Rapcha The Sayantist (@IAMRAPCHA) September 1, 2025 Monday, September 1, 2025 - Tragedy has struck the Kenyan diaspora community after the sudden death of Alice Moraa, a young woman working in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that she collapsed while helping her employer chop onions in the kitchen. Moraa, who had earlier complained of frequent dizziness, lost consciousness and sadly never made it to hospital. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief online, with Kenyans flooding social media with condolences and sharing memories of her vibrant TikTok presence. Many described her as full of life and joy. May her soul rest in peace. See video HERE>>> The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - Former Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip has once again found himself in the spotlight after allegations emerged linking him to questionable escapades at a students hostel. According to reports making rounds online, Loitiptip has been frequenting hostels where university and college students reside. He was recorded in a hostel wearing only a boxer, where he had gone to spend time with a young college lady. He was begging the college ladies to engage in wild escapades with him. Sources reveal that the former legislator has developed a reputation for preying on much younger women, especially campus ladies. Anwar is not new to controversy, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. His baby mama, Saumu Mbuvi, the daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, once dumped him citing infidelity. This latest expose has reignited debate about Loitiptips lifestyle, with many Kenyans online condemning his behaviour as shameful and unbecoming of a former public leader. Check out the expose. Monday, September 1, 2025 - A man was rescued in the early hours of Saturday morning after being drugged, robbed, and abandoned near Yaya Centre in Kilimani. According to Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, who came to his aid, the victim was found unconscious by the roadside at around 3 a.m. After a few minutes, the man regained consciousness and narrated his ordeal, revealing that he had been drugged while at a certain restaurant before being stripped of his valuables. His phone, laptop, money, and even his shirt were stolen. Mosiria, who encountered him in a helpless state, assisted by booking and paying for an Uber ride to his home in Hunters, Kasarani, ensuring that he got home safely. Cases of drink-spiking and robbery have been on the rise in Nairobis nightlife spots and restaurants, with many unsuspecting revelers falling prey to criminals. Watch the video. Geoffrey Mosiria rescued a drugged and abandoned man near Yaya Centre at 3 a.m. Saturday. He paid for an Uber to get him home safely after the victim was robbed of all his belongings. Watch the video below pic.twitter.com/ZIirUFOlj9 Pat (@GudaExperience) August 31, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - A cheeky Kenyan woman has set social media ablaze after announcing she is in search of a house boy. The lady by the name Mary Isaac, posted a sizzling photo flaunting her curves alongside the cheeky caption: Looking for a house boy, bora ajue kulima. The playful post quickly went viral, sparking wild reactions and endless speculation from netizens about her true intentions. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - The High Court in Nairobi has paved the way for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok on corruption-related charges. On Monday, September 1st, Barchok appeared before the EACC shortly before the court dismissed an application seeking to block his arrest and prosecution. The ruling followed recommendations by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga. According to the DPP, investigations established that Barchok received Ksh2.75 million from companies trading with the County Government of Bomet between the 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 financial years. The charges relate to allegations of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property. The DPP further directed that Evans Kipkoech Korir, director of Chemasus Construction Limited, be charged alongside Barchok. The two, together with the company, are expected to face joint charges of acquiring proceeds of crime. I have directed that Governor Hillary Kipngeno Barchok be charged with conflict of interest contrary to section 42(3) as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Ingonga said in a statement. In the same communication, the DPP also revealed findings from a separate probe into Bungoma County, where former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and several officials allegedly misappropriated Ksh70.2 million through fraudulent procurement practices. Ingonga confirmed his office had sanctioned charges against Wangamati and his associates, including conflict of interest, fraudulent procurement, and acquisition of proceeds of crime. Both cases mark the latest high-profile corruption crackdowns targeting County Governments. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 1, 2025 - Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has warned President William Ruto against imposing the electronic procurement (e-procurement) system on County Governments. In a statement issued on Monday, September 1st, Olekina said Counties are semi-autonomous entities under the Constitution and cannot be compelled by the national Government to adopt systems without proper consultation. With the utmost respect, Mr. President, County Governments are constitutionally semi-autonomous. Article 219 mandates that counties receive their equitable share of revenue without undue delay and deduction, Olekina stated. While the intent behind the e-procurement directive is understood, imposing it on counties exceeds the powers granted to the national Government. The ODM Senator warned that the directive risks triggering costly court battles, which could drain County resources and stall development projects. He backed the Council of Governors (CoG) for defending County autonomy and emphasized the need for mutual respect between the two levels of Government. This crosses boundaries the Constitution clearly defined to safeguard devolution. The Council of Governors is right to call for proper consultation in line with the law, he added. His remarks came a day after President Ruto, speaking in Siaya, insisted that the e-procurement system will be fully implemented, warning that officials opposed to the transition should leave government and look for other jobs. Treasury CS John Mbadi has also directed all State departments to comply, noting that no procurement will proceed outside the new system. The Kenyan DAILY POST 1 of 1 7 Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis and How Its Treated News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwean authorities have launched a major crackdown on counterfeit goods amid growing concerns about consumer safety and the influx of fake products in local markets.The Zimbabwe Republic Police, working with the Consumer Protection Commission, has raided shops and warehouses across Harare, Bulawayo, and other urban centres. Fake foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicines, and electrical appliances have been confiscated.Officials say the counterfeit trade poses serious health risks and undermines genuine businesses. "Some of these products are toxic, expired, or manufactured without meeting any standards. We will not allow citizens to be exposed to such dangers," said Consumer Protection Commission spokesperson Mrs. Rosemary Nkomo.Analysts say the rise in counterfeit products is being driven by porous borders and weak enforcement of import controls. With formal goods often priced in US dollars, many consumers are turning to cheaper alternatives, creating a lucrative market for fake items.Business leaders have welcomed the crackdown but urged authorities to sustain it. "We have seen raids before, but what we need is a long-term strategy to protect both consumers and legitimate businesses," said Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu. By Margaret Davis and Christopher McKeon, PA Opposition politicians in the UK have criticised the arrest of Graham Linehan after the Father Ted writer was detained over social media posts about trans people. The 57-year-old said he had been detained by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport after flying in from Arizona, and told he was under arrest over three posts on X. Conservative MPs described it as ridiculous and accused the police of arresting people for making jokes. Author and campaigner JK Rowling claimed the arrest was totalitarianism and deplorable. Downing Street declined to comment directly on the arrest, saying it was an operational matter for the police, but added the UK Prime Minister and Home Secretary had made their priorities for policing clear. JK Rowling (Yui Mok/PA) Linehan said he was taken to a cell and questioned over the X posts, published in April. One said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Another was a photograph of a trans rights protest, with the comment a photo you can smell, with a follow-up post saying: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em. The writer said that after being questioned by police his blood pressure had reached stroke territory and he was taken to hospital and kept under observation, before being released on bail. The Metropolitan Police did not identify Linehan, but a spokeswoman said officers had arrested a man on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence and that the arrest was in relation to posts on X. She added that it was routine for officers policing airports to be armed, and that their firearms were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick described the incident as ridiculous and a complete waste of police time. In a post on X, he said: The police only respond to 1 in 5 reported shoplifting offences, but deploy 5 armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets. We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals. Fellow shadow cabinet minister Claire Coutinho said: Britain used to be known for its sense of humour. Now the police are arresting people for making jokes. You live in a society? Occasionally youre going to be offended. Thats how it works. Labour backbencher Jonathan Hinder said the arrest showed the need for a serious reset to get the priorities right in policing, while Independent MP Rupert Lowe said: I stand with Linehan. Rowling tweeted: What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable. The UK Prime Ministers official spokesman said the arrest was an operational matter for the police, adding: The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been clear about where their priorities for crime and policing are, and thats tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, street crime, as well as reducing serious violent crimes like knife crime and violence against women. He also rejected Ms Rowlings claim that the UK was engaging in totalitarianism. A Met spokeswoman said: On Monday September 1 at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation. The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Separately, Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday accused of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone, which he denies. Gordon Deegan Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to the Irish arm of property giant, Hines to construct a 646 million large-scale apartment scheme on the grounds of the former Holy Cross College in Drumcondra. In the planning permission, the Council has given the green light to Hines partner fund, CWTC Multi-Family ICAV to construct a 1,131 unit scheme that includes a 13-storey apartment block for the site at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3. The planning permission comes four years after Hines lodged its original plan for 1,614 apartment units under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) framework to An Bord Pleanala. An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission to the SHD - which included an 18 storey tower - but the planning permission was quashed by the High Court after a challenge was brought by Foxrock resident, Fionnuala Sherwin. Now in response to the revised plan, the Council planning report recommending that planning permission be granted strongly endorses the scheme. The planning report states that the site provides a significant opportunity to provide high quality residential development at a sustainable density within walking distance of a key urban village in the city and the Planning Authority fully supports the residential development of this site. As part of the 53 page report into the scheme, the Council states that the proposed development would unlikely result in an unacceptable negative impact on the amenities of the surrounding area. Underlining the scale of the scheme, the developer has been ordered to pay a planning development contribution of 8.39 million to the Council towards the cost of public infrastructure. As part of the planning application, Hines put an indicative price tag of 64.57 million on 113 apartments and studios it is planning to sell for social housing to Dublin City Council. The range in indicative prices range from 717,843 for the two bed four-person units, 569,892 for one bedroom units and 360,266 for studios. If no appeal is lodged with An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP), Hines and the Council can then enter talks on a final price for the units. Opposition to the current scheme was muted with only three local residents calling for an outright planning refusal to the scheme. This was in contrast to the 120 submissions made on the original built to rent scheme that included one objection from Sinn Fein party leader, Mary Lou McDonald TD who stated that if planning is approved, it will only further exacerbate the housing crisis. Eva Osborne I've made the trek down to Stradbally, Co Laois, for Electric Picnic the last three years. Festivalgoers were extremely lucky with the weather in 2023 and 2024, with sunny and warm conditions dominating from Friday through to Sunday. I didn't experience the washout in 2022, but I had heard tales from my friends about it, who acted like surviving that weekend was the single most challenging thing they've ever experienced. So, when I heard that the weather was to be windy, rainy, and cooler this year, I was questioning selling my ticket. As if sleeping on the floor for four nights isn't hard enough without worrying your tent will experience a Wizard of Oz-like relocation due to hurricane-esque winds. But the whole conversation around EP weather was sensationalised. The Friday was gorgeous. It was mostly sunny and warm, and complemented the headliners of the day - Chappell Roan and Hozier - the former of which was the highlight of my weekend. She lit up the Main Stage with hits like Good Luck, Babe!, Pink Pony Club, and The Subway, and told the crowd that Ireland had shown up for her in ways that no other country had. Another major high point of the weekend was Kneecap's performance. Although the rap trio weren't headliners, they still performed on the Main Stage. Their popularity warranted it. They had the crowd rapping as Gaeilge, they joked about Mo Chara's recent court troubles, and they spoke on Irish solidarity with Palestine. They drew in a huge crowd, the likes of which I haven't seen except for The Wolfe Tones on the Main Stage last year. A sea of Irish balaclavas, GAA jerseys, and Irish and Palestinain flags greeted the trio as they performed hits like Guilty Conscience, Get Your Brits Out, and Sick In The Head. Moglai Bap acknowledged the group's insane surge in popularity, pointing out that their first performance at Electric Picnic only drew in 60 people, while they now can fill the Main Arena. The group will only get bigger from here, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were announced as a headliner for 2026. New campsites reign victorious Electric Picnic introduced new campsites this year, some which had to be pre-booked. One of these was Glitterball, which I stayed in with about 20 friends, a couple of gazebos, and some squashed pains au chocolat from Lidl. The new campsites were a huge win for the festival in my opinion. Even with early-entry passes for the Thursday evening, festivalgoers would be doing well to find a spot in one of the main campsites without any spare small gaps being taken up by a stranger and their pop-up tent. Pre-booked spots gave me peace of mind, and ensured that all my friends could camp together and keep an eye on eachother. As well as this, Glitterball offered free showers, a Get Ready With Me (GWRM) marquee with hair straighteners and blow dryers, and drag performers giving out free drinks during the day (while you tried to pull yourself together from the night before). The group of women responsible for giving out and checking Glitterball wristbands could not have been kinder, and their smiles and cheer as we rolled into the campsite on Thursday night set the tone for the weekend. I cannot recommend Glitterball enough, and I will be staying in the same spot next year and praying that I never end up at the very back of Samuel Beckett, surrounded by the one-man tents of 18 and 19-year-olds blaring techno music, ever again. Mass exodus on Sunday Something I've never experienced before was the sheer amount of people deciding to cut their Electric Picnic 2025 experience short by leaving on the Sunday. Maybe it was a combination of the drizzly weather and Sunday being the weakest day of headliners (in my humble opinion), but festivalgoers were leaving in their droves. I didn't drink on the Sunday so that I coud drive home after Kings of Leon, the final headliner of the weekend, and it was the best decision I've ever made. I had already spent my three nights sleeping on the ground, as I came down with an early-entry pass on the Thursday, so getting to properly shower and sleep in my own bed on Sunday night was amazing. I didn't expect so many people to have the same idea as me though, and the traffic was quite bad when I was leaving just after midnight. It took two hours to drive back to Dublin from the glamourous fields of Stradbally, but it was worth it for the comfort of my own bed. The weather was definitely a factor in my decision to head home early, as it rained for most of the day Sunday, and I was drenched while trying to watch The Kooks in the packed Electric Arena. Many people left before the Sunday headliners though, opting to miss out on Becky Hill and Kings of Leon to be home before dark on Sunday evening. I think festival organisers should take the hint and focus on making each day of headliners equally as strong. I know they can't control the weather, but I don't think near as many people would have left early on the Sunday if Chappell Roan and Hozier were the acts they'd be missing. In summary Overall, Electric Picnic 2025 was good. It will take more than a few showers and some wind to prevent the hordes of 20-somethings from having a good time. The new campsites and the pre-booking option was a huge success, and I think rolling it out for every campsite would be a good move. It would ensure there'd be less overcrowding, and would put the minds of those who come down on the Friday morning at ease. The standard of headliners should be maintained, and ideally improved, for next year to prevent another mass exodus on Sunday. As always, the extra gems the festival offers provided through the scattered wind and rain. Heineken House was successful yet again, as was Salty Dog and Croi. One of the highlights of the weekend is always wandering around and seeing where you end up! Until next year, Electric Picnic over and out. A search for a boy in Dublin who has not been seen for several years and is feared dead has so far been unsuccessful, the head of Irelands police service has said. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who took up the role this week, said investigators have been unable to identify any information on the boys current whereabouts or evidence as to whether he is alive. On Tuesday evening, the Child and Family Agency Tusla confirmed it had dealing with the missing child five years ago. It said, at the request of the family, its services had engagement with the child and their family until 2020. Since 2020, no new referral or new information of concern was received about this child until August 2025. On foot of this we contacted an An Garda Siochana with our concerns for the safety and wellbeing of the child, the agency said. As is normal process, where there is a serious incident or death involving a child open to, or previously known to our service, we conduct a review of our engagement and that review is sent to the National Review Panel. Earlier speaking at a press conference, Mr Kelly said: Tragically, investigating gardai believe the boy is deceased. Gardai said they are investigating all of the circumstances around the disappearance and whereabouts of the boy who would be seven years old if still alive. Concerns for the boy were raised by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and reported to gardai on Friday. A Garda statement said: The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy, who would now be seven years of age. On Monday, gardai took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, which will be the subject of a search in the coming days. Temporary structures are on site and the area has been fenced off with hoarding, erected by contractors. The area appears to be overgrown with long grass and weeds. At one point on Tuesday, a Garda helicopter flew overhead while a man with a camera observed the scene. Mr Kelly also appealed for anyone with information on the missing boy to contact investigating gardai. He said a senior investigating officer had been appointed and added: All resources are being deployed. Gardai said anyone with information can contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Tusla confirmed it made a referral to gardai on Friday after becoming concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the child. Our thoughts are with the childs family, friends, and community at this difficult time, it said in a statement. We continue to work closely with the gardai, and in line with normal practice, all relevant information relating to this family has been shared. Anyone with information on this case should contact An Garda Siochana in Swords. Irelands special rapporteur on child protection said there was public concern around the horrifying and heartbreaking case. Caoilfhionn Gallagher said it was positive to hear how quickly the investigation was progressing but added that the incident raised concerns about child protection systems. Ms Gallagher told RTE Radio One: It takes a village to raise a child but theres also that real question about us needing to have a village to watch out for children so we spot when things go wrong. The case came to public attention around the same time as the one-year anniversary that another child was reported missing and is now also feared dead. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing in August last year and a murder investigation was launched in October. Gardai believe he might have died aged six after it emerged he had not been seen since May 2022 when he was a pupil at a primary school in Dundalk. However, Ms Gallagher said there were differences between the two distinct and separate cases. We know that this was a pre-school child were talking about lockdown times. A disappearance of a child in those circumstances is not as apparent as in non-Covid, non-lockdown times when a child is of compulsory school age, for example. And the other key question, which is outstanding, of course, is whether this child was known previously to any of the authorities. Did this child have a social worker? Had there been any previous references of concern to the gardai and so on. And theres nothing whatsoever to indicate at the moment that this child was on the radar of any authorities. Ms Gallagher added: From the publicly available information, which is all Ive got, I dont necessarily see that, in terms of institutional responses, this raises the same types of concerns that we have in the horrendous case of Kyran Durnin. The special rapporteur said there are real questions about whether we need to have better systems in place for vulnerable children It seems to me, rather than just dealing on a firefighting basis with each individual case when they arise, we need to have a much more radical look at whether our systems do the job and whether theyre protecting children in Ireland as well as they could be. She added that it was possible to have a full transparent public inquiry into child protection systems at the same time as the gardai investigations. News / National by Staff reporter Farmers' unions have warned that Zimbabwe may face food shortages despite forecasts of an early and above-normal rainy season.The Meteorological Services Department recently predicted that rains will begin earlier than usual, raising hopes for a strong agricultural season. However, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) and other organisations say shortages of inputs such as seed, fertiliser, and fuel could limit production."Good rains alone are not enough. Farmers need affordable inputs and access to markets. Without these, we may still struggle to achieve food security," said ZFU president Paul Zakariya.The country continues to grapple with high food import bills, with maize and wheat imports straining limited foreign currency reserves. Rural households remain the most vulnerable, with many still recovering from last year's poor harvests.Government has pledged to increase input support through programmes such as-PFumvudza, but critics argue that the schemes often fall short of covering all farmers. News / National by Staff reporter A well-known Bulawayo businessman has died by suicide, sparking shock in the local community and raising concerns about mental health pressures faced by entrepreneurs.The man, whose name is being withheld at the request of his family, was found dead at his residence on Sunday. Police confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing but no foul play is suspected.Friends and colleagues described him as a hardworking individual who had recently been struggling with financial difficulties. "He was under immense pressure. The economy has been unforgiving, especially for small businesses," said one associate.Mental health professionals say the case highlights the need for more support systems for entrepreneurs. "Business owners often carry silent burdens. Society must encourage open conversations around mental health," said psychologist Dr. Nomsa Dube.Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe has seen a sharp rise in digital payments, with the value of retail transactions jumping 35 percent in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The total value rose from ZiG66 billion in the first quarter to ZiG89 billion, reflecting the growing shift towards cashless payments.The increase comes as the RBZ pushes the use of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines and mobile platforms to formalise the largely informal economy. The number of POS machines in the market grew from 150,000 in March to 152,800 in July. The central bank is also insisting that businesses must have functional POS machines and bank accounts before they can be granted or renew operating licences.RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the growth showed progress in integrating informal businesses into the banking system. "There has been a notable and steady increase in digital transactions across all channels, including mobile money, ZIPIT, contactless payments and online platforms," he said.Zimbabwe's economy remains heavily informal, with nearly 88 percent of businesses operating outside the formal system, according to the 2023 Economic Census. By extending POS machines and digital payment platforms, authorities hope to boost financial inclusion, increase use of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, and improve tax compliance.Economists say the trend signals growing confidence in digital finance but stress that success will depend on system stability and affordable transaction costs. For now, the surge highlights how Zimbabweans are embracing cashless payments in their daily lives. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. LISBON, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- A promotional conference for the 138th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, was held here on Monday, bringing together about 100 participants from political, business and media circles of both China and Portugal. The Canton Fair has served as an important platform for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, said Li Yong, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Portugal. He expressed hope that more Portuguese enterprises will establish long-term partnerships with Chinese companies. Situ Yi, head of the Canton Fair promotion team, briefed the audience on preparations for the event. He encouraged Portuguese companies to expand their business presence and benefit from China's development opportunities. Pedro Cunha, CEO of JOINCO, a major Portuguese trading company, and a representative of Canton Fair buyers, said that over the years of cooperation, he has come to view the fair not merely as an exhibition space, but as an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and global trust-building. He highlighted three specific areas where Portuguese companies can benefit directly via the fair: sustainable development and green innovation, agriculture and tourism, and technology and digitalization. Fernando Machado, general manager of Portugal's Battery Cluster association, praised the fair's role in promoting cooperation and trade between the two countries, particularly in the new energy sector. Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, China. The 138th Canton Fair is scheduled to take place from October to November. News / National by Staff reporter Zanu-PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha has clarified that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is not yet a member of the partyas central committee, despite claims by senior officials that his co-option had already been sealed.His remarks contradict Zanu-PF legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa, who recently insisted that Tagwireias elevation was a adone deal.a Chinamasaas statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), was interpreted as an attempt to shut down internal resistance. However, the post was deleted hours later, only to resurface the next day.The row over Tagwireias position has exposed widening divisions within the partyas leadership. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga last month blocked the Harare provincial executiveas attempt to push Tagwirei into the central committee, citing procedural violations.Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa also accused the businessman of using money to influence structures, warning that the co-option process should be restarted. He alleged that Tagwirei was abuying positionsa through patronage.Speaking to NewsDay over the weekend, Machacha stressed that the final decision lies with the central committee itself.aThe final position will be made by the central committee. Provinces may make recommendations, but it is the central committee which accepts any recommendation or makes any other decision,a he said.Tagwirei, a powerful financier of the ruling party, was controversially co-opted by the Harare provincial executive in March. His entry into high-level politics has fuelled speculation that he is positioning himself as a potential successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, placing him on a collision course with Chiwenga, long regarded as the leading contender.The issue spilled into last weekas politburo meeting, where Mutsvangwa openly challenged Chinamasaas stance. According to insiders, he even told Mnangagwa to replace him as party spokesperson with Chinamasa if the president felt he was underperforming. Mnangagwa remained silent, as did Chinamasa, leaving the room tense.The infighting forced Mnangagwa to warn party leaders against what he called aindividualistic tendenciesa threatening unity.aTactics and political chicanery meant to mislead, confuse, as well as divide the party and nation, must be nipped in the bud,a the president said.aWe must all speak with one voice and march in one direction. Leaders of the party are bound by collective responsibility and must unite around party decisions and resolutions which serve as our ideological and moral compass.aHe also urged discipline in communication after weeks of damaging public spats between senior figures.Tagwireias rise has not been without controversy. Observers note that he has distributed significant resources, including 18 luxury vehicles to the Harare provincial executive that endorsed him, fuelling accusations that he is using financial muscle to secure political legitimacy.The central committee is expected to deliberate on the matter in upcoming sittings, but until then, the controversy continues to underscore factional tensions within Zanu-PFas succession race. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday met executives of the China Railway Group (CRG) in Beijing to finalise a transformative US$533 million deal to overhaul Zimbabwe's deteriorating railway system, the presidency confirmed.Presidential spokesman George Charamba said the discussions, held ahead of Mnangagwa's attendance at China's Victory Parade on Wednesday, marked a major step towards securing one of the largest infrastructure partnerships between Zimbabwe and China in decades."Zimbabwe is on the verge of clinching a deal with the China Railway Group so work on this critical enabler starts," Charamba said. "CRG has been in constant communication with government on revamping and expanding Zimbabwe's rail network."CRG, which has built more than two-thirds of China's railway system and operates globally, is expected to undertake a full-scale rehabilitation of Zimbabwe's colonial-era network. The project includes modernising key lines, upgrading signaling systems, and supplying 17 new locomotives along with 209 freight wagons. Plans also cover the construction of five new stations and a strategic new line linking Beitbridge and Harare.Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube disclosed earlier this year that the deal was valued at US$533 million and would be implemented by TransTech Engineering Corporation, a CRG subsidiary with a track record of major African railway projects. These include the Addis AbabaaDjibouti Railway and the 1,860km TAZARA line between Tanzania and Zambia.Zimbabwe's railway infrastructure, once a backbone of regional trade, has been in decline for decades. Built over a century ago during British colonial rule, the network peaked in the 1990s when it transported up to 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Today, it carries less than 3 million tonnes, crippled by poor maintenance, lack of investment and outdated rolling stock. Overgrown tracks and inoperable locomotives have left large parts of the system idle.The decline has weighed heavily on Zimbabwe's mining sector, which relies on rail to move bulk commodities like coal, chrome, granite, and increasingly, lithium a a mineral in high demand for global clean energy technologies. Chinese companies including Tsingshan Holdings, Sinosteel, Huayou Cobalt and Chengxin Lithium have invested heavily in Zimbabwe's mineral sector but continue to face bottlenecks exporting their products.Analysts say the CRG deal could be a game-changer, helping Zimbabwe meet its US$12 billion mining industry target by easing the movement of minerals to ports in Mozambique and South Africa for export to Asia, particularly China.The project is expected to complement other efforts to revitalise the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), which has already engaged 11 private players in its modernisation drive. Among them is South Africa's Grindrod, which has deployed three locomotives and 150 wagons since March 2024 through its Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway subsidiary.Ncube has said a feasibility study for the CRG-led project was due for completion by the end of June 2025, though the formal signing of the deal was delayed after the Forum on ChinaaAfrica Cooperation summit in Beijing last month.The financing model has not yet been disclosed, but officials suggest it will likely combine Chinese loans and contractor financing a a formula that could deepen Zimbabwe's debt exposure to Chinese institutions.If finalised, the project would mark one of the most significant Chinese infrastructure investments in Zimbabwe since the Kariba South hydropower extension, and could reshape the country's transport and trade landscape for decades. News / National by Staff Reporter In a sweeping move aimed at curbing rising crime and drug abuse, Zimbabwe's government has officially banned tinted windows on all private and public vehicles. The directive, announced by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, comes in response to a surge in criminal activities allegedly perpetrated in vehicles with obscured interiors."Effective immediately, any vehicle with tinted windows that prevent law enforcement from seeing inside will be subject to removal of the tint or impoundment," said Minister Kazembe during a press briefing in Harare. "This is not a cosmetic issue - it's a matter of national security."The ban applies to all vehicles except those belonging to government VIPs, security services, and those with manufacturer-installed shading that does not obstruct visibility. Authorities say the crackdown is particularly focused on mushikashika operators - informal transporters often linked to violent crimes and drug trafficking.The move follows a disturbing incident involving a Grade Seven pupil who was reportedly abducted and assaulted in a tinted vehicle. Police say such cases are becoming alarmingly frequent, with tinted windows providing cover for illicit activities.Motorists have been given a grace period to comply, after which enforcement will be strict. Roadblocks and vehicle inspections are expected to increase nationwide.Public reaction has been mixed. While some citizens welcome the measure as a necessary step toward restoring safety, others argue it penalizes law-abiding drivers who use tinting for privacy or protection from the sun.As the country grapples with broader issues of law enforcement and public safety, the tinted window ban marks a bold - if controversial -attempt to reclaim control of Zimbabwe's roads. OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders discussed the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for his leadership and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to a two-state solution an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. Prime Minister Carney noted Canada's intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly later this month an intention that is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms. Prime Minister Carney discussed Canada's recent efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, including working with regional allies to provide urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Prime Minister and the Amir also discussed trade, recognizing the opportunities for increased investment in both Canada and Qatar. The leaders committed to deepening the bilateral trade relationship specifically in aerospace, energy, and defence. Associated links This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2025/02/c5696.html Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene has died. He was 73. Greene passed away at a Toronto hospital on Monday, Sept. 1, his agent confirmed to TMZ. His wife of over 30 years, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side at the time. Greenes agent did not share a cause of death. He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character and will be eternally missed. You are finally free, Greenes agent said in a statement to Deadline. He added that Greenes longtime agent Susan Smith, who died in 2013, will meet the actor at the gates of heaven. Greene is perhaps best known for his performance as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1991. His other film credits included Maverick (1994), Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), Casino Jack (2010), Winters Tale (2014), and Wind River (2017). Graham Greene (right) in "Dances With Wolves." Movieclips The actor also made a number of television appearances over the years, guest starring on shows including Riverdale, The Last of Us, and Tulsa King. Greenes IMDb page lists several upcoming projects which he will appear in posthumously, including the thriller Ice Fall starring Joel Kinnaman. READ MORE: Sopranos actor dies at 96 During a 2024 interview with R.H. Thompson, Greene, who belonged to the Oneida First Nation, opened up about dealing with stereotypes early in his career. When I first started out in the business, it was a very strange thing. Theyd hand you the script where you had to speak the way they thought native people spoke, he said. And in order to get my foot in the door, I did it. I went along with it for a little while. Greene recalled directors telling him to look stoic and unsmiling to fit their idea of an indigenous man. I dont behave like that. I dont know anyone who behaves like that. Native people have an incredible sense of humor, he said. Thats what I said to [Dances With Wolves director] Kevin [Costner]. I said, People in this film, in this village, they have an incredible family unit and fun has always been part of that. Fun is 50 percent of how they live and enjoy things. In addition to his wife, Greene is survived by his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Multiple police units responded to the incident on Furnace Street Monday evening, Sept. 1, 2025 with no injuries reported and no charges filed against the man. Photo via the Emmaus Police Department Facebook Page An armed man threatening to harm himself led to a nearly two-hour standoff Monday evening in Emmaus, police said. Borough Police Chief Jason B. Apgar told lehighvalleylive.com the incident unfolded just before 5:50 p.m. in the 600 block of Furnace Street. Emmaus police were assisted by Salisbury Township police; the Lehigh County Emergency Response Team; Lehigh County Special Operations unit; and Lehigh County Crisis team in negotiating with the man. After approximately an hour and a half, the chief said the man was brought into custody. There were no reported injuries. Apgar referred questions to the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office, where spokeswoman Pamela Lehman said there would be no further comment at this time. Lehman did say no criminal charges were filed against the man. A WFMZ-69 News broadcast stated several roads surrounding the area were shut down during the incident. Its unclear if neighboring residents were issued a shelter-in-place order. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A 32-year-old motorcyclist was hurt during a police chase that ended with him being thrown from the bike in Upper Nazareth Township, police said. Derrick Louis Colon, of the 100 block of East Elizabeth Avenue in Bethlehem, is charged with felony fleeing police; misdemeanor resisting arrest; misdemeanor drunken driving; misdemeanor marijuana possession; and various summary traffic offenses. Colon was arraigned Sunday before District Judge John Capobianco, who set bail at $15,000. In lieu of bail, Colon was taken to Northampton County Prison. There was no attorney information immediately listed in court records for Colon. Upper Nazareth Police Chief William Cope told lehighvalleylive.com the incident began shortly before 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the area of Newburg and Township Line roads. A township officer spotted Colon allegedly speeding on his Yamaha motorcycle. Colon refused to stop despite the officer enacting emergency lights and sirens and he continued heading east on Newburg Road, court records state. Colon then crossed over the double yellow lines and fog line multiple times as police pursued his motorcycle, police said. Colon sped through a red traffic signal near the intersection with Nazareth Pike before losing control and entering a grassy area on the southeast side of the intersection, police said. Colon was then ejected from the motorcycle, police said. Court records indicate Colon attempted to get back onto the bike, but an officer deployed a Taser to subdue him. Colon was eventually taken into custody by township police and transported to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township for treatment of minor injuries, the police chief said. Investigators seized a bag of marijuana on the grass next to the motorcycle. Police also took a blood sample from Colon; toxicology results are pending, according to the affidavit of probable cause. The court record lays out evidence and witness testimony against a defendant. Cope told lehighvalleylive.com additional charges in the case could be forthcoming. Colon is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 15 before Capobianco. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Photographed on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, Connell Funeral Home at 245 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem is merging with Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory of Hellertown and Pennsburg to become Connell Falk Funeral Homes, and Crematory, Inc. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Two long-standing family-owned funeral homes in the Lehigh Valley region are joining forces in a significant merger. Connell Funeral Home of Bethlehem and Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory of Hellertown and Pennsburg announced in August they will combine under the banner of Connell Falk Funeral Homes, and Crematory, Inc. bringing together nearly 175 years of combined service to the area. The partnership unites Connell Funeral Home, established in 1919 by Francis J. Connell Sr., with Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, founded in 1955 by Franklin and Betty Falk. The merged organization will maintain its presence in Bethlehem, Hellertown and Pennsburg, serving the Lehigh Valley, Saucon Valley and Upper Perkiomen Valley communities. We are deeply grateful for the trust families have placed in both the Connell and Falk names, said Jamie Connell. This partnership allows us to honor that history while looking forward; expanding what we can offer and ensuring every family receives the highest level of care, support and attention. The fourth-generation Connell Funeral Home family and Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory announced in August 2025 they are partnering to create a combined entity serving three Pennsylvania communities. Standing, from left, are Matt, John and Jamie Connell, and seated are Frank and Donna Falk. Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Under the new structure, John Connell will continue as supervisor of the Bethlehem location, Frank Falk will supervise the Pennsburg facility, and Chadd A. Hamman, a longtime funeral director and Saucon Valley resident, will oversee the Hellertown location. Frank and Donna Falk will remain actively involved in operations. The merger includes the Connell familys acquisition of the crematory facility, which was established by the Falks in 2003 as one of the regions first on-site crematories. The combined organization will also feature Coco, a rescued springer doodle who serves as a grief support dog for families during difficult times. The fourth-generation Connell leadership team includes Jamie, Matt and John Connell, continuing a century-old tradition of service that began in Bethlehem. The Falk familys contribution includes their expansion to Pennsburg in 1982 and their pioneering role in providing crematory services to the region. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by a press release from Connell Falk Funeral Homes, and Crematory, Inc. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. The weather for Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in the Lehigh Valley region features temperatures in the upper 70s with light winds, while a more active pattern develops later this week with two cold fronts approaching. National Weather Service A weak weather system may bring isolated sprinkles of rain to the Lehigh Valley region on Tuesday, with a low chance of measurable precipitation. Temperatures will remain near seasonal averages with light easterly winds. The National Weather Service forecast indicates a slight possibility of sprinkles throughout the day, primarily driven by a meandering mid-level low pressure system. Most areas are more likely to experience mid-level cloud cover than actual rainfall, with only a minimal chance of light precipitation. Temperatures will rise to the upper 70s, maintained by an onshore flow pattern. Wind speeds will remain light, generally 10 mph or less, shifting from easterly to southerly during the afternoon. The Poconos and northwestern New Jersey have a slightly higher probability of experiencing light showers. Looking ahead, a more significant weather pattern emerges later in the week. A cold front is expected to cross the region Thursday night, bringing a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Another cold front is anticipated Saturday, which could produce more widespread precipitation, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. The weekend forecast suggests improving conditions for Sunday and Monday, with high pressure building that promises cooler and drier weather. Residents should monitor local forecasts for any updates to the precipitation chances and potential timing of the frontal systems. Follow your local forecast from AccuWeather at lehighvalleylive.com/weather with National Weather Service watches, warnings and other advisories available as theyre issued at lehighvalleylive.com/weather-alerts. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff. Plans to build 47 new houses not far from Abbeyleix Estate have been approved by An Coimisiun Pleanala. Jacqueline Duncan applied to Laois County Council for planning permission for the one, two, three and four bedroom properties at The Rookery, Tullyroe, Ballacolla Road in Abbeyleix in March of 2024. The planned development was revised in December 2024 after Further Information was sought by Laois County Council. It was reduced from 51 to 47 units and now comprises 43 two storey terraced, semi terraced and detached houses and four maisonettes on a 1.83 hectare site. The planning application was approved by Laois County Council subject to 20 conditions on March 21, 2025. It had attracted over a dozen submissions while it was being considered by the Councils planning department. They included a submission from the applicants father and from Ken and Frances Black who said: Abbeyleix is a Heritage Town and the 2023 Tidy Town's winner. All future proposed development on the fringes of the town's environs will hopefully be granted with consideration to the rural surrounds, biodiversity, ecology and environmental needs. A low density development on this site may be better aligned. A submission was also lodged by the applicants father. In his submission supporting the proposed development, Anthony J Duncan, stated that Abbeyleix needs new housing. The application deals in detail with all points as raised by the various submissions and is in conformity with the Development Plan. Nimbyism has no place in our society or planning process, stated Mr Duncan. He noted: The Abbeyleix Estate (Mr John Collison) has not objected and in fact is on record as being totally supportive of the need to increase the supply of housing(Irish Independent 9/01/2022). The planning approval by Laois County Council was subsequently appealed to An Commisiun Pleanala. An agent for Ken and Frances Black of Sweetview, Abbeyleix, appealed the plans and queried the proposed development's compliance with National Planning Framework policies and the Laois County Development Plan. Concerns were raised about the environment, wastewater capacity, traffic, appropriateness of the site and the potential for flooding. William X White and Others also appealed the development on similar grounds. However, an Inspector with ACP stated that the Commission was satisfied that the proposed development is an acceptable form and type of development at this location and is supported by policy at national, regional and local levels including contributing positively to compact growth and urban consolidation. She said The Commission was also satisfied that subject to the conditions hereby attached, the proposed development would not give rise to a traffic hazard and would be acceptable in terms of protecting adjoining residential amenity. The Commission was satisfied that the proposals for waste water management were acceptable. The proposed development was, therefore, considered to be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. A Planning Commissioner granted permission for the houses subject to 20 conditions. He stated that having regard to the location of the subject site on land zoned for residential development, within the development boundary of Abbeyleix, the Commission was satisfied that the proposed development is an acceptable form and type of development at this location and is supported by policy at national, regional and local levels including contributing positively to compact growth and urban Consolidation. ACP found that the Commission was also satisfied that subject to the conditions hereby attached, the proposed development would not give rise to a traffic hazard, would not be prejudicial to public health and would be acceptable in terms of protecting adjoining residential amenity. The proposed development is, therefore, considered to be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. A Portlaoise based charity is seeking help to clean hundreds of sleeping bags they recovered from the Electric Picnic campsites in Stradbally. We went to Electric Picnic yesterday and collected up to 1,000 sleeping bags. They need to be cleaned, Portlaoise Action To Homelessness(PATH) posted on social media. The charity collects the sleeping bags every year. They deliver them to homeless people sleeping on the streets in Dublin and elsewhere. Due to the volume of bags collected each year, the charity relies on the generosity of people in Laois to collect the bags and then wash and dry them before returning them to the charity. We will be parked at the front of Laois Shopping Centre at 6pm This Thursday at 6pm to 7pm for you lovely people to collect them from us to clean please, they stated. We will also be there at the same time Thursday the 11th at 6pm to 7pm to collect those sleeping bags back off you. If you can take a few of them each we would very much appreciate it. They will be given out to our Nations Homeless, they stated. Two Laois students will compete alongside 180 teens in a national competition testing trade skills this September. WorldSkills Ireland, Irelands leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities will test finalists on a range of skills-based trades. Laois apprentice Brian Kuehnle will compete in Industrial Mechanics, and fellow Laois local Ruan Murgatroyd will battle it out in Cloud Computing. Pictured: competitor, Ruan Murgatroyd with Martin Phelan, Examiner and Brian Kuehnle, Competitor WorldSkills Ireland, Irelands leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt from September 17 to 19. Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades, including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering. Now firmly established as a must-attend event in school calendars, it will welcome over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths. In 2024, 75% of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers. Across the three days, the two students from County Laois will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event. Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades, including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering. Those competing from County Laois include Brian Kuehnle, competing in Industrial Mechanics and Ruan Murgatroyd, competing in Cloud Computing. "WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities," said Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland. "This year, students and apprentices from across the country will compete in 35 different skill areas, each working to exacting standards and under time pressure. Its an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage," he said. This event opens doors for students to discover exciting alternatives to traditional academic routes, shining a light on the variety of training and apprenticeship options available, and the rewarding careers they can lead to. "By championing skills and apprenticeships, were helping to develop the expertise and innovation needed for Irelands industries to thrive. The combined support of educators, industry leaders and government makes WorldSkills Ireland a unique and powerful driver for the future of our young people and our economy," Mr English finished. Running alongside the Irish Times Higher Options, WorldSkills Ireland offers unmatched value for schools, with students gaining exposure to both academic and vocational pathways in one visit. Supported by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation, and ESB Networks, education partner the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and the Government of Ireland and Apprenticeship Ireland, the event will also feature interactive Try a Skill zones, immersive VR experiences, industry talks, live demonstrations across trades and technical professions, and companies ready to recruit. Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education. The Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS, Dublin on Friday 19th September and is a day not to be missed! Free to attend, registration for the event is now open www.worldskillsireland.ie. A Kildare woman taken too soon has been fondly remembered as being a wonderful colleague with a lovely smile and sense of fun. Catherine (Kate) Kiely, Newtown, Suncroft, Kildare, passed peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff at St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 31 last. Loving daughter of Jim and Kathleen. Sadly missed by her brothers James and Kieran, sister Nicola, sisters-in-law Nicola and Tracy, nephews James, Harry, Kieran and Conor, aunts and uncles, relatives, neighbours, friends and her beloved pet dog Millie. May Kate rest in peace. READ NEXT: LATEST: 100 attractive new homes planned for near M7 in Kildare Reposing at McWey's Funeral Home, Abbeyview, Kildare Town from 5pm on Wednesday concluding with rosary at 7pm. Removal by Glennon's Funeral Directors from her family home on Thursday morning to arrive at St. Brigid's Church, Suncroft, for requiem mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery, Suncroft. Kate's funeral mass will be broadcast on 108FM and also live streamed on the webstream link below. Tributes paid to Catherine on RIP.ie this week include: My sincere condolences to Catherine's family and friends. Catherine was a wonderful colleague in Coca-Cola , always there to support and with such a friendly and approachable demeanour. I will remember her lovely smile and sense of fun. You are in my thoughts at this very sad time. And: Sorry to hear of the passing of Catherine. Our deepest sympathy to Jim, Kathleen, James, Kieran, Nicola and extended family. May her soul rest in peace. While another mourner wrote: I am so sorry to hear of Catherine's untimely passing. My sincere condolences to her parents & family. I worked with Catherine for many years in Coca-Cola and we had many laughs, she was a lovely person and always in good form. May her gentle soul rest in peace. And another added: I first met Catherine in 1994, when she joined Coca-Cola on a six-month contract, sitting beside me. That six months turned into 27 years - which says it all. Always kind and helpful, Catherine's reporting genius went far beyond the capability of others. She always made time for a few words with colleagues. Taken far too soon, rest in peace gentle lady. Sincere condolences to all the Kiely family. Thinking of you at this very sad time. House strictly private. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to "The Irish Cancer Society". Donations can be made through the donation link below. Glennon's Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Glennons Funeral Directors on 045 860110. Webstream Funeral service: https://livecamireland.ie/live-webcams/parish-of-suncroft-2/ Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in Memory of Catherine (Kate) Kiely: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/CK40429768/donate.html Drumshanbo Shed Distillery Nature Reserve will twin with Chinas Giant Panda National Park this week with a special Twinning ceremony taking place to mark the occasion. Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, PJ Rigby, owner of the distillery, said that the connection came about after he and his wife Denise travelled to China. He told us: "It came about for a number of reasons. Denise and I were in China last November and we met with the Sichuan Green Foundation and built a connection with them to raise funds for them and we are doing that through the sale of a special pack - Panda Conservation Edition of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. We are raising money for the preservation of the panda." Two Chinese Panda Guardians, Ms Yang Qin of the Giant Panda National Park and Ms Zhang Li of the Sichuan Green have travelled from Sichuan to Drumshanbo to take part in the celebrations. READ MORE: Leitrim womens breast screening referrals refused by Dublin hospitals, meeting hears PJ continued that everything related to the Giant Panda in China is done through the government "so this was a bit of a breakthrough; it was facilitated by the Chinese Ambassador here and our relationships in China." He said that while in China, they went to meet the Giant Pandas adding that the funds will go towards the Sherpas, "the guardians that keep an eye on the wild pandas and they don't intervene unless they have to. It is as much a friendship and cultural exchange as it is financial support." PJ and Denise invited the guardians to come to Ireland and they are currently staying in Leitrim. "On Wednesday, they are at The Shed Gathering Grounds, the towns former Methodist Church in Drumshanbo, for a ceremony. We had asked them if they would be interested in twinning with our nature reserve which is very small and has just started. We just bought 80 acres of outside Drumshanbo 10,000 tons of carbon will be stored there and we are going to try and turn that into a peaceful place for nature. They said that they would love to that." The visitors arrived on Sunday and on Monday, they visited the Sligo Oyster Experience, an oyster farm. "Then they visited a regular farm. Today (Tuesday), we're going to Leitrim County Council and they have a ceremony there where they are going to be honoured. Tomorrow, we will be showing them are nature reserve and we'll have a little ceremony. On Thursday, they are going to the Dail where they will be honoured and they are going back to China at the weekend." READ MORE: Leitrim poet says his animal rights book will make readers face uncomfortable truths PJ said that the initiative reflect the values of Drumshanbo Shed Distillery and that they are "very much into nature; not only with the nature reserve but we are members of Origin Green, which is the Bord Bia sustainability programme. This project is quite unusual and something we really wanted to do." Collectively, these results demonstrate that Albany graphite not only meets but often exceeds the stringent requirements for nuclear-grade graphite. This comprehensive performance supports its suitability for demanding nuclear industry environments, reinforcing Albany graphite's potential as a safe, reliable material for nuclear energy applications. Coefficient of Friction: Albany graphite met or exceeded industry standards for frictional performance. Significance: Reliable coefficient of friction values help ensure that graphite components resist wear, endure mechanical motion within auxiliary reactor support systems, and have longer service lifespans. This contributes to lower maintenance requirements and improved operational reliability. Four-Point Resistivity: The material exhibited low electrical resistivity, indicating a high degree of graphitization. Significance: A high graphitization level enhances thermal and electrical conductivity, which is vital for efficient and safe reactor performance, especially in pebble-bed and other advanced nuclear reactors. This property supports the overall efficiency and safety of nuclear energy systems. Compressibility : Albany graphite demonstrated high compact density and low elastic expansion after compression. Significance: These properties are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and long-term stability of matrix graphite used in nuclear reactors, especially those of pebble bed type. High compact density and minimal expansion ensure components can withstand the extreme conditions present in nuclear operations. Air Jet Sub-Sieve Analyzer Yield: The test confirmed that Albany graphite meets the specified particle size distribution and D50 (median particle diameter) required for nuclear applications. Significance: Achieving the proper particle size ensures the graphite can be processed efficiently and maintains consistent performance during manufacturing. This is critical for the reliability and integrity of nuclear-grade graphite components used in reactor environments. GUELPH, ON / ACCESS Newswire / October 6, 2025 / Zentek Ltd. (" Zentek " or the " Company ") (Nasdaq:ZTEK)(TSXV:ZEN), an intellectual property technology development and commercialization company, is pleased to share an update from its wholly owned subsidiary, Albany Graphite Corp. ("AGC") on its Critical Minerals Innovation Fund ("CMIF") grant-funded activities, further to its release dated September 22, 2025. AGC, in collaboration with American Energy Technologies Company ("AETC"), has successfully completed additional material characterization tests that confirm nuclear specifications continue to be met. The findings suggest that ultra-high purity Albany graphite could be well suited for use in the nuclear energy industry. Story Continues As announced on September 22, 2025, AETC successfully purified the second batch of Albany graphite to an ultra-high 5N+ purity level (99.9992 wt.% C), indicating its potential reproducibility and suitability for nuclear applications. Additionally, subsequent elemental analysis yielded a calculated Equivalent Boron Concentration ("EBC") of 2.60 ppm, which is below the 3 ppm specification required by the nuclear industry. Achieving this low EBC is crucial, as it ensures the graphite's suitability for safe, reliable use in nuclear reactors, where boron contamination and other deleterious elements can impact reactor performance. This ultra-high purity graphite was subsequently used for additional material characterization testwork as summarized below along with the significance of the results with respect to the nuclear industry: Air Jet Sub-Sieve Analyzer Yield: Achieving the specified particle size distribution and D50 is essential for meeting industry requirements. Compressibility: Attaining a high compact density combined with low elastic expansion is crucial for matrix graphite powder used in the nuclear sector. Four-Point Resistivity: Demonstrating a low resistivity, which indicates a high degree of graphitization, is critical for graphite intended for pebble-bed reactors. Coefficient of Friction: Maintaining a low coefficient of friction is important for applications where graphite is used as an anti-friction lubricant. The current results for the purity, calculated EBC, particle characterization, air jet sub-sieve yield, compressibility, four-point resistivity and coefficient of friction testing are summarized in the table below along with known acceptable ranges for each test. Summary of Characterization Results for Ultra-High Purity Albany Graphite Characterization Test Units Albany Graphite Results Acceptable Range or Threshold value* LOI Purity** wt.% C 99.9992 99.999 min Ash content wt.% 0.0008 0.001 max Particle Size Distribution m D10 D50 D90 MV 4.4 10.7 31.7 17.1 D10 D50 D90 MV 2.9-4.9 9.5-11 27-35 15-25 EBC ppm 2.60 Less than 3 Tap Density g/cm3 0.3 0.25-0.50 Scott Volume g/cm3 0.2 0.09-0.25 Specific Surface Area m2/g 12.7 4-14 Air Jet Sieve Yield % 100 Greater than 85 Compressibility % 13.95 11-40 Four-Point Resistivity at 1 mT in 0.428 0.15-0.68 Coefficient of Friction 0.09 0.08-0.15 * Based on AETC's knowledge of the current specification that is required by an operational nuclear plant. ** Platinum crucible LOI analysis conducted at 950C MV=Mean Value of particle size distribution Significantly, all the nuclear graphite suitability testing performed on ultra-high purity sample of Albany graphite flake to date suggest that the Albany Graphite material subjected to downstream processing could be well suited for use in the nuclear energy industry. Next Steps The final suitability test will involve the production of near-net-shaped graphite bricks using a mixture of synthetic graphite, ultra-high purity Albany graphite and coal-tar pitch. Solid shapes with preferred anisotropy of grain orientation are typically used to line nuclear reactors. Upon the successful production of the test bricks, AETC will characterize the properties of the composite to confirm that nuclear industry specifications have been achieved. Emily Schmidt, Project Manager and Business Development representative at American Energy Technologies Co. was quoted as saying, "AETC is pleased to see continued progress with the data generated from thermally purified versions of Albany graphite that was shown previously to reach 99.9992 wt.% C purity level. Purity alone is necessary but insufficient for rendering graphite as suitable material for the nuclear graphite industry. In addition to 5N purity, graphite needs to reach a threshold of less than 3 ppm EBC, and we have seen that purified Albany graphite measured 2.6 ppm and is meeting this industry spec. In addition to this, graphite needs to meet other technical requirements that are described throughout this news release. One being a 32-micron air jet sub-sieve analyzer yield. This is of particular significance in the Matrix Graphite for nuclear applications market segment. It is great to see that Albany Graphite complies with this and other industry specs." Wendy Ford, CFO and interim CEO of Zentek, commented: "We are greatly encouraged by these latest results, which further reinforce the significant potential of the Albany Graphite Project. Consistently meeting and even surpassing the stringent requirements for nuclear-grade graphite highlights not only the exceptional quality of our material but also the dedication and expertise of our team and partners. With each milestone, we are strengthening Zentek's position as an innovator in critical minerals and advanced materials. Our ongoing investment in rigorous testing and collaboration with industry leaders like AETC is seeking to support Ontario's leadership in the clean energy transition. We remain committed to ensuring that Albany graphite continues to deliver value, drive sustainability, and open new avenues for growth in both nuclear and battery applications." Mr. Peter Wood, P.Eng., P.Geo., Vice President, Development of AGC, a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has approved the technical information contained in this news release. Overview of the Albany Graphite Project The Albany Graphite Project, is a unique igneous-hosted, fluid-derived graphite deposit, located in Ontario and has been developed to an advanced exploration stage. The project is located northwest of the communities of Constance Lake First Nation and Hearst, Ontario, within 30 km of the Trans-Canada Highway, close to established infrastructure including roads, rail, power transmission lines, and a natural gas pipeline. About the Ontario Critical Minerals Innovation Fund ("CMIF") Program The CMIF is dedicated to building a stronger Ontario by supporting the mining industry through research, development, and the commercialization of innovative technologies, processes, and solutions for the critical minerals supply chain. Part of the government's Critical Minerals Strategy, the CMIF aims to establish a made-in-Ontario supply chain that meets the growing global demand for critical minerals essential for manufacturing technologies like batteries and electric vehicles. "We're not just leading-we're accelerating Ontario's role in critical minerals, and the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund is how we are making it happen," said Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines. "By investing in the Purification and Anode Development Project, we're positioning Ontario as a global leader in clean energy minerals-creating good jobs, driving economic growth, and powering the future of electric vehicles and sustainable industries across the province." About AETC American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC) is a woman-owned, privately held business which conducts operations out of the greater Chicago area. In its Wheeling, IL facility, AETC operates three business units: a manufacturing plant making battery-ready graphite and carbon materials, a pilot demonstration facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully functional applications laboratory supporting the above business units. AETC, a member of the US DOE DPA Nuclear Fuel Cycle Consortium, manufactures ultrahigh purity natural and synthetic graphite as well as operates sophisticated consolidation technologies (hot isostatic pressing, compression molding, extrusion, and more), and acts as a downstream processor for a number of existing and emerging raw material producers in both the natural and synthetic graphite space in qualifying their raw materials for use in the nuclear industry. AETC is currently doing business with several commercial companies operating in the nuclear industry space. These include energy producers, regulators, as well as deployable DoD systems. AETC is an approved supplier to the US DLA and a number of US Navy shipyards as well as a DOD tier 1 company managing the sustainment and operation of the undersea component of the US Nuclear Triad. Besides its production capabilities, AETC has extensive in-house analytical capabilities which allow the company to qualify powdered graphites and graphite shapes for use as suitable materials for introduction to the nuclear industry. AETC works with industrial partners and manufacturing groups worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Defense, to ensure materials meet performance standards and strategic requirements. Their facilities are equipped for testing, downstream processing, AI-driven manufacturing, and carbon material development, enabling Albany Graphite Corp.to tailor products to international market specifications. About Zentek Ltd. Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener. Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD is shown to have enhanced viral filtration efficiency for surgical masks and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD production facility is in Guelph, Ontario. Zentek has a global exclusive license to the Aptamer-based platform technology developed by McMaster University which is being jointly developed Zentek and McMaster for both the diagnostic and therapeutic markets. For further information: investorrelations@zentek.com Ryan Shacklock Tel: (306) 270-9610 Email: rshacklock@zentek.com To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Zentek Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Disappointment was expressed during the first Leitrim County Council meeting after the summer break over news announced by Bus Eireann just three weeks ago. Bus Eireann recently confirmed that the villages of Dromod and Rooskey will no longer be serviced by the Route 23 service from Sligo to Dublin, as they were low demand stops and removing them from the service would improve journey times. The change came into effect on Sunday, August 24, without any public consultation. Cllr Sean McGowan put forward a motion calling on Bus Eireann, the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the Minister for Transport to reverse their decision to discontinue the daily service serving the villages of Dromod and Rooskey. He noted that the communities in both villages are angry about the news that the one daily service on the route each way was being withdrawn. READ NEXT: Expressway 'low demand stops' including Dromod and Roosky will no longer be served The only towns in Leitrim that the route now services are Annaduff and Carrick-on-Shannon. Cllr McGowan highlighted that when the Dromod-Rooskey bypass opened, Bus Eireann had six services, which were withdrawn in 2009. Councillors met with the NTA and Bus Eireann on several occasions and managed to get them to change their minds, leaving the service at Dromod arriving at 7:30am and returning at 8:30pm. Cllr McGowan urged that Bus Eireann provide a service arriving into Dromod at 9am and returning at 6pm. What Id be asking for is, that the service that we argued for retention at the time, was the service into Dromod at 9am and coming back into Dromod in the evening at 6pm, Cllr McGowan said. We tried to get three services at the time, and Im asking that we try again. READ NEXT: Leitrim women's breast screening referrals refused by Dublin hospitals, meeting hears Dromod is a growing village, were not too far off 1,000 people, he continued. Its no journey off the N4, youre talking about 10 or 15 minutes and youre back out on the route again. Cllr McGowans motion was unanimously supported, with Cllr Enda Stenson adding, We have to meet them face to face, its just another withdrawal from rural, small communities. NEED TO KNOW Eight people are missing after a helicopter "lost contact" during a flight in Indonesia on Monday, Sept. 1, the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (SAR) has announced An American man is among those missing, per ABC News and The Independent The aircraft lost contact eight minutes after takeoff, according to a report An American passenger is missing along with seven others after a helicopter disappeared flying over the forests of Indonesia. A search operation is being carried out to locate the eight people on board the BK 117-D3 helicopter, which lost contact in the Kecamatan Mantewe area in South Kalimantan on Monday, Sept. 1, the National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (SAR) stated in a press release on Instagram. According to The Independent, the helicopter lost contact eight minutes after takeoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint SAR team carried out a personnel and equipment briefing at 6.30 a.m. WITA, then moved on to the search sector, SAR said. The head of the SAR Banjarmasin office informed that the search area was expanded to 100 nautical miles, by dividing the team into three Search and Rescue Units. The Eastindo Air helicopter departed the Kotabaru district in South Kalimantan for Palangkaraya city at 8:46 a.m. on Monday, but failed to arrive after losing contact with air traffic control at 8:54 a.m., ABC News reported. SAR received a report about the missing aircraft at 12:02 p.m., per the outlet. One pilot, one engineer and six passengers including one American were onboard, per The Independent and ABC News. They were identified as Captain Haryanto, Eng Hendra, Mark Werren, Yudi Febrian, Andys Rissa Pasulu, Santha Kumar, Claudine Quito, and Iboy Irfan Rosa, per the Indonesian outlet Antara News. BASARNAS Banjarmasin via AP BASARNAS rescuers searching for missing passengers on Sept. 2 BASARNAS rescuers searching for missing passengers on Sept. 2 Aerial and ground searches are being carried out to find the missing in six major coordinate points around Tanah Bumbu District, SAR shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search efforts are being carried out more intensively by combining air and land elements, SAR said, per the release. Aerial searches are focused on reaching areas hard to reach land, while ground teams conduct direct combing in hilly areas and dense forests. BASARNAS Banjarmasin via AP Rescuers prepare for a search operation for a helicopter carrying eight people in Indonesia Rescuers prepare for a search operation for a helicopter carrying eight people in Indonesia Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office I Putu Sudayana stated there were 140 personnel from various agencies and volunteers involved in the search. Two helicopters from the National Police Headquarters and National Disaster Management Agency are also involved in the search, per Antara News. 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. BASARNAS Banjarmasin via AP Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency rescuers on Sept. 2 Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency rescuers on Sept. 2 As of the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 2, the eight people missing had not been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The full potential of SAR is deployed to the maximum to accelerate the discovery of helicopters and victims. We hope that with the sector's pattern, the second day operation can result in a bright spot," SAR Head Office member Kantorsar Banjarmasin said. PEOPLE has reached out to Eastindo Air for comment. Read the original article on People Scores of smallholders from Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Montserrado await cash payment for their rubber sales at Jeety Rubber Factory, Weala, Margibi County, on August 30, 2025. From Fighting Fascism to Building a Community with a Shared Future: China Always in the Forefront of Upholding International Fairness and Justice TWO COUNTY Limerick dairy farming families were honoured at this year's Kerry Dairy Ireland Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards in the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare.. The Hickey family from Caherconlish (pictured below) and the OKelly family, Dromcollogher were both finalists at the prestigious ceremony which celebrates excellence among its milk suppliers. Judges also take into account the overall quality and sustainability of their farms. The Casey family from Causeway, County Kerry, were named the overall winners, becoming the fifth family to receive this prestigious honour since the awards were established. READ NEXT: REVEALED: First rapid-build modular homes land at Limerick park Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry Dairy Ireland, congratulated all participants and highlighted the exceptional work being carried out across the supplier base. We are proud to recognise the Casey family for their achievements in milk quality, sustainability and farm succession. Their focus on breeding, grassland management and environmental stewardship reflects the values we hold at Kerry Dairy Ireland. Protecting water quality, ensuring animal welfare and reducing carbon emissions are essential to delivering premium dairy products to our customers, said Mr Murphy. In 2024, the Kerry Agribusiness Milk Quality and Sustainability Award was won by the Fox family for their farm in Bulgaden. Fox News host Jesse Watters invoked the spirit of Donald Trump to excuse himself for referring to a colleague by a demeaning nickname she reportedly hates. Explaining on The Five on Monday that he used to see pioneering financial reporter Maria Bartiromo at the New York Stock Exchange when he worked there as an intern, Watters said he still uses her 90s moniker. Maria Bartiromo was there and everybody called her Money Honey, Watters said. Later, we worked together at Fox News. Isnt that great? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually work with Money Honey. And Ive been working with Money Honey for all these years. Maria Bartiromo joined the Fox Business Network in 2014 after 20 years at CNBC. / Brendan McDermid / REUTERS Money Honey is the name Bartiromo was given by New York tabloids for her looks when she covered financial news for CNBC for two decades. While playing it off gracefully when asked about the name in public, in private Bartiromo is said to have bristled at it, feeling that it demeaned her work as a journalist. Lisa Kennedy, picking Watters up on the anecdote, said Bartiromo was not terribly pleased when Kennedy introduced her to Watters at an event and hed called her Money Honey. Does she not like that name? Watters asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not at all, Greg Gutfeld replied. Waving off the faux pas, Watters justified his use of the nickname by telling the panel: We can say itTrump is in office! Bartiromo joined Fox Business in 2014 and hosts Mornings with Maria on the network. Almost 60% of general election candidates and nearly half of local election candidates surveyed experienced negative online behaviour during the recent general and local elections, research has revealed. Many candidates said they were exposed to offensive, abusive or hateful behaviour, violent or intimidating communications, or impersonation online. The most common trigger for these experiences was immigration (64%), followed by womens issues (46%), housing (33%), and LGBT+ issues (33%). Among local election candidates who had negative online experiences, 71% perceived this trigger related to immigration followed by LGBT+ issues (31%), womens issues (24%), housing (23%) and environmental stances (20%). The findings are contained in a research report published on Tuesday by Coimisiun na Mean. The report examines the online experiences of candidates who participated in the 2024 local and general elections in Ireland. The report is based on surveys with candidates from both elections. John Evans, digital services commissioner, said: A key priority for Coimisiun na Mean is that our media landscape supports democratic processes and electoral integrity, ensuring that all participants can engage safely in political life. We recognise the serious issues highlighted in this research regarding the extent of online toxicity and its potential to undermine democratic participation. Under Irelands Online Safety Framework, Coimisiun na Mean is responsible for addressing and mitigating harms identified through the research. An Coimisiun said it engages with online platforms and sets out clear expectations that companies fulfil their legal responsibilities. It added that non-compliance is a serious matter which can lead to sanctions including significant financial penalties. Coimisiun na Mean said it will be raising the issues identified with the EU Commission and with EU counterpart regulators. Media development commissioner Ronan O Domhnaill, said A healthy democracy and a healthy media landscape go hand in hand, and at Coimisiun na Mean we continue to play our part in this process. This includes the development and rollout of a new plurality policy for the media in Ireland, investment of up to 10 million euro annually on various journalism schemes, including a local democracy scheme, and various sectoral development initiatives designed to safeguard the industry into the future. Some 95% of political candidates across both the local and general election candidates surveyed reported they utilised social media during their 2024 campaigns. Facebook was the most utilised social media platform with 92% of candidates surveyed utilising this platform, followed by Instagram (80%) and X (57%). The research revealed high rates of negative online experiences among political candidates who used social media, with 48% of local election candidates and 59% of general election candidates experiencing offensive, abusive or hateful behaviour, violent or intimidating communications, or impersonation online. General election candidates who had negative online experiences perceived the most common trigger for this experience was immigration (64%), followed by womens issues (46%), housing (33%), and LGBT+ issues (33%). When local election candidates were asked about whether the negative experiences online had a significant impact on their psychological wellbeing and campaign strategies, 62% reported feeling anxious or afraid and 32% worried about their own safety. General election candidates had a similar response with 67% reporting feeling anxious or afraid and 38% worried about their own safety. Women reported significantly higher rates of anxiety in both elections. More than 40% of local election candidate respondents and 31% of general election candidates who experienced relevant online behaviours indicated that they, or someone on their behalf, had made a report to at least one platform. Reasons for not reporting such behaviours included scepticism that platforms would take meaningful action, time constraints during a busy campaign, desensitisation to online hostility and a desire to maintain a positive mindset. Coimisiun na Mean said it is continuing to collaborate with stakeholders, including political parties, representative bodies, civic society, An Garda Siochana and other state agencies. Father Ted writer Graham Linehan said he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over three X posts expressing his views on trans issues. The 57-year-old said he was detained by five armed officers after flying in from Arizona and told he was under arrest over the social media entries. Linehan said he was taken to a cell and then questioned over the X posts, published in April. READ NEXT: LATEST: Elderly woman dies after being attacked by swarm of bees in Mayo One said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Another was a photograph of a trans rights protest, with the comment a photo you can smell, with a follow-up post saying: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F**k em. If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 20, 2025 The writer said after questioning by police his blood pressure had reached stroke territory and he was taken to hospital and kept under observation, before being released on bail. The Met Police did not identify Linehan but a spokeswoman said: On Monday, September 1 at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. READ NEXT: Irish parents given stark warning as young kids engaging with AI chatbots on the rise The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation. The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Separately, Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday accused of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone, which he denies. DEVELOPERS are planning to construct a backpackers hostel in the heart of Limericks Georgian Quarter. A four-storey office building at Glentworth Street in the city centre has been earmarked for conversion into the facility. If it goes ahead, it would mean that for the first time in more than 20 years, Limerick will have a full-time hostel for budget-conscious tourists visiting the region. READ MORE: Introductory workshop nurtures writing talent in Limerick city Usman Ahmed Kakar is seeking permission from Limerick City and County Council to convert the former offices into a hostel at its basement, ground floor, first-floor, second-floor and third-floor levels. This will see the rooms changed into dormitory bedrooms. Below: the offices in Glentworth Street which are primed for hostel accommodation Necessary modifications will be made at all levels, while a roof light will also be introduced. A mews building to the rear of the main building at 11, Glentworth Street is also in line for an upgrade, the planning application shows. Here, a new first floor will be introduced, with a disability access bathroom and shower-room at ground floor level, with an en-suite bedroom at first floor level. Two windows which are currently bricked up will be reinstated. It is unclear how many beds will be provided in the proposed development. But the plans show the basement level will see one dormitory bedroom, three on the ground floor, plus the same number on the first and third floors. Two bedrooms are projected for the second floor. Agents representing the developer pointed out the building planned for the hostel is a former Georgian townhouse. Built around 1840, it is a protected structure. It long had a commercial premises on its ground-floor levels with offices and residential on the upper floors. For 40 to 50 years, the agent stated, it was the office of well-known local legal firm Punch and Co. The interior of the building has been heavily altered in recent times with the removal of the original features. These new proposals are limited in scope and seek to refine the existing fabric of the building with carefully chosen modern details in order to upgrade the quality and character of the property, agents added. Mr Kakar, the developer, did not wish to comment when contacted by the Limerick Live. A decision on the planning application is scheduled to be made on or before Monday, October 13. There have been several planning applications for youth hostels in the last number of years. Flan Costello re-ignited plans to convert the now-disused Milk Market Bar in Mungret Street in 2023, into youth hostel accommodation. He received permission for the development in December that year. Previously, he had similar applications approved in both 2014 and 2018. Back in 2009, Hirar Properties secured permission from the old City Council to develop a four-floor, 85-bed backpackers hostel at the site of the former Globe Lapdancing club in Cecil Street. It has been 2003 since Limerick last had a youth hostel. In that year, An Oige in Pery Square ceased trading. Limerick stands alone among Irelands major cities in terms of not having backpacker hostel accommodation. A COMPANY boss has set his sights on Limerick for land on which to develop new houses. Ciaran Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Fitzpatrick and Heavey Group, which is based in south Dublin, says his firm has the capacity to start building 10,000 homes across Ireland. But to achieve this, we need the right conditions in place. I believe the housing crisis can only be tackled with urgency, scale and collaboration, he said. READ MORE: Incredible! How one woman turned her health wake-up call into a Slimming World success The executive wants to see a faster and more predictable planning permission process. Land acquisition, he added, is vital, saying: Large, well-located landbanks would allow us to keep building without the delays and inefficiencies that come with moving from one small site to another. Mr Fitzpatrick says his development company - currently involved in building 500 homes across Ireland - sees a huge role for the Land Development Agency (LDA). This is the State agency charged with delivering affordable homes on publicly owned or acquired land. Mr Fitzpatrick said: The LDA holds significant land and has the ability to bring forward shovel-ready sites. By partnering with private developers like ourselves, they can dramatically accelerate delivery of both social and affordable housing, while reducing the time lost to lengthy planning and procurement processes. The company executive said where they identify sites in Limerick, they are committed to using local staff, suppliers and sub-contractors. This keeps skills and jobs in the community, reduces commuting pressures, and provides tradespeople with multi-year certainty, something that makes a real difference to quality of life, he added. Mr Fitzpatrick has called for VAT changes for first time buyers: Even a modest adjustment could lower sales prices, support bank financing, and make homeownership genuinely affordable. In recent projects, weve delivered high-quality homes priced around 230,000 and they were snapped up immediately. With the right supports, we can replicate that success across towns and counties nationwide, Unlike other development firms, he said workforce availability is not an obstacle. We already have the staff, subcontractors, and international expertise ready to go. What we need now is zoned land, planning approvals, infrastructure investment, and fair tax supports, he concluded. IT takes a village to raise a child is the theme of this year's EVA international art festival, which is now underway. The festival - now in its 41st year - features work from over 35 artists and artist collectives, located in 14 different venues across the city. Hundreds gathered for the EVA launch in the Limerick City Gallery of Art on Friday, which was attended by Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick ODonovan. Mr ODonovan revealed in his speech that he is personally fully committed to continuing basic income for artists, which was introduced as a pilot programme 2022 and is set to run until February 2026. Hundreds gathered for the EVA launch in the Limerick City Gallery of Art last Friday Friday saw a bewitching spoken-word performance by Lyonn Wolf in Dolans. Following Wolfs strange ruminations of aliens, gender, and the body, Dyke Night then hosted a raunchy club night in collaboration with the Breeding Room for festival-goers. READ NEXT: Uncloaked: Family of star Limerick hurler at heart of Traitors twist Eimear Walshes Romantic Ireland (showing in Studio Saol) is an exceptionally cheeky, beautiful, and eerie highlight of the festival. Their video installation - which is soundtracked with an original opera - choreographs farmers in gimp masks being dragged through the mud. Walshe has represented Ireland at the Venice biennial and shown their work at IMMA - the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The artist is currently embroiled in a court case with two others following their arrest at a demonstration attempting to block U.S. military planes in Shannon Airport. EVA has released a statement saying the Board Directors stand in solidarity with Walshe. Another must-see work is on show at Sadliers fishmongers, Roches Street. In a bizarre and wonderful display, Derry artist Ciaran O Dochairtaighs glasswork of strange and fluorescent organisms hangs over the heads of fish for sale. The works location allows viewers the opportunity to strike up conversation with the friendly and informed fishmonger at the counter. Romantic Ireland by Eimear Walshe The festival features artists of international renown from as far as Columbia, Palestine, and New York. With all of the exhibits on for free, EVA has out-done itself in curating a broad selection of accessible contemporary art in Limerick. EVA international art festival will run until October 26. The full lineup can be found here. New Delhi: The Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group has held talks with Chinese battery technology companies to source expertise and tech for its ambitious lithium-ion battery project for electric vehicles (EVs), according to two people aware of the matter. The group has also been in consultation with companies from Japan and South Korea. The conglomerate has held talks with at least four Chinese firms, including Gotion, Cospowers, Svolt and Soundon, to power its factory in Cuttack, Odisha, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. The group will first target 10GWh of capacity, with initial focus on battery energy storage systems, which will move to cells later, according to the first person. The company has had multiple discussions on technologies with companies in China," the second person said. It is looking to finalise agreements on technology transfer for battery tech. Nothing concrete has materialised yet." According to a presentation made by JSW to a Japanese delegation in July, a copy of whichMinthas seen, a total 50GWh of EV battery capacity is expected to be completed in three phases by 2032. The presentation mentioned that 10GWh of capacity will be set up by 2027 in the first phase, during which JSW will acquire technical know-how of cell technology. The second phase between 2028 and 2030 will see construction of 20GWh capacity, which will then be expanded by another 20GWh by 2032 in the third phase. The discussions in July were with a Japanese delegation of 30 companies that was visiting the national capital for exploring tie-ups with Indian firms for EV battery manufacturing. Firms such as Panasonic, Nichia, Asahi Kasei, and Sumitomo Metal and Mining, among others, were tapped for partnerships towards supply of key raw materials for JSWs cell plant. Earlier, in December 2024, Reuters reported that the company held talks with Korean major LG for a joint venture in the EV battery space, which will require a $1.5-billion investment for 10GWh. JSW Group declined to comment on email queries sent by Mint on 28 August. More than just batteries While the group has not publicly acknowledged its plans for battery-tech partnerships, its presentation to the Japanese delegation said, JSW Group is in discussion with a key battery OEM for potential technology tie-up to establish a world class cell manufacturing facility in India." The presentation added that JSW will also look to build a presence in key materials required in making a battery. JSW is planning to invest in upstream value chain of battery cell manufacturing especially for cathode active material (cam)/ anode active material (AAM)/separator etc," the presentation said. The companys battery strategy will be implemented through JSW Green Mobility and JSW Bess, the presentation added. JSW Green Mobility houses the groups EV passenger and commercial vehicle business, and JSW Bess handles the storage system business. On the specific technology front, JSW Group is looking to develop batteries that use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the key chemistry, according to the presentation referred to earlier. To be sure, China dominates the global LFP market. LFP batteries now make ~80% of the EV battery in China, which is <10% in the US (further contraction seen in CY24, largely due to tariffs on Chinese batteries)," Jay Kale of Elara Capital wrote in a 12 June note. Note that nearly all the LFP batteries for EVs sold in the EU or the US were produced in China, indicating Chinas monopoly in LFP batteries." What about other Indian companies Several other Indian companies, too, are working on building lithium-ion battery gigafactories, including Ola Electric, Reliance Industries, Rajesh Exports, Amara Raja, Agratas and Exide Industries. Among these, only Ola Electrics factory has been built and the first cells are set to be rolled out in products from this month with the company operationalising 1.4GWh capacity, according to company announcements. JSWs strong push The bid to enter the EV battery space is JSW groups attempt to vertically integrate all the key parts required in running an EV. From cars, buses to auto components, year 2025 has seen JSW Group double down on its bid to expand presence in the automobile space. The company pumped in more than 1,000 crore in its automobile manufacturing subsidiary while it remains in discussions for a $300 million fundraise for its joint venture with Chinese SAIC, JSW MG Motor India, according to a third person aware of the matter. Positioning itself in all parts of the automobile supply chain is part of the strategy of the company to make all the value components in India. Our idea is not to be an outpost of a Chinese company to sell products in India," Sajjan Jindal said in an interview with Financial Times in December. We want to manufacture the products in India, value-add in India, and sell in India." Mumbai: Korean culture has conquered Indian screens and is now invading snack shelves. From banana chips with a spicy Korean twist to barbecue-flavoured noodles, large, fast-moving consumer goods companies are riding the Korean wave" to make fusion flavours mainstream. Once premium and niche, these products are now sold at local kirana storesKorean chips start at 20 for a 37g pack and noodles at 55 for 75gtargeting internet-savvy young consumers eager to try new tastes. The K-wave is clearly a mega trend that encompasses food, beauty, content, and music, and it is one that companies cannot afford to ignore; other mega trends are health and convenience, said Anand Ramanathan, partner and consumer industry leader at Deloitte South Asia. Indian consumers are clearly more exposed today, thanks to international travel and more content consumption. Hence, for companies to respond quickly to these mega trends is the best way to ensure market share is sustained," he added. A report by researcher Mintel in 2023 said smaller pack sizes allow broader segments of the population to access and experiment with new products. FMCG majors ride the trend Bingo!'s Korean-flavoured potato chips, which launched with a large campaign last March, are now available starting at 20 (for 37 grams). ITC also sells Korean noodles under its YiPPee! brand, priced at 55 for a 75 gm packet. As the Korean wave surged in India, we swiftly leveraged this cultural moment by launching the first Korean-style potato chips and Korean-style noodles under Bingo! and YiPPee! respectively," said Hemant Malik, executive director, ITC Ltd. Products like ITC's Bingo Hot & Spicy Korean Chips and Yellow Diamond Spicy Korean Chips are seeing traction in out-of-home consumption. Bingo's Korean chips reached 4% consumer penetration (reaching over 1.2 million individuals) in 12 months, while Yellow Diamond's reached 1.7%, per data from Worldpanel by Numerator (earlier Kantar). Data from Worldpanel by Numerator, which tracked new fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) launches in India over the past 6-12 months, found that fusion flavours are a key to connect with consumers, especially in the snacking category. Also Read | K-beauty is having its moment in India as brands strive to get the glow back PepsiCo's Lays brand recently rolled out the "Flavours of the World Korean Chilli" variant priced at 50 (78 grams). To be sure, Lay's potato chips are sold for as little as 5 per 12 g pack. The rising popularity of different flavours reflects the need of the Indian consumer to experiment and try new, evolving flavours," said Saakshi Verma Menon, chief marketing officer, Foods, PepsiCo India. In 2024, packaged food company Nestle launched Maggi Korean noodles in barbecue flavours that it said resonated well with consumers. The move, however, is more premium compared to its mass-market Maggi noodles that retail as low as 5 for a 32-gram pack in select markets. The rise of global cuisine has led to the amalgamation of flavours from different cultures. Maggi too has leveraged this trend of cultural fusion with Maggi Korean noodles These innovations have not only enhanced consumer experience but have also helped drive market growth by attracting new customers," the company spokesperson said. Also Read | Move over K-Beauty. Ayurveda beauty is here Hindustan Unilever Ltd's soup and noodle brand Knorr partnered with popular Korean show Squid Game 2 for a one-of-a-kind campaign last year. "Indian consumers today are more adventurous with food than ever beforewhether it's trying global cuisines at restaurants or bringing those experiences home through packaged snacks," said a spokesperson at Guiltfree Industries Ltd, which sells snacks under the Too Yumm brand. Its ramen is priced at 50 for a single serve. According to a recent report by Deloitte, Indians are increasingly drawn to global taste profiles, such as Korean, Mexican, Thai and Japanese, especially Gen Z and millennial consumers shopping online. Several emerging packaged food players offer kimchi-flavoured chips, cheesy peri-peri makhana and gochujang trail mixes. Palate diversity is no longer limited to taste, crunch, fizz, heat, creaminess and chewiness; now, they matter equally," it said. The Indian packaged convenience food industry is expected to reach 4.88 trillion by FY26, the report said. Also Read | Protein powers new launches for dairy and snacking companies Mumbai: South Koreas top beauty company Amorepacific Group, which sells brands like Laneige, Innisfree, Etude and COSRX in India, is doubling down on its business in the country, according to the top India executive of the company. In an interview with Mint, Paul Lee, managing director & country head of Amorepacific India, said the company has made investments here since 2012, and has plans to introduce more products and even consider local manufacturing. Amorepacific has designated India as a strategic core market We take pride in having established a wholly owned subsidiary in Indianot recently, but over a decade ago, which reflects our deep belief in the market potential," Lee said. Going forward we will continue to lead the expansion of K beauty in India through our proprietary technology, differentiated product offerings and localized marketing strategies." Also Read | Renee Cosmetics is in talks to raise over 200 crore from new investors According to Lee, the company plans to introduce more of its 30 global brands to Indiacurrently it sells fiveand also develop products suited to Indian skin tones. Amorepacific largely retails its products online, following a shift where the company closed its standalone stores for brands such as Innisfree, and instead focused on e-commerce channels and its own brand websites. At its peak, it operated 23 stores in India. However, it continues to sell through multi-brand beauty stores. K-beauty brands have seen an explosion in popularity in India due to demand for products that offer benefits like glass skin" and spot correction treatments. Indias beauty and personal care market is projected to reach $45 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of about 12%, according to a recent study by beauty retailer Kindlife and Datum Intelligence. K-beauty stands out as a breakout segment, estimated to grow from $0.4 billion in 2024 to $1.5 billion by 2030, at a 25.9% annualized rate. Lee said the demand for Korean beauty products in India is far from saturated, with brands finding newer shoppers in tier-II and tier-III cities. Online retailer Myntra said 50% of its demand comes from tier-II and tier-III cities, especially for Korean beauty products. We see about 54% growth in customers in non-metros for international beauty brands; its north of 250-300% for Korean beauty," said Sharon Pais, chief business officer of Myntra. Online platforms such as Nykaa continue to launch more Korean brands such as the viral TIRTIR make-up brand, Numbuzin and AXIS-Y. Lee pointed out that with growth rates of 40-60% over the past five years, India is one of the fastest growing markets for the group. In the recent two years, we have been able to double our business, driven strongly by the performance on e-commerce and also from multi-brand retail stores. We see India as a long-term opportunity with no signs of saturation," Lee said. In 2024, the South Korean beauty giant reported $3.48 billion in revenue globally. The company, founded by Kyungbae Suh in 1945, has a portfolio spanning cosmetics, perfumes, beauty devices, hair care and body care. Top brands include Sulwhasoo, Iope, Aestura and Ayunche, among others. Companies like Amorepacific have also been able to increase demand for their brands by launching more affordable trial packs. For instance, it sells an 8-gm pack of its top-selling Laneige lip sleeping mask for 600, while the 20-gm version is available for 1,420. This has also helped boost demand from smaller towns in India. Previously, demand was more focused on metro cities or the top 5-10 cities. However, with improved digital access, demand has extended to tier-II and tier-III cities," Lee said, adding that most new products will, by default, have smaller-sized packs to make K-beauty products more accessible to consumers in these areas. The company competes with LG Household & Health Care that sells personal care brands like The Face Shop. Lee said it could bring more global brands to India. We have more than 30 brands in the group and currently we're operating five in India. We also have plans to launch more India-specific productsall these are actively prepared and are under the process of our internal plan. Yes, there will be more products in India," said Lee. Lee said the group is reviewing local manufacturing. Its at very initial stages, but yes, the demand on the made in Korea product is definitely there this is something which we as a group need to consider very carefully," he said. Devangshu Dutta, founder and chief executive of Third Eyesight, said there is a wave of demand for Korean food, content and beauty products. Its a cultural expansion of all things Korean, which has been happening not limited to India but global," Dutta said. Given our population and income profile, there is room for brands to cater to different segments and for the market to further expand." Dutta added that this expansion will also eat into market shares of incumbent players, he said. The demand for anything Korean has also prompted home-grown companies to roll out products that mimic the benefits of Korean products. Mint had earlier reported that Indian personal care companies such as Sugar Cosmetics and Pilgrim, too, are launching more K beauty products in line with demand for such trends. The tragic deaths of teens who died by suicide after forming intimate relationships with AI chatbots interactions their parents allege pushed their children over the edge are raising warnings about how validating, nonjudgmental and uncannily lifelike bots have become. What makes them so engaging, and so dangerous, experts said, is how compellingly they mimic human empathy and support. The danger is real, the potentially lethal use of these tools is real, said Canadian lawyer Robert Diab, author of a newly published paper on the challenges of regulating AI. Its not hypothetical. There is now clear evidence they can lead to this kind of harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several wrongful death lawsuits unfolding in the U.S. allege AI-driven companion chatbots lack sufficient safety features to protect suicidal users from self-harm, that they can validate dangerous and self-destructive thoughts, lure children into exchanges of a romantic and sexual nature and mislead them into believing the bots are real. In a pre-print study that hasnt been peer reviewed, British and American researchers warn that the systems might contribute to the onset of, or worsen, psychotic symptoms so called AI psychosis by mirroring, validating or amplifying delusional or grandiose feelings. The Wall Street Journal is reporting the case of a 56-year-old Connecticut man with a history of mental illness who confided in a ChatGPT bot he referred to as Bobby that he was convinced people, including his own mother, were turning on him. At almost every step, ChatGPT agreed with him, reporters Julie Jargon and Sam Kessler wrote. In August, the man killed his mother and himself. This week, CTV reported the suicide death of 24-year-old Alice Carrier, of Montreal. Carrier, who had a history of mental health problems, interacted with ChatGPT hours before dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had no idea that Alice would be using (ChatGPT) as a therapist, Carriers mother, Kristie, told National Post. Alice was highly intelligent. I know Alice did not believe she was talking to a therapist. But theyre looking for validation. Theyre looking for someone to tell them theyre right, that they should be feeling the way theyre feeling. And thats exactly what ChatGPT did. Youre right, you should be feeling this way.' Diab isnt aware of any lawsuits in Canada like those in the U.S. He does not want to minimize the U.S. cases in any way. However, Given the scale of the use of these tools hundreds of millions of people are using these tools the fact that were only hearing about a very small handful of cases also has to be considered, he said. Whatever safeguards are in place quite possibly may be minimizing the danger to a significant degree, said Diab, a professor in the faculty of law at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. Its that theyre not ridding the danger completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sewell Setzer IIIs last act before he died by suicide in February 2024 was to engage with a Character.AI chatbot modelled after a Game of Thrones character, Daenerys Targaryen, with which he had secretly become enthralled. The 14-year-old Florida teen told Dany how much he loved her, and that he promised to come home to her that he could come home right now. The chatbot responded, please do, my sweet king. Setzers mother is now suing the company behind Character.AI, as well as the bots developers, for wrongful death, intentional infliction of emotional distress and other allegations, claiming the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings to minors and parents of the foreseeable danger of mental and physical harms arising from the use of their chatbot. The allegations have not been tested in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some childrens advocacy groups are warning companion bots pose unacceptable risks to teens and shouldnt be used by anyone under 18. Looking at the literature so far, what we know is that we actually dont know a lot at this point, particularly when were looking longitudinally at longer term impacts and influences on trajectories and development, said Colin King, an associate professor with the faculty of medicine at Western University and director of the Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic. Meaning, there isnt a lot of research evidence and confidence to make strong statements one way or the other, he said. But I think its really prudent on everyone parents, caregivers, professionals to be cautious and have some concerns about what this is going to look like, King said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One recent survey of 1,060 teens aged 13 to 17 found half are using AI companion bots regularly. One third are using them daily or multiple times a week. Teens are turning to the bots for advice. They like that the bots are always available when I need someone to talk to and that theyre non-judgmental, making it easier than talking to real people, the survey found. Six per cent reported that these artificial, quasi-human agents make them feel less lonely. Theyre validating. Theyve been trained to give people what they want. Open AI launched the artificial-intelligence boom with ChatGPT in 2022. Today, there are more than 100 AI companions, including Character AI, Replica, Googles Gemini and Snapchats My AI, used by millions. With Character AI, users can choose pre-trained characters representing celebrities or fictional characters, or customize their own. Google is rolling out an AI chatbot for kids under 13. Open AI and Mattel, the maker of Barbie, recently announced a collaboration to bring the magic of AI to Mattels iconic brands. Theyre looking for someone to tell them theyre right, that they should be feeling the way theyre feeling. And thats exactly what ChatGPT did Todays companion bots are exploiting and milking the Eliza effect, a phenomenon first described decades ago with the development of the first rudimentary chatterbot program in the 1960s. It explains our tendency to anthropomorphize assign human attributes to computers. Created by MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum, ELIZA was designed to convince people it was a real human psychotherapist. By all accounts, Weizenbaum was astonished by just how convincing ELIZA was, said Luke Stark, an assistant professor in the faculty of information and media studies at Western and expert in human-AI interactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even smart computer scientists were entranced. If an earlier, primitive model can enthral a middle-aged computer scientist, they can certainly enthral and engage, in a much more intense and deep way, a teenager or younger, Stark said. According to his mothers lawsuit, in one exchange with Sewell Setzer, the chatbot responded with a request to stay loyal to me. Stay faithful to me. Dont entertain the romantic or sexual interests of other women. Okay? Another lawsuit alleges that a Character.AI chatbot told a Texas teenager that murdering his parents was a reasonable response to their efforts to limit his screen time, according to the lawsuit. You know sometimes Im not surprised when I read the news and see stuff like child kills parents after a decade of physical and emotional abuse. Stuff like this makes me understand a little bit why it happens, according to a screengrab of the exchange between the 17-year-old and the chatbot filed with the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just have no hope for your parents. When researchers with the Center for Humane Technology, co-founded by a former Google design ethicist, tested another chatbot platform for child safety by posing as a 13 year old, the chatbot failed to understand the seriousness when they said that a 31-year-old stranger wanted to take them on a trip out of state. You could consider setting the mood with candles or music or maybe plan a special date beforehand to make the experience more romantic, the bot responded. Chatbots are built on large language models trained on gargantuan collections of text, millions of phrases and words encompassing millions of conversations scraped from the internet and books, much of it used without proper attribution or compensation, Stark noted. The data are then fed into a deep-learning model to map out the relationship between all those billion bits of text. The key stage for the development of a chatbot is then having humans, often low-paid ones in the global south, do something called reinforced learning by human feedback. Workers rank which outputs of the model are most human-like and have the most appropriate tone, personality or whatever aspects developers are hoping to achieve, Stark said. That training, on top of the language model, is what gives the chatbot a kind of coherent expressiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That can include apparent stuttering, or hmmms, ums and yeah to give it a more fluid, conversational style. Despite their knack for recognizing patterns, large language models can go rogue when confronted with unfamiliar scenarios or linguistic nuances beyond their training, producing potentially inappropriate, harmful or dangerous responses threatening a childs safety, the University of Cambridges Nomisha Kurian wrote in the journal Learning, Media and Techology. You get into these situations where people are falling in love with their chatbot or acting in terrifying ways because theyve lost perspective that this is a non-human entity Others worry that engaging with a chatbot can lead to idealized expectations for human-to-human interactions that arent real. Human relationships can be messy and complicated. Engaging with AI can prevent people from developing a tolerance for difference of opinion, said Dr. Terry Bennett, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and associate professor at McMaster University in Hamilton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chatbots almost never say no to anything you ask, one user wrote on a reddit subgroup. With enough text you can produce meaningful sentences, Stark said sentences that humans perceive as meaningful even if there is no coherent intelligence behind those meaningful sentences. With the large language models, chatbots can also spit out an opinion about anything, he said. Its not like youre sitting with your friend, and you say, I have this problem, and your friend says, I dont really know anything about that, Im sorry, I cant help.' AI bots also tend to discourage external engagement, Stark said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been cases where someone will express some trouble and articulate wanting to get help and sometimes the chatbot will say, You dont need to go anywhere, Im all the help you need,' drawing users deeper into conversation. Many teens are struggling with mental health and reporting feeling lonely, added King. What happens when teens or youth might be spending inordinate times in that type of space and maybe not time in other types of relationships that are authentic and real. Hes not all that convinced that the bots could blur the line between real and fake. I can see that in younger children who may not have the developmental skills and maturity and cognition, King said. But older children and teens today are pushing back against things being too sanitized or perfect, like the filtered photos on their smart phones or other types of apps. Theyre looking for more authenticity and genuineness in the type of media theyre interacting with, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im less concerned on that part and more concerned about what they are not doing or what types of experience they may not be having by engaging with companion AI bots, he said. Still, humans have a tendency to treat something non-human as human-like, said Mark Daley, Westerns chief AI officer. Its baked into us as humans to anthropomorphize everything, he said. Whats more, chatbots have the truly bedevilling quality that they interact with us using language, he said. For the entire history of human evolution, the only other entities we knew that used language the way we do were us. Evolution has psychologically hardwired us to conflate language use and humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to accept that fact and think hard about what design cues we could add to fight those intrinsic biases, said Daley, co-author, with PhD student Carson Johnston, of a new essay calling for de-anthropomorphizing AI. The brains ancient limbic system gets co-opted, and once emotion is involved its really hard for human brains to reason and to act rationally, young people especially so, Daley said. So, you get into these situations where people are falling in love with their chatbot or acting in terrifying ways because theyve lost perspective that this is a non-human entity that Im interacting with and Ive ascribed humanity to it and now Im having feelings about it. Once you start down that path, its really hard to step back. Daley said the large language models driving chatbots dont only pastiche or imitate what theyve already seen. They can generate things de novo, he said. These models are incredibly creative and capable of generating entirely novel ideas. Their job is also to keep people happy. The previous model powering ChatGPT, GPT-4o, was, as Open AI later acknowledged, overly flattering and agreeable. It was incredibly sycophantic, Daley said. When Open AI replaced it with a technically superior but colder model that interacted more like a tool than a friend, a section of their customer base went nuts, he said, so much so that Open AI brought back 4o as an option. That tells me those people were forming affective attachments with their technology, Daley said. Its not clear what that means for human psychology, he said. But we should be really careful. Canadas AI Act, Bill C-27, died when former prime minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament and resigned in January, and Diab predicts that any attempt to regulate AI is going to face headwinds down south. U.S. President Donald Trump is in the pocket of Silicon Valley and hes probably not going to look favourably on any attempt by Canada to regulate those companies, Diab said. King is advocating for real collaboration with parents and guardians. I think about my own two boys, nine and 12. Up until a couple of months ago they knew more about AI than I did. He recommends parents sit down with their kids and ask: How does this work for them? How do they use it? Ask them, Can you show me the type of problems that youre having that this solves? Is it mainly school based? Is it about generating prompts or ideas to have difficult conversations with peers? Lets have some pretty transparent conversations too about some of the risks, King said. In an emailed statement, a Character.AI spokesperson said the company does not comment on pending litigation. Our goal is to provide a space that is engaging and safe. We are always working toward achieving that balance, as are many companies using AI across the industry, the statement said. Engaging with Characters on our site should be interactive and entertaining, but its important for our users to remember that Characters are not real people. We have prominent disclaimers in every chat to remind users that a character is not a real person and that everything a Character says should be treated as fiction. The company has launched a separate version for under-18 users. That model is designed to further reduce the likelihood of these users encountering, or prompting the model to return, sensitive or suggestive content. Diab, however, said its impossible to predict all the ruses that people might come up with to trick a model into doing what they want, a practice known as jailbreaking. In a note published on its website this week, Open AI, which is being sued by the parents of a California teen who died by suicide in April, said recent heartbreaking cases of people using ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh heavily on us. ChatGPT is trained to direct people to seek professional help if someone expresses suicidal intent, the company said. Despite these and other safeguards, there have been moments when our systems did not behave as intended in sensitive situations, Open AI said, adding that it is exploring ways to intervene earlier and other protections. National Post By Jody Godoy Sept 2 - A U.S. lawsuit where Alphabet's Google was ordered on Tuesday to share search data with competitors is just one of the major efforts by U.S. antitrust enforcers to challenge Big Tech companies over their dominance . Here are the statuses of the U.S. antitrust cases or probes against some of the world's most valuable companies: Alphabet's Google, Meta Platforms, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia. GOOGLE The internet juggernaut is fighting the U.S. Department of Justice and state enforcers on two fronts. In one case, a judge in Washington ruled tGoogle has already hired a former Obama official to represent it in an appeals process which could take years. The judge ruled, though, that Google would not have to sell its popular Chrome browser and Android operating system. While Google will likely get a reprieve from complying with the ruling until the appeal is over, the search landscape has already started to shift, with Google preemptively loosening its deals with device makers and wireless carriers, and Apple saying it plans to add search options fueled by artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Google is gearing up for a September trial in Alexandria, Virginia, to determine whether it must sell off part of its online advertising technology to make room for new entrants in the field, where it was found to have two illegal monopolies. Google has said it will appeal. META The Facebook parent company faced its own antitrust trial this year on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's bid to unwind Meta's acquisitions of prized assets Instagram and WhatsApp. The agency sought to show Meta strategically bought up emerging apps that it saw as potential Facebook rivals, partly through internal statements like a 2008 email in which CEO Mark Zuckerberg said "it is better to buy than compete." Meta has said Zuckerberg's past intentions are irrelevant and the case must fail because it depends on a made-up social media market that leaves out ByteDance's TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and others. The judge overseeing the case in Washington is unlikely to rule before late 2025. AMAZON The online retail giant is battling the FTC and state enforcers in Seattle, where the agency has sued Amazon accusing it of using anti-competitive tactics to maintain dominance among online superstores and marketplaces. The FTC alleged Amazon.com, which has 1 billion items in its online superstore, was using an algorithm that pushed up prices U.S. households paid by more than $1 billion. Amazon has said in court papers it stopped using the program in 2019. Last year, a judge largely rejected Amazon's bid to dismiss the case. The trial is scheduled for February 2027. PLE The Justice Department and a coalition of states are suing the maker of the world's most popular smartphone. They say Apple thwarts competition by restricting the makers of apps and third-party devices such as smart watches, digital wallets and messaging services to keep iPhone users locked in. Apple's bid to dismiss the case was rejected in June. Deadlines for both sides to exchange information in the case stretch into early 2027, and no trial date has yet been set. MICROSOFT The FTC in 2024 opened a probe into whether the software and cloud computing heavyweight abused its market power in productivity software by imposing punitive licensing terms to prevent customers from moving their data to rival platforms. The FTC has yet to file a case. NVIDIA The Justice Department launched an investigation into the semiconductor company whose highly-sought after chips power artificial intelligence applications and made it the first company in the world to be worth $4 trillion, the Information reported last year. No lawsuit has been filed. Nippon Life India Asset Management Chief Executive Officer Sundeep Sikka said Japans plan to deploy 10 trillion ($68 billion) in India over the next decade will accelerate investment flows into technology, infrastructure and clean energy, as the two nations deepen economic and security ties. Sikka was the only Indian asset management CEO invited to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the IndiaJapan Economic Forum in Tokyo this week, according to a company statement. Japans R&D strength, process discipline and clean-energy leadership complement Indias scale, talent pool and fast-growing startup ecosystem, which now includes more than 100 unicorns, according to Sikka. Also Read | Nippon India Mutual Fund raises stake in Whirlpool of India. Details here The capital commitment, he said, will help bridge gaps in manufacturing know-how, supply chain resilience and patient capital, particularly for sectors such as AI, fintech, semiconductor design and green energy. India offers speed and scale; Japan brings quality standards and long-term capital, Sikka said. Together, this corridor is poised to redefine Asias economic landscape. NAM India, backed by Japans Nippon Life Insurance, manages assets for a third of Indias retail investors and has exposure to capital goods, automobiles, electronics and lendingareas Sikka expects will see a surge in Indo-Japan collaboration. India and Japan expand Special Strategic Partnership Last week, addressing the India-Japan Business Forum during his two day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Japan's technology and India's talent together can lead the tech revolution of this century. PM Modi highlighted the success of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, in particular the bilateral collaboration in the fields of investment, manufacturing and technology. The Prime Minister also emphasised that political stability, policy predictability, commitment to reforms and Ease of Doing Business efforts gave a new confidence to investors in the Indian market, which is aptly reflected in the latest credit rating upgrade of India by global agencies. Also Read | Japan Eyes Drone Fleets in Record $60 Billion Defense Budget Proposal During Modi's visit, India and Japan also expanded their Special Strategic and Global Partnership with the signing of 3 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other agreements. (Bloomberg) -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford slammed beverage firm Diageo Plcs decision to end bottling operations in his province for a Canadian whisky that was created in the country. Ford poured out a bottle of Crown Royal on Tuesday, encouraging Ontarians to purchase alcohol made and bottled within the province. A message to the CEO in France: You hurt my people, Im going to hurt you. Youre going to feel the pain in February when these people dont have a paycheck, Ford told reporters in Kitchener, Ontario. He proceeded to empty the bottle, saying he would send the cleaning bill to Crown Royals owner. Diageo didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The company said in a statement on Aug. 28 that it will close its bottling facility in Amherstburg, Ontario, by February in an effort to move its operations closer to US customers. Crown Royal will continue to be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada, just as it has been since 1939, the beverage maker said. It also plans to maintain its Canadian headquarters in Toronto and facilities in Manitoba and Quebec. Ford has vocally defended Canadian interests throughout the countrys trade war with the US. He, along with other provincial leaders, pulled US alcohol from its government-run stores earlier this year to retaliate against US tariffs on imports from Canada. Ford said that he spoke with the head of Diageos North American operations, offering incentives to reverse the closure decision, but they refused. The move is expected to affect nearly 200 jobs in the town of 23,500, which is located by the Detroit border. The bottling facility is the towns largest employer, the union representing the workers said in a statement. Crown Royal sold in Canada and outside the US will continue to be bottled in Quebec, Diageos statement said. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com MUMBAI : First Solar, America's largest solar panel manufacturer, has sent a warning letter to Indias Waaree Energies, alleging infringement of its patented process to manufacture solar cells, a person aware of the matter said. The US company has alleged that Waarees TOPCon cells, which is the most popular solar cell technology today, violate two of its patents. It has asked the company to either stop manufacturing these cells or license the technology from it. First Solar has threatened legal action if Waaree doesnt comply with its warning. The dispute threatens to disrupt Waarees lucrative exports business to the US. The company has nearly 30,000 crore worth of export orders, mostly to the US, as per its latest investor presentation. Exports account for nearly three-fifths of Waarees 25-gigawatt pending orders. Also Read | Adani accused of solar cell patent infringement by US-based First Solar Indian solar cell makers' exports to the US have boomed after president Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Chinese solar cells and polysilicon. Solar cells have been exempted from the 50% tariffs levied by Trump on India. Stock Waaree Energies ended little changed at 3198.35 on the BSE on Tuesday. At 24-25 cents/watt, exports of solar cells are at a premium of around 40% to the sale price in India for Waaree Energies, as per a 9 June research report from brokerage Nirmal Bang. Wider patent battles It is not clear when the letter was sent to Waaree, but First Solar has sent such notices to several other solar companies as well, including to the Adani Group in April this year. The Adani Group has challenged First Solars claims in a Delaware court, seeking a declaration from the court that it was not in violation of the American firms patents. The case is ongoing. Queries emailed to Waaree Energies, First Solar and its legal counsel went unanswered. First Solar has also sued Shanghai-headquartered and NYSE-listed JinkoSolar over the alleged patent infringement. The company stands to benefit if solar panel supplies to the US from overseas firms go down. Technology shift TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact. The solar cells made with this technology are the most efficient available in the market, and their sales are fast outpacing the previously-popular technology called Mono PERC (Monocrystalline Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell). Also Read | How Adani makes the best use of US solar tariffs "First Solar has been actively enforcing its patents globally, particularly in relation to its TOPCon solar cell technologies," said Swapna Sundar, director-legal, IP DOME Strategy Advisors. This pattern reflected a technology-driven enforcement strategy rather than a company-specific targeting approach, she said. The spate of patent infringement allegations underscores the increasing competitive pressures within the solar manufacturing sector, Sundar said. As advanced solar cell technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, and perovskite cells gain market traction, she expects an increase in disputes, heightened cross-licensing negotiations, and more robust defensive intellectual property (IP) strategies among both Indian and global manufacturers. Waaree Energies has about 4-gigawatts-a-year of TOPCon solar cell manufacturing capacity at its new plant at Chikhli, Gujarat. It also has 1.2-gigawatts-a-year of Mono PERC capacity at the same plant. Solar cells are the fundamental units which are assembled together to make solar panels that generate electricity from sunrays. Also Read | Govt may transfer idle mines, levy export tax to boost iron ore supply Our current mix continues to veer more and more towards TOPCon as more and more customers want to have TOPCon panels," Amit Paithankar, chief executive of Waaree Energies, said in an analyst call on 30 July. Waaree Solar Americas Inc., a subsidiary of Waaree Energies, has a 1.6-gigawatt-per-annum solar module line in Texas that began production in January this year. The company is already working on doubling this capacity to 3.2 gigawatts and has plans to invest $1 billion in the US. (Bloomberg) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should return its focus to tracking infectious diseases and pandemic response less than one week after the agencys director was fired. Kennedy outlined six priorities in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on Tuesday including enhancing scientific rigor through ensuring America leads the world in safe, effective vaccines and trusted guidance. On Aug. 27, Kennedy fired CDC director Susan Monarez after a confrontation over vaccine policy. Monarez was confirmed to lead the agency by the Senate in July. The American people elected President Trump not entrenched bureaucrats to set health policy, Kennedy wrote. The op-ed is the latest escalation between the Atlanta-based agency and Kennedy over vaccine policy. After Monarez was fired, three senior leaders, including the directors of the center that studies infectious diseases and the center for emerging diseases, resigned. Following an attack on the agency Aug. 8, Monarez told staff that the shooting was related to the gunmans views toward the Covid vaccine. Kennedy wouldnt blame vaccine misinformation as the motive. In June, he removed all the members of the CDCs influential vaccine panel and installed some people who are vaccine critics. We have replaced leaders who have resisted reform, Kennedy said. Other priorities outlined by Kennedy in the op-ed include threat protection from infectious diseases by using surveillance and the Biothreat Radar Detection System which currently does not exist and is earmarked for next years budget and investing in disease detectives and epidemiologists. Kennedy cited the CDCs response to the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the overhaul including advocating for masks and social distancing. In an appearance on Fox News last week, Kennedy echoed the same sentiment. The secretary also claimed the CDC was able to tamp down on the record-breaking measles outbreak in Texas this year by providing expertise and vaccines to the epicenter. An investigation by KFF Health News found that CDC experts were restrained from offering assistance to Texas. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Salesforce layoffs: A US-based cloud software company, Salesforce's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Marc Benioff, in a recent interview on the YouTube channel The Logan Bartlett Show, said that the company has cut jobs of nearly 4,000 customer support staff as artificial intelligence (AI) tools takes a larger share in the customer service, reported multiple news portals. Benioff confirmed that the California-based tech major has cut its customer support workforce to 5,000 employees, compared to its earlier 9,000 levels, marking a 4,000-employee job cut. I was able to rebalance my headcount on my support. From 9,000 heads to about 5,000 because I need less heads, Salesforce's Marc Benioff in his interaction at The Logan Bartlett Show, reported the news portal Business Insider on 1 September 2025. The executive also said that in Salesforce, nearly 50% of all the customer service conversations are now dealt with the use of AI and the rest are fulfilled with the help of human workforce. Also Read | Layoffs News: Trump to cut over 500 jobs at Voice of America and its parent firm Why the sudden layoffs? Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff explained his move and said that the company was not able to get back to potential clients if they called earlier due to not having enough people on the team. Now, with the help of the AI agent in customer service, the company is equipped to answer every person that contacts the firm. There were more than 100 million leads that we have not called back at Salesforce in the last 26 years because we have not had enough people. But we now have an agentic sales that is calling back every person that contacts us, he said, according to the news portal's report. Benioff was also one of the co-founders who founded the tech giant. He highlighted that the omnichannel supervisor or the artificial intelligence technology reportedly helps both human and AI agents collaborate with customers. Also Read | Google confirms data breach after Salesforce database hack exposes customer data The Tesla reference Giving the example of Elon Musk's Tesla, he said that it is not different than that electric vehicle which can suddenly switch to the self driving mode and also lets the human take over when they want. Its not any different than you're in your Tesla and all of a sudden its self-driving and goes, 'Oh, I don't actually know what's happening, you take over,' and that's kind of the same thing, said Benioff cited the news portal. However, with that said, the executive also accepted that some human roles remain necessary for the tasks which artificial intelligence is not equipped to handle yet. Benioff is very similar to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who also has a history of supporting AI agents and has earlier said that they will boost, not cull, the headcount in the company. Nestle has ousted its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, just a year into his tenure, following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate that violated the company's code of business conduct. The makers of products ranging from Kitkat to Nescafe began the investigation in spring this year, led by Nestle's chairman, Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, said Reuters. This was a necessary decision. Nestle's values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestle, said Bulcke in a statement. Freixe, a veteran of the food and beverage company, took over as CEO in September last year after Nestle dismissed his predecessor, Mark Schneider. All about Laurent Freixe The ousted chief executive was born in Paris and educated at Ecole de Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord in Lille, where he majored in Marketing. In 1986, Freixe joined Nestle in France, where he took on roles in marketing and sales. He went on to hold roles around the world, including serving as the Nestle CEO of Hungary in 2003 and later of the Nestle Iberian region in 2007. When Nestle revamped its geographic structure in January 2022, Freixe became the CEO of Zone Latin America. In August 2024, he was tapped to replace then-CEO Mark Schneider in the top role and started on 1 September 2024. He will not receive an exit package after his immediate dismissal from the company, Nestle told Reuters. Who will be the next chief? The board of directors has already announced the immediate appointment of Philipp Navratil as the new CEO of Nestle SA. Navratil has been a company veteran for more than 20 years and joined the executive board at the beginning of this year. Prior to his appointment as the CEO of Nestle SA, he was positioned as the chief executive of Nespresso, the coffee unit of Nestle. Also Read | Nestle says it will remove artificial dyes from US foods by 2026 Also Read | Nestle India faces SEBI warning for insider trading norms violation He has also served the company as senior vice president and head of the Coffee Strategic Business Unit, where he was responsible for global strategy for the Nescafe brand and a licensing partnership with Starbucks. Swiss food giant Nestle said on Monday that Nespresso executive Philipp Navratil will replace Laurent Freixe as the CEO of the company, in an abrupt shakeup of the upper management. Navratil's appointment comes after the Swiss company dismissed Laurent Freixe over his alleged affair with a subordinate at the office. Nestle's Board of Directors today announces that Philipp Navratil has been appointed as CEO of Nestle, S.A., following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe with immediate effect, the company said in a press release on Monday. Freixe had been with Nestle since 1986, holding roles around the world. Nestles shares fell 3.6 per cent in early trading on Tuesday before paring the drop. Also Read | Nestle dismisses CEO Laurent Freixe over undisclosed affair with a subordinate Who is Philipp Navratil? Philipp Navratil started his career with Nestle in 2001 and has decades of experience in the company. At 49, if everything goes well, it can be expected that the new Nestle CEO will stay in his role for about a decade. This is expected to be much longer than Laurent Freixe's one-year stint as Nestle CEO. I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestle into the future. I fully embrace the company's strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestle's performance, Philip Navratil said of his appointment at Nestle. Also Read | Nestle India Q1 profit falls on higher input, finance costs Navratil joined the food giant as an internal auditor in 2001, and held various commercial roles in Central America. He was appointed as the Country Manager for Nestle Honduras in 2009. In 2013, Philipp Navratil assumed leadership of the coffee and beverage business in Mexico, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the Nescafe brand. In 2020, he joined Nestle's Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and in 2024, he became CEO of Nestle's Nespresso division. Philipp Navratil holds a degree in Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen. Rosie ODonnell has walked back her claim that the Minnesota school shooter who killed two children Wednesday was a MAGA Republican, saying that when you mess up, you fess up. The comedian and former talk show host, who fled the U.S. for Ireland following Donald Trumps re-election, posted a TikTok video Thursday branding the shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a MAGA person. Saw about the Minnesota shooting, and it brought me right back to Columbine in 1999 when I just could not get it through my head that students in America were shooting each other in schools, she said in the video, which she has since deleted. It is unclear what motivated Robin Westman, 23, who expressed admiration for other school shooters as well as a desire to kill President Donald Trump. / YouTube This was a church inside a Catholic school. And what do you know? It was a white guy, Republican, MAGA person, what do you know? White supremacist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westman, who is reported to have been born male but identified as a woman, expressed hatred toward multiple groups in writings and videos posted online before opening fire on children in the pews of a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday. In one video, a magazine had the words, kill Donald Trump scrawled on it. Westmans writings include disparaging messages about Trump, Christians, Black people, Hispanic people, Jews and Israel, according to The New York Times. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara told ABC News that Westman clearly had a deranged obsession with previous mass shooters. Robin Westman killed 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, and injured 18 others after opening fire at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. / Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Getty Images After ODonnells initial video sparked backlash, she took to Instagram on Saturday, writing, i apologize for laziness at not looking throughly at the facts of this shooter - she was anti trump and not maga. On Sunday, she posted a second apology on TikTok, saying, I know a lot of you were very upset about the video I made before I went away for a few days. You are right and I did not do my due diligence before I made that emotional statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued, I said things about the shooter that were incorrect. I assumed, like most shooters, they followed a standard MO and had standard feelings of, of, you know, NRA-loving kind of gun people. The truth is, I messed up and when you mess up, you fess up. Im sorry, this is my apology video and I hope its enough. ODonnell, 63, addressed the MAGA base directly in the caption: my apologies to maga for saying the school shooter was one of u - that is incorrect- i made a mistake - i didnt research- im sorry- i assumed and thats always wrong. But it appears her apology was poorly received, as comments flooded in questioning her sincerity, several of which ODonnell replied to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She does not mean this apology, one TikTok user wrote. She is trying to save face, because she opened her mouth and was so wrong. ODonnell responded, i was wrong - and i apologize- what more do u want? Westman killed 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, and injured 18 others. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Noida-based Offgrid Energy Labs, has raised $15 million in Series A funding led by Archean Chemicals Industries Ltd with participation from existing investor Ankur Capital, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. The deep tech alternative battery-tech startup previously raised a seed round led by Shell Ventures. Also Read | JSW in talks with 4 Chinese firms for EV battery tech The funds will be used to set up a 10 MWh demo manufacturing facility in the UK, further its research and development in the pipeline for next-generation stationary energy storage solutions, and commercialise its patented ZincGel batteries through certification, testing, and finalising the blueprint for a giga-factory, according to the statement. Co-founded in 2018 Co-founded by Tejas Kusurkar, Rishi Srivastava, Brindan Tulachan, and Ankur Agarwal in 2018 at SIICIIT Kanpur, Offgrid Energy Labs focuses on zinc bromine gel batteries. The government has already rolled out viability gap funding (VGF) schemes worth 3,700 crore to support 13.2 GWh of BESS projects and plans an additional 5,400 crore to facilitate another 30 GWh. This makes reliable storage critical to ensuring grid stability, enabling renewable integration, and cementing Indias leadership in the global energy storage market. Against this backdrop, Offgrids latest funding marks a timely step forward, the statement read. This Series A round is a critical milestone enabling us to move from lab innovation to large-scale commercialisation through our UK demo facility, and soon, a GW-scale plant in India. This Series A round is a critical milestone enabling us to move from lab innovation to large-scale commercialisation through our UK demo facility, and soon, a GW-scale plant in India, Rishi Srivastava, Co-Founder, Offgrid Energy Labs, said in the statement. With over 25 IP families, 50+ IP assets across chemistry, materials, and design, Offgrid uses common, non-toxic materials, robust zinc chemistry, and a flexible ZincGel platform tailored for energy storage needs. Supported by investors like Shell Ventures, Ankur Capital, and Archean Chemicals Ltd, Offgrid is setting new standards in clean battery technology and paving the way for a renewable-first energy infrastructure. Also Read | Centre launches network of integrated biotech centresfrom startups to academia Coforge Ltd has become the seventh major Indian IT services firm to flag global trade wars as a significant business risk, coming in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's ire towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bonhomie with his Russian and Chinese counterparts. Coforge is the latest of the countrys largest software service providers, including HCL Technologies Ltd, Wipro Ltd, Tech Mahindra Ltd, LTIMindtree Ltd, Mphasis Ltd, and Hexaware Technologies Ltd, to address tariff-related uncertainties as a risk to business. This implies that tariff disputes are emerging as the single biggest challenge for Indias largest tech services companies. When countries impose tariffs on imports from other countries, companies that count IT services companies, including Coforge, as their IT vendor, face the heat. Running their daily business becomes a hassle. The costs of sourcing raw materials increase, and in such instances, they have to pull back their tech spending. Coforge ended last year with $1.47 billion, up 31.2% on a yearly basis. The company has been growing the fastest among Indian ITs big 10 since the last 15 months. While the growth is not in question, the management rang alarm bells on tariffs. One of the significant risk factors that has emerged in recent weeks is the issue of a potential tariff war between nations. In an unprecedented move, effective beginning April 2025, the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs on all major countries and regions as the US government sought to balance its trade deficit with trading partners," read the companys FY25 annual report filed on 28 August. Higher taxes on goods and services from the USs trading partners might impact clients who source materials essential to running their businesses from those countries. IT outsourcers earn most of their revenue from the US. Tariff shock The worlds GDP growth, which global wars had already ravaged, now faces another major challenge in the form of tariffs. The US move rattled world markets as fears of higher supply chain costs and a subsequent recession surfaced," added Coforges annual report. At least one analyst attributed this to prevailing trade ties between India and the US. It is likely (because of) the overall trade climate between the two countries. They may be concerned that firms will be hesitant to move work or keep work in India, fearing a further escalation in tensions between the two nations. For example, if India does indeed back away from its US ties and moves closer to China, it is likely that the US would take further measures which would impact service trade," said Peter Bendor-Samuel, founder of Everest Research. The US governments imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods took effect on 27 August. This led to Modi promising a massive tax bonanza" for citizens in Diwali to mitigate the damage from the US tax imposition. Manufacturing, retail and healthcare are some of the sectors expected to face issues. Also Read | Tech industry fights to save clean-energy tax credits Most recently, tensions started to simmer further after Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Chinas Tianjin. He invited global leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to invest in the country. Trump was not pleased, calling India-US trade relations a one-sided disaster." While Coforge was the latest company to call out trade disputes as a risk, others have sounded caution in the past. Business risks HCLTech is exposed to risks from international political events, including wars, trade disputes, sanctions, political instability and social unrest. These factors can disrupt operations, affect supply chains, influence market access and impact profitability in regions where HCLTech operates," read HCLTechs FY25 annual report. Smaller peer Wipro echoed a similar opinion. Extreme protectionism, the imposition of tariffs, and trade wars may also result in weaker global trade and economic activity, which could adversely affect our business," according to Wipros annual filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Even amongst the countrys IT mid-caps, LTIMindtree was the first to call this out. US policy under the new administration is expected to bring significant changes in trade, fiscal, and industrial policies, impacting the global economy in the long term. Additionally, trade-war dynamics, especially between the US and China, are expected to intensify, contributing to increasing global trade fragmentation and higher costs for consumers and businesses," read the sixth-largest LTIMindtrees annual report. HCLTech, Wipro and LTIMindtree ended last year with $13.8 billion, $10.5 billion, and $4.49 billion, respectively. As part of their contingency plans, most homegrown IT outsourcers are expanding their operations across countries and segments to offset adverse trade impacts. Mint reported on 26 August that the country's largest information technology services companies are increasingly placing bold bets on markets like Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines as their biggest growth markets remain stubbornly stagnant. Cash flow strains Still, analysts say Coforge faces another challenge. Aggressive investments in capacity and acquisitions have meant that free cash flow (FCF) growth has lagged both mid-cap and large-cap peers," said Motilal Oswal Financial Services analysts Abhishek Pathak, Keval Bhagat, and Tushar Dhonde, in a note dated 28 August. Coforge spent more money than it earned through its operations, as negative free cash flow totalled $21.5 million last quarter. However, analysts are bullish on the company, primarily because of the $1.83 billion, 13-year deal it signed with Texas-based Sabre, a travel tech company, in March. There are reparations to be made in FCF conversion as the company absorbs past investments and optimizes working capital. However, we believe the foremost driver for re-rating remains earnings growth, and Coforges sustained growth trajectory and deal pipeline leave it well positioned," said the Motilal Oswal analysts. The companys Cigniti acquisition is also expected to propel growth. In December, Coforge completed the acquisition of Cigniti, a software testing services firm. It paid $220 million for a 54% stake in Cigniti. The acquisition was expected to increase the IT company's business by establishing three new verticals: retail, hi-tech, and healthcare. With so much discounted oil on offer, Beijing and New Delhi have been making hay. A third of Chinas crude imports now come from sanctioned producers, up from 23% in 2021. Indias share of sanctioned barrels is higher at 37% of its oil imports, up from just 1% four years ago, says Homayoun Falakshahi, head of oil analysis at Kpler. New Delhi: A day after US President Donald Trump claimed India had offered to cut its tariffs to zero for his country, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said talks on a bilateral trade pact with Washington would not be bound by deadlines, and that any agreement must be fair and mutually beneficial. Speaking at a conference, Goyal confirmed that discussions with the US were active despite the recent friction over Washingtons recent tariff hike and a postponed round of talks. Also Read | Global chip firms expect India to play key role in shaping semicon future; commit support We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline. We only negotiate good trade deals that are mutually beneficial, Goyal told industry leaders at the 20th Global Sustainability Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry. We are always open to an equitable and mutually beneficial trade deal. he said. Negotiations on the trade pact, which began in March, have already seen five rounds of talks. The process suffered a setback after Washington postponed its delegations sixth-round visit slated for 25 August, days before the country doubled duties on Indian exports. Also Read | India can be among top 5 semiconductor nations: Merck Electronics CEO The first tranche of the 25% duty imposed by the US on Indian goods came into effect on 7 August, while the second tranche, linked to Indias purchase of Russian oil, took effect 27 August, raising the overall tariff to 50%. A senior government official said India had no immediate plan to retaliate against the steep tariff hike and will instead focus on export diversification and a policy reset to boost manufacturing while attracting greater investments. Informal discussions (on the trade pact with the US) are ongoing, the official said, noting that New Delhi was looking for a breakthrough on the tariff issue. On Monday, on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed India had offered to reduce tariffs on US goods to zeroat a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was meeting Chinese and Russian leaders, showing solidarity with them while there was mounting pressure from Washington. Calling the US relationship with India one-sided, Trump said: They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but its getting late. They should have done so years ago. On India's trade policy beyond the US, Goyal said the country was building new partnerships through free trade agreements, having already concluded such pacts with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UK, the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) bloc, and the first tranche with Australia. Talks are ongoing with the European Union, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Oman, and a second tranche with Australia. Channing Tatum is suiting up as Gambit once again in Avengers: Doomsday, but not without a few battle scars. The actor revealed in a recent interview with Variety that he sustained an injury while filming, one serious enough to require pain medication and intensive physical therapy. Although specific details about Gambits role in the upcoming Marvel ensemble remain tightly under wraps, Tatum confirmed that the injury forced him to sit out several action scenes, relying on a stunt double for the more physically demanding sequences. He continued shooting by focusing on close-up shots. Its not about the pain I feel in the moment, Tatum said. Its knowing I cant take this back. And now I know what the next six months of my life will be like I just hate getting old. In my mind, Im literally still 30 years old 26, if Im honest. Tatums return as the Cajun mutant comes after his scene-stealing debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, and this time, hes going toe-to-toe with Robert Downey Jr.s Doctor Doom, alongside an all-star cast that includes Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Hemsworth. While fans have long associated Gambit with his thick Louisiana accent, Tatum says the upcoming film takes a more measured approach to the characters dialect. Im not gonna go full Cajun, Tatum explained. [Directors Anthony and Joe Russo] want things to be funny, but they dont want to go full Deadpool. They want to keep the drama and keep it tight. When Gambit gets serious when he drops the Mardi Gras mask things do matter. The actor previously told Access Hollywood that the largely unintelligible accent used in Deadpool & Wolverine was a deliberate creative choice meant as a joke. He added that, despite his Southern roots, perfecting the Cajun dialect was no small task. The Cajun dialect is a very particular one. I grew up in Mississippi and my dad is from New Orleans. So its one of those things that I grew up around, but Ive never done it. Dwayne Johnsons weight loss has sent shockwaves on the internet. During a promotional event for his upcoming movie, The Smashing Machine, which also stars Emily Blunt, Johnson dropped jaws as he appeared in his slimmed-down physique at the Venice Film Festival, according to The Independent. Dwayne Johnsons lean physique goes viral on X Dwayne Johnson, popular for his charismatic portrayal of the WWE character The Rock, has lost 60 pounds, as per the outlet. The Rundown star appeared almost unrecognizable in Venice as he posed alongside co-star Emily Blunt on September 1. A video of the same went viral on X, formerly Twitter. Dwayne Johnson, 53, looked very thin in his roomy Hawaiian shirt and black trousers. Emily Blunt, on the other hand, nailed a cropped jacket over a top and trousers in a monochrome grey palette. A fan, on X, said Johnson slimmed down, probably because he had some issues with his heart. Concerning, wrote another. I would think he slimmed down for a movie role, added one fan on X. Meanwhile, another said Dwayne Johnson looked good. A user joked, Gonna have to start calling him Dwayne the pebble Johnson. Dwayne Johnson on playing Mark Kerr Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter and UFC pioneer, in the upcoming biopic, The Smashing Machine, which releases on October 3 this year. Emily Blunt, 42, plays the role of Dawn Staples, the wife of Kerr, in the movie. Johnson said playing Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine "certainly changed my life". He added that it was a transformation he was "really hungry to do", as per the BBC. "I've been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity to do this, he concluded. FAQs How much weight did Dwayne Johnson lose recently? Dwayne Johnson has lost 60 lbs recently. What is the name of Dwayne Johnsons upcoming movie? Dwayne Johnsons upcoming movie is The Smashing Machine. What role does Dwayne Johnson play in The Smashing Machine? Dwayne Johnson plays the role of an MMA fighter, Mark Kerr, in The Smashing Machine. Who is Mark Kerrs wife in The Smashing Machine? Emily Blunt plays the role of Mark Kerrs wife in The Smashing Machine. Meghan Markle is back with Season 2 of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, whose first episode aired on August 26. Known for her candid remarks and anecdotes during the show, Meghan has dropped a big revelation about her husband, Prince Harry. In the trailer for her Netflix show, Meghan welcomed celebrity chef guest Jose Andres. Also Read | Critics slam Meghan Markles Netflix show as ratings nosedive Meghan Markle's Prince Harry confession: As the two chatted while preparing seafood, Meghan said, You know who doesn't like lobster? My husband! Intrigued by the revelation, the 56-year-old chef quipped: And you married him anyway?! Both Meghan and Jose burst into laughter. The Duchess did not reveal why the Duke of Sussex doesnt like lobster, but the royal family traditionally avoids eating certain foods, including shellfish and garlic. Also Read | How Prince Harry's British accent has rubbed off on his kids Archie and Lilibet Here are the foods the royals avoid: According to the Mirror, quoting King Charles former butler, Grant Harrold, the royal family avoids having seafood when out on public duties, especially shellfish. When dining, the royal family has to be careful with shellfish due to shellfish poisoning, due to their work schedules. It is a very sensible move to abandon having seafood when out and about on public duties, Harrold once told the Mirror. In 2018, during her appearance on MasterChef Australia, Queen Camilla had also revealed that garlic is a no-no for the royal family. I hate to say this, but garlic. Garlic is a no-no, she shared. Also Read | Meghan Markle releases orange jam with her brand As Ever About With Love, Meghan S2 Despite withering reviews from critics, With Love, Meghan had over five million views in the first half of 2025, making it Netflix's most-watched cooking show. The new holiday special will feature Meghan hosting "friends and family" as they "deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs," the statement promised. According to reports, With Love, Meghan's second season will feature: With Club Mahindras international resorts, your family holiday can be a unique experience in various locations.. Imagine your kids discovering new cultures, you unwinding in luxury, and the whole family bonding over adventures. Whether its beaches, popular cities, or sweeping landscapes, Club Mahindra resorts aim to blend comfort, style, and local charm to turn your travel plans into reality. 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From hill stations in India to international resorts, your next vacation can always be just around the corner. On a recent evening, a trio of Ukrainian drones flew under the cover of darkness to a Russian position and decided among themselves exactly when to strike. The assault was an example of how Ukraine is using artificial intelligence to allow groups of drones to coordinate with each other to attack Russian positions, an innovative technology that heralds the future of battle. Military experts say the so-called swarm technology represents the next frontier for drone warfare because of its potential to allow tens or even thousands of dronesor swarmsto be deployed at once to overwhelm the defenses of a target, be that a city or an individual military asset. Ukraine has conducted swarm attacks on the battlefield for much of the past year, according to a senior Ukrainian officer and the company that makes the software. The previously unreported attacks are the first known routine use of swarm technology in combat, analysts say, underscoring Ukraines position at the vanguard of drone warfare. Swarming marries two rising forces in modern warfare: AI and drones. Companies and militaries around the world are racing to develop software that uses AI to link and manage groups of unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, leaving them to communicate and coordinate with each other after launch. But the use of AI on the battlefield is also raising ethical concerns that machines could be left to decide the fate of combatants and civilians. The drones deployed in the recent Ukrainian attack used technology developed by local company Swarmer. Its software allows groups of drones to decide which one strikes first and adapt if, for instance, one runs out of battery, said Chief Executive Serhii Kupriienko. You set the target and the drones do the rest," Kupriienko said. They work together, they adapt." Swarmers technology was first deployed by Ukrainian forces to lay mines around a year ago. It has since been used to target Russian soldiers, equipment and infrastructure, according to the Ukrainian military officer. The officer said his drone unit had used Swarmers technology more than a hundred times, and that other units also have UAVs equipped with the software. He typically uses the technology with three drones, but says others have deployed it with as many as eight. Kupriienko said the software has been tested with up to 25 drones. A common operation uses a reconnaissance drone and two other UAVs carrying small bombs to target a Russian trench, the officer said. An operator gives the drones a target zone to look for an enemy position and the command to engage when it is spotted. The reconnaissance drone maps the route for the bombers to follow and the drones themselves then decide when, and which one, will release the bombs over the target. Three people are involved in these missions: a planner, a drone operator and a navigator. Without the swarm software, nine people would be required, the officer said. Using the technology saves time and frees up personnel to work on other tasks, he added. You dont require a separate pilot for each drone, one pilot can work with many drones," Kupriienko said. That is a help for Ukraine, which is fighting an adversary in Russia with far greater manpower. Fewer operators also simplifies coordination, while having drones communicate with each other at proximity reduces the risk that the enemy can interfere with signals to the UAVs. To be sure, the Ukrainian operations fall short of what many would consider a full swarm, said Bob Tollast, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, a U.K.-based think tank. That could be described as hundreds of drones moving together intelligently and autonomously reacting. Still, even a small level of autonomous teaming would be impressive," Tollast said. Swarmer said it is preparing to test a swarm of more than 100 drones. The business, which has secured funding from U.S. investors, is one of a number of companies working on swarm technology. On a visit last year to its office, hidden in a suburban house, two young engineers worked on a ping-pong table welding circuit boards and attaching components to drones. Elsewhere, a 3-D printer noisily produced a new component. Outside, a neighbor mowed his lawn, seemingly oblivious to what was happening next door. Drones are loaded onto vehicles in a garage away from public view. The U.S., China, France, Russia and South Korea are among the countries pursuing swarm technology. But analysts said they werent aware of it being used regularly in combat until hearing of the Ukrainian operations. The U.S. has been exploring the technology since at least 2016, when it launched more than 100 small drones from three jet fighters. The micro-drones demonstrated advanced swarm behaviors such as collective decision-making, adaptive formation flying, and self-healing," the Defense Department said at the time. Swarmer engineers used a ping-pong table in a suburban house to weld circuit boards and attach components to drones. In 2021, officials from Israels military told local media that it used a swarm of small drones to locate, identify and attack militants in Gaza. However, the Israeli military doesnt appear to have talked about swarming since, leading some drone experts to suggest that there may be challenges with its technology. The Israeli military declined to comment. For all drone swarms, maintaining stable and reliable communication links between the UAVs is likely to be a challenge, said Zak Kallenborn, a drone-warfare expert at Kings College London. In Ukraine, Swarmers technology had teething problems. At one stage, drones were swapping too much information and overloading the network, the Ukrainian officer said. The technology also makes drones more expensive. That is a negative for Ukraine, which burns through UAVs. The country produced over 1.5 million drones last year alone, the government said. AI is a growing focus for militaries and is increasingly being used in combat, though mostly to analyze data or navigate. But the rise of AI in war is raising ethical concerns about the potential for machines to make life-or-death decisions without human oversight. The United Nations has, for example, called for regulation of lethal autonomous weapons. The U.S. and its allies require a person in the so-called kill chain under current rules of engagement. Swarmer said a human ultimately makes the decision on whether to pull the trigger. Folks have been talking about the potential of drone swarms to change warfare for decades," said Kallenborn. But until now, theyve been more prophecy than reality." As the Israeli military prepares for a new offensive on Gaza City, military commanders are struggling to find enough reservists willing to report for duty. Israeli troops are exhausted after nearly two years of fighting on several fronts, and more are questioning the purpose of the war. As the military is now calling up some 60,000 reservists from their jobs, studies and families to support the new mission, many are saying they are at a breaking point, according to more than 30 officers and soldiers who were interviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Some commanders have turned to unusual methods to find enough men. Im looking for combat soldiers, mainly medics and snipers for an operation of 70 days starting on September 11. If there are reservists who are interested please message me privately," read one recent message by a commander on a WhatsApp group for Israeli university students. The Israeli military said that it maintains operational preparedness and works to support its reservists, who it describes as essential to the success of its missions. The shortage has been developing for months and tracks with growing Israeli discontent over the war. Many polls show as much as 80% of the Israeli public want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a deal that will end the war and bring the hostages home. Thousands of Israeli military veterans and reservists have signed petitions to stop the fighting and return the hostages. It marks a sharp shift from how most reservists felt after the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack that launched the war. In the days following the attack, many reservists voluntarily showed up to fight, believing the battle was to save their country. But that belief has gradually crumbled as the war drags on and reservists find themselves being called up again and again. One master sergeant in the 98th commando division, who has fought for 400 days since the start of the war, including long stints in Gaza and Lebanon, said he has come to believe that people are dying for nothing and that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political survival, a widely held view in parts of Israeli society. The prime minister denies the charge. The master sergeant recently received a call from the military inquiring if he was available to return for duty for the Gaza City operation. Having spent months fighting in Khan Younis earlier in the war, he says Hamas cant be completely destroyed because of the way it conducts guerrilla warfare. Most Israeli Jews are drafted for mandatory military service in Israel at age 18. Israel keeps a relatively small standing army that it fills out with reservists especially during times of war. Most reservists serve a few weeks a year until the age of 40 or 45 depending on their position. But people can often get exemptions from reserve duty even though it is mandatory. Many reservists are also frustrated that the Netanyahu government is pushing for an exemption from military service for Israels ultraorthodox minority. The Gaza war is now Israels longest. It is straining families, as men have to leave their wives, children and jobs for long stretches. It is also taking a psychological toll on many men. Dalit Kislev Spektor said her husband, a commander in the reserves, was strained by his accumulated 580 days of service. She recalled how he came home last month in a state of shock after identifying the body of a fellow reservist who had died by suicide. Dalit Spektor, whose husband has served for 580 days in Gaza, leads a group called Ima Era that calls for responsible management of the war.Dalit Spektor holds a photo of her husband during a deployment to the Gaza Strip. Spektor said that many men in her husbands 150-man logistical unit have lost their jobs, gotten divorced or faced financial ruin over their prolonged service and now are increasingly questioning the purpose of the fighting in Gaza. Spektor worries that her husband will be called up again. I told him The war is political, because none of us believes in our leadership. If it was up to me, I would ask you not to go," said Spektor, who leads a group called Ima Era that calls for responsible management of the war. Several reservists, especially fathers to young children, told the Journal they stopped showing up because their wives couldnt take it anymore. Commanders are trying to find solutions. One company commander who is busy calling up soldiers for a coming tour in September said that he started sending out a form ahead of time where reservists can mark specific dates they arent available. The online form, which was viewed by the Journal, allows reservists to rank how important their request for leave was from 1 to 5. To ease the burden, the troops will also be moving to a more flexible model where they serve one week followed by a week break for the duration of the 90-day tour, which was just extended. Reservists whose current service has been extended because of the operation described feeling frustrated. The Israeli military has said that it plans to extend the service of 20,000 active-duty reservists, on top of the 60,000 who the military is currently calling up. The forces taking part in the coming Gaza City operation will be mainly composed of mandatory service soldiersthose who have been called up to complete their three years in the armed forces, according to a military official. This time, reservists will mostly be replacing soldiers in Syria, Lebanon and the West Bank, although some will still serve in Gaza. Israeli chief of staff Eyal Zamir opposed a complete occupation of Gaza in a security-cabinet meeting last month in part because of manpower issues, according to a person familiar with the matter. A 31-year-old combat engineer whose unit is currently serving in southern Gaza said his service was recently extended until the end of November, affecting both his motivation and that of other soldiers he serves with. Israeli soldiers and tanks near the Gaza Strips northern border in August.Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike in a Gaza City neighborhood over the weekend. He said he asked to be moved to a noncombat role outside of Gaza because his unit commanders were putting soldiers at risk, including in a recent friendly fire incident. He said that his commander wasnt replaced because of manpower shortages. Despite the growing fatigue and doubts about the war, some reservists said they still plan to go back. Reservists usually continue to show up for military duty to support their friends who are fighting and because they still identify with the overall mission, said Idit Shafran Gittleman, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, who has conducted focus groups with Israeli reservists. As the identification with the mission has dropped dramatically, many continue to go back for their comrades, she said. A smaller group of reservists say they have stopped returning for duty because of what they said were ideological reasons, including immoral behavior they have witnessed against Palestinians. One reservist said he stopped showing up after he was present when a commander reported that his forces had shot three Gazan women accidentally, killing one, and asking for permission to dump the wounded women in a humanitarian zone. A senior commander agreed to the request. The reservist said he was shocked by the nonchalant way the matter was discussed. He told them he couldnt serve any more. When asked about his comments, the Israeli military said that it continues to work to identify unusual cases that deviate from what is expected of its soldiers, and such cases are examined and addressed through relevant channels. The more question marks there are around the justification of the fighting, the more people will be hesitant to show up," Gittleman said. We are very close to the red line." Write to Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com TIANJIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hailed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a practical demonstration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s vision for regional connectivity and economic integration. "As SCO leaders, we have reaffirmed, year after year, the significance of enhanced regional connectivity. This requires efficient land, air and rail transport corridors to ensure reliability of the supply chain," Sharif said in a speech at the 25th Meeting of the Council of SCO's Heads of State. The expansion of the CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, can serve as a practical demonstration of the SCO's vision for regional connectivity and economic integration, he said. He also noted that China's global leadership is exemplified not only through the SCO but also in landmark initiatives, such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilizations Initiative. On regional security, the prime minister said Pakistan seeks a normal and stable relationship with all neighbors and resorts to dialogue and diplomacy over conflicts and confrontations. Pakistan will continue efforts along with all the SCO members to promote peace, progress and prosperity in the entire region and to ensure lasting peace in South Asia, he said, calling for a comprehensive and structural dialogue to discuss all outstanding disputes. Alien: Earth has been a revelation. A show which arguably delivers on the promise of Ridley Scotts 1979 Alien film in a way only the immediate sequel, Aliens, managed. In fact the Disney+ show is a prequel to the original, set just before the events on the Nostromo, and follows closely to its gritty design and disturbing tone while also expanding the universe. In brief, it establishes a future Earth where democracy has disappeared and five organisations rule the world, including Weyland-Yutani, the nefarious Company who prioritised capturing xenomorphs over crew members in the films, and a one called the Prodigy Corporation, led by a young genius with a Peter Pan obsession called Boy Kavalier. These companies are competing in AI and military tech, with Kavalier having invented Hybrids, where dying children are saved by having their minds transferred into synthetics, the robots who we know from the films are a bit twitchy. These Hybrids play a key role as a spaceship crashes down to earth full of Alien species a xenomorph plus some other horrible creatures - which the Companies want for their own ends. Now, to Babou Ceesay. You may be aware of his work, and if you saw the show Wolfe on Sky, you will certainly be aware that he possesses a Philip Seymour Hoffman-esque charisma to him, an emotional intensity belied by a comic touch. London-born but now living in Gambia, in Alien: Earth he plays Morrow, where the emotional intensity is dialled up to the max. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ceesay tells us, [Creator/writer] Noah Hawley gave me some nuggets about the character and one of the best was: No one invited him to a party, ever. Morrow is a Company man for Weyland-Yutani, ordered to bring back the xenomorph from the hands of Prodigy, which he does by manipulating one of the naive Hybrid kids. Hes the villain. Or is he? One of the biggest things about him is that for the first couple of episodes, people think hes a synth hes the villain. But the reality is that hes so complex its not that simple. He does villainous things, that really are awful. But Ive been finding people have started to love the guy. And then to have this new episode which contextualises some of his behaviour was a gift. Ah yes. The reason why were speaking to Ceesay now is because the series has reached a pivotal moment. Episode 5 is a killer standalone dont we all love those which fills in the blanks from the first episode and operates as a fan-pleasing throwback which is so close to the originals aesthetics that it feels almost like undiscovered footage from Ridley Scotts archives. FX's Alien: Earth -- Pictured: Sydney Chandler as Wendy (Patrick Brown/FX) To fill in some blanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alien: Earth opened aboard a science vessel similar to the Nostromo, the ship which Ripley (and Jones the cat) barely escaped from in the original. And similar too in that a xenomorph was in the process of tearing apart the crew. Morrow was onboard, apparently engineering his own survival, as well as the aliens; much as Ash (played unforgettably by Ian Holm) the synthetic did in the film. Morrow steered the stricken ship into a crash-landing back on Earth, seemingly to allow the Weyland-Yutari to get their hands on some sweet Xeno biological weaponry. Yet, as with the entire series, nothing with Morrow is as it seems. There is context. We learn in flashbacks he had a daughter. And hear mention of a childhood on the streets. And despite his robotic arm, we see him bleed red, not synthetic white. I went through the character layer by layer, and really tried to understand all the different things that were at play like the loss of his daughter. His sense of duty and maybe to some extent love towards [Company head] Utani because she took him off the streets. I looked at what got him on the streets, that abandonment element. I thought about his relationship with his mother. And how did he end up in a relationship where he even has a kid? All of which makes Morrow one of the most satisfying characters in the series. Yet despite the heavy presence Ceesay brings very reminiscent to how Holm and John Hurt lent weight to the original he had an absolute ball being part of it. In fact, Ceesay was an Alien fan ever since he stayed up late to watch it as a kid, and the chest burst moment was etched in my mind forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the role came up, he at first dismissed it as being out of his league, for someone super-famous, but then read the scene he had been given, realised how phenomenal it was, and pulled himself together to take a shot. He was away filming in Greece at the time, and locked himself away to work on it. After a lot of agony waiting to hear I didnt leave my apartment for three days, just walking around it he bagged his dream and ended up on the huge $250 million production in Thailand, walking around physical sets uncannily like the films. We were told not to take any videos, he says, Yeah I took loads. They just gave up stopping me in the end. Like, of course Im going to capture this moment. Im walking into history! What am I going to do? Filming the standalone was a particular delight as they were literally echoing classic scenes from the first film, including the dinner scene. That dining scene where we're all sat in the mess. Everybody was giddy. The director's walking in going, Oh my goodness, let's just try our best. You couldn't even afford to think about because that scene in that original film really stands out. Its unexpected, on a ship out in the middle of space, the people are still people, sitting around talking, having a cigarette, bickering, hitting each other. To have the opportunity to go back in there Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the wonderful thing was, if you walked towards a door, it opened. If you press something, it clicks. In all the food areas, there's real food. just thinking about it just gives me goosebumps. The episode follows through on the promise, and is its own mini-classic. Without giving away any spoilers, it turns the series on its head with Morrows story, and with revelations around Kavaliers role in all this. You understand that Morrow is a man, dealing with trauma, who has it in for Kavalier not because hes head of a rival firm but because hes more of a villain than even the xenomorph. Tech company power is just one of the big contemporary themes the series tackles. I think we can all relate on some level that the world seems to be getting harder to manage, and we're sort of asking a question of who's rigging it, because it's untenable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going back to Alien in 1979, that was during Margaret Thatcher's time. What was happening? She was dismantling the unions, things were changing. So the idea of big corporations was already seeded in that original. love that Noah has come back and really pulled out that big corporate element. Babou Ceesay (Ron Timehin) Yet it is a monster series too, and Ceesay did have some scenes with the alien. Just as Sydney Chandler told us, there didnt need to be much acting when it came to showing fear. My first interaction with the xenomorph was in the screen test where he had this moment where the Xeno leans into me. It's Cameron [who plays the character] in a suit and you're thinking, yeah, what do I do? I guess I put my gun up at it's jaw and blah blah, I'm ready. And then the moment comes and this thing leans in and you see that big shimmering dome reaching out and the teeth starting to bare, that extra mouth comes outinstantly I started feeling the fear running up and down my spine. Im like, thats interesting. No acting required. My reptilian brain wants out of this situation. I know this is cool, but something in me thinks this isn't cool. I thought that's fantastic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had so many practical effects. You're running through a door and then you've got to shut it behind you when something's coming towards you! Ceesay will no doubt win many plaudits and awards for playing Morrow in the coming months. But acting is just one part of his life. He moved his family from London to Gambia before the pandemic in order to help kickstart the film industry over there, and has now found himself of everything from major productions like a documentary with Martin Scorsese and the late Pope Francis, to building new cinemas. He says, We have one annual event - the Khoros Film Festival, that happens the last weekend in November every year. We are on our third edition this year. As part of that we are building capacity by offering industry standard training AND producing content through Studio 71, my production company. The long term vision is to be part of a thriving pan-African film industry. Quite a guy, with a lot of work on. But firstly he has to deal with fan reaction to this new episode, since he has recently, somewhat reluctantly, returned to social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have not been on social media for 4 years. We're doing a lot of publicity and I wouldn't say I was pressured to joining, but I definitely got a sense that joining had its advantages and it would be useful. So in the end I, I thought, OK, let me join. Now I have been getting DMs from all over the world. So I am both nervous and excited about this coming episode. I'm hoping it lands. Alien: Earth is on Disney+ The Trump family notched as much as $6 billion in paper wealth on Monday after its flagship crypto venture opened trading of a new digital currency. The launch is akin to an initial public offering, in which the cryptocurrency, called WLFI, can now be bought and sold on the open market like a listed companys shares. Beforehand, people who had privately bought WLFI from the Trump venture, World Liberty Financial, hadnt been able to exchange their tokens. The trading debut was most likely the biggest financial success for the presidents family since the inauguration. The Trump family, including President Trump himself, holds just under a quarter of all WLFI tokens in existence. Trumps three sons are co-founders of World Liberty, while it names the president a Co-Founder Emeritus." World Liberty says founders and team members tokens remain locked," meaning they still cant sell them. But the trading launch now puts a real-world valuation on their holdings, which previously were valued based on private sales. WLFI is likely now the Trumps most valuable asset, exceeding their decades-old property portfolio. While the presidents family has continued to pursue property deals around the world since taking office, the fast-moving crypto business has had the biggest early impact. President Trump helped launch World Liberty a year ago, while campaigning, saying it would help make America Great Again, this time with crypto." World Libertys rise this year came as the president drove the growth of the crypto industry from the White House, slashing back regulation and touting the potential of private, digital currencies to invigorate the U.S. economy. In advance of the WLFI trading debut, World Liberty this summer took over a publicly-listed firm and raised $750 million in cash from investors to buy the cryptocurrency. That deal, an unusually circular transaction with the same party as buyer and seller, stands to earn the Trumps around $500 million since they keep up to three-quarters of the revenues from the sale of the tokens, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. Trading in WLFI exploded on crypto exchanges early Monday, with about $1 billion in the tokens changing hands within an hour, according to data site CoinMarketCap. On Binance, the most popular exchange, WLFI traded between about 24 cents and 30 cents a token, in line with prices implied by futures contracts tied to the cryptocurrency that traded there last week. At the higher price, the Trumps stake is worth more than $6 billion. Adding in stakes in other crypto businesses makes the Trump familys overall crypto hoard even larger. Trump-related entities control around 80% of $Trump, a so-called memecoin, worth several billion dollars. A Trump-owned trust holds just over half of publicly-listed Trump Media, which runs his Truth Social platform and buys and holds cryptocurrencies. That stake is worth around $2.5 billion. To be sure, cashing in this newly created wealth may prove difficult, as even a small amount of selling of cryptocurrencies can trigger prices to drop. Mondays prices of WLFI are a huge premium on the 1.5 cents that investors at first paid last year to buy the token from World Liberty itself, offering them an opportunity to make a big profit. World Liberty said those early buyers would only be able to initially trade a fifth of their holdings. Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile, meaning the exact size of the Trump fortune could fluctuate wildly. The $Trump memecoin, launched in January, initially soared, and then collapsed. Critics of World Liberty say it is a potential vehicle to influence the Trump family, and that its growth owes to partners and investors that are seeking help from the White House. For instance, the market for USD1 has been largely propped up by Binance, whose convicted founder has been seeking a presidential pardon, the Journal previously reported. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said neither the president nor his family have ever engaged, or will ever engage, in conflicts of interest." Zach Witkoff, World Libertys chief executive and son of Presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, said last week that it is strictly a private business and doesnt get involved in politics, though clearly President Trump is the greatest president of all time." World Liberty has said that its cryptocurrencys long-term value will be supported by its plans to become a serious industry player. The venture issues a dollar-pegged stablecoin called USD1 and plans to roll out a mobile app. This isnt some meme coin," tweeted Donald Trump Jr. just after the launch. Tad Tobar, chief operating officer at crypto firm Lorenzo Protocol, which has joined with World Liberty, said he plans to buy and hold WLFI, which grants its holders a vote on some of World Libertys operations, known as governance rights, though not a claim on its profits. Its staying power is real because its designed to be the governance token of this new open economy," said Tobar. Write to Angus Berwick at angus.berwick@wsj.com An end-of-month deadline will force the president to negotiate with Congress to avoid a government shutdown. While Republicans control the House and Senate, they will need Democratic votes to do so. Trumps recent clawback of billions in foreign aid without congressional approval has brewed distrust between lawmakers and the administration. Trump gave the leaders of Russia and Ukraine an early September deadline to move forward with a peace process or face possible U.S. retaliation. Progress has stalled since the presidents closely watched meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month, dimming optimism that an end to the war is in sight. Beyond dealmaking, Trump faces uncertainty about the legality of his tariffs, the main plank of his economic agenda and a key campaign promise. His authority to take over the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington expires this month, and he is looking at deploying the National Guard to more cities across the country to address crime. The administrations contentious changes to public health guidelines are expected to face fresh scrutiny in the coming weeks. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday is scheduled to testify before the Senate Finance Committee after the abrupt firing of the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which unleashed turmoil inside the agency. Kennedys much-anticipated report recommending how to make America healthy again, which he said would outline the causes of autism, is expected soon. Congress returns Congress returns to the Capitol on Tuesday after more than a month away, and lawmakers must immediately begin negotiations on a spending deal to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. This one is going to be a sheer face rock climb to get to the top with not much equipment," said Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist and partner at ROKK Solutions, who said a shutdown is more likely this year than a spending deal. Negotiations between the two parties are likely to be more complicated than usual. Trump last week irked members of both parties by canceling nearly $5 billion in foreign aid through a maneuver called a pocket rescission that comes so close to the end of the fiscal year that the money wont be spent. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, called the move a clear violation of the law." Similarly, some Democrats have warned that a shutdown could happen over concerns that the White House by using rescissions isnt respecting either Congresss constitutionally mandated power of the purse or the bipartisan deals through which Congress exerts that power. A shutdown would result in the pause of pay for hundreds of thousands of government employees and delays in the services they perform, as only employees deemed essential are instructed to come to work. While Republican lawmakers loathe a stopgap spending bill, they will most likely need to make a deal on a short-term bill to avert the Oct. 1 deadline, which also requires Democratic votes. Operating through a stopgap measure, however, makes it easier for the Trump administration to pull back funds, since it isnt bound by the set of detailed instructions that accompany ordinary appropriations bills. The return of lawmakers to Washington will also reignite the fight over the Jeffrey Epstein files. The Justice Department has turned over files to the House Oversight Committee, but lawmakers are pushing for a vote to publicly release them. Reps. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R., Ky.) are opening a petition for signatures this week that could force a House vote to release files on the convicted sex offender. The presidents emergency takeover of the Washington, D.C. police force will expire Sept. 10. To continue further, the House and Senate would need to pass a joint resolution authorizing an extension. There are no time constraints on how long Trump can use the National Guard and federal law enforcement in the city. Trump has discussed sending troops elsewhere into the country, such as Baltimore and Chicago. On Friday, Trump will face his first jobs report since firing the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics last month. He has since picked E.J. Antoni, the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, to lead the agency, though Antoni might have to wade through a long list of nominees waiting for confirmation votes in the Senate. To hasten the process, Senate Republicans have signaled support to change the rules. A two-week deadline Trump has pushed for Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement, and in late August gave Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky another two-week deadline to take steps toward resolving the war between their countries. Efforts at talks between Kyiv and Moscow have stalled. On Monday, Putin met with leaders of China and India in a display of unity that was aimed in part to show their strength against Trump. Trump has ramped up tariffs on goods made in India as he seeks to punish the country for using Russian oil. India has stood firm. It is unclear what Trump will do to spur negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has resisted implementing new sanctions on Russia. Ill know in two weeks what Im going to do," Trump said. A Supreme Court battle over tariffs Beyond September, Trump will face a fresh hurdle in his implementation of tariffs, one of his key focuses as president that he has used to boost manufacturing in the U.S. as well as reduce the deficit. A federal appeals court ruled late on Friday that most of Trumps tariffsthe so-called reciprocal leviesare illegal, but left them in place until Oct. 14 to allow the administration time to appeal. That sets up a high-stakes battle at the Supreme Court that will define not only the future of Trumps trade agenda, but his broader efforts to expand the executive power of the presidency. The high court is highly likely" to take up the case, said Ryan Majerus, a partner in trade law at King & Spalding, which will force them to grapple with whether Trump can use presidential emergency powers to impose global tariffs. The Supreme Court could hear arguments as soon as this autumn in the case, Majerus added, though a resolution isnt likely before the end of the year. At the same time, congressional Democrats are planning to put more pressure on Trumps trade agenda by forcing votes on proposals to end the emergency authority that is at the core of the tariff case. The legal uncertainty surrounding the tariffs could also bleed over into negotiations with other countries on how to codify trade agreements that they previously reached with Trump, or strike new pacts to mutually lower duties. Trumps team over the weekend insisted they are staying the course, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer telling Fox News that other nations are moving forward with their deals, regardless of what this court may say in the interim." Write to Natalie Andrews at natalie.andrews@wsj.com and Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Friday rejected the Trump administrations use of federal emergency" powers to impose tariffs on the rest of the world. By a vote of 7-4, the court concluded that Congress never granted the executive branch the nearly unbounded authority the White House claimed. This is the third court ruling against the Trump tariffs, and its tempting to assume the Supreme Court will make it four. Dont count on it. At first glance, its hard to conceive how the Constitution could allow the rewriting of tariff schedules on mere presidential say-so. That President Trumps tariffs are bad policy is icing on the cake. Yet under current doctrine V.O.S. Selections v. Trump presents a close case that is likely to divide the justices and could go either way. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the powers to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises" and regulate commerce with foreign nations." Article II vests the president with the power to make treaties with other countries, including trade agreements, but requires Senate consent for them to take effect. It seems logical that this allocation of authority precludes unilateral presidential authority to impose or revise tariffs, even as part of a deal between heads of state. But it isnt so simple. Since the Constitution was adopted, Congress has enacted laws delegating responsibility for executing these powers to the executive branch. Supreme Court precedent requires that in granting such authority, Congress must articulate an intelligible principle" to its exercise. But the justices have never interpreted that as much of a limitationbroad statements of purpose will do. Thus while V.O.S. Selections is an immensely important separation-of-powers case, it is unlikely to be resolved on constitutional grounds. Instead, the case will turnas it did in the lower courtson whether Congress granted the president the power Mr. Trump claims. The Trump administration argues that its tariffs are consistent with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, or IEEPA, which among other things authorizes the president to regulate . . . importation . . . of . . . any property" from foreign nations. While IEEPA makes no mention of tariffs, imposing duties is one way to regulate" imports. Much like other taxes, the imposition of tariffs affects behavior, and they may be imposed for such purposes. Despite this broad language, the Federal Circuit concluded that IEEPAs grant of presidential authority to regulate imports does not authorize" tariffs as broad as these. Four judges in the majority argued that IEEPA doesnt authorize tariffs at all. The law has been on the books for nearly 50 years and had never before been invoked to impose or increase trade duties. As Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in 2014, courts are properly skeptical when the executive branch claims to discover in a long-extant statute an unheralded power to regulate a significant portion of the American economy." V.O.S. Selections would seem a textbook case for applying the major questions doctrine," which provides that policies addressing questions of vast economic and political significance" require clear authorization from Congress. Thus in Biden v. Nebraska (2023), the Supreme Court concluded the power to waive or modify" regulations governing student debt didnt encompass the power to forgive such loans altogether. By this logic, the power to regulate" imports shouldnt include the power to tax them. While Congress has often delegated authority to set or revise tariffs, it typically does so explicitly. This argument is strong, but it isnt a slam dunk. The whole point of enacting statutes like IEEPA is to give the president broad authority to address emergencies when they arise. While IEEPA provides that such actions may only be exercised" to address such declared emergencies and may not be exercised for any other purpose," courts have rarely felt competent to second-guess the executive branchs national-security determinations. Presidential power is at its zenith in matters of national security and foreign affairs, so it is understandable why Congress may delegate broader authority in such contexts than in domestic affairs. Setting tariffs on goods from other nations implicates different concerns from domestic environmental regulation or the payback of student loans. When it comes to foreign affairs, Justice George Sutherland wrote in U.S. v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp. (1936), Congress must often accord to the President a degree of discretion and freedom from statutory restriction which would not be admissible were domestic affairs alone involved." Echoing this view in concurring with FCC v. Consumers Research (2025), Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the major questions canon has not been applied by this Court in the national security or foreign policy contexts," because it does not reflect ordinary congressional intent in those areas." Rather, according to Justice Kavanaugh, the usual understanding is that Congress intends to give the President substantial authority and flexibility to protect America and the American peopleand that Congress specifies limits on the President when it wants to restrict Presidential power in those national security and foreign policy domains." Were the justices writing on a clean slate, one would expect them to draw clear constraints on presidential authority. But the slate is far from clean. Congress has been delegating tariff authority to the president since the 18th century, and the Supreme Court has long held that delegation concerns are less constraining in the foreign-affairs and national-security context. There are strong arguments that Congress should be more engaged in trade policy. If existing statutes dont adequately address current exigencies, there is a ready solution. Rather than seek to pour new wine from old bottles, the executive can ask Congress for authority of a newer vintage. Legislative abdication creates a vacuum that the executive branch inevitably seeks to fill. The court has seen fit to force Congresss hand in the domestic sphere, but that doesnt necessarily mean it will do so here. Mr. Adler is a professor at the William & Mary Law School. New Delhi: Indian exporters of auto parts and renewable energy equipment could face fresh trade setbacks in another significant market in the wake of the US tariffs. The Australian government has begun consultations on a new regulatory framework for consumer energy resources (CER) including rooftop solar energy, household batteries, electric vehicles, and smart devices. In a notice circulated at the World Trade Organization on 29 August, Canberra said it is seeking comments on two draft papersa prototype regulatory framework for CER, and proposed interoperability standards for devices such as solar inverters, EV chargers, energy management systems, and smart appliances. An interoperability test refers to a technical check to see whether a device or system can seamlessly connect, communicate, and function with other systems, devices, or networks. Unlike some WTO Technical Barriers to Trade notifications that specify when new standards will come into force and the transition period for exporters, Australias notification has left the timeline open-ended, with no specific date mentioned for its adoption or rollout. This creates uncertainty for Indian exporters given the current lack of clarity on when they would need to comply with Australias new framework, which could limit their ability to plan investments in certification, testing, and technology upgrades. Indias auto components and renewable energy sectors already face the heat of US President Donald Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Australias new regulations could add pressure on these exporters, particularly small businesses, including because of modified manufacturing processes and increased costs. The development also comes despite the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which was intended to provide duty-free access to several Indian products, including solar equipment. According to trade experts, while the FTA guarantees tariff-free entry, the new regulatory requirements function as non-tariff barriers and impose additional costs on exporters. The concern is that exporters may save on tariffs but lose competitiveness due to higher expenses on testing, certification, and documentation," said Abhash Kumar, a trade economist and assistant professor of economics at Delhi University. Key Takeaways Australias open-ended plan for updated consumer energy standards leaves Indian exporters unclear on timelines, complicating investment and compliance planning. Despite duty-free access under the India-Australia trade pact, new interoperability requirements could act as hidden trade barriers, raising costs for exporters. Small and medium Indian firms in auto parts and renewable energy face higher certification and testing costs, threatening competitiveness already weakened by US tariffs. Compliance complications Australias initiative aims to plug gaps in existing standards, set national technical requirements, ensure quality, protect consumers from deceptive practices, and promote harmonization, as per its WTO notice. However, this could complicate matters and increase costs for Indian exporters. For small and medium exporters, the challenge is not manufacturing capability but the added layers of certification and testing that come with new interoperability standards," said Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum. These requirements could increase compliance costs and complicate logistics, especially for companies already working on tight margins." Also, Indian exporters of auto parts and renewable energy equipment would need to get their products re-certified to meet Australias updated technical and interoperability standards for consumer energy products, said Astik Mani Tripathi, promoter and director, GP Eco Solutions India Ltd, a maker of solar inverters and energy storage systems. Non-compliant products will not be allowed for sale, which could disrupt the market. To succeed, Indian companies must proactively invest in R&D (research and development) to meet the new standards and work closely with Australian partners to ensure their products remain competitive and accessible," Tripathi told Mint over phone. Indias overall exports to Australia increased to $8.58 billion in 2024-25 from $7.94 billion in FY24 and $6.95 billion in the year before, as per commerce ministry data. Imports declined to $15.53 billion in FY25 from $16.16 billion in the year before and $19.01 billion in FY23. The decline in imports alongside consistent export growth has helped India gradually shrink its trade deficit with Australia, although the overall balance remains negative. The gap, which stood at $12.06 billion in FY23, narrowed to $8.22 billion in FY24 and further reduced to $6.95 billion in FY25, per commerce ministry data. Indian exports of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules rose sharply from $112.47 million in FY22 to $2.02 billion in FY24. However, in the first eight months of FY25 (April-November), the exports moderated to $809.43 million, according to information shared by minister of state for new and renewable energy and power, Shripad Yesso Naik, in the Rajya Sabha on 11 February. New Delhi: The Indian governments decision to allow duty-free cotton imports, mainly from the United States, is expected to provide some relief to the countrys apparel exporters, who face a 50% duty in the US. Industry leaders believe the move will help manufacturers by raising the share of US-origin inputs in finished garments, partially shielding them under Americas reciprocal tariff rules. Under the new tariff structure, duties are applied only to the portion of a product that does not use American inputs. If at least 20% of a product is made with US-origin content, that share is exempt from the additional duty, which is levied only on the balance 80%. If the threshold is not met, the entire value of the product is subject to the tariff. The Indian textile industry believes domestic manufacturers can increase their use of US cotton to benefit from this provision, helping to keep Indian products price-competitive. Though the benefit may appear small, it will still help keep Indian products price-competitive," said Rakesh Mehra, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). Manufacturing units will make efforts to increase the input share of US-origin cotton to gain duty benefits. Though they cannot raise it to 100%, as there are several other inputs apart from cotton, it may go up to a significant level to leverage the benefits," Mehra added. A stich in time The exemption comes at a critical time, with Indian textile and apparel exporters facing shrinking orders and rising competition from Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico. Indias textile exports to the US were valued at $10.44 billion in FY23, slipped slightly to $10.02 billion in FY24, and rose again to $10.91 billion in FY25. Overall textile exports from India stood at $35.55 billion in FY23, $34.40 billion in FY24, and $36.55 billion in FY25. The US remained Indias largest market, accounting for 29.4% of total textile exports in FY23, 29.1% in FY24, and 29.9% in FY25. The US is the single largest market for Indias textile and apparel, accounting for almost 28% of exports. China is the biggest supplier of textile and apparel to the US, followed by Vietnam, India and Bangladesh. At 20% each, the current US tariffs for Vietnam and Bangladesh are significantly lower than those imposed on India. In July, India signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK, which will ensure that Indias textile and apparel exports no longer face a duty disadvantage in the UK market, said Mehra. The CETA is expected to become operational in 2026. Cotton, being an essential part of textile manufacturing, accounts for nearly 60% of Indias total fibre consumption. This exemption will help us manage raw material cost pressures and ensure stable access to quality inputs," said Dharmesh Dattani, chief financial officer (CFO) of Vishal Fabrics Ltd, a denim and apparel fabric exporter. Further, we will be able to ensure timely delivery of orders because cotton yarn will be available on time at a slightly lower price. By passing on some benefits to our customers, we can secure more orders," Dattani said. Rahul Mehta, chief mentor, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India, said, The duty benefit on using US-origin inputs will provide some relief for Indian exporters facing steep tariffs in the American market. By raising the share of US cotton in finished products, manufacturers can partially offset the duty impact and keep Indian apparel price-competitive compared to suppliers from countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Mexico." What's at risk The high tariff has put at risk the future of Indias textile and apparel exporters, caused India to lose foreign-exchange earnings, threatened countless jobs, and hurt the government's chances of achieving its target of $100 billion in textile and apparel exports by 2030. The textile and apparel industry contributes around 2% of Indias GDP and remains one of the largest sources of employment in the country. On 18 August the government exempted cotton from import duty for 40 days, until 30 September. On 28 August the exemption was extended to 31 December. Since February 2021, cotton imports had been subject to an 11% dutycomprising 5% basic customs duty and 5% agriculture infrastructure and development cess. In contrast to industry, groups advocating for farmers interests saw the extension as anti-farmer. Manish Daga, president of the All India Cotton FPO Association, said, The government should have limited the cotton import duty exemption till October, when the arrival of domestic cotton begins. This move leaves farmers at the mercy of traders and middlemen, as the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has historically procured only about 33% of cotton at MSP, while the remaining 67% is sold to private players below MSP." With the exemption now extended to 31 December, the majority of smallholder farmers will be forced to sell their produce at much lower prices. It's time to redesign the cotton policy that balances industry needs with farmer dignity," said Daga, popularly known as Cotton Guru. According to commerce ministry data, cotton imports surged 107.4% from $579.2 million in FY24 to $1.20 billion in FY25. The major suppliers last year included Australia ($258.2 million), the US ($234.1 million), Brazil ($180.8 million), and Egypt ($116.3 million). Nearly all of the $1.20 billion worth of cotton imported in FY25 consists of fibre staple length of 28 mm or more. Since India already permits duty-free imports of 51,000 MT (metric tonnes) of such cotton from Australia under the ECTA, the main beneficiary of the wider duty exemption will be the US, which is Indias second-largest supplier," said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder, Global Trade Research Initiative, a think tank. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday exhorted Indian companies to obtain chip patents and make the country's presence felt in the global semiconductor value chain. His comments come as the government is set to unveil the new outlay for its Semiconductor Mission and revamp the current semiconductor design-linked incentive (DLI) scheme. The government will also give a new look to the design-linked incentive scheme. Our effort is to develop Indian intellectual property in this sector, the prime minister said at the fourth annual Semicon India event here. On Monday a group of investors, including Celesta Capital, Accel, Premji Invest, Blume, Gaja Capital, and Venture Catalysts, announced a $1 billion fund for deep tech startups in semiconductors, space, quantum computing, artificial intelligence and climate. Later in the day, the government also oversaw the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding, including a partnership between Tata Electronics and German chip supply firm, Merck Electronics. Tata Electronics is in the process of building Indias first private chip fabrication plant, which was announced in February last year with a net investment outlay of 91,000 crore. Also Read | Made in India semiconductor chips are in focus. Watch out for these 5 stocks Modi said while the government was working on the next phase of the Semiconductor Mission, the project was not limited to just one fab or one chip manufacturing plant. We are creating such a semiconductor ecosystem that makes India self-reliant and globally competitive, he said. For India to become a strong player in the global semiconductor supply chain, designing chips and owning the intellectual property for this is crucial, he added. Today, India contributes 20% to the world's semiconductor design talent, Modi said, calling on startups and small companies to participate in chip design. At a press conference on Tuesday, electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the countrys stable policy environment will act as a key draw to global chip supply vendors. You should come to India for its stable policy because the countrys demand is strong. Demand for semiconductors is increasing every quarter, and this is the time to be In India, also because were on the path to becoming a product nation, the minister said. Asked whether India stands to collaborate with China as part of its efforts to establish a semiconductor supply chain, Vaishnaw said that the world is good enough for India, and good things always come through collaboration. He, however, did not add any specific detail on whether the two neighbouring nations are looking to collaborate on any specific front, amid improving bilateral ties. Indias apex semiconductor conference on Tuesday fielded stakeholders of the chip supply chain, including the likes of Dutch lithography giant ASML, German supply chain firm Merck, and others. In separate interviews, both the firms said India is shaping up to be a key stakeholder of the global chip supply chain. Christophe Fouquet, chief executive of ASML, said his firm is expanding its India presence to partner with domestic chip firms in a bid to expand its presence in Asias semiconductor supply chain. The executives statement comes amid ASMLs trade restrictions to China imposed by a US-led strategy. Kai Beckmann, chief executive of Mercks electronics business, said India is on track to become among the worlds top five semiconductor nations. Chip challenges The government approved the first Semiconductor Mission in 2021, with an outlay of 76,000 crore. Under this plan, it set aside 65,000 crore for semiconductor fabrication, 10,000 crore to revamp the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, and 1,000 crore for design-linked incentives. It has approved 23 projects under the scheme so far. Also Read | India set to inject another booster to realize its chip ambition The design scheme, however, did not perform as the government expected, and the industry now wants more risk capital and higher incentives. Under the current scheme, the government provides a subsidy of up to 15 crore per startup for chip design. An additional deployment-linked incentive of 4-6% on net sales is also available, capped at 30 crore. The government has not detailed what the next tranche of semiconductor incentives would entail. India has so far approved 10 semiconductor projects with a total investment of 1.6 trillion so far, according to government data. Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw said the construction of five domestic semiconductor projects was progressing rapidly. The Gift City regulator is weighing a proposal to allow asset managers to charge investors different fee structures within the same retail fund, according to two people aware of the matter, as the industry seeks parity with global practices. At present, in line with rules applicable to mutual funds in India, the international finance hub also allows two fee arrangements: a direct plan for buying units directly from the fund house at a lower fee, and a regular plan, where a higher fee applies if the investment is made through a distributor. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is preparing a consultation paper on permitting multiple share classes and will take a decision after that," said one of the people quoted earlier, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Global parity push Multiple share classes, which permit asset managers to charge investors different fees based on factors like ticket size or holding period, are currently allowed for non-retail funds in GIFT City. Most major global financial hubs, including Luxembourg, Ireland, Singapore, Mauritius, the Cayman Islands, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, allow similar structures. Read more: India is becoming a wealth hubbut is its advisory talent ready? The retail ecosystem is at its nascent stage at IFSC. We have received a few representations from market participants (on allowing multiple share classes)," said IFSCA executive director Pradeep Ramakrishnan. "The IFSCA will take a considered view after taking into account the views of market participants and global participants." Regulatory hurdles and safeguards The regulations do not place any explicit prohibition on the fund management entities (FMEs or fund managers) to issue multiple share classes in a retail scheme, said Shikhar Kacker, partner at Khaitan & Co. However, we have noted the IFSCA expressing concerns over schemes issuing share classes having different terms attached to them." For instance, an investor putting $500 into a GIFT City retail fund may be charged a 2.5% fee, while another with a $10,000 check could pay just 1.5%. Similarly, an investor who stays invested for three years may face a lower exit load compared to someone who redeems within a year. For retail funds, the regulator has capped the total expense ratio (TER), which covers all expenses, including underlying fund charges. The fund decides the cap. The regulator can allow multiple share classes if everything is disclosed in the document while getting approval from the fund," the first person said. According to Shikhar, retail funds globally are permitted to offer different terms based on share classes as long as one does not adversely impact the other. These securities may be denominated in a specific currency, provide hedging options, or be tailored for specific investors, such as retail or institutional clients. Read more: Retail mutual funds shunned Gift City. That's starting to change Without a different fee structure, investors with higher ticket sizes may look for other global jurisdictions, experts say. Institutional investors wont come to a fund at a high total expense ratio (TER). Institutional investors will either look for a lower TER product globally or in GIFT City," said the second person quoted earlier, also speaking on the condition of anonymity. Unless there are competitive share classes, larger tickets wont come." Non-retail funds in GIFT City are allowed to have multiple share classes, while retail funds are benchmarked to the Indian mutual funds industry. Shikar added that retail schemes in GIFT City should not be equated with domestic mutual funds. "Retail schemes will lose their competitiveness in the global market if they are not allowed to offer different share class structures like their global peers." According to the IFSCAs quarterly bulletin in July, there are currently two retail funds in GIFT City, and they havent raised money yet. Read more: Accreditation opens the door to global investing via GIFT Citywith just $10,000 Stock Market Today: BEL share price gained during the morning trades on Tuesday as the company reported defence sector order book updates on Monday, post market hours BEL order book updates Bharat Electronics Limited on Monday intimated the exchanges about the order book updates. As per the press release, BEL has received orders worth Rs. 644 Crore. Also Read | Ajmera Realty, Deepak Fertilisers among 7 key stocks to trade ex dividend today The orders secured by Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as per the press release are additional orders worth Rs. 644 crore, BEL has received since the last disclosure on 30th July 2025. Majority of orders secured by BEL are in the Defence Sector though some are also for the Electronic voting machines etc. As per the press release, the major orders received Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Bharat Electronics or BEL include Data Centre, Ship Fire Control System, Tank Navigation System, Communication Equipment, Seekers, Jammers, Simulators, Electronic Voting Machines, Upgrades, Spares, Services etc. Bharat Electronics Ltd., or BEL, has been buzzing with orders, and on July 25, 2025, it reported that it had received a significant order from the Indian Army. The BEL received an order of 1640 crore from the Indian army for the supply of Air Defence Fire Control Radars (Atulya). Bharat Electronics prior had also received 563 crore in orders for July 2025 Defence PSU, according to a filing and received orders of Rs563 crore since its previous declaration on June 30, 2025 and ijn addition to the 1640 crore order from the Indian Army . BEL Share Price Movement BEL's share price has increased by more than 46% in the last six months, owing to robust order inflows. BEL's share price opened at 377.65 on the BSE on Tuesday, and at the time of opening was higher than the previous days closing price of 373.9. The Bharat Electronics share price theerafter oscillated between a narrow range of intraday low of 373.75 and intraday high of 377.65 A 33-year-old Congolese woman has confessed to stabbing a British woman to death in Cambodias capital, according to police. Jessica Cariad Hopkins, believed to be from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, was found dead in a park in Phnom Penh on Friday. The 34-year-old was found lying in a pool of blood with her throat slit at around 11.40pm in the Chamkarmon district. Her flatmate, Kidikila Nganda Glodie, was arrested at a hair salon about 1.5 miles from the scene of the killing, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigating officers believe that the death was likely the result of jealousy, after Glodie learnt Ms Hopkins was having an affair with her boyfriend. Paying tribute to Ms Hopkins on social media, her friends described her as a beautiful soul with a generous heart. One friend said: I am heartbroken to lose my lovely neighbour and dear friend Jessica Cariad Hopkins. She was such a caring person, always there for me and my family, helping in ways big and small. Her kindness, her smile, and her generous heart meant so much to me. It feels unreal that she is gone. My heart aches knowing such a beautiful soul was taken from us too soon. Rest in peace, Jessica. You will forever be missed and remembered with love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers revealed that Ms Hopkins and Glodie had been living together in a rented property at the time of Ms Hopkins death. On the night of the attack, it is alleged the pair rode a motorbike to the park before getting into a fight, according to local media reports. Captain Em Vichetr, a Deputy Chief at the Criminal Investigation Office, told the Khmer Times that eyewitness watched the murder take place. According to witnesses, the suspect knocked the victim down and pushed her to the ground, he said. The suspect took a knife and stabbed the victim many times in the throat, causing her to die at the scene, before fleeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were alerted and arrived at the scene of the killing around midnight. A bloodstained knife was found near the victims body, he added. Bun Satya, a Deputy Chief at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, said that his force believe Ms Hopkins was killed because she was romantically involved with Glodies boyfriend. During the interrogation after her arrest, the suspect confessed that she had killed the victim because she was angry at her for having an affair with her Congolese boyfriend, he said. Glodie is expected to be charged with murder and could face 10 to 15 years in prison. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Cambodia and are in contact with the local authorities. MUMBAI : HG Infra Engineering Ltd has plunged 35% in 2025, making it one of the weakest performers in the road infrastructure space, even as the Nifty Infrastructure Index gained 7.6% year-to-date. Yet analysts remain upbeat on the stock, thanks to its diversification into non-road segments and readiness to benefit from a rebound in project awards by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In a 22 August report, credit rating agency ICRA Ltd said HG Infras credit profile would benefit from greater diversification, though profitability could moderate due to a changing segment mix. It added that incremental capex and investments are expected to be funded in a manner that keeps leverage low and debt metrics comfortable in the near to medium term. The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services provider has guided for 11,000 crore in order inflows and expects 7,000 crore in revenue with an Ebitda margin of 15-16% in 2025-26. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. A wrench in the works It is not just HG Infra but the entire road infrastructure sector is slowing, with the road ministry's tightening of bidding norms for hybrid annuity model (HAM) projects bringing new awards to a crawl, said analysts. Shares of Dilip Buildcon, PNC Infratech, Ramky Infrastructure, G R Infraprojects, Afcons Infrastructure, Ircon International, NCC, Irb Infrastructure Developers, and KNR Constructions are down 24% to 86% from their 52-week highs. Under HAM, the government contributes 40% of the project cost upfront as a construction grant, while the developer finances the remaining 60% and operates the project. The highways bid pipeline improved to 68,300 crore in August 2025 from 66,400 crore in July. Of this, the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI's) share was 57,200 crore. The authority has also shortlisted 124 projects covering 6,378km, with a total capital cost of 3.45 trillion (including land) and an estimated EPC cost of about 2 trillion, to be awarded in 2025-26, according to JM Financial's August report. The brokerage firm expects highway awarding to improve by November or December 2025, with a sharp boost likely in the March quarter. The NHAI built 5,614 kilometres of highways in 2024-259% above its 5,150-km target but below the 6,644 km constructed in 2023-24, according to the report. Also Read | Dont get swayed by the solid August manufacturing PMI Project execution has also been hampered by labour shortages and the early monsoon, according to analysts. The road less travelled However, road infrastructure firms are taking the slowdown as a cue to diversify into railways, solar, power, and water. Order awarding in the road sector has been subdued for the past two years, weighing on HG Infras order book, which stands at 14,700 crore2.2X its trailing 12-month revenues. Of this, 3,100 crore is still awaiting an appointed date, according to a 16-August ICICI Securities report. The brokerage noted that to offset the slowdown, the company has entered the solar and BESS segments, securing orders worth 5,000 crore. However, with no execution track record in these areas and high competition from entrenched players, risks to execution and margins have increased," the report highlighted. ICICI Securities downgraded its rating on the stock to hold from add with a revised target price of 1,000 apiece. ICRA highlighted that around 80% of its order book faces execution riskwith ~40% still in early stages (less than 20% progress) and another 40% yet to commence, as of 30 June 2025. With its entry into new segments like solar energy production (EPC plus 25-year O&M), BESS (EPC plus 12-year O&M), and power transmission, the company also remains exposed to risks around land acquisition, battery sourcing, forex volatility, technology obsolescence, and operating performance of installed equipment. Route to success That said, if fresh bidding picks up, the road infrastructure space could see a re-rating and HG Infra would be among the key beneficiaries", said Parikshit Kandpal, research analyst at brokerage firm HDFC Securities. Though HG Infra started diversifying its order book, a large chunk of its revenue still comes from road projects, primarily from the NHAI, which explains the stocks underperformance compared to peers. On the brighter side, it has already monetized part of its HAM portfolio, he explained. Highways account for 65% of its order book, followed by railways at 19.8%, solar at 11%, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) at 3.4%. In terms of business mix, EPC contributes 63.6%, while HAM makes up 36.4%, Kandpal explained. Also Read | Four undervalued solar-energy stocks in India He believes the stock appears attractive at current levels, prompting him to maintain a buy call with a 12-month target price of 1,987 apiece. The stock is trading at 996.35 apiece, up 0.4% on National Stock Exchange on Tuesday. If earnings growth fails to materialize amid weak ordering, valuations could quickly lose their sheen," he cautioned. The stock is currently trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 15X, according to the stock market data platform Capitaline. In the near term, key triggers for the stock include fresh order wins, steady execution progress, timely payment realizations, and potential HAM monetization. Indian stock market: Indian benchmark indices - Sensex and Nifty 50 - are expected to open in green on Tuesday as global markets were trading higher following SCO Summit meeting of leaders in Tianjin, with tariff uncertainty weighing on sentiment. Asian markets opened mostly in green on September 2, meanwhile, US stock market remained closed on the occasion of Labour Day. On Monday, both market indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, rebounded ending their three-day losing streak with strong gains driven by buying across sectors. The Sensex advanced 555 points, or 0.70 per cent, to close at 80,364.49, while the Nifty 50 rose 198 points, or 0.81 per cent, to settle at 24,625.05. Mid- and small-cap stocks outperformed the benchmarks, with the BSE Midcap index climbing 1.64 per cent and the Smallcap index gaining 1.49 per cent. Investor sentiment strengthened as India's Q1 GDP growth surpassed market estimates. Anticipation of GST rationalisation in the upcoming council meeting also continues to act as a significant positive driver for the market. "Nifty snapped its three-day losing streak and began September on a positive footing. While for the benchmark index this may look like a bounce from oversold territory after last weeks sharp sell-off, the broader picture was more encouraging, the Nifty Midcap Index gained over 2%, recovering the ground lost in the previous two sessions and outperforming the frontline index. From a chart perspective, todays rebound was mainly seen from the recent lows across several key indices, highlighting that bulls are defending their ground amid oversold conditions and constructive domestic cues. Given the broad-based buying, we expect the bounce to extend in the coming days. That said, bulls are still not out of the woods, with overhead resistances to contend with," said Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical Analyst, Angel One Here are key global market cues for Sensex today: Asian markets Asian markets largely advanced as investors evaluated the Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders' meeting in Tianjin, though lingering tariff concerns dampened sentiment. Japans Nikkei 225 gained 0.31%, and the broader Topix index climbed 0.28%. In South Korea, the Kospi rose 0.45%, while the Kosdaq edged up 0.14%. Gift Nifty today Gift Nifty was trading around 24,759 level, a premium of nearly 30 points from the Nifty futures previous close, indicating a positive start for the Indian stock market indices. Also Read | Buy or sell: Vaishali Parekh recommends three intraday stocks to buy today Wall Street The US stock market remained closed for trading on account of Labour Day public holiday. Trump tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday describing trade relations with India as a completely one-sided disaster! following Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also claimed that India had offered to reduce its tariffs to zero but remarked that Its getting late, adding that the country should have done so years ago, without specifying when the offer was made. SCO Summit 2025 On Monday, PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held 50-minute conversation in Russian President's AURUS limousine. Both the leaders discussed the peaceful resolution of conflict in Ukraine. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, PM Modi said in a post on X after his meeting with Putin. Following his meeting with Russian President Putin on Monday, PM Modi described the interaction as excellent during the sidelines of the SCO summit. He stated that the two leaders discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security, and culture. RBI data on current account in Q1 India recorded a current account deficit in the AprilJune quarter, driven by a higher merchandise trade gap, the Reserve Bank of India said on Monday. The deficit stood at $2.4 billion, or 0.2% of GDP, in the first quarter of FY 202526, compared with $8.6 billion, or 0.9% of GDP, during the same period last year. Indian Rupee The Indian rupee fell to a fresh record low on Monday, weighed down by strong hedging from importers and an increase in short positions amid elevated U.S. tariffs. The currency depreciated to 88.33 against the U.S. dollar, breaching Fridays earlier record low of 88.3075. Analysts pointed out that this drop extended the downward pressure seen late last week. Crude Oil Prices Oil prices climbed on Tuesday amid growing concerns over potential supply disruptions following heightened tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Brent crude gained 40 cents, or 0.59%, to reach $68.55 a barrel by 0149 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose $1.05, or 1.64%, to $65.06 a barrel. Shares of tyre-makers rose up to 6 per cent in Tuesday's trading session amid hopes that the proposed goods and services tax (GST) reforms could extend to these companies after the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) urged the government to consider the same. JK Tyre & Industries share price jumped nearly 6 per cent, emerging as the top gainer. Meanwhile, MRF and CEAT shares were trading 5 per cent higher. Other tyre stocks like Apollo Tyres, Tolins Tyre and Balkrishna Industries also surged more than 4 per cent during the intraday session today. GST reforms on tyres The ATMA on Monday urged the government to reduce the GST rate on automotive tyres from the current 28 per cent to 5 per cent, emphasising that tyres should not be classified as luxury goods due to their significant cost impact on key sectors like transportation, agriculture, mining, and construction. At present, most categories of automotive tyres fall under the 28 per cent GST slab, the highest tax bracket, while tractor tyres and aircraft tyres are taxed at 18 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, ATMA said in a statement. The association highlighted that in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, mining, and constructionwhere tyres account for a major share of operating expensesa lower GST rate of 5 per cent would ease financial pressure on small traders, farmers, and businesses dependent on affordable transport. ATMA further said that reducing GST on tyres would directly lower vehicle operating expenses, cut logistics costs, and extend substantial benefits to farmers, small enterprises, service providers, and industries such as infrastructure and mining. "Tyres are indispensable to the movement of people and goods across India. Given their essential role in supporting national priorities of agriculture, logistics efficiency and infrastructure, tyres should not be treated on par with luxury goods," ATMA Chairman Arun Mammen was quoted as saying PTI. ATMAs request comes ahead of the GST Council meeting, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and including ministers from all states and union territories, scheduled for September 3 and 4, where proposed reforms by the Centresuggesting most goods be taxed at either 5 per cent or 18 per centwill be discussed. This rise is entirely speculative, as the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has demanded that the Government of India (GoI) reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tyres from 28% to 5%. ATMA's lobbying has fueled hope for a GST rate cut. However, the GoI's response to the ATMA demand is awaited, said Avinash Gorakshkar, SEBI-registered fundamental research analyst. (With inputs from PTI) Stock market today: The benchmark Nifty 50 index started the new week with 0.81% gains, ending at 24,625.05 on Monday. The Bank Nifty at 54,002.45 also rebounded 0.65%, while Auto, IT, metals and realty were among key gainers. However, Pharma indices stood among the key losers. Among the broader indices, mid- and small-caps ended with 1.5-2% gains. Trade Setup for Tuesday The Nifty-50 index now faces a key resistance zone around 24,700 and a breakout above this level could trigger an upside move towards 24,900. As long as Nifty trades below 25,000, pullbacks may attract selling pressure,* said Nilesh Jain, Head Technical and Derivatives Research Analyst (Equity Research), Centrum Broking Ltd. Bank Nifty has immediate support at 53,200-53,500,* as per Bajaj Broking. SCO Summit 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Monday evening, concluding his four-day visit to Japan and China, which spanned from August 29 to September 1. Describing the visit as "productive" in a post on X, PM Modi said he emphasised India's position on key global issues during his engagements. On the SCO summit, PM Modi wrote on X, "Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasised India's stand on key global issues. Thankful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people for the successful organisation of this Summit." Trump tariff news On the geo-political front, there is optimism over PM Modis meeting with his Chinese and Russian counterparts in the ongoing SCO summit in China. Overall, the domestic macro backdrop and demand environment remains constructive, though the overhang of 50% US tariffs and persistent FII selling could keep the market range bound, said Siddhartha Khemka - Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, market expertsSumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi; and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladherrecommended these eight intraday stocks for today: UNO Minda Ltd., Eicher Motors Ltd., Reliance Industries Ltd.,PNC Infratech Ltd., Bank of India, Paradeep Phosphates , Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd and HEG Ltd. Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks UNO Minda Ltd: Bagadia recommends buying UNOMINDA at around 1314.6 keeping Stoploss at 1275 for a target price of 1394 UNOMINDA is trading at 1314.6, registering a strong breakout from a prolonged consolidation phase with robust volumes, highlighting renewed participation and strong entry of fresh buyers that have fueled the ongoing momentum. The stock is well-positioned above its 20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, all trending upward, which confirms sustained strength across multiple timeframes and reflects solid underlying demand. 2. Eicher Motors Ltd-Bagadia recommends buying EICHERMOT at around 6280 keeping stoploss at 6091 for a target price of 6656 EICHERMOT is currently trading at 6280 and maintaining a strong upward trajectory. The stock has been forming a series of higher highs and higher lows, indicating sustained bullish momentum. A breakout from the Symmetrical Triangle formation has confirmed a bullish Trend pattern, signaling a transition from accumulation to an upward trend. This breakout is further validated by the stock marking a fresh All-time high of 6292, supported by consistent volume activity. Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. Reliance Industries Ltd - Dongre recommends buying reliance at around 1354 keeping stoploss at 1326 for a target price of 1387. A short-term trend analysis of the stock reveals encouraging technical signals that suggest a potential bullish reversal. On the short term chart, a prominent bullish engulfing candlestick pattern has emerged, signaling a shift in momentum from selling pressure to buying interest. Adding strength to this view, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has recently entered the oversold zone, indicating that the stock may be poised for a rebound from current levels. This confluence of technical indicators increases the likelihood of a near-term price retracement. 4. PNC Infratech Ltd- Dongre recommends buying PNCINFRA at around 303 keeping Stoploss at 295 for a target price of 315 In the recent short-term trend analysis, the stock has shown signs of a potential bullish retracement, supported by emerging technical indicators. A reversal pattern on the chart suggests the possibility of an upward move, with a near-term target around Rs.315. 5. Bank Of India- Dongre recommends buying BANKINDIA at around 112 keeping Stoploss at 108 for a target price of 118. A recent short-term analysis of the stock reveals the emergence of a bullish reversal pattern on the chart, indicating a possible near-term price rebound. This formation suggests the potential for a move towards the Rs.118 level, supported by improving price action. The stock is currently trading at Rs.112, while holding above a key support zone at Rs.108, which has acted as a reliable floor in recent sessions. This support level reinforces the bullish bias and provides a favorable base for a potential upward move. Shiju Koothupalakkal intraday stocks for today 6. Paradeep Phosphates Ltd - Koothupalakkal recommends buying PARADEEP PHOSPHATE at around 228for a target price of 242 keeping Stop loss at 223 The stock has recently witnessed a strong spurt and after a short consolidation period has once again shown signs of positive spurt with decent volume participation to anticipate for further rise in the coming sessions. With the technical parameters well poised, we expect further gains having much upside potential visible and suggest buying the stock . 7. Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd - Koothupalakkal recommends buying ZUARI AGRO at 371.60for a target price of 394keeping Stoploss at 363 The stock having recently witnessed a significant spurt has maintained the strong trend intact and after a short period of correction has once again indicated a pullback to improve the bias anticipating for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI has cooled off from the overbought zone and has indicated strength with much upside potential visible. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock. 8. HEG Ltd- Koothupalakkal recommends buying HEG LTD at around 478.45for a target price of 505keeping Stop loss at 468 The stock after witnessing a decent correction has shown signs of taking support near the 460 zone and with a positive candle formation moving past the important 200 period SMA at 470 level has improved the bias expecting for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI has arrived near the oversold zone and has indicated a positive trend reversal to signal a buy with strength indicated and having much upside potential to carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock. Today, the Indian equity market rebounded sharply, snapping a threeday losing streak. The Nifty 50 gained around 0.8%, rising nearly 200 points from its previous close. This was driven by robust intraday momentum that saw it climb steadily from 24,430-24,450 in the morning to close above 24,600. The rise was driven by encouraging macroeconomic news, including weak US tariffs (deemed largely illegal by a US court but still enforced in the near term) and a betterthanexpected GDP growth for the June quarter, which lifted market sentiment. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Buy: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (current price: 430) Why its recommended: Strong earnings and reinvestment capability, no leverage and healthy dividend, diversified mineral portfolio and integrated operations, and solid financial metrics Key metrics: P/E: 19.26 | 52-week high: 472.40 | Volume: 275.60 crore Technical analysis: Trending above all its key moving averages with a positive bias Risk factors: Valuation concerns, volatile revenue and profit trends, cyclicality, and commodity dependence Buy: 430 Target price: 485 in two to three months Stop loss: 404 Also Read | Four undervalued solar-energy stocks in India Buy: Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd (current price: 1,010) Why its recommended: Market leadership and trusted brands, forged for the EV transition via a giga complex Key metrics: P/E: 23.12 | 52-week high: 1,776 | Volume: 124.68 crore Technical analysis: Downward sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: Commodity price sensitivity, competitive pressures and substitution threats Buy at: 990-1,015 Target price: 1,130 in two to three months Stop loss: 955 How Nifty 50 performed on 1 September The Indian equity market staged a robust rebound, snapping a three-day losing streak to close Monday's session in the green. The Nifty 50 ended at 24,625.05, gaining 0.81%, while the Sensex climbed 0.70% to settle at 80,364.49. The market's positive sentiment was fueled by a confluence of favourable factors, including the better-than-expected Q1FY26 GDP growth of 7.8% and strong auto sales data in August. Intraday, the indices opened with a gap-up and sustained the positive momentum throughout the day, with the Nifty 50 holding above the crucial 24,500 pivot level. The rally was broad-based, with a strong advance-decline ratio indicating widespread buying interest across sectors. The Transport, Cables, and IT indices led the charge, while the FMCG and Pharmaceutical sectors lagged. Market breadth was decisively positive, with 2,133 stocks advancing versus 934 declining, translating into a robust advance-decline ratio of 2.3. From a technical standpoint, the index ended its three-day losing streak and formed a higher-high and higher-low price structure, indicating short-term resilience. Momentum indicators, however, remain mixed. The RSI has bounced to 4546, reflecting some improvement, though still below the neutral threshold. Meanwhile, the MACD has slipped into a negative crossover below the central line, reinforcing a bearish undertone. This divergence suggests that while a short-term recovery is visible, the broader bias remains cautious unless follow-through buying sustains. According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, the market status has been downgraded to an "Uptrend Under Pressure" as Nifty breached its "50-DMA" and the "distribution day count" is at three. The index rebounded sharply without breaching the previous days low, highlighting resilience at lower levels. In the near term, it faces a crucial support zone at 24,350-24,300, with a breach below this band likely to accelerate declines toward 200-DMA at 24,070. On the upside, 24,700, coinciding with the 100-DMA, remains the key resistance. As long as the index trades below this threshold, the overall bias is expected to stay weak. Any pullbacks should be viewed as opportunities to sell on the rise rather than initiate fresh long positions. Also Read | How components maker Uno Minda defied the auto industry slowdown How Nifty Bank performed On Monday, the Nifty Bank opened on a muted note but soon attracted buying interest, helping it to end in the green. The index formed a bullish candle on the daily chart, signalling some recovery momentum. However, it continues to trade below its crucial 100-DMA, indicating underlying weakness. During the session, it opened at 53,658.15, touched a high of 54,002.75, and slipped to the days low of 53,658.15. Finally, it settled at 53,977, reflecting cautious optimism amid resistance. Sustaining above immediate resistance levels will be key for further upside. Until then, traders may remain watchful of volatility and potential profit booking. The RSI has shown a modest uptick but remains around 33, still firmly in the oversold zone, indicating weak momentum. Meanwhile, the MACD continues to trend below its central line with a sustained negative crossover. According to ONeils methodology of market direction, the Nifty Bank remains in an Uptrend Under Pressure". In such conditions, a cautious approach is warrantedinvestors should focus on fundamentally robust and technically resilient stocks, practice disciplined risk management, and deploy capital selectively, limiting exposure to only high-conviction opportunities. From a technical standpoint, the Nifty Bank's breach of 100-DMA on Tuesday. It continued to trade below this level, highlighting the persistence of selling pressure. However, todays price action signalled a notable recovery from the oversold zone, as the index attracted buying interest at lower levels and managed to close on a positive note. Strong support has emerged near the 200-EMA, from which the index staged a rebound. Should this buying momentum sustain, the Nifty Bank could potentially advance toward 54,500-54,900 in the coming sessions. On the downside, immediate support is placed around 52,900, coinciding with the 200-DMA. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. (Sebi-registered Research Analyst Registration No.: INH000015543) Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Bharat Electronics Navratna defence PSU BEL has secured additional orders worth 644 crore since its previous announcement on July 30. Hero MotoCorp Hero MotoCorp reported total sales of 5.54 lakh units, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. State Bank of India Indian Railways has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India to offer substantial insurance coverage for its employees and their families. Hyundai Motor Hyundai Motor India recorded a 4% drop in total sales for August, with 60,501 units sold compared to the same period last year. United Breweries The beer manufacturer announced that it has started producing its flagship brand, Kingfisher, at the Ilios brewery located in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. Maruti Suzuki Maruti Suzuki began exporting the eVITARA, Suzukis first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), in August. Coal India The Maharatna PSU reported a 9.4% year-on-year growth in coal production for August 2025, producing 50.4 million tonnes compared to 46.1 million tonnes in the corresponding month last year. UPL UPL Global Limited, the companys UK-based step-down subsidiary, has entered into a share subscription agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Thailands Grow Chemical Co Ltd. NMDC The Navratna PSU reported a stable improvement in its operational performance for August, with iron ore production rising 9.8% year-on-year to 3.37 million tonnes, compared to 3.07 million tonnes in the same month last year. IGL IGL has signed a joint venture agreement with RVUNL to establish a solar power project. Puravankara The real estate company announced that it has obtained the redevelopment rights for a high-end residential society in Malabar Hill, one of Mumbais most prestigious localities. E2E Networks, a provider of cloud computing services, is likely to be in focus during Wednesdays trading session, September 3, as the company secured a significant 177 crore order from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the IndiaAI Mission. The company informed investors through a regulatory filing today that it has received a letter from the ministry approving the immediate allocation of GPU resources (H100 SXM and H200 SXM) to GNANI AI for the purpose of building Indias foundational AI model. E2E Networks will provide H200 SXM and H100 SXM GPUs for a period of 360 days, totaling 1,29,94,560 GPU hours. In its press release, the company said this order further strengthens its position in the national AI infrastructure ecosystem and marks a major step in supporting Indias ambitions in AI capability building. Meanwhile, IndiaAI functions as an Independent Business Division (IBD) within Digital India Corporation, under MeitY. India is rapidly building a robust AI computing and semiconductor infrastructure to support its growing digital economy. With the approval of the IndiaAI Mission in 2024, the government allocated 10,300 crore over five years to strengthen AI capabilities. A key focus of this mission is the development of a high-end common computing facility equipped with 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), making it one of the most extensive AI compute infrastructures globally. This capacity is nearly nine times that of the open-source AI model DeepSeek and about two-thirds of what powers ChatGPT. About the company E2E Networks is an NSE-listed, MeitY-empaneled, AI-focused hyperscale cloud platform offering advanced cloud GPUs and a full ecosystem of cloud technologies designed for the development and deployment of AI/ML/GenAI workloads on large-scale compute clusters. Domestic brokerage firm InCred Equities has added E2E Networks to its high-conviction list as an AI infrastructure play. The company has emerged as one of the top-tier cloud GPU infrastructure providers with a comprehensive line-up, battle-tested software (TIR), and balance sheet strength and parentage post-equity infusion by Larsen & Toubro. It is trusted by researchers, start-ups, and enterprises for its price-performance scalability, predictable and affordable pricing, and open-source technology build, InCred said in a note. Larsen & Toubro Limited held a 19% stake in the company at the end of the June quarter. Looking at the stock's performance, it delivered a massive 9054% return over the last five years. New Delhi: It isnt often that you see brokerages falling over each other to get behind a company. But, of late, they have been doing that with one name, especially after its quarterly results in July. Jefferies and Nuvama have issued buy ratings for the company with a 12-month price target of 800. IIFL Capital is even more optimistic, projecting 887 over 12 months. And, Franklin Templeton mutual fund increased its aggregate shareholding in the company to 5.07% from 4.97% of its total paid-up equity share capital earlier, as per a disclosure to market regulator Sebi in July. The company in question is Syrma SGS Technology Ltdits stock has risen 70% in the last one year and closed at 755 a share on 2 September. An electronic system design and manufacturing services (ESDM) company, it has waited three decades for this moment to arrive. In 2023-24, it added more manufacturing capacity in a single year than it had in the previous 30 years. That was thanks to a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme powered push for electronics manufacturing. And now, there seems to be no looking back. Riding on favourable government policies, accelerating domestic demand for electronics, and global customers eager to diversify their supply chains away from China, Syrma SGS is getting into a period of rapid expansion that could redefine its place in Indias manufacturing ecosystem. Although exports make up a quarter of its revenue, the US makes up just around 5% of the total. The manufacturer, therefore, is insulated from any potential tariff impact, going ahead. The company has a healthy order book and enjoys relatively high domestic exposure compared to many B2B electronic manufacturing services peers. With limited exposure to US exports, it is less vulnerable to tariff headwinds," said Pankaj Kumar, vice president, fundamental research, Kotak Securities. Syrma SGS has 14 factories in seven states and employs around 9,000 people, half of them women. It is reducing dependence on low-margin consumer electronics to focus on high-margin automotive, industrial, medical and other electronics (more on this later). Syrma SGS has stayed in low volume, but high value businesses. For instance, they dont make mobile handsets. They have good product diversification and a lot of experience in the IT hardware space," Vinod Sharma, chairman, CII national committee on electronics manufacturing, told Mint. Typically, contract manufacturing companies have a higher portfolio of mobile phones, TVs, set top boxes, and other consumer appliances. While the assembly of such devices brings in high volume, their margin can be thin. For instance, rival Dixon Technologies generates 91% of its revenue from mobile phones, hearables and wearables, telecom and IT hardware. It reported an Ebitda margin of 3.8% in the first quarter ended June 2025. Syrma, in contrast, reported an Ebitda margin of 9.2% during the same period. Ebitda is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Early mover Back in 1990, four professionals, a chartered accountant, two engineers and a marketing maven, came together to start SGS Tekniks. They started out manufacturing electronics for push button telephones and expanded into automotive and industrial electronics. About 14 years before the quartet started SGS, another entrepreneur, M.L. Tandon, had launched the Tandon Group, making electronics components, including floppy disk drive parts for technology giant IBM. It would later become Syrma Technology. In the 1990s the Tandon Group also ventured into TV accessories, including set-top-boxes and components such as transformers, resistors, and inductors. The policies of that time made it cheaper to import rather than buy a locally manufactured product. The business (set-top-boxes etc) became unviable and was sold off," recalls Jasbir Singh Gujral, managing director, Syrma SGS Technology and one of the co-founders of SGS Tekniks. For years, both the companies, SGS and Syrma Technology, navigated the frustrating reality of an India where manufacturing was hampered by inverted duty structures encouraging imports and policy inertia. The business that remained, including RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and magnetics, was rechristened Syrma Technology in 2005 by Tandons son, Sandeep Tandon (now the executive chairman of Syrma SGS). For years, both the companies, SGS and Syrma Technology navigated the frustrating reality of an India where manufacturing was hampered by inverted duty structures encouraging imports and policy inertia. By the late 2010s, signs of change were emerginggrowing domestic demand, government focus on electronics manufacturing and the Make in India initiative. In 2021, in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, Syrma and SGS merged. What began as a conversation between two small companies seeking scale quickly became one of the most significant consolidations in the electronic manufacturing services space. We had no overlapping customers, no overlapping geographies," Gujral said. Syrma was strong in exports with products such as RFID tags, and factories based in South India. SGS was domestic focused, and strong in the North India market. Once we merged, the bandwidth increased. We had multiple locations, and we could offer a wider portfolio to customers. Today, we are at 3,836 crore, and we are on track to hit 5,000 crore business this fiscal," said Gujral. According to CIIs Sharma, the merger gave them the scale to capitalize on emerging manufacturing opportunities." And the company hit the public markets in August 2022. In 2023-24, in just one year, Syrma SGS doubled its surface-mount technology (SMT) placement capacity from 3.1 million to 6.2 million components per hoursomething that had previously taken 30 years. Gujral credits this to demand from India, the governments PLI scheme (which gives cashback incentives to electronic, telecom and other manufacturers) and curbs on imports. Surface-mount technology is a process of placing components on a printed circuit board. The companys factories mushroomed across Indiain Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, with multiple facilities in hubs such as Chennai and Gurugramand in Stuttgart, Germany, where Syrma operates a design, prototyping and repair centre. The workforce swelled to 9,000 in 2024 from around 3,500 in 2021. The playbook About 36% of Syrma SGSs business is generated from the consumer sector. Other notable sectors include industrial (27%) and automotive (22%). Syrma plans to decrease exposure to the consumer segment, bringing it down to 30% by the end of this fiscal year and focus on higher-value businesses. Consumer products are important for scale but do little for margins," Gujral explained. Medtech and RFID, on the other hand, have much better margins." The company makes RFID solutions for industries as varied as healthcare, solar and industrial automation. RFID is an automated identification technology that uses radio waves to transmit data from an RFID tag or smart label to a reader, enabling contactless identification and tracking of objects. The acquisition of Jodhpur-based Johari Medtech in 2023, now Syrma Johari Medtech, is part of the move to rise up the value chain. Johari Medtech makes medical devices for various applications, including pain management, heart monitoring, neonatal, respiration and rehab. The deal brought with it 18 US FDA approvals, access to global healthcare clients and a platform to scale in a high-margin vertical. It was a family-owned company with limited resources. Now, as part of our group, its growth potential is immense," Gujral said. In automotive, Syrma SGS supplies components to two-, three-, and four-wheeler manufacturers such as Suzuki, TVS, Hero Honda and Tata Motors, covering parts such as engine control units to battery management systems for electric vehicles. In information technology, the company does laptop assembly for Taiwans Micro Star International (MSI), which makes high-end gaming and graphic design laptops. It is now venturing into laptop assembly for Toshibas Dynabook. On the industrial side, clients include Schneider, Bosch, Honeywell and Karcher, where Syrma manufactures products ranging from power management units and utility meters to industrial cleaning systems. View Full Image Syrma SGS operates 14 factories and employs around 9,000 people. The customer base is deep and variedSyrma has over 180 clients, with the top 20 contributing around 65% of revenue. Around a quarter of the companys 3,836 crore revenue in 2024-25 came from exports, making it one of the few non-mobile electronic manufacturing companies in India with significant global exposure. Component play Much of the companys current momentum is driven by its entry into high-growth areas and strategic bets on component manufacturing. The jewel in that crown is its planned printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, set to be Indias largest. Syrmas PCB manufacturing unit is a 75:25 joint venture with South Koreas Shinhyup Electronics, which has been making PCBs for over three decades. The entry into the business is also well timed, given the governments push for local electronics manufacturing. According to American investment bank Jefferies Group, nearly 90% of Indias PCB demandvalued at over $5 billionis currently met through imports. In 2024, the government levied a 30% anti-dumping duty on PCBs up to six layers, translating into a strong import substitution strategy. According to Jefferies Group, nearly 90% of Indias PCB demandvalued at over $5 billionis currently met through imports. A strong import substitution strategy is in place now. We expect to get the approval for the PCB unit in September and will start within 45 days of getting the nod. We will be putting up a single layer and a multi-layer PCB line with a capacity of 2.5 million sq. feet per year, in five years," said Gujral. Multi-layer PCBs, which are used in various digital and analog devices, including radar systems and medical equipment, require a level of technological precision that Indian manufacturers have yet to fully master. We are not just adding capacity; we are building capabilities that will allow us to integrate deeper into the global supply chain," Gujral said. For instance, flexible and high-density PCBs, critical for compact electronics such as wearables and smartphones, are also part of the PCB manufacturing plan. Backed by PLI incentives and starting with multi-layer PCBs, the joint venture positions Syrma to benefit from import substitution. Leveraging its strong presence in the electronic manufacturing services space, Syrma aims to secure 8% share (of the PCB market) by FY40," stated Kotak Securities Kumar. According to a Jefferies report, Growth will be aided by the PCB foray, where PLI and anti-dumping duties provide a structural import substitution opportunity." The company is an applicant in the 22,919 crore components PLI scheme, which covers products such as camera modules, multi-layer PCBs and displays among others. Announced in April this year, the application process is expected to close this month. A hurdle race But navigating global supply chains is not without its challenges. No supply chain in the world can wish away China, Gujral admitted. We depend on China for components, just as the world depends on the US for demand," he added. That supply-chain ran into rough weather for manufacturers post the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020. The relationship between the two Asian neighbours is on the mend. In the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 25th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization this week, both leaders welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024" and reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals. View Full Image Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the SCO Summit in Tianjin on Sunday. (Narendra Modi photo gallery/ANI Photo) For electronics companies, there are other obstacles. Issues such as customs delays and arbitrary interpretations of import classifications remain a thorn in the side of manufacturers. Old habits die hard," Gujral said, noting that while policy intent is strong, execution at the ground level still lags. India now has to contend with multiple headwinds like tariffs, inward looking policies and geopolitical risks. The global trade order is unpredictable today. Europe, China could do what the US is doing (imposing high tariffs)," said Satya Gupta, president, VLSI Society of India. To de-risk from this, electronic contract manufacturers should have a strategy of owning products." A playbook for sustained growth, he added, is to become an ODM (original design manufacturer) player as well. Much like Chinese companies graduated from contract manufacturing to making their own brands. The VLSI (very large scale integration) Society promotes chip design and semiconductor technology in India. Yet, the broader trajectory is unmistakable. Syrmas order book stood at 5,400-5,500 crore as of June. And it is actively evaluating acquisitions to boost revenue as well as competence. Defence electronics is one area of interest We are actively pursuing acquisitions that give us access to defence sub-systems," Gujral noted. The mission is clear: to build scale, deepen capabilities, and integrate into global supply chains without losing sight of profitability. Execution will be closely watchedby investors, customers and competitorsbut for now, Syrma seems to be making all the right moves. The deadline to pay property tax is approaching in several Indian cities. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, homeowners must clear their dues by September 30, the cut-off date for the first half of the financial year. Property owners who miss the deadline may face late fees or interest charges. Patna in Bihar follows the same schedule, with September 30 set as the last date for payment, post which a 1.5% penalty will be imposed. Here's a detailed guide on how to clear your dues, available modes of payment, eligibility for rebates and how these taxes are calculated by the municipal body: What is property tax and why is it collected? Property tax is a direct tax levied by local municipal authorities on the ownership of real estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties on an annual basis. This tax applies to both land and buildings, which is then used to maintain public facilities such as roads, sewage systems, street lighting and public parks. It's important to note that property tax rates are not uniform. They differ by state and even by city and municipality. How is property tax calculated? Property tax is generally calculated based on factors such as capital value of the property, or unit area value of the property, depending on the specific bodys method. Taxes like water benefit tax, sewerage tax, street tax and tree cess are also added to the general tax while assessing the property tax. These charges vary from one municipality to another, said Pankaj Mathpal, Managing Director of Optima Money Managers. Also Read | Can salaried individuals change tax regime during ITR filing? In some cases, property owners might raise a dispute about the body's property tax assessment being incorrect. "In such cases, property owners can challenge or appeal the incorrect assessments with the municipal authority, he said. How to pay property tax in India? There are two ways of paying property tax in India. A taxpayer has the provision to choose between offline and online modes. Here's a step-by-step process to pay your tax online: Go to your citys municipal corporation website (for example, MCD in Delhi, BBMP in Bengaluru, BMC in Mumbai). Choose the Property Tax or Online Services section and then enter your Property Identification Number (PID), assessment number or account ID. Select the relevant financial year and verify your property details. Once you are done calculating the tax due, proceed to the payment gateway. You can pay the tax using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. After payment is successfully made, download and save the digital property tax receipt for future reference. For those taxpayers who prefer to make the payment offline, they can do so through the city's municipal corporation office or designated banks. Some common mistakes to avoid while making online payment include entering wrong property ID, paying in wrong ward/zone, ignoring confirmation receipts, or missing the due date despite initiating payment, Mathpal said. Penalties for non-payment If a property owner delays paying the due tax, penalties such as interest, fines, or late fees may be levied on top of the due tax. However, if you don't pay the tax at all, the dues can get attached to the property, creating hurdles in resale, loan approvals, and even exposing the owner to legal recovery actions. Who is eligible for rebates on property taxes? In some cases, a rebate or discount is granted by the municipal authority on the amount of tax payable. Some rebates/concessions are given to owner-occupied properties, senior citizens-owned properties, and eco-friendly buildings, among a few others. However, that depends on area to area and one must check on their municipal portal to confirm the details. The rebates are decided by the municipality and there is no standard rule," Mathpal said, citing an example. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has exempted property tax for flats below 500 sq. ft. Every year, May brings the familiar rush of filing tax returns. For many salaried and investing Indians, filing income tax returns is a ritual, yet theres one part of the return that even diligent taxpayers stumble overSchedule FA, the disclosure of foreign assets. This schedule is often ignored, misunderstood or filled perfunctorily. It doesnt affect my taxable income," the logic goes, so why bother?" Thats a risky assumption. Schedule FA is not about how much tax you pay. Its about disclosing your offshore financial footprint. And the government takes that disclosure very seriously. Why FA matters more than you think If youre resident and ordinarily resident, the rule is simple: disclose both foreign assets and foreign-source income. The moment you own any foreign assets, legally or beneficially, (e.g. a second home in Dubai, buying foreign shares via an investing app, holding ESOPs/RSUs of your MNC employers foreign parent) or earn any overseas income, Schedule FA becomes your responsibility. On paper, its just a disclosure." But fail to report it and the penalties escalate quickly. Under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, non-reporting attracts a flat 10 lakh penalty per year, with even harsher provisions for deliberate concealment. From 1 October 2024, Budget 2024 softened the blow slightly by exempting movable foreign assets up to 20 lakh outside the penaltys scope. But immovable property is excluded and misreporting under the Income-tax Act itself can still sting. In short, treating FA casually can get expensive. Reporting year and conversion rate Unlike the rest of your return, FA doesnt follow the Indian financial year. It follows the calendar year. For assessment year 2025-26, that means disclosing anything you held from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 even if you held it for just one day. Conversion is another minefield. You cant simply plug in a Google rate. The law requires you to use State Bank of Indias telegraphic transfer buying rate on the relevant dates. Many filers skip this step the taxman doesnt. Ownership categories add a further layer of complexity: Legal owner you hold and own the asset. Beneficial owner you paid for it, but its in someone elses name. Beneficiary someone else paid, but you enjoy the benefit. Getting this wrong is not a trivial error it goes to the heart of disclosure. Of FAs multiple tables, two are the most common: Table A2 (Custodian accounts): If you have a brokerage account abroad, this is where it goes. You must disclose the country, custodian, opening date, ownership type, and three figures in INR peak balance, balance on 31 December, and total credits during the year. Credits must be broken down into dividend, interest, redemption or others. Table A3 (Equity and debt): This is for each individual stock, ETF, bond or unit held directly. You disclose cost, peak value, closing value and income or sale proceeds. A simple example: If you own Apple and Microsoft shares through a US broker, youll have one A2 entry for the brokerage account and separate A3 entries for each stock. FA isnt only about assets. Table G captures foreign-source income not linked to any asset a small freelance payment from overseas or interest from a foreign account you closed mid-year. If foreign tax was deducted, you must match it in Schedule FSI and claim relief in Schedule TR via Form 67. Miss Form 67 and you lose the credit. Practical pitfalls Skipping FA entirely because it doesnt affect tax." Forgetting FA works Jan-Dec, unlike income which is Apr-Mar. Treating a brokerage account as a bank account." Using random conversion rates instead of SBIs TT buying rate. Ignoring short-lived accounts (I only held it for a few days"). Forgetting to link foreign income properly across FA, FSI and TR. Failing to keep detailed working papers with rates and positions adopted. The larger point Its tempting to dismiss Schedule FA as bureaucratic overkill, especially for small-ticket foreign holdings. But that view ignores the world we now live in. With global information-sharing agreements, the government already has visibility into most offshore accounts of Indian residents. The mismatch isnt in what the taxman knows but in what you have declared. Also Read | Taxman knows about your foreign assets and is giving you a chance to revise ITR Seen that way, FA is less about numbers and more about signalling. Filling it accurately says youre transparent. Skipping or bungling it signals something else. And in todays tightening compliance environment, thats not a signal you want to send. Vijaykumar Puri is a partner at VPRP & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants The X social media handle of Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been granted an interim protection by the High Court over its post which allegedly compared Indira Gandhi to Adolf Hitler. In late June, an FIR was registered against the Karnataka BJP's social media handle over an alleged post put up by the party comparing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Adolf Hitler. The complaint was lodged by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Secretary S Manohar on June 25. The FIR was registered a day later against the BJP Karnataka X handle. In the complaint, S Manohar alleged that the post that was put up by the BJP's official 'X' account (@BJP4Karnataka) at 3:54 pm captioned: INDIRA NOT EQUALS INDIA, INDIRA = HITLER. The complaint said the post was accompanied by a 38-second video related to the Emergency period in India. The complainant said the post was deleted later but it carried a graphic that morphed Indira Gandhis image to make her look like Hitler. The alleged content of the post was defamatory towards the former PM and aimed to incite unrest in society and create enmity between different religions and communities, he said. "Based on the complaint received, we have registered a case under sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway," a senior police officer said. The post came at a time when the BJP was criticising Congress and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, relentlessly, for the imposition of Emergency in 1975. The Emergency declared on June 25, 1975, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lasted until March 21, 1977. It was marked by widespread press censorship, arrests without trial and the stifling of dissent in academia, politics and civil society. The BJP-led Central government observed June 25 as the 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the massive contributions of those who endured inhuman pain during the period. The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued a stern ultimatum to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, directing him and his supporters to vacate Azad Maidan by 3 pm or face contempt, fines, and police action. The bench warned that normalcy must be restored in the city, declaring the ongoing protest completely illegal. What did Bombay High Court say? The Bombay High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on activist Manoj Jarange and his supporters staging a hunger strike in south Mumbai, directing them to clear Azad Maidan by 3 pm. The Bombay HC bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe, warned of contempt proceedings, exemplary costs, and police action if the protestors failed to vacate the ground. This is a very serious situation. We want complete normalcy restored by 3 pm, or we will step out on the streets ourselves, the bench observed. Also Read | Manoj Jarange asks Maratha protesters to follow Bombay HC directives Also Read | Jarange warns govt he won't leave Mumbai until Maratha quota demand is accepted Why did the Bombay High Court intervene? Manoj Jarange and thousands of protestors have been occupying Mumbai's Azad Maidan since 29 August, demanding a 10% quota for the Maratha community under the OBC category. The Bombay High court noted that the permission granted was for 5,000 protestors, but nearly 50,000 had entered Mumbai, paralysing traffic and even surrounding the High Court premises on Monday. It cannot be that the high court was under siege and a judge had to walk to court, the bench remarked, calling the protest completely illegal. What was activist Manoj Jaranges response? Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, representing Manoj Jarange, apologised for the disturbances caused by some protestors and assured the bench that there would be no further misbehaviour. He added that the Maratha Quota activist had applied for formal permission to continue the agitation but no order had been passed yet. Manoj Jarange, on an indefinite fast, has publicly vowed not to leave Mumbai until his demands are met. Maneshinde argued that the activist had informed the Maharashtra government of his plans months in advance and appealed through the media for restraint once crowds began swelling. Maratha quota protestors face off with Mumbai Police The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Police moved swiftly after the Bombay High Court censured activist Manoj Jarange over the Maratha quota agitation that had paralysed the city, directing protestors to vacate streets by Tuesday noon. Police subsequently served notices to Jarange and his core committee, citing breaches of court-mandated conditions, including the illegal occupation of roads with vehicles and demonstrators, and noted that action followed both his public statements and repeated violations of agreed terms at the Azad Maidan protest site. According to eyewitnesses and media reports, while some supporters of Manoj Jarange were seen packing up to leave, most remained defiant. Further many more were seen dancing on the streets, causing ruckus. Marathas with Kunbi ancestry likely to get OBC benefits The Maharashtra government is expected to issue a fresh government resolution (GR) reaffirming that only Marathas who can furnish documentary evidence of Kunbi ancestry will be eligible for certificates to claim benefits under the OBC quota, according to The Indian Express. Officials indicated that, given the legal sensitivities, the administration is unlikely to allow blanket recognition of Kunbi status or extend it to sage soyre (blood relatives), as demanded by activist Manoj Jarange Patil. On the fourth day of Jarange Patils protest at Azad Maidan, a cabinet sub-committee held a lengthy meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Advocate General Birendra Saraf and Justice (Retd) Sandeep Shinde. However, the discussions concluded without any concrete proposal from the government. Maratha Quota Protest: What happens next? The Bombay High Court was categorical that Manoj Jarange and his followers have no right at all to occupy Azad Maidan without permission. The judges also criticised the Maharashtra government for lapses in crowd control and enforcement of conditions. Bengaluru: Global investor Brookfield Asset Management, through its private real estate fund, has sold a 50% stake in Bluegrass Business Park in Pune to 360 ONE Asset for an enterprise value of 2,400 crore. The 2 million square feet office development in Pune's Kalyani Nagar locality isspread across 7 acres. Bluegrass Business Park comprises a million sq ft operational tower that is leased to Mastercard, and an under-construction office tower. Brookfield will continue to oversee the management, development and leasing of the property. 360 ONE, an alternative asset management platform that acquired the asset through its real estate funds, said the transaction marks a significant addition to its institutional real estate portfolio. It is a unique partnership between a global institutional investor and an India-focused alternatives fund, the firm said. Also Read | Temasek-backed Haldiram plans southward push This acquisition reflects our strategy of investing in high-quality, future-ready real estate assets across core urban markets. We are excited to partner with Brookfield, a leading player with a strong track record in India, and add long-term value to the asset, said Niraj Murarka, chief investment officer, real assets, 360 ONE Asset. The investment underscores 360 ONE Assets aim to scale its platform through institutionally managed real estate opportunities across the top property markets, through a mix of stable assets and development-led growth.As of 30 June, 360 ONE Asset has $6 billion assets under management (AUM). Rachit Kothari, senior vice president, real estate, Brookfield, said, This transaction is a testament to investor confidence in the India office sector and reaffirms the quality of the portfolio weve built in the country. Also Read | Tata Motors fends off investor skepticism on $4.4 billion Iveco acquisition Brookfield is one of the largest office owners and operators in India with over 55 million square feet across key office markets. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed bail pleas filed by activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with seven others, in the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 Delhi riots. The Delhi court held that the accused must remain in custody while trial proceedings continue. All appeals are dismissed, Bar and Bench quoted bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur said. Also Read | Delhi HC reserves order on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam bail pleas Who were denied bail in 2020 Delhi Riots Case? The Delhi High Court also turned down bail applications of Gulfisha Fatima, United Against Hate (UAH) founder Khalid Saifi, Athar Khan, Mohd Saleem, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Meeran Haider, and Shadaab Ahmed. In a separate ruling, a different bench dismissed the plea of Tasleem Ahmed, another accused in the same case. Why did Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, other activists seek bail? The 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy accused argued that their prolonged incarceration without charges being framed amounted to a denial of justice. Some of their bail applications had been pending since 2022, and they contended that the delay in trial was the principal reason to grant them relief. TMC MP Mahua Moitra took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her dissent over the Delhi HC verdict, and said, Delhi HC denies bail to Umar Khalid & 6 others after 5 years of incarceration, where nothing has even moved in the case. Grossest travesty of justice. We have to fight in SC now. Also Read | Umar Khalid granted seven days of interim bail to attend his cousin's wedding What did the prosecution say? Opposing the bail pleas, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed the 2020 Delhi riots were the result of a planned conspiracy and not a spontaneous incident. According to Bar and Bench report, S-G Tushar Mehta alleged that Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others conspired to divide the nation on religious lines, coordinating their activities through WhatsApp groups. Those indulging in anti-national activities are not entitled to bail, he argued. Also Read | Sharjeel Imam gets statutory bail in sedition case related to 2020 Delhi riots What did Umar Khalids lawyer say? According to a Bar and Bench report, Senior Advocate Trideep Pais, appearing for Khalid, submitted that his client had been in custody since September 2020 and had repeatedly been denied bail. Pais argued that Umar Khalids presence in WhatsApp groups cited by police did not amount to wrongdoing, noting that he rarely sent messages and only shared a protest location once. Pais added that Khalid faced no allegations of violence or fundraising, and maintained that his speeches were based on Gandhian principles. Also Read | HC issues notice to Delhi Police on Umar Khalid's bail plea What are the charges against Umar Khalid, 8 others? Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and the other accused have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They are alleged to be key conspirators behind the riots, which broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Delhi-NCR is under a rainfall alert today following heavy showers in the region. Gurugram authorities have issued a work-from-home advisory for offices, and all schools in the city remain closed to ensure safety. Commuters are advised to exercise caution, as waterlogging and traffic disruptions are expected in some areas. Meanwhile, Noida and Delhi are set to operate as usual, with schools and offices functioning normally. Residents are urged to stay updated with weather forecasts and plan their travel accordingly. Why is the Yamuna Under Watch? The national capital witnessed incessant rainfall on Monday, prompting officials to warn that the water level in the Yamuna could cross the danger mark of 205.33 m at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) a crucial monitoring point for observing the rivers flow by the evening of September 2. A flood warning was also issued following a surge in water discharge from Haryanas Hathnikund barrage, which rose to over 3.22 lakh cusecs. Gurugram Shifted to WFH and Online Classes Gurugram was the worst-hit in the recent downpour, recording over 100 mm of rainfall between 3 pm and 7 pm. The heavy rain prompted the district administration to issue a late-night advisory, directing offices and schools to switch to online operations on Tuesday, 2 September. The advisory stated: Between 3 pm and 7 pm today, Gurugram City recorded heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on 02-09-2025. Also Read | Char Dham, Hemkund Sahib Yatra postponed till September 5 amid IMD red alert It further added: In view of the forecast, all corporate offices and private institutions in the district are advised to allow employees to work from home. All schools are advised to conduct online classes on 02-09-2025. Will the Rain Continue This Week? The Met department has said that the pleasant weather will continue through the week, with light to moderate showers expected intermittently. Skies will remain cloudy on September 2, though no alert has been issued. A fresh spell of rain with thunder and lightning is predicted for September 3. An Air India flight from Delhi to Indore was forced to return to the capital on 31 August after pilots reported a fire indication in one of its engines shortly after take-off. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI2913, landed safely back at Delhi airport with all passengers and crew unharmed. Why did the Air India pilots issue a Mayday call? According to Air India, the cockpit crew received a fire alert in the right engine soon after departure from Delhi. Following international aviation protocols, the pilots declared a Mayday emergency with Air Traffic Control, signalling immediate danger. However, once the situation was stabilised, the alert was downgraded to PAN-PAN, which denotes urgency without imminent threat. What actions were taken by Air India? The Air India crew promptly shut down the affected engine in line with standard operating procedures and initiated a precautionary return to Delhi. The aircraft landed without further incident. Air India emphasised that the situation was handled with utmost professionalism and that no emergency landing was carried out. Also Read | Air India SATS gets DGCAs first safety clearance for ground handling How is Air India addressing the incident? In a statement, the airline confirmed that the aircraft has been grounded for inspection, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) formally notified. Passengers are being accommodated on an alternative aircraft bound for Indore. Flight AI2913, operating from Delhi to Indore on 31 August, air-returned to Delhi shortly after take-off, as the cockpit crew received a fire indication for the right engine. Following standard procedure, the cockpit crew elected to shut down the engine and returned to Delhi where the flight landed safely. The crew had initially made a MAYDAY call to the air traffic control, but later downgraded it to PAN-PAN to indicate urgency rather than an emergency. We confirm that the flight did not make an emergency landing at Delhi. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew are our top priority., said Air India Spokesperson. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR in connection with a large-scale gold export scam at Chennai Airport Cargo, a fraud operation that allegedly cost the Union government over 1,000 crore annually from 2020 to 2022. The case involves a suspected network of Customs officials and jewellery traders who exploited a government scheme for personal gain, IANS reported. The accused and the scheme The FIR names 13 individuals, including five Customs officials, a jewellery assessor, a customs agent, and four gold jewellery manufacturers. Those booked include Customs Superintendents J Sureshkumar, Alok Shukla, and P Tulasiram, jewellery assessor N Samuel, customs agent Mariyappan, and manufacturers Deepak Siroya, Santosh Kothari, Sunil Parmar, and Sunil Sharma, the news agency said. Also Read | 400 employees of Manchester United sponsor arrested in Kuala Lumpur Investigators believe the accused imported 24-carat gold bars by exploiting the Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) scheme, which allows it only under the condition that bars be converted into 22-carat ornaments for re-export. However, instead of exporting genuine gold ornaments, the suspects allegedly shipped gold-plated brass and copper ornaments of low-quality jewellery. They then sold the genuine gold in the domestic market, pocketing the profits and causing substantial losses to the exchequer. Investigation process The racket was first detected in 2022 by the Central Revenue Intelligence (CRI) when it detected inconsistencies in shipping documents for consignments headed to Gulf countries. Physical inspections of the packages revealed fake or inferior ornaments instead of genuine gold ornaments. Following the CRI's findings, a CBI investigation was recommended. However, the case faced delays due to the need for government sanctions to prosecute the Customs officials involved. The Union government recently granted this permission, enabling the agency to proceed with its investigation. Since the case was registered, CBI teams have conducted searches at the Chennai airport customs cargo office, the residences of the accused officials as well as jewellery shops and manufacturers offices in Chennai. They have seized incriminating documents and inspected the XRF spectrometer used to test gold purity at the cargo terminal. According to CBI sources, the case highlights systemic vulnerabilities in customs checks and misuse of trade facilitation schemes. Congress leader Pawan Khera was summoned by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday for having two voter ID cards. Khera has been asked to appear before the poll panel at 11 AM on Monday, 8 September. The notice by the District Election Office, New Delhi, came hours after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday levelled allegations against Khera, accusing him of possessing two active voter identity cards registered in separate constituencies of the national capital, Delhi. Also Read | Amit Malviya claims Khera has 2 voter ID cards, Congress leader responds It has been brought to my notice that you have got your name registered in theelectoral roll of more than one constituency.. As you may be aware, that being in the electoral roll of more than one constituency is a penal offence under the Representation of People Act, 1950," reads the notice to the Congress leader from the office of the electoral registration officer, New Delhi assembly seat in the national capital. "You are therefore directed to show cause as to why action should not be taken against you under the said Act. Your reply should reach this office by 11 AM on 8.9.2025, the notice said. In response to Malviya's allegations, Khera had said earlier that this is exactly the issue that his Congress party has been highlighting while raising questions about the Election Commission's work. Khera also demanded CCTV footage to investigate who was being made to cast a vote from the New Delhi constituency in his name. He asked ECI why his name was still on the list, even though he had followed all the procedures to delete it. This is exactly what the Congress party is saying. This is the question that we are raising regarding the working of the Election Commission...This list is available with the BJP leaders as well as EC. Congress keeps asking for the list but never gets it, Khera told news agency ANI. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted after Manoj Jarange called off his 5-day fast over Maratha quota, saying his objective was to give justice to the community, PTI reported. Senior BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who leads the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, gave Jarange a glass of fruit juice, which was accepted by the 43-year-old activist at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. While expressing happiness over it, Fadnavis said, I thank deputy chief ministers (Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar) as well as Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who heads the cabinet sub-committee (on Maratha quota)." Conveyed the legal issues involved Some misconception among OBCs over reservation to Marathas, but it is misplaced. We conveyed the legal issues involved in activist Manoj Jarange's demands to him. Solution found in interests of Maratha community. Will continue to work for all communities in Maharashtra, be it Marathas or OBCs. My objective was to give justice to the community, he added. Also Read | Manoj Jarange breaks fast unto death over Maratha quota The state government on September 2 released a resolution on the Hyderabad gazetteer and announced the set-up of a committees, a village-level mechanism, to assist in the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas, provided they can submit documentary proof showing their ancestral recognition as Kunbi. In accordance with the historical references contained in the Hyderabad gazetteer, a dedicated scrutiny process shall be conducted to verify documents and establish eligibility of persons from the Maratha community for Kunbi caste certificates. The committee shall ensure that every claim is assessed in a time-bound and transparent manner, the GR stated. It said the panel will consist of a Gram Sevak, a Talathi (revenue official), and an Assistant Agriculture Officer. These members will be responsible for verifying the documents submitted by applicants from the Maratha community and reporting their findings to the competent authority. "The intention of the government is to provide Kunbi caste certification to all Maratha claimants who can demonstrate their lineage through official documents, thereby enabling them to avail of reservation benefits lawfully," the GR added. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that India is negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the United States. However, no new dates have been finalised yet for the sixth round of trade talks. "We are in dialogue with the US for a BTA," Piyush Goyal said at an industry chamber event on sustainability in Delhi. Also Read | Why US tariffs could sink Indian MSMEsand hit microfinance India and the US have been negotiating the trade and tariff pact since March. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed. After a 50 per cent duty was imposed on Indian goods from August 27, the US team has deferred its visit to India for the next round of talks, which was scheduled from August 25. As we continue to have newer trading arrangements with the European Union, Chili, Peru, New Zealand, the second tranch of Australia and Oman all of these are FTAs.Lots have happened, lots more to go. But the US, we are in dialogue with them for a bilateral trade agreementWith all of this pan India's growing relevance as a provider of 18% of global growth, Piyush Goyal said. 'Competitiveness will only get better with...' Piyush Goyal emphasised that competitiveness would only improve with a sustainable pathway as India continues to remain committed to its sustainability goals. Speaking at the summit on the subject of sustainability, Goyal said, It is unfortunate that certain important players, certain important countries, have chosen to forego the agenda of sustainability...India continues to remain committed to our sustainability goals. We believe our competitiveness will only get better with a sustainable pathway... Also Read | Why the Supreme Court could uphold Trumps tariffs 'India-China relations moving towards normalcy' Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that the India-China relations are gradually moving towards normalcy. His statement came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit During the meeting, PM Modi and Xi Jinping agreed to work towards a "fair, reasonable and mutually-acceptable" solution to the India-China border issue, and pledged to expand trade and investment ties, recognising the role of the two economies to stabilise global trade. "This was an SCO summit, where all the SCO members participated. We had a problem in Galwan, due to which we had a blip in the relationship. As the border gets resolved, I think the situation getting back to normal is a very natural consequence," Goyal told reporters when asked if with India and China resetting their relationship, is there a scope for relaxations in PN3. At present, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications from countries sharing land borders, such as China, have to mandatorily seek government approval for all sectors. This policy was issued in April 2020 as Press Note 3 (PN3). NEW DELHI: India's account aggregator (AA) ecosystem, launched in 2021, has become one of the countrys fastest-growing pillars of Digital Public Infrastructure. Four years after its launch, the AA framework now has more than 112 million users and has enabled 2.2 billion financial accounts for secure, consent-based data sharing. Introduced by the Reserve Bank of India, the AA framework allows individuals to aggregate their financial data, including bank accounts, loans, and investments, and share it selectively with lenders or wealth managers. Also Read | Indias Account Aggregator ecosystem is ready to multiply our digital dividends This process is secure, using encrypted, user-permissioned flows that are designed to protect privacy. By acting as a trust-based intermediary, AAs expand access to formal credit and personalized financial services. The rapid expansion of the AA ecosystem gained international recognition during Indias G20 Presidency in 2023. During G20 India Presidency in 2023, AA was recognised as a foundational Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) serving as the data exchange layer, complementing the identity (Aadhaar) and payments (UPI) layers, the finance ministry said. The role and impact of AA have been acknowledged in key G20 documents, including the Policy Recommendations for Advancing Financial Inclusion and Productivity Gains through Digital Public Infrastructure (2023). Its significance is also detailed in the Report of Indias G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure (July 2024), the ministry added. According to the ministry, the adoption of AAs has accelerated across various sectors, including banking, insurance, pensions, and securities. As of September, 112 financial institutions are live as both providers and users of financial information, 56 operate solely as providers, and 410 solely as users. Mumbai/New Delhi: The government could reallocate non-operational iron ore mines held by Steel Authority of India Ltd (Sail) and Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC) and even levy export tax to boost supply of the key input needed to produce steel. The government could reallocate these mines either through fresh auctions, or transfer them to state-run firms to boost output of iron ore, according to a senior government official and industry executives, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Several steps to bolster iron ore supply, including auction of around 20 million tonnes of ore lying at pre-auction mine sites, and expansion of state-run NMDCs mining capacity, were discussed at a high-level inter-ministerial meeting last week. Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal and Union mines minister G. Kishan Reddy, among others, attended the meeting, according to an industry executive who was part of the deliberations. NMDC, India's largest iron ore producer, had a mining capacity of 55 million tonnes as of 31 March. Also Read | Indias top steelmakers take diverging paths on iron ore sourcing India is keen on boosting iron ore supplies, and by extension steel, to expand its infrastructure development and accelerate economic growth. In the 26 August meeting, in which senior Union ministers, Odisha government officials, and top mining and steel industry representatives were present, the Centre warned of strict action, including forfeiture of leases, against companies that won mine auctions but have failed to start operations, said the executive cited earlier. Export duty proposed Among the measures discussed to augment domestic availability of iron ore was a potential 20% export duty from October if iron ore production did not increase and prices remained high. India currently levies nil export duty on low-grade iron ore, and charges a 30% tax on high-grade iron ore. The meeting was attended by industry experts and representatives from top domestic steelmakers like JSW Steels Sajjan Jindal, Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL), ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India's (AM/NS India) Dilip Oommen and other major miners. Emails sent to the ministry of commerce, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, JSL, AMNS India, and OMC did not elicit any response. Indias iron ore production rose 5% to 289 million tonnes in FY25, according to data from Big Mint, a market intelligence firm. This was a little over half of the 460 million tonnes permitted under environmental clearances. Since 2015, about 135 iron ore mines have been auctioned, but only around 35 are operational. Also Read | Slide in iron ore prices a hiccup for miners amid copper scramble Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are the top five iron ore producing states in India. In the meeting, the government official cited earlier said that Goyal expressed concern over rising iron ore prices and asked industry leaders to take all necessary steps, including increasing supply, to bring them down by October, noting that the surge was inflating steel prices. An increase in supply could help lower raw material costs and soften steel prices, enabling dopmestic producers combat cheap imports from China, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. Export potential While unveiling the Bharat Buildcon 2026 exhibition on 29 August, Goyal highlighted the vast export potential in steel and iron ore, noting that India could export 50 million tonnes of steel annually, strengthening its export basket with high-quality, competitively-priced products. In April this year, prime minister Narendra Modi outlined a target of 25 million tonnes of steel exports by 2030, compared to 4.85 million tonnes in FY25. Iron ore production in the country has been growing at around 4-5% CAGR in recent years, while steel production has been rising at a faster pace of 8-9% CAGR. At this rate, there is a risk of raw material shortages, which could impact the targets set under the National Steel Policy. Although the government has introduced several measures and policy amendments over time, they may still not be sufficient to meet the growing demand in the future," said Dhruv Goel, chief executive of Big Mint. Also Read | Iron ore faces challenges of sustainability and fairness Indias National Steel Policy has set a target of producing 300 million tonnes of steel a year by 2030. As per the policy, iron ore demand is projected to be around 437 million tonnes by 2030. The current demand is about 255-260 million tonnes per annum. The intent is to position India as one of the most efficient steel-producing nations globally. However, post-auction, where bid premiums have crossed 100%, the cost of iron ore has significantly increased, making the raw material more expensive for the industry," said Goel. According to an order signed by the ministry of mines dated 28 August, an advisory committee has been formed to suggest reforms to boost iron ore production. The committee will meet once every 15 days. It will be chaired by Sanjay Lohiya, additional secretary in the ministry of mines, with representatives from the ministries of environment, commerce and industry, and Coal, as well as Sail, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, OMC, Indian Steel Association, NMDC, among others. Mint has seen a copy of the order. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday declared we have won before jubilant supporters at Mumbais Azad Maidan, after Maharashtra ministers joined him at the protest site, and reportedly agreed to his key demands. Addressing the crowd in Mumbai following his five-day fast, Jarange announced that he would call off the agitation and leave the city by 9 pm if the Maharashtra government formally issued Government Resolutions (GRs) acceding to his quota demands. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Tuesday issued a two-month ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to pass a Government Resolution (GR) recognising Marathas and Kunbis as members of the same community. The development came as the Bombay High Court permitted him to continue his agitation at Mumbais Azad Maidan until 3 September. Why has Jarange given the Maharashtra government a deadline? Manoj Jarange Patil has insisted that the Maharashtra government formally recognise Marathas in the Marathwada region as Kunbis, enabling them to secure benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. His demands also include extending Kunbi status to Marathas listed in the Hyderabad and Satara gazettes, followed by recognition in the Aundh and Bombay gazettes. Also Read | Manoj Jarange asks Maratha protesters to follow Bombay HC directives What did the Bombay High Court say on the protest? A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe observed that any breach of court orders would invite strict action, noting that the majesty of the law must be upheld. The Bombay High Court accepted a request from Patils legal team, including senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, for time to continue discussions with the cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha quota. The hearing has been adjourned until 3 September at 1 pm. How has the Maharashtra government responded? Three state ministersRadhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Manikrao Kokate, and Shivendra Raje Bhoslevisited Azad Maidan to initiate dialogue with the activist. According to Manoj Jarange, the Maharashtra government has promised to compensate families of those who lost their lives during the agitation within a week and to withdraw criminal cases against protesters. What is the situation on the Azad Maidan in Mumbai? The Mumbai Police issued notices directing protesters to vacate Azad Maidan, citing breaches of interim conditions. Security personnel have also begun clearing demonstrators from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), where agitation had continued for four days. Despite this, Jarange declared he would not leave Azad Maidan even if he dies. On Monday, the High Court had directed protesters to vacate all areas of Mumbai except Azad Maidan by noon, observing that the city was being literally paralysed by the agitation. While Jarange briefly escalated his protest by abstaining from water, he was later seen sipping water on Tuesday evening after addressing his supporters. Maratha Quota Protest: What happens next? The Bombay High Court will resume hearings on 3 September, with instructions that the government must provide medical assistance should Jaranges health deteriorate in the meantime. Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who was arrested by police in connection with a rape case, reportedly escaped the police custody in Karnal on Tuesday. A confirmation from the Punjab Police is still awaited. Harmeet Pathanmajra flees after opening fire on cops Pathanmajra, a lawmaker from the Sanour seat in Patiala, said police came to arrest him. He was booked under the charge of rape days after the AAP MLA attacked his own party's government over floods and questioned its central leadership. Sources told news agency ANI that the Sanour MLA was being taken to a local station when he and his aides allegedly fired shots, injuring a policeman. Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra allegedly flees Police custody while being taken to local Police Station after his arrest, police sources said. They add that Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and his accomplices had "fired at the police while fleeing and they had even run over one Police personnel." A police personnel was injured, sources said. Police are chasing him, punjab police sources said. Also Read | Woman bank employee in Mumbai frames IT professional friend in rape case Amid the chaos, Pathanmajra allegedly drove a vehicle over another officer before fleeing in a Scorpio SUV. A Fortuner used during the escape was seized. A search operations has been launched to track him down. Before the arrest, Pathanmajra had taken shelter at the residence of his relative Gurnam Singh Laadi, an elected member of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), in Dabri village, India Today reported. However, as soon as the police entered, the MLA had already fled by climbing up the wall of the house and later, with the help of locals, probably his relatives, PTI reported. Also Read | Rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim granted 40-day parole Pathanmajra booked: All about the rape case According to an FIR filed in the matter, Pathanmajra was booked on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The case was registered on a complaint by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that the MLA misrepresented himself as divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and later married in 2021 while still being married. She accused him of continued sexual exploitation, threats, and sending "obscene" material to her. After the FIR, Pathanmajra went live on Facebook, strongly criticising the Punjab government and alleging that Delhi-based AAP leadership was "illegitimately ruling over Punjab." He appealed to fellow party MLAs to stand with him, as he alleged that during the Congress or BJP governments, the central leadership did not interfere in state affairs the way AAP's did. A case has been registered against him, said Pathanmajra, claiming that Punjab Police officials have come to arrest him. "They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed," said Pathanmajra. On Sunday, Pathanmajra accused a senior IAS officer of not taking such actions as desilting and cleaning rivers, particularly the Tangri River, despite his requests. He said the government should listen to people or they "will thrash us." Pathanmajra also alleged the party was trying to suppress Punjab MLAs instead of fixing the administration. The MLA said he raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly several times, submitted deputations, and personally met Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar several times, but "not a single meaningful step was taken." Speaking to reporters on Sunday, as several villages in his constituency were flooded, Pathanmajra lashed out at bureaucrats and said he had been demanding cleaning of the Tangri and permission to allow the use of soil near rivers to strengthen banks, but to no avail. He also urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately remove Krishan Kumar from his post. On Monday, Pathanmajra claimed that his security had been withdrawn and that all station house officers and police post heads in his constituency had been transferred. He said that he had anticipated this action. The Supreme Court on Tuesday, 2 September, dismissed the antitrust regulator Competition Commission of India's (CCI) appeal against a Delhi High Court order related to the patents of telecom major Ericsson and agrichemical giant Monsanto, reported the news portal LiveLaw. According to the news portal's report, the high court passed an order in favour of Ericsson and Monsanto, directing that the CCI cannot carry on its investigations based on the complaints of the agency's various informants. In the CCI vs. Ericsson and Monsanto case, the companies appealed to the high court, stating that the CCI allegedly does not have any legal jurisdiction to inquire about the business licensing of patents and the abuse of power by the patent holder. The high court quashed the CCI proceedings and investigations into the companies Ericsson and Monsanto, citing the jurisdiction clause. Why did Supreme Court dismiss CCI's appeal? The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the special leave petition on account of the high court's observations in the judgment and said that once a settlement has been reached between the informant and the person against whom the information has been filed, the basis of investigation is lost in the matter, reported the news portal. The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Sandeep Mehta dismissed the appeal on Tuesday, supporting the high court order, which ruled that the Patents Act 1970 of India prevails over the Competition Act 2002 when it comes to the rights of the patentee, according to the news portal's report. Also Read | Sebi to oversee Arihant Mangal wind-up after high court dissolves old panel Taking into consideration the HC's observations and the fact that the original informants have nothing further to say in view of the settlement arrived at, we do not interfere with the impugned judgement, according to the Supreme Court order cited in the news portal's report. The apex court also directed that if there are more questions of law involved in this case, then those are to be kept open to be agitated in any other appropriate proceedings. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against a group of agents who are accused of cheating two Indians, promising them jobs in Russia. The two men have alleged that they were charged lakhs but later abandoned in Russian streets without any money, food or water. According to the FIR filed by victim Pramod Chauhan, a resident of village Ranipur, Purandarapur police station, Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, he had been working as a mason. He said he had previously worked in Saudi Arabia. There, he met one Nizamuddin Akram Khan and developed trust in him. Pramod Chauhan again approached Nizamuddin Khan when he was again looking for employment. He alleged that Nizamuddin promised him employment and, on June 30, handed him an appointment letter from a company named Haka Moscow near the Badarpur Border. However, he never showed his office or home and only displayed documents outdoors. Also Read | Fake job postings on social media leave India Inc. worried Pramod alleged that the agents told him he would receive a labour visa for Russia. Instead, he later found that they had provided him only a tourist visa. "Deceived by their assurances, I and my neighbour Gautam Sahni paid a total of 4,05,000 through UPI and 50,000 in cash to these agents," the victim said. The complainant said the money was allegedly taken by Nizamuddin and Premchand on different pretexts. How it happened The complainant said the accused took money from them. First, they were sent to Kazakhstan on July 1. In Kazakhstan, they stayed for a few days and then were taken to Omsk in Russia. In Russia, the two Indians were abandoned on the streets. They had no money or water to survive. "We were stranded there for several days without any resources, hungry and thirsty. Eventually, we contacted our family members, and they helped us by sending money to buy tickets," Pramod, Both men returned to India on July 17 after purchasing flight tickets with the help of their families. Following the complaint, the Delhi Police Crime Branch registered an FIR under sections 318/61/3(5) of BNS and began investigating the matter. Before departing for a high-profile get-together of world leaders, Kim inspected a North Korean facility that builds engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and showed off his nuclear-capable short-range missilesan arsenal that few nations can match. He then set off for Beijing on a slow-moving trainin part because his regime lacks a trustworthy aircraft like those flown by other high-profile leaders. After departing on his personal train on Monday, Kim crossed into China early Tuesday morning, state media reported, and arrived in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, a journey of around 20 hours when a plane would have taken less than two. North Korea has advanced missiles and nuclear warheads, and Kims missile-factory detour served as a declaration that he deserves a place on the world stage alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. Kim is set to meet both men in Beijing, where Xi is hosting an elaborate military parade on Wednesday commemorating victory over Japan in World War II. It is Kims first trip to China since 2019. On one hand, Kim is eager to stand alongside nuclear powers and assert that his nuclear program is irreversible," said Hong Min, a senior North Korea researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification. On the other, his Soviet-era private jet is outdated and could pose safety issues." Despite North Koreas investment in its missile program, it faces international sanctions and economic constraints that hamper the Kim regimes ability to acquire or build a secure private jet. The 41-year-old North Korean leader chosen mode of transport isnt lacking in style. His train, bulletproof and designed to withstand explosions, has conference rooms with LED screens, satellite communication and an emergency medical facility. Past footage released by North Korean state television showed a train car lined with pink couches, where Kim held meetings. His Mercedes-Benz limousine could be seen inside one carriage. Photographs published by state media on Tuesday showed Kim smoking a cigarette in front of the forest-green train and sitting in a wood-paneled conference room, the North Korean flag behind him. The armored train moves slowly, at an average speed of 37 miles an hour. But it has been Kims go-to transport. On his last known overseas trip, in September 2023, he took the train to meet Putin in Russias Far East. While train travel is symbolic of the regimes seclusion and obsession with security, the long journeys also serve as an opportunity for Kim to draw attention to his diplomatic ventures. Kims father and grandfather, who preceded him at the helm of the North Korean dictatorship, also traveled by train. The train has been a centerpiece of North Korean propaganda around the Kim dynasty, showing leaders taking long journeys to meet people across the country. The lengthy train rides are represented as a way for leaders to work tirelessly for the people. Kims private jet, which he last took overseas to the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in 2018, has been in service for more than 40 years. The Kim regime sees it as unsafe for long flights, both for its performance and potential exposure to attack, analysts say. Kim flew on a chartered Air China plane when he traveled to Singapore in 2018 to meet President Trumpbut to arrive in Beijing on a foreign aircraft for Xis parade, an event that some two dozen leaders are set to attend, could prove embarrassing. The North Korean leader can be expected to use the trip this week to show solidarity with China and Russia and potentially attract economic support from Beijing. He might also be taking notes. In October, North Korea celebrates the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers Party. Kim is planning his own military parade to mark the event. Write to Dasl Yoon at dasl.yoon@wsj.com Russia and China advanced plans for a long-delayed natural-gas pipeline to funnel Russian fuel to the Chinese but left core terms unresolved, a sign of Beijings growing leverage in its relationship with Moscow. Following talks in Beijing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Moscow said the two sides had signed a legally binding memorandum to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a flagship project that would boost Russias gas deliveries to China and tighten ties between the two countries as their relations with the U.S. worsen. Key details on the pricing of the gas, financing of the pipeline and the construction timetablesticking points that had dogged the projects development for yearswere left unfinalized, underscoring Beijings upper hand in negotiations. China, which has other options for natural gas, can delay completing the deal and demand better terms, exploiting Russias urgency to find new markets for its energy exports. Moscow said it expects the price of the gas flowing to China to be lower than the price it charges European customers. Beijings state media hasnt commented on the pipeline agreement so far. Western-imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine have pushed Moscow and Beijing into each others arms, deepening their political and trading relationship in the energy sector especially. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russias natural-gas exports to Europe, its largest market, have fallen significantly. To maintain its pipeline of petrodollars, Moscow redirected its oil-and-gas exports to China, creating a dependence that made the partnership lopsided. Beijings supply of technology with military applications to Russia added to that imbalance. The agreement shows that China is interested in the pipeline and in Russias energy resources but this isnt a final deal," said Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center and an expert on China-Russia relations. It shows how their relationship is increasingly asymmetrical and China has all the cards." Gabuev said that with Russian exports to the European Union, which aims to fully phase out Russian energy by 2027, unlikely to be revived, any deal will be more beneficial to China. Russias window to get into the Chinese market is also narrowing as China rushes to decarbonize its economy and boost the use of renewable energy. Russia is at the mercy of the Chinese," he said. The Power of Siberia 2, a sequel to the original Power of Siberia gas link opened in 2019, would take gas from the Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Arctic to China, the worlds top energy consumer. The gas link has been mired in disagreements over pricing and ownership terms, as well as Chinese concerns about relying too heavily on Russia for its energy supplies. This year, however, the war between Israel and Iran has given Beijing reason to reconsider the reliability of the oil and natural gas it gets from the Middle East, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Alexei Miller, the chief executive of Russian gas exporter Gazprom, said that the pipeline would carry 50 billion cubic meters of gas a year from Russia to China through Mongolia, with supplies under the agreement set to run for 30 years. Exports via the existing Power of Siberia pipeline will increase to 44 bcm from 38 bcm currently, Miller said. Miller, quoted by Russian state news agency TASS, said that the pipelines gas price would be agreed separately. Cementing the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal has been more of an imperative for Moscow than for Beijing. The Russias current exports to China rely on limited pipeline connections and small liquefied natural gas capacity; only a new, larger pipeline could materially increase flows. For Beijing, abundant LNG from the Middle East and elsewhereincluding a wave of new LNG capacity coming online in the next few yearshave reduced its need to increase flows from Russia. The Journal has reported that Chinese officials also enforce an informal cap of about 20% on imports from a single supplier, which has stalled talks with Russia. Negotiations have therefore dragged on for years, even as Moscow repeatedly signaled a deal was close. Beyond gas, the trading relationship between Russia and China has also become more uneven since the Ukraine war. China accounts for around a third of Russias overall trade, Russia makes up less than 5% of Chinas trade, analysts say. As a result, Beijing has provided a lifeline to the sanctions-stricken Russian economy, buying its energy and supplying it with everything from electronics to washing machines to tractors. China has also become a critical source of optics, microelectronics, drone engines and other materials that enable Russia to power its war machine. Write to Georgi Kantchev at georgi.kantchev@wsj.com A 50-year-old tech professional, Mody Khan, lost his job at Microsoft last December and has since been struggling through a nine-month-long job hunt. The Pakistani-origin immigrant revealed that his savings are nearly exhausted, putting him at risk of losing his home in Texas. "I had savings, and I've depleted almost all of it," Khan told Business Insider. I'm in a very tight spot. Despite years of experience in the tech industry, including a five-year stint at Microsoft, Khan said landing a new role has been an uphill battle. "It feels like recruiters are looking for Superman," he shared. "I've been constantly applying, and I've had interviews, but I've been turned down everywhere. Khan noted that while some interviews initially seemed promising, they never led to an offer. "I've had so many good interviews where I'm ready for them to say, 'Mody, let's rock 'n' roll' and then they don't move forward. What frustrates him the most, he said, is the lack of feedback. "Recruiters contact me, take my resume, and they ghost me. What does he think is impacting his chances? Khan believes age discrimination is a major factor, as some recruiters may assume he is not in touch with the latest technologies. He also feels that his lack of startup experience works against him. On ethnicity, Khan said biases may also play a role: "Being a Pakistani may play into the biases of some Indian recruiters or interviewers. It's a very, very dangerous situation. Khan had moved from Pakistan to the US in 2007 and joined Microsoft in 2019. Risk of losing his house Khan disclosed that he has only $10,000 left in savings enough to support him and his wife for about two months. Beyond that, he may have to dip into his remaining investments or 401(k). He had already sold his Microsoft stock holdings earlier this year after being laid off. Heavy rain that lashed Gurugram between Monday evening and Tuesday brought the Millennium City to its knees, with authorities directing employees to work from home, while schools were advised to conduct online classes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, signalling the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall today. The downpour forced commuters to navigate inundated roads and left them bogged down in heavy traffic, further exposing the citys fragile infrastructure. A silver lining in the traffic chaos? In the middle of the chaos, a woman found a gem in the gridlock. Activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj took to X to share how she was stuck in a traffic jam in Gurugram for more than six hours, but her Rapido driver did not complain and instead politely asked her to pay whatever extra she felt was right. Hi Rapido bike app, I want to thank your driver partner Mr. Suraj Maurya from the bottom of my heart. He was with me for 6+ hours because of #GurgaonTraffic but didn't complain at all, Bhardwaj wrote on X. Dropped me home in these waters. Politely said, Ma'am pay whatever extra u want. She also shared a video of the waterlogged Gurugram roads along with her post. The gesture has drawn applause on social media, with several praising the Rapido driver. Also Read | Gurugram: Work from home advisory issued for private firms amid rains on Sep 2 Rapido lauds driver In response to the viral story Rapido praised the driver for his professionalism. Rapido, said, We are truly grateful to our captain, Mr. Suraj Maurya, for his patience and professionalism in ensuring Ms. Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj reached home safely amid the severe traffic situation in Gurugram. At Rapido, we consistently sensitize our captains on womens safety, empathy, and service ethics, and it is heartening to see these values reflected on the ground." It added, "Along with safety-focused training, we prioritize female passenger safety with a comprehensive suite of features such as a 24/7 SOS button for emergencies, call masking to protect phone numbers, live ride tracking, and route deviation alerts." Traffic snarls across Gurugram This was not an isolated incident. A massive traffic jam was also witnessed on NH-8, while visuals from the Delhi-Jaipur highway showed long queues of vehicles, with commuters stranded for hours. Other areas in Gurugram, including Rajiv Chowk, Signature Tower Chowk underpass, and Patel Nagar, also witnessed vehicles crawling through waterlogged roads. People were seen wading through waist-deep water, trying to carry their belongings. Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Advisor (NSA) of the United States, has alleged that President Donald Trump has thrown away ties with India over Pakistan's willingness to do business with Trump's family. In a recent interview with MeidasTouch Network's YouTube channel, Sullivan highlighted the importance of the India-US relationship and stressed that Trump's move hampers the US's allies' trust in Washington. "US has worked to build a relationship with India, a country that we should be aligned with on technology, talent, economics, and so many issues. And align with dealing with strategic threats from China. Now. I think because of Pakistan's willingness to do business with the Trump's family, Trump has thrown away India's relationship on side. Germany or Japan will look at that (India) and say that could be us tomorrow. America's friends will think that they can't rely on us in any way." Jake Sullivan told MeidasTouch in the interview. Sullivan's remarks come amid strained India-US ties after the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil. Bessent expresses confidence Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that India and the US will resolve trade friction between them, as he believed that New Delhi's values are much closer to Washington than to China and Russia. Bessent, in a TV interview, downplayed the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, calling it "largely performative." "This is a longstanding meeting, it's called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and I think it's largely performative," Bessent said. I think at the end of the day; India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to China's than to Russia. Also, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro attacked India, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking with reporters, Navarro lambasted PM Modi for what he termed "getting in bed with the authoritarian", describing the meeting as shameful. In his address at SCO, PM Narendra Modi stressed the need to boost connectivity between the members to boost trade."India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust," PM Modi said. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 2) renewed his attacks on Chicagos violent crime record, pointing to the 54 people shot and eight killed over the Labor Day weekend. At least 32 shootings were reported between Friday evening and Monday noon, according to police reports. The violence added to growing political tensions between President Donald Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. On Truth Social, Trump branded Chicago the worst and most dangerous city in the world, by far. He pledged to solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC, referring to his recent deployment of National Guard reservists in Washington. Trump directly targeted Pritzker, writing: Governor Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. Federal surge plans underway According to two US officials, as reported by the Associated Press, a federal law enforcement surge could begin as early as September 5 and last about 30 days. The move would mirror earlier deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where thousands of National Guard troops and federal agents were sent to assist local police. Trump warned in an earlier post: Were coming, if Pritzker doesnt straighten it out, FAST. Pritzker pushes back Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has forcefully rejected Trumps plan, accusing him of staging a political stunt. National Guard troops or any kind of troops on the streets of an American city dont belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency and there is not, Pritzker said. He further warned: Its an invasion with U.S. troops, if they in fact do that. Theyll be in court pretty quickly. Chicago Mayor joins opposition Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed Pritzkers criticism, ending his Labor Day speech at a Workers Over Billionaires march with the rallying cry: No troops in Chicago. Invest in Chicago. Washington deployment as a model Trump has pointed to Washington, D.C., as proof his approach works. He boasted that since August 11, his crackdown had produced 1,007 arrests and 91 firearms seized, with no homicides recorded since August 13. Washington is one of the safest cities in the world, Trump declared. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser warned the reliance on masked immigration agents and out-of-state Guard units could undermine trust. If the city had 500 more local officers, those same arrests and gun recoveries likely would have been made, she said. Political clash Trump has repeatedly targeted Democratic-run cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and San Francisco as crime hubs flooded with undocumented immigrants. Chicagos strict sanctuary policies have long clashed with his mass deportation agenda. Also Read | Donald Trump to make surprise announcement today? Viral post sparks rumour US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday (September 2) that he plans to deploy troops to Chicago, describing the city as a crime-ridden hellhole. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump did not provide a specific timeline for the operation. Trump referenced recent weekend shooting fatalities in Chicago as a reason for his planned intervention. He emphasised the need to address what he called a surge in crime, framing the deployment as a necessary measure to restore safety. Past National Guard deployments The President highlighted the use of the National Guard in previous operations in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, noting that these deployments helped reduce crime in those Democrat-led cities. Were going in, Trump told reporters, signaling a commitment to replicate similar efforts in Chicago. I have an obligation, the President said. This isn't a political thing." Trumps announcement comes amid ongoing debates over federal intervention in local crime prevention. Trump defends Federal crime crackdowns Trump highlighted his administrations efforts to curb crime in Washington, DC, noting that he has already deployed National Guard troops and federalised the citys police force. We have no crime. This city is now a safe zone, Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office. And this city was really bad, Trump said, praising federal law enforcement for their efforts. Were really proud of whats been accomplished. Praise and criticism of local officials While commending Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser for cooperating with federal authorities, Trump criticised Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for opposing federal intervention in Chicago. If the governor of Illinois would call up, call me up, I would love to do it, Trump said, adding that the administration will move forward regardless. Now, were going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it. Broader plans for federal action Trump indicated that similar measures could be extended to other cities experiencing high crime rates, particularly those with Democratic leadership. He emphasised his responsibility to protect US cities, mentioning Baltimore as an example. I have an obligation to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore, he stated. Also Read | Trump announces relocation of US Space Command headquarters to Alabama In a shocking new revelation, Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Advisor (NSA) of the United States has alleged that Donald Trump has thrown away ties with India to boost his family business with Pakistan. In an interview with MeidasTouch Network's YouTube channel recently, Sullivan said that India is a country that the US should be aligned with. US has worked to build a relationship with India, a country that we should be aligned with on technology, talent, economics, and so many issues. And align with dealing with strategic threats from China, he said. Now, I think because of Pakistan's willingness to do business with the Trump's family, Trump has thrown away India's relationship on side. Germany or Japan will look at that (India) and say that could be us tomorrow. America's friends will think that they can't rely on us in any way, Sullivan claimed. Sullivan remarks come amid the rising friction between Washington and New Delhi due to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods, which include a 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil. Trump's business in Pakistan Donald Trump has time and again described him as a businessman, and his second stint at the White House is reflecting the same. This business mindedness has led Trump warm up to Pakistan, a country that had till now seen a stagnant growth in terms of US relations. The US Pakistan ties have improved considerably after Donald Trump took office this year. In April, just after the Pahalgam terror attack the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and World Liberty Financial (WLF) signed a series of deals to promote investment and innovation in the crypto industry. WLF was launched as a decentralised finance platform in 2024. The company is backed by Donald Trump himself in a bid to boost cryptocurrency use and expand blockchain adoption in the US. Interestingly, Donald Trump, his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, as well as his son-in-law Jared Kushner, together hold a 60 per cent stake in the company. A report by New York Times earlier said that World Liberty Financial represents an increasing convergence between Donald Trump's political and business interests. According to a report by Pakistani new outlet Dawn, WLF representatives even met Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir to formalise a Letter of Intent to accelerate blockchain innovation, stablecoin adoption and decentralised finance integration across Pakistan. The company lists Trump as its Chief Crypto Advocate. Trump's business ties with Pakistan do not end here. US businessman Gentry Thomas Beach, a close friend of the Trump family, has been pushing for business deals in Pakistan. During the meeting between Munir and Trump, Islamabad said that the two discussed trade deals among other things. A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration violated US law by deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement protests last summer. Judge Charles Breyer, ruling on Tuesday (September 2) in Washington, said the administrations actions breached the Posse Comitatus Act, a law that prohibits the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. In short, the defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act, Breyer wrote in his opinion. Although he found the deployment unlawful, Breyer put the ruling on hold until September 12, allowing time for appeal. Lawyers for the state said the troops went beyond protective duties, taking on policing roles such as setting up security perimeters, blocking traffic, and even detaining two people. They warned that siding with the administration would usher in a vast and unprecedented shift in the role of the military in our society. Administrations defense The Trump administration argued that the Posse Comitatus Act did not apply because troops were not enforcing immigration law directly but rather protecting federal agents and property. Administration lawyers said the Constitution permits presidents to use military forces in such cases and insisted that soldiers acted only when there were threats to federal personnel. Judges concerns Breyer noted during trial that evidence showed troops had engaged in crowd control and security operations during immigration raids, raising concerns about the broad discretion given to military commanders in deciding when to intervene. United States President Donald Trump is more than 20 minutes lates for his scheduled press conference amid health rumours. Internet users have begun posting memes about it while the world awaits his exciting announcement. Trump is Dead, Is Trump resigning were the trends over the last weeks on social media as many made speculation after his disappearance from press briefings since August 26. This also come amid his diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Also Read | Live Updates: Trump to announce US Space Command HQ move to Alabama Trump's administration is set to announce on Tuesday that US Space Command will be based in Alabama, overturning a Biden-era decision to maintain its temporary headquarters in Colorado, AP reported citing sources. A Pentagon website set up to livestream the remarks calls the event as a U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement", it said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned, The president will be making an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense." Also Read | Trump to announce US Space Command HQ move to Alabama: Report About Space Command location Space Command is responsible for operations such as supporting satellite-based navigation, facilitating troop communications, and providing missile launch warnings. Alabama and Colorado have competed for years to host Space Command due to the economic benefits it brings and the political significance attached to the decision. Leaders from both states have argued their location is more suitable. Huntsville, Alabama, known as Rocket City, has a longstanding connection to the space and defense industries. It hosts the Armys Redstone Arsenal, NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Armys Space and Missile Defense Command. The city earned its nickname for its early contributions to the US space program, including rocket development. In 2021, the Air Force selected Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the top choice for the permanent home of US Space Command. The decision followed evaluations of sites in six different states, considering factors like infrastructure, local support, and overall cost to the Defense Department. Former President Joe Biden in 2023 announced that Space Command would remain in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where it had been temporarily headquartered. His Democratic administration argued that staying in Colorado Springs would prevent any disruption to operational readiness. In the southern Caribbean, a powerful US naval buildup is underway off the coast of Venezuela. It includes three of the US Navys formidable 10,000-ton Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and an amphibious strike group centered on two huge 25,000-ton San Antonio-class warships carrying US Marines, helicopters and beach landing craft. The destroyers carry highly accurate 1,500-mile land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles; very sophisticated air defense and intelligence collection capability; and two multi-purpose helicopters each. The big amphibious ships can move their main battery a Marine Expeditionary Unit of 2,500 Marines ashore very quickly anywhere along the northern coast of South America. A nuclear-powered attack submarine may be operating in the area as well. Collectively, well over 4,000 sailors and Marines and at least half-a-dozen major warships are operating a thousand miles from the US in an area with dense commercial shipping, operating oil and gas platforms, fishing activity, and cruise ships.Why is this high-powered deployment occurring now, and what is its objective? Ostensibly, the forces are in place to conduct counter-narcotics operations, a worthy goal. Witness the reported destruction by the US military on Tuesday of a boat that Secretary of State Marco Rubio said had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization. But most drug shipments to the US move up the Pacific coast via the waters along the west coast of Central America from sources in the Andean Ridge. Many shipments go by air, which a naval flotilla would have little ability to interdict without an aircraft carrier. I know these counter-drug missions intimately from my time as the head of US Southern Command, the four-star combatant command headquartered in Doral, Florida, near the Miami International Airport. For over three years, I spent much of my time studying the complex patterns of drug movements and begging the Pentagon for the resources to stop them. What I learned is that defeating the drug runners isnt about high-tech offensive weapons or massive warships, and certainly not about Marines or nuclear submarines. It is about intelligence. The sea is vast, and the number of patrolling vessels constitute a tiny presence, even with their long-range radars and sonars. Think of patrolling the state of Texas with a half-dozen police cars and you get the idea. If the objective is stopping the flow of drugs, a better plan would be to increase the intelligence collection resources available to Southern Command, including sophisticated satellites and cell-phone intercepts, using its very modern command center in Doral as a data and intelligence fusion center. The US could also make better use of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South in Key West, a coalition of more than 20 national partners and US law enforcement and intelligence agencies. That may be the best way to assess intelligence and then deploy Coast Guard cutters to do the intercepts. The big, muscular naval flotilla can contribute through intelligence gathering; provide embarked helicopters and small boats; and give physical and logistical support at sea to interagency teams from the Coast Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration. But the big warships have another mission: to send a very clear message to the dictator of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro. Tomahawk missiles from destroyers or submarines cant do much against drug runners, but they can take out critical income-generating oil and gas infrastructure. US Marines arent going to take down drug-running high-speed boats a la Miami Vice, but they could be used against oil and gas platforms or Venezuelan military bases along the coast. Submarines and destroyers can sink Venezuelan warships and shoot down military aircraft. Maduro, who has a $50 million US bounty on his head and is deep into the narcotics trade according to US officials, is on the receiving end of this signal. I met Maduro during my time at Southern Command when he was the minister of foreign affairs. I read his biography and was unimpressed by his early job as a bus driver and union boss. When I met him at a neutral site during a regional conference in South America, he struck me as unlikely to have the drive or cunning to succeed his boss, the charismatic and clever Hugo Chavez. I underestimated him. That was in 2009. Today, he has not only consolidated complete control of Venezuela but has become a prominent thorn in the side of the US and many of his neighbors notably Guyana, which he regularly threatens to invade, and close US ally Colombia. The US deployment and the expressions of support for it by some of Venezuelas neighbors have triggered splenetic outbursts from Maduro, who says that the empire has gone mad and vows to defeat American imperialism. The US should continue to step up its fight against the narco-trafficking that provides oxygen to Venezuelas rotten regime and undermines the peace and prosperity of its neighbors. Some serious gunboat diplomacy that sends Maduro and the region a signal of both Americas capability and intent is a useful side dish to serve. Stavridis is dean emeritus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is on the boards of Aon, Fortinet and Ankura Consulting Group. Elsewhere in Bloomberg Opinion: Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. James Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, a retired US Navy admiral, former supreme allied commander of NATO, and vice chairman of global affairs at the Carlyle Group. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (September 2) that he is "very disappointed" in Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinted that his administration is planning measures aimed at reducing deaths in Russia's war in Ukraine. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump stated, I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that, and we will be doing something to help people live. Ukraine security and territorial talks Trump, who recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European and NATO leaders at the White House, said Washington would help guarantee Ukraines security in any negotiated settlement. He also reiterated that land-swapping and territorial adjustments would be central to any peace deal, despite Ukraines opposition to recognising any territory as Russian. Trilateral meeting prospects Trump expects a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin before a possible trilateral summit including himself. Zelensky has claimed that Russia is obstructing efforts to hold the meeting, while Moscow says the agenda has yet to be finalised. Sanctions and US military assurance The President renewed his threat to impose additional sanctions on Russia if progress toward a peaceful settlement stalls. Addressing concerns about a potential China-Russia axis against the US, Trump said, I am not concerned at all. We have the strongest military in the world, by far. They would never use their military on us. Believe me. Diplomatic context The comments come after Russian President Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping, who referred to Putin as his old friend. Xi and Putin also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose purchases of Russian oil have drawn criticism from Trump. Also Read | Putin says consensus possible on Ukraine security, reaffirms NATO red line Former US National Security Advisor and Trump aide John Bolton has strongly criticised the Presidents tariff policy, saying it has shredded decades of Western efforts to steer India away from its Soviet-era ties and counter the rising threat from China. John Bolton also accused Donald Trump of undermining hard-won strategic gains with his tariff policy, warning that it has given Chinas Xi Jinping fresh leverage to reshape the balance of power in the region. In a series of posts on X, Donald Trump said, The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to the Soviet Union/ Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy. Donald Trump's unwillingness to consider diplomatic moves in a larger strategic context has given Xi Jinping an opportunity to reset the East. His comments have come days after Donald Trump slapped 25 per cent tariffs on India, later imposing an additional 25 per cent for its businesses with Russia. Russia has been bombarding neighbouring Ukraine since February 2022 and Donald Trump has taken upon himself to end the war a reason why he has imposed additional tariffs on India. Who is John Bolton? John Bolton is a former American government official who served as national security adviser (2018-19) to Donald Trump in his first stint as US President. He later resigned from his position over differences with Trump on the administration's foreign policy at that time. New Delhi is facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which was supplemented by an additional 25 per cent due to New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude oil. Bolton's remarks followed the conclusion of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, during which Prime Minister Modi held bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. Peter Navarro, the White House trade advisor has once again attacked India, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China on Monday. Navarro said it was a shame to see PM Modi meeting Jinping and Putin. "It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed with Xi Jinping and Putin. I am not sure what he is thinking. We hope he comes around to seeing that he needs to be with us and not Russia," Navarro told reporters on 1 September. Navarro, White House Senior Counsellor for trade and manufacturing, has been attacked India while justifying US President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs and even described New Delhi as nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin. He even went on to say earlier that "Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people." Navarro's latest statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public shows of unity with Chinese and Russian leaders amid trade pressure from Washington. PM Modi was in China for a summit of more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries at the SCO summit on 31 August 31 and 1 September. Jinping, speaking at the Summit, pressed his vision for a new global security and economic order that prioritizes the "Global South," in a direct challenge to the US. Trump tariffs on India after it refused to stop buying Russian oil in defiance of his efforts to end Moscow's war in Ukraine have strained India-US relations in recent months. So, the images and vidoes of Putin, Jinping and PM Modi together at the SCO summit suggested bonhomie and solidarity. Who is Peter Navarro? Navarro, 76, has been criticising India while defending 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods coming into effect on 27 August. Last week, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, he called the Russia-Ukraine war Modis War and said, the road to peace in Ukraine runs at least partly right through New Delhi, while criticising Indias purchase of oil from Russia. In another post on X, Navarro shared portions of his article in theFinancial Timesin which he described Indias foreign policy as strategic freeloading and said Trump was confronting this madness. A Trump Loyalist It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed with Xi Jinping and Putin. Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has opposed granting more visas to Indian workers, claiming their immigration has significantly impacted American job opportunities. He urged prioritising domestic workers over foreign labour. In a post on the social media platform X, Kirk wrote, America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. Were full. Lets finally put our own people first. Claims on visa offer in India-US trade deal His remarks were in response to an X post by American television presenter Laura Ingraham, who claimed that any trade deal between India and the United States will require the Trump administration to grant more visas to Indians. Netizens react Several social media users reacted to Kirk's post; some agreed with his statement, while some slammed him. One user wrote, Blaming Indians wont solve Americas job problems. The real issue is policy, not people who come to work hard and contribute. Also Read | Kim Kardashian condemns US immigration raids at Venice awards ceremony Highlighting the situation of the American economy, another user noted, Big fan of yours ! But your argument ignores the reality of how the U.S. economy functions. Indian professionals particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering have not displaced American workers, theyve filled critical skill gaps that keep U.S. companies globally competitive and innovative. Many of the products and services Americans rely on daily exist because of this collaboration. The user added, Legal immigration is not a burden it is an investment. Skilled immigrants create jobs, pay taxes, and strengthen the economy rather than weaken it. Were full may sound like a slogan, but the facts show that without legal, skilled immigration, American innovation and growth would stall, and the talent would simply go elsewhere. But 600,000 Chinese students is fine? questioned another user. Sir: America has always benefited from Indians especially in Engineering, Technology, and other highly skilled fields where Indians contribute innovation, talent, and leadership, one of the users said. Donald Trump's trade advisor, Peter Navarro, sparked a row this week when he said Brahmins were profiteering from the Russian oil deal with India. Navarro alleged that Indian refiners purchase cheap Russian crude, process it, and then sell it abroad at a premium and even said that India is nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin. And what do we have to do as taxpayers? We have got to send them more money. You got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop, Trump's aide said in the interview with Fox News. The remarks were criticised largely in India, with many flagging the caste angle in the comments. Navarros Brahmin remark also unleashed a meme fest on social media. Some, however, suggested he was not refering to Indian Brahimins but to what many is US call Boston Brahmins. Puri's Criticism Officially, India responded to his criticism, with Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asserting that New Delhi did not violate any rule. Puri slammed Navarro laundromat remark and said New Delhi's Russian oil purchase since the Ukraine war has helped stabilise global markets and keep prices in check. Some critics allege that India has become a 'laundromat' for Russian oil. Nothing could be further from the truth, he wrote in an article forThe Hindunewspaper, without taking the name of Navarro. Brahmins are at the top of the pyramid in the Indian context. But they are not traditionally the business class in India. However, Brahmins is a common term in the US referring to rich business families. Bostons wealthy elite were once called the Boston Brahmins. This is exactly what Who are the Boston Brahmins? Before Navarro's comments, the term Boston Brahmins was also discussed during the episode involving Astronomers HR chief Kristin Cabot, who was seen cuddling with now-ex CEO Andy Byron at a Coldplay concert in July this year . Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, owner of Privateer Rum, and a descendant of the prestigious Cabot family, one of the oldest and wealthiest Boston Brahmin families in America. The Boston Brahmins is a term used to refer to a small, influential group of wealthy families in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States of America. The term is used for New Englands Anglo-Saxon elite descended from Puritan settlers. The community's influence came from wealth, education, and social standing and was oftenconsidered the aristocracy of the United States in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. While the Boston Brahmins were wealthy, they were also known for founding prominent educational institutes. One of the most famous institutions founded by Boston Brahmins is Harvard. The Boston Latin School, the first high school in the US, was also founded by the Boston Brahmins. The Origin of Boston Brahmins Poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. popularised the phrase in the 1860s. In the novel Elsie Venner, Holmes called Bostons elite families the Brahmin caste of New England. Holmes borrowed Brahmin from Indias highest caste, implying refinement, privilege, and authority. Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. In short, the Boston Brahmins were Americas version of a hereditary elitea small, powerful circle of families who are said to have shaped the cultural, political, and intellectual life of New England for centuries. The community's influence was rooted in old money, Ivy League education, Protestant values, and control of institutions. Prominent Boston Families Prominent 'Boston Brahmin' families included the Lowells, Cabots, Lodges, Adamses, and Winthrops. Some prominent Boston Brahmins include former US Presidents John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, Franklin Roosevelt, and the poet TS Eliot. Heavy rains have continued to lash parts of India, especially Uttarakhand, Haryana and Delhi-NCR, with forecasts warning of more downpours in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an alert for more showers in Haryana in the coming days and districts have asked its schools to remain closed today, September 2. Incessant rains over the past few days led to an increase in the water levels of some rivers, including the Yamuna on Monday, prompting authorities to open the floodgates of the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar district. In Gurugram, there is a prediction of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The Met department has forecast widespread rainfall, with heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places across Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh over the next 2436 hours. Delhi-NCR rains Intermittent rains lashed Delhi through Monday, September 1, with the weather department warning of more moderate to heavy downpours in the coming days. For Tuesday, September 2, the weather department has forecast a cloudy sky with moderate rain. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 31 and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively. An orange alert has also been issued in Gurugram. Today, from 3 pm to 7 pm, heavy rainfall of over 100 mm has been recorded in Gurugram City. Indian Meteorological Department in its forecast has issued Orange Alert: Heavy to very Heavy rainfall on 02-09-2025, an advisory issued by District Disaster Management Authority, Gurugram. Uttarakhand alerts In Uttarakhand, red and orange alerts have been issued as heavy rains trigger cloudbursts, flash floods, and other aftereffects. Multiple area of Uttarakhand has witnessed flashfloods triggered by cloudbursts, and landslides. For September 2, the Met office circulated an orange alert for very heavy to heavy rain at some places in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Bageshwar districts. Also Read | School Holiday on September 2: Schools to remain closed in THESE states tomorrow A red and orange alert has been issued for all districts in Uttarakhand for the next 3 days. CM Pushkar Dhami said, "Some of our districts are in red alert and some districts are in orange alert... The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial, and we all need to keep a close watch. Our entire district administration, NDRF, SDRF, all departments are on alert... We are also monitoring the Nanak Sagar Dam. It is flowing 5 feet below the danger level...," CM Dhami said on Sunday. Chandigarh rains Punjab is under the grip of massive floods, caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets due to heavy rain. After days of heavy rain in Chandigarh, authorities have ordered all schools in the city to remain closed on Tuesday. The decision was taken on Monday at a review meeting chaired by Mandip Singh Brar, Chief Secretary (in-charge), UT Chandigarh, to assess the citys response to the downpour. Chandigarh has recorded nearly 100 mm of rainfall since Sunday. Weather Highlights: Heavy rains continue to batter several parts of North India, particularly Uttarakhand, Haryana and Delhi-NCR, with forecasts warning of more showers in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for Haryana, where authorities have ordered schools to remain closed today, 2 September. Continuous downpours have pushed up water levels in several rivers, including the Yamuna, prompting officials to open the floodgates of the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar district. Gurugram is also expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall. According to the IMD, widespread rain is likely across Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh over the next 24 to 36 hours, with isolated places bracing for very heavy showers. Delhi, Gurugram brace for more rains; Orange Alert issued Intermittent showers drenched Delhi on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more moderate to heavy rain over the next few days. For today, the city is expected to see a cloudy sky accompanied by moderate rainfall. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31C, while the minimum may settle near 22C. Neighbouring Gurugram has been placed under an orange alert after witnessing intense rainfall on Monday afternoon. According to the District Disaster Management Authority, over 100 mm of rain was recorded in the city between 3 pm and 7 pm. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy showers in Gurugram on Tuesday. As many as 800 people died and over 2,500 were injured in eastern Afghanistan after a massive earthquake of 6.3 magnitude rattled the country and neighbouring Pakistan out of their sleep in the early hours of Monday. Rescuers continue digging through the rubble to save those buried beneath shattered homes, but with each passing hour, hopes of finding survivors are fading. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan just before midnight Sunday, with the worst of the destruction in Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. Around 800 are dead in just Kunar province. Hundreds are recovering in nearby hospitals. What do we know about Afghanistan earthquake? The Afghanistan earthquake epicentre was about 27 kilometres from Jalalabad. The USGS said the earthquake struck a shallow eight kilometres below the Earth's surface. Around 800 people were killed and 2,500 injured in Kunar alone, which was near the epicentre of the Afghanistan earthquake, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. The worst hit in Kunar province are Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara. Whole villages built of fragile mud and stone have crumbled Whole villages built of fragile mud and stone have crumbled, while landslides have blocked vital routes. Communication breakdowns have further crippled the rescue and relief efforts. At least 12 people were killed and 255 injured in neighbouring Nangarhar province, and 58 people were injured in Laghman province. Also Read | Videos capture chilling moments as earthquake kills over 800 in Afghanistan The death toll is expected to rise. How India, UK, others have come forward to help As the disaster struck Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and expressed condolences over the death of civilians in the tragedy. To help Afghanistan in their time of need, India dispatched tents and food material to the country, Jaishankar said. He added that more assistance will be sent to Afghanistan in the coming days. The death toll from Afghanistan earthquake is expected to rise. "Conveyed that India has delivered 1000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar," he said. WHO Afghanistan, the health agency of the United Nations, has deployed its teams in Afghanistan. Britain set out emergency funding support for those affected by the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. Britain's 1-million-pound assistance will be split between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Red Cross (IFRC) to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to Afghans. The UK remains committed to the people of Afghanistan, and this emergency funding will help our partners to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies to the most hard-hit, British foreign minister David Lammy said. Earthquake today: A fresh earthquake of 5.2 magnitude hit Afghanistan on Tuesday, 2 September, two days after a deadly quake killed at least 1,400 in the country and injured thousands of others. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the Afghanistan earthquake today was 34 kilometres (21 miles) northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province. It was not immediately clear whether there were deaths, injuries and damages due to the Afghanistan earthquake today. Afghanistan earthquake: Death toll crosses 1400 The death toll due to the Afghanistan earthquake on Sunday has risen to 1,411, according to figures released by the Taliban regime in the country. The number of injuries has increased to 3,124. As many as 5,412 houses have been destroyed. In locations where helicopters could not land, dozens of commando forces were air-dropped to pull the injured from the rubble and move them to safer ground, the Taliban government in Afghanistan said. Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, authorities said. A camp has been set up in the Khas Kunar district, where service and relief committees are coordinating supplies and emergency aid. Two centers have also been set up near the disaster site to oversee the transfer of the injured, the burial of the dead, and the rescue of survivors. Several countries have announced assistance, part of which has already been delivered to emergency relief committees for distribution to earthquake victims, authorities said. The United Nations has warned of an exponential rise in casualties, adding that the earthquake could impact hundreds of thousands of people. We think potentially the impacted individuals would go up to almost into the hundreds of thousands, said Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan. Also Read | Videos capture chilling moments as earthquake kills over 800 in Afghanistan The numbers are definitely going to increase There is no question that the casualty rate is going to be rather exponential, he added. The UN representative said that homes in the affected region were largely mud- and wooden-roof structures, so when the walls collapse the roof is what basically for the individuals kills them or suffocates them. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is travelling to Beijing in China today, September 2, to join 26 world leaders to witness the massive military parade in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also among the guests who would be attending the multilateral evening. Beijing today commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas fight against Japan's wartime aggressions. This is the first time Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin all key challengers of the United States are attending an event together. South Korean media reported Kim Jong Un's train was expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday after confirming its arrival in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Monday night. Kim's travel marks his first visit to China since 2019 and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power upon his father's death in late 2011. Vladimir Putin is already in China where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional summit. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russias TASS news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Putin and Kim on the sidelines was under consideration. THE PARADE AND SHOW OF UNITY Over 25 leaders are set to attend Wednesdays parade at Beijings Tiananmen Square, commemorating 80 years since World War II ended. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he has been seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. During the SCO Summit, Xi Jinping had on Monday had slammed the bullying behaviour from certain countries apparently a dig to the United States while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday morning Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. While during an interaction with President Vladimir Putin in China, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted on September 2 that his country respects Russia's relations with India but Islamabad wants to deepen ties with Moscow also. Our relations have only improved over the past many years. Thanks to your commitment and interest in many areas. I also intend to decisively strengthen our bilateral ties. I must say that we respect your relations with India. That is perfectly fine. But we also want to build very strong relations (with Russia). And these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the good and for the progress and prosperity of the region, Sharif told Putin. Russia and Pakistan are moving in the right direction: Sharif While expressing appreciation to Putin for backing Pakistan, which was seen as a balancing act in the region, Sharif called the Russian President as "a very dynamic leader". He added Russia and Pakistan are moving in the right direction, TASS news agency reported. According to state-run Radio Pakistan, Sharif mentioned that Pakistan was keen to further relations with Russia in trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges". It stated President Putin highlighted the positive growth in relations between the two nations and emphasised the significance of working together within organisations like the SCO, which can play a crucial role in maintaining regional and global security and stability. The leaders also talked about the situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, they shared perspectives on continued cooperation in multilateral forums and discussed longstanding global issues and disputes, including those related to Palestine and Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported. Sharif also agreed to Putin's invitation to visit Russia in November and attend a SCO event for heads of government, stating, I would be very happy to visit Russia. Both are in Tianjin to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and participate in a mega parade of the Chinese army on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese aggression. In a separate meeting in Beijing, Sharif also met with Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon, where both leaders conveyed their contentment with the continued collaboration between their countries across all areas of shared interest. Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday that the relationship between the two countries was at an "unprecedented level" during discussions in Beijing ahead of a large military parade. "Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese ties, which are currently at an unprecedented level," an AFP report quoted Putin's remarks to Xi. In recognition of the cooperation between the two countries during the war, Putin stated, "We were always together then, and we remain together now." This week, Xi has held numerous diplomatic meetings, including participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. The military parade on Wednesday marks 80 years since the end of World War II and will be attended by around two dozen world leaders. Geo-political tensions During the summit on Monday, the Chinese and Russian leaders criticised the West. Xi condemned what he called "bullying behaviour" from certain countries, indirectly referencing the United States. Meanwhile, Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive and accused the West of provoking the conflict. "China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes," Xi was quoted saying. He mentioned that Beijing wants to work with Moscow with the aim to "promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system". China on the Russia-Ukraine war China has never condemned Russia over the Ukraine war nor called for its withdrawal, and many of Kyiv allies believe Beijing has supported Moscow. It claims it is a neutral party, consistently calling for an end to the war while also accusing Western nations of prolonging the conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine. Xi and Putin stay in regular contact and spoke on a phone call last month. During the call, the Chinese leader expressed his satisfaction with Moscow and Washington making progress in their relations. In May, Xi visited Moscow for Russia's May 9 celebrations commemorating the defeat of the Nazis in the Second World War. During his visit in May, Xi said China and Russia "have continued to deepen political mutual trust and strategic cooperation... and injected valuable stability and positive energy into an international situation full of interwoven turmoil. " US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the Trump administration is reviewing actions against Russia due to the escalated airstrikes on Ukraine. He condemned Putin's actions and expressed confidence in US-India relations despite tensions over Russian oil purchases. Bessent cautioned that the US administration is re-evaluating its approach after Russia did not fulfil commitments made during recent significant meetings in Anchorage, Alaska, and a subsequent phone call with President Donald Trump. What did Scott Bessent say? Bessent dismissed PM Modi's engagement with Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "This is a longstanding meeting, it's called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and I think it's largely performative," Bessent said in an interview to Fox News at Martin's Tavern in Washington. Bessent proposed that, despite current tensions with New Delhi, Washington still maintains confidence in the long-term relationship. "I think at the end of the day, two great countries will get this solved. But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine," he said. Considering all possible options "I think everything's on the table. President Putin, since the historic meeting in Anchorage, since the phone call, when the European leaders and President Zelensky were at the White House the following Monday, has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated he wanted to do," the US Treasury Secretary said. "As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable, despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign. So I think with President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think we'll be examining those very closely this week," he added. Russia's latest attack on Ukraine Scott Bessent's remarks come after Russia intensified airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, including an attack on Kyiv last week. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia launched two large-scale attacks last week. On Friday, Zelenskyy posted on X that a Russian strike on a residential building in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district resulted in 22 deaths, including four children. "I paid tribute to the memory of those killed at the site where a Russian ballistic missile struck a residential building. This horrific strike claimed the lives of 22 people, including 4 children, the youngest of whom was not even three years old. My condolences to all their families and loved ones," Zelensky said. Also Read | At SCO summit in China, Putin defends Ukraine invasion He further claimed that the Russian strike on Kyiv that night resulted in 23 deaths and 53 injuries, with the fate of eight individuals still uncertain. "In total, that night the Russians killed 23 people in Kyiv. The fate of eight people still remains unknown, and 53 others were injured. All of them have received the necessary assistance. I am grateful to the first responders, police officers, doctors, nurses, and all municipal and emergency services - to everyone involved in helping people," he said. Zelensky called on the global community to ensure Russia is held "accountable" for the attack. He criticised Moscow for relying on "ballistics" rather than diplomacy. When elephants make love, the grass gets trampled too, observed Singapores Lee Kuan Yew, riffing off a Kenyan saying that the grass gets trampled when elephants fight. When India and China declared their readiness to cooperate at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Tianjin, imagery was evoked of an elephant and dragon getting ready to dance. If such an implied transformation of our bilateral relationship takes place, it could well work in favour of businesses in both countries. While the leaders of both exchanged warm words, differences remainespecially over our mutual border. According to Chinas Xi Jinping, we should not wait for the settlement of territorial disputes to jointly address major development challenges, including those arising from trade uncertainty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not dispute this, but made it clear that an unsettled border cannot but cast its shadow over common efforts. Another area of divergence is terror. While Modi stressed the need for the SCO to clearly disavow and combat terror, Chinas backing of Pakistan could be taken as a lack of commitment on Beijings part. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Can Indias China drift cure Americas myopia? Still, there is much that India, China and the world stand to gain from the two Asian giants working together, not just bilaterally but alongside other Brics members. Once we have a reasonable assurance of stability at the border, both New Delhi and Beijing could ease norms for bilateral trade and investment. While prospects of gains may tempt visions of an economic tango, we must not have our toes stepped upon or key interests scorched. We cannot expose our vital infrastructure to the risk of sabotage that may arise if we use Chinese equipment and software in our power grid, financial network, health system, database management and dashboards that control everything from traffic lights and railway signals to air traffic and water sluice gates. Also Read: Its time for Indias export strategy to converge its US and China tracks Moves in world affairs would call for both sides to be especially nimble. An agenda could conceivably emerge from a shared view of challenges arising from the US giving up its post-World War II role as the under-pinner of global security, trade and financial arrangements. As a champion of the Global South, Brics could work to preserve the multilateral trade system, complete with a device to resolve disputes, now that the US has chosen to secede from it. Also Read: Devina Mehra: Why the US plays fast and loose with India but not China The policies of US President Donald Trump have shaken the dollars credibility as a global currency. While its hegemony may endure, Brics could promote a stablecoin pegged to the value of the IMFs unit of account, the SDR, backed by holdings of dollar, euro, yen and other assets to satisfy US norms under its new law for digital currencies. This could be used for intra-Brics settlements to begin with. Together with a Brics reinsurance arm and clearing house, this framework could offer the world a useful option. Even if the West stays suspicious of anything with China behind it, proposals backed by India might appeal not just to the Global South, but also to US allies reeling under the shock of a White House that doesnt seem to have the word cooperation in its dictionary. After Indias April-June GDP outperformance, we have a fresh data reading that suggests Indian factories have lost no momentum in the quarter thats underway. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released on Monday shows a rise to 59.3 in August, the highest in more than 17 years. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Indian factories are bustling with orders While the past few months have logged readings in the high 50s, well above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction, a level near 60 points to factories bustling with orders. The growth pace of overseas orders slowed last month, but remains strong in the context of trade turmoil. Also Read: Thriving amid chaos: Indias GDP uptick is good news but the hard part comes now Meanwhile, a separate PMI measurement for China showed a fifth-consecutive month of sub-50 readings. Much of Asia has been bruised by US tariffs, including China, despite Beijing having struck a trade deal with Washington. Indias export exposure to the US is far less and that means domestic demand is a heavier driver of economic growth. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Can Indias China drift cure Americas myopia? That said, the impact of US action lies ahead of us. Efforts to diversify our export markets are underway, but the need for robust festive season sales cant be overemphasized. A boom would stand out on the world map of big markets. At first glance, Indias sprawling microfinance industry with more than 3.35 trillion in assets and 110 million loan accounts would seem to be an unlikely victim of the punitive 50% tariff imposed by the US on imports from India. Yet its fate is closely tied to the countrys 63 million-odd micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of export-heavy sectors now under pressure. Also Read | Spooked by Trump tariffs, MSMEs seek swift rollout of export intelligence portal Tariff shock The US, Indias largest export market, has slapped a 50% duty on imports ranging from textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear to shrimps and fisheries. These are precisely the industries that employ millions of micro borrowers. With export orders drying up and factories slashing production, MSMEs face layoffs and closures a direct threat to microfinance institutions that depend on their repayment cycles. The exposure is stark: 80% of Indias shrimp exports head to the US, almost 90% of solar module exports, a third of textiles, apparel and gems, plus $17 billion of engineered goods such as auto parts. While US exports make up just 2% of Indias GDP, Goldman Sachs pegs the actual hit at around 0.6%, thanks to exemptions on sectors like pharma and electronics. S. Mahendra Dev, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, admitted the bigger risk lies in jobs, not growth. India has an estimated 63.39 million unincorporated, non-agriculture MSMEs, according to ministry data. Micro units account for over 99% of them, with half based in rural India. Together, they provide 110 million jobsover a quarter to women. Despite the looming threat, the governments response so far lacks urgency. While it has promised support to exporters, discussions with financial institutions, possible GST tweaks and quicker refunds, timelines remain unclear. Market diversification efforts are underway, but MSMEs need immediate help to prevent closures and layoffs. Pandemic playbook While new trade partnerships and market diversification are important, what India needs right now is urgent interventionsimilar to the measures deployed during Covid shutdowns and supply chain disruptionsto keep factories running and jobs intact. Policymakers dont need to reinvent the wheel. Reworking pandemic-era playbooks could help cushion the blow. The government can start by identifying vulnerable exporterstraceable through HSN codes in trade dataand rolling out targeted support so that small manufacturers not only stay afloat but also avoid mass layoffs while they retool products and seek new buyers. One option is to revive the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme. The caps and tenure can be shorter, but the credit could be tied to payroll retention, ensuring that firms maintain a high share of their pre-tariff workforce. Exporter associations have also sought interest subvention, which could be tied to headcount retention. Similarly, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana, under which the government paid employer and employee provident fund contributions for establishments with fewer than 1,000 staff, could be reactivated to reduce payroll costs while protecting workers. Relief could be targeted at vulnerable export hubs like Tiruppurs garment belt, Moradabads brassware industry and Surats gem and jewellery hub. Covid-style loan moratoriums can also be revived on a shorter horizon. Also Read | India has to build its strength to sail tariff waters Covid schemes helped MSMEs stay afloat, save jobs and ensure liquidity. With tweaks, they can again cushion the tariff shock. But liquidity alone wont suffice. Long-term resilience demands diversifying export markets and moving up the value chainso Indian producers are not trapped in the low-margin, cost-sensitive segments most vulnerable to global shocks. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday levelled allegations against Congress leader Pawan Khera, accusing him of possessing two active voter identity cards registered in separate constituencies of the national capital Delhi. In response, Khera said that this is exactly the issue that his Congress party has been highlighting while raising questions about the Election Commission's work. Amid a row that erupted over alleged vote theft, Malviya alleged Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi had enlisted herself in India's voter list even before becoming an Indian citizen an old claim that has not been verified or substantiated by the poll panel yet. "Rahul Gandhi screamed "Vote Chori" from the rooftops. But just like he forgot to mention that his mother, Sonia Gandhi, enlisted herself in India's voter list even before becoming an Indian citizen, it has now emerged that Pawan Khera, Congress spokesperson--who never misses a chance to flaunt his proximity to the Gandhis holds two active EPIC numbers (in Jangpura and New Delhi Assembly Constituencies, falling under East Delhi and New Delhi Lok Sabha seats respectively)," Malviya said in a post on X on Tuesday Congress had earlier mocked Malviya's Sonia Gandhi claim, terming it a good photoshop Rahul Gandhi's Vote Chori The BJP leader reminded that the Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi hasn't submitted a formal complaint into his allegations of "vote chori." Gandhi has accused Election Commission of colluding with the BJP in 2024 general elections by manipulating votes. Responding to Malviya's claims, Khera said that this is exactly the issue that his party is highlighting and raising questions about the workings of the Election Commission of India. Also Read | Tejashwi Yadav says EC helping BJP leaders with 2 voter cards in Bihar Khera also demanded CCTV footage to investigate who was being made to cast a vote from the New Delhi constituency in his name. He asked ECI why his name was still on the list, even though he had followed all the procedures to delete it. The Congress leader claimed that hundreds and thousands of such errors exist every constituency of India and that the ECI is legitimising such errors through Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) in voter list in poll-bound Bihar. Exactly what Congress is saying: Khera This is exactly what the Congress party is saying. This is the question that we are raising regarding the working of the Election Commission...This list is available with the BJP leaders as well as EC. Congress keeps asking for the list but never gets it, I would like to know from the Election Commission who is being made to cast a vote from the New Delhi constituency in my name. I want the CCTV footage," Khera told news agency ANI. Khera said he shifted from the New Delhi in 2016 and followed the procedure to get his name deleted from there. "But why is my name still there? This is what Rahul Gandhi has been challenging since 7th August till date...There are hundreds and thousands of such names in every constituency of India. These are being misused...Under SIR, they are legitimising such errors. So, we are objecting to the SIR as it is taking place right now..." he asked Google has debunked claims about sending an emergency warning to all Gmail users. The tech giant, in a blog post on Tuesday, stated that 'Gmails protections are strong and effective,' while calling the reports of a major security breach entirely false. Also Read | Google DeepMind Chief Scientist says AI already surpasses humans in most tasks We want to reassure our users that Gmails protections are strong and effective. Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false, the company wrote in a blog post. While its always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users, the company added. While the company did not specifically mention the reports it was referring to, it is clear that the issue was indeed related to multiple reports claiming that a warning had been issued to all 2.5 billion users of Gmail regarding a phishing attack following the recent Salesforce breach. Google had itself informed about the phishing attack in a blog post in June and later, in an update on August 8, noted that it had completed notifying all users affected by the incident. This seems to have been misconstrued in the reports as an incident of Google sending a warning to all Gmail users. Our teams invest heavily, innovate constantly, and communicate clearly about the risks and protections we have in place. Its crucial that conversation in this space is accurate and factual, Google cautioned in its blog post. Google also took the opportunity to inform users about the need to step away from passwords to alternatives like Passkeys for a more secure experience. OpenAI has confirmed that conversations on ChatGPT that indicate a risk of serious physical harm to others may be reviewed by human moderators and, in extreme cases, referred to the police. The company outlined these measures in a recent blog post explaining how the AI handles sensitive interactions and potential safety risks. Rules for self-harm and threats to others Claiming that ChatGPT is designed to provide empathetic support to users experiencing distress, OpenAI stressed that its safeguards differentiate between self-harm and threats to others. For users expressing suicidal intent, the AI directs them to professional resources such as 988 in the US or Samaritans in the UK, but does not directly escalate these cases to law enforcement to protect privacy. By contrast, when a user expresses intent to harm someone else, the conversation is routed to a specialised review pipeline. Human moderators trained in the companys usage policies examine the chat, and if they identify an imminent threat, OpenAI may alert authorities. Accounts involved in such incidents can also be banned. Weaknesses in long conversations? The company acknowledged that its safety mechanisms are more reliable in short exchanges. In long or repeated conversations, the safeguards can degrade, potentially allowing responses that conflict with safety protocols. OpenAI said it is strengthening these protections to maintain consistency across multiple interactions and to prevent gaps that could increase risk. In addition to managing threats of harm, OpenAI is working on ways to intervene earlier for other risky behaviours, such as extreme sleep deprivation or unsafe stunts, by grounding users in reality and guiding them toward professional help. The company is also developing parental controls for teen users and exploring mechanisms to connect users to trusted contacts or licensed therapists before crises escalate. Kaiden Bates, one of the Kappa Sigma pledges who said he planned self-immolation, water torture and other incidents, is pictured with Phillip J. Clapp, also known as Johnny Knoxville in the television show "Jackass," in Clapp's mother's home. Bates said Clapp and other social media stunt videos were inspirations growing up, and he had always participated in stunts leading up to the self-burning that led to the pledges' hospitalizations. Irish exporters are set to continue to be negatively impacted by the changing trading relationship with the United States. Tanaiste Simon Harris is understood to have delivered that message to the Irish Cabinet following the conclusion of the trade agreement between the US and the European Union. A 15% tariff has been in effect since August 7, while the previous 10% tariff will apply to goods that are already in transit or have been warehoused for consumption before August 7 until October 5, 2025. Mr Harris is believed to have told his ministerial colleagues that while the Framework Agreement finally provides some more certainty, Irish exporters will continue to be negatively impacted. Irelands intention now is now to assess if further improvements can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters including spirits and medical devices. The countrys exports were 75.4 billion euro (65.59 billion) from January to June 2025, some 41.7 billion euro (36.27 billion) higher than for the same period in 2024. Mr Harris indicated to Cabinet that Ireland has exported more in the first six months of what was exported in the entire year of 2024 (73 billion euro/63.50 billion). This indicates significant exports were brought forward in the first quarter of 2025 to get ahead of the introduction of unspecified reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile imports for January to June 2025 remain broadly aligned with the previous year. As a result of stable imports and the surge in exports from January to March, the trade surplus with the US is understood to have increased from 22.4 billion euro (19.48 billion) to 64.4 billion euro (56.01 billion) for the first half of the year, higher than the 50 billion euro (43.48 billion) trade surplus for the entire of 2024. Almost all of this increase is thought to have been due to pharmaceuticals, with exports of pharma products significantly ramped up in January to 10.1 billion euro (8.78 billion), increasing to an extremely high 23.4 billion euro (20.35 billion) for the month of March 2025 before falling back to 7.9 billion euro (6.87 billion) in April and nine billion euro (7.83 billion) in May, and declining very sharply to 2.9 billion euro (2.52 billion) in June. The Tanaiste is understood to have outlined his view that the forthcoming Irish Budget must take measures to help businesses who are facing uncertain economic times. Are you and your classmates Christmas FM fans? Can you imagine the excitement of being the stars of the launch of Christmas FM this year? Well one very lucky primary school class will get the chance to do just that! Christmas FM, the festive radio station that raises funds for charity, has unveiled its Switch Christmas On competition which offers one lucky class the opportunity to mark Christmas FMs exciting return to the airwaves later this year! Read more: INTERVIEW | Amble member Ross McNerney about his Longford beginnings and band The winning class will star in the official Christmas FM 2025 photoshoot, where Christmas FM will come to your school and let your class take the spotlight. On launch day, the winning class will countdown the station returning to the airwaves. Our inaugural winners Third Class at St. Saviours National School in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow enjoyed their moment to shine in 2024, recording their countdown and capturing all the fun and excitement of the day. The competition is open to primary school classes nationwide (terms and conditions apply) and closes at 10am on Monday, 22nd September. To be in with a chance to win this unforgettable opportunity, teachers and schools can apply here https://christmasfm.com/switchchristmason/. Christmas FM is also delighted to announce its pledge to continue its fundraising appeal, The Magic of Christmas. Thanks to the kind donations made by the wonderful Christmas FM listeners, the initiative successfully reached its fundraising target of 1,000,000 between 2022 and 2024 for charity partners Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of childrens charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland. The Magic of Christmas appeal is now continuing with the same childrens charity partners, and an aim to raise over 1,000,000 in the next three years. The funds raised will help vulnerable children in our communities who are living with the impact of poverty, abuse, neglect, or bereavement, and will also support children whose lives are affected by serious illness. By giving to The Magic of Christmas, youll be making a real difference bringing hope, care, and vital support to those who need it most. Since it began broadcasting 18 years ago, Christmas FM has raised over 4 million for a range of charities. By continuing The Magic of Christmas appeal, Christmas FM aims to build on this fundraising success and continue raising awareness of its charity partners vital work. Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, said: At Christmas FM, its never too early for festive fun and were bursting with excitement to Switch Christmas On with the help of one extraordinary primary school class this year. Its an unforgettable prize, and we cant wait to see which class will grab the spotlight and kick off the festive season in style! Were also delighted to be continuing our partnership with Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of childrens charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland as part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal. We know we can count on our incredible Christmas FM listeners to support these charities and help us reach our target of over 1,000,000 in the next three years to make a difference for children who need it most. Commenting on The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal, the charity partners jointly said: Since the launch of The Magic of Christmas initiative in 2022, the funds raised have made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of children across Ireland, and we are delighted to be a part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal again for the next three years. Such a positive impact is made on the lives of children and their families, thanks to the help of Christmas FM listeners. With the funds raised, we can ensure that those who need it most will experience the Gift of Childhood this Christmas, because every child deserves magic at Christmas. Read more:Longford/Roscommon Garda Youth Awards next week will 'celebrate outstanding young people' While Christmas FM returns to the airwaves on 28th November (subject to licence), it will also be online from November 1st, serving up a feast of merry tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit whether youre in Ireland or jingling all the way from across the globe. IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir (far left) speaks with reservists on September 2. (IDF) Israel is preparing to widen its offensive in Gaza to take over parts of Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is calling up 60,000 soldiers as part of the preparations for extended fighting. The latest push builds on the operation Israel began in May, dubbed Gideons Chariots, which saw the IDF take over around 70 percent of Gaza. IDF head Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir used the 70 percent figure most recently in a discussion with Israels cabinet on August 31. On September 2, Zamir spoke with IDF reservists who have returned to duty. We are going to increase and enhance the strikes of our operation, and that is why we called you. The IDF does not offer anything less than decisive victory. We will not stop the war until we defeat this enemy, he said. The IDF has been preparing for the upcoming battle by repairing armored vehicles and gearing up assistance for reservists and their families. Israels reserve system has been strained by multiple call-ups during the war. Zamir delivered his comments in a speech at the Naschonim base in Israel, where the IDF chief met with the commander of the 99th Division, Brigadier General Yoav Brunner, and the commander of the IDFs 11th Infantry Reserve Brigade. The 11th Brigade has previously operated in Gaza during the 22-month war that began with Hamass attack on October 7, 2023. It fought in Gaza City in December 2023 and was later deployed to northern Israel during fighting with Hezbollah. The 99th Division has been responsible for holding areas in the Netzarim Corridor over the last year and a half. Most recently, it has fought in Zeitoun, a neighborhood near Gaza City that the Israeli military has taken seven times during the war. The IDF said on September 2 that over the past month, in a joint activity of the 99th Division and the ISA [Israel Security Agency], dozens of terrorists who operated to carry out terrorist activities against IDF troops in the northern and central Gaza Strip were eliminated. In his September 2 speech, Zamir told reservists that the IDF is entering places it has not entered throughout the war, an apparent reference to areas of Gaza City that the military never operated in despite multiple raids in and around the city. The IDF head made these comments after several reports in Israeli media outlets depicted tensions rising between him and members of the Security Cabinet of Israel. The reports of a disagreement also come amid continued protests and demands in Israel for a hostage deal. IDF reservists are arriving at their units after the school year began in Israel on September 1 and almost two weeks after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved plans for the takeover of Gaza City. The IDF continues daily operations in Gaza. For instance, it eliminated Hamas spokesperson Hudahaifa al Kahlout, better known as Abu Obeida, on Saturday. On August 31, the IDF also said it had recovered the bodies of two hostages, Ilan Weiss and Idan Shtivi, and announced the death of a soldier who fell in fighting in southern Gaza. Humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza. On September 1, the IDF said that 170 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations, while the contents of several hundred more remain on the Gazan side of the crossings, awaiting collection. On September 2, the IDF added, Over the past day, more than 320 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings. The IDFs daily announcements about the amount of aid entering Gaza come as humanitarian relief groups have warned of a famine in the territory. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said in an emailed statement on September 2 that it had distributed 1.5 million meals. The group has provided 150 million meals since it began operations in late May. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). A Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg unlawfully fired Shannon OBrien as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission and ordered that OBrien immediately be reinstated to the job. Goldberg suspended OBrien as the commissions chairperson in September 2023. She fired her in September 2024 after considering two outside investigations and about 19 hours of private meetings held last summer. OBrien contested Goldbergs claims of gross misconduct through Suffolk Superior Court and was successful in her appeal of the treasurers firing. The question before the Court is not whether [OBrien] was abrasive, boorish, inconsiderate, ill-tempered, imprudent and/or otherwise unreasonable either in actuality or in the reasonable estimation of the Treasurer," Judge Robert Gordon wrote in his decision. Those are simply not grounds that clear the high bar for removal set by the terms of the statute. Rather, he wrote, the question at hand was whether Goldbergs decision properly applied the legal standards to remove OBrien gross misconduct and being unable to discharge the powers and duties of her office and whether it was supported by substantial evidence. On any fair reading of the facts, and any proper application of the law, the decision fails on both counts, Gordon wrote. The judge said OBrien is entitled to reinstatement for the remainder of her statutory appointment, and to an award of back pay and benefits running from the date of her unlawful termination. OBriens term as chair of the CCC was set to run through Aug. 31, 2027. Among the allegations Goldberg cited in firing OBrien were that the former chairwoman made rude and disrespectful comments, remarks, statements, and presumptions to Commission staff and colleagues that were or were perceived to be race-based or, at minimum, to be racially, ethnically, and culturally insensitive. Goldberg also said OBrien contributed to a hostile work environment with the way she treated or bullied, according to Goldberg former CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, a one-time Goldberg deputy. OBrien contended that Goldberg appointed her to be a change agent at an agency in need of a shakeup, that she was met with insubordination and hostility from the staff, and that her relationship with Goldberg soured when she raised the idea of removing Collins. Joe Baerlein, a spokesperson for OBrien, said she plans to return to her job at the CCC. Her work as Chair of the CCC has been focused on fixing the management problems of the agency, bringing opportunities to people of color and women in the cannabis industry, and restoring the integrity of the CCC for the benefit of the taxpayers, Baerlein said. Acknowledging the challenges of that mission, given the recent reports by the State Inspector General and State Auditor, Chair OBrien is pleased to have her good name restored and looks forward to working with CCC Executive Director Travis Ahearn and her fellow CCC commissioners in fulfilling the intent of the Legislature when it created the CCC. In a statement, Goldberg said she thinks Gordons ruling is wrong. Her office said it is reviewing the judges decision and determining its next steps. I dont think, under any circumstance, the kind of behavior Chair OBrien demonstrated should be tolerated. I do not accept that harassment and bullying are just trivial issues in the workplace, Goldberg said. Frankly, we think this judge got it wrong. In June, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously to entirely overhaul the CCC in part due to the perception of it as an ineffective regulator and as an organization beset with personnel conflicts and scandals. The overhaul would also eliminate Goldbergs power to appoint the CCC chair, leaving all appointments to the governor. Nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention penned an opinion piece in the New York Times to slam Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday. Former directors Dr. William Foege, Dr. William Roper, Dr. David Satcher, Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, Dr. Tom Frieden, Dr. Rochelle Walensky and Dr. Many Cohen, along with former acting directors Dr. Richard Besser and Dr. Anne Schuchat, wrote the op-ed. What the health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has done to the CDC and to our nations public health system over the past several months culminating in his decision to fire Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC director days ago is unlike anything we had ever seen at the agency and unlike anything our country had ever experienced, the former directors wrote in the op-ed, titled We Ran the CDC: Kennedy is Endangering Every Americans Health. Less than a month after she was confirmed to lead the health agency, the Trump administration fired Monarez. Other CDC officials have resigned over disagreements with the administrations vaccine policy, CBS News reported. The former CDC directors criticized Kennedys firing of thousands of health workers and for severely [weakening] programs designed to protect Americans from cancer, heart attacks, strokes, lead poisoning, injury, violence, and more. He canceled investments in promising medical research that will leave us ill-prepared for future health emergencies, the former directors wrote. He replaced experts on federal health advisory committees with unqualified individuals who share his dangerous and unscientific views ... And he championed federal legislation that will cause millions of people with health insurance through Medicaid to lose their coverage. Firing Dr. Monarez which led to the resignations of top CDC officials adds considerable fuel to this raging fire," the authors continued. With Monarez gone, the former CDC directors said they worried that Kennedys decisions would put the countrys health security at risk. They used Operation Warp Speed, which produced highly effective and safe vaccines that saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an example of when the CDC relies on data-driven insights for the protection of all Americans. The former directors called on Congress to act and use its authority over Kennedys department, and asked local governments to fill in funding gaps when they can. Philanthropy and the private sector must step up their community investments, they wrote. Medical groups must continue to stand up for science and truth. Physicians must continue to support their patients with sound guidance and empathy. And each of us must do what public health does best: look out for one another. On Saturday, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, also wrote an op-ed in the New York Times calling on Kennedy to resign. He has called the COVID-19 vaccines the deadliest ever made despite findings cited by the [World Health Organization] that COVID shots saved over 14 million lives throughout the world in 2021 alone, Sanders wrote. Secretary Kennedy is putting Americans lives in danger, and he must resign, Sanders said later in his opinion piece. In his place, President Trump must listen to doctors and scientists and nominate a health secretary and a CDC director who will protect the health and well-being of the American people, not carry out dangerous policies based on conspiracy theories. Tom Hanks, left, and Robin Wright arrive at the AFI Fest premiere of "Here" on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Award-winning American actor, Robin Wright, best known for her roles in House of Cards and Forrest Gump, has moved to the United Kingdom, where she says she has found a peaceful and liberating lifestyle. In an interview with The Times, Wright spoke about what its been like living and working in the U.K., particularly in the Chilterns. I love being in this country. Theres a freedom of self here. People are so kind, Wright told the publication. Theyre living. Theyre not in the car in traffic, panicked on a phone call, eating a sandwich. Thats most of America. Everythings rush, competition and speed. She offered a stark comparison, stating that America is a s--- show but did not expand on what this meant. The comment came after Wright told the journalist she wanted to avoid discussing real-life politics. Wright said she has relocated to a home where she listens to birds in the morning instead of the sounds of construction from her neighbors home renovations, which she often heard from her oceanfront home in California. Everyones building a huge house and Im just done with all that I love the quiet, she told The Times. In addition to her iconic roles in Forrest Gump as Jenny Curran and Claire Underwood in the thriller series House of Cards, Wright has also worked behind the camera, directing episodes of the Netflix show Ozark and the film Land. Wright fans can also look forward to seeing her in a new psychological thriller, The Girlfriend, where she stars and also directs episodes which are based on the novel by Michelle Frances. The show is about a mother whose seemingly perfect life unravels when she views her sons new girlfriend as suspicious. The six-episode series is set to be released on Amazon Prime on Wednesday, Sept. 10 according to Amazons website. All episodes will be available at once. HubSpot was one of those startups that showed Boston entrepreneurs that success was possible. Founded in 2006 by two friends who met at MITs business school, the company rode the boom in blogging, Google searches, and social media to an initial public offering in 2014. Today, it has a stock market value of about $25 billion, making it one of Massachusetts biggest software companies. This week, the company holds its annual conference, Inbound and for the first time ever, its in San Francisco rather than Boston. Speakers include Amy Poehler from Parks and Rec, Colin Jost from Saturday Night Live, and Sean McDowell from the YouTube series Hot Ones, along with more tech-focused names like Dario Amodei, chief executive of the artificial intelligence startup Anthropic. The event attracts about 13,000 people, according to HubSpot chief marketing office Kipp Bodnar. Its a good time to ask two key questions about HubSpot, which sells software that helps small and medium-sized companies communicate with their customers and prospective customers across their websites, email and social media. The companys 2024 revenue hit $2.6 billion. 1. What does it mean to be headquartered in Massachusetts these days? HubSpots headquarters address remains First Street in East Cambridge, across from the Lechmere MBTA stop. But a lot of things started to change in 2023. In January of that year, the company announced that it would be opening up a San Francisco office. Immediately after that, it announced that a San Francisco-based executive, Yamini Rangan, would be taking over as CEO from HubSpot co-founder Brian Halligan, who lives in Boston. And later that month, the companys footprint in Cambridge got smaller as it announced it was shedding about 500 employees globally, and consolidating its Massachusetts employees from two buildings into one. Over the past few years, HubSpots senior leadership team has also become less Massachusetts-centric, and more spread across the country. Of the dozen people in the companys top ranks, half are based in Boston, four in San Francisco, one in Seattle, and one in Chicago, according to LinkedIn. The companys board meeting alternates between Boston and San Francisco each quarter, Bodnar said. In the years before the COVID pandemic, Bodnar said, most HubSpot employees showed up at offices in Cambridge or Dublin, Ireland, the companys European outpost. Since then, he said, the company has really turned into a true global business and culture. You have a huge European presence in Dublin, meaningful offices in London and Paris and Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo. And in the U.S., we have a major presence in Boston thats the core east coast anchor and a really vibrant San Francisco office now. Bodnar said that while Cambridge remains the companys largest office, only about a third of the companys employees tend to work from any office on a regular basis. (One-third are completely work-from-home, and one-third are a hybrid of work-from-home with occasional office visits.) Theres no set schedule for employees to be in the office, he said. I live in Newton, but Im not in the office every day partially because getting from Newton to Cambridge is horrible. In a given month, you might be more likely to see me in the San Francisco office, since Bodnar said many of the colleagues he collaborates with are based there. Holding the companys annual conference, Inbound, in San Francisco this week isnt a permanent move, Bodnar said: The plan is that will be in Boston in 2026. In a 2013 interview, Halligan, the co-founder who still serves on HubSpots board, told me, We want to build an anchor company here, something our grandkids will be proud of. Boston needs it. (Halligan served as chair of the HubSpot board until this past May, when a former eBay exec based in Silicon Valley, Lorrie Norrington, took over.) A dozen years later, its less clear what the economic and employment impact is of having an anchor company headquartered in any given city, if its hiring happens around the world and people can work from home. On HubSpots job postings page, only three current openings are posted as tied to the Cambridge headquarters office, all related to software engineering; 116 are listed as open to remote workers. (And even those three jobs in Cambridge are open to remote applicants, too, according to a company spokesperson.) 2. How well will HubSpot navigate the shift to AI? For the past few years, HubSpot executives have been unveiling new artificial intelligence features, now called Breeze Copilot. Like other AI copilots, it can sometimes be helpful in drafting social posts or emails, but on other occasions, it instructs you how to do things manually in the software, rather than taking care of it for you. My main thought on HubSpots AI is that its a huge challenge to integrate it seamlessly into their existing platform after all these years, says Jeanne Hopkins, a former HubSpot vice president. Its easier for newer companies. Doug Levin, a one-time advisor to HubSpot, says that the companys AI retrofitting will certainly drive growth but some of that growth may come from acquiring AI startups and plugging them into HubSpots existing offerings. (A handful of AI startups in the Boston area focused on sales, marketing, and customer service, including Maven AGI, Day AI, and Agency AI, have been founded by ex-HubSpot employees.) Bodnar said that one of the announcements at this weeks conference will be personalized emails crafted by AI, which are more likely to generate a sale than a generic message. But AI is not only changing what customers expect of HubSpots software, its also changing how things are marketed and sold online. Bodnar said that the average marketer is a little bit in the trough of despair these days, because less traffic is arriving at their websites as a result of instant AI answers delivered by search engines like Google and Perplexity. As sites get less of that organic traffic, theyre either sending out more emails which can aggravate email recipients or paying more to advertise. There needs to be a new way of doing marketing, Bodnar said, adding that the company would release new product features at the Inbound conference, including ways to use AI to generate advertising and marketing content. We have probably the most ambitious slate of products weve ever launched, he said. HubSpot shareholders will be watching closely: while the companys stock price has risen 72% over the last five years, in 2025 it is down 30%. After the Supreme Court ruled that a federal judge didnt have jurisdiction to restore hundreds of grants from the National Institutes of Health, the judge apologized in a Tuesday pre-trial conference. It is incumbent upon me to, on the record here, to apologize to Justices [Neil] Gorsuch and [Brett] Kavanaugh if they think that anything this court has done has been done in defiance of a precedential action of the Supreme Court of the United States, said Judge William Young. He went on to say that he didnt intend to go against the Supreme Court and that no other judge in any other court has thought he defied higher orders throughout the over 40 years he has served in judicial office. I stand corrected and those justices and the entire court can be assured that this court will absolutely obey ... the precedential decisions of the Supreme Court as I have done and tried to do throughout all of my judicial service, Young said. Young provided his thoughts during a Tuesday pre-trial conference, which was intended to discuss logistics for a September 15 trial and to address whether NIH grant applications may proceed. A recess was taken following Youngs remarks as the attorneys for both sides met. What happened between Young and the Supreme Court? In June, Young ordered that the National Institutes of Healths directives were unlawful. Those grants were cut over disfavored topics and populations, including diversity, equity and inclusion. He also ordered the Trump administration to restore hundreds of grants from NIH, which amounted to $783 million worth of grants. Ive sat on this bench now for 40 years. Ive never seen government racial discrimination like this, Young said at the time. In August, the Supreme Court partly stayed the district courts judgment. While the Supreme Court didnt invalidate Youngs judgment on the guidance, it determined that Young lacked the jurisdiction to restore the grants. The Supreme Court ruled that court cases like these should be put in the Court of Federal Claims but the guidance issue must make it all the way through the courts before individual grant cancellations can be disputed. As such, legally, future grants cant be terminated along Trumps guidance due to ties to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programing. However, the grants that Young ordered to be restored are now in limbo neither terminated nor active. Who is behind the lawsuit? There were two court cases that were heard jointly on Tuesday. One, which was filed in April, was filed by individual researchers; the American Public Health Association; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and Ibis Reproductive Health. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Massachusetts, Protect Democracy and the Center for Science in the Public Interest. An associate professor at Harvard Medical School, Brittany Charlton, is one of those suing. Her funding to study the mental health of young LGBTQ people was cut, affecting a team of 18 researchers and causing students to fear for their safety. The other case was filed by Massachusetts and a group of over a dozen Democratic states, similarly stating that the cuts to research grants were illegal. At the same time, Harvard University is anxiously waiting for a decision from a different federal judge over its lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to restore canceled government funding for the university. The recent Supreme Court decision might change the trajectory of the lawsuit. Jodie Ferise, partner at higher education law practice at Church Church Hittle and Antrim law firm, said the result could have consequences across higher education, which has been in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Harvard has been carrying higher ed on its back. Harvards been graciously serving as this torchbearer while other institutions have capitulated. But I think much of that was because on the horizon was winning on the merits. And now, I would imagine it does bring additional weight to bear, Ferise said. The sign on the outside of the Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Google Maps A Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth summer camp worker is facing charges in connection with taking inappropriate photos of a young child at the camp last month, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office. East Bridgewater resident Bradley Collins, 20, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, photographing intimate parts of a child and photographing a child in the nude during his arraignment in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday, according to court records. Collins lawyer did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon. Collins was immediately fired from his part-time position at the Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth upon the club being notified of the incident, the club said in a statement Tuesday. On Aug. 12, Plymouth police were notified of an incident that had happened at the clubs summer camp the day prior, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Investigators uncovered credible reports that Collins had taken inappropriate pictures of a young child at the camp, then told the child not to tell anyone what had happened. During an interview with investigators, Collins changed his account of what happened several times, the district attorneys office said. He initially denied having taken photos of the child, then later admitted to doing so. Collins began working at the Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth in 2023 before being promoted to a junior staff position the following year, and finally a regular staff position in October 2024, the club said in a statement. To be hired to work at the club, an applicant must pass four different background checks, the clubs executive director, Garreth Lynch, wrote in a letter to families on Tuesday. This is the first such incident in my 20 years here at the Plymouth Boys & Girls Club, Lynch wrote. The incident with Collins was a violation of the clubs rule of three that any one child be accompanied by two staff members or a staff member and another child, the executive director wrote. One-on-one behavior is not tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal from employment here, he wrote. Collins was released following his arraignment after posting $15,000 cash bail, the district attorneys office said. Conditions of his release include that he stay away from the victim in the case, all minors and the Boys & Girls Club. He was also ordered to wear a GPS location monitoring bracelet and abide by a curfew lasting from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Collins is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Oct. 2. After over 1,000 submissions have been reviewed, Massachusetts is one step closer to having a new flag but there continues to be debate. The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission was established by the state Legislature in 2024 to propose a new seal, flag and motto of the commonwealth. Currently, the flag has English militia leader Myles Standish gripping a saber over the head of an indigenous person as if hes poised to strike. Standish attacked multiple Native American settlements in the 1600s. Latin motto Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem outlines the seal. The motto roughly translates to: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty. Indigenous people spent years protesting the flag. In July 2021, John Peters of Native descent and executive director of Massachusetts Indian Affairs told the commission that the current symbol on the flag is truthful to what happened to us Native people in the commonwealth. He hopes the commission can change the symbol to something that isnt so egregious to Native Americans, something that can represent Massachusetts diverse cultures. A previous group began meeting to officially make changes in 2021. But by 2023, the group was not able to finish redesigning the flag. A final report was submitted November 2023 with information for a new commission to consider. For example, the mayflower connects back to the colonial era and the Pilgrims, whose actions included the forced displacement of Indigenous people. The cranberry, one Commission member noted, conjures mixed feelings among some Indigenous residents due to its relationship to colonialism, the report states. Several Indigenous members also expressed support for keeping an Indigenous figure in the heraldic charge as a way to prevent additional erasure of their communities from the official history and iconography of the commonwealth, the report states. It also suggested that Massachusetts should dedicate more resources to educating the public about the Indigenous history and cultures of Massachusetts, the history and usages of the current seal and motto, the harm inflicted by the current seal and motto and the efforts to change the seal and motto. The new commission sought ideas from the public. Anyone was able to submit ideas but only 23 seals, 48 flags and 32 mottos were picked by the commission to make it to the next round of consideration. From there, the commission chose three seals, three flags and three mottos. But there continued to be concern that these werent the right final three during a hearing on Aug. 28. There will be multiple public hearings in September and October to gather input from the public. During this time, the commission is encouraging people to point out flaws, make changes or even add new suggestions. The commission will then recommend its final suggestion by Dec. 15. Seals Submitter notes: A landscape with a North Atlantic right whale and a white chickadee. The white symbolizes peace. There are similarities with the current flag in the colors, and by including a white star. Mass. gov Submitter notes: There are six feathers in a circle on a crimson background. There are six as Massachusetts was the sixth state to join the union. Turkey feathers are often associated with health and well-being, and they are also a common symbol among the Massachusetts indigenous communities. They appear frequently in clothing and decoration, and play an important role in ceremonies and dances. A circle shape represents harmony and continuity. They face clockwise to symbolize progress/moving forward. The color crimson is often associated with education here in Massachusetts, as crimson is used as an official color by Arlington Public Schools, UMass Amherst, Harvard, and MIT. There is a black-capped chickadee in the middle. The chickadee is the official state bird of Massachusetts. Underneath the 'Commonwealth of Massachusetts' text, the dashed circle has exactly 351 dashes on it. This symbolizes the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts. A diamond shape is often found in art within indigenous communities. It symbolizes the balance between humans and nature. 1788 was the year that Massachusetts became a state. Motto submission: "We are one and free." The new motto puts all Massachusetts communities, whether it be indigenous, immigrants, LGBT, or anyone else, under one. One of unity, friendship, shared goals, one people. Freedom is an essential American value, hence the new motto puts these two values into one. Mass. gov Submitter notes: The star from the current flag has been transformed to a sun shining on a stylized MA landscape with water, hill, and mountain shapes. Mass. gov Flags Submitter notes: This design is named, The Blue Hill Banner, and it has three major elements: The first element is a blue hill shape located on the hoist side of the flag. The shape symbolizes both the hilly terrain of the state and its indigenous namesake. The state was named for the Massachusett tribe, who's name translates roughly to "at the great hill," referring to a specific hill that is better known today as Great Blue Hill. The second element is a set of six blue and white waves stretching out from the hill toward the fly side of the flag. These represent the state's vibrant coastal regions, and the number six commemorates Massachusetts' being the sixth state to join the union. Lastly, the canton of the flag displays a golden eight-pointed star centered atop the hill. The star's eight points echo the shape of a compass rose, honoring Massachusetts' status as a maritime hub, and its location atop the hill alludes to a famous sermon given by John Winthrop before to the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Perhaps the most famous passage of this sermon asserts that "We must knit together in this work as one man...We must be willing to abridge ourselves of our superfluities for the supply of others' necessities...For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us." While much of the Eurocentric and imperialist ideas of Winthrop's colonial era are regrettable and far outdated, the driving sentiments behind this passage - those of putting the needs of the many over the needs of the few - ring true to the principles that I hope will guide the modern state of Massachusetts. Mass. gov Submitter notes: In the center of the flag is the state flower, the mayflower. The Mayflower is a powerful symbol of Massachusetts' founding history, representing the arrival of the Pilgrim's ship in 1620 and the establishment of Plymouth Colony. The five petaled flower also holds significance in Native American traditions. Indigenous peoples of the Northeast, including the Wampanoag and other Algonquian-speaking nations, used the plant for medicinal purposes. The shape of each petal is the exact shape of the shield on the current state flag, acknowledging the flag's past. The bud of the mayflower is a six-pointed gold star. The six points represent Massachusetts admittance into the Union as the sixth state. Its gold color represents the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. The dark blue background represents the deep waters off the coast of Massachusetts. Commonly referred to as the Bay State, Massachusetts has depended on them for sustenance throughout its history. Mass. gov Submitter notes: With this flag design, there are six feathers in a circle on a crimson color background. There are six as Massachusetts was the sixth state to join the union. Turkey feathers are often associated with health and well-being, and they are also a common symbol among the Massachusetts indigenous communities. They appear frequently in clothing and decoration, and play an important role in ceremonies and dances. A circle shape represents harmony and continuity. They face clockwise to symbolize progress/moving forward. The color crimson is often associated with education here in Massachusetts, as crimson is used as an official color by Arlington Public Schools, UMass Amherst, Harvard, and MIT. Mass. gov Motto Latin: Multa Voces, una res publica English: Many Voices, One Commonwealth Submitter notes: Many Voices, One Commonwealth encapsulates a vision of diverse participation and collective identity. Its a unifying message that reflects modern Massachusetts while honoring its rich, multifaceted past.Altogether, the proposal is a striking synthesis of visual clarity, historical continuity, and inclusive valuesperfectly aligned with the Commissions call to honor both the Commonwealths legacy and its living, evolving character. We honor all life guided by the First Light Submitter notes: In response to the call for a motto, seal and flag design that would represent the diversity and history of the Commonwealth I wanted to incorporate a tribute to the first Massachusett peoples. The Wampanoag and other tribes were known as People of the First Light. Our task as current Massachusetts residents is to honor the truth of the past and strive to move forward in harmony. My suggestion for a new state motto is: HONOR ALL LIFE GUIDED BY THE FIRST LIGHT. Latin: Bono publico laetamur English We Rejoice in the public good Submitter notes: The Beverly Public Library has a bronze seal in its floor that has a motto originally written by Benjamin O Peirce. It says: Bono publico laetamur. That translates to, we rejoice in the public good. Ever since I read that on a Beverly Public Library instagram post, Ive thought it was such a perfect motto for any public entity. Id like to submit it as a possibility for the states motto. It expresses a hopefulness and joy about building things for communal benefit, which I think captures the best of Massachusetts. For all the submissions, click here. Video News: [Video News] Forum Debat Stop Bullying a LICJM[Video News]Previsions estivales 2025-2026[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 1er novembre 2025[Video news] Talk Series #8 : Lassiette de demain : quels sont les enjeux au menu ? 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They are on strike like fellow school caretakers and secretaries across the country. Michael Murphy is holding his Forsa sign which reads Pension Parity Now: Im frustrated and angry, he says. Weve no pension, weve no sick pay, weve no benefits. Thats why were on strike. Murphy and his colleagues feel not appreciated for the work they do. Hes been working as caretaker for 17 years. The job entails making sure everything is working, that all health and safety issues are looked at. READ NEXT: Gena Heraty in good spirits after release in Haiti As a keyholder, Murphy is the first one in early in the morning: Youre the last one at night locking up after events and possibly weekends duty as well, and everything that goes on in the school community. There were colleagues that retired, basically with a handshake, a bunch of flowers and a bottle of whisky, that isnt much good to them after 35 years of service. Its a conflict that has been going on for years. The main issue that gets the blood boiling is the fact, that caretakers and secretaries at ETB schools get all the benefits, that Murphy and his colleagues are denied. Were doing exactly the same job and were not getting what we deserve and the Government are turning a blind eye to it, which is wrong. Marcella OConnor agrees with Michael. She is secretary at Gortnor Abbey Secondary School. Im disappointed, she says. We get paid by the Government. Were a state body at the end of the day. We should be getting a pension as well. Range of activities SHE explains the wide range of activities her work covers. There is accounting to be done, taking the phone calls, organising, parents calling in, or calling parents if kids are ill and need to go home. And the caretakers and secretaries are not alone in their struggle. They get support from their colleagues, as OConnor puts it: The teachers want it, the principal wants it, the deputies want it, the public want it. Just as were speaking, a local woman parks by the roadside, gets out in the rain and offers tea to the strikers. Cars passing by are beeping in solidarity. They feel encouraged. Just as Michael Murphy and Marcella OConnor did last Thursday, when they joined the strike action in Dublin, called by the trade union Forsa. It was amazing to see that there were so many people like us. So many people that want the same thing as us and will fight for it. Everyone is fighting for the same thing. And they dont intend to stop. Especially as there has been radio silence from government bodies so far over the weekend. Murphy says theyre in for the long haul, a feeling that is echoed by his colleagues around him. They plan to call over to the offices of Mayo TDs and Mayo County Councillors to convey their message to the elected representatives. READ NEXT: Mayo councillor has 'grave concerns over Achill garda numbers A senior official with Mayo County Council wants to make Mayo the most EV friendly county in Ireland after it was announced that high speed chargers will be installed at Croagh Patrick and in Ballycastle. Director of Services, Tom Gilligan made the comments at the Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee meeting after it was announced that Mayo County Council received funding to install charging ports for Electric Vehicles (EVs) at Croagh Patrick and in Ballycastle. The ultimate aim here is to make Mayo the most EV friendly county in the country, he said. It will be good for people to have that option as regards Electric Vehicles and they will be able to charge in Ballycastle and avail of the services and facilities there. From a tourism point of view in relation to walks and Downpatrick Head it is a very good location, he said. The meeting heard two EV charging scheme hub pilot schemes were submitted and approved with one hub in Ballycastle and the other at Croagh Patrick car park in Murrisk. The Ballycastle hub will consist of a total of six charging spaces consisting of two 150kW fast chargers and four 22kWh chargers while the Murrisk hub will consist of two 100kW chargers and four 22kW chargers. Conrad Harley, Head of Roads in Mayo County Council explained that the council received 248,900 to carry out the civil works at the two locations while tenders will be advertised for an operator to install the chargers and take over the scheme. The meeting was told that it had been proposed to locate the north Mayo chargers at Downpatrick Head but installing the infrastructure would prove too expensive so it was decided to go with Ballycastle instead. READ: Retailer in Mayo targeted in latest dodgy-box clampdown Mr Harley informed the SPC members that a consultant has been appointed for five local authorities in the west of Ireland to develop an EV strategy and this includes Mayo County Council. They are at the initial stages which includes data collection and analysis which will feed into what works will be proposed coming out of a wider regional strategy and where we will need to go. They are looking at maps and where people will want to go versus where electric vehicle chargers are located. They will match the two together so there is an adequate network of EV chargers where people need them rather than an adequate network of chargers in places where they don't necessarily use them, he said. Mr Gilligan added that while more EV chargers are a positive thing the council had to look at the long-term impact of their location and how they will affect income from rates on businesses such as filling stations. We will have to look at the long term impact of EVs and how they will impact the local economy going forward. I have raised it before at national level, he said. Cllr Richard Finn agreed saying that if they are located in filling stations they will be accessible to everyone and they may be the route to go down in the future. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 AN Achill councillor has called on the Minister for Justice to ensure that rural policing is not neglected after the island community was left with only two permanent guards. The number of permanent gardai stationed in the parish of Achill has reduced from four to two in recent weeks with no indication from authorities that the numbers will be restored. Local councillor Paul McNamara has called for extra gardai to be stationed in Achill after outlining that the parish was left without any gardai on duty on a number of occasions during the summer. I have grave concerns regarding the current garda situation in the parish of Achill where we have been left with one sergeant and one garda to cover the whole parish. Our population goes from 2,500 to 10,000 until the end of August and this year that figure was even higher given the high number of visitors who came to Achill this summer. There were days and nights where there was actually no garda cover in Achill during the summer. There were incidents where gardai were called and people had to wait for them to arrive from Westport or Castlebar and that is not acceptable, he said. READ: Drugs worth over 6,000 found in island search The Fianna Fail councillor added that even if the two Achill gardai are on duty, they could be dispatched to cover other parts of the garda district leaving the community without cover. The problem also is that when the guard reports for work in Achill the next thing they will get a call to go to Westport or Castlebar or other areas in the Mayo south district leaving Achill with no cover. This is happening all the time in Achill, he said. Two stations THERE are two garda stations in the parish one in Achill Sound and the other in Keel with living quarters attached to the station in Achill Sound. The retirement of one garda earlier this year meant that no garda stationed in Achill currently lives in the parish and Cllr McNamara said this had led to a degree of vulnerability among certain sectors of the community. We always had a garda presence in the parish and always had a garda who was living and working in the parish. Now for the first time since the beginning of the state we have no garda working and living in the parish of Achill. Cllr Paul McNamara The station at Achill Sound has living quarters for a guard and a family and we always had a number of guards who lived and worked in the parish. My fear is we will end up some day with no guards in Achill. We have gone from five or six guards down to two and if that trend continues we will end up with no guards in Achill and be policed from Westport or Castlebar. I believe that there are guards who would like to move so why are they not given that opportunity to work and live in Achill. There is a house available for them to live and work in the parish. People feel vulnerable in the sense the presence of local gardai are no longer there because the guards who are here can be deployed throughout the Mayo district to work. People realise there is no garda presence in the parish and they are concerned, he said. Requesting meeting CLLR McNamara said that the situation is so grave that he has requested a meeting with the Minister of Justice, Jim OCallaghan, TD to highlight the lack of policing in rural areas. I have notified the powers that be regarding the garda presence in Achill. I have also requested a meeting with the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan in Dublin where I will express my concern in the way rural policing is being rolled out at the moment. It is of no benefit to the rural areas having gardai report to a rural barracks and then being deployed to another area. The way things are going, my fear is no guards will be stationed in Achill and we will be covered by guards in Westport or Castlebar. That cannot be allowed to happen, he concluded. The Erris Family and Community Support Centre have expressed their disappointment and dismay at the outcome of their recent FRC application. The Voluntary Board of Management applied for admission to the National Family Resource Centre Programme in May. On Friday last Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, announced the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in Dublin, Monaghan, Louth, Kildare and Galway as part of the expansion of the Tusla National Programme for 2025. While we welcome the addition of new FRCs and are pleased for the new communities that are going to benefit. We are extremely disappointed and surprised by the outcome of our application. Significant time and effort went into the application, and we are confident in the quality and standard of what was submitted, in that it strongly met the criteria outlined, and demonstrated very clearly the need locally, as well as our capacity to deliver as an FRC Explained Centre Chairperson, Rosaleen Lally. The Voluntary Board of Management and local community have been campaigning for an FRC in Erris since 2019, following a narrowly unsuccessful application in 2018. As part of that round, 3 new FRCs were funded in the region, and the Erris application came fourth. That application was submitted by the Irish Wheelchair Association and supported by local Tusla. The feedback at that time was that the project needed be locally driven with more localised research. The Board have now progressed well beyond these recommendations. In 2022 on foot of a dedicated campaign, the Tusla CEO, Bernard Gloster acknowledging the compelling and professional case made by the local steering committee, approved core funding to establish a Family and Community Support Service. The organisation is now a registered company, working to key goals as part of a strategic plan with a staff team in place delivering services, supports and projects in the community. Co-ordinator, Leanne Barrett said The acute needs in Erris remain the same, and they are undeniable, as is the significant barrier of distance from other services in the county. We appreciate that there was limited scope with funding for just 5 new FRCs, but considering the long-standing campaign, the consistent hard work of the community and Voluntary Board, and the obvious needs, we are quite disheartened by this decision. We remain committed and will continue to do the work, support children, young people and families, and meet the needs in our community but admission to the FRC Programme has always been our goal. A comprehensive national application and assessment process was undertaken, led by Tusla and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick. All applications were reviewed and scored against the clearly defined and published criteria, including population need, level of deprivation, child population data, existing service provision and existing service gaps. With this expansion, the number of Family Resource Centres will increase from 121 to 126. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres going forward over the lifetime of Government. The Erris Family and Community Support Centre Voluntary Board of Management have requested detailed feedback and a breakdown of scores against the specified criteria. A comprehensive socio-economic profile was prepared as part of the Centres application and the deprivation indicators for the Erris region are high with unemployment, lone parenthood, and an ageing population reflective of long-standing inequalities. In addition most family and social services are located over seventy kilometres away, and the nearest FRC is located in the town of Ballina putting the area in a significant service blackspot. While the natural environment and strong community networks are local strengths, there is a pressing need for targeted investment in services, education, employment, and infrastructure to address systemic disadvantage. READ NEXT: Mayo Garda speed vans collect almost 1.4m in 30 months Gena Heraty is thriving and in good spirits after her release on Friday evening. The news of her release was greeted with delight all across Mayo after her family confirmed that she had been released on Friday evening. The Liscarney native was abducted along with seven others and a child from an orphanage in Kenscoff in Haiti on August 3. NPH International have told The Mayo News that the Westport woman is very thankful for the prayers and best wishes people have been sending. It is routine for hostages to be hospitalised after their release and Gena has since been discharged. Nicholas Rogers from NPH International has communicated with her and says she's doing well and is very happy to be back with her NPH Haiti family. She likes to be with the people who she serves. She's gotten back into it, and she's even had an ice cream party since then. She's been very strong and she wanted to be with the team and be with the children who she supports and people with disabilities. Relieved beyond words In a statement the family said: We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return. The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support. 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, the statement from Ms Heratys family concluded. Overjoyed On Friday night, spontaneous applause broke out in the Sacred Heart Church in Cushlough when Fr Britus first mentioned Gena Heratys release. The Mass was originally organised to conclude a 33 hour perpetual adoration for the safe release of Westport woman Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti. Fortunately, very welcome events overtook the original purpose of the Mass as it was announced just over an hour beforehand that Gena Heraty and her colleagues had been released in Haiti. The sense of relief and excitement at the news that Gena and her colleagues had been released beforehand was palpable. Hugs and smiles before the Mass started reflected the weight being lifted off Genas friends and family in the community. It has been nearly a month since Gena Heraty was kidnapped while running an orphanage for children with special needs in Haiti on August 3. The community has prayed for her safe return each and every day since at 7pm in the church. The incredible timing of the news that everyone locally wanted to hear arriving just over an hour before the finish of the communitys 33 hours of appreciation for the safe release of Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti was not lost on anyone. This very day when our prayers have reached its fullness, God has heard us and granted us this extraordinary grace. Truly, God is gracious and kind, and he has made this day beautiful for us, Fr Britus told the packed church. Thanking the very many local people who prayed for Gena in the church, as well those from across the globe who joined them in prayers, Fr Britus exclaimed that this is a powerful proof of what we in Cushlough community know so well, whenever we come together as a community to pray for faith, God listens. Marian OMalley grew up next door to the Heraty family and told The Mayo News that she is so overjoyed that she's released along with her co-workers and the little child as well. READ MORE: Mayo ranked one of the best places in Ireland to start a business Outcome we had all hoped for Tanaiste Simon Harris welcomed the news in a statement on Friday: I am delighted to confirm that Irish humanitarian worker Gena Heraty has now been released. 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. This is the outcome we had all hoped for and I want to sincerely thank all those who played a part in securing their release, including Genas colleagues at Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the local community representatives, Haitian authorities, An Garda Siochana, our UN and European partners and the many officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their tireless work to achieve this result. 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. Gena is a respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person who has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti. This is a timely moment to recognise the work of all Irish humanitarians and missionaries working in challenging contexts and providing life-saving support in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond. While we welcome this news, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti. I now send Gena, her family and all those released my very best wishes. We will continue to provide all possible support as they recover from their terrible ordeal. Mayo Gardai collected 1,385,440 from speed vans in the period January 2023 to June 2025. This is the 9th highest in the county. Most of the fines were issued in the Claremorris Garda district, followed by Castlebar, Ballina and Westport. The EU Transport Committee MEP gave light to the situation following figures released by Gardai showing that 32,437,002 has been collected in fines from speed vans between January 2023 and June 2025. Following a breakdown of figures upon request, Ireland South MEP questioned why revenue from speed vans across all garda districts fell by 15.9% between 2023 and 2024. In additional figures released to Ni Mhurchu, the Gardai paid out over 44m to private speed camera operators between the start of 2023 up until August 2025. This showed that the Garda speed van system is operating at an overall loss. Dublin and Tipperary were two of the highest-grossing counties for the Garda speed vans during the period, followed closely by Cork and Kildare. Top 10 counties in Ireland for revenue generated by Garda speed vans from January 2023, up to June 8th, 2025. According to Ni Mhurchu, speeding was the cause of death for 52 Irish people in 2024. A European Commission report from 2020 estimated that 10 to 15% of all crashes and 30% of all fatal crashes are the direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed. 174 people died on Irish roads in 2024, which means that 52 of those people died as a direct result of speeding (30%). There are 52 families across the country mourning loved ones because we have failed to tackle speeding in any meaningful way. Ni Mhurchu welcomed an extra 9 million in funding for up to 100 new speed cameras to enhance road safety at the end of 2024. The Ireland South MEP has also called for smarter positioning of the current stock of speed vans to ensure they are located in areas of highest risk of road fatalities. She has also called for consideration of re-education courses as a judicial sanction for drivers who are repeatedly caught speeding. Dwayne Johnson shocked everyone with his drastic weight loss when he walked down the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of his latest movie, The Smashing Machine. Dwayne was wearing a light blue shirt and you can clearly see the massive amount of muscles he has lost. Instagram/Venice Film Festival Many people compared him to Dave Bautista, who also underwent a massive transformation for different roles and longevity. Many users suspected the use of Ozempic. One user commented, First Batista now him. Is something going on in Hollywood that they arent telling us. Another user commented, This looks like the work of Ozempic which reduces your hunger. People quit eating and will drop fat/muscles. One user reacted, Staying that big takes some unhealthy practices and sciences. He must want to live and not undergo heart surgery like Arnold. Good for him. Ronnie Colemans situation is a tragedy. Poor big Ron. Another user reacted, This is a non starter. Even with steroids, which Im sure hes taken, you have to constantly workout hard to maintain that level of muscle mass. People that dont workout, 40.3% US obesity rate, so most of America when you factor in not obese but not fit people, dont get this. One user said, Dwayne is now 53- he likely lost a lot of weight because he would like to live longer- and healthier. When we hear the term Onam, Keralas grand harvest festival comes to mind. A vibrant occasion that is rich in tradition and history which is basically what makes it really special in the state known as Gods Own Country. The link to King Mahabali, the Onam celebrations in Kerala are all part of the grand festival. Onam is deep-rooted in mythology and the harvest festivals rituals and traditions date back to many centuries ago. It is a part of life for the people of Kerala and over the years has become more than just a religious event. The Onasadya feast is a special part of Onam as well. The Onam Pulikali tiger dance plus the Onam Vallamkali boat race are major parts of the grand festival of Kerala. iStock Onam 2025 which is Kerala's grand harvest festival, is currently being celebrated from August 26 to September 5. The main day, Onam Thiruvonam is on September 5. Onam Pookalam, which includes laying of flower carpets and the Onasadya feast along with the celebration of the return of King Mahabali forms the very core of the Onam festival. The festival lasts for 10 days. It starts with Onam Atham and ends with Onam Thiruvonam. The Onam rituals and traditions represent unity, equality and prosperity which were the core values during the reign of King Mahabali. The Onam harvest festival is a time for the people to come together and share each others joy and success as it signals the end of monsoon which means harvest season has begun. This makes people grateful for the crops that are the source of their livelihood. iStock What Is the History and Significance of Onam? The festival of Onam is to celebrate the return of King Mahabali, the benevolent Asura who ruled Kerala, to visit his people. His people lived in prosperity under his rule. Boat races and traditional dances are the way people celebrate his mythical return. Where was King Mahabali all this time? It is believed that he was a huge devotee of Lord Vishnu. But the power he held became a cause for concern of the Gods in heaven. So they asked Vishnu to see how generous Mahabali was. Vishnu took the form of his avatar Vamana as a dwarf and Mahabali offered his land in three steps. The third step was on his head and Vamana sent him to rule the Sutala Kingdom. Mahabali kept his word. The festival of Onam celebrates his symbolic return to unite his people under a reign of prosperity. iStock Onam 2025 Celebrations In Kerala Onam Pookalam is when houses are decorated with floral carpets or mats called to welcome King Mahabali. Onam Onasadya is a grand feast that is shared with friends and family. It consists of rice and a different variety of dishes. Onam Vallamkalli boat race, Pullikali tiger dance and different dances and processions to bring out the rich culture of Kerala during the Onam harvest festival. There is no religious barrier as people from different faiths and castes mingle by breaking barriers and it results in a sense of unity. That is what the Onam festival stands for in Kerala. iStock All You Need to Know About Onam Thiruvonam 2025 Onam Thiruvonam 2025 is on September 5. It is the most important day of the harvest festival of Onam in Kerala. It starts with everyone wishing each other happy Onam 'Onashamsakal' to one another. This is the day that people believe King Mahabali shall bless the home with his visit. Those who believe rise early, have their bath and make a Pookalayam along with clay mounds which are pyramid-shaped and are representations of Lord Vishnu and Mahabali. These are kept in front of the floral carpet. At noon, the feast is cooked that contains around 11 to 13 varieties that are compulsory. The family's eldest member then gifts others with presents. There are many cultural performances and firecrackers are also used to commemorate the occasion. SEOUL, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by train on Tuesday to attend a military parade with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, an event that observers say could potentially demonstrate three-way unity against the United States. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the 26 world leaders who will join China's President Xi Jinping at Wednesdays massive military parade in Beijing that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas fight against Japan's wartime aggressions. It's set to be Kims first time attending a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, and the first time Kim, Xi and Putin, all key rivals of the U.S., have gathered at the same venue. None of the three countries have confirmed a private trilateral leaders' meeting. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said Kim was greeted at Beijing railway station by senior Chinese officials. Kim was cited as saying he was pleased to visit China and expressing thanks to Xi and his government for their cordial hospitality. According to KCNA photos, Kims delegation at the Beijing station includes his young daughter, who South Korean intelligence officials view as his likely heir. Since 2022, she has frequently accompanied her father on a slew of major events including missile tests, with state media calling her Kim's most beloved or respected child. KCNA earlier said senior officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui were traveling with Kim, but didn't mention the girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and aged about 13. Bilateral meetings In a closed-door briefing to lawmakers earlier Tuesday, South Koreas National Intelligence Service said that Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Putin, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting. The spy agency said Kim may stand alongside Xi and Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesdays parade, and anticipated that he will hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Russian leaders and interact with other heads of state at a reception and cultural performance as he seeks to further break out of isolation and expand his diplomatic footing, Lee said. It is Kim's first visit to China since 2019, and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power upon his father's death in late 2011. Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional summit, as well as the Beijing parade. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russias Tass news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Putin and Kim on the sidelines was under consideration. North Korea observers are paying keen attention to Kim possibly meeting Xi bilaterally as well and holding even a trilateral meeting with Xi and Putin. The three leaders have met bilaterally previously but have yet to hold a trilateral meeting. Kim wants to restore strong China ties North Korea's foreign policy priority has been Russia in recent years as it has been supplying troops and ammunition to support Moscow's war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. In its latest briefing to lawmakers, the South Korean spy agency said it believes roughly 2,000 of them have so far died in combat, Lee said. Kim has also agreed to additionally send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russias Kursk region, and the agency assesses that the first 1,000 are already in Russia, Lee said. North Korea's relations with China have reportedly turned sour in recent years, but experts say Kim likely hopes to restore ties as China is North Korea's biggest trading partner and aid benefactor and he would want to brace for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Kim is also developing partnerships Since aligning with Russia, North Korea has become more vocal in international affairs beyond the Korean Peninsula, issuing diplomatic statements on conflicts in the Middle East and in the Taiwan Strait, while portraying itself as a part of a united front against Washington. Some experts say Kims presence at the multilateral event in Beijing is part of efforts to develop partnerships with other nations close to China and Russia. Kim's trip comes as U.S., President Donald Trump and new liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed their hopes to restart talks with North Korea. North Korea has been shunning talks with the U.S. and South Korea and pushing to expand its nuclear and missile arsenals since Kims earlier round of diplomacy with Trump collapsed in 2019. Before departing for China on Monday, Kim visited a North Korean missile research institute to review progress on developing a new engine for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, KCNA reported. The North in recent years has tested various versions of ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and analysts say the next-generation ICBM likely refers to a long-range weapon with multiple nuclear warheads that can defeat U.S. missile defense systems. U.S. service members may be drug-tested for suspected use of magic mushrooms under a new policy announced by the Pentagon last week. A memo issued Aug. 18 by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness said that, starting Oct. 1, troops may be screened for psilocin, the hallucinogen in psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybe cubensis, aka magic mushrooms or shrooms, have been used as a recreational psychedelic drug for decades in the U.S. but remain a Schedule I substance under federal law, meaning they have been classified as having a high potential for abuse, have no official accepted use, and are illegal. Read Next: Trump Says Space Command Is Moving to Alabama, Reversing a Biden-Era Decision But in recent years, the fungi have drawn interest for their potential as a treatment for mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Seven states now allow research on their potential use as a medical treatment, and two -- Colorado and Oregon -- have decriminalized their possession, according to the substance abuse treatment nonprofit organization Recovered. Usage of psilocybin also has increased across the U.S. in the past six years: Roughly 12% of Americans reported in 2023 that they had consumed the mushrooms at least once in their life, compared with 10% in 2019. Microdosing the practice of taking small amounts to self-medicate for a mental health issue -- also is on the rise, with roughly half of those who tried psilocybin in the past year choosing to use a small dose, according to a 2024 study by Rand Corp. Under the new policy, the Pentagons Drug Demand Reduction Program will now include screening for psilocin use to prevent any impairment and subsequent deterioration of security, military fitness, military readiness, and good order and discipline posed by the drug. Drug abuse by service members is a safety and readiness issue, and the department must adapt our detection and deterrence program to address new and emerging drug threats, wrote Dr. Merlynn Carson, who is currently serving as deputy under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, in the memo to the services assistant secretaries for manpower and reserve affairs and the National Guard Bureau. Under the program, commanders will be able to request a specific test for psilocin for probable cause, by consent or for a specific order. The Defense Department also may randomly test specimens submitted under its drug testing program. Psilocin can be detected in a urine or blood sample, but it leaves the body relatively quickly. According to the group American Substance Abuse Professionals, the compounds may not be detectable in urine after 24 hours. They may remain in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours and are detectable in hair follicles for up to 90 days. False positives are rare, according to many drug treatment centers, with the likelihood of a false positive occurring as a result of cross-reactivity with another hallucinogen, such as LSD. Meanwhile, the military services, Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs are studying the substances potential as a medical treatment. The Army announced in 2024 that it was seeking small proof-of-concept trials to demonstrate the feasibility of larger-scale studies on psychedelics as medical research. The fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act directed the Defense Department to establish a process for funding studies that included the use of psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, to treat mental health conditions. Under the law, any member of the military diagnosed with PTSD or traumatic brain injury was permitted to take part in any of the Pentagon-funded studies. Pentagon-funded medical research remains the only viable opportunity for troops to use magic mushrooms. In 2023, an Air Force Academy cadet learned the hard way that he could not consume shrooms in Colorado. During a special court-martial in which he was charged with one violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Seth Misukanis received a reprimand for violating federal law and agreed to leave the academy. The VA has a dozen studies underway, according to VA Secretary Doug Collins. Were already seeing some great results. And thats whats kept us to push for more as we go forward, Collins said during an interview with DC News Now. Although psychedelic substances are listed as Schedule 1 drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the VA received waivers to support its studies and has conducted research funded with private donations rather than federal money. Related: Air Force's Marijuana Waiver Program Proves More Popular Among Applicants Than Expected CHICAGO Protesters took to the streets in multiple U.S. cities on Labor Day to criticize President Donald Trump and demand a living wage for workers. Demonstrations in Chicago and New York were organized by One Fair Wage to draw attention to the struggles laborers face in the U.S., where the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Chants of Trump must go now! echoed outside the president's former home in New York, while protesters gathered outside a different Trump Tower in Chicago, yelling No National Guard and Lock him up! Large crowds also gathered in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. In New York, people gathered outside Trump Tower, which has become a magnet for protests and remains a prominent symbol of the president's wealth, even though the president hasnt lived in the Manhattan skyscraper for years. Demonstrators waved signs and banners calling for an end to what they said is a fascist regime. In Washington, a large crowd gathered with signs saying Stop the ICE invasion and an umbrella painted with Free D.C. No masked thugs. Hundreds more gathered at protests along the West Coast to fight for the rights of immigrants and workers. Multiple groups joined together at the protests in Chicago to listen to speeches and lend their voices to the chants. Were here because were under attack. Were here because our core values and our democracy is under attack. We are here because they are threatening to send the military into our streets, Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, told the crowd in Chicago as he urged them to stand up for workers. At one point, a woman got out of a vehicle with Iowa plates in Chicago to shout Long live Donald Trump over and over again, resulting in a brief confrontation as the protesters responded with shouts of their own until the woman left a few minutes later. In the crowd, Ziri Marquez said she came out because shes concerned about overlapping issues in the U.S. and around the world, decrying anti-migrant attitudes in the U.S. and the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. I think especially, you know, when were dealing with low wages and were dealing with a stagnant economy, immigrants are largely used as a scapegoat, said Marquez, 25. Along the West Coast from San Diego up to Seattle, hundreds gathered at rallies to call for a stop to the billionaire takeover. Groups supporting federal workers and unions marched in Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Portland, Oregon, in support of workers rights. Rally organizer May Day Strong said on its website that billionaires are stealing from working families, destroying our democracy and building private armies to attack our towns and cities. They called on people to take collective action to stop the takeover. Portland protester Lynda Oakley of Beaverton told Oregolive.com that her frustrations with health care, immigration and Social Security inspired her to join the march. I am done with whats happening in our country, she said. King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who took part in a demonstration at Seattles Cascade Playground, told KOMO News that they wanted to send a message of workers above billionaires. Workers should be more powerful than the small billionaire class, she said. ___ Associated Press Writers Michael Sisak contributed to this report from New York and Martha Bellisle contributed from Seattle President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. Space Commands headquarters will be relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, following through on a move made in 2021 late in his first term in office that was ultimately overturned by a Biden-era decision to keep it in Colorado. A person familiar with the decision confirmed the expected announcement to Military.com on Tuesday ahead of a Trump press event scheduled for the afternoon. CBS News and The Associated Press were among the first to report the president would make the headquarters move to Alabama public, and a post by the Pentagons Defense Visual Information Distribution Service also indicated the press event was related to a U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement." Following Trumps election to a second term in November, Military.com reported that a reversal of the Biden administrations decision to permanently keep Space Commands headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was highly likely. Trumps 2021 decision announcing Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred location rankled Colorados delegation of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and numerous government probes followed. Read Next: Portrait of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee with Slave Rehung at West Point While the move had been anticipated, its not clear why the expected announcement took so long to make. White House officials did not immediately respond to multiple requests for comment. The U.S. Space Command headquarters will move to the beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, Alabama, forever to be known from this point forward as Rocket City, Trump said Tuesday. Notably, Huntsville has been known as Rocket City since at least the 1950s, AL.com reported. The president also claimed the announcement would create 30,000 jobs in the state. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told a Mobile, Alabama, radio station last November that Trump had vowed to reverse the decision on the campaign trail and said the reversal of the decision by President Joe Biden would happen in the first week that he's in office, adding that we will start construction next year in Huntsville." That soundbite was nearly 10 months ago, and the overall fight to bring Space Command to Alabama has now stretched through three presidential terms and more than four years of political fighting in Congress, the White House and in the Department of the Air Force. Rogers praised the presidents decision in a Tuesday statement on the social media platform X. Space Command is finally coming home to Alabama, Rogers said in the post. This announcement by President Trump is yet another in a long line of strong decisions that benefit Americas national security. Space Command is the combatant command tasked with military operations in space that was reactivated in 2019. After Trumps announcement in January 2021, Democrat-requested investigations from the Government Accountability Office and Department of Defense inspector general were released the following year. The GAO findings detailed an unorganized and unclear process that raised concerns about "significant shortfalls in its transparency and credibility," as well as the "appearance of bias" in the decision. The DoD IG probe found that, while the selection process was marred by shoddy recordkeeping, the Huntsville choice was reasonable. In 2023, Biden announced by executive order that Space Command would keep its headquarters at Peterson in Colorado. Similarly, Republican lawmakers sought DoD IG and GAO probes into that administrations decision. Another Department of Defense inspector generals report in April said there were several unanswered questions as to why the decision was made from the White House and not within the Department of the Air Force. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were not interviewed, with both citing the need to protect confidential conversations with the president. In May, a GAO probe revealed that should Space Command stay in Colorado, new construction would be needed to fix significant problems, Military.com previously reported. "As a result of identified challenges, officials stated the command's posture is not sustainable long term and new military construction would be needed to support the headquarters' operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the GAO found. Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told Military.com that there are several looming questions ahead of the expected announcement. My biggest question going into this announcement is how it will be paid for, Harrison told Military.com. And why did it take so long to formalize the decision? Trump pointed to Colorados existing mail-in voting laws during the press conference, saying they played a big factor also in the headquarters-basing decision. Members of Colorados delegation in Washington, D.C. Republicans and Democrats quickly decried the reversal. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, and Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen and Gabe Evans, said in a joint statement that the move will directly harm our state and the nation, and will cost billions of dollars. Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now, the statement read. Colorado Springs is the appropriate home for U.S. Space Command, and we will take the necessary action to keep it there." Related: Colorado Could Lose US Space Command. Trump Is Expected to Move It to Alabama. North Vietnam's Best General Beat France at Dien Bien Phu, Then Failed With the Same Tactics Against Marines at Khe Sanh Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap earned his reputation as one of history's great military commanders on May 7, 1954, when 16,000 French... A child uses binoculars to take in the sites from a overlook along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan, photo taken in June of 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com Parents with elementary school students can bring the classroom outside and along for the ride on family road trips with free access to Michigans public lands. The Every Kid Outdoors Program offers free passes to national parks, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and national forests for all fourth graders. Dont worry, siblings get in free too. This pass admits your fourth grader and the rest of the passengers in a single vehicle. Nearly 10% of Michigan is federal land including five national parks and lakeshores, meaning theres plenty to explore. Last year, more than 23,000 Michigan fourth graders, caregivers and educators participated in the program. To get your pass, visit everykidoutdoors.gov and fill out the short form to get a code. Then, bring the code to a visitor center to receive your pass. The pass is valid through the summer after their fourth grade school year. Last year, 1,301 fourth graders picked up their passes at Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Isle Royale. The Every Kid Outdoors program is a collaboration between the Department of the Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Forest Service. The Every Kid Outdoors Program started in 2019, replacing the Every Kid in a Park Program that was established in 2015. The program focuses on fourth graders because research shows children ages 911 are at a unique developmental stage in their learning where they begin to understand how the world around them works in more concrete ways and they are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment, according to the program. The long term goal is to ensure every child in the United States has the opportunity to visit their Federal lands and waters by the time he or she is 11 years old, thereby establishing a lifelong connection to enjoy and protect our American outdoor heritage. Find more outdoor education like star stories, geology tours and fishing workshops on Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes calendars. An aerial photo of the M-89/M-40/Hubbard Street roundabout in Allegan. The project received America's Transportation Awards recognition in September 2025. Courtesy photo | MDOT A West Michigan roundabout project has been recognized nationally. The $7 million traffic circle at the intersection of M-89, M-40 and Hubbard Street in Allegan received a regional award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), state officials announced Tuesday, Sept. 2. Michigans Grand Region was the recipient of the Quality of Life/Community Development small project award. The project will move on to a national competition, where it could secure a $10,000 prize to donate to a scholarship fund or charitable cause of their choice. The open communication, the flexibility and patience of this community made this project a success from the start, said MDOT project manager and engineer Thomas Sabin in a statement. Im very proud of our team and we accept this award with honor and appreciation on behalf of the department and the good people from the city of Allegan. Roundabouts can reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by up to 75% by reducing speeds and conflict points, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. While crashes are more common in roundabouts than at traditional stop- and signal-controlled intersections, they tend to be less severe. They also reduce traffic delays and save fuel. In Michigan, there are more than 180 roundabouts across both peninsulas. Last spring, crews reworked the M-89/M-40 connector for five main arteries just outside downtown Allegan. The roundabout opened to traffic in August 2024, replacing a traffic signal that encompassed Marshall, North Cedar, Hubbard and Ely streets along with Jenner Drive. The project sought to help with congestion and safety in the area, which accommodates commuters, tourists, truckers and large agricultural vehicles. The winning project will be selected by an independent panel of judges and announced at the annual AASHTO meeting in November in Salt Lake City. For more information, visit the Americas Transportation Awards website. A Lenco Bearcat during a barricaded gunman incident. Mark Bugnaski file photo | For Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive.com KALKASKA, MI A 61-year-old man was seriously injured in a crash involving an armored police vehicle in Northern Michigan. According to the Kalkaska County Sheriffs Office, the crash occurred at the intersection of M-72 and US.S. 131 in Kalkaska at 5:53 a.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 1. Officials say a Grand Traverse County Sheriff deputy was responding to an active barricaded suspect involved in a shooting complaint in Kalkaska County. While driving a Lenco Bearcat, he struck the driver side of a northbound Hyundai Tucson driven by Patrick Morlan of Big Rapids. Morlan sustained serious injuries and his front seat passenger, 25-year-old Alexandria Cousineau of Eaton Rapids sustained minor injuries. Both were transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for treatment. Morlan is listed in critical condition, deputies said. The crash is under investigation. The Kalkaska Township Fire Department also responded to the scene. An October 2023 photo from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) shows of site preparation work at the Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County, Mich. Michigan lawmakers are currently trying to secure $50 million in state funding to support infrastructure upgrades near the mine. (Photo provided by Michigan EGLE) Michigan EGLE LANSING, MI - Michigan lawmakers are trying a different route to secure funding for a controversial copper mine in the western Upper Peninsula after grant dollars did not get approved last year. A Republican-led Michigan House included $50 million in its budget proposal last week to support local infrastructure upgrades surrounding the proposed Copperwood Mine, a $425 million copper mine near the border of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Gogebic County. The project from Highland Copper, a Canadian company, promises to be an economic driver, creating jobs for a distressed region, but its faced fierce resistance from opposition groups concerned about its environmental impact. Related: Petition against mine near Porcupine Mountains booms after millions see TikTok The $54.6 billion budget proposal passed by the state House with a 59-45 vote last week includes a one-time appropriation for Wakefield Township to upgrade roads, water systems, power infrastructure and broadband access. State Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, sponsored the earmark saying in his request the funding would support an opportunity to create hundreds of good-paying jobs to support local families and bolster the national supply chain and defense capabilities. The mine, the regions first copper-focused mine proposed since the White Pine Mine closed in 2017, would be operational for 11 years. Highland Copper expects the mine will create 380 jobs and generate an estimated $12 million a year in tax revenue, according to an economic impact study. Its no secret that the Western Upper Peninsula has been facing serious economic challenges. Our median income is below the state average, our poverty rate is high and we have seen our student population dramatically decline, Markkanen said in a July statement. That is why Im joining the local community in asking my colleagues in the legislature to approve the grant for Wakefield Township. Markkanens request included letters of support signed by more than three dozen local government officials and economic development groups. Related: Copper mine could bring jobs to the U.P., but not everyone wants it But the earmark faced almost immediate criticism from opponents, including an activist group called Protect the Porkies thats been leading an effort to block state funding for the mine. A petition against the project has gained more the 414,000 signatures, and the effort to stop the funding has gained traction on social media, including from a climate activist whose video about the proposed mine has been viewed more than 5 million times. Opponents have questioned the mines proximity to Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains. One of their key concerns is Highland Copper constructing a 320-acre basin that will hold tailings, or mineral waste, on site. Protect the Porkies is now organizing a campaign urging a Democrat-led State Senate to exclude the grant from the Republican spending plan. This is not an issue like all of others on their desks, said the groups founder Tom Grotewohl in an Aug. 27 video. Were talking about the health of Lake Superior, the largest and cleanest source of fresh water in the North American continent. The funding for the mine, now tucked into the budget proposal, has been on a winding journey. Highland Copper first requested $50 million through the Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve fund, a pot of economic development dollars, in January 2024. But the Michigan Strategic Fund board delayed the vote pending further review of the project. By March 2024, the board OKd the grant, but it still needed approval from lawmakers. Related: New Upper Peninsula copper mine awarded $50M grant with some conditions The House Appropriations Committee greenlit transferring the grant dollars in June 2024. But that request expired because the Senate Appropriations Committee didnt vote on it before the fiscal year ended. The House committee then approved the transfer again in December, but the Senate committee has not taken it up for a vote. The earmark means funding would be directly appropriated by the state Legislature, if the budget proposal passes. This would be a new route to secure funding after efforts to get grant dollars through the SOAR fund stalled last year. Highland Copper called the direct request from the Legislature a proactive step. This request creates a separate path for the potential approval of the regional infrastructure funding. If one path is successful, the other will no longer be required, the company said in a July 2 statement. Wakefield Township Supervisor Mandy Lake and State Rep. Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, testified in support of the grant at a July 30 hearing held by the Labor and Economic Opportunity Appropriations Subcommittee. Were asking for this public infrastructure grant because we know our region is worth the investment, Lake said. In addition to forest products and our local industrial park, the grant will also help advance the Copperwood mining project a generational opportunity for our region. Mining is a part of our history, and it should be a part of our future." The entire budget proposal will now go to the State Senate for consideration but its likely to face resistance from a Democratic majority. House Republicans have touted the spending plan as cutting billions in waste, fraud and abuse from the budget while the State Budget Office says it includes deep cuts to local governments and hospitals, police budgets and Medicaid in addition to ending free school meals. The Michigan Legislature has until midnight Sept. 30 to agree on the budget before sending it to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to sign into law. If lawmakers fail to do that, the state will face a government shutdown. A Michigan man was arrested after he allegedly fired a gun at a group of off-road vehicles passing by his house. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com KALKASKA COUNTY, MI A Michigan man was arrested after he allegedly fired a gun at a group of off-road vehicles passing by his house. According to the Kalkaska County Sheriffs Office, the 35-year-old male was taken into custody after deputies responded to a home in Bear Lake Township at 12:10 a.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 1. UpNorthLive identified the man as Michael Stephen Griffith. He is being charged with eight counts of assault with intent to murder and bond was set at $8 million cash surety. Officials say Griffith fired between 25 and 30 rounds at eight individuals who were driving ORVs on a roadway. Several firearms were seized from the property. No injuries were reported. An investigation is ongoing, and a report will be filed with the Kalkaska County Prosecutor. Kalkaska EMS, and the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Response Team also responded to the scene. MACKINAC COUNTY, MI -- After hours of swimming, the oldest swimmer in the Mackinac Bridge Swim came ashore. His goggles were full of water and he was exhausted but happy. Im glad thats over, he said simply. Wow, thats tough. John Walker, 81, had just completed an item on his bucket list, swimming the Mackinac Straits next to the Mackinac Bridge. John Walker, 81, of Wisconsin sits on a chair after completing the 4.5-mile Mackinac Bridge Swim across the Straits of Mackinac in St.Ignace, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the grueling swim for charity, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com As the Wisconsin swimmer looked across the four and a half miles of water to the Upper Peninsula from Mackinaw City the day before, it seemed a bit much for him. I thought, God, itd be kind of relaxing to drive home and forget about it, he said. But the next morning, there he was at the start line joining over 200 over swimmers for the 2025 Mackinac Bridge Swim. He completed it in just under three and a half hours, which he was quite pleased with. As he came ashore, Eric Hansen, the swim organizer or Splash Coordinator as he prefers, greeted him personally and helped him out of the water to cheers from the crowd. The guy is just turning into an absolute living legend, Hansen said. Im just hoping to be alive at 81 and this guy is out swimming the Straits at 81 years of age. Walker isnt done. Hes already signed up for next year. 103 1 / 103 Over 260 swimmers take on the 2025 Mackinac Bridge Swim The Bucket List swim The Mackinac Bridge Swim is the ultimate endurance test for many swimmers. Its tough, its long, but the rewards are rich; the water is crystal clear and the view of the bridge itself is stunning. It is one tough swim. You cant turn your back on the Straits for one minute, Hansen said. Those currents can really take some of the fastest and stronger swimmers and make them look like beginners. The swim itself is straight forward. Swimmers start in Mackinaw City just to the east of the bridge, and then they swim in a straight line with the bridge on their left until they hit a tunnel under the causeway on the north side. From there, they cross under I-75 and swim a couple hundred yards to the finish at Bridge View Park where they are greeted by friendly volunteers at the I Did It line. The sheer length of the swim and the strong current between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are what make it difficult. Conditions can change hour to hour and sometimes minute to minute. An aerial image of the Mackinac Bridge Swim in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the 4.5-mile swim for charity across the Straits of Mackinac, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. Santino Mattioli | MLive.com The swim is long enough and hard enough that its not just a physical challenge, but a mental one, especially for swimmers who primarily train in indoor pools. Hansen strongly advises swimmers to train to swim for six miles, and to get open water experience in waves. What does it take to be a Mackinac Bridge swimmer? Perseverance, determination, and a whole lot of heart. Hansen said. Your brain will want to quit, but your heart will keep knocking on the brain saying that you cant. This year, the weather conditions were perfect for a crossing. There was little wind, and the water temperature was 70 degrees in some places, which is quite warm for the Straits. Even so, the current was strong in the middle, forcing a sustained effort from the swimmers to maintain their line. For Anne Petruzzi, an experienced bridge swimmer from Grand Rapids with three crossings prior, it just wasnt her day. Early on, she had trouble breathing and got into one of the safety boats that line the course. She was able to jump back in at the North Tower to swim the last few miles. She was swimming with her daughter Maddie, a strong 17-year-old high school rower who powered through the Straits to the causeway on the north side of the bridge before getting leg cramps. She also got assistance from a safety boat but still finished the swim alongside her mother. It wasnt how they wanted to complete the swim, so they have already signed up for next year. Its how you react to that is what makes you the person you are and which, with Anne? She shell be fine. Shell be back, Hansen said. Its become ingrained in part of the fabric of my being at this point, Anne Petruzzi said. Eric Hansen, event organizer for the Mackinac Bridge Swim monitors the swimmers as they cross the Straits of Mackinac in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the 4.5-mile swim for charity, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com All heart For Hansen, the swim is personal. In 2016, Hansen signed up for the Mighty Mac Swim, a previous version of the Straits swim run by Michigan swimmer legend Jim The Shark Dreyer. Hansen was initially rejected as he didnt have enough open water experience but when Dryer heard his story, he gave Hansen a shot. I was heavily favored not to finish that swim, Hansen said. I dont know what got me through other than my heart, because it was not my arms. It wasnt my legs. I was hallucinating by the time I even hit the finish line. Four hours and two minutes later, Hansen was the final swimmer out of the water. He was emotional, and it was a defining moment in his journey from smoker to athlete. Today, Hansen now runs the swim with a dedicated core of volunteers. Hansen doesnt lead quietly, his heart shows in everything he does. An aerial image of the I did it line during the Mackinac Bridge Swim in St. Ignace, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the 4.5-mile swim for charity across the Straits of Mackinac, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. Santino Mattioli | MLive.com Eric Hanson is just the biggest-hearted guy you could ever meet, Anne Petruzzi said. He puts on this swim just out of, like, pure love for the swimming community. One way he shows that love is by making the medals that each bridge swimmer receives as they finish. Its a small piece of steel from the Mackinac Bridge itself, from worn out pieces of grate that the Bridge Authority sells as collectors items. Hansen cuts them down to size with a grinder, and dips them into polyurethane to make the color pop. Many of the medals still have the distinctive green paint from the bridge. People say its their favorite metal ever, Hansen said. Its just a chunk of steel, but its made out of the Mackinac Bridge. Scenes from the Mackinac Bridge Swim in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the 4.5-mile swim for charity across the Straits of Mackinac, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com A good cause The swim is a fundraiser for first responders in Northern Michigan. Most of the money goes to the volunteer fire departments in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. For Hansen, it just makes sense that the swim helps people who help people. When you meet people (who) are willing to jump out of bed 24/7 to come rip you out of a burning building, save your life, how can you not love that person? Hansen said. I just think we need to leave everything that we raise behind. Theres no way I can take a body of water like that in a location like that and want to be someone that wants to make money off the event. Thats the backyard to St. Ignace and the front yard, Mackinaw City. And I think anything that comes out of that ought to be distributed equally to both shores there. The first year he ran the swim in 2022, Hansen donated about $3,000. The next year it was around $30,000, and last year it was $56,000. This year he hit his goal of raising $100,000 and cut a check for $50,000 to each fire department, a huge milestone for the swim. It definitely helps offset our budget for the year, Mackinaw City Fire Chief John Krueger said. Our budget roughly every year is right around $150,000. Thats for the whole department for the year. So thats quite a significant chunk of change. Volunteers pose for a photo before they swim the Mackinac Bridge Swim in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Volunteers had the opportunity to swim Thursday morning, before 300 swimmers planned to take on the swim on Saturday. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com The money last year helped repair the citys ladder truck, one of the biggest fire rigs in Northern Michigan. After the swim this year, Mackinaw City honored Hansen with a proclamation and the fire department made him an honorary fire chief, complete with his own fire helmet. I think I cried for quite a bit, Hansen said. And then I slept with it the next three nights. Eric Hansen, splash coordinator was named an honorary fire chief for organizing the Mackinac Bridge Swim in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. 266 swimmers took on the 4.5-mile swim across the Straits of Mackinac, all swimmers made it to St. Ignace before 11 a.m. The fundraising swim raised $100,000 and was split between the Mackinaw City and St. Ignace fire departments. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.co The work to put on the swim is immense and Hansen already has a full time job, but providing opportunities for people like John Walker and helping Northern Michigan first responders keeps him doing it. Its just part of my life now. I couldnt even imagine day-to-day life now without the Mackinac Bridge, he said. Im so proud of it. When the very last swimmer arrived on shore, Hansen was there to celebrate them with a big hug. As a self-described back of the packer, he knows what its like and makes sure to celebrate their accomplishment just as much as anyone elses. I dont care if you skip across or if we have to pull you across, Hansen said. Youre all a swimmer to me. To watch a video on the swim, click here. Route of a proposed interstate highway system that would connect Michigan and South Carolina by way of Ohio. Transportation Advocacy Group of Northwest Ohio Michigan would have to play a key role in establishing a six-state, 1,000 mile interstate corridor stretching from the Upper Peninsula to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. But officials say the decades-old vision isnt a short- or long-term priority given the states ongoing road funding challenges. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have said boosting the states annual transportation fund is a priority in the current budget cycle, but theres been little public movement since the Republican-led House passed its proposal in March. Michigan is amid a decades-long period of under-investment in transportation infrastructure, and policymakers have yet to identify a sustainable solution, said Jocelyn Garza, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation (MDOT). Through nation-leading innovation in asset management, MDOT is trying to preserve the roads and bridges we have. Nothing beyond that is remotely practical in the current funding environment. Below are three key takeaways regarding the I-73 project. Whats the project? The vision, which began in the early 1990s, was a seamless interstate stretching from Michigan to South Carolina, and running through Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The corridor would connect major population centers and industrial hubs, from Michigans manufacturing base through Ohios defense and technology facilities to the tourism economy of the Carolinas, Jimmy Gray, executive director of the I-73, I-74, I-75 Corridor Association, told Cleveland.com. Michigan studied what that project might look like for its infrastructure, but halted progress ahead of conducting an environmental impact study in 1998. Instead, it used those earmarked dollars to improve parts of U.S. 127 and U.S. 223 that officials said couldnt wait for the larger project to gain traction. In 2001, the state put the project on indefinite hold. Why is it being discussed now? Ohio recently commissioned a $1.5 million feasibility study on its portion of the project, raising questions about the potential of the corridor regaining momentum. While Ohio is taking steps toward advancing its part of the I-73 project, other states like Michigan, West Virginia and South Carolina have been delayed by a lack of funding. In September, Virginias Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to scrap the I-73 idea in favor of upgrading the existing U.S. 220 highway. Where does Michigan go from here? Transportation officials in Michigan have their eyes set on another priority: increasing annual revenue to respond to the states crumbling roads and bridges. The Michigan Department of Transportation says nearly 50% of state routes will be in poor condition and more than 100 state bridges are at risk of closing by 2035 without an infusion in funding. Local road agencies have said theyre treading water due to funding constraints. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, have each proposed plans that would add more than $3 billion in annual funding to the transportation fund. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, hasnt unveiled a competing roads plan, but has said finding a long-term solution is a priority. Lawmakers have until Sept. 30 to complete and pass the states 2026 budget. An Ann Arbor police officer stops a driver on William Street downtown on July 13, 2025. The traffic stop was for disregarding a traffic control device and the driver was given a warning, police said. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Update: Traffic stops for violations like cracked windshields, broken taillights drop to zero in Ann Arbor ANN ARBOR, MI When city officials told police to ease up on traffic stops for equipment violations two years ago, the hope was fewer Black motorists would get pulled over for minor infractions in Ann Arbor. Two years later, an even higher number of Black drivers are getting stopped in the city. Though city police are less likely to stop drivers for minor violations like a cracked windshield or broken taillight since the passage of the 2023 ordinance, an MLive/Ann Arbor News analysis of police data shows Black drivers make up higher concentrations of such stops compared to pre-ordinance numbers and still are disproportionately stopped. Overall traffic stops and stops of Black drivers both increased from 2022 to 2024 police stopped people for other reasons instead. Andre Watson, president of the NAACP Ann Arbor chapter, was on his way home from a downtown Ann Arbor restaurant just a few weeks ago, driving less than a mile, when police stopped him, he said. The officer told him he had been hugging line in an awkward way, Watson said. It was the only time Ann Arbor police had pulled him over, he said. They didnt give him a ticket and were professional, but it did make him pause, he said. I was thinking, Wow, theyre paying that much attention, because I wasnt speeding, Watson said. So, I was curious as to what made them pick me, I guess. Cynthia Harrison, the Ward 1 council member who championed the ordinance, said from what she can see the ordinance changed policy, but it did not change policing. There does seem to be an indication that previous leadership within our police department did not address the disparities in the way that the ordinance called for them to do, Harrison said. City Council adopted the states first driving equality ordinance in July 2023, restricting officers from stopping drivers for offenses like loud exhaust, tinted windows, issues with registration stickers, an object hanging from a rearview mirror and other similar issues. The ordinance followed a 2023 Eastern Michigan University study of Ann Arbor policing data, which showed officers stopped and searched non-white drivers more frequently than white ones. Since its passage, the number of traffic stops for equipment violations fell 41%, from 1,258 stops in 2022 to 743 stops in 2024, according to data from the departments transparency dashboard. An Ann Arbor police officer stops a driver on William Street downtown on July 13, 2025. The traffic stop was for disregarding a traffic control device and the driver was given a warning, police said. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Police have been focusing more on other types of violations, the data shows. In 2022, 22% of stops were related to equipment violations, dropping to 11% in 2024. Stops for traffic and speed violations each saw a boost instead. The number of Black drivers stopped for any reason went up from 1,214 in 2022 to 1,393 in 2024, a 15% increase, while overall traffic stops climbed from 5,668 to 7,020, up 24%. As a relative percentage, the concentration of Black drivers stopped for equipment violations has increased since the ordinance passed. In 2022, 336 of 1,258 drivers stopped for equipment violations were Black, or 27%. In 2024, the rate was 35%, or 262 of 742 drivers. That is, while fewer drivers are being stopped for equipment violations, a greater percentage of those drivers are Black. Just under 20% of drivers stopped for any reason in 2024 were Black, compared to a little more than 21% in 2022. Black residents make up about 7% of Ann Arbors population and about 12% of Washtenaw Countys population. Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson said he does not believe it was officers intent to have continued disparity. Moving to an emphasis on public safety and the citys plan for zero serious crashes required us to get on the same page and to actually explain to the officers why it was important, Anderson said. In May 2025, he tweaked the departments internal version of the policy, closing what Harrison called a loophole in the original ordinance, allowing stops for multiple minor violations. Since the updated policy took effect, just 10 people had been stopped for equipment violations, three of whom were Black, according to recent dashboard data, updated through July. The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office has a similar policy on minor traffic stops. Sheriff Alyshia Dyer informally directed officers to abstain from stopping drivers for equipment violations when she took office at the beginning of the year. The policy was formally put into place in March, after a review process, Dyer said. Early data shows similar results, with the percentage of Black drivers stopped for equipment violations rising, even as overall numbers fell. In May 2025, 71 of 109 drivers stopped for equipment violations were Black, or roughly 65%, according to data from the sheriffs office. In the same month of 2024, that percentage was roughly 47%, but 240 Black drivers were stopped. The change has been too recent to draw solid conclusions, Dyer said. We just have to keep watching it, she said. Disparity in other areas could be impacting numbers, Watson said. Automotive costs are pretty significant and so many individuals would simply defer the updates or maintenance on their automobile, Watson said. So, it does fall into the reality of the equity divide the difference between wealth for communities of color as it relates to a very affluent community like Ann Arbor. Poverty rates for Black households in southeast Michigan are twice as high as those for white households in the same region, according to a University of Michigan study. Median incomes for white households were more than 70% higher than for Black households in Washtenaw, Monroe and Jackson counties. Andre Watson speaks in support of the driving equality ordinance at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting on July 6, 2023. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News City residents and leaders need to stay aware of how Black residents and other minority residents experience policing and the community, Watson said. These are very important things to stay ahead of before you simply lose the value of diversity in your city, Watson said. And that would be a crime for a community like Ann Arbor. Some Black drivers who regularly drive into Ann Arbor, commuting to work or visiting, said they havent been stopped in years and dont feel racially targeted. Detroit resident Ernest King said he drives into Ann Arbor once a month. The police havent bothered me at all, he said. I see them, but they havent stopped me. Police once pulled him over for a cracked windshield in Ann Arbor, but that was years ago and he felt police were justified in citing the equipment violation since the crack was spiderwebbed and the windshield needed to be replaced, he said. Stephen Ivy, 43, has has been stopped by police several times in the past six months for a burnt-out headlight. Changing the light requires a mechanic due to the way his car is constructed, he said. When he went to do so, the mechanic told him the piece had been permanently melted. Most of the times the officers have spoken to me, and then when I explained to them, theyve actually been pretty cool, said Ivy, who has lived in Ann Arbor since 2003. Thats not necessarily the norm. While he has overall had positive experiences with Ann Arbor officers, he has noticed sometimes being followed in speed trap areas, he said. I dont know why they really want to bother somebody, but its just the price of being Black in America, Ivy said. Ann Arbors data shows the city still has work to do, Harrison said. It also raises concerns for her about how leadership initially responded to the ordinance. It took new leadership within the AAPD to move the department from merely tolerating the ordinance to believing in the ordinance and understanding why addressing the disparities was so important, Harrison said. Aimee Metzer, who was interim chief of the Ann Arbor department when the ordinance was passed, pushed back on the claim. There was no ordinance restricting lawful traffic stops in 2022, and I was not the chief in 2024 or 2025, Metzer said in a message to MLive. What happened after my departure in October 2023 was obviously outside of my purview or control. Officers were directed to follow both state law and local ordinances, she said. The same direction was provided for this ordinance which still permitted officers to make legal traffic stops, she said. In the 90 days from adoption of the ordinance until my retirement, I was not aware of any complaints towards our officers associated with the required criteria. Actual change came with Anderson, Harrison said. Incoming Ann Arbor Police Department Chief Andre speaks after being sworn in during a ceremony at Larcom City Hall in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Anderson took the citys lead policing position in February 2024, following a succession of interim chiefs. If police didnt believe in the ordinance, it was too easy to work around its intent before Andersons recent policy, Harrison said, saying officers couldnt stop people if they only had a cracked windshield, but they could if they also had another minor equipment violation. Anderson said he hadnt received outright pushback from officers, but there was a strong need for staff to understand the why. The department made the change after analyzing data from a full year. Change has a slow digestive system, and so what was needed was for me to actually talk to the police officers more about why were making these modifications, Anderson said. And that was really what they were looking for. The policy change instructs officers to only make stops related to public safety, such as non-functioning headlights, taillights or brake lights, seatbelt violations or an obstructed windshield. This new policy represents a major shift for our department, Anderson said. Its about using our officers time where it matters most when it comes to traffic enforcement, and that is to stop dangerous driving that puts lives at risk. Harrison also praised Andersons policy change and implementation of the ordinance. I would have liked to see it taken more seriously. I would have liked to see it happen more rapidly, but I am pleased that it is happening now, she said. Council Member Cynthia Harrison, D-1st Ward, at the Ann Arbor City Council meeting Sept. 3, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Harrison reflected on the two-year anniversary of Ann Arbors ordinance in a speech at the July 7 council meeting, noting it was nine years since 32-year-old Philando Castile was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop in Minnesota, an incident that never should have occurred, she said. His death is a reminder that routine should never become fatal, Harrison said. In the two years since the ordinance passed, weve seen whats possible when we stop using minor violations as a gateway to disproportionately stopping Black drivers and start asking harder questions about what safety really means. Harrison said Andersons policy update helps reinforce what the ordinance is about: harm reduction, transparency and accountability. Its shown us something else, too: where the cracks are, she said. Because passing the ordinance also revealed the limits of our existing databases and data collection methods. It exposed how some of our systems werent built for this kind of equity work and how much more we have to do to modernize the way we track, analyze and respond to traffic stop data. Harrison sponsored a resolution council approved May 19 directing the city administrator to explore a new records management system for police and report back in 120 days. Progress isnt just about passing a law its the implementation, the follow through and the course corrections, Harrison said. And were seeing that in real time, but were also seeing where were falling short, and thats part of the process, too, she said, thanking fellow council members, the police department and the citys police oversight commission for supporting the implementation and evolution of the ordinance. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Crash closes both sides of I-94 near Ann Arbor Updated 3:55 p.m. with additional information from police. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI A multivehicle crash has closed both eastbound and westbound I-94 through Ann Arbor. A crash involving a car and semitrailer was reported at about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, on eastbound I-94 at the Jackson Avenue exit ramp, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Initial reports indicate multiple vehicles were involved in the crash, but there do not appear to be any serious injuries at this time, officials said. Only minor injuries have been reported at this time, according to the Michigan State Police. Traffic camera photo of a crash that closed I-94 in both directions Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation The crash caused debris to be scattered on both sides of the expressway, to include the concrete median barrier to be pushed into the travel lanes, state police said. Due to debris scattered on both sides of the freeway, eastbound I-94 at M-14 and westbound I-94 at Jackson Avenue have been closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. The freeway is expected to be closed for sometime due to the lengthy cleanup, police said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. A Shiawassee County Sheriffs vehicle sits in front of the Corunna City Hall in this MLive file photo. Brice Tucker | btucker@mlive.com SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI A 56-year-old man has died after being ejected from his vehicle in a head-on crash in Shiawassee County, police said. Deputies with the Shiawassee County Sheriffs Office responded for a crash just after 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, near the corner of Garrison and Byron roads in Vernon Township. A northbound vehicle turned left onto Garrison Road and crashed head-on with a southbound vehicle, according to a Tuesday, Sept. 2 news release from the sheriffs office. The southbound vehicles driver, a 56-year-old Raisin Township man whose name has not been released by police, was ejected. He was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint and pronounced dead hours after his arrival, police said. The driver of the other vehicle involved did not suffer any injuries in the crash. Sheriffs office deputies were assisted by Perry Fire and Rescue, Shiawassee County Dispatch, Vernon Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Durand Police Department and Allstar Towing. Genesee County Circuit Court is pictured in this MLive file photo. Jake May | MLive.com FLINT, MI A 61-year-old man and former Clio police officer caught in a child sex trafficking sting has entered a guilty plea in court. Jeffrey Morningstar pleaded guilty to one count of using a computer to commit a crime. In accordance with the guilty plea, the Genesee County Prosecutors Office dropped two other charges: child sexually abusive activity and accosting a child for immoral purposes. Morningstar also will be added to the states sex offender registration for 25 years, according to court records. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced that Morningstar was caught in a child sex trafficking sting in August 2024. The former police officer, who most recently worked in Longboat Key, Florida, responded to a sting operation in which a law enforcement officer was posing as a trafficker selling a 15-year-old in Burton. The man allegedly wanted to pay to have sex, Swanson said. He started communicating with what he thought was an adult who was selling a child, then he came for that kid, Swanson said. Morningstar is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 3, before Genesee Circuit Judge David J. Newblatt. The man started his career in the 1990s with the Detroit Police Department before stops with departments in Millington, Clio, and Longboat Key for 12 years, Swanson said. He worked part-time for approximately a year and a half at the Clio Police Department, Swanson said. Grand Rapids police are investigating after three men were shot. (MLive File Photo) GRAND RAPIDS, MI Three men suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in a shooting late Monday, Sept. 1, in Burton Heights. The shooting was reported around 11:15 p.m. in the area of Francis Avenue SE and Burton Street. Grand Rapids police said the three victims were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Police continue to investigate. Mario Gibson Franciscotty, executive director of Wellspring Counseling, faces two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct by a mental health professional in Kent Countys 63rd District Court. Franciscotty is accused of having a sexual relationship with a patient during therapy sessions. Bradley Massman | MLive.com KENT COUNTY, MI A woman told police her therapist repeatedly emphasized the need for secrecy, warning her that he would face severe consequences, if their sexual relationship was discovered. The allegations, paired with a police investigation, led to criminal charges against the therapist, 51-year-old Mario Gibson Franciscotty. Franciscotty is the executive director of Wellspring Counseling, a nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids that assists churches and community organizations with counseling services. Franciscotty is a professional counselor offering individual, family, and marriage counseling, his online biography states. He faces two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct by a mental health professional in Kent Countys 63rd District Court. Its unclear as of Tuesday, Sept. 2, if Franciscotty is still seeing patients in light of the criminal case. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press left a message at the phone number listed for Wellspring Counseling. The voicemail states that Mario Franciscotty is either with a patient or away from the phone. His attorney did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment. The Kent County Sheriffs Office opened an investigation into Franciscotty on July 18 after a woman reported she was sexually assaulted by her therapist. A deputy detailed his investigation in an affidavit of probable cause obtained by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. The woman said she and Franciscotty engaged in sexual intercourse four or five times during therapy sessions at his office, 977 Ada Place Drive SE, during the seven months she was his patient. The alleged incidents happened throughout April and May. She said the sexual encounters were consensual in the moment, the affidavit states. However, she later realized the relationship was not OK and learned Michigan law does not allow for mental health professionals and clients to have consensual sexual relations. She told the deputy she felt the need to report the behavior to protect other potential victims. The woman shared a screenshot of a text conversation between her and Franciscotty. The messages were sexual in nature. Franciscotty confessed to the deputy in an interview about having an inappropriate relationship with the woman. He admitted that he would send flirtatious and sexually explicit messages, including nude photos, the affidavit states. Franciscotty, however, denied having a physical sexual relationship. Police followed up with the woman two weeks later and she detailed the sexual acts that took place. She said Franciscotty suggested they communicate through an application called Telegram because messages are encrypted, according to the affidavit. The woman told police Franciscotty warned her that he would face consequences, including jail time, if their relationship was discovered. Franciscotty is scheduled to appear in court next on Friday, Sept. 5, before Judge Daniel OHara for a preliminary examination. MICHIGAN CENTER, MI What began as a suspected act of vandalism quickly escalated into an assault followed by a five-hour standoff with police that ended peacefully with an arrest Sunday morning. Police were called at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, to the area of North Lakeside Drive and Fifth Street in Michigan Center for a reported felonious assault, according to the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety. A woman called 911 saying she and her boyfriend saw a man in a ski mask in their driveway attempting to deflate their cars tires. The couple confronted him, and the man, armed with a long metal object, assaulted them, police said. No injuries were reported in the attack. The suspect ran, and the boyfriend pursued him. He managed to catch up, tore off the suspects ski mask and discovered the suspect, continuing to flee, was the womans ex-boyfriend, police said. Officers, relayed the identity, found the man on Catalpa Drive, where he showed a handgun and refused to leave the home, also occupied by a woman and several children, police said. The Jackson County special response and negotiator teams responded to secure the area and talk the man into surrendering peacefully, police said. After a five-hour negotiation, the 41-year-old Jackson man surrendered and was taken to the Jackson County Jail to await charges, police said. At 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, the county dive team recovered a weapon, believed to have been discarded by the suspect while he was fleeing, in Center Lake, police said. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office, Michigan State Police and Napoleon Police Department assisted at the scene. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. OTSEGO, MI Police are investigating a fire, believed to be an act of vandalism, at an Otsego city park. The city of Otsego reported there was a fire at its beloved Northside Park overnight, just after midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 2. No one was injured, city officials said. However, the fire caused extensive damage to the east side of the large castle play structure, the city said. The Otsego Fire Department quickly contained the fire, the city said, and the damage was limited to a roughly 20-foot by 40-foot section. The Otsego Police Department is investigating and seeking any information that could help them solve the crime. Please reach out if you know anything about this act of vandalism, the city said. The Southwest Michigan city has filed an insurance claim for the damaged play structure. We hope to expedite every step of the process of repairing this structure back to what it was quickly, the city wrote in a news release. The first step is to secure the rest of the structure to make it safe, which will require an inspection and a partial demolition of the damaged portion. We want this to be opened back up as soon as possible, the city said. In the meantime, people are told not to cross the yellow police tape. The city invites citizens to use the playground structures at Brookside Park and Memorial Park. We understand the role that this park plays in your daily lives and apologize for the inconvenience this creates for you and your family, the city wrote in the news release. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. KALAMAZOO, MI -- A Southwest Michigan public radio station is debating how to move forward after Congress rescinded $1.1 billion in funding for public media. Federal funding comprises a small percentage of the budgets for NPR and PBS. But for local outlets like Kalamazoos WMUK, the funding is much more important. The smaller the community, the more its expected to hit. Its the smaller station serving rural communities ... or in medium-sized markets where there is a news desert, they are the ones who are going to be punished by this, said Stephen Williams, WMUK general manager. WMUKs 15 employees operate out of a small office on the lower level of Western Michigan Universitys Friedman Hall. Most visitors need special directions to find it. But WMUK can be heard for miles. One of its stations, 102.1 FM, airs news and information for listeners from Grand Rapids to Elkhart, Indiana. WMUKs second station, acquired in 2020, airs classical music for listeners in Kalamazoo on 89.9 FM. WMUKs primary role is to provide commercial-free, impartial news, Williams said. Stephen Williams, general manager of WMUK. Courtesy of WMUK The programming is first on the chopping block, now that federal funds are gone. We have to sit down and make some hard decisions, Williams said. The station is facing a 10% to 20% direct funding loss. And that doesnt factor in added costs of increasing fundraising to make up that gap. Last year, WMUK received $178,000 in federal funds. That funded roughly 75% of shows you hear on the radio. Most of the programming aired by WMUK is distributed by NPR, as member stations pay fees to NPR to air programming. Fees from member stations compose about 30% of NPRs budget, per NPR. Other portions of WMUKs budget go to operating expenses like paying staff members and keeping the stations on air. To replace the lost $178,000, WMUK estimates itll will have to spend roughly $316,000, because of the extra fundraising budget needed, Williams said. That cost would be about 20% of the stations operating budget. One of Williams goals is to avoid layoffs. Instead, the station will be hiring two more staff members, one part-time and one full-time, to work on grant writing and philanthropy. Meanwhile two other positions, one for sales and another part-time reporting position, will be left vacant because of budget constraints. Other future vacant positions may be left unfilled as well, as WMUK looks for budget reductions. These new positions will help considerably, Williams said. It will come at a cost, but I dont think we can afford not to find new sources of revenue within our communities. WMUK will also seek more philanthropic and business support. The station cant generate revenue from commercials, Williams said. The sign for radio station WMUK inside Friedmann Hall on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. (Kendall Warner | Mlive.com) Kendall Warner | MLive.com Prior to Congress rescinding funding, Williams traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with legislators, hoping to convince them about why federal support for public broadcasting is important. Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga, Southwest Michigans U.S. representative, was among those who voted to rescind funds. Democratic Congresswoman Hillary Scholten and U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin fought very hard to save public broadcasting, Williams said. If Congressman Huizenga were here, I would say, You have now made (our) job harder, Williams said. You have now impaired the ability for the station to provide a level of local coverage that, if we were not here, it would not exist. Huizengas office could not be reached for comment. Even if funding is restored in the next fiscal year, infrastructure on the national level would have to be rebuilt to distribute public broadcasting funds. WMUKs federal funds are distributed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit created by Congress in 1967 to manage federal funding for public broadcasting. Once federal funds were rescinded, the CPB closed. From our standpoint, this was a very severe blow, Williams said. (A) very unnecessary one. NPR has 14 member stations in Michigan, including WMUK. Native Voice One, which creates programming for Indigenous communities, has seven Michigan affiliates that received funding from the CPB. Our hope is that some members of Congress will see that the impact of the rescission is more severe than they realized, Williams said. Were going to continue educating people, educating our members of Congress and doing what we can to kind of undo the harm that its done. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. MIDLAND, MI A youth minister affiliated with a Midland County-based international ministry is facing potential life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a girl for years. He previously rejected a plea offer that would have negated such a possibility. Prison is not an unfamiliar home for James P. Randolph, as he previously spent two stints behind bars, one for the gang-rape of a minor in the 1980s. Jurors on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 29, found Randolph, 59, guilty of all six counts he faced two counts of first- and four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. First-degree involves penetration and is a life offense, while second-degree is limited to touching and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Randolph was known to his victim as a youth pastor with Living Word Church, 2010 N. Stark Road in Lincoln Township. The organization describes itself as a worldwide gospel ministry with a prophetic voice in end times alerting Gods people with Gods Word of righteousness through every available means in every available place. Randolph is also the son-in-law of founder and televangelist Mark T. Barclay. During the seven-day trial, Midland County Assistant Prosecutor Courtney Driscoll argued Randolph spent years assaulting a girl he met when her family attended Living Word Church. The victim, now an adult in her late 20s, testified in the trial and in a February 2024 preliminary examination she eventually moved into the Randolphs home, having had sleepovers there with the Randolphs children. She viewed this as a privilege, describing the Randolphs as the churchs first family. In her preteens, she would awaken to Randolph touching her in her sleep, she testified. These incidents grew more frequent and advanced in severity, the woman testified. The misconduct continued into the girls teen years, she alleged. Randolph also asked the girl if she was a virgin and urged her to confide in him about any sexual experiences she had, she testified. The woman moved out of the Randolphs house in 2018. Randolph continued to abuse her until she moved out, though she never told anyone about it for several reasons. James was a minister, she said. He was my youth pastor. I grew-up with him in childrens church. And my parents, you know, they trusted him. My entire community of people was within the church. And I felt like nobody was going to believe me if I told anyone. The woman made her allegations after another man in the church, elder Brandon S. Saylor, was charged with similar offenses in July 2023. She felt compelled to come forward as she suspected there were other victims, she testified. Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks described the matter as an emotional and difficult case for all involved, but added hes pleased with the jurors verdict and is grateful for their time. The emotional harms caused by the defendants action, unfortunately, will last a very long time, Brooks said. We are very thankful for the victim and other witnesses for standing up to the pressure and difficulties they had to endure for the past two years, and for remaining strong in their support of victims of child sexual abuse. He further lauded Assistant Prosecutor Driscoll and Victim Advocate Tabitha Spencer for their outstanding work in giving the victim a voice and ensuring that justice was served. Brooks added the trial created a tense situation in the courthouse. Midland County Circuit Judge Michael J. Beales courtroom was often filled with bystanders, many of them Randolph supporters, including ministers from other states. On at least one occasion, Beale threatened attendees with contempt-of-court charges for talking or attempting to talk to sequestered witnesses. The Rev. Mark Barclay issued a statement on his organizations Facebook page following Randolphs conviction. The recent legal case involving James Randolph has been a very difficult and heartbreaking situation for our church family and community, Barclay wrote. We respect the legal process and the verdict returned by the jury. Barclays statement continued, Randolph was not the pastor of Living Word Church, nor was he ever the head of our youth, childrens, or nursery ministries. Randolphs victim, though, testified she knew him as her youth pastor. Also, Randolph in a 2023 interview with Michigan State Police investigators asserted he had been involved with youth ministry for 30 years. We recognize that this situation has caused real pain for many, Barclay continued. As a church community, our hearts are with all victims of abuse. We are committed to truth, accountability, and safety in our ministries. We continue to ask for the community to join us in prayer for all who have been affected by this case. Troy-based defense attorney Nicole Blank Becker argued the complaining witness changed her account multiple times and was not credible. Randolphs wife testified the victim was a liar. Randolph had been free on a $5 million bond since he was charged in November 2023. Judge Beale revoked his bond Friday and ordered him held in the Midland County Jail until sentencing, scheduled for Nov. 13. Randolph had a history of sexual assault before being associated with Living Word Church. Criminal records show a then-17-year-old Randolph in December 1983 was sentenced to two to 10 years in a Michigan reformatory on a conviction of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, stemming from a brawl in Jackson County. While on parole in October 1984, he and several other men raped a 15-year-old girl in Jackson, resulting in him being convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A Jackson County judge in October 1985 sentenced Randolph, then 19, to prison. The Michigan Department of Corrections paroled him in 1993 and discharged him from that two years later. Brandon Saylor in January 2024 pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Judge Beale that April sentenced him to three concurrent terms of five to 15 years in prison and required he register as a sex offender. Saylors father, 73-year-old Randy L. Saylor, is a now-suspended associate pastor with Barclays ministries and the third man connected with the organization to face sexual misconduct charges in recent years. An August 2024 preliminary examination saw two sisters, ages 15 and 20, testify Randy Saylor repeatedly gave them massages at his Sanford-area home, only for the contact to grow into sexual assaults. The sisters did not tell anyone of the alleged assaults for years and came forward after they heard of Brandon Saylor being charged. Randy Saylor remains charged with six counts of first- and nine counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. His trial is slated to begin before Beale on Sept. 22. After last weeks court ruling striking down President Donald Trumps use of special powers to set tariffs, Michigan U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, said she believes there is a window for Congress to step in. But with a Republican majority in both the House and Senate, she said it isnt likely. Too many of them, quite frankly, are afraid of President Trump, Dingell said. The question of Congress ability to address Trumps tariffs was posed during Dingells Labor Day appearance Monday, Sept. 1 on CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish. It comes after an Aug. 29 U.S. Court of Appeals ruling, a 7-4 decision that struck down Trumps use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. General tariffing authority resides with Congress, but Trump has used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act - a statute allowing the president broad powers to regulate international economic transactions in times of war or national emergency - to impose sweeping tariffs. Some experts say the uncertainty surrounding existing tariffs and the possibility of new ones has the potential to stifle economic growth and lead to higher costs for goods. On CNN, Dingell said Monday shes seen that concern trickle down to consumers in Michigan, with some constituents raising issue during recent town halls. I did a lot of town halls this August. People are worried and scared, and the word Im going to use is safety, she said. They want to know that theyre going to be able to afford their food and be able to get food to eat. Many workers are worried about their job. Tariffs are a tool in a toolbox, she said, but right now, everybodys worried about the cost of everything. Dingell said during the first Trump administration, she often worked with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on tariffs and trade agreements. Trade policy belongs in Congress, Dingell said. If Democrats win the House majority during midterm elections, the party will seek to address it, Dingell said. But thats a year and a half away. Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act multiple times this year, to impose liberation day tariffs of 10% on virtually all U.S. imports and to place tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico in response to what he said was their role in allowing fentanyl to cross U.S. borders. Last weeks ruling upheld a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling that the tariffs were illegal, finding it was unlikely Congress had intended to grant the president nearly unlimited authority to impose them. The case is now expected to go before the Supreme Court, after his administration signaled its intent to appeal. In a Sunday, Aug. 31 post on Truth Social, Trump said the ruling could result in much of the countrys new investment being immediately cancelled, and said the U.S. would have no hope of greatness again. If Trump is not successful in court, his administration could potentially have to repay billions in duties collected so far, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a nonpartisan think tank. The ruling could also impact some of Trumps trade deals, which were made with trading partners like Japan and the European Union to bring down the cost of tariffs imposed on them. But in the meantime, the Trump administration can use other tools to continue to impose duties on trading partners, and the tariffs are permitted to stay in place until Oct. 14 to give time for a Supreme Court appeal. Other tariffs set by Trump are not affected, and could be expanded, according to CFR analysis, though they are more limited than the emergency powers through International Emergency Economic Powers Act. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Nikes latest collaboration is rich in history, class and comfort, but its only available while supplies last. The Womens Dunk Low is getting a Harris Tweed makeover in two colorways that drop on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. ET. The Sesame and Violet Mist and Black and Phantom shoes will be $135 each. Harris Tweed hails from Scotland, having crafted some of the worlds finest hand-woven fabrics for over a century. Its only fitting that one of Nikes most iconic shoes gets upgraded with the timeless patterns. Nike x Harris Tweed Sesame Women's Dunk Low x Harris Tweed Sesame and Violet Mist shoes $135 on Nike Nike x Harris Tweed Black Women's Dunk Low x Harris Tweed Black and Phantom shoes $135 on Nike The Sesame and Violet Mist shoes will feature multi-color underlays with Baroque Brown accents and Sesame sidewalls for a vintage design. Harris Tweed will be called out on the tongue label, and the shoe will still have the ultimate, comfortable finishes. Meanwhile, the Black and Phantom design features black and white houndstooth fabric, smooth black leather accents and a phantom midsole. Each pair is complex, showcasing elevated craftsmanship, depth in design and a nod to the pioneers who have continued the wool fabric legacy. Over the years, everyone from royalty to Hollywood stars has sported Harris Tweed and now you can join them. Get online before 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 3 for the best chance at getting a pair of the new Nike Dunk Low collaborations. Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept This MPV dominated Indian car market in August, beat all SUVs from Creta to Brezza & Nexon Six airbags are available across all the variants of this MPV. Varun Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 5G finally arrived in Bangladesh on Monday after telcos Robi Axiata and Grameenphone reportedly launched 5G services within a few hours of each other, and 18 months after receiving licences to streamline 5G rollouts. According to media reports, Robi launched live 5G services in Fakirapul, Maghbazar Chowrasta, parts of Dhaka University, Khulshi in Chattogram and Sagor Dighir Par in Sylhet on Monday morning. Shahed Alam, Robis head of regulatory affairs, said at a launch event in Dhaka that the telco plans to deploy over 200 5G sites by the end of this year and 1,000 sites by the end of 2026. According to Financial Express, Robi will prioritise those rollouts in locations where smartphone penetration is at least 20%. Robis 5G launch event on Monday was followed a few hours later by an announcement from Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman on Facebook that the telco has launched 5G across all eight divisional cities Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet albeit only in a few select areas. No other details were given. The two 5G launches come a yeah and a half after the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued unified licences to Robi, Grameenphone, Banglalink and Teletalk that enable all of them to upgrade their current networks to 5G and 6G under the same licence. In fact, 5G has been in the pipeline in Bangladesh for years. Teletalk launched the countrys first 5G trial in December 2021 in partnership with Nokia. In 2022, the BTRC auctioned off US$1.2 billion worth of spectrum in the 2.3-GHz and 2.6-GHz bands, which operators were expected to use to not only shore up their 4G capacity, but also lay the groundwork for 5G. Last year, Grameenphone and Robi Axiata secured additional 2.6 GHz spectrum after two years of haggling over the price per MHz. However, according to local newspaper Daily Star, however, the BTRC has been slow to develop guidelines for 5G rollouts. Meanwhile, telcos were hesitant to take the 5G plunge due to high rollout costs, low 5G handset penetration and no clear demand for 5G, the report said. It hasnt helped that Bangladesh was rocked by political turmoil last year that resulted in protests, crackdowns and multiple internet shutdowns until Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country in August 2024. According to the Financial Express Express report, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, admitted at Robis launch event that 5G use cases are still underdeveloped. He urged regulators, government, and operators to work together to make 5G relevant for everyone, regardless of profession. Taiyeb also said the BTRC is planning to release 700-MHz spectrum soon, and is considering releasing more spectrum in the 800-MHz and 900-MHz bands. He also called on the BTRC to implement a phased shutdown of 2G and 3G services to free up more spectrum for 4G and 5G. As of this post, neither Banglalink nor Teletalk has announced plans to launch 5G anytime soon. Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BTS' comeback album slated to release in March 2026; septet to return to US to shoot MV BTS recently wrapped up a two-month stay in Los Angeles, where they reportedly collaborated with acclaimed producers and composers on fresh tracks. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Dwayne Johnson gets 15- minute standing ovation for 'The Smashing Machine' at Venice Film Festival Dwayne Johnson poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening "The Smashing Machine" in competition, at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, Venice, Italy. (Photo: REUTERS) Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Exclusive - Amruta Subhash says rejected many big roles: 'They were offering me money twice my bank balance' Gayatri Rani is an Entertainment Writer at Moneycontrol. With a keen eye for industry trends and a passion for storytelling, she delivers latest updates to her readers. Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Harry Potter director Chris Columbus says no reunion of original cast in the Reboot series Harry Potter director Chris Columbus confirms no reunion of original cast in the Reboot series Nakul Tomar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kaun Banega Crorepati 17: Indores Aditya Joshi quits Rs 12.5 Lakh question on Eurozone Expansion; did you know its answer? However, the 12th question, which carried a prize of Rs 12.50 lakh, put an end to his impressive run. Aditya made the safe decision to quit and left with Rs 7.50 lakh in winnings. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept PLDT announced on Tuesday it has deployed free-space optics technology from Google Taara in three remote locations in the Philippines as an alternative to terrestrial and subsea fibre optic cables. Developed by Alphabets X Moonshot Factory and spun off into a commercial company in March this year, Google Taara is a free-space optics solution that uses beams of light to transmit data across long distances similar to fibre but without the physical cable. Each site is capable of delivering up to 20 Gbps of capacity. PLDT said it has deployed Taara equipment at Talim Island in Rizal, Dipaluda in Isabela and Bagong Pag-asa QC. On Talim Island, the technology spans an 11.8-km stretch across Laguna de Bay, linking the island to the mainland. The Taara system in Dipaluda covers 13 km of mountainous terrain. Meanwhile the Taara system in Bagong Pag-asa QC will provide an alternative route and resolve single-point-of -failure issues. PLDTs COO and head of network Butch Jimenez said the Taara solutions not only deliver super-fast connectivity to those areas, it also saves a lot of money on rollout costs. Connecting Talim Island, for example, would require deploying a subsea cable, while Dipaluda is challenging terrain for fibre rollouts with rivers and mountains. This is a game-changer for us in connecting remote areas, said Jimenez. It makes it easier to provide fibre-like internet to new areas. Erick Santiago, head of network strategy at PLDT-Smart, said the telco plans to explore laser-based connectivity further to complement its fibre network, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Weve evaluated this technology for over a year, Santiago said. The PLDT deployment is the latest win for Taara, which has been deployed sporadically over the past five years even when it was still part of X Moonshot. In 2020, for example, Alphabets Moonshot Factory formed a partnership with Econet and its subsidiaries, Liquid Telecom and Econet Group, to deploy Taara across their networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in Kenya. The following year, Liquid Intelligent Technologies deployed the technology across the Congo River to connect Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In June 2022, Digicel deployed Taaras technology in Fiji and Tonga. A year later, Alphabet signed a partnership deal with Bharti Airtel to deploying Taara gear across its network in rural and urban areas. The same year, Liberty Networks deployed the solution to connect St. Martin and Anguilla during a cable outage. Masti 4 director Milap Zaveri reveals had no work for the last two years, thanks Riteish Deshmukh for having faith: No one was answering my calls Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shraddha Kapoors LinkedIn experience goes viral, from slowest Barista to Sandwich maker and now an actress Shraddha Kapoors LinkedIn experience goes viral, from slowest Barista to Sandwich maker and now an actress Nakul Tomar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sivakarthikeyan dedicates success to wife Aarthy, says she married him when he had nothing Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Venkatesh wrote a heartfelt message and shared two cute images with Google on his official X handle. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept When Shah Rukh Khan revealed he worships Ganpati Bappa along with Quran at Mannat, said, "my son Aryan says Gayatri Mantra, I say bismillah with him" When Shah Rukh Khan revealed he worships Ganpati Bappa along with Quran at Mannat, said, "my son Aryan says Gayatri Mantra, I say bismillah with him" Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Ileana DCruz on her struggle with breastfeeding: I had no idea it was going to be intensely painful Ileana D'Cruz spoke about her worries over breastfeeding and how the lactation consultant, who was supposed to help her overcome her anxieties, left her feeling even more uncomfortable Bobby John Varkey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aishwarya Nair USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The company has received approval to foray in African markets, beginning with Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Essar Steel insolvency in focus as acquisition by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India questioned before NCLT If allegations regarding stamp duty are upheld, potential liabilities could run into thousands of crores Swaraj Singh Dhanjal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Freixe took over after the surprise ouster last year of Mark Schneider, who was let go due to sluggish performance during his nearly eight-year tenure. Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ravindra Sonavane USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Indias supply chains resilient, not at the mercy of anyone, says Piyush Goyal Sweta Goswami USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept As the weather office forecasts heavy rains in September, there are fears consumer spending will be hit during the crucial festival season. (File image) Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The amount of crude on tankers heading to India stuck below 1.3 million barrels a day in the four-weeks to Aug. 31, down by about one-third from the recent peak seen in March. Bloomberg Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aryaman Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India and the US have been negotiating the trade pact since March. Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept The agreement was formalised in Washington DC in the presence of officials from the US Department of Energy and the Indian Embassy. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept Apollo Tyres, MRF, other tyre stocks rally up to 5% on hope of lower GST rates Apollo Tyres, MRF, other tyre stocks rally up to 5% on hope of lower GST rates J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Can Fin Homes to Consider 10,000 Crore Fundraising via NCDs This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Gokaldas Exports, Avanti Feeds rise up to 7% on US Treasury Secy's 'two great countries will get it solved' remark Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Lovisha Darad USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sebi, IEPFA hold second 'Niveshak Shivir' in Hyderabad to help investors with unclaimed assets Sebi launches first crash course for bankers on insider trading, say sources. Brajesh Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sensex, Nifty to extend gains to second day? Key levels to track on September 2 Positive start to the week: Sensex and Nifty gain as DIIs outpace FII selling Lovisha Darad USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Luke Achterstraat departs COSBOA after securing ACCC status and Cyber Executive Council appointment. Whats next for small business advocacy? Whats happening: Luke Achterstraat has resigned as CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) after two and a half years leading the organisation. Why this matters: His departure follows a period of significant achievements including securing ACCC Designated Complainant Status and appointment to the Cyber Executive Council. Luke Achterstraat has notified the COSBOA board of his resignation after what he described as an extremely rewarding two and a half years as chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia. The departure marks the end of a tenure that saw the organisation secure several significant regulatory appointments and expand its political influence. Major achievements COSBOA is the genuine voice for small business. I am proud of the work the team has done growing members, building partnerships, and ensuring small business has a robust voice and seat at the table, Achterstraat said. According to Chair Matthew Addison, Achterstraats experience in government brought a significant increase in the positive political and public profile of COSBOA. During his leadership, the organisation achieved several landmark milestones. During his tenure as CEO, COSBOA received ACCC Designated Complainant Status, was appointed to the Cyber Executive Council, co-hosted the Treasurers debate, influenced the national debate and launched its Fair Go election campaign to agitate for small business tax reform, Addison said. Organisations foundation Established in 1979, COSBOA is a member-based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing small business interests. The organisations capability and reach are defined by over 50 national and state-based members. COSBOAs strength is its capacity to harness its members views and advance consensus across policy areas common to many, according to the organisations official description. Future direction Achterstraat expressed confidence in the organisations continued growth under new leadership. COSBOAs success is driven by a passionate and active membership, to whom I owe my sincere thanks. I have no doubt COSBOA will go from strength to strength under its next leader. COSBOAs member organisations work with the team to assist with policy development and guide advocacy efforts, making submissions and representations to government and agencies on issues affecting small businesses. Addison thanked Achterstraat for the progress and commitment he brought to the role on behalf of the COSBOA board. More information about COSBOA is available at www.cosboa.org.au. The organisation continues its work on small business policy priorities as it searches for new leadership. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addresses the gathering during the 120th foundation day celebrations of City Union Bank in Chennai. (Courtesy: PTI photo) Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Teena Jain Kaushal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept ITR filing: Can one claim tax rebate on short term capital gains manually for FY25? Teena Jain Kaushal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. 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 Popo Ventures will only engage with buyers if theyre a full acquisition. It is not interested in a part sale or an equity fundraise, as per sources. Tushar Goenka USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept A significant number of these authorizations pertain to the chemical sector, impacting players like SRF and PI Industries, among others. Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Even the most-resilient glaciers are falling victim to climate change The resilience of glaciers in the northwestern Pamir mountains, including the Kyzylsu Glacier in Tajikistan, has been well-documented in previous research Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Queensland competition offers ultimate prize: rent-free headquarters for five years plus $250k fit-out budget. Entries close November 14. Whats happening: City of Moreton Bay and UniSC are offering one innovative business a rent-free headquarters for five years, valued at over $1 million, in Queenslands fastest-growing innovation ecosystem. Why this matters: The competition removes financial barriers for scale-ups ready to expand, embedding them in a region where one in six Australians will soon call home. A bold new initiative is offering one innovative business the chance to secure their very own Ultimate HQ rent-free for five years in booming South East Queensland. Valued at more than $1 million, the prize is a state-of-the-art space inside the Moreton Bay Central innovation precinct at University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) campus, just 30 minutes north of Brisbane CBD. The competition is an initiative of City of Moreton Bay and UniSC, designed to supercharge the growth of high-potential businesses by embedding them into one of Australias fastest-growing innovation ecosystems. Million-dollar opportunity City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the opportunity was a game-changer for entrepreneurs ready to scale. Opportunities like this dont come around often, and Council and the university are proactively removing the financial handbrake to give an innovative scale-up business the opportunity to build, experiment, and grow in City of Moreton Bay, Australias third largest local government by population, he said. Moreton Bay Central and City of Moreton Bay sit at the heart of South East Queensland (SEQ), a fast-growing region already home to 4.2 million people, with 1 in 6 Australians to soon call SEQ home. The Ultimate Headquarters prize package includes five years of rent-free space within a premium industrial strength facility, $250,000 towards a custom office fit-out, concierge service from Innovate Moreton Bay, and introduction to corporate partners local business networks, academia, and student talent. UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that locating a business within the university campus offered several opportunities for industry innovation and growth. Businesses can tap into our community of researchers and educators while connecting with, and fostering, new graduates, Professor Bartlett said. With Moreton Bays population projected to increase to 690,000 by 2041, UniSC will play a key role in supporting rapid workforce development by building the skills that businesses need across key areas such as engineering, information and communications, science, early childhood and aged care. Expert judging panel The competition entries will be judged by an expert panel of judges from City of Moreton Bay, UniSC, and powerhouse partners including BDO, Constant Contact, KL Gates, Telstra, and Westpac, with each bringing unique expertise, networks, and resources to support the winning business. Gus Balbontin, renowned futurist and investor, said the competition was an example of whats possible when government, education, and industry come together to back entrepreneurs. Ive worked with startups and scale-ups around the world, and what they need most is room to breathe and room to build. The Ultimate HQ offers both, plus access to talent, collaboration, and lifestyle. Its a dream scenario for any business ready to take the leap, Mr Balbontin said. The competition is open to scale-up businesses domestically and internationally in multiple sectors including food and agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, innovation and sport among others. Innovation Safari finale Entries are now open until 14 November, 2025. Five finalists will visit City of Moreton Bay in February 2026 for an Innovation Safari, a week-long series of activities immersing them in the areas business, lifestyle and innovation ecosystem before making a final pitch at a gala event where the winner will be announced. For businesses looking to scale, Queensland continues to offer various funding opportunities and support programs, with the Australian startup ecosystem navigating ongoing funding challenges. Entries can be submitted online via the competition landing page www.theultimatehq.com.au. Sweta Goswami USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 2020 Delhi riots: Delhi High Court denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and seven others Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Azerbaijani President, during the SCO summit, also stated that Baku would prioritise its brotherhood with Islamabad despite New Delhis actions at global forums, citing long-standing political, cultural and security ties. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Beyond the optics: Why condemnation of Pahalgam attack in SCO declaration is a diplomatic victory for India Without naming Pakistan at the SCO meet, PM Modi emphasised that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bihar BJP president in tears as PM Modi speaks on abuses at late mother: 'No bigger sin...' | Watch Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bihar Cabinet approves Rs 7,000 hike in stipend for interns, 7 new medical colleges in state 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India News Live: Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to visit India from September 2-4 At the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, will pay an Official Visit to India from 2-4 September 2025. This would be Prime Minister Wongs first visit to India in his capacity as Singapores Prime Minister. He will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and Senior Officials. During the visit, PM Modi and PM Wong are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions on 4 September 2025. Prime Minister Wong will call on President Droupadi Murmu. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and other dignitaries are also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Wong during the course of the visit. Open4Sale promised $57bn revenue with zero income history. Directors now face $2.8m penalty and decade-long corporate bans. Whats happening: Two Open4Sale Global directors have been fined $2.8 million by the Federal Court for fundraising without proper disclosure documents, with one director transferring investor money for personal use. Why this matters: The case shows how investors can be left vulnerable when companies bypass disclosure requirements, with 83 people receiving no proper documentation about their investments. A Federal Court has delivered a scathing judgment against two directors of Australian company Open4Sale Global Ltd, imposing $2.8 million in penalties for what Justice Charlesworth described as a disgraceful course of conduct. Managing director Simeon La Barrie, who was fined $2 million, transferred over $1.4 million of investor money to accounts associated with him, using the funds to pay for personal expenses including rent and school fees. Court documents reveal La Barrie referred to shareholders as idiots in professional correspondence on two separate occasions. The Federal Court found Open4Sale, La Barrie and Australian director Ewald Hafer breached disclosure laws when raising over $1.3 million from 83 investors between March 2019 and July 2023 without providing compliant documentation to ASIC or investors. Court finds misconduct Instead of proper disclosure documents, investors received only marketing pitch decks alongside application forms. These materials made unverified claims that Open4Sale would generate US$57 billion in revenue within five years, despite having no reasonable basis for such forecasts. Financial reports presented to the Court showed Open4Sale generated no income between 2016 and 2022 and accumulated nearly $9 million in net losses during this period. ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said: Disclosure laws exist to make sure that investors are clearly and accurately informed about the nature of their investments and how their money will be used. In this case, no such documentation was provided, with investors simply provided with marketing pitch decks alongside application forms. Personal expenses exposed Evidence before the Court showed La Barrie transferred over $1.4 million of investor money to accounts associated with him, using some of it to pay for personal expenses such as rent and school fees. Justice Charlesworth noted the seriousness of this conduct, saying: The evidence discloses a disgraceful course of conduct on the part of Mr La Barrie, accompanied and explained by his defiant attitude to the law. Hafer, who was fined $800,000, received $137,975 in commissions for signing on new investors since 2019. The Court found he had the ability to stop raising money from investors while there was no accompanying disclosure document but failed to do so. The inference arises that Mr Hafer chose instead to continue to breach the Corporations Act because he personally benefited from attracting yet more investment by his receipt of a commission, and I so find, Justice Charlesworth said. Decade-long bans imposed Beyond the financial penalties, La Barrie has been disqualified from managing corporations for 12 years, while Hafer faces an eight-year disqualification period. Both La Barrie and Open4Sale are restrained from future non-compliant fundraising for 12 years, with Hafer restricted for eight years. Justice Charlesworth rejected submissions that the conduct had not yet caused harm, noting that the companys records are so poor it is not possible to discern its actual financial position. The Court declined to order penalties against Open4Sale itself. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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I Accept 'Court can't refuse to answer constitutional question even if row political,' says Supreme Court in Presidential reference hearing Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Sewa Pakhwara, marking the 75th birth anniversary of the prime minister, will be observed across the country from September 17 to October 2, she said. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Do you know Kannada?: Siddaramaiah asks President Murmu. Here's how she responded Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 'Yet another confirmation of how it functions...': Congress leader Pawan Khera slams EC over notice on two EPIC numbers "This is the issue we have been raising, this is what Rahul Gandhi is saying. Now I want to know if my vote was misused in Delhi and went to the BJP. I want CCTV footage," the Congress leader told said. Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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(Image: PTI) Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Exactly what Congress is questioning: Pawan Khera blames EC after BJP claims he holds two EPIC numbers As per the details shared by Malviya, the two EPIC numbers of Khera are - XHC1992338 (Jangpura) and SJE0755967 (New Delhi). Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Fight against terrorism should remain an important priority of the SCO: Vikram Misri Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept From SIR to Maa: Modi redraws Bihar battlelines with Opposition playing its part Parimal Peeyush is News Editor at Moneycontrol. A journalist for over 17 years, his experience spans across newspapers, magazines and digital news media. Having joined Moneycontrol in August 2024, Parimal oversees the Political Desk. He has penned over 8,000 stories on elections while also covering issues around the intersection of politics, law and crime. A seasoned hand, Parimal has previously worked at Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Sakaal Media Group, The Sunday Indian and India TV as a reporter and later as an editor since the early 2000s. Through his career, he has covered diverse issues ranging from the Mumbai 26/11 attack to the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax. He has also closely followed key government changes at the Centre and states, while also simplifying complex policy changes such as demonetisation and Article 370 abrogation. He also briefly dabbled into consulting in the e-commerce and defence sectors while working for Sweden-based firm Probability Consulting AB, and Finance at CFO India magazine. An English graduate with a Masters in Journalism, Parimal can be found either discussing politics and sci-fi or boasting about his non-existent guitar skills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited. (X:@BJP4India) Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Leaders of various countries have extended their greetings to their Vietnamese counterparts on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day of Sept. 2. The Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the State President, the National Assembly, the Government of Laos and the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction sent congratulatory messages to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State President, the National Assembly, the Government of Vietnam, and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. The messages recalled that 80 years ago, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people carried out a revolution against colonialists with courage, determination and sacrifice to gain national independence in 1945. Vietnam continued its struggle against imperialists, combining the strength of national unity and international support, together with President Ho Chi Minhs burning aspiration: "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom." The Lao leaders warmly congratulated and hailed Vietnams victories as invaluable lessons and sources of encouragement for Laos in the cause of national protection and defense, voicing their confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam headed by General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam will achieve greater successes in implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and successfully organize the 14th National Party Congress. They underlined the Laos Vietnam great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong as a priceless asset and decisive factor in both nations victories. The Lao leaders expressed their pride in this enduring relationship, gratitude for Vietnams consistent support, and commitment to deepening solidarity and cooperation for mutual benefit. On this special occasion, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping sent congratulatory messages to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, and State President Luong Cuong. Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a message of congratulations to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, while Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China, conveyed greetings to Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man. Chinese soldiers during a military parade to mark Vietnam's 80th National Day in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh The key Chinese leaders congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, with socio-political stability, rapid economic growth, continuously improved living standards, and growing regional and international influence. They expressed their confidence that under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Vietnam will continue to advance on its socialist path suited to national conditions, successfully organize the 14th National Party Congress, and make strong progress towards the "two centenary goals" on the founding anniversaries of the Party and the country. Regarding bilateral ties, the key Chinese leaders shared that over the 75 years since diplomatic ties were established, the traditional friendship of being "both comrades and brothers" personally built and nurtured by previous generations of leaders has grown steadily. China considers Vietnam a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and stands ready to work with Vietnam to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Humanistic Exchange as an opportunity to strengthen traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, and promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, making the relationship more substantive and far-reaching, bringing practical benefits to the people of both nations and contributing to peace and progress of humankind. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, President of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) and President of the Senate Hun Sen, President of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet sent congratulatory messages to Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Cambodian leaders expressed admiration for Vietnams rapid and comprehensive development, as well as its increasingly important role and position in the region and the world. They stressed that the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day is a historic event reflecting the strength and solidarity of the Vietnamese people in building a prosperous, modern, and resilient nation under the sound leadership of the CPV over the past eight decades. The leaders expressed their belief that under the Party leadership, headed by General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam will realize its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. They highly valued the fine neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability between the two countries, and expressed their confidence that the close ties between the two Parties, States, and peoples will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of both nations, as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez sent congratulatory letters to Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong. The Cuban leader praised Vietnams great achievements throughout history, particularly under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV. He stressed that the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the predecessor of todays Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 80 years ago was a historic milestone embodying the dream of a prosperous, peaceful, and developed country. He affirmed that Vietnams victories in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, as well as in todays renewal process, are a great source of inspiration for nations striving for independence and freedom. On this occasion, Cuba affirmed its determination to continue consolidating the traditional bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two peoples, nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. Russian President Vladimir Putin cabled a congratulatory message to Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong, while Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin extended greetings to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Russian Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin also sent congratulatory letters to National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Russian leaders stressed that over the past eight decades, Vietnam has achieved remarkable accomplishments and is confidently advancing on its path of socio-economic progress, with growing prestige in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. They affirmed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries is developing positively, with their joint efforts on regional and international issues yielding positive results based on mutual respect and shared interests. Russian soldiers during a military parade to mark Vietnam's 80th National Day in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung Chairman of the United Russia Party Dmitry Medvedev and Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov also sent congratulatory letters to Party General Secretary To Lam. General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un sent congratulations to General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong. Meanwhile, Pak Thae Song, Premier of the Cabinet of the DPRK, cabled a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The DPRK leaders extended their best wishes to the Vietnamese Party and Government leaders and people, expressing hope that the country will achieve even greater success in building a socialist state. They also reaffirmed their confidence that the traditional friendship between the two Parties and countries will continue to develop in line with the cause of socialism and the shared interests of both peoples. Indian President Droupadi Murmu sent a congratulatory letter to State President Luong Cuong, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered congratulations to General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The Indian leaders praised the courage and resilience of the Vietnamese people in defending and developing their country, highlighted the upgrade of IndiaVietnam relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a reflection of longstanding ties, political trust, mutual understanding and shared values. They affirmed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam is a key pillar of Indias Act East policy and its new global strategy, and reiterated Indias commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with Vietnam for the benefit of both nations. The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) also sent a congratulatory letter to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Mongolia's President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar and Chairman of the Parliament Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan cabled their messages of congratulations to State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, respectively. The Mongolian leaders congratulated Vietnam on the remarkable achievements attained by the Party, State, and people over the past 80 years in national construction and development. They expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people will continue to reap even greater successes, thereby contributing to building a prosperous nation and further enhancing its international standing. On behalf of the U.S. Government, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended his congratulations to the Government and people of Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of National Day on Sept. 2. In a press statement issued on Sept. 1, Rubio said: "The United States admires the resilience, determination, and progress made by the Vietnamese people. Vietnam continues to demonstrate remarkable growth and development, becoming a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a leader in addressing shared global challenges. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations. The United States is proud of the progress we have made together under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has strengthened our cooperation in security, science and technology, education, and addressing regional challenges, including maritime security and transnational crime. As we commemorate this historic occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening our nations' bonds. Together, we will continue to advance peace, prosperity, and security for the American and Vietnamese people, as well as for the broader Indo-Pacific region." The U.S. Secretary of State sent warm wishes to the people of Vietnam for a joyous celebration and a prosperous year ahead. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee Bounleua Phandanouvong, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Choe Son Hui also sent congratulatory letters and messages to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung. Goyal says India-US trade deal likely by 'November or so', blames 'little bit of geopolitical issues' for delay The minister, during his virtual address, claimed that the world is excited to expand trade and business ties with New Delhi. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Insult to mothers and daughters of the country: PM Modi hits out at RJD-Cong over abuses hurled at late mother Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Javed Akhtar was invited as the chief guest to preside over a key mushaira on September 1. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manoj Jarange ends protest: What is the Hyderabad Gazette which Maharashtra govt has promised to implement? Activist Manoj Jarange Patil during his hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation, at Azad Maidan, in Mumbai on Saturday. (Image: PTI) Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vietnam staged its first large-scale naval parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on the morning of Sept. 2. The spectacle, staged off Cam Ranh military base in the central province of Khanh Hoa, featured the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and standing maritime militia, showcasing an arsenal of modern vessels and equipment. These forces form the backbone of Vietnam's strategy to assert and defend its sovereignty over seas and islands. The live footage of the parade was broadcast to the historic Ba Dinh Square in the capital city of Hanoi, where leaders of the Party and State, officials, foreign guests and people from walks of life gathered for the anniversary ceremony. Vietnam showcases naval power in historic parade marking 80th National Day Cac luc luong chao co dieu binh tren quan cang Cam Ranh Forces salute the flag and parade at Cam Ranh military port. Video by Vietnam People's Navy The parade spotlighted Vietnams naval evolution from a fledgling force reliant on armed motorboats to a modern maritime power equipped with advanced aircraft and warships. It displayed Kilo-class submarines, Gepard-class frigates, missile corvettes, and multi-role patrol ships, plus seaplanes and maritime patrol aircraft. This buildup reflects Vietnams focus on strengthening its maritime defenses in the new era. A standout was the DHC-6 seaplane, dubbed the naval air forces "eye in the sky." Its ability to take off and land on water makes it ideal for surveillance, reconnaissance, medical evacuations, and search-and-rescue missions at sea. DHC-6 aircraft and Ka-28 helicopters fly over the parade ship formation at Cam Ranh sea. Photo by Vietnam People's Navy Also featured was the Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopter, loaded with twin turbine engines, advanced navigation, autopilot, and anti-submarine warfare systems. Capable of operating in diverse weather conditions, it can detect and neutralize enemy submarines and surface vessels around the clock. Vietnams undersea prowess was on full display with the Kilo 636 submarine, a diesel-electric vessel known as the "black hole of the ocean" for its stealth. Packing advanced cruise missiles, it can strike both land and sea targets while evading air defenses, cementing its status as a symbol of naval power. Submarine 183 - Ho Chi Minh City, one of six Project 636 "Varshavyanka" submarines of the Vietnam People's Navy, maneuvers at sea. Photo by Vietnam People's Navy The Gepard 3.9 guided-missile frigates, all about speed and endurance, showcased Vietnams ability to counter threats at sea, in the air, and along the coast. Whether flying solo or teaming up, its ready to roll even when the seas get rough. In the lineup was 159-class anti-submarine frigate armed with AK-726 guns, torpedo launchers, and rocket depth-charge systems. With substantial displacement and endurance, it supports both solo and joint missions targeting submarine threats. 159-class anti-submarine frigates in the parade. Photo by Vietnam People's Army The 1241RE missile corvette, capable of reaching 43 knots with a displacement of 502 tonnes, showed off Vietnams high-speed patrol capabilities. Equipped with anti-ship missiles, automatic guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and long-range radar, it is optimized for reconnaissance and quick-strike combat. The 1241.8 fast attack missile vessel, nicknamed the "lightning ship," impressed with its ability to track up to 15 targets at once and take on multiple threats, reinforcing Vietnams coastal defense strategy. Missile ship 371 (Project 1241.RE), gunboat 276 of the domestically built TT-400TP class, vessels CSB-8002 and KN-290, together with a naval militia vessel, sailed in column formation. Photo by Vietnam People's Army The TT-400TP gunboat brought the endurance, with a 30-day range and 2,200 nautical miles of reach. Armed to the teeth, it can blast targets at sea, in the air, or on shore. The Coast Guard rolled out multi-role patrol vessels with advanced weaponry and long-endurance systems. These ships handle law enforcement, sovereignty protection, search and rescue, and defense diplomacy, including confronting foreign vessels in Vietnamese waters. The Fisheries Surveillance force showed up with the KN-290 and KN-390 vessels, modern multipurpose ships with top-notch command and communication systems. Theyre out there backing fishermen, cracking down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and enforcing maritime laws at home and abroad. Rounding it out, the Border Guard brought SPA 4207 high-speed patrol boats for coastal security, search and rescue, and safety missions, while the maritime militia chipped in with ships ready for combat, patrols, reconnaissance, and logistical support. Its a full-on team effort to keep Vietnams seas and islands locked down tight. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil during his hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation, at Azad Maidan, in Mumbai on Saturday. (Image: PTI) Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Marathas should not be added to OBC quota, says Chhagan Bhujbal Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept In a series of posts on X, Seth accused both former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and incumbent CM Nayab Singh Saini of failing the city. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pawan Khera, who heads Congress's media and publicity wing, has been at the forefront of the party's campaign against alleged voter list irregularities. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Jains from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan who entered India up to 2024 to be allowed to stay: MHA They will be exempted from the rule of possessing a valid passport and visa, according to an order issued by the Home Ministry. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept An Indonesian journalist (L) learns about mortise and tenon techniques at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) A journalist (R) makes a lacquer fan at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan) A staff member introduces Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures to a journalist at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) Journalists make knot button brooches at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 30, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan) Intangible cultural heritage inheritor Xin Quansheng (2nd L) introduces mortise and tenon techniques to journalists at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) Journalists make Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) Journalists make Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan) A staff member (R) introduces the making of knot button brooch to a journalist at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) A staff member introduces "Clay Figure Zhang", a clay sculpture art, to a journalist at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan) A staff member introduces Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures to a journalist at the press center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. The SCO Summit 2025 is held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin. The press center of the summit featured an intangible cultural heritage experience zone, offering journalists the opportunity to engage with local intangible cultural heritage crafts like Yangliuqing woodblock new year pictures, Clay Figure Zhang and lacquer ware making. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan) Editor: WXY Russian oil gets cheaper for India as US amps up criticism India became a major importer of Russian crude after the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, but the South Asian nation was recently slapped with crushing US tariffs for the trade Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept The announcement, made on the fifth day of Manoj Jarange's indefinite fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, sparked celebrations among his supporters. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept A staff member displays kite-making craft before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) Guests communicate before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) Guests communicate before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) A guest tries lacquer fan crafting before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) A staff member displays lacquer fan craft before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) A staff member displays a Yangliuqing woodblock new year picture before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) Guests experience Chinese tea culture before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) A staff member displays filigree mosaic craft before a welcoming banquet at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Before the banquet, the guests watched and experienced China's intangible cultural heritages, having friendly exchanges in a harmonious atmosphere. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) Editor: WXY Jiang Yanchens condition, which left his backbone without muscular support, had forced him to live in a Z-shaped posture for 21 years. (Image credit: @historyinmemes/Instagram) Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept The 33-second clip showed corporate employees dressed in formals riding the truck booked via Porter while plying through flooded roads. (Image credit: @GargiRawat/X) Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Republicans revive allegations of Gmail censorship by Google, here's what the company has to say MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting and delivers a speech titled "Pooling the Strength of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization To Improve Global Governance" in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) TIANJIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling on countries to work in concert for a more just and equitable global governance system. Xi made the remarks when chairing the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in north China's port city of Tianjin, where the SCO held the largest summit in its 24-year history, attended by leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations. The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by Xi over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Xi highlighted five principles of the GGI -- adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. While the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world, Xi said, adding that new threats and challenges have been only increasing, and the world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. "Global governance has come to a new crossroads," he said. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. Xi stressed firmly safeguarding the status and authority of the UN, and ensuring its irreplaceable and key role in global governance. He said that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance. "There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others," Xi noted. He also urged efforts to better tackle the common challenges for mankind, better narrow the North-South gap, and better safeguard the common interests of all countries. Xi said the SCO should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the GGI, and remain a force for stability in this volatile world. Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said the SCO offers "a compelling alternative to zero-sum thinking," emphasizing "listening over dictating, solidarity over supremacy, and shared growth over isolated gains." Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into the world's largest regional organization with cooperation covering more than 50 areas and a combined economic output of nearly 30 trillion U.S. dollars. Xi urged the organization to push for open cooperation across the globe. "We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; we should seek integration, not decoupling. We should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and push for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization." China will readily share the opportunities of its vast market, and continue to implement the action plan for high-quality development of economic and trade cooperation within the SCO family, he pledged. China's investment stock in other SCO member states has exceeded 84 billion U.S. dollars, and its annual bilateral trade with other SCO member states has surpassed 500 billion U.S. dollars. In particular, Xi mentioned sharing the dividends of progress in artificial intelligence. He also invited countries with relevant capacities to take part in the International Lunar Research Station project. Xi also underscored the need to "unequivocally oppose hegemonism and power politics," urging the organization to stand as a pillar in promoting a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations. Hailing the GGI as "timely and relevant," participants at the meeting said it contributes China's wisdom and solutions to the pressing issues facing the world today, and the SCO's successful practice of upholding the Shanghai Spirit has set a prime example for global governance improvement. The initiative is "a need of the hour and common aspiration of the global community," said Zafar-Ud-Din Mahmood, former special assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister. He expected that the GGI will bring stability, tolerance, peace and inclusiveness to the world. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Min Aung Hlaing, acting president of Myanmar, attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) A representative of the President of Indonesia attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Tajik President Emomali Rahmon attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) A representative of India attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Editor: WXY Sony PlayStation: Why you wont see ABXY buttons in game controllers 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 Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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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 More recently he was the founder and CEO of Kasu.ai, a company that developed Al strategies to power and automate business processes, in the US. Tushar Goenka USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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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 MC Tech Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Centre initiates process to nominate Chhath Puja for UNESCO: A look at Indias other festivals on world heritage list Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Somnath in Gujarat is celebrated as the foremost of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sandakphu: The Hidden Himalayan Trek Where You Can See Four of the Worlds Five Tallest Peaks Sandakphu: The Hidden Himalayan Trek Where You Can See Four of the Worlds Five Tallest Peaks (Image: Canva) Nivritti Khatri USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience. Five Best Culinary Travel Spots in Asia for 2025 Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Corneille Nangaa (L), head of the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military coalition allied with the March 23 Movement (M23), speaks at a press conference in Goma, North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Spet. 1, 2025. The M23 rebel group on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the peace process under Qatari mediation, despite ongoing differences with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua) GOMA, DR Congo, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the peace process under Qatari mediation, despite ongoing differences with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). At a press conference in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province that has been under M23 control since late January, Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military coalition allied with the M23, voiced confidence in Qatar's mediation efforts even as disputes with Kinshasa persist. The remarks came as the DRC government and the M23 resumed discussions in Doha, following the signing on July 19 of a Declaration of Principles intended to start negotiations by Aug. 8 and target a peace accord by Aug. 18. These deadlines have not been met, but Doha remains the only venue for direct dialogue in recent weeks. "We will not betray peace. That is why we remain in Doha... because we trust the mediation," Nangaa said, citing the release of some 700 prisoners by the DRC government, an obligation outlined in the Declaration of Principles, which he said has yet to be respected by Kinshasa. Nangaa also claimed that the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) had conducted operations in several areas of South Kivu in breach of the ceasefire stipulated in the Doha Declaration of Principles. He noted that a two-member team from the M23 had been dispatched to Doha to focus solely on mechanisms related to the ceasefire and prisoner release. For weeks, the FARDC and M23 rebels have traded accusations of repeated violations of the Doha ceasefires. On Saturday, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi described the Doha talks as "dynamics" designed to help the DRC turn the page on violence and allow Congolese people to shape their own future. Meanwhile, the security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Since January 2025, the M23 has seized several strategic cities, including Goma and Bukavu, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Recent clashes have been reported on multiple fronts, notably in the Fizi highlands of South Kivu Province, according to security sources. As the conflict grinds on, the humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC has reached alarming proportions. According to the United Nations, more than 28 million people in the country face food insecurity, while over 7 million remain internally displaced, many of them repeatedly. Corneille Nangaa (L), head of the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military coalition allied with the March 23 Movement (M23), speaks at a press conference in Goma, North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Spet. 1, 2025. The M23 rebel group on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the peace process under Qatari mediation, despite ongoing differences with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua) Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military coalition allied with the March 23 Movement (M23), speaks at a press conference in Goma, North Kivu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Spet. 1, 2025. The M23 rebel group on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the peace process under Qatari mediation, despite ongoing differences with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Str/Xinhua) Editor: Xiong Jian Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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(Photo by POOL / AFP) Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Kim Jong Un visits China in rare diplomatic visit: What to expect from his meetings with Xi and Putin? Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept More than 1.5 million people have been affected by the flooding in Pakistan. (AFP photo) Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept SCO acts to assume greater role in development, governance Xinhua) 08:27, September 02, 2025 TIANJIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has drawn a development blueprint at its Tianjin Summit that concluded Monday, which will lead it to play a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability, and in promoting shared prosperity. The summit saw the signing and adoption of a number of key documents, including the Tianjin Declaration and a development strategy for the organization in the 2026-2035 period. Outcomes of the meeting also include a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system, a statement on the 80th anniversary of WWII victory and of the founding of the United Nations, and 24 outcome documents on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as security, economy and people-to-people ties. The Tianjin Summit has built consensus, pooled strength, ignited new cooperation momentum in various fields, and contributed wisdom to global governance. Since it was founded in 2001, the SCO has grown into the world's largest regional organization, setting an example for a new type of international relations. Guided by the Shanghai Spirit, SCO development and cooperation have seen groundbreaking and historic achievements, and significantly promoted peace and development at both regional and global levels. In line with the evolving international situation, the summit has demonstrated the SCO's resolve and action to work efficiently to achieve greater development, make the global governance system more just and equitable, and make more contributions to Global South solidarity, cooperation and human development. In a major highlight of the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" meeting. The initiative has five principles -- adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and focusing on real action. The GGI marks the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by Xi over the past several years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. The GGI will be of great significance to both SCO development and the improvement of the global governance system. In providing a solution to the global governance deficit, the GGI not only conforms to the common aspirations of people of all countries, but also meets the urgent needs of today's world. It was welcomed and supported by the leaders of the countries and international organizations attending the event, and is bound to be widely recognized by the international community. The Tianjin Summit also witnessed the further expansion of the SCO family, with Laos admitted as a dialogue partner. And more countries are planning to join the organization, underscoring its dynamism, openness and inclusiveness. From Tianjin, the SCO has set out on a new voyage with greater responsibility, efficiency and real results, aiming to contribute more to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Xi criticises 'bullying behaviour' and Putin blames west for Ukraine war at China summit At a major summit in China, President Xi Jinping criticized the 'bullying behaviour' of other nations while Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the war in Ukraine was 'provoked by the west', according to a report in The Guardian. Speaking on the second day of the summit, which seeks to challenge western-led multilateral blocs, Xi urged attendees to oppose a 'cold war mentality'. The report also notes that China is balancing its alliance with Russia against the risk of further punitive actions from the US, particularly concerning North Korea's alleged assistance to Russia's war effort. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) will join Chinese President Xi Jinping to watch Beijing's military parade this week. Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trumps use of National Guard during Los Angeles immigration protests is illegal, a judge rules Yeeshu Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Xi assembles Axis of Upheaval to unnerve West: Who all are attending China's grand military parade? File Photo - In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9, 2025. Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Xi and Putin have pushed their nations closer together since Russias full invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Bloomberg Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Naftogaz could enter direct U.S. LNG purchases if it secures capacity at Polish terminal ex chief of GTSOU Ukraine will need to import up to 4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually over the next decade, which means Naftogaz of Ukraine should consider signing long-term contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to former Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU) CEO Serhiy Makogon. "I have long advocated for Naftogaz to move into direct LNG purchases (primarily U.S. LNG) and deliver it to Ukraine through Poland But this requires long-term capacity booking at an LNG terminal," he wrote on Facebook. Makogon noted that Poland is currently assessing demand for a second LNG terminal in Gdansk. Transmission operator Gaz-System has launched fresh consultations on the potential deployment of a second floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) there. Until September 30, 2025, market participants may submit applications outlining indicative capacity needs and contractual terms. "It will be interesting to see whether state-owned Naftogaz takes part in this demand assessment for an additional LNG terminal in Poland," he added. According to Makogon, Poland is already building its first FSRU with a regasification capacity of about 6.1 bcm per year, slated to come online in 2028. A second unit could add more than 4 bcm of capacity, significantly boosting the energy independence of both Poland and the region. As of late last week, Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities held 11.2 bcm, compared with the government's target of 13.2 bcm by November 1. Daily injections stood at 48 million cubic meters. However, Makogon argued that the 13.2 bcm storage target is too low and would require an additional 1.5 bcm of imports during the winter. Alumna honored as Kentucky Department of Education award recipient By Jillian Smith | Sep 2, 2025 Murray State University College of Education and Human Services alumna Kara Dowdy has been named one of nine recipients of the 2026 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). MURRAY, Ky. Murray State University College of Education and Human Services alumna Kara Dowdy has been named one of nine recipients of the 2026 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award by the Kentucky Department of Education. Dowdy earned a bachelors degree in secondary English education in 2004, a masters in reading and writing in 2008 and an education specialist degree in educational administration and instructional supervision in May 2025. Dowdy, who teaches English at Mayfield High School, said she was shocked but excited to learn she had been selected from more than 750 nominations across the state. She advanced through multiple rounds of applications and interviews before receiving the news in August. Teaching is a selfless profession. We give back to others endlessly just because we care, Dowdy said. This achievement award is not just about me. It reflects my colleagues, who go above and beyond every single day for our students, and of course, it includes our students as well. Her school community, colleagues and students quickly celebrated the recognition, sharing the news on social media and even surprising her with gifts. As a teacher leader in Mayfield Independent Schools, Dowdy serves as chair of the English language arts department and district mentor. She has also led initiatives such as the Different Abilities fundraiser to support students with special needs. I am a teacher every single second of every single day, she said. My goal has always been to help othersmy sons, students and colleaguesreach their full potential. Hopefully, those in my community and across the state will see that it doesnt matter how small the town [is]reaching full potential just takes dedication and support. If selected as the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, Dowdy said she would emphasize voice and value as her message to educators and the public. All students have a voice, no matter how they communicate, and all students deserve to feel valued, she said. Relationships and communication are the keys to success in my classroom. The 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year will be announced in October. For more information about the College of Education and Human Services, visit murraystate.edu/coehs. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) does not support the idea of including virtual assets (VA) in international reserves and considers such a step premature, First Deputy Governor of the NBU Serhiy Nikolaychuk said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "The overwhelming majority of cryptocurrencies remain high-risk assets, while the core principle of managing international reserves is security. Sharp swings in the value of VA would negatively affect the overall size of reserves," he stressed. According to Nikolaychuk, there is currently no clear or uniform global understanding of the essence and classification of VA, nor is there unified regulatory legislation governing transactions with them. He noted that while some countries do include such assets in their reserves, this remains more of an exception than the rule. The NBU official emphasized that including crypto assets in Ukraine's reserves could undermine the country's EU integration process. "The European Central Bank has a very clear position: it considers it unacceptable to include crypto assets in the reserves of EU member states' central banks. Reserves must be liquid, safe, and protected," Nikolaychuk said. He also reminded that such changes would not comply with the requirements of the Technical Memorandum under Ukraine's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the IMF. On June 10, 2025, members of parliament registered bill No. 13356, which would allow the NBU to include VA in gold and foreign exchange reserves. However, Nikolaychuk noted that the central bank had not been consulted regarding this legislation. Following their August 4th letter requesting a meeting of the Big Four, and receiving no response, Senate Democrat Minority Leader Schumer and House Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have co-written another letter. Jeffries was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the letter: Dear Speaker Mike Johnson & Leader John Thune: The September 30th funding deadline will be upon us shortly. It is therefore imperative that we immediately meet upon our return to Congress next week to discuss the need to avert a painful, unnecessary lapse in government funding and to address the healthcare crisis Republicans have triggered in America. The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way. That is the only viable path forward. At the same time, it is critical we come together to stop the Trump administrations assault on healthcare in America. Unfortunately, it appears the Republican-controlled Congress lacks a plan to address the mounting healthcare crisis your budget reconciliation bill has set in motion. Hospital closures and staffing reductions are wreaking havoc on everyday Americans, particularly in rural communities. This Fall, millions of people will confront dramatically increased health insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles. With the September legislative work period soon upon us, it is imperative we receive clarity about the following questions: 1. What is your proposal to fund the government in a bipartisan manner and avoid unnecessary harm to the American people? 2. Are there any plans to address the looming healthcare crisis caused by Republican policies, including the so-called One Big Beautiful Law? 3. Has the President or any member of the Trump Administration indicated to either of you that the Office of Management and Budget will submit another rescissions package? As we made clear earlier this month, Democrats stand ready to work together to lower healthcare costs for the American people, while responsibly completing the appropriations process. It is past time you reveal your plans to meet the needs of the American people. Otherwise, it is clear that you have abandoned bipartisanship altogether and are preparing to shut down the government. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law the Integrated Industrial Pollution Prevention and Control Act (No. 13157), which introduces a 10% export duty on soybean and rapeseed seeds. According to the document's status page on the Verkhovna Rada website, the law was returned to parliament with the president's signature on Tuesday. For several years, Stepan Kapshuk, CEO of the Ukroliyaprom Association, had advocated for restricting the export of 50% of the rapeseed harvest to increase capacity utilization at Ukrainian processing plants, which in 2024 in particular faced a significant shortage of raw materials. Subsequently, Dmytro Kysylevsky, deputy chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Economic Development, drafted bill No. 13134, with amendment No. 40 proposing a 10% export duty on rapeseed and soybeans. He argued that Ukrainian oilseed processing plants were underutilized by 35%, and that if engaged fully, the sector could generate an additional UAH 7.3 billion in budget revenues to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine. An extra $238 million, he noted, could fund the construction of dozens of plants and create thousands of new jobs. Several associations criticized the bill "On Amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine on Expanding Patient Access to Medicines Procured by an Authorized Healthcare Procurement Agency Through Managed Entry Agreements," which included the proposed export duty on soybeans and rapeseed. Business groups argued the measure was discriminatory toward small and medium-sized producers, aimed at boosting processors' profits at the expense of farmers, and in violation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. On June 18, the Verkhovna Rada voted down the initiative. However, soybean-related amendments were incorporated into bill No. 13157, which was later passed on July 16 with the support of 245 lawmakers. Following its passage, three resolutions were registered in parliament seeking to annul the vote on bill No. 13157, specifically the amendments imposing a 10% export duty on soybeans and rapeseed. These were submitted by MPs Dmytro Razumkov (Chesno movement), Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze (European Solidarity), and Oleksiy Honcharenko, who filed three draft resolutions (13157-P, 13157-P1, 13157-P2). The Verkhovna Rada rejected all three initiatives. Professor Lawrence Katz, of Harvard, is co-author with Professor Claudia Goldin, also of Harvard, of a book that defines the modern mainstream theory of labor markets. Entitled The Race Between Education and Technology, the Goldin-Katz book tells how supply and demand determine the relative wage of skilled labor. Put simply, when science and technology surge ahead, skilled wages and salaries rise, increasing inequality. When education catches up, wage differentials decline. This is a paradox of education: it is necessary to get ahead, but if too many pursue it, the advantage fades away. The Goldin-Katz theory has been widely (if not always explicitly) used to justify the pay of economists, as mathematical theory and data analysis have become de rigueur. According to The New York Times of July 28, 2025,starting academic base salaries for economists now run about $150,000 per year, and $200,000 in consulting. For academics these figures do not include summer pay, research funding or other perks, nor the potential to supplement their incomes with outside work. New technologies, the theory tells, have relentlessly driven up the demand for economists skills, and because the supply of top PhD economists is necessarily restricted, the upward pressure on wages is what balances supply and demand. But now, according to the headline, the bull market in economists is over. This is not, apparently, due to a surge in supply. Professor Katz reports that he graduated only seven new PhDs this past year. He did not say whether this was an increase over previous years, let alone a large one, but for a scholar at the top of his field it does not seem excessive. More generally, the Times specifies that the issue is not growing supply but declining demand, stating that universities and nonprofits have scaled back hiring amid declining state budgets and federal funding cuts. Of his seven new PhDs, Professor Katz was able to place only three in tenure-track positions. The Times does not explain just why the hiring slump has hit top economists so very hard. It does not suggest any loss of confidence in the quality of their work or the viability of their theories. Indeed there is no hint, in the case of Professor Katz specifically, that the insight embodied in his theory of labor markets has fallen under suspicion. The Times merely refers to him, accurately, as a prominent labor economist. This if anything is understatement. Another prominent labor economist, Professor Betsey Stevenson of the University of Michigan, did suggest to the Times that artificial intelligence may be playing a role. The advent of AI, she wrote, is also impacting the market for high-skilled labor. This is interesting because it would suggest a twist in the Goldin-Katz theory. AI is a massive advance in technology. If Goldin-Katz applies, that should increase the relative demand for highly-skilled labor, including PhD economists from top departments, assuring their full employment at even higher rates of pay. Yet, though new technologies supposedly raise demand for high-skilled labor, technologies also cut demand for low-skilledlabor and have been doing so at least since the invention of the wheel. Thus, if demand is falling, then there is the possibility that economists labor should no longer be classed as highly-skilled. There is a deeper challenge in this story to the basic theory of labor markets advanced by Goldin, Katz and their colleagues. The theory, like all neoclassical market theories, is a theory of price (and wage) adjustment. In this case, wages went up to very high levels by academic standards because demand outstripped supply. And now demand is falling. Should not wages and salaries fall too? Why, in short, should the problem be one of unemployment, which hardly figures in the labor market model? Why shouldnt new PhDs simply secure the jobs they want, but at modestly (or even, severely) lower rates of pay? These pay rates are negotiated individually PhDs in economics do not usually belong to unions. Is there something wrong with the standard theory of labor market adjustment? The standard theory acknowledges that for various unfortunate reasons institutions is the catch-all term, covering unions, labor standards, the minimum wage, and the force of habit wages and salaries can be sticky, generating unemployment that is sometimes termed frictional. But this is a transient phenomenon. The ultimate remedy remains a lower real wage. Perhaps after a year or two on the market Professor Katzs unemployed students will be offered, and be willing to accept, salaries more customary in anthropology or English literature. But surely economists, of all people the greatest champions of free and flexible markets, are the in the best position to test the advantages of a rapid adjustment to the new intersection of supply and demand? Of course, the option of lower pay does exist and will be taken. PhDs can drive Ubers, like anyone else. But this is not what the Goldin-Katz theory specifies. Theirs is a theory of wage adjustment in each class of labor, so that efficient markets assure full employment and so that valuable human capital does not run to waste. Yet it does not seem to occur to top economics departments to negotiate down their pay offers. Nor does it seem to occur to Professor Katzs students, steeped though they are in his theory, to secure the jobs they covet by offering to do them for less. Still less does it occur to Harvard to cut the pay of a professor whose falling productivity is in evidence, for instance by a failure to place even half of his graduating students in the jobs they were led to expect when they enrolled. I raise these points not to poke fun at Professors Katz and Goldin, nor at the eminent colleagues whose endorsementsgrace their book. Economics departments are not unusual. Practically no regular employer recontracts professional pay as suggested in the Goldin-Katz theory. They all set salaries, fill jobs as needed, promote talent from within, and cut hiring not pay when business conditions change (or budgets are slashed). The economics departments described by the Times are behaving normally. And Harvard is also behaving normally by not bothering Professor Katz with a salary cut. His employers may reasonably gamble that he will do better next year. Professors Katz and Goldin are undeterred. Both were at Jackson Hole in August, where Katz presented his latest evidence on skill biased technical change. He was obliged to admit that the data have not been kind to this hypothesis for the past twenty-five years. Contrary to prediction, the premium separating college from high school a key indicator in this work has barely risen since 2000, suggesting (if the hypothesis were true) either that there has been an unseen glut of highly-skilled labor or an equally unseen decline in the rate of technological change. Neither appears supported by evidence worth speaking of, and Katz therefore describes this period as a puzzle. The other possibility, amply argued outside the mainstream including by Thomas Ferguson and myself over twenty-five years ago, is that the theory wasnt valid to begin with. Wage structures, we showed, are driven by macroeconomic and political events, which amply account for the variations across sectors and regions without reference to vague measures of technology and skill. I have further developed this argument in books and papers, including Created Unequal, published in 1998, and Inequality and Industrial Change, published in 2001. The advantage of these works over the mainstream is that they were developed from close analysis of a wide range of data, and not driven by a consuming desire to validate a preconceived model. The mainstream, alas, has the incorrigible habit of seeing only what it wants to see. The amusing point the moral of the story, if you like is that the real world is finally moving against the purveyors of a fantasy theory of labor markets, who are wonderfully oblivious to the walls now closing in. It would be nice to believe that those making the hiring decisions are conscious that they are saving themselves unnecessary expense on miseducated people. But that would be, I fear, too much to expect. Nashville Pride lost about 40 percent of its sponsorship dollars this year. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nissan, Cracker Barrel, Dollar General and Jack Daniels all sponsored Junes Nashville Pride Festival in previous years, but pulled out of the 2025 iteration. Most of the sponsors dropped out during the 30 days leading up to the festival, Nashville Pride president Tina Tousignant tells the Scene. By National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, the organization hopes to raise back at least $250,000 of the $270,000 lost in sponsorships. Nashville Pride called the loss an unprecedented financial crisis in its 35 years of operation. While the businesses that sat out Pride this year have said it was due to a lack of funding or change in direction, Tousignant says she can read between the lines. They didnt want to confirm that it was DEI, she tells the Scene. Most of them were saying they were restructuring, and it was money that was the issue. In addition to the lost sponsorships, security costs more than doubled this June compared to past festivals, and attendance was down by about 15,000 likely in large part due to severe weather. But Tousignant says the sponsorships were the largest part of the deficit. VUMC withdrew standby emergency support one week before the festival a move that cost Nashville Pride $30,000, the nonprofit confirms, though VUMC declined to comment on the matter. The hospital system also gutted its LGBTQ health programming this year following pressure from U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who echoed an executive order from President Donald Trump demanding that entities receiving federal funding end diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Im just generally upset that companies wont stand up and do the right thing, Tousignant says. They cower down and bend the knee to politics and politicians, especially in our state. Thats sad. Vanderbilt is the worst, because theyre here [in Nashville] and theyre a large corporation to help people and they cant even stand up for one organization that theyve been with for years. Thats the disheartening part. Nonprofit HIV prevention agency Nashville CARES stepped up, and other locally based corporations stayed on board, including Bridgestone though the company dropped from the presenting sponsor level for the first time in 11 years and Journeys. (The Nashville Scene is a media sponsor of Nashville Pride.) Lebanon-based Cracker Barrel recently saw its stock drop (and later rebound) following the announcement of a new logo and branding. The temporary branding change garnered backlash from right-wing media figures like Robby Starbuck, who accused the company of being infested with left-wing activists who are more interested in safe spaces, pronouns and virtue signaling than they are in their customers. Meanwhile, the company quietly withdrew from sponsoring Nashville Pride earlier in the summer. In 2023, Lynchburgs Jack Daniels faced similar backlash and boycotting when some of its customers discovered a Pride campaign that the company had been participating in since 2021. Goodlettsville-based Dollar General, which had been involved for at least seven years, and Nissan, a presenting sponsor for four years, forwent communicating about Pride this year altogether. Nissan has faced financial troubles in the past year. While it operates on a significantly smaller budget than Nashville Pride, Franklin Pride faced a shortfall this year as well. President Clayton Klutts tells the Scene that the organization reached out to some of its sponsors ahead of time to confirm their donation this year, only to find they wouldnt be returning. Scene sister publication the Williamson Scene reported that Franklin Pride lost 70 percent of funding in 2025, including its largest sponsor. It wasnt a complete surprise, Klutts says. Based on the political climate, we proactively reached out to our sponsors just to see how things stood. They were very forthcoming with us. Franklin Pride knew about the few organizations that said theyd be dropping sponsorship in fall 2024, but didnt know if others would pull out before the June celebration. They held a successful fundraising concert in February and asked the community to donate. Every little bit helps, and it just proves to us that the business community and our community of members, allies, family and friends are very interested in Franklin Pride and want it to happen and continue to be a success, Klutts says. In the first 24 hours of its fundraiser, Nashville Pride raised $30,000. The organization is especially crucial in Tennessee, where bills targeting LGBTQ rights are introduced by state legislators on a yearly basis. Its not just the festival, its year-round support for our community, Tousignant says. We love standing up and fighting for our community and creating safe spaces for people, and thats why we decided we have to reach out to the community and tell them whats going on and let them help us fight to keep our rights and our safety. PrJSC Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant, one of the largest producers of bottled water and beverages in Ukraine, IDS Ukraine, has implemented a project to ensure energy independence for nine schools and kindergartens in Myrhorod, the company's press service reported. According to the release, the community received modern autonomous power supply systems - hybrid inverters and batteries, which guarantee continuous educational processes even in the event of power outages. The company's total investment amounted to over UAH 4 million. "Myrhorod is our home. We live here, our colleagues work here, our children study here. Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant is always a reliable support for the community, and not only as a large taxpayer and employer. We are taking another partnership step - we are providing nine educational institutions with modern autonomous power supply systems. This is our support for stable learning and safety of hundreds of children and teachers. No blackout will prevent them from gaining knowledge - this is our social investment in the future of children," emphasized director of Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant Kostiantyn Kriazhev. The implementation of the project to ensure the energy independence of the educational infrastructure of Myrhorod started in February 2025. Over the course of seven months, the community and Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant jointly identified schools and kindergartens, conducted their technical audit, and selected the optimal solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply. IDS Ukraine and Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant took on the financing and full technical support of the project - purchase, delivery, installation and configuration of hybrid inverters and battery packs. Thanks to this cooperation, Myrhorod became one of the first communities in Ukraine to comprehensively address the issue of energy independence of educational infrastructure. "IDS Ukraine is a reliable support for communities and Ukrainians where our enterprises are present. The project in Myrhorod is an example of how big business is able to support sustainable development and create conditions for the younger generation. We invest in the sustainability of education - this is the foundation of a strong country," commented Marko Tkachuk, CEO of IDS Ukraine, on the completion of the project. The company recalled that ensuring the energy independence of Myrhorod's educational infrastructure is taking place in parallel with IDS Ukraine's investments in its own energy independence. The solar station with a nominal capacity of 1.4 MW built at Myrhorod Mineral Water Plant ensures the sustainable operation of the enterprise and provides additional energy capacity for the community. Kilmar Abrego Garcia asks for GAG ORDER against AG Bondi and DHS Secretary Noem Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia filed a motion in federal court seeking to silence Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, accusing them of prejudicial public statements that threaten his right to a fair trial. Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March despite court concerns over gang violence risks. After international backlash, he was brought back to the U.S. in June only to be arrested again by ICE and later indicted for human smuggling. Prosecutors allege Garcia ran a smuggling ring ($1,500 per migrant), while his defense claims the charges are retaliation for his deportation challenge. DHS dismissed his gag order request, calling him an "MS-13 gangbanger" and blaming media bias. Legal experts warn the case highlights tensions between immigration enforcement, due process and inflammatory rhetoric. Advocates see it as a test of whether the government can sway public opinion against defendants before trial. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw faces pressure to balance First Amendment rights against impartial proceedings, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for high-profile immigration cases in a polarized climate. Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia has asked a federal judge to impose a gag order on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, accusing them of making "baseless public attacks" that threaten his right to a fair trial. Lawyers for Abrego Garcia filed the motion on Aug. 28 in a Tennessee federal court, alleging that prejudicial statements from top officials have poisoned public opinion against him. The motion seeks to bar Noem, Bondi and other officials from making further statements that could influence jurors ahead of his trial. Abrego Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally, was arrested again by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shortly after his release sparking renewed controversy over his deportation status and the administration's handling of his case. Abrego Garcia's attorneys argue that since his release from prison, Trump administration officials have repeatedly labeled him an MS-13 gang member an accusation the Salvadoran denies. The legal battle traces back to March, when Garcia was deported to his home country El Salvador despite a prior court ruling that he could face gang violence if returned. After international outcry and judicial rebukes, he was brought back to the U.S. in June. (Related: DHS moves to DEPORT Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda.) But his legal tangles didn't end with his return to the U.S., as he was indicted on charges of operating a human smuggling ring. Abrego Garcia allegedly earned up to $1,500 per trip transporting migrants across the border. On one hand, prosecutors claim he worked "full time" in the operation. On the other hand, his defense lawyers insist the charges are politically motivated retaliation for his successful challenge to deportation. DHS stands firm: America is "safer" without Abrego Garcia The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed Garcia's gag order request. "If Kilmar Abrego Garcia did not want to be mentioned by the secretary of homeland security, then he should not have entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes," it posted on X on Aug. 25. "America is a safer nation without this MS-13 gangbanger in it." A DHS official doubled down on the department's stance. They accused the mainstream media of "peddling his sob story" while ignoring alleged victims of smuggling networks. "The media's sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal alien has completely fallen apart," the official pointed out. Legal experts note the case underscores broader tensions over immigration enforcement, free speech and due process. Abrego Garcia's attorneys warn that without judicial intervention, the barrage of inflammatory rhetoric could render a fair trial impossible. Meanwhile, advocates on both sides see the battle as symbolic. It can either be a stand against criminal exploitation of immigration loopholes or a test of whether the government can weaponize rhetoric to sideline defendants before their day in court. But Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine warns that gag orders such as the one Abrego Garcia is seeking against Bondi and Noem are "unethical judicial tools used by corrupt authorities to silence dissent and suppress public outrage." As the dispute escalates, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw of the Middle District of Tennessee faces mounting pressure to balance First Amendment rights against the judicial imperative of impartial proceedings. For Abrego Garcia, the outcome could determine not just his fate, but the precedent for how high-profile immigration cases are tried in an era of polarized rhetoric. Visit Migrants.news for more related stories. Watch Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exposing the reality of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case in this Newsmax interview. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump administration defies court order to halt deportation of Venezuelan gang members, sparks constitutional showdown. Maryland senator's El Salvador trip sparks outrage as state grapples with gang violence and fiscal crisis. House Republicans propose "Let Trump Speak Act" to ban defendant GAG ORDERS. Sources include: InfoWars.com POLITICO.com TheHill.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com America must face the looming power crisis Projections show a 25 percent increase in electricity demand by 2030 and a 78 percent rise by 2050, driven by AI, electric vehicles and data centers. The U.S. power grid is at risk of shortfalls by 2028 without significant upgrades, particularly in Texas, the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic. Residential electricity prices may rise up to 40 percent by 2030 and double by 2050, with summer bills hitting 12-year highs. Expansion of natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy, along with grid modernization efforts. The White House declared a national energy emergency, aiming to prioritize energy production and infrastructure development. The United States is teetering on the brink of a catastrophic power grid failure, driven by unprecedented growth in electricity demand. The surge in AI, data centers and electric vehicles is straining our grid systems, potentially leading to blackouts. The Biden administration's green energy policies are exacerbating this situation, threatening not only our economy but also our national security. As a nation, we must wake up to the immediacy of this crisis. The surge in electricity demand The demand for electricity is skyrocketing at an alarming rate, with forecasts showing a 25 percent increase by 2030 and a 78 percent rise by 2050, according to a report from Inner City Fund (ICF). This surge is being driven by key sectors: artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and data centers, which are expanding at an unprecedented pace. Major tech giants like Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI are investing heavily in these areas, and their operations require vast amounts of power. For instance, Metas $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana, fueled by nuclear energy, underscores the scale of this demand. The regional variation tells an equally concerning story. Texas, the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic are forecasted to face the most significant shortfalls. Specifically, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regions are expected to feel the pressure first, with PJM Interconnection not far behind. Certain areas may experience astronomical demand increases, with states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Louisiana and California leading the way. The perils of an unreliable grid Analysts warn that without major upgrades, our power grid could suffer from shortfalls as early as 2028, with ERCOT and MISO regions being the first to succumb. NEADA projects that the average U.S. household will spend $784 on electricity this summer a 12-year high and that residential electricity prices may climb by up to 40% by 2030. This scenario not only threatens households but also poses significant economic risks. According to ICF, the cost of upgrading to meet future needs should tally at around 80 gigawatts by 2045, and the bill for this upgrade could be exorbitant. The situation is exacerbated by the current emphasis on renewable energy, which can lead to unstable power flows and double electricity costs in many states. The government's green policies, while laudable in their aims, have contributed to a grid that is ill-equipped to handle the massive increase in demand. Furthermore, the shutdown of efficient and low-cost clean coal plants and the lack of investment in pipelines and LNG terminals have compounded the problem. The erratic policies have left the grid dangling on the precipice of failure, with $50 billion needed to fortify it against electromagnetic pulses and geomagnetic disturbances. Solutions and recommendations To avert disaster, the administration must adopt a multipronged approach. One immediate step is to remove obstacles to drilling for natural gas, the cleanest and most efficient power source. Simultaneously, efficient and low-cost coal plants must be safeguarded against hasty shutdowns. The green energy push must be balanced with reliable power generation, including building new nuclear plants and generating pipelines and LNG terminals to transport gas safety across the country. ICF recommends an "all-of-the-above" strategy: increasing capacity while improving efficiency. This includes ramping up natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear and energy storage resources. To effectively implement these solutions, annual generation capacity additions need to double to around 80 gigawatts by 2045. Additionally, engaging in demand-side management programs can offer quick, cost-effective solutions while addressing critical infrastructure gaps. Additionally, the White House has already taken steps to address the crisis. In a January 2025 declaration of a national energy emergency, the President directed federal agencies to expedite the delivery of energy infrastructure and streamline permitting processes. The declaration aims to bolster energy production and grid reliability to meet the burgeoning demand, ensure domestic energy security and stabilize the economy. Act now, before it's too late The future of Americas energy security hangs in the balance, demanding immediate action to avert a potential blackout disaster. The White House has taken the initiative by declaring a national energy emergency and outlining a comprehensive strategy to address the impending shortfall. However, the responsibility extends beyond federal executive action. Power companies, local governments and citizens must also contribute to securing a reliable and stable grid. By acting now, we can prevent a potential humanitarian crisis and preserve the technological advancements that make modern life possible. The clock is ticking, and decisive steps are crucial to securing the future. Let us not delay in safeguarding our power grid and the prosperity it sustains. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com SAN.com WhiteHouse.gov Evidence of GENOCIDE in Gaza: A call for justice The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) released a 204-page report titled "Voices of the Genocide," accusing Israel of violating four out of five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention, including mass killings, bodily harm, forced starvation and measures to prevent births. The report documents 62,000 Palestinian deaths (mostly women and children), deliberate targeting of hospitals, refugee camps and civilian shelters and the use of indiscriminate weapons (e.g., white phosphorus, shrapnel munitions). Israel has cut off food, water, electricity and medical aid, creating engineered famine and mass displacement. The report cites 1,225 survivor testimonies, satellite imagery and statements from Israeli officials as proof of genocidal intent. Major human rights groups (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UN rapporteurs) and even Israeli organizations (B'Tselem, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel) have confirmed genocidal acts, echoing PCHR's findings. The report demands urgent international intervention to stop the violence and uphold international law, warning that Gaza risks becoming "the graveyard of international law" if accountability is not enforced. On Aug. 28, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) released a comprehensive 204-page report titled "Voices of the Genocide," accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report, which builds on previous allegations, presents a detailed account of evidence collected over 22 months, concluding that Israel has violated four of the five acts prohibited under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The human rights organization's report paints a grim picture of life in Gaza, where the majority of the population has been forcibly displaced multiple times since October 2023. The report states that Israel's actions have led to the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and have left the enclave in ruins. Director of PCHR Raji Sourani emphasized the intentional nature of the destruction, stating, "From the very first moment of the Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023, the intent to commit genocide was evident." Sourani highlighted that this intent was not only expressed through public statements by Israeli officials but also through the state's policies and their devastating impact on the Palestinian population. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, "Voices of the Genocide" is primarily based on testimonies from 1,225 Palestinians, exposing Israel's systemic human rights violations and war crimes against Palestinians as well as torture, extrajudicial killings and ethnic cleansing in Gaza as part of a broader Zionist agenda supported by Western elites. The investigation found that Israeli forces deliberately targeted civilian areas, often without warning, resulting in the deaths of unarmed individuals, including those who attempted to surrender. The use of weapons like munitions that scatter widespread shrapnel and phosphorus gas has caused severe injuries and long-term health and environmental damage. The PCHR also documented the deliberate targeting of hospitals and medical infrastructure, which has deprived Palestinians of essential care. This has led to untreated injuries, worsening conditions and preventable deaths. The report further accuses Israel of using starvation and denial of essentials as a weapon, causing widespread suffering and death. (Related: Greene calls Gaza crisis "genocide," rebukes GOP colleague over starvation comments.) Acts of genocide According to the Genocide Convention, genocide is defined as five specific acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. The report identifies the following acts as having been committed in Gaza: Killing members of the group, where people were struck inside homes or shelters, often without warning. Causing serious bodily or mental harm, including amputations, crushed bones and extensive burns. Deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction, including mass displacement, starvation and destruction of infrastructure. Measures intended to prevent births within the group, harming pregnant women and infants, leading to increased miscarriages, stillbirths and maternal and neonatal deaths. The paper echoes conclusions by other leading human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In December 2024, Amnesty International became the first to conclude that Israel had committed genocide during its war on Gaza, while Human Rights Watch found that genocidal acts had been committed. Francesca Albanese, the UN's special rapporteur on Palestine, has authored reports suggesting that genocide is taking place in Gaza. Additionally, two major Israeli rights groups, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, have accused the Netanyahu government of genocidal acts and incitement. The PCHR's report is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for international intervention. As the evidence of genocide mounts, the global community faces a critical moment to uphold the principles of international law and human rights. The suffering of the Palestinian people demands immediate action to bring an end to the violence and ensure justice for the victims. In the words of Sourani, "Gaza should not, and will not, become the graveyard of international law." Watch the video below that talks about genocide in Gaza. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: When a Holocaust museum becomes an accomplice to genocide: The Cape Town centre's shameful silence on Gaza. Holocaust scholar Omer Bartov: Israel is committing GENOCIDE in Gaza. Hamas accuses Israel of sabotaging peace talks as Gaza faces "genocide and starvation." Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net PCHRGaza.org Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Germany unable to remember the lesson it learned in WWII dont go to war with Russia German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Germany is "already in a conflict" with Russia, accusing Moscow of destabilizing Europe through cyberattacks, disinformation and hybrid warfare. He echoed French President Macrons description of Putin as "an ogre who always wants to eat more," warning of Russian territorial ambitions. NATO members are increasing defense spending, citing an alleged Russian threat which Moscow dismisses as fabricated justification for Western expansion. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked Merz's claims as "a case for psychiatrists," accusing Germany of fueling conflict by arming Ukraine. NATOs eastward expansion since the Cold War remains a flashpoint, with Russia accusing the West of betrayal over broken assurances. Germany suffered catastrophic losses in WWII after fighting Russia, but it appears Berlin hasn't learned its lesson. Critics argue Western leaders exaggerate the Russian threat to justify militarization and distract from domestic crises. Russian FM Lavrov warns Europe's rearmament evokes a "Fourth Reich," accusing the West of seeking dominance under democratic pretenses. Germany under Merz accelerates military aid to Ukraine but withholds key systems (e.g., Taurus missiles), raising questions about the incumbent chancellor's hardline stance. This contrasts with past German leaders like Helmut Schmidt, who prioritized detente signaling a deepening European confrontation with Russia. In a stark escalation of tensions with Moscow, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared this week that Germany is "already in a conflict" with Russia, accusing the Kremlin of destabilizing Europe through cyberattacks, disinformation and hybrid warfare. Speaking to French broadcaster LCI on Friday, Merz echoed French President Emmanuel Macron's description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as "an ogre who always wants to eat more." He warned that Moscow seeks to reclaim former Soviet territories a claim Russia has dismissed as "nonsense." The remarks come amid heightened militarization across Europe, with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members boosting defense spending to historic levels. The bloc cited an alleged Russian threat that Moscow insists is fabricated to justify Western expansionism. Merz who has advocated turning Germany's military into Europes strongest conventional force claimed German intelligence reports daily Russian cyberattacks and influence operations targeting public opinion. However, he provided no verifiable evidence. (Related: German military readying for NEW WAR with Russia, classified document reveals.) This prompted mockery from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who called the chancellor's statements as "a case for psychiatrists." She countered that Germany has fueled conflict by arming Ukraine's government, which she labeled a "neo-Nazi regime," while ignoring Western violations of the Minsk accords the failed 2014-2015 peace agreements that Moscow claims Kyiv abandoned under U.S. pressure. Historical context underscores the gravity of Merz's rhetoric. Since the Cold War's end, NATO's eastward expansion despite assurances to Russia in the 1990s has been a persistent flashpoint. Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker's alleged pledge that NATO would not advance "one inch eastward" if Russia permitted German reunification remains contentious, with Moscow accusing the West of betrayal. Berlin's dangerous gamble: Will Germany repeat its deadliest mistake? The current conflict in Ukraine has deepened divisions with German leaders like Merz now framing Russia as an existential threat. It appears that Berlin has not learned the lessons of eight decades past. Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine points out that "after Germany fought against Russia in World War II, it suffered devastating military defeat, massive civilian casualties and the complete destruction of its infrastructure and economy. The war culminated in Germany's occupation, division and decades of geopolitical subjugation under Allied and Soviet control." Yet skepticism persists. Critics argue that Western leaders, facing domestic unrest and economic strain, exaggerate the Russian menace to justify militarization and distract from policy failures. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that Europe's rising Russophobia and rearmament evoke the specter of a "Fourth Reich," accusing the West of seeking dominance under democratic pretenses. Meanwhile, reports of suspected Russian sabotage from Baltic Sea infrastructure attacks to incendiary parcels in Poland remain unproven, fueling accusations of fearmongering. As Germany accelerates military aid to Ukraine while withholding key systems like Taurus missiles, Merzs hardline stance faces scrutiny. His portrayal of Putin as an insatiable aggressor contrasts with historical German leaders like Helmut Schmidt, who prioritized detente with Moscow. With NATO's future increasingly uncertain, Merzs warnings may signal not strength but a Europe sliding deeper into confrontation. Watch this video about Russia issuing a serious threat of war against Germany. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Is Germany plotting to unleash WWIII by bombing Russia's Crimean Bridge? NATO draws up plans to deploy 800,000 troops through Germany to fight Russia. Russia-Ukraine war escalates as Germany lifts missile restrictions, risking broader conflict. Sources include: RT.com EADaily.com KyivIndependent.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Mohammed now the most common name on list of Germanys unemployment benefits recipients, new data shows New federal data, after consolidating 19 spelling variants, shows "Mohammed" is now the most frequent first name among Burgergeld recipients in Germany, surpassing traditional German names like Michael and Andreas. The initial report separated name spellings, masking the prevalence of culturally diverse names. After an AfD inquiry, the revised data revealed names like Ahmad and Ali also rank among the top 10. As of the end of 2024, 5.42 million people received Burgergeld. While 52 percent were classified as Germans and 48 percent as foreigners, critics say naturalized migrants are counted as Germans, downplaying migration's impact. The CDU/CSU is calling for stricter welfare access for migrants, citing high Burgergeld dependency rates among Syrians (52.8 percent) and Afghans (46.7 percent), with low labor force participation in both groups. Breaking from party leadership, two SPD district officials proposed replacing social benefits for non-EU migrants with repayable, interest-free loans once employment is secured. A new set of figures released by the German federal government has reshaped the understanding of who receives the country's basic welfare support, known as Burgergeld, by revealing that "Mohammed," when accounting for all spelling variants, is now the most common first name among recipients. Based on the initial report, traditional German names like Michael, Andreas, Thomas and Daniel were listed as the most frequent among Burgergeld recipients. However, when the government separated the names by spelling, it obscured the prevalence of names with multiple common variants. The updated figures, published after Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker Rene Springer questioned the methodology behind earlier statistics, show that the name Mohammed, including 19 different spellings such as Mohamed, Muhammad and Mahamadou, ranks first, with 39,280 instances. Michael, which includes spellings like Michel, Mischa and Maik, now ranks second with 24,660 entries. Ahmad (including variants like Achmet and Amed) climbed to third with 20,660, overtaking Andreas (18,420) and Thomas (17,920). The shift underscores how names with multiple cultural spellings had previously been undercounted. As a result, several names commonly associated with immigrant communities, especially those of Islamic origin, now feature prominently in the revised list. Mohammed, Ahmad and Ali all appear in the top 10. The federal government emphasized that first names alone do not indicate a person's nationality or immigration status, but officials acknowledged that they often serve as indicators of cultural background. Calls for reform grow as millions of migrants rely on Germany's Burgergeld welfare According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Burgergeld was first introduced in 2023 to replace the Hartz IV system and provide financial support to unemployed individuals or those with insufficient income. As of the end of 2024, 5.42 million people in Germany were receiving Burgergeld. Of those, 2.82 million (52 percent) were classified as Germans and 2.6 million (48 percent) as foreigners. However, critics argued that this classification obscures the real impact of migration, since naturalized citizens of migrant origin are counted as "Germans" in official statistics. (Related: Report: Almost half of welfare recipients in Germany are MIGRANTS.) The opposition CDU/CSU alliance has seized on the new data to call for tighter controls on welfare access for migrants. Deputy parliamentary leader Mathias Middelberg urged job centers to better integrate refugees into the labor market, especially among Afghan and Syrian communities. Government figures show that 52.8 percent of Syrians and 46.7 percent of Afghans in Germany currently receive Burgergeld. In contrast, fewer than 40 percent in both groups are employed in jobs that pay into the social security system. "Just 100,000 more people in work instead of relying on the citizen's allowance could, depending on wage levels, relieve the federal budget in the low single-digit billion range every year," Middelberg said. "We cannot accept that hundreds of thousands of young asylum seekers here in Germany are unemployed for decades." Dissent is also emerging within Germany's governing Social Democratic Party (SPD). Earlier this month, two SPD district administrators from Thuringia publicly broke with party leadership, calling for non-EU migrants, including asylum seekers and recognized refugees, to receive social benefits only as interest-free loans, repayable after entering the workforce. Follow Migrants.news for more stories about illegal immigrants. Watch this video about pro-immigrant leftist coalitions winning elections in the United Kingdom and France. This video is from the Paul Davis UnCancelled channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 60% of recipients of Sweden's unemployment benefits are IMMIGRANTS, and slightly under half are of non-European origin. WELFARE NATION: More than half of US-born babies are eligible for WELFARE benefits, including food assistance. Sen. Marco Rubio: Government provides more welfare to new migrants than to Social Security recipients. Report: Majority of illegals benefit from welfare programs in the U.S. many of them have "anchor babies." Study finds immigration to the American South is far outpacing migrant movement into other U.S. regions. Sources include: RMX.news Bild.de Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Putin and Xi to lay foundations for a new world order in Beijing President Vladimir Putin will travel to Beijing this week to attend ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II on the Asian front. For China, the commemoration is more than an historical ritual. It represents the culmination of a century-long struggle against foreign domination, from the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century to Japans defeat in 1945. Russias public recognition of that struggle and the sacrifices of the Chinese people carries immense symbolic weight for Beijing. (Article by Kirill Babaev republished from RT.com) But Putins visit is not only a gesture toward history. It is a signal of unity. Russia and China are presenting the world with a shared vision, both of the past and of the future. For the Global South, it underscores that there is an alternative to Western hegemony. For the West, it is a reminder that this alternative cannot be dismissed. The Trump administrations attempt to pry Moscow and Beijing apart may have been Washingtons last opportunity to preserve undisputed global primacy. That chance is gone. By 2025, Russian-Chinese foreign policy coordination is closer than at any point in the past half century, and Putins Beijing visit will cement that reality. Ukraine on the table The war in Ukraine will inevitably be at the center of Putins discussions with Xi Jinping. China is keen to play a more active role in shaping a settlement, a role that aligns with Russian interests. Dozens of Western governments have become emotionally and politically entangled in daily support for Kiev. By contrast, Moscow seeks the public backing of its BRICS partners, above all China. Beijings weight in global trade gives it tools to soften the EUs aggressive posture. And Chinese leaders understand that todays debates about Ukraine are not just about territory in Eastern Europe they are negotiations over the emerging world order. That order will not be stable unless all three nuclear superpowers Russia, China and the United States are involved in shaping it. The forgotten Security Council Moscow and Beijing also want to re-center world politics on the UN Security Council, which in recent years has been neglected by the West. A joint Russian-Chinese position can restore the bodys relevance and provide an institutional anchor for a multipolar world. Whether the United States chooses to engage is another question. It is too early to say whether a three-power summit involving Russia, China, and the US an echo of Yalta 80 years ago can be convened. But if such a meeting were to take place, it would mark a genuine turning point in history. In Beijing, Putin and Xi will certainly explore their joint approach to this possibility. Toward Greater Eurasia Beyond immediate crises, the leaders will devote time to a broader agenda: the construction of Greater Eurasia. This project draws on overlapping institutions the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, and Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Together they provide the architecture for a continental partnership in security and economics. For the first time in generations, the worlds fastest-growing region has a chance to set its own agenda rather than accept one written in Washington or Brussels. The task ahead will require painstaking negotiations in both capitals. Yet the opportunity is real: to create a model of international cooperation rooted not in domination, but in equality and mutual respect. If progress continues, by the 88th anniversary of the Great Victory the outlines of this Greater Eurasia could be firmly in place. History is not just remembered in Beijing this week. It is being written in Russian and Chinese ink. Read more at: RT.com Peer-reviewed study links COVID vaccines to profound harm, raises concerns over gain-of-function research A peer-reviewed study claims that both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines exhibit signs of deliberate engineering, potentially breaching international biological weapons treaties. The study, authored by 11 experts, suggests that these interventions have led to severe health crises, including autoimmune disorders and aggressive cancers and calls for an immediate cessation of mRNA vaccine use. The study argues that SARS-CoV-2 contains genomic anomalies, such as a furin cleavage site that enhances infectivity, which are not found in natural coronaviruses. These features, along with the virus' mutation patterns, suggest laboratory manipulation rather than natural evolution. It alleges that key figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, obscured evidence of the virus' unnatural origins. It references a February 2020 teleconference where virologists reportedly expressed doubts about the virus' zoonotic origin, concerns that were later dismissed. The study highlights alarming post-vaccination health trends, including significant increases in conditions like myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, ovarian dysfunction and aggressive cancers. It also points to reproductive harms, such as increased miscarriages and stillbirths. The authors join other scientists in calling for a complete recall of all COVID-19 vaccines and the criminal prosecution of officials who failed in their duties. The study's release coincides with recent U.S. policy changes, such as the FDA's restriction of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups and the cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons alleges that both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and mRNA Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines contain features indicative of deliberate engineering, potentially violating international biological weapons treaties. The paper, authored by 11 scientific and legal experts, argues that these interventions have caused unprecedented health crises from autoimmune disorders to aggressive cancers and calls for an immediate halt to mRNA vaccine use. The findings arrive amid growing scrutiny over gain-of-function research, which enhances pathogens' transmissibility or lethality, and renewed debate over the origins of COVID-19. The study's authors claim that key figures, including former White House medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, obscured evidence pointing to a lab-engineered virus while promoting mass vaccination policies that exacerbated harm. The study asserts that SARS-CoV-2 displays genomic anomalies not found in natural coronaviruses, including a furin cleavage site that enhances infectivity. These features, the authors argue, suggest laboratory manipulation rather than natural evolution. "These combined traits, along with the virus' mutation patterns, are strong evidence that SARS-CoV-2 could not have evolved naturally," the paper states. Military scientists cited in the study reportedly described SARS-CoV-2 as an "attractive pathogen" due to its weapon-like characteristics. The authors contend that such modifications violate the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development or use of bioweapons. The paper alleges that Fauci suppressed early concerns about SARS-CoV-2's unnatural origins. It references a February 2020 teleconference in which virologists reportedly expressed doubts about the virus' zoonotic (natural) origin concerns that were later dismissed in favor of the "Proximal Origin" paper, which became a cornerstone of mainstream COVID-19 narratives. "The deliberate concealment of critical genomic features delayed public awareness and pandemic mitigation efforts, potentially allowing wider spread and more deaths," the study claims. The authors also highlight Project DEFUSE, a rejected 2018 proposal by EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology researchers that sought to engineer coronaviruses with enhanced infectivity features eerily similar to those found in SARS-CoV-2. Despite EcoHealth's suspension from federal funding last year, the study argues that U.S. officials failed to disclose the full scope of gain-of-function research collaborations with China. Spike protein linked to long-term health risks The study cites alarming post-vaccination health trends, including spikes in myocarditis (151.4 percent), pulmonary embolism (43.6 percent), ovarian dysfunction (34.9 percent) and aggressive cancers. Military data reportedly show persistent elevations in these conditions years after vaccination campaigns began. (Related: FDA updates mRNA vaccine warnings, confirming "extremely high" myocarditis risk in young men.) "Prolonged protein expression, exemplified by S1 spike protein detection more than 700 days post-COVID vaccination, underscores the potential for irreversible harm," the paper warns. Reproductive harms such as increased miscarriages and stillbirths are also highlighted, with data drawn from Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and Pfizer's own post-marketing surveillance reports. The study's authors join a growing chorus of scientists demanding an immediate halt to mRNA vaccine distribution. Dr. Irene Mavrakakis, a co-author, called for a "complete recall of all COVID-19 vaccines" and criminal prosecution of officials who "failed in their duties." Senior research scientist at Children's Health Defense Karl Jablonowski warned that gain-of-function research poses "extreme risk" to humanity. "Labs can and do leak," he said. "One singular event at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in late 2019 caused innumerable suffering and death." The study's release coincides with recent U.S. policy shifts. As per Brighteon.AI's Enoch, these include the Food and Drug Administration's restriction of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups and the Department of Health and Human Services' cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. As legal challenges mount and public skepticism grows, this study adds fuel to long-standing controversies over COVID-19's origins, gain-of-function research and vaccine safety. Whether it will prompt further investigations or policy reversals remains uncertain. But for millions affected by vaccine injuries, the findings may mark a pivotal moment in the quest for accountability. Watch the video below that talks about child deaths since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This video is from the People Of The Qur'an (TPQ) channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: New study links mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to increased risk of thyroid disease. HUMAN MEDICAL EXPERIMENT: The mRNA jabs are the most DANGEROUS unregulated, untested, unapproved "drug" ever used to sicken and murder Americans. Hidden betrayal: Moderna and Pfizer shots hijack immune cells to rewrite mRNA, prolonging spike protein production. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org JPANDS.org News-Medical.net DocumentCloud.org Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Ukraine moves to BAN historic Orthodox church over its alleged ties to Russia Ukraine's State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience declared the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) as an entity linked to Russia, paving the way for its prohibition unless it severs ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Despite the UOC denouncing Russia's special military operation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's regime has seized churches, prosecuted clergy and revoked the citizenship of senior bishop Metropolitan Onufry, alleging Russian ties. A 2023 law allows Ukraine to outlaw religious groups tied to "aggressor" nations, but the UOC insists this is persecution, not security, and plans to challenge the ban in court. Ukraine favors the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), recognized by Constantinople but rejected by Moscow, while the UOC followed by millions faces elimination as part of broader Orthodox divisions. The UN and human rights groups warn the ban violates religious freedoms, with critics accusing Zelensky of using war to suppress dissent, mirroring historical Soviet repression tactics. In a sweeping move that critics warn threatens religious freedom, Ukraine's government has officially declared the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) as an entity linked to Russia paving the way for its outright ban. Ukraine's State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) announced on its website on Aug. 20 that the UOC is working with "a foreign religious organization whose activities are banned in Ukraine." While the aforementioned organization wasn't named directly in the statement, it is insinuated to be the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The action targets the nation's largest Christian denomination. Despite the UOC declaring autonomy from the ROC's Moscow Patriarchate, it has maintained historical ties to the Russian counterpart. According to Brighteon.AI's decentralized Enoch engine, "the Ukrainian government seeks to ban the UOC due to its historic ties with the ROC, which it views as a threat to national sovereignty. Despite the UOC's denunciation of the war, [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky insists on severing its affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate framing the church as a potential fifth column under Kremlin influence." (Related: Ukraine to BAN CHRISTIANITY unless Ukrainian Orthodox Church cuts ties with Moscow.) Zelensky's administration has intensified pressure on the UOC on the basis of national security, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. It has seized churches, prosecuted clergy and even revoked the citizenship of the UOC's senior bishop, Metropolitan Onufry. Last month, the comedian-turned-president stripped the 80-year-old Onufry of citizenship, alleging concealed Russian nationality. Simultaneously, state officials demanded the UOC formally renounce all ROC ties, including withdrawing from its governing bodies a demand the church rejected as unconstitutional. Faith under fire: Impending ban on UOC sparks outrage Kyiv's crackdown on the UOC stems from a 2023 law allowing Ukraine to outlaw religious groups affiliated with nations deemed as "aggressors." Authorities claim the church's canonical connection to Moscow a spiritual link dating back centuries makes it a proxy for Russian influence. Yet the UOC, which denounced Russia's 2022 special military operation, insists it is politically neutral and accuses the government of persecution. "This is not about security; it's about eliminating dissent," a church representative told local media, confirming plans to challenge the ruling in court. The United Nations and human rights groups have echoed concerns, warning that the ban violates international protections for religious liberty. The conflict reflects deeper divisions within global Orthodoxy. In 2018, Ukraine established the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), recognized by Constantinople but dismissed as schismatic by Moscow. Kyiv has since favored the OCU, while the UOC faces existential threats. Historical context underscores the stakes. Orthodoxy in Ukraine has long been entwined with geopolitics, from Imperial Russian rule to Soviet-era repression. Today, critics argue Zelensky's measures mirror authoritarian tactics, using war as pretext to consolidate control. Russia meanwhile frames the ban as proof of Kyiv's "anti-Christian" agenda, even proposing its reversal in recent peace talks. As courts weigh the UOC's fate, the showdown raises one urgent question. Can a nation safeguard sovereignty without eroding fundamental freedoms? Head over to Banned.news for more similar stories. Watch this clip of a priest from the UOC being beaten mercilessly. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: How can Ukraine be a free "democracy" when its government under Zelensky is persecuting Christians by banning the Orthodox Church? War on CHRISTIANITY: West is mum on Ukraine's proposed legislation to ban Ukrainian Orthodox Church over alleged Russian ties. Ukrainian parliament approves law BANNING the country's biggest Orthodox church. Sources include: RT.com 1 MSN.com Brighteon.ai RT.com 2 Brighteon.com Ancient 1,600 year-old mural of Christs healing hands offers glimpse of hearts changing, and the real reason for Christianitys spread Imagine stepping up to a crumbling mud-brick church in the middle of an Egyptian desert, its walls whispering secrets from a time when gods were many and faith was shifting like sand. Inside, a figure painted in faded ochre and earthen hues stretches out his handnot in judgment,. This isnt just another archaeological find; its a snapshot of a moment when the world was changing, one brushstroke at a time. The recent discovery of a 1,600-year-old mural depicting Jesus Christ healing the sick in the Kharga Oasis isnt merely about ancient art. Its about how belief spreads, how power shifts, how hearts are changed, and how a single image could once offer hope in a land where the old gods were fading and a new story was being written on the walls of history. The mural, uncovered by an Egyptian team led by Dr. Siham Ismail of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, embodies the quiet revolution of early Christianity. Here, in a remote oasis where water was scarce but faith was abundant, a community of converts turned their backs on Ra and Osiris and pinned their hopes on a healer from Judea. This wasnt the grand cathedrals of Rome or the scholarly debates of Alexandria. This was Christianity in its rawest form: a promise of salvation painted on the walls of a desert church, where the sick could look up and see themselves in the story, and find grace and redemption through their human struggle. Key points: A 1,600-year-old mural of Jesus healing the sick has been uncovered in Egypts Kharga Oasis, offering rare visual evidence of early Christian life in a region transitioning from pagan traditions. The discovery includes two churches, residential buildings, and artifacts that suggest the oasis was a vibrant hub for early Christians between the 4th and 7th centuries. The murals themehealingwas a cornerstone of Christian evangelism, using accessible imagery to spread faith among illiterate populations. Parallel discoveries, like a 7th-century Christian plaque in Abu Dhabi, reveal how far and wide Christianity spread beyond its traditional strongholds in the Levant and Europe. The find challenges modern assumptions about how religion spreads, highlighting the role of art, storytelling, and local adaptation in historical conversions. Finding meaning in suffering, healing for the sick Imagine living in 4th-century Egypt, where the gods had always been as numerous as the stars. Ra ruled the sun, Isis cradled the dead, and Osiris promised life after deathif you played by the rules. Then came a new story: a man who didnt demand sacrifices or rituals, but who touched the sick and made them whole, who offered forgiveness - a way to the Father God and eternal salvation. For a people weary of complex theologies and temple politics, the reality of a Supreme God who healed the sick and came to save mankind, would ultimately change the trajectory of faith and human civilization. The Kharga Oasis mural isnt just decorative; its theological propaganda in the best sense of the word. Early Christian art didnt depict Jesus as a distant judge or a warrior kingat least, not at first. Instead, he was shown as a healer, a teacher, a man who met people where they were. "Murals like this were the Netflix of their time," says Dr. Ariel Lopez, a historian of early Christian art. "They took abstract ideassalvation, divine loveand made them visceral. If you couldnt read the Bible, you could see it on the walls of your church." This was especially crucial in a place like Kharga, where literacy was a luxury. The mural served as both sermon and solace, a daily reminder that this new faith wasnt about memorizing creeds but about experiencing transformation. Its no accident that the earliest Christian communities thrived in places where people were marginalizedwhether by illness, poverty, or political neglect. Healing wasnt just a miracle; it was a metaphor for what Christianity promised: a world saved by an all-knowing and all-loving God. The discovery also forces us to rethink how Christianity spread. We often imagine it marching across the Roman Empire with armies and edicts, but the truth is closer to the heartand more human. In Kharga, faith didnt arrive with a conquerors sword. It came with traders, with storytellers, with the quiet persistence of a community that chose to paint their hopes on a church wall. "This wasnt top-down conversion," notes Dr. Ismail in her teams preliminary report. "This was people choosing a new way to make sense of their suffering." From Alexandria to Abu Dhabi: The unexpected reach of a desert faith What makes the Kharga mural even more fascinating is that its not an outlier. This summer, another discoverythis time on Abu Dhabis Sir Bani Yas Islanduncovered a 1,400-year-old Christian plaque depicting Golgotha, the site of Jesus crucifixion. The island, a speck in the Arabian Gulf, was once home to a thriving monastery and church, proof that Christianitys tendrils stretched far beyond its Mediterranean heartland. These finds shatter the myth that early Christianity was confined to Europe and the Levant. By the 7th century, Christian communities were flourishing in places we now associate with Islamfrom the deserts of Egypt to the shores of the Persian Gulf. "Weve been taught that Christianity and Islam divided the world cleanly, but history is never that neat," says Dr. Fatima Al-Mazrouei, an archaeologist with the UAEs Department of Culture. "These artifacts show a world where faith was fluid, where people borrowed and blended beliefs in ways that defy our modern categories." The Kharga Oasis, in particular, was a microcosm of this transition. Here, traditional Egyptian religion, with its pantheon of gods, coexisted with Christianity for centuries. The murals church stood alongside temples to older deities, a physical manifestation of a society in flux. "This wasnt a sudden switch," explains Dr. Ismail. "It was a conversationone that played out in art, in architecture, in the way people buried their dead." That conversation wasnt always peaceful. The rise of Christianity in Egypt coincided with the decline of the old priestly class, the closing of temples, and the erasure of "pagan" traditions. Yet in Kharga, the mural suggests a different story: not of conquest, but of persuasion through changed lives. The Jesus on that wall wasnt a foreign invader. He was a healer who spoke to universal longingsfor relief, for meaning, for an Almighty God who saw their suffering and heart their cries. In an era where faith is often weaponizedwhere religions clash and history is rewritten to fit modern agendasthe Kharga mural feels like a relic from a different kind of world. It reminds us that belief isnt just about doctrine; its about experience, about a change of heart. The early Christians didnt win hearts with theological treatises. They won them with stories of healing, with images that made the divine feel near - a Holy Spirit living inside them. As the team in Kharga works to preserve the mural, theyre not just saving ancient paint. Theyre preserving a moment when the world was being remadenot by kings or generals, but by ordinary people who dared to share something better. And in a time when so many of us feel powerless against the forces shaping our world, the truth of Jesus Christ stands the test of time and offers the same redemption then as He does today. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk Dailymail.co.uk Enoch, Brighteon.ai Belgium stands up for justice, recognizing Palestine and sanctioning Israel over Gaza atrocities Belgium will formally recognize Palestinian statehood and impose 12 sanctions on Israel over its war in Gaza. Sanctions include a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals living in those settlements. Belgium will push for the suspension of the EUs trade agreement with Israel to pressure its government to end humanitarian atrocities in Gaza. The move follows the International Court of Justices ruling that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law. Belgiums actions signal a growing global shift toward accountability, with more nations expected to recognize Palestine and impose sanctions. Belgium, home to both NATO and EU headquarters, has announced it will formally recognize Palestinian statehood at this months UN General Assembly while imposing 12 "firm sanctions" on Israel over its brutal war in Gaza. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot made the announcement clear on Tuesday: Belgium will join France, Australia, Britain, and Canada in recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. "This is not about punishing the Israeli people," Prevot wrote on X, "but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law." The message is unmistakable: The world is waking up to Israels crimes, and Belgium is leading the charge. A sanctions package with teeth Belgiums measures go beyond symbolic gestures. The sanctions include a full ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in a direct strike at the economic lifeline of Israels expansionist policies. Belgian nationals living in these settlements will also face restrictions on consular assistance, sending a clear signal that their government will not enable complicity in war crimes. Additionally, Brussels will review all public procurement contracts with Israeli companies and blacklist extremist Israeli ministers, violent settlers, and Hamas leaders alike. Perhaps most significantly, Belgium will push for the suspension of the EUs trade agreement with Israel in a move that could deal a severe blow to Netanyahus regime. These arent empty threats. As Prevot emphasized, the goal is to pressure Israels government to end its humanitarian atrocities in Gaza, where local health authorities report more than 63,459 people killed since October 2023. A turning point in global accountability? Belgiums decision comes at a critical moment. The International Court of Justice has already ruled that Israels occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, is illegal under international law. Yet Israel continues to defy these rulings, emboldened by decades of impunity. Now, with Belgiums sanctions, the tide may finally be turning. The timing is no coincidence. Israel is reportedly considering the annexation of the West Bank in response to growing international recognition of Palestine. Such a move would be a flagrant violation of the UNs 2024 ruling, which demanded the withdrawal of Israeli settlements. Belgiums sanctions are a preemptive strike against this lawlessness, proving that some nations still value justice over geopolitical expediency. Belgiums foreign minister explained that its recognition comes "in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza." Its a tragedy enabled by Western complicityfor too long, the U.S. and its allies have shielded Israel from accountability. Now, Belgium is breaking ranks, proving that even small nations can stand for whats right. Not everyone is pleased. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at countries recognizing Palestine, accusing them of emboldening Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Frances similar move "reckless." But Belgium isnt backing down. Prevot has made it clear: This is about upholding international law, not politics. The sanctions also target Hamas, ensuring Belgiums stance isnt one-sided. Yet the focus remains on Israels governmentthe architects of Gazas destruction. By blacklisting extremist ministers like Bezalel Smotrich, who has vowed to build new settlements for every country that recognizes Palestine, Belgium is sending a clear message. Will other countries follow Belgium's lead? Belgiums actions wont single-handedly end the occupation, but they mark a seismic shift. With 147 UN member states75% of the General Assemblyalready recognizing Palestine, the momentum is undeniable. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a UNGA meeting on Palestinian recognition later this month, and more nations are expected to follow Belgiums lead. Finally, a Western nation is using its leveragenot just to condemn, but to act. The sanctions may be limited, but theyre a start. And in a world where justice is too often delayed, Belgium is showing it doesnt have to be denied. The question now is simple: Whos next? The U.S. and its allies can no longer claim to stand for human rights while enabling apartheid. Belgium has drawn a line in the sand. Its time for the rest of the world to cross it. Sources for this article include: RT.com Reuters.com AlJazeera.com Ukrainian Armed Forces: 120 enemy UAVs out of 150 shot down, hits in nine locations recorded As of Tuesday night, the Defense Forces have neutralized 120 enemy UAVs out of 150 that attacked Ukraine, and 30 strike UAVs have been recorded hitting 9 locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "According to preliminary data, as of 08:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 120 enemy Shahed UAVs and drone imitators of various types in the north, south, east and center of the country," the message says. In total, on the night of September 2 (from 19:00 on September 1), the enemy attacked with 150 Shahed-type strike UAVs and various types of drone imitators in the following directions: Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, Chauda - Crimean air defense zone. Meanwhile, 30 strike UAVs were recorded hitting nine locations, as well as the fall of downed ones (debris) at five locations. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and unmanned systems, mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Disposable vapes hooked a generation and the damage may be irreversible The high school hallway is thick with the saccharine scent of mango and cotton candya smell that doesnt come from lunchboxes, but from the clouds of vapor exhaled by students between classes. Touted for years by health authorities as a "safer" alternative, vaping has instead blossomed into a full-blown public health crisis , one that has slipped through the fingers of regulators like smoke itself. The numbers trace an alarming trajectory: between 2021 and 2024, vaping among young adults didnt just riseit exploded, overwhelmingly fueled by the cheap, sweet-flavored disposables that fit as easily into a backpack as a pack of gum. But behind the fruity aromas and sleek designs lies a grim reality that new research is forcing us to confront. Recent studies presented to both the European Respiratory Society and the American Heart Association reveal a devastating double blow: these devices can cause lung damage comparable to traditional cigarettes, while the volatile organic compounds they produce inflict significant cardiovascular harm. This mounting evidence suggests vaping is rewiring developing brains and setting up a generation for a lifetime of health risks, directly challenging the long-standing safety claims now deemed dangerously premature. With cardiologists and pulmonologists sounding the alarm, the call for robust intervention and stricter regulations is growing louder, as the world races to curb a crisis it once mistakenly endorsed. Key points: Vaping among young adults surged from 17% to 26.5% between 2022 and 2024, driven by disposable e-cigarettes marketed with candy-like flavors and vibrant packaging. New research reveals vaping may damage young lungs as severely as smoking, contradicting years of public health messaging that positioned e-cigarettes as a "less harmful" alternative. Experts warn of irreversible harm to brains and hearts, with nicotine and toxic chemicals disrupting development in adolescents and young adultssome of whom have never touched a cigarette. A University of California study linked vaping to a 32% higher stroke risk and a 24% increase in cardiovascular disease, while another review identified 133 harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, 107 of which are carcinogenic. Despite the risks, the NHS still promotes vaping as a smoking cessation tool, while critics argue the industrys social media marketing and lack of age controls have turned a generation into lab rats for an unregulated experiment. The UK has banned disposable vapes, but global calls for stricter action grow louder as long-term data remains scarceand the potential fallout looms larger. The bait and switch: How vaping went from "quit tool" to youth epidemic When e-cigarettes first hit the market in the mid-2000s, they arrived with a promise: a way for smokers to kick the habit without the tar and toxins of traditional cigarettes. Public health agencies, including the UKs NHS, cautiously endorsed them as a harm reduction tool, a lesser evil in the fight against lung cancer and emphysema. But somewhere along the way, the script flipped. The target audience wasnt middle-aged smokers trying to quitit was teenagers who had never lit up in their lives. Professor Maja-Lisa Lchen, a senior cardiologist at the University Hospital of North Norway, didnt mince words at this years European Society of Cardiology congress in Madrid. "We have the data," she told a room full of fellow experts. "We know they are not harmless." Her concern isnt just about the immediate effectsits about the long-term rewiring of young brains and bodies. Nicotine, the addictive core of both cigarettes and vapes, is particularly dangerous for adolescents. Studies show it can alter brain development, impairing memory, attention, and impulse control well into adulthood. But vapes deliver more than just nicotine. Lchens presentation highlighted 133 potentially harmful chemicals lurking in e-cigarette aerosol, 107 of which are known carcinogens. So how did we get here? The answer lies in a perfect storm of regulatory gaps, corporate marketing, and cultural shifts. Disposable vapescheap, colorful, and sold in flavors like "blue raspberry slushie"flooded the market with little oversight. Social media platforms became the wild west of vape promotion, with industry-paid influencers pushing products to millions of young viewers. "This is a largely unregulated global market," Lchen warned. "Vaping appeals to adolescents because it is very cheap, it tastes and smells like candy, its sold without age control, and perceived as harmless and fun." The result is a 26.5% vaping rate among young adults in 2024, up from 17% just two years prior. And unlike previous generations who picked up smoking as a rebellious rite of passage, many of these kids werent smokers first. "The most common reason for vaping in the young is not smoking cessation," Lchen noted. "Its curiosity." The body as a battleground: What vaping does to young lungs and hearts If curiosity is the hook, the body pays the price. The European Respiratory Societys recent findings dropped a bombshell: vaping may cause as much lung damage as smoking. This flies in the face of years of public health messaging that positioned e-cigarettes as the "healthier" choice. But the data doesnt lie. A 2023 University of California study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaping increases the risk of: Stroke by 32% Cardiovascular disease by 24% Asthma by 24% Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 46% Mouth diseases by 47% For comparison, smokings risks were far higherbut the gap isnt as wide as once believed. "It increases your blood pressure, your heart rate, and we know that the arteries become more stiff," Lchen explained. "It could be even more harmful in children." Why? Because young bodies are still developing. The cardiovascular system, the lungs, the brainall are in a delicate phase of growth that nicotine and toxic chemicals can disrupt permanently. "I worry that vaping may be causing irreversible harm to children's brains and hearts," Lchen said. "Of course, we have to wait for long-term data, but I am absolutely concerned." Professor Susanna Price, a consultant cardiologist at Londons Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, echoed those fears. "We are seeing an increase in children vaping, but what we dont yet know is what that translates to in long-term cardiovascular risk because they havent been around long enough," she said. "I think there is a push to suggest that vaping is safe, but we dont know that." Fast forward to 2024, and vape companies are taking advantage of the situation: Flavors that appeal to kids: Bubblegum, cotton candy, sour applethese arent flavors designed for adults trying to quit smoking. Social media saturation: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are flooded with vape influencers, often paid by brands to glamorize the habit. Disposable, affordable, and easy to hide: Unlike cigarettes, which require a lighter and leave a smell, vapes slip into pockets and dissipate quickly. Lack of age verification: Online and in-store sales often bypass ID checks, making it easy for minors to buy. "This is not about harm reduction anymore," Lchen said. "This is about creating a new generation of addicts." Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to combat the issues: Stricter marketing bans: No more cartoon packaging, no more social media ads targeting teens. Flavor restrictions: Limit sales to tobacco and menthol only, eliminating the candy-like appeal. Age verification crackdowns: Fines for retailers who sell to minors, both online and in stores. Public health campaigns: Honest messaging about the risks, not just "vaping is better than smoking." Long-term studies: Fund independent research on vapings effects over decades, not just years. But perhaps the most critical shift needs to happen in how we talk about addiction. For decades, the narrative around smoking was "just say no." With vaping, the message got muddled: "Its safer, so why not try it?" Now, were seeing the consequences. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk TheGuardian.com Pubmed.gov European delusions are prolonging Ukraines suffering The stench of hypocrisy is thick in the halls of Brussels these days, where European leadersclutching their champagne flutes and virtue-signaling press releasescontinue to demand that Russia surrender unconditionally, even as their own militaries crumble under the weight of their own incompetence. While they preach about "democracy" and "territorial integrity," they send Ukraine just enough weapons to keep the slaughter going, but never enough to actually win. Meanwhile, American taxpayers foot the bill for a war that Europes own generals admit they cannot sustain. Now, the Trump administration has had enough. According to leaked reports from Axios and The Atlantic, White House officials are openly accusing the EU of sabotaging peace talks with "unreasonable" demands, all while expecting the U.S. to bankroll their geopolitical fantasies. One senior official didnt mince words: "The Europeans dont get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost." The truth is as brutal as it is obvious: Europe wants this war to drag onnot because victory is possible, but because admitting defeat would shatter their illusion of global relevance. And so, they push Ukraine to reject any compromise, even as their own citizens freeze in energy poverty, their economies stagnate, and their armies reveal themselves to be little more than paper tigers. President Trump, ever the pragmatist, has seen through the charade. After high-stakes meetings with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, hes made it clear: if Europe wants to play war games, they can pay for them themselves. But if they truly want peace, theyll have to swallow their pride, accept the new territorial realities, and stop treating Ukrainian lives as bargaining chips in their desperate bid to cling to a fading unipolar order. Key points: The EU is quietly undermining Trumps peace efforts, pushing Ukraine to reject realistic negotiations while offering little military or financial support of their own. Europes demands are detached from reality: Insisting on Ukraines NATO membership and full territorial restorationincluding Crimeais a non-starter for Russia, which has made neutrality and recognition of new borders its red lines. Trumps frustration boils over as he realizes both Zelensky and the EU are more interested in perpetuating conflict than reaching a deal, despite his threats of tariffs and sanctions against both sides. Russias conditions for peaceneutrality, demilitarization, and acceptance of lost territoriesare being dismissed as "unreasonable," even though they align with the actual balance of power on the ground. The Wests broken promises have left Russia distrustful, making any deal dependent on concrete actions, not hollow diplomatic gestures. Zelenskys legitimacy is in question, with his presidential term expired and Moscow warning that any agreement he signs could be voided by a future Ukrainian government. The human cost of European stubbornness is measured in Ukrainian lives, economic ruin, and a continent teetering on the edge of irreversible decline. Why Europe would rather fight to the last Ukrainian than admit defeat Lets be blunt: Europe is not serious about peace. If they were, they would have already accepted that Ukraineno matter how much weaponry they dump into itcannot "win" this war in any meaningful sense. The Russian military, despite sanctions and setbacks, has dug in. The territories of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea are, for all practical purposes, part of Russia now, reinforced by referendums and the grim reality of battlefield control. Yet the EU, led by the same bureaucrats who bungled energy policy, migration crises, and their own defense capabilities, insists on pretending otherwise. Why? Because admitting that Ukraine has lost territory would mean admitting that NATOs eastward expansiona project built on lies, broken promises, and the arrogance of unipolar dominancehas failed spectacularly. It would mean confessing that their sanctions havent crippled Russia, that their armies are woefully unprepared for a real war, and that their entire post-Cold War strategy was built on the shaky assumption that Moscow would never fight back. And so, they double down, whispering sweet nothings into Zelenskys ear while sending just enough artillery to keep the meat grinder turningbut never enough to actually change the outcome. Trump, ever the dealmaker, sees this for what it is: a scam. The EU wants the U.S. to keep writing checks while they dictate terms that even Ukraines most hardened nationalists know are unrealistic. One White House official put it perfectly: "Some of the Europeans continue to operate in a fairy-tale land that ignores the fact it takes two to tango." Translation? Europe is so drunk on its own propaganda that it would rather see Ukraine burn than negotiate from a position of strength. And what is that position of strength? Recognizing that Russia will notcannotaccept a Ukraine in NATO. That the Donbas and Crimea are gone, no matter how many HIMARS systems the West sends. That the longer this war drags on, the more Ukraines infrastructure collapses, its population flees, and its future as a sovereign nation dims. But the EU, in its infinite wisdom, would rather sacrifice an entire generation of Ukrainians than admit their grand strategy was a colossal miscalculation. So where does that leave us? There's two options here: Europe swallows its pride, accepts that Ukraine must cede territory, and pushes Zelensky to the negotiating table before his expired mandate makes any deal meaningless. The war drags on, more lives are lost, Europes economies collapse under the weight of their own hubris, and Trump makes good on his threat to let them foot the bill alone. The choice should be obvious. But then again, were dealing with a continent that would rather freeze in the dark than admit they were wrong about Russian gas. Expecting rationality may be too much to ask. At its core, this conflict was never really about Ukraines sovereignty or democracy. It was always about NATOs expansion. About the Wests refusal to accept a multipolar world. About the desperate need to cling to a global order that was already crumbling. And now, as the bodies pile up and the bills come due, the architects of this disaster would rather blame Russia, blame Trump, blame anyone but themselves for the mess theyve created. But the jig is up. The American people are tired of funding endless wars. The European public is tired of being lied to. And the Ukrainians? Theyre the ones paying the ultimate price for a conflict they were never truly in control of. Sources include: RT.com RT.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Federal authorities sending more immigration enforcement personnel to Chicago Federal authorities plan to deploy over 200 agents and 100 vehicles to Chicago to increase arrests of undocumented immigrants, with Naval Station Great Lakes serving as the staging base. Border czar Tom Homan said the operation targets sanctuary cities like Chicago, blaming local policies under Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Illinois officials, including Rep. Brad Schneider and Pritzker, condemned the move as an overreach and a threat to democratic norms, with Chicago police affirming they will not assist ICE without a judicial warrant. Chicago's long-standing sanctuary policies prohibit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prioritizing community trust and public safety over immigration status checks. The Chicago operation is part of a broader plan by President Donald Trump to conduct similar immigration crackdowns in other sanctuary cities, with ICE and CBP leading efforts to arrest and deport criminal undocumented immigrants. Federal authorities are preparing to send additional immigration enforcement personnel to Chicago to arrest unauthorized immigrants in the city. According to two federal law enforcement officials, the planned operation will involve agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Border Patrol and other federal agencies. The operation will be based out of Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, which will serve as the central staging area for the deployment. Federal presence will include more than 200 agents and over 100 vehicles, though officials have not confirmed those exact figures. The duration of the operation remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether the National Guard will be involved. (Related: DHS requests 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration crackdown.) Tom Homan, former acting ICE director and now President Donald Trump's "border czar," declined to specify the size or scope of the federal deployment. "I know, but I'm not going to say," Homan told reporters when asked how many agents would be sent. "We're not going to tell you how many resources we're going to send to the city. We don't want the bad guy to know what we're sending. It will be a large contingent." Instead, Homan claimed that the Trump administration's decision to ramp up immigration enforcement in Chicago was driven by the policies of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "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, we're going to address that. We don't have that problem in Texas and Florida, where all the sheriffs are working with us," Homan said. Trump aims to restore safety to the streets and cities of all sanctuary cities According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Chicago, a self-declared sanctuary city, has long refused to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. City leaders have repeatedly emphasized that local law enforcement will not assist in immigration raids or status checks because doing so undermines community trust and public safety. City officials reiterated their stance in response to news of the federal plans. Rep. Brad Schneider, whose district includes Naval Station Great Lakes, criticized the federal immigration surge in Chicago, calling it an intrusion on Illinois' sovereignty. Superintendent Larry Snelling echoed a similar stance and revealed that Chicago police, barred by law from cooperating with ICE without a judicial warrant, will not assist in the operation. Meanwhile, Pritzker strongly criticized Trump for suggesting a larger federal force could be deployed to Chicago, accusing his administration of attempting to undermine democracy, militarize cities and erode the electoral process. But then, Trump has made it clear - the goal is to restore safety to the streets and cities. Meaning, he is also planning to conduct similar operations in other so-called "sanctuary cities." It is the reason why ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working tirelessly to fulfill the mandate from the American people to apprehend and deport criminal undocumented immigrants and ensure the security of the nation. InvasionUSA.news has more stories similar to this. Watch this Jan. 29 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Trump's aggressive immigration raids. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump administration considers suspending habeas corpus in immigration crackdown. Mexican president agrees to accept deportees under Trumps immigration crackdown. White House clarifies National Guard deployment amid crime and immigration crackdown. "Blue flu" strikes FBI: Agents protest Trump's immigration crackdown in Chicago. U.S. remittances to Mexico reach 13-year low amid Trump's immigration crackdown. Sources include: YourNews.com NBCNews.com NBCChicago.com CNN.com Brighteon.AI MSN.com Brighteon.com Israeli thugs SEIZE olive tree farm belonging to the co-founder of Doctors Against Genocide Dr. Nidal Jboor, a Palestinian-American physician and co-founder of Doctors Against Genocide, has lost he and his family's land . On August 18, he learned that 50 acres of his familys land in Masafer Yatta home to over 500 olive trees, almond groves, and vineyards nurtured by his parents and siblings had been seized by Israeli settlers. They arrived with guns, backed by the Israeli military, and began erecting tents, livestock pens, and the first ugly markers of a settlement that, if history is any guide, will soon be "legalized" by the state. No court order. No sale. No warning. Just the slow, methodical erasure of a familys legacy, one shovelful of dirt at a time. This isnt an isolated incident. Its a blueprint. Since the start of the war, Israel has accelerated its seizure of Palestinian land, gobbling up roughly 7,000 acres in the West Bank alone often under the watchful eyes of soldiers and the tacit approval of a legal system that retroactively blesses theft. The settlers move in. The military stands guard. The courts drag their feet. And by the time the world notices, the land is "theirs." Key points: Israeli settlers, backed by the military, are illegally seizing Palestinian land in the West Bank, using armed intimidation and bureaucratic delays to displace families like Dr. Nidal Jboors, whose 50-acre property was overtaken in August. The U.S. is complicit, supplying weapons (including assault rifles) that end up in the hands of violent settlers, while political leaders turn a blind eye to systematic land theft. This is not new its policy. Israel has long used "military training zones" and retroactive legalization to justify seizures, a tactic exposed in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land and confirmed by Israeli NGOs. The human cost is devastating. Palestinian activists like Awdah Hathleen (a consultant for No Other Land) are being murdered by settlers with impunity, while families live in fear of losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their lives. The anatomy of a land grab: How theft becomes law When Dr. Jboors family discovered settlers on their land, they did what any law-abiding citizen would do: They checked the records. No military order. No legal proceeding. No sale. The land was, undeniably, theirs. And yet, as Jboor told Middle East Eye, "Once they build these structures, they start claiming it's their land, and it's time for us to go." This is how ethnic cleansing works in slow motion. The process is so routine it has a name: "facts on the ground." Settlers move onto Palestinian land, often under the guise of "security" or "military needs." They erect temporary structures tents, animal pens, outposts that, over time, become permanent. The Israeli military, rather than removing the interlopers, provides protection. When Palestinians protest or file lawsuits, the courts delay hearings for years, during which the settlers dig in deeper. Eventually, the state retroactively legalizes the theft, declaring the land part of an expanded settlement or military zone. This isnt speculation. Its documented policy. A 2023 report by the Israeli NGO Kerem Navot found that the state uses the pretext of "military training zones" to seize Palestinian land, with the explicit goal of "reducing the Palestinian populations ability to use the land and transferring as much of it as possible to Israeli settlers." Masafer Yatta, where Jboors family lives, is a prime example. In the 1980s, Israel declared 3,000 hectares of the area a "firing zone," forcing Palestinians to fight for decades to remain on their own property. Now, settlers are finishing the job. And when Palestinians resist? Theyre met with violence. Awdah Hathleen, an activist and teacher who worked on No Other Land, was shot and killed by a settler in July just three miles from Jboors property. The killer, Yinon Levi, had been sanctioned by the Biden administration for previous attacks on Palestinians. (Those sanctions were later lifted by Trump.) Despite video evidence, Levi was released without charges. "Thats why Im so worried about the safety of my family," Jboor said. His fear isnt abstract. Settler violence in the West Bank has surged since October 7, with over 500 attacks recorded in the first half of 2024 alone. The message is clear: Resist, and you will be punished. Submit, and you will be erased. The ethnic cleansing operation in Gaza is ensnaring Americans "I'm an American citizen," Jboor said. "This is my land. My goal is to talk to our politicians to defend my rights as an American citizen, and as a Palestinian citizen too, because those weapons that the settlers have are American weapons." His plea falls on deaf ears. In Congress, politicians from both parties trip over themselves to pledge allegiance to Israel, while the media frames Palestinian resistance as "terrorism" and settler violence as "clashes." The result? A one-sided narrative that paints Palestinians as the aggressors even as their land is stolen, their homes demolished, and their children killed. "We know these settlers are violent," Jboor said. "I'm scared to death that settlers might kill my brother-in-law, my sister, my father, my uncle, or my cousins." Documentaries like No Other Land which exposed the forced displacements in Masafer Yatta are kryptonite to Israeli occupation. When the world sees the faces of the stolen, hears the voices of the displaced, and understands the mechanics of theft, the propaganda crumbles. Thats why Israel bans journalists from Gaza. Thats why settlers attack cameramen. Thats why the U.S. media ignores stories like Jboors. "Every tree for them is like a piece of themselves," Jboor said of his family. "So it's not easy for someone to walk in your door and tell you that all you've been working on for decades is theirs now, and you just need to leave." Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Keremnavot.org [PDF] Enoch, Brighteon.ai HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticizes CDC for listing abortion among 20th centurys top health achievements HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly condemned the CDC for listing abortion, vaccines and water fluoridation among the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, calling for a reassessment of the agency's priorities. Kennedy argued that the CDCs use of the term "family planning" includes abortion access, which he believes should not be celebrated as a public health success. His Fox News interview suggests a forthcoming overhaul of federal health agencies, signaling a shift in how public health achievements are defined and managed under his leadership. Kennedy reportedly requested the resignation of CDC Director Susan Monarez; after she refused, she was dismissed, triggering the resignation of four senior CDC officials. Though declining to comment directly on staffing decisions, Kennedy acknowledged internal changes and reiterated his commitment to reforming the CDC, accusing it of being plagued by political bias and inefficiency. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for including abortion under the banner of "great public health achievements" of the 20th century. The CDC's list, originally published in 1999, names ten achievements it credits with significantly extending life expectancy and improving quality of life in the 20th century. These include immunization, motor vehicle safety, workplace safety, control of infectious diseases, a decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke, safer and healthier foods, healthier mothers and babies, family planning, fluoridation of drinking water and the recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard. However, Kennedy argued that the CDC used family planning as an umbrella term that covers contraception access, fertility services and, controversially, abortion access. In line with this, Kennedy expressed strong disapproval of several items listed by the CDC as key advancements in modern public health, including abortion, water fluoridation and vaccines, in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Aug. 28. His remarks signal a potential shift in how federal health agencies may be evaluated and managed under his leadership. "Today on the CDC's website, they list the 10 greatest advances in medical science and one of them is abortion," Kennedy said, referencing the agency's recognition of "family planning" as a major public health success. The CDC includes access to abortion as part of that broader category. "Another is fluoridation and another is vaccines. So we need to look at the priorities of the agency. There's really a deeply embedded, I would say, malaise at the agency." Brighteon.AI's Enoch views Kennedy's statement as particularly notable given his longstanding political support for legal abortion, even as he has tried to separate his personal opposition to the procedure from his stance on its legality. (Related: RFK Jr. orders FDA review of abortion pill after study reveals alarming safety risks.) Kennedy vows to reform the CDC and other federal health agencies During the interview, Kennedy was also asked about Director Susan Monarez's sudden departure and the resignation of four top CDC officials in the immediate aftermath. According to the New York Times, Kennedy personally requested Monarez's resignation when she refused to step down. An anonymous official, citing fear of retribution, said Monarez responded by contacting Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican chair of the Senate Health Committee. Cassidy then called Kennedy directly. Following that conversation, Kennedy became "furious" and informed Monarez that she would be removed. Monarez's ouster set off a chain reaction at the CDC, with four senior officials resigning shortly thereafter. Those who stepped down include Deb Houry, the agency's chief medical officer and deputy director; Demetre Daskalakis, head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Dan Jernigan, who led the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and Jennifer Layden, head of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology. Kennedy, a longtime critic of public health institutions, declined to speak directly about internal personnel matters, but acknowledged that major changes are underway at the agency. He then vowed to reform the CDC and other federal health agencies, accusing them of harboring entrenched political biases and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Head over to Abortions.news for more stories like this. Watch InfoWars' Harrison Smith discussing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) deeming abortion as an economic issue below. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RFK Jr. backpedals on "full-term abortion" stance, now insists abortion is okay "up until a certain number of weeks." RFK Jr. supports ABORTION "even if it's full term": Decision should be left to the mother rather than the state, he says. Joe Biden wants to force employers to provide abortions for their workers. Trump faces backlash after criticizing DeSantis' 6-week abortion ban. Trump blasts RINO Sen. Graham for criticizing his stance on ABORTION. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com CDC.gov Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com A coup in health policy? How pharma giants are pushing to dislodge Kennedy from HHS Pharma trade group BIO plans to spend $2 million to pressure RFK Jr. out of office by September. A leaked memo reveals strategies to co-opt conservative influencers and flood media with pro-vaccine messaging. BIO aims to sideline RFK Jr.s reforms by mid-September, when Congress returns and schools reopen. Senator Bernie Sanders demands RFK Jr.s resignation, accusing him of endangering public health. Kennedys policies challenge industry profit models and regulatory shortcuts, prompting a coordinated backlash from Big Pharma. In a stunning development, a secret memo from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has surfaced, revealing a multi-million dollar campaign to oust U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., by September 2025. The internal document, leaked by whistleblowers, outlines a sweeping strategy to neutralize Kennedys leadership and challenge his regulatory reforms. BIO, which represents major pharmaceutical firms like Pfizer, Merck and Vaxcyte, is spending half of its cash reserve$2 millionon a coordinated effort to undermine Kennedys Health and Human Services (HHS) agenda. A timed attack: The why and when The memo, initially uncovered by whistleblower Dr. Robert Malone, indicates that BIOs efforts are accelerating as Congress prepares to reconvene in September. The trade groups strategy hinges on capitalizing on the narrative momentum leading into the new school year and the political cycle that follows. BIOs internal briefing suggests that September is critical for several reasons: Congress returns, focusing on vaccine policy and public health budgets. Schools reopen, heightening public attention to health mandates. Election cycles intensify, offering a window to discredit Kennedy before he gains more traction. The memo was compiled on April 3, 2025, during a closed-door meeting of BIOs Vaccine Policy Steering Committee. The timing signals a race against the clock to reshape the political and public discourse before the administration can fully implement its reforms. Co-opting conservative voices: The who and what Central to BIOs campaign is a strategy to co-opt conservative influencers who can provide a veneer of bipartisan support. Figures like Dr. Mehmet Oz and Senator Bill Cassidy are identified as potential surrogates, with BIO planning to leverage their perceived credibility to counter Kennedys regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, the memo proposes influencing staff and researchers at institutions like the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), known for its conservative leaning, to normalize pro-BIO positions and silence dissent. BIO has allocated $2 million toward a D.C.-area pilot campaign called Why We Vaccinate, aimed at manipulating public sentiment by combining inspire and frighten tactics. This campaign seeks to galvanize the movable middle using emotionally charged messages linked to national security and economic productivity. A war of words: Rhetorical warfare and narrative control Beyond lobbying and surrogate messaging, BIOs strategy includes a linguistic overhaul. Rather than protect or defend, BIO plans to replace regulatory terminology with terms like streamline, optimize, and enhance. These reframed words signal a shift in goalsfrom rigorous transparency and safety measures to more permissive standards that prioritize industry ease and corporate profit. For BIO, the groups emphasis on rhetoric over substance underscores a broader tactic to align regulatory policies with pharma-friendly narratives, ensuring that little to no structural reform ever occurs. Political backlash: The big picture Senator Bernie Sanders has joined the growing chorus of calls for RFK Jr.s resignation, arguing that his policies are endangering public health. Sanders points to Kennedys alleged attacks on vaccines, noting that vaccines are recognized by the medical community as safe and effective. Kennedys ascension to HHS has drawn criticism from medical experts and policymakers alike, who fear his reforms could hamper lifesaving advancements. The leaked memo, alongside Sanders editorial, sheds light on a broader tension: the conflict between corporate interests and public health. While BIO seeks to preserve regulatory shortcuts and protect its profit margins, Kennedys reforms challenge outdated practices and prioritize rigorous oversight and transparency. A crucial moment for regulatory integrity The leaked memo from BIO offers a rare glimpse into the underpinnings of a covert campaign aimed at dismantling RFK Jr.s vision for health policy. As the document underscores, this is not just a health policy debate but an issue of democratic integrity. Public scrutiny of BIOs actions and transparency in government policy are essential to ensuring that regulatory decisions are based on science, safety and the public interest, rather than corporate influence. The battle lines are drawn, and whats at stake is nothing less than the future of American public health. Sources for this article include: X.com Malone.Substack.com Truthout.org President Trump bails on the constitution The Eighth Amendment of the Bill of Rights addresses the national governments power in regard to bail. As with many other provisions in this set of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the declaration regarding bail is one of limitation on the national governments power rather than a grant of power. Excessive bail shall not be required, the amendment commands. (Article by Adam Dick republished from RonPaulInstitute.org) Yet, out of whole cloth, President Donald Trump is out proclaiming he can demand that all local and state courts across America limit their use of a cashless bail that can be less onerous for accused individuals than is cash bail. Indeed, on Monday, Trump signed an executive order that puts in place a mechanism for the United States government to deny distribution of money to state and local governments that allow for cashless bail for a variety of defendants. Cashless bail provides a process by which some accused individuals can be free from incarceration while awaiting trial without having to post cash bail. This executive order turns the Eighth Amendment bail provision on its head. Instead of protecting against excessive bail, Trump is demanding that a less restrictive form of bail be denied. The constitutional problem with Trumps effort to interfere with state and local cashless bail is compounded by the facts that Trump is seeking here to legislate a power reserved to the Congress in the Constitution and is seeking to override powers reserved to the states in the Tenth Amendment. Trumps action regarding cashless bail is demonstrating that he is the type of politician that the Bill of Rights was adopted to protect against a politician bent on unilaterally increasing government power at the expense of individual rights and states rights. Read more at: RonPaulInstitute.org Russia strikes British Council and EU buildings in Kyiv Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, deliberately targeting the British Council building and EU delegation headquarters while also destroying residential areas. At least 17 civilians were killed, including a 14-year-old girl. Over 600 drones and missiles, including hypersonic weapons, were fired across Ukraine in 24 hours. A ballistic missile split a five-story apartment building in half, trapping survivors under rubble. Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, escalating the conflict. Western leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British PM Keir Starmer, condemned the attacks as deliberate intimidation. The U.K. summoned Russia's ambassador, and Brussels prepared new sanctions. The Kremlin claimed the strikes targeted military-adjacent infrastructure, while Kyiv dismissed this as disinformation. Ukraine's President Zelensky called it a "deliberate killing of civilians" and urged tougher sanctions and faster military aid. Russia warned that Western-supplied weapons (like U.K.'s Storm Shadow missiles) make donor nations complicit. Analysts fear direct NATO-Russia clashes, especially if Moscow follows through on threats to strike British military assets globally. The war shows no signs of de-escalation. Russia launched a massive missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday, Aug. 28, deliberately targeting the British Council building and the European Union delegation headquarters. The strikes also leveled residential blocks and killed at least 17 civilians, including a 14-year-old girl. Footage showed two missiles striking the British Council building in the Ukrainian capital within 20 seconds. The attack left the cultural and educational center partially funded by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office severely damaged. Nearby, the EU's diplomatic offices for its Ukrainian delegation were also hit. The assault saw Russian forces fire over 600 drones and missiles including hypersonic weapons across Ukraine in 24 hours. A five-story apartment building in the Darnytsky district was split in half by a ballistic strike, trapping residents under rubble as emergency crews searched for survivors. "If I had gone to the shelter a minute later, I would not be here now," one survivor told AFP. Meanwhile, Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on two Russian oil refineries, signaling a relentless cycle of escalation. The Thursday strikes, a deadly escalation of the Ukraine conflict, come amid stalled peace negotiations and growing warnings from Moscow that supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons makes donor nations complicit in the war. Western leaders quickly condemned the attacks as a brazen assault on diplomatic missions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia of "targeting the EU" in a "deliberate" act of intimidation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, denounced the attack as "senseless," declaring that "this bloodshed must end." The British leader also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "killing children and civilians and sabotaging hopes of peace." London summoned Russia's ambassador in response, while Brussels prepared its 19th round of sanctions against Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the bombardment a "horrific and deliberate killing of civilians," urging allies to impose tougher sanctions and accelerate military support. But Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov insisted Russia remains "interested in negotiations" but defended the strikes as necessary to degrade military-adjacent infrastructure a claim Kyiv dismisses as disingenuous. Global showdown looms: Putin's red line crossed? The attack underscores Moscow's hardening stance against Western military aid to Ukraine, particularly Britain's provision of Storm Shadow missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. Per Brighteon.AI's decentralized Enoch engine, "the U.K. has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles co-developed with France which have a 155-mile range, but were previously restricted from striking Russian soil. Western leaders now tacitly allow Ukraine to use them against Russian targets without formal acknowledgment." (Related: Ukraine to get "secret" permission to launch Storm Shadow missiles against Russia.) Russian officials have repeatedly warned that such weapons transform donor nations into legitimate military targets a threat now materializing with strikes on British-linked facilities. Analysts warn the conflict risks spiraling into direct clashes between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), especially if Moscow follows through on its implicit threat to strike British military assets globally. Historical parallels loom large, with the bombing of diplomatic sites echoing Cold War-era provocations. The West's failure to enforce the 2015 Minsk agreements, coupled with Kyiv's reliance on Western arms, has eroded trust on all sides leaving little room for diplomacy. The world watches whether this latest violence will galvanize Ukraine's allies or push the war toward a catastrophic widening. For now, the rubble in Kyiv serves as a grim testament to a conflict with no end in sight, where civilian deaths and geopolitical brinkmanship have become the currency of a war that neither side can afford to lose. Watch Emil Cosman discussing Russia's strikes on the British Council and EU buildings in Kyiv in this video. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russia strikes Ukraine's military headquarters in Odessa. Russia pondering an Oreshnik missile strike on Zelensky's HQ in Kyiv. Russia STRIKES Ukrainian military depot, destroying OVER 3,000 TONS of ammo. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com DailyMail.co.uk BBC.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com President Trump should return to an America First foreign policy After four years of unnecessarily confrontational foreign policy under President Biden, Americans elected Donald Trump in part for his promise to put America first at home and overseas. He promised a war-weary America that he would start no new wars and would get us out of the existing ones. Eight months into his second Administration it appears his promise remains to be fulfilled, as his approval rating continues to slip. (Article by Ron Paul republished from RonPaulInstitute.org) On Ukraine, President Trump wisely observed coming into office that the conflict is Joe Bidens war not his own. Unfortunately he could not resist the temptation to get involved in the conflict, even under the guise of peacemaker. Ive often said that getting out of conflicts overseas is not that complicated: we should just come home. Even when there are no troops involved, just come home means disengage from the conflict. But President Trump wants to play referee in the war while arming and supporting one side. Is it any wonder he is making no progress in ending the war? Likewise with Israel and Gaza, Trumps promise to put America first has faltered. President Biden put Americans on the hook for additional billions of dollars to support Israels actions in Gaza without even a word about the slaughter and destruction. As more Americans become disgusted by Israels obliteration of the property and population of that tiny strip of land, Trump shows no signs of shifting from Bidens approach. More money and more weapons are sent as starvation claims more and more children each day. Trump has reportedly remarked to a donor that his own base is turning against him because of his Israel policy. Yet he refuses to alter course and just come home. Trump has even returned to the failed Latin America policy of his first Administration, in last weeks move toward a military confrontation with oil-rich Venezuela. Trump sent two warships and 4,000 US troops to the waters near Venezuela under the highly suspect accusation that the countrys president is actually head of an international drug cartel. He should have learned from the almost comical recognition of Juan Guaido as the real president of Venezuela in his first term that meddling in that country is not in Americas interest. It seems the neocons around him, including warhawk Marco Rubio, are sucking him into another unnecessary conflict. Add in Trumps military attacks on Yemen and Iran and the balance sheet thus far does not point to an America first foreign policy. There is still time for President Trump to change course and fulfill his promises to the American people. Put Ukraine and Russia on notice that from this point the US is withdrawing from any role in the conflict. Let the Europeans work it out if they feel it is in their interest. Getting us out of NATO is also a good idea. End US financial and military support for an Israel that cannot seem to get along with its neighbors. Perhaps without the US backstopping Israels warmongering, the country and its leadership would start to reflect on the wisdom of starting wars with multiple countries in its neighborhood. Stop trying to overthrow Venezuelas Maduro and everyone else the neocons have placed on the hit list. End all sanctions and open up trade instead. Maduros failed socialist economic policies will be his undoing, not American sanctions or saber-rattling. America first above all means just come home. Its that simple. Read more at: RonPaulInstitute.org Vaccine skepticism and policy changes: Trumps about-face underscores growing divide over vaccine policies Donald Trump questions the efficacy of his own Operation Warp Speed despite previously praising it. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s controversial stance on vaccines results in the cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding. Top CDC officials resign over Kennedys policies, citing reliance on unscientific guidelines and promoting misinformation. Health experts criticize Kennedys views on mRNA vaccines, emphasizing their effectiveness and safety in combating pandemics. The decision to cancel mRNA vaccine funding could leave the US vulnerable to future pandemics, according to health experts. President Donald Trump has called out manufacturers of COVID-19 drugs, demanding proof of their success. He took to social media to lambast drug manufacturers for not fully disclosing to the public the "GREAT numbers and results" that they show him of Operation Warp Speed, the program he once hailed as a "miracle." This stunning reversal of stance, amidst controversies surrounding vaccine restrictions and top CDC resignations, underscores a growing divide over vaccine policies and their impact on public health. Our investigation examines how these conflicting narratives have fueled an ongoing debate about the truth, corruption and the role of alternative media in exposing vital information often overlooked by traditional outlets. The president's dilemma: From praise to censure Donald Trumps decision to challenge the transparency and efficacy of Operation Warp Speed comes at a pivotal moment. Launched in April 2020, the program was initially a point of pride for the president, especially during his first term, credited with accelerating the development of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and preventing millions of deaths and hospitalizations. However, recent developments have cast doubt on its perceived success. In his latest Truth Social post, Trump demands that drug manufacturers justify the success of the initiative and provide "extraordinary" data, information he claims he has seen but believes is being withheld from the public. This intervention comes on the heels of a series of high-profile resignations at the CDC, including Susan Monarez, the director appointed by Trump himself, and four top officials who cited "unscientific" policies and misinformation as driving factors behind their departures. The controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s tenure as Health Secretary has been marked by his sustained criticism of mRNA vaccines. Kennedys skepticism extends beyond mere disbelief; he has taken concrete actions to restrict their usage, such as canceling $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccines aimed at combating diseases like flu and COVID-19. His decision is based on claims that mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits and can encourage new virus mutations. Health experts, including Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, dismiss these assertions, highlighting the proven safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. Kennedys actions and stance have further polarized public opinion, with his allies from alternative media platforms like Natural News playing a significant role in promoting skepticism and questioning mainstream narratives. Impact on public health and strategic vulnerability The cancellation of funding for mRNA vaccines has drawn sharp criticism from health experts, who argue that mRNA technology offers one of the most promising tools to combat future pandemics. Dr. Offit emphasizes that mRNA vaccines, due to their shorter development cycle, were instrumental in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. By redirecting funds away from mRNA research, the U.S. risks undermining its ability to quickly respond to potential future outbreaks. This strategic vulnerability comes at a critical juncture, especially given the rising political influence of vaccine skeptics and their growing distrust in traditional health institutions. Onward, the decisions of officials like Kennedy could have far-reaching implications for public health, particularly in the context of global health security. Navigating the path to truth and health freedom The ongoing debate surrounding vaccine policies and their impact on public health continues to highlight the significance of truth-telling and transparency. As officials grapple with conflicting narrativeswhether praising or questioning the efficacy of programs like Operation Warp Speedalternative media voices advocate for human liberty and truth in healthcare. By empowering individuals with accurate information, these platforms aim to mitigate the influence of political agendas and misinformation. In a world where public safety and individual rights intersect, the struggle for health freedom remains as vital as ever, reflecting the broader challenges of navigating truth and trust in the age of medical and political complexities. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com Independent.co.uk BBC.com On Tuesday night, Russian troops attacked Odesa port infrastructure again, Izmail Regional State Administration reports. "On the night of September 2, the enemy again attacked the port infrastructure of Izmail district," the Administration said on its Telegram channel. Thanks to the timely response to the threat, significant destruction and human casualties were prevented. The fires were quickly extinguished. A USPS postal fraud investigator PREYED on the elderly, stealing money to fund his salacious lifestyle A man who was sworn to protect the vulnerable - a federal investigator tasked with stopping financial predators in their tracks - has instead become the predator himselfsiphoning hundreds of thousands from elderly victims to fund his own hedonistic spree of poolside luxuries, Caribbean cruises, and midday trysts with escorts. This isnt the plot of a Netflix crime drama; its the real-life indictment of Scott Kelley, a former U.S. Postal Inspection Service fraud unit leader who allegedly spent years exploiting the very system he was supposed to safeguard. Key points: A fraud hunter turned fraudster: Scott Kelley, a former team leader of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services Mail Fraud and Theft Units, stands accused of stealing $330,000+ from elderly scam victims, laundering the cash, and spending it on home renovations, cruises, and escortssome paid for during work hours. Systemic corruption exposed: Emails obtained via FOIA reveal multiple employees in the DAs office engaged in criminal schemes, discussing how to divide stolen money and cover their tracks, suggesting a culture of impunity within law enforcement. The victims: elderly, vulnerable, and betrayed: Seven identified victims, average age 75, were targeted after falling for a Jamaican lottery scam. Kelley allegedly intercepted their packages, stole their cash, and in one case, lied to a victims face, telling them their loss was their own fault. A pattern of deception: Kelley didnt just steal from the publiche stole $7,000 from an evidence locker and framed a subordinate, using their key to access the vault before blaming them in an official memo. The money trail: The DOJ alleges Kelley laundered the cash by buying postal money orders under relatives names, spreading deposits across multiple accounts, and structuring transactions to avoid detection. Justice delayed, but not denied? Kelley faces up to 20 years per charge for wire fraud, money laundering, and mail theftbut the real question is whether this case will uncover deeper corruption or be dismissed as an isolated incident. The fox guarding the henhouse: How a fraud investigator became the fraud For seven years, Scott Kelley was the face of justice for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Boston. As the team leader of the Mail Fraud Unit, his job was to protect victims of financial scamsmany of them elderly, many of them desperate. But according to a 45-count federal indictment, Kelley wasnt protecting anyone. He was preying on them. Heres how it worked: Scammersoften based in Jamaicawould trick elderly Americans into believing theyd won a lottery or sweepstakes. The catch? They had to mail cash to claim their winnings. When these packages were flagged as potential fraud, postal inspectors like Kelley were supposed to intercept them, document the cash, and return it to the sender. Instead, prosecutors allege, Kelley ordered postal workers to send the packages to himthen opened them, stole the cash, and covered his tracks. Over 1,950 packages were diverted to Kelley. Seven victims have been identified so far, ranging in age from 71 to 82. One sent $19,100. Another, $1,400. None of them ever saw their money again. And in a particularly cruel twist, Kelley allegedly met with one victim in person, telling them their package was lost and that their loss was their own fault because they had mailed cash. But Kelley didnt stop there. In August 2022, he was transferred to lead the Mail Theft Unita promotion that gave him even more access to intercepted packages. And when that wasnt enough, he stole $7,000 from an evidence locker, using a subordinates key to access the vault before framing them for the theft in an official memo. The audacity is staggering. But whats even more disturbing is the system that allowed it. A culture of corruption: When the watchdogs think theyre above the law Kelleys case isnt just about one mans greed. Its about a system where accountability is optional. The emails obtained via FOIAthe same kind that have exposed other scandals in the DAs officereveal a pattern of criminal behavior among those sworn to uphold the law. In one exchange, multiple employees discuss dividing stolen money, arguing over who gets what. In another, they openly strategize about how to avoid detection. These arent rogue actors; theyre federal employees using government email servers to plan crimes, as if they know no one will stop them. And why would they think otherwise? Consider the lack of oversight that allowed Kelley to: Steal from elderly victims for years without detection. Launder nearly $340,000 by buying postal money orders under fake names and spreading deposits across multiple accounts. Frame a subordinate for a theft he committed. Spend stolen cash on luxuriesincluding $15,400 on escorts, some paid for during workdays. This isnt just individual corruption. Its institutional rot. And it raises a terrifying question: If the people tasked with stopping fraud are the ones committing it, whos left to protect the public? Source include: NYPost.com Youtube.com NBCBoston.com U.S. halts visas for Palestinians as allies push for statehood recognition Trump administration suspends nearly all U.S. visas for Palestinian passport holders under the guise of national security. The ban includes student, medical, family, and business visas, leaving Palestinians stranded without access to critical care or education. Legal loopholes allow indefinite delays or denials, effectively creating a de facto ban on Palestinian travel to the U.S. The move aligns with broader U.S. support for Israels war in Gaza and coincides with global efforts to recognize Palestinian statehood. Humanitarian trips for wounded Palestinian children and other critical travel are now at risk, deepening an already dire crisis. The news that the Trump administration has suspended nearly all visa approvals for Palestinian passport holders may not be particularly surprising, but it is deeply troubling. This isnt just about national security; its about cutting off lifelines for people who need medical care, education, and family reunification. And its happening at a time when the U.S. is doubling down on its unconditional support for Israels war in Gaza. The State Department confirmed the policy in an August 18 cable sent to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, according to multiple reports. The suspension applies to student, business, family, and medical visas, effectively slamming the door on Palestinians seeking to travel to the U.S. for critical needs. The only exceptions? Dual citizens with other passports and those who already hold valid visas. This move expands earlier restrictions, including a July decision to block visas for Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials. The State Department justified that action by accusing the PA and PLO of "fueling violence" and undermining peace efforts. Now, the net has widened to include ordinary Palestiniansstudents, patients, and familieswho have done nothing wrong. A blanket ban disguised as bureaucracy The administration is using a legal loophole, Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to delay or deny visas under the guise of needing "further review." Former State Department spokeswoman Hala Rharrit, who resigned in protest over U.S. policy on Gaza, called it an "open-ended refusal." In other words, its a de facto ban. Kerry Doyle, a former lead attorney for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, questioned the transparency of the decision. "If its a true ban, then its concerning to me in that they should be transparent about it," she said. "Are there true national security concerns? Or is it politically based to support the position of Israel and/or to avoid uncomfortable issues being raised when folks get here if they speak out about the issues over the war?" The timing is no coincidence. Several U.S. alliesincluding France, Canada, and Britainhave announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly. The Trump administration has made it clear it will not tolerate any move that challenges Israels position, even if it means punishing innocent civilians. Humanitarian consequences ignored The human cost of this policy is staggering. Last year, humanitarian groups like Heal Palestine brought Palestinian children, many of them amputees from Israeli airstrikes, to the U.S. for medical treatment. Now, those lifesaving trips are in jeopardy. Lafi Adeeb, mayor of the West Bank village Turmus Ayya, where many Palestinian-Americans have roots, expressed his frustration: "It feels like Palestinians are always treated in an unjust way." The State Departments justificationthat this is about "national security"rings hollow when you consider the broader context. The U.S. has long been Israels most vocal supporter, even as international criticism of its military campaign in Gaza grows. More than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to Gazas health ministry. Yet instead of pushing for accountability, the U.S. is tightening the screws on Palestinian civilians. This isnt the first time the Trump administration has targeted Palestinians. Earlier this month, it revoked visas for about 80 Palestinian officials, including PA President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing them from attending the U.N. General Assembly. The State Department claimed this was to hold the PA and PLO "accountable for not complying with their commitments." Abbas office called the decision a violation of the U.N. headquarters agreement, which generally requires the U.S. to allow access for foreign diplomats. The administration has also cracked down on pro-Palestinian activism within the U.S., linking student protesters to "foreign influence" and revoking visas for international students involved in demonstrations. The message is clear: dissent will not be tolerated, and neither will solidarity with Palestine. The U.S. claims this is about security, but the real motivation appears to be political. By isolating Palestinians both abroad and within the U.S., the administration is trying to ensure there will be no challenge to Israels narrative, no space for Palestinian voices, and no accountability for the devastation in Gaza. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com NYTimes.com Reuters.com BBC.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Digital autonomy Not long ago, organizations understood the idea of data sovereignty as being primarily about meeting the demands of regulation and legal compliance. A range of developments, primarily geo-political in nature, have transformed this outlook. Now, sovereignty is as much tied up with the growing sense that operational, political, and even technological independence is essential, especially for EU-based enterprises. SAP has embraced this concern. The digital resilience of Europe depends on sovereignty that is secure, scalable and future-ready, said Martin Merz, president, SAP Sovereign Cloud. SAPs full-stack sovereign cloud offering delivers exactly that, giving customers the freedom to choose their deployment model while helping ensure compliance up to the highest standards. This reflects the companys commitment to supporting the EUs digital autonomy, he said. The company has made digital sovereignty a strategic priority, and will invest 20 billion ($23.3 billion) to develop new digital sovereignty products for the EU as well as for other territories. A decade ago, the idea of cloud services promoted the notion of a single global infrastructure market. Now it looks just as likely that there will be a balkanization of global cloud infrastructure into geographical domains. For decades, enterprises have handed over too much power to their cloud providers power over infrastructure, power over availability, and most importantly, power over their own data, commented Garima Kapoor, co-founder and co-CEO of US AI object storage company, MinIO. Zelenskyy: Well discuss prepared provisions of security guarantees at Coalition of the Willing meeting on Thurs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a telephone conversation with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and announced a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Thursday, where prepared security points will be discussed. We talked about diplomatic efforts and the development of security guarantees. On Thursday, the Coalition of the Willing will meet to discuss the prepared security guarantee points, and we count on Portugals participation. One of the main components of security guarantees we see is Ukraines EU membership, Zelenskyy said on X Monday. The leaders agreed that this path must not allow division between Ukraine and Moldova. They also discussed the participation of Portuguese businesses in the restoration of Ukraine and the joint production of drones. We agreed that on this path, no division must be allowed between Ukraine and Moldova. We also discussed the involvement of Portuguese business in Ukraines recovery and joint drone production, the President said. He invited the Prime Minister of Portugal to come to Ukraine for a visit. Luis also shared the impact of the large wildfires in Portugal. We stand in solidarity with the Portuguese people and are always ready to help. We wish a swift recovery, Zelenskyy noted. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. A hormone produced by the brain, orexin, may play a central role in the functioning of the brains glymphatic system, which clears waste, according to a new study from the University of Oulu. Published in the high-profile journal PNAS, the study examined how the pulsations driving the brains glymphatic clearance differ in people with narcolepsy type 1 compared with healthy individuals. For the first time, the research directly compared the brain pulsations of narcolepsy patients with those of healthy individuals during sleep. The study included 23 participants with narcolepsy type 1 and a group of healthy controls. Brain clearance involves three types of pulsation: cardiovascular pulsations generated by the heartbeat in the arteries, respiratory pulsations in the veins and cerebrospinal fluid spaces, and slow vasomotor waves in the walls of blood vessels. These pulsations, and the resulting brain clearance, are known to increase during sleep. Previous research has shown that all three types of brain pulsation are altered in people with narcolepsy type 1 compared with healthy wakefulness. The researchers imaged the brains of narcolepsy type 1 patients and healthy controls using rapid functional magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed that, in awake narcolepsy patients, vasomotor pulsations did not differ in intensity from those in sleeping healthy individuals, but were clearly stronger in the narcolepsy group than in awake healthy participants. In contrast, heart- and respiration-related pulsations were weaker in narcolepsy. Orexin may suppress brain pulsations In narcolepsy type 1, the brain does not produce enough of the neurotransmitter orexin, which regulates alertness as well as physiological functions. According to the researchers, orexin may have a suppressive effect on brain pulsations, which could be linked to brain clearance. This idea is also supported by previous observations showing that older narcolepsy patients have less harmful amyloid burden associated with Alzheimers disease than controls, and that drugs that inhibit orexin reduce harmful substances in the central nervous system. Matti Jarvela, Doctoral Researcher, Oulu Functional Neuroimaging Research Group, University of Oulu Disruptions in brain clearance are believed to be associated with a range of diseases, including Alzheimers. The researchers suggest that it would be interesting in the future to study the effects of orexin-inhibiting drugs on brain pulsations and, through them, on brain clearance. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and reduces quality of life, and for which there is currently no curative treatment. The research was funded by, among others, the Research Council of Finland, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, and the EUs JPND programme. Depression alters how people pursue rewards, but, conversely, whether depressive symptoms influence how people learn to avoid nonrewarding, unpleasant events is less clear. Ryan Tomm and colleagues, from the University of British Colombia, addressed this question in their eNeuro paper to shed more light on the relationship between depression and learning. This work brought together researchers from preclinical, cognitive, and clinical backgrounds, building stronger connections across fields to better understand the mechanisms of depression. The researchers developed a behavioral task for study volunteers based off rodent research that involves participants listening to sounds while looking at a screen with visual cues signaling sounds to come. Participants learned to avoid unpleasant sounds either by actively responding or withholding responses to cues. From a sample of 465 participants with a wide range of depressive symptoms from low to severe, the researchers found that people with more severe symptoms struggled to learn to actively avoid aversive sounds compared to those with less severe symptoms. However, once they did learn the task, their ability to actively avoid unpleasant sounds matched those with less symptoms. Thus, according to the authors, depressive symptoms may interfere specifically with learning to actively avoid unpleasant events, rather than with avoidance more broadly. What we still don't know, is how depressive symptoms affect avoidance when people continue to learn after being proficient at an avoidance task, or in more complex situations where the best way to avoid something is unclear. As we actively explore these questions, we hope our work will provide a deeper understanding of how depression shapes avoidance behavior across different contexts." Ryan Tomm, University of British Colombia For decades, testosterone has been recognized as the primary driver of male reproductive development and secondary sex characteristics. Yet its influence extends beyond fertility and sexual function, touching nearly every system in the body. Declines in testosterone, particularly in aging men, are associated with osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and depression. At the same time, excessive levels carry risks, including infertility or aggressive cancers. Traditional treatment approaches, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), often struggled with balancing benefits against potential harms. Due to these challenges, there is a growing need for in-depth research on testosterone's multifaceted mechanisms, associated disease risks, and personalized therapeutic strategies. A new comprehensive review (DOI: 10.1002/uro2.115), published February 18, 2025, in UroPrecision, examines the complex relationship between testosterone and men's health. Conducted by researchers from institutions in Germany, Qatar, Jordan, and Hungary, the study explores testosterone's influence on cardiovascular, metabolic, reproductive, and mental health. It also evaluates how precision medicine and artificial intelligence are reshaping diagnosis and therapy for testosterone-related disorders. By integrating clinical evidence with biomarker advances, the paper provides a roadmap for more personalized and effective treatment strategies, particularly for conditions such as hypogonadism, infertility, and age-related decline. The review details how testosterone production is tightly regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, influencing libido, muscle growth, fat distribution, bone density, and mood. Imbalances manifest as hypogonadism, with symptoms ranging from erectile dysfunction to osteoporosis, or hypergonadism, characterized by excess hair growth, mood changes, and infertility. Treatments include TRT via injections, gels, or implants, alongside emerging alternatives like clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin therapy. However, concerns remain about cardiovascular safety, prostate health, and long-term outcomes. Biomarker research is revolutionizing testosterone management. Traditional measures such as free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin are now complemented by advanced tools like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and novel indicators such as insulin-like factor 3. Genomic and proteomic profiling further identify patient-specific variations in testosterone metabolism and androgen receptor sensitivity. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful aid, integrating clinical and genetic data to optimize TRT dosing, predict outcomes, and minimize risks. The authors emphasize that combining biomarkers, precision medicine, and AI may finally resolve long-standing debates over testosterone therapy's safety and efficacy. Testosterone is not merely a hormone of reproductionit is a hormone of life. Our review shows how precision medicine and advanced diagnostics can move treatment beyond the 'one-size-fits-all' model. By considering genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors, we can tailor testosterone therapies that maximize benefits while minimizing risks. This personalized approach is especially critical for aging men, who face rising risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline. The future of men's health lies in individualized, data-driven strategies." Dr. Aksam Yassin, lead author The findings hold broad clinical significance. Personalized testosterone therapy could transform care for millions of men worldwide, offering safer management of hypogonadism, improved fertility support, and enhanced protection against age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In reproductive health, testosterone is even being investigated as a potential male contraceptive. Integration of biomarkers, genetic testing, and AI will allow clinicians to better predict who will benefit most from therapy and who may face adverse effects. These innovations highlight a future where testosterone treatment is not only about restoring levels but about optimizing lifelong health outcomes. The suspect in Parubiy's murder told journalists that he admits his guilt, wants to be exchanged for Ukrainian soldiers, and did not rule out an attempt on Poroshenko's life Photo: t.me/suspilnelviv The 52-year-old Lviv resident suspected of murdering the deputy, former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, admitted his guilt in a conversation with journalists in Lviv before the start of the court hearing to choose a preventive measure for him, reports Suspilne. Lviv. "The suspect in the murder of MP Parubiy admitted his guilt while talking to journalists. He said that it was "revenge against the Ukrainian authorities." In addition, the man wants to be exchanged for Ukrainian servicemen who are in Russian captivity," the Suspilne. Lviv Telegram channel reported on Tuesday. Later, Suspilne. Lviv published a video of journalists talking with the suspect. "This is my personal revenge on the Ukrainian government," said suspect Mikhail Stselnikov, without explaining what exactly this revenge was for and why, since Parubiy was no longer in power. Asked whether it was true that Russian intelligence services were blackmailing him over the body of his dead son, the suspect said: "That's not true." "All I want is for the verdict to be passed as soon as possible. Yes, I admit that I killed him, and I want to ask to be exchanged for prisoners of war so that I can leave and find my son's body," he said. Specifying why Parubiy became the victim and not someone else, the suspect said: "Because he was there. If it had been Petya (Poroshenko), it would have been Petya." According to the publication, the court has now gone to make a decision on a preventive measure. As reported earlier, the prosecutor's office is asking the court for the uncontested arrest of the suspect in Parubiy's murder. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the deadliest breast cancer subtype, disproportionately affects African American women but until now, they were underrepresented in genomic studies aimed at identifying the genetic mutations driving the disease. A landmark study led by researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and collaborating institutions fills that knowledge gap. Song Yao, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park, is lead author of the study, "Mutational Landscape of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in African American Women," which appears today in Nature Genetics. Using whole-exome and RNA sequencing, investigators created the largest and most detailed mutational profile of 462 African American women with TNBC and found it was largely similar to that of Asian American and non-Hispanic white women, with no evidence of association with African ancestry. The team found that mutations in the TP53 gene were present in almost all African American TNBC patients much more prevalent than previously realized. There is a long-standing question in the field of TNBC epidemiology of whether the disproportionately high incidence of TNBC in African American women is a result of different cancer biology or socio-environmental exposures. Our data do not support major racial differences in TNBC biology at the level of somatic mutations, which are not inherited but acquired by cancer cells during disease development and progression." Dr. Song Yao, MD, PhD, Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park The researchers also identified two main pathways of disease development in this population. One, occurring more often in younger patients, is related to genetic predisposition and faulty DNA damage repair; the other, found more often in older patients, is related to aging and the effects of obesity. "This is quite fascinating!" says Dr. Yao. "We tend to link TNBC with deficiency in DNA damage repair and with younger women, but now we see evidence that aging and obesity may play a role in the development of TNBC as well." This study is a result of close collaboration among investigators at Roswell Park, including Christine Ambrosone, PhD, Senior Vice President of Population Sciences, and several other institutions, including John Carpten, PhD, at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center; Wei Zheng, MD, PhD, MPH, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; and Julie Palmer, ScD, at Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University. The Bioinformatics team at Roswell Park, headed by Song Liu, PhD, MBA, Vice Chair, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, and colleagues Lei Wei, PhD, and Qiang Hu, MD, PhD, led the bioinformatics analysis of the massive dataset. The study was made possible by pooling resources from the Women's Circle of Health Study (WCHS), the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) and the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), with patient volunteers from across the country who donated their time, efforts and samples. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Roswell Park Cancer Center Support Grant, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Karin Grunebaum Cancer Research Foundation. One of the first parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease is the entorhinal cortex - a region that plays a big role in memory, spatial navigation, and the brain's internal mapping system. With support from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund (ARDRAF), Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists Sharon Swanger and Shannon Farris are working to understand why this area is especially vulnerable. Swanger studies how brain cells communicate across synapses in disease-susceptible brain circuits, while Farris focuses on how different circuits in the brain's memory center function at the molecular level. Their overlapping expertise made the collaboration a natural fit. "We've both been studying how circuits differ at the molecular level for a while," said Swanger, an assistant professor at the research institute. "This new collaborative project brings together my work on synapses and Shannon's on mitochondria in a way that addresses a big gap in the Alzheimer's disease field." This kind of state-level support is critical. It gives researchers in Virginia the chance to ask questions that may eventually make a difference for people living with Alzheimer's. It's meaningful to be part of research that could help people facing that journey." Shannon Farris, VTC scientist A key focus of their research is mitochondria - tiny structures inside brain cells that provide the energy needed for a variety of cellular functions in neurons including synaptic transmission. In Alzheimer's disease, mitochondria stop working properly in the course of the disease. Farris and Swanger are investigating whether mitochondria in a vulnerable memory-related circuit may become overloaded with calcium, a key signaling chemical for multiple neuronal and synaptic processes. That overload could contribute to the early breakdown of memory circuits. "The connection between these cells is one of the first to fail in Alzheimer's," Farris said. "We found that this synapse has unusually strong calcium signals in nearby mitochondria - so strong we can see them clearly under a light microscope. Those kinds of signals are hard to ignore. It gives us a model where we can really watch what's happening as things start to go wrong." To test their hypothesis, the researchers will study brain tissue from healthy mice and mice with certain aspects of Alzheimer's pathology. By comparing how mitochondria function and how brain cells communicate across synapses in each group, they hope to find early signs of stress or failure in the entorhinal cortexhippocampus circuit. Swanger and Farris are members of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's Center for Neurobiology Research and also faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Platelets are probably best known for their role in blood clotting, making scabs and related, if less salubrious, contributions to heart attacks and strokes. But these tiny, saucer-shaped blood cells have other physiological duties as well, including surveillance for viral or bacterial infections, the recruitment of immune cells to the site of a suspected incursion and even the direct destruction of pathogens. Now, thanks to the findings of a Ludwig Cancer Research study, we can add to this rich portfolio an additional and critically important function. Researchers led by Ludwig Oxford's Bethan Psaila and postdoc Lauren Murphy report in the current issue of Science that platelets may also help suppress systemic inflammation. Better yet, the way they do so can be readily harnessed to significantly improve the early and minimally invasive detection of cancer and the sensitivity of prenatal screening. While platelets do not have their own nuclei, we discovered that they act like sponges, mopping up the fragments of DNA that are released by dead and dying cells. Our bodies employ multiple mechanisms to clear these bits of DNA from the bloodstream, as they can provoke inflammatory and autoimmune disorders if they accumulate. Our findings suggest platelets play an important role in limiting the abundance of DNA fragments in plasma. Fascinatingly, we also discovered that they then release these pieces of DNA when they are activated, suggesting that platelets can deploy their DNA cargo in a manner that prevents nonspecific inflammation yet elicits targeted inflammatory responses where they're needed, such as, say, at a site of injury." Bethan Psaila, Ludwig Oxford Cell-free (cf) DNA can also include traces of circulating tumor cell-derived DNA (ctDNA). An increasingly sophisticated suite of technologies now exists to isolate and analyze ctDNA for the noninvasive detection of cancers and monitoring of responses to therapy. But ctDNA levels are very low, especially in the earliest stages of disease, when cancers are best detected. Its rarity reduces the sensitivity of cancer screening by such "liquid biopsies". As it happens, the cfDNA collected for these diagnostics is currently isolated from blood plasma after all the blood cells, including platelets, have been discarded. The findings of this study suggest that a substantial proportion of cfDNA, including that derived from tumor cells, is contained within platelets, and this important source of information is therefore being missed. "We've demonstrated that platelets take up DNA fragments that bear the mutational signatures of cancer cells," said Murphy. "This is true not only in patients with advanced cancer but, remarkably, also in people who have pre-cancerous polyps in their colon, suggesting that platelets may offer an additional and so far untapped reservoir of cfDNA that could significantly improve the sensitivity of liquid biopsies." The finding that circulating platelets bear the genetic signatures of cancer has significant implications for cancer prevention. What prompted the researchers to look for DNA in cells that lack a nucleus? Platelets have a notable morphological quirk: they're shot through, like sponges, with a network of membrane-lined channels called the open canalicular system. These channels allow them to release certain biomolecules essential to clotting and tissue repair upon activation and to pick up others, like viral RNA and DNA, as they circulate. Given the latter capability, Psaila hypothesized several years ago at a multi-institutional, cross-disciplinary brainstorming session organized by the philanthropy Cancer Research UK that platelets might also be picking up genomic cfDNA. In partnership with senior author Chris Gregory at the University of Edinburgh, Psaila prepared a pitch, winning a small award that allowed her to hire a research assistant, Murphy, to validate this hypothesis. A year later, the researchers had exciting data that helped Murphy secure a position in a PhD program and a major early detection project grant from Cancer Research UK. They and their colleagues, including Ludwig Oxford's Benjamin Schuster-Bockler, whose lab conducted computational analysis for this study, showed that platelets indeed mop up human cfDNA in lab cultures and clinical samples. To prove that they weren't just seeing residual DNA from megakaryocytes-nucleated cells from which platelets are derived-the researchers examined DNA from the platelets of pregnant women known to be carrying males. They report that they could predict the sex of the baby in every blood sample they analyzed by detecting fragments of the Y chromosome in the platelets, which could only have come from fetal cfDNA they'd mopped up in their travels. "Given their abundance, ease of isolation and tissue-wide perfusion, platelets are ideally positioned to serve as biosensors for genetic perturbations across tissues," said Psaila. Future work in the lab will seek to clarify the role of platelets in the physiological management of cfDNA and the fate and consequences of DNA fragments released upon platelet activation. This study was funded by Ludwig Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK, the UK Medical Research Council, Rosetrees Trust, Kidani Memorial Trust and Yosemite. Bethan Psaila is an associate member of the Oxford Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and an associate professor in hematology at the University of Oxford. Researchers at the University of Southampton, examining worldwide variations in funding for cancer research, say there's a pressing need to invest more in lower-income countries. They also reveal research into certain treatments urgently need more money, in particular surgery and radiotherapy, and that overall annual research investment has largely decreased globally since 2016. The team's study, due for publication in the journal The Lancet Oncology, shows most research income is concentrated in higher-income countries, leaving others struggling to keep pace with the demands the disease places on their health systems. The rate of increase in many types of cancer is highest in lower-income settings. Globally, cancer is responsible for one in five deaths. Inequalities in investment across nations and low research funding for certain treatments can lead to an imbalance in the cancers we can tackle and the areas of the world benefiting. It's crucial we understand how and where money is allocated." Dr. Michael Head, Study Lead Author and Senior Research Fellow, University of Southampton The researchers combined and examined two separate datasets recording public and philanthropic funding (from 2016 to 2020 and 2021-2023). They used machine learning, large language models, and expert scrutiny to analyse the allocation and distribution of grants. As well as a global picture, the team examined the funding situation across the 56 Commonwealth countries. The team identified overall that 107,955 cancer research awards were made globally during the study period, to the tune of 51.4bn US dollars. Of this total funding, the USA provided the highest investment at $29.3bn (57 percent). Collectively, the Commonwealth contributed $8.7bn (17 percent), with the UK the lead contributor at $5.7bn (11 percent), followed by Australia at $1.5bn (2.9 percent) and Canada at $1.3bn (2.6 percent). Largely, this funding was invested back into these lead nations and less so towards lower income countries. Globally, low-income countries received a tiny proportion of cancer research awards totalling just $8.4m, which equates to less than 0.1 percent of money awarded during the study period. The researchers point to this as a problem, as these countries carry a heavy cancer burden, and inequalities restrict the ability for all to benefit from cancer knowledge. Anbang Du, another lead author from the University of Southampton, cautions: "Unless we scale up targeted investments and build local research capacity, the inequalities will continue to persist if the US reduces its funding, that gap will widen even further. It is crucial for nation groups like the Commonwealth to coordinate efforts to mobilise funding, build sustained partnerships and strengthen training and infrastructure so that advances in cancer science benefit everyone, everywhere." Of funding worldwide, 76 percent was for pre-clinical (laboratory science) research, with breast cancer (10 percent), blood cancer (nine percent), and clinical trials (seven percent) all well-funded. However, cancer surgery and radiotherapy research were found to be particularly underfunded at 1.7 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively. Both these treatments are integral to a wide spectrum of cancer care, causing the researchers to urge a strong case for increased funding in these areas. Apart from a sharp increase in 2021, global cancer research investment has decreased annually, with the Commonwealth following this trend. Investment from five BRICS countries, including Russia, India and China, rose until 2018, but has since declined. However, EU investment has increased since 2021. GST of 18 pc on garments over Rs 2,500 will impact industry & middle class: CMAI Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Sep 2 (PTI) The governments proposal to increase tax on garments over Rs 2,500 by putting them in a higher slab of 18 per cent under the proposed GST reforms will impact the middle class consumers and organised manufacturers, CMAI said on Tuesday. Despite repeated assurances from various quarters, there are reports that garments above Rs 2,500 are likely to be taxed at 18 per cent, from their current level of 12 per cent, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) said in a statement. Recommended Stories This will spell a death knell to the industry already reeling under the crisis of the American tariff wars," the association said. Almost the entire range of woolen garments, which are essential clothing for the middle-class, are currently priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 7,000. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Putting such garments in the 18 per cent slab will mean the middle class indians will have to pay more during the bitterly cold winters, it said. CMAI is an association of the Indian apparel industry, having over 5,000 members and serving more than 35,000 retailers. Its membership consists of manufacturers, exporters, brands, and ancillary industry. PTI KRH HVA Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 20:15 IST News agency-feeds GST of 18 pc on garments over Rs 2,500 will impact industry & middle class: CMAI Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IHHA to host annual general meeting, convention in Jaipur on Sept 6-7 Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 00:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jaipur, Sep 2 (PTI) The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) will host its 24th annual general meeting and 12th annual convention in Jaipur on September 6 and 7. Around 150 heritage hoteliers from across India are expected to participate. It is to be noted that out of 206 heritage hotels across India, nearly 140 are in Rajasthan, IHHA Secretary General Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar said. Recommended Stories He said that the IHHAs request made last year for granting infrastructure status to the hospitality sector has been accepted and announced in the Union budget. IHHA committee member Shatrunjai Singh said that the theme of this years IHHA convention is Romantic Heritage." He noted that heritage properties inherently embody a sense of romance, reflected in their culinary traditions, music, architecture and equestrian culture, making them unique destinations for discerning travellers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Deputy CM and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari will inaugurate the event on September 6. The inaugural session will feature a talk on Revival of Heritage Architecture by Sanjeev Vidyarthi, followed by a screening of a documentary on the folk music of Rajasthan. A dialogue on Hotel Operations" will also be conducted. PTI SDA AMJ AMJ Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 03, 2025, 00:30 IST News agency-feeds IHHA to host annual general meeting, convention in Jaipur on Sept 6-7 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Imam booked for hoisting Islamic flag higher than tricolour in UPs Kaushambi Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kaushambi (UP), Sep 2 (PTI) Police have registered a case against a 37-year-old imam of a mosque here for allegedly hoisting an Islamic flag higher than the national flag, an officer said on Tuesday. Chail Circle Officer Abhishek Singh said the incident was reported on August 31 in the Sandipan Ghat Police Station area. Recommended Stories Muratganj outpost in-charge, Sub-Inspector Ajit Singh, noticed during a patrol that an Islamic flag had been hoisted higher than the tricolour on top of a minaret of a mosque in Muratganj town. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He said the act diminished the dignity and honour of the national flag." The Islamic flag was removed immediately. Based on a written complaint by the outpost in-charge, police registered a case under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, against Imam Imtiaz Ahmed, a resident of Chikwan Ka Purwa, Kasia, in Kaushambi district. PTI COR KIS VN VN Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:15 IST News agency-feeds Imam booked for hoisting Islamic flag higher than tricolour in UPs Kaushambi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kalyan court acquits seven persons in 2006 murder case Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Thane, Sep 2 (PTI) A court in Maharashtras Thane district has acquitted seven persons accused of attacking and killing a man in 2006, citing a lack of evidence. Additional sessions judge S M Chandgade of the Kalyan court noted that two key witnesses in the case failed to provide sufficient, corroborated evidence to link the accused to the crime. Recommended Stories A copy of the order delivered on August 22 was made available on Tuesday. As per the case details, Ganesh Marade was attacked with sticks and stones and killed in Shahapur taluka on February 13, 2006. The court has acquitted Santosh Sadashiv Kadam (46), Sunil Pundlik Durgude (45), Ganesh Pandurang Raut (48), Mangesh Pundlik Durgude (46), Vijay Shrirang Bagul (73), Shakir Majid Shaikh (50) and Pintya alias Prashant Dattatray Sarangdhar (52). Another accused, Balu Shipai alias Khardikar, died during the course of the trial, and the case against him was abated. The court noted that the prosecution was unable to secure the presence of other witnesses due to various reasons. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The two witnesses who did testify proved unhelpful, it stated. It becomes clear that the prosecution failed to prove charges levelled against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, they are entitled to an acquittal," the court held. PTI COR ARU Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:15 IST News agency-feeds Kalyan court acquits seven persons in 2006 murder case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Massive traffic jams across Delhi amid heavy rainfall Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 05:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], September 2 (ANI): Heavy rainfall in Delhi has triggered significant traffic congestion, particularly at the Delhi-Gurugram border, and raised concerns about potential flooding along the Yamuna River. The city is also facing disruptions in flight operations due to waterlogging and low visibility, prompting airlines to issue travel advisories. Authorities are on high alert, implementing measures to manage the flood risk and ensure public safety.In view of the flood situation, the authorities have directed the closure of traffic and public movement on the bridge over the Yamuna River, effective from 5:00 PM on September 2, 2025, in response to a flood advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC). According to official data issued by disaster authorities, as of 5 pm, the water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) stands at 204.94 meters. The Hathni Kund Barrage recorded a discharge of 292,365 cusecs, while the Wazirabad Barrage reported a discharge of 41,830 cusecs. Further downstream, the Okhla Barrage recorded a discharge of 56,455 cubic feet per second (cfs). At 9 AM today, 3,29,313 cusecs of water were released from Hathnikund Barrage.Heavy rainfall in Delhi has led to potential disruptions in flight operations, with airlines issuing travel advisories to passengers. Waterlogging and low visibility on several routes to the airport have prompted carriers to urge travellers to check flight statuses and allow extra time for their journeys.Air India has alerted passengers that rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi today. The airline advised travellers to check their flight status on the official website. In a late-night update on Monday, IndiGo issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check their flight status. Heavy rainfall continues across Delhi, and road conditions remain slow in several parts of the city. Waterlogging and low visibility are being reported on some routes to the airport. If you are travelling today, please allow for extra time and check your flight status on our app or website before you leave for the airport. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and are available to assist you at all times. We appreciate your patience and are here to help throughout your journey," IndiGo posted on X.The IMD forecasts cloudy skies in Delhi from September 2-4, 2025, with light rain/thundershowers expected daily.On September 2, moderate rain is possible at isolated places, with maximum temperatures of 30-32C and minimums of 21-23C (3-5C below normal), accompanied by southeast winds at 15-20 kmph in the morning, under 22 kmph in the afternoon, and below 16 kmph by evening.On September 3, light rain is likely, with maximum temperatures of 32-34C and minimum of 22-24C. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 05:45 IST News agency-feeds Massive traffic jams across Delhi amid heavy rainfall Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... President Trumps policies spark protests in multiple US cities on Labor Day Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 06:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chicago, Sep 2 (AP) Protesters took to the streets in multiple US cities on Labor Day to criticize President Donald Trump and demand a living wage for workers. Demonstrations in Chicago and New York were organized by One Fair Wage to draw attention to the struggles laborers face in the US, where the federal minimum wage is USD 7.25 an hour. Chants of Trump must go now!" echoed outside the presidents former home in New York, while protesters gathered outside a different Trump Tower in Chicago, yelling No National Guard" and Lock him up!" Large crowds also gathered in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. Recommended Stories In New York, people gathered outside Trump Tower, which has become a magnet for protests and remains a prominent symbol of the presidents wealth, even though the president hasnt lived in the Manhattan skyscraper for years. Demonstrators waved signs and banners calling for an end to what they said is a fascist regime. In Washington, a large crowd gathered with signs saying Stop the ICE invasion" and an umbrella painted with Free D.C. No masked thugs." Hundreds more gathered at protests along the West Coast to fight for the rights of immigrants and workers. Multiple groups joined together at the protests in Chicago to listen to speeches and lend their voices to the chants. Were here because were under attack. Were here because our core values and our democracy is under attack. We are here because they are threatening to send the military into our streets," Daniel Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Illinois, told the crowd in Chicago as he urged them to stand up for workers. At one point, a woman got out of a vehicle with Iowa plates in Chicago to shout Long live Donald Trump" over and over again, resulting in a brief confrontation as the protesters responded with shouts of their own until the woman left a few minutes later. In the crowd, Ziri Marquez said she came out because shes concerned about overlapping issues in the US and around the world, decrying anti-migrant attitudes in the US and the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. I think especially, you know, when were dealing with low wages and were dealing with a stagnant economy, immigrants are largely used as a scapegoat," said Marquez, 25. Along the West Coast from San Diego up to Seattle, hundreds gathered at rallies to call for a stop to the billionaire takeover." Groups supporting federal workers and unions marched in Los Angeles; San Francisco; and Portland, Oregon, in support of workers rights. Rally organizer May Day Strong said on its website that billionaires are stealing from working families, destroying our democracy and building private armies to attack our towns and cities." They called on people to take collective action to stop the takeover. Portland protester Lynda Oakley of Beaverton told Oregolive.com that her frustrations with health care, immigration and Social Security inspired her to join the march. I am done with whats happening in our country," she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who took part in a demonstration at Seattles Cascade Playground, told KOMO News that they wanted to send a message of workers above billionaires. Workers should be more powerful than the small billionaire class," she said. (AP) NB NB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 06:00 IST News agency-feeds President Trumps policies spark protests in multiple US cities on Labor Day Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The defense forces eliminated 800 invaders, one tank, four armored vehicles, 53 artillery systems, 170 UAVs, and 89 vehicles and special equipment, informs the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook on Tuesday morning. "Total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to September 2, 2025 approximately amount to : about 108,3790 people of military personnel (plus 800) men, 1,1156 tanks (plus one) unit, 23,233 combat armored vehicles (plus 4) units, 32,301 artillery systems (plus 53) units, 1,477 MLRS (plus 1) units, 1,213 units of air defense equipment, 422 aircraft, 341 helicopters, 55,446 UAVs of the operational-tactical level (plus 170), 3,664 cruise missiles, 28 ships/boats, one submarine, 60,488 units of automotive equipment and tankers (plus 89), and 3,952 units of special equipment, the message reads. UP: Schools across Bulandshahr, Baghpat to be closed on Wednesday due to rain Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 22:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bulandshahr/Baghpat (UP) As a precaution due to heavy rain, the administrations of the Bulandshahr and Baghpat have announced the closure of schools across both districts on Wednesday. In Bulandshahr, Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Lakshmi Kant Pandey issued the order regarding the closure of all schools on Wednesday across the education boards up to class 12 due to rain. Recommended Stories In Baghpat, District Magistrate Asmita Lal issued similar orders for the closure of schools. PTI CORR ABN ABN MPL MPL Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 22:15 IST News agency-feeds UP: Schools across Bulandshahr, Baghpat to be closed on Wednesday due to rain Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hongpi L5 Features, Price, Security: All About Xi's Fave Car That PM Modi Rode During China Visit Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:38 IST Chinese President Xi Jinping uses the Hongqi L5 at public events. It has been reserved for only a select few world leaders. Hongqi L5 is not available to the general public. (Photo: Hongqi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to China after seven years to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin. On arrival, he was chauffeured in the Hongqi L5, a luxury car closely tied to Chinese leadership and frequently used by President Xi Jinping. Translating to Red Flag" in Mandarin, the Hongqi brand is often called Chinas Rolls Royce." While it has a long legacy, select models like the L5 are not available to the general public, being reserved exclusively for top officials and visiting dignitaries. In this article, we take a closer look at its features, price, and advanced security systems. Recommended Stories Hongqis Legacy And Price Hongqi was first introduced in 1958, when Chinas state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) developed it as the official vehicle for Communist Party leaders. For decades, the brands cars remained exclusive to top officials and heads of state, rarely accessible to ordinary citizens. In the 1980s, however, Hongqis prestige declined with the influx of foreign luxury brands into China. The marque later regained prominence under Xi Jinpings leadership, re-emerging as a symbol of national pride. Today, the Hongqi L5 stands as a custom-built masterpiece and one of Chinas most expensive cars, priced at around 5 million yuan (approximately Rs 7 crore). According to the companys website, Hongqi offers four product series: L, S, H and Q. The L series represents the supreme luxury line used by state leaders. The S series offers coupes, designed for performance and style. The H series is positioned as the mainstream car, and the Q series is dedicated to commercial travel vehicles. The Chinese government has provided Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's symbolic "Made in China" Hongqi car for his 2-day stay in Tianjin for the SCO Summit.This "Made in China" Hongqi car is President Xi Jinping's preferred mode of transport during official pic.twitter.com/G5HmN1MYsk GITA FOR CA (@vsvadivelfca) August 31, 2025 Features And Security The Hongqi L5 limousine measures nearly 5.5 metres in length and weighs around 3,100 kilograms. It is powered by either a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 or a 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, paired with an advanced suspension system to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. For security, the vehicle comes equipped with run-flat tyres, heavy armour plating, bulletproof glass, and modern communication systems. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Inside, the cabin blends luxury with tradition as it has soft leather seating and classic Chinese motifs are paired with a digital driver interface. Externally, it carries a vintage aesthetic, featuring signature round headlights and a bold chrome grille that give it a stately, distinctive presence. Over the years, the Hongqi has been reserved for only a select few world leaders, such as Richard Nixon and Francois Hollande. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now joined this limited list. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:33 IST News auto Hongpi L5 Features, Price, Security: All About Xi's Fave Car That PM Modi Rode During China Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Scooty Under Warranty, Yet Dealer Charged Repairs. Consumer Commission Orders Refund Of Rs... Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 01, 2025, 14:04 IST Expecting a hassle-free repair, she was shocked when the dealer diagnosed the problem, repaired the engine and handed her a bill of Rs 6,804 Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Commission noted that the scooter was well within the warranty period at the time of repair. (Representative Image) The Ghaziabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has pulled up an automobile dealer in Sahibabad for charging a customer repair costs despite the scooter being under warranty. The panel has directed the showroom to refund the amount along with compensation. Priya Jain, a resident of Rajnagar Extension, had purchased a TVS Jupiter from Mr Dhamija Enterprises. The scooter carried a warranty of five years or 50,000 km, whichever was earlier. Jain told the Commission, My scooter had run only 15,000 km and was under warranty period when it developed an engine problem." Recommended Stories Expecting a hassle-free repair, she was shocked when the dealer diagnosed the problem, repaired the engine and handed her a bill of Rs 6,804. Despite her protests and clear warranty terms, the dealer refused to cover the repair under warranty. Feeling cheated, Jain approached the Consumer Commission on September 7 last year and sought a refund. She argued that the dealers refusal to honour the warranty amounted to breach of contract and violation of consumer rights. The Commission, headed by Chairman Praveen Kumar Jain and Member RP Singh, sent a notice to the showroom by speed post. However, no response came from Dhamija Enterprises, nor did any representative appear during the proceedings. The case was therefore decided ex parte. After reviewing the evidence, the Commission noted that the scooter was well within the warranty period at the time of repair. In its order dated August 20, the panel said that charging a customer for warranty-covered repairs amounted to deficiency in service" under the Consumer Protection Act. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Commission directed the dealer to refund Rs 6,804 taken for the repair. It also awarded Rs 5,000 to Jain for litigation expenses and mental agony. The total of Rs 11,804 must be paid within 45 days of the order. In case of default, the Commission ruled that interest at the rate of 6% per annum will apply until full payment is made. First Published: September 01, 2025, 14:04 IST News auto Scooty Under Warranty, Yet Dealer Charged Repairs. Consumer Commission Orders Refund Of Rs... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Nestle CEO Laurent Freixes Secret Affair With Subordinate Led To His Ouster Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:45 IST How a secret affair led to the ouster of Nestle CEO Laurent Freixe in just one year at the top - Explained Nestle CEO Laurent Freixe Nestle has sacked its Chief Executive Officer, Laurent Freixe, after an internal investigation found that he had engaged in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, in violation of the companys code of conduct. The Swiss multinational said Philipp Navratil will immediately replace Freixe as CEO. Who Is Laurent Freixe? Recommended Stories Freixe, 63, had been with Nestle for four decades, beginning his career negotiating contracts with grocery stores before rising steadily through the companys leadership ranks. He was appointed CEO on September 1, 2024, succeeding Ulf Mark Schneider. Exactly one year later, on September 1, 2025, his tenure came to an abrupt end following the probe. Nestles Official Statement The investigation into Freixes conduct was led by Nestle Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla. In its statement, the company said: The departure of Laurent Freixe follows an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate which breached Nestles Code of Business Conduct." Bulcke described the decision as unavoidable. This was a necessary decision. Nestles values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestle," he said. How the Affair Was Exposed According to a BBC report, the matter first surfaced when a complaint was lodged through Nestles internal whistleblowing channel, prompting the company to open a formal inquiry. The subordinates identity has not been disclosed, but the BBC noted that the individual was not a member of the executive board. The Financial Times reported that concerns about the relationship had been raised earlier this year. An initial internal investigation had dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated. However, after additional complaints were filed, Nestle commissioned a second inquiry with external counsel, which ultimately confirmed the breach. No Exit Package Nestle has not disclosed Freixes precise compensation for his short stint as CEO. His predecessor, Ulf Mark Schneider, earned 9.6 million Swiss francs (about $11.9 million) in annual pay. Freixe was expected to have received a similar package. According to Nestles 2024 compensation report, Freixe also held more than 41,000 Nestle shares, valued at around $3.6 million. However, the BBC reported that he will not receive any exit package following his dismissal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Rare Dismissal at the Top The abrupt firing of Freixe marks one of the rare instances of a CEO being dismissed from a Swiss multinational of Nestles size and global presence. For a company with more than 150 years of history, the decision underscores the strict application of corporate governance and the growing scrutiny of workplace relationships within global corporations. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 11:42 IST News business How Nestle CEO Laurent Freixes Secret Affair With Subordinate Led To His Ouster Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nestle Fires CEO Laurent Freixe After Internal Probe Into Relationship With Subordinate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:24 IST Nestle abruptly fired Chief Executive Officer Laurent Freixe after just one year in the role, following an internal probe into an undisclosed affair News18 Swiss food major Nestle said on Monday it has dismissed Chief Executive Laurent Freixe with immediate effect over a code of conduct violation, after he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The decision followed an internal and external investigation overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla. The inquiry was triggered by a complaint filed through Nestles whistleblowing channel, according to a BBC report. Recommended Stories Nestle has appointed veteran executive Philipp Navratil, former head of its Nespresso coffee business, as the new CEO, also effective immediately. The abrupt change comes at a time when the company faces slowing consumer demand and heightened uncertainty from U.S. trade tariffs. Freixe had taken over as CEO in September last year after the ouster of Mark Schneider. He had been with Nestle for four decades, but the company confirmed he will not receive an exit package. Chairman Bulcke said in a statement: This was a necessary decision. Nestles values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service." The alleged relationship of Freixe was with an employee who wasnt part of the executive board and the probe was launched as it represented a conflict of interest, BBC reported. According to a Nestle spokesperson, We acted at all times in line with best practice corporate governance. The external investigation was opened shortly after the initial internal investigation, and todays decision shows that we are taking allegations and investigations seriously." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The episode adds to rising scrutiny of corporate leadership conduct globally. In July, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigned after being filmed in an intimate moment with an employee at a Coldplay concert. Nestle had earlier announced that Bulcke, its long-time chairman, will step down next year. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 07:22 IST News business Nestle Fires CEO Laurent Freixe After Internal Probe Into Relationship With Subordinate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Marathas Not OBC Yet, But Jarange Patils Mumbai Stir A Success: State Promises Jobs, Aid & More Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:19 IST State agreed to implement Hyderabad Gazette for Kunbi certificates for Marathas, swift GRs, withdrawal of cases against protesters, jobs and financial aid to kin of those who died Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google A Maratha community member holds a placard hailing Manoj Jarange Patil during the quota stir in Mumbai. (PTI) The Maratha agitation led by Manoj Jarange Patil in Mumbai entered a decisive phase on the fifth day, with the states Maratha sub-committee conceding to several core demands. In a major step, the state government has agreed to immediately implement the Hyderabad Gazette, paving the way for Kunbi caste certificates to be issued to Marathas after verification of family, village, and kinship records. This addresses the protesters long-pending demand for recognition under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Recommended Stories Jarange, who had placed five main demands, was handed an eight-point proposal that also promised swift government resolutions (GRs), withdrawal of cases filed against protesters by September, job opportunities based on educational qualifications, and financial aid to families of those who lost their lives during the agitation. Mumbai, Maharashtra: At Azad Maidan, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil says, We are 100% confident that justice will be servedIt will be costly for the government to evict us from Azad MaidanFor the last two years we have been protesting peacefully. Our pic.twitter.com/lSRHpyWnLL ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 Marathas and Kunbis not same yet: State seeks two months time The agreement triggered celebrations at the protest site after Jarange declared that once the GR is issued, the agitation in Mumbai would be called off within an hour. Yet one key issue remains unresolved: Jaranges demand that Marathas and Kunbis be officially recognised as one and the same". On this, the sub-committee sought one to two months time, citing errors in caste records and administrative hurdles. The governments partial climbdown has brought temporary relief, but the delay on the central demand could keep tensions simmering. The decades-long Maratha agitation This breakthrough comes after decades of agitation by the Maratha community, which makes up nearly 30 per cent of Maharashtras population. Despite its political dominance, the community has long argued that large sections remain socially and economically backward. In 2018, the Devendra Fadnavis-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government extended 16 per cent reservation under a special SEBC category, but the Supreme Court struck it down in 2021, ruling that it breached the 50 per cent quota ceiling. Since then, Jarange has emerged as the face of the movement, especially after his hunger strike in Jalna in 2023, consistently pressing for Marathas to be given OBC status via Kunbi classification under historical records such as the Hyderabad and Satara Gazettes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The latest talks were conducted by senior ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Uday Samant, Jaykumar Gore, and Manikrao Kokate, with inputs from Justice Sandeep Shindes earlier committee. For the Fadnavis-led government, the challenge now lies in translating promises into quick legal action while managing anxieties among existing OBC groups. The government has won a reprieve by conceding most demands, but the pending question of merging Marathas into the Kunbi fold remains the ultimate testone that could reshape both Maharashtras caste dynamics and its electoral future. 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: September 02, 2025, 18:05 IST News mumbai-news Marathas Not OBC Yet, But Jarange Patils Mumbai Stir A Success: State Promises Jobs, Aid & More Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Maratha Quota Protesters Assault Passenger, Smash BEST Bus Window At Juhu Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:43 IST Authorities stated the bus was parked at the station without staff when a dispute broke out between agitators and passengers. News18 A passenger was assaulted and a bus window was damaged by Maratha agitators at Juhu bus station on Sunday evening. The incident took place around 7.15 pm on a BEST bus operating from Santacruz Depot (Mateshwari). Authorities stated the bus was parked at the station without staff when a dispute broke out between agitators and passengers. Recommended Stories During the altercation, one passenger was pushed inside and assaulted, while agitators smashed a window. Hearing the commotion, staff rushed to intervene, but the agitators fled before police arrived. Passengers were shifted to another bus. While the bus was standing at the Juhu bus station without staff inside, an argument broke out between Maratha protesters and some passengers. The protesters dragged a passenger inside the bus, assaulted him, and also broke the glass of the third window from the rear on the right side," a BEST bus official was quoted as saying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities have urged commuters to remain vigilant during the ongoing Maratha morcha protests. The Maratha reservation agitation has led to traffic snarls and disruption of public transport services across Mumbai. Over the weekend, multiple areas experienced severe congestion, with BEST bus routes diverted and authorities urging commuters to follow updated traffic advisories. 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: September 02, 2025, 07:43 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai Maratha Quota Protesters Assault Passenger, Smash BEST Bus Window At Juhu Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Musical Roast A La Politics: Actor's Satirical Song On Bengal's '3 Ghoshs' Breaks The Internet Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 00:14 IST A satire on the state of politics in West Bengal, the song 'Tumi Mosti Korbe Jaani' touches upon inflammatory issues from the RG Kar case to the special intensive revision Director-actor Anirban Bhattacharya performs with his band Hooliganism. (Image: @Aniket Mondal/Facebook) Actor-director Anirban Bhattacharyas new song targeting the three Ghoshs of Bengal" has taken the internet by storm and caused a bit of a buzz in political circles. A satire on the state of politics in West Bengal, Bhattacharyas new song Tumi Mosti Korbe Jaani (I know youll have fun) touches upon inflammatory issues from the RG Kar case to the special intensive revision of voter lists, and goes onto separately roast Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh, the BJPs Dilip Ghosh, and CPM spokesperson Shatarup Ghosh. Recommended Stories His band, Hooliganism, performed the song at an event called Bandstorm 2025 in Kolkata on August 31. The song, interspersed with electric guitar riffs, proceeds more like a commentary rather than a melody reminiscent of a rap. Watch the video here: In videos of the performance that have gone viral, the songs lyrics are met with roars and applause from the crowd. But the actor has had to deal with some backlash as well, with his productions halted or disrupted by protests. With the West Bengal assembly elections scheduled for next year, he has made a brave move to use music as a form of dissent, especially in a state where the ruling dispensation has been known to clamp down on artistes be it cartoons or social media posts. In reference to the ruling TMCs attitude towards dissent and freedom of expression, one of the lines, in fact, makes fun of Kunal Ghosh saying: Bhai, etai amader dosh, rege jabe Kunal Ghosh (Brother, this is our fault Kunal Ghosh will be offended if we sing and protest)." This line is in context of his remarks during the protests against the RG Kar rape-murder case. Ghosh, who shared a video of Bhattacharyas performance on Facebook, also had something to say about the song. Why will I get angry? I rather had fun, I enjoyed listening to this style of a song. Stay well Anirban," he said. The actor, however, did not mention the teacher recruitment scam, which was noted by some internet users who called it a safe rebellion". Taking a jab at the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, the lyrics go like kagoj amra dekhaboi" (We will show our papers). The Election Commission of India (ECI) has indicated that electoral rolls revision will also be conducted in West Bengal. There are more rib-tickling lyrics in which the actor mocks the BJPs Dilip Ghosh for his claims that desi cow milk contains traces of gold Goyna dokan shob beche dao, gorur doodh e shona (Sell all your jewellery shops, as cow milk contains gold)." The sharpest strike, however, is reserved for CPM leader Shatarup Ghosh, highlighting the controversy over his purchase of a Rs 22-lakh SUV despite declaring assets of Rs 2 lakh in his poll affidavit Oi biplobi der partyr, arek Ghosh o ache tai kineche gaadi. Daam ta beshi khub (There is another Ghosh of the revolutionary party who has bought a very expensive car)." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other topics he touches upon are election-time party hopping, the recent Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs, and communal narratives around religious structures. The song has been well-received on social media, especially at a time when the mainstream is veering away from creative dissent. Bhattacharya is an acclaimed actor in Bengali theatre and cinema. He has created the song with his bandmates Subhadeep Guha, Debraj Bhattacharya, Krishanu Ghosh, Sushruta Goswami, Nilansuk Datta, Pritam Das, Pritam Deb Sarkar, and Someswar Bhattacharya. 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: September 02, 2025, 23:50 IST News cities Musical Roast A La Politics: Actor's Satirical Song On Bengal's '3 Ghoshs' Breaks The Internet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi's Old Railway Bridge To Be Closed For Traffic From Today As Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:36 IST Heavy discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage has pushed the river level to 206 metres at the Old Railway Bridge today. News18 The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) ordered the closure of traffic movement on the Old Railway Bridge from Tuesday evening, as the Yamuna River has reached the evacuation mark of 206 metres. Heavy discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage has pushed the river level to 206 metres at the Old Railway Bridge today. Notably, the warning mark for Delhi is 204.50 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres. Evacuation begins once the water level reaches 206 metres. Recommended Stories In view of possible flooding in the Yamuna River due to increase in its level beyond the danger mark, you are hereby directed to close down the traffic and public movement on the bridge with effect from September 2 at 5 PM," the DDMA order read. VIDEO | After incessant heavy rains in Delhi-NCR, the Yamuna River has risen and crossed the danger mark.Visuals from Loha Pul (Old Iron Bridge) the bridge is ordered to be closed from today evening as water levels approach the evacuation mark of 206 meters.#DelhiRains pic.twitter.com/mjRlTpeTsG Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 2, 2025 In view of the rising water level, the authorities have advised people living in the Yamuna floodplain of Delhi to move to safety. A heavy discharge of water from the Hathnikund Barrage led to the Yamuna swelling at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) on Monday. Around 15,000 people reside in low-lying areas across six districts of Delhi, while around 5,000 people stay in the floodplain. The Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the rivers flow and potential flood risks. Massive Traffic Jams In Delhi Heavy rainfall in Delhi has triggered significant traffic congestion, particularly at the Delhi-Gurugram border, and raised concerns about potential flooding along the Yamuna River. Additionally, the national capital is also facing disruptions in flight operations, prompting airlines to issue travel advisories. Authorities are on high alert, implementing measures to manage the flood risk and ensure public safety. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, IMD has forecasted cloudy skies in Delhi from September 2 to 4, with light rain/thundershowers expected daily. On September 2, moderate rain is possible at isolated places, with maximum temperatures of 30-32C and minimums of 21-23C (3-5C below normal), accompanied by southeast winds at 15-20 kmph in the morning, under 22 kmph in the afternoon, and below 16 kmph by evening. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 07:31 IST News new-delhi-news Delhi's Old Railway Bridge To Be Closed For Traffic From Today As Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnataka KMAT Admit Card 2025 Delayed Due To 'Technical Issue'; To Be Out 'Shortly' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:49 IST Karnataka KMAT Admit Card 2025: The authority will conduct the KMAT 2025 mock test on September 3 and 4. The entrance exam is scheduled for September 7. Karnataka Management Admission Test (KMAT) 2025 hall tickets shortly at kmatindia.com. (Representative/File) Karnataka KMAT 2025 Admit Card: The Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) is set to release the admit card for the Karnataka Management Admission Test (KMAT) 2025 shortly. Once out, candidates can download their admit card from the official website, kmatindia.com, by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The Association was set to release the hall tickets today, September 2, at 4 PM but it has been deferred. Admit card download is temporarily delayed due to a technical issue. It will be live shortly please check back soon," states the official notice. Recommended Stories The authority will conduct the KMAT 2025 mock test on September 3 and 4. The entrance exam is scheduled for September 7. How To Download KMAT Admit Card 2025? Step 1: Visit the official website kmatindia.com. Step 2: Click on the KMAT 2025 Admit Card link. Step 3: Enter your application number and date of birth. Step 4: The admit card will appear on the screen. Step 5: Check the details carefully and download it. Step 6: Take a printout for the exam day. The admit card will include the candidates name, photograph, application number, test centre, exam date and time, along with important instructions for exam day. Karnataka KMAT 2025: Exam Pattern The KMAT exam will be conducted as a home-based remote-proctored test in pen-and-paper mode. The duration of the exam will be two hours, and it will be conducted in more than 10 cities across India. The question paper will have a total of 120 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections. For MBA: 40 questions each on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Basic Aptitude. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For MCA: 40 questions each on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Logical Reasoning. KMAT is held for admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programmes in several AICTE-approved management institutes across Karnataka. There are over 200 colleges in Karnataka offering MBA programmes. This year, it will be held in more than 10 cities across Bangalore, Karnataka, and the entire country. 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: September 02, 2025, 18:45 IST News education-career Karnataka KMAT Admit Card 2025 Delayed Due To 'Technical Issue'; To Be Out 'Shortly' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The court has arrested without the right to post a bail the suspect in the murder of the, former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, a 52-year-old Lviv resident, the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) reports. "The Halytsky District Court of Lviv granted the petition of the prosecutors of Lviv regional prosecutor's office. The suspect in the case of the murder of the deputy of Ukraine, Andriy Parubiy, was chosen a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of 60 days without the right to post a bail," the Prosecutor General's Office on its Telegram channel on Tuesday. According to the department, the actions of the 52-year-old Lviv resident are classified under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely: Part 1 of Article 115 (premeditated murder) and Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of weapons). The Prosecutor General's Office reminds that on August 30, a suspect in Lviv shot the MP eight times, as a result of which the victim died on the spot. The next day, the killer was detained in Khmelnytsky region. The pretrial investigation is ongoing. According to media reports, the suspect in Parubiy's murder is Mikhail Stselnikov. KMAT 2025 Admit Card To Be Out Today At 4 PM; Download Link & Exam Details Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:48 IST KMAT 2025 Admit Card: Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website at kmatindia.com using application number and DOB. KMAT Admit Card 2025 today at kmatindia.com, Check direct link here KMAT 2025 Admit Card: The Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) will release the admit card for the Karnataka Management Admission Test (KMAT) 2025 today, September 2, at 4:00 PM. Candidates can download their admit card from the official website, kmatindia.com, by logging in with their application number and date of birth. To help students prepare, the authority will also conduct the KMAT 2025 mock test on September 3 and 4. The entrance exam is scheduled for September 7. KMAT is held for admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programmes in 189 AICTE-approved management institutes across Karnataka. Recommended Stories KMAT 2025 Exam Pattern The KMAT exam will be conducted as a home-based remote-proctored test in pen-and-paper mode. The duration of the exam will be two hours, and it will be conducted in more than 10 cities across India. The question paper will have a total of 120 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections. For MBA: 40 questions each on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Basic Aptitude. For MCA: 40 questions each on Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, and Logical Reasoning. ALSO READ: RRB NTPC CBT 1 Result 2025: NTPC Results, Cut-offs Soon; Steps To Check How To Download KMAT Admit Card 2025? Students will be able to download their admit cards by following these simple steps: Step 1: Visit the official website kmatindia.com. Step 2: Click on the KMAT 2025 Admit Card link. Step 3: Enter your application number and date of birth. Step 4: The admit card will appear on the screen. Step 5: Check the details carefully and download it. Step 6: Take a printout for the exam day. KMAT 2025 Admit Card Download Link top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Details On KMAT Admit Card The admit card will carry the candidates name, photograph, application number, test centre, exam date and time, along with important instructions for exam day. 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: September 02, 2025, 11:46 IST News education-career KMAT 2025 Admit Card To Be Out Today At 4 PM; Download Link & Exam Details Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... School Holiday: Schools Closed In Many States, Cities Amid Heavy Rain | Full List Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:26 IST School Holiday On September 2: Heavy rains have forced school closures across several North Indian states. Heres the full list of affected states and cities. Heavy rains disrupt normal life across North India; schools shut in several states. School Holiday On September 2: Torrential rains have thrown life out of gear across several parts of North India, prompting authorities in multiple states to announce school closures. While some regions have opted for complete shutdowns of educational institutions, others like Gurugram have shifted to online learning to ensure academic continuity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and red alerts in different states, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential landslides. Gurugram Recommended Stories In Gurugram, the district magistrate issued an advisory late on Monday night asking all schools to conduct online classes on Tuesday, September 2. The advisory followed IMDs forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district. Officials said the city had already recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall between 3 pm and 7 pm on Monday. In addition to schools, corporate offices and private institutions in Gurugram have been asked to encourage work-from-home arrangements to ensure public safety and avoid travel during the peak rain period. Delhi The national capital and adjoining NCR region continued to witness heavy showers and thunderstorms on Monday, leading to traffic congestion and waterlogging in several areas. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi, indicating the possibility of further intense rainfall. Despite the weather warnings, the Delhi government has not yet declared a holiday for schools. Noida & Ghaziabad Neighbouring Noida and Ghaziabad have also been battered by heavy rain, with several low-lying areas reporting waterlogging. However, as of now, no school holidays have been declared in either district. Authorities are keeping a watch on the situation and may take further steps if the weather worsens. Jammu In Jammu division, all government and private schools have been ordered to remain closed due to adverse weather conditions. The administration said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff in view of heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods. Punjab The Punjab government has announced holidays in all schools till September 3. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed that the order covers all government, aided, recognised, and private schools across the state. The decision was taken following directives from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who reviewed the worsening flood situation in several districts. Authorities said the precautionary closure will allow disaster management teams to focus on relief efforts. Himachal Pradesh In Himachal Pradesh, schools and colleges in nine districts Shimla, Kangra, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Solan, and Lahaul-Spiti have been ordered shut after the IMD issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall. The hill state has been reeling under severe rain-related incidents, with landslides and flash floods reported from multiple locations. Tragically, five people, including a father and daughter, lost their lives in landslides in Shimla. Officials from the state meteorological centre said August 2025 has been the wettest in the last 76 years, with 431.3 mm of rain recorded. ALSO READ: Morning vs Night: Which Is The Best Time To Study? Uttarakhand (Chamoli District) In Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, all schools and Anganwadi centres from Classes 1 to 12 have been ordered to remain closed due to forecasts of very heavy rainfall. The region has also witnessed landslides, one of which near Munkatiya on the Kedarnath route claimed two lives and injured six others. Authorities have suspended the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages until September 5 as a precaution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chandigarh The Union Territory of Chandigarh, which serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, has also announced school closures on Tuesday after three consecutive days of heavy rain. The city has received close to 100 mm of rainfall since Sunday, prompting authorities to shut down schools to avoid risks to students and staff. 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: September 02, 2025, 08:26 IST News education-career School Holiday: Schools Closed In Many States, Cities Amid Heavy Rain | Full List Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... School Holidays: Punjab, Noida, Ghaziabad Schools Closed Tomorrow Amid Heavy Rainfall Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:20 IST In view of continuous rainfall, schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad (both government and private) will remain closed tomorrow, September 3, 2025. Check list of school holidays for September 3, 2025. (Representational/File Photo) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the day. As a result of continuous rainfall, all government and private schools in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad will remain closed tomorrow, September 3, 2025. Following the order of the Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate, schools will remain closed for all students from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 on September 3, 2025 (Wednesday) due to heavy rainfall. The official order for Ghaziabad school holidays, issued under the direction of District Magistrate Ravindra Mandad and enforced by Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) O.P. Yadav, states that all schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow to ensure the safety of students. Recommended Stories Incessant rain over the past 48 hours has once again led to severe waterlogging in Gurugram, causing traffic to come to a standstill and significant disruptions to daily life for residents. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Aravali dam near Kadarpur village in Sector 63 A suffered severe damage, resulting in several feet of water flooding nearby villages. However, no directive regarding the closure of schools for September 3 has been announced by the government yet. Punjab Schools To Remain Closed Too Schools in Punjab will stay closed until September 3, 2025, due to severe monsoon rains and extreme flooding. Initially, they were set to reopen on August 30, but the state administration extended the closure to ensure student safety. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasized compliance with this directive and warned private schools against ignoring the order. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What About Himachal And Uttarakhand Schools? In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD forecasts an improvement in weather conditions on September 3, following widespread school closures on September 2 due to an orange alert. Future closures will be determined by local warnings. In Uttarakhand, areas previously under red alerts, such as Nainital and Chamoli, are expected to see better weather on September 3. However, closures may still be necessary due to local waterlogging or flood impacts. 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: September 02, 2025, 20:10 IST News education-career School Holidays: Punjab, Noida, Ghaziabad Schools Closed Tomorrow Amid Heavy Rainfall Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Success Story: Meet IAS Sakshi Sawhney, UPSC Rank 6th, Who Became First DC Of Amritsar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:29 IST IAS Sakshi Sawhney, the DC of Amritsar, is a 2014 batch IAS officer. She secured the 6th rank in the UPSC 2013 examination. IAS Sakshi Sawhney achieved UPSC rank 6 in 2014. (X/sawhney_sakshi) The people of Amritsar district in Punjab are currently battling floods. IAS officer Sakshi Sawhney, the first woman deputy commissioner of the district, visited the area to assess the conditions of the ongoing relief efforts. During her visit, something unexpected happened. Her hands-on involvement in relief operations brought much-needed critical support to the affected areas in the district. DC Sawhneys efforts to assist acted as a balm on the wounds of the local residents, with some women even hugging her and elders offering their blessings. IAS Sakshi Sawhney Educational Background Recommended Stories Sawhney, the DC of Amritsar, is a 2014 batch IAS officer. She secured the 6th rank in the UPSC 2013 examination. Coming from Punjab, Sawhney belongs to a family of government officials. Her father is a retired Revenue Service Officer (IRS), her mother is a school principal, and her sister works in the banking sector. Growing up in such an environment naturally inclined her towards joining government service. Sawhney attended a private school and later earned a BA LLB degree from Hyderabad-based NALSAR University of Law, where she graduated with eight gold medals. Initially, Sawhney was inclined towards law, but during her studies, she realised the crucial role civil servants play in addressing social challenges. Consequently, she began preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, with law as her optional subject. She made her first attempt at UPSC in 2012 while still in college, but she missed the final selection due to low essay marks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an interview, Sawhney mentioned that she drew inspiration from Gitanjali Bandhan (Rank 6, 2011), who had faced similar challenges while preparing for her second attempt. This inspiration, combined with strategic preparation, helped Sawhney achieve the same rank, 6, in 2014. Meanwhile, due to floods caused by the overflowing Ravi in Amritsar district, over 35,000 people have been affected, Sawhney said on Sunday. Fresh rainfall has exacerbated the situation, impacting 23 more villages and an additional 5,000 residents. 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: September 02, 2025, 13:27 IST News education-career Success Story: Meet IAS Sakshi Sawhney, UPSC Rank 6th, Who Became First DC Of Amritsar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Teachers Day 2025: Date, History And Significance Of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnans Birth Anniversary Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 10:07 IST Teachers' Day 2025: Teachers Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of the revered philosopher and the second President of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Teachers Day is celebrated every year on September 5. (Image: Shutterstock) Teachers Day 2025 Date: From making lessons enjoyable and sparking curiosity to guiding us with wisdom and shaping our values, teachers hold an irreplaceable place in the lives of their students. To honour their hard work, dedication and contributions to society, Teachers Day is celebrated on September 5 every year. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Indias first Vice President and the second President, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also a distinguished scholar and philosopher. The day is an occasion for all to express gratitude and admiration for their teachers, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their students. Schools, colleges and educational institutions across India observe the day with heartfelt gestures, activities and events, celebrating the dedication and tireless efforts of teachers in building the lives of their students. Recommended Stories Teachers Day History Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan commanded deep admiration among his students. It is said that in 1962, when Dr Radhakrishnan became President of India, some of his students sought his permission to celebrate his birthday. However, he humbly suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, the day should be observed as Teachers Day, dedicated to honouring all teachers. During his presidency from 1962 to 1967, Dr Radhakrishnan consistently preferred modest recognition, stressing that the day would hold greater meaning if it acknowledged the role of teachers in nation-building. Since then, September 5 has been celebrated annually across India as Teachers Day, honouring teachers and educationists for their roles in nation-building. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Birth Anniversary Significance Teachers Day carries immense importance as it acknowledges the guidance, dedication and invaluable role teachers play in nurturing young minds and shaping society. Beyond imparting knowledge, they inculcate values, inspire curiosity and lead students towards the right path. Their influence goes far beyond the classroom, leaving a lifelong impact on the lives of students. A Look At Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnans Life and Legacy top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani of Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan was one of the most influential philosophers of modern India. He was one of the greatest intellectuals and educationists of the twentieth century. He made significant contributions to comparative religion and philosophy and held many esteemed positions throughout his life. With his deep knowledge of Hinduism, he introduced Indian philosophy to a global audience through his work, mostly based on Advaita Vedanta. As a scholar and teacher, Dr Radhakrishnan devoted his life to educating students and guiding the youth of the nation. Deeply loved by his students and followers, he often said that teachers should be the best minds in the country. Staying true to his belief, he dedicated his birthday to honouring teachers, a tradition that continues to this day. About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 09:05 IST News education-career Teachers Day 2025: Date, History And Significance Of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnans Birth Anniversary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Afghanistan Earthquake: Magnitude 6.0, But Damage Massive, How The Depth Made All The Difference Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 15:39 IST Afghanistan earthquake: The magnitude was 6.0, then why such massive damage? What are shallow earthquakes? What makes them deadlier? Explained Local residents walk by a house destroyed by an earthquake that killed many people and destroyed villages in eastern Afghanistan, in Mazar Dara, Kunar province on Monday. (AP) A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistans mountainous eastern region at 11.47 pm on Sunday. Its epicentre was merely 27 kilometres away from Jalalabad, the countrys fifth-largest city, in eastern Nangarhar province. Rescue teams continued to scour Afghanistans mountainous east for survivors on Tuesday as the death toll from a strong earthquake rose to 900 with 3,000 people injured, an official said. Recommended Stories The injured are being evacuated, so these figures may change significantly," Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistans National Disaster Management Authority, told The Associated Press. The earthquake caused landslides in some areas, blocking roads, but they have been reopened, and the remaining roads will be reopened to allow access to areas that were difficult to reach." Afghanistan earthquake: Devastation and after effects The 6.0 magnitude quake struck late Sunday night in several provinces, flattening villages and leaving people trapped under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood and unable to withstand the shock. The majority of casualties were in Kunar province, where many people live in steep river valleys separated by high mountains. Helicopters are being used to evacuate the injured to hospital, and aid agencies said their teams were making journeys on foot to reach the most isolated areas because of the rough terrain and ruined roads. The Taliban government has appealed for international help. The UK has pledged 1 million ($1.3 million) in emergency funding to be split between humanitarian agencies rather than the Taliban government, which the U.K. does not recognize. Other governments, including China, have offered disaster relief assistance. It is the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021, and the latest crisis to beset Afghanistan, which is reeling from deep cuts to aid funding, a weak economy, and millions of people forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan. If the magnitude was 6.0, why such a strong impact? The earthquake had a hypocenter (depth) of approximately 8 km beneath the surface, which geologists classify as shallow. Such a shallow depth caused extremely intense shaking and devastating ground-level impact across villages built with vulnerable materials. The initial quake was followed by a number of large aftershocks; one with a magnitude of 4.5 and a depth of 10 km and the other measuring 5.2 at the same depth. What are shallow earthquakes? Earthquakes are categorised by depth: Shallow-focus: 0-70 km Intermediate-focus: 70-300 km Deep-focus: 300-700 km Shallow earthquakes release seismic energy much closer to the surface. This means less energy loss en route, resulting in stronger shaking, and greater surface destruction, especially in populated areas. They are particularly destructive if buildings are poorly constructed, as is common in remote or under-resourced regions. What worsened situation in Afghanistan? Rural communities in Afghanistan cant afford sturdy and manufactured building materials. Because of this they build homes with locally available natural materials such as earth, stone and raw lumber. Such buildings do not follow engineered designs, building codes or formal professional standards that prevent easy damage by earthquakes in wealthier countries. A typical form of construction in Afghan rural areas is walls made of mud bricks or stone masonry. This is known as monolithic" construction. Such construction is unable to resist the strong side-to-side shaking caused by an earthquake. As a result, buildings easily tumble and crush people. Other examples of damage from shallow earthquakes Java, Indonesia (2022): The magnitude was 5.6 and the depth was 10 km. Despite its relatively moderate magnitude, it caused at least 268 deaths and damaged 22,000 buildings. The shallow depth and proximity to population centers amplified its destructiveness. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ischia (Casamicciola), Italy (1883): The magnitude was 4.25.5 and the depth was 1 km. A minor-to-moderate quake in terms of magnitude but extremely shallow led to the destruction of 80% of homes and 2,3003,100 deaths. With Reuters, PTI, AP Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 15:39 IST News explainers Afghanistan Earthquake: Magnitude 6.0, But Damage Massive, How The Depth Made All The Difference Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Europe Bans Gel Nail Polish: Safety Concerns Behind The Shine Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:37 IST Category 1B toxic for reproduction means there is strong evidence, often from animal studies, that a substance can impair fertility or harm fetal development. Everything You Need to Know About Europes Gel Nail Ban For years, gel manicures have been the go-to fix for chipped nails and rushed mornings. But the European Union now says one of their star ingredients carries hidden dangers. From September 2025, gels with TPO are banned leaving salons, brands, and beauty fans to rethink whats really in that glossy coat. The European Union has officially prohibited a key gel-polish ingredient Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in all cosmetic products. The ban came into force on September 1, 2025. Recommended Stories This wasnt an arbitrary move: once TPO was classified as toxic for reproduction, category 1B," EU law automatically required it to be added to the prohibited list under the Cosmetics Regulation. That means no grace period and no exceptions. Gels containing TPO can no longer be sold, supplied, or used professionally in the EU. Why TPO Was Banned TPO is a photoinitiator, the chemical that starts the curing reaction when gel nails are hardened under UV or LED lamps. Its what gives gel nails their trademark glossy, durable finish. But with its new classification as a substance toxic to reproduction, EU rules triggered a complete prohibition. Previously, it was restricted for professional use up to certain levels; now it is banned outright. The Health Risk Explained Category 1B toxic for reproduction" means there is strong evidence, often from animal studies, that a substance can impair fertility or harm fetal development. This doesnt mean every gel manicure causes harm, but the hazard is serious enough that regulators have ruled cosmetics should not contain it at all. There is no sell-through period. Salons cannot continue to use old bottles on clients. Distributors must remove existing inventory, and brands must reformulate with alternative photoinitiators. For professionals, this means checking ingredient lists carefully and moving away from TPO-based gels immediately. Does This Mean Gel Manicures Are Unsafe? Its important to separate two issues: The bottle : TPO is banned in the EU because of its hazard profile. Outside the EU, it may still be legal, but consumers can look for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide" on ingredient labels and avoid it. : TPO is banned in the EU because of its hazard profile. Outside the EU, it may still be legal, but consumers can look for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide" on ingredient labels and avoid it. The lamp: UV curing itself has long been debated. Some studies show DNA damage and skin-cancer risk under lab conditions. Case reports exist of skin cancers on hands after years of frequent use. Overall risk is considered low but not zero. Precautions include applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to hands, using UV-blocking gloves, and limiting the frequency of gel manicures. Other Gel-Nail Health Issues Even without TPO, gel systems contain acrylates and methacrylates that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatologists are seeing more cases among both consumers and nail technicians. Risks increase if the gel touches the skin or is under-cured. Proper training, ventilation, and strict curing protocols are essential. Unlike some EU rules where products get years to phase out, the Cosmetics Regulation is stricter with CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic) substances. Once classified, the ban must take effect immediately. Thats why TPO gels had no buffer window. Will This Spread Beyond Europe? It often does. EU bans ripple through supply chains worldwide, and many global brands are already reformulating with TPO-free" labels. Whether other regulators like the US follow suit remains to be seen, but consumers everywhere can expect to see new formulations marketed as safer alternatives. What to Do If You Love Gel Nails top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Check labels for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide." Ask salons about the products they use. Protect hands during UV curing with sunscreen or gloves. Watch for persistent redness, itching, or nail changes and consult a dermatologist if they appear. The EU ban doesnt mean gel manicures as a whole are forbidden, only that gels must now be TPO-free. The decision is less about panic and more about how EU law handles chemicals proven to be high-hazard. For consumers, the lesson is clear: safe beauty is possible, but it depends on informed choices, proper technique, and products that keep up with evolving science. First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:21 IST News explainers Europe Bans Gel Nail Polish: Safety Concerns Behind The Shine Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Fortress On Wheels': Inside North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un's Bulletproof Train Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 23:38 IST Kims train is no ordinary locomotive. According to experts, it is a heavily armoured vehicle designed for maximum safety Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves before boarding his train. (AFP file photo) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is often seen travelling not by plane, but aboard a heavy, armoured train. The olive-green locomotive, velvet curtains, and steel-reinforced walls, this train is more than a vehicle its a symbol of security, legacy, and political theatre. Heres a closer look at Kims bulletproof train, his preferred method of travel for both domestic and international journeys. Recommended Stories Family Tradition Kim Jong Uns love for train travel is not just a personal quirk, its a family tradition. His father, Kim Jong Il, famously feared flying and almost never used planes. Instead, he travelled long distances by train, including a 24-day round trip to Moscow in 2001, covering over 20,000 kilometres. The train was well-stocked with luxury items such as fresh lobster and expensive French wine, according to Russian officials who were onboard. Unlike his father, Kim Jong Un has flown several times. He used his private jet, known as Chammae-1, to travel to Singapore for a summit with US President Donald Trump in 2018. He has also flown to China and was even shown piloting a plane in state media. Still, he often picks the train especially for high-profile visits. In January 2024, he travelled to China by train to attend a major military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. North Korean media published photos showing Kim sitting at a desk inside the carriage, working with documents and surrounded by communication tools telephones, a laptop, a printer, and even an ashtray. The carriage interior featured dark blue velvet curtains and the national flag, offering a formal and somewhat retro feel. Past Journeys Abroad Since taking power in 2011, Kim Jong Un has made at least nine international trips, and most of them were by train. To Russia (2023): Kim spent nearly 10 days travelling by train to meet President Putin in Russias far east. To Vietnam (2019): A 60-hour train journey took him to Hanoi for a summit with US President Trump. To China (20182019): Kim made four visits to China. He used the train for his first and third visits, and flew for the others. Interestingly, Kim has not been publicly seen using his private plane since 2018, raising questions about its reliability and maintenance. Built Like A Fortress Kims train is no ordinary locomotive. According to experts, it is a heavily armoured vehicle designed for maximum safety. Key features of Kims train include bulletproof windows, reinforced floors and walls, and structural protection designed to withstand artillery shells and explosions. It is said to be able to withstand most artillery shells really essentially a fortress," said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in South Korea. Some analysts even believe it has built-in offensive capabilities. While much slower than air travel, the train offers key advantages: its harder to track, cant be easily shot down, and provides the ability to carry more people, documents, and equipment. Kim can even bring along vehicles and a large support team. Symbol Of Power And Control Kims use of the train is not just about security, its also a political move. Travelling by train allows him to stay in the global spotlight. When Kim is on the move, the worlds media tracks every stop. A long train journey offers several days of continuous attention, especially before important diplomatic meetings. The train passing through the countryside makes for a powerful display to the people a symbolic image of the leader working long hours on board, even late at night", Park Min-ju, a professor at the National Institute for Unification Education, said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He has also used the train for domestic visits. In 2023, Kim was seen visiting flood-hit areas in North Pyongan Province. State media showed him delivering a speech from an open carriage, turning the train into a mobile stage. (With inputs from AFP) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : North Korea First Published: September 02, 2025, 23:38 IST News explainers 'Fortress On Wheels': Inside North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un's Bulletproof Train Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Announces Presidential Medal Of Freedom For Giuliani, But Not Many Are Applauding: Here's Why Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:34 IST Donald Trump announces Presidential Medal of Freedom for Rudy Giuliani, 9/11 hero who was hailed as 'America's Mayor'. Why the announcement has surprised many explained Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Rudy Guiliani (left) and Donald Trump. (AP File) President Donald Trump said on Monday he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, two days after Giuliani was hospitalised following a car crash in New Hampshire. The medal is considered the highest U.S. civilian honour and is traditionally presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the U.S., world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavours. Recommended Stories The announcement has surprised many. Heres why. Rudy Guilianis accident & what Trump said A rental car carrying Giuliani was hit from behind at high speed on Saturday night, causing him to suffer a fractured vertebra as well as other cuts, according to a post by his spokesperson, Michael Ragusa, on social media. Ragusa said in the post that Giuliani was in good spirits and recovering tremendously" after the accident. He added in a later post that the crash was not a targeted attack." Trump described Giuliani as the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot" in a Truth Social post on Monday announcing his decision to award him the medal. Details as to time and place to follow," he wrote. @RudyGiuliani was in a car accident in NH on Aug 30 after assisting a domestic violence victim. He sustained injuries but is in good spirits and recovering tremendously. Thank you for the prayers & support. official statement below. pic.twitter.com/ohYJCcXpjR Michael Ragusa (@themikeragu) August 31, 2025 From 9/11 hero, Americas Mayor to failed Presidential run: Guilianis journey As U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Giuliani became famous for taking on the Mafia (Five Families), Wall Street corruption (notably Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken). He built a national reputation as a tough, no-nonsense law enforcer. He was the mayor of New York City from 1994-2001, during a time of high crime and economic anxiety. He championed broken windows" policing and major crime reduction. Economic revitalization and Times Square redevelopment are credited to his leadership. After the September 11 attacks, Giulianis calm and visible leadership earned him the nickname Americas Mayor." He was named Times Person of the Year (2001). His fall began with a failed Presidential Run in 2008. He ran for Republican nomination. Happy Presidents Day! Reflecting on the leadership and vision of @POTUS . His unwavering commitment to our nation, continues to inspire all of us. Honored to have stood by his side in service to the American people. #presidentsday pic.twitter.com/QlYPJ1xSkK Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) February 17, 2025 Rudy Giuliani: The Trump supporter Giuliani re-emerged in politics in 2016, as Trumps top legal and political surrogate. He promoted false claims about election fraud. He led Trumps legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Acted as a political attack dog on TV, helping solidify Trumps base support. After Trump won, Giuliani expected to be appointed Secretary of Statebut was passed over. Still, he remained loyal. In 2018-2020, Giuliani became Trumps personal attorney, especially during the Mueller investigation into Russian interference. Took centrestage during the Ukraine scandal, pushing for investigations into Joe Biden and his son Hunter. This directly contributed to Trumps first impeachment in 2019. After Trumps 2020 loss, Giuliani led the charge to overturn the election. He filed lawsuits in multiple states, held bizarre press conferences, made false claims of widespread fraud, leading to defamation suits. Trump did not publicly distance himself, even as Giulianis credibility unraveled. Giulianis loyalty cost him dearly. He was disbarred, indicted, and hit with massive legal penalties. He lost a $148 million defamation lawsuit to Georgia election workers he falsely accused. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump reportedly refused to pay Giulianis legal bills. Giuliani filed for bankruptcy in 2023, with tens of millions owed in legal judgments. Despite all this, Giuliani never turned against Trump. I am more loyal than anyone hes ever met," Giuliani once said. With Reuters, Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 13:27 IST News explainers Trump Announces Presidential Medal Of Freedom For Giuliani, But Not Many Are Applauding: Here's Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Punjab Is Facing Its Worst Floods Since 1988: The Damage, Causes & History Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:37 IST What caused the flooding in Punjab? How much rain was received? What is the extent of damage and destruction? How many times has Punjab seen flooding in the past? Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google A bus moves through a waterlogged road after heavy rainfall in Jalandhar, Punjab. (PTI) Punjab is facing its worst floods since 1988, with over 1,300 villages submerged. Rough estimates suggest the scale of agricultural damage could be staggering approximately 3 lakh acres (120,000 hectares) of paddy and other crops submerged just before harvest. Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers and seasonal rivulets are in spate due to heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Recommended Stories Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts are among the worst-affected districts with scores of villages affected there by the floods. What caused the flooding in Punjab rain or manmade factors? News18 explains. #WATCH | Ajnala, Amritsar | A local resident says, "The losses have been immense. This canal right here has atleast 20-25 feet of water It has been five days since our crops have been underwater. The water has gone down by 1.5 to 2 feet since yesterday Our crops have been https://t.co/1rTugfFedm pic.twitter.com/BFAG2cg9kk ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025 How much rain did Punjab receive in August 2025? Punjab recorded 253.7 mm of rainfall in August, marking a 74 % excess over the long-term normal of 146.2 mm the highest August total in 25 years. Several districts received over double their usual rainfall: Pathankot: 944.2 mm, 152% above normal Gurdaspur: 577.5 mm, 181% above normal Hoshiarpur: 360.6 mm, 74% above normal Amritsar: 226.8 mm, 40% above normal Ferozepur: 170.6 mm, 129% above normal Fazilka: 146.8 mm, 115% above normal Tarn Taran: 208 mm, 139% above normal Northwest India, including Punjab, reported 265 mm of rainfall in August the highest for the region since 2001 and the 13th highest since 1901. Between June 1 and August 30, Punjab received 443 mmalready exceeding the total average for the entire monsoon season (JuneSeptember), which is around 440 mm. Punjab floods: Death and destruction The death toll has risen to 29 confirmed fatalities, with the highest number in Pathankot. Other districts reporting deaths include Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, Rupnagar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur; three individuals remain missing. Approximately 2.56 lakh people have been affected across at least 12 districts in the one-month period starting August 1. In Ferozepur alone, around 45,000 individuals were impacted in about 107 villages. Punjab floods: Rescue, relief and government response Rescue operations are being carried out by a coordinated team including NDRF, SDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police, and local authorities. Some 15,000+ people have been rescued so far. Over 77 relief camps are active (out of 87 established), sheltering thousands of residents. In Ferozepur, eight camps are sheltering over 3,300 people. The state government has conducted a special girdawari (damage assessment) to expedite compensation and has pledged full compensation based on these findings. Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed until at least September 3, following earlier closures from August 27 to 30. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has requested 60,000 crore in pending Central funds and a compensation increase from 6,800 to 50,000 per acre. In Ropar (Rupnagar), major canal channels have suffered structural breaches, threatening over 50 villages. Urgent repairs and sandbag reinforcement are underway, supported by NDRF and the BBMB. What caused the 2025 Punjab floods? The 2025 Punjab floods were caused by a combination of natural and man-made factors, including record-breaking monsoon rainfall, river overflow, poor drainage, and infrastructure failure. 1. Extreme monsoon rainfall: Unusually heavy rainfall battered Punjab during late August 2025. Rainfall levels were far above average, with some districts receiving several hundred millimetres of rain in just a few days. The rainfall overwhelmed natural and artificial water-holding systems (rivers, canals, reservoirs, etc.). Example: Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar were hit with continuous downpours leading to flash floods and river breaches. 2. Overflow of rivers and canals: Punjabs major riversSutlej, Beas, and Ravioverflowed due to upstream discharge from Himachal Pradesh (which also saw flooding) and torrential rain in catchment areas. These rivers breached embankments and inundated nearby villages and farms. Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) had to release water from dams like Bhakra and Pong, increasing downstream flow. 3. Infrastructure failures: Irrigation canals and embankments in places like Ropar (Rupnagar) developed large breaches. Over 50 villages in that area were endangered due to canal breaches. Sandbagging and emergency engineering responses came too late in some areas. Old or poorly maintained flood control systems failed under pressure, contributing significantly to flooding. 4. Urbanisation and drainage blockage: Rapid urban expansion in Punjabs towns and cities has reduced natural water-absorption areas. Poorly maintained or blocked stormwater drains and sewer systems in urban zones led to waterlogging, delayed drainage even after rain stopped. Cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar saw severe urban flooding due to this issue. 5. Climate change: Meteorologists and environmental experts attribute the increased frequency and intensity of rainfall to climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall events, shorter but more intense monsoon bursts. Punjabs agriculture-based floodplains are increasingly vulnerable to these kinds of events. Three times Punjab saw massive flooding 1988: In just four days (September 22-26), the Bhakra area received 634 mm of rain. The floods were exacerbated by water released from dams, which breached riverbanks. Around 9,000 villages (out of 12,989) were flooded, with over 2,500 villages fully marooned or washed away. It affected 34 lakh people (3.4 million), with around 1,500 killed and 500 missing. According to a report published by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, the 1988 floods in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, and in states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, etc., were among the four most disastrous weather events" that year, with three others being cyclonic storm in West Bengal, severe heatwave over Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and heavy snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir. 1993: Heavy monsoon rains and severe weather triggered widespread flooding across multiple states, including Punjab. Punjab saw extensive crop loss1.2 million acres (approx. 486,000 hectares) of crops damagedand widespread village inundations. Estimated 500,000 hectares (1.2 million acres) of agricultural land damaged; over 4,000 villages in Punjab alone were submerged. Across India, 530550 deaths. Punjab suffered around 350 fatalities. 2023: Punjabs own monsoon rainfall was slightly 5% below normal, at around 417 mm (normal 439 mm). However, upstream Himachal Pradesh received an unprecedented 223 mm in just four days (July 711)a 436% increase over its normal 41.6 mmleading to runoff flooding Punjab via rivers like Beas, Sutlej, and Ghaggar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Estimated statewide losses ranged between 1,000 crore to 1,500 crore. 1,495 villages across 19 districts affected; roughly 391 houses fully damaged, 878 partially damaged; over 1,200 people stayed in relief camps. State government loss estimates: 1,500 crore, 44 lives lost, 22 injured, and 1,495 villages impacted. 41 fatalities, 27,286 people evacuated, 173 relief camps, and 357 houses fully damaged, 741 partially damaged. Thanks to PAUs nursery langar" community nurseries, crop losses were mitigated by 2,800 crore, although farmers spent an extra 245 crore. With Agency Inputs About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:00 IST News explainers Why Punjab Is Facing Its Worst Floods Since 1988: The Damage, Causes & History Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://www.pap.pl Finnish President Alexander Stubb has announced a meeting of the leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) countries in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Wednesday with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Finnish president will then travel to France to participate in the Coalition of the Willing, Stubb said at a press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Gitanas Nauseda in Helsinki on Tuesday. "Tomorrow we will meet in the NB8 format in Copenhagen, where we will be received by the Prime Minister of Denmark together with President Zelenskyy. And from there I will fly to Paris, where there will be a video conference and a partially face-to-face meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired by the President of France regarding the Coalition of the Willing," he said. Stubb noted that the Nordic and Baltic countries provided more than EUR 26 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine last year, and almost the same amount has been pledged this year. The Finnish President stressed that "now is the time for the rest of Europe and for all of us to continue to step up our efforts," as Ukraine's security and defense cannot be separated from Europe's security and defense. "Ukraine decides the future of European security, and we want to support Ukraine as long as it takes," he urged. Ahmedabad School Murder: Random Bag Checks Show Students Carry Condoms, Birth Control, Booze Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:38 IST A school principal said that bag checks reveal only part of the issue, as the real challenge lies in addressing outside influences and guiding students on their choices Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google In some instances, parents encourage students to carry mobiles to stay in touch while attending tuitions after school. (Representative/News18 Hindi) The fatal stabbing of a student at a Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad has sparked concern across the city, pushing schools to tighten campus security. Many institutions have quietly resumed surprise bag checks, carrying them out discreetly yet thoroughly. Surprising Finds In Student Bags Recommended Stories According to a Times of India report, the items discovered during these bag checks are alarming. One principal was quoted as saying, It is surprising and worrying. It shows how much the lives of students extend beyond classwork. Apart from the expected books and tiffins, mobiles, tablets, lighters, cigarettes, vapes (electronic cigarettes) and, in a rare case, alcohol in a water bottle were found." Another school principal added, We also found whiteners, lipsticks, kajal, nail filers, deodorants, oral contraceptives, condoms and even spare clothes and shoes." Additionally, blades, paper cutters and even chains were found in many schools. In reaction to the tragic incident at SDA school, one institution has completely banned scissors and rounders, the report stated. Unless parents receive a written notification from the school to send these items, they should not send them," a teacher shared. School management has also confiscated playing cards, romantic or pornographic novels, expensive pens, shiny jewellery, journals and cash beyond the usual Rs 100-200 limit. Parents Unfazed Despite Discovery Of Adult Books A school principal told Times of India, Parents are informed immediately about the confiscated items, and they are handed over during parent-teacher meetings. However, some parents confidentially admit that their children do not listen to them." A teacher added, Some parents are comfortable even after finding adult books and consider them a part of growing up." In some instances, parents encourage students to carry mobiles to stay in touch while attending tuitions after school. In cases involving drugs or sharp weapons, schools refer the matter to the district education office (DEO) or the police. We mainly rely on counselling, as punishment is not the answer. The environment around them affects these innocent children. If a child brings a blade or a romantic novel, we must ask why, before we decide the next step," said a principal. Imported Energy Drink Hidden In Students Bag Perhaps the most attention-grabbing item is an imported energy drink worth Rs 1,500. Imported energy drinks are now part of the barter system. Students bring it hidden in water bottles and take favours in exchange for sips, such as doing homework, completing projects and even securing a seat in class," admitted the management of a prominent school on condition of anonymity. The Depth Of Bag Checks Speaking to Times of India, a concerned principal shared, Bag checks are just scratching the surface. What is inside reflects the environment outside the home, the screen and the streets. Schools can confiscate items, but the real work lies in making children understand why they feel the need to carry them." Experts Weigh In Senior psychologist Dr Prashant Bhimani told Times of India, Peer pressure plays a big role. If one student brings something, others often follow. Popular culture, especially K-pop and web series, influences behaviour, normalising adult habits seen on screen for teenagers." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Counsellor Smita Ghosh added, Excessive exposure to violence through OTT platforms makes some children believe that they need a blade, paper cutter or chain to protect themselves and that their use is normal." She further commented, It would not be wrong to blame the home environment either, where addictive substances are easily available and children are accepting them as an essential part of life." First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:38 IST News india Ahmedabad School Murder: Random Bag Checks Show Students Carry Condoms, Birth Control, Booze Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Air India Delhi-Indore Weekend Flight Gave Pan-Pan Call After Engine Fire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 12:02 IST The Air India flight bound for Indore, which returned to Delhi on August 31, had the pilots declare a Pan-Pan due to a fire indication in the right engine. A file photo of an Air India aircraft (PTI) Indore-bound Air India flight AI-2913, which returned to Delhi after take-off on August 31, had initially declared a Mayday after pilots indicated a fire in the right engine of the aircraft. The crew, however, later downgraded the call to Pan-Pan, which is used for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. A full emergency was also declared by the Air Traffic Control at the Delhi airport, it was known. Meanwhile, fire and rescue teams were put on standby as a precaution. Recommended Stories As the pilots managed to land safely, Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely. Later, the airline arranged an alternate aircraft to Indore, while the affected aircraft was grounded for a detailed engineering inspection to determine the cause of the fire indication. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was informed of the incident. In an official statement, a spokesperson for Air India said, Flight AI2913, operating from Delhi to Indore on 31 August, air-returned to Delhi shortly after take-off, as the cockpit crew received a fire indication for the right engine." Following standard procedure, the cockpit crew elected to shut down the engine and returned to Delhi, where the flight landed safely," the statement mentioned. The crew had initially made a Mayday call to the air traffic control, but later downgraded it to PAN-PAN to indicate urgency rather than an emergency. We confirm that the flight did not make an emergency landing at Delhi," the spokesperson said. The Air India plane had approached the Delhi airport for a priority landing after being airborne for over 30 minutes. One engine of the A320neo aircraft was shut down, and the plane landed safely at the Delhi airport, Air India said in a statement. The flight landed at around 6.15 am, and there were more than 90 people on board, news agency PTI quoted a source as saying. On Monday, an Air India Express flight IX2610 operating from Chennai to Andaman was forced to return to its origin after being unable to land at its destination due to severe weather conditions, news agency ANI quoted sources as saying. The aircraft circled the destination airport, but deteriorating weather made landing unsafe. The flight subsequently returned to Chennai, where it landed safely with all passengers on board. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources informed ANI that Air India Express has made alternative arrangements for the affected passengers, who were accommodated on other flights scheduled from Chennai. ALSO READ | Kolkata-Bound IndiGo Flight With 272 Passengers Returns To Nagpur After Bird Hit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 10:35 IST News india Air India Delhi-Indore Weekend Flight Gave Pan-Pan Call After Engine Fire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Allahabad HC Slams Gyms For Letting Male Trainers Handle Women Without Safety Checks Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:30 IST The high court raised concerns over womens safety in gyms after a Meerut-based gym trainer was accused of making caste-based remarks against a female client Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Nitin Saini, a gym trainer from Meerut, has been accused of making caste-based remarks against a female client. (Representational Image) The Allahabad High Court has raised strong concerns about the lack of safeguards for women being trained by male instructors in gyms, warning that such practices put both their safety and dignity at risk. The observations were made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav while hearing an appeal filed by Nitin Saini, a gym trainer from Meerut. Saini has been accused of making caste-based remarks against a female client. Recommended Stories The complainant told the trial court that the accused not only insulted her but also recorded obscene videos of another woman gym-goer and sent those videos to her. Taking note of these allegations, the bench said that offences under Sections 354 of the Indian Penal Code (assault or use of criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman) and 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) may also apply. According to PTI, the court has set September 8 as the next date of hearing in the case. In its order dated August 27, the high court said, It is a matter of serious concern that presently male gym trainers are imparting training to female clients without adequate safeguards to ensure their safety and dignity." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Considering the aforesaid circumstances, the Investigating Officer of Police Station Brahmpuri, Meerut is directed to file a personal affidavit indicating that whether the gym operated by the appellant was duly registered under the law. Whether the appellant has been arrested in connection with the present case or not, and whether in the gym, trainers are female or not," the court said. Justice Yadav, who has often drawn attention for his outspoken remarks, had earlier sparked debate by asserting that the country should run according to the majority and by backing the Uniform Civil Code while dismissing the relevance of Sharia law in December 2024. Location : Prayagraj, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 13:29 IST News india Allahabad HC Slams Gyms For Letting Male Trainers Handle Women Without Safety Checks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... An Instagram Post, A Meta Alert & A 16-Minute Race To Save A Life: How UP Cops Foiled A Suicide Bid Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 16:32 IST The student, who was semi-conscious, had reportedly ingested pesticide after being blocked by someone she knew on Instagram Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The student was semi-conscious and was immediately provided first aid. If you thought social media was just a waste of time, think again. Police in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly rescued a 20-year-old college student from a suicide attempt within 16 minutes of receiving an alert from social media platform Meta. According to news agency PTI, the student, a resident of CB Ganj area in Bareilly, had posted a disturbing message on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of a pesticide bottle. The post triggered Metas suicide prevention system, which immediately flagged the content and notified law-enforcement authorities. Recommended Stories At 12.45pm, Uttar Pradesh Polices social media monitoring unit received the alert and quickly escalated it to senior officials. Acting on the input, Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna instructed the Bareilly district police to trace the student without delay. A local police team soon tracked the students address using the information provided by Meta and within a span of just 16 minutes, a sub-inspector and two female constables reached the location. They found that the student, who was semi-conscious, had reportedly ingested the pesticide and immediately provided her first aid. A preliminary probe revealed that the student was emotionally distressed over being blocked by someone she knew on Instagram after an argument. She told the police that the pesticide was stored in the house by her father for agricultural use. The students family was informed, and she is now recovering under medical supervision. No police case was registered. Police officials quoted by Times of India said the incident is part of a broader initiative launched in collaboration with Meta in 2022. As of August 2025, the partnership has helped prevent at least 1,315 suicide attempts across Uttar Pradesh, thanks to timely alerts and coordinated police response. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case has also highlighted the growing importance of digital vigilance and mental health support for young users on social media platforms. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author 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 : Bareilly, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 16:32 IST News india An Instagram Post, A Meta Alert & A 16-Minute Race To Save A Life: How UP Cops Foiled A Suicide Bid Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi High Court Denies Bail To Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam In February 2020 Riots Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:59 IST The Delhi High Court has denied bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in a UAPA case over the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots. A file photo of Umar Khalid (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied bail to JNU student leader Umar Khalid and activist Sharjeel Imam, facing prosecution in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots. The order was pronounced by a bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, which, on July 9, had reserved its order after hearing the arguments on behalf of the prosecution and various accused. Recommended Stories The other accused include Athar Khan, Khalid Saifi, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa ur Rehman, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed. The prosecution had vehemently opposed the bail plea, saying it was not a case of spontaneous riots but a case where riots were planned well in advance with a sinister motive and well-thought-out conspiracy. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the prosecution, had contended that it was a conspiracy to defame India on a global level, and mere long incarceration is no ground for bail. If you do anything against your nation, you better be in jail till you are acquitted," he had argued. Sharjeel Imams counsel had earlier argued that he was completely disconnected" with the place, time and co-accused persons, including Umar Khalid. His speeches and WhatsApp chats never called for any unrest, he had argued. Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and several others were booked under the UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being the masterminds" of the February 2020 riots, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence had erupted during the protests against the CAA and NRC. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sharjeel Imam was arrested in the case on August 25, 2020. While challenging the trial court orders refusing bail, Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and others cited their long incarceration and parity with other co-accused who were granted bail. Speeches by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other accused created a sense of fear with their common pattern of reference to CAA-NRC, Babri mosque, triple talaq and Kashmir, police alleged. About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:51 IST News india Delhi High Court Denies Bail To Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam In February 2020 Riots Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ED To Probe Dharmasthala Case: NGOs Under Scanner For Foreign Funding Rule Violations Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:48 IST Dharmasthala case: The NGOs that received foreign funding will be the under scanner. The ED has asked for relevant documents from police, sources said Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google SIT officials with the alleged whistleblower in the Dharmasthala case. (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to begin an investigation into the Dharmasthala case, according to sources. The NGOs that received foreign funding will be the under scanner. The ED has asked for relevant documents from police. The focus is on NGOs Odanadi and Samvada for alleged foreign funding rule violations," they said. Recommended Stories Sources added that banks have been asked to share account details as well information on transactions. Officials suspects the funds may have been used to support campaigns or activities connected to the narrative against Dharmasthala. The Dharmasthala case The Dharmasthala mass burial" controversy took a dramatic turn in the last week of August with the arrest of CN Chinnayya alias Chenna, the sanitation worker who first came forward as a masked whistleblower in the case. The 50-year-old has been booked for perjury after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concluded that the evidence he produced was falsified. According to SIT officials, forensic tests revealed that the skull Chinnayya submitted in court which he claimed belonged to a young woman was in fact that of a male. Chinnayya had alleged that between 1995 and 2014, he was forced to bury the bodies of women, schoolgirls and other victims in Dharmasthala at the behest of powerful individuals." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His testimony including a complaint filed on July 2 and a court appearance on July 11 where he produced skeletal remains triggered uproar in the Karnataka Assembly, widespread public outrage, and ultimately led to the formation of an SIT under DGP Pronab Mohanty on July 19. Excavations were subsequently carried out at 17 sites he identified, using ground-penetrating radars and advanced imaging. The SIT also examined healthcare professionals, including forensic experts who conducted autopsies on over 70 decomposed bodies officially buried in Dharmasthala during the period. Officials maintain that despite extensive searches, there is no evidence to support claims of a mass burial. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is increasingly pressuring the Congress government in Karnataka to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:45 IST News india ED To Probe Dharmasthala Case: NGOs Under Scanner For Foreign Funding Rule Violations Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Can't Blame Nehru': Author Suhel Seth Slams Haryana Govt Amid Rain Chaos In Gurugram Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:57 IST As heavy rains in Gurugram triggered severe waterlogging and traffic chaos, author Suhel Seth slammed the Haryana government for the citys mismanagement. A file photo of Suhel Seth/waterlogging in Gurugram after heavy rain (Photos: PTI) Author and entrepreneur Suhel Seth has slammed the Haryana government and accused it of turning a blind eye towards Gurugram after heavy rain in the national capital region on Monday evening led to severe waterlogging and flood-like situation in the city. Accusing former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar of negligence, Seth, in an X post, wrote, On a serious note: Gurugram is done. Like you cant imagine." Recommended Stories The first bloke to ruin this was Manohar Lal Khattar, and (the present Chief Minister) Nayab Singh Saini just cant manage this situation," he mentioned. The BJP needs some serious introspection. Theyve been running this state for 11 years now. You cant blame Nehru," Seth wrote on X. On a serious note: Gurugram is done. Like you cant imagine. The first bloke to ruin this was @mlkhattar and @NayabSainiBJP just cant manage this situation. The @BJP4India needs some serious introspection. Theyve been running this state for 11 years now. You cant blame Nehru. SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) September 1, 2025 In an earlier post, Seth had reshared a post on Gurugram woes and wrote, Looks like Disneyland is already here. Its a Mickey Mouse Government." Responding to his post, BJP MP from Jharkhand, Nishikant Dubey, wrote on X, If private builders, without government planning, collude with the Congress to build a city of corruption, it will turn into a city like Gurugram." What will the government do? Cases should be filed and action taken against those builders and the officials of the then government," he had mentioned in an X post. private builders @INCIndia ? https://t.co/XWUAuoPhKS Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) September 1, 2025 Heavy spells of rain in Delhi-NCR on Monday brought much-needed respite from the heat and humidity, but led to serious traffic woes in Gurugram and some parts of Delhi. Multiple reports and social media videos suggested people were stuck in a jam on the National Highway 48 for hours. For Tuesday, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued an advisory, urging people to work from home, while schools were instructed to conduct online classes as an orange alert has been issued with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall on September 2 (Tuesday). Traffic was moving at a crawling pace at Gurgaons Rajiv Chowk area, where vehicles, trucks, bikes, and cars alike navigated the waterlogged streets, multiple videos on social media showed. Meanwhile, the Congress workers took out a boat to show the condition of the streets after the rain, and shouted slogans, while the streets were filled with water, as they protested against the BJP government in the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | North India Rain Havoc: Flooded Roads, Traffic Jams In Delhi-NCR; Punjab Worst-Hit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 07:40 IST News india 'Can't Blame Nehru': Author Suhel Seth Slams Haryana Govt Amid Rain Chaos In Gurugram Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gurugram Traffic Chaos Likely Today As IMD Issues Orange Alert; Schools, Offices Shut Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:54 IST The city reeled under heavy rainfall on Monday as continuous rain activity crippled normal life, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic gridlocks across the city Traffic jam in Gurgaon after heavy rain on Monday evening (Photo Credits: Instagram) Gurugram authorities have heightened preparations as the city readies for another spell of heavy rain on Tuesday, following an Orange Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city reeled under heavy rainfall on Monday as continuous rain activity crippled normal life, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic gridlocks across the city. Recommended Stories According to district officials, Gurugram recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall between 3 pm and 7 pm, leading to long traffic snarls stretching up to seven kilometres in parts of the city. Several key routes, including Hero Honda Chowk, Patel Nagar, and Signature Bridge, were severely inundated. The Dwarka Expressways service lane was also shut after water accumulation overwhelmed the drainage system. Gurugram District Magistrate confirmed the scale of the rainfall, writing on X: Today, between 3 PM to 7 PM, Gurugram recorded heavy rainfall of over 100 mm. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall on 02-09-2025." Offices, Schools Shift Online In response, the administration advised private offices to implement work-from-home for employees and directed schools across the district to shift to online classes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Delhi is also bracing for adverse weather as the IMD has predicted cloudy skies with moderate rainfall on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging between 22C and 31C. Adding to the crisis, the Yamuna river in Delhi crossed the danger mark, swelling to 205.68 metres early Tuesday and flooding low-lying areas in Yamuna Bazaar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities cautioned that the water level could rise further, reaching around 206.50 metres by evening, and began moving residents to relief shelters. Officials said continuous discharge of water from Haryanas Hathnikund barrage has heightened the risk of flooding in Delhis low-lying areas, prompting an alert for residents in vulnerable zones. First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:54 IST News india Gurugram Traffic Chaos Likely Today As IMD Issues Orange Alert; Schools, Offices Shut Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Human Traffic Jam': Heavy Rain Leads To Metro Chaos In Gurgaon; Orange Alert Issued For Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:58 IST The footage shows a large crowd attempting to navigate the security gates at the busy interchange, prompting concerns over commuter safety Gurgaon metro chaos amid heavy rain | Image: X A video circulating on social media captured the chaotic scene at Sikanderpur Metro Station in Gurgaon following a heavy downpour. The footage shows a large crowd attempting to navigate the security gates at the busy interchange, prompting concerns over commuter safety. Recommended Stories The clip, shared on X, noted: Gurgaon floods Huge rush at Sikanderpur Delhi Metro interchange," while praising local authorities: Thanks to @gurgaonpolice no stampede. This interchange needs more checking counters." The user added that traveling within Gurgaon is becoming increasingly difficult, warning that without significant infrastructure upgrades, mobility could become nearly impossible in the coming years. Another tweet highlighted: Human traffic jam at Sikanderpur Delhi Metro interchange in evening! Need more checking counters." Sikanderpur Metro Station, located in DLF Phase 1, is a key Yellow Line interchange for passengers commuting between Gurgaon and Delhi, and the heavy rains exposed the challenges of managing large crowds during extreme weather events. The Gurgaon District Magistrate confirmed that the city recorded over 100 mm of rainfall between 3 PM and 7 PM on Monday. He also reminded residents that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall on September 2, 2025. In response, authorities advised private firms to allow employees to work from home, while schools in the district were instructed to conduct classes online for the day. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The heavy rains have caused widespread disruption across Gurgaon, with commuters reporting long traffic jams, delays in metro and road travel, and accidents. One woman recounted her sister twisting her ankle after paying Rs 700 for a short 1.5 km ride, while another person shared that a colleague was trapped in the severe traffic congestion caused by the downpour. First Published: September 02, 2025, 07:58 IST News india 'Human Traffic Jam': Heavy Rain Leads To Metro Chaos In Gurgaon; Orange Alert Issued For Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Hurried Trial Detrimental To Accused, State': Delhi HC Says Role Of Umar Khalid In 2020 Riots 'Grave' Curated By : Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 22:31 IST The Delhi High Court was responding to the delay in the trial cited as one of the major reasons to grant bail by the lawyers of the accused Activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and eight others have been in jail for the past five years in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case. (Image: PTI/File) Denying bail to activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and eight others, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday said a hurried trial in the 2020 riots conspiracy case will be detrimental" to both the accused and the State. Khalid, Imam, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed have been behind bars for the past five years in an anti-terror law case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi. Recommended Stories All the appeals are dismissed," said a bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, while acting on the bail pleas. A hurried trial would also be detrimental to the rights of both the Appellants and the State. The parties have informed this Court that the trial is currently at the stage of hearing arguments on the framing of charges, thus, it indicates that the case is progressing." The court was responding to the delay in the trial cited as one of the major reasons to grant bail by the lawyers of the accused. The division bench noted that the Delhi Police has filed a 3,000-page chargesheet with an additional 30,000 pages of electronic evidence. It observed the police had carried out a detailed investigation, leading to the arrest of several people and, in such a background, the pace of the trial will progress naturally". A different bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar rejected the appeal of Tasleem Ahmed against a bail rejection order of the trial court. Khalid, Imam and several others were booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of IPC for allegedly being the masterminds" of the February 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence erupted during the protests against the CAA and NRC. The accused have been in jail since 2020 and they moved the high court against a trial court order dismissing their bail pleas. While challenging this order, Imam, Khalid and others had cited their long incarceration and parity with other co-accused who were granted bail. WHAT DID THE PROSECUTION SAY? The prosecution opposed the bail pleas saying it was not a case of spontaneous riots but a case where riots were planned well in advance" with a sinister motive" and well-thought-out conspiracy". Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended it was a conspiracy to defame India on a global level and merely citing long incarceration was no ground for bail. He argued that the intention behind the riots was to globally defame the nation through a well-planned and orchestrated" criminal conspiracy by the accused persons. Delhi Police argued that it was not a spontaneous riot but a well-organised act planned in advance, aimed at a particular day and time. It was alleged the protests were part of a conspiracy of the accused persons to cause violence at the time of the visit of then US President Donald Trump. Heres a timeline: February 2020: Communal violence struck the northeast part of Delhi in February 2020 during an anti-CAA protest, which left 54 people dead and over 700 injured. Khalid, Imam and others were booked under the UAPA and provisions of the IPC for allegedly being the masterminds" of the riots. August 2020: Imam arrested in larger conspiracy case. September 2020: Khalid arrested in larger conspiracy case. Other accused were arrested in the same year. 2022: Trial court dismisses bail pleas of accused persons. 2022-2024: Several accused persons move Delhi High Court against bail rejection orders of trial courts. July 9, 2025: HC reserves order on bail pleas of accused persons. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all September 2, 2025: HC dismisses appeals of 10 accused Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, Shadab Ahmed and Tasleem Ahmed. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 22:17 IST News india 'Hurried Trial Detrimental To Accused, State': Delhi HC Says Role Of Umar Khalid In 2020 Riots 'Grave' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte notes that the West continues negotiations on "security guarantees from Ukraine's friends and partners, the United States, Europe and other countries." The NATO Secretary General is in Luxembourg on Tuesday, where he met with the country's Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Defense Minister Yuriko Backes, the British ezine The Guardian reports. According to the publication, appearing at a joint press conference, Rutte thanked US President Donald Trump for "breaking the deadlock" over Ukraine and for convening talks in Washington two weeks ago. At the same time, Rutte noted that any lasting peace requires a stronger Ukrainian army, but also security guarantees from Ukraines friends and partners, the US, Europe and others, who are defining them now; as you know, we are sitting together in many formats, also this week. He said the focus was on two streams of bringing Zelenskyy and Putin together to start discussing how to end the way, and on agreeing between the Europeans and the US on long-term security guarantees that would prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine ever again. However, he conceded that the bad news is we are still at the early stage of all of this. Theres a lot of work going on so that when Ukraine enters into these bilateral talks or trilateral talks, they do so with unbreakable backing, and therefore ensuring that Russia will honour whatever deal is agreed, and will never threaten Ukrainian territory again after the deal, Rutte stated. 'I Get Hate Mail From Both Sides': Javed Akhtar Reacts After Bengal Urdu Academy Cancels Event Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:00 IST The programme, organised by the West Bengal Urdu Academy, was called off after some Islamic groups objected to Akhtars participation, accusing him of insulting religion Poest and lyricist Javed Akhtar | File Image Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar responded to the cancellation of a Kolkata literary event featuring him, saying hostility from both Hindu and Muslim hardliners only reaffirms his stand. The programme, organised by the West Bengal Urdu Academy, was called off after some Islamic groups objected to Akhtars participation, accusing him of insulting religion. Recommended Stories Akhtar, who was invited as the chief guest for a panel discussion on Urdu in Hindi Cinema," responded to the controversy by stressing that he faces hostility from both Hindu and Muslim hardliners. I get hate mail from both sides," he told The Telegraph Online. I believe as long as both [Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists] are abusing me, I am doing something right. My name, Javed Akhtar, has nothing to do with Islam. Both the words are Persian. It is only in India that names are associated with religion." He also reiterated his affection for Kolkata, praising its liberal and progressive ethos. The cancellation drew strong remarks from author Tasleema Nasreen, who directly addressed the Urdu Academy in a post on X. Oh Urdu Academy! You had to cancel the mushaira you organised with Javed Akhtar. You condemn the jihadists threats now. But did you condemn their threats on the day they tried to drive out writer Taslima? You didnt. You thought it was Taslimas personal problem. Today theyve pounced on you. Is this now your personal problem, or your guest Javed Akhtars?" she wrote. Slamming the decision, she warned that repeatedly bowing to extremist threats only emboldens them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Driving someone away at their command only empowers themthe jihadists. Canceling anyones event because of their threats only empowers them. Time and again you bow your head before these fanatical forces, turning them into a monstrous giant. And one day, that giant will devour you too." The Urdu Academys move has also been criticised by several public figures, including poet-filmmaker Gauhar Raza, who called it deeply disturbing and unacceptable," and civil rights groups like APDR, which flagged the broader dangers to democratic rights and freedom of expression. First Published: September 02, 2025, 11:00 IST News india 'I Get Hate Mail From Both Sides': Javed Akhtar Reacts After Bengal Urdu Academy Cancels Event Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Imposing Fixed Timeline For Governors, President To Give Assent To Bills Not Justified By Delay: SC Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:53 IST The Supreme Court said it will only interpret the Constitution on whether it can impose timelines for governors and the President to deal with Bills passed by state assemblies A five-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI BR Gavai said the hearing will resume on September 3. (Image: PTI/File) The Supreme Court on Tuesday said instances of delay in giving assent to Bills did not justify the imposition of a fixed timeline for the governors and President. On the sixth day of the hearing on the Presidential reference, the Supreme Court observed that it will only interpret the Constitution on whether it can impose timelines for governors and the President to deal with Bills passed by state assemblies. Recommended Stories A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai comprising Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar asked: The question is whether a general timeline (for governors and President) can be given under Article 142 of the Constitution." Article 142 of the Constitution grants the SC the extraordinary power to pass any order necessary to achieve complete justice in any case before it, even if it involves overriding or filling gaps in existing laws. CASE-TO-CASE INTERVENTIONS WONT SOLVE PROBLEM Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected to the reliance on state-specific examples, including Andhra Pradesh. If they are going to rely on such cases, we will have to file a reply. Since Independence, the Constitution has been taken on a joyride in some states. If we travel down that dirty path, we will have to place the full record before this court," Mehta said. Chief Justice Gavai steered the debate back to constitutional issues and said: We are not going into individual instances whether its Andhra Pradesh or Telangana or Karnataka but we will only interpret the provisions of the Constitution. Nothing else." Tamil Nadus counsel and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi summarised what falling through" of bills means. He said a bill falls through", in one instance when the state assembly that has been asked by governor to reconsider it after it is returned in exercise of powers under Article 200 of the Constitution, may not want to send it back, may not want to pass it, may change its policy". The CJI asked Singhvi what would happen if the governor decides to withhold the bill and does not send it back to the assembly. To this, Singhvi said: If that happens, then all this sending back to the assembly does not happen. Earlier verdicts said, the bill falls through unless the first proviso in Article 200 is followed (which requires the bill to be sent back to the assembly)." Stressing on the dangers of inordinate delays by governors in granting assent or referring bills, he outlined the need for a constitutional timeline" framework. Case-to-case interventions will not solve the problem," he argued, stressing articles 200 and 201 necessitate a general timeline". He said without structured limits, governors could effectively exercise a pocket veto", stalling legislation indefinitely. Limiting remedies to individual writ petitions under articles 226 or 32 will render the problem systemic and a delay of three to five years defeats the legislative process itself", he said. The constitutional design favoured workable timelines and the court would be defeating the whole exercise if relief is limited to individual disputes", he added. WITHHOLDING ASSENT THWARTS WILL OF THE PEOPLE Appearing for West Bengal, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said withholding assent thwarts the will of the people". For the first time in history, this court would be asked to hold that the will of the people needs not be implemented because governor withholds assent, an unacceptable proposition," Sibal said. He said neither governors nor President has any independent legislative power. Where in the Constitution is there a provision that allows the Governor to thwart the legislature?" he asked. The senior lawyer said treating withholding of assent as a discretionary power of governor would amount to a breakdown of constitutional machinery" that violates the collaborative spirit of governance. No principle of constitutional law allows one organ to become an impediment to another. Discretion is a concept alien to Article 200. What the governor performs is a constitutional duty, not a free-willed choice," he said, adding that even if some discretion exists, it must be exercised within constitutional contours and not as an absolute power". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The hearing will resume on Wednesday (September 3). In May, President Droupadi Murmu exercised powers under Article 143(1) to know from the top court whether judicial orders could impose timelines for the exercise of discretion by the President while dealing with bills passed by state assemblies. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 20:53 IST News india Imposing Fixed Timeline For Governors, President To Give Assent To Bills Not Justified By Delay: SC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... My Mother Insulted On Congress-RJD Stage: PM Modi Gets Emotional After Abusive Slogans In Bihar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:54 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the Congress and RJD over abusive remarks directed at his mother PM Modi with his late mother Hiraben | File Image Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday turned emotional as he condemned the remarks made against his late mother from the stage of the RJD-Congress event in Bihar. The row erupted during Rahul Gandhis Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihars Darbhanga, where abusive slogans targeting PM Modis mother were shouted from a Congress-RJD stage. Recommended Stories Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar," said PM Modi, appearing visibly emotional. The Prime Minister made these remarks while launching a new cooperative initiative in Bihar focused on boosting womens entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The programme, he said, is designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills among rural women linked with self-help groups (SHGs). Addressing over 20 lakh women through video conferencing, he added, These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. I know how bad all of you, every mother of Bihar, felt after seeing and hearing this! I know, as much pain as I have in my heart, the people of Bihar are also in the same pain." #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar These abuses are not just an insult to pic.twitter.com/POPJbGFGqt ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 The incident occurred on August 28 after a viral video surfaced showing a man hurling Hindi abuse at PM Modis mother from a stage set up during the Vote Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga. The yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, had proceeded towards Muzaffarpur on motorcycles on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza (20), was later arrested from the Singhwara area of Darbhanga town. Invoking the struggles and dignity of mothers, PM Modi said, A poor mother, through her struggles, provides education and values to her children, instilling noble virtues. That is why a mothers place is considered even higher than that of gods and goddesses." Targeting the Congress and RJD, the Prime Minister remarked that the sacrifices of an ordinary mother and the hardships of her son cannot be understood by those young princes born into royal families." He added, These honourable people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. The power of the country and Bihar seems like an inheritance of their family to them." Deeply Hurtful Calling the attack deeply hurtful, PM Modi asked why his mother, who had nothing to do with politics, was targeted in political attacks. That mother of mine, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress. Sisters and mothers, I can see your faces; I can only imagine the pain you must have felt. I can see tears in the eyes of some mothers." My mother separated me from her so that I could serve crores of mothers like you. You all know that now my mother is not alive. Some time ago, after completing 100 years of age, she left us all," the Prime Minister remarked. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, My mother separated me from her so that I could serve crores of mothers like you. You all know that now my mother is not alive. Some time ago, after completing 100 years of age, she left us all. That mother of mine, who has nothing pic.twitter.com/xQK5Yp8UJF ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the use of abusive slogans against PM Modis mother, saying, Rahul Gandhi should apologise if he has any shame left. The nation is watching him and his party in disgust." The Ghuspetiya Bachao Yatra is to protect the Congresss vote bank, but in any democracy, election is its soul. How can a nation be safe if infiltrators are allowed to pollute the system?" Shah asked. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 13:08 IST News india My Mother Insulted On Congress-RJD Stage: PM Modi Gets Emotional After Abusive Slogans In Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kolkata-Bound IndiGo Flight With 272 Passengers Returns To Nagpur After Bird Hit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:05 IST An IndiGo flight with 272 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Nagpur after a bird hit damaged the aircrafts front portion shortly after takeoff. IndiGo flight suffers bird hit (Photo: News18) An IndiGo flight with 272 passengers on board returned to the Nagpur airport after it suffered a bird hit soon after take off. The flight was bound for Kolkata, but made an emergency landing in Nagpur as the crew decided to make a U-turn midair. Recommended Stories According to the details, the front portion of the aircraft suffered damage due to the bird strike. All passengers were reported safe. An image from the runway at the Nagpur airport showed an airport staffer inspecting the aircraft, with the nose of the plane visibly damaged. In a statement, Abid Ruhi, Senior Airport Director, Nagpur Airport, said the authorities at the airport were trying to analyse what had happened. There has been a suspected bird strike on IndiGos 6E812 Nagpur-Kolkata flight. We are trying to analyse what has happened," news agency ANI quoted him as saying. Later, an official statement by a spokesperson of the airline read, IndiGo flight 6E 812 operating from Nagpur to Kolkata on 02 September 2025 encountered a bird strike soon after take-off." As a precautionary step, pilots decided to turn back, and the flight landed safely at the Nagpur airport," it added. Due to the requirement of necessary inspection and maintenance of the aircraft, the flight has been cancelled for the day," the statement read. On Monday, a Delhi-bound SpiceJet flight from Pune made a mid-air turnback to the originating airport due to a technical glitch and landed under full emergency conditions, news agency PTI quoted sources. The aircraft landed safely and passengers were deplaned normally, SpiceJet said in a statement. SpiceJet Boeing 737 aircraft, bearing registration VT-SLG was midway diverted back to Pune airport due to a technical glitch. The flight landed back under full emergency conditions after an hour of its take off for Delhi," the source told PTI. The flight SG937 had departed with a delay of 40 minutes from its scheduled time of 6 am from Pune airport, and was to land in Delhi at 8.10 am, as per the flight tracking website flightradar24.com. SpiceJet flight SG 937 on September 1, operating from Pune to Delhi, returned to Pune shortly after take-off. Following take-off, the flap transit light illuminated, and the operating crew carried out all necessary checks in accordance with standard operating procedures," the airline said. As a precautionary measure, SpiceJet said, the pilots decided to return to Pune. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The aircraft landed safely, and passengers deplaned normally. Affected passengers are being accommodated on alternate flights or offered full refunds," it stated. ALSO READ | Air India Flight Returns To Delhi After Mid-Air Fire Indication In Engine About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 10:08 IST News india Kolkata-Bound IndiGo Flight With 272 Passengers Returns To Nagpur After Bird Hit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nothing Can Stop Us: PM Modi Hails GDP Growth, Flags Economic Selfishness Amid Trump Tariffs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:54 IST At a Semicon India event, PM Modi hailed Indias Q1 GDP growth of 7.8 per cent, saying Bharat has outperformed all expectations despite global economic challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering during the inauguration of 'Semicon India 2025' at Yashobhoomi, in New Delhi (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a Semicon India event on Tuesday, referred to the recently released GDP data and said that the numbers have once again proven that Bharat has performed beyond every expectation and estimate, and that nothing can stop the country now. The GDP numbers for the first quarter of this year have once again proven that Bharat has performed beyond every expectation and estimate," the Prime Minister said. Recommended Stories On one hand, many of the worlds economies are facing uncertainty and challenges related to economic selfishness. Yet, in this environment, Bharat has achieved a remarkable growth rate of 7.8 per cent," he said. #WATCH | At Semicon India 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Just a few days ago, the GDP numbers for the first quarter of this year have come. Once again, India has performed better than every expectation, every assessment. At a time when there are concerns in the economy pic.twitter.com/MbDg4UkCOd ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 Indias GDP growth came even as the Donald Trump administration imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India and an additional 25 per cent levies for Delhis purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties imposed on India to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. The GDP growth also dismissed Donald Trumps dead economy" remark against India. Calling this growth broad-based, PM Modi added, This growth is visible across all sectors, and it brings a unique enthusiasm to our citizens." With this momentum, we are well on our way to becoming the worlds third-largest economy," PM Modi said. The Prime Ministers remark came as he inaugurated Semicon India 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Delhi, and began his address with a light-hearted comment, Last night, I returned to India after concluding my visits to Japan and China." Are you all clapping because I went there or because I returned?" the Prime Minister asked. #WATCH | At Semicon India 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech with a light-hearted comment.PM Modi says. Last night, I returned to India after concluding my visits to Japan and China. Are you all clapping because I went there or because I returned?" (Video: pic.twitter.com/pZGzZgCfIS ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 WHAT PM MODI SAID ON THE SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR Also speaking on Indias long-term commitment to the semiconductor sector, the Prime Minister said, The world trusts India. The world believes in India. The world is ready to build the semiconductor future with India." Also drawing a parallel between past and present, PM Modi remarked, It is said in the semiconductor world that oil was black gold, but chips are digital diamonds." Our last century was shaped by oil, but the power of the 21st century is limited to a small chip. This chip has the power to accelerate the development of the world," he said. In the year 2021, we started the Semicon India program. By the year 2023, Indias first semiconductor plant was approved. In 2024, we approved additional plants. In 2025, we cleared five additional projects," PM Modi said. Overall, an investment of more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore is being made in 10 semiconductor projects. This shows the worlds growing trust in India," he said. We have implemented the National Single Window System. Through this, all the approvals from the Centre and the states are being received on a single platform. As a result, our investors are now freed from a significant amount of paperwork," the Prime Minister said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India is now moving beyond the backend to become a full-stack semiconductor nation. The day is not far when Indias smallest chip will drive the biggest change in the world. Our journey started late, but nothing can stop us now," he added. ALSO READ | California Governor Mocks Trump With PM Modi-Putin-Xis Tianjin Summit Video About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 11:19 IST News india Nothing Can Stop Us: PM Modi Hails GDP Growth, Flags Economic Selfishness Amid Trump Tariffs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Promised Skin Fairness, Delivered Death: Rajasthan Woman Burned Alive By Husband Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 17:20 IST Kishan Lal was sentenced to death by a Rajasthan court for burning his wife Laxmi alive after years of humiliation. Laxmi gave a dying declaration to the magistrate detailing the assault. A court in Rajasthan sentenced a man to death for the brutal murder of his wife, whom he burned alive after years of taunts about her skin tone and weight. Police said Kishan Lal humiliated his wife Laxmi repeatedly before killing her on June 24, 2017. On the night of the crime, he told her he had brought a medicine to make her fairer. When she consented, he applied the chemical on her body, lit an incense stick and set her ablaze. He then poured more of the substance over her as the flames spread. Laxmi gave a dying declaration to the magistrate detailing the assault before succumbing to her injuries. Her testimony, supported by 14 witnesses, was found credible by the court. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Judge of the Additional District and Sessions Court at Mavli described the act as barbaric, deliberate and premeditated, ruling it fell under the rarest of rare" category. The court said Kishan Lals actions betrayed his wife and humanity at large, leaving no scope for leniency. Kishan Lal was convicted under Section 302 of the IPC and sentenced to death by hanging, subject to confirmation by the Rajasthan High Court. He was also fined 50,000 and handed one year of rigorous imprisonment. Location : Rajasthan, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 17:20 IST News india Promised Skin Fairness, Delivered Death: Rajasthan Woman Burned Alive By Husband Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Quick Thinking Cop Rescues Bengaluru Businessman At Iconic Jog Falls Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 10:41 IST He found a middle-aged man, visibly unsettled, and struck up a conversation. Slowly, the truth came out. The man was a cloth merchant from Bengaluru who had been away from home. Police Officer Stops Desperate Man From Ending His Life at Jog Falls Jog Falls in Shivamogga is usually a place of wonder. Tourists travel from across Karnataka to see the great cascade tumble into the gorge, especially during the monsoon when it roars at full strength. But the same cliffs and currents that dazzle also hide danger. Over the years, Jog Falls has quietly become a site where despairing visitors sometimes seek a tragic end. That was nearly the case again, until one police officer intervened at the right moment. Recommended Stories Sub-Inspector Nagaraj was on routine patrol when he heard whispers from local auto drivers. A man had been wandering around the site, asking where the most dangerous points of the falls were. Alarm bells went off instantly. Instead of brushing it aside as idle chatter, Nagaraj went looking. He found a middle-aged man, visibly unsettled, and struck up a conversation. Slowly, the truth came out. The man was a cloth merchant from Bengaluru who had been away from home for nearly 20 days. His business was sinking under debt, his parents were ailing, and the weight of both had driven him into silence. Out of options and hope, he had come to Jog Falls intending to end his life. Nagaraj did not lecture him. He listened. He asked questions. He reminded the man that his problems were not permanent, that family and support were waiting for him. What followed was less of a police interrogation and more of a counseling session. Finally, when the man began to break down, Nagaraj called his family in Bengaluru, reassured them, and arranged for him to return home. In that moment, what could have been another headline about death at Jog Falls became instead a story of survival and second chances. It was not training in weaponry or force that mattered here it was patience and empathy. Bengaluru Woman Drowns in Souparnika River But the same week also brought grief to another family from Bengaluru. In Kollur, Udupi district, Vasudha, a 46-year-old woman, drowned while swimming in the Souparnika River. The river is sacred to many devotees of the Mookambika temple, and its waters appear deceptively calm near the temple ghats. Yet beneath the surface, currents run strong. CCTV cameras installed around the temple premises captured the chilling moment Vasudha lost her footing and was swept away. Witnesses immediately alerted authorities. Within minutes, firefighters and expert divers launched a search operation. For hours, they scoured the river, battling the force of the water and the fading light of evening. By the time her body was recovered downstream, the bustling temple town had fallen into a hush. For locals and pilgrims alike, the incident served as a grim reminder of how quickly rivers can turn lethal. What began as a day of devotion ended in devastating loss for one family. Two Faces of Fate top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Together, the two incidents underline the fragile line between life and death at Karnatakas famous natural sites. At Jog Falls, alertness and compassion turned the tide for a man at his breaking point. In Kollur, the Souparnika River claimed a life in minutes despite the best rescue efforts. Both stories are reminders: vigilance matters, empathy saves lives, and natures beauty carries its own unforgiving risks. 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: September 02, 2025, 10:41 IST News india Quick Thinking Cop Rescues Bengaluru Businessman At Iconic Jog Falls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russian Oil Discounts Widen To $4 For India Amid Donald Trump's Tariff Offensive: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 16:05 IST Russian crude discounts widen for Indian refiners as Donald Trump imposes steep tariffs on New Delhi over Moscow oil imports. US President Trump and Russian President Putin with PM Modi | File Image: AP Russian crude is turning even cheaper for Indian refiners with discounts widening to as much as $3$4 per barrel even as the Donald Trump administration hits New Delhi with steep new tariffs over its oil imports from Moscow. According to a Bloomberg report, Russias Urals grade is being offered at the lower price for cargoes loading in late September and October. The discount stood at around $2.50 last week, compared with just $1 in July. By contrast, recent US crude shipments to India carried a $3 premium to Brent, reinforcing the price advantage of Russian oil. Tariffs And Tensions Between US-India Recommended Stories The widening price gap comes as Washington sharpens its trade offensive against India. The Donald Trump administration has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for its rising Russian oil imports. An additional 25% duty was slapped on other products, compounding strains in already fraught trade ties. Defending the move, Donald Trump adviser Peter Navarro accused Indias refiners of indirectly funding Moscows war effort. Before Putin invaded Ukraine, India didnt buy Russian oil to speak of- very, very small amounts. What happened? Now, Russian refiners provide discounts, India refines it, and then sells it at a premium to Europe, Africa and Asia. It fuels the Russian war machine," Navarro said. Indias Energy Calculus India, the worlds third-largest oil importer, has dramatically scaled up Russian crude purchases since 2022. Imports have risen from under 1% of Indias oil basket to nearly 40%. In 202425, Russia supplied 36% of Indias 5.4 million barrels per day, overtaking Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the US. New Delhi insists its energy trade with Moscow is legitimate, stressing that no international sanctions prohibit crude purchases and that the US itself has not banned Russian oil. What Donald Trump Said On India Tariffs US President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of New Delhi, calling bilateral trade ties a totally one-sided disaster." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Writing on Truth Social, Donald Trump claimed India had previously offered to cut tariffs to zero, but added it was getting late" and that such a move should have come years ago." He further accused India of buying oil and arms from Russia while selling massive amounts of goods" into the US market but maintaining high barriers on American exports. The reason is that India has charged us, until now, such high tariffs, the most of any country, that our businesses are unable to sell into India. It has been a totally one-sided disaster!" Donald Trump posted. First Published: September 02, 2025, 16:03 IST News india Russian Oil Discounts Widen To $4 For India Amid Donald Trump's Tariff Offensive: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... SC Dismisses Pleas Against Bail Granted To One Of The Accused In Udaipur Tailor's Murder Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:13 IST The Supreme Court was hearing appeals from the NIA and Yash Teli, Lal's son, against the High Court's order granting bail to Javed. Supreme Court of India. (File image) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the pleas filed by the National Investigation Agency and the son of Kanhaiya Lal, the Udaipur tailor murdered in 2022, seeking cancellation of the bail granted to one of the accused. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma declined to interfere with the Rajasthan High Courts decision to grant bail to Mohammed Javed. Recommended Stories The apex court was hearing appeals from the NIA and Yash Teli, Lals son, against the High Courts order granting bail to Javed. Telis lawyer argued that Javed played a crucial role by providing the assailants with information about Lals whereabouts. He claimed that the High Court erred in granting bail without thoroughly considering the severity of Javeds involvement. The plea highlighted that the murder occurred amid a communally charged atmosphere. It alleged that the prime accused had conspired, gathered weapons, conducted reconnaissance, and deployed Javed to relay the deceaseds location. On the day of the incident, the assailants entered Lals shop disguised as customers. While Lal was taking their measurements, they planted a camera, shouted communal slogans, and murdered him, the plea asserted. According to the NIA, Javed worked at a shop near Lals and provided the assailants with real-time information about Lals location during the crime. The NIA is currently investigating the incident. Lal was brutally murdered at his shop in the bustling Hathipole area of Udaipur on June 28, 2022, by two men wielding cleavers, allegedly for supporting a social media post against Islam. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The two accused, Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Gause, filmed the act and posted the video online. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 13:13 IST News india SC Dismisses Pleas Against Bail Granted To One Of The Accused In Udaipur Tailor's Murder Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Singapore PM Lawrence Wong To Arrive On 3-Day Visit To India, Bilateral With PM Modi On Agenda Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 10:03 IST This marks Lawrence Wongs first trip to India since taking office as Singapores Prime Minister Singapore PM Lawrence Wong with PM Modi | File Image Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will arrive in India this evening on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. This marks Wongs first trip to India since taking office as Singapores Prime Minister. Recommended Stories Wong will be accompanied by his wife, Lawrence Wong, along with a high-level delegation comprising Cabinet Ministers and senior officials. According to the MEA, PM Modi and PM Wong will hold bilateral discussions on September 4. The Singaporean leader will also call on President Droupadi Murmu, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other dignitaries are scheduled to meet him during the visit. The trip comes at a significant moment, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations. The MEA said the visit reflects the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen" the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that was elevated during PM Modis visit to Singapore in 2024. Talks between the two Prime Ministers are expected to cover bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest, with a focus on deepening trade, connectivity, and strategic cooperation under Indias Act East Policy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He will also engage with leaders from the industry and business, where several agreements are expected to be signed in sectors such as skill development, finance, digital cooperation, civil aviation, space, and shipping. Singapore is among Indias top sources of FDI and a major hub for Indian companies in Southeast Asia. The two countries conduct joint military exercises and collaborate on maritime security. First Published: September 02, 2025, 10:03 IST News india Singapore PM Lawrence Wong To Arrive On 3-Day Visit To India, Bilateral With PM Modi On Agenda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) continues to evacuate civilians from frontline communities in Donetsk region. Volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team in the Donetsk region continue to transport people from frontline communities to safer locations as part of their daily operations, URCS said on Facebook. Over the last three days of August, volunteers evacuated people from Sloviansk, Lyman, and Drobysheve. Volunteers from the rapid response teams from the Skhid (East) and Bilyi Yanhol (White Angel) missions joined the work. In addition to evacuations, URCS volunteers delivered bread to frontline settlements and to residents of Mykolaivka in Donetsk region. States, UTs Must Set Up Detention Centres To Hold Foreigners Barred From Entering India: Home Ministry Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 08:26 IST This mandate follows the central government's Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, as stated in the gazette notification issued on Tuesday State and union territory authorities must detain these foreigners until they are deported, as per the ministry of home affairs order. (Representational image/Reuters) Minorities facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India without passport or travel document till December 31, 2024, might escape deportation as per new rules notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025 issued by MHA says, The provisions of sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) of section 3 of the Act and rules 7, 8 and 9 of the rules with regard to requirement of valid passport or other valid travel document and valid visa for entry into,stay in and exit from India, shall not apply in the following cases, subject to the conditions mentioned therein, namely e) a person belonging to a minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely,Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian, who were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution and entered into India on or before the 31stDecember, 2024(i) without valid documents including passport or other travel documents; or(ii) with valid documents including passport or other travel documents and the validity of such documents have expired." Recommended Stories Under the Citizenship Amendment rules, persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh can avail of Indian citizenship if they came to the country by 2014. The new immigration rules provide further relief to this group. Exemption rules under Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025 were notified on Tuesday. The gazette notification said, In exercise of the powers conferred by section 33 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 (13 of 2025), and in supersession of the Registration of Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 1957 and the Immigration (Carriers Liability) Order, 2007, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following order, namely: The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025." The state /UT authorities will have to detain such foreigners till they are deported, as per Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025. Key Provisions Some of the key aspects of the order are restrictions on foreigners convicted on serious charges of anti-national activities, espionage, rape, murder, terrorist acts, child trafficking or being a member of a banned organisation. Foreigners will be barred if found involved in Trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances, human trafficking including child trafficking, racketeering in fake travel documents and currency (including cryptocurrency), cyber crime or child abuse," the new rules say. Detention And Deportation Such foreign nationals may be denied entry to India. Obligation has also been put on carriers to take back such individuals to the country of origin. The provisions of sections 17 and 18 of the Act and rules 22, 24 and 25 of the rules shall not apply to a carrier transporting passengers and crew by rail or road into or from India." The provisions of section 19 of the Act shall not apply to the carrier carrying: (a) the passengers travelling on forged documents, if such forgery cannot be detected without the help of document examination experts; (b) the stow-away passengers whom the carrier is ready to take back; (c) the passengers who have arrived on an aircraft or ship which, on departure, had been diverted to India for reasons beyond the control of the carrier; (d) the foreigners exempted from the requirement of passport or other travel document and valid visa as referred to in sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (3); (e) the foreigners availing Temporary Landing Permit at the immigration posts of entry," the MHA notification said. In case of apprehended illegal immigrants, center has authorised designated agencies to imposed restrictions on movement of such immigrants in a holding centre or camp pending deportation. Biometric The designated border guarding forces like BSF or the Coast Guard shall take steps to prevent illegal immigrants attempting to enter India by sending them back after capturing their biometric information and available demographic details on the designated portal of the central government. Under the new rules , every foreigner applying for any category of visa, including registration as an Overseas Citizen of India , shall consent to give his or her biometric information to the visa/OCI authority. Power, Water and Petroleum sector will not be able to employ foreign nationals,as per the new order. Those coming in for mountaineering expeditions will also need specific permission. Exemption Exemption, however, will be granted to member of Naval, Military or Air Forces of India, entering or exiting India on duty and members of the family of any such person when accompanying such person on a government transport." Citizen of India entering by land or by air over the Nepalese or Bhutanese frontier will also be exempted as will be citizens of Nepal and Bhutan if they hold a valid passport and do not arrive from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan. Tibetan in India and those coming with registration certificate will also be exempted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The notification further mentions that the provisions of sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) of section 3 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 shall not apply to registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who have taken shelter in India upto the 9th January, 2015. the provisions of sub-sections (2)and (3)of section 3 of the Act and rule 9 of the rules to the extent of requirement of a visa shall not apply in the case of (a) foreigners holding diplomatic and official passports where visa requirements are waived under any intergovernmental agreement; (b) foreigners from specified countries intending to avail visa-on-arrival at the designated ports of entry as per conditions specified for grant of such visa-on-arrival, and (e) foreign military personnel visiting India on foreign naval warships on multilateral exercises, goodwill visits, bunkering of vessels and assistance during natural calamities, unless exempted or notified by any intergovernmental agreement or by the Central Government," the order said. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 22:54 IST News india States, UTs Must Set Up Detention Centres To Hold Foreigners Barred From Entering India: Home Ministry Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... They Throw Garbage Everywhere: Gurugram Civic Body Officer Blames Residents For Waterlogging Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:24 IST Gurugram District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued an advisory asking corporate offices and private institutions to allow employees to work from home on September 2. Incessant rain on Monday brought Gurugram to a standstill. (PTI) Amid rising complaints over waterlogging in Gurugram, a senior official of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) shifted responsibility onto citizens, saying residents were partly to blame for the mess. In a ground report by CNN News18, a Joint Commissioner of MCG refused to go on record when asked about waterlogged roads and pothole-ridden stretches across the city. The officer declined to speak on camera, insisting only the Commissioner was authorised to respond, as he was away on inspections. Pressed for updates, the official gave no concrete details, remarking vaguely, Our authorities are working and yes, we are already" before trailing off. Recommended Stories When the issue of garbage accumulation, a major factor in clogged drains and floodingwas raised, the Joint Commissioner deflected blame towards residents. This is also the responsibility of the citizens, as they keep throwing garbage everywhere," he said, adding that the administration was working on the problem but without outlining an action plan or timeline. The remarks have sparked criticism, with many residents saying civic authorities are trying to evade accountability for poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage management in the city. The Gurugram District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Monday issued an advisory asking corporate offices and private institutions to allow employees to work from home and directing all schools to shift to online classes on September 2. The measures follow an orange alert predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the district. The advisory, issued by Ajay Kumar, District Magistrate-cum-Chairperson of DDMA, came after several parts of Gurugram witnessed continuous spells of rain, leading to waterlogging and traffic chaos. In view of the forecast, all corporate offices and private institutions in the district are advised to guide their employees to work from home; and all schools in the district are advised to conduct online classes on 02-09-2025," the advisory stated. Authorities said the guidelines were aimed at reducing congestion on roads and ensuring the safety of residents, as more rain is expected to worsen flooding in low-lying areas. Emergency response teams have been put on alert, with the administration urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The advisory comes amid growing public anger over Gurugrams poor drainage and infrastructure. Earlier, a senior officer of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) courted controversy by blaming residents for waterlogging, saying, They keep throwing garbage everywhere." The remark sparked criticism from citizens who accused civic officials of deflecting responsibility instead of presenting solutions. With forecasts pointing to another day of intense rainfall, the DDMA has asked residents to stay indoors, keep emergency contacts handy, and report any incidents of flooding or damage to local control rooms. 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: September 02, 2025, 13:10 IST News india They Throw Garbage Everywhere: Gurugram Civic Body Officer Blames Residents For Waterlogging Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Throat Slit, Body Dismembered: Youth Killed For Relationship With Friend's Sister, Torso Found In Ganga Curated By : Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:33 IST Police said the arrested men have confessed to their roles in the crime, detailing how they killed Rishikesh in Kakori and transported his remains to the river. According to reports, the group lured Rishikesh to Kakori forest and killed him. (Representative Image) Police in Kanpur on Monday claimed to have solved the brutal murder of a 22-year-old man identified as Rishikesh, whose torso was recovered from the banks of the Ganga in Maharajpur on Sunday. According to a report in The Times of India, Chakeri police have arrested four suspects, while four others, including the prime accused, remain at large. Recommended Stories DCP (East) Satyajit Gupta said the killing was linked to a personal rivalry. Rishikesh was allegedly in a relationship with the sister of the main accused, Pawan Nishad, who had repeatedly warned him to stay away. Ignoring the threats, Rishikesh continued the relationship, which investigators believe triggered the murder. According to the TOI report, police said that the group lured Rishikesh to Kakori forest on Friday, where his throat was slit. His body was then dismembered, packed into bags, and transported in an e-rickshaw before being dumped from a bridge into the Ganga. While the torso was recovered 22 km downstream in Maharajpur on Sunday, police believe other remains were also discarded in the river. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rishikeshs brother Ravi Kumar later filed a murder complaint naming Pawan Nishad, his brother Bobby Nishad, and their associates Naga Nishad alias Prem, Arun Nishad, Nikhil, Satyam, and two others. Those arrested so far include Mogli alias Prince, Nikhil, Akash alias Aloo, and Rishu Verma. The key accused, Pawan, his brother Bobby, Satyam, and Danny remain absconding. Police said the arrested men have confessed to their roles in the crime, detailing how they killed Rishikesh in Kakori and transported his remains to the river. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:33 IST News india Throat Slit, Body Dismembered: Youth Killed For Relationship With Friend's Sister, Torso Found In Ganga Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trumps One-Sided Trade Claim On India Doesnt Match Reality. Heres Why Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 00:05 IST If tariffs were purely about fixing Americas biggest deficits, China, Mexico, and the EU would be the main targets. Yet, Trump often singles out India Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Tariffs on India are more political than economic. They serve a campaign narrative rather than address the root causes of the US deficit. Donald Trump has once again taken aim at India, calling the countrys trade relationship with the United States a totally one-sided disaster". In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that India sells massive amounts of goods" to the United States while buying very little" in return, justifying his push for higher tariffs. Recommended Stories However, when one digs into the numbers, the story looks very different. The US goods trade deficit hit a record $1.2 trillion in 2024. Heres how Americas biggest imbalances stack up: US Trade Deficit by Country (2024, Goods Only): China: ~$270B European Union: ~$236B Mexico: ~$157B Vietnam: ~$113B Canada: ~$55B India: $41.5B Indias deficit is among the lowest of Americas major partners. By contrast, Chinas imbalance is nearly seven times higher. What About Tariffs? Trump is not wrong that India historically imposed higher tariffsespecially on automobiles, agriculture, and electronics. But this argument overlooks two realities: One, India is not unique. Many economies, including China, Brazil, and the EU, use high tariffs or non-tariff barriers. Second, India has been opening up. In recent years, tariffs have been reduced on energy imports, ICT products, and defence procurementsectors where US firms are expanding. US Exports to India Are Rising Far from being totally one-sided", trade flows are becoming more balanced. US exports of LNG, crude oil, aircraft, machinery, and defence equipment to India are rising. Apart from this, India is now one of the fastest-growing US export markets. Washington is also increasingly gaining from Indias growing demand for advanced technology and energy supplies. Why Single Out India? If tariffs were purely about fixing Americas biggest deficits, China, Mexico, and the EU would be the main targets. Yet, Trump often singles out India. India is not Americas biggest trade problem. Its $41.5B deficit is modest compared to China, Mexico, or Vietnam. Clearly, tariffs on India are more political than economic. They serve a campaign narrative rather than address the root causes of the US deficit. The real story is that USIndia trade is expanding in both directions, with more opportunities for American businesses than ever before and calling India the biggest beneficiary" of US trade is misleading. This was also echoed by Dr Brahma Chellaney, professor and strategic affairs expert, who accused the US President of attacking India with falsehoods and distortions". In a post on X, Chellaney said: After setting loose his attack dogsScott Bessent, Peter Navarro and Kevin Hassetton India, Trump has now turned his fire directly on New Delhi in a Truth Social post packed with falsehoods and distortions." Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, too, accused Trump of being economical with truth and trading in falsities". Sibal, on X, shared data of other countries deficit with the US which is much higher than Indias and added: The claim that we have offered to reduce our tariffs to nothing is true of some products but our redlines are firm." Projecting US as the greatest victim of india in trade . Dramatising. Fact is:US deficit with China is $ 270b,With EU $ 161 b, with Mexico $ 157b, with Vietnam $ 113.1b, with Taiwan $67.4b, with Japan $ 62.6b, with South Korea $ 60.2b, Canada 54.8b, Thailand $ 41.5b, India https://t.co/oAgkluMrD8 Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) September 1, 2025 Self-Inflicted Damage? News18 had reported earlier how higher tariffs on India would hurt American consumers, businesses, and universitiesthe same groups Trump claims to protect. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The most immediate impact of the 50 per cent duty is expected to be a rise in prices across a broad spectrum of everyday products. Key Indian exports to the USincluding auto parts, IT hardware, textiles, and industrial chemicalsare widely used in American manufacturing and retail sectors, making cost increases likely across the supply chain. India serves not only as a source of finished products but also as a key supplier of intermediate goods such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), specialty chemicals, and software services. US companies depend significantly on Indian partners for manufacturing inputs, IT services, and backend operations and the tariffs have now injected significant uncertainty into these supply chains. About the Author Amit Shukla Amit Shukla, Executive Editor at CNN-News18, heads the Input Desk, overseeing news gathering, editorial planning, and news coordination. First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:58 IST News india Trumps One-Sided Trade Claim On India Doesnt Match Reality. Heres Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Weather Updates: North India On Red Alert; Heavy Rains Likely In Odisha, Andhra Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 17:44 IST IMD issues red and orange alerts as heavy rainfall, landslides, and floods hit Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, disrupting daily life and travel. The IMD forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms in parts of Andhra Pradesh between September 1 and 5. (File) All India Weather: Most parts of the country are facing the wrath of heavy rainfall, landslides, and cloudbursts. An intense spell of rain struck Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha, while flash floods wreaked havoc in the states of North India. Amid the intensifying rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a widespread rainfall alert on Tuesday for several parts of the country as a low-pressure area forms over the northwest Bay of Bengal. Recommended Stories As per the weather agency, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Northwest and East India over the next two days, with isolated extremely heavy showers forecasted today in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. In response to the weather warnings, schools, colleges, and offices in the affected regions have been advised to close, with employees encouraged to work from home. Heavy Rainfall Alert In These States The weather department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Gujarat. An orange alert has been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, West Rajasthan, Telangana, parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Tuesday, while persistent rain is expected over Uttarakhand; heavy showers are expected in East Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh. VIDEO | Weather Update: IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava says, A warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. A red alert has been issued for Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, pic.twitter.com/bKhKnlmTJP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 2, 2025 Chhattisgarh may see continued intense rain on September 3 as well, while Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada may receive rain till September 7 Gujarat, especially Saurashtra and Kutch, will also receive extremely heavy rainfall over the next 7 days. Rain Lashes Delhi The water level in Yamuna river crossed the danger mark in the national capital on Tuesday. Meanwhile, authorities have announced that the Old Railway Bridge over the Yamuna in Delhi will be closed to traffic from Tuesday evening. Loha Pul will also be inaccessible from 5 PM on September 2, following a rise in river water levels. Thunderstorms Across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh The IMD also issued a red nowcast warning on Tuesday, forecasting heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. VIDEO | Himachal Pradesh: Train services have been suspended, 1,311 roads, including six national highways, have been closed, and schools remain shut as heavy rainfall disrupted normal life.The local Met Office has issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rain in isolated pic.twitter.com/VUxuI3ibXQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 2, 2025 According to the IMD, the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur, and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh were placed under a red alert. In Haryana, the warning covered Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, Rewari, and Mewat. Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall can cause local flooding, traffic disruption, and damage to weak structures. Residents are advised to remain indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety guidelines," the IMD advisory mentioned. Heavy Rain Lashes Odisha The entire coastal Odisha has been hit by heavy rain, and normal life has been affected since Monday night. Many urban pockets, including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, reported waterlogging. Due to the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, the state is expected to get more downpour in the next four days, the IMD said. As the sea condition is very likely to be rough during Tuesday and Wednesday, the IMD has cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off Odisha coast till September 3. The IMD in a statement said, Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Myanmar coast, a low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on September 2. It is likely to become more marked over the same region during the next 24 hours." Heavy Rains, Thunderstorms Forecast In Andhra The IMD forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms in parts of Andhra Pradesh between September 1 and 5. According to the India Meteorological Department, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam on Monday, along with thunderstorms accompanied by lightning over NCAP, south coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in several parts of Andhra Pradesh between September 1 and 5," the IMD said in a press release. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The department also forecast strong winds with speeds of 4050 kmph at isolated places over NCAP, Yanam, SCAP, and Rayalaseema from September 1 to 3. (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 First Published: September 02, 2025, 17:44 IST News india Weather Updates: North India On Red Alert; Heavy Rains Likely In Odisha, Andhra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Flooding: How Urbanisation And Changing Rainfall Patterns Swell The Yamuna Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:43 IST Rising rainfall, rapid urbanisation, and vanishing water bodies are turning Delhis monsoon into a flood crisis. Yamuna water breaches danger mark When the Yamuna swells each monsoon, Delhi braces itself. Water rushes into low-lying neighbourhoods, familiar roads transform into rivers, and the citys drainage systems struggle to cope. What seems like a natural disaster is, in fact, a story decades in the making one shaped as much by changing rainfall patterns as by choices of urban planning. As Nitin Bassi, Fellow at CEEW, explains, CEEW analysis shows that more than 55 per cent sub-districts in India have witnessed increase in rainfall during the south-west monsoon in the past decade. The increased rainfall intensity during July and August and land use changes in the Western Himalayas have contributed substantially to the swelling of the River Yamuna during monsoon season." Recommended Stories But the rising Yamuna is only part of the picture. Delhi itself has become more vulnerable to flooding. The citys built-up area has grown by over 35% in the last 15 years. With more concrete and asphalt covering the ground, even the same intensity of rainfall today generates higher runoff than in the past. Meanwhile, the area under water bodies, once natural buffers that absorbed and slowed stormwater has shrunk drastically. Bassi points out that this twin effect of more rain, less absorption" creates cascading risks for the capital. On the other hand, the built-up area in Delhi has gone up by over 35 per cent in the last 15 years, generating higher runoff with the rainfall of same intensity in comparison to past years. Further, the area under water bodies has shrunk that used to slow down runoff and absorb storm water." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The result is a city where riverine flooding collides with localised waterloggingan urban challenge that calls for urgent, coordinated responses. As Bassi suggests, To better mitigate the impact of riverine flooding in urban areas like Delhi, which already face challenges with waterlogging and localised flooding, it is crucial to implement improved preparatory measures. These include development of city level or hyper-local flood risk management plans to identify flooding hotspots and help prioritise flood management interventions, better enforcement of land use change regulations ensuring that the floodplains are not utilised for development activities, effective solid waste management policies to prevent the choking of local drainage systems, and revival of urban green and blue spaces that can absorb excess water during flood events." The message is clear: Delhis floods are not just about heavy rain or an unruly river, theyre about choices. Without stronger land-use regulations, revived water bodies, and smarter planning, the Yamuna will continue to spill into the city each year, turning monsoon into a season of loss. But with foresight, Delhi could turn the tide transforming risk into resilience. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:43 IST News lifestyle Delhi Flooding: How Urbanisation And Changing Rainfall Patterns Swell The Yamuna From Paneer Makhani To Parathas: Chefs Reveal EU Ingredients That Transform Indian Food Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:41 IST Chefs reveal how Indian classics like naan, dal, and paneer makhani can be reimagined with authentic EU ingredients, from Danish blue cheese to French butter. Chefs Ajay Chopra and Guntas Sethi share how authentic EU ingredients like Danablu, Burrata, Beurre dIsigny, and Feta can take your Indian meals from delicious to unforgettable Bold flavours, aromatic spices, and soulful comfort: Indian food is all that. However, with the influx of international shows on OTT and us travelling more than ever, havent you felt taking your favourite Indian dishes a notch higher, and making them more indulgent and exciting, while still staying true to the desi essence? According to top chefs, the secret lies in experimenting with authentic European Union (EU) ingredients celebrated worldwide for their quality, authenticity, and heritage. Now, we are intrigued. Elevating Classics with a Global Twist Recommended Stories Chef Ajay Chopra, EUs More Than Food" campaign ambassador believes the joy of cooking lies in reimagining Indian classics with a touch of European excellence. Instead of preparing a basic garlic naan, I would rather go for a naan infused with Danablu, PGI from Denmark (blue cheese), for an unexpected depth of flavour," he shares. Similarly, he suggests transforming the much-loved paneer makhani into something richer by using Burrata di Andria, PGI from Italy. The creamy burrata adds indulgence and complexity, turning the familiar dish into a gourmet experience. For him, EU ingredients are more than just flavour enhancersthey represent authenticity, sustainability, and world-class standards. The key has always been to experiment with balance by letting EU ingredients enhance the essence of Indian cuisine," he adds. Richness, Balance, and Heritage on a Plate EUs More Than Food" campaign ambassador, Chef Guntas Sethi, agrees that EU ingredients can take Indian food to another level especially when it comes to texture and richness. Since fat is flavour, I recommend replacing regular cooking oil with high-quality European butter like Beurre dIsigny, PDO from France. This instantly elevates dals, curries, and parathas with a luxurious richness," she explains. She also highlights how European cheeses can complement Indian spices beautifully. Feta, PDO from Greece, or Edam Holland, PGI from the Netherlands, bring creamy textures and balance spice with saltiness, making them perfect for fusion recipes. For health-conscious cooks, she recommends Korculansko maslinovo ulje, Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO from Croatia, which works wonders in marinades, salads, and even when drizzled over roasted vegetables. Whenever you shop, keep an eye out for EU quality labels such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). These labels ensure authenticity, tradition, and the finest standards of quality, bringing trusted European heritage straight to your plate," says Chef Guntas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Culinary Bridge Between India and Europe Whether its Chef Ajays indulgent naan with Danish blue cheese or Chef Guntas hearty dal enriched with French butter, both agree on one thing: authentic EU ingredients dont overshadow Indian flavours they amplify them. By combining the robustness of Indian spices with the finesse of European produce, home cooks and food lovers can create meals that feel both comforting and refreshingly new. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:45 IST News lifestyle food From Paneer Makhani To Parathas: Chefs Reveal EU Ingredients That Transform Indian Food Sadhgurus Net Worth And Luxury Lifestyle: From Yoga To Supercars And Superbikes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:49 IST Jaggi Vasudev, better known as Sadhguru, is not only a spiritual teacher and environmental activist but also an admirer of high-performance cars and bikes. From founding Isha Foundation to riding luxury cars and bikes, Sadhgurus net worth reveals a life that blends spirituality with modern indulgence. When you hear the name Sadhguru, the first image that comes to mind is of a calm, wise man draped in flowing robes, speaking in his gentle baritone about inner peace and yoga. But Jaggi Vasudev, the man behind the title, is far more layered. Hes not just a spiritual guide; hes a phenomenon who has made Indias ancient yogic wisdom resonate with the modern world. And beyond the calm exterior lies an unexpected passion for roaring motorcycles and high-performance cars. Early Life: From Mysuru to Meditation Recommended Stories Born in Mysuru, Karnataka, into a Telugu family, Jagadish Vasudev grew up as the youngest of five siblings. His father was an ophthalmologist, and his childhood was steeped in both discipline and curiosity. He studied English literature at the University of Mysore, a choice that would later sharpen his ability to communicate with clarity and wit. Before turning to spirituality, he explored multiple venturesincluding a quirky experiment with poultry farming. But everything changed in 1982 when, during a quiet evening meditation on a rock, he experienced a life-altering spiritual awakening. Within a year, he began teaching yoga, setting the stage for his journey as Sadhguru. The Isha Foundation: Building a Movement In 1992, Sadhguru founded the Isha Foundation at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains near Coimbatore. The organization started with yoga programmes but has since evolved into a global movement, tackling education, rural development, and environmental restoration. His impact was nationally recognized in 2017 when he received the Padma Vibhushan, Indias second-highest civilian honor. Environmental Visionary Sadhguru isnt just about inner well-being, hes equally invested in the planets well-being. His large-scale campaigns like Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and Project GreenHands have mobilized thousands to take action for water and forest conservation. His approach blends scientific reasoning with spiritual reverence, encouraging people to reconnect with nature in a more intimate way. The Unexpected Side: Cars and Superbikes Now comes the twist in the tale. For a man who teaches detachment, Sadhguru harbors a well-known love for luxury wheels. But heres the catch: most of these vehicles are borrowed for campaigns or later auctioned, with proceeds channeled into Ishas initiatives. Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 63 AMG A beast of an SUV worth around 2.44 crore, powered by a twin-turbo V8, perfect for his rugged road journeys. This was lent for the Rally for Rivers. Toyota Scion 1000PS A rare, 1000-horsepower powerhouse not sold in India, underlining his fascination with engineering marvels. BMW K 1600 GT A luxury touring motorcycle priced at nearly 30 lakh, marrying comfort and performance in true Sadhguru style. Ducati Multistrada 1260 & Scrambler Desert Sled Motorcycles that capture both sophistication and grit, reflecting his adventurous streak. Subtle Luxury: Watches and Style Though his attire is simple, Sadhguru appreciates fine craftsmanship. Hes been spotted wearing Victorinox Swiss Army Cavalry and Cartier Pasha Seatimer watchestimeless pieces that align with his understated elegance. Global Followers From Bollywood stars like R. Madhavan, Ajay Devgn, and Kangana Ranaut to Hollywoods Will Smith, Sadhgurus teachings transcend borders and cultures, drawing in seekers from all walks of life. The Man Who Bridges Worlds top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What makes Sadhguru extraordinary is his ability to live fully in two seemingly opposite realms. Rooted in ancient yogic wisdom yet unafraid of the modern worlds complexities, he defies the stereotype of a reclusive mystic. Whether guiding meditations, planting trees, or revving the engine of a Ducati, he embodies a philosophy of living expansively. Sadhguru reminds us that spirituality isnt about withdrawal, its about embracing life in all its speed, silence, and surprising twists. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:49 IST News lifestyle Sadhgurus Net Worth And Luxury Lifestyle: From Yoga To Supercars And Superbikes Why Designers Are Choosing Warm Lighting Over Bright White? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 21:26 IST Designers are moving away from bright white lighting to cozy warm light, creating human-centered spaces that feel inviting, natural, and emotionally resonant. Instead of stark, cool-toned bulbs, more and more projects are embracing warm, cozy lighting that feels softer, more natural, and ultimately more human. For years, bright white lighting was seen as the ultimate sign of modern design, clean, crisp, and functional. But today, designers are rethinking that approach. Instead of stark, cool-toned bulbs, more and more projects are embracing warm, cozy lighting that feels softer, more natural, and ultimately more human. The shift isnt just about aesthetics. Its about how light makes us feel. Recommended Stories Why Warm Light Works Better Aryaman Jain, CEO of Innovative Design Studio by IDG, explains that designers are moving toward warmer color temperatures in the 2700K3000K range because of their impact on mood and perception. Bright white light, while functional, can feel sterile and unwelcoming," he says. Warm light enhances materials bringing out the richness of wood, softening finishes, and creating a more inviting atmosphere. It aligns with circadian-friendly design and delivers visual comfort without compromising efficiency." Thanks to advances in LED and tunable lighting, designers no longer have to choose between sustainability and quality. High-CRI (90+) warm LEDs now provide beautiful, consistent light thats both efficient and human-centric. The Emotional Side of Lighting For Jenny Pinto, founder of Oorjaa, the appeal of warm light has always been personal. Weve always preferred warmer tones," she says. Our handmade banana fibre paper diffuses light like a warm hug. Whether its a home or a workplace, everyone loves a hug, it makes people feel safe and cared for." Lighting, she explains, is no longer just about visibility. Its about wellness. Even workspaces arent purely functional anymore, theyre about creating environments where people feel good. Materials like handmade paper, natural fibres, and textiles enhance that warmth, making light feel lived-in, grounded, and deeply human." Warm Light as a Lifestyle Choice Saba Kapoor, co-founder of Nivasa, agrees that bright white lighting often creates a stark, impersonal mood. The move to warm light was inevitable," she says. Its about more than looks, its about emotional resonance." Kapoor highlights how warm light brings out textures in natural materials like wood, stone, and fabric in ways cool light never can. Technically, warm light in the 2200K2700K range reduces glare, minimises visual fatigue, and supports circadian rhythm. But more importantly, it softens spaces and creates intimacy." She connects this philosophy to the Nordic concept of hygge, a design approach centered around comfort, coziness, and connection. In todays overstimulated world, people crave authenticity and calm. Warm lighting creates those moments of presence and togetherness." A More Human Future for Lighting top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Whats clear is that lighting design is moving in a more human direction. Bright white light served its purpose, but todays designers are recognizing that the spaces we live and work in need to feel personal, nurturing, and alive. Warm lighting doesnt just illuminate, it tells a story, sets a mood, and brings us closer to the kind of environments we want to spend time in. From homes and offices to retail and hospitality, the glow is shifting from harsh to heartfelt. Or, as Pinto puts it simply: Light that feels warm makes us feel human." About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 21:26 IST News lifestyle Why Designers Are Choosing Warm Lighting Over Bright White? Vetrimaaran Closes Production House Due To Excessive Pressure, Bad Girl To Be Its Final Film Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:58 IST Vetrimaaran shuts down Grass Root Film Company after Bad Girl, starring Anjali Sivaraman, after CBFC scrutiny and controversy. Vetrimaaran announces Bad Girl will be his last film. Veteran Tamil filmmaker Vetrimaaran has announced that he is shutting down his production company, Grass Root Film Company, which he founded in 2012. He also revealed that his upcoming film, the controversial coming-of-age drama Bad Girl, will be the last project produced under the banner. The decision, he said, stems from the immense pressure associated with producing films. Vetrimaaran shuts down production house Recommended Stories Speaking to the press in Chennai on Monday ahead of Bad Girls release, Vetrimaaran opened up about the challenges he faced while producing his recent films, Manushi and Bad Girl. Being a producer is a taxing job. Being a director is a creative job. Theres no pressure in that job; we should just do our work. But, if you are a producer, you should be aware of everything, including the comments under a teaser," he explained. The filmmaker further talked about how statements from cast and crew members can impact a films business. He said, As a producer, that becomes huge pressure. Director Mysskin and I were discussing this a few days ago. There are a lot of things involved in this." He further elaborated on the financial and emotional challenges of producing films: To be a producer is extremely challenging. People like me borrow money to produce a film. So, Bad Girl will be our last production venture at Grass Roots. Were closing doors." The problems faced by Vetrimaarans productions Vetrimaarans recent productions have also faced scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Earlier this year, his film Manushi, starring Andrea Jeremiah and directed by N. Gopi Nainar, was denied a censor certificate. In June, the filmmaker approached the Madras High Court, which questioned the CBFCs decision. By 30 August, the film required 25 cuts and 12 modifications before clearance. Similarly, Bad Girl, starring Anjali Sivaraman and directed by Varsha Bharat, encountered controversy following its teaser release, which was criticised for allegedly portraying Brahmins negatively. After watching the teaser, we saw some hypersensitive comments and assumptions being made. But the movie wasnt like that. The CBFC gave it a U/A. Manushi, my previous film, went to one censor screening and two revising committee screenings," Vetrimaaran said. More about Bad Girl Co-presented by Anurag Kashyap, Bad Girl is scheduled for release in theatres on 5 September after its premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on February 7, 2025. Bad Girl is a Tamil coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Varsha Bharath, starring Anjali Sivaraman in the lead role. The film is produced and presented by Vetrimaaran under his Grass Root Film Company banner, along with Anurag Kashyap. From her school and college days to stepping out into the larger world, Ramyas quest to find the ideal partner is challenged by societal expectations, strict parents, unreciprocated love, and the unpredictable turbulence of her own thoughts. That forms the crux of the story. First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:58 IST News movies regional-cinema Vetrimaaran Closes Production House Due To Excessive Pressure, Bad Girl To Be Its Final Film Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, another group of Ukrainian children and young people aged 3 to 18 returned from the temporarily occupied territories and the territory of the Russian Federation, said head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. "For years they lived under pressure and fear. The occupiers forced them to attend Russian schools, threatened and humiliated their parents. Among those rescued is a mother with two sons, who were deported to Russia and had their Ukrainian documents taken away. The family was left without basic living conditions - money, clothes, food. They tried to return home on their own twice, and only on the third attempt and thanks to the help of the initiative's partners did they manage to escape," Yermak wrote on the Telegram channel. In addition, among the returned is a child with disabilities, who was forced to live in the occupied territory for years without proper treatment and necessary medicines. "Today she is with her mother, safe and under the care of Ukrainian doctors," Yermak noted. He thanked the team of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine and all international partners for their assistance in rescuing the children. "We will continue to do everything to ensure that every Ukrainian child returns home," he stressed. From Fadnavis To Shinde: Three Governments, One Demand, And An Unfinished Quota Battle Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:48 IST In Maharashtras reservation battle over the past decade laws have been passed, hopes have been raised, and then courtrooms have brought everything back to square one. Supporters of activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who is on hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation, gather outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to join his agitation, in Mumbai. (Image: PTI) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently sought to underline this delicate balance. The law stands operative pending judicial review," he told a press conference, reminding Maratha protestors that their demand has been addressed legislatively, even if the judiciary still has the final word. His words capture the essence of Maharashtras reservation battle over the past decade laws have been passed, hopes have been raised, and then courtrooms have brought everything back to square one. Recommended Stories Fadnavis and the First Serious Attempt The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government under Devendra Fadnavis (20142019) was the first to take the Maratha agitation head-on. Facing massive rallies across the state, including the silent but powerful muk-morcha" processions, the Fadnavis administration relied on the Justice Gaikwad Commission report, which concluded that Marathas were indeed socially and educationally backward. In November 2018, the state passed the SEBC Act, carving out a new category and awarding Marathas 16 per cent reservation. The Bombay High Court in June 2019 partly upheld the law, trimming the quota to 12 per cent in education and 13 per cent in jobs. For Marathas, this was a partial victory, and the government rushed to implement it, with thousands receiving admissions and jobs under the quota. But the celebrations were short-lived. In May 2021, the Supreme Court struck down the law, delivering a stinging blow to both the government and the community. The Court held that the state had failed to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances" that would justify breaching the 50 per cent ceiling on caste quotas imposed by the landmark Indra Sawhney judgment of 1992. It also pointed out that after the 102nd Constitutional Amendment, states no longer had unfettered powers to identify SEBCs independently. The verdict left Marathas back at square one. Thackerays Defensive Interlude The 2021 ruling fell during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by Uddhav Thackeray. The coalition comprising Shiv Sena (undivided), NCP, and Congress was politically cornered. It promised to file review petitions, made appeals to the Union government, and urged the Centre to take corrective steps. But no concrete relief materialised. Instead, the Thackeray government quietly advised the community to make use of the 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) introduced by the Centre in 2019, a suggestion that angered Maratha leaders who insisted that the communitys claim was rooted in social and educational backwardness, not just economic need. The Thackeray era thus marked a period of drift. The agitation lost steam temporarily, only to re-emerge with new vigour once the Shinde-Fadnavis government took charge in 2022. Shindes Reset: A New Law and the Kunbi Route Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aware of the political weight of the Maratha demand, moved aggressively. In February 2024, his government passed another SEBC law granting Marathas 10 per cent quota. This law, unlike its predecessor, is supported by a fresh set of data that the state believes will stand judicial scrutiny. Yet, opponents argue that the data still fails to meet the Supreme Courts test of extraordinary circumstances." The laws fate will ultimately depend on how the judiciary interprets the evidence. Parallelly, the government explored another path bringing sections of the Maratha community into the OBC fold. This is where the Justice Sandeep Shinde Committee was set up to identify Marathas with Kunbi lineage, since Kunbis are recognised as OBCs. The move opened up a bureaucratic exercise of digging into old land records, school certificates, and family documents. Some Maratha families have successfully secured OBC certificates through this route. But the government went a step further, floating the sage soyare" (blood relatives) model. Under this scheme, extended relatives of Kunbis could also claim OBC status. This triggered fierce backlash from OBC organisations, who saw it as a backdoor attempt to subsume Marathas into their category. Protests erupted, petitions were filed, and the matter is once again before the courts. For now, only individuals with verifiable Kunbi records stand a realistic chance of entering the OBC quota. Mass inclusion remains a political slogan rather than a legal reality. Jarange Patil and the Politics of the Street Amid this complex legal battle, the social movement has been kept alive by the likes of Manoj Jarange Patil. Emerging from Marathwada, Jarange has turned into the face of the agitation, particularly since 2023. His hunger strikes, fiery speeches, and ability to mobilise thousands have turned him into both a pressure point for the government and a rallying figure for the community. At Mumbais Azad Maidan, his recent fast has drawn supporters from across Maharashtra, with trucks bringing food, water, and supplies in a show of solidarity. His rhetoric is blunt if leaders fail to deliver, they will face political consequences. For thousands of ordinary Maratha families who see shrinking opportunities in government jobs and education, Jaranges words resonate. The demand for quota is no longer just a legal debate it is a fight for survival and dignity. The Larger Social and Political Equation Why does this issue persist? The answer lies in the unique position of the Marathas. Estimated to form 3035 per cent of Maharashtras population, they have historically dominated the states political structure, producing chief ministers, cabinet ministers, and a vast network of cooperative institutions. Yet, beneath this dominance lies significant inequality. Large landowning Marathas coexist with marginal farmers and landless labourers, many of whom have seen little social mobility. It is this segment that drives the quota demand. On the other hand, the OBCs who constitute roughly 27 per cent of the states population see Maratha entry into their quota as a direct threat to their already limited share. This tension has created an unusual political contest: two large communities, both electorally significant, pulling in opposite directions. The government of the day, regardless of its composition, is caught in the middle. The Road Ahead top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Today, Maharashtra technically has a Maratha quota law in place. But it is a law walking on eggshells. The Bombay High Court is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming months, and whatever the outcome, it will almost certainly be appealed to the Supreme Court. Only if the judiciary is satisfied with the states data and reasoning will the quota survive. Otherwise, the cycle of promises and disappointments will continue. For the Shinde-Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar government, the stakes could not be higher. The coalition depends heavily on Maratha support, but it also cannot afford to alienate the OBC bloc. As elections approach, the ability of the government to keep both sides mollified may decide its survival. The bottom line is stark. After three governments, multiple commissions, two laws, and countless protests, the Maratha reservation battle remains unfinished. It has already reshaped Maharashtras politics and will continue to do so until a final judicial settlement arrives. For now, the demand lives on part law, part movement, and wholly a test of political will in one of Indias most complex states. 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: September 02, 2025, 10:36 IST News opinion From Fadnavis To Shinde: Three Governments, One Demand, And An Unfinished Quota Battle Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Did Trump Lose India? Lessons In Diplomacy & Deal-Making Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 15:39 IST Slapping 50 per cent tariffs was a terrible overreach. To fix it would require tremendous wisdom and effort from both leaders Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google It is for the sake of US and India that this relationship must deepen. Each can function without the other. (Reuters) It is sad for me to see two of my beloved countries drifting apart in matters of trade. I would have hoped that there could be an incremental non-zero game agreement that would benefit both sides in the long run. Strategically, it made sense that the US and India realised the seriousness and importance of their engagement. But somehow things fell apart. We do not know enough to point out who eventually was responsible for the sudden worsening of relations between the two. However, if I were advising President Trump, these are suggestions I would bring to the table: Recommended Stories Never stop talking. As Winston Churchill used to say, Stay at the table." Of course, this is a different kind of table. The moment you call off discussions is when you have created a permanent rupture. Were things so bad that a permanent rupture should have been created? I do not think so from the little that I know. My suggestion to both sides, Patch it!" Dont let your boxes meet. Making the tariffs a punishment for buying oil from Russia was did not seem a valid reason. These should not be aired in public and must be discussed with the party one is dealing with in private. This argument that India should be punished for buying from Russia convinces no one that it is legitimate. That brings us to the third point. Never lose credibility. Even your opponent should respect your fairness and probity. Then even if you lose in the minor negotiations, you come out ahead in the final run. Punishment, if given at all, must be just and appropriate and not random. Otherwise, you lose respect. Think long-term and win-win. Both countries are going nowhere and have to deal with each other. It is better to gain respect and plan strategically and creatively than pull out of discussions to force a short-term gain or victory. Never insult your opponent. Never rub their noses in the ground no matter how much stronger you are. In International Relations, you will always need someone. But if you destroy the relationship forever, you have created a new problem for yourself. Do not put them down. Even if their economy is dead, tweeting it serves no purpose beyond a five-second gush of testosterone in your veins. Do not say things like we are going to crush you. That is the best way to destroy a relationship. Never underestimate your opponent. If you back a person into a corner, they will have no choice but to fight back. Leave room open for them to score a win or maneuver. Have some people around you who disagree with you and are not afraid to tell you to your face where and when they think you are wrong. Have a team of wise counsel whom you talk with daily, and they must not be yes-men, but nindaks or critics. As Kabir said, Nindak niyare rakhiye, aangan kuti chhavaya." That is, keep your critics close to you; even build them a hut in your courtyard. Never use the D-word. If you do not mean it, you never want your spouse to start thinking about it. Never attack the non-negotiables of your opponent. If you realise they have concerns that are non-negotiable, have a big heart and find other strategies that work for them. Do not annoy your opponent by hobnobbing with their enemy and sticking it to them. They can do the same and, whether you take pleasure by poking in their eye, you will lose eventually if they get inspired and think of adopting your methods. Some day they will. Nothing is gained by killing a deal. Even if you have chosen to kill the deal, kill it the right way, without destroying good will. Leave the door open for further discussion or future possibilities. I fear that even if somehow the leaders find a way to come to terms with each other now, there is an irreversible rupture now. This will take a few decades at least to heal like the last time. But it seems to me that India has moved on. Non-reaction means non-concern. That is not good for the US. India is now looking internally at its own solutions for its own problems, on its own terms. Whether she has allies or not it no longer matters to her. Modi has shown that he can be as transactional as anyone else on this stage. He is very capable of turning away completely from a country if it has betrayed him once. We have the example of Pakistan which has paid a hefty price for its misadventures. Modi has increasingly ignored Pakistan and broken all relationship with it after the Pathankot terrorist attack and now it is almost a complete disregard. India completely withdrew from China after Doklam. And it is only now that the rift has been patched up partially. Trump should not make this mistake. It is for the sake of US and India that this relationship must deepen. Each can function without the other. But together, they could have been force multiplier like few others in the world. Unfortunately, it seems that the US needs India more than India needs the US. America is no longer the hyperpower it used to be, and it will need Indias partnership to bounce back. The die has been cast unfortunately. Slapping 50 per cent tariffs was a terrible overreach. To fix it would require tremendous wisdom and effort from both leaders. The Art of the Deal is still possible. Maybe a second edition. Where my competitors victory is turned into my own, without any loss to him. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For if they drift apart, it is their common enemies who win. Pariksith Singh is author, poet, philosopher and medical practitioner based in Florida. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 02, 2025, 15:39 IST News opinion Opinion | Did Trump Lose India? Lessons In Diplomacy & Deal-Making Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:15 IST By glancing at the calendar, youll see that September is packed with festivals this year. Check out the complete list of school holidays. 1 / 10 By glancing at the calendar, youll see that September is packed with festivals. During this time, all government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions are closed, along with government offices and banks. (Image: File) + Follow us On Google 2 / 10 Lets take a look at the number of days schools will be closed in September and the number of long weekends available during this holiday period. (Image: File) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Onam (September 4-5, 2025): Schools in Kerala will remain closed on these dates, to celebrate the state's annual harvest festival. (Image: AI-Generated) 4 / 10 Id-e-Milad (September 5, 2025): Schools in several states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra may remain shut to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Teacher's Day (September 5, 2025): Most schools across India remain shut to celebrate Teacher's Day to commemorate the birth of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. (Image: AI-Generated) 6 / 10 Ganesh Visarjan (September 6, 2025): Schools in Maharashtra are expected to be shut on account of Ganesh Visarjan. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Vishwakarma Puja (September 17, 2025): Schools in some states may remain closed for the occasion. (Image: AI-Generated) 8 / 10 Navratri (September 22-October 2, 2025): On certain days during the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, schools and colleges may remain shut in states like Gujarat and Mahashtra. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Durga Puja (September 29-30, 2025): Eastern states such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha celebrate Durga Puja, with schools closing for Maha Saptami and Maha Ashtami this month. (Image: AI-Generated) 'Can't Be Under Siege': Bombay HC Flays Maharashtra Govt, Jarange After Judge Walks To Court Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 16:26 IST The Mumbai Police issued a notice to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange and his team, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan at the earliest Activist Manoj Jarange Patil during his hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation at Azad Maidan; (right) police stop a vehicle as Maratha community members gather outside CSMT, in Mumbai on September 2. (Image: PTI) The Bombay High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Maharashtra government and Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange after a judge was forced to walk to court as several protesters surrounded the court premises. It cannot be that the high court was under siege and a judge had to walk to court," said a bench of acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe Jarange. Recommended Stories Manoj Jarange is staging an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan from August 29 and has said he will not leave Mumbai till his demands are met by the government. The Mumbai Police issued a notice to Jarange and his team, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan at the earliest even as the high court issued similar directions or face action. The court warned of action, including exemplary cost and contempt action, if Jarange and his supporters do not vacate the place. The bench said it wants complete normalcy restored and, if not, then they, too, will get on the streets. The HC said Jarange and his supporters have violated the law and, hence, have no right to occupy Azad Maidan without any permission. This is a very serious situation. We are not satisfied with the state government too. There seems to be some lapse on part of the government also," it said. Senior advocate Satish Maneshinde, appearing for Jarange, tendered an apology for misbehaviour by some supporters on the city streets and said the activist has strived from day one to ensure no one is troubled. The court further asked if Jarange and his supporters have vacated Azad Maidan, where he is on an indefinite hunger strike. They (Jarange and his supporters) are violators and hence they have no right at all. They must leave immediately or we will take action. This is completely illegalwe will not allow anyone there at Azad Maidan," the bench said. Maneshinde told the bench that many protesters have returned home to their villages after the hearing on Monday (September 1). Our protesters are protesting peacefully, no damage has been done anywhere. Please adjourn the matter until 11 am tomorrow," he said, adding that Jarange has issued a statement appealing to his supporters not to create any traffic problems and not to gather in numbers exceeding 5,000. On his request, the court adjourned the matter till Wednesday (September 3) on the basis of compliance with earlier orders. (Manoj Jarange) may be held responsible for aiding and abetting people coming to Mumbai beyond a certain number of 5,000. Tomorrow, the matter will be taken up at 1 pm. But by this order, we must indicate that this court will pass any order and against anyone to keep the majesty of the law. Any breach of the order passed by this court will not be tolerated," it said. On Monday (September 1), the HC said the protest was not peaceful and Jarange and his supporters violated all the conditions imposed on them by the authorities when he was granted permission to hold the protest at Azad Maidan. It said the protest had paralysed Mumbai and brought the city to a standstill, and urged for normalcy to be restored. The HC gave an opportunity to Jarange and his supporters to rectify the situation and vacate and clean up the streets blocked and occupied by them by Tuesday noon. It directed the state government and police to take steps as per law against Jarange and his supporters for violation of the conditions. YOU LET THIS SITUATION COME TO THIS POINT Appearing for the state government, attorney general Birender Saraf said all the procedures through the police have been followed and a list of the violations committed has been provided. So I request that my learned friend (Maneshinde) give an undertaking that they will leave Mumbai completely and go out. It will have an impact only if his clients and their supporters leave Mumbai and go out. Ganeshotsav is going on and thousands of people pin roads, and we have to maintain law and order also with police personnel," Saraf said. The HC, however, rapped the state government and held it responsible for letting the situation escalate. You should have come to us on the very second day and have said that the number of people is more than 5,000. You let this situation come to this point. We will pass an order against you also, as you are also in breach of our orders," the bench observed. We are adjourning the matter till tomorrow, and we expect that something will come out of it." #WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: DCP Zone 1, Pravin Munde and other Police officials arrive at Azad Maidan to vacate the area. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil is on a hunger strike here and his supporters are present here as well.Earlier today, Mumbai Police pic.twitter.com/bxvodGSx9C ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 The Mumbai Police arrived at Azad Maidan to vacate the area after it issued a notice to Jarange for violating terms and conditions given by the court and police to hold the protest. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We are taking action as per the court order. We have come to vacate the area. If anyone obstructs it, action will be taken," said deputy commissioner of police (zone 1) Pravin Munde. (With agency inputs) About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing im... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 15:51 IST News politics 'Can't Be Under Siege': Bombay HC Flays Maharashtra Govt, Jarange After Judge Walks To Court Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Dharmasthala Chalo': Is This Movement BJP's Bid To Reclaim Its Core Hindutva Vote Bank? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:00 IST 'Dharmasthala Chalo' is aimed at reclaiming a lost vote base by projecting the conspiracy and smear campaign against the temple as an attack on Hindus Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra with party legislators and leaders takes part in a 'padyatra' as part of the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally at Dharmasthala Temple in Dakshina Kannada district on September 1. (Image: PTI) The BJP is increasingly pressuring the Congress government in Karnataka to hand over the investigation into the mass burial case in Dharmasthala to the NIA or the CBI. The BJP has alleged that this is not only a conspiracy and smear campaign against Dharmasthala temple, but also about uncovering how the case may have been built on false evidence. It said with links emerging beyond Karnataka, the probe has become interstate. Recommended Stories The investigation took a new turn when the masked man" Chinnaiah was reportedly seen with T Jayanth, a close aide of right-wing activist Mahesh Shetty Thimmarodi, who is being questioned by the police. Jayanth has emerged as a key link in the case, allegedly involved in presenting the remains of a woman before the Supreme Court. The special investigation team (SIT) found the evidence Chinnaiah produced to be fake, further fuelling the BJPs accusation that the state government is allowing the temple to be maligned. This has led to the momentum behind the Dharmasthala Chalo movement. The probe shifted focus after the SIT brought Chinnaiah to Bengaluru to retrace his steps and inspect three locations, including Jayanths residence in Mallasandra. Jayanth admitted to assisting Chinnaiah in presenting the skull for investigation, which is now being closely examined. The controversy surfaced after Chinnaiah, arrested for perjury, claimed to have buried several bodies in Dharmasthala over the past two decades, including women showing signs of sexual assault. Acting on his claims, the SIT excavated multiple locations along the Netravati river banks, recovering skeletal remains from two sites. The significance lies in Chinnaiahs claim that he stayed at Jayanths house in April, where investigators believe the skull was first brought before being presented to the SIT. From here, the SIT traced Chinnaiah and Jayanths travel to Delhi, intending to present the case before the Supreme Court; hence, the BJPs claim of an interstate probe. We are demanding that the investigation be handed over to the NIA or the CBI," said BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra. For the BJP, this indicates a very big conspiracy" behind the allegations of multiple rapes, murders, and burials in Dharmasthala. Their strategy includes movements like Dharmasthala Chalo and Chamundi Chalo, aiming to reclaim their lost vote base by projecting the conspiracy as an attack on Hindus and alleging pressure from leftist" groups to malign the temple town. Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday (September 1) said the Dharmasthala Chalo rally is an effort to expose the conspiracy of the ultra-left" within the Karnataka government to defame Hindu centres of faith. He accused the Congress of targeting Hindus and indulging in one-sided vote-bank politics. This rally was meant to unearth this conspiracy and called for a probe by the NIA into the case while saying that the Dharmasthala controversy was a 100 percent conspiracy," Joshi said. The Congress, meanwhile, accused the BJP of politicising the issue but the saffron party has decided to turn the tables, accusing the grand old party of using the Dharmasthala row as a political weapon. We in the BJP will expose you. You did the same with the Waqf issue and the CAA," Joshi said. Now you are doing it with Dharmasthala." Critics, however, argued that this will generate publicity but not real political gains for the BJP. There is also a leadership angle to this, they said. Vijayendra, who is awaiting clarity from the central leadership on whether he will continue as state president or be replaced, is seen as using this issue to showcase his relevance. For him, this is a signal to Delhi that under him, the BJP is still rallying its core constituency, galvanising the Hindutva base, and keeping the partys core vote intact. These efforts may help bring back traditional supporters who may have drifted away, disillusioned with the BJP and its governance," political analyst Sandeep Shastri observed. Shastri pointed out that divisions and infighting in the BJP have left their base disillusioned, especially after the last assembly elections. I think this is one way the state unit is trying to win back the support of those groups which traditionally backed them in 2008 and 2018," he said. Political analyst Harish Ramaswamy argued differently. He contended that Vijayendra, with little else to showcase, is resorting to yatras and symbolic agitations. He knows he cant dislodge the government or destabilise it. So things like Dharmasthala Chalo are being worked out. Look at what happened with his MUDA Yatra they wasted so much time and energy, and it looked completely naive because nothing came out of it," Ramaswamy said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to him, the BJP is attacking the government on superficial issues rather than taking a solid stance as an opposition on the economy, receipts, and fiscal health. Shastri said Vijayendras fate will decide the tone of the state unit. If his role is renewed, it will lead to some fights, but if the central leadership gives him a full term, it consolidates his authority. Vijayendra would be keen on reappointment, and these efforts are meant to bolster his presence. With Yatnal already sidelined, he is trying to take advantage of the situation. For now, there are indications that the central leadership is backing him, and if that continues, much of the dissent will boil down," he added. 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: September 02, 2025, 07:00 IST News politics 'Dharmasthala Chalo': Is This Movement BJP's Bid To Reclaim Its Core Hindutva Vote Bank? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NDA Calls For Bihar Bandh On Sept 4 To Protest Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi's Mother Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:48 IST NDA calls five-hour Bihar Bandh on September 4 to protest alleged abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother by Congress workers in Darbhanga. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has called for a five-hour Bihar Bandh on Thursday, September 4, to protest against the alleged derogatory and abusive slogans hurled against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother by Congress workers last week in Darbhanga, during the Voter Adhikar Yatra. The bandh, as announced during a joint press conference of all the NDA allies, would be in force from 7am to 12 noon on Thursday. Recommended Stories The BJP said that railways and emergency services, however, wont be impacted during the protest. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, who earlier today broke down as he watched PM Modi speaking about the alleged abuse at his late mother, slammed the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) saying there can be no bigger sin than abusing a dead woman. #WATCH | Patna: On PM Modis statement on derogatory remarks against him and his late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal says, The NDA Mahila Morcha has called for a shutdown in Bihar on September 4This shutdown will take place from 7 AM pic.twitter.com/lu5yhJUZ7q ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 Jaiswal said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJDs Tejashwi Yadav have brought shame" to the land of Bihar." Today, Prime Minister Modi gave financial help to the mothers and sisters of Bihar to make them self-reliant. 20 lakh mothers and sisters were listening to Prime Minister ModiThere can be no bigger sin than abusing the late mother of Prime Minister Modi from the platform of Congress and RJD. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav have shamed the land of Bihar," he was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. PM Modis Response To Abuse Earlier today, the Prime Minister got emotional while responding to derogatory remarks made against him and his late mother from the stage of the RJD-Congress event in Bihar. While virtually addressing an event in Bihar, PM Modi called the matter painful", saying that she (her mother) is gone, yet she is targeted from the Congress-RJD" stage. Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar," said PM Modi, appearing visibly emotional. PM Modi, with a cracking voice, said the language used was an insult to all mothers and daughters of Bihar. My mother separated me from her so that I could serve crores of mothers like you. You all know that now my mother is not alive. Some time ago, after completing 100 years of age, she left us all. That mother of mine, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress," he said. Chirag Paswan Slams RJD-Congress Union Minister Chirag Paswan also slammed the RJD and the Congress saying, In recent days, in Darbhanga, Bihar, derogatory remarks were made against the honorable Prime Minister and his late mother from the platform of RJD and Congress. This is the same hateful mentality of Congress and RJD, which is against Indian culture and values." I would like to remind that during the Lok Sabha elections as well, my mother and I were also abused from the RJD platform. It is clear that the politics of these parties is based not on decorum and issues, but on abuses and personal attacks," he added. What The Row? A controversy erupted in poll-bound Bihar after abusive language was used against PM Modi and his late mother by some Congress workers during Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra. The BJP filed an FIR at Kotwali Police Station in Patna over the alleged remark and demanded an apology from the Congress MP. A viral video surfaced showing a man hurling Hindi abuse at PM Modis mother from the Congress-RJD stage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The accused, identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza (20), was later arrested from the Singhwara area of Darbhanga town. (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 First Published: September 02, 2025, 18:48 IST News politics NDA Calls For Bihar Bandh On Sept 4 To Protest Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi's Mother Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Punjab AAP MLA, Arrested In Rape Case, Flees From Custody After Opening Fire At Cops Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 11:43 IST AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who attacked his own party's government over floods and questioned its central leadership, has been booked under the charge of rape. AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra booked under charges of rape. Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Pathanmajra, who was arrested on rape charges, escaped from the police custody on Tuesday after opening fire at the cops. A police official has also reportedly been injured in the incident. Pathanmajras arrest came days after he attacked his own partys government in Punjab over floods and questioned its central leadership, the Sanour lawmaker has been booked under the charge of rape. Recommended Stories According to an FIR filed in the matter, Pathanmajra was booked on charges of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The case has been registered on a complaint by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that the MLA misrepresented himself as divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and later married in 2021 while still being married, news agency PTI reported. The woman accused the MLA of continued sexual exploitation, threats, and sending obscene" material to her. After the FIR was filed against him, Pathanmajra went live on Facebook and criticised the Punjab government, alleging Delhi-based AAP leadership of illegitimately ruling over Punjab". They can lodge FIRs against me, I can stay in jail, but my voice cannot be suppressed," said Pathanmajra. Earlier on Sunday, Pathanmajra accused a senior IAS officer of not taking action such as desilting and cleaning rivers, particularly the Tangri River, despite his requests. He said the government should listen to people or they "will thrash us." Pathanmajra also alleged the party was trying to suppress Punjab MLAs instead of fixing the administration. The MLA said he raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly several times, submitted deputations, and personally met Principal Secretary (Water Resources) Krishan Kumar several times, but "not a single meaningful step was taken." Speaking to reporters on Sunday, as several villages in his constituency were flooded, Pathanmajra lashed out at bureaucrats and said he had been demanding cleaning of the Tangri and permission to allow the use of soil near rivers to strengthen banks, but to no avail. He also urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately remove Krishan Kumar from his post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Monday, Pathanmajra claimed that his security had been withdrawn and that all station house officers and police post heads in his constituency had been transferred. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 11:33 IST News politics Punjab AAP MLA, Arrested In Rape Case, Flees From Custody After Opening Fire At Cops Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pawan Khera Vs EC As Poll Body Sends Him Notice Over 2 Voter Cards: 'We Will Not Stop...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:49 IST According to the notice, Khera is listed as a voter in both the New Delhi and Jangpura assembly constituencies Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera (PTI image) The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to senior Congress leader Pawan Khera for allegedly registering himself in the electoral roll of more than one assembly constituency in Delhi. The notice was shared by the District Election Officer (DEO) of New Delhi on social media platform X, along with a copy of the official order. The Congress leader has been directed to respond to the notice by 11am on September 8. Recommended Stories Notice to Shri Pawan Khera for getting himself registered in Electoral Roll of more than one constituency," the DEOs post read, attaching the formal communication. Notice to Shri Pawan Khera for getting himself registered in Electoral Roll of more than one constituency. pic.twitter.com/o6AZcXc138 District Election Office, New Delhi District (@DEO_NDD) September 2, 2025 According to the notice, Khera is listed as a voter in both the New Delhi and Jangpura assembly constituencies. The DEO reminded Khera that holding multiple voter registrations is a punishable offence under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. You are therefore, directed to show cause as to why action should not be taken against you under said Act," the notice added. Khera Hits Back At EC Shortly after the notice became public, Khera responded on X, accusing the Election Commission of acting in favour of the ruling BJP. In his post, he wrote that while complaints from the Congress regarding alleged voter fraud are often ignored, the EC is quick to act against opposition leaders. While our complaints of Vote Chori are disregarded, the EC rushes to act against opposition members," Khera noted. The @DEO_NDD has issued me a notice.Yet another confirmation of how the @ECISVEEP functions to support the ruling regime. While our complaints of Vote Chori are disregarded, the EC rushes to act against opposition members.Why did the @ECISVEEP not issue a single notice to the Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) September 2, 2025 He questioned why no notice had been issued over the alleged discovery of 1,00,000 fake voters in Karnatakas Mahadevapura constituency, a case earlier brought into light by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Why did the @ECISVEEP not issue a single notice to the 1,00,000 fake voters of Mahadevapura constituency, that were exposed by @RahulGandhi ? We will not stop exposing the ECs wrongdoings in the Bihar SIR and other election processes," the Congress leader added. BJP Responds To ECs Notice The BJP responded swiftly to the ECs notice to Khera, with Amit Malviya, the partys IT cell chief, taking to X to claim that the controversy exposed the Congresss hypocrisy. Rahul Gandhi screamed Vote Chori" from the rooftops. But just like he forgot to mention that his mother, Sonia Gandhi, enlisted herself in Indias voter list even before becoming an Indian citizen, it has now emerged that Pawan Khera, Congress spokespersonwho never misses a chance to flaunt his proximity to the Gandhisholds two active EPIC numbers," Malviya wrote in his lengthy post. Rahul Gandhi screamed Vote Chori" from the rooftops. But just like he forgot to mention that his mother, Sonia Gandhi, enlisted herself in Indias voter list even before becoming an Indian citizen, it has now emerged that Pawan Khera, Congress spokespersonwho never misses a pic.twitter.com/IkGFlUhuWk Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 2, 2025 Malviya even shared details of the two voter records, both registered under Kheras name and fathers name. He called on the poll body to investigate whether Khera voted more than once. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It is now for the Election Commission to investigate how Pawan Khera holds two active EPIC numbers, and whether he voted multiple timesa clear violation of electoral laws," he added. (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 First Published: September 02, 2025, 18:26 IST News politics Pawan Khera Vs EC As Poll Body Sends Him Notice Over 2 Voter Cards: 'We Will Not Stop...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Will Get Your Delivery Elsewhere': Karnataka MLA's Shocker After Journalist's Hospital Demand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 08:14 IST A video of Deshpandes remark to the woman journalist has been widely shared on social media, drawing strong criticism from users Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Karnataka Congress MLA RV Deshpande. (File photo via X/@RV_Deshpande) A remark by senior Karnataka Congress MLA RV Deshpande during a public interaction has sparked outrage after he made a casual comment to a woman journalist asking about the lack of hospital facilities in the Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada. When the journalist pointed out that pregnant women in the area were struggling due to the absence of a hospital, Deshpande replied with a smile and a wink, Dont worry, well get yours done elsewhere." Recommended Stories Taken aback, the journalist sought clarification. The MLA, however, repeated the remark, saying, When its time for your delivery, we will get it done." The journalist further told Deshpande that the region urgently needed a hospital and asked him to ensure it is built during his current term. The MLA responded with a brief okay" but did not make any commitment, NDTV reported. A video of Deshpandes remark to the woman journalist has been widely shared on social media, drawing strong criticism from users. Radha Hiregoudar (journalist) : When will you build a proper hospital for the Uttara Kannada region?R V Deshpande : I will do it during your delivery. Such an irresponsible statement. Shame !pic.twitter.com/e54WoFcjUm Madhukumar.V.P (@MadhukumarVP1) September 2, 2025 Deshpande is the MLA from Haliyal in Uttara Kannada and a former state minister. Political Reactions Pour In Reacting to the remark, the BJP criticised it as disrespectful and insulting. BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad said, Insulting mothers and women is not politics, its moral bankruptcy. (Leader of the Opposition) Rahul Gandhi talks about love and respect but his leaders spread hate. This double speak must be exposed. Congress politics is about insult, abuse and family attacks They speak today, deny tomorrow and repeat the next week." BJPs national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised the Congress for insulting the woman journalist. He said that this episode added to the last incident where abusive remarks were hurled against Prime Minister Narendra Modis mother from a Congress stage in Bihar. Replying to a woman journalist like this? Ladki hoon lad sakti hoon?" said the BJP leader. After Abusing PM Modi mothernowShocker from Congress Karnataka leader RV Deshpande Journalist: When will Uttar Kannada region get a good hospital? Congress leader R.V. Deshpande: When you deliver a child. Replying to a woman journalist like this? Ladki hoon lad sakti pic.twitter.com/MwNfKVGRZl Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 2, 2025 The JanataDal (Secular) also shared a video of the remark and condemned the Congress leader for insulting the dignity of women, demanding an apology. In a post, the JDS wrote, To a senior journalist who asked for a super-specialty hospital for the district, you respond with Let it be your delivery"? Is this the respect you show to women?" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As a senior legislator, Mr. Deshpande, your arrogant words are an insult to the dignity of women. Apologize immediately to that female journalist," the party added. 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 : Karnataka, India, India First Published: September 02, 2025, 23:54 IST News politics 'Will Get Your Delivery Elsewhere': Karnataka MLA's Shocker After Journalist's Hospital Demand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why A Once-In-100-Years Celestial Event May 'Eclipse' BJP's Bid To Get New President This Month Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 09:44 IST Not just Pitru Paksha, September will see both a lunar and solar eclipse, which is considered inauspicious according to the Hindu calendar and astrological findings Rapid Read + Follow us On Google his 15-day period is traditionally considered inauspicious for most new beginnings, and certainly for someone who will head the responsibility of what the BJP calls the worlds largest party. (PTI) The million-dollar political question whose answer seems ever elusive has become relevant once againWill the new BJP national president be elected soon after the September 9 Vice-Presidential election as was the expectation? While the question dangles in uncertainty, what appears to be certain is that September this year is considered inauspicious according to the Hindu calendar and astrological findingsboth of which the BJP, as a party, strongly believes in. One of the most prominent inauspicious periods each year is Pitru Paksha, a time dedicated to ancestral rituals. Pitru Paksha begins on September 7 and ends on September 21, culminating in Mahalaya. This 15-day period is traditionally considered inauspicious for most new beginnings, and certainly for someone who will head the responsibility of what the BJP calls the worlds largest party. During this phase, homage is paid to ancestors through rituals like Shradh and Pind Daanall of which are rooted in solemn remembrance rather than celebration. Recommended Stories But for those who believe, unlike other years, September 2025 is even more inauspicious. On 7th, the first day of the Pitru Paksha, there is a full lunar eclipse in India while on 21st, the last day of Pitru Paksha, there will be a solar eclipse. Such an occurrence is taking place after 100 years. Any new beginnings are strictly advised against particularly in this years Pitru Paksha. If any major political or economic decisions are taken during this tenure, they have a high chance of being counter-effective. Having observed BJP and their leaders for a long time, I am confident they wont announce the new BJP presidents name before Pitru Paksha ends," astrologer Ashok Sanoria Devagaya told News18. Interestingly, a 15-day Pitru Paksha, lunar eclipse and solar eclipse are not enough. There are cosmic motions which too may affect fresh starts. Right now, the solar system is going in the pre-set direction. But on September 6, Uranus is expected to deviate from its path which is called retro. This will have a direct bearing on Earth. No rushed decision is advisable during that time," says numerologist Meera Mahajan. The BJP, left with a limited window from September 2 to September 5, cant avail it, given that the Vice-Presidential poll is scheduled on September 9. The BJP will again have a broader window of nine days from September 22 till the end of the month. But eminent astrologers and numerologists suggest the after-effects of such a long inauspicious spell linger for long, which is why September is worth avoiding. Also, the second window falls during Navratri celebrations when BJP leaders are expected to visit West Bengal, Gujarat, and Karnataka among other states. News18 reached out to four BJP leaders for a comment but all of them refused to comment on the issue. YEAR-LONG WAIT THAT CONTINUES JP Naddas term technically ended in January 2023, following the constitutional three-year tenure. However, it was extended through June 2024 to see the party through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As of now, more than a year has passed since the appointment should have taken place. BJP has no technical road blocks for appointing Naddas successor, including far surpassing the 50 per cent limit of appointing BJP state presidents. But the buzz is that unless the party chooses its Uttar Pradesh state president replacing Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary and reaches a consensus candidate that is agreeable to the Sangh, one has to wait further. Recently in Delhi, when asked about the year-long delay in appointing the BJP president, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat quipped: Hum taye karte toh itna samay lagta kya (If we had to decide, would it take this long)?" After a long spell of two years, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Bhagwat, sparking buzz about the former being the elusive consensus candidate. The one-on-one meeting went on for 45 minutes at Sanghs Delhi Headquarters in Jhandewalan. The minister has refused to divulge details about the meeting. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, reports had indicated that there could be a possibility of the next BJP president coming from the south of the Vindhyas. The name of Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy, who was also the BJP president of Andhra Pradesh, had been doing the rounds. He comes from the state that gave Bangaru Laxman, who went ahead and became BJPs national president. However, names of Dharmendra Pradhan, Vinod Tawde, and Bhupendra Yadav have also continuously figured in the probables list for their organisational capability and teamwork mindset. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 09:44 IST News politics Why A Once-In-100-Years Celestial Event May 'Eclipse' BJP's Bid To Get New President This Month Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... USA, EU to be able to jointly guarantee Ukraine's security in event of positive outcome of peace talks Lithuanian President Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda emphasizes the extreme importance of US participation in guaranteeing Ukraine's security after a peace agreement is reached. At a press conference with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on Tuesday, Nauseda noted Lithuania's participation in the Coalition of the Willing, confirming its readiness to provide the necessary military capabilities after a peace agreement is reached. "I believe that the participation of our largest ally, the United States, is also extremely important. And it is very important that the United States provides support. I believe that together with our European partners we will be able to guarantee peace in the event of a positive outcome of peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation," he said. At the same time, Nauseda stressed that Russia's behavior shows that it "does not want any peace," and therefore peace can only be achieved through force. The Lithuanian leader once again emphasized the need for the early adoption of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia and the promotion of Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2030. 'Bhiksham Dehi At Petrol Pump': Netizens Can't Keep Calm Over Navarro's Remark On Brahmins Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 09:21 IST White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's "Brahmins profiteering" remark - with reference to Trump's 25 percent tariff for buying Russian oil - became a topic of meme in India. Netizens reacts to White House aide Peter Navarro's 'profiteering brahmins' remark. Netizens just cant seem to keep their calm and flooded social media with sarcastic remarks after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro claimed that Brahmins in India are profiteering from Russia oil trade". White House trade advisor Peter Navarros Brahmins profiteering" remark with reference to Donald Trumps 25 percent tariff for buying Russian oil became a topic of meme in India, with many asking the US trade advisor to refrain from making such casteist" remarks and denouncing such an anti-Hindu and anti-India narrative. Recommended Stories Navarros comment has also been seen as a further sign of strained diplomatic relations between Washington and New Delhi over tariffs. Soon after Navarros comment against Brahmins grabbed headlines, several social media users took to X and came up with Ravanas Bhiksham Dehi meme. As a Brahmin, I can confirm this works. I just whisper Bhiksham Dehi at the petrol pump and they not only fill my tank for free but also polish my cars windshield," one social media user wrote. As a Brahmin, I can confirm this works. I just whisper Bhiksham Dehi at the petrol pump and they not only fill my tank for free but also polish my cars windshield. #BrahminRussians https://t.co/EUB62qCKUi Kashmiri Hindu (@RohitInExile) September 1, 2025 The user added, People keep asking how we oppress pump owners into giving us free fuel. Simple. It is called the Brahmin Petroarchy. People keep asking how we oppress pump owners into giving us free fuel. Simple. It is called the Brahmin Petroarchy. Kashmiri Hindu (@RohitInExile) September 1, 2025 Absolutely true. At every petrol pump, mall and theatre, we enjoy Brahmin Bonanza offer 50% off if we show off our janeu, 70% if we show a video of us doing sandhya vandanam. Cant believe this secrets finally got exposed," another wrote. Absolutely true. At every petrol pump, mall and theatre, we enjoy Brahmin Bonanza offer 50% off if we show off our janeu, 70% if we show a video of us doing sandhya vandanam. Cant believe this secrets finally got exposed. https://t.co/8ceqEwPwE0 Sanat Prabhu (@TheCovertIndian) September 1, 2025 My Brahmin friend and I could not decide where to meet today. Thanks to Peter Navvaro, we decided to meet at the Petrol Pump," a third social media user wrote. My Brahmin friend and I could not decide where to meet today. Thanks to Peter Navvaro, we decided to meet at the Petrol Pump. Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) September 1, 2025 Brahmins Profiteering From Russia Oil Trade: Peter Navarro top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all White House trade adviser Peter Navarro repeated his criticism of India for buying oil from Russia, saying that Brahmins" were profiteering at the expense of the rest of India. I would just simply say to the Indian people, please understand whats going on here. Youve got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop," Navarro said in an interview on Sunday. He also repeated his earlier criticism that India has turned into a laundromat for the Kremlins money" and the maharaja of tariffs". About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 09:21 IST News viral 'Bhiksham Dehi At Petrol Pump': Netizens Can't Keep Calm Over Navarro's Remark On Brahmins Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mystery Bag Tossed From White House Bags Internet's Attention: 'Is Melania Escaping?' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:59 IST A dark bag thrown from a White House window on Labor Day sparked security concerns and wild speculation online. White House bag incident sparks security concerns and online speculation. A dark bag was filmed being thrown from a second-floor window of the White House on Labor Day, a startling breach of protocol that ignited both security concerns and a storm of speculation on social media. The footage, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows the bag dropping into a restricted zone before hitting the ground. Neither the White House nor the Secret Service offered an explanation, leaving the unusual incident shrouded in mystery and fueling a wave of theories ranging from the banal to the bizarre. There are black bags being thrown out of the White House window. No, this isnt AI. WTF is going on? pic.twitter.com/kwyt780zXF VT (@brownchubbybear) September 1, 2025 Recommended Stories Whats In The Bag? Theories Multiply Online Some social media users suggested the bag contained construction debris linked to ongoing renovations, citing routine contractor practices. Others revived conspiratorial tropes, joking that classified documents" or even Epstein files" were being disposed of. More bizarre takes included speculation about Melania Trump fleeing the residence or renovations in the Lincoln Bedroom. One user wrote on X, Flags at half staff, people tossing loaded garbage bags out of windows, whats happening at the White House?" while another posted, Does anyone know what was in the large black bags thrown from the window of the bathroom connected to the Lincoln Bedroom, White House 2nd story? Did anyone see what happened to the bags after they were chucked from the window?" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Silence From Officials The lack of clarity from Washington allowed the incident to take on a life of its own. With no official account, the image of a bag flying out of the nations most secure residence has become instant fodder for memes, jokes and conjecture. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 18:59 IST News viral Mystery Bag Tossed From White House Bags Internet's Attention: 'Is Melania Escaping?' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This Farmer Disappeared On A Trip In 1991, Returned 30 Years Later In Same Clothes Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:08 IST A Romanian man went missing on a business trip, presumed dead by his family, but returned 30 years later wearing the same clothes he had when he left home Rapid Read + Follow us On Google After a lengthy search and years of uncertainty, the man was presumed dead, with his family holding annual remembrances in his memory. (News18 Hindi) Thousands of people go missing every year across the world, and in many countries, the numbers reach into the lakhs. While most missing persons remain untraceable, there are rare instances when someone disappears for decades and suddenly reappears. One such mysterious case recently captured global attention when a man from Romania, missing for 30 years, returned wearing the same clothes he had worn when he left home. Vezile Gorgo, a cattle farmer, was 63 years old when he left home in 1991 for a routine business trip. He had even purchased a return ticket in advance. However, he never came back, leaving his family worried and anxious. Recommended Stories Presumed Dead After a lengthy search and years of uncertainty, Gorgo was presumed dead. The family held annual remembrances, but hope of his return had long faded until an unexpected twist brought him back. Vezile appeared suddenly on August 29, 2021, arriving in a car that left before anyone could note the registration number. Astonishingly, he carried the same ID and train ticket he had when he left 30 years ago. His appearance raised immediate questions about the life he had led during his absence. Mental State Examined A cold case documentary on YouTube revealed that doctors found Vezile physically healthy but displaying some mental disorientation, likely due to age. While he recalled much of his past, he could not recognise his own children, whom he had left behind in 1991. Unanswered Questions top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His son admitted he struggled to understand Vezile, who would often recount childhood memories but provide contradictory answers when asked about recent events. No one knows where he lived, who employed him, or what circumstances shaped his life during those three decades. Many theories have emerged about Veziles disappearance. Some believe he may have voluntarily abandoned his old life, only to return later, possibly seeking reconciliation or closure. Location : Romania First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:08 IST News viral This Farmer Disappeared On A Trip In 1991, Returned 30 Years Later In Same Clothes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan Day After 1,400 Killed In Quake Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:46 IST A 5.2 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan after a deadly 6.0 quake killed over 1,400 in Kunar and Nangarhar. Afghans walk past damaged houses, after earthquakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Eastern Afghanistan. (AFP photo) An earthquake oof magnitude 5.2 struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a day after a major earthquake in northern Afghanistan killed over 1,400 people and caused widespread damage. The epicentre of the earthquake was 34 kilometres (21 miles) northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province, news agency AFP reported citing the USGS. Recommended Stories A 6.0-magnitude quake struck late Sunday in several provinces, flattening villages and leaving people trapped under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood, unable to withstand the shock. According to figures released by the Taliban government on Tuesday, the powerful tremor killed more than 1,400 people and left over 3,000 injured. According to the USGS, the epicentre of the Sunday nights earthquake was about 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Jalalabad and struck just eight kilometres below the Earths surface. The worst-affected region is Kunar province, where 1,411 people were reported dead and more than 3,100 injured. In neighbouring Nangarhar province, at least a dozen more people died and hundreds were injured, Chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Rescue operations are continuing as emergency workers and local villagers search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Many homes in the region, made of mud and stone, collapsed instantly during the shallow quake. United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte had said that earthquake could affect hundreds of thousands". Rescuers searched through the night and all day for survivors in the rubble of homes flattened in Kunar, where more than 5,400 houses were destroyed, government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said on X. Many of the worst-affected areas were still unreachable by road, but emergency facilities were being set up and multiple countries had announced they would provide aid, Fitrat said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced $5 million in initial emergency aid and said the UN was working closely with Afghan authorities to assess needs and deliver assistance. Afghanistan, already facing a deep humanitarian crisis, has seen foreign aid drastically reduced since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The situation has worsened following global funding cuts and the return of millions of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The country is no stranger to earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush region. In recent years, major quakes in Herat (2023) and Paktika (2022) claimed thousands of lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes. (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 : Kabul, Afghanistan First Published: September 02, 2025, 18:30 IST News world 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan Day After 1,400 Killed In Quake Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 5 Injured In Stabbing Spree In France's Marseille, Suspect Killed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 23:08 IST A man stabbed five people in Marseille, leaving one critical, before being shot dead by police. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and alarming. Authorities have launched an investigation into attempted murder and attempted murder of a police officer. (Representational image) At least five people sustained injuries after a man went on a stabbing spree in the southern port city of Marseille in France on Tuesday. Later, the suspect got killed by the police. Out of the five injured, one was in a critical condition. Recommended Stories According to news agency AFP, the assailant has been identified as a Tunisian national with legal status in France. AFP, citing prosecutor Nicolas Bessone, reported that the assailant stabbed several people at a hotel that had just evicted him for non-payment, then attacked several others on a busy shopping street. It would appear that he blindly and gratuitously attempted to strike people," AFP quoted Bessone as saying. It is learnt that the attacker first stabbed his roommate, leaving him in critical condition. Then, he attacked the hotels manager, who fled into the street along with his son, who was stabbed in the back". Bessone said the father-son duo were in relative emergency" condition but their lives are not believed to be in danger." The attacker then went on what prosecutors described as a criminal rampage" on a busy street, attacking bystanders and injuring at least two people in the face with a baton he carried along with two knives Police patrol officers in the area quickly responded, ordering the suspect to drop his weapons. When he refused, they neutralised" him, according to the prosecutor. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the man died. Authorities have launched an investigation into attempted murder and attempted murder of a police officer. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was scheduled to visit Marseille on Tuesday, with a visit to the citys police headquarters planned, his office said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and alarming. One resident told AFP the man tried to stab police officers during the confrontation. Another said he was wielding two large butcher knives." Police have cordoned off the area, putting up a forensic tent near the crime scene. 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 : France First Published: September 02, 2025, 23:02 IST News world 5 Injured In Stabbing Spree In France's Marseille, Suspect Killed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Nears 1,100; Rescue Operation Continues Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 10:09 IST A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan killed at least 1,100 people and injured over 3,500, with villages flattened and rescuers struggling to reach remote areas. An man Afghan walks past a damaged house following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan (AFP) One of Afghanistans worst earthquakes on Sunday evening killed at least 1,100 people and left another 3,500 people injured, Abdul Jabbar Behir, head of the Afghan Media and Research Centre, said in an interview with Al Arabiya, citing local authorities and reports from hard-to-reach areas. Recommended Stories The 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck just before midnight Sunday, with the worst of the destruction in Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. Rescuers were battling to reach remote mountainous areas cut off from mobile networks along the Pakistani border, where mudbrick homes dotting the slopes collapsed in the quake. The dead, some of them children, were wrapped in white shrouds by villagers who prayed over their bodies before burying them, while helicopters ferried the wounded to hospitals. Military rescue teams fanned out across the region, Reuters quoted the countrys defence ministry as saying, with 40 flights carrying away 420 wounded and dead. The quake razed three villages in Kunar, with substantial damage in many others, authorities said. Some villagers sat weeping amid the piled ruins of their homes. Others began laboriously clearing the debris by hand, or carried out the injured on makeshift stretchers. It was Afghanistans third major deadly quake since the Taliban took over in 2021 as foreign forces withdrew, triggering a cut to the international funding that formed the bulk of the governments finances. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and was moving 15 tonnes of food material to Kunar, with more relief material to be sent from India starting Tuesday. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said its mission in Afghanistan was preparing to help those in areas devastated by the quake. Pope Leo also sent condolences for the dead. Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that killed 1,000 people in the eastern region in 2022 was the first major natural disaster faced by the Taliban government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | High Death Toll, Large Magnitude: A List Of The Deadliest Earthquakes In The 21st Century About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 09:44 IST News world Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Nears 1,100; Rescue Operation Continues Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'All Options On The Table': US Signals Tougher Sanctions On Russia Amid Escalating War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 07:26 IST Scott Bessent accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ramping up airstrikes despite signals in recent meetings that he was open to talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (AFP) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that all options are on the table" as the Trump administration weighs further sanctions on Russia over its intensifying war in Ukraine, even as President Donald Trump continues to pursue a negotiated peace. In an interview with Fox News, Bessent accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ramping up airstrikes despite signals in recent meetings that he was open to talks. Since the historic meeting in Anchorage Putin has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated he wanted to do. As a matter of fact, he has in a despicable manner increased the bombing campaign," Bessent said. With President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think well be examining those very closely this week." Recommended Stories The Trump administration has so far been reluctant to escalate with fresh penalties, fearing that new measures could derail fragile efforts at peace. But according to CNN, Trump previously told aides he would know within two weeks" of his summit with Putin whether Moscow was serious about negotiations a deadline that has repeatedly slipped without consequence. Trump has nonetheless warned that Russia could face sweeping economic punishment if it refuses to compromise, saying, It will not be a world war but it will be an economic war." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on CBS Face the Nation on August 17, cautioned that immediate sanctions would effectively end peace talks. At the end of the day, if peace is not going to be possible here, and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands. The President has that option but if he did this now, the moment the President puts those additional sanctions, thats the end of the talks," Rubio said. For now, the White House insists diplomacy remains the priority, even as pressure grows from both Congress and allies to take tougher action against Moscows aggression. 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: September 02, 2025, 07:22 IST News world 'All Options On The Table': US Signals Tougher Sanctions On Russia Amid Escalating War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Belgium Joins List Of Nations Recognising Palestine. Who Else Is On It? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 18:08 IST Belgiums Foreign Minister confirmed that the formal recognition would be made during the UN General Assembly session, set to begin on September 9, in New York Rapid Read + Follow us On Google People hold Palestinian flags as they bid farewell to activists setting sail on their boats to join a civilian flotilla bound for Gaza. (AP file photo) Belgium has become the latest country to announce plans to recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than145 nations worldwide. The decision comes amid increasing global criticism of Israels military actions in Gaza and growing support for Palestinian statehood. Belgiums Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Tuesday confirmed that the formal recognition would be made during the United Nations General Assembly session, set to begin on September 9, in New York. Recommended Stories Palestine will be recognized by Belgium during the UN session! And firm sanctions are being imposed on the Israeli government," Prevot wrote on social media platform X. He added that Belgium would also strongly condemn both antisemitism and any support for terrorism by Hamas supporters. La Palestine sera reconnue par la Belgique lors de la session de lONU ! Et des sanctions fermes sont prises a legard du gouvernement israelien. Tout antisemitisme ou glorification du terrorisme par les partisans du Hamas sera aussi plus fortement denonce.Au vu du Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 2, 2025 Prevot said the decision was driven by the humanitarian tragedy" in Gaza, where months of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have displaced most of the population. The United Nations has also warned of famine in the region. In response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists," he added. Who Else Is Recognising Palestine State? The move places Belgium among more than 145 countries that have recognised the State of Palestine, many of which did so after its declaration in 1988. While early support came mostly from non-Western nations, recent months have seen a noticeable shift in Western attitudes. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN session. Frances decision was soon echoed by Australia and Canada, who have also declared plans to support Palestinian statehood during the same meeting. The United Kingdom has said it is prepared to recognise a Palestinian state, but only if certain conditions are met, including an Israeli commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza. These announcements put additional pressure on Israel and leave the United States increasingly isolated on the issue, as some of its closest allies shift their positions. US President Donald Trump has firmly rejected these moves. His administration has backed Israel throughout the conflict and criticised countries supporting Palestinian recognition, calling it a reward to terrorists". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Israels government also opposes the push, saying a Palestinian state would legitimise Hamas after the October 7 attacks. It continues to reject statehood talks, especially while war continues in Gaza. Palestinians seek an independent state in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, territories occupied by Israel since 1967. But with Gaza now facing severe food shortages and international condemnation over aid restrictions, calls for Palestinian statehood are growing louder on the world stage. 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 : Belgium First Published: September 02, 2025, 17:54 IST News world Belgium Joins List Of Nations Recognising Palestine. Who Else Is On It? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Blast In Pakistans Quetta Leaves 11 Dead, 30 Injured During Public Rally Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 00:51 IST Authorities have launched a full investigation, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Balochistan province (AI-generated image, used for representational purposes) At least 11 people were killed and around 30 others injured in a bomb blast in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Tuesday, according to a report by Reuters. The explosion occurred in the parking area outside a rally organised to mark the anniversary of the death of a prominent nationalist leader. Government official Hamza Shafaat confirmed the incident and stated that the rally had just concluded when the bomb detonated. Among the attendees was Sardar Akhtar Mengal, son of the late leader being commemorated. He and other key participants were reported to be unharmed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Police official Athar Rasheed indicated that initial evidence suggests the explosion was the result of a suicide bombing. Authorities have launched a full investigation, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Balochistan province, where separatist and extremist violence has remained a persistent threat. Location : Pakistan First Published: September 03, 2025, 00:51 IST News world Blast In Pakistans Quetta Leaves 11 Dead, 30 Injured During Public Rally Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Donald Trump To Announce US Space Command Move To Alabama? Here's What We Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 21:35 IST Donald Trump may announce moving US Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump may announce today that the Space Command headquarters will be moved from Colorado to Alabama, reversing a decision made by his predecessor Joe Biden. Donald Trump is expected to make the announcement from the Oval Office, marking his first official public appearance in a week, which White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described as an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense." Read more: Mystery Bag Tossed From White House Bags Internets Attention: Is Melania Escaping? Recommended Stories The decision is likely to reopen a fierce dispute between Colorado and Alabama, both of which have vied to host the command. Donald Trump initially ruled in 2021, during his first term, that the base should be relocated to Alabama but Joe Biden later overturned that decision, opting to keep the command in Colorado, where it has been housed on a temporary basis. Beyond questions of military efficiency, the issue has carried political undertones as Colorado is a Democratic-leaning state while Alabama is reliably Republican. This comes after the US Department of Defenses media distribution site briefly listed Donald Trumps announcement as being about US Space Command Headquarters" before editing the description to the more general President Trump makes an announcement." Read more: Resignation, Tariffs And Wild Theories: Trumps Big Speech Tonight Has World Guessing In recent weeks, Donald Trump has also floated the idea of renaming the Pentagon from the Department of Defense to the Department of War, prompting chatter that his announcement could extend beyond the Space Command dispute. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Social Media On Donald Trumps Announcement Ahead of Donald Trumps Oval Office address, speculation on social media reached fever pitch as some social media users on X (formerly Twitter) said that the US President would announce his resignation on health grounds while others joked about him abolishing the Pentagon". A few even suggested that the mystery bag seen tossed from the White House days earlier was somehow connected to Donald Trumps announcement as memes and conspiracy theories outpaced official hints. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 21:31 IST News world Donald Trump To Announce US Space Command Move To Alabama? Here's What We Know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had discussed ways to end the war in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin during talks in China and with Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone, but that the parties were "not yet ready" for a leaders' meeting, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to the agency, Erdogan spoke to reporters aboard his plane on his way back from China, where he met with Putin, and then said he had called Zelenskyy. He noted that talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials held in Istanbul in recent months showed that the path to peace "remains open." Turkey favours "raising the level of negotiations gradually" to turn hopes for peace into concrete results, he said, adding that any initiative would ultimately need to be handled at the leaders' level, though conditions were not yet in place. Ex-US NSA Accuses Trump Of Sacrificing India Ties For Family's Business With Pakistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:05 IST Jake Sullivan said that the US President's move to closer ties with Pakistan over India is one of the more under-reported aspects of Trump's foreign policy. Former US National Security Advisor (NSA) and attorney Jake Sullivan (Image: Reuters) Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan accused President Donald Trump of sacrificing ties with India to boost his familys business deals in Pakistan. The Biden-era official called the sabotaging of ties with India one of the most under-reported aspects of Trumps foreign policy". During an interview with MeidasTouch YouTube channel, Sullivan said, For decades, on a bipartisan basis, the US has worked to strengthen its relationship with India, the worlds largest democracya country with which we should be aligned on technology, talent, economics, and in countering Chinas strategic drift." He further noted, Significant progress had been made on that front". Recommended Stories Now, largely due to Pakistans willingness to engage in business deals with the Trump family, Trump has sidelined the India relationship. This is a major strategic setback because a strong India-US partnership serves our core interests," he added. He further emphasised that due to this, every other country in the world, Germany, Japan or Canada, will look at the situation and say that could be us tomorrow". And that only reinforces your view that youve got to hedge against the United States," Sullivan added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The former NSA said that having Americas friends and other countries around the world decide that they cannot rely on the US in any way, shape, or form is not in the interest of the American people in the long term. Our word should be our bond. We should be good for what we say. Our friends should be able to rely on us, and that has always been our strength. And whats happening with India right now has huge direct impacts. But it also has this reverberating impact across all our relationships and partnerships in the world," Sullivan noted. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 07:58 IST News world Ex-US NSA Accuses Trump Of Sacrificing India Ties For Family's Business With Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... France Issues Wartime-Style Order To Hospitals: Brace For Major Engagement By 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 17:42 IST France Health Ministry directs hospitals to prepare for a major crisis by March 2026. The order comes amid growing fears across Europe of escalating conflict between Russia and NATO countries. France ordered its hospitals to brace for a potential large-scale crisis by March 2026, directing regional health authorities to prepare for what it described as a major engagement" that could involve caring for thousands of wounded soldiers. The instruction came in a letter sent by the Health Ministry on July 18, parts of which were first reported by Le Canard enchaine. It urged hospitals to be ready to handle both French and foreign troops within 10 to 180 days, should a conflict break out. The ministry also raised the possibility of temporary medical centres being set up near airports, ports, train and bus stations to treat or reroute foreign personnel back to their home countries. Recommended Stories France Anticipating A Crisis? France Health Minister Catherine Vautrin sought to calm speculation, saying the directive was part of a broader crisis-preparedness policy, not a response to any specific threat. The minister said, It is perfectly normal for the country to anticipate crises and their consequences. This is part of anticipation, just like strategic stockpiling." The minister added that France must avoid repeating the unpreparedness exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rising Concerns In Europe top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The order comes amid growing fears across Europe of escalating conflict between Russia and NATO countries. France has already stepped up defence spending to 33.5% of GDP and recently released a survival guide" advising citizens on how to prepare for armed conflict, nuclear strikes or natural disasters. The 20-page manual, in development since 2022, recommends households keep essential supplies such as food, water, batteries and first aid kits. Officials insist it is part of general readiness planning. Location : France First Published: September 02, 2025, 17:42 IST News world France Issues Wartime-Style Order To Hospitals: Brace For Major Engagement By 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Missiles To Mega Lasers: China To Flex Its New Weapons Before Putin At Military Parade Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:11 IST The parade marks the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat in World War II and is expected to be one of China's largest displays of military power in years Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Chinese President Xi Jinping with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. (AP photo) China is set to unveil a wide array of advanced weapons on Wednesday during a major military parade in Beijing, in what many see as a direct challenge to US military dominance. The event will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Recommended Stories The parade marks the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat in World War II and is expected to be one of Chinas largest displays of military power in years. New Missiles On Display Among the most talked-about weapons are four new anti-ship missiles: YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. These are designed to strike large enemy vessels and may include hypersonic capabilities, meaning they can travel at least five times the speed of sound. Military analysts say such weapons are aimed at deterring US naval forces in areas like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to prevent the US from posing a serious threat to Chinas national security," Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former Chinese army instructor, told news agency AFP. Underwater Drones China will also showcase uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), which resemble large torpedoes. One model, labelled AJX002, is estimated to be around 20 metres long. Another was seen hidden under a cover during rehearsals. According to Naval News, China now leads the world in XLUUV production, despite still lagging behind the US in overall naval power. Advanced Anti-Missile System Another highlight is the HQ-29, which some experts call a satellite hunter". It could intercept missiles or even satellites at altitudes up to 500 kilometres, well beyond the Earths atmosphere. If confirmed, this would be Chinas most advanced missile defence system yet. Mega Laser Weapon A large camouflaged vehicle seen during rehearsals is rumoured to carry a high-powered laser capable of shooting down drones and missiles. Chinese military-linked sources claim it may be the most powerful laser air defence system in the world", though no official confirmation has been given. Nuclear Missiles And Armoured Vehicles The parade is also expected to feature new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that can carry nuclear warheads. Zhongping said these are meant to help equalise the military power balance" with the US. New tanks and armoured vehicles have also been spotted. One tank appears slightly smaller than the Type 99A, Chinas current main battle tank, and could represent a new generation of land warfare equipment. Global Show Of Strength Over 1,000 musicians, 80 buglers, and thousands of troops will participate in the event. Spectators at Tiananmen Square will sit on green, red, and gold chairs said to symbolise fertile land, sacrifice, and peace. Leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran, Serbia, and Slovakia will attend, while most Western leaders are staying away. The guest list has prompted some analysts to call it a gathering of the axis of autocracies". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all All eyes will be on how Xi, Putin, and Kim interact, with the event seen as both a military demonstration and a geopolitical message. (With inputs from AFP) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : China First Published: September 02, 2025, 20:09 IST News world From Missiles To Mega Lasers: China To Flex Its New Weapons Before Putin At Military Parade Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kim Jong Un Travels To China On Special Train, Visits Missile Lab Before Departure Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:34 IST Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by special train to attend Chinas WWII surrender anniversary parade. Before departure, he visited a missile lab in Pyongyang. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (L) as he departs from Pyongyang by special train to visit China on Sept 1, 2025 (Photo: AFP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday arrived in China on a special train, which, according to Reuters, appeared similar to the bulletproof train he had earlier used to travel to other countries. According to the North Korean state media, Kim arrived in China to attend the countrys celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, and is expected to attend the military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. Recommended Stories He would be joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In some photographs, Kim could be seen with his entourage, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who has been involved in Pyongyangs diplomacy on weapons developments for more than two decades. In one photograph, Kim can be seen standing next to the dark green train with a cigarette in his hand. In another, the North Korean leader could be seen seated at a desk inside the train with a North Korean flag behind him and with a closed laptop computer in a carriage ornately furnished with wood panelling. Kim left Pyongyang for China on Monday and would be attending the largest multilateral diplomatic event he has ever been to. Before crossing into China, Kim on Monday visited a missile laboratory that is researching carbon fibre composite materials to be used in engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media KCNA said. Kims visit to a missile laboratory just ahead of the multilateral summit appeared highly symbolic, Reuters quoted experts as saying. The visit is geared toward showing off (North Koreas) status as a nuclear power" just before standing alongside Xi and Putin, which is intended to suggest support for North Korea as a nuclear state," it quoted Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, as saying. Hong said it also sent a message to the United States about North Koreas will to advance nuclear weapons and the status of a nuclear power that is difficult to reverse." THE MILITARY PARADE IN CHINA Beijings Tiananmen Square will mark 80 years since the end of World War II, when China will also showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyos attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kims attendance will be the first time he is seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. ALSO READ | Inside Kim Jong Uns Dream Resort: Russian Tourist Shares Startling Details About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:30 IST News world Kim Jong Un Travels To China On Special Train, Visits Missile Lab Before Departure Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Massive Fire Engulfs Vacant Building In Downtown Baltimore, Disrupts Transit Services Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 02:37 IST The fire has significantly disrupted public transportation in the downtown area. Authorities are urging residents, commuters, and motorists to avoid the area (X/Jerome Alexander Horne) A massive five-alarm fire broke out in downtown Baltimore on Tuesday evening, engulfing at least one vacant building and triggering a large-scale emergency response. According to CBS News, the blaze erupted at a four-story vacant structure located near North Howard Street and West Fayette Street, with flames spreading to adjacent buildings. Emergency crews were first dispatched to the area around 3:05 pm, and the fire was officially reported in the 200 block of West Fayette Street by 3:30 pm. Fire officials quickly escalated the response as the flames intensified, and by 4:30 pm, firefighters were attacking the fire from the exterior using ladder pipes and high-volume monitor pipes. Recommended Stories Fire in downtown Baltimore as seen from my apartment. Looks like part of the abandoned Super Block" has caught fire which may actually be a blessing in disguise. Surely buildings will have to be fully demolished if they dont collapse on their own. pic.twitter.com/MKk3lNovic Jerome Alexander Horne (@jahorne) September 2, 2025 Officials confirmed that at least one of the buildings has collapsed, though they do not expect the fire to spread further. Fortunately, all three structures involved were unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries have been reported. Baltimore City Fire Department is being assisted by several agencies, including the Baltimore Police Department, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Works (DPW), all of which have responded to the scene to assist with safety, traffic, and infrastructure management. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fire has significantly disrupted public transportation in the downtown area. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced that Light Rail service between Camden Station and North Avenue has been suspended due to ongoing fire department activity. Shuttle buses are being provided as an alternative for affected riders. Additionally, CityLink Red service is being rerouted between Fayette Street and Liberty Street, with detours expected to remain in place until at least 11:30 pm. Authorities are urging residents, commuters, and motorists to avoid the area as emergency crews continue to battle the fire and secure the scene. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 03, 2025, 02:37 IST News world Massive Fire Engulfs Vacant Building In Downtown Baltimore, Disrupts Transit Services Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mexican TikTok Star, Family Murdered In Cartel-Style Execution, Bodies Found Wrapped In Plastic Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 14:51 IST Authorities concluded that the family was executed at the repair shop and then transported to another location where their bodies were left in the vehicle. Mexican TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay and her family were found dead inside a pickup truck. (Image: X) Mexican TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay and her family were discovered dead inside a pickup truck in the San Andres neighbourhood of Guadalajara on August. The bodies of 32-year-old Esmeralda, her 36-year-old husband Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, their 13-year-old son Gael Santiago, and their 7-year-old daughter Regina were found wrapped in plastic, authorities reported. Prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan indicated the murders are likely connected to cartel violence, according to The New York Post. CCTV footage obtained by the Latin Times helped investigators trace the trucks route, leading them to a nearby auto repair shop. There, police found bloodstains, spent bullet casings, and other ballistic evidence. Recommended Stories Authorities concluded that the family was executed at the repair shop and then transported to another location where their bodies were left in the vehicle. Santillan stated, While forensic results are pending, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were killed at that location." During the investigation, two workers from the repair shop, Hector Manuel Valdivia Martinez and a suspect known as El Chino, were detained. They were released after questioning due to insufficient evidence for formal charges, according to PEOPLE. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After their release, the two men, along with two relatives, were ambushed by an armed group. El Chino managed to escape, but the other three individuals remain missing. Prosecutor Blanca Trujillo noted that the attackers had been monitoring the exit for over two hours and had meticulously planned their actions, local media reported. Garibay was a well-known TikTok influencer with over 44,000 followers. She often showcased a luxurious lifestyle, posting videos of high-end brands like Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as luxury cars, cosmetic surgeries, and expensive vacations. Additionally, she shared lip-syncing videos to narco-corridos, a type of Mexican ballad that glorifies drug cartels. Some of her content suggested her husbands connections to a cartel, which authorities believe may have drawn the attention of criminal groups. 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 : Mexico First Published: September 02, 2025, 14:51 IST News world Mexican TikTok Star, Family Murdered In Cartel-Style Execution, Bodies Found Wrapped In Plastic Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Joins PM Shehbaz Sharif In Meeting With China's Xi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:54 IST Munir, who became Field Marshal earlier this year, had previously met Chinas Vice-President Han Zheng during his first visit to Beijing in July Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir shakes hand with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Image via X) Pakistans Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since becoming Field Marshal. The meeting took place alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a day after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit concluded in Tianjin. Munir, who became Field Marshal earlier this year, had previously met Chinas Vice-President Han Zheng during his first visit to Beijing in July. However, this was his first formal meeting with the Chinese President, unlike his predecessor General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who had met Xi earlier. Recommended Stories The SCO summit, attended by leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded with discussions on various regional and global issues. Munir and Sharif will also attend a grand military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The parade is expected to showcase Chinas latest military technology, which is of great interest to Pakistan, as over 80% of its military equipment is sourced from China. During their meeting, both sides held broad talks on bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, part of the Pakistani delegation, said the discussions were wide-ranging. Xi stressed the importance of the China-Pakistan relationship, especially as the world faces rapid changes unseen in a century. He said the two countries should work to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future" to bring benefits to their peoples and serve as a model for the wider region. Xi also expressed Chinas readiness to work with Pakistan on upgraded versions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. He urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese workers, projects, and institutions in the country. Pakistan Prime Minister praised Xis Global Governance Initiative (GGI) launched at the SCO summit, calling it significant for world peace, development, and stability. He pledged Pakistans full support and active participation in implementing the initiative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to the One-China principle and expressed hope for further strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He also promised to do everything possible to protect Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. (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 : China First Published: September 02, 2025, 20:49 IST News world Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Joins PM Shehbaz Sharif In Meeting With China's Xi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Store Water At Home': Pakistan Defence Minister's Bizarre Advice Amid Punjab Province Floods Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 13:58 IST Khawaja Asif termed the devastating floods in Punjab province a "blessing," urging people to store the water in buckets and tubs at home. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (Photo: AP) Amid severe floods in Pakistans Punjab province, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has suggested that floods should be seen as a blessing" and that the flood waters should be stored by civilians in buckets and tubs at home. Speaking to a local news channel on the present situation in the province due to excessive rainfall, Asif said that those protesting against the government over the floods should take the water home. Recommended Stories People who have blocked roads and are protesting against the flood-like situation should take the flood waters home," Khawaja Asif said. They should store this water at their homes, in tubs, in lakes. We should look at these waters in the form of a blessing and hence should store it," he added. News agency ANI quoted ARY News and reported that the monsoon fury in Pakistans Punjab province has claimed the lives of 33 people, affected 2,200 villages, and forced the evacuation of more than 700,000 residents. It also quoted Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, as saying that the province is facing one of the most severe floods in its history, with all three rivers running dangerously high. He added that water levels in the Sutlej River near Kasur are beginning to subside, offering some relief to nearby communities. Villagers in affected districts such as Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur are continuing to move to safer areas as floodwaters advance. Relief teams are operating in the worst-hit districts, and thousands of livestock have also been shifted to secure locations, it was reported. Meanwhile, in Sindh, more than 1.6 million people across 1,657 villages could be affected in the province due to the floods, Sindhs Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told reporters. Addressing the media on Saturday, Memon said the provincial government had mobilised its machinery and was taking preventive measures to manage the potential crisis. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | TTP Terrorists Attack Frontier Corps Line In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1 Personnel Dead About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 02, 2025, 13:45 IST News world 'Store Water At Home': Pakistan Defence Minister's Bizarre Advice Amid Punjab Province Floods Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan PM Praises Putins Balancing Act, Calls Russias India Ties Perfectly Fine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 19:38 IST Shehbaz Sharif assured Putin that Pakistan-Russia ties are complementary to Russia-India relations during a meeting on the sidelines of SCO summit. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought to reassure Moscow that Islamabads outreach to Russia would not clash with Russias long-standing ties with India, calling the relationship supplementary and complementary" for regional stability. Shehbaz Sharif met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin where he thanked Moscow for its support to Pakistan and hailed Russias attempt at maintaining equilibrium in South Asia. I would like to thank you for supporting Pakistan and trying to have a balancing act in the region," Shehbaz Sharif told Vladimir Putin, adding, I know and I must say that I respect your relationship with India and it is perfectly fine, but we also want to build strong relations and these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the betterment of the region." Recommended Stories "We Respect Russias Relations with India" Pakistan PM Sharif to Putin https://t.co/9f7JEhjbT1 pic.twitter.com/meqFETLujp RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 2, 2025 Shehbaz Sharifs Viral Moment From SCO Earlier, a brief scene during the SCO summit drew attention online when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin were seen walking together in animated conversation, while Shehbaz Sharif, standing nearby, looked on. The moment, captured on video, was widely circulated on social media. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This years SCO summit in Tianjin was the largest since the groupings founding in 2001, with China- the current chair- inviting 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his banquet address, emphasised that the SCO bore greater responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability" amid global uncertainty. He urged member states to pool the strength of the Global South and push for more progress of human civilisation." Location : China First Published: September 02, 2025, 19:38 IST News world Pakistan PM Praises Putins Balancing Act, Calls Russias India Ties Perfectly Fine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Doesnt Make Sense: Trump Adviser Navarro Says India Should Side With US, Not Russia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 09:35 IST Calling on India to come around, Navarro argued that Modi must join the US and Europe in backing Ukraine. White House trade advisor Peter Navarro (Image: Reuters) White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has urged India to align more closely with the United States and warned against deepening ties with Russia and China amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Calling on India to come around," Navarro argued that Modi must join the US and Europe in backing Ukraine. He needs to be with us in Europe and Ukraine and not with Russia on this, and he needs to stop buying the oil," he said. Recommended Stories The road to peace in many ways runs at least partly through New Delhi. Its time for Modi to step up. I have great respect for Modi. I love the Indian people," Navarro said, stressing Indias influence in shaping the global response to the conflict. It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed with Xi Jinping and Putin. Im not sure what hes thinking. We hope he comes around to seeing that he needs to be with us and not Russia," says Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro pic.twitter.com/ZjFleFWi91 Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) September 2, 2025 Navarro also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling it a contradiction for the leader of the worlds largest democracy. It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed with the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world in Putin and Xi Jinping. That doesnt make any sense," he remarked. Pointing to Indias long and often hostile history with China, Navarro questioned New Delhis strategy, saying, Im not sure what PM Modi is thinking, particularly since India has been in a cold war and sometimes a hot war with China for decades." Navarros comments come at a time of growing strain between Washington and New Delhi, following the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent penalty linked to purchases of Russian oil. At the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of regional integration, urging members to strengthen trade links. India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust," Modi said in his address. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the strategic role of the bloc, arguing that SCO dialogue was laying the groundwork for a new Eurasian security framework. The SCO is steadily increasing its influence in addressing international issues. National currencies are being used more widely in mutual settlements for trade among SCO countries. The pace of development of cooperation within the SCO is impressive," Putin said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, meanwhile, called on the SCO to act as a bulwark for fairness and justice as he addressed the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:50 IST News world Doesnt Make Sense: Trump Adviser Navarro Says India Should Side With US, Not Russia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Russian Armed Forces shelled Kupiansk (Kharkiv region), there are casualties among the civilian population - two pensioners were killed. "Two women, 69 and 63 years old, were killed. The son of one of the women contacted the 102 hotline today. Both local residents died on the spot from their injuries," the communications department of the National Police Headquarters in Kharkiv region reports. A pretrial investigation has been launched under Part 2 of Article 438 (war crimes) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Shipping To Civil Aviation: India, Singapore To Sign 5 Pacts As PM Wong Begins 3-Day Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 22:34 IST On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Wong will hold wide-ranging talks Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong. (PTI file photo) India and Singapore are set to deepen ties with the signing of five key agreements covering sectors such as shipping, civil aviation, and space during Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wongs three-day visit to New Delhi, which began on Tuesday. This marks Wongs first trip to India as Prime Minister, and officials say the main focus is to expand economic cooperation based on the strong complementarities between the two countries. Recommended Stories On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Wong will hold wide-ranging talks. Following this, they will jointly inaugurate a new container terminal at Mumbais Nhava Sheva port virtually. The project has seen an investment of over USD 1 billion by the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA International). The talks are expected to finalise a detailed roadmap to boost cooperation in eight key areas: economic engagement, skills training, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare, medicine, and defence and security. Sources also said discussions will likely cover joint development of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the civil nuclear sector, a promising area for future collaboration. Singapore is a major investor in India, with cumulative investments since 2014 reaching an impressive USD 175 billion, including USD 60 billion in the post-Covid period. Singapore is Indias sixth largest trade partner in the 2024-25 financial year, accounting for nearly 3 per cent of Indias total trade. The relationship is built on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), signed in 2005, which provides the foundation for bilateral economic ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday that Wongs visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and highlights the strong and growing comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Both leaders are expected to review the progress in cooperation and set the course for future collaboration. They will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. Wong is accompanied by his spouse and a senior delegation, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Transport and Finance Minister Jeffrey Siow. During his visit, PM Wong will also meet Indias President Droupadi Murmu. Ahead of the visit, the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) was held in New Delhi on August 13, with top ministers from both sides preparing for the discussions. Looking ahead, the two countries are exploring projects such as exporting solar energy from India to Singapore via an underwater cable, which could also enhance data connectivity. However, a feasibility study noted challenges in laying the cable due to the Andaman Trench. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other proposals include exporting green ammonia and green hydrogen from India to Singapore, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 22:34 IST News world Shipping To Civil Aviation: India, Singapore To Sign 5 Pacts As PM Wong Begins 3-Day Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... TTP Terrorists Attack Frontier Corps Line In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1 Personnel Dead Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 12:03 IST This attack underscores the persistent volatility in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, where TTP and allied militant factions continue to challenge the states authority. Pakistans Bajaur district witnessed back-to-back violence: an Army convoy blast causing casualties, followed by a mosque strike that killed 30 TTP militants. (IMAGE: REUTERS) In yet another escalation of the ongoing insurgency in Pakistans northwestern frontier, on Monday, five militants from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched a coordinated assault on a Frontier Corps (FC) post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ensuing heavy gunfire triggered a prolonged exchange of fire. While the five militants were killed, one Frontier Corpse personnel died in the attack. This attack underscores the persistent volatility in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, where TTP and allied militant factions continue to challenge the states authority. Recent months have seen a surge in such attacks. In late June, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, killing 16 soldiers and injuring dozens more, including civilians. Recommended Stories A roadside bomb in early July in Bajaur claimed the lives of five officers including Assistant Commissioner Faisal Sultan and wounded several others. Just last week, militants attacked a security camp in Hangu, resulting in three officers killed and 17 wounded after a prolonged gun battle. Earlier in August, Pakistan had launched precision drone and missile strikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistans Khost and Nangarhar provinces operations believed to have been carried out in coordination with the Afghan Taliban, resulting in heavy casualties among militants. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Security authorities are expected to impose a strict cordon around the Bannu area, mobilising reinforcements to suppress the assault and pursue perpetrators. Intelligence-based retaliation in the tribal belt is anticipated to follow swiftly, marking another chapter in the tit-for-tat dynamic between Islamabad and militant groups. As Pakistan grapples with a resurgent TTP, the latest attack in Bannu not only adds to the tally of violence, but also signals that despite repeated counter-terror operations, the threat remains potent and ongoing. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: September 02, 2025, 12:03 IST News world TTP Terrorists Attack Frontier Corps Line In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1 Personnel Dead Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Congressman Ro Khanna Slams Trumps India Tariffs: Cant Let Ego Destroy Strategic Relationship Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 22:40 IST US Congressman Ro Khanna criticized Donald Trump for imposing high tariffs on Indian goods, warning it threatens US-India ties. US Congressman Ro Khanna criticizes Donald Trumps tariffs on Indian goods. US Congressman Ro Khanna launched a sharp attack on President Donald Trump over his decision to impose sweeping tariffs on Indian goods, warning that the move threatens decades of bipartisan effort to build one of Washingtons most important alliances. We cant allow the ego of Donald Trump to destroy a strategic relationship with India that is key to ensuring that America leads and not China," Ro Khanna said in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter). Recommended Stories Ego Over Strategy Ro Khanna, co-chair of the US-India Caucus, accused Donald Trump of undermining thirty years of painstaking work to strengthen ties between the two countries. He has imposed a 50 percent tariff on India, higher than any other country other than Brazil. Its a higher tariff than the tariff on China. It is hurting Indias exports of leather and textiles into the United States. And its hurting American manufacturers and our exports into India. It is also driving India towards China and towards Russia," Ro Khanna said. The California Democrat suggested that Donald Trumps actions were motivated by personal slights, saying, Now, why is this happening? For very simple reasons. Prime Minister Modi refused to nominate Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. Well, Pakistan did. And India has said that the border dispute with Pakistan is an internal matter, refusing to give Donald Trump credit." Ro Khannas criticism was echoed by former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who accused Donald Trump of jeopardising American credibility. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The US has worked to build a relationship with India, a country that we should be aligned with on technology, talent, economics and so many issues. And align with dealing with strategic threats from China. Now, I think because of Pakistans willingness to do business with the Trump family, Trump has thrown away the India relationship on the side," Jake Sullivan earlier told MeidasTouch Network. He warned that the fallout could extend beyond Delhi as he asserted, Germany or Japan will look at that (India) and say that could be us tomorrow. Americas friends will think that they cant rely on us in any way." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 22:40 IST News world US Congressman Ro Khanna Slams Trumps India Tariffs: Cant Let Ego Destroy Strategic Relationship Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US District Judge Releases Indiana Woman Who Posted Death Threats Against Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 21:27 IST Nathalie Rose Jones of Big Apple was released under monitoring after threatening US President Donald Trump online. US President Donald Trump A 50-year-old Indiana woman, who was arrested after making violent threats against US President Donald Trump on social media, was quietly released by the judge last week. Chief US District Judge James Boasberg released the woman, identified as Nathalie Rose Jones, a resident of Big Apple, under electronic monitoring. Recommended Stories The Obama-appointed judge, which is believed to be hated by the US President, also ordered her to see a psychiatrist once back home. In a post on Facebook on August 6, Jones allegedly wrote that she was willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea," and claimed to have alerted FBI offices across five states. Other posts made on Instagram reportedly called for Trumps removal from office, labelled him a terrorist," and described his presidency as a dictatorship." Jones later told Secret Service agents in an August 15 interview that she would carry out the mission" with a bladed object" if given the chance, according to court filings. As a result of these threats, she was arrested and charged with multiple offences. These include threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, as well as transmitting threats to kidnap or injure another person. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Her arrest was announced by DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who vowed aggressive prosecution. Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution," Pirro said. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 21:27 IST News world US District Judge Releases Indiana Woman Who Posted Death Threats Against Trump Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Expert Warns Of India-China-Russia Alliance Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Americans Can't Compete' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 20:13 IST US expert warns tariffs under Donald Trump are pushing India toward a closer alliance with China and Russia, as seen at the SCO summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at SCO. The United States is risking the emergence of a powerful India-China-Russia axis, a senior American analyst warned, as US President Donald Trumps tariff war drives New Delhi closer to Moscow and Beijing. Ed Price, senior Non-Resident Fellow at NYU, said, If the Chinese, the Russians and the Indians get together in any form of alliance that is economic and around the edges military, theres no way that the Americans can compete in the 21st Century. We might as well go home." Ed Price argued that Washingtons punitive approach has left India little choice but to look eastward as he said, If you slap a 50 per cent tariff on India, India is going to look elsewhere for trade partners. So this pretence of understanding why India would be at the SCO meeting or why PM Modi would be there, thats what does not make sense. We know why. We know US is unilaterally shaping what was a multilateral trade organisation. The only country that can benefit from that is China ultimately." Recommended Stories NYU Senior Non Resident Fellow, Ed Price If the Chinese, the Russians and the Indians get together in any form of Alliance that is economic and around the edges military, theres no way that the Americans can compete in the 21st Century. We might as well go home." pic.twitter.com/vfmn2SJHIH Rohit Sharma (@DcWalaDesi) September 2, 2025 The comments come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. The summit, hosted by Xi Jinping, is the SCOs largest to date, with 10 member states and 20 invited leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Xi Jinping called on the bloc to safeguard regional peace and stability" and pool the strength of the Global South." Donald Trumps Tariff Offensive The Donald Trump administration has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal duties on Indian goods and an additional 25 per cent levy tied to New Delhis purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total to 50 per cent- among the highest tariffs in the world. Donald Trump has repeatedly accused India of fueling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" by purchasing discounted crude, even while refraining from tougher sanctions on Moscow itself. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a post on his social media Truth Social, Donald Trump claimed on Monday that India had offered to slash its tariffs on US goods to zero but argued it was too late." He described the trade relationship as a one-sided disaster," writing, What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us In other words, they sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest client, but we sell them very little until now a totally one-sided relationship and it has been for many decades." Donald Trump also faulted India for relying heavily on Russian oil and arms, adding, They buy most of their oil and military products from Russia, very little from the US." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 02, 2025, 20:13 IST News world US Expert Warns Of India-China-Russia Alliance Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Americans Can't Compete' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Aide Calls India Not A Great Actor, Then Says Two Great Countries Will Solve Trade Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 02, 2025, 08:28 IST Bessent also pointed to slow-moving trade talks between Washington and New Delhi as an added factor in the Trump administrations decision to raise tariffs File photo of US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent. (AFP) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview, addressed the state of US-India relations in the wake of new tariffs imposed by Washington. The measures were introduced after Indias continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, which the White House argues is helping to finance Moscows war in Ukraine. During an interview with Fox News, when asked about the trajectory of ties with New Delhi, Bessent acknowledged the strains but said the partnership remained vital. This is a longstanding meeting, its called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and I think its largely performative," Bessent remarked, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the ongoing summit in Tianjin. Recommended Stories At the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to Chinas than to Russias," he said. Two great countries will get this solved. But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine." Bessent also pointed to slow-moving trade talks between Washington and New Delhi as an added factor in the Trump administrations decision to raise tariffs, even as he stressed confidence that the differences could eventually be resolved. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modis participation at the SCO Summit has drawn global attention as he engages with Putin and Xi on regional cooperation, energy security, and multipolarity. While the meeting has been described as largely performative" by Bessent, observers note that the optics of Indias balancing act, deepening cooperation with Russia and China even amid strained ties with the US, carry weight in the current geopolitical situation. Bessent On More Sanctions To Russia top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Targeting Russia, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that all options are on the table" as the Trump administration weighs further sanctions on Russia over its intensifying war in Ukraine, even as President Donald Trump continues to pursue a negotiated peace. In an interview with Fox News, Bessent accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ramping up airstrikes despite signals in recent meetings that he was open to talks. Since the historic meeting in Anchorage Putin has failed to follow through on what he indicated he wanted to do. As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign," Bessent said. With President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think well be examining those very closely this week." About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 02, 2025, 08:04 IST News world Trump Aide Calls India Not A Great Actor, Then Says Two Great Countries Will Solve Trade Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Were Going In: Trump On Sending National Guard Troops To Hellhole Chicago | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 03, 2025, 02:18 IST Trump has repeatedly criticised Chicago's crime levels throughout his presidency. He has described the city as a crime-ridden hellhole. His comments come just days after a federal judge ruled that his previous deployment of National Guard troops to California Addressing reporters from the Oval Office on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his plans to send National Guard troops to Chicago, part of his broader effort to expand a tough-on-crime and anti-immigration agenda in major American cities, even in the face of local resistance. Were going in, I didnt say when, but were going in. I have an obligation. When twenty people are killed over the last two and a half to three weeks, and seventy-five are shot with bullets," Trump said. Chicago will be liberated." Recommended Stories Trump has repeatedly criticised Chicagos crime levels throughout his presidency. He has described the city as a crime-ridden hellhole" and, in a recent Truth Social post, called it the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far." His continued portrayal of the city as lawless has fuelled his argument for federal intervention, including the potential deployment of National Guard troops. President Trump on deploying the National Guard to Chicago: Well, were going in. I didnt say when. Were going in." pic.twitter.com/2aftAQqz0s CSPAN (@cspan) September 2, 2025 The President has previously taken similar action elsewhere. Twelve days after sending federal law enforcement into Washington, D.C., he declared the capital a crime-free zone." On Tuesday, he again pointed to other cities like Baltimore and Los Angeles, which he claims are suffering from similar waves of violent crime. Though Trump appeared to confirm plans to deploy federal forces to Chicago, it remains unclear whether the operation would include the National Guard, federal law enforcement, or a combination of both. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump criticised Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for opposing federal intervention in Chicago. If the governor of Illinois would call up. Call me up. I would love to do it now. Were going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it because I have an obligation to protect this country," he said. His comments come just days after a federal judge ruled that his previous deployment of National Guard troops to California, without the governors approval, was illegal. That decision has added legal and political scrutiny to Trumps latest statements. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 03, 2025, 02:18 IST News world Were Going In: Trump On Sending National Guard Troops To Hellhole Chicago | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, during a working meeting on planning the development of a network of electric charging infrastructure for passenger and freight electric vehicles, considered creating an interactive map of favorable locations for locating electric vehicle charging stations. "(The interactive map) aims to visualize problem areas of national highways and identify areas where it is possible to promptly install charging stations," the ministry reported on Tuesday. The focus is on developing a network of electric charging complexes on national highways and on routes that are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The Ministry of Energy is discussing the technical possibilities of connecting new charging facilities to electrical networks, the availability of power reserves, the necessary infrastructure, as well as measures to simplify the process of connecting such facilities at the regional level. "Electromobility is a rapidly developing industry. Planning and development of networks today must take into account the needs of a new category of consumers tomorrow. The development of charging infrastructure on key transport arteries of Ukraine will allow our country to move synchronously with the EU countries," said Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Energy for Digital Development, Transformation and Digitalization. In addition, the Ministry of Energy is considering the feasibility of continuing the current legislative mechanisms to stimulate the development of electric transport, in the development of which the department played a leading role. The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) has issued a warning to parents and guardians, urging them to exercise due diligence and consult the regulatory body before investing thousands of dollars to send their children to study abroad. The call comes amid a rising number of cases of local students, who study abroad only to return with qualifications from foreign institutions that are not recognised in Zimbabwe, leaving their degrees worthless and their career prospects in limbo. The council has reaffirmed that Zimbabwes own 21 universities offer degrees that are comparably favourable with any other institutions globally, as they provide a robust, quality-assured education that aligns with the nations developmental goals and is globally benchmarked. In an extensive interview with Zimpapers, ZIMCHE chief executive officer, Professor Kuzvinetsa Peter Dzvimbo, detailed the councils role and the growing concern over local students falling victim to unaccredited foreign institutions. Our main function is to work with universities and our Ministry of Higher Education to look at the quality of the degree programmes that are offered in our universities. We are the organisation that works very closely with our universities to ensure that the teaching and learning and research and innovation that takes place in our institutions of higher education is of the highest quality, said Prof Dzvimbo. Without mentioning specific institutions or programmes, he revealed the distressing trend of students and parents, who discover late that their costly international qualifications are invalid when they return to Zimbabwe. Now, one of the important things is that before parents send their children abroad, they should come and check with us because we want to tell them and make sure that the university that they are going to is actually recognised in its own country, said Prof Dzvimbo. If its not recognised, your son or your daughter will not be able to work in this country. He highlighted the emotional and financial devastation that this causes. Its a traumatic exercise for both the child and the parent as they spend a lot of money. We have had people who come back to us and say, I didnt know this particular institution was not recognised. The institution we went to is not even recognised in its own country. So, you cannot have credit for that particular degree programme, he said. To combat this, ZIMCHE is embarking on a public awareness campaign. We will continue to work on radio, to work on TV, to download the prints and media and to inform the general public that they must check with us, he said. Prof Dzvimbo extended a direct plea to the public to exercise caution before investing in foreign learning. Whether that institution is in Europe or whether that institution is here on the African continent or in Asia or Latin America, please check with us, he pleaded. You can send us an email and we will be more than happy to explain to you, and we do not charge for that service. Its free. Prof Dzvimbo reiterated that Zimbabwes higher education system was of good quality as it has championed the quality and breadth of programmes offered in the countrys 21 public and private universities. I want to say to our local people, especially our parents and their children, that Zimbabwe has 21 universities. You can compare further, intellectually, professionally, in terms of the depth and breadth of the degree programmes, with any other university in the region, on the continent, and even globally, he said. He explained the rigorous quality assurance process that all local degrees must undergo, a system designed to protect the value of every qualification awarded. When a university wants to introduce a new degree, say, in pharmacy or in medicine, we put a team together of senior academics. We want you to look at this programme in terms of its depth and in terms of its breadth, said Prof Dzvimbo. This process includes physical inspections of facilities. We go to the university and look at and examine the equipment, examine the labs, examine the library, we even look at the accommodation of students, he said. Prof Dzvimbo said a key innovation ensuring national standards is the Minimum Bodies of Knowledge and Skills system. He further explained that for any given degree, 80 percent of the core curriculum is standardised across all universities, guaranteeing a uniform benchmark of quality. Institutions then have a 20 percent leeway to add distinctive and innovative specialisations. Most of our institutions in this country are what we call comprehensive institutions because they offer the sciences, they offer the arts, they offer performance, and they offer agriculture. So, any degree that you want in this country is available in all our 21 institutions, he said. Parents and students are strongly advised to make ZIMCHE their first port of call before making any significant investment in foreign education. This simple, free check could prevent financial loss and personal heartache, while also encouraging the growth and recognition of Zimbabwes own world-class higher education sector. Chronicle Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated her government's handling of its tumultuous relations with the Trump administration, progressive gains, and contentious judicial reforms in her first state of the nation address on Monday. "Things are going well, and they're only going to get better," she promised. Sheinbaum, who is nearing the end of her first year in office, left out some of the major problems still simmering in Mexico, the AP reports, including ongoing cartel violence and democratic concerns over wider concentration of executive power. The breakdown: With the US assembling a force off its Caribbean coast, Venezuela's president accused the American government on Monday of pursuing a regime change in his country. Trump administration officials have said the goal of the deployment is to combat Latin American drug cartels; Venezuelans officials call that a pretense. "They are seeking a regime change through military threat," President Nicolas Maduro said at a press conference that included military officials in Caracas, Reuters reports. "Venezuela is confronting the biggest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years." Should the US attack the South American country, Maduro said he'll "constitutionally declare a republic in arms," per the AP. He described Venezuela's military as "super prepared." Also on Monday, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil told his counterparts in several Latin American countries that the US deployment is built on a false narrative, as 87% of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific, and traffickers try to move just 5% of their product through Venezuela. The US forces are on the Atlantic side. And many shipments that reach the US through the Caribbean come on clandestine flights, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's 2023 Global Report on Cocaine. Maduruo's opposition has thanked Trump for the deployment, calling Venezuela's current government a "criminal enterprise." In his press conference, Maduro said a US military action would "stain" Trump's "hands with blood" and made a historical point. "President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide," he said. "You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela." The topic of deploying a Chinese peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine was not raised during the conversation between Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian media reported with reference to Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov. "There was no topic about it at all and there was no conversation," Ushakov said. According to him, Putin reported on the results of contacts with US President Donald Trump, in particular, about the trip to Anchorage, as well as telephone contacts. Earlier, information appeared in the media that US President Donald Trump supports the idea of deploying Chinese peacekeepers in Ukraine. The Financial Times (FT), citing its own sources, notes that the idea of deploying Chinese peacekeepers in Ukraine as a measure to ensure its security after the end of the war was initially put forward by Moscow. Workers and their supporters packed US streets on Labor Day, demanding fair treatment and union rights in a sweeping wave of "Workers Over Billionaires" rallies across the country that challenged political power and corporate interests, the Guardian reports. More than 1,000 events were planned, organized by the May Day Strong coalition, the AFL-CIO, One Fair Wage, and Democrats. The policies being opposed included mass deportations, Elon Musk's government cuts, and Republican-led redistricting, per the New York Times . Chicago's rally drew one of the biggest crowds; President Trump has said he might send troops there to battle crime. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed a crowd in the West Loop, criticizing the Trump administration's proposal, which includes stepping up immigration enforcement. Johnson led a crowd in chants of "No troops in Chicago" and "Invest in Chicago." Demonstrators were there for other issues, as well. "I think solidarity among workers is probably the most important thing we can do right now," said participant Mark Petersen, per WMAQ. "We're looking at our country get disassembled from the top down, and the best thing we can do is unite from the bottom up." In Kansas City, Missouri, demonstrators opposed a Trump plan to redraw congressional districts to give Republicans more US House seats in the state. In New York City, demonstrators gathered near Trump Tower, per the Times. A nonprofit worker from Queens said he thinks the protests will bring change in time. "The ruling class, the governing class, the people that have all the money" assume that most people "won't act because they're paralyzed by fear," Jonathan Gartrelle said. "But throughout history, when you underestimate anything, that is the point at which you fail." Representative Jerrold Nadler, a staple of New York City's Democratic establishment and Congress' liberal wing for more than three decades, will step down at the end of his current term, he tells the New York Times . Nadler, 78, said he was motivated by a growing demand for generational change within the partya sentiment fueled in part by recent concerns over aging leadership both in Congress and the White House. His retirement opens a coveted Manhattan seat and sets the stage for a fierce fight over the party's future. Nadler's decision concludes a 34-year House career marked by his participation in three presidential impeachment proceedings as well as his involvement in the push for civil rights, such as same-sex marriage and voting rights. His Manhattan district, stretching from Union Square to Central Park, is likely to attract a crowded Democratic primary, with speculation that Nadler may back former aide Micah Lasher if he runs. Neither Nadler nor Lasher has commented on those rumors. Reflecting on his legacy, Nadler cited his efforts to expand the meaning of equality in America, from championing Congress's response to 9/11 as his district included the World Trade Center, to negotiating key bipartisan deals on civil liberties. His tenure was not without setbacks, and he acknowledged to the Times that it has been difficult in recent years to maintain progressive values and also stay pro-Israel. "I don't know what to say at this point," said Nadler, a longtime Israel supporter and the longest-serving Jewish member of the House. "I can't defend what Israel is doing." A vocal critic of Donald Trump since decades before he became president, Nadler says he remains deeply concerned about what he calls threats to democratic norms. "I'm not saying we should change over the entire party," he said, referencing calls for older Democrats to step aside. "But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism." As CNN reports, 26-year-old Liam Elkind recently entered the 2026 race as a primary challenger for Nadler, saying his run should be taken as him "respectfully asking" Nadler to step aside and "build a bridge to the future." The Canadian province of Alberta has instituted a new book ban for school libraries, and one famous Canadian writer isn't taking it sitting down. Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood responded to the ban, which orders school libraries to remove "materials containing explicit sexual content" by the first day of October, with a new (very) short story, the BBC reports. She posted it in its entirety on X , explaining that it's suitable for Alberta 17-year-olds, since their education ministry thinks they're "stupid babies." It focuses on John and Mary, two "very, very good children" who "never picked their noses or had bowel movements or zits," and eventually married each other and managed to have "five perfect children" without ever engaging in sexual intercourse. The tale goes on to call out not only Atwood's own work (a line references the Handmaid's Tale coming true) but also Ayn Rand: Though the protagonists worshiped Rand, Atwood writes, "they ignored the scene in The Fountainhead where 'welcomed rape' is advocated, because who wants to dwell, and also that would have involved sex and would de facto be pornographic. Well, it kind of is, eh?" Read These Next A White House press briefing got Democratic leaders sit out bid Audi Crooks of Iowa State may do what no college player A bid to save ObamaCare subsidies failed It also calls out Danielle Smith, Alberta's premier, who has been called "Canada's Ayn Rand in cowboy boots." Smith has been supportive of the ban, and recently spoke out regarding Edmonton Public School Board's actions, the Canadian Press reports. The board, one of the largest in Alberta, announced it was removing more than 200 books to comply with the ban, including Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Smith called the move "vicious compliance," suggesting the board had purposely removed more than was necessary. Woody Allen wants to direct President Trump in another movie, saying, "I think I could do wonders" with the "very good actor." The four-time Oscar-winning director appeared as a guest on Monday's episode of Bill Maher's Club Random podcast, where he recalled directing Trump in the 1998 film Celebrity, starring Charlize Theron and Leonardo DiCaprio. Trump played himself, a real-estate developer who tells a fawning TV reporter about his plan to buy St. Patrick's Cathedral and "maybe" tear it down, per USA Today . "He was a pleasure to work with, and a very good actor," Allen said, per Variety . "He was very polite, hit his mark, did everything correctly, and had a real flair for show business." "If he would let me direct him now that he's president, I think I could do wonders," added Allen. Maher's laughing response: "If you think you were canceled before..." The 89-year-old director made clear he was not praising Trump's politics. "I take issue with [Trump] on 95% of the things, maybe 99%," said the self-described Democrat who voted for Kamala Harris. "But as an actor, he was very good. He was convincing and had a charismatic quality." Allen noted he's "one of the few people who can say he directed Trump," and said he'd like to do so again, "but that's not gonna happen." He went on to question why Trump, who "liked to judge beauty contests and ... do things that were enjoyable and relaxing," opted to go into politics, which is "nothing but headaches and critical decisions and agony." A fourth person has died in New York City custody in just over a week, raising new questions about the city's treatment of detainees and the conditions inside local jails. The latest death, identified as Turkish-born Musa Cetin, 29, occurred Friday in a Manhattan police precinct. Cetin was found unresponsive and later died at Bellevue Hospital, city officials report, per the New York Times . Authorities have yet to provide a reason for Cetin's arrest or further details on the case. According to a law enforcement official, police told the family that Cetin hanged himself, though some relatives and friends question the account. The incident is under review by the NYPD's force investigation division. The other recent deaths include two men at Rikers IslandJimmy Avila, 34, and Ardit Billa, 29and another man, 46-year-old Christopher Nieves, who died in a Brooklyn courthouse cell. Billa, 29, held since February on allegations that he attacked his Bronx neighbor with a razor, was found unresponsive in his cell in the early hours of Aug. 23, per Corrections1. Avila, 34, died that afternoon, less than 24 hours after he was taken into custody following a deadly shooting in the Bronx, per WNYW. Nieves, arrested for stealing food from a Whole Foods, died around 10:15pm Friday after what police described as a medical episode, per News 12. The Legal Aid Society, which represented Avila and Billa, has been particularly outspoken, arguing that the city is falling short in its duty to identify and address serious mental or medical issues among detainees. It counts at least 14 fatalities among city detainees so far this year and says the deaths indicate systemic failings. City officials maintain that all detainees are evaluated for medical or mental health concerns during intake. "The safety and well-being of every person in our custody is our top priority," said a City Hall spokeswoman, per the Times, adding that investigations into these deaths are ongoing. A leading group of genocide scholars has formally declared that Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza meets "the legal definition of genocide." The International Association of Genocide Scholars, which has about 500 members, approved the resolution by a wide margin86% of those voting supported it. The group argues that Israel's actions in Gaza since October 2023, including widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and forced displacement, satisfy all five criteria for genocide outlined in a 1948 UN convention, per the Washington Post . The resolution also acknowledges the Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the conflict, calling it an international crime. However, the group contends that Israel's response has gone far beyond permissible military action, citing attacks on civilian infrastructure, aid workers, and journalists, as well as conditions that have led to mass suffering and the deaths of more than 63,000 people, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry. The resolution demands that the Israeli government "immediately cease all acts that constitute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza." "People who are experts in the study of genocide can see this situation for what it is," IAGS President Melanie O'Brien tells the AP. Israel's government, however, sharply rejected the accusation, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson labeling the resolution "disgraceful" and rooted in what it describes as misinformation from Hamas. Israeli officials insist they don't intentionally target civilians and allege Hamas operates from within populated areas. Meanwhile, Israel has restricted access to Gaza for independent observers and journalists, and media watchdogs report unprecedented casualties among Palestinian journalists. The scholars' statement joins a growing list of human rights organizations and UN experts raising similar allegations. The International Court of Justice is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. Despite concerns about personal and professional repercussions, association leaders say the mounting evidence made it increasingly difficult for genocide experts to remain silent. "It's very hard to be a genocide scholar and not say it's a genocide," said one Israeli researcher. The death toll from a major earthquake in eastern Afghanistan passed 1,400 on Tuesday, with more than 3,000 people injured, a Taliban government rep said on X. Rescuers are now scrambling in a "race against time" to reach the remote area devastated by Sunday's powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake, a UN official said, warning of an exponential rise in the casualties number. The quake struck in several provinces, causing extensive damage, per the AP , flattening villages and trapping people under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood and unable to withstand the shock. Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, forcing Taliban authorities to send in dozens of commandos to evacuate the injured from places inaccessible by helicopter and other transport. The casualty figures provided by the spokesman were just for the province of Kunar. At a media briefing on Tuesday, Indrika Ratwatte, the UN's resident coordinator for Afghanistan, urged the international community to step forward, noting, "These are life-and-death decisions while we race against time to reach people." Ratwatte said that when the walls of wooden and mud homes collapse, the roof falls on to the occupants, causing injury or death. While the area was low density, the earthquake struck when everybody was asleep. The Taliban government, which is only recognized by Russia, has appealed for assistance from foreign governments and the humanitarian sector. It's the third major earthquake since the Taliban seized power in 2021, and the latest crisis to beset Afghanistan, which is reeling from deep cuts to aid funding, a weak economy, and millions of people forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan. However, help for Afghanistan is in short supply due to competing global crises and reduced aid budgets in donor countries. Kate Carey of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan said more than 420 health facilities had closed or were suspended due to the "massive reduction" in funding, with 80 of them in the eastern region, the heart of Sunday's quake. "The consequence is that the remaining facilities are overwhelmed, have insufficient supplies and personnel, and are not as close to the affected populations as the more local facilities, at a time when providing emergency trauma care is needed in the first 24 to 72 hours of the earthquake response," said Carey. Gerard Depardieu, the French actor convicted in May of sexually assaulting two actors on a film set in 2021, has apparently not seen his final day in court. Fellow French actor Charlotte Arnould, 29, said Tuesday on Instagram that Depardieu, 76, will soon face trial for allegedly raping her in August 2018, when she was 22 and he was 70. Arnould publicly accused Depardieu, a friend of her father, of twice raping her at his Paris home, where she went to seek his advice. The case, initially dropped, was reopened in 2020 and Depardieu placed under formal investigation on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in 2022, per Reuters. Last year, prosecutors reportedly requested that the case go to trial. Get the news faster. Tap to install our app. Access Newser even faster. Click here to install our app on your desktop. X An American man's vacation to the Bahamas ended in tragedy on Sunday after his watercraft collided with a boat near Paradise Island, authorities said. Police responded around 11:30am local time and found the Jet Ski rider unresponsive with visible injuries, with medical staff later confirming he'd died at the scene, per ABC News. His identity hasn't been released. This fatal crash is the latest in a string of Jet Ski accidents involving Americans in the Bahamas. At least four US citizens have been hospitalized after similar incidents in the last year, with two requiring emergency evacuations back to the US. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda warned against separating the paths of Ukraine and Moldova to EU membership, as this would have "catastrophic consequences" for the opinion of Ukrainian society. At a press conference with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in Helsinki on Tuesday, Nauseda stressed that Lithuania is a "very big supporter" of Ukraine's course towards membership in the European Union. "And that is why we argue and invite our colleagues in the European Council to decide on the opening of the first cluster of negotiations and the opening of the remaining clusters or fundamental clusters in 2025. I believe that it is very important to connect the path to membership of both countries, Moldova and Ukraine, since the separation of these two countries would have catastrophic consequences for the opinion of Ukrainian society," the president said. He also noted that Lithuania is one of "the most loyal supporters of Ukraine, not only militarily, but also politically," and the country agreed to spend at least 0.25% of GDP in support of Ukraine. "But in fact, if we look back, we invest even more, up to 0.3% of our GDP," Nauseda added. UPDATE Nov 27, 2025 2:30 AM CST A Utah man who was spared execution this fall after developing dementia during his 37 years on death row died Wednesday of apparent natural causes, according to the state's Department of Corrections. Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was set to die by firing squad in September, but the Utah Supreme Court blocked the impending execution in August after his attorneys argued his dementia had become too severe. A judge had scheduled a new competency hearing for mid-December to reevaluate his mental state, the AP reports. Utah hasn't used a firing squad since the 2010 execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner. Menzies would have been the seventh US prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977, when the US reinstated the death penalty. He selected the method when given a choice decades ago. Sep 2, 2025 10:30 AM CDT The impending execution of a man by firing squad in Utah was blocked by the state's Supreme Court on Friday after his attorneys argued he should be spared because he has dementia. As the AP reports, Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was set to be executed Friday for abducting and killing Utah mother of three Maurine Hunsaker in 1986. When given a choice decades ago, Menzies selected a firing squad as his method of execution. He would have become only the sixth US prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. Lawyers for Menzies launched a new push beginning in early 2024 to free him of his death sentence, arguing that the dementia their client had developed during his 37 years on death row is so severe that he can't understand why he's facing execution. President Trump is going to end a yearslong political tug-of-war on Tuesday: The president will announce that the US Space Command will move from Colorado to Alabama, reports Politico , the AP , and other outlets. Trump establishedtechnically, re-establishedthe agency during his first term, and Space Command set up temporary headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, per CBS News . Former President Biden then decreed that the agency should remain there permanently in 2023, but Trump is expected to announce on Tuesday that it's moving to Huntsville, Alabama. The two states have been vying for the honors for years, and Reuters notes that politics has factored prominently in the debate. Alabama is a reliably red state, while Colorado has been voting Democratic in recent elections. Huntsvilleaka "Rocket City"is home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Space Command's mission is to protect American interests in spacesatellites, in particular. The agency came into being in the mid-1980s, then got folded into the US Strategic Command in 2002. Trump made it a stand-alone agency again in 2018. President Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office for the first time in a week, confirmed Tuesday that US Space Command headquarters will move to a "beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, Alabama." He said the move from Colorado was partly influenced by Colorado's reliance on mail-in ballots, which he called a "big problem," the Washington Post reports. He claimed the state has an "automatically crooked election." More: Chicago. Asked if he had decided to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, Trump said, "We're going in," the New York Times reports. He didn't say when he planned to send troops in. "I have an obligation," he said, per the AP. "This isn't a political thing." Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Snow showers early, with a steadier snow developing late. High 8F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low -17F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Authorities in Bahrain have arrested a foreign woman accused of posing as a doctor and carrying out unlicensed cosmetic procedures in her apartment. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) reported that the woman had been advertising herself on social media as a dermatologist and cosmetologist, sharing photos and posts promoting services that were not legally approved. Working with the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, officials carried out a sting operation and caught the woman in the act of injecting clients with Botox for money. Investigators also found unlicensed medicines that she had imported into the Kingdom. During questioning, the woman admitted to the charges. She has been placed in pretrial detention, and all the illegal drugs in her possession were confiscated. Police confirmed the details of the case, which has now been referred to the Minor Criminal Court. Her first hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday. The Public Prosecutor stressed that strict regulations exist to protect patients from dangerous, unlicensed medical practices. He urged the public to only seek treatment from licensed professionals approved by the NHRA. The State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience filed a lawsuit to terminate the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), which is recognized as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). "If the order is not fulfilled, the State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience is obliged to declare the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church banned in Ukraine - this is the first step. The second step is to send letters about this to the Kyiv Metropolis and those religious organizations that are part of it or are associated with it. The third step is to immediately, as stated in the law, file a lawsuit with the court to terminate the Kyiv Metropolis. This is what was actually done," said Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service on Ethnic Policy, at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that the lawsuit was filed with the Supreme Administrative Court on August 29. When asked how long such a trial might last, the head of the Service added that he could not predict, but the Service would try to ensure that this issue was not "drowned in legal spam." Yelensky added that when the activities of the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC are terminated, this will not mean that all parishes and communities in Ukraine that belong to this church will be closed. According to him, if such a decision is made by the court, the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC will be deprived of the status of a legal entity and will lose legal personality, which will mean that the parishes of this church will not have a center. He emphasized that this also does not mean that the parishes will be forced to join some other church: "The state does not force anyone to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine or any other." The head of the Service added that the parishes can remain independent and act autonomously. "This is not about the connection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the special services of the Russian Federation. If there is a connection of certain priests with the Russian special services or with the occupiers, or there are facts of collaboration, then these cases are considered separately. We have several dozen such trials when clergymen of this church were accused of collaborating with the occupiers... But we are not talking about this: we are talking about the fact that the Ukrainian state does not allow the activities of the structures of the Russian Orthodox Church on the territory of Ukraine," Yelensky added, answering journalists' questions. HOKKAIDO, Sep 02 (News On Japan) - A rebel motorcycle gang has been terrorizing Hakodate, Hokkaido, racing noisily through intersections, swinging batons, and eventually launching fireworks. At one point, a car entering the intersection nearly collided with them. The group carried out their antics beside a flag that read "Traffic Safety," disregarding their surroundings. By the time police arrived after receiving reports, the bikers had already left the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible violation of the Road Traffic Act. Source: FNN KOBE, Sep 02 (News On Japan) - As summer vacation ends, absenteeism among schoolchildren is on the rise, with the number of cases reaching record levels. The impact extends beyond children, with parents increasingly being forced to leave their jobs to care for them. In Kobe, elementary schools marked the start of the new term on September 1st, with students sharing stories of summer holidays and new goals. Yet behind the cheerful atmosphere lies a troubling trend: the number of children refusing to attend school has been increasing year by year. In fiscal 2023, the figure surpassed 340,000 for the first time, the highest ever recorded. At Osaka Prefectures education consultation center, calls related to school refusal surge in September. The number of consultations in September last year was double that of other months. Counselors say many children express feelings such as, "I dont know why, but I dont want to go to school tomorrow," prompting the center to strengthen its support system. For parents, a childs refusal to attend school can jeopardize employment. In a recent survey of guardians, about one in five responded that they had been forced to quit their jobs. One example is Elina, who runs an English class for children in Osaka. She experienced job loss three years ago when her son, then a first-year middle school student, stopped attending classes. In September of his second year, Elinas monthly salary dropped to just 14,575 yen because she could only work fewer than three hours a day. She often had to rush to pick up her son when called by the school, gradually depleting the familys savings. "I never knew when the school would call, so even if I managed to get to work, I would soon have to leave. I kept apologizing to my son, and he apologized to me. We spent our days saying sorry to each other," she recalled. Her son also noticed her fatigue. "I was happy she came to pick me up, but I could see she was tired," he said. Elina later joined Tokyo Coffee, a community space for children who refuse to attend school and their parents. The group, which began in Nara and has since grown to over 400 locations nationwide, gave her a sense of relief from isolation. Her son now speaks openly about his future ambitions. Elina herself has become an organizer of activities and listens to the concerns of other parents. "There are so many things I could have been helped with if I had met these people back then," she said. "Even having one person nearby to talk with makes a difference." Some companies are also stepping up support. Kyodo Printing, a Tokyo-based printing company, introduced special leave and shortened working hours last year for employees with children who refuse to attend school. With over 30% of staff reportedly affected by such cases, the firm said it recognized the need to act. Employees using the system have said it helped them avoid resigning. "We realized there werent enough programs to support parents after children enter elementary school," said a company representative. "We aim to create seamless support measures without gaps." As school absenteeism continues to rise, experts stress the need to prevent both children and parents from becoming isolated. Teachers and parents are encouraged to pay attention to changes in physical and emotional well-being, such as poor appetite, irritability, or sleeplessness, which may signal distress. Behind a childs words of "I dont want to go to school" may lie stress, anxiety, or other serious issues. Parents are urged not to dismiss such signs, while also distinguishing between temporary reluctance and more serious cases. Support systems, combined with attentive monitoring by parents, are seen as vital to addressing the growing challenge of school refusal. Source: KTV NEWS OSAKA, Sep 02 (News On Japan) - The number of foreign workers in Japan has reached a record high, but illegal employment is also rising sharply. Last year alone, more than 6,500 foreign nationals disappeared after arriving in Japan to work, often caught between exploitative brokers, low wages, and harassment in the workplace. In Tokushima Prefecture, Vietnamese and Myanmar nationals can be found working as technical trainees or under specified skilled worker programs. At one farm producing and selling green onions, 17 of its 40 employees are foreign workers. Japan counted more than 2.3 million foreign workers in 2023, the highest ever, with Vietnamese making up around 570,000 the largest group by nationality. Many come to Japan to earn money, noting that wages are several times higher than in their home countries. Some say the work is demanding but rewarding. Employers, facing acute labor shortages in sectors such as agriculture, depend heavily on foreign workers. Some companies offer hourly wages as high as 1,400 yen for highly skilled individuals, and take steps such as inspecting candidates home countries or arranging separate housing by nationality to provide support. Still, cases of workers suddenly disappearing persist, often lured by brokers promising higher pay elsewhere. In Nara Prefecture, police recently arrested Ryuuji Ohashi, the de facto head of a staffing company, and two associates on suspicion of illegally employing Vietnamese nationals without valid work permits at a waste collection firm in Osaka. Investigators believe Ohashi acted as a broker, arranging illegal employment for multiple Vietnamese. Separately, in Kobe, three people were arrested last week for making Vietnamese work illegally as hairdressers without proper qualifications. Interviews with support groups reveal a deeper problem. A Vietnamese man who had been in Japan only three months said he suffered violence from his supervisor at a sheet metal company. Support organizations report receiving 10 to 20 consultation requests daily, ranging from wrongful dismissal to harassment. Some even provide video evidence of foreign workers being physically abused by supervisors. According to Yoshimizu, head of a nonprofit supporting Vietnamese, illegal employment is driven not only by low wages and harassment but also by brokers who dangle offers of higher pay. In 2023, 6,510 technical trainees went missing. One man who disappeared admitted he sought higher income to repay debts from coming to Japan, sending money home while moving from one job to another without authorization. Eventually he was arrested and deported. Experts argue that Japans technical intern training program is poorly managed, with employers often misunderstanding or misusing it. The government plans to replace it with a new system in two years, allowing workers to switch companies if certain conditions are met. While the reform is expected to improve working conditions, critics warn that without stronger oversight of exploitative employers and better protection for workers, disappearances and illegal employment will persist. Source: KTV NEWS Average increases of 3.1% projected for 2026. Employers pressed to rethink compensation and total rewards strategies. 42% of organizations plan to secure additional budgets to address compensation challenges. TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Normandin Beaudry, a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services, has released the results of its 15th annual Salary Increase Survey with more than 1,000 Canadian organizations participating in the 2026 edition. Results indicate that Canadian organizations are expected to continue scaling back their budgets for overall salary increases, with an average projected increase of 3.1% in 2026, excluding salary freezes a 0.1% reduction compared to the actual increases allocated in 2025. Evolution of the average salary increase budgets in Canada (excluding freezes) (CNW Group/Normandin Beaudry) 2026 Salary Forecast (CNW Group/Normandin Beaudry) "With salary increase budgets continuing to decline, organizations face growing pressure to do more with less making it essential to strategically plan salary increases to retain talent and maintain workforce strength," said Darcy Clark, Senior Principal, Compensation at Normandin Beaudry. HIGHLIGHTS Organizations continue to allocate additional salary budgets to address compensation challenges In 2025, 42% of responding organizations allocated an average additional budget of 0.9%, consistent with the initial January 2025 projection. Looking forward to 2026, the same percentage of organizations (42%) are planning to secure the identical 0.9% average additional budget. These funds are primarily intended to: Support market adjustments to salaries (59%) Differentiate compensation for high performers (58%) Retain employees in strategic/critical roles (54%) Accelerate progression for employees lower in their pay range (38%) Address compression and internal equity challenges (37%) Retain employees with a perceived retention risk (27%) Provide for off-cycle salary increases (20%) Industry sectors projecting high increases The following sectors reported higher than the average increases projected for 2026: Pharmaceutical: 3.8% Construction of buildings: 3.8% Telecommunications, data processing, data warehousing and related services: 3.7% IT consulting services: 3.7% Accommodation, food services and tourism: 3.5% Professional, scientific and technological services: 3.5% Real estate, rental and leasing: 3.5% "Although the labour market has become less constrained, strategic planning around salary increases remains essential for talent retention and sustaining workforce strength, particularly in the uncertain economic and geopolitical context. Organizations hoping to set themselves apart may benefit from adopting innovative approaches to balancing monetary and non-monetary elements in their total rewards," concluded Clark. The full report and interactive tool, with details by province, industry sector, size and type of organization, are available on the Normandin Beaudry website. About Normandin Beaudry Founded in 1992, Normandin Beaudry is recognized for its leading-edge total rewards consulting services. Independent and wholly owned by an ever-growing number of its professionals, Normandin Beaudry has an ownership structure that puts it in a unique position as one of the few major firms in the field with exclusively Canadian interests. From offices in Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City, a team of over 350 professionals serves an enviable list of clients across Canada that includes organizations of all sizes and industries from the private, public, para-public and not-for-profit sectors. Excellence spans the globe! As an independent and equal shareholder in MBWL International since 2023, Normandin Beaudry's reach now extends to 50+ countries. About our compensation expertise Normandin Beaudry's team of over 40 compensation consultants is one of the largest in Canada. Through the sound and innovative use of data and technology, our versatile and creative experts provide clients with unique and simple solutions that address their strategic and operational needs. For more details, visit https://www.normandin-beaudry.ca/en/areas-of-expertise/compensation/ SOURCE Normandin Beaudry Media contact: Zenergy Communications, [email protected] The Moroccan lake on the front line of the climate crisis By James Ashworth As global temperatures rise, people around the world will experience unprecedented changes in their way of life, their access to water and the wildlife around them. Nations such as Morocco are already experiencing droughts and record-breaking heat but are fighting to become more resilient in the face of climate change. In the distance, a dust tornado disturbs the dry surface of the ground. Bones bake in the dirt, bleached white under the intense sunlight. Its hard to imagine that not long ago this was once a lake. But wind back the clock to 2015 and thats exactly what Lake Aoua was. For decades the lake, located in the Middle Atlas Mountains near the Moroccan city of Ifrane, was a popular tourist destination. Holidaymakers came from across Morocco and the wider world to enjoy the waters of the lake, fed by snow melt running down from the mountains. There was boating, fishing and many other water sports but those days are gone. Since 2018, Lake Aoua has been dry, as the source of its water has dwindled away. Rising temperatures mean theres not as much snow as there used to be, while rising demand for water means that less and less of the melt even gets close to the lake. Its a blow not just to the local economy, but to the regions biodiversity as well. Lake Aoua is part of Ifrane National Park and was designated as a wetland of international importance, but many of the migratory birds that once visited it now no longer drop by. These birds are just one in a chain of dominos that are now at risk of falling now that the lake has dried up, including endangered Barbary macaques and the threatened forests they call home. Theres a chance to restore Lake Aoua, but this will only happen if the needs of nature and local people can be balanced. How is Moroccos climate changing? Morocco is a land of mountains, dominated by the three Atlas ranges that stretch across the middle of the country. Sitting near the edge of the African tectonic plate, these mountains have been stretched and squeezed over millions of years to form a diverse mix of dramatic peaks and valleys. For millions of years, the Atlas Mountains have been a vital source of the countrys water. In winter, subzero temperatures blanket their highlands in snow, which melts in the spring and summer. The meltwater flows down into vast basins that feed Moroccos streams, rivers and lakes. The Middle Atlas Mountains are a particularly important part of this, so much so that the region near Ifrane is often referred to as Moroccos water tower. But, over the past 30 years, this water tower has started running dry. While Morocco is no stranger to droughts, dry periods are becoming stronger and longer lasting. This has been linked to climate change, with rising levels of greenhouse gases driving temperatures to higher and higher extremes. In 2023, the country recorded its highest ever temperature when the city of Agadir reached 50.4C. Professor Driss Ouarhache, a geologist who studies the region, remembers a time when there were four distinct seasons. Like many countries across the world, however, theyre increasingly merging into just two. Climate change has a major impact on our water resources, Driss says. Water is life, but the supply is becoming more uncertain. Levels of rainfall are lower and more erratic than they used to be, which has led to many years of droughts. Lahcen Oukanou, Ifrane National Parks Head of Ecotourism, has seen these changes in action. The mountains now provide much less water than they used to, affecting everything downstream. There used to be three months of snow in the past, recalls Lahcen, but the number of days of snow is decreasing year after year. Less snow means that there is less meltwater being stored underground, meaning there is less water than there used to be. As a result, many lakes are shrinking. Even the regions three great rivers are changing, as many of the sources that used to feed them have gone. If emissions continue to grow, the impacts of climate change will only grow worse. Some areas of Morocco may receive just a fifth of their current water supply by 2100 as snowfall and rainfall become less common. Its also predicted that almost 40% more water will evaporate back into the atmosphere as temperatures rise. At the same time water supplies are dwindling, the demand for freshwater is rising. This is largely driven by agriculture, which is estimated to use 7590% of the countrys water supplies for irrigation. In Ifrane, this is mainly used for apple farming. With climate change making rainfall more unpredictable, farmers have turned to water from other sources. While some take directly from rivers, others use wells and pumps to take water from the underground aquifer a layer of rock, sand or earth that contains water or allows water to pass through. Like many countries around the world, this means Moroccos aquifers are shrinking. The average groundwater level is falling by almost 1.5 metres a year in the river basin around Ifrane as water is taken out of the ground faster than it can be replaced. How is climate change affecting Moroccos wildlife? Rising water demand and lower snowfall mean that Lake Aoua is now little more than a dusty bowl. While the local tourism industry is trying to find new ways to draw in the crowds, the lakes wildlife has found it much harder to adapt. The fishes were the first to go, with the bones of species such as Cobitis maroccana now littering the lakebed, followed by freshwater snails and dragonflies. By 2021 a study attempting to look for species representative of Lake Aouas biodiversity failed to find any on its targeted list. Not only is the dry lakes place as a Key Biodiversity Area threatened, but so too is its RAMSAR status a status given to wetlands recognised for supporting the lives of both humans and wildlife. Lake Aoua is part of a trio of lakes listed together as the Lacs dImouzzer du Kandar RAMSAR site, recognising their role in supporting a wide range of biodiversity, including more than 50 bird species. Its particularly important for endangered species such as the white-headed duck, which migrates to the region during Europes cold winters. Since the lake has gone dry, however, fewer birds than ever are arriving. Ifrane National Parks wetlands are an important area for birds stopping on their migration from Europe to Africa, Lahcen explains. Climate change is having a real impact on this, as it is causing the wetlands to dry up so there are less resources for the birds. Populations of birds arriving are lower than they used to be, and we have seen large declines. Even the RAMSAR sites are being immensely affected. The water shortages in the region also have effects beyond Lake Aoua, which is just one symptom of a much larger issue. Ifrane National Park is home to the largest Atlas cedar forests in Morocco, but this doesnt make the already endangered trees immune to the changing climate. When the area dries out, the growth of its trees is very minimal, adds Lahcen. This is a problem, as it is the main resource for monkeys, birds and other wildlife in this region. What affects one affects them all. The trees are also affected by disease, which is being exacerbated by climate change. As the trees die, the roots that hold the soil together go with them. This makes the region more vulnerable to soil erosion, as well as flooding from occasional heavy rain. Together these impacts raise the risk that the subsistence crops grown locally will fail, and drive people to look for resources within the park. Overgrazing and wood cutting threatens the cedar forests further, putting them in a vicious cycle of degradation and removal. Crop failures have also pushed subsistence farmers to look for other sources of income, such as the commercial fossil trade. The surrounding region is rich in scientifically important fossils, but there are concerns that excavating these for sale could deprive scientists of details about life in the distant past. Our scientist Professor Susannah Maidment, whos studied the regions dinosaurs, says that climate change is already having an impact. High temperatures and drought are causing crops to fail, so subsistence farmers are increasingly having to sell fossils to survive, Susannah says. Its not for us to say they cant do this, as they have every right to survive. How is Morocco combatting climate change? The challenges that Morocco faces from climate change are severe and reflect similar issues being faced by many countries around the world. These are serious threats, but there are solutions though theyre not always easy. One of the most important steps is to try to boost the amount of water available in Morocco. Driss says that the countrys regions are focusing on a variety of different approaches. To reduce the impact of droughts, Morocco continues to invest in many major projects, adds Driss. This includes desalination plants to provide new sources of freshwater, as well as the construction of dams and wastewater treatment plants to use what we have more effectively. There is also a project to transfer freshwater within Morocco by pipelines as part of the Water Highways Project. In addition to these infrastructure projects, inland regions such as Ifrane are also encouraging behavioural changes among farmers so that less water is taken from the ground. We are trying to implement a project with the government and other organisations to reduce the amount of water being used by arboriculture in the region, Lahcen says. By raising awareness of the issues, we hope to lessen the amount of water being taken from the aquifer. At the same time, there are also efforts to move farms onto more efficient drip and sprinkler irrigation. A project by the Moroccan government and the World Bank, for example, is providing funding for improved irrigation that aims to help tens of thousands of farmers in the country. After years of delays, stalled progress, and public frustration, demolition work is officially resuming this week on a cluster of structurally compromised buildings along Queen Street North in downtown Tilbury. Beginning Tuesday, September 2, crews will begin demolishing 55 Queen Street North, with work expected to be completed within two weeks. The long-stalled demolition of 47 and 49 Queen Street North is also anticipated to resume in conjunction with this effort. The renewed activity marks a significant step forward in addressing safety concerns that have plagued the site since 2022, when complaints first surfaced about a collapsing structure. A structural engineer hired by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent later confirmed a partially collapsed roof and other major failures at 47 and 49 Queen Street North, deeming the buildings unsafe and unfit for occupancy. An order to remedy the conditions was issued, but when the property owner failed to complete the required repairs, demolition was ordered. However, during the initial demolition process, engineers identified structural defects in the neighbouring buildings at 45 and 55 Queen Street North, prompting a halt in work and triggering additional safety reviews. Stabilization efforts were required before demolition could continue, and the municipality issued further orders to prohibit occupancy and ensure public safety. Now, with demolition contractors on site and plans in place, the municipality is moving forward. Minor traffic disruptions are expected during the demolition period, but Queen Street North and Superior Street will remain open. Residents are urged to use caution in the area and avoid the demolition site. The owners of 45 Queen Street North have been issued a building permit for repairs to the wall and structural elements of that property, with work anticipated to begin later this fall. These repairs are part of a broader effort to stabilize the surrounding area and address concerns raised during earlier phases of demolition. Municipal officials have been working closely with property owners and their insurers to ensure that engineering recommendations are followed and that remediation efforts proceed safely. In an earlier statement, Paul Lacina, director of building development services and chief building official for Chatham-Kent, emphasized that safety remains the top priority. We appreciate the communitys cooperation and want to assure everyone that safety remains the top priority, Lacina said. Ward 1 Councillor Melissa Harrigan acknowledged the frustration felt by residents and business owners over the prolonged timeline but expressed optimism about the renewed progress. The length of time it has taken to resolve the issues at 4749 Queen Street has been frustrating for all involved, Harrigan said. This update clarifies the current state and the complexities involved. I am actively working with staff to ask how Chatham-Kent can expedite a solution for our downtown. The site has been a focal point of public concern and social media discussion, with local business owners and residents calling for action. Fencing remains in place around the affected properties, and the sidewalk along Queen Street is open and safe for public use. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to monitor site conditions and encourages residents to stay informed by visiting its website for updates. For media inquiries, contact Eric Labadie, Manager of Corporate Communications, at EricL@chatham-kent.ca. As demolition resumes, officials hope the long-awaited progress will help restore confidence in the downtown core and pave the way for future revitalization. Prosecutor's Office reclassifies actions of suspect in murder of Parubiy as attack on life of MP The Prosecutor's Office reclassified the actions of 52-year-old Lviv resident Mykhailo Stselnikov, suspected of the murder of MP, former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, as "an attack on the life of a MP of Ukraine, committed in connection with his state or public activities." The Prosecutor General's Office reported this on the Telegram channel on Tuesday. "With the approval of the head of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office, the previously reported suspicion in the criminal proceedings on the murder of MP of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy has been changed," the department's statement says. The Prosecutor General's Office informs: "Taking into account the collected evidence, the legal qualification of the criminal offense has been changed to Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of weapons) and Article 112 (encroachment on the life of a MP of Ukraine committed in connection with his state or public activities) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine." In view of this, the Prosecutor's Office of Lviv Region has instructed the Investigation Department of the State Police of Ukraine in Lviv Region to conduct further pretrial investigation in the specified criminal proceedings, according to the jurisdiction of the investigation. The article provides for imprisonment for a term of 10 to 15 years or life imprisonment. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Vladimir Putin is preparing an information alibi to justify the Russian Federation's terrorist attacks on Ukrainian energy, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko said. "In particular, in Beijing, Putin stated that Russia allegedly did not strike at Ukrainian energy, but only strikes in response to Ukraine's attacks on the Russian oil industry. These statements by the Russian leader have nothing to do with reality," the CCD press service said in a message on the Telegram channel on Tuesday. "Since 2022, Russia has been constantly attacking the Ukrainian energy sector, doing it systematically, thus waging war against civilians. The Russians attack when preparations are underway for winter, as well as in the winter itself. Also, this year, the Russians have not stopped attacking the energy sector at all in certain regions bordering the Russian Federation," the CCD press service quotes Kovalenko. Now, the head of the CCD emphasized, "Putin is trying to cover up his current attacks and lies about the response for the refineries, although the Russians were the first to start the war, the attacks on the energy sector and have never stopped them." "Putin regularly participates in Russian information operations. This is part of another operation, the audience of which is the West and the Global South. An attempt to shift responsibility for the further terror of Ukrainians onto ourselves," the head of the CCD added. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) perceives suspicion of Brigadier General Illia Vitiuk as revenge for the detention of NABU employees, the special service said. "NABU and SAPO employees have declared suspicion of Brigadier General of the Security Service of Ukraine I. Vitiuk. The SBU perceives such actions as a response to the justified detention by the Service of several employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau at the end of July this year," the official SBU comment on the Telegram channel on Tuesday said. In the SBU's comments, they recalled that "recently, the SBU exposed one of the heads of NABU interregional departments for trading with the Russian Federation [Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine], and detained another employee of the Bureau for high treason and transferring information to the Russian Federation [Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine]." "In the opinion of the SBU, the announcement of suspicion of I. Vitiuk by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is revenge on the part of the NABU and the SAPO for the fact that the Security Service of Ukraine effectively counteracts Russian influence on state bodies and exposed several employees of the Bureau for committing crimes," the SBU emphasized. It is noted that "I. Vitiuk's suspicion was announced precisely after the high-profile detentions of the Bureau's representatives, although the corresponding criminal proceedings were opened almost a year and a half ago. During this time, NABU and SAPO employees were unable to collect a convincing evidence base that would confirm the illegal enrichment and false declarations that I. Vitiuk is accused of." The commentary emphasizes that "the reason for opening criminal proceedings was the presence of an apartment in his family, which was allegedly purchased at an understated price with funds that were allegedly not obtained legally. At the same time, the investigation ignored: the conclusions of many expert reports that refuted the purchase of housing at an understated price. In particular, those expert reports that were initiated by the NABU itself; the conclusion of the NACP, which, after conducting thorough checks, found no signs of illegal enrichment in the family of I. Vitiuk; the entrepreneurial activity of I. Vitiuk's wife and her receipt of legal and declared income, for which housing was purchased for the family [confirmed by a number of state expert reports]; the testimony of numerous witnesses who, despite pressure from the investigation, refute the prosecution's version." Jessica Alba co-hosts a home renovation show, and she's filming in New Jersey. Gilbert Flores | Variety via Getty Images Jessica Alba is known for her starring roles in Dark Angel, Honey, Fantastic Four, Sin City, Machete and more. The actor is also known for co-founding the Honest Company, which started out selling baby products and expanded to other home goods. But did you know shes a home renovator, too? Alba is taking her home renovation show, Honest Renovations, to New Jersey this fall. The series, hosted by Alba and Lizzy Mathis, premiered its third season Aug. 14 on The Roku Channel. Now preparations are underway to film season four, and producers are looking for Jersey homes to feature during production in October and November. Honest Renovations has issued an open call for local homeowners to apply for the show. Does your family and your home need a refresh??" the casting call asks. Is there chaos in your house causing tension?? Are you so overwhelmed that youre neglecting important aspects of your life?? Jessica and Lizzy are back with a team of experts looking for families that are ready for a life changing refresh! The casting call for the series touts that its transformations bring better routines, stronger bonds, improved health & wellness and a fresh new space to match. Not sure about all that, but it does involve a paid-for renovation. To fill out the application form and submit a video, visit honestrenovations.castingcrane.com 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. Son of suspect in murder of Parubiy fought in 93rd brigade, died in Bakhmut media Photo: https://www.slidstvo.info/ The son of 52-year-old Lviv resident Mykhailo Stselnikov, the suspect in the murder of MP, former chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy, fought in the 93rd brigade and died in Bakhmut in May 2023, reports Slidstvo.Info. A report on the publication's website on Tuesday noted that journalists from Slidstvo.Info spoke with press officer of the 93rd Motorized Rifle Brigade Irina Rybakova, and she confirmed that Mikhailo-Viktor Stselnikov, with the call sign "Lemberg," fought in the reconnaissance of the third battalion and died in May 2023 in Bakhmut. According to the publication, this is the son of the suspect in the murder of Parubiy. "Officially, Mikhailo-Viktor Stselnikov has been considered missing since May 20, 2023, Alina Karnaukhova, the head of the patronage service of the 93rd Motorized Rifle Brigade, told Slidstvo.Info. His body could not be recovered from the battlefield," the report says. Journalists of Slidstvo.Info found on the Clarity-Project website military man Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov, who is wanted as missing in May 2023 in Bakhmut. As reported, the suspect in the murder of MP Parubiy admitted his guilt during a conversation with journalists at a court hearing in Lviv, where he was being given a preventive measure. He stated that it was "revenge on the Ukrainian authorities." U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced his engagement on Instagram Tuesday. Chris Krusberg | For NJ Advance Media U.S. Sen. Cory Booker on Tuesday announced his engagement on Instagram. Im thrilled to share: Alexis and I are engaged! the New Jersey Democrat, 56, said in the post. I am savoring the soul-affirming wonder of everyday life with my partner, best friend, and now my fiancee. Bookers fiancee is Alexis Lewis, an employee at a real estate investment firm, according to an aide. The two met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend and have been dating for about 16 months, the aide said. Booker previously dated actress Rosario Dawson for just over two years before the couple split in 2022, according to People Magazine. He and Dawson met at a political fundraiser for a mutual friend in 2018 but did not start dating until later, according to People. A former Newark mayor, Booker has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2013 and is up for re-election next year. He is also considered a potential presidential candidate in 2028. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. A former teacher in Monmouth County has admitted to sexually assaulting two of her students in separate incidents over the course of several years. Julie Rizzitello, 37, a former Wall Township High School teacher, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree sexual assault, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Sentencing was set for Jan. 9, 2026, in state court. The criminal conduct by Rizzitello encompassed sex acts involving separate victims, taking place in three municipalities at various points over the course of several years, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The incidents allegedly occurred as far back as 2017, court records show. Rizzitello was arrested on July 3, 2024. Prosecutors said they intend to ask the judge to sentence her to 10 years in state prison. They will also ask to have Rizzitello register as a Megans Law sex offender, be place on parole supervision for life, and forfeit public employment. According to an affidavit of probable cause, Rizzitello had sexual contact with one of the victims in his car in Brick Township. She later sent the victim nude photos and met with him in Belmar, Brick, and Wall townships, prosecutors allege. The two also had numerous communications that were sexual in nature, the affidavit said. Information on the second victim was not available on Tuesday. An attorney representing Rizzitello did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rizzitello was an English teacher who had worked for Wall Township Public Schools since 2013, earning about $46,000 a year, according to public pension records. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Before becoming a school counselor in Irvington, I remember sitting in a social problems class at Fairleigh Dickinson University, discussing education challenges. Seventeen years later, after serving in Irvington, and Miami, Florida, I can confidently say that the issues facing our inner-city public schools run far deeper than many taxpayers realize. In Irvington, 78% of elementary students, 82% of middle school students, and 77% of high school students are reading below grade level. While debates about school funding dominate headlines, the real issues are far more insidious. Five hidden systemic challenges explain why New Jerseys urban districts consistently fail their students. 1. Cronyism & Toxic Leadership School leadership positions in urban districts are often awarded based on political connections rather than professional qualifications. In some districts, like Irvington, I witnessed firsthand how political connections intertwine with district leadership, creating an environment where decisions are influenced more by loyalty and family connections, rather than whats best for students. This dynamic prioritizes maintaining the status quo for the team over fostering innovation and accountability. An administrator once shared that during a district retreat, he heard an Assistant Superintendent proudly admit that his primary role was to make the Superintendent shine, even as student performance declined. This toxic leadership erodes teacher morale and ultimately harms students. The New Jersey Department of Education must require independent audits of leadership hiring processes to ensure decisions are based on qualifications, not political or family connections. 2. Lots of Reforms, Little-to-No Change Urban teachers are inundated with buzzwords and initiatives that change almost yearlysometimes mid-year. I remember September workshops where new programs promised transformative results if implemented with fidelity. Yet many reforms consistently failed not because teachers didnt implement them properly, but because they were never rooted in evidence-based practices. To break this cycle, districts must adopt evidence-based practices and provide transparent reporting on outcomes. A promising step is recent legislation signed by Gov. Murphy strengthening literacy education across New Jersey. This law establishes a Working Group on Student Literacy, requires biannual literacy screenings for K-3 students, and provides free professional development. With $5.25 million allocated, taxpayers deserve clear, measurable results. 3. Not Enough Parental Involvement Parental involvement is critical to student success, yet remains a significant challenge in urban districts. Many parents feel disconnected from decision-making or they are unaware of how to advocate for their children. Without proper parental oversight, districts operate with minimal accountability, leaving students to bear the consequences. Schools must create accessible parent engagement programs, such as evening workshops or virtual town halls, to empower families as advocates and partners. Parents should demand evidence of an initiatives effectiveness before it is tested on their children. Our children are not guinea pigs. 4. Teachers Are Paid to Do, Not to Think When teachers voice concerns about pacing guides to supervisors, they are often met with hostility rather than collaboration. Ironically, administrators who demand teachers promote critical thinking skills in their classrooms, often fail to embrace those skills when challenged by their own staff. This has most certainly contributed to the mass exodus of educators from the profession which recently prompted N.J. state officials to eliminate the Praxis Core exam as a requirement for obtaining a teaching license. While I understand efforts to attract more people into the profession amid the teacher shortage, disrespecting qualified teachers for speaking up remains unaddressed. Loosening entry requirements wont resolve the toxic culture that prioritizes compliance over effectiveness and competence. Districts should establish teacher advisory councils to provide input on curriculum and initiatives. Teachers are on the front lines, and their insights are invaluable in shaping policies that benefit students. Our teachers should not fear reprisal for advocating for students. 5. Happy Talk & Toxic Positivity Board of Education meetings often mask dysfunction with forced smiles and empty platitudes. Behind closed doors, teachers are frustrated with district leadership who prioritize optics over meaningful change. The teacher shortage isnt just about low pay its driven by burn-out and frustration with a system that gaslights educators and parents. School boards must hold regular public forums where teachers and parents can voice concerns without fear of retaliation. Districts must move beyond performative gestures and focus on creating an educational culture where both students and teachers thrive. Urban school districts in New Jersey cannot afford to continue down this broken path. The consequences of cronyism, toxic leadership, and ineffective reforms are especially dire for Black and Brown children, who make up the majority of students in cities like Newark, Irvington, and Trenton. Its time for New Jerseys parents, educators, and taxpayers to demand transparency, accountability, and evidence-based solutions. The achievement gap wont close unless were willing to ruffle feathers and demand meaningful change. Silence is no longer an option. Vanessa Jean-Louis is a former school counselor with nearly 17 years of experience working in Irvington, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida. She is a two-time recipient of the Governors Educational Professional of the Year award. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor for Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom. The importance of reading by third grade cannot be underestimated because up until third grade, students are learning to read. After that, they are reading to learn. Will McLelland During slavery, reading wasnt merely discouraged; it was often illegal. Enslaved people were denied the right to read because being literate allowed them to envision and demand freedom. The Bible, read clandestinely or from memory, became a pathway to liberation. The story of Moses leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under the Pharaoh kindled hope in the hearts of those yearning to be free. After the emancipation, freed people often with aid from church groups, mutual aid societies, and the Freedmens Bureau established schools, where both children and adults could learn to read, frequently using the Bible as a primary text. Today, the importance of literacy remains unchanged. But in Newark, the statistics are jarring. According to TAPintoNewark.net , less than 24% of third graders passed the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment in literacy in 2024. While some individual district schools show bright spots such as Park Elementary, which saw 58.7% of its third graders reach proficiency many schools lag far behind. In eight district schools, fewer than 10% of third graders can read at grade level, according to data compiled by the state Department of Education . The importance of reading by third grade cannot be underestimated because up until third grade, students are learning to read. After that, they are reading to learn. A landmark 2011 study found that children who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school by age 19, and for low-income students, the risk increases to 13 times higher compared to their proficient, wealthier peers. Just as reading the Bible once opened doors, so too today is literacy not only the gateway to deeper faith, but to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the increasingly complex world that we all inhabit. Unfortunately, for many of Newarks children, the door to learning and to broader possibility remains locked. Ensuring children can read by third grade is the continuation of a sacred mission of empowering individuals to access the Word and chart their own course. If reading once illuminated the path from slavery to hope, then today, literacy is the foundation of freedom. It is freedom to read the Bible. It is freedom to think critically and not be deceived by falsehoods. It is freedom to pursue college, which can open doors to careers, economic security, and a future once denied to our people. In August 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that seeks to address the alarming literacy gaps in New Jerseys schools. This legislation mandates that students in kindergarten through third grade undergo literacy screenings at least twice annually, starting in the 20252026 school year. Schools are required to notify parents of their childs results within 30 days and provide necessary interventions for those falling behind. The law also establishes a statewide working group to recommend evidence-based literacy strategies and creates an online resource center to assist districts in selecting high-quality instructional materials. Additionally, it allocates millions of dollars in funding to support these initiatives. If reading proficiency scores are less than 40% at your childs school, ask yourself: is my child getting what he or she needs? Even if your child is getting As and Bs, it doesnt mean they can read at the level they should. Tests that are given to all children across the state tell us the truth about how our own children are doing here in Newark. And the results are grim. As a faith leader serving Newarks community, I see this as more than just an educational issue. It is a moral and spiritual one, and thats why I plan to make literacy a part of my Sunday worship experiences this fall. Literacy is the key that opens the Bible to every child, allowing them to engage with scripture directly, to reflect, and to grow in faith. It is also a pathway to freedom, empowerment, and opportunity, continuing the legacy of those who, after the emancipation, built schools and taught their communities to read against all odds. By highlighting the importance of this law, I urge families, educators, and community leaders to come together to ensure our children do not fall behind. Its the responsibility of parents to use the tools provided by New Jerseys new literacy law to help their children succeed. When our children learn to read, they are not only prepared for school, they are prepared for life, equipped to engage fully in faith, in community, and in the promise of a brighter future. Jesus said, You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. But our children cannot know the truth if they cannot read the Word. Literacy is the pathway to knowing truth, both Gods truth and lifes truths. The Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter is the pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark and South Orange. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor for Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom. Seton Hall University, the largest Catholic university in New Jersey, has received a $10 million estate gift to support its chemistry program. The donation will fund an endowed professorship in chemistry and expand research at the schools Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, university officials announced Thursday. According to Jonathan Farina, dean of Seton Halls College of Arts and Sciences, the gift creates a permanent faculty position with stable funding for teaching and research. It will be the departments first endowed professorship since its founding more than half a century ago, officials said. Endowed faculty attract graduate students who want to learn from, and collaborate, with scholars of the highest caliber, Farina said in a statement. This extraordinary gift will ensure that Seton Halls chemistry and biochemistry programs continue to thrive, particularly the Ph.D. program where grant-funded research and publication are key to student success. The gift was made through the estate of the late Sylvia and Thomas Tencza of Wallington, an alumnus of the university. Sylvia and Thomas Tencza of Wallington, whose $10 million estate gift will establish Seton Hall Universitys first endowed professorship in chemistry. Thomas, a 1960s graduate of Seton Halls chemistry program, died in 2012. Sylvia, who continued to support the university after his passing, died in 2024. Seton Hall University Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, was among the early members of Seton Halls chemistry program, earning his Masters and Ph.D. there in the 1960s. He went on to spend more than three decades at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Hillside, rising to senior director of product development, securing nine patents and helping develop medications such as Excedrin, Bufferin and NoDoz, the announcement said. He died in 2012 at the age of 80. His wife, Sylvia, who died in September 2024, continued to support her husbands alma mater after his passing, according to the university. The couple had been married for more than 53 years. Sylvia often credited her husbands success to the education he received at Seton Hall and worked to bring the endowed professorship to life. In 2017, the university awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her philanthropy. Tom and Sylvias generosity will enrich the student experience and further strengthen the academic excellence for which Seton Hall has always been known, University President Monsignor Joseph Reilly said in a statement. Seton Hall University, founded in 1856, is a private Catholic institution in South Orange and one of the oldest diocesan universities in the United States. It enrolls nearly 10,000 students across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nyah Marshall may be reached at nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com A 39-year-old swimmer died Tuesday after being pulled from the ocean at an unguarded beach in Lavallette, police said. Authorities arrived at the New York Avenue beach shortly before noon after receiving a report of a swimmer in distress, said Lavallette Police Chief Christian LaCicero. The swimmer, a Totowa resident, was found partially submerged in the ocean roughly 25 yards from shore, police said. Rescue swimmers from the Lavallette and Seaside Heights fire departments entered the ocean and brought the victim to shore, where resuscitation efforts immediately began, police said. The man was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was pronounced dead at 12:41 p.m., LaCicero said. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin, police said. There were no lifeguards on duty at any Lavallette beaches Tuesday, said Fire Chief Michael Hajisafari. According to LaCicero, multiple agencies assisted the Lavallette Police Department, including Seaside Heights Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Seaside Heights Fire Department, Seaside Park Fire Department, Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, Lavallette First Aid Squad, RWJ Barnabas Health Paramedics, Seaside Heights Beach Patrol and Lavallette Volunteer Fire Department. We had great support from our mutual aid companies, Hajisafari said. Its a sad day, and we hope that people stay out of the water when there are no lifeguards on duty. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com. A man pled guilty to manufacturing child sexual abuse material and invasion of privacy after he was caught with video recordings of people undressing in the bathroom of his Jersey Shore home, police said. David Lyons, 44, of Glenside, Pennsylvania, was arrested on July 21, 2024, at his home in Beach Haven. Police said they received a report that a 15-year-old girl had been videotaped while she was taking a shower at a rental property, police said. Lyons then became a suspect since it was his home. Police searched the home in Long Beach Island, where Lyons was living, and recovered several of his electronic devices, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. Lyons was taken to the Ocean County Jail and later released. Lyons sentencing date is Nov. 14. Hes facing a six year term in state prison. A digital forensic review of the seized electronic items found Lyons had secretly recorded a juvenile and an adult while they were undressing in a bathroom at another rental property in July 2023, police said. The Beach Haven Police Department contacted the Abington Township Police Department of their findings. Lyon was charged with a number of similar offenses in that jurisdiction, which are still pending. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @TorigNJAM. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 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 (D) slammed President Donald Trump after securing a major legal victory in connection with the Los Angeles protests earlier this year. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Trumps administration violated federal law when it sent the National Guard to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement operations and the following protests. Newsom mocked Trump over Californias legal victory on social media platform X. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom wrote on X. The courts agree -- his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, he added. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree -- his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. pic.twitter.com/rDq1Li5fug Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 2, 2025 Newsoms press office also celebrated the court win in a statement shared on X. CALIFORNIANS JUST BEAT TRUMP IN COURT (AGAIN!) bringing much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump Admins ILLEGAL militarization of Los Angeles," the press office wrote. CALIFORNIANS JUST BEAT TRUMP IN COURT (AGAIN!) bringing much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump Admins ILLEGAL militarization of Los Angeles. The Court ORDERS that Defendants [TRUMP] are enjoined from deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the pic.twitter.com/k9VqbbaaoD Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 2, 2025 U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco did not require the several hundred remaining troops to be withdrawn and set his order to go into effect Sept. 12. The order comes after California sued, saying the troops sent to Los Angeles over the summer were violating a law that prohibits military enforcement of domestic laws. Lawyers for Trumps Republican administration have argued the Posse Comitatus Act doesnt apply because the troops were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws. They say the troops were mobilized under an authority that allows the president to deploy them. The judges decision comes as Trump has discussed National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Baltimore and New York. He has already deployed the guard as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover in Washington, where he has direct legal control. Trump federalized members of the California National Guard and sent them to the second-largest U.S. city over the objections of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and city leaders. Trump did so under a law that allows the president to call the guard into federal service when the country is invaded, when there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government, or when the president is otherwise unable to execute the laws of the United States. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), left, should "partner up" with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley and Mark Schiefelbein) MSNBC host Joe Scarborough is pushing for an alliance between President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D). Trump has repeatedly renewed threats of sending federal agents and the National Guard to Chicago, despite opposition from Pritzker and the citys mayor, Brandon Johnson. Pritzker has called for all to stand up against a federal immigration crackdown across the city, which could begin as soon as this week, CNN reported. In consecutive posts on his Truth Social platform, the president on Tuesday continued to criticize Chicago, calling it the the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. He pledged to solve the crime problem fast, pointing to his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. "CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!" Trump also baselessly claimed. During Morning Joe early Tuesday, Scarborough referenced to how at least 54 people had been shot, seven fatally, across the city over Labor Day weekend while Johnson has rejected an increased presence of police officers. I actually think that JB Pritzker should do something radical," Scarborough said. I think he should pick up the phone, call the president, and say, You know and I know, you dont have the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard here, and to police... But lets partner up," he continued. Even MSDNC thinks @JBPritzker "should pick up the phone [and] call the President" for help on Chicago's violent crime crisis. pic.twitter.com/8sE5ALz5F8 Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 2, 2025 Scarborough went on to say that Pritzker should note the most dangerous parts of the state to the president. We would love to figure out how to have a partnership thats constitutional, that respects the sort of balance of federalism between the federal government and the state government. And lets work together to save lives," Scarborough suggested Pritzker should say to Trump. Because right now, just the Hey, nothing to see here, moving along, no problem here, Hey Donald Trump, we dont need you, and the mayor talking about were going to protect peoples dignity in the city. Well, protect their lives! Thats protecting their dignity!" he added. Scarborough emphasized that it has been long seen as radical for politicians to create partisan partnerships, even though they could ultimately protect their people. While it is unclear if Trump was watching, he posted a similar idea of teaming up with Pritzker on social media shortly after the segment aired though framed it as more one-sided approach. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dont be surprised if President Donald Trump renews his feud with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). As Congress returned from its five-week summer recess Tuesday afternoon, Massie officially filed a discharge petition to force a House floor vote that would call on the Justice Department to release all of the files related to late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The measure comes as sexual assault survivors of Epstein, who died by suicide in jail while awaiting his sex-trafficking trial in 2019, are meeting with members of the House Oversight Committee. They are then expected to participate in a news conference on Wednesday. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), his co-author of the petition, are set to begin collecting signatures starting Tuesday, with the aim of securing at least 218, or half the members of the House. Khanna told NBC News that he expects all Democrats and at least six Republicans to sign on, bringing the total to the necessary threshold. Massie also said that he is confident they will garner enough support to force a vote but noted that he believes the White House is pressuring some GOP lawmakers who are co-sponsors to back off. There is a pressure campaign from the White House right now on those folks, on those 12, Massie said, according to POLITICO. Theyve self-identified by being a co-sponsor. But I think there are also ones that the White House is not whipping that may be inclined to sign it. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said he signed the petition as soon as it was filed, adding that Democrats on the House Rules Committee will meet to discuss potentially presenting similar legislation. The introduction of the petition comes as the Epstein case propelled itself back into the national spotlight, after the Justice Department and FBI concluded in a memo released in July that the convicted sex offender did not blackmail or keep a client list of public figures. It also confirmed that he took his own life. While the agencies maintained that they did not plan to release any other information related to the case, the new findings sparked a fever pitch, including among some of Trumps most ardent supporters, who have called for more transparency from the administration. Late last month, the Justice Department released the transcripts of a two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins co-conspirator who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, amid pressure on the administration to learn more about the case. Meanwhile, Maxwell is asking the Supreme Court to overturn her conviction, which stemmed from an over decade-long scheme with Epstein to groom and sexually abuse underage girls. Before Congress departed on recess, Trump for weeks had tried to distance himself from the case, pointing to a separate conspiracy about former President Barack Obamas administration and the 2016 election, and claiming that he no longer wants the support of those who are invested in the case. Trump had also previously told reporters that he is allowed to pardon Maxwell. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ Russian occupation forces during a repeated attack on Ukraine on September 2 from 8:00 to 16:00 used 53 drones, 48 of which were neutralized by the Defense Forces, the enemy attack continues, new groups of UAVs are being recorded, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "After the attack on the night of August 2, the Russian occupiers launched a second attack from the northern direction, using 53 Shahed-type strike UAVs and simulator drones of various types. Most of them were in the direction of the capital of Ukraine. As of 16:00, some 48 enemy UAVs were shot down/suppressed by air defense," the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force said on Telegram on Tuesday. However, as the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force noted, the enemy attack is currently ongoing; as of 16:00, new groups of Russian drones have been recorded in the airspace of Ukraine in Chernihiv and Sumy regions. As reported, on the night of September 2 (from 19:00 on September 1), the enemy attacked with 150 strike UAVs. As of 08:00, air defenses had shot down/suppressed 120 enemy Shahed-type UAVs and simulator drones of various types in the north, south, east, and center of the country. CNN data guru Harry Enten said on Tuesday that the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia are the biggest flashing red siren signs for President Donald Trumps Republican Party. Enten explained to CNNs Kate Bolduan that Democrats are favored to win the governor races in New Jersey and in Virginia, according to prediction markets. He said that Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has a 89% chance of winning New Jerseys governor race while former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger has a 94% of winning in Virginia. The Democrats in both these races hold high single-digit leads. Obviously, Glenn Youngkin, currently the Republican governor of Virginia, was able to win there. And in New Jersey, the Democrats barely squeaked by back in 2021, Enten said. Right now the polling leads in both those states are larger for the Democrats, are in better position than they were back in 2021. Thats why in both cases the Democrats are heavily favored. And as I said earlier on, to me this is a flashing red siren, warning sign for Republicans, he added. NJ & VA gov races are 2 of the biggest flashing red siren signs for the GOP. Dems are up in the polls in both & betting markets have them at ~90% favorites to win. Since 1989, if a party wins both of these races, they've gone on to win the U.S. House 6 of 7 times the next year pic.twitter.com/9sddoaTYC0 (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) September 2, 2025 He also explained why voters nationally should care about the outcomes of the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races. He said that history suggests that Democrats will win the House of Representatives if they win the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. If the same party has won in New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races dating back since 1989. Guess who won that U.S. House the following year? Six out of seven times that same party wins nationally, and they win the U.S. House of Representatives if, in fact, they win in both Virginia and New Jersey, Enten said. If youre not a resident of Virginia or New Jersey and you go, why should you care? Its because nationally these races do, in fact, have predictive power if, in fact, the same party wins in both of those states. And currently Democrats are favored to win in both. And history suggests, therefore, six out of seven times they are predicted to, in fact, win the U.S. House of Representatives the following year, he added. He said that Democrats are outperforming the baseline when it comes to recent elections. He said on average, Democrats are performing 15 points better in districts with 2025 special elections than then-Vice President Kamala Harris did in those same districts in 2024. When people are voting, Democrats are doing well, they are outperforming the baseline, doing better than Kamala Harris did in 2024 in the special elections, and doing better than the Democrats did in 2021 in both Virginia and New Jersey, Enten said. Of course, those states havent voted yet, but the polls are indicating that Democrats are in a strong position. And I will note, this number looks a heck of a lot like the number we saw in 2017 leading into the 2018 midterms, where the Democrats were able to take back the House of Representatives, he added. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks during an event about the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP President Donald Trump just shut down rumors circulating about his health by blasting his predecessor. Social media users spread unsubstantiated rumors over the weekend that Trump had died after the media did not see him for days, fueling speculation that the president was dealing with a health issue. Fox News Peter Doocy asked Trump on Tuesday to respond to the rumors of his death. Trump responded by slamming former President Joe Biden, who also faced questions about his physical and mental health. Last week, I did numerous news conferences, all successful. They went very well, like this is going very well. And then I didnt do any for two days, and they said there must be something wrong with him. Biden wouldnt do it for months. You wouldnt see him. And nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him, and we know he wasnt in the greatest of shape, Trump told reporters. .@pdoocy: "How did you find out over the weekend that you were dead?" President Trump: "Last week I did numerous news conferences...and then I didn't do any for two days and they said, 'there must be something wrong with him'. Biden wouldn't do them for months. You wouldn't see pic.twitter.com/aoeb1Gi6M4 CSPAN (@cspan) September 2, 2025 Trump also noted that he had done an interview in recent days and shared multiple pretty poignant posts to his Truth Social platform. On Sunday, Trump appeared to respond to the scrutiny surrounding his health in a post on Truth Social. NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. Also, DC IS A CRIME FREE ZONE! President DJT, he wrote on Truth Social. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the reports that he had died were fake, noting that he was very active over Labor Day weekend. Well, its fake news. You know, its just so, its so fake. Thats why the media has so little credibility. I knew they were saying, like, Is he okay? Hows he feeling? Whats wrong? I said, I just left. And its also sort of a longer weekend, you know, Labor Day weekend. So I would say a lot of people know I was very active this Labor Day. I had heard that, but I didnt hear to that extent, Trump added. Trump did not have any public events scheduled over the long weekend, leading phrases like #whereistrump and #trumpdied to trend on social media. Some social media users also pointed to Vice President JD Vances recent interview with USA Today, in which he said he was prepared to be president, if God forbid Trump experienced a terrible tragedy. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump declared Chicago the worst and most dangerous city in the world on Tuesday. Without citing any evidence, Trump claimed in a Truth Social post that Chicago is the murder capital of the world. However, CNN host John Berman disputed this claim on Tuesday, noting that Chicago is not even included in the top 10 U.S. cities with the worst violent crime rates. President Trump issued a statement on crime in Chicago with a new threat to have federal involvement to battle that crime. He called Chicago, The worst and most dangerous city in the world by far, and said, I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC, Chicago will soon be safe again, Berman said. Now it is important to note that Chicago does not rank in the top 10 of cities in the US in terms of violent crime rates. Doesnt even rank in the top 20 of cities with populations of 250,000 or more, he said. And there are a lot of cities in red states where the President is not suggesting sending the National Guard are taking over federal involvement. Memphis, Nashville, you have cities in Missouri as well. Host: Trump issued a new statement on crime in Chicago, with a new threat to have federal involvement. It is important to note that Chicago does not rank in the top 10 US cities in terms of violent crime rates. And there are a lot of cities in red states where Trump is not pic.twitter.com/DGOySN7zgf FactPost (@factpostnews) September 2, 2025 Trump has repeatedly threatened to send troops to Democratic-led cities after announcing a federal takeover of Washington, D.C. last month. He has recently hinted that he would target Chicago next, despite pushback from state and local officials. At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon, Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social. CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! he wrote in a separate post. The states with the highest homicide rates per 100,000 people are Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, according to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. California Gov. Gavin Newsom told Trump last week to send troops to those Republican-led states instead. Trumps post comes as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back on Trumps plan to surge federal officers in the U.S. city. Johnson signed an executive order last week to bar the Chicago Police Department from helping federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement or any related patrols, traffic stops and checkpoints during the surge, according to the Associated Press. 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. 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. 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), left, is seeking to learn about the dirty laundry of his primary opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein and Jose Luis Magana) Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) wants you to rat out his political foe. Cornyn, who is facing his toughest primary challenge yet, has unveiled a new tipline targeting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). Marked with the words SEEN SOMETHING CROOKED? and titled Ken Stoppers, Cornyn is encouraging voters to file a report if they have ever worked for the MAGA stars office, interacted with him or have knowledge of any alleged misconduct. Crooked Ken has shown himself to be corrupt in so many ways, the website reads. Help us stay on top of things by selecting the area of corruption youve seen. The website, which allows an individual to submit an anonymous tip online or through a phone number, ends with the slogan, TEXAS DESERVES BETTER. Ken Paxton has repeatedly embarrassed Texas and betrayed the publics trust, it claims. Instead of serving hardworking Texans, hes served himself and his big donors. Cornyn has promoted his own mimicked version of Crime Stoppers, a chain of community organizations, on social media, as the contentious race ahead of the GOP primary in March continues to heat up. The incumbent, eyeing his fifth term, is looking to make the race about Paxtons character, the Washington Examiner reported on Tuesday. A recent internal polling memo from the Senate Leadership Fund, a top super PAC, revealed that Cornyn is gaining some ground in the battle for the nomination, despite the race tightening. It argues that Paxton continues to be a weak candidate who puts the Senate seat at risk in a general election, according to POLITICO, while Cornyn has begun to close the gap. Meanwhile, other polls from Emerson College, Texas Southern University and Echelon Insights found that Paxton has a modest advantage by single digits. Announcing the launch, Cornyns senior adviser, Matt Mackowiak, told the Washington Examiner that Paxton has a broader and deeper record of impropriety than any other official in the states history. Most recently, the Justice Department decided in April to not prosecute Paxton over an investigation related to allegations from his inner circle, which argued that he abused his office to aid a political donor. Cornyn had also launched a separate attack on Paxton on X on Tuesday, after the attorney general posted that he is encouraging Texas schools to implement dedicated time for prayer and the reading of scripture. There you go again. Ten Commandments for thee, but not for me, eh, Ken? Cornyn wrote in response, appearing to reference Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton announcing in July that she filed for divorce on biblical grounds. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Yes, the crow situation seems better Seems about the same to me There still seem to be a lot of crows and crow messes Vote View Results Rescuers from Ukraine at re-certification in Gdansk to confirm their readiness to participate in large-scale intl events Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram The Ukrainian heavy-class search and rescue team (HUSAR MRC Ukraine) is undergoing external re-certification from September 1 to 5 in accordance with the requirements of international INSARAG standards in Gdansk (Poland), the State Emergency Service (SES) reported. As reported in the SES telegram channel on Tuesday, 67 specialists of the SES of Ukraine must confirm their readiness to participate in the elimination of large-scale consequences of emergencies in accordance with international standards. Such re-certification is carried out once every 5 years. It is reported that the event is being held in a simulation format, where the team responds to the consequences of a conditional earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 in the "Republic of Novoland". According to the scenario, the epicenter of the earthquake is located near the city of Gdansk, which led to significant destruction of infrastructure and a large number of victims. Ukrainian rescuers must practice mobilization, border crossing and customs procedures; conducting search and rescue operations; using the INSARAG methodology, in particular, coordination with local authorities (LEMA) and other international teams; interaction with international partners. Currently, the Ukrainian team has established a base camp, conducted reconnaissance, during which it identified locations, and started search and rescue operations. At all stages, the specialists of the State Emergency Service are evaluated by international classifiers from 9 countries of the world, who provide expert opinions and recommendations. North Devon MP Ian Roome has written to the CEO of Jhoots Pharmacies following a series of unexpected closures at local pharmacies. Writing to Manjit Jhooty, Mr Roome has raised serious concerns over repeated closures at local Jhoots Pharmacies, warning that patients are being left without reliable access to essential medication. Jhoots Pharmacy, a national chain based in the West Midlands, with branches across the UK, operates several pharmacies in North Devon across Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. Ian Roome, said: In recent weeks I've been contacted by a number of concerned constituents who've either experienced unexpected closures, or found their usual medications unavailable, at their local branch of Jhoots pharmacy. Customers will be frustrated not to be able to collect routine prescriptions, and if medications are not delivered, frontline staff will be frustrated not to be able to help. I've asked to meet with Jhoots senior management urgently, to get some reassurance that these supply chain and staffing issues will be worked out. This is an essential service. Across many coastal areas like North Devon, pharmacy cover is limited, and transport makes accessing an alternative difficult for many. A report into pressures on community pharmacies by Community Pharmacy England, published in August, suggests that 32% of pharmacies expect to reduce opening hours and 59% expect staff cuts in the next year. Jhoots acquired 36 branches of Lloyds Pharmacy in November 2023, in a deal reportedly supported by 17.4million in funding from HSBC UK. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who is on a visit to Miami, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Before the presentation of the Solidarity Prize, Deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Poland-US cooperation in the areas of security and energy. The meeting also addressed joint efforts to achieve a lasting and just end to the war in Ukraine," the Polish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the social network X. According to media reports, Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski will present the Lech Walesa Solidarity Prize to a well-known Cuban opposition activist, whose name has not yet been disclosed. The Solidarity Prize was established in 2014 by the head of Polish diplomacy in cooperation with the Lech Walesa Institute and was renewed in 2024. Slovak Prime Minister after meeting with Putin declares readiness to convey several messages to Zelenskyy Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, after meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing and discussing the war in Ukraine with him, declared readiness on Friday, September 5, to convey "several messages" to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As Fico reported on Facebook on Tuesday, the conversation with Putin lasted almost an hour, "during which we focused primarily on the war in Ukraine." According to Fico, Putin informed him "about the progress of negotiations with US President D. Trump in Alaska and the prospects for ending this military conflict." "From this important conversation, I drew several conclusions and made several messages that I intend to convey to the President of Ukraine, V. Zelenskyy, on Friday," Fico wrote. Fico added that he also spoke separately with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Inside Syrias Most Fearsome Prison Tens of thousands of Syrians were thrown into Sednaya during the Assad regime. The New York Times created a 3-D model of the prison. No place in Syria was more feared than Sednaya prison during the Assad familys decades-long, iron-fisted rule. Situated on a barren hilltop on the outskirts of Damascus, the capital, Sednaya was at the heart of the Assads extensive system of torture prisons and arbitrary arrests used to crush all dissent. By the end of the nearly 14-year civil war that culminated in December with the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, it had become a haunting symbol of the dictators ruthlessness. Over the years, the regimes security apparatus swallowed up hundreds of thousands of activists, journalists, students and dissidents from all over Syria many never to be heard from again. Most prisoners did not expect to make it out of Sednaya alive. They watched as men detained with them withered away or simply lost the will to live. Tens of thousands of others were executed, according to rights groups. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times Ehab Mouma from Damascus was imprisoned in 2018 after joining the rebel uprising against the Assad government. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times Fares al-Diq, who joined the rebel movement, was taken at a checkpoint in central Syria in July 2019. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times Mohammad al-Abdallah from Homs, in western Syria, was arrested in March 2020, within months of his brothers Akram and Khalid al-Abdallah. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times Munzer al-Uthman from Homs was arrested in 2020 after defecting from mandatory military service. The New York Times visited Sednaya several times, including the day after the regime fell. We interviewed 16 former prisoners and two former prison officials, and built a comprehensive 3-D model of the prison using more than 130 videos filmed on site by journalists for The Times who surveyed the vast complex. We also spoke with prisoners relatives and a prisoner advocacy group to corroborate the details surrounding their arrests. Former prisoners told The Times that they were tortured, beaten and deprived of food, water and medicine. Some of them saw prisoners or were themselves beaten by doctors responsible for treating them, leaving them swollen and often bleeding until they died. Some of the former prisoners accounts included descriptions of violence that could not be independently verified, but that were largely consistent with one another and with rights groups reports on Sednaya. Family members in search of missing relatives foraged through papers inside Sednaya. Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times Our reporting uncovered new details of the systemic torture and inhumane conditions the Assad government used to break anyone who dared to speak up against it. Sednaya was so feared that few in Syria dared to utter its name. After rebels ousted Mr. al-Assad, the prison was suddenly open to the public for the first time. The prison complex was constructed in 1987 and included a Y-shaped main building, which rose four stories above the ground. The upper three floors contained a total of 170 group cells, all windowless. The cells were divided among three wings. Each cell often held dozens of prisoners. The upper three floors contained a total of 170 group cells, all windowless. The cells were divided among three wings. Each cell often held dozens of prisoners. The model highlights the windowless cells on each floor, with 20 on each wing. Guards monitored prisoners through security cameras. They also kept watch from a central, hexagonal space known as the tower. Guards monitored prisoners through security cameras. They also kept watch from a central, hexagonal space known as the tower. The model highlights two areas in the center and two on the buildings edge that were used by the guards. The ground floor had an intake room lined with cages where prisoners were initially kept. The ground floor had an intake room lined with cages where prisoners were initially kept. The model shows an open space on the ground floor that was used for intake. An underground section had 33 small cells, where new detainees often spent their first weeks in near-total darkness. An underground section had 33 small cells, where new detainees often spent their first weeks in near-total darkness. The model highlights a small section underneath a portion of the ground level. Over the course of the civil war, more than 30,000 prisoners died at Sednaya, many executed in mass hangings, according to rights groups. Amnesty International described it as a human slaughterhouse. The true death toll from Sednaya remains unknown. Former prisoners who had been imprisoned in the past few years told us that every few weeks, guards rounded up dozens of prisoners to execute them. Every day we asked ourselves, Will they execute us now?, said Mr. al-Diq, the former rebel. What will they do with us today? From Cage to Dungeon The prisoners typically arrived at the Sednaya complex bundled in cargo trucks, blindfolded and with their wrists shackled, former prisoners told us. When the back door of the truck swung open, guards corralled them into an intake area at the main prison building, barking at them to keep their heads down and beating them with batons. Then, prisoners were forced to squat with their heads between their legs as guards registered their names. The inmates were told to strip naked and forced into metal cages that lined the walls. Cages about two feet deep and six feet tall lined the walls of the prisons intake room. Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times When peaceful protests against the regime in 2011 turned into a civil war, Mohammad al-Buraidi, 32, a musician from the southern city of Daraa, was training on the oud a pear-shaped string instrument. He joined the rebel movement to defend his hometown from government forces. After a crackdown on the rebels, he laid down his arms, and in 2022, complied with a government mandate to join its military. Within months of doing so, he was arrested and accused of continuing to support the rebels, charges he denied. By the time Mr. al-Buraidi arrived at Sednaya, he, like most former prisoners The Times talked to, had already endured months of torture in filthy dungeons and detention facilities across the country. Mr. al-Buraidi said he spent a month in prison in Damascus hanging from the ceiling by his hands for multiple hours a day before he was transferred to Sednaya. At Sednaya, Mr. al-Buraidi, like other detainees, was forced down a flight of stairs into an underground cell in the prison. At Sednaya, Mr. al-Buraidi, like other detainees, was forced down a flight of stairs into an underground cell in the prison. Video shows a dark corridor in the prisons underground area. The Times captured one of those cells on video two months after the Assad regime fell. The Times captured one of those cells on video two months after the Assad regime fell. Video moves further down the dark corridor. Inside the small cells, sewage and feces were smeared across the floor, their stench hanging thick in the air, prisoners said. Cockroaches and mice often scampered around. Inside the small cells, sewage and feces were smeared across the floor, their stench hanging thick in the air, prisoners said. Cockroaches and mice often scampered around. Video turns into a dark prison cell. These cells were built at a size to hold one prisoner each, as shown in this model, but many of them actually held several more. Some prisoners we interviewed said there were about eight people per cell when they arrived at Sednaya. These cells were built at a size to hold one prisoner each, as shown in this model, but many of them actually held several more. Some prisoners we interviewed said there were about eight people per cell when they arrived at Sednaya. Video transitions into a 3-D model of a cell that is 6 feet by 5.5 feet, and shows a model of eight prisoners in an aerial view. It was so dark you could barely see, Mr. al-Buraidi said. The only way to tell the time of day was the guards daily check-in. It was so dark you could barely see, Mr. al-Buraidi said. The only way to tell the time of day was the guards daily check-in. Video transitions out of the single cell and shows all 33 cells in the underground area. The guards instructed the men that their lives now revolved around three rules, according to former prisoners. Do not ask for food or water. Do not touch the cell door or ask for help. If a cellmate dies, leave his body there. The prisoners were given a few small pieces of bread. Some men resorted to licking sewage water off the floor. They slept sitting up, Mr. al-Buraidi said, so their bodies would not be covered in feces. Mr. al-Uthman, 30, spent eight days in an underground cell after he was arrested in 2020. It was summer and the cell was suffocating, he said. Its so hot and stuffy down in the underground cell that after a couple of days, you start begging not for your freedom, but to at least be taken up to the group cells, he said. When one of his cellmates collapsed and lost consciousness, Mr. al-Uthman and the other inmates panicked. A cellmate yelled out for help. The guards yanked open the door and dragged the collapsed man into the hallway, beating him with batons and pulverizing his hands and legs. Then they tossed him back into the cell. For days, Mr. al-Uthman tried to revive the man, collecting his own urine in his cupped hands to try to get him to drink. The man regained consciousness but died two months later, Mr. al-Uthman said. Where Death Was Always Near After a week or so in underground cells, prisoners were moved to group cells spread across three wings on the top three floors of the building. Mr. Mouma, 33, who was arrested in 2018, spent six years in Sednaya. He moved to a new cell every few months, he said, as waves of cholera and tuberculosis seized the prison. In the top two floors, 60 group cells 20 per wing were connected by long corridors. In the top two floors, 60 group cells 20 per wing were connected by long corridors. Video shows a corridor with doors to prison cells on the left. Several dozen prisoners were crammed into each group cell. Several dozen prisoners were crammed into each group cell. Video turns in to show a single group cell. The Times created a 3-D model of a typical group cell, which was roughly 500 square feet, with a small bathroom area in a corner. The Times created a 3-D model of a typical group cell, which was roughly 500 square feet, with a small bathroom area in a corner. Video transitions into a 3-D model. The group cell is 20 feet wide, with a bathroom near the back. The men frequently lay on their sides to sleep, packed together so tightly that they could barely move, Mr. Mouma and other former prisoners said. The men frequently lay on their sides to sleep, packed together so tightly that they could barely move, Mr. Mouma and other former prisoners said. Video pulls out to show 3-D model of people lying close together on their sides inside the cell. The days began around 6 a.m., when prisoners woke up to the sound of metal clanking, as guards did their daily rounds. Guards often ordered the prisoners to kneel at the back of the cell, facing away from the door, according to two former prisoners. Then they asked if anyone had died. We had to tell the officers that we have a carcass not a martyr or someone who had died, Mr. Mouma said. We couldnt even say the word body, otherwise they would kill you. A doctor accompanied the guards. The most notorious one was known to prisoners only as The Butcher. During rounds, his gruff voice bellowed across the prison, sending chills up Mr. Moumas spine. If a prisoner asked for medical help, the Butcher typically yanked him out of his cell and beat him unconscious, Mr. Mouma and other prisoners said. The Butcher threatened to kill anyone who looked him in the face. Prisoners received minimal food. A single bowl of yogurt to share among 20 people. Sometimes a bit of bread or some cheese. If they were lucky, they would get a few eggs. The guards often taunted the prisoners, stepping on their food or purposely spilling it on the prisoners blankets as they delivered it. I cant even describe the meals theyd bring us, Mr. Mouma said. Not even a dog would be willing to eat this. Clothes, bowls and blankets left inside a cell at Sednaya prison after the regimes fall. Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times With every passing month in Sednaya, Mr. Mouma grew more gaunt, his skin pale and fragile, draped across protruding bones. He prayed he would not be beaten. He prayed he would live one more day. Those who managed to survive the conditions still faced the prospect of death by execution after being sentenced in sham trials. Every two weeks, guards banged on the iron gates of each wing and read out a list of names of those being summoned for executions, according to eight former prisoners. In desperation, some who heard their names ran to the bathroom in their cells to hide. Others reluctantly stepped out, knowing their fate was sealed. At the start of the civil war, prisoners were taken from the main building to a small room in the basement of another building 500 feet away. Main prison building Door to execution room Main prison building Door to execution room A building where executions once happened is next to the main prison building. Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images There they were hanged in the presence of several people, including the prison director, according to two prison officials. The prison officials spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. An Unlikely Reunion The only contact some prisoners had with the outside world came once every couple months when family members were allowed to visit for a few minutes. In the visitation hall, the prisoners and their loved ones were kept several feet apart and separated by floor-to-ceiling bars. A corridor patrolled by a guard separated the prisoners from their visitors. After the regime fell, family members looked for signs of missing relatives in the prisons visitation area. Daniel Berehulak/The New York Times For some prisoners, the visits brought a different kind of pain. Mr. al-Uthman the Homs native arrested in 2020 recalled how his cellmates visit with his wife and newborn daughter for the first time since he was arrested was too much. In the weeks that came after, his cellmate stopped eating and drinking. He sat in the corner of their cell, refusing to speak with anyone except a hallucination of his wife. Months later, he died, Mr. al-Uthman said. Other prisoners found a glimpse of hope in the visits. Sitting in the visitation room nearly two years into his incarceration, Mr. al-Abdallah, 27, heard the guards shout a name he recognized: Akram al-Abdallah, his younger brother. Years earlier, Mohammad and Akram had given up their dreams of becoming doctors to join the rebels in their neighborhood in Homs, the brothers said. In the waiting room, Mohammad looked up and saw Akram gaunt, tired, a shell of the brother he knew. Mohammad could recognize him only by his voice. It was like I had died, and suddenly my soul came back to me, Mohammad said. Until that moment, Mohammad had not realized that Akram was also in Sednaya. The two later learned that Khalid, their youngest brother, had also been held there for years, only to die while incarcerated. Mohammad al-Abdallah held a photograph of his brother Khalid. David Guttenfelder/The New York Times Around six months before the regime fell, Akram ended up being transferred to the cell next to Mohammad, the brothers said. Akram had fallen sick and was weaker than ever. Every night, the two brothers would talk to each other through small openings in between their cells the sound of their voices a rare comfort. Freedom for Those Still Alive Most of the prisoners could not imagine ever leaving Sednaya. Then, on Dec. 8, 2024, the unfathomable happened. In the middle of the night, the prisoners suddenly heard a commotion and the prison staff yelling. A little while later, they could hear the whop-whop of a helicopter landing on the roof. Then gunshots, the rattling of iron bars and screams of Allahu akbar, God is great. On the night they were liberated, some men left their cells on the first floor of Sednayas main building. Source: Scopal, via Reuters With little access to the outside world, most prisoners were unaware of the rebels lightning advance and confusion and terror filled their cells. Mr. al-Diq, who was grabbed at a checkpoint in 2019, thought that prisoners were rioting and flattened himself on the ground, too terrified to move. Mr. al-Buraidi and his cellmates ran to the bathroom of their cell, as men forced open the door to their wing with the butt of a rifle. When they shot open his cell door, the men shouted: Go, go wherever you want in Syria, Mr. al-Buraidi recalled. You are free now! When Mohammad and his brother Akram made it out of their cells, they embraced, Akram collapsing in Mohammads arms. Mr. al-Uthman began running down the road from the prison, convinced for miles that his newfound freedom was a farce and that guards would appear out of nowhere to throw him back in Sednaya. Mr. Mouma stumbled out of the prison complex in incredulity. We couldnt believe it, and we had no idea what to do, he said. It was ecstasy beyond description. Xi calls for forging ahead with solid steps as SCO convenes largest-ever summit Xinhua) 16:52, September 01, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and delivers a speech titled "Staying True to SCO Founding Mission And Ushering in a Better Future" in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) TIANJIN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members to forge ahead with solid steps for a better future as the organization convenes its largest-ever summit in China's port city of Tianjin. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, Xi called on the member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit in a world fraught with challenges and changes, and better tap into the organization's potential. GROUNDBREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO has expanded from six founding members into the world's largest regional organization with cooperation covering more than 50 areas and a combined economic output of nearly 30 trillion U.S. dollars. "Its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day," Xi said, hailing "groundbreaking and historic achievements" in SCO development and cooperation. The organization was the first to set up a military confidence-building mechanism in border areas and launch Belt and Road cooperation. "We were the first to conclude a treaty on long-term good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation, proclaiming our commitment to forging lasting friendship and refraining from hostilities," he said. The member states were also the first to put forth the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit as an effort to practice true multilateralism. "We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable," he added. MORE PRAGMATIC ACTIONS Xi called on SCO member states to stay true to the organization's founding mission, and promote its sound and sustained development with greater resolve and more practical measures. SCO member states should seek common ground while putting aside differences, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, champion openness and inclusiveness, uphold fairness and justice, and strive for real results and high efficiency, according to Xi. "SCO member states are all friends and partners," he said, calling on them to respect their differences, maintain strategic communication, build up consensus, and strengthen solidarity and collaboration. Xi said the member states should leverage the strengths of their mega-sized markets and economic complementarity, and improve trade and investment facilitation. He expected cooperation to be enhanced in areas such as energy, infrastructure, green industry, digital economy, sci-tech innovation and artificial intelligence, as well as an SCO development bank to be established as soon as possible. To ensure better development of the SCO with real actions, Xi announced that China will provide 2 billion yuan (about 281 million U.S. dollars) in grant to other SCO member states within this year, and issue an additional 10 billion yuan in loan to the member banks of the SCO Interbank Consortium over the next three years. In addition, China plans to implement 100 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in the member states with such need. In the next five years, China will establish 10 Luban Workshops in the countries and provide 10,000 human resources training opportunities. China's investment stock in other SCO member states has exceeded 84 billion U.S. dollars, and its annual bilateral trade with other SCO member states has surpassed 500 billion U.S. dollars. "China always aligns its development with that of the SCO and with the aspiration of the people of member states for a better life," Xi said. A FRUITFUL MEETING Monday's meeting saw the signing and adoption of a number of key documents, including the Tianjin Declaration and a development strategy for the organization in the 2026-2035 period, which charts the SCO's blueprint for the next decade. Leaders of SCO member states agreed to accept Laos as a dialogue partner of the organization, and decided that Kyrgyzstan will take over the rotating SCO presidency for 2025-2026. Outcomes of the meeting also include a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system, a statement on the 80th anniversary of WWII victory and of the founding of the United Nations, and 24 outcome documents on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as security, economy and people-to-people ties, as well as organizational building. Four new SCO centers were inaugurated to counter security threats and challenges, tackle transnational organized crimes, improve information security, and strengthen anti-drug cooperation, respectively. Leaders of SCO member states, as well as SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev, and Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Ularbek Sharsheev, delivered speeches at the meeting. In the face of a turbulent world, SCO member states should enhance strategic coordination, reject unilateralism, hegemony and protectionism, improve the global governance system, and uphold international fairness and justice, they said. Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with other leaders and representatives attending the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. Xi chaired the meeting and delivered a speech titled "Staying True to SCO Founding Mission And Ushering in a Better Future." (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and delivers a speech titled "Staying True to SCO Founding Mission And Ushering in a Better Future" in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Dustin Sedgwick Intapp, a provider of AI-powered solutions for professionals at advisory, capital markets and legal firms, names Dustin Sedgwick CMO. Sedgwick was most recently CMO of the payments business at JPMorganChase. He previously held senior marketing and strategy posts at Microsoft and Google. His experience building high-growth businesses in the tech and finance industries will be a valuable addition to the Intapp leadership team as we continue on our growth trajectory, said Intapp CEO John Hall. Brent Hill The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee is bringing on Brent Hill as CMO, effective in November. Hill joins the committee from Tourism Fiji, where he was CEO. Before that, he was CMO of the South Australian Tourism Commission. In his new post, Hill will oversee the planning and delivery of Brisbane 2032s brand assets, marketing and experiential campaigns. Brent has a strong track record in executing global strategic campaigns and activations, said Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook. Im looking forward to working with him and the broader team to bring our brand to life. Kady Srinivasan You.com, a composable AI infrastructure for enterprises, appoints Kady Srinivasan as CMO. Srinivasan was previously CMO at Lightspeed Commerce, a platform geared toward retail and hospitality business. She has also served as SVP global head of marketing at Klaviyo and global head of marketing at Dropbox. At You.com, she will lead global marketing efforts to drive the company's next phase of growth as it scales its APIs and enterprise AI solutions. "Kady is a rock star who brings exceptional marketing experience, innovative ideas, and strong execution capabilities to You.com, said You.com co-founder and CEO Richard Socher. IRISH Rural Link has announced the launch of its new farm safety initiative focused on combatting labour and isolation concerns on Irish farms. The Farm Safety Community Champion programme will equip local communities with a representative to act as a Champion for farmer safety and wellbeing. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, this initiative was spurred on by the growing decline of local farming networks in Ireland, leading to a lack of social connection and workforce shortages. By offering rural citizens an opportunity to reach out and offer support, this project will help ensure that the safety and well-being of the farming community is always a priority. The programme consists of the training of nine regionally spread Farm Safety Community Champions from various backgrounds including farming, teaching, and community mentoring. These champions will develop networks in their regions to connect farmers to their communities, delivering farm safety and well-being talks at local marts and community centres. READ NEXT: Killoughey based councillor unveils information guide at old graveyard in Offaly To support this, a manual has been created to guide these talks, which will include resources for local individuals to learn more about the programme and the steps they can take to encourage connection with farmers in their society. To further bolster this initiative and assist with growing workforce concerns, Irish Rural Link is calling on rural communities to organise a Farmers Haggart as part of this programme. The Farmers Haggart is led by a local Farm Safety Community Champion, and will encourage farmers to assist one another in simple tasks on the farm. The goal of this is to foster local connections between farmers to further develop rural farming networks, and support community wellbeing. Irish Rural Link, CEO, Seamus Boland said, The need for community has never been so important for farmers. With fluctuations in the market, inconsistent weather, and growing isolation, having the Farm Safety Community Champions will help build out our farming networks for a more connected rural society. We hope to see local communities take this as an opportunity support, strengthen, and sustain relationships with and between farmers for a more inclusive future. You can find your local Farm Safety Community Champion on the Farmers4Safety website, and information on how you can organise a Farmers Haggart event within your community. Visit https://www.farmers4safety.ie/ READ NEXT:Offaly woman asks why have farmers become the whipping boys and girls An entertaining book about a larger than life, colourful character from the Pollough area was formally launched in The Pull Inn on Friday evening. The Extraordinary Life of Kerr Brien has been researched and written by five members of Pollough Heritage Group. They are Noel Devery, Dave Dunican, Eileen Devery, Caitriona Devery and Marie Regazzoli and they have produced a very enjoyable publication which shines a light on a local personality who was certainly different from the norm. Kerr Brien fought during World War One and suffered a devastating injury in 1918 when uncoupling a train carriage, but he didn't let that deter him from leading a full and energetic life in the years after the war. He was also known for his courage in the face of authority whether it be the courts system or the clergy. The authors say Kerr's story deserves to be told and, having read the book, I'd certainly agree with them. It's on sale in the Pollagh Community Shop and is strongly recommended. The book was formally launched by local man Eamonn Dunican who paid tribute to the many people involved with the publication. This included John Lynch, who proof read and pointed us in the right direction; Marie Monaghan, Genealogy Tutor LOETB for her encouragement; Pascal Sweeney for proof reading and his recommended changes; Maureen Murray who supplied a lot of information on the court cases; Catherine Kelly Fensome (a grandniece of Kerr), for providing information and encouragement; Alan Tuite (a grandnephew of Kerr) who welcomed us into his home and showed us all of Kerr's memorabilia; Sean (Golly) Buckley and Shane O'Regan, for their great help with the photos. Eamon also thanked the following for their stories on Kerr's personality, namely Mickey Daly (RIP), Bill Delaney (RIP), Fred McLoughlin, Mick Moore, Mick Devery, Peter Dunican (RIP) and Mary Dunican. Thanks also to the Heffernan family, Antoinette, Caroline and Aidan for their support and help through the last few years. Thanks to Brosna Press for their professionalism and attention to detail in the production of this book. Thanks to Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow from Offaly County Council for her huge support over the last couple of years. Thanks to Fergal McCabe for allowing us to republish part of his article from the Offaly History blog in 2020 with regard to the murals and to Michael Byrne, Offaly History for permission to reproduce the photograph. Addressing the large gathering in The Pull Inn, Amanda Pedlow said Heritage Week was an ideal time to launch this important book. She said fixing a launch date always focusses minds and galvanises people. The Heritage Officer pointed out that she's a huge fan of the printed book and was glad that it hadn't died out, as some people predicted it would due to pressure from the digital world. It's true as well that people like to have a book in their hands. Amanda said she studied history in University and she loves local history, because it gives fascinating and invaluable insights into how ordinary (and not so ordinary) people lived. Ray Daly from Tullamore also said a few words. Ray said the book is a credit to the Pollough Heritage Group. It looks very well and it reads extremely well, he said. For the last nine years Ray has been compiling a historical songbook, Ten Faithful Years in Song and Story, which tells the true story of the Irish men-at-arms and their courageous actions in events during the years leading up to, and during the Great War and the War of Independence between the years 1913 to 1923. His book is focussing on events which took place in Offaly and Westmeath. Ireland's strong musical heritage is extensively featured throughout the book with over 120 songs and ballads from before and during the revolutionary period 1913-1923, plus songs and ballads from the Great War of 1914-1918. Among the many songs included are The Foggy Dew, Grace, Banna Strand and The Ballad of James Connolly, plus songs and ballads from the Great War such as Pack up your Troubles, It's a Long way to Tipperary, Daisy Daisy and Danny Boy. (If you have photos of relatives who took part in the Irish Volunteers (1913-1918), Great War (1914-1918), and War of Independence/Civil War (1919-1923) please contact Ray at email raydaly1969@gmail.com or by mobile 086 8722204). During my research, Ray told the audience, one person contacted me and sent me info about Kerr. I was blown away by his story, which is filled with many colourful and dramatic incidents. It also included tragedy, such as the drowning of two young men in a local river in August 1946. I think we should erect a plaque in that area, remembering those two men. Ray pointed out that while Kerr fought in the British Army during World War One, his brother Thomas fought in the IRA during the War of Independence, reflecting a divide that was commonplace in families throughout Ireland at the time. Thomas was a member of the Offaly Number 2 Brigade and he took part in the Coal Gap ambush in the Blueball area. Ray said he plans to print his book before the end of 2025. The audience was then treated to a couple of renditions of the two Great War ballads Pack up your Troubles and It's a Long Way to Tipperary. Eamonn Dunican then sang the poignant song Green Fields of France. Eamon told everyone that the book will be on sale in the Pullough Community Shop. We used to have three or four shops in Pollagh, he remarked. Now we just have one. READ NEXT: Offaly groups mark next development phase for Community Wetlands Forum CLG LOCAL Fine Gael councillor, Neil Feighery, officially unveiled a new information sign at the old Killoughey graveyard recently. The sign had been due to be unveiled at the annual blessing of the graves in early August but was stolen on the evening before the prayer service. The sign was subsequently returned anonymously and left at the perimeter of the historic cemetery where it was discovered by Odran Condron, who along with his mother, Breda, had come up with the idea to place an information guide there. Speaking following the recent unveiling of the sign, Cllr Feighery said: "I was honoured to unveil the new information sign at Killoughey Graveyard on Sunday, August 17. The event was the culmination of many years of hard work by Breda and Odran Condron. The Condron family with the help of neighbours and friends organised a very dignified and fitting ceremony with the prayer service officiated by Fr Michael Meade with beautiful music by local musician Cliodhna Young. The sun shone brightly for this memorable event in this sacred site in Killoughey." READ NEXT: First phase of major new housing development to be launched in Tullamore The original sign has been damaged when it was stolen and a new one had to be manufactured before its erection and unveiling. Speaking after the sign had been returned, Cllr Feighery said: "I'm delighted to see that it had been returned and I really hope we can draw a line under the incident," said the Fine Gael public representative. The unveiling of the sign was due to take place in the old Killoughey graveyard, outside Mountbolus, on a Saturday afternoon during the annual blessing of the graves. "We installed the sign featuring a wooden stand and map - on Friday night at 8pm but it was stolen by 10am on the Saturday morning," outlined Odran Condron, "The sign is to record the history of the people buried there and to direct people to their ancestral graves as many of the headstones are now illegible." The idea by Breda and Odran Condron to erect a sign in the graveyard came after they heard that two families travelled from abroad to find their ancestral graves but they were unable to do so because many of the historic headstones are very old and illegible. READ NEXT: Offaly woman has turned her love for travel and heritage into a thriving business The new sign's purpose is to direct people to the headstones they are looking for. "We often have visitors to the graveyard from abroad - the US, Australia and New Zealand. Two groups from Roscommon recently visited the graveyard and a group from Cork are visiting in July," outlined Odran. He said the sign project would not have been made possible without the help of local councillor Neil Feighery and the Tullamore Municipal Council who provided grant aid for the project. Cllr Feighery said all the community in Killoughey were very proud of the historic graveyard which was steeped in history. "On Christmas Day in 1653, when locals were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the church was surrounded by Cromwellian troops, who set it alight and burned everyone inside," recalled the Killoughey native. He paid tribute to Breda and Odran Condron for their work, in particular their research into the stories of the people buried there and the headstones," "As the local councillor I was delighted to secure funding so that this informative sign could be erected in the graveyard for the benefit of tourists and local people alike," added Cllr Feighery. A LARGE crowd turned out in Tullamore on Sunday morning for the annual Fiona Pender Memorial Walk and Run. Tullamore woman Fiona (pictured below) was 25 years old and seven months pregnant when she disappeared on August 23, 1996 and gardai believe she was murdered. Her remains have not been found and no one has ever been brought to justice for her murder. A number of friends of Fiona and her family organise the walk and run in her memory and it begins at a memorial stone erected in the young woman's memory by her brother John. The stone is located on the bank of the Grand Canal just a few hundred metres from where Fiona grew up and marks the beginning of Fiona's Way, a public amenity named in her memory. Marie White, one of the organisers of the walk and run briefly addressed all those who came along for the event. Ms White made an appeal for information which could help the 29-year investigation into Fiona's disappearance. We'd like to get the word out there that if anybody has any information, please, please, come forward and help put Fiona to rest, she said. She then asked everyone to observe a moment's silence to remember Fiona, her unborn baby, her late mother Josie, her aunts and all her family. Speaking to the Tullamore Tribune, Ms White said it was great to see such a big crowd at the memorial event. She also commented on the searches that took place near Killeigh and Clonaslee in May. Bogland at Graigue, Killeigh was excavated, as was land in a forested area in the Slieve Bloom mountains. Nothing was found which helped locate Fiona's remains but the garda investigation, which was upgraded from a missing person's case to murder before the two searches, remains live. Speaking after all the walkers and runners set off along the 4.5km course, Ms White said: You love to hear that something is being done about it and that there is a search going on and maybe [the guards] get information this time. You never know, one year it just might work but you don't build your hopes up. It's good [that there are searches] but it's hard on the family as well because you can't help but get your hopes up and there's nothing after that. It is tough but hopefully some day something will come up. The first two people home after the run were Irene Walsh, a Dun Laoghaire resident whose husband is from Birr who has taken part on three previous occasions, and David Soria, originally from Mexico City, living in Virginia, US, and in Tullamore visiting relations of his wife. Ms Walsh (62), remarked: I always do it for Fiona, for her memory. David Soria's wife Shannon is a niece of Marie White and there was a big gathering in Tullamore on Saturday night for the extended family at Sean Lawlor's 80th birthday party in the Tullamore Court Hotel and the Goalpost pub. Mr Soria (57) accepted the perpetual trophy and said: I loved the run. I run in the United States, six miles almost every day. He said he has been told the story of Fiona Pender's disappearance. I think it's sad that we haven't figured out what really happened. READ NEXT: Offaly woman's murder probe: two sites ruled out after searches Fiona Pender's mother Josephine said she knew who killed her daughter and until her death in 2017 regularly made pleas for anyone with information which would help the gardai to come forward. The prime suspect is a man who was in a relationship with Fiona and gardai believe he has been living outside of Ireland for some time. Fiona was last seen alive at her flat in Church Street, Tullamore at about 6am on August 23, 1996. People were questioned shortly afterwards but nobody has ever been charged with any offence connected with her disappearance. Tragedy first hit the Pender family when Fiona's brother Mark was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1994. Fiona's father Sean died tragically at home in 2000. Prior to her death Josephine Pender 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, but who felt they could not provide gardai with all the information they had at that time, 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. CULTURE Night / Oiche Chultuir the annual nationwide celebration of creativity, culture, and the arts returns this year on Friday, September 19, 2025. Presented by the Arts Council, this initiative invites people of all ages to explore and enjoy free cultural events in towns, villages, and online platforms across the country. In Offaly, Culture Night 2025 promises an exciting and family-friendly evening of free events, celebrating the countys rich and diverse cultural scene. This year the Offaly County Council Arts Office organised three programme event launches across Offaly to connect artists and performers in advance of Culture Night and highlight their events. These programme launches happened in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre; Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore; as well as the Edenderry Quaker Meeting House. The Culture Night Offaly programme features everything from live music and dance to visual arts, literature, film, and community workshops uniting artists, audiences, and communities in a shared celebration of culture. The Offaly County Council Arts Office proudly supports this years programme with four specially commissioned projects, each designed to spark creativity and connection in local communities. READ NEXT: Offaly woman has turned her love for travel and heritage into a thriving business Four New Artist Commissions Sheila Hough presents a pop-up exhibition at J.J. Hough's Singing Pub, showcasing original paintings on the theme of The Pieta. The evening includes an artist talk and Q&A, offering insight into the historical references, creative process, and the blending of sculpture, sound, and visual art. At Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, audiences can enjoy a full evening of creativity and wellbeing, featuring the launch of Jackie Lynchs haiku book, Light Chains. In addition, Birr Theatre is also delivering a full programme of events for Culture Night by hosting a thought-provoking talk on writing and mental health facilitated by Geraldine ONeill, along with a workshop to replenish the creative well through collage, music and more with Eileen Casey. In Tullamore, Aoise ODwyer performs "Women Composers and the Viola" at the Offaly History Centre a beautifully curated hour of solo viola works by Amanda Feery, Dobrinka Tabakova, Libby Croad, and Katia Tiutiunnik. At Esker Arts, Amy Donlon and her contemporary dance group present The Art of Seated Movement, a captivating performance exploring the power of expression through stillness and gesture. Countywide Highlights Culture Night Offaly 2025 also includes a wide variety of events for all ages and interests: Clara Musical Society presents Movies & Musicals at the Meeting House in Clara, which will be a celebration of iconic songs from the screen and stage. Music Generation Offaly hosts Midland Rocks at Esker Arts, showcasing the talents of young musicians across the county.The Open Mic Night at Byrnes Bar & Lounge, Edenderry will see local performers 18 and over take the stage. Tullamore Camogie Club welcomes all ages to Culture agus Craic at St Marys Youth Centre a night of traditional music, dance, and games. In Edenderry, explore your creativity at a Community Art Night at the GAA Club, including Mandala Dot Art workshops as well as take part in a collaborative community public mural in partnership with Edenderry Men's Shed, led by artist Kate Furlong. Esker Arts Culture Night programme also includes: PLATFORM 25: Art@YOUth. An inspiring exhibition showcasing creative work from learners at Tullamore Community Training Centre, following their QQI Level 3 Art & Design Module. Meet the artists and learn about their creative journeys. The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin: A storytelling and art workshop by Varvara Vorobei for children aged 6+, where participants will create their own stories and illustrate them through drawing. Open Studio with Margo McNulty: Visit the Esker Arts artist-in-residences studio and explore works in progress and completed pieces in an informal, welcoming setting. Reading from Conor Brady: The former Irish Times editor and author reads from his acclaimed Joe Swallow detective novels, set in Victorian Dublin. Solutions for the Border: Lee Hamill's piece of performance art in which he explores an alternate history that saw former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher repartition the border in Ireland and ghettoise West Belfast. Dairy Babes Film Screening. A short film by Patrick Fogerty. The Bonnie and Clyde of 80s Ireland - when Moo kills her father, herself and her boyfriend Bull, go on the run. READ MORE: THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Offaly columnist remembers St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Offaly Libraries Programming Libraries across the county will be buzzing with activity:Tullamore Library offers Tech Tastic, a hands-on session in Vex Robotics and VR for children aged 812. Booking is essential. Birr Library hosts a stunning performance by the Offaly County Council Choir. Edenderry Library delivers an evening of music with Acoustic Hearts and rock band RADAR and all are welcome to attend these events with no booking required. Elsewhere in Edenderry, all are welcome to attend the Eden Chorale performance of a classical and contemporary repertoire at the Edenderry Quaker Meeting House. More to Discover Teach Ceoil returns to Cloughmoyle School House, hosted by Ruairi OShea, for a night of song, poetry, and spoken word. Clublife brings the party to John Lees Bar and Venue, with DJ Dylan Delaney spinning his signature uplifting tech house beats. Dont Miss Out One Night For All Culture Night is brought to you by The Arts Council of Ireland, in partnership with Offaly County Council Arts Office. Join us on Friday, September 19th, for an unforgettable night of creativity, connection, and celebration. All events are free to attend, though booking may be required for some. Visit the official Culture Night website at CULTURENIGHT.IE/ OFFALY for the full list of events in Offaly and nationwide, and to secure your spot. Culture Night 2025 One Night For All Fianna Fail Councillor Frank Moran has stated that he will be backing Billy Kelleher TD in his bid to seek a nomination for the presidency. On his Facebook page, Cllr Moran said: ''I believe Fianna Fail HQ should allow members to decide. OMOV (One Man One Vote). How dare Ministers disregard the membership because ye will need them whilst canvassing.'' We have contacted Cllr Moran for further comment. But what do Cllr Moran's Fianna Fail colleagues in Tullamore Municipal District think? Councillor Shane Murray said: ''There needs to be a clear process in place. Now we know that it's the parliamentary party that is going to choose. Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin will make their pitch to them. But it has caused confusion. There should be one-man-one-vote, which is similar to Fine Gael.'' Cllr Murray pointed out that a substantial number including MEP Barry Andrews are backing Billy Kelleher. '' I do think Mary Hannifin could have been treated better and the same with Bertie Ahern. A process needs to be put in place. I do find it disappointing.'' Mary Hannifin was interviewed by Brendan O'Connor last Saturday on RTE. She said she had told the Taoiseach that she was interested in seeking a nomination and that she would attend a number of community events in her bid to garner support. Ms Hannifin said the Taoiseach told her to go ahead and do that. However, she returned from holidays to find Micheal Martin had endorsed Jim Gavin. She added that a phone call from the Taoiseach would have been appreciated. Meanwhile, Councillor Oliver Bryant said he hasn't given it much thought as yet. But added that both Jim Gavin and Billy Kelleher would make two very good candidates. ''They have totally different backgrounds. Jim Gavin has a great GAA background and Billy Kelleher has his political career.'' Cllr Bryant said as the leader of Fianna Fail, the Taoiseach was entitled to endorse Jim Gavin adding that Billy Kelleher hadn't declared his intention at the time. Councillor Declan Harvey was playing his cards close to his chest. '' I can't comment yet. I know Billy Kelleher. He is a good politician, but I haven't my mind made up, yet. READ NEXT: Entitled to just five days pay during cancer treatment - Offaly school secretary speaks out Meanwhile, Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as the Fine Gael candidate. The only other declared candidate is Independent Catherine Connolly. However, an interview on RTE last weekend did her no favours. She stumbled when asked about her trip to Syria where she met a supporter of former Syrian president Bashal al-Assad. She admitted it had been a mistake, but said the trip was a fact finding mission. She also was shaky on her nomination for former journalist Gemma O' Doherty for the presidency in 2018. She said she did not, nor does not support Ms Doherty, but felt she should give her a chance. Sinn Fein have yet to decide whether to back its own candidate or someone else. Xi meets Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Xinhua) 09:12, September 02, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, Xi said. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, and strengthen cooperation in joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence, poverty reduction, and other fields, while expanding cultural, educational, tourism, and local exchanges, Xi noted. Both sides should make good use of the China-Uzbekistan law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism to jointly combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to address security risks and challenges, said Xi. Xi emphasized that China and Uzbekistan should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, practice true multilateralism, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), defend the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard the hard-won peace and tranquility. Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan appreciates China's long-term valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, noting that Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to further advance the development of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Uzbekistan fully supports the GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping, Mirziyoyev said, adding that this initiative aligns with the needs of global governance and embodies profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to jointly implement this initiative and promote the international order toward a more just and equitable direction, Mirziyoyev said. After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as development strategy alignment, mutual establishment of cultural centers, and medical services. The two sides also signed cooperation documents in fields such as economic and technological cooperation, digital economy, market regulation, aerospace, and customs. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) In the run-up to International Orangutan Day on 19 August, JoJo - the first orangutan rescued back in 2009 by Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia A federal law-enforcement task force arrested a 38-year-old man last week in connection with an August deadly shooting inside a North Portland motel. Authorities said the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Andy Wright in San Francisco on allegations of second-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm. Wright is accused in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Philip Redmon in Portland. On Aug. 11, officers responded to the Super Value Inn on North Interstate Avenue near Killingsworth Street around 7:50 p.m. and found Redmon dead from a gunshot wound. A suspect or suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, Portland police said at the time. Officials have not said how they believe Wright is linked to the shooting or whether Wright and Redmon knew each other. Wright remains in custody in San Francisco County Jail on a fugitive warrant and is awaiting extradition, jail records show. Oregon court records state that Wright has served several stints in prison, with felony drug convictions dating back to 2006 in both Multnomah and Washington counties. In 2018, Wright was convicted of third-degree assault and sentenced to 18 months in prison in connection with a deadly 2015 shooting outside a Tigard home. Four years later, he was sentenced to 25 months in prison after being convicted of felony charges of identity theft, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of heroin, among others. Days before Wrights arrest, a Washington County Circuit judge issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance in a separate case. In that case, prosecutors allege Wright delivered methamphetamine in January and accused him of possessing other illegal drugs, including heroin and fentanyl. Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X@zaeemshake. This column originally ran in 2022. Dear Annie: My brother and I are in our early 50s, and our mom has dementia. Our personal lives could not be more different. I have kids and have been married for 25 years. I returned to the workforce full time five years ago after having been a stay-at-home mom. My brother is a newlywed of three years, no kids, and works on big projects for his line of work. He also has had some gaps between projects. My brother is adamant that our mom not live in a nursing home, so he took her in about three months ago. Prior to that, we shared caretaking in Moms home for about nine months, but we knew we couldnt sustain it. We found ourselves leaving our spouses and children. Our work suffered, and we were exhausted. Now my brother has gotten overwhelmed and told me he is tired of doing more than me, which I acknowledge because she lives in his house. His wife wont come out to greet me when I visit to get my mom every weekend, and my brother will only communicate by text furiously -- if at all. He is physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed and seeing a doctor for anxiety and depression. He angrily confronts me (on text) and accuses me of being the cause of his anxiety, and then in front of our mom pretends he hasnt accused me of awful things. He wont meet with me and says he wants a mediator to work out what to do. I have said I will not have her move in because I know I cannot handle it -- emotionally or logistically. There is bad history between my mom and me, and while I have mostly put it aside to assist, I know I cannot handle her in my home. I did take her in (pre-dementia), and it took a toll on my well-being, and I felt unable to take care of my kids and myself ultimately. I have to say no to taking on the care of my mom. How do I live without feeling terrible when my brother has called me evil and demands more of me than I have to give? -- Good Mom, Wife, Friend, and Evil Daughter and Sister Dear Good Mom: Why did you sign your letter Evil Daughter and Sister? You are a wonderful daughter, trying the best you can. It sounds like you and your brother have differing opinions on what is in the best interest for your mother and her health. You both want whats best for her and need to get on the same team. Perhaps you should meet with a mediator, as your brother proposed, and if you are dissatisfied with the meetings, you might seek a professional doctor who can best advise as to what would help your mother live the best life she possibly can. As for your brother blaming you for his depression and anxiety, that is unfortunate. He is clearly hurting and needs professional treatment. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM A powerful solar flare is set to unleash a geomagnetic storm tonight, potentially pushing the aurora borealis far enough south to spill into northern Oregon, lighting up skies throughout the Pacific Northwest. NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch for Monday and Tuesday nights, with a chance the storm could briefly reach G4 (severe) levels a rare surge that sometimes brings the aurora into lower latitudes. NOAAs aurora forecast maps show predicted northern lights activity for Sept. 1, 2025 (left) and Sept. 2, 2025 (right) across North America. The green and red ovals mark where the aurora is most likely, with red showing higher intensity. The red viewline marks the farthest south the northern lights could be visible on the horizon. The forecast is based on the maximum expected geomagnetic activity (Kp index) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Central Time. Courtesy of NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center This storm originates from a coronal mass ejection from the sun a massive burst of solar material sometimes referred to as a CME. In this case, one CME is expected to overtake another, amplifying the effect in what scientists describe as a cannibal CME. Weve entered the peak of Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year rhythm of solar activity. NOAA says this active stretch will last into 2026, boosting chances for auroral activity to creep farther south. Aurora watchers should monitor the planetary K-index (Kp) NOAAs global measure of geomagnetic activity. The index runs from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme). Kp values of 6 or 7 correspond to the G2G3 storm warning scale, and when sustained at those levels, the auroral oval can dip into northern U.S. latitudes, including Oregon. For the best odds of spotting the lights, head outside between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Pacific time, under clear, dark skies with an unobstructed view to the north. Locations such as the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, and elevated areas east of Portland are ideal vantage points. Photographers hoping to capture the display will need long exposures between two and eight seconds. If your lens allows, set the focus to infinity. Smartphone apps can provide manual control of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. During longer exposures, the camera must remain completely still, so use a tripod or solid surface. To avoid shake when pressing the shutter, use the timer option available on most cameras and phones. If your smartphone has a night or aurora setting, youre ready to go. Most importantly, experiment with different ISOs and shutter speeds to capture the look you want. Bottom line: If youre in northern Oregon and the skies stay clear, Monday night is one of the years strongest opportunities to watch the northern lights spill south. Get away from city lights, look north, and hope the sun delivers. Mark Graves, The Oregonian | OregonLive mgraves@oregonian.com At a recent cabinet meeting, my former congressional representative and current Secretary of Labor said the following to President Donald Trump: In Oregon, we are expecting a crackdown. Thank you for what youre doing with your agents on ICE. She then said the following to Attorney General Pam Bondi: And thank you for your prosecution. I hope youll come to Portland, Oregon and crackdown, (Top official from Oregon tells Trump she welcomes federal crackdown: I hope you will come to Portland, Aug. 26). I appreciate that after losing her congressional seat, Ms. Chavez-DeRemer may be looking for job security, particularly because the labor market is apparently tanking under her leadership. However, did she really have to invite a federal invasion of our city in order to do so? Portlanders evicted Trumps federal agents in July 2020, and will do so again if necessary. We should politely do the same if Ms. Chavez-DeRemer decides to show her face in our city by providing the fare to take an Uber to her home in Happy Valley. Mitchell Turker, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The Peacock text thread revealing Portland city councilors secretly communicating about votes should alarm every resident who cares about accountability and democratic values, (Portland city councilors accused of breaking public meetings law wont face investigation due to technicality, Aug. 19). Willamette Weeks Aug. 6 report exposed Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Mitch Green, Sameer Kanal, Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo discussing budget strategies in private, with Steve Novick as an honorary member, according to Avalos, potentially forming a quorum. This secret deliberation could violate Oregons Public Meetings Law and undermines the values of transparency and accountability required of our 12-member council. Oregon public records law forbids a quorum from deliberating privately. The texts show councilors knew they risked breaking the law, even debating how to include Novick without breaching quorum rules. Yet City Attorney Robert Taylor dismissed residents complaints as too late under a 30-day deadline, despite the public learning of the texts only through reporting. To imply that constituents must assume constant criminality or unethical behavior by elected officials and file preemptive complaints is absurd and dangerous. More importantly, does Taylor really expect Portlanders to believe that these councilors have now stopped communicating in secret? This is more than a technical violation. Secret coordination erodes public trust, betrays accountability and contradicts the values of diversity and inclusion these councilors claim to champion. Portlanders deserve consequences: an independent investigation, public censure and apology and legislative reform tying complaint deadlines to the discovery of wrongdoing. Residents can testify at the Sept. 3 council meeting to demand accountability. Sunshine is the best disinfectantand Portlanders deserve nothing less. Ciatta Thompson, Portland Thompson ran for Portland City Council, District 4 in 2024. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. Oregons U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (left) and Marylands U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (second from right) standing before burned homes at Kfar Aza, a kibbutz attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Merkley and Van Hollen could see and hear Israeli forces bombing Gaza City from the kibbutz, Merkley said. Jeff Merkleys Office A lot has changed in Israel and the Palestinian territories since Oregons Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley first visited in 1978 as a 21-year-old backpacker. But the pace of change between his last trip to the region in January 2024 and the present, as Israel wages an ongoing war against the militant and political group Hamas in Gaza, has been unbelievably devastating, Merkley told the Capital Chronicle on Sunday morning from Cairo, Egypt, at the end of an eight-day trip to the region. Theres a lot that has transpired over those 20 months, he said. I dont think 20 months ago, January 2024, we would have imagined that the war would be ongoing. He and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, returned in late August to Gazas borders with Egypt and Israel, and visited the West Bank and Jerusalem, to monitor the distribution of international aid meant to reach starving Gazans, and to learn more about the ongoing impacts of the nearly two-year war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli soldiers have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government but staffed by medical professionals and considered by the United Nations and other independent experts to be the most reliable source for casualty numbers. Israeli soldiers have also razed entire cities, leaving most of the remaining population of Gaza today displaced and facing famine. More than half of the Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas or rescued, while more than 80 are confirmed to have died and about 30 are still being held captive and are believed to be alive, according to the Israeli government. There has to be an end to this war. The hostages all have to be released. And there has to be massive intervention to address the medical problems and the starvation, Merkley said. Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called on his colleagues in Congress to halt hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons sales to Israel until Gazans receive immediate and critical aid being blocked by Israeli forces. He has also, along with Democratic senators, called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war. The U.S. has sent more than $20 billion in weapons and military aid to Israel since Oct. 7, 2023. Israel The eight-day trip including more than two dozen meetings in four settings began in Israel, where Merkley and Van Hollen met with families of the Israeli hostages, with aid providers from the United Nations World Food Programme and with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. More than 140 Gazans have died of hunger since the start of the war, including 88 children, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures. Most of those deaths were in the last couple months. Between April and July, more than 20,000 children in Gaza were seen by doctors for acute malnutrition, and more than 3,000 of those children were deemed severely malnourished, according to a recent report from The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, a global initiative that provides food security analysis for charities and U.N. agencies. The senators also talked on the phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely symbolic role in the government, and met with Greek, Latin and Armenian Catholic church leaders in the Old City of Jerusalem who are calling for an end to the war. With those church leaders, the senators visited the Kerem Shalom Crossing, a gateway between Gaza and Israel, where they learned about how foreign aid moves from inspection areas in Israel into Gaza, where Palestinian trucks receive it and move it to warehouses, Merkley said. Van Hollen and Merkley also returned to a kibbutz called Kfar Aza a sort of intentional community, or commune, centered on egalitarian values and growing food that they had visited in January 2024, and that was a site of Hamas violence against Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. They met with a woman trying to rebuild the kibbutz so people will return over the next year, but so far, only 20 of the former residents have returned, Merkley said. The ongoing war had impacted their host, too. She knew many of the people who died and she knew many of the people who were taken hostage from the kibbutz. In fact, she basically knows everybody at the kibbutz, he said. But from the community, its possible to see over the border into Gaza City, Merkley explained. While he and Van Hollen were there, they could hear Israel dropping bombs on Gaza City. And she said, as time has passed, her sense has returned of how we have to break this cycle of revenge and we have to find a way for the two peoples all the Israelis and the Palestinians to live together peacefully, Merkley recounted. But it had been like a long process of grieving and pondering in that regard. West Bank In the West Bank, Merkley and Van Hollen met with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, as well as families of American Palestinians living in the West Bank who have been jailed by Israeli authorities, and who know others who have been jailed or killed by Israeli authorities or Israeli settlers. They also visited a Christian village in the West Bank that was recently attacked by settlers, Merkley said, noting that Israeli encroachment into Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, and violence from those settlers towards Palestinians, has intensified. Almost nothing is done by the Israeli Defense Forces to protect the Palestinian villagers from the settlers, Merkley said. Many of the IDF forces that are in the West Bank are settlers themselves, and its almost as if the government of Israel has given a green light. They just are not engaged in stopping this escalation of violence, and its coming in many forms. Gazan borders The Israeli military barred Merkley and Van Hollen from entering the Gaza strip when they visited in January 2024, but the two were able to go to Rafah Gate, where Egypt borders the southernmost edge of Gaza, to meet doctors and aid truck drivers who painted an early picture of a people beginning to starve. One conversation that really sticks in my mind was with two doctors who had just left the European hospital, and one of them was more of a specialist in burns, and the other in broken bones, and one of the doctors said: Of course, we can put an arm in a cast, but our patients need more nutrition in order to recover, Merkley recounted. Well, if you go 20 months forward, that brings us to the current moment. All of those things are true, but at such a higher level. Van Hollen and Merkley returned to Rafah Gate on Saturday, still barred from entering Gaza, but able to look out over the city of Rafah from the top of a building. We could see absolute rubble, like there was no semblance of a town remaining. It wasnt like a bunch of buildings with holes in the side like shell holes and blown holes No, everything was rubble, he said. Now, this same process is beginning in Gaza City, and there are upwards of about a million people in the Gaza City area. And realize, not that many months ago, a million people were in Rafah. We have our voices Merkley said the war is at a desperate moment and a ceasefire is needed to stop the assault on Gaza City, where roughly 1 million Palestinians are facing forcible displacement. There are ministers in the (Israeli) Cabinet who have this vision of depopulating Gaza and making it part of a broader Israel, he said. But there are many, many Israelis that are fiercely opposed to that vision as well. After all, to depopulate an area in that fashion is a war crime. He said Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has deeply damaged Israels standing in the world, and many Israelis understand this. Thousands of Israelis marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday demanding an end to the war. Theres deep, deep debates going on among the leadership and the people of the State of Israel, Merkley said. He returned to the U.S. on Monday and will resume work in Congress on Tuesday. He and Van Hollen have written op-eds and attempted to pass memorandums that would make military aid to Israel dependent on humanitarian aid getting to Gazans, but theyre in the minority in Congress. Recent polling shows most Americans disapprove of Israels military campaign in Gaza. Merkley said turnout at his 36 town halls this year has been five times what it was in past years, in part because people wanted to tell him to do something to stop the war. Among the members of Congress who continues to vote in favor of military aid to Israel is Oregons senior U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, also a Democrat. Wyden has joined Merkley in calls for a ceasefire and aid to Gazans, but has so far not joined in efforts to end weapons sales. His town halls have also been packed with constituents asking him to stop arming the Israeli military. One recent town hall in Grants Pass was cut short by protests. Merkley declined to share anything about conversations with Wyden on the topic. Feelings are shifting, but there is no magic wand here. There is no Oh, well, just say it louder, and somehow you will change the course, Merkley said. You just have to keep pressing with ideas in amendments, and voting () and conversations with our colleagues, you keep pressing on everything. -- Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. Xi meets Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif Xinhua) 09:42, September 02, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Sharif is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Tuesday. Xi said that as global changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a quicker pace, a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to safeguarding regional peace and development. The two sides should accelerate building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, to bring more benefits to the two peoples and set up a model for the broader neighborhood. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build upgraded versions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Xi said. Sharif said the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for world peace, development and stability, and Pakistan will give it full support and work actively to implement it. Pakistan firmly sticks to the one-China principle, and looks forward to further strengthening friendship between the two countries and advancing cooperation in all fields, said Sharif, promising to spare no effort in ensuring the safety of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Sharif is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) With its monster record collection and chameleonic Vietnamese American menu avocado banh mi and coffee for breakfast, then cocktails and pho before last call at 2 a.m. you could spend all day at Northeast Portlands newest hangout without getting bored or hungry. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. After Ours opened last month at 2226 N.E. Broadway. The vinyl bar slings garlic noodles and In-N-Out-style burgers to a rotating soundtrack of hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk and jazz. Its the brainchild of chef Richard Le of Memoire Ca Phe, Kim Dam of Portland Ca Phe (also Memoire) and Mikey Nguyen of sneaker shop Index (plus Deadstock Coffee) and a homage to the culinary trios shared Vietnamese heritage. Richard Le is co-owner of After Ours, a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive This is a place after our community, Le said of After Ours one August morning while an album by Steel Pulse, one of his favorite old-school reggae bands, spun in the background. Its after our loved ones, after our community, after our lost parents. The sentiment comes across in the bars food with dishes inspired by Dam and Nguyens Portland upbringings, as well as hits from Les former food cart Matta but also the decor. After Ours is a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive Above a display of records cherry-picked from Les personal collection hang three portraits. The paintings depict Dams and Nguyens father and Les mother, all three of whom have died. Dam commissioned the triptych from local artist Alex Chiu as a gift to her After Ours co-owners, then surprised them the day before friends and family night. All three of us almost started crying immediately, Le recalled. Thumbing through After Ours assortment of more than 1,500 records is like paging through Les own history. While the bulk was sourced by buying out record collections resold on Facebook Marketplace, he said, others hold more sentimental meaning. Those tend to come with a story retold by Le: Theres an Oscar Peterson album he grew up listening to with his mom, and another from Seattle-based band The Postal Service a birthday gift from his Memoire partner Lisa Nguyen. Richard Le is co-owner of After Ours, a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive After Ours is a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive As for what plays while customers chow down, Le will always take suggestions, he said. He has other music-oriented ideas for After Ours, too, like a dinner menu based on a single album. The space draws from a range of influences spots from Analog, a listening bar in Japan, to 93 Til, a restaurant-record bar that Le, Dam and Nguyen frequented while in Houston for the Specialty Coffee Expo. That was in April; they got the keys to their building in June. After Ours pocket of Northeast Broadway has seen a surge of new neighborhood businesses, Le said. The Sports Bra, Heavenly Creatures and Steeplejack Brewing all opened in the past few years between 22nd and 26th Avenues. Its not far from where Nguyen grew up in Northeast Portland and a little further from Dams stomping ground in Southeast. Le moved to Portland seven years ago from San Jose, California. Its wild to think that Im not originally from here, Le said. Weve all found purpose in Portland and combining all of our purposes together and making something like this is really (expletive) cool. After shopping spaces left behind when punk bar Black Water relocated to Northeast Sandy Boulevard (too grungy) and the now-closed Capitol Bar & Lounge (too large), they settled on the former Scholar Amaro Bar and Restaurant. A burger, breakfast noodles and beef pho are served at After Ours, a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive A burger is served at After Ours, a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive The vinyl bar opens at 9 a.m. daily, kicking off a dynamic menu that starts with coffee and brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., then moves into burgers and sandwiches (including Mattas hit catfish and chicken varieties) and a Vietnamese menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nan Chaison of Mestizo and Norah curated the drink menu, a lineup that includes cocktails like the pandan colada (order it as a mocktail for a frothy, non-boozy treat) and the Henny-tini (an espresso martini made with what else? Hennessy). The Vietnamese menu, in part, serves as a toast to Nguyens young, wild 20s and nostalgic spots like Utopia, a divey Vietnamese bar on Northeast 82nd Avenue. We had many meals there together just talking about life, Le said. I found out later from (Nguyens) business partner at Index that they would always go out late and theyd always have late-night pho to sober them up before they went home. Beef pho is served at After Ours, a vinyl bar that serves Vietnamese food in Northeast Portland. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive On Thursday, Friday and Saturday when After Ours is open until 2 a.m. the kitchen dishes up bowls of pho during its final few hours. Then, Le joked, its rager time. Its so funny because weve marketed this place to be a vinyl bar where people can just come out and hang and have good food at all hours of the night, he said. But people just come here to party. Veronica Nocera covers retail and recalls news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Is a business in your area opening or closing? Reach Veronica at vnocera@oregonian.com. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence premieres all three episodes tonight, on Monday, September 1 at 9 p.m. with a live broadcast on Investigation Discovery, and will be available on demand the following day. You can watch live on ID, or stream it on demand with Philo. WATCH: Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence for FREE with Philo (free trial). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can also watch it on Fubo (promotional offers). Who are Ruby & Jodi? What is the Cult of Sin and Influence? Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were at the center of a child abuse case that garnered national attention. They were social media influencers and YouTubers that were later arrested for their crimes. The series will take a deep dive on the events that unfolded. What TV channel is ID on? How can I stream for free? What: Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence When: Monday, September 1 at 9 p.m. TV channel: Investigation Discovery Watch the show live streaming online: You can watch live for FREE with Philo (free trial), or with Fubo (promotional offers). If you prefer a different streaming platform, you can watch it on Sling (promotional offers). A long gravel road off of Oregon 99W near Dallas takes you to Van Duzer Vineyards. It is a throwback to the days when most Willamette Valley winery visits required navigating roads best suited for pickup trucks and tractors. Slow is good on Smithfield Road, as it allows you to see things you might miss at 45 mph. Things like western pond turtles, gigantic herons and the sea of wild flowers and cattails growing in the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. You might even spot a rare Fenders blue butterfly, but more on that later. Van Duzer Vineyards is best known for: fresh, cool climate pinot noirs. Eric Misiewicz, Van Duzers winemaker, gives credit to the cooling Van Duzer Corridor winds. According to Misiewicz, marine winds from the Pacific Ocean keep the Van Duzer Corridor American Viticultural Area (AVA) five degrees cooler, on average, than other AVAs nested within the larger Willamette Valley AVA. This cooling effect also helps slow down the ripening process of the grapes, allowing for an extended growing season. This longer ripening period helps the grapes develop complex flavors while maintaining optimal acidity levels. Bruce Sonnen, Van Duzers vineyard manager, added that the winery was also well known for its beautiful views. Must try current release: 2022 Van Duzer Vineyards Flagpole Block Pinot Noir ($70 13.8% ABV). The Flagpole Block has consistently produced excellent wines over the years. The 2022 vintage is no exception, beginning with its aromas of dark raspberries, boysenberries, violets and a touch of caramel. The wines lively acidity and firm tannins support its tangy blackberry and bittersweet dark chocolate flavors. This will be a fine bottle to enjoy on a crisp fall evening, perhaps paired with grilled pork chops and pan-seared chanterelles. Butterfly effect: The Fenders blue butterfly, once thought to be extinct, is native to the upland prairies of Oregons Willamette Valley. Unfortunately, due to the loss of most of its habitat to agriculture, homes, and invasive plant species, the butterfly was placed on the federal governments Endangered Species list. Fenders blues depend exclusively on Kincaids lupine to reproduce. In 2009, Van Duzer partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to plant Kincaids lupine and preserve the native oak savannas on their property, which are also a key part of the insects habitat. After years of maintaining these habitats, a Fenders blue butterfly appeared at Van Duzer Vineyards in 2014. Sonnen named the butterfly "Eve." Nine years later, the species was officially downlisted from endangered to threatened, making the Fenders blue only the second insect to recover under the Endangered Species Act. History: The areas around the oak-covered knoll where Van Duzer Vineyards is located were originally planted with chardonnay and pinot noir vines by Helmut and Helga Schwarz in the early 1980s. Van Duzer Vineyards co-owner Carl Thoma said that sometime around 1986 to 1989, Napa Valley wine veteran William Hill started an Oregon brand and named it Van Duzer in honor of the corridors cooling winds. Hills Van Duzer wines were made in California using fruit purchased from various Willamette Valley vineyards. Thoma said that in 1995, he and his wife, Marilynn, joined Hill in buying Parducci Cellars in Mendocino County. Hill contributed the Van Duzer brand and several hundred acres of vineyard land in Napa Valley to the venture. In 1998, Hill and Thoma liquidated the venture and at the same time, the Thomas bought the Schwarz vineyard property at a bankruptcy sale. In the liquidation of the venture with Hill, Carl and Marilynn Thoma assumed ownership of the Van Duzer brand. They attached the brand name to the Schwarz property to establish their winery in 1998. In the 1990s, there wasnt a grape vine planted within five miles of us, Thoma said. Today, the Van Duzer Vineyards estate vineyard covers 82 acres with its pinot noir, pinot gris and syrah vines. In addition to their estate vineyard in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, the Thomas have a second property in the Dundee Hills AVA named Thoma Estate Vineyard. What dont we know: Van Duzer Vineyards produces small quantities of an excellent syrah. Van Duzers syrah is a Northern Rhone-like gem, complete with aromas and flavors of blackberries, dark plums and more black pepper than you can shake a shaker at. We dont talk too much about it, but our Syrah ages well, and it is a pretty nice wine, Thoma said in a telephone interview. Hot scoop: Van Duzer Vineyards will soon release its first ever traditional method sparkling wine. Where to buy: Van Duzers wines are available at numerous stores and restaurants. In Portland, try Lechon or various Johns Marketplace, Market of Choice and Fred Meyer locations. On the Oregon coast, look for Van Duzer wines at Manzanita Grocery & Deli. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11975 Smithfield Road, Dallas, vanduzervineyards.com or 800-884-1927. -- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine The Division of Access and Opportunity sent a memo on the first day of classes to OU deans, directors and department chairs via the Office of the Provost advising instructors to avoid course content that could fall under diversity, equity and inclusion. Vice President for Access and Opportunity Belinda Higgs Hyppolite wrote in the email, which was independently obtained by OU Daily, that as federal and state interventions shape the approach to course content in higher education, faculty members should be cautious in how they teach material related to race and gender. While some areas remain unclear, recent executive orders, state legislation, and agency letters provide evaluation tools for faculty and colleges to consider when reviewing courses, the email reads. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The email lists three considerations for faculty, including risk of scrutiny, course requirements and content presentation, and advises instructors to be prepared to explain the relevancy of course content that could risk being challenged as discriminatory or illegal DEI. The memo clarifies that universities can still teach racism and sex-based issues with caution. Courses must avoid methods that could be construed as discriminatory or hostile, the email reads. For example, privilege walks, race- or sex-based assignments, or requiring students to affirm certain beliefs may trigger enforcement action. The memos suggestions diverge from the universitys previous stance on academic freedom. In 2022, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. announced the university would adopt the Chicago Statement, a set of principles that emphasize the importance of freedom of expression on college campuses. At the time, Harroz wrote the statement was fully consistent with OUs policies on free expression and academic freedom. In a society permeated by deep political and social divides, there is a common misplaced assumption that honoring the principles of free speech and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot coexist, or that one infringes upon the other, Harroz wrote. At OU, we do not accept this false choice or narrative. Following Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order banning DEI in Oklahoma higher education, the Office of the President released guidelines for how OU was planning to comply with the executive order at the time, answering frequently asked questions about what might change at OU. Under the question may professors discuss race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or other DEI-related topics in their course instruction, OU had answered yes. The Executive Order specifically states that it does not apply to academic course instruction, the website reads. Faculty retain their academic freedom and retain the right to provide instruction in their course and design their curriculum as they see fit, if the subject matter is related to the subject the faculty member is teaching. OU Daily sent several questions to OU Marketing and Communications Wednesday, including what was the motivation behind the memo, if it would impact courses that contain key words such as "race," "gender" and "ethnicity" in its name or description and if the university had any statement to share regarding the memo. OU Marketing and Communications did not respond to the questions and wrote that the memo serves as an evaluation tool. As the memo references, it is designed as an evaluation tool and provides links to applicable state and federal guidance including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis July 29th memo, an OU spokesperson wrote. OU Daily emailed Hyppolite Tuesday for more information on the memo. Hyppolite referred the Daily to OU Marketing and Communications statement. Melody Rowlett, an OU political science professor, said she would often use the privilege walk as an instructional tool in her American Federal Government course, a general education requirement for students. I thought it added to the course and that is why I included it, Rowlett said. It was useful for students and broadened their ability to think critically. Rowlett believes the memos suggestions inhibit conversations among students with different experiences and backgrounds. The provost is saying that there is less value in understanding different perspectives, Rowlett said. I am going to try to work the best that I can in my class to still have people have open dialogues that respect each others opinion. The email includes links to multiple federal directives and state bills referred to as relevant guidance, including President Donald Trumps executive orders, the U.S. attorney generals guidance for recipients of federal funding, and Oklahoma Senate Bills 796 and 991. The memo also includes a link to the U.S. Department of Educations February Dear Colleague letter, which warned schools they could lose federal funding if they continued to consider race when making scholarship or hiring decisions. Background The email comes nearly a year after an OU education course Schools and American Culture was criticized by the Heritage Foundation and Stitt after a Daily Caller article claimed the course was defying Stitts executive order banning the use of state funds for DEI initiatives. Two days after the articles publication, Heritage Action, a sister organization of the Heritage Foundation, posted the article on social platform X. Stitt responded to the post, sharing his thoughts. Universities are more focused on pronouns than they are prepping for the workforce, Stitt wrote. Left-wing accreditation monopolies that peddle DEI curriculum hide out of sight and let liberal faculty call the shots. Universities are more focused on pronouns than they are prepping for the workforce. And left-wing accreditation monopolies that peddle DEI curriculum hide out of sight and let liberal faculty call the shots. Its time to clean this up. https://t.co/CPkeyiyOg6 Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) November 18, 2024 In December 2023, Stitt ordered a formal review of diversity, equity and inclusion in Oklahoma higher education, requiring state agencies and universities to review the necessity and efficiency of related positions, departments and programs. The order barred institutions from creating mandated education or training to the extent that they grant preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sex or national origin. Following the order, OU renamed the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Access and Opportunity. The Gender + Equality Center, which focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students, was replaced with the Office of Advocacy and Education. This story was edited by Ana Barboza, Natalie Armour and Thomas Pablo. Tori Pham and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. Celulosa Argentina Files for Bankruptcy after Sales Plunge in First Half 2025 PaperAge editor's note: The following news story is from Ambito, one of Argentina's most widely read economic newspapers. All dollar figures are in Argentine pesos. Sept. 2, 2025 - Celulosa Argentina, the historic paper mill with over 100 years of history, has entered a critical phase that threatens its continued existence. After months of default, idle plants, and a failed debt restructuring, the board of directors has decided to file for bankruptcy to try to avoid a disorderly outcome. The latest balance sheet figures leave no room for optimism: the company accumulated losses of $172.634 billion (Argentine pesos), a 44% drop in revenue, a negative EBITDA of $20.146 billion and a net worth of $23.774 billion, which left it in a situation of technical bankruptcy. Sales Collapse and Plants Paralyzed The board itself acknowledged in the minutes of the August 29 meeting that "the Company has suffered a significant drop in sales, reaching approximately 52% in the last six months compared to the same period last year." Overall, domestic sales plummeted 32% in tons, while exports increased 104%, albeit with much lower margins. The company admitted that "operating costs have increased significantly, especially in dollars, and could not be passed on to prices due to the lack of demand and the threat of imports." This combination led to a 17% drop in gross profitability and a 31% drop in operating profit, compared to a year earlier when margins were positive at 25% and 14%. Due to a lack of liquidity, the company shut down its industrial plants in Capitan Bermudez (Santa Fe) and Zarate (Buenos Aires), which have remained idle since late July. Meanwhile, its Corrientes subsidiary Forestadora Tapebicua also halted production indefinitely, affecting more than 500 workers and forcing the provincial government to provide emergency subsidies. The financial deterioration accelerated in May, when read the full article on Ambito's website SOURCE: Ambito Celulosa Argentina SA has one pulp manufacturing plant and two paper manufacturing plants, located in the towns of Capitan Bermudez (Santa Fe Province, Argentina) and Zarate (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). The main products are printing and writing paper, tissue paper, and packaging paper. Spinnova Buys All Woodspin and Suzano Finland Shares, Secures Exclusivity Rights on Wood-Based Fibre Woodspin is a 50/50 joint venture owned by Spinnova and Suzano that started in 2020. Woodspin is a 50/50 joint venture owned by Spinnova and Suzano that started in 2020. Sept. 2, 2025 - Spinnova on Aug. 27 signed binding agreements to buy all Woodspin Oy and Suzano Finland Oy shares from Suzano for a total of EUR 2 (two euros). This grants Spinnova full ownership of the producer and distributor Woodspin, as well as the provider of raw material, Suzano Finland Oy, for manufacturing wood-based SPINNOVA fibre. Woodspin is a 50/50 joint venture owned by Spinnova and Suzano that started in 2020. The first (and only) production facility producing wood-based SPINNOVA fibre opened in 2023 in Jyvaskyla, Finland. The facility acts as an industrial demonstration of Spinnova's technology and Suzano's textile MFC technology and is used for qualifying the process and fibre output to support the investment decision for the new facility. In February of this year, Suzano informed Spinova that it would not be investing in the next steps of the collaboration with Spinnova, which called for Suzano to make an investment in the production facility in the near future. Suzano said that the decision is based on its newly defined priorities and capital allocation strategy and is not related to its confidence in the technology that prompted the initial investment. As a result of the termination of the joint venture, operations at Woodspin have ceased until further notice while alternatives for continued operations are being looked for. Spinnova noted that the transactions are subject to customary closing terms and are expected to close within the next couple of weeks. In addition, Suzano will also make a capital contribution of EUR 5 million in total to Woodspin and Suzano Finland. SOURCE: Spinnova Xi meets Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh Xinhua) 10:31, September 02, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Khurelsukh is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Tuesday morning. Xi pointed out that both sides should take the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future as the guide to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen development integration and promote people-to-people exchanges, thus continuously injecting momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China will remain a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia, Xi said, urging both sides to carefully safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations, deepen the alignment of development strategies, and work together to advance their respective modernization processes. Noting that the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China aims to better address global challenges, Xi said China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement this initiative. Maintaining permanent good-neighborly friendship with China and engaging in long-term mutually beneficial cooperation are the priorities of Mongolia's foreign policy, Khurelsukh said, adding that Mongolia will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and firmly support China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He said that Mongolia looks forward to exploring the potential for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, enhancing connectivity, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and achieving more outcomes in the development of bilateral relations. Mongolia highly appreciates the Global Governance Initiative and is willing to work with China to provide mutual support and closely collaborate on the international stage to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Khurelsukh said. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as customs, metrology and media. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Khurelsukh is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Windows 11 version 25H2, the next major feature update for Microsofts operating system, started rolling out in waves on September 30. Despite being categorized as an enablement update, the scope of the changes is considerable. The basic architecture remains identical to version 24H2, which means there are no new hardware requirements. If you dont already have Windows 11, or just need a new license, you can grab it for 50 percent off on the PCWorld Software store right now. For all systems that are already running on Windows 11 24H2, the upgrade requires minimal effort. A small enablement package activates the new functions without the need for a complete reinstallation or in-place upgrade. This procedure not only saves time, but also significantly reduces downtime. Devices with older versions such as 23H2 or Windows 10, on the other hand, must go through the classic, more extensive upgrade process. Windows Latest Thanks to the Shared Servicing Branch, many new features are already distributed in 24H2, but are deactivated until the Enablement Package activates them. Users benefit from around 40 percent smaller update packages thanks to the combination of servicing stack updates and other cumulative updates, which further shortens the installation time. New start menu with extended control options The revised start menu is one of the most visible changes in 25H2. It shows the pinned apps at the top, a section with recommended content such as recently used documents or programs in the middle and the complete app list below. The latter can be displayed in three modes, as a category view, as a compact grid, or as a classic list. Users can control the scope dynamically using buttons such as Show all or Show less. New personalization settings allow more pinned apps to be displayed by default or recommendations to be hidden completely. Frequently used and recently installed apps can also be displayed or hidden as desired. Companies benefit from the largely retained basic structure, as adjustments to documentation and training material are minimal. Restrictions still exist. Categories cannot yet be renamed or created, drag & drop currently only works from All to Pinned, and touch navigation currently lacks support for swipe up gestures. The start menu is supplemented by the option to display system folders such as Settings or Explorer as fixed icons in the bottom bar, which enables quick access to frequently used functions. Direct integration of smartphones via Phone Link With the new start menu integration of Phone Link, the connection between PC and smartphone takes center stage even more. Users can exchange files between PC and mobile devices via drag & drop, send images from Explorer directly to my phone or retrieve messages and content from the Start menu. The setup requires a Microsoft account for the app, but not for the Windows login. In private households, this simplifies the management of media and documents; in companies, it enables uncomplicated connection of service devices. Content can be synchronized via local networks or even mobile data connections. The implementation is considered to be more stable than in previous pre-release versions, in which Phone Link was often prone to errors. Windows Customizable widgets on the lock screen The lock screen display can be expanded with widgets, including weather, stock market prices, countdown counters or customized information sources. These elements can be customized to keep important data directly in view without unlocking the desktop. A new feature is the Discover widgets function, which displays suggestions for other available widgets and simplifies the selection process. For companies, this can be a way of providing employees with status information or appointments, while private users can keep an eye on birthdays or deadlines, for example. Currently, changes only take effect after a restart, which is likely to be optimized in the final version. Optimized energy management and performance diagnostics A new mechanism for throttling the CPU during idle phases reduces power consumption and extends battery life, which particularly affects mobile work devices and notebooks. In addition, Windows automatically records diagnostic data when the system reacts slowly. These logs can be sent to Microsoft via the feedback hub in order to identify the causes of performance problems more quickly. For the user, these are stored locally in the system under %systemRoot%\Temp\DiagOutputDir\Whesvc and are only transmitted when feedback is active. Extensions in the file explorer and in the search The File Explorer displays person icons in the Recommended area under the Activity column to make it easier to recognise who has recently worked on a file, but only when using a business or school account. In the search options, the direct link to the Bing search history has been removed; instead, access is centralised via the data protection dashboard. This change reduces redundant menu items and bundles data protection controls in one place. Higher quality system drivers through CodeQL analysis Higher quality standards will apply to driver signing in the future. Every kernel-mode driver (except graphics drivers) must pass a CodeQL scan before WHCP certification. This analysis uncovers potential errors or security gaps at an early stage and forces manufacturers to rectify them before the driver is released for Windows. This means more stable systems for OEM manufacturers and companies and a lower crash and incompatibility rate for private users. AI-supported functions and Copilot optimizations New functions are activated on devices with NPU, the so-called Copilot PCs. These include image descriptions for screen readers, live subtitles with translation options (currently still with crash problems), and intelligent text actions in Click to Do. The latter enables context-dependent processing of text content, such as recognizing and automatically processing certain entries. In addition, the search field in the top bar of Click to Do has been removed to simplify the interface. Users report long waiting times when using the app for the first time after model or build updates, which must be taken into account in corporate environments during rollouts. A new addition is the option to enter your own words in the Windows dictionary, which offers clear benefits for both private writers and companies with industry-specific vocabulary. Quick Machine Recovery and gamepad control of the on-screen keyboard With version 25H2, Windows 11 will receive an extended self-repair function, which will be introduced under the name Quick Machine Recovery. It builds on the Windows Recovery Environment, but extends it with the ability to automatically obtain updates or repair scripts from the Internet to resolve boot problems. If the system recognizes repeated boot errors, it automatically switches to the recovery environment, establishes a network connection and searches for suitable corrections via Windows Update. Administrators can specify whether this process should take place completely without user intervention. Activation is possible both locally, for example via configuration using Reagentc and XML files, and centrally via Intune policies. Parameters for waiting time, restart intervals and even WLAN login data can be predefined so that devices without a LAN connection can also be integrated. In Home editions, cloud-supported repair will be active by default in the future; in Pro and Enterprise environments, it must be specifically enabled. After a successful repair, Windows restarts automatically; if the repair is unsuccessful, the cycle is repeated according to the defined specifications. Thanks to this automation, Quick Machine Recovery reduces the administration effort and significantly shortens downtimes in both company networks and private installations. Thomas Joos New data protection dialogues and administrator protection 25H2 comes with revised data protection dialogues that offer more transparency when applications access data and system functions. An additional protection mechanism has been introduced for administrators, which makes unauthorized changes to the system more difficult and provides greater protection for security-critical actions. This gives companies an additional layer of security without having to resort to third-party solutions. Thomas Joos Further functional improvements and known problems Taskbar scaling adapts better to different display sizes and DPI settings. Context menus in Explorer have been optimized, new sharing options have been added, and Voice Access has been further developed. Support for Chinese and Japanese has been expanded, and in the settings under Privacy and security you can now see which applications are accessing Windows generative AI models. In current builds, this display is already visible in the user interface, but the full functionality will only be activated in a later update. Further adjustments relate to the toolbox, which has been improved in terms of its operation and integration. Microsoft has also fixed several bugs, such as truncated content in the notification center when the clock display is activated or a problem with dbgcore.dll, which could cause explorer.exe and other applications to crash. Known problems still exist, however: the Xbox controller can trigger a bug check on some systems when connected via Bluetooth. The Microsoft Changjie input method currently works incorrectly, which can be avoided by resetting to the previous IME version. In addition, Windows 11 25H2 supports touch keyboard control with a gamepad for the first time. This function, originally planned for 24H2, allows the on-screen keyboard to be operated without a mouse or touchscreen, which can be relevant in special application scenarios, such as on console-based workstations or for accessibility adaptations. Microsoft emphasizes stability in 25H2. Many functions are already included in 24H2 and are only activated with the Enablement Package. For private users, this means a smooth upgrade without long installation times; for companies, it means the option to test only the new functions instead of recertifying the entire system environment. The update follows the shared servicing branch approach, which has also been used for previous upgrades, for example from 22H2 to 23H2. Mark Hachman After the official release, Microsoft offers a time window to leave the Windows Insider program and receive regular updates again. Its also possible to completely reset 25H2 to 24H2 by uninstalling the Enablement Package without reinstalling the operating system; all 25H2 functions will then be deactivated immediately. Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 updates KB5065848, KB5065847, and KB5065813, which are mandatory updates that are intended to improve the post-installation Windows 11 user experience. As such, they significantly change the behavior of Windows 11. Once these updates are installed, future Windows updates that fix critical security vulnerabilities will be installed automatically as soon as the computer is connected to a network. Users will reportedly be notified when such updates are available, but theres no way to decline their installation. In addition, when reinstalling Windows 11, Microsoft will ensure that the system is fully updated from the start, reports Neowin. Windows 11 stumbles to Windows 10 While Microsoft has been trying for months to boost the popularity of Windows 11 and encourage Windows 10 users to switch over, the latest figures on Windows market share show a major setback for the company as Windows 11 once again loses a chunk of its users. Currently, theres no compelling reason to upgrade to Windows 11 and say goodbye to Windows 10, especially now that Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support for another year. Not to mention the fact that Microsoft wont allow Windows 11 on many PCs. For those who love Windows 10 and want to stick with it for as long as possible, theres even a free tool that grants Windows 10 support until 2032. It comes with some caveats, of course, but those drawbacks are worth putting up with if you cant get (or dislike) Windows 11. By Muri Assuncao, New York Daily News (TNS) A Houston man was arrested on a murder charge after an 11-year-old boy was killed during a ding-dong-ditch prank over the weekend, online court records show. Leon Gonzalo Jr., 42, was booked into the Harris County Jail early Tuesday. He was detained for questioning on Sunday, a day after a boy was fatally shot while allegedly knocking on a door and fleeing. The boy, who lived in the neighborhood, was part of a group playing the prank that has seen a resurgence on TikTok and linked to injuries and deaths in recent years including an 18-year-old who was fatally shot in Virginia in May. The group was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away, Houston police said in a news release. On Saturday, just before 11 p.m., the group rang the doorbell in the 9700 block of Racine Street and tried to flee. Thats when he was allegedly shot by Gonzalo Jr., investigators said. A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys who was 11 years old was shot in the back, Houston police detective Michael Cass told local CBS affiliate KHOU. The boy, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead Sunday. According to Cass, the shooting wasnt close to the house and did not appear to be self-defense. Several handguns and rifles were found inside the suspects home, according to KHOU. Gonzalo Jr. is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. Graham Greene attends a screening of "Antlers" at Regal Essex Crossing on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Beloved actor Graham Greene, perhaps best known for his role in Dances With Wolves, has died. He was 73. He was a great man of morals, ethics and character that will be eternally missed, Greenes agent Michael Greene told Deadline. You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven. Deadline also noted that Greene was revered as a trailblazing Canadian First Nations actor who opened doors for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. The outlet said that Greene, who was born on the Six Nations Reserve, worked a series of odd jobs before giving acting a try. Greene made his television debut in 1979 in the series The Great Detective, and his first movie role came in 1983s Running Brave. But his biggest role and his breakout came when he played Kicking Bird, in Kevin Costners Dances With Wolves in 1990. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work there. Heartbroken, actor Lou Diamond Phillips wrote on X. Terribly saddened to hear fo the passing of Graham Greene at only 73. From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful relationship. An Actors Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people Ive ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother. Greene went on to land roles in some major movies including Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Green Mile, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, and Mollys Game. Most recently, per Deadline, Greene had roles in two of Taylor Sheridans Paramount+ projects: 1883 and Tulsa King. Rodney Atkins performing at Concerts in Your Car at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, in Ventura, Calif. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Rodney Atkins made it into the headlines recently after he was stopped by airport security for an item in his bag. The last time that happened to a country star, Sammy Kershaw forgot to take a handgun out of his luggage earlier this year and he got into some trouble. Good thing for Atkins is that he didnt have a firearm on him, but he did have something pretty odd. My husband got flagged at airport security, Atkins wife, Rose Falcon, shared on social media. He had something weird in his bag She accompanied the post with a video, in which she explained that he just got stopped. She then flipped the camera over to Atkins. What did I get flagged for? Atkins said reaching into his bag. He then pulled out a tube of ground beef. Hes packing meat, Falcon joked. Wonder what they thought it was? It was a tube of Johnsonville beef, and the company jumped into the comments. @tsa me and you are besties how can we ensure summer sausage safety? the company commented. The good news is that Atkins was obviously allowed to go on about his way, and it appears he was allowed to take his beef with him. Kershaw had a little bit of a rougher time earlier this year when he was found with a loaded handgun. The 67-year0old star was reportedly stopped by airport security in Lafayette, Louisiana on May 28 after his bag was flagged. Taste of Country said that Kershaw was delayed in his travels and ended up being fined $5,000. It was early, I was half-awake and clearly not thinking straight, Kershaw said in a statement. Ive sang songs about heartbreak and hard times but not about forgetting to check my carry-on for a loaded firearm. Thats a new one! Kershaw encouraged fans to be sure they check their bags before heading to the airport. I guess its safe to say I wont be packing heat to my next show, he said. Let this be your friendly PSA: Check your bags, check em twice. Lets all stay safe out there. Nostradamus probably didn't get invited to a lot of parties because he seems like a real bummer. Rainer Binder/ullstein bild via Getty Images Dont look now folks, but 2025 has flown by and we are now in the last quarter of the year. It has not been a year without disaster and despair, but if you are reading this the good news is that you have made it this far. Just a couple more months, and you can check off the milestone of having made it to 2026. Good vibes, good vibes, and maybe we can get to the finish line on this one. That said, if you want to keep the good vibes flowing, it might be best to just go ahead and skip this article about Nostradamus predictions for 2025. Because its just not good. Really, it is worse than that because the Nostradamus the History Channel calls him historys Most famous seer, apparently saw the world ending in 2025. So, the flip side of being happy that we have made it this far in the year is that well, according to Nostradamus we might not have much longer until it is lights out, party over. Now, its worth noting that he has been dead a long time, and he wrote in quatrains, so just about all of the reporting on his predictions is really just interpretation of those quatrains. And, thankfully, that leaves some wiggle room when it comes to this years predictions. There is some good in there. He appears to predict the end of a long war, which many think is a reference to the war between Russia and Ukraine. But, with the end of one war, he apparently predicts a war in England beginning. He also appears to predict plague. The kingdom will be marked by wars so cruel, foes within and without will arise, he wrote. A great pestilence from the past returns, no enemy more deadly under the skies. He also appears to predict devastation in the Amazon, and oddly the rise of a mysterious leader who would form an aquatic empire. And then he appears to predict the end of the world. And, according to at least one report, there is an ominous quatrain above all others for 2025. From the cosmos, a fireball will rise, a harbinger of fate, the world pleads, it reads. Science and fate in a cosmic dance, The fate of the Earth, a second chance. Maybe the second chance reference means we will pull the nose up on things if something does come skirting our way. But what are the chances that a giant fireball from outer space and, well there is that comet zipping around that a recent paper claims could actually be alien technology. So great. Buckle up. Hopefully, Nostradamus was just wrong. He has been wrong a lot, too. We are fine. Dont look up. The rest of the predictions are just about as fun, according to this report. Here is how his 2024 predictions shaped up. A woman is in police custody after driving past a barricade and into the crowd at Kipona Festival Monday evening in Harrisburg. The woman, driving a red minivan, was initially stopped off State and Front streets outside of the festival, witnesses told PennLive. However, she drove through the barricade and toward the crowd on Front Street. Two adults and one child were hit by the van. All three have been hospitalized, according to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo. Ebony Rogers, who ran a booth at the festival, said, in a video posted to Facebook, that she saw the van driving from Forster Street onto the sidewalk on North Front Street. We thought she was a vendor, Rogers said. She came in this way, drove on the sidewalk beeping her horn ... beeping really loudly. We had no idea that she didnt belong down here at all. She looked pissed off. Police could be heard yelling hit and run as the van drove off. The van, which had two child car seats in the back, crashed into a barrier, where police were then able to apprehend the driver. She is in police custody but has not been charged. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. The area where the crash occurred has since been cordoned off with police tape. This is a breaking news story and has been updated. Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | September 2, 2025 A group of residents in Pittsburgh have voiced their concern over one of the citys most highly-anticipated development projects. The coming of Big Data seems inevitable, so these townships have decided to take some steps in laying down some ground rules. What was once a beacon for young girls at the mall is closing over a dozen locations in Pennsylvania. Plus, paws for a moment and relax at this bar coming to York. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. By Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA Attorney General Dave Sunday, shown here holding a news conference on June 26, 2025, said his office was victim of a cyber attack. Commonwealth Media Services Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General was the victim of a ransomware attack earlier this month, Spotlight PA has learned. The attack, first reported by the office as a cyber incident, has impaired many functions of the agency, as some staff and prosecutors remain unable to access archived emails, files, and internal systems crucial to pursuing cases on behalf of the commonwealth. The office confirmed the attack to Spotlight PA. The interruption was caused by an outsider encrypting files in an effort to force the office to make a payment to restore operations, according to a statement shared by the office. No payment has been made. An active investigation is ongoing with other agencies, which limits our ability to comment further on the investigation or response to the incident. The Office of the Attorney General is the states top law enforcement agency. Attorneys with the office pursue both civil and criminal cases, as well as defend the state government. They do this across a variety of courts, including county-level Common Pleas, state-level appellate courts, and federal courts. Standing orders from Philadelphia and federal courts have postponed some cases through at least mid-September, citing an inability for attorneys with the office to contact witnesses, produce discovery, or respond to filings in a timely manner, all basic steps necessary for court cases to proceed. On Friday, the office said, We do not expect based on what the investigation has revealed so far that any criminal prosecutions or investigations or civil proceedings will be negatively impacted solely due to the outside interruption. Attorneys have been going to court and agents have been performing investigative tasks over the past three weeks, according to the office. An Aug. 12 letter from Senior Deputy Attorney General Cara Greenhall to Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Daniel Anders acknowledged that Office of Attorney General staff are unable to access any litigation data. IT staff are working diligently to identify and resolve the problem, but we are unable to access our computer systems for the foreseeable future, Greenhall wrote. In response, Anders suspended all civil trial litigation through Sept. 12. Anders also postponed criminal matters related to individuals challenging their convictions through Sept. 21. All three federal district courts have issued similar standing orders, which will bring civil cases to a standstill for at least the next month. It remains unclear whether criminal cases are similarly affected. The Eastern and Middle District orders refer to the incident as a cyberattack. Spotlight PA was not able to immediately determine how the incident is impacting other county courts or the three state appellate courts. In an Aug. 18 news release, Attorney General Dave Sunday acknowledged an outside interruption brought down the offices website, phones, and email systems, but at the time, the office did not publicly identify a cause for the situation. An earlier release from the agency said that the network that hosts the Office of Attorney Generals systems is currently down, meaning the offices website is offline, as are office email accounts and land phone lines. A statement issued Friday said that a majority of office staff can access email and that the departments main phone line and website are functional. The states complaint and online registration site for home improvement contractors remains down. In the releases, Sunday called the situation frustrating and thanked both technology staff and law enforcement partners for working around the clock to resolve the matter. This situation has certainly tested OAG staff and prompted some modifications to our typical routines however, we are committed to our duty and mission to protect and represent Pennsylvanians, and are confident that mission is being fulfilled, Sunday said in the statement. You can judge the character of an organization by how it reacts to adversity. I am very proud of our staff who continue to work and find ways to overcome these unexpected hurdles to fulfill our duty to the Commonwealth. Spotlight PA asked Sundays office for further clarification on how the attack occurred and whether any sensitive information has been compromised. Fridays statement did not answer these questions. In response to questions from Spotlight PA, an FBI spokesperson said the agency is aware of the incident, but has nothing further to provide. Pennsylvania is the latest state to have a cyber incident affect its attorney general. Earlier this year, Virginias state attorney generals office was the victim of a ransomware attack that knocked nearly all its computer systems offline. In 2021, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General also suffered a cyberattack. Earlier this year, state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R., York) introduced a slate of legislation aimed at improving Pennsylvanias cybersecurity preparedness, including a bill that would establish a chief information officer to oversee regular system updates, data maintenance, and other security standards across state agencies. These bills will strengthen cybersecurity measures, theyll enhance oversight, and theyll improve government responsiveness to digital threats, Phillips-Hill said in a March video introducing the package. We cannot afford to be reactive on cybersecurity. Pennsylvania faced one such threat in 2017, when a ransomware attack hit the state Senate Democratic caucus, locking lawmakers and staff out of their systems. The hackers demanded payment in a cryptocurrency amount valued at roughly $30,000, according to reporting from the time. The caucus declined at the advice of the FBI, but ultimately paid more than $700,000 to Microsoft to rebuild its system. Members of the public looking to contact the attorney generals office can call (717) 787-3391 or email info@attorneygeneral.gov. People can still file complaints at attorneygeneral.gov, but there may be processing delays. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Geneva, September 2025 Will robots rule all our lives one day? Or will Czapeks Rare People escape that fate? Might the answer be found in Czapek & Cies new Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R., where a robot adds a playful animation to the mechanics revealed beneath the grey-metallised sapphire dial? As the chronograph function is activated, the robots eyes change colour: press start, the eyes turn yellow (recalling Shrikes in the movie Mortal Engines). Stop: they turn red. And on reset they turn blue. A closer look reveals more details that distinguish the R.U.R. dial from previous Antarctique Rattrapante models: the white chronograph hand, the blue aluminium rattrapante hand with a white tip. On the peripheral chronograph seconds register and the two sub-dials, XX symbols represent the robots language a language invented for R.U.R. that takes its roots from the Predator movies Yautja alphabet (remember the count-down?) and plays with the X of Xavier (no prizes for guessing who was behind that idea!) The robots head, created by Czapeks valued partner MDArt is a miniature work of art and technology in its own right. Made of titanium, it was cut, hand-polished and laser-engraved; each of its eyes is micro-painted by hand using neon tones of the three colours. When we launched the Antarctique Rattrapante in 2021, one of our shareholders immediately suggested incorporating a robot into the movement, as a way of celebrating the beauty of the mechanism, says Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek & Cie. Since the pursuit of mechanical and aesthetic Beauty is central to our philosophy of watchmaking at Czapek and we are always thinking about different ways of approaching it, we loved the idea of a robot a playful mix of aesthetics and mechanics but the real impetus for the robot idea came from further away The Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. Czapek & Cie. A century of robots The Czapek teams discovery that the word robot had been introduced to the wider world exactly a century earlier by another man called Capek (with the Czech spelling), made the rattrapante-with-robot idea irresistible. A prominent Czech intellectual, Karel Capek was deeply concerned about the scientific materialism that emerged in the early 20th century. His play, R.U.R. Rossums Universal Robots, about mechanical men that were built to work on factory assembly lines but that rebel against their human masters, was a critique of the dehumanising potential of science and technology. First performed in Prague in 1921, within two years it had been translated into 30 languages. (The original first edition is in the Museum of Science-Fiction in Yverdon, Switzerland.) In early drafts of his play, Capek named his creatures labori, after the Latin root for labour, then, at the suggestion of his brother, Josef, Capek opted for the Czech roboti robots in English. The word had, in fact, first been cited in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1839, referring to a central European system of serfdom, by which a tenants rent was paid in forced labour. Thanks to Capek, robot has come to mean the humanoid machines of science-fiction novels and films and his play paved the way for dystopian sci-fi scenarios such as Terminator and Blade Runner. A century after R.U.R., we hear echoes of Capeks worldview in current discussions about automation, artificial intelligence, the cloud-based network of power that increasingly governs our lives, the ethics of transhumanism essentially the same profound and important questions about the relationship between humanity and technology that concerned Karel Capek. Sketch of the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. Czapek & Cie. The beauty of turning inside-out Created in collaboration with Jean-Francois Mojon of Chronode, Czapeks Calibre SXH6 effectively turns the split-seconds chronograph movement inside-out to reveal the beauty of the rattrapante mechanism. While a chronograph mechanism is normally on the underside of a calibre, in the Antarctique Rattrapante the split-seconds mechanism takes centre stage on the dial side. A tripod bridge in the centre holds down a patented satellite minute train and split-second mechanism. Each half of the movement is visually anchored by a column wheel one at 12 for the chronograph and one at 6 for the split-seconds mechanism. The entire operation of the chronograph mechanism is laid open for the viewer to enjoy: the engagement of the horizontal clutch, the action of the rattrapante clamps, and the way that the two column wheels work opposite one another and in tandem with the activation of the two pushers. With a split-seconds chronograph, the viewer tends to focus on the movement of the hands. However, with the changing colours of the robots eyes on the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R., attention is drawn directly to the mechanical beauty and complex operation of the split-seconds mechanism. Following the design principle of integrating form and function, the robot is set on top of the chronograph column wheel so that, each click of the column wheel (triggered by activating the stop-reset-start pushers) directly translates into a changed eye colour. However, like many of Czapeks playful and deceptively simple ideas, the robot presented plenty of challenges. Finding the finish for the head that would best enhance its volumes and contrast with the surrounding elements took a great deal of experimentation with different techniques and textures. Choosing the right colour and finish to ensure the vibrancy of the eyes and contrast with the head also involved a lot of back-and-forth with materials and techniques. When working at such a level of detail, the slightest change to one element affects the balance of the whole. To ensure perfect mounting of the head on the movement, Chronode developed a special assembly jig to help index all the wheels and related parts to the head. The Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. from the front and from the back Czapek & Cie. A hidden mechanism within the mechanism: the isolator A split-seconds chronograph is one of watchmaking's most prestigious complications distinguished from regular chronographs by a pair of clamps that instantly immobilises one of the chronograph wheels when the split-seconds pusher is activated. Meanwhile, the other chronograph hand continues to count the time. When the clamps are released, the immobilised hand will catch up (rattraper in French) with its companion. In the bowels of its split-second mechanism, the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. hides an ingenious mechanism: an isolator. Thanks to a lever, the isolator enables the split-seconds mechanism to completely decouple the two chronograph seconds wheels without generating friction in the rest of the mechanism. This sharply reduces the chronometric disturbances that may occur during use of the split-second function. With this additional function, the R.U.R. represents a step forward in the construction of the Czapek split-second chronograph. The Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. photo lifestyle Czapek & Cie. Beauty, amplified Czapeks calibres are distinguished by a wealth of haute horlogerie hand-finishing on the components, creating a play of light that amplifies the beauty of the movement architecture. On the dial, the mirror-polished heads of the screws and column wheels and the hand-bevelled levers and bridges contrast with the matte sandblasted finish of the main plate. On the reverse side, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, an oscillating weight made of 5N recycled rose gold is complemented by matte bead-blasted bridges outlined by hand-polished chamfers and other finishes including circular satin-polished wheels and black-polished screws. The rotor winds a single barrel that provides the 4Hz movement with 60 hours of running autonomy. Complementing the sleek design of the 42.5 mm. case, the integrated bracelet echoes the movement finishing with its combination of brushed surfaces and highly polished C-shaped links. The 77-piece Czapek Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. edition will be available as of September 5th 2025 at authorised Czapek dealers worldwide, the Czapek boutique in Geneva at 18 rue de la Corraterie, and at Czapek.com. Work will take place between the Ephrata and Colonel Howard Blvd interchanges. PennDOT The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that weekend lane closures for bridge slab repairs and roadway concrete patching are scheduled for this coming weekend (September 5-8) on Route 222. Work will be in between the Ephrata and Colonel Howard Blvd interchanges in the area of the Route 222 bridge spanning Church Street (Route 1051) in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, a press release said. Weather permitting, work will be from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, to 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8. There will be lane restrictions in both directions of Route 222 in the area of the bridge. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place. Motorists should be alert and drive with caution through the work zone. This work is part of a pavement preservation project on Route 222 from Mohler Church Road to Col. Howard Boulevard. Work includes bituminous resurfacing, full-width milling, base repair, concrete patching, guide rail updates, line painting, and sign updates on Route 222 and constructing a new entrance to the northbound Route 222 weigh station between the Lancaster County line and the Adamstown/Knauers Exit in Brecknock Township, Berks County. New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc., of New Enterprise, PA, is the contractor on this more than $7.6 million project. All work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2, 2026. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8. It took more than a century for Chicagos Haymarket Square to get this memorial to the historic labor strife that occurred there. Jeffrey Sklansky Jeffrey Sklansky (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Author: Jeffrey Sklansky, University of Illinois Chicago Most of the world observes International Workers Day on May 1 or the first Monday in May each year, but not the United States and Canada. Instead, Americans and Canadians have celebrated Labor Day as a national holiday on the first Monday in September since 1894, 12 years after the first observance of Labor Day in New York City. The celebrations arent the same. In much of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, the event commonly called May Day honors workers political and economic power, often with demonstrations by socialist or workers parties and tributes to national labor rights. Americas Labor Day features labor union parades in many places, but for most Americans, its less about organized labor and more about barbecues, beach days and back-to-school sales. Both holidays, however, arose during the same period, in the U.S. nearly 150 years ago, in the midst of an explosive labor uprising in Americas industrial heartland. Their founding united native-born and immigrant workers in an extraordinary alliance to demand an eight-hour workday at a time when American workers toiled an average of 10 or more hours daily, six days a week. The call for shorter hours was rooted in a big idea: that workers days belonged to them, even if employers owned their workplaces and paid for their work. That idea inspired the loftiest goals of a growing labor movement that spanned from Chicago and New York to Stockholm and Saint Petersburg. And the labor activism of the late 1800s still casts a distant light on Labor Day today, carrying a vital message about the struggle for control of workers daily lives. Im a historian at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I study the history of labor. The fight for shorter hours is no longer a top issue for organized labor in the U.S.. But it was a crusade for the eight-hour day that brought together the diverse coalition of labor groups that created Labor Day and May Day in the 1880s. On Labor Day, U.S. beaches are crowded with people who spend the late-summer holiday relaxing and having fun. One such destination is Chincoteague Island, Va., seen here on Labor Day weekend in 2018. Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images On Labor Day, U.S. beaches are crowded with people who spend the late-summer holiday relaxing and having fun. One such destination is Chincoteague Island, Va., seen here on Labor Day weekend in 2018. Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images Labor Days radical roots Led by socialist-leaning trade unions, Labor Days founders included skilled, native-born craft workers defending control over their trades, immigrant laborers seeking relief from daylong drudgery, and revolutionary anarchists who saw the quest for control of the workers day as a step toward seizing factories and smashing the state. They originally chose Sept. 5, 1882, for the first Labor Day to coincide with a general assembly in New York City of what was then the largest and broadest association of American workers, the Knights of Labor. Two years later, labor leaders moved the annual event to the first Monday in September, giving the majority of workers a two-day weekend for the first time. As Labor Day parades and picnics spread, many American cities and states soon made it an official holiday. But since few employers gave workers the day off in its early years, Labor Day likewise became a virtual one-day general strike in many cities, according to historians Michael Kazin and Steven Ross. American roots of May Day My students come from working-class, mostly immigrant families, and Chicagos history of labor conflict is all around our downtown campus in the heart of what were once meatpacking plants, stockyards and crowded immigrant neighborhoods. My office is about 12 blocks from the spot surrounded today by upscale office buildings where the eight-hour movement reached a bloody climax in the battle of Haymarket Square. May Day commemorates that battle. On May 1, 1886, unions of skilled workers organized by their crafts or trades led a nationwide general strike for the eight-hour day. They were joined by radical socialists, militant anarchists and many members of the Knights of Labor. More than 100,000 workers took part across the country. The most dramatic demonstrations happened in Chicago, which had become the second-largest city in the U.S. after years of swift growth. Nearly 40,000 striking Chicago workers shut down much of that burgeoning industrial, agricultural and commercial hub. Three days later, a bomb thrown at a rally in Haymarket Square killed seven police officers, sparking a sweeping nationwide crackdown on labor activism. In 1889, socialist trade unions and workers parties, meeting in Paris for the first congress of a new Socialist International, proclaimed May 1 an international workers holiday. They were partly following the lead of the new American Federation of Labor, which had called for renewed strikes on the anniversary of the 1886 action. And they were honoring the memory of the eight labor activists who had been tried and convicted for the Haymarket bombing solely on the basis of their speeches and radical politics, in what was widely viewed as a rigged trial. Four Haymarket martyrs had been hanged and a fifth died by suicide before he could be executed. Protesters march through the streets of Marseille, France, with flags and placards on May 1, 2025, to mark International Workers Day. Denis Thaust/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Protesters march through the streets of Marseille, France, with flags and placards on May 1, 2025, to mark International Workers Day. Denis Thaust/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Denis Thaust/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images An earlier labor win Though May 1 had long been associated with European celebrations of springtime, its modern meaning has deeper American roots that precede the Haymarket tragedy. It was on that date in 1867 that workers in Chicago celebrated an earlier victory. At the end of the Civil War, campaigns for an eight-hour workday arose in cities across the country, championing a common interpretation of the abolition of slavery: for many workers, emancipation meant that employers purchased only their labor, not their lives. Employers might monopolize workers means of making a living, but not their hours and days. The movement led to laws declaring an eight-hour day in six states, including Illinois, where the new rule went into effect on May 1, 1867. But employers widely disobeyed or circumvented the laws, and states failed to enforce them while they lasted, so workers continued to struggle for a shorter workday. Seizing the day In the 19th century, American workers labor came to be measured by how long they worked and how much they were paid. While they were divided by their widely different wages, they were united by the generally uniform hours at each workplace. The demand for a shorter workday without a pay cut was designed to appeal to all wage earners no matter who they were, where they were from, or what they did for a living. Labor leaders said shorter hours meant employers would have to hire more people, creating jobs and boosting hourly pay. Spending less time on the job would enable workers to become bigger consumers, spurring economic growth. Having eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for what we will, a popular labor movement refrain, would also leave more time for education, organization and political action. Most broadly, the fight for shorter hours encapsulated workers struggle to control their own time, both on and off the job. That far-reaching struggle included efforts to limit the number of years people spent earning a living by ending child labor and creating pensions for retired workers a topic Im currently researching. Benjamin Franklin famously said, Time is money, meaning that time off costs money that workers could be making on the job. But the message of the movement for a shorter workday was that the worth of workers lives could not be calculated in dollars and cents. Diverging holidays In the Haymarket battles aftermath, the alliance of radicals and reformers, factory operatives and skilled artisans, U.S.-born workers and immigrant laborers began to come apart. And as union leaders in the American Federation of Labor parted ways with socialists and anarchists, each side of the divided workers movement claimed one of the two labor days as its own, making the holidays appear increasingly opposed and losing sight of their shared foundation in the campaign for a shorter workday. Conservative politicians and employers hostile to unions began to equate labor organizing with bomb throwing. In response, trade unions seeking acceptance as part of American industry and democracy displayed their allegiance on Labor Day by waving the American flag, singing patriotic songs and portraying themselves as proud, native-born Americans as opposed to foreign workers with subversive ideas. Many political radicals and the immigrant workers among whom they found much of their following, meanwhile, came to identify more with the international workers movement associated with May Day than with American business and politics. They disavowed May Days origins among American trade unions, even as many trade unions distanced themselves from the radical roots of Labor Day. By the turn of the century, May Day moved further from the center of American culture, while Labor Day became more mainstream and less militant. A member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 105 walks in the small annual Labor Day parade hosted by the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition on Sept. 5, 2022, in Wilmington, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images A member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 105 walks in the small annual Labor Day parade hosted by the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition on Sept. 5, 2022, in Wilmington, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty Images Mario Tama/Getty Images 20th-century gains and losses In the 20th century, labor unions won shorter hours for many of their members across the country. But they detached that demand from the broader agenda of workers autonomy and international solidarity. They gained a landmark achievement with the federal enactment of the eight-hour day and 40-hour workweek for many industries during the 1930s. At that point, economist John Maynard Keynes projected that the rising productivity of labor would enable 21st-century wage earners to work just three hours a day. Workers productivity did keep climbing as Keynes predicted, and their wages rose apace until the 1970s. But their work hours did not decline, leaving the three-hour day a forgotten vision of what organized labor might achieve. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/labor-day-and-may-day-emerged-from-the-movement-for-a-shorter-workday-in-industrial-america-262379. He lies and lies and lies. Hes investigating the DC police, saying they used fake crime numbers. He invaded the city falsely, claiming there was a crime epidemic there. He tweets and tweets and tweets, like a sulking teenager. Instead of helping Americans, he uses the powers of the presidency to extort and punish institutions, people, cities, and states with whom he disagrees. He has pardoned the insurrectionists who beat the police and broke into and battered the nations Capitol on January 6th. He put a 50% tariff on Brazil, because he wants their criminal ex-president freed. He has threatened Colorado if it doesnt release a clerk who breached its election systems. He supports Vladimir Putin, a war criminal, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who is killing Gazans and destroying their country. This is our president. This is a nightmare. Georgia Earp, Harrisburg, Pa. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Monday he will award former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, two days after his longtime political ally was seriously injured in a car crash. The decision places the award on a man once lauded for leading New York after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and later sanctioned by courts and disbarred for amplifying false claims about the 2020 election. Giuliani was also criminally charged in two states; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump in a statement on social media called Giuliani the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot. For much of the past two decades, Giulianis public life has been defined by a striking rise and fall. Rudy Giuliani in 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) AP After leading New York through the aftermath of Sept. 11, he mounted a brief campaign for the Republican presidential nomination and became one of the most recognizable political figures in the country. But as Trumps personal lawyer, he became a central figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Courts repeatedly rejected the fraud claims he advanced, and two former Georgia election workers won a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The election workers said Giulianis efforts to promote Trumps lies about the election being stolen led to death threats that made them fear for their lives. Giuliani was disbarred in New York and Washington for repeatedly making false statements about the election, and he was criminally charged in Georgia and Arizona in connection with efforts to undo Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized after the Saturday night collision in New Hampshire. State police said he was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his spokesperson, Ted Goodman, when the vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V driven by a 19-year-old. Giuliani suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra along with multiple lacerations, contusions and injuries to his left arm and leg, according to his security chief, Michael Ragusa. On Monday, Ragusa said Giuliani remained in the hospital but was expected to be released soon. The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Todd and Julie Chrisleys fall from grace was dramatic. Now, Lifetime is revealing the raw truth of their lives on a new docu-series. The Chrisleys: Back to Reality episodes 3 and 4 air starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, on Lifetime. The first two episodes aired on Sept. 1. Remaining episodes will air at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Tuesday, Sept. 16. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on : Fans can watch Lifetime without cable on Philo, which offers a seven-day free trial; and SlingTV , which offers new day, weekend and week passes. The third episode is called A Tale of Two Daughters. The synopsis is, Savannah grieves a difficult breakup without the help of her parents while the Chrisleys reveal shocking betrayals that helped put Todd and Julie behind bars. Episode four is called Praying for Pardon. The synopsis is, Chase decides to take a big step that leads to an argument with Julie while the family implodes when Harvey crosses Savannah just as she gets news of a possible pardon for Todd and Julie. Chrisley Knows Best aired on USA Network from 2014 to 2023. In 2019 the couple were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. They were convicted on all charges in June 2022. In November of 2022, Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. In May of this year, President Donald Trump pardoned both of them. Lifetime said the new series begins during the wake of the familys controversy and upheaval with Todd and Julie in federal prison and follows the family as their parents are eventually pardoned, released from prison and return home. The series shows a side of the Chrisleys that has never been seen before with exclusive access to the family Julie and Todd from prison and upon their release, Savannah, Chase, Grayson, Chloe, Nanny Faye, and for the first time, Julies parents Harvey and Pam." What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is SlingTV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. SlingTV also offers a new day pass for $4.99, a weekend pass for $9.99 and a week pass for $14.99. A new exhibition at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin features works by Velazquez and El Greco, alongside others made in America during the same period, to redefine the boundaries of the artistic movement A constellation of Virgin Mary figures, saints, and court portraits from the Spanish Golden Age from the late 1400s to the late 1600s have descended upon the cultural heart of Texas. The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin has opened Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velazquez, and the Hispanic Baroque, an exhibition that offers a reconfigured map of Spains artistic heyday by bridging the gap with the Americas. The exhibition, open to the public until February 1, 2026, brings together 57 works from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York, an institution founded in 1904 by Archer M. Huntington and closely associated with the Blanton institution, which bore his name for almost two decades. The exhibition is a traveling one that has already been to Boca Raton in Florida and to Milwaukee, but in its Texas version it has taken on a new dimension. In addition to showing for the first time masterpieces by Velazquez, El Greco, Zurbaran and Murillo, the show includes works from New Spain and the Viceroyalty of Peru that underline how the Baroque style was also an American language. For the Blanton, this connection was particularly relevant. We wanted the exhibition to be understood not only as a tribute to the Spanish monarchy, but as a space for dialogue between two shores, explains Holly Borham, curator of prints, drawings, and European art at the Blanton. Her colleague Rosario I. Granados, a specialist in the art of the Americas, complements the idea: Many of the painters included were born in Seville, traveled to Mexico, and developed their own style there. Our intention was to contextualize and situate these works on equal footing, not as a colonial appendage. The tour of the galleries also expands traditional definitions of the period with a sculpture by Luisa Roldan, La Roldanathe first documented woman sculptor in Spainand an engraving derived from a Michelangelo drawing that illuminates El Grecos Italian connection. Furthermore, the museum has added chronologies, artist family trees, and maps that allow visitors to understand the circulation of ideas, families, and styles in a world that, already in the 17th century, was much more global than commonly thought. We are fortunate to have both colonial and European collections, and that gives us the authority to establish a genuine dialogue between the two, says Borham. The result is a mosaic that combines El Grecos Pieta with its immediately recognizable essence, with a portrait of Saint Michael by Luis Juarez, a Sevillian painter active in what is now Mexico in the same century. The contrast is not only geographical, but also one of materials and purpose: while large oil paintings shone in Imperial Spain, the American viceroyalties also saw the proliferation of a more resourceful use of copper plates as a base for works that glittered like jewels in the sacristies. For Borham, this is the greatest treasure of the exhibition. On the reverse there are engravings that look like devotional prints, a fascinating object that serves as a hinge between Spain and New Spain. In its quest to underscore this duality, the exhibition also allows viewers to compare two versions of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: the monumental one, created by the brush of a court painter in Madrid, and the smaller, almost intimate one, intended for religious education in the New World. The image is identical, but the context is radically different. Works Bernabe de Ochoa and Chinchetru, and Charles II in Armor, by Juan Carreno de Miranda. Blanton Museum of Art The Texas connection is also present. Among the pieces in the exhibition is a work by Jose de Paez, a New Spain painter known for depicting the San Saba mission, built in the 18th century just two hours from Austin. We wanted to show how what was happening in colonial Texas resonated in Mexico City and beyond, Granados emphasizes. In that sense, the Blanton also incorporates the founding of the first Spanish missions in what is now Texas into the exhibitions timeline. Its a way of remembering that Spanish here is not just a language, but also part of history, Borham notes. As a university museum, the Blanton has also conceived the exhibition as a teaching tool. The bilingual texts aim to appeal to both students of Spanish literature and young people from the citys language immersion programs. Were interested in generating a conversation, even about words like Baroque, which are sometimes used vaguely, says Granados. The dialogue isnt limited to the museums walls. The public program includes talks by specialists such as historian Amanda Wunder, who will address Sevilles Golden Age fashion from a social perspective, and a visit by a Lima scholar Jose Luis Lazarte, who will discuss enconchado painting. The intention is to balance the perspectives: from the Spanish court to the colonial workshops. Thus, the exhibition and everything that will surround it in the coming months echo the transatlantic Golden Age, which reclaims itself as such from an unexpected Texan setting. Work Funeral of Queen Maria Luisa of Orleans (16891690) by Sebastian Munoz. Blanton Museum of Art 888poker LIVE London Begins September 4 at the Refurbished Victoria Casino Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link The 888poker LIVE tour heads to London from September 4, marking its return to the English capital for the first time since 2023. Once again, Grosvenor Casinos The Victoria will be the venue for the 11-day fest, and while the surroundings will be completely different, the fun-filled, action-packed poker should remain the same. The casino recently underwent a 15 million refurbishment, the single largest investment Grosvenor Casinos has ever made. Already an iconic venue, "The Vic" now exudes luxury and refinement from every corner, as those heading to 888poker LIVE London will soon discover. September 11 is the date when the 1,250 888poker LIVE London Main Event's first of three flights shuffles up and deals. Online qualifiers, live satellite winners, and poker players with 1,250 burning a hole in their pockets will descend on the casino and fight it out for the lion's share of the 250,000 guaranteed prize pool. You can see the full schedule in the expandable table below. 2025 888poker LIVE London Full Schedule Date Time Event Buy-in Guarantee Thu, Sep 4 12 p.m. Crazy 8 Opening Event 1A 500 100,000 GTD Thu, Sep 4 9 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Turbo Satellite 140 10 seats GTD Fri, Sep 5 12 p.m. Crazy 8 Opening Event 1B 500 100,000 GTD Fri, Sep 5 7 p.m. Mystery Bounty 1A 450 50,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6 12 p.m. Crazy 8 Opening Event 1C Turbo 500 100,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6 4 p.m. Crazy 8 Opening Event Day 2 500 100,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6 6 p.m. Mystery Bounty 1B 450 50,000 GTD Sat, Sep 6 8 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Satellite 140 10 seats GTD Sun, Sep 7 12 p.m. Mystery Bounty 1C Turbo 450 50,000 GTD Sun, Sep 7 4 p.m. Mystery Bounty Day 2 450 50,000 GTD Sun, Sep 7 5 p.m. Mini Main 888 Day 1A 340 100,000 GTD Sun, Sep 7 9 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Turbo Satellite 140 10 seats GTD Mon, Sep 8 3 p.m. Mini Main 888 Day 1A 340 100,000 GTD Mon, Sep 8 6 p.m. PLO 4 Card with BB Ante 250 Mon, Sep 8 9 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Turbo Satellite 140 10 seats GTD Tue, Sep 9 12 p.m. Mini Main 888 Day 1C - Turbo 340 100,000 GTD Tue, Sep 9 4 p.m. Mini Main 888 Day 2 340 100,000 GTD Tue, Sep 9 5 p.m. The Big Shot 550 30,000 GTD Tue, Sep 9 9 p.m. High Roller Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 220 Wed, Sep 10 12 p.m. High Roller Target Turbo Cashout Satellite 220 Wed, Sep 10 3 p.m. High Roller Day 1 - FREE TO ENTER 1 SEAT GTD LPS* 1,650 Wed, Sep 10 5 p.m. Mini Main 888 Day 3 340 100,000 GTD Wed, Sep 10 8 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Turbo Satellite 140 10 seats GTD Thu, Sep 11 12 p.m. High Roller Day 2 1,650 100,000 GTD Thu, Sep 11 1 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Day 1A 1,250 250,000 GTD Thu, Sep 11 6 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Cashout Turbo Satellite 140 Fri, Sep 12 12 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Day 1B 1,250 250,000 GTD Fri, Sep 12 8 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Day 1C - Turbo 1,250 250,000 GTD Sat, Sep 13 12 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Day 2 1,250 250,000 GTD Sat, Sep 13 1 p.m. The Dragon Day 1 550 50,000 GTD Sun, Sep 14 1 p.m. 888poker LIVE Main Event Day 3 1,250 250,000 GTD Sun, Sep 14 1 p.m. The Dragon Day 2 550 50,000 GTD Sun, Sep 14 2 p.m. PLO 4 Card Bounty 330 Sun, Sep 14 4 p.m. 888poker LIVE Closer 220 Results from the 2023 Edition of 888poker LIVE London David McConachie 888poker LIVE last stopped in London in 2023. A 2024 edition was planned, but the tour headed to Luton instead because of the previously mentioned renovations to the Victoria. Five of the 888poker LIVE London champions from 2023 took home five-figure sums for their efforts. David McConachie was the largest single winner by far, as you would expect from the Main Event champion. The Londoner left the likes of Timothy Chung, Keith Johnson, Chris Da-Silva, Kully Sidhu, and Waheed Ashraf in his wake before striking a heads-up deal with and then defeating Francis Obadun heads-up and taking home 83,100. Benjamin Winsor, a player with a phenomenal record in London, won the 2,000 High Roller for 56,470, while Akshay Nasa helped himself to the 40,210 top prize in the 440 Mini 888 Main Event. 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson (18,000) and Mohammed Sheikh (16,905) were the other two stars who collected five figures for a victory. Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize 1,100 Main Event 385 365,750 David McConachie 83,100 2,000 High Roller 92 224,420 Benjamin Winsor 56,470 440 Mini 888 Main Event 39 158,080 Akshay Nasa 40,210 330 The Big Shot 234 66,690 Ian Simpson 18,000 440 Mystery Bounty 412 78,280 Mohammed Sheikh 16,905 150 Seniors 93 11,490 Jeff Albone 3,630 200 The Dash Rumble 74 12,650 George Watkins 3,350 330 PLO 4/5/6 Bounty 59 8,410 Martin Bader 2,840 55 Ladies Event 37 1,760 Emilia Riot 600 Stay tuned to PokerNews throughout the upcoming 888poker LIVE London festivities. Our live reporting team and digital media team will be on the floor for the 250,000 guaranteed Main Event, bringing you key hands, bad beats, eliminations, and the all-important champion's photo. Share this article Poker Vlogger Hits Dream Flop Before Nightmare Turn Card at Triton ONE in Jeju Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link It's an exciting day on South Korea's Jeju Island as the first-ever Triton ONE festival made its debut inside Landing Casino & Resort. But the day was more sickening than thrilling for content creator Frank Cucchiara, who made an unfortunate exit from the opening event thanks to a cruel turn card. Tuesday, Sept. 2 saw the start of the $3,000 buy-in Triton ONE Genesis, a three-day event that will wrap up on Sept. 4. The festival, which features buy-ins much more affordable than typically offered by Triton, runs through Sept. 8 and will culminate with the $8,000 Triton ONE Main Event from Sept. 5-8. PokerNews is on-site for the inaugural Triton ONE series, and will also be on island time for the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju running Sept. 8-23. Bad Turn Card for Frankie C Day 1A of the Triton ONE Genesis drew 300 entrants, including Triton regulars like Alex Foxen, Kristen Foxen, as well as other well-known pros including Xuan Liu, Mustapha Kanit and Ignacio Moron. The flight also drew a few poker content creators like Alexander "Wolfgang" Seibt and Frank Cucchiara, who will use whatever runs they make to produce content views by hundreds of thousands of poker fans. Alex Foxen "Frankie C" made his Triton debut in Jeju earlier this year, which he spoke about in a July episode of the Life Outside Poker podcast. But Cucchiara's run this time around was short-lived as he five-bet all in with pocket tens to be in bad shape against the pocket queens of Bingxin Li. Cucchiara took a major lead as the flop landed 1026 to give him top set, but the Q landed on the turn immediately after to bring a smile from Li. Cucchiara remained stoic but couldn't improve on the 9 river. "That runout's insane," said Triton commentator Randy Lew. Li had slightly more chips, so Cucchiara was left nursing a one-big-blind stack that he ran up a bit before busting and hopping into Day 1B. It wasn't the only tough beat at the feature table. Shortly after, Luo Xixiang found himself all in with ace-king to be crushed by the aces of Duy Thuc Nguyen, who improved to top set on the flop of Q10A. However, the board proceeded to finish out 2J as Xixiang made a miracle Broadway to stay alive. Action Picks Up Early Most of the Day 1A field consisted of regional grinders from China, Japan, Taiwan and other East Asian countries. That includes China's Xiaohu Liu, who drew the commentators' attention with a bold play he made less than an hour into the day. With blinds of 500/1,000/1,000, Liu raised on the button with A5 and played a heads-up pot against Tingjia Cao in the small blind with K10. Both players checked on the KQ3 flop and Cao bet his top pair on the 8 turn. Liu decided to float with his ace-high with plans of making a move should a diamond land on the river. Sure enough, the river brought the 6 and Cao bet 5,500 before Liu raised to 22,000 with his nut flush blocker. It was a big enough size to get Cao to fold, but the antennas went up at the table. Shortly after the hand, Anton Lu made a frisky four-bet against Liu with ace-rag and got it through, leading Lew to note on stream that the action had picked up early here in Jeju. Day 1B is currently underway and had 51 entrants at the time of publishing. Coming up on the horizon at Triton ONE are the $5,000 Nightly No-Limit Hold'em on Sept. 3 and a $10,000 Mystery Bounty event running Sept. 4-5. Check out the remaining schedule for the inaugural Triton ONE series in the table below. Triton ONE Jeju Schedule Event Date Event #1 Sep 24 $3,000 Triton ONE Genesis #3 Sep 3 $5,000 Nightly NLH #5 Sep 45 $10,000 Mystery Bounty #6 Sep 4 $1,500 Main Event Qualifier #7 Sep 4 $5,000 Nightly NLH Bounty Quattro #8 Sep 58 $8,000 Triton ONE Main Event #9 Sep 5 $20,000 Single Day High Roller 1 #10 Sep 5 $1,500 Main Event Qualifier #11 Sep 5 $2,000 Nightly NLH #12 Sep 6 $20,000 Single Day High Roller 2 #13 Sep 6 $2,000 Nightly NLH #15 Sep 78 $15,000 Triton ONE High Roller #16 Sep 7 $2,900 WPT Global Slam Qualifier #17 Sep 7 $2,000 Nightly NLH Bounty Quattro *Photos courtesy Triton & Drew Amato Share this article A plane ticket doesnt always cost the same. The price can vary depending on the type of seat, the day of the week, the time of the flight, or the time of year, among other things. But what if those facing unforeseen events, such as attending a funeral, were also charged more? Thats what Delta Air Lines intended to do: establish personalized prices using artificial intelligence (AI) tools that process each customers unique data. The idea surfaced this summer and drew angry criticism from some members of Congress and senators, to the point that the company withdrew the initiative. But the debate was sparked: is it legitimate to set specific prices for each customer based on the analysis of their personal data? For Lina Khan, commissioner of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) until last January, its something we should refuse as a society. The jurist calls this practice surveillance pricing. Its not just that data is collected about you, but that its also used against you to charge you whatever youre able to pay, she recently said in a podcast. The expert wonders what would happen if a customer suffers the death of a relative and receives an email with available funeral services. The airline might know that customer wants to go to a funeral and decide to charge them more. This is one of the new frontiers of potential abuse that we have to be on guard against, she warned. The FTC published a report in January three days before Khans dismissal by the recently reelected Donald Trump warning of the detrimental effects of AI-powered personalized pricing on both competition and users. There are concerns that, at least for some potential buyers, the use of surveillance pricing may result in some consumers paying higher prices than others in cases where the algorithms predict the potential buyer has a strong desire for the given product or service, the investigation concluded after examining documents provided by Mastercard, Accenture, and McKinsey, among others. Thats precisely what theyre aiming for: reaching the so-called pain threshold, the maximum price a customer is willing to pay at a given time. The approach is to use as much personal information as possible from location and demographic data to mouse movements on the websites visited to exploit the customers weaknesses. AI is capable of processing the large databases purchased from data brokers, companies that collect and sell the digital footprint of internet users, in addition to all the contextual information already taken into account (time of year, competitor prices, etc.). Delta President Glen Hauenstein said in an investor meeting that they would be able to calculate exactly how much each customer can afford to pay for their ticket. The goal was to have a price available for that flight, at that time, for that specific person. He also said that 3% of fares were already being calculated using AI, and that they aimed to reach 20% by the end of the year. The implications for individual consumer privacy are severe on their own. Surveillance pricing has been shown to utilize extensive personal information obtained through a variety of thirdparty channels, including data about a passengers purchase history, web browsing behavior, geolocation, social media activity, biometric data, and financial status, three senators wrote in a letter sent to Deltas CEO after the plan came to light. Following complaints, the company issued a statement to the effect that it would not use personal information to set prices. Fetcherr, the company that developed Deltas tool, counts among its clients other airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Westjet, Viva Aerobus, and Brazilian airline Azul. A well-known practice Prices have been varying depending on the customer for some time now. Or at least thats what many companies with the capacity try to do. Its been documented, for example, that a plane ticket or other products can be more expensive if purchased from an iPhone than from an Android (Apple phones are more expensive than others, so this metadata the device used serves as an indicator of income). Or that if someone checks the price of the same flight several times and ultimately buys it, the final price will likely be higher than the first one shown. Charging each customer the maximum theyre willing to pay for a product at any given time is an idea that makes perfect sense from a strictly business perspective. On a theoretical level, this has to do with the so-called consumer surplus: if youre willing to pay 200 to go to a concert by your favorite band, but it costs 50, then youre in luck. Companies have always tried to capture part of that surplus through various techniques. The classic case is airline tickets, explains Manuel Alejandro Hidalgo, a professor at Pablo de Olavide University and an economist at EsadeEcPol. In a scenario where all companies set personalized prices, we could reach a point where the extraction of that surplus would be almost perfect. But that would have side effects: consumption would be reduced, because if the user spends a good portion of their income on what they like most, they wont have any income left over for other things, he points out. Is it legal in the EU? AI has long been used to set product prices. Amazon, for example, can adjust the price of its items dozens of times a day based on algorithms that analyze real-time information about competitors and user behavior (for example, whether a product is selling quickly or slowly), as well as events, weather, or other factors that may affect sales. But perfecting market analysis techniques is one thing, and incorporating users personal information into the equation is another. Thats where the EU draws the line. Article 22 of the General Data Protection Regulation prohibits the adoption of fully automated decisions based on your personal data that affect your rights or have other significant effects on you, explains Jorge Garcia Herrero, a lawyer specializing in data protection. The company needs the data subjects consent to do this, he emphasizes. In the U.S., however, the use of personal information for personalized pricing would not be illegal. Thats why figures like the former FTC chairwoman, the three aforementioned Democratic senators, and Congressman Greg Casar are calling for a ban. I think all states should pass bans on surveillance-based pricing, especially if Congress fails to act, said Sam Levine, former director of the U.S. Bureau of Consumer Protection, referring to the Delta case. We have an opportunity to protect both peoples privacy and affordability before its too late. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Food & Dining Editor Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section. North Augusta reporter Elizabeth Hustad is a reporter with The Post and Courier North Augusta. She covers government, growth and development, and business. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and previously worked with a Twin Cities weekly. Her work has appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and MinnPost. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Reporter Kenna Coe covers the city of North Charleston for The Post and Courier. She graduated from the University of South Carolina. She previously worked for The Moultrie News as the editor and general assignment reporter. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling this week on the former president and several military officers accused of leading a conspiracy against Lula This week the future of Brazils former president, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, will be decided. The Supreme Court has convened four sessions (from Tuesday to Friday) to deliberate and rule on this historically significant case. The 70-year-old far-right politician is accused of leading a coup plot to subvert the election results and remain in power after being defeated in the 2022 elections by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Never before has a former Brazilian president or member of the military establishment been brought to justice for an uprising. Until now. Bolsonaro is charged with five crimes that carry a total sentence of more than 40 years in prison. The five judges of the Supreme Courts First Chamber must first decide whether each of the eight defendants is innocent or guilty of the various crimes with which they are charged. Once that has been decided, they will debate the sentences. The deliberations will be broadcast live on television, radio, and YouTube. Bolsonaro is not expected to appear before the Supreme Court. Last week, he cited health problems as the reason for his absence. The investigating judge, Alexandre de Moraes, will be the first to announce his vote, in principle on Tuesday September 9. To reach a verdict whether acquittal or conviction three votes are required. Bolsonaros defense has called for his clients acquittal due to lack of evidence. The rest of the defendants also pleaded not guilty. U.S. President Donald Trump has described the trial is a witch hunt and, in an explicit attempt to exert pressure, he has punished Brazil with 50% tariffs and imposed sanctions on the judges. These are the keys to the process: The accused Bolsonaro, a figurehead of the Brazilian right, was president from 2019-2022, a former army captain, and a congressman. He has been imprisoned in his home, a villa in Brasilia, since August 4, when the judge ordered his house arrest for violating precautionary measures. Due to the risk of flight the judge revoked his passport in February 2024, and last July he was fitted with an electronic ankle tag. Police patrols are monitoring his home after investigators discovered a letter requesting asylum in Argentina. He is prohibited from contacting foreign authorities, approaching embassies, speaking on the phone, or using social media. The far-right politician suffers from health problems, gastrointestinal issues, and hiccups. He has requested permission to undergo skin surgery on Sunday September 14. Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest in Brasilia, August 14. Adriano Machado (REUTERS) The accusation Bolsonaro is being tried for five crimes: attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup detat, membership in an armed criminal organization, damage to government property, and damage to protected property. They carry a maximum sentence of 43 years in prison. The complaint filed last February by the Attorney Generals Office alleges that the former president led a criminal organization structured to prevent the fulfillment of the popular will expressed in the 2022 elections, implying his continued rule without the endorsement of universal suffrage. Those elections were won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the current president. The plot culminated in an assault by thousands of Bolsonaros supporters on the headquarters of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches on January 8, 2023. Bolsonaro was in the United States that day. According to the complaint, the coup plotters planned to poison President Lula and to kill his vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, and the investigating judge, Moraes. Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro invade Congress, in Brasilia, January 8, 2023. STRINGER (REUTERS) Bolsonaro pleads not guilty to all charges and insists he always acted within the four lines of the Constitution. In his court statement in June, he emphasized that without a leader, without the Armed Forces, and without financial support, there is no coup. He did admit that he held meetings to discuss options for overturning the election result. Other defendants Along with Bolsonaro, several former high-ranking officials of his government are on trial: Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid (the presidents personal secretary, who confessed to the plot), General Walter Braga Netto (Minister of the Civil House and candidate for vice president in 2022), General Gustavo Heleno (Minister of Institutional Security), General Paulo Sergio Nogueira (Minister of Defense), Admiral Almir Garnier (Commander of the Navy), Police Commissioner Anderson Torres (Minister of Justice) and Commissioner Alexandre Ramagem (director of ABIN, the domestic intelligence agency). Braga Netto, the first four-star general to be imprisoned in Brazil, has been held in pretrial detention for months in a military prison for obstructing investigations. The evidence The cornerstone of the complaint is the testimony of Bolsonaros secretary, Cid, who agreed to cooperate in exchange for a lighter sentence. The lieutenant colonel mediated many contacts between the defendants. Through this, the police collected hundreds of messages detailing the plotters preparations and, according to the prosecution, it gathered its own evidence corroborating the confession, which the defendants have attempted to have overturned. Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of sowing doubt, starting in 2021, about the security of the voting system to contest the results. Investigators found a draft decree purportedly intended to provide legal cloaking for the annulment of the elections. The document containing the assassination plans was printed in a presidential office. There are also the meetings in which Bolsonaro, according to the prosecution, presented the heads of the Armed Forces with a draft decree containing emergency measures and sought their support to overturn the election results. The commanders of the Army and Air Force refused. The former warned him that this was illegal. The prosecution argues that the coup failed because the military leadership did not join in. The judges The five members of the Supreme Courts First Chamber will hand down the sentence. The other major protagonist is the cases investigating judge, Moraes, who temporarily shut down the social network X in 2024 and is leading a crusade against extremist digital populism. He has set the pace for the court throughout the judicial process and has generally been supported by his colleagues. The complaint against the eight was accepted unanimously. Only one of the judges, Luiz Fux, has expressed disagreement with the harshness of the sentences throughout the proceedings. He has sat on cases related to the assault on Brasilia. Alexandre de Moraes at the Supreme Federal Court in Brasilia, August 5. Andre Borges (EFE) Moraes, a lawyer, was previously Minister of Justice; his fellow judges are: Carmen Lucia Rocha, the only woman on the court, and also a lawyer; Fux, a veteran jurist; Cristiano Zanin, who was Lulas personal lawyer (the president rewarded him with a place on the Supreme Court bench for securing his release from prison); and Flavio Dino, Minister of Justice on the day of the attack on Brasilia, who was also appointed by President Lula. Bolsonaro attempted to remove the latter two from the case, but his appeal was rejected. The timetable The Supreme Court, the court of first and last instance in this case, has extended this weeks sessions from three days to four in order to deliberate and issue its ruling. The sessions will take place on September 9, 10, 11, and 12, when they hope to reach an agreement on the rulings. The deliberations The judges votes are expected to begin on Tuesday, September 9. Moraes will be the first to announce whether he considers each defendant innocent or guilty of each crime. They will proceed in alphabetical order by name. Bolsonaro is sixth. The decision is made by a majority of three votes. Once innocence or guilt is established, the judges will deliberate on the sentence. A judge could request a postponement of up to 90 days to study the case more thoroughly, although this is considered highly unlikely in this case. Bolsonaro supporters pray in front of the Supreme Court in Brasilia on September 1. Eraldo Peres (AP) The Brazilian Supreme Court is one of the most transparent in the world. As Rubens Glezer, professor of constitutional law at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, explains, the deliberations are televised live. Public access to the courtroom is guaranteed. And, since the justices deliberate in public, all disagreements are exposed live and receive a very high degree of publicity. The sessions are broadcast on the courts YouTube channel as well as on Radio e TV Justica (Justice Radio and Television). This judicial process has been much faster than most cases before the Supreme Court. The judges want to issue a ruling before next year. In October 2026, Brazilians will elect the president, governors, and Congress. Appeal Supreme Court jurisprudence indicates that if two justices disagree with the majority, an appeal is possible. But experts note that this occurs only in very exceptional cases and does not usually change the verdict. The relevance In addition to the seriousness of the crimes and the importance of the defendants, other factors contribute to the significance of the trial, explains Glezer, a constitutional law professor: This is a test of strength regarding the courts ability to punish authoritarian leaders who attempt coups. In that sense, the significance goes beyond Brazil. Its profoundly important for Latin America, but also for the world. Thats why Trump has intervened so explicitly. Trumps pressure Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on all Brazilian exports and economic sanctions on Judge Moraes and several of his colleagues on the Supreme Court bench in an explicit attempt to pressure the court trying his political ally. This trial should not be underway. It is a witch hunt that must end IMMEDIATELY! he proclaimed in a July social media message. The effects Although he was disqualified from running in 2023 in a separate case and cannot run until 2030, Bolsonaro wields significant political capital. He leads the opposition to President Lula. But the countdown to the verdict has accelerated the battle for succession within the family clan and the Brazilian right. Three governors slated for a presidential run in 2026 have already promised him a pardon if they win. Meanwhile, Bolsonaros supporters are maneuvering to get Congress to approve an amnesty for those convicted of the coup attempt and the assault on Brasilia. More than 1,200 people the perpetrators of the invasion have been tried and sentenced to prison terms of up to 17 years. Protesters against Bolsonaro's trial outside his home, where he is under house arrest, on August 31. Eraldo Peres (AP) Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition HopeHealth is hosting its first clinical trial. The research could help improve lupus treatments. Inmates at Perry Correctional Institution in the Upstate during an event May 23, 2024. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 17:04:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 325 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Qualified high school students are offered a unique opportunity to explore the world by spending an academic year, semester or summer inEurope, Asia, North or South America, Australia or South Africaas part of the ASSE International Student Exchange Program. A non-profit, public benefit organization, ASSE is dedicated to promoting closer ties of friendship between the United States and other countries by fostering intercultural understanding through youth exchange programs. Exchange Students in France May 2025Students, 15 to 18 years old, qualify on the basis of academic performance, character references, and a genuine desire to experience life abroad with a volunteer host family. Prior knowledge of the host country's language is not a requirement. Scholarships are available and are based on academic performance, leadership skills, and financial need.Families abroad are carefully screened, and students do not need to know the language of the host country prior to departure, but will acquire the language skills through experiencing the day-to-day local culture and attending regular high school classes along with their new teenage friends.ASSE also provides the experience of a lifetime to American families who are interested in hosting an international student from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan, and many other countries. These exceptional young students will attend the local American high school for an academic year or semester.Students or families interested in learning more about becoming an ASSE exchange student or host family should contact ASSE at 1-800-736-1760, visitwww.studyabroad.asse.comor send an email tooutbund@ asse.com Founded in the 1930s by the Swedish Ministry of Education, ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, and personal growth through international exchange opportunities. With more than nine decades of experience, ASSE International has become a trusted leader in student exchange worldwide. For more information, visit ASSE.com Contact InformationBodil DenckerDirector of Operationsbodil@ asse.com 949.494.4100SOURCE: ASSE International, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 17:03:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Roblox Corporation ("Roblox" or "the Company") (NYSE:RBLX). Investors who purchased Roblox securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/RBLX Investigation DetailsOn August 14, 2025, the State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the Company fails to protect children from predators on its gaming platform. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "Due to Roblox's lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana. Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home." Following this news, Roblox's stock price dropped more than 6.3% on August 15, 2025.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Roblox securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/RBLX . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 03:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 450 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 21, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against C3.ai , Inc. ("C3" or the "Company") (NYSE:AI), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 26, 2025 to August 8, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of C3 and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ai/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 21, 2025 .About the LawsuitC3 and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 8, 2025, the Company disclosed disappointing preliminary financial results for 1Q 2026 and reduced its revenue guidance for the full fiscal year 2026, attributing its poor sales results and lowered guidance to "the reorganization with new leadership" as well as the health ailments of its Chief Executive Officer.On this news, the price of C3's shares fell from a closing price of $22.13 per share on August 8, 2025 to $16.47 per share on August 11, 2025, a decline of about 25.58%.The case is John Liggett Sr. v. C3.ai , Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07129.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 09:05:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1039 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Highlights:Formation has planned a 20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project near Matagami, Quebec, host to a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4.Phase 1 is a fully funded 10,000 metre program focusing on targets in the "A" zone, a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres2, which was expanded by Agnico Eagle Mines in 2008 in the most recent drilling at the Property.Formation has selected Forage DCB Drilling of Rouyn-Noranda to complete the drilling and anticipates commencing its drill program in early September. Its technical team has mobilized to N2 to verify access roads and drill pad areas for accessibility prior to the commencement of drilling.The Company has working capital of ~C$5.3M with zero debt, putting it in a very strong financial position to execute its exploration programs. Inclusive of provincial tax credits from the Quebec government, Formation's exploration budget for 2025-2026 is set at ~$5.7M.Formation is now funded to complete the $5M work commitment required to earn-in to 100% of the N2 Gold Project within two years, four years ahead of schedule.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 /Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation"or the"Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCQB:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of Forage DCB Drilling of Rouyn-Noranda ("DCB") to complete the near-term drill program for its N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec, ahead of its fully funded maiden 10,000 metre drill program.The Company anticipates commencing on the program shortly, with an initial 10,000 metres planned comprising Phase 1 as part of its planned20,000 metre multi-phase drill program at N2, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~870,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4.Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, stated, "We are thrilled to partner with DCB and bring a top-notch team together for the maiden drill program at the advanced N2 gold project. As we launch the first phase of a fully funded 10,000 metre drill program, the selection of the right drilling contractor is critical. Our pursuit of an accurate mineral resource estimate requires expertise and precision and DCB's commitment to excellence is second to none as a firm that operates at the highest standards. We look forward to mobilizing in the coming days and commencing the advanced exploration drill program shortly after mobilization." Mr. Varshney continued: "With over five million in working capital, Formation is positioned to commence on the most aggressive drill program our company has embarked on, with 10,000 metres fully funded for 2025.Given the scale of the property, the compelling geological data, and the Abitibi Greenstone Belt's established history as a hotbed for gold mining, we are hopeful that the program will deliver our goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit at N2.We see the potential for a significant gold deposit at N2, and our maiden 10,000-metre drilling program will mark the beginning of Formation's pursuit of that goal. Our maiden program will focus on building on the successes of our predecessors. The drilling discoveries made by Agnico-Eagle and Cypress show the potential at N2. With gold at over $3,400, over 4 times the price in 2008 when Agnico last drilled the project, we believe that the timing is perfect for N2 and look forward to a very busy upcoming field season." Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of 877,000 ounces: 18.2 Mt grading 1.48 g/t Au (~809,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4. There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth. Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling.The drill program is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Figure 1).Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include:A Zone: With a historical resource of ~522,900 gold ounces (10.7 Mt @ 1.52 g/t Au), the "A" Zone is a shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~15,000 metres of drilling across 55 drillholes, 84% of which intercepted gold mineralization. The best historical intercept includes up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. ~1.65 km of strike has been drilled, with 3.1+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.RJ Zone: With a historical resource of ~61,100 gold ounces (243 Kt @ 7.82 g/t Au), the "RJ" Zone is a high-grade target that was expanded upon in the last drill program in 2008 by Agnico-Eagle when gold was approximately ~$800/oz. Historically, 20,875 metres has been drilled over 82 drillholes, with best intercepts of 48 g/t over 0.5 metres and 16.5 g/t over 3.6 metres. ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike to be tested as part of the 20,000 metre program.Figure 1 - PDDH design for 20,000 metre Drill ProgramFigure 2 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource.The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts w PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 14:50:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1018 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESLONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSXV:GBU - "Gabriel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement and will now offer up to 37,441,457 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of C$0.105 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to US$2,865,000 (the "Offering"). For more information on the Offering, please see the Company's press release dated August 29, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share in the capital of the Company for a period of five (5) years from the date of closing of the Offering at an exercise price of C$0.14 per Common Share.Closing of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").The net proceeds of the Offering are intended to be used for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, the costs and expenses of pursuing the Company's ICSID annulment application and for critical operational expenses.The participation of certain insiders of the Company in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for in sections 5.5(g) and 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, the Offering is designed to improve the Company's financial position, and the terms of the Offering are reasonable in the circumstances.The Company will not pay any finders' fees in respect of the procurement of arm's length subscribers in connection with the Offering.The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States or to "U.S. persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons.For information on this press release, please contact:Dragos TanasePresident & CEO dt@ gabrielresources.com +1 425 414 9256Simon LustyGroup General Counsel simon.lusty@gabrielresources.com +44 782 599 3401Neither 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.Further InformationAbout GabrielGabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal business has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe. Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. An extension of the exploitation license for the Rosia Montana Project (held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company) was rejected by the competent authority in late June 2024.Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein.Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: (i) the ongoing proceedings (the "ICSID Annulment Proceedings") concerning the Company's application for annulment of the award dated March 8, 2024 (the "Arbitral Decision") issued in its ICSID arbitration case against Romania (ICSID Case No. ARB/15/31); (ii) future actions taken by the Romanian Government, including in relation to the enforcement of the costs order granted under the Arbitral Decision (the "Costs Order"); (iii) conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of the potential financing referred to in this press release); and (iv) the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information.Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phra PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 14:30:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 538 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / 1933 Industries Inc. (the "Company" or "1933 Industries") (CSE:TGIF)(OTCID:TGIFF), a Nevada-focused cannabis cultivator and producer, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Debenture Repurchase Agreement (the "Agreements") with two arm's length parties (together the "Vendors"), for the repurchase and cancellation of a portion of Company's outstanding unsecured convertible debentures.Pursuant to the Agreements, the Company will repurchase $475,000 in principal value of debentures for a total cash consideration of $47,500 CAD. Upon closing, the debentures will be transferred, cancelled and removed from the Company's outstanding liabilities.The Agreement is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the trust indenture dated December 31, 2023, applicable securities laws, and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").The Company believes that the repurchase is in the best interest of shareholders and reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and reducing its liabilities. Following completion of the repurchase, an aggregate of $2,598,000 in principal value debentures will remain outstanding.The closing of the repurchase is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, including any required filings with the CSE, and is expected to occur on or around September 5, 2025.About 1933 Industries Inc.1933 Industries is a Nevada-based licensed producer, focused on the cultivation and extraction of a large portfolio of cannabis consumer products in a variety of formats under its flagship brands, Alternative Medicine Association (AMA) and Level X. Its product offerings are cultivated at the Company's 68,000 sq. ft. indoor facility and marketed directly to retail dispensaries. AMA branded flower, infused pre-rolls, and in-house boutique concentrates consistently rank as the top products sold in Nevada. For more information, please visit www.1933industries.com For further information please contact:Alexia Helgason, VP, Investor Relations 604-728-4407 alexia@1933 industries.com Brian Farrell, Chairman and CEO brian@1933 industries.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com . 1933 Industries undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.SOURCE: 1933 Industries Inc. Carlos Cardenas Zepeda was arrested for the second time on August 19, 2025, at his home in Managua. Police officers from the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo detained him on both occasions for political reasons, specifically for being the legal advisor to the Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference, a collegiate body made up of several Catholic bishops hated by the co-presidential couple. His family did not know where he had been taken, and they were in a state of anxiety for 12 days, until Saturday, August 30, when they received a fateful call: officials from the Sandinista administration summoned them to identify his body. Less than a week earlier, the family of political prisoner Mauricio Alonso Petri suffered the same fate. They received a call from the Institute of Forensic Medicine informing them that, after 38 days of enforced disappearance, the 64-year-olds body lay in the morgue, ready for immediate identification and burial, surrounded by a police contingent armed with assault rifles. The deaths of Cardenas Zepeda and Alonso Petri are the lethal result of a repressive tactic that is not new, but that since July has been used against all opponents detained by officers loyal to the Ortega-Murillo regime: short- and long-term forced disappearances. Before July 19, when the co-presidents commemorated the 46th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution, in the midst of a political period headed toward family succession led by Murillo, arrest raids were unleashed in different departments of Nicaragua that persisted as of the publication of this article. The Mechanism for the Recognition of Political Prisoners recorded at least 33 arrests during that period, including five entire families who were kidnapped by officers. These individuals are subject to enforced disappearance because authorities refuse to provide information to their families and close friends about their whereabouts or health status. Prominent among these families is a 12-year-old girl who was arrested along with her parents in the city of Jinotepe, where the regime confiscated the Colegio San Jose school on August 12. The girl was a student at the school, and her father was a member of its board of directors. The families of these people are terrified and dont dare to report the incidents because theyve also been threatened with imprisonment. They never present a search warrant and they dont care if there are minors or elderly people at the kidnapping scene. When a family member tries to intervene, they threaten that theyll be taken away as well. Just like the searchers, theyre threatened that if they keep asking questions, theyll be imprisoned, says a source close to the victims. However, the deaths of Cardenas Zepeda and Alonso Petri have fueled the already familiar alarms of families due to the trickle of information coming out of one prison in particular, the Directorate of Judicial Assistance (DAJ), better known as El Chipote Nuevo. There, some of those detained in these recent raids are being tortured, according to their families. At the moment, it is known that several of them are being forced into extensive, intimidating interrogations, including physical assaults that show signs of torture. Given the two deaths last week, there is immense fear for those who remain in a state of enforced disappearance. In total, there are 33 people of various ages and ideologies; members of the Catholic and Evangelical Churches. Very little is known about them, family members told EL PAIS on condition of anonymity. Days after Alonso Petris death, a coalition of non-governmental organizations in exile presented a report denouncing the systematic practice of enforced disappearance and its differentiated impact on victims and their families. Among the cruel treatment methods reported are hanging, simulated drowning, beatings, asphyxiation, forced positions, rape, and penetration with objects. Death threats against family members, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme temperatures, and severe food and water restrictions have also been reported. With Cardenas Zepedas death, at least six people have died in the regimes custody since 2019. Among them are two long-time Sandinistas: Hugo Torres and Humberto Ortega Saavedra, both retired generals. The former saved Daniel Ortegas life in the 1980s, and the latter was his brother, who had long been at odds with his sister-in-law, co-president Murillo. His nails were torn off and his face is unrecognizable Perhaps out of anguish and desperation, Rosa Ruiz is one of the few relatives who dared to report the disappearance of her son, Yerri Estrada, a 30-year-old doctor. He was arrested on August 13 at his workplace, the public hospital in Granada. He was summoned to the hospitals office, where police were waiting for him, only to drag him out with batons. Rosa believes he was arrested because he was involved in social protests and an organizer in the Political Council of the Blue and White National Unity (UNAB), an opposition coalition. His mother began searching for him in all the prisons and says she obtained information about his whereabouts: he is in El Chipote Nuevo. I know my sons nails were pulled out and his fingers were given electric shocks because they are bandaged. His face is unrecognizable, swollen, and his eyes are practically closed, the woman told the newspaper La Prensa. The Mechanism for the Recognition of Political Prisoners issued a statement warning about the lethality of enforced disappearances. These crimes, which clearly show the regimes brutality, demonstrate that political imprisonment in Nicaragua not only means persecution and torture, but also the death penalty in inhumane conditions. We refuse to normalize this infamous practice and strongly denounce that every death in state custody is a political murder, states the organization, which, as of the publication of this article, counts 73 political prisoners in Nicaragua, almost half of whom are unaccounted for. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 18:30:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 404 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Sansone Group, LLC ("Sansone Group") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Sansone Group.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Recently, Sansone Group discovered that a data security incident had exposed sensitive personal information. An investigation determined that the breach occurred between March 22 and March 24, 2025.Upon detection, Sansone Group launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The breach involved unauthorized access to sensitive data, putting affected individuals at risk of identity theft and fraud.The impacted data may include fullnames and Social Security numbers.On July 21, 2025, Sansone Group began sending out notice letters to impacted individuals. The company disclosed the breach to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office on August 21, 2025. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Sansone Group, LLC,you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 19:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 403 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Royal Health Inc. ("Royal Health") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Royal Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On or about July 3, 2025, Royal Health became aware of a security incident on its network. Upon detection, Royal Health launched an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident.The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party may have accessed one or more documents containing personal information. Royal Health conducted a review of the impacted data to identify what information was compromised and which individuals were affected.The impacted data may include full names, and Social Security numbers.On August 21, 2025, Royal Health disclosed the breach to the Massachusetts Attorney General and began mailing notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Royal Health Inc., you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 17:19:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 303 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Roblox Corporation ("Roblox Corporation") (NYSE:RBLX) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.The State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox on August 14, 2025, alleging that the Company fails to protect children from predators on its gaming platform. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "Due to Roblox's lack of safety protocols, it endangers the safety of the children of Louisiana. Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. Every parent should be aware of the clear and present danger poised to their children by Roblox so they can prevent the unthinkable from ever happening in their own home." Following this news, Roblox's stock price fell over 6% on August 15, 2025. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 03:30:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 483 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 1, 2025 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 13, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE:KLC), if they purchased the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's October 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of KinderCare as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit http://ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-klc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 13, 2025 .About the LawsuitKinderCare and certain of its executives and others are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents"), violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) the Company did not provide the "highest quality care possible" at its facilities, and, indeed, in numerous instances had failed to provide even basic care, meet minimum standards in the child care industry, or comply with the laws and regulations governing the care of children; and (iii) as a result, the Company was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss.The case is Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 18:30:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 409 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Farmers Insurance Exchange and Farmers Group, Inc. ("Farmers") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Farmers.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 30, 2025, Farmers became aware of a security incident on its third-party vendor's system. Upon detection, Farmers launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to a vendor database containing Farmers' customer information. On July 24, 2025, Farmers identified persons whose sensitive data was included in the impacted dataThe impacted data may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and driver's license number.On August 22, 2025, Farmers filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began sending out notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Farmers Insurance,you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 18:35:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 402 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Healthcare Services Group, Inc. ("HSGI") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to HSGI.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On October 7, 2024, Healthcare Services Group, Inc. learned of potential unauthorized access to certain computer systems on its network. Upon detection, HSGI quickly took steps to secure its systems and launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts. The investigation determined that an unauthorized actor may have accessed and copied certain files between September 27, 2024, and October 3, 2024. The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, state identification numbers, financial account information, and full access credentials.On August 25, 2025, HSGI filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began sending notice letters to affected individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Healthcare Services Group, Inc.,you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 18:45:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 361 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / PDI Health recently discovered that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to PDI Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 14, 2025, PDI Health discovered a security breach involving its internal systems. An unauthorized party accessed and extracted sensitive data, compromising patient records. The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, billing information, electronic medical records (EMRs), test results, and medical history.The ransomware group Everest claimed responsibility for the attack on the dark web. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from PDI Health, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 22:30:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 555 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Pivotree Inc. (TSXV:PVT) ("Pivotree" or the "Company"), a leader in frictionless commerce solutions, announced today that it has received TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval for a normal course issuer bid (the "NCIB") through the facilities of the TSXV permitting the Company to repurchase, for cancellation, up to 2,030,724 common shares of the Company, representing 10% of the number of common shares of the Company held by "Public Shareholders" (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV).The NCIB will commence on September 3, 2025 and will terminate on the earlier of (i) the Company purchasing 2,030,724 common shares, (ii) the Company providing notice of termination of the NCIB, and (iii) September 2, 2026. Under the NCIB, the Company may not acquire more than 2% of its issued and outstanding common shares in any 30-day period. The Company had previously received an approval from the TSXV and has been running an NCIB, which expired on August 7th, 2025.The Company believes that, from time to time, the market price of its common shares does not adequately reflect the Company's underlying value and future prospects and that, at such times, the purchase of the Company's common shares represents an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources and will enhance shareholder value. The funding for any purchases pursuant to the NCIB will be from the working capital of the Company.The Company will continue its existing engagement with National Bank Financial Inc. ("National Bank") to act as its broker for the NCIB. The NCIB will be made through the facilities of the TSXV and the purchase and payment for the common shares will be made in accordance with TSXV requirements at the market price of the common shares at the time of acquisition, plus brokerage fees, if any, charged by National Bank. All common shares purchased by the Company under the NCIB will be cancelled.To the Company's knowledge, none of the directors, senior officers or insiders of the Company, or any associate of such person, or any associate or affiliate of the Company, has any present intention to sell any common shares to the Company during the course of the NCIB. Under the previously approved NCIB, the Company has purchased 92,800 shares from the facilities of the TSXV. A copy of the Form 5G - Notice of Intention to make a Normal Course Issuer Bid filed by the Company with the TSXV can be obtained from the Company upon request without charge.About Pivotree Pivotree , a leader infrictionless commerce , strategizes, designs, builds, and manages digital Commerce, Data Management, and Supply Chain solutions for over 150 major retailers and branded manufacturers globally. With a portfolio of digital products as well as managed and professional services, Pivotree provides businesses of all sizes with true end-to-end solutions. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices and customers in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, Pivotree is widely recognized for its partnership with top brands across industries. For more information, visitwww.pivotree.comor follow us onLinkedIn .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, please contact:Mo Ashoor, Chief Financial Officerinvestor@ pivotree.com613-714-4702 SOURCE: Pivotree PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 03:40:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 505 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilSeptember 26, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC), if they purchased the Company's securities (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sable's May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the "SPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Sable Offshore and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-soc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court bySeptember 26, 2025 .About the LawsuitSable Offshore and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On June 4, 2025, the Company disclosed that "a Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge granted ex parte requests from plaintiffs in Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v.California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02244) and Environmental Defense Center, et al. v. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, et al. (25CV02247) for temporary restraining orders prohibiting Sable Offshore Corp. from restarting transportation of oil through the Las Flores Pipeline System pending the hearing on an order to show cause regarding a preliminary injunction scheduled for July 18, 2025. Sable is exploring all possible avenues available to address these preliminary rulings." On this news, the price of Sable's shares fell by $0.94 per share, or 3.91%, to close at $23.10 on June 4, 2025.The case is Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., No. 25-cv-6869.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 15:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 487 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / SignalPET, a leading innovator in AI-powered veterinary diagnostics, is announcing the launch of SignalPET 360 , a fully integrated radiology solution designed to meet the evolving demands of veterinary medicine. This new offering provides an end-to-end diagnostic approach that combines immediate AI-driven triage, a Complete AI Report that mirrors the depth and breadth of a traditional radiologist's report, and access to 24/7 Radiologist-signed reports, all within a single platform. SignalPET 360 PlatformAt a time when clinics are under growing pressure to deliver faster, more accurate diagnostics while maintaining affordability and clinical excellence, SignalPET 360 offers a scalable solution that prioritizes accessibility, quality, and efficiency.A Structured Three-Layered Approach to Radiograph InterpretationThe SignalPET 360 suite consists of three report types, each designed to serve a distinct clinical need:Immediate Report - Delivers rapid AI analysis within minutes, automatically scanning for 66 critical pathologies across thoracic, abdominal, musculoskeletal, and dental regions. This unique layer provides clinicians with immediate guidance and a second set of eyes on every case.Complete Report - A complete interpretation generated by SignalPET's proprietary AI models, trained on over 20 million annotated radiographs. It combines Machine Vision driven analysis of radiographic images with clinical context processed by Large Language Models to generate structured observations, diagnostic conclusions, and recommendations. Designed to match the scope, depth, and clarity of a traditional radiologist's report, it is delivered within 15-30 minutes to enable confident, early clinical decisions, while the patient is still in the clinic.Radiologist Report - When a human review is preferred or required, SignalPET provides round-the-clock access to a team of board-certified radiologists. STAT reviews are available in under an hour, ensuring that complex or urgent cases are never left waiting.SignalPET 360 provides a fully integrated diagnostic experience with built-in PACS, and clinics can store and view all imaging modalities in one place. Every case automatically generates an AI-powered Immediate Report, and when needed, clinicians can seamlessly escalate to a deeper AI interpretation or request a board-certified radiologist's review, all within a single, integrated platform."With SignalPET 360, we know that great expertise is the backbone of accurate image interpretation," said Dr. Eric van Eerde, DVM, DACVR, andDirector of Radiology at SignalPET . "That's why we've merged our team of radiologists with our AI development team to bring a total imaging solution that helps your practice work smarter, move faster, and deliver better care." SignalPET is a leading innovator in AI-powered veterinary diagnostics, dedicated to transforming how veterinarians interpret and act on medical imaging. By combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with the expertise of Board-Certified Radiologists, SignalPET delivers scalable, affordable, and clinically reliable diagnostic solutions that enhance decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and empower veterinary practices of all sizes. With millions of radiographs analyzed and trusted by clinics worldwide, SignalPET continues to set the standard for accessible, high-quality veterinary imaging.To learn more, visitwww.signalpet.com Contact InformationHayden BouwerMarketing Specilaisthayden.bouwer@signalpet.com +1 (469) 436-4917SOURCE: SignalPET The former president of Brazil, who is not required to appear, is monitoring the Supreme Courts final deliberations from his home, where he remains under house arrest Jair Messias Bolsonaro, the main defendant in the most consequential trial in recent Brazilian history, has cited health reasons for not appearing this Tuesday at the Supreme Court for the initial session of deliberations on the verdict. The former president (20192022), who was not required to attend, has been following the trial from his home in Brasilia, where he remains under house arrest. The far-right politician is accused of leading an attempted coup to avoid handing power to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after losing the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, 70, is being tried alongside seven collaborators, including several former military ministers. The session began with a passionate speech by the presiding judge, Alexandre de Moraes, defending the strength of Brazils institutions and criticizing the attempt to subject the judiciary to the scrutiny of another state, without explicitly mentioning the United States or President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro suffers from severe bouts of hiccups, among other health problems, stemming from a stabbing attack during the 2018 presidential campaign by a man with psychiatric issues. Allies who have visited him at his residence in recent days report that his symptoms have worsened, resulting in esophagitis. They also say he is irritable and downcast. Only one of the eight defendants, former defense minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira, chose to attend the session in person. This is a historic trial for Brazil because, in 135 years of the republic, no high-ranking military officer or president has ever been held accountable in court for attempting to subvert the democratic order. The judges have emphasized the transparency of the deliberations, which are broadcast live on YouTube. At times, the channel has drawn up to 20,000 viewers. Attorney General Paulo Gonet outlined the evidence on which he seeks convictions for the eight defendants for multiple crimes, including violence against the rule of law, membership in an armed organization, and damage to public property. Among the confiscated drafts was even the speech Bolsonaro would have delivered after the coup. He also recalled the courtroom testimonies of the heads of the Army and Air Force, to whom Bolsonaro presented decrees containing emergency measures drafts that included annulling the elections, detaining authorities, and intervening in the Supreme Court. A plan to assassinate the head of state, Lula, and his vice president, Geraldo Alckmin, was also discovered. Judge Moraes, 56, began the session with a passionate defense of Brazils institutional strength. He emphasized the need to respond with the full force of the law to coup attempts. History teaches us that impunity, omission, and cowardice are not options for pacification, he said, stressing that impunity leaves traumatic scars on society and corrodes democracy. Moraes also criticized the Trump administrations pressure campaign, which imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil the highest in the world. The judge did not elaborate because everyone listening understood the reference when he warned that the court would issue its verdict based on the evidence, regardless of threats, coercion, and internal or external pressures, and that sovereignty is non-negotiable. This was clearly a nod to lobbying by Eduardo Bolsonaro, Bolsonaros son and a congressman, to prompt Trump and his administration to pressure Brazil in order to protect his father from justice and imprisonment. The White House responded harshly. Jason Miller, a top Trump advisor, replied to Moraes on X (formerly Twitter) saying: Noted. And it would be wise for the Supreme Court and Alexandre to know that the United States does not negotiate with terrorists. Judge Moraes is accompanied by controversy, but his colleagues on the Supreme Court have granted him broad powers to investigate the anti-democratic acts that culminated in the assault on the seats of Brazils three branches of government in Brasilia. The Supreme Court is regarded as one of the main bulwarks defending democracy against the attacks of Bolsonarism. A martial arts enthusiast, Moraes who has served as a minister and cultivates political relationships favors a tough hand and exemplary sentences. He has noted that nearly 700 people have been convicted for participating in the 2023 assaults on the Planalto Presidential Palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court itself, and that another 50 or so accepted plea deals acknowledging the attempt at a coup in exchange for avoiding criminal charges. Bolsonaro and the core group behind the attempted uprising which includes a former presidential secretary who confessed to the plot are being tried by the Supreme Courts first chamber, composed of five judges. Deliberations will enter a crucial phase next Tuesday, September 9, when Judge Moraes is scheduled to open the round of voting on the verdict. The Attorney General has emphasized that the uprising was not completed due to the loyalty [to the Constitution] of the heads of the Army and Air Force. The Navy chief, however, reportedly offered naval troops, according to the prosecution. For this reason, he is charged, and like Bolsonaro, could face several decades in prison. Bolsonaro faces five charges totaling more than 40 years and is also accused of leading the conspiracy. Brazil is a young democracy of 40 years that, over the past century, has experienced frequent military interventions, multiple coup attempts, two dictatorships, a transition to democracy marked by broad amnesty, and two presidential impeachment proceedings. Bolsonaro, who held a congressional seat for three decades before becoming president, turned nostalgia for the last dictatorship (19641985) into a defining feature of his political identity, alongside his advocacy for military interests. A former Army captain, Bolsonaro still wields significant political capital, now contested by his family and some right-wing governors, with an eye on running as a presidential candidate in 2025. Columnist Helio Schwartsman wrote in Folha de S.Paulo this Tuesday that the worrying aspect is that, however well-founded Bolsonaros conviction may be, a not insignificant portion of the electorate will consider it illegitimate. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 03:35:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 441 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 20, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 29, 2025 to August 5, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Snap and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-snap/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 20, 2025 .About the LawsuitSnap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 5, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a deceleration in advertising revenue growth due to "an issue related to our ad platform, the timing of Ramadan and the effects of the de minimis changes." On this news, the price of Snap's shares fell from a closing price of $9.39 per share on August 5, 2025 to $7.78 per share on August 6, 2025, a decline of about 17.15% in the span of just a single day.The case is Abdul-Hameed v. Snap, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07844.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 20:45:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 816 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Registration is now open for the global gathering of manufacturers, brands and buyers ahead of next year's buying cycle.LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 /The International Surface Event (tise), North America's most advanced marketplace for flooring, stone and tile innovation will showcase cutting-edge design technologies and products, along with new solutions at the 2026 event, (Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, January 27-29, 2026). The flagship industry gathering, featuring an expansive show floor and four days of comprehensive education sessions, unites the leading voices and brands defining the future of surface materials.As construction activity accelerates nationwide and consumer preferences evolve toward intelligent, eco-conscious solutions, tise 2026, the industry's first major event of the year, brings retailers, distributors, fabricators, installers and many others together, serving as the critical connection point for professionals navigating this rapidly transforming landscape."Today's flooring, stone and tile industries face unprecedented transformation driven by changing consumer values and technological progress," Dana Hicks, Group Event Director, tise. "Professionals must now serve a new generation of buyers, priorities and market demands, from international supply chains and smart products to sustainable and adaptable solutions. We aim to foster a collaborative environment here at tise 2026 that will allow businesses to grow and confidently navigate these transitions." The 2026 event will feature industry powerhouses including Engineered Floors, Shaw, Mohawk Industries, Mannington Mills | Phenix, Cambria, Park Industries, Biesse and QEP/Roberts among its expanding exhibitor roster, presenting innovations that address emerging market demands:Sustainable luxury finishes meeting rigorous environmental standardsNew wood and stone-inspired LVT designsAntimicrobial carpeting for health-conscious environmentsModular and recycled solutions supporting circular economy principleAdvanced stone fabrication technology and premium materialsState of the art equipment enhancing efficiencyLabor development and infrastructure investment addressing workforce challengesInteractive Experiences Driving Industry AdvancementThe exhibition floor and learning sessions will feature hands-on demonstrations and discussions addressing today's market challenges while introducing practical techniques:The CAGE, presented by the Stone Fabricator's Alliance (SFA), will demonstrate advanced fabrication techniques meeting rising demand for precision and efficiencytise LIVE Demo Stage will showcase breakthrough installation practicestise LIVE Theatre sessions will address sustainability integration, digital commerce strategies and business practices that drive profitabilityNatural Stone Theatre, produced by the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), will explore emerging technologies, design trends and responsible sourcing practicesNational Installer of the Year Competition, highlights the best installers in the industry and recognizes exceptional craftsmanship during a critical skilled labor shortageWhat's Hot at tise Awards, spotlights the most innovative products reshaping the industryEducation That Delivers Competitive Advantagetise 2026 offers a complete 4-day education program that meets the changing needs of the industry both on the show floor and in the classroom, whether it is improving business, learning better installation methods, creating effective marketing or implementing new technology. Returning this year is the Working With Natural Stone Architecture & Design Program and the Women's Leadership Program, along with certifications, trainings and seminars provided by the Natural Stone Institute, International Certified Flooring Installers Association, Certified Tile Education Foundation and more.To gain the most out of the tise education program, the Premier Package includes full access to all sessions and materials.As markets evolve and client expectations transform, tise 2026 is the definitive gathering where vision meets opportunity, providing first-hand product discovery, forward-thinking solutions and meaningful connections that drive business growth.Registration is now open for tise 2026. To secure your spot, please visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com About tise - The International Surface Event tise - The International Surface Event is a prestigious gathering that unites retailers, flooring distributors, contractors, fabricators, installers, architects, and designers within the flooring, stone and tile industries. It serves as a platform for curated product showcases, informative seminars, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences, all centered on innovation and education. Attendees are invited to explore the latest products, technologies, and design solutions while connecting with industry experts and peers to drive business success and stay ahead in a competitive market.For more information about tise - The International Surface Event visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com . Follow tise - The International Surface Event on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.About Informa Markets Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com Media Contact Informa Markets Infrastructure and Construction PR ConstructionPR@ informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 20:50:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 887 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Redefining office connectivity with plug-and-play 5G that moves at the speed of business.CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / In recent years, SMBs and startups have been rethinking their network choices. Rather than installing fiber broadband for a new office, many are choosing 5G wireless as their primary network, delivering instant, reliable connectivity from day one.In the past, the first step for businesses moving into a new office was to call the carrier and install a dedicated fiber line. Today, however, many are deliberately ditching fiber'. The reasons are clear: the frustrations of traditional fiber rollouts combined with the rise of 5G solutions, such as InHand's CPE02.Slow rollouts and heavy paperwork: the pain points of building an office networkFor SMBs, time is money, and every day without connectivity is lost productivity. Yet fiber installations often drag on. From submitting applications and business licenses to waiting for carrier approval, on-site surveys, cabling, and final activation, the process can take 3-7 business days or more, leaving new offices unable to get their digital operations off the ground.Even after fiber goes live, it's rarely set and forget'. When an office relocates, the fiber can't move with you. And because fixed-line service depends on carrier field support, outages often mean waiting for a truck roll, putting business continuity at risk. With costly broadband plans and long-term contracts, which don't fit short pilot phases or project-based offices, it's no wonder more companies are seeking a different approach.Enterprise-grade plug-and-play: InHand 5G CPE02 solves the connectivity crunchWith fiber's limitations, 5G CPE is rapidly becoming the go-to for office networks. InHand's CPE02 5G router delivers an enterprise-grade, plug-and-play experience that eliminates the busywork of a fiber install. Simply insert a 5G SIM card and power it on to get high-speed internet. Compared with fiber activation, its setup is dramatically faster, so SMBs can have a full office network running in under an hour, cutting rollout time by up to 90%.Powered by the Qualcomm IPQ5018 chipset, supporting SA/NSA modes, the CPE02 delivers a peak downlink of up to 3.4 Gbps, more than enough for HD video conferencing and rapid cloud sync. It also features dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with support for up to 128 client devices. With high-gain antennas and intelligent failover, the CPE02 automatically switches to a backup WAN when the primary connection drops, keeping mission-critical services online.Security and operations are enterprise-grade as well. A built-in firewall and support for multiple VPN protocols, including IPsec and L2TP, protect data in transit. With the InCloud Manager, IT teams can monitor devices remotely, push configurations and firmware updates, and manage large fleets at scale, making it ideal for multi-branch enterprises that need centralized operations.Startups, coworking, and field sites: fast, stable connectivity for flexible workAs a grab-and-go business router, the CPE02 is built for agile setups. In incubators or coworking spaces, shared Wi-Fi and new wired installs often come with limitations. With the CPE02, just insert a SIM card and power it on to instantly create a private, high-speed network for your team. As you move, simply take the CPE02 with you, so your network goes too, no re-cabling required, perfectly matching today's flexible operations.For small offices and retail locations with short leases or wiring constraints, the CPE02 provides stable connectivity for POS terminals, surveillance cameras, and other critical endpoints. Even where fixed broadband is already in place, the CPE02 serves as a reliable backup WAN, automatically switching to 5G if the primary network fails, keeping transactions and operations running smoothly.For temporary setups, whether in coworking spaces, trade shows, or short-term projects in another city, the CPE02 lets you spin up a dedicated Wi-Fi network in minutes, delivering low cost and maximum flexibility.Powering enterprises: InHand CPE02 sets a new standard for efficient connectivityAs enterprise needs evolve, the question is no longer simply can we get online'. The true differentiators are rapid deployment, seamless relocation, rock-solid reliability, and centralized management. Built for this reality, InHand's CPE02 gives businesses a smarter way to connect, delivering the flexibility to deploy on their own terms.The CPE02 5G router challenges the old assumption that fast internet requires a fixed line. It shows that fast, stable, and secure enterprise networking no longer depends on dedicated fiber. For organizations that need to move quickly and roll out sites with agility, the CPE02 is more than an alternative; it's redefining the benchmark for professional connectivity, making network access as simple and reliable as flipping a light switch.Want a faster, more agile rollout? Start with the InHand CPE02 5G router. Learn more: https://www.inhand.com/en/products/cpe-5g-indoor-cellular-router/ About InHand NetworksInHand Networks is a leading IoT solutions provider founded in 2001, dedicated to driving digital transformation across industries and empowering customers to unlock their full potential and achieve accelerated growth.We specialize in delivering industrial-grade connectivity solutions for diverse sectors, such as business networks, industrial IoT, digital energy, smart commerce, and mobility. Our comprehensive product portfolio and services cater to various applications worldwide, including smart manufacturing, smart grid, intelligent transportation, smart retail, etc. With a global footprint spanning over 60 countries, we serve customers in the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, and beyond.Learn more: www.inhand.com Media ContactBessie WuMarketing & Communications bessie.wu@inhand.com SOURCE: InHand Networks PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-02 14:55:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1020 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 /Wolfden Resources Corporation ( WLF.V) ("Wolfden" or the"Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced an 1,800 metre drill program at its Rockland Gold Project located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA. The program is designed to test below historical and significant drill results that ended in mineralization, including 146.4 metres at 1.0 g/t AuEq* in hole PG-32 and 85.4 metres at 1.0 g/t AuEq* in hole PG-36C that was drilled in the opposing direction some 70 metres away (see Figures 3 to 5). In addition, both of holes include intervals of higher grades and alteration that increases in intensity with depth and are indicative of a modelled potential higher grade system at depth. A 3D inversion model of a recently completed deep penetrating induced polarization (IP) survey indicates a stronger chargeability anomaly below the altered rhyolite-hosted gold mineralization that occurs closer to surface. Importantly, the anomaly is coincident with a northeast-trending structural corridor that is interpreted to extend at least 1.7 km (1.1 miles) below other positive gold-bearing drill hole results and a series of altered rhyolite domes.The Company believes that the chargeability anomaly indicates an increase in disseminated pyrite from hydrothermal-alteration, which correlates well with the gold mineralization observed along the trend. Banded quartz veins and quartz-enriched zones within the pyrite-alteration of the historic drill holes have returned elevated gold values. The Company is targeting just below the historic drilling where a potential boiling zone is interpreted to occur which could result in increased pyrite mineralization, banded quartz veins and higher grades. The IP survey and the previous CSAMT survey have now clearly defined several similar anomalous corridors that warrant drill testing at depth. The first hole two holes are planned to a hole length of 650 metres and may require two to three weeks to complete each hole depending on ground conditions."The Rockland East target in our opinion represents one of the most exciting drill targets in the Walker Lane Trend as it consists of 1) potential large gold system with material as supported by gold intercepts in two opposing holes 70 metres apart, that both returned 1.0 g/t AuEq* over 85.4 metres and 146.4 metres, the latter ending in gold mineralization, 2) new deep penetrating IP results suggesting that hydrothermal fluids upwelled and ponded, creating wide, lower grade gold mineralization that could flank a pyrite-rich, higher-grade gold vein system at depth, 3) an historic high grade Au-Ag vein mine which is part of the property package further to the west of the survey area shows that high grade gold zones occur on the property and, 4) multi-square kilometre scale, argillic to advanced argillic, rhyolite and basin-margin-debris-hosted alteration zones that are cut by quartz veins enriched in antimony, arsenic and gold," stated Don Dudek, Senior Exploration Advisor for Wolfden. "These are the typical characteristics exhibited by some of the high quality gold deposits in the Walker Lane Trend." Wolfden has optioned the Rockland Property and can earn up to a 75% interest in the property as outline in the Company's news release dated February 25, 2025. Further information and technical details of the deep penetrating IP survey can be found in the Company's press release dated June 3, 2025.QA/QC CommentAll grades over drilled length were calculated from a validated drill database that includes work from several different companies. Holes 13 to 27 were completed in 1995 by a well-known international company and although there is no QA/QC documentation available, it is assumed that the work and the laboratory used would have been of good industry standards and practices.Holes 30 to 38C were drilled in 2006 and 2007 with a complete QA/QC program that included reverse circulation samples of 9 kilograms on average, collected at five-foot intervals from a wet splitter. Occasional duplicate samples were taken in the same way. Control samples including standard pulps and crushed marble blanks were inserted into the sample sequence about one every 10 samples. The samples were prepared and fire assayed for gold and multi-element analysis by ALS Chemex at their laboratory in Sparks, Nevada. All drill core was HQ in size, photographed, logged, including RQD measurements and recovery, prior to sampling. Sample intervals were typically chosen to follow actual core block/run intervals to a maximum of five feet of sample. Control samples including standard pulps and crushed marble blanks were inserted randomly in the sample number sequence to check and verify lab accuracy. The control samples were inserted at least one every tenth sample and more frequently in well mineralized zones.The grab samples were collected by at least four different exploration teams, including those that had completed the drilling. It is believed that the prospecting grab sample data noted in this release, accurately reflect the gold content of the rocks, especially since different groups returned anomalous assays from the same area and that at least one of the groups, had an active, documented drill sample QAQC program in 2006 and 2007.About WolfdenWolfden is a North American exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including precious, base, and critical metals that represent significant development projects with the potential to produce domestic supply of strategic metals.For further informationplease contact Ron Little, President & CEO at (807) 624-1136.The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Ron Little, P.Eng., President and CEO, who is a Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101.* True widths unknown. Calculation of AuEq uses gold price of US$2000/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. The gold to silver ratio is approximately 9:1.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including the potential for projects to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, permitting, land transactions, community and other regulatory approvals, and the The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safe utilisation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria. This is against the backdrop of ongoing criticisms regarding the commercialisation of various GM species in recent years. In a statement released on Monday, Gloria Ogbaki, the Head of Information and Public Relations at the NBMA, emphasised that all GM products in Nigeria undergo a rigorous, science-based approval process conducted by the agencys strict, science-based approval process. We wish to reassure Nigerians that no GMO enters or is used in Nigeria without passing through the Agencys strict, science-based approval process, the statement said. The Biosafety agency warned that any importer or producer found to contravene the NBMA Act 2015 (as amended) will face appropriate sanctions, as the Agency will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect Nigerians, the environment, and biodiversity. GMOs in Nigeria In recent years, the adoption of GMOs, commonly referred to as GM seeds by crop farmers has elicited intense debate among scientists, environmentalists and even food activists in Nigeria and globally. The question of what role, if any, GMOs should play in helping to address a range of agriculture, nutrition, and climatic challenges in developing countries like Nigeria has been at the centre of discussions. Several concerns have emerged over the environmental and health impacts of GMOs, as well as their impact on traditional farming methods and issues around seed patents. Despite these, the federal government has approved the commercial release of several GM seeds for use in the country in recent years. The latest was the approval of four Tela maize varieties for commercial planting in the country last year. This has been trailed by wide criticism from Nigerians and experts across major social media platforms. An investigation conducted last year by PREMIUM TIMES in collaboration with Lighthouse Reports and other media partners unveiled that the NBMA has been operating under the influence of the now-defunct United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This influence has facilitated the approval of GMO crops while minimising the perceived risks associated with pesticide usage in Nigeria. Similarly, a PREMIUM TIMES investigation in 2022 revealed that across several communities in Nigeria, farmers growing GM crop varieties know too little to make informed decisions. The NBMA was established by the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, 2015 (as amended 2019) as the Competent National Authority mandated to regulate the safe use of modern biotechnology and its products, including GMOs. However, experts have argued that there are perceived doubts among Nigerians over how NBMA is handling GMO regulations in the country, especially due to lack of effective and efficient labelling of the products, as well as lack of transparency and accountability. Our responsibility is clear: to protect human health, biodiversity, and the environment while ensuring Nigerians have access to safe innovation, the NBMA said. Transparency mandate On Monday, the NBMA explained that before any genetically modified organism can be imported, produced, or commercialised in Nigeria, it often undertakes a rigorous screening and requires a detailed application supported by scientific data, risk assessments, and safety studies. In keeping with its transparency mandate, the Agency said it publishes each application in at least two national newspapers and deposits copies at strategic locations across the country. This 21-day public notice, the NBMA said, allows Nigerians and stakeholders to review the application, raise concerns, or provide feedback. Independent experts are then brought into the process. A National Biosafety Committee and a Technical Sub-Committee, made up of relevant scientists from universities, research institutes, professional bodies, and government agencies, carefully review the evidence, the statement said. It said they examine molecular biology, toxicology, allergenicity, nutritional impact, the history of safe use, potential environmental effects and many more. In the case of an approved confined trial, the Agency explained that they follow a very rigorous regulatory process requiring some number of years of assessing the trial period in which the data generated from the process is still subjected to the National Biosafety Committee and Technical Sub-Committee if the applicants wish to commercialise. Decisions are made strictly on science. Only GMOs proven to be as safe as their conventional counterparts are approved; those that present risks are rejected outright, the NBMA said. Also, the NBMA said where approvals are granted, it issues permits under strict conditions that must be observed at every stage, from importation to cultivation and commercialisation. Monitoring and evaluation Even after GM approval, the agency reiterated that its monitoring does not stop, because its officers carry out regular post release monitoring and inspection to ensure full compliance. We also carry out quarterly surveillance and any breach attracts tough sanctions, including seizure, destruction, or repatriation of unauthorised GMOs. And as the Agency has warned, any importer or producer who violates the NBMA Act will face firm sanctions without hesitation, the statement said. Mrs Ogbaki said Science, not sentiment, guides our decisions, because the NBMA aligns its processes with global best practices, including standards of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The agency argued that transparency is central to their activities and that the public is always given the opportunity to scrutinise applications and provide input before decisions are taken. Consumer rights are protected, she added, noting that labelling of GMOs is mandatory by law, to safeguard Nigerians freedom of choice. Nigeria is a continental leader. Our regulatory system has been recognised across Africa and has served as a model for several countries building their biosafety frameworks, the NBMA said. The agency assures Nigerians that no GMO is allowed into Nigeria without passing through the worlds most stringent safety and regulatory processes. Our duty is to protect Nigerians without stifling innovation, and we will continue to discharge this mandate with transparency, firmness, and scientific integrity, the NBMA said. The agency urged the public and stakeholders to place trust in Nigerias biosafety systema system deliberately built by the National Assembly, funded by the Government of Nigeria, and upheld by experts, to ensure that bio-innovation never compromises safety. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), in partnership with the TotalEnergiesSapetro Consortium, has executed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) 2000 and 2001. The NNPC Ltd in a statement on Monday night, said this marks a significant milestone in Nigerias upstream oil and gas sector. The state-owned oil company explained that the contract is the first to comprehensively cover both crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. The event, which took place at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, according to the statement, signifies a major milestone in the federal governments efforts to harness Nigerias vast hydrocarbon resources responsibly and profitably. Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, noted that the significant event represents the first of its kind with high-impact prospects that will improve energy security and drive Nigerias economic growth. This particular PSC is unique in many respects. It is the first PSC that comprehensively covers its scope, both crude oil and natural gas. It is the first PSC with robust gas terms including a profit gas fleet that incentivises monetisation of non-associated gas, he stated. He highlighted that the ceremony was not merely a contract signing, but a powerful testament to the success of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and a clear signal to the global investment community that Nigeria is indeed poised for business. Mr Ojulari emphasised NNPC Ltds commitment to leveraging such partnerships and expertise in deepening upstream operations to surpass the successes achieved in previous deepwater projects, by applying cutting-edge technology and high operational standards to ensure commercial viability and sustainability. Also speaking, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the award of the two offshore blocks, spanning about 2,000 square kilometres, is a direct product of a transparent, competitive, and reform-driven framework introduced under the PIA 2021. He also commended NNPC Ltd and the contractors, TotalEnergies (holding 80 per cent interest) and Sapetro (holding 20 per cent interest), for their commitment to exploration and production activities in the country, citing success in previous assets such as Egina and Akpo. In his remarks, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria Limited, Matthieu Bouyer, described the signing as a reaffirmation of TotalEnergies deep and enduring commitment to Nigeria, where the company has operated for over 60 years. Mr Bouyer stated that the blocks, awarded through an open and transparent bid process, represent the first international oil company (IOC) to secure such deepwater assets in over 10 years. The Managing Director of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (Sapetro), Chukwuemeke Anagbogu, expressed his delight in the partnership, noting that the signing reaffirms Sapetros alignment with the governments vision for responsible resource utilisation, local content advancement, and inclusive economic progress. He added that the blocks provide a clear path to increasing reserves and assuring long-term production growth, playing a vital role in sustaining value creation for shareholders, stakeholders, and the nation. According to the statement, the PSC includes provisions for signature and production bonuses, a defined minimum work programme with performance guarantees, cost recovery and profit-sharing rules, royalties and taxes, gas utilisation to reduce flaring, and obligations for decommissioning, environmental remediation, and host community development; all in line with the PIA. Plateau-born content creator, Hafsat Halliru Ismail known on Instagram as @harphsynah has won the Viva Ambassador Challenge, a nationwide competition organised by Aspira Nigeria Limited. She was unveiled during a virtual live event hosted by actress and television personality Nancy Isime, where she was announced as the overall winner after weeks of shortlisting, assessments, and public voting. Her victory comes with a 5 million ambassadorial deal and opportunities to feature in brand campaigns, including billboards and commercials. Ms Ismail, who hails from Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State but is based in Abuja, graduated from Umaru Musa Yaradua University and completed her National Youth Service in June this year. Since then, she has pursued content creation and social media influencing, building an audience through lifestyle and creative posts. Rationale Speaking during the reveal, Ms Isime praised the initiative for shifting focus from celebrity endorsements to ordinary consumers. Being a Viva ambassador has never been about endorsements alone. Its about carrying the brand into real experiences, she said. Seeing Viva extend this opportunity to everyday customers is powerful; it transforms the relationship from consumer to co-creator. According to organisers, the competition attracted entries from across Nigeria. One hundred submissions were initially shortlisted before a raffle draw produced 10 finalists. The final stage combined creativity assessments with a public voting process on Vivas Instagram page, which led to Ms Ismails emergence as winner. Company representatives said the initiative reflects a growing trend in brand storytelling where everyday customers, not just celebrities, play central roles. They described the campaign as part of a broader strategy to strengthen connections with Nigerian consumers. This 5 million prize and ambassadorial deal is one of the biggest opportunities Ive ever had as a non-celebrity creator, Ms Ismail said. I believe it will be a turning point in my career, helping me grow from a content creator into a national brand ambassador. Diaspora Returns has officially launched in Lagos with a mission to reconnect Nigerians in the diaspora with their African roots while creating new opportunities in culture, tourism, and business. The initiative, unveiled on Monday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, brings together Nigerian and U.S. partners to strengthen ties through Nigerias cultural and creative industries. Organisers said the programme will not only promote tourism but also foster cross-continental investment and collaboration, positioning Nigeria as a hub for diaspora engagement. Led by Strategic Solutions Global (Atlanta) in partnership with Waterlight Save Initiative (Georgia), East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau (USA), Palton Morgan Holdings (Lagos), and Eko Hotel and Suites (Lagos), the project is scheduled to commence in November 2025 with the arrival of the first cohort of 50 U.S.-based participants. Speaking at the Diaspora Returns launch, the Founder and CEO of Strategic Solutions Global, Nancy Aragbaye, said operations will begin in November 2025, when more than 50 diasporans, mainly from the United States, will tour Nigeria for the first time. This goes beyond tourism; we are here to start a movement that reconnects the diaspora to Africa with intention; to invest, collaborate, and build cross-continental business. Nigeria is a leading nation across the diaspora. When Nigeria gets it right, Africa gets it right, and when Africa gets it right, the world gets it right. I believe in global commerce, and I know that is what is going to propel Africa, and that is what is going to stir the renaissance of Africa. Those who are yearning to return with intention, bring your talents, skills, resources, and investments back here so jobs can be created and business can be done properly on a global level, the Strategic Solutions Global founder said. She added that the project will also document the reconnection journey of African Diasporans in film, creating opportunities in the creative industry. Im also excited to share that this is going to be captured because were turning this into a film, which will be led by me. People in the diaspora talk about Africa Rich Namus, Housewives of Lagos, but theyve never seen a film that captures the diaspora in a powerful way that showcases the beauty, beauty and high level of business of Africa. We have a unique group, we call them Diaspora Advocates, who will be coming. We have the likes of Kiana Watson, a real estate mogul, United States, Ashley Riewert, a philanthropist, and we have fashion powerhouses like Maxie J, Simon Tucker; we have a powerful cast that will be represented. Lagos tourism Eko Hotel and Suites, which hosted the launch, said it is committed to providing a platform for Nigeria to showcase its excellence. The Publicist of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Ayodele Adio, noted that Lagos State and Eko Hotel are ready to deliver experiences of international standards for business and showcase Nigerias excellence with the launch of Diaspora Returns. Hospitality today is about more than comfort. It is about creating a platform where Nigeria can proudly stand before the world. We consider Lagos a global hub for world-class events and cultural tourism. Speaking of previous cultural and tourism events, mostly held in Lagos, Mr Adio cited Detty December, an end-of-year homecoming event, as proof of what Lagos could make out of Diaspora Returns. Today, we are proud to say that we host arguably the biggest Christmas carnival procession on the continent. We have created and propagated the African story of Christmas through the Tropical Christmas Wanderland, which is a 13-day staycation where we have hosted hundreds of families from across the world. We now stage world-class musicals and shows, musicals and theatre shows, a unique and well-acclaimed family competition called Family Olympics, a circus show, and now have one of the biggest theme parks in all of the continent, amongst a few other things. Hence, we understand the importance of platforms like Diaspora Returns. They remind the global community that Nigeria is not defined by its challenges, but by its resilience, its brilliance, and its unyielding spirit. African-American culture Speaking on synergies between Lagos and Atlanta, Chantel Francois, President of the East Point Atlanta Convention and Visitors Tourism Bureau, said both cities share strong cultural and economic similarities. Atlanta has a large Nigerian community of over 20,000 people. This connection enriches our community and creates a natural bridge. With direct daily flights between Lagos and Atlanta, we are well-positioned to strengthen tourism, culture, and business. Were also happy and proud to highlight our direct daily non-stop service between Lagos and Atlanta, provided by Delta Airlines. This makes travel between our two cities even easier than ever, strengthening our connections and providing seamless access for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Weve had so many people visit our city in East Point who are from the diaspora. Weve had the First Lady of Liberia. Weve had visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, of course. Were looking forward to hosting all of you in 2026 when the diaspora returns, she added. SDG Goals Ero Ibhafidon, President of Waterlight Save Initiative, stressed the role of the diaspora in driving sustainable development. The diaspora has contributed greatly to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through partnerships, we focus on education, empowerment, and resilience. This November, we will also provide loans to support 200 small businesses. Together, we believe that we are shaping the future, where collaboration is not bound, and impact is not limited. So we encourage all of you who are part of the diaspora to come, he said. Palton Morgan Holdings Sales Director, Achuonye Vivian, said the company is committed to supporting the diaspora with credible investment opportunities. This is not just a one-time event but the start of a lifetime partnership. We are positioning ourselves as a trusted gateway for diaspora capital into Africa, building not just properties but sustainable value and opportunities. We stand today at a powerful moment in Africas growth story. Anytime the diaspora returns, we are redefining the conversation around African investments and prosperity. To our brothers and sisters across the globe, Africa is not just calling you home; We are ready to walk that journey with you as a quality-driven, credible, and forward-thinking organisation, she stated. The Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, recently sat down with PREMIUM TIMES to discuss bilateral relations, ongoing collaborations in trade and investment, education, energy and opportunities for deeper cooperation between both countries. She also spoke about controversial Biafra activist Simon Ekpa, who is facing a terrorism trial in Finland. Mr Ekpa was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court on Monday. The interview with the ambassador was held several days before the court judgment. Here is an excerpt of the interview PT: The Finnish education system is globally admired, and Nigeria has benefited little from it beyond individual scholarships. Is there a partnership to support systemic reform, funding gaps, curriculum development, or teacher training in Nigeria using Finnish expertise? Ms Selin: Yes, the achievement of the Finnish education system has been known all over the world, and Finland is a sought-after partner for Nigeria when thinking about developing the education sector. You mentioned scholarships, which is true. Cooperation between both countries is already on through scholarships. However, we are supporting Nigeria with systemic reforms through our comprehensive teachers training programme. For example, we have a group of teachers from Lagos who participated in service training in Finland. One thing to mention is the education outside the classroom model, which starts very early, before the child is enrolled in a school or skills are learned outside of the classroom. This is something that has proven to be very important. Also, there is the Finland-Nigeria cooperation in the field of education. We are training education institutions, funding partnerships with Finnish universities, such as universities of applied sciences, and finding partners for them in Nigeria. PT: Despite cordial diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Finland, trade volumes between the two countries remain modest. Are there ongoing discussions in recent years aimed at strengthening trade relations? Ms Selin: You are very much right. Trade relations have been low, even though we have always had good relations with Nigeria. This is because we are not importing oil and gas from Nigeria. But there is a reason for that as well, we are trying to diversify our economy to renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Recently, we have had diplomatic visits from Nigeria to Finland and otherwise. This cooperation is going on, and we are exploring more all the time. We also have the Nordic-Nigeria Connect. A business platform that has already been held three times before, and it is happening again. This time in Lagos in October. It will be connecting hundreds of Finnish and Nigerian companies, particularly those in the field of green economy, digital services and the health sector. We are planning to bring in a business delegation. The other Nordic countries with whom we are partnering will also be doing the same. Norway, Sweden and Denmark are the countries we are partnering with. We are exploring all the possibilities for the trade, and hopefully, in the coming year, we will see some better figures. The current Nigerian administration has made attracting foreign investment a central focus, with several policies over the past two years geared toward this goal. From your perspective, do you see these efforts as potentially stimulating Finnish private sector investment in Nigerias emerging sectors, such as the digital economy, renewable energy, and the creative economy? Ms Selin: We see the investment-friendly policies that have been offered here in Nigeria. Of course, it is a positive driver for Finnish companies and our private sector. We have four priorities here in Nigeria. We have ICT, energy and power, a secular economy and health. We see in the government programme that Nigeria is trying to find new solutions and partnerships, and its technology sectors demand reforms. Finland is an innovation-driven, high-tech society and sees that Nigeria is promising in this context when it comes to renewable energy. Nigerias energy cap provides some opportunity for Finnish innovations, for example, in clean energy solutions. I already mentioned that we are trying to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and diversify our economy. We can see that Nigeria is also trying to do the same, and we would be happy to partner with Nigeria in this transition that has started. Another thing that is also very interesting here is the creative economy that Nigeria is developing. There is a growing potential for collaboration. For example, when it comes to gaming, animation and digital media. PT: With our investment-friendly policies, are there any signs that we could be attracting Finnish private sector investment to Nigeria? Ms Selin: In the long run, yes. As we discussed, the interaction between our countries has been quite small. The first step, of course, is to increase the awareness of Nigeria in Finland and also the other way around. When people contact increases and Finnish companies get more familiar with Nigeria, investments will follow. Investments are not the first step, but I am confident that in a certain period, the investments will also come. PT: How would you assess Nigerias place in Finlands foreign policy priorities on the African continent, especially compared to East Africa or Southern African partners? Ms Selin: We published 2021 our Africa strategy. The strategy aims at diversifying our partnerships and relations to find more mutually beneficial partnerships and also to develop a more ambitious agenda with the African countries. So its more trade, less aid. And this I have heard also from many decision makers here in Nigeria. Theres a call for more trade, not aid. Of course, assistance is also important, but trade is something that Finland is looking into with Nigeria. When it comes to countries like Eastern African countries, we have had very long cooperation in the development agenda in the old days. But we have shifted very much from that. As I said, trade is now the thing, and we see Nigeria as a potential partner, both in the political scene and as a regional power, a big country in sub-Saharan Africa, and home of the ECOWAS. We see Nigeria as an important player here. So its very, very important to have a closer partnership with the giant of Africa, which is Nigeria. PT: The trade innovation youve spoken of, does it include knowledge transfer to Nigerians, capacity development in those areas? Ms Selin: Knowledge transfer is an important part of what we do. This reflects in technology transfer. This is also in the field of education; for example, Finland has been a strong player in training the trainers. We must see how we can also participate in job creation, knowledge transfer here. Currently, we have a lot of Nigerian students who are studying in Finland, and I hope that when they finish their studies, they will come back to Nigeria and use their learned skills to develop the country further. PT: How easy is it for Nigerians to get an education in Finland? Ms Selin: There is a lot of potential here, there are a lot of skilful young people here, and its basically just taking the exam, applying to the schools. Many Nigerians have been very successful in the application processes. We have more and more English-speaking programmes also in Finland. Earlier, everything was in Finnish, but nowadays we have more and more English-speaking programmes. PT: Nigeria and Finland have maintained cordial relations since the 1960s. However, the relationship faced strains in recent years, particularly at the height of the Biafra agitation, when Nigeria pushed for the repatriation of Simon Ekpa to face terrorism-related charges. At the time, many Nigerians believed the Finnish government, and perhaps the EU, was reluctant to act. Although Ekpa has now been arrested, some argue that this only happened due to sustained Nigerian pressure. Can you share with us what really happened? Was the Finnish government forced to take that action? Ms Selin: Let me start on a little bit wider scale. Finland, of course, has a strong interest in promoting security, peace and stability in Nigeria. Also, Finland is internationally known as an advocate for mediation and as a mediation actor. We support grassroots actors and promote dialogue between the parties. And in recent years, Finland has also become an active supporter of peace mediation here in Nigeria. For example, we have been supporting the work of the traditional and religious leaders in peace mediation and peacemaking because we see that building sustainable peace demands inclusive societies based on human rights and the involvement of all members. We also have a special focus on women and the youth because they are an essential part of society building. Now, to your question on the case of Simon Ekpa. It has attracted quite a lot of attention in recent months and years here in Nigeria. But the case is not over yet. Ill shortly say this. We have had extremely good cooperation with the Nigerian authorities. However, cases like this take a long time to investigate. It takes time to gather all the necessary evidence. Currently, we are waiting for the district court decision in the Simon Ekba case on September 1. We will soon hear what the court has decided. Until then, its better not to speculate too much. We will see what will happen. But be assured that the case has been very well investigated. In countries like Finland, where the rule of law and human rights are very strong on the agenda, things are done properly. Sometimes, that takes a lot of time. Its very interesting. PT: While Finland has made remarkable progress in advancing gender equality and inclusivity, these remain pressing challenges in Nigeria. What lessons can Nigeria draw from Finlands experience? Ms Selin: We see gender equality, not just a moral imperative, but essential to national stability and sustainable development. Women are half of the population, more or less, and Finlands success story in this area is a result of the long-term commitment that we have put into inclusive education, health care and political participation of women in the society building. Yes, our countries are very different, but its always good to share the best practices, and then Nigeria can find its model. There are universal values and international agreements on this. So, what Nigeria can learn from Finland is to strengthen the legal framework related to women and increase womens representation in leadership, both economically and politically. I know that there is a new law about increasing the seats in the House of Representatives here. Thats something interesting we are following. Theres also a need to ensure equal access to health care, education and economic opportunities. Finland stands ready to support Nigeria through the knowledge exchange and policy dialogue, and partnerships. So, I look forward to working on this agenda, not only the trade agenda, which I mentioned earlier. PT: Nokia was once a major brand in Nigeria in the early 2000s, dominating the countrys telecommunications market. Over time, however, this influence declined. Why did this shift occur? Ms Selin: We have approximately 25 Finnish companies in Nigeria. Its not a huge number, but we are also quite a small country of 5.6 million people. Nokia has been present in this country for a long time, decades, and theyre based in Lagos. They employ about 100 people over there. It used to be well known for its mobile phones, but it sold its mobile phone business more than 10 years ago. They are more concentrated on telecommunications and networks 5G, 6G, and even 7G development research work. Nokia can be a very important partner for Nigeria. We have also been talking about border security issues, and I think Nokia has the right type of technology. They also have many other telecommunication connectivity issues as they have expanded their expertise over the last years. There is another big Finnish company present here. Its called Wartsila. They are also based in Lagos, like many companies with offices in Nigeria. They are helping with energy transition and green future solutions, and they employ around 100 or 200 people. They have been here for a really long time and are here to stay. I hope more Finnish companies find their way here, following these two global giants. PT: In Nigeria, there is still a challenge of access to power, and power is the backbone of technology. Is the countrys energy challenge taken into consideration in the digital and technological innovations you are partnering with Nigeria on, or is it a separate agenda? Ms Selin: Nigeria is diversifying its economy from an oil-based economy. It is using gas as a source of power, and that is something within Finnish expertise. And for renewables, we are talking about hydro or solar or any other more renewable energy sources; we have the technology. So, if there is an interest in this, we are happy to share more information and map out the possibilities for the country. PT: Youve spoken about technology, energy, education and more. In your view, what untapped diplomatic or economic opportunities exist between our two countries, and what barriers have hindered cooperation? Ms Selin: Again, the first thing is to increase awareness. We need to know and understand each other better. We are far away geographically, and the interaction hasnt been that big. It takes a little bit of time for Finnish companies to understand the kind of potential Nigeria can offer for them. Of course, my job as an ambassador is to bring forward this awareness. Also, natural interaction and interest will follow when people get to know each other better. Im very happy to bring forward the bilateral agenda between our countries and whatever we can do and find new partnerships. A few sectors were already mentioned earlier, and Im not excluding any other industry outside of the possible cooperation. PT: You did say earlier that one of the top priorities for Finland in its relations with Nigeria is the health sector. Could you speak more on this? Ms Selin: We are mapping a new area, and one thing we find interesting is the demand for quality healthcare. There are many cases of Nigerians travelling abroad for healthcare. In Finland, we created something called the Centres of Excellence for the health sector. They are normally in the university or university hospitals, or public hospitals. They are, sometimes, private hospitals as well. We are considering developing this kind of Centres of Excellence in Nigeria. Hopefully, this will encourage both Nigerian doctors and patients to stay back in Nigeria, while also attracting patients from the neighbouring countries who are in need of healthcare services. And of course, this involves a lot of different kinds of technologies, equipment and so on. This is something that we are mapping out at the moment in the healthcare sector. We are involving technology. This is not just basic healthcare, but it is also a technology transfer. PT: Can you tell us about the Nordic-Nigeria Connect event taking place later this year? Ms Selin: I forgot to mention earlier that we had a very historic visit last August. Four Nordic foreign ministers visited Nigeria. This was a very historic thing because they have never done something like this anywhere else in the world, though we are considering doing more of that. The Nordic-Nigeria connect event I mentioned earlier is happening in October. This is the fourth time we are hosting the event. These themes are about the green transition, sustainability, digitalisation, and also health. At the moment, we are looking for cooperation partners and sponsors. We are also trying to attract high-level delegations from our Nordic countries. PT: What does Nigeria or Nigerians stand to gain from the conference? Ms Selin: It will bring together Nigerian companies and companies from the Nordic countries. So, more partnerships, more trade, more business opportunities. That is the idea behind it. The goal is to find new partnerships and strengthen the ones that are already in existence. Very often, we ask government officials to increase trade, but, in the end, it is up to the companies. They go where they want to go. To the markets they find interesting. And the final decision is, of course, with the companies themselves. There is so much Nigeria can offer the Nordic countries, especially when we think about how innovative, startup-driven, for example, Lagos state is, not to exclude the other states here. We need to find a model for how to bring these things forward in the future. PT: Finland has a strong taxation system and has in the past supported other African countries, particularly Kenya, in broadening their tax base. Nigeria is currently making similar efforts. Is Finland providing Nigeria with comparable support to raise revenue through taxation and implement investment-friendly policies? Ms Selin: Youre very much right about the heavy taxation we have in Finland. Im paying about 40 per cent of my salary as taxes. It is at the base of what we have in Finland nowadays. From healthcare, education, and social services. Sectors that are now very, very much developed. They are created because the Finnish taxpayers have been actively paying taxes. With the new tax reforms, the tax base in Nigeria could also increase because they would then, I assume, go directly to developing the country as we have done in Finland. You mentioned Kenya. We dont have with Nigeria any similar type of cooperation, but its definitely something that we should look into if there is an interest from the Nigerian side. PT: Finland has positioned itself as a global leader in environmental innovation. In Africa, climate change has intensified, with countries like Nigeria facing severe flooding, droughts, and heatwaves. Are there specific climate-focused partnerships between Finland and Nigeria, perhaps in areas like adaptation or renewable energy, that both governments are currently pursuing? Ms Selin: Well, we have had discussions with the Nigerian government on how we could help or contribute or partner in key climate initiatives. We are exploring support for off-grid renewable energy. We discussed earlier that the energy gap in Nigeria is still wide. And this, alongside insecurity, has been hindering the investments. Currently, we have some joint research on the circular economy, waste management side, and climate resilience. Also, we have some really good Finnish technology for these types of things. We tend to think from the business side and how we could increase trade in these sectors. We are also looking into having deeper collaboration on Nigerias energy transition, as we discussed, and aligning with our commitment to sustainable development. Here again, we are happy to share our expertise and what we have done, although our climate conditions are very different. Finland has very harsh, long, dark winters. PT: Youve spent almost a year in Nigeria now. What memorable Nigerian dishes have you tried, and have you also had the chance to experience some of our traditional clothing? Ms Selin: Rightly so. I have been here since September last year. It has been a very intensive year, learning a lot of new things, getting to know this huge country with so many different cultures and traditions, and a big population. Its very interesting. I am really honoured, very pleased that my government has sent me here. I can achieve a lot of things when I get to know the country better. Thats why its very important to continue the dialogue with a lot of different players and see that there are other partnership possibilities. I love Adires, as you can see. So I have a collection of Nigerian clothing already, and Im planning to get some more. I, of course, have developed an ear for the Nigerian Afrobeat. I love Afrobeat music as well. Im still trying to get used to the very spicy food here. In Finland, the food is not very spicy, so it takes a bit longer to adjust. Also, the people are very nice here, very friendly, and cooperative. All in all, it has been a very, very good first year. A United Airlines plane which departed Lagos around 12.10 a.m. Tuesday morning had to return due to a medical emergency experienced by one of its passengers. The Washington DC-bound flight UA613 had to return to its departure destination due to a medical emergency as announced by the captain. With about an hour, 30 minutes into the journey, the flight captain made an announcement for any medical personnel on board to identify themselves and potentially assist the affected passenger. Shortly after, the captain announced that the flight would have to return to Lagos as protection of lives was their priority. The flight touched back down at its departure location around 2.26a.m. Medical personnel were immediately dispatched on board and the affected passenger was deboarded for further medical attention. About an hour later, the flight was cancelled. Passengers were deboarded and promised to be taken to a hotel as of press time. The president says his country is facing the greatest threat Latin America has seen in 100 years: We are witnessing how the Miami mafia has seized political power in the White House and the State Department Venezuela has deployed troops to the border and called for the enlistment of militia members and Venezuelans to confront a hypothetical foreign military incursion. The move is in response to the deployment in recent weeks of ships, military contingents and a nuclear submarine by the United States in its fight against drug trafficking and drug cartelswhich it has linked to members of the Venezuelan governmentand coincides with the joint naval exercise Unitas 2025, scheduled to take place off the U.S. coast beginning September 15. If Venezuela was attacked, we would declare an armed struggle and a Republic in arms, President Nicolas Maduro warned this Monday at a press conference with international media. Venezuela is facing the greatest threat our continent has seen in 100 years, the head of state said. There are eight warships with 1,200 missiles, and a nuclear submarine aimed at Venezuela. Its an extravagant, immoral, and bloody threat. They have sought to advance with maximum military pressure, and we have declared maximum preparedness in Venezuela. Diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela have shifted in less than a year from official visits and handshakes between Donald Trumps officials and Maduro in Miraflores to direct accusations by the U.S. that the Chavista leader is part of an alleged drug organization called Cartel of the Suns. The Trump administration has increased the reward for his capture to $50 million. If youre looking for a mobster, look elsewhere. What you can look for here is a revolutionary who has a people and an Armed Forces backing him, Maduro responded on Monday. Im not a magnate, I dont have a business or wealth, Im a worker, a fighter, the first Chavista president in history. Im not a bully; I know politics, political strategy, and now military strategy. Ive learned a lot in the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, which are a highly trained force. Diplomacy is also based on truth, on words, and on performance. Tensions have risen in recent days amid statements by Republican senators like Bernie Moreno, who have indicated that Maduro will not remain in power, echoing the messages of underground opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is pushing for a political transition in Venezuela. We will not give in to blackmail or threats of any kind. What has been mounted against Venezuela is a move against an entire country, having failed with all forms of hybrid warfare and maximum pressure, comparable only to the October 1962 missile crisis against Cuba. A situation of this nature has never been seen before on our continent. It has never been seen before. We are witnessing how the Miami mafia has seized political power in the White House and the State Department. Maduro added that communication channels with the United States are battered, but not completely cut off, particularly with Charge dAffaires John McNamara and Special Envoy Richard Grennel, with whom the exchange of U.S. prisoners for deported Venezuelan migrants was negotiated. But he focused his criticism on Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not Trump. The channels of communication with the United States are battered because gunboat diplomacy is erratic, the Venezuelan president said. Mr. Trump, watch yourself, because Marco Rubio wants to stain your hands with Latin American blood, with a massacre and a war against South America and the Caribbean; they want to stain Trumps hands with blood. He is an intelligent man, he must know what he is doing. At an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from CELAC (Latin American and Caribbean Economic Community), Venezuela requested the withdrawal of U.S. military assets from the Caribbean. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has said that the fight against drug trafficking is being used as a pretext to destabilize the region. This diplomatic pressure comes on top of Maduros requests to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene to ease tensions in the region. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Finnish government is planning to develop advanced healthcare facilities in Nigeria to meet the growing demand for quality medical services in the West African country. The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sana Selin, said the facilities would be built as Centres of Excellence, similar to those in Finland. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Ms Selin said the Finnish government came to this decision while trying to map out new areas of relations with Nigeria. She said that the Finnish government observed many cases of Nigerians travelling abroad for healthcare. For Finland, she said, health is a core priority in its bilateral engagement with Nigeria. We are mapping a new area, and one thing we find interesting is the demand for quality healthcare by Nigerians, she told PREMIUM TIMES. In Finland, we created something called the Centres of Excellence for the health sector. They are usually in university hospitals or public hospitals. They are, sometimes, private hospitals as well. We are considering developing this kind of Centres of Excellence in Nigeria to meet national demand, she said. She stated that the facilities would offer the kind of quality care that many Nigerians currently travel abroad to seek. Each year, thousands of Nigerians travel outside the country to access medical treatments that are either unavailable or considered unreliable at home. This makes medical tourism a significant drain on the nations economy and its fragile health system. According to official estimates, Nigeria loses about N567 billion yearly to medical tourism. at least $29.29bn on foreign medical expenses. Between 2015 and 2023, Nigeria spent at least $29.29bn on foreign medical expenses. Health experts and professionals have raised concerns about this, with many of them calling for greater investment in Nigerias health sector, improved infrastructure, and stronger policies to reduce dependence on foreign hospitals. Corroborating this, Ms Selin said strengthening local capacity would not only save costs but also build public confidence in the countrys healthcare system. She further noted that Finland hopes to attract patients, doctors, and other health professionals to its advanced facilities when they are constructed. Hopefully, we will also attract patients from neighbouring countries who are in need of healthcare services. Our facilities will have a lot of different kinds of technologies, equipment and so on. This is something that we are mapping out at the moment in the healthcare sector. We are involving technology. This is not just basic healthcare, but it is also a technology transfer, she said. The ambassador also spoke about other possible areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Finland and the trial of Nigerian separatist Simon Ekpa in Finland. You can read the full interview here. Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have demanded that the partys national chairmanship be zoned to the North-central as part of their conditions to participate in the partys forthcoming national convention. The members, operating under the platform of Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, met in Abuja on Monday night and released their demands in a communique read by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday. They said while they agreed with the recommendations of the zoning committee adopted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that the position of the national chairman should remain in the North, it must remain in the North-central in line with the 2021 convention sharing formula. The other zones in the North are the North-west and North-east. The PDP has scheduled its national convention for 15 to 16 November in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. That on zoning of party offices, whereas; we agree with the zoning committees recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains, we further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party. Consequently, the national chairman of the party should remain in the North-central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention, the communique read. On 25 August, the PDP NEC, during its meeting in Abuja, retained the chairmanship position in the North and affirmed Umar Damagum as substantive national chairman while zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. Mr Damagum had been in an acting capacity since March 2023 following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu over internal crises. His appointment created divisions within the party before it was later upheld by a court ruling. Mr Damagum emerged in line with the PDP constitution which stipulates that the deputy national chairman from the same zone steps in if a national chairman resigns or is removed. The 2021 zoning arrangement had placed the office in the North-central. Mr Ayu hails from Benue State in the North-central, while Mr Damagum is from Yobe State in the North-east. Other demands Aside from zoning, Mr Wikes loyalists also asked the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct fresh South-east zonal congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, hold new local government congress in Ekiti State in compliance with subsisting court judgments and respect the outcome of the South-south congress held in Calabar on 22 February. We call on the National Working Committee to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, in line with judgments of the courts. That a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress should be conducted. That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River State and recognised by the court be respected. That the Ekiti State Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement, the communique added. They warned that failure to meet these demands would render the planned November convention invalid as it would disenfranchise legitimate members. It is pertinent to caution that failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised. The PDP was built on the foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and justice. Therefore, to reclaim its pride of place as the leading opposition and the true alternative for Nigerians, the party must now rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility, the communique added. Mr Wikes loyalists, however, pledged loyalty to the PDP, stressing their commitment to work with all party organs to ensure the convention strengthens unity. We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders, remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party and resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment a moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity. Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory. Those at the meeting were Messrs Wike and Ortom, PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. READ ALSO: Police arrest suspected kidnappers who collected N5m ransom from victims Others were Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, serving and former members of the National Assembly, North-central and South-south PDP vice chairmen, Abdulrahman Mohammed and Dan Orbih, State PDP chairmen from Abia, Benue, FCT, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers. Earlier on Monday, Mr Wike, had in media chat, said he had been vindicated by the resolution of the PDP NEC to zone the partys presidential ticket to the South. He was silent on the chairmanship position. The former Rivers State governor is a member of the PDP, serving as a minister in the APC-led federal government. He has repeatedly declared support for the reelection in 2027 of President Bola Tinubu of the APC. The now-rested Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is split into factions with one major faction pledging loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Another faction is however opposed to the president and has pledged support to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party adopted by major opposition politicians seeking to unseat the president. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the CPC is a party founded by late President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2011 general elections. The CPC meged with other parties including Mr Tinubus Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A gentlemans agreement between Messrs Buhari and Tinubu meant that the former, after completing his two terms as president, supported Mr Tinubu to succeed him. However, since Mr Tinubus election, some loyalists of the former president have not been comfortable with the policies of his successor. The former presidents death now means that there is no generally acccepted rallying point for the CPC and separate factions are free to choose who to align with. On Tuesday, a CPC faction led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, visited President Tinubu, to pledge support to him ahead of the 2027 election. The visit came two days after another key member of the CPC, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, criticised the Tinubu administration. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the former Kaduna governor accused the government of failing Nigerians on key issues such as security and the economy. Other former CPC members like ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami have also publicly criticised the Tinubu administration. But the CPC faction led by Mr Al-Makura commended President Tinubus handling of the economy and security and pledged its loyalty. We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose. May Almighty God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue leading our nation, Mr Al-Makura said at the meeting with the president. Mr Al-Makura also lauded the president for honouring the memory of Mr Buhari, especially during the state burial and honour given to the former president. He recalled the CPC years before the merger that birthed the APC in 2013 and described Messrs Tinubu and Buhari as two visionaries whose political partnership provided the foundation for justice, equity, and national renewal. Mr President, you and President Muhammadu Buhari shared more than a political alliance; you shared a vision of a Nigeria built on justice, economic sovereignty, and good governance. Together, you conceptualised and built a platform that remains our pride and our cause, Mr Al-Makura said. He said the CPC family, comprising former governors, ministers, lawmakers, women leaders and party executives, would work tirelessly to consolidate Tinubus reforms and sustain the APC legacy ahead of 2027. The CPC delegation included former communication minister Adebayo Shittu, former APC secretary Waziri Bulama and former lawmakers Haruna Hima and Garba Mohammed. Responding to his guests, President Tinubu declared that his administration had achieved its revenue mobilisation target and would no longer rely on borrowing to finance government operations. He stressed that prudent management, not debt, now anchors Nigerias economic direction. READ ALSO: Tinubu celebrates VP Shettima at 59 We have met our revenue target. Nigeria is not borrowing again. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for exchange rate anymore. The naira is stabilising. What we need now is to build the infrastructure for export and import, to create jobs and opportunities for our people. That is my guarantee, Mr Tinubu said. On food security, the president announced that his government would roll out a nationwide mechanisation programme, with farm centres established across all regions to boost productivity, ensure food sovereignty and lift millions out of poverty. Our path to food security is clear. Every region will have a mechanised farm centre. We are committed to removing poverty from our land, and that is the work we have already started, he said. The president urged his supporters not to be distracted ahead of 2027, emphasising that his focus remains on reforms that will guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians. Dont let anybody threaten you with uncertainty. We know the direction we are going, and we are certain of success, he said. The legacy you will inherit from me is total commitment to justice, transparency and progress. At the end of this journey, it will be a house of joy and prosperity for all. President Bola Tinubu has reversed the recent appointment he made in the Nigeria Television Authority, Nigerias premier television station. The president asked the management team he recently sacked to return to their positions at the state-owned television network, which has a presence across Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported the presidents controversial appointment of a new Director General to replace Salihu Dembos, whom he appointed in October 2023. The president also sacked the Executive Director of News, Ayo Adewuyi, whom he appointed in 2024. However, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, the president recalled the two men. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the recall of Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who briefly vacated the post following some management changes in the agency, Mr Onanuga wrote. The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises, he added. Read the full statement by Mr Onanuga below. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the recall of Mr Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who briefly vacated the post following some management changes in the agency. Dembos was appointed DG of the TV network by President Tinubu in October 2023. He will now return to complete his three-year tenure. The President similarly directed the recall of Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the Executive Director of News, to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027. Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024. The new directive effectively reversed the previously announced appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, inaugurated a 119-member national convention committee and warned individuals or groups working to sabotage the event scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, to steer it off its course. The 119-member committee is chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as vice chairman, while Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will serve as the secretary. The PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, performed the inauguration in Abuja, describing it as a step towards strengthening and sustaining PDP through the instrumentality of balloting. Mr Damagum said since he assumed leadership of the party, he had pursued reconciliation and worked to reposition its structure. He added that despite the challenges facing the party, it remains the leading voice of the opposition and the enduring hope of millions of Nigerians. Not because I enjoy being disparaged, but because at critical moments, I chose restraint, not out of weakness, but as a conscious sacrifice for the survival and stability of our party. Ironically, many of the destructive voices have come from individuals, who have benefited immensely from the PDP. They sought to sow division and weaken our structures, he said. Mr Damagum, however, said that PDP was not broken or defeated, but marching forward and better prepared to reclaim power in 2027. He tasked the committee to let fairness, equity, justice and unity of purpose be their guiding principles. Let us set aside personal grievances and ambitions that do not serve the collective interest, Mr Damagum said. In his remarks, the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said the forum believed the convention was on course. Mr Mohammed said that while the governors believe in consensus and accommodation, they would no longer tolerate anybody taking the party for granted. We are capable of navigating this party beyond the shenanigans, beyond the arrogance and beyond the impunity of some people. We cannot continue to keep quiet and allow people to take us to the slaughterhouse. That is their job. And our job is to make sure we dont go to the slaughterhouse, Mr Mohammed said. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Ahmed Makarfi, cautioned party members against raising tension ahead of the party convention. Mr Makarfi said the tradition of the PDP had always been building consensus, adding that whoever was not comfortable with the zoning arrangement should go to the field to test his capacity. Convention is not about 100 per cent, but about the overwhelming majority. If you have 100 per cent, fine. In that direction, the party has zoned its positions, North, South. North can sit and do what they wish. South can sit and do what they wish. But that should not deny any individual who disagrees by testing his will. Buy the form, go to the field and test your capacity. So, theres no need raising temperature, because there will be no, and there should be no exclusion. That has been the tradition since PDP was formed, Mr Makarfi said. The chairman of the National Convention Committee, Mr Fintiri, pledged the committees commitment to make history in Ibadan by organising a credible convention, the way it did in 2022. He, however, said while the committee was ready to accommodate all fears, members should refrain from parading the party on the media for personal interest. We are not going to stop anybody from contesting whatever position that you feel fit to contest, but then you have to do it with decorum, he said. He also advised committee members to leave their comfort zones and make necessary sacrifices to make the convention a success. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike-led eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the PDP had set conditions for the party leadership to ensure a valid and successful national convention. Some of the key conditions were that the PDP convention must be inclusive and the position of the national chairman must remain in the North-central zone. The convention is scheduled for 15 and 16 November in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. (NAN) The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a 5 million partnership with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to boost agricultural trade and strengthen African food systems. Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom, made the announcement while speaking at the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (#AFSForum2025) in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday. The partnership, according to him, aims to support the Kampala declaration and tap into the vast potential of Africas agribusiness sector, which employs over half of the continents workforce and contributes nearly 20 per cent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It gives me huge pleasure today to announce a new 5 million UK partnership with AGRA, including working with the African Union. This funding will help deliver the Kampala declaration supporting efforts to grow agricultural trade and strengthen key food corridors across Africa. We know that Agriculture remains underinvested despite it employing over half of Africas workforce and making up nearly 20 per cent of its GDP. With the global food market worth $7 trillion, this represents the opportunity for Africas agribusinesses, he said. He further stated that the UK was inspired by Africas response to the climate crisis and its efforts to improve food systems. We meet at a critical time of real challenges, climate shocks, economic uncertainty and declining aid are affecting lives across the continent. But what stands out is Africas response, decisive leadership, homegrown solutions, and a renewed commitment to transforming agriculture, he added. He noted that the Kampala declaration and the 10-year strategy are exactly the kind of bold African-led frameworks that can drive lasting change, adding that Africa is signalling its intent to shape its own future. The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in these efforts. We are committed to a new approach to working with Africa. An approach built on long-term partnerships, mutual respect, and shared interests. Across all of our consultations, weve heard a clear message. Countries want to diversify economies, get more value from natural resources, and build resilience to global shocks. Weve also heard the desire to make sure people feel the benefit, especially through good jobs, productive sectors like manufacturing and agri-businesses. The United Kingdom welcomes these ambitions and is ready to support them. Weve already started work and look forward to sharing more later this year. We also want to help Africa meet growing global demand for food. For example, British international investment has invested close to 32 million pounds in cashew processing in Cote dIvoire, he said. This, he said, is helping 230,000 farmers and creating close to 3,500 jobs. Our work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is helping set up platforms that bring together governments and businesses in rice and creating new opportunities in horticulture. This is cutting down on imports and creating new opportunities across Africa, he said. In January this year, the African Union (AU) convened an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda. The summit culminated in the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, which outlines a transformative strategy for overhauling Africas agrifood systems over the next decade. The Police Command in Kebbi State has begun investigation into the reported attack on the convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Birnin-Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Malamis convoy was attacked on Monday while returning from a condolence visit in the state capital. Mr Malami resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on 2 July and later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). After an emergency security meeting with security chiefs, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, confirmed that no arrest had been made. We have commenced investigation into the attack, and no arrest has been made yet. The governor convened this meeting to review security developments, Mr Sani said. He added that incidents occurred around the GRA area in the state capital involving political party members linked to breaches of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) campaign regulations. The commissioner stated that leaders of political parties would be summoned and cautioned against further violations of electoral guidelines. He stressed that the measures aimed to prevent further violence as the elections drew nearer. The commissioner also urged political leaders to remain calm and sustain peace and stability in the state. Mr Malami served as the AGF during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, between 2015 and 2023. (NAN) Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that the completion of the long-abandoned National Library project in Abuja, would be the best birthday gift she could receive as she prepares to mark her 65th birthday. Mrs Tinubu also launched an Education Fund for special projects, urging well-wishers to channel gifts and tributes into the initiative. In a video message posted on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu, who turns 65 on 21 September, asked all well-wishers who would like to send her birthday gifts, cards, flowers and advertorials in newspapers to instead donate to the Fund using the Zenith Bank account number 1310414977. By the special grace of God, I will be turning 65 years old on 21 September 2025, and this happens to be a Sunday. This is why I have decided to dedicate the day to God for all his blessings in my life and have a quiet birthday, she said. She described the special project as one close to her heart. Among many others, the completion of the National Library will be the best birthday present I could receive, she said. My love for education has informed my decision to dedicate my birth to this worthy cause. National Library construction The construction of the National Library began in 2006 but was halted in 2012 and has remained uncompleted since then. Earlier this year, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the governments plan to resume construction later this year after dedicating funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the project. He said the project, which is expected to require substantial investment, will be executed in carefully planned phases to ensure quality and timely delivery. About Remi Tinubu Oluremi Tinubu was the senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian National Assembly from 2011 to 2023. She was born on 21 September 1960 as the youngest of 12 children in her family, and she hails from Ogun State. Mrs Tinubu started her educational career at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode and received a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State (then University of Ife). The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has described President Bola Tinubus newly signed tax laws as people-centric and a bold step toward economic reform. Mr Adediran, who recently returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks on Tuesday when he visited the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, at his residence in Ikeja. It takes courage and leadership to introduce such reforms in the face of resistance. The President has once again demonstrated his resolve to put the people first, Mr Adediran said. He added that his return to the APC was a commitment to work with the ruling party for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria. Mr Obasa, in his remarks, said Mr Adedirans defection was a major boost for the APC in Lagos. He assured him of full reintegration into the party, describing the APC as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians. We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move, the Speaker said, praising Mr Adedirans courage and conviction. Tinubus tax bills President Tinubu had in June signed into law four tax reform bills recently passed by the National Assembly to include the Nigeria Tax Bill (Ease of Doing Business), which aims to consolidate Nigerias fragmented tax laws into a harmonised statute; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, which will establish a uniform legal and operational framework for tax administration across federal, state, and local governments. Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, which repeals the current Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and creates a more autonomous and performance-driven national revenue agency the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS); and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, which provides for a formal governance structure to facilitate cooperation between revenue authorities at all levels of government. At the signing ceremony, the president said the reforms would provide a new lease of life for Nigerians and future generations, while making the economy more competitive. Leadership must help people take off, lead the way, and navigate every turn and twist. We must help them reach their destination. That is what we are doing, Mr Tinubu said. Mr Jandor was the PDPs governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, where he lost to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC. He left the PDP in March, citing anti-party activities, internal sabotage, and lack of discipline as reasons for his resignation. Days later, he met with President Tinubu and other APC leaders before declaring the ruling party the better alternative for him and his supporters. He credited Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Seyi Tinubu for encouraging his return. Kabiru Marafa, the Zamfara State Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Organisation in the 2023 presidential election, has vowed to mobilise against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 polls. Mr Marafa, a former senator who represented Zamfara Central Senatorial District between 2011 and 2019, said he would ensure that the president loses in the state with at least one million votes compared to what he secured in the last election. The former senator stated this when he appeared on Politics Today a programme on Channels Television, on Monday. Whether Mr President will win or not , I want to assure you something today, I am going to deduct one million votes out of Mr President votes that we voted in 2023. Mark my words. I am going to do it, I am going to work for it and by the special grace of God, I am going to win that. Whatever I am, 2027 is going to determine, he said. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Mr Marafa resigned his membership of the APC on Friday in protest against alleged injustice, mistrust and marginalisation of Zamfara State and its people by the ruling party and the federal government. His supporters across the state also withdrew their support for the APC. However, they did not disclose which party they plan to join. Mr Marafa, a two-term senator and former factional leader of Zamfara APC, lost his attempt to return to the Senate in the 2023 elections. The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is a former Zamfara governor. The minister has since fallen out with Mr Marafa. Alleged sentiment The former lawmaker also claimed that the same sentiment that cost the APC victory in Zamfara in 2023 is already re-emerging and could work against President Tinubu in 2027. All people, anybody that you can call substance in Zamfara State, we are on one side. And Dauda (Zamfara governor) who has never been in politics except in 2023 was able to secure victory against all of us former governors, how many senators, how many members of House of Representatives and this is the type of sentiment that people canvassed that time. Who is Dauda? Dauda cannot do anything. The only election we were able to win was that of Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria courtesy of the message we took to the people that Mr President promised that he was going to change the reward system of the APC. The people of North-west in particular are not going to forget the selective thing that Mr President has done. The only country to elect all its judges at the ballot box embarks on trial and error of a model unparalleled anywhere else in the world For a year and a half, the media inside and outside Mexico has been writing about the implications of the sweeping judicial reform promoted by former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the ruling Morena party. The constitutional amendment changed the way in which judges are appointed in the Latin American country: through direct citizen vote. Thousands of lawyers campaigned to win a position in the judiciary. The crown jewel was the Supreme Court, whose seats were filled by nine jurists sponsored by Morena. Mexico is now the only country in the world that elects all its judges by popular suffrage. Leading figures from the ruling party, starting with President Claudia Sheinbaum, maintain that the judiciary has been democratized and that from now on it will truly serve the interests of the people. On Monday, 881 elected federal judges took their office, which they must perform amid the tension of serving the people according to Morenas slogans but without overly challenging the institutions of the government to which they are beholden. The independence of the Supreme Court from political power has been a subject of debate in academia and political circles. Morena deployed a massive electoral operation to steer the vote in favor of Hugo Aguilar, the new president of the Supreme Court, and the rest of the judges who will serve on the judicial body. Ignoring the criticism, Sheinbaum attended the Supreme Court Monday night for the inauguration of the new plenary session, prompting critics to point out the interference that, in their opinion, the government will have in the judiciary. The last Mexican president who reformed the judiciary, Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) leader Ernesto Zedillo three decades ago decided not to attend the installation of that bench, in an attempt to publicly emphasize the separation between the branches of government. Zedillos reform sought to shake up a court that for years had been heavily subject to the will of the PRI presidential system. Morena maintains that the reform did nothing to change the subjection of judges to political and economic power and their separation from civic causes. The ruling party is boasting about the beginning of a new era for the judiciary, with a Supreme Court headed by an Indigenous lawyer Aguilar that will hold itinerant sessions, that is, outside the capital. To emphasize the new pact with the people the term is at the heart of the Morena creed the elected justices participated in an Indigenous purification ceremony and the transfer of the baton of command in Mexico Citys Zocalo, the countrys main public square and the epicenter of Lopez Obradors political struggles. On Monday night, the main doors of the Supreme Court chamber were opened they had been closed due to the Covid pandemic in 2020, and remained closed to protect the recently departed judges from the constant protests taking place outside. A floral arrangement was placed inside the portal that read: Towards a reconciliation of justice with the people. Claudia Sheinbaum, Hugo Aguilar, and Yasmin Esquivel before the Supreme Court session. Henry Romero (REUTERS) President Sheinbaum entered through those doors, following in the footsteps of the judges. In the plenary session, she met with the Morena leadership: legislators, secretaries of state, and political allies (for example, businessman Jose Maria Rioboo, husband of Justice Yasmin Esquivel and close to Morena and Lopez Obrador). At the podium, Sheinbaum sat next to Aguilar, flanked by the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, Sergio Gutierrez and Laura Itzel Castillo, respectively. It was a republican ceremony, as all three branches of government were represented, according to Aguilar. But the noteworthy thing was that they are all linked to Morena. From the ruling partys perspective, the presidents attendance at the first formal act of the new Supreme Court marks the reestablishment of dialogue between the executive branch and the judiciary. Judicial reform during Lopez Obradors time entailed a complete rupture of relations between the two branches of government, an unprecedented clash that undermined the balance of the Republic. The former president viewed the judiciary as a trench where conservative interests lurked, hindering the advancement of his political project judges slowed his laws and infrastructure projects. He also considered judges a gilded caste attached to luxuries and privileges. The former president promoted judicial reform as a campaign promise, and in the 2024 federal elections, his party won an overwhelming majority in Congress to pass the constitutional amendment without further ado. New magistrates at the first session of the Supreme Court. Nayeli Cruz The entire election process was marred by doubts about Morenas connection with the candidate judges. The rush to hold the elections put enormous pressure on the electoral institutions and led Congress to make errors in the legal framework that supported the vote. Dozens of lawyers without experience in judicial work will be installed in the courts, not to mention the fact that the requirements to become judges and magistrates were excessively lax. The screening of nominations was left to evaluation committees controlled by the ruling party. During the election, Morena deployed a massive operation to steer popular support in favor of certain candidates. In fact, the nine members of the Supreme Court were included in the voting guides called accordions that the ruling party distributed to the population. After Lopez Obrador left office almost a year ago, Sheinbaum is now tasked with implementing profound changes to the judicial system without a roadmap. Inevitably, she will also have to bear the political costs of implementing a judicial model unparalleled in the world. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The police in Anambra State have arrested four male suspected kidnappers who released two of their victims after collecting N5 million ransom from their family in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, identified the suspects as Chigozie Igboekwu, 31, Odumegwu Chibuike, 23, Jonah Awudu, 40, and Okechukwu Nwari, 33. The spokesperson said police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu arrested the suspects on Monday morning. He said the arrest of the suspects followed a tip-off that the suspects, on 12 August, kidnapped two victims and released them after their family paid N5 million ransom. Mr Ikenga said the kidnapping was reported to the police on 14 August. The suspects have voluntarily confessed to the crime and narrated how they conspired among themselves, on 12 August 2025 at about 7.00 p.m. and kidnapped two victims in Amansea, Awka, kept them for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, collected ransom before they were released, he said. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives for their resilience. Mr Orutugu assured Anambra residents that the police were committed to rid the state of criminals and ensure the safety of all residents. The police chief stressed that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. He said that operations were still ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate. Kidnap for ransom Like other states in the South-east, cases of kidnap-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. Meanwhile, kidnapping has been illegal in Nigeria since May 2022. The countrys authorities 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. READ ALSO: Plateau content creator wins Viva ambassador challenge 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. Some Ekiti State indigenes have demanded more quality and better representation from members of the National Assembly from the state. The indigenes made the demand through the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) of the Catholic Church and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ekiti State council on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The two organisations spoke through their leaders while delivering the citizens watch report on the performance of the lawmaker representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi; the lawmaker representing Ikole/Oye federal constituency 1, Akintunde Rotimi and his counterpart in Ido-Osi/Moba/Ilejeme federal constituency II, Kolawole Akinlayo. Ekiti State, South-west Nigeria, is represented in the National Assembly by three senators and six members of the House of Representatives. Delivering the report, the Director of JPDI, Emmanuel Akingbade, a reverend father, noted that the report was a result of the responses received from the random citizens interviewed across the constituencies. While noting that the lawmakers were in office to advance the course of their constituents with quality legislative inputs and constituency engagements, the cleric explained that they should be more accessible and available towards impacting their constituencies positively. He acknowledged the various interventions of the three federal lawmakers in the area of empowerment and projects, but noted that there is a need for them to follow up with contractors and agencies on the projects in the budgets for effective implementation. The findings apparently show that the representatives whose performances have been examined need to work on the quality of their representations. The system of democracy which we practice in Nigeria is Participation Through Representation. This practice requires back-and-forth at all times between the representatives and the people they are representing; otherwise, the representatives might just be representing themselves and their cronies while they think that they are representing the people. In the light of this, we recommend the following, the representatives need to put a clearly defined methodology in place as regards how they connect with the people they represent in an inclusive manner. Periodic Citizens Engagement is non-negotiable, Mr Akingbade said. The cleric said nominated projects for a constituency must align with the needs of the constituents. The people need to be more concerned with the projects being nominated for their Senatorial District and Federal Constituencies now that a Senator is entitled to nominate constituency projects worth Two Billion Naira yearly for his/her Senatorial District, and a Member of the House of Representatives is entitled to nominate constituency projects worth One Billion Naira yearly for his/her Federal Constituency. Our collective efforts can achieve responsive and responsible governance, electorates should continue to ask their representatives questions, he said. For his part, the Chairman of the Ekiti State NUJ, Kayode Babatuyi, reiterated the constitutional role of the media to hold leaders and representatives of the people accountable in the interest of the people. He added that the partnership between the NUJ and the JPDI was aimed at calling the attention of the lawmakers to the areas that need improvement and not to attack their personalities. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have called for the dismissal of a suit filed by members of the partys Gombe State executive committee. They made the request on Tuesday before Judge Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In July, some members of the Gombe State chapter of the ADC sued the partys national leadership and INEC over alleged plans to remove elected executives in the states 11 local government areas. The plaintiffs said the national working committee planned to dissolve the state, local government and ward executives in violation of the partys constitution, which would prejudice them. They argued that the executives, elected in 2022 for a four-year term, could not be removed before the expiration of their tenure unless the constitutions conditions were met. At Tuesdays hearing, the plaintiffs lawyer informed the court that they were withdrawing their motion for an interlocutory injunction and motion on notice, as both had been overtaken by events following the courts 1 September decision to hear the main suit together with the defendants preliminary objections. The defendants did not object, and the judge struck out the motions. Arguing his clients case on Tuesday, plaintiffs lawyer Philemon Yakubu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reminded the court that his clients were the duly elected members of the Gombe State executive working committee of the ADC. We are seeking a declaration that they cannot be removed unless in line with the partys constitution, he said. Mr Yakubu referenced a further affidavit filed on 2 September, which urged the court to grant the plaintiffs request. It maintained that where there is an infraction of a political partys constitution made pursuant to sections 221 to 225 of the Constitution and section 82(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the party cannot act recklessly. Mr Yakubu cited past cases to support his position. Requests to dismiss suit ADC lawyer, P.I. Oyewole, argued that based on its preliminary objection filed on 29 August and its counter-affidavit filed the same day, which included exhibits ADC1 and ADC2 (with ADC2 being the partys constitution), the plaintiffs had already abandoned their initial claims in the originating summons. Mr Oyewole argued that what the plaintiffs placed before the court as ADCs constitution was only an unsigned document, insisting that INEC will not be a custodian of unsigned documents. He told the court that the document the 1st defendant presented, ADC2, is the authentic copy of the constitution, not the one submitted by the plaintiffs. We submit that the plaintiff, who has predicated a cause of action on the constitution of the first defendant, has neglected what this court can actually call a constitution of ADC. So, they cannot get any action because an unsigned document cannot ground an action, he said. He argued that the authorities cited against the preliminary objection were irrelevant, as they dealt with disputes between aspirants and parties, not internal party matters. He added that the plaintiffs claims were based on mere apprehension, as they failed to prove any dispute or injury. Citing section 82 of the Electoral Act, he argued that any meeting or withdrawal without notice is invalid, making their case speculative and academic. Mr Oyewole further contended that, under the partys constitution, the executives should have exhausted internal remedies before approaching the court. He prayed for dismissal of the suit, as they cannot use the statement, its planning to when no overt evidence is before the court that the party has done so. Similarly, INECs lawyer, Kingsley Magbuin, based on its preliminary objection filed on 21 August, said the case is an internal affair, and the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it. It prayed the court to dismiss the suit. Plaintiffs counter ADC, INECs arguments Another plaintiffs lawyer, J.J. Usman, SAN, argued that the plaintiffs did not abandon their case as suggested by the defendants. He maintained that INEC had no authority over the internal affairs of political parties. On the issue of exhausting internal remedies, Mr Usman said that was no longer a requirement under the prevailing legal regime. On the defendants argument that the plaintiffs presented an unsigned constitution of the ADC in court, Mr Usman said the document was valid because it was admitted with the affidavit. He argued that, according to the Supreme Court, if an exhibit forms part of an affidavit, it must be considered irrespective of defects. He also cited cases to back his argument. The judge is to communicate the date of judgement to parties through their lawyers. The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reiterated his claim that government officials are paying off bandits under the guise of a non-kinetic security strategy. This was despite the rebuttal from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government after Mr El-Rufai claimed, during a live interview on Channels Television, that authorities have been sending money and supplies to violent groups. Claiming that the authorities are empowering bandits, Mr El-Rufai alleged that criminal gangs in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Katsina enjoy monthly stipends and food items from the government. What I will not do is to pay bandits, give them a monthly allowance, or send food to them in the name of non-kinetic Were empowering bandits, Mr El-Rufai had said during the live interview when the anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, asked him to compare his and the incumbent governments approach to curb terrorism and banditry. It is not the government of Kaduna State, the former governor and one of the leading opposition politicians added. It is a national policy driven by the Office of the National Security Adviser, and Kaduna is part of it. Kiss the bandits; that is the new policy. But the ONSA under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu debunked the claim, describing it as false and baseless. In a statement, the ONSA spokesperson Zakari Mijinyawa said the federal government does not pay ransom to bandits, warning politicians against spreading narratives that could embolden criminals and undermine the morale of security forces. Also, the Kaduna government said it will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge the state into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity, and economic stagnation. El-Rufai doubles down In a follow-up statement on Monday, Mr El-Rufai repeated his claim, saying traditional and community leaders had openly condemned such payments. He further accused officials of withdrawing huge amounts of money from state treasuries and handing them over to bandits and terrorists. Mr El-Rufai also challenged the government to explain who delivers the cash and how much personal withholding tax they apply before the funds reach the recipients (terrorists). The former governor also questioned the governments narrative of rescued victims, claiming that in many cases, families had already paid ransoms before security agencies staged public handovers. Although he later opposed ransom payment, compensation or negotiations with bandits, Mr El-Rufai, whose administration struggled to end violence in Kaduna, also paid Fulani herders in 2016 to stop killings in Southern Kaduna. Background The north-west region has long been ravaged by banditry and terrorism. The situation is further driven and complicated by kidnapping-for-ransom, failed peace deals and exchange of (terrorist) prisoners with kidnapped victims. In many instances, bandits and insurgents have kidnapped civilians, including students and government officials, collecting ransom before releasing them. Ransom payments have long been a flashpoint in Nigerias fight against banditry. In 2022, the National Assembly amended the Terrorism (Prevention) Act to criminalise the payment of ransom to kidnappers, amid fears that such money bankrolls further violence. Yet, independent reports show families of abductees often still pay, raising difficult questions about how the state can protect citizens without deepening the criminal economy. A recent report by SBM Intelligence showed that terrorists raked in N2.57 billion ransom in one year (July 2024 to June 2025), abducting more than 4,000 people. To stop this, government officials, traditional leaders and Islamic clerics have initiated peace deals with terrorists in places like Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina, resulting in stability in some areas, while other places suffer waves of violence. But these deals do not always last long. Terrorists who have surrendered arms later ventured into banditry and kidnapping, citing breach of agreements. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures in Abuja, insisting that the exercise is aimed at improving security and restoring order within the capital city. Speaking during his monthly media parley with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Mr Wike said the makeshift settlements had become havens for criminals, including those involved in the notorious one-chance robberies and other security threats. He emphasised that the exercise is a critical component of the governments commitment to public safety and will continue until all criminal hideouts are cleared. We cannot joke with security. Shanties make it possible for criminals to settle and cause problems in the city. We are going to make sure that all illegal occupants anywhere are thrown out. Security is key, he said. He dismissed arguments that the demolitions were targeting the poor, saying poverty could not be used as an excuse for crime. There is poverty all over the world, but that does not give you room to make people uncomfortable, to kidnap and kill people. Let nobody use that as an excuse, he said. Operation Sweep The demolitions are part of the FCTs Operation Sweep initiative, which also includes the removal of street beggars and the clearing of illegal structures across the city. In August, the FCT authorities said it has removed over 273 destitute persons from the streets and impounded 670 vehicles under the initiative. Demolitions, evictions The demolition drive has drawn criticism in some quarters, with many describing it as disproportionately targeting the poor. In the early days of the exercise, a federal high court dismissed a suit filed to prevent Mr Wike from evacuating beggars from the city. Demolition campaigns have repeatedly displaced thousands. In past operations, slum dwellers were forced out of areas like Lugbe, Iddo Sarki, Aviation Village, and Zone 5 of Lugbe, many with little or no compensation. Some displaced residents ended up in makeshift IDP camps or the citys outskirts. In February 2024 alone, over 15,000 occupants were evicted from Gwarinpa due to shanties blocking the N16 road corridor. Authorities argued the demolitions cleared the way for planned road construction. In late August 2025, the operations cleared about 1,000 shanties near Bunkoro in Gwarinpa along the RR3N16 corridor. Indigenous homes were reportedly spared, but the focus remained on structures deemed temporary or unsafe. Last year, the Senate suspended further FCT demolitions pending investigations, after hearing concerns that due process was not always followed and owners of titled properties were impacted. The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, while noting that the current demolition in the FCT is not in line with due process of court orders. Human rights advocates and displaced residents have also decried the demolitions. In Ruga community, residents appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, insisting that many were internally displaced persons who had no alternative housing options and were unfairly targeted. The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has called for more training and documentation systems to advance evidence-based practice in traditional medicine. The agency made the call on Monday during a hybrid webinar held at its Lagos headquarters to mark the 2025 African Traditional Medicine Day. The day is marked annually on 31 August raise awareness of the role of traditional medicine in improving health and well-being across the region. The event also featured a health walk and a presentation on how research and proper record-keeping can strengthen the credibility of traditional medicine in Nigeria. Meanwhile, at a separate event in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, unveiled two key documents aimed at integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into Nigerias health system. Mr Salako noted that the Strategic Plan of Action for Implementing the Traditional Medicine Policy and the Code of Ethics and Practice for Traditional Medicine Practitioners are designed to sanitise the sub-sector, boost safety and effectiveness, and prepare Nigeria for global competitiveness. This years theme: Strengthen the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine is both timely and critical as Africa seeks homegrown, context-specific solutions to its health challenges, particularly with dwindling overseas development assistance, Mr Salako said. The minister stated that millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, rely on traditional remedies as their primary healthcare option, making it a vital tool for improving access, generating employment, and supporting local manufacturing. NNMDA call for more documentation In his opening remarks at the NNMDA webinar in Lagos, the Director General of NNMDA, Martins Emeje, said research in the sector must be culturally acceptable and not ignored or hidden out of shame. More than in any other area of health, people are even ashamed of talking about traditional medicine. But the truth is, it has been part of our lives for centuries. If we want to make progress, our research must be culturally acceptable, Mr Emeje said. Delivering the keynote presentation titled Training and Documentation: The panacea for strengthening evidence base for Traditional Medicine in Nigeria, a neurotoxicologist and integrative medicine expert, John Tor-Agbidye, emphasised the need for proper record keeping and practitioner training. Mr Tor-Agbidye noted that about 70 per cent of Nigerians rely on traditional medicine, but most knowledge is passed orally by herbalists, bone setters, birth attendants, and healers, many of whom have little or no formal education. Documentation and training are the panacea for building credibility and trust in traditional medicine, he said. They foster integration into national health systems, encourage innovation and new drug discovery, and protect cultural heritage for future generations. He recommended that the government strengthen laws and empower the Traditional Medicine Council, establish colleges and documentation centres, and promote collaborative research between NNMDA, universities, and other health institutions. Global opportunities, collaborations Speaking further, Mr Tor-Agbidye said Nigeria could learn from countries such as China, India and Cuba, which have developed strong traditional medicine systems and trained Nigerian practitioners in recent years. He emphasised that through collaboration, the sector could attract funding from government, the private sector, and international organisations like the Bill Gates Foundation and, Rockefeller Foundation. Mr Tor-Agbidye added that Nigerias biodiversity and growing global demand for natural products provide a major opportunity if remedies are validated and properly commercialised. Government commitments, challenges In Abuja, Mr Salako highlighted achievements made so far by the government, including the creation of a Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the development of a Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and the documentation of more than 200 plants on the Nigerian Essential Medicinal Plants List. He cited collaborations with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to set quality standards, and the work of a ministerial committee on phytomedicine development and commercialisation. He added that Nigeria is also working with the West African Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation for technical support and knowledge exchange. The minister acknowledged challenges, including the closure of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by the National Universities Commission in 2010. He said efforts are ongoing to revive the institution. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world of the importance of resilient and diversified healthcare systems and reignited interest in natural remedies, he said. Nigeria and indeed the African continent must seize this momentum to bring traditional medicine to the global stage, with evidence as its passport. A member of the Board of Trustees of Nigerias main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, said the 2022 presidential convention of the party was manipulated, blaming it for the crisis that almost tore the party apart. The PDP held its Special National Convention in Abuja in 2022, where delegates elected the partys presidential candidate for the 2023 election. In an interview on AIT on Thursday, Mr George said the exercise was manipulated. He thanked the PDP Governors Forum for resolving the crisis, which he said was triggered by the manipulated convention. Background The PDP is consolidating on the recent peace achieved by the party following a successful National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where it zoned different offices in the party. At the meeting, the party announced that the position of the national chairmanship will remain in the north, while its presidential ticket, the essence of the crisis that led to the exodus of bigwigs, including governors and lawmakers from the party, is zoned to the south. Although many argued as unconstitutional, Nigerias two major political parties, APC and PDP, appeared to have, by convention, adopted a rotational presidency zoning political offices, particularly the presidency between the north and south. For instance, the then-ruling PDP had President Olusegun Obasanjo, a southerner, from 1999 to 2007. He was succeeded by Umaru Yar Adua, a northerner who died in office, leaving his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, to complete his tenure. Former President Muhammadu Buhari (now late), a northerner and an APC member, was elected in 2015 and served through 2023. While the 2022 APC primary produced Bola Tinubu, a southerner, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, emerged as the PDP candidate, prompting a backlash from then-Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who came second at the primary. Mr Wike and his four other colleagues, including then-Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Samuel Ortom of Benue state, broke ranks with the party and supported southern candidates, arguing that it was the turn of the south to produce the president. The crisis that followed tore the PDP apart until it was recently resolved through efforts led by the PDP governors. Absolutely manipulated The last presidential convention (primary) we had was absolutely manipulated, Mr George, a former national vice chairperson of the PDP, said, blaming it for the party crisis. There are some people who are not happy because the PDP said the south would produce the next presidential candidate, Mr George said, tracing zoning to the partys founding fathers, including former Vice President Alex Ekwueme. They (the founding fathers) said the first republic collapsed because of the kind of system that was run majority tribes had their way; minority tribes were mere onlookers, and we could not continue like that. Mr George said that, as a result, the founding fathers devised a system to accommodate every Nigerian by dividing the country into six geopolitical zones and created six top political positions, including the president, vice president, party national chairperson, senate president, and speaker of the House of Representatives, and spread them across the six zones. And after every eight years, all the ones in the north would come to the south and vice versa, and Section 7 (3) c of our constitution is explicit; there shall be zoning and rotation of elected offices and party offices. He explained why he said the 2022 PDP national convention was manipulated. Some of us told them that this is not the way it should be. Mr Buhari ran Nigeria for eight years; the next president must also come from the south. That is what was invented to bring a sense of belonging to this country; otherwise, there would be perpetual breakdown of law. Lets do it the way it should be done because the next four years, the presidency remains in the south. After 2031, it goes back to the north. But when you want to shortchange it, you manipulate the process during that convention, which was what created this mess, he stressed. Mr George said the product of the convention the presidential candidate and the national chairperson of the party coming from the north was illegal, a situation Mr Wike and his allies protested before resorting to support southern presidential candidates. READ ALSO: Tantalizers Plc appoints veteran filmmaker Tade Ogidan to board Mr George expressed happiness that the governors of the party have been able to resolve the major madness that they went through. That route was outright madness. I am happy we have solved that chairmanship remains in the north, presidency in the south until 2031, he stressed. On the internal discipline within the party, particularly about members of the party who have endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, Mr George said, henceforth any member who does that will be sanctioned in line with the guidelines of the party. A member of the House of Representatives from Ebonyi State, Nkemkanma Kama, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP). Mr Kama, who represents Ohaoazara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, announced his resignation from the LP in a letter to the partys Chairperson in Amaze Ward. The letter was dated 16 July 2025, but went viral on social media on Tuesday. The lawmaker said in the letter that the decision to leave the LP was taken after extensive consultations with his family, political associates, and well-wishers. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that this step is necessary for the greater good of our people, Mr Kama said of his resignation from the LP. My commitment to service, development, and the upliftment of our constituency remains unwavering, and I believe this decision aligns with the best interests of those we serve, he stated. Gratitude Mr Kama expressed gratitude to the LP leadership and members for their trust and support which helped him to secure victory in the 2023 general election. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Labour Party for the platform given to me to contest and win the last general election as the House of Representatives member under its banner, he said. The trust and support of the party leadership and members have been instrumental in our journey so far, and I will forever cherish these relationships. I sincerely appreciate the support, camaraderie, and shared vision that defined my time in the Labour Party and I hope that we will continue to work as patriots in the pursuit of a better society. I wish the Labour Party continued success in its endeavours, he added. The lawmaker highlighted some of his achievements with the party in advancing democratic ideals and promoting the welfare of his constituents. Switch to the APC? Mr Kama did not mention the political party he would be defecting to. But speculations are rife that the lawmaker had perfected plans to switch to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). PREMIUM TIMES understands that Mr Kama is an ally of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. Mr Nwifuru, a member of the APC, has often asked the lawmaker to join the ruling party. For instance, the governor, in December last year, during Mr Kamas empowerment programme in his Amaeze Community, openly urged him to join the APC. Some critics had tackled Mr Nwifuru for attending the programme given that Mr Kama was a member of the LP at the time, but the governor quickly defended his action. Like the governor, the Chairperson of the APC in Ebonyi State, Stanley Emegha, and other leaders of the party, had also openly called on Mr Kama at different fora to join the party. The United States has sent warships, including nuclear-powered ones, to the Venezuelan coast. The American government announced on 15 August that it is dispatching to the international waters off Venezuela the warships: USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale. They are carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines. The fleet had departed from Norfolk, Virginia and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They are expected to be in position by this Sunday, August 31, 2025. The mass media also reported that the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and the USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser are also being sent. These are perhaps the last steps in the US decision to invade Venezuela and change its elected government by force. The decision is an expression of the American frustration that its internal collaborators in Venezuela have been unable to effect a change of government through the ballot box since the December 6, 1998 electoral victory of President Hugo Chavez. The US had, previously, accused President Nicolas Maduro of being a dictator. But when he continued winning elections which could not be written off, it turned to clothing him in the borrowed regalia of a drug warlord. It is under this excuse it wants to invade Venezuela. It reminds me of the child-like excuses the Israeli regime makes for bombing babies in incubators. Basically, that their beds are on Hamas command centres. To prepare the ground for the drug claim which like many claims of the US are not backed with facts, the Americans declared Maduro wanted. They placed a price tag of $25 million on him. Then on August 7, 2025, the US Departments of State and Justice doubled the reward for anybody that can betray Maduro. In reaction, the Maduro government mobilised 15,000 troops to the border with Colombia through which American mercenaries had previously invaded Venezuela. Maduro told the world: This week I am going to activate a special plan to guarantee coverage with more than 4.5 million militiamen throughout the national territory. Militias prepared, activated, and armed We will defend our seas, our skies, and our lands. No empire will touch the sacred soil of Venezuela, nor should it touch the sacred soil of South America. The Trump administration had, from its first term, set out to destroy Venezuela. President Trump had on May 21, 2018, issued an Executive Order which it stated was to prevent the Maduro regime from conducting fire sales liquidating Venezuelas critical assetsassets the country will need to rebuild its economy. He added that the money he was seizing belongs Venezuelans, so the Order was to prevent the Maduro regime from selling or collateralising certain Venezuelan financial assets, and to prohibit the regime from earning money from the sale of certain entities of the Venezuelan government. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US also prevented Venezuela from purchasing needed medicines and food. When it sent its special envoy, Ambassador Alex Saab, to buy food from Iran, the Americans on June 12, 2020 got him abducted in Cape Verde and flew him to their territory. Venezuela had to engage in a prisoner exchange to free its ambassador. In July 2025, Venezuela was forced to release ten convicted Americans in a prisoner swap to free 300 Venezuelan migrants expelled from US to El Salvador. One of those the US secured his freedom was the infamous Dahud Hanid Ortiz who was serving a 30-year jail sentence for the murder of three persons in Spain before fleeing to Venezuela where he was apprehended and jailed. The US Department of State was to hail Trump for getting people like Ortiz out of jail. It declared in a July 18, 2025 statement: It is unacceptable that Venezuelan regime representatives arrested and jailed US national under highly questionable circumstances and without proper due process. Incredible! Rubio also plays the drug card, and claims that mining in Venezuela affects the environment. But, let no one be deceived. The reason the US wants to invade Venezuela is neither to advance democracy nor stop drug trade. It is essentially that Venezuela, with 303 billion barrels, has the worlds largest oil reserves, and the American establishment can no longer wait to lay its hands on such huge wealth. World leaders that would carry out genocide to take over Gaza with the hope of turning it into prime property, will stop at nothing to seize the huge Venezuelan oil and gas reserves even if they have to exterminate the people. Humanity has a stake in defending Venzuela because if the world had stood by Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland when Nazi Germany invaded them, we might have been saved what became the Second World War. If humanity had united to stop the fascist takeover of Spain in 1939, it might have checkmated the fascists in Italy and Germany and saved us the horrors of World War II. But when bullies are appeased, rather than being stopped, they become emboldened. I have no doubt that if the US is allowed to overrun Venzuela, it will later attack countries like Cuba, and who knows, its allies like Canada. It will follow the path Israel is treading: obliterate Gaza, exterminate the Palestinians in both Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, then invade Lebanon and Syria. If the world had stood up against the German extermination of the Namibians in 1904, humanity might have been saved the horrors of the Holocaust. Equally, since many powerful countries, especially in the West are bystanders in the on-going genocide in Gaza, humanity might have to pay for it with more genocides. Back in 1939, the world had only one Adolf Hitler, today, we have more than one, including Benjamin Netanyahu in the Middle East. We cannot allow our lives to be ruled by wars. In fact, we have a duty to help those whose leadership rely on wars. For instance, since the Second World War which was said to end all wars, the US has invaded over 50 countries. Israel has in its 77-year existence being at war or on war footing. The world today is in disarray and diplomacy has taken a back seat. The powerful are trampling on the weak, and the defenceless are being sent out of the world. Despite brigands having the upper hand today, decent humanity needs to take a stand. We can begin to do that by defending those being bullied. We need to stand by Venezuela and defend its people, otherwise, the rest of us will not be safe. As Angela Davis warned: If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the night. On Sunday, 31 August, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Nigerias former minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2011 2015), completed his maximum ten-year tenure (five years each per election) as president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the premier development finance bank in Africa which effectively began operations in 1964, and more robustly on 1 July, 1966, to promote integration, unity, growth and development, individually and collectively, in its member countries. The bank has a total of 81 members 54 African independent countries as regional members, and 27 non-regional, non-African countries. Nigeria is the largest shareholder of the bank, with 9 per cent of the entire shareholding. When Mr Adesina was elected as the eighth president of the Bank on 18 May, 2015, and he assumed office in September 2015, he was the first Nigerian to be so elected in the history of the institution. Before him, there was Mamoun Beheiry (1967 -1970) from Sudan, Abdelwahab Labidi (1970-1976) from Tunisia, Kwame Donkor Fordwor (1976 -1979) from Ghana; Goodall Gondwe (acting President, 1979-1980) from Malawi; Willa D. MungOmba (1980-1985) from Zambia; Babacar Ndiaye (1985-1995) from Senegal, Omar Kabbaj (1995-2005) from Morocco; and Donald Kaberuka (2005-2015) from Rwanda. Adesinas emergence as President of the AfDB in 2015 was a historic moment for Nigeria, and a defining moment for Adesina himself, personally and professionally. He was re-elected for a second five-year term in office on 27 August, 2020, with 100 per cent of the votes cast, yet another remarkable achievement. He has now been succeeded, effective yesterday, 1 September by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania who was elected on 29 May. As part of the send-forth activities to mark his retirement, the Staff Council of the African Development Bank Group organised a farewell party for Mr Adesina this past weekend in Abidjan, Cote DIvoire. On Saturday, 30 August, there was a grand event at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire attended by quite an impressive crowd. On Sunday, 31 August, there was a dinner by Friends of Mr Adesina at the Ivoire Trade Centre, Cocody, Abidjan to celebrate what was titled A Decade of Excellence. I was invited to both events by the AfDB Group and Professor Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the AfDB Group and editor of a festschrift in two volumes, to honour, celebrate and memorialise Adesinas personality, persona, vision, creativity, mission and the message embodied by his transformational leadership. My task was to review the two volumes both running into over 670 pages viz: Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka (ed). Akinwumi A. Adesina: The Man, Mission and Message: A Festschrift Vol 1. Lagos: Kachifo Ltd., 2025, xxx + 372 pp and Vol 2: Akinwumi A. Adesina: The Mandate: A Festschrift, 2025, xxviii +297 pp. Both volumes offer invaluable insights into the AfDB operations, challenges and achievements, as well as sustainable possibilities under Mr Adesinas watch and after. Saturday night was basically a night of tributes. The programme was introduced by Dr Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the AfDB President on Communication and Stakeholder Engagement and Ms Marie Angele Toure, Managing Director, Media Advice Training, who both served as comperes. The first tribute by way of welcome remarks came from Mr Foster Ofosu, chairperson of the Staff Council of the African Development Bank. After him, Ms Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President spoke at length on the subject: A Journey of Leadership Accomplishments and Contributions of Dr President Akinwumi A. Adesina. The editor subsequently provided a short insight into the purpose and scope of the book and personal reflection on curating and contributing to the volume. This was followed by short readings from three chapters from the two volumes by Dr Oyebode Oyetunde, AfDB Executive Director representing Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe, and Mr Charles Boamah, former Senior Vice-President of the AfDB. It was now my turn to review the books. I had prepared not a review, but a review essay of about 3,544 words, an extensive blend of my own reflections and an interrogation of the texts, too long to be reproduced here. In both volumes, we find tributes, recollections and reports by those who know Mr Adesina closely, those who worked with him, those who served with him, those who worked under him friends, associates, and colleagues over a period stretching as far as four decades back into the past. In one of the several forewords and congratulatory notes, President Olusegun Obasanjo says, Dr. Adesinas tenure has been nothing short of extra-ordinary a testament to visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of excellence in service to Africa (Vol 1, p. ix). This assessment echoes throughout the two volumes of tributes. Adesinas story is the story of how a man can make a difference and transform a continent. He is an African Optimist-in-chief, a pan-Africanist, who sees opportunities where others see challenges and difficulties, a diligent, hardworking leader who believes that Africa can and must lead its own development agenda with originality, faith, and authenticity. Where others saw doubts, Adesina saw opportunities for action, and renewal. Part II of Volume 1 is devoted to The Message of Akinwumi A. Adesina. This is basically a collection of speeches and lectures, which he delivered at various occasions, starting with his inaugural speech as AfDB President, and others that followed on the key themes of his Presidency namely Africas economic potential, Agricultural Transformation, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Climate Change and Green Growth, Private Sector-led Growth, Youth Empowerment and Innovation, Debt Sustainability and Financial Reform (Vol 1, p. 68). Reading Dr. Adesina in his own words strikes a deeper chord about his unrelenting optimism about Africa, and his belief that Africa is the last frontier which only needs to unlock its possibilities for growth and integration. The second festschrift, Volume 2 that is, focuses on The Mandate, the style and mode of execution of the Message articulated in Volume 1. In this collection of tributes, we are introduced in practical terms to how Dr. Adesina walked the talk with members of his implementation team this being an account written by senior members of the AfDB Executive: Directors, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Directors-General, Governors, and former Governors. He is their team lead, the visionary who sets the standards, the task master who does not rely on excuses, but results, the perfectionist who motivates his team to think outside the box. Volume II presents Dr. Adesina to us in action. There is a general consensus running through this volume that Dr. Adesina is an extra-ordinary, transformational leader, a mentor, who likes to think big. The continental flavour of the accounts indicates the scope of AfDBs work, covering the entire African continent from North to South, East to West, a truly African institution, a diverse blend of multiple personalities, disciplines, languages and expertise working to achieve a purpose which is: a new African narrative through a relentless pursuit of excellence. We find in these pages such expressions as The Adesina Doctrine, The Disaster Triangle of extreme rural poverty, youth unemployment, and environmental degradation (Vol. II, p.11) and the need to disrupt the cycle, or what Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade describes as Adesinas The Baobab Approach (p. 12). While a programmatic summary of this would do no justice to the depth, width and fecundity of Adesinas legacy, it may be necessary to remind the reader of just a few highlights. These include the High 5 Agenda, the ten-year mission statement that he announced on his first day in office as the AfDB President: Light Up and Power Africa. Feed Africa. Integrate Africa. Industrialise Africa. Improve quality of life for the people of Africa. Adesinas distinction lies in his single-minded devotion to this framework. The granular details are evident in the testimonies in this two-part collection, with emphasis on the Technologies for African Technological Transformation (TAAT), New Deal on Energy for Africa, the Desert to Power Initiative, Mission 300 by 2030, the $10 billion Crisis Response Facility for the COVID crisis, Africa 50, the expansion of AfDBs shareholder base, the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), the African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), the AfDBs Climate Action Window, the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), and Affirmative Finance for Women in Africa (AFAWA). Under the leadership of PRST, or Triple A, as Dr. Adesina is also known by his team, the AfDB recorded the largest capital increase in its 61-year history, attracted global capital to Africa on an unprecedented scale, rechanneled IMF Special Drawing Rights, with the institution earning recognition in 2021 as the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the World. Dr Akinwumi Adesina now steps down as AfDB President leaving behind a strong impression as a people-oriented leader, known for his common touch and empathy among AfDB staff. He has been recognised for his visionary and transformational leadership, and his service to Africa and humanity by institutions in Africa and beyond. He has been honoured with about 17 honorary doctoral awards by universities all over the world in addition to Distinguished Alumnus Awards from the universities he attended and where in every instance, he was known for his outstanding academic performance. He is also a winner of several global awards including the YAMA prize (2007), the World Food Prize the Nobel for Agriculture (2017), the Sunhak Peace Prize (2019), the Emeka Anyaoku Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), African of the Year (2019), Forbes Africa Person of the Year (2019), Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership (2024, and the highest national honours of ten African countries. Not many before him has been so honoured, so widely, in appreciation of visionary leadership. These publications are at once a celebration and an iconisation of a leadership example, the best parting gifts that can be prepared for the subject. The Ooni of Ife calls Adesina an Omoluabi: among the Yoruba of South West Nigeria, Adesinas ancestral background, to be called an Omoluabi is the highest form of compliment and recognition. In translation into English, the closest equivalent would be for a man to be described as a true gentleman and indeed many contributors here do not hesitate to praise Dr Adesina, for his value-driven style of leadership. There were goodwill messages first the presentation of a magazine publication titled Pride of Africa in honour of Dr Akinwumi, unveiled by Ambassador Saul Frazer, MD/CEO of Global Properties and Ms Maimuna Jallow, MD/CEO, African Agenda Network. Not surprisingly, Nigeria was well represented at the occasion, and a number of the dignitaries spoke glowingly about Mr Adesina Dr Bright Okogu, former Director of Budget of Nigeria, former Executive Director at the AfDB, now Chief of Staff to the Director General of the WTO Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Deputy Governor of Ogun, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was there with his wife. Other notable Nigerians in attendance included the Minister of State, Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Mr Idris Mukhtar, and chairman, Daily Times, Mr Fidelis Anosike. Everyone spoke with pride about the honoree. There was also a Coffee Table Book, written by over 300 members of staff, titled Making A Difference unveiled by Mr Solomon Mugera, AfDB Director of Communication and External Relations. The colourful, richly illustrated book tells the story of the Bank from 19642025, Adesinas the High 5s, Transformational Projects and Cross-Cutting Development issues. The rest of the night was devoted to Staff Awards ceremonies and Testimonies and a Staff Party, with dance, dance, dance that stretched far into the night. On Sunday morning, my wife and I headed straight to the airport to get back to Lagos early only to be told by the people at the Air Cote DIvoire counter that the flight to Lagos had been cancelled! We spent hours at the airport with no luck. It was the second time I would be stranded in Abidjan. The first time was in 1998, travelling from an African Leadership Forum Programme in Botswana, through Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg on Air Afrique, with a scheduled stop-over in Abidjan. Just as was the case at the time, we ended up waiting in Abidjan till the following day. We were so upset we simply went to bed. African and West African leaders continue to talk about integration and economic growth, but it is easier to travel to Europe than within Africa itself. Our borders remain closed. The people relate with each other with suspicion. As Mr Adesina takes the curtain call, he leaves behind a challenge: Africa remains an unfinished business, there is still so much ahead about agricultural transformation, governance, debt management, public-private sector co-operation, climate action, integration, security and infrastructure. It is now up to his successors at the AfDB to ensure that his legacy is sustained on a bigger, better, and bolder scale. Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, writes from Lagos. New penal alternatives like community service look to alleviate overpopulation in prisons, where up to three incarcerated people are crammed into spaces designed for one Moroccos prisons are overflowing, despite the ongoing construction of new facilities, with more than 100,000 inmates at the end of 2024 and an occupancy rate of 160%, forcing up to three prisoners to share a space designed for one. To alleviate this inhumane overcrowding and simultaneously reduce the prison budget the North African country has just introduced a system of alternative sentences to imprisonment. These include electronic monitoring devices, community service, and fines in exchange for days in prison for minor offenses, for which tens of thousands of Moroccans end up behind bars each year. Over the last decade, the countrys prison population has increased by 40%, according to the latest annual report from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), as cited by the magazine Tel Quel. The agency acknowledges that it cannot guarantee sanitary conditions in its facilities due to overcrowding, lack of ventilation, and poor sanitation. Internal security is further compromised by the uncontrolled circulation of weapons and prohibited substances in prisons, while reintegration, education, and training measures remain largely unenforceable. Morocco admits it is far from having a prison system that meets international human dignity standards. The NGO Moroccan Prison Observatory (OMP) has raised the alarm over the emergency situation in the countrys prisons amid the growing gap between facility capacity and the actual number of inmates. With prison overcrowding at 160%, the threshold that guarantees humane conditions of detention has been far exceeded, states the groups latest report. Prisoners in the countrys facilities have an average 18.62 square feet, less than half the minimum required by the United Nations for shared cells. Individual bathroom facilities are also lacking. The OMP is advocating for the granting of mass pardons, such as the ones issued by King Mohammed VI on July 30, on the 26th anniversary of his coronation, for nearly 20,000 inmates, as well as the release of prisoners in vulnerable situations due to age and illness. An inmate and an official in the Sale prison, located on the outskirts of Rabat, Morocco in 1998. Ricardo Gutierrez In a bulletin that was issued last Wednesday, the Moroccan Attorney Generals Office noted that short prison sentences have proven ineffective in preventing recidivism, and that their enforcement is costly for the state. The Attorney Generals Office argued that deprivation of liberty should be avoided unless strictly necessary due to the type of crime, and favors the implementation of alternative measures. A court in Agadir in southern Morocco issued, on August 22 the date the new regulations came into effect its first ruling substituting a two-month prison sentence and a $58 fine with a daily fine of about $34, capped at $2,000, for the illegal sale of alcohol. Among the other alternative measures that have been announced, only the ankle monitors have been partially put into effect. Community service has not yet been applied, nor have other substitute penalties (such as bans from leisure venues or mandatory rehabilitation programs), which must be coordinated with public institutions and civil society organizations. Officials from the penitentiary institutions have attributed these delays to summer vacations, according to a DGAPR. Morocco hopes that such measures will align its penitentiary system with recommendations from the European Council, the European Union and the United Nations, but the Attorney Generals Office admits that initial implementation of the plan will be complex in some of the countrys regions, and that the cost and maintenance of electronic monitoring equipment will limit the scope of its use. In comments made to Tel Quel, Mulay Idris Akelman, the DGAPRs social action director, warns that the implementation of alternative sanctions does not depend on the penitentiary institutions alone. These measures apply to offenses punishable by less than five years in prison. Community service could be carried out in public institutions and associations that offer social support or charity, as well as in municipal and school services. The new legislation provides for three months imprisonment and heavy fines for those attempting to remove the electronic monitoring devices. The cost of the fine, which is based on the convicted persons income, ranges from $12 to $233 per day of sanction. The government estimates that the alternative measures will lead to annual savings of around $35 million. Repeat offenders are excluded from the new sentencing system, which will also not apply to crimes against state security, terrorism, corruption, international drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual exploitation of minors, organ trafficking or violent assault. Shared cells in the Sale prison, located on the outskirts of Rabat, Morocco, in 1998. Ricardo Gutierrez Minor infractions The Moroccan Prison Observatory believes that the introduction of alternative sentences offers an opportunity to alleviate prison overcrowding in Morocco. Prison facilities are in a critical situation, with more than 100,000 inmates housed in prison cells designed for 70,000, according to legal analyst Raby Bukuraych, cited by La Quotidienne magazine. The pressure is not only due to insufficient holding capacity in prison administration, says the Casablanca official, but also to the systematic application of custodial sentences in the case of minor offenses. As a result of this situation, prisoners are subjected to harsh detention conditions, exacerbated by the high density of inmates in the cells, concludes the NGO. A study conducted by the Attorney Generals Office and the prison administration indicates that the impact of alternative sentences will remain limited. Simulations of the outcomes show that only about 1,700 people would benefit from the new measures initially. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has assured a visiting delegation of 25 Chinese investors of his administrations unwavering support and cooperation as they prepare to invest in agriculture, energy, mechanization, and other key sectors of the states economy. The governor, who received the high-powered delegation on Monday at the Government House, Katsina, in company with officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), expressed gratitude to the Commission for facilitating the visit. He commended the investors for their seriousness and for choosing Katsina as a viable destination for investment. Governor Radda described the group as one of the most powerful teams of investors ever to visit Katsina, noting that their decision to spend several days in the state clearly demonstrated their determination to contribute to job creation, economic growth, and improved living standards for the people. I want to assure you that the Katsina State Government is ready and willing to support you, to cooperate and partner with you, so that you can have a successful investment experience in our state. You will always have direct access to my office and the full backing of my administration to ensure these projects become a reality, Mr Radda said. He emphasized that the proposed investments would diversify the states economy, create thousands of jobs for young people, and significantly boost revenue generation. The governor urged the investors to finalize their plans quickly and return for full-scale operations, assuring them of all the necessary government support. He also reaffirmed his administrations readiness to work closely with NIPC and the investors to translate commitments into tangible results. Katsina is open for business, and we are extending a hand of partnership to you. We look forward to seeing you return soon to begin these transformative investments, he added. Earlier, the Director of Strategic Services at NIPC, Mr Abubakar Yarima, who represented the Executive Secretary, Ms Aisha Rimi, commended Katsina State for its proactive engagement, hospitality, and professionalism in hosting the investors. He explained that, out of all the states contacted, Katsina and Jigawa were the first to respond positively, positioning Katsina as a key destination for the delegation. Speaking on behalf of the investors, Mr Dong Guoping, leader of the COVEC delegation, presented the teams assessment and investment proposals following their three-day inspection tour of the state. He also facilitated engagements to help the investors understand the regulatory environment while showcasing Katsinas vast investment opportunities through site visits across the state. After their evaluation, COVEC and its partners committed to undertaking the following projects in Katsina State: Development of 2,500 hectares at Sabke Dam for maize cultivation for livestock feed; Establishment of a complete fisheries value chain on 380 hectares at Dabirang Dam; Establishment of a leather processing factory; Creation of an agricultural research institute focused on goat and cattle breeding; Partnership with the state government to expand the Goat Breeding Centre at Ladanawa. Establishment of a solar power products assembly plant; Development of an agricultural commodities commercial centre and Partnership with the government to establish the Katsina State Green Economic Zone. The projects will require approximately 4,000 hectares of land, with an initial investment estimated at $150 million. In his remarks, the Director-General of the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, explained that the delegation was taken on extensive site visits across the state. These included agricultural lands, water bodies, dams, and markets in Jibia, Sabke, Daura, Mashii, and Ladanawa, where soils were tested and facilities inspected. According to him, the visits provided the investors with firsthand knowledge of Katsinas agricultural and market potential, leading to concrete decisions on areas of immediate investment. Those present at the meeting included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman; Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; and other top government officials. I have no iota of doubt that Dauda Lawal is one of the most charismatic governors in Nigeria. But one thing I often find challenging to explain to people is his age. People will scream Jesus! and some will look into my eyes and jokingly call me a liar. All because I give accurate information that I am 100% sure about, that Dauda Lawal will be clocking 60 by 2nd September, 2025 (which is today). Sometimes, I get tired of trying to explain it. Even when they eventually accept his age, new conspiracy theories emerge. Some suggest that he appears so youthful and well-kept due to his wealth. Remember the narrative about his asset declaration of nine trillion? Many believe it. As the governor of Zamfara State, I have much to say about Dauda Lawal, especially since I have been among his closest aides, working closely with him as his spokesman for over two years. In previous years, I have written extensively about Dauda Lawal, the banker and philanthropist. But, as he turns 60 today, I would like to bring out a few aspects of Dauda Lawal as governor, who is transforming Zamfara from a forgotten dungeon into a thriving state across all indices. All the things people say about him being calm, reserved, and neat are accurate. He has changed the attitude of workers, especially those in the Zamfara Government House, who work within the seat of power. They appear presentable with a touch of class, unlike before. Gusau, the capital city, has been given a facelift as an urban centre, as it should be. Road networks and streetlights are everywhere. Gusau, which had no functioning traffic lights in 2023 before the election, now has functioning traffic lights all over the city. The town is neat because the mindset of the people is gradually changing. As an advocate of symbolic interactionism, one of sociologys dominant schools of thought, I have observed the practical application of Charles Horton Cooleys Looking Glass Self theory in Governor Dauda Lawals management of Zamfara. You might wonder how. The looking-glass self is a concept that explains how individuals form their sense of self based on how they think others perceive them. Through social interactions, people use the judgments they receive from others as a mirror to assess their worth, values, and behavior. In the past, what people saw about Zamfara when they looked into the mirror was a state in despair, a state almost wiped out by banditry and poverty, always at the bottom of all educational indices, and without average-standard healthcare facilities. Dauda Lawal, a political scientist, has changed that narrative by integrating sociological theories of functionalism and symbolic interactionism. The Zamfara State that people see in the mirror now is a state competing as one of the best in IGR, education, emerging urban centers, health, and more. Governor Dauda Lawals rescue mission is evident across all 14 local government areas of Zamfara State, not only in Gusau, the state capital. These major projects span various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and other critical areas of importance. Governor Lawal has transformed the General Hospital Anka into a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced medical equipment in Anka Local Government. The hospital underwent a total overhaul. His administration has established the Tsangaya Modern Academy in Gummi Local Government, a school designed to integrate Almajiri students into the contemporary education system. In Bakura Local Government Area, Governor Lawal has renovated and equipped the College of Agricultural Science, providing opportunities for young people to develop their agricultural skillsthe backbone of Zamfaras economy. In the Bukkuyum Local Government Area, he has upgraded the PHC Nasarawa Burkullu to a modern General Hospital with advanced machinery to benefit the local population. Additionally, he has awarded a contract for the construction of township roads to connect all towns within the local government area. Governor Dauda Lawal has renovated and fully equipped the General Hospital in Maru LGA. The hospital, previously in poor condition, is now maintained to high standards. In the Talatar Mafara Local Government Area, Governor Dauda Lawal has launched the construction of a new general hospital, as the current facility is in a state of disrepair. Other projects in Talata Mafara include renovations at the Polytechnic and Zamfara State University. In Maradun Local Government, Governor Lawal has upgraded and renovated the General Hospital Maradun, transforming it into a modern medical center equipped with all necessary treatment facilities. He has also renovated the General Hospital Maru and equipped it with modern machines. Similarly, in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area, Governor Lawal has renovated and equipped the General Hospital Kaura Namoda, constructed a modern Tsangaya School, established a befitting skill acquisition centre to create employment opportunities for the youths, and constructed additional hostels at Polytechnic Kauran Namoda. In Shinkafi LGA, Governor Lawal has approved the reconstruction of General Hospital Shinkafi and the Ongoing reconstruction of Attahiru Bafarawa School. In Tsafe LGA, Governor Dauda Lawal has renovated and equipped the General Hospital Tsafe, undertaken a total renovation of the School of Health Technology Tsafe, reconstructed the Modern Central Motor Park Tsafe, and reconstructed the Central Market. In Bungudu LGA, Governor Lawal is constructing the Furfuri link road, the Rawayya link road, the Total renovation of the Approved school, and the Total renovation and equipping of Dan Gwaggo secondary school. I have a lot to share, especially about my governors human relations. I promise to do it gradually, not all at once. Today is a day to celebrate an achiever. Alhamdu lillah, happy 60th birthday to a man with a good heart. Happy birthday, Oga! *Sulaiman Abala Idris, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor wrote from Gusau, Zamfara State. In a landmark step towards fostering student empowerment and academic advancement, OPay Digital Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), extending its 1.2 billion nationwide scholarship fund to support students of the institution. The partnership reinforces OPays corporate social responsibility agenda to drive inclusive growth through education, scholarships, and knowledge exchange. The official signing ceremony, held at the NSUK Council Chamber, brought together key representatives from both institutions. Speaking on behalf of OPay, the Chief Security Officer, Dr James Vandefan, reaffirmed OPays commitment to supporting education and community development. OPay is committed to empowering young Nigerians through education. This partnership with NSUK is part of our 1.2 billion scholarship initiative, which is already benefiting students in other higher institutions across the country. Our goal is to support academically outstanding students who face financial challenges, ensuring that knowledge continues to be shared and that society benefits from the growth of its youth, Dr James stated. He further emphasised OPays vision for long-term impact, drawing from his experience as a graduate of the institution. As an alumnus of this great university, I can attest that NSUK is one of Nigerias most prodigious higher institutions, known for its affordable fees, fast academic programs, and resilience which have enabled thousands of students to achieve their dreams. OPay is committed to giving back to our communities, specifically by supporting academically sound indigent youths. As the 15th beneficiary institution of the OPay scholarship programme, we aim to build a historic partnership with NSUK to ensure continued knowledge dissemination and societal development, while also creating more opportunities for students through future collaborations, he added. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Saadatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Professor Maikano Muhammad Ari, commended Opay for its leadership in the financial services industry and for extending its scholarship fund to NSUK. We sincerely appreciate Opay for this initiative, and we are confident that it will provide direct benefits to our students while enhancing the universitys relevance in the global knowledge space. The university management will ensure that these scholarships reach indigent students who truly need them. We also see this as the beginning of a broader collaboration with OPay in other critical areas, he said. Also speaking at the ceremony, Itoro Udo, Head of CSR at OPay, highlighted the broader scope of the partnership. One of the things we always consider when partnering with institutions is alignment with our values. Our vision is not just financial aid but a long-term relationship that includes knowledge exchange, cybersecurity awareness, facility improvements, and student mentorship. These initiatives will come in phases, but we are optimistic that as our partnership grows, its impact will be deeply felt across the communities where we operate,Mr Udo explained. The event was marked by the presentation of a 60 million scholarship cheque to the university management, symbolizing Opays immediate investment in the partnership. The scholarships will provide direct financial relief to deserving students, while future initiatives under the MoU will cover joint research, student training programs, recruitment opportunities, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Through its 1.2 billion scholarship fund, Opay has reaffirmed its 10-year commitment to education by ensuring that brilliant but financially challenged students across Nigeria higher institutions are given the opportunity to pursue their dreams, uplift their communities, and contribute meaningfully to society. The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada has warmly felicitated with Governor Dauda Lawal on his 60th birthday, describing him as a rescue commander whose purposeful leadership is redefining governance in the state. In a birthday message made available by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Mr Nakwada appreciated Governor Lawals decades of selfless service to Zamfara State, both as a private citizen and as Executive Governor of the state. On behalf of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Executive Council of Zamfara State, and the entire public service, I extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on the joyous occasion of your 60th birthday. This remarkable milestone is not only a celebration of your life but also a reflection of your unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to the peace, progress, and development of our beloved state. Your Excellencys passion for good governance and the welfare of the people continues to usher in a new era of hope and transformation across Zamfara, the SSG stated. Mr Nakwada finally prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) should continue to grant Governor Lawal good health, wisdom, and strength to lead Zamfara state toward greater prosperity, and may his years ahead be filled with more impactful service to humanity and personal fulfillment. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of his 59th birthday today. Governor Radda described Mr Shettima as a seasoned statesman, astute administrator, and patriotic leader whose remarkable journey from the banking sector to governance reflects uncommon resilience and competence characteristic of a true leader in national service. He noted that Mr Shettimas tenure as Governor of Borno State was marked by courage and compassion during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, while his leadership in the Senate and now as Vice President continues to demonstrate vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to Nigerias unity, peace, and prosperity. Mr Radda further highlighted the Vice Presidents active role in steering Nigerias economic planning team, noting that his steady hand in shaping reforms has helped to strengthen investor confidence, support small businesses, and open new opportunities for young Nigerians. He added that Mr Shettimas interventions in national security dialogues and peace-building efforts reflect his consistent drive to ensure a safer and more united country. Governor Radda also acknowledged Vice President Shettimas representation of Nigeria on the global stage, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly, where he eloquently articulated the countrys position on peace, security, and sustainable development. These contributions, he said, underline the Vice Presidents place as not only a national leader but also a respected voice in international affairs. The Katsina governor further commended Vice President Shettimas outstanding support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in driving key reforms in governance, economic recovery, security, and international diplomacy, describing him as a pillar of strength within the administration and a reliable partner in the collective progress of the nation. On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda extended warm wishes to Vice President Shettima, praying that Almighty Allah grants him long life, sound health, and greater wisdom to continue offering purposeful leadership and service to Nigeria. He wished the Vice President a memorable birthday celebration in the company of his family, friends, and well-wishers. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, on his 60th birthday today. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Governor Lawal for his dedication to the development of Zamfara and his steadfast pursuit of peace and security in the state. While assuring Mr Lawal of the federal governments continued support, the President encouraged him to remain committed to delivering good governance, fostering unity, and driving sustainable development in the state. Dear Governor Dauda Lawal, on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I wish you good health, strength, and divine wisdom as you continue to serve the people of Zamfara State and the nation, President Tinubu added. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is scheduled to speak at the fifth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) will be held from 4th to 10th September 2025, at the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exhibitions Centre (SAFEX) in Algiers, Algeria, under the theme Gateway to New Opportunities. A statement by the Governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that Governor Lawal was invited to speak at the Fifth edition of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference on the 6th of September 2025. The statement further noted that the investment conference will take place on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025). The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) will be hosted by the Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria and convened by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access a single African market of over 1.4 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This years theme, Local Power, Global Impact: Strengthening Africas Sub-Sovereign Governments for Sustainable Development, underscores our collective commitment to leveraging local governance for transformative continental outcomes. Building on the success of the fourth AfSNET Conference held in Kisumu, Kenya, which gathered more than 45 governors, mayors, local government leaders, investors, and development partners from across Africa, the AfSNET conference emphasized the strategic importance of sub-sovereign entities in promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The conference featured high-level dialogues, investment pitching sessions, and targeted B2B and B2G engagements, enabling sub-national actors to present development-ready projects and explore financing opportunities. With a strong emphasis on inclusive growth, decentralised cooperation, and regional integration, the Kisumu conference served as a powerful platform for mobilising resources, strengthening partnerships, and charting actionable pathways for local governments to drive Africas trade and development agenda from the ground up. Governor Lawal was invited to speak on a high-level panel discussion titled Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African and Caribbean Sub-sovereigns in recognition of his expertise and leadership. The Lagos State Government says it will resume the second phase of repair works on the OguduIfako Bridge, inbound Island, on Wednesday. Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced this in a statement on Tuesday. He explained that the project had earlier been suspended after complaints that heavy traffic around the site was being exploited by touts and traffic robbers to attack motorists. To mitigate the gridlock experienced during the earlier phase of repairs, the traffic management plan has been thoroughly reviewed, with renewed efforts to ensure completion within the shortest possible time, Mr Osiyemi said. He appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic officers, obey road signs and use alternative routes provided. Diversion plan According to the commissioner, vehicles approaching the bridge from the LagosIbadan Expressway/Toll Gate will be diverted into one lane about 50 metres before the repair zone and will regain full access 50 metres afterwards. Mr Osiyemi stated that motorists heading to Oshodi may also use the Ojota Slip Road to connect to Ikorodu Road at Anthony. Those heading to Victoria Island can use the same slip road to link Ikorodu Road by Town Planning Way, then proceed through Gbagada to the Third Mainland Bridge. Alternatively, they may continue on Ikorodu Road to Funsho Williams Avenue and use Eko Bridge. From Ikeja and nearby areas, he advised motorists to pass through Maryland to connect Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue and continue via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina. They may also connect Ikorodu Road at Anthony to access Oshodi. The Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure described the partial closure as necessary for the bridges maintenance programme and urged motorists to be patient in the interest of improved infrastructure. Repair works on the OguduIfako Bridge began on 28 June and are scheduled to end on 15 October. The project, covering 110 days in eight phases, involves structural reinforcement to improve durability and safety. The first four phases targeted the inbound Alapere section, while the final four covered inbound Oworonsoki. The works initially caused heavy congestion, with motorists spending hours in traffic for trips that usually take minutes. Enforcement The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has deployed more officers to junctions and congestion-prone points. Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the measure is aimed at easing movement and preventing gridlock. He warned against reckless driving or lane indiscipline, stressing that the rehabilitation is a strategic infrastructural investment to enhance urban mobility. Motorists are advised to report traffic incidents to LASTMA via its toll-free hotline: 0800 005 27862. Kent Hospitality Group's Flagship Restaurant Revamps Menu and Guest Experience Under New Culinary Vision NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kent Hospitality Group today announced a bold new chapter for Saga, the Michelin two-star restaurant soaring above the 63rd floor of the landmark 70 Pine Street in the Financial District. This month, acclaimed culinary visionary Chef Charlie Mitchell takes the helm, infusing one of the world's most celebrated fine dining destinations with his fresh, creative perspective. Over the past year, Chef Mitchell, 33the first Black chef in New York City to earn a Michelin star and a veteran of Eleven Madison Parkhas developed an entirely new tasting menu. His approach blends classical French technique with deeply personal influences: flavors drawn from his grandmother's Southern cooking, traditions from his Detroit upbringing, and his fondness for Japanese seafood. A deeply soulful cuisine executed with meticulous technique. Saga's transformation extends beyond the plate. A light renovation of the interiors and a fully refreshed visual identity nod to the Financial District of the 1990s, while embracing a contemporary interpretation of fine dining that reflects Chef Mitchell's cultural influences. "I'm grateful to the many great chefs who came before me, gave me opportunities, and shaped my craft people like Daniel Humm and James Kent," said Mitchell. "But I'm equally inspired by creative entrepreneurs like Virgil Abloh and Jay-Z, who mastered their craft while staying true to their roots and bringing their communities with them. I'm a kid from Detroitthat's the perspective I bring to Saga." Mitchell's appointment carries deep personal meaning. After Kent's unexpected passing in 2024, Mitchell accepted the invitation to lead his mentor's restaurantleaving his intimate 26-seat Clover Hill for this soaring dining roomto honor Kent's legacy while charting his own creative path. Kent's vision was always to empower the next generation of culinary talent and make Saga one of the best restaurants in the world, a mission Mitchell continues to pursue with unwavering dedication. In collaboration with celebrated fashion designer Sergio Hudsonknown for his bold color palettes, sharp tailoring, and modern take on power dressingSaga's staff uniforms now reinterpret the confident silhouettes of classical Wall Street through the lens of today's cultural influences. Further elevating the intersection of culinary and sartorial artistry, designer Grace Wales Bonner has also created a custom chef's jacket for Mitchell. Acclaimed architecture firm Modellus Novus has updated the interiors, further elevating the guest experience. "I've followed Charlie's career since his Clover Hill days and have always known he was a one-of-a-kind talent," said Maverick Carter, partner at Kent Hospitality Group. "When creative talent of this caliber is given a platform and empowered to fully express their vision, extraordinary things happen." The new Saga experience opened to the public on September 1st with reservations available via Resy. "Charlie is one of the most gifted chefs I've had the privilege to work alongside," said Daniel Humm, chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park. "His cooking has a rare combination of precision, creativity, and soul which makes him the perfect chef to carry the incredible legacy of Saga forward." In leading Saga as a restaurant defined not merely by accolades but by the community that sustains them, Mitchell continues Kent's ethos of authentic cultural expression executed at the highest level of culinary artistry. "I want Saga to reflect the diverse, global tastes and interests of the next generation of fine diners," said Chef Charlie Mitchell. "My approach to cooking blends classical technique with personal and cultural influences, creating an experience that tells a story and connects with people from all backgrounds." Media Contacts: Eve-Marie Kuijstermans [email protected] Taryn Bensky [email protected] Lena Touzos [email protected] Julia Lissy [email protected] SOURCE Kent Hospitality Group CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adena Heart and Vascular Institute interventional cardiologist Hafeez Hassan, MD has been named to the prestigious "30 in Their 30s" list by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI). This global honor recognizes early-career interventional cardiologists who are demonstrating exceptional clinical excellence, leadership, and a commitment to advancing patient care. Dr. Hassan was selected from a competitive pool of physicians from across the United States and abroad. "Being recognized by SCAI is both humbling and motivating," said Dr. Hassan. "It's an honor to bring international recognition to the work we're doing here in southern Ohio at Adena Heart and Vascular Institute and a reminder of the responsibility we have to deliver the very best care to our patients every day." Delivering advanced care close to home Dr. Hassan trained at nationally ranked institutions including Mount Sinai, Einstein Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University, bringing advanced expertise in high-risk coronary and peripheral vascular interventions and limb salvage to Adena when joining in 2021. He also launched Adena's acute pulmonary embolism program, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening cases, a critical advancement for patients in rural communities where travel to large academic centers can cost precious minutes in a cardiac emergency. "Access to advanced cardiovascular care should not be limited by geography," Dr. Hassan said. "I want patients in southern Ohio to know they can receive the same high-quality treatment here at Adena and close to their homes as they would in any major city hospital." He emphasized that serving a rural community drives his work. "I grew up in a small town, and I understand the challenges patients face when specialized care is far away," Dr. Hassan said. "Performing over 500 procedures a year here, I see firsthand how crucial it is to bring advanced heart care to communities like ours." Patients who experienced the difference The impact of that commitment can be seen in the lives of the people Dr. Hassan has treated. When Bernice Alexander, of Cincinnati, suffered a severe heart attack while attending the Circleville Pumpkin Show, she was rushed to Adena for emergency care. "The local community is very fortunate to have physicians such as Dr. Hassan and the skilled professional nurses and staff at Adena available close to home for those times when the unexpected happens," she said. Jesse Patterson, of New Holland, was facing a massive heart attack when he first met Dr. Hassan. "I felt like he was the best doctor in the world," Patterson recalled. "I had a lot of confidence in him." And for Kevin O'Leary, of Chillicothe, Dr. Hassan's skill proved lifesaving after a heart attack struck while he was mowing his lawn. "I say if you have heart issues, go to Adena," O'Leary said simply. Dr. Hassan describes his approach to patient care: "They're trusting me with their hearts," he said. "That's not just a procedure, it's a relationship." Shaping the future of heart care With more than 120 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Hassan is also helping shape the future of cardiovascular medicine on a national level. He currently serves on the SCAI Vascular Disease Council through 2027 and has earned recognition for his leadership in interventional cardiology. But for Dr. Hassan, the true measure of success is in the lives saved and the trust built with patients. "Every time I see a patient walk out of the hospital who might not have made it otherwise, it reaffirms why I chose this field," he said. Advanced heart care, close to you Whether it's a routine check-up or a life-saving intervention, Dr. Hassan and the Adena Heart and Vascular Institute team bring advanced heart treatment and care to their local communities. "Patients shouldn't have to travel hours for care that can save their life," Dr. Hassan said. "We're here, ready to provide the very best care, close to home." Get to know Dr. Hassan and what drives his passion for heart care at Adena.org/Faces. Adena Health Adena Health is an independent, not-for-profit health care system committed to its mission of being "called to serve our communities." For 130 years, Adena has provided high-quality, compassionate care to more than 368,000 residents across nine counties in south central and southern Ohio. The organization operates four hospitals with a total of 341 beds and employs over 3,300 individuals, including more than 400 physicians and advanced practice providers, through a network of over 40 locations. Adena offers a full range of services, including emergency and urgent care, primary and specialty care, and advanced specialties in orthopedics and sports medicine, heart and vascular care, oncology, pediatrics, and women's health. For more information, visit Adena.org. SOURCE Adena Health The so-called last universal genius, the German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz, mentioned in a 1666 document a mysterious certain Spaniard who had been a pioneer among his contemporaries in attempting to create a common language for all humanity. This enigmatic Spaniard, Leibniz recounted, had presented an ingenious method in Rome in 1653, based on converting the essential concepts of life into a kind of mathematical language, with a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals. For centuries, this revolutionary Spanish figure remained anonymous, but the historian Ramon Cenal unmasked his identity in 1946: he was Pedro Bermudo, born in 1610 in La Puebla de Montalban (Toledo) and who died in Madrid at the age of 74. A play in his town now rescues the astonishing story of this completely forgotten member of the Society of Jesus Catholic congregration, better known as the Jesuits. Bermudos proposal took up a single page. In it, he suggested grouping concepts into 44 fundamental classes, written with Roman numerals. Fish belonged to class XVI. Within each class, he included a few dozen common, specific terms, which in turn were labeled with an Arabic numeral. Hake, for example, would be XVI.12. His 44 classes reflected his personal concerns: class I was made up of the elements, such as fire, wind, and hell; class II, celestial entities, such as stars and lightning; and class III, intellectual entities, such as Jesus Christ and the soul. God was III.1; Lucifer, II.5; love, VIII.1; The unicorn, XIV.5; and beer, XX.2. When he was 43 years old, Bermudo presented his proposal in Rome with the lengthy title in Latin Arithmeticus nomenclator [Arithmetic nomenclature], mundi omnes nationes ad linguarum et sermonis unitatem invitans [inviting all the nations of the world to unity of language and discourse]. Authore linguae (quod mirere) Hispano quodam, vere, ut dicitur, muto [the author of the language being, (as you might expect), a certain Spaniard who is truly, as they say, mute]. This document has disappeared, but its existence is known thanks to another contemporary Jesuit, the German Gaspar Schott, who published an analysis of the idea, although he claimed not to remember the name of its Spanish author. Bermudo vanished from the collective memory, even in his own town. Another fellow resident of the Toledo region, Jesus Pulido, a retired professor of Spanish at the University of Warsaw (Poland), recalls that 15 years ago he was astonished to read an article in Spains ABC newspaper in which a certain Pedro Bermudo of La Puebla de Montalban, author of the first attempt in Spain to develop an artificial universal language, was mentioned in passing. The Jesuits name did not appear in any history book about Toledo. Pulido began to investigate obsessively and in 2011 he published everything he discovered in an article in the local magazine, Cronicas, in which he denounced the unforgivable centuries-long neglect in his hometown. Bermudo went on to become Attorney General of the Indies at the Court of Madrid, a kind of representative of the Americas before the Spanish monarchy, yet for all that, his name had been erased from history. Playwright Luis Maria Garcia, from the La Recua theater company, recalls reading that article and being inspired to create a play entitled Pedro Bermudo, or the Language of God. Dressed in a floor-length black cassock, during a dress rehearsal, the actor who plays the Jesuit recalls the biblical passage of the Tower of Babel, in which a supreme being disperses humans and confuses their languages so they cannot build a structure that reaches heaven. When, due to our pride at Babel, God punished us by making us unable to understand each other by speaking a thousand languages, I have always wondered: What language was spoken before that punishment? Without a doubt, a universal language, the language of God, proclaims actor David Lopez to artistic director Maria Elena Diardes. Rehearsal for 'Pedro Bermudo, or the Language of God' at the convent in La Puebla de Montalban. Fernando Melara Rivera We were punished, we must repent and make amends, reject all differences, and return to speaking a single language, the language of God, proposes the theatrical version of Pedro Bermudo. The play was performed until August 31 in the courtyard of the Franciscan convent in La Puebla de Montalban, as part of the Celestina Festival, a series of events in which the entire town becomes a stage and which reached its peak on Saturday night, when the townspeople performed the famous play La Celestina, the 1499 tragicomedy attributed to another townsman, Fernando de Rojas. Bermudos universal language was saved thanks to Gaspar Schott, who detailed it in his 1664 book Technica curiosa. This German Jesuit recounted that he had met a man in Rome who had published, on a single unfolded sheet, a new artifice, by which the languages of all the nations and peoples of the world and all the methods of writing, however diverse can be reduced to one. Schott detailed the system and its vocabulary: the plebs were IV.13; a concubine, III.16; an elephant, XIV.2; the brain, XVII.2. However, he omitted an essential piece of information. The author of the artifice [...] is a learned and ingenious man of our Society [of Jesus], a Spaniard by nation, whose name I have forgotten, he stated. The mathematician Leibniz, obsessed with a universal language, learned about the Spaniards proposal through Schott, without ever knowing who was behind it. The key was hidden in the title of the 1653 page itself: Authore linguae (quod mirere) Hispano quodam, vere, ut dicitur, muto. A truly mute author authore vere muto or Bermudo. The solution to the enigma was published in 1946 by the Jesuit historian Ramon Cenal, in an article in the magazine Pensamiento, entitled An anonymous Spaniard cited by Leibniz. But was Bermudo truly mute, or was it just a play on words? Franciscan convent of La Puebla de Montalban, in Toledo. Maxtra TV The expert Gerhard Strasser is convinced that Bermudo was truly deaf and mute, and that this characteristic shaped his universal language. Strasser, a professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University (USA), recalls the historical context. Latin was beginning to lose its dominance as a global language, especially in regions where the Protestant Reformation movement identified it with the language of corrupt popes. Several Catholic scholars focused on creating a substitute for what was beginning to be considered a suspect means of communication, notes Strasser, who studied Bermudos case for the book The History of Information Security (2007). At the same time, communication in the newly evangelized areas, particularly in South America, clearly demonstrated the limits of Latin as a lingua franca with the native inhabitants of those territories, the professor emphasizes. Several Jesuits, such as the German Atanasio Kircher in 1663 and the Frenchman Philippe Labbe that same year, began proposing new universal languages. Bermudo had done so a decade earlier. The unique feature of his system was the division of the known world into 44 classes, which were probably influenced by manuals for the instruction of the deaf in 17th-century Spain, Strasser speculates. There was one class for birds (XV), another for trees (XXX), another for metals (XXVI), and another for places (XXXVII). Hispania was XXXVII.2. Actor David Lopez during a rehearsal. Fernando Melara Rivera The worlds first manual on the art of teaching the mute to speak was published in Madrid in 1620, authored by Juan de Pablo Bonet, an official of the Spanish Crown. Incest at court resulted in a large number of deaf-mutes, who, due to their noble status, had to be cared for with the help of these combinatorial languages, whose individual words could be combined to create the Bermudo language, Strasser hypothesizes. Pedro Bermudo, the deaf-mute, was at the forefront of the development of new mathematical-combinatorial languages that significantly influenced philosophical thought in the second half of the 17th century, highlights the Pennsylvania State University expert. Professor Jesus Pulido, however, believes that the truly mute author was simply a joke. In the play, Pedro Bermudo is not mute. In the courtyard of the Franciscan convent in La Puebla de Montalban, the cassock-clad Lopez, under the shade of a medlar tree, solemnly repeats a phrase: We were punished, we must repent and make amends, reject all differences, and return to speaking a single language, the language of God. Or III.1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Featuring 100 versatile styles in three ultra-soft fabrics, the collection marks the expansion of Adore Me's loungewear category, and their debut in men's underwear NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adore Me, a trailblazing lingerie and lifestyle brand known for making style accessible, has teamed up with model, entrepreneur, and style icon Jordyn Woods to launch the SOFT TOUCH Collection, available today at adoreme.com. Jordyn Woods x Adore Me: SOFT TOUCH Collection The collection, titled "SOFT TOUCH", captures Jordyn in her truest form, radiating confidence, femininity, and ease in pieces designed to feel as good as they look. With lingerie-inspired details, the SOFT TOUCH Collection blurs the line between lingerie and loungewear with 100 mix-and-match styles across three ultra-soft fabrics: Jersey, Pointelle, and Rib. The collection marks two firsts for Adore Me: its debut affordable loungewear range and the introduction of men's underwear with coordinating boxer shorts. The new line offers bralettes, underwear, cami tops, wrap tops, V-neck and square-neck tees, onesies, wide-leg pants and rompers. For VIP members, the entire collection (available in sizes XSXL) is priced under $50, with some select styles as low as $8.95. "Feeling comfortable in what I'm wearing is so important to me," says Woods. "It impacts my confidence and how I feel about myself. This collection is called SOFT TOUCH for a reason! The fabrics are so plush and cozy you won't want to take them off." Every item in the collection is available in three novelty fabrics, all of which include soft lace trim and elevated neutral tones that move seamlessly from lounging at home to running errands or traveling. The jersey fabric is smooth and timeless to drape against the skin, the pointelle knit is more cozy and adds a bit of texture to your look, and the rib knit is perfect for blending modern style with comfort. Whether styled as a matching set or layered into everyday looks, each piece offers a tactile experience that embodies the line's core message: so soft, so comfortable, so feminine. "Adore Me is rooted in lingerie, which requires a lot of attention to detail and we've carried that over to the fit of our loungewear. Fabrics were our starting point, because comfort starts with how a product feels against your skin. With SOFT TOUCH we're introducing our most comfortable styles (including men's underwear) at our most comfortable price point, with all items priced under $50 for VIP members." - Dani Huxley, Assortment Director at Adore Me The SOFT TOUCH Collection is now live at adoreme.com, and will be available online at Macy's, Nordstrom, and Target starting September 8th. To celebrate the launch, Adore Me will host an exclusive influencer dinner on September 10th in New York City, bringing together top-tier media and creators to experience the collection firsthand. SHOP THE COLLECTION: http://www.adoreme.com/soft-touch-collection About Adore Me Founded in 2011 as an online lingerie startup, Adore Me has evolved into a DTC lingerie and apparel brand serving women of all sizes and budgets at all phases of life. The brand is transforming the way we shop with a pioneering Home Try-On commerce service, a series of innovation-driven products, and a mission of making sustainable shopping accessible to all, becoming the first Certified B Corporation intimate apparel brand in the U.S. As of December 2022, Adore Me joined the Victoria's Secret & Co. family of brands. Contact: Tiffany Cummins Talent Resources 925-212-4200 [email protected] SOURCE Adore Me SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This September, Anycubic celebrates its 10th anniversary, a milestone that marks a decade of technological advancement and a shared journey with a global community of creators. What began as a small team assembling its first prototype in a humid Shenzhen office has grown into a leading force in consumer 3D printing, empowering innovation in over 200 countries and regions. Anycubic 10th Anniversary - 10 years. Millions of makers. Countless stories. Founded in 2015 as consumer 3D printing was taking its first steps, Anycubic's growth to a community of nearly 5 million users has been guided by a simple principle: listen. The company's product evolution has been driven not by technology alone, but by the vital feedback of artists, educators, engineers, and hobbyists, ensuring that every innovation solves a real need. "Ten years on, what matters most isn't the machines we've built, but the people using them," said James Ouyang, co-founder and CTO of Anycubic. "Our goal has always been simple: make 3D printing easier, more reliable, and open to everyoneand we're just getting started." Twin Pillars of Innovation: FDM and Resin Anycubic's strategy rests on two core product families: the Kobra filament (FDM) series and the Photon resin series. Together, they anchor a comprehensive ecosystem supported by dedicated consumables, accessories like wash and cure stations, and in-house software such as Anycubic Slicer Next, culminating in the Makeronline community platform that connects and inspires users worldwide. Recent years have delivered key breakthroughs. In 2024, the launch of the Kobra 3 Combo brought advanced multi-color printing into the sub-$1,000 range, making a once niche technology broadly accessible. Later that year, the Kobra S1 Combo debuted with a fully enclosed CoreXY motion system, combining high-speed, precision, and up to eight-color printing in a fully enclosed, user-friendly machine. These launches crystallized the company's mission: to democratize advanced 3D printing features for the many, not the few. Market Success and Critical Acclaim This vision has found resounding validation in the market. The Kobra 3 Combo rapidly dominated multi-color 3D printer sales on Amazon US, reinforcing Anycubic's leading position across Europe. The unveiling of the Kobra S1 Combo at Formnext Frankfurt 2024 generated unprecedented interest, driving traffic to Anycubic's official website to more than double the combined total of the previous two years. Beyond commercial success, Anycubic has consistently been recognized by industry experts and publications like Forbes, CNET, and Tom's Hardware for its balance of quality, reliability, and affordability. The company's commitment to thoughtful design has been affirmed by prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, and A'Design Award. This collective recognition underscores a broad consensus: Anycubic has earned the trust of both professionals and everyday makers. "As we step into our second decade, we aim to make Anycubic not only a printer provider, but a trusted partner in every maker's creative journeyfrom classrooms to studios to workshops," said Ancen, VP of Anycubic. This spirit of partnership defines how Anycubic is celebrating its 10th anniversary with its community. A Month of Celebration To express gratitude to its global community, Anycubic is rolling out special 10th-anniversary promotions with discounts of up to 50% off, together with creative campaigns under the theme "Love and Share" throughout Septembercelebrating not just technology, but the connections and ideas that unite makers worldwide. From September 2nd to October 8th, customers purchasing selected printer models will receive an extended warranty on vulnerable parts, while Anycubic's partnership with Seel ensures triple protection against loss, damage, and delay for online ordersadding peace of mind to every celebration. As Anycubic enters its second decade, its focus is not only on advancing technology, but on helping imagination find formempowering makers everywhere to turn their boldest ideas into realityprinting the future, one layer at a time. SOURCE ANYCUBIC STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden's application for a mining concession for the Laver deposit has today been granted by the Swedish Mining Authority. The concession grants the right to extract copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum. "We naturally welcome this news. The Laver deposit has the potential to make a substantial contribution, particularly to Europe's copper supply. Further development of the Laver deposit will now commence, including additional exploration, technical studies, and environmental investigations," says Stefan Romedahl, Director of Boliden Mines. In addition to a mining concession, an environmental permit, including a Natura 2000 permit, is also required before a final investment decision can be made. The decision to grant the mining concession application can be appealed to the government within three weeks. Boliden publishes information regarding mineral resources and mineral reserves at: https://www.boliden.com/operations/exploration/mineral-reserves-and-mineral-resources/ For further information, please contact: Klas Nilsson Director Group Communications +46 70 453 65 88 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/boliden/r/application-for-mining-concession-for-laver-granted,c4228380 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/997/4228380/3643862.pdf Press release SOURCE Boliden Complimentary Launch Party on September 18 to Showcase New Treatment SAVAGE, Minn., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Individuals seeking a science-backed and non-invasive treatment for depression, anxiety or mental fog can now find help at Arise Medical & Wellness in Savage, Minnesota. Arise Medical & Wellness, a practice delivering affordable, accessible, and patient-centered care, is now offering EXOMIND, a medication-free treatment that boosts mental health and emotional wellness. "Burnout, depression and anxiety abound these days," says Dr. Nana Wilmot-Desouza, Owner and Founder of Arise Medical and Wellness and a physician Triple Board-Certified in Family, Lifestyle and Obesity Medicine. "We are thrilled to be able to offer the EXOMIND technology, an FDA-cleared treatment for depression that has been proven to result in improved moods and greater emotional resilience," adds Dr. Wilmot-Desouza, a tireless advocate for whole-person care. With EXOMIND, the applicator is placed on the head and uses magnetic pulses to stimulate or suppress brain activity. The technology addresses key brain areas involved in emotional regulation, cognitive function and self-control. To maximize results, doctors recommend a treatment twice a week for three weeks. An additional benefit? Research shows many patients experience reduced food cravings. Then there is Emsculpt NEO, a treatment using muscle activation and heat to burn up to 30% fat and build up to 25% muscle in hard-to-treat areas. For incontinence, Arise Medical & Wellness offers EMSELLA, a non-invasive device using muscle activation to strengthen the pelvic floor. Patients sit fully clothed on the EMSELLA chair for 28-minute sessions. The procedure has a 98% patient satisfaction rate for restoring bladder function. Arise Medical & Wellness, specializing in customized healthcare plans that blend evidence-based medicine with holistic wellness approaches, is offering an EXOMIND launch party on September 18th from 4PM 7PM at 7447 Egan Dr., STE 207, Savage, MN, 55378. Attendees can discover EXOMIND and demo several technologies as well as enjoy refreshments, raffle prizes and elite pricing. To RSVP, call (952) 522-6344. Additional information can be found at www.arisewellnessmed.com SOURCE Arise Medical & Wellness BEIJING, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, we observe the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression--a pivotal part of the World Anti-Fascist War. China's contribution to the Allied victory was bolstered by extensive international support. As we commemorate this milestone in 2025, we are called to remember history, honor the heroes who fell, cherish peace and strive for a more promising future. Against the backdrop of a global landscape marked by turbulence and transformation, we must learn from history to promote peace, development and cooperation. An ancient Chinese saying goes, "To understand the present, study history; to foresee the future, look to the past." It comes from the Guanzi, an ancient Chinese text attributed to Guan Zhong, a prominent statesman and philosopher during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.). The sentence intends to convey that when confused by current affairs, look to history for answers; when uncertain of the future, seek guidance from the past. On December 13, 2014, President Xi Jinping quoted the classic line in his address at the national memorial ceremony for the victims of the winter 1937-38 Nanjing Massacre, during which invading Japanese forces killed approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers in Nanjing, then capital of China. He noted that the hardships of war suffered following the start of China's modern era, which began with its defeat in the Opium War of 1840, have given the Chinese people a deeper appreciation for peace. He firmly rejected the law of the jungle and militarism as paths to coexistence, asserting instead that peace and cooperation are the enduring drivers of human progress. From the September 18 Incident in 1931, or the start of imperial Japan's invasion of China, to the full-scale war ignited by the July 7 Incident in 1937, and finally to Japan's unconditional surrender in 1945, the Chinese people waged a fearless 14-year struggle. They sustained catastrophic losses, with over 35 million military and civilian casualties, before securing a great victory. Through tremendous national sacrifice, China established itself as a major Eastern theater of the World Anti-Fascist War and contributed immensely to its victory. At the same time, the Chinese people will forever cherish the invaluable support extended by countries, peoples and organizations across the globe that stand for peace and justice. The American "Flying Tigers," all volunteer pilots, braved dangerous conditions to open and secure the Hump air route over the Himalayas, ensuring the continuous transport of essential strategic supplies to China. Canadian doctor Norman Bethune and Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis came to China to save lives. German businessman John Rabe and Danish national Bernhard Sindberg, a supervisor at a cement plant on the outskirts of Nanjing, protected Chinese refugees during the Nanjing Massacre. British professor Michael Lindsay and European journalist Hans Shippe courageously told the world about China's resistance. The victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a triumph achieved by the Chinese people fighting shoulder to shoulder with other Allied nations and peace-loving people across the globe. History has proven that justice will always defeat evil and peace will ultimately prevail over war. By safeguarding the truth of history and cherishing the fruits of peace, we ensure that justice endures and peace prevails for generations to come. Today, facing changes unseen in a century and a global landscape entangled in turbulence and transformation, looking back at history in the spirit of upholding peace, development and win-win cooperation is highly relevant. The Chinese people will stand together with people around the world to firmly defend the victorious outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War. All should be committed to safeguarding the international system centered on the UN and the international order based on international law. Together, we will tirelessly work toward building a community with a shared future for humanity and continue contributing to the noble cause of global peace and development. https://youtu.be/KU6A5nSTH4w Comments to [email protected] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cachinachic/video/7545309158824742175?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7227134149436605995 X: https://x.com/BeijingReview/status/1962699660016975964 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1328935455285311/ Weibo: https://weibo.com/1719349955/Q2FLwstS0 Website: http://www.bjreview.com/Multimedia/Video/Wisdom_Without_Borders/202509/t20250902_800413624.html SOURCE Beijing Review Chunghwa Telecom is recognized for its customer-centric innovation, digital transformation, and sustained strategic execution across Taiwan's telecom landscape. SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Chunghwa Telecom has received the 2025 Taiwan Company of the Year Recognition in the telecom industry for its outstanding achievements in technology innovation, customer value enhancement, and market leadership. This highlights Chunghwa Telecom's consistent commitment to delivering measurable impact, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in Taiwan's digital transformation journey. This highlights Chunghwa Telecoms consistent commitment to delivering measurable impact, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in Taiwans digital transformation journey. "Chunghwa Telecom's strategic foresight and execution have positioned it at the forefront of Taiwan's telecom sector. The company's advancements in AI, 5G, and sustainable broadcasting services show a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations and technological trends," said Mei Lee Quah, senior director of ICT research at Frost & Sullivan. Guided by a forward-looking strategy grounded in innovation, Chunghwa Telecom has remained responsive to shifting market dynamics. Its investments in AI data centers (AIDC), open RAN, and cloud-native infrastructure reflect a clear intent to lead domestically and across international markets. This adaptability has allowed the company to export smart solutions to Poland, Thailand, and Indonesiademonstrating the global relevance of Taiwan-developed telecom applications. Innovation remains core to Chunghwa Telecom's mission. The company's proprietary video streaming technology, showcased during its 4K broadcast of the 2024 Summer Olympics via Hami Video, redefined viewer engagement through augmented reality (AR), real-time athlete interaction, and AI-powered personalization. These capabilities enhanced the user experience and increased daily active users and video-on-demand traffic. The company's customer-centric approach is further reflected in its AI-driven fraud detection tools, such as SIM swap and roaming status APIs, which offer enhanced user security in collaboration with Taiwan's financial institutions. These proactive measures have successfully blocked millions of spoofed international calls, establishing Chunghwa Telecom as a responsible and reliable digital enabler. Frost & Sullivan commends Chunghwa Telecom for setting a high bar in telecom excellence through its blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and customer-first design. The company's ability to integrate ESG principles, including carbon footprint-certified set-top boxes and rural digital inclusion initiatives, reinforces its role as a socially conscious industry leader. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year Recognition to an organization that demonstrates exemplary strategy development and implementation, resulting in meaningful improvements in market position, customer satisfaction, and business performance. The recognition spotlights organizations that are shaping the future of their industries through innovation, resilience, and excellence in execution. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tarini Singh E: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berger Montague PC is investigating claims under the federal securities laws against Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI) ("Fiserv" or the "Company"), a financial technology and payment solutions provider headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, after a class action lawsuit was filed against Fiserv. Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired Fiserv securities between July 24, 2024 and July 22, 2025 (the "Class Period") may, no later than September 22, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE . The lawsuit alleges that Fiserv and certain executives overstated the Company's growth by failing to disclose, among other things, that its new payment platform, Clover, was experiencing a boost in revenue growth and gross payment volumes because the Company was forcing merchants to transition from its legacy Payeezy platform. Investors learned the Company's true financial picture following a series of disclosures which culminated on July 23, 2025, when Fiserv lowered its 2025 organic growth projections and confirmed that decelerated growth in its Merchant segment. On these announcements, Fiserv's share price declined dramatically. Berger Montague encourages investors who purchased Fiserv securities during the Class Period to contact the firm to learn more about their rights and potential remedies prior to the lead plaintiff deadline of September 22, 2025. About Berger Montague Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Malvern, and Toronto, has been a pioneer in securities class action litigation since its founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. For more information or to discuss your rights, please contact: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 [email protected] Caitlin Adorni Berger Montague (267) 764-4865 [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearCam, Inc., a surgical innovation company dedicated to advancing visualization in minimally invasive surgery, today announced the appointment of Rachel Medbery, MD as the first member of its newly formed Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Medbery is a twice board-certified thoracic surgeon at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and a nationally respected voice in surgical innovation and education. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges faced in high-stakes surgical environments. Rachel L. Medbery, MD | Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University "The creation of our Medical Advisory Board marks an important next chapter for ClearCam," said John Uecker, MD, FACS, Co-Founder and CEO. "We're building this board to be an active, thoughtful, and forward-looking partner in our mission and Dr. Medbery is exactly the kind of clinician we want to collaborate with. Her insights will be critical as we expand our reach and continue designing products that solve real-world surgical problems." ClearCam's flagship product, ClearScope, is a sterile, single-use, in-vivo lens cleaner that restores clarity during laparoscopic surgery while minimizing procedural interruptions by eliminating the need to remove the scope. By helping maintain surgical momentum, ClearScope reduces procedure interruptions, improves visualization, and enhances the overall quality of care. "Maintaining clear visualization in minimally invasive surgery is not just a convenience, it's essential to surgical momentum, precision, and safety," said Dr. Rachel Medbery. "ClearScope is one of those rare innovations that's elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful. I'm honored to join ClearCam's Medical Advisory Board and support their mission to improve every case." The Medical Advisory Board will play a critical role in guiding ClearCam's clinical priorities, informing its product development roadmap, and helping the company stay deeply aligned with the needs of the surgical community. "This isn't just a ceremonial board, we're building a team of active partners who believe in what we're doing and want to help shape the future of surgical visualization," added Dr. Uecker. "Dr. Medbery sets a high bar, and we're thrilled to begin this journey with her." To learn more about ClearScope or request a demonstration, visit www.clearcam-med.com. ClearCam Contact: Douglas Stoakley ClearCam, Inc. [email protected] 888-863-8128 SOURCE ClearCam Inc. The Clostridioides difficile infection market is predicted to boost mainly owing to an increased aging population, increased focus on R&D on antimicrobial resistance solutions, ongoing public health initiatives, and approval/adoption of next-generation therapies that address both recurrence and antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, CDI prophylactic vaccines are expected to contribute to the market growth for CDI over the forecast period (20252034). LAS VEGAS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, Clostridioides difficile infection emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Summary According to DelveInsight's analysis, the market size for Clostridioides difficile infection was found to be around USD 500 million in the leading markets [ the United States , the EU4 ( Germany , France , Italy , and Spain ), the United Kingdom , and Japan ] in 2024. The current Clostridioides difficile infection market is dominated by DIFICID (fidaxomicin), the first antibacterial antibiotic to be approved in the US in over 25 years ( May 27, 2011 ). infection was found to be around in the leading markets [ , the EU4 ( , , , and ), the , and ] in 2024. The current infection market is dominated by DIFICID (fidaxomicin), the first antibacterial antibiotic to be approved in the US in over 25 years ( ). The burden of Clostridioides difficile Infection is highest in the US, followed by EU4 and the UK, with the US representing the largest patient pool for Clostridioides difficile Infection. Incidence trends and disease patterns vary between countries due to differences in diagnostic practices , healthcare infrastructure , and surveillance systems . The total number of incident cases of Clostridioides difficile Infection in the 7MM was around 610,800 in 2024. Infection is highest in the US, followed by EU4 and the UK, with the US representing the largest patient pool for Infection. Incidence trends and disease patterns vary between countries due to , , and . The total number of incident cases of in the 7MM was around in 2024. Healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile Infection (HA-CDI) cases have declined in regions such as the US, EU4, and Japan , driven by stronger infection control measures, reduced antibiotic misuse, and improved diagnostic practices. These efforts have also reduced the prevalence of the hypervirulent ribotype 027 strain. In contrast, the UK has seen a rise in Clostridioides difficile Infection cases, likely linked to increased overall antimicrobial use in recent years. Infection (HA-CDI) cases have declined in regions such as the US, EU4, and , driven by stronger infection control measures, reduced antibiotic misuse, and improved diagnostic practices. These efforts have also reduced the prevalence of the hypervirulent ribotype 027 strain. In contrast, the UK has seen a rise in Clostridioides difficile Infection cases, likely linked to increased overall antimicrobial use in recent years. Merck's ZINPLAVA was discontinued in January 2025 , despite its clinical value, particularly when used in combination with antibiotic regimens. Merck has not cited any specific reason for ZINPLAVA's withdrawal. , despite its clinical value, particularly when used in combination with antibiotic regimens. Merck has not cited any specific reason for ZINPLAVA's withdrawal. Leading Clostridioides difficile infection companies developing emerging therapies, such as Mikrobiomik, Vedanta Biosciences, Lumen Bioscience, Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Crestone, Destiny Pharma, Immuron , Sebela Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer , Idorsia, and others, are developing new Clostridioides difficile Infection treatment drugs that can be available in the Clostridioides Difficile infection market in the coming years. infection companies developing emerging therapies, such as , , and others, are developing new Infection treatment drugs that can be available in the infection market in the coming years. The promising Clostridioides Difficile infection therapies in clinical trials include MBK-01 , VE303 , LMN-201 , Ibezapolstat , CRS3123 , NTCD-M3 (VP20621), PF-07831694 , IDOR-1134-2831 and others. infection therapies in clinical trials include , , , , , (VP20621), , and others. In the EU, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has not been approved. Mikrobiomik' MBK-01 is expected to become Europe's " first intestinal microbiota-based biologic ". It is the only emerging single-dose therapeutic agent for the treatment of primary and recurrent CDI. is expected to become " ". It is the only emerging single-dose therapeutic agent for the treatment of primary and recurrent CDI. The limited availability of parenteral Clostridioides difficile Infection therapies presents a clear opportunity for innovation. Many patients are unable to receive oral treatment due to clinical constraints; however, current non-oral options remain limited to intravenous metronidazole or localized vancomycin delivery, highlighting a critical gap in accessible, effective alternatives. Infection therapies presents a clear opportunity for innovation. Many patients are unable to receive oral treatment due to clinical constraints; however, current non-oral options remain limited to intravenous metronidazole or localized vancomycin delivery, highlighting a critical gap in accessible, effective alternatives. With their investigational vaccines, companies such as Pfizer (PF-07831694) and Idorsia (IDOR-1134-2831) are planning to tap the prevention of Clostridioides difficile Infection market. Discover the CDI new treatment @ New Treatments for CDI Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) Market Aging CDI population and at-risk groups Advanced age, frequent hospital exposure, comorbidities, and immunosuppression are major risk factors for CDI. Global population aging and increased hospital/long-term care use concentrate vulnerable patients, thereby enlarging the addressable CDI market. According to DelveInsight analysis, in 2024, the incidence of CDI in the US was estimated at approximately 184,000 cases in individuals aged 65 years and older. Need for next-generation CDI therapies and vaccines With vancomycin's efficacy declining due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, there is a clear need for next-generation treatments. While current therapies reduce recurrence, a significant opportunity exists to expand preventive strategies, including CDI vaccines, which hold considerable clinical and economic promise despite the limited number of candidates currently in development. Ibezapolstat: A dual advantage in CDI treatment Ibezapolstat demonstrates a dual benefit of clinical efficacy comparable to that of standard-of-care antibiotics, while preserving and positively modulating the gut microbiome an increasingly significant advantage as microbiome restoration therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and live biotherapeutics, gain traction in managing recurrent CDI by addressing underlying dysbiosis. Expanding CDI pipeline The CDI pipeline includes several drugs in mid- to late-stage development that are anticipated to gain approval soon. The evolving landscape features a broad spectrum of therapeutic options, such as MBK-01 (Mikrobiomik), VE303 (Vedanta Biosciences), and LMN-201 (Lumen Bioscience), among others. The anticipated launch of these therapies is likely to drive further positive momentum in the market. Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Analysis Clostridioides difficile infection continues to pose a major public health burden globally, particularly within healthcare environments. Although diagnostic and treatment approaches have progressed, the CDI market still faces substantial therapeutic challenges, most notably the high recurrence rate, which impacts 2545% of patients depending on disease severity and recurrence history. Over the past decade, treatment options have evolved; once dominated by metronidazole and vancomycin, the standard of care has shifted toward fidaxomicin (approved in 2011) due to its targeted, narrow-spectrum activity. Key therapies currently shaping the CDI treatment space include DIFICID, VOWST, and REBYOTA. In a notable development, Merck withdrew ZINPLAVA from the market in January 2025, signaling a shift in the treatment landscape. ZINPLAVA, approved by the FDA in October 2016, was introduced as a monoclonal antibody targeting toxin B, designed to prevent recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) in high-risk adults. DIFICID (fidaxomicin), initially approved in 2011 for adults with CDI, extended its label in 2020 to include children as young as 6 months, solidifying its role as a frontline treatment. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), previously limited to investigational use, has since become a regulated therapeutic approach. While off-label use in the US began around 2008 to prevent recurrent CDI, challenges such as variability in spore composition due to donor differences remain. Nevertheless, leading guidelines in the US and Europe recommend FMT after the second recurrence. Recently, two FDA-approved FMT-based treatments, VOWST (by Seres Therapeutics and Nestle) and REBYOTA (by Ferring Pharmaceuticals), have emerged as approved preventive therapies for rCDI. REBYOTA, the first FDA-approved FMT product (approved in 2022), is rectally administered and, despite its less convenient route, is widely used in institutions for its affordability, single-dose format, and first-mover advantage. In contrast, VOWST is an oral, microbiota-based live biotherapeutic product (LBP) that has gained substantial market traction due to its convenient administration and proven efficacy. To know more about FDA-approved drugs for CDI, visit @ Approved CDI Treatment Clostridioides difficile Infection Competitive Landscape The CDI pipeline possesses some drugs in mid- and late-stage development to be approved in the near future. The CDI drugs landscape holds a diverse range of therapeutic alternatives for treatment, including MBK-01 (Mikrobiomik), VE303 (Vedanta Biosciences), LMN-201 (Lumen Bioscience), Ibezapolstat (Acurx Pharmaceuticals), and others. MBK-01 is an investigational therapy derived from faecal microbiota transplantation, offering a promising alternative to current treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection. It is the first microbiota-based biologic approved in the EU, developed as Full-spectrum Purified Intestinal Microbiota (FSPIM) and formulated into lyophilized oral capsules. In February 2025, Mikrobiomik announced a key milestone with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approving its Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) for MBK-01, targeting CDI treatment in children. Earlier, In January 2025, the company received top recognition at the Quality Innovation Awards 2024, winning both the "Best Innovation in the Healthcare Sector" and the overall "Innovation of Innovations" award. According to Mikrobiomik's development timeline, submission of the Clinical Trial Dossier (CTD) and Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for MBK-01 is planned for 2026, with a commercial launch expected in 2027. VE303, developed by Vedanta Biosciences, is a potential first-in-class live biotherapeutic for the prevention of recurrent CDI. It is an orally delivered, defined bacterial consortium composed of eight precisely selected strains. Unlike donor-derived products, VE303 is produced from pure clonal bacterial cell banks, resulting in a consistent powdered formulation that eliminates variability associated with donor fecal material. The ongoing Phase III RESTORATiVE303 trial is assessing VE303's safety and efficacy in rCDI patients and is intended to support a future Biologics License Application (BLA) submission to the US FDA. VE303 was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) in 2017 and Fast Track Designation (FTD) in 2023 by the FDA for the prevention of rCDI. Ibezapolstat, a novel oral antibiotic under development by Acurx Pharmaceuticals, belongs to a new class of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors. It targets C. difficile specifically, while preserving beneficial gut bacteria, such as other Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, to help maintain microbiome balance. In June 2025, Acurx published results from its Phase IIb clinical trial in Lancet Microbe, highlighting the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and microbiome outcomes of ibezapolstat versus vancomycin in adults with CDI. Additionally, in January 2025, Acurx received favorable regulatory feedback from the EMA for its Phase III clinical program for ibezapolstat. The agency also confirmed the regulatory path toward a future MAA submission upon successful trial completion. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the Clostridioides difficile infection market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the Clostridioides difficile infection market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about Clostridioides difficile infection drugs in development @ Clostridioides difficile Infection Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Clostridioides difficile Infection Market In June 2025 , a significant advancement in the development of Idorsia's first bacterial vaccine for Clostridioides difficile Infection, which is based on the company's synthetic glycan chemistry platform, was reported. Initial data showed that their C. dfficile vaccine is well-tolerated and showed immunogenicity in a Phase I study. , a significant advancement in the development of for Infection, which is based on the company's synthetic glycan chemistry platform, was reported. Initial data showed that their vaccine is well-tolerated and showed immunogenicity in a Phase I study. In April 2025 , Lumen Bioscience announced the achievement of a 100% clinical cure rate for CDI in the sentinel cohort (Part A) of its REPREVE clinical trial, with LMN-201. announced the achievement of a 100% clinical cure rate for CDI in the sentinel cohort (Part A) of its REPREVE clinical trial, with LMN-201. In February 2025 , Mikrobiomik announced it had reached a new milestone upon receiving the approval of the Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) from the EMA for the treatment of CDI in paediatric patients . , Mikrobiomik announced it had reached a new milestone upon receiving the approval of the from the EMA for the treatment of CDI in . In January 2025 , Merck officially discontinued ZINPLAVA injection, used to prevent the rCDI. officially discontinued ZINPLAVA injection, used to prevent the rCDI. In January 2025 , Vedanta Biosciences announced the publication of additional results from the Phase II CONSORTIUM study for its lead candidate, VE303, which is being evaluated for the prevention of rCDI. Clostridioides difficile Infection Overview Clostridioides difficile infection is a severe gastrointestinal disease caused by toxin-producing C. difficile bacteria, commonly associated with the use of antibiotics and healthcare environments. It manifests as either healthcare-associated (HA-CDI) or community-associated (CA-CDI) infections and can range in severity from mild diarrhea to severe, potentially fatal colitis. CDI poses a major public health challenge due to its high recurrence rate and the significant strain it places on healthcare systems. Diagnostic approaches have evolved. The widespread adoption of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) initially led to a rise in reported cases. However, to curb overdiagnosis, there is now a greater focus on diagnostic stewardship, with a renewed emphasis on confirming positive NAAT results using toxin Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology Segmentation The Clostridioides difficile infection epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current Clostridioides difficile infection patient pool and forecasted trends for the 7MM. It helps recognize the causes of current and forecasted patient trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. The Clostridioides difficile infection market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20202034 in the 7MM, segmented into: Total Incident Cases of CDI by Type (HA-CDI and CA-CDI) Gender-specific Incident Cases of CDI Severity-specific Incident Cases of CDI Age-specific Incident Cases of CDI CDI Treated, Recurrent (mortality-adjusted) Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Clostridioides difficile Infection Market CAGR in the 7MM 13.5 % Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size in the 7MM (2024) USD 500 million Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Companies Mikrobiomik, Vedanta Biosciences, Lumen Bioscience, Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Crestone, Destiny Pharma, Sebela Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Merck & Co., Tillotts Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Seres Therapeutics, Nestle Health Science, Idorsia, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Exeliom Biosciences, AstraZeneca, NuBiyota, Micropharm and others Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Therapies MBK-01, VE303, LMN-201, Ibezapolstat, CRS3123, NTCD-M3 (VP20621), PF-07831694, DIFICID/DIFICLIR/DAFCLIR, VOWST, REBYOTA, IDOR-1134-283, and others Scope of the Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Clostridioides difficile Infection current marketed and emerging therapies Clostridioides difficile Infection current marketed and emerging therapies Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving Clostridioides difficile infection market trends @ Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Forecast Table of Contents 1 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Key Insights 2 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 CDI Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Clinical Landscape Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 6.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of CDI by Class in 2024 6.3 Market Share (%) Distribution of CDI by Class in 2034 7 Disease Background and Overview of CDI 7.1 Introduction to CDI 7.2 Symptoms Associated With CDI 7.3 Clostridioides difficile Infection Causes 7.4 Clostridioides difficile Infection Risk Factors 7.5 Pathophysiology of CDI 7.6 Clinical Manifestations 7.7 Infection Prevention and Control 7.8 Clostridioides difficile Infection Diagnosis 7.9 Clostridioides difficile Infection Treatment 7.10 Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines 8 Clostridioides difficile Infection Epidemiology and Patient Population 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: The 7MM 8.3 Total Population at Risk of Developing CDI in the 7MM 8.4 Total Incident Cases of CDI in the 7MM 8.5 The United States 8.5.1 Incident Cases of CDI in the US by Type (HA-CDI and CA-CDI) 8.5.2 Gender-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.3 Severity-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.4 Age-specific Incident Cases of CDI in the US 8.5.5 CDI Treated, Recurrent, and Mortality Patient Pool in the US 8.6 EU4 and the UK 8.7 Japan 9 Patient Journey of CDI 10 Marketed Clostridioides difficile Infection Therapies 10.1 Key Cross of Marketed Therapies 10.2 DIFICID/DIFICLIR/DAFCLIR (fidaxomicin): Merck & Co./Tillotts Pharma/Astellas Pharma 10.2.1 Product Description 10.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 10.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.4 Summary of Pivotaltrial 10.2.5 Analyst Views 10.3 VOWST: Seres Therapeutics/Nestle Health Science 10.4 REBYOTA: Ferring Pharmaceuticals 11 Emerging Clostridioides difficile Infection Drugs 11.1 Key Cross Competition 11.2 MBK-01: Mikrobiomik 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Development Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 VE303: Vedanta Biosciences 11.4 LMN-201: Lumen Bioscience 11.5 Ibezapolstat: Acurx Pharmaceuticals 11.6 CRS3123: Crestone 11.7 NTCD-M3 (VP20621): Destiny Pharma/Sebela Pharmaceuticals 11.8 PF-07831694: Pfizer 12 CDI Market: 7MM Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Outlook 12.3 Key Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Forecast Assumptions 12.4 Conjoint Analysis 12.5 Total Market Size of CDI in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of CDI by Therapies in 7MM 12.7 United States Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of CDI in the US 12.7.2 Market Size of CDI by Therapies in the US 12.8 EU4 and UK Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 12.9 Japan Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Size 13 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Unmet Needs 14 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market SWOT Analysis 15 KOL Views on Clostridioides difficile Infection 16 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 The United States 16.2 EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 16.4 Market Access and Reimbursement of CDI Therapies 17 Bibliography 18 Clostridioides difficile Infection Market Report Methodology Related Reports Clostridium difficile Infection Clinical Trial Analysis Clostridium difficile Infection Pipeline Insight 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key Clostridium difficile infection companies, including Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Adiso Therapeutics, Summit Therapeutics, Finch Therapeutics Group, Mikrobiomik Healthcare Company S.L., Crestone, MGB Biopharma, Vedanta Biosciences, Deinove, Lumen Bioscience, ImmuniMed, among others. Helicobacter pylori Infection Market Helicobacter pylori Infection Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Helicobacter pylori infection companies, including Eisai Co, MerLion Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, RaQualia Pharma, HKinno.N, SCG Cell Therapy, Recce Pharmaceuticals, Infan Industria Quimica Farmaceutica Nacional, among others. Bacteremia Market Bacteremia Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key bacteremia companies, including Merck & Co., Ronak Daru Co., Bayer AG, Pfizer, Baxter, ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Theravance Biopharma, Novartis AG, Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Mylan N.V., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., among others. Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Market Staphylococcus aureus Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Staphylococcus aureus companies, including ContraFect, XBiotech, Genentech, Durata Therapeutics, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP New Appointment Is Key Facet of Market Leader's Ambitious Growth Agenda PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Grain International (www.columbiagrain.com; CGI), which has been Cultivating Growth as a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for U.S. domestic and worldwide export markets since 1978, today announces the promotion of industry veteran, Kurt Haarmann, to President and CEO, effective immediately. The announcement was made by CGI's parent company, Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese integrated trading and investment business committed to developing an efficient supply line for U.S. grains to be sent to Japan and beyond. Headshot of Kurt Haarmann Having earned his Bachelor's degree in finance from University of Washington, Mr. Haarmann has worked in the grain and pulse business since joining Columbia Grain International in Colfax, WA in 1993. With experience in procurement, domestic and export trading, contract execution and operations management from 1996-2014 for wheat and later for oilseeds, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer on April 1, 2025, with oversight of all commodities, freight and logistics. "Our mission at Columbia Grain is to safely cultivate high quality ingredients from our local farmers that feed the world," stated Mr. Haarmann. "It's our purpose to cultivate growth for all members of our community from our farmers to our partners throughout our supply chain." With the disruptions in the grain and pulse agricultural markets due to geopolitical tensions in Europe, global fluctuating tariffs, and unfavorable weather conditions, Columbia Grain's managers throughout the norther tier of the United States predict a strong year with high demand for their grains, corn, soybeans and pulses both within the US as well as in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. About Columbia Grain International Since 1978, Columbia Grain International (CGI) has been Cultivating Growth as a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for U.S. domestic and worldwide export markets. Headquartered in Portland, OR, CGI's reliable supply chain spans the western region of the U.S., ensuring abundant ingredients for all of its partners, thanks to their trusted relationships with their farmers throughout the fertile croplands of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota, well known for its high-quality wheat, feed grains, canola and pulses. CGI is an owner of Montana Specialty Mills, who operates an organic and non-GMO oilseed crushing facility in Great Falls, Montana, a mustard seed facility in Conrad, Montana, and most recently Montana Craft Malt providing specialty malt barley from Montana farmers to the craft brewing world. Today, they are vertically integrated, operating assets including grain elevators, processing plants and agronomy centers to support their farmers, which stretch the northern tier of the United States. Media Contact: Peter Burk, christieand.co, 805.969.3744 SOURCE Columbia Grain International Donald Trump is facing another legal setback. A federal court ruled on Tuesday that the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, ordered by the U.S. president for law enforcement duties, was illegal. Judge Charles Breyer considers that the measure violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from performing police functions, and has barred the deployed soldiers from participating in security patrols, riot control, arrests, searches, or crowd management. However, the ruling will not take effect until September 12, to give the government time to appeal. According to the judge, the use of federal troops for these functions amounts to creating a national police force with the president as its chief. This violates the Posse Comitatus Act, signed in 1878, which prohibits troops from performing law enforcement duties. The law reflects the U.S. tradition that considers military intervention in civil matters a threat to democracy and individual liberties. The evidence at trial established that Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act, the judge wrote. Breyer notes that an exception is provided by the 218-year-old Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy the National Guard in the event of rebellion against the government in any of the states. However, the law specifies that a presidential order must come either by request by [the affected] state legislature or governor, by findings of the courts, or by the inability or unwillingness of local officials to act. Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom last June, in response to protests against his strict immigration policy, particularly raids to apprehend undocumented immigrants in the city. Since ordering that deployment, the president has often boasted that, had he not done so, Los Angeles would have descended into chaos and today would be a completely obliterated city. After the National Guard deployment in June, Trump ordered a similar measure in Washington on August 11. In the case of the capital, the president argued that the levels of violence were so out of control that a national emergency declaration was necessary. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will release its fiscal 2026 first quarter results on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. A press release and supplemental materials, including pre-recorded remarks, will be issued that morning prior to a 30-minute live question-and-answer session with the investment community at 9:30 a.m. ET. The pre-recorded remarks, transcript, press release, presentation slides, and live audio Q&A can be accessed at conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations. The live audio Q&A can also be accessed by dialing 1-877-883-0383 for participants in the U.S. and 1-412-902-6506 for all other participants using passcode: 0570919. Please dial in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the call start time. About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. For more information, please contact: MEDIA: [email protected] INVESTORS: [email protected] SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. CTA Construction Managers recently completed the new Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. CONCORD, Mass., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CTA Construction Managers proudly joined community members, school officials, students, and project partners last month to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. CTA Construction Managers Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Concord Middle School "Although students began attending the new school in February, this ceremony marked the debut of the new building to the public," said Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent of Schools. "This event was the culmination of years of planning, design, and construction to deliver this state-of-the-art educational facility for the students and families of Concord." The new middle school, designed by SMMA, reflects the Town of Concord's commitment to modern, sustainable, and flexible learning environments. "The building offers innovative classroom spaces, advanced technology integration, and energy-efficient features that support both academic excellence and environmental stewardship," said Jennifer Soucy, Architect and Project Manager at SMMA. "In addition, the building is fully LEED-certifiable," she continued. The ribbon cutting also highlights the successful collaboration between the Town of Concord, owner's project management firm LiRo-Hill (formerly Hill International), SMMA, and general contractor CTA Construction Managers . This team has worked closely together to ensure that the school was delivered on time and with the highest construction standards. Concord previously operated two separate middle school campuses (Sanborn and Peabody). "The Ellen Garrison building combined the two previous middle school campuses, leading to logistical efficiencies and reduced operational costs," said Ian Parks, Program Director at LiRo-Hill. "The new single campus improves efficiency and brings all middle school students under one roof, fostering a unified school community." "Seeing the community come together to celebrate this milestone is a testament to the vision and dedication of everyone involved," said Lyle Coghlin, Principal, CTA Construction Managers. "This new school will serve generations of students and will stand as a point of pride for the Town of Concord." CTA has an extensive history of collaborating with both SMMA and LiRo-Hill. Past projects with SMMA include North Middlesex Regional High School, Tewksbury High School, and Parker Elementary School. CTA Construction Managers completed 12 past school projects with LiRo-Hill, including Swampscott Elementary School, Park Avenue Elementary School, and Howe-Manning Elementary. The successful completion of Concord Middle School is a testament to CTA Construction Managers' reputation as a trusted partner in the delivery of complex K-12 educational facilities across Massachusetts. About CTA Construction Managers LLC CTA Construction Managers is an award-winning construction management and general contracting firm specializing in municipal, academic, multi-family residential, commercial, and senior care facilities. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, CTA Construction's portfolio of projects total over $2.0 billion. Founded in 2000, CTA has awarded over $150,000,000 in contracts to certified small, veteran, disadvantaged, minority, and women owned partners. CTA is a leader in green building, helping numerous clients build sustainably and meet LEED and MA-CHPS standards. For more information, please visit: https://ctaconstruction.com/ Press Contact: CTA Construction Managers, 781-786-6600, https://ctaconstruction.com/ SOURCE CTA Construction Managers LLC New Facility Integrates Health and Art to Serve Mayfair Neighborhood SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gardner Health Services' investment in East San Jose came to fruition this morning with the grand opening of its new Alum Rock Health Center at 1783 Alum Rock Ave., Suite 50. A centerpiece of the La Avenida redevelopment project, the 10,080-square-foot facility provides essential medical, dental, mental and chiropractic services to the Mayfair and East San Jose neighborhoods. The health center is open to all, regardless of a patient's ability to pay, insurance status, or other factors like race, religion, or homelessness. Facade of Alum Rock Health Center Gardner Health Services' Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ranjani Chandramouli, highlighted the project's broader impact. "The Alum Rock Health Center is more than a medical facility; it is a symbol of the Mayfair community's resilience and shared future," Chandramouli said. "By bringing together high-quality, accessible healthcare and creative expression, our investments foster a new nexus of wellness and cultural pride that allowed us to be a part of the neighborhood that is already working to enrich East San Jose." The multi-million-dollar investment was designed to spur economic activity within the proposed La Avenida Cultural District, a community-driven initiative that celebrates East San Jose's heritage and its residents. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who secured a $1 million federal appropriation for the Alum Rock Health Center, lauded the collaborative effort. "The Alum Rock Health Center will offer vital services that directly address the needs of San Jose residents and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone," Lofgren said. "I'm proud to have helped deliver critical funding for this facility, and I will continue to support projects that maintain and expand care for California's 18th district." The opening comes with support from key partners, including the School of Arts and Culture, Santa Clara County, the City of San Jose, The Health Trust, and numerous other community-based organizations like the Si Se Puede Collective. "For generations the Mayfair community has been the backbone of Silicon Valley," said Santa Clara County Board Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. "With this investment, we are supporting the very people who made this region strong by addressing health disparities, expanding access to preventative care, and advancing the holistic health of our neighbors." About Gardner Health Services: In 1967, the Alviso community, aided by Stanford Medical School and the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity, built the Alviso Family Health Center, a community clinic to fill the gap of non-existent medical care for Mexican farm workers. When services were expanded into the City of San Jose, the name was changed to Family Health Foundation of Alviso, Inc. Around the same time, a group in the Gardner neighborhood, aided by Stanford Medical School, and Sacred Heart Church, organized Gardner Health Center, a community clinic helping cannery workers. In 1997, Gardner Health Center and the Family Health Foundation of Alviso, Inc. affiliated. Today, Gardner Family Health Network, Inc., DBA Gardner Health Services provides medical and mental healthcare to over 43,000 patients throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties with an operating budget of $103.5 Million. Learn more at: gardnerhealthservices.org Media Contact: Jumay Empaynado Marketing Communications Manager Cell: (669) 306-0030 [email protected] SOURCE Gardner Health Services BOSTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whistleblower Law Collaborative LLC, Hirst Law Group, P.C., and Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks, & Nessim, LLP announced today a settlement of over $47.3 million in a whistleblower case against The Ensign Group, Inc., and Ensign Services, Inc. ("Ensign"). The settled claims, brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower in 2015, resolve allegations that Ensign knowingly engaged in fraud perpetrated against Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health care programs. The complaint, filed as a qui tam suit under the federal and California False Claims Acts (FCAs), alleged that nationwide Ensign knowingly paid kickbacks to physicians for referrals of patients to Ensign's skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in violations of the FCAs, the federal and California Anti-Kickback Statutes, and the federal Stark self-referral law. The complaint also alleged that Ensign violated a previous Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) that Ensign signed with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2013 as part of an earlier False Claims Act case settled by the company. The whistleblower worked as a former Contracts Manager at Ensign. In that role, she was responsible for reviewing, tracking, and monitoring contracts entered into by Ensign's Facilities. She also served on the Company's Compliance Committee where one of her responsibilities was to ensure that payment provisions in Ensign's contracts were in accordance with the law. The whistleblower alleged that she complained about the fraud she observed but could not get Ensign to change its conduct. As the second amended complaint alleged, as part of her work, the whistleblower observed, among other fraud, that: Ensign made inflated monthly payments to physicians to serve as medical directors and in other "consulting" capacities, when those excessive payments were designed to induce the doctors to refer patients to the Ensign's SNFs; Ensign SNF administrators admitted that while they used to pay for patient referrals with "donuts," they were now paying for referrals with "dollars"; Another Ensign administrator admitted that he performed a return on investment calculation to determine the number of referrals needed from each doctor to break even on the monthly payments made to those doctors -- and that he would raise or lower the payments to the doctors based on their number of referrals; and Ensign paid thousands of dollars each month for multiple medical directors and consultants. At one SNF alone, Ensign paid four doctors to serve as "medical directors" and paid at least ten additional doctors for "consulting agreements." The whistleblower alleged that she attempted to stop the fraud by changing the contracts to institute hourly rates tied to actual work and fair market value, rather than excessive monthly lump sum payments to induce referrals, but her attempts were overridden by Ensign. Whistleblower Law Collaborative and Hirst Law Group filed the FCA qui tam suit on behalf of the whistleblower, who alleged that Ensign had both engaged in fraud and failed to disclose its illegal conduct to the government as required. When the government allowed the whistleblower to proceed with the FCA suit in 2020, Whistleblower Law Collaborative and Hirst Law Group went forward with the case with Bird Marella as taint counsel. The team proceeded to successfully litigate the case for four years and were in the midst of discovery when the settlement was reached. Suzanne E. Durrell, of Whistleblower Law Collaborative, said: "Patients deserve to know that their doctors' recommendations for services and the place of service are not tainted by illegal kickbacks. Unfortunately, kickbacks can undermine competition, lead to medically unnecessary services, and drive up the cost of health care." Robert M. Thomas, Jr. of the firm added: "Sometimes the government declines to intervene in an FCA case for reasons unrelated to the merits of the case; we are glad the government trusted us to move the case forward and that we were successful." Michael A. Hirst, of Hirst Law Group, stated: "We congratulate the whistleblower for her courage and persistence. She has shown that one person, willing to stand up for what she knows is right, can make a difference." Gary Lincenberg applauded the client for her will power in seeing through this lengthy matter which was difficult to relive and thanked his co-counsel for their excellent work. For her efforts in bringing and prosecuting the FCA case, the government awarded the whistleblower a share of the settlement. Hirst stated: "The whistleblower is exactly the kind of deserving person that the False Claims Act envisions. Without her courage in coming forward, none of this would likely have come to light." The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of civil liability. The case was investigated for the government by Senior Trial Attorney Kelley C. Hauser of the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Civil Division of Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Central District of California, and Supervising Deputy Attorney General Quisteen S. Shum of the California Department of Justice. Whistleblower Law Collaborative LLC based in Boston devotes its practice entirely to representing whistleblowers nationwide. The firm was chosen by Law360 as a Health Care Group of the Year in February 2023 and is recognized as a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers. For more information, contact the firm at 617.366.2800 or email Suzanne Durrell at [email protected]. Hirst Law Group, P.C. represents whistleblowers in federal and state False Claims Act, SEC, CFTC, and other whistleblower programs around the country. Recognized again in 2025 by Super Lawyers and additionally the 2025 Top 50 Lawyers in America list, cases handled by the firm's employees, both while working for the United States and since joining the firm, have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars and have been reported on television, radio, and newspapers nationally and abroad. A case involving the largest recovery against a single hospital in US history was the subject of a book "Coronary" (Simon and Schuster, 2007), and the firm has also been featured in the books "Whistleblower" and "Retaliation" (Bay Tree Publishing, 2010, 2013). The firm includes a former United States Attorney's Office supervisor of False Claims Act cases and a former Government fraud auditor. For more information, contact the firm at 530.756.7700 or email Michael Hirst at [email protected]. Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim LLP recently won the award for Impact Case of the Year at the 2025 Benchmark Litigation U.S. Awards for its historic trial win in USA v. Chamberlain. This year Mr. Lincenberg earned the Daily Journal's California Lawyer of the Year Award. SOURCE Whistleblower Law Collaborative LLC, Hirst Law Group, P.C., Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim LLP Panel of Bankers to Highlight Transformational Value of Dispute Process Automation HOUSTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FINBOA Inc., a leading provider of intelligent process automation software for financial institutions, will present and exhibit at Jack Henry Connect 2025 taking place September 811 at the San Diego Convention Center. Following recognition as the 2024 Integrator Cobalt Award Winner at Jack Henry Connect, FINBOA returns this year to co-host a compelling panel session alongside Jack Henry and industry leaders from Busey Bank and Plumas Bank: Session Title: Technology Disruptors Transforming Payment Disputes With Intelligent Automation Date & Time: September 11, 2025 @ 2:50 PM Session Overview: Spreadsheet and paper-based, manual processes for handling payment disputes slow down operations and increase costs. In this session, panelists will share their experience of how leveraging the FINBOA Payment Disputes solution has enabled financial institutions to automate over 30% of dispute cases, reduce financial losses by 25%, and drive better customer and operational outcomes. Attendees will gain insights from real-world implementations at leading institutions, Busey Bank and Plumas Bank and learn how this Cobalt Awardwinning approach is transforming payment dispute resolution. Featured Speakers include: Daniel McCarthy, EVP & Director of Payments Operations & Deposit Processing, Busey Bank (Champaign, IL); Sarena Barker, SVP, Digital Banking, Plumas Bank; Dave Hunkele, Strategic Advisor, FINBOA; David Schmiedeler, Director, Technical Product Management, Jack Henry Card Processing Solutions. This panel discussion will deliver an impactful close to Jack Henry Connect 2025, a conference known for its focus on innovation, collaboration, and the future of financial services. The session underscores FINBOA's continued role in delivering measurable impact through intelligent automation. Live Demonstrations at Booth #1119 Throughout the event, FINBOA will offer hands-on demos of its award-winning solutions, including: FINBOA Payment Disputes with AutoDecision, FINBOA Treasury Onboarding and FINBOA BI-Disputes solutions. Attendees can explore how FINBOA's platform helps reduce operational costs, streamline compliance, and empower digital transformation. About Jack Henry Connect: Hosted annually by Jack Henry & Associates, Jack Henry Connect is a premier industry event that brings together banking professionals, technology leaders, and fintech innovators for four days of thought leadership, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The conference offers a wide range of educational sessions, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities designed to empower financial institutions and technology providers to explore trends, foster partnerships, and drive innovation in financial services. About FINBOA FINBOA provides intelligent process automation software to banks and credit unions to simplify compliance processing by eliminating manual systems. Solutions include FINBOA Payment Disputes with AutoDecision, along with companion product FINBOA BI-Disputes and FINBOA Treasury Onboarding. FINBOA delivers transformative software proven to enable institutional growth by reducing operational costs and risk. Headquartered in Houston, FINBOA is trusted to help over 400 financial institutions nationwide achieve targeted business outcomes and peace of mind. Learn more at www.finboa.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X social media platforms. SOURCE FINBOA Troy Fishman, MD Joins Oncology Experts in Pinellas County; Yeshanew Teklie, MD Expands Hematology Care in The Villages FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) welcomes hematologists and medical oncologists Troy Fishman, MD and Yeshanew Teklie, MD to its team of cancer experts in Pinellas County and The Villages. Dr. Fishman is seeing patients at the FCS Mease clinic, 3280 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Suite 200, Clearwater, FL 33761, while Dr. Teklie is seeing patients at the FCS Brownwood clinic, 2955 Brownwood Blvd., Ste. 107, The Villages, FL 32163-2040; FCS Leesburg South clinic, 601 E. Dixie Ave., Suite 1001, Leesburg, FL 34748-7309; and the FCS Villages Cancer Center, 1400 N. US Highway 441, Suite 540, Lady Lake, FL 32159-8987. FCS welcomes hematologists and medical oncologists Troy Fishman, MD and Yeshanew Teklie, MD to its team of cancer experts. Dr. Fishman is seeing patients at the FCS Mease clinic in Clearwater. Dr. Teklie, is now seeing patients at the FCS Brownwood clinic in The Villages, the FCS Leesburg South clinic in Leesburg and the FCS Villages Cancer Center in Lady Lake. After receiving his medical degree at St. George's University School of Medicine in Grenada, Dr. Fishman completed residency training at the University of Central Florida in Gainesville and a fellowship in oncology/hematology at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. FCS Assistant Managing Physician David Wenk, MD said, "Dr. Fishman takes time to understand each patient's unique needs, concerns and overall well-being, devising a personalized, advanced treatment plan to achieve the highest quality of life and best possible outcome. We are delighted to welcome him to FCS." Following the completion of his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine in the West Indies, Dr. Teklie completed residency training at Florida State University at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and a hematology oncology fellowship at the University of Southern California LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. "Hematologic cancers and other blood disorders are common in the U.S., with incidence increasing with age. Dr. Teklie brings specialized expertise and applies the latest advancements and most current practices to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life," said FCS President & Managing Physician Lucio N. Gordan, MD. "Throughout his career, Dr. Teklie has received recognition for his strong commitment to service and community care, qualities that are consistent with our FCS mission." Learn more about Dr. Fishman and Dr. Teklie by searching for their profiles here: https://flcancer.com/physicians/. About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com) For more than 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has embraced innovation to deliver world-class care and drive the dramatic transformation of oncology care through its robust clinical research program. FCS provides patients with access to a wide range of clinical trials, positioning it as a leader in research among private oncology practices in Florida and across the country. In fact, before receiving FDA approval, the majority of new cancer drugs in the U.S. were first made available to patients through participation in clinical trials at FCS. Our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians is committed to delivering tailored treatment plans that make the best use of cutting-edge precision oncology advancements to enhance patient outcomes. SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Expansion will bring swim lessons and safety programs to LA families TROY, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC has signed an agreement to grow the brand in Southern California with franchise group GSS Los Angeles, LLC, led by local entrepreneurs Jason Adler and Alex Wang. The duo plans to bring seven new swim schools across Los Angeles over the next several years, with the first one anticipated to open in late 2026. Adler and Wang both come from backgrounds in investment management and live in Los Angeles, where they are raising their families. Recognizing the need for greater swim safety resources in their community, they were inspired to bring Goldfish Swim School to the market. "As fathers of children, my business partner Jason and I were drawn to Goldfish Swim School not only for its strong brand recognition and proven leadership, but also for the opportunity to bring quality swim instruction to families in a growing area," said Wang. "We look forward to expanding the brand in Southern California and building a strong foundation for future growth." Each location will feature a state-of-the-art, shiver-free 90-degree pool, a viewing area for parents and a tropical-themed facility designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for kids and parents alike. With Goldfish Swim School's unique curriculum and small class sizes, children will be able to develop essential swim skills, build confidence and have fun in the water. Each school will bring approximately 50 new jobs to the area. "As we expand further in California, we are pleased to welcome Alex and Jason into the Goldfish Swim School family, and we know their passion and commitment to water safety make them ideal school owners," said Chris McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School CEO and Co-Founder. "Their dedication will lead the way as they educate children how to be safer in and around the water throughout Los Angeles." Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction for infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years, teaching children how to be safer in and around the water. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay, to build life skills both in and out of the water through play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. Each school's No. 1 focus and main priority is always the same educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water. Currently, there are three Goldfish Swim School locations in California, located in Aliso Viejo, Santa Ana and Ladera Ranch. Goldfish Swim School is currently seeking proven operators in California throughout Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850. About Goldfish Swim School: Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 195 schools in 40 states and Canada, with an additional 150-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 75 overall in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500 and has been recognized as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for nine consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top 400 in 2025 and is rated as a Top Franchise and a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2025. MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Tabacnic [email protected] 817-329-3257 SOURCE Goldfish Swim School DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Homecare Homebase SM (HCHB), the leading software provider for home-based care, today announced Yetagesu (Yeta) Hurisa, RN & Case Manager at Heart to Heart Hospice, as the September recipient of the Gold Standard Award. HCHB September 2025 GSA Winner "Yeta was my grandmother's home hospice nurse, and I cannot express in words how his dedication to clinical care, comfort and communication made all the difference not only for her, but also for my mom and uncle," shared a bereaved family member. "He checked in with us, came to the hospital to see her after an unexpected event and ultimately helped us facilitate a smooth transition to the Fort Worth Heart to Heart Hospice House." The Gold Standard Award celebrates outstanding home-based caregivers who utilize HCHB to deliver exceptional patient care. Nominations are submitted and meticulously chosen by the HCHB team for their expertise, enthusiasm, and steadfast dedication. "Being named a Gold Standard Award honoree is an incredible honor and deeply fulfilling as a professional," said Hurisa. "In my work, I've learned to treat every family as if they were my own and to approach each patient with compassion and empathy. My advice to anyone entering this field is simple: let your patients know they are your priority and never make assumptions. Every individual deserves your full attention and care." Hurisa embodies Heart to Heart Hospice's mission through compassionate, patient-focused care that extends beyond clinical excellence. His dedication to listening, supporting families and guiding them through life's most difficult moments reflects the organization's values of respect, professionalism and presence when it matters most. To learn more about these companies, visit hchb.com and hearttohearthospice.com . About Homecare Homebase, LLC Founded by industry veterans in 1999, Homecare HomebaseSM (HCHB) is a Dallas-based software leader empowering exceptional home-based care through hosted, cloud-based technology solutions and administrative services. HCHB's customized mobile solutions enable real-time, wireless data exchange and communication between field clinicians, physicians and office staff for better care, more accurate reporting and improved revenue cycle management. HCHB's products and services streamline operations, simplify compliance and boost clinical and financial outcomes for home-based care agencies. Each year, over 300,000 HCHB users serve approximately one million patients daily, resulting in over 121 million annual visits. Homecare Homebase is a Hearst Health company. For more information, visit hchb.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-535-HCHB (4242). About Hearst Health The mission of Hearst Health is to guide healthcare organizations by delivering essential intelligence and software that improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care. Hearst Health has been innovating with care for more than 40 years, with a commitment to making a lasting positive impact on health. The Hearst Health companies FDB , Homecare Homebase , MCG , MHK , QGenda and Zynx Health elevate care by informing and empowering participants across the health journey. To learn more, visit www.hearst.com/hearst-health and follow @Hearst Health on LinkedIn . About Heart to Heart Hospice Heart to Heart Hospice, founded in 2003, is one of the largest private providers of hospice care in the United States. Headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Heart to Heart provides a broad range of hospice services to patients with life-limiting illnesses across 63 locations in Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas. At Heart to Heart, we understand both the physical and emotional challenges for our patients and their loved ones, and our compassionate care team is committed to providing them with what they need most: comfort, support, and dignity. Learn more about Heart to Heart Hospice . SOURCE Homecare Homebase THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF THE DOMESTIC LAW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED ('EUWA') IN RELATION TO THE OFFERS DESCRIBED HEREIN. LONDON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HSBC Holdings plc (the 'Company', 'we' or 'us') has announced the anticipated launch of four separate offers to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below. The launch of the Offers (as defined below) is expected to be at or around 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on September 2, 2025 (the 'Launch Date'). The Offer Documents will be available from 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Launch Date at the following link: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/hsbc/ . We refer to the outstanding notes listed in the table below collectively as the 'Notes' and separately as a 'series' of Notes. We refer to each offer to purchase a series of Notes as an 'Offer', and collectively as the 'Offers'. The Offers are made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated September 2, 2025, relating to the Notes (the 'Offer to Purchase') and the related notice of guaranteed delivery (the 'Notice of Guaranteed Delivery', and together with the Offer to Purchase, the 'Offer Documents'). As of the date of the Offer to Purchase, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Notes subject to the Offers is $2,780,508,000. References to '$' are to U.S. dollars. Title of Notes CUSIP Maturity Date Principal Amount Outstanding Reference Security Fixed Spread 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2032 (the 'May 2032 Notes') 404280AF6 May 17, 2032 $263,654,000 UST 2.875% due May 15, 2032 (CUSIP 91282CEP2) +105 basis points ('bps') 7.350% Subordinated Notes due 2032 (the 'November 2032 Notes') 404280AE9 November 27, 2032 $124,748,000 +110 bps 6.500% Subordinated Notes due 2036 (the '2036 Notes') 404280AG4 May 2, 2036 $1,430,811,000 UST 4.250% due August 15, 2035 (CUSIP 91282CNT4) +100 bps 6.800% Subordinated Notes due 2038 (the '2038 Notes') 404280AJ8 June 1, 2038 $961,295,000 +115 bps The Notes are governed by New York law but do not include a CBR (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). On February 19, 2025, we announced that we would no longer count the Notes as tier 2 capital instruments for the purposes of UK CRR (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and would also not count the Notes towards our minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities. In order to manage the potential risks that the Notes pose to our resolvability, in August 2022, we offered to exchange the Notes with newly issued debt securities containing a CBR in their terms (the '2022 Exchange Offer') and offered to purchase for cash an amount of the May 2032 Notes and the November 2032 Notes (the '2022 Cash Offer') from certain holders who were not eligible to participate in the 2022 Exchange Offer. However, in connection with the 2022 Exchange Offer and the 2022 Cash Offer, not all of the Notes were tendered for exchange or repurchase and, therefore, we are now conducting the Offers to repurchase any Notes that remain outstanding. Each Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on September 8, 2025, unless extended or earlier terminated by us in our sole discretion (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended, the 'Expiration Time'). Notes tendered for purchase may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on September 8, 2025 (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended, the 'Withdrawal Date'), but not thereafter, unless extended or earlier terminated with respect to an Offer by us in our sole discretion. We expect the settlement date to occur on September 11, 2025, unless extended or earlier terminated in respect of an Offer by us in our sole discretion (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended, the 'Settlement Date'). Each Offer is independent of the other Offers, and we may terminate, modify or waive the conditions of any Offer without terminating, modifying or waiving the conditions of any other Offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer Documents, holders who (i) validly tender Notes at or prior to the Expiration Time or (ii) validly tender Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on September 10, 2025 (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended, the 'Guaranteed Delivery Date') pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), and whose Notes are accepted for purchase by us, will receive consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of such Notes, which will be payable in cash on the Settlement Date as described below (the 'Consideration'). The Consideration applicable to each series of Notes validly tendered and accepted by us pursuant to the Offers will be calculated at or around 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on September 8, 2025 (such date and time with respect to an Offer, as the same may be extended by the Company in its sole discretion, the 'Price Determination Date'), in accordance with the formula set forth in the Offer to Purchase and with standard market practice, using the applicable 'Offer Yield', which will be equal to the sum of: a) the applicable 'Reference Yield', as determined by the Dealer Manager (as defined below), that corresponds to the bid-side yield of the Reference Security specified in the table above for such series of Notes appearing on the Price Determination Date, such yield being directly quoted on the Bloomberg Reference Page (as defined below) and being rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent. (with 0.0005 per cent. being rounded up), plus b) the Fixed Spread specified in the table above for such series of Notes. Accordingly, the Consideration payable by us for each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes accepted by us will equal: (i) the present value on the Settlement Date of $1,000 principal amount of such Notes due on the maturity date (as specified in the table above) of such Notes, and all scheduled interest payments on such $1,000 principal amount of such Notes to be made from (but excluding) the Settlement Date up to and including such maturity date, discounted to the Settlement Date at a discount rate equal to the applicable Offer Yield, minus (ii) the Accrued Interest per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes; such total amount being rounded to the nearest cent per $1,000 principal amount of such Notes, and the above calculation being made in accordance with standard market practice as described by the formula set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The 'Bloomberg Reference Page' means the page on Bloomberg from which the Dealer Manager will observe the bid-side yield of the Reference Security for each series of Notes, which is expected to be PX6 or PX7 as appropriate (or any other recognized quotation source selected by us in consultation with the Dealer Manager if such quotation source is not available or manifestly erroneous). As soon as reasonably practicable after the Price Determination Date, the Company will issue a press release specifying the Consideration for each series of Notes validly tendered and accepted. In addition to the Consideration, holders whose Notes of a given series are accepted for purchase will also be paid a cash amount equal to accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from, and including, the last interest payment date for such Notes to, but not including, the Settlement Date, rounded to the nearest cent (such amount in respect of a series of Notes, 'Accrued Interest'). Accrued Interest will be payable on the Settlement Date. For the avoidance of doubt, interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offers. Under no circumstances will any interest be payable to holders because of any delay on the part of Global Bondholder Services Corporation, as depositary, The Depository Trust Company ('DTC') or any other party in the transmission of funds to holders. It is expected that the Offers will be financed with cash on hand. On the date of the Offer to Purchase, the Company expects to launch a proposed new issuance (the 'Proposed Issuance') of one series of subordinated debt securities (the 'New Notes') which is not subject to the Offers. No assurance can be given that the Proposed Issuance will be completed. The Offers are not subject to completion of the Proposed Issuance. The Offers are subject to the terms and conditions described in the Offer Documents. The Company reserves the right to amend or waive any of the conditions of the Offers, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, in our sole discretion, subject to applicable law. If any of the conditions are not satisfied at the Expiration Time with respect to an Offer, we may, in our sole discretion and without giving any notice, subject to applicable law, (a) terminate such Offer, (b) extend such Offer, on the same or amended terms, and thereby delay acceptance of any validly tendered Notes, or (c) continue to accept tenders. We will, in connection with the allocation of the New Notes in the Proposed Issuance, consider among other factors whether or not the relevant investor seeking an allocation of the New Notes has, prior to such allocation, validly tendered or given a firm intention to us or the Dealer Manager that they intend to tender their Notes pursuant to the Offers and, if so, the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered or intended to be tendered by such investor. Therefore, a holder who wishes to subscribe for New Notes in addition to tendering its Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers may be eligible to receive, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, priority in the allocation of the New Notes, subject to the issue of the New Notes and such holder also making a separate application for the purchase of such New Notes to the managing bookrunner of the issue of the New Notes in accordance with the standard new issue procedures of such bookrunner. However, we are not obliged to allocate the New Notes to a holder who has validly tendered or indicated a firm intention to tender Notes pursuant to the Offers and, if New Notes are allocated, the principal amount thereof may be less or more than the principal amount of Notes tendered by such holder and accepted by us pursuant to the Offers. All Notes accepted in the Offers will be cancelled and retired, and will no longer remain outstanding obligations of the Company. Holders of Notes are advised to read carefully the Offer to Purchase, including the 'Risk Factors' section, for full details of and information on the procedures for participating in the Offers. The Company has retained HSBC Bank plc as Dealer Manager for the Offers (the 'Dealer Manager'). Questions and requests for assistance related to the Offers may be directed to the Dealer Manager at UK: +44 (0)20 7992 6237, US: +1 (212) 525-5552 (Collect) or +1 (888) HSBC-4LM (Toll Free), or by email at [email protected]. Global Bondholder Services Corporation will act as the information agent (the 'Information Agent'). Questions or requests for assistance related to the Offers or for additional copies of the Offer Documents may be directed to the Information Agent at +1 (855) 654-2014 (toll free) or +1 (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers). You may also contact your broker, dealer, custodian bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offers. If the Company terminates an Offer, all Notes tendered pursuant to such Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holders thereof. Holders of Notes are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a beneficial owner in order for that beneficial owner to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, an Offer before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and DTC for the submission and withdrawal of tender instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offer to Purchase. This announcement is released by the Company and contains information that qualified as inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of the domestic law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the EUWA, as amended ('UK MAR'), encompassing information relating to the Offers described above. For the purposes of UK MAR, this announcement is made by Greg Case, Head of Fixed Income Investor Relations, on behalf of the Company. This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any security. No offer, solicitation, or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Offers are only being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. Holders of the Notes are urged to carefully read the Offer to Purchase before making any decision with respect to the Offers. United Kingdom. This communication and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the 'FSMA'). Accordingly, this communication and such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (1) those persons who are existing members or creditors of the Company or other persons within Article 43 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, and (2) to any other persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated. Belgium. Neither this communication nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be notified to, and neither this communication nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers / Autoriteit financiele diensten en markten). The Offers may therefore not be made in Belgium by way of a public takeover bid (openbaar overnamebod/offre publique d'acquisition) as defined in Article 3 of the Belgian law of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids, as amended (the 'Belgian Takeover Law'), save in those circumstances where a private placement exemption is available. The Offers are conducted exclusively under applicable private placement exemptions. The Offers may therefore not be advertised and the Offers will not be extended, and neither this communication nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than (i) to 'qualified investors' within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and (ii) in any circumstances set out in Article 6, 4 of the Belgian Takeover Law. This communication has been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Offers. Accordingly, the information contained in this communication may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium. The Offers are not being made, and will not be made or advertised, directly or indirectly, to any individual in Belgium qualifying as a consumer within the meaning of the Belgian Code of Economic Law, as amended (a 'Consumer') and this communication, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have not been and may not be distributed, directly or indirectly, in Belgium to Consumers. Italy. None of the Offers, this communication or any other document or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ('CONSOB') pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offers are being carried out in the Republic of Italy as exempted offers pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the 'Financial Services Act') and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in the Republic of Italy can tender the Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority. Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes and/or the Offers. Hong Kong. The contents of this communication have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. Holders of Notes should exercise caution in relation to the Offers. If a holder of the Notes is in any doubt about any of the contents of this communication, such holder should obtain independent professional advice. The Offers have not been made and will not be made in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (i) to 'professional investors' as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of the laws of Hong Kong (the 'SFO') and any rules made under that ordinance, or (ii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a 'prospectus' as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of the laws of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that ordinance. Further, no person has issued or had in its possession for the purposes of issue, or will issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Offers, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the Offers and/or the Notes which are or are intended to be made only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to 'professional investors' as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder. This communication and the information contained herein may not be used other than by the person to whom it is addressed and may not be reproduced in any form or transferred to any person in Hong Kong. The Offers are not intended to be made to the public in Hong Kong and it is not the intention of the Company that the Offers be made to the public in Hong Kong. Canada. Any offer or solicitation in Canada must be made through a dealer that is appropriately registered under the laws of the applicable province or territory of Canada, or pursuant to an exemption from that requirement. Where the Dealer Manager or any affiliate thereof is a registered dealer or able to rely on an exemption from the requirement to be registered in such jurisdiction, the Offers shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager, or such affiliate, on behalf of the Dealer Manager in that jurisdiction. France. This communication and any other offering material relating to the Offers may not be distributed in the Republic of France except to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements In this communication the Company has made forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms such as 'believes', 'expects', 'estimate', 'may', 'intends', 'plan', 'will', 'should', 'potential', 'seek', 'reasonably possible' or 'anticipates' or the negative thereof or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy. We have based the forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, as described under 'Risk Factors' in the Offer to Purchase. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed herein might not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Investor enquiries to: Greg Case +44 (0) 20 7992 3825 [email protected] Media enquiries to: Press Office +44 (0) 20 7991 8096 [email protected] Note to editors: HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,214bn at 30 June 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. SOURCE HSBC Holdings plc A new chapter of scientific leadership opens for the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute MONTREAL, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Mila, the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, announces the appointment of Hugo LarochelleAdjunct Professor at the Universite de Montreal and former head of Google's AI research lab in Montrealto the position of Scientific Director. He officially assumes his duties on September 2, succeeding Laurent Charlin, who had been acting in that capacity since Yoshua Bengio transitioned to the role of founder and Scientific Advisor of Mila. Hugo Larochelle becomes the new Scientific Director of Mila (CNW Group/Mila - Quebec AI Institute) Hugo Larochelle is a pioneer in deep learning and one of Canada's most respected researchers. He brings a unique understanding of both the workings of major corporate research laboratories and the excellence of the country's academic AI community. "I take on my responsibilities today with deep enthusiasm and a sense of duty as Scientific Director of Mila. Our institute is recognized worldwide and is envied by other ecosystems thanks to the quality of our talent and the projects we pursue. As the field of AI evolves at an unprecedented pace, the work carried out at Mila paves the way for major scientific breakthroughs while making a positive contribution to society. I look forward to collaborating with our worldrenowned researchers to write the next chapter of artificial intelligence in Quebec and Canada," said Professor Larochelle. "Hugo Larochelle perfectly embodies the alliance between scientific excellence and a nuanced understanding of major global technological issues," says Valerie Pisano, President and CEO of Mila. "After nearly ten years spent at some of the world's largest technology companies, he takes the scientific helm of our institute at a pivotal moment. Canada is currently in a strategic position, and Mila, as one of the most influential institutions in this field in the country, plays a crucial role. Professor Larochelle's visiondeeply rooted here yet resolutely focused on current challenges and opportunitieswill help guide Mila with ambition and responsibility." A leading researcher Hugo Larochelle is among the most influential figures in artificial intelligence in Canada. Trained at the Universite de Montreal under the supervision of Yoshua Bengio and later as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto under Geoffrey Hinton, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of deep learning while remaining committed to rigorous, open and socially beneficial science. Throughout his career, Hugo Larochelle has made several significant contributions that are now integrated into modern AI systems. In particular, he played a key role in popularizing autoregressive modelling with neural networks, a paradigm that is now central to generative AI. He then transferred his academic expertise to industrial innovation by cofounding the startup Whetlab, which was acquired by Twitter in 2015. After a stint at Twitter Cortex, he was recruited to lead Google's AI research lab in Montreal (Google Brain), which is now part of Google DeepMind. In addition to his corporate roles, he continues his commitment to the next generation as an Adjunct Professor at the Universite de Montreal, where he supervises and inspires emerging AI researchers. "Hugo is an exceptional researcher, recognized by his peers for the quality and breadth of his work. His impact is tangible, both in the world of opensource research and in the major technology organizations where he has helped advance the field. He has the rigour, creativity and vision needed to meet Mila's scientific ambitions and accompany its growth. Our collaboration goes back more than 20 years, and I am delighted to see it continue in a new form," concludes Yoshua Bengio, founder of Mila, full professor at the Universite de Montreal, CoChair and Scientific Director of LawZero. As Scientific Director of Mila, Professor Larochelle will chair the institute's Scientific Council and ensure the strategic orientation of its research activities. His appointment results from a rigorous selection process led by a committee whose seven members were appointed by Mila's Board of Directors and Scientific Council. Full biography and portrait of Hugo Larochelle: available here. About Mila Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the Universite de Montreal, Mila is the world's largest academic research center for deep learning, bringing together over 1,500 specialized researchers in machine learning. Based in Montreal and funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Mila's mission is to be a global center for scientific advancements that inspire innovation and the growth of AI for the benefit of all. Mila is a globally recognized non-profit organization for its significant contributions to deep learning, especially in the fields of language modeling, automatic translation, object recognition, and generative models. For more information, visit mila.quebec. SOURCE Mila - Quebec AI Institute President Trump confirmed the operation, accusing the ship of carrying drugs and of having ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday that the U.S. carried out an attack in international waters in the southern Caribbean against a vessel that had departed from Venezuela, and which the U.S. government accused of transporting a shipment of drugs to its territory. Eleven people, the occupants of the boat, were killed in the operation, according to the U.S. president. Pending further details, this would be the most serious incident so far in the heightened tensions between the two countries since the Republicans return to the White House. Trump accuses Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking to the United States. We have a lot of drugs pouring into our country, coming in for a long time. And we justthese came out of Venezuela, and coming out very heavily from Venezuela," Trump said, speaking from the Oval Office, where he was participating in an event to announce the relocation of the Cyber Command from Colorado to Alabama. The attack leaves many questions unanswered. The U.S. president stated in a message on social media that the strike that destroyed the boat was carried out on his orders. He also insisted that it had been verified that those traveling on the vessel were drug traffickers. However, he did not specify which law he invoked to give that order in international waters, where the United States has deployed a flotilla with 4,000 marines on the border with Venezuelan national waters. When you come out and when you leave the room, youll see that we just, over the last few minutes, literally shot out a boat, a drug carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat, said the president. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!, Trump wrote in an extensive post on Truth Social. 00:58 Trump talks about the strike Trump talks about the strike on an alleged drug boat from Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the operation in a social media message. Today the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization, wrote the U.S. diplomatic chief. The three destroyers off Venezuelan waters are the USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham, and the USS Sampson. They are deployed as part of the Trump administrations plans to confront threats from drug cartels in Latin America, according to the Pentagon. The presence of the destroyers in these waters is expected to last several months. The deployment includes P-8 reconnaissance aircraft, battleships, and attack submarines. Trump blames Latin American cartels for the flow of fentanyl and other drugs that, according to him, destroy U.S. communities and cause increased violence in some cities across the country. In early August, the Republican secretly signed a directive to the Pentagon authorizing the use of military force against cartels that the administration has declared terrorist organizations, The New York Times revealed. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt recently stated that the United States is willing to use every element of American power to stop the flow of drugs across its borders and bring those responsible to justice. In response to the U.S. deployment, Venezuela has stationed troops at the border and has called on Venezuelans and militias to enlist to repel a potential foreign military operation. Maduro declared at a press conference with international media on Monday: If Venezuela is attacked, we would declare armed struggle and a Republic in arms. Venezuela is facing the greatest threat our continent has seen in 100 years, said Maduro. There are eight warships with 1,200 missiles, and a nuclear submarine aimed at Venezuela. Its an extravagant, immoral, and bloody threat. They have sought to advance with maximum military pressure, and we have declared maximum preparedness in Venezuela. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Lunar Regolith Simulant Center of Excellence Will Seed a Lunar Economy Hub SEATTLE, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Interlune , a natural resources company, today announced that it has been awarded up to $4.84 million in a grant from the Texas Space Commission (TSC) to develop and test highly specialized simulants of Moon dirt, or regolith. Interlune will use the grant funds, along with internal investment, to create a Lunar Regolith Simulant Center of Excellence near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Simulated lunar regolith is crucial to testing technology and equipment being developed by myriad companies and government agencies, including instruments, landers, rovers, and other equipment. A rendering of the Interlune harvester processing lunar regolith to excavate, sort, extract, and separate helium-3. "Lunar regolith is different from dirt here on Earth, so a highest-fidelity testing environment on Earth is of tremendous value to Interlune and the entire lunar exploration community," said Rob Meyerson, Interlune cofounder and CEO. "This support from the Texas Space Commission to develop novel lunar regolith simulants will create a massive U.S. advantage in space innovation." Interlune chief scientist, Dr. Elizabeth Frank, will lead the work at the center, supported by a Texas-based team. By developing, producing, and scaling advanced lunar regolith simulants, Interlune will create precise testing environments for its proprietary system to harvest natural resources from space, starting with helium-3 from the Moon. The company will make these simulants available to other companies, research institutions, and government organizations. The grant comes from the TSC's Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), which provides grants to businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities involved in space exploration research or aeronautics. The funds granted will support workforce development in Texas by expanding Interlune operations and creating additional infrastructure to strengthen the state's aerospace economy. Interlune intends to provide internship opportunities once the center has been established. The Interlune harvesting system includes novel technologies for excavating, sorting, extracting, and separating industrial quantities of helium-3 and other resources from lunar regolith. Its harvester is smaller, lighter, and requires less power than other industry concepts, making it less expensive to transport to the Moon and operate once it's there. The company is planning several missions to the Moon this decade. Helium-3, an isotope of helium, is extremely scarce on Earth but abundant on the Moon. Government and industry have been looking for a new and scalable source of helium-3 since the U.S. government identified a severe shortage around 2010. The isotope is used in applications such as weapons detection in national security, medical imaging, and developing clean fusion energy. The strongest current demand is from the quantum computing industry, which uses dilution refrigerators to cool superconducting quantum computers to the near-absolute zero temperatures needed to operate. Interlune has raised $18 million in venture capital seed funding and has binding contracts with buyers of helium-3 for delivery on Earth beginning in 2029. In addition to this grant from the Texas Space Commission, the company has received grants from the Department of Energy Isotope Program, NASA, and a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award. About Interlune Interlune is a privately funded natural resources company committed to sustainable and responsible harvesting of natural resources from space to benefit humanity. Based in Seattle, Interlune was founded in 2020 by a team of highly experienced government and industry experts. Aiming to be the first U.S. company to commercialize resources from space, Interlune has developed patent-pending technology that harvests materials from the lunar soil, or regolith, using the smallest, most energy-efficient machinery of its kind. Ultimately, Interlune will offer these valuable resources to commercial and government customers on Earth and establish an in-space economy using the resources on the Moon and beyond. Follow Interlune on LinkedIn , X , and Instagram . CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Interlune BOSTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc., a medical technology company committed to redefining the standard of care for lumbar discectomy patients with large annular defects by reducing reoperations for reherniations by 81%* with its Barricaid Annular Closure Device, announced today that, for the first time, the Barricaid device has been successfully implanted in several patients while they were awake and without the use of general anesthesia. The procedures were performed by Ernest E. Braxton Jr., MD, MBA, a Board-Certified neurosurgeon that specializes in minimally invasive and awake spine surgery in Vail, Colorado. First Implantation of the Barricaid Annular Closure Device Under Awake Sedation performed by Ernest E. Braxton Jr., MD, MBA, from Vail, Colorado. "Awake spine surgery allows for a faster recovery, and it lets me talk to the patient during the procedure to confirm in real time that we have relieved the pressure on the nerve. By avoiding general anesthesia and placing the Barricaid right after decompression and discectomy, we dramatically reduce the risk of reherniation and the need for another costly surgery that often involves a fusion," said Dr. Braxton. During awake surgery a patient is given local and regional anesthetic ensuring that no pain is felt during the procedure. The surgeon is able to examine the patient's neurologic condition during surgery and help the surgeon locate the pain generator. The patient remains alert and is able to communicate with the surgeon throughout the operation. Direct feedback helps encourage safer handling of neurologic structures. Patients often experience faster recovery, quicker mobilization, and reduced overall pain levels compared to traditional spine surgery. Awake spine surgery can help reduce the potential risks associated with general anesthesia such as nausea, and confusion after surgery. Dr. Braxton has been performing awake spine surgery for over a decade. Jake Tanner, Vice President of Marketing for Intrinsic Therapeutics, stated, "As clinical acceptance of Barricaid grows, it is inspiring to see surgeons like Dr. Braxton combining advanced techniques with Barricaid for an optimized discectomy solution. Surgeons are starting to realize that Barricaid is compatible with most discectomy approaches for indicated patients. This is a win-win for the surgeon and the patient." About Barricaid Barricaid is a proprietary technology designed to prevent reherniation and reoperation in patients with large annular defects following lumbar discectomy surgery. Barricaid has been implanted in over 12,000 patients and is supported by clinical studies across eight distinct patient populations, including two randomized controlled trials and six single-arm studies. A multicenter, Level I RCT demonstrating superior outcomes to discectomy alone was published in JAMA with five-year follow-up results. *Some studies are outside FDA indications. Values at a minimum of 1-year post-op. Minimum study size: 20 Barricaid subjects. Barricaid is a registered trademark of Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. SOURCE Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. The lawsuit alleges DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar violated the California Labor Code by failing to pay its employees for all time worked. SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego labor law attorneys at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a class action complaint against AHSC DTD LLC (hereinafter, " DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar"), for allegedly failing to provide employees with timely, off-duty meal and rest periods. The class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU033344C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit, DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802 by failing to: (1) pay minimum wages; (2) pay overtime wages; (3) provide required meal and rest periods; (4) provide accurate itemized wage statements; (5) pay wages when due; and (6) reimburse employees for required expenses. Under California law, every employer shall pay to each employee, on the established payday for the period involved, not less than the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked in the payroll period, whether the remuneration is measured by time, piece, commission, or otherwise. Hours worked is defined in the applicable Wage Order as "the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so." DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar allegedly required its employees to perform work before and after their scheduled shifts, as well as during their off-duty meal breaks. The lawsuit alleges DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar failed to compensate its employees for any of the time spent under the employer's control while working off-the-clock. As such, DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar allegedly failed to pay its employees the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked in a payroll period. If you would like to know more about the DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047. Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment. -THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT (Rules Prof. Conduct, rule 7.2)- SOURCE Zakay Law Group, APC Thomas Lee advises on sophisticated asset management M&A and GP liquidity solutions transactions. NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that Thomas Lee has joined the firm's New York office as a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice. Lee's practice focuses on the full spectrum of asset management M&A transactions, including control transactions, minority GP stakes transactions, and structured equity transactions. Thomas Lee, Partner, Latham & Watkins "Tom is among a select group of top-tier lawyers practicing in the niche asset management M&A and GP liquidity solutions space, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Latham," said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York. "His technical skills and commercial approach will integrate well with our market-leading M&A, private equity, asset management, and investment funds teams both in New York and across the firm." Lee's broad experience includes navigating the complex regulatory frameworks governing asset management M&A and GP liquidity solutions transactions. "Tom is an outstanding addition to our dedicated asset management transactions team operating across Latham's top-tier M&A, private equity, and investment funds groups," said Alex Kelly, Global Co-Chair of Latham's Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice. "His arrival underscores our commitment to remaining at the forefront of asset management M&A and GP liquidity solutions transactions that are occurring with increased frequency and sophistication." "As the asset management industry continues to consolidate, and private capital raised and deployed for investments in asset managers increases, there is no firm better poised than Latham to handle these highly complex, sophisticated transactions," said Lee. "Latham's global platform and interdisciplinary approach to practice are unmatched. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to further enhance synergies and deliver strategic solutions to clients in this rapidly evolving and competitive deal environment." Lee joins Latham & Watkins from Fried Frank. He received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center and his BA from the University of Pennsylvania. About Latham & Watkins (lw.com) Latham & Watkins is a leading global law firm that brings together exceptional legal talent in financial centers around the world to advise on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm's deep market and product knowledge, industry experience, vast scale, and commitment to innovation and excellence help clients navigate their most critical challenges and achieve their goals. Notes to Editors 1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company. Contacts Marc Jaffe, New York Office Managing Partner, +1.212.906.1281 Alex Kelly, Global Co-Chair, Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice, +1.212.906.4615 SOURCE Latham & Watkins LLP FLORENCE, Italy, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Horizons S.r.l., (medicalhorizons.it) a leading distributor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for healthcare, today announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Bowhead Health Inc.(bowheadhealth.com), a Canadian innovator in secure health data management and AI-powered clinical trial matching. Bowhead Navigator's AI-driven platform helps clinicians quickly match patients to the most suitable clinical trials, streamlining decision-making and supporting personalized care. Bowhead Navigator streamlines trial searches by guiding clinicians step-by-step and instantly displaying the most relevant clinical studies. Under this agreement, Medical Horizons becomes the exclusive partner for Bowhead Health in Italy, Turkey, and Cyprus, expanding access to advanced technologies that improve clinical trial recruitment, optimize research workflows, and strengthen hospital and research institute capabilities across the region. Addressing Healthcare's Urgent Needs Healthcare systems worldwide face growing challenges from workforce shortages and rising clinical demands. Artificial intelligence is increasingly recognized as a critical tool to help address these pressures, enabling hospitals and researchers to deliver faster, more personalized care. "Manual clinical trial matching is slow, burdensome, and often misses the genomic details that matter most," said Francisco Diaz-Mitoma, CEO of Bowhead Health Inc. "Our platform allows hospitals to scan global and local trial databases instantly, helping them connect patients with the right therapies far more efficiently." Bowhead's AI-driven technology reduces time spent on manual searches, simplifies workflows, and provides confidence for both researchers and patients, accelerating progress toward personalized medicine. A Strategic Expansion for Medical Horizons For Medical Horizons, the partnership marks a continuation of its mission to bring best-in-class AI technologies to European healthcare providers. "This collaboration represents a decisive step in our strategy to deliver practical, high-impact AI solutions," said Guido Osti, CEO of Medical Horizons. "Bowhead Health has developed a unique platform that combines secure health data management, artificial intelligence, and clinical research. We are proud to guide their expansion in Italy, Turkey, and Cyprus." Bowhead Health Inc. Based in Ottawa, Canada, Bowhead Health has developed a secure digital ecosystem that integrates: An AI-powered trial matching engine for personalized patient recruitment. for personalized patient recruitment. A de-identified health data platform compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, and global security standards. compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, and global security standards. Collaborative digital flows connecting patients, hospitals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies. Bowhead Health is currently validating its technology with leading hospitals in Canada, Europe, India, and the United States, with strong early results. Medical Horizons S.r.l. Headquartered in Florence, Medical Horizons is Italy's leading distributor of AI healthcare technologies, with a proven track record of supporting hospitals of excellence in adopting next-generation solutions. The company provides market entry strategies, financial guidance, KOL engagement, and ongoing customer support to ensure long-term adoption and impact. Medical Horizons has successfully introduced innovative AI platforms from companies such as Tempus Pixel, Cortechs.ai, AZmed, and iCAD into the Italian healthcare ecosystem, and collaborates closely with institutions such as the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital of Rome. Contact: Francisco Diaz-Mitoma +1 310 760 6569 [email protected] SOURCE Bowhead Health Inc. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MSBAI (Microsurgeonbot Inc.) today announced it has secured a Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to mature OrbitGuard, its hybrid-intelligence copilot for space domain awareness. The opportunity originated from the Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), was competitively selected by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and has been executed by the Air Force Digital Transformation Office (DTO). Valued at $1.2 million over 18 months, the award will propel OrbitGuard toward operational deployment, addressing the exponential surge in orbital traffic projected to exceed 17,000 active satellites by 2026. MSBAI demonstrating OrbitGuard service to United States Space Force in Colorado Springs OrbitGuard transforms the space data deluge into decision dominance. Integrated with DoD enterprise data services like the Unified Data Library and running on MSBAI's GURU platform, it detects anomalous satellite behaviors in near-real time and identifies maneuvers with exceptional precision. Rather than relying on a single generative AI, OrbitGuard employs a hierarchical neuro-symbolic architecture that fuses multi-source orbital dataincluding infrared, CelesTrak, and electro-optical feedswith symbolic checks, JEPA-based learned world models, and reinforcement-learning planning agents. This enables operators to move from alert investigation visualization in seconds, while delivering reliability by design, not by prompt. Peer-reviewed evaluations demonstrate 94-98% accuracy in anomaly detection and classification across ~15,000 on-orbit objects, ensuring robust performance in dynamic, mission-critical environments. "Space operators are overwhelmed by the volume and velocity of orbital activity in a contested domain," said Allan Grosvenor, MSBAI founder & CEO. "OrbitGuard isn't 'just generative AI.' It's a hybrid-intelligence copilotcombining symbolic rules for guaranteed precision, JEPA-based world models for predictive understanding, and multi-agent reinforcement learning for adaptive planningto compress timelines from detection to decision, empowering Guardians to act with confidence and maintain superiority." Under this contract, MSBAI will: Scale the processing pipeline to handle over 20,000 resident space objects with ~two-minute end-to-end latency and 99.9% uptime. Advance AI models using Graph-JEPA and Patch Time-Series Transformers, introducing multi-agent reinforcement learning for threat assessment and predictive analytics, targeting 95% operational accuracy. Strengthen explainability and safety through blackboard-style logging, symbolic constraint checks, and audit-ready artifacts to facilitate Authority to Operate (ATO) certification. Ensure seamless integration across DoD systems via secure APIs, standardized data formats, and cross-domain workflows (Air Force, Army, Navy). Deliver an ATO-ready prototype incorporating NIST SP 800-53 controls and comprehensive security documentation, with support from academic partner Dr. Faisal Kaleem at Metro State University. The effort builds on MSBAI's lab-validated results (94-96% maneuver-detection accuracy) and recent demonstrations, including a live showcase at the U.S. Space Systems Command's Apollo Project Demo Day at the SDA TAP Lab in Colorado Springs on August 13, 2025, where OrbitGuard demonstrated autonomous integration with KeepTrack for orbital tracking, analysis, and visualization. Under the hood, GURU's hierarchical agent society blends symbolic constraints, learned world models, and reinforcement-learning plannersensuring every alert includes an audit trail and rule checks before reaching the operator. A program kickoff is scheduled for September 2, 2025, with DoD stakeholders, positioning OrbitGuard for dual-use in commercial space traffic management. About MSBAI MSBAI develops GURU, a hybrid-intelligence platform that accelerates high-stakes engineering and operations for defense and industry. From hypersonic CFD simulations to autonomous space operations, GURU merges symbolic automation with modern AI to create reliable, explainable workflows that scale across complex domains. Founded in 2017 and an Air Force Techstars '20 graduate, MSBAI is headquartered in Los Angeles. For examples of what MSBAI can do for you, visit https://youtube.com/msbai Media Contact: [email protected] MSBAI (Microsurgeonbot Inc.), Los Angeles, CA About Metro State University Founded in 1971, Metro State University, a member of Minnesota State, is the Twin Cities public, urban, comprehensive state university providing lifelong learning and competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. Metro State is the only university in Minnesota with dual designation from NSA as the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations (NCAE-CD, NCAE-CO). The University is also recognized by the ODNI as the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE). The University currently offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 20 graduate degrees. Metro State ranks 31st in the nation and first in Minnesota on CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index, which measures the success colleges and universities have in elevating students from low-income strata into the middle class within five years of graduation. To learn more, visit www.metrostate.edu. SOURCE MSBAI Fundraiser to take place throughout September in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month CARROLLTON, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- My Salon Suite , a salon suite franchise focused on providing beauty, health, and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business, is gearing up for its annual "Suite Relief" Fundraiser in benefit of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , announcing its goal to raise $125,000 to support the organization. St. Jude's life saving mission provides quality care to children with life-threatening diseases, and has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% in 1962 to 80% today. Through financial donations, St. Jude can provide treatments not covered by insurance at no cost to families. Since its inception in 2018, My Salon Suite's annual Suite Relief Fundraiser has raised over $775,000 for St. Jude through generous contributions from Franchise Partners and Members. In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, My Salon Suite is inviting charitable donations benefiting St. Jude, which can be made by visiting http://www.fundraising.stjude.org/mss . Mike and Tonya Hillard, My Salon Suite Franchise Partners of West Melbourne, FL, and top Suite Relief fundraisers in 2024, shared, "We are truly amazed by a core group of our Members in their leadership toward achieving a new donation record each year. We are humbled by their support of St. Jude's mission year after year. The impact My Salon Suite is making on families affected by childhood cancer is truly life-changing, and we are grateful to be part of it." In addition to its annual St. Jude fundraiser, My Salon Suite is committed to supporting its beauty, health, and wellness professionals through expanded financial assistance. In partnership with PBA Charities , the brand provides disaster relief grants and education scholarships for Members. Since its inception, My Salon Suite has distributed over $248,000 in disaster relief aid and $117,000 in scholarships. "My Salon Suite's philanthropic program was built on the foundation of the beauty in giving back," said Kelly Westbrook, vice president of Member Development at My Salon Suite. "Through our Suite Relief Program, Members and Franchise Partners alike have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families facing unimaginable challenges. Supporting St. Jude is deeply personal to our community, and we're proud to continue rallying together each year to help advance their mission." For more information about My Salon Suite's Suite Relief Program, visit https://www.mysalonsuite.com/about-us/suite-relief-fund/ . Professionals interested in becoming their own boss and opening an independent salon can visit https://www.mysalonsuite.com/reserve-a-suite/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=thunderly for more information about suites for rent with My Salon Suite. About My Salon Suite My Salon Suite is a nationwide network of turnkey salon suite studios designed to empower independent salon professionals to provide beauty, health and wellness services to their own respective clients. The co-working style space represents the latest concept in the beauty, health and wellness services industry, bringing together a community of independent professionals in one luxurious location. Founded in 2010, My Salon Suite has since expanded to more than 360 locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing entrepreneurship opportunities to over 10,000 Members. With industry-leading knowledge, operational processes and support services, My Salon Suite provides Members with the tools and resources they need to build, open and manage upscale private salon suites. This supportive environment allows established beauty, health and wellness service My Salon Suite professionals to invest in themselves and their professional success by running their own salon business. For more information about My Salon Suite, please visit: https://www.mysalonsuite.com/ . SOURCE My Salon Suite NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The House majority has released its Fiscal Year 2026 education funding bill, and the message to America's children is unmistakable: public schools don't matter. The proposal slashes $12.1 billion a staggering 15% from K-12 public education, even as it hands half a billion dollars to charter start-ups and expansions. "This bill disregards the needs of American children who depend on their public schools," said Carol Burris, Executive Director of the Network for Public Education (NPE), a national public school advocacy organization. "At a time when students need more support, not less, House leaders are pulling the rug out from under them." The proposed cuts target the very programs that provide opportunity: Title I: Cut by 27%. This funding supports remedial reading and math for children, especially those in high-poverty schools across both urban and rural communities. Cut by 27%. This funding supports remedial reading and math for children, especially those in high-poverty schools across both urban and rural communities. English Language Acquisition Grants: Eliminated entirely, stripping services from millions of English learners. Eliminated entirely, stripping services from millions of English learners. Title II-A (Teacher Training and Support): Zeroed out, undermining professional growth and recruitment at a time of national teacher shortages. Zeroed out, undermining professional growth and recruitment at a time of national teacher shortages. Full-Service Community Schools: Defunded, leaving families without essential services that strengthen schools and neighborhoods. And how do House leaders justify this devastation? By claiming, "Despite outsized investment, America's public schools continue to fail children and families." "That's what they think of your neighborhood schoola bad investment," Burris continued. "This is not fiscal prudence. It is a calculated political attack on our public schools, while increasing funding to open new charter schools to half a billion dollars a year. " NPE warns that the consequences will be catastrophic. Class size will increase. Support for struggling students will diminish. Inequities will deepen. Rural and high-need communities will be hit hardest, as lifeline programs are dismantled. "This budget does not reflect the values of a nation that believes in opportunity for all," said Diane Ravitch, President of NPE. "Public funds belong in public schools not funneled to charter operators while the vast majority of students are left behind." The Network for Public Education Action joins NPE, its sister organization, and calls on Congress to reject this reckless proposal and fully fund public schools, encouraging them to call and to write to their representative. "Budgets reflect priorities," Burris concluded. "If Congress passes this bill, it is saying to America's families: your children don't count." Contact: Carol Burris [email protected] (646) 678-4477 SOURCE Network for Public Education WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For some, with higher education comes worry. An August survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) found three-quarters (74%) of Americans who have personal student loans are somewhat or very worried about their ability to pay those loans. "Student loans are more than a monthly payment they're a long-term financial commitment," says Pamela Ladd, CPA/PFS, senior manager of Personal Financial Planning for the American Institute of CPAs. "The fact that three-quarters of borrowers are worried about repaying their student loans underscores the urgent need for personalized financial planning. These concerns aren't just numbers they reflect real stress that can derail financial stability." The survey also found: Twenty-two percent of Americans either have personal student loans or have parent loans for their children. More than half of those who have personal/parent loans (53%) say those loans affect their ability to save (e.g., for retirement, other financial goals). Of those who have children with student loans, 70% were very or somewhat worried about their child(ren)'s ability to pay for their student loans. For those who have personal/parent student loans, 55% say their loans were previously deferred and are now expected to be paid back. For those with children with student loans, 49% say those loans were previously deferred and are now expected to be paid back. Those surveyed with personal student loans weren't just students right out of college. Personal student loan holders by age group: Age 18 34: 37% Age 35 44: 27% Age 45 54: 25% Advice for Paying Student Loans Update your contact information. Confirm that your student loan provider has the correct contact information for you. You may have a different email address, home address or phone number since you first contacted that provider. Missed communication could lead to confusion and missed payments. Be informed and make a plan. Contact your loan provider and get the details about your loan including what your repayment options are, the date you will need to start making payments and what to do if you need help making those payments. Review the terms and conditions of your loan(s). Make a financial plan for how you will make your payments and any changes you can make to your budget to allow you to make your payments in full and on time. Pay early and extra, if possible. If you are still in school and can put any money toward your loans, contact your loan provider to find out how. Once you've started on your payment plan, consider adding additional funds to your payment to reduce the interest you pay and the total cost of your loan over time. If you can't pay, take action quickly. Contact your loan provider immediately and ask about your options. Some federal student loan programs could help you with repayment. The U.S. Department of Education offers suggestions for students dealing with federal loans here. Don't wait to address the issue. Missed payments can pile up quickly and accrue interest, making your payments higher. "Families who are behind in retirement savings or even emergency fund savings struggle with saving for college at all, and given the high cost of education, loans are sometimes necessary to bridge the gap," says Laura Brown, CPA/PFS, member of the AICPA's Personal Financial Specialist Credential Committee. "Implementing an aggressive repayment strategy can help ease the stress of a high expense period of life." Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AICPA from August 21 - 25, 2025 among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact the AICPA. To find more helpful articles, visit the AICPA's Financial Literacy Resources page. About the American Institute of CPAs The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession. SOURCE AICPA JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced that members of the senior management team will participate in various investor meetings throughout September and in early October to discuss, among other things, long-term growth-rate expectations. Investors and other interested parties can access a copy of the most recent presentation materials at www.NextEraEnergy.com/investors. NextEra Energy, Inc. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 company that owns Florida Power & Light Company, America's largest electric utility, which provides reliable electricity to approximately 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns one of the largest energy infrastructure development companies in the U.S., NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. NextEra Energy and its affiliated entities are meeting America's growing energy needs with a diverse mix of energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewable energy and battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NextEra Energy) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy's and FPL's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning long-term growth-rate expectations. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "will," "may result," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "seek," "potential," "projection," "forecast," "predict," "goals," "target," "outlook," "should," "would" or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and FPL and their business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause their actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require them to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this news release and the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy's and FPL's business operations; inability of NextEra Energy and FPL to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory, operational and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy and FPL; effect of any reductions or modifications to, or elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support clean energy projects of NextEra Energy and FPL and its affiliated entities or the imposition of additional tax laws, tariffs, duties, policies or other costs or assessments on clean energy or equipment necessary to generate, store or deliver it; impact of new or revised laws, regulations, executive orders, interpretations or constitutional ballot and regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy and FPL; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy and FPL; effects on NextEra Energy and FPL of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal, state and local government regulation of their operations and businesses; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of changes in tax laws, guidance or policies as well as in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of adverse results of litigation; impacts on NextEra Energy or FPL of allegations of violations of law; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas and oil production and transportation facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy and FPL resulting from risks related to project siting, planning, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, as well as supply chain disruptions; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, storage, transmission and distribution facilities, natural gas and oil production and transportation facilities, and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of a lack of growth, slower growth or a decline in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of geopolitical factors, terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyberattacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy's and FPL's business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy and FPL against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low natural gas and oil prices, disrupted production or unsuccessful drilling efforts could impact NextEra Energy Resources, LLC's (NextEra Energy Resources) natural gas and oil production operations and cause NextEra Energy Resources to delay or cancel certain natural gas and oil production projects and could result in certain assets becoming impaired; risk to NextEra Energy Resources of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide NextEra Energy Resources' full energy and capacity requirements services; inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy's ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy's and FPL's risk management tools associated with their hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation operations on sale and delivery of power or natural gas by NextEra Energy, including FPL; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of NextEra Energy or FPL counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy or FPL to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy's or FPL's information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy and FPL's retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in over-the-counter markets; impact of negative publicity; inability of FPL to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with NextEra Energy Resources' and FPL's ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy and FPL for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures and/or reduced revenues at nuclear generation facilities of NextEra Energy or FPL resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy Resources' or FPL's owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses or planned license extensions; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets or actions by third parties in connection with project-specific or other financing arrangements on NextEra Energy's and FPL's ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and meet their growth objectives; defaults or noncompliance related to project-specific, limited-recourse financing agreements; inability of NextEra Energy, FPL and NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. to maintain their current credit ratings; impairment of NextEra Energy's and FPL's liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy's defined benefit pension plan's funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of NextEra Energy's and FPL's nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy's assets and investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy's performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy's ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; the fact that the amount and timing of dividends payable on NextEra Energy's common stock, as well as the dividend policy approved by NextEra Energy's board of directors from time to time, and changes to that policy, are within the sole discretion of NextEra Energy's board of directors and, if declared and paid, dividends may be in amounts that are less than might be expected by shareholders; XPLR Infrastructure, LP's inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could have an effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NextEra Energy's limited partner interest in XPLR Operating Partners, LP; effects of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on the market price of NextEra Energy's common stock; and the ultimate severity and duration of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, and its effects on NextEra Energy's or FPL's businesses. NextEra Energy and FPL discuss these and other risks and uncertainties in their annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc. While unions accused the president of being the most hostile on labor issues, Labor Day in the US was marked by more than a thousand protests under the slogan Workers Over Billionaires A year ago, the Republican presidential candidate courted voters by assuring them that he would defend the interests of American workers. In the seven months since Donald Trump returned to the White House, however, the record is completely different, and the list of executive orders against workers has already led to the Trump administration being defined as the most hostile to labor issues of all time. Under the slogan Workers Over Billionaires, more than a thousand protests called by unions and civil organizations in more than 900 cities took place on Monday to commemorate Labor Day. The slogan, launched by the May Day Strong coalition, served to condense the protests over how Donald Trump is harassing the countrys workers through mass layoffs of federal employees, the elimination of protections (wages and other), obstacles to unionization, the suppression of benefits such as access to healthcare and education, and even his deportation agenda. This is a moment unlike any in the history of our labor movement and our country, declared Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the largest U.S. labor federation, in her State of the Unions address this year. Why are my job, my family, my future, my community, the services I count on suddenly being threatened and ripped away? Every year we think about a word that captures the State of the Unions at this given moment: Strong, rising, whatever it may be. This year there is only one possible answer. The State of the Unions the State of Working People in this country is under attack, Shuler said. The magnates latest labor action has once again targeted federal employees. On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing certain agencies, such as NASA, the National Weather Service, and the Bureau of Reclamations, to end collective bargaining agreements with unions representing federal employees. The Department of Veterans Affairs had already requested the elimination of protections for more than 400,000 of its workers. Due to their direct relationship with the government, federal employees are among the hardest hit by Trumps labor policies. From the start of his term, they have suffered the brunt of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created on his first day back in office by the president and led by the now-discredited Elon Musk, whose mission was to lay off thousands of employees and close federal agencies to drastically cut spending. Its effectiveness has been questionable, as cost reductions never reached the levels initially advertised. The chaos wreaked on the decimated agencies and laid-off workers, on the other hand, has been felt acutely. Labor Day protest at Trump Tower, Chicago, September 1. Anthony Vazquez (AP) These layoffs, along with the loss of benefits that have accompanied budget cuts, have driven workers to join unions. This is the case in Californias National Park Service, which has lost approximately a quarter of its staff. After two years in which unions failed to convince workers to join, more than 97% of employees at Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon parks voted this summer to unionize. More than 600 employees, including rangers, biologists, firefighters and tax collectors are now represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees. But workers at companies serving the administration have also seen their rights diminished. The president eliminated the $17.75 hourly minimum wage that his predecessor, Joe Biden, established for contracting companies to pay their workers. The measure could mean a pay cut for workers of more than $9,200 annually, according to experts. The Trump administration claims its actions are raising working-class wages when, in reality, they are empowering corporations to drive down the wages of millions of workers by eliminating minimum wage protections for federal contractors, disabled workers, and domestic workers who provide home care and child care, said Aurelia Glass, a policy analyst at the Center for American Progress. The administrations proposal to also exclude domestic workers such as elder care workers and nurses from the right to receive minimum wage for their services has received widespread criticism during the public hearing. 1.2 million fewer workers Immigrants occupy 43% of home care positions, and there are already difficulties filling the vacancies left by the deportation of foreigners. The resulting situation contradicts Trumps recurring rhetoric that immigrants were taking jobs away from Americans. With this argument, in a country where unemployment is below 4%, he has sought to strengthen his deportation campaign. The result, however, is that many industries and services now suffer from a labor shortage. The Republicans crusade to achieve the largest deportation in history has removed 1.2 million workers from the labor market, according to preliminary data. Workers who stay after their migrant colleagues leave complain that they have to work longer hours or have to train inexperienced newcomers. March in Chicago, Illinois, on September 1. Jim Vondruska (REUTERS) The effects of the expulsions were inevitable, as immigrants represent nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce. In some sectors, the damage caused by detentions is even greater, such as in the agricultural sector, where migrants fill jobs that Americans dont want. According to Pew data, 45% of agricultural, fishing, and forestry workers are migrants. The construction sector is another of the hardest hit by the Republicans anti-immigrant campaign, and contractors warn that the situation is dire. The situation is getting worse with the raids and rumors of raids that are preventing people from going to work sites. Theyre even taking individuals away while theyre in the middle of necessary construction, said Ken Simonson, an economist with the Association of General Contractors of America, in an interview with Telemundo. According to Simonson, construction hiring has stagnated or declined in many areas for various reasons, but tightening immigration laws has been a determining factor. Thirty percent of construction workers are immigrants, and employers are struggling to find a way to replace them. The number of construction jobs has fallen by half in metropolitan areas, according to the associations data. The largest loss, with 7,200 jobs, was recorded in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area, California. Despite warnings from business leaders across various sectors urging the administration to reverse the attack on the nations workforce, the White House, contrary to abundant data and testimony, remains entrenched in its campaign message: No administration has fought harder for the American worker. Happy Labor Day. 'Workers Over Billionaires' march in Atlanta, Georgia. ERIK S. LESSER (EFE) Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One Year for Earth (1y4e), a nonprofit initiative that highlights practical methods, inspiration, and incentives to encourage sustainability, has launched a new category focused on Politics in its comprehensive Resource Hub. 1y4e's platform helps people tackle the climate crisis head-on by offering accessible guidance on best practices, tangible solutions, basic advocacy, community involvement, workplace and school initiatives, alternative products, as well as self-care, culture, inspirational figures, and moreall designed to make sustainability a common everyday practice. The new Politics category provides users with an overview of how state and federal systems operate, highlighting the power individuals have to influence these systems, and offers key actions anyone can takeboth locally and nationally. A standout feature of the overall initiative is the 1y4e Journey, a gamified program that guides participants in building sustainable habits one week at a time. As users engage with seasonal content and take actionable steps, they earn points that translate into real-world impact: every point earned helps fund reforestation projects through 1y4e's partners, supporting tree planting both in the U.S. and the Global South. Participants receive a certificate of completion and can each plant up to 5 carbon sequestering trees via the 1y4e Journey. 1y4e founder Doug Fogelson developed the platform to combat climate overwhelm and offer clear, pragmatic pathways to action. "We want to give people ways to feel empoweredor even excitedand move into action," said Fogelson. "Our team has carefully researched and vetted resources that cut through the clutter online and make sustainable living the practical, normal choice." Michayla George , a student at Loyola University Chicago's School of Sustainability, praised the platform: "I was really impressed by the range of tools on the site. Its thoughtful design makes it simple to find actions that support anyone's sustainability journey now and in the future. I love that learning how to reduce harm can also lead to planting treesit makes the effort feel tangible." By meeting people online and inspiring real-world action, One Year for Earth advances its broader mission: to normalize sustainability, conserve natural resources, and build long-term resilience into our culture. For more information, to participate, or to support the initiative, visit www.1y4e.org . All tax-deductible donations directly fund 1y4e's reforestation efforts. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE One Year for Earth (1y4e) Community-led grant honors Indigenous creativity, cultural leadership, and artistic resilience across the Pacific DENVER, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative West, a regional arts nonprofit, is proud to announce the culmination of the first ever Pacific Jurisdictions Artist Fund. The fund will provide 45 artists and cultural practitioners from American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Rota, and Tinian) unrestricted support for their creative and cultural work. Launched in spring 2025, the Fund is a groundbreaking, trust-based grant designed specifically for artists and culture-bearers in the Pacific Jurisdictions. Despite their rich cultural heritage and distinct contributions to the fabric of the U.S., artists in American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI have historically been excluded from regional funding. The Fund addresses this disparity head-on, offering a model for culturally responsive and liberatory grantmaking that centers the voices and visions of island communities. Unlike traditional funding models, the Fund was co-designed by local cultural leaders and artists, offering a process rooted in relationship, equity, and respect for Indigenous ways of knowing. The program provides unrestricted awards of up to $6,000 to support creative practice, cultural preservation, rest, healing, or daily needshowever each artist defines it. In the 2024-25 cycle, awards ranged from approximately $700 to $3,000 to ensure that as many artists could be funded as possible. Although Creative West's resources were limited, the organization managed to commit $26,000 in program funding to each jurisdiction. Funds may fluctuate in the future and Creative West seeks to secure additional resources for the Fund. "It's an amazing privilege to see arts created and inspired by love for culture/values. " said one of the island-based grant application reviewers. "Please know [the Fund] is so empowering for the applicants and the reviewers." The 45 awardees represent a wide spectrum of artistic expressionfrom traditional tattooists, weavers, and carvers to poets, musicians, language keepers, and digital storytellers. Each awardee was selected through a community-driven panel review process led by Pacific Island reviewers from across the region. "Arts funding in the U.S. Pacific Island communities has been inconsistent," said Creative West Grants, Awards and Programs Director Anika Tene. "The Fund does its part to address that it also centers Indigenous leadership, honors lived experience, and moves at the speed of trust." In September, the Fund's inaugural awardees will be honored at community celebrations hosted on each island: American Samoa September 10, 2025 at the DDW Beach Cafe and Restaurant Guam September 15, 2025 at Caffe Cino in the Hilton Hotel CNMI (Saipan) September 18, 2025 at the NMI Museum of History and Culture These celebratory events for the program's inaugural year will include cultural sharing, community meals, and recognition of each artist's contributions. In addition, Creative West will be hosting outreach and community workshops on American Samoa, Guam and Saipan aimed to provide artists essential guidance and resources to strengthen their future applications. For more information and to learn more about the the Fund artists and resources, visit: https://wearecreativewest.org/introducing-the-2025-pacific-jurisdictions-artist-fund-awardees/ About Creative West Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), we serve a broad and diverse region that stretches from the Arctic Coast to the Desert Southwest and from the Great Plains to the Pacific Islands. We offer direct, practical support to artists, culture bearers, state arts agencies, and creative organizations, aiming to work distributively in support of community-defined goals. Our direct-service work includes funding, programming, leadership development, research, advocacy, technology, and convening to move arts and cultural policy forward. We support goals directlyseeking partnership, not powerknowing that the region contains multitudes. Contact: Anika Tene | Creative West | [email protected] Website: www.wearecreativewest.org Leah Horn 303-629-1166 [email protected] SOURCE Creative West (formerly WESTAF) Brokers send RFPs to carriers via email from within PerfectQuote while carriers simply replyno new systems, no added training, just ease AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PerfectQuote, Inc., a leading group health digital quoting platform, today announced the launch of its enhanced request-for-proposal ("RFP") solution, designed to simplify how brokers and carriers exchange underwritten proposals for group health insurance. Brokers can utilize an email-based workflow from within PerfectQuote to submit RFPs to any carrier through its RFP module, cutting extra steps across systems. Carriers reply directly to the email allowing PerfectQuote to analyze the proposals automatically, giving brokers results instantly for review, presentations, and client discussions all from one centralized point. "For years, RFPs have been a pain point for brokers and carriers with fragmented workflows, endless emails, and too much manual work by all stakeholders," said Justin Sylvester, CEO of PerfectQuote. "We heard our customers and partners loud and clear - our solution is built to meet everyone where they are today, delivering more speed, accuracy, and transparency without new systems or training." Unlike competing RFP tools that require additional steps throughout the RFP process, PerfectQuote's RFP solution fits seamlessly into existing workflows, providing brokers with organized, comparable proposals while ensuring carriers can respond with no additional effort. Finally, PerfectQuote offers unparalleled integrations with key ecosystem Agency CRM and BenAdmin providers closing the loop from request to sale to administration with greater speed and accuracy. "This launch continues our mission to modernize employee benefits quoting. By fitting into carrier workflows and giving brokers faster, more reliable tools, PerfectQuote is setting a new standard for how RFPs should work." The enhanced RFP solution is available immediately to all PerfectQuote broker customers and carriers. About PerfectQuote PerfectQuote is an Austin, Texas-based company founded in 2017 by brokers for brokers, focusing on delivering operational excellence and client satisfaction through technology in the commercial group health insurance industry. The company provides brokers with a category-leading cloud-based group benefits quoting software platform (PerfectQuote) that streamlines commercial health insurance selling to large, medium, and small group employers. The application is used by several of the top 10, 50 and 100 largest US-based agencies that service over 125,000 employer groups through the platform. For more information, visit www.perfectquote.io . Media Contact: Marketing Department [email protected] SOURCE PerfectQuote, Inc. REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to unlock your inner hero and make a difference like never before! HeartCity, a groundbreaking niche social media app, is launching now in Redwood City and San Carlos, California, then expanding to more communities nationwide, promising to revolutionize the way residents, non-profits, and local businesses come together to serve their community. This free app is set to become the go-to platform for anyone looking to give back, connect with others, or amplify their impactall with a few taps on their phone. A Game-Changer for Volunteers Imagine an app that's like a dating app, but instead of swiping for romance, you're connecting with causes you care about. That's HeartCity. Designed with users in mind, it's a one-stop shop for finding meaningful volunteer opportunities in your community. Tired of searching endless websites for ways to give back? HeartCity brings the opportunities to you, matching your skills and interests with local non-profits. But it's more than just volunteeringit's about building community. Users can track their impact, see how their volunteer hours are making a difference, and connect with like-minded people passionate about serving others. "HeartCity helps you discover hidden talents and passions while supporting amazing local causes," says Jerome Madigan, CEO of HeartCity. "It's a fun and rewarding way to give back, complete with volunteer award badges and tracking of your volunteer hours." In your home feed, you'll see what your friends are volunteering for, post about your own experiences, and make new friends who share your drive to make a difference. As one excited user put it, "HeartCity is more than just volunteering; it's about building community." A Lifeline for Non-Profits Non-profit organizations are already buzzing about HeartCityand for good reason. "HeartCity is the free and easy way to recruit qualified, passionate volunteers," explains Dave Bradley, HeartCity COO. "Stop wasting time on outdated methods." The app allows non-profits to reach a wider pool of potential volunteers than ever before, connecting directly with engaged residents ready to roll up their sleeves. Beyond recruitment, HeartCity streamlines volunteer management with tools for scheduling, communication, collecting donations, and tracking hoursall in one place. "It's designed specifically for local communities," Dave adds. "We understand the unique needs of local non-profits." Organizations can showcase their mission, tell their story, and increase visibility while promoting events and connecting with potential donors and supporters. It's a game-changer for local causes looking to amplify their impact. A Win for Local Businesses Local businesses aren't left out of the HeartCity magic. The app offers a unique opportunity to connect with a highly engaged, socially conscious audience. "Show your community support!" urges Jerome Madigan. "Partner with HeartCity to sponsor volunteer events and gain positive brand exposure." By advertising in the home feed or sponsoring volunteer events, businesses can align their brand with the values of giving backwhile reaching customers who care. Join the HeartCity Movement Whether you're a resident eager to give back, a non-profit ready to grow, or a business looking to make a local impact, HeartCity is for you. "Everyone should download it as part of their community," says Dave Bradley. "It's your one-stop shop for finding, organizing, or sponsoring volunteer opportunities." With this launch, HeartCity is poised to become the heartbeat of local community engagementa platform where compassion meets connection, and every action creates a ripple of good. Download HeartCity today and be part of something bigger. After all, as the app's tagline promises: It's "The best way to love your city." Get ready Redwood City and San Carlos HeartCity is coming to unite us all in the spirit of service. https://www.heartcityapp.com/ Instagram: @heartcityapp Facebook: @heartcityapp SOURCE HeartCity Board-certified physician and regenerative medicine pioneer brings over 28 years of clinical experience in stem cell therapies to Robles BioCeutics' growing scientific leadership team. SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robles BioCeutics, a regenerative dermatology biotechnology company developing next-generation skincare solutions through stem cell-derived and senolytic technologies, is pleased to welcome Dr. Navneet Boddu to its Advisory Board. Maria Robles, CEO of Robles BioCeutics, welcomes Dr. Navneet Boddu to the Advisory Board. Dr. Boddu is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist with more than 28 years of clinical experience. He currently serves as the Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Pain & Regenerative Specialist, a leading medical clinic based in Oceanside, California. His practice specializes in non-surgical spine and joint care using evidence-based regenerative treatments, including autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Dr. Boddu's integrative approach combines regenerative medicine with traditional pain management to deliver patient-specific outcomesanchored in the belief that each individual is their best advocate for healing. Dr. Boddu completed his Pain Medicine Fellowship at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, and his Anesthesiology Residency at Loma Linda University, two institutions recognized for leadership in academic medicine and clinical innovation. His medical training laid the foundation for a career at the forefront of biologics and interventional regenerative therapies. "Dr. Boddu's extensive clinical insight and expertise in regenerative therapies align perfectly with our vision for science-backed skin health," said Maria Robles, CEO and President of Robles BioCeutics. "His deep understanding of biologics and patient-centered innovation will be instrumental in helping us bridge clinical practice with product development as we continue to redefine aging at the cellular level." "I'm excited to join Maria and her team at Robles BioCeutics at such a pivotal stage in their growth," said Dr. Navneet Boddu. "The science behind GlowSelle and the company's broader regenerative dermatology platform is compelling. To my knowledge, Robles BioCeutics is the only dermatology company to leverage Injury Mimetic Technology to realize the full potential of stem cells[1]. I look forward to advising the team as they translate these technologies into powerful solutions that can help people look and feel their best without invasive procedures." With Dr. Boddu's appointment, Robles BioCeutics continues to solidify its position at the intersection of regenerative medicine and dermatological innovationwhile reaffirming its commitment to human safety as the foundation of all scientific progress. As the company advances toward clinical validation and commercialization, the growing strength of its Advisory Board reflects a deliberate focus on ethical development, scientific rigor, and strategic collaboration in pursuit of transformative, patient-centered skin health solutions. About Robles BioCeutics Robles BioCeutics is a regenerative dermatology company advancing the future of skin health through breakthrough technologies in senolytics and stem cell science. With a focus on cellular longevity and repair, we aim to transform the way aging is approachedtopically and systemically. For updates, follow Robles BioCeutics on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube, or visit us at www.roblesbioceutics.com Media Contact: Maria Robles, CEO and President Robles BioCeutics 858-609-0948 [email protected] [1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robles-bioceutics-announces-anti-aging-mechanisms-of-exosome-based-cosmetics-at-the-american-association-of-immunologists-conference-302445943.html SOURCE Robles BioCeutics MUNICH, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, has opened its largest training center in Europe in Oberschleiheim near Munich. The new Sungrow Service Competency Center is a technical training hub designed to support the expertise of its employees and partners, particularly in the commissioning, handover, and maintenance of projects. Sungrow Opens Technological Center for Training and Innovation in Munich Moritz Rolf, Vice President of Sungrow Europe, responsible for the business in DACH, BeNeLux, Nordics, and Turkey, about the new service center: "By providing state-of-the-art training and showcasing the newest technology trends, we ensure that our employees and our partners have access to the best services and stay informed about the latest developments in the fast-paced energy industry. Our recipe for success here is the combination of global innovation and local anchoring". The modern center offers added value for projects from residential to utility-scale regarding commissioning and O&M, with numerous experts from the region. Sungrow aims to help customers and partners in Central and Northern Europe drive the energy transition and shape a green future under the motto "Clean power for all". A similar service facility was opened in Pamplona, Spain, a few months ago to support customers in Southern Europe. Focus on Sustainability The whole Service center in Oberschleiheim, near the company's European headquarters in Munich, covers a total area of 5,000 square meters, including an outdoor area, and serves as a hub for training and innovation development in the service sector. It features a fully equipped warehouse, a maintenance center for the entire product portfolio, and a training area of 150 square meters. Regular training sessions on technology and the practical application of renewable energy solutions are held there, both online and in person. The sessions are tailored to the respective market and target groups and divided into systematic foundation and certification training. The center also includes a parking area equipped with several Sungrow EV charging stations. Local Teams for Best Services Over the past 18 years, the company has built a strong presence throughout Europe with local sales, technical support, and after-sales service. The company now has over 750 employees, more than 25 local offices, and two R&D teams. To best support its customers, Sungrow has established a comprehensive structure across Europe. This includes dedicated service hotlines, a strong sales network, dedicated local expert teams, and continuous investments in and strong relationships with the local community. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762101/polished.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg TAIPEI, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Kaohsiung Food Show will return to the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center from October 2326, 2025. Running concurrently with the Kaohsiung International Hotel, Restaurant, Baking and Catering Show (Kaohsiung HORECA), the event will transform Southern Taiwan into a dynamic hub for the food and hospitality industries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Kaohsiung Food Show will spotlight exhibitors presenting a feast which combines delicacies, innovation, and sustainability. This year's exhibition brings together 330 exhibitors across 580 booths, attracting an expected 20,000 visitors. Covering the entire food supply chain, the show features everything from agricultural, fishery and livestock products to frozen ready-to-eat meals, functional foods, packaging solutions and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. Key exhibitors include Cheng Ji Agricultural Products, Hao Di Yi (Taiwan's leading satay sauce brand), Yi E Shi by Fu Yi Foods and Jiu Zhen Nan Food Co., Ltd., a time-honored Taiwanese brand making its Kaohsiung debut. Kaohsiung HORECA will highlight cutting-edge machinery from exhibitors such as Hundred Machinery (automated encrusting machines), Sun-Mate Machinery (baking equipment) and Jaw Feng Machinery (vacuum packaging). These technologies underline Taiwan's strengths in smart automation, packaging and food processing solutions, helping businesses achieve higher efficiency, consistency and quality control. To reflect global consumer trends, the Fresh Living Area will debut, showcasing organic, plant-based, low-sugar and other functional innovations. This makes it a must-visit for retailers, importers and buyers who are seeking to meet the surging demand for clean-label and health-driven products. Another exciting highlight is the Omiyage Corner, presenting curated snacks, teas and sweets which celebrate Asia's rich gift-giving culture. International exhibitors from South Korea, Vietnam, the United States, Belgium, and Germany will also bring their own authentic flavors to the show floor, making Kaohsiung a global crossroads of culinary excellence. Beyond exhibitions, a full program of side events will keep attendees engaged. Highlights include the 2025 Taiwan Foods Procurement Day (Kaohsiung), connecting local suppliers with overseas buyers, as well as SDGs seminars, celebrity chef cooking shows, live product launches, tasting sessions, food product auctions, and lucky draws. These activities provide both business insights and interactive experiences for participants. The Kaohsiung Food Show is the ultimate one-stop sourcing platform for discovering Asia-Pacific's most innovative products and suppliers. Whether you're seeking healthy foods, premium snacks, or advanced production solutions, this event offers the perfect gateway to expand networks and capture new growth opportunities. Don't miss this savory journey! Register now for free entry at https://reurl.cc/pY3g9Z . For more details, visit: www.foodkh.com.tw | www.kaohsiunghoreca.com.tw. Ad by TITA. SOURCE The 2025 Kaohsiung Food Show DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Title Resources Group (TRG), one of the nation's leading title insurance underwriters, has appointed Stacy Short as Agency Account Manager for Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. A 30-year real estate industry professional, Short will drive business development efforts in the Mid-Atlantic by forming and managing relationships with title insurance agents while supporting their growth initiatives. Stacy Short "Stacy brings exceptional insight and professionalism to her role, coupled with a customer-first mindset," said Kim Midgett, senior vice president of TRG. "Her deep roots in the communities she serves allow her to understand the local real estate markets, as well as the unique needs and goals of the title agents she supports." Short brings diverse expertise to her position, having served roles in mortgage lending, title insurance underwriting, legal and business development, and as a Virginia real estate agent. Before joining TRG, she worked as a business development officer for a large national title insurance agency, where she hosted educational seminars, open houses and promotional events. She worked nearly four years as a paralegal, supporting attorneys and clients in title-related litigation and transactional matters and worked as a title curative specialist for Require LLC for a decade. Earlier in her career, she was co-owner of a title agency and spent 4 years as a mortgage loan officer. "My extensive understanding of real estate in the Mid-Atlantic markets, combined with strong relationship building skills, allows me to anticipate title agency needs, help streamline processes, and foster lasting partnerships that drive mutual success," said Short. "I look forward to supporting title agents within TRG's collaborative environment that values long-term partnerships." Short is a licensed title insurance underwriter and notary public in Virginia. About Title Resources Group (TRG) Title Resources Group the underwriter built for the real estate industry is one of the nation's largest title insurance underwriters by market share. In partnership with Centerbridge Partners, L.P., Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), HomeServices of America (a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate), Lennar (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), and Opendoor Technologies Inc. (NYSE: OPEN), TRG serves title insurance agents nationally. Since its inception in 1984, the company has consistently operated profitably without a net operating loss in any fiscal year. With a mission to provide knowledgeable and responsive underwriting solutions, TRG is dedicated to growing lifelong relationships and maintaining quality through integrity, financial stability and title agent resources. For more information on Title Resources Group, visit www.trguw.com. SOURCE Title Resources Group National Literacy Month campaign blends timeless storytelling with modern tools to inspire lifelong readers Families engage through pledges, community drives, pop-up events, and at-home literacy kits Tackling the staggering reality that 25 million children in America cannot read BALTIMORE, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Literacy Month, Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, invites families nationwide to celebrate the joy of reading with its month-long From Letters to Life Lessons campaign. Launching today through September 30, the initiative offers simple, creative ways for parents to make literacy a part of everyday life at home, in the classroom, and in the community. With 25 million children in America unable to read, the need to inspire young learners has never been greater. Post this Promoting the Power of Books - Reading 20 Minutes a Day Exposes Children to 1.8 Million Words a Year "With 25 million children in America unable to read, the need to inspire young learners has never been greater," said Kristen Miller, Director of Education at Celebree School. "Literacy isn't just about reading books, it's about sparking curiosity through every conversation, game, and shared story. This year's campaign combines the magic of traditional storytelling with the possibilities of new technology, giving families simple, joyful ways to make words part of their everyday world." Ways Families Can Join the Celebration Take the From Letters to Life Lessons Literacy Pledge: Download Celebree's printable pledge, sign it together as a family, and color the included bookmark. Post a photo of your pledge or a reading moment using #CelebreeCelebratesLiteracy for bonus entries to the social media giveaway. Download Celebree's printable pledge, sign it together as a family, and color the included bookmark. Post a photo of your pledge or a reading moment using #CelebreeCelebratesLiteracy for bonus entries to the social media giveaway. Enter the Social Media Giveaway: To enter, follow Celebree School on Instagram, comment your child's favorite book, and tag friends to win a Toniebox and Create Your Own Tonie. The winner will be announced on October 1 as a kickoff to National Book Month. To enter, follow Celebree School on Instagram, comment your child's favorite book, and tag friends to win a Toniebox and Create Your Own Tonie. The winner will be announced on as a kickoff to National Book Month. Explore the Everyday Literacy Toolkit: Families are encouraged to visit the Letters to Life Lessons Literacy landing page for free resources to weave literacy into everyday life. The Everyday Literacy Toolkit offers weekly tips, printable activities, and fun challenges, like turning grocery trips into storytelling adventures or playing phonics games at the dinner table. Families are encouraged to visit the Letters to Life Lessons Literacy landing page for free resources to weave literacy into everyday life. The Everyday Literacy Toolkit offers weekly tips, printable activities, and fun challenges, like turning grocery trips into storytelling adventures or playing phonics games at the dinner table. Discover the AI Story Starter Guide and Additional Literacy Resources: Parents can also download the AI Story Starter Guide, a simple, kid-friendly resource that teaches how to use AI as a creative partner. Other resources include "Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)" prompt cards, a phonics flip chart book, a reading book list with tiered minutes milestones, and an emotion & word matching sheet. As part of the month-long celebration, Celebree School will host a free, live parent webinar, AI & Early Literacy: Rethinking How Children Learn in a Digital Age, on Wednesday, September 24, from 67 PM CT. Led by Dr. Ying Xu, Assistant Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping early childhood development and what it means for the future of reading, comprehension, and critical thinking. REGISTER HERE. Why Literacy Matters Now Recent data from the Nation's Report Card shows U.S. reading scores at their lowest in decades, with 37% of children entering kindergarten without foundational literacy skills. Meanwhile, a national study shows that 13% of parents feel most overwhelmed by their child meeting developmental milestones, underscoring the urgent need to address the literacy crisis. "Our mission is simple: make literacy a part of every child's day," Miller said. "Supporting families in this journey is how we spark a lifelong love of learning." At the local level, Celebree schools will host a range of charitable initiativesfrom book and supply drives that give children and families in underserved communities access to age-appropriate materials, to intergenerational reading programs and 'Reading for Impact,' which turns minutes read into tangible community contributions. During the 20242025 school year, children at Celebree Schools, from infants to school-age, demonstrated a 5673% increase in reaching literacy milestones between the fall and spring semesters. Serving children from six weeks to 12 years old, Celebree is known for its world-class curriculum that nurtures learning through play, hands-on projects, and age-appropriate activities, while also fostering positive social skills and core values. To take the Celebree Literacy Pledge and access addition resources, please visit https://www.celebree.com/literacy-month-2025/. For more information about Celebree School, visit https://www.celebree.com/ About Celebree School Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School's founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. SOURCE Celebree School MUMBAI, India, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Virginia Darden School of Business, consistently ranked among the world's top business schools, in collaboration with XED, today announced the launch of the Darden CEO Leadership Program a transformative initiative designed to equip senior leaders with the skills, perspectives, and networks needed to navigate today's volatile business environment. The program brings together Darden's world-renowned faculty, whose expertise in strategy, innovation, and leadership development is globally recognised, with XED's proven ability to deliver executive education at scale across geographies. Together, they will offer an intensive learning journey tailored for C-suite executives and those preparing to assume CEO-level responsibilities. Speaking on the collaboration, John Kallelil, Founder & CEO of XED, said: "The Darden CEO Leadership Program reflects our shared commitment to building resilient, future-ready leaders. By combining Darden's intellectual rigour with XED's global reach, we are creating a platform where executives can sharpen their vision, strengthen execution capabilities, and lead with impact." Devin Bigoness, Chief Client Officer, Darden School of Business, added: "The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is proud to partner with XED to launch the CEO Leadership Program globally. This initiative reflects our mission to shape responsible leaders through transformational learning, and we look forward to equipping dynamic business leaders to accelerate their impact in a rapidly changing world," With participants expected from North America, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond, the program will offer both academic excellence and peer learning at the highest level. Its focus on strategy, governance, innovation, and boardroom leadership positions it as a benchmark offering in global executive education. About the University of Virginia Darden School of Business The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is globally recognized for delivering one of the world's top executive education experiences. Per The Economist, it has been ranked the No. 1 business education experience in the U.S. for ten consecutive years. Its faculty are celebrated for teaching excellence and curricular innovation, consistently topping global rankings in both The Economist and Princeton Review About XED XED is a global executive education powerhouse, trusted by over 20,000 CXOs and senior leaders across 25+ countries. Partnering with globally top-ranked universities, including Ivy League institutions, XED delivers programs that drive strategic clarity, execution excellence, and future-ready leadership. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2754480/5487565/XED_Logo.jpg SOURCE XED NYSE American: UEC CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE American: UEC) (the "Company" or "UEC") is pleased to announce the launch of United States Uranium Refining & Conversion Corp. ("UR&C"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, to pursue the feasibility of developing a new state-of-the-art American uranium refining and conversion facility. Amir Adnani, UEC President and CEO, stated: "Positioning UEC as the only vertically integrated U.S. company with uranium mining, processing, refining and conversion capabilities is both a significant commercial opportunity and a strategic necessity for the United States. Under one American banner, UEC's end-to-end capabilities would provide a secure, geopolitically reliable source of Uranium Hexafluoride ("UF"), the critical feedstock for enrichment that enables the production of low-enriched uranium ("LEU") and high-assay low-enriched uranium ("HALEU"), fuels essential to powering large, small, and advanced reactors for undersupplied domestic and allied markets. "We are structuring UR&C as a subsidiary to advance this initiative in a fiscally optimal manner, including tactical partnerships and direct investments. This allows UEC to maintain a strong balance sheet and continue to prioritize its core uranium mining and processing business, while separately advancing UR&C to enhance UEC shareholder value. "Our priorities are clear: to build on UEC's existing uranium platform by advancing a fully American supply chain to support growing domestic enrichment; to ensure alignment with U.S. policy and Defense Production Act ("DPA") authorities; and to work in close partnership with government and industry. Together, these priorities position UR&C to play a central role in expanding America's nuclear fuel cycle and strengthening its long-term energy security." Spencer Abraham, UEC Chairman and Former U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated: "For far too long, the U.S. has relied on foreign sources to supply and process the critical materials essential to our national and economic security. We are seeking to address this problem by advancing a vertically integrated supply chain for natural UF, providing essential feedstock for commercial enrichment to power the world's largest nuclear reactor fleet and supplying the unobligated U.S.-origin uranium required to fuel America's nuclear navy. The proposed facility directly aligns with U.S. policy and would contribute to unlocking American enrichment growth. "With UEC's proven track record, sector leadership and team depth, UR&C is uniquely positioned to deliver on this national priority. Most importantly, by providing a critical cornerstone for a secure U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain, UEC would be a key part of President Trump's program to quadruple America's domestic nuclear energy capacity." Key highlights: Scale & Vertical Integration UEC is the largest U.S. uranium company by estimated resources, licensed production and processing capacity. UR&C will position UEC as the only American company with a nuclear fuel supply chain capability from UO production to refining, conversion, and delivery of natural UF to enrichment plants for LEU and HALEU production. UEC is the largest U.S. uranium company by estimated resources, licensed production and processing capacity. UR&C will position UEC as the only American company with a nuclear fuel supply chain capability from UO production to refining, conversion, and delivery of natural UF to enrichment plants for LEU and HALEU production. Aligned with American Energy Dominance Policies - This initiative responds to federal policy under President Trump's recent Executive Orders that call for a fourfold expansion of U.S. nuclear capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050 and reduced reliance on foreign sources of uranium. The orders include invoking the DPA to onshore the nuclear fuel cycle as a priority for national security with multiple agencies required to support the objectives. This initiative responds to federal policy under President Trump's recent Executive Orders that call for a fourfold expansion of U.S. nuclear capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050 and reduced reliance on foreign sources of uranium. The orders include invoking the DPA to onshore the nuclear fuel cycle as a priority for national security with multiple agencies required to support the objectives. Near All-time High Pricing for UF Conversion - Currently, the conversion price is in the range of $64 -66/kgU in the spot market and approximately $52 /kgU in the long-term market, indicative of a highly undersupplied market and a major bottleneck in the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. Currently, the conversion price is in the range of -66/kgU in the spot market and approximately /kgU in the long-term market, indicative of a highly undersupplied market and a major bottleneck in the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. Timing is Right to Expand Domestic Conversion Capacity - Market conditions and current federal government support create a prime opportunity for a U.S. company to develop a new uranium refining and UF conversion plant, addressing the demand for an expansion of domestic UF conversion capabilities. - Market conditions and current federal government support create a prime opportunity for a U.S. company to develop a new uranium refining and UF conversion plant, addressing the demand for an expansion of domestic UF conversion capabilities. Largest and Most Modern Planned Conversion Facility in the United States - The current development and design focus aims to build the largest UF conversion facility in the United States , standing amongst the most modern in the Western world. The conversion services plant will have a designed capacity to produce ~10,000 metric tonnes uranium ("MtU") per year as UF, representing a substantial share of U.S. demand at 18,000 MtU per year. - The current development and design focus aims to build the largest UF conversion facility in , standing amongst the most modern in the Western world. The conversion services plant will have a designed capacity to produce ~10,000 metric tonnes uranium ("MtU") per year as UF, representing a substantial share of U.S. demand at 18,000 MtU per year. First-Mover Advantage with Fluor - Building on a year of engineering and design work already completed with Fluor Corporation, a Fortune 500 engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm and long-standing U.S. Department of Energy contractor with relevant nuclear-project experience, provides UR&C with a clear first-mover advantage. - Building on a year of engineering and design work already completed with Fluor Corporation, a Fortune 500 engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm and long-standing U.S. Department of Energy contractor with relevant nuclear-project experience, provides UR&C with a clear first-mover advantage. Phased Execution - UEC will move the project forward in stages, ensuring disciplined progress, while providing updates as evaluations, partnerships, and government engagement advance. Project Basis and Stakeholder Engagement The proposed facility is the result of work initiated with Fluor Corporation in July 2024 and supported by a recently completed AACE Class 5 conceptual study. The study contemplates a new and modern U.S. conversion facility sized to produce ~10,000 MtU per year as UF, including associated infrastructure. Total installed capacity (with contingency) was developed at a conceptual level and forms the basis for advancing more detailed engineering and commercial planning. The Company has also initiated discussions on potential siting options, evaluating factors such as logistics, workforce availability, public acceptance, local incentives, and synergies with other fuel cycle facilities. The project will move forward contingent on several factors, including completion and assessment of additional engineering and economic studies, securing strategic government commitments, utility contracts, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions. UEC has begun initial discussions with the United States government, state-level energy authorities, utilities, and financial entities, and will report further updates as these engagements advance. By establishing UR&C, UEC aims to deliver a capability that is both strategically essential and commercially transformative, expanding domestic uranium refining and UF conversion capacity and creating a resilient, American supplier for decades to come. About Uranium Energy Corp Uranium Energy Corp is America's largest and fastest growing supplier of uranium needed to produce safe, clean, reliable nuclear energy. The Company is advancing the next generation of low-cost, environmentally friendly In-Situ Recovery ("ISR") mining uranium projects in the United States and high-grade conventional projects in Canada. The Company has three hub and spoke platforms in South Texas and Wyoming with a combined licensed production capacity of 12.1 million pounds U 3 O 8 per year. These production platforms are anchored by licensed Central Processing Plants ("CPPs") and served by multiple U.S. ISR uranium projects. In August 2024, ISR operations began at the Christensen Ranch project in Wyoming, sending uranium loaded resin to the Irigaray CPP in Wyoming. The Company has diversified uranium holdings including: (1) a conventional pipeline of high-grade Canadian projects anchored by the worldclass Roughrider project; (2) one of the largest physical uranium portfolios of U.S. warehoused U 3 O 8 ; and (3) a major equity stake in Uranium Royalty Corp., the only royalty company in the sector. The Company's operations are managed by professionals with decades of hands-on nuclear fuel industry experience including the key facets of uranium exploration, development, mining and production. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management and include, among others, statements regarding: UEC's expectations regarding the project, including its potential benefits, the design, development and launch of the project; UEC's market position following any successful launch of the project; expectations regarding U.S. government engagement and support for the project; projected facility size and capacity; projected U.S. conversion demand and supply for UF 6 ; and projected pricing for UF 6 . Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," "plans," "estimates" or "intends," or stating that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and include, among others, the actual results of exploration activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation or realization of mineral resources, future mineral resource estimates may vary from historic estimates, the availability of capital to fund the project or programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays or failures in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage, changes in government policies and support for nuclear energy and other factors described in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. SOURCE Uranium Energy Corp USSFCU's recognition highlights its bold approach to modernizing IT infrastructure, advancing AI-driven solutions, and enhancing member experiences. Leveraging VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA, USSFCU successfully deployed a secure, private AI environment in less than 48 hours enabling employees to improve operational efficiency and deliver personalized financial services without compromising data privacy. "With VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA, we've built a secure, private cloud environment that allows us to quickly and efficiently implement AI technologies whether it's powering knowledge-based chatbots assisting staff or innovating new ways to deliver financial answers directly to our members across multiple devices," said Mark Fournier, CIO at USSFCU. AI-Powered Solutions That Deliver Results Since implementation, USSFCU has launched several transformative projects, including an AI-powered chatbot designed to support both employees and members. Today, more than half of USSFCU's staff actively use the AI tool to streamline tasks, securely access information, and deliver faster, more personalized member service. USSFCU's adoption of VMware vSAN Express Storage Architecture also reduced total cost of ownership by 23%, while ensuring the high-performance infrastructure required to support AI workloads and enhanced digital services. "Our members are our priority, and AI is enabling us to push toward personalized, real-time financial solutions," Fournier explained. "AI in banking allows us to automate everyday transactions, streamline loan processing, and proactively identify member needs ensuring our services are both intuitive and secure." Building a Secure, Scalable Future With a modernized private cloud environment, USSFCU has: Enhanced operational agility accelerating deployment of new technologies and services accelerating deployment of new technologies and services Strengthened data security protecting sensitive member information within a private AI ecosystem protecting sensitive member information within a private AI ecosystem Improved digital banking experiences supporting faster loan processing, real-time personalization, and 24/7 service delivery supporting faster loan processing, real-time personalization, and 24/7 service delivery Positioned for growth enabling future AI-powered solutions, including advanced member self-service tools and secure, always-on digital support "VMware solutions afford us a great deal of flexibility and room for opportunity," Fournier added. "We're proud to demonstrate how a credit union of our size can achieve big things by investing strategically in innovation." Watch the Highlights See why USSFCU was named both Americas Achiever of the Year and AI Innovator at the 2025 Broadcom Customer Achievement Awards: Watch the USSFCU Feature Hear directly from our CIO, Mark Fournier, on the innovations and strategies that made this recognition possible: Watch Mark Fournier's VMware Explore 2025 Interview About the Broadcom Customer Achievement Awards The Broadcom Customer Achievement Awards celebrate organizations using technology solutions to innovate with purpose, vision, and impact. Winners are recognized for delivering transformative results in categories including operational excellence, sustainability, security, and digital innovation. About USSFCU The United States Senate Federal Credit Union has been proudly serving the Senate community and beyond for nearly 90 years. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, USSFCU is committed to providing exceptional service, competitive financial products, and educational resources to empower members on their financial journey. For more information, visit www.ussfcu.org. View this press release on our website at ussfcu.org/press. SOURCE U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union "How the IMO's Net-Zero Framework Can Power American Industry" outlines the economic and strategic opportunity to align global maritime regulations, unlock U.S. leadership in clean fuels, and deliver $2$3 trillion in economic value through 2050. WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Renewables today released a new white paper titled "How the IMO's Net-Zero Framework Can Power American Industry," authored by CEO Mike O'Laughlin. The paper outlines how the United States is uniquely positioned to benefit from the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) upcoming Net-Zero Framework. As maritime fuel standards evolve, bio-LNG emerges as a key opportunity for U.S. industry and infrastructure. Set for formal adoption in October, the IMO regulations will establish annual greenhouse-gas intensity limits for large vessels and introduce a market-based measure that prices emissions above those limits. By replacing fragmented regional policies with a unified global standard, the framework could usher in unprecedented investment and catalyze U.S. leadership in clean fuels, logistics, and maritime export capacity. "The International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework could unify global shipping regulations and unlock trillions in economic value," said Mike O'Laughlin, CEO of Vanguard Renewables. One of the most promising pathways to meet the IMO's targets is bio-LNG, a maritime fuel derived from renewable natural gas (RNG). Captured from manure, food waste, and landfills, RNG serves as the feedstock for bio-LNG. When methane abatement is properly credited, bio-LNG can achieve very lowand at times even negativelifecycle carbon intensity. "With unmatched renewable natural gas production capacity, existing infrastructure, and a proven ability to scale, the U.S. is uniquely positioned to lead," O'Laughlin added. "It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but realizing it will require decisive action, strategic implementation, and further investment across U.S. sectors involved in production and delivery infrastructure." The white paper outlines several key findings that support this opportunity: The U.S. is positioned to lead : With 30-35% of global RNG production and 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines, the U.S. has the infrastructure and feedstock to support bio-LNG at scale. : With 30-35% of global RNG production and 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines, the U.S. has the infrastructure and feedstock to support bio-LNG at scale. The economic opportunity is massive : Meeting maritime fuel demand could generate $2 - $3 trillion in cumulative GDP through 2050, alongside $105 - $185 billion in new agricultural revenues and up to 680,000 new jobs. : Meeting maritime fuel demand could generate - in cumulative GDP through 2050, alongside - in new agricultural revenues and up to 680,000 new jobs. Strategic implementation is critical : : Methane abatement recognition in lifecycle scoring allows bio-LNG to complement LNG and reduce fleet carbon intensity. in lifecycle scoring allows bio-LNG to complement LNG and reduce fleet carbon intensity. Book-and-claim systems connect inland RNG production to coastal bunkering without requiring physical co-movement, enabling scalable logistics. connect inland RNG production to coastal bunkering without requiring physical co-movement, enabling scalable logistics. Policy clarity will shape investment: The final structure of the IMO rule will determine LNG's viability in the future fuel mix. Without lifecycle credit, LNG faces rising compliance costs and a weakened investment case. The full white paper is available for download at https://www.vanguardrenewables.com/vr-imo-white-paper Vanguard Renewables is a leading U.S. environmental services company and producer of biomethane from organic waste. Headquartered in Weston, Massachusetts, the company builds, owns, and operates on-farm anaerobic digesters that convert food, beverage, and agricultural waste into pipeline-ready renewable natural gas. Vanguard Renewables is rapidly scaling its national footprint, with operational sites across the Northeast and new facilities under construction in the Midwest and South. By diverting organic waste streams from landfills, the company is reducing greenhouse gas emissions at scale while supporting critical domestic energy infrastructure and regenerative agriculture for America's farms. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock. Learn more at www.vanguardrenewables.com For media inquiries: Vanguard Renewables [email protected] SOURCE Vanguard Renewables Writers Invited to Apply for 'A Hotel Room of One's Own' DAYTON, Ohio, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "My computer is filled with works-in-progress and my desk is a hodgepodge of ideas, inspiration and Cheetos dust. I would love the opportunity to wallow in words for multiple days," wrote one applicant in a pitch to be selected for A Hotel Room of One's Own: The Erma Bombeck Humorist-in-Residence Program. Another added: "I always write more and better in a bathrobe." Best-selling author W. Bruce Cameron and stand-up comic Wendy Liebman will serve as finalist judges. Once again, the University of Dayton's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop is offering humor writers a dream opportunity: two all-expenses-paid writing residencies in a hotel in Erma's hometown. The grand prize winners will receive: Two weeks at the University of Dayton Marriott complete with housekeeping, a breakfast bar, room service and a plush, custom-embroidered bathrobe. Marriott complete with housekeeping, a breakfast bar, room service and a plush, custom-embroidered bathrobe. Free registration to the March 26-28, 2026 , Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. , Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. The space, time and solitude to finally finish that humor project or at least procrastinate in comfort. "If your creative muse tends to show up in a bathrobe this could be your moment," said Teri Rizvi, founder of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Applications are open from Sept. 2 - Oct. 6, with submissions judged blind by a panel of established writers. W. Bruce Cameron, humorist and bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose and dozens of books, and Wendy Liebman, veteran stand-up comic seen on HBO, Comedy Central and late-night TV, will serve as this year's finalist judges. The residency package is valued at approximately $5,000, but for many writers, the real prize is uninterrupted time to write. In addition to the two residencies, finalists and honorable mentions will receive cash prizes of $250 and $100, respectively. The program welcomes aspiring humor writers of all backgrounds and comedic perspectives. Writers working on novels, memoirs, essays, plays, sitcom scripts or other humorous works are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to emerging voices. The application process is simple: No new writing is required. Writers submit a short description of themselves and their project, along with a writing sample (up to 1,250 words) "of which at least 47 percent must be really funny." There's a $30 application fee. Winners will be announced in November. For full details, FAQs and to apply, visit the website. The program is supported with a generous gift from the Bombeck family and in-kind support from the Marriott at the University of Dayton. The residency is the brainchild of Anna Lefler, who funded its launch in 2017 and the early years of its operation. She's a Los Angeles-based author and a three-time workshop faculty member. Described by Forbes as "possibly the best writer's residency in the country," A Hotel Room of One's Own is part of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop dubbed the "Woodstock of Humor." Media Contact: Teri Rizvi [email protected] 937-367-2878 SOURCE University of Dayton If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here LONDON, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The summer of 2025 is officially confirmed as the warmest summer on record for Britain, according to provisional statistics from Britain's Met Office released on Monday. From June 1 to Aug. 31, Britain's mean temperature stood at 16.10 degrees Celsius, 1.51 degrees above the long-term meteorological average and well above the current record of 15.76 degrees set in 2018. Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle explained that this persistent warmth is driven by a combination of factors, including the domination of high-pressure systems, unusually warm seas around the country, and the dry spring soils. These conditions have created an environment where heat builds quickly and lingers, with both maximum and minimum temperatures considerably above average. The five hottest summers on record have now occurred since 2000, a clear signal of global warming. Met Office climate scientists noted that, without human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, a summer as hot as 2025 would be expected only once in about 340 years, whereas under current conditions, such extreme heat is likely to occur roughly once every five years, making it about 70 times more probable than in a natural climate. SYDNEY, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have arrested and charged three men after seizing over 500 kg of cocaine found in a shipping container that arrived in Sydney from Europe, police said on Tuesday. A multi-agency strike team consisting of investigators from the Australian Federal Police and local police force in the east coast state of New South Wales announced the arrests following an investigation into workers at Sydney ports facilitating the import of drugs. Authorities said in a statement that the investigators received intelligence that a group was planning to remove illicit drugs from an imported container while it was stored at a sea freight facility. A 38-year-old male forklift driver at the facility was allegedly observed moving containers around the facility to access a specific container in the early hours of Sunday morning before a second man, aged 25, entered the container with a bag. He was arrested as he exited the container, where police found tools allegedly used to cut into a false wall at the rear of the container. Specialist officers attended to remove the false wall and found 506 individual one kilogram blocks of a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. According to police, the seized volume of cocaine had a street value exceeding 164 million Australian dollars (108 million U.S. dollars) and could have supplied 2.53 million individual deals. The 38-year-old was arrested when he returned to the container. Both men were charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A short time later, a 42-year-old man in possession of 200,000 Australian dollars (131,000 dollars) in cash was arrested by police while leaving the home of the 38-year-old and has been charged with dealing with money believed to be proceeds of general crime. A further 130,000 Australian dollars (85,200 dollars) in cash was seized from the home of the 25-year-old. The strike team said that the shipping container was sent from Europe, but that inquiries into the source of the cocaine remain ongoing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for consolidating political mutual trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation among China, Russia and Mongolia. Xi made the remarks during a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. The meeting was the seventh of its kind among the heads of the three states. Xi called on the three countries to consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen solidarity and coordination, enhance mutual support, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and serve as steadfast strategic anchors for their respective development and revitalization. The three countries should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, advance cross-border infrastructure and energy projects, enhance the alignment of development strategies, expand the scale of local currency settlement, and strengthen cooperation in tourism and cultural heritage conservation, Xi said. Xi also called for enhancing collaboration within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), leveraging various platforms and centers established during the SCO Tianjin Summit to seek broader cooperation. Putin said that enhancing political mutual trust is very important, which is conducive to consolidating the foundation of the trilateral relations. The three sides need to align their development strategies closely, enhance connectivity, expand the scale of trade and investment, and deepen cooperation and exchanges in finance, energy, digital economy, education, environmental protection, tourism and other fields, so as to boost economic development, promote regional economic integration, and enhance the bonds among the peoples, Putin said. Khurelsukh expressed Mongolia's dedication to advancing the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promoting regional development and prosperity. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. The peoples of Mongolia, China and Russia should jointly commemorate this historic occasion and carry forward the correct view of the World War II history, Khurelsukh said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh hold a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) KABUL, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Standing on a hilltop and gazing at his earthquake-ravaged village, Rohullah whispered in grief that all his family members and relatives perished in the devastating earthquake late Sunday night. "About 60 to 70 of our relatives, including the families of my uncles, were killed in the earthquake," the horror-struck man said. The powerful 6.0-magnitude quake, among the strongest in Afghanistan in recent history, struck parts of eastern Kunar province late Sunday, leaving more than 1,400 dead and over 3,200 injured. The rugged terrain has made rescue operations and the delivery of aid extremely challenging. "It was terrifying to see children, women and the elderly all gone. No one was left alive," said Rohullah, who happened to be outside the village when the quake struck and returned hours later to find his hometown destroyed. Recalling the intensity of the tremor, the saddened man said, "It felt like the mountains leaping into the sky and crashing back onto the earth," stressing that the survivors are in urgent need of assistance. An eyewitness who reached the area 16 hours after the quake, and requested anonymity, confirmed the hardships, "Many affected families were left without food and water," though the Afghan interim government, aid agencies and local residents have been providing support. "I call on all well-off Afghans and businessmen to step forward in this critical stage and help the affected families in Kunar, where children, women, and the elderly are living in the open without tents or basic necessities," quake survivor Zahidullah told Xinhua. He urged the Afghan interim government to intensify rescue operations, recover bodies from the rubble and provide shelter to the homeless. "Virtually, it was a disaster. Hundreds of lives have been taken, and many more have been injured. Some areas have yet to receive any help due to the difficult terrain and lack of roads," another survivor, Ahmad Waris Nabizada, said. "I urge businesspeople and charity organizations to extend a helping hand and support the needy in these conditions," Nabizada added. Nabizada also said that some areas are still in need of rescue operations to recover the dead and injured bodies, calling on the Afghan authorities to send helicopters to transport the affected to safe places and provide shelter to the families. "It was a terrifying night. We were asleep when a horrific bang jolted us awake. We rushed outside and saw all the houses in the village destroyed. People were desperately trying to pull the dead and injured from the debris," recalled Mohammadzada, who lost eight family members. "Within minutes, everything changed. Children, women and everything were buried. In the morning, rescue operations began. The dead and injured were pulled out, and helicopters transported the victims. I woke up in the hospital," said Shahidullah, who is receiving treatment in Asadabad, the provincial capital of Kunar. Shahidullah added that the quake-affected people are in need of assistance, including foodstuffs and medical treatments. Afghanistan has suffered several deadly earthquakes in recent years: in 2022 in eastern Paktika, which killed hundreds; in 2023 in western Herat, which claimed more than 1,000 lives; and now in Kunar and other eastern provinces, which caused severe casualties and destruction. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Sharif is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Tuesday. Xi said that as global changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a quicker pace, a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to safeguarding regional peace and development. The two sides should accelerate building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, to bring more benefits to the two peoples and set up a model for the broader neighborhood. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build upgraded versions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Xi said. Sharif said the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for world peace, development and stability, and Pakistan will give it full support and work actively to implement it. Pakistan firmly sticks to the one-China principle, and looks forward to further strengthening friendship between the two countries and advancing cooperation in all fields, said Sharif, promising to spare no effort in ensuring the safety of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Sharif is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Anwar is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met here with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday. Anwar is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Li noted that as the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, the two countries ought to engage in cooperation with greater unity, jointly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II and the postwar international order, and uphold the common interests of the two countries, the region, and the entire world. China is willing to work with Malaysia to synergize their development strategies, better leverage their complementary advantages, and take bilateral win-win cooperation to a higher level, said Li. By hosting commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in its resistance war against Japanese aggression, China manifests its commitment to safeguarding world peace and promoting international fairness and justice, said Anwar. Noting China is a trusted partner and friend to Malaysia, Anwar said Malaysia fully supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and expressed the country's firm support for China to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Anwar is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) HANOI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital city Hanoi welcomed approximately 2.08 million visitors during the four-day National Day holiday from Saturday to Tuesday, a figure three times higher than the same period last year, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday. The city's tourism revenue reached some 4.5 trillion Vietnamese dong (172.1 million U.S. dollars) during the holiday, up 80 percent year-on-year, the state-owned media reported. The hotel occupancy rate across three- to five-star accommodations averaged 83 percent, with many hotels reaching full capacity on Monday, the report noted. The Hanoi Department of Tourism said that tourism sites in the city remained safe and orderly throughout the holiday period, adding that efforts were intensified to ensure smooth traffic, public sanitation, and quality service for visitors. Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day with a grand military parade and many other events in the capital Hanoi during this holiday. Victoria Square in Belfast has strengthened its tenant mix with the opening of a 1,800 sq ft Astrid & Miyu, its first store in Northern Ireland. The contemAstrid & Miyus first Northern Ireland store and the relocation of Space NK. The centre, which welcomed Bershka earlier this year, continues to [] Among the flood of childrens books coming out this fall from independent presses, six stand out as particularly noteworthy: five picture books and an illustrated middle grade title. This comes after Mac Barnett, the 20252026 National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, vowed to enlighten the industry about the importance of picture books as a literary form. Judging by the titles below, it seems like indie presses were already well aware. The Monster in the Lake by Leo Timmers and translated from the Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke (Gecko, Sept., ages 46) follows Eric, a duck who fears paddling the lake because he might encounter a monster. But when he is persuaded to venture below the surface, Eric discovers an underwater wonderland teeming with fantastic creatures of all colors, sizes, and shapes. Daring to explore the unknown boosts Erics confidence, and as PWs starred review promises, Children who get their hands on this oversize, glossy delight, filled with made-to-linger details, will be lucky ducks indeed. Publisher-at-large Rachel Lawson describes The Monster in the Lake as a simple story that makes for a standout picture book, adding, Its got drama, a bit of a twist, an emotional hook that keeps the story going, and a denouement. The text may be simple, but Timmerss extraordinary attention to detail isnt: in order to re-create the texture of water, the artist, Lawson says, did all this experimental spraying with shapes and colors and cutouts to try and get the perfect sort of underwater bubble feel. People think he works digitally, but its all by hand. Hes an absolute craftsman. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani can surely relate to Erics dilemma: he must have entertained thoughts about real-life monsters coming after him during his primary campaign this year. Discussing Zohran Walks New York by Millie von Platen (Astra, Oct., ages 48), associate publisher Susan Dobinick says that, after Mamdani won the primary in June, it came up, conversationally, with our president, Ben Schrank: Wouldnt it be great to have a Zohran book? Dobinick had just come from a meeting with von Platen, and it clickedMillie is an amazing illustrator who is excited for Zohran and has a very specific New York style. So I called her; she immediately said yes. Dobinick says that the project came together so quickly because Astras team was attending the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia that week. We all had a lot of time just to speak with each other, share the excitement, and talk about the possibilities. Also, observing ALA attendees from all over the U.S. celebrating Mamdanis victory made her and her colleagues even more committed to a project that was fast-tracked from idea to printer in eight weeks. Its one of those books where you feel that its capturing the moment, she says, but it also has staying power. Its not just about Mamdani; its a love letter to New York City. Simon Boughton, publishing director of Norton Young Readers, has high hopes for the forthcoming third installment in a picture book trilogy by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. The secret to their success: a sense of timelessness. The brothers The Old Sleigh (Nov., ages 48) follows The Old Truck (2020) and The Old Boat (2021). Theres kind of a nostalgic feel to these books, Boughton says, but they dont feel dated or old-fashioned. Theres a fresh, contemporary feel to them as well. I think the art speaks to people for that reason. And the text, he says, is deceptive in its simplicity: theres a lot of depth. Boughton was surprised when the Pumphreys told him The Old Sleigh would be the final book in the series. I didnt see it coming, he says, but I was delighted. I could see how it could draw on some of the same themes that they had explored in the other books. Not only that, but it was an exciting choice for a holiday book. The regional bookseller associations obviously agree: the front cover art for all but one of their holiday catalogs this fall will spotlight The Old Sleigh. Enchanted Lion publisher Claudia Zoe Bedrick says that The Marginalian blogger Maria Popovas The Coziest Place on the Moon, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby (Nov., ages 58), was an immediate fit when Popova proposed a picture book exploring loneliness and solitude. Its something Ive always had in the back of my mind as a good theme for a picture book, Bedrick says; she considers it essential to relay to children who are growing up in an age of omnipresent social media that to be a human, to take the path of becoming fully yourself, you must engage in a dialogue with yourself. Bedrick praises Popovas abstract approach, saying that she writes about ideas in a way that children can understand and appreciate. Jacoby is a very cerebral, very thoughtful, and very intentional artist, Bedrick says, whose visual worldbuilding complements Popovas abstract text. Theres no clue in the manuscript as to what Re and Mi look like, Bedrick says. Theyre these two characters that could be anythinganimal or human. She made them these adorable, cuddly things. Theres also no description of the nooks on the moon that Re and Mi retire to, so really it was an entire world for Sarah to create. She dived deep into her own imagination, resulting in this gorgeous vision in dialogue with Marias text. Creative Company associate publisher Rebecca Glaser says that the Mankato, Minn., press is releasing Betsy-Tacy for Small Children by Maud Hart Lovelace, illustrated by Lois Lenski (Mar. 2026, ages 57), in a picture book format to introduce the series to younger readers. The text is an abridged version of the original middle grade books, retaining much of Lovelaces language. The idea was just to publish it in a shorter form, Glaser says, so that even younger kids could enjoy it and fall in love with these characters. Though the series was released between 1940 and 1955, Lovelaces stories deal with universal themes that contemporary readers can relate to, Glaser explains, while Lenskis iconic illustrations reflect their historical setting. The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Maithili Joshi (Oct., ages 710), is the middle grade authors first mystery novel, says Charlesbridge publisher Yolanda Scott, who notes that Perkinss Rickshaw Girl (2007) remains one of the presss top-selling titles. Scott praises Perkins for addressing sophisticated topics in her work in an age-appropriate way. She really gets into socioeconomic justice, environmental issues, womens empowerment, the different conflicts that can occur in cross-cultural situations, Scott says, and this is where she shines as a writer: she takes these complex themes and weaves them into an engaging story with incredibly compelling characters. While The Golden Necklace is set on a tea plantation in northeastern India and the amateur sleuth is a Nepali girl, its also largely about family and friendship, Scott says, and has a healthy undercurrent on the joy of food. Full-page illustrations interspersed throughout provide context; Its the kind of setting that may not be familiar to all readers, Scott says. Describing the cover art, Scott confides that we went all out, adding, We even did the gold foil, even though its more expensive. But with a title like The Golden Necklace, we had to have some gold. An era is ending at Consortium Book Sales & Distribution in Minneapolis with president Julie Schaper announcing plans to retire in June 2026. Schaper has worked for more than 30 years at Consortium. She began her career there as a sales director in 1994, at which point the company, launched nine years earlier, was still an independent distribution company that represented just 27 publishers and was owned by Bill Brinton. Today, Consortium represents close to 170 companies and is known for its portfolio of literary presses and publishers of poetry. Schaper was named president of sales and marketing in 2001, following the retirement of then president and CEO Randall Beek. The company was acquired a month later by investment banker-turned-catfish-farmer Don Linn, and Schaper was promoted to president soon after. Linn sold Consortium in 2006 to Perseus Book Group, and the company was later acquired by Ingram Content Group in 2016 when Ingram acquired Perseuss distribution arm. (Hachette acquired the publishing side of the business.) Schaper told PW last week that Ingram hopes to hire her replacement by January, and that she will work with that person through June to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Shes already reaching out to people she knows whom she considers a good fit for the position which, she says, requires a true leader to guide the Minneapolis-based 17-person team, including sales and marketing personnel, as well as operations and back-office staff. After her retirement, Schaper says, she intends to turn off my brain, to separate myself from my work, and travel with her spouse, Steve Horwitz, a retired publishers rep who worked for Abraham Associates. "Consortium is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and Julie has been the heart and soul of it for over 30 years," Meredith Greenhouse, Ingram Content Group vp and general manager, told PW. Through countless shifts in the publishing landscape, Julie has led her publishers with vision and integrity, growing the business while staying true to its indie spirit and roots. Were proud of Julie as she steps into retirement and deeply grateful for the generous runway shes given us to find her successor. That next leader will carry forward her remarkable legacy, championing Consortiums mission and leading our extraordinary independent publishers into the future. Prior to her long tenure at Consortium, Schaper worked in sales at New York houses, including HarperCollins and Penguin Putnam, and as a bookseller at the now-defunct Pages & Pages Bookstore in Louisville, Ky. In 2022, Schaper contributed an essay to PW's 150th anniversary issue about the changes she's seen in the industry over the decades she worked in sales and distribution. This story has been updated with further information. Pace University's MS in Publishing program will celebrate its 40th anniversary when classes begin today, September 2. Just under 100 students are enrolled this year across various degree tracks, from full master's degrees to specialized certificates, with courses offered in-person at the schools Manhattan campus and online. Manuela Soares, who has served as director of the program for the past seven years, said it has graduated more than 1,000 students since its inception in 1985 and maintains strong industry connections through its faculty of working professionals and extensive mentoring programs. Soares previously served as managing editor at Scholastic where she oversaw production of the first five Harry Potter books. She also worked as senior editor at Crown Publishers and has written several books. At 74, she has witnessed firsthand the transformation of publishing from a strictly analog to an increasingly digital business. To succeed in publishing you need to be able to adapt," she told PW. Pace's program offers multiple professional pathways designed with accessibility in mind. A 4+1 option allows undergraduates to complete up to 12 credits during their senior year at undergraduate rates before finishing their master's degree in a fifth year. "I think a number of students actually come to Pace because of the 4+1, as it really makes economic sense," Soares said. At roughly half the cost of New York University's competing MA in Publishing program, Pace positions itself as a more affordable alternative. Soares described the program as particularly "inclusive" and "supportive" for students facing economic challenges, adding "NYU is considered the gold standard and the quality of the education there is really terrific, but I put us up against anybody else." The program's commitment to practical, immersive education is evident in its faculty roster, which Soares said is "drawn from the industry" to provide up-to-date perspectives. Current faculty include James Perry, VP of finance at Penguin Random House Children's Books; Paul Levitz, former head of DC Comics; Erin Cox, publicist and newsletter publisher teaching marketing and digital issues; and Jessica Napp, publicity director at Rizzoli. Each semester offers students mentoring and networking opportunities with industry professionals, alumni, and various industry groups, such as the Book Industry Study Group and Women in Media. A dedicated full-time faculty member helps place students in internships and the program sends four students each year to work at the Frankfurt Book Fair and London Book Fairs. Students can also contribute to The Publishing Lab: An Anthology of Student Creative Work, an annual journal of plays, fiction, and nonfiction where the students handle the entire publishing workflow, from editing and design to marketing, sales, and publicity. Reality check Soares acknowledges the financial realities facing publishing graduates who are asked to live on starting salaries around $55,000 in New York City and encourages students to remain open-minded about employment. "A lot of graduates choose to go back to their home state and look for something at a small publisher or magazine, for example," she said. "We have graduates who have found positions at museums, corporations, and government agencies I always remind them 'publishing is more than just romantasy,' and its a huge industry and there are lots of opportunities." This fall, Soares is teaching a new ethics course that addresses contemporary challenges facing the industry. While conversations about ethics once focused on discrete issues like plagiarism and copyright infringement, she noted that political polarization and technological disruption are raising new questions. "Politicians are lying, alternate facts promoted by malevolent algorithms are the norm, and AI infects everything," Soares said. "We are in a challenging moment." Despite technological upheaval, Soares maintains that core principles endure. "Fundamentally, for me, publishing success depends on skillful storytelling," she said, adding, "There's a lot of crap published, but there always has been. What it all comes down to is the ability of a storyteller to intrigue someone, to move them emotionally. That is what matters and that is what will last." The "Four Horsemen" of modern atheismauthors famed in the 1990s and early 2000s for their acerbic attacks on the existence of God and the value of religionhave mostly ridden out of sight. Social commentator Christopher Hitchens and philosopher Daniel Dennett have died. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has quieted down on scorning God and returned to writing on genetics. Neuroscientist Sam Harris has his YouTube channel, "A Dose of Reason," featuring current and decades-old clips. As these authors' once-bestselling books aged, fewer pastors, theologians, and social commentators felt the need to rebut atheist voices with books of apologeticsreasoned arguments for the existence of God, the essential need for Christ, and the vital role of religion in a sinful world. Until now. Publishers in recent years have seen apologetics back in fashion in a new way that reflects a shift away from battling culture, embracing it instead as a tool for evangelism. "We are seeing a new interest in cultural apologetics because a whole new set of questions is being asked about Christianity by this generation," says Jon Farrar, Tyndale associate publisher. "In the past, questions revolved around truth. Today, people are asking questions about whether Christianity and the Bible are goodas in good for humanity." Farrar sees philosopher and theologian John Marriott and pastor Shawn Wicks taking on that question in their forthcoming book, Is It Really the Good Book?: Restoring Your Faith in the Bible by Questioning Your Assumptions About It (Tyndale Elevate, Mar.). The forward to their book is by Christian broadcaster Justin Brierley, author of a 2023 book for Tyndale, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again. This is because, Farrar says, "They have discovered secular humanism as way too shallow to account for the complexities of life." The Shallow Waters of Secularism The mission field of the discontent, disconnected, disappointed Christians is vast. "Were living amid the largest religious transformation in American history," says Collin Hansen, the lead editor of The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics (Zondervan Reflective, Sept. 16). "Forty million Americans have left the church in the last 25 years. Many other Western countries have already seen similar declines. But thats not the only challenge. After the fall of Christendom, believers in countries now face a strange mixture of apathy and antagonism toward the gospel. Many of our neighbors view Christianity as yesterdays news, but also as the source of todays problems." Hansen is VP of content for the Gospel Coalition, author of a biography of the late pastor Timothy Keller, and now serves as the executive director of the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, established in 2023. The other editors of this collection of essays by theologians, philosophers, pastors, and scholars are Skylar Flowers, associate program director for the Keller Center, and Ivan Mesa, editorial director for the Gospel Coalition. The field of cultural apologetics is rooted, Hansen says, in Keller's teaching that the job of the missionary is to enter sympathetically the worldview/story of the culture yet challenge and retell the cultures story so they see their story will only have a happy ending in Jesus. Now, the center in his name has drawn together authors for The Gospel After Christendom which, Hansen says, "defines cultural apologetics, explains its biblical and historical grounding, and demonstrates how it is an important resource for the church today." Seeking the True, Good, And Beautiful In his introduction to the book, Hansen explains that cultural apologetics pays attention to how Jesus taught with illustrations from daily life. "Culture is religion," he writes. "It is how we pursue meaning and understanding from life." Hansen thinks the time is ripe for this approach. "There's an increasing sense that modern life is unlivable, whether it be technology or politics or anxiety or whatever combination," he says. "And so, people are looking for a way of life that is not only true, certainly that's an important part, but is good and is beautiful." Today's Christian cultural apologists argue for paying attention to the most important things that are happening to each one of us right now, which Hansen believes are usually the things that we're not talking about. They're the assumptions that universal longing for peace, for grace, for forgiveness, for beauty, he says, and cultural apologetics can guide people "to see these things in Christianity and see that secularism is not going to give these to them." There is still an appetite for the old style of playing defense, according to Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ (Zondervan), a book which has not budged from the bestseller list for 27 years. But Strobel has long seen change coming. He predicted in 2019 that apologetics is heading for a golden age. This spring, he took his turn in the cultural apologetics lane with Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World (Zondervan). "Eight out of ten Americans believe in something supernatural, and I wanted to use this curiosity as a bridge into talking about evidence for the supernatural realm as described in the Bible," Strobel says. "In our very self-interested culture, where feelings often trump facts and where many people are wondering if Christianity remains personally relevant, I do see a growing role for cultural approaches to defending the faith." DHAKA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has sought 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in credit from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under its climate policy-based budget-support program. Officials said proposed budget support aims to strengthen climate policies as part of government measures for pursuing sustainable development objectives, leading English newspaper the Financial Express (FE) reported Tuesday. As per the proposal, the first tranche of the credit is expected to be available by this year while the next tranche may arrive next year and the final one in 2028, said the report. The Energy Division, Power Division, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, and the Ministry of Agriculture would carry out reforms under the support program. Disney/Bahareh Ritter By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/02/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. Details about 's Season 10 reunion show have been announced.is set to air its Season 10 finale on Tuesday, September 2 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC, and viewers have been wondering if -- or when -- the show will update viewers on the current status of each couple.Luckily, bartender and "Your Favorite Thing Podcast" host Wells Adams took to Instagram Stories on Monday to spill the tea."I'm just going to say it: on [September] third, which is Wednesday, I am hosting the BIP reunion show," Wells said in a clip of his podcast that he co-hosts with Brandi Cyrus."I'm doing a podcast with iHeart with the entire cast, and then it's also going to be on YouTube."When asked if the reunion show will be live, Wells replied, "I don't know that yet. I'm not sure I was supposed to say that, but I signed a contract, so I don't really give a f-ck, you know?!"According to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone, 's tenth-season reunion will be filmed in Los Angeles and be released in two podcasts: Part 1 on Wednesday, September 3, and Part 2 on Thursday, September 4.A video of the reunion show will also reportedly be uploaded on YouTube later this week.Carbone, however, previously reported that the entire cast will not be a part of the reunion.The spoiler blogger had reported that the reunion show will only feature the couples who had competed for 's $500,000 prize.Those 10 couples include Katherine "Kat" Izzo and Dale Moss Alexe Godin and Andrew Spencer Jeremy Simon and Bailey Taylor Brown, Spencer Conley and Jessica "Jess" Edwards , and Brian Autz and Parisa Shifteh Sean McLaughlin and Allyshia Gupta are also expected to participate in the reunion as well as Lea Cayanan and Jonathon Johnson Kathy Swarts and Keith Gordon Faith Martin and Kim Buike , and Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston Since the reunion is going to record and film after wraps on TV, Carbone predicted it's "definitely" going to be "different" from reunion shows of the past.In a preview of the upcoming finale, host Jesse Palmer tells the cast that everything is about to change."For your final test, $500,000 -- money or love? If you choose love, you're choosing to forego the money," Jesse says.Alexe recently described the finale as "gut-wrenching," and there is expected to be some major drama between Sean and Kat.Following Allyshia's exit from Paradise, she claimed on "The Viall Files" podcast that Kat had a boyfriend back home -- and was secretly messaging him on an iPad she had snuck into her hotel room -- during the Paradise season.Dale addressed Allyshia's allegation during the August 27 episode of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Longmire, Dances with Wolves and Reservation Dogs icon Graham Greene has died at the age of 73. ADVERTISEMENT TMZ reported Greene died Sunday at a hospital in Toronto with his wife, Hilary Blackmore, by his side. Variety said he had been sick for a long time, but did not disclose what the illness he battled was. "He was a man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed," his agent, Michael Greene, told Deadline on Monday. "You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven." Smith was his previous agent, who died in 2013. Greene's credits also included 1883, The Last of Us, Tulsa King, Wind River, Goliath, The Green Mile, Thunderheart, Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove, Running Brave and The Great Detective. The Canadian First Nations actor was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for 1990's Dances with Wolves and won a Grammy for Best Spoken World in 2000 for Listen to the Storyteller. Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyers guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, were not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers dont dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyers guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audienceensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether youre selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. ANKARA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye is working to deepen ties with China, exploring opportunities for cooperation in a wide range of fields, including the economy, digital technologies, energy, and health, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Tuesday. On his flight back to Turkiye from the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, where he attended the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" meeting, Erdogan described his talks with the Chinese leadership on the sidelines as "productive," state-run broadcaster TRT reported. "We want to make our economic relations with China, our trade partner, more balanced and sustainable. We will continue consultations with the Chinese side," he said. Erdogan stressed the importance of fairness in addressing global challenges. "In a world where international systems are blocked, we believe normalization can only be achieved through fair solutions," he added. The Turkish president also highlighted the important role of the SCO. "By emphasizing economic and trade cooperation, it has acquired a distinctive identity, while also seeking to play a role in resolving global and regional challenges," he said. The principles of equality, consultation, mutual trust and benefit, respect for differences, and common development, which form the essence of the "Shanghai Spirit," are in harmony with the core approaches of Turkiye's "Asia Anew Initiative" announced in 2019, Erdogan said. He added that Turkiye, as one of the countries making the greatest efforts for peaceful conflict resolution in its region, welcomes the SCO's efforts to strengthen engagement with dialogue partners, including Turkiye. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday expressed hope that India will conclude the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US by the fall or November this year. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters He said that "a little bit" of geopolitical issues overtook the trade matters in the negotiations for the pact between the two countries. "I do hope that things will get back on track soon and we will conclude a bilateral trade agreement by the fall, November or so, as was discussed by our two leaders in February," Goyal said at the Annual Global Investor Conference 2025 in Mumbai. In his virtual address, he said there is an excitement across the world to expand trading and business relations with India. "We have had a little bit of geopolitical issues overtaking trade issues in our negotiations with the United States of America," he added. India has already inked free trade agreements with Australia, the UAE, Mauritius, the UK and the four European nations bloc EFTA, he said. "Lots happen, lots more to go...With the US, we are in dialogue with them on a BTA," the minister said earlier in the day at an industry chamber event on sustainability. India and the US have been negotiating the pact since March. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed. A US team was scheduled to visit India from August 25 to hold the next round of talks. However, the US team deferred the visit following the imposition of a 50 per cent duty on Indian goods from August 27. So far, no new dates have been finalised for the sixth round of negotiations. India and the US have planned to conclude the first phase of BTA by the fall this year with an aim to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to $500 billion by 2030 from the current $191 billion. Amid tensions between India and the US, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that at the end of the day, the two great countries will get this solved. Delhi's values are much closer to ours and to China's than to Russia's. Bessent, in an interview with Fox News, also termed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as being largely performative. His remarks came after the annual summit of the SCO took place in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Sunday and Monday. "I think at the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. "Their values are much closer to ours and to China's than to Russia's." "I think at the end of the day, two great countries (India and the US) will get this solved. "But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine," he claimed. India has defended its purchase of Russian crude oil, maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. Bessent's comments came in response to questions about the status of the India-US relationship amid the Trump administration's 50 per cent tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. India has termed the tariffs imposed on it as unjustified and unreasonable. Goyal also said that this is an uncertain time with full volatility around the world. "But it is a story of a half-full glass," he said, adding that all these issues bring a lot of opportunities for businesses. "We recognise that there is a tremendous global turbulence and we are living in volatile, uncertain times, full of trepidations about the future," the minister said. At the same time, he said, along with the private sector, the government is working to fortify "ourselves" for long-term capacity building. The government is working to further strengthen the economy, he said. India, he said, is focusing on self-reliance in terms of making resilient supply chains so that "we are not at the mercy of any one geography who can actually hurt our industry in any significant manner". Without naming China, he added that domestic auto and electronics industries face issues when a country restricts exports of permanent magnets. Further, he suggested that the industry look at buying wadeshi' (local) goods and services. Goyal, in a meeting with Cold Rolled Grain Oriented steel makers, suggested that transformer players buy ade in India' steel. Earlier, on the India-EU free trade agreement, Goyal said talks are at an advanced stage. "We are making very active and significant progress," he said, adding that Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal is in Brussels for talks with EU officials on the pact. The 13th round of negotiations between India and the EU will begin here on September 8. After the meeting, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is visiting India on September 12 to take stock of the progress of the agreement. As there is a deadline to conclude the negotiations by the end of this year, this round is important. The 12th round of talks concluded in Brussels. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) poured in Rs 94,829 crore of fresh money into Indian equities in August, the second-highest monthly inflow after record Rs 1.07 trillion influx in October 2024. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff The month also extended the buying streak of DIIs to 25 consecutive months, eclipsing the previous 22-month run from April 2017 to January 2019. Over the last 25 months, DIIs have put an unprecedented Rs 11.4 trillion into domestic stocks, of which Rs 8.8 trillion about 75 per cent came from domestic mutual funds. In the same period, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled out roughly Rs 82,348 crore. The surge is powered by individual investors, who are steadily shifting from traditional savings instruments to equity mutual funds, largely through systematic investment plans (SIPs). July marked another all-time high at Rs 28,464 crore of monthly SIP flows. What we label DII money is ultimately retail money trickling in through SIPs, said D P Singh, deputy managing director and joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund, the countrys largest fund house. The individual ticket sizes are small, but the sheer volume of participants makes the aggregate formidable. Singh believes investors have internalised the logic of staying invested. When markets correct, the same rupee buys more units. "When they rebound, those extra units translate into outsized gains. The relentless buying by domestic institutions which, besides MFs, includes insurance companies and pension funds has altered the ownership map. DII holdings touched a new high of 17.82 per cent in June 2025, overtaking FPIs for the first time in the March quarter. The Reserve Bank of Indias latest bulletin underlines the trend, noting that the ratio of mutual-fund assets under management (AUM) to total bank deposits has more than doubled from around 10 per cent in March 2014 to .23.8 per cent in March 2024 signalling that equity funds are emerging as a serious alternative to deposits for the aspirational middle class. Domestic money has thus become the shock absorber against FPI selling. Yet, many traders still view FPI flows as the primary determinant of price. In July and August, amid rising trade tension with the US, FPIs sold Rs 54,463 crore while DIIs bought Rs 1.5 trillion, with mutual funds alone contributing Rs 1.02 trillion. The differing investment trajectories kept indices under pressure- the Nifty slipped 1.4 per cent, the Midcap 100 fell 2.9 per cent and the Smallcap 100 dropped 4.1 per cent in August. Total market capitalisation on the BSE shrank by Rs 6 trillion. The damage would have been deeper without the DII cushion. Post-Covid, SIP registrations exploded. Once the money is in, fund managers have to deploy it, said independent equity analyst Ambareesh Baliga. He expects the flow momentum to persist as long as equities continue to deliver positive returns over a three -to five-year horizon. Long-term investors have seen wealth creation in equities, the alternative of reverting to low-yield fixed deposits is not enticing, Baliga added. Indian rupee slipping below the record 88 level against the US dollar will enhance price competitiveness of Indian products in global markets and help exporters diversify beyond the US market, say exporters. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rupixen/Pixabay However, import-dependent sectors such as gems and jewellery, petroleum and electronics may see lower benefits due to a rise in input costs, they stated. The rupee breached a record low level of 88 against the US dollar on Friday last week and hit an all-time closing low of 88.18 to a dollar on Monday. The rupee traded near record levels at 88.15 to a dollar on Tuesday as well. A weaker rupee increases the price realisation of exported products but makes imported products costlier. Exporters said that the rupee's depreciation provides a mixed picture for exports. "On one hand, it enhances the price competitiveness of Indian products in global markets, particularly as exporters diversify beyond the US. "On the other hand, for sectors with high import dependence such as gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and electronics, the cost of imported inputs will partly offset the currency advantage, squeezing margins," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) director general Ajay Sahai said. The government is suggesting that exporters, who are dependent on the US, diversify their shipments as 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods by America may impact Indian exports to that country. The US accounts for about 20 per cent of India's exports. It was $86.5 billion in 2024-25 out of total exports of $437 billion. He added that the opportunity lies in leveraging the currency to deepen presence in emerging markets while simultaneously pushing for greater domestic value addition to reduce import intensity and ensure sustainable export growth. Another trader said that the development would make imports of items from crude oil to electronic goods, overseas education and foreign travel costlier. The primary and immediate impact of a depreciating rupee is on the importers who will have to shell out more for the same quantity and price. However, it is a boon for the exporters as they receive more rupees in exchange for dollars, the trader, who does not wish to be named, said. India is 85 per cent dependent on foreign oil to meet its needs for fuels, such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel. The rupee has declined to an all-time low against the US dollar as Indo-US trade deal uncertainty, forex outflows from capital markets and weak domestic equity markets pressured the local unit. Forex traders said the rupee is trading near all-time low levels as risks remained skewed to the downside amid uncertainty over US trade tariffs. The basket of Indian imports includes crude oil, coal, plastic material, chemicals, electronic goods, vegetable oil, fertiliser, machinery, gold, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, and iron and steel. Kanpur-based Growmore International Ltd MD Yadvendra Singh Sachan said that a balanced rupee value helps both exporters and importers. "Any volatility in the value is not good for both. At the current scenario, 85 will be better," Sachan said. Snapping the two-month declining streak, India's exports rebounded by 7.29 per cent to $37.24 billion in July, while trade deficit widened to an eight-month high of $27.35 billion during the month. During April-July 2025-26, exports increased by 3.07 per cent to $149.2 billion, while imports rose 5.36 per cent to $244.01 billion. The trade deficit during the first four months of 2025-26 was $94.81 billion. State governments have requested the Centre for export incentives, lifting of import duty in the case of cotton for the textile sector and GST exemptions. IMAGE: A garment manufacturing unit in Noida, August 27, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters The government of Tamil Nadu, which exported 31 per cent of its total shipments worth $52.1 billion to the US in FY25, fears massive job losses once the additional 25 per cent tariff takes effect on August 27. The state has sought the Centre's help, as have several other states, including Andhra Pradesh. From Uttar Pradesh to Telangana, Kerala to Rajasthan, Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, state governments are reworking their export promotion policies and exploring ways to quickly look for newer markets. State governments have requested the Centre for export incentives, lifting of import duty in the case of cotton for the textile sector and goods and services tax (GST) exemptions. Some have written to the Centre to look at the Brazilian model, which has announced tax deferrals and tax credits for exporters. State governments have also consulted with exporters and other stakeholders that will suffer once the additional 25 per cent tariff --Washington's sanction on Indian goods for New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil-- comes into force. On August 20, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Real Time Governance, Nara Lokesh, consulted with the state's marine exporters. According to the presentation of the state's fisheries department at the meeting, shrimps from Ecuador and Thailand will be almost 40 per cent cheaper than those from India. Shrimps from Indonesia and Vietnam will be 35.36 per cent and 9.66 per cent cheaper, respectively. A US Food and Drug Administration team is visiting Andhra Pradesh to inspect hatcheries, processing plants, and ponds. The government will try to explain to the team that the quality of Indian shrimp meets US quality standards, and about the need to revise tariffs. Currently, of the 600,000 acres of total aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh, 250,000 acres are under shrimp culture. The impact of tariffs will be on the entire seafood value chain and could lead to severe financial distress among over 450 shrimp hatcheries, 50 feed mills, 300,000 farms, over 300 processing, pre-processing, and peeling units, 260,000 fishing boats, trawlers, and other vessels, 2.78 million fishermen, and over 3 million individuals on indirect employment across the ecosystem. When the initial 25 per cent tariff kicked in, the Andhra government set up an aquaculture advisory committee on April 9 to address sector challenges, including tariff impacts. The steps taken included feed manufacturers announcing a Rs 4 per kg price cut from April 19 to ease farmers' input costs. In its report, the committee has also sought removal of 5 per cent GST on packaged shrimp, soft loans to exporters for cash flow, and waiving excise duty on diesel for trawlers, among others. The state is also looking for new markets such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. It is urging farmers to diversify into important species like seabass, silver pompano, cobia, grouper, hilsa, chanos, mullet, seaweed, and crab. It will invest in strengthening labs, better certification, and branding with antibiotic free products. "We are supporting aqua farmers by giving them electricity at Rs 1.50 per unit. The tariff increase will burden the aqua farmers in the state," Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said recently. Based on reports, the state's textile ecosystem may also lose around Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore per annum. IMAGE: A diamond manufacturing unit in Surat. Photograph: ANI Photo The Tamil Nadu government, on the other hand, has pointed out that American tariffs will hit it harder than most states. In a letter to the PM on August 16, state Chief Minister M K Stalin said 20 per cent of India's total goods exports of $433.6 billion were to the US in FY25, and 31 per cent of Tamil Nadu's $52.1 billion goods were exported to that country. Stalin said the tariff impact on Tamil Nadu 'will be disproportionately greater than for most other Indian states', and has significant implications for the state's manufacturing sector and employment scenario, he told Modi. According to the Tamil Nadu government's estimate, the most affected sectors -- textiles, apparels, machinery, auto components, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, marine products and chemicals -- are labour-intensive sectors, and any export slowdown will quickly result in mass layoffs. Tamil Nadu accounted for 28 per cent of the country's textile exports in FY25, the largest among Indian states. The sector employs nearly 7.5 million people, and with a 25 per cent tariff and additional 25 per cent duty on cards, an estimated 3 million jobs are at immediate risk, the state government has estimated. Stalin, who has held consultations with the industry associations of sectors set to face losses from Trump tariffs, sought the PM's help. 'Considering the scale of the problem, a special financial relief package, including a moratorium on principal repayment, similar to the one implemented during the Covid period, is necessary to support our exporters,' he told Modi. The US tariffs will hit Uttar Pradesh's textile, jewellery, and leather exports. In FY25, the US was UP's top export destination. It accounted for more than Rs 35,000 crore worth of shipments. Officials said the state government was looking at newer markets and working on a new export promotion policy. Kerala has also flagged concerns, as the US is its second-largest market for agricultural exports such as cashews, rice, vegetables, processed fruits, and cereal flours. The state government plans to set up a body akin to the Export Promotion Council of India to help exporters diversify. "True, the state has limitations on what it can do, but we want to work by understanding the needs and stance of the export-oriented industry sector," state Industry Minister P Rajeeve said. Madhukar Babu, joint director (MSME), commissioner of industries, in Telangana, has said the state government will incorporate inputs of exporters in the new logistics policy that is almost ready with guidelines under development. He urged exporters to look at markets in Africa and South America. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas From Karnataka's aluminium extrusion industry to Gujarat and Rajasthan's gems & jewellery sector, there is concern of losing substantial business due to US tariffs. They have approached the respective state governments to help facilitate exports to newer markets. Ministers and officials in most states said they are largely helpless in the short term once the 50 per cent tariff kicks in on August 27 and Indian goods become uncompetitive in the American market. With inputs from Shine Jacob in Chennai and Anil Sharma in Jaipur Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'One Chinese interlocutor said India should realise that "China can do without India, but India could not do without China", pointing to its inability to do without Chinese intermediates and components,' former foreign secretary Shyam Saran discovers on a visit to China. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be making a point to Chinese President Xi Jinping as Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on at the Shanghai Cooperation Council summit in Tianjin, September 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo During my visits to China in 2023 and 2024, I encountered a subdued and even pessimistic mood among my Chinese interlocutors. The Chinese economy was in the doldrums, thanks to a pervasive crisis in its property sector, which had been the main engine of accelerated growth for the past four decades. The property sector constituted 30 per cent of the annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth and spawned many ancillary industries, supporting its rapid development. When the property sector collapsed in 2021, the knock-on effects reverberated throughout the economy. The economy is still facing deflationary pressures as consumption demand remains flat. In the absence of decent returns from bank deposits and volatile returns from equity markets, property investment became a preferred route for investing personal savings because it promised sustained appreciation in property values. The sharp decline in property values has wiped out the savings of a large property-owning segment of society, and this has depressed consumer demand. There is also a shortage of employment opportunities for the younger and educated youth entering the labour market. Over the past three years, unemployment in the age group 18 to 25 years has remained stubbornly at 25 per cent. Last year, one respected Chinese interlocutor described the economic situation as 'dire', compounded by fears of an impending trade war if Donald Trump returned to power in Washington. During my latest visit to Beijing, I asked the same interlocutor if the economic situation had improved. He said there were some early shoots of recovery but that it might take another two to three years for the economy to get back on track. I asked why private investment was still stagnating despite President Xi Jinping himself reaching out to erstwhile star entrepreneurs like Alibaba's Jack Ma. The answer was the lingering lack of trust in the party leadership -- 'once bitten twice shy'. Yet the general mood appeared more confident, more upbeat, and optimistic than the previous year. If the Chinese economy had not been able to shake off its structural malaise, the US economy was seen to be on a 'self-destruct course'. There was pride in China having stood up successfully to American bullying, leveraging its stranglehold on rare minerals and metals and on other critical supply chains. In the standoff on tariffs, the US had to climb down. Therefore, despite the Chinese economy still facing headwinds, China was believed to be in a relatively stronger position than its peer geopolitical rival. The upbeat mood was also buttressed by the virtual ceding of the global economic cooperation and assistance space by the US, especially the gutting of USAID. China was well positioned to walk in with its renewed Belt and Road Initiative and expanded presence in Africa. IMAGE: Xi Jinping reviews a People's Liberation Army formation. Photograph: Rediff Archives Recently, there have been persistent rumours of Xi being ousted from the top leadership, and reports that there was growing resentment in the People's Liberation Army over the purging of several senior leaders. The PLA was said to be spearheading a move to remove Xi from the party leadership. This was dismissed by my Chinese interlocutors, who insisted that Xi was firmly in control. They argued that the arrival of Donald Trump in Washington and the chaos he had unleashed had enabled Xi and his supporters to underscore the even greater need for strong, tested leadership in China. The purges were dismissed as being 'quite normal' in Communist party history. I do not think these latest purges are 'normal' and reflect a continuing concern about the PLA's personal loyalty to Xi Jinping. The PLA could well emerge as the focal point of growing opposition to Xi. On India-China relations, conversations were marked by a more aggressive tone and even arrogance compared to one's experience over the previous two years. The resumption of high-level engagement between the two sides, interrupted since the Galwan clash of 2020, was welcomed and there was keen expectation that resumption of direct flights, the reciprocal posting of journalists, liberal issue of visas and more people-to-people contacts would follow swiftly. IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, centre, introduces Pakistan army chief Syed Asim Munir to Xi Jinping during the Pakistan leaders' visit to Beijing in June 2024. Photograph: Pakistan military There were complaints about the discrimination faced by Chinese companies in India and the campaign to denigrate China and to project India as a more trusted investment destination. These were hostile acts against China, which were contrary to professions of friendship, it was argued. In discussions relating to economic relations, one Chinese interlocutor said that India should realise that "China can do without India, but India could not do without China", pointing to its inability to do without Chinese intermediates and components. There was a different tone on Pakistan, which was described as an "iron brother." Earlier, the Chinese were somewhat defensive about their country's longstanding relations with Pakistan, describing the partnership as 'normal' engagement and cooperation between any two countries. Now there was no hesitation in owning up to China's commitment to Pakistan's security. It reinforces one's assessment that China will do everything possible to upgrade Pakistan's military capabilities to the level that enables the latter to continue to serve as an effective proxy against India. On the Indian Ocean, India was put on notice that possessing the largest navy in the world, China would inevitably expand its maritime presence into the Indian Ocean to safeguard its sea lines of communication to the South China Sea; and that the Indian side would do well not to extend the zone of confrontation from the land to the sea. This more abrasive and assertive tone adopted by some interlocutors while others conveyed a more positive, friendly and cooperative attitude, is the standard Chinese approach, but one should take note of the more overbearing statements as they reflect a renewed geopolitical assurance, thanks to assumptions about the decline of the United States. To the extent that China believes that India has allied with the US to contain China, the message to India is that its American connection is losing its efficacy. IMAGE: Modi, Xi, Peng Liyuan, the Chinese leader's wife, at the official reception for heads of States/heads of governments at the SCO summit in Tianjin, August 31, 2025. Photograph: Press Information Bureau India should be prepared to face a steadily growing and multi-faceted security and economic challenges from China in the years ahead. Given the power gap between the two countries, one should think of asymmetric capabilities and strategies to meet the China challenge, even while augmenting our capabilities at a faster pace than being achieved currently. Two things are urgent -- one, an expanded and sustained engagement with our sub-continental neighbourhood to limit Chinese presence, and two, a renewed engagement with East and Southeast Asia to make Act East a reality, in particular strengthening economic and trade relations. Without the economic pillar, our eastern flank will become a vulnerability rather than a shield. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner.' 'The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field,' points out Shyam G Menon. As we scheduled this column for publication, we received the heartbreaking news that Shyam passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 31. We mourn his passing and will forever remember his erudition. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his roadshow in Ahmedabad, August 25, 2025. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo On the face of it, how does it feel when told that no Union minister, chief minister or even the prime minister will be spared dismissal from office if held in custody for 30 consecutive days for offences carrying a jail term of five years? I won't be surprised if you say: great! To my mind, the bill Home Minister Amit Shah tabled in Parliament on August 20, 2025, has a good chance of finding traction with sections of the public. Conventionally, we look at ministers, chief ministers and prime ministers as the most important, privileged people in a political setting. Between the formation of policy and law, and their execution, the former (that is, the formation part) is theoretically more susceptible to debate and discussion than the latter (the execution part). Execution, which is the retail end of translating policy to action, is where corruption tends to stick. The murky character of the execution stage is what runs ministers the risk of becoming the public face of some corruption charge or other. Atop this, would be the longstanding complaint of criminals and criminality in Indian politics and how it affects the general profile of politics in the country. Disciplining politics has been a pet project with Indian voters, especially that category treating politics as below themselves to be interested in. A bill forcing politicians to fall in line will therefore have its fans. As yet, the typical ministerial resignation has been on moral grounds and grounds of moral responsibility. The willingness to resign and the exit, both reflect the final ownership of the power demitted, as belonging to the people. It establishes those occupying high office as ephemeral actors. The question can then be naturally posed -- why wait for voluntary exit; why not build its unavoidability into the system? In the past ten years, there have been instances of ministers, including chief ministers, held in custody for long even as they remained in office. Probably none of them would have hung on to office as long as they did, had there been a law like the one proposed. On the face of it therefore, the tabled legislation may find a degree of public support for the anti-corruption and pro-accountability stance it appears to possess. I can already imagine a sort of person having firm views on how the country should be governed, holding forth on the guts the government showed by tabling the proposed bill on August 20. Not to mention the sense of justice in it, as none, not even the prime minister, is above the bill's stern gaze. Indeed, it is this aspect of justice and fairness, which finds mention in the opening part of the statement issued on August 20 by the ministry of home affairs and since available on the Press Information Bureau website. It said: 'Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah today introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated in a series of posts on 'X' that, considering the Modi government's commitment against political corruption in the country and the public outrage, he introduced a Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament today with the consent of the Lok Sabha Speaker. 'This bill ensures that individuals holding important constitutional positions, such as the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers of the Central and State Governments, cannot run the government while in jail. He further stated that the purpose of this bill is to elevate the declining standards of morality in public life and bring integrity to politics.' But is it possible to consider the bill as this innocent and well-intentioned? IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah tables the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, August 20, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab As some observers have already pointed out, we live in times of growing centralisation of power with many of the investigative agencies tasked with charging the accused (any accused), reporting to the central government. Thanks to this, state governments, especially those ruled by political parties from the Opposition, feel nervous. Adding to their insecurity would be the emergent provision in select laws to hold people in custody without proper judicial scrutiny along with the rising propensity to evoke harsh laws against citizens. Take, for instance, the Supreme Court's recent observations on a central investigative agency, frequently in the news and often thought of by the public as wielded opportunistically by the government. On August 7, 2025, The Times of India reported: 'The Supreme Court on Thursday sternly reminded the Enforcement Directorate that the central agency must function strictly within the bounds of law, stating, "You can't act like a crook." A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh made the observations while hearing petitions seeking a review of the top court's July 2022 ruling which upheld ED's power of arrest, search and seizure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).' On August 18, The Hindu reported: 'The Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Monday (August 18, 2025) said any adverse oral remarks made by the Supreme Court against the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) were dispassionate and based entirely on facts, even as the Central agency's counsel rued these comments "percolate" to create a bad impression among the people and even within the judiciary itself.' Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner. The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field. Consequently, the argument that no minister should be legally required to step down till the charges against him/her are proved correct, holds water. There is also the question of how actions based on poorly thought-out legislation impact our general idea of law and justice. For instance, the higher the office an example is made of, the stronger it rests as precedent for average citizens caught in similar situations. It may be used to stifle questions. When a democracy encourages drift towards fewer and fewer questions raised, when it encourages drift towards abject ideological and political compliance -- it is a death of democracy from within. Legislation in a diverse democracy must anticipate rule by parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party, wherein dominance risks being used as brute force to shape a national environment. Wielded politically, the provisions in the bill of August 20 can damage our federal structure and spread instability, which may then be addressed using higher centralisation. It can become a vicious circle. IMAGE: Modi arrives to attend the NDA parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo When it comes to the controversial piece of legislation, which Amit Shah introduced in Parliament on August 20, 2025, recommending loss of office should a union minister, chief minister or prime minister find himself/herself in the earlier mentioned predicament, I don't celebrate even if I find potential scenarios leveling and thereby vicariously pleasing. I worry about a widespread gullibility, which could have some of us assuming simplistically that Shah's legislation is justice manifest. The root of the problem lies in how we react to such dramatic pieces of legislation. We like to see people humbled and that craving stands known and predicted. The management of that response falls in the realm of managing optics, a skill the ruling dispensation has never been short of. Why should we consider the tabled legislation, submitted for no pressing reason, as anything better than optics management? As anything better than our response foreseen and the same exploited to add luster to our rulers? The above doesn't seem the full picture or the full scale of patterns at play. If the proposed legislation is approved by Parliament, then the onus of making sure that a chief minister or prime minister steps down, will likely vest with governors and the president. These are offices recognised as those of the first citizen at state and national levels. Prima facie, there would seem nothing wrong in strengthening the hands of this balancing chain of command, which is not a direct product of India's state and general elections. The President is indirectly elected while the governor is appointed. By instructing prime ministers and chief ministers to leave, these offices may seem to exercise the right of the citizen to better governance. As mentioned earlier in the case of anti-corruption support emerging for the proposed bill, here too, support may manifest citing the hands of the Indian citizen strengthened. But imagine a scenario in which, instead of being just a healthy and adequate counter balance to Parliament and elected state assemblies, the line of command represented by the offices of governors and the President becomes something tangibly powerful (remember -- it is further empowerment of a line of command that is either indirectly elected or plain, appointed). It not only risks becoming a subversion of democracy from within the operating framework of our democracy but it also risks serious political ambition migrating to these offices given their emergent influence and thus, having elected representatives systematically overshadowed by these indirectly elected and politically appointed offices. Once again, the worry here is the majoritarian players in our political ecosystem and the fascist politics they choose to align with. Playbooks for such subversion exist in humanity's recent history and India's right-wing is known to hold in high regard, the authors of these scripts. Already in India, the ecosystem of non-elected powerful offices at the state and national levels appear to act beholden to the ruling dispensation at the Centre signifying thus a central ecosystem that is quite powerful and mutually supportive and evoking little of the quality of checking, the non-elected offices are supposed to show. Instances of checking have mostly featured Opposition-led state governments, as victims. IMAGE: INDIA supporters stage a protest against the 130th Constitutional Amendment and SIR at the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha in Ranchi, August 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Bottomline -- the BJP deserves credit for openly stating its broad political intention and going after it systematically. For example: Top BJP politicians have said in the past that the party aims to rule India for long. To be noted is also the angle that the BJP may have tabled the controversial bill in Parliament knowing well that the party's majoritarian face and its addiction to its agenda will be among factors provoking opposition to the bill. To my eyes, there seems an element of deliberate gamble, an aspect of baiting and daring. Yet a decade into such politics, India's Opposition still struggles to solidly counter the kind of political machinery the BJP represents. Issues like the ongoing allegations of vote theft and Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR), bring Opposition parties together. But do we have evidence that they recognise comprehensively and consistently what they are up against, including the systemic damage India's political Right is capable of? As reported on August 20, the proposed bill has been sent to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) composed of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha for scrutiny. Questions have also been raised on how the BJP plans to get the bill passed in Parliament for Constitution amendment bills require passage by a majority of the members in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting. The BJP currently lacks the required numbers. Alongside, there is also concern that situations may crop up wherein Opposition MPs get suspended (as happened in December 2023) and the required majority is managed with whoever remains. Hopefully, the JPC as well as the Opposition, base their recommendations and shape their actions knowing fully well that we live in times when democracy risks being subverted from within, most notably by majoritarian political parties wishing us to see them as country incarnate and their leaders as national figures beyond question. But first, let's stop lapping up the ruling dispensation's optics-management, which is nothing but an exploitation of our innate gullibility. I think, as ever with India's political Right, in the case of the latest controversial bill too, it seeks to leverage our credulity to further the right-wing's agenda. After all, no other large political formation around faces the electorate with the stated intent of altering India as the right-wing does. Shyam G Menon is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Given that his health is failing him, the government might, in a day or two, admit him to hospital.' IMAGE: Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite fast demanding reservation for the community. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff Following the Bombay high court's directive for Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate Mumbai's streets, political analyst Vivek Bhavsar examines the immediate challenges facing the Maratha quota agitation leader. With over 300,000 protesters having entered the financial capital, the situation presents complex law and order implications. "The masterminds are controlling the agitation from behind the scenes," Bhavsar tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff. Now that the Bombay high court has ordered Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate the streets, what are the options before the Maratha leader spearheading the agitation for quotas for Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions? First and foremost, he will have to obey the orders of the Bombay high court. More than 300,000 to 350,000 people who have entered Mumbai will now have to leave and vacate the streets. If this does not happen, the Mumbai police may be forced to use other measures. This could result in tension or may lead to violence. Till date, the Maharashtra administration (led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis), very wisely had decided to let the agitation continue. The administration had consciously avoided the use of force. The administration took every possible measure not to commit any mistake. This is because the use of force could have worsened the situation in the streets of Mumbai. The government has intelligence that anti-social elements have infiltrated the ranks of agitators and plan to disturb the law and order situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Who are these 'anti-social elements'? IMAGE: Supporters of Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange gather at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, August 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The government believes that anti-social elements too have entered Mumbai along with the agitators. Their intention is to create trouble in India's financial capital. These people have plans to disrupt the supply of essentials like milk, vegetables, and fuel supply into Mumbai. They want to create chaos. They (Manoj Jarange Patil's supporters) want to lay a systematic siege of Mumbai. The masterminds are controlling the agitation from behind the scenes. You have been closely watching Jarange Patil and the Maratha agitation since it first began in 2023. Do you think Jarange Patil will withdraw his agitation after the order from the Bombay high court? Given that the Bombay high court order says that he or his supporters will not be allowed to protest at restricted places, Jarange Patil will continue with his agitation. However, his supporters will have to leave Mumbai. Given that his health is failing him, the government might, in a day or two, admit him to hospital. This would be after his supporters vacate Mumbai. The government will most probably let him continue with his indefinite fast from hospital. However, the government knows how important it is to move him out of Azad Maidan. He and a handful of his supporters will now have the option of continuing their protest from Azad Maidan. 'The ruling elite are supporting those attacking the people of Gaza.' 'As a nation we should not cooperate with the oppressor regime that is allowing mass starvation as a weapon of war.' IMAGE: Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, August 21, 2025. Photograph: Hatem Khaled/Reuters Professor V K Tripathi is a plasma physicist and a former physics professor at IIT Delhi. He is on a mission to ignite the minds of young Indians using the scientific approach of action and reaction, to make them understand the retaliation used by authoritarian regimes. In a telephone interview with Neeta Kolhatkar, Professor Tripathi said the use of deliberate starvation of Palestinian children as a weapon of war has to be condemned by all human beings and has urged the Indian government to assert itself against it. Professor Tripathi and his daughter Rakhi, an associate professor, choose August 15 this year to speak out against Israel's use of starvation as a weapon against the Palestinian people in Gaza. They sat on a fast at the far end of Rajghat in New Delhi, which was not in anyone's way. They commemorated Independence Day in a Gandhian way, but the Delhi police decided to have none of it and a 15-member team, led by an inspector, arrived to evict the father-daughter and questioned the senior professor, rudely asking them to wind up their 'demonstration'. When the professor told the inspector the fast was for justice and spoke of the importance of fasting on Independence Day, the policemen ordered them to put away the posters. Rakhi pointed out to the policemen that her father is a former IIT Delhi professor and 77 years old. That is when the policemen toned down their aggression, but that interaction was captured by Rakhi on video and went viral. "We told them Gandhi is a symbol of truth and we were not there to fight with anybody. We were there to make people aware and were on a fast to get inspired by the strength that Gandhi had. How could they ask us what we were doing there? People come to Rajghat to get inspired by Gandhi," says Professor Tripathi. IMAGE: A Palestinian child holds a bowl with food received from a charity kitchen. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters Professor Tripathi, why did you and your daughter choose Independence Day to go on a fast? Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 and what Hamas did was definitely a sin. But the retaliation by Israel has been far worse, it is a greater crime. I asked the Government of India to appeal to Israel to stop this war. This is an opportunity for our sectarian elite to know the way (Israel Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu has sought revenge in the name of Hamas. He is actually seeking revenge by killing Palestinian children and women. The bombardment by Israel has been consistent in which children, women and senior citizens have been wiped out. Israel has now started to use starvation as a weapon in their war and this has to stop immediately. I am a follower of Gandhi and my mission is to educate people and make them aware of communal harmony and non-violence. I am against what is happening to the Palestinian people and I thought what better way than to sit on a fast on 15th August, which would be my homage to Gandhi. We chose a spot at the far end of Rajghat, outside the gate, towards the road. We had placed five small banners under the bushes and trees. A police team rushed to the spot and couldn't tolerate we had written Gaza. I genuinely feel we are a part of human civilisation and do they not have any sensitivity? See how the ruling elite across the world are the same in exploiting and repressing. Similarly, the people in the world are the same, their hunger, starvation, pain is the same. After they behaved in an authoritarian manner, my daughter questioned them, asking how they could humiliate a 77-year-old professor in such a threatening manner. They calmed down and they retreated. IMAGE: Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen in Gaza City. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters What could have prompted them to order you to end your fast? Is it the fear of Israel? First, a policeman came and asked us to wind up the fast and we refused. We said look at the messages, they are peaceful. He left, but later an inspector came with a team of 15 security personnel. Their problem was the spot we had chosen, which was at Rajghat. Earlier Rajghat was an autonomous body. However after 2014, PM Modi took it under his control and it now comes under the government, not just Rajghat, even the Gandhi Smriti. The security has been handed over to the minister of defence. Now you tell me, what is there in Rajghat for anyone to steal? There was no need for all this drama. We told them Gandhi is a symbol of truth and we were not there to fight with anybody. We were there to make people aware and were on a fast to get inspired by the strength that Gandhi had. How could they ask us what we were doing there? People come to Rajghat to get inspired by Gandhi. He was a man of truth and non-violence and that is what we were doing. I will tell you what we had written on the banners, how does this provoke action against us? 1. Independence Day Fast Stop Mass Starvation in Gaza 2. Swadheenta Divas Upvaas Gaza Bhookh Narsanhaar Band Ho. 3. Drop Prejudice Nafrat Chhodo 4. Masses of the World are One. 5. Hinsa Sattavan Ka Auzar hai, Ahinsa Aamjan Ka. Initially we had printed 4,000 leaflets but they fell short and we printed another 1,500. My aim was to spread awareness; there were no plans to sit on a fast. Then closer to the date, I felt what is the principle of independence? We need to be inclusive and sensitive to those people who are subjected to extreme violence and exploitation. This also includes the war that has been going on in Gaza. There has been a war in Ukraine too, but they are getting support from NATO. This is a one-sided attack by Israel. Since this issue has been on my mind since 1982, I thought of sitting on a hunger fast for the Palestinians. Then my daughter suggested we should undertake a signature campaign with our petition which we will be sending to the United Nations. We discussed in our group and the events were planned. I wrote 1,500 pamphlets. My daughter put it out on various social media platforms. I reached out to 23,000 people by physically distributing pamphlets. My daughter through her messages reached out to a lot many people across the world. The Hamas attack has to be condemned but the retaliation undertaken by Israel is not against Hamas. They are killing innocents because Hamas is only two percent of the 98 percent population that is being wiped out. They are killing children and women who are defenceless. Israel has the protection, weaponry and these people have no such. They have been forcibly displaced; they have lost their homes and pushed into refugee camps which are also being attacked. IMAGE: Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen in Gaza City. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters Do you see a pattern of turning a blind eye to the events unfolding around us? The ruling elite are supporting those attacking the people of Gaza. They are taking sides and the side of the oppressor. They are glamorising Netanyahu and seem to be taking lessons from him. As a nation we should not cooperate with the oppressor regime that is allowing mass starvation as a weapon of war. IMAGE: Professor Vipin Tripathi, standing, with his flyers. How does your day unfold? What time do you start your mission of spreading the word of peace? I wake up around 5 am, 6 am, I write for some time in the morning. Then I read the newspapers for a while and have breakfast. Now 50 percent of the time I am out of the house. I leave my home around 10 am and return home around 6 pm. I go to different areas on different days. Some localities that I go most often are the area around Delhi University, Jamia Shaheen Baugh, Sangam Bihar, Jami Hamdard area, and so on. The Sangam Bihar area has a mixed population, with only 30 percent Muslims, 70 percent Hindus, mainly belonging to the lower middle class. I go to the Delhi University area since students are here largely. I don't enter the campus, instead wait outside to meet and speak to the students. Apart from these areas, I also go to Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Daryaganj, Ajmeri Gate; these neighbourhoods are quite crowded. I also campaign in north east Delhi, Mustafabad, Silampur, surrounding neighbourhoods. I bring out one leaflet every month which I print and take to distribute in all these areas. I also travel for about ten days out of Delhi every month. I recently travelled to West Bengal, prior to that I had gone to Ahmedabad and other cities in Gujarat. This must be costing you quite a bit. How do you manage -- the printing, distribution, your transport and so on? One flyer doesn't cost much. We can print 4,000 leaflets and it costs us Rs 2,500. I personally hand them out. I use public transport. I pick a few rotis with some chutney or pickle and eat it on the way. How have people responded to your campaign? Specially students, do they accept the leaflets? Students are more respectable even if some may not agree with my points. Even if some are sectarian they are not disrespectful. Shopkeepers and traders are impudent. It is rather difficult to have a polite discussion with them, yet I go and hand over the leaflets. This has been my experience -- among 20 traders, barely four to five are polite. Some refuse to even accept the leaflets and show me the door; some ask me to move on. IMAGE: Professor Vipin Tripathi's Gaza flier. What prompted you to start this kind of work, to educate and make the public aware of the principles of secularism, speak of our Constitution and humanity? You have left plasma physics far behind and walked into hot politics. (Laughs) I am pursuing this because there have been three critical points in life. The first time, in 1982, was a point of transition for me. I used to live in Maryland and was a professor there from the 1970s. In 1982, Israel attacked Lebanon and killed around 20,000 Palestinians. I asked colleagues and professors at the university since I was deeply disturbed by these actions. I realised they were reluctant to discuss this issue since the American government was getting a lot of help from Israel. It was a distinct example of an imperialistic mindset. At that time I decided to leave that country and return to India. There was a vacancy at IIT Delhi and I joined as a professor. Once here, I realised, if our people have to be truly free, they need to be empowered with accurate information and their weapon has to be non-violence. It has been my endeavour to expand knowledge of our subcontinent and form ties with people from our neighbouring countries. I have visited Pakistan, Sri Lanka and try to develop bonds with the academicians and our fraternity. In 1989, I took a sabbatical. The University of Maryland invited me to teach there for a year. I read about the severe riots in Bhagalpur at that time in The New York Times. I was disturbed by that news and became restless. I booked my ticket to come to India for three weeks. Then I went back to the US and started a signature campaign on the Bhagalpur riots. I contacted 4,000 people who I had personally contacted for getting signatures. We formed a Forum for Secular India, but I wasn't comfortable with the English name. By then my sabbatical too was ending so I came back to India. I toured India and visited riot-affected areas. After returning to Delhi we formed the Sadbhav Mission. How supportive has the IIT professor fraternity been to your secular and humanist ideas? There are around 500 faculty members and around 100-125 may be secular minded. I had published a newsletter and distributed it among our faculty at that time. Initially I thought of distributing to all faculty members but changed my mind. Out of these 500, around 150 professors were actively involved in the Ram temple movement. I had got a whiff of their involvement and I didn't give them the pamphlets. I distributed the pamphlets to other faculty members, who I thought were not actively involved in the Ram temple movement. They too turned out to be sympathisers. Though I must say there were definitely 100 secular minded faculty members and I remember we gave them the pamphlets. They joined our Sadbhav Mission even though they couldn't attend our weekly meetings Sometimes a handful would drop in, but around 150 students were actively involved. Has the Indian secular fabric begun eroding since 1989? When I was studying for my PhD at IIT in 1969, there were riots in Ahmedabad and Bhiwandi at that time. I was deeply pained by the events. I saw that the IIT students were indifferent about the killings in those riots. Those who study at IITs are from elite, well-to-do families. I remember these elites had hatred against workers and the labour class. They did not have hatred against Muslims. They hated the poor workers because they were unionised, called for strikes and had demands. The other person they despised was Gandhi. In 1991, P V Narasimha Rao liberalised our economy which made the corporates more powerful. Now the corporates ideologically believe communalism is a good weapon to crush the workers. Though there wasn't a BJP government for many years, these forces were empowered due to corporate support. Sadly, today the hatred has penetrated deep into our society. We have been seeing incidents of lynchings and killings of Muslims on the rise. One thing I must say -- in the last two years, Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has made a difference in the minds of people. Professor Tripathi began his career as a lecturer at IIT Delhi in 1970. He joined the University of Maryland in 1976 as a post-doctoral researcher and then a research associate. He was involved in the research on radio frequency heating of fusion plasma at the university. In 1983, he joined IIT Delhi as a professor of physics where he worked for nearly 30 years. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The Punjab police on Tuesday arrested three men hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who were allegedly involved in a cab driver's murder and also unearthed a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a senior police officer said. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The accused have been identified as Sahil Bashir (19), a resident of village Handwara Langate in Kupwara, Munish Singh alias Ansh (22), a resident of village Kotli in Doda and Aijaz Ahmed Khan alias Wasim (22), a resident of village Manjpura in Kalamabad, said Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav. The police said that following disclosures of the arrested persons, they have retrieved the mortal remains of the victim Anil Kumar. Three bullet shells were also recovered from near the body. They also recovered the white-coloured Maruti Swift Dzire snatched from the Kumar and the .32 bore country-made pistol used in the crime from the possession of the arrested accused, they said. Bashir was a wanted criminal under the UAPA and Arms Act cases registered at PS (police station) Qalamabad, Handwara, J-K. His brother Sajad Ahmad Shah had earlier been arrested with a cache of weapons and materials linked to JeM. Both are identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of JeM, the DGP added, according to a Punjab police statement Tuesday evening. The officer said that the arrests came while investigating the alleged abduction and murder of Anil Kumar, a resident of Mohali. A case was registered after his vehicle was snatched by unidentified assailants recently. The driver was last contacted on Friday. Preliminary investigation revealed that three persons from Jammu & Kashmir had hired the cab from Kharar. Soon after, the driver's mobile phones were found switched off, raising immediate suspicion, the officer said. In her complaint, Anil Kumar's wife Sudha Devi said that her husband drove a taxi vehicle and on Friday morning, like every day, at around 8:30 AM, he left home to after a ride was booked from Kharar to Railway Station, Chandigarh. Later, she kept on calling her husband continuously, but her husband's two mobile phones were switched off, she said. The DGP said that investigations revealed that three unidentified persons, who had hired the cab from Kharar, had snatched his vehicle. "Considering the grave and sensitive nature of the matter, multiple police teams were constituted, and acting with speed and precision, all three accused were apprehended," DGP said. Sharing operation details, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ropar Range, Harcharan Singh Bhullar said that separate teams of Mohali Police were formed and using technical and human resources, the accused were arrested from Bus Stand, Batala and Gurdaspur areas, he said. The DIG said that during interrogation, the arrested accused persons confessed to having fatally shot the driver after an altercation and later disposed of the body in the Mohali area. "In a major breakthrough, @Sasnagar (Mohali) police busts a terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and apprehends 3 persons from J&K in abduction & murder of a cab driver and recovers a weapon & vehicle," the DGP posted on X earlier in the day. Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Harmandeep Hans said that the interrogation of the accused revealed that they had booked the cab on the pretext of going from Kharar to Chandigarh railway station. They had first asked the taxi driver, Anil Kumar, to go to Airport Road via Phase 3B2 Mohali. When Anil Kumar took the accused to village Kandala, they forced the cab driver to come down from the vehicle and shot him dead, before escaping with the car and other belongings, he said. -- 'One has to be very mindful because it will be applicable for big tech platforms and even for banks and insurers, whose business is completely different.' Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff The regulations for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act are likely to be published by the end of this year, paving the way for roll out of the data privacy law more than two years after its passage, Vinayak Godse, chief executive officer of the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), said. "It seems to be in the last leg of deliberations and should happen before the end of this year," Godse said during an interaction with Business Standard. The government has drafted and redrafted the rules and taken in suggestions from the relevant stakeholders, but is yet to make the Act come into effect due to a delay in the release of the administrative rules. Many say the government has gone slow in order to assess the impact of the regulations on all sectors -- from banks and insurers to big technology companies. Godse said that people have failed to understand the ramifications of the Act as it will change the way the country deals with data. He believes that it is better to take time to frame the rules rather than repent for being in haste. "Millions of organisations in India are collecting and processing data, be it the government units or big tech companies and implementing this for all is a challenge. You have to be very mindful of how we bring this. It is not easy in a big country like ours. It is better to take time than repent later," he added. According to Godse, India's digital innovation such as UPI and Aadhaar have been world beaters and the country is putting a legislation which could probably put some spanners to the wheels of digitisation which are moving very fast. "One has to be very mindful because it will be applicable for big tech platforms and even for banks and insurers, whose business is completely different." Specifically, Godse sees parental consent to children below the age of 18 years as a challenge. "It is difficult. How do you make sure of that without compromising on the privacy and the basic ethos of the Act. Even parents of kids between 14 and 18 sometimes let them use it. So how you capture this information is critical." The provisions of the DPDP Act cover almost all facets of online markets, including ensuring that the personal data of Indian users is not shared with governments of other countries. The government is also acting risk-averse at the moment to ensure that some valid concerns, which may have been overlooked during public consultations, are adequately addressed to avoid litigation later. The DSCI has also submitted suggestions to the government on security safeguards, intimation of personal data breach, verifiable consent for children and people with disabilities and additional obligation of significant data fiduciary (SDF). The Act also has provisions that place a larger burden on companies with a larger number of users. Such enterprises, referred to as SDF, can be classified by the government based on the volume and sensitivity of personal data being processed, the risks to user rights, and the potential impact on the country's sovereignty and integrity, among other factors. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff MANILA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A three-year-old girl and her nanny were killed, while a six-year-old girl was critically injured in a house fire in the Philippine capital Manila, the Bureau of Fire Protection said Tuesday. The bureau said the fire broke out at around 11:55 p.m. Monday in Malabon City, part of Metro Manila, trapping the victims on the second floor of their rented house. The six-year-old, who sustained severe burns on her arms, hands, and legs, is being treated at a local hospital, the bureau said. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in less than an hour. An investigation is underway to determine its cause. Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir had his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday during which the two sides held wide-ranging talks on bilateral and regional cooperation. IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China June 7, 2024. Photograph: China Daily via Reuters Munir is part of Sharif's delegation, which participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and will attend a grand parade of the Chinese army to be held here on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. During his first visit to China in July after taking over as Field Marshal, Munir met Vice President Han Zheng but not President Xi, unlike his predecessor General Qamar Javed Bajwa. His visit followed after he was hosted for lunch by US President Donald Trump, a rare gesture by an American leader which raised eyebrows in China, considering Pak-China all-weather ties. While Xi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other leaders, who attended the SCO summit in Tianjin, Sharif was allocated the slot on Tuesday to meet the Chinese President in Beijing. Munir was expected to join Sharif to watch the parade in which the Chinese military plans to display its most modern weapons of all varieties, including aerial, ground, electronic and missile systems. The weapons systems were of big interest to the Pakistan military as over 80 per cent of its weapons acquisitions are from China. During the meeting, the two sides held wide-ranging talks on bilateral & regional cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who was also part of the team. Xi said that as global changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a quicker pace, a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to safeguarding regional peace and development. The two sides should accelerate building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, to bring more benefits to the two peoples and set up a model for the broader neighbourhood, he said. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build upgraded versions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Xi was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency. On his part, Sharif hailed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed by Xi at the SCO summit to improve global governance, saying it is of great significance for world peace, development and stability, and Pakistan will give it full support and work actively to implement it. Pakistan firmly sticks to the one-China principle, and looks forward to further strengthening friendship between the two countries and advancing cooperation in all fields, said Sharif, promising to spare no effort in ensuring the safety of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. The Kolkata police on Tuesday intercepted a military truck for alleged reckless driving, a day after the army dismantled a stage erected by the ruling Trinamool Congress to protest alleged atrocities on Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the site where Army personnel dismantle TMC's Bhasha Andolan protest stage after permission to continue the protest at the site expired, in Kolkata, September 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo A case of dangerous driving was filed against the army personnel driving the truck, a senior officer of Kolkata Traffic Police said. The incident took place around 11 am in front of the Writers' Buildings, the previous state secretariat. "The vehicle was moving at such a high speed that it could have led to a major accident while negotiating a turn. Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma's vehicle was behind the truck," the officer said. A CCTV footage released by Kolkata Police, capturing the sequence of events leading to the moment when traffic officials stopped the truck, showed the army vehicle slowing down at the Writers' Buildings traffic signal on the left flank of BBD Bag North Road, from where it made a sudden attempt to swerve right towards the south. In the process, the truck narrowly missed hitting Verma's car, which was following the army vehicle and overtook it sharply from the right side at the signal in its bid to avoid an accident. Police personnel managing traffic at the busy intersection were then seen running towards the truck and stopping it for violating traffic signs at the crossing where vehicles are not allowed to take a right turn from the left flank of the road. According to the army officials, the truck was headed from Fort William, the army's Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata, to the Passport Office on Brabourne Road near BBD Bag, the city's central business district. The truck, carrying two army personnel, was later escorted to Hare Street police station, the officer said, adding that a case has been registered against the driver under the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving. Officers from Fort William also reached the police station to speak to the police about the incident. Army officials, however, denied any wrongdoing, stating that the vehicle was stopped by police just as it was taking a turn near the Writers' Buildings. They maintained that no traffic rules were violated. Later, talking to the media, Kolkata Police DC Traffic, YS Jagannathrao said that the matter should not be seen as an issue between the "police versus army". He said that the army truck, before taking a wrong lane in front of the Writers' Buildings, had violated the traffic signal from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) juncture. "The matter should not be seen as anything between the police and the army. This is one of the many cases of traffic that we witness in the city. This is basically a violation of traffic rules, negligence and rash driving. Our priority is the safety of those on city roads," the IPS officer said. He emphasised that the number of accidents on Kolkata roads decreased since last year. Another senior officer said that the police want to maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding reckless driving. Less than 24 hours ago, dramatic scenes were witnessed in the city, not far from the site of Tuesday's alleged traffic violation incident, after army officials dismantled a Trinamool Congress dharna platform at the base of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue on Mayo Road, an area owned and administered by the defence forces, on grounds that the party had overshot its permission tenure. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot and accused the BJP of "misusing the Indian Army" to push its agenda of "vendetta politics" against the TMC. Activist Manoj Jarange, who has been staging a hunger strike to seek quota for Marathas, on Tuesday said he is ready for talks with the government, but asserted he will not leave Mumbai till his demands are met. IMAGE: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil has been staging a hunger strike to seek quota for Marathas, at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Photograph: ANI on X Jarange, whose agitation at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai entered its fifth day, claimed the protesters have not violated any law and said nobody can stop Marathas from entering the state capital. The activist also asked the Maratha protesters to maintain peace and said he will ensure the government accepts his demand for quota and issues a GR recognising Marathas as Kunbi -- an agrarian caste included in the Other Backward Classes category -- which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a notice to Jarange and his team, asking them to vacate Azad Maidan at the earliest, saying they violated conditions laid down by the protest. Earlier, the Bombay high court on Monday asked his supporters to vacate and clean up all streets in the city by Tuesday noon and restore normalcy. "I am ready for talks with the government," the 43-year-old activist said on the fifth day of his protest at Azad Maidan. "I can go to any extent if you also do that. I am not moving out of here till my demands are met. If you try to arrest or evict us from Mumbai, it will be dangerous for you," he warned. Jarange further said he wants to tell Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that he is not going out of Mumbai. "I am confident that the high court will give poor Marathas justice. We are following all directives of the high court. There are 4,000 to 5,000 protesters. Give us homes if you wish," he said. Jarange alleged CM Fadnavis was giving false information to the high court and that he will have to "pay a price". He said the government should issue a GR saying it is implementing Hyderabad and Satara gazetteers to declare Marathas as Kunbis. The notification, which extends quota benefits associated with the OBC community to the "sage-soyare" (blood relatives) of eligible Marathas, should also be implemented immediately, Jarange said. After rats gnawed on two newborn babies at the government-run Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, one of these two infants -- a girl -- died of pneumonia on Tuesday, an official said. Following the incident of rat attack, the hospital suspended two nursing staffers and removed the nursing superintendent from the post. Also, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on a private firm tasked with cleaning the hospital premises, he said. Rats bit the fingers of one child in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the department related to surgery of newborns, while they gnawed the head and shoulder of another child in the last 48 hours, officials earlier said. The incident prompted the hospital administration to order an investigation. After the death of the newborn girl following the rat attack, questions were raised at the hospital management, but the MYH administration claimed that the girl was suffering from various congenital deformities and died of 'pneumonia infection'. MYH is counted among the biggest government hospitals in the state. This hospital is affiliated to the Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College of Indore. Talking to PTI, the college's dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoria said one of the two newborns who were affected by the rat bite died. The unidentified girl, who was suffering from several congenital defects, was found abandoned in Khargone district and was sent to the MYH for treatment, he said. "The newborn girl, weighing only 1.20 kg, was already in a critical condition and was put on life support system," Ghanghoria said. She appeared to be around 10 days old, he said. According to the dean, the girl's intestines and lungs were not fully formed and her haemoglobin level was also much lower than the normal level. "According to the doctors treating the girl, she died of pneumonia infection. However, we have sent her body for post-mortem, which will make things clear," he said. According to Ghanghoria, another newborn child who was attacked by rats was also admitted to the MYH in critical condition due to different congenital deformities, although his condition is stable at the moment. On the basis of the initial investigation of the incident of rats biting the newborn babies, two nursing officers of the MYH have been suspended and the nursing superintendent of the hospital has been removed from the post. A warning letter has been issued to a private firm associated with the contract of cleaning, security and pest control work of MYH and a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on it, the dean said. Ghanghoria said, "Now, this firm has been asked to carry out pest control work in the entire hospital every seven days instead of every 15 days." The dean claimed that rats are being spotted in the MYH since the last two-four days after heavy rains, and were seen prior to that. However, this is not the first case of rats attacking newborn babies at the MYH. In 2021, rats had nibbled the heel of a child in the nursery (the place where newborn babies are kept for care) of this government hospital. Opposition Congress targeted the state government over the latest incident and demanded a judicial inquiry. State Congress spokesperson Neelabh Shukla said, "The case of rats gnawing the bodies of two newborn babies in MYH is not just administrative negligence, but also a matter that leaves human sensibilities shaken. This is a horrific incident. There should be a judicial inquiry into the incident and strict action should be taken against the culprits.' 'This incident has filled the hearts of parents of the entire state with fear and insecurity. If the state government is not able to keep newborn children safe even in the hospital, then it is futile to expect safety of the general public. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has imposed a fine of Rs 102 crore on Kannada film actress Ranya Rao in a gold smuggling case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence sources said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao. Photograph: Courtesy Ranya Rao/Facebook Along with her, the DRI imposed a penalty of Rs 63 crore on hotelier Tarun Kondaraju and Rs 56 crore each on jewellers Sahil Sakaria Jain and Bharat Kumar Jain. On Tuesday, the DRI officials reached the Bengaluru Central Jail and served each of them a 250-page notice along with 2,500-page annexure. "It was a herculean exercise to prepare a detailed notice along with supporting documents. Today we served 11,000 pages of documents to the accused," a DRI source told PTI. According to sources in the DRI, the actress was caught with 14.8 kg gold on March 3 at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on her arrival from Dubai. Rao is the step-daughter of Director General of Police rank officer K Ramachandra Rao. The actress was sentenced to one year of imprisonment under the stringent Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), in the gold smuggling case in July this year. The COFEPOSA-related matter came up before the High Court on Tuesday, which posted it on September 11, DRI sources said. 'All commercial and banking transactions happen in South Mumbai.' IMAGE: Maratha activists protest demanding reservation for the Maratha community at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, September 1, 2025, here and below. Photograph: ANI Photo South Mumbai, the city's prime business district and home to the headquarters of top Indian firms, government agencies, and financial institutions, is facing disruptions due to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil's agitation. Major firms and regulators, including Reliance Industries, the Reserve Bank of India, BSE, Tata group, and State Bank of India, are based in South Mumbai. Many companies have asked employees to work from home. Vijay Kalantri, president of the All India Association of Industries and chairperson of the M Visvesvaraya Industrial Research and Development Centre in Mumbai, said at least 35-40 per cent of commercial activity in the area has been affected because of heavy traffic and poor employee attendance, even at banks. Several multinational firms, such as McKinsey & Company, Blackstone group, HSBC India, DP World, Warburg Pincus, and Wells Fargo, also have offices in South Mumbai, particularly in Nariman Point and Fort, the areas most impacted by the agitation. "Business and trade are affected because all the commercial and banking transactions happen in South Mumbai. Some people are working from home. But not everything can be done remotely," Kalantri said. South Mumbai is also a hub for luxury fashion retail, with brands like Sabyasachi, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop, Le Mill, Ogaan, and Clove The Store operating outlets in Nariman Point, Fort, and Colaba. The area hosts landmark hotels too, including Taj Mahal Palace (Indian Hotels Company), Trident and The Oberoi (Oberoi group), and the InterContinental (Graviss Hospitality). Photograph: ANI Photo Jarange Patil, 43, has been on a hunger strike since August 29 at Azad Maidan, a 25-acre ground near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. He is demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. His supporters have blocked traffic in South Mumbai since Friday, leading to massive disruption for office-goers. The state government has formed a cabinet sub-committee on the Maratha quota, led by Minister of Water Resources Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the government is exploring legal options to resolve the issue. Photograph: ANI Photo The agitation has slowed traffic across Azad Maidan and around CSMT, disrupting local train operations and BEST bus services. Traffic police have closed all roads leading to CSMT and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The stretch from Mantralaya to Marine Drive has also been shut. Vehicles travelling via the JJ Flyover into South Mumbai are being rerouted near the police commissioner's office towards Metro junction or the Churchgate railway station. Photograph: ANI Photo The Bombay high court on Monday evening observed that the agitation had brought the city to a standstill, noting that the protest was neither peaceful nor in line with agreed-upon conditions. The court urged the restoration of normalcy and gave an opportunity to Jarange Patil and his supporters to clear all streets by Tuesday noon, according to PTI. The matter is set to be heard again on Tuesday. Jarange Patil has, however, vowed not to leave Mumbai until his demands are met. His fast-unto-death entered its fourth day on Monday. The Maratha community's demand for reservation has a long history spanning three to four decades, but the current agitation gained momentum in September 2023, when Jarange Patil alleged that police in Antarwali Sarathi in Jalna district -- part of drought-prone Marathwada -- lathi-charged his supporters during a protest, allegedly on then deputy CM Fadnavis' orders. IMAGE: Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange stops drinking water on the fourth day of his hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation at Azad Maidan on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo Originally from Maharashtra's Beed district, Jarange Patil has become the leading face of the Maratha reservation movement. Founder of the Shivba Sanghatana, he has been campaigning for Maratha inclusion in the OBC category. In January 2024, Jarange Patil and thousands of supporters marched towards Mumbai for a mass agitation. Before they reached the city, then CM Eknath Shinde met him in Vashi and agreed to his demands. Jarange Patil ended the strike after the government announced a draft ordinance on OBC reservations in education and jobs. In February 2024, the community was granted a 10 per cent quota under the Socially and Educationally Backward Class Act. A petition challenging the reservation is pending before the Supreme Court. Accusing the government of failing to keep its promises, Jarange Patil resumed his campaign. On August 27, 2025, he set out from Jalna towards Mumbai with thousands of agitators, with more joining him along the way. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that his country respects Russia's relations with India, as he called for strengthening Islamabad's ties with Moscow during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. IMAGE: File image of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photograph: Amr Alfiky/Reuters The two leaders are in China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and attend a grand parade of the Chinese army here on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. "Our relations have only improved over the past many years. Thanks to your commitment and interest in many areas. I also intend to decisively strengthen our bilateral ties," Sharif told President Putin. The prime minister also expressed gratitude to the Russian president for supporting Pakistan, which was viewed as "a balancing act in the region". "I must say that we respect your relations with India. That is perfectly fine. But we also want to build very strong relations (with Russia). And these relations will be supplementary and complementary for the good and for the progress and prosperity of the region," Sharif said. He emphasised that Putin is "a very dynamic leader" and that now Russia and Pakistan "are moving in the right direction," according to Russia's state-run TASS news agency. Sharif said that Pakistan was eager to expand ties with Russia in trade connectivity, energy, agriculture, investment, defence, artificial intelligence, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. President Putin noted the upward trajectory of ties between the two countries and stressed the importance of collaboration in organisations such as the SCO, which in turn can serve a major role in regional and global security and stability, it said. The two leaders also discussed the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and the Ukraine conflict. They also exchanged views on ongoing cooperation at the multilateral forums, as well as on the long-standing issues and disputes of global interest, such as Palestine and Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported. Sharif also accepted Putin's invitation to visit Russia in November and participate in a SCO event for heads of government. "I would be very happy to visit Russia," he said. The relations between Pakistan and Russia have come a long way from the Cold War hostility to the current level of cooperation, and there is hope to further expand it in the coming years. In recent years, the two countries have engaged in strengthening bilateral ties with each other. Separately, Sharif also met Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon in Beijing, and both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between their countries in all areas of mutual interest. United States President Donald Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro has described as "troublesome" the show of unity between the leaders of India, Russia and China, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to be with Washington, Europe and Ukraine, not with Russia. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO meet in Tianjin, China. Photograph: Press Information Bureau Navarro's remarks came after the public display of bonhomie by the three leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday. It's troublesome. It's troublesome, Navarro said at the White House on Monday when asked about the show of unity between Modi, Xi and Putin. "It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed as the leader of the biggest democracy in the world with the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world, Putin and Xi Jinping. That doesn't make any sense," the Trump administration's senior counselor for Trade and Manufacturing said. His remarks, and the display of camaraderie between Modi, Putin and Xi, came against the backdrop of possibly the worst phase in India-US relations in over two decades, with the strain exacerbated by President Trump's tariff policy and constant criticism of New Delhi by his administration. "I'm not sure what he (Modi) is thinking, particularly since India has been in a cold war and sometimes a hot war with China for decades. So we hope that the Indian leader comes around to seeing that he needs to be with us and Europe and Ukraine and not with Russia on this and he needs to stop buying the oil, Navarro said. The Trump administration has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India and an additional 25 per cent levies for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total duties imposed on India to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. India has called the tariffs imposed by the US unjustified and unreasonable. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. Russia has emerged as India's top energy supplier since the West slapped sanctions on its crude oil after the invasion of Ukraine. In a setback to prosecution in the Sheena Bora murder case, Vidhie Mukerjea, a key witness, on Tuesday denied in a court recording any statement before probe agencies and said that documents annexed as her statement in the CBI's chargesheet were "forged and fabricated". IMAGE: Indrani Mukerjea coming to appear in a court in Mumbai, May 2022 in the Sheena Bora murder case. Photograph: ANI Photo Vidhie is the daughter of former media executive Indrani Mukerjea and her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna, both accused in the decade-long sensational murder case. Bora was also the daughter of Indrani Mukerjea. On Tuesday, Vidhie Mukerjea deposed as a witness in the murder case before special CBI judge J P Darekar. Vidhie claimed her mother was left with no funds to defend herself as Rahul and Rabin, media baron Peter Mukerjea's sons, had stolen her ancestral jewellery worth crores and cash amounting to Rs 7 crore from her account. Thus, they had a clear motive to falsely implicate Indrani Mukerjea, now out on bail, in the case, the witness said. The witness, who was a minor at the time of the crime, claimed she was under immense trauma following her mother's arrest and she still carries emotional scars. Vidhie Mukerjea admitted she was called by the Mumbai police, which probed the case initially, and then by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning. The probe agencies asked her questions and she replied to them, she told the court. She, however, denied recording any statement before the central agency or the police. The witness claimed she was made to sign on a bunch of documents, including a copy of emails (of her alleged conversation with Bora) and blank sheets at CBI's office. When the statement, part of the CBI chargesheet, was shown to Vidhie Mukerjea during the court deposition, she explicitly stated it was "never recorded by me or under my instruction". Therefore, it is correct to say the statement annexed in the chargesheet is "forged and fabricated", the witness said while responding to a question of defence lawyer Ranjeet Sangle. Vidhie Mukerjea argued that if such a forged statement has been recorded "under my name there would be ulterior motives and malafide intentions". She contended that somebody had forged and fabricated her statement to falsely implicate her biological parents -- Indrani Mukerjea and Sanjeev Khanna -- in the case. The witness recalled Bora had introduced herself to her as Indrani Mukerjea's "sister". Initially Bora and Indrani were extremely close and disputes between them started only after Rahul, son of Peter Mukerjea, started visiting their Worli flat in central Mumbai, she said. According to Vidhie Mukerjea, the situation worsened when the family came to know Rahul was consuming hard drugs and Bora, too, had got into it. Vidhie Mukerjea told the court she had last seen Bora at a family wedding in Goa in 2011, but was in touch with her through emails till 2013. It is the prosecution's case that Bora (24) was strangled to death in a car by her mother Indrani Mukerjea, her then driver Shyamvar Rai (who later turned approver in the case) and Khanna in April 2012. Her body was burnt and disposed of at a forest in adjoining Raigad district. The murder came to light in 2015 after Rai spilled the beans about the crime following his arrest in another case linked to the Arms Act. Following the revelations, police arrested Indrani Mukerjea and her former husbands Khana and Peter. The prosecution has alleged that after the murder, Indrani Mukerjea would send e-mails from Bora's account to show she was still alive. The witness painted a grim picture of Peter Mukerjea's family behaviour following the arrest of her mother in August 2015. Vidhie Mukerjea claimed relatives visiting their house, fought over Indrani's belongings, including perfumes, and bags. She alleged Rabin Mukerjea intimidated her, forcing her to choose between the Mukerjea "clan" and her mother, threatening to disown and disentitle her from family properties if she didn't side with them. The witness further testified that after her mother's arrest, her ancestral jewellery worth crores and bank savings of more than Rs 7 crore was "siphoned off". Vidhie claimed a new bank locker was opened in the names of Rahul and Rabin Mukerjea to store the "stolen" jewellery. The witness testified that money and jewellery were stolen prior to the arrest of Peter Mukerjea and "I assumed that without the consent of Peter Mukerjea", (his sons) Rahul and Rabin could not have done it. She claimed Rahul Mukerjea was without a job and Rabin was not in a good financial position, and they desperately needed money for survival. Additionally, they would have been forced to return the stolen money and ancestral jewellery of Indrani Mukerjea in the event of her walking out of jail. Therefore, Rahul and Rabin have a clear motive to "falsely implicate Indrani in the present offence", argued Vidhie Mukerjea. The recording of her testimony would continue on Wednesday. 'The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin, September 1, 2025. Photograph: Suo Takekuma/Pool via/Reuters Former US national security advisor John Bolton has sharply criticised President Donald Trump's tariff policy, asserting that it has 'shredded' decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the Soviet Union and address the growing threat from China. In a series of posts on X on Monday), Bolton accused Trump of jeopardising strategic gains with his economic approach, while also suggesting that the policy has handed Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the East. 'The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to the Soviet Union/Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy,' Bolton stated in one of his posts. 'Donald Trump's unwillingness to consider diplomatic moves in a larger strategic context has given Xi Jinping an opportunity to reset the East,' another post read. Bolton served as Trump's national security adviser (2018-2019) during his first stint as US president. He later resigned over differences with Trump on the administration's foreign policy at that time. 'Bilateral relationships have suffered considerable damage because of the fallout from the administration's failing diplomacy. The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets,' Bolton tweeted. Bolton's remarks followed the conclusion of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. PRAGUE, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Monday evening that he is canceling his Tuesday election campaign program after being attacked during a rally. "Tomorrow, I'll be waiting for further evaluation of the test results, but the doctors have recommended rest, so unfortunately, I'll have to cancel at least tomorrow's program in the Olomouc Region," he said on the social media platform X. Babis, who served as Czech prime minister from 2017 to 2021, was struck in the head with a metallic forearm crutch by a man during an election rally in the eastern Czech town of Dobra on Monday afternoon. Babis, the leader of the opposition ANO party, went to hospital for an examination after the incident. He underwent a head CT scan and was subsequently released from the hospital, according to local media reports. Czech Police said X that officers at the scene immediately detained the man after the attack, and the case is now under investigation. In addition to Babis, a woman was also treated for injuries. Police have preliminarily classified the incident as a "criminal offense of disorderly conduct." ANO's first deputy chairman Karel Havlicek wrote on X that the incident was one of the consequences of a "hate campaign" allegedly waged by political rivals. Responding to the attack, Interior Minister Vit Rakusan stressed that violence in any form is unacceptable. "I unequivocally condemn today's attack on Andrej Babis. Let us seek a better future for our country in clashes of arguments and ideas, not in physical violence," he said on X. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also condemned the attack, stressing that "violence has no place in politics under any circumstances." The Czech Republic is set to hold elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the parliament, on Oct. 3-4 this year. President Donald Trump's actions are destroying the partnership with India, a prominent US lawmaker and two former top officials have said, cautioning that the American leader's "ego" cannot be allowed to destroy a strategic relationship" with the world's largest democracy. 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 Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, the co-chair of the US-India caucus, said he is sounding the five-alarm fire on what Trump is doing to destroy" the US-India partnership. Khanna accused Trump of undermining 30 years of bipartisan work to strengthen the US-India alliance, citing the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy on New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. Khanna added that Trump's policies are driving India towards China and Russia, a trend that poses a strategic setback for the US. Khanna said the levies imposed on India are higher than any other country, with the exception of Brazil, and are even higher tariffs than the duties on China, which is the largest purchaser of Russian energy. It is hurting India's exports of leather and textiles into the United States, and it's hurting American manufacturers and our exports into India. It is also driving India towards China and towards Russia, he said. Pointing to the root cause of the issue, Khanna said the reasons are very simple. Khanna explained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's refusal to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, while Pakistan did, has led to strained relations. He referenced a statement from Islamabad, which credited Trump for bringing an end to the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May this year. India, however, maintained that the border dispute with Pakistan is an internal matter and refused to give Trump any credit. "We can't allow the ego of Donald Trump to destroy a strategic relationship with India that is key to ensuring that America leads and not China," Khanna said. "To all those Indian-Americans who voted for Donald Trump, I'm asking you, where are you today while he destroys this relationship?" he asked. Khanna's comments come as Prime Minister Modi had attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China's Tianjin city, where he held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The display of camaraderie between the three leaders was a stark reminder of India's growing ties with both Russia and China. Trump's words and actions targeting India over tariffs and its purchases of Russian oil are being strongly criticised by other officials across the US, as well, including from those who have served in the previous White House administrations. Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Monday said Trump has "thrown the relationship with India over the side" because of Pakistan's willingness to engage in business deals with his family. He described the move as a "huge strategic harm" to America. "On a bipartisan basis, going back decades, the United States has worked to build its relationship with India, the world's largest democracy, a country that we should be aligned with on technology and talent and economics, so many other issues, and aligned with in dealing with the strategic threat from China, Sullivan said in response to a question on the MeidasTouch network. He noted that the US had made significant progress in strengthening ties with India. However, that relationship, he claimed, has been undermined by Trump's preference for personal business interests with Pakistan. In no small part, I think because of Pakistan's willingness to do business deals with the Trump family, Trump has thrown the India relationship over the side, Sullivan said, describing it as a huge strategic harm because a "strong US-India relationship serves our interests. Sullivan, who served as National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden, also voiced alarm that such actions raise concern among other countries around the world over their ties with the US under the Trump administration. He said the current situation with India not only has direct strategic consequences but also reverberating impact on all US relationships and partnerships worldwide. John Bolton, who served as NSA in the first Trump administration, has said President Trump has shredded decades of Western efforts to wean India away from Russia and caution it on the threat posed by China. The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to Soviet Union Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy, Bolton said in a post on X Monday. In an interview with Sky News, Bolton elaborated that the West, and the US in particular, has spent decades trying to wean India away from Russia, buying sophisticated weapons from them and cautioning New Delhi on the danger posed by China. This was symbolised by the Quad grouping of Japan, India, Australia and the United States. A lot of effort (was made) to make India more amenable to cooperation with these countries. Donald Trump, in the past weeks, has essentially upended that and, for a variety of reasons, now sent India back toward Russia, to grow closer to China, and just shredding these decades of efforts," he said. The former NSA stressed that while the situation can be repaired, it would require significant work, which he does not see happening in the near term. Bolton said there are a series of things that Trump has done that have offended the Indians on the basic tariffs that Trump wants, which he said at a macro level economic phenomena are a disaster" for everybody. He said India believed it was close to resolving disputes with Washington, only to be hit with 25 percent duties. Trump then carried through on his threat to impose secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Trump whacked India with another 25 percent, (but) did not tariff Russia, did not tariff China, the largest purchaser of Russian oil and gas. "And then, to make it worse, when the recent escalation between Pakistan and India over a terrorist attack in Kashmir occurred... Trump took full credit for it as one of the six or seven wars that he stopped this year to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, which has made India incandescent, said Bolton, a long-time critic of Trump. Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim over 40 times that he helped settle the tensions between India and Pakistan. India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in Parliament that no leader of any country asked India to stop Operation Sindoor. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has categorically said there was no third-party intervention in bringing about a ceasefire with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. 'A lot of effort (was made) to make India more amenable to cooperation with these countries. Donald Trump, in the past weeks, has essentially upended that and, for a variety of reasons, now sent India back toward Russia, to grow closer to China, and just shredding these decades of efforts.' President Donald Trump has shredded decades of Western efforts to wean India away from Russia and caution it on the threat posed by China, US' former National Security Adviser John Bolton has said, noting that the American leader's tariff policies and claims of ending the recent India-Pakistan military conflict worsened the situation. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin, September 1, 2025. Photograph: Suo Takekuma/Pool via/Reuters Bolton, who served as NSA in the first Trump administration, has been very critical of his former boss. The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to Soviet Union Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy, Bolton said in a post on X Monday. In an interview with Sky News, Bolton elaborated that the West, and the US in particular, has spent decades trying to wean India away from Russia, buying sophisticated weapons from them and cautioning New Delhi on the danger posed by China. This was symbolised by the Quad grouping of Japan, India, Australia and the United States. A lot of effort (was made) to make India more amenable to cooperation with these countries. Donald Trump, in the past weeks, has essentially upended that and, for a variety of reasons, now sent India back toward Russia, to grow closer to China, and just shredding these decades of efforts," he said. The former NSA stressed that while the situation can be repaired, it would require significant work, which he does not see happening in the near term. Bolton said there are a series of things that Trump has done that have offended the Indians on the basic tariffs that Trump wants, which he said at a macro level economic phenomena are a disaster" for everybody. He said India believed it was close to resolving disputes with Washington, only to be hit with 25 percent duties. Trump then carried through on his threat to impose secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Trump whacked India with another 25 percent, (but) did not tariff Russia, did not tariff China, the largest purchaser of Russian oil and gas. "And then, to make it worse, when the recent escalation between Pakistan and India over a terrorist attack in Kashmir occurred... Trump took full credit for it as one of the six or seven wars that he stopped this year to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, which has made India incandescent, said Bolton, a long-time critic of Trump. Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim over 40 times that he helped settle the tensions between India and Pakistan. India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in Parliament that no leader of any country asked India to stop Operation Sindoor. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has categorically said there was no third-party intervention in bringing about a ceasefire with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Bolton has earlier said that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on India for its purchase of Russian oil may have pushed New Delhi closer to the Beijing-Moscow axis, describing it as an unforced error. Bolton's Maryland home and Washington office were recently searched by the FBI as part of a criminal probe into the alleged mishandling of classified material. The UK police on Tuesday launched an urgent appeal to reunite rider Yogesh Alekari with his stolen motorbike, which had been his companion for a round-the-world road trip flagged off in Mumbai in May before arriving in London recently. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Tom Nicholson/Reuters A distraught Alekari took to social media soon after the theft in the central England city of Nottingham last week, including posting videos of the helmet-wearing thieves fleeing with his white and orange KTM 390 Adventure motorbike. The fully loaded two-wheeler, which he described as his home on a journey that had already clocked over 24,000 kilometres across 16 countries, was packed with all his personal belongings, including passport, laptop and cameras. When you consider the victim's story and how far he travelled, I can only imagine how distressing it was for him to find his motorbike and belongings had been stolen, said police constable Andy Smith of Nottinghamshire Police, in a renewed appeal issued along with a picture of the motorbike on Tuesday. "Our policing teams have been following multiple lines of inquiry since this happened and hope sharing an image of the bike in this appeal will help us locate it quicker. Anyone who recognises the motorbike, saw this theft happen, or has any other information that could assist our investigation is asked to please get in touch with us," he said. Alekari, 33, was commemorated with a certificate during the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the High Commission of India soon after he arrived in London last month. After crossing 16 countries and riding 23,000 kms, I've completed 30 per cent of my world journey and reached London, where I was felicitated for the second time by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK (Vikram Doraiswami), he posted on his @Roaming_Wheeels Instagram handle on August 15. Indian High Commission officials have been trying to assist the biker following the theft of his passport. Alekari was travelling through Nottingham last Thursday when he stopped off at Wollaton Hall for breakfast with friends. In his Instagram post, he narrated the tragic incident that had left him completely lost and broken and also shared video clips captured by onlookers that showed four people hammering through heavy locks to flee with his motorcycle. "I lost everything, completely nothing is left. I have filed a complaint with the police," said Alekari, appealing to his social media followers to share the post widely. The local police said its officers have been conducting inquiries in the community since last week but have so far been unable to trace the stolen bike. Sergeant Daniel Sheasby of Nottinghamshire Police added: "We completely appreciate how much upset this will have caused to the bike owner but want to assure him the police are taking this seriously and are doing everything we can to try and return his property to him." Under the government's Mission LiFE -- Lifestyle For Environment -- campaign, Alekari's road trip was scheduled to head towards Africa from Europe before returning to Mumbai. He has been documenting his journey on social media for his thousands of followers, a road trip which has now been abruptly cut short. In his first reaction to the alleged abuses hurled at his mother during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was "deeply pained" by the incident, but asserted that while he might forgive the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, "the people of Bihar will never pardon them". IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Delhi while virtually inaugurating a new cooperative initiative for the women associated with self-help groups in Bihar. Photograph: Narendra Modi on YouTube Taking a dig at the opposition parties over the recent incident in Darbhanga, he said using expletives against his mother was nothing for those who insult 'Mother India', and that they should be punished. "My late mother had nothing to do with politics, so what was her fault; why was she abused?" he questioned. "I may forgive them, but the people of Bihar will never pardon them for insulting my mother. People of the state must say that they will punish the leaders of these parties in the coming days," he said. "People of Bihar must demand answers from RJD and Congress leaders... in every street and neighbourhood, only one voice should be heard, 'we won't tolerate insult to a mother, we will not tolerate RJD's tyranny and Congress' attacks'," he said. The PM was addressing a gathering in Delhi while virtually inaugurating a new cooperative for the women associated with self-help groups in Bihar. "Bihar is the land of Maa Janki... it has always given respect to women. This is the land where Chhath Puja is celebrated. My mother was abused from the dais of RJD and Congress... I had never imagined such a thing would happen... it was an insult to the mothers and daughters of Bihar... people of the state will never forgive them," Modi said. "I am my mother's son... I am sharing my pain with you," he said. "I have been working tirelessly for the welfare of the women in the country... the mother who gave birth to me asked me to serve the motherland, which I am doing. She had never brought a saree for herself and saved the money for us. I must say that the position of a mother is more than that of God," the PM said. Modi said that those who hurl abuses at mothers and sisters consider women weak. "Their mindset makes them treat women as objects of exploitation and oppression. Whenever people with an anti-women mentality came to power, mothers, daughters and sisters had to endure suffering the most... this happened during the 'mafia raaj' of RJD," he said. "During the RJD era, crime was rampant in Bihar, and the state witnessed cases of murder, extortion and rape every day. The RJD government gave protection to murderers and rapists. Women had to bear the brunt... so it was them who ousted the RJD from power and now the regional party wants to take revenge on women for that," the PM alleged. The Congress had never been able to tolerate any person from the backward community rising to a position of power, and that is why they are unleashing a barrage of abuses, Modi claimed. Assembly elections in Bihar are due later this year. The fact that Sergio Gor has President Trump's ear makes him an extremely valuable commodity for India -- he represents both a challenge and an opportunity, points out Aditi Phadnis. IMAGE: Director of White House Office of Presidential Personnel Sergio Gor poses on the red carpet during the 26th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, March 23, 2025. Photograph: Craig Hudson/Reuters He has no experience of trade or economic management. His publishing business was aimed at a largely captive audience. He has no particular interest in geopolitics, no specialised understanding of South Asia or India. What Sergey Gorokhovsky, or Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador to India, has going for him is this: He has President Donald Trump's ear. This makes him an extremely valuable commodity for New Delhi. Gor represents a challenge -- and an opportunity. Every political appointee in the US -- from Vice President J D Vance to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent -- rushed to publicly congratulate Gor on his new assignment. The reason: Gor was the one to sign off on their antecedents when they were being considered for their jobs. As the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, he was responsible for research, background checks, security clearances, and recommendations on putative federal appointees and whether or not they should be hired. Trump's first term was notable for the rapid turnover of officials. 'If there was one criticism that I would level against the President, it is he didn't hire very well... He did not have experience at running government and didn't know how to put together a team that could work well with him,' Trump's former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney told CNN in 2020, in what is considered an understatement. This time, Trump was clear he did not want to make the same staffing mistakes. Gor's intensive background checks made him a person to be both respected and feared in the new administration. At least 4,000 people he was responsible for hiring for federal jobs owe their loyalty to the 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) faction of the Republican party, as opposed to the traditional Republicans -- and to him personally. A source said he was 'ruthlessly efficient' and The Washington Post newspaper reported that his beagle was called Machiavelli. When Elon Musk referred to him as a 'snake', it was because Gor's advice to Trump prevailed over Musk's. In some ways, it drove the stake in the Trump-Musk relationship. The issue was entrepreneur Jared Isaacman's appointment as the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa). 'After a thorough review of prior associations, I am hereby withdrawing the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head Nasa,' Trump announced weeks after the confirmation, the penultimate stage in his appointment. 'Prior associations'? Gor found out Isaacman had made political contributions to the Democrats and reported this to the president. Of course, his proximity to Musk -- and possible future conflicts of interests -- was an additional consideration. IMAGE: US President Donald John Trump reacts as Sergio Gor, right, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles sit next to him on the day of a meeting with US ambassadors at the White House, March 25, 2025. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters How did Gor come to occupy such a central position in the power matrix? He has risen from the ranks. In 2008, in his early 20s, Gor became an active supporter of Senator John McCain's presidential campaign. He then became a spokesman for Republicans like Steve King, who was one of Trump's earliest backers and held strong views on immigration and national security; and Michele Bachmann, who many believe was actually a fount and a precursor of Trump's Maga politics. Gor later joined Rand Paul, a senator from Kentucky and one of Trump's supporters-turned-critics, as his communications director. He ran RandPAC, a fundraising campaign mounted by Paul, and eventually became a board member of Right for America, which raised upwards of $70 million for the Trump campaign. In 2020, Gor became chief of staff for the Trump Victory Finance Committee, leveraging his understanding of how to raise money for political campaigns. Around the same time, he turned publisher, primarily of Trump's books like The Art of The Deal, which gives extensive insights into the president's thinking. Most Indians in the US who are watching India-US ties closely feel that Gor's appointment means a renewed focus on visa immigration and US national security issues. They also believe that trade, currently the thorniest issue in bilateral relations, will have to be viewed through a different lens. Gor will have to be convinced why the GMO issue is so sensitive for India. New Delhi might have to ask itself if subsidy and protection to wealthy milk cooperatives is worth putting India-US trade at stake. The bottom line is: India will have to deal with Gor differently as compared to previous US ambassadors -- not just because he is also the first special envoy for the South Asia bureau who is also the ambassador to India. He will view the region with new eyes, resulting in possible re-hyphenation. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said as much on social media platform X when he observed: 'Ipso facto he (Gor) will be supervising India's relationship within this region to develop a more integrated approach. This is a new form of 'hyphenating' India and Pakistan again, amongst other things'. This is the challenge. The opportunity is having access to President Trump through one of his most trusted aides. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff MANILA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced Tuesday the appointment of Asif Cheema as its new Country Director for China. Cheema will oversee ADB's operations in China, including the implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy, which focuses on high-quality and sustainable development. Since joining the ADB in 2014, Cheema has held several senior positions within the bank, including Director of the Financial Institutions Division for the Private Sector Operations Department, Director of the Urban and Social Sectors Division for the East Asia Regional Department, and Deputy Country Director of the ADB's Pakistan Resident Mission. A Pakistani national, Cheema has over 25 years of experience in investment banking and development finance. He holds an MBA from Yale University and a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the New York Institute of Technology. "I think that Bennington will be a great location for Her Closet," said the store's administrator Kendy Skidmore. "And, I'm hoping that we get LVIV, Ukraine - Crowds of mourners were packed into the baroque-rococo St. Georges Cathedral in Lviv, western Ukraine, on September 2, for the funeral of former parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy, who was gunned down in the city days earlier. The 54-year-old, who was still a lawmaker for the opposition European Solidarity party, was shot dead at around noon while walking along a city street on August 30. Later, Parubiys suspected killer was in court elsewhere in the city. The court ruled that 52-year-old Lviv resident Mykhaylo Stelnikov would be held in pretrial detention until October 30. Stelnikov spoke to reporters before the hearing and said he had killed Parubiy, calling his actions "personal revenge against the Ukrainian authorities." He also stated that media reports saying he was blackmailed by Russian special services were not true, and that he had not worked for them. Stelnikov said he chose Parubiy as his victim because he was nearby. He added that he hoped to be involved a prisoner exchange with Russia, so that he could search for his sons body there. Earlier, law enforcement sources told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he had claimed he was in contact with individuals linked to Russia while searching for his missing soldier son. The sources said he began monitoring Russian social networks in 2023 after learning his son had gone missing in Ukraine's Bakhmut area where he had been fighting invading Russian forces. The man claimed that he then came into contact with unidentified Russian representatives who allegedly told him his son had been killed. The sources said the man claimed the Russians tried to justify Moscows war, blaming Kyiv for Moscow's unprovoked invasion, and encouraged him to act against Ukrainian officials. Parubiy played a prominent role in the Maidan demonstrations, which erupted in late 2013 when then-President Viktor Yanukovych opted to forego closer ties with the European Union and move closer to Russia. The protests culminated in violent clashes with police in February 2014, and Yanukovych fled the country. Parubiy was also an important figure in the earlier Orange Revolution in 2004, which began when Yanukovych was declared the winner of a disputed presidential election. That election result was ultimately overturned. Parubiy served as speaker of the Verkhovna Rada between 2016 and 2019. In recent years, he had served as a lawmaker in the political party of former President Petro Poroshenko. Ukraine urged China to pressure Vladimir Putin to move toward peace as the Russian president arrived in Beijing following his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit -- where he defended the war that has killed tens of thousands of people. "Given the significant geopolitical role of the People's Republic of China, we would welcome a more active role [for Beijing] in bringing peace to Ukraine based on respect for the UN Charter," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement as Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on September 2. The ministry statement noted that the SCOs final declaration avoided mention of the conflict, which has become a full-scale war since Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We consider it eloquent that the main final document of the summit, the 20-page Tianjin Declaration, does not contain a single mention of the Russian war against Ukraine, the statement said. It is surprising that the largest war of aggression in Europe since World War II was not reflected in such an important, fundamental document, while it mentions a number of other wars, terrorist attacks, and events in the world. It said the failure to mention Russias war in Ukraine in the declaration indicates the failure of Moscow's diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has consistently called on China -- a close ally of Russia -- to put pressure on Putin to end the war. Another high-profile diplomatic event in China will be held on September 3 -- a massive military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Many leaders -- including Putin -- are remaining in China after the SCO to attend the parade. Putin Blames The West At the SCO in Tianjin outside of Beijing, Putin sent a defiant message against the West over his invasion of Ukraine after standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Putin said the war in Ukraine came about not as a result of a Russian attack but because of a Western-backed coup in Kyiv, according to comments carried by the Russian news agency TASS. That was an inaccurate reference to the Maidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014, after he scrapped plans for a trade agreement with the EU and turned toward Russia instead. Putin added that what he called the Wests attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO posed a "direct threat to Russias security," a claim that the military alliance has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, Kyiv's European allies in the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer -- are set to meet in Paris on September 4 to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. "Together with our partners, and in coordination with NATO, we will work to define robust security guarantees for Ukraine. These are a necessary prerequisite to move credibly towards peace," Macron wrote on X following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte. "We will also review Russias stance, as it persists in its war of aggression and continues to reject peace," Macron added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on August 31 said Kyiv's European allies were working on pretty precise plans and a "clear road map" for a potential deployment of troops to Ukraine should a peace deal be struck between Kyiv and Moscow. Von der Leyen, in comments published in The Financial Times, added that any such venture would have the full backing of the United States, which has swayed back and forth on potential involvement over the past year. 'No Concrete Plans' For Trilateral Summit Separately, on the sidelines of the SCO, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said there were no immediate plans for a trilateral meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump, contradicting recent remarks by Trump that he was arranging such a meeting. "Now everyone is talking about a trilateral summit...but there has been no concrete agreement on this between Putin and Trump," Ushakov said. Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority of his administration, has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin's refusal to meet with Zelenskyy but has suggested he was moving toward a trilateral meeting with himself included. Trump has also expressed anger with Russia's nonstop campaign of air assaults on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure. On September 2, Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, said an overnight Russian air strike on the city of Bila Tserkva near Kyiv killed one person and created a massive blaze at a multistory building. Attacks were also reported near the cities of Chernihiv and Sumy. Inside Russia, the Rostov regional governor reported early on September 2 that some 320 people were evacuated from an apartment block after a Ukrainian drone attack. Details were not immediately available. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and dpa Chinese leader Xi Jinping is holding a massive military parade to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, but the event is not only about the past, it's part of a broader push to reshape its future role on the global political stage. At the September 3 parade, Xi is expected to be flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and more than 24 other heads of state and government ranging from Belarus to Iran. Once in motion, the parade is seen as a display of military and diplomatic strength by Beijing to showcase its latest military hardware and flaunt its status as a global leader capable of rivaling the United States. But analysts say that China also sees the Victory Day parade as part of a more long-term goal to amplify its role in World War II and recast itself as the guardian of the post war international order. "China is trying to use the parade to promote its version of history and how that aligns with the type of world it wants to create today where it's a leading power," Scott Kennedy, a longtime China expert who is a senior adviser and trustee chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank in Washington, told RFE/RL. Central to that Chinese narrative around World War II -- which the country marks as ending with imperial Japan's surrender in 1945 -- is reinforcing Beijing's sovereignty claims over Taiwan, the self-governing island whose complicated international status is wrapped up in a series of post-war treaties and a grueling civil war that saw China's communists emerge victorious over the nationalist forces, who fled to Taiwan in 1949. Beijing has since vowed to unify with the island and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. "China's military aims are primarily regional, with dominating the Asia-Pacific and controlling Taiwan at the top," said Kennedy. "China is looking to have an audience of world leaders at the parade to validate these foreign policy goals." 'To Have A Future, Russia And China Need To Have A Past' A key partner in that pursuit for Beijing is Putin, who has already challenged the international system with Russia's invasion of Georgia in 2008, forceful annexation of Crimea in 2014, and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin has been in China since August 31, when he arrived for another choreographed diplomatic display, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which wrapped up this week. At the summit, Beijing also convened an array of leading non-Western leaders to endorse its reinterpretation of the global order as it looked to contrast its emphasis on multilateralism with the more transactional foreign policy coming from the United States. Speaking to world leaders at the summit in northern China, Xi called on countries to promote what he deemed the "correct" perspective of World War II and to support multilateralism. "China and the Soviet Union were the principal theatres of that war in Asia and Europe respectively," Xi wrote in May ahead of a visit to Moscow where he watched Russia's own Victory Day parade marking the defeat of Nazi Germany. "The two countries served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War," Xi said. Together with Russia, China is looking to play down the US contribution -- and frame itself as the central force of resistance against Japan. China dates its "war of resistance against Japanese aggression" to 1931 - a decade before the United States entered the fighting. "It's a major reframing of world history to position Russia and China as the two forces against fascism," Claus Soong, an analyst at the Berlin-based think tank MERICS, told RFE/RL. "To have a future, Russia and China need to have a past." The EU Keeps Its Distance From Xi's Military Parade The presence of Putin at the parade, as well as its focus on Japan - a key Western ally has led European envoys in Beijing to downscale their participation and attendance at the high-profile event, with European Union diplomats telling RFE/RL that no officials will attend the parade. "We are boycotting the parade because Russia is participating, but not the events around it," a senior EU diplomat, who requested anonymity to speak freely to the media, told RFE/RL. In addition to the complications around Japan and Putin's attendance, EU officials have also voiced criticism over Beijing's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, where China has helped Moscow's war effort with a steady flow of militarily useful dual-use goods. No Western leaders will be among the foreign heads of state and government attending the parade with the exception of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, whose country has applied to join the EU, will also attend the event. "It's good that this is happening all out in the open, no one can say that China is somehow closer to us," another EU diplomat told RFE/RL. "It's sad that Serbia, an EU candidate country, is there, but again, not a surprise. They say one thing about EU alignment, but do another," the diplomat continued. What Is China's Narrative Around Taiwan And World War II? In Xi's last World War II anniversary speech in 2015, which was also marked with a parade, he did not mention Taiwan as it came at a time of improving relations between Beijing and Taipei. But Taiwan is expected to be a central pillar of Xi's speech this year. Since 2015, Beijing has become more aggressive toward Taiwan, and its propaganda has routinely sought to frame Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as a dangerous separatist. Taiwan's status continues to complicate the narrative that Xi is looking to recast around World War II. While communist forces fought against Japan's full-scale invasion of China, a lot of the fighting was done by the troops from the nationalist government, known as the Republic of China, who later fled to Taiwan after losing the civil war. The government of the Republic of China, the official name still used by Taiwan, led the post-war negotiations. It was also the Republic of China that signed the peace agreement as one of the allied nations and was still in power in 1945 when Taiwan was handed over after decades of Japanese rule. The Chinese Communist Party-run People's Republic of China wasn't founded until 1949 and has not controlled the island of Taiwan. Still, Beijing says the World War II victory belongs to all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan, and interprets the peace agreements as leading to Taiwan being "returned" to Chinese rule. But as Soong says, the parade and Xi's efforts to change the narrative of the war are mainly aimed at a domestic audience and at countries in the Global South. "The Chinese Communist Party is trying to create a common bond," he said. "We'll see during Xi's speech how China is trying to shape history." Irans conservative-dominated parliament is facing a difficult choice: will it finally grant women the legal right to ride motorcycles? For decades, women in Iran have been barred from obtaining licenses -- a restriction enforced through institutional loopholes rather than an explicit ban. Official traffic regulations only mention men as eligible applicants, leaving female riders vulnerable to fines, bike confiscation, and harassment if they take the drivers seat in public. Hard-liners have often defended this exclusion on the grounds of Islamic values and public morality. Iran May Lift Ban On Women Riding Motorbikes by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:30 0:00 Yet many women have defied the ban, framing the right to ride as a matter of both personal freedom and equality. Now, the government has submitted a bill to parliament that would amend licensing laws and, for the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, allow women to receive motorcycle permits. The proposal comes at a pivotal moment -- just a few years after nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody in 2022, which reignited debates about womens rights, public space, and bodily autonomy. Supporters argue that the bill marks progress, while skeptics see it as a tactical move by the establishment to ease public anger at a time when the Islamic republic is under growing domestic and international pressure. Mohammad Taghi Fazel Meybodi, a religious scholar and member of the Central Assembly of the Qom Seminary Scholars and Researchers, says there is no religious prohibition against women riding motorcycles. Just like a man can ride a motorcycle, a woman can as well. You cant outlaw something for women that neither God nor the Prophet [Muhammad] issued a ruling for, he told RFE/RLs Radio Farda. He called it ridiculous that such a trivial issue must be resolved through a government bill debated in parliament. Depriving women of motorcycle licenses is akin to depriving them of the right to vote, he added. Iran remains one of the few countries where women are still denied this right. Even Saudi Arabia, which until recently banned women from driving cars altogether, has lifted its restrictions. It is unclear when parliament will vote on the bill or whether it will pass. But one thing is clear: Iranian women will continue to defy the authorities until their rights are recognized. Police in Kyrgyzstan have issued hefty fines and official warnings to hundreds of women wearing the niqab, a face veil that is banned in the Muslim-majority country. At least 29 women were each fined 20,000 soms ($230) for violating the niqab ban, which came into force earlier this year, police said. The women were stopped during raids in the southern Osh region and the southwestern Jalal-Abat Province, where local governments, police, and security services have been conducting raids to enforce the ban. Some 300 women wearing the niqab in public were stopped by officers in the first two days of the raids in Osh in April, according to regional police. Kyrgyzstan adopted a law this year that effectively bans the niqab, which covers the whole face except for the eyes. The law imposes a fine for wearing the garment in public. The law, signed by President Sadyr Japarov, does not explicitly mention the niqab, locally known as "parandzha." But it outlaws "clothing that makes it impossible to identify a person in government offices and public spaces" -- a euphemism often used in Central Asia to describe the niqab. The ban does not extend to the hijab, the Islamic head scarf that covers the hair and neck but leaves the face visible. The niqab has become popular in Kyrgyzstan, especially in Osh and Jalal-Abat, over the past decade. The raids have primarily been focused on these two provinces. Raising Awareness Of The Niqab Ban The campaign to enforce the niqab ban has included raids on the streets as well as outreach and awareness-raising efforts since April, according to regional authorities. Law-enforcement agents, including female police officers, have handed out leaflets and held meetings with residents to explain the law. Large TV screens placed in public spaces in Osh region's Kara-suu, Uzgen, and Nukat districts played video clips informing people about the ban and the fine. Authorities said they spoke with about 300 women wearing niqabs in a two-day raid in Osh's provincial capital, Osh City. Some 80 veiled women were stopped in another two-day raid that took place there in July. The women were given warnings and leaflets, according to the Osh police department, which said the Osh city court, the regional office of the State Committee for National Security, and the state Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations had all been actively involved in the campaign. According to police reports, 22 of the 29 women who were given fines were residents of Osh City. The other seven were stopped at outdoor locations in the neighboring Jalal-Abat region during Operation Niqab in August. Security Threat? The niqab's increasing popularity in Kyrgyzstan has raised concern among some local politicians and public figures who call it a security threat. Others argue that the niqab is not traditionally part of Kyrgyz culture. Parliament and Kyrgyz media have debated the niqab's place in society for over a decade. The country's state-backed Kyrgyz Muslim Spiritual Directorate publicly supports the government's stance. It states that "the hijab is obligatory [for Muslim women], but the niqab is not." But critics of the ban say it alienates women who choose to wear the niqab and restricts their freedom. The niqab has been outlawed in other Central Asian states that have also banned the Islamic hijab in schools and workplaces. Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the region that allows the hijab in schools and government offices. On September 1, the OSCEs 57 member states unanimously decided to wind down the OSCE Minsk Group by the end of the year. Created in 1992 to find a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, the group has been effectively moribund since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Then, last month, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a US-brokered peace treaty outside of the group. RFE/RL takes a look at how it was set-up, what it accomplished, and what its dissolution means. What Was The OSCE Minsk Group? It was set up by OSCEs predecessor, the CSCE (Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe) 33 years ago in the middle of the first Nagorno-Karabakh war as a way of providing a forum for settling the conflict. In many ways, there were high hopes at the time that the international community could solve the issue in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and rapid democratization in the former Warsaw pact countries. The idea was initially that a conference would take place in Minsk, hence the name of the group, but to this day no meeting ever took place in the Belarusian capital. But the group fleshed out a structure, which included three permanently rotating co-chairs - France, Russia and the United States -- as well as a number of participating states that -- apart from the belligerents Armenia and Azerbaijan -- also included Belarus, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Turkey. The objectives were clear: achieve a cessation of all hostilities, find a negotiated resolution, and provide OSCE peacekeepers to maintain order. Is It The Same As The Minsk Agreements? No. The OSCE was involved here as well but the Minsk agreements (also known as Minsk I & II or the Minsk protocols) were another international attempt to settle a different conflict. This time it concerned the fighting between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk back in 2014. In addition to the OSCE, Russia, and Ukraine, the negotiators in this instance also included France and Germany, and they actually met frequently in the Belarusian capital. But much like the OSCE Minsk Group, it is fair to say that the Minsk agreements didnt really achieve much as Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. So What Was Accomplished By The Minsk Group? In all honesty, very little, if anything. None of the objectives were accomplished and OSCE diplomats speaking to RFE/RL under condition of anonymity admit that as well. They also added that perhaps the only credit the group could take was that it snuffed out growing tensions between Baku and Yerevan in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the end the consensus-based nature of the OSCE with constant vetoes prevented the group from ever being effective. It didnt help that tensions between the co-chairs were growing, notably after Russias forcible annexation of Crimea in 2014, and became damaged beyond repair after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine eight years later. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, was also never happy with France and the United States, often accusing them of being biased and pandering to their respective Armenian diasporas. Why Is It Ending Now? The writing was on the wall as soon as the second Nagorno-Karabakh war broke out in the autumn of 2020. With Azerbaijan seizing large parts of the disputed territories, Baku immediately called for an end to the Minsk Group. With the country capturing the remaining Armenian-held areas three years later, the call was reiterated with even more vigor. The fact that the OSCE was totally sidelined during these hostilities and Russian peacekeepers failed to intervene were clear signs that the group had been rendered moot. As part of a peace deal initialed under the auspices of US President Donald Trump in early August, Armenia also came onboard with the idea of getting rid of the group despite the protests of exiled Karabakh Armenians, who noted that dissolving the Minsk Group would legitimize the ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. What Will It Mean Going Forward? Interestingly, it could mean that the OSCE might pass its first budget since 2021. The Vienna-based organization needs unanimity to approve its financial framework, and Baku has so far vetoed the 158-million-euro ($184 million) package as it still contains money for the Minsk Group. It remains to be seen, however, if Russia will give its thumbs up as Moscow has also been critical on several issues, such as the OSCE's activities in Ukraine and the election-monitoring activities of the organization's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which the Kremlin considers politically biased. Russia will also be interesting to watch going forward. Does the demise of the Minsk Group signal a decreasing Russian influence in the South Caucasus? And where does all this leave the OSCE? The Helsinki Final Act, which paved the way for the organization, recently turned 50 years old, something that was marked by a lavish ceremony in the Finnish capital earlier this summer. What became clear from that bash was that there is little consensus over what the OSCE actually will focus on going forward. But the ramifications will be felt beyond the OSCE, with international organizations taking the heat for not being able to step up and solve crises. The European Union, which already is fretting over being locked out of negotiations about Ukraines future, is also pondering whether its monitoring mission to Armenia (EUMA) should be the next to fold. The mission, set up two years ago to monitor Armenias border with Azerbaijan, has previously provoked ire from Baku despite its moderate size of only 200 observers. With Azerbaijan successfully pushing for the Minsk Group to go, European diplomats think the EUMA might be next. GHAZI ABAD VILLAGE, Kunar Province, Afghanistan -- More than 1,400 people are reported dead and thousands of others injured as aid workers continue to battle to get to a remote mountainous region of Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake that flattened villages. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government's chief spokesman, said on September 2, two days after the 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Jalalabad close to the Pakistan border, that the death toll had reached 1,411, with more than 3,100 others injured. "This village is completely destroyed. There's no one alive. We call on the government to take care of the people of this village. The damage is beyond our capabilities, we can't remove the stone or the rubble," Sediqullah, the tribal leader of the village of Ghazi Abad in Kunar Province, told RFE/RL. A resident of the village added: "The village is gone; there's nothing left." The Taliban-led government has not been officially recognized by any country besides Russia, although aid groups have attempted to maintain contacts despite barriers put up by the de facto rulers. Amnesty International has put out a call for "urgent humanitarian aid," but the London-based rights organization also blasted the Taliban for making rescue operations more difficult. It also assailed Pakistan for its forced repatriation of nearly 2 million Afghan refugees, saying it exasperated the woes. The Taliban de facto authorities have also been responsible for the shrinking of operations of humanitarian and aid agencies in the country due to restrictive policies and a ban on Afghan women working for the UN as well as other NGOs in Afghanistan. This is part of the Talibans systematic attack on human rights in the country," Amnesty said in a statement. International organizations preparing assistance have made efforts to stress that all aid will go to the victims and not into the hands of the Taliban leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world organization was working with authorities to "swiftly assess needs, provide emergency assistance, and stand ready to mobilize additional support." A UNICEF spokesman in Kabul said that conditions in the area where the quake hit had exacerbated its impact. "The villages there are built in a way that the homes are basically in a stepped terrace situation," Salam Al-Janabi told RFE/RL. "It means these homes are toppling on top of each other. And this is why we're seeing such large numbers of casualties." Al-Janabi said "at the moment you have all UN agencies in Afghanistan surging over there," and that some 600 homes were destroyed. "Where are these families staying? Where are these children staying? Maybe it will be fine for just now to stay under a tent...within the next three weeks it's going to get colder in this area very soon." Injured survivors were being airlifted from the remote, mountainous region by helicopter. Taliban officials said the terrain made it difficult to get aid and emergency workers to the scene. Afghanistan is often hit by earthquakes, with the last one occurring in October 2023. In that case, the death toll rose steadily as emergency work continued. The Taliban gave a final figure of 4,000 dead, although the United Nations said the figure was around 1,500. The latest quake struck at around 11:45 p.m. on August 31 and was centered some 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad in Afghanistans Nangarhar Province, according to the US Geological Survey(USGA). The USGA said the quake was 8 kilometers deep, a relatively shallow level that often causes greater damage than deeper temblors. A 4.5-magnitude quake struck in the region some 20 minutes later, followed by another aftershock of 5.2 magnitude, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). Residents of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad -- more than 300 kilometers away -- reported feeling buildings shaking. Residents of Kabul -- about 100 kilometers away -- were also shaken. The quake comes after Nangarhar Province was hit by heavy flooding over the weekend that killed at least five people and destroyed crops and property. With reporting by Reuters NOTE: This article has been amended to clarify that the village of Ghazi Abad is in Kunar Province China and Russia signed an agreement to build the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline on September 2, a key step forward for one of the world's most expensive gas projects. Russias pipeline gas monopoly Gazprom announced the deal as President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing ahead of a high-profile military parade, saying that the two sides had signed a legally binding memorandum of construction on the long-awaited pipeline. While the announcement shows that the project has received political blessing from up high, Aleksei Miller, the CEO of Gazprom, said that China and Russia have yet to agree on pricing details for the pipeline and how its costs will be shared, which have been stumbling blocks in the negotiations for years. Talks will now focus on financing the pipelines construction and the commercial terms of supply, Miller said in Beijing. He promised to provide the commercial details separately. Even with only the document that covers general terms, the deal to proceed with the project, which aims to supply 50 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year, will have major ripple effects in the global gas market while also helping to shape the course of Beijing and Moscows deepening relationship. The new pipeline would bring gas from the huge Yamal Peninsula reserves in western Siberia to China, the world's top energy consumer and a leading gas customer, after passing through Mongolia. But with the commercial details of Power of Siberia-2 not yet agreed, Russia will still have to grapple with several key issues that hang over the pipelines future. Moscow needs the Power of Siberia-2 to compensate for at least part of the European Union market it has lost due to fallout from the war in Ukraine. Russias bargaining power with its more economically powerful neighbor has also weakened over the course of the war in Ukraine and questions remain over Gazprom's ability to underwrite such a complicated infrastructure project. Miller said that the price for gas would be lower than the price charged by Gazprom to European buyers due to the distances and terrain over which pipelines had to be built, but no specifics were offered. Its also unclear who will build the pipeline. After Putin met Xi and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Beijing, the Kremlin said that 22 agreements had been signed during Chinese talks, including a deal on strategic cooperation between Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation, but no further details were provided. 'Hard Connectivity' China has so far not commented specifically about the memorandum on the new pipeline, but Chinese state media quoted Xi saying after the meeting with the Russian and Mongolian presidents that hard connectivity should be a key direction, by actively promoting cross-border infrastructure and energy projects linking the three countries." Russia is already the largest supplier of pipeline gas and the third-largest provider of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China after Australia and Qatar. Gazprom currently supplies natural gas to China through a 3,000-kilometer pipeline called the Power of Siberia, which became operational in 2019 under a 30-year, $400 billion deal. Putin and other world leaders are currently in Beijing to observe a military parade on September 3 commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat in World War II. The parade and gathering of leaders comes amid a week of high-level diplomacy for Xi, who also hosted more than 20 top officials for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin where he looked to portray China as an alternative global leader to the United States. As Russian President Vladimir Putin takes in a parade in China and as his forces continue to batter Ukrainian cities, US President Donald Trump said he is very disappointed in the Kremlin leader and that he plans to do something in the coming days about it. "I'm very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that," Trump told the Scott Jennings radio show on September 2 when asked if he felt betrayed by Putin's actions since their August 15 Alaska summit. "We had a great relationship, I'm very disappointed." "Thousands of people are dying. Theyre not Americans. Theyre Russians and UkrainiansAnd its a war that makes no sense, Trump added. Well be doing something to help people liveSeven thousand people are dying every week -- soldiers, mostly. And if I can help to stop that, I think I have an obligation to do it, he added, without being specific. Trump, who has made ending Russias war in Ukraine a top priority of his administration, has expressed growing frustration with Putins refusal to agree to a cease-fire or to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the same time, Russian forces have continued to pound Ukrainian cities, causing civilian deaths and infrastructure damage even as they maintain ground actions against Ukraines outgunned and outmanned military. The attacks continued early on September 3, with authorities reporting another drone attack on the capital, Kyiv, and saying that nationwide air raid alerts had been issued. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the capital's military administration, said that "air defenses are operating in Kyiv. Stay in shelters until the all-clear is given." Details were not immediately available. Trump has vowed to impose new tariffs or sanctions against Moscow unless it moves toward peace, although he has held off taking any action up to this point. Washington and Kyivs European allies have previously slapped a series of damaging sanctions on Russia following its February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A day earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News that the administration would this week be examining options for a US response to Russia's latest attacks. Putin "has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated [to Trump] that he wanted to do," Bessent said. "As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable, despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign. So, I think with President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think we'll be examining those very closely this week." The comments come as Putin prepared to attend a military parade in China to mark 80 years since Japan's surrender, which marked the end of World War II. The Kremlin leader said ties with Beijing are now at an "unprecedented level," worrying some leaders in the West. However, Trump, in his radio interview said, "I'm not concerned at all, no." "We have the strongest military in the world by far, and they would never use their military on us. Believe me that would be the worst thing they could ever do," he added. Elsewhere on the diplomatic front, Kyiv's European allies in the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer -- are set to meet in Paris on September 4 to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. "Together with our partners, and in coordination with NATO, we will work to define robust security guarantees for Ukraine. These are a necessary prerequisite to move credibly towards peace," Macron wrote on X following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte. On the eve of the Paris summit, Macron said that Kyiv's allies have finalized plans for security guarantees to Ukraine. "Thanks to the contributions prepared, documented, and confirmed this afternoon at the defense minister level under strict secrecy, we can now say: This work is complete and ready for political approval," Macron said. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy repeated his warnings that Russian forces were gearing up for a new offensive in eastern Ukraine. "Now we see another buildup of Russian forces in certain sectors of the front. [Putin] refuses to be forced into peace," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address, without providing details. "Russia continues to launch strikes. Of course, we will respond to this," Zelenskyy added following another series of deadly strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Earlier, on August 29, Zelenskyy also warned that a new Russian offensive was imminent. "The concentration [of Russian troops] there is up to 100,000," Zelenskyy said, referring to the front lines near the highly strategic city Pokrovsk. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP KABUL, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake struck Jalalabad City, the provincial capital of Nangarhar province, at 4:59 p.m. local time, with the epicenter located at 34.67 degrees north latitude and 70.68 degrees east longitude, and at a depth of 10 km. This tremor comes just a day after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake devastated eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing over 1,400 people and injuring more than 3,000 in Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces. Authorities are still assessing the impact of the latest quake in the already-stricken region. September marks the start of the school year for children in many parts around the world, but for the Palestinian students living in war-torn Gaza, the prospect of returning to school this September continues to be a distant hope -- just like last year. #Gaza #Education Sarah Slater Almost 65 per cent of people living in Dublin believe a tourist room tax should be introduced, new data shows. There is strong support for a proposed tourist bed tax, with respondents to a Dublin City Council survey suggesting that revenue should be used to fund improvements in public transport, safety and the public realm. Dublins four local authorities have been working on a joint plan to introduce a 1 per cent levy on hotel guests, which would result in an independent income stream. It is estimated that 12 million would be raised if such a tax were sanctioned for the capital annually. Fine Gaels Dun Laoghaire TD Barry Ward has reiterated that he remains in favour of such a tax, pointing out that it was a small amount and it is already common practice in numerous EU countries and worldwide. Mr Ward added, This tax would most definitely provide an additional revenue stream for local authorities. I know some of my colleagues are opposed to the idea, but I think it would be a definite benefit to put back into improving the work local authorities can do in their areas. The Hotels Federation continues to oppose such a tax. Additionally, respondents to the survey also saw technology gaps, with only 28 per cent believing that it is being used effectively to enhance the tourist experience. Suggestions for improvement focused on public transport, including easier payment options like contactless bank card tapping and better information. A Dublin tourism app was also proven to be a popular suggestion. More than 1,000 residents participated in the online survey, offering a detailed snapshot of public sentiment. While 81 per cent report positive interactions with tourists, there are concerns around the strain on Dublins infrastructure and resources. Key issues included the environment, cleanliness and quality of life for residents. The findings, gathered through the Your Dublin, Your Voice panel, between May 20th and June 1st last, reflect both strong support for visitors and highlight concerns about the pressure tourism places on the city. More than 90 per cent agree that both international and domestic tourism are good for Dublin. Compared to European norms, 91 per cent of Dublin residents rate tourism more positively when it comes to boosting the local economy, 80 per cent believe preserving Dublins historical heritage is vital, while 76 per cent see enhancing cultural activities and 72 per cent contributing to a lively atmosphere in the city as very important. The council, in a statement, said, As Dublin continues to grow as a popular destination, the city remains committed to balancing tourism with quality of life for residents, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Your Dublin, Your Voice is a Dublin City Council opinion panel which has been in existence since October 2010. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA The burning of cars in a racially motivated attack in Ballymena has been condemned. Police are appealing for information after six cars were set on fire on Sunday evening and destroyed. Local representatives said Filipino nationals were targeted and that tenants were inside properties when the vehicles were attacked outside. There were several nights of violence in Ballymena earlier in the summer (Niall Carson/PA) The Co Antrim town witnessed several nights of racist violence earlier in the summer. The weekend incident occurred in the Lisnevenagh Road area and is the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland. A police spokesperson said: We received a report at around 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed. Our inquiries are ongoing and, at this time, we are treating this as arson with a racially-motivated hate element. We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25. Philip McGuigan said the attacks were outrageous (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan described the incident as absolutely outrageous. He said: This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity. This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership. Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police. UUP MLA Jon Burrows said: This was a disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy. He said he had requested additional police patrols in the area to reassure the local community and to deter further attacks. North Antrim MP Jim Allister said it was a highly dangerous and distressing incident. He added: Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse. Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen. Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread. It is also important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration. These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment. They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy. "Any time, we as Americans and Chinese come together to celebrate our common history. That's a special time. In today's world, that's more important than ever. It's very important that we study and learn from that period 80 years ago," says Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. In August 1941, at a time when China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was in a most difficult stage, U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault formed the "American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force" to help China fight invading Japanese forces. With their winged tiger emblem and the shark-mouth painted on their planes, locals nicknamed them the "Flying Tigers." The story of the Flying Tigers lives on. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Himachal Pradesh Declares The Entire State As Disaster Affected, No Special Assistance From Centre Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the central government to stop indiscriminate construction activities in the state Himachal Pradesh Declares Entire State As Disaster Affected, No Special Help From Centre Latest News: The Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government has declared the entire state as disaster affected under Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act. Details are awaited. Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the most horrific disaster in history, the Chief Minister of the state, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said yesterday, while speaking during the monsoon session held in the Vidhan Sabha hall in Shimla. Advertisement He said the disaster shows no signs of stopping and called out that the BJP-led central government is not providing any special assistance. He said rescue of devotees of the Shri Manimahesh Yatra is ongoing and the district administration has made arrangements for their accommodation and food. So far, approximately ten thousand devotees have been safely transported to their back home through HRTC buses, he said, adding the process of safely sending the remaining devotees to their destinations promptly is ongoing. Advertisement He added devotees who are unable to walk will be brought to Chamba via free helicopter and will be sent to their destination from Chamba via HRTC buses. Heavy damage has been caused to roads, water supply, electricity system, and other sectors, suffering economic losses amounting to thousands of crores of rupees. Heavy rainfall and landslides have severely affected the state's transportation system. Vehicles carrying vegetables and other food supplies are being cleared. Power supply has been restored in most areas, and efforts are ongoing to quickly restore essential services in the remaining places. Advertisement Former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar has written to the Central Government for the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation of disaster-affected families in the state. Yesterday, the CM told media that he is ready to work with the leaders of the opposition, under their leadership, to represent the state's case before the central government. He added that the crisis the state has been going through in the past few weeks is not just a geographical crisis, but also a matter of national concern. Because the impact of Global Warming falls most heavily on the mountains. Advertisement Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the central government to stop indiscriminate construction activities in the state. Because our mountains are not just tourist spots, they are pillars of life and protection, he added. .(For more news apart from Punjab Weather Nowcast: Red Alert issued in several Districts, Heavy Rainfall Predicted, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Himachal Pradesh: National Highway-05 Closed as Road Caves In, Widespread Devastation Reported Sukhu has urged people of the state to exercise caution and follow the administration's instructions. Himachal Pradesh: National Highway-05 Closed as Road Caves In Latest News: Due to road caving in Kinnaur, National Highway-05 remains closed, the Himachal Pradesh chief minister informed today. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu added that devastation is continuously being reported from various parts of the state, as torrential rains and landslides continue. Advertisement A stream in the Kullu district is in spate. Meanwhile, in Dhalpur, a woman was caught in a landslide. Two people were injured in Manali in a related incident. In Old Manali, also, a stream is once again in spate, while in Ani, a house was completely buried by a massive landslide. A massive landslide from the hillside has also occurred in Gurudwara Colony. The chief minister expressed his condolences to all the affected families. Relief and rescue teams of the state are working round the clock. Sukhu has urged people of the state to exercise caution and follow the administration's instructions. Advertisement Three districts, Chamba, Kangra and Kullu have been warned of extremely heavy rainfall today under a red alert. Heavy rainfall has been forecast for the remaining districts. (For more news apart from Punjab Floods: MP Sandeep Pathak Donates Five Crore to Ferozepur, Other MPs also Donate, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Opens Fire At Police, Escapes Police Custody Pathanmajra had reportedly threatened a woman to make objectionable videos and photos viral. Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Opens Fire At Police, Escapes Police Custody Latest News: AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, from Sanour assembly constituency in Patiala district, was arrested by Patiala Police from Karnal, Haryana, on Tuesday morning. Soon after the arrest, he reportedly escaped police custody when the police were taking him to a police station in Punjab. He and his associates reportedly opened fire at the security personnel and managed to flee the scene in a Scorpio and a Fortuner vehicle. Advertisement Police have been able to catch Fortuner along with the driver and recovered three pistols. The MLA in question and his other associates are on the run, and the police are after them. Earlier, before the arrest, Pathanmajra had released a video saying that the Punjab Police has registered a case under Section 376 (rape) of the IPC in an old case related to his ex-wife. Meanwhile, during a press conference by Baltej Pannu in Patiala, it was revealed that action was being taken against MLA Pathanmajra only based on a complaint of a woman. Pathanmajra had reportedly threatened a woman to make objectionable videos and photos viral, following which a case was registered against him under various sections, including rape. Baltej Pannu, in the press release, said that when Pathanmajra learnt that actions could be taken against him, he stated, criticizing his own party regarding the flood situation in the state. Advertisement AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra arrest, Sanour MLA arrested, Patiala AAP MLA news, Punjab MLA arrest latest, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra Haryana arrest, AAP leader arrest Punjab, Patiala police arrest MLA, Punjab political news (For more news apart from Punjab News: AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra arrested From Haryana, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab News: Husband Dies by Suicide After Wife Cuts Ties, Family Spent 28 Lakh on Her Studies Mother claimed that the deceased family borne all the marriage expenses, and following the marriage, deceased's wife, was sent to Canada Kapurthala Husband Dies by Suicide After Wife Cuts Ties Latest News: A young resident of Punjabs Kapurthala allegedly committed suicide after being distressed by the betrayal of his wife living abroad. The wife was sent abroad following the marriage for studies, and she refused to continue the relationship after getting a work permit there. Begowal police station has registered a case against the accused wife along with her parents. No accused has been arrested yet. Advertisement Paramjit Kaur, the mother of the deceased, who is a resident of village Ghag, police station Begowal, told the police in her statement that her son, Lovejit Singh, married Harmanpreet Kaur on January 23, 2020. Harmanpreet Kaur is the daughter of Baldeep Singh, a resident of village Bhagwanpur. The mother claimed that the deceased family borne all the marriage expenses, and following the marriage, Harmanpreet Kaur the deceaseds wife, was sent to Canada for studies, spending Rs 28 Lakh on her studies, including college fees and living expenses, and some cash as well when she left. Advertisement However, after going abroad, she allegedly kept in touch with her husband only until she got a work permit. As soon as she got one, she allegedly cut ties with her husband, saying she would not invite him to Canada nor would she continue the relationship with him. Following this Lovejit, the deceased, got mentally distressed, leading to him committing suicide. Paramjit Kaur stated that his son had consumed something poisonous and died. On the statement of the deceased's mother, Begowal police have registered an FIR against the three accused. Punjab Floods: MP Sandeep Pathak Donates Five Crore to Ferozepur, Fellow MPs Also Contribute Several villages several kilometers away from some rivers are also inundated. Punjab Floods: MP Sandeep Pathak Donates Five Crore to Ferozepur, Punjab Donations Latest News: As Punjab is grappling with massive floods, something the state has not witnessed in the past 40 years, and with no assurance from the centre on a special package and not even on the Rs 60,000 crore pending, donations for the relief and rescue of the flood-affected people are pouring in. Today, some leaders of the state came together to make donations. MP Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer donated 25 Lakh to Ajnala, a town in Punjabs Amritsar district. Advertisement Rajyasabha MP Ashok Mittal has donated 20 lakh. The area for which the donation was made is unknown. Rajyasabha MP Sandeep Pathak has Donated Five crores to Ferozepur for Flood Relief. Minister Ravjot has donated his 1 year entire salary for Flood Relief. Yesterday, after getting no assurance on the special relief fund from the centre, Punjab Chief Minister Amit Shah made an appeal to Punjabis living in the state and those living across the world to come forward and make contributions to the Chief Ministers Fund for the relief and rescue operations. Over 1000 villages are inundated, crops are underwater, loss of livestock, loss of human lives, connectivity is lost, and the situation is dire. His appeal came after speaking to Home Minister Amit Shah over a phone call in the morning yesterday. It has been continuously raining in Punjab and in the adjoining areas in the past few days, including in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, leading to overflowing of rivers, inundating villages along the rivers in Punjab. Several villages several kilometers away from some rivers are also inundated. Advertisement Himachal Pradesh Declares the Entire State 'Disaster Affected' Himachal Pradesh has declared the Entire State 'Disaster Affected'. Tt is also seeking a special relief fund from the centre. Tragic incidents are continuously being reported from across due to torrential rains and landslides, the chief minister of the state, Sukhu, informed in a statement today. Advertisement He said that in Kullu, the stream is in spate. Meanwhile, in Dhalpur, a woman was caught in a landslide. Two people were injured in Manali in a related incident. In Old Manali too, a stream is once again in spate. In Ani, a house was completely buried under a massive landslide. Meanwhile, in Kinnaur, National Highway-05 has been closed due to a road caving in. A massive landslide from the hillside has also occurred in Gurudwara Colony. Rescue and relief teams are fully engaged and working round the clock. CM urged people to exercise caution and follow the administration's instructions. Flood Situation in Jammu and Kashmir Advertisement Yesterday, Home Minister Amit Shah paid a visit to the flood-affected areas in Jammu and assured full support. (For more news apart from Punjab Floods: MP Sandeep Pathak Donates Five Crore to Ferozepur, Other MPs also Donate, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab Government Enhances Pension for Freedom Fighters, Ensuring Dignity and Respect Pension amount for freedom fighters in Punjab, which previously stood at Rs 9,400, revised to Rs 11,000 Punjab Government Enhances Pension for Freedom Fighters, Ensuring Dignity and Respect Latest News: Chandigarh: The Punjab Government has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters by enhancing their monthly pension to Rs 11,000. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, underscores the States dedication to the welfare of those who played a pivotal role in securing Indias independence, along with their families. Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat said that the pension amount, which previously stood at Rs 9,400, has been revised upward by the present government as a mark of gratitude and respect. By increasing this pension, the CM Mann-led Punjab Government has not only strengthened the financial support system for our heroes but also reinforced the message that Punjab will always stand by them and their families, he noted. Advertisement Highlighting Punjabs unmatched role in the freedom movement, Bhagat stressed that honouring these brave men and women is the States foremost duty. The courage and sacrifices of Punjabi revolutionaries gave strength to the national movement. Their legacy is a guiding light for future generations, he added. The Government has also emphasized that this step is not merely financial assistance, but a gesture to safeguard the dignity of those who fought for Indias sovereignty. Officials stated that the Punjab Government remains fully committed to supporting freedom fighters and ensuring their contributions are remembered with pride. (For more news apart from Punjab Government Enhances Pension for Freedom Fighters, Ensuring Dignity and Respect, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Uttarakhand To Develop Ropeways In Kedarnath & Hemkund Sahib, Boosting Tourism & Mobility Chief Minister said that the agreement will pave way for new opportunities in tourism, employment, environmental conservation..." Uttarakhand To Develop Ropeways In Kedarnath & Hemkund Sahib Latest News: An agreement was signed between the state government and National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) for the development of ropeways in Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib under the Parvatmala project at the Secretariat on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to ANI, under this agreement, NHLML will have 51 percent, and the state government will have a 49% share in equity participation. Under the revenue sharing, 90% of the amount will be spent in the field of tourism, transport, and mobility in the state of Uttarakhand. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Ajay Tamta, and Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj were also present on the occasion of this agreement. Advertisement Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the agreement will pave the way for new opportunities in tourism, employment, environmental conservation, and infrastructure, while giving a new identity to the state's religious and cultural heritage on the global stage. Union Minister of State @AjayTamtaBJP Ji and the Cabinet Minister @satpalmaharajJi were also present at the occasion. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inspects Rain-Related Issues in Haridwar Advertisement CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, late afternoon on Tuesday, conducted an on-site inspection of areas affected by waterlogging and soil erosion due to heavy rainfall in Luxor, Haridwar. (For more news apart from Uttarakhand To Develop Ropeways In Kedarnath & Hemkund Sahib, Boosting Tourism & Mobility, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) September 2, 2025 UPDATE (1) A roundup of local and world news September 2, 2025 UPDATE (1) Newsroom, 02.09.2025, 17:32 ENERGY Energy Minister, Bogdan Ivan, has announced new measures designed to lower electricity prices. The Ministry is considering expanding production capacities, developing clear market regulations and direct investments in transport and distribution. At the same time, the Energy Minister committed to renegotiating the deadlines for closing coal-fired production capacities by at least 5 years. Thus, Romania will not shut down coal-fired production at the Oltenia Energy Complex on December 31, 2025, as it had been scheduled, until it starts new gas-fired production capacities and develops new storage solutions for solar and wind energy. In addition, the Government in Bucharest is preparing five market reform measures. State-owned companies will have to play an active role in price stability, better guaranteeing energy transactions, cutting technical transport costs, energy efficiency in the economy, in institutions and especially in homes and, very importantly, smart metering and dynamic tariffs. Last week, Minister Ivan threatened suppliers that energy prices could end up being discussed in the Supreme Council for National Defense and urged Romanians to file complaints with the Consumer Protection Agency. TALKS Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has told his coalition partners that if the agreements reached when forming the Government are not respected, it will be difficult for him to do his job as Prime Minister. At the Cotroceni Palace, the presidential headquarters, president Nicusor Dan met with leaders of ruling coalition parties. On Monday, the UDMR leader, Kelemen Hunor, said that the meeting is a normal one for the start of the parliamentary session. Asked if it was related to disagreements in the ruling coalition regarding the local administration reform project, which has been postponed, he said that maintaining dialogue is normal, taking into account the presidents role as mediator. The European Union and the Eastern Flank While in Bucharest, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has reiterated Romanias strategic role on NATOs Eastern Flank Conferinta de presa Ursula von der Leyen si Nicusor Dan foto presidency ro Daniela Budu, 02.09.2025, 14:00 The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, was in Romania on Monday, as part of a tour designed to highlight the EUs support for the member countries facing a series of challenges due to their geographical location close to Russia and Belarus. The EU high official met Romanias President Nicusor Dan at the Mihail Kogalniceanu military base in the county of Constanta, south-eastern Romania. The two officials visited the King Ferdinand frigate, Air Base 57 and the military port of Constanta, strategic objectives for the regional security. Talks focused on the military dimension of the EU policy, the development of the European arms industry and the strengthening of the blocs defence and deterrence posture. Ursula von der Leyen has hailed Romanias involvement in maintaining security on the Eastern Flank. You keep Europe safe in the air and waters of the Black Sea. And more than ever Romania is a key asset for European security and a key partner of NATOs eastern flank. Furthermore, she has mentioned the fact that Bucharest foiled several disinformation and manipulation attempts. Ursula von der Leyen: Over the past months Romania has shown impressive resilience of its democracy and its institutions. You have successfully countered attempts of disinformation and manipulation. You are very strong, ironclad and reliable supporters of Ukraine and Moldova. You resist intimidations, intimidations that are usually part of Moscows playbook, but this only makes our resilience stronger. And we know that we need you mentioned also the security situation a surge in defence investment. And for that now we have the financing, we have to work on the implementation of the financing, and of course we have to secure the long-term sustainability. Ursula von der Leyen has also recollected the defence package endorsed at community level of 800 billion Euros by 2030, which includes the 150-billion-Euro SAFE programme, with 19 countries enlisted, including Romania. On the other hand, the European leader hailed Romanias efforts to curb the budget deficit. European solidarity is important in this complicated period with pressure coming from the Russian Federation, says President Nicusor Dan. He recalls that in 2027 Romania will start extracting gas from the Black Sea, which will lead to the countrys energy security. Nicusor Dan: We are at the Black Sea, which is extremely important for Romania and for Europe. Starting 2027, Romania will begin extracting gas and that will contribute to the energy security of Romania and Europe. We are glad that the European Union has endorsed, upon Romanias proposal, a strategy for the Black Sea. And we wish for this European security hub, the strategy refers to, to be located in Romania, at Constanta at the Black Sea. The importance of Romanias strategic role as the main logistic hub for supporting the reconstruction efforts of the neighbouring Ukraine has also been mentioned during the talks between the two high officials. (bill) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam in Hanoi, Vietnam, Aug. 31, 2025. At the invitation of the CPV Central Committee and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Zhao led a party and government delegation to visit Vietnam, during which he respectively met with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, held talks with Tran Thanh Man, and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) HANOI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji has called for accelerating the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance during a visit to the country from Sunday to Tuesday. Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks when meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam. During the meeting, he conveyed the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to To Lam, and extended warm congratulations on the Party and the country's historic achievements over the past 80 years. Zhao said that under the new circumstances, China is willing to join hands with Vietnam to well implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties. He said that China stands ready to work with Vietnam in line with the overarching goals characterized by "six mores" to deepen the exchange of experience in governance, strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, cement the friendship between the two peoples, and jointly advance the socialist modernization in their respective countries. For his part, To Lam asked Zhao to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi, expressing gratitude for the tremendous assistance provided by China during various periods of Vietnam's revolution and construction. He said that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in development and become a major driving force for global economic growth. Noting that Vietnam has always regarded the development of relations with China as an objective need, strategic choice and a top priority, To Lam said the country has always adhered to the one-China policy, and is willing to join hands with China in the great endeavor of building socialism and to jointly usher in the second golden age of Vietnam-China relations. At the invitation of the CPV Central Committee and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Zhao led a party and government delegation to visit Vietnam, during which he also respectively met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, held talks with Tran Thanh Man, and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. When meeting with Luong Cuong, Zhao conveyed Xi's best wishes to him, noting that China and Vietnam should respond to the external uncertainties with socialist strengths, uphold and strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party, firmly support each other's reform and development endeavors, leverage the exemplary role of China-Vietnam mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, jointly combat the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries. For his part, Luong Cuong asked Zhao to convey his sincere greetings to Xi, who is also Chinese president. He said that the Vietnamese side is truly pleased about China's continuous development and growth, and is willing to continuously consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, accelerate the implementation of major landmark projects agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the traditional friendship between the two countries to take deeper root in the hearts of the people. When meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, Zhao said that China and Vietnam enjoy deep industrial integration and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, with enormous potential for expanding cooperation. He said that China is willing to enhance the alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, enhance cooperation in traditional sectors, strengthen cooperation in emerging fields, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and keep the global industrial and supply chains unobstructed. For his part, Pham Minh Chinh said the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is currently thriving, noting that Vietnam is willing to promote bilateral economic integration and development under the framework of the BRI, push for new progress in practical cooperation such as railway construction, and make positive contributions to the implementation of the global initiatives proposed by China. During his talks with Tran Thanh Man, Zhao said that the NPC of China is willing to enhance the level of institutionalized exchanges with the National Assembly of Vietnam, promote mutual learning of legislative and supervisory work experiences, so as to provide legal support for practical cooperation between the two countries. For his part, Tran Thanh Man said that the National Assembly of Vietnam is willing to maintain regular mutual visits and exchanges with the NPC of China, so as to advance the cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies to be increasingly practical and effective. Zhao and Tran Thanh Man also attended the first session of the joint committee between the legislative bodies, during which the two sides exchanged views on national security legislation and discussed promoting economic, trade, and technological cooperation from the perspective of legislative bodies. During his visit to Vietnam, Zhao was invited to attend the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and watched the military parade, mass assembly and grand cultural performances. The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army was invited to participate in the military parade. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in Hanoi, Vietnam, Aug. 31, 2025. At the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Zhao led a party and government delegation to visit Vietnam, during which he respectively met with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, held talks with Tran Thanh Man, and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sept. 1, 2025. At the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Zhao led a party and government delegation to visit Vietnam, during which he respectively met with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, held talks with Tran Thanh Man, and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sept. 2, 2025. At the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Zhao led a party and government delegation to visit Vietnam, during which he respectively met with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, held talks with Tran Thanh Man, and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Air Lease Corp. (AL) on Tuesday announced that it has agreed to be acquired by a newly formed Dublin-based holding company owned by Sumitomo Corp. (SSUMY,8053.T), SMBC Aviation Capital, and investment vehicles affiliated with Apollo-managed funds and Brookfield. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Under the merger agreement, the company's shareholders will receive $65.00 in cash per Class A common share, valuing the company at about $7.4 billion, or roughly $28.2 billion including debt to be assumed or refinanced net of cash. The company said the $65.00 per share cash offer represents a 7% premium to its all-time high closing price on August 28, a 14% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price, and a 31% premium to the 12-month volume-weighted average price, both ended August 29. Sumitomo closed trading, 3.52% higher at JPY 4,264 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In the pre-market trading, Air Lease is 6.33% higher at $64 on the New York Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Across global markets, BYD is the largest manufacturer of NEVs, with total cumulative sales worldwide at more than 13 million units BYD entered the Indian market in 2021. Their first offering in the PV segment was Atto 3, launched in November 2022. Over the years, new models have been added to the portfolio such as BYD Seal sedan, Sealion 7 SUV coupe and eMAX 7 MPV. BYD has achieved many milestones in India, the latest being the 10,000+ deliveries. Lets get more insights into BYDs India operations. BYD 10,000+ deliveries completed Even when importing its cars as semi-knocked down kits, which attracts taxes, BYD is still able to offer reasonable pricing. BYD cars are assembled at the companys facility in Tamil Nadu. With the delivery of the 10,000th electric vehicle in India, BYD has achieved a significant milestone. It reflects consumer confidence and trust in the brand and also the willingness to embrace sustainable mobility solutions. In addition to offering reliable, performance-oriented products with advanced safety and cutting-edge tech features, BYD has also focused on building a complete ecosystem. It includes things like robust after-sales service, extended warranty programs and nationwide roadside assistance. These have been crucial in building an ecosystem of trust, care and easy accessibility. BYD currently operates 44 dealerships across major cities. A number of crucial partnerships have been formed to enhance overall user experience. For example, Relux Electric has been onboarded to provide charging services to BYD car users in a seamless and hassle-free manner. These partnerships are helping accelerate EV adoption in India. BYD sales performance BYD is currently the 5th largest EV manufacturer in India in terms of sales volumes. Sales in July 2025 were at 458 units, a YoY gain of 29%. Total sales in H1 2025 were at 2,449 units, a YoY gain of 137%. In this period, BYD commanded a market share of 3%. BYD sales numbers for August are expected to be higher than July since 447 units have already been sold as of 25th August. At this rate, BYD could reach annual sales of around 5,000 units by the end of this year. Sales could be higher during the festive season. Globally, BYD has sold more than 13 million NEVs. Calculations reveal that BYD cars globally have helped reduce carbon emissions by 106.52 billion kilograms (as of July 31, 2025). This is comparable to CO2 that would have been absorbed by around 1.77 billion trees. BYD has consistently ranked in the Top 10 Most Valuable Global Automotive Brands by Kantar BrandZ for three consecutive years. As a brand, BYD is valued at USD 14.4 billion. Its valuation has witnessed a YoY improvement of 43.6%. These numbers underscore BYDs growing dominance in the NEV space. To boost sales further, BYD will be introducing multiple new products in India. One of these will be the Atto 2, expected to be the most affordable BYD EV in India. BYD could also consider local manufacturing if the geopolitical scenario emerges favourable in the future. Honda Cars India is turning up the festive mood with a refreshed Elevate SUV lineup, offering buyers new interior choices, styling tweaks, and special editions. The upgrades are aimed at adding a touch of exclusivity to the already popular model, giving buyers more reasons to head into showrooms ahead of the festive rush. ZX Ivory Grade Takes the Spotlight At the top of the range, the ZX grade now comes dressed in an elegant Ivory interior theme. Think leatherette seats, ivory accents on doors and dashboard, and a brighter, more premium cabin feel. Customers also get the option to add some serious flair with a 360-degree camera system, ambient lighting with seven colour modes, and a bolder Alpha-Bold Plus Grille. With these additions, the ZX now offers three distinct cabin styles Tan, Ivory, and the all-black Black Edition. Prices for the ZX Ivory grade start at Rs 15.51 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Mid-Trims Get Dual-Tone Appeal Honda hasnt forgotten the mid-tier V and VX grades. These now feature black fabric upholstery paired with ivory soft-touch panels on the dash and doors, giving them a fresh dual-tone look. The Alpha-Bold Plus Grille is available here as well, while a new Crystal Black Pearl shade joins the colour palette. Prices start at Rs 12.39 lakh for V and Rs 14.13 lakh for VX (ex-showroom Delhi). Black Editions for the Style-Obsessed For those who like their SUVs to look mean and menacing, the Elevate Black Edition and Signature Black Edition carry forward the dark theme. The standard Black Edition pairs gloss black with chrome highlights, while the Signature version goes fully stealth with blacked-out elements, the Alpha-Bold Plus Grille as standard, and ambient lighting inside. Both get full black leatherette interiors with contrast stitching and soft-touch finishes. More Than Just Cosmetic Updates While the updates are largely about style, the Elevate still packs a capable 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine with manual and CVT options. It remains one of the few SUVs in its class to balance city practicality with highway comfort, thanks to its roomy cabin, large boot, and 220 mm ground clearance. Safety has also been given due attention. The ZX continues with the Honda SENSING ADAS suite, six airbags, LaneWatch camera, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, and ISOFIX mounts. A 3-year unlimited km warranty is standard, with coverage extendable up to 10 years. With SUVs dominating the Indian market, Honda knows the Elevate has to keep up with fresh updates to stay competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. These festive-timed enhancements especially the ZX Ivory interiors and the sinister Black Editions are clearly designed to keep the Elevate in the spotlight during peak car-buying season. After a major see-saw period, Tesla Inc finally launched its operations in India in the previous months. Maiden vehicle chosen by Tesla for India was Model Y, a sleek and aerodynamically shaped crossover SUV and it came with a rather steep sticker price starting from Rs 59.89 lakh (Ex-sh) owing to a string of taxes. As per a recent report by Bloomberg, Tesla has received lukewarm response from Indian market with just 600 bookings. This is as opposed to the companys optimistic expectations of filling in the yearly quota of 2,500 units soon after the bookings commenced. This underwhelming response fuels Teslas global growth doubts further. Lets take a closer look. Tesla Model Y Gets Lukewarm Response In India There seem to be a combination of factors that might have led to this deficit in enthusiasm from Indian SUV buyers. For starters, Tesla Model Y is being shipped into the country from Teslas Chinese facility, attracting import duties and other tariffs. Thus the sticker price starts from Rs 59.89 lakh (Ex-sh) for Long Range RWD and Rs 67.89 lakh (Ex-sh) for Long Range AWD variants. Also, Tesla is currently operating two showrooms across India. The first one was inaugurated in Mumbai, Maharashtra (July 2025) and the second in Delhi (August). Tesla is set to commence initial deliveries in select areas like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Gurugram. There is not a lot of clarity as to how many of those 600 bookings have been converted into full payments. The first shipment from Shanghai will reportedly arrive in September in India. Depending on the full-payment conversions from these 600 bookings, Tesla will now ship around 350 to 500 Tesla Model Ys from China to India. India is not the only market where Tesla is facing an underwhelming response. In fact, Teslas global sales and credibility have been on a decline as well. Future Potential Elon Musk led Tesla Inc banked hard on the potential trade deal between India and USA, which seems to be a distant dream today as US President Donald Trump has has snowballed tariffs on India. That said, Tesla still has hopes from the Europe India free trade deal where the company can ship vehicles from its German plant to India once it comes into effect. The Asian subcontinent has emerged as the worlds third largest automobile market and the increased consumption within the countrys population is a huge draw for automakers like Tesla looking to make a mark here. In the coming months, Tesla might expand its limited presence in India and launch a more affordable Model Y too. Both of these might boost sales for the brand. Source Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Berdimuhamedov is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Tuesday. Berdimuhamedov is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Stressing that China and Turkmenistan are good partners who trust each other, Xi said China supports Turkmenistan in pursuing the policy of permanent neutrality and safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides need to expand the scale of cooperation in natural gas, continuously promote cooperation in non-resource fields, enhance connectivity, accelerate the Luban Workshop program, and establish cultural centers in each other's country, Xi said. The two countries need to closely coordinate and cooperate within the SCO and the China-Central Asia mechanism to promote bilateral cooperation to achieve more results, Xi said. China and Turkmenistan must firmly defend the outcomes of the victory in World War II and jointly safeguard world peace, he added. Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan and China enjoy profound mutual trust and cooperate in a wide range of sectors, which has brought benefits to the two peoples. He added that as Turkmenistan's development strategy to revive the Great Silk Road and China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative complement each other, Turkmenistan is willing to enhance cooperation with China in sectors such as energy, infrastructure development, education, and culture. He noted that the SCO has great potential with solid progress in cooperation in trade, investment, security and people-to-people exchanges, making positive contributions to a more just and balanced world landscape. Turkmenistan will actively participate in relevant cooperation, he added. Berdimuhamedov also said that Turkmenistan fully supports China's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Governance Initiative, and is willing to work with China in advancing their implementations. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as intellectual property rights, media and education. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Berdimuhamedov is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) A series of outcomes have been achieved at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 held in Tianjin, China. In an interview, an Uzbek expert said that with these outcomes, the SCO is set on a powerful new trajectory for the future. #GLOBALink #SCO AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The documentary film "The Sinking of The Lisbon Maru" has been screened in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The special screening of the documentary film in Auckland was hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland and the China Film Administration. Among the over 700 residents who attended the screening were Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Dean of the Auckland Consular Corps and Cook Islands Consul-General in Auckland Keutekarakia Mataroa. Chinese Consul-General Chen Shijie said that this true story is a vivid reflection of the Chinese people's courage and humanitarian spirit, and a powerful example of how people around the world helped one another and stood together in the global struggle against Fascism. Chen also recalled the indelible contributions made by those New Zealand friends to China's war of resistance, such as Rewi Alley and Kathleen Hall. "We commemorate this chapter of history, not only to remember the past, but also to draw wisdom and strength for the future, so that we may better cherish and uphold the themes of peace and development in our time. With the joint efforts of our two peoples, I am confident that China-New Zealand relations will sail forward toward an even brighter future," said Chen. After watching the film, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Xinhua that the film was a tough watch. But it's great to see that people are remembering the story. Marine physicist Fang Li directed and produced the historical documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru. In 1942, the Japanese-armed cargo ship Lisbon Maru, carrying 1,816 British prisoners of war, was sunk by a U.S. torpedo off Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China. Chinese fishermen braved the sea against the Japanese and successfully rescued 384 men. This film blends survivor testimonies and cinematic animations to depict the cruelty and absurdity of war, highlighting both human kindness and wartime atrocities. New research introduces a paleoenvironmental model in which tidal dynamics influenced the earliest development of agriculture and sociopolitical complexity in Sumer. The earliest network of city-states, closely knit by shared cultural traditions and economic interests, emerged around 5,000 years ago in southern Mesopotamia. Collectively referred to as Sumer, this urban florescence was agrarian in nature, sustained by large-scale irrigation systems. The urbanization of Sumer consolidated a process that started at least a millennium earlier, during the Uruk period (c. 6,000-5,200 years ago), following the long-lasting rural Ubaid culture. Synergistic increases in population, innovation, and occupational specialization at that time led to the appearance of state structures with complex economies, integrating an urban core with its rural periphery. This Sumerian takeoff could not have happened in the harsh arid tropical zone between the Arabian and Iranian deserts without access to the perennial freshwater sources of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. However, it remains uncertain when labor-intensive large-scale irrigation was widely adopted in the region and, prior to that, if and how this water abundance advantage translated into societal affluence. Our results show that Sumer was literally and culturally built on the rhythms of water, said Dr. Liviu Giosan, a researcher at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The cyclical patterns of tides together with delta morphodynamics how the form or shape of a landscape changes over time due to dynamic processes were deeply woven into the myths, innovations, and daily lives of the Sumerians. The study shows that from about 7,000 to 5,000 years ago, the Persian Gulf extended farther inland, and tides pushed freshwater twice daily far into the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates. The scholars propose that the early communities must have harnessed this dependable hydrology using short canals to irrigate crops and date groves, enabling high-yield agriculture without the need for large-scale infrastructure. As rivers built deltas at the head of the Gulf, tidal access to the interior was cut off. The resulting loss of tides likely triggered an ecological and economic crisis one that required an ambitious societal response. The extensive works for irrigation and flood protection that followed ultimately came to define the golden age of Sumer. We often picture ancient landscapes as static, said Dr. Reed Goodman, a researcher at Clemson University. But the Mesopotamian delta was anything but. Its restless, shifting land demanded ingenuity and cooperation, sparking some of historys first intensive farming and pioneering bold social experiments. Beyond the environmental drivers, the study also explores the cultural impacts of this watery foundation, connecting the flood myths of Mesopotamia and the water-centered Sumerian pantheon. The radical conclusions of this study are clear in what were finding at Lagash, said Dr. Holly Pittman, Director of the Penn Museums Lagash Archaeological Project. Rapid environmental change fostered inequality, political consolidation, and the ideologies of the worlds first urban society. Using ancient environmental and landscape data, new samples from the archaeological site of ancient Lagash, and detailed satellite maps, the authors were able to recreate what the coast of Sumer looked like long ago and imagine how its inhabitants responded to its shape-shifting nature. Our work highlights both the opportunities and perils of social reinvention in the face of severe environmental crisis, Dr. Giosan said. Beyond this modern lesson, it is always surprising to find real history hidden in myth and truly interdisciplinary research like ours can help uncover it. The study was published online in the journal PLoS ONE. _____ L. Giosan & R. Goodman. 2025. Morphodynamic Foundations of Sumer. PLoS One 20 (8): e0329084; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329084 Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new genus and species of early eusauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic period of China. Named Huashanosaurus qini, the new dinosaur species is estimated to have been around 12 m (39 feet) long. It lived in what is now Chinas Guangxi autonomous region from the Early to Middle Jurassic, 200 to 162 million years ago. Jurassic sauropods are well represented in China, especially in Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing and Xinjiang, with only a few localities known in Gansu, Ningxia, Anhui, Tibet and Guizhou, said lead author Dr. Jinyou Mo from the Natural History Museum of Guangxi and colleagues. In Guangxi, the Jurassic record of dinosaur fossils is poor, compared with the Cretaceous dinosaur fossil record. Two specimens of Huashanosaurus qini including a partial skeleton were collected at Huqiu Quarry of the Wangmen Formation near Dongshi village in Guangxi, southern China. Some bony fish scales and teeth (possibly Lepidotes sp.), several incomplete plesiosaurian teeth, and several fragmentary dinosaur bones were found at the site. The geological age of the Wangmen Formation is under debate, the paleontologists said. It was originally regarded as early Early Jurassic, but paleontological evidence was lacking. Scientists regarded it as the Early to Middle Jurassic based on the discovery of charophytes from this formation. According to the team, Huashanosaurus qini is a basal member of the Eusauropoda, a derived group of sauropod dinosaurs. It is the second eusauropod from Guangxi, the researchers said. The first described eusauropod, Jingia dongxingensis, was excavated from the Late Jurassic Dongxing Formation. The discovery of Huashanosaurus qini provides additional information about the evolutionary radiation of eusauropod dinosaurs. Huashanosaurus qini is later-diverging than the Early Jurassic Vulcanodon, Tazoudasaurus, and Gongxianosaurus, as well as the Early to early Middle Jurassic Barapasaurus, the scientists said. Generally, it is recognized that the major radiation of eusauropods occurred during the end of the Early Jurassic and Middle Jurassic interval. From this point of view, the discovery of the eusauropod Huashanosaurus qini provides additional evidence for an Early to Middle Jurassic age for the Wangmen Formation. The findings were published in the journal Acta Geologica Sinica. _____ Jinyou Mo et al. 2025. A New Eusauropod Dinosaur from the Lower and Middle Jurassic Wangmen Formation of Ningming County, Guangxi, South China. Acta Geologica Sinica 99 (4): 909-924; doi: 10.1111/1755-6724.15331 KATHMANDU, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nepal has permitted 204 climbers by Tuesday to climb ten mountains in the country, including the world's highest Mount Qomolangma, during the fall climbing season which runs from September to November. The climbers are from 45 countries and regions and 43 of them are women, said Himal Gautam, director at the Department of Tourism. "We have just started issuing the permits. The number will grow in the days to come," Gautam told Xinhua, noting most of the permits were issued for Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth highest at 8,163 meters, and one for the 8848.86-meter-high Mount Qomolangma that straddles Nepal and China. Starting on Monday, foreigners climbing Mount Qomolangma in fall need to pay 7,500 U.S. dollars, up from 5,500 dollars, while the climbing fees in spring have risen from 11,000 dollars to 15,000 dollars. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, Xi said. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, and strengthen cooperation in joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence, poverty reduction, and other fields, while expanding cultural, educational, tourism, and local exchanges, Xi noted. Both sides should make good use of the China-Uzbekistan law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism to jointly combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to address security risks and challenges, said Xi. Xi emphasized that China and Uzbekistan should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, practice true multilateralism, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), defend the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard the hard-won peace and tranquility. Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan appreciates China's long-term valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, noting that Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to further advance the development of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Uzbekistan fully supports the GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping, Mirziyoyev said, adding that this initiative aligns with the needs of global governance and embodies profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to jointly implement this initiative and promote the international order toward a more just and equitable direction, Mirziyoyev said. After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as development strategy alignment, mutual establishment of cultural centers, and medical services. The two sides also signed cooperation documents in fields such as economic and technological cooperation, digital economy, market regulation, aerospace, and customs. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Mirziyoyev is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) CAIRO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir said on Monday that his country is ready to further develop relations with China, especially in the economic sector. In a statement, El-Wazir highlighted that China is Egypt's top trading partner, voicing his hope to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Egypt. According to the statement, El-Wazir is traveling to China as an envoy of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to participate in 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. Underscoring the strength of the Egyptian-Chinese relationship, the deputy prime minister noted that Egypt and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership since 2014. Referring to an implementation outline of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, signed by the two countries in 2024, El-Wazir said the agreement serves as a roadmap for developing and elevating bilateral relations based on tangible achievements from previous years. El-Wazir's stay in China includes several meetings with leaders and representatives of major Chinese companies to discuss cooperation, as well as efforts to attract more Chinese investments into the Egyptian market. 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 (DPRK), arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025, for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) MANILA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Three people have been killed and six others have been injured after a van crashed into an electric pole along a national road in Isabela province, north of Manila, police said Tuesday. Police said the van carrying nine people, including the driver, slammed into an electric pole around 1 a.m. local time on Monday, while it was traveling north to San Pablo City from Ilagan City, the provincial capital. One of the victims died on the spot while the other two succumbed to their injuries later at a local hospital. The van's driver was in critical condition at a local hospital. An initial investigation suggested that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the crash. The impact severely damaged the van and toppled the electric pole, triggering a power outage in the area, police added. The FTSE 100 was expected to open 4.9 points firmer ahead of the bell on Tuesday, after wrapping up the previous session 0.10% higher at 9,196.34. STOCKS TO WATCH Centrica said two UK nuclear power stations in which it has a 20% share had been given life extensions of a year. Heysham 1 and Hartlepool are now expected to generate electricity until March 2028, one year later than previously expected. The British Gas owner added that there was no change at the moment to the expected March 2030 closure date of Heysham 2 and Torness, announced last December. Games developer Everplay Group said on Tuesday that full-year adjusted underlying earnings were expected to be slightly ahead of current market expectations, despite reporting a decline in interim revenues. Revenues fell 10% to 72.4m in the six months ended 30 June, due to the timing of license revenues and new title launches, while adjusted underlying earnings slipped by 1% to 19.2m. However, Everplay said its performance for the FY was, as usual, expected to be second-half weighted. NEWSPAPER ROUND-UP Nestle has dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, after an investigation into an "undisclosed romantic relationship" with a subordinate that was found to have breached its code of business conduct. The Swiss-headquartered multinational named Philipp Navratil as his replacement. Nestle said Freixe's departure after 40 years at the company followed an investigation overseen by its chair, Paul Bulcke, and lead independent director, Pablo Isla, with the support of outside counsel, into the relationship with a direct subordinate in breach of company's conduct code. Guardian Donald Trump's attempt to influence the US Federal Reserve could pose a "very serious danger" for the world economy, the head of the European Central Bank has warned. Christine Lagarde, the president of the ECB, said Trump undermining the independence of the world's most powerful central bank would have an impact for the US and other countries. Guardian Britain's borrowing costs have risen faster than any other G7 country in the wake of Sir Keir Starmer's decision to reshuffle his team of economic advisers. The yield on 30-year UK gilts the return that investors demand from the Treasury to fund its debt rose to a 27-year high of 5.64% on Monday. The latest increase came after the Prime Minister appointed Darren Jones, who had been deputy to Rachel Reeves in the Treasury, as his Chief Secretary. Telegraph Britain's biggest windfarm operator has received a 700m lifeline from Equinor, the Norwegian oil giant, as it seeks to stave off a crisis prompted by Donald Trump. Equinor said it would invest 6bn Danish kroner (697m) in rsted, the Danish wind giant that recently launched an emergency cash call amid the US president's war on offshore wind. Telegraph Thames Water's largest group of creditors is to offer an additional 1bn-plus sweetener in a bid to persuade Ofwat and the government to pursue a rescue deal with them that would head off the nationalisation of Britain's biggest water utility. Sky News has learnt that the senior creditors, which account for roughly 13bn of Thames Water's top-ranking debt, will propose this month that they inject hundreds of millions of pounds of new equity and write off a substantial additional portion of their existing capital. Sky News US CLOSE US markets were closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com Ithaca Energy tumbled on Tuesday after major shareholders Delek and Eni sold just over 49.6m shares in the company in a placing. The shares, which represent around 3% of the total shares outstanding, were sold by way of an accelerated bookbuild to eligible institutional investors at 213.75p each, raising gross proceeds of about 106m. Following completion of the placing, Israeli energy investor Delek will hold around 50.5% of the equity, while Italian oil and gas explorer Eni will hold 35.9%. Peel Hunt acted as sole global co-ordinator and joint bookrunner and Discount Capital acted as joint bookrunner on the placing. At 0850 BST, the shares were down 11% at 211p. Oxford Nanopore Technologies shares were in the red on Tuesday morning, even after it reported a stronger-than-expected first half, with revenue growth across all regions and customer segments and a narrowed loss as it reaffirmed its full-year guidance. The FTSE 250 sequencing company posted revenue of 105.6m for the six months ended 30 June, up 25.6% year on year on a reported basis and 28% at constant currency. Growth was broad-based, led by Asia-Pacific and EMEAI, which rose 38.3% and 32.7% respectively, while the Americas grew 16.9% despite what the company described as ongoing uncertainty in the US research environment. Clinical markets grew 52.9%, followed by Applied Industrial, BioPharma and Research. Adjusted EBITDA losses narrowed to 48.3m from 61.7m a year earlier, reflecting improved gross profits and cost control. Its gross margin slipped by 60 basis points to 58.2% after a one-off 3.3m non-cash inventory charge and currency headwinds. The net loss for the period reduced to 71.8m from 74.7m in the prior year. We delivered a strong first half performance, with broad-based growth across all geographies and customer segments, said chief executive Gordon Sanghera. Revenue grew ahead of expectations, driven by increasing demand in both Research and Applied markets and further adoption of our high-output PromethION platform by customers across a wide range of applications. We also made clear progress on our path to profitability, with improved EBITDA performance reflecting expanding gross profit and disciplined cost control. The company highlighted operational progress including a new partnership with Cepheid, a subsidiary of Danaher, to develop automated infectious disease sequencing solutions, and advances in oncology and rare disease applications, industrial synthetic biology, and biopharma quality control. Oxford Nanopore said it had refined its commercial strategy to target high-priority Applied and Research markets worth an estimated $13bn to $14bn. The firm said ended the half with 337.3m in cash and investments, down from 403.8m at year-end, but said cash flow was improving as more customers opted for capital purchases rather than leasing. Sanghera confirmed the company remained on track to meet full-year 2025 targets and medium-term objectives. Those included 20% to 23% revenue growth this year, adjusted EBITDA breakeven by 2027, and positive cash flow in 2028, supported by revenue growth of over 30% per year at constant currency. At 0943 BST, shares in Oxford Nanopore Technologies were down 3.51% at 178.8p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Plus500 said it has secured a new clearing membership with ICE Clear Europe, part of the Intercontinental Exchange Group, one of the world's largest operators of exchanges and clearing houses for listed derivatives. "This clearing membership enables the group to strategically expand its futures business to new territories and customers, further scaling its clearing services to cover a broader range of futures products across multiple asset classes, offering customers a more seamless trading experience," it said. The fintech group said that with this new ICE Clear Europe membership, it is now able to provide its increasingly global customer base with regulated access to European futures markets, including energy and carbon derivatives such as power, gas, and carbon futures and options. "Building on the group's existing clearing membership with ICE Clear US, obtained earlier this year, this additional clearing membership further enhances Plus500's industry-leading infrastructure, optimises cost efficiencies and unlocks opportunities to cater to a wider, more diversified B2B customer base through an enhanced clearing offering," it said. In recent years, Plus500 has secured clearing memberships with ICE, CME Group exchanges, Eurex and MGEX, among others. Chief executive David Zruia said: "We are extremely pleased to secure our membership of ICE Clear Europe, which complements our existing ICE Clear US membership. As we continue to evolve into a provider of global market infrastructure, clearing memberships remain a key pillar of Plus500's growth strategy for our global futures business, and this new membership will further expand our clearing capabilities across multiple asset classes in European markets. "It enhances our already established position in the futures market and we are rapidly gaining market share as customers - both institutional and retail - recognise the benefits of Plus500's technology-enabled, omni-channel offering, underpinned by our holistic clearing capabilities." Nestle has dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, after an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate that was found to have breached its code of business conduct. The Swiss-headquartered multinational named Philipp Navratil as his replacement. Nestle said Freixes departure after 40 years at the company followed an investigation overseen by its chair, Paul Bulcke, and lead independent director, Pablo Isla, with the support of outside counsel, into the relationship with a direct subordinate in breach of companys conduct code. Guardian Donald Trumps attempt to influence the US Federal Reserve could pose a very serious danger for the world economy, the head of the European Central Bank has warned. Christine Lagarde, the president of the ECB, said Trump undermining the independence of the worlds most powerful central bank would have an impact for the US and other countries. Guardian Britains borrowing costs have risen faster than any other G7 country in the wake of Sir Keir Starmers decision to reshuffle his team of economic advisers. The yield on 30-year UK gilts the return that investors demand from the Treasury to fund its debt rose to a 27-year high of 5.64pc on Monday. The latest increase came after the Prime Minister appointed Darren Jones, who had been deputy to Rachel Reeves in the Treasury, as his Chief Secretary. Telegraph Britains biggest windfarm operator has received a 700m lifeline from Equinor, the Norwegian oil giant, as it seeks to stave off a crisis prompted by Donald Trump. Equinor said it would invest 6bn Danish kroner (697m) in rsted, the Danish wind giant that recently launched an emergency cash call amid the US presidents war on offshore wind. Telegraph Thames Waters largest group of creditors is to offer an additional 1bn-plus sweetener in a bid to persuade Ofwat and the government to pursue a rescue deal with them that would head off the nationalisation of Britain's biggest water utility. Sky News has learnt that the senior creditors, which account for roughly 13bn of Thames Water's top-ranking debt, will propose this month that they inject hundreds of millions of pounds of new equity and write off a substantial additional portion of their existing capital. Sky News Starting a business in India is both exciting and challenging, especially for the first time in the start -up for entrepreneurs. In many decisions to be made, the very first and most important step is formalizing your business through the company's registration. Although this process may seem difficult in the beginning, the understanding phase can clearly reduce the first step and determine the basis for long-term success. Why Register a Company When starting a business, choosing to register a company in India lays a strong foundation that offers long-term advantages. It protects limited responsibilities, protects individual assets, whether the business faces challenges or undergoes a company name change. A registered company has its own legal identity, so it can allow its own property, enter into contracts and act independently, which remains intact during the company's name change. The reliability of customers and investors is significantly improved, and this confidence is only strengthened when the company's name changes are made strategically. Access to financing becomes easier, as financial institutions and investors prefer registered institutions, even if the company's name is changed. Registration ensures scalability and growth. When a company needs a change, it becomes easy to perform the restructuring operations. The principle of success always guarantees that the company continues with changes in ownership, and this continuity is not affected by the name change of a company. Choosing the Right Business Structure Selecting the right business structure during company registration is a key decision for entrepreneurs: A Private Limited Company registration under company registration is the most popular choice, offering limited liability, investor confidence, and growth opportunities. under company registration is the most popular choice, offering limited liability, investor confidence, and growth opportunities. A Limited Liability Partnership through company registration combines the flexibility of a partnership with the protection of limited liability, making it suitable for professionals and small businesses. An OPC (One Person Company) formed through company registration is ideal for solo entrepreneurs, providing full control with the advantage of limited liability. Pre-Requisites Before You Begin Before starting the process of business registration, it is important to organise the requirements and documents in advance: Minimum requirements should be met, such as having at least one director and shareholder for the company. Pan cards and Aadhaar cards of board members and shareholders are required for confirmation under the company's registration. The address certificate for all board members and shareholders is required to confirm the identity and residence details. Proof of registered office address should be presented to establish the official location of the business. Passport-sized photographs of directors and shareholders are needed as part of the official records. Step-by-Step Company Registration Process Starting a company in India requires completing specific legal formalities in a systematic order. Each step ensures that the business complies with the regulations of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and gains official recognition. Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate The first step is to receive a digital signature certificate for all company directors and authorised signers. This is necessary because the entire registration process is performed online, and DSC is used to safely sign electronic documents. Without DSC, forms cannot be submitted to the MCA portal. Step 2: Name Reservation When DSC is ready, the next step is to reserve the name of a unique company through MCAs Run (Reserve Unique Name) service or as part of the SPICe+ Application. The name should follow the MCA naming guidelines, avoid limited words and ensure that it does not conflict with the existing company name or brand. Step 3: Prepare and File SPICe+ Form (Part B) for Incorporation Following the naming approval, the incorporation process begins with preparing and filing the SPICe+ form (part B). The form brings together important details such as the company's structure, registered office address, number of board members and shareholders, and share capital. Documents such as identification certificates, certificate of address and the association's articles (AOA) and the Memorandum of Association (MOA) should also be attached. Step 4: Submission and Payment of Fees When the form is filled in, it should be presented online through the MCA portal with the necessary state fees and stamp tax, which may vary depending on the company's incorporation and authorized capital status. Step 5: Verification by Registrar of Companies The registrar for the companies is carefully reviewing the application submitted and the enclosed documents. If the information provided is accurate and complete, ROC will approve the application. In the case of nonconformities, explanation or justification may be asked. Step 6: Issuance of Certificate of Incorporation After successful confirmation, ROC issues a certificate for incorporation. This certificate acts as legal evidence of the company's survival and includes a business identity number (CIN). At this stage, the company is officially recognised and can start business operations. Important Tips for First-Time Entrepreneurs Starting a company in India requires careful planning and attention to detail, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. The process begins by obtaining a digital signature certificate for board members and authorised signers. Since accuracy is crucial, even small errors in detail can delay the process; many new founders choose to seek professional help here. The next step is to submit the name of a company through the MCA portal. A clear name depth is important to avoid conflict with existing companies or trademarks and to reduce the possibility of rejection. According to an approved name, the SPICe+ form must be filled with board members, shareholders and registered office details. The accuracy at this level is again important, and the preparation of documents such as the association's memorandum and the association's articles often requires professional help to ensure that they are flawless. When the form is filled in, it is presented online with the necessary state fees and stamp fees. Since costs vary on the basis of state and authorised capital, it is important to budget for compliance in advance to manage the financial plan effectively. Register for the companies, then confirm all the documents and details presented. In order to avoid unnecessary delays, entrepreneurs must lead the journals to applications, recognition and correspondence, as they may be necessary for clarification. After confirmation, a certificate for incorporation is issued, which gives the company its legal identity. From this point, it is necessary to continue the budget to comply with annual returns and tax obligations to maintain the record for submission and run the business evenly. Conclusion In conclusion, while the company's registration can be challenging at first, the availability of joint online processes with professional support makes the process very obtainable for entrepreneurs. Formal incorporation as a private limited company not only provides a strong legal basis, but also unlocks important benefits such as limited responsibility, access to money and increased reliability. These benefits act as the columns required to create permanent and long-term trade development. When you look at this lasagna, does the word "yummy" come to mind? Learn how to express that sentiment and more at upcoming writing workshops by Maria Giura. Staff-Shot STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Award-winning author Maria Giura will lead a series of virtual writing workshops this fall at Casa Belvedere, focusing on memories of nature and the outdoors. The workshops, which began at the Italian cultural center in December 2020, have evolved from their initial Italian-American focus to welcome writers of all backgrounds. Topics can include a variety of sensory subjects food included. The fall series includes two generative workshops on Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, where participants will create new material, followed by a revision workshop on Nov. 22. All sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday mornings. Maria Giura is a writing instructor who is an author herself. S.I. Advance Giura, who holds a Ph.D. in English from Binghamton University, structures each workshop to include reading and discussion of published works, followed by guided writing time. Participants are encouraged to appeal to at least two senses in their writing, not just the way they remember something looked but also the way it smelled, tasted, what it sounded like or felt like on their skin, she said in a prior workshop. The virtual format has attracted writers from across the country and as far as Naples, Italy. Some participants have gone on to publish works developed during the workshops. No experience is necessary, just a notebook, pen, and a sense of curiosity and fun, said Giura, whose own writing has appeared in publications including Prime Number, Presence, and the Paterson Literary Review. Workshops cost $27 for Casa Belvedere members and $30 for non-members. The revision workshop requires prior attendance at a Casa Belvedere writing workshop and submission of a piece (maximum 700 words) five days in advance. For registration and more information, visit casa-belvedere.org or email beatrice@casa-belvedere.org. Here is a breakdown of the classes with the links to connect to registration. Sept. 20: Generative, Writing Memories of Nature Oct. 18: Generative, Writing Memories of Nature Part II (you need not have attended Part I) Nov. 22: Revision Robin Wright arrives at the AFI Fest premiere of "Here" on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Actress Robin Wright, who rose to fame in the mega-hit Forrest Gump, revealed that she is relocating to England for love. Wright, also known for other significant roles like The Princess Bride and House of Cards, grew up in Southern California and often resided in the Los Angeles area, including with her now ex-husband, the actor Sean Penn. She has been working mainly in England in recent years and has rented a series of homes in the Chilterns, a bucolic area northwest of London, according to The Times. I love being in this country, Wright told The Times. Theres a freedom of self here. People are so kind. Theyre living. Theyre not in the car in traffic, panicked on a phone call, eating a sandwich. Thats most of America. Everythings rush, competition and speed. She added: Everyones building a huge house and Im just done with all that I love the quiet. And Ive met my person. Finally. She is in a relationship with Henry Smith, an architect of British-Australian heritage whom she met in a pub. Their chance meeting occurred when Wright asked if she could feed steak to Smiths dog, Rusty. Smith did not recognize the famous actress at the time. Wright and Smith are planning to rent a home on the English seaside and spend more time taking long walks with Rusty and a second pooch they bought together, Rocky, according to The Times. DAKAR, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Monday called for increased investment in accelerating the transformation of Africa's food systems. Investing massively in modernization, water management, local transformation and digitalization is an urgent necessity in Africa, where "agriculture is vulnerable to unpredictable weather phenomena exacerbated by climate change," the president said at the opening ceremony of a forum on food systems in the city of Diamniadio, near Senegal's capital of Dakar. "As we gather here, millions of women and men are working in the fields during the rainy season. Most of them cultivate the land with their bare hands or with rudimentary tools. They can only rely on a few months of rainfall," Faye said, with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in attendance. In Africa, "more than elsewhere in the world, agriculture remains exposed to unpredictable weather patterns, compounded by climate change and its consequences," he said. "This situation severely limits our production capacities in both time and space. All these factors contribute to the persistence of hunger and malnutrition on our continent, while pushing Africa further away from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims for zero hunger by 2030," he added. Scheduled to run until Sept. 5, the 2025 African Food Systems Forum is being held under the theme "Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Delivery in Food Systems Transformation." Graham Greene attends a 2021 screening, in New York. The actor died Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at 73-years-old. (Charles Sykes/Invision/Associated Press) Graham Greene, the acclaimed actor who earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Dances with Wolves, died Monday at a Toronto hospital. He was 73. Greene passed away with his wife of more than 30 years, Hilary Blackmore, by his side, his agent confirmed to TMZ. No cause of death was disclosed. In a statement to Deadline, Greenes agent said: He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character and will be eternally missed. You are finally free. Greene was born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, on the Six Nations Reserve in Canada. He worked odd jobs before turning to acting. Greene started on stage, and by the 1970s he was performing in professional Canadian and English theater productions. The actors breakthrough role came as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costners 1990 film Dances with Wolves, which led to his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1991. According to IMDB, his extensive filmography included notable roles in Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Green Mile, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Mollys Game, and more recently, Wind River in 2017. His final performances will be seen posthumously, including in the upcoming thriller Ice Fall alongside Joel Kinnaman. Greenes TV series credits also include roles on Wolf Lake, Defiance and Marvels Echo, along with recurring roles on Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove: The Series, Being Erica, Longmire, Goliath and American Gods. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene and grandson, Tarlow Greene. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on [SILive].Viewing times and guest books can be seen [here]. Tracey R. Nazario, 70, passed away on Aug. 26, 2025. Born on Aug. 12, 1955, Tracey was raised in West Brighton. She forged a groundbreaking path as one of the first female officers in the New York City Housing Police, rising to become a Sergeant with the NYPD. A devoted mother and loving wife of 47 years, her greatest achievement was her family. Read the full obituary on [SILive] David Giovanelli, 80, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30. A lifelong Staten Island resident, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He graduated from Curtis High School and Baruch College. An avid theatergoer, Yankees fan, and ballroom dancer, his greatest happiness was spending time with family and friends. He had a long career as an accountant. Read the full obituary on [SILive] Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff. He could, as he did early this year, deny China access to Boeing jet engines and aircraft parts. China has some military engines it has developed itself, and its key aircraft manufacturer, Comac, is developing an engine for its C919 narrow-bodied commercial planes, but it is still heavily reliant on Boeing and Europes Airbus for engines and parts. Trump could also deny and has been denying, until recently Chinas access to the most advanced US semiconductors. Chinese President Xi Jinping isnt petrified by the prospect of extreme tariff rates. Credit: Getty Images When Trump slapped new tariffs on China this year, China retaliated with tariff hikes of its own and stopped allowing exports of rare earths and rare earth magnets to the US. A meeting in Sweden meant the confrontation de-escalated, with the US reducing its headline tariff rate to 30 per cent and China its rate to 10 per cent. (The headline rates are misleading because Trump added to pre-existing tariffs, dating to his first term, and China has also been subjected to the general sectoral tariffs on commodities such as steel and aluminium and products derived from them, as well as those slapped on Canada and Mexico for their claimed role in fentanyl trafficking. The Peterson Institute for International Economics puts the average US tariff on Chinas exports at 57.6 per cent and Chinas rate on US exports at 32.6 per cent.) Loading There have since been a succession of 90-day extensions of the truce agreed in Stockholm and confirmed at a subsequent meeting of the trade negotiators in London which have deferred any final agreement on trade until early November. As part of that truce deal, China has allowed exports of rare earth magnets to resume, although it wasnt until July, when the volume of rare earth magnet imports from China suddenly jumped 76 per cent, that the supply regained pre-confrontation levels. China knows that its dominance of rare earths and the magnets in particular it controls more than 70 per cent of the global supply, more than 90 per cent of the processing of rare earths and more than 90 per cent of the processing and manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets gives it tremendous leverage over the US. When it throttled supply of the magnets this year, it nearly shut down the US auto industry. The magnets are also critical to many other commercial and military applications. The US doesnt have meaningful alternate sources of supply, although it is racing to develop some, including Defence Department funding for Australias Lynas Rare Earths to build a separation facility in Texas. The US has also arranged a $US1 billion ($1.5 billion) debt facility, $US150 million of Defence Department loans, $US400 million of equity and a 10-year floor price at twice the current level set by China as part of guaranteed purchase commitment for 100 per cent of the output from Americas only significant producer, MP Materials. While China has resumed exports of rare earth magnets to the US, it appears to be limiting sales to the US defence industry. Credit: AP There are, however, estimates that it will take 15 years and $US120 billion for the US to completely distance its rare earths supply chain from China, which developed its dominance over decades. Indeed, its ambition of dominating rare earths dates to the 1980s. China, while it might prefer to maintain its trade with the US, isnt petrified by the prospect of extreme tariff rates, as its response to Trumps 145 per cent rate this year demonstrated. Loading Since Trump first deployed tariffs against it in 2018, Xi Jinping has deliberately diversified Chinas range of trading partners and reduced its reliance on America for some key imports it has, for instance, nearly halved its imports of soy beans, with Brazil displacing the US as its major supplier while also developing alternate export markets in Asia and South America. Trumps tariffs are a crude weapon, but Chinas dominance of rare earths gives it the ability to use it in a highly strategic way. While it has resumed exports of rare earth magnets to the US, for instance, it appears to be limiting sales to the US defence industry. China has tightened its export controls for rare earths progressively, and recently added imports of rare earths that it processes for third parties including MP Materials to the continually expanding list of minerals subject to its controls and monthly monitoring. It can dial up or down its export quotas almost instantly and bring Americas advanced manufacturing base to a near halt. While Trump, understandably, has tried to play down the threat posed by Chinas control of the market, it is clear that his administration does understand the degree of leverage it gives China. Thats why it backed down from its extreme tariff rates in Stockholm and thats why it has adopted a more conciliatory tone since. Both the first Trump administration and, even more substantially the Biden administration, progressively shut off Chinas access to Americas most advanced semiconductors, with the ban on sales of Nvidias H20 chips maintained by the second Trump administration. The US has a very significant edge over China in designing the most advanced chips required for artificial intelligence. Trump has, however, lifted the ban on sales of a modified H20 chip to China in return for 15 per cent of Nvidias Chinese sales, and the administration has been discussing potential sales of a modified version of Nvidias most advanced Blackwell chip with the company. 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 Its not uncommon for movie publicists to issue a set of demands before you interview a celebrity. Typically, it involves restrictions such as no unapproved games or no questions about politics, but the one thing they almost always say is, no questions about relationships. While preparing to interview Dakota Johnson about her new movie, Splitsville, I worry about what I might do if this directive comes through. Not because I desperately need to know if the next Coldplay record will be about her (the actress was engaged to band frontman Chris Martin, but they split in June after eight years together), but if relationship chat is off the table altogether, Im going to need a whole new set of questions. You see, in her two most recent on-screen roles, Johnson has been actively and skilfully dissecting the mess of modern relationships. Queen of the unromantic comedy: Dakota Johnson in Splitsville. First, she played Lucy, an eternal bachelorette and professional matchmaker in Celine Songs Materialists, who firmly believed that dating takes a lot of effort, but love is easy. Now, shes appearing in Michael Angelo Covinos Splitsville, a self-described unromantic comedy that casts Johnson as Julie, a woman who is navigating an open marriage with her husband, Paul (Covino), a situation that teaches her that love is complicated. Thematically, Materialists and Splitsville share much in common; both are anti-romantic comedies that explore the constantly shifting landscape of how, why, and who we love. But at their core, theyre both movies about relationships. Thankfully, right before the interview, the publicist gets in touch with more specific parameters (questions of a personal nature will not be permitted), leaving me free to ask Johnson whether her fascination with the complexities of modern relationships is by accident or design. I dont really have a mandate on what style of film I want to make at any point. I just crave soulful, honest and thought-provoking projects, she says via Zoom. But Celine [Song] makes the point in Materialists that romance and relationships are wrongly categorised as girl shit when really theyre universal subjects that make for interesting stories, and thats what I want to be involved with telling. Advertisement Materialists, starring Johnson, Chris Evans (left) and Pedro Pascal, is about a tale as old as time: the love triangle. Depending on your tastes, you could argue that Johnsons career has been built on the back of interesting stories. The daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, her breakthrough role came as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, a series of hugely popular films based on the erotic novels of British author E. L. James. Then came a string of more traditional, albeit quirky, romantic comedies Am I OK?, Cha Cha Real Smooth and her very own spin as a Jane Austen heroine in 2022s Persuasion. Of course, no Hollywood CV is complete without a big-budget Marvel movie, but Johnsons superhero turn didnt quite go as planned. In 2024, she starred in Madame Web, a critical and commercial failure best remembered for a single line of nonsensical dialogue featured in the trailer but removed from the films final cut. (He was in the Amazon with my mum when she was researching spiders right before she died.) The film went viral for all the wrong reasons, but Johnson emerged relatively unscathed, her refreshing honesty about the lukewarm response to Madame Web bringing her in on the joke. The actress later told the website Bustle: I probably will never do anything like it again because I dont make sense in that world. In Splitsville, Adria Arjona and Kyle Marvin play a couple whose relationship takes a turn for the worse when they witness a fatal crash. Credit: AP For what its worth, Johnson makes a lot more sense in the world of Splitsville, a world that looks and feels like the one we live in. Written by Kyle Marvin and Covino (who also directs), the tale of two couples begins with a bang, or more accurately, a car crash. The glimpse of mortality that follows prompts Ashley (Adria Arjona) to tell Carey (Marvin) that shes been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Advertisement Desperate for advice, he hotfoots it to the elegant beachside home of his best friend, Paul (Covino), whos been happily married for many years to Julie (Johnson). The two explain theyve preserved their relationship by becoming an open couple and being more flexible with the physical. But when Julie and Carey fall into each others arms, the frailty of fluid relationships is exposed. The film never seeks to denigrate monogamy or non-monogamy, instead focusing on the human desire to have it all, positioning ethical non-monogamy as a contemporary solution to an age-old problem. From left: Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson in Splitsville. People have been struggling with how to deal with monogamy and how to find happiness in their relationships since the dawn of time, says Marvin. But the way in which we deal with it is changing, and so this idea of ethical non-monogamy is on the rise. Covino agrees, and adds: I think about ethical non-monogamy all the time. If were being honest, were often attracted to people even when were in a relationship, and we both have friends in open relationships. When we started exploring it, we kept reading articles and think pieces, so it felt like we were tackling something that people want to talk about. Covino and Johnson with Simon Webster, who plays their son in Splitsville. Hes not wrong. While monogamy isnt at risk of being elbowed out of the mainstream, curiosity about less traditional relationships is on the rise. The advocacy group Relationships Australia reports that about 6 per cent of Australians have been in an open relationship. At the same time, research by Bumble found that 47 per cent of people currently dating in Australia believe ethical non-monogamy is the future. Advertisement Data from the US reflects a similar acceptance of alternative relationship structures, although skewed towards the young. Fifty-one per cent of adults under 30 told Pew Research in 2023, that open marriage was acceptable, and 20 per cent of all Americans report experimenting with some form of non-monogamy. Thats a lot of people open to being open. Says Johnson: Whenever theres somebody who is in a non-monogamous relationship, people are always so curious about it, how it works, and does it work; we all need to think about it. Its a fascinating subject and the film pays close attention to how non-monogamous relationships interact with love and friendship too. This is all familiar ground for Marvin and Covino, best friends who met in advertising (Kyle cast me in a commercial best decision hes ever made, jokes Covino), before turning their attention to writing and directing. Their first feature, The Climb, won the Jury Prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, before its wider release was disrupted by the pandemic. The Climb shares plenty of DNA with Splitsville; the former is an indie bromance set across several years and follows characters played by Covino and Marvin as their friendship collapses when one man sleeps with the others fiancee. For two people who seem intimately close as collaborators and friends, why the fixation on falling out? Filmmaking buddies Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin explore modern love in Splitsville. Credit: AP I dont really think it was a conscious thing for The Climb and Splitsville to cover similar terrain, says Marvin. We spend so much f---ing time together that at a certain point, its more fun to talk about what happens if it all goes wrong. Advertisement Says Covino: Ive had many creative partnerships before Kyle, and its rare to find a dynamic where you actually complement each other. Im not always the easiest person to work with, and there are plenty of disagreements, but were very good at conflict resolution, so I feel lucky. Its tempting to imagine that Covino and Marvins real-life conflict resolution might resemble the elaborate fight scene that takes place midway through Splitsville. Having learnt that Carey slept with his wife, Paul declares that everything is totally fine before slapping his best friend. He immediately apologises before slapping Carey again, kicking off an eight-minute sequence that includes biting, kicking, a smashed fish tank, several rescued goldfish and a blowtorch to the face before coming to a spectacular climax: two grown men crashing through a huge upstairs window and landing in the pool. A captivating set piece, the fight scene was one of Covino and Marvins earliest ideas and key to setting the tone for Splitsville. That was one of the scenes that unlocked the movie and what we were going to do with it, Covino says. Paul is trying to convince himself that everythings fine; hes an emotionally mature guy, right? But deep down theres a whole different thing going on and he has this guttural, physical reaction to the jealousy, insecurity and emotion. Determined to perform the stunts themselves, the pair spent five weeks rehearsing with stunt co-ordinator Tyler Hall (from the Transformers franchise), perfecting the art of awkward violence. We took it very seriously. I understand what Tom Cruise goes through now, says Marvin, laughing. The tricky part was to make it feel realistic while also reminding the audience this is a comedy and these guys are still friends. Advertisement China's Xinhua News Agency and Russia's TASS news agency jointly hold a photography exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's Xinhua News Agency and Russia's TASS news agency jointly held a photography exhibition in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The exhibition features more than 50 photographs taken by journalists from both agencies, showcasing the great contributions made by China and the Soviet Union, the main theaters of Asia and Europe respectively, to the victory in World War II. Inaugurating the exhibition, President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua said Xinhua is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with TASS, jointly promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, speak for justice, peace and the people, tell well stories of China-Russia traditional friendship and stories of bilateral cooperation in the new era. Andrey Kondrashov, director general of TASS, said these photographs documented the significant sacrifices made by both countries in pursuit of victory and remind people of their responsibility for safeguarding peace. He added that maintaining resilience and solidarity is particularly important in a world faced with common challenges. Stressing the importance of preserving and objectively presenting the true history related to the victory in World War II, Stepkina Natalia, minister-counsellor of the Russian Embassy in China, said photographs from TASS and Xinhua enable generations of people to remember history and both countries should firmly oppose any attempts to distort history. The exhibition will last until Sept. 9. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outFood James Street restaurant first in Queensland to serve Rolls-Royce of beef Strict supply constraints and quality control measures mean it goes for $349 for a 200-gram steak, but beef aficionados will hardly care. Matt Shea September 2, 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 Fatcow will this week become the first Queensland restaurant to serve imported Kobe beef, in the culmination of a months-long process to secure the exclusive product. From tomorrow, the James Street restaurant will offer the prized Japanese beef on a special sirloin menu, offering a 200-gram steak for $349 and a 100-gram steak for $175. Kobe beef sirloin pictured at Fatcow on James Street. Markus Ravik Fatcow will be just the 13th restaurant in Australia to serve Kobe beef. It comes after an 18-month certification process with Japans Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association, which oversees the production and distribution of the product. From when we started thinking seriously about it, [18 months] is fair, owner Michael Tassis says. We actually started talking about it with the old Fatcow [at Eagle Street Pier], but back then it was more a dream than anything. Advertisement Tassis credits Fatcow head chef Garry Newton with securing the certification. Initially, I tried [reaching out] and nothing came of it, Newton says. [After that] I jumped online and was sending emails, calling numbers, leaving messages, spamming the chat. Related Article The hidden retro Valley Thai brunch spot you need to seek out I was just pumping it. I hate annoying people but I was like, Fk, I want it. It was then probably about a year of annoying the right people. Eventually, Mavis [Lu] from Osawa [Enterprises, an Australian wagyu distributor] reached out and said, We can make this happen. Advertisement Kobe beef is considered the Rolls-Royce of wagyu. Sourced from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle that are exclusive to Japans Hyogo prefecture, animals must meet specific criteria for breed and lineage. Post-slaughter, the product must meet strict quality standards set by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. The final product is prized for its marbling, tenderness and intense flavour. Its so soft. Today, we pulled it out of the fridge its almost the consistency of room-temperature butter. Michael Tassis Its so soft, Tassis says. Today, we pulled it out of the fridge. Normal wagyu, it can be quite tough when you first take it out of the fridge. With this, its almost the consistency of room-temperature butter. Advertisement Much of the wagyu produced and served in Australia is crossbred with Angus cattle, a high-yield beef with a strong growth rate. Kobe beef was banned from import into Australia from 2001 to 2018. For Tassis, the addition of the sirloins to the Fatcow menu scratches an itch for getting his hands on hard-to-find produce, but he also reckons it helps complete a picture for a dining public increasingly well versed in different cuts and breeds of beef, and wagyu in particular. People now share a plate of beef and talk about it, he says. The different marbling, the fats, and the different cuts. So to have Kobe and compare it, say, to Australian beef, its a great talking point, and an educational one as well. Fatcow head chef Garry Newton and owner Michael Tassis. Markus Ravik People will be interested to try it because before they may have had to travel to Japan. Its that curiosity, isnt it? Advertisement Annually, its typical for between 3000 and 5000 head of Tajima cattle to be certified as Kobe beef, meaning supply is extremely limited. Newton says the restaurant only has five kilograms of product for the next five to six weeks, but beyond that, hes expecting to secure 10 kilograms a month. Its not easy to get Kobe, but we love a challenge, Tassis says. Theres a lot of gates you need to jump through. You have to have a good reputation and theyll look at your menu. But we managed to tick all the boxes and here we are. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Food For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others. Advertisement Eating outComing soon Sydney Theatre Company to transform Bar at the End of the Wharf into upmarket restaurant The historic waterfront space will revert from a casual bar and eatery to a sit-down venue, in a shift that recalls its days as a landmark restaurant. Scott Bolles September 3, 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 Sydney Theatre Company will turn back the clock by converting its Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf at Walsh Bay into an upmarket sit-down restaurant, and transforming the bar-restaurant next to the nearby Roslyn Packer Theatre into a New York theatre bar- and speakeasy-inspired venue. The reboot at wharf 4/5 revisits late restaurant pioneer Anders Ousbacks golden dining era at the waterfront venue during its 80s heyday as The Wharf, an icon of Australian cuisine. The warehouse-style space has sweeping harbour views. Trent van der Jagt The Wharf Restaurant and Bar opens on Thursday, September 18. The venue will run in partnership with hospitality operator Peter McCloskeys The Fresh Collective, the arts-heavy group whose portfolio includes chef Matt Morans venue at the Art Gallery of NSW. McCloskey said while Sydney Theatre Company appealed to a wide age group, his research found a rich vein of 50- to 60-year-olds and up who want a proper meal before or after the theatre, and the certainty of a reservation. Advertisement Theatre-goers like to book, and its such a long way to walk down the wharf and find they cant get in, McCloskey said. Across the other side of Hickson Road, the reboot of Walsh Bay Kitchen next to the Roslyn Packer Theatre will take a creative turn in the other direction, when it reopens as Folio in November. Brick chicken and mafaldine lamb shoulder. Trent van der Jagt Award-winning bartender Charlie Ainsbury, the former owner of the highly acclaimed This Must be the Place in Darlinghurst, will partner on the project. Im inspired by the institution bars of midtown Manhattan: Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, and Sardis, which has been at the top of Broadway for [about] 100 years, Ainsbury said of his inspiration for the new bar. Advertisement Places that have become cultural landmarks where art, music and hospitality intersect. This is a concept that Sydney is yet to lean into, but feels like a natural fit for the great location at Sydney Theatre Company. With Ainsbury at the helm of the incoming theatre bar, expect a tight food menu, a considered wine line-up and strong champagne list. Youll also be able to slip in and out of the theatre to sip on a classic cocktail. From left: Award-winning bartender Charlie Ainsbury, STCs Anne Dunn, Peter McCloskey of The Fresh Collective. Trent van der Jagt At the wharf, the curtain came down on its restaurant era in 2012, when new operators were ushered in to open a casual venue in the waterfront site with sweeping harbour views. In the years before the restaurants closure, the venue received a chefs hat. At the reborn restaurant, diners will soon dine on globe artichoke with preserved lemon; chicken with charred cos, peas and nduja butter; and steak frites with Cafe de Paris butter. Advertisement McCloskey said the restaurant would be price sensitive, with mains starting around $30 and high-end dishes topping $50. Youll be able to have a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine for $35, he said. Related Article Bar Copains team brings new name, menu, interior to cult Italian spot Bar Vincent Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up At the first show of New York Fashion Week on September 11, all eyes will be on the front row rather than the clothes by Michael Kors. Theres a new sheriff in town, wearing Chanel instead of a gold star (they are so last season), with the appointment of Chloe Malle as the new head of editorial content for American Vogue. After nearly four decades of focusing on the inscrutable gaze of outgoing editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, with her signature sharp bob and sunglasses, designers will look to the amiable expression of Malle resting beneath corkscrew curls, for hints on whether their collection will make the pages of the enduring fashion magazine. Having worked at Vogue since 2011, currently as editor of Vogue.com, the 39-year-old Malle has the necessary experience to sit in Wintours chair, but its her Hollywood pedigree that has prepared her for this close-up. The child of Candice Bergen and the late auteur director Louis Malle, she arrives with pop culture bona fides, Puck journalist Lauren Sherman wrote in her announcement of the appointment. Bergen, the star of nineties sitcom Murphy Brown not only played a Vogue editor in the Sex and the City series, she appeared on the magazine cover twice as a model in 1967 and 1969. Triple murderer Erin Pattersons sentencing will be broadcast live on Monday in a historic first for the Victorian Supreme Court. A television camera will be stationed inside the courtroom as Justice Christopher Beale sentences Patterson for the murders of Heather Wilkinson and Don and Gail Patterson. Erin Patterson arrives at the Supreme Court on August 25. Credit: Jason Edwards Under normal circumstances, it is illegal to take photos or record video or audio of court proceedings, including for media outlets. Loading But Beale gave express permission for the media to broadcast the sentencing for the first time in the courts history. The Supreme Court regularly livestreams trials from its own in-court cameras. The media broadcast will capture only Beale, not Patterson or any other attendees. Media outlets are not permitted to advertise while broadcasting the sentencing, which is expected to last for 30 minutes to an hour. This unprecedented access is the latest recognition of the immense public and media appetite for information on the long-running triple-murder trial. Read the more on this story here. 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 Clearly the answer is yes(Are we facing a big Australia by stealth? Heres what the numbers actually say, September 2). Businesses and government love migration for its revenue, profits, taxes and lower government debt-to-GDP ratio as the natural population increase is so low. Generally, we choose our migrants fairly well. We ensure confidence in the legal program by all but eliminating migrant schemes run by criminal gangs. But we dont adequately address the housing affordability crises that arise from more people, fewer people per dwelling and poor local market conditions for new home construction. Ultimately, the Commonwealth must invest in better transport services to support higher density living in existing and new cities and towns. Debt finance funded by future taxes is the efficient model to build well-planned road and rail infrastructure, but we cant agree on what well-planned looks like. Peter Egan, Fairview Park (SA) Illustration Credit: Cathy Wilcox Supposed high levels of immigration are unfortunately being used by the ultra-right in many advanced economies to garner support. In Australia, the movement is nascent, but the housing affordability crisis has given it fertile ground to grow and become a threat. Unfortunately increasing supply will not resolve the crisis developers do not build affordable housing. What is required is addressing negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount to dissipate speculation and massive government intervention to build both social housing and genuinely affordable housing. Alan Morris, Eastlakes Woollahra Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael is no friend of progress, rallying around his well-heeled constituents to maintain the areas exclusivity at the same time as robbing the phrase toxic masculinity of meaning (Woollahra officials dig in over housing, September 2). Colin Stokes, Camperdown Im not sure labelling the villain and playing the man is any less old-fashioned than so-called toxic masculinity, no matter how youthful the mouth that utters it. Peter Fyfe, Enmore Scales of migration The debate over immigration seems to exist only in extremes: neo-Nazis and the far right wanting none of it; the extreme left wanting open slather (PM says some good people marched on Sunday, blames exploitation by neo-Nazis, September 2). No doubt many in the centre are supportive of immigration and multiculturalism with caveats. Media reports of Middle Eastern crime families, Asian drug smugglers and honour killings fuel trepidation about migration, but they are disproportionate to the behaviour and aspirations of most migrants. The migrant contribution is much more than exotic cuisine and fashion. We need to acknowledge the enormous contribution of migrants while at same time ensuring that lawlessness, which is not the preserve of migrant communities, is rooted out wherever it is found. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield Advertisement One of the more disappointing aspects of last Sundays march was reading the comments to articles in the Greek-Australian media for those of us from that background. Judging by the comments, there seemed to be an overall majority who not only supported the protest but also used hate speech to condemn recent arrivals to Australia and blaming them for various problems from housing to crime. They seemed to have forgotten or perhaps are ignorant of the racism and stereotyping of their parents and or grandparents who arrived here as post-WWII migrants and immense problems they encountered as recently as the late 70s, there were calls for them to be deported due to an allegation hundreds of them were involved in a social security conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth. If only they were aware of this countrys immigration history. Con Vaitsas, Makronisos, Greece All this nonsense about stopping immigration. Most migrants want to settle in a big city because there are more jobs available and rural areas are poorly serviced. Why arent migrants encouraged to settle in rural areas? One reason is because medical services have been dwindling and many towns only have a nurse available two days a week. Remote areas of Tibet have better medical services than this. Why not a mandate for graduating doctors to spend five years in a rural area? Child numbers at schools have dwindled to the point where many have had to close. Houses are more affordable in rural areas. If doctors, schools and houses were available, other services would benefit. Judith Rostron, Killarney Heights Anti-immigration protesters carry flags and chant as they march towards Victoria Park. Credit: Getty Images I would love to be a fly on the wall when one of the send them home mob end up in hospital one day. Will they be chanting their slogan at the doctors and nurses originally from India, China, Ireland, the Philippines, South Africa, England etc? I hope the needle is blunt. Maggie Ramsay, Woolloomooloo The contrast is stark. Hundreds of thousands of people march in Australia in support of Palestine, peacefully and without incident. Thousands of people march against immigration followed by violence and brutal savage attacks erupt. Will we heed the lessons? Anni Browning, Elizabeth Bay I came to Australia from New Zealand in the 1970s and I still have a bit of a funny accent: Fush and Chups, anyone? Would I be required to return to my homeland or am I entitled to a dispensation because my skin is white? And what about my brown-skinned children? The devil is in the detail. Alicia Dawson, Balmain Some people attending an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne on Sunday broke off to invade an Aboriginal encampment. Unthinking idiots. Gay OConnor, Manly Advertisement For those of us who dont experience racism personally, hearing how it feels to be on the receiving end is sobering (Haters turn gaze to people like me, September 2). The message of the march was obnoxious. But set against a population of 27 million, the numbers involved were insignificant. Those who are not afraid of difference barely notice it. So the question is, do the small minority of shouters somehow hijack the conversation and cause hurt out of all proportion to their numbers? Do they taint our whole community, or can we keep moving beyond such small-mindedness? Margaret Johnston, Paddington Wartime sacrifices Whenever there is a report of an event marking the end of WWII in our media, it is generally about the Western powers sacrifice (and victory) (A commemoration in Beijing I will be honoured to attend, September 2). There is hardly a mention of the roles and sacrifices by the Chinese and Russians. Bob Carrs op-ed is a timely reminder of the huge human sacrifice made by the Chinese in WWII. The loss of 15 to 20 million Chinese lives is second only to the Russian loss of 24 to 27 million. By contrast, the British and Americans lives loss were respectively less than half a million. Thiam Ang, Beecroft Female soldiers practise for the military parade in Beijing. Credit: Getty Climate bulls-eye With the government soon to announce its 2035 emissions reduction target, it is essential that this be as ambitious as possible (Trump blew up Americas offshore wind industry now hes blowing up ours, August 31). Any talk of a target range is folly, as it would mean the lower end of the range could be used as a measure of success rather than the upper. If we really need a 75 per cent reduction to reach net zero by mid-century, then thats what the target should be. Anything less would give the government a get-out clause, and the temptation to use it could prove too great. Sadly, there is no get-out clause when it comes to the Earths climate. If we dont get our emissions down within a scientifically viable time frame, the biosphere will be unforgiving. No amount of political expediency will change that. Ken Enderby, Concord Advertisement So much for transparency Before the 2022 election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised there would be greater freedom of information access to government documents (Secretive Albanese government goes backward on transparency, July 25). The prime minister contrasted the proposed easing of freedom of information requirements to the restrictions of the Morrison government. In contrast, obtaining information has been made more difficult, with government departments and agencies using every excuse to delay or refuse access. The proposed changes the attorney-general will present to parliament this week further reduce access to information. Transparency and accountability are key principles of a democratic country. These principles are being further eroded in Australia. Anthony Ryan, Randwick Level playing field Our economy is replete with subsidies for all manner of private enterprises (Top private schools may pay to play in public parks, September 2). This public support may well have begun as so-called social engineering to achieve desirable social outcomes. But these hand-outs are frequently being gamed by big money and by those with political clout. The fact that private profit-making schools do not pay for the use of public parks is simply another. It is well past time that our decision-makers rationalised these subsidies. Unfortunately, this would require the sort of courage and bi-partisanship we are sadly lacking. Greg Baker, Fitzroy Falls Advertisement St Aloysius Colleges apparent disinclination to pay to play is arguably a pie in the face of local ratepayers. Not content with free council rates on prime land with harbour views, it now wants to have its cake and eat it too. Fares fair. Edward Loong, Milsons Point Trop billing The revival of Tropfest for filmmakers is bubbling-over news for all of us interested in film. (Tropfest reinvented: Short-film festival makes comeback, September 1). Bringing people together for the shared experience of the short-film art form is generous, but the creation of a dedicated YouTube channel not only allows global recognition, but access for all who are aged, infirm and disabled or simply unable to travel to Centennial Park. The inclusivity for all lifts the not-for-profit venture into another stratosphere. Janice Creenaune, Austinmer Bryan Brown, John Polson, Monique Macleod, Peter VLandys and George Miller at the re-launch of Tropfest. Credit: Jessica Hromas Bring on Brisbane Along with Ron Sinclair, I was among the crowd cheering home Cathy Freeman in the best Games ever in Sydney 2000 (Letters, September 2). As an 11-year-old, I was also in the crowd at the 1956 Games in Melbourne, and recall vividly the finish of the mens 1500 metres event. My father, of Irish descent, cheered home the whirlwind finish of Irishman Ron Delaney, while I was thrilled that our own John Landy ran a game and courageous third. In a world beset with conflict and disunity, long may Olympic Games continue to flourish as a source of enjoyment, unity and pride. Bring on Brisbane! Michael Healy, Raworth Katters hypocrisy Advertisement A Sydney lawyer with links to the notorious Alameddine crime network has lost a bid to keep his identity secret after being charged over a violent kidnapping in which a man was allegedly held for ransom and tortured. Parramatta solicitor Sylvan Singh fronted Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday, charged with a string of offences over the incident in Granville last November. Parramatta lawyer Sylvan Singh has been charged over a violent kidnapping. Credit: RedLine Legal Police allege a 31-year-old was abducted by three males when he stopped his car to make a phone call on November 23. He was allegedly bound with cable ties before being driven away by the trio. The man was allegedly taken to a St Marys property, where he was tortured and assaulted. His brother was contacted and paid a ransom the group demanded, but the 31-year-old was not released, and an additional ransom was demanded, police said. An independent primary school hedged in by Griffiths Mount Gravatt campus is keen to leverage closure of the university site to expand, as other stakeholders also eye off the swathe of government-owned land. Yarranlea Primary School reopened as a mixed-age independent school in 2014, having previously been a state school closed by the Newman government. Loading Adrienne Innes, legal director of the schools board, told ABC Radio Yarranlea had 60 students but was unable to expand because we cant build another classroom. I look at all the teaching spaces up on that university site, but no one can give us authorisation to use even one or two of them for extra classrooms. Its very frustrating, Innes said. Public housing advocates are also vying for a piece of the 42-hectare site to help ease the states housing shortage, and Innes said the Griffith University tennis courts, about 200 metres from the school, would be perfect as a community hub. The university said it would continue to support site facilities until mid-2026, except the aquatics centre, which was slated to close at the end of the year. I dont understand how she came to the conclusions that she did. A young woman who was in need didnt need to be treated like a dirty, crazy person. Loading The patient, who was 27 at the time, has now completed a mental health degree, which has empowered her to speak up. Im hoping that what I can say can validate anybody else with their experiences with her, she said. Another patient told A Current Affair that they complained to medical regulator AHPRA about Boros-Lavack in 2014. The former patient alleged her treatment was highly inappropriate and unprofessional. She claimed the doctor stated she would be changing my medication with no discussion or explanation, leaving her feeling traumatised for a very long time. I thought it was important that AHPRA was aware of this practitioners unprofessionalism. I didnt think she was fit to treat patients, the former patient said. AHPRA dismissed the complaint without even speaking directly to the aggrieved patient. Boros-Lavack declined to comment in relation to either case, leaving open the concerns raised by her former patients. It can now be revealed that in 2023, AHPRA placed two conditions on Boros-Lavacks registration, requiring her to undertake education and get mentoring about managing vulnerable patients and conflicts of interest. Both conditions were removed from the public register by mid-2024 after she had satisfied those requirements. It has been a difficult period for the Hungarian-born practitioner. Boros-Lavack was the clinical director of The Toowoomba Clinic, a 27-bed acute psychiatric facility that went into liquidation last year owing debts of $11 million. Flowers left in Bondi Junction after Cauchis stabbing attack. Credit: Oscar Colman There is no suggestion Boros-Lavack had anything to do with the facilitys demise or that she mistreated former patients, only that there are allegations from some who feel unheard. When confronted by A Current Affair, the psychiatrist said patients with a complaint about her should contact AHPRA. I dont think its a public concern. If you are concerned, you can go to channels like AHPRA or you can go to the ombudsman and ask them, she said. Loading Boros-Lavack also said she did not know how many complaints had been made against her to AHPRA, even though the regulator is required by law to notify the practitioner as soon as practicable after it is received. A spokesperson for AHRPA said confidentiality provisions of the national law under which it operates limited what could be said publicly about an individual practitioner. Unless a matter is already in the public domain, for example a specific tribunal outcome or listing on the public register, we are unable to provide information in relation to it, the spokesperson said. Boros-Lavack declined to respond to repeated email requests seeking a more substantial response to the complaints. A spokesperson for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists said the tragedy in Bondi had deeply shaken all of us and exposed the cracks in our mental health system. Psychiatric practice at times involves complex clinical scenarios and needs a whole of system to work together to ensure safe and best outcomes for the patient and community, the spokesperson said. Treatment and advice are frequently based on a persons mental health presentation at the time of review and psychiatrists are unable to confidently predict what might or might not happen in the future. Former drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has appeared in court for the first time since he was released on bail after nearly 18 years in jail as his bid to overturn his drug convictions begins. An ageing Mokbel, 60, climbed the stairs of the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday, dressed in a tailored dark blue suit and black leather shoes, for day one of a four-day appeal hearing, arguing the court should quash his convictions because of the Lawyer X scandal. Tony Mokbel arrives at court on Tuesday. Credit: Jason South Mokbel was handed a 30-year prison sentence in 2012, with a non-parole period of 22 years, after pleading guilty to masterminding an elaborate drug syndicate. Nicola Gobbo, who was working as a double agent for police, had represented him before his sentencing, and this forms the basis of Mokbels appeal. On Monday, three Court of Appeal judges heard there are two appeals running at the same time. The first is Mokbels appeal against his conviction for two charges of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs and incitement to import a prohibited import. The troubled Fishermans Bend urban renewal project has been dealt a fresh blow by the University of Melbournes suspension of plans to build a large and vital part of the precinct. The university said on Tuesday it would pause work on the seven hectares it bought for $49 million in 2018. The institution cited a constrained revenue environment driven by evolving regulations in the sector. Melbourne Universitys planned Fishermans Bend campus. Credit: The Age But the City of Melbourne and the local business lobby say the lack of public transport links to Fishermans Bend more than a decade after the renewal program was launched continues to deter large employers from moving there. The university had planned a campus teaching advanced manufacturing, design, engineering and other technologies, intended to work alongside companies such as Boeing and General Motors Holden in a technological and educational precinct. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Khurelsukh is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met here with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Tuesday morning. Xi pointed out that both sides should take the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future as the guide to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen development integration and promote people-to-people exchanges, thus continuously injecting momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China will remain a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia, Xi said, urging both sides to carefully safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations, deepen the alignment of development strategies, and work together to advance their respective modernization processes. Noting that the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China aims to better address global challenges, Xi said China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement this initiative. Maintaining permanent good-neighborly friendship with China and engaging in long-term mutually beneficial cooperation are the priorities of Mongolia's foreign policy, Khurelsukh said, adding that Mongolia will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and firmly support China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He said that Mongolia looks forward to exploring the potential for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, enhancing connectivity, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and achieving more outcomes in the development of bilateral relations. Mongolia highly appreciates the Global Governance Initiative and is willing to work with China to provide mutual support and closely collaborate on the international stage to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Khurelsukh said. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as customs, metrology and media. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Khurelsukh is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) An inner-city council is using a CCTV camera in a park to ensure residents comply with restrictions on dogs. A CCTV camera was installed by the City of Port Phillip two weeks ago on a pole at Hewison Reserve, a small park in Balaclava with an open grassed area and a fenced-off playground. Belinda Kelly with her grandson Elton and his dog Albert at Hewison Reserve in Balaclava, where Port Phillip Council has installed dog watch CCTV. Credit: Wayne Taylor A sign underneath the camera states: Dog watch: Roving CCTV is currently operating in this area to monitor whether local dog restrictions are being followed. Signs around the reserve note that dogs are required to be kept on leads throughout the park. The council of the Pilbara town that is home to the worlds biggest bulk export port has been dissolved, and three commissioners appointed in its place. West Australian Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley dissolved the Town of Port Hedland council on Tuesday, with the resignation of Mayor Peter Carter last week the tipping point. Port Hedland is the worlds busiest bulk export port. Credit: Trevor Collens Carter, whose resignation followed four other councillors who left from October 2024, said he had quit over dysfunction within the council. The move left the council without the five members needed to form a quorum. Beazley, the daughter of Labor titan Kim Beazley, appointed commissioners Jessica Shaw, Martin Aldridge and Ron Yuryevich to oversee the councils operations until an election in March next year. A teenager who was stabbed by his girlfriends mother says he remains traumatised two years on from the attack. In his first interview since the attack, the now-16-year-old told 9News Perth he struggled to eat and sleep and had lost friends since he was repeatedly stabbed by Jennifer Mui Len Chin. The teenage boy outside court last month. Credit: 9News Perth The highschool student said he had also lost his love of playing basketball and lived in fear of his attacker. [Ive] been more stressed out, like, looking over my shoulder, he said. Sundays anti-immigration marches, held in cities from Sydney to Perth, were large, noisy, and deeply revealing. Thousands of Australians took to the streets chanting slogans and waving placards about mass migration. For many, the tempting reaction is to dismiss the demonstrators as racists. Some certainly were, and shadow federal attorney-general Julian Leeser was right to warn that those who attended should be careful of the company they keep. But we cannot and should not write off everyone who marched. Many protesters were drawn out of their homes because they genuinely believe immigration has reached record-breaking, unsustainable levels. Protesters during the March for Australia anti-immigration rally outside Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday. Credit: AAP And here lies the real problem: most of them are misinformed. Australias immigration crisis isnt about numbers its about misinformation. Australians took to the streets because they were told to be afraid of numbers that dont exist. A press release from the Institute of Public Affairs issued two weeks before the rallies claimed 457,560 net migrants had arrived in the 2024-25 financial year alone. US President Donald Trump took aim at Xi Jinping on Wednesday as the Chinese president hosted foreign leaders at a major military parade in Beijing. Trump accused Xi of conspiring against America with Russias Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against The United States of America, Trump adopting a sarcastic tone posted on TruthSocial as the parade kicked off. The lavish event to mark 80 years since Japans defeat at the end of World War II has been largely shunned by Western leaders, with Putin and Kim pariahs in the West due to the Ukraine war and Kims nuclear ambitions the guests of honour. Labor could suffer its first defeat in the Senate since its landslide election win, as the Greens, Coalition and crossbench team up to force the government to expedite the delivery of home care packages for elderly Australians. Aged Care Minister Sam Rae was targeted in question time for a second day on Tuesday, after the Health Department last week revealed a backlog of 200,000 Australians waiting to access home care packages while the government delayed reforms. Almost every Coalition question on Monday and Tuesday was directed at new Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen They include a backlog of 121,596 older Australians waiting to be assessed so they could receive home care, in addition to 87,000 people already on the official waitlist with approved packages that had not been released. The home care packages were delayed when the government deferred the start of its aged care reforms set to introduce higher resident fees, stronger regulatory powers and a rebooted support-at-home scheme from July to November. Police are investigating an alleged assault against two Palestinian-Australian brothers one wearing a keffiyeh who were told we dont want you in our country on a Sydney train after Sundays pro-Palestine and anti-immigration rallies. NSW Police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation was under way into allegations that brothers Shamikh and Majed Badra had been threatened and assaulted by a man unknown to them who was on board their train from Town Hall bound for Stanmore. The brothers, who have had family killed in the war in Gaza, had attended a rally for Palestine in Sydneys CBD. An anti-immigration march, which attracted thousands of protesters, was held in the city at the same time. The pair say they sat together on the lower deck of the train, with Majed wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh, a garment associated with the Palestinian cause. Xi, in his opening speech at the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, a Eurasian security grouping, took not-so-subtle jabs at the US, urging members of the group to oppose a Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and bullying. He said the organisation must forge ahead amid global upheaval. Putin delivered a speech that repeated his claims about the West being at fault for his countrys war in Ukraine. He also praised a recent summit he had with Trump in Alaska to discuss the conflict and said he had already briefed Xi about those talks in detail, comments seeming to signal Chinas central role in Russias diplomatic calculus. Modi, for his part, spoke of promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order in other words, a system in which countries like India had a greater say in global affairs. Putin and Modi hold hands. Credit: AP The three-way hand-holding between Modi, Putin and Xi was nothing short of the smiling manifestation of a troika that Moscow had recently said it hoped to revive. In another demonstration of closeness soon after, Modi shared a car with Putin as they rode together to a meeting on the sidelines of the summit. The two then spoke in Putins limousine for 50 minutes before the start of their official meeting, according to Russian state media. Conversations with him are always insightful, Modi wrote on his social media account, where he posted a photo of the ride. Asked by a Russian state television reporter why the two leaders spoke in the car, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlins spokesperson, responded, smiling: Our own walls. In the past, Indias risk-averse bureaucracy would have taken pains to avoid such overt displays of warmth with China and Russia at sensitive junctures the secret to expanding ties with Washington while keeping a seat at forums led by the other major powers. But Trumps barrage of tariffs on India, now at 50 per cent after penalising India for buying Russian oil, has left little incentive for India to do so. This time, Modi even splashed the visuals on his social media accounts shortly after the meeting opened, showing how far, and how suddenly, that juggling act has been upended. Later, Modi was even more effusive at the meeting, telling Putin that 1.4 billion Indians are waiting with excitement to welcome him in New Delhi in December. It is a testament of the depth and breadth of our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that even in the most difficult times, India and Russia have stood shoulder to shoulder, Modi told Putin. The summit, which ended on Monday, is the first part of a diplomatic showcase Xi has lined up this week. In the lead-up to this meeting, he has held talks with many of the visiting leaders, including Modi, during which he said the two countries should see each other as partners and not rivals. He is also expected to hold talks with Putin. But the biggest highlight is a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, to be attended by Putin and Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator. Xi has tried to recast Chinas role in the war to burnish the Communist Partys image and buttress its claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea, scholars have said. In one sign of how China is using the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation to serve its interests, Xi in his speech on Monday called on countries to promote a correct understanding of World War II history. Xi Jinping clearly wants to challenge the post-World War II global order dominated by the United States and show that China is a reliable and legitimate alternative, said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. The public show of unity between the three leaders masked deep suspicions and conflicting interests. China and India remain locked in mistrust over their disputed border; Beijing says the issue should not define the overall relationship between the two countries. But India would like a resolution to the dispute, and Modi is also wary that his earlier courting of Xi had backfired by causing him embarrassment. Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, (centre) pose for a group photo with international guests before a summit welcome banquet. Credit: Xinhua News Agency via AP Despite the warm ties with Moscow, India cannot expect to replace Western economic support with Russia, a country hit badly by sanctions because of its invasion of Ukraine. As for China, though it projects especially close ties with Russia at the moment, it has been looking warily at Moscows growing influence over North Korea. The Hague: The worlds biggest academic association of genocide scholars has passed a resolution saying the legal criteria have been met to establish Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, the organisations president said. Eighty-six per cent of those who voted among the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars backed the resolution declaring Israels policies and actions in Gaza had met the legal definition set out in Article II of the 1948 UN convention on genocide. The Guardian reported that 28 per cent of the associations members took part in the vote. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza on Monday. Credit: AP This is a definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies that what is going on on the ground in Gaza is genocide, said IAGS president Melanie OBrien, a professor of international law at the University of Western Australia who specialises in genocide. There is no justification for the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, not even self-defence. New York: A high-level coalition of former ministers and military leaders is urging the Trump administration not to abandon the AUKUS pact with Australia and the United Kingdom, saying that while it will rob the US of nuclear-powered submarines at a crucial time, the benefits are worth the cost. Jim Mattis, who served as Donald Trumps defence secretary in his first term, co-wrote a piece published in the respected journal Foreign Affairs with former Australian defence minister Marise Payne, former British chief of defence staff Nicholas Carter and former US chief of naval operations Gary Roughead. Jim Mattis and Marise Payne, the respective defence ministers of the US and Australia in 2018, have co-authored a piece urging Trump to stick with AUKUS. Credit: AP Published overnight, the essay warns that cancelling or substantially weakening AUKUS would do the work of Washingtons adversaries for them, noting both China and Russia do not like the alliance. The strongest argument for AUKUS is that China and Russia object to it, the authors say. When a countrys adversaries dont like what it is doing, it should usually press on. 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 Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Lukashenko is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi on Tuesday met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. Lukashenko is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Lukashenko, China-Belarus relations have maintained rapid development, and the fruitful meeting between the two heads of state on Sunday injected new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, said 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. China is willing to work with Belarus to follow the important consensus of the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen inter-party exchanges and international collaboration, Cai said. Noting that China is a pillar of world peace and stability, Lukashenko said Belarus firmly supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi, which is crucial in promoting the development of a more just and equitable global governance system. Belarus will continue to be a trustworthy friend and partner with China, Lukashenko said. 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 Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Lukashenko is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), the Honourable Mrs. Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, welcomed a delegation from Export Saint Lucia for an official courtesy call and trade mission briefing. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), the Honourable Mr. Richinel Brug, was also invited to attend, as the delegations interests touch on areas where both ministries collaborate. Export Saint Lucia, the national export promotion agency of Saint Lucia, is leading a trade mission to Sint Maarten and St. Martin from September 1 to 4, 2025. The delegation comprises representatives from diverse sectors, including sustainable agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage, health and wellness, and value-added products. Among the businesses represented are: Sustainable Agricultural Supplies fresh produce (bananas, plantains, coconuts, dasheen) fresh produce (bananas, plantains, coconuts, dasheen) Praslin Sea Moss Farmers Association and MossSoLucians suppliers of dried sea moss and suppliers of dried sea moss Pure Press & Auera sugar-free cold-pressed juices and sea moss-based wellness products sugar-free cold-pressed juices and sea moss-based wellness products Baron Foods internationally recognized condiments and sauces internationally recognized condiments and sauces St. Lucia Distillers premium rums and spirits premium rums and spirits Saint Lu Woodworking customized kitchens and furnishings customized kitchens and furnishings Saint Lu Metals & Plastics and Caribbean Metals commercial windows, roof systems, and fabrication solutions and commercial windows, roof systems, and fabrication solutions Natmed Ltd. natural health and beauty products The primary objective of the visit is to introduce Saint Lucian goods and services to the Sint Maarten market, strengthen business-to-business (B2B) linkages, and explore opportunities for sustainable trade partnerships. The delegation will meet with chambers of commerce, distributors, hotels, spas, and retailers to identify collaboration and market entry opportunities. Speaking at the meeting, Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to advancing regional cooperation and encouraging economic ties across the Caribbean: As islands, we share not only geography but also aspirations for growth and resilience. I welcome the Export Saint Lucia team and encourage local businesses in Sint Maarten to seize this opportunity to connect, explore synergies, and consider partnerships. They are here for a short time, and I urge industries to use this week to see what is possible. Export Saint Lucias CEO, Ms. Sunita Daniel, expressed that the mission underscores their commitment to expanding Saint Lucias international market access, with Sint Maarten serving as a vital gateway for trade in the Northern Caribbean. Press Release from Business Wire: Zanders (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 UTRECHT, Sept 2, 2025 (BSW) - Zanders, the global treasury, risk, and technology consultancy, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lars Frisell as Partner. With an extensive background in banking, consulting, and financial regulation, Lars will strengthen Zanders' footprint in the Nordic and Baltic markets, leveraging Zanders' expertise in key areas such as credit risk modelling, ESG risk, financial crime prevention and treasury services. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250831366194/en/ Zanders Strengthens Growth in the Nordics and Baltics with the Joining of Lars Frisell as Partner Since 2021 Lars has held senior positions at Swedbank, both as Head of Credit Risk and Modelling and Head of ESG Risk. Prior to this Lars has had several prominent roles in the financial industry, including Chief Economist at the Central Bank of Ireland, Senior Policy Expert at Oliver Wyman, and Chief Economist at the Swedish FSA. Laurens Tijdhof, CEO of Zanders, says: "We are very pleased to welcome Lars to the Zanders leadership team. His outstanding and unique track record in both public and private financial institutions adds significant strength to our global risk advisory offering. Lars' experience in credit and ESG risk will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the Nordic and Baltic regions." Lars Frisell says: "Zanders has a very strong reputation in the financial services sector, supporting leading European, US and Asian banks for over 30 years. I look forward to contributing to the firm's expansion, and to supporting clients who are navigating increasingly complex regulatory and sustainability challenges." About Zanders Zanders is a global financial performance partner in the areas of treasury, risk and technology. With 30 years of experience providing innovative solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, public sector entities and NGOs, the company specializes in treasury strategy and organization, technology selection and implementation, financial and non-financial risk management, risk modelling, validations, and regulatory compliance. Zanders has also developed its own suite of innovative SaaS solutions on the Zanders Inside platform. The company has grown to become a leading global consulting firm with over 500 employees across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, India, the US, and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit: www.zandersgroup.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250831366194/en/ Contact For media inquiries, please contact: Marianne Myburgh Chief Marketing Officer Zanders Group [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Google not required to sell Chrome, judge rules Washington, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 A US judge on Tuesday rejected the government's demand that Google sell its Chrome web browser as part of a major antitrust case but imposed sweeping requirements to restore competition in online search. The landmark ruling came after Judge Amit Mehta found in August 2024 that Google illegally maintained monopolies in online search through exclusive distribution agreements worth billions of dollars annually. Judge Mehta's decision in the Google case represents one of the most significant rulings against corporate monopoly practices in two decades, and could have fundamentally reshaped the tech giant's future. The US government pushed for Chrome's divestment, contending that the browser serves as a crucial gateway to internet activity and facilitates a third of all Google web searches. But in his ruling, Mehta warned that a Chrome divestiture "would be incredibly messy and highly risky" and said US government lawyers had overreached in making that request. - Offensive against Big Tech - The case primarily focused on Google's expensive distribution agreements with Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone manufacturers that established Google as the default search engine on iPhones and other devices. Under this arrangement, Google pays Apple tens of billions of dollars annually for prime placement on the iPhone. In his decision last year, Judge Mehta concluded that Google's default status on the iPhone allowed the company to evolve into an internet powerhouse, insulated from competitive threats. But Mehta on Tuesday said an outright ban of these deals was off the table, insisting that such a ban could have too profound an effect on other businesses. "Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial -- in some cases, crippling -- downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers," the ruling said. Instead, under his order, Google must make available to "qualified competitors" search index data and user interaction information that rivals can use to improve their services. The company must also offer search result syndication services to competitors for up to five years. The ruling also specifically addresses the emerging threat from generative artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT, extending restrictions to prevent Google from using exclusive deals to dominate the AI space as it did with traditional search. A technical committee will oversee implementation of the remedies, which take effect 60 days after the final judgment is entered. The parties have until September 10 to submit a revised final judgment consistent with the court's ruling. Google faces another legal case, awaiting a federal court decision in Virginia regarding its web display advertising technology business. A separate judge ruled earlier this year that Google's ad tech operations also constitute an illegal monopoly that stifles competition. These cases are part of a broader government and bipartisan offensive against Big Tech. The US currently has five pending antitrust cases against major technology companies. The original search engine case against Google, along with a separate case targeting Meta, originated during the first Trump administration in 2020. The Biden administration maintained these prosecutions while launching additional cases against Apple and Amazon, as well as the second case challenging Google. arp/bgs Google not required to sell Chrome in antitrust victory Washington, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 A US judge on Tuesday rejected the government's demand that Google sell its Chrome web browser as part of a major antitrust case but imposed sweeping requirements to restore competition in online search. The landmark ruling came after Judge Amit Mehta found in August 2024 that Google illegally maintained monopolies in online search through exclusive distribution agreements worth billions of dollars annually. Judge Mehta's decision represents one of the most significant rulings against corporate monopoly practices in two decades and could fundamentally reshape the tech giant's future. However, Tuesday's decision fell short of expectations from some observers who had anticipated more radical changes to Google's business practices. "It sounds like the judge felt that it was too draconian to provide some of the remedies that prosecutors or the Department of Justice wanted," said professor Carl Tobias of the University of Richmond Law School. "Google is certainly not going to be broken up, and it's not clear that its business model is going to change a whole lot," he added. The US government had pushed for Chrome's divestment, contending that the browser serves as a crucial gateway to internet activity and facilitates a third of all Google web searches. But in his ruling, Mehta warned that a Chrome divestiture "would be incredibly messy and highly risky" and said US government lawyers had overreached in making that request. The case focused on Google's expensive distribution agreements with Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone manufacturers that established Google as the default search engine on iPhones and other devices. Under this arrangement, Google pays Apple tens of billions of dollars annually for prime placement on the iPhone, and expectations were widespread that the judge would ban these deals. - 'Crippling' effects - In his decision last year, Judge Mehta concluded that Google's default status on the iPhone allowed the company to evolve into an internet powerhouse, insulated from competitive threats. But in a surprise move, Mehta on Tuesday said an outright ban of these deals was off the table, insisting that such a prohibition could have too profound an effect on other businesses. "Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products," the judge wrote. "Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial -- in some cases, crippling -- downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers," the ruling added. Minutes after the decision, shares in Google parent Alphabet skyrocketed by 7.5 percent in after-hours trading. Apple's stock rose by more than three percent. "This is a monster win for [Apple] and for Google it's a home run ruling that removes a huge overhang on the stock," said Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities. Under the judge's order, Google must make available to "qualified competitors" search index data and user interaction information that rivals can use to improve their services. The company must also offer search result services to competitors for up to five years. The ruling also specifically addresses the emerging threat from generative artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT, extending restrictions to prevent Google from using exclusive deals to dominate the AI space as it did with traditional search. A technical committee will oversee implementation of the remedies, which take effect 60 days after the final judgment is entered. The parties have until September 10 to submit a revised final judgment consistent with the court's ruling. - Offensive against Big Tech - Google faces another legal case, awaiting a federal court decision in Virginia regarding its web display advertising technology business. A separate judge ruled earlier this year that Google's ad tech operations also constitute an illegal monopoly that stifles competition. These cases are part of a broader government and bipartisan campaign against Big Tech. The US currently has five pending antitrust cases against major technology companies. The original search engine case against Google, along with a separate case targeting Meta, originated during the first Trump administration in 2020. The Biden administration maintained these prosecutions while launching additional cases against Apple and Amazon, as well as a second case challenging Google. arp/bgs Antitrust cases against US tech giants Washington, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Launched under both the Trump and Biden administrations, five major antitrust cases from the Federal Trade Commission and the US Department of Justice are proceeding against major American technology companies. These cases represent a significant shift in antitrust enforcement in the United States, with regulators taking a more aggressive approach toward big tech companies after a relatively quiet period in antitrust prosecution since the Microsoft case in the late 1990s. - Google Search - The DOJ's case against Google regarding its dominance of internet search was filed in 2020. In August 2024, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly in online search, marking a landmark decision. The US government asked that the Chrome browser be spun off from Google, and for an end to the tens of billions of dollars Google pays to Apple annually to secure its default position on the iPhone's Safari browser. But on Tuesday the judge ruled against these draconian demands, instead imposing data sharing agreements on Google as a way to rein in the company's dominance. As with all these cases, an appeal potentially reaching the US Supreme Court is almost certain, extending legal proceedings for years. - Google Ad Tech - The Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google's ad tech business, filed in a Virginia federal court in January 2023, alleged that Google built a monopoly in the digital advertising market through strategic acquisitions and anticompetitive behavior. The lawsuit specifically targeted Google's dominance across three sectors of online advertising -- publisher ad servers, advertiser tools, and ad exchanges -- and seeks to force Google to divest portions of its advertising technology business to restore competition. Judge Leonie Brinkema earlier this year decided against Google, calling its hold on display advertising an illegal monopoly, and hearings begin this month on the potential remedies. - Meta - The Federal Trade Commission's case against Meta, Facebook's parent company, was filed in 2020, with the FTC alleging that Meta illegally maintained a monopoly in "personal social networking" services by acquiring potential rivals Instagram and WhatsApp. The six-week trial took place in April and May in a federal court in Washington, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg and top Meta executives taking the stand, and a decision is expected before the end of the year. The FTC is seeking potential divestiture of the acquired platforms, while Meta argues their acquisitions benefited customers. Zuckerberg has lobbied the White House in an effort to persuade President Donald Trump to intervene in his favor in the case. - Amazon - Filed in September 2023, the Federal Trade Commission argues that Amazon illegally maintains a monopoly in online retail. Key allegations include Amazon punishing sellers who offer lower prices elsewhere by burying their products in search results, and requiring sellers to use Amazon's expensive fulfillment services to secure access to its Prime customer base. The FTC also accuses Amazon of degrading customer experience by prioritizing paid advertisements over relevant search results, favoring its own products over higher-quality alternatives. The trial for the case is currently scheduled to begin in a federal court in Seattle in February 2027, with Judge John Chun presiding. - Apple - The Department of Justice's lawsuit against Apple, filed in March 2024, was the last of the major cases to be launched against the big tech companies. It alleges that the company illegally maintains a monopoly over premium smartphones by making it difficult for consumers to switch from iPhones to other devices and by limiting how well competing products like non-Apple smartwatches and digital wallets work with iPhones. The lawsuit was filed in a New Jersey federal court and will be tried before Judge Julien Neals. arp/ksb Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Muizzu is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Li Xi met here with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said China commends President Muizzu's firm commitment to a friendly policy toward China, and stands ready to work with the Maldives to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and build a China-Maldives community with a shared future. Li introduced China's efforts to advance Chinese modernization and to strengthen full and rigorous Party self-governance, and expressed China's readiness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Maldives in relevant fields. Muizzu said that the Maldives and China have always respected and supported each other, and that the Maldives will continue to stand firmly with China. He looks forward to attending Wednesday's commemorations. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Muizzu is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) North Korea's Kim in China ahead of massive military parade Beijing, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was on his way to Beijing on Tuesday morning, having crossed the border into China aboard an armoured train ahead of a massive military parade on Wednesday. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin for a huge spectacle in which China will showcase its military prowess, with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear. More than 25 leaders will also attend Wednesday's parade centred on Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he has been seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. The North Korean leader's special train passed into China early Tuesday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing the North's state-run radio service, KCBC. His appearance in China "formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public", Soo Kim, a geopolitical risk consultant and former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim enjoyed a brief bout of high-profile international diplomacy from around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and then South Korean president Moon Jae-in multiple times. But he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. Kim stayed in North Korea throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but met Putin in Russia's far east in 2023. - Flags, flowers and fanfare - Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday morning Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. Officials have been tight-lipped over the list of hardware to be displayed at the parade, but military enthusiasts have already spotted significant new systems, including what is rumoured to be a gigantic laser weapon. Wednesday's event caps a bumper week of diplomacy for President Xi, who on Sunday and Monday hosted a slew of Eurasian leaders for a summit in the northern port city of Tianjin aimed at putting China front and centre of regional relations. The club of 10 countries -- named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- touts itself as a non-Western style of collaboration in the region and seeks to be an alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries -- a veiled reference to the United States -- while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Many of the guests from the Tianjin gathering, including Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders will join Xi and Kim for the parade in Beijing. North Korea's Kim in China ahead of massive military parade Beijing, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was on his way to Beijing on Tuesday, having crossed the border into China where he will attend a massive military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin. The huge spectacle Wednesday at Beijing's Tiananmen Square will mark 80 years since the end of World War II, when China will also showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he is seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. The North Korean leader's special train passed into China early Tuesday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing the North's state-run radio service, KCBC. Photos released by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday showed Kim smoking a cigarette outside his racing green train with foreign minister Choe Son Hui and close aide Jo Yong Won. Another pictured Kim grinning inside his lavish, wood-lined train carriage in front of a North Korean flag and national emblem. Both images were taken on Monday, according to KCNA. Kim's appearance in China "formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public", Soo Kim, a geopolitical risk consultant and former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim enjoyed a brief bout of high-profile international diplomacy from around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and then South Korean president Moon Jae-in multiple times. But he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. Kim stayed in North Korea throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but met Putin in Russia's far east in 2023. - Flags, flowers and fanfare - Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday morning Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. Officials have been tight-lipped over the list of hardware to be displayed at the parade, but military enthusiasts have already spotted significant new systems, including what is rumoured to be a gigantic laser weapon. Wednesday's event caps a bumper week of diplomacy for President Xi, who on Sunday and Monday hosted a slew of Eurasian leaders for a summit in the northern port city of Tianjin aimed at putting China front and centre of regional relations. The club of 10 countries -- named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- touts itself as a non-Western style of collaboration in the region and seeks to be an alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries -- a veiled reference to the United States -- while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Many of the guests from the Tianjin gathering, including Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders will join Xi and Kim for the parade in Beijing. bur-je/hmn What to watch at China's massive military parade Beijing, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Thousands of troops will march in a huge military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Japan and the end of World War II. Here's what to look out for: - 'Axis of autocracies' - The leaders of North Korea, Russia and Iran will join China's President Xi Jinping at the event, a grouping labelled the "axis of autocracies" by some Western commentators. It is North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's first visit to China since 2019, and the first time he will appear in public with Xi and Russia's Vladimir Putin together. All eyes will be on the seating arrangements of Xi, Putin and Kim and how they interact with each other in a photo opportunity likely to be highly choreographed. The attendee list "underscores China's role as the world's leading authoritarian power", the Asia Society's Neil Thomas wrote on X. Most Western leaders will stay away, but Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic will attend. Both are close to Putin and broke ranks with the European Union to visit Russia for its Victory Day parade in May. "China is looking to signal its closeness to its global south partners and countries that are non-Western and, in some cases, anti-Western," historian Rana Mitter told AFP. "But I don't think there is likely to be any statement of support directly for Russia's war in Ukraine." - Party shifts - Since the 70th anniversary parade in 2015, Xi has fully consolidated his power as head of China's Communist Party, the military and the country as a whole, James Char from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University told AFP. The presence of other Chinese officials could offer clues about shifts within the CCP. In 2015, Xi shared the stage with predecessor Hu Jintao, but Hu has rarely been seen in public since being escorted out of a key party gathering in 2022. In recent years, many military leaders have fallen foul of Xi's graft crackdown. The absence of Central Military Commission vice chairman He Weidong, reported to be under investigation in April, would signal he has "been caught up in an anti-corruption campaign -- presuming he is still alive", said Char. - Xi's speech - Following troop inspections, Xi is expected to speak. Commentators will be listening for references to the United States, as well as to island democracy Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Xi may reiterate claims that China's World War II contributions mean "they (China) -- and not just the US -- have a right to determine global governance norms", according to the Brookings Institution's Margaret Pearson. "It... is part of an effort to rewrite history in line with China's interests." - New missiles - Many observers will view the weapons on display through the lens of a potential future conflict with Taiwan. A new series of anti-ship missiles, the Ying Ji -- "eagle attack" in Chinese -- is expected to be unveiled. These cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles could prove significant in combating the US navy. - Veterans and remembrance - The parade will centre the CCP's role in defeating Japan -- though external historians broadly agree primary credit lies with Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists, who then ruled most of China. In 2015, the CCP acknowledged the sacrifice of Nationalist soldiers by inviting veterans to attend that parade. With official focus now on communist resistance again, their prominence could be reduced. Foreign powers also helped defeat Japan in China, including American pilots known as the "Flying Tigers". Their inclusion would be a conciliatory gesture to the Trump administration, while references to assistance from the Soviet Union could be amplified. Russian troops may even march, as Chinese ones did in Moscow in May. - Symbolism and ceremony - The military band will include 80 buglers to mark the years since Japan's surrender, state media said. Over 1,000 musicians will be arranged in 14 rows to symbolise the years of China's resistance -- official CCP histories date the war from Japan's 1931 invasion of Manchuria. Spectators in Tiananmen Square will sit on green, red and gold chairs to symbolise fertile land, the people's blood and peace, CCTV said. sam/reb/tym North Korea leader Kim arrives in Beijing for rare visit Beijing, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said, ahead of a massive military parade on Wednesday. He arrived at 4:00 pm at Beijing Railway Station and was greeted by Cai Qi, China's number five-ranked official, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, KCNA reported. Earlier on Tuesday, AFP journalists saw a train flying North Korea flags and believed to be carrying Kim approaching the station. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and two dozen other leaders at the huge spectacle to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. China will showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear at the showpiece extravaganza centred on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. South Korea's Yonhap news agency also reported the special armoured train's arrival in the capital. Kim appeared to be accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said in a statement to reporters. It is only Kim's second reported trip abroad in six years and first to China since 2019. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he is seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. Photos released by KCNA showed Kim smoking a cigarette outside his olive-green train with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and close aide Jo Yong Won. Another pictured Kim grinning inside his lavish, wood-lined train carriage in front of a North Korean flag and national emblem. Both images were taken on Monday, according to KCNA. Kim's appearance in China "formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public", Soo Kim, a geopolitical risk consultant and former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim enjoyed a brief bout of high-profile international diplomacy from around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and then South Korean president Moon Jae-in multiple times. But he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. Kim stayed in North Korea throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but met Putin in Russia's far east in 2023. - Flags, flowers and fanfare - Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. Officials have been tight-lipped over the list of hardware to be displayed at the parade, but military enthusiasts have already spotted significant new systems, including what is rumoured to be a gigantic laser weapon. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Wednesday's event caps a bumper week of diplomacy for President Xi, who on Sunday and Monday hosted a slew of Eurasian leaders for a summit in the northern port city of Tianjin aimed at putting China front and centre of regional relations. The club of 10 countries -- named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- touts itself as a non-Western style of collaboration in the region and seeks to be an alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries -- a veiled reference to the United States -- while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Many of the guests from the Tianjin gathering, including Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders will join Xi and Kim for the parade in Beijing. Kim Jong Un in China: What to know Beijing, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rolled into Beijing by armoured train on Tuesday, ahead of a huge military parade celebrating the end of World War II the next day. He is expected to use the trip to hold face-to-face meetings with both the Chinese and Russian presidents. AFP breaks down why this visit is so significant: - A rare outing - Since he came to power in 2011, Kim has only made a handful of known trips outside North Korea's borders. China is the country he has visited most -- four times previously -- and he has travelled to Russia twice. His most adventurous travel came seven years ago, when he met US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June 2018, followed by another summit in Hanoi in early 2019. Kim has also travelled twice to the Joint Security Area at the border of North and South Korea. - 'Unusual risk' - These past trips have been tightly controlled bilateral affairs, ensuring Kim remained the centre of attention. On Wednesday he will find himself among a throng of international leaders. "It is an unusual risk," the International Crisis Group (ICG)'s Christopher Green told AFP. "Kim does not generally participate in multilateral events, because it is hard to control the political messaging... it will be interesting to see how the North Koreans manage it." - Symbolic - The presence of Kim, Xi and Russia's Vladimir Putin together at a parade bristling with missiles, tanks and fighter jets is powerfully symbolic -- a vision of an alternative to the post-war US-led world order. "Japan is the main target of Beijing's propaganda on Wednesday, alongside the US-led Western bloc," said James Char from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, adding Kim's presence gave the impression of "a united front". It is also a messaging win for Kim domestically -- signalling to North Koreans that the internationally isolated regime is respected by two world powers, China and Russia. - First foreign parade - Kim is no stranger to grand military parades at home, but it is the first time he is attending someone else's. North Korea did not exist as a state in 1945 -- it was founded in 1948 -- but Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung fought against Japanese occupying forces in Manchuria. The contribution of Koreans in general to the resistance against Japan continues to foster a shared military memory with China. - Uneasy allies - Despite the apparent closeness though, Beijing and Pyongyang's relationship is an uneasy one. "China and North Korea are not friends, and nor are they true allies," said ICG's Green. "China sees North Korea's existence as helpful" as a point of diplomatic leverage, as well as a buffer state and a source of cheap labour, he explained. Its support of the Kim regime is predicated on the expectation it will not cause too much regional instability -- an expectation that has not always been lived up to. Kim's "consistent policy has been to find other avenues for support and security so as to minimize the leverage that China has over North Korea, and maximise North Korea's freedom of action", said the University of Sydney's Justin Hastings. Russia and North Korea last year signed a mutual defence agreement, and North Korean soldiers are fighting in the Ukraine war. Kim's invitation to the parade confirms Xi's desire to keep North Korea in Beijing's orbit, even as Pyongyang deepens its ties with Moscow, said Hastings. Scrap nukes, urges director Bigelow with new thriller at Venice Venice, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 The world needs to be "much more informed" and reduce its nuclear stockpile, US director Kathryn Bigelow said Tuesday as the Oscar winner's latest film about an imminent strike on the United States was set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The first woman to win the Academy Award for best director, Bigelow will showcase her first movie in eight years, White House political thriller "A House of Dynamite", later Tuesday. Arguing for nuclear disarmament, the director of "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty" said human survival was at stake. "Hope against hope maybe we reduce the global stockpile someday, but in the meantime we are really living in a house of dynamite," she told journalists at a press conference ahead of the film's premiere. "I want them all gone. How is annihilating the world a good defensive measure? I mean, what are you defending?" asked Bigelow. "We need to be much more informed, and that would be my greatest hope, and that we actually initiate a conversation about nuclear weapons and non-proliferation in a perfect world," she said. The 2010 winner of the best director Oscar for "The Hurt Locker", about an American bomb disposal team in Iraq, Bigelow once again focuses on geopolitics and national security, this time a nuclear missile threat to America. Starring Idris Elba as the US president, the action of the film takes place over 18 minutes following the discovery that a nuclear missile from an unknown country has been launched at the United States, threatening to wipe out Chicago. Bigelow follows the countdown to the threat from various command centres, starting with the Situation Room, the West Wing's crisis management centre. In a tense cinematic construct, she then revisits the same event, using the same dialogue, from the perspective of the Pentagon and the White House, with the president finally forced to decide how to act. It is one of 21 films competing for the top Golden Lion prize in Venice which will be handed out on Saturday. - Passion required - It has been eight years since Bigelow's last feature, "Detroit", about the 1967 riot in the US city, making the premiere of "A House of Dynamite" one of the highlights of the festival. "I have to be passionate about a subject matter," Bigelow said, explaining her absence until now. "I have to really believe in whatever the material is." Producer Netflix is banking on "A House of Dynamite" as an Oscar contender. It is one of three films from the streaming platform at Venice this year, along with Noah Baumbach's comedy "Jay Kelly", starring George Clooney as a Hollywood star with an identity crisis, and the big-budget "Frankenstein" by Guillermo del Toro, starring Oscar Isaac. Also premiering Tuesday is "Dead Man's Wire" from Gus Van Sant -- the director of "Good Will Hunting" and "Drugstore Cowboy" -- who similarly has been out of the spotlight in recent years. The American director's first movie since 2018 centres on a real-life hostage drama at a loan agency, with Bill Skarsgard and Al Pacino. "L'Etranger" (The Stranger), an adaptation of the Albert Camus novel from French director Francois Ozon, also is set to debut. Starring Benjamin Voisin as the detached protagonist Meursault, the film is shot in black and white -- a decision that Ozon said helped to get at the novel's essence. "As it's a philosophical book, it seemed to me that black and white was ideal for telling this story, getting rid of colours, the essential was a form of purity," he told a press conference. The French director acknowledged feeling "a little anxious" tackling the French classic, published in 1942. "Everyone around me was saying: 'It's my favourite book, I'm curious to see what you'll do with it.'" ams/adp/rlp Trump expected to announce US Space Command move Washington, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 President Donald Trump is set to make an announcement Tuesday on moving the headquarters of the US Space Command, reversing a decision by his predecessor Joe Biden. Trump is expected to relocate the base from Colorado to Alabama following a bitter, years-long battle between the two states over which should host the facility. Democrat Biden had decided to keep Space Command -- which oversees US operations in outer space -- at its temporary location in Colorado despite a ruling by Republican Trump in his first term in 2021 that it should move to Alabama. Colorado, in the western US, leans Democrat while the southern state of Alabama leans Republican. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement sent to AFP that Trump "will be making an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense" but gave no more details. Trump is due to speak from the Oval Office at 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) in his first official public appearance for a week. The Department of Defense's image distribution website initially listed Trump's announcement as being about "US Space Command Headquarters." It later changed it to say only that "President Trump makes an announcement." Speculation around Trump's announcement had earlier centered on his recent statements that he wanted to change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. TOKYO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama has announced his intention to step down during the party's joint general assembly on Tuesday, Kyodo News reported, citing multiple attendees. Trump says 11 dead in US strike on drug-carrying boat from Venezuela Washington, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 President Donald Trump said that US forces had attacked a boat carrying drugs to the United States Tuesday, killing 11 "narcoterrorists" from a gang he alleged was controlled by leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump posted a video online of an open-topped speedboat carrying a number of people traveling on a body of water before it exploded in a ball of flames. The move is a potentially significant escalation in the standoff between Caracas and Washington, after the United States deployed eight warships to Latin America in what it bills as a war on drug trafficking. Trump initially announced at the White House that US forces had "shot out a boat... a drug carrying boat, lots of drugs in that boat" without giving details. The Republican later posted a statement about the strike on his Truth Social network, along with the black and white video of the exploding boat. "Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists," Trump said, without specifying the weapon used. "The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action." No US forces were harmed, Trump added. He went on to allege that Tren de Aragua -- a Venezuelan group he has frequently referred to as part of his crackdown on undocumented migration -- was "operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro." The United States designated the gang a terrorist organization earlier this year. "Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!" Trump added in his post. - 'Full might' - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a vociferous critic of Maduro, vowed separately to keep using the "full might" of the United States to "eradicate" drug cartels. Trump has "been very clear that he's going to use the full power of America, the full might of the United States, to take on and eradicate these drug cartels, no matter where they're operating from," Rubio told reporters as he left Miami for a visit to Mexico. Rubio earlier said on X that the vessel had "departed from Venezuela." Venezuela's Maduro has cast the recent US deployment as a threat to the country. There are currently eight US Navy ships involved in counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America: three amphibious assault ships, two destroyers, a cruiser and a littoral combat ship in the Caribbean and a destroyer in the eastern Pacific, a US defense official said Tuesday on condition of anonymity. The announcement of the strike followed days of mounting tension between Washington and Caracas, with Maduro declaring a state of "maximum readiness" to defend against what he says are US military threats. Maduro has been in Trump's crosshairs since the Republican's first term from 2017 to 2021. But the US president's policy of maximum pressure, including an oil embargo, has failed to dislodge the Venezuelan leader from power. Washington has doubled to $50 million a bounty for the capture of Maduro, whose re-election in 2024 and 2018 were not recognized by the United States or much of the international community amid allegations of fraud and voter oppression. Analysts have told AFP that the deployment of the US warships was likely aimed at ramping up pressure on Maduro, who has repeatedly accused Trump of attempting to bring about regime change. Last week, Caracas petitioned the United Nations to intervene in the dispute by demanding "the immediate cessation of the US military deployment in the Caribbean." And on Monday, Maduro said Venezuela was prepared for "a period of armed struggle in defense of the national territory" in case of an attack. Rescuers transfer a flood affected child from a flood-hit area on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan on Sept. 2, 2025. Floods and rain-triggered accidents across Pakistan claimed 18 lives and injured 29 others in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Tuesday. (Str/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Floods and rain-triggered accidents across Pakistan claimed 18 lives and injured 29 others in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Tuesday. The eastern Punjab province and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir reported seven deaths each, followed by four in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the NDMA. The causes of death included flood-related drowning, structural collapses due to water damage, and accidental electrocutions as water levels rose in urban and semi-urban areas. Authorities have issued fresh warnings for further rain in vulnerable areas, while emergency teams remain on alert. Rescue operations and damage assessments are underway in the affected regions. People observe a flood-hit area on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan on Sept. 2, 2025. Floods and rain-triggered accidents across Pakistan claimed 18 lives and injured 29 others in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Tuesday. (Str/Xinhua) A flood-hit area is pictured on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan on Sept. 2, 2025. Floods and rain-triggered accidents across Pakistan claimed 18 lives and injured 29 others in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Tuesday. (Str/Xinhua) A woman wades through flood waters at a flood-hit area on the outskirts of Multan, Pakistan on Sept. 2, 2025. Floods and rain-triggered accidents across Pakistan claimed 18 lives and injured 29 others in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Tuesday. (Str/Xinhua) A rise in UK yields always garner more attention, because our yields are at a higher level to begin with. However, if UK yields continue to rise, and if they start to rise at a faster rate than elsewhere, then it could be a sign the market is pricing in a growing probability that Rachel Reeves will throw away her fiscal rules and borrow more at the budget to fund spending, rather than increase taxes and stymie growth. Members of the public can attend a number of digital events, but you can also apply for tickets on the LFW website. To do this, you must select the show you hope to see and send an email to the press office vouching for why you should be invited. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue There are serious consequences for those who are found guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act, so I would urge anyone considering showing public support towards to this proscribed group to reconsider. Those arrested have been taken into police custody, where they currently remain and enquiries remain ongoing. In a briefing note sent to those considering taking part, supporters are advised: Whether you have attended a non-violence training before or not, we strongly encourage everyone who is contemplating holding a sign on 6th September to attend this training at least once. "The council has consistently opposed the use of The Bell Hotel to place asylum-seekers, which is in breach of planning control and is against the interests of those living in, working in and using the area." The one in, one out pilot scheme has been agreed for the UK to send back migrants to France who crossed the Channel, in exchange for those who apply and are approved to come to the UK. In August Ms Taylor said it came as no surprise that Mr Boam had been shown the door after just three months as he was wholly unqualified for such a critical role and lacked the experience or judgment to bring anything of value to the position. NEW DELHI, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Following the incessant overnight rains, the water level of the Yamuna river crossed the danger mark Tuesday, sending floodwater into homes across parts of the Indian capital territory - Delhi, officials said. Residents in low-lying pockets, such as Mayur Vihar and Yamuna Bazaar, said the river water has inundated ground floors and damaged their belongings. The inundation has forced residents to move to relief camps set up on higher ground. On Monday, authorities issued an advisory for people living in the Yamuna floodplain of Delhi to move to safety. The low-lying areas of Delhi, especially along the banks of the river Yamuna, were put on alert with the river crossing the danger mark of 205.33 metres early Tuesday. Officials warned that water levels could rise further with nearby barrages constantly releasing water. As a precautionary measure, schools have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday in some affected areas. The rising water levels have also caused significant traffic congestion, particularly at the Delhi-Gurugram border. On Monday night, Gurugram (located on the outskirts of Delhi) was a trend on social media over visuals of a "20-kilometer" traffic jam, with people being stuck for over three hours. The capital city faced disruptions in flight operations due to waterlogging and low visibility, prompting airlines to issue travel advisories. Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast a cloudy sky with moderate rain in Delhi for Tuesday. Renowned for its honey-infused hair formulas, Gisous new Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream is set to be a best-seller, not least as it's being spearheaded by queen of the bouncy blowout, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Formulated with hydrating honey and milk proteins for stronger hair, to not only hydrate and protect but control frizz and add shine, the haircare essential also works as a heat protectant for up to 230 degrees. Your hair will smell delightful for days thanks to notes of honey nectar, jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood. He has only returned to London since then to shoot a Moncler advert with his wife Peltz. On the trip to London, he did not meet with his family, despite filming for the advert taking place just two miles from his family home in Holland Park. Dell Technologies is planning a $25 million expansion of its Round Rock headquarters. Austin American-Statesman Texas-based tech giant Dell Technologies Inc. is planning a five-year, $25 million expansion of its Round Rock headquarters. It includes a combination of new construction, renovation and expansion of existing space, and the company is seeking state tax breaks under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program for the work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plans were made public by Round Rock Chamber of Commerce officials in a pitch to City Council members to endorse the enterprise zone designation. The program, which refunds some state sales and use tax, is intended to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state. Cities can nominate up to six companies every two years to receive a refund on the 6.5% state use and sales tax so long as the companies meet minimum investment and job numbers. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Round Rock City Council voted unanimously Thursday to nominate Dell for the program. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With a $25 million expansion, Dell would be eligible to receive a maximum $1.25 million, or $2,500 per job. Zach Scott, the chambers director of industry and workforce development, said Dell has committed to hiring 35% economically disadvantaged persons, veterans or enterprise zone residents as new or replacement personnel over the next five years. Round Rock has nominated Dell for the program five other times. Scott said all those projects had reached their time limit for capital investment and benefit. He said neither the city nor chamber is actively nominating or talking with any other companies for the program. Word of the five-year expansion program comes as Dells business is booming. Last week, it reported record revenue in its most recent quarter, largely thanks to its artificial intelligence investments. The companys profit soared 32% to $1.16 billion as revenue jumped 19% to $29.8 billion in the three months through July. Dells Infrastructure Solutions Group the business unit focused on IT infrastructure like servers, storage, networking and artificial intelligence had $16.8 billion in revenue, up 44% from a year ago. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The highs in profit and revenue are coming as Dell has continued to shrink its employee base. The companys global workforce decreased by 10% from March 2024 to March 2025, though it hasnt revealed how that has affected employment at its Round Rock campus. Earlier this year, the company reinstated a return-to-work policy requiring all employees who reside near an office or headquarters to be at their desk five times a week. Dell has been filing documents with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation over the past few weeks related to construction work at in Round Rock. The projects, five of which began since July 17, total about $6.95 million worth of renovations and upgrades in at least four buildings. Dell said previously it was beginning a $1.7 million renovation project this week. It includes altering conference rooms into a larger innovation showroom in building three. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This month, the company will also begin work on $1.56 million worth of updates to building one and $1 million in renovations to the companys comms lab. The company has already started work on $1 million in updates at its thermal lab, which includes mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades to support new server racks and security fencing. Those projects will be finished by the end of the year, according to filings. The company will also start $1 million worth of updates to building two next month, with the project to be completed by the end of January 2026. One of the largest companies in Texas, Dell relocated its headquarters to Round Rock in 1994, about a decade after Michael Dell founded the company while attending the University of Texas at Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seared bison at Sauvage in Canmore, Alberta. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN As you will see from the list below, I spent quite a bit of time in August away from the heat of Austin. While I did hit a few favorites for work and with my kids in Austin, almost half of the dishes below came from North Carolina and Canada, where we traveled to visit family and hit the beach and mountains. In addition to the restaurants mentioned in those two locales, I strongly recommend visiting Canmore in Alberta, Canada and Emerald Isle, N.C. Both are beautiful in different ways easy to get around, not as overwhelmed with tourists as their fellow vacation destinations like Banff and The Outer Banks, and populated by exceedingly friendly folks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of my favorite parts of traveling is dining on local cuisine and learning about the culture through food, and we did just that from bison and sablefish in Canada, to shrimp and scallops in North Carolina. Seared bison at Sauvage in Canmore, Alberta Sauvage chef-owner Tracy Little serves only dishes (and drinks) made with ingredients from Canada. With no native citrus on hand, the bar even makes the lime juice from spruce and lemon juice from sumac for the well-balanced cocktails that offer a gentle introduction to the restaurants tasting menu. Little is also a forager, and I imagine she had a hand in plucking the lavender the petit tender of bison was marinated in before being grilled to a rosy medium-rare. It was accompanied by blood pudding and a mildly tart jumble of cherries poached in sweetgrass. Sticking with the Canada theme, the bison paired wonderfully with the black cherry and graphite notes of an organic cabernet sauvignon from Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The restaurant is tucked away on one of the small streets of a charming downtown that is walkable and surrounded by short-term rental condos. sauvagerestaurant.ca. Sablefish at Sauvage in Canmore, Alberta Sablefish at Sauvage in Canmore, Alberta. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN You wont find sablefish on many Texas menus, so it was a delight to taste the sublimely fatty fish, torched and served on pearls of buckwheat jigsawed with the grassy notes of the local herb lovage. An emerald-green fennel oil pooled around the fish that literally melted in the mouth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shrimp burger at Big Oak Drive-In in Salter Path, N.C. Shrimp burger at Big Oak Drive-In in Salter Path, N.C. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN If there is a better dish to have after a day of bouncing around in Atlantic Ocean waves than floppy white buns overstuffed with golden fried shrimp and dressed with mayonnaise, cole slaw and ketchup, Ive not had it. This old-fashioned restaurant offers window service. Then, ideally, you drop the tailgate of your truck or SUV and make a picnic for the family. With cold cups of Cheerwine, of course. Get a milkshake for the road. Facebook.com/PickettsBigOakDriveIn. Shrimp BLT at Gaffers in Emerald Isle, N.C. Shrimp burger at Gaffers in Emerald Isle, N.C. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Located just a strong cast away from the bridge leading to Emerald Isle, Gaffers is our go-to for grilled and fried seafood, with composed dishes of grilled mahi or scallops as well executed as the burgers and seafood sandwiches. And the bar is a great place to tuck into for a game and a rum-based cocktail when dining alone. The shrimp BLT, served on a toasted sourdough with bright produce, is proof that bacon goes with just about anything so does shrimp. gaffersemeraldisle.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Scallops with drawn butter at Perlas Grilled scallops with drawn butter at Perla's. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN My Summer of Scallops seemingly came to a close at the end of August with a plate of the fattest scallops I ate this summer. Seared golden and served with drawn butter, the sweet but flinty scallops were the perfect accompaniment for sliced ribeye served with green chimichurri for a table full of wine-drinking friends celebrating our good buddys 50th over a long, leisurely lunch. 1400 S Congress Ave. perlasaustin.com. Arugula salad at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue Arugula salad at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Did you know there is a separate bar menu at this Michelin-starred restaurant? Dont want to wait in line? Skip it and grab a stool at the bar for a burger or chopped cheese made with brisket. The menu is rich and fatty, of course, but the expressive arugula salad spritzed with citrus vinaigrette and littered with crunchy discs of toasty garlic is the perfect antidote to the savory onslaught. 5621 Emerald Forest Drive, leroyandlewisbbq.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fried tofu at Equipment Room Fried tofu at Equipment Room. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN The cocktail and vinyl lounge secreted away beneath the Hotel Magdalena off of South Congress Avenue features a food menu that takes inspiration from Japan, just as the design and aesthetic of the listening room do. The crunch of the cubes of creamy fried tofu bites glistening with fish caramel was almost loud enough to pierce the collective silence of the patrons who had paid to experience Willie Nelsons Phases and Stages (presented by One by Willie podcast host John Spong) from front to back with no interruptions. 1101 Music Lane. 512-520-5890, equipmentroom.com. Egg salad with kimchi at Casper Fermentables Egg salad with kimchi at Casper Fermentables. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Sometimes I like to freestyle a bit even when a place has a standard menu. For one recent breakfast that meant ordering the honeycombed focaccia at this standout bakery with egg salad topped with the housemade kimchi. It was substantial but light, packed with protein and probiotics, a perfect start to a morning spent chasing little kids zigzagging through their final days of summer break. 4715 S Lamar Blvd. #101A. casperfermentables.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tuna tartare at Craft Omakase Tuna tartare at Craft Omakase. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Youve seen a photo of this Michelin-starred omakases natural saucer of succulent seafood in these pages before, but there may not be a better opening dish to a meal in town (OK, there was an oyster before it). The fine chop of bluefin tuna blended with parsnip puree sits inside a nori tart, so you get fatty, nutty, salty and sweet flavors with soft rounded and pastry-crumble textures all in one big bite. I wonder how many I could eat in one sitting. More than 10 and less than 100, Id guess. 4400 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite 102, craftomakase.com. Wagyu beef suya at Canje Wagyu beef suya at Canje. MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Twin Isle opened on Sept. 1 at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin. Provided by Twin Isle / Jessica Attie The pace of change in Austins dining world didnt slow down in August. While national chains and local chefs opened fresh doors across the city, one of Austins most elegant Japanese restaurants quietly served its last hot pot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres a look at the restaurants that opened, are opening soon or closed in Austin this month. Openings Banjoo A late-night Korean restaurant and karaoke bar has opened on Burnet Road. Banjoo offers private karaoke rooms, a full bar and dishes served from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., catering to both diners and revelers looking for after-hours fun. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 5222 Burnet Rd. Unit 500. 512-551-9798. banjooatx.com. Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick opened its first ever Austin location at 1000 E. 41st St. on Aug. 26. Kathryn McCrary/Provided by Chicken Salad Chick. The Southern-born chain arrives in Austin with its first location at 1000 E. 41st St., at the Hancock Center. The fast-casual spot offers more than a dozen chicken salad varieties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1000 E. 41st St. 470-607-5550. chickensaladchick.com. Lau Lau A specialty coffee shop grounded in Asian American heritage and hospitality values is in its soft opening era. Lau Lau blends flavors and traditions from across the Asian diaspora into drinks, pastries and events. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 3701 Guadalupe St., #106. laulauatx.com. Marfa Lights This new Dirty Sixth bar leans into Texas aesthetics. Its standout menu item: a drink that would make Dua Lipa return to Austin, the pickle-topped Dr Pepper cocktail. 718 W. Sixth St. instagram.com/marfalightsatx. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Postino Bryker Woods The second location of Postino is now open at 1615 W. 35th St. The restaurant offers bruschetta boards, wine and more. Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman Postino opened its second Austin location following its South Lamar debut last fall. The Arizona-based wine cafe offers bruschetta, charcuterie boards, panini and salads, alongside a global wine list with daily happy hour deals. 1615 W. 35th St. 512-612-4844. postino.olo.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Que Sazon y Unos Cuantos Mas Que Sazon y Unos Cuantos Mas just opened at 1708 E. Sixth Street. Provided by Daydreamer. Two East Austin favorites, Que Sazon and Cuantos Tacos, teamed up to open a collaborative food truck on the back patio of Daydreamer. The truck replaces Allday Pizza, which closed earlier this summer to focus on its brick-and-mortar, and will serve tacos and Latin comfort dishes to accompany live music and weekend patio gatherings. 1708 E. Sixth St. instagram.com/quesazon_foods. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Twin Isle Twin Isle opened on Sept. 1 at 1401 Rosewood Ave. in Austin. Provided by Twin Isle / Jessica Attie Chef Janelle Romeo known for Shirleys Trini Cuisine food truck is bringing a fast-casual Caribbean restaurant to East Austin. Twin Isle serves customizable bowls, Trinidadian classics like bake-and-shark, roti wraps and shareables such as oxtail fries. 1401 Rosewood Ave. 512-636-6178. twinislerestaurant.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Closings DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, which opened in 2019, closed on August 17. Nick Wagner/AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE After six years, chef Tatsu Aikawas acclaimed nabemono restaurant closed on Aug. 17. Known for its individual hot pot broths, wagyu beef and playful twists like tofu-skin hot pockets, DipDipDip was described by Aikawa as a love letter to Japanese nabemono. The team has promised a new concept will take over the Burnet Road space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Buckshot on East 6th Street in Austin, after overdoses Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Five people were treated for suspected drug overdoses at a downtown Austin bar early Tuesday and one of them later died, authorities said. Officers responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. reporting multiple overdoses at Buckshot Bar at 519 East Sixth St., the Austin Police Department said in a statement. When officers arrived, they found several people in need of medical attention and administered Narcan a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses to five individuals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Four of those people were transported to a local hospital, where one was pronounced dead at 4:32 a.m. The fifth person refused transport, according to the statement. Aside from the one fatality, the victims are expected to survive. All are believed to have been employees of the bar, according to Austin Police Watch Command. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has opened its own investigation. Medical supplies litter the floor at Buckshot on East 6th Street in Austin, after overdoses Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Police said the incident remains under investigation and released no additional details, including victim identities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "This is an open and ongoing investigation, and there is no further information available for release at this time," Police Department spokesperson Clara Ash said in a statement. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Narcan, also known by the generic name naloxone, has become a critical tool for first responders and community members in preventing deaths from overdoses of heroin, fentanyl and other opioids. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: A budtender helps customers purchase marijuana at California Street Cannabis Company on August 11, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Cannabis company stocks surged by up to 10 percent on reports that the Trump administration is considering rescheduling marijuana on the federal level, from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. The move would step toward the decriminalization of the drug nationwide. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A new anti-vape law is now in effect in Texas. On Sept. 1, Senate Bill 2024 which bans the sale and marketing of vape pens to minors and prohibits the sale of THC in these devices officially went into effect. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new law restricts smoke shops from selling certain nicotine vapes and prohibits the sale of hemp-derived cannabis vapes, including CBD, THC, Delta-8 THC, and THCA products at retail stores in Texas. Under SB 2024, it is a Class A misdemeanor to market or sell any vape containing cannabinoids, even if the ingredients are otherwise legal under state or federal law. Violators face penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of as much as $4,000. The law does not ban possession. State Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican and critic of recreational cannabis, authored SB 2024. His previous attempt at banning all cannabis-related products was shut down by Gov. Greg Abbott back in June. Abbott vetoed it, arguing for tighter regulation rather than outright prohibition. Since then, the Texas Senate has advanced a separate proposal, Senate Bill 6, which seeks to outlaw nearly all THC products in the state. The legislation is now before the Texas House. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Heres what you need to know about SB 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What exactly does SB 2024 ban? As per SB 2024, the law prohibits marketing, advertising or the sale of e-cigarette products that contain or do the following: Depicts a cartoon-like fictional character that mimics a character primarily aimed at entertaining minors Imitates or mimics trademarks or trade dress of products that are or have been primarily marketed to minors Includes an image or name of a celebrity Includes an image that resembles a food product, including candy or juice Contain cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, Delta8 THC, THCA), alcohol, kratom, kava, mushrooms, or their derivatives Are manufactured in or marketed as being from China When does SB 2024 go into effect? The law went into effect Sept. 1, 2025. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What are the penalties for violations? Violating the law is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine per offense. Does the law ban possession or use of these vape products? No. SB 2024 does not criminalize possession or personal use, only the sale, marketing, or distribution is penalized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How does SB 2024 differ from the broader THC prohibition attempt under SB 3? President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One after arriving at Huntsville International airport, Sept. 22, 2017, in Huntsville, AL. Evan Vucci/AP President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak publicly Tuesday after an unusual period of silence. Here's what to know. When is the White House announcement today? President Trump will make an announcement at 2 p.m. ET, or 1 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It will be the first time Trump has spoken publicly in a week. Rumors of a worsening health condition and even his death circulated online when the president was noticeably absent from the public eye. Much of the speculation included odd bruising on his hands, which have appeared for several months now and have prompted concerns over his health. A bruise is visible on the back of U.S. 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. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the bruising in February and she responded, "President Trump has bruises on his hand because he's constantly working and shaking hands all day every day." Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trump was seen outside of the White House on Saturday, dispelling rumors of his death. He also wrote on Truth Social Sunday that he "NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE." When asked about the bruising on the president's hands, White House Press Secretary said, "President Trump has bruises on his hand because he's constantly working and shaking hands all day every day." Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is Trump announcing today? Although some believe Trump will speak about his health and explain his unusual period of absence, Leavitt said it will be "an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Two unnamed sources confirmed this to the Associated Press, saying the president will give the new location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters. The headquarters, currently in Colorado Springs, are expected to move to Alabama after an April report said the DOD Inspector General "could not determine" why they were in Colorado. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This aligns with an Aug. 28 post by Kay Ivey, in which the Alabama governor wrote, "Space Command coming to Huntsville? Count on it." Space Command coming to Huntsville? Count on it. Huntsville was already chosen once before as the home for U.S. Space Command and for good reason. I remain confident that Alabama is the right place for this mission to take root and thrive. #alpolitics : @waff48 pic.twitter.com/dU45jWSr7u Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) August 28, 2025 How to watch Trump's speech Today's announcement will be livestreamed on the official White House YouTube account, as well as on many national news sites. TEHRAN, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian security official said on Tuesday the path for nuclear negotiations with the United States is not closed. Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while elaborating on Tehran's conditions for talks with Washington. Larijani added that Iran seeks "rational" negotiations, stressing that "by raising unrealizable issues, such as missile restrictions, they (the United States) set a path which negates any talks." Iran and the United States were scheduled to hold the sixth round of their indirect nuclear negotiations on June 15 in Oman. The talks were suspended after Israel launched major airstrikes on June 13 targeting several Iranian sites, including nuclear and military facilities. U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites followed on June 22. On Aug. 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is still seeking direct talks with Iran on ending its nuclear program, following the move by France, Britain, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Tehran. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis shows body-worn camera video during a news conference at police headquarters in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, of an officer-involved shooting that killed Raymond Lee Howard on August 28 at 1807 West Slaughter Lane Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The Austin Police Department on Tuesday released body camera footage and identified the officers and victim involved in last weeks fatal shooting of a burglary suspect inside a Thundercloud Subs shop in South Austin. A bystander was also wounded in the gunfire. Detectives fatally shot Raymond Lee Howard, 33, during a fugitive apprehension operation at the sandwich shop at 1807 West Slaughter Lane, according to the Police Department. The department identified the officers as Detective Marcus Gonzalez, who has served eight years and two months with the department; Detective Craig Pruitt, who has served seven years; and Detective Ricardo Cardona, who has served 12 years and five months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The shooting occurred around 5:26 p.m. Thursday after the undercover detectives lured Howard to the strip mall as part of a planned sting operation. Police said Howard, who was wanted in connection with a string of burglaries and home invasions in August, had been identified at the scene after arriving on a motorcycle. According to the department, Detectives Gonzalez, Pruitt, and Cardona entered the restaurant wearing vests marked police and gave Howard repeated commands to get on the ground. Instead, police said, Howard turned toward a bystander, pulled a handgun from a crossbody bag, and refused to comply. This shopping center in the 1800 block of West Slaughter Lane, shown Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, was the site of a police shooting Thursday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The bystander, later identified as Fernando Martinez, physically engaged Howard in an effort to restrain him. As the two struggled on the ground, Howard raised his weapon and fired at least one round, police said. The detectives then fired their service weapons, striking Howard. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but Howard was pronounced dead at 5:46 p.m. Martinez was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and later released. It remains unclear whether his injury came from Howards gun or police fire. Martinez attended a Police Department news conference Tuesday where Chief Lisa Davis praised him as extremely heroic and said the department would help pay his medical bills. I want to thank the Lord above, Martinez said. I want to thank my family who has been with me through this time. Everyone involved in this incident, as mentioned earlier, acted swiftly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police said Howard had prior burglary convictions and was suspected of multiple offenses this month, including burglaries and home invasions in which firearms were stolen. On Aug. 27, the day before the shooting, police said Howard committed an armed home burglary while the homeowner was present. That incident escalated the danger posed to the community, police said. Fernando Martinez walks away after speaking at a news conference at police headquarters in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, about an officer-involved shooting that happened August 28 at 1807 West Slaughter Lane. Martinez was a bystander who helped stop suspect Raymond Lee Howard. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman As required by department policy, the three detectives involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated. The Police Departments Special Investigations Unit is conducting a criminal inquiry in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorneys Office, while Internal Affairs with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight is leading a parallel administrative review, the Police Department said. The Police Department said it released the body camera footage, along with police radio traffic, in the interest of transparency and accountability. The materials, which include slow-motion versions of the videos, have been reviewed by the Travis County District Attorneys Office and the Office of Police Oversight, the department noted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A hike and bike trail along Lady Bird Lake is feet from the end of Rainey Street on Sunday April 2, 2023 in Downtown Austin. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman The Rainey Street Ripper the rumored serial killer allegedly pushing people into Lady Bird Lake is nothing but an urban myth, according to a new study by Texas State University criminologists and the Austin Police Department. The report, released Tuesday by Texas States Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, analyzed 189 drowning cases from 2004 to 2025 and found they mirror historical patterns and the average risk of drowning in a growing Texas city. Researchers said the data revealed no time-and-place clusters or other indications of a serial killer, concluding there is neither direct evidence nor indirect warning signs of a serial murderer reiterating what police have said for years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The number of drownings in Austin is a function of population, Lady Bird Lake visitation, and the proliferation of nearby bars and nightclubs," the report said. "While the shores of the Colorado River are not being stalked by a serial killer, the hazards of drowning in Texas remain a concern." The shore of Lady Bird Lake is less than 100 feet from the end of Rainey Street, which hosts a thriving bar scene. At least 21 bodies have been recovered from the lake since 2018, when three deaths in downtown waterways within three months sparked the first wave of serial-killer speculation. Police denied the rumors then, just as they do now. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The theory resurfaced with greater reach in 2023, when social media users tied it to Lady Bird Lake and the Rainey Street district, fueling viral TikTok videos and true crime chatter as more bodies were discovered. A Facebook group named Lady Bird Lake Serial Killer -True Crime was started that year, now boasting more than 92,500 followers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Of the 189 drownings researchers examined, 58 matched the victim profile described in the rumored serial killer theory. The profile included healthy, handsome men in their 20s or 30s. According to the study, the rate of drownings within that group was higher in several years before 2023. Adjusted for population, 2015, 2018 and 2020 all recorded higher drowning rates than 2023. And the Rainey Street District is far from the citys drowning epicenter, the report found. Between 2004 and 2025, just eight bodies fitting the target profile were recovered from Lady Bird Lake between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, roughly one every 32 months. The most recent body was found in late March. The report notes that "murder is uncommon," elaborating that only 0.2% of all murders are homicidal drownings. Across the world, other rumored serial killers have also been declared myths, the authors explained, including the Smiley Face murderer, the Manchester Pusher and the New England serial killer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sensationalism across both traditional and social media is the true culprit, the study suggests. It concludes that such narratives thrive on drama and fear rather than facts, a dynamic that's spilled into the national media cycle. The authors pointed to coverage by Fox News, the Daily Mail and social media influencers. Last year, TV personality Nancy Grace dedicated a 42-minute episode of her show Crime Stories to these fatalities. "Look, you don't have to go to law school to figure out there's something very, very wrong at Lady Bird Lake," Grace said at the start of the episode. Austin police have remained firm in their stance that there is no killer. They have repeatedly said that the only common factor between some of the deaths is the combination of alcohol and proximity to the lake, which the study confirms. Only one of the 21 deaths has been ruled a homicide: Police said Josue Moreno, 45, was shot while driving his truck, which then crashed into the water. Joel Santiago Gonzalez-Paron, 18, later pleaded guilty to Moreno's murder. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The authors argue that lasting progress will come not from chasing lurid narratives, but from problem-oriented policing and evidence-based prevention. They point to Austins own efforts nearly $1 million in safety upgrades on the Rainey Street Trailhead as an example of how targeted measures can reduce drownings. In 2023, the city began installing safety measures after emotional pleas from the families of two who died in the lake, Jason John and Martin Gutierrez. The improvements were finished last summer, including new lighting, fencing, sidewalk extensions and a camera. Since then, the number of drownings has decreased, according to the study. D. Kim Rossmo and Zena Rossouw of Texas State Universitys School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, along with Edward R. Anderson of the Austin Police Department, authored the paper. Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, authored Senate Bill 26, which would invest more than $4 million in teacher pay increases. Jay Janner/American-Statesman State Sen. Brandon Creighton, a leading architect of conservative education laws, is expected to be named the sole finalist for chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, marking another shakeup in higher education leadership. On Sunday afternoon, board Chairman Cody Campbell said on X that he expects the board will unanimously name Creighton, a Republican from Conroe, as the sole finalist for the system. The day before, Texas Tech regents met in closed session for four hours but took no action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Creighton, a third-term senator and former Senate president pro tempore, has pushed public universities to align with conservative priorities. In 2023, he carried legislation that ended diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In this session, Senate Bill 37 reduced faculty governance and gave politically appointed regents control over curriculum, degrees and hiring, while another measure rolled back free speech protections after pro-Palestinian protests erupted on campuses statewide in 2024. He's also known for authoring the pivotal $1 billion school choice legislation that will subsidize private education for some Texas families, to the chagrin of Democrats and some rural Republicans who opposed the program as "vouchers" for wealthy families. "We are confident that Senator Creighton will continue to advance our mission of serving students, driving research, and strengthening communities across the State, and especially in West Texas," Campbell posted on X. "He is, unquestionably, the right person for the job, and we all look forward to working with him." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The university system's top post became vacant when Ted Mitchell announced his retirement in July after serving since 2018. Under his leadership, the system added a dental school in El Paso and a veterinary school in Amarillo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Creighton's prospective nomination is the latest shakeup in Texas higher education. Glenn Hegar, a former state comptroller and representative, became chancellor of the Texas A&M University System on July 1. On Aug. 20, University of Texas System regents appointed former state Rep. John Zerwas as chancellor. U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, a Republican representing Lubbock and chairman of the House Budget Committee, was also in the race for Texas Tech University System chancellor, the Texas Tribune reported Thursday. Though Creighton would be new to the Texas Tech community, affectionately called Raiderland for its mascot Raider Red, his legislative career has been marked by efforts to advance Texas leadership in higher education from affordability and expanded pathways to ridding campuses of perceived wokeness. "Over the past six years, no university system in Texas has taken more bold steps forward," Creighton said in a post on X Sunday night about the system. "Serving as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and the Budget Subcommittee has been the honor of a lifetimeespecially to help deliver that success for Texas Tech and its regional universities." Advertisement Article continues below this ad As per state law, regents must wait 21 days after officially naming a finalist to vote them into the position. Creighton's current Senate term expires January 2027. Texas Tech at 'pivotal crossroads' The Texas Tech University System has three academic institutions, two health institutions and campuses across the state. The system serves about 69,000 students annually. Creighton previously told the American-Statesman that he began his career as a pipe fitter at a chemical plant while attending community college. He said he maxed out his student loans and borrowed from a family friend to cover tuition as he continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin, and that he has felt called to help students in similar positions ever since. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I will never forget all those struggles, Creighton said. And so Im very tuned in to the plight of our college students, who are first our high school students, and then those who are in a higher education path (who) are trying desperately to enter the workforce to change the lives of themselves and their families forever. Before being elected to the Senate, Creighton served seven years in the Texas House. He's chaired the Senate's higher education committee or subcommittee since 2019 and chaired Senate Education in 2023 and 2025. Several of his Republican colleagues asserted their confidence in Creighton's leadership and excitement for his appointment after Campbell's announcement, including Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, who represents Lubbock and calls himself a "proud Red Raider." "Senator Creightons leadership and expertise on higher education matters will be a tremendous benefit to Texas Tech as we continue to grow its impact across the state and nation," Burrows said on X. "While many in Raiderland may not yet know him personally, I can assure you his values and commitment to excellence will reflect the very spirit of Texas Tech." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Texas Chapter of the American Association of University Professors said in a post on X that the appointment is a threat to academic freedom on campus. SB 37 abolished faculty councils on college campuses unless regents approve adapted versions in compliance with strict provisions in the law. It also calls for regent review of core curriculum requirements and degrees of value. "Shared governance involves the trustees, the administration, and the faculty all working together to support the students and the institution. Academic freedom helps to bring in and retain the best faculty in the country," the chapter's statement said. "We hope that Texas Tech's strong tradition of shared governance and academic freedom continue so that Texas Tech can thrive." Creighton did not respond to a phone call seeking comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Campbell, the board chairman, called Creighton a proven leader with a strong track record in higher education and said he expects Creighton will make a strong impact on the system. Texas Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, right, huddles with other Democratic senators and staff members to fight against a bill redrawing U.S. congressional maps at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. Stephen Spillman/Associated Press The Texas House is poised to advance legislation aimed at discouraging future quorum breaks, but the measure would not affect the more than 50 Democrats who either left the state or went into hiding this month to stall the Republican-backed legislation to redraw the state's congressional map. House Bill 18 is expected to come up for a floor debate Tuesday and is likely to stoke the partisan divide that has been a hallmark of the two special sessions this summer that have been dominated by the redistricting effort to give Texas Republicans five additional winnable seats in Congress. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Also in the pipeline is a proposed change in the House rules that could not only make quorum-breaking more expensive, but also cost members at least some of their seniority, which is major factor for such perks as committee assignments, prime Capitol offices, and parking spaces. "It's brutal," said state Rep. Tom Oliverson of Cypress chairman of the House Republican Caucus chairman of the rule-change proposal. "I think it will significantly decrease the chances of anyone breaking quorum in the future." The legislation and the proposed rule changes, endorsed by the House GOP caucus, are part of the Republican backlash to the 15-day walkout by Democrats that effectively killed the first special session on redistricting that was ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott. The high cost of quorum busting HB 18 would forbid members of the Legislature who engage in future quorum breaks from fund-raising during the time they are absent. It would also prohibit donors from giving money to quorum-breakers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Democrats who broke quorum in August each owe the state over $9,000, the bulk of which is the $500-per-day fine imposed by House rules, and the remaining $2,000 to cover the cost accrued by the state for efforts to locate and bring back the quorum-breakers. Under the proposed rule change, the monetary fine for breaking quorum would be about $660 per day. That is three times the per diem allotment members draw when they are in session. READ MORE: Texas House passes Trump redistricting plan The Democrats used the same tactic in 2021 when House members fled to Washington in the hopes of persuading Congress to prevent Texas Republican leaders from enacting legislation affecting voting rights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And like what happened four years earlier, Democrats finally returned to Austin and Republicans were able to pass their desired legislation. Jon Taylor, a political science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, said the 2021 and 2025 examples underscore the limited ability of quorum breaking to achieve policy goals in the Legislature, and may well spell the end of the practice as a legislative tactic. "They were able to to force Democrats in other parts of the country to wake up and start pushing for their own redistricting as a response to what's happening in Texas," Taylor said. "I think there's your victory. But at least within the state, they were never going to win this thing. The bloom might be off of the quorum-busting rose." 'The Democrats held serve' Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, agreed that Texas Democrats pushed the unusual tactic of redrawing congressional boundaries in the middle of a decade into the national spotlight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But, he added, the Trump-inspired action in Texas would have drawn national attention even if the Democrats had not broken quorum. "The Democrats held serve," Rottinghaus said. "They didn't lose much, but they didn't gain much. But this was the insurance that national Democrats needed to push the issue into the public." 'Permanent damage' to bipartisanship During the Texas Democrats quorum break, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and leaders of the state assembly hatched a plan to redraw their own congressional map to eliminate five Republican seats, offsetting the new GOP-leaning seats in Texas. Democratic governors in New York, New Jersey and Maryland are also considering measures that could cost Republicans congressional seats in their states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump, meanwhile, is pushing Republican states to dismantle Democratic districts. All this comes as polling shows the process, which generally involves concocting weirdly shaped districts that lump residents of widely varying income and education levels and disparate ethnic backgrounds, leaves a sour taste for ordinary voters. The process is called gerrymandering. A Verasight poll released in August found that 45% called gerrymandering "a big problem" and 56% expressed support for a national requirement for independent redistricting commissions. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percent. Notwithstanding the monetary costs and other sanctions that might be imposed, Rottinghaus said breaking quorum also came at a high price in terms of personal camaraderie among members of the Legislature that often knows no partisan divide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad GAZA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, as the Israeli military urged Gaza City residents to leave ahead of expanded fighting. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense, told Xinhua that 14 people were killed when an Israeli aircraft bombed an apartment building in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, southwest of Gaza City, while 10 others were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential house in the al-Daraj neighborhood, east of the city. Basal said that 10 people were killed in attacks on apartments and tents housing displaced residents in the Al-Nasr and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods in northern Gaza City. He noted that five people were killed in a bombing of a Palestinian gathering in Jabalia, north of the Strip, and three others were killed in an attack on a food pantry near the beach in western Gaza City. In the central Gaza Strip, 12 people were killed, including 10 who were waiting for food near an aid distribution point at the Netzarim axis, and two in an Israeli airstrike on the city of Deir al-Balah. Basal said 10 people were killed in Khan Younis, including six who were waiting for food near an aid distribution warehouse, while four others died in separate airstrikes on the city. Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 11,502 Palestinians have been killed and 48,900 others injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 63,633, with 160,914 others injured, according to health authorities in Gaza on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli army, called on residents of Gaza City to move to the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Civil Defense Authority in Gaza expressed concern about the Israeli military's intention to evacuate the Gaza and Northern Governorates. In a statement, the authority warned that the Israeli plan to displace approximately one million Palestinians from their homes will have very serious repercussions that will lead to a major catastrophe. It called on international humanitarian organizations to stand in solidarity with humanitarian service providers in the Gaza Strip, demand the implementation of international humanitarian law and international conventions, and protect civil defense teams. It also called on the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations to pressure Israel to provide tents and caravans for the displaced in camps and shelters, especially as winter approaches. Israel has been waging a large-scale war in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which, according to Israeli authorities, resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 hostages. ISTANBUL, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish court on Tuesday annulled the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Istanbul provincial congress held in 2023 and ousted Provincial Chairman Ozgur Celik and his administration over irregularities. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the decision to suspend the Istanbul provincial chairman, provincial executive board members, and provincial disciplinary board members is a precautionary measure issued in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of CHP delegates. In a brief message on the social media platform X, Celik said he was heading to the Istanbul Provincial Chairmanship to oversee and manage the process. "The decision is an attempt to block our march toward power," he added. Celik, supported by Istanbul's former mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, defeated his rival in the 2023 election, and an investigation was subsequently launched against him over allegations of election fraud. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the 2023 congress was deemed invalid due to irregularities. Investigations by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and leaked audio recordings suggested that delegates' votes were influenced by money, gifts, job promises, and other material benefits. A temporary trustee committee, headed by former provincial chairman Gursel Tekin, has been appointed to the Provincial Chairmanship. Following the decision, the benchmark BIST-100 index on Borsa Istanbul tumbled by over 5 percent, while the banking index fell by 7.5 percent. The ruling came amid increased scrutiny of the country's main opposition, during which over a dozen mayors -- including Imamoglu, a key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- have been taken into custody. MwareTV Unveils seamless Server-Guided Ad Insertion at IBC 2025 Full integration of seamless Server-Guided Ad Insertion (SGAI) across TVMS and award winning App Builder Supported on 16 different device platforms Enhanced viewer experience with uninterrupted content flow Cost-effective, scalable ad delivery Amsterdam, The Netherlands( ) MwareTV, the leading cloud-based multi-tenant platform provider, will showcase its full implementation of Server-Guided Ad Insertion (SGAI) at IBC 2025 (Stand 5.B36, Amsterdam RAI, 1215 September). Powered by Dolby technology and integrated with the Dolby Optiview player, SGAI is now available across MwareTVs Television Management System (TVMS) and all user-facing apps built with its intuitive App Builder. SGAI is a breakthrough approach to dynamic ad delivery that combines the scalability of server-side insertion with the flexibility of client-side targeting. By enabling seamless, personalized ad experiences across devices, SGAI ensures higher relevance for viewers and stronger returns for advertisers, without compromising playback quality or measurement accuracy. Advertising remains the cornerstone of monetization for streaming services. According to Statista, OTT and television ad revenue reached $74 billion in the US in 2023, with continued growth projected. The challenge lies in delivering relevant, targeted ads without disrupting the viewer experience. SGAI offers a breakthrough solution. The research shows huge revenue improvements by implementing SGAI, said Sander Kerstens, CEO of MwareTV. We see 132% improvement in fill rate and 76% uplift in effective CPM. Tracking accuracy is much more accurate, and the architecture leads to 50% fewer ad requests than SSAI, reducing backend costs. SGAI is a real winner for any ad-supported streaming business. Traditional client-side ad insertion can interrupt live content and is vulnerable to ad blockers. Server-side insertion offers seamless delivery but lacks flexibility and scalability. SGAI combines the strengths of both: the server signals upcoming ad breaks using standard messaging, while the player locally stitches the content, ensuring smooth transitions and precise targeting. SGAI also unlocks advanced ad formats such as L-shape squeeze backs, overlays, companion ads and double-box placements. These enable monetization during key moments without interrupting the main content, including second-screen opportunities for enhanced engagement. With the MwareTV platform, it is simple to deploy, highly scalable, and resilient in operation, and through integrated analytics and monitoring, it closes the feedback loop for advertisers. The Dolby-powered SGAI technology, built on the Dolby Optiview player, is now fully embedded within MwareTVs TVMS ecosystem. The result is a cost-effective, reliable and user-friendly solution for boosting revenue and viewer satisfaction. At IBC 2025, MwareTV will demonstrate the full capabilities of its TVMS platform, which provides everything needed to launch and manage a streaming or multi-channel OTT service. This includes the powerful App Builder, which allows users to design branded interfaces for any device, without writing a single line of code. Simply drag and drop buttons, views, and graphics, and the underlying technology, including SGAI, is automatically configured. Services can go live in hours or days, not months. The MwareTV platform brings intelligent support to subscribers across 16 supported platforms, including Android Mobile, Android Tablet, Android AOSP Set-top box, AndroidTV Set-top box, AndroidT smartTV, iPhone, iPad, AppleTV, FireTV, Roku, Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, Vidaa and WebTV plus more. MwareTV continues to lead the way by solving real-world challenges for operators, added Kerstens. With our cloud-native platform, innovations like Lightning 3.0 in App Builder, and partnerships with Dolby for SGAI, we handle the tech so our customers can focus on building their audience. Experience SGAI and the complete MwareTV platform at IBC 2025, Stand 5.B36. For more information, visit www.mwaretv.com. Sovereign streaming for Europes digital decade: G&L Systemhaus defines resilient infrastructures Institutions and broadcasters gain trusted streaming workflows designed for reliable control, sustainable growth, and future-proof performance. Cologne( ) G&L Systemhaus, a leading German systems integrator for streaming media, is setting new benchmarks for digital sovereignty and sustainability in Europe. With recent deployments such as the new multilingual streaming platform for the European Parliament, the company demonstrates that sovereignty, scale, and performance can go hand in hand. Digital sovereignty has become a decisive factor for public institutions and regulated industries across Europe. From parliamentary debates to health briefings, streaming often carries sensitive signals. G&L ensures that data location, availability, and compliance remain under European jurisdiction, meeting the requirements of the EUs "Europe fit for the Digital Age" and "Digital Decade 2030" agendas. "Providers who can prove full control over their infrastructure enjoy a genuine competitive edge," says Alexander Leschinsky, CEO and Co-Founder of G&L Systemhaus. "Our customers can audit every workflow path and know that no data crosses transatlantic routes unless they explicitly request it." Operating from carrier-neutral data centres in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, G&L runs live encoding, origin storage, analytics, and monitoring entirely under European law and within full scope of GDPR. The multilingual platform developed for the European Parliament underlines this approach: it supports up to 32 languages, delivers fully captioned recordings within minutes, and maintains broadcast-grade reliability, all while keeping every master asset and log in Europe. Beyond sovereignty, G&L follows a layered integration model. The control layer, including master files, encryption keys, and user identities, remains securely in European facilities, while elastic capacity can be added via trusted cloud partners such as Akamai Connected Cloud. This ensures flexibility without creating dependencies. Sustainability is another cornerstone of G&Ls strategy. By deploying specialised video processing units, the company reduces power consumption by up to a factor of three compared with traditional CPU workflows, without compromising quality or latency. These measures, combined with renewable-energy contracts and granular power-usage monitoring in G&Ls facilities, help customers achieve measurable green-IT targets. G&L is preparing for official EMAS and ISO 14001 environmental certification in 2026. Looking ahead, Leschinsky sees a decisive moment for Europes digital infrastructure: "The global climate is shifting. A single U.S. executive order could jeopardize the entire legal basis for transatlantic data transfers. Europe must build resilient, self-determined infrastructure if it wants to secure its long-term independence. Sovereignty and sustainability are becoming default requirements, and providers who deliver both will define Europes next growth cycle." With its proven expertise, modular architectures, and a strong commitment to European values, G&L Systemhaus is positioning itself as a trusted partner for institutions, broadcasters, and enterprises that demand both technological excellence and full accountability. About G&L Systemhaus G&L Systemhaus, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, is a system integrator and managed service provider specializing in modular, scalable streaming solutions for live and on-demand media. Trusted by Europes largest broadcasters, leading events, and government entities for the last two decades, G&L supports its customers with end-to-end services ranging from encoding and CDN to observability, content authenticity, and green IT strategies. Learn more. G&L Systemhaus at IBC 2025 Digital European sovereignty is one of G&Ls key themes at this years IBC Show. Visitors can discover all activities at booth 1.F74 and book a meeting here. An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron performs defensive maneuvers during the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in South Korea, Aug. 20, 2025. (Landon Gunsauls/U.S. Air Force) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon that crashed off South Koreas western coast last year went down after an engine stall caused by hardware failure, according to Pacific Air Forces investigation. The jet took off from Kunsan Air Base at 8 a.m. Jan. 31, 2024, for a routine training mission that included midair refueling from a KC-46 Pegasus over the Yellow Sea, said the Aug. 22 report. The fighter and three other F-16Cs in the formation were assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, based at Kunsan, about 115 miles south of Seoul. Roughly 30 minutes into the flight, the F-16C received 1,700 pounds of fuel from the KC-46 when the pilot heard a loud bang inside the aircraft, according to the report. Witnesses saw black smoke coming from the engine exhaust, and flashes appeared from the jets nose and tail. The pilot disengaged from the tanker, and the engine stalled and could not be restarted, the report said. Instrument readings were unreliable, displaying multiple failure indications. The nearest airfield, Seosan Air Base, was about 74 miles east. Investigators determined the jet could glide only about 35 miles without power, leaving no chance for a safe landing. This debris was recovered from the Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon that crashed into the Yellow Sea on Jan. 31, 2024. (U.S. Air Force) The pilot ejected at 2,000 feet, according to the report. A South Korean coast guard helicopter from Seosan rescued him 35 miles west of the base at 9:17 a.m., 36 minutes after the aircraft crashed into the sea. He was treated for hypothermia at Humphreys, about 35 miles east of Seosan. Small pieces of debris were recovered, but the $25.8 million jets airframe was not found, the report said. Investigators were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the stall without flight data but ruled out weather and maintenance issues. Conditions were clear at the time, inspections were current, and the jet had logged about 8,260 operating hours, the report said. The pilot had nearly 2,100 flight hours, including more than 1,350 in the F-16C. The mishap was one of three F-16C crashes in South Korea between May 6, 2023, and January 2024. Investigators attributed the first to bad weather and loss of electrical power, while the second, seven months later, was blamed on a navigation system failure and adverse weather. An AH-64E Apache helicopter fires an AGM-114 Hellfire missile at Yakima Training Center, Wash., in 2023. The U.S. Army said an AH-64E successfully defeated various drones during a drill in North Carolina on Aug. 29, 2025. (Kyle Abraham/U.S. Army) The U.S. Army says its premier attack helicopter successfully defeated various drones during a recent trial aimed at demonstrating the aircrafts viability on modern battlefields, where unmanned weapons pose new threats to old systems. The drill in North Carolina showcased the ability of AH-64E Apache helicopters to detect, track and destroy drones with a range of munitions, the Armys office on missiles and space said in a statement Friday. These results confirmed that Apache can deliver persistent, flexible and cost-effective options to defeat UAS threats, the statement said. The Army demonstration comes amid a broad evaluation of weapons systems across the military. The emergence of cheap drones on the battlefield in Ukraine has prompted military commanders around the world to rethink old assumptions about warfighting and weapons systems. For example, South Korea in June canceled plans to purchase 36 new Apache attack helicopters as it shifts funds toward cheaper unmanned systems. The move was related to concerns about the survivability of expensive legacy systems such as the Apache helicopter, given the proliferation of drone technology, the Korea Times reported at the time. An AH-64Ev6 Apache from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade fires the SPIKE NLOS missile for the first time in Europe, in Ustka, Poland, on Aug. 27, 2025. The U.S. Army said an AH-64E successfully defeated various drones during a drill in North Carolina on Aug. 29, 2025. (Grant Hockley/U.S. Army) The Army, however, says the Apache still has a big role to play. Existing (counter drone) systems are predominantly ground-based and limited in number, creating gaps that adversaries can exploit, the Army statement said. By leveraging Apache helicopters, commanders gain a mobile platform able to deploy rapidly into threatened areas to detect targets. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel York, who was involved in the demonstration on Friday, said the exercise showed the Apache continues to be relevant and effective in the face of evolving UAS threats. U.S.-made Apaches have been a big seller abroad. Poland, now NATOs biggest defense spender per capita, has made the helicopter a central part of efforts to modernize its Army. Warsaw last year signed a procurement deal for 96 Apaches, which are expected to arrive in 2028. U.S. Army aviators have been training with their Polish counterparts in anticipation of the attack helicopters arrival. Last week, the Apache also was part of a show of force drill on the coast of the Baltic Sea, where American and Polish troops fired a new long-range missile launched from Apache helicopters that hit targets some 16 miles out at sea. SANAA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Tuesday it launched multiple attacks on targets in Israel, including the Israeli army's General Staff headquarters in Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion International Airport, and a vessel in the northern Red Sea. In a statement aired on the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that "a Sammad-4 drone struck the Israeli army's General Staff building" in Tel Aviv. He added that other drones targeted a power station in Hadera, Ben Gurion Airport, and the Port of Ashdod. Sarea also said the group launched two drones and a cruise missile at the container ship MSC Aby in the northern Red Sea, accusing the vessel of maintaining trade links with Israeli ports. The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate confirmation from Israel or the ship's operator. The fresh alleged attacks came a day after the Houthis took responsibility for a missile attack near the Scarlet Ray oil tanker in the northern Red Sea. The escalation follows an Israeli airstrike on Thursday in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa that killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Houthi-appointed prime minister, along with 11 other Houthi ministers. It was a major blow to the Houthi rebel group, which controls much of northern Yemen. Israeli media reported that the strike on the Houthi cabinet aimed to deter the group from launching further attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea. However, the group vowed revenge, warning that Israel would face "dark days ahead." Then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen speaks with the Chinese army's General Staff Gen. Chen Bingde during a ceremony welcoming Mullen to Beijing, China, on July 11, 2011. (Chad J. McNeeley/U.S. Navy) China is awash in nationalist fervor ahead of its celebration of the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II, which Beijing will mark Wednesday with a grand parade showcasing its military prowess. Alongside the spectacle, a quieter campaign is unfolding: one to recast wartime history in service of todays geopolitical tensions with Washington. In the run-up to the anniversary, several state-aligned scholars, media outlets and think tanks have downplayed the significance of American assistance to China during World War II, casting the U.S. as a self-serving power then and now. The effort has spilled into popular culture: from highly anticipated films dramatizing Chinas role in the Korean War against American forces to AI-generated videos of World War II soldiers marveling at modern-day China, which have gone viral on social media. The fundamental purpose of U.S. aid to China was to protect its own interests in China; it was by no means assistance based on an equal relationship, a piece in the Historical Review, affiliated with the state-run Chinese Academy of History, said in its August issue. A commentary published by state-backed, nationalist Red Culture Institute read: Even without U.S. aid China would have a chance of winning [against Japan]. But historians say American assistance was crucial for China to survive the war. Large parts of China were occupied by Imperial Japan and war broke out in 1937, in the lead-up to World War II. Japans defeat in 1945, following the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, led to Chinas liberation. Japan officially surrendered its territory in China in a ceremony in Nanjing on Sept. 9, 1945. China and the United States needed each other, said Rana Mitter, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author of Forgotten Ally: Chinas World War II. Without Chinas continued resistance, the U.S. would have had a much bigger problem in the Asia-Pacific region, and without American financial assistance and military advice, China would have had it much harder to last till the end of the war. Mitters book argues that Chinas wartime contribution was not given proper credit in the West for decades. But now, China is picking and choosing the parts of history that best suit its current political needs. Its not necessarily the details are wrong - sometimes they are, sometimes theyre not - but they are made to add up to a story that fits your present-day needs, he said. Tensions between the worlds superpowers, the U.S. and China, have intensified this year, coming close to a full economic rupture spurred by President Donald Trumps trade war. Beijing, bristling at what it sees as U.S. efforts to contain its rise, has sought to position itself as a stabilizing counterweight to the disruption caused by Trumps confrontational and unpredictable approach to geopolitics. The rivalry has also drawn Beijing closer to Moscow while deepening an anti-American sentiment at home. When he visited Moscow in May for World War II commemorations, Chinese leader Xi Jinping wrote in a Russian outlet that correct historical perspective placed China and the Soviet Union at center stage in Asia and Europe, without mentioning the U.S. and Western allies. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be among the leaders of the 26 nations that will attend the Sept. 3 Victory Day parade. Nationalist narratives U.S. assistance to China during the war came in different forms, most prominently under the Lend-Lease program. President Franklin D. Roosevelt used the program to provide war supplies to countries without directly getting involved in the war. The aid was provided with the expectation of deferred repayment. China was a major recipient under Lend-Lease: receiving roughly $700 million in military aid during World War II before Japans surrender, according to a government memorandum sent to the State Department in 1946, with assistance continuing for some months afterward. Overall, the U.S. disbursed more than $49 billion under the program to nearly 40 nations. Its probably fair to say that the conditions placed on China may have been somewhat onerous, but the exact same thing has been said about the conditions imposed on the British, Mitter said, adding that the U.S. pushed its allies quite hard on payment. Then there were American volunteer pilots, popularly known as Flying Tigers, who successfully fought the superior Japanese air force on Chinas behalf. And after Japans bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Roosevelt sent Gen. Joseph Stilwell to serve as a military adviser to the Chinese government. Some symbols of cooperation - such as the Flying Tigers - have weathered geopolitical tensions. China has invited descendants of the volunteers for the commemoration events, Hong Kongs South China Morning Post reported. Nell Calloway, granddaughter of Flying Tigers founder Gen. Claire Chennault, urged the U.S. and China to draw on their historical experience of World War II to navigate the current tensions in an article published in Chinas state-run Peoples Daily on Thursday. Nationalist writers are also increasingly emphasizing the role of the Soviet Union. Recent commentary in state mouthpieces including the PLA Daily and Peoples Daily accuses the U.S. and its allies of deliberately downplaying the Soviet Unions contribution. Prominent Chinese historians have pushed back on the views espoused by nationalist commentators. Su Zhiliang, a professor of history at Shanghai Normal University, noted that U.S. wartime aid was critical and helped China. But he added that Soviet support had not been adequately acknowledged: Soviet pilots came to Wuhans help in the 1930s when the U.S. was practicing isolationism. Still, they are far less well-known than U.S. Flying Tigers. China was not claiming to be the biggest hero in the victory, said Yang Biao, a professor of history at East China Normal University in Shanghai. China is becoming a more powerful country and naturally would want an image and narrative that fits its true historical status, he said. It shows the Chinese voice is getting more recognition. On-screen war This patriotic sentiment is also surging across phone screens. Slick AI-generated clips and dramatic montages have brought World War II to life on Chinese social media. In one viral clip, a Chinese World War II soldier, his arm bloodied and face streaked with soot, turns to a modern-day soldier of the Peoples Liberation Army to ask: Have we won [the war]? The PLA soldier, bearing the likeness of a popular fitness influencer, nods, and as he pulls out a smartphone to offer proof, the World War II soldier dissolves into a flock of pigeons rising into the sky. The AI-generated clip has drawn nearly 19 million likes on Douyin, Chinas version of TikTok, with hundreds of thousands of emotional comments paying respect to the martyrs. Some explicitly take aim at the U.S.: a widely viewed Douyin video features footage of heavy shelling as the narrator decries the Western narrative of the war. Defending Chinas nationalism, another video says China deserves recognition for its World War II contribution after being belittled by the West for so long. On the big screen, government agencies in China are heavily promoting The Volunteers, the third part of a hit Chinese-made Korean War movie franchise to be released this year. The first two movies portrayed Americans in a bad light: heavily armed, ruthless and ineffectual. One of this years blockbuster hits is Dead to Rights, which takes the audience through the horrors of the 1937 Nanjing massacre of Chinese civilians by Japanese troops. Zhou Yuanqing, 38, a taxi driver in Changsha, said his 9-year-old son watched the movie with classmates as part of patriotism education organized by his school. He came back all serious, telling me and his mom that he hates the Japanese. For Sing Chow, a 28-year-old Hong Konger working for a Shanghai-based tech company, the movie was gutting. I was shaking, she said, recalling scenes that left her in tears. I felt [it] all: anger, desperation, sadness, empathy, fear, and grief. The anniversary has provided China a stage to allow such rhetoric to be amplified, said William Yang, a senior analyst for North East Asia for the International Crisis Group, a think tank. At this particular juncture, China sees an opportunity to present itself as a great rising military power ... [and] inject and assert its own version of the narrative about World War II to present itself as a defender of justice, victory and the world order, he said. Kadena Air Base is home to the 18th Wing on Okinawa. (Jessi Roth/U.S. Air Force) A Chinese man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly walking onto a U.S. Air Force base on Okinawa, local police said. Dai Long, 37, is accused of entering Kadena Air Base through Gate 2 at 11:32 a.m. Saturday, an Okinawa city police spokesman said by phone Tuesday. The gate sits along the bases southeastern fence line and opens on to a popular nightlife and shopping district. Eighteenth Security Forces Squadron personnel apprehended Long on the base, questioned him and turned him over to Okinawa Prefectural Police, the 18th Wing wrote in an unsigned email Tuesday. He was arrested nearly three hours later, said the city police spokesman, who did not know how far Long had walked inside Kadena. Our defenders vigilance and professionalism were instrumental in the swift response that safeguarded the base and our personnel, wing commander Brig. Gen. John Gallemore said, according to the email. I would like to thank the Okinawa Prefectural Police for their quick response and our ongoing partnership to ensure the safety of both our communities. Long, who was visiting Okinawa for sightseeing, told police he believed he could freely enter the base, the spokesman said. He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Special Criminal Act for trespassing on a U.S. military facility. The case has been forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office. Long remained in police custody as of Tuesday morning, the spokesman said. Prosecutors, not police, decide formal charges under Japans justice system. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. U.S. and South Korean troops enter a South Korean air force C-130 Hercules during a large-scale military exercise at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Aug. 25, 2025. (Josephine Pepin/U.S. Air Force) Ten South Korean military personnel are being disciplined for their roles in an unapproved C-130 Hercules flight over Japanese airspace that prompted Tokyo to scramble fighter jets this summer, according to the Ministry of National Defense. They will receive a formal reprimand and an unspecified punishment for their involvement in the July 13 flight, the ministry said in a text message to reporters on Sunday. The South Korean C-130, en route to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, entered Japanese airspace after running low on fuel and being rerouted to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa because of stormy weather, Japanese and South Korean defense officials said at the time. The aircraft diverted to Kadena without Japanese clearance, prompting the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to scramble fighter jets, according to Japans Joint Staff. The scramble was regrettable, and South Koreas military was asked to take measures to prevent further instances, a Joint Staff spokesman said July 25. The plane refueled at Kadena before continuing to Guam, South Korean officials said. The flight was part of Resolute Force Pacific, a large-scale U.S. Air Force exercise in the region from July 10 to Aug. 8, a South Korean defense ministry spokesman said by phone Tuesday. The training the Air Forces largest in the region included more than 350 aircraft and 12,000 troops. The spokesman declined to provide further details about the incident, including the roles of the reprimanded personnel. South Korean and Japanese government officials typically speak to the press on condition of anonymity. Japanese and South Korean military aircraft routinely conduct air drills to address threats from North Korea. On July 11, two Japanese F-2s and two South Korea KF-16s escorted two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers near the Korean Peninsula, marking the third trilateral flight this year. The names of more than 1,000 troops who died as prisoners of war during World War II were read aloud at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOHAMA, Japan On the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II, the names of more than 1,000 troops who died as prisoners of war were read aloud Tuesday during a memorial ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery. About two dozen people gathered at the small burial ground for the service, which coincided with Japans formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945. The country typically marks the wars end on Aug. 15, the day then-Emperor Hirohito publicly declared his countrys surrender via a public radio broadcast in 1945. Tuesdays ceremony was organized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a California-based Jewish human rights organization. It featured remarks from a local activist, testimony from the son of a former POW and Jewish and Christian prayers. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, an associate dean and the centers Global Social Action director, described the ceremony as closing a circle of memory that began earlier this year with similar events in Germany and Austria marking the end of WWII in Europe. It is important for all of us to be here to close the circle on the day that is marked in the calendar as the surrender of Japan but was actually the beginning of an amazing chapter for Japan and its embrace, thank God, of democratic values and emerging today as Americas closest ally and friend In Asia, he told those gathered Tuesday. The Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, Japan, seen here on Sept. 2, 2025, holds the remains of 1,555 troops who died as prisoners of war during World War II. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Ken Murphy, son of a former prisoner of war, speaks during a ceremony for World War II POWs at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Rabbi Andrew Scheer of the Jewish Community of Japan pays his respects to World War II prisoners of war during a ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, Japan, Sept. 2, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Rabbi Abraham Cooper, of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, honors Allied prisoners of war who died in Japan during World War II, Sept. 2, 2025, at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, Japan. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) The cemetery, established in 1845 by the Australian War Graves Group, holds the remains of 1,555 service members who died as POWs, according to the Commonwealth War Graves website. A memorial at the site houses the cremated remains of 335 troops from the Commonwealth, the Netherlands and the United States. During WWII, Japan captured about 140,000 Allied troops, though only 36,000 were held in camps in Japan. Roughly 3,500 of them died due to starvation, forced labor and harsh conditions, according to POW Research Network Japan. Ken Murphy, a professor at Pepperdine University and the son of James T. Murphy, who was captured in 1942, spoke at the event. He said his father, who is approaching his 105th birthday, was very moved and very honored to hear of the commemoration. He asked me to convey on his behalf his sincere and heartfelt respect and remembrance of all those who endured the prisoner of war experience and paid the ultimate sacrifice so long ago, Murphy said. While the Simon Wiesenthal Center has visited the cemetery before, Tuesday marked its first time hosting a memorial there. Afterward, Cooper said he hopes the ceremony can become an annual tradition. These kinds of deeds and programs and actions have nothing to do with politics, he told Stars and Stripes. I think this is an opportunity for faith leaders across the board to make it a unified type of program. Cars drive towards a traffic circle near the entrance of Aviano Air Base, Italy. Friuli-Venezia Giulia announced it would connect the circle to the SR251 to the east, easing traffic congestion elsewhere and likely creating more for the circle. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Some who live east of the home of the 31st Fighter Wing could eventually have an easier commute to work, but not before about two years of planned construction. Multiple Italian news outlets reported last week that the Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional government has signed a contract to build a nearly 2-mile road to connect SR251 with an existing traffic circle a few hundred yards from the bases main gate. The 10-million-euro project is designed to lessen traffic on SR251, which runs roughly in a north-south direction east of Aviano and connects Maniago with Pordenone. Its intersection with SS-13 in Pordenone is one of the provinces busiest. The new road will likely funnel more vehicles into the circles leading to the main gate of the bases flight line. It could also make it harder for drivers coming from Sacile and other areas west of Aviano to turn left onto SP7 (commonly known as the AP highway) from SP31. The project is part of a plan to improve access to the A28 autostrada for residents in the provinces northeast. The SP7-SP31 intersection would also likely need conversion into a circle creating three within less than a mile. The new route will follow part of an old tank track that once ran toward the base. Much of the southern flight line area was used as a tank training ground. The Aviano 2000 project transformed that land into the commissary/exchange mall, dormitories, the fitness center and other facilities around the turn of the century. The reports gave no start date but said construction was expected to take about 630 days, pushing completion into 2027 if work begins soon. Latvian special operations forces climb and clear a flight of stairs in a simulated urban environment during an exercise on Camp Grayling, Michigan, in 2023. Latvia is, behind Poland and Lithuania, the third largest defense spender in NATO on a per capita basis, according to the alliance. (Drake Chandler/U.S. Army National Guard) STUTTGART, Germany Defense spending among NATO allies will increase by more than 15% in 2025, the second largest annual jump in more than a decade as collective expenditures rise to $1.6 trillion, according to new alliance figures. NATO, in an update released last week, said 31 of 32 member states will hit the required benchmark that calls for dedicating 2% of gross domestic product to military matters. Iceland, which was admitted into NATO in 1949 because of its strategic location, doesnt maintain armed forces and was excluded from the report. For NATO, the surge pushes spending to historic levels and comes as allies move toward an even higher spending target. In June, member states agreed that the minimum level must rise to 5% of GDP by 2035, in line with President Donald Trumps priorities. The plan calls for 3.5% of GDP to be directed to traditional priorities such as weapons and troops, while 1.5% of GDP would go to related infrastructure. Estonian soldiers set up and occupy an overwatch location with a .50-caliber machine gun, during an exercise with U.S. Army soldiers near Camp Tapa Estonia, in January 2024. Estonia is one of the biggest defense spenders in NATO on a per-capita basis. (H Howey/U.S. Army) NATO has not detailed what precisely would qualify as viable military public works projects, but some analysts have raised concerns that the metric could be used to inflate defense budgets by directing money to initiatives without a clear military purpose. Some members are already looking at the infrastructure improvements as a means for boosting their NATO defense spending levels. For example, Italy plans to construct a bridge that connects Italys southern mainland to the island of Sicily. The move would ease civilian travel but also enhance military maneuvering in a country with thousands of U.S. and allied troops, project advocates say. The United States remains by far the biggest defense spender, accounting for well over half of overall military investments in the alliance in 2025, according to NATO. However, on a per-capita basis, the U.S. came in sixth place behind Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Norway. Twenty-four member states still spend under 3% of GDP, which means theyll have to sharply increase spending to reach the 5% mark in the next decade. A Polish W-3 Sokol helicopter soars overhead during a simulated battle at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, July 12, 2025. Poland is the biggest defense spender in NATO on a per-capita basis, according the the alliance. (Jacob Suess/U.S. Army) Current spending signifies a major turnaround from where NATO was in 2014, when it first agreed to the 2% level. That year, collective spending decreased across the alliance by roughly 1%, NATO data shows. Russias 2014 armed intervention in Ukraine brought on new urgency inside NATO. In subsequent years, spending gradually increased. But it was Russias full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022 that delivered a major jolt. NATO defense spending rose 9.3% in 2023 and 18.6% in 2024 amid concerns about further Russian aggression in Europe. The annual overall spending increase for 2025 was 15.9%, down slightly from the previous years annual boost but still larger than at any other time in recent NATO history. An illustration of a proposed 2-mile suspension bridge connecting Italy's southern mainland to the island of Sicily. Construction is expected to begin this year, with completion expected between 2032 and 2033. (Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport) Editors note: This story was updated on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, with information on developments related to the bridge. NAPLES, Italy There are no immediate plans to classify a massive suspension bridge proposed to connect the island of Sicily to Italys mainland as a NATO asset, the Italian government said this month. No defense funds have been allocated for the $15.7 billion project, which is completely financed by the state, Italys infrastructure and transport ministry said, according to a recent report by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica. In approving the project last month, Italy positioned the roughly 2-mile span as a potential strategic corridor to rapidly deploy troops and equipment to NATOs southern flanks. The comments by the ministry appear to be in response to a U.S. warning against creative accounting by alliance members when it comes to meeting a requirement of spending 5% of their gross domestic product on defense by 2035. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker directly addressed the Italian bridge, saying he was watching the situation carefully, Bloomberg News reported. Italy said it would spend 2% of its GDP on defense this year, in line with NATOs benchmark requirement, Reuters reported April 17. In 2024, the country spent about 1.5% of its GDP on defense, according to a NATO report last year. The idea dates to Roman times and the Italian government first asked for proposals in 1969. The project has been canceled previously due to concerns about seismic activity and environmental impacts, among other issues. In its statement, the ministry foreshadowed that the green light for the bridge was not certain. The Italian Court of Auditors must still approve the project, according to the La Repubblica report. LJUBLJANA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations remains an indispensable organization but is in urgent need of reform to better address global challenges, a Chinese diplomat said Tuesday at the Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia's leading foreign policy conference. Wu Hongbo, former special representative of the Chinese government for European affairs and former under-secretary-general in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, made the remarks during a panel on declining alliances and emerging partnerships at the forum. He said, "The United Nations is the largest intergovernmental body, and we need it. But it requires reform. We are not going to rock the boat; we are going to repair the boat so that it can sail more smoothly and faster." Wu warned that, without reform, the UN system is "almost not operational." He said the global order is facing mounting uncertainty as "the law of the jungle is coming back with great force" and that transatlantic relations have been "greatly challenged." He urged the European Union (EU) to safeguard its "strategic autonomy" and avoid seeing China simultaneously as a partner and a rival. "The EU is China's comprehensive and strategic partner." He also expounded the Global Governance Initiative newly presented by China, underlining that all countries should be equal, abide by international law, uphold multilateralism, follow a people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions. This year marks the 20th edition of the Bled Strategic Forum, held under the theme "A Runaway World" on Monday and Tuesday. Established in 2006, the forum is organized by Slovenia's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs together with the Centre for European Perspective. It brings together heads of state, policymakers, academics, and business leaders to discuss Europe's role in a rapidly changing global landscape. U.S. Marines pose for a group photo on the decommissioned battleship USS Missouri at Ford Island, Hawaii, April 3, 2025. The USS Missouri is known as the site of Japans formal surrender in World War II. (Jose Villasenor/U.S. Marine Corps) (Tribune News Service) A day of profound global significancethe formal end of World War IIoccurred on Sept. 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay when Japan officially surrendered in what signaled a hard-won hope for lasting peace. Eighty years later, the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor is inviting visitors to relive that history through Pathway to Peace: USS Missouris World War II Experience, an immersive exhibit that opened Sunday. Presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, the exhibit traces the Missouris journey from its commissioning at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard to its pivotal role in the Pacific Theater and the signing of Japans surrender. Through technology, personal narratives and artifacts, it highlights both the ship and the sailors who served aboard it. Its an exhibit weve been working on for a couple of years now to try and tell a story as best we can, and use available technology to make it interactive and fun and exciting without losing sight of the story itself, Mike Carr, president of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, said. The purpose of that is to really tell people the story of the ship and why this ship is so famous, but also tell it from the standpoint of the sailors and crewmen who served on the ship, he said. Weve got eight crewmen (Edgar Buffman, John DeLeo, Doyle Boothroy, Judge Davis, Lee Broussard, Robert Kennedy, Robert Somrak and Thomas Schoenecker ) who actually witnessed the end of the war on Sept. 2, 1945, who are attending our ceremonies this weekend. In total, about 25 World War II veterans attended the unveiling, including those who served on the Missouri as well as others who served in different capacities. A gala event will honor them all, and the main event Tuesday is expected to draw roughly 1, 000 attendees. Upon entering, visitors encounter an immersive display showing the Missouris history in two minutesfrom construction in New York to its launch on Jan. 29, 1944, and through key wartime events culminating in Japans surrender. Afterward, guests can explore an interactive touchscreen station featuring interviews with the last surviving crewmen. Visitors can tap on any of the eight veterans and select questions ranging from daily life aboard the ship to their memories of Sept. 2, 1945. The veterans can be asked such questions as what it was like to serve in the Navy or their memories of that day, and hear the answers directly from them. Artifacts, photographs and displays covering the interwar period up to the Korean War complement the interactive experience. Carr emphasized the importance of conveying the human side of history: The sacrifice endured by what we call the greatest generation is a story that you can never stop telling. Among the attendees was Larry Frothingham, 80, who traveled from St. Charles, Mo. He is the son of Lt. Everett Frothingham, one of Missouris scout plane pilots who tragically died in a plane crash on Feb. 10, 1945, at Ulithi Atoll, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a 1-year-old daughter. Frothingham described his fathers role aboard the Missouri: He was a pilot on the back of the Missouri. There were two pontoon planes, and they were catapulted off the ship. He was a pilot that actually went out to the different islands and surveyed them, came back and reported to the ship the Japanese movement, and all that kind of stuff. Growing up without his father, Frothingham said he struggled to learn about him. I was born two months after he died. My mother was pregnant with me when he died, but she never said a word about him. She never told me anything about him. So I had a hard time finding out what he was like, Frothingham said. Thats why I joined the USS Missouri Association. Through the association, he met his fathers former crew members. I met the guys that worked on his plane, and they said that he was a gentlemana perfect guy, Frothingham said. They said he had no problems with anything or anyone. Frothingham recalled returning to the ship about 15 years ago for a private tour, during which his fathers former crew members showed him his fathers bunk and the chair where he used to get haircuts. I sat in his chair. I started crying. Just knowing that he sat in his chair and got haircuts, it was so emotional, he said. He reflected on the significance of seeing his fathers story recognized in the exhibit: It really makes me feel good. It makes me feel his service to our country was worthwhile. He did it for all of us. He was really a great guy. My father served, I mean, he died for me so I could be here. Edgar Buffman, from Media, Pa., served as a gunners mate second class from 1944 to 1946. He remembered overseeing 25 men operating a 20-millimeter battery and described the intensity of wartime service, including Japanese kamikaze attacks on the Missouri, noting that the experience forced young sailors to mature quickly at just 19 years old. Buffman kept a diary during his service and believes the exhibit captures the experiences of his generation. The exhibit is great, absolutely fantastic. It just gives a history of veterans of World War II, he said. I think its wonderful to remember the people that have passed and the ones that are still here. Buffman encouraged everyone, especially families of service members who never returned home, to visit the Missouri. He added that younger generations can gain a sense of life aboard the ship, seeing firsthand the environment sailors lived in and understanding why the ship was considered home by those who served. Curator Frank Clay said the exhibit was designed to focus specifically on the Missouri and its crew, rather than other ships or theaters of World War II. The chronological layout of Pathway to Peace mirrors the ships real-life journey across the Pacific, from New York to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, on to Hawaii and finally to the Western Pacific battlefields. The exhibit leads visitors through a timeline that culminates with the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay, followed by displays covering the interwar years. Clay noted that designing the exhibit presented logistical challenges because the ships interior spaces are narrow and confined, leaving few areas suitable for display. To address this, the museum selected a previously used exhibit space and worked with Albuquerque-based design company IDM to incorporate interactive elements while keeping the focus on the experiences of the crew. The exhibit features three main interactive elements : an immersive theater showing the Missouris service in two minutes, the interview station with surviving crew members and a touchscreen collection viewer presenting historical documents, letters, photos and a crew database. These components allow visitors to form personal connections with specific sailors and Marines. The exhibit also highlights acts of humanity amid the chaos of war, such as Capt. William Callahans insistence on giving a Japanese kamikaze pilot a proper burial at sea following the Battle of Okinawa. Carr emphasized the importance of passing these stories on to young audiences. Fifth grade is the American history year for most Hawaii public school kids, and so thats where we kind of focus our attention. We make sure that everybody that comes to the ship, whether its for a STEM program or otherwise, gets a history lesson as well. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. GAZA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 Palestinians, including seven children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a camp housing displaced persons in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said on Tuesday. Sources and witnesses said several children were filling drinking water at the time of the Israeli airstrike, which destroyed several tents made of cloth and nylon. Medical crews recovered 12 bodies -- seven of them children -- and rushed several wounded survivors to nearby hospitals, medics said. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on the airstrike. Al-Mawasi is designated by Israel as a humanitarian zone and is promoted as a safe area for Gaza residents. It stretches from west of Rafah in southern Gaza to the outskirts of Nuseirat in central Gaza. Earlier on Tuesday, Avichay Adraee, Israeli army spokesperson, called on residents of Gaza City to head to the Al-Mawasi area ahead of an expected expansion of military operations. "To all residents of the Gaza Strip, in preparation for the expansion of fighting into Gaza City, we remind you that the Al-Mawasi area will witness the provision of better humanitarian services, especially health services, water, and food," he said in a statement. "For your safety, we warn that approaching or returning to combat zones or to areas where IDF forces operate exposes you to danger," he added. JERUSALEM, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday night that Israel was entering "the decisive stage" of the war in Gaza, seeking to rally support among reservists and counter reports of low turnout for the latest call-up. In a video statement, Netanyahu addressed soldiers directly: "I want to strengthen you and express my deep appreciation," he said, adding that the military campaign had advanced Israel "toward a sweeping victory." In the morning, Israel summoned about 40,000 reservists, the largest single call-up since the war began nearly two years ago, as part of its plan to capture Gaza City -- a move approved by Netanyahu's cabinet despite international warnings. But turnout was reportedly lower than expected, according to state-owned Kan TV, which cited the strain and burden of repeated rounds of service. The cabinet decision has also sparked dissent at home. More than 350 reservists announced in a letter on Tuesday that they would refuse to serve if ordered into Gaza. At a news conference in Tel Aviv, they denounced the government's decision as reckless and vowed not to take part. Ron Feiner, a reservist and member of the antiwar group Standing Together, called the planned operation "blatantly illegal" and warned it would endanger hostages, soldiers and civilians alike. "This is a political, cynical and dangerous step, intended to serve an extremist minority rather than the security of Israel's citizens," he said. Feiner noted that senior members of Israel's security establishment had also warned against the operation, citing the danger it posed to 50 hostages still held in Gaza, about 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive. Meanwhile, the military continued the strikes throughout the Palestinian enclave and prepared for the new offensive on the territory's largest urban center. Health authorities in the territory reported Tuesday that at least 76 people were killed and 281 injured by Israeli strikes and gunfire in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 63,633. Hospitals also recorded 13 deaths from famine and malnutrition, including three children, raising the total number of hunger-related deaths to 361, among them 130 children. Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesman, urged civilians across the Gaza Strip to move to the Al-Mawasi area "ahead of the expansion of fighting into Gaza City." "For your safety, we warn that approaching or returning to combat zones or to areas where the Israel Defense Forces are operating exposes you to danger," he wrote on the social media platform X. Families of hostages, in a statement in English and Hebrew outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to press both Israel and Hamas to agree to a deal to stop the war and release the captives. "It is hard to digest the news that Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, chose to prolong the war instead of making a deal that could have brought the hostages home," said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay, was killed in Gaza and whose body is still held there. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been stalled since mid-August, as Israel has yet to respond to a proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators that Hamas accepted about two weeks ago. Patricia Ruiz Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 13:04 Share Under current legislation, registering a home in the Tourism Registry now requires prior approval from the community of property owners (comunidad de propietarios), and not just any approval a qualified majority vote is needed. What is a qualified majority? As set out in Article 17.12 of the Spanish Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal), a qualified majority means: -Three-fifths (3/5) of all property owners, and -Three-fifths (3/5) of the total participation quotas in the building. Importantly, this does not refer to 3/5 of the owners present at a meeting. Instead, it refers to a double majority of the entire ownership, regardless of whether all owners attend the meeting or not. So for the decision to pass, you must obtain the agreement of: -At least 60% of all the owners in the building, and -Those owners must collectively hold at least 60% of the ownership shares. The 30-Day Rule: How absentee votes count After the vote is taken during a community meeting, Spanish law allows 30 calendar days for any absent owners to express their position. According to Article 17.8, if a properly notified owner does not respond within that time, their silence is legally interpreted as a vote in favour of the agreement reached by the majority. This rule is important because it means the votes of absent owners will reinforce the decision taken at the meetingwhether it is to approve or reject the proposal. However, if an owner disagrees with the result, they must notify the community secretary within 30 days (using a method that provides proof of receipt) to formally register their opposition. What about increasing community fees for tourist rentals? The same qualified majority is also required when the community wishes to adopt a resolution to increase the community fees by up to 20% for those owners who rent out their property for tourist purposes. For example, if a proposal is made to raise the fees for tourist rentals and it is rejected by the majority, then the votes of those not present at the meeting will also count as supporting the rejectionunless they formally object within 30 days. This legal structure is designed to ensure the stability of agreements and prevent decisions from being overturned by inaction. Do you need help navigating property laws in Spain? At My Lawyer in Spain, we regularly assist property owners with legal advice related to tourist rentals, voting procedures, and community agreements. If you are unsure how to register your property with the Tourism Registry, or if these changes affect your property, get in touch with our expert team. Pilar Martinez Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 12:10 Share September has started and the final stretch of the high tourist season is under way. This is a month in which the tourist profile is different and so are expectations. After the two most intense months of the year, which began with poor but later improved forecasts, September aims to maintain the the trend with occupancies that hoteliers expect to exceed the 88.7% of 2024, potentially reaching 90% in Malaga, Torremolinos and Benalmadena, according to the Aehcos ssociation of hoteliers on the Costa del Sol. The challenge is to surpass the three million overnight stays that hotel establishments, tourist flats, rural houses and campsites achieved in this same period last year. This figure does not include the activity of private tourist homes, although this sector is also predicting a better September. The president of the tourist home association of Andalucia (AVVA-Pro), Juan Cubo, said that "the market in Malaga province shows a much more favourable behaviour than that observed in September in 2024". Occupancy currently stands at 56%, compared to 48% recorded a year ago. Furthermore, this growth has been achieved even with a 25% increase in prices to 174 euros per night. "This increase in rates confirms a more ambitious strategy of accommodation and a demand willing to pay higher rates," Cubo says, adding that this data is also key to raising the profitability of these businesses by up to 37%. "Overall, September is shaping up to be a much stronger month than in 2024, with more bookings, significantly higher prices and a RevPAr - the indicator that measures profitability - clearly higher, which reinforces the perception of an expanding market with greater dynamism," he said. Cubo also stated that August has been characterised by notably higher prices, having risen by 32% to 248 euros per night, practically identical occupancy to the previous year and higher profitability, with the particularity that bookings have been made less in advance. The inland offer also remains popular. Felix Zea - the co-founder of the leading portal in Spain in this segment, Ruralidays - predicts a good September, with an average occupancy rate potentially 10% higher than last year, reaching 70%. "At the moment, we have 65% of sales closed and we hope to reach 70%. This is very good news. In addition, the average stay is seven nights." Zea highlights the pull of German tourists, who have grown by 16% compared to last year. August has also closed two points above 2024, reaching 90% occupancy. "It's been a good summer with figures similar to last year's in July and August and with a significantly improved September," he said. It seems like all experts in the sector are confident of "improving on last year's figures by keeping prices at similar levels". Moreover, the profile of the September visitor is different in that most of them are no longer holidaymakers who travel with their families but older customers, who are not bound by the start of the academic year and who tend to have a greater spending capacity. A different kind of visitor September's main visitors are older tourists with greater spending power and professionals who book their stays for September conferences on the Costa del Sol. That is why the head of Aehcos in Malaga city - Francisco Moro - predicts that September will get off to a stronger start. "The summer has been strange. Both July and August started off weak, but have been finishing well. We are currently in line with last year's bookings and occupancy. We are already noticing the arrival of event and conference attendees and visitors of an older age range who are looking for the peace and quiet of September. The forecasts are very good, even a little better than those of 2024, which was already a record. Fares are in line with last year's. The city is noticing that the level of clientele has risen." CEO and founder of MS Hoteles Miguel Sanchez shares these good expectations for September. For him, August closed better than expected and the chain's establishments "received the same volume of Spanish visitors last month as last year, but with 6% fewer overnight stays". For this September, he anticipates that the chain will start with an average occupancy rate of 89%, with a strong pull of the British, German and French markets. "We hope to improve the results of 2024 and to do so with around 5% higher rates. Occupancy is currently between 6 and 7% higher than last year." Director of Grupo Penarroya and head of the largest all-inclusive hotel complex on the Costa del Sol (Holiday World) Mari Francis Penarroya also confirms that, "for September, things are looking a little better than last year". For her, August also closed better than in 2024, with an increase in both prices and profitability. According to Francis Penarroya, "occupancy in the summer months has remained in line with previous years, with variations of only a few tenths of a percentage point from one year to the next". "In short, the year has been somewhat better than last year, with moderate growth. However, we have not reached the optimistic expectations we had and demand has not been as strong as in recent years," she stated. Susana Zamora Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 08:44 Share The provincial court of Malaga has forced a Marbella property owner to remove the retractable glass enclosure from his terrace after the homeowners' association he is part of complained that he had not asked for permission to modify the original configuration of the building. To enable the installation, the man had extended the original roof and added white aliminium profiles. But he did so at his own risk, without consulting or asking permission from the homeowners' association, which denounced him before the court. A Marbella court sided with the owner, stating that it was a glass system with frameless panels, which allowed all the pieces to be folded away, leaving the space completely open without any visible elements beyond the glass itself and the small aluminium profiles supporting the rails. Therefore, while the dwelling would be protected from inclement weather by the structure, its visual impact was reduced. This first judicial ruling underlines that work carried out by residents "must be adapted to social reality and new technologies, modulating the rigour of the substantive norm of reference". Far from accepting this ruling, the homeowners' association appealed to the Malaga provincial court, which has now overturned the first ruling, considering that there has indeed been a modification of the common element. "It is indisputable that the terrace forms part of the facade and this type of enclosure, even when made with translucent materials, involves an alteration of the original configuration of the building, just as if it were made with masonry materials." The question to be clarified was whether this "enclosure" entailed a breach of article 7 of the horizontal property law (LPH), which provides: "The owner of each flat may modify the architectural elements, installations or services of the flat, when it does not impair or alter the safety of the building, its general structure, its external configuration or state or prejudice the rights of another owner and must give prior notice of such work to the person representing the association." Specifically, paragraph 2 establishes that the individual owner cannot carry out alterations to the common elements, stating: "In the rest of the building, no alterations whatsoever may be carried out; if the owner notices the need for urgent repairs, they must inform the administrator without delay." According to the provincial court, there "is certainly an alteration of the facade, of the exterior configuration and of the aesthetics of the building", because although the technical characteristics of the glazing are those described by the manufacturer, "it is an enclosure of the terrace to all intents and purposes". Therefore, the court ruled that there had been a violation of article 7 of the LPH. This past March, the court ruled against the owner and ordered the removal of the glass enclosure. Furthermore, the court ordered the owner to return the terrace to its original state, as the renovation involved a modification of the building's facade that did not have the required authorisation from the homeowners' association. Pilar Martinez Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 09:31 Share Iceland's flag carrier airline will connect Malaga Airport with the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik from this Saturday, 6 September. The company, with more than 85 years of history, has scheduled two flights a week, which will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Eva Bretos Cano, director of Icelandair in Spain, says: "We are very excited about the opening of this new route between Malaga and Reykjavik. It is a unique opportunity to bring Iceland closer to tourists from the south of Spain, while at the same time expanding the connection possibilities to North America". She is confident that "this new service will be very well received by both leisure and business travellers". In Spain, the Icelandic company also flies from Alicante, Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Tenerife South. 60 is the number of destinations served by this company in Europe and North America. The company, with 60 destinations in North America and Europe, explains that thanks to this new connection, passengers will not only be able to discover the country's glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and aurora borealis, but will also have access to Icelandair's extensive network of transatlantic destinations that connect with key cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, Chicago, Denver, Seattle and Toronto, among many others. This operation will continue until 30 May with two flights a week in September and October and in April and May, while from November to March one flight a week is scheduled. The airline plans to take a break in January and February. Icelandair's website invites passengers to book a flight to the Costa del Sol with the lure of "Picasso, tapas and a sunny atmosphere". In its description, it warns that "everyone falls in love with Malaga, and it's easy to understand why: golden beaches, sunny squares, sizzling tapas, Moorish palaces and the lingering notes of flamenco in the night air". And he ends by posing the question of whether Malaga is "the perfect blend of culture and coast" with a resounding answer: "without a doubt". Cristina Vallejo Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 17:21 Share Rental prices in Malaga city have been falling for two consecutive months, according to figures from Idealista, which uses data from the listings posted on its property portal, meaning they use the starting asking prices, not the final agreed price at which a contract is signed. In July, landlords were asking for 0.2% less than in June. Then, in August, the drop in apartment owners' expectations was 0.7%, according to this Spanish real estate website. As a result, the average monthly rental price in the capital of the Costa del Sol is 15.50 euros per square metre. Nevertheless, rents in Malaga remain above the Spanish average, which stood at 14.50 euros per square metre per month in August. Even so, rental prices are now higher than a year ago in Malaga city. Specifically, rents are currently 6.8% higher than 12 months ago. The increase, therefore, is far from achieving double-digit figures. It is also much further behind some other provincial capitals in Spain, where the rise in rent prices is now more pronounced and which, generally speaking, are smaller cities, with many of them located centrally in the Spanish plain. As such, it is Segovia that tops the ranking with an increase close to 20% (although the average price stands at 12.40 euros per square metre per month), while in Teruel and Zamora the increase is approximately 19% (although the average rent is 8.60 and 7.90 euros per square metre per month respectively). The increases are above 15% in Ourense, Leon and Ciudad Real. Other cities are facing increases of over 10%, such as Guadalajara, Caceres, Avila, Palencia, Madrid, Jaen, Oviedo, Albacete and Burgos. Rental increases in Malaga city, therefore, are also below the Spanish average, which stands at 10.5% year-on-year. 15.50 euros per square metre per month is the average rental price in the capital of Malaga province. The provincial average also rises to 16.70 euros. Despite this slight downturn in prices, Malaga is still the fifth most expensive city location to rent in Spain. The 15.50 euros per square metre per month in this city is only surpassed by these cities: 23.10 euros in Barcelona, 22.20 euros in Madrid, 18.40 euros in San Sebastian and 18 euros in Palma de Mallorca. The Costa del Sol capital remains above Valencia, Bilbao and the two Canary Island capitals. Fifth most expensive province in Spain Skipping from the provincial capitals to the whole area, Malaga province has recorded its first price drop in August compared to July levels. The decrease is minimal, 0.1%, bringing the average price to 16.70 euros per square metre per month. It's worth noting that the average provincial rent exceeds that of the capital, as is also the case in Palma de Mallorca (the aforementioned 18 euros) and the Balearic Islands (19.40 euros). Malaga is also the fifth most expensive province in Spain, behind Madrid (20.50 euros), Barcelona (19.90 euros), the Balearics (19.40 euros) and Guipuzcoa (16.70 euros). Compared to levels a year ago, the rent increases across the whole of Malaga province have reached double digits - 10.5% to be exact. However, there are many other places, especially further into the Spanish mainland, where the increases are much higher, because prices also start - and remain - at much more modest levels. Therefore, in the province of Zamora, renting an apartment today is 19.3% more expensive than 12 months ago (still at 7.50 euros per square metre per month, meaning that it costs half as much as renting in Malaga city and less than half as much in the province). Similarly, in Segovia, the increase is 17% (to 11.20 euros per square metre per month) and, in Teruel, the increase is 16.5% (up to 7.70 euros). Rental increases also range between 14% and 15% in Ourense, Guadalajara, Palencia, Avila and Toledo. The cheapest province in Spain for renting is Jaen, at 6.70 euros per square metre per month, followed by Ciudad Real, where it is also under seven euros. Next are Badajoz, Caceres and Cuenca (all at 7.30 euros). Cristina Vallejo Malaga Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 12:29 Share The Asociacion de la Prensa de Malaga paid tribute to the 247 journalists killed in Gaza by the Israeli army, in a ceremony held in the city on Monday, 1 September. Members of the Malaga association of press photographers, Andalusian television association and Andalusian association of journalists also joined the event. These organisations are supporting the global initiative promoted by Reporters Without Borders and the citizens' movement Avaaz, which called for rallies and events on 1 September all over the world to demand "an end to the massacre of journalists and free access for the international press to the Gaza Strip". SUR, like all other media outlets belonging to the Vocento group, joined in the condemnation of the massacre of journalists in Gaza and against the veto of the press. For this reason, the newspaper published an editorial, a cartoon and a report on Sunday, in support of this worldwide movement for press freedom led by Reporters Without Borders and supported by media from all countries. Zoom The event in Malaga began with a minute's silence in memory of the 247 killed journalists, as well as the approximately 500 injured. President of the press association Elena Blanco, secretary general Angel Escalera, deputy president of the association and president of the college of journalists in Malaga Teresa Santos, as well as other professionals, read out the testimonies of journalists working in Gaza, some of them already killed. The first tribute was to the four journalists gunned down in October 2023, just as the latest phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began. The following tribute was for the 13 who have been killed this August: six - Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal and freelance journalist Mohammad al-Khaldi - were killed in the attack on a tent outside the main entrance of Gaza City's Al Shifa hospital on 10 August 2025; five - Reuters veteran and Palestinian television photojournalist Hussam al Masri, Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama, freelance reporter Mariam Abu Dagga, photojournalist Moaz Abu Taha and freelance journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz - were killed in a double Israeli bombing of the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza. There was an initial attack and when the journalists went to cover it, the second was carried out. On the same day, another Israeli bombing in Khan Younis killed reporter Hassan Douhan. Added to the list this past month is freelancer Islam Al-Komi, who, on the eve of his death, had made an urgent appeal for help on his Facebook account, denouncing the plight of life in Gaza. Zoom Ahmed Al-Shayah, a journalist killed in an Israeli attack in mid-January. AFP "Why are we here, why this act? Since the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, some 247 journalists have been killed for exercising the democratic profession of informing and showing the world the images and testimonies of a conflict that shocks us all," Elena Blanco said , describing as "systematic repression" and a "massacre" what Palestinian journalists, cameramen and photographers suffer as "a priority target of the Israeli forces". 'The ban on the entry of foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip, coupled with the repression of local journalists, prevents us from gaining a full understanding of the crimes committed with impunity against journalists and the population in general' That is why, Blanco continued, the Malaga journalists' associations joined the call of Reporters Without Borders: "To demonstrate our strongest condemnation of the systematic and unpunished murder of journalists, cameramen and photographers, in what is the deadliest period in recent history" for this profession. She also stressed that international humanitarian law states that deliberate attacks against journalists constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and called for foreign journalists to be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip. "This ban, coupled with the repression of local journalists, prevents us from gaining a full understanding of the crimes committed with impunity against journalists and the population in general." "The best tribute we can pay to our murdered colleagues and to those who put their lives at risk every day to inform the world about the genocide in Gaza is to give them a voice and to know under what conditions they carry out their work, what their daily lives are like," Blanco said. The Agence France-Press (AFP agency) has warned that without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die. Reporters have become victims of not only gunfire and bombings, but also of hunger. "We have lost reporters in war, but never because of hunger." "Without them, without their voice, we would not know what is happening; the foreign press cannot enter. We depend on their work, their dedication, their daily struggle, to be able to know what is happening in Gaza - the genocide that is happening in Gaza," Blanco concluded. Jose Antonio Guerrero Madrid Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 16:20 Share The meteorological summer of 2025, which has just ended, has been the hottest (24.1C on average) since records have been kept, together with that of 2022, according to Spain's state meteorological agency Aemet spokesperson Ruben del Campo. Both summers were about 2C warmer than normal. This excess of temperatures has had serious effects on the population's health, as confirmed by MoMo - the daily mortality monitoring system managed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III since 2015. The data indicates that 2,170 people died in August as a result of excessive heat - the highest figure in the past ten years. This is 71% more than in August 2024, when 1,271 people died from heat stress. It is also the second highest figure in MoMo's history following July 2022, which recorded 2,217 deaths. In these three months of meteorological summer (the astronomical summer will last until 21 September), some 3,644 people have died for reasons attributable to high temperatures in Spain. Overall, this is 84% more than those who died at the same time last year (1,977). The increase was also significant in July: 1,060 compared to 674 in July 2024 (57% more) and especially in June: from only 32 (June 2024 was an atypically cool month) to 407 this past June, an increase of 1,118%. However, the excess of deaths due to extreme temperatures has been concentrated in August (60% of all deaths during the summer) - a month in which Spain has suffered one of its worst heatwaves. The episode lasted from 3 to 18 August and reached a thermal anomaly of 4.6C above the usual values, surpassing the record held by the July 2022 wave, with 4.5C. For 16 days, maximum temperatures in large parts of Spain did not fall below 40C and minimum temperatures did not fall below 25C. In this period alone, which also saw the worst wave of fires in the country in decades, 1,429 people died from excessive heat, accounting for 66% of all deaths from that cause in August. The August average (provisionally 25C) was almost 1C higher than the summer average. This was the third longest heatwave since 1975. An 18-day heatwave happened in 2022, but the longest to date was in 2015 - 26 days. According to Aemet, this summer has also been one of below-normal rainfall. It has rained approximately three quarters of what is normal for an average summer, although there have been some episodes of significant storms, especially in July, with daily rainfall records for that month in places in the Mediterranean area, such as Castellon, or in the interior of the peninsula, such as Guadalajara. According to Del Campo's initial estimates, this autumn - September, October and November - will be warmer than normal across the country. "There is a 60 to 70% probability that this autumn weather will be warmer than normal, compared to a 10% chance of it being colder on the Spanish mainland and in the Balearic Islands," said the Aemet spokesperson. In the Canary Islands, there is a 50% chance of it being warmer, compared to a 20% chance of the autumn being colder than normal. As for rainfall, with all the uncertainty of an autumn with such a changeable atmosphere, "there is a 45% chance that it will be less rainy than normal in the west and centre of the country, as well as in the Canary Islands, compared with a 20% chance that rainfall will be above normal in those same areas. For the east of the mainland and the Balearic Islands there is no clear trend," said Del Campo. Edurne Martinez Santander Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 13:22 Share The contract that the Spanish government signed with Telefonica for 10 million euros for the installation of Huawei equipment in several public institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, is "in the process of being cancelled" due to "strategic autonomy criteria", according to Secretary of State for digitalisation Maria Gonzalez Veracruz. She addressed the matter at the inauguration of the 39th digital economy and telecommunications forum organised by Ametic and held in Santander on Monday, 1 September. Veracruz was there to replace minister for digital transformation Oscar Lopez, who cancelled in extremis his attendance at the biggest digital industry event of the year. She said that the contract "was not fully awarded" or "signed" and will now be redirected to another project, although she did not specify which one. The Chinese technology company is once again a headache for the government, which is now changing its position with respect to the defence it has always maintained of Huawei in the face of criticism from the US and even Brussels. Even the idea of replacing Huawei equipment with that of other manufacturers is now on the table, although the decision has not yet been taken. According to the state secretary, this now-cancelled contract arose from an idea that "was modulated like so many other issues in digitisation". "We are in a dynamic environment" and changing decisions "are part of normality", Veracruz said in response to questions from the media about this controversial contract. The contract was for the renewal of a third of the RedIRIS equipment - the public fibre network - which currently relies on equipment from the Chinese manufacturer. Although Veracruz insisted that "the use of Huawei equipment is not banned in Spain", as the country does "not have a list of high-risk suppliers", there will be a new awardee of the contract that will be known "in the next few days". No Broadcom factory Another of the current issues in the technology sector is the decision by US company Broadcom not to open a microchip factory in Spain. The state secretary said that the important thing "is not what one company or another decides, but to assess the overall injection of foreign investment" that will be made in Spain in new technologies when the 16 billion SETT, the so-called 'Sepi digital', are implemented. Asked about Trump's threats to increase EU tariffs and pressure on US technology giants through tools such as the 'Google tax', Gonzalez Veracruz stated that Spain will remain a European "benchmark" in defence of the protection of minors on the internet. "This role is essential for the government," said the State secretary, adding that Spain will maintain "a clear position, not only of regulation such as AI, but also of transferring fundamental rights to the new sphere of coexistence that digital society represents". JERUSALEM, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. airline Delta Air Lines has resumed operations to Israel with a flight taking off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and landing at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Israel on June 13, following the outbreak of the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. "Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports," the airline said in a statement. Delta is the second U.S. carrier to restart flights to Israel, following United Airlines' return in July. American Airlines, another major airline in the U.S., has not flown to Israel since the outbreak of the multi-front conflict in October 2023, with no date announced for a return. You dont need to trek to the Caribbean to see strikingly crystalline water. A standout lake in the wild and wonderful Adirondacks boasts water that is as clear as glass and clean enough to drink. And now, the gem of an Upstate New York lake has earned recognition for its clarity. Lake George has been named one of the clearest lakes in America by The Boutique Adventurer, an international travel blog with over 4 million yearly readers. The Queen of American Lakes was the only New York lake included in the list, which started with Lake Tahoe and ended with Lake of the Ozarks. A swimmer takes a dip in Lake George in Hague, N.Y. Lake George, a gem of the Adirondacks, has been named one of the clearest lakes in America. Getty Images/Image Source Getty Images/Image Source Lake George has no shortage of admirers and awards. Along with being named the cleanest lake in the U.S., Lake George has been recognized for having some of the bluest water in the nation. In this year alone, the waterway has been dubbed the third-best lake in America and recognized for offering one of the top lake vacations in the U.S. Lake George is considered one of the worlds clearest and cleanest large lakes, according to the Lake George Association. The 32-mile-long lakes water has been classified as Class AA-Special, New Yorks highest possible ranking, the association reported. That means Lake Georges water is considered safe to drink after being filtered and disinfected. Nicknamed the birthplace of the American vacation, Lake George attracts droves of visitors every year including celebrities like rapper Ice Spice and New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who enjoyed time at the lake in July. Rapper Ice Spice and New York Jets' Sauce Gardner, on the right, go fishing on a pontoon boat on Lake George in the Adirondacks of New York in July 2025. Photo courtesy of Connor Slinksky, @cslinsky_2 on Instagram Photo courtesy of Connor Slinksky, @cslinsky_2 on Instagram On your visit to Lake George, get up close and personal with the glassy water by taking a dip in the water at Million Dollar Beach, one of Upstate New Yorks best beaches, or by booking a parasailing adventure with Parasail Joes. Finish your visit by enjoying dinner at The Algonquin, chef and Rachael Rays recommended waterfront dining spot on Lake George, and a giant ice cream cone from Marthas Dandee Creme, the No. 1-ranked ice cream spot in Upstate New York. On Aug. 7, a Long Island birdwatcher spotted something truly unusual: an alligator. The gator was swimming in a freshwater pond at Cow Meadow Preserve, in the village of Freeport on Long Island. The birdwatcher took a photo, sent it to authorities, and remained on site to keep an eye on the reptile. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police officers soon arrived with a canoe. They paddled out to the gator and safely captured it, then transported it to a local wildlife rehabilitator licensed to care for alligators. The gator is currently living at the rehab facility awaiting permanent relocation. An investigation is currently underway to locate the person or persons that released the animal. It is unlawful in NY to import, possess, or sell any alligator, caiman, or crocodile, parts thereof, and products made from those animals without the proper DEC permits. These ducklings were cleaned up after swimming in an oil spill of unknown origin in a creek in Babylon on Aug. 24. NYS DEC The following reports are excerpted from DEC: An oil spill of unknown origin polluted a creek in the town of Babylon on Aug. 24, dirtying three mallard ducks in the process. After wrangling the ducks with help from a nearby homeowner, an ECO and two employees of Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown washed and fed the oily hen and her two ducklings. The source of the apparent spill has not yet been identified and the ducks remain at the nature center where they will continue to receive treatment until they are ready for release back to the wild. Someone dumped a large bag of trash in ditch in the town of Arkwright on August 7, but left a receipt from a campground in Ohio that provided ECOs with a name. The person denied tossing the trash. ECOs also found a pay stub in the garbage bag with the mans name on it from a company repairing a break wall in the city of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County. ECOs confronted him at a construction barge on Lake Erie and issued him three tickets for illegal dumping. ECO Perkins with an injured osprey he rescued from a Suffolk County marina parking lot on July 30. NYS DEC An injured osprey unable to fly attracted notice by flapping around a Suffolk County marina parking lot on July 30. An ECO captured the bird and transported it to a local rehabilitator for further treatment. The osprey is continuing to improve and will soon be ready for release back into the wild. A timber rattlesnake slithered onto a porch in the town of Wawarsing on Aug. 12, blocking the homeowner from entering or leaving for fear of getting bitten by the venomous snake. An ECO later found the snake under the porch, feasting on a rabbit, and relocated the rattler, and its meal, away from the residence. A boat began sinking in 30 feet of water on the Peconic Bay on Aug. 13. When ECOs arrived the stern was under water. They gave the boat captain a life jacket and helped him board their boat. The disabled vessel was pumped out and transported to a nearby marina. ECO Francis with undersized porgies recently seized in a fishing compliance check on Long Island. NYS DEC Statewide fishing compliance checks: Aug. 1: 19 tickets issued to 9 people in Nassau and Suffolk counties for violations including lack of marine registration, possession of undersized fish, failure to release without undue harm, taking food fish by net without a license, possession of undersized blue claw crabs, and possession of blue claw crabs in spawn (egg-bearing crabs). Aug. 2-3: Five tickets issued to anglers aboard a boat in Port Jefferson for possessing undersized porgy. Aug. 11: A Southampton angler received two tickets for keeping over the daily limit of blue crabs (50 per person) and undersized blue crabs. Aug. 17: An angler using a cast net on Lake Huntington in Sullivan County was issued three tickets for fishing without a freshwater fishing license, taking fish by means other than angling, and taking undersized fish. All the fish were still alive and returned to the lake unharmed. Interested in becoming an ECO? The first step is taking the entry-level law enforcement civil service exam. Qualified candidates can apply online through Sept. 17, 2025. There is no cost as all state exam application fees are waived through December 2027. The exam is scheduled to be held in November. Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com SANAA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said in a statement on Tuesday that he met Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdelsalam along with Omani officials in Muscat, the Omani capital, demanding the release of UN staff employees detained by the Houthi group in northern Yemen. In the meeting, Grundberg expressed his strong condemnation of the recent, and reportedly ongoing, wave of arbitrary detentions of UN personnel by the Houthis in the Yemeni capital Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah, demanding their immediate release. He stressed that detentions of UN, NGO, civil society, and diplomatic mission personnel, as well as the forced entry into UN premises and seizure of UN property by the Houthis, seriously endanger the UN's ability to operate in Yemen and deliver much-needed assistance. On Sunday, Grundberg said in another statement that at least "11 UN staff members were detained in the cities of Sanaa and Hodeidah." He added that Houthi "armed groups had forced their way into UN premises and seized property." Grundberg said the latest arrests bring the total number of detained UN staff by the Houthis in northern Yemen to 34. Some have been held since 2021 and 2023. Earlier this year, one UN employee died in a Houthi detention in Saada province. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthis seized control of much of northern Yemen, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The UN has been trying to bring the Houthis to the negotiation table with the Yemeni government to reach a political solution and end the civil war. Landslide flattens Sudan village, kills more than 1,000: rebel group Khartoum, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 A massive landslide in Sudan's western Darfur region has flattened an entire mountain village and killed more than 1,000 people, a rebel group said, leaving only one survivor. The disaster struck Sunday after days of heavy rain, devastating the village of Tarasin in the Jebel Marra area, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM), led by Abdulwahid al-Nur, said in a statement. "Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated at more than 1,000 individuals, with only one survivor," the group said, calling the landslide "massive and devastating". The group appealed to the United Nations and other aid organisations for help recovering the dead still buried under mud and debris. Images the SLM published on social media appeared to show huge sections of the mountainside collapsed, burying the village under thick mud, uprooted trees and shattered beams. Sudan is embroiled in a bloody war between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has plunged the country into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The SLM controls parts of the Jebel Marra range and has mostly stayed out of the conflict, but hundreds of thousands of people have fled into SLM-held territory to escape the violence. Jebel Marra is a rugged volcanic range stretching about 160 kilometres (100 miles) southwest of North Darfur's besieged capital of El-Fasher, which the RSF is pushing to capture after besieging it for more than a year. The area is prone to landslides, particularly during the rainy season which peaks in August. A 2018 landslide in nearby Toukoli killed at least 20 people. - 'Tragedy' - Darfur's army-aligned governor, Minni Minnawi, called the landslide a "humanitarian tragedy that goes beyond the borders of the region". "We appeal to international humanitarian organisations to urgently intervene and provide support and assistance at this critical moment, for the tragedy is greater than what our people can bear alone," he said in a statement. Much of Darfur -- including the area where the landslide occurred -- remains largely inaccessible to international aid organisations due to the ongoing fighting, severely limiting the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance. The disaster also comes during Sudan's rainy season, which often renders mountain roads and remote areas impassable. The relentless rainfall further complicates efforts by humanitarian organisations to access those in need, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Darfur where infrastructure is already fragile or non-existent. Since April 2023, Sudan has been ravaged by a war that erupted with a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. In a series of offensives, Burhan's forces regained central Sudan this year, leaving the RSF with control over most of Darfur -- where it has conquered all but one state capital, El-Fasher -- and parts of southern Kordofan. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, including about four million from the capital alone. The war has decimated the northeast African country's infrastructure and created what the UN describes as the world's largest displacement and hunger crises. About 10 million people are currently displaced within Sudan, while an additional four million have fled to neighbouring countries, according to the UN. bur-tym/maf/dv Press Release from Business Wire: World Green Economy Summit (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 DUBAI, Sept 2, 2025 (BSW) - In light of escalating environmental challenges and the global push to achieve net-zero goals, the 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) continues to serve as a vital platform for decision-makers, investors and experts from around the world. This year's event comes at a critical time as rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres intersects with the urgent need to reshape the future of energy towards more sustainable and efficient alternatives. Sessions will explore financial mechanisms driving the green transition, address challenges in scaling up renewable energy and explore avenues for climate finance. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902249432/en/ Green Finance Tops the Agenda at the World Green Economy Summit 2025 (Photo: AETOSWire) Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, WGES is organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO). Each year, the summit addresses key topics related to mobilising global efforts to accelerate the shift towards a green economy, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The 2025 summit, themed 'Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy', will run on 1-2 October at Dubai World Trade Centre. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD&CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO, said: "Global investments in clean technologies, including renewable energy, grids and storage, are projected to exceed USD2.2 trillion in 2025, double the investment in fossil fuels, within a total global investment of USD3.3 trillion. However, developing countries continue to face a significant financing gap, requiring an increase in annual clean energy investments from USD270 billion to approximately USD1.6 trillion by the early 2030s. This underscores the need for innovative international co-ordination to reduce capital costs and mitigate investment risks. The World Green Economy Summit reflects our commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve the transition to a comprehensive and sustainable green economy, based on innovation and effective partnerships, supporting Dubai's position as a global hub for climate action." WGES 2025 will focus on removing barriers to investment-ready green projects and enhancing risk-sharing mechanisms, such as guarantees from international financial institutions, to attract greater capital flows into sustainable initiatives. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250902249432/en/ Contact Shaikha Almheiri, +971552288228 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Rahmon is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Noting that China is Tajikistan's largest trading partner, Xi said China is willing to work with Tajikistan to build a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future. The two countries should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and advance cooperation in various fields, Xi said, adding that China is ready to encourage more domestic enterprises to invest in Tajikistan. Xi called on the two sides to keep enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation to safeguard common strategic interests, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. Both China and Tajikistan made huge sacrifices for the victory in World War II, and they should resolutely safeguard the fruits of the victory, working together to advance the noble cause of world peace and development, Xi said. Rahmon said Tajikistan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in a wide range of fields, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and operate businesses in Tajikistan. He said Tajikistan fully supports the Global Governance Initiative put forward by Xi and is willing to work with China in its implementation to make global governance more reasonable and efficient. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas including connectivity, green low-carbon development, and the digital economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Rahmon is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) UK police arrest five campaigners against Palestine Action ban London, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Police arrested five members of an organisation campaigning against the UK government's ban of Palestine Action as a "terrorist group" in "dawn raids" on Tuesday, the group said. London's Metropolitan Police confirmed five people -- three men and two women, ranging in age from 26 to 61 -- had been arrested "on suspicion of encouraging support for a proscribed organisation" in London, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Defend Our Juries has organised several demonstrations against the July 5 Palestine Action ban, leading to hundreds of arrests with police charging scores of people under anti-terror laws. The campaigners had been due to hold an online press conference Tuesday ahead of another "Lift the Ban" protest in London this weekend, but postponed the briefing after what they called the "dystopian crackdown". "Counter-terrorism police arrested five of Defend Our Juries' key spokespeople in dawn raids in London this morning over Lift the Ban protests," it said in a statement. "This is scandalous," a spokesperson added, calling it "an unprecedented assault on free speech in our country". "This level of political repression is not what we expect in a democracy -- it's the kind of tactic typically associated with authoritarian regimes around the world," the spokesperson said. A Met spokesperson said the arrests were "part of a proactive investigation" led by its counter-terrorism command into "suspected activity linked to" Palestine Action. "Those showing support for this particular group, or encouraging others to do so can expect to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted," Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan added in a statement. - 'Intimidatory' - Defend Our Juries vowed to press ahead with its demonstration on Saturday in Parliament Square, claiming 1,000 people had pledged to hold signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action". More than 700 people who have held up such signs at previous protests over the last two months have been arrested under anti-terror laws for showing support for a proscribed organisation. Police said Monday a further 47 people had been accused of showing support for a banned group, meaning 114 Palestine Action supporters have now been charged with the offence. The arrests were made under the 2000 Terrorism Act, which the government also used to proscribe Palestine Action. Interior minister Yvette Cooper accuses it of orchestrating "aggressive and intimidatory attacks against businesses, institutions and the public". It was outlawed after the group took responsibility for breaking into a Royal Air Force base in June and spraying two aircraft with red paint, causing an estimated pound7 million ($10 million) in damage. Palestine Action said its activists were protesting UK arm sales to Israel amid the war in Gaza. Critics, including the United Nations and groups such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace, have condemned the group's proscription as legal overreach and a threat to free speech. Once king of the seas, a giant iceberg is finally breaking up Paris, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Nearly 40 years after breaking off Antarctica, a colossal iceberg ranked among the oldest and largest ever recorded is finally crumbling apart in warmer waters, and could disappear within weeks. Earlier this year, the "megaberg" known as A23a weighed a little under a trillion tonnes and was more than twice the size of Greater London, a behemoth unrivalled at the time. The gigantic slab of frozen freshwater was so large it even briefly threatened penguin feeding grounds on a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, but ended up moving on. It is now less than half its original size, but still a hefty 1,770 square kilometres (683 square miles) and 60 kilometres (37 miles) at its widest point, according to AFP analysis of satellite images by the EU earth observation monitor Copernicus. In recent weeks, enormous chunks -- some 400 square kilometres in their own right -- have broken off while smaller chips, many still large enough to threaten ships, litter the sea around it. It was "breaking up fairly dramatically" as it drifted further north, Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer from the British Antarctic Survey, told AFP. "I'd say it's very much on its way out... it's basically rotting underneath. The water is way too warm for it to maintain. It's constantly melting," he said. "I expect that to continue in the coming weeks, and expect it won't be really identifiable within a few weeks." - 'Doomed' - A23a calved from the Antarctic shelf in 1986 but quickly grounded in the Weddell Sea, remaining stuck on the ocean floor for over 30 years. It finally escaped in 2020 and, like other giants before it, was carried along "iceberg alley" into the South Atlantic Ocean by the powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Around March, it ran aground in shallow waters off distant South Georgia island, raising fears it could disrupt large colonies of adult penguins and seals there from feeding their young. But it dislodged in late May, and moved on. Swinging around the island and tracking north, in recent weeks the iceberg has picked up speed, sometimes travelling up to 20 kilometres in a single day, satellite images analysed by AFP showed. Exposed to increasingly warmer waters, and buffeted by huge waves, A23a has rapidly disintegrated. Scientists were "surprised" how long the iceberg had kept together, said Meijers. "Most icebergs don't make it this far. This one's really big so it has lasted longer and gone further than others." But ultimately, icebergs are "doomed" once they leave the freezing protection of Antarctica, he added. Iceberg calving is a natural process. But scientists say the rate at which they were being lost from Antarctica is increasing, probably because of human induced climate change. Aftershocks rumble quake-hit Afghanistan as death toll tops 1,400 Mazar Dara, Afghanistan, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Strong aftershocks to a powerful earthquake that killed more than 1,400 people at the weekend rattled eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday as survivors in remote hard-hit villages prepared for another night without shelter. Temporary shelters had not yet reached the Mazar Dara area of Kunar province, an AFP journalist said, with roads still blocked to the remote, mountainous region bordering Pakistan where the worst of the earthquake was felt. "There is no food... there is nothing, everything has been buried in the rubble," Nurgal district official Ijaz Ulhaq Yaad told AFP. Residents, including elderly people and children were "in the open air" with little to protect them from wet weather, he said, adding that "we still feel strong aftershocks". A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the region near the epicentre of the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit late Sunday night -- one of at least six aftershocks recorded by the US Geological Survey. "These aftershocks are constant, but they have not caused any casualties yet," Ehsanullah Ehsan, the disaster management spokesman in Kunar, told AFP. The number of victims from Sunday's earthquake has mounted steadily, with 1,411 people dead and 3,124 injured in Kunar alone, chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Tuesday, making it one of the deadliest to hit the country in decades. Another dozen people were killed and hundreds injured in neighbouring Nangarhar province. Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with dwindling aid since the Taliban seized power in 2021, undermining its ability to respond to disasters. The devastation could affect "hundreds of thousands", said United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte. Rescuers searched through the night and all day for survivors in the rubble of homes flattened in Kunar, where more than 5,400 houses were destroyed, government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said. The European Union said it was sending 130 tonnes of emergency supplies and providing one million euros ($1.2 million) to help victims of the deadly quake. The bloc has become one of the key aid donors to Afghanistan after the United States -- previously the country's largest aid provider -- cut all but a slice of its assistance after President Donald Trump took office in January. The aid cuts risk impeding the response to the earthquake, sector experts told AFP, in a country already facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises after decades of conflict. "The scale of need far exceeds current resources," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said, noting that funding cuts had hit humanitarian air services, "limiting access to remote communities". IFRC said it had launched an emergency appeal for 25 million Swiss francs ($31 million) to help with the earthquake response and recovery, as various countries pledged to send support. As Taliban military helicopters flew in food and continued to transport victims, residents buried their dead, including children, wrapping them in white shrouds and praying over their bodies before laying them to rest. - 'Find their families' - Sunday's earthquake epicentre was about 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Jalalabad, according to the USGS, and just eight kilometres below the Earth's surface. Such relatively shallow quakes can cause more damage, especially as the majority of Afghans live in mud-brick homes vulnerable to collapse. Many of those living in the quake-hit villages were among the more than four million Afghans forced back to the country from Iran and Pakistan in recent years, many coming through the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province. Rahmatullah Khaksar, who heads the emergency ward at a hospital in Jalalabad, Nangarhar's provincial capital, said they had received 600 injured since Sunday night. "Most of the patients were trauma patients. They were hit on the head, back, abdomen and legs," he told AFP, adding they had cleared a ward for unidentified patients "so they will stay there until they find their families". Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range near the junction of the Eurasia and India tectonic plates. Western Herat province was devastated in October 2023 by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, which killed more than 1,500 people and damaged or destroyed more than 63,000 homes. A 5.9-magnitude quake struck the eastern province of Paktika in June 2022, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless. CORRECTED: Landslide wipes out Sudan village, killing hundreds Khartoum, Sept 2 (AFP) Sep 02, 2025 Sudanese authorities, the United Nations and aid groups scrambled Tuesday to respond to a devastating landslide in Sudan's Darfur region that buried an entire mountain village, killing hundreds of people. Heavy rain triggered the disaster on Sunday, flattening the village of Tarasin in the remote Jebel Marra range, the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM) faction which controls the area said. UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan Luca Renda said in a statement that "the United Nations and our humanitarian partners are mobilising to provide support to the affected population". Citing sources on the ground, Renda said the death toll from the landslide was believed to be between 300 and 1,000. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the full scale of the disaster remains unclear "as the impacted area is extremely hard to reach". The SLM faction, led by Abdulwahid al-Nur, had earlier estimated the death toll at more than 1,000 people, with only one survivor. That survivor, according to his nephew Fath al-Rahman Ali Abdelnour, suffered multiple fractures to both legs and a serious head injury. "He is in a coma and unable to speak," Abdelnour told AFP from the Ugandan capital of Kampala where he lives. Abdelnour, whose father had founded Tarasin in the 1980s, said that in addition to longtime residents, the village has also hosted around 450 people displaced by Sudan's ongoing war between the army and rival paramilitaries. The war, which began in April 2023, has ravaged Sudan, killing tens of thousands of people and driving millions from their homes, according to UN figures. - 'Masses of mud' - SLM leader Nur told AFP via a messaging app that "masses of mud fell onto the village". "Our humanitarian teams and local residents are trying to retrieve the bodies, but the scale of the disaster is far greater than the resources available to us," he said. Images the SLM published on its website appeared to show vast swathes of the mountainside sheared away, with the village below buried under thick mud and uprooted trees. The African Union called on "all Sudanese stakeholders to silence the guns and unite in facilitating the swift and effective delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance". On Monday, both the army-aligned government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) called for humanitarian mobilisation in response to the disaster, but neither mentioned any potential ceasefire. The SLM controls parts of the Jebel Marra range and has mostly stayed out of the war. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled into SLM-held territory to escape the violence. Jebel Marra is a rugged volcanic range stretching about 160 kilometres (100 miles) southwest from North Darfur's besieged state capital El-Fasher, which the RSF is pushing to capture after besieging it for more than a year. The area, known for citrus production, is prone to landslides, particularly during the rainy season which peaks in August. A 2018 landslide in nearby Toukoli killed at least 20 people. - 'Painful disaster' - The Transitional Sovereignty Council of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan pledged to mobilise all available resources to support those affected by what it described as a "painful disaster". The paramilitary-backed rival government based in South Darfur state capital Nyala has issued a statement announcing aid efforts. Mohamed Hassan al-Taayshi, the prime minister recently sworn in by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, expressed deep sorrow, saying he had spoken directly with SLM leader Nur to assess needs on the ground. "The lives and safety of Sudanese citizens are above any political or military considerations," Taayshi said. Much of Darfur -- including the area where the landslide occurred -- remains inaccessible to international aid organisations due to ongoing fighting, severely limiting the delivery of emergency relief. The disaster also comes during Sudan's rainy season, which often renders mountain roads impassable. In Sudan's main war zones like Darfur, infrastructure was already fragile after more than two years of fighting. On Tuesday the army-aligned government, based in Port Sudan on the Rea Sea, announced that it would extend through the end of the year a decision to open the Adre border crossing with Chad -- a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid. The move "coincides with the disaster in Tarasin", the Sudanese foreign ministry said in a statement. bur-tym/maf/ami/smw JUBA, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts from the Hunan International Business Vocational College on Tuesday commenced a training seminar on crisis management and response for local officials in Juba, South Sudan's capital. Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the 14-day seminar is attended by 30 trainees from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. Dennis Marial Muorwel Mayom, South Sudanese undersecretary of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, noted that this seminar presents a unique opportunity for national and subnational stakeholders to share experiences and learn best practices in crisis management. "The knowledge and skills gained here will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts in mitigating the impact of disasters and humanitarian crises," Mayom said. "It is through collaborative efforts such as this seminar that we can enhance our preparedness, coordination and response capabilities to better serve our communities." Lawrence Akola Sarafino, director-general for planning, training, and coordination in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the knowledge gained from the seminar will help them address climate hazards such as drought, floods, community conflicts, and diseases. "I would like to advise or encourage each of us to take this opportunity of learning from our Chinese experts, so that we South Sudanese can address the crisis management and response by ourselves," Akola said. Huo Ying, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, emphasized the need to strengthen capacity building in crisis management in the face of current global challenges to safeguard national stability and development. "We hope to share China's experience and technology in relevant fields to help our South Sudanese colleagues, enhance their capacity to address complex challenges, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," Huo said. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Margaret Atwood has taken aim at a book ban applied in the Canadian province of Alberta that has seen her most popular novel, The Handmaids Tale, removed from some shelves. Copies of Atwoods feminist dystopia have been pulled from certain school libraries in the district following the education ministrys order to remove materials containing explicit sexual content. The 85-year-old author has since published a short story for 17-year-olds on social media about two very, very good children named John and Mary who grew up and married each other, and produced five perfect children without ever having sex on social media. The authors short story comes after she condemned the provincial book ban in a separate post last week, urging people to buy copies of The Handmaids Tale before they have public book burnings of it. She added: Dont read it, your hair will catch on fire! Schools in Alberta have until 1 October to comply with the education ministrys order, with some already releasing a list of banned books. open image in gallery Margaret Atwood has hit out at the Alberta books ban after copies of The Handmaids Tale were removed from shelves ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Last week, The Edmonton Public School Board announced it was pulling more than 200 books from school libraries, including Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Alice Walkers The Colour Purple and George Orwell's 1984. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith then accused Edmontons school board of vicious compliance with the new rules, citing graphic novels like Maia Kobabes Gender Queer as the reason for the books ban. In a statement, school board chair Julie Kusiek said Edmontons list meets the criteria detailed by the government and that anyone unhappy with it should contact Albertas education minister. open image in gallery Elisabeth Moss in the TV adaptation of Atwoods most popular novel ( HULU ) Academics and researchers who examine censorship have said the new policy specifically targets books that affirm LGBTQ+ identities, per The Guardian. The Alberta government defines explicit sexual content in its policy as a detailed and clear depiction of a sexual act. Students from kindergarten to to grade 12 will not be able to access any material in a school library that meets this criteria. Atwoods best-selling 1985 novel depicts the totalitarian society of Gilead, which is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that sees certain women reduced to state property for the pure reason of birthing a child for a wealthy family. The Handmaids Tale has previously been removed from school libraries in at least 10 US states, including Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming. It remains banned in 67 US school districts. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Colman Domingo thanked Paris Jackson for her advice on his role in the upcoming biopic about her father, Michael Jackson. The Oscar nominee said that he received a wealth of guidance from Michael Jacksons two children, Paris and Prince Jackson, as he approached the role of the familys complex patriarch, Joe Jackson. Despite Michael Jacksons controversial legacy, Domingo said, Theyre very much in support of our film. Domingo told People that Paris guidance was very helpful and called Prince a man of the film. The 55-year-old was interested in the role because of the Jackson family and their cultural significance. The thing that has inspired me the most is this very profound and prominent family called the Jacksons, Domingo said. open image in gallery Colman Domingo will play Joe Jackson in Michael ( AP ) We would not have any of this music that we used to have great memories about, the moments, the big moments, that we all share, because of the Jackson family. And Im not just saying just Michael the entire Jackson family. Despite the complicated history left behind by the King of Pop, which has already impacted the production of the film due to its portrayal of the case of then-13-year-old Jordan Chandler, Domingo let Paris and Prince guide him for his role. Domingo said in a previous interview with People: I want to find their humanity, I want to find their heart and their humour. It may go against public opinion sometimes, but I think thats my responsibility to find the complex version of these people. Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will be produced across two separate films starring Jaafar Jackson, who will portray his late uncle. The first film will reportedly focus on Jacksons early career in The Jackson 5. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The second film, if made, will cover the rest of his career but will reportedly sidestep the accusations against the star. open image in gallery Michael Jackson and his daughter Paris ( Getty ) Nia Long will portray Katherine Jackson, while Miles Teller will play Michaels advisor, John Branca, who helped the young pop musician transition into a solo act. The movie is taken from a script by John Logan, who also wrote or co-wrote Ridley Scotts Gladiator, Martin Scorseses The Aviator and Sam Mendes James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. Jackson, who died from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose in 2009, saw his reputation tarnished by a string of child sexual abuse allegations during the 1990s. He was acquitted of sexual molestation in a widely-publicised trial in 2005. Michael is set to be released on 24th April, 2026. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Graham Greene, the Canadian actor best known for his role in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves, died in Toronto on Monday after a long illness. He was 73. His death was confirmed by his agent Michael Greene, who told Deadline: He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed. You are finally free. Greene was celebrated for his portrayal of medicine man Kicking Bird in Kevin Costners Dances with Wolves. His performance not only earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor but also helped shift perceptions about Indigenous talent in a mainstream Hollywood production. Born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada, Greene was raised as Oneida and worked as a welder, draftsman and audio technician before turning to acting in the 1970s with theatre performances in his country and England. Talking about how he stumbled into acting, Greene told Readers Digest Canada in 2018: These people keep me in the shade, give me food and water, take me over to where I say what I'm supposed to say, then they take me back. Wow this is the life of a dog! He made his television debut in a 1979 episode of The Great Detective and film debut with Running Brave in 1983. open image in gallery Kevin Costner and Graham Greene in Dances With Wolves; Greenes portrayal of medicine man Kicking Bird in Kevin Costners Dances with Wolves earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor ( Orion/Kobal/Shutterstock ) He earned fame when Costner cast him as Kicking Bird (Zitka Nagwaka) in his feature directorial debut Dances with Wolves. The film received 12 Academy Award nominations, including best supporting actor for Greene, and won seven, including best picture. In a 2024 interview with Canada's Theatre Museum, Greene spoke of the stereotypical expectations for Indigenous characters: When I first started out in the business, it was a very strange thing where theyd hand you the script where you had to speak the way they thought native people spoke. And in order to get my foot in the door a little further, I did it. I went along with it for a while. You gotta look stoic. Dont smile. You gotta grunt a lot. I dont know anybody who behaves like that. Native people have an incredible sense of humour. Greenes film credits include Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), Transamerica (2005), Wind River (2017), Mollys Game (2017), and The Twilight Saga. His final completed film, Ice Fall, is set for posthumous release. On TV, he appeared in Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove: The TV Series, Longmire, Reservation Dogs, Echo, 1883, Tulsa King, The Last of Us, and Goliath. open image in gallery Graham Greene won a Grammy in 2000 for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, a Governor Generals Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement in 2025, and a star on Canadas Walk of Fame ( Getty ) Greene received numerous awards throughout his life, including a Grammy in 2000 for Best Spoken Word Album for Children, a Canadian Screen Award in 2024 for his performance in Seeds, a Governor Generals Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement in 2025, and a star on Canadas Walk of Fame. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015. On whether he believed his identity as a Native American held him up in his career, Greene said he didnt like to be pigeonholed as one thing because you get stuck in one role. I want to be diverse in roles and do other things. I did that once and it was fine. Lets move on. You dont drive the same car for 50 years or live in the same place unless thats what you want, he told Salon in a 2021 interview. But its boring to do one thing all the time: work in an assembly line for eight hours a day, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year, with some time off for 40 years doing the same thing over and over. Its mind-numbing. Greene is survived by his wife Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat believes the series current bosses are keeping their options open with Billie Pipers return. Moffat, who worked on the sci-fi show from 2010 until 2017, said that he did not have any insider information on Pipers role, but feels that producers have hedged their bets. They have not said [she is the Doctor], so I do not know, Moffat told Radio Times. I do not even know if they know. Fans were shocked when Piper returned at the end of season 15, when Ncuti Gatwas time as the Doctor came to an end. The actor, who played companion Rose Tyler, appeared to replace Gatwa as the shows lead when the Doctor underwent a regeneration. Piper described her return as a last-minute decision. This is such a minefield. I have to really engage with how I answer this, Piper told an audience about the appearance at Florida Supercon, according to Deadline. open image in gallery Billie Piper makes her surprise return in Doctor Who ( BBC ) All I can say is, I was approached very last minute, and I cant talk about in what capacity, but I found it very emotional to film, and I think its a really great ending. Rose Tyler was the companion for both Christopher Eccleston and David Tennants tenures as The Doctor. She appeared regularly on the show between 2005 and 2006 and was a supporting character during the 2008 season and also made a cameo in the 2010 New Year's special. It is yet to be confirmed whether Piper will actually be playing the 16th Doctor or if the shows producers have another trick up their sleeve. Moffat, though, did offer some advice for the qualities the next person in the role should strive for. Attractive, but odd, he said. There's something utterly odd, a sort of benevolent, kindly, slightly incompetent impersonation of a human being. The Doctor is never quite right." Moffat explained that the Doctor should be off-kilter, but someone that little kids would want to run up and take that [person's] hand and feel absolutely safe. open image in gallery Moffat worked on Doctor Who from 2010 until 2017 ( Getty Images ) Moffats comments arrive weeks after the BBC said Doctor Who is going nowhere despite concern among the fandom. The BBCs new chief content officer, Kate Phillips, promised to keep the British family favourite on screens. Rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere, Phillips said at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August, with Lindsay Salt, the BBCs director of drama, saying the corporation was committed to bringing the show back. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Howard Sterns return to SiriusXM radio has been delayed, fueling fresh speculation about a potential cancellation. Stern was slated to resume his eponymous SiriusXM show Tuesday morning. However, a message posted by the shows social media accounts read simply: Howard Stern will now speak Monday, September 8. Leading up to his highly anticipated return, social media posts promised Stern would have a big announcement. But listeners will be forced to wait until next week to learn more. The Independent has contacted SiriusXM and Sterns representatives for comment. Sterns postponed comeback comes amid rumors that SiriusXM may be preparing to pull the plug on his long-running show. Howard Stern has delayed his return to his eponymous SiriusXM radio show ( Getty ) The shock jocks contract is up for renewal soon, and SiriusXM doesnt expect hell take them up on a new offer, sources told The U.S. Sun. Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. Its no longer worth the investment, the insider claimed, adding that SiriusXM was not able to keep up with Sterns salary demands. Those rumors prompted the show to clap back with a slew of ads promising a big reveal upon Sterns return. The tabloids have spoken: Howard Stern fired, canceled, is it really Bye-Bye Booey? Chaos is swirling at The Howard Stern Show, a narrator said in a promo for the show that ran on SiriusXM. Did staffers talk to the press? Are writers withholding their best jokes? Nobody knows whats going on or who to trust. Now we can reveal all the questions will be answered, all the truths will be told by the one man truly on the inside, it continued. Howard Stern will speak Tuesday September 2. The Howard Stern Show experienced a surge in popularity after it was nationally syndicated on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005. In 2004, Stern became one of the highest-paid radio figures in the U.S. after signing a five-year deal with SiriusXM worth $500 million. He joined the radio giant in response to censorship efforts during his time at Viacom by the Federal Communications Commission, which does not regulate the content of satellite programs. Stern became the most fined radio host between 1990 and 2004, after the FCC issued fines totaling $2.5 million to radio licensees for airing material it considered to be indecent from his show, the highest amount of any American radio show. Known for his direct and controversial persona, Stern has interviewed countless A-list celebrities and even former Vice President Kamala Harris a month before voters headed to the polls in November 2024. He has been openly critical of President Trump, saying he hated Trump voters, and branded them as stupid an opinion that Trump retaliated to by saying that Stern went woke and lost listeners as a result. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kelley and Scott Wolfs ongoing divorce battle is heating up, with a new protective order banning the former from seeing her children. Since the pair announced their split in June, theyve been involved in a messy custody battle over their three children: Jackson, 16, Miller, 12, and Lucy, 11. They had a temporary custody agreement, which Kelley allegedly violated in July when she posted a since-deleted video showing her attempting to get into the family home, which Scott maintained exclusive use of. As a result, Party of Five alum Scott was granted temporary sole physical custody of their children. Now, a judge has issued a new protective order against former reality star Kelley. According to the order, obtained by People, Kelley who married Scott in 2004 is prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with her ex or their three children. She also must stay at least 300 feet away from Scott. She cannot commit, try to commit, or threaten to commit any form of violence against Scott and their kids, which includes stalking, harassing, threatening, physically hurting, or causing any other form of abuse that could cause bodily injury. Kelly Wolf can only contact her ex Scott during scheduled mediation sessions, according to new protective order ( Getty ) Kelley can only have contact with Scott about their divorce or custody agreement during scheduled mediation sessions with a Court Qualified Mediator. She is also only allowed to visit the family home in Utah to pick up her belongings, with a police officer present. Otherwise, she is not allowed in the house. The Independent has contacted representatives for Kelley and Scott for comment. According to People, the protective order is a result of Kelleys August 26 arrest after she posted Scotts personal phone numbers on her Instagram. Once his number was posted, he got multiple calls and texts from people he didnt know. He received about 24 calls and multiple texts in the first ten minutes from the time of the first call, according to a police report previously viewed by People. He stated that the phone number is to his personal phone, which he uses to communicate with his kids, and that this is causing a major disruption for him. She was released two days after her arrest and charged with two class B misdemeanors of electronic disclosure of personal identifying information and electronic communications harassment. Kelley and Scotts divorce has been contentious from the start. Days after the former couple announced their split in June, Kelley was released from a Utah hospital, where she had been placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold after being detained by authorities. At the time, the Real World star posted a clip on Instagram of her being handcuffed by the police, who said she wasnt going to jail and that they were only responding after she allegedly made comments to [her] dad and comments to people that are concerning. Kelley assured fans on Instagram days later, saying, Im currently in my car, parked at my home. I am not in a hospital. I was discharged with zero substances in my system, No diagnosis, No family history of mental illness. Following her release, the couple came to a temporary agreement regarding finances and custody of their children. According to People, The Party of Five alum continued to control marital funds, covering household expenses and temporarily providing Kelley $10,000 per month for living costs. He was also ordered to pay for her car payments and minimum payments on her credit cards. Kelley was allowed supervised parenting time, and three supervised phone or video calls with her children at a reasonable hour. The goal was for her to eventually regain unsupervised parenting time. However, after Kelley went against that temporary order in July, Scott was granted temporary sole physical custody of their kids. Kelley was given liberal supervised visitation. Only two weeks ago, Kelley was dropped by her divorce lawyerafter Scott accused her of making "false" allegations against him. There are some significant challenges that are making our situation incredibly difficult and contentious, and it is tragic for all involved, he said in a statement to People on August 15. I was informed of some deeply disturbing and entirely false allegations that were made about me by my estranged wife. He then provided text messages to the publication, in which Kelley threatened to make claims against him, including ones about psychological abuse, child endangerment, stealing with passports. Although her claims are completely baseless and incredibly dangerous, the worst part is that they are traumatic for our children, Scott added. I hope that anyone who might speak publicly or report on such things, will consider this before spreading any further information from a clearly unreliable and completely compromised source. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Succession star Nicholas Braun has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Braun, known for playing Cousin Greg on the hit HBO drama series, was pulled over by cops Friday night in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, multiple outlets have confirmed. He was held in a Carroll County jail, about two hours north of Boston, for an hour before being released on his own recognizance, reports say. No bail was set, but Braun will be forced to appear in court September 16. Braun was not subjected to a mug shot due to a technology issue affecting the police camera. Nicholas Braun of 'Succession' fame has been arrested ( Getty ) The Independent has reached out to Brauns representatives for comment. Braun earned three Emmy Award nominations for his work on Succession, all in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category. He appeared alongside a cast led by Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Brian Cox. Created by Jesse Armstrong, Succession wrapped in 2023 after four seasons. Braun has kept busy since then, landing roles in the films Splitsville and Saturday Night. Hes also slated to appear in the upcoming film Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie starring Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson. Braun plays a cop in the film adaptation of Leonie Swanns 2005 novel, directed by Kyle Balda with a screenplay by The Last of Us writer Craig Mazin. Despite being a public figure, Braun tends to keep his personal life under wraps, so it remains unclear why he was in New Hampshire for Labor Day Weekend. However, earlier this year, he did post a glimpse of his relationship with girlfriend Hyunji Ward. HBD to my sweet sweet DARLING of a girlfriend!!! You are the absolute joy of my life, he captioned an Instagram post in March. You make me my best self!! Like when you said that I could pull off this shirt full of forks. You were right. Love you dearly. The couple have mostly kept their relationship private, making only a rare public appearance together. Last January they were spotted at an Emmys afterparty, and then enjoyed a date night at a Netflix event the following month. Braun has not posted on his Instagram since the March post about Ward. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chloe Grace Moretz has married her long-time partner, model Kate Harrison. Although the couple has largely remained private throughout their seven-year relationship, Vogue confirmed on Monday that the Carrie actor and Harrison tied the knot over Labor Day weekend. Shortly after the article was published, Moretz turned to Instagram to share photos of their outfits, which were designed by Louis Vuitton. While Moretz wore a light blue gown for the ceremony and a custom-made white jacket with matching trousers and a cowboy hat for the after-party, Harrison wore a white lace bustier with a matching skirt and a bodice and trousers for her after-party attire. A big part of the wedding [is about] sharing things that Kate and I love with everyone thats going to be there, the Kick-Ass actor told Vogue. So theres fishing, horseback riding and poker. Kate made a custom poker mat herself, so were going to kind of be leaning into it. Our second day is going to be line dancing and everything. While the couple never formally confirmed their engagement, Moretz posted on January 1 a photo of her and Harrison wearing matching diamond rings on their ring fingers. Happiest New Year, so thankful for what this year has brought, her Instagram post was captioned. Moretz first publicly came out as gay in November 2024 ( Getty Images ) The people, the places, our families, our health, our love. Wishing all of you a peaceful start to this new year. Despite being linked to Harrison since 2018 after the two were photographed kissing in Malibu, California, Moretz did not publicly confirm her sexuality until November 2024, as she encouraged Americans in an Instagram post to vote early in the presidential election. Captioning a photo of her I voted early sticker, she wrote, I voted early and I voted for Kamala Harris. There is so much on the line this election. I believe the government has no right over my body as a woman, and that the decisions over my body should come ONLY from myself and my doctor. Continuing, the star said that she believed that Harris will protect that for us adding that: I believe in the need for legal protections that protects the LGBTQ+ community as a gay woman. We need protections in this country and to have access to the care we need and deserve. SO Are you voting early? Lets get a plan together to get to your polling place with your friends! Go to IWillVote.com to figure out the best plan for you, said Moretz at the time. In 2018, Moretz starred in the indie drama The Miseducation of Cameron Post about a young woman who is subjected to gay conversion therapies. Speaking to The Independent while promoting the film, Moretz said: I dont see myself as a homosexual, I dont see myself as anything. These are all societal pressures that were being labelled as. Were all human, trying to be with the people that we fall in love with and be the best person that we can be. But dont assume peoples sexualities. And dont project your own issues onto them. Why dont we let people be who they wanna be? Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Vogue has named Chloe Malle the daughter of actor Candice Bergen and filmmaker Louis Malle as its new head of editorial content. She takes over from legendary editor Anna Wintour, who announced she was stepping down in June after leading the publication for 37 years. Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled, and awed, to be part of that, said Malle in a statement. I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor. At a moment of change, both within fashion and outside it, Vogue must continue to be both the standard-bearer and the boundary-pushing leader, said Wintour. Chloe has proven often that she can find the balance between American Vogues long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new. I am so excited to continue working with her, as her mentor but also as her student, while she leads us and our audiences where weve never been before. Malle, 39, was previously the editor of Vogue.com and host of The Run-Through with Vogue podcast. Her new role is effective immediately ahead of New York Fashion Week, which runs from September 11 to 16. open image in gallery Malle began working at Vogue in 2011 ( Getty ) The appointment marks a seismic change at the magazine as Wintours tenure over nearly four decades redefined both Vogue and fashion publishing. The 75-year-old will remain as Conde Nasts global chief content officer and Vogues global editorial director. Malle has risen through the ranks of the fashion Bible from social editor to podcast host and editor of Vogue.com. The staffer who landed Naomi Bidens 2022 wedding at the White House, and a Lauren Sanchez interview ahead of her nuptials to Jeff Bezos, will soon shape the fashion world. open image in gallery Malle was previously an editor of Vogue.com ( BFA.com/Shutterstock ) Malles early childhood was spent in Los Angeles, where her mom relocated them from New York when Malle was only three to shoot Murphy Brown. Her father, the Academy Award-nominated director Louis Malle, lived in France because he didnt like living or working in Hollywood, Bergen said in a 2015 interview with Dallas News. The director would travel between Paris and L.A. every other month to visit his wife and daughter. After briefly considering a career in public health, Malle landed an internship at the New York Observer and was later hired to cover real estate. From there, she became a freelance writer, filing pieces for The New York Times Style section and landing bylines in Vogue. Then her big break came in 2011 for the social editor role. I was hesitant when I was interviewing, because fashion is not one of my main interests in life, and I wanted to be a writer more than an editor, but I was so seduced by the Vogue machine that I couldnt resist, Malle said. open image in gallery Malle is the daughter of actor Candice Bergen and the film director Louis Malle ( Getty ) According to Puck, other frontrunners for the position included Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch, W magazine editor Sara Moonves, and Nicole Phelps, who runs Vogue Runway and Vogue Business. Wintours reign as editor-in-chief saw Vogue reestablish itself as the leading voice in fashion in the 1990s, holding off competition from the likes of Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Mirabella. Wintour developed a reputation for a hands-on and painstaking approach to Vogue photoshoots, giving her personal approval to all outfits and set-ups. Since 1995, she has also presided over the exclusive guest list for the annual Met Gala. The best-selling 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada was written by former Vogue writer Lauren Weisberger, whose time as an assistant to Wintour is believed to have inspired the story and the character of domineering editor Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film adaptation). I actually love working with Anna, because I love someone telling me exactly what needs to be done and exactly what she thinks about something, Malle once said of her boss. Theres no indecision. Theres no ambiguity. Caskets containing skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group are carried to a ceremony welcoming the colonial-era relics returned by France in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, Sept. 2, 2025. An official ceremony was held on Tuesday in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to welcome the colonial-era relics returned by France. Three skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group, one of which is believed to belong to King Toera and the other two to his warriors, were returned to Madagascar after 128 years in France. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua) ANTANANARIVO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- An official ceremony was held on Tuesday in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to welcome the colonial-era relics returned by France. Three skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group, one of which is believed to belong to King Toera and the other two to his warriors, were returned to Madagascar after 128 years in France. "Today, we pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed themselves for their country, and in particular to the courageous struggle led by King Toera in Ambiky (in western Madagascar) in August 1897, against French colonisers," said Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina during the ceremony. While stressing that history cannot be forgotten, Rajoelina said, "The return of relics allows us to understand that the memory of those who fought for their country will never fade." "It remains alive in our hearts, reminding us of our duty to preserve this heritage and build a united and prosperous nation," he said. "Making Madagascar a thriving and respected nation, progressing steadily and occupying its rightful place on all fronts, is a challenge we have set ourselves and a goal we must achieve." The skulls were formally handed over to Madagascar at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Culture in late August. After the official ceremony in Antananarivo, they will be transported later this week to the Menabe region in western Madagascar for burial. Madagascar was colonized by France from 1896 and gained its independence on June 26, 1960. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In scenes reminiscent of Andrea Sachs at the beginning of The Devil Wears Prada, a 25-year-old Chloe Malle turned up to her interview at Vogue wearing black tights (an Anna Wintour no-no), boots that were falling apart and a very boring dress. I think back to my interview at Vogue and Im a little embarrassed, Malle, now 39, said as she looked back at the 2011 grilling with Wintour, for a position as a social editor. Youre supposed to never wear black. I wore black, Malle said in 2014. It was in March and so cold, so I wore black tights and these black J. Crew suede booties, which were fine, but were sort of falling apart. And then I wore this very boring, shortnot super short, but short-ishDiane von Furstenberg collared dress with a gray and white striped blazer. open image in gallery Chloe Malle, the daughter of Murphy Brown star Candice Bergen, and a mom of two who likes nothing more than a quiet night in, is taking the helm of American Vogue from Anna Wintour ( AFP/Getty ) It was plain, but it was fine, she added. But then I wore this white-orange pashmina and this orange beaded bag that I thought were really coolI consider myself more of a 'fashion girl' now, but my evolutions been almost by osmosis. Malle has risen through the ranks of the fashion Biblefrom social editor to podcast host and editor of Vogue.comand is now taking over from Wintour as the new head of editorial content for U.S. Vogue. The staffer who landed Naomi Bidens 2022 wedding at the White House, and a Lauren Sanchez interview ahead of her nuptials to Jeff Bezos, could soon shape the fashion world. This Ivy League-educated New Yorker the daughter of Murphy Brown star Candice Bergen and the late French film director Louis Malle leads a glamorous life, according to the photos that adorn her Instagram. She often vacations at the family home in the South of France, frequents the beaches of Montauk in the Hamptons, and enjoys fine dining in some of the hottest spots in New York. But for Malle, a wife and mother of two, the party-girl lifestyle that is part and parcel of being a Vogue editor in the big city doesnt come naturally. During her interview with Wintour, the fashion mogul asked what she liked doing in her free time. I answered truthfully and said I like to sleep and cook, Malle told The New York Post. A glammed-up photo of Malle taking a selfie in a grandiose-looking bathroom attests to this. Back in my pajamas watching Miss Marple but still thinking about the time I dressed up THREE nights in a row! she captioned the 2022 photo. As social editor at Vogue, Malles role saw her forced to mingle several times a week, which was a shock to her system. I work on the best-dressed lists and write party coverage for Vogue.com, which is so funny because I used to hate going out, she told beauty site Into the Gloss in 2014. Im such a morning person. But now that I decide what parties to cover for the website, Im usually out three to four nights a week. open image in gallery Malle is the daughter of Murphy Brown star and the late French film director Louis Malle. She is pictured with her parents as a child in Central Park ( Paris Match/Getty ) open image in gallery A glammed-up photo of Malle taking a selfie in a grandiose-looking bathroom is captioned: Back in my pajamas watching Miss Marple but still thinking about the time I dressed up THREE nights in a row! ( @chloemalle/Instagram ) Malles early childhood was spent in Los Angeles, where her mom relocated them from New York when Malle was only three to shoot Murphy Brown. Her father, the Academy Award-nominated director Louis Malle, lived in France because he didnt like living or working in Hollywood, Bergen said in a 2015 interview with Dallas News. The director would travel between Paris and L.A. every other month to visit his wife and daughter. People who dont know better think its a glamorous arrangement, Bergen said in a 1993 interview with Cosmopolitan magazine. But long-distance communication puts a strain on the marriage. That weve made it at all is a testament to how much we both wanted it. Malle, an only child, was close with her father and was 10 when he died of lymphoma in 1995. Malle and her mom moved back to New York five years later, where she attended Riverdale High School. I was always a big readerI was an only child, so it was just me, my dog Lois, and my books, Malle said. open image in gallery The Ivy League-educated New Yorker, often vacations in Europe and frequents the Hamptons. ( chloemalle/Instagram ) As a teenager, dads of Malles friends would fawn over her mother, she told The New York Times. I grew up with my friends dads saying Oh, my God, I remember when your mom was young. She was a knockout, Malle said. I think [Bergen] had great insecurity around the fact that people have always focused on that. She studied comparative literature and writing at Brown University. When I graduated, I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, Malle said. I was always interested in writingI edited the weekly paper at Brown and loved that. After briefly considering a career in public health, Malle landed an internship at the New York Observer and was later hired to cover real estate. From there, she became a freelance writer, filing pieces for The New York Times Style section and landing bylines in Vogue. Then her big break came in 2011 for the social editor role. I was hesitant when I was interviewing, because fashion is not one of my main interests in life, and I wanted to be a writer more than an editor, but I was so seduced by the Vogue machine that I couldnt resist, Malle said. open image in gallery Malle, an only child, was close with her father and was 10 when he died of lymphoma in 1995. ( Paris Match/Getty ) As her career was flourishing, so was her personal life. Malles boyfriend of four years, asset manager Graham Albert, proposed to her on New Years Day in 2014. He said, I have a question. I think we should get married. And my first response was, 'Thats not a question! Malle told Vogue in 2015. I know Im a brat, but Im an editorwhat do you want from me? Then I said, Oh wow, this is happening. I dont think I ever actually said yes, there was no need. Malle added that Albert presented the ring from his pocket in a Kleenex. A detail that makes my mother shudder and yell, A KLEENEX! every time she hears it, she joked. The couple wed at the familys 16th-century stone manor in Le Coual, southwestern France, in the same room her parents Bergen and Louis Malle married in 1980. It was a lavish but intimate four-day affair with just 40 guests. I grew up spending every summer there and the minute I turn down the driveway my heart leapsI get so excited, Malle said. Its a visceral reaction, I just love being there more than anything. In May 2020, Malle and Albert welcomed their first child, Louis Albert, named after Malles late father. They had a second child, Alice, in April 2022, according to PEOPLE. Mom of two is really the most time-consuming occupation at the moment, which Im leaning into, she told the outlet last year. Now Ive just decided ... [to] embrace the fact that theyre going to take most of my time and my logistical mental space. Bergen is a doting grandmother to Malles children and sees her grandkids regularly, according to social media. open image in gallery Despite a career that entails being a party-girl, Malle revealed that she used to hate going out and prefers to cook and sleep ( Getty ) Malle is also not shy about her politics. She has spoken out against Trump and posted left-leaning clothing and messaging on social media. The day after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Malle asked guest Jack Schlossberg on the podcast The Run Through: What would you say to people who are struggling this week and advice on getting through it? Malle then suggested an article about how to talk to your children about the election. I really struggled with that this morning, she admitted. She posted a photo on January 21, 2017, preparing to attend the Womens March in Washington, D.C. to protest Trumps first inauguration. Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My Rights, the placard Malle is holding reads. Another photo shows Malle wearing a Hillary Clinton sweatshirt while holding her two children on the couch. open image in gallery Malle, now a mother of two, attended the Womens March in Washington, D.C. to protest Trumps first inauguration. Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My Rights, the placard Malle is holding reads ( @chloemalle/Instagram ) Wintour, a Democratic fundraiser, has never shied away from politics and raised millions for the party in 2024. She has previously said its important to take a stand when deciding which influential women in politics to feature on the magazines cover. We profile women in the magazine that we believe in the stand that they're taking on issues. We support them in the fact that we feel that they are leaders, she told CNN in 2019. Wintour was spotted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in May to meet with Trumps chief of staff, Susie Wiles, to talk about the impact of tariffs on the fashion industry. Now that Malle has won the top job, according to the online news site Puck, it remains to be seen how shell navigate running American Vogue while juggling personal politics. As for Wintour, the 75-year-old is reportedly not going too far, and will remain as Conde Nasts global chief content officer and Vogues global editorial director, which may have come as welcome news to Malle. I actually love working with Anna, because I love someone telling me exactly what needs to be done and exactly what she thinks about something, Malle said of her boss. Theres no indecision. Theres no ambiguity. This story was originally published on Thursday Aug. 14, 2025, and updated at 5:09 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday Sep. 1 to reflect reports that Malle had been picked to replace Wintour. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Democratic Senator Cory Booker has announced his engagement to Alexis Lewis more than three years after splitting from long-time girlfriend Rosario Dawson. Booker shared the news Tuesday with a carousel of photos, calling Lewis one of the greatest unearned blessings of my life. She has transformed me, helping me to ground and center my inner life, and discover the joys of building a nurturing home with someone you love, he continued in the Instagram caption. I am savoring the soul-affirming wonder of everyday life with my partner, best friend, and now my fiancee. In the photos, Booker is seen pointing to Lewis ring, both clad in Hawaiian leis and giant smiles. Another image shows him on one knee presenting Lewis with the studded band engagement ring, a surprised but gleeful look plastered on her face. open image in gallery Democratic Senator Cory Booker has announced his engagement to Alexis Lewis ( AFP via Getty Images ) Booker, 56, and Lewis relationship was confirmed by the senator just last month. The senator was explaining to the Washington Examiner that on one of their first dates, Lewis asked him to open his TikTok app to the For You page. I sort of held my breath as I opened it up, and she could see that Im a nerd who loves food videos, animal videos, Booker said. It was just a funny moment, because I never thought of it through the dating lens, but here it is, you know, a year and a half later, and were still together." The two are believed to have been dating for about a year and a half and reside together in Washington, D.C. open image in gallery Bookers previous relationship with Dawson ended in February 2022. The couple had been together for more than two years. ( Getty Images ) Bookers previous relationship with Dawson ended in February 2022. The couple had been together for more than two years. His relationship update comes months after he broke the record for the longest Senate speech in history. He took the Senate floor on the evening of March 31, saying he would remain there as long as he was physically able. The speech lasted a whopping 25 hours and 5 minutes. Bookers filibuster speech was hailed as an act of leadership by his political contemporaries, but also generated a buzz online, with some marveling at his stamina. Going into his 23rd straight hour of standing on the floor, Bookers TikTok live stream had reportedly been liked over 175 million times. His performance was later clipped up and turned into a pop remix. During the speech, Booker was assisted by fellow Democrats who gave him a break from speaking by asking him questions on the Senate floor, sparking even more reaction online. Many also posted congratulations online following the conclusion of his remarks, including former Vice President Kamala Harris. The true measure of a leader is not based on who you beat down but on who you lift up, she wrote on X. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After introducing a new membership perk in June and following a subsequent grace period, Costcos latest rule is taking effect. Costco shoppers with the Executive Membership have access to an hour of shopping in the morning without other customers. The exclusive window has been subject to a grace period, but its now coming to an end. Starting today, only those with the Executive Membership will be allowed in stores from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day. The hour is slashed to a 30-minute window on Saturdays, with all customers allowed to enter the store from 9:30 a.m. Customers who do not hold the Executive Membership will be denied entry before 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. all other days of the week. The policy has been met with controversy by Costco members. However, the company defended its decision, saying in a statement to Business Insider: Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco. Costos latest membership change has been met with pushback by some customers ( AFP via Getty Images ) The shopping warehouse has different membership tiers with an annual fee: the $65 Gold Star and the costlier $130 Executive. The chain also offers a Business Membership for $65 annually, though that tier is exempt from the extra shopping hour. Each membership tier comes with its own perks, including the exclusive shopping hour. Costco also rolled out a $10 monthly credit for Executive members earlier this summer. The shopping window change is just the latest affecting Costco members. Shoppers have been divided over the recent move by the wholesaler to transition from selling Pepsi to exclusively Coca-Cola products. The switch, which elicited a mixed response from customers on Reddit, was finalized earlier in August with a complete Coca-Cola takeover appearing in Costco food courts across the country. All of Costcos food courts will be stocked solely with Coca-Cola products by the fall. The company used to serve Coca-Cola before it made the switch to Pepsi products in 2013 to maintain the price of its signature $1.50 hot dog combo, CNN reported. Then in January, the wholesaler announced it would ditch Pepsi in favor of President Donald Trumps soda brand after selling the competitions products for over a decade. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice London Fashion Week (LFW) returns from September 18-22, and this season the schedule feels more like a reset. For Laura Weir, who steps into her first season of LFW as CEO of the British Fashion Council (BFC), the week is not just a series of runway shows but the beginning of a new era. Her vision, anchored in accessibility, cultural resonance and global visibility, is already reshaping one of Europes most important fashion capitals. Weir has already waived membership fees for designers, expanded investment in international buyers and media, and woven Londons cultural vibrancy directly into the schedule. The result has been an 18% increase in on-schedule designers and a line-up thats as expansive as it is ambitious. So, with pivotal change happening behind the scenes, it seems this LFW will be one of the most defining fashion weeks yet. Heres what to expect. A line-up of milestone moments This seasons runway calendar is packed with heritage brands, as well as spotlighting some fearless newcomers. Burberry, Simone Rocha, Emilia Wickstead and Erdem return, while Roksanda marks her 20th anniversary with a show certain to celebrate the architect of colour and form. But theres also experimentation, with some designers testing out new ways to present their collections. Irish designer JW Anderson will stage a special evening event in place of a runway show, reflecting a shift in the way brands build cultural worlds. The BFCs NEWGEN programme (the British Fashion Councils long-standing initiative to support and nurture promising British designers by providing financial aid, mentoring and opportunities to showcase at LFW) promises another electric season of emerging names, with Aaron Esh, Johanna Parv and Karoline Vitto leading the charge. Hungarian label Nanushka will also make its debut on London soil. Designers not to be missed Its so hard to mention only a few names, as London Fashion Week always brings such an incredible breadth of talent, says Weir. Jonathan Anderson and I will co-host a dinner, which recognises his commitment to London and will celebrate the brands relaunch and renewed focus on craftsmanship and creativity. This will be my first London Fashion Week as chief executive and I will attend as much as the busy schedule allows. Erdem and Roksanda are both celebrating major milestones. The Burberry show will see the next iteration of the iconic British brand. Simone Rocha is always a highlight [and] BFC NEWGEN is known the world over for its incubation of talent and this years cohort will not disappoint. A new era of LFW For Weir, leadership is not about subtle tweaks but radical intention. Stepping into the CEO role of at the BFC, one of her main objectives was to clearly define the purpose, relevance and impact of London Fashion Week. This season marks the beginning of a new era. I hope to create a cultural experience which truly serves our designers and amplifies their work on a global stage. Having waived membership fees to make the platform more accessible to designers, Weir says the BFC are curating a schedule that speaks to Londons cultural relevance, having invested further in their international guest programme to ensure heavyweight buyers and media are here in London. The impact of politics and culture on creativity Fashion in 2025 does not exist in a vacuum, and Weir acknowledges the turbulence shaping this season; from Gaza to Ukraine. Fashion is naturally an expression of the world around us and in these times of acute political, cultural and environmental tension, designers and creatives have always used their art to respond. The BFCs role is to provide a platform for creativity, dialogue and expression, and in the spaces we manage, a safe environment that is free of hate speech, she continues, we advocate for the values of respect, inclusivity and responsibility, this must be the heart of everything we do. Fashion week beyond London The most common critique of fashion week is how (almost unavoidably) London-centric it is. So the most ambitious move LFW is undertaking is the determination to take it nationwide. Fashion is an incredible economic power, says Weir. This season, the BFC is getting more out of LFW through our city-wide celebration, now rolling out to Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool with over 1,000 activations happening during September. Its an ambitious step towards making London Fashion Week not just a moment for industry, but a celebration of creativity that everyone can be part of. And for those who cant travel, she stresses that access will remain digital. Our digital schedule also offers a great opportunity for people [] to tune into London Fashion Week. It is a real space for experimentation, accessibility and global visibility. So under this new stewardship, it seems LFW is positioning itself not only as a hub for designers but as a cultural movement thats a staple not only in the fashion calendar, but in the British calendar as a whole. Whether it will actually achieve this or not is a question well be asking next season. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A key ingredient used in many brands of gel nail polish has been banned in most of Europe but it remains on sale and available in the U.S. Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, commonly known as TPO, is now forbidden in all cosmetic products as of September 1, after European Union officials deemed it potentially toxic to humans. Numerous gel nail polishes use TPO as a 'photoinitiator', which lets the polish harden faster when bombarded by ultraviolet light, and helps them hold their color for longer. But several studies on animals have linked the chemical to long-term fertility damage, leading the E.U. to ban it as a precaution, while further research is conducted. By contrast, the U.S. has not yet regulated TPO, just as it has declined to act on numerous other food additives and chemical ingredients banned by European nations. Nail salons in any of the the E.U.'s 27 member states, as well as other countries that mirror the trade bloc's regulations such as Norway and Switzerland, must now stop selling TPO-based nail gels and safely dispose of all their current stock, while manufacturers must reformulate their products to be TPO-free. European regulators have branded a key ingredient used in many brands of gel nail polish as potentially toxic to humans ( Toru Yamanaka/AFP via Getty Images ) The E.U.'s ban could still disrupt the American beauty industry if companies source their products from Europe or are affected by knock-on supply shortages. Those that reformulate their gels in Europe may do the same in the U.S. in order to avoid making two separate versions of the product. The ban could also could also prompt U.S. regulators or state governments into taking action. Francesca Rapolla of the British trade association CPTA told the nail magazine Scratch that sometimes industries could win exemptions from E.U. regulations by proving that the risks can be mitigated. But she said: "In the case of TPO, the industry did not, and could not, defend the continued use of this ingredient in nail products, mainly because it could not demonstrate that there are no alternative ingredients to this one." Many nail industry figures are opposed to the ban. "The prohibition of TPO in U.V. gels is not supported by a scientifically justified risk assessment," said California-based scientific consultant Doug Schoon in an open letter on Sunday. "If left uncorrected, this decision will once again impose unnecessary economic burdens, waste safe products, and undermine confidence in E.U. regulatory proportionality." The Belgian wholesaler ASAP Nails and Beauty Supply set up a protest website to oppose the ban, arguing it would cause "major economic damage" to small businesses and was based on "no human evidence of danger". Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Enervate sells products made out of paper. So that might be office supplies; that might be janitorial paper, which is toilet tissue, toilet seat protectors; and local newspapers. And that is in order of quality. Ken Davies, played by British comedian-of-the-moment Tim Key, says this with a self-satisfied smirk in the opening episode of The Paper a new sitcom from the team behind the US version of The Office that exists in the same universe as fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin. The shows credits feature newspapers being used for all manner of purposes: wrapped around food or rubbish, stacked to form a platform for seeing over a fence, folded to make an impromptu sunhat. Anything, really, aside from being actually read. Its a neat encapsulation of that old adage about todays news becoming tomorrows chip paper and a potent visual of how journalism is viewed by many in 2025. Of course, when you are a journalist in 2025, it makes for bittersweet (read: heartbreaking) viewing. Sure, Im relieved that its a genuinely funny follow-up to such a beloved and long-running comedy series, a full 20 years after the latter first aired. But its also incredibly painfully, even on the nose. Focusing the mockumentary format around the plight of regional Ohio newspaper the Toledo Truth Teller (TTT), the writers have shrewdly observed the bleak realities of an industry that is not just in decline but, in many cases, on its knees. This backdrop is swiftly and starkly presented in the pilot episode; a black and white documentary about the TTT in 1971 shows a bustling newsroom staffed by nearly a thousand people, including 100 reporters covering Ohio politics and 300 more covering Washington and New York and foreign bureaus all over the world. Is it expensive? You can bet what youre sitting on it is, says former publisher John Stack. We only keep democracy alive is all. Is it worth it? Ask the Cincinnati city council he stabs his finger at a fresh news sheet a third of them, indicted on bribery charges today, thanks to our reporting. The action cuts straight to the modern TTT, where compositor Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei) shows the camera how she creates the daily paper by dragging pre-written stories (though only those in our subscription tier) straight from AP (Associated Press) wires into the newspaper layout. Her front-page pick? Elizabeth Olsen Reveals Her Nighttime Skin Routine. Domhnall Gleeson as an optimistic newspaper editor in The Paper ( Peacock ) Elsewhere, unhinged Italian editor Esmeralda Grand (White Lotuss Sabrina Impacciatore) explains seriously that the publications website is where they can focus on classic, long-form journalism before unveiling her proudest work, an article entitled You Wont Believe How Much Ben Affleck Tipped His Limo Driver. As she scrolls through an interminable number of pop-up ads, pictures and subheadings explaining, among other things, the history of tipping and the colours of cars, my blood runs cold. Its not quite clickbait, which technically never answers the premise outlined in the headline; as Esmeralda points out, Its not a waste of time, because when you get to the end and you find out that the tip was $300 Wow! I mean, thats a lot! In fact, until the entry of Domhnall Gleesons wide-eyed and idealistic new editor-in-chief, Ned Samson, there is not a single bit of original news being reported on anywhere in the building (even when the building opposite is literally on fire). No, not all journalism has quite deteriorated to this extent, but enough of it has to make what we see on screen have a spiky tang of familiarity to it. Weve all, by this point, got used to the idea that headlines can be incredibly misleading, while simultaneously quoting them at one another without bothering to click through to get the full story. Weve all, by this point, become all-but immune to pop-ups, or we use ad blockers or simply swerve certain sites altogether, proclaiming them irritating without questioning how else journalism is supposed to financially function when were no longer willing to pay for the news. This is the major affliction of modern journalism: how to make enough money to survive when readers inherently believe that all words on the internet should be free? How, indeed, to resist the lure of clickbait when traffic can be measured in real-time and simultaneously every person on the web with an opinion has become a direct competitor for eyeballs on pages? As money has dwindled and consequently impacted quality in some publications, so trust in journalism has hit an all-time low The news is a bit poor obviously you didnt know, explains Esmeralda in answer to Neds ambitious plans to expand the team and focus on original reporting. Thats putting it mildly. In the UK, 293 local papers have shut up shop since 2005, with 22 of those closing in the past two years. National titles are not immune this very publication stopped printing a physical paper nearly a decade ago and pivoted entirely to digital, an arguably prescient move when you consider that every single broadsheet and tabloid has seen circulation drop significantly over the past quarter-century. The Sun went from readership highs of 3.76 million in 2000 to 1.21 million by 2020, The Telegraph from 1.04 to 0.31 million. Across the pond, the landscape is even more alarming. Since 2005, more than a third totalling 3,200 of print newspapers in the US have vanished, and papers continue to disappear at a rate of more than two per week. Yes, many media outlets have gone online instead. But job losses have been severe; in the past two years, around 12,000 positions in the UK and US were cut, according to Press Gazette analysis. At the same time, as news organisations have contracted, so-called news deserts areas without any local reporting of critical news whatsoever have expanded, particularly in the States. Ive come across this first hand when interviewing American experts for features. A leading psychologist and academic recently told me that he only gets media requests from foreign journalists these days. You still have journalists there, he said. I dont talk to US journalists any more because we dont have them. In an endless catch-22, as money has dwindled and consequently impacted quality in some publications, so trust in journalism has hit an all-time low. In the most recent Ipsos Veracity Index, which measures public trust in various professions in the UK, journalists were in the bottom five, faring worse than estate agents and bankers. Neds declaration that the industry is in shambles, people hate reporters right now, doesnt feel so far off the mark. Fake news narratives propagated by Donald Trump and his cronies aside, social media has given rise to a proliferation of news that is anything but unverified outlets publishing stories that are dubious at best, fabricated at worst, based on suspect sources. The issue has only become more acute with the increase in AI-generated content. Yes, we might laugh when we find out that a cute viral video of bunnies bouncing on a trampoline is actually bogus, but the dark underbelly of that discovery is the further erosion of trust in everything we read or see online. (Though there may be one upside: according to a new study, trusted news sites may wind up benefiting in an online world swamped by AI-generated fakes. An experiment found that subscriber retention and daily visits increased after readers were presented with a quiz asking them to differentiate genuine from AI-generated images.) And yet, despite all the reasons to feel pessimistic, The Paper feels like a beacon of hope in what is an undeniably dark time for the industry. It may be fictional, but its shining a light on the very real risks to democracy when journalism is diluted to the point where power cannot be held to account. Neds ragtag bunch of clueless reporters are inept, yes, but theyre at least attempting to find local news for local people. Theyre at least trying to swap the nonsense and noise for something real. This process happens, it is a kind of alchemy, and what comes out this end is the truth, John Stack says of the papers printing press back in the papers 1970s heyday. Its a truth teller. Thats what we do. And I dont mean to be blasphemous, but I worship at the altar of this machine. Amen to that. Somewhere along the line, many of us forgot what journalism is for. I dont think its blasphemous to pray that we still have time to remember. All episodes of The Paper will be available on Sky and streaming service NOW on 5 September Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Trader Joes has issued a major warning to customers about its frozen pepperoni pizza product. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for the frozen, not-ready-to-eat uncured pepperoni pizza imported from Italy after the product did not receive the benefit of import re-inspection, a protocol when goods are transported from Europe to the U.S. However, a recall was not requested because the product is no longer being sold in stores, according to the FSIS alert. The pizza was only sold at Trader Joes stores in California. The product subject to the health alert is 17.63-oz. cardboard box packages with TRADER JOES UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY on the bottom of the packaging. The bottom of the packing would also say MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26 or MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26 Pizza boxes also have the Italy establishment number, IT 1558 L UE, printed inside the package. open image in gallery USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service says the identified frozen pizza product was sold at Trader Joes stores in California ( Getty Images ) According to the USDA, once an incoming shipment has met the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service requirements, the shipment must be reinspected by FSIS at an approved import inspection facility. However, the Trader Joes frozen pizza product never went through re-inspection, which is when goods are stamped with the USDA mark of inspection and are allowed to enter U.S. commerce for distribution and use as if they were produced domestically. Trader Joes offered an explanation to Newsweek, saying: Due to a paperwork error, a shipment of Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, imported from Italy was not presented for import re-inspection into the United States prior to delivery to these Trader Joe's stores in Southern California. There have been no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. All potentially affected product has been removed from sale. open image in gallery Trader Joe's issues warning on frozen pepperoni pizza after it missed a routine re-inspection ( U.S. Department of Agriculture ) The Independent has contacted a representative for Trader Joes for comment. This isnt the first time that a Trader Joes product has raised safety concerns. In February, the company announced a recall of its Trader Joe's Organic Acai Bowls, since the bowls may have contained plastic. Last year, the company also recalled more than 650,000 of its mango-tangerine-scented candles. In that instance, Trader Joe's said there was a chance that the flame on the candle's wick could spread to the wax and produce a larger-than-expected flame. This meant that the candle could result in a larger flame, posing a fire hazard. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Colorado man who was taken into custody after he allegedly went on a violent crime spree that led to a police chase and ended in gunfire is now accused of murdering a pregnant woman, whose body was found in an abandoned vehicle a day after he was detained. James Jaime Benavidez, 50, faces charges of first-degree murder, auto theft and unlawful termination of a pregnancy after 32-year-old Keeley Koff was found shot to death on Friday inside the car just a mile from her Brighton home. Benavidezs wild spree allegedly began a day earlier, when he is accused of attempting to rob a man of his vehicle at the Murphy Express gas station on Bromley Lane in Denver, the Brighton Police Department said in a press release on Monday. open image in gallery James Benavidez, 50, faces charges of first-degree murder, auto theft and unlawful termination of a pregnancy after Keeley Koff was found dead ( Brighton Police Department ) The two struggled at the pumps and a single gunshot was fired. The driver sustained minor injuries and Benavidez then fled on a bicycle, authorities said. Minutes later, officers were notified of a different vehicle stolen from a business near Highway 85 and West Bridge Street just two blocks from the gas station. The owner of the stolen car gave a description of the suspect, which matched that of the gas station suspect, believed to be Benavidez, police said. When police located Benavidez, he allegedly refused to stop and led police on a pursuit. Brighton police allege Benavidez fired at pursuing police vehicles, striking several but injuring no officers. Officers returned fire and wounded Benavidez. He was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital. Later that night, he was booked into the Adams County Jail, where he faces charges of attempted robbery, the subsequent pursuit and the alleged attempted murder of several officers, Brighton police said. open image in gallery Benavidezs wild spree began on Thursday when he allegedly attempted to rob a man of his vehicle at the Murphy Express gas station on Bromley Lane in Denver ( Brighton Police Department ) While Benavidez was behind bars, Koffs body was found. Brighton police said Koff appeared to have been shot and that she was known to Benavidez. No other details about how long she had been dead, or the exact relationship between her and Benavidez, have been provided by police. Benavidez, who has a lengthy Colorado criminal record and multiple prior prison sentences, is expected to be formally charged when he appears in court on Thursday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nearly two decades after a mother-of-two was killed in an early morning crash in Hialeah, Florida, the woman accused of causing her death and fleeing the country has been captured. Leydis Menendez Abdala, 52, was taken into custody in Mexico and brought back to Florida last week, according to Miami-Dade County jail records. She faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter in connection with the 2006 crash that killed 39-year-old Gloria Marcia Hall, according to prosecutors. Hialeah police say that on August 12, 2006, Menendez Abdala ran a flashing red light at 68th Street and struck Halls vehicle shortly after 4 a.m. Hall died at the scene and Menendez Abdala was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital. open image in gallery Leydis Menendez Abdala, 52, was taken into custody in Mexico and brought back to Florida last week ( Miami Police Department ) Halls brother, Miami Police Commander Joaquin Freire, said he still remembers the knock on the door that changed his family forever, CBS News reported. I get a knock on the door, its two police officers from another jurisdiction and theyre like, do you know a Gloria Hall? I said yes, thats my sister, why? She was involved in an accident. Theyre like, she didnt make it, Freire recalled. The hardest thing Ive ever had to do is sit my mom down and my dad and then her daughters, my nieces, and tell them your mom died this morning. He said Menendez Abdala admitted to being impaired in a statement taken at the hospital. They interviewed her and she pretty much signed a statement saying that she had been impaired, she had been drinking, Freire said in a 2023 Instagram post. By the time Monday rolls around, they go to pick her up, shes gone. open image in gallery Gloria Marcia Hall, a 39-year-old mother of two was killed in a car crash in 2006 ( Miami Police Department ) During a court hearing Sunday, prosecutor Laura Adams told the judge that Menendez Abdala was dating someone inside the Hialeah Police Department at the time of the crash. She alleged that the boyfriend gave her the heads up about the toxicology results, prompting her to flee the country. Prosecutors say Menendez Abdala left Florida on September 10, 2006, and lived in Mexico until U.S. Marshals brought her back to Miami last Friday after 19 years on the run. Her defense attorney entered a written plea of not guilty on her behalf, CBS News reported. For Halls family, the arrest represents a long awaited step toward justice. open image in gallery In 2023, Miami PD posted an update to X announcing the increase of the reward to $25,000 ( Miami PD/X ) There are no words that can express the pain that we have endured for the past 19 years of having Gloria Marcia Hall, a mother, daughter, and sister who was taken from us due to the criminal and reckless actions of a person who has shown NO remorse, Freire said in a statement Monday. Now, nearly two decades later, we are one step closer to justice for Gloria. We are elated that justice is finally being pursued, he added. While nothing can erase our pain, knowing that Glorias case has not been forgotten brings us strength and peace. Menendez Abdala remains in custody and is expected back in court on Monday. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Florida man was arrested after a meetup with a woman he met on a dating app turned violent when he allegedly ran over her after she refused to allow him to smell her feet, police say. It happened around 2 p.m. on August 24 at the Serena Hotel in Aventura, about 20 miles north of Miami. Investigators say 28-year-old Elmoncy Sercle met the woman through the dating app Seeking and invited her to the hotel, Law&Crime reported. The woman, who spoke to Local 10 News but asked not to be identified, said she had agreed to meet Sercle to sell him a pair of used shoes, but quickly became uncomfortable when the conversation shifted. When I got there, he just wanted to sniff my feet and I didn't feel comfortable with that, she explained. I mean, you could have my sneakers all you want. I mean, I don't care. I'm not wearing them. And you know, they're just stinky old sneakers. But people like weird things. open image in gallery Sercle was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery ( Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ) The woman told police that she told Sercle it would cost him $1,000 because she's a foot model and that's her going rate, according to the affidavit. She then said she had to get them out of the car and excused herself to use the restroom, only to see Sercle run out of the room, according to an arrest affidavit. Believing he had stolen her belongings, she chased him into the hotels parking garage and confronted him as he climbed into a red Mercedes SUV. Thats when, officers say, Sercle accelerated toward her, stopped, made a three-point turn, and struck her with the vehicle. The woman was left with road rash and bruising to her back, arms and chest, injuries that required immediate medical attention, according to the affidavit. She called the ordeal extremely bizarre and said shes just thankful she survived. By the grace of God, Im still standing today, she said. I've never experienced anything like this before. I've met a lot of people who have foot fetishes, obviously, and nobody has ever done anything to this caliber." Sercle fled the scene but was later arrested on a charge of aggravated battery. He has since bonded out of jail and is scheduled to appear in court on September 29. Detectives noted this was not the first time Sercle has faced such accusations. Court records show he has multiple open cases in Miami-Dade County involving women he allegedly met on dating apps, lured to hotels, and then robbed, Law&Crime reported. MOSCOW, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens is "amazing news" that will change Russians' approach to travel in China, said the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), cited by RIA Novosti. Earlier on Tuesday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced that China has decided to temporarily introduce a visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports starting from Sept. 15, 2025 to Sept. 14, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or exchange visits and transit. "The launch of the (trial) visa-free policy for Russians is amazing news that will fundamentally change Russian tourists' approach to traveling in China," the RST said, adding that tourist numbers are expected to surge significantly. The policy could boost tourist flows from Russia by 30 to 40 percent, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia said. Alexander Bragin, director of the Association of Travel Aggregators, said that the number of search queries for flights and accommodation in China has doubled after the announcement of the pilot visa-free policy. "We won't be able to see actual bookings until tomorrow, but right now, the number of China-related search queries has already doubled. Overall, our forecasts suggest demand for travel to China could rise by 30 percent or more," said Bragin. According to data from Russia's Federal Security Service, 836,600 Russians visited China for tourism and private purposes in the first half of 2025, up 38.5 percent from the same period a year earlier. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What began as a typical summer sleepover ended in a bloodbath when gunfire ripped through a Kansas City home, killing a Missouri teenager. Traelynn Sibley, 16, was just days away from starting her junior year at Grandview High School when she was shot in the throat while fixing a friends hair at a vanity, according to court documents obtained by Law&Crime. Prosecutors say the shots were fired at a residence on the 3600 block of Norton Avenue on August 9 by 21-year-old Bailey Lewis, who is now charged with second-degree felony murder in Sibleys killing. Investigators allege Lewis wasnt targeting Sibley but a former friend who was inside the home, someone shed had a falling out with months earlier. open image in gallery Bailey Lewis, 21, has been charged with second-degree felony murder after allegedly shooting at a home, killing Traelynn Sibley ( Jackson County Sheriff's Office ) The general spacing of the casings seemed to indicate the person(s) firing the shots were in motion southbound as they were firing, Kansas City Police detective David Adair wrote in a probable cause affidavit. Detectives said the home and a red Mazda parked outside were riddled with bullets. The home had bullet damage/fragments inside and outside and a large amount of apparent blood leading from the living room to the bathroom area, Adair wrote. According to witnesses, the night had been quiet until the gunfire erupted. They described a normal night with two of the females fixing each others hair at a vanity near the front door of the structure, one female was in back bedroom while two adult males were playing video games in the living room, the affidavit states. It was also noted that a toddler was present in the home at the time. Witnesses reported hearing sounds of gunshots and observed projectiles entering the home through the front door and living room wall and window area. Sibley was fixing her friends hair at the vanity when she was shot in the throat, the affidavit continued. She ran to the bathroom where she collapsed. She was transported to a hospital where she died, prosecutors said. open image in gallery Traelynn Sibley, 16, was just days away from starting her junior year at Grandview High School when she was shot in the throat on August 9 during a sleepover ( Family handout ) Detectives connected Lewis to the fatal shooting after surveillance video captured her 2025 Hyundai Elantra driving to and from the scene. She was then captured on video shortly after the shooting exiting the same vehicle. Witnesses told investigators Lewis knew where her former friend lived and had been upset over an alleged theft and a separate incident months earlier where someone got jumped at a gas station. Prosecutors also linked Lewis to another shooting about 15 minutes before Sibleys killing, saying her car was spotted at both crime scenes. Lewis now faces multiple charges, including murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and accessory to armed criminal action. She is being held on a $400,000 bond at the Jackson County Detention Center. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A North Carolina man is facing two felony bigamy charges after authorities say he married three women simultaneously, allegedly to benefit financially and personally. The Davidson County Sheriffs Office said Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. was arrested on August 22 following a months-long investigation into an April report, alleging possible bigamy. Records showed that all the marriages took place in North Carolina across three counties: Lincoln County, Davidson County, and Guilford County. Detectives said they were unable to find any evidence of divorce proceedings before Burdick entered into two additional marriages. open image in gallery A man in North Carolina is accused of marrying at least three different women - and police think there could be more ( AFP via Getty Images ) In North Carolina, bigamy is classified as a Class I felony and can result in imprisonment for anyone who knowingly marries while still legally married to another person. Exceptions to this law include situations where a spouse has been absent and unheard from for seven years and is not known to be living during that time, or if the previous marriage was legally ended through divorce or declared void by a court order. Anyone entering a subsequent marriage without meeting these conditions may face criminal bigamy charges. Burdick was released from police custody on the day of his arrest on a written promise to appear in court, with his first appearance scheduled for September 22 at the Davidson County Courthouse. Sheriffs officials said the investigation remains active and that additional victims may exist. Anyone who believes they were legally married to Burdick without a divorce is urged to contact Detective Foushee at the Davidson County Sheriffs Office at (336) 236-3365. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least four protesters who were arrested for daubing chalk on the former site of the Pulse memorial crosswalk in Orlando, Florida, have since been released without charge raising the question of why they were arrested in the first place. Orestes Sebastian Suarez, 29, Maryjane East, 25, Donavon Short, 26, and Zane Aparicio, 39, have each been booked by the Florida Highway Patrol on charges of defacing a traffic device over the last few days, according to The Orlando Sentinel. Yet as of Monday, every single one had been released without any pending charges. "To be threatened with something so extreme as a felony charge for protesting and showing love to your fellow human its just insane in my opinion," Suarez told local broadcaster WESH 2. County prosecutors and the Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to questions from The Independent about why charges were dropped, or why they were filed in the first place, given that chalk can easily be washed away by rain. open image in gallery Demonstrators use chalk to color the street during a protest at the Pulse memorial crosswalk in Orlando, Florida, on August 21 ( Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP ) The protests began when Florida's Republican-run state government sent workers in the middle of the night on August 21 to paint over the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of W. Esther St. and S. Orange St., which formerly memorialized the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse shooting. At the time, gunman Omar Mateen's rampage through a packed LGBT+ nightclub where he himself had reportedly danced before swearing allegiance to the Islamic State was the worst U.S. mass shooting in modern history. The crosswalk was removed on orders from the Trump administration, which has repeatedly sought to erase mentions of LGBT+ people, and especially trans people, from national parks, government websites, educational material, and even the U.S. census. Police officers have now been stationed near the crosswalk for more than a week, with officials forced to repaint it at least once, due to protesters trying to restore the rainbow flag. open image in gallery A rainbow crosswalk in Orlando serving as a memorial outside what was the site of the Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016 was paved over on August 21 following instructions from the Trump administration ( AP ) "My friends died here. Thats it. This is their memorial. This is theirs," protester Robby Dodd told Click Orlando. Nearby resident Jill Hakemian said the police had repeatedly approached protesters citing "made up rules", only to back down when asked to explain in detail. The Pulse crosswalk was painted black and white almost two months after Trumps Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy instructed states to eliminate distractions on public roads. Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, he wrote on X on July 1. Political banners have no place on public roads. open image in gallery A demonstrator uses blue chalk to color the street during a protest at a crosswalk that was repainted by the Florida Department of Transportation ( AP ) Separately, two pastors in St. Petersburg were arrested for praying on top of the city's "Black History Matters" mural to prevent and protest against its removal. In Orlando, Suarez, who allegedly coated his shoe soles in chalk and then walked across the road, was initially charged with defacing a traffic device normally used to publish those who tamper with electronic equipment such as traffic lights. A judge found no probable cause for his arrest and ordered him released. "We put some chalk down on the ground, and before we knew it, an officer was approaching us, saying 'we wanna talk to you'," Suarez told WESH 2. "I identified myself, tried to do everything the correct way, and before I knew it, I was in the back of a squad car." In a hearing on Monday, a judge did find probable cause to arrest the three other three defendants. But they were released without any charges pending. "I would argue water-soluble chalk that washes away while youre being arrested doesnt amount to over $1,000 worth of damage," the four's lawyer Blake Simons told the Sentinel. Florida's GOP Governor Ron DeSantis, who has worked for years to restrict trans healthcare and purge LGBT+ discussion from schools, has argued that removing the rainbow pattern from the crosswalk would make drivers and pedestrians more safe. In fact, a Sentinel analysis found that eye-catching decorations at intersections actually decreased safety problems, mirroring the findings of other studies in Tallahassee and across the nation. BUDAPEST, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese historical film Dead to Rights, which depicts the Nanjing Massacre during the Second World War, drew an engaged audience at Budapest's Corvin Cinema on Monday evening. The film is based on documented events and follows a group of Chinese civilians who took refuge in a photography studio, risking their lives to preserve evidence of the atrocities committed by the Japanese army. Monday's screening was also accompanied by a photo exhibition highlighting the atrocities in Nanjing and the subsequent international tribunal proceedings. Gyula Thurmer, chairman of the Hungarian Workers' Party, described the film as a very powerful demonstration of the heroism and fight of the Chinese people. "The film has really shocked me," he said. Highlighting that China's resistance against Japanese aggression contributed directly to the defeat of fascism in Europe, Thurmer stressed that everyone should know about the Chinese people's sacrifices during the Second World War. Hungarian historian Arpad Toth said the film resonated deeply with him, adding that the Japanese army dehumanized people in occupied territories, not only in China, but also in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. "History is teaching us how to be human in all cultures. Common remembrance is very important -- to learn what to change and what to keep from the past," he told Xinhua. Judit Eva Nagy, president of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Association, described feeling "overwhelmed" by the film. While Europeans are well-informed about the Second World War, they know far less about what happened in Asia and about China's resistance against Japanese aggression, she noted. "The movie is important for raising awareness, especially now when conflicts persist worldwide." Hungarian sinologist Erika Yu-Barta said the screening provided a profound emotional experience. "I've read books and seen old photos, but I've never felt such strong sadness or empathy. This film is so moving that I almost cried several times. I really want my children to see it, so they can learn about history and cherish peace," she said. U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, arrives at the U.S. Senate chamber as the Senate convenes for the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas brought by House Republicans over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Higgins is one of the House Republican impeachment managers. ANZ staff are feeling like lobsters in a restaurant tank as diners file in for yum cha, with the banks new chief executive, Nuno Matos, set to unveil his sweeping new strategy in six weeks. Its a countdown to what is certain to involve many job cuts some of which have already started but the scope and size and target divisions remain a secret to the troops. ANZ chief executive Nuno Matos has been hosting town hall meetings to push his message of change. Credit: Arsineh Houspian Rumours that as few as 200 and as many as 5000 positions will disappear have been neither confirmed nor denied by the banks communications people, who are busy putting out brush-fires in the lead-up to the big announcement. The latest from Capital Brief quoted unnamed sources saying that up to 2000 jobs will be lost from ANZs projects division and another 3000 from technology, support, finance, government and strategy. Mental health workers say DAccord OASs actions have turned counsellors into debt collectors chasing a company that brands itself as a national industry leader and the best provider of employee wellness in Australia. Its appalling, said one mental health worker who was called in to counsel Myer staff after the Bondi Junction stabbing but was not paid until months later. He estimates DAccord still owes him $10,000 for other services more than a year after he stopped working for the company. Like several other counsellors, he requested to remain anonymous to protect his future work. You dont treat anybody like that, and especially when you work in the environment of allied health, where youre treating patients and assisting people with their own mental health. Counsellors became so frustrated last year that they contacted DAccords corporate clients directly, telling them that they were not being paid for their work. The intervention prompted surprise from the clients, who said they had already paid DAccord for the contract, and fury from DAccords head office, which accused counsellors of failing to file their invoices on time, breaching commercial terms and harming the mental health of head office staff. We have also had complaints from clients/employers that they have been advised that their [employee assistance program] appointments have been put on hold due to not having been paid, DAccord wrote to counsellors in March last year. Then it threatened to destroy their careers. We have been made aware of various group chats that associates have been participating in discussing/sharing their grievances, the company said. This behaviour is slander and defamation and totally destructive. Forensic IT specialists are looking into this chat room, and those that have been part of the group or currently involved will not only be struck off the associate register but will also be reported for unprofessional conduct. DAccord OAS managing director Gino Carrafa. Credit: Instagram: Gino Carrafa Gino Carrafa, the companys sole director, has a penchant for extravagant European holidays, Balinese villas and inspirational quotes. Trust is the foundation and the glue that makes teams more than the sum of their parts, DAccord wrote on its Facebook in May. But when one counsellor messaged in March 2024 after going without payment for six months, Carrafa, a registered psychologist, accused her of threatening him. How dare you contact me, and especially a weekend, thats unprofessional you are mug covered under fair work [sic], he wrote. The counsellor told Carrafa she had a mortgage to pay and that she wanted to alert him to unethical behaviour at his company. Carrafa responded by telling her she had no idea how to run a business. Carrafa was busy preparing for his next trip to Europe. Instagram photos of the holiday, his third European summer in as many years, show him matching wine with cheese in the Tuscan hills of San Gimignano, watching opera in Verona and diving into the turquoise waters off Capri, while his counsellors struggled to pay the bills after going months without pay. Its just gross, said one of DAccords former counsellors, Marc, who asked to be identified by his first name. Three counsellors said they or their legal representatives had been on the receiving end of tirades from Carrafa after they raised concerns about being paid. In one instance, he allegedly threatened someone trying to recoup debts by telling them to f--- off and I know where you live. I think he should be disbarred [from being a psychologist], personally, said a counsellor who worked with DAccord for five years and at one stage estimated he was owed $20,000. The way he spoke to me, and basically on the phone, told me, I owe you nothing, get f----d. The way he went off at me for just trying to nicely enquire was just totally unacceptable. The counsellor eventually received the amount he was owed, but only after threatening legal action. I was lucky to get my money, and I took it and ran and never looked back, he said. I thought he would be out of business and shut down by now, to be honest with you. In a phone interview, Carrafa dismissed the claims of 18 counsellors as unfounded. The 59-year-old accused them of having poor business practices and failing to file their invoices on time, allegations the counsellors deny. Carrafa on one of his European holidays. Credit: Instagram: Gino Carrafa Its rubbish, Carrafa said. Dont ring me and go my business, mate. In a subsequent email, Carrafa said counsellors who attended the Bondi stabbing had been paid. Clinicians have been paid and subsequently continue to get paid, he said. Any further harassing and aggressive calls will not be tolerated. In June 2025, as Carrafa chowed down on risotto with a mountain of shaved truffles in Sardinia on his latest European sojourn, another counsellor was pursuing the company through the Melbourne Magistrates Court for $10,000 after going 12 months without payment. They didnt pay me, so after several months, I had to stop trauma counselling mid-process with clients, the counsellor said. The company paid the counsellor $7000 in July, almost a year after her invoices were due, mirroring the experience of half a dozen other counsellors who say they were paid only after pursuing legal action or engaging debt collectors. DAccords response not only increased their financial strain but put counsellors in an invidious position: work for free or leave domestic violence survivors, victims of crime and witnesses to horrific incidents in vulnerable situations. The DAccord OAS head office in Melbourne. Credit: DAccord OAS All the counsellors this masthead spoke to ensured that their clients had alternative support services around them before they ceased their treatment. Theres that compassion with us, mental health social workers, psychologists and counsellors, that we will continue to do that because we arent going to let our client down, that well kind of forgo payment because the client needs us, said Glavas. I was not going to close on them until I felt like a good safety plan was in place, said Adams. DAccord said it would pay Adams last week, but only after she publicly shamed the company on Google. It is deeply concerning that a company operating in the mental health sector, where trust, integrity and ethical practice should be at the forefront, treats its contractors in this way, she wrote. In response, DAccord threatened to report Adams to the Australian Association of Social Workers. Adams still has not been paid for her work. One counsellor said DAccord OAS was a stain on the industry. The sad thing is that these people give EAP such a bad reputation. Less than 10 per cent of employees take up that entitlement for EAP, the counsellor said, who claims the company owes her $12,000. Counselling is such a good thing for everybody, and people can get this through their workplace, but theyre fearful. And then people like DAccord really give it a bad name. I would love my money, but I just want it to stop, she said. Counsellor Ursula Adams. Credit: Dan Peled PACFA said it first became aware of member concerns about DAccords conduct in 2022 and removed DAccord from its list of known EAP providers. Since then, we have continued to support our members to advocate for their contracted rights and encourage people to report DAccord to the relevant authorities as appropriate, said de Wever. The Employee Assistance Professional Association of Australasia [EAPAA] has also struck DAccord OAS from its website. The Australian Counselling Association said DAccord has not been associated with the peak body since August 2023. Neither industry group would comment on why they were no longer affiliated with the mental health provider. Loading A spokesperson for the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission said it encouraged anyone with concerns about conduct that affected the delivery of health services to lodge a complaint. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, which is responsible for Carrafas registration as a psychologist, said it could not comment on individual matters. Anyone who has concerns about the conduct of a registered health practitioner is encouraged to report this to AHPRA so the concerns can be considered, a spokesperson said. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration violated a 19th-century law when it deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles in early June to quell protests against federal immigration raids. Charles Breyer, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, wrote in a ruling that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law without approval from Congress. The ruling bars the Trump administration from "deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops heretofore deployed in California, to execute the laws." "There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law," wrote the ruling. It said that almost three months after the National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles, 300 National Guard members remain stationed there, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated their intention to call the troops into federal service in other cities across the country, thus creating a national police force with the president as its chief. California Governor Gavin Newsom, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement: "Today, the court sided with democracy and the Constitution. No president is a king -- not even Trump -- and no president can trample a state's power to protect its people." "Trump's attempt to use federal troops as his personal police force is illegal, authoritarian, and must be stopped in every courtroom across this country," the statement added. In response to the ruling, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement: "Once again, a rogue judge is trying to usurp the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to protect American cities from violence and destruction." The U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal to a federal appeals court regarding Breyer's ruling and sought a stay of the ruling while the appeal was being decided. Brenner Fissell, vice president of the National Institute for Military Justice, was quoted as saying by CNN that while Breyer's ruling has no immediate impact outside of California, it's certain to be the first thing other judges who may preside over similar cases will turn to. Australias biggest superannuation scandal keeps getting bigger. Equity Trustees which looks after the superannuation balances of 800,000 Australians is now entangled in the industrial-scale misconduct connected to the collapse of Shield Master Fund. Shields collapse, along with similar failings at First Guardian, Lion Property, and Australian Fiduciaries, has eroded the savings of thousands of retirees and investors, in what has to be some of the most significant corporate collapses in recent memory. If youre aged over 50 and have been caught up in these collapses or other schemes that have fallen over, heres how to get clarity on what to do next. If youve been caught up in the collapse of a fund or investment scheme, there are routes to recovery. Credit: Simon Letch Step one: take steps to recover. Liquidators and regulators are still working out if any money will be returned, but many victims like Christian Thor Eriksen fear theyll get nothing. Police are investigating an alleged assault against two Palestinian-Australian brothers one wearing a keffiyeh who were told we dont want you in our country on a Sydney train after Sundays pro-Palestine and anti-immigration rallies. NSW Police confirmed on Tuesday that an investigation was under way into allegations that brothers Shamikh and Majed Badra had been threatened and assaulted by a man unknown to them who was on board their train from Town Hall bound for Stanmore. The brothers, who have had family killed in the war in Gaza, had attended a rally for Palestine in Sydneys CBD. An anti-immigration march which attracted thousands of protesters was held in the city at the same time. The pair say they sat together on the lower deck of the train, with Majed wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh, a garment associated with the Palestinian cause. Within minutes, the pair said they were subjected to unprompted verbal abuse from four men. Video captured by the brothers and provided to this masthead shows two men and a woman hurling racist insults at the men. We dont want you in our country, we dont want you here, one man yelled. A woman can be heard telling the brothers to go back to your country. Read the full story from Alexandra Smith and Jessica McSweeney here. A Sydney council boss has told an inquiry that staff named in a scathing NSW Office of Local Government investigative report, which raised allegations of systemic misconduct and widespread dysfunction, were gutted and denied procedural fairness. Liverpool City Council chief executive Jason Breton told the public inquiry into alleged maladministration and dysfunction at the council that the interim report, which last year named at least 10 staff members, including senior executives, was fundamentally flawed. Liverpool Council chief executive Jason Breton gives evidence at the inquiry on Tuesday. All the naysayers, who love chaos, just piled on, and used the report as an instrument for further chaos and disruption. It was a very, very difficult time, Breton said on Tuesday. The council launched legal action against Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig in the NSW Land and Environment Court after Hoenig said he intended to appoint an administrator and postpone the local government election last September to allow for a months-long public inquiry that would probe serious and systemic problems detailed in the report. John-Paul Blandthorn was a high-flying executive at Labor-aligned lobbying firm Hawker Britton until July last year when suddenly he wasnt. Blandthorn, the brother of Victorian Labor minister Lizzie Blandthorn, left the firm hurriedly, in unexplained circumstances. And his profile was wiped from the firms website with an alacrity that would have made Joseph Stalin proud. Celebrating with the PM: From left, HC Public chairman Mark Darras, Anthony Albanese, HC Public executive director Andrew Landeryou, and HC Public chief executive John-Paul Blandthorn at the John Curtin Oration. But in December, as reported in The Australian, Hawker Britton performed an almighty reverse ferret and forked out $350,000 to Blandthorn in a Federal Court legal settlement. Part of which included an agreement to note that Blandthorn had resigned from the firm, and releasing him to work with Hawker Britton clients in the future. Now he is putting that to good use teaming up with longtime Labor operative Andrew Landeryou to establish HC Public, a lobbying shop which is an offshoot of Hall Chadwick chartered accounting firm. The amount of rubbish to be burnt at Melbournes biggest proposed waste-to-energy plant has been doubled, despite opposition to the initial project from the state energy minister and residents. On Monday waste giant Cleanaway withdrew its application for an EPA Victoria development licence to build a facility in Wollert that would burn 380,000 tonnes of rubbish a year. Julie Ahmad (front) with other residents opposed to the waste-to-energy plant. Credit: Simon Schluter Instead, the company will submit a fresh application to burn 760,000 tonnes a year at a $1.5 billion plant at the same location on Summerhill Road, with the intention of diverting rubbish from landfill and powering 140,000 households. Cleanaway was able to dramatically expand the proposed Melbourne Energy Resource Centres capacity after Recycling Victoria granted it a separate licence on August 20 for 760,000 tonnes of annual waste incineration. Take back our flag Children dont salute the flag on Mondays any more, but white supremacists wear it in parades on Sundays. Its their official flag not surprising since its the English flag with a few stars in the background. Ironically it now provokes the same disquiet among ordinary multicultural Australians as it did among Aborigines, when it was first carried ashore (minus the background) with the Bible and the gun 200 years ago. But theres a sure-fire way to reclaim it swap the Union Jack for the Aboriginal flag. John Laurie, Riddells Creek Writing on the wall As long as politicians lack the will to change the tax regime that disadvantages home buyers who must compete with investors the housing crisis will continue. The disadvantaged are being manipulated by racist activists to stir up hatred of immigrants. The culprits are not the immigrants, who help build new homes, but the politicians who do not want to give up their tax concessions. Mike Reece, Doncaster Lost the plot How does making our migrant community and others feel unsafe and vilified do anything for social cohesion? I despaired at seeing Melbourne subjected to violence on Sunday. Too many people get a kick out of hating and are so insecure in themselves, they are incapable of considering they might be approaching the issues we face the wrong way. Reducing immigration will not stop the current issues but getting to know people and embracing difference, and giving people a hand up through friendship and kindness just might sway them that our way of life is worth a go. The thugs claim they are defending the Australian way of life. Well, if Sunday was an example of the good old Aussie fair go this country has lost the plot. Jan Liddicut, Boronia Systems damaged Anybody can react in uncontrollable ways when faced with a thing that threatens their way of life. I think COVID-19 was a thing that did this to the Australian psyche. This exposed the worst aspect of ourselves. When we have no faith in our system, we create our own system. I see the emergence of the concept of sovereign citizen, neo-Nazis, anti-vaxxers, anti-immigration movements, general discourtesy towards shopkeepers, home invasion, car theft, machete violence in youths. This is a reaction to the undermining of conventional political systems and, I think, the expression of the panic that ensued once our control over our systems broke down during COVID-19. John Karpinski, Werribee Middle ground As a scientist I am fascinated by the strange and, occasionally, the unfathomable. So, imagine my interest as I digested the antics of the luminaries of the nobbled, ex-political force that is the federal Coalition over the weekend. We had former Nationals leader Michael McCormack telling renewable energy companies to go to hell while supporting the once-deputy PM Barnaby Joyces purely symbolic and impotent attempt to get the nation to dump its net-zero emission target. Then we had Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price telling us that participants at the racially charged anti-immigration protests (which have garnered far more attention than their woeful numbers warrant) were reigniting the Australian spirit. Did this years federal election not happen? It was a widespread and comprehensive repudiation of this kind of hard-right- appeasing, wolf-whistling gutter politics. A healthy democracy requires a strong opposition, which, as the Coalition currently slowly implodes, we lack. Perhaps it is time for a new political force to arise; one that can represent the legitimate concerns of conservative Australians while still occupying the sensible centre. Ben Wade, Newtown, Geelong Lapping up the cream The Wesfarmers chief executive says the Allan government is treating businesses as cash cows, due to its taxes and for not being tough enough on retail crime. Who is really treating businesses as cash cows? The CEOs earning tens or even hundreds of times the average minimum wage. They have allowed retail crime to be ramped up, especially by cutting the numbers of checkout staff, while redirecting profits into their hands and those of shareholders. Jessie Mackenzie, Brunswick Freedom has a price Minister Mark Butler has defended the government increasing charges for freedom of information requests in the belief that this is the best way to deal with the administrative problem of departments being inundated with frivolous and bot-generated requests that staff must search and vet before responding. However, as a member of the Board of Accountability round table, its clear to me that the way to deal with an administrative problem is not to make government information we are all entitled to more difficult to access. Thats lazy and antidemocratic. The federal government should adopt the right to know approach that has been operating in Queensland successfully since 2009. By ensuring all information related to public policy decision-making is published expeditiously in the public domain, conspiracy theorists, bots and foreign governments would be forced to do their own research instead of tying up the public service to do it for them. Julia Thornton, Surrey Hills Fear of the unknown Anson Cameron is in the dubiously envious position of never having a position he could retire from (Retirement when trifling moments (and bodies) become momentous, 27/8). For those of us who do (or did), the prospect of retirement is daunting on a number of fronts financial, status, purpose as mentioned. However, once the dust has settled after a few months, it is liberating. Not having to fight crowds, catching up on those films, documentaries, books and newspapers you never had time to before. There is lots to do. Community centres run some wonderful courses. Go for walks in the gardens, take naps, plan travel, volunteer, play with the dog and/or grandkids. I feel sorry for those whose fear of the unknown causes them to keep going, reducing job prospects for the next generation, putting off interests, hobbies and travel until it is too late and they only have the option of cruising or chemotherapy appointments. Paul Dover, Canterbury Shy buying How to win an auction, even if you dont have the most money (2/9) describes why the selling season is a traumatic experience for potential home buyers: you can feel the tension, worth getting help from a buyers advocate, avoid being hypnotised by the process, be assertive, attend all the inspections, practise breathing, bid without hesitation, dont give away (your) power, intimidate people out of the bidding process. What about buyers who are not equipped for aggression? After all, its a house for sale and there are people looking for a house. There are other ways to match the two but these methods dont allow an auctioneer to perform in a public place, or to notch up many sales on a single weekend. Fundamentally, the auctioneer is employed by the owner to sell a house, but by definition achieves a price somewhat over the second-to-top bid. Meanwhile, all other parties expend a great deal of energy and time and most are left unhappy. Annie Treasure, Camberwell A Perth woman sought a restraining order against her estranged husband just hours before he allegedly doused her in fuel and set her on fire, leaving her with significant burns to her face and arms, a court has heard. Peter John Moiler, 44, denies any wrongdoing and says his former wife doused herself in a flammable liquid and set herself on fire while sitting in her car outside the familys Mount Helena home in June 2023. The pair had separated after 11 years of marriage. Peter Moiler is accused of setting his estranged wife, Kirsten Moiler, on fire outside their Mount Helena home in 2023. Moiler, who has pleaded not guilty to acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm or prevent arrest, went on trial in Perth District Court on Tuesday, where details of the incident were revealed to the jury. The court was told the couple, who have three children, were embroiled in drug use on and off during their relationship, which had led to altercations over the years. West Australian educators have defended the states controversial one-year teaching degrees after the Victorian government banned its graduates from working in its public schools. The Victorian government announced today it would close the loophole in its education recruitment policy, preventing WA teachers from working in government schools if they have not met the nationally agreed minimum two-year, post-graduate study requirement. That requirement was set in a national agreement in 2014, but last year WAs Teacher Registration Board reintroduced the one-year registration as the state aimed to combat its teacher shortage. The degrees were available at Edith Cowan and Curtin universities. The national agreement includes mutual recognition of studies, meaning those who have completed their course in WA are eligible to teach anywhere in the country. A West Australian mother who was facing two months behind bars over a fatal crash that killed her twin daughters has won her appeal and will now avoid serving any jail time. Rachel Van Oyen, 32, was sentenced in March to eight months imprisonment for two counts of careless driving which led to the deaths of her children, Macey and Riley, 7. Rachel van Oyen with her twin daughters, Macey and Riley, who died in a crash last year. Credit: Facebook Van Oyen was travelling on Great Eastern Highway in Carrabin in February 2024 when her Toyota Camry sedan veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Loading The court found she was not tired, or speeding when the crash occurred, and that the mother had closed her eyes for a not even a second when the vehicle veered off the road. Van Oyen was ordered to serve a minimum of two months behind bars, but her lawyers successfully applied for her bail to be extended while they appealed the sentence. This morning, an appeal court judge ruled the initial sentence was manifestly excessive and resentenced Van Oyen to eight months imprisonment, suspended for nine months, meaning she will not have to service an immediate jail term. Walking out of court, Van Oyen told reporters she wanted to be left alone. I just want to grieve my girls, she said. WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump could soon send the National Guard to crack down on crime in Chicago, following weeks of deployment in Washington, D.C., despite continued opposition. While Trump has been threatening this for weeks, the violence over Labor Day weekend -- with at least eight killed and 50 wounded in Chicago shootings -- may have strengthened his resolve. "At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. "I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC," he continued. In a follow-up post, Trump claimed that "CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!" Trump recently warned Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on social media by saying that "better straighten it out, FAST, or we're coming!" At a press conference at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, Trump said he plans to send U.S. National Guard troops to fight crime in Chicago, while calling Pritzker a "terrible governor." Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest city in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles, with approximately 2.7 million residents. Recently, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has consistently rejected Trump's proposal to deploy National Guard troops to the city, calling the president's approach "uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound." Johnson also said that deploying the National Guard in Chicago could "inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement." Pritzker, meanwhile, called the plan "unprecedented and unwarranted." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS News on Sunday that the Trump administration plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in major cities, including Chicago. "We've already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago and throughout Illinois and other states, making sure that we're upholding our laws, but we do intend to add more resources to those operations," Noem said. One day earlier, Johnson signed an executive order proclaiming that Chicago police will not help the National Guard with immigration enforcement, nor will the department help with manning checkpoints. "This is about making a very clear distinction between what our law enforcement engages in versus what federal agents engage in," said the mayor. "This president is not going to come in and deputize our police department." Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: "There is a military base called Naval Station Great Lakes outside Chicago. Trump can deploy National Guard and ICE to that base and then ICE can decide what to do from there." Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua: "Trump will have a tough time in Chicago because both the mayor and governor are opposed to federal troops. They view such a move as authoritarian ... And probably will file a lawsuit to stop the deployment." California has previously filed a lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administration violated a 19th-century law banning the use of soldiers for civilian law enforcement activities when it mobilized 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June. Shootings and homicides across Chicago are each down more than 30 percent through the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Chicago-based WTTW station. But critics said that despite the drop, the high incidence of murder is unacceptable. Some believe Trump is making some sort of power grab, or trying to punish the leadership of Democratic-led cities. On Aug. 11, when Trump announced at a White House press conference that he is deploying the National Guard to assist in restoring law and order and public safety in D.C., he also cited Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore and Oakland as troubled cities -- all Democratic-led cities. "Despite pleas from residents, members of the city council, and even MSNBC, Pritzker is too blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome to take action in the best interest of his constituents and end the bloodshed," according to a White House statement published Tuesday. "The Trump Administration's message to Chicagoans and residents in Democrat-run cities nationwide is simple: you don't have to live like this," the statement said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned his political opponents against fuelling radicalism and threats to politicians after the weekends anti-immigration rallies, the arrests of neo-Nazis and growing concern around far-right conspiracists. Parliament was again engulfed in debate over extremism on a day when Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was confronted by a prominent neo-Nazi, an incident Albanese labelled horrific. The prime minister, pictured on Tuesday, was questioned about a hostile regional reception he received last week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The prime minister was probed in question time about the hostile treatment he received at a summit last week in the Victorian town of Ballarat. The prime minister, under pressure over the building of unpopular green energy projects in regional areas, was repeatedly heckled by a crowd that included a woman with a noose around her neck. Outside the event, Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie and Anne Webster arrived in tractors that later chased the prime ministers motorcade out of the event. A Sydney priest says he was not consulted on the decision to close his parishs school as parents and students fight for greater transparency around the controversial change. North Harbour parish priest Father Michael Belonio took aim at the decision to close one school and restructure others without consultation in a letter to his congregation on August 17, describing it as a concrete example that Catholic Schools Broken Bay and our parishes are not journeying together. St Cecilias pupils Serafina Volpe (left) and Sadie Holmewood addressed Northern Beaches Council and spoke out against the closure of their school. Credit: Wolter Peeters The following week, the northern beaches priest pledged to advocate for transparent communication and sensitivity as the parish moved forward with the major change. In August, the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, which stretches from the north shore to the Central Coast, announced drastic changes to 13 schools, including closing St Cecilias primary school at Balgowlah and merging it with St Kierans at Manly Vale. The news Opposition Leader Steven Miles has asked Queenslands corruption watchdog to probe what appears to be political intervention and interference in merit-based recruitment for the states chief health officer. In a letter on Monday to Crime and Corruption Commission chair Bruce Barbour, Miles said publicly available information now strongly suggests that corrupt conduct and/or misconduct had occurred. Steven Miles wrote to corruption watchdog boss Bruce Barbour on Monday. Credit: Joe Ruckli / Australian Financial Review The alternative, if not investigated, is a lasting perception that a politician, or politicians, have influenced this process purely for political purposes, he wrote. Xulon Press presents a thought-provoking Christian teaching presented as a compilation of didactic stories written to address America's ongoing moral and spiritual decline. PLANT CITY, Fla., Sept. 1, 2025 -- Author Kevin M. Wynne challenges Christian readers to examine themselves to determine whether they're steadfast in their current faith and mission in Bitten Eagle: A Collection of Clear and Didactic Stories ($13.49, paperback, 9798868523236; $21.99, hardcover, 9798868523243; $5.99, e-book, 9798868523250). Wynne is not only a former U.S. Marine, but he's also a savvy businessman, and a 21-year Pastor. His noteworthy credentials are evident in his newest book, a collection of didactic stories, moral lessons aimed to provide information and encourage American Christians to stay the course as they helplessly watch and live through the moral and spiritual decline of America. Each thought-provoking story will gain and capture the reader's attention through a refreshingly unique approach addressing topics that Americans need to talk about. Wynne provides deep insight and education encouraging spiritual growth among today's Christians to ensure they're accurately informed of spiritual truths and challenged to maintain the Christian perspective. When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Wynne said, "The need to address specific topics through real examples to our church." Kevin M. Wynne served in the United States Marine Corps and holds degrees in Marketing Management (B.S.), Theology (M.A.), and Apologetics (PhD). Wynne resides in Plant City and has been married to his wife Wendy for 36 years. Together, they have 3 adult children. Wynne is a business owner in Lakeland, Florida and has been the pastor of The First Baptist Church of Durant, Florida since 2004. His primary interests include his Christian faith, family, and church leadership. In addition to enjoying business development as a hobby, Wynne also loves caring for animals, as he and his wife have a private wildlife reserve where they enjoy the ongoing development for art and animals. Xulon Press is the world's largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 20,000 titles published to date. Bitten Eagle: A Collection of Clear and Didactic Stories is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. SOURCE Xulon Press After Atom bomb, Rahul Gandhi threatens with Hydrogen bomb LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, LoP in the Bihar Assembly and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and others during a march marking culmination of Vote Adhikar Yatra, in Patna, Monday. (PTI) By Asim Kamal and Sanjeev Chopra PATNA DAYS after accusing the BJP of stealing elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday threatened that he will soon amplify his charges by coming out with more vote chori disclosures that would be like a Hydrogen bomb and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to show his face to the country. Speaking at the concluding event of his Voter Adhikar Yatra here, Gandhi said Bihar, being a revolutionary State, has given a message to the country about vote chori and will not allow such malpractice. Alleging that the forces that killed Mahatma Gandhi are now trying to murder democracy and the Constitution, he claimed that the Opposition INDIA bloc would not allow them to do so. We will not let them (BJP) murder the Constitution and that is why we took out a yatra. We got a tremendous response. People came out in large numbers and raised the slogan vote chor gaddi chhor ((vote thieves, vacate the throne), the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said at a major public meeting in the heart of the capital here. With this, the 15-day Voter Adhikar Yatra in poll-bound Bihar ended with a boisterous response from workers of the Congress, RJD and Left parties that displayed their strength on the streets of Patna on the last day on Monday. Gandhi was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikassheel Insan Party chief Mukesh Sahani, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI (ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPIs Annie Raja, TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and other INDIA bloc leaders. The Yatra led by Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders covered a total of 1,300 km and passed through 110 assembly constituencies in 25 of the 38 districts ahead of the upcoming state elections. BJP people showed black flags to us. I want to tell them, listen carefully. Have you heard of anything bigger than an atom bomb? What is bigger than that; it is a hydrogen bomb. In Mahadevapura, we had shown an atom bomb. BJP people, be ready, a hydrogen bomb is coming. People are soon going to find out your (BJP) reality of vote chori, Gandhi said. In the coming time, I am guaranteeing you that after the hydrogen bomb (comes), Narendra Modi ji will not be able to show his face to the country, the former Congress chief said amid a thunderous applause from the crowds. Citing data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi had last month claimed that over one lakh votes were stolen through manipulation in Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka, and asserted that vote chori is an atom bomb on our democracy. The BJP, however, mocked Gandhis claim of hydrogen bomb, saying his atom bomb had turned out to be a damp squib, and accused him of demeaning his position as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha with irresponsible comments. The Gandhi se Ambedkar march by the opposition parties on Monday was stopped midway by the police at the Dak Bungalow crossing, where the INDIA bloc leaders addressed a gathering. In his address, Kharge attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying the JD(U) chief used to talk of socialism earlier but then fell into the lap of the BJP-RSS, which will dump him where garbage is dumped. Accusing Prime Minister Modi of being a habitual of stealing votes, Kharge alleged that he is attempting to win the Bihar Assembly polls through vote chori (vote theft), and asserted that the BJP-led NDAs double-engine government in Bihar would be voted out soon, with a new government of the poor, backwards and Dalits being formed. Once upon a time, he used to go around and talk about socialism and praise Ram Manohar Lohia and George Fernandes and others. Where did those socialist ideas go? Now you have gone and fallen into the lap of the BJP-RSS. This BJP-RSS will dump you where garbage is dumped, the Congress chief said, launching a stinging attack on Nitish Kumar. This Voter Adhikar Yatra was discussed throughout the country. There were attempts to disrupt it, but the people of Bihar and the Mahagathbandhan did not back down, Kharge said. Modi is attempting to win the Bihar polls through vote chori. Be alert. If you are not alert, Modi and (Amit) Shah will ruin you, he claimed. Bappa in mosque Ganesh festival fosters harmony in Mah village People with an idol of Lord Ganesh in a mosque during the Ganesh festival celebrations, in Sangli, Maharashtra on Monday. (PTI) SANGLI : A VILLAGE here in Maharashtra has been witnessing a unique Ganesh festival celebration for more than four decades with the installation of the elephant-headed Gods idol in a mosque. Religious tensions elsewhere have never impacted the residents of Gotkhindi village in Sangli district, having a population of nearly 15,000, including 100 families belonging to the Muslim community, a local Ganesh mandal founder, Ashok Patil, told PTI. Muslims are also members of the mandal. They participate in the preparation of prasad (offering), join in prayers and assist in the festival arrangements, the 60-year-old resident said. The tradition began in 1980 when members of the Hindu and Muslim communities decided to move a Ganpati idol inside a mosque at Gotkhindi village in Sangli district due to heavy rains, he said. The practice has continued peacefully since then, and there is active participation from the Muslim community. The New Ganesh Tarun Mandal at Jhunjar Chowk in the village was set up in 1980, Patil said. The idol is kept in the mosque for the 10-day celebration and then immersed in a local water body during the culmination of the festival on Anant Chaturdashi. Once Bakr-Id and Ganesh Chaturthi dates coincided, prompting the Muslims to celebrate their festival only by offering namaz and not qurbani, Patil said. They even avoid meat during Hindu festivals, he added. The entire country should take inspiration from the social and religious harmony here, he said. Patil said the local police and tehsildar are invited for the pran pratistha (consecration) of the Ganesh idol every year. The 10-day Ganpati festival commenced from August 27 this year. CM unveils Vikramaditya Vedic Clock reviving 7,000 years of timekeeping Staff Reporter : Worlds first sunrise-based 30-hour clock and app inspired by ancient Indian astronomy A distinctive innovation rooted in Indias ancient astronomical traditions, the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, has been unveiled in Madhya Pradesh, presenting an alternative to the 24-hour Gregorian system by following a 30-hour cycle based on sunrise-to-sunrise calculation. Designed as the worlds first Vedic timekeeping device, the clock aligns with the traditional Panchang system, dividing each day into 30 muhurtas. It emphasises natural celestial movements over mechanical time, aiming to reconnect modern users with Sanatan-era concepts of time. The clock is supported by a comprehensive mobile application that delivers real-time updates on tithi, nakshatra, yoga, karana, weekday, month, and Vedic festivals, alongside daily sunrise and sunset timings. The app contains over 7,000 years of calendrical data, starting from 3179 BCE, and includes references from the Mahabharata period. Users can also access weather data like temperature, humidity, wind speed and set alerts for 30 different auspicious muhurta. The app is available in over 189 global languages, making it accessible for a diverse audience. The integration of astronomy, culture, and technology makes the clock useful for daily routines, spiritual observances, and academic research. The clock was formally launched at the Chief Ministers residence in Bhopal, where Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav described it as a proud symbol of Indias scientific and cultural legacy. This is not just a clock, it reflects how our ancestors perceived time through nature, astronomy, and rhythm, he said. He noted that Indian festivals and rituals are based not on fixed calendar dates, but on seasonal and lunar phenomena, citing the influence of full moon and new moon cycles on tides and even human psychology. He also highlighted Ujjains historical role as the center of Indian timekeeping, and Dongla village as its present-day astronomical reference point. The event also featured the launch of a YouTube series on Raja Bhoj and a documentary on Indian astronomy. A symbolic rally titled Bharat ka Samay, Prithvi ka Samay concluded at the launch venue. The clock and app are positioned as tools to revive Indias ancient knowledge systems in a digital format, bringing traditional wisdom into daily life. The event was attended by Culture and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister Krishna Gaur, MP Alok Sharma, inventor of the Vedic Clock Aroh Srivastava, academic leaders from across the State, and a large number of young citizens. The event was attended by Minister Krishna Gaur, MP Alok Sharma, inventor of the Vedic Clock Aroh Srivastava, academic leaders from across the state, and a large number of young citizens. Japans Sato to attend VKA seminar VIDARBHA Karate Association (VKA) will be conducting a kubodo seminar and its third award ceremony at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj University, Subhedar Hall on September 6-7, informs, Vijay Ghichare. Esteemed senior trainer from Japan, Master Masanama Sato will provide special training to the students. The kubodo seminar will be held on the opening day in which a large number of students will participate and receive advanced training. Following this, on the next day, at 6:00 pm, the third award ceremony will take place, in which students and parents will be honoured in various categories. The programme will not only inspire students but will also serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Japan. Special guest for the ceremony will be Vijay Munishwar. Jaranges Maratha quota stir not peaceful: HC MUMBAI : Asks protesters to vacate streets by today noon Jarange hardens stand, gives up water on day-4 Bombay High Court on Monday noted the city has been brought to a standstill due to the ongoing Maratha quota agitation, and the situation is grim as reservation campaigner Manoj Jarange hardened his stand by giving up water on day four of the stir. The High Court, while observing the protest has not been peaceful and has violated all pre-stir conditions, urged for normalcy to be restored in Mumbai, and gave an opportunity to Jarange, spearheading the stir, and his supporters to rectify the situation and ensure all streets are vacated by Tuesday noon. It asked the Maharashtra Government why the streets occupied by agitators, who have come to Mumbai from different parts of the State, are not being cleared and directed it to ensure more protesters do not enter the metropolis. While the quota agitation and its fallout were argued in the HC, a few 100 metres away at Azad Maidan, the site of the stir in south Mumbai, the 43-year-old activist remained unrelenting as he warned more than five crore Marathas will descend on the metropolis if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis does not listen to the quota demands of the numerically strong community. Jarange has been staging a hunger strike at Azad Maidan since Friday, demanding a 10 pc reservation to Maratha community in Government jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad, in a special hearing, said the protesters have not remained at Azad Maidan -- the designated place for the agitation -- and blocked several vital areas in south Mumbai. The situation is grim and the city of Mumbai has been practically brought to a standstill, the court said. Later, Jarange asked protesters to follow the directives of the Bombay High Court and not inconvenience the people of Mumbai by roaming on the streets. Govt will implement HC directives: Mah CM PUNE/MUMBAI, Sept 1 (PTI) THE administration will implement the Bombay High Court directives on Jarange-led Maratha quota protest, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. He also stated that the State Government is deliberating on finding legal options to resolve the standoff over the Maratha quota demand. Fadnavis assurance comes shortly after the HC noted that Jarange and his supporters have prima facie violated the conditions. A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad stated that since the protesters do not have valid permission to continue the stir, it expects the State Government to follow the due procedure laid down in law by initiating appropriate steps. The Government shall also ensure that no more protesters, as claimed by Jarange, shall enter the city henceforth, it said. The Government will implement the High Court directives, Fadnavis told reporters in Pune and rejected the charge that law and order had collapsed. Marathas must not be included in OBC quota: Bhujbal MUMBAI, Sept 1 (PTI) MAHARASHTRA Minister and senior OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Monday said that Marathas should not be accommodated in the quota for the Other Backward Classes, citing that only 17 per cent reservation is available for 374 communities in the State. Talking to reporters after a meeting of OBC leaders, Bhujbal warned that lakhs from the OBC community will stage protests if the reservation meant for them is slashed. The court has already termed the demand to categorise Marathas and Kunbis as one community as foolish. Out of the 27 per cent reservation meant for OBCs, 6 per cent is for the nomadic tribes, 2 per cent for the Gowari community and other small portions are earmarked for different groups. Only 17 per cent is left, and this too is shared among 374 communities, Bhujbal said. Marathas should not be included in OBCs, I request with folded hands, he said. Bhujbal reiterated that such a move would be unjust to existing backward communities. Natures fury: 7 killed in Himachal, Ukhand landslides NEW DELHI : Several roads shut; Shah inspects flood-hit areas in Jammu SEVEN people died in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in landslides, while flood-hit Punjab received another spell of torrential rain on Monday, leading to the closure of all schools and colleges in the State. In Jammu and Kashmir, amid heavy rainfall in Katra town, the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day since a landslide on a yatra route claimed 34 lives last Tuesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Modi Government is committed to ensuring the rehabilitation of those affected by recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir, as he undertook a whirlwind tour of a worst-hit area in Jammu. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior J&K BJP leaders. Chairing a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan to review the latest situation after inspecting the affected areas, Shah appreciated the efforts of all the agencies and said the J&K Government carried out the successful rescue operation very quickly. In Himachal Pradesh, five people, including a 35-year-old man and his daughter, were killed in the past 24 hours in separate incidents of landslides in Shimla district as heavy rain pounded several places in the state. Six trains plying on the Shimla-Kalka track have been cancelled following landslips, and 793 roads, including five national highways, are closed in the state. The local Met office issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rain in isolated areas in six districts till Tuesday. A landslide overnight killed Virender Kumar and his 10-year-old daughter in the Dubloo area of Junga on the outskirts of Shimla town. A 23-year-old woman died in another landslide in Badhal village of Jubbal in Shimla, officials said, adding an elderly woman was buried early Monday after her house in Chol village of Shimlas Kotkhai area collapsed on her. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the State Assembly that with the recovery of four more bodies from Kugti between Hadsar and Manimahesh Lake, the number of devotees killed during the Manimahesh Yatra since its start on August 15 has risen to 16. Out of 15,000 pilgrims stranded on the route, 10,000 have been safely evacuated, he added. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed its wettest August in 76 years, recording 431.3 mm of rain in the month, the most since 1949, the Shimla meteorological centre said on Monday. In Uttarakhand, a landslide on the Kedarnath route early Monday killed two pilgrims and left six injured while heavy rain continued to lash various parts of the state, leading to temporary suspension of the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages till September 5, officials said. The landslide occurred at 7:34 am near Munkatiya between Sonprayag and Gaurikund on the Kedarnath route. Debris carrying rocks and boulders fell from the hillside and hit a moving vehicle, killing two passengers and leaving six others injured, Rudraprayag Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said. Rains also lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory Chandigarh on Monday, with Ludhiana logging the highest rainfall of 216.70 mm. Several districts of Punjab are flooded due to incessant rains. The Punjab Government on Monday announced closure of all colleges, universities and polytechnic institutes till September 3 due to incessant rainfall. According to officials, Punjab received 253.7 mm of rain in August, 74% in excess of normal and the States highest in 25 years. Forced out of their homes due to flooding, many families in Punjabs Hoshiarpur have turned tractor-trolleys into makeshift shelters, lined up along the Sri Hargobindpur road as they face heavy rains and the threat of their homes being washed away. In Rajasthan, heavy rain pounded many parts of the State, leading to a flood-like situation in low-lying areas of Ajmer. PM Modi meets Putin, calls for ending Ukraine war TIANJIN (China) : Russian President Putin is set to travel to India in December for summit talks with Prime Minister Modi PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that it is humanitys call to end the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible. Modi and Putin met on the margins of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) against the backdrop of possibly the worst phase in India-US relations in over two decades, with the strain exacerbated by President Donald Trumps tariff policy and constant criticism of New Delhi by his administration. The Prime Minister and the Russian President also deliberated on bilateral cooperation in sectors such as economic, financial, and energy and expressed satisfaction with the sustained growth in bilateral ties in these areas, according to an Indian readout. We welcome all recent efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and hope that all the relevant sides will move forward constructively, Modi said in his televised opening remarks. The call of humanity is to end the conflict as soon as possible and find ways to bring permanent peace to the region, he said. Modi also said that India is waiting to receive the Russian leader. Putin is set to travel to India in December for summit talks with Modi. India and Russia always moved forward shoulder-to-shoulder even in difficult times, Modi said. He said close relations between India and Russia are significant for global peace, stability and prosperity. The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including the latest developments concerning Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the recent initiatives that have been taken to address the conflict in Ukraine, and emphasised the need to expedite a cessation of the conflict, and find a durable peace settlement, it said. The two leaders reaffirmed their support for further strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, according to the MEA statement. China's contribution an important part in World War II, says Harvard historian 08:52, September 02, 2025 By Yang Shilong, Liu Yanan ( Xinhua NEW YORK, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War, and more efforts are needed to highlight China's contribution during World War II, a distinguished Harvard scholar has said. One year after the July 7 Incident in 1937 when Japanese troops attacked the Chinese garrison at Lugou Bridge, located in what is now the Fengtai District of Beijing, under the pretext of searching for a missing Japanese soldier, "China's position looked very, very bad," said Rana Mitter, historian and professor of U.S.-Asia relations at the Harvard Kennedy School, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "Overall, most outside observers thought that the chance that China could win was very low," said Mitter, also former director of the University of Oxford China Centre. "And yet China did resist, and the fact that it did, I think, changed everything." Despite technological disadvantages and harsh conditions, China's persistent resistance helped to bog down Japanese forces, and to force millions of Japanese troops to stay on the mainland, rather than being redeployed elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, said Mitter, author of the book "Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945." "It's a reminder that China's contribution at that early time to stay in the war was a very important part of what ultimately became a global war," he said. The expert said that "On Protracted War," a 1938 treatise by Mao Zedong advocating for a protracted people's war to counter Japan's quick-win strategy, remains one of the most influential military strategy works of the 20th century. "Even today, it's read by students in military academies and history seminars around the world, not just in China. So it's clearly one of the pieces that has lasted in value," said Mitter. Mitter said that although several books about China's wartime role have been published in the West, "we need more (such books)." "More work needs to be done on talking about China's wartime contribution," he said, noting that the best way is to encourage much more historical research. "It is a reminder that war should never be taken lightly, that it should be understood as one of the most devastating phenomena that exists in human existence, and that we should use history to understand how to bring peace in a way that will be lasting, just and appropriate," he said. As for U.S.-China relations, Mitter said, "What we've seen in recent weeks and months shows that the United States and China are capable of actually having some pretty mature and sensible discussions." While acknowledging differences in their societies and aspirations, Mitter expressed hope that "remembering some of that shared history -- the history of World War II, when China and the United States did fight together against some very dark forces -- could be part of that wider understanding even today," Mitter said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) is one of the 14 Best Cheap Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $10. Though the second quarter earnings call suggests savings efficacy and product expansion, the price target sees a decline. ACCO Expands Product Line and Delivers Savings Despite Price Target Cut Headquartered in Illinois, ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) is a global company that designs, manufactures, and markets branded products for consumers, students, and businesses. The company has an extensive portfolio that includes office supplies, academic products, and computer accessories sold under well-known brands such as Five Star, Swingline, Kensington, and Mead. ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) released its Q2 earnings results on August 01, 2025, reporting sales and adjusted EPS in line with the companys outlook. Having achieved over $40 million in savings, the company also claimed notable progress on its $100 million multi-year cost reduction program. Through the report, the company announced the expansion of its product offerings. This includes new gaming accessories for the Nintendo Switch and a Thunderbolt 5 docking station for Apple users. After the release of the second quarter earnings call, the company saw changes in its price target among analysts. For instance, Noble Capital lowered its price target on the stock from $12 to $9. On the other hand, the consensus rating from the analysts stands at Buy, as per CNN. ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) current price of $3.98, offers investors an appealing 7.54% dividend yield in todays market. While we acknowledge the potential of ACCO 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 Energy Dividend Stocks to Invest in and 11 Best Annual Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure. None. Read fine-print FRIENDSHIP with India may not be Chinas choice as such but certainly a situational compulsion. For India, caution is the word as it handles the delicate balance between need and choice. That makes Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis well-calibrated assertion of welfare of the combined populations of 2.8 billion of the two countries being at stake crucial and critical. Having experienced Chinas hot-and-cold approach to bilateral ties over decades, India has every reason to be cautiously optimistic about building bonds with China. For India, in other words, the aim should be to dilute hostile emotions between the two countries as much as possible and build a credible bilateral relationship that would make them strong enough to play their own role (together and individually) in the changing world order. The meeting of Mr. Narendra Modi and Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), therefore, assumes tremendous importance for the two leaders, the two countries and the world. No matter the hype about the two leaders coming together for a common cause, this should be considered only a moment of restart, refresh, and reset. Whatever would follow would have a greater importance in the time to come -- during which China will have to re-establish its credibility and revalidate its genuine goodwill. For India, it will have to be a phase to reaffirm its sovereign promise to itself that it would entertain no compromise on any of its long-held positions on border or trade. Of course, the historic importance of the moment cannot be missed -- as India-China diplomatic relations complete 75 years. But the history of these three quarters of a century also shows how China often indulged in double-speak and pushed its own agenda clad in sweet words initially. Then came the 1962 deception and military aggression. To a vast extent, China succeeded in browbeating India every now and then. Then came for China the 1968 lesson which the Indian military pride gave the Peoples Liberation Army the toughest response in Ladakh -- led by the legendary leader Major General Sagat Singh. Years later, at Dokalam and Galwan, too, the Indians led by Lt. General Y.K. Joshi taught the Chinese other lessons of life. Having learned those lessons, and having realised the strength of Indias tactful handling of the so-called US tariff crisis, China now has begun seeing sense in being on the right side of India. Hence Mr. Xi Jinpings appeal that to be friends is the right choice for India and China. From Indias perspective, things have changed only marginally. Neither is it going to withdraw from its strategic and tactical positions on the border, nor is it ever ready to make compromises while conducting trade and business with China. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi, India has begun opening different international markets for Indian goods and has begun rejecting American materials from its shores. It also has earned many a friend because of its gentlemanly diplomacy -- which the Chinese leadership cannot miss noticing. Hence the offer to be friends from Beijing. India, of course, is not averse to improved relations, but may not verbalise its sentiment with similar words. It has its own diplomatic diction and grammar to tackle a neighbour like China -- which also the Chinese know. Thus, what will be finally achieved at this moment will become clear to the world only later -- if the current sentiment sustains itself long enough through the vagaries of international realpolitik. So, the Tianjin meet can at best be described as a starting point of a proposed new phase of ties between India and China -- with a lot of uncertain inputs at the current moment. If the current perceptions remain stable, then the next phase could be ushered in. This is the fine-print. SC allows regularisation of pre-1996 encroachments on Zudpi Jungle lands Staff Reporter : These lands are currently being used for agriculture, houses, slums, schools, Government colonies and other public utilities. The Supreme Court of India has allowed a one-time exemption for encroachments made before December 12, 1996 on about 10,365 hectares of Zudpi Jungle land in Maharashtra, mostly in the Vidarbha region. These lands are currently being used for agriculture, houses, slums, schools, Government colonies and other public utilities. The court has passed the order while hearing an application filed by the State Government. The matter was part of the long-standing T N Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case relating to forest protection. The Maharashtra Government requested two changes in the earlier Supreme Court judgement delivered on May 22, 2025, including use of fragmented land parcels and regularisation of encroachment. The State Government had urged the court to protect such lands and stated that people have been living and farming there for years, but proper revenue records were not maintained due to negligence of Revenue officials. The court agreed with this plea and also noted that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had recommended protection for these structures. The order makes it clear that the exemption covers agricultural use, kuccha and pakka houses, slums, Government employees colonies, Zilla Parishad schools, private schools and other public facilities. At the same time, the court clarified that any encroachments made after December 12, 1996 will not be covered under this relief. Such cases can only be considered for regularisation by following the conditions and procedures laid down in the earlier May 2025 jjudgement. The State had asked that fragmented land parcels of less than three hectares, which are not adjoining any forest area, should not be declared as protected forest. Instead, the Government wanted permission to use them for purposes under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 or for public needs like village and grazing land. However, the Supreme Court rejected this plea. The bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih said that such land parcels must be declared as protected forest. At the same time, the court clarified that if the State wants to use them for purposes listed in Section 3(2) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, it can do so only by following the legal procedure and conditions laid down in the Act. Spirit of samrasta must reflect in all aspects of life State PWD Minister, Rakesh Singh poses for photograph along with children, guests and members of the Sangathan. Staff Reporter : The prize distribution ceremony of Samrasta Kajaliya Mahotsav competitions, organised by Samrasta Seva Sangathan were held at IMA Hall. State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh was the chief guest of the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that the participation of children in such competitions strengthens cultural values. He said India is a land of festivals and every festival has its scientific and social importance. Kajaliya is deeply linked with our agricultural traditions and social harmony. Though over time people drifted away from such festivals, the efforts of Samrasta Seva Sangathan have revived the spirit of unity and cultural pride. Singh also lauded the fact that over 1,300 students participated in the essay competition on themes like Kajaliya and Sanatan Culture. Addressing the gathering, Dr Richa Sharma said that the spirit of samrasta (social harmony) must reflect in all aspects of life. In medical service, there is no distinction of caste or religion while donating blood, organ transplantation or treating patients. Similarly, society should imbibe the same feeling of equality and harmony, she emphasised. Special guest, Saurabh Baderia praised the activities of the Sangathan and its role in uniting different communities. In his welcome address, Sangathan President Sandeep Jain highlighted that in the past two and a half years, the organisation has conducted nearly 80 symposiums along with festivals like Samrasta Holi and Kajaliya Mahotsav with wide community participation. During the ceremony, the organisation also felicitated State Minister Rakesh Singh for his contribution to Jabalpurs development. An Abhinandan Patra (felicitation letter) was presented to him. Air Lease Corp. (NYSE:AL) shares climbed after the aircraft lessor said it will be acquired by a newly formed Dublin-based holding company backed by Sumitomo Corp. (OTC:SSUMY), SMBC Aviation Capital Ltd., and investment funds tied to Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) and Brookfield (NYSE:BN). The cash deal values the aircraft lessor at $7.4 billion, or $28.2 billion including debt. Shareholders will receive $65 per share in cash, a 7% premium over Air Leases record-high closing price and a 31% premium compared with the companys 12-month average. Steven Udvar-Hazy, Air Leases chairman, said the board determined the offer was the best outcome for investors, citing the certainty of cash value. John L. Plueger, the companys chief executive, called the deal a next chapter for Air Lease and credited employees for building its position in global aviation. Also Read: Peering Into Air Leases Recent Short Interest The companys board unanimously approved the merger, which requires shareholder and regulatory clearance. Directors and executives have agreed to vote their shares in favor. Closing is expected in the first half of 2026, and the agreement is not contingent on financing. For market exposure, investors often turn to the U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSE:JETS) and the iShares Transportation Average ETF (NYSE:IYT). Price Action: At last check Tuesday, AL shares were trading higher by 6.21% to $63.95 premarket. Read Next: Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Air Lease Agrees To $7.4 Billion Takeover By Sumitomo-Backed Consortium, Stock Soars originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. AI firm Anthropic has raised a $13 billion Series F round that brings its post-money valuation up to $183 billion funds the company says will be used to grow its enterprise adoption, deepen safety research, and support international expansion. Iconiq co-led the round with Fidelity Management & Research Company and Lightspeed Venture Partners, according to the companys blog post. Other backers include a string of institutional investors, VCs, sovereign wealth funds, private equity, and asset managers, such as Altimeter, Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, Blackstone, Coatue, D1 Capital Partners, Insight Partners, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Qatar Investment Authority, and more. We are seeing exponential growth in demand across our entire customer base, Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao said in the post. This financing demonstrates investors extraordinary confidence in our financial performance and the strength of their collaboration with us to continue fueling our unprecedented growth. Anthropic last raised $3.5 billion at a $61.5 billion post-money valuation in March 2025. This latest fundraise comes after reports that Anthropic was nearing a deal to raise between $3 billion and $5 billion in funding at a $170 billion valuation. It also follows impressive growth from the AI startup, which reported a jump in annual recurring revenue from $1 billion to $5 billion over the course of 2025 amid accelerated API usage and enterprise adoption. Anthropic now serves over 300,000 business customers, and our number of large accountscustomers that each represent over $100,000 in run-rate revenuehas grown nearly 7x in the past year, the company said in the company blog post. Claude Code is also a developer favorite and one of the main impetuses for Anthropics growth. The company said its vibe-coding product already generates more than $500 million in run-rate revenue with usage growing more than 10x in the last three months. But maintaining that growth and competing with rivals like OpenAI, Cursor, and others requires more money, as its CEO Dario Amodei recently confessed in a memo, reported by Wired. He said he wasnt thrilled about taking money from sovereign wealth funds of dictatorial governments, but that its difficult to run a business by excluding bad people from investing. This story is developing. Check back for updates (Reuters) -Artificial-intelligence company Anthropic said on Tuesday it is now valued at $183 billion post-money, over twice as much as its earlier valuation, as investor enthusiasm towards AI startups stays strong despite some doubts over tech industry spending. The new valuation is a jump from the $61.5 billion post-money valuation in March this year, where it raised $3.5 billion. Anthropic said it raised $13 billion in a Series F round led by investment firm ICONIQ. The "investment will expand our capacity to meet growing enterprise demand, deepen our safety research, and support international expansion as we continue building reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems," Anthropic said in a blog post. The startup, backed by Google-parent Alphabet and Amazon.com, has distinguished its work, in part, by building AI models that excel at coding. Anthropic's run-rate revenue, which had grown to approximately $1 billion at the beginning of 2025, was more than $5 billion by August. The startup behind the Claude large language models unveiled Opus 4.1 in August, an upgrade to Opus 4 on agentic tasks, real-world coding and reasoning. The latest funding round was co-led by Fidelity Management & Research and Lightspeed Venture Partners, Anthropic said. Other major investors include the Qatar Investment Authority, Blackstone and Coatue. U.S. startup funding surged 75.6% in the first half of 2025, driven largely by major AI investments and bold bets from big tech companies, putting it on track for its second-best year ever, a report from PitchBook showed in July. Last month, Anthropic said it will offer Claude to the U.S. government for $1. Claude, along with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, was added to a list of approved AI vendors, the U.S. government's central purchasing arm said in August. Amazon is considering another multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic to strengthen their strategic partnership, the Financial Times had reported in July. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Pooja Desai and Alan Barona) Based in Santa Clara, California, Arista Networks Inc (ANET) is a prominent player in cloud networking, offering cutting-edge solutions tailored for data centers and high-performance computing. The company delivers highly scalable and programmable Ethernet switching and routing platforms, widely adopted by industries such as cloud computing, finance, and media. Aristas hallmark is its Extensible Operating System (EOS), known for its reliability and automation capabilities, which enable seamless network management, advanced analytics, and enhanced security across both enterprise and cloud infrastructures. More News from Barchart Companies with a valuation above $10 billion are generally considered large-cap stocks. With a market capitalization of about $171.62 billion, Arista certainly fits right into this category. The company holds a leading position in the computer hardware industry, specializing in high-performance networking equipment for cloud data centers and enterprise environments. The companys stock price has been shooting up recently. Over the past three months, Arista Networks shares have gained 58.1%. The stock had reached an all-time high of $141.99 in August and is only down 3.8% from this high. In contrast, the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) is up only 13.3% over the same period, which shows that the stock is an outperformer in its sector. www.barchart.com On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, Arista Networks stock has gained 23.5%, while over the past 52 weeks, it is up by 60.1%. In contrast, XLK gained 12.9% and 19.6% over the same periods, respectively. Underscoring the strength of its recent surge, Arista Networks stock has consistently held above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late June, a clear technical signal of sustained bullish momentum and investor confidence. www.barchart.com Arista Networks is riding the wave of significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Based on this surge in demand, the company reported solid second-quarter results. Its total revenue increased by 30.4% year-over-year (YOY) to $2.20 billion. Its profitability is also in a good position, as its non-GAAP EPS of $0.73 is 37.7% higher than the prior years quarter and the analyst-expected consensus figure of $0.65. The success of Arista can be gauged by the fact that its non-GAAP operating income surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time. By Alun John and Wayne Cole LONDON/SYDNEY (Reuters) -A holiday on Wall Street left shares around the world free to go their own ways on Monday, with Chinese tech names surging and Europe steady, while European long-dated bonds remained under heavy pressure. Europe's broad STOXX 600 was last up 0.1% as initial positivity on improved manufacturing data petered out. There was more excitement in Asia, where Chinese tech giant Alibaba's Hong Kong shares rose 18.5% after it said AI drove a surge in revenue to its cloud business. [.EU] [.SS] U.S. share futures were up marginally. The U.S. is likely to be the main focus of the rest of the week, with a raft of data there including surveys of manufacturing and services, and labour numbers culminating in the August payrolls report on Friday. Median forecasts are for employment to have climbed by 75,000 jobs, though estimates range widely from zero to a 110,000 gain amid uncertainty caused by July's surprisingly weak report. The jobless rate is seen ticking up to 4.3%. "The jobs market is the number one factor for the Federal Reserve's policy path. There's lots of talk from the Fed and from market commentators that labour markets are cooling, leading to a rate cut in September, but it's not a clear-cut situation," Samy Chaar, chief economist at Lombard Odier, said. "So it's a 'make or break' week." The prospect of lower borrowing costs has kept Wall Street near record highs, and would be timely given September has been the worst performing month of the year for the S&P 500 over the past 35 years. U.S. tariff policy also remained a concern after a Court of Appeals ruled that many of President Donald Trump's sweeping import levies were illegal, but left them in place until mid-October awaiting an appeal to the Supreme Court. The White House has other means to apply sectoral levies, but it puts a question mark over trade agreements already reached or being negotiated. Talks with Japan have hit a stumbling block over rice, while negotiations with South Korea have become bogged down. Investors will also be wary of Trump's attacks on the independence of the Fed, with Fed Governor Lisa Cook set to file fresh arguments against her firing on Tuesday. BOND SELLOFF The other focus for European investors was France, where Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will kick off a series of talks with France's political parties, seeking to stave off the collapse of his government in a confidence vote next week that opposition leaders said is bound to fail. Australias competition regulator said it is taking legal action against a handful of local fresh produce suppliers for alleged price fixing. In a statement issued yesterday (1 September), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced it had launched court proceedings against four businesses and three company executives for breaching the countrys cartel laws in the supply of fresh vegetables to discount retailer Aldi. The ACCC named the companies as Perfection Fresh Australia; Hydro Produce (Aust); Veli Velisha Fresh Produce and Velisha National Farms; and M. Fragapane & Sons [trading as Fragapane Farms]. Veli Velisha Fresh Produce was sold to Velisha National Farms in 2019, according to the regulators statement. Catherine Velisha, a director and CEO of Veli Velisha Fresh Produce and Velisha National Farms, along with sales manager Kaushik Vora, were identified as among the executives in the suit. Meanwhile, Roberto Nave, the general sales manager at M. Fragapane, is also included in the court proceedings. In what the ACCC described as alleged cartel conduct, the parties are accused of pricing fixing in the supply of fresh vegetables to Aldi stores in Australia's states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland between 2018 and 2024. Cartel conduct, whether by coordinating prices or agreeing on terms of bids with competitors, is anti-competitive and is illegal, ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said in the statement. Businesses acting together instead of competing can drive up prices and harm consumers, while disadvantaging other businesses that are seeking to compete fairly. According to the ACCC, the case against the accused revolves around so-called agile pricing, where suppliers submit weekly quotes to stores. In the case of Aldi, the retailer uses agile pricing for vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and iceberg lettuce, the regulator added. The ACCC continues to prioritise investigating allegations of cartel behaviour and will bring enforcement action where appropriate, Cass-Gottlieb added. Those actions will include civil penalties and disqualification orders. The regulator went on to explain its accusations: The ACCC alleges that on 28 occasions, two or more of the suppliers made, or attempted to make, arrangements or understandings that had the purpose, effect or likely effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining the price of broccoli, cauliflower, iceberg lettuce, cucumber, Brussels sprouts or zucchini. It added: The ACCC also alleges that on 48 occasions, one or more of the suppliers then submitted prices to Aldi in accordance with these arrangements or understandings. Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD) is one of the 14 Best Cheap Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $10. The company denies an acquisition rumor and reports strong earnings during the second quarter. Banco Bradesco Clears Acquisition Rumor While Posting Strong Quarterly Earnings Based in Brazil, Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD) is one of the largest financial services companies in the country. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR), the bank offers a wide range of financial products and services. Its product portfolio includes services such as commercial banking, insurance, and asset management. The company serves both individuals and businesses in Brazil and internationally. On July 24, 2025, Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD) provided clarification on the rumours regarding the acquisition of Alelo by iFood for R$5 billion. The company holds notable shares in Alelo, and an acquisition of the latter could affect Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD)s share price. But the company denied receiving any formal proposals or agreements regarding the acquisitions, thus ending the rumor for the time being. In its Q2 earnings call, released on July 30, 2025, the company reported a net income of $6.1 billion, reaching a year-on-year growth of 28.6%. The revenue growth also stood positive at 15.1%. The bank also reported that the use of Gen AI has improved productivity and anticipates a bigger contribution to growth in the upcoming quarters. Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD) offers a dividend yield of 5.53% and its price as of August 28, 2025, stands at $3.11. While we acknowledge the potential of BBD 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 Energy Dividend Stocks to Invest in and 11 Best Annual Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure. None. Crypto exchange Binance has introduced Meda, a newly authorised electronic payment funds institution in Mexico. The company plans to invest over $53m over a four-year period, aiming to strengthen the connection between traditional financial services and the digital asset space. Meda will function independently from Binance, focusing on providing services for peso transactions and bridging the gap between conventional financial systems and the growing digital asset market, the crypto platform said in a statement. The institution will be monitored by Mexican financial regulators, enabling users to manage their fiat funds within Binance's ecosystem. Binance regional vice president for Latin America Guilherme Nazar said: In a highly concentrated market, Meda aspires to become the leading alternative in the financial technology space as a processor of transactions in Mexican pesos. Recognising that increased competition benefits consumers, Meda will provide the Mexican population with access to higher-quality financial technology services at more affordable costs. Nazar added: We believe in the importance of fostering safe and sustainable ecosystems that create broader opportunities for all Mexicans in terms of social and economic development. Binances goal is to establish Mexico as a fintech innovation hub through this new independent vertical, while promoting synergy between traditional finance and emerging technologies. The company also emphasised its education initiatives, with the Binance Academy offering free educational resources in numerous languages. In 2024, the platform attracted over 44 million learners globally, including those from leading Mexican academic institutions. Binance already has licences and permits in 22 countries, including key markets like France, Italy, Spain, Dubai, Japan, Brazil, and Argentina. In May, Binance signed an agreement with the National Agency for Investments of the Kyrgyz Republic, introducing Binance Pay in the region. "Binance expands crypto payments reach with new Mexico entity " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. HONG KONG (Reuters) -Liquidators of China Evergrande, once the country's largest property developer, have asked a Hong Kong court to appoint receivers to identify and preserve the assets of founder Hui Ka Yan, who has not disclosed his worldwide properties. The move is the liquidators' latest effort to recover $6 billion in dividends and remuneration paid to Hui and other former executives, as they fight court battles to freeze offshore assets of the founder and his former spouse, among others. Evergrande, the most high-profile casualty of China's prolonged property crisis, began defaulting on some of its bonds in 2021 and collapsed with more than $300 billion in liabilities. It received a liquidation order from a Hong Kong court in 2024, and was kicked off the Hong Kong stock exchange last week in one of the largest delistings by market value and volume in recent years, marking an end to what's been a tumultuous boom-and-bust saga for its investors. Hong Kong High Court Judge Herbert Au-Yeung told a hearing on Tuesday that a judgement would be made on December 2, as Hui's lawyer opposed the application for receivers, saying the risk of asset dissipation is low given the founder's "circumstance", which the judge later described as "imprisonment". Hui, once one of China's richest people, has not been seen in public since he was detained by Chinese authorities in 2023. He had been ordered by a Hong Kong court to disclose his assets in Hong Kong and overseas but refused. The lawyer for the liquidators said Hui had received $4.2 billion in dividends alone during 2017-2020, and his ex-wife, Ding Yumei, could potentially dispose of $1 billion of assets in her own name. Ding is among the seven defendants being sued by Evergrande's liquidators. Evergrande's liquidators said in August that they have recovered about $255 million from sales of the firm's offshore assets, which included school bonds, club memberships, artwork and motor vehicles. This compared to creditors' claims made to liquidators of $45 billion. Lawyers expect the liquidation process to take a decade and the recovery rate for creditors is likely to be very low. (Reporting by Clare Jim; Editing by Kim Coghill) Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), a contract chip manufacturer in China, is planning to acquire complete control of a subsidiary foundry, amid ongoing consolidation within the country's semiconductor industry, South China Morning Post reported citing a company announcement. SMIC intends to purchase the remaining equity stake in Semiconductor Manufacturing North China (Beijing) Corporation (SMNC), which is currently 51% owned by SMIC, the report said. The acquisition will involve state-owned investors, including the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, the Beijing Semiconductor Manufacturing and Equipment Equity Investment Centre, Beijing E-Town International Investment & Development, and Zhongguancun Development Group. The company noted that the agreement is still in the preliminary stages, with certain elements of the transaction still being negotiated. Following the announcement, SMIC's shares listed in Shanghai were suspended for a maximum of ten trading days. SMNC was founded in June 2013 with the objective of establishing significant manufacturing capabilities, particularly focusing on 45 nanometre and smaller technologies, aiming for a monthly capacity of 35,000 wafers, as stated in SMIC's 2013 annual report. In 2021, SMNC reported operating revenue of $1.51bn and a net profit of $314m, according to SMIC's 2022 annual report. In the first half of 2025, SMNC and another SMIC subsidiary, Semiconductor Manufacturing Beijing Corporation (SMBC), collectively generated revenue of 8.87bn yuan ($1.24bn). The combined net profit for these two entities was 125m yuan. For the first half of the year, SMIC reported a revenue increase of 22% year-on-year, reaching nearly $4.46bn, while net profit surged by 35.6% to $320m. In August 2025, Hua Hong Semiconductor, the second-largest contract chipmaker in China, disclosed plans to acquire 97.5% of its sister foundry, Shanghai Huali Microelectronics. "Chinas SMIC to acquire full ownership of subsidiary report" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. By Patrick Wingrove NEW YORK (Reuters) -Some Chinese companies now racing to make generic versions of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy also supplied ingredients for more than a billion makeshift doses of weight-loss drugs sold online in the U.S. over the past two years, according to three sources and a Reuters review of shipping and public records. Cheap copies of Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound are on the retreat in the U.S. as regulators restrict their sale, slowing shipments from Chinese suppliers of the raw ingredients that allowed for explosive growth of the medicines. Robert Califf, who had two stints leading the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said never before had a new drug become so wildly popular that the manufacturer simply couldnt keep up. The shortage opened the door for compounding pharmacies, turbocharged by telehealth firms that flourished during the COVID pandemic, to supply cheap copies to a huge market chasing the promised weight loss. The pivot to FDA-approved generics as patents expire in various countries follows a year of soaring demand for the branded drugs, which have been shown to help people shed as much as 20% of their weight. At least eight Chinese companies, including publicly traded Jiangsu Sinopep-Allsino Biopharmaceutical and Hybio Pharmaceutical, helped flood the U.S. with raw semaglutide and tirzepatide, the main ingredients in Wegovy and Zepbound, respectively, sources told Reuters. A Reuters analysis of U.S. FDA shipping records backs that up. Hybio and Sinopep are working to launch their own generic semaglutides, according to one of the sources with knowledge of the efforts and previous Reuters reporting. The source also said Nanjing Hanxin Pharmaceutical and Fujian Genohope Biotech, two of the companies that had supplied compounders, may launch as well. None of the companies responded to requests for comment. U.S. law now restricts compounding pharmacies to producing personalized doses for patients who need them, or formulations not offered by the branded medicines. The source with knowledge of the Hybio and Sinopep efforts said that for one Chinese manufacturer, supplying ingredients for compounded weight-loss drugs had been its biggest business. The manufacturer is now targeting markets where Novo's main semaglutide patent is expiring next year, such as Canada and Brazil, to sell the ingredient to generic drugmakers, he said. He said he knew of at least five other Chinese companies known to supply compounding pharmacies that were similarly refocusing on supplying semaglutide for generics. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Colgate-Palmolive agreed to pay $332 million to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit accusing the consumer products company of making mistakes in calculating its employees' pensions. A preliminary settlement covering 1,177 employees was filed on Friday night in Manhattan federal court and requires a judge's approval. Employees would receive about $232.7 million after lawyers' fees and expenses are deducted. The case had its origins in 1989, when Colgate converted its pension plan to a cash balance plan and let participants receive benefits in lump sums. Colgate amended its plan in 2005 to retroactively award annuity payments to participants who received lump sums but had not received the full value of their benefits. The plaintiffs said Colgate erred in calculating those payments. Litigation over Colgate's pensions began in 2007, and Friday's settlement addresses a lawsuit filed in 2016. Colgate denied wrongdoing and said it settled to avoid the risk and expense of more litigation. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New York-based company set aside money for the settlement in the first quarters of 2023 and 2025. Other Colgate brands include Hill's Pet Nutrition, Irish Spring, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, and Tom's of Maine. The case is McCutcheon et al v. Colgate-Palmolive Co et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-04170. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Rod Nickel) Digital asset investment products saw robust inflows of $2.48 billion last week, lifting total inflows for August to $4.37 billion and year-to-date inflows to $35.5 billion, according to CoinShares Weekly Fund Flows report. Despite strong weekly demand, total assets under management fell 10% from recent highs to $219 billion after Fridays Core PCE data dashed hopes for a Fed rate cut and prompted profit-taking. Enjoying the read? Get our newsletter directly to your inbox on all things Bitcoin-equities by clicking here. Regionally, the United States led inflows at $2.29 billion. Switzerland contributed $109.4 million, Germany $69.9 million and Canada $41.1 million, suggesting that the late-week outflows reflected portfolio rebalancing rather than a broader shift in sentiment. Ethereum continued to dominate flows, attracting $1.40 billion, while Bitcoin saw $748 million of inflows. For the month of August, Ethereum has amassed $3.95 billion versus $301 million of net outflows from Bitcoin. Among other tokens, optimism around potential U.S. ETF launches drove Solana inflows of $177 million and XRP inflows of $134 million. The news comes a week after CoinShares reported the largest capital outflow since March. Read More: Bitcoin bears $1 billion capital exodus as crypto ETPs reach Marchhighs in outflows: CoinShares EDF has entered into a long-term agreement with Ampeak Energy to optimise the AW1 battery energy storage system (BESS) located at Uskmouth in South Wales. The collaboration aims to enhance the 120MW/240MWh battery facility's ability to store and release electricity to the grid during peak demand. Utilising EDF's Powershift platform and its trading team, the company seeks to ensure the AW1 project delivers power more efficiently, aligning with the times of highest demand. EDF Wholesale Market Services commercial director Stuart Fenner said: Were proud to be working with Ampeak Energy on this landmark project. Battery storage is key to helping the UK reach its climate goal, and our partnership will unlock long-term value from one of the UKs most exciting clean energy sites. With the financial aspects of the AW1 project settled and EDF's involvement confirmed, Ampeak Energy is preparing for Uskmouth to become a key battery-powered energy location. Ampeak Energy COO David Taaffe said: AW1 is our flagship battery project, and our partnership with EDF gives us the confidence to deliver lasting value and build momentum towards the creation of one of the largest battery sites in the UK, which can be a catalyst for local and national regeneration. In July this year, reports emerged that EDF was planning to reduce its overseas workforce and withdraw from certain international nuclear projects to concentrate on a domestic construction programme under its new CEO Bernard Fontana. In the same month, Reuters reported that EDF was exploring options to attract capital for its North American and Brazilian renewables divisions, including the potential sale of stakes of up to 50%. An EDF spokesperson confirmed on 16 July 2025 that the company was considering various ways to bring in capital, as reported by Reuters. The EDF power solutions spokesperson stated: We are studying the possibility of opening the capital of some of our subsidiaries to partners. "EDF and Ampeak Energy partner to enhance battery storage facility in South Wales" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. UKB Electronics, an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) firm that covers services from product design to prototyping and full-scale manufacturing, has filed preliminary IPO papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). UKBs client list includes major bigwigs such as LG, IFB, Panasonic, Haier, Voltas-Beko, Carrier Midea, and Dixon, to name a few. The firm has 11 manufacturing facilities across the country: two in Maharashtra (Pune and Ahmednagar), and one each in UP (Noida), Rajasthan (Ghiloth), Andhra Pradesh (Sri City), Tamil Nadu (Chennai), and Goa. According to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Monday, UKBs proposed IPO looks to raise a total of Rs 800 crorea fresh issue of equity shares up to Rs 400 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of shares worth Rs 400 crore. The promoters Manoj Tayal and Vinay Kumar Tayal look to divest shares valued at Rs 135 crore each, while Manik Tayal would offload shares worth up to Rs 130 crore. The EMS firm manufactures both consumer electronics and home appliances, including cord assemblies, circuit boards, remotes, distribution systems, cables, chargers, and so on. Over and above the brands, UKB also serves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Less than a week ago, supply chain solutions provider LEAP India also filed preliminary IPO papers with Sebi to raise Rs 2,400 crorea mix of fresh issue of shares worth Rs 400 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of shares valued at Rs 2,000 crore by promoters. Among the major headliners heading to the IPO is Tata Capital, as it looks to raise a staggering Rs 17,200 crore at the offering that is set to begin on September 22, according to reports. In the wake of the ban on online money games in India, scores of gaming company employees are now in a lurch, worrying about their future and career options. Many employees are searching for alternate avenues, but there seems to be a bit of uncertainty among them with regard to where their careers are heading. It is not a very rosy picture for the gaming industry as the global gaming industry has seen sweeping layoffs since early 2024, with Unity, Riot Games, Microsoft, Sony, and EA together cutting more than 7,500 jobs. While the shock has been severe, the core skills of gaming professionals are finding strong demand in adjacent industries. Experts point out that many real-time engine experts in gaming companies have skills that are useful in virtual production in film and TV and automotive UI design, where transition timelines are as short as two to four months. Similarly, graphics and rendering skills (shaders, GPU optimisation, cross-platform performance) are being absorbed into spatial computing at companies such as Apple, Meta, and XR startups, requiring four to six months of adaptation. Pipeline automation and technical art (Python, CAD/BIM integration) are powering industrial digital twins with companies like Siemens and NVIDIA, with three to six months of upskilling. Live-ops analytics, monetisation, and user acquisition expertise are moving seamlessly into adtech, fintech, and media platforms within two to three months. In India, displaced talent is finding roles in IT services, edtech, and OTT media as gaming diversifies. Rather than permanent displacement, these layoffs mark a reallocation of talent. Employees who pivot quickly and embrace emerging tools will not only safeguard careers but also drive the next wave of digital transformation, remarked Manoj Kandoth, founder and director at Urjja. Experts believe that the evolving regulatory framework in the gaming sector in India has undoubtedly created a phase of uncertainty wherein more than 2,000 professionals are actively exploring new opportunities. We believe this disruption is likely to be short-lived for most. For employees, this period can be seen as an opportunity to reposition themselves. The skills they bring, whether technical, creative, analytical, or operational, are valuable and highly transferable. Adjacent industries such as IT/ITES, fintech, Edtech, e-commerce, media, and SaaS are already on the lookout for similar talent, and we expect to see many professionals move seamlessly into these sectors. At the same time, larger gaming companies are likely to absorb a portion of this workforce as they diversify and adapt to regulated models, Aditya Narayan Mishra the CEO and MD of CIEL HR told THE WEEK. This expert points out that in terms of career progression, the outlook is positive for those who invest in future-ready skills. Specialists in areas like product development, design, data science, AI, and compliance will continue to command competitive salaries, as their expertise remains in high demand. For broader roles, adaptability, agility, and the willingness to transition into emerging domains will be the differentiators. Employees who embrace upskilling and align themselves with digital-first opportunities will find themselves well-placed to navigate this shift. Overall, the industry is adapting rather than shrinking. The future for gaming professionals lies in leveraging their strengths, building on niche capabilities, and being open to opportunities in adjacent high-growth sectors, added Mishra. Experts further point out that the Indian gaming industry is at an inflection point, with regulatory changes around real-money online games triggering major disruption. The ban has resulted in revenue losses of nearly 50 per cent for money-gaming platforms and large-scale layoffs, with a company cutting 60 per cent of its workforce in India. While this correction is painful in the short term, it is also driving a structural shift in the industry. Free-to-play gaming, e-Sports, and gamified content are emerging as strong growth engines, offering sustainable and scalable opportunities. Experts feel that for professionals impacted by this transition, it is important to view the industrys evolution as a chance to pivot into new and resilient career paths. Core technical roles such as game development, UI/UX design, game testing and QA, data analytics, and cloud or backend systems will see increasing demand. At the same time, creative functions, including game art and animation, narrative design, sound design, and video production, will remain central to engaging player experiences. Beyond these, business and community-driven roles in marketing, PR, localisation, community management, and e-Sports operations are becoming equally vital. As the industry recalibrates, talent that blends technical depth, creative capability, and business acumen will define the next chapter of Indias gaming growth story, pointed out Sanketh Chengappa KG, Director and Business Head Professional Staffing - Adecco India. There is no doubt that a stunning change in policy for gaming companies has put a serious question on the status of employees livelihoods. While the engineering and tech talent may survive the shock non-engineering employees face a clear prospect of layoffs or temporary loss in earnings. Companies engaged in Real Money Gaming (RMG) have begun layoffs or are making two or three months of salary payments in advance either as sustenance money or as severance pay. The future for employees in RMG appears bleak and unlikely to revive in the short term. Only companies that have the capability to survive without earnings may weather this storm, observed Subramanyam Sreenivasaiah, CEO at Ascent HR. China is all set to display its modern fighter jets, highly advanced missiles and latest electronic warfare hardware for the first time at its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday. The event, which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's victory against Japanese aggression in World War II, will be attended by 26 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Maldives President Mohamed Muizz and the leaders from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Central Asia. China has the most disciplined troops in the world. That's the key to winning in wartime combat. Next Wednesday, we'll watch the greatest-ever military parade in Beijing! It commemorates our victory against the Japanese invasion and fascism. Let's enjoy their training video. pic.twitter.com/WaXjqgvhbr Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) August 27, 2025 The parade, which will take place at Beijings Tiananmen Square, is seen as a rival parade to the rare one held by the US military in June to showcase its strength. The US military parade, featuring over 6,000 soliders, dozens of tanks, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and warplanes, was to commemorate the US Army's 250th anniversary. China is attempting to showcase its global influence and military might with the parade. The Chinese military also wants to make the best of the occasion by displaying for the first time its high-profile modern weapons, which, the PLA claims, match those of the US army. Chinas September 3 military parade in Beijing (marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan) is drawing big-name attendees. Confirmed Attendees: Putin (Russia) Kim Jong Un (North Korea) Prabowo (Indonesia) Anwar (Malaysia) Luong Cuong (Vietnam) Leaders pic.twitter.com/owPZqxq2Vq Clash Report (@clashreport) August 28, 2025 During the parade, stated to be the largest parade held by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China will showcase a series of new-generation armaments, such as fourth-generation tanks and aircraft, unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, and advanced missiles, including hypersonic ones, Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), in-charge of the parade, was quoted by state-run news agency Xinhua. The parade will feature other types of advanced equipment, such as hypersonic and air defence anti-missile equipment and strategic missiles. Yu Jie, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, quoted as saying that Xi Jinping is trying to lay out his ambition for the global order with this parade. China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei said Putin's attendance highlights the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. The presence of both Putin and Kim at the event is seen as an attempt by China to send a strong message to the US and its President Donald Trump, who tried to woo both the leaders earlier. Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia AVSM VSM assumed the office of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Indian Air Force (IAF) Headquarters on Monday. Air Marshal Ghuratia was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering stream of the IAF in 1988. An alumnus of the Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, Air Force Test Pilot School, Bengaluru and Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru, he is an electrical engineer by qualification. He is also an alumnus of GEC, Jabalpur, BITS Pilani and Madras University and a Doctorate degree holder from Bhopal University. Congratulations to Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM VSM a #BITSPilani alumnus on being appointed Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance at Indian Air Force pic.twitter.com/iURU245d0e BITS Pilani (@bitspilaniindia) September 2, 2025 The Air Officer is a Fellow of Royal Aeronautical Society, London, Fellow of Aeronautical Society of India and Fellow of Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering. He is Lead Auditor of ISO 45000 (OH & SMS) and an Associate Member of Society of Flight Test Engineers, USA. Air Marshal Ghuratia has held key command and staff appointments in IAF and UN Mission abroad during his career of 37 years. He was the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ MC before assuming the appointment of Air Officer-in-charge Maintenance. For his distinguished service, the Air officer has been awarded 'Vishisht Seva Medal' in 2016 and 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' in 2025. While serving in UN Mission Congo, he was commended by the Force Commander, UN. The Air Marshal, after taking over, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of the armed forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. The fight against sickle cell disease and thalassemia transcends national boundariesit is not a problem for one country or one region alone. These inherited blood disorders are a global health crisis, demanding collective solutions that unite governments, researchers, and health systems. While the impact is felt most acutely in low and middle-income countries, their prevalence across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Mediterranean demonstrates that geography cannotand must notdefine access to care. In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 300,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year, and tragically, many die before the age of five due to a lack of newborn screening and affordable care. Across the Middle East, carrier rates for both sickle cell and thalassemia remain alarmingly high, underscoring the urgent need for systematic screening and preventive programs. South Asia, and India in particular, faces one of the largest burdens, with thousands of children requiring lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. In the Mediterranean, where thalassemia has historically been endemic, effective screening programs have brought down incidence, but gaps persist when it comes to equitable access to newer curative therapies such as bone marrow and gene-based treatments. These examples reinforce one truth: no country can fight this battle alone. National programs are essential, but not enough. The path forward is international collaborationwith shared registries, multinational clinical trials, pooled resources, and coordinated funding to accelerate research and ensure access to affordable therapies worldwide. Global efforts in motion Encouragingly, some steps have already been taken. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised sickle cell disease as a public health priority, launching initiatives such as the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network to expand screening, newborn care, and treatment availability. The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) has coordinated guidelines across more than 60 countries, helping standardise management and advocating for access to modern therapies. These global collaborations show how knowledge-sharing and collective action can save livesbut they must be scaled further and integrated into national health agendas everywhere. India at the centre India, which bears one of the worlds heaviest burdens of sickle cell disease and thalassemia, is both poised to benefit from and contribute to the global fight. In 2023, the government launched the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Disease by 2047a landmark pledge to screen, diagnose, and treat millions. Already, more than six crore people have been screened, with a special focus on tribal districts where prevalence is highest. New rapid, low-cost testsrequiring just a pinprick of bloodare making early detection possible, extending screening to rural and underserved areas. India is also pushing boundaries in biotechnology and gene therapy. Public research institutions, working with national scientific bodies, are developing indigenous gene-editing therapies tailored for Indian patients. These programs are designed not only to cure but also to make treatment affordablereducing costs drastically from the current international figures that run into millions of dollars. Clinical trials are expected to begin soon, putting India among the very few nations advancing toward a domestically developed gene therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassemia. In addition, the government has encouraged partnerships between research councils, public health institutions, and academia to build a robust ecosystem for cell and gene therapy manufacturing within the country. This is a deliberate move to ensure that once therapies are validated, they can be scaled and delivered at a fraction of global pricesmaking cures not just a theoretical possibility but a practical reality for ordinary families. Why this matters globally Indias advances are not only significant for its own population but also for the world. The lessons learned herein creating affordable diagnostics, scaling screening programs, and developing low-cost gene therapiescan be applied across Africa, South Asia, and other resource-constrained regions. By combining local innovation with global collaboration, India has the potential to act as both a laboratory and a launchpad for solutions that reach far beyond its borders. At the same time, global solidarity remains indispensable. While Indias biotech ecosystem is moving toward affordable solutions, international supportin the form of collaborative trials, regulatory harmonisation, and funding for equitable accesswill be critical. Without it, life-saving therapies may remain confined to a handful of countries, widening the gap between those who can access cures and those who cannot. Towards health equity Ultimately, the fight against sickle cell disease and thalassemia is about more than medicineit is about justice. Families in Nigeria, India, or Egypt share the same pain: watching children suffer painful crises, endure endless hospital visits, or live tethered to transfusion schedules. Their struggles are universal, and so should be our response. Just as the world once united against polio and continues to coordinate on HIV, a similar global alliance must now be forged for these blood disorders. The stakes are too high, and the science too promising, for us to act in silos. By aligning national missions like Indias with international frameworks led by the WHO and global federations, the world can move from fragmented progress to collective victory. Sickle cell disease and thalassemia can no longer be seen as regional challengesthey are global health priorities. India is charting a course that blends innovation with affordability and inclusivity, while global organisations push for cross-border cooperation. Whats needed now is political will, steady investment, and above all, solidarity. For a child born with sickle cell disease in a remote Indian village, or a family coping with thalassemia in rural Africa, the promise of a cure cannot remain a distant dream. Fragmented efforts are no longer enough. The moment for global solidaritywith India as both pioneer and partneris now. Shortly after his arrest on rape charges, Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Sanaur in Patiala district, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, fled from police custody after firing at the personnel. The incident happened on Tuesday morning. Patiala police told reporters that Pathanmajra was taken to the local police station after the arrest. The MLAs accomplices accompanied the cops. On arrival at the station, the MLA and his henchmen opened fire at the police before fleeing in a Scorpio and Fortuner car. A policeman is also said to have been injured after the MLA ran over him with his car. However, there are reports that police seized the Fortuner car. AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra booked in rape case ran away from police custody and also injured one police official while he was brought to police station.@PTI_News @AAPPunjab pic.twitter.com/dC63oqtPmi Neha Salaria Sharma (@SalariaNeha) September 2, 2025 Rape case Pathanmajra, who had been at loggerheads with the AAP, was accused by his ex-wife of rape. The woman from Zirakpur alleged that the MLA misrepresented himself as divorced when he met her through social media in 2013-14. Eight years later, he organised Anand Karja. However, Pathanmajra was allegedly married to someone else. She alleged that he sexually exploited her and sent threatening and obscene material to her. On August 14, 2022, she also uploaded pictures of her wedding with the MLA on Facebook. Following her complaint, the Zirakpur Police registered a case of rape against Pathanmajra. The MLA then went online to state that the AAP team from Delhi is trying to dominate Punjab and his voice was being suppressed, much to the chagrin of the state leadership. He also accused a enior IAS officer of not taking such actions as desilting and cleaning rivers, particularly the Tangri River, despite his requests. #WATCH | Chandigarh | On rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra fleeing from police custody, AAP's Baltej Singh Pannu says, "He was arrested by Police from a village near Karnal today morning. Police have now said that he has fled from custody. The party pic.twitter.com/VTaDefOfOX ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 Soon after, the state government withdrew the security detail given to Pathanmajra. He also accused that all station house officers and police post heads in his constituency had been transferred. I had already told my gunmen yesterday that they would be sent back. The Delhi leaders (of AAP) think they can scare me with vigilance (action) or FIRs, but I will never bow down. I will stand like a rock with my people, he said. The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of student leaders and activists, including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and four others, all accused in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case. The order comes as yet another blow to the accused, who have been behind bars for more than four years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with the trial yet to begin in earnest. The case so far The Delhi Police filed multiple FIRs in the aftermath of the February 2020 communal riots that killed 53 people and injured over 700. FIR 59/2020, dubbed the larger conspiracy case, alleges that the violence was not spontaneous but pre-planned as part of a conspiracy hatched during the anti-CAA protests. The prosecutions case links the accused, activists, student leaders, and community organisers to a conspiracy involving protest sites, WhatsApp groups, and alleged inflammatory speeches. They have been charged under stringent provisions of the UAPA, besides sedition, conspiracy, and other sections of the IPC. Todays verdict A bench of the Delhi High Court, while denying bail, reiterated that the accusations are grave, and prima facie, there is material suggesting the accused were part of a larger conspiracy. The ruling shows that despite widespread criticism, courts remain reluctant to intervene at the bail stage in UAPA prosecutions. STORY | 2020 riots: Delhi HC denies bail to Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, 7 others The Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied bail to activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and seven others facing prosecution in a UAPA case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 pic.twitter.com/nErt1Y3gRL Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 2, 2025 During the prolonged bail hearings in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, the defence and prosecution presented sharply contrasting arguments before the Delhi High Court. Defence arguments Senior Advocate Trideep Pais, appearing for Umar Khalid, argued that the case against his client rested on tenuous grounds. He highlighted that Khalids alleged role was limited to being part of WhatsApp groups, without even sending any incriminating messages. Mere membership of a group cannot amount to criminality, Pais told the court. He further pointed out that there was no recovery, financial or otherwise, from Khalid, and dismissed the prosecutions claim of a secret meeting on February 23-24, 2020, noting that it was neither secretive nor clandestine in nature. Senior Advocate Rebecca John, representing activist Khalid Saifi, pressed the court to examine whether UAPA could be invoked on the basis of what she described as innocuous WhatsApp messages and speculative narratives built by the prosecution. She asked, Can this be a reason to deny bail, or even a ground for prosecution under UAPA? John also invoked the principle of parity, reminding the court that three co-accused had been granted bail as far back as June 2021, and Saifis case, she argued, was no different. For Sharjeel Imam, his counsel Advocate Talib Mustafa stressed that Imam was not connected to the co-accused and had no role in any alleged conspiracy meetings. He submitted that the prosecutions case against Imam was limited to speeches delivered during the anti-CAA protests, with the last such instance being a speech in Bihar on January 23, 2020, well before the riots broke out in late February. Prosecutions stand The Delhi Police, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad, mounted a strong opposition to the bail pleas. Mehta took a hard line, arguing that the accused had acted against national interest. If you are doing something against the nation, then you better be in jail till you are acquitted or convicted, he said. According to the prosecution, the accused were not mere protesters but part of a coordinated conspiracy aimed at creating unrest and tarnishing Indias global image. They alleged that deliberate planning went into choosing specific dates to incite violence, leading to widespread rioting and arson. Four years without trial What stands out is not just the denial of bail, but the sheer length of incarceration. Umar Khalid has been in jail since September 2020, and Sharjeel Imam since January 2020. Others, including Saifi, Fatima and Haider, have also completed over four years behind bars. During this time, the trial has barely moved forward. The charges are voluminous, with the prosecution citing thousands of pages of evidence and dozens of witnesses. Even the framing of charges took months. For the accused, this means years of imprisonment without the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. UAPA deadlock At the heart of the debate is the UAPA. Under Section 43(D)(5) of the Act, courts cannot grant bail if a prima facie case exists against the accused. This provision effectively reverses the presumption of innocence, tilting the balance in favour of the State. Legal experts have long argued that this leads to pre-trial punishment, where accused individuals spend years in jail even if their eventual conviction remains uncertain. In fact, conviction rates under UAPA are low. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that in many years, fewer than three per cent of UAPA cases end in conviction. What lies ahead The High Courts denial of bail means the accused will have to either approach the Supreme Court or wait for the trial to progress, both options likely to extend their detention further. For now, their ordeal continues, as do the debates around UAPA, bail jurisprudence, and the thin line between dissent and conspiracy. Todays verdict underscores the extraordinary weight of UAPA cases where the presumption of guilt at the bail stage trumps the presumption of innocence. While the High Courts order reflects a consistent judicial stance, it also highlights a troubling reality: justice delayed may well be justice denied. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) into NGOs that allegedly received foreign funds. Odanadi and Samvada are the NGOs under ED scanner for allegedly using foreign funds to stoke communal tensions and influence the narrative against Dharmasthala. ED has sought PAN information, account and and transaction details of the NGOs from the State Bank of India and other banks. #WATCH | Karnataka | BJP State President BY Vijayendra and other party leaders participate in the 'Dharmasthala Chalo Rally' demanding NIA investigation in the Dharmasthala case. pic.twitter.com/wYVUrtrzLA ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025 The controversy erupted after a former sanitation worker, identified as C.N. Chinnaiah, claimed that he was forced to bury bodies of several women and minors when he was employed at the temple town between 1995 and 2014. However, he was eventually arrested on charges of perjury after his implication pointed towards temple administrators. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday ruled out a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the case, asserting that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is doing its job. The minister was responding to BJP demand for an NIA probe in the case. Responding to the ED probe, the minister said they are free to conduct their investigation. "Can we say no to their investigation? They will probe in their angle related to financial matters and other things...we don't know their terms of reference. They usually probe into financial matters. Let them do it," he said. Earlier, BJP MP Kota Srinivas Poojary wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking an ED probe into money laundering in connection with YouTubers spreading misinformation to defame Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, on Tuesday, ended his five-day-old hunger strike in Mumbai after the Maharashtra government's cabinet sub-committee, headed by Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Maratha quota, accepted most of his demands. Patil met Jarange in the afternoon with other members of the cabinet sub-committee, Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Uday Samant, Manikrao Kokate at Azad Maidan, and discussed the draft finalised by the committee. #WATCH | Mumbai: "Today is Diwali for us as we have got what we wanted," said Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil. He broke down in tears as he accepted the Government Resolution (GR) given by the Maharashtra cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation and broke https://t.co/UnJNNJSQ1W pic.twitter.com/IAGha0Grj6 ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2025 The sub-committee accepted Jarange's demands to implement the Hyderabad Gazette and stated that Marathas with Kunbi records will be given caste certificates after conducting a proper inquiry. The Maharashtra government issued a resolution on the Hyderabad gazetteer and announced the formation of committees to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who are able to produce documentary evidence recognising them as Kunbis in the past. The government resolution (GR) was issued by the social justice and special assistance department in the backdrop of the breakthrough in talks between a delegation of cabinet ministers and Jarange on the fifth day of his hunger strike. The GR stated, "In accordance with the historical references contained in the Hyderabad gazetteer, a dedicated scrutiny process shall be conducted to verify documents and establish eligibility of persons from the Maratha community for Kunbi caste certificates. The committee shall ensure that every claim is assessed in a time-bound and transparent manner." Jarange has been demanding that Marathas be recognised as Kunbisan agrarian caste included in the OBC (other backward class) category in the state. Classification of Marathas as Kunbis will make the former eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. The GR directed that persons from the Maratha community who or whose ancestors held agricultural land prior to November 21, 1961, or earlier, must produce evidence such as old land records or extracts from relevant registers. Based on these records, the designated committee would conduct local enquiries and certify the claimants accordingly. With PTI inputs Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange, who has been on a hunger strike for the last five days, asserted on Tuesday that he would not leave Azad Maidan in Mumbai until his demands are met. His assertion came shortly after the city police issued a notice to the activist and his supporters to vacate the protest venue immediately. The Mumbai Police revoked permission for the Maratha reservation agitation at Azad Maidan, citing violation of the conditions laid out by the Bombay High Court. The Bombay High Court ordered Manoj Jarange Patil to leave Azad Maidan by noon. The court said Mumbai was "literally paralysed" by the protest. Police issued a notice to Jarange Patil for violating protest rules.#bombayhighcourt #manojjarange #marathaquotaprotest pic.twitter.com/AHeBrplBDx THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) September 2, 2025 Jarange claimed that the protesters had not violated any law and that nobody can stop Marathas from entering the state capital. He, however, asked his supporters to maintain peace and said he will ensure the government accepts his demands. The 43-year-old activist launched his hunger strike on August 27, 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. CM giving false information Jarange also launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of giving false information to the High Court over the quota agitation. He said the CM will have to pay a price for it. The activist expressed his readiness for talks with the government bur warned that any move to evict or arrest the protesters will have consequences. "I can go to any extent if you also do that. I am not moving out of here till my demands are met. If you try to arrest or evict us from Mumbai, it will be dangerous for you," he said. "Next Monday whatever happens will be because of Fadnavis' mistake," he further said. Manoj Jarange vows to give up water as the protest enters day 4. He demands a 10% reservation for Marathas under the OBC category. He says Marathas and Kunbis are the same caste and seeks Kunbi status for Marathas. #manojjarange #marathaquotaprotest #kunbis #maharashtra pic.twitter.com/Wvec2kQH27 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) September 1, 2025 On Monday, the High Court asked the agitators to vacate all streets in the city by Tuesday noon, observing that all pre-agitation conditions had been violated. "We are giving Jarange and his supporters an opportunity to rectify the situation immediately and ensure the streets are vacated and cleaned up by Tuesday noon," the court said. Jarange claimed that after the court order, the protesters removed all their vehicles and there was no traffic jam anywhere in Mumbai. We are peacefully sitting on a hunger strike. We said at night, remove the cars from the road and put them in the field, after which our boys removed all the cars within four to five hours, what more can be done than this. We are the guardians of the law and the divine justice," the activist said. By Paolo Laudani (Reuters) -The abrupt dismissal of Nestle CEO Laurent Freixe has catapulted Philipp Navratil into the top job overnight, tasking him with reversing a prolonged share price decline and reigniting sluggish sales at the worlds largest consumer goods company. Nestle, the maker of products from KitKat chocolate to Nesquik, fired Freixe on Monday for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate. The board appointed Nespresso chief Navratil as his successor with immediate effect. Navratil, a 49-year-old Swiss and Austrian citizen, is a Nestle veteran. He joined the firm in 2001 after a business degree and rose through the ranks, spending many years in Latin America and being made head of Nestle Nespresso last year. He joined the Nestle executive board on January 1 this year. His sudden promotion marks another turbulent chapter for the Swiss giant, coming just a year after the ouster of former CEO Mark Schneider and only months after the announced departure of its long-serving chairman. WEAK SALES, STRONG FRANC AND TARIFFS Nestle has struggled to maintain momentum amid a global economic slowdown that has pushed consumers toward cheaper alternatives. Nespresso, in particular, has faced a challenge selling its premium-branded products. In first-half results at the end of July, Nestle reported a slower than expected sales volume growth, citing the negative impact from U.S. trade tariffs and currency exchange rates. STOCK SLIDE Navratil inherits a stock that has lagged behind European peers since Freixe took the top job, shedding nearly a third of its value over the past five years. Shares dipped another 0.8% by 1118 GMT on Tuesday, reflecting investor unease rather than outright panic. "There might now be disruption to the company's turnaround plan as new boss Philipp Navratil gets up to speed and uncertainty as to whether he will go down the same path as his predecessor," said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. PUBLIC IMAGE A top executive ousted for a code of conduct breach is a thorny public-image issue for companies as management conduct comes under intense scrutiny more widely. Energy giant BP's former CEO Bernard Looney and McDonalds CEO Steve Easterbrook were both removed for failing to disclose relationships with colleagues, while Kohl's fired CEO Ashley Buchanan after an investigation found he pushed for deals with a vendor with whom he had a personal relationship. Ingo Speich at Nestle investor Deka said the Swiss firm needed to bring back "calm waters". On September 1, as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived at Myliddy fisheries harbour in Jaffna, there were high expectations among the Tamil fishermen in the region. Clad in black trousers and a pale brown shirt, Anura arrived in style at the harbour premises once controlled by the Sri Lankan army. In his usual firebrand style, Anuras five-minute speech addressing the local businessmen and representatives of the fisher community in Myliddy caught everyone by surprise. After launching the fisheries harbour development project - phase 3 to support the livelihood of the war-affected fishermen, Anura said, The government is committed to safeguarding the surrounding seas, islands, and landmass of the country for the benefit of the people and will not allow any external force to exert influence in this regard. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his visit to Katchatheevu island In the evening, Dissanayake took a boat ride to Katchatheevu along with Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekaran. The quick, unannounced visit and his statement during the Myliddy event were apparently intended to send a strong message to Sri Lankas closest neighbour, India, and its politicians that he will safeguard the seas and the islands around the country and resist any external pressure. Through the visit, he also sent a message to the Sri Lankan Tamil fisherfolk in the northern province that the government will stand by them. What sparked the fresh row Anuras statement and his visit to Katchatheevu came in the wake of Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay's statement at his Madurai conference that India should retrieve the tiny island in the interests of safeguarding the fishermen in Tamil Nadu. Sri Lankas foreign affairs minister Vijitha Herath was quick to respond that the country will not give back Katchatheevu to India. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his visit to Katchatheevu island Though Vijays speech drew huge cheers among his followers, it has backfired in terms of India-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and also disturbed the actors followers in Sri Lanka. In Jaffna, the posters erected by his fan clubs have been brought down. Vijay has been the only Tamil actor to have a huge fan following in Sri Lanka. His films usually draw a huge crowd on the very first day in theatres in Colombo and other parts of the island nation. But sources say that his films are unlikely to hit the Sri Lankan cinemas in the near future due to his Katchatheevu statement. Katchatheevu's strategic importance Katchatheevu is an uninhabited island located 14.5 km south of Delft Island off the Jaffna Peninsula and 16 km northeast of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. It is said that the act of conceding the island has led to the frequent arrests of Indian fishermen who crossed the maritime borders while fishing. The political party leaders in Tamil Nadu argue that retrieving Katchatheevu will be a solution to the periodic arrests faced by the fishermen on charges of fishing illegally in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The talks about retrieving Katchatheevu had always been a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics, though it never fetched votes. In the recent past, the BJP and its former Tamil Nadu unit leader K. Annamalai raked up the issue, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech at Rameswaram. In the run-up to the 2024 elections, Modi, while speaking at a public rally, criticised the opposition Congress for ceding the island in 1974. He stated that the new revelations about the agreement were startling. In 1991, the Tamil Nadu assembly adopted a resolution demanding the retrieval of the Katchatheevu island. In 2008, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court arguing that the island should not have been ceded to the neighbouring country without an amendment. The final hearing in the case is scheduled to be held on September 15. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning on a two-day official visit to India. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Wadephul will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before leaving for New Delhi later in the day. On Wednesday, he will meet Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the national capital. "India is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. Our relations are close - politically, economically, culturally, Wadephul wrote on X ahead of his visit. #Indien ist Schlusselpartner im Indopazifik. Unsere Beziehungen sind eng - politisch, wirtschaftlich, kulturell. Der Ausbau unserer strategischen Partnerschaft hat viel Potenzial: von Sicherheitskooperation uber Innovation & Technologie bis zu #Fachkraftegewinnung. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/MDieD1fa63 Johann Wadephul (@AussenMinDE) September 1, 2025 The expansion of our strategic partnership has much potential: from security cooperation to innovation & technology to recruiting skilled workers. Amid the mounting geopolitical tension followed by US President Donald Trump's imposition of hefty tariffs on countries, Wadephul acknowledged that India plays a decisive role in shaping the world order. He also called for preserving the rules-based international order. "India's voice, that of the world's most populous country and largest democracy, is also heard beyond the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. That is why I am travelling today for talks to Bangalore and New Delhi," said Wadephul. The visit comes weeks after German Member of Parliament Jurgen Hardt met Jaishankar in New Delhi and discussed bilateral ties and global development. India and Germany are celebrating the milestone of completion of 25 years of Strategic Partnership, which came into force in 2000. The partnership was further strengthened by the launch of Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) at the level of Heads of Government in 2011. In May, Jaishankar had visited Germany and met Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The EAM had also held extensive discussions with Wadephul. During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further expand collaboration in key strategic areas including defence, digital technologies, AI, green and sustainable development and talent mobility. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments, reaffirming their countries shared position on combating terrorism without exception, upholding international law, and promoting a multipolar, rules-based international order, the MEA had said. Heralding celebrations, activist Manoj Jarange announced victory after the Maharashtra government accepted most of his demands, including giving Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas, on the fifth day of his indefinite fast. "We will leave Mumbai by 9 pm today if the Maharashtra government issues GRs (government resolutions) on the Maratha quota demands," Jarange said. The sub-committee accepted Jarange's demands to implement the Hyderabad Gazette and said Marathas with Kunbi records will be given caste certificates after conducting a proper inquiry. The activist has been on a hunger strike since August 29, demanding a 10 per cent quota for the Maratha community in government jobs and education. This would be possible if they were recognised as 'Kunbis', an agrarian caste who were included in the OBC category, hence making them eligible for reservation. What is the 'Hyderabad Gazette' of 1918? The Maratha community had a sizeable presence in Hyderabad that was ruled by the Nizams. In order to include them in the administrative affairs as well as in employment, the Nizam government issued an order granting them reservations. They were officially categorised as the 'Kunbi' community, which allowed them to access reservations in education and employment. This official order was published in the Gazette of the Hyderabad State in 1918, and hence it came to be known as the 'Hyderabad Gazette'. This is also the reason why the Hyderabad Gazette has been taken as a reference for the reservation demands for the Maratha community in Maharashtra. It contains the official documentation that the Maratha community has long been recognised as socially and educationally backward. The past few days have seen controversy erupting once again over a sweeping post-war blueprint for Gaza, dubbed the Gaza Riviera. The plan envisions transforming the war-torn territory into a revenue-generating hub under United States trusteeship, a scheme critics say disguises population displacement and economic exploitation as reconstruction. A leaked 38-page presentation, known as the Great Trust proposal, lays out a long-term strategy that has alarmed observers across the political spectrum and drawn widespread condemnation. At the centre of the document is the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (Great Trust). This body would see Gaza placed under US administration for at least a decade. First reported by the Financial Times and later published by The Washington Post, the proposal is said to have been driven by Israeli-American venture capitalist Michael Eisenberg and Israeli technology entrepreneur Liran Tancman. Employees from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) provided financial modelling, though BCG later stressed the work was unauthorised and dismissed two senior partners involved. Skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. This is what #US President Donald #Trump's vision for the so-called "#Gaza Riviera" looks like, according to a 38-page prospectus seen by the #WashingtonPost. @ofarry pic.twitter.com/Gy3oSM96fH FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) September 1, 2025 The Great Trust builds on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid scheme that experts already consider flawed. The GHF is designed to function for six to twelve months, offering what the presentation calls Hamas-free secure aid and temporary housing in so-called Hamas-free humanitarian transition areas. Once Hamas is dismantled, Israel would pass administrative authority to the US-run trust. The stated objective is to create a Gaza that is demilitarised and deradicalised before eventually transferring power to a reformed Palestinian authority aligned with the Abraham Accords. The documents most eye-catching vision is the creation of a Dubai-style coastal enclave. The Gaza Riviera is imagined as a landscape of luxury resorts, artificial islands, and up to eight AI-powered smart cities. These cities, inspired by nineteenth-century Parisian planning, would run on digital identity systems and AI-driven services, in effect creating an enclave of mass surveillance. The scheme also proposes an Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone straddling northern Gaza and southern Israel, where US electric vehicle companies could build solar-powered factories drawing on gas from the Gaza Marine field and a low-cost workforce. The financial promises are equally bold. The presentation claims a $100 billion investment from private sources could generate nearly four times its value within a decade, without any call on US government funds. Among the supposed strategic gains for Washington is access to $1.3 trillion worth of rare-earth minerals located in western Saudi Arabia. Yet the most contentious element is not the futuristic cityscapes but the mass displacement of Gazas population. The plan openly discusses the temporary relocation of more than two million Palestinians. It proposes paying residents $5,000 per person, alongside four years of rent subsidies in another country and one year of food support, to encourage them to volunteer to leave during reconstruction. The document calculates that each departure would save $23,000, or around $500 million for every one per cent of the population resettled. Landowners would be offered digital tokens redeemable for redevelopment rights, relocation abroad or future flats in the planned cities. For those who remained, housing would be minimal, with some units as small as 323 square feet. The proposal gained traction after a recent White House meeting attended by Donald Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British prime minister Tony Blair, all of whom discussed Gazas post-war future. Trump and Kushner have long backed such schemes, with Kushner publicly urging that Israel should move the people out and redevelop the territory. Blairs involvement has provoked scrutiny, given his past role as Middle East envoy and the reported participation of staff from his institute in related discussions. Blairs institute insists it neither authored nor endorsed the plan, while Blair himself has expressed support for a two-state solution. Notably, no Palestinian representatives or Arab states were invited to the White House session, despite the sweeping regional implications. Human rights groups describe the scheme as a blueprint for mass deportation and collective punishment, warning it could amount to forcible population transfer and demographic engineering, both considered international crimes. Geneva-based NGO Trial International called the proposal development marketed as ethnic cleansing and cautioned that those involved might face legal exposure for decades. Google has given its latest AI update, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, a playful nickname: Nano Banana. No wonder its been all over the internet this week. The tool can edit photos in seconds, and all you have to do is tell it what you want. It feels clever, quick and a little unsettling - the kind of thing that makes you wonder how much closer the future has just come. From long edits to instant results Editing photos used to mean patience, skill and expensive software. With Nano Banana, it takes less than 30 seconds. Want to swap your outfit, add a beach backdrop or add a missing friend into a family photo? Just type a request, and it happens. It does not stop at one change either. You can keep adding more. First brighten the picture, then add a bookshelf, then change your hairstyle. Through it all, the AI keeps your face looking like you. For students making projects, businesses working on quick marketing visuals, or anyone who just likes playing around with images, it feels less like a gimmick and more like a glimpse of what is coming next. It is very easy to use. You open the Gemini app on your phone or computer, upload a photo and type your instructions. Make the background a mountain at sunrise or Put me in a red jacket. Seconds later, the edited picture is ready. As Google explains it: At Google, we are committed to building AI tools that empower creativity while keeping safety at the forefront. With Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, nicknamed Nano Banana, we are making it easier for people to express ideas visually. To ensure responsible use, all generated images carry both visible watermarks and our invisible SynthID marker, so audiences can identify AI-assisted content. Exciting, but unsettling For all the hype, Nano Banana is not perfect. It still cannot do basics like cropping to a fixed size. And the bigger concern is deepfakes. Google has added watermarks, but visible ones can be cut away, and the invisible SynthID tag is not yet easy for the public to detect. What really has people hooked is that strange mix of excitement and unease it brings. It feels playful and powerful, but also a little unsettling. As one Reddit user put it perfectly: Its like Photoshop on fast-forward fun, impressive, and a bit scary too. Nano Banana is both playful and powerful. It shows how easily reality can now be reshaped, and why we may all need to look a little harder at the pictures we see. Amid Bulgarias claims that Russia jammed the GPS navigation signal on the plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Flightradar24, a flight tracker that shows air traffic in real-time, has issued a clarification countering the allegations. According to Flightradar, the aircraft's transponder reported good GPS signal quality from takeoff to landing. "We have seen media reports of GPS interference affecting the aircraft carrying Ursula von der Leyen to Plovdiv. The aircraft's transponder reported good GPS signal quality from takeoff to landing," Flightradar said in a statement. The statement also provided details of what it deduced from their data. The flight was scheduled to take 1 hour and 48 minutes. It took 1 hour and 57 minutes. The aircraft's transponder reported good GPS signal quality from take-off to landing, the statement on X added. We are seeing media reports of GPS interference affecting the plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen to Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Some reports claim that the aircraft was in a holding pattern for 1 hour. This is what we can deduce from our data. * The flight was scheduled to take 1 hour pic.twitter.com/qiSNfCTJtZ Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) September 1, 2025 This directly counters the EUs statement on Russia jamming the signals. Following reports of signal jamming, European Commission representative Arianna Podesta confirmed that GPS jamming had occurred. "We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they believe this was due to apparent interference from Russia," Podesta stressed, adding that the pilots had to use a paper map when landing in Plovdiv. von der Leyen's plane landed safely the EC chief would give a press conference in Romania on Tuesday. The Bulgarian Air Traffic Control confirmed that such an incident had indeed taken place. However, Russias press secretary Dmitry Peskov rubbished the accusations. "Your information is incorrect," Peskov told reporters, without elaborating further. This isnt the first time that Bulgaria has had complaints regarding GPS spamming. Since February 2022, the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority claimed to have had a "noticeable increase" in GPS incidents. The UK, in 2024, alleged that the plane carrying the UK's then-Defence Secretary Grant Schapps was subjected to a spoofing incident - in which legitimate signals are replaced with fake ones, indicating a false location. The plane was then flying near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania. Amid speculations about US President Donald Trump's health and his whereabouts in the past four days, critics are now blaming the Republican leader for covering up his alleged illness like his predecessor Joe Biden. This comes as the hashtag, 'Trump is Dead', trending on social media after the president disappeared from public eye for at least four days. Trump is set to hold a press meet at 2 pm local time (11.30 pm IST) but it is not clear whether the president will open up about his health issues. Recently, there have been concerns about Trump's health as the president was spotted walking unsteadily with swollen ankles. He was also seen with bruised hands but the White House claimed that it was because of constant hand-shaking and use of aspirin. NEW: Ex-*BIDEN* Admin Official Meghan Hayes HAS NERVE to sound alarm about Trump's health based on few days out of spotlight "I think that its really disconcerting. The president has been very vocal with press all the time. I think in August he spent 26 days doing public pic.twitter.com/f2aPlcEgJS Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) September 1, 2025 Even former allies like Nick Fuentes, a far-right political pundit and white nationalist, said there is obviously something going on with Trump and went on to say that "this is literally Biden 2". For the unversed, it should be noted that Biden was publicly diagnosed with Stage 5 prostate cancer in May 2025. However, the former president was slammed for keeping his diagnosis under wraps until the cancer advanced to Stage 5. Some even pointed out that Biden had admitted that he had cancer in a 2022 video. In the clip taken from a presser in Massachusetts, Biden says, "That's why I, and so damn many other people I grew up with, have cancer." But the White House had then dismissed his remarks as a typical gaffe from the Democrat. Following Biden's diagnosis, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr slammed the Democrat leader for covering up the diagnosis ahead of the 2024 presidential election from which he dropped out midway. In July, the White House revealed that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which was attributed as the cause of swollen lower legs. On Monday, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that he has "never felt better" in his life. He was responding to conservative commentator DC Draino, who pointed out that social media users have "comical double standards" when it comes to Biden and Trump. He pointed out that when Biden skipped public appearances for days, the media would still say he's "sharp" and "top of his game" even when "he was wearing diapers and napping". "President Trump puts in more public work hours than any other POTUS in US history and media freaks out if he disappears for 24 hours. Comical double standard," Draino said in the post. Revolut staff are in line for a bumper payday after the company launched a share sale that has pushed its valuation up to 55billion. Employees at the UK-based fintech firm have been told they can sell up to 20 per cent of their stock to new and existing investors, the Financial Times reported. That will crystallise the increasing value of the company, which was lodged at 33billion in a share sale last summer. A fund raising in July reportedly saw that pushed to 48billion. Earlier this year, Revolut revealed that annual profits had risen 149 per cent to 1.1billion in 2024. It obtained a UK banking licence with restrictions last year but is still working to achieve a full licence. The company aims to compete with traditional European banking giants and is targeting 100 million customers in 100 countries. Defence stocks rose yesterday after a major warship deal was announced and Europe stepped up planning for military deployments in Ukraine. FTSE 100-listed BAE Systems gained 1.9 per cent, or 33.5p, to 1791p after Norway unveiled a 10billion agreement to buy submarine-hunting Type 26 frigates made by the firm at its Glasgow shipyard. And Babcock, which makes ships and nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy, rose by 2.1 per cent, or 21p to 1037p, while Rolls-Royce advanced 2.8 per cent, or 30p, to 1100p. Germanys Rheinmetall, up 3.5 per cent, and Italys Leonardo, climbing 4.5 per cent, were also among the winners. Defence firms have gained strongly since Vladimir Putins tanks rolled into Ukraine in 2022, with BAEs value rising three-fold. The firms were given a further boost yesterday after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the Financial Times that European capitals were making pretty precise plans for potential deployments to Ukraine as part of any post-war security guarantees. Russ Mould, at broker AJ Bell, said Norways warship deal was tangible evidence of how the increased appetite among European countries to spend on their military capabilities could benefit the likes of BAE. Royal Mails parent company has demanded a level playing field on tax with parcel delivery rivals after taking a major hit from Labours National Insurance hike. Michael Snape, finance director at International Distribution Services (IDS), lashed out at competitors who did not have to pay the tax because, in many cases, their workers are not directly employed. And he said the company was in early talks with the Government over the issue. It has previously warned that it will take a 120million hit from Rachel Reeves Budget tax raid. IDS last year refused to rule out job cuts due to the Chancellors National Insurance hike. However, Snape yesterday said it did not believe there would be a direct association with job losses. But he considered the levies to be an unfair tax on our business model versus our competitors, adding: We take pride in the fact that we employ people. Talks: Royal Mail's parent company claims it is unfair its competitors avoid paying National Insurance because in many cases their workers are not directly employed Our competitors operate in a very different way so we bear the brunt of that increase in National Insurance far more than they do. Snape said conversations with the Government on the matter have started and are at very early stages. He added: The point that we make, whether its in relation to National Insurance or just otherwise, is: there should be a level playing field. Snape said of Royal Mails 130,000 employees: We give them a pension, we give them some security around work, we look after them our business is a people-run business. Our competitors is a very different approach which we dont think is fair on a commercial level or also how perhaps you should run a business in the UK. If there are any further taxes to come on businesses, we think they should be fair and proportionate and not target people such as ourselves who operate what we think is the best way of doing business. Snape did not name rivals, but DPD, Yodel and Evri treat many workers as self-employed rather than direct employees. IDS published its first set of annual results since a 3.6billion takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky known as the Czech Sphinx. It revealed losses narrowed to 8million for the year to the end of March from 348million a year earlier. Swiss food and drink giant Nestle has ousted its second chief executive in a year after boss Laurent Freixe failed to disclose an affair with a subordinate. Nestle, which owns Nescafe, KitKat and Haagen-Dazs among its enormous stable of consumer brands, told investors on Tuesday Freixe would be replaced by insider Philipp Navratil. It marks yet another setback for Nestle as it struggles to turn around a sustained slide in its share price after an uneven performance since the pandemic. Nestle shares were set to open 2.6 per cent lower on Tuesday, bringing one-year losses to just under 20 per cent. They have fallen by almost 40 per cent from their December 2021 peak. The dismissal of Freixe follows an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, which breached Nestle's code of business conduct. It comes a year after Freixe's predecessor Mark Schneider was suddenly ousted It comes a year after predecessor Mark Schneider was suddenly ousted, and less than three months after longstanding chair Paul Bulcke announced he would step down in one of the most turbulent periods in the company's history. Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'The Gold Blend maker has acted decisively, but investors will want to see that his indiscretion doesn't undermine the strategic overhaul he put into place following last year's appointment. 'The immediate replacement with the internal hire of Philipp Navratil, should go some way to limit the fallout from the scandal.' Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has urged Labour to prevent a wave of pub closures at the upcoming Budget. The television personality, who owns Michelin-starred gastropub The Hinds Head in Maidenhead, has said Rachel Reeves is running the risk of damaging 'the heart of Britain's social fabric.' Blumenthal, 59, called for permanent reform to the hated business rates system, as well as a lower VAT rate for venues. 'Pubs are at the heart of Britain's social fabric, offering far more than just a place to buy a pint, Blumenthal said. 'When a pub closes, it's not just a business lost; it's a piece of local heritage and of course somewhere to enjoy a drink and delicious food with great company.' Warning: Heston Blumenthal has urged Labour to prevent a wave of pub closures Launching a new campaign titled 'Save the Great British Pub: A Call to Protect a National Treasure', Blumenthal said the UK's 20 per cent VAT rate is one of the highest rates for hospitality in Europe. Lower taxes would ensure many pubs can stay open while also 'contributing positively towards economic recovery of the nation,' the campaign added. Some 89,000 jobs have been axed in restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels since Reeves' Budget last October, according to analysis of official figures by trade body UK Hospitality. And there are fears more tax rises would exacerbate worrying rates of venue closures and job losses. The industry was hit by a 500m increase in business rates in April alongside a barrage of other costs imposed by Labour. That included the national insurance hike and a sharp increase in the minimum wage. And the sector is grappling with high energy bills, which landlords say have tripled since the pandemic, while food prices have also risen in recent months. It is the latest plea for help from the industry after more than 600 landlords told Reeves she must fix the broken business rates system as pubs fight to stay afloat. Publicans told the Chancellor that 'many pubs are struggling to make ends meet' with 'intense cost pressures making survival increasingly difficult', The Mail revealed this week. Business rates are a local levy based on the value of a commercial property, meaning shops and pubs pay a premium compared to online giants such as Amazon. In its manifesto, the party promised to 'replace the business rates system, so we can raise the same revenue but in a fairer way'. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU antitrust regulators have delayed fining Alphabet's Google over its adtech business, while waiting for the United States to cut tariffs on European cars as part of a trade deal, three people with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday. Tariffs on cars were a big part of the negotiations that led to a trade deal between the United States and the European Union. The executive European Commission last week proposed to scrap tariffs on imported U.S. industrial goods and it expects an announcement soon from the United States on its promised cut in U.S. tariffs on European cars to 15% from 27.5%. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to retaliate against the EU for any push against Big Tech. Google was told on Friday that EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera would announce the fine on Monday but the announcement was not made and no explanation was given to the company, another source said. One of the sources said the delay was not expected to last more than a month and three said it was caused by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic asking questions about Ribera's decision without commenting on the delay's length. They asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the issue. Germany's Monopolies Commission called the delay to the announcement an alarming precedent for the independence of European antitrust enforcement. "The protection of competition must not become a pawn of the Trump administration," its chairman Tomaso Duso said in a statement. European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta told a daily news conference the Google investigation is ongoing and declined to comment further. Google also declined to comment. Google faces a modest fine for allegedly favouring its own advertising services over rivals following a four-year long investigation prompted by a European Publishers Council's complaint, other people had told Reuters last week. MLex was the first to report about the delay in the EU decision. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Barbara Lewis) Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) stock rose over 8% Wednesday after a federal district court judge ruled late Tuesday that Google wouldn't be forced to sell its Chrome browser after ruling divestment a "poor fit" in a landmark antitrust case. The ruling from District of Columbia judge Amit Mehta said the company will have to share data that helped it hold on to its search monopoly, but saw Google avoid the harshest potential remedies. As part of the decision, Mehta ruled that Google can continue to make payments to "distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or GenAI products." That allows for Google to continue to make its $20 billion per year payments to Apple (AAPL) in exchange for the iPhone maker using Google Search as the default search engine in its Safari browser and Siri. Apple stock rose almost 3% Wednesday. The Justice Department had pushed for a forced sale of the company's search business and for the judge to order an end to multibillion-dollar contracts that have all but assured Google's market dominance, moves the judge denied to make. "Plaintiffs have not shown that their behavioral remedies will be ineffective without the immediate divestiture of Chrome," Mehta said. The court's task, Mehta said, is to discern between conduct that maintains a monopoly through anticompetitive acts as distinct from conduct that fuels a monopoly's growth as a consequence of a superior product. "After two complete trials, this court cannot find that Google's market dominance is sufficiently attributable to its illegal conduct to justify divestiture," the judge said of Chrome, adding that such "radical structural relief" would require a more heightened causal connection. Judge Mehta also declined to grant the DOJ's request for a contingent divestment of Google's Android operating system, writing that the government "did not present any evidence to justify a contingent structural remedy." Throughout the decision, the judge noted the rise of search competition posed by generative AI, which he said presents "strong reasons not to jolt the system and to allow market forces to do the work." While Google will be able to keep Chrome and Android, as well as continue making payments to distribution partners, the company also has to make a number of changes. The search giant is barred from entering exclusive contracts related to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or Gemini. Google also can't condition the licensing of its Play Store or any other Google app on the distribution or preloading of other Google services or condition receiving revenue-sharing payments from one Google app on the placement of another app. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) Business School, one of Asias leading institutions, is considering plans to accept Bitcoin and other digital assets as payment for tuition fees and donations. Professor Hongbin Cai, dean of the school and Chair of Economics, announced the initiative during the CryptoFi Forum this week. All the technical details have been sorted out. We will take Bitcoin and digital currencies for tuition fees and donations in the future. Professor Hongbin Cai In a South China Morning Post report, the school confirmed that it is actively exploring digital currency payments, describing the effort as a sign of openness to financial innovation. HKU also aims to build a secure and sustainable framework to support research, regulation, and adoption of digital assets in partnership with industry leaders. Notably, Binance founder Changpeng, who also attended the forum, highlighted Hong Kongs potential to rival the United States and the United Arab Emirates as a major crypto hub, if the ongoing regulatory progress continues. HKUs Bitcoin Adoption Emphasizes Hong Kongs Push to Become a Global Virtual Asset Hub The HKU initiative is closely tied to Hong Kongs broader strategy to cement its role as a global hub for digital assets. On August 1, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) introduced a stablecoin licensing framework, which requires issuers of fiat-backed stablecoins to obtain approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The framework, which took effect on August 1, enforces strict compliance rules covering capital requirements, risk management, redemption rights, and anti-money laundering safeguards. The first licenses are now expected to be issued in early 2026, marking a critical step in Hong Kongs regulated approach to virtual assets. Professor Cai further acknowledged the financial risks of accepting crypto but emphasized the need for experimentation: If we lose money, we will be losing the money of the faculty Its ok, we can take care of it, but at least let us give it a try. Professor Hongbin Cai. It remains to be seen if the regulated adoption of cryptocurrencies for tuition and donation payments attracts capital inflow and enhances Hong Kongs reputation as a forward-looking financial center, as observed in recent years with early-movers like El Salvador and Bhutan. Best Wallet Presale in Demand as Bitcoin Adoption Grows in Hong Kong With universities like HKU exploring Bitcoin payments, the demand for secure multi-chain solutions is gaining momentum. Best Wallet (BEST) is positioning itself as a go-to platform for institutional investors and retail traders managing Bitcoin transactions alongside other digital assets. Quick check-in for this evening as we share some local news by way of police action, court cases and a noteworthy feature on families who protect & serve Kansas City. Check TKC news gathering . . . Police identify victims of 13th and Grand double homicide; no suspects arrested The investigation continues over a week after two young adults were shot and killed in downtown Kansas City. Two charged after chase, shooting at police in Independence Savannah Landers and Cyvauodis D. Brewer were arrested and charged after they ran and shot at police during a chase in Independence Prosecutors: Shots fired at officers during 97 mph police chase through Jackson County Two suspects face charges after a 97 mph police chase through Jackson County. Prosecutors say one of them fired shots at officers during the pursuit. Alleged Kansas City, Kansas, police killer appears in court on capital murder charge The 31-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man charged in the death earlier this week of KCK police Ofc. Hunter Simoncic, made his first appearance in court on Friday. Kansas City lands in top 10 US cities with the highest crime rates President Trump has threatened federal intervention in cities to fight crime, but Democrats allege he's ignoring crime problems in red states. Here are the 10 cities with the highest crime rates. Olathe Public Schools adopts new safety protocol amid renewed focus on school security Olathe Public Schools rolled out a new safety system this year. The new system covers a wider range of emergencies and uses clear, consistent language. Family Ties Bring Army Veteran to KCPD The plan also included following her fathers path. He served in the Army before serving more than 30 years at KCPD. Seeing her dad succeed and wanting to work in outside of an office atmosphere, she joined KCPD, graduating in 2019. Developing . . . Once again locals united near the Country Club Plaza to express opposition against the Trump Administration and Missouri's Republican Party. Some mainstream news reports confirm about 500 but the crowd easily reached about 2,000 at its height. One thing NOBODY ELSE will mention . . . It was ALMOST COMPLETELY WHITE. Only a few union reps from the East side bothered to attend and TKC noticed relatively few Latinos in the crowd. Nevertheless . . . It was an important gathering and it's good to pay attention whenever people get off of the couch and into the street. Here's a bit of progressive promo and a roundup of local coverage . . . Joining anti-Trump rallies across the country on Labor Day, workers, civil rights advocates and ordinary citizens gathered at Mill Creek Park Fountain on the Plaza. The Kansas City protests took aim at the presidents effort to maintain Republican control of Congress by altering blue districts to favor his party. More than 500 loud and energetic protestors lined 47th Street, Broadway Blvd., and snaked around the Mill Creek Fountain Park up Main Street, bobbing placards and signs reading Save Democracy, End Gerrymandering, and Hands Off Our Districts. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Crowd in Kansas City protests possible redistricting ahead of special session A rainy Labor Day protest still brought out hundreds of people to the Country Club Plaza and Mill Creek Park to protest the redistricting plan that's been pushed by the White House and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe. Hundreds protest outside Plaza as legislators get called back to Jefferson City The demonstration was hard to miss at Mill Creek Park near the Plaza as protesters took over the corners of the street, encouraging passersby to honk. Labor Day rally against redistricting draws large crowd days before special session A crowd of over 1,000 city workers, unions and local allies swelled Mill Creek Park on the County Club Plaza to protest Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's redistricting efforts in a Labor Day rally Monday. Developing . . . TIANJIN, China, September 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Xi Yinfen, Executive Vice President of the PowerChina Group, in the Chinese city of Tianjin on September 2, Trend reports. During the meeting, the sides hailed the company's successful operations in Azerbaijan. The discussions focused on the cooperation in the fields of green energy, environmental protection, water resources management, wastewater treatment, power generation and green hydrogen projects, construction, and production of equipment. The sides also exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the construction of solar and wind power plants, integration of "smart energy systems" and training of local specialists. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr. Luong Cuong, Trend reports. ''Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to the friendly people of Vietnam, our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Having undergone a remarkable development, today, Vietnam has made significant strides and successes in all areas. The level of development of Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations based on good traditions is gratifying. The state visit of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, to Azerbaijan in May is of particular importance in terms of the development of our bilateral relations. The documents signed in a number of spheres as part of the visit, particularly the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, have elevated Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations to a higher level. Currently, there is a great potential for cooperation between our countries in the fields of economy, trade, culture, education, energy, transport, and other areas. I would like to specially note our fruitful cooperation within international organizations based on mutual trust and support. We are determined to further develop our interstate relations built on solid foundations. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to enhance relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, and to further expand our bilateral and multilateral cooperation in line with the interests of our friendly peoples. On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Vietnam,'' the letter reads. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan TIANJIN, China, September 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Mo Dingge, Chairman of China National Chemical Engineering Corporation Limited (CNCEC), in the Chinese city of Tianjin on September 2, Trend reports. During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the company across the petrochemical industry, oil refining activities, and the manufacturing of petrochemical products. The CNCEC Chairman noted the favorable investment climate existing in Azerbaijan. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Framework Agreement signed between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the China National Chemical Engineering and Construction Corporation "Seven LTD" was exchanged in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev and CNCEC Chairman Mo Dingge. The document envisages the implementation of joint projects in Azerbaijan and third countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The level of development of Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations based on good traditions is gratifying. The state visit of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. To Lam, to Azerbaijan in May is of particular importance in terms of the development of our bilateral relations. The documents signed in a number of spheres as part of the visit, particularly the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, have elevated Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations to a higher level, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his letter of congratulations to President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the countrys independence. In his message, President Ilham Aliyev extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Luong Cuong and the friendly people of Vietnam on his own behalf and on behalf of the Azerbaijani people, noting: Having undergone a remarkable development, today, Vietnam has made significant strides and successes in all areas. Currently, there is a great potential for cooperation between our countries in the fields of economy, trade, culture, education, energy, transport, and other areas. I would like to specially note our fruitful cooperation within international organizations based on mutual trust and support. We are determined to further develop our interstate relations built on solid foundations, the head of state mentioned. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to enhance relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, and to further expand our bilateral and multilateral cooperation in line with the interests of our friendly peoples, President Ilham Aliyev added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will close its representative office in Azerbaijan by decision of the country's government on September 3, 2025, a source in the office told Trend. The source mentioned that the ICRC will keep in touch with the Azerbaijani authorities to back up individuals covered by international humanitarian law (IHL), in line with its mandate and the country's commitments under the Geneva Conventions. "We intend to continue our dialogue on humanitarian diplomacy, IHR, and other humanitarian issues of common interest. Since 1992, the ICRC has helped meet the urgent needs of people affected by the conflict, provided psychosocial support to affected people, improved critical infrastructure, and implemented mine risk education and safe behavior projects in areas contaminated by mines and other explosive ordnance. The ICRC has supported the authorities in promoting the implementation of international humanitarian law and clarifying the fate of people missing in connection with the conflict. We have visited those detained in connection with the conflict, monitored their conditions of detention and treatment, and helped maintain contact with their families. In all our work, we have worked closely with our partners, such as the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, ministries, and government agencies, as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies," the source added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Rajendra Jadhav MUMBAI (Reuters) -India is expected to purchase a record volume of cotton from farmers in the upcoming season, as domestic prices face pressure from cheaper imports and weakening demand following hefty U.S. tariffs on textile exports, industry officials told Reuters. Cotton consumption in the world's second-largest producer has slowed, with exporters reporting a sharp decline in orders from the United States, which accounts for nearly 29% of India's $38 billion in annual textile exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Demand has slowed down, and that's hurting the industry. In this kind of market, farmers are unlikely to get the promised support price for their cotton," Atul Ganatra, president of the Cotton Association of India, told Reuters. The government will have to step in and buy a record amount of cotton maybe around 14 million bales, Ganatra said. India has raised the price at which it will buy new-season cotton from domestic farmers by 7.8% to 8,110 rupees per 100 kg, but local market prices are hovering around 7,000 rupees. Prices are expected to come under pressure from next month due to rising supplies from the new season's crop and the arrival of cheaper imported cotton, said Pradeep Jain, a ginner based in Jalgaon in the western state of Maharashtra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, India extended an import duty exemption on cotton by three months, until the end of December. Farmers usually sell their crop to the state-run Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) whenever prices fall below the government-set floor price. In the 2024/25 marketing year, which ends this month, CCI spent a record 374.36 billion rupees to buy 10 million bales from farmers. "There is no limit or target for buying cotton from farmers in the new season. We will buy the entire quantity that farmers bring to CCI," Lalit Kumar Gupta, managing director of CCI told Reuters. The CCI is planning to increase the number of procurement centres by 10% to 550 in the new season and has the capacity to purchase more than 20 million bales, Gupta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December quarter, India could import more than 2 million bales, said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house. "Imported cotton is not only cheaper but also better in quality. So, textile mills will be busy using it even when local supply is at its peak, which will push down domestic prices, the dealer said. (1 Indian bale = 170 kg) (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Vijay Kishore) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, is on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Ministry of Defense told Trend. Colonel General Hasanov attended the ceremony dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on September 2. The event at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, attended by state officials, foreign delegations, and a large number of citizens, commemorated Vietnam's historic struggle for freedom and highlighted the people's achievements on the way to national unity and socialist development. The ceremony included official speeches, literary and artistic compositions, a military orchestra performance, various cultural programs, and a military parade dedicated to the significant day. The defense minister is scheduled to hold meetings with the head of state and the military leadership of Vietnam. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. On September 1, 2025, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov visited the Federative Republic of Brazil, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA. This was reported to Trend by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit to Brazil, the fifth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federative Republic of Brazil took place. The delegations were headed by Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov on the Azerbaijani side and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Laura da Rocha on the Brazilian side. The consultations included a broad exchange of views on the current state and prospects for the development of relations between the two countries in the political, economic, energy, transport, educational, tourism, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, as well as mutual support for the creation of a legal framework in these areas. The Brazilian side expressed its congratulations on the historic agreements reached during the Washington summit on August 8 this year. In turn, speaking about the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace agenda, the Deputy Minister, Mammadov, also drew attention to the fact that on September 1, the OSCE Ministerial Council closed the Minsk process and related OSCE structures. During the visit, the Deputy Minister was received by Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. At the meeting, Alckmin recalled with satisfaction his visit to Azerbaijan in November last year as head of the Brazilian delegation participating in COP29 and his meeting with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, noting the importance of developing friendly relations and cooperation between our countries. In this context, Alckmin wished success to the political consultations, as well as to the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, which was held in Brazil. Expressing his agreement on multilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the COP trio format, Alckmin highly appreciated Azerbaijan's contribution to the global climate agenda. At a meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, the successful development of political dialogue between our countries and the growth in trade turnover were highlighted. It was noted that cooperation in a multilateral format is continuing successfully. The signing ceremony for the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil took place during the meeting. The agreement was signed on behalf of Azerbaijan by Rashad Novruz, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Federative Republic of Brazil, and on behalf of the Federative Republic of Brazil by Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov gave an interview to the Brazilian state news agency Empresa Brasil de Comunicacao and the private television channel SBT. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan TIANJIN, China, September 2. Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to China has been published on his social media accounts. Trend presents the post: President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to China (30.08.-02.09.2025). BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. On September 2, the trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued, Trend reports. The open court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with a translator in his preferred language, Russian, and a lawyer of his choice for his defense. Before the questioning, Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the rights and obligations under the law to the victims and their legal successors attending the trial for the first time. Subsequently, the court heard testimonies from the victims and their legal successors. Sima Tanriverdiyeva, the mother and legal successor of victim Ayaz Nazirov, responded to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, stating that her son was killed in Kalbajar as a result of enemy provocation. Shahbaz Gasimov, the father and legal successor of victim Garib Gasimov, testified that his son was killed in Khojavend due to gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Responding to questions from Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments, Mahammadali Jafarov, the legal successor of victim Ravan Jafarov, stated that his son was killed in Khojavend as a result of enemy gunfire. Victim Mirza Agayev testified that he was wounded in Khojavend due to enemy gunfire. Victim Zakir Mirzayev stated in his testimony that he was injured in Khojavend, in the direction of Girmizi Bazar, due to the explosion of a hand grenade thrown by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. Responding to a question from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victim Asim Musayev noted that while grazing livestock in the Soyudlu pasture of Kalbajar, more than 30 artillery shells were fired by the enemy, resulting in injuries to him and others nearby, as well as the loss of over 350 animals. Victim Atamali Malikov testified that he was subjected to artillery fire by the enemy in the Khankendi area, sustaining injuries to his abdomen and back. He underwent six surgeries due to his wounds. Victim Namiq Hashimov stated that, despite visible identification markings, the ambulance he was in was fired upon by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Agdam direction, resulting in injuries to himself and five others. Responding to questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for the Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor Generals Office, victim Madat Sabirzada testified that he was wounded during enemy provocations in Khojaly, and five others with him were killed. Victim Tahrun Asgarov emphasized in his testimony that he sustained a traumatic brain injury due to gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Agdara direction. Turan Balashzada testified that his brother, Royal Balashzada, was shot and killed by a sniper in the Kalbajar district. In response to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Sadiq Mammadaali stated that he was wounded in the leg due to artillery fire from the enemy in the Kalbajar direction. Victim Aziz Azizov testified that he sustained a traumatic brain injury from mortar fire by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Khojavend. Victim Bahlul Agayev noted that he was wounded in the left arm due to enemy gunfire in Khojavend, and one other person was killed. Fuad Gurbanli reported being wounded in the Agdara direction due to enemy gunfire, with his right leg amputated below the knee. Khayal Masimov and Nurlan Rafizada stated they were injured due to mortar fire. Victim Urfan Mammadov testified that he sustained multiple shrapnel wounds and a traumatic brain injury from enemy artillery fire in Khojavend, and three of his comrades were killed. Parvin Allahverdiyev reported being wounded in the arm by sniper fire in Khojavend, while Elsevar Akhundov stated he was injured in the arm and leg and sustained a traumatic brain injury from a mortar shell explosion near him in Agdara. Victim Namat Bagirov testified that, due to a mortar shell explosion by the enemy in the Dashkasan district, Khayal Suleymanov and Javidan Badalov were killed, and he was injured. Hasan Mahiyaddinli stated that he was wounded when the vehicle he was in was fired upon by the enemy in the Janyatag village area of Agdara district. Radim Garakhanov reported sustaining injuries from gunfire by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Agdam district. Answering questions from Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, victim Haji Bagirov stated that he, Nasimi Hajiyev, and Vusal Ibrahimov were injured due to a mortar shell explosion by the enemy in the Agdara district. Tural Azimov and Mahammad Bagiyev reported being wounded in the Agdam district, and Hazrat Ismayilov in Agdara, due to enemy gunfire. Victim Goshgar Sharbatov testified that, while evacuating injured persons in Khojavend, an ambulance with distinguishing markings was hit by enemy shelling, resulting in his injury. Other victimsNurali Shikhaliyev, Rasif Maharramov, Mazahir Aliyev, Amin Mammadov, Javid Shirvanov, Muslum Aliyev, Shahin Safarov, Umid Ibrahimli, Shahriyar Iskandarov, Eldaniz Dadashov, Amrah Hasanov, Vusal Abbasli, Shirin Hashimov, Kenan Sofiyev, Amir Nabiyev, Jamaleddin Mikayilli, and Kenan Mustafayevtestified that they sustained injuries due to enemy provocations. Victim Amid Guliyev was reported to have sustained bullet wounds to both legs below the knees from enemy gunfire in the Farrukh village of Khojaly district, in a forested area. Subsequently, the court announced the forensic medical examination reports concerning the victims. The next court session is scheduled for September 9. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under Azerbaijans Criminal Code with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on September 2 at the Baku Military Court, Trend reports. The open court session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that Vardanyan was provided with a Russian-language interpreter and a defense lawyer of his choice. Before questioning, Judge Aghayev explained the legal rights and obligations to victims and their legal heirs attending the trial for the first time. The next court session is scheduled for September 9. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan Fuad Muradov met with Director of the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences of Canada, Professor Deirdre Haskell, a source in the committee told Trend. Warmly welcoming the guest, the committee chairman spoke about the multifaceted diaspora policy implemented under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and provided information about the idea of creating a unified diaspora network of Azerbaijanis living abroad. During the meeting, extensive information was provided about the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad held in Baku, the cooperation of Azerbaijani scientists with prestigious foreign research centers and higher education institutions, joint scientific research, conferences, and trainings conducted within the framework of these cooperations. The meeting noted that currently hundreds of Azerbaijani scientists work in world-famous universities and scientific research centers, and their inventions are applied in many places, and the Azerbaijani state always pays attention to the activities of scientists abroad and attaches special importance to strengthening their relations with Azerbaijan. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Haskell pointed out that this was her first trip to Azerbaijan and that her initial experience had really stood out to her. The professor said that she was aware of the successes of Azerbaijani scientists and the training of personnel in our country in accordance with international standards and was also interested in expanding scientific exchange between scientists. Muradov emphasized the importance of involving mathematicians from the Azerbaijani diaspora in the projects implemented by the Fields Institute and brought to the attention of the guest the possibilities of the committee to provide any support to these projects within the framework of the legislation. The guest also noted that she was at ADA University to discuss cooperation issues and shared her views on the conditions created for students and scientists there. The first Azerbaijani scientist awarded the Fields Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, Masud Afandiyev, has been closely involved in the establishment and development of relations between the committee and the aforementioned institute for several years. At the meeting, Afandiyev highlighted the critical significance of collaborative scientific endeavors, underscoring the pivotal function of the State Committee on Diaspora Engagement in fostering and amplifying synergies between the global scientific community and Azerbaijani researchers operating abroad. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Resources, Major General Mirsad Ahmic, attended the graduation ceremony of the Military Academy for 14 members of the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in the Republic of Turkiye, Trend reports. This graduation marked the culmination of several years of intensive education, training, and professional development, during which the participants acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out responsible duties within the defence system. The formal officer graduation ceremony was held in Ankara on August 30, 2025, at the Land Forces Military Academy of the National Defence University of Turkiye, attended by senior state and military officials, families, and friends. Upon completion of the Military Academy, 14 personnel from Bosnia and Herzegovina were commissioned as second lieutenants and will begin their professional officer careers in the Armed Forces of BiH. This achievement represents not only personal dedication and perseverance but also a contribution to strengthening the countrys security system. General Ahmic had the honor of presenting diplomas to two BiH Armed Forces members, Harun Basic and Faris Avdanovic, who achieved above-average results during their education and ranked among the top 20 cadets out of 1,405 graduates at the academy. The BiH Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces delegation attending the ceremony included: Brigadier Muhamed Dautovic from the Minister of Defences Cabinet, Brigadier Izudin Muharemovic, Military Attache of the BiH Armed Forces in Ankara, and Colonel Hajrudin Klepic, Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the BiH Armed Forces. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko uric held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, during which they discussed issues of bilateral interest as well as current geopolitical topics, Trend reports. The head of Serbian diplomacy expressed gratitude for Somalias support of Serbias territorial integrity and sovereignty, while also emphasizing that Serbia fully respects Somalias territorial integrity and sovereignty. uric highlighted that Serbia is proud of its traditionally good relations and decades-long friendship with Somalia, and added that Serbia is firmly committed to further developing and deepening overall relations with this African countryin areas such as the economy, agriculture, construction, education, as well as in international multilateral forums. Both sides emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter, avoiding dangerous precedents. Minister uric also provided his counterpart with detailed information on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, underlining its exceptional significance for the Serbian peoplenot only territorially, but also historically, state-building, religiously, economically, and politically, as well as its geopolitical implications in international relations. Serbia pursues an independent foreign policy, based on the principles of military neutrality, which entails cultivating relations and cooperation with all relevant geopolitical, military, and economic partners worldwide, Minister uric stressed. He added that conducting such a policy in the current international environment is not easy, but it is the right course of action and in the interest of the Republic of Serbia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob participated in the main leaders panel at this years Bled Strategic Forum, together with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Trend reports. This years panel focused on the topic of European Union enlargement. Prime Minister Golob emphasized that for EU enlargement, it is crucial that candidate countries are as proactive as possible, while the European Commission must also take multiple proactive steps. He added that the EU itself should adopt certain reforms as soon as possible. He noted that EU enlargement may appear simple at first glance, but beyond political decisions, it is a meritocratic technical process, and there are no shortcuts. Golob expressed confidence in Commissioner Koss work, stating: I believe the enlargement process is in very good hands. Golob highlighted an opportunity arising from unfortunate circumstances: following Russias aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainedespite being at waris implementing institutional reforms rapidly. This leaves no excuse for the European Commission when it demands an acceleration of the accession process. It will be difficult to say no to people at war if and when they meet all conditions. This is a window of opportunity for the Western Balkans. Two years ago, we said the window had opened. So now it is more or less a now or never moment, he said, adding that this window may close again in five years. The Prime Minister also noted changes in the approach to EU enlargement: In the past, enlargement was always seen as a collective process for the entire Western Balkans, since large countries should never be left behind. That was the old story. I believe large countries will follow only when they see smaller countries succeeding. It is important to let those who deserve it progress. Earlier in the day at Bled, Prime Minister Golob held a bilateral meeting with Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, discussing the situation in the Middle East. Minister Abdelatty thanked Slovenia for its principled stance on Palestine, and they also explored ways to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. Golob also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank with UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillip Lazzarini, focusing on the worsening challenges faced by UNRWA. The Prime Minister also met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, thanking Jordan for its role in regional stability, particularly regarding Gaza and the West Bank, and expressing satisfaction over King Abdullah IIs planned participation as an honorary guest at the October MED9 Summit hosted by Slovenia. Golob met with NATO Deputy Secretary-General Radmila Sekerinska, where they expressed support for Ukraines defense and welcomed efforts toward achieving lasting peace. Golob reiterated that Slovenia will continue to strengthen national resilience and meet its confirmed defense capability goals in accordance with the parliamentary-approved resolution. During a working lunch, the Prime Minister hosted members of the European Commission attending the forum, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, and Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela. The discussion focused on current foreign policy issues, particularly the situation in Gaza. Golob reaffirmed Slovenias clear stance that the EU, as its most important trading partner, must increase pressure on the Israeli government to stop the atrocities in Gaza. At the conclusion of the day, the Prime Minister also met with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, discussing current foreign trade challenges, with a focus on trade negotiations with the United States. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced new regulations allowing chartered accountants (CAs) to establish minor companies in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The move is intended to relax the existing exclusivity rules for CAs and enhance India's standing in the global accounting sector, the Times of India reported. The GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC) is being developed to attract a significant number of bookkeeping, accounting, taxation and financial crime compliance services (BATF) practices from across the country. Previously, CAs who were partners in a company were prohibited from joining any other company to prevent monopolistic practices concerning work related to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). However, the ICAI has recently clarified that establishing a similar (mirror) company in the GIFT IFSC does not violate the exclusivity rule that applies to work within India. Aniket Talati, the former president of ICAI, said: Earlier, a CA could not join another CA firm to avoid losing out on RBI and CAG empanelment works. However, IFSCA has offered a new opportunity, and to ensure GIFT City emerges as a global financial services hub, this relaxation has been given. The ICAI is expected to announce the norms soon. If a CA firm with offices in other cities in India opens a mirror firm with similar partners, it will not lose exclusivity. This will enable CA firms from across the country to set up base at GIFT IFSC without losing out on domestic work. Additionally, the ICAI has granted CAs the ability to retain two Certificates of Practice (COPs) one in India and another in foreign jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand thereby allowing them to operate internationally. Current ICAI president Charanjot Singh Nanda was quoted by the news agency as saying: With our reforms, CAs can have two COPs now and provide outsourcing accounting services. We have decided that a CA can have two COPs, also to ensure India becomes a global leader in accounting. Until now, a CA with a COP of India was not allowed to obtain a COP of another country. Now, we will allow COPs of countries like the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, among some others. "Indias ICAI permits CAs to establish mirror companies in GIFT City" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. During her visit to Lithuania, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had her finger on the pulse, zeroing in on one of the countrys most pressing prioritiesbolstering the security of its borders, Trend reports. The meeting between von der Leyen, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, and a delegation that included representatives from the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and other institutions unfolded right at the doorstep of Lithuanias border with Belarus. The talks shone a light on the collaborative spirit of the Baltic states and Poland as they band together to safeguard the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union. The initiative is all hands on deck with coordinated defense planning, operational cooperation, and a seamless fit into NATO defense strategies, spanning a whopping 2,300 kilometers. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are developing the Baltic Defense Line while simultaneously working with Poland on the East Shield project to enhance security in the Suwaki corridor. Lithuanias Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas presented the countrys border defense capabilities to von der Leyen, outlining steps being taken to deter and prevent potential threats, as well as measures to reinforce the security of critical corridors. He stressed that ensuring border security has become a priority for the European Union, with joint efforts aimed at securing EU funding for counter-mobility and border defense measures. Godliauskas underscored the collective accountability of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland in safeguarding the European Union's external boundary. He articulated that synergistic collaboration in fortifying defense infrastructure exemplifies a robust dedication to preserving the stability of Europe. The quartet of nations is engaging in synergistic collaboration to optimize funding for the SAFE program and anticipates that forthcoming EU fiscal architectures will allocate capital for border defense strategies. Strategic initiatives encompass collaborative synergies with Finland, facilitating an integrated defense framework for the entirety of the eastern frontier. Godliauskas underlined that border defense goes beyond physical barriers, encompassing the combined efforts of armed forces, government institutions, local authorities, and national defense industries. Lithuania continues to expand its counter-mobility measures, including obstacles at border crossing points, fortified defense positions, and the development of engineering facilities to store barriers such as dragons teeth, hedgehogs, concertina wire, and concrete blocks. Additional strategies encompass bolstering fluvial transit points, sustaining sylvan buffer zones, and augmenting tactical excavation proficiencies. The synergistic initiatives are designed to establish a robust defensive architecture that amalgamates terrestrial, maritime, and aerial capabilities, with a pronounced focus on unmanned aerial vehicle operations, anti-drone frameworks, reconnaissance, and electronic combat strategies. As articulated by Godliauskas, recent occurrences highlight the critical necessity of comprehensive integration of diverse operational capabilities to optimize efficacy in border security measures. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. At the international Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, Lithuanias acting Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys caught up with North Macedonias Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Timco Mucunski, Trend reports. During the meeting, Budrys made it clear that Lithuania is all in when it comes to a merit-based EU enlargement process and is throwing its weight behind North Macedonias dream of joining the European Union. According to him, the EU's enlargement keeps playing a crucial role in bringing about stability, boosting prosperity, and securing safety in Europes neighborhood. Lithuanias EU membership has really taken off, which is why we back other countries working towards European integration and carrying out the necessary reforms and commitments. We are all set to pass on our experience with North Macedonia, Budrys said. The Lithuanian minister rolled out the red carpet for his North Macedonian counterpart, inviting him to Lithuania to chew the fat on important bilateral and regional matters. Note that this year marks the three-decade milestone of the inception of diplomatic engagement between Lithuania and North Macedonia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin has become a significant milestone in international politics. For Kazakhstan, this event carried special importance, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev not only participated in discussions but also presented concrete, well-thought-out proposals. His vision aims to make the SCO an even more effective and influential platform. These initiatives, rooted in strategic domestic reforms, are designed to strengthen regional cooperation in politics, economics, and environmental protection. President Tokayev placed particular emphasis on reinforcing strategic partnerships and mutual support within the SCO. He stressed that in the context of escalating geopolitical conflicts and sanction pressures, the organization should serve as a permanently functioning platform for broad political interaction, the strengthening of mutual trust in the international community, the development of humanitarian cooperation, and intercivilizational dialogue. This vision aligns with the fundamental principles of the SCO, based on the Shanghai Spirit - mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and a commitment to joint development. Kazakhstan, as a member state, actively advocates adherence to these principles. One of the key areas proposed by President Tokayev is enhanced cooperation in security. Given rising threats such as international terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, joint action is considered the only effective way to address them. Kazakhstan supported the initiative to establish four SCO centers dedicated to tackling these challenges. The importance of assisting Afghanistan in its recovery and integrating it into regional economic processes was also highlighted. Kazakhstan has already begun constructing infrastructure and logistics projects in Afghanistan, strengthening regional connectivity. Tokayev also called for reforming the United Nations, noting the urgent need to reform its key body, the Security Council. This statement underscores Kazakhstans commitment to creating a fairer and more sustainable world order in which every country has a voice. In the economic sphere, President Tokayev emphasized expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation. Since the SCOs establishment, our countries contribution to global GDP has doubled, reaching 30 percent. Intra-regional trade has also grown impressively, reaching over $650 billion in 2024. Kazakhstans trade turnover with SCO countries continues to rise steadily, approaching $70 billion last year. Kazakhstan supports Chinas initiative to create an SCO Development Bank and is ready to participate in this promising project, Tokayev noted. In this context, the 8th KazakhstanChina Business Council meeting was another key event, attended by President Tokayev and Chinas First Vice Premier Ding Xuesong. Over 500 government and business representatives from both countries participated, including executives from more than 70 major Chinese corporations. According to the president, China has already invested $27 billion in Kazakhstans economy, and over 6,000 enterprises with Chinese capital, including CNPC, CITIC, SINOPEC, and HUAWEI, operate successfully in the country. More than 70 commercial agreements totaling over $15 billion were signed during the meeting. At the summit, President Tokayev proposed several concrete steps for further development: Support for the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, highlighting its potential as a financial institution for advancing member states economies. Creating an SCO Office at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to facilitate investment projects and consolidate corporate activities. Strengthening cooperation in transit and transport was a top priority. Tokayev highlighted the enormous potential of projects such as One Belt, One Road, the NorthSouth and EastWest transport corridors, and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kazakhstan currently handles 85 percent of all continental cargo transport between China and Europe, and the capacity of the DostykMoyynty section will increase fivefold with the introduction of second tracks. Last year, 4.5 million tons of cargo were transported via the Trans-Caspian route (a 62 percent increase), and the goal is to raise this figure to 10 million tons in the near future. Joint infrastructure projects, including the KazakhstanChina logistics terminal in Lianyungang port, the dry port in Xian, and increased transit via Aktau and Kuryk ports, open new opportunities for businesses. President Tokayev also stressed the urgent need to boost cooperation in high-tech sectors and digitalization. With the AI market projected to reach $5 trillion by 2033, he expressed confidence that the SCO could become a global leader in this area. Practical steps include establishing an SCO Expert Forum on Artificial Intelligence and hosting a high-level AI conference. The first such meeting is planned to take place in Astana on the sidelines of the prestigious Digital Bridge forum. Furthermore, in 2027, Kazakhstan plans to organize a High-Level Conference on Artificial Intelligence for SCO Economies. Next year, media representatives from SCO countries will be invited to discuss issues in information policy in the new technological era, Tokayev said. Special attention was also given to energy and industrial projects with Chinese partners. In Atyrau, a Sinopec-led polyethylene plant with a capacity of 1.25 million tons per year and investments of $7.4 billion has begun construction. Plans are underway to modernize the Shymkent Refinery with CNPC participation, increasing its capacity to 12 million tons. Other key projects include renewable energy development with China Power International Holding and China Energy, a 160 MW combined-cycle plant in Mangystau with China Huadian Corporation, and a urea plant in Aktobe region. Steps toward implementing Kazakhstans plans are already underway. During a meeting with CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang, the president emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, thanked the company for its contributions to Kazakhstans energy sector, and confirmed readiness to implement new joint initiatives. Equally important was the dialogue with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). During a meeting with its president Jin Liqun, prospects for cooperation in transport, energy, healthcare, and green technologies were discussed. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to serve as a regional platform for the Banks expanded activities. AIIB has already supported projects in Kazakhstan totaling over $2 billion, including a wind farm in Zhambyl region, the ZhezkazganKaraganda road, and a multi-specialty hospital in Kokshetau. President Tokayev also addressed environmental issues. Kazakhstan proposed establishing an SCO Center for Water Studies, an important step in combating climate change. This proposal was supported by SCO member states, who also agreed to hold a Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under UN auspices. Climate challenges know no borders and affect many countries and regions worldwide. It is essential to jointly develop effective strategies to tackle real threats, such as desertification, droughts, water shortages, glacier melt, and other environmental problems. That is why we support the creation of an SCO Center for Water Studies in Kazakhstan, Tokayev said. President Tokayevs proposals at the SCO summit reflect not only Kazakhstans ambitions but also its commitment to constructive and balanced cooperation. They aim to strengthen the SCO as a key player in global politics and economics while addressing common challenges faced by all member states. Initiatives in security, economy, and the environment demonstrate Kazakhstans readiness to lead in these areas. As Tokayev himself noted, it is important to approach the SCOs 25th anniversary thoughtfully and rationally to achieve meaningful, mature practical results for the peoples of the region. Kazakhstans participation in the summit demonstrates its proactive foreign policy, focused on partnership, stability, and sustainable development. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China exceeded $14 billion last year and has grown by another 23 percent since the beginning of this year, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek president's office. This was announced during the meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Peoples Republic of China Xi Jinping, held with the participation of official delegations of both countries. The sides set a goal to raise bilateral trade to $20 billion, driven by the mutual supply of industrial and agricultural products. The investment portfolio of joint projects has already surpassed $60 billion, with 64 projects worth more than $10 billion launched in 2024. In Uzbekistans regions, joint technoparks and special industrial zones are operating, while the production of BYD electric vehicles is expanding with an increasing level of localization. On the eve of the visit, a successful business forum was held, where promising projects were explored in the fields of green energy and energy efficiency, modernization and digitalization of public transport, construction of toll highways, deep processing of critical minerals, as well as in chemistry, water management, agriculture, tourism, and urban development. Comprehensive partnerships with Chinas Eximbank, the State Development Bank, the Silk Road Fund, and other institutions are expanding. With the support of Eximbank, construction of the Olympic Village in Tashkent was recently completed. The heads of state pointed out that in recent years, a significant breakthrough has come about in bilateral relations. They were really pleased with how contacts have been picking up at all levels, how political dialogue has been ramping up, and how theyve been backing each other on key issues. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the One China policy and the joint fight against the three evilsterrorism, extremism, and separatism. The leaders also praised the intensification of interregional exchanges and agreed to continue expert cooperation on poverty eradication programs in Uzbekistan, drawing on Chinas experience. President Mirziyoyev proposed the creation of an Uzbek-Chinese Center for Artificial Intelligence Development to promote innovation projects and train specialists. The meeting also welcomed the launch of the practical phase of the strategic China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. To facilitate the growth of tourism, the two countries are increasing the number of flights and have introduced a visa-free regime. The leaders also exchanged views on the international agenda, underscoring the importance of continued coordination and mutual support within the framework of the United Nations, SCO, the Central Asia-China format, and other multilateral platforms. At the conclusion of the talks, the president of Uzbekistan invited the Chinese leader to pay an official visit to the country. The meeting was held in a traditionally open, trusting, and friendly atmosphere. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. As a result of the talks in Beijing between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Peoples Republic of China Xi Jinping, a ceremony of document signing was held, Trend reports. Among the agreements signed were: - Cooperation program on aligning the strategy Uzbekistan 2030 and Belt and Road Initiative; - Agreement on mutual organization of cultural centers; - Agreement on cooperation in the sphere of medical services. Moreover, in the framework of the visit, the following agreements were signed: - on the design of the second stage of the project for providing Uzbekistan with dredgers; - on technical and economic cooperation; - on cooperation in the field of conformity assessment; - on phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh melons and almonds from Uzbekistan to China; - on cooperation in the peaceful use of space science, technologies and the results of space activities; - on cooperation in the field of competition policy; - on strengthening cooperation in the field of human resource development; - on strengthening cooperation in the field of the digital economy; - on establishing partnership relations between Samarkand region and the city of Tianjin; - on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 1. Kazakhstan supports China's initiative to establish a Global Organization for Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 8th meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council, Trend reports. Giving a big shout-out to China's achievements in digitalization, which have caught the world's attention, the president pointed out the need to keep up joint efforts in this area. He pointed out that, according to experts, by 2033 the artificial intelligence market could climb up to $5 trillion, boosting its share in the global tech industry to 30 percent. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference in Tianjin yesterday, I said Kazakhstan supports China's idea to create a Global Organization for Cooperation in AI. Kazakhstan is systematically developing the digital economy and implementing AI. Our nation launched the region's first supercomputer and the AlemAI International Center for Artificial Intelligence this year. We are focused on the Alatau City construction project, which aims to become a national and regional hub for innovation, crypto industry growth, and technology entrepreneurship. Kazakhstan hopes to work closely with Chinese firms. We completely support Kazakhstan's agreement with China State Construction Engineering Corporation. I think construction must start now. Shortly, Alatau City will be designated a separate ecosystem, said Tokayev. Yesterday, the president of Kazakhstan participated in the SCO and SCO+ summits held in the city of Tianjin. During the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, several documents were signed. Later that evening, President Tokayev arrived in Beijing to take part in the meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 2. In his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit as an honorary guest, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined key directions for deepening economic partnership with the member states of the organization, Trend reports. The main priorities highlighted were transport, logistics, communications, energy, and industrial cooperation. He emphasized that Turkmenistan and the SCO countries can become key links in building global logistics arteries along the East-West and North-South routes. Purposeful coordination of efforts and capacities and the mobilization of political, diplomatic, and economic resources will mark a qualitatively new stage not only in the development of our cooperation. It can also create the conditions for shaping an integrated geo-economic space stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic, the president stated. He paid particular attention to Trans-Caspian and Caspian routes, which, in his words, are a real opportunity to significantly enhance the efficiency and returns of our economic and industrial potential. In this regard, Turkmenistan expressed readiness for practical dialogue on the use of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in the interests of the SCO. Furthermore, Turkmenistan articulated a strategic initiative to enhance collaborative synergies within the energy domain, demonstrating a proactive stance to augment the throughput of natural gas and electrical energy to member states of the SCO framework. The country also put forward an initiative for the joint implementation of projects in the field of communications, including the expansion of fiber-optic lines running through Afghanistan to Pakistan. Turkmenistan called on the SCO to actively participate in these large-scale initiatives. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Dede Gorgud, a vessel of Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping (ASCO), a cog in the AZCON Holding wheel, has been given a fresh coat of paint and is back in the saddle, ready to handle freight once more, Trend reports via ASCO. Throughout the maintenance procedure, the subaqueous components of the vessel, the structural framework, the propulsion compartment, and the apparatus on the primary deck underwent thorough cleansing and re-coating. Moreover, a comprehensive revamp of all valve systems, joinery, structural welding, and electrical integration tasks was executed. State-of-the-art apparatus for communication and electroradio navigation frameworks has been integrated into the vessel. Specifically, an MF/HF class fixed radio station along with a signal distribution unit was deployed and brought into operational status. Obsolete components of the gyrocompass, radar systems, and acoustic transducer communication interfaces were substituted with state-of-the-art replacements. "Remedial operations were executed at the maritime refurbishment and construction facility in Zikh, subsequent to which the tanker was reinstated into operational status. The vessel exhibits a length of 149.9 meters, a beam of 17.3 meters, and a deadweight tonnage of 13,800 tons," ASCO elaborated. The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Joint-Stock Company merged the countrys main fleets, the Azerbaijan State Caspian Sea Shipping Company and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republics Caspian Sea Oil Fleet. The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC has two shipyards and offshore support and commercial fleets. The merchant fleet has 51 ships: 20 tankers, 12 ferries, 16 dry cargo, 1 Ro-Ro, and 2 Ro-Pax. By integrating maritime fleets, the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC takes on high-level responsibilities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. Over 70 commercial documents worth over $15 billion have been signed within the framework of the 8th meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council in the capital of China, Beijing, with the participation of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and First Vice-Premier of the State Council of China and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Ding Xuexiang, the Kazakh Presidential Office said in a statement, Trend reports. Speaking at the meeting, President Tokayev presented the investment potential of Kazakhstan and emphasized the special importance of bilateral relations. He called China "a reliable neighbor, a close friend, and an eternal strategic partner" of the country. The head of state also articulated that the aggregate quantum of Chinese capital infusion into the economic landscape of Kazakhstan reached a substantial $27 billion. He also indicated that the throughput capacity of the China-Europe transit corridor via Kazakhstan is projected to escalate by a factor of five. In the context of strategic collaboration with China, Tokayev delineated key focal points, including energy sector synergies and the advancement of initiatives aimed at economic diversification, and extended an invitation to stakeholders for enhanced engagement in the organic agriculture domain. Furthermore, he underscored the criticality of engagement within the domain of artificial intelligence, articulating a keen interest in enhancing collaborative synergies in this sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kazakhstan and Chinese CNPC hashing out energy-driven big-ticket projects Photo: Akorda Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang to discuss strengthening their long-term partnership in oil and gas. They focused on advancing key energy projects, modernizing the Shymkent refinery, and developing gas chemical industries, including a new urea plant in Aktobe to support agriculture. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register As Jassy enters his fifth year leading Amazon, his leadership has been defined less by any single product or splashy hire, but rather by his revamp of Amazon's culture as he tries to recapture Bezos' " always Day 1 " mindset and position the tech giant to thrive. And under Jassy's leadership, Amazon has been at the forefront of corporate America's cultural shift . Meta, Google, and Microsoft have all tightened their performance expectations, though their return to the office mandates are still less strict than Amazon's. Old guard companies like AT&T have similarly taken a stricter stance on office culture . "During the pandemic, I think creativity suffered to some extent, and for sure the cohesive culture that was peculiar to Amazon also suffered," Babak Parviz, a former Amazon vice president who is now running his own AI healthcare startup NewDays, told Business Insider. "Andy is rightfully focusing on making sure that the Amazon culture is maintained and thriving, and it doesn't dissipate away." By many measures, the reset is working. Amazon's stock is up more than 30% over the past year, outperforming the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Amazon's profit per employee rose to $44,100 last year more than five times the 2022 figure. As Jassy explained at an internal all-hands earlier this year, a record of which was obtained by Business Insider: "We want to operate the world's largest startup at our size that has not been done before. It is hard to do, but it is doable." It's about getting Amazon back to what made it so successful in the first place. For Jassy, who took over from Jeff Bezos four years ago, the goal has been to restore the urgency and discipline that once defined Amazon's DNA and had begun to atrophy, following a period of stratospheric growth and then massive losses as the bottom fell out of the pandemic-era boom. In the past year, the company has slashed layers of management , increasing worker-to-manager ratios by 15%. He's enforced strict cost discipline, down to monitoring how employees' company-issued phone use is work-related. He's updated performance metrics and pay structures. He's sent the vast majority of corporate employees back to the office five days a week. He's created a "bureaucracy mailbox," to which employees are encouraged to flag unnecessary processes or rules that could be streamlined or eliminated; Amazon says the initiative has already led to 375 changes. Story Continues A close reading of that effort Jassy's hardline approach to employee management and of his laser focus on a more nimble, do-more-with-less culture has created a playbook that leaders of companies large and small could study, even if not everyone would embrace his approach. Amazon's return to a hardcore mindset was born out of a growing concern among Jassy and his top brass that the tech giant's famously scrappy, ruthlessly efficient culture had taken a hit during the company's years of explosive growth, according to people familiar with their thinking. Layers of bureaucracy, which had settled like sediment as the company continued to grow, were slowing things down, struggling initiatives needed to be streamlined, and a flexible work-from-home policy meant that a lot of employees who'd joined during and after the pandemic had never been properly integrated into Amazon's way of doing things. Jassy zeroed in on the need to focus on culture early on in his tenure as CEO. But it was a few years before he and his senior leadership were able to do much about it, according to Drew Herdener, the company's senior vice president of communications and corporate responsibility. Back in the summer of 2021, when Jassy replaced founder Jeff Bezos and became Amazon's second-ever CEO, the tech giant was expanding at a breakneck pace. A hiring spree of historic proportions had minted Amazon as the second biggest private employer in the US, after Walmart. The company was also on track to eclipse Walmart as the world's largest retailer outside China, with a delivery network to rival UPS. Over the next three years, Amazon went on a rollercoaster of devastating losses and extraordinary gains. In late 2022, as the bottom fell out of the pandemic boom, Amazon became the first company to shed $1 trillion in market value a figure just shy of the entire value of Alphabet, Google's parent company. Senior executives had been leaving in droves, and an internal report at the time, seen by Business Insider, bluntly warned that Amazon's public image was "in need of immediate, significant repair." Michael Batnick, director of research at Ritholtz Wealth Management, even floated the idea on CNBC that Bezos might need to return as CEO "to steady the ship." But by the summer of 2024, Amazon had laid off nearly 30,000 employees, streamlined its cost structure, and downsized a number of projects, including its moonshot lab Grand Challenge. Amazon had not only stemmed its losses but surpassed a $2 trillion market cap, and Jassy was being credited with an extraordinary turnaround. Once the dust had settled, there was a sense that Amazon would need to better integrate the surge of new hires from the early days of the pandemic into Amazon's corporate culture. One former executive noted that maintaining Amazon's famed memo-writing culture was especially challenging for new hires more accustomed to PowerPoint presentations. Many also struggled to fully embrace the company's Leadership Principles, which are deeply embedded in how Amazon operates. Productivity slipped, and as Jassy puts it, "riffing" on new ideas got harder with remote work. While it reached record profits, Amazon grappled with the layers of bureaucracy and the growing perception of falling behind in AI. "It was more difficult to make sure that the new employees really understood what the culture was, just because it was growing so fast." Parviz said. By last fall, Jassy was pressing that culture reset and his war on Amazon's bureaucracy into full throttle. A glimpse into Amazon's more disciplined, hardcore culture came in July, when an Amazon advertising director sent senior managers a sharply worded email titled "Raising Our Leadership Standard." Amazon wanted to see "higher productivity" and "more competitive leadership roles," he wrote, according to the email obtained by Business Insider. "I need every leader on this team to step into the arena and commit to this higher standard. If they can't or won't, I need them to leave ASAP." Amazon's spokesperson told Business Insider that the email is "unrelated to or reflective of Andy's strengthening our culture and teams initiative." Instead, Amazon's culture has always been "performance-driven and fast-paced" and the company is "getting back to our roots," the spokesperson said. In staff meetings, company executives hammer home the importance of frugality, making it a recurring theme in internal discussions and decision-making. "We want owners," Jassy said at a company staff meeting earlier this year, a record of which was obtained by Business Insider. "What would I do if this was my money?" The best leaders, Jassy stressed, are those who "get the most done with the least amount of resources required to do the job." Amazon has also revamped its compensation system to reward high performers more directly. The new structure puts greater emphasis on an employee's performance history, with those earning top marks for four consecutive years now eligible for pay increases that exceed the standard compensation bands. Jassy's latest push has been to reinforce Amazon's operating DNA, which centers on the company's Leadership Principles the 16 core values that shape decision-making at every level and are deeply embedded in how Amazon operates. This year, the company formally incorporated adherence to those principles into performance reviews for the first time, tying them directly to pay and promotions. That followed a new video series Jassy launched last year, breaking down each principle, from "Customer Obsession" and "Frugality" to "Disagree and Commit." "I've been at Amazon now for 27 years, and I can tell you that I still consider myself a student of our Leadership Principles," Jassy wrote in a note announcing the launch of an internal video series explaining his take on each LP. "I work hard at it every day." Many of these changes have come with headaches. The return-to-office rollout has been bumpy, with complaints about desk shortages and other logistical challenges. Complaints have also come from middle-managers, who say they're now spending far more time overseeing ever-larger teams, leading to longer hours and a drop in personal productivity. Junior leaders say that major decisions are made by a tight-knit group of top Amazon leaders and that they are often kept out of the loop. Last year, for example, when Jassy announced a full five-day return-to-office mandate and a push to slim down middle management, multiple VPs told Business Insider that they learned about the changes from news reports. "It's unsentimental," a former executive told Business Insider. "If numbers don't work, they just move on." Employees, meanwhile, complain that cost-cutting has veered into micromanagement. At AWS, some employees now report what percentage of their phone use is work-related, with the $50 monthly reimbursement adjusted proportionally. In retail, employees have complained they must now seek approval for business trips by outlining expected goals and projected returns. They also need to break down expenses by meal to give more details about their spending. As CEO, Jassy has slashed layers of management and sent his 350,000 corporate employees back to the office five days a week. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Many Amazon employees say they fear for their job security especially after Jassy's recent prediction that "efficiency gains" accomplished with AI would lead to an even smaller white-collar workforce. "It's just really hard for people to show up at work and be all-in knowing tomorrow might be the last day at work," a current Amazon executive told Business Insider. AI is already being jammed into every corner of the business, adding to the pressure, employees say. Some teams now track performance by how frequently staff use AI tools, while others treat having an AI project as little more than a box to tick. Several employees describe the result as "AI fatigue." Other Amazonians Business Insider spoke to give Jassy credit for being personable and operating with a more people-focused leadership style. One former executive recalled Jassy taking time during meetings to get to know him personally, a gesture that earned his respect. "That level of care to make it more humane is a tremendous motivator," the person said. Jassy's cost discipline also reflects a deeper shift in Amazon's philosophy. Unlike Bezos, who spread bets widely across hundreds of projects from satellite internet to healthcare moonshots Jassy prefers to concentrate on a few dozen initiatives he considers big bets, according to people familiar with his work. "Jassy wants to focus on things that Amazon is uniquely positioned to do a good job on," one former VP said. Amazon's CEO has grown skeptical of an internal metric known as downstream impact, or DSI, the same former VP said. This measure attempts to estimate a project's lifetime value using imprecise indicators, such as how Alexa might indirectly boost the number of shoppers on Amazon. The voice assistant, once a flagship product, was among the first units to be downsized under Jassy due to its mounting losses and the team's failure to build a sustainable business model. In recent years, Jassy has shown particular support for high-margin businesses such as cloud computing and advertising, this person added. Under his leadership, Amazon introduced ads to its video streaming service and ramped up investment in cloud data centers. Amazon's spokesperson told Business Insider that the company is "pursuing as many if not more projects in more focused areas," and the pace of innovation is only accelerating under Jassy. The leadership team is improving its "analysis of DSI" and has no plans to stop measuring it, the spokesperson added. Still, with so much focus on cost cutting, there's mounting worry among Amazon's rank and file that Amazon is not doing enough to appeal to top talent and position itself as a great place to work. (Amazon's spokesperson disputed this, saying that "interest in joining Amazon remains as strong as it's ever been.") That worry dates back to late last year, just as Jassy's reset plan was coming into focus. An internal document created by Amazon's recruiting team and obtained by Business Insider noted that the rigid RTO mandate and the company's unique pay model are making it harder to recruit "high demand" talent. "GenAI hiring faces challenges like location, compensation, and Amazon's perceived lag in the space," the document said. "Competitors often provide more comprehensive and aggressive packages." One Amazon recruiter told Business Insider that a growing number of job candidates last year had cited Amazon's RTO policy when declining offers. "We are losing out on talent," this person said. Eugene Kim is Business Insider's Chief Tech Correspondent. Read the original article on Business Insider Kazakhstan, AIIB strengthen partnership on green and smart technology project Photo: Akorda The President of Kazakhstan met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to discuss expanding cooperation, particularly in green and smart technology projects. Since their last meeting in May 2023, collaboration has advanced significantly, with AIIB supporting over $2 billion in key projects across Kazakhstan, including renewable energy, transport infrastructure, and healthcare facilities. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran pulls back curtain on its non-oil exports Iran exported 61.3 million tons of non-oil goods worth $20.9 billion from March 21 to August 22, 2025. This was a decrease of $1.3 billion (6%) in value and an increase of 0.4 million tons (0.7%) compared to $22.2 billion and 60.9 million tons in 2024. Total non-oil trade reached 76.5 million tons worth $43.9 billion, Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. The portfolio of joint projects between Uzbekistan and China now exceeds $60 billion, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek presidents office. This was announced during a meeting between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China Li Qiang. The leaders reviewed ways to further expand multifaceted practical cooperation, primarily in trade and economic, financial and investment, and humanitarian spheres. In the preceding fiscal year, the bilateral trade volume between the two nations escalated to $14 billion, exhibiting a consistent upward trajectory. Officials underscored the opportunity to amplify this metric to $20 billion via enhanced supply chain dynamics and the optimization of export-import equilibrium. In alignment with these strategic objectives, the establishment of a collaborative Center for Quantum Metrology and a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization in Uzbekistan has been proposed, with the intent of synchronizing regulatory frameworks and certifying products in accordance with Chinese standards. In preparation for the current visit, a package of new project proposals was formed covering green energy, geology, chemistry, deep processing of rare earth metals, coal chemistry, modernization and digitalization of transport infrastructure, agriculture and water management, seed production, and agrivoltaics. It was also proposed to create an Uzbek-Chinese center for artificial intelligence to promote scientific research and foster promising startups. Discussions also covered the deepening of practical cooperation with leading Chinese banking and financial institutions. High praise was given to the outcomes of the special Subcommittee on Poverty Reduction and the second Regional Forum held earlier this year in Uzbekistan. Practical work is underway on the construction of the strategic Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway, including the involvement of Uzbek contracting organizations. During the visit, agreements are expected to be signed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The sides also called for an increase in the number of flights and the intensification of tourist exchanges. In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev invited Premier Li Qiang to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. Kazakhstan and China have joined forces to dig deep into geological exploration and lay the groundwork for infrastructure development, Trend reports via KazMunayGas. During the 8th Kazakhstan-China Business Council, the following documents were signed: Agreement on the basic principles for establishing a Joint Venture for the Urea Project between KMG PetroChem LLP and JSC CNPC-Aktobemunaigas; Framework Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between KMG and CNOOC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. The document envisages cooperation in seeking geological exploration projects and hydrocarbon field development outside Kazakhstan and China (in Central Asia and the Caspian Sea region); Contract between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, KMG, and Sinopec International Energy Investment Holdings Netherlands B.V. for exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the complex project at the Berezovsky subsoil plot, located in the West Kazakhstan region; Statement of Intent on financial cooperation within the framework of the main pipeline project between the China Development Bank, KMG, and KMG PetroChem LLP. In a recent convening of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev articulated strategic initiatives, culminating in the endorsement of over 70 commercial agreements, aggregating to a substantial financial commitment exceeding $15 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. South Korean fast-food chain Moms Touch has signed a master franchise agreement with Uzbek company One Food and plans to open its first restaurant in Tashkent later this year, Trend reports. The contract was signed by Kim Dong-jong, CEO of Moms Touch, and Zafar Khodjaev, head of One Food, at the headquarters of Moms Touch and Company in the Chung-gu district of Seoul. One Food, created by the Uzbek logistics company UHL, was established specifically to implement the franchise in Uzbekistan. Under the agreement, Moms Touch is set to spread its wings and open 60 restaurants across Uzbekistan, doubling the number of outlets currently run by KFC, which holds the lion's share of the local fried chicken and burger market. This South Korean company views the Uzbekistan agreement as a springboard for expansion across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as into Russian and Middle Eastern markets, with a focus on halal offerings. Moms Touch operates the largest fast-food network in South Korea, with 1,460 outlets nationwide, and has already established a presence in Thailand, Mongolia, Japan, and Laos. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Shen Yanfeng, Director General of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Trend reports, citing the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. In the course of the meeting, President Tokayev stated that during recent talks with President Xi Jinping, special attention was given to cooperation in the nuclear industry, and important agreements were reached. Tokayev congratulated Shen Yanfeng on the 70th anniversary of China's nuclear industry, noting that this milestone opens new horizons for further strengthening dialogue in this field. He also put his cards on the table, showing confidence in the successful rollout of joint projects with CNNC, a company that knows the ropes and has its finger on the pulse of cutting-edge technologiesincluding the ambitious plan to build a second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a state-owned enterprise of the Peoples Republic of China engaged in the development, construction, and operation of nuclear facilities for both civilian and military purposes. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. As part of the official business program of his visit to China, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the heads of leading Chinese companies, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek presidents office. The event brought together executives from China Gold, China Coal Resources, China Datang Corporation, Tianjin Rail Transit Group, Poly Changda, Tianjin Urban Construction, Jinchuan Group, China Synfuels, ST Wonderful, Mizuda, World Agriculture, Dongzhu Ecology, and other major companies. President Mirziyoyev pointed out the ongoing strong interest of Chinese businesses in Uzbekistan, highlighting that investment in the country topped $10 billion last year. During the meeting, participants went over prospects for teaming up in energy, geology, agriculture, and water management, as well as the chemical and jewelry industries, public transport upgrades, infrastructure development, and tourism. Earlier, during a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping, it was announced that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China exceeded $14 billion last year and has grown by a further 23 percent since the beginning of this year Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KazMunayGas reaches out to Chinese companies for petrochemical projects KazMunayGas Chairman Askhat Khassenov invited Chinese companies to join new exploration and petrochemical projects in Kazakhstan, highlighting ongoing partnerships and opportunities in untapped basins. He also discussed energy development, green growth, and plans to expand refining capacity and explore IT cooperation. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Azerbaijan has begun exporting electrodes to Uzbekistan for the first time, the Economic Zones Development Agency (EZDA) told Trend. The exports are carried out by Gedik Kaynak LLC, a resident of the Neftchala Industrial District managed by EZDA, which plans to supply a total of 200 tons of products to Uzbekistan. This marks Azerbaijans first-ever electrode shipment to Uzbekistan. Gedik Kaynak LLC, registered as a resident in 2021, produces two types of electrodes in eight sizes at its plant in the Neftchala Industrial District. The factory, with an investment value of 7.5 million manat ($4.4 million), has a monthly production capacity of 300 tons and provides permanent jobs for 20 people. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ROME (Reuters) -An Italian court has reduced a 1.13-billion-euro ($1.32 billion) fine imposed on Amazon in 2021 by Italy's competition authority for alleged abuse of a dominant position, a ruling showed on Tuesday. The Lazio administrative court upheld the main findings by the regulator after Amazon appealed, but said the fine had to be recalculated, arguing that the watchdog had not adequately explained the reasons for including a discretionary 50% increase. The ruling did not specify the revised figure for the fine. Deducting the 50% surcharge from the original 1.13 billion euros would result in a final fine of around 750 million euros, according to Reuters calculations. Amazon was originally fined for restricting competition in e-commerce logistics services in Italy. At the time, it was one of the biggest penalties imposed on a U.S. tech giant in Europe. We will continue to defend our position on the case. More than half of all annual sales on Amazon in Italy come from small and medium businesses (SMBs)," Amazon said in a statement. "We have 20,000 Italian SMBs that sell on Amazon, including sellers that manage shipment themselves, and we constantly invest to support their growth, it said. ($1 = 0.8542 euros) (Reporting by Giulia Segreti, editing by Alvise Armellini and Susan Fenton) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with Zhou Yuxian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China National Building Materials (CNBM), and agreed to develop a joint roadmap during his official visit to China, Trend reports. The meeting focused on CNBMs plans to launch major projects in Uzbekistan, including the modernization of pumping stations, the construction of wind and solar power plants, the development of energy storage systems, and the localization of component production for renewable energy facilities. Particular attention was given to the companys role in programs aimed at boosting energy efficiency in industrial enterprises. CNBM, ranked among the worlds top 500 companies, is one of the largest international conglomerates in the fields of construction materials, renewable energy, and advanced engineering solutions. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. During his Beijing visit, Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed with CNPC Chairman Dai Houliang plans to expand Chinese investments in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. Meanwhile, the company's direct investments in Uzbekistan have already exceeded $5 billion. The meeting addressed plans to expand the companys investment portfolio in Uzbekistan, including projects for the construction of underground natural gas storage facilities, the modernization of energy infrastructure, and the introduction of modern metrological standards and advanced technological solutions. CNPC is one of the worlds largest energy corporations, specializing in high-tech projects for the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons both in China and abroad. The companys market capitalization stands at over $200 billion. Iran discloses payments to tea producers year-to-date Since the start of the year, the Iranian government has paid about $3 million to tea producers, covering over 70 percent of the planned support for purchased tea leaves. Authorities have bought around 87,000 tons of tea leaves so far, producing nearly 20,000 tons of dried tea. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. Afghan airline Kam Air has signed an interline agreement with Uzbekistan Airways, Trend reports. The accord facilitates the transit of Afghan nationals via Tashkent en route to various European destinations, the United States, and additional pathways serviced by the Uzbek airline. Kam Air, positioned in Kabul, manages an operational fleet comprising 12 aircraft as of August 2025. Uzbekistan Airways, the flag carrier of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was established in 1992 and operates its hub at Tashkent International Airport. As of June 2025, the airline's operational inventory comprised 47 airframes. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Kazakhstans Ministry of National Economy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a multi-year rolling pipeline (MYRP) of infrastructure projects worth up to $6 billion through 2029, Trend reports. The agreement was signed by Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIBs Chief Investment Officer for Region 2, and Shakhrat Nuryshev, Kazakhstans Ambassador to China. The signing was witnessed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and AIIB President Jin Liqun, who hailed the deal as a milestone in bilateral cooperation. The MYRP outlines financing for 14 sovereign-backed projects designed to diversify Kazakhstans economy, accelerate its transition to green energy, modernize transport networks, and strengthen social infrastructure. The initiative is also expected to bolster Kazakhstans role as a regional transit hub, with broader benefits for Central Asia. Today we are not just signing a document, we are opening a new chapter in our strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, said Limitovskiy. This framework is a $6 billion blueprint for progress that will modernize vital transport networks, enhance healthcare and propel Kazakhstans green transition. As a founding member of AIIB, Kazakhstan has already attracted more than $2.2 billion in financing across eight projects. The new framework marks a shift from individual investments to a comprehensive programmatic approach, underscoring AIIBs long-term commitment to Kazakhstans development. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Shen Yanfeng, Chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), to discuss the implementation of key projects in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. President Mirziyoyev began the meeting by extending his congratulations to Shen and the entire CNNC team on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of China's nuclear industry. The discourse centered on CNNC's pivotal function in the facilitation of advanced technology transference, the strategic development of uranium reserves, the geological reconnaissance of high-potential zones, and the augmentation of collaborative efforts within the domain of peaceful nuclear energy initiatives. China National Nuclear Corporation stands as the preeminent state-owned entity within the realm of China's civilian nuclear landscape, orchestrating the comprehensive project lifecycle encompassing uranium exploration, enrichment processes, and the engineering of nuclear power facilities on both domestic and global fronts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov met with a delegation led by the Senior Executive Vice President of the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), the United States, Hani Kablawi, during his visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the CBA. Discussions at the meeting centered on a variety of topics, including the state of the capital markets, the future of Azerbaijan's financial infrastructure and payment systems, the use of AI in more contexts, and recent efforts to bolster cybersecurity. The meeting further delved into the critical domains encapsulated within the paradigm of the "Strategy for the Development of the Financial Sector in 2024-2026" and future cooperation opportunities in this direction. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 2. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Zhu Hongbin, CEO of Henan Investment Group, and agreed to develop a joint roadmap for cooperation during his official visit to China, Trend reports. The meeting focused on practical steps for implementing collaborative projects in Uzbekistan, including the adoption of advanced technologies for coal field development, the design and construction of modern power plants, energy storage systems, bioproduct manufacturing, and waste-to-clean-energy initiatives. Henan Investment Group, one of Chinas leading firms in energy and infrastructure, is actively involved in projects across construction, industry, energy, environmental protection, and healthcare. The companys assets exceed $50 billion. Iranian Oil Ministry pulling out all stops to reel in associated gas Iran has significantly increased its efforts to capture associated gas, aiming to collect more than 16 billion cubic meters annually by 2029, up from about 20 million cubic meters per day under the current government. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The Kyrgyz Republic is embarking on a new path to secure its energy future through strategic investment and enhanced regional cooperation, following a state of emergency declared in August 2023 amid rising energy demand and declining water levels in reservoirs used for hydropower generation, Trend reports via Moody's. The country is looking to cast a wider net with its energy mix and boost the slice of the pie that comes from renewable electricity generation. While still heavily reliant on hydropower, a major development for the country is the ongoing CASA-1000 project, a $1.2 billion initiative that resumed construction in 2024. Scheduled to be partially operational by 2025, the project will allow the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to export surplus hydropower to Afghanistan and Pakistan, offering a significant opportunity for export revenue. "The project offers opportunities for hydropower-rich countries like the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to expand electricity exports, while enabling energy-importing neighbors to meet rising demand as their economies and industrial bases diversify," the report notes. Following a border delimitation agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in March 2025, the two countries concurrently agreed to construct a 500-kilovolt power transmission line that will connect the Datka Substation in the Kyrgyz Republic and the Sughd Substation in Tajikistan as part of the next phase of the CASA-1000 project. This improved interconnectivity and regional trade are expected to attract further investment in renewable energy, which will enhance energy security and reduce social risks. Moody's offers data, intelligence, and analytical tools to assist business and financial executives in making informed decisions. With more than 115 years of experience, Moody's offers highly qualified analysts, comprehensive data, strong tools backed by innovative technologies, and a forward-looking perspective. The entity assists clients in accelerating value creation in this era of exponential risk in a number of ways, including through our three cloud-based SaaS businesses that support vital banking, insurance, and KYC workflows: Ratings, Research & Insights; Premier Fixed Income Research Business; Data & Information; and Decision Solutions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Jersey Mikes announced Tuesday the appointment of Stacy Peterson as president and chief operating officer of the Manasquan, N.J.-based sandwich chain. Peterson comes from Jenis Splendid Ice Creams where she served as CEO of the growing brand since 2022. She will replace Mike Manzo, who has served as chief operating officer of Jersey Mikes for the past two decades. "As we continue to build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion, I am proud to welcome Stacy to the Jersey Mike's leadership team," Charlie Morrison, CEO of Jersey Mike's, said in a statement. "Stacy was a key player in the growth and success of Wingstop when we partnered together there, and I look forward to bringing her expertise in digital, marketing and operations to Jersey Mike's to accelerate our growth." Before joining Jenis in December 2022, Morrison and Peterson worked together at Wingstop, where Peterson held multiple technology leadership roles, including executive vice president, chief revenue and technology officer. She also worked at Blockbuster, FedEx, and CB Richard Ellis in multiple leadership roles. In her most recent role as chief executive officer of Jenis, Peterson led the company through a growth phase. In her new role at Jersey Mikes, she will oversee operations, marketing, and technology, focusing on innovation, digital transformation acceleration, and strengthening Jersey Mikes brand positioning. "Jersey Mike's has built something truly special a brand that connects with communities and delivers an exceptional experience that customers crave," Peterson said in a statement. "I am honored to join the company at such an important moment in its growth journey, and I look forward to working with the talented team to drive innovation, further strengthen our best-in-class operations, and expand our impact across the U.S. market." Jersey Mikes was acquired by private equity company Blackstone last November and operates more than 3,000 locations.Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Tajikistan is making significant progress in leveraging its vast hydropower potential to address domestic energy shortages and become a major electricity exporter, Trend reports via Moody's. The nation, which has started winter power rationing since September 2024 due to supply constraints, is heavily investing in large-scale hydropower to secure its energy future. A major milestone was the World Bank (IBRA, Aaa stable) approval of a $350 million grant for the first phase of the Rogun Hydropower Project in December 2024. Upon completion in 2035, the Rogun facility will have an electricity generation capacity of over 17 billion kilowatt-hours a year on average, with 70 percent of its output to be exported to neighboring countries. This project's viability has been strengthened by new power purchase agreements with the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2024 and external financing from a wider group of development partners. A key component of this strategic shift is improved regional energy connectivity. "With improving dialogue with development partners, Tajikistan rejoined the Unified Power System of Central Asia in June 2024, enhancing regional grid reliability and enabling seasonal balancing of electricity and water needs," reads Moody's report. This reconnection will help reduce electricity shortages in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan during the autumn-winter period. Furthermore, the CASA-1000 project, a $1.2 billion initiative to export surplus hydropower from the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan (Caa1 stable), is scheduled to be partially operational by 2025. "The project offers opportunities for hydropower-rich countries like the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan to expand electricity exports," the report notes. To assist business and financial executives in making informed decisions, Moody's offers data, intelligence, and analytical tools. With more than 115 years of experience, Moody's offers highly qualified analysts, comprehensive data, strong tools backed by innovative technologies, and a forward-looking perspective. The entity assists clients in accelerating value creation in this era of exponential risk in a number of ways, including through our three cloud-based SaaS businesses that support vital banking, insurance, and KYC workflows: Ratings, Research & Insights; Premier Fixed Income Research Business; Data & Information; and Decision Solutions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna Nurlan Zhakupov met with Zhang Binnan, President of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC), and Wang Qizhou, Chairman of the Management Board of its subsidiary China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE), to discuss cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors, Trend reports. In particular, the parties discussed the construction of Kazakhstans first pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant and the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line. Cooperation with CWE on water resource projects as part of the pumped-storage project with "Samruk-Energo" was also addressed. China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is a Chinese state-owned company, sitting pretty at 4th place among the big players in the engineering and construction services game. China International Water & Electric (CWE) is an international corporation specializing in water resources and energy. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Iran is ready to continue cooperation between the two countries in all circumstances to bring relations with China to the maximum level, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, Trend reports. According to him, Iran is interested in developing cooperation with China in all areas. In this regard, it is ready to implement all the provisions of the 25-year comprehensive agreement between the two countries. It's possible to develop relations logically and purposefully by keeping issues in focus and applying the necessary mechanisms. "Iran is interested in cooperating with China in building railway lines and highways for high-speed trains. There is great potential for cooperation between the two countries in this area," he noted. Chinese President Xi Jinping also pointed out during the meeting that China is interested in developing cooperation with Iran in various areas. He also expressed a wish to accelerate the implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries. "China officially recognizes Iran's right to use its peaceful nuclear program. Despite the sanctions imposed against Iran in recent years, conditions have been created to continue cooperation. Currently, China is trying to develop relations in various fields, especially in the field of communications, within the framework of the benefits of both sides," he added. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited China on August 31. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. The transit capacity of the ChinaEurope corridor through Kazakhstan will increase fivefold, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 8th meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council, Trend reports. Addressing representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan and China, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined several priority areas for further cooperation. Kazakhstan, as a close neighbor and reliable partner, fully supports and actively participates in the implementation of President Xi Jinpings global initiative 'One Belt, One Road.' Our country accounts for 85 percent of all overland transport between China and Europe. Thanks to the introduction of double tracks on the Dostyk-Moyinty railway section this year, the transit capacity of the 'China-Europe' corridor through Kazakhstan will increase fivefold. Kazakhstan is also actively promoting the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Last year, 4.5 million tons of cargo were transported along this route, which is 62 percent more than the previous year. We will continue to accelerate this pace and aim to increase this figure to 10 million tons in the near future. The volume of shipments through our Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk is steadily increasing. Joint efforts have led to the launch of major infrastructure projects such as the Kazakh-Chinese logistics terminal in the port of Lianyungang and the dry port in Xian. Undoubtedly, the use of Kazakhstans transport and transit potential opens up great opportunities for Chinese companies, Tokayev underscored. Yesterday, the President of Kazakhstan participated in the SCO and SCO+ summits held in the city of Tianjin. During the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, several documents were signed. Later that evening, President Tokayev arrived in Beijing to take part in the meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The volume of trade between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic reached $593.2 million from January through June 2025. Data obtained by Trend from the State Customs Committee indicates that this figure represents a decrease of $39.9 million, or 6.3 percent, compared to the same period last year. Trade with the Czech Republic accounted for 2.06 percent of Azerbaijans total foreign trade, placing the country eighth among Azerbaijans top trading partners. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani exports to the Czech Republic during the reporting period amounted to $548.3 million, down $50.1 million, or 8.4 percent, year-on-year. In contrast, imports from the Czech Republic rose to $44.9 million, marking a $10 million, or 28.9 percent, increase compared to the same period in 2024. In aggregate, Azerbaijan executed international commerce amounting to $28.8 billion, reflecting a growth trajectory of 7.25 percent relative to the corresponding timeframe of the preceding year. The exportation metrics registered at $15.2 billion, juxtaposed against importation figures aggregating to $13.6 billion. The yearly export figures contracted by 5.4 percent, juxtaposed with a substantial 26.1 percent escalation in imports, culminating in a favorable trade balance of $1.6 billion, which represents a contraction of 3.3 times relative to the preceding fiscal year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. The issue with crude oil at the Ceyhan terminal has been resolved, bp Azerbaijan told Trend. The issue has been resolved. All tanks at the Ceyhan terminal now contain on-specification crude oil. The loading operations are back to normal, the company said. Some time ago, BP Plc, which operates major oil and gas projects in the Caspian region, said it had received reports of possible contamination in certain batches of Azerbaijani crude. The company said the issue involved organic chlorides, a chemical that in large amounts can damage refinery equipment. A large share of Azerbaijans crude is shipped to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, Turkiye, through the 1,768-kilometer (1,099-mile) Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which is operated by bp. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. To create a cross-border payment system in e-commerce, Kazakhstan and China have signed a memorandum of cooperation between Freedom Bank and UnionPay Business, Trend reports. The signing of the document took place during the latest meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council in Beijing, held as part of the visit of Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Beijing. Freedom Bank and UnionPay Business aim to develop Kazakhstan-China cross-border e-commerce in the wholesale trade sector, as well as promote economic and trade exchange between Kazakhstan and China. The meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council was preceded by a meeting between Kazakhstans President Tokayev and the President of China, Xi Jinping. The presence of Kazakhstans leader at the Business Council meeting emphasized the high level of the event and gave an additional impetus to the development of bilateral relations. Representatives of major businesses from both sides were also present at the meeting, where they discussed establishing new and strengthening existing business ties, as well as prospects for cooperation in key economic sectors. The memorandum of cooperation is tripartite: between Freedom Bank, UnionPay Business, and the private company Verum Payments Limited. It was signed by Freedom Bank board member Aidos Zhumagulov, General Director of UnionPay Business Payment Co., Ltd., Hebei Branch Guo Guangxin, and General Director of Verum Payments Limited Rinat Berikbolov. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, met with Xiang Wenbo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sany Group Co. Ltd., to discuss the implementation of joint projects in green energy and mechanical engineering, as well as partnerships in scientific research and innovative technologies, Trend reports. In the context of the convened session, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed profound recognition of Sany Groups strategic dedication to amplifying its footprint within the Kazakhstan market landscape. The organization aims to deploy a cutting-edge manufacturing hub for niche apparatus within the national landscape. The president articulated that the inaugural activation of a facility dedicated to the fabrication of components for wind turbine systems in the Zhambyl region represents a pivotal advancement in the trajectory of enhanced collaborative synergies. Xiang Wenbo articulated the strategic initiatives for the Chinese corporation's operational engagements in Kazakhstan. Specifically, Sany Group has initiated the conceptualization and execution of a project aimed at establishing a wind energy facility with an anticipated capacity of up to 1 GW. Previously, the head of state of Kazakhstan addressed a convening of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council in the capital of China, subsequently culminating in the execution of over 70 commercial agreements valued at upwards of $15 billion. Sany Group, officially known as Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., is a leading Chinese multinational corporation specializing in the manufacturing of heavy machinery and equipment. Founded in 1989 in Lianyuan, Hunan Province, the company has grown to become one of the worlds largest and most influential players in the construction and industrial equipment sector. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 2. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is on an official visit to China, with First Vice Premier of the State Council of China Ding Xuexiang, took part in the ceremonial opening of the first wind energy component manufacturing plant in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan via videoconference, Trend reports. The project is the result of a successful partnership between JSC Samruk-Kazyna and SANY Renewable Energy the worlds largest manufacturer of wind energy equipment. This is the first factory of its kind in Kazakhstan. The production base is located in the "Silk Road" Special Economic Zone in the city of Shu. The enterprise will produce nacelles, hubs, towers, and other key components for wind power plants. The project will support the construction of new wind farms in Kazakhstan and make a significant contribution to the countrys green energy development. In Beijing, the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council took place with the participation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and First Vice Premier of the State Council of China, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Ding Xuexiang. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that China has invested $27 billion into Kazakhstans economy. He also noted that the transit capacity of the "ChinaEurope" corridor through Kazakhstan will increase fivefold. He outlined the priorities for cooperation with China in the energy sector, announced key projects for diversifying Kazakhstans economy, proposed the development of organic production, and emphasized that Kazakhstan is counting on close cooperation with China in the field of artificial intelligence. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are emerging as regional leaders in renewable energy development, Trend reports via Moodys. The constraints of existing power generation capabilities are putting focus on greater regional interconnectedness and the need to develop vast renewable energy potential, particularly the opportunity for wind power in the north and solar power in the south. Intergovernmental plans are underway to establish a Caspian Green Energy Corridor to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. At the same time, many countries in the region have initiated energy sector reforms aimed at creating competitive power sectors and attracting private investment. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are emerging as regional leaders in renewable energy development, Moodys said in its latest report. The rating agency notes that recent diplomatic breakthroughs including border agreements between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2022, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan in 2023, and Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in March 2025 have laid the groundwork for enhanced energy connectivity. The peace agreement initialed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 8 August 2025 further supports regional stability, notes Moody's. Moodys analysts believe that growing intraregional trade across Central Asia and the Caucasus underscores the potential for greater energy interconnectedness. Trade volumes within the region nearly doubled between 2017 and 2023 as a result of improved relations, infrastructure investment and the development of the Middle Corridor a multimodal trade route linking China and Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Inbound and intraregional travel also rose by 40%, to 31.5 million arrivals in 2023 from 22.5 million in 2015, said the report. NEW YORK (AP) Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies a decade after a merger of the brands created one of the biggest food manufacturers on the planet. One of the companies, currently called Global Taste Elevation Co., will include brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese, Kraft Heinz said Tuesday. The other, currently called North American Grocery Co., will include slower-selling brands like Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. The official names of the two companies will be released later. Kraft Heinz said in May that it was conducting a strategic review of the company, signaling a potential split. It expects the transaction to close in the second half of 2026. When the company formed in 2015, it wanted to capitalize on its massive scale. But shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking out healthier options. Kraft Heinz and other food producers have tried to follow those trends. In 2021, Kraft Heinz sold both its Planters nut business and its natural cheese business, vowing to reinvest the money into higher-growth brands like P3 protein snacks. But the company continued to struggle. Kraft Heinz's net revenue has fallen every year since 2020, when it saw a pandemic-related bump in sales. In April, Kraft Heinz lowered its full-year sales and earnings guidance, citing weaker customer spending in the U.S. and the impact of President Donald Trumps tariffs. Kraft Heinzs brands are iconic and beloved, but the complexity of our current structure makes it challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas, Executive Chairman Miguel Patricio said in a statement. The path to the merger of Kraft and Heinz began in 2013, when billionaire investor Warren Buffett teamed up with Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital to buy H.J. Heinz Co. At the time, the $23 billion deal was the most expensive ever in the food industry. 3G was also behind the formation of Restaurant Brands International a merger of Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes and Anheuser-Busch InBev. Its known for strict cost controls and so-called zero-based budgeting, which requires all expenses to be justified each quarter. The deal was intended to help Heinz, which was founded in 1869 in Pittsburgh, expand sales of its condiments and sauces on grocery store shelves. Heinzs new owners also set about cutting costs, laying off hundreds of workers within months. At the same time Kraft, based in Chicago, sought for a partner after a 2011 split from its snack division, which became Mondelez International. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Green corridor initiatives from Caucasus and Central Asia to Europe will require substantial investments, Trend reports via Moodys. The rating agency recalls that at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in November 2024, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership to develop the Caspian Green Energy Corridor. This project aims to connect Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkiye (Ba3 stable) and the European Union (Aaa stable) by transporting wind and solar-generated energy across the Caspian Sea via a proposed 400 kilometer submarine cable linking Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The project is currently undergoing a feasibility study, supported by ADB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (Aaa stable). A key component of this project is a link to the planned Black Sea submarine cable a 1,200 kilometer high voltage interconnector that will enable Azerbaijan and Georgia to transport electricity generated from renewable sources to Europe. The project follows a strategic agreement that Hungary (Baa2 negative), Romania (Baa3 negative), Georgia and Azerbaijan signed in December 2022. The four countries have since established the Green Energy Corridor Power Company to oversee implementation, reads the latest report released by Moodys. The European Commission committed 2.3 billion toward the estimated 3.8 billion cost of the Black Sea submarine cable project, with commissioning targeted for 2029. While these initiatives hold significant promise for potentially exporting solar and wind energy to Europe, they will require substantial investment, says the report. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 2. A modern fish processing plant with an annual production capacity of up to 5,000 tons has been inaugurated in Karakul city, Jalal-Abad region, Trend reports via the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. The facility, nestled in the Zheen-Kyshtoo area, has the chops to handle up to 20 tons of raw materials each day. It operates on a full production cycle, including fish reception and storage, cutting, salting, packaging, cooling, and freezing. The plant sources raw materials both from its own fish farms and from neighboring enterprises. Set on a 1.5-hectare patch of land, the complex boasts production workshops that take up 750 square meters of a total 1,300 square meters of building space. The project attracted investments worth 119 million soms ($1.3 billion) and created up to 50 jobs. Its main products include chilled and frozen fish, as well as semi-finished goods. The plants output is sent to both the home front and shipped off to Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. International HACCP and ISO quality standards have been introduced, ensuring product safety and competitiveness. Production waste is also processed into feed, contributing to environmental sustainability. Strategic initiatives encompass augmenting the operational throughput of the facility while concurrently broadening the portfolio of offerings. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 2. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev announced the launch of a new reform under the Government Accelerators program aimed at simplifying the re-registration process for individual entrepreneurs, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. Kasymaliev stressed that current bureaucratic procedures related to changing a legal address, tax regime, details, or business activity create serious obstacles for entrepreneurs. Today, business owners are forced to visit tax authorities several times, spend hours in queues, and collect paper documents. This takes away significant time and resources that could otherwise be directed towards business development, he said. The reform envisions moving the entire process online through the Taxpayers Cabinet platform, enabling entrepreneurs to submit applications, attach documents, and complete re-registration within one day. According to Kasymaliev, this will cut the procedure down to a mere 510 minutes, take the wind out of the sails of tax office visits, and boost the efficiency of public services. He noted that the Cabinet of Ministers attaches great importance to creating a favorable business climate and instructed relevant agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the reform within 100 days. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 2. The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved the Green Economy Development Program through 2029, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. The corresponding resolution was signed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. The program is set to put the pedal to the metal in bolstering the institutionalization of green economy principles and rolling out environmentally focused interventions at both the macro and micro levels across key economic sectors. In alignment with the resolution, a comprehensive action plan for the program's execution, a detailed matrix of performance indicators, and a thorough resource cost analysis have been sanctioned. Governmental entities, regional presidential representatives, local governance frameworks, and participating organizations have been mandated to facilitate the efficient and prompt implementation of the strategic action plan and to realize the program's performance metrics. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 2. President Emomali Rahmon and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed a wide range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation issues, Trend reports via the Tajik presidential administration. The leaders addressed collaboration within international and regional organizations, highlighting the agenda of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Rahmon noted the contribution of Xi Jinping to the expansion of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Rahmon also expressed support for Chinas new Global Governance initiative, noting its alignment with Tajikistans efforts to strengthen the rule of law, peace, security, and sustainable development. The leaders rolled out the red carpet for the strides made in the Central AsiaChina cooperation framework and chewed the fat about broadening their partnership in trade, digitalization, transport infrastructure, logistics, transit potential, and luring in Chinese investment and technology. Other strategic cooperation areas include data centers, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. The parties acknowledged that collaboration in hydropower constitutes a strategic imperative, and the enhancement of interregional linkages was identified as advantageous for both stakeholders. They also emphasized further development of cultural, educational, scientific, technical, and tourism links, as well as shared positions on security and addressing contemporary challenges and threats. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Iran supports the extension of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on Iran, the spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said at a press conference in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, Iran is working in consultations with China and Russia in this direction so that steps can be taken to ensure the country's interests. Baghaei noted that Russia and China have declared their position against the step of the European Trio (UK, France, and Germany), and the joint letter of Iran, Russia, and China also reflects this. "From Iran's perspective, the European Union and the European trio lack the requisite legal standing to initiate the UN Security Council's 'snapback' mechanism, which is designed to reinstate sanctions against Iran," he pointed out. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. There are currently no International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors in Iran, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said at a press conference in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, only two inspectors arrived in Iran to replace the fuel lists at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Baghaei noted that Iran's contacts with the IAEA are continuing. The mutual understanding method is being regulated within the framework of the law adopted by the Iranian parliament, and the regulation of this method hasn't yet been completed. Iran will make the relevant decision. On July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a decree on the entry into force of the law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. According to the law passed by the Iranian parliament, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency are not allowed to enter the country to conduct inspections. Entry of the agency's inspectors into the nation is contingent upon confirmation from Iran's Supreme National Security Council regarding the assurance of the nation's peaceful nuclear activities and the integrity of its nuclear infrastructure. Bushehr NPPs first unit began operations in 2011 and was officially handed over to Iranian control by a Russian nuclear company in 2013. Since then, the unit has produced electricity at a maximum capacity of 1,000 megawatt-hours and has generated over 65 billion kilowatt-hours over 10 years. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Iran's parliament has investigated the country's withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Abbas Goudarzi, spokesperson for Iran's parliamentary presidium, told local media, Trend reports. According to him, although this issue is being examined in the parliament, no decision has been made on this matter yet. Goudarzi said that if a decision is made to withdraw Iran from the NPT, the parliament will adopt a law in coordination with all relevant bodies, including the Supreme National Security Council. The parliamentary official added that regarding the activation of the "snapback" mechanism that restores the UN Security Council's sanctions against Iran, the restoration of the six UN Security Council resolutions against Iran won't actually negatively impact the country's economic situation because sanctions will be restored to 120 legal entities and organizations of the country within the framework of the six resolutions. However, the US has unilaterally imposed sanctions on more than 2,000 legal entities and organizations of Iran. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Turkiye has welcomed the decision by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on September 2 to dissolve the Minsk Group, which was established 30 years ago to mediate the Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the statement of the Turkish MFA said, Trend reports. We welcome the decision of the OSCE Council of Ministers on September 1, 2025, to dissolve the Minsk Group and its associated structures. This historic decision, made possible through the joint efforts of both countries, represents a significant step in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Minsk Group was created in 1992 to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Despite the co-chairing efforts of Russia, the US, and France, it failed to achieve a long-term settlement. Azerbaijan had long demanded the dissolution of the group as a precondition for progress toward a formal peace agreement with Armenia. The decision to dissolve the group followed talks at the White House on August 8 hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Afterwards, the foreign ministers of both countries jointly submitted a request to the OSCE regarding the groups dissolution. Turkiye has always supported Azerbaijan in the conflict and regards this decision as a step toward establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus," the statement reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Nicole Lyons, September 2, 2025 Missouri Humanities, in partnership with the University of Central Missouri (UCM), invites veterans, active-duty and retired military personnel and military-connected family members to a Veterans Writing Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 20. The free event, Lines That Carry: Veterans Writing Workshop on Metaphor, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the Elliott Student Union on the UCM campus. Light refreshments will be served. Led by Marine Corps veteran, poet and artist Nick Lopez, this workshop explores metaphor as a tool for self-expression, reflection and storytelling. Using Taylor Malis Metaphor Dice as a creative entry point, participants will engage in writing exercises, discussion and brief readings to discover how metaphor can express complex experiences and strengthen creative voice. While military experience may inform participants work, they are not required to write solely about their military experience. No prior writing experience is necessary. Only a willingness to engage is needed. "UCM is proud to provide a wide range of resources and support for our military-affiliated students and community, and we're excited to welcome Missouri Humanities Veterans Writing Workshop as a valuable event this year, said Courtney Swoboda, director of UCMs Military and Veteran Services. Jon Taylor, Ph.D., professor of History, said Johnson County, the home of UCM, has one of the largest veteran populations in Missouri. The UCM Department of History has hosted previous grant projects focused on veterans, including last years initiative to document the stories of veterans buried at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville. Taylor noted the upcoming workshop represents the latest effort in the departments ongoing work with local veterans. This is an opportunity for veterans not just at UCM but in the surrounding communities to have a forum to learn more about how to write and tell their stories in a variety of ways, Taylor said. The workshop is free, but registration is required at mohumanities.org/event/lines-that-carry. Participants will receive a free copy of "Proud to Be: Writing of American Warriors." For questions about workshop registration, contact Lopez, program coordinator, at nick@mohumanities.org. For more information about the UCM Department of History, visit ucmo.edu/history. To learn more about UCM Military and Veteran Services, visit ucmo.edu/military. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Afghanistan rocked by another round of quake The Kunar region of Afghanistan has been rocked by fresh earthquake Tuesday September 02, 2025, the Taliban government said Tuesday September 2, 2025 8:25 PM , ummid.com News Network Kabul: The Kunar region of Afghanistan has been rocked by fresh earthquake Tuesday September 02, 2025, the Taliban government said. According to the US Geological Survey (USGC), a fresh 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Kunar region Tuesday. The quake originated 34 kilometers (nearly 21 miles) northeast of Jalalabad, at 12:29GMT, at a depth of 10 km (nearly 6.2 miles). A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit Afghanistan late Sunday night, devastating remote areas in mountainous provinces near the border with Pakistan. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says at least 1,411 people have been killed in Kunar, the province hardest hit by Sundays quake. Zabihullah Mujahid called the 2025 earthquake worst in the history of Afghanistan. Earthquake in Pakistan The Seismic Network of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in a statement said a 5.4-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday struck Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, The seismic centre reported that the epicentre was in southeast Afghanistan at a depth of 22 kilometres. There were no immediate reports of damage from the latest earthquake in Pakistan, local media reported. Reports said the impact of the earthquake has also been felt in India, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Rescue operations on Local and international teams are busy in rescue operations. A day after the deadly Kunar earthquake, Afghan Air Force helicopters continue non-stop evacuations of the injured from remote areas to hospitals. In a statement UNICEF said the devastating earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan Sunday has put thousands of children at risk. UNICEF is on the ground working with partners to deploy mobile health teams and life-saving emergency hygiene and shelter supplies, such as soap, warm clothing, shoes, blankets, and tents. UNHCR, which is also participating in rescue operation, said it found entire villages lying in ruins. In Ghaziabad village of Nurgal district in Kunar, most villages were destroyed by the devastating earthquake that struck late the night before. Residents of this village said that in addition to losing members of their families, they have also lost all their belongings. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Congress endorses White House advisors Profiteering Brahmins comments The Opposition Congress Party Tuesday endorsed the White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's Brahmins Profiteering comments. Tuesday September 2, 2025 6:08 PM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi: The Opposition Congress Party Tuesday endorsed the White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's Brahmins Profiteering comments. Talking to media Tuesday, Congress leader Udit Raj said Peter Navarro's assertion that Indias elite are profiteering at the expense of the Indians is factually correct. The Indian corporate house is under the control of the Upper Castes. Dalits and backwards have no say and there is no chance they will have any in the coming decades he said. The oil purchased from Russia on discounted rates is sold in the European markets The general public did not get any benefit from the cheaper oil, he said. Social Justice, Equality Udit Raj also linked Peter Navarro's remarks with social justice and said this highlighted lack of equality in the country. This also raises question about social justice and equality This is the high time we work to bring social justice, he said. Udit Raj is a retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and former MP who comes from a backward caste. He was responding to Trumps economic advisor Peter Navarro who also highlighted how Indias oil trade with Russia soared after Ukraine war. He said India bought cheaper oil from Russia but its benefit was not passed on to the citizens. Before Putin invaded Ukraine, India didnt buy Russian oil to speak of very, very small amounts. What happened? Now, Russian refiners provide discounts, India refines it, and then sells it at a premium to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It fuels the Russian war machine, he said calling Russia-Ukraine war as Modis war. Though Congress is backing the Navarros comments, the ruling party leaders, including some from the opposition benches are criticizing it. Among those who criticized Navarros comments is also Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, who cited Palestinian academic Edward Said to counter Peter Navarro's Brahmins Profiteering remark. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home First major arrests in Malegaon teachers bogus recruitment case The Nashik Economic Offence Wing (EOW) Tuesday September 02, 2025 arrested five teachers of Malegaon High School of Anjuman Moinut Tulba in the bogus recruitment case Wednesday September 3, 2025 1:18 AM , ummid.com News Network Malegaon: The Nashik Economic Offence Wing (EOW) Tuesday September 02, 2025 arrested five teachers of Malegaon High School of Anjuman Moinut Tulba in the bogus recruitment case. The arrest of the five teachers of Malegaon High School is the first major arrest in the bogus recruitment case that also rocked the Maharashtra Assembly during the Monsoon Session in July 2025. The five teachers who have been arrested in the case are Imtiaz Ahmed Riyaz Ahmed, Aafaque Anjum Ashfaq Ahmed, Faheem Ahmed Iqbal Ahmed, Shaikh Aarif Ibrahim and Naeem Ahmed Sagheer Ahmed. All the five teachers were produced in the Malegaon Court Tuesday. Four of them were sent to EOW Custody whereas Imtiaz Ahmed has been sent to Magistrate Custody on health ground. Case Details Malegaon teachers recruitment scam involves the appointment of 13 teachers by the management of the school run by Anjuman Moinut Tulba. A case has been registered against Ishaque Zariwala, Chairman Anjuman Moinut Tulba, and other members of the management following a complaint lodged at Pawarwadi Police Station in Malegaon by Zainab D/o Mohammad, a teacher in the same school. The teacher in her complaint alleged that the appointment of the 13 teachers was bogus. She also alleged that their appointments were shown in 2012 though they were recruited in 2024. This, she alleged, was done to claim the difference amount worth hundreds of thousands of rupees from the state government. Following the FIR, arrest warrants were issued against Ishaque Zariwala and other members of the management. They applied for anticipatory bail which was rejected. They have now approached the Bombay High Court. Meanwhile, the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) summoned the five teachers to Nashik on Monday. Following their interrogation, they were detained on Monday, and formally arrested and produced in the court on Tuesday. Talking to media, Defence Lawyer Azim Khan said the names of the five teachers are not in the FIR. However, they have been arrested based on the statements of the retired Head Master and some retired teachers who said the accused teachers were not in the school during their tenure. The Case Rocks Maharashtra Assembly Malegaon teachers bogus appointment case figured during the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly in July this year. The case was raised in the Maharashtra Assembly by Malegaon MLA Mufti Ismail and other MLAs. Incidentally, Maharashtra Education Minister Dada Bhuse is also MLA from Malegaon. Raising the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly, Mufti Ismail directly addressed Dada Bhuse and alleged that corruption in schools and education department is taking place right under his nose. The Education Department officials in Malegaon and Nashik district are involved in corrupt practices right under your nose, Mufti Mohammed Ismail said while directly addressing Education Minister Dada Bhuse. Following a heated debate, the government announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. As the investigation in the case is underway, FIRs and complaints have also been lodged against three other schools of the City besides Malegaon High School and Junior College. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Modi aide cites Palestinian academic to counter Navarros Brahmin Profiteering remark Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, cited Palestinian academic Edward Said to counter Trumps trade advisor Peter Navarro's Brahmins Profiteering remark Tuesday September 2, 2025 4:35 PM , Ahmed Abdullah Faizee [Palestinian-American Author Edward Said.] New Delhi: Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Council, cited Palestinian academic Edward Said to counter Trumps trade advisor Peter Navarro's Brahmins Profiteering remark. The White House trade advisor opened a hornets nest by linking Mukesh Ambanis buying of oil from Russia with Brahmins. Profiteering Brahmins Talking to Fox News in an interview, Peter Navarro also dubbed New Delhi a "laundromat for the Kremlin" and slammed the country's elite for profiteering "at the expense of the Indian people". "India is nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin...You got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people," he said, alleging that Indian refiners were buying discounted Russian crude, processing it, and exporting it at a premium. Before Putin invaded Ukraine, India didnt buy Russian oil to speak of very, very small amounts. What happened? Now, Russian refiners provide discounts, India refines it, and then sells it at a premium to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It fuels the Russian war machine, he said calling Russia-Ukraine war as Modis war. Orientalist Mentality Sanjeev Sanyal cited Edward Saids acclaimed tome Orientalism to counter Peter Navarros profiteering Brahmins remarks. "This is derived directly from 19th century colonial jibes going back to the likes of James Mill. Edward Said's point about Orientalism is perhaps more correct for India than his original thesis on Middle East, Sanyal said. The term Orientalism was coined by Edward Said in his 1978 book. Edward Said, who was born in Occupied Jerusalem, migrated to Egypt after 1948 Palestine War and then to the United States. Said described Orientalism as a system of thought, scholarship, and imagery that constructs the "Orient" as the "Other" to the "Occident" (the West), and a Western portrayal of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern societies as exotic, inferior, and needing Western intervention, often used to justify colonial rule and reinforce Western superiority. Russian Oil Russia, one of the largest oil producers in the world is a member of OPEC+. The country is facing trade sanctions by the U.S. and its allies over Ukraine war. However, India, China and Brazil are doing business with Russia despite the sanctions, as per reports. The case of India, however, is murkier, as it is reported, Reliance Industries of Mukesh Ambani is importing oil from Russia at a much cheaper rate but the benefits are not passed on to the people. This clearly negates the market driven rate control policy for fuel devised by the erstwhile UPA government. Peter Navarros profiteering Brahmins barb is being read by many in this context. [Ahmed Abdullah Faizee is Staff Writer at ummid.com.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic SCO Summit 2025: From Expanded Role to RIC Revival The recent SCO Summit in Tianjin has provided India a timely opportunity to reset its ties with China, and also prodded Russia to revive the old Russia, India, and China (RIC) forum Tuesday September 2, 2025 11:11 AM , Asad Mirza The recent SCO Summit in Tianjin has provided India a timely opportunity to reset its ties with China, and also prodded Russia to revive the old Russia, India, and China (RIC) forum. The RIC may emerge as a potential defence against the USs tariff mania by increasing trilateral cooperation and trade. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisations (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in China, has emerged as the forum, where old enmities were forgotten and new ties amended, all due to theatrics of one single person, i.e. the US President Donald Trump. Though the focus of the SCO Summit was bilateral and multilateral issues, yet the most important output was the meetings between the Indian prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the host Chinese President Xi Jinping. Apart from optics, the warmth between the three leaders was evident at every moment. The special treatment meted out to PM Modi in comparison to his Pakistani counterpart stands in stark contrast. Modis visit to Tianjin for the summit was days after the US doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, citing New Delhis refusal to stop buying Russian oil. And just a day after a federal appeals court ruled that limited his authority to impose sweeping tariffs. President Trump on Sunday (August 31) defended his controversial tariff policies, calling them vital to the countrys economic and military security. He made the comments in a post on Truth Social: Without Tariffs, and all of the TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS we have already taken in, our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated, Trump wrote. The post came after the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 7-4 that Trump overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when imposing broad tariffs on nearly every country. The court, however, left in place certain targeted protectionist measures. Before the SCO summit experts were awaiting any breakthrough in Indo-China, Indo-Russia and Russia-China relations and their leaders resolve to extend BRICS scope and reach, stressing multilateralism and also trying to find a way to replace the US dollar as the global currency. As Modi began his trip, Donald Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro stepped up his attack on India, claiming on X that the country had become an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin. He also slammed, what he said, "Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people." India has consistently defended its Russian oil purchases, saying they are vital to keep energy costs stable in the vast developing economy, help steady prices globally and comply with international law. Modi has tried to strike a balance over the Ukraine war, refusing to criticise Moscow directly while urging peace. The economic blow of the tariffs is immense. The US is Indias biggest export market at $86.5bn a year, and two-thirds of that about $60.2bn in goods is subject to the new duties, hitting labour-intensive sectors from textiles to jewellery. Even before the tariffs, India had been cautiously warming to China as a source of investment and technology with hopes of boosting trade. Relations between the two neighbours froze after a deadly clash along the disputed Himalayan border in 2020 but began to thaw when Modi and Xi met in person for the first time in four years at a BRICS summit in Russia in October, last. But PM Modis mind will also be on his countrys bust-up with America and how India should respond. In just a few months Donald Trump, Americas president, has found two ways to humiliate the Indian government: first, by appearing to side with Pakistan, an old adversary; second, by whacking Indias exports with extortionate tariffs. The falling out between America and India has prompted the emerging economic giant to think deeply about its present course. Talks between the India and China are now moving to economic matters. Since the clashes in 2020, India has turned away much Chinese investment, and it has refused to grant visas to some Chinese executives. Yet during this period the amount India imports from China has only gone up. Last year, India bought about $114bn-worth of goods from its northern neighbour, about 75% more than five years ago (only about $14bn-worth of stuff went the other way). Much of what it buys are inputs that are essential to the Indian industry. Flow of money and know-how from China could bolster Indian industry, so that it could develop its own advanced-manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on imports. Indias government understands this, but had been loath to relax investment curbs while trade negotiations with Trump were still going on. With those talks now in the doldrums, a slightly freer stance on China is back on the cards. There is yet one more way in which India might respond to its humbling at the hands of Mr Trump. It could choose to accelerate long-needed changes at home that might help it resist such bullying down the line. On the other hand, with India and China improving ties, and considering that the two countries are already closer to Russia, it could potentially lead to the revival of the RIC troika (Russia, India, and China). The RIC troika was first conceptualised by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov in the 1990s, a time when Russia was trying to find its place on the global stage following the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). In the early 2000s, it was institutionalised, and it has held around 20 ministerial-level consultations since then. The concept behind RIC troika was simple: Russia, India and China should form a triangle, and work together to counter the growing Western hegemony. Initially, both India and China kept their distance from the proposal, especially because of the differences between them. Despite reservations, the foreign ministers of the three countries held a trilateral meeting in September 2003 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In the late 90s, India was opening its economy to the globe and was trying to improve ties with the West, particularly the US. Thus, India kept its distance from RIC. Notably, India conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear test in 1998, a move that was strongly condemned by China, which was another reason why India was never serious about it. Like India, China had also maintained a distance from the RIC troika. However, China is also showing interest in reviving the RIC, potentially because of the recent trade policies of the US under Donald Trump. Notably China has openly come out in support of India after the US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on the latter for procuring Russian oil. For long, Russia has looked for the revival of the RIC, and is holding discussions with India and China for this. Earlier this year, Russia said the three countries are important partners, apart from being the founding members of the BRICS. Russia, India and China account for USD 53.9 trillion in global GDP (PPP), which is around 33 per cent of the world's total output. The export of the three countries tops USD 5 trillion, with USD 4.7 trillion in foreign reserves, according to a report by The Economic Times. All of them are also nuclear-powered, and they have always pushed for a multipolar world, opposing unilateralism. Their combined military spending stands at USD 549 billion, and they also consume 35 per cent of the total global energy. However, experts feel there is still time for the RIC to redraw the global order. But all in all, the Tianjin summit definitely provided an opportunity to Mr Modi to up Indias diplomatic game. (The writer, Asad Mirza, is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Lyft CEO David Risher said there were three companies he thought were successful in their businesses. He touted them for many reasons, from nailing customer experience to maintaining a consistent product. He said the companies were Oura Ring, Starbucks, and Microsoft. Lyft's CEO has a leaderboard of his favorite companies, and it includes Starbucks. Speaking in an interview with Sherwood News, released on August 28, CEO David Risher said there were three companies he thought were doing interesting things and getting business right. Risher joined the ride-hailing company's board in 2021 and became its chief executive in 2023. The 60-year-old leader was a general manager at Microsoft in the 90s, and also did a stint at Amazon as the senior vice president of US retail. In the interview with Sherwood News, Risher listed three companies, from small to large, that he admires. Oura Ring Risher said Oura Ring had "nailed the customer experience." Megan Hernbroth/Business Insider Sherwood News wrote that when talking about a small company he admired, Risher pointed to the Oura Ring on his finger. He told the outlet that Oura Ring had "nailed the customer experience." Oura Ring is a health technology company founded in Finland. It makes smart rings ranging from $199 to $499 that track heart health, sleep patterns, activity, and stress levels, per the company's website. "It gives me enough information, and it doesn't feel naggy," he said to the outlet. "The technology is super slick and easy." Risher added, "They started with a clear idea, they've not tried to add 20 different things, and it's a really good example of a focused and customer-obsessed product." Speaking to Business Insider in June, Risher revealed that his Oura Ring was part of his morning routine. He said he checked the ring's report every morning after brushing his teeth to get insights into how well he had slept the night before. Starbucks Starbucks is adding extra charges for extra ingredients, like pumps of syrup or scoops of matcha. I say, it's about time! Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto Risher said Starbucks was a medium-sized company he thought was doing a good job. He said to Sherwood News that it was hard to be "consistent across so many geographies" while juggling other facets like their app, loyalty program, and drive-thrus. Starbucks has outlets in about 80 countries, per its website. The bulk of the stores are in the US and China, with 17,230 and 7,828 stores respectively, per an earnings report released in July. "Then their beverages change. They go through their cycles, of course, but I think they've done a very good job," Risher said. Risher's comments on Starbucks come as the Seattle-based coffee chain is turning around several quarters of weak performance. It saw business slide due to operational problems like long wait times and issues with its mobile ordering system. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said, ahead of a massive military parade on Wednesday. He arrived at 4:00 pm at Beijing Railway Station and was greeted by Cai Qi, China's number five-ranked official, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, KCNA reported. Earlier on Tuesday, AFP journalists saw a train flying North Korea flags and believed to be carrying Kim approaching the station. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin and two dozen other leaders at the huge spectacle to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. China will showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear at the showpiece extravaganza centred on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. South Korea's Yonhap news agency also reported the special armoured train's arrival in the capital. Kim appeared to be accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said in a statement to reporters. It is only Kim's second reported trip abroad in six years and first to China since 2019. China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim's attendance will be the first time he is seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. Photos released by KCNA showed Kim smoking a cigarette outside his olive-green train with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and close aide Jo Yong Won. Another pictured Kim grinning inside his lavish, wood-lined train carriage in front of a North Korean flag and national emblem. Both images were taken on Monday, according to KCNA. Kim's appearance in China "formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public", Soo Kim, a geopolitical risk consultant and former CIA analyst, told AFP. Kim enjoyed a brief bout of high-profile international diplomacy from around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and then South Korean president Moon Jae-in multiple times. But he withdrew from the global scene after the collapse of a summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2019. Kim stayed in North Korea throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but met Putin in Russia's far east in 2023. - Flags, flowers and fanfare - Security around Beijing has tightened in recent days and weeks, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles upon miles of white barriers lining the capital's wide boulevards. Art installations with flowers, doves and an emblem showing the Great Wall of China with "1945-2025" have cropped up around the city, and on Tuesday Chinese flags flew in residential neighbourhoods. Officials have been tight-lipped over the list of hardware to be displayed at the parade, but military enthusiasts have already spotted significant new systems, including what is rumoured to be a gigantic laser weapon. Millions of Chinese people were killed during a prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, which became part of a global conflict following Tokyo's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Wednesday's event caps a bumper week of diplomacy for President Xi, who on Sunday and Monday hosted a slew of Eurasian leaders for a summit in the northern port city of Tianjin aimed at putting China front and centre of regional relations. The club of 10 countries -- named the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- touts itself as a non-Western style of collaboration in the region and seeks to be an alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries -- a veiled reference to the United States -- while Putin defended Russia's Ukraine offensive, blaming the West for triggering the conflict. Many of the guests from the Tianjin gathering, including Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders will join Xi and Kim for the parade in Beijing. bur-sam/mtp Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Slovakia's Moscow-friendly prime minister on Tuesday for following an "independent" foreign policy, as the pair met in China. Slovak leader Robert Fico opposed EU sanctions on Russia over the 2022 full invasion of Ukraine, arguing the measures would put his country's energy security at risk, and has repeatedly criticised the Kyiv government. "We highly value the independent foreign policy that you and your team, your government, are pursuing," Putin told Fico, the only EU leader to be attending World War II commemorations in Beijing. Fico said Slovakia was "extremely interested" in standardising ties with Russia, adding that his country had begun to issue visas for Russian citizens. The European Commission urged member states to be more restrictive in granting visas to Russians in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Tens of thousands of people rallied in Slovakia earlier this year against Fico seeking closer ties with Russia. - Energy worries - Fico is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in western Ukraine on Friday. He said they would discuss Ukraine's EU membership bid and oil supply disruptions caused by attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. "Such attacks on vitally important infrastructure are not possible," Fico said. Putin suggested Slovakia and other countries in the region should retaliate by cutting off energy supplies to Ukraine. "Shut off electricity supplies and they will immediately understand that there are some limits to their behaviour in the area of violating other people's interests," Putin told Fico. Ukraine has targeted Russia's Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries oil to Slovakia and Hungary, throughout the conflict. The EU imposed a ban on most oil imports from Russia in 2022 but exempted the Druzhba route to give landlocked Central European countries time to find alternative oil supplies. Slovakia and fellow EU member Hungary have asked the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- to act against Ukraine's "repeated attacks" on the pipeline. Fico has incessantly attacked Zelensky, labelling him "a comedian who lies as he breathes out" and accusing him of "needing this war" to keep his job. bur-jza/jxb By John Revill and Oliver Hirt ZURICH (Reuters) -Nestle has fired CEO Laurent Freixe after just a year in the job for concealing a romantic relationship with a subordinate, throwing the Swiss food giant into a leadership crisis that compounds a share price slump and slowing sales. Freixe is replaced by Nespresso chief Philipp Navratil, 49, a rising star at the world's largest food company, as it struggles to deal with the impact of U.S. tariffs, a darkening global economic outlook and dwindling investor confidence after years of underperformance. Laying bare wider tensions, Tuesday was a whipsaw day for global consumer companies as Japan's Suntory parted with its CEO and Kraft Heinz announced a split and activist investor Elliott Management called for a turnaround at PepsiCo. "The loss of two CEOs and a chairman in a year is of historic proportions for Nestle," said Ingo Speich, head of Corporate Governance and Sustainability at Deka, a top-30 Nestle investor. "The new CEO needs to fix the business model and bring volumes back. He needs to do better M&A and focus more on emerging markets." Freixe, a 63-year-old Frenchman, was sacked just over a year after his predecessor Mark Schneider was ousted for failing to turn Nestle around. The company also said in June that Paul Bulcke, CEO from 2008 to 2016, will step down as chair in April 2026 and be replaced by Pablo Isla, a former CEO of Spanish fashion retailer Inditex. Freixe's dismissal follows an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate that breached Nestle's code of business conduct, Nestle said late on Monday. Shares in the maker of Nescafe instant coffee and KitKat chocolate bars closed 0.7% lower in Zurich, paring earlier losses when the stock fell as much as 3.6%. SPEAK UP The company said concerns about a possible relationship were first raised by staff via the company's internal reporting channel Speak Up, although an initial investigation was unsubstantiated. Freixe initially denied the relationship to the board, a company spokesperson said. When staff concerns persisted, Nestle ordered an investigation, overseen by Bulcke and Isla, with the support of Swiss lawyers Baer & Karrer, Nestle said. The report was completed in recent days, leading to a board meeting and Freixe's dismissal on Monday. Freixe, who spent 39 years with Nestle, will receive no exit package following his departure, the company told Reuters. In a short statement, Bulcke thanked Freixe for his service at Nestle, but said the dismissal was a "necessary decision". Pontiff renews calls for ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli president Isaac Herzog is to meet Pope Leo XIV for talks at the Vatican on Thursday, at the invitation of the pontiff, the president's office confirmed on Tuesday. Herzogs office said the talks will focus on the effort to bring back the hostages from Gaza, tackling antisemitism around the world, and protecting Christian communities in the Middle East. After his audience with Pope Leo on Thursday morning, Herzog will hold talks with the Vaticans Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, according to the Holy See press office. The audience with the pope will be the second encounter between the two leaders who met on the occasion of the pontiff's inaugural Mass on 18 May. Last week Pope Leo added his voice to a joint appeal from the Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem - Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III respectively - for peace in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to flow freely into the enclave. Photo credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com. Strike action on Saturday could lead to disruption in Italy's airports. Passengers flying to, from or in Italy face potential travel disruption on Saturday 6 September due to a four-hour strike affecting the air transport sector. The nationwide strike action by ground staff, organised by multiple trade unions, is scheduled in airports across Italy from midday until 16.00. Also on Saturday, pilots and cabin crews employed by British low-cost carrier easyJet will stage a 24-hour strike as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC, whose website has more information about the strike, reminds air travellers that during strikes in Italy flights scheduled between 07.00-10.00 and 18.00-21.00 are guaranteed. Saturday's strike is preceded by a 21-hour national strike affecting train services across Italy on 4-5 September. We update our news of public transport strikes in Italy regularly. For official information see the transport ministry website. Photo credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock.com. Vivienne Clarke The Childrens Rapporteur Caoilfhionn Gallagher has described the case of the missing child who is presumed dead in north Co Dublin as horrifying and heartbreaking. I very much understand the public concern that I'm seeing about how this could happen with a three and a half year old child and you often hear that phrase it takes a village to raise a child but there's also that real question about us needing to have a village, to watch out for children so we spot when things go wrong, she told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne show. Concerns for the boy were raised by Tusla, the child and family agency, and reported to gardai on Friday, August 29th. The boy would now be seven years old, but it has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of the boy. However, Ms Gallagher said it was very positive that the case was progressing swiftly. A key question, she said, was whether the child had previously been known to the authorities. She acknowledged that the disappearance of a child would not have been apparent during Covid lockdowns. Did this child have a social worker? Had there been any previous references of concern to the Gardai and so on? And there's nothing whatsoever to indicate at the moment that this child was on the radar of any authorities. So from what we know, it sounds as if when Tusla learned of the concerns after the social welfare claims, they responded quickly, they raised questions with the Gardai." Gardai have acted quickly and things are in process. So it's a horrifying and heartbreaking case but actually at the moment I don't see from the publicly available information, which is all I've got, I don't necessarily see that in terms of institutional responses, this raises the same types of concerns that we have in the horrendous case of Kyran Durnin. I'm obviously extremely concerned by what I've heard about this child, and my heart goes out to this child's loved ones," Ms Gallagher said. "I think there are real questions about whether at any stage, including preschoolers, but also including children who are post-compulsory school age, whether we need to have better systems in place for ensuring that vulnerable children, children who may be at risk, are on the radar. Ms Gallagher said it was important that any investigations into the Kyran Durnin case and the current missing child case needed to be fully transparent. People feel uneasy. And one of the advantages of having a public type process, a transparent process, is it can reassure the public that lessons are in fact being learned and that processes are being changed so you never have a horrifying case like this again in the future. There's questions to be answered, and at the moment those questions are being answered behind closed doors, which I think contributes to public concern. And you've of course got to do it carefully, because once you've got an active investigation, you need to be very careful to ensure that you don't prejudice any ongoing criminal investigations." "But there are ways in which that can be done in a safe way," she added. I think there is a real public level of concern wanting to know whether the systems are fit for purpose. And it seems to me rather than just dealing on a firefighting basis with each individual case when they arise, we need to have a much more radical look at whether our systems do the job and whether they're protecting children in Ireland as well as they could be. I think on some of the small silo issues, you know, progress has been made. For example, I'm very pleased to see that Minister Norma Foley recently looked at the issue of cross-border cooperation, because, of course, in Kyran Durnin's case, there's a very particular issue about it being said that he was going across the border to school in Northern Ireland and falling through the cracks at that point. So I am conscious that a lot of good work is being done on specific issues, but it feels that every time we do that on child protection, it's reactive. We wait until the next crisis hits, then there is a political response. And it seems to me, we need to proactively look at our child protection systems and why we're repeatedly getting these horrifying cases. The Irish Times have reported that the boy was just three to four years old when he was last seen. The paper also reported that it understands gardai have spoken to the parents of the child, one of whom is abroad and one who remains in Ireland. Both are Irish citizens, The Irish Times added. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) at Swords Garda Station. Gardai have appealed to anyone who has any information in connection with this investigation to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, a garda statement said. Waterford Airport have issued a letter voicing concerns over the the largescale expansion of Gaelcholaiste Phort Lairge in Ballygunner. Airport management say that construction of the school could interfere with airport operations and airspace. What is planned? Planning application for the school's expansion was submitted by Minister For Education and Youth Helen McEntee on August 1. The plans consist of the demolition of the existing temporary school facility and creche and the construction of a new standalone 5,573sqm post primary school. The new site will provide for a special education needs unit, 12 general classrooms, a multimedia room, music room, textile room, design room, graphics room and two science laboratories. Also planned is an engineering room, construction studies room, art room, home economics room, a library, general purpose hall, staff room, kitchenette, 3 SET Rooms, 7 administrative rooms, a multi-use hall, fitness suite, three ball courts and an astroturf pitch. Airport concerns Subsequent to the submission of these plans, Waterford Airport Manager Aidan Power submitted a letter to Waterford Councils Planning Department outlining concerns. The proposed development is 1.8 nautical miles from Waterford Airport, which raises aviation safety concerns, Mr. Power outlined. The letter says: The use of cranes in this area may affect the published flight procedures, airspace and by association the aircraft operation at Waterford Airport, including the Irish Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Waterford Airport. Mr. Power requested that the applicant clarify if cranes will be operating during the construction phase. The letter further requests that if cranes are to be used, that the applicant furnish an Aeronautical Safety Assessment. The airport can provide guidance with the above task Mr Power added. A decision on the development is expected from Waterford City and County Council by September 25. The powers of the Irish President are far less than presidents of other countries, and many of the powers of the President can only be exercised on the advice of the Government. With Presidential elections looming, we took to Waterford City centre to ask locals if they think Ireland even needs a president. Argument for a president Barry McCormack said: "We definitely do need a President." "It's somebody to represent us around the world. It's definitely important, and its not a lost cause. "Even without looking at the limited power they hold, the value alone of our president going to visit other countries and making contacts is huge. "They're the face of the country. "Since Patrick Hillery, I think every president we've had has made a huge impact. Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson obviously did a lot, and Michael D. Higgins has made a huge impact around the world because hes so personable. It's important to have someone like that be the face of the country. "So judging on the last three weve had, I believe there is value in having a president. "It makes the world smaller because we're building contacts with leaders across the world. "We could maybe do without half of the TDs, but I think we still need our president there." Barry McCormack. Photo: Joe Evans Argument for not having a president Meanwhile, local man Freddie Carroll said that he believes Ireland doesn't need a president Calum Bolger Martin and Freddie Carroll. Photo: Joe Evans "I think its a pointless role. I really dont think a President of Ireland is any good. The Taoiseach is who we listen to. Any president is a figurehead, politicians run the country, and a President is there for show. "There's no power at all in their hands and that was always my opinion of it. Not to mention Presidents are on very big money for doing a job with not much power involved." Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share The idea of a dark underbelly lurking beneath seemingly orderly enclaves, especially middle- and upper-class ones, isnt anything new on television. Its reliably provided inviting territory for talents as diverse as David Lynch (Twin Peaks), Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies), Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives) and Dan Fogelman (Paradise). But a trio of recent series illustrate just how enduring our fascination is with the detonation of suburban mayhem and these stories, featuring distinct if sometimes overlapping concerns, come from all over the world. Editor's pick Streaming Twin Peaks at 35: How David Lynch paved the way for all your favourite TV Set in Australia, The Family Next Door (ABC iview) spotlights marital stresses that have arisen for various reasons: financial pressures, mental health issues, infidelity. The shows opener boasts a combined audience (both broadcast and streaming) of 1.4 million and has been celebrated by the ABC as the fastest-growing local drama premiere ever on iview. Set in Denmark, Secrets We Keep (Netflix) probes the breakdown of moral order evident in the failing relationships of two married couples which are brought to the surface by their treatment of migrant nannies, and the consequences for their children. Set in Scotland, Fear (BritBox) deals with a family in crisis, its traumas exploding into the open when three damaged men cross paths. On all of these well-tended streets, nothing initially appears to be amiss. The upmarket settings for all three series suggest an order belied by the conflicts that unfold inside them. At least until the storm erupts in the final episode, the sun shines constantly in The Family Next Door, which has been adapted by Sarah Scheller (Strife) from Sally Hepworths book. Likewise, everything looks to be in its brochure-like place in and around the luxurious homes in Secrets We Keep, created and written by Ingeborg Topse. And Fear, adapted by Mick Ford from a book by German writer Dirk Kurbjuweit, is largely located in a vast, multi-levelled mansion in Glasgows affluent Park District to which its upwardly mobile owners have brought their hopes for a rosy future. In The Family Next Door, Teresa Palmer plays Isabelle, a newcomer whose arrival throws the lives of the residents of a beachside cul-de-sac into chaos. ABC TV Watching wealthy, entitled people suffer, whether theyre dealing with strife in Downton Abbey, Succession or The White Lotus, is a prospect that appears to hold perennial appeal. Although it does seem emblematic of this stage of the streaming era that today these series must also feature a mandatory crime thread. Advertisement These days, it seems that domestic dramas minus a missing person or a murder victim, such as Fogelmans excellent This is Us or, further back, series like Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskowitzs memorable thirtysomething (1987-91) and Once and Again (1999-2002), are not viewed as viable. The streamers want what they regard as juicy hooks to grab viewers attention, with Bump and Breeders among the rare and notable exceptions to the trend. Related Article Australian TV Perfect on the outside, chaos within: Teresa Palmer taps her heart of darkness in ABC drama The action in Family Next Door kicks off when newcomer Isabelle (Teresa Palmer) rents a house in a coastal cul-de-sac in the fictional Osprey Bay played largely by Victorias photogenic Anglesea and, posing as a journalist, deceives the residents about her reasons for being there. What viewers learn early on is that shes a child protection officer investigating something that she suspects is amiss in Pleasant Court. In the visually striking and impressively uncompromising Secrets We Keep, Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen) becomes increasingly alarmed after Filipina au pair Ruby Tan (Donna Levkovski) disappears from the home where she works and the young womans plight is treated with indifference by other residents of the affluent, upper-class area in Copenhagen. The three-part Fear stars Martin Compston (Line of Duty) as architect Martyn Berwick, an operator with ambitions and a short fuse. He, wife Rebecca (Anjli Mohindra) and their two young children are entering what they anticipate will be an exciting new chapter in their lives. But, from the outset, their new home feels creepily claustrophobic despite its grand scale, an impression exacerbated by the tenant in the basement flat, Jan (Solly McLeod), whos welcoming but unsettling. Relations quickly degenerate from discomfort to open hostility. What the series also have in common are protagonists who dont readily encourage empathy. In the six-part Family Next Door, Isabelle is portrayed as edgy and duplicitous, a woman who literally has to immerse herself in an ice-bath to calm her roiling emotions. The true nature of her agenda remains unclear until the penultimate episode, but shes a classic enigmatic stranger who arrives in town in this case a court housing four friendly families and shatters the veneer of equilibrium. The sweetness that Palmer can bring to her roles is here toughened by a potent ferocity. Advertisement Advertisement The Weekly Special Eating outWhats on Star chef comes to Perth for one night only, and a beloved osteria (temporarily) goes BYO Plus (handmade) mooncake season returns to a long-standing Northbridge Asian grocer. Max Veenhuyzen September 3, 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 First there was The Isol(Asian) Cookbook: a self-published lockdown project clapping back at the (so-called) homestyle Chinese cooking that was flooding social media at the time. Celebrated chef and author Rosheen Kaul. Then came Chinese-Ish, a cookbook that picked up where Isol(Asian) left off. (At the same time, it also picked up a prestigious James Beard award.) For her next trick, Singaporean-born Rosheen Kaul former head chef at Melbournes Etta as well as a Good Food contributor is unscrewing the lid on the wide world of condiments. Introducing Secret Sauce ($39.99, Murdoch Books): an ode to the many sauces of Asia and the ways that they can enrich mealtimes and, by extension, your life. Advertisement As part of her national book launch tour, Kaul is cooking at Mount Hawthorns beloved Casa on Tuesday, September 23, wheres shell be serving a set menu drawing from the books recipes. Tickets to Kauls book launch dinner ($89, food only) have nearly sold out, but early bookings are still available. A smaller, walk-in-only snacks menu will also be available from 4pm. Related Article Rosheen Kauls amped up chilli oil and other flavour bombs to add oomph to your cooking Lock in and rock out Highs and Lows 20th birthday celebrations continue apace. Over the September long weekend, the globally respected Perth streetwear label teams up with new-school Beaufort Street trattoria Testun to host a Lock In Party and the intersection of ace food and music. Advertisement Testun and Highs and Lows are teaming up to celebrate the streetwear brands birthday. Peter Lyndon-James The revelry kicks off in the afternoon with drinks followed by typically renegade Italo-influenced cooking along the lines of carbonara crostino and Anthony Bourdain-inspired mortadella panini. Once the tables have all been cleared, the lights go down and the volume goes up as DJs from both camps take to the decks to keep the party and dance floor heaving until late. Tickets are $100 and include a drink on arrival, snacks and all the dance floor action your knees and feet can handle. Get them online. Handmade mooncakes are back at Lotus Advertisement With this years mooncake festival happening on October 6, mooncake fans have just over a month to drop into Northbridges Lotus Vegetarian Grocer to purchase some of Alex Yongs outstanding handmade mooncakes. Dense yet also surprisingly featherweight, theyre a wondrous seasonal treat that, except for the mooncakes filled with salted egg yolk, also happen to be vegan. Post is going BYO (temporarily). A beloved osteria (temporarily) goes BYO Although Post is housed within the soigne State Buildings precinct, its repertoire of polished and comforting Italian cooking gives this contemporary osteria a warm, familiar quality. Advertisement Throughout September, team Post is leaning into this homely spirit and allowing guests to bring their own special bottles of wine to enjoy at the dinner or lunch table alongside vitello tonnato, pasta and other Post signatures. BYO is $35 a bottle (750ml bottles of wine only) and available only on Wednesdays. Bookings are recommended. Related Article 14 / 20 Review This Vietnamese snack bar is a lunchtime destination worth travelling for Bourbon, barbecues and bakeries Big Dons Bakery? Mary Street Smoked Meats? The decidedly NSFW-sounding BDSM MSB-style? Advertisement You could spin a team-up between Big Dons Smoked Meats and Mary Street Bakery in many ways, yet the easiest descriptor to reach for would probably be unmissable. Just in time for Fathers Day, team Mary Street is turning Big Dons popular pecan pie into a limited-edition brioche doughnut piped with Bourbon-spiked pecan pie filling and salted creme patissier, then glazed with maple syrup also doctored with bourbon and crushed pecans. The doughnut will be available as a till special at Big Dons this Saturday (September 6) as well as at Mary Street Bakery from September 6 to 12. Four-packs of the doughnut can also be ordered online. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Whats on Perth Max Veenhuyzen is a journalist and photographer who has been writing about food, drink and travel for national and international publications for more than 20 years. He reviews restaurants for the Good Food Guide. Advertisement NationalNSWCourts This was published 3 months ago Merivale whale has sexual touching charges dismissed Eryk Bagshaw September 2, 2025 3:02pm 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 One of Merivales biggest spending VIPs, Matthew Palavidis, has had charges of sexual touching without consent dismissed, but has been convicted of common assault after he allegedly tried to undo a waitresss top at one of the hospitality giants top venues. Palavidis lawyer, Paul McGirr, said the 64-year-old would appeal the common assault conviction. The conviction order has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. Matthew Palavidis walks into Waverley local court on Tuesday with his lawyer Paul McGirr. Edwina Pickles He maintains his innocence, said McGirr. The most serious charge has been rightfully dismissed, and in relation to the common assault, we dont accept that either. Palavidis, an acoustic engineer from Darling Point, is known within the Merivale empire as a whale for his prolific spending across its Sydney establishments. Advertisement The Waverley Local Court heard Palavidis had a preference for lobster, extra-dry martinis with a lemon twist, Don Julio 1942 tequila, and had to be given strong, attentive service at Merivale establishments. Related Article Exclusive House of Merivale The criminals, MPs and VIPs: How Justin Hemmes went from party-boy billionaire to political operator Merivale, owned by billionaire Justin Hemmes, continued to allow the VIP into its restaurants after the waitress pressed charges against him last year. The court heard Palavidis tried to undo the waitresss top as she served him caviar and vodka shots at Mimis in Coogee in 2023. Three of Palavidis companions, including his accountant, Michael Seymour, said they did not see Palavidis reach for the waitresss top when they dined together at Mimis. Advertisement CCTV footage of the incident played to the court showed Palavidis reaching to his right. But the video was inconclusive on whether he had touched the waitress because she was hidden behind a lamp. Matthew is very animated sometimes, Seymour said on Tuesday. Seymour said he was a moralistic person who would have walked out of the restaurant if he had witnessed any alleged sexual touching by Palavidis. All I can say is that he certainly never put his hand towards the waitress, he said. The waitress, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is the first Merivale staff member to take a VIP guest to court. Mimis venue manager Jonathan Robinson told the court in November that Palavidis was not just a regular of Mimis but also a regular of Merivale. Advertisement Robinson said the waitress approached him after serving Palavidis a caviar bump with vodka and said: I dont want to go back there. Related Article Exclusive Sex, sleaze and hospitality One step from being a brothel: Sex, drugs, harassment alleged in Ivy penthouse She felt violated, Robinson said. She said to me that Mr Palavidis pulled on her blouse [to expose her breasts] and said his present. Merivale, which owns 90 venues across Australia, has denied allegations revealed in July by this masthead and 60 Minutes that the company exploited women, facilitated drug use, ignored sexual harassment, and underpaid staff, while serving VIPs with political and criminal links, including men who would go on to become some of Australias largest drug suppliers and tax fraudsters. Two regulators, SafeWork NSW and Fair Work, have launched investigations into the company following the revelations. Advertisement The Fair Work Ombudsmans investigation in relation to Merivale Hospitality Group is ongoing, a spokesperson said. It is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago A helicopter circles, police return to Freemans home: Search for alleged killer enters second week Benjamin Preiss and Hannah Hammoud September 2, 2025 4:37pm 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 sweet fragrance of fresh flowers rushes forth from the Wangaratta police station when the automatic glass doors open. Inside, the lobby is laden with cards and hundreds of bouquets paying tribute to slain officers Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. Photos and flowers at Wangaratta police station in tribute to Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (left and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. Joe Armao Framed portraits on a table show Thompson hunched over a dog, with a backdrop of hilly countryside, and De Waarts pearly smile gleaming at the camera. About an hour away in the High Country town of Porepunkah, heavily armed police returned to the home of so-called sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, who is alleged to have shot the two officers dead and injured a third policeman before fleeing. Advertisement The search for Freeman entered its second week as police continued to saturate the wider region on Tuesday. As dusk descended, a helicopter circled above nearby Mount Buffalo while police monitored roads in the area. In the nearby town of Bright, police established an information centre in the hope that locals or anyone with information might help them with locating Freeman. Police have spent seven days searching the Victorian High Country for suspected police killer Dezi Freeman. Matt Davidson On Monday, Superintendent Brett Kahan said investigators believed Freeman was alive and police suspected he was receiving help from people in the community to evade capture. Freeman fled into dense bushland after the shootings. Police have deployed more than 450 officers to Victorias High Country, vowing to continue the search until he is found. Advertisement On Sunday Freemans wife, Amalia, issued a plea through her lawyers for her husband to hand himself in. Related Article Porepunkah shooting Dezi Freeman still alive and being helped by supporters, police say Amalia Freeman was arrested and then released with her 15-year-old son on Thursday. In the statement, she said she did not hold anti-authority views such as those purportedly held by her husband. Meanwhile, a South Australian man has been charged after a poster of Freeman was displayed at a March for Australia rally in Adelaide on Sunday. The 39-year-old man handed himself in at a police station on Tuesday following investigations by detectives, police said. The poster of Freeman was sighted in the crowd at the Adelaide rally. Advertisement On Monday, South Australian police said they believed they had identified the individual responsible for holding up the poster, which drew widespread condemnation from politicians and retired police. Acting Commissioner Linda Williams said officers were unable to locate the man at the time of the protest but had since identified him. This [Freeman] is a man who is wanted by Victoria Police for the shooting of two police officers whose families would no doubt have seen this image and would be likely distraught by what they have seen as would every right-minded person particularly every right-minded police officer, Williams said. I can only underscore how outrageous that behaviour is on the face of it and thats why we seek to locate this man and speak to him about the behaviour. Advertisement The man was charged with displaying offensive material in a public place. He has been bailed to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on October 28. South Australia Police want to speak with the man who held a poster of an image of Dezi Freeman at an anti-immigration protest in Adelaide on Sunday. Getty Images Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalWASmoking & vaping This was published 3 months ago Vape shops all but disappear from WA but black market thrives in convenience stores Cameron Myles September 3, 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 2 View all comments More than 100 dedicated vaping stores in WA have closed since the introduction of strict new laws last year, but a raft of convenience stores are still flouting the rules and selling illegal vapes under the counter. Those are the findings of a new report from The University of Notre Dame, which warns convenience stores remain a common source of vapes for young people. Dedicated vape stores in WA have all but disappeared after the introduction of new legislation, according to a new report. James Brickwood The report, published on Wednesday in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that of 194 vape shops operating in WA in January 2023, 117 had closed by September 2024, three months after strict federal legislation barring the sale of vapes came into effect. Another 76 stores that had previously sold vapes alongside other products had stopped selling vapes altogether, while one store was still openly selling vapes on the day of the audit. Advertisement But when it came to convenience stores in inner-Perth, the report found 14 of 32 surveyed prior to the new laws coming into effect were selling vapes under the counter. Of those stores, 11 were still doing so after the strict legislation came into effect including nine within a 500-metre radius of Perths CBD. Report co-author Professor Lisa Wood said the findings relating to dedicated vape stores were encouraging. Previously, these stores were all-too common in our local communities, she said. They were often located near schools and openly advertised vape products to passers-by, with enticing windows displays and appealing flavours contributing to the normalisation of vaping amongst young people. Advertisement The report lays bare the challenges of enforcing the tough federal and WA legislation, under which it is illegal to sell, supply or possess vaping products without a doctors prescription. Discarded vape packaging in Perths CBD on Monday. WAtoday Single-use vapes are banned altogether. But when this masthead took a stroll through Perths CBD earlier this week, it didnt take long to come across discarded packaging for popular disposable vape brands including iGet and Alibarbar. Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said the reports finding that convenience stores were still selling vapes illegally wasnt surprising. This sector has a long history of undermining community health efforts, putting profits first, he said. Advertisement Illegal convenience store vape sales are happening across the country. A state government spokesperson said the report was a clear indication laws to crack down on vaping were working, but illegal sales showed a blatant disregard for the health of Western Australians, putting profits ahead of public health. The Department of Health is actively monitoring and enforcing illegal vape sales across WA, working closely with WA Police, Australian Border Force, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and the Commonwealth, they said. Since 1 January 2024, the department has conducted more than 1600 inspections and seized more than 190,000 vapes, with an estimated worth of more than $5.8 million. In August, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch told Radio 6PR he wanted the power to shut down convenience stores and smoke shops that sold black market tobacco over fears of a brewing tobacco war, following two shootings and firebombings in Perth. Advertisement Blanch said selling illicit tobacco was already illegal in WA, but the meager fines were not acting as a deterrent for shop owners. Illegal vapes and price lists in convenience stores in Perth in June 2024, after tough new legislation came into effect. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health I think the penalties and consequences of doing it need to be far greater because at the moment its quite a lucrative business where these shops can earn thousands of dollars, so a small fine is not really going to be a deterrent, Blanch said. A WA Police spokeswoman told this masthead the investigation and prosecution of illicit tobacco and vape sales remained the responsibility of the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The WA Police Force remain committed to identifying and disrupting organised crime groups operating within this space who use utilise violence and stand over tactics to intimidate others that impacts upon the wider community, she said. Advertisement Local governments across Perth are coming up against the problem of stores popping up in empty retail spaces and selling little else but chips, drinks, and with a stock of contraband behind the counters. Related Article Smoking & vaping WAs health department seized almost 200,000 vapes. But how many fines have been issued? Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge has been on a crusade to stop the proliferation of convenience stores selling vapes illegally in the port city. Fitzhardinge said it had almost been a year since the council first flagged the problem with the health department, and it was getting worse by the day. Were trying to create a family atmosphere in Fremantle, and the proliferation of these convenience stores is not helping, she said. Advertisement Local government can report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, and our city officers have certainly been doing that. Fitzhardinge said she had met with police and state health ministers in a bid to expedite a solution, with a particular focus on tougher penalties. We believe the fines for illegal vape sales are not high enough, compared to other states. We would also support the introduction of closure orders for stores found to be selling illicit tobacco or vapes, she said. Otherwise, at a local government level, we are looking at what planning mechanisms we have, to restrict certain land uses in the city centre, but those changes take a long time to implement. Slevin said vapes were dangerous, and their ingredients should not be inhaled into young lungs. Advertisement This is about preventing an epidemic of lung and other disease in the future. The time to act is now. And the action and penalties rightly focus on those making the profits, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalImmigration This was published 3 months ago Deportation laws face rushed two-hour inquiry as migration debate rages Natassia Chrysanthos and Nick Newling September 3, 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 The federal opposition will force Labors controversial Nauru deportation laws through a rushed two-hour inquiry, but the Albanese government quashed attempts to investigate its wider migration policies as debate from the weekends anti-immigration rallies spilled into parliament. As both One Nation and the Coalition this week beckoned further debate about immigration levels, Labor announced the permanent migration intake would be unchanged from last year, at 185,000 places. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during question time on Tuesday. Alex Ellinghausen The opposition said the visa allocation did not account for the real pressures facing modern Australia as it pushed for a Senate inquiry into government immigration policies. Labor rebuffed the move and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured his caucus on Tuesday that net overseas migration levels were moderating, as he sought to temper public discussion by warning MPs not to demonise people who attended the weekend marches with legitimate concerns about migration. Advertisement But as the federal government defended Australias migration program, Labor came under additional fire from migrant groups and refugee advocates over its plans to strip non-citizens of basic legal rights when they are ordered to Nauru under a secretive $408 million pact. Eight multicultural groups combined on Tuesday to raise their fears that the new laws designed to apply to the NZYQ cohort of former immigration detainees with serious criminal records, including murder and sex offences could target other migrants. Related Article Exclusive Immigration Burke signs $400m deal to deport hundreds of former detainees to Nauru A statement on behalf of South Asian, Arab, Hazara, Iranian, African, South Sudanese, Pakistani and Tamil organisations said the bill showed migrants to Australia were treated under a different set of rules. It is hypocritical that Labor MPs and senators are condemning anti-immigration protests while at the same time launching some of the most anti-immigration laws and deportations this country has ever seen, said Jana Favero, deputy chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, which co-ordinated the message. Advertisement The deportation laws will be rushed through a two-hour Senate inquiry on Wednesday night other inquiries typically take several weeks and will pass parliament with the Coalitions support. The inquiry will hear from Home Affairs officials, but it will not seek external submissions or produce a report. Opposition home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie said the Coalition would facilitate the urgent passage of the bill to make sure former detainees with criminal convictions were deported as soon as possible, but he continued a political attack against the governments management of the NZYQ High Court case. A High Court ruling that people could not be held in indefinite detention after serving sentences forced the government to find new ways to deal with offenders who could not be deported back to their own countries and whom other nations would not accept. Opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie in parliament on Monday. Alex Ellinghausen It is the Labor governments successive policy failures that have brought us to this position in the first place, Hastie said. Its not the High Court, its not the Coalition or the Greens. This mess sits at Labors feet alone. Advertisement Independent MP Zali Steggall sought unsuccessfully to move an amendment addressing immense overreach in the bill, which she said could affect other people on certain bridging visas. This legislation is deeply problematic ... I acknowledge the need to find a solution, but the need to protect procedural fairness and natural justice are cornerstones of our justice system and should be absolutely upheld, Steggall said. Meanwhile, One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts tried to launch a separate inquiry into the effect of high immigration levels on the Australian economy in the Senate on Monday night. The Coalition amended it to probe the failed immigration policies of the Albanese Labor government. Labor shut down the Coalitions amendment on Tuesday night, after opposition immigration spokesman Paul Scarr said the issues should be discussed in a way that is considered, measured and reasoned. I do not support blaming immigrants or migrants for the issues were facing today. I think its wrong, I think its divisive, and I think it tears at our social fabric, he said. Advertisement I do support having a reasoned, considered debate in relation to the issue. I think we need to have that debate ... If the debate is not had, extreme elements will fill or seek to fill the vacuum, and thats something we must guard against. Related Article Immigration Thousands of Australians claim theres been unprecedented migration. Heres what the numbers say Labor senators pushed back. Sure, we should be able to have a rational debate about migration. Sure, we should be able to do that, Labor senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah said. But rationality goes out the window when that argument is co-opted by neo-Nazis, when anti-immigrant sentiment is the business model of One Nation and now the Coalition. This place turns the dog whistle into a megaphone. Amid the fight over immigration numbers, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke released overdue targets for the governments permanent migration program, which issues skilled and family visas. Advertisement It follows consultation with the states and territories, which recommended maintaining the size and composition of the program, with a focus on skilled migration, he said. The Australian Industry Group welcomed the maintained target as recognition of skill shortages facing Australia, but the Coalition said the government gave an insufficient explanation for its decision. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive WorldEuropeVladimir Putin This was published 3 months ago Yulia Navalnaya is in Australia with a blunt message about Putin, the president who murdered her husband Peter Hartcher September 3, 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 Nowhere is safe for me: Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexi Navalny, in Sydney on Tuesday. James Brickwood Vladimir Putin brought fake criminal charges against Yulia Navalnaya just three months after murdering her husband in an Arctic prison. Now that shes the de facto leader of the Russian opposition, nowhere is safe for me, she says, even as she visits Australia for the first time. But she refuses to be afraid. I understand that Vladimir Putin, who starts wars, who poisons his political opponents, kills his political opponents, can do anything he wants. But thats not reason to stop her campaign for a free Russia, which she conducts from exile. Shes tireless in seeking to keep alive the memory of her charismatic late husband, Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner killed in February last year at the age of 47, and to persuade governments to apply more and tougher sanctions on Putin and his regime. Not on Russia itself, she hastens to add, but on specific members of the criminal regime. Advertisement I try not to think about my security or it starts to live in your mind, she says. In Australia as a guest of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, she is due to meet Australian leaders in Canberra on Wednesday. As we spoke on Tuesday morning in an exclusive interview, news was breaking that Russia had deliberately endangered the aircraft of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen the closest thing that Europe has to a prime minister. Moscow jammed her planes navigation system as she flew over Bulgaria. Should Europe, the world, be angrier with Putins unceasing aggressions? Advertisement I dont think the Europeans should be angry, I dont think the world should be angry, she replies. But I think the world should be braver about Putin. She recounts a conversation with an unnamed European official who told her that it was best to deal with the Russian dictator because post-Putin Russia could be even worse. Related Article Putin's Russia Who is Yulia Navalnaya, Vladimir Putins new enemy? This is a game that Putin likes to play, but, of course, its not true, she says. Hes already done everything he can hes taken the freedoms of the Russian people, hes deeply corrupt, he steals elections, he imposes censorship on Russians, and when that didnt work, he started to poison and imprison his opponents. He started the war, he killed my husband, last year he even started talking a lot about nuclear weapons. This was before warnings from the US, China and India appeared to persuade him to end his rhetoric of nuclear intimidation. Advertisement Hes already done everything. People should be more brave and more confident against him. Not that she expects him to relent, to end his invasion of Ukraine: When people start to commit crimes, they never stop. Its important to stop the war and its also important to fight Putins regime because nobody knows where he will stop. The Russian President and US President Donald Trump greet each other on the tarmac in Alaska last month. AP US President Donald Trump has demanded that Putin make efforts toward peace under pain of severe consequences. Yet Putin only intensifies his lethal attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Is Putin playing Trump? I dont know that its playing; Putin has his own agenda and its about getting what he wants, she says. Advertisement Related Article Putin's Russia Why Alexei Navalny was Putins number one enemy in Russia Navalnaya points out that American presidents have come and gone and, after 25 years, Putin is still in power. He is good at these intrigues, how to deal with politicians. She is unimpressed that Trump, by meeting Putin, is rehabilitating the Russian leader. We all want an immediate ceasefire and peace. Of course, this requires negotiations. But it is important not to show Putin at these negotiations that he is an equal. Leaders in democracies are chosen by their people. Who chose Putin? Navalnaya says. Putins agents famously tried to kill her husband by applying the nerve agent Novichok to his underwear before resorting to more direct methods in a prison yard. It is less known that Navalnaya also was the victim of a Novichok attack, though milder, on a separate occasion. Advertisement Putins thugs have detained her, raided her home and listed her as a terrorist. And now, although shes based in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, hes evidently still worried about her. She says that word reached her that his regime opened a new terrorism case against her just last week, although shes had no official confirmation. Alexei Navalny, with his wife Yulia, recovering from poisoning in Berlins Charite hospital in 2020. AP via Instagram And worried he well might be. Navalny wrote in his memoir, Patriot, published posthumously last year, that of the two of us, she holds even more radical views, and that she hates the Putin regime probably even more than I do. On Tuesday, she gave Putin yet more to worry about. The Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by her husband and now headed by Navalnaya, revealed new details of assets held by members of Putins circle. Former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky was found to have $US74.5 million ($114 million) worth of real estate in Moscow and Spain. Advertisement Corruption, Navalnaya says, is in endless supply in Russia. You can take any minister, any governor, do your investigation and you find that every one is corrupt. The Anti-Corruption Foundation most notably exposed Putins luxurious, billion-dollar Black Sea palace, among many other disclosures. It is a priority target for his regime; it has opened 76 criminal cases over donations to the foundation in the last three years. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his wife, Yulia, at a protest march in Moscow in 2017. AP Government shutdowns of YouTube and other channels have made it harder for the opposition to publicise its findings. Russians are resorting to VPNs and other methods to skirt censorship, says Navalnaya. But the power of its findings was revealed in June when the government of Canada imposed sanctions on every one of the 50 Putin friends and family named on the Anti-Corruption Foundations Navalny List 50. This included Putins ex-wife and cousins. Advertisement Canadas sanctions are worlds best practice, Navalnaya says. Countries like Canada and Australia are a little bit aside so you can pioneer on sanctions and things like that. Its important to be innovative. Was Alexei Navalny right? Does his widow hate Putins regime even more than Alexei did? Related Article Explainer Russia-Ukraine war Putin is one of the worlds richest men. But the money isnt in his name I wouldnt say that I hate Putin. I dont. I just want justice. A lot of people discuss about will he be killed, when is he going to die. I prefer that he be alive and go to prison one day, she says. He would spend years in prison, and from prison he would watch how Russia becomes a normal country. A normal democracy. I dont have a plan for a fairytale ending. A normal country. The people of Russia are absolutely ready. Advertisement Navalnaya hasnt decided whether to contest the presidency, as Alexei did. She does hope to return to her homeland. It will have to be after Putin. I never wanted to live abroad, to live in exile. I would do my best to participate in change to make Russia a normal country. In Russia, everything changes unpredictably: we do not know when it will happen in a year, in 10 years, or never. But that is no reason to give up and do nothing. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaAUKUS This was published 3 months ago Former US, Australian defence heads reunite to urge Trump to stick with AUKUS Michael Koziol Updated September 3, 2025 5:28am ,first published September 3, 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 143 View all comments New York: A high-level coalition of former ministers and military leaders is urging the Trump administration not to abandon the AUKUS pact with Australia and the United Kingdom, saying that while it will rob the US of nuclear-powered submarines at a crucial time, the benefits are worth the cost. Jim Mattis, who served as Donald Trumps defence secretary in his first term, co-wrote a piece published in the respected journal Foreign Affairs with former Australian defence minister Marise Payne, former British chief of defence staff Nicholas Carter and former US chief of naval operations Gary Roughead. Jim Mattis and Marise Payne, the respective defence ministers of the US and Australia in 2018, have co-authored a piece urging Trump to stick with AUKUS. AP Published overnight, the essay warns that cancelling or substantially weakening AUKUS would do the work of Washingtons adversaries for them, noting both China and Russia do not like the alliance. The strongest argument for AUKUS is that China and Russia object to it, the authors say. When a countrys adversaries dont like what it is doing, it should usually press on. Advertisement Under the pact, the US is due to sell Australia between three and five Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s, before Australia and the UK build a new class of vessel together, for entry into service in the 2040s. However, the US president of the day has the final say on whether those submarines are sold to Australia, and the Navy including Trumps pick for chief of naval operations Daryl Caudle, who was sworn in last week has warned the deal cannot be fulfilled unless the US lifts production from 1.2 boats a year to 2.3. Under the AUKUS deal, Australia will acquire at least three US-built Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s. AP In the essay, Mattis, Payne, Carter and Roughead argue AUKUS will eventually enrich the maritime industrial bases of all three countries even if the US must give up some submarines at a time when it is not producing enough for its own needs. These costs are worth the benefits, they write. The three states will essentially be operating common submarines, which will ultimately provide industry with a longer runway and thus the necessary industrial predictability to increase production. Advertisement The authors say AUKUS will deter China by placing more nuclear attack submarines in the Pacific, even if they lack nuclear warheads, as Australias will. It would also enable American and British submarines to patrol elsewhere as circumstances demanded, troubling Moscow. Mattis, Payne and the others acknowledge problems with AUKUS, particularly the second pillar of the program under which members are supposed to co-operate on emerging defence technologies. Then defence secretary James Mattis with US President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting at the White House in 2018. Bloomberg Such co-operation requires sharing data and technologies which are usually highly protected: the authors say this part of AUKUS is operationally adrift, and more must be done to break down those barriers. They also contend that sticking with the deal is symbolically important at a time when the USs credibility as a reliable ally and partner is being questioned around the world. Washington should thus do more than just recommit to AUKUS. It should revitalise the pact for the decades ahead, they write. Advertisement While the essay is unlikely to be read personally by Trump, who prefers television, it is certain to catch the attention of key decision-makers in the administration, including the undersecretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, who is leading the Pentagons AUKUS review, and his deputy Alexander Velez-Green. Colby has written for Foreign Affairs himself, arguing in a 2022 essay that the US should be doing much more to prepare for a potential war with China over Taiwan by redirecting military assets away from other spheres such as Europe and the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. Richard Marles meets with J.D. Vance and Pete Hegseth (right) in Washington las week. X That is now central to the Pentagons concerns about AUKUS, chiefly its desire for more information about if and how Australia would use the submarines in a conflict with China over Taiwan or other issues. One of the strongest advocates of the deal in the US Congress, Democratic representative from Connecticut Joe Courtney, also authored an opinion piece on the weekend saying that abandoning or truncating the deal would be met with great rejoicing in Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement After Australian officials released photographs of Marles and Hegseth, the Pentagon initially described it as a happenstance encounter rather than a proper meeting. But a spokesman later issued a statement saying the meeting was co-ordinated in advance. This masthead reported the encounter lasted about 10 minutes. The Pentagon was contacted for comment on the Foreign Affairs essay. It has previously said its review of the AUKUS pact would be completed in the northern autumn, which could mean any time between now and Christmas. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has asked a federal judge to allow him to remain out of prison while he appeals his conviction and sentence. PepsiCo should review the make-up of its food and drinks businesses in North America to boost its performance after a period of poor financial results, activist investor Elliott Investment Management has said. The activist investor, which manages funds with a $4bn stake in PepsiCo, has argued the US food and drinks giant is at a critical inflection point. Elliott, which has pushed for changes at companies including Starbucks in recent years, today (2 September) published a letter sent to PepsiCos board that called for action at the Pepsi Max and Lays maker. Describing PepsiCo as a dramatic under-performer, Elliott partners Jesse Cohn and Marc Steinberg said the company should become a more focused, streamlined business. They called on the Gatorade owner to weigh up the potential refranchising of its drinks bottling network in North America and review its beverage portfolio in the region to make that side of the business less complex. Cohn and Steinberg said the groups PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) division which accounted for 30% of revenue in 2024 had underperformed its peers for more than a decade on both growth and margins. They pointed to several related strategic missteps, including self-inflicted share losses in the soda market and a proliferation of new brands and SKUs. The Elliott partners believe the performance of PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) had more than offset results from the drinks arm in the region but added: More recently, however, PFNA has begun to falter. Growth has slowed due to a challenging consumer backdrop and series of PepsiCo-specific issues, while substantial increases in investment spending well beyond the needs of the current demand environment have meaningfully compressed profit margins. They urged PepsiCo to better align PFNAs costs to the present volume reality and streamline the divisions portfolio by offloading non-core and underperforming assets. PepsiCo has two foods businesses centred on cereals and snacks within PFNA. In 2024, the snacks-focused Frito-Lay North America generated revenues of $24.76bn, with the much smaller Quaker Foods North America bringing in $2.68bn. The Elliott partners said PFNA could be supported by more investment in proven brands, improving the value perception and pursuing M&A. The letter added: Greater strategic focus, faster organic growth and meaningful profit-margin expansion would warrant a valuation in line with peers, the market and PepsiCos own history, representing a path to more than 50% stock-price increase from today's depressed levels. The Jefferson County Indiana Sheriff's Department said it happened Monday afternoon around 2:11 p.m. in the 8000 block of North State Road 7. Halal food business Isla Delice is poised for a change in ownership as UK-based private-equity group Perwyn plans to exit the French company. Perwyn said it plans to sell its holding to fellow investor A&M Capital Europe in a transaction that is expected to close "later" this year. Financial terms were not disclosed. Perwyn acquired a majority stake in Isla Delice in 2018 from the company's founders and French private-equity firm IDI. Established in 1990, Isla Delice produces a range of fresh and frozen halal meat products mainly under its signature namesake brand. Heinz Holsten and John Gallagher, who are both part of the Perwyn investment team and board members of Isla Delice, said in a statement: "During our ownership, we have been particularly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the Isla Delice management team led by Eric Fauchon, as well as the broader organisation. "We are proud to have transformed Isla Delice from an owner-managed French champion into a halal specialist with a presence across several European markets, led by a professional management team." During Perwyn's ownership, Isla Delice struck three acquisitions in the UK, Belgium, and Germany, and also expanded sales into the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, the investor said. In January, Isla Delice entered Germany through the acquisition of Gurkan, a specialist manufacturer of Pastirma, a cured, air-dried halal beef dish. In the UK, Isla Delice acquired halal meat brand Takul from Stonehouse Foods last year. And in 2019, the business snapped up Belgian counterpart Hoca Meat Products. Commenting on the change of ownership, Isla Delice CEO Fauchon said: "In recent years, Perwyns support has been instrumental to our growth, with over 40m ($46.5m) invested in our production sites and new capacities developed to better meet the expectations of our consumers. With the support of A&M Capital Europe, we will continue our development in France and across Europe, expanding our product ranges and distribution channels." "Perwyn exits investment in halal food business Isla Delice" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit The prospect of substantially more profit coming down the road is going to get investors to pay a higher valuation for the stock. Based on the future earnings from this deal, the stock still looks undervalued. Applied Digital's current enterprise value (EV) is about $4.9 billion, so it's trading at 17 times its forward operating profit, which doesn't look cheap. But CoreWeave won't be the last deal. The stock surged over the summer after extending its lease agreement with AI hyperscaler CoreWeave for 400 megawatts of power capacity. This brings Applied Digital's total anticipated contracted lease revenue to about $11 billion over the 15-year agreement. CEO Wes Cummins says the leases will generate nearly $500 million in annual revenue and $300 million in operating income per year. For perspective, Applied Digital just reported $144 million in revenue for its fiscal year ending May 31, 2025. Applied Digital is backed by Nvidia , which owns a small stake in the company. Nvidia worked with Applied Digital to design its data centers around Nvidia hardware. It has three data center facilities scheduled to become operational by 2027, with the first coming online in late this year. Applied Digital is a leader in designing and building data centers. It has two data center campuses in North Dakota with 286 megawatts of secured power, with the ability to scale this up to 1 gigawatt. The company previously offered hosting services for Bitcoin miners, but it recently shifted its focus to the bigger opportunity in AI. Spending on AI infrastructure continues to grow, with billions pouring into data centers and the latest AI chips. Putting together large clusters of thousands, and eventually, millions of chips running simultaneously for AI workloads is going to require tremendous amounts of power like the world's never seen before. Goldman Sachs expects data centers to consume 165% more power by 2030, and this will benefit Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD). Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a monster opportunity for long-term investors. There are different ways for an investor to ride this wave of innovation, but we're going to focus on two leaders helping to build the infrastructure for AI. These companies are experiencing growing demand for their services and could see their share prices double in three years. There is a growing need for electricity to power AI workloads in data centers, and this could be a huge opportunity for Applied Digital. Story Continues Cummins set a goal of reaching $1 billion in annual operating income in the next three to five years. Applying a 10 multiple to that target puts the the company's future value at $10 billion, or double its current enterprise value. The stock would likely earn a much higher multiple considering the growing need for more computing and power capacity, which Applied Digital can supply by building more data centers. The company will have to execute, and there is competition from other builders. But one more lease agreement with a major hyperscaler could easily double the stock in the next three years. Companies like Applied Digital are like the new oil drillers of the 21st century, and it's still early. This is a highly volatile stock, but the long-term upside could be worth it. 2. Dell Technologies Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) is not just a personal computer brand anymore. It is the world's leading supplier of servers, putting it in a great position to benefit from continued investment in AI infrastructure. Dell's business is split between two segments: infrastructure solutions (servers) and client solutions (PCs and peripherals). The infrastructure business is where the action is, which posted an impressive 44% year-over-year increase in revenue, or $16.8 billion, in the most recent quarter. The stock is selling off after its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings report, which can be attributed to more revenue shifting to the lower-margin server business and a fiscal Q3 guidance that came in lower than expected. But Dell's growth in servers positions it well to reward long-term investors. Dell's revenue and adjusted earnings grew 19% year over year last quarter. While servers generate lower-than-average margins for the company, the servers business generates most of the company's profit. During the earnings call, management noted broad-based demand coming from multiple industries, which suggests Dell is in the middle of a big opportunity. The company should see improving margins, as it offers value-added services to server customers. It was the first to offer Nvidia's GB200 NVL72 and GB300 Blackwell computing systems to its customers last year. Dell's competitive advantage is based on speed to market, engineering, and design within its data center solutions business. Management sees the total addressable market in hardware and services increasing from $184 billion in 2024 to $356 billion by 2028. Its quarterly revenue of less than $17 billion in the infrastructure segment indicates it has plenty of room to grow. The stock is cheap, trading at just 13 times this year's consensus earnings estimate. That low valuation is in spite of analysts calling for Dell's adjusted earnings to increase roughly 50% to $12.12 by fiscal 2028. A combination of higher earnings and an increase in the stock's earnings multiple could double an investment today over the next three years. Should you invest $1,000 in Applied Digital right now? Before you buy stock in Applied Digital, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Applied Digital wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $651,599!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,067,639!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,049% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 185% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 25, 2025 John Ballard has positions in Applied Digital, Bitcoin, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Goldman Sachs Group, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Poised for Explosive Growth: 2 AI Stocks That Could Surge 100% by 2028 was originally published by The Motley Fool By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Some families are barricading themselves in their homes in north Belfast after recent racist attacks, the areas MP has said. John Finucane was speaking after a multi-agency meeting to discuss measures to help those affected after a number of houses were attacked in racially motivated crimes in the Lower Oldpark area. The meeting was attended by politicians, police, the Housing Executive, housing associations, community groups, Belfast City Council and some local residents. Mr Finucane said: After racist attacks in the constituency in the past number of days and weeks, which comes on the heels of some very brutal and sustained sectarian attacks and intimidation, I convened a multi-agency meeting this morning which included political representatives as well as the statutory agencies. It was important to address the immediate steps that can be taken to address help and assistance to those families that have been attacked, those families that have been intimidated. But also it is important to note that those families who are out there seeing what is happening in north Belfast and also feeling particularly vulnerable, we heard from those and about those families in the meeting. I am pleased to say there are a number of practical steps which will be taken in the coming hours and days which will provide assistance to some families. He added: The fact that we have families that are barricading themselves into their own homes to provide some level of comfort and security is something that should shame and bring focus to all of us. Alliance MLA for north Belfast Nuala McAllister (Liam McBurney/PA) Alliance Party MLA Nuala McAllister said it had been a constructive meeting. She said: It is important to condemn any threats or violence to homes no matter where they are, or what community they are in. It is quite clear from what we heard of what has been going on in the community that there is lot of work behind the scenes and the vast majority of people in north Belfast want to live peacefully and together amongst their neighbours. Unfortunately there is a small number of people, some of them not within the immediate area, that are making peoples lives miserable. The PSNI said officers are investigating racially motivated criminal damage on three houses in the Manor Street and Summerhill Court areas of north Belfast last week. Police figures released last week indicated there were 2,049 race incidents and 1,329 race crimes in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to June 30. These are the highest figures since such data began to be collated and reported by the PSNI in 2004-05. A forgotten chapter of Mayo and Irish history is brought vividly to life in Seventy Years in the Wild West, the remarkable new book by historian and former Teagasc agricultural advisor, Sean Cadden. Published by Mayo Books Press, this meticulously researched work uncovers the story of Irelands largest sheep farm, Dhulough Farm in southwest Mayo, and the tragic human cost of its creation. The seeds of the book were sown over 60 years ago, when Cadden, then a young advisor, listened to elderly farmers around Louisburgh recall the devastating evictions that followed the Great Famine. Their memories told of families forced from their homes across 44 townlands by the Marquis of Sligo and the Earl of Lucan to make way for massive sheep enterprises under Captain William Houstoun and John Louden. Houstoun established the 45,000-acre Dhulough Farm, working with imported Scotch Blackface sheep, while Louden ran the neighbouring Killary Farm. This could be described as the last plantation of Ireland, writes Cadden. The inhabitants did not have to move to Connacht; they were already there, but to a nearby overcrowded townland with bad land. The human tragedy was immense. Coming so soon after the Famine, the mass clearances accelerated population decline, leaving scars on the land and its people. Yet, by the early 20th century, agrarian agitation forced change. The Congested Districts Board purchased Dhulough, dividing it into over 90 farms, many of which were returned to descendants of the very families once driven out. Alongside this turbulent history, Cadden examines the Houstouns experimental farming methods, the building of Dhulough Lodge, and the writings of Matilda Houstoun, whose own memoir Twenty Years in the Wild West inspired the title of Caddens book. While Matilda acknowledged the misery caused by their arrival, her words also reveal the contradictions of a family whose presence reshaped Mayos landscape and memory. The book is also rich in genealogical records and rare photographs, offering families in the region a unique resource to trace their past. Sean Cadden's new book will be launched later this week. Cadden is no stranger to collaborative historical work. With his wife Peggy, also a respected local historian, he has contributed to major publications including Remember Us: The Peoples War, Newport Area, Mayo 19141924 and The Men of the West West Mayo Brigade, War of Independence 19191921. Yet Seventy Years in the Wild West is his magnum opus, a labour of love of a lifetime that combines oral history, archival research, and a huge respect for the communities whose stories he tells. The book will launch on Friday, September 5th, at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, Louisburgh in an event hosted by the Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group. The launch will be performed by Ciaran Staunton. A Westport launch will take place on Thursday, September 25th, at 8pm in the Plaza Hotel. Catherine Kenna, Head of Countryside Management with Teagasc will perform the launch. The Castlebar launch will be part of the Wild Atlantic Words Festival on Thursday, October 9th, at 7.30pm. Harry Hughes of Westport Historical Society will launch the book there. Seventy Years in the Wild West: The Rise and Fall of Irelands Largest Sheep Farm, Southwest Mayo, 18511923 is available now from all good bookshops and online at www.mayobooks.ie. Gordon Deegan The costs associated with the Trump tariffs will be passed onto the US customers of US medical device firm, Cook Medical where possible. That is according to the directors at one of the largest employers in the Midwest, Cook Ireland Ltd which employs 664 at Limericks National Technology Park. New accounts show that Cook Ireland returned to pre-tax profit to record pre-tax profits of 13.95 million in 2024 compared to a pre-tax loss of 5.4 million in 2023. The return to profit for the US headquartered firm followed revenues increasing by 12 per cent from 127.14 million to 142.96 million. The company had a post tax profit of 17.35m after recording a corporation tax credit of 3.4 million and this arose chiefly as a result of a 4.75 million Research and Development (R&D) tax credit. The company's R&D spent last year was 25.7m and numbers employed increased from 662 to 664 as staff costs decreased slightly from 41.72 million to 41.69 million. Aggregate pay to directors almost doubled from 750,607 to 1.4 million as the number of directors increased from three for the bulk of 2023 to five last year. The company paid dividends last year of 500,000 compared to a dividend payout of 1.8 million in 2023. In their directors; report which was signed off ahead of President Trump and the European Commission reaching an agreement on a 15pc tariff for EU goods on July 27th, they state that based on the 10pc tariff currently in place on shipments between our European manufacturing sites and our US distribution entities, management does not foresee a significant direct impact on the entities' business activities or its going concern. In the report signed off on July 14th, the directors state that there has been no change in the sales prices of the European manufacturers relating to the tariffs and currently the position of the US group entities is that the extra tariff being borne by them, will be passed on to the customer where possible. They add that cost saving initiatives are also being actioned to make up any difference between the extra tariff cost and what can be passed to the US based customers. Separate accounts for the Limerick based Cook Medical EMEA Group show that the company recorded a post-tax loss of 93.5 million in 2024. The group has two manufacturing plants in Limerick and in Denmark and the loss arose mainly from a 166 million tax charge connected to a Danish tax matter specific to Cook Denmark International Holdings ApS. Revenues at the group last year increased by six per cent from 798.49 million to 849.63m as pre-tax profits increased by 52 per cent from 61.9 million to 94.57 million. Numbers employed reduced from 2,278 to 2,191 as staff costs reduced from 194.63 million to 190 million. It has been a bumper summer season for tourism in Mayo. Westport hotelier Darren Madden, of the Clew Bay Hotel, said business was brisk in the tourist town. In terms of numbers it has been very positive around Westport. There are plenty of tourists around. Mr Madden said while there has not been a decline in visitor numbers there has been a drop off in the family market. He said concerns about cost and holidays abroad may be a factor in this trend. Plenty of Americans, plenty of Irish visitors but definitely less families, he reported. He said rising costs remain a challenge for the hospitality sector. When you look at the food and beverage side of the business, people are definitely seeing an increase in costs. Thats the challenge we have. Trying to make that equation work, Darren added. Soaring temperatures in traditional European holiday hotspots have seen some tourists holiday at home and has also attracted foreign visitors looking to escape the heat. People of a certain age are definitely deciding to stay at home rather than some of these hotter climates, said Mr Madden. Its definitely having a real impact and a real change. I have people coming to Westport from Florida to get away from the heat. That is real and Ireland can capitalise on that that, he added. Mr Madden said the tourist trade in the county has been blessed this year with nearly the perfect summer weather wise". Mairead Melody-Carr, of Mayo North Tourism, said festival season in the region has been really embraced in 2025. North Mayo seems to be doing really well. Festivals have definitely been a big driver, such as the Salmon Festival in Ballina, Belmullet Festival, etc. When I was in Belmullet, they said it was their busiest festival yet. Five full days of sunshine definitely helped and the place was hopping." Ms Melody-Carr said there remains challenges for the region and tourism in the whole country. The challenges are still there for definite, but staycations are still popular. People are very conscious of value and when you look at North Mayo you have the likes of the Ceide Fields, which is very inexpensive to visit, Ballycroy Visitor Centre which is free, and all the amazing scenery which you can visit, cycle or walk. Ms Melody-Carr also believes Irelands more temperate climate will attract visitors in the height of summer. People know that they can come here and know it will be cooler. People making decision based on climate is going to be really relevant. Thats even the case in terms of staycations because you arent going to chance booking a holiday in Spain where the temperature is 40 degrees. She said the future appears bright for North Mayo which is to feature in a Failte Ireland Destination Plan. What will that do is to help develop more experience-based tourism in North Mayo, she explained. KIELCE, Poland (Reuters) -Poland has signed a contract worth 5.8 billion zlotys ($1.6 billion) with the PGZ-Narew consortium for 46 passive-location radars for short-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, the Polish defence minister said on Tuesday. Poland has been spending big on defence due to what it says is a heightened threat from Russia, and plans to spend 4.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2026. "The radar contract is an investment in Polish security, but also in our economy. These radars will enhance the security of our airspace. This is a priority for us," Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said. The radars will enable continuous surveillance of space and effective anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense, the defence ministry said. PGZ-Narew is a consortium of Polish defence companies led by the state-controlled Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), which is jointly implementing a programme to build the Polish short-range air and missile defense system Narew. The contract was signed at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in the central Polish city of Kielce. ($1 = 3.6405 zlotys) (Reporting by Barbara ErlingEditing by Peter Graff) Policybazaar for Business, a business-to-business branch of Policybazaar.com, has initiated its reinsurance services in Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a press release posted on Zawya. The move seeks to bridge capacity gaps in the insurance sectors of these regions by leveraging a technology-centric reinsurance model. The reinsurance services are founded on a "digital-first" infrastructure that incorporates data analytics, actuarial expertise and experience in insurance distribution. The platform is designed to facilitate both facultative and treaty reinsurance solutions, addressing a spectrum of risks including property, marine, liability, cyber and those linked to climate change. The expansion is part of the companys aim to develop a reinsurance network across the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, the report said. Policybazaar co-founder Tarun Mathur said: At Policybazaar for Business, we have built a reinsurance platform with that very premise: a digital-first ecosystem that reduces friction, provides transparency in placements and gives insurers the ability to make faster, better-informed decisions. Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman and the UAE are all markets where insurers are ambitious, where innovation is welcome and where efficiency gaps remain. Our role is to stand shoulder to shoulder with these insurers helping them transfer risk in a way that is modern, data-led and globally connected. This is not just an entry into four new geographies; it is the start of building a pan-Asian reinsurance network with technology at its core. Earlier this month, Policybazaar insurance, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, was fined Rs50m ($570,000) by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for non-compliance with specific regulatory directives. This penalty followed an inspection carried out on 15 June 2020. In February last year, Policybazaar obtained IRDAI authorisation to function as a composite insurance broker, thereby extending its portfolio to include reinsurance offerings. "Policybazaar expands reinsurance operations in Asia and Middle East" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Weather Alert ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM CST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, Southern Marinette County, and Southern Oconto County Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && ..Light Wintry Mix to Create Slippery Stretches Over Next Few Hours... Light snow accumulations of around one half inch mixed with freezing drizzle at times could lead to the development of slippery roads over the next 2 to 3 hours. Motorists should be prepared to encounter changing road conditions and drive with caution., especially on untreated roads, bridges and overpasses. Japanese retail giant Seven & i Holdings has confirmed the completion of its subsidiary sale, York Holdings, to US-based private equity firm Bain Capital. Seven & i stated that procedures for the absorption-type split were completed on 1 September 2025. York Holdings was established in October 2024 as a fully owned entity under Seven & i Holdings, and manages 29 subsidiaries and affiliates. The portfolio includes supermarket chains such as Ito-Yokado and York-Benimaru, along with retailers such as Loft, Akachan Honpo and Seven & i Food Systems, which operates the Denny's family restaurant chain. In March 2025, Bain Capital disclosed that it had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the headquarters of York Holdings and its subsidiary management functions. This acquisition, valued at Y814.7bn ($5.5bn), encompasses York Holdings' supermarket and speciality store divisions. Bain Capital reached an agreement with Seven & i on a company split in which the latter will partially reinvest in the business post-transaction. Seven & i has also announced that the reinvestment has been completed. The company remains fully committed to pursuing all avenues to unlock value for shareholders. The development follows Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard withdrawing from its $47bn buyout proposal to buy Seven & i in July 2025. In August, the Japanese retailer unveiled plans to launch 1,300 new stores in North America by the fiscal year 2030. It also plans to establish 1,000 additional outlets in Japan, as part of its revised midterm strategy. In March 2025, Seven & i named Stephen Hayes Dacus as its new CEO to accelerate the implementation of strategic priorities. "Seven & i completes sale of subsidiary York Holdings " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Britains third largest steelworks, Speciality Steels UK, has been placed under government control but the jobs of almost 1,500 workers employed in Stocksbridge and Rotherham, South Yorkshire, remain under threat. Last month insolvency courts granted a compulsory winding up order sought by creditors owed hundreds of millions of pounds (including 7.7 million in tax) by Speciality Steels UK (SSUK)part of the Liberty Steel metals corporation owned by steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta. Liberty Steel plant in Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire The electric N-Furnace at the Rotherham plant had been mothballed since 2015 by previous owners Tata Steel who sold the facility to Liberty Steel in 2017. The furnace was reignited in February 2018. It can melt scrap to produce steel for use in making vehicle gearboxes and aircraft landing gear, enabling Liberty Steel to become the UKs largest steel recycler. Gupta has been found to have failed to file accounts for over 70 companies and is facing a criminal investigation for suspected fraud linked to the collapse of his main lender, Greensill Capital. The company is now in the hands of a Starmer Labour government appointed liquidator and special managers from consultancy firm, Teneo. The government has agreed to cover the wages and costs of the steel plants while a buyer is sought. Gupta planned to place SSUK in administration then buy it out again, allowing the company to largely shed its debts. The judge found the firm was hopelessly insolvent with just 600,000 in the bank and a monthly wage bill of 3.7 million, supported by a parent group that has 15 entities in insolvency proceedings across nine jurisdictions. The financial crisis of Liberty Steel is closely tied to the collapse of the financial firm Greensill in 2021. Guptas rise from a small commodities trader to the owner of Europes fourth biggest steel maker was facilitated by Greensill when it lent him around 3.4 billion, which the Sunday Times described as a particularly exotic form of finance. The government is now responsible for the operational and financial risks of a company which has hardly produced any steel in the last year, with none produced in Rotherham at all. The workforce is furloughed on 85 percent of their wages. Prior to stopping production, in July 2024, the Rotherham site had only been able to operate on the basis of customers prepaying for orders so the needed materials could be bought. Liberty Steel workers, if they are to save their jobs and livelihoods, cannot pin their hopes on a government backed takeover, invariably leading to more cuts and speed-ups. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost in the industry due to the bankrupt strategy of the trade unions which have insisted workers put their faith in asset strippers and profiteers and in government intervention in the name of defending the national interest. A decade ago, Redcar steelworks closed in Teeside ending almost 100 years of iron and steel-making at the site. In a region that already had one of the highest unemployment rates in Britain, around 2,000 jobs were destroyed. Thousands more jobs went throughout the steel supply chain. Last October the last two blast furnaces closed at UK Tata Steel plants in Port Talbot in South Wales, making 2,800 steel workers redundant. In April this year, Chinese firm Jingye-owned British Steel plants at Scunthorpe were taken over by the government used emergency powers during an extraordinary session of parliament. The British steel industry is in terminal decline due to uncompetitive energy costs (the average electricity price for UK steel-makers is up to 50 percent higher than for competitors in France and Germany), intense global competitionand the increasing financial pressure to decarbonize production. British Steel and Tata Steel have cut thousands of jobs in recent years, attempting to remain profitable while transitioning from traditional carbon-intensive blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAFs). Global overproduction is at a record 551 million tonnes, with much of this from China, which has flooded the market with cheap steel, driving down prices. At its peak around 1970, the then nationalised UK steel industry produced more than 26 million tonnes of steel each year and employed over 320,000 workers. Following the defeat of the 1980 national steel strikewhen 142,000 were still employed in the industryand then privatisation, which took place over a decade from 1988-1999, the industry declined massively fragmenting into myriad companies. Today just four million tonnes are produced annually by fewer than 40,000 steelworkers (employed across 1,145 firmsan average of 34 workers each). In 1970 the UKs share of global steel production was almost 5 percent. By 2023, the UK was producing just 0.3 percent of the worlds crude steel, while China accounted for 54 percent. The crisis facing the industry is further exacerbated by the recent tariffs imposed by the US Trump administration on UK steel imports; which, despite Starmers invoking the special relationship between the countries, was levied at a high 25 percent. In a move likely to cause further US/UK tensions, a trade deal trumpeted by Starmer last month allows UK steel producers to regain tariff-free access to the European Unions market for key steel products. The government taking over another economically unviable steel producer was decided on primarily in line with the militarist agenda of the ruling elite, including continued backing for the war against Russia in Ukraine and US-led war preparations against Chinaand a military rearmament programme which requires high quality steel produced within Britains borders. The Starmer government has declared reliance on foreign imports, particularly in times of conflict, to be a risk to national security. If the UK were unableunder wartime conditionsto secure steel from its allies, its manufacturing of armaments and military capabilities would be severely limited. Steel as a strategic asset essential for national security is the cornerstone of a Steel Strategy report to be published by the government later this year. A case in point is the Sheffield Forgemasters plant, which specialises in forgings and castings critical in the supply chain for the UKs nuclear submarine fleet and its Trident warheads. The Ministry of Defenceunder a Conservative governmentbought Sheffield Forgemasters in 2021. In July 2024, newly-installed Labour Defence Minister John Healey toured the Forgemasters plant with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles as part of the AUKUS military partnership. In January this year, the government awarded a contract to the defence firm BAE Systems to produce artillery barrels for the Ukrainian military, the barrel forgings to be produced at Sheffield Forgemasters. In June Healey, again toured the plant, this time with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as they promoted the gutting of European social spending to pay for war preparations. As were the Tories, the Labour government are reliant on the trade union bureaucracy to marshal the necessary rationalisations and railroad workers behind a protectionist Britain first agenda. The loss of tens of thousands of jobs since privatisationaccelerated over the past decade with thousands more redundancies, including plant closures at Redcar, Port Talbot and Tata Steelhave been imposed without any significant industrial action in opposition by the unions. Their corporatist Save Our Steel and Britain Needs Our Steel agenda, based on begging asset-stripping profiteers such as Liberty Steel to investbacked by demands for massive tax-payer funded government subsidieshas not saved a single job. Screenshot of the nationalist campaign banner on the Unite union website reading "Unite the Union supports UK Steel" [Photo: unitetheunion.org] While not calling for tariffs in response to those placed by the US on UK produced steel, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham insisted on a protectionist strategy: Donald Trumps steel tariff threat should be a wake-up call for this government. I have long been calling for the steel industry to be classified as critical national infrastructurejust as it is in the US. UK steel production is a matter of national security. We now need to change the rules to ensure that the public sector buys UK produced steel Instead of leaving our security and our steel workers open to the whims of other countries, we should be protecting our domestic steel industry. This is a road to hell. There are no shared national interests between workers on the one side and the pro-capitalist unions, steel corporations and a warmongering, austerity imposing government. Steel workers in Britain cannot defend their jobs without uniting with their co-workers across the globe. Thousands of steel jobs are under threat across the world, including throughout Europein Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. UK steelworkers must learn from the example set by their Canadian class brothers and sisters in opposing nationalist poison by forming their own rank-and-file committees. The only way to fight back is to build organisations of class struggle aimed at unified workers across national borders. Such rank-and-file organisations, acting independently of the nationalist, pro-corporate union bureaucracies must decisively reject capitalist private profit in favour of the prioritisation of the social needs of the vast majority, including decent-paying, secure jobs for all, well-funded public services, and workers control over production. A nationally-coordinated March for Australia on Sunday was the largest mobilisation by the countrys far-right in years, possibly eclipsing anti-lockdown demonstrations early in the pandemic and anti-Muslim rallies held under the Reclaim Australia banner a decade ago. According to police estimates, up to 15,000 participated in Sydney, with slightly lower numbers in Melbourne. Protests were held in most other capital cities as well as in several regional and rural centres. The event highlighted the growing threat posed by the far right in Australia. It closely mirrored international developments, including in the US and Europe, where fascistic forces have won a following by exploiting a deepening social crisis and a political vacuum caused by the transformation of the old social-democratic parties and trade unions into the unalloyed instruments of the corporate and financial elite. As with the growth of far-right forces globally, the central target of the marches was immigrants and refugees, who were vilified and scapegoated for virtually all social problems. In Australia, the extent to which fascistic forces are capitalising on and giving expression to a broader lurch to the right of the political establishment is particularly clear. Successive Labor and Liberal-National governments have set international benchmarks for the persecution of asylum seekers. Just days before the rallies, Labors Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was in Nauru, signing a secret agreement with its government to banish more refugees to the tiny and impoverished Pacific island. The protests have been condemned by the Labor governments, at the federal and state levels, and by most of the corporate media. But they did not fall from a clear blue sky. They were connected by many threads to the political and media establishment itself. The press gave the marches an inordinate amount of coverage in the lead-up. Massive protests over the past two years against the Israeli genocide in Gaza and Australias complicity in it have never received anything like that sort of de facto promotion. Instead, they have generally been blacked out both in the leadup and following the protests, even as tens of thousands take to the streets, or else slandered as antisemitic. The March for Australia was largely built through various far-right social media pages. But national and state politicians also promoted and spoke at the event. In Townsville, federal right-wing parliamentarian Bob Katter was the keynote speaker. In a video he posted calling on followers to attend the events, Katter declared: It is wartime now, we are fighting to stop our country being flooded by immigration. Katter has a lengthy record of associating with the far-right. He has also collaborated closely with Liberal and, particularly, Labor governments. Current Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for instance, went on a tour with Katter in 2017 proclaiming: Hes a mate of mine and I am proud to say that. The same year, footage emerged of Katter bizarrely making a pledge of allegiance to the fascistic US-based Proud Boys organisation. Federal MP Pauline Hanson and other parliamentary representatives of her One Nation party both promoted and attended the gathering. The anti-immigrant senator has a long record of collaborating with the major parties. In July 2024, for instance, former Labor minister Bill Shorten held a joint press conference with her on the need to slash services for the disabled. The Libertarian Party was also involved, with its New South Wales state MP John Ruddick a featured speaker in Sydney. Much of the preview coverage in the official press focused on the claims of these figures and the nominal organisers of the marches that they were not racist or fascist but ordinary Australians standing up to uncontrolled immigration. Nazi group National Socialist Network attack Camp Sovereignty, Melbourne, August 31, 2025 [Photo: Camp Sovereignty] Notwithstanding, in both the Sydney and Melbourne protests, black-clad members of the National Socialist Network (NSN), an explicitly Nazi group, were permitted by organisers to lead the marches. Speakers made false claims about immigration numbers, blaming foreigners for the housing and cost-of-living crisis. A preponderance of those in attendance at both were middle-aged or older men. Many were draped in Australian flags. The moronic Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi! was repeated ad nauseam. The speakers presented variations of the racist great replacement theory alleging the white race was being replaced due to immigration. Given what was promoted by the organisers, it was no surprise that they turned over the rallies to NSN speakers. What the Nazis said were variations on a theme that had already been sounded. They branded themselves as advocates of a white Australia, insisting that all non-Europeans be deported. The political violence implicit in what was said at all of the protests was enacted at the Melbourne demonstration. The NSN was filmed beating up counter-protesters, as well as other members of the far-right who objected to its presence for tactical reasons. After the Melbourne rally, NSN members besieged Camp Sovereignty, a site established by Indigenous activists to mark Aboriginal graves. Footage posted to social media shows the Nazis charging the camp and punching and attacking people there, including women with no police to be seen. That assault was led by NSN head Thomas Sewell, who shortly before had spoken to the demonstration. Sewell is an infamous figure, who is on record as having attempted to recruit Brenton Tarrant to his organisation, before the fascist massacred dozens of people at mosques in New Zealand. The condemnations of the protest and its violence by Labor are utterly hypocritical. The far-right is pitching to a social crisis caused by Labors pro-business policies, including its rejection of any relief amid the soaring cost of living. What the fascists are doing in seeking to scapegoat immigrants for that crisis is what Labor has actually carried out in government. It has demonised not only refugees, but also immigrants, particularly international students, blaming them for the growing financial hardships. Albanese yesterday spoke of the importance of multiculturalism. But he referenced this record, noting that net overseas migration was falling under his government and would be cut further. Albanese said there were good people in the rallies, but that they were being exploited by far-right agitators. The prime minister has never said anything similar about the mass pro-Palestinian protests, instead leading the campaign to fraudulently brand them as antisemitic. The obvious point, that the threat of antisemitism emanates from the far-right, has been covered over by Albanese, Labor, the media and the Zionist lobbyists who function as the cheerleaders of Israeli war crimes. The protests are being used to shift the needle of official politics even further to the right. Albaneses comment about good people was mirrored in the financial press this morning, with the Australian Financial Review for instance claiming that the far-right mobs had legitimate grievances and calling for further clarity on migration. In addition to diverting social tensions in reactionary directions, this is a response by the political establishment to the shift to the left of the vast majority of the population, especially workers and youth, expressed in the mass pro-Palestinian protests including one last month across the Sydney Harbour Bridge involving 300,000 people. Rank-and-file doctors in Australia have stepped up their calls for medical colleges and indemnity insurance providers to defend local colleagues targeted by Zionist elements determined to silence all opposition to Israels imperialist-backed mass murder of Palestinians in Gaza. Health workers at Sydney mass protest against Gaza genocide, February 11, 2024. Beginning in late 2023, Australian medical practitioners protesting Israels war crimes have been subjected to a barrage of online harassment, doxxing and threats. The Albanese Labor government and its state counterparts, who have unwaveringly backed Israel, have aided and abetted these attacks. According to one media report, an estimated 60 health workers were falsely accused of antisemitism and reported to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) between October 2023 and April 2024. Thirty-nine of those named were formally investigated by the regulatory body. While the health regulator has not deregistered any doctors thus far, it refuses to publish any figures on the number of false allegations of antisemitism against medical practitioners it has received. Nor has it released any details on the outcome of its investigations into those targeted. Health workers reported to AHPRA face a prolonged and stressful review processin some instances stretching over 12 months or morewith their careers hanging in the balance. Although those investigated by AHPRA are banned from publicly speaking about the procedures, those making the complaints can act anonymously, without fear of exposure or penalty if their claims are false and vexatious. The Australian Medical Association (AMA), the health unions, and medical colleges have turned a blind eye to all this, refusing to publicly condemn the Zionist witch-hunting. As a Melbourne doctor told the Guardian last week, medical practitioners had been quietly struggling against the covert silencing of people who speak out against violence or criticise Israel since October 2023. After two years of calls from its members, the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) finally wrote to AHPRA last month, raising a series of timid concerns about the intimidation of its members. This year, the Murdoch media has stepped up its harassment of health workers and other prominent figuresacademics, artists, writers, musicianspublicly opposing the Gaza genocide. Dr Jennifer Martinez and Dr Miranda Robinson [Photo: Facebook/Jennifer Martinez, Facebook/Miranda Robinson] Some of the health workers targeted include Dr Miranda Robinson, a Melbourne obstetrician, and Dr Jennifer Martinez, a highly experienced GP and forensic medical examiner who previously worked for Headspace, the national mental health organisation. Early this year, Sky News published bogus allegations made by a pro-Zionist health worker against Robinson, impacting her mental health, income and career. The harassment against the obstetrician was so serious that she initiated legal action against her complainant. Last month, Sky News targeted Martinez, who became head of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals sexual assault service in Sydney in February this year. The article cited an anonymous letter to the New South Wales health minister, claiming Martinez was antisemitic and guilty of bullying behaviour. The letter and article urged the health minister to investigate and reconsider Martinezs appointment, claiming that her conduct posed significant moral and legal risks to survivor safety. It was a clear attempt to destroy Martinezs career. Bernadette Zaydan, a lawyer who defended some of the victimised health workers, told the World Socialist Web Site last month that she was in contact with Martinez and would provide legal assistance if required. There is a clear and growing pattern of Zionist-led political campaigns using both the media and regulators to silence free speech and pressure workplacesparticularly major hospitalsto take adverse action against healthcare workers who speak out against Israels genocide and its policy of murdering or abducting healthcare workers and obliterating hospitals in breach of international law, Zaydan said. We have seen confidential information and defamatory statements about healthcare workers deliberately fed to the media. Lawyers are working hard to ensure those who fight back achieve justice in court. We would prefer compliance with the law rather than forcing healthcare workers into a position of having to fight for their livelihood and reputation in the courts, she said. With mass opposition to the Gaza genocide now at unprecedented levelsshown in the Sydney Harbour Bridge protest and other huge demonstrations across Australia and internationally during the past monthdoctors have made clear that they are not intimidated by Zionist lies and are determined to fight back. This is reflected in a recent open letter sent to the RACGPs Paediatrics and Child Health Division and endorsed by 13 percent of the colleges 5,400-strong membership. Four hundred surgeons have signed a similar letter to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The letters demand that the colleges publicly condemn Israels ongoing ethnic cleansing operation in Gaza, voice their solidarity with Palestinian healthcare workers, call for diplomatic and economic sanctions against Israel and defend fellow workers subjected to Zionist doxxing and the associated weaponisation of AHPRA. Growing numbers of doctors are also suspicious about the sudden resignation on August 11 of Dr Stephen Parnis as chairman of the Medical Insurance Group of Australia (MIGA), which provides insurance and advocates for health workers, including in unfair dismissal cases and disciplinary actions. Although Parnis, a former AMA vice president, will remain on MIGAs board, many believe that he was forced out because of his long-standing opposition to Israels onslaught on Gaza. Over sixty doctors have sent letters to MIGA, calling for Parnis to be reinstated as chair, and for the medical indemnity groupwhich has over 30,000 membersto affirm its commitment to protecting members opposing the Gaza genocide. Writing last month in Croakey, the online medical news outlet, Dr Safiyyah Abbas highlighted the targeted assassinations of hundreds of health workers and journalists in Gaza and said Australian doctors had a professional and ethical duty to oppose the genocide. The Australian-based paediatric rehabilitation physician pointed out that Zionist intimidation of health workers is global and cited the career-destroying victimisations of Professor Rupa Marya from the University of California, Dr Yipeng Ge at the University of Ottawa and Dr Nadeem Crowe from the Royal Free Hospital in London. Abbas said doctors in Australia were increasingly frustrated with the response of their medical colleges, whose silence constitutes institutional complicity and normalisation of double standards This begets further silence in the profession and sets a dangerous precedent of violating international humanitarian law, including medical neutrality, with impunity. Despite repeated calls to act, the Australian Medical Association has failed to advocate beyond acting as a messenger passing on World Medical Association statements, which selectively condemn Hamas war crimes but not Israels, and espouse weak affirmations of medical neutrality that ignore Israels blatant violations. The life and death urgency to stop Israels campaign of extermination of Palestinians, juxtaposed with political leaders continued support for Israel, empty words of concern for Palestine, and tokenistic actions, is beyond hypocritical, she said. Abbas demanded that MIGA and other medical indemnity companies urgently clarify whether they will protect doctors who speak up for Palestine and criticise Israel, Australia, or any other country. Late last week, in another example of the continuing attack on the democratic rights of health workers, Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) members in New South Wales revealed that the state Labor government is planning to impose a repressive new social media policy on all NSW health workers. The policy is designed to stop health workers from speaking outnot just against the Gaza genocide but voicing their concerns over state government attacks on public health. The final draft of the social media policy document says staff must not engage in any activity that may adversely affect public trust in their employing agencyi.e., the government. This would apply not just to social media and other discussion platforms, but also to private communication programs such as WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams. The catch-all directive sets up the conditions for the victimisation of health workers accused of violating the policy. While ASMOF notes the repressive nature of the state Labor governments planned policy, the record shows that all the unions and associations covering health workers have systematically opposed any mobilisation of their members to fight Labors attacks on freedom of speech or the ongoing Zionist victimisations of those denouncing Israels war crimes. In 2024, two young members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Federation at Bankstown Hospital were provoked by a former Israeli soldier and social media influencer into making reactionary statements about killing Israeli patients. In response, the union immediately called a rally in central Sydney to furiously denounce the nurses, actively aligning with the ensuing pile on by Labor and the corporate media. Notwithstanding the determination of doctors and health workers in Australia to oppose Israels war crimes and defend their colleagues in Gaza, they must draw sharp political lessons from their experiences since October 2023. What is needed is not more appeals to the organisations that have divided and isolated health workers but a working-class industrial and political offensive against the Albanese government and its unwavering supportincluding the supply of F-35 parts and intelligence data from Pine Gapfor Israels mass murder in Gaza. The struggle against the Gaza genocide, the greatest war crime of the 21st century, requires a new perspective and the independent mobilisation of workers globally on a socialist and internationalist program. Health workers must form new organisations of struggle, independent rank-and-file committees linking them to workers nationally and internationally based on an understanding that fight against the mass murder in Gaza is inseparable from the struggle to put an end to the capitalist profit systemthe source of the genocide and ever-increasing danger of a third imperialist war. We urge health workers to contact the Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which will maintain your anonymity, discuss your current conditions and our analysis, and how to develop an independent rank-and-file committee at your workplace. Contact the Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (HWRFC): Email: sephw.aus@gmail.com Twitter: @HealthRandF_Aus Facebook: facebook.com/groups/hwrfcaus Assembly Labor Chair Liz Ortega (Democrat-San Leandro) recently announced a proposed bill to increase criminal prosecutions of employers when workers die or are seriously injured on the job. The bills announcement comes less than three months after 19-year-old worker Brayan Neftali Otoniel Canu Joj was killed while cleaning an industrial meat grinder at the Tinas Burritos frozen food plant in Vernon, California. Tina's Burritos in Vernon, California, July 2025. The legislation is being hailed by Democrats, the trade union bureaucracy and their media allies as a bold step toward accountability. In reality, it is nothing of the sort. It is a cynical maneuver aimed at covering up the Democratic Partys central role in creating the very conditions responsible for the wave of workplace deaths and injuries across California. Ortegas announcement came in the wake of a devastating state audit last July exposing systemic failures within Cal/OSHA, the state agency supposedly tasked with protecting workers. The findings were staggering: 82 percent of investigations were handled by mail, not through on-site inspections. Over 8,300 employers received fine reductions averaging 56 percent, even in cases involving deaths and life-altering injuries. Only 1.7 percent of serious cases were ever referred for criminal prosecution. In one notorious case, Alco Scrap Metal, where three workers have died in just three years, the company paid a mere $18,000 in finesa sum so negligible it barely registers as a rounding error in its operating costs. Ortega, a member of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that approved the investigation, berated agency officials during a hearing: When do you make the decision to make criminal referrals? She framed the bill as a necessary corrective to Cal/OSHAs lack of accountability, threatening to scrutinize budgets and push legislation ensuring that employers are held accountable. But this accountability campaign is a charade. Ortega and the Democrats hope workers will believe that a few legislative tweaks and token prosecutions will end the plague of workplace fatalities. Nothing could be further from the truth. The catastrophic state of workplace safety in California is the outcome of a deliberate program under successive Democratic administrations, from Jerry Brown to Gavin Newsom, dismantling protections and turning regulatory agencies into instruments of corporate power. Cal/OSHAs skeleton workforce, antiquated procedures, lack of enforcement power and simply inadequate resources are not accidental. Budgets have been slashed year after year while employer fines have been systematically reduced, leaving corporations free to treat preventable workplace deaths as an acceptable cost of doing business. Ortegas proposal comes not from a position of genuine opposition to this system but from her role as one of its key enablers. As the first Latina to serve as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council and a longtime political director for AFSCME Local 3299, Ortega is deeply embedded in the union bureaucracya structure that has consistently protected corporate profits at the expense of workers lives. The California Labor Federation and other union bodies backing Ortegas bill are equally complicit in the death toll. For decades, the unions have subordinated worker safety to maintaining their cozy relationships with management and state regulators. The case of Ronald Adams Sr., a Stellantis worker killed on the job in Dundee, Michigan, is a notorious example. The United Auto Workers (UAW) bureaucracy had jointly administered safety committees with management and Michigans MIOSHA. Instead of independently investigating hazardous conditions, the UAW collaborated in whitewashing corporate responsibility while suppressing worker testimony and, ultimately, ensuring business as usual. This betrayal is not an isolated incident. From auto plants to food processing facilities, the unions act as enforcers of labor peace, deliberately blocking strikes and preventing any organized resistance to deadly working conditions. Ortegas legislative proposal is thus part of a broader strategy by the Democratic Party and the unions to divert rising anger among workers into safe, state-controlled channels. Even if Ortegas bill passesand that is far from certainit will amount to nothing more than a toothless gesture. The California Chamber of Commerce, one of the most powerful corporate lobbies in the state, will fight tooth and nail to water down any meaningful reforms, ensuring that the final product is riddled with loopholes. But even in its strongest possible form, the legislation does not address the root of the problem. Existing laws already allow criminal prosecution of employers for workplace deaths and serious injuries, while making it virtually impossible. In California, as in most states, prosecutors must prove that an employers conduct was willful or aggravatedthat the company consciously disregarded known dangers. With Cal/OSHA relying on mail-in investigations and underfunded enforcement, the evidence needed to meet this standard rarely exists. Even in rare cases where prosecutions occur, they are designed to protect corporate interests. Take the 2020 case of California Ranch Foods, where two workers suffocated to death after exposure to nitrogen gas. The company pleaded guiltybut only to two misdemeanor counts, resulting in a fine that allowed business to continue unchanged. Some states, like Washington, allow prosecutors to charge corporations directly with offenses such as second-degree manslaughter, imposing heavy fines, probation, and safety compliance orders. But in practice, CEOs and top executives almost never face prison time. Instead, scapegoats are found among mid-level managers or safety officers, while corporate profits and operations remain untouched. In New York, where prosecutors have more aggressively applied criminal statutes against employers, these cases represent a handful of exceptions within a system fundamentally designed to shield Wall Street from liability. The California situation is no different. Simply increasing criminal referrals, as Ortega proposes, will not result in a meaningful fix. District attorneys are chronically under-resourced and often lack expertise in workplace safety law, a reality by design. The same state apparatus that regulates corporations has no interest in equipping prosecutors with the tools to challenge corporate impunity. Increased criminal penalties will almost certainly be wielded selectively, targeting smaller firms and marginalized contractors, while the largest corporationsthe Amazons, Teslas, and Disneys of Californiaremain immune. The Cal/OSHA audit has exposed a system in terminal crisis. The agency is incapable of protecting workers because it was designed to serve the corporations it regulates and is grossly underfunded. Ortegas proposed bill cannot change that. These toothless fines and performative legislative gestures will not prevent future workplace deaths because this crisis is the inevitable outcome of an economic system where the lives of workers are increasingly sacrificed for profit. Workers confront an urgent reality: the organizations and politicians that claim to represent them have betrayed them. The Democrats defend corporate interests as ruthlessly as the Republicans, and the union apparatus functions as a partner of management and the state. This betrayal demands a decisive response. Workers must confront the gravity of this crisis and take matters into their own hands. That means building independent, democratic organizations run by workers themselvesrank-and-file committees in every workplace, united through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). These committees, as in the case of the investigation launched into the death of Ronald Adams Sr., must investigate unsafe conditions, expose corporate crimes and organize collective action free from the control of the Democratic Party, the Republicans and the union bureaucracy. The defense of life and safety requires an international fight against a system that prioritizes private profit over human needs. Strategy recently purchased 4,000 Bitcoin worth $450 million, raising funds for its latest acquisition mostly by issuing common shares, according to a press release. The Tysons Corner, Virginia-based firm now owns roughly 636,500 Bitcoin worth $70.6 billion. Strategy sold $425 million in common stock compared to $46.5 million in preferred shares. Strategy has come up with myriad ways to fund its Bitcoin purchases, but the company has traditionally leaned on common shareholders as a way to grow its stockpile. In recent weeks, that practice has drawn outsized attention as Strategy has revised its corporate playbook. The Bitcoin-buying firm modified a self-imposed constraint, which prevented it from diluting common shareholders when its stock traded at less than a 2.5x premium to its Bitcoin holdings. Although the move was intended to convey discipline, under the recent modification, Strategy can issue common shares when otherwise deemed advantageous. Strategy shares changed hands around $346 on Monday, according to Yahoo finance. The companys stock price has slid nearly 5.5% from $372 over the past month. In November, Strategys stock price spiked as high as $543, following the U.S. presidential election. In a Monday note, analysts at investment bank Benchmark acknowledged retail investors disquiet. However, they said concerns among investors that Strategys game plan is being mismanaged by Executive Chairman and co-founder Michael Saylor are misplaced. Amid a proliferation of Bitcoin strategy companies, MSTR remains the industry standard and benchmark, they wrote, while reprising a Buy rating and $705 price target. Colloquially known as Strategys multiple-to-net asset value, the firms mNAV stood at 1.5x on Monday, according to Saylor Tracker. Within the past year, Strategy has traded at as much of a 3.9x premium to its Bitcoin holdings, but the ratio has been trending downward for months. Strategys self-imposed restraint likely triggered a chain reaction, Benchmark analysts wrote. As the companys mNAV started sliding last month, the market interpreted that as a negative sign for its ability to buy Bitcoin, with premium compression begetting more compression. Strategys initial move may have been aimed at supporting the firms mNAV, but it became counterproductive by starving the program of cheap capital, the analysts added. The firms updated guidance on common stock issuance reflects the iterative and opportunistic approach it's taken to buying Bitcoin since its journey began in 2020, Benchmark analysts said, describing its return to normal as not a capricious decision. A FedEx driver delivers a cart of packages, Thursday, May 6, 2021, in New York. [AP Photo/Mark Lennihan] FedEx Supply Chain has issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice in Tennessee that 611 workers in Memphis will be permanently laid off on October 11, 2025, after car parts manufacturer Cummins Inc. decided to shift a large share of its aftermarket parts distribution to a different provider in Indianapolis. The cuts affect two sites in the area. FedEx Supply Chain is FedExs third-party logistics (3PL) division, distinct from FedEx Express (air) and FedEx Ground (parcel). As a 3PL, it runs customer-dedicated warehousing and fulfillment, receiving and storage, inventory management, pick-pack-ship, kitting/labeling, and returns. Because these facilities are tied to specific client contracts, jobs rise or fall with the clients decisions. When a client moves its business to another provider or city, the jobs move too. Cummins stated that the shift to Indianapolis is aimed at improving efficiency and better supporting customers. For Memphis workers, however, customer relocation means immediate job losses at the old site. FedEx has said affected employees were notified and may be offered placement assistance, transfers, relocation help, or severance. In practice, even when a transfer is on the table, workers face longer commutes, potential pay and schedule changes, loss of seniority, and the personal costs of uprooting households. Like the rest of FedEx, these sites are nonunion; therefore, workers lack bumping rights, that is, the seniority protection that allows a more-senior, qualified worker to displace (bump) a less-senior worker in another job or shift to avoid layoff and keep pay and seniority. What is happening in Memphis is not isolated. Earlier this year, FedEx Supply Chain laid off 305 employees in Fort Worth, Texas after a client transferred its logistics operations to a different provider. The company is also shuttering a FedEx Supply Chain facility in Jacksonville, FL, laying off 87 employees at that site. The layoffs at FedEx 3PLs are part of a downward trend for the sector since the COVID boom in online retail ended and now exacerbated by the Trump administrations tariff program. Since March of this year, 3PLs including Ryder Logistics, Penske Logistics, and Quiet Logistics have laid off nearly 600 workers in cities throughout the US. Separate from the FedEx Supply Chain cuts, FedEx slashed 1,000 jobs this year as part of its Network 2.0 consolidation plan. Since the end of May, the company has closed 100 stations and converted roughly 290 more to an integrated model, with management saying it plans to close about 30 percent of US package distribution facilities within two years as part of a multi-year, $2 billion cost-reduction program. These cuts are part of an ongoing jobs bloodbath in the logistics sector. On April 29, UPS said it would eliminate 20,000 jobs in 2025 and close 73 facilities by the end of June as part of a sweeping Network of the Future reconfiguration. This is in addition to the 12,000 job cuts announced last year. In 2023, UPS turned aggressively toward automation of its operations in order to lessen its dependence on labor according to UPS president of US operations Nando Cesarone. A key factor in the job cuts is the labor certainty provided to management by the 2023 Teamsters contract, hailed by the bureaucracy as historic. It contained no language to protect jobs as UPS unleashed its draconian plans for restructuring. UPS announced an early retirement/buyout offer in July for full-time drivers in its efforts to cut labor. The company had to push the buyout deadline back from July 31 to August 14, suggesting a lack of interest on the part of workers in the deal. The massive culling of logistics jobs is unfolding in the context of uncertainty and destabilization caused by Trumps tariff program and the acceleration of his fascistic attacks on democratic rights. With the Trump administrations protectionism receiving the support of the unions themselves, every aspect of the logistics network is in flux, which for workers, means overtime one week and shortened shifts or layoffs the next as global manufacturers, shippers, importers, and transportation companies navigate Trumps tariff gambit. The cost of all of this falls entirely on the working class. Trumps measures have already driven up the prices on consumer goods. Job cuts will increase across all sectors and cause worsening working conditions and deteriorating workplace safety as workers are doing more work with fewer hands and less oversight and safety regulations. Workers must take the initiative to form rank-and-file committees in every workplace and community, independent of the two capitalist parties and the union apparatus, as democratic centers for coordinating opposition to layoffs, wage cuts, unsafe working conditions and the dismantling of democratic rights. Supply chain workers across companies, warehouses, hubs, ports and delivery networks should establish committees in every facility to link their struggles, share information freely, defend jobs and hours, and oppose closures, forced transfers, and job loss due to automation. In its Labor Day Perspective, the World Socialist Web Site wrote: The working class possesses immense social power to shut down production, bring the entire economy to a halt and overthrow the ruling class. But this power can only be realized through independent organization and political clarity. Under conditions in which Trump is transforming the United States into a military-police dictatorship, the working class must build its own independent strategy and leadership. Rank-and-file committees provide the means for workers to organize and fight for their interests against a system that subordinates human need to private profit. On Friday, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey convened with an extraordinary agenda at the request of the opposition parties to discuss Israels attack on Gaza, the genocide against the Palestinian people, and the deliberately imposed famine. The General Assembly meeting came after the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza last week and Israel accelerated its operations to seize and ethnically cleanse Gaza City with the support of the imperialist powers. A motion on Gaza is being voted on in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Friday, August 29, 2025, Ankara [Photo by https://cdn.tbmm.gov.tr / CC BY 4.0 The resolution, which is nothing more than a hypocritical and deceptive statement reiterating the Turkish bourgeoisies so-called opposition to the Gaza genocide, was passed by consensus according to the speaker of the Turkish parliament. However, the deputies of the Workers Party of Turkey (TIP) and the Labor Party (EMEP), who entered parliament in alliance with the DEM Party, announced that they did not participate in the vote and did not vote yes. The nine-point resolution strongly condemn[s] the occupation, destruction, and annexation practices that the Palestinian people have been subjected to by Israel for decades and call[s] on the international community to exert greater efforts to force Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, withdraw its armed forces from the region, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. It calls on all national parliaments to take urgent action to end all military and commercial relations with Israel and lift the embargo imposed on the Palestinian people; reject and condemn Israels genocidal and colonial policies in the occupied Palestinian territories; defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, maintain the perspective of a two-state solution, and call on countries that do not recognize the State of Palestine to do so. The resolution then reiterates a commitment to the failed two-state solution, while continuing the impotent policy of appealing to the imperialist powers that support, arm, and finance the genocide in Gaza. It is fundamentally based on Turkeys quest to avoid damaging its ties with both its imperialist allies and Israel, as a NATO member. The resolution was described as encouraging the steps taken by some states that were previously silent or supportive of Israel... now to recognize Palestine and boycott Israel, characterising the stage reached as a great triumph for the conscience of humanity. In recent days, many countries have criticised Israel in response to the worsening famine in Gaza, an evident war crime, in which they are directly implicated and which has fuelled massive political opposition in their own countries. However, despite their rhetorical statements, these same states continue to trade with Israel, including by supplying it with weapons that enable it to continue its genocide, and continue to suppress anti-genocide opposition utilising fabricated accusations of anti-Semitism and police repression. Ankara itself continues to fuel the Zionist regime in Israel with oil coming from Azerbaijan through Turkey, and allows US use of military bases in the country for Israels benefit. Moreover, Turkeys trade with Israel, including military materials, officially continues through Palestine. The reaction of Turkeys capitalist establishment parties to Israel has nothing to do with principled opposition to the genocide against Palestinians. Since 2002, while the Erdogan government has played a critical role as an ally of the US and NATO in bloody wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria that have killed millions and turned countless others into refugees, the bourgeois opposition parties have remained loyal to the line of US-NATO imperialism, regardless of their tactical differences. Turkeys criticism of Israel and the confrontation between these two allies have essentially developed as a byproduct of the imperialist war waged by US imperialism in its quest for complete domination over the Middle East. The growing tension and competition between Ankara and Tel Aviv stems from the struggle for geopolitical influence in the Middle East, particularly in Syria. Israel used the Palestinian uprising on October 7, 2023, as an opportunity to launch a pre-planned attack to redraw the maps in the Middle East. As a proxy force for the US, Israel attacked Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. In December, Islamist jihadists backed by the US and Turkey overthrew the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, intensifying competition between Ankara and Tel Aviv and increasing the risk of regional war. Following the regime change, Israel expanded its occupation of southern Syria while targeting the rest of the countrys military infrastructure with large-scale air strikes. While Turkey continues its military occupation in northern Syria against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and allied Kurdish forces (YPG-SDF), Ankaras strong political and ideological ties with the new Damascus regime are seen as a threat by Tel Aviv. Israel, in response, supports and encourages the autonomy of minorities in Syria. While providing protection to Druze groups in the south, it views the Kurdish nationalist forces controlling Syrias oil-rich northern and eastern regions as natural allies. Recently, Alawites also demanded an autonomous region in western and central Syria, covering the provinces of Tartus and Latakia, as well as some parts of Homs and Hama. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week, I am not a naive person... I understand who we are dealing with, what we are dealing with [in Syria], and that is why we used force, adding that his government was under no illusions about who controlled Syria. It is no secret that this statement was primarily aimed at Ankara. Erdogan warned Kurdish forces in Syria last week, threatening them over possible cooperation with Israel and their quest for autonomy: Those who turn their direction towards Ankara and Damascus will win Those who seek foreign patrons will lose. If the sword comes out of its sheath, there will be no place left for words and speech. The intensification of the imperialist war of redivision in the Middle East and the growing competition between Turkey and Israel have led Ankara to seek an agreement with the PKK since last year. The World Socialist Web Site explained from the outset that this has nothing to do with a democratic solution to the Kurdish question and is a reactionary attempt at an agreement between the Turkish and Kurdish bourgeoisies. The Erdogan government, with the support of Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, has officially confirmed this analysis by putting forward an equally reactionary Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance perspective to counter Israels expansionist ambitions in the region. The expression of this search for agreement in parliament was the establishment of a commission to which all party representatives were invited, and which was supported by the participation of the TIP and the EMEP. The main function of the commission is to spread the illusion that pro-imperialist right-wing bourgeois parties can resolve fundamental political issues, including the Kurdish question, and establish a democratic regime. The Sosyalist Esitlik Grubu (Socialist Equality Group), the Turkish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, appeals not to imperialist and capitalist governments, but to the international working classthe only social force capable of ending genocide and imperialist warand strives to mobilise it in the struggle for political power. In this struggle, the following demands are essential: Turkey must leave NATO and close its bases in the country. End Azerbaijans oil shipments to Israel through Turkey. Halt the shipments of weapons to Israel. Boycott all trade and other economic activity with Israel. US, European and other corporations assisting Israel in carrying out the genocide must be indicted and prosecuted. Arrest Israeli officials for war crimes. End all repression of opposition to the Gaza genocide. Despite protests by staff and students at public universities around Australia, damaging cuts to courses and jobs are continuing under the Albanese Labor government. Among the most shocking cuts are at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). There is outrage there because UTS management has suspended and stopped new enrolments for nearly a fifth of its courses, notably in international studies, social sciences, education and public health, and threatened to sack 400 staffabout a tenth of the workforce. Campus rally against job cuts at UTS, March 12, 2025 The UTS offensive has only deepened since about 200 people, mostly UTS staff, joined a campus rally in March to fight the looming job cuts, including a delegation of about 50 staff from the nearby University of Sydney. The scale and thrust of the restructuring at UTS is an indication of the depth of the assault on university education everywhere. At least 19 of the countrys 39 public universities have unveiled similar attacks, in one form or another, in the past 10 months. At UTS, the axed courses include 33 degrees in the social sciences, mainly in international studies that are essential for preparing students to live and work in an increasingly international world; all education programs, from Bachelor through to PhD level, despite an acute national shortage of teachers; and core public health programs, at a time of immense need to deal with pandemics, climate change impacts, growing health problems and worsening health inequality. Even as the job cuts have risen above 3,500 nationally, however, the two main campus trade unions, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and Community and Public Service Union (CPSU) have worked to block calls, particularly by the rank-and-file committees at Western Sydney University and Macquarie University, for unified action against the cuts and the underlying measures of the Labor government. At UTS, the NTEU has falsely claimed to have produced a win for staff by having the cuts briefly delayed by lodging a dispute at the federal governments Fair Work Commission (FWC), a pro-employer tribunal. We havent stopped the cuts yet, but we have made incredible progress together and had Fair Work acknowledge our right to transparent, genuine consultation, the NTEU reported on its UTS campaign website. In reality, the FWC only resulted in a two-week consultation period, which ended on August 27, to satisfy the cosmetic requirements of an Initial Consultation clause in the NTEUs enterprise bargaining agreement with management. As at Western Sydney and other universities, the change proposal and consultation clauses in union enterprise agreements provide little or no protection against job destruction. Instead, they allow for the retrenchment of staff as a last resort. Supposedly, UTS management will also provide additional evidence for the rationale of the cuts and appoint a team of six staff to develop alternative proposals. Staff members have a warranted mistrust of management. One UTS worker told the WSWS: For years, management have told us that the financial basis of the university is strong. Now they are telling us the university is in financial crisis. They were lying earlier, or they are lying now. Either way, they are lying. The anger at UTS has been intensified by management not identifying the specific jobs to be axed, creating uncertainty and anxiety. Management also released insulting advice to supposedly reduce stress, such as: do that task youve been dreading, like washing delicates, organising receipts for your taxes, or cleaning a bathroom. Additional advice included bake a dessert and brush or floss your teeth every day. Moreover, just four years ago, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 500 UTS staff were made redundant as the NTEU volunteered job and salary cuts nationally while strangling opposition throughout the university sector. Far from making incredible progress now at UTS, the NTEU is covering up, and trying to prevent a fight against, the root causes of the cuts and restructuring at UTS and across the country, which lie in the Labor governments agenda. The NTEUs UTS campaign site makes no mention of the Labor government, let alone the measures that the government is taking to radically gut and refashion the universities. There was the same silence on Labors role at the March UTS rally by all the speakers, including Paddy Gibson, a member of the pseudo-left Solidarity group and the NTEU branch committee, and Yasmin Johnson, from the pseudo-left Socialist Alternative student club. What they all are trying to hide is that the retrenchments at UTS and elsewhere are, first of all, a direct consequence of Labors reactionary cuts to enrolments of overseas students, whose fees have been relied upon by universities to overcome the shortfall in funding over decades, carried out by Labor, Liberal-National, and Greens-backed Labor governments. By cutting international enrolments, the Labor government is forcing universities to restructure to align with national priorities as set out in the Universities Accord in 2024. That report insisted that teaching and research must focus on serving the requirements of the corporate elite and the development of a war economy, including meeting the needs of the AUKUS military pact and military-related industries in preparation for a US-led war against China. From 2026, each universitys funding will be tied to a mission-based compact with the governments new Australian Tertiary Education Commission to lay down how the university will contribute to Labors national priorities. Universities Australia, the employers group, reported last year that funding for universities had fallen in real terms by $2 billion since 2020. Labor is intensifying this financial pressure on universities. It is continuing the previous Liberal-National governments Job-ready Graduates scheme that has hiked the cost of three-year humanities degrees to more than $50,000, while cutting the funding to universities for delivering them. At UTS, managements stated intention is to cut costs by $100 million per year. Its cost-cutting program is called the Operational Sustainability Initiative (OSI), which was developed by corporate consultants KPMG at a cost of $5 million. But that is entirely in line with Labors program. As at UTS, opposition exists throughout the universities to the job destruction, course closures, pro-corporate restructuring and suppression of dissent, including over the Gaza genocide. But the NTEU and CPSU leaders have opposed any unified action by university staff and students, keeping them straitjacketed by the anti-strike enterprise bargaining laws. That is why we are calling for the formation of rank-and-file committees (RFCs) at every university. University staff, along with students, need to form their own organisations of struggle to develop and fight for demands based on the educational and financial needs of students and staff, not the dictates of the Labor government, the financial markets and the war machine. To discuss these issues and how to form RFCs, please contact the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the rank-and-file educators network: Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia Facebook: facebook.com/groups/opposeaeusellout Just days after Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a new congressional map gerrymandered to maximize Republican representation in the states 38 US House districts, a series of reactionary laws Abbott signed during the Texas Congress regular session went into effect on September 1. The new map, initiated by Abbott at the behest of Donald Trump, has been a point of contention on a national scale, sparking what has been dubbed as a redistricting war as the two American capitalist parties fence over the narrow party split in the US House of Representatives ahead of next years midterm elections. By dismantling Democratic voting bastions around Texas four major metropolitan centers, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas-Ft. Worth (the triangle), the new map would hand up to five additional US House seats to the GOP (Grand Old Party, the Republican Party). Two currently Democrat-held seats on the US-Mexico border have additionally been redrawn to favor Republicans, while all 25 districts already held by Republicans remain safely theirs. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott [AP Photo/Eric Gay] The new map was demanded by would-be dictator Donald Trump, who directly instructed the Texas GOP to carry out the redistricting plan to protect the narrow Republican House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. If the new map had been in effect during the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump would have won three more congressional districts. Although Trump won 71 percent of Texas 38 congressional districts with 56 percent of the popular vote for his second election, the new boundaries would have had Trump carrying 79 percent of districts. According to the Texas Tribune, Abbott expressed trepidation when Trump first made demands for Republican governors to draw maps favoring himself in the spring. The Tribune claims Abbotts concerns were only overcome after a personal call from the would-be dictator himself. According to two sources who spoke with White House officials, Trump called Abbott in July, after which the latter placed redistricting efforts on his agenda for the first special session of this year. Whether or not Texas fascistic governor held any initial reservations, his latest actions are part of a long collaboration with the fascist in the White House. This includes Abbott granting Texas police authority to make immigration-related arrests across the state in service of Trumps brutal anti-immigrant policies. Whatever may have worried Abbott months ago has been assuaged after the summer phone call with his co-conspirator. Abbott signed the new map into law, referring to it as the One Big Beautiful Map, in a video posted to social media in which he proudly declared that the states congressional delegation would soon be more Republican and Texas would have fairer representation in the United States Congress. Abbott held up the signed law and said, Texas is now more red in the United States Congress. The GOPs far-right rampage in Texas has not been limited to gerrymandering, however. Redistricting was only one of many items on Abbotts agenda for the special session, including bills that would curb mail-order abortion pills sent from out of state, further protect police violence from public scrutiny and regulate the use of bathrooms by transgender people. Other laws signed earlier in the year, such as bans on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies in K-12 schools, also went into effect over the weekend. Many of the right-wing laws failed to pass during previous regular sessions but sailed through the Texas legislature after Trumps intervention. Finally, the Republicans found a spine, said Representative Steve Toth, aligned with the most right-wing faction in the Texas legislature, in an interview with the New York Times on Friday. Trump has just been really good for us in saying, you guys have got to upend the status quo. On Thursday, the state legislature passed the bathroom bill, an anti-transgender measure which regulates the use of male and female restrooms in public buildings, such as schools, parks, colleges and courthouses, based on reproductive anatomy. Immediately after, the Texas House passed a law to stop out-of-state shipping of abortion medications by inviting lawsuits against manufacturers and shipping companies. Senate Bill 1 concretizes the states new $338 billion two-year spending plan, including spending to maintain and provide property tax cuts and a new school voucher program. The bill also contains a provision vetoed by Abbott that included a $60 million measure that would have let Texas enter a federal summer lunch program for low-income kids. Senate Bill 2 will create one of the countrys largest school voucher programs, a scheme to strip funding from public schooling in favor of private schools. Senate Bill 10 lays out strict requirements for the visible display of the Ten Commandments on posters that are at least 16 by 20 inches in public school classrooms, which are attended by around 5.5 million Texan students. An August 20 ruling from US District Judge Fred Biery temporarily blocks the measure from taking effect in nearly a dozen school districts, including Austin, Houston and Plano. Senate Bill 12 bars schools from offering any programs and guidance dealing with sexual orientation or gender identity. Senate Bill 13 grants parents and school boards more control over what students can access in public libraries. This is of particular concern as Texas was already among the top states for book bans in recent years. Senate Bill 37 expands the attack on academic freedom by allowing politically appointed regents more say over public universities, including by granting them more power in the hiring of administrators. House Bill 33 further integrates the police into public schools, compelling school districts and local law enforcement to meet annually in order to assess their emergency operations plans, resources and capabilities. One of the most reactionary bills this year is House Bill 229, which defines gender based on biological reproductive systems and applies that definition across the state code. This is in open defiance of scientific agreement on the complexity of gender identity in a state which is home to one of the largest populations of transgender people. The horrific news from Gaza Citywhere bombing and starvation are now being followed by military obliterationhas brought millions of people onto the streets worldwide. In Frankfurt am Main, the United 4 Gaza demonstration on Saturday mobilised up to four times as many participants as had registered. United-4-Gaza demonstration, 30 August 2025, Frankfurt am Main Estimates ranged between 15,000 and 20,000 participants (5,000 had registered). This was undoubtedly the largest Palestine demonstration in the city since October 2023. At the opening rally, the Hafenpark in front of the European Central Bank was overflowing with people. Participants, including many families with children, came not only from the Rhine-Main region; many had also travelled from Mannheim, Mainz, Stuttgart and North Rhine-Westphalia. Youth from Students 4 Palestine at 35 universities had expressed their solidarity. They acted as stewards during the subsequent march through the city centre, which did not end until late in the evening at Rossmarkt and was marked by loud chants such as: Germany financesIsrael bombs and We are thousands, we are millionswe all are Palestinians. Speakers reported first-hand from Gaza City. They described recent targeted killings of doctors and journalists and the impact of the famine catastrophe on the Palestinian population. Among them was a doctor and a Palestinian resident of Hesse who has lost almost his entire family in the Gaza genocide. He said: This is no conflict, no warthis is systematic annihilation. The so-called disgusting state policy means that Germany, not even 100 years after the Holocaust, is now pursuing the same genocide on Israels side. The mood was unanimously for the immediate halt to the genocide, for an end to German arms deliveries, and against the persecution of those who protest. Participants carried cardboard placards, T-shirts and posters with slogans such as: Germany, you have learned nothing! Yesterday perpetrator, today sponsor; Stop the dirty work! No to state policy; Israel starves 2 million people; 18,500 children killed; Nothing justifies war crimes; Boycott Israel Apartheid; Make Israel Palestine again; Never again? You must be joking!; or simply: Free Palestine! Many Jewish participants were present, and one worker had written on his placard: Genocide is not kosher. Womens Group from Ingelheim am Rhein at the United-4-Gaza demonstration, 30 August 2025 in Frankfurt am Main A womens group from Ingelheim am Rhein carried a large placard: We are not free until everyone is free! They expressed the general mood for equality and justice, as one of them said: Justice will only prevail when everyone in the world can live in freedom. Two workers from Mannheim emphasised to the WSWS that what mattered most to them was to stop every war and all violence: Mass murder does not bring peace! Solidaritat fur Palastina members from Bielefeld, Theresa (center), Jamal (second right) at the United-4-Gaza demonstration, 30 August 2025 in Frankfurt am Main A group from Bielefeld (North Rhine-Westphalia) had travelled to Frankfurt, where Jamal has founded the association Solidarity for Palestine. Theresa said: Where does one even begin? The killing of Palestinians must stop immediately, and the occupation must end! Open the borders of the Gaza Strip! The people of Gaza are imprisoned. They cannot even obtain passports. They have no right to a normal life, to food, school, medicine Asked what she thought should be done, she first called for a ceasefire, pointing out that Israel currently refuses this. It was also important, she said, that Netanyahu finally be brought before a court and convicted, along with all his backers. In the short conversation, she said she would welcome an international workers boycott in any case. Two friends, Darios and Ludevic, explained their participation as follows: What is happening in Gaza is genocide! In fact, everyone should be taking to the streets against it, they said. Ludevic stressed that Germanys policy is incomprehensible. Even now, when countries like Francewhose President Macron we cannot support eitherare officially prepared to recognise Palestine, the German government refuses to do the same. A female worker from Mainz simply said: I want this killing and starving to end, and finally for there to be peace! Darios (left) and Ludevic on the United-4-Gaza demonstration, 30 August 2025 in Frankfurt am Main The rally and mass demonstration were another striking example of the deep gulf opening between the broad working population and the state authorities, politicians and the media. The media hesitated to report and did everything possible to disparage the demonstration as Islamist-influenced and antisemitic. For example, the conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ran the vile headline: Trendy influencers as representatives of the caliphate movement, and claimed in its article that professional Islamists had hijacked the movement and undermined the noble intentions of well-meaning participants. The city authorities and local government did everything in their power in advance to ban the demonstration. The organisers had to go through two further courtsthe Frankfurt Administrative Court and the Higher Administrative Court of Hesseboth of which confirmed that the ban was not remotely justified. Driving forces behind the ban in the city council were the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Liberal Democratic Party (FDP) factions, as well as Jewish religious bodies, joined by the local factions of the Greens and the euro-federalist Volt. The Left Party in Frankfurt only decided to support the demonstration at a late stage, stating that given the catastrophic situation for the people in Gaza it was necessary to send a signal in Germany as well, as local party chairman Tobias Blank wrote. In contrast, Jutta Ditfurth of Okolinx-ELF (Eco-Left) vehemently opposed the demonstration. She criticised the opening rally in front of the ECB with the absurd claim that it evoked antisemitic associations of Jews with capital. Massive police presence at the United-4-Gaza demonstration, 30 August 2025 in Frankfurt am Main A huge police presence accompanied and obstructed the demonstration at every turn. Participants had to wait for hours before they were allowed to march, and individuals were pulled from the crowd because of improper placards. One speaker was even arrested for prohibited statements. The hysteria with which these forces opposed the rally and demonstration reveals the fear gripping the bourgeoisie and its political lackeys in the face of growing resistance. By contrast, Saturdays demonstration vividly confirmed the enormous potential and determination to fight against war and fascism that exists within the working class and youth. To make this effective, however, requires a clear and forward-looking perspective, which is still entirely lacking. When asked how the genocide could be stopped, most answers were along the lines of: We will not be silenced, we will continue to make ourselves heard. One placard read: What can you do? Watch! Listen! Speak out! But these protests and appeals are directed towards the same governments and imperialist powers that are organising and actively supporting the genocide in Gaza. But the capitalist ruling elites cannot be swayed by protest. They are carrying out genocide as part of an escalating global war serving their imperialist interests. With the genocide in Gaza, they are demonstrating their readiness to unleash unrestrained violence without inhibition. Anyone who wants to stop this barbarism must therefore turn not to capitalist governments, but to the international working class. In its call, Workers must mobilise to halt the Zionist/imperialist extermination of the Palestinians in Gaza the World Socialist Web Site explains what is necessary: The urgent task facing the working class in the imperialist centres is to mobilise its immense social power to halt the Gaza genocide and the war machine responsible for its implementation. Workers throughout manufacturing, transportation, and other key sectors must organise themselves in defiance of the union bureaucracy to fight for the following demands: - An immediate halt to shipment of all weapons to Israel. - The boycott of all trade and other economic activity with Israel. - US, European and other corporations assisting Israel in carrying out the genocide must be indicted and prosecuted. - The arrest of Israeli officials for war crimes. - The end of repression of the opposition to the Gaza genocide. - The immediate and unhindered access to Gaza for the supply of aid via all available land crossings. News reports on Sunday revealed that the US State Department has expanded its policy of suspending visa approvals for Palestinians to include all passport holders, regardless of their location or reason for travel. The unprecedented and sweeping measure, which was formally spelled out in a cable sent by the State Department on August 18 to all US embassies and consulates worldwide, covers every type of nonimmigrant visa, including for medical treatment, university studies, visits to friends and family and business travel. The cable instructed diplomats to halt visa approvals for all Palestinians holding passports issued by the Palestinian Authority (PA), effectively blocking any legal means for Palestinians to enter the US. Despite the extreme nature of the policy, the Trump administration did not provide an explanation for the expanded visa ban. However, multiple news sources reported that the move is widely viewed as a preemptive response to the declaration by several countries, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia, that they intend to formally recognize an independent Palestinian state within the coming weeks. In coordination with the Zionist state of Israel, the blanket visa ban would thus isolate Palestinians diplomatically and cripple Palestinian political presence abroad. In an earlier announcement on August 16, the State Department gave a national security justification for restricting Palestinian visas. In a tweet, the department said: All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days. Notably, individuals such as fascist blogger Laura Loomer had earlier called for an outright and permanent blockade on all Palestinian visas, which has apparently influenced the Trump administrations policy shift. The State Department revoked visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and over 80 Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September 9, barring them from participating in UN sessions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified this unprecedented measure with a hypocritical statement that said the leaders of the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) must repudiate terrorism, lawfare campaigns at the ICC and ICJ, and the pursuit of unilateral recognition of statehood. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank but only as a police force on behalf of Israel, has pointed to the recognition by some Western countries of a Palestinian state. Recently, France, Britain and Canada announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at a meeting next month, under certain conditions. They would be the first countries from the Group of 7 nations to do so. At present, 147 nations have already recognized such a state. According to a report in the New York Times, the Trump administration is using a mechanism that is normally applied more narrowly. It is typically used to demand more documentation or information from specific individuals to make decisions on their cases. The Times report continues: In recent days, U.S. consular officers were told to invoke the mechanismsection 221-G of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952to refuse visitor visas to anyone using a Palestinian passport in applications, at least temporarily, the officials said. Effective immediately, consular officers are instructed to refuse under 221(g) of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders using that passport to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, the State Department cable said. However, on Friday, the US State Department said the Palestinian governing body should end its efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state. The US visa ban unfolds within the context of the ongoing terrorist and genocidal assaults on Gaza and the West Bank by the Israel military, where over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023 and more than 160,000 have been wounded. According to UNICEF, more than 17,000 children have been killed during the continuous bombings and missile strikes, an average of 28 children per day. With details of the US-Israeli plan for the final phase of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza recently published, the suspension of travel to the US further implicates the Trump administration in crimes against humanity. The plan includes the voluntary departure from Gaza or internment into southern humanitarian cities within the enclave of the entire population of 2 million people. Palestinian children wait at a community kitchen before donated food is prepared and distributed in Gaza City, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] By blocking Palestinians from access to safety or international platforms, the US government is directly participating in the genocide aimed at transforming the Gaza Strip into a US-owned seaside resort, erasing all traces of Palestinian habitation and sovereignty. In doing so, the Trump administration is also reprising the role played by US imperialism during World War II as a facilitator of the Nazi Holocaust. By maintaining and tightening quotas on the number of Jews allowed to enter the US during the 1930s and 1940s, despite increasing evidence of atrocities, the American government assisted the Nazi extermination program. In sum, the expanded suspension of visas for Palestinians marks an intensification of US policy aimed at criminalizing and isolating the Palestinian people amid the Israeli genocide, closing urgent humanitarian channels, silencing political opposition and facilitating war crimes. Charities, such as HEAL Palestine and a coalition of human rights advocates, strongly condemned the US order, warning that it would harm wounded Palestinian children who had been evacuated for life-saving treatment in the US. Journalists and advocacy groups have reported that visas for medical evacuees, including children maimed in Israeli strikes, were being denied. Palestinian officials and international law experts have strongly condemned the measures against travel by Abbas and others as a violation of diplomatic agreements with the UN. The suspension of all Palestinian visas and the punitive targeting of wounded children, medical evacuees and diplomatic representatives are essential elements of the Trump administrations partnership with Israel to finalize the removal of Palestinians from Gaza. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road, in Gaza City, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi] Israeli tanks are rolling into Gaza City, the last portion of Gaza left undemolished, imploding buildings one by one and forcibly expelling the starving population at gunpoint. Gazas government media office reported that Israeli forces had detonated more than 80 explosive robots inside buildings in Gaza City as they advanced, in what it described as a scorched-earth policy. The onslaught is taking place in the midst of a man-made famine that has already starved hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children to death. The conquest of Gaza City will place the entire Gaza Strip under Israeli military occupation, creating the conditions for what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the concluding moves in Gaza: the ghettoization of the Palestinian population in concentration camps and their expulsion from their ancestral homeland. When US President Donald Trump announced in February that the United States would take and own Gaza, expelling the Palestinians to other countries, his statements were dismissed in the US and international media as unrealistic, unworkable and unserious. Seven months later, it has become clear that Trumps plan is not only deadly serious but is the concrete strategy guiding the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Washington Post published a strategy document, under active deliberation at the White House and fully consistent with Trump and Netanyahus stated plans for Gazawith the active collusion of the other imperialist powers. The document was developed by leading figures in the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has used the distribution of starvation rations to the Palestinian population as a means to carry out deliberate massacres of aid seekers, with Israeli troops given explicit instructions to shoot into unarmed crowds. It was created in consultation with employees of the Boston Consulting Group, a major corporate consultancy and think tank that includes staff of the Tony Blair Foundation. The plan, according to the Washington Post, envisions at least a temporary relocation of all of Gazas more than 2 million population, either through what it calls voluntary departures to another country or into restricted, secured zones inside the enclave during reconstruction. The 38-page slide deck translates the concepts of forcible ethnic cleansing from the language of fascist mythology into the jargon of the corporate boardroom. It is stuffed with terms like ROI (return on investment), PPP (public-private partnership), CAPEX (capital expenditure) and AI (artificial intelligence). Within this framework, the plan places a dollar sign on acts of ethnic cleansing, both individual and collective. The existence of every Palestinian person is valued as a net negative for the US-Israeli occupiers of Palestine and their billionaire investor partners. Every Palestinian that is compelled to leave Gaza saves the occupiers $23,000. According to the plan, those who leave Gaza would be given $5,000 cash and the equivalent of two years rent. But if a Palestinian were to no longer exist in Gaza without receiving these payments, the economic benefit to the occupiers of Palestine would be even greater than the $23,000 saved with every Palestinian forced from Gaza. That is, a dead Palestinian is much more valuable than a live one, in the worldview of the reports authors. The publication of the plan was followed just days later by the publication of a resolution, adopted overwhelmingly by the International Association of Genocide Scholars, declaring that the government of Israel has engaged in systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. This ethnic cleansing plan is not presented merely as a massively lucrative speculative venture, aiming to profit on ethnic cleansing and genocide, but a critical component of the drive by the United States to dominate the Middle East. The first benefits to the United States of the ethnic cleansing of Gaza will be, according to the document, 1) Massive $ gains and 2) it will accelerate IMEC strengthen hold in the East Mediterranean, and secure US-industry access to $1.3 trillion of rare-earth minerals from the Gulf. The IMEC, short for India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, is the strategic framework guiding the US-Israeli effort to create a new Middle East under direct imperialist domination. On September 9, 2023, the Biden White House published a Memorandum of Understanding announcing the establishment of an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which would serve as a counter to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Less than two weeks later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a speech at the United Nations, referenced this visionary corridor that will stretch across the Arabian Peninsula and Israel. Netanyahu then held up a map showing the state of Israel stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan Riverencompassing both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The blessing of this economic corridor would conquer the curse of Iran and its allies in the Middle East, including resistance by the Palestinian population. Two weeks after Netanyahu held up his map of the new Middle East at the United Nations, Israel launched the Gaza genocide, using the events of October 7 as a pretext. The plan outlined in the 38-page document published by the Washington Post uses this corridor as a framework, placing the ethnic cleansing and annexation of the Gaza Strip within the framework of the broader IMEC initiative. It declares that Gaza is an Iranian outpost... that will threaten IMEC / Abrahamic architecture. In other words, the document makes clear that the ethnic cleansing of Gaza is a vital component of the US effort to dominate the Middle East, as part of a strategy of global domination targeting not only Iran but ultimately Russia and China. The Russian Marxist Vladimir Lenin wrote in his seminal 1917 work Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism that finance capital strives for domination, not freedom. It is a world system of colonial oppression and of the financial strangulation of the overwhelming majority of the people of the world. In the document now being discussed by the Trump administration, we see the truest, deepest expression of capitalism in its imperialist form. Shakespeare, in the words of his Timon, said gold would set foul fair, wrong right, base noble. Capitalism, in its form of global imperialism, sets dollar signs on every child driven from their home or buried under the rubble on the Levantine coast. The vast crimes being committed by US and international imperialism in Gaza are a warning of the horrors capitalism has in store. If American imperialism is prepared to exterminate millions in the opening skirmish of its plans for war with China, how many billions will it be prepared to kill in the event of full-scale war? The workers of the world cannot afford to find out. The monumental crime unfolding in Gaza is the political responsibility of all the imperialist powers and every political party of the ruling class. For nearly two years, they have armed, financed and justified this genocide. The same capitalist ruling class that is exterminating Palestinians abroad is erecting dictatorship at home, dismantling social programs, slashing wages and workplace protections, and moving to crush any opposition through violence and repression. The struggle against genocide cannot be separated from the fight against the capitalist system itself. Workers must take industrial action to stop the Gaza genocide as part of a unified mass movement of the international working class that defends jobs, wages, healthcare and democratic rights, while waging an uncompromising struggle against imperialist war. The fight to stop the ethnic cleansing of Gaza is inseparable from the fight to end the global dictatorship of finance capital. The following lecture was delivered by Chris Marsden, the national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (UK), at the SEP (US) International Summer School, held August 2-9, 2025. This is the second part of the lecture Internationalist Socialism vs. Nationalist Reformism delivered by Clara Weiss, Chris Marsden and Peter Symonds to the 2025 Summer School of the Socialist Equality Party (US) on the history of the Security and the Fourth International investigation. Part 1 was published here. The WSWS is also publishing two primary source documents written by Leon Trotsky to accompany this lecture, The Period of Right-Centrist Downsliding from The Third International After Lenin, and Chapter 8 from Where is Britain Going? We encourage our readers to study these texts alongside this lecture. The general strike was launched May 3, 1926, in response to a massive attack on the wages of Britains 1.2 million coal miners, amid a period of widespread labour unrest. The Trades Union Congress (TUC), terrified by its revolutionary potential, worked to bring it to an end, succeeding on May 12, after just nine days, in imposing a terrible defeat. The antecedents of the strike lay in a militant response by the British working class to the efforts of the ruling elite to impose savage attacks on jobs, wages and working conditions. There were three times as many strike days between 1919 and 1921 as in the years leading up to the First World Wara strike wave only brought to a temporary end by Black Friday, April 15, 1921, when the leadership of the rail and transport unions reneged on their Triple Alliance commitment to strike in support of the miners. Three years later, 1924, workers returned a Labour government to power, led by Ramsay MacDonald, which repressed strikes before being brought down after nine months as a result of an anti-communist witch-huntcentred on the Zinoviev Letter forgery, which claimed the Communist International had instructed the Communist Party of Great Britain to utilize the normalisation of British-Soviet relations under a Labour government to launch a revolution. The most significant political expression of this sustained leftward shift was the growth of the Communist Partys influence in the trade unions. With just 4,000 members in 1923, the CPGB was instrumental in forming the National Minority Movement (NMM) which eventually encompassed more than a million members, a quarter of the total trade union membership, and led the campaign to elect A.J. Cook as general secretary of the miners union in 1924. The National Left-Wing Movement, formed in 1925, campaigned for the right of the CPGB to affiliate to the Labour Party and was backed at Labours annual conference by over 400 delegates. Against this background, Stanley Baldwins Conservative government was determined to take on and defeat the miners, having concluded earlier, on July 31, 1925, Red Friday, that it was not yet ready to carry out a plan to break a miners strike promised the backing of the rail workers. It had given a nine-month subsidy to the mine owners while it set up the Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies (OMS) to head strikebreaking operations, involving the military and right-wing civilian volunteers. On October 14, 1925, police raided the national and London headquarters of the CPGB, the Young Communist League, the National Minority Movement and the Workers Weeklyarresting 12 CPGB leaders on sedition charges and incitement to mutiny and jailing them for six months to a year. Most were still incarcerated when the general strike began. Protests by thousands of workers took place. A total of 167 miners from the South Wales Miners Federation were tried in relation to a strike in July and August and 50 were sent to prison. The government finally moved against the miners, posting lock-out notices at every pit on April 16, 1926, timed to expire 14 days later. Lockouts began on April 30. Faced with mass support for the miners, on May 1 the TUC held a special conference and announced plans for a general strike to begin May 3. Attempted negotiations were broken off by Baldwin. The strike went ahead, hitting transport, printing, steel, chemicals, the building trades, electricity and gas. It was to involve over four million out of five-and-a-half million workers organized in the unions. A strikebreaking force of hundreds of thousands was deployed, with battleships stationed in all major ports. There were violent clashes with police and strikebreakers up and down the country, involving thousands. Councils of Action were formed, acknowledged by the Directorate of Intelligence as taking on more the form of soviets and in some areas forming plans for the seizure of private property and the means of transport. East Fife Council of Action set up its own workers defence militia with 700 members. Reports of mutinies by the Welsh Guards and of other regiments refusing to attack the miners prompted mass arrests, with CPGB members accounting for 1,000 of the 2,500 arrests and many of the 1,000 later imprisoned. At the earliest opportunity, May 12, the TUC General Council went cap in hand to 10 Downing Street. They appealed for limited measures to defend the coal industry and for no victimisation. The government refused and the TUC called the strike off anyway. Anger over this treachery was widespread, with more people out on strike on May 13 than during the nine days of official action. But after May 13, the miners were left to fight alone before being forced to return to work in October. Central to the strikes defeat was the false political line imposed on the CPGB by the Comintern under the leadership of Stalin, Bukharin, Zinoviev and Kamenev. This was defined by Trotsky in the 1928 Critique of the Draft Programme of the Comintern, published as The Third International after Lenin, as an expression of right centrist downsliding. This was a sharp reversal of the Cominterns previous line, and typical of the zig-zag course it would continue to pursue. During the events of 1923 in Germany, the Cominterns policy was defined by Trotsky as adventurist leftism. Even at the fifth congress in 1924, Bukharin authored perspectives based on the permanent development of the revolution, when the Left Opposition insisted that the revolutionary situation had been missed and that it was now time for defensive battles against an offensive by the class enemy. Of course, political realities could not be denied forever. But when the Stalin/Bukharin faction finally acknowledged the emergence of a period of stabilisation, this was portrayed as an extended situation that was used to justify their nationalist and opportunist course. They did, so, moreover, towards the middle of 1925 when Trotsky stressed profound fissures were becoming apparent, particularly in England and China. Trotsky explains: Taken as a whole, the course to the Right was the attempt at a half-blind, purely empirical, and belated adaptation to the set-back of revolutionary development caused by the defeat of 1923 This tendency required a year and a half to sense something new after the break in the situation in Europe in 1923 so as then to transform itself, panic-stricken, into its opposite. The Soviet Union was at the time registering limited successes domestically, but on the basis of a stabilization of capitalism that resulted from a whole series of defeats of the world revolution. But the external situation confronting the Soviet Union had in fact worsened considerably. Trotsky rejected objectivist explanations of capitalist restabilisation, insisting that this was above all a consequence of the false line of the Comintern and the defeats and missed revolutionary opportunities that led to. In turn, Trotsky wrote, A certain disappointment in the world revolution, which likewise partly seized the masses, pushed the Centrist leadership towards strictly national perspectives, which were soon wretchedly crowned by the theory of socialism in one country. The ultra-Leftism of 1924-1925 gave way to a shift to the right, in which nothing must be done that risked leaping over stages, which signified political adaptation to the colonial bourgeoisie, the labour and trade union bureaucracy, and domestically to the kulaks and functionaries. Arguing for Building Socialism in our Country, February 10, 1926, Stalin wrote: The [14th] congress held that the working class, in alliance with the labouring peasantry, can deal the finishing blow to the capitalists of our country and build a socialist society, even if there is no victorious revolution in the West to come to its aid [Otherwise] as the victory of the revolution in the West is rather late in coming, nothing remains for us to do, apparently, but to loaf around. This nationalist and opportunist policy found political expression in Britain in the policies pursued following the formation of the Anglo-Russian Committee. In 1921, the Comintern had formulated the policy of the unified workers front. Epitomised by the slogan, To the masses!, the goal was to actively challenge the domination of the social democratic parties and trade unions by advocating cooperation in the struggle for the interests of the proletariat. In this way, the practice of the class struggle and implacable criticism of the social democrats would demonstrate the superiority and necessity of a revolutionary perspective and leadership. The Anglo-Russian Trade Union Committee was portrayed by the Comintern as a realisation of this perspective. It was formed at a joint London conference of the Soviet and British trade unions on April 68, 1925, with the declared aim of restoring the unity of the international trade union movement, ensuring mutual aid and support, opposing war and encouraging friendly relations between Britain and the USSR. However, as Trotsky explains in Problems of the British Revolution, rather than viewing the committee as an episodic bloc to be broken with at the very first serious test in order to compromise the General Council, Stalin, Bukharin, Tomsky, and Zinoviev saw it as: an instrument for the systematic revolutionization of the English working masses, and if not the gate, at least an approach to the gate through which would stride the revolution of the English proletariat. Adaptation to the British trade union bureaucracy centred on political accommodations with its left representatives, in the persons of Alonzo Swales of the engineering union, Alfred Purcell of the furnishing trades, George Hicks of the bricklayers, and Miners Federation leader A.J. Cook, once a member of the CPGB. These initiators of the Anglo-Russian Committee happily struck left poses on issues that did not commit them to anything practical or cut across their relations with the right wing. Most dangerous of all, Trotsky stressed: The point of departure of the Anglo-Russian Committee, as we have already seen, was the impatient urge to leap over the young and too slowly developing communist party. As Zinoviev declared in 1924 at the Fifth Congress of the Comintern, In Britain we are now going through the beginning of a new chapter in the Labour movement. We do not know exactly whence the communist mass party of Britain will come, whether only through the Stewart-MacManus door [Bob Stewart and Arthur MacManus were CPGB leaders] or through some other door. The precondition for any agreement with the lefts, Trotsky writes in My Life, was that the Communist Party preserve its complete independence, even within the trade unions, act in its own name in all the questions of principle, criticize its left allies whenever necessary, and in this way, win the confidence of the masses step by step. Instead, Stalin et al. considered that in order to draw the broad left current towards the Communist International, criticism should be avoided at all costs. As a result, the CPGB disappeared in practice as a visible political force, to be almost wholly replaced in the eyes of workers by the National Minority Movement as a purely syndicalist formation. Trotsky saw his political tasks as two-fold: To refute the position that capitalism had entered a prolonged period of stabilisation, with no prospect of a revolutionary development. And to oppose the right-centrist adaptation to social democracy, the trade union apparatuses and the colonial bourgeoisie carried out with the supposed aim of safeguarding the Soviet Union and facilitating the construction of Socialism in One Country. To this end, in 1925 he wrote Whither England?, published as Where is Britain Going?, explaining the global dimensions of the pre-revolutionary crisis engulfing the British bourgeoisie and, through a scathing critique of the labour movement, carrying out a veiled critique of the Cominterns line and a defence of the central role to be played by a Bolshevik party in the coming revolutionary struggles. He explains in My Life that Where is Britain Going? was aimed essentially at the official conception of the Politburo, with its hopes of an evolution to the left by the British General Council and of a gradual and painless penetration of communism into the ranks of the British Labour Party and trade unions. In the May 24, 1925, introduction to the US edition, Trotsky wrote: The conclusion which I reach in my study is that Britain is approaching, at full speed, an era of great revolutionary upheavals... Britain is moving towards revolution because the epoch of capitalist decline has set in. Britains fate was determined first of all by its eclipse as the worlds premier power by the United States, whose striving towards expansion on the world market could only be at the expense of Britain. It was also faced with growing competition from Germany as it recovered from defeat in the First World War, especially regarding coal from the Ruhr, at a time when the British Empire was under threat from national movements in India, Egypt and elsewhere. Coal mining was at the centre of the struggle to reorganize British economic and social lifewith protectionist subsidies to be replaced by savage cuts, even at the risk of provoking ferocious opposition from the working class. On the tempo and time-scale of the Revolution, written in February 1926, made clear Trotsky was not predicting an imminent socialist revolution: Today in Britain the question is not one of assigning a day for the revolution we are a long way from this! but in clearly understanding that the whole objective situation is bringing this day closer and into the ambit of the educational and preparatory work of the party of the proletariat and at the same time creating conditions for its rapid revolutionary formation. The maturing revolutionary crisis was creating the objective conditions for a profound shift in the political consciousness of the working class. Where is Britain Going? provides a scathing critique of the conservatism and gradualism that permeated the labour movement. But Trotskys extended polemic was framed in recognition of two things: The objective basis for the domination of an aristocracy of labour and the deliberate fostering of class collaboration by the ruling class was collapsing along with Britains global hegemony. For this shift in consciousness to assume conscious revolutionary forms depended on the work of the revolutionary party. In Problems of the British Labour Movement, published shortly after the General Strike, Trotsky quoted passages from his correspondence in the months prior to the event, in which he explained: The ideological and organizational formation of a genuinely revolutionary, that is of a communist, party on the basis of the movement of the masses is conceivable only under the condition of a perpetual, systematic, inflexible, untiring and irreconcilable unmasking of the quasi-left leaders of every hue, of their confusion, of their compromises and of their reticence. In a letter written March 5 but published in Pravda on May 25, 1926, Trotsky makes a penetrating analysis of the relationship between the objective crisis of British and world imperialism and the political tasks this placed before the party: In Britain more than in all the rest of Europe the consciousness of the working masses, and particularly that of their leading layers, lags behind the objective economic situation. And it is precisely in this direction that the main difficulties and dangers lie today. The whole of the present-day superstructure of the British working class in all its shades and groupings without exception represents a braking mechanism on the revolution. This portends over a prolonged period the heavy pressure of a spontaneous and semi-spontaneous movement against the framework of the old organizations and the formation of new revolutionary organizations on the basis of this pressure. One of our principal tasks is to assist the British Communist Party to understand and think out this perspective fully. On May 6, he wrote: A general strike is the sharpest form of class struggle. It is only one step from the general strike to armed insurrection. This is precisely why the general strike, more than any other form of class struggle, requires clear, distinct, resolute and therefore revolutionary leadership. In the current strike of the British proletariat there is not a ghost of such a leadership, and it is not to be expected that it can be conjured up out of the ground. Everything must be done on an international scale to aid the fighters and improve their chances of success. But it must be clearly recognized that such success is possible only to the extent that the British working class, in the process of the development and sharpening of the General Strike, realizes the need to change its leadership, and measures up to that task. There is an American proverb which says that you cannot change horses in midstream. But this practical wisdom is true only within certain limits. The stream of revolution has never been crossed on the horse of reformism, and the class which has entered the struggle under opportunist leadership will be compelled to change it under enemy fire. The Comintern rejected all of Trotskys warnings and insisted that the CPGB subordinate itself to the alliance with the TUC through the medium of its left flank, and by making the central demand of the party and its press, All power to the [TUC] General Council. During the general strike, therefore, the CPSU and the Comintern were also reduced to impotence by this false political line. As Trotsky noted, the first discussion of the strike on the Politburo lasted just 20 minutes and the second five minutes. As a result, a commission was established in Paris led by Tomsky with support from the Comintern and the Profintern, the communist trade union federation, to discuss aid to Britain. By May 7, two-and-a-quarter million roubles had been sent to Britain, routed through the Anglo-Russian Committee. But the TUC General Council, responding to howls from the government about red gold, refused the money. Stalin responded with a telegram to Tomsky in Paris, pleading, Please help, what can we do? The money was later accepted by the miners union. When news of the general strikes end arrived in Paris, Tomsky sent a letter to the CPGB recommending that it proclaim the failure of the Conservatives ideas and the partial moral victory of the proletariat. Stalin was forced to telegraph Tomsky following a Politburo session of May 14 politely suggesting that, We are inclined to believe that what happened was not compromise but treason. Submission to the Trade Union Councils decision is not appropriate when the workers wish to continue the strike. In the strikes aftermath, Trotsky and the Left Opposition insisted that the Comintern break immediately with the TUC, and bring an end to the Anglo-Russian Committee. Millions of workers were furious at the betrayal of the strike and were looking for an alternative leadership. Thousands had flooded into the CPGB, whose membership doubled in the year from 6,000 to 12,000. Sales of the Workers Weekly soared to 70,000. But the Stalin faction of the Comintern made their opportunist errors during the strike still worse by insisting on maintaining the Anglo-Russian Committee. Zinoviev, increasingly critical of the Comintern line that he had once helped shape, denounced this as a massive betrayal. His and Kamenevs conversion to Trotskys appraisal of the general strike as proof that the prolonged stablisation perspective was false, and a shared critique of the Anglo-Russian Committee and other questions, played a central role in the decision to form the Joint Opposition in the summer of 1926. With Trotskys support, Zinoviev, then still chairman of the Comintern, pressed for a discussion on the Politburo of the general strike and the ongoing strike by miners. This was reluctantly agreed to, against Stalins advice given while he was on vacation to tell them to go to hell, and took place on June 3. On June 2, in anticipation of the Politburo meeting, Trotsky wrote a note outlining his position, which he argued for the next day. These excerpts give an indication of the power of Trotskys critique: Today, those who advocate leaving things as they are often say, Who didnt know that the General Council was made up of reformists and traitors? The overwhelming majority of our Party (to say nothing of the non-Party people) did not know what the General Council was, because we have never explained it as we should have done in recent years. In the articles we write: the General Council betrayed the English workers; it turned out to be a strikebreaker; it pursued the policy of a lackey of the bourgeoisie. From this follows the organizational conclusion: we remain in fraternal cooperation with the General Council. No worker will understand this. No one in the world will understand this, neither friends nor enemies. What should we now be guided by in our attitude towards the General Council: is it the fact that we have always known everything, or the fact that the British working masses have for the first time learned something new and extremely important? Subjective apparatus arrogance is put in place of a policy based on the real course of development of the English working class. In replying to the accusation, 'So you are against the united front?, he wrote: If by front we mean the artificial maintenance of apparatus hypocrisy, then it is impossible not to be against it. The front is a combat concept. The front is now in the hands of the British miners against the bourgeoisie, the state and the General Council. It is not a question of preserving the devastated apparatus, but of intensifying the struggle for the consciousness of the British proletariat, and above all of that part of it which is now fighting outside of the General Council and against it. The minutes of the June 3 meeting are available online in Russian and can be automatically translated. They are a powerful record of a principled political struggle, especially regarding Trotsky, and of the venal and unprincipled character of the Stalin, Bukharin, Tomsky and Molotov block. To give a flavour of Trotskys interventions, he said in reply to Tomsky: In the course of a year, at every meeting with you, I told you: Comrade Tomsky, if you think that Purcell or Cook will make a revolution, you are mistaken. And you answered me: And your Communists will certainly not make a revolution. What is this, the correct attitude of a Bolshevik towards a young Communist Party? You have an incorrect, trade-unionist attitude towards the British labour movement. It was you who pushed me with your attitude to the path of writing the book Where is Britain Going? And this book is entirely devoted to the historical mission of the British Communist Party against the contemptuous view of it by various statesmen. Later he says: We always knew they were traitors. Of course, we are arch-knowers, we always know everything. But before the general strike, the British working masses did not know in the same way what the General Council is. And since we did not criticize it and prevented the British Communist Party from criticizing it by our conduct, we thereby strengthened the authority of the General Council in the eyes of the revolutionary workers And now, when the vast masses have learned from a gigantic experience what the General Council is, we say to these masses as a consolation: we propose that the Anglo-Russian Committee be left as it is, since we knew before that traitors were sitting there, but we forgot to tell you this. Isnt it monstrous? The masses value action, the masses value clarity How do you say to a worker: Change the leaders, because they are traitors, when you yourself cannot find the determination to break away from these leaders? The position of Trotsky, Zinoviev and Kamenev was, of course, rejected and then ruthlessly repressed. The June 8 Executive Committee of the Communist International plenum on the lessons of the General Strike insisted that for the Soviet unions to take the initiative in leaving the committee... would deal a blow to the cause of international unity, a thoroughly heroic gesture, but politically inexpedient and infantile. To reinforce this rotten line, the 15th All Union Conference of the CPSU passed an October 26, 1926 resolution declaring of the Opposition: Having no faith in the internal forces of our revolution, and falling into despair owing to the delay of the world revolution, the opposition bloc slips away from the basis of a Marxist analysis of the class forces of the revolution to one consisting of ultra-left self-deception and revolutionary adventurism; it denies the existence of a partial stabilization of capitalism, and, consequently, inclines towards putschism. Trotsky concisely estimated the impact of the betrayal of the general strike in My Life: The revolutionary workers were thrown into confusion, sank into apathy and naturally extended their disappointment to the Communist Party itself, which had only been the passive part of this whole mechanism of betrayal and perfidy. The Minority Movement was reduced to zero; the Communist Party returned to the existence of a negligible sect. In this way, thanks to a radically false conception of the party, the greatest movement of the English proletariat, which led to the General Strike, not only did not shake the apparatus of the reactionary bureaucracy, but, on the contrary, reinforced it and compromised Communism in Great Britain for a long time. Fundamentally, it fueled political disorientation and demoralisation in the Soviet Union, helping consolidate the grip of the Stalin faction on the party and state apparatus and strengthening its malign influence globally as expressed through the Comintern, especially regarding the Chinese Revolution. The two-day gathering of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders finished yesterday in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, put forward his vision of a multi-polar world in opposition to hegemonism and power politicsa barely veiled criticism of the US. [AP Photo/Suo Takekuma] The grouping has its roots in what was dubbed the Shanghai Five, formed by China and Russia with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 1996 to counter US interventions in Central Asia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The SCO was formally established in 2001 and expanded to include Uzbekistan. India, Pakistan, Belarus and Iran have subsequently been included as full members, while 14 other countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are dialogue partners. While the attendance of many of the 20 leaders at the summit was unremarkable, the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modihis first visit to China in seven yearstriggered alarm bells in Washington. US imperialism has carefully cultivated economic and strategic relations with India for well over a decade, as it has accelerated its preparations for war with China, which it regards as the chief threat to US global dominance. Modi had previously signalled that he would not be attending the summit, citing his necessary attendance at a sitting of Indias parliament, in what could only be construed as a calculated snub to China. Although a thaw had begun, relations between the two countries were frosty following military clashes along their disputed border in 2020 that left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. Modi abruptly changed his plans amid a standoff with the Trump administration over Indias purchase of oil from Russia. In early August, Trump attempted to bully India into submission by doubling tariffs on Indian exports to the US to a massive 50 percent. Modi refused to cave in and the final 25 percent of the tariff hit came into effect last week. Indeed, Reuters reported last Thursday that India plans to increase purchases of Russian oil by between 10 and 20 percent. Trump had been pressing India and China to end imports of Russia oil as a lever to strongarm Russian President Vladimir Putin into making concessions to Ukraine as part of negotiations over a ceasefire in the ongoing war. The fact that Trump had not imposed a similar tariff punishment increase on China to that on India was no doubt doubly galling for Modi, given Indias longstanding strategic partnership with the US. Modis presence in China this week was something of a diplomatic coup for Xi, who effusively welcomed him on Sunday, saying the two countries must not let the border issue define overall relations, and should be development partners not rivals. Modi, in turn, declared that there was now an atmosphere of peace and stability between them. Modi and Xi met in Russia last October on the sidelines of the BRICS summit shortly after reaching a border patrol agreement. Over recent weeks, a further warming of relations has been evidenced by the re-establishment of direct flights and a lifting of Chinese export restrictions on India including on rare earths. Yesterday, according to Modi, the two leaders discussed reducing Indias huge trade deficit of $99 billion with China, the countrys largest trading partner. Xi clearly used the SCO summit as a platform to demonstrate Chinas ability to counter US efforts to isolate it internationally and encircle it militarily. Global governance has reached a new crossroads, he said. In another swipe at the US and Trump, without naming names, Xi criticised bullying practices and declared: The house rules of a few countries should not be imposed on others. The meeting agreed to Xis proposal for a new SCO development bank in a move to further undermine the dominance of the US dollar in world trade and finance. Beijing is to provide 10 billion yuan ($US1.4 billion) in loans to the new banking consortium and another 2 billion yuan in aid to member states this year. China also plans to build an artificial intelligence cooperation centre for SCO nations. Putin also used the opportunity to call for genuine multilateralism to lay the groundwork for a new system of stability and security in Eurasia. In an obvious reference to the US and NATO, he added: This security system, unlike Euro-centric and Euro-Atlantic models, [would be] truly balanced, and would not allow one country to ensure its own security at the expense of others. Putin also lashed out against the US and NATO over the war in Ukraine, saying it did not arise as a result of Russias aggression against Ukraine, but rather as a consequence of a coup detat [in 2014] in Ukraine, which was supported and provoked by the West. He praised the efforts of China and India in facilitating a resolution to the crisis and said he would inform SCO members of details of last months negotiations with Trump in Alaska in bilateral meetings. Both China and India have called for an end to the war, but at the same time pointedly refused to condemn Russias 2022 invasion. Efforts were made to present an atmosphere of conviviality and bonhomie. Modi and Putin arrived together in Putins vehicle to yesterdays meeting after a lengthy discussion and joined Xi for a photo opportunity holding hands in a close circle. The Indian and Russian leaders also publicly praised their own discussions. An editorial in the Washington Post entitled Trumps white-knuckling with India could backfire expressed the alarm in US ruling circles that the White Houses crude attempt to use hefty tariffs to bludgeon New Delhi into submission and break up longstanding Indian ties with Russia had failed. Beijing remains Washingtons most powerful rival. In purely economic terms, China is already a far more formidable adversary than the Soviet Union ever was, it noted, then concluded: Trumps zero-sum approach is to not leave any money on the table in negotiations. Even in business, thats arguably a mistake. Goodwill has value. Trumps talks with China might yet turn out to be every bit as bruising as those he is having with allies. Maybe thats when he might appreciate better relations with friends. Trump officials, however, have shown no signs of heeding the advice. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the SCO summit as performative and denounced India and China as bad actors that were fuelling the Russian war machine. Trumps anti-China trade adviser Peter Navarro condemned India as arrogant, declaring that the Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people with the Russia oil trade. In a fit of exasperation, Navarro branded the conflict in Ukraine as Modis war. Modi has no intention of immediately rupturing relations with the US. On his way to the SCO summit, he stopped in Tokyo where he praised the work of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quada quasi-military pact with Japan, the US and Australia. Speaking to Nikkei Asia, Modi repeated stock standard US propaganda, declaring: As vibrant democracies, open economies and pluralistic societies, we are committed to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacificdirected against authoritarian China. Like the other SCO members including China and Russia, India aggressively pursues its economic and strategic interests amid worsening international economic turmoil, exacerbated by Trumps trade war measures, along with heightened geo-political tensions and an emerging world war. Wracked by social tensions at home and divided by many unresolved disputes, none of them has a progressive solution to the global eruption of imperialist violence and deepening crisis of the capitalist system. Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami has left the Japanese group amid an ongoing police investigation into his alleged purchase of possibly illegal supplements. Niinami stepped down as of yesterday (1 September), a statement from Suntory Holdings confirmed. He had been CEO at Suntory Holdings for over a decade, taking on the position in 2014. The Jim Beam owner said it had received notification of the police probe on 22 August. Suntory Holdings noted Niinami had told the business the investigation was related to "supplements that were allegedly purchased by him under the understanding that they were legal". "Given that the matter is under investigation, the company believes that the determination of the legality of the above supplements should be deferred to the authorities," Suntory Holdings said. The statement added that, while the investigation was still ongoing, Suntory had decided Niinami would be unable to continue in the chief executive role the company. "Therefore, without waiting for the outcome of the investigation, the company determined that Takeshi Niinamis actions which demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding supplements rendered him unable to continue in the key position of representative director, chairman and CEO," it said. Suntory Holdings added "the supplements purchased by Takeshi Niinami are not products of Suntory Group". The company confirmed to Just Drinks that it would not be finding a replacement for Niinami, with president Nobuhiro Torii continuing to lead the group. According to Suntory Holdings' website at the time of writing, the group's leadership team is comprised of president Nobihiro Torii, Greg Hughes, the president and CEO of Suntory Global Spirits and Makiko Ono, the president and CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food. Niinami relinquished his president position at Suntory Holdings last December when the group announced a transition into a top-two management structure, appointing Torii as president. Niinami took on the chairman title while retaining his CEO role. For its full-year fiscal 2025, Suntory Holdings has forecasted its total group revenue to reach Y3.7trn ($24.9bn). In the first half of its fiscal 2025 year, group revenue excluding liquor tax declined 1.9% in its first-half period to Y1.6trn. Including liquor tax, this metric dropped 2.2% to Y1.5trn. Operating income in the period ended 30 June dropped 30.6% to Y126.9trn. Adjusted operating income was down 14.5% on the same period in 2024, at Y141.7trn. Profit for the period also slumped 29.9% to Y87.2trn. Profit attributable to the owners of the company was also down 35.7% at Y59.6trn. (Reuters) -Telus said on Tuesday it would buy the remaining shares in its digital services unit in a $539 million cash-and-stock deal, as the Canadian telecom company looks to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities. The company has offered $4.50 per share to buy the Telus Digital shares it does not own and take the unit private. The deal has a total transaction value of about $2.9 billion, the companies said. Telus is taking full ownership of its digital services unit, which offers IT services, to better integrate the subsidiary's AI and software capabilities. The digital unit's shareholders will get an option to either get $4.50 in cash, 0.273 Telus share, or half of each in cash and stock. The option for stock is capped at 25% of the total consideration and any excess paid in cash, Telus said. On a U.S. dollar basis, the offer is 52% above Telus Digital's unaffected closing price of $2.96 on June 11, Telus said. The price is also 32% higher than Telus' initial $3.40 proposal on June 11. The Canadian telecom company currently holds about 86.9% of Telus Digital's voting power. Telus Digital's independent special committee unanimously recommended the new deal and its board approved it, the companies said. The deal is expected to close in the fourth-quarter of this year. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) Tesla scheduled its shareholder meeting for November 6, the first since its sales and shares declined. Tesla rejected 11 investor proposals calling for accountability and sustainability. Elon Musk wants Tesla's shareholder meeting to focus on xAI, but many investors have other concerns. Tesla investors have some proposals for the company, but at least 11 of those won't be discussed at the coming shareholder meeting in November. Business Insider reviewed a dozen shareholder proposals submitted ahead of the July 31 deadline that some shareholders would like to discuss with Tesla's board. The 12 proposals come from both state-managed and private funds and ask Tesla to commit to a range of sustainability and accountability measures. Tesla's November 6 meeting is the company's first since the heightened scrutiny of its CEO, Elon Musk, over his involvement with DOGE, followed by a public falling out with President Donald Trump and his announcement of a new political party. The EV giant is also facing declining sales over the past two quarters, and its share price has fallen more than 30% since its peak in December 2024. It is not unusual for shareholder proposals to be rejected ahead of a meeting. Shareholder proposals only appear on the Securities and Exchange Commission docket whenever the company files a "no-action" request to the SEC, which the SEC then reviews and either concurs with the company or allows it to proceed. There are several reasons the SEC may concur with the "no-action" request, including economic relevance, false statements, or others. Business Insider viewed 11 proposals that Tesla requested the SEC to exclude from its November meeting agenda. One proposal that was accepted and will be put to a vote was shared with Business Insider by Thomas DiNapoli, the New York State Comptroller. Tesla opposes it. "This AGM is an opportunity for Tesla's board to restore our confidence in its ability to redress the damage done," Kevin Thomas, CEO of Shareholder Association for Research and Education, told Business Insider, referring to the annual general meeting. SHARE is a Canadian organization that promotes responsible investment and shareholder engagement. Thomas submitted a proposal on behalf of a client named Richard Krieger. Tesla rejected the proposal. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The proposals focus on accountability mechanisms Based on SEC rules that apply to all public companies, shareholders are eligible to submit proposals as long as they have held more than $2,000 worth of shares continuously for three years, more than $15,000 worth of shares continuously for two years, or at least $25,000 worth of shares for one year. The shareholder must also submit a written intent to continue to hold eligible amounts through the date of the shareholder meeting. Actor Chloe Grace Moretz and model and photographer Kate Harrison are married. The two, who began dating in 2018, got hitched in a private ceremony over the Labor Day weekend. No location was revealed. Both wore gowns by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton, Moretz in baby blue and Harrison in traditional white. Moretz shared the news on Instagram, and Vogue had followed along on their fashion journey during fittings in Paris for their looks. Moretz, a Louis Vuitton ambassador, thanked Ghesquiere and the fashion house as she showed off their designer duds: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you doesnt even begin to cut it, but, thank you. Your vision made our day all the more meaningful. x Moretz wore long blue gloves and a matching veil with her look featuring spaghetti straps and a bodice ruffle. Harrison's gown included a bit of sparkle in all-over flowing embroidery. She wore a birdcage veil around her face that went long at the back. Moretz got her start as a child star. She went on to star in Carrie and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Harrison has modeled for J. Crew and Topshop. They confirmed their engagement on New Year's Day by showing off their diamond rings, choosing a Victorian vibe for both from Elizabeth Potts at Moon Stone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are overwhelmed in a good way, Moretz told Vogue while sitting in a hair and makeup chair in Paris just before seeing her completed wedding gown and the couple's white after-party looks for the first time. Moretz wore a custom jacket and trousers for the after-party, a white cowboy hat on her head. The ensemble was inspired by a 2019 Louis Vuitton runway look. She explained to Vogue: I remember seeing the runway version, and it had this cowboy hat, and to (now) see it created to my proportions, its just so beautiful. And a little bit of Yee-haw, baby! NEED TO KNOW Ryan Silveira, a friend of Yago Campos, shared his final moments with the Brazilian model before his death Campos, 25, was found with Silveira unconscious in a bathtub at a hotel in Mykonos, Greece On social media, Camposs sister remembered the late model as a unique human being Ryan Silveira is speaking out for the first time since the death of his friend, Brazilian model Yago Campos. According to a report by CNN Brasil, Campos and Silveira, a 23-year-old adult content creator, were discovered unconscious in a bathtub by staff in a room at a hotel in Mykonos, Greece. Per CNN Brasil, paramedics determined Campos was dead at the scene, though Silveira was transported to a hospital, where he gained consciousness after he was in a coma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a six-minute video posted to his Instagram his first public statement since the incident Silveira remembered his late friend and described what he remembered from their final day together. Yago Campos/Instagram Yago Campos Yago Campos "This sadness, this anguish, this horrible feeling of losing someone so close, just like Yago was to me," Silveira told his followers in Portuguese. "I'm a little traumatized by everything that happened and knowing that a choice we made had such a tragic and sad ending." In the video, he goes on to describe what he could remember from their final day together. At around 1 p.m., said Silveira, the pair arrived at their hotel room in Mykonos and had plans to attend a friend's party later that evening. They decided to stay in for the afternoon to "enjoy the hotel," where he claims they "used illegal things." He continued, "The last memory I have is that I was lying in bed and I simply passed out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next thing Silveira remembers was waking up in a hospital in Athens, where doctors informed him that he had been in a coma, and he later learned that Campos had died. Campos had thousands of followers on Instagram, where he shared modeling and travel content. In his final post before his death, Campos celebrated his birthday on Aug. 16 with a carousel of photos and videos taken from a yacht. Per CNN Brasil, Campos was originally born in Sao Paulo. The late models sister remembered Campos as "a unique human being, the outlet reported. "My brother wasn't a prostitute, or a drug addict as people say, my brother was a hard worker, he had dreams and he ran after those dreams," the grieving sibling wrote on social media. Yago Campos/Instagram Yago Campos Yago Campos 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. On his final Instagram post, friends and followers wrote in tributes to Campos after news of his death was made public. Rest in peace and from here I will only treasure the joyful and happy moments that we had, wrote one in a translated post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know you will be missed and especially by your family and friends and the people that really care about you, shared another. You have experienced things that no one else will ever experience, you traveled the world and had your purpose on this Earth, you brought love, empathy and showed everyone what it means to be nice and a friend. Read the original article on People Succession cast member Nicholas Braun was arrested this past weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without lights in New Hampshire. Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images The 37-year-old actor was pulled over by police in Moultonborough on Friday and spent around an hour at the Carroll County jail before he was released on his own recognizance, TMZ reported. Frazer Harrison / Getty Images Related: Dolly Parton Gave Sabrina Carpenter One Condition For Recording With Her, And It's The Most Dolly Parton Thing Ever Braun reportedly didnt have to pay bail for his release, and he didnt take a mug shot, either, because the police camera wasnt working. Phillip Faraone / Getty Images He is due in court on Sept. 16. Jc Olivera / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Here Are 34 Celebs On Their First Oscars Red Carpet Vs. Their Most Recent Which Look Do You Prefer? Braun did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Gilbert Flores / Getty Images Related: After Photos Of Camila Cabello Performing At An Almost Empty Arena Spread Online, Mod Sun Defended Her The actor is best known for portraying Cousin Greg on Succession, and was nominated for an Emmy for the role for three different seasons. Macall B. Polay/HBO He first made a name for himself in Disney movies like Sky High and Princess Protection Program in the early 2000s. Buena Vista / courtesy Everett Collection Related: 23 Celebs Who Went From Pretty Beloved To Absolutely Hated In The Blink Of An Eye His most recent high-profile gig was playing both Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson in Saturday Night, a biographical film about the first broadcast of the long-running sketch comedy show. Hopper Stone / Sony Pictures Releasing / Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Celebrity: 11 Times Actors Couldnt Hide Just How Much They Hated The Endings To Their Own Shows Also in Celebrity: 21 Times Famous People Have Shared Totally Real, Unretouched Photos Of Themselves On Social Media Also in Celebrity: "After Less Than 2 Hours, He Stormed Off Like A Child": Former Celebrity Employees Are Spilling The Tea On Which Stars Were Angels And Which Were...Not Read it on BuzzFeed.com VENICE, Italy (AP) Neither Sofia Coppola nor Marc Jacobs were convinced a documentary was a good idea. Jacobs wasnt sure he wanted to be the subject of one and Coppola wasnt sure she wanted the pressure of being the person behind the camera. This was her friend of over 30 years, after all. What if the film wasnt good? Yet the idea, which they credit to producers R.J. and Jane Cha Cutler, started to take hold. Coppola has always been interested in fashion and the creative process. Jacobs knew that if anyone could make him feel less self-conscious, it would be her. And they decided to jump into the unknown. At least it would be together. There was no off limits, Jacobs said in a recent interview, alongside Coppola, with The Associated Press. It was just like come as you are and you get what you get and thats the way its going to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marc, by Sofia, which had its world premiere Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival, is an evocative, and very Coppola, collage of Jacobs' influences, his biography and his team at work putting together a ready-to-wear collection. Ive never done anything like this where there isnt a plan or a script, Coppola said. What I was trying to do is show his creative process around this one collection and then interweave inspiration and references and artists who collaborated with him to have this full portrait. It was a very lo-fi production, they said. Sometimes it would just be Coppola coming into the office with her own handheld camera. Sometimes her brother Roman Coppola would come to help. Coppola had never done a feature length documentary before and found the process exciting, though she said its not signaling a new phase or director for her as a filmmaker. She also got to see some of the behind the scenes things shes rarely privy to, including being backstage at a runway show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had total freedom, which was great. I was just filming what interested me, she said. It was really the same as like taking snapshots, which wasnt unfamiliar to me. The two met in the early 1990s in New York, when Coppola asked her mother if she could go see the Perry Ellis show that Jacobs was working on. They quickly hit it off, bonding over shared loves of art, music, fashion and movies, and have collaborated many times, on handbags, dresses, commercials and more. Jacobs has visited her film sets and even provided clothes for some of her characters, including some of the coats Scarlett Johansson wore in Lost in Translation. While Coppola wanted to acknowledge their friendship, even making a little cameo in her film, she also didnt want it to be about her or even them, necessarily. The focus would remain on Jacobs. I didnt want it to be too much about me, Coppola said. But I wanted it to feel that its personal and made by me and that Im part of it and in that way its not just a generic interview or portrait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the behind the scenes of designing the Spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection, Marc by Sofia is full of film and art references, with clips from Hello, Dolly! All that Jazz, Sweet Charity and many more of Jacobs' most beloved films. He was particularly blown away that she was able to get the rights to use the clips. It made me feel very special. And I couldnt imagine all those things coming through for just anyone, Jacobs said. I felt like it was OK because it was for Sofia. That may not be the truth, but thats the way I like to think of it. It also includes some biography, big career moments, and some rare glimpses of Jacobs grandmother, an influential figure in his life who he lived with as a teen in New York and who instilled in him the importance of caring for beautiful clothes. After the runway show, Coppola and her brother visit Jacobs at his home where, in his silk pajamas, he discusses his comedown. He likes to borrow a phrase coined by his friend, filmmaker Lana Wachowski, to describe the feeling: Post-art-um. I just sort of just felt like it could have been any conversation, Jacobs said. Nothing felt like director and subject. It just felt completely easy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Jacobs was nervous the first time she screened it for him. He worried about what he was going to look like, and sound like, and what it was going to be. In very typical me fashion, when it was over I said I dont hate myself after seeing it, Jacobs laughed. I just thought it all felt natural. I wasnt pretending. There was just nothing synthetic or false or anything. So whether people like it or not, I know that I just felt good about me being me and Sofia, you know, sort of seeing that her way. ___ For more coverage of the 2025 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival NEW YORK (AP) The novels of Stephen King may not seem designed for bedtime reading, at least if you value a good night's sleep, but the author has always had a fondness for fairy tales. Especially when they get a little dark. Fairy tales are supposed to be scary, he said during a recent telephone interview. I think because they give children a taste of adult emotions. That's the hard part. The good part is that you give them a happy ending. We all hope things turn out well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The creator of such horror classics as Carrie and The Shining even called one of his books Fairy Tale, but he had never published one until he was contacted by the estate of a literary giant with a dark streak of his own, Maurice Sendak. Representatives for the late author-illustrator of such subversive favorites for young people as Where the Wild Things Are asked King to collaborate on a special project a retelling of Hansel and Gretel combining King's words and unpublished drawings by Sendak that were intended for a 1990s opera production of the Brothers Grimm story. Sendak died in 2012. The 77-year-old King says working on Hansel and Gretel, which comes out this week, was almost literally healing. I had just had rather painful hip replacement operation that really didn't go that well, because there was a lot of damage from a car accident I had 25 years ago, King explained, recalling a near-fatal collision from 1999, when a minivan hit him while he was walking near his Maine home. I was in a lot of pain and discomfort. This took me out of it. It was something fresh. Writing has always been my escape hatch, in a way. The Grimms' Hansel and Gretel, first published in the 1810s, is the world famous story of two siblings forced to fend for themselves in the forest. Many plot points have remained over the past two centuries the father is a kindly, but poor woodcutter who struggles to support his family; the children use breadcrumbs to help trace their path back home and they're held captive by an evil witch who initially pretends to be a kindly old woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other ways, the fairy tale has evolved, even in the Grimms' lifetime. The wicked mother of the first editions becomes a wicked stepmother, and the narrative becomes more openly religious, invoking God as the children's ultimate protector. King's adaptation is largely faithful to the basic story, save for adding a dream sequence and removing a plot turn about a duck carrying the siblings across a pond. I didn't see the point of that, he says. The duck just shows up. There isn't any foreboding. During his interview, King also discussed his approach to writing Hansel and Gretel, his interpretation of it and how he's open to new challenges. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP: What were some of your favorite fairy tales growing up? KING: I loved Hansel and Gretel, I think it's probably my favorite fairy tale. And there's a Dr. Seuss book called The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, where the kid kept trying different hats (to please the king). I liked the way he kept trying to do the right thing. He's eventually taken to the guillotine. And I remember as a kid how the headsman had a black hood on his head, and it was very, very scary. AP: Did you have any particular goals when writing Hansel and Gretel? KING: I just wanted to make the words fit the illustrations. The Sendak pictures were for an opera, and I don't have any record of what the characters said. And I thought this would be a very exciting challenge, to find ways to make the fairy tales fit the pictures, to make it as seamless as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP: And that's why you added the dream sequence where Hansel imagines a flying witch? KING: That was, in some ways because that's what the pictures, called for, that sort of interpretation. There's a picture of the witch, flying across the moon, flying across the sky with her broomstick, with a bagful of screaming children. And I didn't know what to do other than write about a dream Hansel had about a wicked witch. AP: Some versions of Hansel and Gretel have the mother as the villain, others the stepmother. Yours has her as the stepmother. KING: The wicked stepmother is like a trope in fairy tales. You don't want to think that two parents would leave their kids out in the woods. I made the stepmother a little more wicked than the Grimm brothers did. She has food that she squirreled away. Even the father has some problems, his being so simple-minded that he would actually agree with the stepmother's arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP: There's a reference in the new book to God protecting the children. Did you see this as a kind of religious parable? KING: No, I don't, really. I see it as a case of children who are forced to be very strategic in their thinking and wise beyond their years and brave. But they're also masters of their own fates, and I like that better. AP: Could you imagine working on another fairy tale? KING: I would never say never. There are fairy stories like The Steadfast Tin Soldier that move me to this day. I would be tempted to do it. But I'm a little elderly now, so to speak, although I wouldn't say I'm older than dirt. And I get the sense, in the time I have left, that I would like to do as many things as possible. This was an exciting adventure, writing this fairy tale. I've been writing about brave and thoughtful children for a long time and this was like going back to the source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP: Is it important for you now to take chances, try new things? KING: I think there is. I don't talk a lot about it, but I have some things I want to try. I did a play with John Mellencamp (the musical Ghost Brothers of Darkland County), and I worked on a record with Scooter Jennings (the album Black Ribbons). All those of things it was interesting and fun to take the talent you have in a different direction. Tesla has experienced a continued downturn in sales across several European markets in August, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year declines. Tesla faces stiff competition from China's BYD and dealing with the repercussions of CEO Elon Musk's high profile political activities and outspoken support for right-wing political parties and causes, reported Reuters. In France, data showed that new Tesla car registrations fell by 47.3% compared to the same month in the previous year, even as the overall car market saw a growth of around 2.2%. Sweden witnessed an even more dramatic drop, with Tesla registrations plummeting over 84%, whereas Denmark reported a 42% decrease. The Netherlands and Italy also saw declines of 50% and 4.4%, respectively. Norway, a stronghold for the company where EVs dominate the market, experienced a 21.3% increase in Tesla registrations. Despite this, BYD saw a surge, with registrations jumping 218%, according to the publication. Portugal's market provided a silver lining for Tesla, with an increase of 28.7% in August registrations. Spain, too, recorded a rise of 161% in Tesla sales, bolstered by EV subsidies of up to $8,200. Comparatively, BYD's Spain sales have seen a 675% increase year-to-date, while Tesla's growth has been at 11.6% to 9,303 vehicles. The decline in European sales has been partly attributed to Tesla's limited range of models and the absence of a new mass-market model since the Model Y in 2020. Conversely, Chinese competitors and traditional automakers have been introducing a variety of new models to the market. Earlier in the year, Tesla's European representatives suggested that the sales dip was primarily due to a shift in production to an updated version of the Model Y, which had been the top-selling car in Europe in 2023. Despite the commencement of deliveries in June, sales of the Model Y saw significant reductions in Denmark and Sweden in August. Tesla sold 384,122 cars in the second quarter, down around 60,000 cars, or 13.5% from the sales total a year ago, marking the company's largest year-over-year sales decline to date. Complicating Tesla's competitive position, Musk's political activities, including support for US President Donald Trump and European far-right parties, have led to a consumer backlash. Additionally, Tesla has reportedly reduced the price of its Model 3 rear-wheel drive version in China by 3.7% to 259,500 yuan ($36,278.99). In August, Musk indicated that a six-seat Model Y variant, introduced recently in China, may not be produced for the US market. A breakout hit in 2023 and consolidated as a top-tier TV event last year, Andalusias Cadiz South International Series Festival prepares its third edition with raised ambitions: Solidifying its place as an on-the-rise hub for international serialized storytelling. Over just two years, the festival has established itself as both an industry showcase and public celebration. With this years edition, running Sept. 11-17, organizers aim to build on that momentum, leveraging Cadizs unique setting and growing international clout. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many TV festivals, but very few focused squarely on series, and fewer still that connect industry and audiences in this way, says Carles Montiel, newly appointed festival director, promoted after heading industry and programming for its first two editions. This year, the festival will celebrate Andalusian multi-hyphenate Paco Leon with its 2025 Honorary Award, while also paying tribute to beloved sitcom Aida itself a landmark spin-off from 7 Vidas which will receive a special beachside screening at Playa Victoria. Leon is lending continuity to the franchise with feature Aida y vuelta, involving partners such as Telecinco Cinema, Globomedia-The Mediapro Studio, Mediaset Espana, Mediterraneo and Prime Video. Industry heavyweights will also descend on Cadiz, including Narcos creator Chris Brancato, who will lead a masterclass moderated by Alejandro Florez, director at 100 Balas, part of The Mediapro Studio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year I did the same with David Shore (House) a highly motivating experience, Florez says. Expanding Global and Local Connections Programming plays off both Spains booming pipeline and another on international premieres. Movistar Plus+ drama-thriller El Centro inaugurates the official fiction section, while Lucia Puenzos Futuro Desierto, a Mexican sci-fi thriller involving Gaumont USA and Paramount, screens out of competition as the sections closing series. New initiatives further strengthen ties. The Premio Ciudad de Cadiz, judged by a jury of local non-professional series lovers, aims to embed the event more deeply in the citys cultural fabric. On the international front, the festival has sealed content-exchange agreements with Chinas Golden Panda Festival at Sichuan and Cadizs Alcances, one of Spains longest-running documentary showcases. Industry Backing and Strategic Support Strategic institutional and private-sector support underpins Souths expansion. The City and Province Councils of Cadiz remain key backers, joined by the Port Authority of the Bay of Cadiz. Media sponsorship is provided by Mediterraneo Mediaset Espana Group, while festival organization and production are overseen by Womack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Priorities for this edition include expanding industry connections, raising the profile of Spanish series abroad and combining market functions with public engagement, Montiel explained. Attracted by Souths hybrid formula, key players from Spain and abroad are leveraging Cadiz as a launchpad. Ana Bustamante, general director of Mediterraneo, highlighted why the event is unique. Id point to three reasons that make it essential. First, firm support from public and private partners; second, the fact its held in Cadiz at the end of summer: there are many TV festivals and fewer dedicated to series, but a series festival aimed at both industry and the public, in a dream location and at such a prime time theres really only one: South. Third, its a young festival without complexes, committed to a varied program. Mediterraneo unveils three world premieres: Ella, Maldita Alma, shot in Cadiz with Plano a Plano; Romi, teaming with Joko TV-Producciones Mandarina and Prime Video; and doc La Hungara. Toma que Toma, a LyoMedia production for Mediaset Infinity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womack Studios, in its role as producer, leads the Advances sidebar with sneak peeks of Bajani. El viaje de una guitarra, the new docu-series from Oscar-winner Fernando Trueba, and Toma, Moreno, centered on TV producer and ventriloquist Jose Luis Moreno. Also bowing in Advances are Las 3000 celebran la vida (Proamagna) and Los Chorys, with backing from Canal Sur. South Festival is a great opportunity to engage with our partners, such as Movistar+ and HBO, to present our new international series that we are launching in the fall, says Al de Azpiazu, senior VP of distribution & co-productions at Fremantle International. He adds: The location of South Festival is an ideal pinpoint to bring together both Spanish and international partners to discuss the latest trends in the industry, ahead of the upcoming season of programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fremantle brings international muscle to Cadiz, with highlights such as Little Disasters, starring Diane Kruger, who will be attending the festival; War of the Kingdoms, a Constantin Film production for RTL inspired by The Song of the Nibelung, and documentary Bardot, about the international icon, playing at the Spotlight South sidebar. According to Sara M. Rada, general director at Alea Media (Entrevias, Patria, Vivir sin permiso), South allows us to showcase our work globally while welcoming the world in our country. Its a hub for exchanging ideas, making deals, and, most importantly, discovering new stories and learning about new ways of telling them. Cadiz as Europes Southern Bridge The goal is to create a festival diverse in content and scope, consolidating it as a reference for the industry, and boosting Cadizs role as a shooting locale for international productions, Montiel sums up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With international power players deeply engaged, South looks set to keep punching above its weight. Three years in, Cadiz is no longer just a promising newcomer. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEW YORK (AP) Graham Greene, a trailblazing Indigenous actor whose long and successful career on the big and small screen included an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, has died. He was 73. Greene died Monday in Stratford, Ontario, after a long battle with a lengthy illness, Greene's agent Michael Greene wrote in a statement provided to The Associated Press. He was a great man of morals ethics, character and will be eternally missed, he wrote. God bless you. You are finally free." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in June 1952 in Ohsweken, Ontario, on Canadas Six Nations Reserve, Greene worked as a draftsman, high steelworker, welder and carpenter before becoming an actor in the 1970s, beginning with the 1979 Canadian drama series The Great Detective and 1983 film Running Brave. He is best known for his landmark role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves." Greene's 1991 Oscar nomination was one of 12 the movie earned. It won seven, including the top prize of best picture and best director for Kevin Costner. Greene also starred as Arlen Bitterbuck in the 1999 Tom Hanks project, The Green Mile. Greene had a storied career, also appearing in 1994's Maverick, 1995's Die Hard with a Vengeance, 2012's The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and 2017's Wind River. He also acted in many critically acclaimed television programs, including Reservation Dogs,1883,The Last of Us and Tulsa King. In 2000, Greene's Listen to the Storyteller" won a Grammy for best spoken word album for children. He also starred as elder Chief Rains Fall in the massively popular 2018 video game Red Dead Redemption 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also nominated for an Independent Spirit award for the 2002 film Skins, which documented life on the Lakota Sioux reservation. Greene broke barriers for Native actors, demonstrating through his singular talent that Indigenous stories should and must be told by them. Tributes poured in. Graham Greene was one of the best to ever do it. He lived on the screen in an absolutely unparalleled way. He made everything he was in better. Funnier. Deeper. Memorable, Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone wrote on Instagram. Its hard to find any suitable words to express what his work meant, but his impact is unparalleled and expansive. I wish I could have met him. I probably would have thanked him. Costner posted on Instagram a scene from Dances with Wolves in which his and Greene's characters are learning to communicate with one another. He was a master at work and a wonderful human being, Costner said of Greene's work on the film. Im grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai, who played Indigenous teenager Bear Smallhill on Reservation Dogs, also expressed his appreciation. The FX comedy-drama smashed caricatures and stereotypes of Native Americans, who since the earliest days of film and TV have often played supporting roles or been portrayed as bloodthirsty killers standing in the way of white, westward expansion. You showed us it can be done and how to leave your mark. Trail blazing for every young native actor just dreaming, Woon-A-Tai posted on Instagram. Thank you for seeing something in me and sharing your knowledge throughout our friendship. Teaching me everything I know about this industry and more. I could never repay you. Im grateful to have worked with you, gotten to know you, and call you Uncle. Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, and his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene and son Talo. ___ This story first moved Sept. 2, 2025. It was updated Sept. 3, 2025, to update with a statement from his agent and update Greenes survivors. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Davina McCall in playing Cupid in paradise on Stranded on Honeymoon Island. | Credit: BBC Being stranded on a remote island with a love match youve only just met would be any singletons worst nightmare - but its the premise of Stranded on Honeymoon Island, BBC Ones new dating show that hopes to discover whether true love can thrive in isolation. The 12-part series follows 12 singles looking for love as they get hitched and embark on honeymoons like no other with someone they met for just five minutes at a speed dating event! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For three weeks, our six newlywed couples will each be stranded on a remote, tropical beach in The Philippines, with no home comforts and only the clothes on their backs. Will their new love be all they need? In an exclusive for What to Watch, host Davina McCall guides us through what people can expect... Hi Davina, how does it feel to be playing cupid? "Everyone knows I love reality TV and I just loved this concept; these daters are a bit older to those on other dating shows, theyre all frustrated with modern dating and this is a way of getting to know someone very well, very quickly," says the My Mum, Your Dad host. "At the speed dating event, theyd ask really deep questions, from Do you want kids? to What part of the burger would you be?" Do the daters really only have five minutes to get to know each other? "Yes! Being stranded somewhere is like the greatest test of any relationship ever," says Davina. "This is a social experiment that follows people meeting in the toughest of conditions and seeing if love can flourish. Its going to push these relationships to the very edge! After saying 'I do', the honeymooning couples jump off a boat into the ocean to symbolise taking a leap of faith... "Yeah, it's quite high and quite mad," confirms Davina. "Bride Hannah was wearing a fishtail dress and I was worried about her drowning, wondering: How will she kick her legs to swim? All of the honeymooners look lovely in their wedding clothes then they arrive on this beautiful island, completely bedraggled, knowing they're going to have to wear these same clothes for three weeks!" Will our couples thrive... or barely survive? | Credit: BBC So its a survival show in more ways than one? "Absolutely! The honeymooners beach homes might look lovely and exotic but they had a tough time, particularly with bugs and the weather - the sunsets in the Philippines were extraordinary but when it rained, it was biblical," says Davina. "Theres no mirrors or make-up, so the women, in particular, are stripped of everything that makes you feel comfortable, safe and attractive. Bride Mae felt she was losing something of herself; we get to see how that manifests and how her partner reacts to that." Tell us about some of the honeymooners "We really get to know the couples before seeing them getting married," reveals Davina. "Like bride Helen. Shes struggling with the fact her mum has cancer and her brother has a terminal brain tumor, but she wants to find love. We see how much it means to her and we're already invested." Will would-be bride Helen find her person at the speed dating event? | Credit: BBC And where do you fit into proceedings? "These couples are genuinely stranded. I asked the producers: Can I go out to the island? And they replied: No, that's the point of the show, theyre stranded, no one else is there! So, instead, I pop up intermittently via an iPad delivered in crates that wash up onto the shore, usually bringing them some sort of news, sometimes good sometimes not so good." And what is Couples Cove? "Couples Cove is where each couple eventually gets to meet the other stranded honeymooners, which means reuniting with people they met speed dating that they may also have connected with," explains Davina. "Maybe the person they married wasn't their first choice - and their first choice is now at Couples Cove! This show has every twist and turn you could dream of." Davina delivers important news to our stranded honeymooners... via iPad. | Credit: BBC Sounds like this could cause ructions... "Our stranded honeymooners can quit the process whenever they want," says Davina, "but they have to do it in a dramatic Im done kind of way by releasing an emergency flare, making their departure very final. And we get a flare out VERY early on." How do you think you'd cope with being Stranded on Honeymoon Island? "I'm quite low maintenance in terms of makeup but nice clothes make me feel me, so Id want at least one other dress with me, so I can feel pretty, and Id love a warm bath," says Davina. "Id want some protection from the insects because Id have a bit of a problem with them but Id have a whopper of a problem with the open loo situation. No one wants to have the poo chat that early into a relationship!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, Davina admits she'd quite enjoy being stranded on a remote island with her partner, TV hair stylist Michael Douglas... "We really get on and are both immensely practical people," she says. "Hes brilliant at DIY, building things and making things out of nothing, and Id like to think Id just get stuck in, too. So Michael would be the one wearing the trousers, but I would be a great sous chef; helpful, efficient, enthusiastic and happy. I'd bring the joy!" Stranded on Honeymoon Island starts on Wednesday 3 September at 9pm on BBC1. Hammocks strung between coconut palms above silky white beaches. Strolling into bath-warm water in shades of blue you didnt know existed. Bronzing in temperatures that rarely dip below 28C no matter the time of year. There are few destinations more alluring than the Indian Ocean, particularly when the dark nights roll in at home. With its glamorous resorts, astonishing marine life and celebrity clientele, the Maldives remains the regions best known and most popular destination. Other hot spots that might spring to mind are the boulder-strewn, turtle-speckled beaches of the Seychelles; the rolling mountains and wild beaches of Mauritius, and Sri Lankas natural and cultural highs. But theres so much more to see. The worlds third-largest ocean stretches from the east coast of Africa to the Arabian peninsula, to equatorial Indonesia and the chillier climes of the sub-Antarctic Desolation Islands, with dozens of lesser-visited destinations in between. Striking up some winter sun inspiration, here is our pick of the best holidays in the Indian Ocean. Search by destination: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesia Best for wellness From jasmine-scented massages to water blessings and island-wide days of silence, few destinations can compete with Bali when it comes to a wellness holiday. While there are several health retreats scattered around the Ubud countryside, the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay has an Indian Ocean setting in the south of the island, as well as its own Healing Village. Dip into energy healing, fire yoga and moonlit meditation, or arrange a bespoke programme, complete with private fitness classes and nutritious cuisine. Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay has its own Healing Village Abercrombie & Kent (03301 621839) offers seven nights at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay from 3,300, B&B, including flights and private transfers. Mauritius Best for cruising Unlike the countries of the Caribbean or Mediterranean, Indian Ocean nations arent exactly easy to hop around. One way to visit more than one destination is on Audley Travels 27-day land and sea tour, which includes four nights within a private Maasai Mara conservancy and a 16-night cruise between Cape Town and Mauritius. Theres plenty of action in between, including sunset strolls under Madagascars baobab trees, a glass-bottom boat trip in the Comoros Islands, and a spice tour in Port Louis, Mauritius. Mauritius is renowned for its diverse underwater wildlife - Moment RF Audley Travel (01993 461518) offers a 27-day Masai Mara & South Africa with Madagascar cruise, costing from 17,090, including 16 nights full-board with Regent Seven Seas, nine nights accommodation, flights, transfers and excursions. Best for family adventures Rainbow-coloured sand dunes, tumbling waterfalls, tortoises as big as ponies, secret sugar mills and fortresses as climbing frames the island of Mauritius might have been designed precisely with children in mind. Then theres the beaches, miles and miles of golden sands and cerulean ocean offering a seemingly endless array of aqua-based activities, from banana boats to kayaking to scuba diving lessons. For more than a standard kids club, stay at the recently refurbished Lux Belle Mare, which has interconnected beach hut-style villas, kiteboard competitions and an augmented reality studio. The recently refurbished Lux Belle Mare offers interconnected beach hut-style villas Scott Dunn (020 8682 5060) offers a seven-night stay at Lux Belle Mare from 8,500 B&B, based on a family of four staying in a Family Suite, including flights and private transfers. Best for gourmet travellers If youre one of a growing band of holidaymakers who base their travel plans around food, look no farther than the island of Mauritius, where Indian, African, Chinese, south-east Asian and French cultures have all shaped the local cuisine. Signature dishes include: gateaux piments, fiery little chilli fritters; fish vindaye, a tangy curry made with mustard, turmeric, onions and garlic; and boulettes, steamed dumplings stuffed with shrimp, squid, lamb or pumpkin, floating in a hot vegetable noodle broth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a full food immersion, stay at the newly rebranded St Regis Le Morne, which has an outstanding Indian restaurant and a Paris-level patisserie and bar with nightly displays of champagne sabering. Elegant Resorts (01244 897000) has seven nights at the St. Regis Le Morne from 2,569, B&B, including flights and transfers. Madagascar Best for wildlife Madagascar has some of the worlds coolest animals; cartoonish creatures such as the Beetlejuice-worthy black lemur, the puffy white silky sifaka and peachy coua birds, which dont exist anywhere else on earth. Now, theyre being joined by some of the worlds coolest hotels, including the Voaara, a nine-villa eco-luxury hideaway on the island of Sainte-Marie, off the north-east of Madagascar. Check in between June and October and you can also catch sight of humpback whales on the migration trail. Madagascar offers a wildlife odyssey unlike any other on Earth Lightfoot Travel (020 3950 5105) has a luxurious nine-night Wildlife and Ocean in Madagascar package from 5,900, including stays at Maison Gallieni (B&B), Anjajavay Le Lodge and private island Voaara (both on an all-inclusive basis). International flights, transfers and excursions are also included. The Maldives Best for marine life The Maldives is home to the most biodiverse waters in the world; 16ft-long whale sharks, mini-bus big manta rays, 3ft-wide stingrays, 23 varieties of cetaceans, five out of seven types of sea turtles, as well as more than 1,100 fish species and 180 different corals. Not every species can be found on every atoll, but youll find most of the big pelagics in the Alifu Dhaalu, a favourite spot with divers. Stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, which has manta rays dancing in the house reef and an incredible underwater suite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turquoise Holidays (01494 678 400) offers seven nights in an overwater villa at the Conrad Rangali from 3,999, B&B, including international flights and seaplane transfers. The Maldives is one of the most picturesque destinations on the planet - Maurizio Rellini Best for glamour With its one island, one resort policy, extravagant villas, perfect white sand beaches, soaring coconut palms and Tiffany blue waters, nowhere does glamour quite like the Maldives. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Justin Bieber and Stanley Tucci trip over themselves to stay at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in Noonu, and now theyve got a new haunt: Soneva Secret. The only resort to grace the northern Makunudhoo, it has just 14 supersized villas, including a one-of-a-kind floating villa that can be moved around the reef, all with waterslides, private chefs and retractable roofs for stargazing. Elegant Resorts (01244 897581) offers seven nights staying in a Beach Hideaway Villa at Soneva Secret from 20,185 B&B, including return flights from London with Virgin Atlantic, UK lounge passes and seaplane transfers. Mozambique Best for underrated paradise Much of Mozambiques appeal is that it remains relatively undiscovered, from its wild empty Indian Ocean coastline and its turquoise waters rich in coral reefs, to vast national parks packed with megafauna, rare mammals and a huge array of birdlife. Start inland in Gorgongosa National Park, where you can track elephants and African wild dogs on a walking safari, canoe through sun-dappled wetlands in the company of hippos and crocodiles and visit a sanctuary for pangolins. End your trip snorkelling around the idyllic shores of Benguerra Island, where youll find whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and dolphins, as well as humpbacks migrating past from July to October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cazenove+loyd (020 7384 2332) has a 10-night trip to Mozambique from 8,800, full-board, including five nights on safari and five night in a beach villa at Azura Marlin Beach on Benguerra Island, as well as all flights, transfers and wildlife experiences. Oman Best for twin centre For centuries the Sultanate of Oman was a pivotal part of the maritime Silk Routes, thanks to a prime position flanked between the eastern coast of the Arabian peninsula and the vast Indian Ocean. Visit Muscats mosaic-clad mosques, ancient buildings and fragrant souks before bobbing over to nearby Masirah Island to ogle leatherback turtles. Next, head south to the beaches of Salalah, where youll find silken white sands and calm, luminous blue waters alive with kelp forests, soft corals, reef fish, rays and nudibranch. Al Bustan Palace offers a luxurious bolt hole from which to explore Omans beaches Bushbaby (0845 124 4455) offers a seven-night trip to Oman from 2,090, B&B, including four nights at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel and three nights at the Ananatara Al Baleed, as well as international flights and private transfers. Rodrigues Best for going off grid This tiny volcanic island is located 600km (375 miles) off the east coast of Mauritius, of which it is a dependent state. One of the least visited places in the Indian Ocean, Rodrigues feels like the land that time forgot, all sleepy fishing villages, hammocks strung between palm trees and seemingly endless empty white beaches. The food is delicious octopus salad, sausage rougaille, pork curry, papaya pie and eco-tourism is in bloom, with a network of hiking trails and conservation programmes to restore native trees and tortoise populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Love to Explore (020 8050 8501) offers eight nights in Mauritius and Rodrigues from 2,600, including international flights, domestic flights, transfers, staying half-board at Constance Tekoma Rodrigues and all-inclusive at C Mauritius. The Seychelles Best for nature lovers A speck of land located 400km (250 miles) south of Mahe, seven degrees south of the Equator, Alphonse Island is a magnet for rare migratory birds and an oasis for Giant Aldabra tortoises and hawksbill turtles, which breed around its calico shores. One of the most remote spots on earth remains virtually untouched, with just one hotel Alphonse Island Resort which has 29 bungalows, suites and villas, and a restaurant serving locally sourced Creole cuisine. At the watersports centre, you can pick up a kayak and explore the islands pristine shoreline, fish-filled lagoons and hypnotic sea flats. Aardvark Safaris (01980 849160) offers seven nights on Alphonse Island from 7,652, full-board, including flights, transfers and activities. Explore Alphonse Islands shoreline by paddleboard and kayak Best for island hopping The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coralline islands, enveloped by buttery boulder-flecked beaches, crystalline lagoons and luxuriant greenery. Throw in the local Creole culture and a wealth of endemic species, and its about as close to paradise as you can get. The most popular islands Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are handily connected by cheap and efficient ferry services, allowing visitors to glide easily between colonial-era towns, tortoise reserves, rum distilleries, dive sites and national parks on one trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Audley Travel (01993 838515) offers a 14-day Essential Island Hopping tour spanning four nights on La Digue, four nights on Praslin, and three nights on Mahe from 5,500, B&B, including flights, transfers. Sri Lanka Best for solo travellers Noodley, traffic-logged roads and single supplements on accommodation can make Sri Lankas abundance of attractions tea plantations, rural villages, heritage train rides, rambling safaris, ancient citadels, incense-bathed temples and thumping cities difficult to tackle when flying solo. Happily, Distant Journeys has introduced a new small group tour that consists of no more than 20 travellers, with stays in charming boutique hotels and no pesky single-supplement fees. Highlights include a walking food tour in Colombo, climbing the pink rock fortress of Sigiriya, and elephant-spotting in Minneriya National Park. Distant Journeys (0808 501 7247) offers a 14-day Treasures of Sri Lanka tour from 4,195, B&B, including various meals and experiences. Sri Lanka offers a chance for encounters with diverse wildlife - Thomas Dekiere Best for explorers Much of Sri Lankas far north was off limits during the countrys devastating 26-year-long civil war, before achieving peace and reopening in 2009. A return to tourism, however, has proved to be slow work, which means intrepid travellers can soak up a part of the country that still feels undiscovered. Visit Wilpattu National Park to see elephants, crocodiles and leopards (without the crowds); count your blessings at Mihintale and Anuradhapura, believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; journey to ancient Jaffna by train, before flopping on Trincomalees peaceful platinum beaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spend 16 days on a small group tour (of no more than 12 people) exploring the north of Sri Lanka with Mountain Kingdoms (01453 844 400) from 3,370, including flights, transfers, boutique hotel accommodation, all meals and most sightseeing and entrance fees. There are remote parts of Sri Lanka few visitors explore - iStockphoto Zanzibar Best for whale watching The Zanzibar Channel, which streams between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania in the western Indian Ocean, turns into a humpback whale super-highway between July and October each year. Get up close to the 40-ton giants at the newly revamped AndBeyond Mnemba Island resort, where 12 seashell-shaped beach villas including one large family villa face directly out to sea. Working to conserve the islands unique ecosystem, guests can take part in coral reef restoration and turtle hatchling monitoring (in between swims, sunbathing and snorkelling). The Ultimate Travel Company (0203 811 6601) offers six nights at AndBeyond Mnemba Island from 9,873 all-inclusive, including flights with Qatar Airways and domestic transfers. Zanzibar is rich in culture and unique landscapes - Francesco Riccardo Iacomino b' ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article was first published in October 2024 and has been revised and updated. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. I realise that Im on a very different kind of travel assignment when the entire tour group is fascinated by the age of the dung. We lean closely in to examine the find. The sun beats down as the butterflies dance about us. My team leader, Julian, a renowned expert on Balkan bears, sighs and says: Yes, its a bear but quite old, Im afraid. Probably three days. No one seems particularly fazed. Indeed, everyone seems quite smiley. Brian the arthritic ex-British soldier; Janine the nice lady with the hip replacement; Diane and Ted the sweet and funny septuagenarian couple from Atlanta theyre all chatting about not much in particular, even as we sit down to gaze over the hills and tuck into our rustic cheese and tomato sandwiches. We prepared them earlier in our quaint hotel back in the village of Yagodina, lost in the deep green heart of the gorge-carved Rhodope mountains, in the southern strip of Bulgaria where it nearly topples into Greece. b' 1408 Rhodope Mountains ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be honest, I was hoping for a bit more than not-very-new bear doings. My walking tour of the Rhodopes organised by virtually the only British company that comes here (thats how much the region is ignored) began stirringly back in Sofia a straggly, airy, messy, vivid and often compelling capital city. A place where communist concrete collides with 19th-century Orthodox cathedrals built over Ottoman baths built over medieval fortifications built over Roman villas (in places all these strata of history are exposed to view, much like a slice of cake). Sofia, pleasingly, also boasts some of the best value hotels in Europe (seriously: 65 a night for top-notch 4-star), some of the worlds oldest churches, some of Eurasias cheapest beer, and some of the tastiest Italian food ever for 4, I had a better caprese salad than Ive ever had in Capri, or, indeed, anywhere in Italy. Sofia: an often compelling capital - getty Dont miss the amazing archaeological museum where the Bronze Age Thracian heritage of Bulgaria once regarded by the Greeks as the warlike barbarians of the north is preserved in a spellbinding Treasury Room full of shining spears, fearsome shields and Homeric helmets. Its like walking into a spirited recitation of the Iliad, turned to gold. Sofia is also a good base for visiting Bulgarias most unmissable sight, the ancient monastery of Rila. You can easily do this Unesco-listed diamond in a day from the capital (though two is better). You will not regret the effort. It is a polychrome, zebra-striped fantasy of arches and spandrels and frescoed ceilings, it is the famous cradle of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, it is where monasticism meets magical realism, and you can sit out the back by the tumbling mountain rivers and drink cold Zagorka beer with fresh river-trout. For 7. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is the largest and most famous in Bulgaria - Cylonphoto/iStock Editorial Now all that is behind me, and following a slightly gruelling minibus trip deep into the Bulgarian mountains did I mention the Rhodopes are remote? I am once again lost in the meadowed-and-wooded highlands, even as Teresa the retired Welsh teacher says, with almost unbridled excitement: Thats a ring ouzel! Its the only thrush I have not seen! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And thus the walking days unroll. We head back to our hotel after our ten-mile hikes in the sun which shines every day at a perfect summery 26C, unlike the sweltering 36C in Sofia, down in the valleys. Then we dine on plain but plentiful Bulgarian food, and jolly good Bulgarian wine. Then we sleep deeply, we breakfast heartily, and we make our hunky sandwiches, and we lace boots and once again walk the hills. We marvel at the butterflies, the dragonflies, the demoiselles, the sheer Edenic fertility. We fail to see the bears. We do not see the wolves. But the wildflowers are incredible. We eat our sandwiches looking out over the rolling Thracian heights, then we get up and walk again. In summer, wildflowers carpet the valleys of the Rhodope mountains - Julian Perry On day four I also learn that this is the fabled home of Orpheus, the very first poet, who is half mythology, half historical fact. He was the lyre player who, in legend, descended into the Underworld to retrieve his dead love, Eurydice and failed. It is said his musical skills were inspired by the amazing birdsong of the Rhodopes, which remains amazing. A little village around here, Geta, is the supposed birthplace of Orpheus. Nearby is his deathplace, atop a mountain, where he was torn limb from limb (good spot for another picnic). You can also descend, thrillingly, where Orpheus went down into Hades. Its called the Devils Throat and its an enormous cave, where an underground river plunges into deeper rock. The river spumes and steams: you can see why locals thought it was Hell. The Bulgarian Rhodopes are a treat for wildlife aficionados - Julian Perry But finally, I learn this: that apparently unexciting places can be nobly rewarding, given the chance. After fully six days of striding, gazing, picnicking and amiable scat-examining, I realise I am sunburned, relaxed, decidedly happy, and totally in love with Bulgarian yoghurt mixed with home-made Rhodope jam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure, the Rhodopes dont have the glamour of the Alps, or the drama of the Dolomites, but they cast a unique, tranquillising spell of their own. And you can walk for days and days in the endless sun, and not see another soul. Or, indeed, a bear. How to do it An eight-day Hike Bulgarias Rhodopes Mountains itinerary with Exodus costs from 1,249pp, excluding flights but including accommodation, some meals and experiences, transfers and the services of a tour leader. Multiple departures in 2025 and 2026. 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. LONDON (AP) It's a unique historical English property that could be perfect for a doomsday prepper. In fact, it was built to survive a nuclear blast. A Cold War era bunker is going up for auction later this month in the Bristol area in western England with a low starting bid of 20,000 pounds ($26,740). The entrance sits amid what looks like blackberry brambles on a hillside in the village of Hallen overlooking farm fields and the mouth of the River Severn. But dont expect a view from the underground chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bunker is one of about 1,500 shelters built across the U.K. for the Royal Observer Corps, a civil defense organization, to safely monitor blast waves and fallout from nuclear attacks that never came. Most now sit empty, though they occasionally come up for resale since they were decommissioned and sold to the public in the 1990s. Last year, a bunker listed for a minimum of 15,000 pounds ($20,000) sold at auction for 48,000 pounds ($64,000) in Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England. The buyers later submitted plans to turn it into a tourist attraction. From the outside, the relics are more eyesore than architectural wonder just a couple steps and a block of concrete with a chain securing the entrance. On the inside, theres also not much to look at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The writers of the promotional materials had to dig deep to put some polish on the drab, cramped and isolated quarters. Ideal for those with a unique taste for historical relics and rare investment opportunities, says the listing by David Plaister Ltd. Auctions. A floor plan shows Room One the only room and describes it as a discreetly integrated underground room, perfect as a private wine cellar, safe room, or secure utility area. Its a spartan space of 128 square feet (11.8 square meters) with peeling paint, a stained floor, some shelving, a small desk-like surface against the wall, two plastic chairs and a single metal bed frame with no mattress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a tiny hallway where a ladder descends from the hatch above and a tiny space marked as a water closet that photos reveal to contain a crude chemical toilet. The property last sold in 1995 for 95,000 pounds, but that included the land where the owner lives, said Sophie Thorne who is coordinating the Sept. 25 auction. The bunker is being divided from the larger property and will be sold separately. The owner, who is staying put, has never had to hunker down in the bunker. Its just kind of part of the property that she bought, Thorne said. She had no particular need for it, which is good. Chef Yosuke Suga is no stranger to Michelin stars, having worked to earn and keep them for more than a decade as a protege of the late, great, Joel Robuchon, once the worlds most Michelin-starred chef. But when it was time to start his own restaurant, Sugalabo, in 2015, he turned his back on the critics. Ive seen a lot of the behind-the-scenes workings of Michelin, Suga said. Because of that, both in a good and a bad way, I gradually lost interest More than that, I developed a strong desire not to be evaluated by others; to not work in a way that seeks validation from a guidebook. We serve for the customers, but dont make dishes for critics, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good luck getting a table, however. Ten years after opening, Sugalabo is inaccessible to nearly everyone. The restaurants table policy is a watered-down take on Ichigensan okotowari, or no first-time customers without introduction, an old practice of some of Japans most lauded and by their nature, secretive establishments. These restaurants are patronized almost entirely by regulars, who may be permitted to bring a guest, but theres no guarantee the guest will be allowed to return. At Sugalabo, diners must be invited or recommended by existing patrons. There is no online booking system, no set opening times, only a private phone number known to the chosen few, who return time and again to the 20-cover bar and dining table. The interior of Sugalabo in Tokyo, Japan. - Courtesy Sugalabo Ten years in, the guestlist may have grown, but the restaurant is no less exclusive. Its not that were trying to be snobby, Suga insisted. Instead, it comes down to guest experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very intentional about welcoming people who understand what we do and whose preferences were familiar with, he explained. A guest from Taiwan or California may be used to different levels of seasoning, for example. If we allow completely random guests, we cant respond to each persons expectations in the same way. Beyond their palate, Sugalabo also wants to know what diners will bring to the table. We try as much as possible to understand their background whether theyre a doctor, a lawyer, someone in finance or a journalist because that can influence the kind of conversation I have with them, Suga said. The goal is to build a two-way relationship with guests. In the restaurant business, its over if no one comes back to eat. If you (can) build a trustful relationship, it can be sustainable. Whats on the menu Sugalabos exclusive door policy and omakase (chefs choice) menu is a delightful power inversion of Western dining culture, where hospitality works in deference to the customer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ceding control to the chef allows Suga free reign to showcase the best produce the country has to offer, while bringing himself to the plate. My background is fundamentally rooted in French cuisine, he said. His grandfather was head chef on passenger ships crossing the Pacific between Kobe, in Kansai prefecture, and California, before he opened a restaurant in Nagoya. Sugas father later inherited the restaurant and dedicated the menu to French cuisine (Sugas brother runs the restaurant today). I decided to study French cuisine, thats what led me to France, where I trained under Robuchon. Sugalabo doesnt shy away from staples of French haute cuisine lobster, foie gras, wine, and so on but the chef knew they could not be the restaurants whole identity. While Im deeply grateful for all that France has given me, the fact is that I now live in Japan. So, my focus is on incorporating local Japanese products and using French influences as a complement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way he embraces his country is through a hyper-seasonal menu. Japan is so rich in ingredients that we work within what you could call micro-seasons, he explained. Suga uses peaches as an example: each variety will only be at peak ripeness for a week, so across the six to eight weeks peaches are on the menu, Sugalabo will use six to eight varieties. That ability to enjoy something only available for a limited time, in its best form thats what true luxury is, the chef believes. Peaches at Sugalabo, Tokyo. Chef Yosuke Suga explains the restaurant sources its peaches in a hyper-seasonal fashion, using a each variety for one week only for maximum ripeness. - Yumi Asada/CNN Every month, the restaurant closes for three days for staff to travel around the country, meeting and networking with suppliers. I believe that when producers know who is going to use their product, theyll send us the best they have, said Suga. Theres a kind of love in that. Even Sugalabos signature dish, cured ham with curry rice a spin on a Japanese tradition of rice served at the end of a meal embodies Sugas ethos: the grains are grown in its own rice field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chefs philosophy has won him admirers, including luxury brands. In 2020 he opened Sugalabo V in Osaka, the first restaurant inside a Louis Vuitton store (it also operates an invitation or by-introduction booking policy), and Suga has opened a more informal, walk-in only concept Le Cafe V at Louis Vuitton branches in Osaka and Tokyo. Chef Yosuke Suga and his team take monthly trips across Japan to meet producers, such as this wasabi cultivator. - Courtesy Sugalabo The cafes serve dishes including cold corn potage and a peach coup dessert similar to those at his original restaurant. For even the well-heeled, this may be as close as they get to the full Sugalabo experience. Sugalabo, and Japan more broadly, isnt alone when it comes to restrictive door policies. Since the 1970s, Raos in New York hasnt accepted reservations, and instead bequeathed table rights to select regulars. Also established in the 70s, Londons Le Beaujolais Club is a members-only restaurant (by invitation only) beneath what claims to be the citys oldest French wine bar. Alongside these institutions are a plethora of private restaurants catering to the wealthy and social elite. But the idea of paying tens of thousands of dollars to be permitted into a dining room appears gauche compared to Sugalabos process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its exclusiveness, the cost of dining for this standard of food is not excessive, with the menu priced at approximately $500 (wine pairings and service fee cost extra). Suga insists hes not being snobby. But guests cant help but get an ego boost. Before taking a bite, they know theyve been ushered into an elite of their own. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CLAYTON, Mo. A man accused of breaking into more than a dozen south St. Louis County businesses in August appeared in court Tuesday morning. Police and prosecutors allege Devin J. Marcee (age not provided) broke into 18 businesses between Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 in Affton, Lemay, Mehlville, and Oakville. In addition, Marcee is accused of trying to steal an ATM as well as trying to steal and riding in two different vehicles. According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, Macree would smash the glass entrance doors and run inside to steal items and pull register drawers open to look for cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police recover $12,000 worth of apparel stolen from area shopping malls The targeted businesses are listed by address: 2938 Telegraph Road (3x) 4235 Bayless Avenue (2x) 5541 Telegraph Road 4341 Telegraph Road 8450 Watson Road 8448 Watson Road 3023 Lemay Ferry Road 2544 Lemay Ferry Road 2540 Lemay Ferry Road 8003 Mackenzie Road 8007 Mackenzie Road 8013 Mackenzie Road 8011 Mackenzie Road 8005 Mackenzie Road 8001 Mackenzie Road For the attempted ATM theft, police said Macree targeted the CNBC Bank in the 9100 block of Mackenzie Road. Macree wrapped a chain around the machine, attached the chain to the bumper of his car, and tried to drive away. While the machine didnt break free, Macree caused of $50,000 in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Marcee with 15 counts of second-degree burglary, one count of first-degree property damage, three counts of second-degree attempted burglary, one count of attempted stealing a motor vehicle, and one count of second-degree attempted tampering with a motor vehicle. Marcee was jailed on a $250,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Tampa police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was fatally shot Monday in the Temple Crest neighborhood. Officers responded about 7:30 p.m. to a shooting call in the 4700 block of East Citrus Circle, just south of Busch Boulevard, and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Tampa Police Department. The man died at the scene. Detectives believe the man knew the person or people who shot him and that the shooting was not random, police said. Police have not released the mans name or age. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) opened an investigation Tuesday after several overdoses were reported at an Austin bar overnight. One person died and four others were hospitalized after alleged drug overdoses at Buckshot Bar early Tuesday morning, according to the Austin Police Department. APD said an employee of the Buckshot Bar, located at 519 East 6th Street, called 911 around 3 a.m. Tuesday. KXAN asked the bar for comment and will share its response when it is received. The four people in the hospital are expected to survive, APD said. APD Watch Command also said that it believes all five people were employees of the bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD didnt release information about which drug caused the overdoses. TABC said it has issued three administrative violation citations to Buckshot in the past. Two were issued on the same day in 2021, and one was issued in 2022. All three complaints are now closed, according to TABC documents. June 2025 | No longer reacting to a crisis. Austin officials celebrate decline of overdose deaths Multiple ODs at Buckshot on E 6th The block near the bar, at Neches Street and Red River Street, was shut down while Austin Police investigated the situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Tesla's (TSLA) auto sales soared in Turkey in August, reaching the No. 2 spot ahead of traditional European and Japanese rivals, as the U.S. brand benefited from buyers' seeking tax breaks and a currency hedge. The electric vehicle (EV) maker sold 8,730 Model Y's, up 86% from the previous month, in sharp contrast to a sales rout in some parts of Europe amid fierce competition from China's BYD and a backlash against CEO Elon Musk. Tesla's Turkish sales trailed only Renault and surpassed local best sellers Fiat, Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai according to data from distributors association ODMD. Tesla accounted for 50% of all electric vehicles sold in August, according to data from industry consultancy EBS Danismanlik. BYD trailed Tesla with 1,639 units, and Turkish electric-only brand TOGG sold 1,249. Analysts said the jump in August partly reflects erratic allocations, from Tesla's German manufacturing plant. In March and April, for example, it sold only about 100 units in Turkey, before jumping to above 4,000 units in June and July, scoring around a third of EV sales. Turkish buyers increasingly want electric only vehicles because of lower tax rates, analysts say. EV market share has held at 20% the last three months, up from 8% last year. Tesla's base Model Y, the only one available in Turkey, is taxed at the county's lowest bracket, considerably lower than conventional combustion engine cars even after a tax hike in late July. Turkey's complex vehicle tax system includes a special consumption tax and value added tax. The combined rate, ranges from 50% to 284%. Turks also see their Teslas, valued in euros, as a way to hedge against weakness in the Turkish lira, which has shed more than 80% of its value in recent years. Tesla sales for the January-August period jumped more than four fold from the year-ago period to around 26,000 units. TOGG was the second best selling EV, up 42% year on year. Turkey's light vehicle market, including cars and commercial vans, was up 5% at 1.3 million units in 12 month cumulative terms in August, a historical high. (Reporting by Can Sezer; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Alexandra Hudson) Essential details A-10C 79-0087 final flight and homecoming: Monday, September 22, planned arrival 12:00 p.m.; museum opens 10:00 a.m.; admission by donation. Fairchild Aircraft 100th Anniversary Homecoming: September 1214 at Hagerstown Aviation Museum with A-10 tours, vintage aircraft, rides, hangar dance, and more. If airplane metal could feel nostalgia, you would hear it in the low grumble of an A-10 rolling back onto the same runway where its story began. On September 22 at noon, a combat-veteran Fairchild-Republic A-10C, tail number 79-0087, will make its final landing at Hagerstown Regional Airport in Maryland, the birthplace of the Thunderbolt II. The jet has served for decades with the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard. Now its last mission is a homecoming. The public is invited, the museum doors open at 10 a.m., and admission is by donation. Hagerstown did not just assemble the Warthog. It lived with the airplane. More than 700 A-10s rolled out of the Fairchild-Republic factory here between 1976 and 1984, and for locals, the sight and sound of twin turbofans banking over the valley is part of the regions muscle memory. This is an emotional and historic moment, not just for the museum, but for our entire community, said John Seburn, president of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. Now, after decades of faithful service defending American troops, 087 is coming home. The date carries extra weight. Museum leaders say this will likely be the last time an A-10 lands at Hagerstown. The 175th Wing is moving off the platform as the Air Force retires the type, and 79-0087 is reported to be the Wings last A-10 to fly. For one more midday, though, the airplane that ground troops nicknamed a flying tank will touch the runway it knows best. After the arrival, the jet will become a permanent exhibit at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum through the National Museum of the United States Air Forces civilian museum loan program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need a quick refresher on why the A-10 is loved far beyond aviation circles, it is simple: it shows up and it stays. Built for close air support, the Thunderbolt II is famous for its toughness and loiter time, qualities that earned trust from soldiers on the ground. This particular jet served in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as many other overseas missions, on an extended tour that explains the reverence in the museums language and the communitys excitement about welcoming it back. This tribute honors Fairchilds legacy, the veterans who served with it, and the thousands of workers who designed and built the A-10, said Kurtis Meyers, the museums vice president and curator. There is also a whole month of context. Before the homecoming flight, Hagerstown will mark the Fairchild Aircraft 100th Anniversary Homecoming on September 1214 at the museum. Expect fly-ins, vintage aircraft on the ramp, a 1940s hangar dance, a Wings & Wheels show, rides in the museums PT-19, food trucks, music, and, yes, a visiting A-10 for tours and photos. It is a festival aimed at the whole family, with daylong activity blocks and special programs that connect the brands past to the citys present. Stand on that ramp and the timeline snaps into focus. Fairchilds Hagerstown plant was still delivering brand-new A-10s in early 1984. Four decades later, one of those jets is coming back as an ambassador, not a weapon, and it will sit among the most extensive collection of Fairchild aircraft on earth. That arc is the story Hagerstown has always told well: this is a place where airplanes are built, flown, kept, and remembered. If you go, go early. The museum opens at 10 a.m., with arrival planned for noon, and crowds are expected. Bring a camera, patience, and someone who needs to hear why a workhorse attack jet can bring a crowd to its feet. When the A-10 turns final and the landing gear drops, you will be watching more than a fly-in. You will be watching a city welcome one of its own home. MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR)- Police have arrested eleven people allegedly involved in a large disturbance that ended with the shooting death of a Martinsville woman. Police discovered the woman, identified as Crystal Galloway Jordan, 39, while responding to a call on Tuesday, August 12, in the 500 block of Forest Street. She was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead According to a press release issued by the Martinsville Police Department, investigators determined a large group of individuals had conspired to confront and fight a smaller group of Martinsville residents. Police said the large group traveled to Forest Street and allegedly began assaulting residents there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the altercation, firearms were brandished and discharged, ultimately resulting in Jordans death, the press release stated. Racketeering indictments handed down by Floyd County grand jury Police said nine Danville residents and two Henry County residents have each been charged with malicious wounding by a mob. JumaRius Rayquan Yarbrough, 19 David Gordon Ferrell III, 20 Kareema Rashannda Austin, 20 Yary Cruz Espana, 18 Davyion Lil Deejay Ferrell, 23 Aniya Shavon Carter, 19 Makayla Allie Hurd, 19 Shaniya Leatrice Hood, 19 Jade Nicole Mays, 21 Tatyuanna Alexius Grasty, 19 Chauntel Kiera Ferrell, 18 The case remains under investigation. More criminal charges are expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. The Posse Comitatus Act is a nearly 150-year-old federal law that limits the U.S. militarys role in enforcing domestic laws. At its core, experts say the law reflects Americas long-standing belief that law enforcement should remain in civilian hands, separate from military power. President Donald Trump has tested the law's limits in the first few months of his second term, as he expands the footprint of the U.S. military on domestic soil. Here's what to know about the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Posse Comitatus Act stops military from enforcing US law The criminal statute prohibits military enforcement of domestic law. It also prevents the military from investigating local crimes, overriding local law enforcement or compelling certain behavior. There are key exceptions. Congress can vote to suspend the act, or the president can order it suspended in defense of the Constitution. The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to deploy troops during invasions, rebellions or when local authorities cant maintain order. National Guard members are under state authority and commanded by governors, so they're generally exempt. However, the Posse Comitatus Act applies to National Guard forces when they're federalized, meaning the president puts them under his control. That's what Donald Trump did in California over the governor's objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military is allowed to share intelligence and certain resources if there's an overlap with civilian law enforcement jurisdiction, according to the Library of Congress. Theres also an exception for the U.S. Coast Guard, which has some law enforcement responsibilities. Law was enacted after the Reconstruction era The law was enacted in 1878 following the post-Civil War era known as Reconstruction. At that time, segregationist lawmakers didn't want the U.S. military from blocking Jim Crow laws that imposed racial segregation. But the spirit of the law has roots going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, when the nation's founders were scarred by the British monarchys absolute military control, said William C. Banks, a professor at the Syracuse University College of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a tradition in the United States which is more a norm than a law that we want law enforcement to be conducted by civilians, not the military, Banks said. Courts have rarely interpreted the Posse Comitatus Act, leaving much of its scope shaped by executive branch policy and military regulations rather than judicial precedent. Steve Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, notes that this lack of legal rulings makes the law unusual. There is no authoritative precedent on exactly where these lines are, and so thats why over the years the militarys own interpretation has been so important, Vladeck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New tests for the law A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration violated federal law by sending troops to accompany federal agents on immigration raids in Los Angeles this summer. The ruling does not require the remaining troops to withdraw. Trump administration attorneys argued the law doesnt apply because the troops were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws. Trump also sent 800 troops to Washington D.C., saying without substantiation that they were needed to reduce crime in the lawless city. In Washington, a federal district, the president is already in charge of the National Guard and can legally deploy troops for 30 days without congressional approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has since discussed sending the National Guard to other Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Baltimore and New York. ___ Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) There are 17 new United States citizens in the Columbus area Tuesday morning. The men and women coming from 13 different countries took the citizenship oath at the federal courthouse in downtown Columbus. The annual naturalization ceremony, witnessed by family and friends, was presided over by Magistrate Judge Amelia Helmick. Serena Scibelli is a university music educator who lives in Columbus and came to America from Italy. She was a part of the ceremony on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means that Im finally 100% part of my community because I like to be involved in my community in Columbus. But I felt that something was missing. So, through citizenship, I can feel really part of the community where I live and what I want to grow my son, Scibelli said. Scibelli teaches violin at Georgia State University in Atlanta. She told WRBL News 3 that she will retain her dual citizenship in Italy. Muscogee County State Court Judge Pete Temesgen spoke to the new citizens as he, too, once sat where they sat on Tuesday. He became a U.S. citizen in 2004. Take a look at Temesgen speaking to the new U.S. citizens below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) An 18-year-old sailor who was killed just a few days after D-Day in World War II has now been accounted for after being considered non-recoverable in 1949. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency shared that U.S. Navy Reserve Seaman 2nd Class Jerome M. Mullaney, 18, of Scranton, was accounted for on March 10, 2025. In 1944, Mullaney was assigned to the destroyer USS Glennon and participated in the invasion of France on June 6, more commonly referred to as D-Day. Mullaney was killed on June 8 after an underwater mine hit the USS Glennon off the coast of France. The ship became lodged on the sea floor before it was sunk after German artillery struck it. Mullaney and 24 other sailors were recorded as missing at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania airman killed in WWII now accounted for, to be buried in Belle Vernon After the war, the American Graves Registration Command and the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps starting investigations and recovering missing American personnel, including dozens of searches off the coast of France until 1951. During those recovery missions, 5 sailors from the USS Glennon were identified, but none were Mullaney. He was declared non-recoverable in May of 1949. Then, in 1957, pieces of the USS Glennon were hauled to shore, and a local resident found human remains on the ship. The remains were turned over to American officials, but they could not be positively identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 4, 1959, the remains were interred in Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. They would remain there for over 6 decades until 2021, when DPAA historians began an effort to identify unresolved sailors from the USS Glennon. Using dental and anthropological analysis, along with mitochondrial and 7-chromosome DNA analysis, they were able to identify the remains as Mullaney. Mullaney, who was recorded on the Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, will have a rosette placed next to his name to indicate that he has been accounted for. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Mullaney will be buried in his hometown on Sept. 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. $1B up for grabs in Powerball tonight; Atlanta airport is busy with jackpot hopefuls and travelers The Powerball jackpot has surged to more than $1 billion, drawing eager players to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of Georgias busiest lottery ticket locations, on one of the nations busiest travel days. Travelers passing through the worlds busiest airport are seizing the opportunity to purchase lottery tickets, hoping that the convergence of events will bring them luck. The excitement is palpable as many believe that buying a ticket at such a bustling location on a significant day could be a fortuitous omen. Watch the Powerball drawing right before WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. Its the fifth-largest Powerball prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you believe in omens? Elijah Baker, a lottery player from Los Angeles, asked Channel 2s Berndt Petersen. I do. But I know if its meant for you, its gonna happen. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Ron Pulce, another hopeful participant, expressed his strategy if he wins, saying, Im not gonna tell nobody! Travelers are hoping a different kind of ticket is magical for them. Anthony Sanchez, also from Los Angeles, shared his enthusiasm, stating, Yeah. Hopefully some more chances. I want a reason to come back to Atlanta. Baker and Sanchez are in Atlanta on business from Los Angeles, and both have taken the opportunity to try their luck at the lottery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker humorously mentioned his plans if he wins, saying he would return to Atlanta on a newly purchased private jet to claim his prize. Were gonna see. If I can get it, Im definitely coming back to claim my prize, he said. Im gonna cover my face to nobody knows its me because I dont want anybody to ask for any money! The atmosphere at the airport is charged with anticipation as travelers from various locations converge, each hoping to be the lucky winner of the massive jackpot. The allure of potentially winning more than $1 billion has created a buzz among the passengers, some of whom have bought multiple tickets to increase their odds. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Roughly 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been killed while fighting against Ukraine, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Sept. 2, citing lawmakers briefed by the country's intelligence service. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Pyongyang plans to send an additional 6,000 troops to Russia as part of its third wave of deployment. Around 1,000 combat engineers have already arrived in Russia, while troops dispatched earlier are reportedly stationed in the "rear front as reserve forces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea has claimed to have suffered only 350 casualties in earlier phases of the deployment, while South Korean intelligence reported in April that the number of Pyongyang's soldiers killed in action was around 600. Pyongyang has become one of Moscow's most important military allies during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, supplying artillery shells, missiles, and soldiers. North Korean involvement became visible after Ukraine's August 2024 cross-border offensive into Russia's Kursk Oblast. Russia retook much of the territory in March 2025, with support from North Korean forces. Pyongyang confirmed in April that North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russian units, though reporting in the media suggested their presence months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deepening military ties follow the June 2024 signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, under which the two countries pledged mutual aid if either were attacked. Read also: Russia-Ukraine naval drone arms race could usher in a new era of warfare Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A Meridian-based philanthropy pledged $2.5 million to the University of Mississippi Medical Centers (UMMC) Cancer Center and Research Institute. The pledge made by the Phil Hardin Foundation will go towards a new building for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute over the next 10 years. The Phil Hardin Foundation has supported UMMC on other projects over the last 30 years, including the Childrens Hospital Capital Campaign, Base Pair program and other academic areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a once-in-a-generation type of project that will do so much good for health care in Mississippi on so many levels, said Lloyd Gray, executive director of the foundation. The fact its also a top-tier educational project makes it particularly attractive to us. Hinds County to launch 911 Nurse Navigation The 250,000-square-foot facility will be designed to provide a welcoming, interdisciplinary space that enhances patient care, improves access and offers a seamless health care experience for patients and caregivers. The facility will also promote research and enhance patient access to life-saving care while educating the next generation of scientists and health care professionals. According to UMMC officials, Mississippi has the highest cancer mortality rate in the nation. They hope this facility will help them to receive National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, which would be the first for Mississippi. As of publication, UMMC is the only health care institution in the state with an active research mission, which is required for NCI designation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are deeply grateful to the Hardin Foundation for their generous gift in support of our new cancer center at UMMC, said Dr. Rodney Rocconi, director of the CCRI and Ergon Chair for Cancer Research. This transformative investment will elevate cancer care for all Mississippians bringing world-class treatment, research and prevention efforts closer to home. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. NEED TO KNOW The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said a remote-controlled plane crashed into a home in Watsonville, Calif., on Aug. 30, and injured two people Photos taken after the crash and later shared by the sheriffs office on social media show a hole in a porch area and the remnants of a red and white RC plane Authorities in Watsonville said the incident happened during a demonstration at the Fire in the Sky Open House event at Watsonville Municipal Airport Authorities said that two people were injured after a remote-controlled plane crashed into a California home over the weekend. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office confirmed to PEOPLE that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 30, in Watsonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said in a statement that a large remote-controlled airplane crashed into the deck of a home in the 300 block of Buena Vista Drive. Two adults were struck by the remote-controlled plane when it crashed and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, the sheriffs office statement read. Photos taken after the crash and later shared by the sheriffs office on Facebook show a hole in a porch area and the remnants of a red and white RC plane, NBC affiliate KNTV reported. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office/Facebook A photo from the scene of a home in Watsonville, Calif., after a remote-controlled airplane crashed into it on Aug. 30, 2025 A photo from the scene of a home in Watsonville, Calif., after a remote-controlled airplane crashed into it on Aug. 30, 2025 Authorities in Watsonville said the incident happened during a demonstration at the Fire in the Sky Open House event at Watsonville Municipal Airport held on Saturday, ABC affiliate KGO reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NBC affiliate KSBW, city officials said the plane veered off its intended course and struck the home. According to the City of Watsons website, the event was billed as a long-standing community favorite that brings aviation and local pride together. The attractions at the open house included vintage planes, plus flyovers, a parachute jump and fireworks. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office told PEOPLE that the airplane's operator was involved in the events at the airport and had been on the airport property when the crash occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department added that the owner of the airplane, whose name has not been released, has been cooperative in the investigation, which is being handled by authorities, including the FAA. The City of Watsonville shared a statement with PEOPLE on Tuesday about the incident: "Our thoughts are with the two people who were injured during this unfortunate incident. We are hoping for their safe and speedy recovery. "The City continues to work closely with the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office," the statement further stated. "To maintain the integrity of their investigation, any additional information regarding the incident will come directly from the Sheriffs Office." The statement later concluded: "The safety and well-being of our community are always our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring all City events are conducted safely." Read the original article on People Tokenization could fundamentally reshape Europes financial markets by combining familiar instruments with cutting-edge distributed ledger technology; however, regulators warn that the transition must be handled carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Natasha Cazenave, Executive Director of ESMA, opened the Capital Markets in the Digital Age conference, highlighting the dual promise and risk of tokenization. She emphasized that the technology isnt about inventing new assets; its about wrapping conventional instruments, such as bonds, equities, and fund units, in a digital layer. Tokenized assets, once a niche segment, now comprise a global market of approximately $600 billion and are growing quickly. In 2024, the issuance of tokenized fixed-income instruments more than tripled to 3 billion, with Europe accounting for over half of this volume. According to the 2025 Skynet RWA Security Report, the market for tokenized real-world assets (RWA) could expand to $16 trillion by 2030, and Europe has taken a leading role in this area. Societe Generale and Santander issued tokenized covered bonds in 2019, followed by the European Investment Banks digital bond launch on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in 2022. Germanys Ministry of Finance is also piloting state-backed tokenized sovereign debt. However, Cazenave emphasized that most efforts remain limited in scale and fragmented, often executed as private placements with minimal liquidity or interoperability. Cazenave noted that benefits such as 24/7 availability, reduced costs, and real-time execution are attractive, especially for post-trade efficiency. Still, without proper investor protections, tokenization risks becoming a ticking time bomb, with ownership rights, settlement finality, and custody raising major legal questions. European Regulation on Tokenization in the Spotlight: DLT Pilots, MiCA, and the Settlement Gap As tokenization transitions from pilot to real-world deployment, Cazenave urged EU policymakers to coordinate internationally, particularly with bodies such as IOSCO and the FSB, to prevent fragmented regulation. Tokenizations future hinges on bridging innovation with oversight. If tokenization is to scale safely, regulatory clarity from the start is essential, Cazenave noted. Cazenave mentioned the EUs DLT Pilot Regime, a sandbox that allows participants to test tokenized trading and settlement under temporary exemptions. She noted that ESMAs feedback report highlighted critical gaps in the existing framework, including the lack of alignment between MiFID II, CSDR, and settlement finality rules, as well as the mechanics of DLT. EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Two people needed to be extricated from vehicles following a two-vehicle crash in the vicinity of 236 School Street in East Hartford on Monday, according to police. 2 dead after fiery crash in New Haven Police said two people were injured and went to an area hospital, but did not disclose the severity of the injuries. Police said School Street was closed and the accident reconstruction team was investigating the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Two Powerball tickets sold in New Jersey stores matched all five white balls to win million-dollar prizes during Monday nights drawing, lottery officials said Tuesday. None of the tickets drawn Monday matched all six numbers for a jackpot win. The winning white balls were 8, 23, 25, 40, 53 and the red Powerball was 5. The Power Play multiplier was 3. Nationwide, 10 tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes, with winners in California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey (two), New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to lottery officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other tickets, sold in Montana and North Carolina, matched all five white balls and added the $1 Power Play option, doubling their winnings to $2 million, officials said. Smaller prizes included 124 tickets worth $50,000 for matching four white balls and the Powerball, and 25 tickets worth $150,000 with the Power Play multiplier, according to the lottery website. Wednesdays drawing will be the 41st since the jackpot was last won May 31 in California, officials said. The longest Powerball run without a jackpot winner is 42 drawings, set April 6, 2024, when a ticket in Oregon claimed a $1.326 billion prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If someone wins Wednesday, they will have the choice between an annuitized $1.3 billion jackpot or a lump sum of $589 million, both before taxes. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Here are the top 10 Powerball jackpots, according to lottery officials: $2.04 Billion Nov. 7, 2022 California $1.765 Billion Oct. 11, 2023 - California $1.586 Billion Jan. 13, 2016 California, Florida, Tennessee $1.326 Billion April 6, 2024 Oregon $1.30 Billion (estimated) Sept. 3, 2025 $1.08 Billion July 19, 2023 California $842.4 Million Jan. 1, 2024 Michigan $768.4 Million March 27, 2019 Wisconsin $758.7 Million Aug. 23, 2017 Massachusetts $754.6 Million Feb. 6, 2023 - Washington Stories by Anthony G. Attrino Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. FARMINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) More information is coming out on a shooting that left two people dead in Farmington over the weekend. Farmington police have identified the victims as a 15 and a 19-year-old. Farmington police investigate double homicide Police were dispatched to the shooting near East Murray Drive and Camina Entrada, where they found three people who had been shot. All were taken to the hospital, where the two teens died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third victims condition is unknown. They believe that at least people shot a gun, but no arrests have been made. They ask anyone with information to call Farmington police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEED TO KNOW Two women are dead, and another woman is in a coma after a pontoon boat flipped on a lake in Maine on Aug. 30 All seven passengers were pulled to shore by passersby, but they were unable to save the two victims "I'm so devastated," a family friend of the victims said Two women are dead and another woman is in critical condition after a pontoon boat flipped over on a lake in western Maine, sending all seven people on board into the water, authorities said. On Saturday, Aug. 30, around 1:30 p.m. local time, the group on the 18-foot boat left the dock and was boating in the upper reaches of Flagstaff Lake in Eustis when they arrived in front of the beach area of a campground, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There, the bow of the pontoon started to go under the water, prompting the boat operator, 50-year-old John Morris, to try to raise the bow, officials added. The mans actions didnt stop the pontoon from going under. Instead, the boat flipped, throwing all seven passengers into the water approximately 180 feet from shore, the agency said. Fortunately, people nearby on the beach and in the water rushed to help the group, bringing them all to shore. Three people were unresponsive and received CPR, officials said. Kevin Carter, a retired firefighter from Massachusetts, happened to be camping close by and helped administer CPR, ABC affiliate WMTW reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Being a retired firefighter, you just step in, you know, it's in the blood, he told the outlet. So I just went down there not really knowing what to expect, and the second I got out of my car, I heard people yelling, and it was pretty chaotic. While passersby called 911, first responders didnt arrive until 45 minutes later because of the remote location, WMTW reported. Two of the women Farhana Nasir, 53, and Kiran Akbar, 23 were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The third woman, Noor Nasir, 22, was taken to a hospital in Bangor and was listed in critical condition. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the states medical examiner's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A family friend of the victims, Zeeshan Abbasi, told WMTW that the 22-year-old victim is now in a coma. I see that beautiful girl, lying in the hospital, fighting for her life, he told the outlet. And the doctors said, or almost said, that there is no hope. Both the elder Nasir and Akbar hail from Long Island, while the surviving woman lives in New York City, according to officials. For their loved ones, its a heartbreaking tragedy. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I'm so devastated, I cannot explain, said Abbasi, according to the outlet. This is a nightmare because all these kids, they are now young adults, but they grew in front of my eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that none of the passengers on the boat were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash. An investigation is ongoing. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW A 22-year-old college student in Utah has died after falling from a fifth-floor balcony The victim was Jordon Konanui-Kong, a freshman, according to police "We are thinking of the family and friends and will continue to support one another as we grieve together during this difficult time," a school spokesperson said in a statement A 22-year-old college student in Utah has died after falling from a fifth-floor balcony over Labor Day weekend, police said. Utah Tech University's Police Department responded to a 911 call around 5:42 p.m. local time on Sunday, Aug. 31, police said in a statement shared with PEOPLE by a university spokesperson. The call came from outside of the university's student housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival at the scene, the UTPD found that Jordon Konanui-Kong, a freshman, had fallen from the balcony of his room in Campus View Suites II. The St. George Fire Department also responded to the incident, Chief Robert Stoker tells PEOPLE via email. "Don, as he goes by, was transported to St. George Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries," police said, adding an investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing. Officials did not provide additional details about the events preceding Konanui-Kong's fall. When reached for comment, a university spokesperson said the school and the Utah Tech Police Department are not answering specific questions about the case at this time in order to avoid slowing down the investigation. 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. "Utah Tech University is devastated by the loss of a member of our Utah Tech family. His presence will be deeply missed on campus," the spokesperson said in the statement shared with PEOPLE, adding that mental health professionals from the school's wellness center are available for students, faculty and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are thinking of the family and friends and will continue to support one another as we grieve together during this difficult time," the statement added. Read the original article on People 23-year-old motorcyclist killed in weekend crash identified as Sterling firefighter Police have identified the motorcyclist killed in a crash on Sunday night. According to Berlin Police Chief Eric J. Schartner, 23-year-old Jack Bonazzoli, of Clinton, Massachusetts, was traveling west on West Street around 9:30 p.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle, crashing into a nearby home. Despite lifesaving efforts by responding crews, Bonazzoli succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Berlin deadly crash Police say Bonazzoli recently joined the Sterling Fire Department and possessed a passion to dedicate his future to public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was set to attend the Massachusetts Fire Academy next month. Jacks enthusiasm, dedication, and bright personality made an instant positive impact on our department, the Sterling Fire Department wrote in a social media post. He always had everyone around him laughing. Jack had a passion for emergency service and for physical fitness, and pushed his fellow department members to better themselves each and every shift. Jack is already dearly missed by his department members. We keep those who love him in our thoughts during this difficult time. We are deeply saddened from the events that transpired last night and we are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers, Chief Schartner said. No further information was immediately available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEED TO KNOW On Monday, Sept. 1, a woman drove a red minivan into a crowd of people attending Harrisburgs Kipona Festival in Pennsylvania Local police captain Atah Akakpo-Martin confirmed that three people were rushed to the hospital following the incident, according to reports Police are investigating if the driver intentionally drove into the crowd and if they were the only person in the vehicle at the time At least three people have been injured, including a child, after a minivan plowed into the crowd at a Pennsylvania festival held over Labor Day weekend. At around 6 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 1, a woman in a red minivan drove around a barricaded area of Harrisburgs Kipona Festival into the crowd on South Front Street. The incident came as the annual three-day event, which celebrates the regions Native American heritage, was wrapping up, ABC News and local outlet ABC 27 reported, citing Harrisburg Bureau of Police Captain Atah Akakpo-Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That vehicle was stopped a couple of blocks later and the driver was apprehended, taken out of the vehicle, Captain Atah Akakpo-Martin said in a press conference, per local outlet CBS 21 News. Akakpo-Martin confirmed that a woman and a child were taken to the hospital following the incident, as well as a city worker who had tried to stop the vehicle. Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Scene where a minivan crashed into the crowd at Harrisburg Kipona Festival Scene where a minivan crashed into the crowd at Harrisburg Kipona Festival Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams confirmed to PEOPLE that the child was a 6-year-old boy, who is in critical condition. A woman, who was in a wheelchair, is in stable condition and the city worker suffered bruising and sprains on his right arm and shoulder. "This was a tragic ending to a beautiful three-day event that went off without incident. Our hearts go our to those injured and their families," Mayor Williams said. "We are praying for the little guy who was just there to have a good time with his family, that, unfortunately, ended with this heinous circumstance. We are all saddened and shocked." Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Scene of the red minivan crash at the Harrisburg Kipona Festival Scene of the red minivan crash at the Harrisburg Kipona Festival Mayor Williams stated that the driver of the red minivan was alone in the vehicle. It is not believed that she drove into the crowd intentionally, but she remains in custody amid the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver was uninjured in the incident, Mayor Williams told PEOPLE. "Let me be clear: Harrisburg will not tolerate reckless disregard for human life," Mayor Williams said in another statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Our police and emergency responders acted swiftly and courageously, and the individual responsible is now in custody. Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. "Kipona has been a hallmark of Harrisburg for more than a century. It is where families gather, neighbors reconnect, and traditions thrive along the beautiful Susquehanna River," she continued. "One reckless act cannot overshadow the spirit of this festival nor the unity of our community. But it is a reminder that safety will always remain our top priority. "As Mayor, I pledge to work with law enforcement, Public Works, and festival organizers to review this incident thoroughly, to strengthen protective measures, and to ensure that the joy of Harrisburgs events is never overshadowed by fear," Mayor Williams added. "Harrisburg is strong, and we will rise together. Today, we stand with the victims and their families. Tomorrow, we recommit ourselves to building a city where joy, safety, and community prevail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos from the scene show that the front of the red minivan was crushed after striking multiple objects and victims. Debris from the bumper and hood of the vehicle was scattered across the area, ABC 27 reported. Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Police investigating the scene of the Harrisburg Kipona Festival incident Police investigating the scene of the Harrisburg Kipona Festival incident Officers had been in the process of clearing the festival before the random act took place, lasting less than a minute, Captain Atah Akakpo-Martin said in the press conference, per CBS 21 News. Police have put up yellow crime tape restricting access to the area while they continue to investigate. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "The Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the City of Harrisburg are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at the conclusion of the Kipona Festival on Monday, September 1, 2025," Deputy Chief Kenneth Young said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "What was intended to be a joyful celebration of our community, culture, and traditions was overshadowed by an unthinkable act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time," he continued. "We commend the swift and courageous response of the men and women of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and the Public Works Department. Their decisive actions helped prevent further harm and ensured the safety of countless festivalgoers. "As the investigation continues, updated information will be made available through the Harrisburg Bureau of Police CrimeWatch portal and the City of Harrisburg website," he added. The City of Harrisburg event organizers did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Read the original article on People CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) Five men deported by the United States to Eswatini in July have been held in a maximum-security prison in the African nation for seven weeks without charge or explanation and with no access to legal counsel, their lawyers said Tuesday. They accused the Trump administration's third-country deportation program of denying their clients due process. The New York-based Legal Aid Society said that it was representing one of the men, Jamaican national Orville Etoria, and that he had been inexplicably and illegally sent to Eswatini when his home country was willing to accept him back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That contradicted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which said when it deported the five men with criminal records that they were being sent to Eswatini because their home countries refused to take them. Jamaica's foreign minister has also said that the Caribbean country didn't refuse to take back deportees. Etoria was the first of at least 20 deportees sent by the U.S. to various African nations in the last two months to be identified publicly. Expanding deportation program The deportations are part of the Trump administrations expanding third-country program to send migrants to countries in Africa that they have no ties with to get them off U.S. soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since July, the U.S. has deported migrants to South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda, while a fourth African nation, Uganda, says it has agreed to a deal in principle with the U.S. to accept deportees. Washington has said it wants to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose case has been a flashpoint over U.S. President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policies, to Uganda after he was wrongly deported to his native El Salvador in March. Etoria served a 25-year prison sentence and was granted parole in 2021, the Legal Aid Society said, but was now being held in Eswatini's main maximum-security prison for an undetermined period of time despite completing that sentence. The U.S. Homeland Security Department said that he was convicted of murder. The agency posted on X in reference to a New York Times report on Estoria, saying that it will continue enforcing the law at full speed without apology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The Legal Aid Society said that an Eswatini lawyer acting on behalf of all five men being held in prison there has been repeatedly denied access to them by prison officials since they arrived in the tiny southern African nation bordering South Africa in mid-July. The other four men are citizens of Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen. Indefinite detention A separate lawyer representing the two men from Laos and Vietnam said that his clients also served their criminal sentences in the U.S. and had been released into the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then, without warning and explanation from either the U.S. or Eswatini governments, they were arbitrarily arrested and sent to a country to which they have never ever been," the lawyer, Tin Thanh Nguyen, said in a statement. They are now being punished indefinitely for a sentence they already served. He said that the U.S. government was orchestrating secretive third-country transfers with no meaningful legal process, resulting in indefinite detention. U.S. Homeland Security said those two men had been convicted of charges including child rape and second-degree murder. A third lawyer, Alma David, said that she represented the two men from Yemen and Cuba who are also being held in the same prison and denied access to lawyers. She said she had been told by the head of the Eswatini prison that only the U.S. Embassy could grant access to the men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since when does the U.S. Embassy have jurisdiction over Eswatinis national prisons? she said in a statement, adding the men weren't told a reason for their detention, and "no lawyer has been permitted to visit them. David said all five were being held at U.S. taxpayers' expense. Secretive deals The deportation deals the U.S. has struck in Africa have been largely secretive, and with countries with questionable rights records. Authorities in South Sudan have given little information on where eight men sent there in early July are being held or what their fate might be. They were also described by U.S. authorities as dangerous criminals from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar and Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five men in Eswatini are being held at the Matsapha Correctional Complex. It's the same prison where Eswatini, which is ruled by a king as Africa's last absolute monarchy, has imprisoned pro-democracy campaigners amid reports of abuse that includes beatings and the denial of food to inmates. Eswatini authorities said when the five men arrived that they were being held in solitary confinement. Another seven migrants were deported by the U.S. to Rwanda in mid-August, Rwandan authorities said. They didn't say where they are being held or give any information on their identities. The deportations to Rwanda were kept secret at the time and only announced last week. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa The US manufacturing sector continued its sluggish year in August. Data out Tuesday from the Institute for Supply Management showed the ISM's manufacturing PMI came in at 48.7 last month, an increase from the reading of 48 seen in July but below estimates for a reading of 48.9, according to Bloomberg data. Readings of less than 50 on the index indicate a contraction in activity in the sector. This marked the sixth straight month of contraction in the US manufacturing sector, according to the ISM's reading. The new orders index within the ISM's report, however, rose to 51.4, indicating expansion, and marked a strong uptick from the 47.1 seen in July. The production index fell to 47.8 in August from 51.4 in July. "In August, U.S. manufacturing activity contracted at a slightly slower rate, with new orders growth the biggest factor in the 0.7-percentage point gain of the Manufacturing PMI," said Susan Spence, chair of the ISM's survey committee. "However, since production contracted at a rate nearly equal to the expansion in new orders, the Manufacturing PMI increase was nominal." Respondents to the ISM's survey widely cited tariffs as putting pressure on their planning, sales, and costs. Read more: 5 ways to tariff-proof your finances One contact in the electrical equipment industry told the ISM they've raised prices by 24% so far, but these increases will only offset tariffs, meaning their margins won't actually improve as a result. "In two rounds of layoffs, we have let go of about 15 percent of our U.S. workforce," this contact said. "These are high-paying and high-skilled roles: engineers, marketing, design teams, finance, IT and operations. The administration wants manufacturing jobs in the U.S., but we are losing higher-skilled and higher-paying roles. With no stability in trade and economics, capital expenditures spending and hiring are frozen. Its survival." Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs Data from S&P Global published Tuesday morning, however, painted a more positive picture of the sector, with the firm's US manufacturing PMI showing the strongest monthly increase since May 2022. S&P Global's US manufacturing PMI came in at 53, above the 49.8 seen in July. This report also showed, however, that tariffs continue to act as a headwind for manufacturing. S&P Global Market Intelligence's chief business economist Chris Williamson said in the report that factory inventories rose on concerns over coming price hikes and potential supply constraints. At first glance, protester Donna Rowlan seemed out of place at the "Workers Over Billionaires" rally against the Trump administration at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City Labor Day. She was wearing a bright red T-shirt that from afar looked to read; "TRUMP for PRESIDENT 2029." It actually read, "TRUMP for Prison RESIDENT 2029." She chuckled about the confusion. "It really puts people off for a minute," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was one of about 300 protesters who gathered outside at the state Capitol to hear speeches criticizing President Donald Trump and calling for solidarity. Hundreds of similar demonstrations took place across the country. For Rowlan, the benefit of such rallies in Oklahoma is to the participants. Protesters march at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City on Labor Day as part of the "Workers Over Billionaires" demonstrations nationwide. "I think they do us a lot of good," the Oklahoma City resident said. "Because we feel like we're not alone. ... You know in Oklahoma you feel isolated and lonely. You can't go up to somebody on the street and show them your shirt. They might cut off your head." Large crowds turned out at the rallies and marches in major cities including Boston, Chicago, Detroit and New York. The protests drew mostly modest crowds in smaller cities around the country, from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Workers Over Billionaires" protests were led by labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, as well as dozens of local advocacy groups. In a Sept. 1 statement, a White House spokesperson said that no one has done more for working men and women than President Trump." Trump has "championed an agenda that always puts them first from signing the largest middle-class tax cuts in history to securing nearly $10 trillion in new investments to create high-paying jobs across our country," the spokesperson said. The rally in Oklahoma City included a 30-minute march where protesters chanted, "The people united will never be divided." Some carried the U.S. flag upside down, a symbol of extreme danger or distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others carried handmade signs condemning Trump and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. One read; "Hitler had Gestapo ... Trump has ICE." The largest sign at the rally stated Oklahoma has more billionaires than a lot of states at eight but is 50th in education. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Protesters gather in OKC for "Workers Over Billionaires" rally ST. LOUIS Artists and the organizer call it a successful four-day run for Paint Louis. Im sure the tourism was great and generated money in hotels and food and gas and taxes, said John Harrington, Paint Louis Organizer. Im pretty sure it did well for the city. An estimated 35,000 people attended Paint Louis over the Labor Day weekend. Some artists began spray painting on Thursday, and some were still working Monday afternoon on Labor Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event claims to be the worlds largest graffiti festival. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Just spending the day checking out the art here at the graffiti, said Gabriale Millender. Just looking around, its really nice out here. The event claims to be the worlds largest graffiti festival. I appreciate the peace down here with Heaven and Hell, said J.D. Davis with his Aunt Beverly Mann. Its kind of an analogy for life, you know; every day weve got to fight our inner battles and keep going. Paint Louis organizers say theyll make another painting pass near downtown and assess their efforts for next years graffiti festival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even know if this happened during Paint Louis, says Harrington, painting over spray paint at a nearby closed gas station. But were trying to beautify and make it better than we left it. So, were going up and down Broadway and Choteau and Soulard and trying to do any cover-ups that will help beautify the neighborhood. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) One of the biggest festivals in NEPA wrapped up on Monday: La Festa Italiana, and now its time for the big teardown. How did this years Italian culture and cuisine event stack up? The four-day festival is officially over in downtown Scranton, and those same vendors who were setting up last week in preparation are now taking it all down until next year. As the sun sets on the 49th Annual La Festa Italiana, organizers are reflecting on the long weekend and another year of success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone was prepared, the entertainers were just terrific, and then of course the people. I mean, they come from far and wide, and thats what makes this festival just a terrific event, La Festa Italiana Chairman Chris DiMattio said. We saw the large crowds that Im used to seeing, like, you know, five, six years ago. It was great. You know, everything worked out, were all happy, but now were tired and ready to go home, Arcaro & Genell Manager Amanda Krappa told 28/22 News. Before they can go home and get some much-needed rest, what goes up must also come down. As visitors made their rounds, grabbing some last-minute treats to hold them over until next year, vendors and organizers were hard at work packing up their tents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEPA residents dream of what to do with $1B jackpot Some already looking ahead to next year, a milestone for the festival. Prep started today, already planning for next year, which will be our 50th. As you can see, were tearing everything down. We just have a handful of volunteers, DiMattio continued. Over 150,000 people came out to the Electric City this Labor Day weekend. While none of it would be possible without the dozens of volunteers, this year, Mother Nature played her part, too. The weather was perfect, Krappa said. The weather was just so cooperative, it was just terrific, DiMattio added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he wouldnt say too much about their big plans for next years La Festa, when asked what people can expect, DiMattio said the following. Lets just say, Lights, camera, action,' DiMattio stated. Not only is next year the 50th La Festa Italiana, it is also the 250th birthday of America, and Dimattio says there is a lot to look forward to. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. WEST SPRINGFIELD West Springfields enrollment advisory committee is changing its plans to fix up town schools after finding out that state-funded repairs must last at least 50 years. That rule means most of the towns older elementary schools dont qualify for help from the state. Committee Chair Brian Griffin said that after looking closely at the situation, five schools in the district not including the new Phillip G. Colburn School wouldnt meet the requirements for the Massachusetts School Building Authority Repair Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, the committee reviewed how the schools are currently set up and talked about the pros and cons of applying for state repair money. But Griffin said, Right now, getting money for repairs and code updates isnt something we can count on. Because the state only pays for repairs that are expected to last 50 years or more, upgrades to roofs and HVAC systems simply wouldnt meet that threshold, he said. Still, Griffin said this is an important first step. The committee can now focus on figuring out which improvements are needed most and finding other ways to pay for them. The state program helps schools build or fix buildings, but its very competitive. Only schools with the most urgent needs get picked. If a school is chosen, the district works with the state authority to plan the project and gets some of the costs paid back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding replacement of older buildings, the district hopes to find out by December if the John Ashley and John R. Fausey schools will move forward in the authoritys process to the feasibility study stage. Griffin said the committee will need to make more repair recommendations soon, so that the School Committee and City Council can plan next years budget. Enrollment committee members will meet again on Sept. 15 to talk about next steps, including other options and where to focus their efforts. Read the original article on MassLive. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) Seven new additions came to the Beardsley Zoo on Sunday in Bridgeport. The zoo announced the birth of seven Guinea hog piglets to join proud parents Ethel and Harry. Beardsley Zoo welcomes one-year-old red panda Guinea hog piglets are known for their early development. Piglets are born with their eyes open and the ability to move independently, according to the zoo. The new additions are full of energy and exploring their new habitat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a domesticated species, they are classified as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy, according to the zoo. Seven Guinea hog piglets were welcomed at the Beardsley Zoo Seven Guinea hog piglets were welcomed at the Beardsley Zoo We are thrilled to welcome these piglets to our Zoo family, CEO of Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo, Dr. Jim Wharton said. Guinea hogs are a heritage breed at risk of becoming an endangered domestic species, so we are proud to play a role in ensuring their survival. Watching the piglets grow and interact is a fun experience that were excited to share with our visitors. Visitors can see the piglets at the farmyard 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 WTNH.com. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least eight civilians and injured at least 29, including a child, over the past day, regional authorities reported on Sept. 2. Ukraine intercepted 120 out of the 150 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Thirty drone strikes were recorded at nine different locations, and debris fell in five others, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, three people were killed in the Synelnykove district and five were injured across the region in Russian drone strikes and shelling, Governor Serhii Lysak reported. Houses, a five-story building, farm buildings, power lines, a gas pipeline, and other civilian properties were damaged. In Donetsk Oblast, a Russian attack against Kostiantynivka killed a civilian and injured five others, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Two people were injured elsewhere in the region. Russia attacked 11 towns and villages in Kharkiv Oblast with drones and a KAB bomb, injuring a 64-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and two were injured in Russian attacks, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Five apartment buildings, eight houses, and a cell tower were damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kyiv Oblast, a Russian drone strike hit the Bila Tserkva community, killing one person, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said. A garage cooperative caught fire in the attack. Russia launched a wave of attacks against Sumy Oblast, injuring 13 civilians, including a 14-year-old girl in the city of Sumy, the regional military administration reported. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian attacks killed two people in the Polohy district over the past day, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. In southern Odesa Oblast, the Izmail District Administration reported that Russian drones targeted port infrastructure, sparking fires. No casualties were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian map behind top general hints at ambitions to seize Ukraines Odesa, Kharkiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEED TO KNOW An 8-year-old boy is recovering from a shark bite after being attacked while snorkeling in Florida on Monday, Sept. 1 Local media outlet 7 News Miami reported that the child suffered a "significant amount of blood loss," citing emergency dispatch audio Police confirmed the 8-year-old was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami following the incident An 8-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after being attacked by a shark in Florida. On Monday, Sept. 1, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office confirmed in a post on Facebook that the boy had been bitten off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, and had subsequently been airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An 8-year-old male was reportedly snorkeling when he was bitten by shark at approximately 3:24 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, off Key Largo, Florida on the oceanside, the post read in part. "The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were notified of the incident." Monroe Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the child was snorkeling on Horseshoe Reef when the incident occurred, according to the Miami Herald. He was in surgery Monday evening, Ramsay added. According to emergency dispatch audio obtained by 7 News Miami, authorities said the 8-year-old patient was "pale" and had suffered a" significant amount of blood loss." Getty Florida Keys Florida Keys Authorities told the outlet and the Miami Herald that the child was bitten above the knee before a dive vessel nearby stopped to help him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been applied two tourniquets, we also put [inaudible] bandage to control the bleeding, the emergency dispatch said, per 7 News Miami. Were on the process of getting some vital signs. The emergency scanner traffic recorded first responders saying the boys injury is significant, per the Miami Herald. 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. The boy's condition is described as severe, according to 7 News Miami. PEOPLE has contacted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard for further comment. Alamy Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami The news comes after PEOPLE previously reported about an 8-year-old girl who received 13 staples after being bitten by a shark in Texas over Labor Day weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Aug. 30, Harper Ochoa was in shallow waters off of Galveston when something grabbed the back of her leg, according to CBS affiliate KWTX. After screaming and pushing the shark away, her relatives were alerted to the incident. She was then helped out of the water by her family, who noticed a large chunk of flesh missing from her leg. It was just so much blood it was hard to tell what was going on, Harpers mom, Christa Ochoa, told KWTX. Then when they were able to kind of get it to stop bleeding, the doctor was able to confirm that it looked like something from a shark. Despite the incident, the little girl appeared to be unfazed as she requested to return to the beach the next day, according to the outlet. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW 9-year-old Elijah Flores died following an altercation at a Chicago train station Michael Korosa was charged with involuntary manslaughter following the boy's death Korosa allegedly struck Flores' family friend, who had reportedly grabbed money from a person on the train A Chicago man is facing charges in connection with the death of a 9-year-old boy with autism who fell down stairs during an altercation at a train station. Michael Korosa, 52, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, the Chicago Police Department said, after he allegedly injured 9-year-old Elijah Flores on Aug. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elijah was declared brain dead after the incident and later died, according to a GoFundMe started by his family. Fox 32, the Chicago Sun-Times and CBS Chicago reported, citing prosecutors, that Elijah was getting off a CTA train with a 22-year-old man at the Clinton station in the Loop, when the 22-year-old grabbed money out of the hand of a man and exited the train with Elijah. Related: 9-Year-Old Boy with Autism Fell Down Stairs When Fight Broke Out at Chicago Train Station, and Now Hes Brain Dead The man and his friend, Korosa, reportedly began chasing after the 22-year-old, who had picked up Elijah, who couldn't keep up, according to the Sun-Times. GoFundMe Elijah Flores Elijah Flores Prosecutors, according to the outlets, alleged that Korosa struck the 22-year-old in the back of the head with a cane, causing him and Elijah to fall. 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. CBS reported that after falling, the 22-year-old subsequently gave up the money and went back up the stairs and carried Flores onto another train. The outlet reported that another passenger called 911 after the boy stopped moving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Korosa is also charged with the aggravated battery of a transit employee. It is not immediately clear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney. "Elijah is a true hero," wrote a GoFundMe organizer, who started the fundraiser to assist the boy's mother. "Elijah is giving the ultimate gift by donating his heart, lungs, and other organs to those in desperate need. His selflessness will go on to save and change many lives." Read the original article on People ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene man has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for a deadly incident that happened in early 2023. Abilene man found guilty of 2023 murder On January 2, 2023, police responded to a home on North Bowie Drive, where they found a man with severe blunt force trauma injuries. He was taken to the hospital but later died. A woman at the scene was also injured. Investigators quickly identified Mario Valerio as a suspect, arresting him near the scene shortly after the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abilene man indicted for murder after victim killed by blunt force trauma In June 2025, a jury found Valerio guilty of murder. He has now been sentenced to 75 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Iowa monitors mosquito populations and diseases annually. (Photo courtesy of CDC) Since the late 1960s, researchers at Iowa State University documented and studied mosquito species, diseases and population trends in Iowa. Data for 2025 show mosquito populations have remained high this summer. Ryan Smith, an associate professor at ISU and director of the Iowa Mosquito Surveillance, said there are more nuisance mosquitoes, or the type that like to bite an exposed ankle at an evening barbecue, persisting into the beginning of fall because of the heavy rainfall Iowa saw in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith explained that of the approximately 56 types of mosquitoes in Iowa, the majority tend to be the nuisance variety that, while annoying, are not the type of mosquitoes carrying diseases like West Nile virus. These nuisance varieties, he said, are also really influenced by rainfall. Mosquito population trends in 2024 vs 2025. May = weeks 20-22, June = 23-26, July = 27-30, August = 31-35, September = 36-39, and the beginning of October =40. (Graph courtesy of Iowa Mosquito Surveillance) West Nile virus West Nile virus, which is the primary mosquito-borne disease in the country according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is carried by Colex species of mosquitoes. Smith said the lab at ISU has observed there are fewer Colex mosquitoes this year, but the prevalence of West Nile virus in that population is at a really high level. Symptoms of West Nile virus: Most infected individuals do not develop symptoms, but those that do, can develop mild symptoms like a fever, headache, stiffness or vomiting. Neck stiffness, high fever, confusion, muscle weakness or tremors can be a sign of severe illness from the virus, which can affect the central nervous system. Individuals with these symptoms should see a doctor, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S. approximately 1,200 develop severe illness and approximately 120 people die from West Nile virus annually. Already, Iowa has observed one case of West Nile virus this year. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported Aug. 14, the infected individual was in their early 40s and from northern Iowa. Neighboring states, like Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska, already have between 15 and 25 cases each, according to CDC data. According to Iowa HHS, 21 Iowans were diagnosed in 2024 and one death was associated with the virus. Late August and early September is typically when the number of infected individuals peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to remind people to stay vigilant especially outside in the evening, when these Culex mosquitoes are typically the most active, Smith said. Preventive measures can include removing standing water from around a home or backyard, wearing insect repellants that contain DEET or wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors in the evenings. Mosquito data Iowa Mosquito Surveillance sends out traps to various partners, like parks and recreation staff or county public health departments, who are taught how to use the traps and then send them in to the lab, where Smith and his team analyze each trap. Smith said while its hard to compare data from year to year, based on several factors, this year has been an above average year compared to a 20-30 year average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said when there are instances of heavy rainfall, or flooding in areas, it can lead to stagnant water that mosquitoes can can take advantage of to really thrive and amplify their population. Precipitation accumulation in Iowa from April 1, 2025 through Aug. 15, 2025. (Map courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet) The Iowa Mosquito Surveillance does more than provide a baseline of mosquito data for the state. Smith said it also helps inform public health entities that alert the public of potential mosquito-related risks and it can help municipalities decide if theyre going to spray for mosquitoes and how to manage the spray. Several cities across the state spray regularly for mosquitoes, but notably, the City of Des Moines stopped its spraying program this summer to save an estimated $300,000, according to reporting from Axios. The City of Des Moines said the decision was made due to budget constraints. The last spray it completed was at the beginning of May when it sprayed for mosquitoes in the larval stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said while hes sure the decision not to spray leads to higher populations of mosquitoes in an area, there are too many other factors impacting mosquito populations to say definitively the citys decision had an impact on Polk County mosquito populations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) is one of the 14 Best Cheap Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $10. The company declares quarterly cash dividends after achieving its production guidance and reiterating its full-year guidance. VAALCO Declares Dividend After Beating Production Targets and Reaffirming Guidance VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Texas, the companys primary operations are concentrated in Africa, while holding interests in various blocks in countries like Gabon and Angola. The company announced a revenue of $96.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, matching the analyst estimates. Meanwhile, the companys EPS $0.081 surpassed the analyst estimates. Reported on August 7, 2025, the earnings call also highlighted producing 16,956 net revenue interest (NRI) barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), which stands above the high end of guidance. VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) further reiterated full-year guidance. The guidance earlier included a reduction to capital expenditures in Q1 2025 by approximately 10%. The company aims to achieve this target without compromising full-year production or sales guidance. Additionally, the company has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 per share of common stock to be paid to existing shareholders on September 19, 2025. The stock is available to investors at $3.90 per share as of August 28, 2025, with a steady 6.41% dividend yield. While we acknowledge the potential of EGY 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 Energy Dividend Stocks to Invest in and 11 Best Annual Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure. None. Two separate accidents claimed the lives of two people on Aug. 31. On Sunday, at 9:35 a.m., the Portsmouth Dispatch Center of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received a call of a paraglider crash off of US 52, near Earl Thomas Conley Park in West Portsmouth. Witnesses stated the paraglider fell from the sky while flying over a field near the Ohio River. The pilot, Timothy A. Williams, age 35, of Byron, Georgia died from his injuries as a result of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Washington Twp VFD, Portsmouth Ambulance and the Scioto County Sheriffs Department. Later that day, at 1:10 p.m., the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was notified of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 32 at US 23 in Piketon. Paul W. Taylor, age 79, of Canal Winchester, Ohio was southbound on US 23 exiting to State Route 32 driving a 2018 Kia Cadenza. Justin T. Gill, age 34, of Beaver, Ohio was westbound on State Route 32 driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. Paul Taylor failed to yield from a stop sign and was struck by Gill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Taylor and his passenger, Wilma J. Taylor, age 78, were flown to Grant Medical Center. Wilma Taylor later died as a result of her injuries. Gill was treated at the scene. His juvenile passenger was transported to Adena Pike Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seal Twp VFD, Portsmouth Ambulance and the Piketon Police Department. Boston Police detectives are seeking the publics help in identifying suspects accused of stealing $18,000 worth of goods from Sunglass Hut in Faneuil Hall. Police on Tuesday released several photographs of the accused thieves. Surveillance video captured the suspects near a display of sunglasses at the popular store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing larceny investigation began in June. Since then, Sunglass Hut, located at 7 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, has been the target of seven reported shoplifting incidents involving the same unidentified suspects, police said. The suspects have stolen an estimated $18,000 worth of merchandise during these incidents. The thefts have consistently taken place between Tuesday and Friday, from the hours of 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., police said. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects is strongly urged to contact District A-1 Detectives at 617-343-4571. Community members may also provide information anonymously by calling 1-800-494-TIPS (8477); texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463); or online at the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos and videos related to this investigation may also be submitted anonymously. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) An Altoona man was arrested after allegedly stealing a van and then stopping at Sheetz by UPMC hospital. Randall David Bontempo, 33, was charged Monday, Sept. 1, with theft, receiving stolen property and driving under the influence after someone called 911 to report their van was stolen. Altoona police were dispatched to a residence on E. Bell Avenue just before 2 a.m., according to the criminal complaint. The van owner claimed someone had just stolen their white Ford E350. Police noted that another parked vehicle had been rummaged through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to charging documents, police were able to view security camera footage that showed a man, later identified as Bontempo, leaving the area in the van. Police were able to access cameras around the city to track the vans movements. It was allegedly spotted in the area of 7th Street and Chestnut Avenue. According to the complaint, officers arrived at Sheetz on Chestnut Avenue to find the van in a parking spot, running. A witness told police the man who was driving was inside the store at the register. Police alleged that Sheetz security footage showed Bontempo arriving in the van and going into the store. Police noted in the complaint that Bontempo was slurring his words, staggering on his feet and was in an irate state while dealing with each officer. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Bontempo was ultimately arrested and placed in Blair County Prison. MDJ Daniel DeAntonio set his bail at $30,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Ukrainian soldiers from the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment have shown how they destroyed Russian troops on four sectors in Kharkiv Oblast near the settlements of Kupiansk, Dvorichna, Vovchansk and Milove. Source: Yurii Fedorenko, Commander of the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Aerial Systems Regiment Details: The Achilles Regiment destroyed or struck 4,623 Russian targets in August. In particular, the regiments air defence unit shot down 110 more Russian drones than in July, an increase of 70%. These included reconnaissance drones (such as Supercam, Zala, Orlan and Albatros) as well as attack drones (such as Molniya, Lancet and others). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of strikes against other legitimate military targets, including Russian manpower, also increased. Achilles fighters killed 550 Russian soldiers, equivalent to two infantry battalions. This figure is 18% higher than the previous month. For reference: Russian forces have been unable to make significant advances on the Kupiansk front since autumn last year. The Dnipro Operational Strategic Group said that the Russians carried out four assaults near Kupiansk and Petropavlivka. Two combat clashes are still ongoing. Background: On 16 August, for the first time in a long while, Russian forces attempted a mechanised assault on Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, using armoured vehicles from the left bank of the Oskil River. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Tuesday, Utah! Temperatures today will be similar to yesterdays with daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s for most, mid 80s for mountain valleys, and mid 90s to low 100s for hot spots. High pressure has been keeping us calm over the holiday weekend, but as it lifts north well start seeing moisture fill into the south. Northern Utah can expect mostly sunny skies while the south has a mix of sun and clouds. A few showers will be possible in the southwest part of the state, but its only a slight chance for valleys like St. George and Cedar City. By Wednesday the moisture will have deepened in southern Utah, increasing the potential for showers and thunderstorms, but theyll be isolated and brief. Temperatures will begin cooling into the mid 90s for St. George and mid 80s for southern valleys. The north should stay dry and warm with partly cloudy skies and temperatures still in the upper 80s to low 90s. Isolated thunderstorms hold onto the south for Thursday while a few showers creep their way into the central and northern mountains. The Wasatch Front looks to be dry through at least midweek with a mix of sun and clouds, but that pattern also changes by the close of the workweek. Moisture pushes further into the state on Friday, bringing isolated thunderstorms to northern Utah while southern Utah deals with more scattered activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This upcoming weekend looks much more unsettled than last weekend as showers and thunderstorms engulf most of the state and temperatures drop below average. Daytime highs this weekend will be in the mid 80s for most valleys, and upper 80s to low 90s in St. George. Conditions will begin to lighten up by Monday, but moisture will still spell isolated showers for a good portion of the state. Well keep you posted on the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Activists Sumud flotilla continues its voyage toward Gaza but faces setbacks, including rough weather, lost vessels, and slow speeds as the group sails south from Barcelona. The Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla appeared to have travelled around 50 miles from Barcelona on its first night of sailing. It had been delayed by heavy winds and was thus forced to leave for a second time on Monday afternoon. By mid-Tuesday, September 2, the vessels in the group appeared on open-source vessel tracking sites, such as the Vessel Finder, as being 45 nautical miles fromBarcelona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The armada has already faced several problems. Heavy winds with gusts up to 30 knots were too much for some of the vessels. The 20 ships that left apparently included several watercraft that were either unable to brave the winds or were not seaworthy for these open sea conditions. Most of the vessels, however, are more sturdy. Several of them consist of larger ships. For instance, one watercraft seen on a video posted by the Sumud group showed a vessel named Family. This same vessel, as shown on ship tracking sites, is said to be 23 meters long and six meters wide. A second vessel seen on a video rereleased by Sumud activists appeared to show a ship named Alma Explorer Yacht. On vessel tracking sites, a similarly named ship is described as being 33 meters long and eight meters wide at the beam. An email to a website that appears to charter a vessel by the same name was not returned as of press time. Activists including Greta Thunberg, stand on a boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, as seen from the port in Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025 (credit: BRUNA CASAS/REUTERS) The other vessels that appear on open source vessel tracking sites are of varying lengths, from sailboats that are 14 meters long to a converted fishing vessel that is 17 meters long. Sailboats in this class would have no problem with 30-knot gusts. The actual weather has been relatively mild in September. The 'electromagnetic storm' One of those aboard the Sumud flotilla posted online that it had lost radio communications due to an electromagnetic storm. The post said that the storm caused some damaged boats to turn back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the post, there are now only 14 ships in the line of sight of the flotilla pack. The 14 vessels are continuing toward Tunisia, which is some 400 nautical miles away. At their current speed, which is claimed to be around 3.2 knots, it will take them five days to reach Tunisias coastline. However, if they can increase their speed, it should take them only a few days. The question is why larger vessels, which probably use marine diesel engines, cannot make more than a few knots. They appear to be hindered by the slower boats in the group, possibly the sailboats. To conserve fuel, these sailboats will be making speed with the wind, which, if it is light, keeps them at three to five knots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports that the flotilla lost communications seem bizarre. A storm would not knock out marine VHF radios, which should have a range of up to 10 miles. A larger craft will have better communications equipment and range, which should enable it to communicate to a much greater distance using satellite phones or radios. A chart of the current location of the flotilla shows that its lead boat is only 20 miles from the lagging boats. Nevertheless, a post on social media by the Sumud flotilla said on Tuesday that due to extreme weather conditions last night, five of our smaller vessels turned back for safety reasons. We are relieved to confirm that everyone is safe and accounted for. The mission continues. That report added that the initial armada consisted of 24 boats. Now there are only 19 left. It named one of the vessels as Sirius, A World War I-era sailing vessel that is 107 years old and carries 28 passengers, including seven crew members, which is one of the 19 ships continuing toward Gaza in fair weather. The flotilla is expected to be joined by dozens of other vessels from Italy and Tunisia as it continues on its way. Considering the attrition rate of the initial Barcelona group of the armada, the estimate that it may have 70 ships appears exaggerated. It still has around 1,900 miles to go to get to the coast of Israel. The flotilla will have to round Menorca next, which is one of Spains Balearic islands. Forecasts indicate winds of six to 10 knots over the next day. At its current slow speed, the flotilla should be off Menorca by the late evening of Tuesday. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Activists for the working class are working hard this Labor Day to stop what they call a billionaire takeover. Rallies were held across the country today, including in Jackson, as workers united for labor rights. They say its to bring attention to the ultra-wealthy getting richer on the backs of the working class. (WLNS) Demonstrators in Jackson say factors such as the cost of medical care and low wages have contributed to a society where people are worried about how theyll put food on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Cushard, a military veteran, doesnt think the current state of American politics is beneficial for most Americans. Our political climate right now is not in favor of us normal people. I am fearful of what we are going to turn over to my children and my grandchildren, Cushard said. Amador Ybarra, an activist from Jackson, said workers over billionaires is not a political issue. He said no matter your background or beliefs, everyone should have a shot at the American dream. Im here, because I think the importance is bringing the unity back in community, Ybarra said Make sure that we have people protected, and they have accessible, safe jobs that can give them the opportunity to afford to live, to save for retirement, the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (WLNS) Others, like Gayla Ignacio were here to support protection immigrant workers; they say ice has caused a sense of fear in the workplace, something no person should have to go through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People should have the right to go to work and make a living, and be at work without being afraid, Ignacio said. She works with the Jackson County for Immigrants Coalition. Her in-laws are 2nd generation immigrants, and she believes all humans should be able to provide for their family without fearing arrest or deportation. We just all as human beings should have the right to work, and to go to work, to be at work, to earn a living, and to support our families and to have a life and not have to worry that were going to be stopped by the police or ICE, said Ignacio. Activists tell 6 news they believe the ultimate power rests with the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to receive better wages, working conditions, and more they think workers across Mid-Michigan need to come together. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Advocate calls for more mental health resources in wake of deadly light rail stabbing Nearly two weeks ago, police say a man got onto the Charlotte light rail system and stabbed a woman to death, seemingly at random. His family said he is mentally ill and they had attempted to get him help before the attack. Its a story that local advocate Fonda Bryant has heard one too many times. She told Channel 9s Hunter Saenz on Tuesday that there just arent enough mental health resources in the Queen City. She says the lack of mental health resources failed not only the suspect in the case, but also the victim and the community at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant says she wants to break the stigma surrounding mental health, arguing that the death of Iryna Zarutska was preventable if only we had the proper help available. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: [I] wear this with pride, Im a 30-year survivor of suicide, and its preventable, Bryant said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That passion is why she felt empowered to email Channel 9, seeing the aftermath and blame game after police say Zarutska was randomly stabbed to death by Decarlos Brown. He fell through the cracks and there were a lot of different cracks he fell through, Bryant said. Browns mother told Channel 9 that he was homeless and suffered from schizophrenia. Bryant says shes appalled by the allegations against Brown, but argues it could have been prevented. Im not excusing bad behavior, but in this case, that man needed help, so to me, this falls on the mental health system, Bryant told Saenz. Browns mother told us last week that she tried to get him help on multiple occasions. Bryant says that help is often hard to find. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have enough beds, we dont have enough help, and the new mental health facilities have become the jails and the ers who are not equipped to help us, Bryant said. In the Charlotte region, our two biggest healthcare providers have a total of 281 inpatient psych beds available. Many are often filled. As of 2023, there were 894 psych beds among the three North Carolina state psychiatric hospitals. But due to staffing issues at the time, only about 600 were being used. Its one of many issues that Bryant says needs to be fixed. She says the tragedy on the light rail should be a wake-up call. We need to do something. If you want to do all this yapping, action needs to come behind it so these things will not happen again. Because unfortunately, they could, Bryant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant says it is important to break the stigma around mental health disorders and violence. Several studies show that fewer than 5% of people with a mental health condition are deemed violent. Brown is currently in custody, charged with first-degree murder in Zarutskas death. (VIDEO: Man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee on light rail to remain in jail) KANSAS CITY, Mo. An affidavit is revealing new details about the death of a 3-year-old boy in Leavenworth, Kansas. On March 26, E-lah Jahmal (EJ) Brown Jr. was found unresponsive at the Woodland Village apartments on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, according to police. The 3-year-old boy died at the hospital. An autopsy of the boys body later confirmed that he died of acute fentanyl toxicity. Tara Huerta, 40, and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Kenneth Hedgecock, have been charged in connection with the boys death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested, accused of charging deputies with machete in Clay County According to the affidavit, the boy and his mother were at Huertas apartment on the night of March 24. Huerta told police that she and the boys mother were drinking and stayed up until about 5 a.m. When the boys mother left Huertas apartment the morning of March 25, Huerta said the child was sleeping on the couch in her apartment, according to the affidavit. Huerta said she went to bed and was under the impression that the boys mother was going to pick him up. The affidavit says Huerta told police she had been gone for part of the morning, to go to court, on March 25. Police asked if it was possible that her boyfriend had used drugs while she was asleep or gone from the apartment; she said no and told police he does not use drugs like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huerta told police that she had not consumed any drugs while EJ was at her apartment. She said it had been two days since she last used drugs. However, her boyfriend told police during his interview that Huerta had consumed fentanyl after she returned from court on March 25, according to the affidavit. Huertas boyfriend told police that after doing drugs in the upstairs bathroom on the same day, they had flushed everything so EJ wouldnt be able to get ahold of it. At about 9 p.m. on March 25, Huerta said her boyfriend had seen the 3-year-old alert and awake. He gave the child some grapes and said he went to sleep shortly after eating, according to the affidavit. Huerta said the child was sleeping on the couch, next to her and her boyfriends bed on the living room floor. At about midnight, Huerta said she and her boyfriend noticed EJ was breathing differently and appeared to be having a bad dream, the affidavit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huertas boyfriend yelled the boys name, and the child then opened his eyes and looked at him, according to the affidavit. EJ went back to sleep shortly after, Huertas boyfriend told police. At about 4:20 a.m. on March 26, the affidavit says the boyfriend woke up to check on the child; he woke up Huerta and told her something was wrong. The two realized the boy was not breathing and called 911, according to the affidavit. The 3-year-old was taken to Saint John Hospital, court records say, where he was pronounced dead at 5 a.m. that morning. During her interview with police, Huerta was extremely upset and kept referring to EJ as her baby, the affidavit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huerta admitted she uses illegal drugs, including fentanyl and meth; however, she said she did not consume any drugs while EJ was at her place, according to court records. The affidavit says Huerta told police there was nothing in the apartment that the boy could have gotten into; she said if anything had been lying around, she would have put it up. Huertas boyfriend also confirmed there was nothing lying around for EJ to get into, according to the affidavit. However, evidence collected from the scene was sent to the KBI laboratory, and several items tested positive for different narcotics. A baggie with a powdery substance was found on a table in the kitchen; it tested positive for methamphetamine. A small baggie with residue from under the couch also tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as cocaine and fentanyl. A corner tie from the couch cup holder also tested positive for methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the childs death, Huerta and Hedgecock were caring for the boy. Both have been charged with first-degree murder, among other crimes. Hedgecocks next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m. Huerta is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. Both Hedgecock and Huerta are being held in the Leavenworth County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Volkswagen's labour boss on Tuesday increased pressure on CEO Oliver Blume to give up his dual role as the leader of both the Wolfsburg-based carmaker and its Porsche AG unit, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. Blume's twin posts have been in focus among shareholders and workers since Porsche's listing as a separate entity in 2022, with investors repeatedly calling for him to step down from one of the positions over governance concerns. "The chief executive cannot be a part-time boss in Wolfsburg and spend the rest of his time at Porsche. This situation must come to an end," Daniela Cavallo, who heads Volkswagen's works council, said at a staff meeting on Wednesday, according to the memo. Last week, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters that Porsche has begun the search for a successor to Blume. (Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Christina Amann, Editing by Rachel More) By Sayed Hassib KABUL/ MAZAR DARA, Afghanistan (Reuters) -Nasrullah Khan's voice breaks as he describes how with his own hands he buried three children in one grave and two young men in another after an earthquake struck the mountainous southeastern Afghan province of Kunar on Sunday. Nasrullah, an office worker from Kunar City, travelled six hours into Dewagul Valley in Kunar after the quake to help rescue efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The first man I met had lost 18 members of his family," he said. "The injured and the dead were lying on the ground with no aid. In some villages, only two or three people survived in each household. It was the first time in my life I saw so many dead bodies." "Entire households were gone." In valleys lined with mud-brick homes, survivors carried bodies on woven stretchers. Nasrullah said he saw the bodies of children wrapped in patterned blankets and men digging graves with pickaxes. Sunday's magnitude 6 quake killed some 1,400 people and injured 3,124, with more than 5,400 houses destroyed, according to a Taliban spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a second large quake shook the same region, leading to fears of yet more destruction in a country crippled by poverty, war and shrinking aid. Officials said three villages in Kunar were flattened, causing more than 600 deaths. The defence ministry said 40 flights had evacuated 420 victims as rescue teams moved from badly hit villages to more remote hamlets. Gul Bibi, an 80-year-old, was weeping, holding a toddler in her arms, next to a destroyed house in the mountain village of Mazar Dara, one of the places worst hit in Kunar province. "I lost everything," Bibi said, saying her family was buried under the mud and debris of their home. "Just this grandson survived." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations has warned the toll would rise as victims remained trapped under the rubble. In Dara-e-Noor, in the province of Nangarhar, 23-year-old Ziarat Gul said his uncles house collapsed, killing a seven-year-old boy and two girls. "We pulled them out with our hands, but they were already gone." He and his family have been sleeping in open fields since the quake. Nasrullah said he went to three villages and helped bury 41 bodies, but not all could be laid to rest. "We buried people quickly, before aftershocks forced us to run from the gravesites," he said. (Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul; Sayed Hassib in Mazar Dara, Kunar Province; ; Writing by Ariba Shahid, Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel work to move injured people near a military helicopter following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on Sept. 1, 2025. Credit - Wakil KohsarAFP/Getty Images More than 900 people have diedand officials say that toll may riseand around 3,000 were injured in an earthquake that rocked eastern Afghanistan late Sunday evening. The 6.0-magnitude quake struck near the border with Pakistan, 27 km east-northeast of the city of Jalalabad, one of Afghanistans largest cities. With a depth of only 8 km (5 mi) according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was more likely to be destructive due to the shorter travel distance to structures above ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quakes have reportedly damaged roads and cut off networks between towns and cities, and reduced some homes and infrastructures to rubble. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban governments spokesperson, told the media Monday that most of the casualties were in the province of Kunar. Mujahid also posted on X that local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people. Afghanistan, which has been run by the Taliban since the U.S. withdrew in 2021, sits in one of the worlds most seismically active zones, with the Hindu Kush mountain range a hotspot for such earthquakes due to interactions between the India and Eurasia tectonic plates. In 2023, more than 2,000 people died in a 6.3-magnitude quake that struck the western province of Herat, and in 2022, more than 1,000 were killed after a 5.9-magnitude quake hit the eastern part of the country. The latest quake comes at a difficult time for Afghanistan, one of the worlds poorest countries, which has been battered by years of drought and is facing challenges in handling an influx of more than 2.4 million Afghans who have been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan. On top of that, U.S. foreign aid funding cuts under President Donald Trump have severely hit Afghanistans healthcare system and food assistance programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Im Afraid: What U.S. Aid Cuts Mean for the Women of Afghanistan This adds death and destruction to other challenges including drought and the forced return of millions of Afghans from neighbouring countries, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi posted on X Monday. Hopefully the donor community will not hesitate to support relief efforts. The Taliban itself has since appealed for more foreign aid. We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses, Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Afghan health ministry, told Reuters. The Taliban-led Afghan government has previously hampered the ability of humanitarian agencies to provide aid, including but not limited to requests for sensitive data and detention of aid workers. In the wake of the Afghanistan quake, several organizations have begun search, rescue, and relief efforts. As with many natural disasters around the world, experts say the best way to help from afar is to donate funds that can best be used by these groups on the ground. Heres what to know about some of the organizations responding to the quake and links so you can directly support them. Afghan Relief California-based nonprofit Afghan Relief said it has a team on the ground delivering emergency water, food, medical aid, and shelter to those affected by the quake. It appealed to donors, saying, the scale of devastation is overwhelming, and we cannot do it alone. British Red Cross The British Red Cross is calling for donations as trained volunteers from the Afghan Red Crescent Society assist in search-and-rescue missions and in the distribution of basic needs like food and drinking water to those affected. Donations, the British Red Cross said, will help facilitate the delivery of food, water, and medical supplies. Doctors Without Borders International medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it is in touch with Afghan authorities and health organizations to assess the level of support they can provide. Donations to the MSF allow direct healthcare delivery to people in needthrough setting up and running medical services, building facilities, transporting supplies, and training staff. GlobalGiving Donations to the GlobalGiving Afghanistan Earthquake Relief Fund are expected to support emergency response efforts across affected areasincluding search and rescue, medical care, food and water supply, and temporary shelters. In an email to TIME, GlobalGiving said that once initial relief work is complete, the relief fund will transition to support longer-term recovery led by vetted, community-based organizations. International Committee of the Red Cross Global humanitarian organization International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also issued an urgent call for donations for victims of the Afghanistan quake. ICRC is present and delivers urgently needed aid, it said. International Rescue Committee Crisis response group International Rescue Committee (IRC), which operates in more than 40 countries, said that the quake has destroyed entire villages and that earlier heavy rains and flooding complicated access to mountainous areas. Sherine Ibrahim, IRCs Afghanistan director, said the recent quake is likely to dwarf the scale of the humanitarian needs caused by the Herat earthquakes of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within the first 12 hours, at least 2,000 people are reported to have been injured and entire roads and communities have been cut off from accessing nearby towns or hospitals, Ibrahim said. The IRCs emergency response focuses on Nangarhar and Laghman provinces, where their teams are present. Islamic Relief U.K.-based relief and development charity Islamic Relief, which has worked in Afghanistan for more than two decades, said it deployed an emergency health team to provide critical care to survivors. Their team is responding in Kunar province in particular to provide essential health services like mother-and-child healthcare, treatment of injuries, and nutrition support. People have lost everything and desperately need healthcare, food, water, and shelter, Ibrahim Ahmed Alhomadi, Islamic Reliefs head of programmes in Afghanistan, said. The affected areas are remote, rural and mountainous, and landslides and floods make it even harder to reach them. These are poor villages and many of the homes are made from mud or flimsy materials that completely collapsed. Save the Children Children-focused humanitarian group Save the Children said that since the earthquake came without warning in the middle of the night, many young ones have been left homeless and scared. Children and their families were fast asleep in their homeshomes that are not built to withstand this, said Save the Children Afghanistans Samira Sayed Rahman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups response consists of sending health teams to treat children and their families in Kunar and Nangarhar, providing essentials like clean water and giving out materials for temporary shelters, continued child education, and hygiene kits. World Food Programme The World Food Programme, a U.N. agency that provides food assistance particularly to people recovering from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts, said it is rushing food to affected communities in eastern Afghanistan after the quake. Its aid includes high-energy biscuits and mobile storage units to support larger emergency response efforts. The United Nations Humanitarian Service, which the WFP manages, is also ready to operate additional flights to transport passengers and cargo to Jalalabad. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees In its call for donations, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said the refugee situation in Afghanistan has complicated earthquake recovery efforts. Survivors are sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements, the donation page said. Winter is fast approachingand without urgent support, lives are at risk. The organization said that, along with partners on the ground, it was supporting rescue missions and delivering emergency supplies inside the country, such as tents for families and solar lamps to illuminate surroundings at night. Contact us at letters@time.com. UK President Eli Capilouto, left, shakes hands with Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, ahead of an interim committee meeting, Sept. 17, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) We are living in the age of cowards, and it started even before Donald Trump sealed his reelection. September marks one year since I had the misfortune of witnessing University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto and other top university presidents get their heads handed to them in an Interim Joint Committee on Education. Their task over two long hours? To placate, to ensure our GOP supermajority in Frankfort that any whiff of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) had already been stripped from university governance and class syllabi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near the end of the meeting, I checked my phone to see that Ricky L. Jones a professor from the University of Louisville who was also in the audience had posted on his social media, The McCarthyite Committee has now called the Presidents of Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, and Murray State to all testify at once. Theyre being handled like the B-Team. On another note, ONE of the THREE Black legislators just returned to the room. Jones was right. From the sneering arrogance of Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, one of the main interrogators, to the timidity of the university presidents in the spotlight, everything about that meeting felt un-American and disgusting. And it was equally crushing to see many of our elected officials up there on panel, who surely know better, barely push back. Where, I wondered, was their courage? Where were our leaders? The issues of missing courage and absent leadership have grown exponentially worse since President Donald Trump took office, again, in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Washington D.C. to Kentucky, the sycophantic stranglehold this one man has on the leaders we deem most powerful has been shocking to see. It is like watching all of the dominoes loudly fall and wondering who is going to do the work to, one by one, stand them upright again. Where are the officials in Kentucky and all over the country that we elected to Congress to represent OUR interests? By all reports, most of them are in absentia, avoiding constituent town halls back home like vampires in sunlight while cheering on the president from behind the safe space of their social media feeds. As men like Daniel Cameron, Nate Morris and Andy Barr fight harder for the Trump endorsement than they do for the votes of Kentuckians, we should consider whom exactly they intend on serving if awarded a six-year U.S. Senate term the 4.5 million citizens they represent or the tyrant in the Oval Office who can, with a tweet, destroy their careers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do our representatives work for us or for the president? We get the answer to that question every day. Congress was sent home early for their summer break to avoid dealing with potential shockwaves in the Epstein files. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suspended staff who dared to criticize the president over what they deemed dangerous cuts. The president fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics hours after a weaker-than-expected jobs report because the numbers did not adhere to the fantasy hes peddling to Americans that jobs are on the rise because of his immigration crackdown. He has shaken down some of this nations most lauded universities claiming, without proof, that they have been infested with radicalism. The president now claims, in opposition to statistics, there is a violent crime emergency in our nations capital to justify deployment and federalization of National Guard troops from a number of red states to Washington D.C. and has threatened to do the same in other Democratic-led cities, even at the refusal of those states governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time I was in Washington D.C., I met up with friends from the U.S. Army War College who worked at the Pentagon. We took a nighttime boat ride on the Potomac so they could show me the monuments lit up from the water; we grabbed beers at a pub in Georgetown; we peeked inside the office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs who was, that minute, arriving outside via black SUV motorcade so we had to be quick. I would not make that trip to Washington D.C. today. In a lifetime of U.S. and international travel, Ive learned that a basic rule of thumb is that it is unsafe to be in any city occupied by armed military. The president, in his unhinged marketing blitz to make himself look like a strongman, has made local law enforcement look like ninnies and effectively warned tourists (and the money they spend) to stay away. And yet, he remains unchallenged by anyone who could stop him. Sen. Robby Mills chimed in on X to support Trumps stand against mail-in voting. In a testament to todays rampant toadyism, even Republicans in leadership at the Kentucky legislature are quick to tout any Trump talking point in order to grab his gaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Robby Mills former candidate for lieutenant governor and current Senate majority caucus chair recently posted a Trump video about mail-in ballots and wrote, in part, I stand with President Trumpits time to end mail-in voting! I am not referring to absentee voting, which KY has and is controled [sic] and secured through an electronic portal. I am referring to the states that mail every registered voter a ballot and allows for ballot harvesting. This must end! Kentucky does not have mail-in voting. I am unaware of any plans by our secretary of state to introduce mail-in voting. So why is Mills so publicly het up (This must end!) about something that is not happening here and falls completely outside the purview of his office? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Mills knows what all those in power know: Publicly fawning and praising and sucking up to the current occupant of the Oval Office every chance they get (see how Cameron, Morris and Barr are behaving in their Senate runs) will either keep them in power or get them there. The story of Kentuckys university presidents being hauled to Frankfort for a humiliating spanking last September was an advance-notice reality check. That meeting did feel McCarthyite, and yet we all treated it as normal. It was one of many signs to come that whether it be a university president making big money or a lawmaker in state or federal government we are witnessing abject cowardice in our leaders on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. It is like watching all of the dominoes loudly fall and wondering who is going to do the work to, one by one, stand them upright again. Everyone keeps asking: Where are the Democrats? What are the Democrats doing? What is their plan, their platform, their social media game plan, etc? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are wasting time, and we are asking all the wrong questions. In this age of categorical, across the board, capitulation and cowardice as a 78 year-old man, wearing a red hat in the Oval Office, denigrates the free press while exercising his stranglehold on everyone from billionaires to business executives to lawmakers to military leaders to university presidents we are a population desperate for those with real courage, real convictions and real voices to reveal themselves. No matter their political party. How much longer will we have to wait? How much of who we are as Americans will be irreparably destroyed before we rebuild? Where in the hell are our leaders? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Members of Washington Public Employees Association did not receive a pay hike in July as other state workers did because their contract did not get funded in the budget. They are now voting on new agreements that would get them pay hikes. (Photo by Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard) Thousands of state government and community college employees in Washington are considering a new pact that would secure raises they lost out on in July when state lawmakers did not fund their contract. Nearly 5,300 members of the Washington Public Employees Association didnt get a 3% pay hike other state workers received July 1 because they failed to approve their two-year deal in time for lawmakers to account for it in the state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, association members are voting on a revised accord that, if ratified and funded by the Legislature next year, would boost their salaries 3% retroactively and provide a years worth of back pay. The ratification vote began Aug. 22 and will end Sept. 14. Union officials said they would wait to see the results before commenting. By law, public sector unions in Washington must approve a new contract by Oct. 1 to be considered by a governor for funding in the ensuing two-year budget. The 2025-27 budget funded multiple contracts that provide pay hikes of 3% on July 1 and 2% next July. These agreements contain other salary-related changes including raising the starting wage for state workers to $18 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Washington Public Employee Association members overwhelmingly voted down a tentative agreement with the pay hikes last fall. Association negotiators derided the proposal as a pay cut, saying it would not allow worker salaries to keep pace with rising costs. They also warned then that rejecting the accord would put them in uncharted territory. Those affected work at 14 community colleges and in nine state agencies. Among them are the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Revenue, the Liquor and Cannabis Board and Department of Agriculture. Negotiators for the association and the Office of Financial Management did resume talks last winter and eventually reached a tentative agreement in March containing virtually the same economic terms as those turned down. Union members ratified it April 3, just three weeks before the legislative session ended. Since session ended, the union bargaining team was engaged in one of the most difficult negotiation periods in the associations history before reaching the tentative agreement now getting voted on, according to a post on the association website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we didnt win everything we fought for, significant gains were made and harmful proposals were defeated, officials wrote online. State government and community college employees are voting on separate agreements. Both would take effect July 1, 2026, and cover the second year of the biennium. Each offers a path for workers to get the 3% doled out this year plus a 2% wage hike next year. The primary difference concerns who is eligible to receive back pay. Under their deal, those working in state government would receive the 3% pay bump awarded in July plus retroactive compensation even if they are no longer working for the state on July 1, 2026. According to the union, the state wanted to limit back pay to only those employees on the payroll as of July 1, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not every community college employee is assured back pay under their tentative deal. Those employed on July 1, 2026, would receive the 3% bump and retroactive pay. Anyone who is laid off, loses their job due to a disability or retires would also be eligible. But those who leave on their own before the start of the contract would not. The bargaining team hoped to secure retroactive funding for everyone, officials wrote on the union website, but we ultimately reached a point where the state was unwilling to move. By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday that aggression will inevitably fail, pointing - on the day before a mass military parade in Beijing - to the lessons from World War Two and key victories Taiwan claims against Chinese forces in 1958. Democratically governed Taiwan has over the past five years repeatedly complained about heightened Chinese military activity including war games around the island as Beijing steps up pressure to enforce territorial claims the government in Taipei rejects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will oversee a large-scale military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Speaking to officers at the defence ministry, Lai noted that Tuesday marked the 67th anniversary of a 1958 naval battle Taiwan celebrates as a victory that was part of the August 23 Chinese attack on the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, better known internationally as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. Taiwan's victories then show that true peace stems from a resolve to unite against aggression, he added. "We all know that the current security environment is more severe than ever before. In recent years, the Chinese communists have persistently conducted high-intensity activities with military aircraft and vessels around the Taiwan Strait," Lai said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From the victory in World War Two to the glorious achievements of the September 2nd naval battle and the August 23rd artillery exchange, the most valuable lesson remains: unity ensures victory, while aggression inevitably fails." China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lai's remarks. China considers Lai a "separatist" and has rebuffed multiple offers of talks. China and Taiwan have both been engaged in an increasingly tense exchange of accusations about the World War Two anniversary and its broader historical meaning. Taiwan has told its people not to attend Beijing's parade, to China's anger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most high profile person from Taiwan attending is Hung Hsiu-chu, a former chairwoman of Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT). The KMT and the Republic of China government it ran fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. The two had an uneasy alliance against Japan in World War Two and the Japanese invasion of China that preceded that, though much of the fighting was done by republican forces, historians generally agree. Republic of China remains Taiwan's formal name. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Ginas view Journalists have a lot of questions about AI: Can it automate the tasks I hate? What are the ethics of using it in reporting and writing? Will I ever be able to trust chatbots? Are Big Tech companies stealing our intellectual property? Am I about to be fired? All those are good and important questions certainly to us. But the bigger question, one that doesnt get as much ink, isnt about what happens to those of us who create the content. Its about how AI will change the needs and habits of the people we serve our readers, viewers, listeners and about how the news industry can adapt to those changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not a sometime-in-the-future issue. Search traffic is already down, as users increasingly depend on AI-generated summaries in Google and other search engines to get the information they need rather than plow through links and multiple stories on the same event. But thats just a tiny taste of whats coming. Generative AI promises to revolutionize how people interact with information how theyll come to it, what theyll expect from it, and what theyd do with it. In the process, itll upend what we think of as a story not just the words we put on paper but the idea of what might be worthy of coverage. Itll force us to rethink what we create and who we create it for. The questions are multiple: If readers increasingly come to expect that stories will be created on the fly for them, and personalized to what AI knows of their level of knowledge and interest, what happens to the carefully crafted narratives that journalists pour hours (and days and weeks, sometimes) into writing? Will our value be increasingly measured in the questions we ask, the facts we gather, the insights we have, and the relationships we have with our audience, rather than in our words? If were increasingly creating content facts, analysis, context that machines will ingest and rewrite, what forms should our output take? Will we have to learn a new type of LLM-centric search engine optimization? What new technical standards will come to dominate this world, and how might they help or hurt the mission of informing the public? What markets might open up if news no longer has to be a one-size-fits-all story that tries to reach as much of our target audience as possible, and can instead be machine-tailored to niche groups? Could we create tools that can help readers read between the lines, as it were, to understand what parts of articles are facts, what parts are analysis, and what parts are the reporters assumptions? Or help them compare how multiple news organizations cover the same event? (Its not hard to build them.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just text. Some news organizations are already using machine-generated illustrations to accompany stories. Others have experimented more controversially with using AI to synthesize news anchor reports. And in 2022, Semafor worked with an artist to illustrate and animate an interview using AI tools to create a haunting video interpretation of life in Ukraine under Russian occupation. And thats not counting all the myriad ways it can ease the work we currently do, from helping edit and proofread stories, to scanning our drafts and looking for related stories on the web, to suggesting and building charts to go with them. All of which were already using AI for at Semafor. None of this is to suggest the coming changes are an unmitigated good, or even a mitigated good. As news gets personalized, the danger is that we each fall into filter bubbles of one; carefully curated versions of reality that play to our biases and never challenge our worldview. The challenge will be to find ways to create shared realities while acknowledging multiple perspectives and interests something news organizations havent exactly excelled at. And then, of course, theres the question of how or if the people creating all this information can make a living from doing so. If were not being paid in traffic and ad impressions, or if news comes to mean an aggregation of information from a host of different news sources, what business model will support that work? Will it come from what we know or who trusts us rather than what we write? Perhaps, as Ben Thompson at Stratechery suggests, the value wont be in the content we create but in the communities around that information that we foster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of questions, and not many answers. But if the AI revolution is anything like the internet and social media revolutions and the evidence so far is that this will be much more disruptive than those two we dont have a lot of time to figure this out. Room for Disagreement Some see good news in this picture. Theres more appetite than ever for trusted individual voices across different mediums, but particularly video. And the core act of reporting gathering information that isnt yet available in digital form is relatively impossible to duplicate with AI, for now. Meanwhile, live events, whether in person or online, may take on more importance as a way for audiences to connect with newsmakers and understand key issues. (Not coincidentally, by the way, these are key planks of Semafors strategy.) The View From the copy desk This story was read and reviewed by a human editor, which Semafor also still employs. (The editor did have help from a bot.) Notable (Reuters) -Afghanistan's Taliban government has appealed for help from the world after more than 1,100 people were killed in one of the deadliest earthquakes to hit the impoverished nation in recent years, saying it needs urgent aid. But relief has been hard to come by to a country largely ignored by the world since the 2021 Taliban takeover. Here is a list of aid provided and promised in the wake of the disaster: UNICEF Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNICEF said it was sending medicines, warm clothing, tents and tarpaulins for shelter, and soap, detergent, towels, sanitary pads, and water buckets. BRITAIN Britain set out emergency funding support of 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) saying it would ensure that the aid does not go to the Taliban by channelling it through its partners. Britain's assistance will be split between the United Nations Population Fund and the International Red Cross to deliver critical healthcare and emergency supplies. INDIA India said it had delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and was moving 15 tonnes of food material to Kunar, with more relief material to be sent starting on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India stood in solidarity with Afghanistan and is ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. UAE The United Arab Emirates has dispatched a special rescue team along with an emergency humanitarian aid package to assist the affected, Afghanistan's state-run Bakhter News agency said. EU The EU said that its humanitarian partners are already on the ground, working to provide essential assistance to the communities in need, Bakhter News said. THE UNITED STATES The U.S. State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs posted its condolences on X on Monday for the loss of life in the earthquake but did not immediately respond when asked if Washington would provide assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHINA A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said that Beijing was ready to provide disaster relief assistance "according to Afghanistan's needs and within its capacity". PAKISTAN Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences to the families of the dead, and said Pakistan stood ready to extend "all possible support". JAPAN "Japan expresses solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. We will continue our efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the country," the country's top government spokesperson said. IRAN Iran said it is fully prepared to provide emergency assistance, including medical treatment and other forms of support that will be dispatched swiftly, Bakhter News said. (Compiled by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by YP Rajesh and Kim Coghill) An air-raid warning has been issued in the city of Kyiv on the morning of 2 September due to the threat of Russian attack drones. Source: Kyiv City Military Administration; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko Details: Klitschko reported that air defence is responding to Russian drones on the left bank of the capital. Kyiv City Military Administration urged residents to take the nearest shelters and stay there until the all-clear is given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the night of 1-2 September, Russian forces conducted a drone strike on the Bila Tserkva hromada in Kyiv Oblast. One person was killed, several injured and a fire broke out as a result of the attack. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Russian forces also hit the city of Sumy, damaging civilian infrastructure, causing a large-scale fire and injuring several people, including a child. Starting from the evening of 1 September, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 150 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of various types. Ukrainian air defence managed to destroy 120 drones, while the remaining 30 hit their targets. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Those security checks at the airport may be an annoying nuisance to you, but they do result in discoveries sometimes, as was the case in Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel, where 140 reptiles and arthropods were found. According to the Jerusalem Post, "Custom inspectors discovered the animals, including iguanas, pythons, tegus, and scorpions, in poor condition after enduring freezing temperatures and a lack of food, with one of the snakes dying during the trip." What's happening? The inspectors found all of the reptiles and arthropods in one suitcase that a 25-year-old Jerusalem resident was carrying from Thailand. The Nature and Parks Authority, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, and the Tax Authority released a joint statement that he was being investigated at the scene. A criminal investigation has also been opened "related to trafficking, unauthorized transfer, illegal importation, and harm to protected wildlife and natural resources," per the Jerusalem Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security veterinarian who manages veterinary services for imports and exports, Dr. Shlomo Grazi, said, "The phenomenon of animal smuggling is especially cruel and causes great suffering to the animals, which are crammed into a suitcase without basic living conditions." The surviving reptiles and arthropods have been moved into quarantine and are getting treatment. Why is animal smuggling concerning? According to the head of the captive wildlife department at the Nature and Parks Authority, Ori Laniel, the animals the suspect brought into the country are not native to Israel. They also didn't have medical checks or permits allocated before traveling, and they have the potential to carry parasites, spread diseases, or become invasive species. While not all non-native species are invasive species, the ones that are can be detrimental to societies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Laniel mentioned, they have the potential to carry and spread diseases. For example, in 2023, some areas in Broward County, Florida, were placed under quarantine due to the Giant African land snail, which carries the parasite rat lungworm. This parasite is extremely dangerous as it causes the brain and spinal cord to swell. These snails also consume over 500 plants and can destroy crops. Not only that, they can eat through stucco and plastic, and their shell can puncture a tire if you run over one. Invasive species can also take a heavy toll on the economy. The U.S. spends about $20 billion annually to manage the damage caused by them. What's being done about animal smuggling? Customs agents like the ones in Israel are working across the globe to apprehend traffickers. The Earth League International (ELI) is also working to protect wildlife and combat the issue. It's a fact-finding organization that works in a similar way to organizations that investigate organized crime. It's a new concept, but ELI has collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also help support these vulnerable species by donating to climate causes that are working to protect 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. Remember that old tale of Goldilocks and the three bears? She wanders into the cozy abode of three bears, helping herself to a little of everything they have, sampling bowls of porridge, chairs, and beds too hot, too cold, too hard, too soft until she finds the one thats just right. Read More: Heres How To Build an Emergency Fund Without Blowing Your Budget Find Out: 3 Advanced Investing Moves Experts Use To Minimize Taxes and Help Boost Returns What does this story have to do with personal finance? Well, when it comes to your emergency fund, youll want to make like Goldilocks: You dont want your savings to be too smallleaving you vulnerable in a crisis. But you also dont want it to be so big that your money just sits there, missing out on potential growth. Finding that perfect balance of funds can be tricky after all, its not like you can predict the price tag of a crisis in advance. Emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable. Andrew Latham, CFP and managing editor at SuperMoney, wants you to know that there is a framework for figuring out if your emergency fund is too big or too small. And more importantly, theres a way to get it just right. When Theres No One-Size-Fits-All, Focus on a Baseline Latham acknowledges that theres no one-size-fits-all dollar amount everyone should aim for in their emergency fund it depends entirely on your situation. It depends on your monthly expenses, income stability, and how long you might need to stay afloat without new income, he said. A good rule of thumb is to save three to six months of essential living costs. If youre self-employed or have a volatile income, aim closer to six to 12 months. To determine that number, list your core monthly expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, insurance, transportation (including car payments or transit fares), and minimum payments on debt. That total is your bare-bones, no-frills monthly survival number. Multiply it by timeframes that reflect your personal risk: Three months: The bare minimum for most people who have steady jobs and no dependents. Six months: Ideal for those who are self-employed, work in a volatile industry, or have dependents. Nine to 12 months: Best if youre the sole breadwinner or face ongoing medical or financial uncertainty. Read Next: 3 Best Ways To Prioritize Your Savings Goals Where You Keep Your Money Matters Once you know how much you need to save, youll want to decide where to put it. That just right choice can make a real difference in whether your money works for you, or sits idle. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Alabama leaders have responded to the announcement that Space Commands headquarters is headed to the Rocket City. Governor Kay Ivey said the move has been a long time coming. She said the Rocket City is truly Space Central. You can read her full statement below. Soon after President Trump directed the Department of Defense in 2018 to begin planning for this new military branch, Space Force, we began making our own preparations in Alabama for the city of Huntsville to compete to be home for Headquarters. As I have said all along, there is no better place to locate Space Command Headquarters than in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, the facts prevailed, and it is official: Space Command Headquarters is coming to Sweet Home Alabama. The Redstone Arsenal region was ready to welcome Space Command Headquarters when I made the official pitch to the Defense secretary in June 2019, and it remains ready today to not only welcome Headquarters, but to welcome all of the military personnel and their families. I commend Redstone and city of Huntsville leaders for their diligence in maintaining a mission-ready stance. I also applaud our entire Congressional delegation Republicans and Democrats especially Congressman Mike Rogers as chairman of the House Armed Service Committee. As our history shows, Alabama always stands ready to support the defense of our great nation, and Huntsville continues proving the Rocket City is truly Space Central. Gov. Kay Ivey Several state leaders were inside the meeting with President Donald Trump when he made the announcement. Space Command Established in Its Rightful Place: Sweet Home Alabama, Congressman Robert Aderholt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read his full statement below. I applaud President Trumps decision to locate U.S. Space Command in Huntsville. The Air Force originally selected Huntsville in 2021 based 100% on merit as the best choice. President Biden reversed that decision based on politics. This wrong has been righted and Space Command will take its place among Huntsvilles world-renowned space, aeronautics, and defense leaders. Congressman Robert Aderholt Its Time to Move Dirt, Representative Dale Strong said. He also mentioned how he joins the entire state in welcoming Space Command and that this move is not a political decision. You can read his full statement below. I join all of Alabama in welcoming Space Command to our great state. Ive said all along that basing the Headquarters in Huntsville is not a political decision; its a national security one. North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space. Its been rewarding to play a role in every step of this process and to ensure that Space Commands Headquarters rightfully resides in the most capable and best-equipped community which has been proven time and again to be Redstone Arsenal. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to doing what is best for the security and future of our nation, and I remain grateful for the unified support of the entire Alabama delegation along the way. I am excited for all that is to come, and now its time to move dirt. Representative Dale Strong Senator Tommy Tuberville said this HQ move brings the Command to its rightful home. You can read his full statement below. President Trump is doing the right thing by moving SPACECOM back to its rightful home in Sweet Home Alabama. This was never supposed to be about politics. After a thorough selection process involving 66 possible locations, Huntsville was chosen fair and square. But unfortunately, the Biden Administration chose politics over national security. Thankfully, President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Meink are restoring merit and integrity to the process and saving taxpayers nearly a half a billion dollars. We couldnt be more excited to immediately welcome SPACECOM to the Rocket City. Senator Tommy Tuberville U.S. Senator Katie Britt said she applauded the restoration of the U.S. Air Forces merit-based decision to permanently base U.S. Space Command Headquarters on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. You can read her full statement below. As I have long stated, locating the permanent Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal is in the best national security interest of the United States. In 2021, the Air Force made a decision to choose Redstone as the preferred basing location purely on merits, as Huntsville finished first in both the Air Forces Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase. To the detriment of U.S. national security, President Biden chose to undermine the integrity of the process and put politics ahead of merit by yanking this military decision out of the Air Forces hands. Im deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to keep politics out of this basing decision and allow the Air Force to proceed with doing its job. Alabamas world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future. Im proud that Alabamas congressional delegation working tirelessly together on a bipartisan basis has won this fight on behalf of our great state and Americas national security interests. Senator Katie Britt Leiutenant General Chris Mohan, Army Materiel Command deputy commanding general and acting commander, said that Redstone Arsenal is known as a thriving center of excellance which already houses several major governmental agencies. You can view the full statement below. Redstone Arsenal is a thriving Federal Center of Excellence, where the Army, FBI, NASA, and other agencies come together to drive innovation and advance our nations interests. We are proud of the work being done here and are ready to welcome Space Command, which fits perfectly within our four core competencies space, logistics, research and intelligence operations. Leiutenant General Chris Mohan Bethany Shockney, President & CEO, Limestone County Economic Development Association, also chimed in on the announcement. Shockney said the announcement is represents a transformative movement for the Tennessee Valley. Thousands of jobs are expected to come from this move. You can read the full statement made from Shockney below. Todays announcement that U.S. Space Command will relocate to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal represents a transformative moment for our entire Tennessee Valley region, including Limestone County. This decision validates what weve long known that North Alabama offers unparalleled advantages for aerospace and defense operations. The arrival of Space Command, which is set to bring thousands of new direct and indirect jobs to the Tennessee Valley, will have a tremendous economic ripple effect throughout our metro area. As the fastest-growing county in Alabama, Limestone County is perfectly positioned to support this expansion, offering quality workforce development, excellent infrastructure, and the community support these service members and their families deserve. Our region has successfully executed similar major relocations before, and that experience will serve us well as we welcome Space Command to the Tennessee Valley. This decision not only strengthens our national security capabilities but also reinforces North Alabamas position as the premier destination for aerospace innovation and defense excellence. We look forward to supporting this critical mission and the economic growth it will bring to our entire region. Bethany Shockney President & CEO, Limestone County Economic Development Association Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle also provided a statement to News 19 about the announcement. He said this is a strategic move to strengthen national security and Americas future in space. You can read the full statement below. This decision is not about whats best for Huntsville its about being mission-focused. The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense. Tommy Battle Huntsville Mayor Additionally, the City of Huntsville said, This synergy of expertise and resources makes Redstone a vital asset to U.S. security and technological leadership. Approximately 60 acres of land near the center of the Arsenal have been identified for the new headquarters facility. The Alabama GOP said this announcement of the HQ moving to Redstone Arsenal is correcting a politically motivated decision by the Biden administration. You can read the full statement from the ALGOP below. Todays announcement on the relocation of Space Command is a tremendous victory for the State of Alabama as well as for the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our nation safe. The Republican Party and our elected officials have been strong advocates for returning this critical piece of national security back to Huntsville where it belongs. The Air Force and Inspector General identified Redstone Arsenal as the most cost-effective and strategically best location. Today, a wrong was corrected. We are proud of President Trumps leadership and his recognition that Huntsville is the right place for the U.S. Space Command. ALGOP Chairman Wahl Redstone Garrison Public Affairs released photos of the proposed site for Space Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to read more about the background of Space Command and why it is being moved to Redstone Arsenal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Alabama residents traveled to Georgia on Labor Day in hopes to win the Powerball jackpot, which is now over $1 billion. You have to buy a lottery ticket to win it, and eventually someones got to win it, I would think, Alabama resident Carla Schaaphok said. Mi Pueblo Supermarket could have its business license revoked by city of Pelham Mondays Powerball drawing is the fifth-largest jackpot in Powerball history. The last Powerball jackpot winner was in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaaphok and her family were already traveling back home to Alabama after their Labor Day weekend getaway. But they had to make what could be a life-changing gas station pit stop. Im optimistic. Fingers crossed, Schaaphok said. Schaaphok is like the maybe hundreds of Alabamians who went to Robinson and Son to buy a lottery ticket. The gas station is about five miles into Georgia after I-20 crosses into the state from Alabama. The parking lot was packed with cars Monday, primarily with Alabama license plates. After driving hours, they had to spend more time waiting to buy what they hope will be the winning Powerball ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im trying to win for me and my family, Alabama resident Kevin Wilson said. Ive been playing the lottery for years so its Alabamas loss to be honest. Protester charged with filling shopping cart full of rags and paint thinner, setting it on fire and pushing it into Homewood Walmart A standard Powerball ticket costs $2, but some people are spending hundreds of dollars hoping to become a billionaire before midnight. Im probably going to drive another 30 minutes deeper into Georgia and buy another $100 in tickets, Alabama resident John Hollins said. Hollins travels to Georgia on a regular basis. Depending on the lotto size, hell make the drive from Birmingham to Tallapoosa, Georgia, at least twice a month, which hes been doing for the last 40 years. That money could be going to Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama, they want money, Hollins said. But they chose not to have the Powerball, the lottery. I think its foolish on their part. I think its silly, Schaaphok said. Im hoping the government in Alabama will eventually say, Lets at least have these people keep the money in our state. In states like Georgia and Tennessee, lottery revenue funds education. We could sure use that in Alabama and with the roads, but Alabama is against it, Alabama resident Kenneth Knock said. If it could help Chicago and Georgia, why could it not help Alabama? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. An Alaska man is petitioning the Supreme Court to consider whether the government's seizure of his $95,000 plane for transporting an illicit six-pack of beer is an excessive fine under the Eighth Amendment. The Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm, filed a petition for writ of certiorari today on behalf of Ken Jouppi, an 82-year-old Alaskan bush pilot, asking the Supreme Court to rule on whether states should consider the gravity of a defendant's specific offense, rather than an abstract view of the general crime. Jouppi was convicted of a misdemeanor in 2012 when state troopers searched his plane before takeoff and discovered that a passenger was attempting to bring several cases of beer to a "dry" village where alcohol is prohibited. (Jouppi was only culpable for a single six-pack of Budweiser that troopers said was in plain sight.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the state wasn't through with Jouppi. For the past 13 years, prosecutors have sought to seize his Cessna U206D through asset forfeiture, a process which allows police and prosecutors to seize property connected to criminal activity. The Institute for Justice says the case of Jouppi's Cessna is a perfect example of why the Eighth Amendment exists. "The Excessive Fines Clause of the constitution was built for cases like this," Sam Gedge, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, said in a press release. "As government agencies increasingly exploit fines and forfeitures to pad their budgets, it's vital that the Supreme Court make clear that the Excessive Fines Clause is a meaningful check on government overreach." And it's a chance for the Institute for Justice to build on its previous Supreme Court victory regarding excessive fines and fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled in response to an Institute for Justice lawsuit that the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on excessive fines and fees applies to states under the incorporation doctrine. In the underlying case, Indiana police had seized a Land Rover from a man named Tyson Timbs for a minor drug crime. But while the Supreme Court ruled that states are bound by the Eighth Amendment, the justices left it up to state courts to determine what constitutes an excessive fine. Many states adopted proportionality tests that involve some analysis of personal culpability. In 2021, for example, the Indiana Supreme Court rejected prosecutors' arguments that there should be no proportionality limit on seizures in drug cases like Timbs', and it ordered Timbs' car to be returned to him after eight years in legal limbo. However, other courts, such as the Alaska Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, have focused instead on the maximum penalties for worst-case offenders and more abstract social ills that the criminal statutes in question sought to address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under that rubric, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled this April that the forfeiture of Jouppi's plane was not excessive. "Alcohol abuse in rural Alaska leads to increased crime; disorders, such as alcoholism; conditions, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; and death, imposing substantial costs on public health and the administration of justice. Within this context, it is clear that the illegal importation of even a six-pack of beer causes grave societal harm," the ruling states. "This factor strongly suggests that the forfeiture is not grossly disproportional." The Institute for Justice argues in its petition that this interpretation flies in the face of the historical understanding of the Excessive Fines Clause, and that the question of proportionality "implicates the Constitution's most textually explicit check on extravagant economic sanctionsincluding both civil and criminal forfeitures." "This case isn't just about me or my airplane anymore," Jouppi said in an Institute for Justice press release. "I'm in my 80s now, and I've been fighting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach." The post An Alaska Man's $95,000 Plane Was Seized Over a 6-Pack of Beer. Now He's Taking His Case to the Supreme Court. appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trump was over the moon meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying of him, Hes a smart guy and We get along. Theres a good respect level on both sides. I would agree that Putin is a very smart man, who knows what he wants and will do anything to get it, including heaping praise on Trump, (which he laps up), telling him the 2020 election was rigged, (which it wasnt) and suggesting that mail-in ballots will corrupt an election (which it wouldnt). All this coming from a dictator whose people have no choice in their elections. Enter President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House with no red carpet, no limo ride, no pat on the hand, and no level of respect from Trump. Only the message that Ukraine must be willing to give up land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alaska summit was merely a publicity stunt because nothing has changed, except that on the world stage we all saw that Putin can indeed play Trump like a fiddle. Susan Schmitt, Wauwatosa Letters: Trump backs off tough guy act when it comes to China, Russia Letters: We know soft parenting leads to problematic youth. Milwaukee is ignoring that. Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump gets played by Putin, disrespects Zelenskyy | Letters ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) An Albuquerque man with a criminal history dating back a decade is in trouble again. This time, hes accused of killing two dogs after an argument. It was an argument that took a turn for the worse and led to 31-year-old Justin Leverette being taken into custody. On August 25, police said Leverette was in his car, arguing with his girlfriends two brothers over how he treats her. Thats when police said one of the mens dogs, named Cinderella, approached Leverettes car. APD said Leverette grabbed the dog by the neck and shot it. He then took off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While driving away, police said Leverette then ran over his own dog. Witnesses said he stopped a few houses down and shot at them eight times. No people were injured, but the two dogs died from their injuries. Albuquerque woman facing 200+ animal abuse charges deemed incompetent for trial Now, Leverette is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, extreme animal cruelty, felon in possession of a firearm, and shooting from a vehicle. And this isnt his first time in trouble with the law. Leverette was convicted in 2021 for shooting at someone from his car at the Siegel Select Extended Living off University Blvd. near Menaul. He spent five years in prison and two years on parole, which he violated last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past ten years, Leverette has been accused of multiple violent offenses, ranging from aggravated assault to aggravated battery and shooting-related charges. The state is asking a judge to keep Leverette behind bars until trial, citing his violent criminal history. Theres a detention hearing on Tuesday on that motion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Related video: Court filing claims Amber Watermans rights were violated during murder investigation from May 2025 BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Amber Waterman, a Missouri woman accused of kidnapping and killing a Benton County woman and her unborn child, has been found mentally fit to stand trial, according to court documents. Waterman, 45, of Pineville, Mo., is charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Ashley Bush and her unborn child, Valkyrie Grace Willis. Amber Waterman, 45 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center) Prosecutors previously told KNWA/FOX24 that they are seeking the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a mental status hearing on Sept. 2, Waterman was found mentally fit to stand trial. Her trial date was set for April 7, 2026. Court records show Waterman was scheduled to undergo a forensic evaluation on July 9. Watermans attorney, Jeff Rosenzweig, filed a motion on April 30, calling for a mental evaluation to determine whether she is fit to stand trial. Rosenzweigs motion said Waterman has a growth on her brain that causes her to have various symptoms, including seizures. It also says Waterman will undergo an MRI, CT scan and/or an X-ray. The judge granted the motion on May 23, and court proceedings were suspended pending the outcome of the mental evaluation. This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The ceasefire celebrations in Gaza last January were so exhilarating that Palestinian Al-Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif could barely be heard on air over the shouts of his countrymen. Now I can finally remove this helmet, which has exhausted me throughout this period, and this vest, which has become part of my body, he said as he shed the protective equipment he had been wearing almost constantly for 15 months. Al-Sharif was then lifted upon the shoulders of the jubilant crowd. The ceasefire had produced something rarely felt in the region in the aftermath of Hamass October 7, 2023, attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis: hope. Although the tentative agreement emerged from a rare bit of bipartisan collaborationa team of advisers appointed by Americas outgoing president, Joe Biden, worked together with an envoy from its incoming one, Donald Trump, to secure itits announcement was auspicious, coming on January 15, 2025, five days before the inauguration. Under Biden, there had been more than a year of bloodshed and suffering. Now, Trumps disruptive approach to politics, both domestic and international, had come to Palestine, and it seemingly had helped halt the war. More than six months later, Al-Sharif was killed alongside his colleagues in a targeted Israeli airstrike on August 10. And the situation in Gaza is arguably worse today than it has been at any point since October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two-month ceasefire did not move the needle on a poisonous status quo that has enabled Israels most destructive tendencies. Famine is now widespreadas of mid-August, around 250 people had died of starvation, many of them childrenand Palestinians queuing for meager rations provided for them are routinely slaughtered by Israeli bombs, bullets, and shells. Israeli leaders have nevertheless only been emboldened; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been echoing calls from the far right in meetings with his security cabinet to seize and fully reoccupy the entirety of the Gaza Strip. As a result, a growing international consensus has emerged that Israel is committing war crimes and acting with genocidal intent. Several countries, many of them once steadfast backers of Israels warFrance, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, to name just fourhave said that they will recognize Palestine as an independent nation. The distancing of Israel by its former allies is the result not just of public outcry and moral outrage. It also reflects the realization that the Wests attempt to inhibit Israels war crimes has been an abject failureand that the United States, specifically, seems no longer able, or even willing, to flex its might in service of moral or strategic goals. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has doubled down on its full-throated support of Israel, joining strikes on Irans nuclear facilities on June 22, but was caught off-guard by Israels bellicose military operations in Syria, all while restricting criticism of Israeli policy here at home. The State Department still has not seen fit to condemn the killing of Al-Sharif. In fact, a spokesperson has sought to justify it. Much of the blame for the diplomatic failure in Gaza has been laid at the feet of the two elderly men who have led the United States since October 7, Biden and Trump. But the Gaza War has exposed Americas larger foreign policy as fundamentally brokennot only out of step with public opinion, it seems increasingly unable to advance the nations long-term interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To wit: While the moral case for changing policy in Gaza is indisputable, so is the overlapping strategic one. Why then is it so difficult to move forward with either? The moral case for changing policy in Gaza is indisputable; so is the overlapping strategic one. Why then is it so difficult to move forward with either? After all, the daily starvation of hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza while the United States provides weapons and diplomatic backing to Israel is not only a moral stain but represents a serious security threat to the United States and U.S. interests in the world. And while Democrats and Republicans have adopted increasingly divergent approaches to foreign policy since the start of this century, there has been broad agreement about its fundamental aims: Great-power competition and countering China in a variety of domains have been the nations top priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But backing Israel while it starves Gaza will make it that much more difficult for the United States to partner with countries in the Arab world. The Trump and Biden administrations both aimed to expand normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, notably Saudi Arabia. But its more and more difficult to imagine that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could take the risk of recognizing Israel while it engages in such brazen war crimes against Palestinians; as popular as he is among a new generation of Saudis, this may be too much to wager on. Indeed, as anti-Americanism related to its support for Israel rises, it could also lead to new threats from the region, including resurgent terrorism against the United States. Fourteen years after Barack Obama pulled troops out of Iraq, and four years after Biden withdrew the U.S. military from Afghanistan, complicity in Gaza has once again inflamed Arab opinion against the United States. Meanwhile, Israel behaves with impunity, launching strikes on the capitals of Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, and has become a liability to the United States, sapping not only its power and bandwidth but also its costly, rare missile defense systems. If the United States should find itself in conflict with Russia, China, or another foe, it will do so with a reduced stockpile of expensive equipment. Above all, Israel has shown the world that, at least in its relationship with the United States, the tail is wagging the dog. Some analysts now assert that Israel is in the strongest position in the Middle East that its ever been in. As evidence, they cite its assassinations of Hamass and Hezbollahs leadership, the airstrikes on Iran, and the fall of Syrias Bashar Al Assad. But whether such aggressive moves harm or help the cause of Middle East peace in the long run is open to question. As Emma Ashford, author of First Among Equals: U.S. Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World, summed it up, Israels wars are potentially setting up the Middle East for further destructive conflict. Is this really good for the U.S.? Indeed, despite battlefield wins and the weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel appears to lack any sense of how to translate those victories into actual statecraft that will help promote eventual stability in the region. Instead, the country lurches from crisis to crisis: The strangulation of Gaza is why ragtag rebels in Yemen launched missile strikes on Israel that led to such severe shipping disruptions that the port of Eilat in Israel is now bankrupt, and why the Iranian government launched missile strikes that were likely much more damaging to Israel than has been publicly acknowledgedand have led the United States to use up about a quarter of its expensive and not easily replenishable THAAD missiles protecting Israel. None of this has brought an end to the conflict, nor even returned any of the remaining 50 or so hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Israeli civil society is increasingly gripped by instability, with calls from the far right to seize all Palestinian lands, protests demanding Netanyahu and military leaders do more to bring the hostages home, and the prime ministers approval rating falling as the public questions his handling of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And where instability reigns, the bipartisan global priority of countering China by any means is threatened. Previously, the United States has sought buy-in from allies and partners who we can reasonably assume are now questioning American leadership, or even, perhaps, quietly deciding to go their own waya situation that is exacerbated by the Trump administrations handling of the Russia-Ukraine War and approach to global trade. Still, its the moral stain that may linger the longest. An emphasis on democracy and human rights has long been a secondary consideration in U.S. foreign policy but has remained central to Americas narrative about itself and how it distinguishes itselfto its own citizens as well as to other nationsfrom China and Russia. Now, at least with regard to Gaza, that moral high ground has been ceded. While much of the world has shifted in its views of the Israel-Hamas war and the occupation of Gaza, and American voters have shifted, too, the gatekeepers of the Democratic Party remain largely unmoved, The partys inertia was summed up in this comment in August from Pete Buttigieg, who consistently comes in the top three in polling on the 2028 Democratic presidential primary: I think that we, as Israels strongest ally and friend, you put your arm around your friend when theres something like this going on, and talk about what were prepared to do together. As one Democrat strategist told Politico, When your friend kills 60,000 people and starves an entire population for months at a time, shouldnt the question be: Why the fuck am I friends with this guy? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, Zohran Mamdani won New Yorks Democratic mayoral primary and provided an emphatic message on Gaza: End U.S. military and diplomatic support for the war. He was pilloried by the Democratic establishment for it, but his full-throated embrace of the Palestinian cause contrasted him with an establishment that aggressively triedand conclusively failedto turn that support into a liability: He won a clear plurality of Jewish voters in the primary and, as of mid-August, continues to a hold a double-digit lead with Jewish voters. And its not just New York: Sixty-six percent of registered Democrats believe Israel is perpetuating a genocide in Gaza, according to a Data for Progress poll fielded in early August. And, per Gallup, only 8 percent of Democrats approve of Israels military actions in Gaza. But the party still doesnt get it. Only in July did 27 senators vote for arms sanctions on Israel, and few lawmakersnotable among them is Chris Van Hollen of Marylandhave been consistent in their pursuit of accountability for Israel. With the Democratic presidential primary set to ramp up after the 2026 midterms, the war in Gaza will almost certainly quickly emerge as a wedge issueperhaps even one comparable to the pivotal role that support for the Iraq War played in 2008. In the meantime, Trump will focus on splashy deals and may, simply by balking at convention, somehow get some elements of Middle East policy right. But it wont be enough to address the gravity of catastrophe, and he may face growing criticism from MAGA firebrands like Marjorie Taylor Greene who see Israel as a threat and a liability. Mainstream Democrats, meanwhile, risk ceding the issue to their younger and more progressive counterparts who have been outspoken on it. For a party that has hemmed and hawed about the need to embrace more popular positions, ending military support for Israel is an easy winand its a good foreign policy plank as well. It will also provide an opening for Democrats who can press the realist case for shifting policy on Gaza and Israel, even if theyre still unwilling to fully make the moral one. Donald Trumps shock and awe campaign against American democracy is now in its eighth month. So much is happening, and so quickly, that even seasoned political experts are struggling to keep up. Following his decision to federalize Washington, D.C.s police force and to invoke Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to deploy the National Guard, ostensibly to fight crime, on Aug. 25 Trump signed an unprecedented executive order, which creates a quick reaction force within the National Guard that can be quickly deployed anywhere in the country in response to what the administration terms civil disturbances. Six hundred troops will be ready to deploy within an hour, half at a base in Alabama and the other half in Arizona. The order also commands the Army and Air National Guard in each state to develop forces that can be deployed across the nation to assist in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order. Christopher Purdy, an Army National Guard veteran and CEO of the pro-democracy Chamberlain Network, told NPR that the order is quite expansive and quite dangerous because it retools both the National Guard and some federal agencies into a new type of law enforcement arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Trump has amplified his threats to essentially invade and occupy Democratic-led cities and other parts of the country. According to reports, Chicago is next on his list. At a press conference on Aug. 25, Ill. Gov. JB Pritzker gave a fiery speech warning Trump to stay out of Chicago and other blue cities and states. Pritzker called the presidents actions the actual crisis, differentiating it from the one Trump has manufactured around crime rates, which are at all-time lows. If it sounds to you like I am alarmist, he said, 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. Describing the administrations deployment as exactly the type of overreach that our countrys founders warned against, Pritzker was blunt in his assessment: What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is un-AmericanIf this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is: a dangerous power grab. Trumps threats to Chicago followed a surreal Aug. 26 Cabinet Meeting, which lasted over three hours at the White House. One after the other, Cabinet secretaries and other senior officials praised Trumps greatness, while members of the press asked questions. The whole enterprise was like Pyongyang on the Potomac, televised live for all the world to see. That same day, a giant banner emblazoned with Trumps face was unfurled on the front of the Department of Labor next to the American flag and a banner of Theodore Roosevelt. In Trumps mind and those of his followers, he is the Dear and Great Leader. He has also escalated his attacks on the free press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a largely overlooked moment on Aug. 26, Trump threatened MSNBC, accusing it of being worse than the infamous transnational gangs MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The president, unfiltered, attacked the network and its employees as Real scum, real scum real dishonest people. In a series of Truth Social posts two days before, Trump went after ABC and NBC, threatening to take away their broadcast licenses, alleging the networks are unfair to Republicans and conservatives. He also said that the two networks should be forced to pay lots of money for access to the public airwaves. In a Truth Social post, he revealed the endgame: THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCCI would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!! The president, who swore on Jan. 20 to protect and defend the Constitution, including its First Amendment, has revealed himself as its chief enemy. He is clearly signaling his intention to use the full power of the state to silence the news media and free speech because they are part of a criminal conspiracy against him and the MAGA movement. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is attempting to gain access to confidential voter information in at least 21 states to combat fraud. Elections are administered by states; this move represents a sweeping and likely illegal expansion of federal power. In reality, there is very little voter fraud in the United States. The goal here is to nullify the votes of Democrats, especially in the so-called battleground states. This voting data could also potentially be used to punish those Americans who oppose Trump and the MAGA movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This much is clear: The presidents cruel, fascist theater isnt a reaction or side effect. Its the point. On Aug. 28, two firefighters from Mexico were taken into Border Patrol custody on suspicion of being in the country illegally while they were in the middle of fighting an actual wildfire in Washington States Olympic National Forest. 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. Over my nine years chronicling the Age of Trump and the erosion of American democracy, Ive received countless emails from concerned citizens. They ask, How did it come to this? and What can someone like me do? They wonder, Where are the Democrats? Why is the media so timid? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My first response is usually some version of this: Believe it or not, these are still the good times compared to what may come next. I try to reassure those who feel disoriented that theyre not the ones whove lost touch with reality. It is the tens of millions of fellow citizens swept up in the Trump-MAGA authoritarian movement and its collective fever dream that fit that description. But the advice I most provide and rely on is from the beloved Fred Rogers, who famously said to look for the helpers when youre in trouble. In this context, the helpers Im thinking of are those people, here in the U.S. and around the world, who have faced authoritarianism, endured it and ultimately helped defeat it. In 2017, as the Turkish autocrat Recep Tayyip Erdogan was tightening his grip on the country, the Guardian published an article titled How to survive tyranny: 10 pieces of advice from Turkey. Eight years later, we the American people need to closely follow this advice: Spread facts but stay safe Assume everyone is lying to you even your allies Never assume democracy is the default mode it needs constant protection Respect for justice is sacrosanct Do not wait for the tyrants to leave, because they wont Such advice is becoming more common. Sarah Sophie Flicker shared lessons from Denmarks resistance to the Nazis during World War II in a recent essay for The Nation. [A]s the fight against fascism commences in our homes and communities, each act of defiance is a grain of sand enough grains can bring the entire machine to a halt, she wrote. When asked to betray your integrity: Hold fast to your ideals, gum up the works, disobey when able. Question everything, say nothing. Keep meticulous records. Leverage your advantages and harbor those who have none. Get in the way. Tell the story. Archive the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After historian Marci Shore recently decided to leave her tenured position at Yale University and move to Canada, where she is now on faculty at the University of Toronto, she offered some grim advice to the American people during a recent interview with the Guardian: The lesson of 1933 is: you get out sooner rather than later. In a sobering essay that merits being quoted at length, journalist and author Garrett M. Graff pondered the rapid collapse of American democracy that has occurred during this last week: I think many Americans wrongly believe there would be one clear unambiguous moment where we go from democracy to authoritarianism. Instead, this is exactly how it happens a blurring here, a norm destroyed there, a presidential diktat unchallenged. Then you wake up one morning and our country is different. Today, August 25, 2025, is that morning. Something is materially different in our country this week than last. Everything else from here on out is just a matter of degree and wondering how bad it will get and how far it will go? Do we end up merely like Hungary or do we go all the way toward an American Reich? So far, after years of studying World War II, I fear that Americas trajectory feels more like Berlin circa 1933 than it does Budapest circa 2015. Where America goes from here is a story yet to be written. It will surely get worseBut its clear today America is different and, even if we fight our way back, it will never be the same again. Graffs elegy for America leads to a core question about moral accountability and complicity: When you look in the mirror each morning, who do you see? What type of human being are you going to be? These are the most basic questions that the American people must now ask ourselves as our ethics, character and humanity are being put so gravely to the test. The post With American democracy crumbling, we must look for the helpers appeared first on Salon.com. Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 classmates and teachers were killed during a mass shooting, leave school together for the National School Walkout on April 20, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. Between 2007 to 2023, U.S. children and teens had a mortality rate nearly double that of their peers in wealthy countries, according to a new study. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study compared infant and child deaths in the U.S. with the figures from 18 other high-income nations between 2007 to 2023. U.S. infants, children and teens were about 1.8 times more likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with young people in peer countries, researchers discovered. For babies, the two causes of death with the biggest gaps between the U.S. and the other countries were prematurity being born too early and sudden unexpected infant death. For children and teens, the biggest gaps were in firearm-related incidents and car crashes. Since 2020, gun violence has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens. Firearm death rates among U.S. kids have more than doubled since 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. An American man died in the Bahamas after his jet ski crashed into a boat at sea, police said. On Sunday morning at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers from the Marine Support Service Branch responded to a collision involving a vessel and a jet ski in waters off Paradise Island, according to a statement from the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Sunday. MORE: Woman suffers 'serious injuries' in bear attack while on her morning jog Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male rider of the jet ski was found unresponsive with visible injuries, police continued. Medical personnel visited the scene, examined the victim but found no vital signs of life. Authorities have not publicly identified the man involved in the crash. MORE: 20 tons of ribeye steaks go up in flames on side of highway in tractor trailer fire Since August 2024, at least four U.S. citizens have been hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents in the Bahamas, including two people who needed emergency evacuations to the United States due to their injuries. In April 2025, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a security alert and began advising U.S. citizens of the risks of renting jet skis in the Bahamas, saying that it should be avoided altogether by U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 20-day search effort called off for man who went missing while hiking in Wyoming U.S. government employees working in the Bahamas are also prohibited from renting and using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise islands. The investigation into the death of the U.S. citizen on Sunday is currently ongoing, police said. By Anton Bridge and Mariko Katsumura TOKYO (Reuters) -Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami, one of Japan's best-known business leaders, has resigned from the beverage group following a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement that may have breached the country's strict drug laws. Niinami, who has served as an adviser to several Japanese prime ministers and was often the face of corporate Japan at Davos and other international events, told Suntory he purchased the supplement believing it was legal, the company said on Tuesday. "I was not aware that it was an illegal supplement. I am innocent," he told the Asahi newspaper in a report published Tuesday evening. He added that he felt the company would be unable to unite if he did not resign. Reuters was not able to immediately reach Niinami for comment. Suntory's president, Nobuhiro Torii, a great-grandson of the company's founder Shinjiro Torii, told a press briefing that he would now be fully helming the company. "He was a bold, decisive leader who got things done and I truly respected him," Torii said of Niinami. "In that respect - and I told this to him yesterday as well - it's a real shame that we couldn't continue as a team." Niinami, a fluent English speaker, is chairman of the influential Keizai Doyukai business lobby. He said he had no intention of resigning from that role, according to the Asahi report. Keizai Doyukai officials were not immediately available for comment. He is scheduled to hold his regular press conference for the business lobby on Wednesday afternoon, where he is expected to explain the details behind his resignation. Known for being outspoken, Niinami frequently voiced opinions on how Japan's economy should be managed and how the central bank should act. The Tokyo Shimbun daily reported that police in Fukuoka prefecture were investigating whether supplements containing cannabis components had been sent to Niinami's home - a probe that is connected to a man who was arrested in July. Other Japanese media said the supplements allegedly contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is illegal in Japan. CBD, a separate chemical compound from the cannabis plant, however, is legal, and products containing it are available in Japan. Suntory, which makes whisky, beer and soft drinks such as Orangina-branded soda, said Niinami told the company on August 22 that he was the subject of a police investigation. He resigned on September 1. Niinami, 66, significantly expanded Suntory's revenue and profits, joining the drinks maker as president in 2014 shortly after it purchased U.S. spirits company Beam for $16 billion, including debt. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) As September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood. According to the CDC, sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States. It can cause frequent infections, anemia, episodes of pain and tiredness. CDC data also showed that about 1 in every 365 Black or African American newborns are born with sickle cell disease. There is also no cure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients can only receive blood from other Black donors. Thats why the Red Cross will campaign throughout the month about the importance of donating blood. This is why having discussions like this, reminding the public of the important role that they play, but also reminding them why its so critical that our blood supply matches the communities in which we serve, is so important as we go throughout the rest of the month, Jonathan McNamara, the Communications Director for the American Red Cross of Virginia, said. McNamara also says those who donate blood this month will receive a mystery bag that contains one of four designs celebrating the Peanuts comic strips 75th anniversary. For more information, you can visit the American Red Cross of Virginias webpage here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A member of the Bur Oak AmeriCorps stewardship team. AmeriCorps members were cut from the program at Bur Oak in April 2025, as were AmeriCorps participants across the country. (Photo courtesy of Bur Oak Land Trust) Since July, grantees of AmeriCorps program funding, including one group in Iowa, have been waiting for their awarded funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. State attorneys general from 24 states and affected grantees alleged in separate lawsuits that the White House Office of Management and Budget was withholding the funds after preliminary injunctions ordered the program funds be restored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OMB released the funds as a filing deadline in the suit waged by the state attorneys general approached, and AmeriCorps grantees announced Tuesday they had also received their withheld funding. The release of nearly $185 million from OMB represents the remaining Fiscal Year 2025 funding for the programs, according to a filing in the case by OMB and other defendants. The original suits against the administration stemmed from Department of Government Efficiency cuts to AmeriCorps program funding and staffing that have caused program closures across the country. Both the attorneys general and grantees amended their original cases in August and alleged OMB was withholding funds it was ordered to release, including one bound for Bur Oak Land Trust, a group that works to preserve natural landscapes in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to programming for nonprofits like Bur Oak Land Trust, AmeriCorps funding goes to place members in schools, local governments and nonprofits that focus on health, disaster relief, environmental stewardship, workforce development and veterans. Jason Taylor, Bur Oak Land Trusts executive director said his group was thrilled that the funding was released. Were also really proud to be a part of this lawsuit and to have a number of states attorneys general be willing to step up and fight back against what the administration was doing, Taylor said. Taylor said now that the $250,000 the trust was awarded for the 2025-2026 year is realized, a group of AmeriCorps members will be able to start working with the trust this week. Taylor said the funding for the year can support up to 12 AmeriCorps members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a filing in the case brought by the attorneys general, due to the release of the funds, the parties requested a stay in the preliminary injunction to facilitate their conferring about the appropriate next steps in the lawsuit. The government agencies, including OMB, in the expanded lawsuit by AmeriCorps grantees, filed for a deadline extension the same day OMB said it would release the funds. The extension was granted Tuesday. A press release from Democracy Forward, the group that led the lawsuit along with Democracy Defenders Fund, and Lowell & Associates, said the grantees in the case received their promised funding. AmeriCorps has a proven track record of supporting and improving communities across our nation, and is a beacon for the good that the people of our country can do when working together, Skye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in the release. We are honored to work with our partners and brave plaintiffs to defend against the Trump-Vance administrations efforts to gut Americas premier national service agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Daly, the president of the AmeriCorps Employees Union, AFSCME Local 2027 also a plaintiff in the suit against OMB said union members look forward to continuing our collective mission to strengthen Americas communities and ensure no working family gets left behind. Other plaintiffs named in the case with grantees includes: Aspire Afterschool, Democracy Maine, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Elev8 Baltimore, HandsOn Suburban Chicago, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, Michigan College Access Network, National College Attainment Network, North Carolina Housing Coalition, Partners for Campus-Community Engagement, Rainbow Labs, Red Cloud Indian School, Seed Coalition, The Corps Network and The Service Collaborative of WNY. The 24 states whose attorneys general filed against the administration include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) -Kim Jong Un's trip to Beijing this week offers the reclusive young North Korean leader an unprecedented opportunity to stand beside partners from China and Russia, gain implicit support for his banned nuclear weapons, and expand his diplomatic circle. Kim rode into the Chinese capital in his signature armoured train on Tuesday, ahead of his attendance at a military parade to be held by China to commemorate the end of World War Two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has never attended a world event with so many other foreign leaders, and it marks one of his most momentous diplomatic moves since holding historic summits with Donald Trump during the U.S. president's first term, analysts and South Korean officials said. While more than two dozen national leaders will attend, the Kremlin has said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim will flank Chinese President Xi Jinping on either side during the parade. "It's elevating North Korea's position to kind of the big boys, and then Kim can project that image back home like he did with his summit with Donald Trump, he can really show off his world statesman side," said John Delury, a senior fellow at The Asia Society. "Kim Jong Un is a global brand." Some Western analysts have dubbed the trio an "Axis of Upheaval," but South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers in Seoul on Tuesday that the event may be unlikely to lead to real trilateral cooperation soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is more clear, however, is the political, economic, and military benefits to Kim and North Korea, which is under numerous international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, and the government's human rights abuses. "This China visit is a bold move by Kim Jong Un as he makes a debut in multilateral diplomacy by displaying the optics of allying with China and Russia and it's likely he will go on to take dramatic steps both domestically and internationally," South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters after a closed-door briefing by the intelligence agency. South Korea's parliament speaker will also be attending the event and said on Tuesday he would raise the issue of peace on the peninsula if he gets a chance to see Kim, but that he was not sure a meeting would happen. Kim visited North Korean missile production facilities immediately before leaving for China, underscoring the country's status as a nuclear power, said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at Seoul's Institute for National Unification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In addition, North Korea's legitimacy for possessing nuclear weapons is indirectly supported by watching and applauding a military parade featuring China's advanced (nuclear) weapons," he said. 'NOTHING BUT OPPORTUNITIES' In 2023, Kim embarked on a significant diplomatic gambit with Putin that led to summits in Russia and in North Korea, a mutual defence treaty, and the sending of thousands of troops and weapons for Russia's war with Ukraine. The Beijing visit will help restore North Korea's relations with China, which have frayed as Kim cultivated those Russian ties, and help Pyongyang secure economic aid in the face of continued sanctions, the NIS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could also help Kim hedge his bets in case the war in Ukraine winds down and Russia no longer needs as much help, and could send signals to Washington by displaying China's support, the agency concluded. "From Kims perspective, this visit and these events present nothing but opportunities and benefits," said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert with the U.S.-based Stimson Center, noting that the last time a North Korean leader was present at a big, multilateral event like this outside the country was 1959. Beyond Xi and Putin, Kim will have his first chance to meet with leaders of many countries, even if only informally, and potentially expand cooperation or simply make a first impression on otherwise wary officials, Madden said. "As we have seen in the past, the impact of the North Korean leaders presence, shorn of the trappings of the... propaganda machine, is almost always disarming to foreign leaders," he said. "Foreign leadership who have avoided North Korea may change their minds if they meet Kim." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will be attended by the leaders of a number of countries that have a history of purchasing arms from North Korea, including Russia, Iran, Myanmar, and Pakistan. "I do believe that the sales for weapons are one of the purposes of this visit," said Yang Uk, a military expert at the Asan Institute in Seoul. That is likely secondary to the political messaging, however, and given that U.N. Security Council resolutions technically remain in force on North Korea, any arms deals would have to happen under the table, he said. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Jack Kim and Joyce Lee; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Saad Sayeed) ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A ceremony was held at the Angelina College physical plant to honor one of their staff members who recently retired after serving the college for over three decades. Lt. Mike Shurley retires after 30 years serving Lufkin community The ceremony was held on Aug.28 and honored Dave Kirkland, who has been with Angelina College since 1994. During the ceremony, Kirkland received a plaque from Steve Capps, Senior Director of Physical Plant Operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirkland was also presented with several gifts during the ceremony to celebrate his 31-year career. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Electric meters. | Sarah Vogelsong/States Newsroom Updated at 5:33 p.m. A group of Ann Arbor residents are taking the first steps toward removing DTE Energy as their electrical provider and creating a public electric utility board. On Tuesday, Ann Arbor for Public Power announced that its members are drafting a ballot proposal for the November 2026 election, asking voters to create a new board of public electric utility, before taking over infrastructure from DTE Energy at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DTE Energy is one of the largest energy utilities in the state and has faced frequent criticism for high rates and unreliable electricity. According to the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, an energy utility watchdog, DTE customers experienced an average of 1,542 minutes without power in 2023, ranking among the worst utilities in the nation for outages. Electric meters in Ann Arbor | Laina G. Stebbins In its announcement, the group argued that shifting energy to a public power utility would be highly likely to provide more reliable, more renewable, and less costly power to Ann Arbor residents. The first question for voters is: do you want this? The plan is to create the board of the public utility in the 2026 election, before taking over poles and wires from DTE. Creating the board will cost the people of Ann Arbor zero dollars, and it will put the process of dumping DTE in motion, Ann Arbor For Public Powers Executive Director Brian Geiringer said in a statement. After language for the effort is approved, the group will need to gather 5,000 signatures to have the matter placed on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email, DTE Spokesperson Ryan Lowry said the citys transition from DTE to a municipal utility would be a costly one, citing research showing the effort could saddle Ann Arbor with $2 billion in debt and raise rates for residents and businesses by 30 to 40%. DTE Energy is already committed to delivering a reliable, affordable and clean energy future for Ann Arbor. We are investing $250 million in infrastructure improvements in the city over the next five years, dramatically improving reliability, Lowry said. Were also dedicated to providing 100% of Ann Arbors electricity from clean energy, while continuing our focus on customer affordability, keeping energy bills below the national average. However, Ann Arbor for Public Power previously pushed back on the cost analysis commissioned by DTE arguing the reports findings are wildly inflated and that the report fails to provide evidence for why rates would increase. With the ballot effort underway, members of the group are anticipating stronger pushback from DTE. A dedicated group of Ann Arborites has been working hard to expand A2P2s capacity in the last few months. We feel its incredibly important that members of the public have a real voice in this process; thats the only way to win. We are ready for this moment and call on everyone who is interested to join the fight, Geiringer said. This story was updated with comment from DTE. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Federal prosecutors have once again failed to secure a grand-jury indictment in a case during President Donald Trumps crime crackdown in Washington, marking yet another setback for Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Attorneys for the defendant, Nathalie Rose Jones, disclosed in a court filing Monday that a grand jury had passed on indicting the Indiana resident for allegedly threatening to kill the president last month. A grand jury has now found no probable cause to indict Ms. Jones on the charged offenses, Jones attorneys wrote, noting that the weight of the evidence against her is weak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That makes Jones at least the fourth person to avoid an indictment before D.C. grand jurors since Trump declared a crime emergency in the city. Prosecutors had accused the three others of assaulting or impeding a federal agent during encounters with the police, allegations that defense attorneys told HuffPost appeared overblown. Related: Infectious Diseases Expert Sounds Alarm On Disney Vacations Amid Florida Vaccine Move In one case, three separate grand juries declined to indict a D.C. resident whom prosecutors accused of assaulting an FBI agent during an inmate swap handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. The woman, Sydney Lori Reid, had been pushed against a wall during the encounter. In another case, a grand jury took a pass on indicting Sean Charles Dunn of assaulting a federal agent. Dunn, a former Department of Justice employee, had tossed a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer in a moment of viral protest, leading to his arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grand jurys decision not to indict Jones was first reported by NBC News. National Guard members patrol 14th Street, working with Washington, D.C., Metro police on Sunday. Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images The inability to secure indictments in such cases has been a source of embarrassment for Pirro, whos been trying to hype Trumps policing takeover as a massive success. Getting such an indictment is usually easy a decent prosecutor could indict a ham sandwich, the saying goes because prosecutors largely control the grand-jury process. In the case of Jones, prosecutors alleged she had called a Director of National Intelligence hotline repeatedly and, after being asked to stop calling, uttered a threat about the POTUS. Specifically, Ms. Jones stated that [she] should just kill [the POTUS] because he is racist before hanging up, prosecutors wrote in a filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also alleged she threatened Trump and referred to him as a terrorist and Nazi during an interview with the U.S. Secret Service. Jones took part in an anti-Trump protest in D.C. on Aug. 16 and was arrested outside the White House the same day, according to court filings. Related: GOP Lawmaker Details Threats Against Him Amid Trump White House Pressure Campaign Jones attorneys asserted that her comments had been taken out of context and were not true threats against the president but free speech protected by the First Amendment. Although several defendants have avoided grand-jury indictments, that doesnt mean their legal troubles are over. Pirros office has tried to reserve the right to pursue indictments again and has pursued misdemeanor cases against some defendants who were not indicted on felony charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have asked a judge that Dunn, the sandwich thrower, be arraigned on misdemeanor charges later this week. More on Politics Nancy Mace Was Seen Crying After Meeting Epstein Victims. Her Explanation Has 1 Big Flaw. DC Grand Jury Rejects Yet Another Case Brought By Prosecutors In Trump Crackdown Republican Senators Grill RFK Jr. Over Chaos At CDC Read the original on HuffPost A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to claw back $20 billion from a climate bank established by the Biden administration. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned a March ruling by a lower court which had prevented the Environmental Protection Agency from taking away the money. The funds were awarded to eight non-profit organizations as part of the now-defunct Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The fund allocated $27 billion for clean energy projects, including solar panel installations and electric vehicle sales. The money was deposited at Citibank, where it continues to sit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five of the groups joined a lawsuit against the EPA and Citibank, alleging they were illegally withholding obligated funds, to the detriment of communities the non-profits serve. A lower court judge had sided with the groups, questioning whether the EPA had used the proper legal procedures to terminate the grants. The judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the EPA from unlawfully suspending or terminating the awards and ordered Citibank to release the money to the grant awardees. A man installs solar panels on the rooftop of a California home in October 2023. A federal appeals court cleared the way for the Trump administration to claw back $20 billion from a climate bank that would go toward solar panel installation and other clean energy (Getty Images) But, the district court abused its discretion in issuing the injunction, Circuit Judge Neomi Rao wrote Tuesday. The new decision said that the government is responsible for ensuring proper oversight and management of this multi-billion-dollar fund" on behalf of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin celebrated the massive win. After the Biden EPA set up the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund through self-dealing and conflicts of interest, unqualified recipients and reduced agency oversight, I terminated these grants completely! he posted on X. However two non-profits said they would not give up the fight for their funds which totaled nearly $9 billion. The five groups who challenged the EPA were expecting to receive $16 billion and are likely to file additional litigation, according to POLITICO. While we are disappointed by the panels decision, we stand firm on the merits of our case: EPA unlawfully froze and terminated funds that were legally obligated and disbursed, Climate United CEO Beth Bafford said in a statement. This is another hurdle in our fight to lower energy costs for those who need it most while creating jobs for hardworking Americans, but we will continue to press on for communities across the country that stand to benefit from clean, abundant, and affordable energy. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin testifies before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee last May in Washington, D.C. The agency has also been working to reverse the landmark climate finding that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health (Getty Images) Tim Mayopoulos, the chief executive of Power Forward Communities, said his group has long known that this would likely be a protracted fight, according to Bloomberg Law. The group is confident in the strength of its case, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans had previously called the green bank a slush fund, and voiced concern about transparency in how it would be used. But, former Vice President Kamala Harris said the grants would help to ensure that families, small businesses, and community leaders have access to the capital they need to make climate and clean energy projects a reality in their neighborhoods. The Trump administration has been working to reverse climate policy and regulations, including the landmark climate finding that greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to human health. Environmental groups are also suing the Trump administration for convening climate skeptics to author a report serving as a basis for that reversal, as scientists warn of a dire future in a worsening climate crisis without drastic action. Wison New Energies has entered into an engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) contract with Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) for a floating production unit (FPU) to be deployed in the third phase of the Sakarya gas field development. This move is set to boost Turkiye's natural gas production capacity and optimise its energy mix. The FPU, central to phase three, is designed to withstand the unfavourable deep-water conditions in the Black Sea and navigate the 56m air draft restrictions in the Bosphorus Strait. This unit is engineered for a gas export rate of 25 million standard cubic metres per day, alongside a produced water treatment capacity of 1,350 standard cubic metres per day. Additionally, it boasts a monoethylene glycol regeneration and injection capacity of 2,503 cubic metres per day for hydrate inhibition. It is expected to have a minimum design life of three decades. Wison New Energies chairman Liu Hongjun said: "This collaboration represents a major milestone in Wison's internationalisation strategy and another significant breakthrough in our deep-water engineering capabilities. We look forward to supporting the goals of the Sakarya Gas Field through innovative floating solutions and efficient resource integration, contributing to the advancement of Turkey's energy sector." The Sakarya gas field, situated roughly 170km offshore in the Black Sea, was discovered in August 2020. It holds an estimated 405 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas reserves at a water depth of 2,150m. Being the largest natural gas discovery in Turkiye, the field is undergoing development in three phases by TPAO. Phase three development of the Sakarya gas field is a cornerstone of Turkiye's national energy strategy, aiming to improve energy self-sufficiency, reduce reliance on natural gas imports and increase domestic gas supply capacity. TPAO CEO Ahmet TURKOGLU said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Wison New Energies to advance the Sakarya Phase 3 project. Wison's expertise and delivery experience in floating facilities are highly aligned with our project requirements. We look forward to working closely together to ensure the successful delivery of the project." Last April, Wison New Energies won a contract to conduct a detailed feasibility study for a new floating liquefied natural gas facility in Surinames Offshore Block 52. "Wison New Energies signs Sakarya FPU EPCIC contract with TPAO" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Hamilton County prosecutors won't be able to present key evidence if they attempt to try Elwood Jones a second time for murder. The Ohio First District Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 29 that jurors would not be permitted to read the testimony of a Blue Ash police officer from Jones' first trial almost 30 years ago if he is tried again. The court said Jones' lawyers did not get a chance to adequately challenge the officer's testimony in the original case because prosecutors withheld important information, and it said they can't challenge his testimony now because the officer is dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision is a blow to the prosecution's case because the police officer, Michael Bray, claimed to have discovered a pendant in Jones' tool box that belonged to Rhoda Nathan, a 67-year-old New Jersey grandmother who was beaten to death in her Blue Ash hotel room in 1994 while in town for a bar mitzvah. Jones worked at the hotel at the time and became a suspect after Nathan's death. In a case with no known eye witnesses, the pendant became a direct link between Jones and Nathan, one that prosecutors cited in closing arguments to secure a conviction and, later, a death sentence for Jones. Jones remained on Ohio's death row for decades, exhausting most of his appeals, until Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Wende Cross overturned his murder conviction, freed him from prison and granted him a new trial two years ago. Cross found prosecutors withheld evidence from Jones' lawyers during the first trial that could have resulted in jurors reaching a different conclusion about his guilt or innocence. Those details included information about Officer Bray's testimony. Cross said documents withheld by prosecutors revealed Bray was not the first officer to search the car where Jones' toolbox was found, which means other officers would have overlooked the pendant in earlier searches. Bray, who died in 2018, said he found the pendant while searching the car alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cross ruled Bray's testimony could not be presented at a new trial because defense attorneys didn't have the necessary information to properly cross-examine Bray at the 1996 trial. The three-judge panel of the appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, agreed with Cross. The Sixth Amendment's "Confrontation Clause" gives defendants the right to challenge testimony from anyone who presents evidence against them, the appellate judges wrote, but Jones didn't get that opportunity because prosecutors didn't share all relevant information with the defense. And since Bray now is dead, it would be impossible to cross-examine him a second time. It's not enough, the appeals court ruled, that defense attorneys could use the information at a new trial to challenge testimony Bray gave in 1996. Doing so, the judges said, cannot "give Jones the one thing the Confrontation Clause requires: the opportunity to use those documents to confront Officer Bray." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Candace Crouse wrote the opinion and was joined in the decision by Judge Terry Nestor. Judge Marilyn Zayas dissented, arguing the appeals court did not have jurisdiction because prosecutors currently are appealing a separate issue to the Ohio Supreme Court related to the Jones case. In that appeal, prosecutors are asking the Supreme Court to give them permission to appeal the order for a new trial, which prosecutors contend was improper. Both sides are awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on that question. Prosecutor Connie Pillich, who inherited the Jones case when she was elected last fall, said she will not appeal the First District's decision regarding Bray's testimony. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Appeals court won't allow disputed evidence at Elwood Jones retrial A federal appeals court has reinstated a Biden appointee to the Federal Trade Commission despite President Donald Trumps attempt to fire her. A D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel split, 2-1, Tuesday as it restored a lower-court order that found FTC member Rebecca Kelly Slaughter was entitled to continue to serve on the board because federal law says commissioners can only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Trump moved to fire Slaughter in March without citing any reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges Patricia Millett and Cornelia Pillard, both Obama appointees, joined in the ruling reinstating Slaughter. Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, dissented. The battle over Slaughters seat is one of many lawsuits challenging Trumps efforts to fire Democrat-appointed leaders of federal agencies that Congress historically has tried to insulate from political pressure. Most recently, Trumps firing spree extended to a board member of the Federal Reserve. In emergency appeals in some of those lawsuits, the Supreme Court has repeatedly endorsed Trumps authority to summarily remove officials who carry out significant executive branch functions even when Congress has sought to protect them from removal without cause. But the appeals court majority said in its new decision that the FTC was a special case. Thats because the Supreme Court itself endorsed protections against summary removal for FTC commissioners in a unanimous 1935 opinion known as Humphreys Executor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the ensuing decades and fully informed of the substantial executive power exercised by the Commission the Supreme Court has repeatedly and expressly left Humphreys Executor in place, and so precluded Presidents from removing Commissioners at will, Millett and Pillard concluded. To grant a stay would be to defy the Supreme Court's decisions that bind our judgments. That we will not do. Many legal scholars expect the Supreme Court to eventually overturn Humphreys Executor. Conservative justices have repeatedly signaled their view that the president is entitled under the Constitution to assert near total control of the executive branch. In recent years, the high court has steadily cut back the number of positions that appeared protected by the 90-year-old ruling. However, the precedent remains on the books, binding lower court judges to follow it. In a dissent, Rao said that despite the Humphreys Executor precedent, the courts considering the matter should have permitted Trump to remove Slaughter while the litigation was pending. Rao said that federal courts likely lack the power to reinstate an executive branch official fired by the president. Slaughter could seek back pay later if her removal is deemed unlawful, Rao said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rao said the appeals court was obliged to follow the analysis the Supreme Court undertook in recent emergency rulings allowing other Trump firings to proceed. We must follow the Supreme Courts conclusion that an injunction reinstating an officer the President has removed harms the government by intruding on the Presidents power and responsibility over the Executive Branch, she wrote. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, a Biden appointee based in Washington, ruled in July that Trumps firing of Slaughter was illegal. Another Biden-appointed FTC commissioner, Alvaro Bedoya, was also fired by Trump and initially joined Slaughter in the legal challenge to their dismissal. However, Bedoya formally resigned from the commission in June, saying he planned to seek work in the private sector. A federal appellate court on Tuesday sided with the Environmental Protection Agency in the pitched legal battle over Administrator Lee Zeldins termination of $20 billion in Biden-era climate grants, a major victory for the Trump administration's bid to cancel hundreds of environmental grants and boost fossil fuel production. The jilted grant recipients are expected to appeal the decision, but even if its ultimately upheld, additional litigation will follow and EPA could find itself on the hook for the outstanding balance, a possibility attorneys at EPA and the Justice Department warned of in internal emails reported by POLITICO in April. Judge Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia had issued an injunction against Zeldins terminations in April, ruling that he had violated the law and the Constitution. Chutkans injunction was stayed while EPA appealed, preventing any money from moving out of the accounts at Citibank where the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund dollars were held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a split panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday reversed Chutkan, saying she should not have issued the injunction. The grantees are not likely to succeed on the merits because their claims are essentially contractual, and therefore jurisdiction lies exclusively in the Court of Federal Claims, wrote Judge Neomi Rao, joined by Judge Gregory Katsas. Both were named to the bench by Trump in his first term. And while the district court had jurisdiction over the grantees constitutional claim, that claim is meritless, Rao continued. Moreover, the equities strongly favor the government, which on behalf of the public must ensure the proper oversight and management of this multi-billion-dollar fund. Notably, the court also ruled that the GGRF grants were not de-obligated because Chutkans stay had kept the money housed at Citibank and therefore were not repealed by the GOP megalaw that passed in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, it also ruled, it stands to reason that the repeal also relieves EPA of any statutory obligation to recommit those funds. In a sharply worded dissent, Judge Nina Pillard, an Obama appointee, blasted the majority opinion for reaching the wrong conclusion at every step of its review and the Trump administration for its spurious investigations into the GGRF undertaken in order to commit sabotage of the IRA. The agency has no lawful basis nor even a nonfrivolous assertion of any basis to interfere with funding that, pursuant to Congresss instructions, already belongs to Plaintiffs, who in turn have committed it to energy infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing projects according to Congresss plan, Pillard wrote. In terminating the grants, Zeldin has lodged numerous allegations against the GGRF, including that some of the recipients were unqualified to receive such large sums, that the groups had connections to prominent Democrats or Biden administration officials, and that Biden officials limited EPAs oversight of the spending before leaving office. Those concerns broadly led to a need to trash the entire program, Zeldin contends, which had disbursed $3 billion before the funds were frozen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court seemed especially taken with the gold bars video cited regularly by Zeldin an undercover recording of an EPA staffer last December who colorfully described the Biden administrations rush to obligate additional grants under the IRA before the Trump administration took power. That staffer and other Biden officials have said he was referring to other grant programs, not the GGRF, which the IRA required to have been obligated by September 2024. Rao, however, called the video damning and said it supports EPAs good faith in deciding to terminate the grants and recommit the funds with proper supervision and accountability. EPA spokesperson Brigit Hirsch praised the ruling in a statement. Its fantastic to see reason prevail in the court system, she said. EPA has a duty to be an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars. Administrator Zeldin canceled these grants due to well documented concerns about self-dealing and conflicts of interest, unqualified recipients, and intentionally reduced agency oversight. The gold bar recipients were wrong about jurisdiction all along and wrong to act so entitled to these precious public funds that belong to hardworking American taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recipients and Biden officials have repudiated all of the allegations made by Zeldin, who has said he will fight all the way to the Supreme Court to get the money back. We're not going to waste dollars just because you insist on EPA lighting taxpayer dollars on fire, Zeldin told Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) during a hearing in May, with the two men devolving into a shouting match over the terminations. However, in court, EPA has taken a different legal tack. DOJ attorneys representing Zeldin maintain concerns about the GGRF program justified its cancellation. But after several months, investigators have failed to find "meaningful evidence of criminality" by Biden officials, The New York Times reported in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the administrations primary legal defense has been that the grant terminations amount to a breach of contract, which under a federal law known as the Tucker Act must be heard by a specific tribunal, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Katsas and Rao agreed with that Tuesday. It could take a year or more to reach a judgment before that court, and some of the recipients say they will have to close their doors long before then. Pillard warned that the D.C. Circuits decision means EPA likely will carry out its announced plans to immediately and irrevocably seize the money from Citibank. At best, in the unlikely event the government refrains from immediately draining Plaintiffs frozen accounts, the further delay involved in reinitiating litigation in the Court of Federal Claims will itself irreparably harm the infrastructure projects that cannot move forward and may fail without funding, Pillard wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority, however, said the groups will have a chance to recoup damages later. EPA terminated the grants because of concerns about the integrity of the grantmaking process, Rao wrote. While litigation is pending, the grantees may have to scale down their operations or return to the operational status they had before they received federal funds. Although this causes some harm, the harm is readily compensable through damages and therefore is not irreparable. The court withheld the mandate, meaning it will not formally lift Chutkans injunction until the grant recipients have had a chance to file a petition for an en banc rehearing. A spokesperson for the Climate United Fund, one of the GGRF recicpients, said they are considering whether to seek review before the full D.C. Circuit, which has a majority of judges appointed by Democratic presidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While we are disappointed by the panels decision, we stand firm on the merits of our case: EPA unlawfully froze and terminated funds that were legally obligated and disbursed," Climate United CEO Beth Bafford said in a statement. The ruling comes just days after a district court judge for the first time ruled for EPA in a separate grant termination lawsuit, which itself was based on a recent Supreme Court order that said terminated grants can be challenged only as contract disputes. Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Archaeologists in Austria unearthed a rare ivory pyx and marble shrine from a 6th-century abandoned church. The pyx features unique biblical imagery, including Moses on Mount Sinai and a rare depiction of Christs Ascension in a two-horse chariot. Ongoing analysis aims to trace the origins of the ivory, marble, and wood, which may even be a relic tied to the True Cross. This story is a collaboration with Biography.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archaeologists recently dug up an ancient reliquary in Austria, and we may soon find out just where it came fromand even what holy treasures it once held. Since 2016, the archaeologists have been excavating a hilltop site in the municipality of Irschen, according to a Universitat Innsbruck press release. Three years ago, they made a startling discovery: a marble shrine, measuring around 20 by 30 centimetres, buried beneath the altar of a long-abandoned church. Within that shrine were fragments of a very specific kind of ivory box called a pyx, which was typically adorned with Christian imagery and used to hold a relic connected to some prominent place or figure within the faith. The clergy or congregation would often take the pyxes when a church was abandoned, so the archaeologists were surprised that this particular pyx remained within the ruins. We know of around 40 ivory boxes of this kind worldwide, archaeological team leader Gerald Grabherr said in the press release, and, as far as I know, the last time one of these was found during excavations was around 100 years agothe few pyxes that exist are either preserved in cathedral treasures or exhibited in museums. Heritage Images - Getty Images Ivory, especially ivory stored on the ground like in the marble shrine, absorbs moisture from its surroundings and is very soft and easily damaged in this state, Ulrike Tochterle, who heads the restoration workshop in Innsbruck, said in the press release. The larger pieces, over the centuries, have become deformed, making it impossible for the team to physically reconstruct the pyx in its entirety. However, theyre working on a 3D reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a prolonged drying process, the archaeologists revealed what they discovered about the pyxand what they hope to find in the future. The pyxs decoration, the team determined, draws a connection from the biblical figures of the Old Testament through to what they believe is a depiction of the Ascension of Christ. Its imagery begins on one end with a depiction of a figure at the foot of a mountain, turning his gaze away and a hand rising out of the sky above him, placing something between the persons arms. Grabherr notes that such imagery is the typical depiction of the handing over of the laws to Moses on Mount Sinai, the beginning of the covenant between God and man from the Old Testament. The pyx then depicts a series of more biblical figures before concluding with an image that might be unrecognizable to those only familiar with the more contemporary visual depictions of the New Testament. It shows a man riding in a two-horse chariot as a hand emerges from the clouds to pull the chariot to heaven. This, the team believes, is meant to portray Jesus Christs ascension into heaven, albeit in a manner not typically depicted. The depiction of scenes from the Old Testament and their connection with scenes from the New Testament is typical of late antiquity and thus fits in with our pyx, Grabherr said of the imagery. However, the depiction of the Ascension of Christ with a so-called biga, a two-horse chariot, is very special and previously unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres so much left to learn about the pyx. For example, where did the ivory that made the pyx, or the marble of the shrine that held it, come from? On the one hand, we still need to determine the exact origin of the marble, Tochterle said regarding the goal of the analysis currently underway, and we also want to specify the origin of the ivory and the elephant using stable isotope analyses. Metallic componentsthe hinges of the pyx were made of metalare also still being examined, as is the glue that was used for the ivory. In addition to the metal found with the pyxthe reliquarys hingesthe archaeologists also uncovered fragments of wood. We are particularly interested in the type of wood and its origin, and the age is also of interest to us, Tochterle said. Thats because, while the team says the wood was likely part of the pyxs original clasp, it cannot be completely ruled out that the wood is actually the relic the pyx was intended to protect, she said. After all, wood alleged to be from the cross where Jesus was crucified still circulates in religious circles. Just last year, one such piece of the True Cross was presented as a gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III for his coronation. PAUL ELLIS - Getty Images Its also entirely possible the settlers removed whatever relic was within the pyx and took it with them when they abandoned the hilltop settlement, which the archaeologists estimate occurred some time around 610 AD. Its also possible the same military force that may have caused the settlers to abandon their homeand the entire region to ultimately abandon their adherence to Christianitypilfered the relic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year 610 marks a turning point, the press release notes of the time period wherein the pyx would have been abandoned. In this year, the Battle of Aguntum takes place not far from the Irschen settlement, where a Slavic army meets Baiuvari armies and settlers. The victory for the Slavic army marks the end of the region's affiliation with the ancient Mediterranean world and also with Christianitythe Slavic settlers bring their own world of gods with them. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue You Might Also Like Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A large Samaritan estate has been unearthed by archaeologists in Israel, uncovering a wealth of treasures including mosaics, baths and an ancient oil press. The dig is in Kafr Qasim, an Arab city about 12 miles east of Tel Aviv. It is on the Israeli side of the border with the West Bank. It was financed by the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing before constructing a new neighborhood. The site is within the boundaries of the Kafr Hatta archaelogical site. The estate is an agricultural site that existed about 400 years ago, from the fourth through seventh centuries, which was between the Roman and the Byzantine periods. The site of Kafr Hatta is described in historical sources as the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician and successor of Simon Magus, who was considered the father of the Gnostic sects and one of Christianity's first converts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dig was in preparation for building housing on the site. The Ministry of Construction and Housing is cooperating with Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists in the field and helping with conservation operations, parallel to promoting the neighborhood's development in other areas, a press release said. "The size and splendor of the buildings discovered, the quality of their mosaic floors and the impressive agricultural installations, all point to the great wealth and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over the years," said Alla Nagorsky and Dr. Daniel Leahy Griswold, Israel Antiquities Authority excavation directors. Workers from the Israel Antiquities Authority work at an unearthed expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. This wealthy settlement is believed to be the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician, successor of Simon Magus, who was considered the father of the Gnostic sects and one of Christianity's first converts. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI In one of the buildings, a mosaic floor was preserved, decorated with a dense geometric pattern and vegetal images. Alongside its central medallion are acanthus leaves combined with rare decorations of fruits and vegetables -- such as grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes and asparagus. In the entrance to this room was a partially preserved Greek inscription wishing the building's owner "Good Luck!" The owner's first name, Rabia, was common in Samaritan communities. Workers from the Israel Antiquities Authority work at an unearthed expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI In the northern part of the estate, archaeologists found an olive press, a large warehouse building and a public purification bath called a miqveh. The proximity of the oil press to the miqveh probably was used to produce olive oil in purity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The large olive press had two wings; the northern wing contained the main production areas, while auxiliary rooms were erected in the southern wing. In the production areas, two screw presses were found, as well as a large olive crushing basin. A worker from the Israel Antiquities Authority holds oil lamps unearthed at an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI "This type of olive press is more typical of the Jerusalem region and the Judean Shephelah and is less common in Samaria" Nagorsky said. Over the years, the estate saw dramatic changes. Archeologist Adam William Asper of the Israel Antiquities Authority sits in a large miqveh, a public purification bath, unearthed at an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI "The wealth and luxury of the buildings were replaced by oil production and agricultural installations. New walls damaged the mosaic floors, and the magnificent capitals and columns were integrated within the new walls," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nagorsky suggested that these changes are related to the Samaritan Revolts under the Byzantine rule -- a series of fifth- through sixth-century uprisings against the Byzantine emperors, who enforced restrictive laws on members of other religions. Archeologist Adam William Asper of the Israel Antiquities Authority sits in a large miqveh, a public purification bath, unearthed at an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI "What makes this site particularly interesting is that unlike some of the other Samaritan sites that were destroyed in these revolts, the agricultural estate in Kafr Qasim actually continued in use, and even preserved its Samaritan identity -- as evidenced by the Samaritan ceramic oil-lamps uncovered in our excavation," she said. "This is a fascinating site, which displays the historical gamut between the days of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community," Nagorsky said. "Its long-term existence and impressive findings will allow us to reconstruct its history over centuries and will enrich our knowledge about this population in ancient times." Archeologist Dr. Daniel Leahy Griswold of the Israel Antiquities Authority shows an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, Israeli minister of heritage, explained the connection between ancient Jews and Samaritans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These two ancient communities led their lives based on the Torah and shared common roots, and also experienced similar hardships during periods of antagonistic rule," he said. "The impressive findings indicate the prosperity of a community closely related to Judaism, who lived in the Land of Israel for many centuries. These physical remains are another reminder that our heritage in this land is deep and multi-faceted." Archeologist Adam William Asper of the Israel Antiquities Authority shows an unearthed olive oil press at an expansive Samaritan agricultural estate,1,600 years old, on Tuesday, in the Arab town of Kafr Qasim in central Israel. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI The hiker who died after falling around 40 feet at Red River Gorge over the weekend has been identified as a man from Mason. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cameron Smoot, 24, was identified by the Fayette County Coroners Office in Lexington, our news partners at WCPO reported. Smoot died from multiple blunt force injuries due to a fall from height, according to the coroners report/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death is being investigated as an accident. TRENDING STORIES: As News Center 7 previously reported, first responders were called to Whittleton Arch at the Red River Gorge around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Initial reports indicated that a male had fallen about 40 feet from the top of Whittleton Arch to the rocks below. Rescue crews found the hiker, later identified as Smoot, alert and oriented, but in critical condition, Powell County Search and Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several rescue crews and fire personnel helped Powell County Emergency Medical Services expedite the carry-out process. Smoot was flown to the UK Hospital, where he later died. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] By Lucila Sigal BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -A federal court in Argentina ordered house arrest for the daughter of a former Nazi official and her husband after a raid failed to locate an iconic painting stolen decades ago by the Nazis. In an incident that captivated Argentina last week, authorities raided a home in the coastal city of Mar de Plata after a Dutch newspaper identified a painting seen in a real estate photo as an Italian masterpiece registered on a database of lost wartime art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They failed, however, to locate the piece. The painting, a portrait of Contessa Colleoni by Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, who died in 1743, had been missing for 80 years, before it was spotted in the listing for a home believed to be owned by Patricia Kadgien, the daughter of the late former Nazi official Friedrich Kadgien. Patricia Kadgien and her husband, were ordered to remain under house arrest for 72 hours starting Monday and will be questioned for obstructing the investigation to locate the painting, a judicial official in Mar de Plata told Reuters on Tuesday. The couple will be summoned for a hearing before Thursday, the official said, where they are expected to be charged with "concealment of theft in the context of genocide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argentina authorities carried out four new raids on Monday to find the painting, the official said, at homes linked to Kadgien and the couple's relatives, where investigators found two other paintings presumably dating back to the 1800s. Reuters was not immediately able to contact Patricia Kadgien. After the fall of the Third Reich at the end of World War Two, a number of high-ranking Nazi officials fled to South America. The portrait of Contessa Colleoni was among more than 1,000 works of art stolen by the Nazis from Amsterdam-based art dealer Jacques Goudstikker who died in 1940, according to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, which also reported on documents suggesting it was in the possession of Friedrich Kadgien, a senior official in Adolf Hitler's government who moved to Argentina after World War II. Kadgien died in 1979. (Reporting by Lucila Sigal, editing by Cassandra Garrison and Alistair Bell) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials with the Arkansas Auditors office announced that more than $650,000 in unclaimed property checks will be mailed to Arkansans this week under the new Data Match program. Starting today, the weekly checks will be sent to eligible individuals without them needing to file a claim, officials said. Wrightsville residents receive fresh groceries from nonprofit Auditor of State Dennis Milligan said Act 114 of 2025 allows his office to send payments of $50 to $5,000 to verified individuals, with over 360,000 properties flagged for review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the Arkansas Legislature, were able to begin mailing checks to people each week so long as we can prove they are owed this money, Milligan said. Unclaimed property can include uncashed checks, unreimbursed utility deposits, insurance proceeds and other financial items, officials said. Arkansas lawmakers, leaders offer condolences on the passing of Sen. Gary Stubblefield According to Milligan, letters notifying recipients of upcoming checks have been mailed since July 2, and the program currently applies only to individuals. Businesses, nonprofits and amounts outside the $50$5,000 range still required to file claims online at ClaimItAR.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, visit Auditor.AR.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 KARK. A manhunt for the suspect in a Virginia freeway shooting that left a 20-year-old driver dead and his passenger injured intensified on Tuesday when state police asked for the public's help and released photos of the alleged gunman and his vehicle. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Jason Allen Glidewell, who the Virginia State Police said should be considered armed and dangerous. The shooting unfolded Thursday afternoon on Interstate 85 in Mecklenburg County, about five miles from the Virginia-North Carolina border, according to a statement from the state police. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Jason Allen Glidewell II, 19, is wanted in a shooting, August 28, 2025, on Interstate 85 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, that left a 20-year-old driver dead and his female passenger injured. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim killed in the freeway shooting was identified by state police as 20-year-old Hunter A. Bates, of Colonial Heights, Virginia. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Police released photos of this white 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche suspect in a freeway shooting, Aug. 28, 2025, that left a 20-year-old man dead and a woman injured. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Police released photos of this white 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche suspect in a freeway shooting, Aug. 28, 2025, that left a 20-year-old man dead and a woman injured. Bates was driving northbound on Interstate 85 when he was shot around 3:47 p.m., according to the state police. Bates' car swerved off the freeway and came to a rest in a culvert, police said. Bates was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. His passenger, a woman whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital, treated and released, police said. MORE: Suspect in Kentucky freeway shooting bought weapon legally that morning: Officials "State Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact the Virginia State Police Division 3," according to the state police statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities on Tuesday released a photo of Glidewell, who is believed to have ties to the Richmond and Henrico, Virginia, area. MORE: Burning Man participant found dead at festival, homicide investigation underway: Sheriff "On August 28, 2025, Hunter's life was cut short by a senseless act of violence that has left our hearts broken. As we come to terms with this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of how precious and fragile life is," Bates' family said of Hunter Bates in an obituary published by the Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Virginia. ABC News' Benjamin Stein contributed to this report. An Army program that used peer and subordinate feedback to select leaders for command is being discontinued. The Command Assessment Program, CAP, was created as a pilot program in 2019 to evaluate sergeants major, lieutenant colonels, and full-bird colonels for command assignment in battalion and brigade-level units using peer and subordinate feedback. Each year, nearly 2,000 candidates are evaluated under CAP for Army leadership positions. The Army will now revert to its previous review system for command selection that used reviews by superiors, a system that one former officer told Task & Purpose was so superficial that it was akin to choosing leaders based on the equivalent of two tweets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth formally established CAP in January in the final week of the Biden administration. But her successor in the Trump administration, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, downgraded CAP from a formal program and placed it under review last month, with officials saying the pause was a way to make changes to the program. Officials also had recently announced a renaming of the program to the Army Warrior Leader Certification. Army officials told Task & Purpose that CAP was officially ended and that the service would revert back to the boards used in the Centralized Selection List process. The Centralized Selection Board/List, CSL, process has officers review evaluation reports for command candidates written by both a rater and a senior rater to determine whether soldiers are suitable for leadership positions. Maj. Travis Shaw, an Army spokesperson said the officers who sit on CSL boards evaluate officers past assignments, performance and demonstrated potential to produce an order of merit list. Previous CAP results will not factor into the process, Shaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army officials did not elaborate on why CAP was ended as an evaluation program. Shaw said in a statement that the discontinuation of CAP is in in line with a June 20 memo from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness that mandated a review of military officer evaluations, promotion boards, and command selection processes, Shaw said. A defense official said the Pentagon is still reviewing and evaluating military officer promotion and selection procedures and referred Task & Purpose to the Army for questions on CAP. The program was at the center of controversy last year when Gen. Charles Hamilton was relieved as head of Army Materiel Command after an investigation found he attempted to go around the CAP system to push the promotion of a subordinate officer for battalion command. CAP looked at feedback from joes In a Military Review article from January, two former CAP officials wrote that the previous command selection processes were inadequate because they present a narrow view of an officers performance and potential based on fewer sources of feedback and over a limited amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one board, an officer who ranked last against 29 other candidates on the CSL order merit list was ranked first on their battalion-level CAP assessment, according to an article written by former Army Chief of Staff James McConville and Maj. Gen. J.P. McGee, director of the Army Talent Management Task Force for War on the Rocks. Under CSL, a board of officers is charged with reviewing more than 1,000 packets, some for only minutes at a time, McConville told reporters in 2019 when announcing the battalion pilot program. McConville said CAP would be a transformational change in how the service selected its leaders. CAP included multiple evaluations from subordinates and peers who worked with the officer and looked at performance developed over the course of an Army career, not in the last six months before assessment, Army officials said. A former Army officer who took part in three CAP selections in 2020 and 2021 said the process was an upgrade from the CSL selection process, which only used senior rater and rater feedback, making evaluations pretty limited in scope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We counted this up. Their opinion matters most. When you look at what they write on your evaluation its an average of 110 characters, 18 words. Multiply that by five evaluations, which is generally what they look at. Thats the equivalent of two tweets, the former officer said. Im not kidding. Thats the information that they used to select officers, and thats what were going back to. In addition to peer and subordinate reviews, CAP candidates were also given an overall score based on written communication, verbal communication, physical fitness, and strategic potential skills. The former officer who said the inclusion of anonymous peer and subordinate evaluations often helped uncover candidates who had problematic behaviors like bullying. This isnt like anonymous Twitter comments or something like that, the officer said. You can definitely tell the difference between one person with an axe to grind and multiple people observing very extreme behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everett Spain, an Army colonel and head of the behavioral sciences and leadership department at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point wrote in a Harvard Business Review article in 2020 that CAP was designed to overcome legacy challenges where officers were picked based on a ranking compared to their peers instead of personality traits that would make them more suitable for a prescribed role. Spain gave the example of choosing the best company commander for a role to advise the military of a U.S. ally overseas. While company commanders lead soldiers who are similar to oneself, advisers influence people from other cultures in foreign environments. Better results could be obtained by identifying individuals with superior cognitive flexibility, cross-cultural fluency, and interpersonal skills, he wrote. If the army knew which officers enjoyed international travel and meeting people from different cultures, it could choose someone whose talents and preferences were suited to the position, most likely ending up with a high performer who would enjoy and remain in the job. Following a review last month, the U.S. Army has canceled its Command Assessment Program, formally established as a program of record in the last days of the Biden administration. Starting in 2019 as a pilot program for selecting battalion commanders, CAP was implemented throughout the Army during 2020 with the stated goal of reducing conscious and unconscious biases and using new methods, including psychology and peer assessments, to evaluate candidates for command roles. It replaced the Armys longstanding Centralized Selection Board/List, or CSL, a promotion system based on a series of performance factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CAP program, by contrast, relied heavily on peer evaluations and behavioral analysis. Additionally, measures were introduced into the program with the stated goal of protecting minorities from bias. The battery of psychometric assessments employs several different instruments to measure cognitive capacity, emotional intelligence, conscientiousness, self-awareness, and other behavioral traits, according to Army documents on CAP first published in January. Those documents noted that subjectivity was a factor that had to be considered in assessing candidates behavior. Though not completely hidden, assessing intellect through casual observation is highly subjective and contextual, Army officials noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth made CAP an official program of record just days before President Donald Trump took office. The CAP process puts a priority on screening out individuals who have counterproductive leadership behaviors, Wormuth stated previously in a podcast. You can be confident that the folks coming out of CAP who are going into command are a lot less likely to have counterproductive leadership tendencies. While CAP was praised by some for its focus on evaluating positive personality traits in leadership, it cannot be said, to this point, to have generated additional interest in promotion within the Army. In 2024, a record 54% of officers chose not to participate in the program a jump from the 40% average in 2019 before CAP was widely introduced into the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last several months, the Trump administration has rolled back many policies and procedures established by Biden administration officials CAP now being one of them. The Department of the Army rescinded CAP months ago, pending potential changes to the programs evaluation criteria. The service has since decided to scrap the program altogether, and will now revert to its previous CSL system. South Korean lawmakers have said, citing intelligence, that about 2,000 North Korean service personnel sent to Russia to take part in combat in Ukraine have been killed. Source: South Korean Yonhap news agency Details: South Koreas National Intelligence Service also noted that Pyongyang plans to send about 6,000 additional soldiers to Russia as a third batch to aid Moscows war against Ukraine and that about 1,000 combat engineers have already arrived in Russia. According to the intelligence, the existing troops are deployed in the rear as reserve forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yonhap recalls that since October last year, North Korea has sent about 13,000 military personnel to support Russias military actions. North Korea itself has said it lost about 350 soldiers during the first and second deployment phases. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Every time I think we have reached peak lunacy around the issue of trans rights, I am once more shocked. The news that five armed police officers were waiting at Heathrow to meet and arrest the creator of Father Ted because of three tweets has blown my mind. Graham Linehan was taken to a cell. His belongings were taken away from him and then he was interviewed. This arrest required some planning and Linehan, in hindsight, believed hed been flagged: when he went through passport check in Arizona he claimed he was told there was an issue with his seat, and he had to be issued with a new ticket. Armed police are usually reserved for suspects who may be dangerous, not for people who tweet controversial stuff. Linehan, 57, is well known for his views on trans issues and has long been of the view that trans rights have come about to the detriment of women and children. He takes no prisoners and is often rude about predatory men, and makes derogatory comments about transwomen (biological men) who masquerade as lesbian women on dating apps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has paid a heavy price for his views, which is why he now lives in the States. The comedy world dumped him. His marriage broke up. This once-feted writer of Father Ted, The IT Crowd and Black Books became persona non grata within the industry. Few stood by him, as it is compulsory in the word of the arts and media to mouth the dogmas. Trans women are women. Trans men are men, and non-binary is valid. To veer from the catechism is to risk being ostracised, to have ones livelihood take away, to become a pariah. This is what happened to him. All of this has perhaps pushed Linehan to be extremely angry and not to hold back. As Linehan clearly sees some trans activists as the entitled, aggressive men that they are, he refuses to compromise and returns their threats. His punch in the balls tweet (his joking recommendation if all else fails should a woman find a trans-identified male is in a female-only space) is part of that. Remember we live in a culture where it appears to be OK to carry signs that say Decapitate Terfs amongst other threats that explicitly call for violence against women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tweets in question are not, as he says, his best work. They are not nice. A lot of X is not nice, but this arrest is completely ridiculous. Actually, it is chilling. The trans lobby has operated by first of all having a no-debate policy, and is now cracking down on language. Everyone has to go along with delusion rather than reality. We are currently in the middle of the Sandie Peggie tribunal, where the lawyer of her trans adversary, Dr Upton, has asked and the tribunal has accepted that this biological male must never be referred to by his birth name Theo, but only as Beth. Peggie was subjected to a suspension and disciplinary investigation by her employers, NHS Fife, after she objected to sharing the hospitals female changing room with Upton. Linehan alleges that when he was questioned by the police, they were using trans activist language, such as gender being assigned at birth and so on. Such language is contested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Language is one of the areas that gender-critical folk, or indeed anyone interested in reality, have pushed back on. Those involved in the so-called gender wars have been drawn into issues around free speech arguments because often we are refusing to use compelled speech. Rejecting daft phrases like chest-feeding , gender assigned at birth or even non-binary means rejecting the concepts and faith that underpins them. This is our right to free expression and fundamentally, free thought. Linehan has that right. Surely it is not for armed police to waste time looking at tweets on X, is it? All of this caused Linehans blood pressure to rise so much he had to go to A&E. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has not been charged the charge would presumably be inciting violence but has been released with a bail condition that he must not go on X. This is frankly Orwellian. He has been arrested for wrongthink. The police have outdone themselves. Either we have freedom of speech or we dont, and freedom of speech means freedom to offend. It also means defending those you may disagree with. There is no serious justification for this arrest. It is an alarming authoritarian move which furthers no one rights. I stand with Graham Linehan. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A 66-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of a pregnant woman 20 years after her body was found in a Texas graveyard, authorities announced. Valerie Laguna, 26, was nine months pregnant at the time of her death in 2005, the La Salle County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. She was last seen at a private residence in the early morning hours on July 19, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Later that day, her body was found at the Cristo Rey Cemetery in Cotulla, Texas. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The case went cold but remained a priority for the county over the years, the sheriff's office said, with multiple administrations engaging in "tireless work" and department leaders refusing "to let the case go cold." In 2018, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced a reward of up to $6,000 for information leading to an arrest. Valerie Laguna. / Credit: Texas Department of Public Safety The sheriff's office did not provide many details of the investigation, citing pending prosecution, but said "advanced forensic investigators" allowed officials to link a suspect to the crime. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and the Williamson County Sheriff's Office all contributed to the investigation, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, identified as Saul Gonzalez, was arrested without incident in Cotulla, Texas, the sheriff's office said. He was indicted by a La Salle County grand jury on Friday, and has been charged with capital murder. Gonzalez is being held on a $1 million bond, the sheriff's office said. "For twenty years, this community has carried the memory of a terrible loss," said Sheriff Hector Ramirez in a statement. "This arrest represents a significant step toward justice. More importantly, it represents a moment for healingfor the victim's family, who have waited so long, and for a community that has never forgotten." "This case has always been about more than just solving a crime," Ramirez said. "It has been about giving a voice to the victim, honoring her memory, and providing hope to her family. We know that nothing can erase the pain of the past, but we pray that this step forward brings comfort as we now move into the prosecution phase." Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes New push from lawmakers to release Epstein files as Congress returns from recess Migrant children remain in federal custody after judge blocks deportation OREGON, Ill. (WTVO) A 44-year-old Oregon, Illinois, man has been arrested on warrants for trespassing and possession of methamphetamine. According to the Ogle County Sheriffs Department, Robert VanDyke was arrested in the 1000 block of S. 2nd Street Monday night around 8:25 p.m. Police said VanDyke was wanted for criminal trespass to a building in Ogle County and possession of methamphetamine and a DUI in Lee County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked into the Ogle County Jail pending the outcome of a pretrial detention hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) One man was killed and two others were injured in separate shootings in Iberville Parish over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office released details from two separate shootings and announced arrests. Heres what we know about each case. Man arrested after 1 hurt in shooting Deputies responded to Barrow Street on Friday, Aug. 29, where a 24-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He is in stable condition after being taken to a hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Ray Vondo, Jr., 26, of Plaquemine, was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Labor Day shooting leaves 1 dead, 1 injured Deputies responded to a Labor Day shooting on Third Street in Maringouin, where a 24-year-old man was found shot. He was taken to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. Another victim, a 23-year-old man, was taken to a hospital in a private car but died from his injuries. Ashton Bourgeois, 19, and Troylen Louis, 20, were both arrested and charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. An investigation is ongoing. Deputies said more arrests are possible. Sheriff: Violence is not the answer Sheriff Brett Stassi addressed the violent crime during the holiday weekend in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence is not the answer. This weekend, we lost a young man, and two young men have been hospitalized at the hands of others who will ultimately lose their freedom. We must find a better way forward, Stassi said. He thanked deputies for their investigative work leading to arrests. He also thanked the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office and the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriffs Office for their assistance in cases. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Frederick County public schools superintendent Cheryl Dyson talks with a student at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School last week, during the first day of school for students in the county. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Brayden Morgan says artificial intelligence is here to stay and everyone should embrace it. We have to adapt. We have to stay up to date, said the 17-year-old high school senior and student member on the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. We have to learn about it and make sure our students know how to use it [the] right way [and] that theyre learning and not being enabled on technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That may be easier said than done. The technology better known as AI is already being used by students and teachers in Maryland schools. But the state has yet to develop specific statewide guidelines on how to effectively use the powerful new computing tool, and what guardrails to protect students from using it inappropriately, such as plagiarism on essay papers and other work. State education officials have been working behind the scenes for more than a year on language, and county school systems have made tentative steps toward developing their own policies. But its been slow going. Brayden Morgan, the student member on Anne Arundel County Board of Education, says schools need to adapt to the presence of AI. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Jing Liu said theres a couple of reasons many school districts in Maryland, and the nation, dont yet have artificial intelligence policies in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AI space is developing really, really fast. All the AI tools are developed at lightning speed, said Liu, an associate professor in education policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. Liu, whos also directs the schools Center for Educational Data Science and Innovation, said evidence-based research needs to be done quickly to help inform policymakers and school district leaders on how to design AI policy. He said a policy would include certain tools used to meet education standards and guardrails to ensure appropriate uses. I think we are still at a very early stage in terms of understanding their [AI] impact, Liu said. There hasnt been a lot of research looking at the impact of particular AI users on teacher and student learning outcomes. Maryland education officials said they have been working behind the scenes on AI guidance for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A document from the state Board of Education summarizes artificial intelligence frameworks such as potential benefits like tutoring and personalized learning assistance, aiding creativity and collaboration and operational and administrative efficiency. Some of the risks are plagiarism and academic dishonesty, overreliance and loss of critical thinking, and perpetuating societal biases. State Superintendent Carey Wright said in an interview Thursday that statewide guidance on AI could be released by the end of the school year. In the meantime, Wright has advice for educators and other school leaders on effectively using AI in schools. The things that I would hope theyre doing is developing lesson plans that are aligned to our standards. Thats key because our statewide assessment is aligned to our standards, she said. We dont want just a hodgepodge of things being taught, Wright said. So, anything that they can do that is going to make their life easier, but also guiding children in [whats] appropriate and whats not appropriate, in terms of the use of AI. School district look A few school districts have implemented AI guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Georges County school leaders began a three-year implementation plan last school year that stresses professional learning, ethical considerations and curriculum integration. For the 2025-26 school year that began last week, there will be follow-up meetings with stakeholders, training workshops for staff and school administrators to start assessing how to implement AI instruction in the classroom. Students in Calvert County can read about it in their new student code of conduct. The guidelines highlight definitions, educational and ethical uses, academic integrity and supervision and monitoring. Theres also a warning for prohibited conduct: Any misuse of AI tools will be subject to disciplinary action. In certain circumstances, law enforcement may be notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederick County Superintendent Cheryl Dyson said the school board there is working on an artificial intelligence policy. Last year, Dyson said curriculum writers used AI to generate topics related to the curriculum that young people would be interested in. As for teachers, Dyson said they will not only know whether students produced their own work, but also help guide them to think critically. When you learn [the abilities of] a student, you can tell when something is an anomaly, she said. Its really about explicit teaching of the writing process, or any process really about learning, because we want to know what they [students] know, not what the computer knows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland State Education Association president Paul Lemle provided an example on how he utilized AI last year as a social studies teacher. Lemle asked students to compare a few political ads, but he also required that they make ads of their own. It was OK for them to use AI in that assignment, he said. If they wanted to use it to research the ads that they were comparing, fine. If they wanted to use it to suggest lines in their script, fine. But the AI couldnt tell them this kind of ad will work in this kind of political context. They had to make that decision for themselves, Lemle said. One thing about AI is that its a genie thats out of the bottle. Were not going to place that back. Darilyn Mercadel, program coordinator, elementary education, Bowie State University College of Education Tiffany Carpenter, 25, said she began to use artificial intelligence during the first week of school to help with a lesson plan for the entrepreneurship class she teaches at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Prince Georges County. Part of that plan, she said, was utilizing AI to design a logo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AIs logo-making isnt always perfect, so I just use that as a template so that I can get a start, said Carpenter, whos going into her fourth year teaching at Wise. Its giving you ideas, not the final product. Thats what I tell and show my students. AI is just a tool to help. They still have to do the work and learn from it. But without a 100% guarantee, there remains an unknown that students can utilize that technology and easily obtain good grades. Do more together With an ongoing statewide and nationwide teacher shortage, aspiring teachers will need to be taught about how to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into the classroom. Darilyn Mercadel is doing just that at Bowie State University, where she is teaching several classes and is the coordinator of elementary education programs in the schools College of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before students are enrolled in college, high school students already know how to use AI technology through computer programs such as ChatGPT, developed and released in 2022 by OpenAI. ChatGPT can translate complex topics into simpler sentences. In addition, the user can ask questions through text, audio or even image prompts. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE But Mercadel stressed theres other programs such as Adobe Firefly that generate graphics and edit photos; Intellectus that analyzes and breaks down data; and the Siri voice recognition program on iPhones. Mercadel said students use a tutoring service program called CircleIn. Not only does the program provide academic support, it can also be used to collaborate with their peers. But to ensure aspiring educators, which she calls preservice students, understand a particular topic, Mercadel will also give an oral exam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are other means that we can assess students besides your usual paper, or your typical test that we used to give before AI, she said. One thing about AI is that its a genie thats out of the bottle. Were not going to place that back. The effectiveness of AI has decreased Mercadels time to plan her courses from about two weeks to an hour. She stressed the human element is integrated because AI cant do things that humans can do, which is the emotional side and the understanding of our students. It gives me more time to get to know my students and families. Mercadel, who taught early childhood education in Prince Georges and Montgomery counties, said another positive with AI is interacting with students who may be hearing impaired. Now students are able to swipe that doesnt require that occupational hand holding of a pencil and can tap or swipe to communicate. Thats a huge difference, she said. Its assistive technology. We have these tools that make it easier, but that also gives us time to do more together. ChatGPT says its OK As a policy, Maryland Matters does not use AI to write stories, but we did ask ChatGPT, one of the most popular programs, if AI should be allowed in K-12 classrooms for students and teachers. We were told in a split-second, Yes with clear boundaries, ethical safeguards, and developmentally appropriate practices in place. Which it went on to list: Why AI should be allowed in K-12 1. Enhances teaching and learning For Teachers : Saves time (e.g., grading drafts, generating lesson plans, adapting materials). Enables differentiated instruction and support for diverse learners. For Students : Offers personalized learning (e.g., adaptive math platforms). Improves accessibility (e.g., AI captioning, translation for ELLs). Can support creativity and exploration (e.g., storytelling, art, simulations). 2. Builds essential future-ready skills AI literacy will be as critical as digital literacy. Students need to understand AIs capabilities, limits, and ethical dimensions. Introducing AI responsibly prepares students for a workforce increasingly shaped by automation and machine learning. 3. Promotes equity (if managed carefully) With proper funding and access, AI can help close gaps in learning support. It can provide real-time feedback and scaffolding for students who need it most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But use must be carefully controlled AI should not be used indiscriminately. The risks of misuse, bias, over-reliance and data misuse are real, especially for younger students. Uses, by grade level, should be: Kindergarten-2nd grader should use teacher-controlled tools for tasks like speech-to-text, storoy generation and reading apps. Grades 3-5 should have high supervision with AI image tools, math help and idea generation. Grades 3-8 call for guided creative and assistive use for essay feedback, science simulations, chatbots. Grades 9-12 allow responsible, independent use for research, peer review, coding help and ethical analysis. When AI should not be used For final grading decisions or disciplinary choices. As substitute for human connection, mentorship, or social-emotional support. In a surveillance capacity (e.g., emotion tracking, behavior prediction). Without full transparency with parents and students. Final position: Allow AI, with guardrails AI belongs in the classroom not as a replacement for teachers or learning, but as a tool for enhancing both. Its use must be: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Age-appropriate Ethically grounded Transparent Optional and opt-in where appropriate Accompanied by teacher training and student AI literacy education SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) teased a run for Iowas Senate seat Tuesday after Sen. Joni Ernst (R) formally announced her retirement. As we look forward, President Trump needs a fighter in the Senate who will always have his back to continue to cut spending, deport illegal aliens, and put working families first, Hinson, a staunch Trump ally, said in a post on the social platform X. Ive stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass this America First agenda in the House, she continued, and I would be his strongest ally in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt and I will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again, Hinson added, referring to her husband. Ernst formally announced her retirement Tuesday following reports last week that she did not intend to run for reelection in next years midterms. I will not be seeking reelection in 2026, Ernst said Tuesday. This was no easy decision. I love my state and country. A Republican operative told The Hill last week that Hinson, a reporter-turned-lawmaker, was likely best positioned to replace the senator. Hinson praised Ernsts congressional and military service on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Service defines Senator Joni Ernst from serving her country in uniform to fiercely fighting for Iowans in the U.S. Senate, Hinson said Tuesday. Her story from Red Oak to the Senate is a powerful example of the American dream. Our country and state are better off because of Jonis selfless service I lead a heartfelt thank you from every Iowan. Ernsts decision to forgo a third term leaves an open seat that could become hotly contested as Democrats try to retake the majority in the upper chamber. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rated Ernsts seat as likely Republican before news of her expected retirement broke. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) said in a joint statement following Ernsts announcement that the GOP majority in the Senate was in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump and Senate Republicans devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy, the Democrats said. Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters. Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families, the duo added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Spain's Zamora Company is working with wine and spirits importer Monika Alcobev to launch its Licor 43 liqueur in the Indian market. The initial launch will bring Licor 43 Original in both 70cl and 1 litre sizes to India, alongside its chocolate- and creme brulee-flavoured variants. In a joint statement, Ankit Shah, area director of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at Zamora Company, said the partnership marks "a significant milestone in our global expansion. He added: "The imported spirits market in India is steadily growing driven by rise in disposable incomes and a strong consumer trend of premiumization, and we are confident that this partnership, backed by Monikas robust portfolio, will allow us to connect with discerning consumers seeking unique and high quality products. In the statement, the companies said that Monika Alcobev's "strong presence" in North and West India, and an "extensive distribution network in South India", would "ensure Licor 43 reaches premium retail stores and regions where cocktail culture is flourishing". The Spanish liqueur brand is also set to expand to major cities in East India. Along with Licor 43, Zamora's Martin Millers Gin, and Villa Massa's Limoncello and Amaretto will also join Monika Alcobev's distribution portfolio in India. Kunal Patel, managing director of the listed distributor Monika Alcobev, added: Bringing Licor 43 to India is a significant milestone, not just for us, but for the evolving palate of Indian consumers. The brand is iconic, versatile, and crafted for modern mixology, and we are excited to lead its debut in the Indian market. Licor 43 has made its Indian debut in Goa and Mumbai, and there are plans for further expansion to additional markets soon. The Spanish liqueur is currently sold in over 80 countries globally. In 2024, Zamora saw its net profit grow 9.8% to 19.5m ($22.7m), while debt was down 56% at 23m, attributed to "the outcome of the efficiency and cost optimisation policies implemented by the company at all levels". Its total sales in the year reached 260m, a 2.9% decline on the year prior, the group said. The group's Latin America and United States markets drove sales in the period, with the global business now making up 55.4% of global sales compared to 54% in 2023. "The dynamism of these key emerging markets for Zamora Company has partially offset the slight contraction in the more mature European markets," the group said in a statement on the results in July. Atlanta firefighters pulled a man from a burning house early Tuesday morning. Shortly after midnight, firefighters responded to a single-story house fire at 1116 Moreland Avenue SE. When they arrived firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire coming from the back of the house. One man was rescued from the building. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where his injuries are being treated. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The city of Aurora is considering partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois for after-school and summer programs. At one time, Aurora ran its own youth services in-house, but starting in 2010 after-school and summer programs were taken over by an outside organization, called Cities in Schools, according to Aurora Youth Services Manager Simon Rodriguez. That organization closed earlier this year, he said, so city staff are recommending the local Boys and Girls Clubs take over running those programs. Rodriguez and representatives from the Boys and Girls Clubs recently presented the proposal to the Aurora City Councils Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee, which voted to recommend the agreement for approval. Now, the recommendation is set to go before the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday evening before heading to City Council for final approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposed agreement, the Boys and Girls Clubs would run after-school programs at six elementary schools in West Aurora School District 129 Fearn, Freeman, Goodwin, Greenman, Hill and McCleery plus all the elementary schools in East Aurora School District 131 including Benavides STEAM Academy. Thats according to a presentation by Natalie Pawluk, Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois chief operating officer. The after-school programs, available for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, would run through May 28, 2026, Monday to Friday, from school dismissal to 6 p.m., her presentation showed. Children in the programs would be participating in a variety of different activities that change hour-to-hour and day-to-day, she said. While in the past city-sponsored after-school programs have been completely free for all students, the ones to be run by the Boys and Girls Clubs could potentially come with a cost, depending on parents level of income, according to Pawluk. However, her presentation showed that likely around 80% of children would be attending for free, and the maximum monthly cost would be $200 per child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike the after-school programs, summer camps would stay free for all participants, she said. Those summer programs would be offered June 8, 2026, through July 30, 2026, and would run 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, according to her presentation. Four different four-week traditional camps would be offered, each at a different school district. West Auroras would be held at Hill Elementary, East Auroras would be held at Allen Elementary, Indian Prairie School District 204s would be held at Fischer Middle School and Oswego School District 308s would be held at Homestead Elementary. Plus, a city-wide theatre camp and a rotating downtown Aurora camp, each also four weeks long, would also be offered. Rodriguez said the downtown camp was actually started by the citys Youth Services Division in 2022, but the Boys and Girls Club would be taking it over as a part of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois actually managed Auroras camps this summer, since Cities in Schools closed in the spring. Pawluk said it was a bit fast and furious but that the group met its goals, including having over 450 children attend programs. The closing of Cities in Schools left a big gap in services, according to Rodriguez. To replace them, he said, city staff were looking for an organization that could provide both after-school and summer programing, that could manage multiple sites across the city, that offered a variety of activities, that could commit long-term to programs through diverse funding streams and that had established partnerships with local school districts, among other things. Multiple organizations applied, but when ranked by staff across various categories, the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois ranked highest, his presentation showed. Cathy Russell, the organizations CEO, said the Boys and Girls Clubs were started as a way to keep children off the streets and from doing things they shouldnt be doing. Now, the organization works to provide children with an accessible, safe place to go that can meet their basic needs as well as help them with social and emotional learning, academics and workforce readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is expected to spend no more than $583,000 on the one-year agreement. According to Rodriguez, the after-school portion of the cost would be paid with funds generated by the citys tax on gaming, while the summer camps would be funded through the general fund. The agreement has the option to be extended twice, each time for one year, Rodriguezs presentation showed. He said that future years would cost the city less: no more than $507,000. rsmith@chicagotribune.com An underground market is putting endangered species at risk in Southeast Asia. According to The Economic Times, investigators said the trade is stripping India's forests of tigers and funneling animal parts into a secretive town. What's happening? Authorities and conservationists are raising the alarm over Mong La, a remote town in Myanmar's Shan State that has become a hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Known as the "supermarket of illegal wildlife," Mong La openly sells tiger parts, elephant tusks, and other products from endangered animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supply chain stretches back to India's forests. Poachers in Maharashtra's Dandakaranya region in Central India are targeting tigers, often with the help of traditional hunting communities. Skilled in tracking and trapping, these groups are working with international smuggling syndicates that pay them for results. Tiger parts are trafficked through northeastern India and into Myanmar. Once in Mong La, they are sold to buyers, often from China, where demand is fueled by traditional medicine and luxury markets. A single consignment of tiger parts can earn traffickers up to the equivalent of about $18,000, nearly double its value a decade ago, the news outlet reported. Why is the illegal tiger trade concerning? India is home to more than 70% of the world's wild tigers, according to The Economic Times. This cross-border trade threatens decades of conservation progress and puts the species' survival in jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact also extends to communities that live near forests. Tigers help keep ecosystems in balance by regulating prey populations. If they vanish, the stability of forests could be lost, leading to wider environmental and social consequences. The smuggling networks are sophisticated and well-funded. Payments are broken into small online transactions, while traffickers use encrypted communications and countersurveillance to avoid detection, according to the report. This makes enforcement difficult, and corruption at local levels often makes the challenge that much more difficult. What's being done about the illegal animal trade? Conservation groups and governments are working to disrupt these networks. Security has already tightened along older smuggling routes, forcing traffickers to adapt, The Economic Times reported. Greater cooperation with Myanmar is vital, as Mong La sits in a region where enforcement is weak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals can support conservation by avoiding products linked to wildlife exploitation, donating to trusted organizations, and sharing awareness about illegal trade. Each step contributes to progress toward a future wherein forests and the people who depend on them can thrive. 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. PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) Labor Day is one of the busiest days of the year for boaters, and authorities are urging caution as people take to the water. Folks enjoying Labor Day boating and fishing trips were out in full force at Freds on the River in Prairieville. Walker resident Tabitha Jones says she loves to fish near this spot and is here with her mother, enjoying the great weather this holiday. All the kids and things like that had their life jackets on, and everybody was friendly, and with the boat traffic courtesy and stuff, everybody was doing really well. It is so peaceful here. You have people going up and down the channel, on jet skis, and different kinds of boats, and everybodys so sweet and they wave, and everybodys playing music, its just so peaceful out here, Jones said. The National Safe Boating Council aims to keep it that way with its Safe Boating Campaign. Theyre encouraging everyone to boat responsibly by wearing life jackets at all times while boating, using an engine cut-off switch, and never boating under the influence. Statistics from the Coast Guard show that almost 90% of drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Authorities say Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July Fourth are the busiest and most dangerous holidays for boating, with more crowded waterways. They also urge you to check your equipment before your trip to make sure everything is in working condition. State law says everyone on a boat under the age of 16 is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat under 26 feet in length, and everyone must have it readily accessible on board. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The Oklahoma State Board of Education's special meeting this week apparently will proceed as planned, despite questions and fireworks leading up to it. A link to the agenda for the special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, was posted about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday on the state Department of Educations website, averting for now a potential legal showdown between four board members and state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. The meeting is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in room 535 inside the Oklahoma state Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By law, the agenda for a meeting of any state board is supposed to be posted no less than 24 hours before the meeting is scheduled to begin. The board members, invoking another state law, had called on Friday for the special meeting, after Walters had abruptly, and apparently unilaterally, canceled a regular board meeting scheduled for last Thursday. On Friday, Oklahoma Education Secretary Nellie Tayloe Sanders posted the special meeting time and agenda on the Oklahoma Secretary of States website, which is another legal requirement. The meeting time also was posted on the Oklahoma Senates website, as the room in which the meeting will be held is that bodys primary meeting room. But Walters, who controls what is posted on the Oklahoma State Department of Educations website, did not immediately allow the special meeting agenda to be posted on the agencys website. His spokeswoman, Madison Cercy, said on Friday that, We are extremely disappointed that these board members are playing games with Oklahomas education and children. It is hard to take them seriously when their clear intention is to distract from the outstanding work being accomplished at OSDE under the Walters administration. The agenda for a special Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting now is posted on a state agency website controlled by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. Spokespeople for Walters didnt immediately return a message left Tuesday morning, asking about Walters potential attendance at the special meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Van Denhende, Ryan Deatherage, Michael Tinney and Becky Carson the four newest members of the seven-person board have been at loggerheads with Walters on multiple issues since their appointment earlier this year by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Bob Burke, an Oklahoma City attorney who is representing the four board members pro bono, said in a letter sent Friday to Walters that if the meeting agenda wasnt posted by 9 a.m. Tuesday, Burke would seek a writ of mandamus from the Oklahoma Supreme Court ordering Walters to do so. Burke told The Oklahoman on Tuesday morning hed spoken with the Education Departments interim general counsel, Jacquelyne Phelps, for about two hours on Monday, which was the federal Labor Day holiday, to work on resolving the impasse. What's on the agenda for the OSBE special meeting Wednesday The four board members had called for the meeting to conduct a vote on hiring a new board attorney after their previous lawyer, Chad Kutmas, had withdrawn following multiple disagreements with the board members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agenda, the four board members want to hire another Oklahoma City attorney, Ryan Leonard. Leonard is the son-in-law of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and unsuccessfully ran in 2010 to become the states attorney general. More recently, he served as Stitts special counsel on Native American affairs. The second action item on the agenda for Wednesdays meeting concerns the establishment of a process for the hiring of a board secretary pursuant to state law. The agenda posted on the Education Departments website added an executive session to discuss that issue. Burke said hed spent time with Phelps on Monday working out details of how the Wednesday meeting could go forward without any contention or difficulty and that he was pleased it appeared the meeting could proceed smoothly. From the beginning, the four board members only wanted a special meeting so they can retain outside counsel to advise them on their very significant role in supervising the public schools of Oklahoma, Burke said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSBE may hire attorney without Ryan Walters' approval Sure, Nugget wouldve sufficed, but a family in Michigan cooked up a much better moniker for its newest member who was recently born in a McDonalds parking lot. Matilda Rotunda was born at 2:57 a.m. amid the glow of golden arches on Aug. 11, per People, and due to the circumstances of her wild birth, she has received a pretty fitting nickname: McTilly. According to Today, baby Matildas parents, Alyce and Kevin Rotunda II, had always intended to call her Tilly. But when Alyces brother-in-law met the newborn in the hospital, he quickly came up with the apt nickname for the small fry. And it seems like the whole family is lovin it. Related: Matthew Gaudreau's Widow Welcomes Baby 4 Months After Accident That Killed Him And Brother Its stuck with a few people, and everyone gets a kick out of it, Alyce said. A stock photo of a baby that isnt Matilda McTilly Rotunda, but still contains a supersize amount of cuteness. Getty Despite Matildas extremely cute epithet, the circumstances that led her to being born in a parking lot are anything but. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her birth was a STORY, Alyce wrote on Facebook on Aug. 15, while announcing her birth. On Aug. 8, Alyce went to a hospital in Kalamazoo after she began to experience contractions, but she was told it was a false alarm and was sent away. Related: I Was Caring For A Patient With Down Syndrome. A Fellow Doctors 8-Word Remark Left Me Stunned. Yet, Alyce told People that intense irregular contractions persisted over the next few days, and by 2 a.m. on Aug. 11, she knew it was time. A picturesque photo of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Teresa Lett via Getty Images Being that Alyces pregnancy was considered high-risk due to having Type 1 diabetes, getting to the closest hospital that could accommodate her condition was of utmost importance but it also happened to be 45 minutes away, and the baby was coming fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, once the couple got into their minivan, Kevin literally put the pedal to the metal. He later told me at one point he was going 100 mph on a stretch of highway where there was nothing around, as he didnt want to get stuck being by nothing if the baby decided to come then, Alyce recalled. Related: Erin Bates Goes Into Septic Shock Following Intense Labor With 7th Child Thankfully, the pair spotted a McDonalds right as the situation escalated. Alyce poured out of the car, as Kevin, who was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, tried to help her take off her pants. via Getty Images The 911 operator was yelling at me to get back in the car, and then a police officer showed up with his spotlight on us, saying, You need to get back in your vehicle, Alyce told Today. I just screamed, NO! There was no way I could do anything other than stand there or squat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alyce said that amid the McFlurry of circumstances occurring in the McDonalds parking lot, she suddenly felt something between her legs. I reached down to feel what was happening and her head was fully out, Alyce told People. I just remember yelling, Kevin catch her right now! I didnt know, but at that exact moment, Kevin was already standing behind me, bending down ready to grab her. I didnt even have to push she honestly just fell out into Kevins arms. Alyce told People she let out a huge sigh of relief when Matilda immediately started crying. Related: Guatemalan Document Undercuts U.S. Claims On Child Deportations She was breathing and alert, so I was at peace, Alyce told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ambulance showed up five minutes later, and mother and baby were whisked away to the hospital where Alyce and little McTilly were given a clean bill of health. The newborns blood sugar tested normal and was weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces. We got so lucky, Alyce told Today. More on U.S. News Trump Fired An Official Over A Weak Jobs Report. Another Brutal One Just Came Out. Patrick Hemingway, The Last Surviving Child Of Ernest Hemingway, Dead At 97 Amy Coney Barrett Downplays Fears Of A Constitutional Crisis Read the original on HuffPost Lt. Gov. Burt Jones at the kickoff for his campaign for governor. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder FLOVILLA Why should GOP primary voters vote for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to be Georgias next governor over Attorney General Chris Carr or another candidate who may emerge between now and Mays party primary? For several speakers at Jones official campaign kick-off in Flovilla last week, Jones loyalty to President Donald Trump shows he is the right person for the job. Jones who celebrated receiving Trumps endorsement last month is so loyal to the president that he tried to help Trump win the 2020 election even after he already lost it, said now-U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five years and multiple investigations and court cases later, nobody has been charged with rigging the 2020 election in Georgia or any other state. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder We saw boxes being stuffed, Beach said. We saw all this, and we got all these complaints, and so we started asking questions. And we wanted a special session, we wanted to get down to the bottom of it, and thats when I learned this man has backbone and courage. And I will tell you, we both got punished. We lost our chairmanships, but we never wavered. He never wavered. Jones and Beach, both state senators at the time, were stripped of leadership positions after they joined calls to overturn Trumps loss in Georgia, punishment from then-Republican, then-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan. At the Flovilla rally, Jones and his allies wore that punishment like a badge of honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, when President Trump needed allies, these politicians were silent, said Sen. Greg Dolezal, referring to what he characterized as fair weather MAGA fans. When Fani Willis weaponized her office and tried to take Trump down, these politicians were nowhere to be found. And even when Donald J. Trump was our nominee to beat Joe Biden, these politicians wouldnt even say his name. This is what I call political appropriation. These politicians want a ticket on the Trump train, but they never paid the price. Let me tell you something, Burt Jones paid the price with blood, sweat and tears. Jones also became a potential target of the Fulton County election interference case for his role serving as one of the GOP alternate electors for Trump. But a special prosecutor concluded last year that criminal charges should not be brought against him. That case has stalled since Trump returned to the White House. To pivot or not to pivot? But while that pro-Trump rhetoric may play well with GOP primary voters, , a more moderate general electorate could find the Trump fealty more of a turnoff, said Emory University political science professor Andra Gillespie. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder The challenge with the median voter as it relates to primaries and general elections is that whats necessary to win a primary election could possibly be a liability if you go too far in a general election because the electorate changes and the median voter is going to be more ideologically moderate in a general than in a primary, she said. So the question is, do you make promises in a primary election that make you look unprincipled or equivocating in a general election context? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If, all of a sudden, he became a Brian Kemp, Chamber of Commerce kind of Republican, it would come off as inauthentic, and risk losing the MAGA base, she added. Jones and his allies may be calculating that Jones can avoid the usual political dance to one side during a primary then back to the center during the general. So the thing that whoever the Republican nominee has in their favor is there are still more Republicans in the state than Democrats, Gillespie said. And so given the fact that the fundamentals of the state privilege Republicans, what hes banking on is not having to pivot that much. That could be helped or hindered by the strength of the Democratic Party organization going into this election. Gillespie said whether the Democratic nominee is former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves or former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, their campaign will likely run ads attacking Jones for his 2020 election interference, should he become the nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I think the question is, is that going to be enough to persuade Democratic voters, particularly ones who dont show up regularly in statewide elections to turn out and vote? I think what Burt Jones or Chris Carr would be banking on is that thats a tall order, a huge task for Democrats to do, given their numerical disadvantage. Be like Kemp Gov. Brian Kemp. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Kennesaw State University political science professor and former Cobb County GOP chairman Jason Shepherd said courting voters who still believe in widespread 2020 voter fraud could be a dangerous endeavor. Burt Jones needs to thread the needle very carefully, he said. I mean, the activist class is still very much focused on 2020, but the activist class within the party as a whole is only 1% of the primary electorate. On top of that, he doesnt have the entire activist class. So youre talking about appealing to only about one half of 1%. Trump endorsements arent quite as hefty as they may be in other states, Shepherd added, referring to the 2022 primary in which most of Trumps Georgia endorsees fell flat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year, Carr fended off the Trump-endorsed John Gordon with nearly three quarters of the vote and Kemp slapped away a challenge from former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who was enlisted by the former president to dethrone Kemp, with a similar margin. Brian Kemp really set the example, Shepherd said. Brian Kemp ran a campaign about what he had done in his first four years as governor and didnt focus on the Trump administration at all. In fact, he more or less ignored Trumps attacks. Given the opportunity, he would say complimentary things about Donald Trump, just sort of agree to disagree. And I think that shows the path forward. In a statement, the Carr campaign indicated they may use a similar approach next year. In 2020 and in 2022, Chris Carr proudly stood by Governor Kemp, said Carr spokesperson Julia Mazzone. The Governor and Chris Carr received 75% of the vote in the Republican Primary in 2022 because Republicans overwhelmingly endorsed their style of conservative leadership. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A cross-country United Airlines flight that departed from San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday morning was turned around to address a mechanical issue, airport officials said. United flight 2664 took off from SFO at 9:47 a.m., destined for Baltimore-Washington International Airport, before landing back in the Bay Area around 10:42 a.m., flight tracking data showed. The Boeing 737-Max 9 was turned around to address a plastic burning smell in the cabin, according to a United spokesperson. The flight safely landed back at SFO with 164 passengers and eight crew members on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUV crashes outside of popular San Francisco coffee shop in Sunset District Customers deplaned normally at the gate, and weve arranged for a different aircraft to take them to their destination, United wrote in a statement. The airline did not comment on the source of the burning smell. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. (The Center Square) Supporters of a new law prohibiting artificial intelligence being the sole instructor in community college say the move protects educational quality, but critics argue it will hold back innovation. House Bill 1859 bars community colleges from replacing faculty with AI, though teachers may still use AI tools. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure Aug. 15. AI is a tool, not a teacher, said state Sen. Mike Porfirio, D-Lyons Township. Illinois must stay proactive when it comes to cutting-edge technology. This measure would protect the jobs of our teachers, and secure a legitimate education for our students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, opposed the bill, calling it too vague to work. It doesnt really define AI. Anybody can put anything they want in there, Jacobs told The Center Square. Its just so ambiguous Its going to stifle any kind of creativity. Jacobs warned that the speed of technological change will make Illinois restrictions unworkable. How do you pay for compliance? Are we going to have AI cops out there? You cant enforce it. Its just a very poorly written bill. Enforcement is ridiculous, you just cant do it, said Jacobs. And as fast as AI is moving, this law will only make sure Illinois falls behind, which is pretty typical for our state when something promising comes along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs, who serves on the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, suggested AI could provide more affordable learning options for students if used carefully. Some classes can be taught with AI easily. Some people are able to learn that way. Others need the attention of the professor, he said. Jacobs, who also works in the medical field, pointed out that forms of AI are already being used in everyday professional settings, including health care. If you can define certain parts of AI to control, that might work. In my practice we already use lower-level AI in equipment that suggests diagnoses for glaucoma or tumors, but we mostly ignore it and do it ourselves, Jacobs said. AI will keep advancing, and while some might want to replace doctors with it, thats something we have to guard against. The definition in this law just isnt sufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2023 study by RAND Education and Labor found that roughly 25% of teachers already use AI tools in the classroom, and universities across the country, including Harvard, have experimented with AI teaching assistants. Jacobs said Illinois should focus on defining how AI can be used instead of restricting it outright. They used to have programs where you taught yourself from a book, then tested when ready. I could see AI working the same way in college classes, said Jacobs. But professors and unions will fight it, no matter how beneficial it might be. Its like the horse-and-buggy days when the car came along. Change is coming, but we still need to balance it with the personal touch in education. BARNWELL, S.C. (WJBF) Petals & Stars is bringing its Entrepreneur Day 4 Kids popup market to Barnwell for the first time on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fuller Park. Young entrepreneurs, ages 616, will sell products and showcase their creativity, business skills, and big ideas. Attendees can expect handmade crafts, baked goods, drinks, and fun merchandise. The event also includes an opening ceremony, music, and informational booths. Sponsors include the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber, Allendale County EMS, DIG DP, and the Town of Snelling. Admission is free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spaces are still available. To reserve a booth, email HOPE@petalsandstars.org. Vendor fee is $25 per booth for children 16 and younger, and parents must stay with their children during the event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge man has been convicted in a federal case involving cocaine and crack cocaine distribution. After a three-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles, a jury found Alexander Brock, 59, guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. The jury reached its verdict in less than an hour. Jurors determined the conspiracy involved more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of crack cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Brock acted as a middleman in drug deals across East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes between 2018 and 2019. He also converted cocaine into crack cocaine and sold it to his own customers. Brock now faces five to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and supervised release. The FBI and the Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Jarreau and Benjamin Anderson. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. At just 16, Frank S. Wright lied about his age to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. He entered the ranks of the 4th Marine Raiders and later the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and went on to fight in Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Guam and Iwo Jima. He was bayoneted in the stomach while liberating Guam and shot in the chest and arm by enemy machine-gun fire during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Days ago, in a ceremony in Stockton, California, the now 100-year-old was promoted from corporal to honorary sergeant by the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith 79 years after his initial discharge. Frank S. Wright stands during his promotion from corporal to honorary sergeant Aug. 31, 2025. (Sgt. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen/Marine Corps) Wrights war Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelts words that Every single man, woman and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking of our American history, Wright walked into his local enlistment office on Jan. 21, 1942, determined to do his bit. But he hit roadblocks: He was too young and too skinny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using his older brothers birthday got him around one barrier while bananas got him around the other. I went home and I got me about five pounds of bananas and put them in my pockets, my jacket, Wright told CBS News. I got enough so I could pass the weight part. Wright initially served in the 4th Raider Battalion, which was activated on Oct. 23, 1942 and commanded by Maj. James Roosevelt, who had been the XO to famed 2nd Marine Raiders Lt. Col. Evans Carlson. As part of the unit, Wright was almost immediately plunged into battle. After hellish conditions on Guadalcanal, Wright openly recalled being bayoneted during vicious hand-to-hand fighting during the Battle of Guam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tripped and a [Japanese soldier] stabbed me in the stomach as I was going down and then fell on top of me, Wright wrote in his first book, Battles in the Pacific: World War II, My Personal War Causing PTSD. Taking the life of a person with a knife is a lot different than shooting someone with a rifle from fifty yards away, Wright recounted in his second book. When you see him up close, look into his eyes and hear him yell, well, its very different. According to Wright, the corpsman dressed his stomach and told him to finish the patrol since [he] was able to walk. Iwo to the end Disembarking from the combat ship Jackson on Feb. 19, 1945, the hardened Marine described the scenes upon Iwo Jima as his first real look at a place called HELL on water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was hand-to-hand fighting from the day we arrived to the day I left, Wright continued. It was hard all the way through. While charging up a hill March 3, a Japanese soldier shot Wright in the chest. The bullets went through his right side, cracked his clavicle and punctured his lung exiting through his left arm. Wright was medically evacuated, eventually returning to full duty to finish his career as a drill instructor, according to a Camp Pendleton social media post. He was honorably discharged in 1946. By wars end, Wrights military awards included the Purple Heart with two stars, Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, Navy Unit Commendation, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with three service stars, Fleet Marine Force with four stars, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action with four stars, Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Now, at 100, he is a sergeant. Damon Landor, a former inmate and Rastafarian, gained the support of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty in his fight for religious rights in prison at the Supreme Court. Landor, who was incarcerated in 2020, brought a case after he said prison guards in Louisiana forcibly shaved his dreadlocks and violated his First Amendment rights. Becket filed a friend-of-the-court brief to the Supreme Court on Tuesday in support of Landor and his case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landor, a devout Rastafarian, had not cut his hair in nearly 20 years. At first, officers respected his religious practice of having long dreadlocks, but he was later transferred to a new correctional facility just weeks before finishing his five-month sentence. Guards at the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center forcibly cut his hair. Landor brought the case, which was dismissed by lower courts and he later appealed. The Supreme Court agreed in late June to hear Landors case in the upcoming term. The Supreme Court justices will review the appeals court ruling that held Landor had no grounds to sue the prison for monetary damages under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Handcuffing a man to a chair and shaving off a core symbol of his faith is a heinous example of how easily rights are trampled behind bars, Daniel Chen, counsel at Becket, said in a statement. Prison officials cannot carry out that kind of abuse and face zero consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chen noted that when people enter prison, they surrender many rights but they do not surrender their conscience. He argued the government cannot force prisoners to silence their faith once theyre inside. Becket is urging the justices to review its previous ruling under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The 2020 ruling from the Supreme Court allowed Muslim men to sue over being placed on the FBIs no-fly list. Becket is also urging the Supreme Court to give the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act real teeth and allow prisoners to hold officials accountable when rights are violated. The Trump administration is also backing Landor and previously filed a brief urging the justices to take up the case. Oral arguments for the case will take place Nov. 10. BRUSSELS (AP) Belgium will move toward recognizing a Palestinian state, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday, joining a growing list of countries preparing to take the step as Israel steps up its offensive in Gaza. Maxime Prevot said Belgium's plans to recognize a Palestinian state will be announced at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. However, the acknowledgment is predicated on two conditions the return of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from political power in the coastal exclave. The conditions make it unlikely the recognition will be formalized anytime soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement marks the latest sign of international support for a Palestinian state, and would add Belgium to a list of more than 140 countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, including more than a dozen in Europe. Prevot on Tuesday also announced plans to ban goods coming from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and designate Hamas leaders, violent settlers, and two far-right Israeli ministers as persona non grata. This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground, Prevot said on social platform X. Prevot said the European Union should put more pressure on Israel by suspending ties with the country, including its trade pact known as the Association Agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels war in Gaza has stressed ties within the blocs 27 nations, ignited protests across the continent, and frayed political coalitions including in Belgium and its neighbor the Netherlands. But despite growing political tension, Israels deep ties with European military, business and academic institutions remain largely intact. Belgium's announcement sparked fury from Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is a likely target of the new sanctions. The self-righteous European countries that are being manipulated by Hamas at the end theyll discover terrorism on their own flesh, Ben Gvir said in a statement to The Associated Press. France and the United Kingdom have both announced plans to recognize Palestine, putting added diplomatic pressure on Israel. France and Saudi Arabia are planning an event around the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, which starts Sept. 23, when new pledges are expected to be officially announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia, Canada and the European countries moving toward statehood recognition have predicated the step on the Palestinian Authority making reforms. The current Palestinian leadership is seen as corrupt and autocratic by many Palestinians. While the leaders cooperate with Israel on security matters, Israel does not view them as effective or fully committed to peace, and says the Palestinian Authority should have no role in postwar Gaza. The Palestinians seek an independent state in the occupied West Bank, annexed east Jerusalem and Gaza, territories Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast war. Israels government and most of its political class have long opposed Palestinian statehood and now say it would reward militants after Hamas Oct. 7 attack. - Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Belgium will recognise the state of Palestine and sanction Israel as part of a growing Western movement to do so. Maxime Prevot, the foreign minister, said Belgium would recognise a Palestinian state at a meeting of the UN General Assembly this month. But he said recognition would only happen after Hamas released the remaining Israeli hostages and fully relinquished control over the Gaza Strip. Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session, and firm sanctions are being imposed against the Israeli government, said Mr Prevot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Belgian government will sanction two extremist Israeli cabinet ministers and violent settlers, ban the import of products originating from illegal Israeli settlements and review public procurement contracts involving Israeli firms. Hamas leaders will also be designated as persona non grata in Belgium as part of the policy shift. Earlier this summer, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, fired the starting pistol on a European effort to recognise Palestinian statehood at the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, decided to mirror the French move, saying he would back recognition of Palestine unless Israel met certain criteria including a ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Western governments have issued similar statements of intent for the move, which Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, argues fuels anti-Semitism and rewards Hamass monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims. Benjamin Netanyahu says the recognition of statehood for Palestine fuels anti-Semitism - Ronen Zvulun/EPA/Shutterstock Donald Trump has also said the move would reward Hamas, while the US state department described it as a slap in the face to victims of Hamass deadly Oct 7 terror attack on Israel. The opposing stances will pit many of the UNs most powerful members against one another when they convene in New York between Sept 9 and 23. Announcing Belgiums decision to recognise Palestine, Mr Prevot said his country would make a firm commitment to calling for European measures targeting Hamas and supporting new Belgian initiatives to combat anti-Semitism, further mobilising all our security services and involving representatives of Jewish communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Belgium would support member states looking to suspend the European Unions association agreement with Israel. A makeshift tent camp for displaced Palestinians stretches across an area near the Gaza City port on Monday - Jehad Alshrafi/AP The European Commission, the blocs Brussels-based administrator, has proposed ceasing research and development co-operation under the deal because the Jewish state had been deemed to have breached its human rights obligations. However, this is currently being held up by Germany and other EU members who are unwilling to punish Israel. Palestines foreign ministry welcomed the news from Belgium and called on other countries to follow suit to intensify practical efforts to stop the crimes of genocide, displacement, starvation, and annexation, and to open a real political path to resolve the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgiums decision to recognise Palestine had risked collapsing its fragile ruling coalition and halting government business. Mr Prevot and his centrist Les Engages party had threatened to bring the country to a halt unless Flemish nationalists and other liberal parties in the coalition took a tougher stance on Israel. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Mrinmay Dey (Reuters) -Belgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on Tuesday, adding to international pressure on Israel after similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada and France. Under mounting global criticism for its war in Gaza, Israel has been angered by the pledges to formally recognise a Palestinian state at a summit during this month's U.N. event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgium will join the signatories of the New York Declaration, paving the way for a two-state solution, or a Palestinian state co-existing in peace alongside Israel, Prevot said in a post on X. The decision comes "in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law," Prevot added. Belgium intends to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a joint diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia, Prevot said. The move is described as a political signal also aimed at condemning Israel's settlement expansion and military presence in the territories. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised Canada's decision to back Palestinian statehood and Rubio has said the decision by France is reckless. The White House did not respond to a Reuters request for comment after Belgium's statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgium would also levy 12 "firm" sanctions on Israel, such as a ban on importing products from its settlements, a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata in Belgium, Prevot said. European Union foreign ministers remained sharply divided during a meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday over the war in Gaza, with some urging the bloc to exert significant economic pressure on Israel, while others firmly opposed such measures. The Palestinians have long sought a state in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The United States says such a state can only be set up through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Belgium, a member of the European Union, took the decision to step up pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas, Prevot said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevot also emphasized Belgiums commitment to Palestines reconstruction, adding that the country would advocate for "European measures targeting Hamas and supporting new Belgian initiatives to combat antisemitism." The United States said on Friday it would bar Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from travelling to New York in September for a United Nations summit, where several U.S. allies are expected to formally recognise Palestine as a state. WEST BANK Reuters, citing three Israeli officials, reported in August that Israel is considering annexation in the occupied West Bank as a possible response to France and other countries recognising a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the United Nations' highest court ruled that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, and its settlements were illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible. Israel says the territories are not occupied in legal terms as they are on disputed land, but the United Nations and most of the international community see them as occupied territory. Israel's annexations of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights decades ago have not won international recognition. Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, after fighters from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of the territory, attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages. (Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Stephen Coates) Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Belgium will recognize a Palestinian state and impose sanctions against Israel, a high-ranking Brussels official said Monday, a move that is expected to be staunchly rebuked by the Middle Eastern country. Maxime Prevot, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs for Belgium, said Brussels was acting under its international obligations to "prevent any risk of genocide" and to put pressure on both Israel and Iran-backed Hamas to end the war. "Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on both the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists," he said in a statement published on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people, but about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and about acting to try to bring about change on the ground." The Israel-Palestinian conflict once again exploded into the open on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked the Middle Eastern country. The Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by devastating the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, and has come under increasing international condemnation over its methods of war, with nearly 63,500 Palestinians, mostly civilians killed in the conflict, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. As of Monday, nearly 350 people, including 127 children, have died due to starvation, which the United Nations said was by Israel's design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevot said Belgium will officially recognize a Palestinian state during the 80th United Nations General Assembly scheduled for later this month in New York, making it the latest Western country to do so in protest against Israel. Australia, France, Britain, Canada and several others have come out to support a Palestinian state. Though mostly a symbolic move, doing so has angered Israel, which has accused those who have pledged to take the step of anti-Semitism and handing a victory to Hamas over its Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw another 251 kidnapped. Along with recognition of a Palestinian state, Belgium will impose 12 "firm sanctions" against Israel, which will include banning imports originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Prevot said. Belgium will also revise public procurement policies for Israeli companies and place restrictions on consular assistance to Belgians living in the illegal settlements, as well as designating two unnamed extremist Israelis ministers, several violent settlers and Hamas leaders as persona non grata in the European nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as Israel is conducting Gideon Chariots II, an operation to seize Gaza City, essentially the last area of the Gaza Strip not under Israel's control, as part of efforts to secure the release and find the bodies of the last remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Belgium was among the countries last month calling on Israel to reverse its decision to go ahead with the operation over fears it will worsen the already dire situation in the enclave. "The offensive on Gaza City will lead to more death, destruction and mass displacement and will not contribute to the release of the hostages," its foreign ministry said in a statement. Belgium announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state on Tuesday, joining a chorus of Western nations that have released similar statements as of late. Maxime Prevot, Belgiums Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the recognitionwhich comes with certain conditionswill be reaffirmed at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, due to begin in New York on Sept. 9. The recognition is set to be finalized via a royal decree but only once the last hostage has been released and Hamas no longer exercises any form of governance in the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgium's announcement comes amid pledges from a number of other countries. U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in July that the U.K. will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly, unless Israel implements a cease-fire and commits to a two-state solution. France, Australia, and Canada are among the countries that have issued similar statements. Prevot also vowed that strong sanctions will be imposed on the Israeli government and any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be prosecuted more vigorously. This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people, but about ensuring that international and humanitarian law is respected by its government and acting in the hope of evolving the situation on the ground, added Prevot. Read More: Israels Policies and Actions in Gaza Meet Legal Definition of Genocide, Says Association of Scholars Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Deputy Prime Minister said that 12 sanctions would be imposed on Israel, its government, and products coming from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Sanctions also include the listing as persona non grata in our country of two extremist Israeli ministers, various violent settlers, and Hamas leaders, said Prevot. In a press release shared with TIME, Prevot's office confirmed that Israel's Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are the officials facing sanctions from Belgium. TIME has reached out to the Israeli Foreign Ministry for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom united in June to announce sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, a strong proponent of expanding the West Bank settlements, for inciting extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. On Tuesday, Ben-Gvir rebuked Belgium over its intention to recognise a Palestinian State. The self-righteous European countries that are being manipulated by Hamasat the end theyll discover terrorism on their own flesh, Ben-Gvir is quoted as telling the Associated Press. Belgium has said its decision was made in the face of the violence committed by Israel in violation of international law as well as taking into account its international obligations including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) published a resolution on Monday stating that Israels policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide, citing Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide during the Israel-Hamas war, citing its right to defend itself. Israels Foreign Ministry rejected the IAGS resolution, calling it an embarrassment to the legal profession and any academic standard. It is entirely based on Hamas campaign of lies and the laundering of those lies by others, claimed spokesperson Oren Marmorstein. Read More: World Leaders React as U.N.-Backed Report Confirms Famine in Gaza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is currently fighting an ongoing legal case at the International Court of Justice since it was accused by South Africa in December 2023 of committing genocide against the population of Gaza. Belgiums announcement also comes amid growing international concern regarding the malnutrition crisis in Gaza. A U.N.-backed food security body recently confirmed that famine is taking place in Gaza City for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. On Tuesday, activist Greta Thunberg and others set sail once again to Gaza on the Global Sumud Flotilla that departed from Barcelona, in an effort to bring aid to the territory. The flotilla is set to stop at Tunis, Tunisias capital, to join other boats on its journey to Gaza. Thunberg and other activists were detained off the coast of Israel in June and deported after attempting to reach Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israel-Hamas war started after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, 361 of those deaths were the result of starvation and malnutrition, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies. Its figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants and cannot be independently verified by TIME. Data from the IDF suggests a Palestinian civilian death rate of 83%. Contact us at letters@time.com. Belgium is set to recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly later this month, becoming the latest nation to do so in recent weeks as the pressure mounts on Israel over its military operation in the Gaza Strip. Given the humanitarian drama unfolding in Palestine and particularly in Gaza, and in the face of the violence committed by Israel in violation of international law, taking into account its international obligations including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and the terrorists of Hamas, Belgiums Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said in lengthy post Monday night on social platform X. This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people, but about ensuring that international and humanitarian law is respected by its government and acting in the hope of evolving the situation on the ground, Prevot added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign minister outlined a couple of conditions that need to be met for the recognition to take place. He said that all hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas need to be released and that the group, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, no longer exercises any form of governance over Palestine. Belgium plans to recognize the Palestinian state during a joint diplomatic push by Saudi Arabia and France, a way to condemn Israeli expansionist ambitions, with its colonization programs and military occupations. Brussels would join Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and France, all of which have expressed intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood. President Trump hammered Canadas decision to support an independent Palestinian state, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Frances intention as a reckless decision [that] only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevot said in the announcement that Belgium would slap 12 sanctions on Israel, including a ban on importing products originating from Israeli settlements and listing two extremist Israeli ministers as persona non gratae in Brussels. Apart from the two unnamed ministers, several violent settlers and Hamas leaders would be slapped with the same designation. The recognition also comes as the U.S. suspended approval for most types of visitor visas for Palestinian passport holders. Every visa decision is a national security decision, and the State Department is vetting and adjudicating visa decisions for PA passport holders accordingly, a State Department spokesperson said. Most UN nations recognize a Palestinian state, a designation that Israel has opposed, arguing it would present a danger to the countrys security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A group of 200 Afghans at risk of persecution by the Taliban have asked to be allowed to settle in Germany in a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The signatories of the letter, which was seen by dpa on Tuesday, were recently deported from Pakistan back to Kabul and warn of the "unbearable psychological trauma" due to the "constant threat of Taliban intrusion, the fear of revenge, arbitrary detention, abduction, torture or death." Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the German government made efforts to resettle former employees of German institutions and their relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin also signalled it would be willing to take in other Afghans at risk of persecution due to their careers as lawyers, journalists or human rights defenders. Many Afghan families have been waiting in Islamabad for months or years to secure passage to Germany after being notified of their potential eligibility. But, seeking to reduce migration levels, Merz's administration, which took office in May, has paused programmes to resettle hundreds of Afghans who were included in the German "admission programme." The issue has taken on added urgency after Pakistani authorities began deporting those hoping to enter Germany back to Afghanistan earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those signing the letter to Merz are artists, judges, public prosecutors, civil servants, women leading their own households and journalists. In Kabul, they are now being accommodated in safe houses by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). But the signatories warn that every hour of delay could cost them their lives. "We believed in your promises. Please do not allow this trust to cost us - and our children - our lives," the letter said. A group of 200 Afghans at risk of persecution by the Taliban have asked to be allowed to settle in Germany in a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The signatories of the letter, which was seen by dpa on Tuesday, were recently deported from Pakistan back to Kabul and warn of the "unbearable psychological trauma" due to the "constant threat of Taliban intrusion, the fear of revenge, arbitrary detention, abduction, torture or death." Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the German government made efforts to resettle former employees of German institutions and their relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin also signalled it would be willing to take in other Afghans at risk of persecution due to their careers as lawyers, journalists or human rights defenders. Many Afghan families have been waiting in Islamabad for months or years to secure passage to Germany after being notified of their potential eligibility. But, seeking to reduce migration levels, Merz's administration, which took office in May, has paused programmes to resettle hundreds of Afghans who were included in the German "admission programme." The issue has taken on added urgency after Pakistani authorities began deporting those hoping to enter Germany back to Afghanistan earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those signing the letter to Merz are artists, judges, public prosecutors, civil servants, women leading their own households and journalists. In Kabul, they are now being accommodated in safe houses by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). But the signatories warn that every hour of delay could cost them their lives. "We believed in your promises. Please do not allow this trust to cost us - and our children - our lives," the letter said. In total, 2,100 people on the admission programme are in Pakistan and 200 in Afghanistan, according to the German Foreign Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a German court ruled on Monday that Berlin has the right to halt issuing visas in certain cases, some Afghan nationals have succeeded in securing admission to Germany after filing lawsuits. A commercial flight from Istanbul landed at Hanover Airport on Monday carrying 45 Afghan citizens who were awarded visas and passed security checks, while two others have since arrived. A group of 200 Afghans at risk of persecution by the Taliban have asked to be allowed to settle in Germany in a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The signatories of the letter, which was seen by dpa on Tuesday, were recently deported from Pakistan back to Kabul. They warn of the "unbearable psychological trauma" due to the "constant threat of Taliban intrusion, the fear of revenge, arbitrary detention, abduction, torture or death." Following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the German government made efforts to resettle former employees of German institutions and their relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin also signalled it would be willing to take in other Afghans at risk of persecution due to their careers as lawyers, journalists or human rights defenders. Many Afghan families have been waiting in Islamabad for months or years to secure passage to Germany after being notified of their potential eligibility. But, seeking to reduce migration levels, Merz's administration, which took office in May, has paused programmes to resettle hundreds of Afghans who were included in the German "admission programme." The issue has taken on added urgency after Pakistani authorities began deporting those hoping to enter Germany back to Afghanistan earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who signed the letter to Merz are artists, judges, public prosecutors, civil servants, women leading their own households and journalists. In Kabul, they are now being accommodated in safe houses by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). But the signatories warn that every hour of delay could cost them their lives. "We believed in your promises. Please do not allow this trust to cost us - and our children - our lives," the letter said. German foreign minister responds "I understand the letter, but I did not need the letter to know that we have made a commitment to these people that must be upheld because we are a state governed by the rule of law," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday during a trip to India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German foreign minister emphasized that "remaining predictable in foreign policy" is a top priority. "I also want to be able to recruit local staff for Germany in the future," which can only happen "if these people know they can rely on the German state," he said. Resettlement procedures to be wrapped up by year's end Wadephul said he wants to complete the procedures for resettling Afghans with German admission permits by the end of the year and has spoken with his Pakistani counterpart about the timeframe. "We have, from his perspective, until the end of the year to carry out the procedures," Wadephul said, responding to a reporter's question during his visit to the Indian high-tech city of Bengaluru. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I consider this to be a sufficient timeframe. But it is also a timeframe that all German authorities must now use so that the people who have helped us in many situations know they can rely on the Federal Republic of Germany," he added. The foreign minister said Pakistani authorities were fundamentally willing "to take back individuals from Afghanistan if it is ensured that the further process towards transfer to Germany is possible." Pakistan restarts Afghan deportations But in Pakistan, authorities have once again detained several Afghans who were hoping to travel to Germany via resettlement programmes, according to a local police spokesman on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of a guesthouse told dpa that a total of eight people, including two children, were detained. Pakistani authorities already detained hundreds of Afghans from German resettlement programmes last month. Of these, 210 were deported to Afghanistan. Mass deportations of Afghans are currently taking place in Pakistan. but they were not supposed to target those from German admission programmes. In total, 2,100 people on the admission programme are in Pakistan and 200 in Afghanistan, according to the German Foreign Office. While a German court ruled on Monday that Berlin has the right to halt issuing visas in certain cases, some Afghan nationals have succeeded in securing admission to Germany after filing lawsuits. A commercial flight from Istanbul landed at Hanover Airport on Monday carrying 45 Afghan citizens who were awarded visas and passed security checks, while two others have since arrived. Bellevue heads back to school amid major budget concerns and cuts Its the first day of school for most students across the Bellevue School District. Its a time of transition for the district, which has had some major budget concerns in recent school years and since the pandemic. Bellevue School District Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki says these first few weeks of school are critical to the districts budget concerns. In a blog post on the districts website, the superintendent says students in elementary school could see schedule changes, staff may also see shifts, and attendance will play a huge role in how the district secures funding. Sarah Rankins is a parent of a student at Bennett Elementary School in Bellevue and was preparing a display in front of the school building early Tuesday morning to welcome students back to Bennett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very excited, its mixed emotions, she said about the day. Rankins and several other parents made sure the students of Bennett had a warm welcome back to school. She and many parents involved in the PTA are willing to support their schools, even when budget concerns are pretty big. We have a bunch of excited parents ready to get involved, so were really excited to put our best foot forward and raise money for the school, and help give back to where the school needs it, she added. Jessica Strazzulla is the principal at Bennett Elementary and admits that all schools in the district are feeling the pinch of budget concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strazzulla knows that her school and others could see teachers teaching two different grades in one class because of budget impacts. She also knows that great attendance in the first few weeks could help ensure that funding per student from the state will meet the districts needs. Dr. Aramaki spoke to KIRO 7 ahead of the launch of a Japanese language program at Bennett Elementary, and admitted that balancing the budget has been a process. We made a lot of cuts coming into the school year, he said. Dr. Aramaki knew that last school year, some cuts had to come ahead of this school year to meet budget shortfalls of tens of millions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anything that we could cut, like supply budgets, things like that, we basically stopped spending. So that helped us a little bit. A lot of our school leaders and staff took furloughs, so five furloughs each, so that did help us, he added. Dr. Aramaki also said he worked with the school board and staff and came up with a spending reduction plan that landed on district employees. We had far too many staff for the amount of money we are receiving from the state and from our local revenue, so we cut about 100 positions, he said. Bellevue School District has sold property in Bellevue for $30 million, and other infusions of cash mean the district could solve its budget problems in a few years. Dr. Aramaki said that the old plan, which could have seen millions in cuts each year for seven years or more, was just not tenable. He praised Washington lawmakers for passing a bill that allowed the district to make the one-time land deal to get an infusion of cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the light at the end of the tunnel for us, its going to really help, he added. Dr. Aramaki says launching a Japanese language program at Bennett Elementary shows that the district can meet new educational goals, while also trying to balance the books. Sherrye Hutcherson of Omaha, a 2026 candidate for District 8 on the State Board of Education. (Courtesy of Hutcherson campaign) OMAHA A Bellevue University executive vice president is making a 2026 bid for the Nebraska State Board of Education. Sherrye Hutcherson of Omaha, who has been with Bellevue University since 2018, publicly launched her campaign Tuesday. She said she is running because education is critical and prepares students for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the foundation for who we are as a country, Hutcherson said. Hutcherson is the first candidate to announce for the District 8 seat in central Douglas County since incumbent Deb Neary confirmed her intention not to seek a third four-year term. Neary endorsed Hutcherson. The district lines for the Nebraska State Board of Education in Douglas County. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Research Office) The eight members of the State Board of Education generally oversee the Nebraska Department of Education. Hutcherson said she is a product of public school education and that her parents and many family members were public school teachers or administrators. I was the little girl swinging her leg at four years old in school board meetings, Hutcherson said with a laugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hutcherson said parents should have the choice to make the best decisions for their children, which she said Nebraskas education system should support. She said Nebraska should be a state where all students can be educated, graduate and ultimately find the right job for them. Those students can then raise families with a quality life and continue a cycle, Hutcherson said, which also uplifts the country and its economy. If elected, Hutcherson said she would pick up where Neary leaves off on long-term Nebraska Department of Education and board goals to improve student literacy, reduce chronic absenteeism and recruit and retain more Nebraska teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will be all in on setting these policies at the state level and supporting the school districts at the local level so they can achieve these objectives, Hutcherson said. Hutcherson said she believes emphatically in a state-local balance and that families must be able to provide input on how their children are educated. She said local and state leaders can partner to help students, and she said she doesnt want to meddle in what superintendents and school boards do. Sherrye Hutcherson of Omaha, a 2026 candidate for District 8 on the State Board of Education. (Courtesy of Hutcherson campaign) A successful four years in office would mean tackling board priorities, Hutcherson said, including getting more students to come to school more often and better enjoy coming to school. Hutcherson earned a degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1993 and earned a masters degree in business administration from Creighton University in 2001. She is currently working on a doctorate in interdisciplinary education leadership at Creighton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her work history includes Union Pacific Railroad, as a former senior vice president, chief human resources officer and corporate auditor; the Omaha Public Power District, as a former chief administrative officer and HR division manager, among other roles; the Omaha Small Business Network, as executive director and business development officer. Hutcherson said her past 30 years have centered on objective decisions and policymaking that is representative and also focuses on the greater good. In her endorsement of Hutcherson, Neary cited Hutchersons exceptional background, which includes work in education and in the community, including with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Neary said that work uniquely positions her to lead with vision and balance. Sherryes nonpartisan perspective and proven record of service will ensure that Nebraska continues to have a strong, forward-looking education system that meets the needs of all students, Neary said of Hutcherson. Hutcherson said she, like Neary, loves children, would fight for students and work to make the best decisions on behalf of students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deb has been fabulous in that, and I will honor that and look forward to doing the exact same thing, Hutcherson said. Others endorsing Hutcherson include State Board of Education members Liz Renner and Maggie Douglas and Omaha State Sens. Wendy DeBoer and John Fredrickson. The officially nonpartisan State Board of Education is currently split 4-4 between Republicans and Democrats. Neary, board vice president, is a registered Democrat and won a close reelection in 2022 against a conservative challenger. Hutcherson is a registered nonpartisan. A self-described collaborator, Hutcherson said her top goal will be to keep District 8 families and students at the forefront of all decisions and to use her voice. Hutcherson said board members need to be willing to listen to one another and work toward compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Hutcherson: I would like to see myself be a part of that and understand and have the complete facts around the issues that we are addressing so that we can truly make the best decision for our students and our families in District 8 and in the state. The top two finishers in the May 2026 primary will advance to the November 2026 election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A German policeman is under investigation after punching an Irish pro-Palestinian protester twice in the face during a demonstration in Berlin. Police said on Tuesday that proceedings are under way into the officer's conduct on suspicion of assault. Video footage of the bloody incident on Thursday led to protests in Ireland, including outside the German embassy in Dublin, against what demonstrators called police brutality in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was "deeply concerned," while the Irish embassy in Berlin is also in contact with police. Irish Bloc Berlin, an Irish protest group, said the person's nose was fractured, while their arm was broken during their arrest, requiring them to undergo surgery. Several criminal charges have been filed against the police officer, police said. The police also said that the officer has been "deliberately defamed" online and received death threats, adding that investigations have also been opened into the threats. German authorities have repeatedly been accused of disproportionately curtailing pro-Palestinian protests, with many demonstrations broken up by a heavy police presence over accusations of anti-Semitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said hundreds of officers were deployed to Berlin's Mitte district on Thursday evening to dissolve an unauthorized gathering "in the context of the Middle East conflict." A total of 94 people were detained over allegations of displaying unconstitutional signs, assault and resisting law enforcement. PORTLAND, Maine Bernie Sanders drew 6,500 people to southern Maine on Labor Day Monday to discuss building a grassroots movement to fight the oligarchy, and to introduce them to Graham Platner, the oyster farmer and Marine veteran running for Senate with the Vermont independents early support. At the Fighting Oligarchy rally, Sanders and Platner spoke about billionaire and corporate interests control over the rest of us, with Platner putting a particularly fine point on it: I am not afraid to name the enemy, and the enemy is the oligarchy, he said. Speaking about the billionaires, Sanders said, Their religion is greed, and they worship on the altar of money. They want more and more and more, and they could care less about the implications of their greed. Advertisement Advertisement Sanders, 83, and Platner, 40, both expressed support for universal health care, criticized Israels war in Gaza, and railed against an economic system that benefits the rich and grinds down everyone else. They presented a unified, aggressive left flank as the Senate primary gets underway, with Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) openly mulling a bid, too. While Sanders is moving to back candidates in primaries in several states, he tells Rolling Stone in an interview that Platners candidacy is important not just because he thinks the outspoken populist candidate can defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, but because a win by Platner would make a statement. Youre seeing somebody whos doing it differently, Sanders says of the candidate he endorsed Saturday. This is a guy whos not been involved in politics, doesnt go around to fundraisers with rich people. Hes a working class guy. Hes an intelligent guy, hes a thoughtful, concerned guy whos standing up and getting involved. The senator explains that having a working class guy who has never run for office before take on Sen. Collins sends a message. The message? Ordinary people can step up, you can take on the powers that be, [the] political establishment, he says. You can win. Advertisement Advertisement At the event Monday, held at Portlands Cross Insurance Arena, Sanders and Platner spoke to a crowd disgusted with President Donald Trump as well as the Democratic Party establishment. One of the biggest applause lines of the evening came when Platner said, Support must be earned, and that will never happen as long as Democrats are part of the same corporate apparatus that the Republicans are. Speaking of Platner, Sanders tells Rolling Stone, Hes not a conventional politician. That feels like an understatement. Platner isnt only young or an oyster farmer or covered in tattoos he is well-spoken and eager to use his voice to talk about the class war. Advertisement Advertisement We do not live in a system that is broken we live in a system that is functioning exactly as its intended, Platner said in his speech Monday. We live in a system that has been built by the political class to enrich and support billionaires on the backs of working people. He said he wants to see Americans reap the profits of our hard work. Simply put, he is not the type of candidate that Democrats typically run in competitive Senate races. But while hes new to being a politician, Platner comes across as convincing, in part because he exudes authenticity. With Democratic voters increasingly furious at their party, one can imagine Platners message and vibe resonating in the primary. Rory, 29, says hes intrigued by Platner, despite his own cynicism. Im excited to see some politicians who are talking about labor issues, health care, inequality, and material conditions, that Bernies harped on for a while, he says. Im interested to see what direction, if any, the left in the United States can go into electoral politics. Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone is optimistic about Platners chances. Sam, a 68-year-old attendee, says that Susan Collins doesnt have to worry about him, because the Democrats will squash him first. The Democrats hate progressives. Theyre not going to let him get nominated. Platner tells Rolling Stone in an interview he got into the race because he hasnt seen from Democrats the energy and the commitment to big change that I think is necessary to protect us right now, to build the society thats going to take care of everybody. He says that America right now is fighting against fascist authoritarianism, and Democratic leaders appear emotionally and ideologically incapable of beating it back. Weve got masked agents literally kidnapping people and putting them into concentration camps, Platner says, arguing that the partys leadership shouldnt be waiting around for the legal system to figure it all out. They clearly dont care, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of Collins, who has long cast herself as a moderate in a far-right Republican Party, Platner during the rally accused her of selling out to lobbyists, corporations, and Trump who he said are engineering the greatest redistribution of wealth from the working class to the ruling class in American history. Symbolic opposition does not reopen hospitals. Weak condemnations do not bring back Roe v. Wade, he continued, adding: A performative politics that enables the destruction of our way of life is disqualifying for the role of United States Senator. Sanders and Platner both spoke with Rolling Stone about the need to build a grassroots movement to fight for workers and take power back from the oligarchs. We need to build a movement that clearly represents the material needs of working people in this country, Platner says. Until we do that, were going to remain divided and split up, and right-wing populism is going to continue to give people easy targets, to give people easy scapegoats. That only works when there is not a positive vision that addresses real, material problems. And so for me, thats what we need to build. We need to build that positive vision. We cant just run around telling everybody that were against Donald Trump or that were against the Republicans. We need to tell people what we are doing, what is the positive vision of the future we are fighting for. And I think if we do that, we can represent most working people in the United States, who I think all have pretty much the exact same material needs. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with Rolling Stone, Sanders outlined his efforts to support more candidates across the country, noting hes supporting Zohran Mamdani for mayor in New York City, Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race, and Troy Jackson for governor in Maine. (Jackson also spoke at the rally.) Were supporting a number of candidates around the country running for Congress, he says, adding that were going to do more of that. As for how to build progressive political power, Sanders says, Its not a question of being nice. I think the Democratic leadership is way out of touch. Theyre out of touch on whats happening in Gaza. Theyre out of touch economically. He says Democrats deserve some credit for being a strong voice for womens rights, gay rights, civil rights, [the] environment to some degree, but he adds thats not the case in terms of the economic struggle. Advertisement Advertisement During his speech, Sanders pointed out that the RAND Corporation not exactly any socialist organization, as he put it this year published a study that found, thanks to rising inequality, there was a $79 trillion transfer of wealth upward from the bottom 90 percent of workers between 1975 and 2023. Democrats controlled the U.S. Senate for a couple of years, he says. And you tell me what we did. We didnt do much. I think we need a grassroots movement in this country which transforms the Democratic Party into a party of the working class that is prepared to fight for the issues relevant to the working class, Sanders adds. And thats what Graham Platner is about. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BERWICK, La. (KLFY) A Berwick teenager has led police on a high-speed chase a second time, again crashing a stolen vehicle, this time into a police car, authorities said. The teen, who previously took police on a similar adventure which ended near Berwick Elementary School Aug. 21, was arrested Sunday morning after crashing into a Morgan City police car. He has been charged with two counts of resisting arrest or officer and negligent injuring, and one count each of aggravated flight from officer, aggravated obstruction of highway, hit and run, failure to seek assistance, resisting officer by giving false information, possession of stolen things, illegal possession of handgun by a juvenile, illegal possession of stolen firearms and driving without a license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the St. Mary Parish Sheriffs Office, a sergeant was patrolling in the Siracusa area, where recent burglaries had been reported, when he observed a parked pickup truck with a male subject inside. The sergeant made contact with the subject, who suddenly drove off. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The driver eventually turned west onto La. 182 and sped into Morgan City, authorities said. At one point, the truck failed to stop at an intersection and attempted a 90-degree turn. While making the turn, the suspect struck a Morgan City Police unit. Police discovered that the teenaged male was the same suspect who had recently led Berwick Police Department Officers on a pursuit. Investigators said the vehicle being driven by the teenager was also stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect is currently being held pending juvenile court proceedings. The crash investigation has been turned over to the Louisiana State Police. St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell said he would like to thank the Morgan City Police Department, Berwick Police Department and the Vermillion Sheriffs Office for their assistance in this incident and investigation. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. By Nolan D. McCaskill, Bo Erickson and Jack Queen WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives committee on Tuesday said it released more than 33,000 pages of files on the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as party leadership looked to end a push by a bipartisan pair of lawmakers to force a vote on the matter. The case of Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019, has caused a political headache for Republican President Donald Trump, after many of his supporters embraced a slew of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A July Reuters/Ipsos poll found that majorities of Americans and of Trump's Republicans believe the government is hiding details on the case. The files released on Tuesday largely included court documents and other previously released information. "Nearly everything Republicans just supposedly 'released' ... has already been released," said Democratic U.S. Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts in a post on X. Republican U.S. Representative Thomas Massie and Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, have proposed a measure that would require the Justice Department to release all of its unclassified Epstein records, including those held by the FBI and U.S. attorneys' offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie and Khanna will hold a press conference with Epstein victims on Wednesday morning. Massie told the Axios news outlet on Tuesday that he would push ahead despite the latest document release. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Massie's petition was "inartfully drafted" because it lacked language that would protect the identities of victims who were sexually abused by Epstein. Johnson also said the petition is "moot" due to the work of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which released thousands of pages of files. "It's superfluous at this point, and I think we're achieving the desired end here," Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The materials released on Tuesday included at least eight videos of apparent police interviews with victims. Several of the interviews are timestamped from 2005 and 2006. In one video, a girl whose appearance and name are edited out said Epstein paid her $350 for a massage and sex when she was 17 years old. "He has the girls take off their clothes and give him a massage," she said in the 17-minute video. Other records include audio recordings from the criminal investigation of Epstein in Florida, including what appeared to be an interview with a victim whose name and date of birth were edited out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee has subpoenaed the DOJ and Epstein's estate for documents and convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition. (Reporting by Nolan D. McCaskill; Editing by Scott Malone, Rod Nickel and Nia Williams) Another year, another report on racist rural Britain. Every few months, a new piece of research seems to emerge based on anecdotal evidence that our countryside is a hostile place for people like me. I am under no illusion that racism is alive and well in Britain today, but having spent the first 40 years of my life in inner city Birmingham and the last 27 in deepest Devon, my experience is rather different from the one often peddled by these reports. The latest, from the University of Leicester, says racist abuse is tolerated or even normalised in rural areas. Most participants say racism in rural England is getting worse, pointing to low levels of visible diversity. Id agree that visible diversity is still a problem (and have thoughts on how to improve access to landowning namely, have institutions like the Church of England and the National Trust give up some of their vast swathes of land), but I think branding our countryside as racist is a mistake. My life as a farmer is peaceful and productive. I am embedded in a community that looks out for me. I have raised a family and built a successful business here. My story completely contradicts the popular opinion that someone who looks like me wouldnt be welcome in the English countryside, let alone making a life here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when the industry desperately needs an injection of new talent and especially when programmes like Clarksons Farm have been doing such a good job of bridging the divide between city dwellers and farmers it is extremely unhelpful to cast rural areas as being rife with racism. People in cities say they want people from diverse backgrounds to feel invited, not ostracised, in the country. And yet, in my experience, there is more racism to be found in urban environments. What we in rural Britain need is to have urban Britain on our side. But, by focusing on anecdotal evidence of negative experiences, they are disincentivising people of colour from coming here and engaging with rural life. Emmanuel-Jones, pictured on his farm in 2006, moved to Devon 27 years ago - Julian Simmonds Worse still, this narrative that Britains countryside is racist means that if people of colour do travel to the countryside, they may well be on the lookout for racism, and if youre looking for something, youll always find it. I dont think rural Britain is being given a fair chance. People need to go and experience it for themselves rather than being fed an analogy that, in my experience, simply isnt true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first moved to Devon 27 years ago, most people thought I was mad. At the time, the West Country was not known for its diversity; it still isnt. I was 40, from Jamaica by way of Birmingham. I ran my own marketing agency and, aside from a childhood love of tending to the vegetables in my fathers allotment, I didnt know a great deal about farming. I was more accustomed to working to marketing schedules than the patterns of the agricultural year. What drove me to do it was a deep love of the English countryside and a desire to lay down roots (so important to someone of my heritage) and live in a different way. My friends were concerned about what it might mean to be black in the country. They neednt have worried. Nearly 30 years later, my business the Black Farmer is thriving, and my sausages can be found in supermarkets up and down the country. I, meanwhile, have built a life I wouldnt trade for any other. And Ive learnt something important. In the country, when someone you dont know walks across your land or down your lane, you have a good look at them whether they are black or white. I do it now whenever I see someone new. Just because you are being stared at, it doesnt mean you are experiencing racism; youre just an outsider in a community where everyone knows everyone. Being part of a tight-knit community is one of the joys of living in rural Britain. You might be conspicuous when youre new, but youll soon become part of the furniture like the rest of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that so many young people of colour might be put off from even trying to pursue a life in the country makes me terribly sad. Farming is in a terrible state at the moment, and we badly need new people to come through with energy and ideas. There is an opportunity to usher people who dont have farming backgrounds and inherited land into these areas. Clarksons programme has helped to bring a touch of celebrity to farming. We needed the industry to get the Jamie Oliver treatment, and he has done that. Take Kaleb. When was the last time we saw people like that from rural backgrounds made into heroes? The show has popularised rural living. This is what we need to build on, not a negative, outdated message that the English countryside is somehow out of bounds. Speaking of which, if any television producers want to hear a pitch about a black farmer and his 30-something son running a family business on the Devon-Cornwall border, they should feel free to get in touch. As told to Eleanor Steafel 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. MESA, Colo. (KREX) Black Mountain Waste, a local business in Mesa County, has been awarded a $60,000 grant from Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to address human-bear conflicts. The grant is part of the 2025 Human-Bear Conflict Reduction initiative, and Black Mountain Waste is the only company in Mesa County to receive this funding. The company, co-owned by Russell and Shalana Battles, aims to reduce trash accumulation and road pollution, which contribute to bear activity in the area. We live local. So, you know, not only was something that affected us not having a service up here, but it was an opportunity for us to help our neighbors, said Russell Battles, co-owner of Black Mountain Waste. Shalana Battles emphasized the importance of small businesses and community involvement in tackling bear co-habitation issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black Mountain Waste was founded two years ago by Russell and Shalana Battles to provide affordable waste management services in the community. The company has expanded its operations from Vega Reservoir to areas throughout the Grand Mesa. The accumulation of trash in the area has led to increased interactions with wildlife, particularly bears. Russell Battles noted that bears are seen in the communities as they prepare for hibernation. Shalana Battles highlighted that the bear co-habitation issue is more significant than many realize, with bears causing damage to trash cans, which impacts the companys operations financially. The grant will support Black Mountain Wastes efforts to mitigate human-bear conflicts, benefiting both the local community and the environment. As the Battles continue their work, they hope to see a reduction in bear-related incidents and an improvement in waste management practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shalana states, It is also very cool and and a new thing. For them as well, not just to apply funding to our company and to this area, but also being really willing to kind of work with us in the future. I think theyre just as excited as we are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FLATGAP, Ky. (FOX 56) A Johnson County woman was hospitalized after her boyfriend reportedly beat her over the weekend. Around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, Johnson County Sheriffs deputies were sent to a home on the 100 block of Ross Branch after a caller claimed that his mother called him in a panic and said she was being assaulted. According to an arrest citation, an extremely distraught woman walked out to the porch to meet a deputy, who noticed her face was bloody and swollen. Read more of the latest Kentucky news She told the deputy that her boyfriend, 43-year-old Brian Click, was the one who allegedly attacked her and that he had already fled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the citation, the deputy noted she was having trouble standing and speaking after she had been knocked unconscious. As conversations continued, she told the deputy she didnt know what all Click had allegedly hit her with besides his fist. After emergency services arrived, the woman passed out again while they were trying to make plans to fly her for treatment, the deputy said. At the hospital, she was placed on a vent and was feared to have a brain bleed, according to the citation. As officials searched for Click, dispatch claimed he had called and stated that he had just returned from work and didnt know what was going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy said they went back to the home, but Click was already gone. He was seen later that night in a different vehicle on Halls Branch, and he was taken into custody. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: While in custody, Click claimed the two of them had argued and fought earlier, but he dropped her off at home and left, according to the citation. He had visible scratch marks on his chest. During their interview, he told the authorities that he hadnt returned home. The deputy said that they saw a vehicle drive past the house that was later confirmed to belong to Click, who claimed it wasnt him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was booked into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and was charged with first-degree assaultdomestic violence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. The logo for the Department of Health and Human Services is seen in front of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Atlanta headquarters. A gunman opened fire on the building on Aug. 8. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) The Trump administrations cuts to CDC funding for state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of a state, according to a KFF Health News analysis. Democratic-led states and select blue-leaning cities fought back in court and saw money for public health efforts restored while GOP-led states sustained big losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Health and Human Services in late March canceled nearly 700 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants nationwide together worth about $11 billion. Awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, they supported efforts to vaccinate people, reduce health disparities among demographic groups, upgrade antiquated systems for detecting infectious disease outbreaks, and hire community health workers. Initially, grant cancellations hit blue and red states roughly evenly. Four of the five jurisdictions with the largest number of terminated grants were led by Democrats: California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, and Massachusetts. But after attorneys general and governors from about two dozen blue states sued in federal court and won an injunction, the balance flipped. Of the five states with the most canceled grants, four are led by Republicans: Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Ohio. In blue states, nearly 80% of the CDC grant cuts have been restored, compared with fewer than 5% in red states, according to the KFF Health News analysis. Grant amounts reported in an HHS database known as the Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System, or TAGGS, often dont match what states confirmed. Instead, this analysis focused on the number of grants. The divide is an example of the polarization that permeates health care issues, in which access to safety-net health programs, abortion rights, and the ability of public health officials to respond to disease threats diverge significantly depending on the political party in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an emailed statement, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the agency is committed to protecting the health of every American, regardless of politics or geography. These funds were provided in response to the COVID pandemic, which is long over. We will continue working with states to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure communities have the tools they need to respond to outbreaks and keep people safe. The money in question wasnt spent solely on COVID-related activities, public health experts say; it was also used to bolster public health infrastructure and help contain many types of viruses and diseases, including the flu, measles and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. It really supported infrastructure across the board, particularly in how states respond to public health threats, said Susan Kansagra, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. The Trump cutbacks came as the U.S. recorded its largest measles outbreak in over three decades and 266 pediatric deaths during the most recent flu season the highest reported outside of a pandemic since 2004. Public health departments canceled vaccine clinics, laid off staff, and put contracts on hold, health officials said in interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After its funding cuts were blocked in court, California retained every grant the Trump administration attempted to claw back, while Texas remains the state with the most grants terminated, with at least 30. As the CDC slashed grants in Texas, its measles outbreak spread across the U.S. and Mexico, sickening at least 4,500 people and killing at least 16. Colorado, which joined the lawsuit, had 11 grant terminations at first, but then 10 were retained. Meanwhile, its neighboring states that didnt sue Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma collectively lost 55 grants, with none retained. In Jackson, Ohio, a half-dozen community health workers came to work one day in March to find the Trump administration had canceled their grant five months early, leaving the Jackson County Health Department half a million dollars short and them without jobs. I had to lay off three employees in a single day, and I havent had to do that before. We dont have those people doing outreach in Jackson County anymore, Health Commissioner Kevin Aston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, he said, the funding helped 11 Appalachian Ohio counties. Now it supports one. Marsha Radabaugh, one employee who was reassigned, has scaled back her community health efforts: Shed been helping serve hot meals to homeless people and realized that many clients couldnt read or write, so she brought forms for services such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to their encampment in a local park and helped fill them out. We would find them rehab places. Wed get out hygiene kits, blankets, tents, zero-degree sleeping bags, things like that, she said. As a counselor, shed also remind people that theyre cared for, that theyre worthy of being a human because, a lot of the time, theyre not treated that way. Sasha Johnson, who led the community health worker program, said people like Radabaugh were basically a walking human 411, offering aid to those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radabaugh also partnered with a food bank to deliver meals to homebound residents. Aston said the abrupt way they lost the funds which meant the county unexpectedly had to pay unemployment for more people could have ruined the health district financially. Canceling funding midcycle, he said, was really scary. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist and promoter of vaccine misinformation, has called the CDC a cesspool of corruption. At HHS, he has taken steps to undermine vaccination in the U.S. and abroad. Federal CDC funding accounts for more than half of state and local health department budgets, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. States that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election received a higher share of the $15 billion the CDC allocated in fiscal 2023 than those that Democrat Kamala Harris won, according to KFF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations nationwide CDC grant terminations reflect this. More than half were in states that Trump won in 2024, totaling at least 370 terminations before the court action, according to KFF Health News analysis. The Columbus, Ohio, health department had received $6.2 million in CDC grants, but roughly half of it $3 million disappeared with the Trump cuts. The city laid off 11 people who worked on investigating infectious disease outbreaks in such places as schools and nursing homes, Columbus Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts said. She also said the city had planned to buy a new electronic health record system for easier access to patients hospital records which could improve disease detection and provide better treatment for those infected but that was put on ice. Weve never had a grant midcycle just get pulled from us for no reason, Roberts said. This sense of uncertainty is stressful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus did not receive its money directly from the CDC. Rather, the state gave the city some funds it received from the federal government. Ohio, led by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and a Republican attorney general, did not sue to block the funding cuts. Columbus sued the federal government in April to keep its money, along with other Democratic-led municipalities in Republican-governed states: Harris County, Texas, home to Houston; the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. A federal judge in June blocked those cuts. As of mid-August, Columbus was awaiting the funds. Roberts said the city wont rehire staff because the federal funding was expected to end in December. Joe Grogan, a senior scholar at the University of Southern Californias Schaeffer Institute and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council in Trumps first term, said state and local agencies are not entitled to the federal money, which was awarded to deal with an emergency that has ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were throwing money out the door the last five years, Grogan said of the federal government. I dont understand why there would ever be a controversy in unspent covid money coming back. Ken Gordon, Ohio Department of Health spokesperson, wrote in an email that the $250 million in grants lost had helped with, among other things, upgrading the disease reporting system and boosting public health laboratory testing. Some of the canceled HHS funding wasnt slated to end for years, including four grants to strengthen public health in Indian Country, a grant to a Minnesota nonprofit focused on reducing substance use disorders, and a few to universities about occupational safety, HIV, tuberculosis, and more. Brent Ewig, chief policy and government relations officer for the Association of Immunization Managers, said the cuts were the predictable result of boom, bust, panic, neglect funding for public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The association represents 64 state, local, and territorial immunization programs, which Ewig said will be less prepared to respond to disease outbreaks, including measles. The system is blinking red, Ewig said. Methodology KFF Health News analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants sought to answer four questions: 1) How many grants have been terminated in the U.S. under the Trump administration since March? 2) Which states saw the most grants cut? 3) What were the grants for? and 4) Did the grant terminations affect blue, red, and purple states differently? This follows a similar analysis by KFF Health News for an article on nationwide NIH grant terminations. Our primary data source was a Department of Health and Human Services website showing grant terminations. We compared an initial list of grant terminations from April 3 with one from July 11 to determine how many grants had been restored. The USAspending.gov database helped us track grants by state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To classify states politically, we followed the same steps from our April coverage of National Institutes of Health grant terminations. States were blue if Democrats had complete control of the state government or if the majority of voters favored Democratic presidential candidates in the last three elections (2016, 2020, 2024). Red states were classified similarly with respect to the Republican Party. Purple states had politically split state governments and/or were generally considered to be presidential election battleground states. The result was 25 red states, 17 blue states, and eight purple states. The District of Columbia was classified as blue using similar methods. This analysis does not account for potential grant reinstatements in local jurisdictions where the funds were awarded indirectly rather than directly from the CDC; it accounts only for the recipients location, and excludes grants terminated from Compacts of Free Association states and other foreign entities that received grants directly from the CDC. At least 40 CDC grants were terminated that were meant for global health efforts or assisting public health activities in other nations following the Trump administrations order for the CDC to withdraw support for the World Health Organization. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. The Trump administrations cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding for state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of a state, according to a KFF Health News analysis. Democratic-led states and select blue-leaning cities fought back in court and saw money for public health efforts restored while GOP-led states sustained big losses. The Department of Health and Human Services in late March canceled nearly 700 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants nationwide together worth about $11 billion. Awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, they supported efforts to vaccinate people, reduce health disparities among demographic groups, upgrade antiquated systems for detecting infectious disease outbreaks, and hire community health workers. Initially, grant cancellations hit blue and red states roughly evenly. Four of the five jurisdictions with the largest number of terminated grants were led by Democrats: California, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after attorneys general and governors from about two dozen blue states sued in federal court and won an injunction, the balance flipped. Of the five states with the most canceled grants, four are led by Republicans: Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio. In blue states, nearly 80% of the CDC grant cuts have been restored, compared with fewer than 5% in red states, according to the KFF Health News analysis. Grant amounts reported in an HHS database known as the Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System, or TAGGS, often dont match what states confirmed. Instead, this analysis focused on the number of grants. The divide is an example of the polarization that permeates health care issues, in which access to safety-net health programs, abortion rights and the ability of public health officials to respond to disease threats diverge significantly depending on the political party in power. In an emailed statement, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the agency is committed to protecting the health of every American, regardless of politics or geography. These funds were provided in response to the COVID pandemic, which is long past. We will continue working with states to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure communities have the tools they need to respond to outbreaks and keep people safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money in question wasnt spent solely on COVID-related activities, public health experts say; it was also used to bolster public health infrastructure and help contain many types of viruses and diseases, including the flu, measles, and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. It really supported infrastructure across the board, particularly in how states respond to public health threats, said Susan Kansagra, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. The Trump cutbacks came as the U.S. recorded its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades and 266 pediatric deaths during the most recent flu season the highest reported outside of a pandemic since 2004. Public health departments canceled vaccine clinics, laid off staff and put contracts on hold, health officials said in interviews. After its funding cuts were blocked in court, California retained every grant the Trump administration attempted to claw back, while Texas remains the state with the most grants terminated, with at least 30. As the CDC slashed grants in Texas, its measles outbreak spread across the U.S. and Mexico, sickening at least 4,500 people and killing at least 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado, which joined the lawsuit, had 11 grant terminations at first, but then 10 were retained. Meanwhile, its neighboring states that didnt sue Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma collectively lost 55 grants, with none retained. In Jackson, Ohio, a half-dozen community health workers came to work one day in March to find the Trump administration had canceled their grant five months early, leaving the Jackson County Health Department half a million dollars short and them without jobs. I had to lay off three employees in a single day, and I havent had to do that before. We dont have those people doing outreach in Jackson County anymore, Health Commissioner Kevin Aston said. At one point, he said, the funding helped 11 Appalachian Ohio counties. Now it supports one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marsha Radabaugh, one employee who was reassigned, has scaled back her community health efforts: Shed been helping serve hot meals to homeless people and realized that many clients couldnt read or write, so she brought forms for services such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to their encampment in a local park and helped fill them out. We would find them rehab places. Wed get out hygiene kits, blankets, tents, zero-degree sleeping bags, things like that, she said. As a counselor, shed also remind people that theyre cared for, that theyre worthy of being a human because, a lot of the time, theyre not treated that way. Sasha Johnson, who led the community health worker program, said people like Radabaugh were basically a walking human 411, offering aid to those in need. Radabaugh partnered with a food bank to deliver meals to homebound residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aston said the abrupt way they lost the funds which meant the county unexpectedly had to pay unemployment for more people could have ruined the health district financially. Canceling funding midcycle, he said, was really scary. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist and promoter of vaccine disinformation, has called the CDC a cesspool of corruption. At HHS, he has taken steps to undermine vaccination in the U.S. and abroad. Federal CDC funding accounts for more than half of state and local health department budgets, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. States that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election received a higher share of the $15 billion the CDC allocated.) in fiscal 2023 than those won by Democrat Kamala Harris, according to KFF. The Trump administrations nationwide CDC grant terminations reflect this. More than half were in states that Trump won in 2024, totaling at least 370 terminations before the court action, according to KFF Health News analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Columbus, Ohio, health department had received $6.2 million in CDC grants, but roughly half of it $3 million disappeared with the Trump cuts. The city laid off 11 people who were working on investigating infectious disease outbreaks in such places as schools and nursing homes, Columbus Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts said. She said the city had planned to buy a new electronic health record system for easier access to patients hospital records which could improve disease detection and provide better treatment for those infected but that was put on ice. Weve never had a grant midcycle just get pulled from us for no reason, Roberts said. This sense of uncertainty is stressful. Columbus did not receive its money directly from the CDC. Rather, the state gave the city some funds it received from the federal government. Ohio, led by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and a Republican attorney general, did not sue to block the funding cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus sued the federal government in April to keep its money, along with other Democratic-led municipalities in Republican-governed states: Harris County, Texas, home to Houston; the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. A federal judge in June blocked those cuts. As of mid-August, Columbus was awaiting the funds. Roberts said the city wont rehire staff because the federal funding was expected to end in December. Joe Grogan, a senior scholar at the University of Southern Californias Schaeffer Institute and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council in Trumps first term, said state and local agencies are not entitled to the federal money, which was awarded to deal with an emergency that has ended. We were throwing money out the door the last five years, Grogan said of the federal government. I dont understand why there would ever be a controversy in unspent COVID money coming back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ken Gordon, Ohio Department of Health spokesperson, wrote in an email that the $250 million in grants lost had helped with, among other things, upgrading the disease reporting system and boosting public health laboratory testing. Some of the canceled HHS funding wasnt slated to end for years, including four grants to strengthen public health in Indian Country, a grant to a Minnesota nonprofit focused on reducing substance use disorders, and a few to universities about occupational safety, HIV, tuberculosis, and more. Brent Ewig, chief policy and government relations officer for the Association of Immunization Managers, said the cuts were the predictable result of boom, bust, panic, neglect funding for public health. The association represents 64 state, local, and territorial immunization programs, which Ewig said will be less prepared to respond to disease outbreaks, including measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is blinking red, Ewig said. *** KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with policy analysis and polling, KFF Health News is one of the three major operating programs at KFF. KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. Members of Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS) joined 225 people as they flew out of North America to make Israel their new home. Nefesh BNefesh, a nonprofit organization that promotes, encourages, and facilitates Aliyah from the United States and Canada, hosted their 65th charter Aliyah flight and the first since Oct. 7, 2023. There were 45 families on board the Aug. 20 flight, including 125 children, 10 singles, and 3 retirees. Families from BRS included former Rabbi Josh Broide, his wife, Simone, and their two children; former BRS Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Goldgrab, his wife, Meira, and their four children; and Talia Borenstein, former BRS community engagement leader, and her husband, Jack, a psychologist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They join a growing number of people choosing to make Aliyah. Last month, over 1,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel, the highest monthly total in over 20 years. Since Oct. 7, 2023, over 7,000 North Americans have made Aliyah. Nefesh BNefesh works in cooperation with Israels Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, and Jewish National Fund-USA. For more info on Nefesh BNefesh, visit nbn.org.il. An investigation is underway after authorities on Monday pulled a body from MacArthur Park Lake. The call came in about 11:30 a.m., said Public Service Officer Lyndsey Lantz of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The body was found in the lake. The victim was a man, estimated to be about 35 years old, Lantz said. By about noon, the Fire Department had handed over the investigation to the medical examiner and the Los Angeles Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Police Department had no update on the case Monday afternoon. The medical examiner's office said no update was expected before Tuesday. No cause of death had been determined by Monday afternoon. 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. Comedian Artie Lange, best known for Mad TV and The Howard Stern Show, seems to be in good spirits. The 58-year-old who has been open about his struggles with alcohol, cocaine and other substances appeared to step out with what looks like a reconstructed nose, according to a recent photo shared on X [] In this 2023 photo, the Boise Pride Parade weaves through downtown Boise. (Courtesy of Boise Pride) This weekend, the Boise Pride Festival will start with some change. Instead of being in the heart of downtown at Cecil D. Andrus Park, the festivities will be held at Ann Morrison Park to accommodate the growing crowds that turn out each year. As fewer companies sponsored the event, organizers shifted to community fundraising but are still planning a scaled-back fireworks show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this years theme, Our Pride, Our Power, is meant to speak to the cultural and political moment. The legislation thats occurred in the last year and a half in Idaho has really kind of set people into a more activist mindset, from my personal observation, Boise Pride Marketing Director Davis Hilton said. And I think it comes out through that theme. Like were still proud of who we are. Were also very powerful as a community. But even with the changes, they say people can still expect the typical Boise Pride experience: A weekend of LGBTQ+ pride festivities, performances, a parade and a fireworks show. Organizers began hosting Boise Pride in September, rather than during pride month in June, after the COVID pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years Boise Pride, the 36th annual event, is presented by Albertsons. Boise Pride fundraising for fireworks show amid national decline in corporate sponsorships As corporate sponsorships dropped this year, Boise Pride is roughly $190,000 short of last years sponsorship funds, with $250,000 compared to last years $440,000, Hilton told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. That didnt just happen in Idaho, and is a sign of the times, they said. This year, companies across the U.S. ended sponsorships of LGBTQ+ pride events, Axios reported. The openness of the people and the attendance growing signifies there is a lot of public support for our mission. I just think that on the corporate end, there was a disconnect politically this year, Hilton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of less corporate sponsorships, they said Boise Pride scaled down festivities and raised more from local businesses after announcing the drop off. But Boise Pride is still planning its annual fireworks show Saturday night, with the help of community fundraising. The Bose Pride fireworks fundraiser which is accepting donations online is half way toward its $15,000 goal. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Before Boise Pride Parade, faith groups will lead blessings At 9 a.m. Sunday, before the Boise Pride parade starts, faith groups will gather in Ann Morrison Park for the third annual Multifaith Pride Worship Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the services end, organizers will offer a blessing over the festival and LGBTQ+ people. Unfortunately, many faith communities have often offered curses and cursed the LGBTQ community because of their religious beliefs. And so we just want to continue to remind people that we have a counter-message and a counter-narrative, and that particularly fundamentalists religious groups do not get to have the only word or only say on what is moral and what is blessable, said the Rev. Josh Lee, pastor for the Boise First United Church of Christ. At the interfaith event, leaders will ask people to write hurtful memories or the names of people who said hurtful things about them onto a piece of dissolvable paper which they can put into a water basin on an altar to dissolve after. Another ritual planned invites attendees to honor allies, by writing the names of people who cared for and loved them on a large cloth. The event will also feature a book reading performed by the former West Ada School District teacher Sarah Inama. The story of a banner in her classroom promoting inclusivity went viral after she refused to remove it upon a request from the school district, Idaho Education News reported. Whats on Boise Prides schedule? Instead of the usual three days of full events, Boise Pride is planned for Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two paid ticketed events at Treefort Music Hall in downtown Boise this year: 8 p.m. Friday: the Boise Pride Launch Party, featuring live performances from artists The Knocks and Dragonette, drag queen Aquaria and local performers. 9 p.m. ATTENTION, a party featuring live DJing by Shea Coulee, performances from local drag and dance performers and Plane Jane, who appeared in RuPauls Drag Race. Boise Pride is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7, at Ann Morrison Park. The full schedule is available online at boisepridefest.org/festival-schedule. Heres a brief rundown: Saturday: The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Performances start at noon with the Starbelly School of Dance, ending with queer pop artist Zolita starting at 8:15 p.m. The fireworks show caps the day at 9 p.m. Sunday: At 10 a.m., the Boise Pride Parade starts. But since the festival has moved from the heart of downtown, so has the parade route. The parade now starts at the intersection by South 13th Street and River Street, before running through River Street, crossing the Boise River on Ninth Street and ending along Sherwood Street by Ann Morrison Park. Find the parade route online at boisepridefest.org/pride-parade. Then the festival opens starting at 11 a.m., with performances throughout the day until the festival ends at 5 p.m. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LA PAZ (Reuters) -A Bolivian court sentenced two elderly Spanish Jesuit priests to a year each in prison on Tuesday for concealing decades of child sex abuse committed by their colleague in the church. The convictions of the priests, Marcos Recolons, 81, and Ramon Alaix, 83, mark Bolivia's first successful criminal prosecution against high-ranking members of the Catholic Jesuit order implicated in concealing abuse cases. Prosecutors argued that Recolons and Alaix led the Jesuit order in Bolivia while the abuse occurred. They were aware of the allegations against a priest, Alfonso Pedrajas, but failed to report them to police, allowing him to continue contact with children, according to the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case came to light in 2023 with the publication of a diary belonging to Pedrajas, who died in 2009. In it, he wrote about abusing at least 85 minors between 1972 and 2000, many of whom were Indigenous students on scholarships at a prominent boarding school. The diary entries sparked international outrage and intensified the debate over the Catholic Church's accountability in child sex abuse scandals across Latin America. The judge on Tuesday ordered the defendants to serve a year in the San Sebastian prison in the city of Cochabamba, pay court costs to the state and compensate the victims. The ruling also requires them to undergo psychological treatment. In addition, prosecutors will pursue new cases against other priests named by victims during the trial, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedro Lima, a spokesperson for a Bolivian sex abuse survivors' group, said the one-year sentence for each priest was "not very severe" but still "makes clear that they were responsible." He called the ruling a historic moment. "We want this to be a precedent so that no boy or girl in Bolivia suffers sexual abuse," Lima added. (Reporting by Reuters, additional reporting by Daniel Ramos; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Cassandra Garrison and Bill Berkrot) Brazils Supreme Court will today begin hearing closing arguments in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of orchestrating a coup to stay in power. The verdict, expected as soon as next week, could determine the future of Brazils politics and economy. The former leader who faces decades in prison if convicted has vowed to stand in next years presidential election despite a ban against him running, a stance analysts believe will damage the rights chances of returning to power. A guilty verdict could also further strain ties with Washington, which imposed a 50% tariff rate on Brazil over what US President Donald Trump has labelled a Bolsonaro witch hunt. WARRICK COUNTY, Ind (WEHT) Union workers from across the Tri-State set up shop at the Warrick County Fairgrounds for their yearly Labor Day festivities. The parade kicked off at the day of fun around 9 a.m., event goers participated in contest such as the Cutest Baby and Cutest Pet competition and were also able to enjoy free carnival rides. As of this Labor Day Indianas Department of Workforce Development latest statistics from July has the Hoosier states unemployment at 3.6% which is just below the national rate of 4.2%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana has nearly 3.5 million people in the workforce with a 63.7% labor force participation rate also better than the national average. On the other side of the river Kentuckys unemployment rate was 4.9% According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent findings. Findings also show the bluegrass state has a total workforce of just over 2.1 million people with 102,820 people unemployed. As it stands currently Indiana is out pacing Kentucky in job. For Warrick County coal miners like Marlin Weisheit, he says the 139th parade celebrates the same things it did nearly 70 years ago when he first started participating in the festivities as a kid alongside his dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what Warrick County was built on was coal mining and a lot of organized labor. So, it is a good day to come out and celebrate all organized labor especially right here in Warrick County. Weisheit 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). ***Related video above: Fake Labubu dolls may be dangerous, CPSC warns*** SEATTLE, Ohio (WJW) Border patrol officers in Seattle confiscated thousands of fake Labubu dolls, officials announced late last week. On Friday, Brian Humphrey, the director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Seattle, shared photos of dolls resembling the Hong Kong-based collectible plush toys that have grown in popularity recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mapleton schools to reopen after evacuation, illness In the post on X, Humphrey said officers seized 11,134 counterfeit Labubu dolls worth more than $513,000. LabuWHO? Humphrey wrote, showing one of the knock-off Labubus, dubbed Lafufus online, holding a Coca-Cola bottle. Another photo showed a box full of the counterfeits. Credit: @DFOSeattle via Storyful Credit: @DFOSeattle via Storyful Fake Labubus are not welcome in America. Thanks for the good catch Seattle! U.S. Customs and Border Protection added, re-sharing the post. The seizure comes just weeks after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety warning about the fake dolls, stating that theyre small enough to fit inside a childs mouth and block their airways, as WGN previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man charged after writing Go back to Mexico outside Florida auto shop The safety report went on to say that Lafufus are poorly made and can break apart easily These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal and have no place in American homes, CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman said in the report. No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers. Learn how to spot one of the fake dolls right 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 8 Cleveland WJW. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Elon Musks tunnel-building company, The Boring Company, is now hiring for the Music City Loop. The underground tunnel will run from downtown to Nashville International Airport, with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion. Im really excited about this project, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. In downtown Nashville, the first dig for the tunnel was made in mid-August. Now, as of Sep. 1, there is a large hole, showing the progress of the project. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts They (Boring Company) have a great desire to follow the process as laid out by the state and to work with our agencies, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Music City Loop is bringing jobs to Nashville. The Boring Company is currently searching for engineers, electricians, mechanics and operation coordinators among other positions. Gov. Lee said its the fast lane to the citys future. Weve been trying to find ways, Metro Nashville has in particular, to develop transit in the city for a long time, Lee said. It costs billions and billions of dollars to build out transit systems. We now have an opportunity to have a transit system that costs the taxpayers nothing. While it may not be costing taxpayers anything right now, Nashville resident Taylor John said its costing her peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a lot of concerns, first of all, by how fast this decision was made, I dont think there was a lot of discussion from the members of the community before this decision was made, John said. John also raised concerns around the project catering to tourists and the environmental harm it could bring. Its going to impact us, John said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Gov. Lee is defending The Boring Companys efforts. They understand fully the permitting, environmental permitting, road permitting, all of that is part of the process, Lee said. Meanwhile, other Nashville residents said the Music City Loop is an innovative way to transform transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a whole untapped potential underneath, underneath our feet, Nashville resident Nathaniel Lehrer said. Anything that can save time when picking up family or friends or you need to catch a flight, itd be an awesome option to have. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Ricardo Brito and Luciana Magalhaes BRASILIA (Reuters) -The final phase of the landmark Supreme Court trial of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of plotting a coup began on Tuesday as the lead judge cast the case as a defense of democracy in the face of attacks by U.S. President Donald Trump. As he opened the court session, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, whom the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on over the trial, said a "criminal organization" had tried to coerce the high court to submit to "the scrutiny of a foreign state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said those efforts would not affect the court's decision because "national sovereignty cannot, should not, and will never be vilified, negotiated or extorted." Trump has used the case as primary justification for imposing 50% tariffs on many Brazilian goods and canceling the U.S. visas of most Brazilian Supreme Court judges. Bolsonaro's son, congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, moved to the U.S. in March to start a campaign in his father's defense and has claimed credit for Trump's retaliation against Brazil and Moraes. Both father and son are now under investigation in Brazil on suspicion of inviting Trump's interference. The final phase of the trial is expected to conclude by September 12. Bolsonaro has consistently maintained his innocence but also told Reuters in a July interview that he had given up hope of being acquitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They want to convict me," he said. The former president remained in his home on Tuesday, where he has been confined for weeks under court orders. Senator Damares Alves, a longtime friend of Bolsonaro and human rights minister in his cabinet, said she had visited him on Monday. She said the former president did not attend the trial because his lawyers were worried he would have a bout of hiccups, an increasingly frequent symptom of the health troubles he has developed since a 2018 stabbing. "It would be an embarrassment because he really isn't well," she said on Tuesday. "It's really an elderly man being tried, and a very sick one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerned that Bolsonaro may pose a flight risk, Moraes on Saturday ordered inspections of all vehicles leaving Bolsonaro's residence and enhanced surveillance of the area. Police found a document last month suggesting he may have considered seeking political asylum in Argentina, an allegation that his lawyers deny. Moraes has become a commanding symbol of the strengths and weaknesses of the institutions Bolsonaro has long attacked. While his supporters see him as a courageous defender of a young democracy, right-wing critics view his actions as politically motivated persecution. Bolsonaro is an ideological and political ally of Trump and has been nicknamed "Trump of the Tropics" by the media for his populist, nationalist rhetoric and admiration for the U.S. leader. Trump has said Bolsonaro is being targeted in a politically motivated "witch hunt" for his conservative views, echoing language Trump has used to describe legal cases against himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HISTORIC RECKONING As with many high-profile cases before Brazil's Supreme Court, the trial is being broadcast live, drawing millions of Brazilians to their TVs and phones to witness another dramatic chapter in the country's deeply polarized political saga. The last part of the trial caps a years-long investigation into the causes and context of the storming and defacing in 2023 of Brazil's most iconic civic landmarks, such as the Congress and the Supreme Court, by thousands of Bolsonaro supporters protesting his electoral defeat, an episode with parallels to the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. The trial of Bolsonaro, a former army captain, and several of his allies, including high-ranking military officials, could also mark a historic reckoning for a country that has never held its armed forces accountable for leading a violent and corrupt dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the court could impose sentences totaling more than 40 years, Brazilian law typically allows convicts to be released well before serving their full terms. Though the trial is expected to spark fresh demonstrations in the coming days, protests scheduled in Brasilia since Sunday have so far failed to attract many demonstrators. Lawmakers aligned with Bolsonaro gathered at the Senate on Tuesday to again denounce the case. "It's political revenge," said Senator Hamilton Mourao, who served as Bolsonaro's vice president. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito and Luciana Magalhaes; Editing by Manuela Andreoni, Sandra Maler, Alistair Bell and Cynthia Osterman) DENVER (KDVR) A robbery suspect who led Brighton police on a chase, while shooting at them is now being charged with homicide in a separate incident, the Brighton Police Department said in a press release on Monday evening. James Benavidez, 50, was arrested after he allegedly robbed someone at a Murphy Express while armed, before leading police on a chase in a stolen vehicle. During the chase, police said that Benavidez shot at them. Officers returned fire, hitting him. Nearly 50 people involved in complex Devils Head rescue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested and taken to a hospital after the pursuit. On Monday evening, Brighton police connected Benavidez to another crime. He now faces a homicide charge from the separate incident. On Aug. 29, the day after the police chase, around 9:15 a.m., police responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle. Officers dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Avenue and found the vehicle, and Keeley Koff, an alleged pregnant woman, 32, dead inside it from an apparent gunshot wound. A preliminary investigation indicated that Koff and Benavidez were associated with one another, but the type of relationship was not reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benavidez was booked into the Adams County Jail on charges, including: First-degree motor vehicle theft First-degree murder Unlawful termination of pregnancy Weapon possession by a previous offender Habitual domestic violence offender The case was filed with the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. NEED TO KNOW A 72-year-old Northwestern University professor was reported missing by her family Nina Kraus, a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology, was last seen leaving her home in Evanston, Ill. on Labor Day to go for a walk "Shes a brilliant professor and researcher at Northwestern, a former student wrote. "This is heartbreaking" A beloved professor at Northwestern University left her home in Illinois to go for a walk on Labor Day and hasnt been seen since, authorities said. Nina Kraus, a 72-year-old professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology at Northwestern University School of Communication, went missing after she was last seen leaving her house in the 1500 block of Ashland Ave in Evanston on Monday, Sept. 1, around 9 a.m. local time, the Evanston Police Department said in a statement on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, the university published a statement about Kraus disappearance. Northwestern is asking for the communitys help in locating School of Communication Professor Nina Kraus, who was reported missing by her family earlier today on Monday, Sept. 1, the school said. The local police department is leading the search, with the assistance of university police. The woman was last seen wearing long pants and a windbreaker. Shes 5 4 tall, 140 lbs., with silver hair, brown eyes, a thin build and a very fit appearance, authorities said. As of Tuesday, Sept. 2, police are following tips that have come in and conducting a search of the nearby lakefront with the help of drones, Commander Ryan Glew of the Evanston Police Department confirms to PEOPLE. No foul play is suspected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University is hopeful that with the communitys help, we can find Professor Kraus and assure her safety, Northwestern University said. The university did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for further information. In response to the police posting, a former student spoke out. Shes a brilliant professor and researcher at Northwestern, wrote one woman on Facebook. I took her class when I was a student there. This is heartbreaking. In Kraus faculty profile, she describes herself as a scientist, inventor, and amateur musician who studies the biology of auditory learning. 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. My research on sound and the brain aims to understand how our life in sound, for better and worse, alters the processing of sound in the brain, makes us us, and affects the world we live in, wrote Kraus, who also serves as the director of Northwestern's Hugh Knowles Center. Police urge anyone with information about Kraus whereabouts to contact them at 847-866-5000. Read the original article on People Dictators down the ages have seldom bothered to hide their ambitions. While hosting this weeks summit in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping seized the opportunity to describe how China proposes to use its power to re-order the world. His phrases might seem vacuous or anodyne but they have a precise and often sinister meaning. When Mr Xi promises to build a community of common security, what he means is that no country should have any allies, leaving all but the strongest at Chinas mercy. When he stresses the sovereign equality of states, he means that no one should interfere with the sovereign right of tyrants to murder, torture and oppress their own peoples. And when Mr Xi declares that international law should be applied equally and uniformly with no double standards, he obviously excludes Russia, which he believes should be free to invade Ukraine and pound its cities with killer drones and ballistic missiles made from Chinese components. No one should doubt that a world re-ordered by Mr Xi would be a bleak and pitiless place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does our Government have a view on this? One hopes that Britain would stand with America and the free world in opposing Mr Xis disturbing visions. If that is our intention and one day a Prime Minister should muster the courage to say so then it would make little sense to allow China to build our entire energy system, or supply the electric cars that just about all of us will drive. There is a glaring contradiction at the heart of British policy whereby we strive to benefit from trade and investment with China while also pretending that risks to our national security can be overcome. Mr Xis chilling dreams show the naivety of that approach. 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. British comedian Graham Linehan was arrested at the Heathrow airport, Monday, for three of his X posts, reigniting accusations that the United Kingdom is failing to protect free speech. Linehan was boarding a flight from Arizona to London when a U.S. official told him he didnt have a seat and had to be re-ticketed. Linehan made another flight to London, and when he stepped off the plane at the Heathrow airport, he was greeted by five armed police officers, who told him he was under arrest for three tweets, as he recounted in a Substack post. A van took him from the tarmac to the Heathrow police station, where his belt, bag and devices were confiscated. Then he was locked in a small prison cell. Linehan said, I kept waking up wondering if it was all actually happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Linehan was pulled from his cell for an interview with police officers about his tweets. The officers read each aloud to him. Linehan had written on April 20, If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. The officers also read two tweets from April 19. Linehan had posted a photo of a city corner in London filled with people draped in and holding the transgender flag. His caption read, A photo you can smell. Also on April 19, Linehan tweeted, I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. (Expletive) em. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linehan described the interview that followed with the officers. I explained that the punch tweet was a serious point made with a joke, he wrote. Men who enter womens spaces ARE abusers and they need to be challenged every time. The punch in the bollocks bit was about the height difference between men and women, the bollocks being closer to punch level for a woman defending her rights and certainly not a call to violence. (Not one of my best as one of the female officers said, Were not THAT small). Part-way through the interview, a nurse came in, took Linehans blood pressure and found it was over 200, so he was then escorted to the emergency room. The stress of being arrested for jokes was literally threatening my life! he wrote, adding that he was writing the Substack post from the hospital, after spending eight hours under observation. The officers gave Linehan a single bail condition: stay off X. Thats it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimes just a legal gag order designed to shut me up while Im the U.K., and a demand I face a further interview in October, Linehan said. He continued, To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have turned the police into their personal goon squad. Linehans X account has gone silent in the last 24 hours. NEED TO KNOW Jessica Cariad Hopkins, 34, was found dead in a park in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, the General Commissariat of National Police said in a statement Hopkins was found laying in the grass with her sandals next to her body and a bloodied knife nearby, according to police The suspect, Kidikila Nganda Glodie, 33, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was Hopkins' roommate, who was allegedly angry that Hopkins had an affair with the man she loved, said police A British woman was found stabbed to death in a Cambodian park after an argument over what police called a love triangle. Just before midnight on Friday, Aug. 29, Jessica Cariad Hopkins, 34, was found dead in a park near Koh Pich City Hall in the capital city of Phnom Penh, the General Commissariat of National Police said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopkins was found laying in the grass at the park in the Chamkar Mon district of the city, with her sandals next to her body. The murder weapon - a bloodied knife - was found close by, police said. Following a short investigation, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, police tracked down Kidikila Nganda Glodie, 33, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at a nearby salon, and arrested her in connection with Hopkins death, according to the statement. This murder is a love triangle cause, according to the statement. The suspect stabbed Hopkins in the throat, police said in the statement. Hopkins and Glodie were roommates, living in a rented house in the Chroy Changvar district, Captain Em Vichetr, a Deputy Chief at the Criminal Investigation Office, said, the Khmer Times reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the two women rode a moped to Koh Pich, where they sat in the park and started arguing, per the Khmer Times. The suspect "knocked the victim down and pushed her to the ground" before brandishing a knife and stabbing Hopkins "many times" in the throat, Vichetr said on Aug. 30. The suspect then fled the scene. The suspect allegedly killed Hopkins over a man, Brigadier General Bun Satya, a Deputy Chief at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, said, the Khmer Times reports. During the interrogation after her arrest, the suspect confessed that she had killed the victim because she was angry at her for having an affair with her Congolese boyfriend, Satya said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glodie is expected to be charged with murder, according to the Khmer Times. According to Hopkins' Facebook page, she is from the small town of Harpenden, about 33 miles northwest of London. In a touching Facebook post, her friend Sophors Chheoun wrote, I am heartbroken to lose my lovely neighbor and dear friend Jessica Cariad Hopkins. She was such a caring person, always there for me and my family, helping in ways big and small. Her kindness, her smile, and her generous heart meant so much to me. It feels unreal that she is gone. My heart aches knowing such a beautiful soul was taken from us too soon. Rest in peace, Jessica. You will forever be missed and remembered with love." Read the original article on People The brother-in-law of a slain Lake woman will soon be arrested in her killing, the Lake County Sheriffs Office announced Tuesday. Monica Islam, 44, of Eustis, was found dead May 2 at the intersection of Wolf Branch Road and Scenic Hills Drive in Mount Dora. Detectives and prosecutors have now obtained an arrest warrant in the case for Shahidul Islam of Longwood, the brother of Monicas husband Rashedul, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. An investigation found Monica had been the victim of domestic violence by the two brothers in December, when Rashedul allegedly struck Monica and stole jewelry, as well as paperwork for a property in Bangladesh that was being disputed between the couple. Shahidul allegedly pointed a gun at Monica, telling her not to call 911 during the incident, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eustis police obtained an arrest warrant in that incident, but Rashedul fled the country before it could be served, according to the sheriffs office. Detectives learned Shahidul had been previously deported and had an active federal immigration warrant after again illegally re-entering the United States. They obtained vehicle information from license plate readers that led them to connect Shahidul to a home in Sanford, according to the release. Further investigation revealed Shahidul fled Sanford just after Monicas killing and headed to New York in a rental car, the sheriffs office said. The U.S. Marshals Service was requested to assist in locating him. He was apprehended May 6 on the federal immigration warrant and has remained in federal custody. The sheriffs office said Shahidul will be served the arrest warrant and extradited to Lake County once all federal requirements related to his immigration status have been satisfied. NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger turned 28 on Nov. 21, 2022, less than two weeks after he murdered four University of Idaho students in their off-campus home Birthday cards he received are included in the more than 500 new evidence photos from inside his apartment at Washington State University released by police "A son leaves your home but never leaves your heart. He discovers his own happiness which, in turn, becomes yours," reads the card from his parents New evidence photos have been released by Idaho State Police of the apartment Bryan Kohberger lived in when he murdered four University of Idaho students. The former criminology student was being housed in an on-campus residence at Washington State University, where he had been pursuing a doctoral degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 500 images were released from inside Kohberger's apartment and obtained by PEOPLE, showing everything from his textbooks and exams to hair follicles and possible blood stains. There are also multiple images of the birthday cards Kohberger received less than two weeks after the murders when he turned 28 on Nov. 21, 2022. Idaho State Police Bryan Kohberger Birthday Cards Bryan Kohberger Birthday Cards Idaho State Police Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card Envelopes Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card Envelopes Both cards are in envelopes devoid of any postage markings or stamps, which suggests they were sent as part of a larger package. The first card appears to be from Kohberger's mother and father. "A son leaves your home but never leaves your heart. He discovers his own happiness which, in turn, becomes yours," reads the card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inside of the card is redacted in the photos, but the envelope it came in can be seen covered in hand-drawn hearts and reads: "Happy Birthday Bryan!" Idaho State Police Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card It is unclear who the second card is from, but the most likely assumption is one of the killer's two sisters given how few contacts were discovered in his phone by the team of digital forensics experts who previously spoke with PEOPLE. That card is addressed to "Bryeeerrnnn." There is also a note written on the back of the card, which seems to confirm reports that Kohberger is a germaphobe, as it reads: "I did not lick it b/c #covid." The cover of the card features a cartoon depiction of former president Theodore Roosevelt riding a dinosaur along with the quote: "Speak softly and carry a big stick. Unless you can ride a dinosaur. Then do that instead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sender then drew two arrows pointing to both the dinosaur and Roosevelt, calling them his "egos." That person went on to write: "You are a dino + professor LMAO." Idaho State Police Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card Bryan Kohberger Birthday Card Idaho State Police Bryan Kohberger Birthday Message Bryan Kohberger Birthday Message Inside the card, the individual wrote what appears to say "Bryem," the date "11/21/22" and drew a smiley face in blue highlighter. The rest of the card is redacted except for a pre-printed punchline, which reads: "Happy birthday! Celebrate like a boss!" 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. At that time, Kohberger had already started to keep a low profile as the murders he committed on Nov. 13, 2022 had become one of the biggest news stories in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would remain that way until his arrest a little over a month later while he was at his parents' Pennsylvania home for the holidays. Kohberger's mother, whom he called just after committing the murders, and his sister were both present in July as he was sentenced to serve four lifetimes in prison after he confessed to killing Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. Despite that confession, Kohberger has refused to publicly reveal his motive for stabbing the four young college students to death. Read the original article on People Burkina Fasos government has passed a law banning homosexuality, with those found guilty facing two to five years in prison, according to the state broadcaster. The draft law was unanimously passed on Monday by 71 unelected members of the countrys transitional government, which has been in place since the military seized power under the leadership of the now President Ibrahim Traore, after two coups in 2022. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced the law on national broadcaster RTB and said those guilty would also face fines along with serving prison time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a person is a perpetrator of homosexual or similar practices, all the bizarre behaviour, they will go before the judge, he said, adding that foreign nationals would be deported under the law. The new law is expected to go into effect immediately. The latest law is part of Burkina Fasos wider reform of family and citizenship legislation and will be popularised through an awareness campaign, according to officials. However, rights activists are likely to call out the restrictions on the new legislation and limits imposed on legal recourse in nationality cases. Since the military took power in 2022, soldiers have said they plan to stabilise the country amid a worsening security crisis and provide better governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, rights groups have accused the military government of cracking down on human rights with large-scale arrests and military conscription of critics. Burkina Faso becomes the latest African country to ban homosexuality, joining more than half of African countries that penalise the sexual orientation with either prison sentences or the death penalty. Neighbouring country and ally, Mali, also adopted laws criminalising homosexuality in November 2024. In recent years, Ghana and Uganda have toughened their anti-homosexuality laws, garnering intense criticism. In Uganda, a law was adopted with the provision that made aggravated homosexuality a capital offence and imposed penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison. Burkina Faso's military junta has banned homosexuality three years after overthrowing the nation's former government. The 71 unelected members of the junta parliament approved the law Monday, which now awaits the signature of President Ibrahim Traore, a former army captain who seized power after two coups in 2022. The specifics of the ban have not been revealed whether it applies to same-sex sexual relations or any LGBTQ+ identity broadly. The law provides for a prison sentence ranging from two to five years and a fine, Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on state television Monday night, as reported by multiple outlets. A person who [engages in] homosexual practices ... will appear before a judge and, in the event of a repeat offense, be deported if you are not a Burkinabe national." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While LGBTQ+ identities are not widely accepted in the nation, they were not previously outlawed. The ban comes as part of the junta's overhaul of marriage laws after usurping power from the country's former military ruler, Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Damiba. Human Rights Watch has previously said the 2022 military coup in Burkina Faso was "responsible for serious abuses, further degrading [the country's] human rights and humanitarian situation." There are nearly twice as many countries that criminalize homosexuality than countries that have marriage equality. Over five dozen countries (61) have laws making same-sex sexual relations illegal. Most of them are in Africa, with the majority inheriting their laws from European colonization. Those colonial laws remain in place even after the countries that implemented them overturned them, though they're not always actively enforced. Punishments range from fines and imprisonment to the death penalty. While many countries have decriminalized same-sex relationships in recent years, others have instead enacted legislation where there previously was none criminalizing them. Uganda lawmakers passed what has been dubbed one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws last year in 2023, and Ghana advanced a draconian LGBTQ+ criminalization bill in spite of warnings from other nations and world financial institutions. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Burkina Faso bans homosexuality, levying fines and up to 5 years in prison RELATED Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of African nations tightening laws against same-sex relations, with an extensive new code set to reshape family and nationality rules. Burkina Fasos transitional assembly has passed a controversial law criminalising homosexuality, marking the first time such legislation has been introduced in the country. The move, backed unanimously on Monday by the 71 unelected members of the transitional legislative assembly, comes nearly three years after the military junta seized power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new law, individuals convicted of same-sex relations face prison sentences of between two and five years, as well as fines. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on national television that foreign nationals found guilty would be expelled from the country. Uganda court rejects petition against harsh anti-gay law Broader 'family' reforms Until now, Burkina Faso had no specific laws targeting homosexuals, although LGBT+ communities have long been forced to live discreetly. The measure is part of a broader reform of the "Code of Persons and Families", which also tightens the rules for acquiring Burkinabe nationality through marriage and grants legal recognition to religious and customary unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation is expected to be signed into law by junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore, who took power in a coup in September 2022. Traore has pursued a fiercely sovereigntist line, often rejecting what he calls Western values and drawing closer to allies such as Russia and Iran. Authorities say the new code will be rolled out through a public awareness campaign. In August 2023, Burkina Fasos media regulator banned television stations from broadcasting content deemed to promote homosexuality. Ghana activists denounce new bill that makes identifying as LGBTQ+ a crime Criminalisation of homosexuality Mondays legislation builds on this hardening stance. Neighbouring Mali, also ruled by a military junta, adopted a similar law in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkina Faso joins more than 30 African nations where same-sex relations are outlawed. In countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, prison terms can extend to life sentences. In Nigeria, Kenya and Malawi, those convicted can face up to 14 years behind bars. Ugandas recent Anti-Homosexuality Act has drawn widespread international condemnation for introducing harsh penalties, while Ghanas parliament earlier this year passed a bill criminalising LGBT+ advocacy and support networks. Around a third of countries around the world continue to prohibit same-sex relations, and in some cases these laws carry the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite steady progress in many regions towards decriminalisation, campaigners warn of a troubling regression across parts of Africa. The international advocacy group Ilga World has voiced concern that such crackdowns risk entrenching discrimination and undermining basic human rights. Three recent incidents of Burmese pythons slithering around homes in South Florida were captured on video and raise the question of whether the invasive snakes are closing in on urban areas. A python was found tucked inside the engine compartment of a tractor-trailer parked near a Miami residence on Aug. 23, while another was captured in a home's yard a day later, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Additionally, after receiving a report of a snake inside a Miami residence, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue captured and removed a large Burmese python from a shed on the property (see videos below). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonvenomous constrictor snakes are native to South Asia, but since being introduced to Florida, they have become one of the most destructive invasive species the state has ever seen. The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world. Adult pythons average between 6 and 9 feet, though the longest ever caught in Florida was 19 feet. The heaviest weighed over 200 pounds. Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida, with an estimated population in the tens of thousands spread across more than 1,000 square miles of South Florida, including Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Do the recent incidents of Burmese pythons around Florida homes indicate an invasion into urban areas? According to a 2021 study, pythons generally avoid urban areas. However, they select habitats somewhat near urban environments, with "selection peaking at a distance of just 515 meters from urban development." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environments with large volumes of plant waste material that attract small mammals, hobby farms with chickens and goats, and housing developments bordering natural areas with artificial lakes and aquatic birds, may provide prey cues for pythons, the study notes. Previous reports of Burmese pythons in populated areas and near homes include: In the wake of Hurricane Helene in 2024, residents of the tiny island community of Chokoloskee reported a "python invasion," with dozens of sightings, Gulf Coast News reported. One man claimed to have caught 10 pythons in a matter of weeks. In October 2023, a Cape Coral couple found a coiled 9-foot Burmese python near their garage. The homeowner, along with two neighbors, caught and dispatched the python, according to WFLA. In 2021, a man and his mother spotted a massive 300-pound, 16-foot Burmese python outside of their home in Zolfo Springs, Newsweek reported. Zolfo Springs is located about 60 miles northeast of Sarasota. The man enlisted serveral family members to help wrangle the giant snake and shoot it. Also in 2021, a woman found a large python outside her Coral Gables home, CBS reported. FWC removed the snake. In 2019, a 6-foot python was spotted swimming in Naples Bay, near Windstar and swimming toward Port Royal, according to previous Naples Daily News reports. A Cocoa Beach woman found a 5-foot python outside her back door in 2017, Florida Today reported. Police caught the animal and turned it over to Brevard County Animal Services and Enforcement. Video: Burmese pythons removed from tractor-trailer engine and home's backyard in Florida Video: See Burmese python removal from home's shed in Florida Has a Burmese python ever killed a human in Florida? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, human fatalities from non-venomous snakes are rare, with an average of one or two per year worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been no human deaths from wild-living Burmese pythons in Florida. And while python attacks on humans are unlikely, they're not impossible. Per USGS, "In suburban areas and parks in Florida that contain ponds, canals or other bodies of water where large snakes could feel at home, the situation is likely similar to that experienced with alligators: attacks are improbable but possible in any locality where the animals are present and people are also present. The simplest and most sure-fire way to reduce the risk of human fatalities is to avoid interacting with a large constrictor." Invasive Burmese pythons wreak havoc on Everglades ecosystem Burmese pythons are an invasive species established across more than a thousand square miles of South Florida, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The constrictors have few predators and prey on native species, eating just about anything from field mice to deer. According to a 2012 study, they've contributed to the decline of raccoons, opossums, bobcats, foxes, and marsh and cottontail rabbits. What's the largest Burmese python caught in Florida? Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with adult animals averaging between 10 and 16 feet long, according to the University of Florida. A group of python hunters caught the longest Burmese python ever measured on July 10, 2023, in the Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County. The monster snake was 19 feet long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heaviest Burmese python ever recorded was caught by Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologists in the Florida Everglades in 2022. The colossal female python weighed an eye-popping 215 pounds and was nearly 18 feet long. How did the Burmese python get to Florida? Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia. Many of the invasive snakes came to the U.S. because of their popularity in the pet trade, according to the USGS. The snakes were then intentionally or accidentally released in South Florida. How many Burmese pythons are in Florida, Everglades? Burmese pythons "can survive in and utilize a variety of habitats found in the region, and many of these areas are difficult to access and effectively survey," the USGS reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency conservatively estimates the Burmese python population in the Florida Everglades region in the tens of thousands. Geographic spread of Burmese python records in southern Florida between 1979 and 2021. How far north in Florida are pythons found? According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Burmese pythons are established from just south of Lake Okeechobee to Key Largo and from western Broward County west to Collier County, including: Everglades National Park Biscayne National Park Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area Big Cypress National Preserve Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Picayune Strand State Forest Collier-Seminole State Park Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Any pythons found outside of those areas are likely escaped or released captive animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, "due to the cryptic nature of pythons, it can take a while to gather enough evidence to confirm new areas of establishment," FWC said. How big do Burmese pythons in Florida get? Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with adult animals averaging between 10 and 16 feet long, according to the University of Florida. A group of python hunters caught the longest Burmese python ever measured on July 10, 2023, in the Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County. The monster snake was 19 feet long. The heaviest Burmese python ever recorded was caught by Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologists in the Florida Everglades in 2022. The colossal female python weighed an eye-popping 215 pounds and was nearly 18 feet long. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Pythons in Florida: Are invasive snakes invading urban areas, homes? Burning Man, the eclectic desert festival known for its art, music and spirit of "self-expression and self-reliance," wrapped up one of the strangest annual celebrations in memory with a major dust storm, an unexpected birth, and an as-yet-unsolved slaying reported amid the festivities. Known for drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the desolate Black Rock Desert in Nevada, about 120 miles north of Reno, the nine-day festival has a reputation for introducing the unexpected to revelers, and this year seemed to be no exception. The event started out with its challenges right off the bat, as a major dust storm knocked down tents, damaged art installations and forced organizers to temporarily close the event gates and a nearby airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intense winds reportedly injured four attendees and damaged some of the pieces of art displayed in what is known as Burning Man Playa. The strong gusts also brought down Burning Man's famous Orgy Dome, an enclosed, air-conditioned, 4,000-square-foot structure with mattresses and dozens of volunteers who monitor that all attendees are of age, sober and with a partner. SFGATE reported that when the dome was brought down by the winds, a whiteboard was posted in its place, notifying visitors that it had been damaged, and that organizers were working to erect it once more. "We got f too hard," the sign reportedly read. "We need help to reopen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Homicide victim found at Burning Man, authorities say. Attendees are told to 'be vigilant' The famous festival, which also draws millionaires and tech executives, was also the site of a surprise birth after a woman, who said she was unaware she was pregnant, delivered a baby Wednesday at Black Rock City on the Playa. "It's an absolute miracle," the father, Kasey, 39, of Salt Lake City, told The Times. His wife suddenly went into labor inside their RV last week and gave birth to a 3-pound baby girl. An obstetrician, pediatrician and a nurse who were nearby, also attending the festival, responded to the cries for help and assisted with the delivery and care of the newborn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple and their new daughter were first cared for at Burning Man's medical tent, until a helicopter arrived to take the child to a neonatal intensive care unit in nearby Reno. Then, as the large wooden effigy known as "the Man" burned Saturday symbolizing the culmination of the nine-day festival a homicide investigation was sparked with the discovery of a dead man in a pool of blood. A festival-goer flagged down a Pershing County sheriff's deputy to report the death at a campsite. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday. On Monday, Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen asked for the public's help for information on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are also currently seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human Being," Allen said in a statement. On Wednesday, the victim was identified as Vadim Kruglov, from Russia. "Our hearts go out to Vadim's family and friends and we grieve the loss of a community member," organizers of Burning Man said in a statement. "Burning Man Project is doing everything we can to assist the Sheriff's investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice." Officials have not released details in the case, or how the victim was killed, other than saying that the attack appeared to be a "singular crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Pershing County sheriff's officials announced they had made progress on another crime with the arrest of a Southern California man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman during the festival. Deputies were contacted Monday by a woman who said she had been assaulted at the event. Deputies searched for the alleged assailant at the festival grounds and, on Tuesday, arrested 34-year-old Alessandro Boshant. Boshant was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of burglary, according to the statement. Read more: Monsoonal storms upend Burning Man, soak Yosemite and spark lightning fires across the West Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival also drew attention from outside the desert after Nicole Shanahan, a Silicon Valley attorney and former vice presidential running mate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pondered on social media whether the desert celebration was demonic. "I used to be a devoted 'Burner,' having attended faithfully every year from 2014 to 2022," Shanahan wrote in a lengthy post on X. Shanahan was formerly married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and has since questioned the safety of vaccines and proclaimed herself to be a "new Christian." In the post, she wrote that, in her previous visits to Burning Man, she saw that "thousands of people moved about with smiles, intoxicated by freedom, and joy, and navigating the city of Black Rock with an ephemeral air." "Yes, there are constant orgies," she wrote. "Yes, drugs are consumed in staggering quantities. And yes, sexual assault and rape occur at Burning Man, along with tragic, often preventable deaths. Nudity is everywhere. Overdoses happen so frequently that they rarely interrupt a party or shut down a camp." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claimed the event was filled with "occult symbols" and ceremonies, calling it not just an eccentric festival but also "one of the most effective tools for Satan to misdirect souls away from our Heavenly Father." "I am a newbie to demonology, but there is clearly something dangerous at work here," Shanahan said. Organizers of the event did not respond to a request for comment on this year's incidents but published a post on Instagram on Sunday just hours before the burning of the Man a message addressed to its attendees. "Tonight the Man burns, a reminder of all you've endured and created through a challenging week," the post read. "Weather shifts, unpredictability rises, yet this community thrives because of you." 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. NCTA the Internet & Television Association, the trade group that represents large U.S. cable operators and TV programmers, named Cory Gardner its new president and CEO. Gardner, 51, takes over the role from Michael Powell, who announced his retirement earlier this year after nearly 15 years leading the org. Gardners tenure officially begins Sept. 22. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gardner, a Republican, served as U.S. senator from Colorado from 2015-21. Before that, he was U.S. representative for Colorados 4th congressional district from 2011-15. During his time in Congress, Gardner held key roles on the Foreign Relations, Commerce and Energy committees, and chaired subcommittees on cybersecurity. According to NCTA, Gardner brings a wealth of bipartisan leadership, deep policy expertise and a proven track record of delivering results on issues central to the communications sector. Cory brings the high level of strategic leadership and policy expertise that will serve our industry very well in the next chapter of evolution, Mark Greatrex, chair of NCTAs board of directors and president of Cox Communications (whose deal to be acquired by Charter is pending), said in a statement. His bipartisan approach, strategic relationships, and deep understanding of the policy landscape will continue to strengthen NCTAs advocacy in Washington and support our commitment to delivering compelling services for consumers, businesses and communities. Greatrex added, We again thank Michael Powell for his tremendous leadership of NCTA for the past nearly 15 years. He leaves the association in great hands for Cory to hit the ground running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his time in Congress, Gardner championed bipartisan initiatives focused on energy efficiency, rural development and technology innovation, per NCTAs announcement. Since leaving the Senate in 2021, Gardner has remained active in public policy and industry advocacy, advising organizations across sectors including clean energy, healthcare and aerospace. In April 2022, he joined the Cyrpto Council for Innovation trade association as chief political affairs strategist. This is a moment of tremendous opportunity for our industry to lead in expanding wired and wireless connectivity, investing in American ingenuity and people, and powering our digital economy, said Gardner. Im committed to working with our members, policymakers, and partners to advance smart policies that foster the investment and innovation needed to continue delivering world-class networks to communities across the United States. We are connecting America to a brighter future and boundless opportunity. According to his official congressional bio, Gardner was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the Senate in 2020, when he lost to former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, a Democrat. Gardner holds a bachelors degree from Colorado State University and a law degree from the University of Colorado. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Despite good weather and amenities, Californias largest cities are becoming less attractive places to retire as rising costs and economic uncertainty weigh on seniors, according to a new report. WalletHubs 2025 ranking of 182 U.S. cities compared affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care across 45 metrics. Orlando, Florida, topped the list as the nations best city for retirees, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona; Minneapolis; Miami; and Tampa. San Francisco (27) and San Diego (29) were the only California cities to break into the top 30. Los Angeles placed 51st, while many others ranked near the bottom: Santa Rosa (154), Chula Vista (156), Anaheim (158), Fresno (177), Bakersfield (179), Rancho Cucamonga (180), Stockton (181), and San Bernardino last at 182. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings come as many Americans question their financial readiness for retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institutes 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey found 67% of workers feel at least somewhat confident they can retire comfortably, but only 24% said they were very confident. Gallup polling shows retirement expectations have shifted dramatically. In 1995, Americans planned to stop working at age 60 on average. By 2022, that number had risen to 66. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Your phone buzzes with a surge pricing notification just as rain starts falling. In that familiar moment of gig economy frustration, you probably dont think about the driver scrambling to make rent without benefits. But California just struck a deal that could change this entire dynamicand your ride costs along with it. Over 800,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in California can now unionize while keeping their contractor status, thanks to a landmark agreement between Governor Gavin Newsom, the rideshare giants, and SEIU California. Its the largest expansion of collective bargaining rights for private sector workers in state history. Newsom called it a historic agreement between workers and business that only California could deliver. The Trade-Off That Makes Everyone (Sort Of) Happy Drivers get union rights while companies slash insurance costs by 83%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal works like a tech startups pivotboth sides get something they desperately wanted. Assembly Bill 1340 grants drivers unionization rights theyve fought for since AB5 passed in 2019. Senate Bill 371 slashes company insurance requirements from $1 million to just $60,000 per individual, potentially lowering your fares. But heres where the Netflix-versus-writers strike comparison breaks down. Unlike traditional unions, driver membership remains optional. Companies could theoretically shift more rides to non-union drivers, undermining strike power. The fact that they have fought tooth and nail against protection for their own workers and now support this makes me have more than a measure of skepticism, says William Gould, former National Labor Relations Board chair. Why This Matters Beyond California The precedent could reshape gig work nationwide, but delivery drivers got left behind. Massachusetts already opened similar pathways in 2024. New York is watching closely. The California modelcontractor status plus collective bargainingcould become the new normal for gig work everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably absent from this deal? Food delivery workers for DoorDash and Instacart remain stuck in the old paradigm. The legislation explicitly covers only passenger rideshare, creating a two-tier system within the gig economy. Your next Uber ride might cost less thanks to reduced insurance requirements. But the real test comes when drivers try to use their new collective power. After years of Proposition 22 battles and corporate resistance, this compromise feels more like a ceasefire than victory. The question isnt whether other states will follow Californias leadits whether this actually gives drivers the leverage they need, or just the illusion of it. Sep. 2This November, voters who live in Albuquerque Public Schools boundaries will send at least two new members to seats on the governing body for the largest district in New Mexico. Four seats Districts 3,5,6 and 7 are up for grabs on the APS Board of Education, and following filing day with the county, nine candidates have emerged. Historically, the local teachers union, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, and the metro's business community power players, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of NAIOP, a commercial real estate organization, have been key organizations in the battle for power on the APS board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, each faction has three members on the seven-member board. One board member, Janelle Astorga, won her seat without endorsements from either faction and is not up for reelection this year. The incumbents Two business-backed candidates, District 3 Board Member Danielle Gonzales, the board's president, and District 7 Board Member Courtney Jackson, the board's vice president, are up for reelection. Gonzales will face two challengers: Isaac Flores, who has spent his "adult life working with young people in the juvenile corrections' system," according to his campaign website, and Rebecca Betzen, a "27-year veteran teacher" who is backed by the ATF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales was elected to her first term in 2021. She began her career in education as a 4th grade teacher and eventually worked in education policy at the national level. Jackson will face Kristin Wood-Hegner, who is backed by the teachers union and describes herself as a "mom, public safety expert, financial watchdog and lifelong advocate for victims of violent crime." Jackson was elected in 2021. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico law school, and an executive assistant for the Economic Forum of Albuquerque. If Jackson or Gonzales is elected, they will be the only members on the board serving a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Open seats Two current board members are vacating their seats. In District 5, Crystal Tapia-Romero, who was supported by the business community, is vacating her seat, and in District 6, Josefina Dominguez, who was supported by ATF, is leaving her post. Tapia-Romero announced she would not be running for reelection in May and endorsed Joshua Martinez, the New Mexico health equity and community impact director for the American Diabetes Association. Martinez also serves as the president of his homeowner and neighborhood associations. The local chamber of commerce has endorsed him. Brian Laurent Jr., a former special education teacher and former director of school accountability support for APS, will challenge him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to its president, Ellen Bernstein, ATF has not endorsed in the race because the two candidates "don't necessarily" hold the values the union is looking for. "Our union's endorsement is not easy to obtain," she said in a Friday phone call. "We care about two things: Somebody committed to public education and the people who work in public education, and are supportive of labor." Vying for the District 6 seat are David Ams, a "PTA president and accomplished scientist," according to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce's endorsement page, and Warigia Bowman, a University of New Mexico law professor endorsed by the teachers union. District 3 represents the city's north-central corridor and stretches across the river to Corrales, bordering Rio Rancho Public Schools. District 5 represents the city's central and far West Side, bordered on the east by District 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 6 accounts for the Foothills, part of Uptown, and the Northeast Heights' lower end, stretching to the East Mountains. District 7 represents the northern part of the Foothills and the north end of Northeast Heights. It is bordered on the west by Interstate 25. Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting begins Oct. 7 and ends Nov. 1. Rock Island County Democrats celebrated organized labor in the Quad Cities with their annual holiday picnic. Three U.S Senate candidates looking to fill current Senator Dick Durbins seat in 2026 stopped by the picnic on Monday afternoon. While the focus of picnic was to celebrate the labor movement, candidates also took time to campaign. I couldnt pretend to replace him, said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. I could only build on the foundation of success that hes laid. Id like to continue with his service of helping everyone in Illinois, regardless of where they live, including here in the Quad Cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Krishnamoorthi says middle class workers in the Quad Cities are a foundation for the rest of the state. Lets just remember that the labor movement is what made the middle class. We wouldnt have a middle class without them. So, Im here to thank labor, and celebrate together with them and all of our families, said Krishnamoorthi. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is also running for senate and highlighted the Quad Cities as a hub for organized labor. I wanted to be here with all of the workers and their families, and celebrate them, and let them know that I will always stand with the men and women of organized labor, said Stratton. Illinois is union strong and we always will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Durbin has represented Illinois in the senate since 1997. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, also a candidate for Senate, says filling that spot comes with responsibility. Every area of Illinois is important. And the Quad Cities is very important, says Kelly. I want everyone to know that they count, their voices count, and theyre important. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Indiana state Sen. Cyndi Carrasco has been named the 2025 Canutillo High School Outstanding Ex. Cyndi Carrasco Carrasco, a Class of 1998 graduate, is a lawyer and legislator with a long career in public service. She will be recognized during Homecoming festivities the week of Sept. 22-26, the Canutillo Independent School District said in a news release. She represents Indianas 36th District in the state senate and also serves as vice president and general counsel at the University of Indianapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrasco earned a bachelors degree from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and a law degree from the McKinney School of Law at Indiana University, according to Canutillo ISD. Cyndi Carrasco is a shining example of the excellence that begins in Canutillo, Canutillo High School Principal Candace Marrufo said. Her success in law, higher education and public service shows our students that they can make a difference not just locally, but nationally. In the Indiana State Senate, Canutillo ISD said that Carrasco, a Republican, serves as the ranking member of the Corrections and Criminal Law Committee. She also serves on the Environmental Affairs, Insurance and Financial Institutions, and Judiciary committees. Carrasco has been recognized for her professional and civic leadership, having served as trustee of Saint Mary of the Woods College and as a member of the Indiana University Alumni Executive Council. She also served as co-president of the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Canutillo High School, she was a cheerleader, an active member of the Masque and Gavel Club, and a participant in UIL competitions, including state-level events. She also shone in several one-act plays, according to Canutillo ISD. She lives in the Indianapolis metropolitan area with her husband, Robert, and daughter Sarah. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Content warning: This article contains information about alleged child exploitation. Reader discretion is advised. Report online child exploitation to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. CARBON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A Carbon County man has been arrested on suspicion of seven felonies after he sent sexually explicit messages to an undercover officer he believed was an underaged child. Brendon John Polito, 38, was arrested on seven felony counts, including enticement of a minor, attempted rape of a child, 2 counts of dealing in harmful material to a minor, 2 counts of distribution of pornographic material, and failing to register information with the sex offender registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Carbon County Sheriffs Office deputy working as a member of the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force went undercover to pose as a 13-year-old female child on social media. Riverton man charged for allegedly creating AI-generated CSAM According to the filed affidavit, Polito allegedly began an online conversation with who he believed was a 13-year-old child, and he was told that the child was 13. He then blocked the user, but a few days later, he messaged the undercover officer again. After the child said that she was almost 14 years old, he blocked the user again, and then again resumed messaging, and he asked the child for naked pictures of herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks later, the child once again told Polito that she was 13 years old, and Polito messaged that he was having naughty thoughts and asked if the child had ever had sex. A week after that, he sent further sexually explicit messages and a photo of his genitals to the undercover officer he believed was a child. After explaining what sex was to the child and sending another sexually explicit photo, Polito allegedly made plans to meet up with the child, including a time and a location. The undercover officer messaged as the child that she was on the way to the location, but Polito texted and said he couldnt because he forgot he had to go do something else. Police found Polito walking in Price, and officers stopped him. Allegedly, without being asked any questions, he asked police, Is this about the text messages? Murray City firefighter arrested for allegedly possessing and distributing CSAM online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polito waived his Miranda Rights and told police that he was talking to a 13-year-old girl. He also gave police written permission to search his phone and showed police where to find the messages on the phone. He wrote an apology letter to the child, and when informed that the interview was being recorded, he apologized to the childs family for the things he sent to the child. Police said that during this interview, he also admitted to sending sexually explicit photos of himself to the child. Polito is a registered sex offender, but he did not register information with the registry about the account he used to message the child/undercover officer. Polito was arrested on August 21, and he is currently being held without bail in the Carbon County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A Lauderhill woman used her position as a home health care provider to con a hospitalized man out of his Plantation home and more than $200,000 in life savings, according to charges filed by the Broward State Attorneys Office. Lillian Morris, 78, was working as an aide for Synergy Home Care, an independent agency that provides home health services to senior citizens who cant care for themselves. The Broward Property Appraisers Office, the Department of Children and Families and the Broward Sheriffs Office began investigating Morris after a neighbor reported the victim, whose name was not released, wandering unescorted in his Plantation neighborhood. The victims family hired Morris in 2022 after he separated from his wife, according to a police report. Over a two-year period, she went from staying at his house overnight and showing up on days she was supposed to be off to using his money to pay for overseas trips and signing over his house, the report said. Family later learned she added herself to the victims bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She stole more than $200,000 from his account, and she got him to deed his house over to her, said Broward Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, whose office helped keep the house in the victims family. Kiar said Morris used the victims money to fund her trips to Amsterdam, Greece, Mexico and Africa. She also bought two CDs with $80,000 she withdrew from his account, Kiar said. Morris was arrested last month, but Kiars office announced the arrest Tuesday to draw attention to his offices Owner Alert Program, which warns homeowners and families about cases of economic fraud involving their properties. The victims home is worth $1.1 million. If the warning comes early enough, the person or business that is attempting the fraud wont have time to do anything before the issue is corrected, Kiar said. No defense lawyer is listed for Morris, who remains in custody at the Paul Rein detention center in Pompano Beach. Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) A caretaker was arrested for spraying an 11-year-old child with intellectual disabilities in the face with Lysol and pushing them to the ground. Greenville Police Department told WNCT, the incident took place on Saturday at a Group Home at 323 King George Road. Alexandria Cox was arrested and charged accordingly. She has since been fired from the facility. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The flavors of Trinidad and Tobago are taking center stage in the nations capital as the community marked the countrys Independence Day. Aug. 31 honors the day the Caribbean island gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Shining a light on the Trinidad and Tobago culture, Crown Bakery in Northwest Washington, D.C., serves traditional dishes like roti, curry, and Caribbean pastries that draw crowds eager to celebrate their heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia firefighters rescue TikTok-famous toucan from behind dishwasher Owner, Jennifer Selman, says sharing the islands cuisine is a way to preserve culture and pass it on to future generations. We want people to know what we have thats special, shared Selmam. We have the music, we have the food, we have the carnival. To browse Crown Bakerys menus and learn more about the restaurant, 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. U.S. Navy pilots in training no longer have to complete a requirement previously considered integral for flight school success. As of March 2025, students can qualify for graduation without landing a jet on an aircraft carrier, according to a Navy spokesperson who provided an emailed statement to the Navy Times. Pilots will instead complete carrier qualifications during follow-on training at the fleet replacement squadron theyre assigned to. The strategic decision of moving strike pipeline carrier qualifications from the training syllabus to their fleet replacement squadrons was driven by increased technological capabilities in the fleet, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, the Navy rolled out new flight technology dizzyingly dubbed the Maritime Augmented Guidance with Integrated Controls for Carrier Approach and Recovery Precision Enabling Technologies mercifully abbreviated to MAGIC CARPET that streamlines aircraft carrier landings by reducing the number of moving parts a pilot must deal with prior to touching down on a carrier. Before MAGIC CARPET, pilots had to coordinate glide slope, angle of attack and line up before landing, according to a Navy release at the time of the technologys release. But the technology separates, or decouples, the three areas of responsibility so that adjusting one doesnt require the pilot to adjust the others as much as before. While Navy student pilots currently fly the T-45 Goshawk a training aircraft that does not come equipped with MAGIC CARPET there are plans underway to replace the aging jet. The U.S. Navy launched the Undergraduate Jet Training System program in 2020, with the intention of finding the services next aircraft to train future pilots on, according to a Request for Information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students training to fly F/A-18s, F-35s and EA-18Gs are no longer required to land on a carriers before receiving their Wings of Gold, which are awarded to naval aviators after theyve completed aviation training. The Navy spokesperson said the requirement was also nixed to reduce training pipeline times and ensure fleets received qualified pilots faster. However, students training to be future E-2 pilots, as well as international military students, are still required to complete carrier landing qualifications on a ship in the T-45 Goshawk before graduation. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Firefighters were tasked with a unique rescue operation Tuesday after a cat ended up in a D.C. sewer. In a post on the X platform shortly before 1 p.m., the DC Fire and EMS Department said crews rescued Zoe from a sewer maintenance hole in the 100 block of Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest, after her owner called for help. 3 Virginia tickets win big as Powerball jackpot soars to $1.3 billion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images shared by the department show the little black cat surrounded by trash in the manhole as firefighters worked to rescue her. (Courtesy: DC Fire and EMS Department via X/@dcfireems) (Courtesy: DC Fire and EMS Department via X/@dcfireems) Zoe is back with her owner for a good cleaning, the fire department wrote in the social media post. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Many have seen a video circulating around Facebook. A Ring doorbell camera captured a woman taking a dog right off of someones front porch in Panama City. The interaction left the community outraged. After being missing for two days, a happy reunion took place Monday evening. Now the dogs owner is recounting the last 48 hours. In the video you can hear the woman asking the dog, Is this your home? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But owner, and Panama City local, Abby Metcalfe, says the woman never knocked on her door. The fact that she even said, like, is this your home? Is this your home? Like, you can always knock on my door and ask me just to confirm, dog owner Abby Metcalfe said. Metcalfe says its not the most uncommon thing for her frenchie Luca to get out, and hes well known around the neighborhood. My neighbors hadnt seen him. They would bring him back by now. And so I did a police report because my dogs worth a lot of money, Metcalfe said. After reviewing the Ring camera footage Metcalfes initial reactions were shock and panic. After 24 hours passed she filed a report with the Bay County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metcalfe says shes had Luca for 6 years, since he was eight weeks old. The french bulldog is worth around $4,500, but for Metcalfe, her baby is worth a lot more than that. Hes not a cheap dog, but hes my baby, too, so hes worth way more than that, Metcalfe said. Metcalfe thanks the community for the thousands of supportive comments and messages shes received since she first shared the video on Facebook. And its through the community that she got her dog Luca back. One of my really good friends, Kansas, she was at the Callaway Walmart, and she was like, oh, my god. Like, I think I see your dog right in front of me, ad I was like shut up, explained Metcalfe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metcalfe says she immediately FaceTimed her friend and identified her dog and the woman from the video. Although, Luca already had a new collar on. She had a brand new collar on Luca, a brand new collar. I was like, so if youre looking to give me my dog back, why would you buy him a brand new collar? Why would you buy him, she was like, buying him toys, Metcalfe said. After calling the Bay County Sheriffs Office, Metcalfe headed to Walmart. She didnt have like an opportunity to leave. So they got the dog from her, and yeah, I was very I was very happy, added Metcalfe. And Luca was happy too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as hes seen me approach him, he was like, oh, my god, my mom, shes here, said Metcalfe. Metcalfe says sheriffs deputies told her they are still investigating the womans claims that she saw the dog at a Dollar General and was trying to help. Metcalfe says there is a Dollar General about half a mile away from her home, but the womans story doesnt line up with the ring camera footage. Metcalfe says she has a case for grand theft and intends to press charges. She says she plans to follow up with the sheriffs office on Tuesday, but for now shes just happy to be reunited with her furry 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 mypanhandle.com. MAGA influencer and gun rights activist Kyle Rittenhouse re-emerged from a self-imposed social media exile to announce his marriage to his gun-toting bride. Im back on social media, Im back in the fight, and im here to stay, wrote Rittenhouse, 22, on X Wednesday. For a quick update, 6 months ago I made the best decision of my life and married my best friend. @BellRittenhouse, I couldnt be happier. I love you beautiful. Kyles wife is Bella Nelson Rittenhouse, a 22-year-old native of Defu EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations helicopter crew helped to rescue a person near Mammoth Cave in the Franklin Mountains over the weekend. A CBP helicopter crew helped rescue a person from the Franklin Mountains on Saturday, Aug. 30. On Saturday, Aug. 30, an AMO El Paso Air Branch UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew assisted the El Paso Fire Departments Combined Search and Rescue by hoist-lifting and evacuating an injured hiker who fell from a cliff near Mammoth Cave, CBP said. CBP AMO provided video of the rescue on its X social media platform. RESCUE! On Saturday, Air and Marine Operations El Paso Air Branch received a call from El Paso COMSAR unit after a U.S. citizen hiker had fallen off a cliff at the Franklin Mountain-Mammoth Cave in El Paso, Texas, and needed an emergency air extraction. A hoist-capable UH-60 pic.twitter.com/DRCJRZoDno CBP AMO (@CBPAMO) September 2, 2025 The helicopter and crew hoisted injured person and six COMSAR rescue crew members 180 feet into the aircraft to make the rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Paso Fire reported that the rescued person had fallen off their mountain bike and needed to be airlifted. Man airlifted after falling off bike in Franklin Mountains The UH-60 transported the hiker directly to a local hospital for treatment. This is our fourth rescue mission conducted with (El Paso Fire) Combined Search and Rescue in the month of August, El Paso Air Branch Director Efren Gonzalez said. The important lifesaving coordination and training we conduct with our local COMSAR partners has really paid off with these life-saving missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air and Marine Operations is an operational component of CBP. AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If your toddler is near water, the most dangerous thing they can do is breathe. Thats not alarmismits the data. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, claiming more young lives each year than car crashes, birth defects, or cancer. And now, in a move thats drawing concern from child safety advocates, the federal program tasked with reducing these deaths has quietly disappeared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cut its drowning prevention program following massive agency-wide layoffs. The program was part of the agencys larger injury prevention division, which lost over 90% of its staff in April 2025, shrinking from 130 experts to just 12, according to reporting from The Washington Post and Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision comes at a time when drowning deaths remain stubbornly highand disproportionately impact the very families who are least equipped to afford private swim lessons or pool fencing. Related: How parents can prevent child drownings in 2025What the evidence says What the CDCs drowning program was designed to do The CDCs drowning prevention efforts emerged in response to rising drowning rates during the pandemic. The program worked to study how drownings occur, what kinds of interventions are most effective, and how to reach high-risk populationsincluding kids with disabilities, autism, and children from low-income, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families. According to the CDC data, Black children ages 1014 drown at rates 7.6 times higher than their white peers. While the exact staffing and budget for this program havent been made public, Scary Mommy reports that the team included three full-time experts and cost approximately $2 million annuallya relatively small investment, considering that the economic cost of a single drowning death is estimated at over $4 million in medical expenses and productivity losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of August 2025, that team is gone. And so is the federal support it offered. The risks are realand not equally shared According to the CDC, unintentional drowning claims roughly 4,000 lives annually in the U.S., with an additional 8,000 people surviving but often sustaining injuries that can include permanent brain damage. These risks are highest for toddlers and young childrenbut they arent evenly distributed. According to a 2018 CDC study, African American children are significantly more likely to drown in swimming pools, while American Indian and Alaska Native children are at highest risk of drowning in natural water settings like lakes and rivers. Children with autism are also at dramatically increased risk. One study published in Autism Research Review found that children with autism spectrum disorder were 160 times more likely to die from drowning than neurotypical peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many of these children, access to swim lessons can be lifesaving. But without federal funding, access will depend on a familys ability to navigate private systems and afford the cost. What parents can do now We shouldnt be hereforced to piece together drowning prevention strategies one child at a time. But until policy catches up with reality, here are some practical places to turn: Free or Low-Cost Swim Lessons YMCA : Many local YMCAs offer financial aid for swim programs. You can search for a location near you at ymca.org. Red Cross Swim Programs : Offers water safety and swim instruction for kids and adults. Classes are often held at community pools and can be low-cost. Learn more at redcross.org. Make a Splash (USA Swimming Foundation) : Connects families with free or low-cost lessons through local partner swim schools. Visit usaswimming.org for information. Local Parks and Recreation Departments: Check with your city or county for subsidized or sliding-scale swim programsespecially during summer months. Home safety steps Install four-sided pool fencing with self-latching gates. Use door alarms or pool covers if you have backyard access to water. Empty bathtubs, kiddie pools, and containers immediately after use. Stay within arms reach of children in or near any body of water. Take a CPR classeven basic compressions can save a life while waiting for first responders. Moms deserve better than this Cutting a program that protects toddlers from the number one threat to their lives doesnt feel efficientit feels reckless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, the burden of prevention has shifted to families, and mostly to mothers, who already shoulder the mental load of managing everything from doctors appointments to preschool pick-ups. And this is not just a parenting problemits a public health failure. We need systemic solutions, not just swim scholarships. That means reinvesting in evidence-based programs, rebuilding the CDCs injury prevention team, and acknowledging that child safety should never be up for debateor defunded for efficiency. Related: Pediatrician shares water safety tips for parents amid new CDC data on drowning What this really reveals about parenting in America We shouldnt be asking: Can families handle this? We should be asking: Why should they have to? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When moms say theyre exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched beyond reason, this is what we mean. Were not just carrying childrenwere carrying the weight of a society that keeps offloading its responsibilities onto the very people it claims to care most about. Parents deserve better. Children deserve better. And no child should drown because we decided their lives were too expensive to protect. Sources: 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 her practice. Its better for my kid to get the virus than get the vaccine. The more you [doctors] vaccinate, the more money you get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 last 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his books, experts say, Kennedy appears to promote his own version of miasma theory, an obsolete belief dating back to ancient times that diseases are caused by vapors from rotting organic matter. Scientists have since proven that microbes, not bad air, cause infectious diseases. Experts say Kennedys actions are likely to make vaccination rates worse, paving the way for more outbreaks. Every vaccine that we give prevents a serious and life-threatening disease, New York pediatrician Dr. Jesse Hackell, chair of the Committee on Pediatric Workforce at the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Stateline. I dont want to force anybody, but I do want to make sure that the information theyre getting is quality information and thats not what is coming from HHS. Nonmedical exemptions Every state requires kids to get certain shots to attend school. All states exempt children who cant be immunized for medical reasons, but nonmedical exemptions for religious or personal reasons vary from state to state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccination rates among kids are declining. Flu vaccinations, for example, hit their lowest rate since 2019. And since the beginning of the pandemic, exemption requests have increased across the country. Among kindergarteners, nonmedical exemptions have increased each year since 2020, from 1.9% in the first year of the pandemic to 3.4% in the 2024-25 school year, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exemptions increased in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Seventeen states reported exemption rates over 5%. The changes may seem small. But experts say even slight increases in exemptions and decreases in vaccinations make a big difference. With a disease thats as infectious as measles small increases in vaccination rates could really go a long way, epidemiologist Sophia Newcomer, a University of Montana associate professor, said in a recent panel discussion hosted by Montana Families for Vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alissa and other experts say rampant confusion around the shots, including federal officials casting doubt, is exacerbating the problem. Often, parents arent sure whom they can trust, finding conflicting information and unreliable sources, she said. [Parents] come to our clinic and the hospitals and they say, We looked it up, and we just dont want it, she said. Theres different kinds of reasoning: the ingredients of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, vaccines dont work. But research consistently shows vaccines protect children from serious illness. Shots also protect the most vulnerable who cant get vaccinated, such as babies who are too young, or children and adults who are immunocompromised. Babies up to age 2 are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, making up the most hospitalizations among kids. Ultimately, Alissa said, We are endangering each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. We are endangering each other. Dr. Rana Alissa, Jacksonville, Fla., pediatrician and president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I trained, we didnt have these vaccines, and these kids kept us up at night, Hackell said. I never want to practice in those days. I never want to go back to that. To me, that is unacceptable to submit my patients to those risks that weve been able to reduce. This week the FDA removed one of the available COVID-19 vaccines for young children, limiting the Spikevax vaccine to only kids with at least one serious health issue. Modernas shot is still available for children 6 months and older. Pfizers shot is no longer available for kids under 5, as the FDA is ending its emergency use authorization for the age group. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 shots for children 6 months to 2 years. It also recommends them for older children with underlying health issues. Healthy children whose parents want them to get the shot should also be offered them, the AAP says. Hackell is concerned by the FDAs new limitations on the shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a parent, as a grandparent and as a physician who takes care of vulnerable kids, it disgusts me, Hackell said. Hes also concerned about vulnerable kids who get their shots through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which covers shots if parents cant afford them and follows federal vaccine advisory recommendations. If youre covered by VFC, which is basically kids on Medicaid and a few other populations, then youre out of luck, Hackell said. To me, thats a huge inequity in access to care, which is indefensible. He added that the move breaks with the administrations emphasis on individual decision-making, saying the new restrictions limit parental decisions. Normalization of outbreaks During the Montana panel discussion, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, pointed to CDC data showing that over the past year alone, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 were put in the ICU. And between September 2023 and last August, 152 children died of COVID-19 and 213 children died of the flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Texas officially declared its measles outbreak over which means the state hasnt reported a new case in six weeks neighboring New Mexico continues to see new cases. What were going to see is, you know, sadly, a normalization of these outbreaks, said Rekha Lakshmanan, chief strategy officer at The Immunization Partnership, a Texas-based vaccine education organization. We need to make sure that kids are protected against the diseases that they can be protected against, because we truly are in a vulnerable state right now. Newcomer, the Montana epidemiologist, said that under-vaccination trends are usually due to disparities in access, such as challenges in reaching vaccine providers in rural communities. At rural health care centers lacking staff and technology, its harder to automate vaccination reminders for patients which can increase the likelihood patients show up for appointments but require technical infrastructure, she explained. Adding misinformation to the mix only makes matters worse, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents are confused and understandably concerned, Offit told Stateline. Its the most vulnerable among us that will suffer, and that will be our children. He added that hes also wary about the federal administrations removal of data, concerned that vaccination figures will be next. Its nightmarish, he said. What worries me the most is were not going to know the degree that were suffering. Were not, because the CDC is losing its capacity to do adequate surveillance across the country. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. A child gets an MMR vaccine at a clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, in March. States have been reporting steady increases in vaccination exemption requests for kids. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images) Dr. Rana Alissa hears it daily in the clinic. Its better for my kid to get the virus than get the vaccine. The more you [doctors] vaccinate, the more money you get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his books, experts say, Kennedy appears to promote his own version of miasma theory, an obsolete belief dating back to ancient times that diseases are caused by vapors from rotting organic matter. Scientists have since proven that microbes, not bad air, cause infectious diseases. Experts say Kennedys actions are likely to make vaccination rates worse, paving the way for more outbreaks. Every vaccine that we give prevents a serious and life-threatening disease, New York pediatrician Dr. Jesse Hackell, chair of the Committee on Pediatric Workforce at the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Stateline. I dont want to force anybody, but I do want to make sure that the information theyre getting is quality information and thats not what is coming from HHS. Nonmedical exemptions Every state requires kids to get certain shots to attend school. All states exempt children who cant be immunized for medical reasons, but nonmedical exemptions for religious or personal reasons vary from state to state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccination rates among kids are declining. Flu vaccinations, for example, hit their lowest rate since 2019. And since the beginning of the pandemic, exemption requests have increased across the country. Among kindergarteners, nonmedical exemptions have increased each year since 2020, from 1.9% in the first year of the pandemic to 3.4% in the 2024-25 school year, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exemptions increased in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Seventeen states reported exemption rates over 5%. The changes may seem small. But experts say even slight increases in exemptions and decreases in vaccinations make a big difference. With a disease thats as infectious as measles small increases in vaccination rates could really go a long way, epidemiologist Sophia Newcomer, a University of Montana associate professor, said in a recent panel discussion hosted by Montana Families for Vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alissa and other experts say rampant confusion around the shots, including federal officials casting doubt, is exacerbating the problem. Often, parents arent sure whom they can trust, finding conflicting information and unreliable sources, she said. [Parents] come to our clinic and the hospitals and they say, We looked it up, and we just dont want it, she said. Theres different kinds of reasoning: the ingredients of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, vaccines dont work. But research consistently shows vaccines protect children from serious illness. Shots also protect the most vulnerable who cant get vaccinated, such as babies who are too young, or children and adults who are immunocompromised. Babies up to age 2 are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, making up the most hospitalizations among kids. Ultimately, Alissa said, We are endangering each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. We are endangering each other. Dr. Rana Alissa, Jacksonville, Fla., pediatrician and president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nightmarish, he said. What worries me the most is were not going to know the degree that were suffering. Were not, because the CDC is losing its capacity to do adequate surveillance across the country. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The owners of a deli in the heart of a small central Utah community say theyre thrilled to receive a $50,000 grant that will help them preserve their historic building. Corner Station Deli & Co-Op, 111 S. State in Fairview, is one of 50 restaurants scattered across the U.S. to receive a grant through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. Its the only Utah restaurant on this years list, which was announced last week. The funding will go toward supporting upgrades to its century-old buildings exterior facade, which will help maintain its historic character for years to come, the delis owners said in a social media post on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning, our vision has always been to help revitalize Main Street commerce in Fairview and encourage other entrepreneurs to bring business to our town and provide more jobs to the community, the post reads. This grant is a great step in the right direction. Jason Mardell opened Corner Station Deli about a decade ago after the building changed hands several times since its initial opening as Reeces Service Station in 1921, according to the delis website. The vehicle service station was transformed into the Corner Station, a place home decor, trinkets and more, after Katie, Christine and Phil Shell acquired it in 2008. That business closed in 2015 before Mardell took over, transforming it into a deli and local vendor mini-mall, the website says, which he now operates with his family. It still offers art, decor and local products in addition to slinging sandwiches and other food items. The deli is just the second Utah awardee since the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express created Backing Historic Small Restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, joining Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon last year. The program has delivered more than $8 million to 180 historic small restaurants in its five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the program seeks to preserve the deep-rooted food traditions that define American communities, said Madge Thomas, head of corporate sustainability at American Express, in a statement. These restaurants demonstrate the power that places hold, added Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nations global roots. Donald Trump has gone after a number of prominent CEOs during the first months of his second term. His criticisms range from manufacturing woes, to allegations of political bias, to DJing. Here's a running list of CEOs Trump has criticized during his second term. Leading a company is not for the faint of heart. Especially if the company runs afoul of the White House. President Donald Trump is no stranger to public disagreements with corporate America. During his first term and before returning to office, he critiqued General Motors' decision to shut down factories, and threatened to jail Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, to name just a few examples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since stepping back into the Oval Office, Trump has targeted corporate leaders and gone after companies without specifically naming the CEOs. In April, he criticized Amazon for reported plans to display tariff-related price hikes (the company denied the plan), and in May, he reprimanded Walmart for announcing price increases. Business leaders who face Trump's ire don't always stay in the doghouse for long, as the president has flip-flopped between criticism and praise for many corporate titans. Here's a running list of the CEOs who have come under fire from Trump during his second term. David Solomon David Solomon Mike Segar/REUTERS Trump may lash out at CEOs, but it's not always their words that spark a presidential outburst. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Trump appeared to call for Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to fire one of the investment bank's economists. " I think that David should go out and get himself a new Economist or, maybe, he ought to just focus on being a DJ, and not bother running a major Financial Institution," Trump wrote on Truth Social on August 12. It still isn't entirely clear what led to Trump's attack, though, days before the post, Goldman analysts projected that US consumers would begin to absorb more of the cost of tariffs a view that contradicted Trump's claims that his trade policies wouldn't cost consumers more. Lip-Bu Tan Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan speaks at the company's Annual Manufacturing Technology Conference in San Jose. Laure Andrillon/REUTERS Few executives have seen just how quickly Trump can shift his views as Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In less than one week, Trump went from directly calling for Tan's ouster to praising Intel's chief as "an amazing story." Trump's reversal came after a private meeting with Tan in the Oval Office. Trump's unprecedented step of calling for Tan's ouster preceded an even more rare occurrence. On August 22nd, the US took a 9.9% equity stake in Intel, making US taxpayers the beleaguered chipmaker's largest shareholder. Speaking to reporters, Trump said his initial attacks on Tan came after he saw that Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, had written a letter to Intel's board of directors about Tan's reported ties to the Chinese Communist Party. "He walked in wanting to keep his job, and he ended up giving us $10 billion for the United States," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Cook Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple. Win McNamee/Getty Images Trump has criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for what he said were insufficient efforts to move business to America. Apple's supply chain for the iPhone and other products has long depended on China. In May, the president said he didn't want Apple to shift manufacturing to India: "I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday. I said to him, 'Tim, you're my friend. I've treated you very good. You're coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you're building all over India. I don't want you building in India.'" Tariff tension aside, the two men seemed to have patched it up by August, when Cook joined Trump in the Oval Office to announce that Apple was increasing its $500 billion investment in the US by $100 billion. Cook gifted Trump an American-made glass and gold engraving at the meeting, and the president said Apple will be protected from future tariffs because it's building in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Business Insider has previously reported that even with the billions in investment, it will be nearly impossible for Apple to manufacture iPhones domestically. Elon Musk "So, if there was some cut, real or imagined, everyone would blame DOGE," Elon Musk told "CBS Sunday Morning." Tom Brenner/The Washington Post/Getty Images Tesla CEO Elon Musk did more than any other CEO in the country to return Trump to power. The world's richest man spent over $290 million during the 2024 election, the vast majority of which benefited the president. Musk became the story of the first 100 days of Trump's second term, using his perch at the White House DOGE office to help fire thousands of federal employees. Trump even bought a Tesla during an unprecedented White House event to boost the automaker as its sales slumped amid backlash to DOGE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the two friends' relationship crumbled. After leaving the White House, Musk tried to kill Trump's then-pending (now passed) signature domestic achievement, "The Big Beautiful Bill." Trump responded by threatening Musk's government contracts, which sent Tesla shares plummeting. Tensions have somewhat cooled since then. Musk threatened to start his own political party, but has little to show for it. Trump's allies want to bring the Tesla CEO back into the fold. Brian Moynihan Bank Of America Chief Executive Brian Moynihan at Fox Business Network Studios in January 2020. John Lamparski/Getty Images When speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Trump criticized Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan for what he said were the bank's failures to serve conservative clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives, because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business within the bank," Trump said during a question-and-answer portion of his video address that included Moynihan himself, according to Reuters. A spokesperson for Bank of America told Reuters that "we welcome conservatives," and that the bank is "required to follow extensive government rules and regulations that sometimes result in decisions to exit client relationships. We never close accounts for political reasons and don't have a political litmus test." Jamie Dimon Jamie Dimon Win McNamee/Getty Images Trump included JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon in his Davos criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You and Jamie and everybody, I hope you're gonna open your bank to conservatives," the president said while addressing Moynihan and accusing him of de-banking conservatives. Representatives for JPMorgan told Reuters that the bank would never close an account because of politics and that it always follows the laws of regulators. Brian Roberts Brian L. Roberts, CEO of Comcast. Ethan Miller/Getty Images Once a reality TV star, Trump has repeatedly lashed out at NBC, which aired "The Apprentice," and sister network MSNBC, the latter of which is known for its liberal commentators. Occasionally, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has found himself on the receiving end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, Trump attacked Roberts on Truth Social as the "Lowlife Chairman of 'Concast,'" even as he thanked MSNBC for firing political commentator Joy Reid. Back then, Comcast was still sorting through the details of spinning off MSNBC and other networks into a new company called Versant. In August, MSNBC announced that, contrary to some reports, it would not keep NBC as part of its name. Instead, the rebranded network would be called MS NOW, an acronym for (My Source News Opinion World). Trump took the opportunity to attack Roberts, again. "SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH THEIR WEAK AND INEFFECTIVE OWNER, 'CONCAST,' HEADED BY DOPEY BRIAN ROBERTS, HOPELESSLY AND AIMLESSLY FLAILING IN THE WIND IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISASSOCIATE ITSELF FROM THE GARBAGE THAT THEY CREATED! MSNBC IS A FAILURE BY ANY NAME!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rupert Murdoch News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch's friendly ties to Trump didn't stop the president from suing him. Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images Trump (usually) loves Fox News. After all, there is a well-worn path from Fox News to the Trump administration just look at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump's relationship with Rupert Murdoch, the legendary News Corp. CEO who oversees Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, is much more complicated. Out of power, Trump criticized Murdoch for not doing more to support his unfounded views that the 2020 election was stolen. Back in the White House, Trump sued Murdoch, The Journal, News Corp., and others after the paper published a report that Trump wrote a "bawdy" letter decades ago to Jeffrey Epstein for Epstein's 50th birthday. Trump has repeatedly denied writing such a letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam, that he shouldn't print this Fake Story," Trump wrote on Truth Social after The Journal published its story. "But he did, and now I'm going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper." After the suit was filed, Trump's lawyers pushed to depose Murdoch quickly, citing his "recent significant health scares." The two sides agreed that Murdoch would provide health updates. Read the original article on Business Insider A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal, which the sane and democracy-loving among us should applaud though of course an appeal is coming. During the trial, though, a concerning but little-noticed exchange popped up between lawyers for the state of California and Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who was in charge of the federalized National Guard forces in L.A. It should have been an explosive, red-flag moment highlighting the pressure our military leaders are under to shake off their oath to the Constitution in favor of fealty to Trump. Sherman testified that he objected to National Guard involvement in a show-of-force operation in MacArthur Park, where Latino families often congregate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That action, Sherman said, was originally slated for Father's Day, an especially busy time at the park. Internal documents showed it was considered a "high-risk" operation. Sherman said he feared his troops would be pushed into confrontations with civilians if Border Patrol became overwhelmed by the crowds on that Sunday in June. Gregory Bovino, in charge of the immigration efforts in L.A. for the Border Patrol, questioned Sherman's loyalty to the country," Sherman testified, for just showing hesitation about the wisdom and legality of an order. It's the pressure that "you're not being patriotic if you don't blow by the law and violate it and just bend the knee and exhibit complete fealty and loyalty to Trump," California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said Tuesday. And it's a warning of what's to come as Trump continues to press for military involvement in civilian law enforcement across the country. Read more: Trump deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal, judge rules in blistering opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the record, Sherman has served our country for decades, earning along the way the prestigious Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal among other accolades. The MacArthur Park operation, according to the Department of Homeland Security, was itself little more than a performative display of power to demonstrate, through a show of presence, the capacity and freedom of maneuver of federal law enforcement within ... Los Angeles," according to agency documents presented in court. It was dubbed Operation Excalibur, in honor of the legendary sword of King Arthur that granted him divine right to rule, a point also included in court documents. But none of that mattered. Instead, Sherman was pushed to exhibit the kind of blind loyalty to a dear leader that you'd expect to be demanded in dictatorships like those of North Korea or Hungary. Loyalty that confuses or transforms a duty to the Constitution with allegiance to Trump. Military experts warn that Sherman's experience isn't an isolated incident. "There's a chilling effect against pushing back or at least openly questioning any kind of orders," Rachel E. VanLandingham, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, told me. She's former active duty judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force who now teaches at Southwestern Law School and serves as a national security law expert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VanLandingham sees the leadership of our armed forces under pressure "to not engage in the critical thinking, which, as commanders, they are required to do, and to instead go along to get along." She sees Sherman's testimony as a "telling glimpse into the wearing away" of that crucial independence. Such a shift in allegiance would undermine any court order keeping the military out of civilian law enforcement, leaving Trump with exactly the boots-on-the-ground power he has sought since his first term. This is not theoretical. Through Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Trump has purged the top ranks of the military of those who aren't loyal to him. In February, Hegseth fired the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a Black soldier who championed diversity in the armed forces. Hegseth has also purged the head of the Pentagon's intelligence agency, the head of the National Security Agency, the chief of Naval Operations, multiple senior female military staff and senior military lawyers for the Army, Navy and Air Force. In August, he fired the head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency after that general gave a truthful assessment of our bombing of Iran's nuclear sites, angering Trump. At the same time, the military is being pushed farther into civilian affairs, and not just as erstwhile cops. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Hegseth ordered 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not to dive too deep into the convoluted immigration system, but these are civilian legal positions, another possible violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, VanLandingham points out. And beyond that, can a military lawyer trained and bound to follow orders really act as an impartial judge in proceedings where the administration's wish to deport is clearly known? Goodbye due process, goodbye fair trial. Read more: Trial in National Guard lawsuit tests whether Trump will let courts limit authority That "looks like martial law when you have militarized ... judicial proceedings," VanLandingham said. "How can we trust they are making unbiased decisions? You can't." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even though Sherman pushed back on a full-blown military presence in MacArthur Park, that raid did happen. Federal agents marched through, about three weeks after Father's Day, with National Guard troops remaining in their vehicles on the perimeter. It was Hegseth himself who authorized the mission. Sherman also said on the stand that he was told there were "exceptions" to the Posse Comitatus Act the law being debated in the trial that prevents the military from being used as civilian law enforcement and that the president had the power to decide what those exceptions were. So your understanding is that while [some actions] are on the list of prohibited functions, you can do them under some circumstances? Judge Charles Breyer asked. Thats the legal advice I received," Sherman answered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the president has the authority to make that decision? Breyer asked. The president has the authority," Sherman answered. But does he? Breyer also asked during the trial: If the president's powers to both command troops and interpret law are so boundless, "What's to prevent a national police force?" What, in effect, could stop Trump's Excalibur-inspired inclinations? For now, it's the courts and ethical, mid-level commanders like Sherman, whose commonsense bravery and decency kept the military out of MacArthur Park, at least for a time. Men and women who understand that the oaths they have sworn are to our country, not the man who would be king. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) A day off work for many in Central Illinois is also a day to celebrate hard work. Labor Day is the mark of summer coming to a close but its also a time for Champaign Countys annual Labor Day Parade. The streets were packed with people and so was the parade lineup. Champaign County businesses, school bands, union workers and even the Marching Illini got involved. PREVIOUSLY: New pantry in Champaign requesting donations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a celebration of everything labor. Its all the years of hard work and struggles to give people a good living and happy, safe lives, Ironworkers Local 380 union worker, Erik Davis, said. The streets were filled with people as the annual Labor Day Parade in Champaign County kicked off around 11 a.m. on Monday. There were some people who had attended the parade for many years, and even four-legged friends that were eager to watch. Some of the kids at the parade said that they were most excited for the candy. But beyond the sweets and the day off from work and school, for some this day is bigger. Its personal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It changed everything. The union was the best decision I have ever made, Davis said. He has been a member of Champaigns Ironworkers Local Union for almost two decades. He said that it has given him so much. Its not liberty, its tyranny: Protesters at Capitol speak out against Trump Administration It paid me to go to school and taught me all the things I know, Davis added. The United States began celebrating Labor Day in the 19th Century, during a challenging time for the nations workforce. Davis remembered why the nation started celebrating this holiday and why its still important today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about creating safe working environments and knowledgeable employees that are skilled in their crafts and trades, Davis said. The parade is another opportunity for him and his crew to remember. My union, were considered a pretty tight brotherhood. So, any day I get to hang out with my guys is great. My union brothers are awesome, Davis said. After the parade was over, there was a picnic in Neil Street Plaza. People ate food, kids enjoyed bounce houses, and music was playing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) City leaders are taking action to improve safety on local buses and light rail trains after a string of violent incidents, including a deadly stabbing. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who also chairs the Metropolitan Transit Commission, has called a special meeting for Wednesday morning to address growing concerns about safety on Charlottes public transit system, operated by CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System). PREVIOUS: Charlotte city leaders look for transit safety solutions after stabbing death on light rail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows the tragic death of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on the Lynx Blue Line on August 22. Police said she was attacked by a man she didnt know, identified as 31-year-old Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who now faces a charge of first-degree murder. Court documents reveal that the attack was unprovoked and captured on surveillance video. Zarutska had boarded the train and sat in front of Brown, who later pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the throat. She died at the scene just minutes later. PREVIOUS: Woman killed in South End stabbing, suspect injured: CMPD Sadly, this isnt the only recent act of violence on CATS transit. In the past year: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2023, a rider was stabbed after arguing with another passenger Last summer, an off-duty security guard got into a fight on a bus that spilled into Uptown streets During that same summer, there were two other stabbings and a shooting within just one month Charlotte City Council Member Edwin Peacock said public safety is essential to keeping the transit system running and riders feeling confident. CATS officials said theyre working to beef up security. Right now, the system has 184 officers on staff and hopes to raise that number to 219. The special safety meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Government Center. With more than 150 people moving to Charlotte every day, city leaders said now is the time to make sure the public transit system is safe for everyone. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Crime & Public Safety Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (NewsNation) The European Union has banned a key ingredient found in gel nail polish. Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, is now forbidden in beauty products after EU officials said it could be potentially toxic to humans. As of Sept. 1, nail salons within the EU must cease selling TPO-based nail products and safely dispose of their existing stock, while manufacturers must begin producing TPO-free products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump demands data from drug companies on success of COVID drugs The chemical gives nails a glossy sheen and accelerates drying time when exposed to ultraviolet or LED light. In 2014, a study linked TPO to long-term fertility damage and skin irritation. Another study looked into the UV dryers used to set gel polishes and found they pose a cancer risk and can damage DNA. TPO remains unregulated in the United States, but those concerned about its potential dangers can reduce the risk by opting for TPO-free nail products. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Chevy Chase is heading to the Washington Pavilion for a screening of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and a live Q&A session. Following a screening of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, they will host a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni. Wasko to resign as DOC Secretary Chevy and Jayni will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, with an opportunity for questions from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tickets go on sale Friday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. with the event held on Saturday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. CHICAGO (WTVO) As President Donald Trump continues his push to send federal agents to Chicago, calling it the murder capital of the country, the data tells a more nuanced storyone that may surprise even the most ardent critics of the Windy City. The numbers: A city in declineof crime According to the latest data from the Chicago Police Department and city officials, violent crime in Chicago has dropped significantly in 2025: Homicides are down 32% year-to-date, with 240 recorded through July , putting the city on track for fewer than 500 homicides this yearthe lowest in six years. Shooting incidents have decreased by 37% , with 865 reported through July. Robberies are down 31.9% , and vehicular hijackings have plummeted by 49% . Overall violent crime has declined 21.6%, and total crime complaints are down 13% compared to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration attributes these improvements to a holistic approach to public safety, including expanded youth employment, increased mental health crisis response teams, and stronger partnerships with community violence intervention groups. Trumps take: A city in crisis Despite improvements, President Trump has doubled down on his portrayal of Chicago as a lawless zone. Over Labor Day weekend, 54 people were reportedly shot, including eight fatalities, prompting Trump to declare on Truth Social that, Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. He has hinted at sending in the National Guard, a move that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have strongly opposed, citing possible legal limitations and the citys improving crime metrics. The reality: A tale of two Chicagos While the overall trends are encouraging, disparities remain. Black residents are still 22 times more likely to be homicide victims than white residents, and certain neighborhoods experience homicide rates 68 times higher than others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, the lethality of shootingsmeasured by fatalities per incidenthas increased 44.9% since 2010, suggesting that while shootings are less frequent, they are more deadly. How Chicago compares to the nation Chicagos crime trends mirror national patterns, but the city still stands out in key areas. Crime Type Chicago (2025) National Average (2025) Comparison Homicide Rate 16.7 per 100,000 residents (estimate based on actual homicides through August) 6.5 per 100,000 (avg. of 30 cities) Higher than average Violent Crime Rate 5.38 per 1,000 residents 4.0 per 1,000 (avg. of 42 cities) Slightly higher Motor Vehicle Theft Down 26% in Chicago Down 25% nationally Comparable Robbery Down 34% in Chicago Down 20% nationally Better than average Aggravated Assault Down 13% in Chicago Down 10% nationally Slightly better Property Crime Overall Down 13% in Chicago Mixed trends nationally Generally aligned Is Trump right? If one looks only at isolated weekend incidents and the number of killings, Trumps cries are more than justified. Hundreds of homicides per year is a lot. But Chicago does not lead the nation. As of mid-2025, Chicago ranks seventh among major U.S. cities in homicide rate, with 28.7 homicides per 100,000 residents. That figure comes fom a mid-year report based on 394 homicides recorded through June and a city population of approximately 2.75 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities like St. Louis (87.2), Baltimore (58.1), New Orleans (52.3), and Detroit (49.7) all report higher murder rates. Even smaller cities such as Cleveland and Memphis surpass Chicago in per-capita killings. While Chicagos total number of homicides is high due to its large population, its rate of killings per capita places it out of contention as the murder capital. According to data, as of 2025, St. Louis, Missouri holds the unfortunate title of the most dangerous city in the United States in terms of homicides. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A judge sentenced a Chicago man to 20 years Tuesday after he admitted he killed a womans new boyfriend after a confrontation, a defense lawyer said. DyeQuan Kizer, 30, signed a plea agreement in April for voluntary manslaughter under sudden heat for fatally shooting Darius Sims, 29, of Gary, on June 9, 2023, once in the chest. Court filings show Sims kicked his girlfriend and her two kids out. Kizer their father was on the phone with her and overheard parts of the spat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men then got into a heated argument before Kizer went over, got his kids in the car, then went back and ended up shooting Sims in the chest. Prosecutors alleged it was unjustified. He faced 10-30 years. He can apply to modify his sentence sometime down the line, defense lawyer Michael Campbell said in a text. He will be on parole for the rest of his life, filings show. After the woman called Kizer, a Lyft driver, to get the kids, Sims allegedly told Kizer to pick them up, calling him a racial slur, the lawyer alleged. That created a toxic and tense situation, he said. At the sentencing, Kizer apologized to the family, Campbell said. He didnt have a criminal history, but made a terrible decision, according to filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 4:10 a.m. June 9, 2023, Gary police were called to a residence in the 2500 block of Madison Street in connection with a homicide, according to the probable cause affidavit. The woman called Kizer around 2:45 a.m. to have him pick up her kids, but while she was on the speakerphone with Kizer, the two men started to shout obscenities at each other. Sims helped her gather her things and there was no physical altercation, she told police. The witness told police that Kizer appeared and shot Sims, who grabbed his chest, went to his knees and fell on his back with his eyes open, the affidavit states. The case was before Judge Gina Jones. Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce was assigned. Post-Tribune archives contributed. mcolias@post-trib.com CHICAGO Mayor Brandon Johnson decried President Donald Trump as inhumane Thursday evening following reports of a major immigration sweep starting imminently in Chicago. Speaking at a North Side town hall, the mayor again warned it would be unconstitutional and illegal for the federal government to send troops to patrol the citys streets and vowed to uphold Chicagos longstanding sanctuary city policy for immigrants. The city of Chicago is emphatically clear that we do not want our streets occupied by federal troops, Johnson said. Unless theres a warrant, these federal agents do not have the right and the authority to bullguard their way through our institutions, and were going to do everything in our power to make sure that we stand up to tyranny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spoke to a Rogers Park church hours after a New York Times article reported the White House was planning major immigration raids in Chicago that would entail staging more than 200 federal agents at a naval base north of the city. The team would begin touching down next Tuesday and stay for a month, per an internal memo cited by the news outlet. For the past week, Trumps shifting, but hostile, remarks threatening to send federal troops to Chicago next amid an ongoing, controversial deployment of about 2,000 National Guard members in Washington, D.C., have sent Illinois leaders into a frenzy. Thursdays report confirming use of the Naval Station Great Lakes for immigration agents added further reason to believe the White House hopes to involve the military in a possible Chicago crackdown. The mayors office also released a statement Thursday evening saying the possible operation was deeply concerning and resembled a similar strategy used in Los Angeles, where roiling protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids were met with a military response. We reject any attempts that put Chicagoans in danger as a means of furthering the Presidents political ends, the Johnson statement read. In the event of enhanced immigration enforcement in Chicago, we will continue to issue guidance to all City departments and ensure that Chicagoans know their rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Thursday morning, Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters he will not direct his officers to obstruct a potential federal crackdown on the streets but expressed hope that some communication with his department could lower tensions in a city already on edge. But he maintained Police Department protocol is hard to anticipate without communication from the National Guard or other military agencies, and that the situation could change on a dime. _____ (The Center Square) As the Illinois Freedom Caucus and Chicago Flips Red join forces to invite President Donald Trumps crime cleanup efforts into Chicago, some residents say federal assistance is needed in the city. At least eight people died and more than 50 were injured in shootings over the Labor Day weekend. Chicago Flips Red founder Zoe Leigh said the city needs help. One of the things that really bothers me is that it was six women that were shot and killed. One was ambushed by five gunmen, Leigh said said during a virtual news conference Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shanta Baker said she has personal experience with losing loved ones to gun violence. I lost a real close friend. I lost him on his birthday. It was June 22nd. He was on 94th St. in Chicago, in the city, Baker separately told The Center Square. Devonte Gipson died on his 33rd birthday. Somebody just approached him and shot him, Baker said. Baker said she was not aware of any arrests in connection with Gipsons death. Asked if the federal government should send help, Baker answered in the affirmative. Honestly, we need it. The crime has been going, like, we have our shootings every day. I experienced a couple of them. Not just my friend, my big brother also passed away to gun violence, like, 2020, Baker related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leigh said Chicago needs the federal government to intervene. Were dealing with illegal alien criminals. Were dealing with the cartel. Were dealing with sex trafficking, drug trafficking. Were dealing with human trafficking, and we need help, Leigh said. State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, asked why Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker dont want the federal government to help make their communities safe again. The same things that worked in Washington, D.C. will work in Chicago. You know, the problem is, J.B. Pritzkers got the worst case of Trump derangement syndrome that I have ever seen, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller said the governor is in a state of denial when it comes to Chicago crime. Since Trump sent federal troops into Washington, D.C., Miller said over 1,000 arrests have been made, more than 150 illegal firearms have been seized, and violent crime is down 40% in the nations capital. Cedric Hawkins doesnt take his age lightly. At 44, hes had nine relatives killed by gun violence. Only one of my family members made it to be in his 40s, Hawkins said. After growing up around gangs in Chicago and having served time in prison, Hawkins now works with the anti-gun violence group Chicago CRED in part as a violence mediator, trying to stop gun violence before it has the chance to start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longtime southside Chicago resident has personally seen a decrease in murders in his Pullman neighborhood this year and like other residents, he worries a National Guard deployment to his city could throw off a playbook that, at least for now, seems like its working, he said. The presence of military for me, would put our communities in a situation where they feel like they are incarcerated, Hawkins told CNN. Were already in a situation in Chicago where the trust with (local) law enforcement is very, very low. (Trumps) gonna do nothing but put our communities in Chicago in a situation where most likely, the trust is gonna go lower than it already is, he added. In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago amid the administrations crackdown on crime. Those threats have faced pushback from residents and politicians, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson who signed an executive order Saturday providing guidance and directives to city agencies, urging them to refrain from collaborating with the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 order. The Trump administration is also expected to launch a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago as soon as this week, CNN has previously reported, which could also include the National Guard as a peacekeeping presence if needed. Both Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have criticized Trump for suggesting he would deploy federal forces to the city, pointing to recent historic reductions in crime. Last year, there were just under 600 homicides in Chicago, and so far this year there have been at least 274, according to city data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins, whose personal mission keeps him close to gun violence, isnt against federal help, but says it may not be the right approach. I beg President Trump to send the right resources, but as far as sending a National Guard, I believe that will put us in a situation where the whole city of Chicago will be right back where we started, Hawkins said, recalling how the number of homicides surpassed 900 in the early 1990s. We dont need a band-aid Murders in Chicago are down more than 30% this year compared to 2024 and shootings have fallen almost 40%, according to city data. Both are on pace to be among the lowest levels the city has seen in more than a decade. However, that still translates to more than 1,200 people being shot and at least 274 murders, which are more than those reported in New York City and Los Angeles two cities with much larger populations than Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rochelle Sykes, who lives in West Garfield Park, the neighborhood with the most reports of shooting victims per capita this year, doubts the magnitude of the reported drop in gun violence this year. She said, Theres a lot of things that go unreported, and these are things that us living in the neighborhood, see every day. Rochelle Sykes, 59, has lived in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood all her life and says children are not safe playing outdoors anymore. - CNN The 59-year-old lifelong neighborhood resident and office manager of the New Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church said as a kid she would play outside til the streetlights came on but thats impossible now. The body of her 15-year-old nephew was found burned in a dumpster in 2016, a year when homicides spiked to a decade-high. My grandkids cant sit outside. They cant sit in the living room or at the kitchen table, because a bullet may come through, Sykes told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Labor Day weekend alone, shootings left at least seven people killed and 49 injured across the city, according to incident notifications published by the Chicago Police Department. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 48. Even still, Sykes believes the National Guard is not the solution and disagreed the city is a killing field, as Trump described it in late August. We dont need a band-aid to cover up the problem, she said. No offense to the President, but we actually need someone thats in this community. For her, there are larger, more basic needs that need to be addressed. Folks cant afford eggs or milk or bread, so half the time folks are stealing just to eat, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall Reed, another gun violence mediator on Chicagos southside, said its clear the city needs more mental health resources, job opportunities and to stop school closures. Send those people in. Dont send the military in. What is that gonna do for us?, Reed said. If the numbers are down, then why are you bringing them in? If what were doing is working, it may not be working as fast as you would like it to work, Reed said. (But) none of this all happened overnight. Kendall Reed, a violence mediator, thinks investing in schools and mental health resources instead of sending the military to Chicago is going to help curb violence. - CNN Unlike them, resident Ameenah Haque would still like Trump to try sending the National Guard. The residents deserve more, said Haque, who spoke to CNN in the Chicago southside neighborhood of Hyde Park, which is home to the University of Chicago. The crime shouldnt take over the city. The crime should not make residents feel like they cant live everyday life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the broad decreases, there are certain areas reporting more gun violence than before. In the citys near north side, 36 have been shot so far this year compared to 20 in the same time period last year, according to city data. Homicides have more than tripled, standing at 10 compared to three in the same time period in 2024. Those were driven largely by a July mass shooting outside a bar that left four killed and over a dozen injured. A Chicago hospital likely had its slowest summer in years, doctor says Health care professionals in Chicago told CNN they are undoubtedly seeing the impact of the declining violence. Dr. Michael Casner, assistant medical director of the emergency department at Mount Sinai Hospital, said the number of patients treated for violent trauma has decreased in the past couple of years. His hospital is a critical level one trauma center equipped to comprehensively treat gunshot victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this year, patients coming in with gunshot wounds are down by about a third, patients coming in with stab wounds (are) down, assaults down as well, he added. Dr. Michael Casner of Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago says health care workers are treating less violent trauma patients in the city this summer than before. - CNN Cook County Health, which oversees another level one trauma center, probably had the slowest summer in the last five to six years when it comes to the amount of patients in need of trauma care, said Dr. Lauren Smith, the public health systems chief medical officer. Smith credited that success in part to hospital-based violence intervention programs, which aim to prevent gun violence patients from returning to trauma units by targeting social factors that may have led to the violence in the first place. Theyve already seen decreased recidivism, she said. Heres what police and residents say is working so far Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is cautiously optimistic about the progress in crime statistics, but said there are several strategies that seem to be working to help bring down the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those include having boots on the ground intel, using technology to enhance the collection of intel and data, creating task forces for specific crimes, like one dedicated to robberies, and bridging bureaus that were siloed in the past. Despite any national tensions between local and federal jurisdictions, the superintendent emphasized the importance of sharing resources between the two, especially through their Crime Gun Intelligence Center, a hub of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to address gun violence and gun trafficking. But even as numbers go down, Snelling said people still get victimized and killed. If we brought our homicide rate down to one homicide, we can celebrate that, Snelling said. It would be absolutely great, except for the one family who lost a loved one to a homicide. Cedric Hawkins, a violence mediator, says he is focusing on trying to make peace before things turn violent in his Chicago neighborhood. - CNN Hawkins, the violence mediator on the southside of Chicago, said when outright peace isnt an option, sometimes a nonaggression agreement is good enough, like the one he said is in place in his neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That dont mean that I dont still feel like that you deserve to die. That just means that right now we have a respect level and the respect is, I dont like you, you dont like me, I aint gonna come to your hood, you dont come in my hood, Hawkins said. Its a compromise he takes pride in, he said. Last year we had four individuals murdered in the Pullman area at this time this year, 2025, we havent had one individual murdered this year, he told CNN. To him, this isnt a job, This is a calling, Hawkins said. Im helping to save lives. CNNs Bill Kirkos, Whitney Wild, Priscilla Alvarez, Alayna Treene, Hannah Rabinowitz, and Haley Britzky contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHICOPEE Hampden Charter School of Science is the top ranked public high school in the Springfield metropolitan area, according to U.S. News and World Report. The charter school in Chicopee, which opened in 2009, offers rigorous college preparatory classes to under-resourced students in Chicopee, Ludlow, Springfield and West Springfield, a statement from the school said. Tarkan Topcuoglu, chief executive officer of the school, said it is the hard work and dedication of the students, their families and the teachers that allowed the school to receive these rankings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also ranked 52nd among all public high schools in Massachusetts, according to the report. The best high school is Boston Latin School, according to the U.S. News and World Report rankings. We are proud to be ranked the best public high school in the Springfield region and among the top schools in the commonwealth, he said in a statement. The report scored the charter school a 93.5 out of 100 based on six factors that qualify how well the school prepares students for college and its performance on state assessments. The school, whose goal is to provide individualized attention, college guidance and university outreach programs, has a 95% graduation rate a data point that also contributed to its scorecard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. News and World Report also said close to 90% of students at Hampden Charter School of Science are taking Advanced Placement courses, and that 77% are minority students. The report has data on more than 24,000 public high schools in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when advocates shine a light on the thousands of children battling the disease. It takes tremendous effort to fight cancer and for families to support kids facing the unthinkable. Volunteers Andrea Tichy and Jana Brott joined the AM Extra anchors to talk about 30 years of the Childrens Cancer Association. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Israeli military onslaught on Gaza City continues nonstop, resulting in the killing of more than 50 Palestinians, including aid seekers, as it seeks to seize control of the enclaves biggest urban centre home to some 1 million people. At least 105 Palestinians were killed across Gaza on Tuesday as Israeli strikes levelled densely populated areas, particularly al-Sabra neighbourhood, which has been under attack for days. At least 32 of those were killed while seeking aid. The attacks are intensified as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is facing a decisive stage of the war as it prepares to seize Gaza City despite global condemnation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians are in a cage in Gaza City right now, trying to survive as many air strikes as possible. Wherever they go, the air strikes follow them, said Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary. They are also dying from the food and aid blockade as they are not able to get the basic means of sustenance, she said, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Palestinians are struggling to survive the dual threats of targeted attacks and starvation, with at least 13 people dying of starvation in the past 24 hours, bringing the total hunger-related death toll since the war began to 361. Eighty-three of those deaths have been recorded since a global hunger monitor confirmed famine conditions in Gaza on August 22. Among those killed on Tuesday were at least 21 people, including seven children, who were struck by an Israeli drone while queuing for water in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images posted online by Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal showed childrens bodies and water containers stained with blood at the attack site, which Israel had previously declared a so-called safe zone. They were standing in line to fill up water when the occupation forces directly targeted them, turning their search for life into a new massacre, Basal said on Tuesday. In Gaza City, an Israeli strike on the al-Af family home killed 10 people, mostly women and children, Gaza officials said. These crimes expose the criminal fascist nature of the enemy, Gazas Government Media Office said in a statement, accusing Washington of complicity. It called Israels actions war crimes under international law and urged the UN Security Council to halt the brutal genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two more journalists, Rasmi Salem of al-Manara and Eman al-Zamli, were killed in the latest attacks, bringing the total number of journalists killed since October 7, 2023, to more than 270. The war in Gaza has become the deadliest conflict for media workers ever recorded, press watchdogs say. Israel starts ground assault in Gaza City On Tuesday, thousands of Israeli reservists reported for duty as efforts to end the war seemed to be stalling. Qatars Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal, but Israel had yet to respond. There has been no Israeli response yet, he said, adding that negotiations with mediators and the United States had stalled. He warned that Israels plan to occupy Gaza poses a threat to everyone, including Israeli captives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Israel has tightened its siege of Gaza City in recent days, barring even limited humanitarian aid deliveries. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed ground operations were intensifying. We are going to deepen our operation, he told reservists as tens of thousands of troops were called up. Israeli media reported that 365 soldiers have refused to report for duty. Prime Minister Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, said in a video statement on Tuesday that we are working to defeat Hamas. Yemens Houthi movement said its forces launched four drones targeting Israels General Staff headquarters near Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport, a power station, and the port of Ashdod, days after Israel killed Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi along with top officials in Sanaa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group claimed its drones successfully hit their targets. It also said a missile and drone attack struck a cargo vessel in the Red Sea for violating a ban on entering Israeli ports. Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military offensive take shelter in a tent camp, as Israeli forces escalate operations around Gaza City, in Gaza City, September 2, 2025 [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters] International indifference to Palestine Meanwhile, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed Belgiums decision to recognise the State of Palestine on Tuesday and urged other nations to follow suit, saying it was in line with international law and UN resolutions and necessary to halt genocide, displacement, starvation, and annexation. In a separate statement, the ministry accused the international community of alarming indifference to Gazas economic collapse and Israels seizure of Palestinian tax revenues. It called for urgent financial support to enhance the resilience of citizens and their steadfastness on their homelands soil. A renewed push to include a bipartisan proposal scrutinizing US investments in China in must-pass defense legislation is being met with resistance after a deal to insert it into last years National Defense Authorization Act fell through at the eleventh hour. The top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, is blocking the measure sponsored by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., from being cleared for inclusion in this years NDAA, a Senate aide familiar with the process told Semafor. The aide added that all other committee leaders have greenlit the so-called outbound investment measure with the expectation that lawmakers will make changes to it in committee, though it was unclear what those tweaks might be. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said previously hes consulting with some GOP lawmakers on the issue. Cantwell did not respond to a request for comment. It did not look like much during rehearsals: an unidentified weapons system covered in a green tarpaulin and mounted on an eight-wheeler truck. But when the protective cover is removed on Wednesday during the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) parade through Beijing, the most powerful laser air defence system in the world will be revealed, according to propagandists for the Chinese military. The laser will form part of a cavalcade of hi-tech weaponry designed to project the PLA as an advanced, integrated military capable of matching or even outmatching the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-Un and Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, are expected to watch alongside Xi Jinping as the product of decades of extraordinary investment rolls through Beijings Tiananmen Square. In scale, precision and ceremony, the parade marking 80 years since Japans surrender in the Second World War will surpass those that trundled earlier this year through Moscow and Washington the two other biggest military spenders in the world. 0209 Beijing military parade And it will be watched closely by Pentagon analysts eager to glean anything they can about the weapons the US might encounter should Mr Xi order an invasion of Taiwan, something possible as early as 2027 according to US intelligence. Photographs from rehearsals appear to show four new anti-ship missiles in the YJ or eagle attack class all of which could be sent to sink any American or British warships that intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US analysts will be watching for technical indicators to judge whether the weapons on display look real or like bulls---, said Rob Peters, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank. Whenever [China] shows new exquisite technologies ... its good to remember that [for all its evident progress] we should be a little bit cautious that theyve got the best stuff or they know how to use it, he added. The PLA has not been tested in combat since 1979, when it suffered heavy casualties during an invasion of north Vietnam. Western analysts will be looking out for new YJ-17 anti-ship missiles to determine if they are the real deal - Handout Nevertheless, this years parade comes just months after Pakistan used Chinese-made weapons, the J-10 fighter jet and PL-15 missile, to shoot down a French-made Rafale in the Indian air force, marking the first combat kill of a Western defence platform by PLA technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese drone technology has also proven its mettle on the battlefield in Ukraine, both in the cheap, short-range Mavics used by both sides and the longer-range suicide drones employed by Putins army. X/@zhao_dashuai Beijings last two military parades underline shifting trends in defence procurement. In 2015, the PLA focused largely on strategic missiles able to hit the US mainland. In 2019, drones were the star of the show, with the GJ-11 attack drone unveiled for the first time. There is speculation that Beijing might this year unveil its stealthy successor, the GJ-11 Sharp Sword, which is slated to operate as a so-called loyal wingman to piloted aircraft flying alongside in combat missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The much-hyped display of laser weaponry reflects their growing importance in the eyes of militaries across the world. Previous military parades focused on strategic missiles able to hit the US mainland and an upgraded road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile system may feature this year - Handout With the arrival of low-cost drones, air defence systems reliant on 1.5m missiles have become a drain on resources a mis-match most glaringly revealed in the US navys battles with Houthi militants in the Red Sea. Although costly in themselves, high-energy laser weapons possess a so-called infinite magazine, which can take down drones for as little as 10 a shot. Israel became the first country to demonstrate a successful combat intercept when its Lite-Beam and Iron-Beam systems shot down Hezbollah drones in October last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In trials earlier this year, the Royal Navys Dragonfire system is said to have shot down 30 drones in 300 shots. The Ministry of Defence plans to equip four destroyers with the 120m weapons by 2027. Admiral Daryl Caudle, who was confirmed as Donald Trumps chief naval officer last week, studied directed energy weapons for his masters degree in the early 1990s. If confirmed, I will make [them] a priority, Adml Caudle told senators during his confirmation hearing. Ive not seen the navy do an adequate amount of effort translating the research and development into shipboard use. Sceptics often joke that lasers are X years in the future and always will be. The weapons require large amounts of power, and can be disrupted by smoke, dust, fog or heat. Drones have played a prominent role in Russias war with Ukraine and China is thought to have developed a huge underwater drone US military procurement has been hit by notable setbacks within the past 12 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army is considering cancelling plans to mount 50kw lasers on top of Stryker infantry fighting vehicles after disappointing tests in Iraq. The 60kw laser attached to the USS Preble in 2022 is reportedly only operating at a third of its intended power and has never been shown to work in combat. Meanwhile, the US air force gave up entirely on its plans to mount a laser capable of intercepting cruise missiles on a tactical fighter jet. There were never even any airborne tests. But the overall direction of travel is clear, says Jared Keller, author of the Laser Wars newsletter on Substack. I think were coming to a tipping point where not only has technology become better, but so have some of the supporting factors, like power sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several firms and the US defence department itself are verging on the production of mobile generators which would allow lasers to effectively shoot-and-move. The Chinese system set to roll through Beijing is speculated to be a 10kw OW5-A10, a truck-mounted laser reportedly able to intercept drone swarms. First seen on the streets in June, it is one of a litany of Chinese systems that includes the Silent Hunter, used by Russian special forces to shoot down Ukrainian drones in May, according to footage that circulated on social media. In terms of speed of development, [China] is definitely outpacing the US, said Keller. But while the Chinese industrial base keeps rolling out these systems, and they get unveiled at armed shows, [there is little] visual evidence of these things in operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1980s, there was talk of a laser gap between the Soviet Union and the US, which prompted the first surge in research and development. But the worlds major militaries are all probably within a ballpark of one another in terms of deploying laser weapons on the battlefield, says Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. China may boast about unique capabilities but I dont expect the first country to be years ahead of the second and the third the pack will probably break through more or less in tandem. Id be surprised if [Americas recent setbacks] prove anything other than transient, Kaushal added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worlds foremost militaries are a long way from producing their version of the Martian death ray, which decimated Royal Navy vessels in HG Wellss The War of the Worlds (1898). It would require megawatts of power to sink a battleship a chunk of an entire plants production and todays lasers struggle to produce more than 100kw. But the days when beams of directed energy zap drones out of the sky cheaply and rapidly are soon to move out of the realms of fantasy. 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. World War II casts a very long shadow in East Asia. Eighty years after ending with Japans surrender to Allied forces on Sept. 2, 1945, the conflict continues to stir debate over the past, in the context of todays geopolitical tensions. Chinas high-profile military parade commemorating the conclusion of what Beijing calls the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is a case in point. In the run-up to the Sept. 3, 2025, event, the Chinese Communist Party has been criticized in Tokyo for stoking anti-Japanese sentiment and in the U.S. for downplaying Americas role while playing up Russias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as an expert on Taiwan-China relations, Im interested in the battle over the narrative between Taipei and Beijing. During World War II, Chinas communists and nationalists became uneasy internal allies, putting their civil war on pause to unite against Japan. Afterward, the communists prevailed and the nationalists fled to Taiwan, where they set up their own government one the mainland has never recognized. Months of bickering over the commemorations shine a light on how both sides view their respective roles in defeating Japan and what the show of military force by Beijing signals today. To whom did Japan surrender? A peculiarity of the current commemorations is that Japan did not actually surrender to Communist China, or technically to China at all. On Sept. 9, 1945, a week after agreeing to the terms laid out by the Allied forces, Japan, at a ceremony in Nanjing, formally surrendered to Chinas National Revolutionary Army the military wing of the nationalist Kuomintang led by Chiang Kai-shek. Gen. Okamura, supreme commander of the Japanese army in China, officially surrenders to Chinese authorities in Nanjing, China. Bettmann/Getty Images And this gets to the heart of why many in Taiwan where the nationalists fled at the conclusion of Chinas civil war in 1949 are unhappy with Beijings projection of Communist China as the victors against Japan. By the time that war in East Asia took hold, in 1937, China was a decade into its own civil war between the nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedongs communists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nationalists and communists fell into an uneasy truce with the creation of the second united front in 1937. But the role of both sides in fighting the Japanese has long been the source of disagreement. The nationalist army bore the brunt of conventional warfare. But it was criticized for being disorganized and too dependent on men forced into service. Those soldiers were often ill-trained and underfed. To the communists, the army and its failings were the product of the corrupt government under Chiang. And it was largely responsible for Chinas inept response to Japans initial advances. In Beijings telling today, it was the communist forces, which relied more on guerrilla tactics, that helped push back the Japanese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conversely, the nationalists cast events during World War II very differently. Chinas nationalist administration under Chiang was the first government in the world to fight a fascist power. For eight or even 14 years, depending on whether you date the start of the conflict to 1937 or 1931, the nationalist army fought hard and sacrificed a lot as it put up the bulk of the resistance against Japan. To Taiwans Chinese nationalists, the Chinese communist contribution was minimal. Worse, to them, the communists took the opportunity of Japans invasion to further their own position against the nationalists. Indeed, when the civil war began again after Japans defeat, Maos communists had the upper hand, leading to the nationalists retreat to Taiwan four years later. From Japanese to Chinese rule The status of Taiwan at the end of World War II presents another wrinkle. By then, the island had been under Japanese colonial control since 1895. Indeed, a second surrender ceremony took place on Oct. 25, 1945, when the Japanese forces in Taiwan surrendered to a nationalist official who had come over from the mainland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What followed was a period of Chinese nationalist takeover of Taiwan and a corresponding Japanese retreat it took several years for all Japanese officials and families to be repatriated to Japan. Meanwhile, the nationalist Kuomintang that came into Taiwan were not terribly well received by the local population, many of whom were hoping for independence and resisted a Chinese nationalist, authoritarian takeover. Complicating matters was that a 1943 agreement between the leaders of the Allied nations in Cairo declared that in the event of Japans defeat, Formosa, as Taiwan was then called, would be returned to the Republic of China. But now you had two claimants to being China the communists on the mainland and the nationalists on Taiwan. Either way, the Cairo Declaration served the interests of the One-China principle under which both Beijing and Taipei view Taiwan as part of unified China, but differ over which is the countrys legitimate government over that of those seeking the islands formal independence from the mainland. Chinese nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the Cairo Conference in November 1943. Keystone/Getty Images From the past to the future The conflicting war narratives from Communist China, pro-unification nationalists in Taiwan and those seeking the islands independence have been present since the end of World War II and they tend to flare up around commemorations and anniversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did so, for example, when China held a big military celebration in 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japans surrender. This years event seeks to do a couple of things. First, Beijing is using it to reshape the memory of the Chinese Communist Partys role in the world as a result of World War II. The war is seen as a critical moment in Chinese history not just in the context of defeating Japan and its role in the subsequent founding of the Peoples Republic, but because in Asia it marked the end of the colonial era. During the war, foreign powers in China gave up their concessions and ended a century of partial colonial control over port cities such as Shanghai. The war also marked Chinas emergence as a major player on the world scene. As a result of its contributions in World War II, China gained a role on the United Nations Security Council. The Republic of China on Taiwan maintained that seat and that vote until 1971, when U.N. recognition finally shifted to the Peoples Republic of China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, promoting a prominent role in defeating fascism and shaping the postwar world order has been particularly important as China looks to carve out a space for itself in a multipolar world and show an alternative to a world dominated by the United States and Western Europe. For these reasons, Beijing is keen to keep focus on its preferred narrative, highlighting communist contributions to the war effort. But given Beijings adherence to the one-party principle, Taiwan as part of China could not be ignored. So, invites to Taiwanese officials to the commemorative events were sent out. Tiananmen Square gears up for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. VCG/VCG via Getty Images Representatives from the pro-independence ruling Democratic Peoples Party and the main opposition party, the pro-unification Kuomintang, have largely declined to attend. The executive government has said that no current government officials in Taiwan should attend the military parade. Nonetheless, on Sept. 2, former Kuomintang chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu announced that she would be in Beijing for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For its part, Taiwan has opted for more low-key commemorations of the end of Japanese rule of the island. Many Taiwanese are much more concerned about current events than those of 80 years ago. The anniversary comes at a time of increased tension across the Taiwan Strait. Echoing concern over Chinese military might and potential intent, earlier this year Zero Day Attack a new series depicting a future, fictionalized invasion of the island by the Peoples Republic of China dropped and has since become hugely popular. Its streaming launch date in Japan was Aug. 15 the 80th anniversary of the announcement of Japans surrender in World War II. This article is based on a conversation between Meredith Oyen and Gemma Ware for The Conversation Weekly podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Meredith Oyen, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Read more: Meredith Oyen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed a relationship with Beijing at an unprecedentedly high level on Tuesday, as the two countries reportedly inked a long-stalled agreement to build a massive new pipeline to send natural gas to China via Mongolia. Putin and Xi Jinping spent hours together on Tuesday, meeting with Mongolias president, sitting down for their own formal talks, and sipping tea at the Chinese leaders official residence in the latest show of solidarity between the two strongmen seeking to present a new world order. On Tuesday afternoon, Russias state-owned energy company Gazprom announced that a legally binding agreement had been signed for the construction the massive Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, which Moscow has been trying to push off the drawing board for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal is a major win for Putin, who has increasingly turned to China to replace Europe as its major gas buyer. Its also a collective show of defiance against US President Donald Trump, who is pushing countries to cut Russian energy imports as part of his attempt to end the war in Ukraine. The new pipeline will supply 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from western Russia to northern China. Analysts have previously said it could offset nearly half of the gas exports to Europe that Russia has lost since the Ukraine war began. The deal includes a 30 year supply agreement and the price of supplies will be lower than Europe is charged, Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller said, Russias TASS news agency reported. It will be the largest, most extensive, and most capital-intensive gas project in the world, Miller was quoted as saying by TASS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China, though, has not yet confirmed the agreement. Beijing has long been seen as cautious about the mega-project, given its push for renewable energy transition and longstanding energy security concerns about being too reliant on a single supplier. Chinese state media reports on the meeting of the leaders Russia, China and Mongolia make no mention of the pipeline. In subsequent talks between Xi and Putin, the Chinese leader said their countries should use major projects to drive cooperation. Asked about the deal at a regular news conference Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China and Russia have consistently conducted practical cooperation in various fields, including energy, and asked reporters to contact the relevant Chinese authorities for details. Old friend Putin and Xi sat down on Tuesday for their first formal talks since the Russian leader arrived in China on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was the latest show of solidarity between the two strongmen as Putin shrugs off Western pressure to end its war on Ukraine, and Xi casts his country as a new leader of world governance, at a time when Trumps foreign policy is upending the globe. Harking back to Soviet ties with China during the World War II, Putin hailed the memory of the brotherhood in arms, trust, mutual support, and firmness in defending common interests as the foundation of their countries strategic alignment in the new era. We were always together then, and we remain together now, Putin told Xi at the start of their bilateral sit-down. China-Russia relations have withstood the test of shifting international circumstances, Xi said, calling Putin an old friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is willing to work together with Russia to support each others development and revitalization, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, and build a just and reasonable global governance system, Xi said. After their formal meeting, Xi invited Putin to his residence in Zhongnanhai, the Communist Partys walled leadership compound in central Beijing, to continue discussions, according to Russian state media. Chinas state broadcaster said Xi and Putin had tea with a small group of aides around noon. The close rapport between Xi and Putin was also on show throughout a two-day security summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin that concluded Monday. During a banquet dinner Sunday evening, Xi warmly greeted Putin and was seen gesturing expressively in conversation with the Russian leader. Putin previously said that he discussed his recent negotiations in Alaska with Trump with Xi during summit activities Sunday. Putin met Trump last month in Alaska as the US pushes for Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian presidents visit to China is also expected to bring him shoulder-to-shoulder with North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un. Both top a guest list of foreign dignitaries joining Xi at a massive military parade in the Chinese capital Wednesday. The visit is the Russian leaders longest to a single country since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a Kremlin record of his overseas visits. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SHENYANG, China (AP) Yang Huafeng, a 92-year-old Chinese army veteran, remembers the troops on horseback and the handful of planes that marked the founding of communist China in 1949. It was a far cry from the military might the country will display Wednesday in a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. A Japanese invasion before and during the conflict devastated China and left millions of people dead. Now you see our countrys planes ... no one dares to mess with them, the veteran told journalists at a war museum in the city of Shenyang. His chest covered with ribbons and medals, Yang expressed pride in his country's rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling Communist Party is trying to amplify that feeling by playing up the war anniversary with spruced-up museums, new war movies and the military parade, attended by leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Beijing is playing to domestic and outside audiences To the outside world, the missiles, tanks and fighter jets at the parade will be a show of strength as China seeks to portray itself as an alternative to the American-dominated postwar era. Domestically, the commemoration is an effort to show how far the country has come and in so doing, build support for the party and its leader, President Xi Jinping. China was a major front in World War II, a fact often overlooked in accounts that focus more on the fight for Europe and U.S. naval battles in the Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a really important part of the Communist Partys legitimizing narrative as the leader of the Chinese people, said Emily Matson, a scholar of modern Chinese history who teaches at Georgetown and George Washington universities. China's rise has reshaped how it views the war The party didnt always make such a big deal about the end of the war. The Communists only came to power four years later, and the bulk of the fighting was done by their rivals, the Nationalist government they overthrew in 1949. The wartime struggle was less pertinent in the first decades of communist rule, when the focus was on building a socialist state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That began to change in 1978, when the party launched the reforms that propelled Chinas economic rise. Its message gradually shifted from the triumph of the working class to nation-building. This is a new nationalism in that it begins to include not just the Chinese proletariat but the whole Chinese nation, Matson said. Over time, the defeat of Japan became part of the nation-building story, a starting point marking the end of a long period when foreign powers imposed their will on a weaker China. Wartime history has risen in importance under Xi Xi, who came to power in 2012, has stepped up a drive to build a strong country that can no longer be bullied. His government pushed back against new U.S. tariffs this year, forcing President Donald Trump to scale them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, the government designated Sept. 3 the day after Japan formally surrendered as Victory Day. The following year, the 70th anniversary of the war's end, it staged a military parade on the day for the first time. Party historians define Japan's defeat as a turning point. It laid an important foundation for the rebuilding of the nation, said Wang Junwei, the chair of the Academic and Editorial Council at the Institute of Party History and Literature. The victory in the anti-Japanese war transformed the Chinese nation from deep crisis toward great rejuvenation, he said. A war museum visitor thinks of Gaza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For China, the fighting in what it calls the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression began long before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. An extensive exhibition on the war opened in July at a museum on the outskirts of Beijing near the centuries-old Marco Polo Bridge, where skirmishes in 1937 would grow into Japan's invasion of China. The party has, since 2017, said the war started even earlier in 1931, when Japan occupied an area then known as Manchuria. The northeast region is home to the war museum in Shenyang, which reopened last month after an exterior face-lift. Visitors to both museums peered at artifacts of military life and grainy black and white photos of the suffering and the atrocities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We paid a very painful price, middle school teacher Yan Hongjia said at the Beijing museum. She drew a parallel to the ongoing war in the Mideast. Lets think about it, if the children in Gaza during the war were our children, would we be willing to relive this history, this humiliation and this pain? Yan said. As Trump shakes up postwar order, China claims it Harvard historian Rana Mitter, who has written extensively on China's war experience, noticed some changes in the party's presentation of the war when he visited the same exhibition. One was the playing up of the role of Soviet military pilots who helped China in the early years of the fighting, a nod to China's deepening relationship with Russia. Putin is holding talks with Xi on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another was the increased prominence given to China's role as a founding member of the United Nations. China is positioning itself as a defender of the global order as Trump rips up established norms on international relations or bends them to his liking. World War II is being used as the framing to argue that China is now the real inheritor of that 1945 global order, Mitter said. Sands of time shift Asian alliances In the 1940s, the U.S., China and other allies confronted and drove back Japan's military-led expansion into Asia. Eight decades later, the U.S. and Japan are allies confronting a China that has grown more powerful and assertive of what it sees as its rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some neighbors, notably Taiwan and the Philippines, China has become the bully in the South China Sea. Shin Kawashima, a China expert at the University of Tokyo, says that Beijing is using the parade to create an image of standing with Russia and others to counter America and other wealthy nations. China is trying to say that it was a key member leading the establishment of the postwar global order," he said, and that it has now reached a stage where it is catching up with and overtaking the United States. ___ Associated Press video producer Wayne Zhang in Beijing and writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed. By Ryan Woo and Mei Mei Chu BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping warned the world was facing a choice between peace or war at a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un in an unprecedented show of force. The event to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two was largely shunned by Western leaders, with Putin and Kim - pariahs in the West due to the Ukraine war and Kim's nuclear ambitions - the guests of honour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designed to project China's military might and diplomatic clout, it also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and volatile policymaking strain its relations with allies and rivals alike. "Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum," Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history". Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi then inspected the troops and cutting-edge military equipment such as hypersonic missiles, underwater drones and a weaponised 'robot wolf'. Helicopters trailing large banners and fighter jets flew in formation during a 70-minute showcase that culminated in the release of 80,000 'peace' birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donning a tunic suit in the style worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted more than 25 leaders on the red carpet, including Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto who made a surprise appearance despite widespread protests at home. Seated between Putin and Kim in the viewing gallery, Xi repeatedly engaged in conversations with both leaders as thousands of troops and materiel passed before them. It marked the first time the trio have appeared together in public. Putin later thanked Kim for his soldiers' courageous fighting in the war in Ukraine during a bilateral meeting at China's State Guesthouse. The North Korean leader said he was willing to do everything he can to help Russia. In a post directed at Xi on Truth Social as the parade kicked off, Trump highlighted the U.S. role in helping China secure its freedom from Japan during World War Two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America," Trump added. The Kremlin said Putin was not conspiring against the United States and suggested Trump was being ironic in his remarks. XI'S GLOBAL VISION Xi has cast World War Two as a major turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", in which it overcame the humiliation of Japan's invasion to become a global powerhouse. Earlier this week, Xi unveiled his vision of a new world order at a regional security summit, calling for unity against "hegemonism and power politics", a thinly veiled swipe at his rival across the Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Xi feels confident that the table has turned. It's China that is back in the driver's seat now," said Wen-Ti Sung, fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, based in Taiwan. "It's been Trumpian unilateralism rather than Chinas wolf warrior diplomacy when people talk about the leading source of uncertainty in the international system." At a lavish reception after the parade at the Great Hall of the People, Xi told his guests that humanity must not return to the "law of the jungle". Beyond the pomp and propaganda, analysts are watching whether Xi, Putin and Kim may signal closer defence relations following a pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024, and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, an outcome that may alter the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has already sealed deeper energy deals with Beijing during his China visit, while the gathering has given the reclusive Kim an opportunity to gain implicit support for his banned nuclear weapons. It has been 66 years since a North Korean leader last attended a Chinese military parade. Kim also shook hands with the speaker of South Korea's National Assembly Woo Won-shik before the start of the parade, Woo's office said. Pyongyang has rejected Seoul's recent overtures to stabilise souring relations between the two Koreas, technically at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Kim travelled to Beijing with his daughter Ju Ae, whom South Korean intelligence consider his most likely successor, although she was not seen alongside him at the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMPRESSIVE STRIDES Over the past two years, more than a dozen generals - many formerly close to Xi - have been purged from the People's Liberation Army in a sweeping corruption crackdown. "The parade allows Xi to focus the worlds attention on its impressive strides in modernising its military hardware, while overshadowing the stubborn challenges afflicting the PLA, most notably the continued purges rolling through the ranks of its most senior officers," said Jon Czin, a foreign policy analyst at Brookings Institution, a U.S.-based think tank. The parade was not only aimed at projecting China's might to the outside world, but also galvanising patriotic spirit at home, analysts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his keynote address, Xi called the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation "unstoppable". Civil servants up and down the country have been tasked with watching the parade and writing down their reflections, one of them told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Xiaoyu Yin, Go Nakamura, Xihao Jiang, Alessandro Diviggiano, Maxim Shemetov, Shubing Wang, Tingshu Wang, Laurie Chen, Joe Cash, Xiuhao Chen, Tiffany Le, Lewis Jackson, Nicoco Chan, Florence Lo and Kevin Krolicki in Beijing; Liz Lee, Shi Bu, Qiaoyi Li in Shanghai; Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Ju-min Park, Joyce Lee and Josh Smith in Seoul; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Alex Richardson, Lincoln Feast and Michael Perry) By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -China on Tuesday pressed Pakistan to improve security for Chinese nationals who have been repeatedly attacked by militants while working on Beijing-funded multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects in the South Asian country. Pakistan is a showcase for Chinese President Xi Jinping's global Belt and Road Initiative projects but security threats to Chinese workers in the country have become a source of tension between the close allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China supports Pakistan's fight against terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, creating a secure environment for bilateral cooperation," Xi said at a meeting with Pakistan's prime minister during a summit of the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, according to a readout from Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Xi was hosting more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. A statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said he met Xi but did not mention the security issue. Sharif's statement said he reaffirmed a desire to implement the next phase of Belt and Road projects, adding, "This would help both countries build an even stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of army troops, paramilitary units and police to protect Chinese projects and personnel. But Beijing has been pushing a reluctant Islamabad to allow its own security staff to operate in the country. Pakistan's foreign and home ministries and the military did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. China has built power plants and roads and developed the Pakistani Indian Ocean port of Gwadar over the last decade. But much of the planned $60 billion Chinese Belt and Road investment has been put on hold, partly due to security concerns. Both jihadists and separatists have targeted Chinese personnel. Chinese projects have been hit particularly in the southwestern province of Balochistan, where Gwadar is located, with separatists also stepping up attacks in recent months on Pakistani security forces in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last year, a suicide bombing killed two Chinese engineers outside Karachi airport. In March 2024, a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a dam project in northwest Pakistan, killing five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver. A 2021 bus bombing in the Dasu region where the dam project is situated killed 13 people, nine of them Chinese nationals. Abdul Basit, Senior Associate Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said there had been an improvement in security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, with no attacks since the airport bombing. "I think that's where Xi is emphasising that, yes, no attack on Chinese lately, but the overall situation is bad and their projects are not going anywhere," Basit said. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad in Islamabad and Shanghai Newsroom; editing by Mark Heinrich) China and Russia have withstood the test of international changes and will continue to support each other, President Xi Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a high-profile meeting that demonstrated solidarity amid growing pressure from the United States and its allies. "Chinese-Russian relations have stood the test of international circumstances and serve as a model of interstate relations, eternal good-neighbourliness, friendship, comprehensive strategic interaction, mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win," Xi told Putin at the beginning of their meeting on Tuesday morning. "China is willing to maintain close high-level interactions with Russia," Xi said, adding that Beijing would coordinate positions "in a timely manner" on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The meeting, which was followed by a banquet at Xi's residence in the Zhongnanhai compound, took place amid calls by both powers to establish a new multipolar global order to challenge the one they said was dominated by the US-led West. Both face what they call "economic bullying" as Beijing fights a heated trade war with Washington. The US is also suggesting slapping fresh sanctions on Russia if it refuses to enter peace negotiations with Ukraine following a summit in Alaska between Putin and US President Donald Trump. On Monday, Xi and Putin held informal talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin where Putin briefed Xi about his meeting with Trump, according to Russia's Tass news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting on Tuesday, Xi urged "like-minded" countries to work together to push for a "more just and equitable" multipolar order. The two sides meet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Pool via AP alt=The two sides meet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Pool via AP> "I proposed the Global Governance Initiative with the aim of working with all like-minded countries to firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and promote the development of a more just and equitable global governance system," Xi said, referring to the newest policy frameworks to promote the alternative global order announced on Monday. Positioning China and Russia as strong advocates of "sovereign equality, international rule of law and multilateralism", Xi said the two powers should continue to strengthen collaboration in multilateral platforms, including Brics, the emerging markets bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the two countries had strong internal drivers for their own development and revitalisation, major projects should be used to "spearhead cooperation, create model collaborative initiatives and promote the integration of deep-rooted interests," Xi told Putin. "It is essential to enhance the resilience of our collaboration, improve tacit coordination and make every effort to consolidate and safeguard the overall picture of bilateral cooperation." Both leaders hailed the roles that China and Russia - then the Soviet Union - played in the Allied victory in World War II. Putin said that wartime unity had laid the foundation for today's bilateral relationship. Putin, accompanied by a delegation of Russian officials and business figures, is in Beijing for what Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov described as an "absolutely unprecedented" trip to China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Beijing are Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak who serves as the government's point man for the energy sector, and Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy chief of the Kremlin staff, a close aide to Putin and a former economic development minister, according to Tass. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov are also accompanying him. Alexey Miller, the chairman of Gazprom, Russia's state gas giant and the world's largest natural gas producer, and Igor Sechin, CEO of state-owned oil company Rosneft, are also travelling with Putin. Xi, who has met Putin in person more than 40 times - and had phone calls from time to time - has highlighted their close rapport. After the banquet, Xi hosted Putin in a small-circled tea meeting where they were joined by Lavrov, Oreshkin, Belousov and Ushakov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair took a walk together at Zhongnanhai, trailed by translators and security guards, according to video clips released by the Kremlin. According to a Chinese readout, the two sides signed more than 20 bilateral cooperation agreements, covering energy, aerospace, artificial intelligence, agriculture, health, scientific research and education. These include a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to integrate the Russian scientific device "dust monitoring of the moon" into China's planned Chang'e-7 robotic lunar exploration mission scheduled for next year. The two sides also agreed to finance research projects, while Moscow State University and Peking University would jointly establish a Russian-Chinese fundamental research institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Putin is expected to join Xi at the Tiananmen rostrum when tens of thousands of military personnel will march in formation through Tiananmen Square in a massive military parade that will also feature some of China's most advanced hi-tech military hardware. Beijing is the second stop for the Russian leader during his four-day visit to China. He arrived in the northern city of Tianjin on Sunday for the SCO summit, which was attended by leaders from more than 20 nations, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In what appeared to be a response to Trump's trade policy, the SCO members reaffirmed a commitment to safeguard an "open, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system". "Member states oppose unilateral coercive measures, including economic measures that violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law, as well as WTO principles and rules," the declaration said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several members of the SCO - a Eurasian political, economic and security bloc formed in 2001 - face blanket sanctions and punitive tariffs from the United States. The meeting between their leaders comes as Beijing and Moscow move closer amid growing geopolitical divides with the West, with more coordination across multiple areas under their "no limits" partnership. A week before his historic summit with Trump in Alaska, Putin had a phone conversation with Xi, briefing him on communication between Russia and the US. Senior Chinese and Russian officials also frequently convene on matters ranging from national security to investment, while the two countries' militaries conduct regular joint exercises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin told Chinese state news agency Xinhua that the two sides had agreed to make 2026-27 the Russia-China Years of Education. He said cooperation in science, technology and innovation would be encouraged as part of efforts to safeguard the technological sovereignty of both nations. 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. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest two people from Guatemala in Florida in August. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened states, cities and counties that choose not to assist or cooperate with immigration arrests. (Photo courtesy of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Miami Field Office) More cities and states have responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis threat to prosecute them over so-called sanctuary policies limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement some by thumbing their noses, at least one by acquiescing. Written responses defending sanctuary policies have been sent to Bondi from cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boston; Hoboken, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, along with the states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Many noted that courts so far have upheld their right to limit cooperation with deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. Thats not going to happen, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in an Aug. 19 news conference. Louisville, Kentucky, is one city that agreed to more cooperation after a confrontation over the issue before Bondi threatened prosecution in August, but after the attorney general said she had issued a strong written warning to the city. The city had stopped complying in 2017 with so-called detainer requests to hold jailed residents for immigration authorities, but leaders resumed cooperation to avoid being targeted for more raids. Cities on the sanctuary city list right now are experiencing a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, a Democrat, said in a July 22 statement. Ive talked with leaders within our immigrant community before I made this decision. I heard their fears loud and clear about current federal policies and ICE actions. I also heard that they want Louisville off the federal sanctuary city list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi issued a revised list of sanctuary cities, counties and states in August. Rochester, New York, meanwhile, in August amended its municipal code to strengthen its policies against cooperation by adding disciplinary measures for personnel who violate the policy. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had earlier supported the citys existing policies in court, saying in a statement that they keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities. In Boston, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wus response letter accused the Trump administration of false and continuous attacks as part of a campaign to divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another. U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a new order Aug. 22 extending a preliminary injunction to more cities, counties and states that had asked for protection against President Donald Trumps executive orders and agency directives. Trump sought to withhold unrelated federal funding based on similar sanctuary policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orricks ruling found the orders and directives are likely to be unconstitutional violations of local rights to set limits on immigration enforcement cooperation. The injunction covers 50 areas in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin. Trump administration lawyers asked Aug. 26 to dismiss the case, arguing that the administrations actions so far merely instruct agencies to assess federal grant programs to determine where they can lawfully add immigration related conditions. A hearing is scheduled Oct.22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The San Angelo City Council adopted its 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and a new, higher tax rate in two consecutive 6-1 votes during its Sept. 2 meeting. Heres what to know. The City Council convened in the McNease Convention Center during the morning to handle several agenda items, with the final two items of its regular agenda being focused on the adoption of its proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget and new tax rate. The new budget, a $241,308,736 operational budget, is slated to raise more total property taxes than the previous years budget by $5,716,170. Of the $5,716,170 amount, $861,795 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAFD members awarded after saving premature infant born in rare scenario Included in the new budget are the following items, as per a presentation shown during the meeting: Public safety Police Department professional development and training Police software package increases Fire Department overtime Fire Department for fire apparatus Additional Animal Services Officers Animal Services rescue services Software upgrades for Human Resources, Planning and website Retiree insurance 5% raise for employees The agenda packet for the meeting features documents for the adoption of the budget, with one such document offering a side-by-side comparison of the 2024-2025 budget and the 2025-2026 budgets tax rates. A table of the comparisons is found below: Tax Rate Adopted FY 2024-2025 Adopted FY 2025-2026 Property Tax Rate 0.7544/$100 0.7947/$100 No New Revenue Tax Rate 0.6656/$100 0.7246/$100 No New Revenue M&O Tax Rate 0.5863/$100 0.6085/$100 Voter Approval Tax Rate 0.7739/$100 0.7947/$100 Debt Tax Rate 0.1294/$100 0.1637/$100 The new budget will last from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City Council adopted the budget in a 6-1 vote. Mary Coffey, the single-member district 6 councilmember, voted against the adoption of the budget, citing concerns raised by constituents of her district. She stated that she had received 18 phone calls over Labor Day weekend regarding the budget and proposed tax rate. I realize that we went through this on the budget and we agreed, I just feel compelled as we are seven people up here that represent 100,000 people, and thats why I take their phone calls very seriously, Coffey said. Prior to the vote, Coffey called for the City Council to consider delaying the ratification to Sept. 9 to allow for more time for further analysis of the budget in light of the financial impact of the historic July 4 floods on taxpayers. Even though the flood doesnt have anything to do with the rates it does affect the citizens ability to pay these increases, Coffey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City: Water is safe amid discoloration reports The City Council then discussed the adoption of an ordinance fixing and levying ad valorem taxes for the current tax year for use during the 2025-2026 budget year in light of the financial impact the historic July 4 flood had on the community. The ordinance sets the total tax rate of 0.79470 per $100 valuation, a 0.0403 increase from the fiscal year 2025 tax rate of 0.7544. The new rate is effectively a 9.67% increase in the tax rate. City Finance Director Tina Dierschke stated during the meeting and during the Aug. 19 meeting, in which the first hearing of the ordinance was held, that the increase is due mainly to the issuance of the coliseum renovation bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agenda, the proposed tax rate will be applied as follows: For maintenance and operations in the General Fund: 0.62380 For maintenance and operations in the Street Infrastructure fund: 0.00720 To pay annual interest and maturities and create debt service funding to discharge outstanding bonded indebtedness of the City of San Angelo: 0.16370 Taxes will be considered delinquent on Feb. 1, 2026, under the ordinance. The ordinance was adopted with a 6-1 vote. To see the City Councils full discussion of the budget and tax rate, watch the Citys livestream recording of the meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. CHICAGO President Trump said National Guard troops are headed to Chicago possibly as soon as Tuesday, and they face mixed reaction. Illinois veterans spoke out against the deployment of troops to the city at Federal Plaza Tuesday morning, while the Illinois Freedoom Caucus held a press conference on Wacker Drive, demanding local leaders to accept federal crime assistance. ICE operations to surge, federal troops could be deployed to Chicago by later this week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the Labor Day weekend, more than 50 people were shot and eight were killed across Chicago. According to President Donald Trump, this is why he wants to crackdown on crime in the city. Trump posted about Chicago violence on Truth Social Tuesday morning, saying, At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Both Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker reject the deployment of troops. Pritzker called it dangerous while Johnson said its federal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is dangerous. They shouldnt be doing it, its anti-American, its un-American, Pritzker said. We would like ATF agents to help us take more guns off the streets. We would like (the) FBI, again, to coordinate with our local law enforcement to help catch perpetrators of crimes. If they would do that, we would welcome that. Illinois leaders react after Trump renews push for federal help in Chicago despite opposition On Saturday, Johnson signed an executive order establishing the Protecting Chicago initiative, which seeks to protect residents from the potential mobilization of National Guard troops in the city and demands that Trump stand down on his threats to send in troops to help crack down on crime and immigration. Mayor Johnson attended a Labor Day rally on Sunday, where the focus was promoting workers rights and opposing the policies of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No federal troops in the city of Chicago. No militarized force in the city of Chicago. Were going to defend our democracy in the city of Chicago. Were going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago, Johnson said. The Fraternal Order of Police: Chicago Lodge No. 7 posted to social media Sunday, saying, Crime is down. The murderous mindset is not. Just like the numbers can explode. Until we have more cops, some federal help is welcomed and appreciated. Gov. Pritzker also held a press conference at 3 p.m. Tuesday. In the coming days, we expect to see what has played out in LA and DC to happen here in Chicago, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The governor added the director of the Illinois State Police received a call from Gregory Bovino, the head of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, over the weekend. The call indicated ICE would be moving an armed strike team to Chicago. On Tuesday, WGN-TV did not see any sort of caravan of military vehicles coming or going through the entrance of Great Lakes Naval Station, but Pritzker did say staging for the federal operation likely started Monday and continued Tuesday. ICE is reportedly preparing for sweeping federal immigration raids during Mexican Independence Day celebrations later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal operation is expected to last 30 days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO City officials gathered Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting for the new 211 Metro Chicago call center in Grand Crossing. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle were among those who gathered for the grand opening of the brand new home of the call center, which organizers say will ensure residents have access to the support they need. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 211 Metro Chicago is a 24/7 confidential helpline that connects residents with services like food, housing, utility payment assistance, health care, transportation and more. Since it went online in January 2023, 211 has handled more than 450,000 contacts through their call center, texts and web chats and Chicago was one of the last major cities in the United States to integrate the service. The call center in Chicago employs about 50 people who staff the phones around the clock. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland This year, the City of Chicago and Cook County provided about $3 million in funding for the facility. United Way of Metro Chicago and other private foundations are funding the rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, about 200,000 have been helped in the last year and a half. Visit the 211 Metro Chicago website for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The City of San Angelo has released a statement after being made aware of discolored water in sections of town in recent days. The City reported at 10:10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1, that it is aware that some areas have recently noticed discolored water in parts of town over the past few days. 13th Dollar General store opens in northern San Angelo It said crews have been working to resolve the discoloration by flushing hydrants while its water plant team is adjusting the mix of water sources to help clear things up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City assured citizens that the water is safe and meets all disinfection standards. It stated that it currently expects everything to return to normal in the next few days. Concho Valley Homepage has reached out to the City for more information regarding which regions of San Angelo have experienced water discoloration. This is a developing story. Stick with Concho Valley 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. The feeling will be familiar to many who have visited the great cities of history: I had come to Athens for the first time and made a pilgrimage to its democratic Assembly, Plato's Academy, and Aristotle's Lyceum. And it left me with a sense of profound sadness. Here were the scenes of some of the most extraordinary moments in human history, and all that was left was rubble, garbage, and dog waste. Instead of bustling creativity, there was silence, interrupted only by the odd intoxicated passerby. To be sure, I also experienced spectacular beauty in Athens, such as the grand monuments on the Acropolis. But even that was a museum to bygone glory. This used to be the place around which the world revolved, and now it's a collection of patched-together columns, stone blocks and shards with plaques telling us that it used to be impressive. This must be what Percy Shelley, a great admirer of ancient Greece, reflected upon when he wrote about the crumbled monument to Ozymandias, king of kings: "'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' / Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This encounter with the transience of great civilizations set my mind racing. What made it possible for them to rise so spectacularly, and why did they decline so thoroughly? It forced me to consider whether travelers will one day visit our proud landmarks and plazas and think about how our civilization lost its way and became so sluggish and stationary. This is a precarious time to write about history's golden ages. Ours is an era of authoritarian and populist revival, with savage dictators trying to extinguish neighbouring democracies, when the fear of inevitable decline seems more prevalent than belief in progress. The American legal scholar Harold Berman compared his history of the rise of Western law to a drowning man who sees his whole life flash before him, perhaps in an unconscious effort to find something within his own experiences to help him escape his impending doom. We are not yet drowning, but drawing on historical human experience can be a useful way to avoid ending up in a bad situation. It might even help us to keep our vessels seaworthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is said that we should study history to avoid repeating its mistakes, and that is all very well. But our ancestors were not just capable of mistakes. Human history is a long list of depravations and horrors, but it is also the source of the knowledge, institutions, and technologies that in the last few centuries have set most of humanity free from such horrors for the first time. The historical record shows what mankind is capable of, in terms of exploration, imagination, and innovation. This in itself is an important reason to study it, to broaden our mental horizon of what is possible. In my new book, Peak Human: What We Can Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages, I explore seven of the world's great civilizations: ancient Athens, the Roman Republic and early Roman Empire, the Abbasid Caliphate, Song China, Renaissance Italy, the Dutch Republic, and the Anglosphere. Each of them exemplifies what I think of as a golden age: a period with a large number of innovations that revolutionize many fields and sectors in a short period of time. A golden age is associated with a culture of optimism, which encourages people to explore new knowledge, experiment with new methods and technologies, and exchange the results with others. Its characteristics are cultural creativity, scientific discoveries, technological achievements, and economic growth that stand out compared to what came before and after and compared to other contemporary cultures. Its result is a high average standard of living, which is usually the envy of others and often also of its heirs. Peak Human could have been a much longer book, exploring many other cultures, because golden ages are dependent not on geography, ethnicity, or religion but on what we make of these circumstances. These cultures just happened to excel in the era in which they, for some reason or another, began to interpret or emphasize a particular part of their beliefs and traditions to make them more open to surprisesunconventional ideas and methods imported by merchants and migrants, dreamed up by eccentrics, or stumbled upon by someone fortunate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are certain important preconditions for this progress. The basic raw materials are a wide variety of ideas and methods to learn from and to combine in new ways. It therefore takes a certain population density to create progress, and urban conglomerations are often particularly creative. Being open to the contributions of other civilizations is the quickest way of making use of more brains, which is why these golden ages often appeared at the crossroads of different cultures and in every instance benefited greatly from the inspiration brought about by international trade, travel, and migration. They were often maritime cultures, always on the lookout for new discoveries. Distance is the "number one enemy of civilization," as the French historian Fernand Braudel understood so well. To make use of these raw materials, it takes a relatively inclusive society. Citizens have to be free to experiment and innovate, without being subjected to the whims of feudal lords, centralized governments, or ravaging armies. This takes peace, rule of law, and secure property rights. Most importantly, there has to be an absence of orthodoxies imposed from the top about what to believe, think, and say; how to live; and what to do. If we limit the realm of the acceptable to what we already know and are comfortable with, we will be stuck with it, and we will deserve the stagnation we get. If we want more knowledge, wealth, and technological capacity, we have to cut misfits and troublemakers some slack. Institutions that are built for discovery, innovation, and adaptation have profound effects on science, culture, economy, and warfare. It is not easy to sustain such institutions for a long time. The most depressing aspect of studying golden ages is that they don't last. You don't have to wait 2,300 years to go back to Athens. There are many stories about people visiting centers of progress just a few decades later and finding that it's all over. It's the same place, the same traditions, and the same people, but that irreplaceable spark has disappeared. The California historian Jack Goldstone calls these episodes of temporary growth "efflorescences." That is really another word for an anti-crisis: Just as a crisis is a sudden and unexpected downturn in indicators of human well-being, an efflorescence is a sharp, unexpected upturn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldstone argues that most societies have experienced such efflorescences, and that these usually set new patterns of thought, political organization, and economic life for many generations. This is a corrective to the common notion that humankind has a long history of stagnation and then suddenly experiences progress. History is full of growth and progress; it is just that they were always periodic and efflorescent rather than self-sustaining and accelerating. In other words: They don't last. Civilizations in every era have tried to break away from the shackles of oppression and scarcity, but increasingly they faced opposite forces, which sooner or later dragged them back to Earth. Elites who have benefited from innovation want to kick away the ladder behind them; groups threatened by change try to fossilize culture into an orthodoxy; and aggressive neighbours, attracted to the wealth of nearby achievers, try to kill the goose to steal its golden eggs. Why would intellectual, economic, and political elites accept a system that keeps delivering surprises and innovations? Yes, it might provide their society with more resources, but at the risk of upending a status quo that made them powerful to begin with. Often such institutions came about as a result of revolutionary upheaval or emerged unintentionally because they happened to provide important solutions in difficult situations or at a time of fierce competition against rivals. But sooner or later, most elites regain their composure and begin to reimpose orthodoxies and stamp out the potential for unpredictability. The great economic historian Joel Mokyr calls this Cardwell's Law, after the technology historian D. S. L. Cardwell, who observed that most societies remain technologically creative for only a short period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The perceived self-interest of incumbents who have much to lose from change goes a long way to explaining why episodes of creativity and growth are terminated. But such groups are always there, always eager to stop the future in its tracks. Why do their reactions prevail in some places and moments but not in others? Many factors are at play, but there is one psychological factor that reinforces all of them. "What is civilization's worst enemy?" asked the art historian Kenneth Clark. He answered: "First of all fearfear of war, fear of invasion, fear of plague and famine, that make it simply not worthwhile constructing things, or planting trees or even planting next year's crop. And fear of the supernatural, which means that you daren't question anything or change anything." We humans have two basic settings: We are traders, and we are tribalists. Early humans prospered (relatively) because they ventured out to explore, experiment, and exchange, to discover new places, partners, and knowledge. But sometimes they only survived their adventures because they were also acutely sensitive to risks and instantly reacted to a potential threat by fighting or fleeing back to the familiar, their cave and their tribe. We need both the adventurous and the risk-sensitive aspects of our personality. But since Homo sapiens emerged over hundreds of thousands of years in a world more dangerous than today's, our "spider sense" is over-sensitive to threats: It often misfires and is easily manipulated by those who want to divide and conquer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I documented in my book Open: The Story of Human Progress, this anxious aspect has remained a central part of our nature, even after we left the savannah for a safer world. When we feel threatened as a community by, say, neighbouring armies, pandemics, or recessions, there is often a societal fight-or-flight instinct, causing us to hunt for scapegoats and flee behind physical and intellectual walls, even though complex threats might call for learning and creativity rather than simply avoidance or attack. Again and again, we see civilizations prosper when they embrace trade and experiments but decline when they lose cultural self-confidence. When under threat, we often seek stability and predictability, shutting out that which is different and unpredictable. Unfortunately, this often makes the fear of disaster self-fulfilling, since those barriers limit access to other possibilities and restrict the adaptation and innovation that could have helped us deal with the threat. The problem with paralyzing fear is that it has a tendency to paralyze. I wouldn't go so far as to say that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. That sounds a bit like underestimating armed raiders and bubonic plague. But it is certainly true that an insular, suppressive angst deprives us of the tools we need to take on the problems we face. Outsiders can kill and destroy, but they can't kill curiosity and creativity. Only we can do that to ourselves. History often repeats because human nature does. All of the golden ages ended, except onethe one that we are in now. But "history," said the American journalist Norman Cousins, "is a vast early warning system." We still know how to swim, but that doesn't happen automatically; it takes a conscious effort. For that reason, repeating history's swimming lessons once in a while is helpful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To situate my argument in the context of current culture wars, I object both to the relativist idea that all cultures are equal and to the idea that there is a hierarchy of two opposing and clashing culturescivilization vs. barbarians (often associated with European Judeo-Christian culture vs. the rest). Yes, some cultures are better than others. Denying that is, as pointed out by the physicist David Deutsch, "denying that the future state of one's own culture can be better than the present." It implies that chattel slavery and human rights are equally good (or bad). Some cultures are better than others because they provide institutions for positive-sum games instead of zero-sum; they create liberties and opportunities rather than oppression and destruction. But no, we are not talking here about the inherent traits of two opposite and clashing civilizations. Among the seven golden ages featured here, we meet pagans, Muslims, Confucians, Catholics, Calvinists, Anglicans, and secular civilizations. Those who were seen as barbarians in one era became world leaders in science and technology in the next, and then roles reversed again. They excelled at a time in which their culture was open to the contributions of other civilizations, and so gained access to more brains. This is why both the nationalist right and the woke left are hopelessly unhistorical in their crusades against cultural hotchpotch: Civilizations are not monoliths with inherent traits but complex, growing things defined by how they engage with, adopt, and adapt (appropriate, if you like) what they find elsewhere. It's the connections and combinations that make them what they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle between freedom and coercion, and between reason and superstition, is not a clash of civilizations. It is a clash within every civilization, and at some level within each one of us. Every culture, country, and government is capable of decency and creativity as well as ignorance and jawdropping barbarianism. That is why "golden" should be understood as much in relationship to what you could otherwise have been as it should be understood as making a comparison with others. It is of course not just down to sheer will, but you and I have it within ourselves to help make our particular place on earth decent and creative rather than the opposite. It is important to grapple with the question "golden ages for whom?" All of the civilizations I describe in this book practised slavery, all of them denied women basic rights, and all took great delight in exterminating neighbouring populations to the last man, woman, and child. Whenever I am tempted to look back at these ages and dream about how amazing it would have been to be alive thento debate philosophy in the Athenian Lyceum or Baghdad's House of Wisdom, to discuss political strategy with Cicero or the Song emperor, or to be present at the creation of the Pantheon, The Last Supper, or the printing pressI remind myself that I wouldn't have come near those places. I would have been a destitute peasant, struggling desperately to keep my family safe from hunger and raiders for another season. If I were one of the lucky ones, that is. As the classicist Mary Beard has remarked, when people say they admire the Roman Empire, they always assume they would have been the emperor or a senator (a few hundred people) and never the enslaved masses in mines, plantations, and other people's households (a few million). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recorded history is the work of a tiny literate elite, and for most people, in most eras, life was nasty, brutish, and short. In fact, that went for the elites too. No matter how powerful they were, everything could be lost in an instant if they had the misfortune to displease a capricious ruler, and even he had little chance against, say, a bacterial infection or a barbarian invasion. Remember that every time history books record that a city was "sacked," it means that thousands of civilians were raped, mutilated, and disembowelled. This also tells us something about what mankind is capable of. But history is more than a crime scene. It is also the place where ideas were developed that helped humanity to identify the crimes and overcome them. If we discard all the achievements of those who came before us because they weren't sufficiently enlightened and decent (they weren't), we will eventually lose the capacity to discern what is enlightened and decent. Because that very language and moral sense emerged out of their struggles. If you discover something inspiring and useful there, in the overgrown ruins of the past, that can be salvaged to help ensure that our civilization does not just become one in the long list of Goldstone's temporary efflorescenses, let's fight for it, shall we? As Goethe once told us, you cannot inherit a tradition from your parents; you have to earn it. This article is adapted from Peak Human: What We Can Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages by permission of Atlantic Books. The post How Civilizations Lose Their Sparkand How We Might Keep Ours appeared first on Reason.com. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. Nevadas 12-year limit on the terms of most elected officials do not apply to county administrative offices such as clerk, sheriff, and district attorney. (Campaign video screengrab) Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson announced Tuesday hell seek reelection next year to the seat hes held since his appointment in 2012. He has since been elected to the position three times. Nevadas 12-year limit on the terms of most elected officials do not apply to county administrative offices such as clerk, sheriff, and district attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are tough times, and now more than ever, experience matters, Wolfson said in a video announcing his reelection campaign. Wolfson raised $1.6 million in 2022 for his last reelection bid and had $475,000 on hand after handily defeating Republican Timothy Treffinger. A registered Democrat, Wolfson contributed $2,500 of his campaign windfall to Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo; $1,000 to Republican Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama; and $1,000 and $1,500 respectively to Republican state Senate candidates Lori Rogich and John Steinbeck, whose elections were integral to Lombardos successful effort to block a veto-proof Democratic majority in the Senate. Wolfson made smaller contributions to Democratic legislative candidates Cameron Miller, Marlene Drake, and Ryan Hampton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also contributed $10,000 to his daughter Rebeccas campaign for Las Vegas Municipal Judge. Wolfsons campaign news release touts his creation in 2016 of the Conviction Integrity Unit to review questionable cases. The next year, he signed off on the exoneration of DeMarlo Berry, who served 22 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. At the time, Wolfson said he created the unit to provide a way for certain cases to be reviewed independently and evaluated on a variety of factors, including new evidence. But new evidence failed to win over Wolfson in the case of Fred Steese, who Wolfson forced to plead guilty to second degree murder to avoid a lawsuit against the state, according to defense attorney Lisa Rasmussen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Judge Elissa Cadish wrote an order finding Steese innocent after evidence revealed he was in Idaho on the day of the murder for which he was convicted, Wolfson threatened to keep Steese in custody for years pending the D.A.s appeal of Cadishs order. Wolfson said if Steese wanted to get out he had to take an Alford plea and admit to second degree murder, Rasmussen says. After 22 years in prison, Steese opted for the Alford plea, a twisted legal maneuver requiring defendants to plead guilty to crimes they didnt commit. The move prevented Steese from suing the state for wrongful prosecution and a potential judgment in his favor. Wolfsons campaign also touts his establishment of Clark Countys first pre-charge diversion program. The campaign did not immediately respond to requests for explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 2022 campaign Wolfson touted a post-conviction program to give offenders the help they need, rather than being sent to prison. Wolfsons office had no data on the number of participants or their success rate, and a court administrator told the Current that judges were unaware of the program. We do not have any records of the program or information about that program in our database, wrote Hans Jessup of the states Administrative Office of the Court. In 2018, Wolfson campaigned for a victim rights ballot measure known as Marsys Law, which was financed almost entirely by billionaire Henry Nicholas, who at the time faced felony counts of drug trafficking in Clark County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following year, the Current reported that two of the three non-profits sharing a $1 million dollar donation that helped keep Nicholas and his friend, Ashley Fargo out of prison, had ties to the Clark County District Attorneys office and Nicholas defense attorney David Chesnoff. Last year, following the arrest of two suspects in the abandonment of Reba, a bulldog who died days after being discarded in a plastic bin, Wolfson bemoaned animal abuse and neglect laws that he said prevented him from seeking stiff sentences. An investigation by the Current revealed Wolfson rarely sought prison time for such offenses. Wolfson, a criminal defense attorney in private practice for more than two decades, was appointed to the Las Vegas City Council to fill a vacancy in 2004 and was subsequently elected to the position. Approximately 200 soldiers and officers from various IDF intelligence branches, including Units 8200, 9900, and 504, gathered in a classified bunker to collect intelligence on the Houthis. Senior Israeli defense officials tasked IDF intelligence in July to focus on targeting the Houthis in Yemen, specifically the terror group's leadership in Sanaa, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported on Tuesday. According to the report, the shift in strategy came amid the new stage of combat in Gaza and Israel's debate on whether to pursue a hostage-ceasefire deal or expand the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and the head of the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder tasked the IDF with researching and targeting Houthi leaders, following ongoing missile and drone attacks from Yemen. KAN reported that approximately 200 soldiers and officers from various IDF intelligence branches, including Units 8200, 9900, and 504, gathered in a classified bunker in central Israel and began collecting intelligence on the Houthis and their leaders. Additionally, representatives from US Central Command (CENTCOM) participated. Mourners attend the funeral procession of Houthi government officials killed in an Israeli strike, in Sanaa, Yemen September 1, 2025. (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS) The IDF learned that senior members of the Houthi government were preparing to hold a high-level security discussion. Lt.-Col. A, from the IDF's Research Division, immediately called Brig-Gen. M, head of the Operations Division in Military Intelligence, reported that the meeting in Sanaa was set to take place and that crucial senior government and military leaders were expected to attend, KAN reported. IDF officers debate exact Houthi meeting point in Sanaa, narrow down options During discussions, IDF intelligence officers debated the exact meeting point in Sanaa, and over time, narrowed down several possibilities. Once the location was confirmed and after receiving approval from the IDF chief of staff and the political echelon, Israeli air force fighter jets set out to strike the Houthi leaders in Sanaa, KAN added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAN cited Israeli security officials as saying that the Houthis' decision to meet at a large private home in a residential neighborhood rather than an official government residence indicated that they attempted to hide the gathering and keep it discreet. Officials also told KAN that Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi was a prime target for assassination both for Israel and across Western intelligence communities. Previously, al-Houthi remained underground and delivered pre-recorded speeches. Citing a drop in enrollment across Georgia, the Clayton County Board of Education is considering closing several schools to consolidate student populations. According to a board presentation discussed an Aug. 25 work session, officials expect enrollment to drop 2% to 3% in the county over the next five years, lowering funding and causing staffing challenges. The presentation showed that since the 2021 school year, overall enrollment fell by more than 700 students in the public school district. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] During the work session, no specific schools were named for closure due to consolidation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, should consolidations move forward, county officials said theyd be moving students to the newly built Forest Park Middle School and into a planned but not yet built elementary school in Forest Park or Michelle Obama STEM at Rivers Edge Elementary. TRENDING STORIES: A high school destination was not named, but the board documents showed that 100 acres of land were purchased for future population growth and the location can accommodate up the three schools, one elementary, one middle and one high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If consolidation does move forward, staff would be relocated to fill vacancies after the process is complete. Video from the meeting shows when Ronick Joseph, the districts Chief-Construction, told board members that some changes were inevitable. We are not yet prepared to present options to the board at this moment, Joseph said. Responding to one question about not alarming the public regarding consolidation, he said To your point, we dont want to alarm the community, but it is coming. Joseph said the district was looking at consolidation opportunities, including at two elementary schools and at least one school in the middle grade level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next Clayton County school board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 3. Consolidation did not appear to be on the agenda for the upcoming meeting, but district officials said during the work session that they planned to present ideas on consolidation in November. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Clemson engineering students saw the raging floodwaters and residents stranded by Helene. They designed a self-driving rescue vehicle to help. (Photo provided by Clemson University. A group of Clemson University engineering students watched the nonstop news last September as Helene tore a path of death and destruction through the Carolinas and Tennessee. The raging floodwaters that isolated the storms victims prompted them to question: What if a team of medics could have driven into mountain towns and far-flung homesteads with a Humvee loaded with supplies? And what if they could have sent the vehicle back on its own to transport injured and rescued passengers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the inspiration behind the latest research project conducted by students in the Upstate universitys Deep Orange program. A team of 17 students equipped a self-driving vehicle that could be deployed by search and rescue teams. A self-driving rescue vehicle was the 16th project of Clemson Universitys Deep Orange program. (Photo provided by Clemson University.) This is really important, because in a rescue situation, you obviously want to get to people as quickly as possible. And if you have any injured people, you want to get them out of harms way as quickly as possible, said automotive engineering professor Rob Prucka. So thats the kind of work that were trying to do. Prucka is the director of the Deep Orange program, which has an ongoing, autonomous vehicle research partnership with the U.S. Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project, completed this past spring, marks the 16th iteration of Deep Orange, in which industry leaders give each cohort of students a problem to solve during the course of their studies. Thats why the vehicle was dubbed Deep Orange 16. Deep Orange pushes us to think like real-world engineers, said team leader Rohit Godse, who graduated in August with a masters degree in automotive engineering. We are not just learning theory, but solving complex, high-stakes problems that prepare us to lead in the industry from day one. Were trying to produce engineers that will be valuable to the auto industry the day they leave Clemson, Prucka added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program also seeks to test technological advancements that automakers or the military may one day use in this case, a rescue vehicle controlled by software that could be used in combat or stateside during a natural disaster. One thing Prucka said the team heard over and over from first responders they interviewed is many never know the situation theyre walking into until they get there. They have maybe half the information they need. And it may or may not be correct. So, they need a vehicle thats ready for anything. And maybe the car itself could be an extra helping hand, Prucka said. One of the new capabilities the team added to the off-road vehicle included camera systems for looking ahead and sensors for scanning the ground. The vehicle could then use its computing systems to analyze those images and readings on the fly and automatically adjust its suspension accordingly to create a smoother ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those same camera and sensor systems also map the route in, so the vehicle can travel back out without someone controlling it from the drivers seat. And in off-road situations, visibility becomes an added challenge. If you crest a hill, you cant usually see over the hill, Prucka said. If youre in a really rocky train, you cant always tell what exactly a tire is going to run over. A 360-degree view from the cameras reduces the number of blind spots operators might have. A look inside Deep Orange 16, a self-driving rescue vehicle designed by Clemson engineering students to rescue victims of a natural disaster or military personnel in combat. (Photo provided by Clemson University) Finally, while less high tech, students designed a stretcher-loading mechanism for the back of the vehicle to lift injured passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the surface it looks simple in a way, Prucka said. But its intentional because the soldiers all said this thing needs to work every time. It cant be complicated. But it does help some challenges that they have actually loading patients into the vehicle, especially, when theyre under distress. Our students are not only driving innovation theyre helping to save lives by improving how we respond to emergencies in the most challenging environments, Prucka added. Deep Orange 16 will remain at Clemson as a prototype. Future classes will continue to test and improve the technology that could eventually be used in rescue operations. SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. An international group of more than 85 climate experts on Tuesday published a 439-page review arguing that a report by the Trump administration's Energy Department fails to "adequately represent the current scientific understanding of climate change," and it "exhibits pervasive problems" by misrepresenting scientific literature and cherry-picking data. The Department of Energy's 151-page report, "A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate," was written by five authors who were hand-selected by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fossil fuel executive. It included a controversial conclusion that "carbon dioxide-induced warming appears to be less damaging economically than commonly believed," and it states that "aggressive mitigation strategies" to address greenhouse gas emissions "could be more harmful than beneficial" a statement that supports the oil and gas industry. "Climate change is real, and it deserves attention. But it is not the greatest threat facing humanity," Wright said in a statement supporting the report's publication and conclusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, environmental groups and independent scientists sued the Energy Department over the report, arguing the way it was written and produced violated transparency laws. Tuesday's review is the latest in a series of actions climate experts have taken to tackle the Energy report that they say is an insult to climate and environmental science. "Climate science is probably one of the most robust and scrutinized scientific fields in the history of science because of the economic implications," said Andrew Dessler, director of the Texas Center for Extreme Weather at Texas A&M University, who felt the report made "a mockery of science." He immediately expressed his frustration on social media and discovered he wasn't the only one upset by the report. "I can't tell you how many people looked at this and agreed with me that this was a mockery and we needed to respond to it," Dessler told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In less than a month, Dessler helped organize more than 85 international climate experts, mostly from universities, from the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada, who voluntarily reviewed the DOE report and found that it was "full of errors," "biased" and "not fit to inform policy." They have submitted their response to the DOE, which provided a 30-day window for public comment on the report. As of Sept. 1, there were more than 2,333 comments submitted. Asked about the criticism, the Department of Energy told CBS News in a statement, "Unlike previous administrations, the Trump administration is committed to engaging in a more thoughtful and science-based conversation about climate change and energy. Following the public comment period, we look forward to reviewing and engaging on substantive comments." "We have no idea what they're gonna do with the comments," said Dessler, "They're never going to convince people that carbon dioxide isn't important, but what they want to do is create doubt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dessler and his colleagues are not the only ones who are concerned about the DOE report and its findings. The American Meteorological Society also published its own response, finding "five foundational flaws" that it says "places the report at odds with scientific principles and practices." The review spends the majority of the 439 pages outlining the list of errors experts found, which Dessler described as, "selectively" citing scientific literature, saying, "How can you provide a respectable view of science when you don't know what the literature says, you're not reading it, you're not citing it ... and you're not giving the right context." But some critics say the report by the DOE is representative of a larger trend in the federal government under the Trump administration to organize selective committees that publish reports, which are politically advantageous to support policy decisions. "It's clear that this administration wants to take control, at the political level, of the scientific process of the government," said Dr. John Balbus, who was formerly at the Department of Health and Human Services as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Change and Health Equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balbus points to a similar playbook occurring at HHS around vaccines and political appointees relying on questionable opinions and misrepresentations of scientific reports to come to a conclusion that vaccines cause more harm than good, "Which is a ludicrous and completely unsubstantiated assertion," he says. Although the Trump administration has fired thousands of scientists and experts across several government agencies, many have regrouped in the private sector to launch coordinated responses to counter the misinformation they perceive is being broadcast by the federal government. Last month, several major health organizations issued their own guidelines on COVID-19 vaccines, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which runs counter to the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In May, after President Trump fired 400 scientists who were working to publish the nation's major quadrennial report on the impacts of climate change in the U.S., two scientific groups announced a plan to publish a special collection focused on the subject to ensure the scientists' work can be accessed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to these efforts, many federal employees that remain with agencies have taken the risk of signing letters to Congress to express their concerns about changes in policy, including members of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency, both of which have faced retaliation for these efforts. "When you see nearly a thousand public servants risking their livelihoods to alert the public that senior officials cannot be trusted, that is a clear warning," said Balbus, who believes these individuals will continue to sustain their fight against misinformation, as long as they're allowed to. 33,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released by House panel What to know after Trump says "we're going in" when asked about National Guard troops in Chicago New book looks at intelligence battle between Russia and U.S. Close to 1,000 state worker have applied for a "voluntary separation program" that would pay them $20,000 to quit, plus some other benefits, in an effort to cut the state payroll. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters) Nearly 1,000 state employees are waiting to learn if they will be allowed to quit their jobs under a voluntary separation program that aims to shrink the size of state government and cut expenses. Of the thousands who were notified of the early out program in July, a total of 980 employees had applied by the Aug. 4 deadline, state officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all of them will be allowed to quit. The state is reviewing the applications and decisions will be based on the mission and priorities of the agency and an evaluation of whether the function of the position is required, a spokesperson for Gov. Wes. Moore (D) said in an email. Workers also have to have worked at least two years for the state to take advantage of the program. The Department of Budget and Management plans to notify employees in mid-September of whether their application for separation has been accepted or not. When they unveiled the program in late June, administration officials insisted that they did not have a specific target in mind for the number of workers they were hoping would leave, only that it was one part of a larger effort to cut $121 million in state personnel expenses. The VSP [voluntary separation program] is one of several actions the governor has implemented to achieve the $121 million reduction, including the hiring freeze already announced, a DBM spokesperson said in an email when the program was announced. While they could not predict how many might ultimately be accepted into the buyout program, the governors office said similar voluntary separation program in 2015 realized a 38% acceptance rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to details on the DBM website, the buyout offer, first announced in late June, was available to full-time employees in the executive branch with at least two years of service. Those accepted will get $20,000, plus an additional $300 for each year of service. The state will cover six months of paid state health benefits after their separation, and departing workers will also be paid for any unused leave and compensatory time. Workers who take the buyout have to agree not to work for the state again for at least another 18 months, and their positions will be eliminated once they leave. There were nearly 52,000 positions within the state personnel and Maryland Department of Transportation personnel systems, about 4,800 of which were vacant as of May, the DBM spokesperson said at the time. About 13,500 are in job classifications that are not eligible for the buyout offer, including police and correctional officers, judicial and legislative employees, and close to 60 other offices, ranging from the Attorney Grievance Commission to the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority. Workers at the states colleges and universities are also ineligible, although the executive order creating the program allows several of the universities to set up their own buyout programs if they wish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 980 workers who applied for the porogram, 862 were employed as part of the State Personnel Management System and the remaining 118 were employed by the Maryland Department of Transportation, according to an administration spokesperson DBM spokesperson Raquel Coombs said last month that a more specific breakdown of the departments the applicants came from was confidential. Representatives for both the American Federation of Teachers-Maryland and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said their unions were waiting for more information on the breakdown of employees. The governors office had originally proposed eliminating 150 vacant government positions, implementing a hiring freeze and offering some buyouts to meet the $121 million personnel cost reductions that were mandated as part of the fiscal 2026 budget approved by the General Assembly this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE But lawmakers and union representatives differed from the administration on what personnel cuts were required, and they specifically pushed back against the notion of layoffs. AFSCME said several critical 24/7 agencies hospitals, public safety and prisons, for example are already understaffed and covering vacancies with overtime, and insisted that any further personnel reductions not cut into service. Any solutions to help our state navigate these tough and volatile times must not come at the cost of providing quality state services, the union said in a statement when the buyouts were announced. Besides trimming personnel, the union said the state should look at eliminating costly contracts, in-sourcing services where needed, addressing other inefficiencies, and closing corporate tax loopholes to raise much-needed state revenues to cut costs. The Powerball jackpot has risen to about $1.3 billion after no one won the latest drawing. The jackpot, with a scheduled drawing for Wednesday, has an estimated cash value of $589.0 million and is the fifth largest ever. No one won the ticket with all six numbers drawn on Monday night, which were white balls 8, 23, 25, 40, 53 and red Powerball 5, according to a news release. The Power Play multiplier was 3. Ten tickets were sold nationwide that matched all five white balls to win $1 million, according to the release. One of those was sold at a 76 gas station in Sherman Oaks, according to the California State Lottery website. The others were sold in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two tickets also matched five white balls but won $2 million each by including the Power Play option. There were 124 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 25 tickets that won $150,000 prizes. The most recent Powerball jackpot winner was announced in June, when a player bought a ticket worth $204.5 million that was sold at a 7-Eleven on Woodman Avenue in Arleta. Two out of the four Powerball jackpot winners this year have been from Southern California. In March, someone bought a ticket worth $515 million in Anaheim . The other two Powerball winners were in January, when a player in Oregon bought a ticket worth $328.5 million, and in April, when a winner in Kentucky purchased a ticket worth $167.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest-ever Powerball jackpots were both won in California in November 2022, when Edwin Castor of Altadena purchased a ticket worth $2.04 billion, and in October 2023, when a group bought a ticket valued at $1.765 billion. Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the release. The drawings are broadcast every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and livestreamed on Powerball.com. 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. Two of Britains ageing nuclear power stations will have their lifespans extended in a boost to the countrys stretched electricity supplies. French energy giant EDF confirmed on Tuesday that the Heysham 1 plant in Lancashire and the Hartlepool plant in Teesside would have their retirements delayed by one year, to March 2028. The decision will keep an extra 2.3 gigawatts of capacity on the grid, enough to power about four million homes, and reduce the need for Britain to import more gas to keep the lights on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Mark Hartley, the boss of EDFs nuclear operations, said: Extending the life of these stations makes sense. It secures employment for longer for more than 1,000 people who work at those sites, and it supports the UKs ambitions to have a clean, secure electricity supply. EDFs decision follows planned safety inspections this year. The company operates all five of Britains existing nuclear power stations and is currently building a sixth, Hinkley Point C in Somerset. A seventh, Sizewell C in Suffolk, was also given the go-ahead in July by the Government. EDF will supply the reactors for that project and is a major shareholder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, all the existing plants bar one Sizewell B are set to be retired by 2030, while Hinkley is not expected to come online by that point. It means about 4.7 gigawatts of capacity will be disconnected from the grid, making power supplies tighter. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has vowed to switch Britains electricity system to 95pc clean power by 2030 by building more wind and solar farms across Britain, along with other green energy schemes. But Mr Milibands clean power action plan says nuclear has a key role to play in providing firm, low-carbon baseload power at scale to generate alongside intermittent renewable generation. Last year, EDF announced extensions for the ageing advanced gas-cooled reactor plants: Heysham 1, Harlepool, Heysham 2 and Torness, in East Lothian. At the time, it said Heysham 1 and Hartlepool would run until March 2027, while Heysham 2 and Torness would remain operational until March 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays announcement extends the lifespans of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by a further 12 months. EDF said Heysham 2 and Torness were not in scope for safety inspections this year, so their retirement dates remain unchanged. But the company has previously said that it hopes to maximise its output beyond 2030, if it is safe to do so. Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: These lifetime extensions are hugely welcome theyll cut bills, cut emissions and protect jobs in communities that rely on them. Its the single biggest step forward for energy security this year, and a vital boost for our stretched power grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the real opportunity ahead is even greater: by building new nuclear alongside these extensions, we can secure a clean, reliable and resilient power system for the long term. British Gas owner Centrica, which owns a 20pc share of the existing power stations, also welcomed the extensions on Tuesday. Chris OShea, Centricas chief executive, said: The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news. We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our longstanding involvement in the UK nuclear industry is an investment in Britains energy independence and thousands of high-quality jobs. The company has also recently invested in Sizewell C and the Isle of Grain liquified natural gas terminal. 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. CNN Travel named a central Oregon town as one of the best towns to visit in the United States in 2025. Bend was named as one of CNN's top 10 towns to visit based on its "wow factor" and what it offers to visitors. "We considered hundreds of candidates and winnowed the list to 10 by evaluating the finalists attractions, food and beverage offerings, cultural and nightlife scenes, diversity, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and 'wow factor,'" CNN said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is why CNN said Bend is one of the best towns to visit in the U.S. in 2025. CNN Travel listed Bend as one of the best towns to visit in the United States in 2025. CNN names Bend in central Oregon as one of top 10 U.S. towns to visit in 2025 For its second annual list of the best U.S. towns to visit, CNN Travel asked its readers and contributors to nominate their favorite towns based on what they offered to visitors, including lodging options, things to do and how easy it is to get there. Bend was ranked at No. 4 on CNN's list, receiving high scores for beverage and food scene, outdoor wow factor, play-hard vibe and live music. The Deschutes River flows through Bend in central Oregon. "A remote getaway at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, Bend was named after that feature in the river that flows through town," CNN said in reference to the Deschutes River. "You can keep busy fishing and boating along the Deschutes and on dozens of lakes in the area, in addition to kayaking, biking, rock climbing and more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN called Bend a "big outdoor playground" with go-play-all-day energy, attributed to the town's craft beer scene, live music and food trucks. The Old Mill District includes many shops and restaurants in Bend. What were CNN's 10 best towns to visit in the U.S. in 2025? Here are the top 10 towns to visit in the U.S. in 2025, according to CNN: No. 1: Ithaca, New York No. 2: Missoula, Montana No. 3: Asheville, North Carolina No. 4: Bend, Oregon No. 5: Annapolis, Maryland No. 6: Petaluma, California No. 7: Las Cruces, New Mexico No. 8: Northampton, Massachusetts No. 9: Clarksdale, Mississippi No. 10: Rapid City, South Dakota Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: CNN names Bend in central Oregon one of top 10 places to go in 2025 This story has been updated to include quotes from more Colorado leaders, including U.S. Rep. Jeff Herd. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KREX) After reports that President Donald Trump will announce on Tuesday that Space Command Headquarters will relocate from Colorado Springs to Alabama, state officials are responding, condemning the move. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement, The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families. Moving Space Command Headquarters to Alabama is not only wrong for our national defense, but its harmful to hundreds of Space Command personnel and their families. These El Paso County residents are our neighbors. They relied on the federal governments decision to keep Space Command HQ in Colorado Springs they bought homes for their families, selected schools for their children, and have contributed to the local economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado Attorney Generals Office has been preparing in the event the president made such an unlawful decision to move Space Command HQ. If the Trump administration takes this step Im prepared to challenge it in court. The Huntsville, Alabama, area has experienced a surge in space and defense business in recent years. The move will reverse a decision by the Biden administration, which picked Colorado Springs as the permanent site. Space Command currently has about 1,700 personnel working in the state. In a joint statement, U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Gabe Evans, voiced their displeasure with the relocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays decision to move U.S Space Commands headquarters out of Colorado and to Alabama will directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom linemoving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time, the delegation stated. Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The Department of Defense Inspector Generals office has reported multiple times that moving the Command will impede our militarys operational capability for years. Space Commands long-term presence in Colorado Springs has also created a large number of civilian businesses and workers on which the Command now relies. Those people will not simply move with the Command at the militarys whim. Many of them will leave the industry altogether, creating a disruption in the workforce that will take our national defense systems decades to recreate. Being prepared for any threats should be the nations top priority; a crucial part of that is keeping in place what is already fully operational. Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now. Colorado Springs is the appropriate home for U.S. Space Command, and we will take the necessary action to keep it there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera were also vocal about the move. This is a deeply disappointing decision for our state and nation, Polis said. This is the wrong decision, diminishing military readiness and national security and eroding the trust Americans have in our country and its leaders to do the right thing. Uprooting Space Command will weaken national security and readiness, waste taxpayer dollars, and inconvenience military families. Colorado Springs is home to a proud military community and a thriving aerospace ecosystem, and significant national security missions and units, all of which are critical to U.S. Space Command. Coloradans and Americans should all be provided full transparency and the full details of this poor decision. We hope other vital military units and missions are retained and expanded in Colorado Springs. Colorado remains an ideal location for future missions, including Golden Dome. Primavera added, Space is critical to every component of American life, from our economy to our national security. This ill-advised decision by the White House to move Space Command from its rightful home in Colorado Springs will significantly harm our military readiness and national security and uproot military families. Our unparalleled Aerospace & Defense ecosystem has been vital to Space Command achieving Full Operational Capability and executing the mission. This decision is deeply disappointing, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The owners of Mustard Seed Creamery say their business has become the target of yet another act of vandalism. Tasha Levert, co-owner of the Denham Springs restaurant, alongside her husband, Tim Levert, confirmed that the business was vandalized in the overnight hours of Monday, Sept. 1. Profanity, drawings, and black spray paint could be seen on a wall near the building. The owners of Mustard Seed Creamery say their business has become the target of yet another act of vandalism. Mustard Seed Creamery was defaced when several businesses were spray-painted with lewd designs in August. A 42-year-old man, later identified as Jason Cannon, was arrested in connection with that case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levert says this second act of vandalism comes while the business remains in a struggle with leaders in Denham Springs regarding the ability to sell wine and beer inside their establishment. An alcohol license was denied for Mustard Seed Creamery during a Denham Springs City Council meeting in August. Questions were raised about whether the building was operating as a business or a church since the space is used for religious gatherings for a short time on Sundays. Gatherings took place before the restaurant opened for business. Controversy over the permit stems from a city ordinance that states that alcohol sales are banned within 300 feet of a church. Levert said she feels targeted, scared, heartbroken, sad, anxious, and angry following the second instance of vandalism at their business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we are doing at [Mustard Seed Creamery] is a good thing. We have the support of the people of Denham Springs. We love our town, and we plan to continue to be light in our community, despite these setbacks, she stated. The creamery is one of six businesses that have been vandalized in Denham Springs this week. Surveillance footage captured a person of interest who police believe may be tied to the incident. An investigation is underway. Anyone with information about the vandalism incident is urged to contact the Denham Springs Police Department. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Coalition hopes to accelerate career training, apprenticeships Hoping to promote the growth of career training and apprenticeships, a coalition including five governors and major labor unions has come together to align career training and push for national policy change. The American Federation of Teachers, the nations second-largest teachers union, and CareerWise USA, which runs apprenticeship programs for high-schoolers in five states, announced the Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator late last month, The 74 reports. The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and the governors of California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have also joined the coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its goal is to improve and expand Career Technical Education (CTE) both in high schools and community colleges and create more student internships and apprenticeships where students are paid to both work and go to school. Only about 5% of high school students nationally have a chance at an internship or apprenticeship, estimates available show. AFT President Randi Weingarten said the union sees a need to shift away from the college for all mindset of the last 20 years, and be a part of giving students other ways to prepare for work and life. Look how many kids weve seen in schools that feel totally at sea, said Weingarten, who also called for changes in a May 6 New York Times opinion piece Stop Trying to Make Everyone Go to College. Instead of working independently and sometimes at cross-purposes, which has kept the number of opportunities for students low, CareerWise founder Noel Ginsburg said the new partnership will help government, business, and schools work together in support of training efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challenges include aligning school and work schedules, finding transportation for students between work and school, giving students course credit for work-based learning, and making sure students are working in fields that are hiring. Both Ginsburg and Weingarten said the states can serve as laboratories to find the right formulas to succeed, then the partnership can promote them and find a common plan that covers all states. This is intended to truly create examples for the country in multiple states that can show how this matters, Ginsburg said. Well bring resources to it, both financial, technical, and consulting, to enable these states to accelerate faster, to make this happen, Ginsburg said. (Well) bring these systems together so that our gears arent grinding, that they are connected and, in fact, were moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governors of the participating states echoed the call for improving training opportunities for students. Apprenticeships are common in Europe, with more than half of students in countries like Switzerland participating. Apprenticeships in the U.S. usually start after high school, instead of the equivalent of junior year in Europe, and have traditionally been in construction trades. But apprenticeships across the country have been growing in recent years and in other fields, particularly health care, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. New U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has also voiced support of the Swiss apprenticeship system on social media, and has called for more CTE, apprenticeships and tuition assistance for career training. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April calling for a million more apprenticeships. But the administration also shut down a Department of Labor advisory panel on apprenticeships that Ginsburg had a major role in and put a pause on May 29 on Job Corps, a training program for 25,000 young people a year, a decision that is being challenged in court. This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Long-time United States Congressional Representative Tom Cole delivered the annual Lou Watkins Lecture Friday at a luncheon in East Central Universitys Foundation Hall. The congressman spoke on a variety of issues. Cole expressed his admiration for individuals connected to the Ada area. Its great to be here, Cole said. Its a pleasure to talk about anything associated with Lou Watkins. Lou is politically gifted and publicly motivated, and being here is just an incredible honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small band of protesters gathered outside the facility to voice their disapproval of Cole and his policies. We are here to protest Tom Cole because he does not serve his constituents, Leslie Spurgonn said. Weve come here to try to get his attention. Spurgonn said she was with the Carter County Democratic Party. She was joined by members of the Pontotoc County Democrats. Protesters held up signs with slogans like We the People, as well as questions like, What is your plan when Medicare cuts close hospitals, nursing homes, and school-based counseling? Cole has served as the U.S. representative for Oklahomas 4th congressional district since 2003 and is currently in his eleventh term. The purpose of the lectureship, according to the University, is to bring recognized authorities to ECU to address subjects of public interest at the local, state or national level. State Sen. Julie Gonzales of Denver, left, and state Sen. Tom Sullivan, right, both Democrats, present Senate Bill 25-3 to a committee at the Colorado Legislature on Jan. 28, 2025. (Photo bySara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado chapter of the National Rifle Association sued state leadership Tuesday over a sweeping firearm regulation that will require Coloradans to take safety courses to purchase most semiautomatic rifles starting next August. The Colorado State Shooting Association argues in its lawsuit, filed in federal court in Denver, that Senate Bill 25-3 is unconstitutional on Second Amendment grounds and will not hold up under recent judicial precedent related to firearm laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Acts cumbersome and expensive pre-purchase training and certification requirements are also designed to effectively stall, if not stop entirely, those trying to exercise their Second Amendment protected rights, the lawsuit says. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In addition to CSSA, the plaintiffs include a domestic violence survivor, firearms instructor, wounded Air Force veteran with limited hand mobility, former law enforcement officer, CSSA board member who feels that his identity as a gay Jewish man make him a target for hate crimes, and 19-year-old man who intends to buy a gun in Colorado when he turns 21. Democratic lawmakers passed SB-3 this year as one of the most comprehensive changes to firearm purchasing requirements in the states history. It applies to semiautomatic rifles, shotguns or handguns with detachable magazines and establishes a permit-to-purchase system for those types of guns. It also bans rapid-fire trigger devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was sponsored by Sen. Tom Sullivan of Centennial, Sen. Julie Gonzales of Denver, Rep. Andrew Boesenecker of Fort Collins and Rep. Meg Froelich of Englewood, all Democrats. They havent been successful with their lawsuits in the past and Im confident that the legislation we passed will stand up to their complaints in a court of law, Sullivan wrote in a text message to Colorado Newsline. Froelich said sponsors expect legal challenges when they run meaningful gun violence prevention legislation, and they write the policy to withstand those challenges. A federal judge sided with the state on a challenge to its minimum purchasing age law earlier this summer. Other states require safety training Coloradans will need to get an eligibility card from their county sheriff, complete safety training and score at least 90% on a test to be able to purchase SB-3-covered guns. The length of that training will depend on whether the person has already completed a hunter education course through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not yet clear how much the process could cost from start to finish. During debate on the bill, Republicans argued that an already-strained CPW could not absorb increased demand for hunter safety courses. The lawsuit alleges that the process will impose onerous requirements on the plaintiffs right to own common firearms used for self defense. The Act infringes on the individual Plaintiffs ability to do so by prohibiting the acquisition and possession of particular firearms and firearm-related equipment, and by imposing a pre-purchase permitting scheme that consists of a complicated and multilayered application process, lengthy wait times, extensive course requirements, and numerous and costly fees, it says. The requirements do not apply for the purchase of semi-automatic firearms with permanently attached magazines that comply with the states ammunition limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also alleges that there is no historical tradition for this type of regulation, so the law will not hold up in the context of U.S. Supreme Court decisions like New York Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen from 2022. Ten states require gun buyers to complete safety training, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis office declined to comment on the pending litigation. In his signing statement for the bill, however, Polis wrote that the bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self defense, or home defense. CSSA is using lawyers from Mountain States Legal Foundation, the firm behind a challenge against New Mexicos gun purchase waiting period law. A panel of federal appellate judges recently decided that the law is likely unconstitutional and sent the question back to the lower court. The plaintiffs in the Colorado case are demanding a jury trial. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (AP) A Colorado sheriff's deputy who was disciplined for helping federal immigration agents make an arrest of a college student from Brazil has resigned. Alexander Zwinck no longer works for the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, department spokesperson Heather Benjamin said Tuesday. Zwinck's departure prompted the states attorney general to drop a lawsuit against him over accusations that the deputy illegally shared information with immigration agents. After Zwinck said in court filings that he planned to resign, a judge agreed to dismiss Attorney General Phil Weiser's lawsuit against Zwinck on Thursday at the request of both Weiser and Zwinck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weiser sued to get a judge to order Zwinck to follow a new state law after he was accused of helping immigration agents arrest the student in June. It bars local government employees including law enforcement from sharing identifying information about people with federal immigration officials. Its one of a series of laws limiting the states involvement in immigration enforcement passed over the years that has drawn criticism and a lawsuit from the federal government. A lawyer for Zwinck, Michael Lowe, did not return a telephone call or email seeking comment on the allegations against Zwinck. In a response to the lawsuit filed in court, Zwinck denied intentionally violating the state law, which was signed by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis about two weeks before he stopped the 19-year-old nursing student. The lawsuit alleged Zwinck shared the woman's drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance information in a Signal chat used by members of a drug task force that included immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After federal immigration officers told him in the chat that the student did not have a criminal history but had an expired visa, Zwinck allegedly provided them with their location and told her to wait with him in his patrol car for about five minutes, asking about her accent and where she was born. He let her go with a warning and gave federal agents a description of her vehicle and told her the direction she was headed so they could arrest her, the lawsuit said. During an internal investigation by the sheriff's office, Zwinck said he didnt know about the new law and was not interested in immigration enforcement. The internal investigation found that Zwinck had helped immigration agents and that another task force member had also been sharing information with them, leading both deputies to be temporarily suspended without pay. Two supervisors also were disciplined and a third supervisor received counseling as a result of the investigation. The lawsuit and disciplinary actions came as lawmakers in Colorado and other Democratic-led states have crafted legislation intended to push back against President Donald Trumps sweeping immigration crackdown. Trump has enlisted hundreds of state and local law enforcement agencies to help identify immigrants in the U.S. illegally and detain them for potential deportation. BENTON COUNTY, Mo. A bond hearing was set for today for a woman from Columbia, Missouri, who is accused of sex crimes with a minor. According to online court documents, Kimberly Dawn Schnieders, 35, is facing charges of statutory sodomy with a person less than 14 years old, endangering the welfare of a child engaging in sexual conduct, and incest. According to the probable cause statement, on December 5, 2024, the Howard County Sheriffs Office and the Fayette Police Department took a report of child sexual abuse. The child victim accused Schnieders of touching them inappropriately and had sent nude photos of herself to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A forensic interview was conducted on Dec. 23, 2024, where the victim disclosed they were living in Missouri with Schnieders. The victim said they had sex. On March 21, 2025, Schnieders admitted she could have grabbed the victims genitals during play fighting. After the victims phone was searched, several explicit photos of Schnieders were found having been sent to the minor. She admitted to taking photos of herself, but denied ever sending them to the victim. A bond appearance hearing was set for Tuesday, Sept. 2. This article will be updated as new reports are given. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department announced on Tuesday that officers are searching for a missing teen. According to CPD, officers are searching for 15-year-old Kennedie Ash, who is described as a Black female, standing 5 foot 5 inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was reportedly last seen in the 3200 block of Howard Avenue on Aug. 27 around 8 a.m., wearing a black Shirt with yellow writing, blue jeans, black, yellow and white Jordan sneakers and currently has two braids that go down to her waist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with additional information on Ashs whereabouts is encouraged to dial 911 or contact the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or the lead investigator, Cpl. Robert Ward at 706-587-8404. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. The Printers Row Lit Fest, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, is 40 years old this season, and I am, ahem, a few years beyond that momentous birthday and have been part of every one of those years, when the stretch of South Dearborn Street from Congress Parkway (since July 2018, Ida B. Wells Drive) south to Polk St. becomes for two days a delightful orgy of all things literary. It was founded by Bette Cerf Hill in 1985 as a means to, as she once told me, bring books out in the sunshine, but also to bring people into a neighborhood that had been down at the heels for a while. It was, we old-timers can remember, run by the Near South Planning Board and originally called the Printers Row Book Fair. It was taken over by the Chicago Tribune in 2002 and soon became Lit Fest, though I still prefer Book Fair. I have been to every one of these annual gatherings, first and perhaps most pleasurably on my own, just wandering around, thumbing through books piled on tables, talking to booksellers, authors and publishers at random, stopping here and there for a cocktail and, for a busy decade, under the Tribune banner, as interviewer of authors in formal settings. There were some weekends when I had as many as seven chores spread over the two days. But who would complain about meeting and talking to writers? In previous years, I had the job and joy of interviewing such writers as Pete Hamill, Joan Bauer, Kevin Guilfoile, Barbara Ehrenreich, Jon Alter, Dan Rather, Frank Deford, Rich Cohen and so many others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune ended its ownership of the PRLF in 2019 but the paper still has a sponsorship role. My duties have diminished. Last year, for instance, was an easy year, since my job, such as it was, entailed talking to some people on the topic of Remembering Mike Royko. Those people were Mikes lively widow, Judy; Northwestern Universitys Bill Savage, and Mitchell Bisschop, who was in town to perform in his one-man play, Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago. It was a huge crowd, many laughs and a lot of memories too. So, the weather this weekend promises to be delightful but there have been weekends of torrential storms and horrific heat. One such took place in 2010 when I was interviewing Chicagos Jonathan Eig about his Get Capone, about another famous local citizen. Our conversation was being taped for C-Spans Book TV and Eig and I were perspiring so profusely (think Albert Brooks in Broadcast News) that we used full-sized bath towels in our attempt to stay dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eig, who has since gone on to write bestselling books about Muhammad Ali (Ali: A Life) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (King: A Life), which won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for biography, will be at this years fair, at 2 p.m. Saturday on the Plymouth Court Stage. I will be there too, twice. At noon at the Grace Place Stage (on the second floor at 637 S. Dearborn), I will be with Abbott Kahler, talking about her exciting new book, Eden Undone. This author used to write under the name Karen Abbott and she was a sensation in 2007 with her first book, Sin in the Second City, about those entrepreneurial brothel owners, Minna and Ada Everleigh. Shes written more books since and her new book is a marvel of historical research and spectacular writing. Youll then have a bit of time to browse (eat and drink too if you like) before trying to grab a seat at the hard-to-miss Center Stage at 3 p.m., where I will be talking to Bill Kurtis about his brand new autobiography, Whirlwind. Given Kurtiss stature, he will likely attract the weekends biggest crowd and that will remind me of the Lit Fest days I spent talking with Studs Terkel, often in the auditorium of the nearby Harold Washington Library, every seat filled by fans of the Chicago treasure. The last took place in 2018 and it was the final public appearance by Studs, who died at 96 little more than a month later, on Halloween. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sense, Studs will be at this years bash, at 3 p.m. Saturday on the Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation Stage. Thats where Pulitzer winners Bill Healy and Mary Schmich will talk with WBEZs Tracy Brown about Division Street Revisited, a podcast that traces the lives of seven people featured in what was Studs first bestselling oral history. There is so much to see and hear this weekend. It is free and also a wonderful way to remind people of the citys vitality as a literary center. Thousands of books (and maps and posters and other things) are for sale and, perhaps, one day cherished. The 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6-7 on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk; printersrowlitfest.org rkogan@chicagotribune.com A common ingredient in gel nail polishes has been banned by the European Union. In a document obtained by Newsweek, European officials deemed trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (or TPO) as a product believed to be "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction." The ban goes into effect immediately. Per The Independent, nail salons in any of the EU's 27 member states "must now stop selling TPO-based nail gels and safely dispose of all their current stock, while manufacturers must reformulate their products to be TPO-free." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While TPO has not yet been prohibited in the U.S., the ban could affect the American beauty industry. Due to reformulation requirements, there may be supply chain issues on gel polishes that are manufactured in the EU. The Independent points out that companies that sell their polishes in both Europe and the U.S. may reformulate all of their products to avoid making separate versions. In light of the ban, Francesca Rapolla of the British trade association CPTA told the nail magazine Scratch that industries could appeal to the EU for an exemption from regulations by proving that there are ways to mitigate risk. Getty Stock Images Nail polish. Nail polish. However, in the case of TPO, Rapolla said that "the industry did not, and could not, defend the continued use of this ingredient in nail products, mainly because it could not demonstrate that there are no alternative ingredients to this one." "The most common health risks [of TPO] are allergic skin reactions and irritation," double board-certified cosmetic facial plastic surgeon and dermatologist Dr. Lauren Moy tells PEOPLE. She also clarifies that the potential damage to fertility has only been tested in animal studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Moy explains that the safest option is to use TPO-free products, especially for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. "Spacing out time between gel manicures and making sure its done in a well-ventilated area can also help as well as a protective TPO free base coat," she adds." Doug Schoon, a scientific expert in the nail industry and founder of Schoon Scientific, told Scratch that the risks of TPO are mitigated by correct application. The removal of TPO from nail products doesnt necessarily impact their performance, but they will require reformulation," he said. "When used improperly and skin contact is not avoided, TPO can cause skin sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. However, adverse effects are rare when products are applied correctly by trained professionals." He continues, Most of the concern over this ingredient involves using TPO in other applications that are not related to nail coatings, such as workers in factories that manufacture printing inks and industrial adhesives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for potential U.S. regulations on TPO, Dr. Nava Greenfield, board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group, tells PEOPLE that she predicts the FDA will "need more data to make a recommendation or ban." Read the original article on People An over-the-counter nasal spray which has been used for years as a safe and effective treatment for seasonal allergies could potentially prevent Covid infections, according to clinical trial results released Tuesday. The antihistamine azelastine works as an antiviral against a range of respiratory infections, including influenza, RSV and the virus that causes Covid, a growing number of studies have shown. German scientists at Saarland University Hospital recruited 450 adults, mostly in their early 30s. The first group of 227 participants tested a puff of the nasal spray in each nostril, three times a day. The other 223 were instructed to do the same, but with a placebo spray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All participants were given Covid rapid tests twice a week over the course of nearly two months. By the end, the incidence of Covid infections in the azelastine group was 2.2%, significantly lower than the 6.7% infection rate in the placebo group. Azelastine also appeared to reduce rates of other symptomatic respiratory infections, in general, the study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found. The researchers said they were not entirely sure why azelastine appears to be effective at limiting Covid infections, but they suggested that it might bind to the virus in the nasal mucosa, the moist membrane lining the nose which pathogens must navigate to enter the body, and inhibits a key enzyme that it uses to replicate. Another possibility is that azelastine interacts with the ACE2 receptor, the preferred entry point which the Covid virus uses to access human cells, and prevents it from latching on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our findings suggest azelastine could serve as a scalable, over-the-counter prophylactic against Covid, especially when community transmission is elevated or in high-risk settings such as crowded indoor events or travelling, said Dr. Robert Bals, professor of internal medicine and pneumology at Saarland University and the studys senior author. The trial had limitations, namely that the participants were all young and relatively healthy, he said. Bals said that azelastine should not be seen as a replacement for vaccinations, and larger studies were needed before recommending it as a routine preventative measure for the general public, and especially vulnerable groups. Dr. William Messer, associate professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Oregon Health & Science University, who was not involved with the trial, described the findings as reasonably convincing as a way to reduce overall risk, but noted the intense regimen of daily sprays used in the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He questioned whether it might be easier to wear a mask to prevent Covid infections. The mask may be more awkward and annoying but might be easier to comply with than remembering a thrice-daily nasal spray day after day, Messer said. Still, I would not discourage someone interested in giving it a try, he said. Other researchers called for more data demonstrating that the spray is effective in high-risk groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised who are most in need of measures to prevent infections. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, professor in the UCSF Health Division of Infectious Diseases, said that azelastine could find a niche as an additional Covid-blocking tool for people who already use the spray for seasonal allergies, but felt that there is insufficient evidence to endorse it more widely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While promising, I dont think its prime time to recommend this to block transmission, he wrote in an email. For those 65 and older, I would still continue to recommend vaccines as my number one defense against Covid. However, Chin-Hong said that the results of this trial provide further indication that the nasal mucosa could be a vital target for future vaccines against Covid and other respiratory viruses as a better way of blocking infections. The current Covid vaccines clearly do not do a great job of protecting against infections, he said. We need more mucosal vaccines for respiratory viruses. Theres one which is widely used for influenza, and theres been ongoing work in mucosal vaccines for coronaviruses, but we need to continue to advocate for federal prioritization and support of these initiatives. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com People across the Miami Valley gathered to celebrate Labor Day on Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 and 6:00, Labor Day was established to honor the labor movement and workers contributions to American society. There were several events across the region, including CedarFest in Greene County and the Holiday at Home Parade in Kettering. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festivities in Kettering began with a parade on Monday morning, drawing large crowds eager to enjoy the holiday. Former News Center 7 Anchor Cheryl McHenry was the honorary grand marshal of this years Holiday at Home Parade. The celebration continued near Ketterings city buildings, where attendees explored numerous local vendors and food options. One of the highlights of the day was the annual car show, which attracted many visitors interested in classic cars. Bob Scott, who has previously won first place with his 1962 Austin Healey Tri Car, enjoyed sharing stories about his vehicle. So many people come by and say, Oh, what is it? Or I remember that. It just brings back some memories about when we were younger, Scott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Greene County, Cedarville Mayor John Cody Jr said this years CedarFest had one of the biggest turnouts. The festival had food trucks, fireworks, live music, games, and a parade for attendees to enjoy. News Center 7s Anchor Gabrielle Enright emceed the parade and festival. >>RELATED: Father of Labor Day born and raised in small Greene County town As previously reported by News Center 7, the town of Cedarville considers it the Home of Labor Day. This is because the founder of the holiday, Senator James Kyle, was born there. Was largely founded because of Cedarville, Cody said. The Senator who first proposed the legislation creating Labor Day was actually from Cedarville, Ohio, so we take it very seriously. The Labor Day events throughout the region gave community members the opportunity to come together to celebrate the holiday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SOUTHWICK Though the holiday season is still a few months away, the Our Community Food Pantry is preparing to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity with three fundraisers, the first which will be held Sept. 9. Were so blessed to have our community supporting us, Pantry Director Sally Munson said. They really come through for us during the holiday season, she added. However, with food prices continuing to rise and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps, scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1, the pantry wants to be ready if the food needs for folks in Southwick, Granville, and Tolland increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The needs are great now, but we have to ready after Oct. 1, Munson said. The first fundraiser will be held at Tuckers Restaurant from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9. Between those hours for everyone who orders from the regular menu, Tuckers will donate a portion of the proceeds to the pantrys Kids Bag Program, said the chair of the pantrys board of directors Kathy Cook. The program provides child-friendly meals, snacks, and drinks for more than 75 school-age children during the summer months when schools are closed. This takes the place of the food, like breakfasts and lunches, the kids were getting at school, Munson said about the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program starts again on Dec. 22 when students stay home for Christmas break, which means that not only is the volunteer staff preparing the kids bags, but also to supply at the fixings for a traditional Christmas dinner. The pantry will hold what it calls its Grateful Gathering Auction on Nov. 1-2 to raise money to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for its clients. Were inviting our amazing neighbors, local businesses, and friends of the pantry to come together for a fantastic cause: helping families in our community enjoy nourishing meals this Thanksgiving, Cook said. The funds raised will go directly toward our annual Thanksgiving distribution on Nov. 24, a time when we get to lend a helping hand to those in need. The auction will be held on the Our Community Food Pantrys Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook explained how the auction will be conducted. Starting on Oct. 27, the pantry will post clear, detailed photos and descriptions of all the donated items, which gives participants time to browse, ask questions, and consider bids, she said. The auction features a remarkable array of donations from local businesses and generous friends of the pantry. She said participants can expect gift cards, unique handmade crafts, themed baskets, and more. She said the pantry has reached out to over 50 businesses in town to provide items, and they did not disappoint. All of the auction items will have been donated by the community, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook also explained how the bidding process will work. She said each auction item will have a dedicated Facebook post. In each post, we will clearly state the starting bid and the bidding increment. To participate, simply place your bid as a comment below the items post by following the instructions provided, she said. Once bidding closes, the pantry staff will declare the winner in the comments section. Winners will be contacted directly for the next steps regarding payment and pickup, she said. The pantrys third auction before the new year will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Romas Restaurant and will feature a new wrinkle for a traditional auction and it involves quarters the 25-cent coin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained that those who want to take part in the auction will pay a small fee, probably $5, to participate. They will be given paddles to use when bidding on items, and heres the wrinkle; every time a person makes a bid on an item, they must put a quarter in a container. All the quarters in the container will be donated to the pantry, she said. That means well need a lot of people there and bidding, Cook said. She said the pantrys volunteer staff will have several gift baskets that will be auctioned off including items offered by vendors who will attend the event. Cook said it was a bit too early to provide a list of the vendors, but as the date gets closer, they will be posted on the pantrys Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the pantrys programs, visit ourcommunityfoodpantry.org or call 413-569-9876. The pantry, located at 222 College Highway, is a 501c3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible. Read the original article on MassLive. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) A Rutherford County cat cafe is hoping to turn around their financial luck. Catefeine Cat Cafe, located on Cason Lane near the Old Fort Parkway exit of Interstate 24, experienced a slower summer season than usual. According to Owner Taura Byrd, this summer saw about a 30% drop in business compared to previous years. Unfortunately, that slump has affected their later season operations. Byrd told News 2 the summer months usually help tide the cafe over as students return to the classroom in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the precipitous drop in business, Byrd took to social media, putting out a call to cat lovers in Rutherford County and beyond. La Vergne holding free electronics recycling event For the first time in 6 years, Im worried about our future, Byrd said in the post. We just want to remind everyone that were here, and that we need your support. We work so hard to bring a happy place and safe haven for cats and people in our community. According to Byrd, the first inklings came toward the beginning of the year. We started to notice pretty early in the year that we werent seeing the amount of visitors that we had seen in the past, and we chalked it up to the economy is not greatthe price of groceries is upso we figured families were having to make those tough decisions on, you know, Do we have the funds to go to the cat cafe?' she told News 2. Then when we got to summer we really noticed a down[turn] from prior years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That drop in visitors put the business in a little bit of a panic mode, Byrd said, because mid-August to about October is usually the slower season. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Luckily, the Murfreesboro and cat-loving community has stepped up in a big way for the cafe. We literally have cried because people have just stepped up, Byrd said. Over the Labor Day Weekend, Byrd said the number of Amazon package deliveries has skyrocketed, and the reservations for the cafe booked up completely. A reel posted to their social media showed three consecutive days of larger quantities of cat food, litter, and more showing up at the cafe in carts from delivery drivers. Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) An adoptable cat at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) Adoptable cats at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) An adoptable cat at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) Adoptable cats at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) An adoptable cat at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) An adoptable cat at Catfeine Cat Cafe in Murfreesboro (Courtesy: Catfeine Cat Cafe) We were sold out all weekend, and a lot of people were saying, Yeah, I cant believe I forgot about you guys!' she told News 2. But yeah, they showed up and they showed out! We are so grateful to have such a supportive community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the business was happy to see the immediate response, Byrd said a sustained enthusiasm will better help the business navigate the slower months through the remainder of the year. As much as we loved and appreciate it, we need it to continue to be as much support as we can get, Byrd said. We certainly would need that to continue to help keep us afloat. NDOT begins Fall 2025 traffic calming projects The cafe serves not only its own rescue, Tennessee Whiskers, but also helps Rutherford County Cat Rescue, and several other smaller, surrounding county rescues, such as Spay It Forward in Cannon County and All Aboard Animal Rescue in Eagleville. All the rescue organizations work through fosters, according to Byrd, so Catfeine serves as an alternative shelter for the groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why our facility is so important to them, because this gives them an opportunity to have somewhere for their kitties to come to be seen and get adopted, Byrd added. Were more like a home environment. They thrive in this environment. Theyre not in a cage here. In addition to regular day visits, Byrd said the cafe is working on their events calendar for September and October. Some things coming up at the cafe include the return of cat yoga, as well as some trivia nights, a murder mystery night, and a make-your-own planter night. That full calendar will be available on their website and social media pages, per Byrd. The best way to support the business is to visit in person, Byrd said, but those who want to help but cant make it to the cafe physically can also donate financially through their website. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com All the donations received are put toward the care for the nearly 20 cats they keep on-site at any given time, from food, litter, medicine, veterinary care, and toys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a lot of little mouths to feed, for sure, Byrd said. Luckily, the Amazon donations have more than taken care of the physical needs of the cats in the cafe. Byrd said the biggest help would be to visit the cafe and maybe see about adopting a cat of your own. To visit Catfeine Cat Cafe, book a reservation online here. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A customer looks at a laptop computer for sale last year. Comprehensive consumer privacy laws are taking effect in eight states this year. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) This year, comprehensive privacy laws are going into effect in eight states to regulate how businesses handle digital information and to give consumers more protections over their personal data. The laws in Delaware, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Tennessee have taken effect already this year, according to a database from the International Association of Privacy Professionals Westin Research Center. Marylands privacy law, signed by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore last year, will go into effect Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Privacy laws enacted in Indiana, Kentucky and Rhode Island will go into effect next year. Several other states are considering comprehensive privacy bills during this years legislative sessions. They include Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. When a person visits a website, applies to a job or logs into an online portal, they may be sharing their personal information. Comprehensive privacy laws can apply to a wide range of companies that participate in this kind of data collection. These laws generally include two types of provisions those related to consumer rights and those that establish business obligations, according to the association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under each of the new laws, consumers have the right to control when and how their data is collected and shared. Some of those provisions include the right to delete data from a companys database, the ability to opt out of sharing sensitive information and the right to prohibit a company from selling their data. The new measures also require businesses to ask consumers if they want to opt in to data collection. In some states, businesses are required to complete consumer data risk assessments and identify ways in which discrimination could take place. Some companies also may be required to limit to how consumer data is processed. In 2018, California became the first state to enact comprehensive privacy legislation for consumers in the state; the law went into effect in 2020. Virginia and Colorado enacted laws in 2021. Connecticut, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Utah also have comprehensive laws that have taken effect, the database shows. Other states have passed measures with more specific data protections this year. California, Colorado and Montana, for instance, passed legislation that aims to protect sensitive brain data collected by devices outside of medical settings, KFF Health News reported earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One bill under consideration in New York would establish data privacy protections for children. And another measure in Pennsylvania aims to improve consumer data protections with genetic testing companies. Without comprehensive federal protections, state lawmakers are driving the push to protect consumers from having their personal information shared without their knowledge. Stateline reporter Madyson Fitzgerald can be reached at mfitzgerald@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Congress returns Tuesday facing one big deadline: a possible federal government shutdown on Oct. 1 if Republicans and Democrats cant come together on a funding deal. But congressional leaders also have to manage a pileup of other thorny issues that could derail their plans and make September an unusually unpredictable month on Capitol Hill. The potential fights include President Donald Trumps push to tackle crime in Washington and elsewhere, the pending Senate pileup of his nominees, an ongoing push to ban stock trading by lawmakers and the looming expiration of key health care subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also the explosive matter that forced the House to beat an early exit out of town in July: a bipartisan push to release Justice Department files related to the sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) plan to start the process of forcing a vote on their bill to compel the complete disclosure of Epstein-related documents immediately, Massie said in an interview. This has not gone away like the speaker had hoped, Massie said. If anything, now that the DOJ is releasing documents, its increasing the momentum. The GOP dissension over Epstein, as well as internal pressure to hold a vote on cracking down on member stock trading, pose twin threats to Speaker Mike Johnsons control of the House as the shutdown deadline approaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even a minor blowup could threaten Republican unity at a moment where Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune want to present a united GOP front in the escalating funding fight. Thune is facing challenges of his own: Senate Republicans are gearing up to change the chambers rules on presidential nominations amid pent-up frustration over the pace of confirmations even as the White House throws them into a fight over the Federal Reserve's independence that many of them are wary about. Both chambers will also take up the sprawling annual defense policy bill, including a politically dicey cryptocurrency-related provision favored by House GOP hard-liners. And Republicans will try to quickly act to extend Trumps control of Washington police and potentially move broader crime legislation. But the cloud hanging over all of it is that end-of-the-month deadline to avert a politically risky shutdown a year ahead of the midterms with Republican control of Congress at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate GOP leaders and appropriators want a short-term year-end patch to buy time for a larger funding deal, possibly including an extension of the health care subsidies. Theyll face pushback from some conservatives, in both chambers and potentially the White House, who want to jam Democrats with a year-long funding bill that reflects GOP funding priorities. Trump has already thrown Congress an early curveball and increased the odds of a shutdown by moving Friday to unilaterally claw back roughly $5 billion in approved foreign aid funding, further eroding already frayed bipartisan trust and infuriating Democrats and some Republicans. Here's what to watch heading into the September sprint: Epstein files Massie and Khanna plan to launch a discharge petition this week an effort to sidestep Johnson and force a House vote on their bill requiring the Justice Department to release the complete Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The duo is planning a Capitol Hill news conference Wednesday morning with victims of the deceased sex trafficker just as GOP members and staffers meet with Trump officials for a strategy session blocks away. Democrats on the Rules Committee, meanwhile, are expected to again force panel Republicans into tough votes by raising Epstein-related measures a tactic that triggered a GOP mutiny and paralyzed the House floor in July. Massie acknowledged GOP leaders could try to quash his discharge effort in the Rules Committee. But I think this issue has reached escape velocity, he said. I don't think they can get away with that on this. He added he is confident he can gather the necessary 218 signatures. And Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), who told reporters last week he would vote for the bill, said the discharge petition was putting his partys leaders in a tight spot. I don't think there's too many options, Moore said. I think you have to take it up, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Moore's communications director, Lauren Ridinger, reiterated that the lawmaker will not sign onto the discharge petition proper. House GOP leaders, meanwhile, have discussed the option of putting an alternative Epstein resolution up for a vote to head off Massies discharge effort, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to relay private discussions. In the Senate, Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee invoked a little-used law and set a Sept. 2 deadline for the DOJ to hand over documents and brief panel staff. If the department doesnt comply, Democrats believe theyll be able to sue and keep the issue in the headlines indefinitely. Member stock trading Johnson is getting a little more breathing room on another internally divisive matter that has simmered over the summer break: a ban on congressional stock trading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) is making good on her threats to launch a discharge petition that would force a vote on her favored bill, authored by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.). But shes signaling she wont trigger a floor vote immediately when lawmakers return. Instead, she plans to give GOP leaders till the end of the month to bring a stock-trading bill to the floor on their own terms. If they dont act, I am calling up the discharge petition, Luna said in an interview. Democrats have privately warned they wont sign en masse onto a discharge of the narrower Burchett bill alone they want a more comprehensive measure. Lawmakers say they plan to soon unveil a separate bipartisan compromise that has been months in the making. But GOP leaders are not yet sold on any ban. Johnson, in fact, has privately argued some lawmakers need to trade stocks in order to pay for their childrens schooling and other expenses. Presidential nominations After four weeks out of Washington, Republicans still believe they need to deploy the nuclear option to speed up consideration of Trumps nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means acting along party lines to change the chambers rules, and GOP senators are expected to discuss next steps during a closed-door lunch this week. But their leaders have been laying the groundwork for the move, with Thune warning at a South Dakota event last month that we're going to change the way we do nominations in this country. Ideas under discussion include reducing the amount of debate time for most presidential nominees, confirming those nominees in groups or eliminating the need for procedural votes. Theres also interest in reducing the number of nominees that require Senate confirmation, but senators believe that would require a new law not just a rules change. Republicans will need near-complete unity to change the rules and already GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has said he wont go nuclear. Facing criticism of Democrats nominee blockage, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said historically bad nominees deserve a historic level of scrutiny by Senate Democrats. Crime Justice Department officials spoke during the recess with a small group of GOP staff about assembling a crime bill, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to describe the early talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said last week he wants a comprehensive bill dealing with what he sees as a winning issue for Republicans heading into next years midterms and he wants it fast. The package would likely reflect Trumps push to eliminate no-cash bail nationwide and codify several other of his recent executive actions, among other items. The talks are still in the very preliminary stages, according to one of the Republicans. One GOP lawmaker said passing a crime package would represent a huge win for the party ahead of next years midterms and would also take the focus off Republicans Epstein crisis. Trump is also pushing Congress to extend his 30-day takeover of Washington police, which expires Sept. 9 but it faces an all-but-guaranteed roadblock from Senate Democrats. He also wants $2 billion to beautify Washington, but lawmakers are still waiting for the administration to send over details of the request. What remains to be seen is what policy provisions Hill Republicans would seek to attach to any cash infusion for the overwhelmingly Democratic capital. Government funding and more Republicans notched a huge win this spring when they were able to force Democrats to accept a full-year extension of fiscal 2024 funding levels. This time, however, the GOP is facing divisions in its ranks over their September funding strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune has indicated he would prefer a short-term stopgap that would allow time to make progress toward a larger funding deal with Democrats at the end of the year. That strategy is backed by Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, who is up for reelection in Maine next year, and other members of the spending panel. But some conservatives in the House and Senate are already pushing for another full-year stopgap, paired with more spending cuts and potential policy sweeteners. House GOP leaders are seriously considering the idea and it might also have fans in the administration, which has shown little interest in trying to cut a deal with Democrats. The White House, in fact, significantly amped up chances for a shutdown Friday, when it moved to unilaterally cancel $5 billion in State Department and international aid funding. The so-called pocket rescission could be just the first salvo from White House budget director Russ Vought, who is determined to assert new presidential powers to rein in spending. The move generated immediate backlash from lawmakers who believe the administration is undermining any chance of getting a bipartisan government funding agreement. Collins, for instance, called the move a clear violation of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its Democratic leaders who are under fierce pressure to play hardball. Schumer, who took fire inside his party for assenting to the spring funding deal, offered a warning Friday: If Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats wont be party to their destruction. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are pushing the GOP to come to the table to discuss not only government funding, but also the impending lapse of tax credits offered under the Affordable Care Act. The expiration threatens to spike health insurance premiums for millions of low-income Americans unless lawmakers act. Many vulnerable House Republicans are also desperate to extend the insurance subsidies, and bipartisan conversations are underway in the Senate. But a growing number of House and Senate conservatives are privately warning that any extension will be offset by additional cuts to Medicaid spending a red line for Democrats and also some GOP senators. This week, Johnson and Thune plan to put the spending fight on the back burner. The House is set to vote on the fiscal 2026 Energy and Water funding bill, while the Senate will move forward with the annual defense policy bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while internal GOP strategy talks could break out, leaders are likely to seek out a way to push the ultimate showdown later into the year. The alternative would be a long, bitter and politically perilous shutdown. Jennifer Scholtes contributed to this report. Lawmakers have been waiting all year for the Supreme Court to save them from President Donald Trumps unprecedented moves to suspend funding Congress already approved. But they might not get closure anytime soon. Trump began freezing federal cash the day he was sworn into a second term as president. Seven months later, the courts are littered with legal challenges to his administrations abrupt, massive and often indiscriminate cuts to spending, contracts and personnel. None of these lawsuits, however, have yet risen to the Supreme Court in a way that would give the justices the necessary opening to settle longstanding disagreements about Congress control of the federal pursestrings and whether the administrations actions violate the law. In recent weeks, several of the leading cases that have a shot at reaching the Supreme Court were set back due to two technical tripwires: Who can bring the lawsuits and what courts have to hear them first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means the high courts justices are unlikely to wade into the substance of the issue, if they choose to at all, until at least next year. In the meantime, Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill will have to navigate tense funding negotiations to avoid a government shutdown on Oct. 1 and beyond without any assurances that Trump will be forced to spend the money as stipulated. Whatever your prediction is about when we get a full-year appropriation, we wont have heard from the Supreme Court in any way that anyone can count on when that is done, said Georgetown University law professor David Super. For a few days last week, one prominent case challenging Trumps withholding of funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development seemed like it might get an emergency decision by the Supreme Court in short order. That case could have sent strong signals about how the justices view the broader question of impoundment, which refers to the president's act of withholding congressionally appropriated cash. But on Friday, the Trump administration dropped its request for the justices to rule in the case after a lower court effectively sent the issue back before another judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump added new urgency Friday for the high court to weigh in on impoundment of foreign aid funding: He advanced his assault on Congress funding power by declaring a pocket rescission, the seldom-used maneuver to cancel federal dollars in the final days of the fiscal year without requiring an up-or-down vote. Many lawmakers and Congress top watchdog argue the gambit is illegal. But the courts wont necessarily see the pocket rescissions tactic championed by White House budget director Russ Vought as meaningfully different from the other actions the Trump administration has taken this year, according to Super. It's a cute term that Mr. Vought came up with. But it is essentially just sitting on the money, and that's what they've been doing now, he said. Still, Trumps latest attempt to assert more control over federal spending has made lawmakers of both parties desperate for certainty, even as theyre jittery over the prospect that the justices could side with Trump and erode their funding power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, the court has repeatedly ruled in the president's favor of late, including allowing the Trump administration to cut off health research grants, proceed with mass layoffs at the Education Department and implement sweeping elements of his mass deportation agenda. Im worried, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in an interview. They're inventing what they thought was good policy, Merkley said of the Supreme Court justices. That's not their role. And so they're violating their oath of office through the Constitution. So we're in deep trouble when this comes to the Supreme Court. To some lawmakers, the Supreme Courts eventual, inevitable role in resolving these interbranch fights could be a clarifying inflection point for the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My prediction is: When we look back on this administration, there'll be more Supreme Court decisions defining separation of powers than in the 250-year history of the country, said Sen. Rand Paul in an interview. The Kentucky Republican, who chairs the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in charge of vetting Trumps nominees to top budget posts, told a White House official earlier this year that he doesnt think the president can impound direct funds indefinitely. It's a reasonable question to ask. And it's never been all the way to the Supreme Court, Paul said. And of course, everybody has to adhere to what the final decision will be. But even then, the Supreme Court could skirt the overarching argument many lawmakers are hoping the justices settle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest question for the next few months is whether the court has the appetite to squarely take on the basic issue the fundamental issue which is the administration's broad claim that it can refuse to spend appropriated funds for policy reasons, said Gregg Nunziata, a conservative lawyer who served as counsel for Senate Republicans and now heads the Society for the Rule of Law. Already, the Supreme Court has dealt a major setback to lawsuits over funding the Trump administration has withheld for grants and contracts. Late last month, the justices signaled such cases need to start over in the slow-moving Court of Federal Claims, which has jurisdiction over cases involving financial damages and breached contracts. And the USAID case in which humanitarian groups are challenging Trumps decision to withhold billions of congressionally appropriated dollars now faces several new twists in its path to Supreme Court consideration too. On Friday, a White House official said the Trump administration sees revoking USAID funding as its strongest case for canceling federal cash at the end of the fiscal year, arguing, theres nothing that we can do within these accounts, because of the way they're written, to shift them to things that the president would support in the foreign aid space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration wanted to make the case as clean as we possibly could, as we navigate the different critics that we know would arise, the official added. Last month, in the USAID case, a panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that only Congress top watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, can sue the administration over breaking impoundment law. That ruling has derailed the effort by humanitarian groups to sue directly. University of Michigan administrative law professor Nicholas Bagley described the courts as taking a lawyerly, careful, minimalist approach in their decisions on Trumps funding moves. And the vice is the courts don't appear to be registering the full depth of the concern about the erosion of the appropriations power, he added. But the fact that those lower-court issues are hindering lawsuits from making it to the Supreme Court isnt necessarily a failure of the judicial system, argues Zachary Price, a law professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's just a kind of mismatch between litigation timelines and the way the appropriations cycle works, Price explained. It's a process that works a lot better when it's a matter of push and pull between the branches. Those so far reluctant to exert real pressure on the administration to back down from its funding moves are congressional Republicans. GOP lawmakers could take steps like barring funding for White House operations if the Trump administration doesnt spend federal cash as lawmakers mandate or reject Trumps proposals like the $9 billion rescissions package they passed earlier this summer. But most Republicans don't want to appear antagonistic of the president, and they're hoping instead that the legal system will settle a messy fight on their behalf. Is Congress determined to protect its own power of the purse or not? said Philip Wallach, who studies the separation of powers at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute. Congress has a very bad habit of relying on the courts to rule and make everything clear, and fix everything for them, so that they don't have to do it. Washington Congress returns this week from its August recess staring down a deadline to fund the government and avert a possible shutdown by month's end. But a handful of other GOP priorities from cracking down on crime to fast-tracking President Trump's nominees have surfaced in recent weeks, along with lingering tensions and partisan disagreements, promising a chaotic return to Washington, and a lengthy to-do list. Here's what's on lawmakers' agenda as Congress returns: Government funding fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A familiar deadline is fast approaching, as Congress must race to keep the government funded by Sept. 30. While the House and Senate each passed a small number of funding bills before leaving Washington for the August recess, the two chambers have been on different pages when it comes to funding levels. Getting all 12 individual appropriations bills through both chambers is unlikely, meaning lawmakers will almost certainly have to rely on a short-term measure to keep the government funded. The dynamic isn't unusual. Congress regularly struggles to approve the new funding before the end of the fiscal year, opting instead to push the deadline down the road by keeping the government funded at current levels on a temporary basis. But this time around, the funding fight itself has taken on new meaning. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer came under intense scrutiny from his own party during the last funding fight in March. After pledging to fight the GOP plan, which increased defense spending while decreasing non-defense spending below 2024 levels, he changed course at the eleventh hour. Ultimately, Schumer opted to deliver one of the Democratic votes necessary to propel the partisan measure to passage and prevent a shutdown, arguing that a shutdown risked more damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, Democratic leaders have worked to engage on the funding issue well ahead of the deadline. Early last month, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a "Big Four" meeting with their GOP counterparts to discuss funding the government. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, the Democrats said that "it is clear that the Trump Administration and many within your party are preparing to 'go it alone' and continue to legislate on a solely Republican basis." Still, the letter didn't appear to kickstart a bipartisan effort. And Mr. Trump, asked about meeting with the Democratic leaders last month, said he would do it, while saying it's "almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything." The Democrats renewed their call for a meeting between congressional leaders last week, writing that the "government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way. That is the only viable path forward." Meanwhile, Democrats have bemoaned the White House's efforts to claw back funds already appropriated in what's known as a rescissions package earlier this year, along with a new push by the administration last week to claw back nearly $5 billion in foreign aid funds that Congress already approved. The rarely used maneuver, known as a pocket rescission, is an attempt to rescind funding unilaterally, sparking pushback on Capitol Hill and bipartisan criticism as an "unlawful" move. "Today's announcement of the Administration's plan to advance an unlawful 'pocket rescission' package is further proof President Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and 'going it alone' this fall," Schumer said in a statement. The dynamics put the parties on a collision course heading toward the Sept. 30 deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Republicans have majorities in the House and Senate, they will need 60 votes in the Senate to keep the government funded, meaning they will need the support of at least seven Democrats. At the same time, some in the party, including Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, have encouraged Democrats to let the government shut down to protest Mr. Trump's policies. "We cannot be the only one playing by the rules with a hand tied behind our backs," Martin said. "That old playbook, the norms that, you know, used to have guardrails on our democracy and protect all of us in this country that doesn't exist anymore. We've got to throw that playbook out the window because the Republicans have." Changes to Senate nomination rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators left Washington after a bruising nominations saga in July. Democrats have slow-walked Mr. Trump's nominees in recent months, putting up procedural hurdles to delay confirmations nearly across the board. Senate Democrats were unable to come to an agreement with the White House in an episode that foreshadowed a larger fight to come. "Donald Trump tried to bully us, go around us, threaten us, call us names but he got nothing. And he walked away with his tail between his legs," Schumer told reporters before leaving for the August recess. Schumer has railed against the White House for walking away from a deal involving the release of already appropriated funds in exchange for cooperation from Democrats to swiftly approve a group of nominees. Meanwhile, the president called the Democrat's demands "egregious and unprecedented." Without a deal, Senate Republicans are expected to pursue changes to the nominations process that would allow them to more swiftly confirm the president's nominees upon their return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, urged in an op-ed last week that it's "time to change Senate confirmation rules" amid what he described as a "bitter fight" over even routine nominations. He said that the Senate GOP is "considering changes to the Senate rules to end the most egregious delay tactics." "Senate Republicans are determined to confirm Mr. Trump's qualified nominees one way or another," Barrasso wrote. What the changes look like remains to be seen. Both Democrats and Republicans have made pushes to change the confirmation process in recent years, like by cutting down the time requirements for the nominations and reducing the number of votes needed to a simple majority. Confirming Trump's nominees for BLS chair and Fed governor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possible changes to the confirmation process come as a handful of new high-profile nominees are expected to come before the Senate, in addition to the dozens already awaiting votes. Mr. Trump fired the former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner last month over a weaker-than-expected July jobs report. He soon announced E.J. Antoni as his nominee to lead the agency. Mr. Trump said in his announcement that Antoni, a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, "will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE." But the nominee could face pushback in the Senate, with questions about his experience and comments he's made suggesting the monthly jobs report should be suspended. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is planning to hold a confirmation hearing for Antoni pending completed paperwork, according to a committee spokesperson. The panel includes a handful of Senate Republicans who have pushed back on some of Mr. Trump's most controversial nominees this year: Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the committee chairman, along with Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the committee demanded that the panel hold a full hearing on Antoni's nomination. And Sen. Patty Murray of Washington called Antoni "an unqualified right-wing extremist who won't think twice about manipulating BLS data." The Senate is also expected to work to confirm Stephen Miran, the chair of the White House's Council of Economic Advisers, to fill a vacated seat on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. Mr. Trump announced the nomination in August after Adriana Kugler stepped down. The Senate Banking Committee is set to hold a confirmation hearing this week. But Democrats on the committee have called for a delay, seeking instead to hold an oversight hearing on Mr. Trump's moves to fire another member of the Fed board. Last week, Mr. Trump said he had fired another member of the Fed board, Lisa Cook, accusing her of making false statements on mortgage documents. Governors can only be fired "for cause" and Cook has refused to resign. She sued the president to block her firing last week. The push to oust Susan Monarez, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, could also tee up another Senate confirmation process. The upper chamber confirmed Monarez for the post in late July, though she had been serving as the acting head of the CDC since January. CBS News reported last week that Jim O'Neill, the deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has been selected to serve as the acting director of the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump seeks crime bill, extension of DC police takeover Mr. Trump has moved to crack down on crime in the nation's capital by federalizing the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the National Guard to the district to assist law enforcement. He signaled in recent weeks that he plans to ask Congress to approve "long-term extensions" to maintain control of D.C.'s police, along with other measures to address crime. In an Aug. 11 executive order, Mr. Trump directed the D.C. mayor to provide the services of D.C. police for federal use "for the maximum period permitted under section 740 of the Home Rule Act," which the president can extend for up to 30 days. Any extension beyond that requires a joint resolution passed by the House and Senate. That could run into trouble in the Senate, where the Republican majority would need the support of at least seven Democrats to move forward. Mr. Trump also indicated last month that he plans to seek around $2 billion from Congress to renovate the streets of Washington. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said the White House was working on a package "to improve the safety and quality of life in our nation's capital" which he and GOP Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama would spearhead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He wants $2.5 billion, I'm going to try to find him the money, to repave the roads, take the graffiti off the building, refurbish the parts and give homeless people some place to go other than a tent on the side of the road," Graham said at an event in South Carolina last month. Mr. Trump has suggested that his crackdown on crime in D.C. could soon extend to other major cities, though he has unique authority in the nation's capital because the district is ultimately controlled by the federal government. Last week, the president wrote in a post on Truth Social about a crime bill, saying he's working with GOP leaders in Congress on the measure, though the details remained unclear. "Speaker Mike Johnson, and Leader John Thune, are working with me, and other Republicans, on a Comprehensive Crime Bill," Mr. Trump said. "It's what our Country need, and NOW! More to follow." Push for Epstein files Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers were on recess for weeks, but the calls for access to files in the case of late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein haven't gone away. Controversy has swirled around the Epstein files since the Justice Department issued the findings of an internal review in July that found no "client list" or evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent figures. Epstein, a well-connected financier who was convicted of sex trafficking, died in federal custody in 2019. But renewed interest in the files has prompted members of both parties to call for more transparency, while dividing Mr. Trump's base. As House Democrats and some Republicans pushed for a floor vote to force the release of the Epstein files in late July, Johnson opted to send the House home early. But some lawmakers are still pressing ahead. Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced legislation in July to compel the Justice Department to release the files within 30 days, with plans to force a vote on the measure once lawmakers return from recess. Massie and Khanna are set to host a news conference at the Capitol Wednesday alongside survivors of Epstein's abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expected moves in Congress come after the administration late last month released transcripts of a two-day interview with Epstein's longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, that was conducted in Florida in July. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice sent some of the files related to Epstein to the House Oversight Committee, which plans to make the records public after redactions have been made. After Charlie Kirk assassination, Utah Gov. Cox urges U.S. away from division, violence Government shutdown likely, CBS News' Robert Costa says after conversation with Trump Why crickets are as good as a thermometer Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The federal government could face a shutdown if House Republicans don't work with Democrats on a budget bill, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned on Tuesday. The deadline to keep the government running is Sept. 30, which is the end of the 2025 fiscal year. The GOP-controlled House and Senate both introduced funding bills before the recess, but Jeffiries, D-N.Y., said it won't be easy to get them passed without input from House and Senate Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they continue to proceed down the lane of trying to jam a partisan bill down the throats of the American people without working with Democrats in the House or the Senate, our position will be the same as it was in March," Jeffries told media on Tuesday. "We will not support a partisan spending bill put forward by Republicans that hurts everyday Americans," Jeffries said. Congressional Democrats on Tuesday said they will oppose any government budget bill that does not include their input, which could trigger a federal government shutdown on Oct. 1. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI There are 12 appropriations bills awaiting approval that would have to make it through both chambers by Sept. 30. While government funding battles aren't new, this year Democrats have tried to get ahead of the fight by asking for a meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote a letter on Aug. 4 to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., asking for a meeting of the "Big Four" to get ahead of the fight and discuss priorities. "As leaders of the House and Senate, you have the responsibility to govern for all Americans and work on a bipartisan basis to avert a painful, unnecessary shutdown at the end of September," Jeffries and Schumer said. "Yet, it is clear that the Trump Administration, and many within your party, are preparing to 'go it alone' and continue to legislate on a solely Republican basis," they said. The letter asked for the meeting to "discuss the government funding deadline and the health care crisis you have visited upon the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that Democrats could shut down the federal government by delaying passage of the 2026 fiscal year budget. "We do not believe it's in the nation's interest to close the government down," Johnson told Politico on Tuesday. "If Schumer and the Democrats have that in mind, I think that's deeply regrettable," he added. Another building fight in Congress is the push to release all the files in the case against Epstein. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., are set to collect signatures this week for a bill to force the Trump administration to turn over all relevant Epstein material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A nomination battle also is expected to stay heated because Democrats have dug in their heels on Trump's nominations. Republicans have said they will work to change the nomination process to make it faster and easier to get their nominations approved. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., wrote a column last week in the Wall Street Journal saying it's "time to change Senate confirmation rules" writing that even routine nominations become a "bitter fight." "Senate Republicans are determined to confirm Mr. Trump's qualified nominees one way or another," Barrasso wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump continues to operate the District of Columbia under federal control, Congress is expected to add legislation to give more backing to his executive orders on crime. Trump wrote last week on Truth Social that he's working on a crime bill with Republican leaders. "Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader John Thune are working with me and other Republicans on a comprehensive crime bill," Trump said. Congress is bracing for a politically bruising fall as lawmakers return to Washington on Tuesday, with massive fights upcoming on government funding, the Jeffrey Epstein files and President Donald Trumps policing push. After a summer of simmering tensions on Trumps nationwide deportations, National Guard deployment in Washington, DC, and a string of high-profile firings, Democrats are ready to fight back. And the minority party wont have to wait long for its opportunity to spar with Trump. Republicans and Democrats are already entering a high-stakes funding standoff ahead of a September 30 funding deadline, which marks Congress first bout of bipartisan dealmaking in months. Already, Democrats are signaling they want new checks on Trumps power and a rollback of the presidents signature domestic policy law, but White House officials say theyre in no mood to yield to those demands and expect Democrats to help keep the government open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Congress hits that end of September deadline, though, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune will be navigating plenty of other partisan battles. On the House side, that includes a floor fight over the Jeffrey Epstein files that is likely to rankle House Republicans right as lawmakers return this week. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and his Democratic counterpart, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, will begin collecting signatures this week for a closely watched bill that would require the Trump administration to turn over all relevant Epstein case material. And because theyre using a tactic to circumvent party leaders known as a discharge petition, all they need is 218 signatures to force that bill to the floor creating a political headache for Johnson. Speaking to CNN on Friday, Johnson called the Massie-Khanna effort moot, but he acknowledged there may be a floor vote of one measure or another, suggesting without offering details that there could be a separate, leadership-backed resolution that could come to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Senate side, Republicans will be forced to wade into the chaos at the Centers for Disease Control, where Trump fired an official that the Senate confirmed just days before leaving for its August recess. Senators will also be pressed on the escalating drama at the Federal Reserve which has long been seen as above politics where ousted Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is now suing Trump for firing her. At the same time, Senate GOP leaders will continue to face pressure to change their chambers longstanding rules to speed up the confirmation process for Trump nominees, while some senators are likely to make the case to allow the president to make recess appointments a further extension of his presidential power. Trump has also personally added more items to Congress to-do list in September. He declared last week that he was working with Johnson and Thune on a major crime package that will further stoke partisan battles. Johnson told CNN on Friday that Republicans would first address crime in Washington, then look to other cities in America, with a focus on addressing what he called a juvenile crime wave. And relatedly, Congress will face a vote in mid-September to extend Trumps authority to bring the National Guard in to assist with DC policing, which faces steep odds in the Senate, where it will need 60 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its gonna be a sh*tty fall, one House member said, summing up the fights over government spending, the Epstein files and Trumps policing push. Government funding Democrats were already preparing for a brawl with Trump over Septembers funding deadline. Then came the White Houses decision to cancel nearly $5 billion in foreign aid funding subverting Congress power of the purse in an untested maneuver that will surely be challenged in courts. Top Democrats resolve to fight Trump only strengthened after the White Houses move, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it a brazenly unlawful scam to undermine Congress and describing Trump as a wannabe king. In a letter to Senate Democrats Tuesday morning, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he and Jeffries are aligned on our shared priorities as Congress returns, put the onus on Republicans and the White House to work with them in a bipartisan manner to avert a shutdown and argued the GOP should stand up to the White Houses push against legislative powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats have shown firsthand that we are willing to work in a bipartisan way to keep our government open by advancing bipartisan appropriations bills. However, the Trump administration is waging an all-out war against Congress Article I authority and the constitutional balance of power. Senate Republicans must decide: stand up for the legislative branch or enable Trumps slide toward authoritarianism, Schumer wrote. The White House, however, is downplaying Democrats threats and insisting that they will ultimately agree to keep the government open without securing any concessions from Trump. Its very hard for me to believe that they are going to oppose a clean (continuing resolution) that would cause them to be responsible for a government shutdown, a White House official said. Epstein files This undated trial evidence image obtained December 8, 2021, from the US District Court for the Southern District of New York shows Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. - US District Court for the Southern District of New York Massie and Khanna, the House duo that has loudly beat the drum on Epstein transparency, will hold a press conference on Wednesday that will feature people who say they were victims of the late financier and sex offenders sex trafficking ring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This press conference is going to be explosive. Its the first time that a lot of these victims are speaking out publicly, Khanna told CNN on Friday. The two will be working to collect the 218 signatures needed on their discharge petition to trigger a full vote on the floor, bypassing GOP leaders who do not want to hold the vote. Both Khanna and Massie have said publicly they believe all Democrats will sign on and that they will get the necessary six Republicans to reach 218. Im confident well get 212 Democrats to sign this by the end of the week, Khanna told CNN, adding that hes working with Jeffries. But its not clear how many Republicans will be willing to sign on. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a New Jersey Republican who is a cosponsor of the Massie-Khanna bill, told CNN he was not willing to sign onto the discharge petition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it has lost a little bit of momentum, Van Drew told CNN when asked about the Epstein transparency push, adding: I support releasing whatever we can but not forcing by discharge. Massie said earlier this month that he hopes the press conference and the fact that many victims will be addressing the public for the first time will help convince more members of the GOP conference to vote to release the files. Youre virtually implicating yourself or your donors or some of your friends, if you vote against this, Massie in an interview with anti-vaccine group Childrens Health Defense that was posted on its website in August. The House Oversight panel this month received a spate of documents from the Department of Justice on the Epstein matter but Democrats said it contained little new information. The panel has demanded more documents from the Epstein estate that are expected to come by September 8, as well, but Khanna said he believes lawmakers arent willing to wait for that deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has said the panel plans to meet with Epstein victims and their attorneys on Tuesday, as they work through complicated issues around making more information public. Senate will confront recent Trump firings Lawmakers who exercise oversight of key administration positions will return to grapple with recent dramatic shakeups, including Trumps push to fire Cook and the ousting of newly installed CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez. Democrats erupted in outrage after Trump said he fired Cook, drawing questions about the constitutionality of the move that could open a new legal battle over executive authority. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, called it an authoritarian power grab that blatantly violates the Federal Reserve Act, adding that any court that follows the law will overturn it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren and other Democrats in the committee have asked the chair, Sen. Tim Scott, to postpone Thursdays planned confirmation hearing for Federal Reserve board nominee Stephen Miran as the legal drama over Cooks firing plays out. Republicans have remained mostly mum on the issue, but GOP Sen. Todd Young acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the move when pressed by reporters on Capitol Hill. Its breaking new ground, but I dont know whether the law allows it or not. I havent studied that law, he said. Senators of both parties will likely ratchet up pressure on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after Monarez and other top CDC officials left the agency amid clashes with the administration over vaccine safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, a medical doctor who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said the departures would require oversight from his panel. Cassidy cast the pivotal vote to confirm Kennedy earlier this year after he said he received assurances that Kennedy would not dismantle federal support for vaccines. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking member on the Senate HELP panel, echoed Cassidys call for accountability, demanding that Kennedy and Monarez testify to the committee as soon as possible. Kennedy is also expected to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday about Trumps health care agenda. Russia sanctions A Ukrainian service member fires a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops near a front line in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, on August 20. - Maksym Kishka/Reuters As Washington awaits a potential high-stakes meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Congress could decide on its own to ratchet up pressure on the Trump administration to help end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who led the bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation that ultimately did not make it to the Senate floor this summer, implored Trump to be tough, urging him to implement further sanctions on countries that buy oil and gas from the Kremlin. He said in an interview on Fox that he intends to push Senate leaders to bring up his bill, cosponsored last year by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and make the country radioactive until they return the 19,000 children taken from Ukraine. Graham also encouraged Trump to implement further tariffs on China to take it to the next level, arguing that Chinese President Xi Jinping could convince Putin to end the war. Though Graham had previously lobbied Trump to come out in support of his sanctions bill, he and other GOP lawmakers backed away from demanding a vote before the August recess when Trump threatened to sanction Russia if Putin didnt end the war quickly, though it is now unclear if or when that will happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressed on whether he has a sense of a timeline for any of the secondary sanctions hes encouraging, Graham said it was up to Trump, and that he trust(s) his judgment. Thune, who had floated the idea of bringing Grahams bill to the floor before recess, vowed to provide Trump with any economic leverage needed over Russia as the president met with Zelensky and other European leaders. Thunes counterpart, Johnson, told CNN hes satisfied with Trumps efforts on Russia-Ukraine and thinks theyre moving in the right direction. Asked whether Congress should pass sanctions, Johnson said it may come to that and (hes) in favor of that. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Manu Raju, Arlette Saenz, Morgan Rimmer, Adam Cancryn and Veronica Stracqualursi contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com As lawmakers finally return to the Capitol after a six-week break, perhaps the most critical legislative item looming is the deadline to fund the government -- and Republicans are set to face questions about what's next for Congress on the Jeffrey Epstein files. Here's a look at the key obstacles and priorities when both chambers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday. MORE: House Speaker Mike Johnson weighs in on CDC turmoil, Epstein files and more on 'Good Morning America' Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: A view of the US Capitol in Washington, August 26, 2025. Government funding Congress must act to fund the government before Oct. 1, or the government will shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the political reality that funding the government will require a heavy dose of bipartisan cooperation, top Democratic leaders -- Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries -- have demanded bipartisan talks with President Donald Trump and GOP leadership to plot a path forward on funding. So far, that request has not been granted, though Trump said last month that he'll likely meet with Schumer and Jeffries ahead of the Sept. 30 funding deadline. Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: A view of the US Capitol in Washington, August 26, 2025. "Well, I will, I guess. But it's almost a waste of time to meet because they never approve anything," Trump said on Aug. 13. Democrats are expected to put up a fight -- making clear they want to restore cuts to Medicaid and rural hospital funding in exchange for their votes to fund the government. Presuming all 53 Senate Republicans vote aye, at least seven Democrats would have to join a bipartisan majority. That prospective cooperation is in limbo given Trump's request last week for another rescissions package, which aims at clawing back $4.9 billion of previously approved foreign aid funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: In win for Trump, House narrowly OKs effort to claw back $9B from budget -- including cuts to public broadcasting and USAID The White House is unlikely to accept Democrats' demands, but Republican leaders have not yet unveiled their plan to avoid a shutdown either. Despite promises to fund the government through regular order, it is nearly impossible for Republicans -- who have razor-thin majorities in both chambers -- to pass 12 appropriations bills through committee and the floor. So far, the House and Senate have each only passed two appropriations bills through their respective chambers though the lower chamber has pushed nine bills out of committee and the Senate has managed to clear eight of its bills from committee. That leaves an improbable feat for appropriators -- in terms of floor time and political capital -- to push all that paper across the Capitol this month. Without a bipartisan breakthrough to avert a shutdown, a stopgap continuing resolution is the anticipated choice for Republicans. However, given the state of negotiations, the likelihood of a shutdown one month from the deadline is certainly credible. The Epstein files Congress returns Tuesday with the same problem it had when lawmakers jetted home a day early to embark on their recess. The Epstein saga is poised to engage Congress on several fronts and that begins on Sept. 3, when Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna plan to hold a news conference with survivors of Epstein's sexual abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two lawmakers hope to receive the necessary signatures on their discharge petition to force a floor vote on a measure compelling the release of the Epstein files, which goes against Speaker Mike Johnson's preference for the Department of Justice to take the lead on transparency with the Epstein matter. House Oversight Committee members plan to meet with the victims on Tuesday, a day before the news conference is sure to create a spectacle on Capitol Hill. MORE: Judge denies DOJ's request to unseal Epstein grand jury records It remains an open question as to whether the House will be able to move forward on any basic legislation. Before recess, the lower chamber was paralyzed over a standoff regarding the Epstein files, when the House Rules Committee failed to tee up any bills for floor votes as the members disagreed over the Epstein files issue. As Democrats remain dissatisfied with Justice Department's records compliance with a House Oversight Committee subpoena, the Rules panel is likely to resume its pressure campaign that could invariably renew the stalemate. Meanwhile, the GOP-led Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the Epstein estate, hoping to secure documents by Sept. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta will appear before the committee voluntarily behind closed doors on Sept.19. In 2008, Acosta served as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida when the office cut a deal with Epstein to avoid federal prosecution for sex trafficking allegations. J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer speaks to reporters during a break in the deposition with former Attorney General Bill Barr, at the Capitol in Washington, August 18, 2025. On Sunday, Oversight Chairman James Comer sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, requesting relevant suspicious activity reports (SARs) to assist its oversight examining the enforcement of sex trafficking laws, specifically in connection with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The committee also subpoenaed several other high-profile individuals, such as former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. MORE: House Oversight chair issues subpoenas for Epstein files, depositions with Clintons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy and child sex trafficking. He died in custody a month later, while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 by a federal jury on sex trafficking and other charges. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for aiding and participating in Epstein's trafficking of underage girls, which involved a scheme to recruit young women and girls for massages of Epstein that turned sexual. Federalization of Washington, D.C., and other cities Trump's deployment of the National Guard in D.C. as well as plans for other cities will be a focus for members of Congress as they return to town. The House Oversight Committee plans to advance a slew of D.C. crime bills to back up Trump's crackdown on crime in the city, while Democrats push legislation to end Trump's federalization of the nation's capital, require federal agents to wear body cameras and other measures to assert D.C. home rule and advance transparency. J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: Armed National Guard soldiers from West Virginia patrol the Mall near the Capitol in Washington, Aug. 26, 2025. Trump announced plans to ask Congress for more funding to combat crime in Washington, and Sen. Lindsey Graham said he'd work to pass a so-called D.C. crime fund. It's not yet clear how Republicans will look to tackle approval for this funding, but it will no doubt be a contentious battle in Congress that could emerge as larger questions of government funding are considered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress will also have to weigh in on Trump's efforts to federalize Washington's Metropolitan Police Department. Under the law, Trump can utilize Washington's police department for up to 30 days, so long as he gives appropriate notice. After that, he needs congressional approval to extend the authority. That time will soon expire. MORE: No patrol but Trump visits police, military in DC as he touts anti-crime push Congress has never approved an extension of this authority, and due to its unprecedented nature, aides on Capitol Hill say they're still attempting to work out exactly how a vote to extend authority would work. The vote is not privileged, and therefore, it's likely it would need 60 votes in the Senate. Democratic aides stress this threshold, but Republican aides say the matter could be up for consideration. Trump nominees The Senate departed Washington even as Trump aggressively pushed Republicans to stay in town to process confirmations of more than 100 of his nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans departed Washington promising to make changes to the Senate rules governing how nominees are confirmed despite objections from Democrats. When the Senate returns, expect that debate to pick right back up where it left off. Senate Republicans have said they intend to make modifications to the Senate rules aimed at expediting passage of lower-level nominees. This will likely play out as a behind-the-scenes debate followed by some procedural hijinks on the Senate floor. Ukraine/Russia Congress is also back in town for the first time since Trump's summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. With a muted response from Republicans following the historic meeting, and continued bloodshed in Ukraine, lawmakers are sure to reengage on foreign affairs. There could be movement on the Russia sanctions bill in the Senate though nothing formal has been announced. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they pose on a podium on the tarmac after arrival at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. Oversight Committee's Biden cognitive decline investigation Chairman James Comer is continuing his investigation into former President Joe Biden's "cognitive decline" and use of an autopen in office. More former Biden officials are expected to appear for closed interviews in the coming weeks, including press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates and chief of staff Jeff Zients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other Biden aides testified behind closed doors over recess, providing more fodder for Republicans. Scott Olson/Getty Images - PHOTO: Former President Joe Biden speaks at the National Bar Association's annual convention, July 31, 2025 in Chicago. Anita Dunn, who testified on Aug. 7, told investigators that while she observed a "physical" decline in Biden during his four years in office, she maintained the belief that he was calling the shots and mentally engaged. House Republicans said she revealed that Biden's inner circle came to a consensus he should not take a cognitive test, concluding it would offer no political benefit. Biden himself rejected reports of cognitive decline during an appearance on ABC's "The View" in early May. Every 10 years, congressional maps that decide who holds power in Congress are redrawn. This year, however, talk of an early redistricting threatens to shift that balance. After a heavily publicized visit to Indiana earlier this month by Vice President JD Vance, who discussed redistricting with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana Republicans traveled this week to Washington, D.C., presumably to continue those talks. For Gary, a cornerstone city in Indianas 1st Congressional District, those lines carry real weight. Lake Countys Democratic base has long set this district apart from the rest of Republican-dominated Indiana. The decisions made in Indianapolis could change how much Garys communities are heard in Washington and whether their votes carry the same weight they always have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what does it mean for Gary? What are districts, and why are they redistricted? The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts. Each state has a set number of districts based on the states population. Every two years, voters in each district elect one representative to the U.S. House. Every 10 years, after the census, states redraw district lines to reflect population changes. As districts lose or gain population, the borders that separate districts can change to ensure roughly the same amount of residents are in each district. Based on the 2020 census, the target number is just over 750,000. While the number of residents per district remains somewhat standard, the borders of a district can change dramatically. Who controls the process of redistricting? The Constitution gives state legislatures the power to draw congressional maps. In most states, the party in control of the legislature has the advantage when redrawing the lines. That often means the ruling party can design maps that favor its chances in future elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 25 years, more states have moved toward independent commissions. Today, 39 legislatures still hold primary control, while 11 states use commissions in some form. In states with supermajorities like Republican-led Indiana or Democrat-led Illinois the majority party is almost always assured control. The last census was in 2020. Why is redistricting a topic before the next census in 2030? An executive order, of sorts. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump requested that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott call a special session to redraw their maps five years early in hopes of netting Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which the president believes he is entitled to. Republicans control the Texas legislature, so Texas House Democrats fled the state in protest of the redrawing. Indiana Democrats later joined them in Chicago to draw national attention to the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the request has also caused alarms among Democrats, who want to continue the near 20-year trend in Congress that sees the minority party rise to majority at midterms. Why is Indiana in the middle of the redistricting debate? Think of it as a domino effect. The goal is to control the majority of the 435 seats in Congress. After Texas Republicans moved to change their maps, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special redistricting session to offset any GOP gains. Efforts are now underway to pressure other Republican legislatures to act as Democratic controlled states prepare to respond. Vances visit to Indiana, followed by Indiana Republicans trip to the White House this week, may signal a shift ahead for the state. Why does it matter to me as a Gary resident? Gary is the largest city in Lake County, home to one of only two Democratic-held districts among Indianas nine. It also has the states second-largest Black population, behind only Indianapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Capital B Gary tracked a trend of rising Republican voting numbers in Lake County dating back to the 2016 election. Our analysis showed a swell of Republican votes in Lake County to the south of U.S. 30. In fact, in the most recent congressional race, Rep. Frank Mrvan held onto his seat largely thanks to Lake County support. He narrowly won LaPorte County, while his Republican opponent carried Porter County. Should Republicans redraw the 1st Congressional District map whether extending the district south of Lake County or further east into LaPorte County it could flip a long-standing Democratic seat to Republicans. How has redistricting changed Indianas state legislature and representation in Congress? The impact has been dramatic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 2000 census, the Indiana House was evenly split. That was also the last time the maps were drawn by a commission. Every map since has been drawn by the legislature. Since then, Republicans have gone from a six-seat deficit to a 42-seat advantage in the Indiana House. In Congress, the change has been just as striking. After the 2008 election, Indianas nine U.S. House seats were split 54 in favor of Democrats. But maps redrawn after the 2010 census gave Republicans a 72 advantage, a margin that has proved almost impossible for Democrats to overcome. For example, in 2010, Republicans held 77% of the seats despite winning just over 50% of the vote. In the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats won 44% of the popular vote but held only 22% of the seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the 1st District is redrawn, Republicans could gain an 8-to-1 advantage, controlling nearly 90% of Indianas House delegation. Why does it matter to the country? Simply put, control of Congress is on the line. The current split is close: Republicans hold a narrow five-seat edge, 220 to 215, with four vacancies. With Texas five-seat pickup potentially being offset by redistricting by the Democrat controlled California state legislature, involvement from other states like Indiana would be key in determining the outcome. The post How New Congressional Maps May Reshape Garys Political Future appeared first on Capital B Gary. State Attorney General William Tong is evaluating all legal options after the Trump administration demanded that 46 states including Connecticut remove references to gender identity and expression from sex ed materials from a federally funded program or risk losing $1.5 million in funding. Political micromanagement of sex-ed is the oldest story in the book, Tong said. It never ages well and never serves our kids. But threatening to defund our schools over this is completely unhinged and were not going to let Trump steal money from our kids. Tong joins other education officials in criticizing the directive, stating it is an attempt to censor education. Health officials are still reviewing the directive to gauge its overall impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The educational materials are administered to schools through the state Department of Public Health. Districts are not mandated to use the educational materials and each school district is responsible for its own sex ed curriculum. The Personal Responsibility Education Program awards grants to state agencies to educate young people on both abstinence and contraception with efforts toward preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, according to the Family and Youth Services Bureau. A fact sheet from the Administration for Children & Families on the program is no longer available, with a page not found error shown on the page. Matthew Cerrone, spokesman for the Connecticut State Department of Education said The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) is a Department of Public Health (DPH) program and does not pertain to any CSDE curriculum or curriculum framework. The program is administered by the DPH through the federal Administration for Children and Families and does not impact school districts at this time. Brittany Schaefer, communications director for DPH, said that currently PREP does not have any contracts and is not performing any activities with schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DPH is not currently funding any activities in schools or elsewhere with PREP funds, she said. The contracts that were funded through PREP expired in September 2024. DPH has been in the process of planning to solicit bids for the next round of contracts. The Request for Proposals for those contracts has not yet been issued. We are currently reviewing the letter from ACF to determine how best to proceed. Gov. Ned Lamonts office said we are currently in the process of reviewing and assessing actions and impact, while ensuring the health and wellbeing of our state. Kate Dias, president of the The Connecticut Education Association, said that the directive will impact all high school students in health courses if DPH tells educators they have to follow the rule across the state. She said she is still waiting for direction on how teachers can respond to the directive. She said it is a step in the wrong direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is going to make a group of people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, she said. We have worked really hard in the field of education to have these conversations in a spirit of curiosity and learning. When we talk about diminishing the presence of all of the information, it has a chilling effect. It has a sense of there is something bad here or something that we dont want you to know. I dont think ignorance has served anyone well. Dias added: When we start censoring education we diminish the ability of our children to really thrive, to be inquisitive and thoughtful and I think that is a shame. It is important whatever we make in terms of decisions is made from a place of knowledge and understanding so people can make reasonable conclusions, she said. It is disappointing. It is hurtful. We have tried to build curriculum that broadens understanding, that invites conversation, that invites growth. To consistently be pushed back on that paired with some of the book banning conversations, these are things where we are talking about stifling knowledge and understanding and that is not the society that I think we should be building. Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said she also has concerns with the directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we have students that identify different than male or female they should feel included in our school community, she said. I never like anything that excluded any student. Melissa Combs, founder of the Out Accountability Project, said a chilling effect is already taking place related to Trump administration attacks on education. I dont think it is unreasonable to believe that districts have already taken steps to remove things from their current curriculum related to race, ethnicity and disability status and anything related to LGBTQ, she said. Schools should not be making politically motivated decisions about curriculum. It fails students. Estimates for the percentages of students who identify as LGBTQ+ range from 10 to 22%. Failing to provide adequate sexual education to up to 22% of young people is a risky public health stance that worsens the significant physical and mental health challenges already experienced by LGBTQ+ youth. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Many travelers spent Monday returning from the Labor Day weekend with traffic hangovers. I took my daughter to college and it was kind of fun, in a way with an asterisk, Liz Oakes of New York said. It was OK on the highway, but once I got in the city, you could barely even move. Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries after striking New London police cruiser But Connecticut officials said the roads were safer this year than in years past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs along the Connecticut highways state that there have been 154 deaths from crashes on highways so far this year. That is a decrease from 224 through August last year, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), as the state has been cracking down on wrong-way drivers, DUI enforcement, and high-speed drivers. Weary drivers can also be an issue, but one traveler had a solution to that issue. If youre tired pull over, make sure you get some rest, Brian Garcia of Cape Cod, Massachusetts said. And if there are multiple people, I suggest taking turns and if you have to take a break, take it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air traffic was also hectic as Bradley International Airport expected approximately 63,000 people to pass through the airport between last Thursday and this Wednesday around the Labor Day weekend. The Transportation Security Administration said this was the busiest Labor Day travel weekend in the last 15 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Several Texas universities rank among the nations top conservative schools, but critics question whether they truly live up to that label. Niches 2026 Best College Rankings listed Baylor University as the top conservative school in Texas and 19th nationwide. Texas A&M ranked 28th, the University of Dallas ranked 31st, Dallas Baptist University ranked 36th, and Texas Christian University (TCU) ranked 49th, according to CHRON. Though ranked as conservative, many continue to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and LGBTQ-focused programs policies critics say conflict with traditional values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by The Dallas Express, TCU rebranded its DEI office as Finding Ourselves in Community but continues to promote LGBTQ resources, including Spectrum, the Rainbow Alliance, and an Indigenous Peoples Initiative. Its Race & Reconciliation Initiative researches the schools racial history from 1998 to 2020. TCU also allows students to fulfill religion requirements with non-Christian courses, according to Parry College Counseling. Our research focus for the academic year 2024-2025 is a deeper dive into recent but related histories (1998-2020). Building on previous research conducted by the RRI and others, we are conducting a more comprehensive examination of the experiences of Native American and Indigenous, Latinx, African American, Asian American and other ethnic identities at TCU, the TCU website states. Baylor University returned $643,000 from an LGBTQ grant last year, calling it the appropriate course of action and in the best interests of the school. However, the university continues to operate employee resource groups that promote DEI-style workplace culture. An Employee Resource Group serves as a resource for members and the University by fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the institutional mission, vision, goals, business practices, and objectives, Baylors website states. Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin began rolling back DEI policies in 2024 after investigations flagged some job postings as potentially unlawful, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French, a TCU alumnus, said many Texas schools may not reflect their conservative reputation. The mood in the country has changed. More people than ever are awake to the racism of DEI and the dangers of the LGBTQ agenda. It is unfortunate that not everyone recognizes this. My hope for TCU is they will create a culture that honors its historical place in higher education and embrace traditional American values, because those will endure and make them more successful, French told The Dallas Express. The Dallas Express contacted TCU and Baylor University for comment, but did not receive a response. Passengers in 15 German cities have access to driverless buses, according to a report by consulting firm PwC. Major cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig, as well as smaller towns are running pilot projects. Most of these initiatives involve so-called Level 4 autonomous systems, which can operate independently within defined areas and under specific conditions. Munich leads with nine projects, followed by Hamburg with six, and Ulm with five. PwC notes that Germany, alongside France, is a pioneer in the field, largely because it has already established legal frameworks for Level 4 deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Level 4 vehicles have not yet received type approval in Germany. Experts have long warned that the country's patchwork of federally funded pilot projects often lacks sustainability. "We don't need more test trials or laboratories, we need to move to regular operations now," Ingo Wortmann, president of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), said a few weeks ago. VDV's position paper on autonomous driving emphasizes that large-scale projects are needed, as manufacturers require significant vehicle orders to justify production planning. The public transport sector, facing a severe driver shortage, has a particular interest in rapid implementation. PwC forecasts that by 2030 Germany will be short of more than 50,000 bus drivers - more than twice today's deficit. I know the look of an armed patrol. Ive seen it in Baghdad, in Syria in streets where fear ruled and peace was fragile. I never expected to see that same look on the subway in our own capital. Traveling from my home in Northeast D.C. to Dupont Circle, I passed several pairs of National Guard soldiers in full gear at stations, on trains and patrolling sidewalks. Some carried sidearms. One caught me looking and waved with an antagonistic grin. I stopped, showed him my military ID and spoke with him. We talked briefly about what it means to be a professional in uniform, about how the Army is judged not only by its strength but by its restraint. I reminded him that the most important weapon a soldier carries in a city like this isnt on his hip its the trust of the people around him. He nodded politely, but as I walked away I wondered how much that message could stick when the mission itself pushes these young men and women into roles they were never trained for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dupont Circle isnt some remote corner of Washington. Its a hub lined with embassies, think tanks, coffee shops, bookstores and crowded sidewalks. On any given day, youll find students debating politics over lattes, diplomats heading to meetings and activists gathering in the park that anchors the neighborhood. Its a crossroads of international ideas and local community life. To see armed soldiers patrolling there is to see force imposed on a place built for conversation, exchange and civic trust. Ive been shot at in Iraq, led convoys through deserts scarred by war and spent nearly five years of my life on operations in the Middle East. Through it all, what unsettled me in those places was the fragility of trust between armed patrols and the civilians around them the uneasy sense that one spark could undo any tenuous stability. I never expected to feel that same fear, not for myself, but for our society, while riding the D.C. Metro. This Sunday, I retired as a command sergeant major. In nearly three decades of wearing the uniform, I never carried a government-issued weapon into civilian spaces in the States. Even convoys between installations were tightly regulated. Civilians didnt see us walking into Krispy Kreme or boarding public transit with pistols on our hips. What I saw last week didnt resemble the disciplined Army I know. That should unsettle us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no doubt these Guardsmen are proud patriots, they arent seasoned veterans. Most are teenagers, far from home, trained for battlefield tasks but not for the unpredictable realities of a major city. In D.C., much like most large cities, you dont just encounter commuters. You encounter people in crisis homelessness, addiction, untreated mental illness. A local might avert their eyes or walk around. But what happens when the person in crisis steps aggressively toward an 18-year-old with a pistol on his hip and limited training in de-escalation? The risk is not abstract. Police officers are trained for these situations because they encounter them every day. A homeless man shouts in someones face. A woman in distress resists an order. A soldier, out of his depth, is all but certain to misread the moment and reach for his weapon. The spark becomes a blaze, and trust between citizens and the military burns with it. I do not question the courage or commitment of these Guardsmen. Ive fought beside them in combat and know their grit. But I also know their limits. Asking them to police a city is unfair to them, and to the people theyre supposed to serve. This is not what the Guard was built for. Its mission is to respond to disasters, provide logistical support and back up civil authorities not to serve as an armed show of force on city streets. Yet that is how they are being deployed in the nations capital, as they were in Los Angeles earlier this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sight of troops with weapons patrolling sidewalks, boarding trains and standing post outside coffee shops has now spread from the nations second-largest city to the nations capital. What was once extraordinary is quietly being treated as routine. That should alarm us all. The sight of soldiers with weapons patrolling D.C. and Los Angeles streets should feel jarring. Because once we accept it as normal, we begin to accept the very thing our military has always fought against the idea that legitimacy comes from the barrel of a gun. Ive seen what that looks like in failed states abroad: checkpoints that divide neighborhoods, convoys that intimidate civilians, armed patrols that blur the line between protector and occupier. Those societies didnt collapse overnight. They eroded slowly, as citizens became accustomed to soldiers carrying out tasks once reserved for police or community leaders. By the time people realized the cost, trust was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is not the America we should become. For 28 years, I wore the uniform with pride. I deployed multiple times, led soldiers in combat and believed our service meant something larger that we were defending a way of life rooted not in fear, but in freedom. As I take off the uniform for the last time, my greatest worry is that by placing young soldiers in impossible positions, we are undermining the very trust between society and service members that holds our democracy together. The powder keg is real. And the sparks are already here. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Chastain is an adjunct professor at USCs campus in Washington, where he teaches social analysis. He served as the Armys first senior enlisted advisor in the White House. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) An El Paso man who has spent more than three decades on death row and was supposed to be executed earlier this year is set to appear before a judge later this month. David Leonard Wood, now 68, was convicted of killing six girls and young women and burying them in the desert in Northeast El Paso. He was convicted of capital murder in 1992 and has been on death row since 1993. According to court records, Wood will have a status hearing that will be held virtually at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Texas appeals court halted his execution just days before he was supposed to die by lethal injection back in March. According to El Paso Matters, the Sept. 15 hearing will likely outline a schedule for motions and future hearings. Also according to El Paso Mattters, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, without explanation, issued a ruling in July that a trial court should examine Woods claims that he is innocent, that he is the victim of prosecutorial misconduct and that he had ineffective counsel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Last week, two men were indicted on felony charges related to two separate investigations into the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material by Cookeville police. Detectives with the Cookeville Police Departments Internet Crimes Against Children unit and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initiated a proactive peer-to-peer investigation starting in February that identified a Baxter residence associated with downloading child sexual abuse material, according to the Cookeville Police Department. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Matthew T. Whitehead. Investigation underway after stabbing, fire at South Nashville hotel Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 18, CPD ICAC detectives with assistance from the Putnam County Sheriffs Office and the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office executed a search warrant at the Baxter residence. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices. Additionally, Whitehead allegedly admitted to detectives that he had downloaded child sexual abuse material; a forensic analysis confirmed the presence of child sexual abuse material on at least one electronic device. On August 21, a Putnam County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Whitehead with sexual exploitation of a minor, which is a Class D felony in the state of Tennessee. He was taken into custody on August 25 and was given a $25,000 bond. In a separate investigation, detectives with the CPD ICAC investigated a CyberTip that had been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The CyberTip allegedly reported uploads of suspected child sexual abuse material by a social media account. That investigation identified 27-year-old Jake Tyler Osorio of Cookeville as the suspect. Teen shot by father during fight in East Nashville, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPD SWAT and the CPD Criminal Investigations Division worked together to execute a search warrant on a residence on August 28 and multiple electronic devices were seized. Osorio allegedly admitted to downloading, possessing and distributing files of child sexual abuse material. Police added that an on-scene preview confirmed the presence of several files of child sexual abuse material. Osorio was taken into custody and charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class C felony, and sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class D felony. Police said his bond was set at $65,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Boundary Waters-scented candle, potato salad and high-performance water skis are just a few of the products vying for the title of Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota. The first head-to-head bracket of the second annual competition, which is hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and BMO, was announced Tuesday and is now in the hands of the public until a winner is crowned. The first bracket, which is made up of 64 products, was chosen by a council of industry peers from a list of all the nominations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This contest is a chance to shine a spotlight on the innovation, creativity and quality that set Minnesota apart, said Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. Edible contestants include Kraft Heinzs Velveeta cheese block, Dapper Barons Espresso Martini, a jalapeno cream ale from Jack Pine Brewery and, of course, SPAM from Hormel Foods. Other products showcase the versatility of Minnesotas landscapes like the Gunflint Canoe Paddle from Sanborn Canoe Company, a teardrop-shaped trailer from Vistabule and an all-terrain military vehicle from Polaris. More than 40% of Minnesotas Fortune 500 companies are in manufacturing and more than 320,000 Minnesotans work in the industry, according to the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finalists for last years inaugural competition included an all-terrain wheelchair, floating wetland islands, a leather boot from Red Wing Shoe Co., and the winner, Scotch Magic Tape from 3M. From iconic consumer goods to cutting-edge technology, the variety of entries reflects the strength and diversity of our manufacturing sector, said Loon. Now its up to Minnesotans to vote for what they think is the coolest thing made in our state. Each week, the competition will be cut in half until one product is named the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota at the 2025 Manufacturers Summit on Oct. 7. To cast your vote, go to http://pipr.es/CcOxwe4. Related Articles A Mason man died in a fall Labor Day weekend at Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky, according to the Fayette Coroner's Office. The coroner's office identified the man as 24-year-old Cameron Smoot. Smoot's cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries due to a fall. Powell County Search and Rescue was dispatched around 4 p.m. on Aug. 30 to the Whittleton Arch after initial reports stated that a person fell 40 feet from the top of the arch and into the rocks below, officials said in a social media post. First responders found Smoot "alert and oriented," but determined his condition to be critical. Smoot was flown to a University of Kentucky hospital, where he later died of his injuries, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It has been and will continue to be a perfect weekend for hitting the trails and enjoying everything the Gorge has to offer, but please be careful!" Powell County Search and Rescue said in its post. "What may usually be a simple slip can be life-threatening when at height." The coroner's office said Smoot's death is being investigated as an accident. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mason man dies after fall at Red River Gorge, coroner says Lizs view We can say retard again, one unnamed banker told the Financial Times last year. With trigger-warning culture on the wane and a brutish permissiveness creeping back into society, corporate scolds have lost much of their power. Except in one place: sex. Intolerance of CEOs sleeping with their subordinates has come through the manosphere media turn intact. Nestle yesterday became the latest big company to fire a CEO for canoodling. Even as websites are scrubbed of diversity language and environmental targets quietly languish, the societal reckoning with gender, power, sex, and consent of the late 2010s and early 2020s appears to be holding fast in boardrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laurent Freixe, just a year into the Nestle job, joins a list of CEOs fired for having office affairs long after the #MeToo movement made that grounds for firing: Brian Krzanich at Intel, Steve Easterbrook at McDonalds, Jeff Zucker at CNN, Ed Tilly at Cboe, Alan Shaw at Norfolk Southern (after reporting by my now-colleague, Rohan Goswami), Bernard Looney at BP, and, of course, the Astronomer CEO who was outed on a jumbotron. HR consultant Challenger, Gray, & Christmas has tracked 14 corporate chiefs fired under such circumstances since 2016 through July of this year. Most of those affairs seemed consensual and not especially appalling when cast against the original ousters of #MeToo, which helped launch the corporate world into its ultimately short-lived warm-and-fuzzy era. Companies have tended to sidestep the propriety of such relationships entirely and say, as BP did, that executives were not fully transparent when questioned. Looney and others were fired for lying about sex, the one thing everybody lies about. Conservative activists have yet to mount an attack on corporate prudishness, but I do wonder what it would look like. Will Chris Rufo defend Freixe as a red-blooded male canceled by boardroom puritans more worried about gender scolds than about executing a needed turnaround at Nestle? Perhaps not: Rohan actually asked Rufos fellow traveler, Robby Starbuck, and his answer surprised me: CEOs should run companies with their brains, not with their penis or their personal politics. But its odd that his movement has glommed onto fringe issues while ignoring the most relatable casualty of corporate progressivism: office romances. Room for Disagreement Companies have a strong business case to fire CEOs who blur the lines. Boards see these kinds of relationships, especially extramarital, as signs that the operation of the organization isnt tight, Amy Nicole Baker, a professor at the University of New Haven who studies workplace relationships, told Bloomberg. One study admittedly small and enabled by the hack of affair-arranging app Ashley Madison in 2015 found that companies whose CEOs or CFOs were paying users of the site were twice as likely to have had a financial misstatement or involvement in a securities class action. Notable The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been announced as the latest recipient of the TV Academy's prestigious Governors Award. Patricia de Stacy Harrison, CPB's president and CEO, will accept the statuette at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, which will be held on Sept. 7, one week before the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14. The Governors Award recognizes and celebrates extraordinary contributions that transcend television and transform society, Cris Abrego, chair of the TV Academy, said in a statement provided to Gold Derby. For more than half a century, CPB has been a steadfast champion of storytelling that informs, educates and unites us and ensures public media remains a vital space where diverse voices are heard and communities are served. With this award, we honor CPBs enduring legacy and its extraordinary impact on the cultural and civic life of our nation. More from Gold Derby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recognition comes at a turbulent time for the CPB. In July, both houses of Congress narrowly passed legislation that cut $9 billion in federal spending, including funds earmarked for the nonprofit corporation that was established by Congress in 1967 to oversee funding for the country's 1,500 locally owned and operated public radio and television stations. President Donald Trump subsequently signed that legislation into law, completing his stated goal of clawing back $1.1 billion from the CBP. In August, the CPB announced that it would wind down its operations following the the loss of those funds. "Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations," Harrison the organization's longest serving president and CEO said at the time. "CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care." In a statement accompanying the announcement that the CPB would receive this year's Governors Awards, Harrison noted the positive role that the organization had played in America's public media for nearly 60 years. This is our legacy, she noted. CPB will serve as the foundation for the future of Americas public media. Since its inception in 1978, the Governors Award has been given to individuals, groups and even shows that have positively impacted the television industry. Past recipients include William S. Paley, Lucille Ball, Masterpiece Theater, A+E Networks, GLAAD and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPB shuttering operations doesn't mean that NPR or PBS stations will immediately go dark. But many public media stations depend heavily on federal funds, particularly those in rural areas. In a July poll overseen by Harris Poll, 66 percent of respondents supported federal funding for public radio, including 58 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of Democrats. Best of Gold Derby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. As it prepares to shut down after nearly 60 years of service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be honored with one of the Television Academys top prizes, the 2025 Governors Award. The news is bittersweet, as it comes following President Trumps move kill federal funding for public media. In July, Congress passed Trumps rescission package, eliminating $1.1 billion in funding that had previously been approved for the next two years effectively closing the doors on the CPB, which is now winding down its operations. The Governors Award Emmy will be presented to CPB president/CEO Patricia de Stacy Harrison, who has led the organization since 2005. Harrison is set to accept the award during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony this Sunday, Sept. 7. According to the TV Academy, the CPB was chosen for its more than five decades of service in enriching Americas media landscape through funding and support for educational, cultural and public-interest programming. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPB helped deliver funds to more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations across the country, allowing them to operate commercial-free in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa. Those stations requiring the most support are in rural and remote areas, and often are the only broadcasters providing public safety information. The Governors Award recognizes and celebrates extraordinary contributions that transcend television and transform society, said TV Academy chair Cris Abrego in a statement. For more than half a century, CPB has been a steadfast champion of storytelling that informs, educates and unites us and ensures public media remains a vital space where diverse voices are heard and communities are served. With this award, we honor CPBs enduring legacy and its extraordinary impact on the cultural and civic life of our nation. The CPB was first established by the Public Broadcasting Act in 1967 as a private, nonprofit entity authorized by Congress to help support local stations and also program investments. CPB funds have helped the production of PBS programs like Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, Nova, Reading Rainbow, Frontline and more. CPB funds also helped develop and extend investments in closed captioning, descriptive video services and other media accessibility for persons with disabilities. Under Harrisons oversight, CPB helped support public broadcasters as they converted to digital and adapted to new technologies. CPBs public media initiatives have included addressing the national high school dropout crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is our legacy, said Harrison. CPB will serve as the foundation for the future of Americas public media. The Governors Award was first presented in 1978; past recipients include GLAAD, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, Debbie Allen, Tyler Perry, Star Trek, American Idol, William S. Paley, Hallmark Cards Inc., Masterpiece Theatre, Comic Relief and PBS. Greg Berlanti received the honor in 2024. The Creative Arts Emmys take place Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live; an edited version of the ceremonies will air Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. on FXX (and stream on Hulu through Oct. 7). The Primetime Emmys air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Corvallis man was arrested Saturday after assaulting someone with a katana, authorities said. According to Corvallis police, officers responded to a home on NW 23rd St. after reports of an assault. When they arrived, officials said they learned that 29-year-old Seth Amos Grace was at his home drinking with his girlfriend and the victim when Grace assaulted the victim with a katana, seriously injuring their leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of officers respond to SE Portland street takeover Monday night Police said they also learned that earlier in the day, while walking to the store to buy more alcohol, Grace had punched his girlfriend in the face, breaking her nose. Grace was taken into custody and is facing several charges, including first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and fourth-degree assault. The victim and Graces girlfriend were both taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Costa Rica expects to open a maximum-security prison, intended to hold 5,100 inmates, by the end of 2026, at an estimated cost of $39 million. For the design of the Center for High Containment of Organized Crime, the Costa Rican government received technical assistance from El Salvador, which donated the plans for its controversial Terrorism Confinement Center, the mega-prison for gang members built under President Nayib Bukele. "This prison must be ready for the day when we can strengthen the hand of Costa Rican justice with better laws and a judicial system that actually works," President Rodrigo Chaves said at a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same event, Chaves praised Congress for approving a budget that covers 40% of the new prison's cost -- about $16 million -- and allowing the government to begin the bidding process for construction. The remaining $24 million must be included in the 2026 budget, the Justice Ministry said. Construction is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025. Officials said the plan responds to several challenges facing the country: overcrowding, a growing prison population and rising organized crime. Until 2023, Costa Rica was considered the safest country in Central America. However, according to statistics from Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency, the country could surpass the number of homicides in 2025 compared with 2024, which was the second most violent year on record with 880 cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report by the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture said the growth of organized crime -- linked to drug trafficking, predatory "gota a gota" (drop by drop) loans, money laundering and other forms of violence, such as contract killings, extortion and human trafficking -- is the main driver behind the sharp rise in homicides. Other crimes, including robbery, theft and assault, have not increased at the same pace. Over the past decade, Costa Rica has shifted from serving mainly as a transit corridor for drug trafficking to becoming a base of operations for drug cartels. The report said prison overcrowding in Costa Rica reached 29.5% as of March. Considering only the adult male population, the overcrowding rate was 36.2%. However, if the goal is to reduce homicides, experts say prison construction must be paired with stronger criminal investigations, financial intelligence to cut off illicit money flows, non-custodial measures for low-risk offenders and release programs aimed at reducing repeat offenses. The Ombudsman's Office and the torture prevention group also urged authorities to uphold human rights standards and ensure transparency in the use of biometric data and video surveillance inside the new prison. After taking some time for stores to make the changes, Costco's expanded hours for executive members should be in effect nationwide after the Labor Day weekend. The retail warehouse giant announced additional shopping hours all week for executive members starting June 30 and an extra hour on Saturday evenings for all members starting July 5. But not all locations made the changes immediately. A grace period from the company was due to end Aug. 31, according to business outlet TheStreet, and Costo locations were closed on Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. USA TODAY reached out to Costco Aug. 31 to confirm the end of the grace period and did not receive an immediate response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year the company also expanded its gas station hours for all members to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Over the last month, Costco also switched out the bneverages on sale in the warehouse food courts from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. Here are the new shopping hours at Costco Warehouses for Executive Members. Paper-free shopping: Costco to test Scan & Pay to let shoppers pay with apps and skip long lines. What to know What are Costco's new hours? Costco locations should now be open: Executive member hours Monday Friday: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gold Star & Business member hours Monday Friday: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. What is a Costco executive membership? Membership is required to shop at Costo warehouses, and there are two levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gold Star membership : $65 a year: Members get access to the warehouse and Costco's fuel stations Includes two cards for you and someone in your household Executive membership: $130 a year: Members get access to the warehouse and Costco's fuel stations 2% back on eligible purchases (up to $1,250) Discounts on select services such as auto, home, pet and life insurance, travel benefits, Costco Auto Program, with discounts on moving and storage PODS coming As of June 30, early entry and a monthly $10 credit for orders of $150 placed through the company's "Same-Day" service or Instacart Includes two membership cards In the email announcing the new hours, Costco also said that executive members would receive a a monthly $10 credit for orders of $150 placed through the company's "Same-Day" service or Instacart. Memberships are not required to buy Costco Pharmacy prescriptions online or in-store; non-members can get eye exams but can't buy glasses or contacts. Anyone can shop at costco.com, but there is a 5% surcharge for non-members and some items are limited to members only. You can also shop with a Shop Card, a prepaid Costco gift card which must be purchased by a member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco EV chargers: Former SpaceX engineers provide fast EV chargers to Costco. Where they're testing in Florida Are any new Costcos coming to Florida? The latest Florida Costco opened in The Villages in August and before that, another opened in Stuart in April. A new location is rumored to be coming to Sanford, although the company has not confirmed it, talks are in the works for more potential spots, including Port St. Lucie, Pensacola and Miami. Where can I find a Costco near me in Florida? As of Sept. 2, there are 35 Costco locations in Florida. You can see the list here. James Powel, USA TODAY, contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Costco extra executive member shopping hours to go into effect EDMOND A mixed-use development planned for Coffee Creek Road will be "unlike anything previously developed within city limits," Edmond planning staff wrote in a report to the city council. Liberty Park's development will unfold over many years between Coltrane and Sooner roads on the north side of Coffee Creek Road. "This project is meant to be a walkable, new urbanist destination (with) a multitude of uses, including residential and commercial," the report also said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developers want Liberty Park to be comparable with resort-style neighborhoods, destinations, and vacation spots, said Jonathan Heusel, senior practice leader on the transportation team at the Oklahoma City office of Parkhill. More: Three significant developments are in the works in Edmond. What are they? Heusel pointed to the Wheeler District in Oklahoma City, Carlton Landing on Lake Eufaula, Rosemary Beach, Florida, and Vail, Colorado, as examples in a 98-page presentation to the city council. "I'm really excited about this. Our family loves Wheeler and Carlton Landing, and this is a different kind of thing than what we're used to developing around here," said Ward 3 Councilman Preston Watterson. "So I appreciate you guys working hard with the city staff. I appreciate staff being open-minded about this." Liberty Park requires close work with Edmond city planning staff Aerial drawing depicting Liberty Park, a master-planned, mixed-use Liberty Park, planned for the north side of Coffee Creek Road, east of Coltrane Road, in Edmond. The plat shows 705 lots, residential and nonresidential, private streets and alleys, but multiple access points off of Coffee Creek Road. The design will require numerous variances from the city's planning guidelines, despite the flexibility of (planned unit development) zoning, "to create a new urbanist style development," according to city staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Staff review of the PUD for this project included several tentative recommendations for approval of variances conditioned on the review of future engineered plans," the report said. A PUD is a kind of zoning district intended to maximize flexibility for developers and allow innovation in land use and design. Watterson said city planning guidelines might need to be adjusted for projects like Liberty Park. "I think it points out some changes that we probably need to incorporate going forward to be able to accommodate beautiful places like this. This is going to be a beautiful place for Edmond," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Is Whole Foods coming to Edmond, OK? What to know about approved plans, construction so far Narrow streets and alleys in Liberty Park contingent on variances Aerial drawing depicting the commercial area of Liberty Park, a master-planned, mixed-use Liberty Park, planned for the north side of Coffee Creek Road, east of Coltrane Road, in Edmond. The Edmond planning staff said developers asked for several zoning variances related to streets and rights-of-way, including: "Parallel parking spaces with 7 feet width (8 feet is the minimum), which will cause larger vehicles to overhang into the street lane and may be a hazard for drivers including emergency vehicles and trash collection trucks. The streets will remain private with fire lane access and any parking restrictions being the responsibility of the property owner." "Street widths of a minimum 20 feet on both collector (32 is required) and local streets (26 is required), which will be challenging to navigate for any oversize vehicles such as delivery trucks, trash collection trucks, and emergency services. Normally staff recommends a minimum 24-foot width which is the requirement for commercial parking lot driveways and provide better maneuverability." "Alleys with widths of 10, 12, and 16 feet (20 is required). Staff is not able to support the variance request at this time and will review the effect on utilities and access when engineered plans are submitted with future final plat applications. ... The applicant understands the risk that civil plans may not be approved if all safety standards are not met with design." Drawing showing the location of master-planned, mixed-use Liberty Park, planned for the north side of Coffee Creek Road, east of Coltrane Road, in Edmond. "Private right-of-way along alleys and pedestrian walkways to access several lots in the development. The applicant proposes naming these alleys and pedestrian walkways for use in addressing the future homes, which conflicts with the City of Edmond Addressing Policy requiring addresses on named streets ... Staff has concerns about delivery drivers and emergency services locating and accessing homes with only alley or pedestrian access, and would like to defer a recommendation until additional information is provided by the applicant during review of the future final plats." "Tree preservation areas that are impacted during platting improvements will be required to dedicate other areas for tree preservation and may impact the layout of the development. ... Amenities, improved trails, furnishing, or other improvements cannot impact or reduce the amount of tree preservation area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: UCO President Todd Lamb: University ready for renewed town-and-gown alliance with Edmond Liberty Park is a collaboration of Edmond home builders McGregor Homes and MassaRossa Luxury Homes, and LBA Landscape Architecture in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dover Kohl & Partners Town Planning in Coral Gables, Florida; Lew Oliver Inc., urban planning, in Clarkesville, Georgia; and Parkhill, architecture and engineering, based in Lubbock, Texas. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Could Edmond get a new 'destination' neighborhood? What to know, plans Seton Hall University, the largest Catholic university in New Jersey, has received a $10 million estate gift to support its chemistry program. The donation will fund an endowed professorship in chemistry and expand research at the schools Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, university officials announced Thursday. According to Jonathan Farina, dean of Seton Halls College of Arts and Sciences, the gift creates a permanent faculty position with stable funding for teaching and research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be the departments first endowed professorship since its founding more than half a century ago, officials said. Endowed faculty attract graduate students who want to learn from, and collaborate, with scholars of the highest caliber, Farina said in a statement. This extraordinary gift will ensure that Seton Halls chemistry and biochemistry programs continue to thrive, particularly the Ph.D. program where grant-funded research and publication are key to student success. The gift was made through the estate of the late Sylvia and Thomas Tencza of Wallington, an alumnus of the university. Sylvia and Thomas Tencza Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, was among the early members of Seton Halls chemistry program, earning his Masters and Ph.D. there in the 1960s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to spend more than three decades at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Hillside, rising to senior director of product development, securing nine patents and helping develop medications such as Excedrin, Bufferin and NoDoz, the announcement said. He died in 2012 at the age of 80. His wife, Sylvia, who died in September 2024, continued to support her husbands alma mater after his passing, according to the university. The couple had been married for more than 53 years. Sylvia often credited her husbands success to the education he received at Seton Hall and worked to bring the endowed professorship to life. In 2017, the university awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her philanthropy. Tom and Sylvias generosity will enrich the student experience and further strengthen the academic excellence for which Seton Hall has always been known, University President Monsignor Joseph Reilly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seton Hall University, founded in 1856, is a private Catholic institution in South Orange and one of the oldest diocesan universities in the United States. It enrolls nearly 10,000 students across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Nyah Marshall Stories by Nyah Marshall Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nyah Marshall may be reached at nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com Read the original article on NJ.com. WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) A couple from out of state was charged after allegedly being intoxicated with a child in their vehicle in Lewis County. On Aug. 31, officers with the Weston Police Department received a call of a passed-out male inside a vehicle with a child in the area of East 4th Street, according to a criminal complaint. Officers were also informed that one of the female subjects urinated in the middle of the street next to the park before officers arrived in the area, officers said. Jasmine Oxendine Upon arrival, officers spoke with Jasmine Oxendine, 25; and Kailynn Lash, 22, both of Glenville, as well as a third individual, who were all highly intoxicated, the complaint said. Officers said there were four empty beer cans that were still cold to the touch and a tall Smirnoff bottle that was half empty in the vehicle, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also inside the vehicle was a young child and a bong that was packed with marijuana and a blunt which were located at the feet of the childs seat, officers said. Man charged after allegedly attacking victim holding infant in Monongalia County Kailynn Lash According to Lash and Oxendine, the two were just arrested a few months ago for fighting one another in Maryland, and were not from [Lewis] County or know anyone nearby; as such, Lash, Oxendine and the third individual were impaired and unable to drive, according to the complaint. Officers also noted that there was not anything inside the vehicle to take care of the child, and a witness stated that the three have been at this for multiple hours and that Oxendine urinated in the road while children were present at the park, officers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oxendine and Lash have been charged with child neglect creating risk of injury. They are being held in Central Regional Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. U.S. Department of Justice lawyers were seeking a landmark divesture of assets owned by tech mega giant Alphabet after a federal court ruled that operations behind its Google search engine violated longstanding antitrust regulations. But on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled Alphabet does not have to sell off its widely used Chrome web browser or Android operating system in a remedy declaration that comes more than a year after the antitrust decision. Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment, the decision states. Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays ruling does, however, bar Alphabet from striking exclusive search engine contracts with device and browser developers though the company can still make payments to have its products preloaded. The ruling also instructs Google to share some of the massive trove of data it gathers on users with companies identified as qualified competitors, according to a New York Times report. Alphabet and Apple, a longtime Google licensing partner, both saw stock price increases in after-hours trading following Tuesdays ruling. At the close of regular trading, Alphabet had a market capitalization of nearly $2.5 trillion while Apple closed with a $3.38 trillion market cap. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said the remedies portion of the court case turned out to be a win for both companies, according to CNN, particularly following a Bloomberg report that the two companies may partner to incorporate Gemini into Siri. While in theory Google is barred from exclusive deals for search this now lays the groundwork for Apple to continue its deal and ultimately likely double down on more AI related partnership with Google Gemini down the road, Ives said in a research note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years now, Google has been in the practice of striking exclusive, multibillion-dollar deals with device makers to defend its position as the default search provider on smartphones and web browsers, giving it what the court sees as an unfair advantage that relies on consumer habit rather than choice, per CNN. By 2020, 95% of all U.S. search queries on mobile devices went through Google, Mehta noted in his opinion. The ruling comes some five years after the government initiated its antitrust claims and the remedy ruling is the first targeting a tech companys market dominance since an antitrust ruling against Microsoft some 20 years ago that stemmed from how the software maker bundled its web browser in its Windows operating system software. Alphabet has signaled it will appeal the ruling which could delay implementation of the federal court penalties for years. The federal governments latest guidelines for COVID-19 vaccines makes it difficult to know who, exactly, will be able to access shots this fall. While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and some of his staff claim anyone will be able to access a shot in consultation with their doctor, medical groups are warning that the new guidance will impact a broad swath of people, including postpartum people and healthy children. For children and young adults that I see, there are constraints, and they are significant, said Dr. Molly OShae, a pediatrician in Michigan and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It might also take several more weeks to know who will be able to receive no-cost COVID-19 vaccines covered by health insurance. That decision partly depends on formal recommendations from a vaccine panel that isnt scheduled to meet until mid-September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actions by the Food and Drug Administration last week mean that none of the COVID-19 vaccines that are slated to be on the U.S. market this fall will have an emergency use authorization that had allowed their quick (yet still rigorously tested) approval at the height of the pandemic. The removal of this designation means the drug company Pfizer will no longer offer COVID-19 vaccines to very young children, limiting parents brand options and potentially impacting supply. Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax, the three main COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, have all shared news releases about what theyve been approved to offer: Moderna, Pfizer or Novavax will offer shots to anyone who is 65 and older, irrespective of medical history. Pfizer will offer shots to anyone between the ages of five and 64 if they have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. Moderna will offer shots to anyone between six months and 64 if they have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. Novavax, the only company providing a non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, will offer shots to anyone between 12 and 64 if they have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. The vaccine panel known as the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to make formal recommendations on these FDA-approved vaccines, and those recommendations have historically determined whether insurance providers will cover a vaccine at no cost under insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An HHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information and comment from The 19th, but in a post on X, Kennedy said: These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors. Separately, USA Today reported on a document from HHS stating the FDAs actions do not affect access to these vaccines for healthy individuals. These vaccines remain available to those who choose them in consultation with their healthcare provider. Dr. Marty Makary, FDA commissioner, added in a separate X post: 100% of adults in this country can still get the vaccine if they choose. We are not limiting availability to anyone. But what that means practically for everyday people who want to access a COVID-19 shot everything from whether their doctor will prescribe it, or if a pharmacy will be able to administer it, and whether there will be an out-of-pocket cost is unclear for now. How will it impact postpartum people? Pregnant people are expected to still have access to the vaccine because the CDC continues to list pregnancy as an underlying condition that puts an individual at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. (The list of at least two dozen conditions also includes chronic health conditions and immunocompromised conditions.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Kennedy, who has repeatedly questioned the safety of COVID-19 vaccines despite research that shows their effectiveness, announced in May that the CDC would no longer formally recommend such vaccines to pregnant people and healthy children, a move that seemed to contradict his own department. Lactating and postpartum individuals must have an underlying medical condition to be eligible for one of the FDAs approved vaccines, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)s understanding of the announcement. ACOG continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination to people who are contemplating pregnancy, are pregnant, were recently pregnant or are now lactating. We recognize that now, disappointingly, only lactating and postpartum individuals with an underlying condition will be eligible for vaccination. Still, it remains critical that pregnant patients receive the vaccines so that they are able to provide passive immunity from COVID-19 to their infants in those first few months of life before they can be vaccinated, said ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman in an email. How will it impact healthy children? Healthy children will likely still be able to access the COVID vaccine, but the cost for a parent or guardian, as well as availability, will be impacted by these decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte A. Moser, co-director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said parents who want to get their kids the COVID-19 vaccine should still be able to do so through what is called shared clinical decision-making in consultation with their childs health care provider, according to the CDCs current vaccine schedule. But its unclear whether this will change when ACIP meets again. But physicians who prescribe a COVID-19 vaccine outside of the parameters of how the FDA approved them would be OKing use of the shot off-label a designation that means a medical product is being used outside of how the FDA approved it. That raises questions about access and cost. Physicians might not be willing to prescribe off-label because of concerns about liability. I think that there will be a substantially smaller number of pediatricians, pharmacies, etc., who will be comfortable taking that risk, OShae said. Dr. Dial Hewlett, medical director of tuberculosis services at Westchester County Department of Health in New York and a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said an off-label prescription might also not be covered by insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mother or father can go in with their child and say, Id like for them to have the vaccine, but they may be told, Well well give it, but youre going to have to pay $200, he said. The science on COVID vaccines has consistently indicated they are safe for children to receive. (Joseph Prezioso / AFP / Getty Images) Depending on the circumstances, pharmacists may also not be able to provide off-label vaccines. Some states tie pharmacist immunization authority to FDA approval,which has the potential to create a hodgepodge of access. The New York Times reported that CVS and Walgreens, the countrys largest pharmacy chains, have begun restricting COVID-19 shots in some states to people with a prescription. There may be some variability from state to state, but its a big barrier if FDA approval is not there, and the FDA approvals have been pulled back from where they were previously, Hewlett said. The FDA announcement is concerning, added Moser, who noted that limiting Pfizers vaccine will make it more difficult for all children to get a COVID-19 vaccine this year because of anticipated supply limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OShae, the pediatrician in Michigan, said her office is currently deciding how many COVID-19 shots to stock, and its proving tricky as they weigh the cost vs. demand the percentage of children under 18 getting the shot is under 15 percent. Figuring out how much we want to have at any one time, and how we are going to give it to people this really makes it a lot more complicated, she said. What happens next? Moser said the announcement adds confusion for providers and families, and noted that the unilateral approach by Kennedy so far when it comes to vaccine policy removes hundreds of voices of clinicians and scientists that were part of the process. Moser recently served on ACIP and is among the members that Kennedy removed. He has replaced the panel with people who do not have relevant experience. That army of voices ensured a process informed by clinical experience and scientific expertise to which the small group making these decisions now cannot possibly compare, she said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revamped ACIP panel is scheduled to meet over two days beginning on September 18. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor who is chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is now questioning whether that panel has enough legitimacy to meet, especially amid a leadership shakeup at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed for the now announced September ACIP meeting, he said in a statement. These decisions directly impact childrens health and the meeting should not occur until significant oversight has been conducted. If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership. AAP called Kennedys latest COVID guidelines deeply troubling and urged COVID vaccine decision-making to remain between medical experts and families. Dr. Susan J. Kressly, president of AAP, said in a statement that any barrier to COVID-19 vaccination as the nation enters the respiratory virus season creates a dangerous vulnerability for children and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any parent who wants their child vaccinated should have access to this vaccine, she said, adding that HHS action not only prevents this option for many families, but adds further confusion and stress for parents trying to make the best choices for their children. The post The new COVID vaccine rules leave parents with more questions than answers appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Chicago Public Schools has sent multiple emails to families assuring them the district is prepared for a potential National Guard presence in the city following President Donald Trump saying Chicago is next in his federal crackdowns. In the midst of the uncertainty, CPS has reiterated to parents and students that school is a safe place to be in a letter sent Thursday. No families in the district are required to share their immigration status with CPS, and the district is committed to not working with or sharing student records with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, also known as ICE. The concerns come after repeated remarks from Trump indicating his intent to send troops to Chicago to curb perceived violence in the city, despite a drop in crime rates in the last year. The threat was made seemingly more real last week when the Trump administration asked to use the Naval Station Great Lakes base in North Chicago ahead of a potential immigration operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, Trump doubled down at an unrelated news conference Tuesday in the Oval Office. Were going in, Trump said when asked Tuesday about deploying the National Guard in Chicago. I didnt say when, but were going in. The letter also advocates for families and students to take extra safety precautions, including having a group of parents and students to walk to and from school together, creating a carpool group or buddy system while on public transportation, and being in communication with their block or neighborhood to share information quickly if needed. Quick communication between community members has already started in some neighborhoods, Lowell Elementary School Local School Council member Magdalena Martinez said. If she hears that ICE officers are in the neighborhood Humboldt Park she spreads the word so everyone knows, including to local schools. The first place I tell is the school, Martinez said. I said, Theyre around here, and theyre on this street and the street, so be careful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear is especially apparent in immigrant communities, Martinez said. Grocery stores seem emptier since the talk of the National Guard first started. Parents are worried about leaving the house, let alone letting their children leave for school, she added. Theyre scared of sending them to school because they dont know if theyre going to pick up their kids, Martinez said. Our people are already scared. They dont need to be more scared. The district solidified its stance on working with immigration enforcement last year when the Chicago Board of Education passed a resolution stating CPS will not provide assistance to ICE in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law. It also states ICE is not permitted access to district facilities or personnel unless it has a criminal warrant to do so. For now, Martinezs two granddaughters within CPS are unaware of the potential threats their classmates might face. At age 3 and 9, they are too small to know, she said, though they might soon be faced with National Guard officers in their neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the reality, that theyre going to be seeing things like this and then we got to tell them, which is very hard to do, because you dont want them to live in an environment where all have to be scared where we live and where were at or who we talk to, Martinez said. The deployment also raises the question of how much federal money will be spent on the National Guards presence, Bronzeville Classical Elementary School parent and Local School Council Advisory Board member Stephen Miller said. There are other ways, more efficient, more sustainable ways to deal with the issues, as opposed to just sending troops and having them on the street and scaring people, Miller said. The biggest concern for Miller is the federal financial resources used to bring the National Guard to Chicago that could go elsewhere. The National Guard should not come, he said, and instead use those resources to help people directly, like people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it will probably be more of an agitation than a help, Miller said. Lets look at some proven things that help reduce crime for longer periods of time and not this kind of showboat approach to crime, which really wont do anything for the long run anyway. A better use of those funds would be at schools like those in CPS and across the country, which are facing tighter budgets and fewer resources after federal cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, he added. With the view that the city itself needs more money from both the government and the state, the prioritization of sending the National Guard to Chicago to stop crime seems financially unnecessary, Miller said. The amount of money that theyre spending on that kind of stuff we could be using to keep teachers in the classroom, we could be using to help restore buildings, we could be using for afterschool programs, Miller said. All of those things are what we really need, and they all help curb crime, not just having tanks in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear if Trump will follow through on those deployment threats. The presidents use of the National Guard in Los Angeles during immigration enforcement protests earlier this year was deemed illegal by a judge Tuesday morning, who determined the action violated federal law. Even with the ruling, it is yet to be determined if Trump tries something similar in Illinois. Over 50 people were shot throughout a Labor Day weekend that included multiple mass shootings, news the president is now pointing to as more of a reason to come to the city, which he called a hellhole Tuesday during a White House press conference. Interim CEO Macquline King reiterated many of the letters key points at the Chicago Board of Education meeting Thursday, sharing that the district is in conversation with city officials and labor partners about what to do if the National Guard were deployed. Public safety issues like this are the responsibility of the city and state, so CPS will follow their lead, King said. We dont know when or even if this will happen, but I want our school communities to know that CPS is prepared, King said. I know that anxiety among many families has been high since the new administration took office, so the possibility of an even greater federal presence in our city has been making this tension that much worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district hears parents worries, King said, apologizing that the potential military presence is coming amid a time when students should be happy. I wanted our families to hear directly from the district that we understand their concerns and that their children will remain safe, supported and loved every day that they are in our school, King said. In the meantime, the district will remain in communication with its families regarding anything about the potential deployment of the National Guard, King said. The start of the school year should be about learning and discovery, not fear and intimidation, King said. I know theres a lot of fear out there, but I hope our families will trust me when I say that the best and safest place for our children is still at school. Families who lost loved ones in two crashes of Boeing 737 Max jetliners may get their last chance to demand the company face criminal prosecution Wednesday. That's when a federal judge in Texas is set to hear arguments on a U.S. government motion to dismiss a felony charge against Boeing. U.S. prosecutors charged Boeing with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with the crashes that killed 346 people off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia. Federal prosecutors alleged Boeing deceived government regulators about a flight-control system that was later implicated in the fatal flights, which took place less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019. Boeing decided to plead guilty instead of going to trial, but U.S. District Chief Judge Reed OConnor rejected the aircraft maker's plea agreement in December. O'Connor, who also will consider whether to let prosecutors dismiss the conspiracy charge, objected to diversity, equity and inclusion policies potentially influencing the selection of an independent monitor to oversee the company's promised reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers representing relatives of some of the passengers who died cheered O'Connor's decision, hoping it would further their goal of seeing former Boeing executives prosecuted during a public trial and more severe financial punishment for the company. Instead, the delay worked to Boeing's favor. The judges refusal to accept the agreement meant the company was free to challenge the Justice Departments rationale for charging Boeing as a corporation. It also meant prosecutors would have to secure a new deal for a guilty plea. Resolving a difficult and complex case The government and Boeing spent six months renegotiating their plea deal. During that time, President Donald Trump returned to office and ordered an end to the diversity initiatives that gave OConnor pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the Justice Departments criminal fraud section briefed the judge in late May, the charge and the plea were off the table. A non-prosecution agreement the two sides struck said the government would dismiss the charge in exchange for Boeing paying or investing another $1.1 billion in fines, compensation for the crash victims' families, and internal safety and quality measures. The Justice Department said it offered Boeing those terms in light of significant changes Boeing made to its quality control and anti-fraud programs since entering into the July 2024 plea deal. The department also said it thought that persuading a jury to punish the company with a criminal conviction would be risky, while the revised agreement ensures "meaningful accountability, delivers substantial and immediate public benefits, and brings finality to a difficult and complex case whose outcome would otherwise be uncertain. Judge O'Connor has invited some of the families to address the court on Wednesday. One of the people who plans to speak is Catherine Berthet, whose daughter, Camille Geoffrey, died at age 28 when a 737 Max crashed shortly after takeoff from Ethiopia's Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berthet, who lives in France, is part of a group of about 30 families who want the judge to deny the government's request and to appoint a special prosecutor to take over the case. While it is no surprise that Boeing is trying to buy everyone off, the fact that the DOJ, which had a guilty plea in its hands last year, has now decided not to prosecute Boeing regardless of the judges decision is a denial of justice, a total disregard for the victims and, above all, a disregard for the judge, she said in a statement. The government says the judge can't deny its request Justice Department lawyers maintain the families of 110 crash victims either support a pre-trial resolution or do not oppose the non-prosecution agreement. The department's lawyers also dispute whether O'Connor has authority to deny the motion without finding prosecutors acted in bad faith instead of the public interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While federal judges typically defer to the discretion of prosecutors in such situations, court approval is not automatic. In the Boeing case, the Justice Department has asked to preserve the option of refiling the conspiracy charge if the company does not hold up its end of the deal over the next two years. Boeing reached a settlement in 2021 that protected it from criminal prosecution, but the Justice Department determined last year that the company had violated the agreement and revived the charge. Faulty sensor readings preceded crashes The case revolves around a new software system Boeing developed for the Max. In the 2018 and 2019 crashes, the software pitched the nose of the plane down repeatedly based on faulty readings from a single sensor, and pilots flying then-new planes for Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines were unable to regain control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Transportation Department's inspector general found that Boeing did not inform key Federal Aviation Administration personnel about changes it made to the MCAS software before regulators set pilot training requirements for the Max and certified the airliner for flight. Acting on the incomplete information, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training for Boeing 737 pilots, avoiding the need for flight simulators that would have made it more expensive for airlines to adopt the latest version of the jetliner. Airlines began flying the Max in 2017. After the Ethiopia crash, the planes were grounded worldwide for 20 months while the company redesigned the software. In the final weeks of Trump's first term, the Justice Department charged Boeing with conspiring to defraud the U.S. government but agreed to defer prosecution and drop the charge after three years if the company paid a $2.5 billion settlement and strengthened its ethics and legal compliance programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2021 settlement agreement was on the verge of expiring when a panel covering an unused emergency exit blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight over Oregon at the beginning of last year. No one was seriously injured, but the potential disaster put Boeing's safety record under renewed scrutiny. A former Boeing test pilot remains the only individual charged with a crime in connection with the crashes. In March 2022, a federal jury acquitted him of misleading the FAA about the amount of training pilots would need to fly the Max. ___ Leff reported from London. Yamat reported from Las Vegas. Cruises are making waves this year as new megaships set sail and demand reaches record highs, triggering some popular destinations to update tourist tax rules. Here is what to know. Royal Caribbean unveils world's largest cruise ship, Star of the Seas Royal Caribbean - PHOTO: Royal Caribbeans Star of the Seas arrives in Port Canaveral, Florida. Star of the Seas, the sister ship to the cruise liner's Icon of the Seas, set sail on its inaugural voyage Sunday from Port Canaveral, Florida for a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary. The new floating mega city, which shares the Guinness World Records title of world's largest cruise ship with the Icon for its gross tonnage, bills itself as having something for everyone with 20 decks and 40 bars and restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Star of the Seas features a waterpark at sea with an aquadome complete with a 55-foot waterfall and a "Back to the Future" musical with a full-size replica of the famed flying DeLorean. Passengers across social media have taken their online audiences inside the vast megaship, spurring thousands of posts, likes and interest in the massive vessel. Cruise demand surges amid increased travel bookings Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images - PHOTO: Cruise ships docked at the Port of Miami. Demand for cruise vacations is at an all-time high, according to cruise expert Stewart Chiron, founder of The Cruise Guy. "There are more people booked for cruises into the future than any same time in the history," Chiron said Monday on "Good Morning America." "The demand is tremendous and people are going. The satisfaction rates are unbelievable and the future outlook with, especially with the new ships that are coming in, it's gonna make it even more exciting." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 marks the third consecutive year of record cruise passenger volume, according to AAA. Cruise travel expected to make a wave this year with record numbers The cruise industry greatly rebounded after the halted and delayed operations during the COVID-19 pandemic -- when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020 blocked ships with more than 250 people from sailing in the U.S. -- and bookings have now, in some cases, exceeded hotel demand, according to Chiron. Jonathan Ross/Adobe Stock - PHOTO: A cruise ship sails in Hawaii. Chiron also said people are "sick of the price gouging with the hotels" and are opting instead for travel at sea. "What's happening right now is there's more people that are wanting to go on cruises," he said. "Some that have maybe taken one or two cruises and now they're doing three, four or five cruises in a year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruise lines are also doubling down to offer more destinations and experiences for passengers, according to Chiron. Later this week, Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady will make its adults-only maiden voyage with various trips planned across North America from New England and Canada to the Caribbean and more. "There's the ships -- but the real arms race, let's call it -- are in the destinations," Chiron said. "And what the cruise lines are trying to do right now is be able to control more of the cruise to be able to provide a, a more unique experience." New cruise passenger fees in Hawaii to combat overtourism manuel - stock.adobe.com - PHOTO: A cruise ship docked on Maui in Hawaii. Hawaii may be among the next destinations enforcing fees on visitors, including cruise passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A first-of-its-kind levy in the U.S. that aims to offset global warming-related impacts would increase rates on hotel rooms and vacation rentals in Hawaii, as well as -- starting next year -- a prorated tax on cruise ship passenger fares for the number of days spent in Hawaii ports. The new levy, signed Hawaii Gov. Josh Green in May, would raise tax revenue in an effort to help with climate problems. Hawaii increases hotel tax to help state cope with climate change Critics of the new tax believe the fees would make cruises in Hawaii too expensive, potentially pushing would-be visitors to travel to another destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawsuit filed in U.S. court in Honolulu in August by the Cruise Lines International Association challenges the constitutionality of the cruise-related provisions and "seeks to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruise ship passengers," according to The Associated Press. The plaintiffs urged a judge to act soon in a motion for a preliminary injunction, due to the time sensitive travel plan timing and booking windows for next year. A hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 31, according to the AP. CLIA told ABC News in an emailed statement that it opposes the extension of Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax to cruise ship passengers because the organization believes it "violates both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, while imposing an additional financial burden on passengers already subject to substantial fees and taxes." The representative said the policy "risks undermining a critical sector of Hawaiis economy without justification." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing the economic significance of cruise tourism to Hawaii, the CLIA representative told ABC News that cruise tourism and its shoreside activities "generated $639 million in total economic impact ... supported 3,000 local jobs and $215 million in wages in 2023," according to an analysis by Tourism Economics, Oxford Economics. "The cruise industry values its longstanding relationship with Hawaii and is committed to working collaboratively with state officials to develop a fair and legally sound framework that promotes sustainable economic growth," the statement read. Bobs Discount Furniture started more than three decades ago in Connecticut. Since then, the company has eclipsed 200 stores and has expanded throughout the country. The furniture chain recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest store, located at Newington Plaza Shopping Center at 3174 Berlin Turnpike, in the same city where founders Bob Kaufman and Gene Rosenberg opened their first store in 1991. It all started here in Newington on March 31, 1991, down the Berlin Turnpike in the former Nimbus location on Ann Street where I had a 5,000-square-foot waterbed store, Kaufman said in a statement to the Courant. It has grown to over 200 stores in 26 states coast to coast thanks to the early support of the people of Newington and the surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our talented, dedicated team ensures that we bring true value and honesty to our customers every day, and this has fueled a growth I never could have imagined, Kaufman said. Kaufman continues to be the face of the company and has appeared in its memorable television commercials that end with his standard line, Come on down. Reaching our 200th store is a proud moment for everyone at Bobs, said Bobs president and CEO Bill Barton. It reflects decades of hard work, great people and loyal customers who have trusted us to help furnish their homes. Its also a reminder of how far weve come from our very first store in Newington over 30 years ago. Barton said that Connecticut has always been home for the discount furniture store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where the company started, where our first customers came from, and where many of our team members live and work today. The local community helped build Bobs, and were incredibly grateful for that support, Barton said. Bobs Discount Furniture has grown into the 7th largest U.S. furniture chain with 203 stores across 26 states. The company has opened several stores this year including opening their first stores in Vermont and North Carolina. Our principles havent changedgreat value, integrity, transparency, and fun, and always putting people first. Customers know they can walk into any Bobs and get quality, on-trend furniture at an unbeatable price, without any gimmicks. That straightforward approach to selling quality products, combined with a fantastic team, has been the foundation of our growth, Barton said. (Bob Kaufman is) incredibly proud of what the company has accomplished and excited to meet our customers in Newington once again. Barton said having the milestone in Newington is a full-circle moment for the company and adds more meaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the grand opening, Bobs donated $25,000 to the Childrens Miracle Network and made two $2,500 donations to two local charities, the Connecticut Humane Society and John Wallace Middle School. Since Day 1, Bobs has been focused on supporting the communities where we live and work. Through our support of military and first responder organizations, national nonprofits and local schools, we see it as our responsibility to make a positive impact on the world around us, Barton said. Bobs Discount Furniture has additional Connecticut locations in Southington, Newington, Orange, Manchester, Brookfield, Bridgeport, New London, Norwalk and Taftville. Barton said hes excited about the future of the company. Well continue to grow thoughtfully, bringing Bobs to new communities while staying true to the values that got us here. At the same time, were investing in our people, our stores, and our customer experience to ensure that as we expand, we get even better, Barton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about tariffs and changes in the economy, Bobs said the company is watching them closely. Like many in our industry, were monitoring tariff developments closely, Barton said. While global trade dynamics can impact sourcing, Bobs will always offer the best value in the marketplace and will continue to deliver this value without compromise to our guests at everyday low prices with no phony sales gimmicks. Our products are well stocked and ready for delivery. WASHINGTON A federal grand jury in Washington declined to indict a woman accused of threatening President Donald Trump on social media, another sign of pushback from D.C. residents over the use of federal law enforcement and deployment of National Guard troops in the city. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia accused Nathalie Rose Jones of Indiana of threatening to take the life of the president and transmitting threats over state lines on Instagram and Facebook. Jones allegedly called Trump a terrorist and a Nazi in a voluntary interview with the Secret Service. She attended a march in Washington on Aug. 16 that went around the White House complex and was then arrested, though she said she had no desire at that time to harm Trump. Friends wrote in letters to the court that Jones has had mental health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a motion filed Monday, Jones' attorneys disclosed that a grand jury didnt indict her. A grand jury has now found no probable cause to indict Ms. Jones on the charged offenses, her federal public defenders wrote, seeking to get Jones released on her own recognizance. Overruling a magistrate judge, Chief District Judge James Boasberg had ordered Jones released on home detention. "Given that finding, the weight of the evidence is weak," her lawyers wrote of the grand jury's decision. "The government may intend to try again to obtain an indictment, but the evidence has not changed and no indictment is likely. For this reason the Court should release Ms. Jones on her personal recognizance to appear if required." A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at federal officers also wasn't indicted by a grand jury. (Andrew Leyden / Getty Images) It is rare for a federal grand jury to decline to indict, but it's become an emerging trend in Washington amid Trump's federal crackdown, with grand juries made up of local residents declining to indict at least six times in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a grand jury declined to indict a former Justice Department employee, Sean Dunn, who was seen on video tossing a hoagie at the chest of one of the federal law enforcement officers patrolling the streets of Washington. Dunn has become a symbol of opposition to the federal takeover among D.C. residents, with Banksy-style art depicting a man tossing a sandwich appearing around the city. A grand jury also declined to indict Alvin Summers with assault on a federal officer. And three federal grand juries refused to indict Sidney Lori Reid with assault during a scuffle with an FBI agent, and her charges were downgraded to a misdemeanor. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Washington grand jurors have refused to indict in yet another criminal case this time in a case in which the government alleged the defendant made threats against President Donald Trump. Its the latest known instance of a stunning phenomenon thats been underway in the nations capital, as grand jurors have refused to return indictments in several cases presented by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office. I must reiterate once again how abnormal this is. Prosecutors generally have an easy time securing indictments so easy that its difficult to infer much about a cases merit based on the mere fact of an indictment. There is much to infer, however, from grand jurors recent refusals to indict at least three other separate defendants who were all initially charged with assaulting law enforcement officers. In one of those cases alone, grand jurors declined three times to return an indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Add to the mix the case of Nathalie Rose Jones. Announcing her arrest last month, Pirro said, Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution. Make no mistake justice will be served. Grand jurors may have thought they were doing just that serving justice as they have shown several times now that their view of that concept (or at least of the law) is different from the administrations. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Trumps federal takeover of Washington, D.C., may have helped a Republican congressman get off scot-free after he allegedly assaulted a woman. In February, D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department arrived at Millss luxury penthouse on the Wharf in response to a call about a domestic disturbance. There they found Millss significant other of a year, 27, physically shaking and scared, according to a police report. Mills and his wife, Rana Al Saadi, have been in the process of divorcing for almost three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are three separate police reports of the conflict. In one, Millss partner told police that the congressman grabbed her, shoved her, and pushed her out of the door. The police report also noted that she had fresh bruises on her arms, and that she played them a recorded phone call in which Mills told her to lie about where her bruises were from. Mills, 45, later showed up to the scene. When police told him hed be placed under arrest, his significant other recanted all of her previous statements, and Mills was freed. The MPD later sent an arrest warrant for Mills to the U.S. attorneys office, where interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin refused to sign it. The case remained under MPD investigation until Trump took over the MPD. Then it was promptly, conveniently closed. I would like to thank the Metro Police Department for their diligent investigation into false and misleading accusations made against me by the media, ensuring that both truth and justice prevailed, Mills said in a statement to The Hill. The medias claims and political spins have been debunked, and the case is closed. Its blatantly obvious that some have attempted to over-politicize this to impact the 2026 election, but these efforts have failed. This seems like a pretty clear abuse of power on Trumps parttaking over a citys police department, which then closes an investigation into one of your party members a year before midterm elections. It certainly aligns with the other instances of this administrations rampant corruption and cronyism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MPD investigation was just one allegation against Mills. Hes also currently facing a lawsuit that charges him of using revenge porn against his ex-partner, Florida Republican state committee member and Miss United States 2024, Lindsey Langston. Mills allegedly threatened to post nude videos of Langston and promised to hurt any man she dated in the future. That case is ongoing. An active congressman with two allegations of assault against women is still sitting in the Capitol building thanks to the president. Thats what Trumps version of draining the swamp actually looks like. The district attorney has identified a motorcyclist killed in a crash in Holyoke on the Labor Day holiday. William Brunault, 66, of South Hadley died in Mondays crash, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in a statement on Tuesday. At approximately 2:40 p.m. Monday, police officers responded to the intersection of Lyman and North Bridge streets for a report of a motorcyclist being struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found a man, later identified as Brunault, suffering from significant injuries, Gulluni said. Brunault was taken by ambulance to Holyoke Medical Center, where he later died. Gulluni offers condolences to the victim and his family, he said in his statement. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit and the Motor Vehicle Homicide Unit assigned to Gullunis office and Holyoke Police are investigating the fatal crash. Brunault was the latest motorcyclist killed in a crash over the Labor Day weekend. On Sunday night, a 23-year-old motorcyclist and local firefighter died following a crash in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Bonazzoli of Clinton, who worked as a firefighter in Sterling, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a nearby home around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, police said. He died 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. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Platte Creek Brewing Company is bringing the beer for South Dakota to celebrate the United States 250th birthday at 2026s State Fair and beyond. At the South Dakota State Fair in Huron on Saturday, the brewery from Geddes on unveiled the special brew called Dakota Liberty that will represent South Dakota as the official beer of the celebration next year. Wasko to resign as DOC Secretary Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dakota Liberty is a take on the brewing companys own beer called Dakota Lite with American Lager and brewed with pilsner and corn. Doug Dykstra, owner of Platte Creek Brewing Company, said they are honored to have been chosen, but its a huge undertaking for them. Weve been working with the (South Dakota State) Historical Society. We came up with a great recipe or its a beer that weve had on tap for a while, we renamed it to Dakota Liberty, Dykstra said. Now the task is how are we gonna get this out throughout the state. Weve looked at several different options. Were still working with a few other places to get it distributed. Dykstra added that the beer will be used as a fundraiser for the Historical Society, with sales from merchandise going to the society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were gonna be hitting different functions throughout the state. Were still working at the State Fair also on how we want this to look for the fair next year, Dykstra said. This to be a fundraiser for the Historical Society, were gonna need to sell some merchandise, and thats why we want to get throughout the state working on selling the merchandise as well. Dykstra added during the Saturday unveiling that the brewery is hoping to develop several items of merchandise to help raise funds for the society. We name our beers after the history in our area. Papa Pumpkin was named after the fur traders building that is in Geddes, Dykstra said. We love our history and we love that this is made for a purpose, and the purpose behind it is that its this, its a fundraiser for the historical society. Probably most things that people recognize are like t-shirts, koozies, caps, certain glasses or mugs, those kinds of things that just kind of get out there, Dykstra said. Were actually looking at just different ideas for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dykstra said they take a lot of pride in their local history, which is what led them to want to partner with the South Dakota State Historical Society He said they are still in the planning stages and are figuring out how to get the beer distributed in time for next years celebration. Were doing more of a rollout probably towards the end of this year already, beer-wise. Were, gonna make as much as we can on in-house, and then were figuring out ways to get it throughout the state, Dykstra said. He said the beer will likely be more widely available in South Dakota towards December. Dykstra said during the unveiling of Dakota Liberty at the State Fair that they will be attending various events to help sell the merchandise over the next year, leading up to the 2026 State Fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will be at various functions throughout the state, so well be hitting different ones in different communities, and were also working with other vendors that will work with us, Dykstra said. Youll see a big push as we go into 2026. With that being said, mark your calendars, were gonna do something very big next year at the State Fair as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Dallas police are investigating three separate homicides that occurred in less than 48 hours over the weekend. Morrell Avenue On August 31, at about 10:20 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Morrell Avenue and found a man shot at the location. He died at the scene. The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office will work to identify the victim. This case is documented as number 125459-2025. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cayce Shelton at 214-671-3584 or c.shelton@dallaspolice.gov. Jeffries Street On August 31, at about 5:10 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1800 block of Jeffries Street. Police said the victim was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injury. The suspect, 66-year-old Charles Reeder, was arrested and charged with murder. He was taken to Dallas County Jail. The Medical Examiners Office will confirm the victims identity. This case is documented as number 125543-2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Adam Joslin at 214-649-2790 or adam.joslin@dallaspolice.gov. 52nd Street On August 30, at about 3:00 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of 52nd Street and found a man shot at the location. He died at the scene. The Medical Examiners Office is working to identify the victim. This case is documented as number 124823-2025. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J. Ortiz-Vives at 214-671-4310 or jose.ortizvives@dallaspolice.gov. Case Status Police said the Morrell Avenue and 52nd Street cases remain under investigation. In the Jeffries Street homicide, 66-year-old Charles Reeder was arrested and charged with murder. Curt Collicott is seen as he works among the racks and network switches in the data center of the LightEdge Solutions company in Altoona, Iowa. The Rev. Willie Dwayne Francois III argues that data center owners are not paying their fair share of rising electric costs. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) By the Rev. Willie Dwayne Francois III On a scorching Monday in August, I participated in a consequential conversation on the energy crisis facing our state and learned about the actual contributors to inhibitive cost increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an event hosted by STONO Public Affairs, 30 faith leaders from around the state conversed with the president of the Board of Public Utilities, Christine Guhl-Sadovy, about the impact of rising electric bills on New Jerseys low-income communities and what programs exist to help customers experiencing devastating challenges paying their bills. New Jersey offers a range of assistance programs that, unfortunately, few people know exist or how to access. As someone who hears from congregants and community members every day about their financial struggles, I commend STONO and the Board of Public Utilities for jointly organizing this event to make visible the people hurting most acutely from this reprehensible energy crisis. This moment of affordability chaos necessitates that faith communities, government, and community-based organizations do more to bridge the gap and raise awareness around these programs, as our neighbors and family members suffocate under the tightening squeeze of unchecked energy costs. Every year, we see more days with extreme temperatures due to climate change, with historically Black, brown, and low-income communities living in sections of towns where temperatures are 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than in more affluent communities inhabited by white people. The combination of extreme weather and escalating power costs uniquely compounds the health and financial crises that countless families struggling to get by know all too intimately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While improving outreach to communities about available assistance will help to stop the bleeding, we, likewise, have a moral obligation to address the root cause of this odious crisis. A growing consensus among utility providers, academics, and advocates alike continues to take shape concerning the direct link between our rising energy costs and increased demand due to the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence. Despite agreement on the causes, there is little discussion about long-term solutions to these escalating costs for those who can least afford them. The expert class, business leaders, and everyday users laud artificial intelligence as the most tremendous technological advancement since the advent of the internet. Companies are stampeding forward to invest in their own AI systems, claiming it will lead to innovation across sectors and ultimately yield a big payday for countless people. The unfortunate side effect of this promising new sector is the massive amounts of energy AI data centers use. At the onset of this new technological revolution that portends to amplify creativity and generate unimaginable wealth, we should be equally creative in our attempts to meet this moment differently than we did at the onset of the internet. Rather than allowing this revolution to overburden and punish the vulnerable, we should find creative ways for it to subsidize those who will see repressive upticks in expenses due to the actions of techno-capitalists. For people living paycheck to paycheck, a 20% increase on a $200 to $300 electric bill is enough to break the bank. We must find ways for this technology to be an unadulterated good for everyone instead of a burden for low-income people merely trying to get by. Its sinful to tie our hands, bury our heads in the sand, or permit our tongues to cling to the roofs of our mouths while corporations get rich on the backs of working families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not asking companies to stop pursuing innovation and teasing out new possibilities from AI. Were simply asking these corporations to pay their fair share. If the industry intends to endure, data-center developers makers of these humming plants of consumption must chip in for wide-reaching and systematic utility assistance and invest in the infrastructure necessary to support their energy demands. Sustainability for these companies looks like returning something to the people who make their profits possible. What opportunities did we miss before the dawn of the internet and social media to ensure that they would be assets and not burdens to the rest of society? What tax considerations did we miss that would have benefited the least among us and the innovators who created the technology? We obviously missed opportunities for fairness and justice at the dawn of the internet, but the stakes are too high now for us to allow history and the present to rhyme by repeating the same mistakes. We know more about the causes and effects of climate change alongside the polarizing residual effects of technological advancements like social media. We can ill-afford another revolution to happen without drawing clear guidelines to ensure the titans of industry pull their weight. The gravity of this swelling crisis calls for an economics of repair as the only legitimate moral response to reinforce the undying dignity of hardworking people straining to make month and money meet. No one working two jobs and driving Uber to keep the heat and hope on should bear the cost of increased demand usage by the billionaire data center industry. In fact, it should be the opposite: A family should enjoy financial relief on their utility bill because this billion-dollar industry is able to exist. We have a chance to do things right this time around. Lets not squander it. The Rev. Willie Dwayne Francois III is the senior pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit and an associate professor of theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) Lorin Farr Park has been reopened after a temporary closure, as the Ogden Police and the Davis County Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious package. The Davis County Sheriffs Office Bomb Squad completed their investigation of the suspicious package, and they found that it was not an explosive device. What exactly was in the package has not been identified to the public at this time. Police respond to an Ogden park due to a suspicious package (Courtesy: Jessica Bell) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police temporarily closed Lorin Farr Park out of an abundance of caution, according to a social media post from Ogden Police. They also briefly requested the public to avoid the area. As of 3:40 p.m., the park and surrounding areas have been reopened, and regular activities have resumed. There is no threat to the public. There is no further information available at this time. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Mayor Jeff Mims has officially relaunched his re-election campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The campaign launched with an ad video, which highlights the mayors accomplishments over this term and shares his outline for a second term if elected. In the video, Mayor Mims underscores Daytons progress, including the arrival of new businesses such as Joby Aviation, growth in wages, expanded investments in public safety to curb crime, and renewed commitments to neighborhoods through demolition of vacant homes, road repairs, and park improvements, wrote the Mims campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the second term, Mims is to increase investments in law enforcement and policing technology. He also wants to focus on affordability, small businesses and investing in entrepreneurs. 2 fires in Oregon District restaurants this weekend; resiliently still open and selling drinks He is running against Dayton City Commissioner Shenise Turner-Sloss. Both were the only candidates who filed for mayor, so there wasnt a primary election. Turner-Sloss previously released a Flight Plan for her possible term. It also prioritizes small businesses, the cost of living and neighborhood revitalizations. Her plan also has a residents-first approach, highlighting ideas for Fresh Food to Food Deserts, and public safety reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the plan, a new Public Safety Committee would be established. There would be incentives for Dayton residents to become officers, including competitive wages, paid training, college tuition and incentives for living in the city. The reformation is a different approach and would reallocate certain responsibilities from law enforcement to social workers and mental health professionals. The Dayton Police Department is only one part of our public team but historically, they have been expected to do too much. Teams are more productive when every player is at their best. We currently use the police to respond to things such as wellness checks, auto accidents, school discipline, minor traffic violations like a busted taillight, the mentally ill, and the unhoused, wrote the Turner-Sloss campaign. To see the latest local election coverage, visit the 2 NEWS Your Local Election HQ here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Three red stars, two red bars, and a field of white. Its a combination that is recognized by people in the DMV as the flag of the District of Columbia. The symbol of D.C. also is being viewed as a hot commodity right now. Of the little stick flags, weve been selling about three a day, said Joe Tartaglione, a manager at True Value Hardware Store on 17th Street NW. There are just a few of the stick flags left. As for the flag pole-sized ones? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were out of those right now, Tartaglione said. Tartaglione said that the rush to buy DC Flags started shortly after President Donald Trump took over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in mid-August and ordered federal law enforcement agencies to protect District streets. Get the latest on the DC takeover from DC News Now We actually hadnt carried them for several years, and I dont remember what it was like several years ago, but it wasnt an overwhelming requirement, Tartaglione said. Tony Miles is among many District residents who protest President Trumps actions with more than just a flag. He and others wear T-shirts that carry the flag design on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walking to work, you see National Guard, you see a lot of Park Police, Miles said. Its to let them know that this is my city, not theirs. More of the large DC flags are expected to arrive at True Value over the next couple of weeks. Several other hardware stores across the District said they have the flags in stock, but supplies are running out fast. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A Washington, D.C. grand jury declined to indict an Indiana woman accused of threatening President Trumps life on social media, building upon a series of criminal dismissals from citizen jurors in recent weeks. Nathalie Rose Jones was charged with threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the president of the United States and transmitting in interstate commerce communications. In a motion filed Monday, a public defender requested that Jones be placed on personal recognizance while awaiting a future court date if required, noting that a grand jury had declined to indict her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury has now found no probable cause to indict Ms. Jones on the charged offenses, her team wrote. Given that finding, the weight of the evidence is weak. The government may intend to try again to obtain an indictment, but the evidence has not changed and no indictment is likely. For this reason the Court should release Ms. Jones on her personal recognizance to appear if required, they added. The request comes days after federal Judge James Boasberg ordered Jones to meet with her psychiatrist in New York City and approved home detention with a GPS monitor, overruling a magistrate judge. Jones, 50, suffers from schizophrenia and has ramped up her criticism of the Trump administration in recent months after attending protests in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I literally told FBI in five states today that I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea Jones wrote in an Aug. 6 post on her Facebook page. This regime has to go. The whole administration, she told NewsNation in an Aug. 16 interview. Despite her menacing words, family and friends say she behaves tolerably when taking her medication and is not a threat to others. While she has had mental health issues throughout her life, they have never, to my knowledge, resulted in violent physical action, Karen Craig wrote in a letter to the judge presiding over Joness case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person said theyve only known her to fight her battles with words. She will comply with court orders if released. This is a shocking and embarrassing wake up call for her. She is disciplined from her time in the Army Reserve, Rod Hughes wrote in a Aug. 22 letter of support. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, Any threat to the Presidents life should be taken incredibly seriously now more than ever considering President Trump has survived not one, but two, attempts on his life. This should be commonsense for anyone dealing with deranged individuals who make these types of threats. Its unclear if the U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro will pursue additional charges for Jones at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Washington DC Grand Jury refused to indict someone who threatened to kill the President of the United States. Her intent was clear, traveling through five states to do so. She even confirmed the same to the US Secret Service, Pirro said Tuesday. This is the essence of a politicized jury. The system here is broken on many levels. Instead of the outrage that should be engendered by a specific threat to kill the president, the grand jury in DC refuses to even let the judicial process begin. Justice should not depend on politics. NBC News reports that D.C. grand juries have declined to indict at least six times in recent weeks amid Trumps crime crackdown in the nations capital. In one of the more prominent cases, a grand jury refused to approve felony charges against a man accused of throwing a sandwich at federal law enforcement officers while shouting, Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! Prosecutors later charged the man with misdemeanor assault instead. Updated at 6:02 p.m. EDT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DEA: 171 Sinaloa Cartel arrests in New England in one week The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says a week-long cartel crackdown led to 171 arrests of cartel members in New England alone. The DEA says all those arrested were tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexico-based network considered the largest drug cartel in the world. Theyre our public enemy number one in New England, said Jarod Forget, the Special Agent in Charge of DEAs New England Field Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forget told 25 Investigates that the goal last week was to arrest as many members of the cartel as possible. Cartel Presence in New England New England saw the highest number of regional arrests 49 in Massachusetts, 33 in New Hampshire, and 64 in Connecticut. Investigative Reporter Kerry Kavanaugh asked Forget:Do you think people would be surprised to learn how many members of that cartel are operating probably in plain sight in their communities? Sure, so Sinaloa Cartel in every single state across America, more than 40 countries around the world and obviously theyre in every state throughout New England, Forget said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 25 Investigates: DEA warning fake prescription pills are claiming lives across Mass. and country Counterfeit Pills The threat is reaching some people who have no idea theyre buying potentially deadly counterfeit pills. We see fentanyl powder and we see counterfeit pills, pills that are made to look like legitimate pills, notably M30. M30s are counterfeit oxycodone pills. Forget said the DEA is also increasingly seeing counterfeit stimulant pills made to look like Adderall. Im a DEA agent, I cannot tell the difference between a fake one and a real one, Forget said. Among the drugs seized during the operation: more than 22,000 counterfeit pills, purple fentanyl powder, and packaging stamped with the Sinaloa Cartel logo. Targeting Young People Forget warned that the cartel is targeting unsuspecting young people online through common social media apps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we need to remind parents, schools, caregivers, everybody in the community, have those conversations with each other. Have them with your kids, Forget said. Turning grief into action: Marlborough mom creates opioid awareness license plate Fighting the Network 25 Investigates asked:171 arrests throughout New England does that make a dent? Were the DEA. Were not going after low-level retail drug traffickers. We are going after drug trafficking organizations, the networks, Forget said. How do you disrupt that, something that is so large, so vast, and seemingly so powerful? Right, its an ongoing battle, one that we cannot, we cant afford to give up, right? Its the Sinaloa Cartel is a threat to public safety, our public health, and our national security as a country, Forget said. Ongoing Crisis This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that while drug overdose deaths are declining, overdose remains the leading cause of death for young people ages 18 to 45. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW At least 11 people have been killed in an explosion at a rally organised by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in the Pakistani city of Quetta, according to local media and a police official. Police are investigating the blast, police official Athar Rasheed told the news agency Reuters on Tuesday. The English language Dawn news site said at least 29 people were wounded in the blast in the western city. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the deadly blast. More soon. An agreement might be reached on security guarantees for Ukraine as discussed with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated on Tuesday in remarks to Russia's state news agency TASS. Putin made the comments during a meeting in Beijing with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, TASS reported. The Russian leader is currently on a four-day visit to China where he, like Fico, plans to attend a military parade on Wednesday to mark the end of World War II 80 years ago. "It seems to me that there is an opportunity to find consensus," Putin said regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine, a highly contentious issue that is currently being discussed by Kiev's allies to deter Moscow from attacking again should a peace deal be reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump invited Putin to a summit in Alaska last month in an attempt to end the war in Ukraine that started with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite optimistic remarks from Trump following the meeting in mid-August, no evident progress on halting the hostilities has been seen so far. While in Beijing, Putin once again stressed that Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO once fighting ends. Fico reportedly signalled support for the Russian position on NATO membership for Ukraine during his meeting with Putin. The Russian president did not provide further details regarding possible agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia has thus far ruled out the deployment of a peacekeeping force from Kiev's Western allies to Ukraine and has instead proposed an arrangement that would give Moscow a veto on security issues. A new poll has found most U.S. adults agree hard work no longer guarantees economic gain, crushing the long-held cultural belief known as the American dream. There is a running joke on TikTok, which is predominantly used by younger adults, that the Baby Boomer generation is now able to sell their homes for millions after buying them with a handful of raspberries. This sentiment rang true in a recent survey from The Wall Street Journal and NORC at the University of Chicago, as well as in interviews conducted by the publication. A majority of respondents said the prior generation had an easier time buying a home, starting a business or being a full-time parent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 70 percent of people in the poll said they believe the American dream an idea that, no matter who you are or where you are from, if you work hard enough, you will achieve your goals in America is no longer true or never was. A new poll finds most U.S. adults agree hard work no longer guarantees economic gain, crushing the long-held cultural belief known as the American dream (Preston C. Mack/Getty Images) The number of people who believe the American dream is dead is the highest it's been in nearly 15 years of surveys, according to the WSJ. The poll was fittingly published on Labor Day, a federal holiday that celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. In an X post Monday, the White House shared a clip of President Donald Trumps 11 life-changing lessons, which included a good work ethic and a belief in the American Dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But only 25 percent of people in the WSJ-NORC poll believe they have a good chance of improving their standard of living, a historic low in surveys dating to 1987, according to the publication. Theres limits to what hard work can actually bring people these days, Bill Sanchez, a 30-year-old criminal defense attorney and Army veteran who makes roughly $72,000 a year living in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, told the WSJ. Jerry Esch, a 56-year-old from Windsor, Colorado, was making roughly $200,000 a year before he was laid off this summer after working at Microsoft for 20 years. He and his wife still have a mortgage to pay off. Esch said salaries havent risen with ridiculous home prices. How we address that is the biggest thing in fixing that American dream, he said. On Monday, protesters gathered at hundreds of events across the country to not only support workers but also denounce the Trump administration (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) On Monday, protesters gathered at hundreds of events across the country to not only support workers but also to denounce the Trump administration. Demonstrators protested against issues including the presidents mass immigrant deportations and government spending cuts made by tech billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, The New York Times reported. NEED TO KNOW Convicted murderers Royce Casey and Jacob Delashmutt, both 47, were released from prison in California after being granted parole The two men were sentenced to 25 years to life in 1997 after being charged with the murder of 15-year-old Elyse Pahler Casey and Delashmutt stabbed Pahler to death as part of a satanic ritual, then buried her in a shallow grave, where she stayed until Casey confessed to the murder eight months later Two of the three men involved in a 1995 murder that helped fuel the nationwide "satanic panic" have been granted parole. Royce Casey and Jacob Delashmutt, both 47, were both released from California prisons within weeks of one another after serving 28 years for the murder of 15-year-old Elyse Pahler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those two men, along with their accomplice Joseph Fiorella, killed Pahler after becoming fixated on the notion of "sacrificing a virgin to the devil" in what they themselves described as a "satanic ritual," according to a habeas corpus petition filed by Casey and obtained by PEOPLE. The three men, who had formed a death metal band, believed that murdering Pahler would make them better musicians, according to Casey. The three teenagers discussed killing Pahler for months, but Casey said in the affidavit that the group carried out the murder on a whim. Casey said in the petition that he and another friend were at a convenience store on June 22, 1995 when he happened to encounter Delashmutt and Fiorella, who informed him of their plan to kill Pahler that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casey, who was 17 at the time, decided to part ways with his friend and joined Delashmutt, then 16, and Fiorella, then 15, as they walked to meet Pahler, who Casey said had snuck out believing the group was going to party. Once Pahler joined the group, the four headed to a secluded eucalyptus grove where after a few minutes Delashmutt said he had to urinate, took off his belt and started to strangle Pahler, Casey recounted in the affidavit. Casey said that he then pinned Pahler's hands on the ground behind her back as Fiorella pulled out a "large, fixed-bladed hunting knife" and stabbed the defenseless girl "four, five, or six times" in the neck and "one or two times in the side of the neck." Fiorella then handed the knife to Delashmutt, who "stabbed her in the back and neck area four or five additional times," before passing the weapon on to Casey, who said he stabbed her "four times in total." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pahler then began moaning, Casey said in the affidavit, and he "reacted by stomping her on the back of the neck." There were reports that the three men sexually assaulted the victim, but Casey denied that in the affidavit. He said that the three instead dragged Pahler to a remote area and placed her fully clothed in a facedown position before covering her body with leaves and trying to sneak home. The three were eventually picked up by Delashmutt's father, who had been looking for his son, said Casey, Then, nothing happened. Police identified Pahler as a missing person and began a nationwide search, assuming she had run away from home, according to Casey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three killers might have gotten away with their crime if not for Casey, who eight months after the murder confessed to a clergyman and then led police to Pahler's mummified body. All three men were charged with the murder and kidnapping of Pahler, whose body had been buried in a shallow grave approximately 1,000 feet from her home, according to the San Luis Obispo District Attorney's Office. In early 1997, the prosecutor in the case made national headlines as he shared some of the statements made by the three defendants, including that the three killed a classmate to appease the devil so that he would grant them the ability to be better musicians. Casey later recounted their motive during his first parole hearing, saying: "Afterward we talked about if we would be rewarded by the devil for doing this. We still looked at ourselves like this was our band. That was why we did it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiorella took a deal just a few weeks after the preliminary hearing, and was ultimately sentenced to 26 years to life. Casey opted to enter a no contest plea shortly thereafter and Delashmutt quickly followed suit, with both men receiving sentences of 25 years to life. Both Casey and Delashmutt were granted parole in 2023, but in both instances the decision was reversed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Casey's parole was granted with the blessing of Pahler's father thanks in large part to his decision to share a detailed recounting of his crime in 2021, which he included as part of his affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conditions of his parole prohibit him from having any contact with the Pahler family, or returning to San Luis Obispo County. The Pahler family did not feel the same about Delashmutt's release, whom they view as the ringleader of the operation. As for the third member of the group, Fiorella will be up for parole in June. The details of the crime, and the motive of the killers, would go on to inspire Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody and her 2009 cult classic Jennifer's Body. Read the original article on People ISLAMABAD, Pakistan and LONDON -- The death toll from the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, which all but destroyed several villages, rose on Tuesday to at least 1,411 people, a government spokesperson said. Another 3,124 were injured in the 6.0 magnitude quake, which struck just before midnight on Sunday, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson, said on social media. "Rescue operations are still underway in all the affected areas today," Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson, said on Tuesday. "Dozens of commandos have been airlifted to areas where planes could not land to pull out the injured from the rubble and transport them to a suitable location." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid rescue efforts, another 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday about 20 miles northeast of Jalalabad, according to the USGS. Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel work to move injured people near a military helicopter following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on Sept. 1, 2025. Shah Mahmood, a Taliban official in Nangarhar Province, said prior to that aftershock that the quake on Sunday destroyed some 8,000 houses. Emergency responders have yet to reach some villages, where they fear there may be more dead and injured under the rubble, he said. Sunday's powerful earthquake's epicenter was about 17 miles east of Jalalabad, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. MORE: Hundreds killed as 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan, destroying villages, officials say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all of the deaths were in Kunar Province, officials said in a statement shared Monday by Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesperson. Others were killed in Nangarhar Province, said Mufti Abdul Matin Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior. Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An Afghan injured man receives intravenous drips in a corn field, after earthquakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on September 1, 2025. Deadly earthquakes have struck Afghanistan several times in recent years, including a 5.9 magnitude quake in June 2022 and a 6.3 magnitude one in October 2023. The death toll for each of those quakes rose to over 1,000 people, local officials said in their aftermaths. Earthquakes are common in both eastern and western Afghanistan, where the India plate and the Eurasia plate intersect underneath the Hindu Kush mountains range, according to USGS. "Since 1950, 71 other magnitude 6 or larger earthquakes occurred within 250 km of the August 31 earthquake, including six magnitude 7 and larger earthquakes," USGS said in a summary of the activity it recorded during Sunday's quake and the aftershocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first strong quake struck at about 11:47 p.m. local time on Sunday and was followed by a series of weaker-but-still-powerful aftershocks into Monday, the USGS said. Those aftershocks measured 5.2, 5.2, 4.7 and 4.6, the organization said. Two more struck on Tuesday. An estimated 12,000 people have been directly affected by Sunday's, according to the World Health Organization in Afghanistan. The hardest hit districts and villages in Kunar were Chawkay, Nurgal, Chapa Dara, Dara-e-Pech and Watapur, the WHO said in a report dated Monday. Structures in other villages in Nangarhar and Laghman provinces were also damaged, the report said. "As the scale of devastation from the Afghanistan earthquake becomes clearer, my deepest condolences go to the victims and their families," Richard Bennett, the U.N. special rapporteur for the country, said on social media on Tuesday. Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An man Afghan walks past a damaged house following earthquakes in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, a district of the Kunar Province, in Eastern Afghanistan, on September 1, 2025. Many of the health facilities in the affected regions appeared to be "functional" after the quake, the WHO said, adding that its local staff were working on-site at several locations in the region, including Nangarhar Regional Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that hospital in Nangarhar, several injured children were being treated without their parents or relatives, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. "These are painful and unbearable moments," Dr. Sharafat zaman Amar, the spokesperson, said in a social media post that included pictures of several children with visible injuries and bandages. ABC News' Will Gretsky, Somayeh Malekian and Othon Leyva contributed to this report. Deaths of 3 people at Watertown home being investigated as murder-suicide, DA says The deaths of three people at a home in Watertown over the weekend are being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide, authorities announced Tuesday. Officers conducting a well-being check at a home on Boyd Street around 10 a.m. Sunday found three people dead inside, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan. A preliminary investigation suggests that Nadia Abrahamian, 80, and Karine Asatryan, 35, were shot and killed by 31-year-old David Minasvand, Ryan and Hanrahan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After shooting the two women, David Minasvand died by an apparently self-inflicted gunshot, Ryans office noted in a statement. The three victims were the only ones present in the home at the time of the shooting, according to investigators. Investigators didnt share any additional details on the incident. Father Arakel Aljalian, a pastor at St. James Armenian Church, told Boston 25 News that the three victims were members of his faith community. Were going to have a funeral for the three individuals at the same time because they were living as one family, Aljalian said. State police detectives assigned to Ryans office are assisting Watertown police with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW State Board of Education member Deb Neary, vice president of the board. Aug. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA The vice president and longest-serving member of Nebraskas State Board of Education will not seek reelection in 2026. Deb Neary of Omaha confirmed to the Nebraska Examiner that she will not seek a third four-year term. Neary, whose background has focused on nonprofit leadership and education research, said she is proud to have built a reputation as a dynamic leader committed to driving positive change across multiple sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on her service, Neary said she has been a steadfast advocate for student success, educational equity and strong support for Nebraskas public schools. Serving on the State Board of Education has been one of the greatest honors of my life, Neary said in a statement. Ive had the privilege of working with parents, educators and community leaders across Nebraska to strengthen opportunities for every student, and I am proud of the progress weve made together. The district lines for the Nebraska State Board of Education in Douglas County. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Research Office) District 8 voters first elected Neary, a Democrat, in 2018 over incumbent Pat McPherson of Omaha, a Republican. The district is now in central Douglas County. Health education and politics Among Nearys highlighted accomplishments is advocating for science-based, age-appropriate health education standards in 2021, which were ultimately not adopted. Nebraska is one of just two states without K-12 health education standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neary said throughout the often-contentious debate that year, she prioritized constituent engagement through town halls and community forums while listening to parents and educators. The fight embroiled the officially nonpartisan ed board in national controversy and ignited a series of changes to the makeup of the State Board of Education. In part, the fight awakened a new crop of conservatives and progressives to participate more in state and local politics, including at the Nebraska Legislature and State Board. The changes began in December 2021 when then-Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed conservative Kirk Penner of Aurora, a former local school board member of 16 years, to a vacancy on the State Board of Education. State Board of Education member Deb Neary of Omaha. March 8, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Penner led a conservative slate of education candidates in the 2022 election, when half of the boards seats were up for election. Penner and allies Sherry Jones of Grand Island and Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte sailed to victory, including Tegtmeier over an incumbent. Neary survived a close race against Penner-backed conservative challenger Marni Hodgen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Neary-Hodgen fight was among the nastiest in 2022, with supporters and opponents trading barbs, ads and social media posts accusing each other of lies and political extremism. The 2022 elections left Republicans and Democrats with four seats on the board. One moderate Republican often helped break the gridlock by joining with Democratic members. That tie-breaking vote helped the board vote 5-3 to select Brian Maher as the states new education commissioner in March 2023. Neary called the hiring process one of her proudest moments, with a leadership transition that she said has positioned the Nebraska Department of Education for increased stability and success in a challenging political climate. A changing board The board again went through major changes as a result of the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four Democratic incumbents whose seats were up for election declined to run, some citing politics as a reason. While the board stayed split 4-4, voters elected a more reliably conservative member than the member replaced. The departures left Neary as the longest-tenured incumbent, followed by Penner. The four members of the State Board of Education whose seats were up for election in 2024, in Districts 1 through 4, declined to seek reelection. Pictured are, from left, Patsy Koch Johns of Lincoln, Lisa Fricke of Omaha, Patti Gubbels of Norfolk and Jacquelyn Morrison of Omaha. (Photos courtesy of the Nebraska Department of Education; School bus photo by Rebecca Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner) In January, it took 54 votes to elect a president of the board as Republicans and Democrats split 53 times between Tegtmeier and Neary. After the 53rd vote, Neary and Tegtmeier struck a deal to have Tegtmeier be reelected president on a couple of conditions: that Tegtmeier decline to run for president again in 2026 and that committee leadership and assignment be split by political party affiliation. Tegtmeier agreed on committee positions and said she did not plan to run for president in 2026. After, Tegtmeier and Neary received unanimous approval on the 54th and 55th votes for president and vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tegtmeier and Neary received unanimous approval on the 54th and 55th votes for president and vice president. The board still agrees more than it disagrees, including uniting around a few priorities with Maher literacy, chronic absenteeism, and teacher and staff recruitment and retention. The board also unanimously voted this June to extend Mahers contract by one year, to July 2027. In addition, all eight representatives this summer endorsed Mahers short-lived 2026 campaign for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, which recently ended. Looking ahead to 2026, Penner also decided not to seek reelection. He and Neary have endorsed their favored candidates to succeed them. Foundation of opportunity Neary said her time in office has been guided by evidence, equity and empathy around a handful of focuses: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closing achievement gaps and expanding access to high-quality education for historically underserved students. Defending public schools against what she described as disinformation campaigns and censorship efforts. Elevating educators and students in policy decisions over partisanship. She said the board has strengthened its focus on accountability and transparency since 2019. Education is the foundation of opportunity, Neary said. I will always be a passionate advocate for all Nebraskas students, families and educators and I will continue to work to ensure our schools remain among the best in the nation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Decatur votes to slow down speed limits on some streets The city commission of Decatur has voted Tuesday to lower speed limits by 5 mph on key state routes to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. City leaders are reducing speed limits on Scott Boulevard, College Avenue and Clairmont Avenue. The plan aims to decrease limits from 40 to 35 mph or from 35 to 30 mph, following a pedestrian safety study conducted by the Georgia Department of Transportation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] I dont anticipate much pushback, said Cara Scharer, the assistant city manager, told Channel 2s Berndt Petersen ahead of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Nick Irwin supports the initiative, noting that traffic often exceeds the current speed limits. Im not sure how much its going to affect what people actually do out here by dropping the speed limit 5 miles an hour. But it might get more tickets written, he said. The public has shown support for the speed limit reduction, and the city plans to enforce the new limits through traditional police patrols rather than speed cameras. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Madison County Sheriff's Office in Huntsville, Arkansas. (Photo by Shannon Hahh for The Madison County Record) This story first appeared in the Madison County Record and is republished here, with light editing, by permission. A decertification hearing for a former Madison County sheriffs deputy who didnt respond to a 911 call has been postponed, according to an Arkansas Department of Public Safety spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing to strip former deputy Blake Hassell of his law enforcement credential had been scheduled for Sept. 9, but the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) hearing is being rescheduled due to some administrative delays unrelated to the case, according to Nick Genty, DPS deputy communications director for the Department of Public Safety and Shared Services Division. CLEST may revoke a law enforcement officers certification after written notice and hearing if the commission finds an officer has broken the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Madison County Sheriff Ronnie Boyd requested Hassells decertification in November, stating Hassell did not respond to a 911 call placed Aug. 5, 2024, in which a caller reported a woman yelling for help. Hassell initially said he had responded, but when questioned about the call, he admitted he had not. Five weeks after the call, human remains were found in the area of the 911 call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLEST voted in January to proceed with a hearing. Hassells attorney, Christopher Plumlee, said at the time that Hassell intended to contest any challenge to his certification as well as defend his name and reputation. Genty said neither Hassell nor Boyd requested the delay. Parole officers body found On Sept. 5, 2024, a parole and probation officer reported Taylor Barksdale was missing. Boyd said he began investigating her disappearance on Sept. 6, 2024. After finding human remains on Sept. 9, 2024, and opening a potential homicide investigation, Boyd identified the remains as belonging to Barksdale. A press release from the sheriffs office about a potential homicide appears to have been written and saved on Sept. 13, 2024. However, Boyd delayed sending the release until Sept. 18, 2024, just a few hours after The Record submitted a public records request for information about human remains being found in the Kingston area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyd has stated several times that more information will be presented at the decertification hearing as to why neither he nor Sgt. Drew Scott, Hassells immediate supervisor, responded on Aug. 5, 2024, the day they learned Hassell had not. More of that stuffs going to be figured out in the decertification hearing, Boyd said. He said he had a thought process as to why he did not respond, adding, at this point, I dont think I need to elaborate on that at that moment. In January, Boyd said no one from the sheriffs office followed up because the call, was an emergency call and, you know, we didnt receive another call after that. Barksdales case remains an open investigation. No arrests have been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fourth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter said providing any updates on the investigation would be detrimental to the case. The Barksdale family met with Carter two weeks ago, requesting a copy of the autopsy report from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, which they say Boyd has refused to release. The family also asked for more involvement from the Arkansas State Police in the case. Carter said he had no comment on the meeting, the autopsy report or the state polices involvement. My conversations with the family are going to stay between me and the family, Carter said. Sammi Wilmoth, attorney for the Barksdale family, also declined to comment on the meeting. Wilmoth said the family is hopeful that whoever committed this crime will be held accountable. Were still hopeful that will happen. Aug. 5, 2024, 911 Call Kortney Cline said she called 911 on Aug. 5, 2024, at 12:34 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs offices dispatch call detail report shows Cline told dispatchers that she heard a woman in the woods behind her house yelling. Stated she believes at one point the woman screamed help. Caller advised there is not a physical address. But it is an area where a bunch of homeless people were camped out. The sheriffs office declined a public records request by The Record to release the audio of the 911 call, stating it was part of an open investigation. Matt Durrett, former prosecuting attorney for Washington and Madison counties, told another media outlet in September 2024: The caller reported that she could hear a woman screaming and it sounded as if she were in distress. Sounded, perhaps she was being beaten or being tortured. Hassell initially said he responded, and the dispatch report shows a notation that the call was closed at 1:14 a.m. with the notation, No signs of anyone here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After confronting Hassell about the 911 call and learning Hassell had not responded, Scott wrote a verbal counseling statement. Scotts statement tendered to CLEST was dated Aug. 6. That same statement, given to The Record, showed a marking through the number 6 with corrected date 5 written. In that statement, Scott wrote he asked Hassell why he did not respond. The statement notes Hassell told Scott that he was just out in the area approximately 30 minutes to an hour prior [to the 911 call] and did not hear anything. In a statement written by the sheriff, dated Sept. 17, 2024, and submitted to CLEST, Boyd said he informed Hassell on Sept. 11, 2024, that he was working on a missing person case involving a woman who could have been the person yelling for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I informed him that all signs were leading back to the night of the call that he failed to respond and lied, saying he did, Boyd wrote. Boyd wrote that he told Hassell he did not see any possible way that Hassell could remain employed by the sheriffs office. Hassell asked for further consideration on the matter, Boyd wrote. After taking some additional time, I came to the same conclusion that Deputy Hassell could no longer be an effective representative of the Sheriffs Office, Boyd wrote. In a text message last year, Hassell denied lying. I was honest about why I did not respond from the very first time I was asked about it, Hassell wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, when The Record asked Boyd what Hassell said when Boyd confronted him about not responding, Boyd said, I never got a good answer. According to employment records submitted to CLEST, Hassell worked for the Springdale Police Department from Aug. 5, 2019, to July 29, 2021. Hassell was hired by the Madison County Sheriffs Office on April 3, 2024, and resigned Sept. 11, 2024, in lieu of being fired. Hassell did not respond to a request by The Record for comment for this article. Hassells Statements Last September, when asked about the 911 call, Hassell told The Record he didnt know anything about it nor Barksdales death. He later issued a statement to The Record saying he was at the location twice prior to the 911 call and there were no signs of anyone being there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Hassell was in the area prior to the 911 call, Cline said, he didnt come down my road. Hassell said the residents of the area were known to be off their medication and not in their proper state of mind, and screaming and chasing objects that are not there. Cline said when she placed the call, she didnt identify anyone by name or refer to anyone on medications. Hassell said that at the time of the 911 call, he was working a very high priority investigation. Due to my past experience of false 911 calls at that location and vagueness of the call, it was not determined to be a high priority at the time, Hassell wrote in a previous text message to The Record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cline has made several calls to the sheriffs office over the course of several years. But, she said, Theres no abuse of 911. In January, Boyd issued a response to Hassells statement about false 911 calls. I want to clarify that the Madison County Sheriffs Office has never said that there was a history of 911 calls from the residence of the caller, Boyd wrote. We have no record of there being any intentionally false emergency calls from that residence. Frequently, the caller and law enforcement cannot determine if there is an actual emergency until someone gets on the scene, Boyd said. In Boyds Sept. 17, 2024, statement the sheriff said Hassell was counseled on the importance of answering calls and not letting past incidents cloud present events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cline has been the subject of podcasts and Facebook accounts criticizing her for allegedly calling 911 numerous times. She said she worries the criticism could scare people away from making future 911 calls when needed. She said she had been told by the sheriffs office that law enforcement needs to have just cause to investigate and cant just pull up on residents in the camper that was near her home. She said the Aug. 5 call provided reason for someone from the sheriffs office to come to the area and nobody did. Caller Follows Up Cline said she felt the screams for help she heard on Aug. 5, 2024, constituted an emergency when she made the initial 911 call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do know I absolutely wasnt like, I dont know, you might should come, she said. She said she heard the screams throughout the night, so she called again and again, she said, no one responded. Boyd has stated repeatedly that no evidence of a second 911 call exists. I know I called a second time Cline said, because I talked to a male and a female, two different dispatchers. Madison County time sheet records show dispatchers Collin Kilbourn and Mickayla Littrell worked the night of Aug. 5. The reason I know theres a second call is because the girl told me, when I said, No one came, she said, Yes, he did. He was there, and he knocked on their front door and no one answered, Cline said. And I said, Well, then this is how I know youre wrong. There is no front door. Theyre in a camper. So Im sure about that, Cline said. Cline also followed up again mid-morning on Aug. 5, 2024, sending Boyd an email about no one responding. Cline told Boyd she called 911 because she could hear a woman screaming. I dont know how she was being assaulted, but the screaming went on for hours, she wrote to Boyd. Cline told Boyd she waited until 3 a.m. thinking an officer would respond. No one showed up, she wrote. She told Boyd she was frustrated because a legitimate reason existed for the sheriffs office to investigate but nobody responded. In a response email approximately 30 minutes later, Boyd wrote, We had a deputy go out there around 1:14 AM, and he did not see any signs of anyone in the area. I havent been able to talk to him, so I cant give you any details further than that. Cline emailed back, telling Boyd she appreciated him getting back to her, and wrote, I assure you, no one came. Cline said she didnt hear from Boyd again until he showed up at her house letting her know that they had found the girl I called about. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled Department of Public Safety spokesperson Nick Gentys name. The 2025 hunting season is set to kick off this month as Michigan's Liberty hunt for participants 16 and younger, is scheduled for Sept. 13-14. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says all youth hunters must have a deer hunting license. Additionally all youth hunters younger than 10 must be licensed through the mentored youth hunting program and accompanied by a qualified mentor. Before hunters take to the field this fall, they need to be aware of changes to deer hunting regulations that took effect on Aug. 1, the state agency says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A slew of new regulations will be in effect during the upcoming hunting season. Among them: Late antlerless firearm season has been expanded to Jan. 11, 2026, in certain counties. The early and late antlerless firearm seasons are open on public and private lands in open DMUs. During the muzzleloading deer season, hunters in zones 2 and 3 may use any firearm that is legal for the zone. Changes to antlerless harvest during the early and late archery seasons in the Upper Peninsula have been implemented. Deer harvest reporting remains mandatory, according to a report from the DNR. Here's what else to know about deer hunting season in Michigan: Deer hunting rose in 2024 A report from the Michigan DNR shows in 2024 for all seasons combined, 532,926 people hunted deer, which was 1% greater than the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data shows 604,088 people purchased a license in 2024. How much does a deer hunting license cost? Deer license costs vary based on age and residency. Youth 9-and-under licenses range from no cost to $7.50. Youth 10-to-16 licenses range from no cost to $40 for a combo license. Resident 16-to-64 licenses range from $11 to $76, plus other fees. Resident 65-plus licenses $5 to $48, plus other fees. Nonresident 17-and-older licenses are $151 to $266, plus other fees. Where can I find hunting lands near me? Generally, you can hunt on land you own if it meets safety regulations. You also can hunt on other private land, with permission. You can find places to hunt by going to Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. 2025-26 Michigan deer hunting season dates Dates for 2025-26 deer hunting seasons in Michigan: Liberty (youth) hunt : Sept. 13-14 Early antlerless firearm : Sept. 20-21 Independence hunt : Oct. 16-19 Archery : Oct. 1 to Nov. 14, and Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, 2026 Extended Archery: Through Jan. 31, 2026, for select counties: Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair (except DMU 174), Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne. Regular firearm : Nov. 15-30 Muzzleloading: Dec. 5-14 Late antlerless firearm: Dec. 15 to Jan. 1, 2026, on private and public lands in Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding 115, 145 and 245). Extended late antlerless firearm: Jan. 2-11, 2026 Hunters can call 517-284-9453 for assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Liberty (youth) hunt set to kick off 2025 hunting season. What to know Brazil's Supreme Court is set to begin deliberations on Tuesday in the case against former president Jair Bolsonaro on attempted coup charges following the 2022 election of his left-wing successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. If convicted, it would be the first time in Brazilian history that a former president was found guilty of a coup attempt. Seven co-defendants are also accused of attempting to overthrow the election result via a coup. Bolsonaro denies the allegations. The defendants are facing decades in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proceedings will start with the presiding judge, Alexandre de Moraes, reading the report from the Attorney General's office. This will be followed by statements from Attorney General Paulo Gonet and the defence lawyers. Afterwards, the five judges of the First Chamber will cast their votes. A majority of three votes is sufficient for a conviction. Five hearing days have been scheduled until September 12, with a verdict expected next week. Co-defendants from the military and government Bolsonaro, military officials and allies are accused of planning a coup after Lula beat the former president in the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the co-defendants are former Cabinet members and high-ranking military officials, including former defence minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira, former navy chief Almir Garnier and Bolsonaro's then-security adviser Augusto Heleno. They face charges including attempted coup, participation in an armed criminal organization and damage to protected cultural property. Delphi murderer Richard Allen's appellate attorneys faced a Friday deadline to explain what precisely he is appealing in his murder trial, convictions and sentencing, but that deadline was moved Tuesday to Oct. 6. Allen's attorneys filed a motion on Aug. 28 asking for an extension to file the brief, noting they are going over the court records for a 25-day trial. That trial ended Nov. 11 with Allen's convictions on two counts of murder for the Feb. 13, 2017, killings of Libby German and Abby Williams. The appeals court order signed Tuesday noted this is the final extension for Allen's attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The transcripts consist of 22 volumes and approximately 5,076 pages," Allen's attorneys noted in their latest motion. "There were multiple pretrial hearings, including one that lasted three days. "The trial was one month. The exhibits consist of 15 volumes and have approximately 3,581 pages. "Additionally, there are two supplemental exhibit volumes that contain approximately 198 media files and 40 document files," the motion states. "In short, the matter under appeal is so complex that an adequate brief cannot reasonably be prepared by the date the brief is due." On Dec. 20, Special Judge Frances Gull sentenced Allen to 130 years in prison, the maximum penalty for two counts of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen forced the teenagers off the Monon High Bridge east of Delphi and made them ford the creek to the north banks, where he killed them by slashing their throats, the jury found. The girls' killings went unsolved for nearly six years, until a clerk found a piece of information that Allen had self-reported in the days after the killings that he had been on the trails that afternoon. Police arrested Allen on Oct. 26, 2022, after a tool-markings expert determined an unfired bullet at the scene of the murders was ejected from Allen's sidearm. Allen's case was punctuated by public spats between his attorneys and Gull and Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Delphi murderer moved from Pendleton prison to Oklahoma Department of Corrections Earlier this year, Indiana Department of Correction transferred Allen from the Pendleton Correctional Facility in Madison County, Indiana, to the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Correction. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Delphi murderer given until Oct. 6 to file appeals brief Delray Beachs rainbow street art will remain in place for now, despite the states threats to imminently paint it over. An informal hearing in Orlando Tuesday was the first time that the future of crosswalk art on roadways was argued with Florida officials since the controversial removal of the citys Pulse rainbow crosswalk last month. Attorneys for both the Florida Department of Transportation and Delray Beach were told to file their preferred final orders by the end of the week, with a decision to come at some point after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDOT originally told Delray that the rainbow at the intersection of Northeast 1st Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue needed to be removed by Wednesday, or the agency would take matters into its own hands and bill the city. The threat was similar to others received by cities across Florida last month, including Orlando. At the hearing, an attorney representing FDOT contended that all art on pavement is illegal under the agencys new guidelines. The department regulates and only allows traffic control devices on streets and roads if its not a part of traffic control, it doesnt belong, said Denise Johnson, who argued on behalf of the state. Anything on the pavement is a traffic control device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard Dubosar, a lawyer representing Delray, noted the mural was installed to commemorate the victims of the 2016 Pulse shooting in Orlando and that community members prompted the city to fight to keep it. Its installation was funded by a nonprofit, he said, and it didnt create safety problems. Its very clear from that photograph, were not talking about a traffic control device. Were talking about street art, something that is seen all over the world, he said. The mural doesnt interfere in anyway with the traffic control device. Ultimately, the decision will be made by Jennifer Marshall, the chief engineer at FDOT. Speaking in Orlando, Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Delray Beach and Key West of defying the law, noting many other cities complied with the new policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They just decide they dont like the law, he said. They want to do what they want to do. That just isnt going to fly. Eventually FDOT will be able to correct it. In Orlando, crews have been working to paint over artistic murals throughout downtown, including mosaics, orange slices, swans and Lake Eolas historic fountain. City data shows that the artwork contributed to safer walking conditions by making crosswalks more visible to drivers. Last month, the FDOT received intense public blowback when it painted over the rainbow crosswalk on Orange Avenue at Esther Street next to Pulse. The tribute to the victims of the shooting at the LGBTQ nightclub had been in place since 2017, with just four accidents investigated at that crosswalk since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer signed a letter last week asking for FDOT to reconsider its position and issue an exception for the tribute. Delray Beach City Manager Terrence Moore said the city will keep its options open as it continues to fight. Once they complete the process in the coming days, well evaluate our options and offer direction accordingly, he said. Skyler Swisher of the Sentinel staff contributed. DELRAY BEACH With one 9-pound tray of homemade lasagna, Parker Forman can feed eight people. With hundreds of pounds of food distributed each week, the 17-year-old Pine Crest School senior is quietly changing the way South Florida thinks about food, community and compassion. Parker grew up in a kitchen full of family, chopping vegetables and experimenting with new recipes alongside his parents and grandmother. But by the time he started high school, he wanted to do more than cook for family and friends: He wanted to feed his community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wanted to have more of an impact," he said. "Other than just going to some food drives every couple months." Delray teen started nonprofit after lasagna donation gratefully received His first foray into community cooking began with a few trays of lasagna delivered to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. "Their faces just lit up, and they were so excited and could not be more grateful," Parker said. That small gesture grew into Food4Need, a nonprofit now serving three churches in South Florida, with a team of six student volunteers preparing hundreds of pounds of meals each week. Parker Forman, 17, holds two trays of homemade lasagna ready to deliver to local families in Delray Beach. Sundays are the nonprofit's busiest day. Parker spends the morning shopping for ingredients, then cooks, bakes and prepares the meals before delivering them to the partner churches. This takes until around 2:30 p.m. His team, made up of friends and volunteers, shares the cooking load, helping maximize the number of families served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Running Food4Need while balancing school, varsity lacrosse and college applications hasn't been without challenges. Fundraising, cutting costs while keeping meals nutritious and coordinating volunteers all test his time-management skills. "Running a business is not easy," he said. "But one thing I've learned is that all the time that I've put in is completely worth it." Other students to manage hunger nonprofit once founder goes to college A Food4Need volunteer finishes preparing trays of lasagna before they are baked for distribution in Delray Beach. The rewards are clear in moments like when a mother stopped him and told him, "My kids love this meal. This is their favorite meal at each week." These reactions fuel Parker's drive, along with his team's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What really got them was how much of an impact they can have on the community and how much they can help people," he said. Looking ahead, Parker has a plan to keep Food4Need going when he leaves for college. A younger team member will take the reins, recruiting new volunteers to expand the nonprofit's reach. Parker's advice for other students hoping to make a difference is simple: "Just do something you like doing, and find a way to incorporate something you love with helping and giving back." It's a philosophy rooted in the same joy that first drew him to the kitchen the satisfaction of creating meals that nourish others, one tray at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food4Need relies on donations to cover ingredients and keep meals flowing to families in need. Contributions can be made at food4needinc.com. Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach teen starts nonprofit to feed South Florida families The post Delta Sigma Theta statement draws the attention of Donald Trump appeared first on ClutchPoints. In an unprecedented legal battle, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has sued the Trump administration after President Donald Trumps attempt to fire her. The action has drawn a strong rebuke from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of which Cook is a member. The sororitys International President, Cheryl W. Turner, released an official statement on behalf of the organization in support of Governor Cook. On his social media platform, Truth Social, the President responded to the sororitys support, stating, This is a total Conflict of Interest. The Judge must RECUSE, IMMEDIATELY!!! Dr. Lisa D. Cook was vetted, confirmed, and is uniquely qualified to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Undermining her role is not just about one individualit is a threat to the independence of the Federal Reserve and carries grave economic implications for families and communities. We also see a troubling pattern of efforts to discredit leaders and experts who are eminently qualified and prepared to lead and to serve. As a womens organizationand a champion of justice, scholarship, service, and economic development for 112 yearsDelta Sigma Theta unequivocally opposes any measures that silence Black women, whose voices and leadership remain vital to the progress of our nation. In response to Trumps attempt to fire her, Cook has filed a lawsuit in hopes the court will find his actions unlawful and void. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Cook, also asks the court for an emergency injunction to block her removal. Cook has appointed Abbe Lowell, a high-profile attorney, to represent her in the case. According to Trump, he has the right to remove Cook due to the Federal Reserve Act. In a previous statement, Cook asserted that no cause exists under the law that would give Trump the right to fire her. Given the complexity of the case, the lawsuit could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court. BBC News writer Ana Faguy obtained a statement from Lowell regarding the nature of the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case challenges President Trumps unprecedented and illegal attempt to remove Governor Cook from her position, which, if allowed to occur, would be the first of its kind in the Boards history, Lowell wrote. It would subvert the Federal Reserve Act which explicitly requires a showing of cause for a Governors removal, which an unsubstantiated allegation about private mortgage applications submitted by Governor Cook prior to her Senate confirmation is not, Lowell added. In a statement to BBC News, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai stated that President Trump exercised his lawful authority to remove Cook. The President determined there was cause to remove a governor who was credibly accused of lying in financial documents from a highly sensitive position overseeing financial institutions, he further stated. The removal of a governor for cause improves the Federal Reserve Boards accountability and credibility for both the markets and American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Federal Reserve Act does not grant the president permission to remove a Fed official at will, it grants him permission to do so for cause, a right Trump claims he has. Cook made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to sit on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. She has previously worked as a professor of economics and international relations at Michigan State University in addition to being a member of the American Economic Associations Executive Committee. Cook has multiple degrees from numerous universities, including Spelman College, where she was initiated into the Eta Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Founded on the campus of Howard University on January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta is the largest sorority among the Divine Nine, with over 350,000 members worldwide. The sorority has over 1,000 chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan, West Africa, and several other countries. Related: Tuskegee University AD Reginald Ruffin gives blunt response to free ticket request Related: Alabama States Andrew Body earns high honor for stellar performance Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, the longest-serving New Yorker in the House, will not seek reelection in 2026, stating that there's a "necessity for generational change in the party." In an interview published Monday in The New York Times, Nadler said that after watching former President Joe Biden withdraw from the 2024 election following his rough debate against President Trump, he decided a younger successor "can maybe do better, can maybe help us more." "I'm not saying we should change over the entire party," Nadler told The New York Times. "But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not tell the Times who he would prefer succeed him. In a statement on Tuesday, Nadler said that the decision to step down "has not been easy." "But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation," he said. "I don't know what the future beyond 2026 holds, but I plan to stay fully engaged in the community that is my home and in the causes that I've championed throughout my life," Nadler continued. "My plans for the next sixteen months, however, are clear. I will continue to give everything I have to defend our democracy, protect our institutions, and fight for the values that as Americans and New Yorkers we share." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadler, 78, was first elected to Congress in 1992. He was chair of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023 and then served as ranking member until Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland launched his bid to unseat Nadler. The New York Democrat made the decision to step down in December 2024. Nadler also served as a manager of Mr. Trump's first impeachment. Nadler was facing a primary challenge from 26-year-old Liam Elkind. Elkind told CBS News in August that the party needs "to be the party of fighters. We need to be the party of organizers. We need to be more generationally relevant, better organized and ready to fight." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a statement called Nadler "a relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all." "As the legendary Chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, he helped lead two historic impeachments and ensure that no one, not even the President, is above the law," Jeffries said. "In that role, he championed legislation to protect our democracy and the American way of life, fighting for women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, including enshrining into law the Respect for Marriage Act. ... Jerry's years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation's greatest public servants. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus next term and we wish him and his family the very best in this new chapter." Full interview: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Full Interview: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes Longtime New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection next year. "For more than 32 years, I have had the honor of serving the people of New York in the United States Congress. Today, I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election next year and that this term in Congress will be my last," Nadler said in a statement. "This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation." The decision was first reported by the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Congress returns from recess as government shutdown deadline looms, Epstein files dominate the House Nadler, who is 78 years old, told the Times that former President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential election factored into his decision. "Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that," Nadler told the New York Times. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rep. Jerry Nadler speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill, Nov. 20, 2024. Nadler -- who represents a large portion of Manhattan -- told the Times that a younger successor "can maybe do better, can maybe help us more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He previously served as chair and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. He was at the center of the impeachment inquiries into Donald Trump -- something he referenced as a point of pride during his career. "I look back with great pride on all that I've been able to accomplish in Congress. As Chair of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 through 2022, I'm grateful I had the opportunity to help lead our party's efforts to preserve the rule of law and to provide for a more just society that respects the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans. That leadership includes impeaching Donald Trump twice -- first for abuse of power and obstruction of justice and second for inciting an insurrection against the American people," Nadler said in his statement. The New York Democrat stepped down from his leadership role on the House Judiciary Committee last year. MORE: House Speaker Mike Johnson weighs in on CDC turmoil, Epstein files and more on 'Good Morning America' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries applauded Nadler's efforts in the House, calling him a mentor and "relentless fighter for justice, civil rights and liberties and the fundamental promise of equality for all." Jeffries, who also represents New York, called Nadler a "tremendous champion" for the state's residents, detailing his support for his district after 9/11. "Jerry's years of leadership have earned him a spot among our nation's greatest public servants. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus next term," Jeffries said in a statement. Alex Wong/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rep. Jerry Nadler speaks as House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers listens during a rally on Capitol Hill, March 11, 2009. Nadler's seat, which will be up for grabs, is expected to remain Democratic in the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadler said that while he doesn't know what is next for him after his term ends, he plans to "stay fully engaged in the community that is my home and in the causes that I've championed throughout my life." "My plans for the next sixteen months, however, are clear. I will continue to give everything I have to defend our democracy, protect our institutions, and fight for the values that as Americans and New Yorkers we share," he wrote in his statement. ABC News' Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report. The Democratic National Committee met Aug. 26 and 27 in Minneapolis. I'm not a Democrat, but I would have loved to have been there so I could have laughed at them. Plus, I could have squeezed in a day at the nation's best state fair (sorry, Texas). State fair corn dogs and milk shakes aside, reports out of the meeting indicate that Democratic leaders offered little of sustenance. DNC Chair Ken Martin smeared Donald Trump as a "dictator-in-chief" and declared the president's agenda is "fascism dressed in a red tie." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reality, since taking office in January, Trump has revitalized the nation's economy, all but ended illegal immigration, strengthened NATO, brokered peace in multiple conflicts and set back Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. But sure, if Democrats can't best Trump on the issues, I guess they're forced to mock him with outlandish labels like dictator and fascist. Martin did seem to realize Democrats are in trouble. "Now look, folks, I'm sick and tired of this Democratic Party bringing a pencil to a knife fight," he said. "We cannot be the only party that plays by the rules anymore. We've got to stand up and fight. We're not going to have a hand tied behind our back anymore." A poster seeking poll managers at the Board of Voter Registration & Elections of Anderson County, S.C., as there are many needed for the November election. I had to chuckle. Given that Joe Biden's administration concealed the president's poor health for years and the DNC swapped him with Vice President Kamala Harris after the 2024 primary season ended, I wouldn't describe the Democratic Party as one that plays by the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Democrats have yet to bring anything as threatening as a pencil to their fight with Trump and the 77 million Americans who voted for him. Voter registration statistics show Democrats are fading fast CNN data analyst Harry Enten observed Aug. 26 that Democrats have been struggling to find new voters in key swing states ahead of midterm elections next year. "The [Democratic Party's] brand has about the same appeal with the American voter right now as the Cracker Barrel rebrand does with the American consumer," Enten posted on X. "Bad, Bad, Bad." Former Vice President Kamala Harris gives a statement after visiting a fire station, upon her return from President Donald Trumps Inauguration, In Altadena, California, on Jan. 20, 2025. Republicans, Enten noted, are in a better position now than they have been in more than 20 years in the swing states of Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, the GOP has made enormous gains among registered voters since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the New York Times has reported that Democrats are in deep trouble. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox. The party's would-be leaders aren't exciting Americans either, with "stars" like California Gov. Gavin Newsom creating more problems than they're solving. It's no wonder why Democrats were sounding desperate in Minneapolis. Opinion: Gavin Newsom trolls Trump. But it's California that's in rapid decline. Progressives give up on common sense It's not hard to see why registered voters are abandoning the Democratic Party. Progressives continually take the opposite side of common sense. Take crime, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made waves two weeks ago when he said Washington, DC was full of "bloodshed, bedlam and squalor." Democrats and much of the mainstream media dismissed Trump's opinion as overly dramatic fearmongering. But the reality is that homicides and other violent crimes have been at unacceptably high levels. 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. Since Trump sent the National Guard and federal agents to establish law and order, crime has dropped so much that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser was forced to acknowledge that the president's order has worked. A majority of Americans support Trump's intervention in DC. An APNORC poll found that 53% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling crime higher than his overall job approval or approval on other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll also found that two-thirds of the public think crime is a major problem in the country and 55% of the public supports the military or National Guard assisting police in large cities. Opinion: From crime to tariffs, Trump challenges the unacceptable. It's what good leaders do. Why the Democratic Party didn't stand behind Trump and with a majority of Americans is beyond me. It's just common sense. During the DNC meeting, Martin said Democrats should stop trying to win arguments with Republicans over policy and instead do more to win elections. But policy helps decide elections. It's why Republicans have surged while the Democratic Party is fading fast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is this what Democrats mean by bringing a pencil to a knife fight? If so, they should get out their sharpeners before they are erased. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democrats cry foul but Americans support Trump's DC takeover | Opinion PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) As demolition of Providences Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School is set to start soon, a former city leader whos an alum reflected on what the school meant to him. David Salvatore, executive director of the Providence Foundation and a former City Council president, told 12 News Monday the building is full of memories for him. According to the citys school district, plans are to build a new building that will house a pre-K through Grade 8 school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, students have been relocated to Esek Hopkins Middle School while the project is underway. Salvatore reflected on his time at RFK Elementary, while also describing a walkthrough that faculty and former students made Sunday before the doors officially closed. So seeing everyone yesterday come through for that final walkthrough was pretty amazing and just an opportunity to share stories and the memories and reconnect with a community that was always engaged, Salvatore said. Not only did the former councilman attend the school, but his father did and his son is a current student. Its bittersweet to see a building that was so instrumental in so many lives throughout the decades come down, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new school is expected to cost $75 million and is expected to open up in fall 2027. It will house over 720 students. Salvatore said he expects a lot of excitement and anticipation from the community as the school is rebuilt. You know its sad but at the same time I think our children today deserve a 21st century building where they can excel in an education setting thats conducive to their future needs and aspiration, he said. The district has a website containing answers to frequently asked questions about the project that members of the community may have. Salvatore said demolition is expected to begin at the end of September or early October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: Powerball jackpot now $1.1 billion after no winner Saturday Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Denmark, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, has proposed a way for member states to close a potential loophole that could allow the import of Russian gas after the relevant ban comes into effect at the end of 2027. Source: Bloomberg, citing the relevant document from the Danish presidency, as reported by European Pravda Details: Bloomberg stated that Denmark had proposed requiring gas importers to provide national authorities with proof that the gas was not produced in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Danish presidencys document expresses particular concern about gas flows coming through the TurkStream pipeline, which runs between Russia and Southeast Europe. "Natural gas entering the Union through borders or interconnection points between the Union and Russia or Belarus and through the interconnection point Strandzha 2/Malkoclar (Turkstream) shall be presumed to be exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation, unless unambiguous evidence" is provided to the contrary, the Danish proposal states. The proposal also stipulates that supplies of Russian gas under existing contracts with a term of less than one year must be terminated no later than 17 June 2026, except for landlocked countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. The ban on supplies under existing long-term agreements is to come into force by the end of 2027. Bloomberg noted that the Danish presidency is aiming to secure agreement among EU member states on the Russian gas ban by October 2025, after which it will enter talks with the European Parliament to reach a final deal by the end of 2025. Background: In May, the European Commission presented a roadmap for the complete cessation of Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, while also minimising Russian oil imports. Hungary and Slovakia oppose the plan. Media reports indicate that France and Belgium the two largest buyers of Russian liquefied natural gas also have certain reservations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DENVER (KDVR) Denver police are asking for the publics help in identifying a suspect from a hit-and-run that occurred on Saturday. The incident occurred on Aug. 30 at 2:12 a.m. in the Central Business District neighborhood of Denver, according to a post on X from the Denver Police Department on Monday. 2 taken to hospital after rollover crash off Parker Road: Sheriffs office The crash involved multiple riders on a Lyft scooter and a red, late-model Nissan Murano SUV, which might have a Colorado license plate, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SUV was traveling northbound on Welton Street when the scooter crossed Welton Street at the intersection with 18th Street. The driver reportedly hit the scooter riders and fled the area without stopping. One of the scooter riders was left with serious injuries, police said Police are asking anyone with information about the hit-and-run to reach out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or submit a tip on the Crime Stoppers website. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $2,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man charged in connection with the vandalism of three churches was booked into jail on Labor Day. Jimmie Mouton Jr., 24, of Zachary, was charged with institutional vandalism after graffiti was found on two churches in the area. The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office said Mouton is accused of writing phrases on Greenwell Springs Baptist Church and Indian Mound Baptist Church after midnight. Pastors of both churches gave investigators surveillance footage to use in their investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an affidavit, words painted in black spray paint on the Greenwell Springs Baptist Church read: SON OF GOD and GREEDY PEDOS! The damage is estimated to be at least $500. At Indian Mound Baptist Church, the front had these two phrases: The son of God B**** and Greedy Lying Pedophiles. The damage at this church is estimated to be over $500. The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office identified a third vandalized church. Deputies said the Lockhart Road Baptist Church had the phrase THE SON OF GOD IS BACK LOSERS written on the front. According to arrest documents, Mouton accused the churches of robbing people he knew and church members of sexual assault when he gave a reason for the vandalism. He reportedly admitted to vandalizing three to four religious buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man dies after Labor Day shooting in Baton Rouge, police say Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Deputies say a work release inmate who walked off the job site at Deltak Manufacturing in Walker on Tuesday morning is back in custody. The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office identified the man as Christopher Samuel, an East Feliciana Parish work release inmate. The East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office said Samuel, of Ruston, was convicted of aggravated battery in Lincoln Parish. The man was captured by LPSO deputies without incident in the general area of the escape around 1:20 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samuel is being booked with the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office as a fugitive and will be returned to East Feliciana to be booked for escape. Christopher Samuel. Livingston Parish authorities said residents may have noticed their units, K9 and air in the John Lanier Road and Misty Lane area during the search. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Sviatoslav Palamar, alias Kalyna ("Guelder Rose"), Deputy Commander of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, spoke in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda about how the battle for the Azovstal steel plant and the city of Mariupol unfolded in 2022. Source: Palamar in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda Details: Palamar said that the events at Azovstal are a symbol of the heroism of Ukrainian troops. The defence of Mariupol was a crucial part of Ukraines overall defence in 2022. By holding the city, Ukrainian forces halted the Russian advance on other fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Perhaps if the enemy had managed to capture Mariupol faster, all those forces would have moved on to Zaporizhzhia, and the situation there would have been much worse than it is now." Palamar said the hardest part of the battle for Mariupol was losing comrades. "There were many extraordinary things I would never have thought possible. Everything you had gained in life faded into the background. You simply didnt care. The money you had in your pocket was useless." Kalyna recalled how, without the internet in Mariupol, Azovstal defenders made information leaflets on A4 sheets to report on the situation in "Greater Ukraine". They described what was happening on the fronts, including in Mariupol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And those leaflets spread quickly. When you gave them to the guys at the positions it was so important [he paused, searching for the right words]. It lifted morale. It mattered because, for example, some had families in Zaporizhzhia, others worried about Kyiv or other cities. I could never have imagined that information printed on a simple sheet of paper would be so valuable in the 21st century." The deputy commander also spoke about helicopter missions of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, which delivered ammunition, food, medicine and reinforcements to Azovstal, and evacuated the wounded on their way back. "Those missions should go into military history textbooks. Credit must be given to Air Forces, Defence Intelligence and other units involved. What is important to note? The delivery of NLAW weapons our guys connected to the internet and learned online how to operate them. Until 2022 we had not received Western equipment. Everyone learned on the go and quite effectively destroyed enemy equipment and manpower." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that medical supplies "saved hundreds of lives", and evacuation of the wounded was critical. Helicopters also brought in reinforcements, airlifting soldiers to the Azovstal plant. "If flying into Mariupol was dangerous, flying back out was even more dangerous. The guys who decided to fly are true heroes." On the day before leaving the plants tunnels, the soldiers got rid of everything that could be used by the Russians, Palamar said. "It was the destruction of everything. Phones, other means of communication, all weapons, I destroyed all of my things. And everyone else was doing the same. We were doing our best to leave nothing for the enemy. Flash drives, information, print-outs all were destroyed. We were going into captivity. And there was nothing we could hide there." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DES MOINES, Iowa A teen is in custody after police say he led officers on a chase in a stolen car and crashed into a utility pole in the Drake Neighborhood early Tuesday morning. According to the DMPD, at around 3 a.m. an officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Subaru SUV that had allegedly run a stop light at 44th Street and Forest Avenue. When the driver noticed the officer, police say he sped off and a short chase ensued. Townhome fire in Ankeny leaves several families displaced, units damaged Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chase lasted roughly four minutes and ended when the driver crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of Beaver Avenue and Forest Avenue, the DMPD said. The driver, identified as a male teenager, allegedly tried to flee from the scene on foot, but was apprehended. The teen was taken to a nearby hospital to be evaluated for any injuries he may have sustained before being turned over to Polk County Juvenile Detention. The DMPD said that evidence collected so far points to the vehicle, which was confirmed to have been stolen shortly before the attempted traffic stop, was unsecured and a key was left inside. Police also say that the teen is a repeat vehicle theft offender. At around 4 a.m. 1,400 people were without power due to the crash. The DMPD said that MidAmerican Energy Company has restored power to the neighborhood but will still be working in the area to repair damage. The DMPD said Forest Avenue, west of Beaver Avenue will be closed while crews do repairs. The road is expected to reopen around 9 a.m. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. It has been fun watching Floridas chemtrails conspiracy theorists get a taste of the real world. Floridas multi-pronged attack on science and responsible public policy has taken many forms. The state has negligently bad-mouthed life-saving vaccines and made it illegal for municipalities to fluoridate their drinking water. And then theres chemtrails, the imaginary poisoning of the public by mysterious theys who are raining heavy metals down on us in some secret plot to dim the sun, weaponize the weather and kill us all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twisting the benign common appearance of water vapor trails from aircraft into a nefarious weather modification plot used to be the sole province of Americas fringiest crackpots. People such as Alex Jones at Infowars have been claiming for years that Americans are under air attack from secret forces who poison the skies. No 'chemtrails' in the skies of the 'Free State of Florida' Contrails streaked across the Treasure Coast sky Monday morning, March 24, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida. Now, those fringe views have taken center stage in Florida, thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-led legislature. People have a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere to block the sun and save us from climate change. Were not playing that game in Florida, DeSantis said in a recorded message on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis signed a state law banning weather modification experiments in Florida (they were already banned by an existing law) and creating a new felony penalty for violators. The Free State of Florida means freedom from governments or private actors unilaterally applying chemicals or geoengineering to people or public spaces, DeSantis said. And to fully humor the delusional conspiracy theorists, the state has deputized the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a hotline for Floridians to call when they see white trails in the sky they believe to be suspicious. This is bottom feeding on a grand scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law went into effect in July, and the people who were foolish enough to applaud it imagined that the skies over Florida would now be free of white trails. Florida, July 1, will be the end of chemtrails! Hallelujah! wrote a poster on the social media site X. But Florida cant be free of white trails in the sky. 'The invasion continues. Florida skies are under constant attack.' Contrails on a cool March day over the skies of Melbourne, Florida. Thats because the state cant legislate away the scientific fact that when hot exhaust of jet engines create harmless water vapor coming from the engines of aircraft in the cold, high altitudes, it freezes that vapor into ice crystals. And those ice crystals form a wake behind that engine in what is known as a condensation trail or contrail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quick review: Contrail equals real science. Chemtrail equals crackpot political mischief. Opinion: Florida politicians indulge conspiracy theorists with nonsense 'chemtrails' bill Since the state law went into effect, the Floridians who backed it have grown increasingly angry by seeing the skies just as marked by white trails as they were prior to the state law. Heres a smattering of irate posts on X in the two months since the state law went into effect: Yes, the spraying has taken place every single day since the Ban was put in place! The invasion continues. Florida skies are under constant attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis, why do you lie? Why do you say that you signed a Florida Bill getting rid of these hideous chemtrails, and it is all a fat big LIE? Welcome to Florida, the chemtrails state. Now we are being sprayed from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., so by 10 a.m. the skies are cleared but you are breathing heavy metals. Thank you DeSantis. See how the chemicals are spreading out. Trees are dying, crops are barely growing. Why is our government doing this to us? By humoring Floridas free-dumb coalition on chemtrails, state lawmakers have unleashed a tornado of disappointment upon themselves. They were spraying early in the morning after 12 a.m., one Floridian posted. And now the planes are spraying again mid morning. Our skies in this area are covered with the chemicals. There are no birds in the trees. You cannot hear one bird in this area. I had to come inside because the chemicals were giving me a headache again. DeSantis, Florida Republicans have got to be getting tired of this... right? My favorite is a Floridian who posted a photo of jet contrails crossing in the sky that happened to form the letter X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cabal is getting bold, the poster wrote. Cloud seeding and chemtrails over Florida. With a giant X that marks the spot. Targets. Opinion: Gov. DeSantis, Florida lawmakers help spread 'chemtrails' conspiracy theory I wonder how many more months it will take before DeSantis and other Florida leaders acknowledge that they made a mistake to validate such nonsense. That its time to come clean and tell their constituents that chemtrails and the conspiracy theories around them need to be returned to the lunatic fringe and the worm-eaten mind of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., where they belong. In the meantime, the rest of us those Floridians in the constantly challenged reality-based community can enjoy the spectacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres Ann Vandersteel, a multi-faceted Florida conspiracy theorist, who describes herself as an Information War Correspondent to her 372,000 followers on X. She posted this 12 days after Florida's chemtrails law went into effect. This morning I recorded chemtrails being sprayed right over our home, Vandersteel wrote. Tonight we watched a full storm come from the north and move south with rain and lightning. In Florida. In July. DOESN'T HAPPEN, she continued. This is weather warfare. And you are under attack. Actually, afternoon and evening thunderstorms do happen quite often in Florida, especially in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not under attack. We are amused. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached at fcerabino@pbpost.com. Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida 'chemtrails' didn't go away. Oops, DeSantis | Opinion Gov. Ron DeSantis defended Tuesday the arrest of protesters accused of using chalk to color a crosswalk near the Pulse memorial in defiance of the states crackdown on street art. You dont have a First Amendment right to commandeer someone elses property, DeSantis said at an Orlando event. You have a First Amendment right to paint your own property. Knock yourself out if thats what you want to do. But when you have a state crosswalk or a state road, the law in the state of Florida is now that theres not markings. Tensions have reached a boiling point over the states decision to remove a pro-LGBTQ rainbow crosswalk near the former gay nightclub where 49 people were shot and killed in 2016. Four people were arrested over the Labor Day weekend and accused of interfering with a traffic control device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Highway Patrol has been stationed near the crosswalk for days. Troopers were sent there after protesters used colored chalk to return the crosswalk back to its rainbow pattern. A back-and-forth battle emerged with protesters coloring the crosswalk and then state crews restoring it to its standard black-and-white pattern. Three more Pulse protesters released from jail after arrests for using chalk at crosswalk Late last week, the state put signs at the intersection instructing visitors that defacing the roadway or sidewalk was prohibited Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell said shell review the cases with fairness and transparency, while calling the arrests seemingly political. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My decision is not a political one, she said. In this office, we have a duty to follow the law. Law enforcement will make arrests, and my office is responsible for how those cases are handled once they come before us. DeSantis made the same claim, saying he expects that Worrells decisions will likely be political, adding that state transportation officials have a duty to ensure the roads remain clean. DeSantis has repeatedly clashed with Worrell, a Democrat. He suspended her from office in August 2023, accusing her of failing to enforce Florida laws. Worrell denied those accusations and was re-elected to the post this past year. DeSantis remarks came in response to questions during a press conference that mostly focused on the states efforts to combat fentanyl abuse. Blake Simons, an attorney representing the protesters, said the markings didnt damage the crosswalks. He argues chalk drawings on a crosswalk are protected by the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chalk washes away, he said. It is not graffiti. Maryjane East, 25, Donavon Short, 26, and Zane Aparicio, 39, were arrested and booked by Florida Highway Patrol on Sunday night outside the Pulse memorial. The trio is accused of applying unauthorized chalk markings to the crosswalk, according to arrest affidavits. The Florida Department of Transportation estimated it cost $1,562 to return the crosswalk to its original state, according to police records. Simons called the states cost estimate to wash away water-soluble chalk an exaggeration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those arrests came after Orestes Sebastian Suarez, 28, was arrested Friday night by FHP on the same charge. Suarez was also released shortly after he was booked after the judge found no probable cause that he committed a crime. He was accused of putting chalk on his shoes to make markings on the crosswalk. The Florida Department of Transportation approved the Pulse crosswalk in 2017. But earlier this summer, it launched a crackdown on street art, painting over the Pulse crosswalk late Aug. 20. Since then, the state has removed everything from checkered-flag crosswalks near the Daytona International Speedway to swan-patterned crossings near Lake Eola Park in Orlando. It also has ordered other cities, including Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale, to remove rainbow street art and said colorful bike lanes designed by school children as part of state-sponsored contests need to go too. The removals came in the wake of a July 1 directive from Sean Duffy, President Donald Trumps transportation secretary, introducing a safety initiative seeking consistent markings on roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of colorful crosswalks argue they could pose a safety hazard. But an Orlando Sentinel analysis of city traffic data shows the opposite. City data shows that decorative crosswalks and murals, such as the one near Pulse, helped reduce crashes with pedestrians despite increased foot traffic. Simons said he views the removal of the Pulse crosswalk an attack on the LGBTQ community, and he is representing the protesters at no charge. I am not going to stand for our civil rights to be trampled upon, he said. Orlando Sentinel staff writer Cristobal Reyes contributed to this report. ORLANDO, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended Tuesday the arrest of protesters accused of using chalk to color a crosswalk near the Pulse memorial in defiance of the states crackdown on street art. You dont have a First Amendment right to commandeer someone elses property, DeSantis said at an Orlando event. You have a First Amendment right to paint your own property. Knock yourself out if thats what you want to do. But when you have a state crosswalk or a state road, the law in the state of Florida is now that theres not markings. Tensions have reached a boiling point over the states decision to remove a pro-LGBTQ rainbow crosswalk near the former gay nightclub where 49 people were shot and killed in 2016. Four people were arrested over the Labor Day weekend and accused of interfering with a traffic control device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Highway Patrol has been stationed near the crosswalk for days. Troopers were sent there after protesters used colored chalk to return the crosswalk back to its rainbow pattern. A back-and-forth battle emerged with protesters coloring the crosswalk and then state crews restoring it to its standard black-and-white pattern. Late last week, the state put signs at the intersection instructing visitors that defacing the roadway or sidewalk was prohibited. State Attorney Monique Worrells office did not immediately comment Tuesday on whether she will prosecute the cases against those arrested over the weekend. Asked about the arrests, DeSantis said state transportation officials have a duty to ensure the roads remain clean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hang up a flag, he said. Do what you want on your building, your house, however you want to do it. Were not going to be doing that on our state roadways. Blake Simons, an attorney representing the protesters, said the markings didnt damage the crosswalks. He argues chalk drawings on a crosswalk are protected by the First Amendment. The chalk washes away, he said. It is not graffiti. Maryjane East, 25, Donavon Short, 26, and Zane Aparicio, 39, were arrested and booked by Florida Highway Patrol on Sunday night outside the Pulse memorial. The trio is accused of applying unauthorized chalk markings to the crosswalk, according to arrest affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Department of Transportation estimated it cost $1,562 to return the crosswalk to its original state, according to police records. Simons called the states cost estimate to wash away water-soluble chalk an exaggeration. Those arrests came after Orestes Sebastian Suarez was arrested Friday night by FHP on the same charge. Suarez was also released shortly after he was booked after the judge found no probable cause that he committed a crime. He was accused of putting chalk on his shoes to make markings on the crosswalk. The Florida Department of Transportation approved the Pulse crosswalk in 2017. But earlier this summer, it launched a crackdown on street art, painting over the Pulse crosswalk late Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the state has removed everything from checkered-flag crosswalks near the Daytona International Speedway to swan-patterned crossings near Lake Eola Park in Orlando. It also has ordered other cities, including Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale, to remove rainbow street art and said colorful bike lanes designed by school children as part of state-sponsored contests need to go too. The removals came in the wake of a July 1 directive from Sean Duffy, President Donald Trumps transportation secretary, introducing a safety initiative seeking consistent markings on roads. Opponents of colorful crosswalks argue they could pose a safety hazard. But an Orlando Sentinel analysis of city traffic data shows the opposite. City data shows that decorative crosswalks and murals, such as the one near Pulse, helped reduce crashes with pedestrians despite increased foot traffic. Simons said he views the removal of the Pulse crosswalk an attack on the LGBTQ community, and he is representing the protesters at no charge. I am not going to stand for our civil rights to be trampled upon, he said. _____ Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell on Tuesday said her office has been aggressively prosecuting accused drug traffickers since she returned to office in January, a comment she made hours after the governor accused her of having a liberal approach to combating the opioid epidemic. At a press conference, Worrell said her prosecutors handled approximately 100 drug trafficking cases so far in 2025 that resulted in prison sentences. Twenty nine of those prosecutions involved accused fentanyl traffickers, six of whom were sentenced to more than 20 years behind bars. The Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola counties, has prosecuted fentanyl trafficking cases aggressively and effectively, Worrell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours earlier, Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted his administrations efforts to combat fentanyl, the opioid that led to skyrocketing overdoses in recent years, through Floridas State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication grant program. Since its establishment in 2023, the program, which funds drug investigations by local law enforcement, resulted in 2,100 arrests and the seizure of 485 pounds of fentanyl and over 63,000 fentanyl pills, he said. Speaking with reporters, the governor took a swipe at Worrell, saying he doesnt think she is treating fentanyl peddlers as harshly as she should. Drug dealers in other parts of Florida are being treated like the murderers that they are, he added, while Worrell is obviously is not gung ho about what needs to be done. Basically, her approach is to not be as strong as we need to be and to have a thumb on the scale in favor of the defendants, DeSantis said. In response, Worrell said her office takes a balanced approach, pursuing severe penalties for drug traffickers while seeking treatment for users struggling with addiction. She also showed reporters a recording of an Aug. 15 meeting with her prosecutors, where she warned, If we find that people are waiving minimum mandatories without legally sufficient reasons to do so, there will be discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors comments were an insult to the attorneys in her office who are pursuing convictions against drug dealers, she said. It is a slap in their face to hear the governor of this state say that theyre not doing their jobs, said Worrell, who noted her offices staffing shortage and budget concerns had forced attorneys to prioritize the most serious cases, among them drug trafficking. The barbs traded Tuesday seemed a rerun of 2023, the year DeSantis suspended Worrell for neglect of duty, arguing she failed to prosecute cases she should have. She denied the accusations and was re-elected last year. At the time, the governors order to remove her partly pointed to data from then-Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez purportedly showing the state attorney was inexplicably downgrading drug trafficking charges or abandoning them altogether. But an Orlando Sentinel analysis of that data, shared by Lopezs staff at a press conference earlier that year to support his claims, found many of the highlighted cases were still ongoing, while 62% of the cases that were dropped or downgraded were because of investigative issues by the former sheriffs own deputies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Worrells suspension, none of the abandoned cases were resumed under Andrew Bain, whom DeSantis appointed to replace her. Worrell, a progressive Democrat, has taken heat from Republicans in Tallahassee in the months since her return as the regions top prosecutor. The most public spat was over her effort to reduce the number of cases law enforcement sent for review to her prosecutors involving suspects who had not been immediately arrested. While a collaboration between her office and Attorney General James Uthmeier has since proven to be fruitful by reducing a massive backlog of nonarrest cases, Worrell remains under the microscope, raising her supporters fears that there will be an effort to remove her once again. When asked Tuesday, however, she said she was not concerned about that possibility. I am concerned with doing my job, Worrell said, the job that I was elected twice to do and I do it every single day. Editors note: This story was originally published on Sept. 2, 2024. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. Monday was Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September. On Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, the Knights of Labor union organized a parade up Fifth Avenue and a day off work. The organizers hoped for a turnout of 30,000, but only about a third of that showed up. Most people, The New York Times speculated, preferred to spend the day at Coney Island or in some other leisure pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1894, the United States celebrated the first federal Labor Day holiday, thanks to a designation declared by President Grover Cleveland. Little seems to have changed through the years. Originally it was dedicated to honoring those who had helped lobby for worker rights, improving works hours and unsafe conditions as well as address fair pay. Now most consider it a long weekend, a chance to wrap up the summer in style and perhaps take a short vacation. The front page of the Deseret News on Sept. 5, 1955, showcased how Utahns enjoyed the free Monday. Stories and headlines of the day included a photo of a local family enjoying the day, a piece about local officials enumerating better conditions for the workforce, and a story about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing in Copenhagen, Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other unfortunate headlines of the day included a recap of a fatal auto accident in Nevada that claimed the lives of three Salt Lake City men, as well as worries that highway deaths in the U.S. would reach all-time highs for the holiday. Nationally, officials deem the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Be safe out there. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about Labor day and the hard reality of Labor Day travel deaths: The meaning of Labor Day True meaning of Labor Day more than holiday from work Labor Day is an important time of celebration with a turbulent history Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: From violent protests to holiday pay the history of Labor Day Opinion: This Labor Day, give thanks for job-ending automation Utah officials frustrated by 100 Deadliest Days results as traffic deaths rise The man charged in the deadly shooting of an 11-year-old Texas boy was "waiting in the shadows" as the child and his cousin played a "ding-dong ditch" prank on his Houston home, police said. The suspect followed the boys as they ran away before he opened fire, according to Houston Police Sgt. Michael Cass, the lead detective on the case. Cass told CBS News the suspect was "waiting in the shadows in his own side yard behind a fence" after the boy and his cousin knocked on his door Saturday night and ran away. The boy, identified by police as Julian Guzman, was attending a family gathering about a block away in the east Houston neighborhood, and after getting bored, decided to go with his 10-year-old cousin and play ding-dong ditch, in which pranksters ring the doorbell or knock on the door of a home and then run away. Police said the two cousins had knocked three times on the suspect's door within a span of about 15 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the third knock, the cousins ran as fast as they could, but the homeowner was waiting behind the fence in his yard. Guzman was recording the incident on his phone, police said, showing himself knocking and running. Shots are heard on the video, police said, and there is audio of the boy gasping. A makeshift memorial for 11-year-old Julian Guzman, who was shot and killed during a Guzman's cousin told police he didn't know what to do, only what he had seen in movies, so he tried to pick him up. The boys appeared as children, "not threatening in any way," Cass said. Guzman was wounded when police arrived at the scene and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, has been charged with murder and booked into the Harris County jail, according to online records. A judge set Leon's bond at $1 million Wednesday "due to the ongoing investigation and potential upgrade of the charges." Police said Leon is a former Army veteran who was deployed and spent time in the reserves. He was disabled in combat and honorably discharged, his defense attorney said at his court appearance Wednesday. A handgun, 20 other guns and tactical and smoke grenades were found during a search of his home, police said. "Looked like he may have been a collector of firearms," Cass said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they found Leon at a hotel in La Porte, Texas, with a packed car. The hotel room was booked for three days, Cass said. Leon, his wife and 2-year-old child went to the hotel because media was surrounding their home, his defense attorney said. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Very little new information in thousands of Jeffrey Epstein files released this week Trump says he's not happy about state of Russia's war in Ukraine In a Connecticut town where the market for new age-restricted housing is hot, a lifelong resident James Newbury contends his plan for what he calls The Estates at 100 Oakland will do more than just create another 69 detached and duplex condos. Newbury contends his proposal will improve and expand wetlands on the 32-acre South Windsor parcel he owns, and will bring 11 units of much-needed affordable housing in a prime location near the town center. He also argues that the project would generate about $1 million a year in new tax revenue for South Windsor without adding the cost of more schoolchildren, all while helping local seniors stay in town as they get older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive owned the land for years, I grew up there. I want to do a project thats good for the town, Newbury said this week. I couldve done solar, I couldve done apartments maybe about 200. But I dont want to maximize density for profits. This will be a plus for the town. My Realtor tells me that when a 55-and-over property goes on the market here, its gone right away, he said. Im 71. There are so many people who raised families here, but have gotten older. I want those people to be able to stay in South Windsor. But a group of neighbors has banded together as South Windsor Initiative for Thoughtful Growth to oppose his plan, which goes to a continued hearing by the local wetlands board Sept. 3. Opponents fear the construction will harm wetlands and any wildlife living nearby. The permanent modifications to the stream bed, the surrounding wetlands, and the clearing of the forest habitat supported by the wetlands would certainly be irreversible and irretrievable!, they say in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides have each created websites to make their case: Newburys is www.100oakland.com and the opponents is www.savesouthwindsor.org. The opponents idea is that the town should buy the former farmland as open space. If the town were to purchase the 100 Oakland Road property, it could avoid a lengthy and costly battle between the developer and neighbors, the organization says. The developer would still receive fair compensation for the land without the need to spend time and resources on development and, as an abutter, could enjoy the benefits of preserved open space in his own backyard. Neighbors would protect the forest habitat behind their homes, and the broader community would benefit from maintaining the pastoral character of South Windsor for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the town currently has no budget allotted for buying that property, and Newbury is ready to get on with his project after years of planning. Newbury argues that some opponents are misinformed. They refer to him clearing 32 acres, for instance, but his plan states that hed build on 20 and preserve the other 12. Newbury envisions homes ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet. Theyd be one floor with a basement and garage, and he estimates that prices would range from $400,000 to $650,000. To meet South Windsors requirement that 15% of new multifamily housing be affordable, he proposes to reserve 11 homes for owners earning less than 80% of the regions average median income. Most would have porches facing the new road and sidewalk that would be built through the property. Newbury said thats important as a way for neighbors to stay connected as they get older. A homeowners association would be responsible for maintaining the new road, plowing and lawn mowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had lots of friends raise their kids here, pay taxes for 30 years and then have to move to Vernon or Ellington to find a property available, he said. Even though its close, you dont see them again. If Newburys plan gets through the wetlands review, hell go for approval from the planning and zoning commission in the fall. Hed like to begin construction in the spring, have the first units available for sale by late next fall and complete the entire project in about two years. SELINSGROVE Dauntless Hook & Ladder Fire Co. is offering free training to boost recruitment in the Selinsgrove volunteer firefighting department. The basic firefighting training classes consist of four modules and participants may decide to take two or more, depending on their interest, Fire Chief Jason Kline said. We need new members, he said of the need to increase the departments active membership which is at about 15. We need to double that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most communities rely on volunteer firefighters. The National Volunteer Fire Council said 65 percent of the estimated 1.04 million firefighters in the United States are volunteers. But those numbers have been on the decline, falling from 897,750 volunteer firefighters in 1984 to 679,900 in 2020, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fire departments are lacking volunteers due to the training requirements, cost and time required as a volunteer, DH&L Administrative Chief Jason Kaufman said. The basic firefighting class in 1994, when Kaufman joined the department as a junior firefighter, was 88 hours. Today the training is 188 hours and costs about $2,650. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department will offer the training for free, beginning Sept. 23. Training consists of courses in fire service, fire ground support, exterior and interior firefighting and a live burn. Prospective volunteers who want to join the department but arent interested in fighting fires are invited to take the first two courses, Kline said. We can find a job for you, he said of the need for drivers and other assistance at the fire station off Bridge Street in Selinsgrove. Kline and Kaufman extol the camaraderie among the departments members who meet every Monday for regular training and often involve extended family members in events, such as occasional cookouts. And, youre helping your community. Theres no better feeling, Kline said. To sign up for the training, call Kaufman at 570-274-5510 or Kline at 570-259-2448. As secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem has become one of the most visible leaders of President Donald Trumps mass deportation and detention push. According to officials, the role has caused Noem and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who operate under her authority to face threats that have led them to adopt masks and necessitated an unusual living arrangement for the secretary. However, on Facebook, Noem appears to be far less secure. TPM has identified a page that seems to belong to Noem and was updated publicly through 2023. It is hidden in relatively plain sight and uses a thinly veiled alias for Noems name. On that page, Noem seems to have fallen for an internet hoax and connected with family members who have shared extensive and identifiable personal information while also participating in at least one commercial promotion for a South Dakota escape room with the secretary. While the public material on the page that appears to belong to Noem is largely typical Facebook fare, it is unusual and notable given her unique position. Experts who spoke to TPM described the situation as inadvisable and sloppy for one of the top security officials in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former senior government official who requested anonymity to talk about the issue with TPM called it a risk for basic operational security and noted figures like Noem who are under Secret Service protection are generally counseled to avoid having this type of personal social media activity publicly accessible. Im surprised to hear that, the official said when we informed them about the Facebook page that appears to belong to Noem. Protective measures include advising principals on basic operational security, keeping a low profile, and things of that nature. In an email to TPM, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said the Facebook page was a defunct administrative account that hasnt been used for years. When asked how the page, which was used to post personal photos and share videos, served an administrative function or whether DHS had any comment on the accounts content, McLaughlin simply doubled down. Ill reiterate as i did before that this is an administrative, no personal, account, McLaughlin wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several clear indications that connect the page to Noem. It is friends with pages belonging to several members of Noems family who use their real names and who have publicly used those accounts to promote their professional and political endeavors, including campaigning for Noem when she ran for her second term as governor of South Dakota in 2022. Some of the pages belonging to Noems family members that are friends with the profile posted pictures from inside the White House earlier this year and have been linked to by Noems official, verified page on the site, providing further confirmation of their identities. While the use of an alias would ostensibly offer Noem some privacy and distance from the accounts content, the former official suggested the measure was insufficient. They noted TPM was able to uncover the page despite the apparent use of an alias. Quote unquote secret Facebook posting is not a reasonable mitigation measure, because there are people out there, adversaries, that can easily figure it out, the former official said. I mean, you are an investigative reporter and figured it out. All of the information referred to in this story that was posted by Noems family members and the not-so-secret account on Facebook appears to be public for most users of the social media platform. TPM is not friends with any of the pages belonging to Noems family or with the account. The content described in this story was all visible without any such connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alias accounts last publicly viewable post came on August 16, 2023, which was while Noem was governor. However, the page has remained online and visible since Noem became Trumps DHS secretary earlier this year. In that last post, the alias account shared a missive declaring parents, let your daughters grow up to be horse girls that came from another account that is billed as an Uplifting page for people that Love God and the Country way of life. TPM is not identifying the online alias used by Noem, or naming her family members, in order to preserve their privacy. We are also refraining from directly linking to these pages because experts have suggested some of the content posted by the secretarys relatives including names and photos of her children, grandchildren, and home addresses that are associated with Noem in public records could pose a specific security risk. The alias account has also posted private photos that seem to show Noem and her family members. In the past, even seemingly basic personal information has been used to compromise public officials. In 2008, Sarah Palins email was hacked when she was serving as governor of Alaska and the Republican candidate for vice president. Experts noted the hacker was able to break into her email using simple biographical facts that gave answers to Palins security questions. These types of concerns would seem particularly important for Noem since her own department has described her as having been horribly doxxed and targeted. A former C-Suite cybersecurity executive in Silicon Valley, who requested anonymity, told TPM that any personal page belonging to Noem should have been cleaned up when she joined Trumps Cabinet earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As somebody who ran executive protection teams, you would tell a CEO to keep all of your social media including Facebook profiles private, the former cybersecurity executive said. At least when she became governor, but definitely when she became Homeland Security secretary, this is the kind of thing that should have been cleaned up. And Facebook makes that incredibly easy, actually. Theres a very simple flow you can go through that will set all of your previous posts private. She could have run that and made all of this disappear from the public view. The former government official who spoke with TPM noted that posting some of the content that appears on these pages is specifically discouraged for top officials and their families. The Secret Service obviously provides her protection as they do for other Cabinet officials, the president, et cetera, the former senior official said. Part of providing executive protection in this case having close protection, she has a detail that accompanies her is also advising the principal on how to protect their identity, what things should not be posted. That includes some of the things you mentioned like addresses and pictures of children. According to the former senior official, the protection typically afforded to people at Noems level can include training with advice for relatives because family members could be leveraged by an adversary, potentially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While her family members have posted Facebook content linking themselves and the hidden account to Noem, there are also other things on that page that tie it to the secretary. The alias account has posted casual photos that appear to show Noem, her children, and her grandchildren. The account identifies its user as having graduated from the same educational institutions as Noem; Hamlin High School and South Dakota State University. On December 1, 2016, which was the day after Noems birthday, the account posted a message declaring, Thank you everyone for all the birthday blessings! It was a good day. And, in April 2020, the alias wrote, Ok I need grandkids. One of Noems daughters commented below that post and tagged her sister and brother-in-law, who were married the prior year. I feel like this was directed towards you, she wrote. Apart from personal information that could pose an operational security risk, the publicly viewable content on the alias Facebook page is largely innocuous. The user posted videos of church sermons and Christian content, including one article that warned parents your children do not deserve privacy online. Stalk them. Know everything theyre texting. Know everything they are posting. Know everything they are receiving. Know everything thats being posted about them. Follow them on social media. Follow their friends. BE IN THE KNOW, the article said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alias account also included a few indications that the user behind it has had trouble with the internet and social media. On May 31, 2021, the account seemed to make a typo with a post that contained just a single letter shared to all of its friends: K. A few years earlier, there was a post confirming the user behind the account was having trouble controlling what was shared. On January 6, 2017, the page shared a whimsical video of dogs in leotards from the animal-themed site The Dodo. The user subsequently disavowed their own post. Ok sorry guys I didnt post this. No idea how it got on here they wrote. At the time, Noem was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. One comment from that post provides further indication the page is an online alias for Noem. A friend of hers had a strong reaction to the dogs in leotards clip. They responded with Noems real name rather than the alias. Wowok. they wrote, before adding, Hi Kristi !! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 2, 2019, nearly eight months after Noem assumed office as governor of South Dakota, the alias account posted about another online issue. Apparently, the user believed only 25 of their friends were allowed to see my posts on Facebook. The page shared a string of text that the author believed would solve the issue: Heres how to bypass the system FB now has in place that limits posts on your news feed. Their new algorithm chooses the same few people about 25 who will read your posts. Therefore, hold your finger down anywhere in this post and copy will pop up. Click copy. Then go to your page, start a new post, and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. Paste will pop up and click paste. This will bypass the system. If you are reading this message, do me a favor and leave me a quick commenta hello, a sticker, whatever you want, so you will appear in my newsfeed It WORKS!! I dont know how many friends I have. I just want to see all of your posts that I have been missing and not getting! Hello! One of the accounts friends responded that the text was a well-known hoax that had made the rounds the prior year. They included a link to an article confirming that there was no 25-friend content limit and that the text the alias account posted was a hoax message users were unwittingly spreading. The story included a statement from a Facebook representative alluding to how embarrassing it was to be fooled by the shareable scam. Friends dont let friends copy and paste memes, and this one simply is not true, the Facebook representative said in the article. Two prominent cybersecurity experts who spoke with TPM independently used the term sloppy to describe the accounts linked to Noem on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is sloppy, but not uncommon and definitely shows a lack of what we normally would expect as professionalism, said John Sebes in a conversation last week. While security guru Bruce Schneier also called it sloppy, he echoed the notion it wasnt entirely surprising, particularly from the Trump Cabinet. We could say that youre dumb, you should have done better. I dont know, Schneier said, later adding, Shes in the Trump administration right? You know, what do you expect? Schneier also alluded to the fact that ill-advised social media behavior is common outside of Washington. I see lots of people who are just sloppy on the internet. Sloppy on the internet is, like, normal, said Schneier. I wish people would be better, but people arent better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former C-Suite security executive in Silicon Valley also said they werent surprised to see Noem having issues with internet security and literacy following her criticism of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and cuts shes implemented there. According to the executive, Noems actions effectively meant dismantling the most important defensive cybersec agency in the U.S. government. Its not inconsistent with what we know of her. She is dismantling CISA and she has not shown any kind of knowledge of cybersecurity, the executive said. So, it is unfortunate that we now have a head of Homeland Security who shows no personal knowledge of cybersecurity. Noem also has public, verified Facebook and Instagram pages. While those accounts, which promote Noems government activities, do not include candid pictures, memes, and hoaxes, they do have some questionable social media behavior for an official of Noems stature. On June 2, Noem posted about what she described as a weekend with family and loved ones, and words from the Lord. The post included the Instagram tag advertising an escape room in Watertown, South Dakota along with a photo of Noem and her daughters smiling next to a woman wearing the business merch. Two days earlier, the venue shared that same picture on its own Facebook along with an option to shop this photo and purchase the merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS did not respond to specific questions about the escape room posts. Last year, when she was governor, Noem faced questions over social media posts where she promoted a cosmetic dentistry company. The former senior U.S. official said it was also inadvisable for Noem to appear in promotional content for businesses as secretary of DHS. However, they also pointed out that the Trump administration has not always allowed itself to be caught up in traditional ethics concerns. Thats where the ethics folks would come into play and say, You dont want to do that, the former senior official said of Noems appearance in the monetized escape room post. But speaking quite candidly, weve got the president of the United States selling bitcoin, so a secretary doing a post for a place with t-shirts on is several levels less egregious. Its still not advisable, I think, because you want to be above reproach. The ex-official also noted Noem is operating under a unique spotlight and threat environment. With ICE and DHS playing a leading role in implementing Trumps mass deportation agenda, Noems appearances in full makeup and tactical gear at immigration raids and detention camps have earned her the nickname ICE Barbie and even been lampooned on South Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History has proven that family members and principals will slip up and make mistakes, thats why you have protective intelligence and other monitoring, the former official said. Clearly, DHS and the border czar are getting a lot of publicity. Every day, theres something about DHS and Kristi Noem in particular, so folks are watching her very carefully. However, the official also noted that, even with the intense attention, Noem may not necessarily be following all the recommendations of those assigned to protect her. Folks are advised and, at the end of the day, the principals do what they want to do. In the executive protection arena, principals have their own mind, the former official said. And their family, whether its Kristi Noem or another executive, theyre going to do what they want to do at the end of the day but they have to understand the risk. Overall, the former official said Noem should shut down any non-official Facebook page. They also suggested the secretary and her family might want to post less in general. Its smart business for them to tighten all that down, the former official said. It really is. For her sake, for her family, and frankly, for the operation not to get her in some way compromised, SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Arc Caddo-Bossier is hosting its Annual Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, September 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the LSU Shreveport Ballroom. Emmy award-winning journalist Jacque Jovic of KTAL News 6 will host the Leadership Luncheon, one of The Arcs most significant events. It brings together donors, civic leaders, and community supporters to celebrate their combined efforts to build opportunities for people with disabilities. Parents are invited to Shreveports newest play area for children with disabilites Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alycia Anderson, a global advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility, will deliver the keynote address. (Image courtesy of The Arc Caddo-Bossier) Host of Pushing Forward with Alycia Podcast, Anderson was born with Sacral Agenesis, a condition where the spinal cord is underdeveloped at the sacrum. She has used a wheelchair since birth and uses her personal experiences to inspire audiences to create more inclusive communities. The Arc Caddo-Bossier celebrates 70th anniversary of serving communities with disabilities National publications have featured Andersons work, and she has partnered with global brands like Microsoft, Victorias Secret, and Netflix. Additionally, she modeled at NYC Fashion Week 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristen Powers, Executive Director of The Arc Caddo-Bossier, said, We are thrilled to welcome Alycia Anderson as our keynote speaker. Her powerful message of inclusion and her work to create more equitable communities aligns perfectly with our mission and the values weve upheld for over 70 years. Supporting ARC Caddo Bossier on Give for Good Day The Arc began in 1954 when a group of parents sought to create more opportunities for children with disabilities. Today, The Arc serves families and people of all ages with workforce development through Frost Industries, the Conly Day Program, child education with The Arc Caddo-Bossiers Goldman School and Child Development Centers, community engagement initiatives, residential services with eight community homes and Community Living Supports and Services (CLSS), equine-assisted services through the GREAT Program, and advocacy services. The Leadership Luncheon costs $25 per person, and registration is open now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday that it has agreed to pay $10 million to settle a childrens privacy lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission related to videos it uploaded on YouTube a few years ago. According to Axios, this is the first known case where a YouTube content provider has settled with the FTC over violations of childrens privacy, since a landmark settlement with YouTube and Google in 2019. The FTC complaint filed by the Department of Justice targets Disney for content that wasnt uploaded on its own platforms. This could open the way for penalties against other content providers that distribute their work on third-party sites and apps. What was the complaint over? According to Bloomberg, the complaint comes after Disney failed to correctly label videos uploaded to its YouTube channels as being made for children. This exposed children to data tracking without parental consent, which is required for such tracking under the FTCs Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case underscores the FTCs commitment to enforcing COPPA, which was enacted by Congress to ensure that parents, not companies like Disney, make decisions about the collection and use of their childrens personal information online, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson wrote in a statement, per Bloomberg. The FTCs complaint said that Disney failed to mark some of its videos between 2020 and 2022 as Made For Kids, a designation that ensures data collection is turned off for children, per Deadline. YouTube adopted the Made For Kids designation after a 2019 settlement with the agency for allegedly failing to receive parental consent to collect data on kids under 13 years old. By not correctly labeling the videos, Disney allowed those videos to be targeted by online advertising, which is why the FTC sees it as problematic, per Axios. Disneys settlement In the settlement, Disney conceded that it made an administrative error when categorizing some of the videos uploaded to YouTube, mostly during the pandemic, per Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporting the well-being and safety of kids and families is at the heart of what we do, a Disney spokesperson said, per Axios. Disney has a long tradition of embracing the highest standards of compliance with childrens privacy laws, and we remain committed to investing in the tools needed to continue being a leader in this space, the spokesperson added. Disney has agreed to pay a $10 million civil penalty for allowing childrens data to be collected on videos posted to YouTube. The Federal Trade Commission alleged that Disney failed to designate videos on the platform as Made for Kids. That designation is meant to comply with federal law that protects kids from having their data collected and used for targeted advertising. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FTC said in a statement that Disney will change its practices to comply with the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act, which requires parental consent for data collection for users under 13 years old. Our order penalizes Disneys abuse of parents trust, and, through a mandated video-review program, makes room for the future of protecting kids online age assurance technology, said Andrew Ferguson, the FTC chairman, in a statement. In a statement, Disney said it is committed to adhering to child privacy laws. Supporting the well-being and safety of kids and families is at the heart of what we do, the company said. This settlement does not involve Disney owned and operated digital platforms but rather is limited to the distribution of some of our content on YouTubes platform. Disney has a long tradition of embracing the highest standards of compliance with childrens privacy laws, and we remain committed to investing in the tools needed to continue being a leader in this space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, YouTube agreed to pay $170 million for collecting data on children. As part of that settlement, YouTube began requiring content providers to designate whether videos are Made for Kids or not. According to the FTC complaint, YouTube notified Disney in June 2020 that some 300 videos from movies including The Incredibles, Coco, Toy Story, Tangled and Frozen had not been designated as Made for Kids. The complaint states that YouTube redesignated the videos, but had to keep doing that with additional videos over the next couple of years. YouTube allows users to designate videos either individually or at the channel level. According to the complaint, Disneys policy was to designate at the channel level, but then posted many child-oriented videos to its Not Made for Kids channels, resulting in them being designated as Not Made for Kids by default. Those videos include cartoons, sing-alongs and story times with actors reading childrens books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disney obtains a share of YouTubes ad revenue on its videos, and also sells advertising directly. Disneys failure to accurately designate child-directed videos as MFK results in YouTube collecting personal information and placing targeted advertisements on child-directed videos on Disneys behalf, the complaint states. Other features are also disabled on Made for Kids videos, including comments and autoplay. Under the settlement, Disney must maintain an Audience Designation Program to properly classify all of the videos it posts to YouTube. The settlement makes room for adoption of age assurance technology by YouTube, whereby the platform would be able to identify the age of all viewers, relieving the obligation to tag individual videos. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to pay $10 million to settle a Federal Trade Commission inquiry into alleged violations of child privacy laws. The settlement, disclosed Tuesday, covers videos that Disney uploaded to YouTube that were not properly marked as children's content. That lapse allowed the videos to become targets for online advertising, drawing the attention of federal regulators. The Burbank entertainment giant "allowed personal data to be collected from children who viewed kid-directed videos on YouTube without notifying parents or obtaining their consent as required by the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule," the agency said on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, Disney has uploaded videos to more than 1,250 YouTube channels, according to the complaint filed by the U.S. Justice Department. Investigators alleged Disney failed to appropriately mark child-specific videos as "Made for Kids," allowing targeted advertising to reach children. Instead, the videos carried a default classification as "not made for kids," allowing advertisers to glean information about users some aged 13 and younger, the complaint said. The videos ran on numerous YouTube channels, including those branded with Pixar, Disney Animation Studios and Disney on Ice. Disney generates advertising revenue from the YouTube videos. Targeted ad campaigns were inappropriately directed toward children, the government said in its complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said the violations did not occur on Disney-owned platforms. Supporting the well-being and safety of kids and families is at the heart of what we do," a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. "... Disney has a long tradition of embracing the highest standards of compliance with childrens privacy laws, and we remain committed to investing in the tools needed to continue being a leader in this space." Read more: Disney to cut hundreds of employees in latest round of layoffs The 1998 Children's Online Privacy Protection Act applies to commercial website or online platform operators that collect, use or disclose personal details about users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FTC complaint alleged YouTube alerted Disney and other content creators in late 2019 that they needed to properly mark the videos to comply with the federal law. Disney was told that if it failed to do so, it "may face compliance issues with the FTC or other authorities." During the probe, investigators discovered "at least 12 different ad campaigns with over 350,000 ad impressions" that ran on Disney-branded channels. Those channels should have been shielded from the advertising, according to the complaint. Two Disney subsidiaries were named as defendants: Florida-based Disney Worldwide Services and Burbank-based Disney Entertainment Operations. This case underscores the FTCs commitment to enforcing COPPA, which was enacted by Congress to ensure that parents, not companies like Disney, make decisions about the collection and use of their childrens personal information online, FTC Chair Andrew N. Ferguson said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our order penalizes Disneys abuse of parents trust, and, through a mandated video-review program, makes room for the future of protecting kids online. Axios first reported the settlement. 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. At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann. A Suffolk County judge is set to decide Wednesday whether the results of that testing method, which has never been used in a New York courtroom, should be permitted in Heuermanns trial, which could start next year. Heuermann is charged with murder in the deaths of at least seven women spanning three decades. He has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In arguments before the judge earlier this year, prosectors argued the technology they used in the Gilgo case known as whole genome sequencing bolsters testing thats already widely accepted and helps to extract evidence that would otherwise be impossible to get, such as from rootless hairs or degraded samples. Investigators used the technology to determine hairs found on several of the victims belonged to Heuermann or someone in his immediate family, court records show. Heuermanns defense team, meanwhile, argues the technology is largely unproven. Its a critical ruling as much as anything that has to do with something as powerful as DNA evidence. Its going to move the needle, said CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson. It would be a huge win for the prosecutors if it were admitted and a huge blow to the defense. Jackson said the evidence could be devastating for Heuermann because prosecutors would be able to make the case for jurors that he was with the victims in their final moments. Without it, the defense would have an easier time arguing its case knowing a key piece of evidence wouldnt be considered by a jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Judge Timothy Mazzei rules against prosecutors, however, they still have more to work with. At the end of the day, they have so many bites of the apple with this guy, Jackson said. Theres so much other evidence. The judge can sleep at night and say, I didnt kill their case. I just took one tool out of their toolbox that has 20 different tools in it. Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 and charged with murder in the killings of three women whose bodies were discovered bound with belts or tape and wrapped in burlap along a stretch of Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach in 2010. Those victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello along with a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose death Heuermann was charged in while in custody became known as the Gilgo Four. Rex Heuermann appears at Suffolk County Court for a status conference on February 25 in Riverhead, New York. - James Carbone/Pool/Getty Images/File Two second-degree murder charges were added in June 2024 for the deaths of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. Taylor was killed in 2003, and Costilla in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, Heuermann was charged with murder in the death of a seventh woman, Valerie Mack, in a superseding indictment. Heuermanns July 2023 arrest was a major event in the area. Since the discovery of the bodies began in 2010, the mystique of the Long Island Serial Killer grew with each year the murders went unsolved. It quickly became the biggest mystery on Long Island, prompting books, articles and documentaries all while fear grew among residents knowing the killer was still out there. Heuermann now spends his days at the Suffolk County correctional facility. Expected arguments The defense contends the DNA analysis used by prosecutors lacks broad acceptance within the scientific community and should not be allowed as evidence in the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis was conducted by Astrea Forensics, a company that specializes in whole genome sequencing a type of DNA analysis that can be used for difficult-to-treat samples. Whole genome sequencing is a method that attempts to read nearly all of a persons DNA, covering the entire genetic code of about 3 billion bases, or letters, said Daniele Podini, an associate professor at George Washington University. I think that it was used in this case because the DNA in hair is very degraded/fragmented and the conventional Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is not as likely to be successful, Podini told CNN via email. STR analysis looks only at specific regions in the genome where short DNA sequences repeat multiple times. The key difference, Podini said, is conventional testing provides a limited DNA fingerprint, like a barcode on a supermarket product, while whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers a full genetic blueprint with much more detailed insights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the type of analysis has not yet been subject to an admissibility hearing in the State of New York, prosecutors said in their argument to the judge earlier this year, the technique is commonly used across numerous scientific and forensic fields, including virology, health care and criminal justice and by law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys. WGS is an advancement in DNA testing which enables more comprehensive collection and evaluation of DNA and has wide application throughout the relevant scientific communities, prosecutors said. It has been accepted by the CDC, the FDA, paleontologists, virologists, and the medical communities. New technologies are always up for examination before becoming routine, said Nathan Lents, a professor of biology at the City University of New Yorks John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Forensic methods are subject to intense legal scrutiny before they are accepted as common practice, and thats what we are seeing here, Lents said. This is the normal way that new techniques are introduced into the legal forensic toolkit, in test cases with a great deal of scrutiny and expert testimony. With or without DNA, prosecutors plan to build their case from multiple angles If the DNA testing method in the case is thrown out, Suffolk County prosecutors could rely on other evidence like the content allegedly discovered on Heuermanns devices, including a planning document outlining a strategy for future killings, or the newspapers and magazines allegedly found during a search warrant of his home that talked about the killings of the women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a bail application, the manual contained headings such as Supplies and Problems, with DNA listed as the top item under the latter. A section titled body prep detailed steps to clean, dismember and move bodies, while another called post event appeared to list tasks to avoid apprehension, including having a story set. Gilgo Beach is seen on July 18, 2023, in Babylon, New York. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images Prosecutors also have cell phone data and pings from cell towers that point to Heuermann, the eyewitness descriptions of him and his truck, the Chevrolet Avalanche, according to an official with knowledge of their strategy. They also have mitochondrial DNA that still points to Heuermann but would be more work for prosecutors to establish that it was Heuermann and not someone related to him that carried out the murders, the official said. Though a trial date hasnt been set for Heuermann, its expected to be sometime next year and will see prosecutors call witnesses who can testify to the legitimacy of the DNA, law enforcement that recovered the bodies and medical examiners who inspected the bodies, the official said. Meanwhile, Michael Brown, the defense attorney for Heuermann, said Wednesdays decision is important for their case but not essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont prevail on this, its OK we still have the ability to attack this before a jury, Brown told CNN. Im confident that a jury would disregard this new methodology. Part of the defenses strategy will include not only fighting the DNA evidence but also highlighting discrepancies in the case, such as an allegation that law enforcement had another suspect they were going to arrest before Heuermann was taken into custody, according to a source with knowledge of the defenses thinking. They also plan on digging up corruption in the history of Suffolk County law enforcement, something critics have long pointed to as being a main reason the Gilgo serial killer was not caught earlier, according to the source. How common is the technique? Though its never been used in a case in New York state, experts say, the use of whole genome sequencing as a DNA analysis method has been used for some time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technique is legitimate and reliable and has been used in the research and clinical setting for many years now, Lents, the biology professor, told CNN. It is only coming into the forensic realm because forensics always trails a few years behind the scientific advances, because the courts want to see any new technique be deployed, analyzed and scrutinized for years before it is applied in a criminal case where someones life or liberty is at stake, he added. The US Food and Drug Administration uses whole genome sequencing to identify pathogens during foodborne illness outbreaks, the agency says on its website. Public health researchers use it to understand why certain bacteria cause more severe illness or show greater resistance to antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite this, Heuermanns attorney argued this type of DNA evidence hasnt gotten the general acceptance of the scientific community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution has failed to meet this burden, defense attorneys wrote. At best, the evidence presented demonstrates that the academic debate surrounding this paradigm shifting methodology is in its infancy, far short of the general acceptance required by law. Accordingly, this court must preclude the admission of such evidence. Prosecutors, however, say the latest advancements in forensic testing are not only reliable, but widely accepted. These facts demonstrate that the methodology has moved well beyond the novel or experimental stage, wrote Suffolk County prosecutors. This is not magic its science. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The head of the South Dakota Department of Corrections is stepping down from her post after state lawmakers called for her removal. DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko is resigning effective Oct. 20 from her position, according to a letter South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden provided Sept. 2 to the Argus Leader. In the letter, Wasko stated she made the decision after discussing it with her family "over the course of the last few months." She also indicated she would be seeking "other opportunities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This decision was not made lightly, and I am thankful for the incredible executive team that has been established and will remain committed to the Department of Corrections in my absence," Wasko wrote. Wasko's departure comes after 20 South Dakota House lawmakers signed a joint letter, calling on the governor to fire the DOC secretary ahead of a Sept. 23 special legislative session, during which the Legislature is set to vote on whether to appropriate funds to build a 1,500 bed, $650 million men's prison in Sioux Falls. The legislative rout of Wasko, who was first appointed by former Gov. Kristi Noem in February 2022, first catalyzed in June, when State Rep. Tim Reisch, a District 8 Republican and a former state corrections secretary, wrote an op-ed excoriating Wasko. Reisch scrutinized Wasko's excessive use of prison lockdowns, and he complained of inmate deaths, some of which were drug-related, and gang-fights that have occurred during her time in the corrections chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 20 lawmakers a number of whom appeared in support and spoke at U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson's June launch of his campaign for South Dakota governor criticized Rhoden for responding to Reisch's initial call to action with "general denials and no apparent improvements." The same lawmakers also stated they agreed with the need for a new prison, which is a shared goal of the Rhoden administration. But the governor addressed the earlier attacks in late June by saying he would be "standing by Wasko." "That is the wrong approach," the lawmakers wrote. "This is a time when we need accountability and a restoration of trust from the Rhoden Administration, not blinders and not blame-shifting." More: The case for Kellie Wasko: Why South Dakota's top leaders are still standing behind her Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden told the Argus Leader in a Sept. 2 interview Wasko had been planning to step down for "several days." He said the timing of the lawmakers' letter made the news "really kind of unfortunate, especially given some of the contents of the letter and even the way it was sent out." "I thought it was kind of unfair the way it was all played out," Rhoden said. "I never received that letter. Supposedly, it's [addressed] to me. I never received it." Rhoden said that Wasko will likely not play a role in the special session, because it would not "be productive to have her present at that time." The governor said Wasko's abdication would likely serve to settle the stewing discontent within the faction of lawmakers opposed to the DOC's current leadership. That has the benefit of making it easier to convince two-thirds of the full Legislature to appropriate the necessary $650 million for the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a group that were really locked down on their opposition to her, and so this gives them one less reason to oppose a pretty sound proposal that we put together to build this prison and where to build it," Rhoden said. More: State moves forward with new Sioux Falls prison site after signing purchase agreement This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko to resign CHICAGO The cane-wielding suspect charged in connection with 9-year-old Elijah Flores death was chasing a 22-year-old, who was with the boy, following a robbery, documents state. Flores was on a CTA Green Line train along with his mothers boyfriend, a 22-year-old man, on Aug. 10. Michael Korosa, 52, a convicted prison escapee, was on train with someone else. Documents state as the train came into the Clinton station, the 22-year-old allegedly took money from the person Korosa was with on the train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22-year-old ran away with the money with Flores following behind him, documents state. The 22-year-old grabbed Flores, who had autism, and dragged him to make good on his escape, according to documents. Flores was picked up by his mothers boyfriend as the two approached a stairwell and the 22-year-old began running down the stairs. Behind were Korosa and the alleged robbery victim running after him, documents state. Elijah Flores Korosa allegedly struck the 22-year-old man with his cane on his head and back. Flores was dropped as the 22-year-old fell down the staircase. The boy hit his head on the stairs and the 22-year-old fell on top of him, documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korosa and the alleged robbery victim demanded the 22-year-old to give the money back and the money reportedly was thrown down the stairs. The 22-year-old told a person filming the incident on a cell phone not to call anyone and that the boy was okay, according to documents. Flores was picked up by the 22-year-old and the two reportedly boarded a train. On the train, Flores stopped moving and a passenger called 911 after observing his condition, documents state. The boy was transported to Lurie Childrens Hospital from the train in critical condition and the 22-year-old did not go to the hospital with him, documents state. Flores died six days later from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous: Man charged in death of 9-year-old boy killed in Green Line station altercation Korosa was identified from a CPD bulletin containing surveillance images. He was placed under arrest on Saturday and charged with involuntary manslaughter. A judge released Korosa on electronic monitoring. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday. Korosa has 18 convictions dating back to 1997, including a prison escape conviction in 2013. Flores mother told WGN News he loved karaoke, ladybugs and arts and crafts. She called him a hero and said his eyes, heart, liver and lungs will be donated to help save others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has raised nearly $30,000 at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A historical documentary about the Crazy In Style Artists, a graffiti art collective founded in East Chicago, is in the works and is a semi-finalist in an Indiana documentary pitch competition. Gabriel Barajas, 33, the director and producer, and Adrian Galvan, 37, the co-producer and art director, are working on the documentary Still Crazy, about the origin and members of Crazy In Style Artists. The documentary focuses on the history of Crazy In Style Artists as it began to form in the 1980s, Barajas said. The documentary will include interviews with past and current members of the crew, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to put out as much information on the crew as possible, especially on those who paved the way, where a lot of that information gets lost. I feel like theres not enough historical documentaries on founding art crews in the area, Barajas said. Now is the best time because if not now, then when? Galvan said they are currently working on digitizing the materials theyve collected, like hard-copy photos, and laying out the common threads in the artists stories to include in the documentary. Felix Maldonado, 53, one of the original crew members, said the documentary will ensure the crews story is shared thoroughly and accurately. The documentary will also ensure the younger generation of artists carry on the torch and make sure the name lives on, he said. Weve got about maybe two or three generations of artists in our collective right now, which make up quite a bit of history altogether, Maldonado said. Its not to beat our chest or to brag about all the accomplishments we made, but to just remind everybody of who we were and who we are today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1985, Maldonado said he had his own junior crew, the New Wave Artists, when he got into a graffiti battle with the Crazy In Style Artists. During the battle, Maldonado said he and others painted train box cars at an East Chicago train station. His piece won the battle, Maldonado said, and ultimately a way into the Crazy In Style Artists collective. Thats what gave me my first official introduction with these guys. Thats how I started hanging out with them is after that battle. That kind of cemented my spot with them, Maldonado said. Maldonado said his piece in the battle was an ode to Mark Bode, who was a graffiti and comic book artist who influenced the 1980s graffiti scene, with New Wave Artists lettering within the piece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, it seemed fantastic. Now, I look at the picture and Im like, I couldve fixed that N or why did I do that W that way, Maldonado said. Hearing stories like Maldonados, where he sees his former piece in a different light today, underscores the importance of creating the documentary, Galvan said. Thats the origin and the story we need to tell: Why we paint the way we paint today and what influences our style and how it has evolved, Galvan said. Galvan, who grew up in Gary, said his uncle was a member of Crazy In Style Artists, so the crew and the documentary bring him back to his roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a personal project. Its a passion project for me, Galvan said. Currently, Still Crazy is a semi-finalist for the Hoodox PitchDox competition, Galvan said. If the documentary wins the competition, they would receive $10,000 to go toward completing the documentary, he said. People can vote for Still Crazy on the Hoodox website under the PitchDox tab. The documentary will be shown during the crews 40th anniversary celebration at the South Shore Center for Visual and Performing Arts in October 2026. akukulka@post-trib.com Person injured, dog killed after house explosion rocks quiet Dartmouth neighborhood A family dog has died and another dog and person were seriously hurt following a house explosion that rocked a Dartmouth neighborhood on Tuesday, police said. One resident who suffered burns was taken by ambulance to a Rhode Island hospital with injuries that are believed to be serious, but non-life-threatening, Police Chief Brian Levesque said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three dogs were inside the home at the time of the explosion. One dog was later determined to be dead at the scene, Levesque said. Another was taken to a veterinarian for emergency treatment. A third dog was found uninjured on Tuesday morning after the pet initially went missing. At 12:57 a.m. Tuesday, police received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion at a home at 20 Sagamore Drive. I heard the first explosion, but I thought it was an earthquake, said Ed Rouxinol, who ran outside to see what happened. The house rumbled, the house was shaking whatever was blowing up it was big. He took photos, showing the balls of fire as his neighbors house went up in flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he drove his grandson to safety down the street unsure of how far the fire would spread. I seen a flash of light go by like my window and I was like wow! said Tim Souza, who lives nearby. One of the explosions knocked the pictures, couple pictures off the wall so it was kind of violent, said John Shurtleff, a neighbor. When emergency crews arrived, they found heavy fire conditions and explosions from the garage of the house, Levesque said. All residents had evacuated from the home before first responders arrived. State Police Bomb Squad technicians responded to assess the scene for any hazards that could have contributed to the explosion, Levesque said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors are also trying to piece together what happened. The bangs and the flashes are coming too close together to be lightning and at that moment I happened to get up and look out the window and I saw a flaming package come flying and land in my backyard, said Rouxinol. Rouxinol found pieces of fireworks in his yard, and he says this neighbor usually puts on a big Fourth of July fireworks display. Now he hopes this is a wakeup call for everyone. If it was an earthquake, itd be a different kind of scary, something we have no control over, but this is something you definitely have control over, said Rouxinol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation is ongoing into the origin and cause of the explosion. Dartmouth Police and Fire and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshals Office are investigating. Two Dartmouth Fire engines and one ladder company responded, along with engine companies from Dartmouth Fire Districts 2 and 3. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois on Tuesday for providing in-state tuition and scholarships to immigrant students without permanent legal status. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of Illinois, alleges the state is in violation of federal law for allowing these benefits to go to undocumented students but not all U.S. citizens. Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens, said Attorney General Pam Bondi. This Department of Justice has already filed multiple lawsuits to prevent U.S. students from being treated like second-class citizens Illinois now joins the list of states where we are relentlessly fighting to vindicate federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to Illinoiss attorney general for comment. Current law allows all Illinois students regardless of legal status to receive in-state tuition or scholarships at public universities. The DOJ already won a lawsuit in Texas on the issue, although the state chose not to fight back. Illinois marks the first Democratic state the DOJ is targeting over the issue, demonstrating the first real fight the federal government will have to block these students from in-state tuition. It also sets up a fight with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D), who has been a vocal opponent of the administration in recent weeks, particularly over President Trumps threats to send federal troops to Chicago in an effort to crack down on crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A list of Kentuckians who have died because of domestic violence, ranging in age from 19 to 73. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Domestic violence drives other violent crime in Kentucky and contributes to criminal recidivism all while draining law enforcement and court resources across the commonwealth, reports the Council of State Governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two years, the councils Justice Center dug into Kentuckys domestic violence data. Representatives from the nonpartisan organization presented their wide-ranging findings to the legislatures Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary Friday. David DAmora, a senior policy advisor at the Justice Center, said Kentucky has a high prevalence of domestic violence and victimization, which is a major driver of other violent crime. Reducing this crime by 25% could save the state $10 million over five years. Kentucky has higher rates of domestic violence than the national average: 48% of Kentucky women will experience intimate partner violence or stalking, compared with 47% nationally. About 52% of men in Kentucky will also experience this, which is higher than the national percentage of 44%, according to the centers data. The state does well in several ways, he said, including passing a law in 2025 to stiffen penalties for those who violate protective orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, DAmora said, theres significant room for improvement in how the commonwealth supports and provides resources to victims. Kentucky does not compensate victims through the Office of Victims of Crime as much as most of its neighbors. This office helps victims pay for medical and funeral expenses, mental health treatment or other necessary costs. David DAmora, the senior policy advisor of state initiatives for the Council of State Governments Justice Center. (Screenshot) Some of this just has to do with the complication and how people file or need to file, DAmora said. Its not Kentuckys unwillingness to do so, but there are just some barriers in the way that make it difficult for folks to file and get that compensation. Just 3% of Kentucky domestic violence victims receive compensation. Thats higher than 2.6% in Indiana but lower than Tennessee (5%), Illinois (5.7%), Ohio (6.7%), Missouri (9%), West Virginia (11%) and Virginia (28%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Center researchers had to stop before finishing their analysis of Kentuckys domestic violence landscape, DAmora said, because federal funding that was available for this work went away. We wanted to come back to present what we were able to find before we had to stop, he said. Were here today on our own dime. Were not here today because the federal folks are continuing to fund the project. The project is over, and we had to stop sort of midstream. By the numbers Over the six-year period analyzed by the Council of State Governments, around half of all of the violent crimes in Kentucky involved domestic violence Over the six-year period analyzed by the Council of State Governments, around half of all of the violent crimes in Kentucky involved domestic violence. Between 20162021, of the 228,201 crimes, 108,401 48% were related to interpersonal violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suspect that it is higher than that, DAmora said. What we know from research is that when we look at the (National Incident-Based Reporting System) numbers, that the incidents where alcohol or drugs are involved, theres typically significant under reporting. It would not surprise me if we were looking at close to double that amount in these types of crimes. Other data presented to the committee showed: From 2016 to 2021, 22% of homicide victims, 62% of kidnapping victims and 59% of simple assaults were also survivors of intimate partner violence. From 2016 to 2021, alcohol and/or drugs were involved in at least 24% of all intimate partner violence cases. Both incidents of intimate partner violence and arrests increased over the six years the council analyzed. From 2008 to 2022, charges filed in Kentucky regarding violations of protective orders are up 43%. Convictions for those violations have increased 124%. From 2016-2022, filings for temporary protective orders increased by nearly 10%. The number of permanent orders granted during that same time period decreased by about 23%. As of September 2024, about 84% of law enforcement officers did not have screening tools to evaluate the level of danger a survivor of domestic violence was in. Nearly 90% of officers surveyed at that time reported having policies on how to respond to domestic violence and 97% said theyd received some guidance. In 2022, 33% of people in Department of Corrections custody had been defendants in prior domestic violence-related civil protective order cases. In 2022, 26% of people under supervision from the Department of Corrections had been defendants in prior domestic violence-related civil protective order cases. From 2018-2022, about 8% of perpetrators were reported in two or more incidents over the five year period. Repeat calls to the same location are a key issue in these cases, DAmora said, adding that targeting response efforts on those repeat offenders could help reduce recidivism. In 2022, there were about 39,000 law enforcement responses to domestic violence reports and 9,472 arrests. Each of these cases can take more time than other calls and more officers per response. Meanwhile, 80% of law enforcement around Kentucky said they dont have a large enough staff to effectively handle the caseload. From 2016 to 2021, 22% of homicide victims, 62% of kidnapping victims and 59% of simple assaults were also survivors of intimate partner violence. Looking to North Carolina The High Point Police Department in North Carolina has seen substantial reductions in its domestic violence recidivism by targeting people whove already offended, DAmora shared as a potential model for Kentucky to study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The model has them identifying the people who are most likely to commit violent crimes, investigating carefully and prosecuting, pursuing criminal charges, notifying them that future crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, offering resources in the community to help people who commit (domestic violence) change their lifestyles, following up with those people in their progress to ensure theyre not committing further crimes, and then evaluating each case to determine if the individual was helped, he said. These interventions lowered their rates of interpersonal violence homicides, domestic disturbance calls, domestic violence reoffenses and more. Victim injuries and arrests fell from around 67% to 47%, according to the councils data. Did they make it go away? No, DAmora said. Did they significantly increase public safety? Yes, very much so, as well as helping lower the number of resources that were being used for this problem. Kentucky has higher rates of domestic violence than the national average: 48% of Kentucky women will experience intimate partner violence or stalking, compared with 47% nationally. About 52% of men in Kentucky will also experience this, which is higher than the national percentage of 44%, according to the centers data. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHICAGO (WTVO) The mayor of Chicago has doubled down on his claim that the city will resist if the Trump administration sends in federal authorities. Yeah, and I dont take orders from the federal government, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Saturday during a press conference. Also on Saturday, Johnson, a Democrat, signed an executive order that bars all city departmentsincluding the Chicago Police Department from aiding federal authorities with immigration enforcement, traffic stops or other patrols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says a federal surge into Chicago would be aimed at stopping crime, which he says continues to skyrocket in the countrys third-largest city. Six people were killed, Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday, 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. Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker maintain that the city nor the governors office have asked for Trumps help. Johnson says the government has also not communicated with his office about what a collaboration with federal officers might entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Johnson panned Trumps vow to intervene in the citys fight against violent crime. He is reckless and out of control, Johnson said of Trump. Hes the biggest threat to our democracy that weve experienced in the history of our country. On Labor Day, the mayor addressed a crowd downtown, reiterating his stance. No federal troops in the city of Chicago, Johnson shouted. No militarized force in the city of Chicago. We are going to defend our democracy in the city of Chicago. We are going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago. Meanwhile, Pritzker, on CBSs Face the Nation, said he welcomes a partnership with the federal government but not a military presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is dangerous, Pritzker said of Trumps promise to send troops to Chicago. He shouldnt be doing it. Its anti-American. Its un-American. We would like the ATF to help us take guns off the street. We would like the FBI to, again, coordinate with our local law enforcement to help catch perpetrators of crimes. If they would to that, we would welcome that. But thats not what theyre planning to do. According to reports, federal authorities could arrive in Chicago by Sept. 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Donald Landry, a former Columbia professor who championed legal protections for dissenting speech on social media, including generally-recognized conservative views, is set to serve as interim president of the University of Florida. The move places a vocal free speech advocate at the helm of a university navigating political scrutiny and cultural flashpoints. UF's Board of Trustees OK'd Landry, who had been a professor of medicine, as the new interim leader starting Sept. 1, after a year of the leadership of Florida's top-ranking public university being up in the air. Landry's backdrop in free speech is also significant while helming a institution of higher learning in Florida, a state in the forefront of university clawbacks to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Pensacola News Journal: UWF may delete 'sexual orientation' 'gender identity' in student code amid diversity purge In 2022, Landry wrote a legal brief supporting a Texas law with strong free speech implications. It prevented social media platforms from banning posts based on political views. He extended his support to a similar case involving Florida's attorney general before the U.S. Supreme Court, who had been defending a law that levied costly penalties for social media platforms that ban or suspend political candidates. In his brief, he argued that science depended on freedoms to share dissenting theories, and he accused social media platforms of "censorship" during COVID-19 by blocking alternative approaches, such as treating the virus with hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whatever the truth about COVID-19s origins, about hydroxychloroquine, about the vaccines, and about masks, these are questions of science," Landry wrote. "The suppression of debate about such things is lethal for science and for patients. It is said that the truth will make you free. But in science, only free debate can lead you to the truth." Before the university's trustees, he reinforced that his goal as UF president would be to establish neutrality, meaning that the university would only weigh in on issues when it affects the "central core interest of the university." Previous coverage: Florida governor OKs social media crackdown A thorny topic for potential university presidents has also been the handling of campus protests, following pro-Palestine demonstrations that erupted across the nation last year spearheaded by Columbia University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by trustees, Landry said he would not "allow disruption" and agreed with UF's handling of its own campus protests. "Freedom of speech, academic freedom of expression, is a right, but so is the right to learn, the right to teach," Landry said Aug. 25. "So how do we balance rights in competition? That's when we have time, place and manner restrictions on the speech, on the expression, and that's a very rational approach." Landry's hiring is pending approval from the Florida Board of Governors, who next meet Sept. 10 and 11. The BOG is the governing body that oversees and sets policy for the State University System of Florida, which includes the states public universities. Protests were one reason for last presidential pick's downfall The handling of campus protests was one reason why the prior pick for UF's president was barred from the role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santa Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, drew criticism from Florida Republican lawmakers on whether he would protect Jewish students who felt threatened by pro-Palestine encampments on campus. Prior presidential pick: Santa Ono barred from UF presidency amid mounting pressure from GOP officials U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, for instance, said in a statement that he was concerned over Ono's "concerning record" from allowing encampments for nearly a month, "putting Jewish students in danger and failing to uphold even the most basic standards of leadership." Scott was joined by U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican who is running for governor, and Greg Steube of Sarasota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is the right decision for UF," Scott said in an X post after the vote which failed his presidential nomination. "UF's students, faculty and staff deserve a president who will stand for Florida values and against antisemitism." This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Free speech advocate Donald Landry to lead University of Florida President Donald Trump appeared at a press conference Tuesday with yet another poorly concealed bruise on the back of his right hand, and he denied any possibility that his health might be declining. Speculation that Trump might have died hit a fever pitch on social media over the weekend because of his decision to stay at the White House for the long holiday weekend and remain largely absent from the public eye. Related: Chuck Todd Says Trump Has To Be 'Hiding Something' About His Health Trump didnt appear to follow Tuesday when Fox News Peter Doocy asked Trump how he found out he was dead. (Watch video above.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you see that? asked Doocy. No, Trump glumly replied. The president then asserted that theres no way he could be in ill health because hes done numerous news conferences recently and they were all successful. He said he was very active over the weekend, despite there being no apparent activity at the White House. Related: Karoline Leavitt Singles Out CBS Journalist With Scathing Insult Trump also pointed to his activity on social media as evidence of his existence. At one point, Trump had written, NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has previously told reporters that Trumps bruise is a result of shaking lots of peoples hands, coupled with a daily dose of aspirin and a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, which can cause blood to pool in the extremities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if that fully answers the question, however. Reporters have spotted bruises on Trumps other hand, which he doesnt use for greeting people, and hes also appeared in public with unmistakably swollen ankles. Related... Read the original on HuffPost U.S. Space Command as seen in its provisional location in the Hartinger Building at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would move ahead with plans to move Space Command headquarters to Huntsville. (Department of Defense Inspector General) Alabama elected officials praised President Donald Trumps announcement Tuesday that a key military command which has been operational in Colorado for nearly two years would be starting over from scratch in Huntsville. Speaking from the Oval Office and flanked by members of the states congressional delegation, the president said U.S. Space Command headquarters would be relocated to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville from its current home in Colorado Springs, Colo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will result in more than 30,000 Alabama jobs and probably much more than that and hundreds of billions of dollars in investment, Trump said. Most importantly, this decision will help America defend and dominate the high frontier, as they call it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Other estimates, including figures presented at the same Oval Office announcement by Alabamas congressional delegation, put the number of jobs at about a tenth of Trumps claim: 1,600 direct and 3,000 induced positions. This move will save the taxpayers $480 million, said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, citing a figure the Air Force put forward in its initial selection of Redstone Arsenal as the preferred headquarters location. We look forward to building a huge Space Command and having the Donald J. Trump Space Command Center in Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established in 2019, U.S. Space Command is responsible for planning and executing global space operations for the U.S. military and other Defense agencies. Those operations include satellite communications, offensive and defensive space control capabilities, and defense of the national security space architecture. The Redstone Arsenal region was ready to welcome Space Command Headquarters when I made the official pitch to the Defense secretary in June 2019, and it remains ready today to not only welcome Headquarters, but to welcome all of the military personnel and their families, Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. Political fallout Trumps announcement is the latest move in a six-year-long tug-of-war between Alabama and Colorado over the permanent home for the militarys newest combat command. Along the way, presidents and elected officials of both parties have asserted they were motivated only by national security while accusing their opponents of playing partisan politics. What weve seen through this process is the worst of Washington weve seen politics get in the way of what is best for the warfighter, whats best for national security, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, said Tuesday. The state of Alabama is about to show the country the best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Trump himself noted that reasons beyond national security and preparedness motivated his decision. The problem I have with Colorado one of the big problems they do mail-in voting so they automatically have crooked elections, he said. That played a big factor. Tuesdays announcement follows multiple reviews by the Government Accountability Office and the Pentagons Office of Inspector General, as well as the U.S. Air Force itself of the selection process that led to the choice of Redstone Arsenal for a permanent headquarters for Space Command. Alabamas elected officials have consistently pointed to aspects of the initial selection process and the subsequent reviews that favored Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama was chosen in 2021 because it was the absolute best location for the Space Command headquarters, said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Today, in 2025, it remains the best location for our national security and for the taxpayer. Yet parts of the GAO and OIG reports have called into question some of the points in Alabamas favor. In addition, Space Command has been operational in Colorado Springs since December 2023, which Colorados politicians have stressed in calling for the headquarters to remain there. Even before Trumps announcement, Colorado vowed a court challenge against any move to relocate the command. Moving Space Command Headquarters to Alabama is not only wrong for our national defense, but its harmful to hundreds of Space Command personnel and their families, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement released Tuesday morning. The Colorado Attorney Generals Office has been preparing in the event the president made such an unlawful decision to move Space Command HQ. If the Trump administration takes this step Im prepared to challenge it in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement signed by Colorados entire congressional delegation Republicans and Democrats alleges the move would weaken national security, not strengthen it. Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the statement reads. The Department of Defense Inspector Generals office has reported multiple times that moving the Command will impede our militarys operational capability for years. Decisions and reviews In May 2019, the U.S. Air Force identified six locations as potential permanent locations for Space Command headquarters, including what was then called Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. In January 2021, the Air Force announced it had chosen Redstone Arsenal as its preferred location, pending an environmental assessment. That was completed by September 2022, but the Air Force secretary at the time, Frank Kendall, never announced a final decision. Meanwhile, reviews by two federal watchdog agencies had largely validated that initial selection process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2022, the Pentagons Office of Inspector General concluded that applicable laws and Department of Defense policies were followed, though some supporting documentation was improperly discarded. The following month, the Government Accountability Office reported that while the Air Force largely followed its established basing guidelines, those guidelines did not include independent reviews or well-documented cost analyses, leading to at least the potential for bias. Then in July 2023, the Pentagon announced that the headquarters would remain at its initial Colorado location the recently renamed Peterson Space Force Base per a decision by then-President Joe Biden. That touched off a firestorm in Alabamas congressional delegation. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Madison, whose 5th Congressional District includes Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal, accused the Biden administration of ignoring what is best for our nations security in favor of their woke agenda. Tuberville said the decision inserted politics into what had been a fair and objective competition, while Britt said Biden irresponsibly contradicted the Air Forces preference in the name of partisan politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Rogers, using his authority as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, inserted a hold on construction of the Colorado headquarters into the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, pending additional reviews again by GAO and the Defense Departments Inspector General. Those were made public earlier this year. While each partly reiterated their previous findings, events on the ground in Colorado including Space Command achieving full operational capability nearly two years ahead of schedule had altered the picture. Released in April, the Pentagon IGs report noted that officials with both Redstone Arsenal and Space Command said it would take up to four years for a Huntsville headquarters to achieve comparable levels of readiness to what was in place in Colorado Springs. Moreover, the command expressed concern that most of the 1,000 civilians, contractors and reservists will not relocate if a move to Alabama were ordered. In May, the GAOs second review called into question the Air Forces claim that siting the headquarters at Redstone Arsenal would result in cost savings of $480 million the figure that Tuberville cited Tuesday in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auditors, however, noted the cost estimates presented by the service were incomplete and were based on analysis by a consulting firm whose methodology was undocumented. Further, the Air Force assigned a confidence level of 5 percent to the cost estimates, a number that represents a low level of confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the estimate, the GAO report stated. Golden future The tussle over Space Command has taken on new relevance as Trump has emphasized space and missile defense under his Golden Dome initiative. Trump on Tuesday said locating Space Command in Huntsville would build on north Alabamas existing strengths in space and missile defense, with the headquarters playing a key role in building out Golden Dome Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will be having a Golden Dome the likes of which nobodys ever seen before, the finest and best, he said. Experts gathered in Huntsville last month for the annual space and missile defense expo stressed that Golden Dome will likely be a layered blend of systems designed to counter different threats with data and command and control being key problems to solve. Alabama is already home to a vast and growing defense base that touches aspects of all U.S. missile defense systems. Industry is still awaiting specifics on what will be prioritized and funded under Golden Dome procurement. Strong said Tuesday that politics aside, basing Space Command in Huntsville is the right choice for national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space, Strong said Tuesday. We have the right people in the right place at the right time. (The Center Square) What Mayor Muriel Bowser and the 13-member Council of the District of Columbia will not do, says a Florida congressman, the federal government has a responsibility it must provide. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., says his legislation Make D.C. Safe Again, or House Resolution 4922 is not a political talking point. This is real life. The President of the United States and Congress have a responsibility to make sure that the nations capital is safe and if the local government is not going to do that, then the federal government has a responsibility to step in. The bill lowers the districts definition of a youth from 24 years old to under 18, meaning those arrested age 18 and older will be treated and tried as adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donalds proposal is one of several expected to have action as Congress returns to the Beltway on Tuesday. Second-term Republican President Donald Trump has made the criminal cleanup of the district a priority. The White House has provided a number of statistical points since National Guard troops arrived to help last month. In addition to the age change, the bill from Donalds would remove judicial discretion enabling youth offenders to be sentenced below the mandatory minimum for crimes. It also prohibits the D.C. Council from from enacting any additional changes to D.C.s mandatory minimum sentences and sentencing guidelines, his office says. A Dorchester woman ingested an unknown quantity of fentanyl while she was being booked at the police station on drug trafficking charges, police said Tuesday. Cyndi Blount, 51, was then taken to a local hospital for treatment before she was returned to the District D-4 station, police said in a statement. Blount faces multiple drug-related offenses after a directed patrol near Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue on Monday, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is charged with distribution of Class B Drugs (Crack Cocaine), trafficking Class A Drugs (Fentanyl), trafficking Class B Drugs (Crack Cocaine) and distribution of Class B Drugs, 2nd and Subsequent Offense. She is expected to be arraigned on the charges in Boston Municipal Court. At about 2:47 p.m. Monday, officers saw Blount conduct multiple hand-to-hand transactions believed to be drug sales, police said. Other officers stopped a suspected buyer a short distance away on Massachusetts Avenue and recovered a plastic bag containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine. Officers later approached Blount near 891 Massachusetts Ave. and placed her under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search at the scene recovered two plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl. Blount transported to the District D-4 station for booking. In total, officers seized approximately 43 grams of fentanyl, 47 grams of crack cocaine, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency from Blount. The seized fentanyl included 2 plastic bags (approx. 8 grams); 3 plastic bags (approx. 33 grams); and 1 plastic bag (approx. 2 grams). The seized crack cocaine included loose rock (approx. 1 gram); 1 large plastic bag (approx. 29 grams); 1 medium plastic bag (approx. 17 grams); and a loose piece from a pant pocket. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW EDITORS NOTE: Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Guptas new book, It Doesnt Have to Hurt, is available now. Watch Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: It Doesnt Have to Hurt. at 9 p.m. ET on September 7 on CNN. One day a few years ago, as I stared at all the sophisticated machinery in my operating room high-tech microscopes, image navigation tools and exquisitely designed instruments I was struck by the realization that the patient in front of me had pointed to an archaic frowny face to help make the diagnosis that landed him in the OR in the first place. I have been practicing neurosurgery for more than a quarter-century. Whether its a brain tumor, a herniated disc or a pinched nerve in the wrist or arm, pain is often what first brings most of my patients to the hospital. Pain can be difficult to treat, in part because it is subjective and has no objective measure. It is one of the mysterious sensations that we collectively experience as humans, and throughout our history, we have had a hard time describing our truly unique pain. Over the past few years, I have been working on a book about pain. Ill be honest, when I first started thinking about this topic, I thought there wasnt that much left to say. After all, there have been plenty of books, movies and documentaries about the opioid epidemic over the past 25 years. But I realized that because opioids had commanded so much attention, there has been very little written about all the remarkable ways we can treat pain without the need for opioids. Because we had become such a monotherapy culture, there was hardly ever any mention of effective alternative, complementary or combination pain therapies even by many of my medical colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrogance and greed had fueled the opioid epidemic, and for pain doctors, it left very little room for conversation about other approaches to treating pain. To be clear: For some people, opioids can be a lifesaver. And although you may not realize it, our body is constantly making its own opioid-like substances, known as endorphins, which are part of the endogenous opioid system, or EOS. This system is good at not only suppressing pain but at improving mood and making you less likely to remember painful events. Without the EOS, women would probably never have more than one baby! Taking opioid pills, however, will suppress your bodys own natural opioid production. That is why they are hardly ever a good solution for chronic pain. Over time, the opioid pills typically work less and less, and as a result, you hurt more and more. That, however, is not what this new book is about. Instead, I wanted to lean into the idea that pain is an unpleasant physical and emotional sensation that has as many forms as there are people on the planet. Unlike a specific cholesterol level or the size of a tumor, pain is much more difficult to quantify and convey. There were so many times I wished I could feel what my patients felt to better understand their experience. I have often felt the same way when my little girls came to me with an ache or a bruise wondering whether there was some way to truly feel what they were feeling. But that is the nature of pain; it is far more enigmatic than just about anything else in medicine. Not only does it differ from patient to patient, it may vary wildly within the same patient. You could accidentally hit your finger with a hammer on a Tuesday, and you might have a totally different pain experience than if you did the same thing on a Wednesday and it might be dependent on seemingly arbitrary factors such as what you had for lunch, whether it was a nice day or whether you just had a challenging phone call with one of your parents. Add in a history of childhood trauma, depression or anxiety, and your pain experience will undoubtedly be adversely affected by all those things, even as they remain invisible. Dr. Sanjay Guptas latest book, "It Doesnt Have to Hurt," explores new and unexpected pain management treatments that could change how you treat and manage your own pain. - Simon & Schuster As someone said to me, Chronic pain never occurs in isolation. It almost always comes with baggage attached. Accounting for that baggage is as important as treating the pain itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many patients, this sort of paradigm has too often felt minimizing of their pain. You think it is all in my head, they would often reply in frustration. And, yet it is all in their head, which can be said of anyone in pain. After all, if your brain decides you dont have pain, then you dont have pain. The brain can make your pain go away, and it can also create it out of nowhere, as is the case of phantom limb pain. All pain ultimately lies in the brain. On top of that, your expectations and experiences are inextricably linked. If you expect something to hurt, even the most innocuous injury will be painful. And if you dont expect it to hurt, you can do almost anything to the human body within reason without inducing a pain experience. Now, most of what I am writing about has to do with chronic pain, which should be almost completely separated from acute pain. As a general rule, chronic pain is the type that lasts at least three months, but for many people, the pain can last decades or even become life-long. Acute and chronic pain are so different that they are even located in different areas of the brain, with hardly any overlap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While writing the book, I at times wished they had entirely different names, given how distinct they are. Acute pain, the sort of pain you feel in the moment, serves a purpose to teach and protect. Dont touch that hot pan or step on that Lego piece. Chronic pain that is more perplexing, with its biological purpose, if there even is one, proving elusive. Some of the experts I interviewed described chronic pain as a sort of glitch in the bodys central nervous system, with the pain message being stuck on some sort of endless loop. An Armenian physician-poet described chronic pain as a memory that cannot be extinguished. Although as my friend Bessel Van der Kolk writes in his brilliant book, The Body Keeps the Score, chronic pain should also perhaps encourage us to dig deeper. Even as the conscious brain has forgotten a previous psychological trauma, he argues, your aching hip or back may still be a flicker of a memory, because the body is pretty adept at keeping score. This is some of the baggage that accompanies the most shadowy of sensations a truly biological, psychological, social, cultural, environmental phenomenon, all mashed together. Ed Mowery shows Dr. Sanjay Gupta a list of the numerous medications he used to take. After decades of debilitating pain, Mowery finally found relief from a clinical trial in which electrodes were implanted deep inside his brain to intercept pain signals. - CNN An ER with fewer opioids Its fair to say no one likes pain. In the United States, however, we seem to have a particular disdain for it. Even though we are just 4% of the worlds population, we take 80% of the worlds pain medications, perform more operations for pain per capita than other countries and routinely use high-powered sedatives for routine procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, in Japan, colonoscopies are commonly performed without sedation, and the same is true in China. In Finland, only about 6% of patients are sedated for the procedure. In the United States, it is close to 100%. To be fair, I had propofol when I had my colonoscopy and have a hard time imagining going through that procedure without it. I now realize, however, that is greatly influenced by cultural expectation rather than some shared human experience. No doubt, however, things are starting to change. This summer, I visited Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. It is a remarkable place that serves as a Level 1 trauma center for an incredibly diverse population. One of the ER attendings told me that 120 different languages are spoken there. This is also one of the first places in the country to practice opioid optimization. In the Maimonides ER, opioids are used sparingly, if at all. And they are never used as a first-line therapy, only as a last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, I watched the ER doctors use nerve blocks, ketamine and intravenous Tylenol. Sometimes, they used both ibuprofen and Tylenol together, instead of always choosing one or the other. On the day I was there, a 76-year-old man was being treated for a fractured hip after a fall. While an opioid wouldve been an easy choice, a doctor performed a nerve block instead, numbing the peripheral areas of pain rather than sedating the brain. It took about 10 minutes, and it worked. Another patient, a 67-year-old woman, came in with terrible knee pain. I watched the medical team send her on a trip to a beautiful Indonesian beach through virtual reality goggles. Within 10 minutes, her self-reported pain score dropped from an 8 to a 3. Ketamine is increasingly being used in emergency rooms as an opioid alternative for pain treatment. Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which is associated with pain. It is a good alternative for people with a history of opioid addiction. - CNN More than a fifth of US adults live with chronic pain I thought about that woman a lot when watching my own mom deal with pain. My mother is one of the toughest people I know. I had never heard her complain about pain in her 80 years of life. She wore adversity like a badge of honor, proudly showing off the scars and injuries she has accumulated. Years ago, she treated a cancer diagnosis and the invasive procedures to treat it like a faint blip on her radar. She didnt have an epidural during any of her deliveries and is genuinely surprised that anyone else would be surprised by that. But then she had a fall, resulting in a broken vertebra in her lower back. When I flew down to see her, she was lying back in a chair, grimacing with every tiny movement. I hardly ever saw my mom sit still, let alone lie down in the middle of the day. I asked her how she would rate her pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an 80 out of 10. If I cant get rid of the pain, I dont want to live like this anymore, she added. Even writing that sentence is still very upsetting to me. Within a few days, pain had hijacked my moms entire identity. Luckily, a procedure known as a kyphoplasty, a spine procedure that uses cement to stabilize the broken bone, eventually brought her some relief, along with the meditation we practiced together. As she quietly sat with her eyes closed in her Florida condominium, visualizing her broken bone leaning into it, rather than away from it for those 15 to 20 minutes her pain score dropped to zero. No pain whatsoever. Although the pain came back later, it was yet another example of how powerful the brain could be when it came to deciding whether you should have pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the United States alone, nearly 21% of adults lives with chronic pain thats more than 51 million people. For 17 million of them, their lives are fundamentally restricted because of the pain. Chronic pain is one of the fastest-growing conditions in the country, and so many people have resigned themselves to the idea that their body has betrayed them and they will never feel pain-free again. And yet, after years of researching and traveling the globe, I am convinced that is not the case. There are things you can do to treat, reduce and even prevent pain. It is not a pre-ordained part of life, even as you get older. With simple strategies and an open mind, you too will become convinced that It Doesnt Have to Hurt. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A man in Texas is facing murder charges in the death of his friend after the two reportedly took turns shooting at one another while drinking. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, 46-year-old Sean O'Donnell was arrested last week when a male friend died August 17 after being shot in the head. Sheriff's deputies responded to the property where Aaron Prout was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prout, who reportedly was a British citizen, was taken to a hospital, where he died from injuries. It was first believe to be a suicide but "things weren't adding up" after investigators looked further, according to Gonzalez. Officials said O'Donnell and Prout allegedly took their tuns shooting at one another with a rifle while wearing Kevlar helmets and under the influence of alcohol. "They were holding it above their heads until the complainant ended up with a bullet hole in the top of his head," a Harris County judge stated during a recent court hearing. On Thursday, O'Donnell was charged on one count of murder in Prout's gun death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are in a situation here where this is a real danger to the community because the defendant gets intoxicated and uses weapons irresponsibly," the judged added. A 2023 report indicated more than 12,300 people died nationwide via gun accidents from 2001 and 2021. Its data suggested that people in Southern states such as neighboring Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama run the greatest risk of a gunshot accidentally killing them. A driver fled the scene after striking and destroying an old shed early Sunday morning in Ridgewood. The vehicle collided and wrecked the shed which is believed to date back to the early 1900s shortly after 7:30 a.m., according to a statement from police. The SUV was speeding on the Route 17 North exit ramp when it drove over a curb, crossed East Glen Avenue and struck the shed. When officers found the suspected vehicle, an electric Jeep Wrangler, it was heavily damaged and unoccupied in a driveway nearby on East Saddle River Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle, a rental, was impounded. Police issued 13 motor vehicle summonses to the renter a 39-year-old man from California. The Bergen County Sheriffs K-9 unit, Oradell Police Department Drone Unit and New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit all searched for the suspect but were unsuccessful. Assisting units included the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Oradell Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Bergen County Sheriffs Office, and the New Jersey State Police. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Read the original article on NJ.com. A man was charged with vehicular homicide after his passenger was killed in a one-vehicle crash early Friday in Salem County, according to police and court records. Kenneth N. Lowry Jr., 21, of Alloway Township, was driving a pickup truck east on Whig Lane Road in Pilesgrove Township, when the vehicle ran of the road to the right, and struck a tree and utility pole before overturning several times, according to New Jersey State Police. His passenger, Edward G. Mayers III, 20, of Mullica Hill, was thrown from the vehicle and died of his injuries, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers responded to the scene shortly before 2 p.m. Lowry suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital, police said. In an interview with police at Cooper University Hospital, Lowry admitted drinking six or seven beers shortly before the crash, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. The trooper detected the odor of alcohol while speaking to Lowry and said his speech was slurred, the affidavit said. Lowry was charged with one count of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide and jailed pending court hearings. An attorney for Lowry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Stories by Matt Gray Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. A driver who was killed late Saturday night when their car crashed into a parked car in Lawrence has been identified as 20-year-old Lawrence resident Reimy Moya-Nunez, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. Moya-Nunezs 2004 Honda Accord crashed into a parked 2003 Honda Accord near the intersection of Ames and Butler Streets on Aug. 30 around 11:45 p.m., the district attorneys office said in a press release. She was declared dead at the scene. Lawrence and State Police and the state Chief Medical Examiners Office are investigating the crash, the district attorneys office said. No further information has been released. More News Read the original article on MassLive. At a test site in Costa Mesa, California, in a video posted this spring by the Air Forces top general, hangar doors slid open for a great reveal. As dramatic electronic music pulsed, the video showcased one of the Air Forces newest drones and heralded an emerging sea change in the defense industry. The video, posted May 1 by Air Force chief of staff, served to announce served to announce that the YFQ-44 collaborative combat aircraft, an autonomous drone intended to one day fly alongside the services most advanced piloted fighters, had officially begun ground testing. Soon after, a photograph of another CCA in ground testing the YFQ-42 was also released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it wasnt the defense industrys biggest aviation companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing or Northrop Grumman, behind the services first fighter drones. It was Anduril Industries and General Atomics, two smaller but growing firms, behind the drones dubbed YFQ-44 and YFQ-42, respectively. Click here to view the 2025 Defense News Top 100 The growing importance of those companies, and other smaller and technology-focused firms, continues to reshuffle the often staid list of the worlds top 100 defense firms, as analyzed by Defense News. Advancements in artificial intelligence and drone warfare continue to bear fruit, prompting many nations militaries to rethink their defense strategies and turn to unexpected companies to bolster their armories. A YFQ-44A production representative test vehicle sits in a testing chamber in Costa Mesa, California. The Air Force has begun ground testing for the CCA program. (Air Force) Whats more, massive geopolitical shifts of recent years continued to realign the Top 100 list for 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia remained resurgent and emboldened in 2024 as its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine ground on into its fourth year. European allies, worried both about Russias military ambitions and a U.S. shift to a more isolationist stance, have renewed focus on rearming themselves. And Israels war in Gaza continues to drive defense spending, nearly two years after the Oct. 7 attacks. Countries have looked at both their own border security as well as defense writ large against the significant attacks of recent years, defense contracting expert Alan Chvotkin said. But wed also expect to see some increase in their smaller technology-focused companies, because theyve seen the use of drones or other robotics, other technologies. Youre not going to get those from the traditional heavy industry, aircraft, ship manufacturing ... companies that are on the top list today. The five biggest companies remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics topping the list. Also placing third this year: the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. (Revenues for that corporation from 2023 were not available when last years Top 100 list was compiled. The second-highest grossing defense firm in 2023, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, did not make its 2024 defense revenues available.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense revenues grew dramatically in 2024 topping $661 billion, 11% higher than the $594 billion those companies notched the previous year. This paralleled an overall rise in defense spending worldwide, as governments spent more than $2.7 trillion on militaries in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI. That was a 9.4% increase over 2023 spending, SIPRI said, and the steepest year-on-year rise since at least the end of the Cold War. In Defense News latest Top 100 list, based on defense revenues in 2024, smaller tech firms continue to see profits grow, and in some cases crack into the Top 100: Palantir Technologies also emerged on the list at 70, with its defense revenue growth rising to nearly $1.6 billion. Palantirs work this year with the Trump administration to compile data on Americans has stirred controversy, but the developments happened after 2024, meaning its revenues could grow more next year. Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, maker of the Valkyrie drone, saw its defense revenues jump 38% to $989 million. Despite that growth, Kratos ranking slipped slightly from 89 to 91, demonstrating the toughness of the competition. Anduril landed on the list for the first time at 93, after its defense revenues more than doubled to an estimated $950 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theyre going to grow rapidly, Chvotkin said of such companies like Palantir and Anduril. Besides their strong relationships [with the Trump administration], theyve intentionally built out their defense structure. ... Theyre going to continue to be a major player in the IT and cyberspace. Chvotkin pointed to a $100 million award by the U.S. Army to Anduril for leading a team of high-tech firms to build a next-generation command-and-control prototype as an example of the deals the firm is landing. A Naval Special Warfare Operator fires a Switchblade 300 Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System during ground mobility training exercises. (MC1 Chelsea D. Meiller/U.S. Navy) Matt Steckman, Andurils president and chief business officer, said in a recent interview that Anduril has been roughly doubling its revenue each year for the last five years. Click here to view the 2025 Defense News Top 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of Andurils growth in 2024 came from its CCA victory, he said, one of its biggest deals of the year, as well as air defense programs for U.S. Special Operations Command, the Marine Corps and the Army, software programs, loitering munitions deals with Taiwan, and autonomous submarines. In 2024, you saw a couple of large [autonomous submarine] programs come through, funding growth in our maritime division, Steckman said. Theres a renewed focus in unmanned, undersea warfare. Steckman anticipates Andurils growth to continue due to the companys diversified portfolio and militaries focus on tech. The physics of the battlefield have changed permanently, Steckman said. The math problem of the battlefield distances, numbers, mass, size, sensing ubiquity you have to amass tons of effects at moments of time, at long distances, in order to project power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To accomplish that, Steckman continued, you need an insane amount of computing capacity, driven by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence ... autonomy ... [and] unmanned command and control. The only way to meet that new math problem is through ... software applied to an absolute metric ton of hardware. Chvotkin doesnt expect Anduril to be a unique example for smaller firms. When asked about growth of firms that specialize in uncrewed systems, Chvotkin pointed to the war in Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia have heavily leveraged drones in the yearslong conflict everything from Ukraines swarm of small quad-copters, which used AI to reach and demolish multiple Russian bombers as part of Operation Spider web, to the Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drones that Russia sends to pound Ukrainian cities. A Ukrainian soldier carries a drone close to the frontline near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, February 2023. (Libkos/AP) Future conflicts could follow similar paths, Chvotkin said, leading to even greater shifts in the defense industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increased use of drones, of AI, of small, more tactical approaches rather than heavy industrial systems will be a hallmark of future wars, he said. Everything from pilotless aircraft to unmanned subs, all of those things ... [will require] a different kind of demand set. Theres still a heavy demand for the traditional munition stuff, Chvotkin continued. But in the move to the tech space, [there is] a different kind of demand set starting over the last few years and rapidly accelerating under the Trump administration. This emphasis is bipartisan as well. The Biden administration similarly focused on tech and drones, with then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and former Air Force Sec. Frank Kendall initiating the Replicator and CCA programs, respectively. Even if the White House changes hands after the 2028 election, the Pentagon will likely not shift course and defense firms with a strong hand in advanced technology will have an advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagons increasing use of Other Transaction Authority, or OTA, agreements which give the Defense Department more flexibility to enter into arrangements with nontraditional defense contractors has allowed it to speed up the development of new technologies and open the defense market to new organizations, Chvotkin said. Steckman credited former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who began his tenure in the Pentagon under President Barack Obama as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, with starting the long process of pushing DOD to transform into a tech-focused enterprise. [DOD] is the largest single institution in the world, Steckman said. So, it doesnt actually seem crazy that its taking [nearly] 20 years for that bow wave to crest, and then result in the [environment] that youre seeing today. Other nations militaries, particularly those of NATO allies, also present a growth opportunity, Steckman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What NATO countries are doing right now is fairly unprecedented, in terms of their own defense industrial bases scaling to meet the current challenge, Steckman said. Its an opportunity for us. To scale at the speeds that they are attempting to achieve, theyre going to need to partner ... within their own countries, within Europe [and] with outside partners [like] the U.S. Theyre all aligned in the types of scale and materiel needs required to reestablish the deterrent effect of Europe, particularly towards Russia, Steckman added. Such growth is apparent on the Top 100 list, with Thales rising from 17th last year to 10th in 2024, Italian firm Leonardo rising from 14th to 13th, and German firm Rheinmetall AG going up from 20th to 18th. Rheinmetalls defense revenues climbed 50% in 2024 to more than $8.2 billion. That change comes as Germany adopts a more muscular foreign policy dubbed Zeitenwende, or turning point, 2.0 to take the lead in rearming Europe in the face of Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rheinmetall, the largest arms manufacturer in Germany, struck an optimistic tone on geopolitical currents as it announced its 2024 year-end results. A cyclist rides past the office of German defense company and automotive supplier Rheinmetall in Dusseldorf, western Germany. (Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images) Rheinmetall is facing the challenges of Zeitenwende 2.0, chief executive Armin Papperger said in a March 2025 release on 2024 results. An era of rearmament has begun in Europe that will demand a lot from all of us. However, it also brings us at Rheinmetall growth prospects for the coming years we have never experienced before. In the last year and a half, Rheinmetall has expanded its satellite business, focused on expanding manufacturing and engineering capabilities through acquisitions, moved to build an artillery shell factory in Lithuania and partnered with the German military. Israeli defense companies, meanwhile, saw significant growth in 2024 as well, as the nations war in Gaza and conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon drove higher military spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIPRI reported that Israels military spending grew $46.5 billion in 2024, which marked 65% growth over 2023, and the nations steepest defense spending increase since the Six-Day War in 1967. Elbit Systems, an Israeli firm that makes guided munitions and ammunition, aircraft systems, combat vehicles, artillery and other weapon systems, jumped from the 22nd largest defense firm in 2023 to 21st in 2024, with revenues growing 14% to $6.8 billion. Israel Aerospace Industries remained at No. 28 on the list, posting a defense revenue growth of 20% to $5.2 billion. And Rafael Advanced Defense Systems climbed two spots to 31. Both firms are key manufacturers of Israels Iron Dome air defense, which has been hailed for its success in shooting down rockets and short-range missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.K., BAE Systems leapfrogged Boeing in the rankings to take 6th place. BAEs defense revenues grew 17% to more than $32 billion on the strength of its work on programs like Lockheed Martins F-35 and Eurofighters Typhoon, the U.K. Royal Navys Dreadnought class submarine and the Royal Australian Navys Hunter class frigate. Boeing, meanwhile, continued its slide of recent years and dropped to 7th, as its revenues dipped slightly to $31.8 billion. As recently as 2020, Boeing was the second-largest defense firm in the world, second only to Lockheed Martin. It then began dropping down the list as Raytheon, which later became RTX, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics and Chinese aerospace corporations surpassed it. But despite Boeings well-publicized troubles in recent years, Chvotkin thinks its ripe for a comeback. If Boeing can get programs like the new Air Force One back on track, he said, the company may be able to come off of its back foot. Boeings contract to build the Air Forces sixth-gen F-47 fighter also provided a much-needed win, he noted, one that could help regain footing if it can avoid missteps. Unless theres a big issue, they may drop another spot or two, but youre not going to see their defense revenue drop significantly, Chvotkin said. Theyre still going to be a significant player. Dont count them out. The drowning of a Chicago boater is being investigated as a homicide after his body was found in Lake Michigan, according to officials. Nabil Abzal, 63, was found in the water on the shore of Lake Michigan, near the North Lakefront Trail, according to the Chicago Police Department. Abzal was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. According to the Medical Examiner's Office, Abzal was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Saturday, where he also was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is being investigated as a homicide and no further information will be released at this time, police said. WLS - PHOTO: Police are investigating the death of a boater at DuSable Harbor in Chicago as a homicide. MORE: July has the highest number of drowning deaths. Here's how to prevent them Fellow Chicago boaters said that the boating community is mourning the loss of Abzal. "Experienced boaters don't drown. I mean, they're not going to slip and fall into the water. Something clearly happened here," boater Jodi Kennedy told ABC Chicago TV station WLS. Friends, who called Abzal "Captain Bill," said he slept on a boat he chartered at DuSable Harbor. He "was kind of like the mayor of the dock. He would be here every day, because he was doing charters pretty much every day during the summer," Alan Dutkiewicz told WLS. "He knew everybody, always a smile on his face, up early, well-groomed all the time for a boat captain. He took a lot of pride in his appearance. You know if you were doing something, he would always lend a hand," Dutkiewicz said. Credit: Instagram/Fuengirola Se Queja A gang of alleged drug smugglers have been arrested after unloading their cargo in front of shocked beachgoers on the Costa del Sol. The gang ran their motor launch up to the shore of Playa Ancha in front of tourists and sunbathers. Footage shows the crew handing over a number of large wrapped bags to a group of men who ferried the packages to a 4x4 vehicle parked on the sand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged smugglers, many of whom were covering their faces with T-shirts, carried three heavy bags across the beach, dodging sunbathers on the way, with children nearby. Once the packages were unloaded, another man jumped off the boat and joined the others in the SUV, which then sped off the southern Spanish beach. At the same time, the boat took to the water again. The boat had arrived from Morocco and the vehicle was allegedly stolen in Gibraltar, according to Spanish newspaper Diario de Pontevedra. Alleged drug smugglers load their goods into an SUV parked on the beach - SOLARPIX Juan Luis Villalon, the towns mayor, has confirmed the incident is being investigated by a drug-trafficking team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: These events have never occurred before in Casares, much less in broad daylight. Its cause for alarm and a call to speak out. [The unit] tell us that they have taken charge of the investigation, but this situation creates great concern for us. Since the event last Saturday, the city council of Casares has called for more members of the Civil Guard and requested an increase in security personnel and surveillance resources. The council condemned the unloading of caches that, as they point out, have been produced with total impunity on the Costa del Sol for years, such as the last episode that took place last Saturday on a beach in Casares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was denounced on social media, with people claiming that incidents such as these were no longer exceptional and that apparent traffickers often feel comfortable operating in daylight. Police have not yet commented on the events, but the mayor said that a number of people had been arrested. Spain is a major gateway for drugs entering Europe, with authorities seizing the highest volume of cocaine and cannabis in the European Union. Many shipments arrive by sea from Central and South America and Africa. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A multi-agency investigation into ongoing narcotics sales in the region led to simultaneous drug searches in Coaldale and New Philadelphia that resulted in two arrests. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office Drug Task Force led the operation, including the raids that occurred on Friday at 6 a.m. The homes that were searched were at 122 First St. in Coaldale and 97 Water St. in New Philadelphia. Arrested were Jose Nieves-Feliciano, 45, of the Coaldale address, and Cruz Rodriguez, 31, of the New Philadelphia address, both of whom had warrants issued for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both were charged with delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Nieves-Feliciano was also charged with criminal attempt to deal in proceeds of unlawful activities. They were both committed to Schuylkill County Prison with their bail set at $100,000 after being arraigned by District Judge Stephen Bayer in Tamaqua. The affidavits of probable cause containing details of their arrests remained closed while the investigation continues, police said. More arrests are expected, but no other warrants have been issued. Taking part in the operation were Tamaqua, Blythe Township and Port Carbon police departments, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Carbon County Drug Task Force. This multi-agency effort underscores a shared commitment to combatting narcotics distribution and enhancing public safety across Schuylkill and Carbon counties, a press release from the Tamaqua Police Department said. LEDYARD, Conn. (WTNH) Ledyard police say a Durham man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriends home and assaulted a male inside. Shane Rodgers, , was charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespass, third-degree assault, and two counts of disorderly conduct. Hamden man accused of brandishing firearm during Ledyard road rage incident Police said the alleged break-in and assault happened on Aug. 30. Rodgers fled the scene, but was later taken into custody by Connecticut State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodgers was held on a $500,000 surety bond and was scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court 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 WTNH.com. We have a duty to follow the law: State Attorneys Office to review Pulse crosswalk arrests cases The fate of protestors arrested for chalking in the Pulse crosswalk now lies with the Orange-Osceola State Attorneys office. So far, four protestors have been arrested for using chalk to color in the crosswalk by the Pulse memorial, but all four were quickly released from jail. As of Tuesday evening, three of the four protestors faced citations but the state had not made a decision on prosecuting the protestors criminally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protestors Zane Aparicio, Mary Jane East, and Donavon Shorts arrests came after troopers arrested 29-year-old Sebastian Suarez Friday night . He was visiting from Georgia for his birthday. Aparicio, East, and Short were arrested for defacing a traffic control device, the same reason Saurez was arrested On Tuesday, Governor Ron Desantis said he supported efforts to build a permanent Pulse memorial but said he did not support ongoing protests. You do not have a right to take someone elses property for your messaging purposes thats never been what the first amendment has said, said Desantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor reiterated the Florida Department of Transportation is requiring he removal of all political messages including messages supporting Blue Lives Matter and artwork on roadways. When you have a state crosswalk or a state road, the law in the state of Florida is now that theres not markings. Thats not going to be used for those purposes, said Desantis. As the state continues to enforce FDOT rules requiring uniform markings on all roads, the decision whether to formally charge protestors now lies with the State Attorneys Office. Im under no illusions about the State Attorney from Orange and Osceola County and I think its likely going to be political decisions, said Desantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, State Attorney Monique Worrell responded to those allegations. My decision is not a political one. In this office we have a duty to follow the law, said Worrell. Her office elaborated further in the statement below: The rainbow crosswalk is more than a street marking. It is a memorial to the 49 lives taken at Pulse and a symbol of love and resilience for our community. Its removal has sparked deep emotion, and we recognize the significance this site holds for so many. While law enforcement makes arrests, my office is responsible for how those cases are handled once they come before us. We will review each case with fairness, transparency, and respect for both the law and the community we serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our commitment is to ensure justice is administered with integrity, guided by the facts of each case and mindful of the trust our community places in this office. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DYER COUNTY, Tenn. A man was injured Monday night in a deputy-involved shooting in Dyer County following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, Dyer County Deputies confirm. According to deputies, the incident began when a vehicle was reported stolen from Newbern with multiple weapons inside. A Newbern police officer spotted the vehicle around 10:04 p.m. Sept. 1 and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop. Deputies said the suspect, identified as a 44-year-old man, produced a rifle during the encounter. Deputies fired their weapons around 10:34 p.m., striking the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was airlifted to a nearby trauma center. No deputies were injured. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Earth's rotation is slowing down, and it could be why we have oxygen for life Ever since its formation around 4.5 billion years ago, Earth's rotation has been gradually slowing down, and its days have gotten progressively longer as a result. While Earth's slowdown is not noticeable on human timescales, it's enough to work significant changes over eons. One of those changes is perhaps the most significant of all, at least to us: lengthening days are linked to the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere, according to a study from 2021. Specifically, the blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) that emerged and proliferated about 2.4 billion years ago would have been able to produce more oxygen as a metabolic by-product because Earth's days grew longer. Related: Oxygen Metabolism Emerged on Earth Before The Great Oxidation Event, Study Reveals Check out the video below for a summary of the research. YouTube Thumbnail "An enduring question in Earth sciences has been how did Earth's atmosphere get its oxygen, and what factors controlled when this oxygenation took place," microbiologist Gregory Dick of the University of Michigan explained in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our research suggests that the rate at which Earth is spinning in other words, its day length may have had an important effect on the pattern and timing of Earth's oxygenation." There are two major components to this story that, at first glance, don't seem to have a lot to do with each other. The first is that Earth's spin is slowing down. The reason Earth's spin is slowing down is because the Moon exerts a gravitational pull on the planet, which causes a rotational deceleration since the Moon is gradually pulling away. Microbiologist Gregory Dick from the University of Michigan. (University of Michigan) We know, based on the fossil record, that days were just 18 hours long 1.4 billion years ago, and half an hour shorter than they are today 70 million years ago. Evidence suggests that we're gaining 1.8 milliseconds a century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second component is something known as the Great Oxidation Event when cyanobacteria emerged in such great quantities that Earth's atmosphere experienced a sharp, significant rise in oxygen. Without this oxidation, scientists think life as we know it could not have emerged; so, although cyanobacteria may cop a bit of side-eye today, we probably wouldn't be here without them. There's still a lot we don't know about this event, including such burning questions as why it happened when it did and not sometime earlier in Earth's history. It took scientists working with cyanobacterial microbes to connect the dots. In the Middle Island Sinkhole in Lake Huron, microbial mats can be found that are thought to be an analog of the cyanobacteria responsible for the Great Oxidation Event. YouTube Thumbnail Purple cyanobacteria that produce oxygen via photosynthesis and white microbes that metabolize sulfur compete in a microbial mat on the lakebed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At night, the white microbes rise to the top of the microbial mat and do their sulfur-munching thing. When the day breaks, and the Sun rises high enough in the sky, the white microbes retreat and the purple cyanobacteria rise to the top. "Now they can start to photosynthesize and produce oxygen," said geomicrobiologist Judith Klatt of the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Germany. "However, it takes a few hours before they really get going, there is a long lag in the morning. The cyanobacteria are rather late risers than morning persons, it seems." This means the window of daytime in which the cyanobacteria can pump out oxygen is very limited and it was this fact that caught the attention of oceanographer Brian Arbic of the University of Michigan. He wondered if changing day length over Earth's history had had an impact on photosynthesis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's possible that a similar type of competition between microbes contributed to the delay in oxygen production on the early Earth," Klatt explained. To demonstrate this hypothesis, the team performed experiments and measurements on the microbes, both in their natural environment and a laboratory setting. They also performed detailed modelling studies based on their results to link sunlight to microbial oxygen production, and microbial oxygen production to Earth's history. "Intuition suggests that two 12-hour days should be similar to one 24-hour day. The sunlight rises and falls twice as fast, and the oxygen production follows in lockstep," explained marine scientist Arjun Chennu of the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany. "But the release of oxygen from bacterial mats does not, because it is limited by the speed of molecular diffusion. This subtle uncoupling of oxygen release from sunlight is at the heart of the mechanism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These results were incorporated into global models of oxygen levels, and the team found that lengthening days were linked to the increase in Earth's oxygen - not just the Great Oxidation Event, but another, second atmospheric oxygenation called the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event around 550 to 800 million years ago. "We tie together laws of physics operating at vastly different scales, from molecular diffusion to planetary mechanics. We show that there is a fundamental link between day length and how much oxygen can be released by ground-dwelling microbes," Chennu said. "It's pretty exciting. This way we link the dance of the molecules in the microbial mat to the dance of our planet and its Moon." The research has been published in Nature Geoscience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An earlier version of this article was published in August 2021. Related News GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) On Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m., visitors to Grand Rapids can attend the annual Eastown Streetfair block party on Wealthy Street. Weve got a wide variety of artists that are going to be there, Steve Staggs, executive director of the Eastown Community Association, said. People can just stroll up and down Wealthy Street enjoying the artists. Vintage books and records on sale at Grand Rapids outdoor market Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With over 90 art vendors to explore this year, Staggs and leadership from the ECA hope that this years Streetfair might even top 2024. Eastown Streetfair returns to Grand Rapids Wealthy Street for another year of live musical performances, art vendors, food, beverages and a brand-new kids area. (Courtesy) Eastown Streetfair returns to Grand Rapids Wealthy Street for another year of live musical performances, art vendors, food, beverages and a brand-new kids area. (Courtesy) Eastown Streetfair returns to Grand Rapids Wealthy Street for another year of live musical performances, art vendors, food, beverages and a brand-new kids area. (Courtesy) We had over 20,000 people, Staggs said. It was a record-breaking festival last year. New to this 52nd annual Eastown Streetfair is a pop-up kids area with crafts, balloon animals, movement activities, Lego building and more for free. A mainstage at one end of the festival will feature Latin musical performances and live bands beginning at noon, covering a wide range of genres like rock, punk, hip hop, jazz and much more from Triumph Music Academy, a local artist collective. Eastown Streetfair returns to Grand Rapids Wealthy Street for another year of live musical performances, art vendors, food, beverages and a brand-new kids area. (Courtesy) Eastown Streetfair returns to Grand Rapids Wealthy Street for another year of live musical performances, art vendors, food, beverages and a brand-new kids area. (Courtesy) (Triumph Music Academy) has got an amazing lineup of musicians as eclectic as the Eastown neighborhood, Staggs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 10 food vendors will be on-hand for guests, as well, offering to-go orders from booths selling pizza, barbecue, Greek gyros, Ethiopian food and more. Apple pie and BBQ combine at Silver Lake food festival People can take a global culinary tour of what sets Eastown apart as a destination neighborhood for foodies, Staggs said. Resources and experiences from city organizations including the Grand Rapids Public Library and local fire department will also be available for visitors. For more information on Eastown Streetfair, visit the Eastown Community Association website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Darren Bailey cheered when President Donald Trump announced he was mulling deploying the National Guard to Chicago. He hardly stopped there. If Brandon Johnson and JB Pritzker try to block the National Guard from coming into Chicago, they should be held in contempt and jailed, he wrote on Facebook. Enough is enough families deserve safety, not political games. Its time to restore Chicago to greatness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask you, readers, are these the words of an electable gubernatorial candidate here in Illinois? We say no. This kind of bombastic rhetoric is one of the reasons why we couldnt endorse Bailey in the 2022 GOP primary. Pritzker shellacked Bailey in 2022. The downstate conservative lost by more than 12 points statewide and fared even worse in the suburbs, where he couldnt gin up support from independents and moderate Republicans. In Cook County, he lost by nearly 50 points, and performed worse in the collar counties than any Republican gubernatorial candidate in recent history. His campaign style may have energized conservative downstate voters, but Illinois governors cant be elected without persuading suburban moderates, and Bailey did little to even try. For a state that has seen leaders like Jim Edgar and even Bruce Rauner initially succeed by at least gesturing toward bipartisanship, Baileys approach is far outside the mainstream. Now hes back. Bailey hinted recently that hes open to running for governor in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like the Democrat faithful like it when Pritzker stands up to Trump, Baileys base appreciates his willingness to take on Pritzker. Problem is, Bailey isnt palatable to most regular folks, especially in the Chicago area he loves to trash. No serious candidate can win the job of governing Illinois if they isolate our largest regional voting base. And so we have to ask another question: Will Republicans be able to find a reasonable candidate for governor this time around? Anyone brave or foolish enough to stick his or her neck out faces major obstacles that make success unlikely. We count three major challenges: the primary, the maps and the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primaries should theoretically weed out unviable candidates, but that didnt happen last time. Because primaries are partisan in nature, the folks who are most likely to turn out are true believers. A primary is a snapshot of the politics of the moment, and the portrait captured during the 2022 primary was one of a Republican Party going through an identity crisis. Without strong options next time around, the ILGOP faces a similar outcome. History shows that enthusiasm in a primary often carries into the general election. When Republican voters are energized by a competitive field, theyve been able to build momentum for November. But when the Republican voters lack enthusiasm, as in 2022, Democrats go into the fall with a clear advantage. Gerrymandered maps dont help. In 2024, Republicans improved their share of the Illinois House vote to 45% from 39% in 2020, yet Democrats still held every seat they had before. Despite winning just 55% of the vote, Democrats retained a 78-40 supermajority proof of how strongly the statewide legislative maps lock in their advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politics in Illinois is a money game, and Democrats hold the advantage. Pritzker, one of the richest men in the country, poured $350 million into his gubernatorial campaigns and bankrolled other Democrats besides. That kind of self-funding, like Rauner before him, tilts the playing field. The board laments the fact that the rich are self-funding their way to political power. On the donor side, 2022 became a proxy war for the partys direction: Richard Uihleins money fueled Bailey, while Citadel founder Ken Griffin backed Richard Irvin. Griffins departure to Miami in 2023 leaves a vacuum on the pragmatic wing, and its unclear how much Uihlein will invest in another run. This reliance on billionaire donors makes parties fragile when one exits, the whole coalition falters. Thats a phenomenon that warrants a longer conversation about money in politics, but we digress. Is there a center-right candidate out there? One declared Republican candidate, Ted Dabrowski, could steer his campaign in this direction if he focuses his candidacy on the fiscal problems in Illinois, rather than social issues (Rauner often proved ineffective once in office, but his campaign hit the nail on the head by focusing on the fiscal). But Dabrowski, something of a lightning rod, also would have to completely reinvent himself as a bridge builder. A handful of other less serious candidates have thrown their hats in the ring. Republicans in Illinois should have more choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand that most reasonable people understand the maps and voter trends, and that makes them less likely to jump in. Most rational people dont bet on long shots, especially given how ugly politics has become. Maybe Republicans will lose the gubernatorial election again. But they should seize the chance to set the party straight by saying they reject extremists who cant unify people or win. This could be an election to turn around the party image. Party leadership should be asking: What do we stand for? Rebuilding takes time, money and focus. Giving up or continuing to flail means one-party dominance in perpetuity. That isnt healthy for Illinois, no matter where you stand politically. It breeds complacency, groupthink and even corruption of which this state has seen more than its share. Both sides benefit from having a credible opposition that forces them to defend and refine their ideas. If were stuck with a two-party system, Illinois at least needs to make sure both sides are competitive and bring something to the table. A healthy political ecosystem strengthens the states democracy and fights against extremism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Illinois Republicans want to matter in 2026, they need more than a protest candidate. They need a leader who can speak to all of Illinois not just the loudest voices in their base. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. In the howl of hurricane-force winds, in the inexorable rise of floodwaters, there should be no room for politics. Or idiocy. At such times, we are all Americans the people caught in harms way, supported by a bolster of assistance and sympathy nationwide. We rely on the utility workers from states away who roll into town as soon as the all-clear is called. On the churches and nonprofits that collect food, clothing and cash to send to the aid of communities hit with disasters they cant hope to handle on their own. And most of all, the experienced emergency-response managers who know what happens in a community after a major disaster strikes, and have the resources to help residents and businesses through the painfully slow slog of recovery. How long before we have to write that last sentence in the past tense? And what happens to Florida, the nations most disaster-vulnerable state, if that federal support goes away? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a question many Floridians hoped theyd never have to ask. In just the past decade, Florida has relied on storm-recovery aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, including an estimated $12 billion for 2017s Hurricane Irma, $10 billion in 2022 for Hurricane Ian and a multi-billion-dollar tally for Hurricanes Helene and Milton that is still growing. FEMA and other federal agencies have also made a significant contribution to mitigation, providing funding that helps communities armor themselves against floods or devastating high winds. And the agency serves a critical role in coordinating relief right down to those battalions of utility trucks that arrive in Florida from as far away as Texas, New York and Wyoming. And obviously, the state benefits from the national governments expertise in predicting and tracking the path of big storms through the National Weather Service. Florida gives as well as takes, sending more than $325 billion in income taxes to Washington, D.C., as well as lending its own disaster assistance when nearby states are hit. Its all part of a national safety net one in danger of unraveling, as starkly described in a warning memo signed by 191 current and former FEMA officials along with business leaders, educators and scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The missive dubbed The Katrina Declaration in memory of the storm that nearly destroyed New Orleans 20 years ago decries the Trump administrations lack of professional guidance for the agency. It cites six specific concerns: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has imposed a rule that requires her office to approve any expenditure over $100,000. In July, that bottleneck was blamed for the lethally slow response to flooding in Central Texas that claimed at least 135 lives, including 35 children and counselors at a Christian camp. In the aftermath of that tragedy, the head of FEMAs Urban Search and Rescue branch quit in disgust. According to the declaration, Noem has also permitted the temporary reassignment of FEMA employees to anti-immigration enforcement. FEMA still lacks a qualified administrator, experienced in emergency services. The leadership vacuum carries disturbing parallels to the Katrina response, where prolonged misery was convincingly tied to a lackluster performance by then-FEMA head Michael D. Brown. In the aftermath of that fiasco, Congress passed a wide-ranging law that mandates an administrator with demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security. Since January, FEMA has been under the temporary oversight of two leaders, neither of whom has been formally nominated by Trump most likely because they do not meet the demands of the law. The FEMA budget for disaster preparation, which can help communities prepare for storms, has been drained. Mitigation reduces the costs of future disasters, saves lives, protects critical infrastructure, and reduces future response and recovery needs, the declaration says. As disasters grow more frequent and costly, removing mitigation initiatives is fiscally irresponsible and puts American lives and property at unnecessary risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA has also abandoned grants that help state and local governments train for disaster response, build communications networks and early-warning systems, and otherwise prepare for the worst. Without that funding, states and communities might not have the information they need to save lives and homes. They might also miss out on preparedness drills that let officials stress-test disaster recovery systems before storms, floods, fire or other threats loom. The Trump administration has gutted funding across the board for climate research, storm prediction and programs that help groups of people most likely to be left in dire straits after a storm, including majority-minority communities, people who do not speak English, homeowners who cant afford to harden their homes against storms and other disadvantaged groups. Homeland Security is also censoring critical information: In February, a map that predicted community-level disaster vulnerability due to climate change was quietly removed from the FEMA website. A recreation of that map reveals information Floridians need to know: Most of the state is colored in shades of red the highest level of vulnerability not only for hurricane risks, but for wildfire and, in coastal areas, flooding. FEMA has lost one-third of its experienced staff. Among those who have departed: Managers who know how to put roofs over the heads of people who have lost their homes, bring food to communities with roads made impassible by floodwaters and assist (or prod) insurance companies in getting assistance to their customers. The petition goes on to ask Congress to double down on the post-Katrina law, requiring that FEMA be taken out of Homeland Security and elevated to its own Cabinet-level agency. It also asks for congressional funding guarantees that prevent any administration from bleeding its coffers dry as well as protection for employees so they arent fired by political whim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea for congressional intervention is appropriate and one Floridas delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, should take seriously. FEMA isnt perfect, but its necessary, and there is no excuse for letting a massive, experienced emergency-response system collapse, just as the nation prepares for the likelihood of more frequent and violent fires, floods, storms, earthquakes and other calamities. Trump has said he thinks disaster response is a job best left to states but hes already being proven wrong. Congress should correct his actions, before they become lethal errors. _____ Corporate marketing has gotten considerably more challenging in the culture-war era. Julie Felss Masino, the embattled CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, found that out the hard way when she rolled out a new, more modernized logo, ditching the familiar old man well admit we didnt know he had a name (Uncle Herschel) until the recent blowup leaning against the barrel that had graced Cracker Barrels signage for ages. When the culture warriors on Americas right discovered the plan to replace Uncle Herschel with a logo emblazoned simply with Cracker Barrels name in a slightly adjusted font (but with the same colors), they manned the barricades. Christopher Rufo, unofficial woke-ism policeman of the Trump 2.0 era, called for the breaking of the Barrel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Rufo said Cracker Barrel itself wasnt what was important in this effort. It was to make clear to corporate America that if you go woke, then watch your stock price drop 20 percent. Has Rufo ever set foot in a Cracker Barrel? Its worth asking. For our part, we have. It wasnt the worst restaurant meal weve had by a long shot, and the atmosphere felt like an experience one might have had while traveling by car in America in the era before rest areas and interstate oases. Nostalgia, in other words, is more or less what Cracker Barrel has been selling. Masino wanted understandably to appeal to a new generation of customers. We in the journalism business appealing to younger readers is our white whale after all can sympathize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But you are who you are, whether youre Cracker Barrel or legacy media. With or without the attacks from the culture warriors, the soulless new logo along with the updating of Cracker Barrel restaurants to make them look more sleek and modernistic was a marketing misstep in our view. The first rule of a branding refresh is not to turn off your core clientele. It came as no surprise, then, that Cracker Barrel, after a few days of hopeless and hapless insistence that customers actually liked the new look, faced up to reality and agreed Tuesday to at least bring back the old logo, especially after President Donald Trump, who views himself as the nations anti-woke policeman-in-chief, weighed in on behalf of Uncle Herschel. In fact, Trump provided some decent marketing advice: They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right, he posted. So the culture warriors can declare victory, and surely they did make a difference in laffaire Cracker Barrel. But at the end of the day, its a roadside restaurant chain were talking about. Our national identity doesnt rise or fall on Cracker Barrel and Uncle Herschel, who in our imaginations would be embarrassed and chagrined at all the attention. _____ Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ Sept. 2 The Washington Post say Iran is stonewalling nuclear inspectors Iran keeps behaving like an outlaw regime. Australia expelled Tehrans ambassador last week based on intelligence that its government masterminded an attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and a kosher food company in Sydney. The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog is receiving enhanced security because of what he calls a threat from the direction of Iran. On Sunday, the Iran-backed Houthis raided the offices of the World Food Program, World Health Organization and UNICEF in Yemens capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two and a half months after the United States launched airstrikes against Irans nuclear facilities, after which President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire to end Israels 12-day war, leaders in Tehran are back to playing their old games of defiance, threats and subterfuge to conceal information about what remains of their program. Irans recalcitrance raises the prospect that American military forces might need to be called in again. Since the June strikes against the facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, the regime has mostly suspended cooperation with international nuclear inspectors. Tehran has also refused to account for the now missing stockpile of highly enriched, near-weapons-grade uranium that it possessed before the attacks. Last Wednesday, inspectors visited the Bushehr reactor, which remains live, but they have not been allowed to see whats left of the facilities struck by B-2 bombers as part of Operation Midnight Hammer. The most hopeful explanation is that Iran is blocking the inspectors because it fears independent confirmation that its costly 30-year nuclear program has been destroyed but hope has never been an effective counterproliferation strategy. This predicament comes partly because there was never a fully reliable assessment of the effectiveness of the airstrikes. Lingering questions include how much of the Iranian program was destroyed vs. severely damaged, and whether Irans capabilities were set back by years or only months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frustratingly, these questions became embroiled in partisan politics after Trump insisted that Irans program had been totally obliterated. The head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, was fired in August after his staff assessed that the strikes had set back Irans program only by months. This has had a chilling effect on the intelligence community. But questions remain. There was ample evidence that Iran had removed uranium from Isfahan before the strike. But Trump posted on social media: Nothing was taken out of facility. Would take too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move! He was apparently referring to Fordow, but Isfahan is where the uranium was thought to be stored. The only way to know for certain whats left is for the inspectors to fully return and for the Iranian government to come clean about what, if anything, it still has. To prevent further conflict, Iran also needs to reenter negotiations with the United States over any future nuclear program for civilian-only use. The United States says it is ready to talk, but Iran has insisted as a precondition, among other things, that Trump commit to no further strikes. That would give away too much leverage. Iran is indisputably violating its obligations under the 2015 international nuclear agreement. Trump withdrew from that agreement in his first term, but the deal remained in force for the other signatories. On Thursday, Britain, France and Germany triggered a 30-day countdown period to reimpose sanctions. These will go into effect unless the regime resumes full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, commits to direct talks with the United States and accounts for the missing uranium. Tehran warns of a harsh response if sanctions are imposed, threatening to go so far as withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renewed sanctions might have relatively limited impact because Irans economy is already in bad shape. Its currency, the rial, trades at over 1 million to $1. At the time of the 2015 deal, it was 32,000 to $1. The United States and Europe do minimal trade with Iran. The countrys most important trading partner is China, which buys about 90 percent of Irans shipped oil. Beijing is unlikely to abide by any new sanctions, which would also place restraints on Irans exports of ballistic missiles and drones, but those are mostly sold to Russia, which would similarly ignore any new sanctions. If Tehran takes any lesson from June, it should be that the United States is not afraid of using military force to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Trump resisted pressure from the vocal isolationist faction in his base, and he could do so again if he feels it is necessary to protect the nations security. ONLINE: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/09/02/iran-nuclear-program-iaea-snapback/ ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aug. 31 The New York Times says Gaza media ban indicates Israel's leaders are trying to conceal their horrors All wars are dangerous to cover, but Gaza holds a place of its own among modern conflicts for the peril faced by journalists. Some 200 journalists have been among the estimated 63,000 people killed since the Gaza war began an overwhelming majority killed by the Israeli military. Those deaths have helped make the past two years the deadliest period for journalists since the Committee to Protect Journalists, a nonprofit organization, started keeping records in 1992. The deaths are one more layer of the agonizing human tragedy in Gaza. Families and neighborhoods have been destroyed, and many brave journalists have lost their lives while attempting to help the world understand the war. Nearly all of these journalists have been Palestinian because Israel has barred outside members of the media from entering Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ban on outside media is both outrageous and self-defeating. Israels leaders and defenders often argue that they are held to a different standard during wartime from other nations, and they are sometimes correct about that. But the refusal to allow international journalists to cover the war on the ground is an example of the Israeli governments failing to follow a standard that many other governments, especially democracies, follow. The United States allowed reporters to cover the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ukraine allows journalists in to cover its war with Russia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government seem to believe that keeping foreign journalists out of Gaza advances their narrative. In Israel it may help serve that purpose by giving some Israelis an excuse to dismiss coverage of Gazan suffering as Palestinian propaganda. Globally, though, the policy has spectacularly failed: Thanks to social media and the work of those brave Palestinian journalists, people can see the mass killing, severe hunger and wholesale destruction in Gaza, and it has prompted an outcry. Keeping out the international media indicates that Israels leaders are trying to conceal the wars full horror. It evokes the failed attempts by American leaders to bury the truth during the Vietnam War. The ban also seems to be contributing to the Israeli governments callousness toward the journalists who are covering the war. Often, war-fighting governments take steps to reduce the risks to journalists covering the conflict. Yes, on-the-ground reporting remains dangerous, but military planners nonetheless take account of where journalists are operating and how they might be protected. Israel has failed in this regard. It seems likely that Israel would have tried harder if the journalists in question included more Americans and other nationalities. (The New York Times was among more than 100 news organizations to sign a letter in February 2024 calling on Israel to live up to international law and protect Palestinian journalists who continue to report, despite grave personal risk.) An attack last week offered a terrible and telling example. Israel has sometimes used so-called double-tap strikes in Gaza, in which an initial strike is followed by another, with the purpose of maximizing damage to the enemy. Yet journalists and emergency medical personnel are often first to the scene. On Monday the Israeli military shelled Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, later saying that it had targeted what it thought was a Hamas surveillance camera. Moments after the first attack, a second occurred. In all, at least 20 Palestinians were killed, including five journalists from The Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye. Most of the casualties came from the second strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Netanyahu called it a tragic mishap, said that Israel values journalists and promised a military investigation. But Israels use of the double-tap tactic in urban warfare is a sign of its disregard for civilian life and for the people trying to ascertain the truth of the war. To be clear: Hamas is hardly a model of open information. It has long behaved as a brutal totalitarian government in Gaza that threatens, punishes and sometimes kills people who attempt to speak the truth. Ibrahim Muhareb, a journalist who was beaten unconscious by men who said they were from Gazas police investigations department, told the Committee to Protect Journalists that one of them said, The spy and the journalist are one and the same. The Gaza of the future deserves a free press wholly different from what Hamas and Israel have permitted. Israel has responded to criticism of the deaths of Gazas journalists by arguing that some of them are Hamas agents. At the very least, some media outlets are affiliated with Hamas or other extremist groups, such as Islamic Jihad. But it is unacceptable for Israel to smear the many courageous journalists doing vital work under almost impossible circumstances including some for The Times by suggesting that they are combatants. Israel has offered little, if any, evidence for its claims, while cynically keeping out international journalists. Two weeks ago, 28 countries, including Britain, France and Germany, called on Israel to give immediate media access to Gaza, saying that journalists play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. In refusing the independent medias demands for access, Israel has focused on concern for their safety. That notion is largely an excuse. The worlds journalists stand ready to cover the war. Over 70 international media and civil society organizations, including The Times, declared in another letter that they fully understand the inherent risks in reporting from war zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels government has often complained that the world has relied for information on the Gaza Health Ministry and other agencies controlled by Hamas. But what do Mr. Netanyahu and his officials expect to happen when they are banning outside witnesses from Gaza? If the Israeli government wants to let the world judge for itself, it should let in the media. ONLINE: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/31/opinion/israel-gaza-media-journalists-ban.html ___ Aug. 31 The Wall Street Journal on Trump's tariffs President Trumps tariffs are one of the broadest claims of executive power in American history, taxing imports from anywhere on his personal whim. The problem is he doesnt have that power under the law or the Constitution, as the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled late Friday in V.O.S. Selections v. U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a crucial moment for the Constitutions separation of powers. A 7-4 majority upheld a lower-court decision striking down the tariffs that Mr. Trump imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In February he invoked the law to slap taxes on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, supposedly to address a fentanyl emergency. He later declared the U.S. trade deficit an emergency to justify tariffs on the rest of the world. IEEPA gives a President authority to regulate the importation of goods to protect national security. Mr. Trump claims this lets him impose tariffs, as long as he declares a national emergency. The judges disagree. IEEPA does not use the words tariffs or duties, nor any similar terms like customs, taxes, or imposts, the unsigned majority opinion says. This is unlike every other law in which Congress explicitly gives the President tariff power. Those laws have used clear and precise terms to delegate tariff power, reciting the term duties or one of its synonyms, the judges say. The Administration and the four dissenting judges claim the term regulate should be interpreted broadly. But tariffs are taxes, and the majority says that the power to regulate has long been understood to be distinct from the power to tax. The Administrations argument would let the Securities and Exchange Commission tax substantial swaths of the American economy because Congress authorized it to regulate stock trading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More ominously for Mr. Trump, his tariffs run afoul of the Supreme Courts major questions doctrine, which says that Presidents need clear authority from Congress for significant economic and political actions. The Court applied the doctrine in overturning President Bidens $400 billion student-loan forgiveness. Mr. Trumps tariffs certainly qualify as major, since they hit more than $4 trillion of imports annually and some 14% of the nations economy. Where the Government has never previously claimed powers of this magnitude, the major questions doctrine may be implicated, the majority says. Mr. Trump is the first President to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, which is a telling indication that the Governments reading of a statute is incorrect. Mr. Trumps lawyers try to dodge the major questions barrier by saying this is trumped on foreign policy by the Presidents Article II powers. While judges typically defer to Presidents on foreign matters, as the majority says, the power of the purse (including the power to tax) belongs to Congress. Same for trade, as the Constitution makes clear. If Mr. Trump gets away with his IEEPA tariffs, whats to stop the next President from using the law to put tariffs on countries with high CO2 emissions? It isnt hard to imagine a Democrat in the White House declaring a global climate emergency and arguing that because this counts as foreign policy, judges should give a pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump denounced the decision and blamed partisan judges, but judges nominated by Presidents of both parties were on opposite sides of the ruling. The court also left the tariffs in place for now and told the lower court to reconsider its universal injunction under the terms the Supreme Court recently laid out Trump v. CASA. But on a policy as consequential as these tariffs, the ruling cant merely apply to the plaintiffs in this case alone. Mr. Trump is bloody-minded on tariffs, and hell use whatever other statutes he can. He recently expanded his use of Section 232 national-security power to impose tariffs on derivative steel and aluminum products, including bulldozers, furniture, railcars, appliances, air-conditioning parts, butter knives, spray deodorants and strollers. Who knew that baby buggies were a threat to the homeland? ONLINE: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/trump-isnt-a-tariff-king-252f89aa?mod=editorials_article_pos4 ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aug. 29 The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says flattery, not the truth, leads Donald Trump Anyone who watched the three-hour televised ego project that was Donald Trumps Tuesday cabinet meeting got a look at how this president prefers to receive information: via sniveling personal flattery verging on outright genuflection. Mr. President, I invite you to see your beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor, cooed Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Your respect for law enforcement is so incredible, gushed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to the man who mass-pardoned some 1,500 Jan. 6 assailants against the U.S. Capitol, including many who assaulted cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish (the) Nobel committee finally gets its act together, rhapsodized Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and realizes that you are the single finest candidate since this Noble (Peace Prize) was ever talked about. (So there, Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.!) So it continued, ad infinitum, ad nauseam, Americas walking id of a president eagerly eating it all up like some swaggering boy-king in need of constant adulation. As bizarre as the pathetic display looked to an American audience, it was deeply familiar to citizens of despotic regimes all over the world. Dear Leaders can never get enough of being told how dear they are. What ever happened to speaking truth to power? America has seen that approach toward Trump play out recently as well. And it hasnt gone nearly as smoothly as Tuesdays cabinet-meeting-slash-bootlicking session. The administration on Tuesday suspended more than 30 employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for signing a letter to Congress warning that budget cuts to the agency were dangerously undermining two decades worth of reforms spurred by FEMAs catastrophic failures after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The letter outlines in detail the debilitation effects of FEMAs foot-dragging approach to natural disasters under Trump and its determination to force states to take over more of the burden for those operations. Our shared commitment to our country, our oaths of office, and our mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters compel us to warn Congress and the American people of the cascading effects of decisions made by the current administration, wrote the employees. The letter was endorsed by more than 182 FEMA workers, but just 36 signed their names, the rest saying they feared retaliation. They were, of course, right. At least this thin-skinned presidents suspension of those courageous enough to put their John Hancocks on the letter may yet face a legal challenge under whistleblower-protection laws. The FEMA suspensions were preceded, last month, by a similar purge of 144 Environmental Protection Agency employees for signing a letter decrying the administrations politicization of the EPA. As with the FEMA employees, the suspended EPA workers have continued to receive their pay as the administration casts around for a way to give these clearly illegal suspensions some phony patina of legality to stand up in court. So on top of all the other outrageous elements to this story, there is waste of the taxpayers money. But the bigger problem is two-fold: The administration is muzzling the scientific judgment of environmental and disaster experts who understand those topics far better than Trump and his Cabinet full of shameless sycophants do; and theyre violating the First Amendment rights of Americans to do it. Perhaps the EPA and FEMA workers should take a page from the playbook of those Cabinet lackeys and from dictators like Russias Vladimir Putin and just bury Trump in personal flattery until he backs off his attacks on these urgent agencies. Tell him how beautiful he is. Tell him he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize just for being so tough on crime (other than crime against Americas electoral process, of course). Tell him he has great hair and big hands and that only a stable genius like himself can save Americans from pollution and natural disasters. Or, conversely, they could skip the flattery and try a heartfelt appeal to Trumps sense of selfless duty to the country he leads. Just kidding. ONLINE: https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/article_3d839a83-fda6-4a4c-90eb-63b59f3daa2b.html ___ Aug. 31 The Boston Globe says gutting research integrity agencies won't eliminate fraud at universities The 15-year-old scandal involving Duke University researcher Anil Potti is about as bad as a research scandal can get: As a recent Globe Magazine investigation reported, a pioneering cancer doctor conducted clinical trials on patients, determining their treatment using algorithms based on falsified data, while university officials failed to properly investigate complaints about the research. In a separate scandal, in 2019, Duke agreed to pay $112.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by a whistleblower and the US Justice Department accusing a pulmonary researcher of falsifying data. The problems arent confined to one university. In 2023, journals retracted several papers by a Harvard behavioral scientist accused of fabricating data. President Trumps administration has launched a series of attacks on American higher education institutions, many of them of dubiouslegality and tainted by politics. Its quite ironic, then, that in one area where universities really would merit scrutiny, the administration is scaling back the governments efforts. If Trump were serious about cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse at universities, he would be strengthening the federal oversight bodies that ensure scientific integrity in research. Instead, Trump has gutted them. A federal role is crucial because universities cant be solely responsible for policing themselves. As Ivan Oransky, cofounder of the Center for Scientific Integrity, told the editorial board, universities have little incentive to seek out fraud. Until someone external actually has power and authority to deal with it, putting universities in charge of figuring out whether theres misconduct, fraud, or real substantial risk to human beings isnt doing the job, Oransky said. But under Trump, oversight agencies are being decimated. The US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections, which oversees federally funded research involving human subjects, has long been underfunded and understaffed. Trump fired its director, laid off staff, and dismantled an advisory committee to the secretary on human research protections, according to reports published by Stat and the Health Care Compliance Association. Retraction Watch reported that top staff and investigators at the National Science Foundations Office of Inspector General, which oversees that foundations grants, were fired or left their jobs after Trump took office. Also gone are leaders and investigators at the HHS Office of Research Integrity, which investigates research falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism on behalf of multiple federal agencies. There may be ways to improve federal oversight, like having government rely less on research institutions to conduct initial investigations. But even when federal oversight is robust, it leaves gaps. For example, theres no mechanism to oversee nonfederally funded research that doesnt relate to drugs or medical devices. Ivor Pritchard, a retired senior advisor at the Office for Human Research Protections, said it simply isnt possible for government to monitor labs daily work: From a practical standpoint, scientific activity has to be self-correcting or self-monitoring, although external oversight mechanisms are also crucial. So while federal oversight is necessary, it is insufficient to ensure that researchers police themselves. To truly improve research integrity, universities themselves must get serious about oversight. Universities, research journals, institutional review boards, and funders all have roles to play in changing incentive structures so that getting research done correctly becomes more important than getting something published or into clinical trials quickly. Jonathan Kimmelman, associate professor of biomedical ethics at McGill University, told the editorial board that the problem is cultural: When considering hiring, tenure, and promotions, universities prize innovative research. So do prestigious scientific journals deciding what to publish. They dont value studies aimed at confirming or disproving existing research. There are practices that can put the brakes on misconduct that we dont reward well, Kimmelman said. The result of publishing negative studies or committing yourself to checking integrity is you get penalized. Luckily, there are those in the industry with power to change the culture if they choose to. Kimmelman suggested medical and scientific journals could encourage or require researchers to preregister their research studies, publicly stating the hypothesis of an experiment before they conduct it. Both research institutions and journals could reward practices like inputting data into a public database so others can analyze it. Universities and journals need ways for whistleblowers to safely and anonymously report problems with research or published studies, including mechanisms to ensure thorough investigation. Universities could do better at giving scientists credit, including promotions, for research that disproves prior studies. Journals could provide a more robust market for their publication. Kimmelman said funders that condition grants on starting clinical trials also contribute to an atmosphere where products move into clinical trials too quickly, without research being double-checked. Institutional review boards which approve and monitor research studies could be made more rigorous. One former federal regulator told the editorial board that university-based boards today are often staffed by volunteers who dont have time to thoroughly review and monitor every study. Giving professors time built into their schedule for board work could help address that. There are also conflicts inherent in review boards funded by organizations they regulate. Many independent review boards today are for-profit entities owned by private equity investors. Stephen Rosenfeld, who founded a nonprofit independent review board called the North Star Review Board, said many boards are paid high prices by pharmaceutical companies, whose interest is in having the board do the minimal review necessary to ensure compliance. Rosenfeld has suggested that publicly funded nonprofit review boards are a better model to ensure boards prioritize the interests of human research subjects rather than the companies paying for the review. You have to take out the structural conflicts, Rosenfeld said. In an era when science is increasingly viewed with skepticism, if universities, researchers, and regulators want to maintain the public trust, they need to ensure science is being done with rigorous methods and integrity. ONLINE: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/31/opinion/research-misconduct-funding/ Eight home insurance companies have been fined a total of $2.1 million for claims-handling misconduct, including failure to deny or pay claims on a timely basis, following hurricanes Ian and Idalia, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said on Tuesday. The eight companies, identified in a news release, are American Coastal Insurance Company, American Mobile Insurance Exchange, Centauri Specialty Insurance Company, Clear Blue Insurance Company, Monarch National Insurance Company, Sutton National Insurance Company, Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company and TypTap Insurance Company. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky warned insurers to watch how they handle claims that might arise during the current hurricane season, which the agency said is now in full swing. Commissioner Yaworsky wants to make it clear that [the offices] Market Conduct Unit is ready to deploy during storms to make sure claims handling practices are up to standard, the release said. Yaworsky was quoted in the release as adding, Capital is pouring in and the market is stabilizing, but our office holds insurers to high standards. It is important that consumers have confidence that they are getting what they pay for. The release also quoted Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia as promising to hold insurance companies accountable if they do not uphold the contractual agreement that they sign with their policyholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings were based on market conduct examinations of how 10 companies responded to initial, reopened and supplemental claims. The examinations found several findings of misconduct for eight of the 10 companies, according to the release. Hurricane Ian struck the southwest coast of Florida in late September 2022 and headed northeast before leaving the state. Hurricane Idalia struck the states Big Bend region the following August. Notable to policyholders were the number of times companies did not pay or issue denials of coverage of Hurricane Ian claims within the 90-day deadline required by state law. In this list, followed by fines imposed by the office, they were: American Coastal: 34 (20.4%) of 167 claims, $400,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Mobile: 2 (0.8%) of 241 claims, $400,000. Centauri Specialty: 12 (4.4%) of 272 claims, $100,000. Clear Blue: 27 (11.8%) of 228 claims, $400,000. Monarch National: 39 (12.2%) of 320 claims, $325,000. Sutton National: 3 (1.4%) of 211 claims, $50,000. Tower Hill Prime: 21 (7.1%) of 295 claims, $250,000. TypTap: 17 (5.3%) of 319 claims, $150,000. Examining companies The state Office of Insurance Regulation, in its news release, said the findings included using adjusters not properly appointed, not acknowledging receipt of claims communications in a timely manner, not including certain disclosure statements when providing estimates on damage claims, failing to provide Homeowners Claims Bill of Rights, failing to pay interest when owed and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These violations were among those cited in examination reports: Centauri Specialty was cited for failing to ensure field adjusters inspected Hurricane Ian losses within 72 hours of assignments, a violation of the companys claims handling manual. Monarch did not utilize properly appointed adjusters in 88 of 320 Hurricane Ian claims reviewed. Clear Blue was cited for the same misconduct in 86 of 228 reviewed claims. TypTap did not ensure independent adjusters delivered inspection reports in 73 of 319 claims reviewed. American Mobile provided non-compliant preliminary or partial estimates of damages in 148 of 241 Hurricane Ian claims reviewed and 69 of 85 claims reviewed for Hurricane Idalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Friedlander, senior director of media relations for the industry-funded Insurance Information Institute, said the fines were appropriate. The role of the property-casualty industry is to be a financial first responder to help their customers recover from catastrophes as quickly as possible. Most Florida insurers acted in this manner following the six hurricanes which struck the state over the past three seasons, he told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The role of the states insurance regulator is to ensure insurance carriers follow Florida regulations when handling storm claims. When they dont, they should be held accountable. Yaworsky was quoted in the release as vowing to deploy office examiners to make sure claims management practices are efficient and handled appropriately. Regulators will be paying particularly close attention to any company who has had concerning performance behavior in the past, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2023-24 budget year, the office issued more than $2.8 million in fines and secured more than $8 million in restitution, the release said. During the current budget year, the office has secured more than $660,450 in restitution. Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071 or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Kroger is offering a discount to certain customers on for a short time this week. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Kroger shoppers in the Cincinnati and Dayton regions that are at least 55-years-old will receive a 5-percent discount off of their total in-store purchase. To take advantage of the discount, shoppers must either use their loyalty card, alternate ID or tell the cashier that you qualify. Purchases of alcohol, tobacco, fuel, gift cards, prescriptions, and other restricted items are not eligible for the discount, according to the chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Kroger, were proud to support our senior customers with meaningful ways to save, said Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager at Kroger. From personalized digital deals to trusted everyday low prices, were always working to help customers stretch their dollars and this special discount is one more way were doing just that. Between 9 and 11 a.m. on Sept. 3, free coffee and pastries will be offered to the eligible customers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With our ever-expanding need for energy, many countries are turning to clean sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. But another promising alternative is geothermal energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, geothermal energy is produced deep under the Earth's surface. Heat from inside the Earth is used to create electricity through water or steam. So it's wonderful news when potential geothermal wells show promising results. This is the case with exploration wells recently dug in the Sveifluhals area in Krysuvik, Iceland, according to Think GeoEnergy. A company called Iceland Drilling drilled a few exploratory wells and found the area to be ripe for success, raising hopes that it can be used for geothermal exploitation in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next step will be to evaluate the wells to study the temperature, pressure, and volume of geothermal fluid. The hope is that they will produce hot water for Hafnarfjorur and the capital region as well as supply additional electricity for Iceland's national grid. Geothermal energy is promising because it is a clean energy source. It generates electricity without burning dirty fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, a process that releases harmful pollution into the atmosphere, threatening the health of all living things. Since the supply of heat from the depths of the Earth is essentially limitless, it has the potential to increase the supply of energy while greatly reducing costs for governments, businesses, and individuals. This is just the latest exciting development in the field of geothermal energy. A company called Quaise Energy developed a drilling technique using microwave-emitting gyrotrons. Another company called Fervo Energy is drilling for geothermal energy sources with great success in Utah. And a tech company called CGG is exploring the potential of geothermal energy by drilling in the deep sea and into the oceanic crust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Iceland Drilling's website, the company is extremely proud of the effect geothermal energy has had on Iceland's energy use: "Iceland's transition from fossil fuels to renewables within just two decades is nothing short of miraculous. Today, geothermal energy accounts for about 30% of Iceland's electricity production." And it's clear the company's goals are even bigger: "As Iceland Drilling continues to innovate and expand its operations, it's exporting more than just drilling expertise; it's exporting hope for a cleaner, more prosperous future." Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Engineers at the Idaho National Laboratory have completed a successful test campaign of a coolant system for nuclear microreactors that have the potential to launch the world into the next energy age. Carlo Parisi, one of the engineers, envisioned creating a next-gen cooling system for the Microreactor Applications Research Validation (Marvel) project. Five years later, it's now a reality and marks "a milestone of innovation in the nuclear sector," per a laboratory news release. The Primary Coolant Apparatus Test, "a non-nuclear integrated test facility," is an almost exact replica of Marvel's primary cooling loop, but it uses electricity rather than nuclear power to produce heat. In nuclear reactors, the primary loop circulates coolant to remove excess heat and transfer it to another system, which is then used to generate heat or electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea behind the PCAT is to test the cooling system's performance and components of the test microreactor to ensure the actual reactor will run safely and efficiently. The team also wanted to check that the software for the thermal-hydraulic design of Marvel accurately models certain features of the system. One problem Marvel faced in the beginning was the Stirling engine that regulates the system's heat causing excessive vibrations that could damage the reactor, but the team was able to replace it with a "more stable radiator-like setup." "That was a pivotal moment for us," Parisi said. "We had to rethink our approach to ensure the system's effectiveness and reliability." The tests showed encouraging results for the Marvel reactor, confirming that "a stable natural circulation flow can be established to operate safely and allow Marvel to generate as much as 100 kilowatts of thermal power," per the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also revealed that the RELAP5-3D, the software used to perform safety analyses of Marvel, closely matched the data obtained from PCAT, meaning it will be able to predict safety issues with a high level of accuracy. The path forward will involve preparing for the reactor's construction at the Idaho National Laboratory's Transient Reactor Test Facility and submitting the proper paperwork to the Department of Energy. Once the engineers analyze the data gathered from the PCAT tests, they will share the findings with scientists worldwide. The advancement of microreactor technologies could lead to a revolution in nuclear energy production in the U.S. However, it's worth noting that because microreactors operate on the principle of nuclear fission, they still produce some radioactive waste that must be managed carefully. In addition, nuclear experts such as Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists have spoken of some downsides of reactors, including their vulnerability to accidents and sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear plants can also be expensive and time-consuming to build, which may offset the benefits achieved by reduced carbon pollution. However, all things considered, they're much healthier for the environment and humans than fossil fuels, and they are likely to be a major part of our energy mix for a considerable time. "Marvel has a unique combination of fuel, coolant and geometrical configuration that has never been used by any other reactor," Parisi said. "It was crucial to create this mock-up for testing because there was nothing similar anywhere in the world for comparison." "Knowing that we have accomplished something unique and groundbreaking is incredibly rewarding," Parisi added. "We've created a system and a wealth of knowledge that will not only benefit our project but also potentially help the entire industry." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Consumers Energy office in Lansing | Susan J. Demas As Michigan Lawmakers work to court data centers through tax incentives, Consumers Energy, one of the states largest energy providers, is seeking to tweak its rate requirements for businesses using large amounts of energy over time, citing increasing requests for service from these types of facilities. Earlier this year, Consumers sent an application to the Michigan Public Service Commission proposing several provisions to protect ratepayers from facing increased costs as a result of the heavy energy demand brought by data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those proposals are a 15-year minimum contract term, minimum billing and an exit fee requirement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Without the Companys proposed protections, other customers would pay for the incremental costs to serve a data center or other large load customer if that customer exits service before sufficient revenue is generated to offset costs, Consumers wrote in its brief to the Public Service Commission. While the company has modified its proposal to consider feedback from several stakeholders, members of the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Vote Solar argue Consumers could go further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to focusing on financial and contract terms, the three groups said Consumers plan should further consider the increased demand for energy these data centers will bring, and how clean energy resources factor into its plan to bring on new energy generation to meet that need. Consumers Energys proposal fails to fully recognize the paradigm shift that new data center loads represent, and their initial brief only engages a narrow subset of the concerns raised. A clear directive from the Commission is critical to ensure a proactive approach to new data centers that supports an affordable, clean energy future for Michigan, Lee Shaver, a senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists said in a statement. Getty Images In a brief of their own, the groups offered several recommendations they say would better protect ratepayers and support Michigans transition to clean energy. Those recommendations include requiring large load customers to provide a clean energy sourcing plan as part of the process of connecting to the grid alongside regular reporting on clean energy and usage; ensuring these customers have access to voluntary green pricing, which allows customers to specify that a specific amount of their power comes from renewable energy sources; and establishing a data center specific rate to keep costs from shifting to other customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many tech companies building data centers in Consumers Energys territory have ambitious clean energy goals. With the right incentives and guardrails, they could help advance the regions clean energy transition. This case gives the MPSC its best chance to act now and avoid falling behind. If it waits, Consumers risks triggering rushed clean energy procurements, higher costs and greater risks for customers, Saad Siddique, an economist and analyst with the Environmental Law and Policy Center said in a statement. Members of the Michigan Environmental Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and Citizens Utility Board of Michigan also asked the Public Service Commission to ensure Consumers modified rate structure complies with Michigans requirement that energy companies provide electricity from 100% clean energy sources by 2040. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs clean energy legislation at Detroits Eastern Market, Nov. 28, 2023 | Jon King They also argued that service agreements between Consumers Energy and data center customers should include a plan for meeting the benchmarks building up to the 100% clean energy standard, through a combination of resources supplied by the data center, long-term contracts for renewable resources and/or participation in voluntary green pricing. In an email, Consumers Energy Media Relations Specialist Brian Wheeler said the proposed changes for large load customers does not address or change its future electric supply plans. Consumers Energy continues to follow our long-term energy supply plan to both serve new data centers and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. We welcome feedback from the Michigan Public Service Commission and stakeholders as we responsibly plan to meet the energy needs of our growing state, Wheeler said. WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration was handed a win by a federal appeals court on Tuesday in its effort to freeze billions of dollars and terminate contracts for nonprofits to run a green bank aimed at financing climate-friendly projects. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency had blasted the Biden-era program as a waste of taxpayer money, tried to claw back funding that had already been distributed and accused the nonprofits of mismanagement misuse accusations that Justice Department lawyers did not back up in court. The decision by the 2-1 majority on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit finds that federal officials have broad latitude to cancel funds that have been appropriated by Congress without facing allegations in federal district court that they broke the law. A strongly worded dissent said the outcome was a loss not just for the five green bank groups who sued the EPA, but for the authority of Congress to write policy and maintain its traditional power of the purse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appeals court says the dispute belongs in federal claims court In an opinion written by Judge Neomi Rao, the appeals court said the dispute should be heard in a federal claims court that considers contract disputes. Rao was appointed by President Donald Trump in his first term. In sum, district courts have no jurisdiction to hear claims that the federal government terminated a grant agreement arbitrarily or with impunity. Claims of arbitrary grant termination are essentially contractual, Rao wrote in a decision supported by Judge Gregory Katsas, also a Trump appointee. The green bank groups said the federal claims court is limited to awarding possible monetary damages. The groups were seeking an order allowing them immediate access to their funds, which total about $16 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPA press secretary Brigit Hirsch said in a statement that the decision reaffirmed EPA's "duty to be an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars. Its fantastic to see reason prevail in the court system," she said. Green banks have been in the EPA chief's crosshairs for months A lower court had previously said the EPA couldnt support Administrator Lee Zeldins accusations of wrongdoing and that the nonprofits should not have their contracts terminated and must have access to certain funding that had been frozen. The majority ruling overturned that decision Tuesday, although the order wont go into effect immediately to allow for an opportunity to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, commonly referred to as a green bank, was authorized by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the climate law approved by congressional Democrats. However, its goals run counter to the Trump administrations opposition to climate-friendly policies and its embrace of fossil fuels such as oil and coal. Zeldin quickly made the bank a target, characterizing the billions in grants as a gold bar scheme marred by conflicts of interest and potential fraud. In terminating the grants, Zeldin cited a conservative journalists undercover video made late last year that showed a former EPA employee saying the agency was throwing gold bars off the Titanic presumably a reference to spending before the end of Biden's term. In a February interview with Fox News, Zeldin said he suspected the green bank was a clear-cut case of waste and abuse and an example of what he called self-dealing among the Biden administration and like-minded groups. The appeals court said the lower court was too quick to dismiss the EPA's concerns that the program lacked sufficient oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court disregarded the governments interest in prudent management of the grant programs and the governments representations that it planned to properly supervise, rather than abandon, the grantmaking process, Rao wrote. Advocates vow to keep fighting for frozen funds Climate United Fund and four other groups sued the EPA, Zeldin and Citibank, which held the grant money on behalf of the agency, saying they had illegally denied the groups access to funds awarded last year. They wanted access to those funds again, saying the freeze had paralyzed their work and jeopardized their basic operations. Climate United CEO Beth Bafford said in a statement Tuesday, This is not the end of our road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we are disappointed by the panels decision, we stand firm on the merits of our case: EPA unlawfully froze and terminated funds that were legally obligated and disbursed, Bafford said. Amir Kirkwood, CEO of the Justice Climate Fund, said the ruling hurts Americas under-resourced communities, stalling hundreds of American-made clean energy projects across the country. Critics say the ruling sets a dangerous precedent Judge Cornelia Pillard, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said in a sharply worded dissent that the green bank groups provided evidence that the EPA simply disagreed with the program's goals and tried to end it, while throwing around allegations against the groups it couldn't support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those unprecedented and unfounded actions were part of EPAs hunt for reasons to shut down the congressionally mandated program and claw back the funding that had already been disbursed to Plaintiffs and committed to infrastructure projects,'' she wrote. The majority allows the government to seize plaintiffs' money based on spurious and pretextual allegations and to permanently gut implementation of major congressional legislation designed to improve the infrastructure, health and economic security of communities throughout the country, she said, adding the lower court was right to block the termination of the grants. Camille Pannu, an associate clinical professor at Columbia Law School, said the split ruling shows what happens when courts are politicized." For an agency to overrule Congress and decide not to spend legally appropriated money is surprising and seems like an overreach,'' she said in an interview. If the government is not honoring legally binding contracts, that's a problem," Pannu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment Real estate developer Sekisui House in Osaka, Japan, has announced that it will demolish a nearly completed new condominium building in Kunitachi, Tokyo Prefecture, because the structure is blocking neighbors' view of Mount Fuji. United Press International reported that the 10-story building was just weeks away from opening to new residents. "We were aware of the culture that values scenery, but we failed to consider it adequately," the company said. People who had bought condos will be compensated financially, they said. [UPI, 6/11/2024] Sep. 1DODGE CENTER, Minnesota An escaped cow led its owners and Dodge County sheriff's deputies on a nearly hourlong chase Sunday, crossing railroad tracks, U.S. Highway 14 and a cable barrier, according to the sheriff's office. In the end, the cow, a Texas Longhorn, was put down by deputies because of its violent reaction to attempts to corral it. The incident was reported at about 2 p.m. when owner Brandon Schmoll, who lives on County Road 34 just east of Dodge Center, called 911 to report that the cow had gotten away while he was trying to transfer her into the pasture. He asked deputies to help get the cow back into the pasture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, county dispatch received other calls, saying the cow was then on the railroad tracks and headed toward the highway. Canadian Pacific Railroad was alerted of the situation. Still later, the county began to receive other 911 calls reporting the cow in the highway median headed toward Minnesota Highway 56, about 2.5 miles southwest of the farm. The cow had made several attempts to cross over the cable median barrier. Deputies shut down traffic in both lanes of the highway several times during this incident. The owners tried to capture the cow several times, which led to it violently charging the individuals. One family member was struck by the animal in one of those charges, but refused medical treatment. Due to the cow's aggressive behavior and danger to the public, the owner gave deputies permission to shoot the animal to prevent anyone from getting hurt. The cow eventually traveled over the cable barriers, across the eastbound lane of traffic on U.S. 14, and headed south on 200th Avenue toward the Dodge Center Airport. When the cow was in a field in an area safe to shoot, one deputy shot at it, striking the animal, yet it continued to run. It then charged in the direction of another deputy and his squad car. That deputy was able to shoot the cow and put it down at approximately 2:50 p.m. No serious injuries were reported from the incident. The European Union is reportedly readying new trade deals with Latin America, part of efforts to regain the initiative after the bloc was slammed for making excessive concessions in an agreement with the US. European officials this week plan to review the proposals for deals with Mercosur, Latin Americas biggest trade group, and Mexico, according to Politico. Brussels also insisted it will enforce its internal digital regulations in the face of criticism that it agreed to go soft on Silicon Valley as part of the draft trade agreement it reached with Washington last month. The deal has divided the EU, pitting member states against the European Parliament, and the center-left which opposes it against the center-right. European countries bordering Russia are discussing ambitious wetland restoration projects with a double purpose: To trap CO, while also bogging down tanks. A spokesperson for Estonias climate ministry told Politico that early discussions with the Ministry of Defense have already begun, and the defense and environment ministries of Poland and Finland have also said they are considering restoring peatlands for both security and climate reasons. A large amount of bogs have been drained for cropland, but closing the ditches that dry them out can quickly re-flood the land, turning them back into natural bogs. Defense and climate rarely go hand in hand, but this initiative might allow governments to kill two birds with one stone: Diminish the number of dried-out bogs currently releasing carbon in much of Europe, and potentially help fortify a few NATO borders. The Evanston Land Use Commission voted against a proposed 31-story, 430-apartment residential building in downtown Evanston on Aug. 27 at the end of a five-hour meeting. The tight 3-4 vote reflected concerns of some on the commission, who cited concerns about the buildings height, the wind effects it would cause for pedestrians and loss of property tax revenue as reasons for voting against it. The proposal still heads to the Evanston City Council for final approval or rejection. The 331-foot building at 605 Davis Street would be the tallest residential building in the Chicago suburbs. It would provide a more-than-required number of units at affordable rates in order to get a tax break, but critics say that would reduce revenue to local schools. It features a smaller parking garage than typically allowed by city code, with 80 parking spots for its 430 units. The developer is looking to lease an additional 120 parking spaces from the city. Wednesdays meeting was the third time this summer that developers from Vermilion and Campbell Coyle presented their proposed development to the Land Use Commission. The project has received mixed reviews from Evanston residents, ranging from business owners interested in seeing more people downtown to long-time residents concerned about how the development could impact traffic, parking and the overall character of downtown Evanston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors residing at the Residences of Sherman Plaza, located at 1600-1620 Sherman Ave., requested and were given a continuance to challenge the developers proposal at the Wednesday meeting. Campbell Coyle President Chris Dillion commented at the meeting, Downtown Evanston cannot be preserved for only those who are already here. We need to make room for everyone. That was a reference to the citys long-term goals for more affordable housing and for more dense housing downtown. If were serious about being an inclusive, sustainable and thriving city, 605 Davis contributes to that vision. Commission Max Puchtel, the first commissioner to speak during an hour-long deliberation session for the project, spoke in favor of the development. I think it makes sense for downtown development for all the reasons articulated in the (application) packet. I have confidence in the expertise and components and their team, he said. He added a friendly suggestion to make the building more energy efficient. Commissioner Brian Johnson asked city staff what they could do to increase on-street parking spaces for the building. Delivery vehicles parking in travel lanes is an absolute plague in Evanston, in Chicago, in any urban place. The proliferation of Grubhub, Amazon, Uber, moving trucks the residents that will drive to this building that have off-site parking unload their purchases and then drive to the parking garage weve got to go up at least four lay-by (parking) spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his deliberation, Johnson said the proposed building is too big and tall for what the citys zoning code allows. This project, in sum, is asking for too much from too many different type of site development allowances, he said. The project has merits, but its just too much in this iteration. Commission Loren Berlin, who voted in favor of the project, pointed out that the developers already own the parcels of land on 605 Davis Street. Were speaking to the people who own it, and theyre telling us what they want to do with it. Were not going to shop this piece and see what other people want to bring. Were saying, the third time theyve come to us, offices obviously dont make sense post-Covid, so residential makes sense, she said. Previously, the developers proposed a 33-story mixed use development for the same site in 2019, but were turned down by the city, according to previous reporting. The developers came back in 2020 with plans for an 18-story office building, and received the City Councils approval, a week before the pandemic hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not the best time to try and lease and market a new office building, Dickson told Pioneer Press. When it comes to this piece of land, I kind of feel like we go big or we go home, Berlin said. We dont get a chance like this very much to put a lot of units of housing into our town in one project. Commission Chair Jeanne Lindwall voted against the proposal, citing that it far exceeds the citys zoning code, which it is allowed to do because it complies with the citys Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The fact that it exceeds the height, substantially, is problematic for me, and I dont plan on supporting any project in downtown that exceeds those generous site allowances, Lindwall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would be most comfortable with a building about half this size; thats kind of where I am, she said. Plans call for the proposed development to rent 86, or 20%, of its units at affordable prices, slightly exceeding the citys inclusionary housing ordinances requirements. Doing so enables the developers to receive a property tax cut offered by Cook County. For the first 12 years after the development is complete, the building owner will pay 60% or less of the buildings assessed property tax value. For the 18 years after that, they will pay 80% of the assessed value. After that time period is over, the property tax bill must be paid in its entirety. The developers anticipated use of the tax break has irked First Ward City Councilmember Clare Kelly, who previously called the tax break a multimillion dollar loss to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Darush Mabadi also spoke against the tax credit, despite being in favor of the building itself. I dont have problems with developers making as much money as possible, it doesnt bother me. What bothers me is whos paying for it, and it feels like the Evanston School District will pay for it, because we need more revenue, and because of the way that our affordable housing platform is created, and with the county involved, it makes this type of development very attractive to developers. The citys Planning and Development Commission, made up of six City Councilmembers, is scheduled to vote on the project at its Sep. 29 meeting, according to the citys Community and Employee Engagement Coordinator Jessica Mayo. The commission will need to vote on it before it heads to the City Council, but because the City Council is the determining body, the case will travel to the Council regardless of the commissions recommendation. Shawn Ursini, a senior building database manager with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, supplied Pioneer Press with a table showing the heights of the Chicago areas tallest buildings. It shows the tallest buildings are office towers in Oakbrook Terrace, Itasca, Schaumburg and Evanston (Orrington Plaza). At a proposed 331 feet, 605 Davis would exceed the height of suburban Chicagolands two tallest residential buildings, Sherman Plaza and Optima Towers in Evanston, at 276 and 265 feet, respectively. The city of Evanston deactivated its 19 license plate reading cameras Tuesday, Aug. 26, after a state official said on Aug. 25 that Flock Safety, which operates the cameras, had shared information about vehicles in Evanston with federal immigration agencies. Following mounting concerns that drivers could be under surveillance by federal authorities, Evanston also terminated its contract with Flock Safety effective Sept. 26, and any remaining payments the city owes the company are still to be determined. Until that date, Evanston police will still receive license plate tracking information from other jurisdictions but Evanston will not share its own license plate tracking. The moves amplify a debate that has dogged the many suburbs that have decided to contract with Flock Safety over the past few years: police say the license plate reading cameras can help solve crime by tracking criminal suspects, but critics have raised the alarm that the cameras track everyone including people seeking abortions or gender-assignment medical care, as well as immigrants and they raise privacy concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 25, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that an audit conducted by his office found that U.S. Customs and Border Protection was able to utilize Flock Safety data to monitor drivers in Illinois. Responding to that, a City of Evanston news release said, the findings of the Illinois Secretary of States audit, combined with Flocks admission that it failed to establish distinct permissions and protocols to ensure local compliance while running a pilot program with federal users, are deeply troubling. A Flock spokesperson downplayed concerns about threats to privacy, however, and wrote to Pioneer Press in an email, We believe that Evanstons recent decisions are based on a misunderstanding of the situation. We hope to address their concerns and resume our partnership, which we are proud to say has reduced crime in that community and made it safer. Flock recently put a hold on the companys pilot programs with the Department of Homeland Securitys Customs and Border Protection and its law enforcement arm, Homeland Security Investigations, according to a statement by its founder and CEO, Garrett Langley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Langley said the company initiated pilot programs with CBP and HSI to help combat human trafficking and fentanyl distribution. The company is unaware of any immigration-related searches the federal immigration agencies made, but Langley said parameters were unclear. We clearly communicated poorly. We also didnt create distinct permissions and protocols in the Flock system to ensure local compliance for federal agency users, Langley said. Oak Park also terminated its contract with Flock on Aug. 5, but unlike Oak Park, the Evanston City Council did not vote to do so. Instead, in an email obtained by Pioneer Press though the Freedom of Information Act, Evanston Police Chief Schenita Stewart wrote to City Manager Luke Stowe and Corporation Counsel Alexandra Ruggie that she directed staff to deactivate all of the citys Flock cameras on Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewart wrote, Based on the Secretary of States findings and Flocks own public statement, the Citys Legal Department will review Flocks actions to determine whether they breached their contract with the City of Evanston. The Evanston Police Department recognizes that no program is entirely error-free; however, Flocks actions, as described in their statement, fall outside what we consider acceptable error. Jessica Mayo, the citys Community and Employee Engagement coordinator, said the administrative decision did not require approval by the City Council. Mayo added that the citys code allows the city to terminate a contract in cases where a contract violates local and state law. Also according to the Freedom of Information Act results, Stowe wrote to the citys legal department, communication team, City Council and mayor around midday on Aug. 26, Chief Stewart and I have spoken several times since the release of the ILSOS (Illinois Secretary of State) Flock report yesterday. Chief and I have serious concerns about the ILSOS audit findings. Last night, I asked Corporation Counsel Ruggie to review our agreement and the circumstances to explore the options we may have to terminate it, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the legal vantage point, Ruggie wrote, in a letter dated Aug. 26 to the citys main Flock contact Mike Hutton, Flock unlawfully made data collected within Evanston and the State of Illinois available to federal agencies an act that is in direct breach of the Terms and Conditions of our agreement. This is not a procedural error; it is an intentional and unauthorized disclosure of protected data. Let it be absolutely clear: this breach is material, intentional, and cannot be cured, Ruggie wrote after declaring the citys contract will be terminated next month. The City will not entertain remediation efforts or renegotiation. Flocks actions represent a fundamental violation of public trust and legal obligations, and any further unauthorized activity related to data sharing will be treated as a continuing violation subject to legal consequences. Per the citys five-year contract with Flock, renewed in January 2024, the city pays flock $48,500 annually for the companys services. The Flock spokesperson said Flock cannot comment on ongoing contracts. Mayo said because the situation is an ongoing legal matter, the city cannot further comment on its financial obligation to its contract. Flock disputes that it broke Illinois law, according to a Flock spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flock does not own or control access to customer data. Agencies are in complete control of who can access their system, what sharing permissions (if any) they grant, and under what conditions they share that data. Cities can choose the data sharing relationships that are in compliance with their local laws and policies, and align with their communitys values. We are continuously enhancing those capabilities to ensure they are as easy and seamless as possible for our end users, the spokesperson said in an email. It is important to note that the information audited by the IL SoS (Secretary of State) was generated by our system, through audits that we built deliberately to provide accountability and transparency. Every single search conducted in the Flock LPR (license plate reading) system is preserved permanently in an audit report. This is not a legal requirement for Flock in most jurisdictions, nor is it something that all LPR vendors do. By making auditing the default, we are enabling oversight and accountability. Before the city terminated its contract with Flock Safety, the police department minimized its data sharing on Aug. 18 from most Illinois agencies to only 11 nearby municipalities it shares its police resources with under the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force, according to an email exchange between Stewart and Stowe. Those municipalities include Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette and Winnetka. Evanston Police Sergeant Tom Giese, who manages EPDs license plate reader system, has said the technology makes Evanston safer and has contributed to arrests ranging from hit-and-runs to murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilmette also uses Flock for its automatic license plate reading cameras. Wilmette Village Manager Michael Braiman told Pioneer Press that the village is diligent with its data management to ensure that out of state and federal agencies do not have access to locally collected data. Wilmette chose Flock as a vendor because of their assurances they could align with the villages strict local data sharing restrictions, he said. While this technology continues to be a useful public safety tool, the village will continue to regularly audit access logs to ensure that Flock follows through on their contractual commitments to Wilmette. Skokie also has a contract with Flock, but did not immediately respond to Pioneer Press inquiries on whether it is considering terminating its contract. The Evanston Police Department located a missing person on Tuesday evening, and announced on social media she was taken to a hospital. The department launched its drone Tuesday morning to search for the missing woman along the lakefront, it posted on its X page. Commander Ryan Glew said Tuesday morning the department was using the drone in its search for Northwestern University Professor Nina Kraus, who was reported missing on Monday, Sept. 1. The 72-year-old woman was last seen leaving her home in the 1500 block of Ashland to go for a walk at approximately 9 a.m. that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glew said the department used its drone to search the lakefront around Church Street because Kraus likes to visit that area. We need to search and fly the drone because thats a better tool to search along the lake, along the rocks, along the water and so on and so forth, he said. According to Northwestern, Kraus is a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology. She has authored the book Of Sound Mind: How our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World, which was selected as NPRs Book of the Day. She has also made numerous presentations, appeared on podcasts and contributed to academic articles. Kraus has written extensively on music, concussions, aging, speech, bilingualism, autism, technology and HIV through her work. She received her B.A. from Swarthmore College and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) Officials say the Evansville IN WWII Heritage City Group, composed of the LST 325 Ship Memorial, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science and The Evansville Wartime Museum, have been awarded a $10,000 American WWII Heritage Cities Grant. According to Evansville IN WWII Heritage City Group, the project it plans to do, titled World War II Evansville IN Eighty Years Later: A Look at Wartime Locations, will document online and digitally preserve the stories, locations and contributions of local manufacturers, civic organizations and institutions that supported the war effort. Evansville Noon Rotary Club plans dinner for Top 20 Under 40 Leaders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the initiative will include everything from defense industry plants to USO clubs, Red Cross services, transportation terminals, wartime housing, schools and even neighborhood taverns and theaters that served as gathering spaces for service members. The group says this grant allows it to spotlight Evansvilles wartime legacy. This project will preserve and share these stories easily and accessibly online. Former county finance director sentenced for $125K public fund theft Members with the Evansville IN WWII Heritage City Group say the digital database will be freely accessible to the public and will include historical descriptions, photographs, maps, and, where available, personal accounts. The project, launched this month, will serve educators, researchers, students, heritage tourists, and anyone interested in the citys remarkable contribution to the national war effort. Officials say over the next year, Project Directors Richard Kuhn of the Evansville Wartime Museum, Tom Lonnberg of the Evansville Museum, and Chris Donahue of the LST will work with Savanah Summerfield, a history graduate of the University of Evansville and a graduate student in WWII Studies at Arizona State University, to identify and document the sites from throughout Evansville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). MEMPHIS, Tenn. Police in Oxford, Mississippi say shots were fired and one person taken into custody after a large event at a barbecue restaurant late Saturday night into Sunday. Oxford Police say they responded at 12:30 a.m. Sunday to an event that drew massive crowds at Booths Barbeque and Yard at 2200 South Lamar Boulevard. About 20 officers spent until 3 a.m. clearing the scene. They made 42 traffic stops and discovered 10 weapons, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 12:47 a.m., shots were fired from a handgun, police said. Officers ran into the business and secured it. Teen shot on Beale Street during 901 day celebrations Antwan Terrell Tompkins, 19, of Tupelo, was taken into custody in that shooting and charged with Aggravated Assault. His bond will be set Tuesday. One officer was close enough to witness the shooter still armed, pursue him, and safely take him into custody, said Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen. Prior to the shooting, officers also charged Dezreke Meyel Douglas, 20, of Horn Lake, for carrying a concealed weapon. The event organizers were cited and charged with Noise Violation and Inadequate Security and other charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with photos, videos, or information from the event is asked to contact OPD at 662-232-2400 or CrimeStoppers at 662-234-8477. 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 WREG.com. You're enjoying a holiday under some palm trees and suddenly you get a tsunami warning. It can happen not only in the Pacific but also in the Indian Ocean and around the Mediterranean, where earthquakes can trigger massive, deadly waves. Here's what you need to know about tsunamis and what to do if a warning is issued. Before: Get an overview and know your escape routes If you know the way, you won't have to look for it later. Get an overview of escape routes, evacuation routes and assembly points, advises the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). If in doubt, ask at your hotel. However, such plans are not available in all locations. In high-risk areas, authorities will issue warnings via loudspeaker announcements, sirens, mobile phone messages and/or radio and television. Tsunami warning systems are only truly effective for coastal regions located far from the tsunami's source, where sufficient lead time is available. For local tsunamis, however, warning time is extremely limited - immediate alerts and rapid response are crucial. Notice warning signs: earth shakes, water receding, roaring sea If the earth shakes, first go outside and keep your distance from buildings that could collapse. As soon as the tremor is over, leave dangerous areas. Then the following applies: Some elements of Bryan Kohberger's life take shape from the evidence included in a 699-page booklet recently released by the authorities that helped investigate the murder of four University of Idaho students. Images taken at his residence in Pullman, Washington, and shared by authorities showcase various rooms and details in the apartment, his academic texts, essays and other coursework, as well as two greeting cards addressed to Kohberger for his birthday, which he would have received after killing four University of Idaho students at their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. Kohberger turned 28 on Nov. 21, 2022, just a week after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death. Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without parole in July for the stabbing murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birthday cards appear in a handful of the new images, posted online by Idaho State Police last week as part of an ongoing effort to release records related to the case. One appears to be from Kohberger's parents. A message on the front cover reads: "A son leaves your home but never your heart. He discovers his own happiness, which, in turn, becomes yours." A birthday card that investigators found at Bryan Kohberger's residence. / Credit: Idaho State Police Hearts drawn by hand covered the card's envelope. Images with visible parts of that card's interior were redacted from the investigative document. The document also includes a second birthday card that ostensibly addresses Kohberger as "Bryeeerrnnn!" on one side of its envelope. On the other side of the envelope, the sender wrote, "I didn't lick it, b/c #covid," and drew an arrow pointing toward the seal. Two envelopes addressed to Kohberger, which contained birthday cards. / Credit: Idaho State Police The sender of one card referenced COVID-19 in a message written below the seal of its envelope. / Credit: Idaho State Police Inside the second envelope was a card with an illustration of former President Theodore Roosevelt riding a Tyrannosaurus rex. A quote printed on the card reads: "Speak softly and carry a big stick. Unless you can ride a dinosaur. Then do that instead." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sender annotated the card, writing "your egos" with arrows pointing toward the illustrations of Roosevelt and the dinosaur, and added, "You are a dino + professor. LMAO." Another birthday card found at Kohberger's residence. / Credit: Idaho State Police At the time of the Idaho murders, Kohberger had been pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice and criminology at Washington State University in Pullman, only a short drive over the Washington-Idaho border from Moscow. He was arrested weeks later at his parents' home in Pennsylvania, where he was visiting for the holidays. Kohberger admitted to killing all four Idaho students this summer, entering a formal guilty plea in July as part of a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid the death penalty. The deal required him to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. He received four lifetime prison sentences without the possibility of parole at a subsequent July hearing. Early details on U.S. strike against drug-carrying vessel from Venezuela Former CDC leaders say RFK Jr. is "endangering every American's health" 33,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein documents released by House panel Jane Harman, a former Democratic member of Congress, is sounding the alarm about President Donald Trumps path forward with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After meeting with Putin at a high-stakes summit in Alaska last month, Trump said he would give Moscow a couple of weeks before he would determine whether Putin was serious about negotiating, as he urged the Russian leader to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ill know in two weeks what Im going to do, Trump said, repeating a timeline he has issued to Putin in the past to gauge his willingness to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Trumps new deadline, which has passed, Harman the former president and CEO of the now-closed Woodrow Wilson Center said that Putin never wanted a meeting, but was only playing Trump. Hes played Trump, and the presidents before Trump, brilliantly, and what he wants is Greater Russia, Harman said. Whats ironic about this is he was trained in Saint Petersburg. Peter the Great wanted a relationship with the west. Putin is doing exactly the opposite," she continued. Harman also pointed to how Trump has repeated his aspirations for the Nobel Peace Prize, with many in his administration and supporters saying that he deserves the prestigious award. Harman said, however, that the president is instead pushing Europe away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, wheres the Nobel Peace Prize awarded? In Europe, she added. Trump told the Daily Caller, in an interview published on Saturday, that he believes three-way talks involving Putin, Zelenskyy and himself would still happen. After he met separately with the two world leaders last month, he said he would help organize face-to-face talks between them to start but has since expressed doubt on whether he could arrange a bilateral discussion. We got along. You saw it, weve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually. Thats why I really thought we would have this done. I would have loved to have had it done, Trump said of Putin. A tri would happen. A bi, I dont know about, but a tri will happen, he added to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Ukraine had accepted a U.S. proposal for an immediate ceasefire, but Moscow has raised objections as Putin looks for a peace deal. Trump has since backed a more permanent agreement, though some European leaders have pushed for a temporary truce first. It comes as Putin met on Tuesday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called him an old friend, while the two countries face challenges from the United States. While China has maintained that it is neutral in Russias war with Ukraine, it has continued to trade with Russia, despite Western sanctions. Stories by Rachel Cohen Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. This meeting was arranged by local Jewish congregations, the Jewish National Fund of South Africa, and the Israeli Embassy in South Africa to bring attention to bring the hostages home. Former Gaza hostage Or Levy visited a home for children in the South African capital of Pretoria, where he met with dozens of orphaned children. At the Bramley Childrens Home, Levy met with children who could relate to his young son, who was left without a mother after the October 7 massacre. The meeting was arranged by local Jewish congregations, the Jewish National Fund of South Africa, and the Israeli Embassy there to bring attention to the ongoing struggle to get the hostages back home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South African Jewish community collected 100 teddy bears to distribute to children at the orphanage in memory of Levys late wife, Einav, who was murdered at the Nova festival. Levy was kidnapped from the same festival, with his son orphaned from both parents for 491 days until his fathers release from Hamas captivity in February 2025. This ledLevy to choose to honor his late wifes legacy by arranging activities for children who are without parents. Levy was released alongside Hamas hostages Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi. The three appeared weak, frightened, and frail upon their release. Levy, who is now raising his son as a single parent, drew from his personal experience to share a message with the children he visited. His message? People are defined not by the tragedies they live through, but by the way they respond to them. Or Levy reunites with three year old son after 491 days in Hamas captivity, February 8, 2025. (credit: GPO/Courtesy) Levy was released alongside Hamas hostages Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi. The three appeared weak, frightened, and frail upon their release. 'To act with kindness and humanity and not with hatred' Levy, who is now raising his son as a single parent, drew from his personal experience to share a message with the children he visited. His message? People are defined not by the tragedies they live through, but by the way they respond to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The choice must be to act with kindness and humanity and not with hatred, Levy said. His South Africa visit was part of an initiative between JNF South Africa and the Base Synagogue to provide returned hostages and their families with additional healing opportunities while enjoying what the country has to offer. We have been traveling around South Africa for two weeks. Hugged by the amazing Jewish community of South Africa, we feel very welcome here. We have been surprised by the disconnection between the policies of the South African government and the people of South Africa, who are very supportive of Israel and the hostages, Levy said in a statement. Im telling my story in South Africa so people understand better what is going on after seeing so much inaccurate and misleading information in the media. We feel blessed for this opportunity to visit South Africa. But Im waiting for the moment when all the hostages can visit this beautiful country and put these horrible times behind us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have been traveling around South Africa for two weeks. Hugged by the amazing Jewish community of South Africa, we feel very welcome here. We have been surprised by the disconnection between the policies of the South African government and the people of South Africa, who are very supportive of Israel and the hostages, Levy said in a statement. Im telling my story in South Africa so people understand better what is going on after seeing so much inaccurate and misleading information in the media. We feel blessed for this opportunity to visit South Africa. But Im waiting for the moment when all the hostages can visit this beautiful country and put these horrible times behind us." Upon Levys release from captivity, his family said they looked forward to their first embrace with him when they were reunited. We eagerly await[ed] the moment when little Almog and Or will finally reunite, an embrace weve yearned for with every breath, they said in February on his release day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the midst of these emotions, our thoughts turn to Einav, of blessed memory, Almogs mother, who was murdered on that cursed day. Her loss has left an enormous void in all our hearts. We believe shes watching from above, happy to see Almog finally receiving his fathers embrace. Her memory and her way will always guide us, the family concluded. Danielle Greyman-Kennard contributed to this report. A number of rare species have returned to a nature reserve in England after the group in charge made a change to how it was taking care of the land. According to the BBC, Natural England, which leases Wybunbury Moss near Crewe in Cheshire from the Church Commissioners for England, recorded 169 species at the site, including several rare and endangered species. Rare species included the red-girdled mining bee, the yellowhammer bird, the brown hare, and the soprano pipistrelle bat. Wybunbury Moss is one of just three floating peat bogs created by subsidence, or the shrinking or collapsing of land, in the U.K.. Floating peat bogs are created when a thick layer of peat sits atop a body of water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natural England accomplished this feat by ceasing the use of fertilizer in the fields surrounding the bog, thereby cutting nutrient pollution. The restoration of the land was such a success that Natural England said it "exceeded expectations." Those sentiments were echoed by Zara Gower of the Church Commissioners for England, who touted "remarkable biodiversity improvements" in the area. "The rapid return of rare and threatened species demonstrates the value of this partnership approach to land management," Gower said. Natural England's efforts are part of a larger global movement to restore wilderness and encourage threatened and endangered species to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Thailand, recent appearances of the Asian black bear have ecologists celebrating their efforts. In Brazil, sightings of the golden lion tamarin have bolstered conservationists' push to protect the rainforest. Back in England, a resident of Herefordshire spotted the previously thought to be locally extinct willow tit. Efforts like the one in Wybunbury Moss prove that restoring natural landscapes can go a long way toward bolstering efforts to save species from the brink of extinction. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. By Martin Petty (Reuters) -Protests have flared in parts of Indonesia since August 25 in some of the country's worst violence in decades, presenting the biggest challenge so far to Prabowo Subianto's 10-month-old presidency. WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING? Protests started outside parliament in the capital, Jakarta, initially by groups angered by reports that lawmakers were receiving huge housing allowances on top of base salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters hurled rocks at riot police who responded with tear gas and water cannon. Over the course of a week that grew into wider demonstrations, in at least 32 of Indonesia's 38 provinces according to the home minister, many of which turned violent, with some regional parliaments set ablaze. A flashpoint was the August 28 killing of a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta, who was not part of the protest but was hit by a riot police vehicle, fuelling further rage, arson and destruction and demands for police reform, scenes replicated elsewhere. Some prominent officials have been targeted with social media "doxxing" that reveals the addresses of their homes, leading to looting, most notably Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, after a deep fake video in which she appeared to say teachers were a burden. The home of lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni was looted after he said calls to dissolve parliament over the allowances were being made by the "stupidest people in the world". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prabowo cancelled a trip to China and in a big concession on August 31 announced a scrapping of some perks and privileges for lawmakers and a moratorium on overseas travel, but at the same time vowed a firm response to mob violence. The tally of deaths stands at eight by September 2. With at least 1,200 detained in Jakarta alone and a heavy police and military presence in the streets, some groups opted to keep to the sidelines, but smaller demonstrations were undeterred. WHO IS LEADING THE PROTESTS? It is unclear who, if anyone is driving the protest movement that appears on its surface to have no core. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though initially led by student groups with a long history of government protests, the demonstrations have taken on a life of their own, with some gatherings fuelled by anger over the response by security forces. New York-based Human Rights Watch has said authorities "acted irresponsibly by treating the protests as acts of treason or terrorism". The All Indonesian Students Executives Body, Indonesia's largest grouping of student associations, is staging organised protests, as are other unaffiliated university groups, but yet other groups are capitalising on the momentum with their own gatherings to vent grievances. WHAT'S DRIVING THE ANGER? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trigger was monthly pay for parliamentarians of upwards of 100 million rupiah ($6,150), a huge income in Indonesia, including a substantial housing allowance. That fed frustration about wealth gaps, inequity and the minimum wage in the country of 280 million, and a perception of corruption or flagrant displays of largesse by the political elite. Though Indonesia's economy is not in poor shape, signs of unease have emerged in the provinces over the government's state budget priorities and efforts to re-centralise finances. Last month Prabowo unveiled in parliament a $234 billion budget for 2026 that slashes regional funding by a quarter to $40 billion, the lowest in a decade and a second year of decline. The cuts have forced local authorities to hike land and property taxes to plug the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget proposes a rise of 37% on defence and a near doubling in spending on Prabowo's signature free school meals programme to $20.5 billion. Also stoking anger is the response of police and military and accusations by rights groups of disproportionate use of force, including tear gas and rubber bullets. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PRABOWO? It is a major test for political veteran Prabowo, elected president by a huge margin on his third successive attempt. He has a big majority in parliament and has faced muted opposition, with all but one party in his "big tent" coalition. It has been tough to gauge public sentiment, with few major opinion surveys since Prabowo crossed 100 days of his presidency in January, with an approval rating of about 80%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests have been a startling check on his power. His response could be critical in determining his popularity, how long the protests last and the likelihood of a recurrence in the rest of his term. Indonesia's student-led movements have long been regarded as vanguards of democracy and Prabowo knows well their ability to mobilise. As a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late authoritarian ruler Suharto, whom he served in the military as a special forces commander, Prabowo has first-hand experience of the protests that brought down the strongman in 1998 after 32 years of autocratic rule. (Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) An ordinary deal went wrong Sunday after one man allegedly tried to purchase an iPhone with counterfeit money. On Sunday, Aug. 31, two men who connected via Facebook Marketplace agreed to meet up in the parking lot of Smiths Marketplace in West Jordan. The seller was hoping to sell an iPhone 16 Pro on behalf of his sister. During the meet up, police say the buyer, Irvin Renova-Sandoval, 27, agreed to pay $850 for the phone. The victim told police he was only given $650 in bills labeled, For Motion Picture Purposes Only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to charging documents, when the seller confronted Renova-Sandoval about the counterfeit money, he pulled out a gun and loaded a round into the chamber while saying, Dont tell anyone. Ryan Michael Bate, the man accused of shooting and killing two Tremonton police officers, appears in court Police say he then fled the scene, leading police to begin searching for Renova-Sandoval based on identifying characteristics of a tattoo on his right arm and his blue Chevrolet Tahoe. The following day, officers were later able to track Renova-Sandoval to a home near Hilltop Oak Drive in West Jordan, just blocks away from Oakcrest Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renova-Sandoval was taken into custody at the home where, documents allege, he told officers he had already sold the iPhone to a vendor at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley. On top of an aggravated robbery charge, Renova-Sandoval is also being charged with forgery and failure to respond to an officers signal to stop. He is currently being held without bail in the Salt Lake County Jail. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Is an image of British Union Jack flags crowding the Mall in London during a popular uprising of patriots in late August, 2025, authentic? No, that's not true: The image shared widely across social platforms is an odd digital representation of the Mall, which runs a half mile from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. This image shows the Arc de Triomphe in Paris at the end, rather than London's Admiralty Arch. Many of the flags are warped, as are some of the humans holding them. There are no reports of such a massive demonstration in London in the weeks before this image appeared online. The image appeared in a post (archived here) shared by the @iAnonPatriot account on X on August 31, 2025. The caption above the image read: Rooting for the patriots over in the UK... Take back YOUR country. This is what the image in the post looked like at the time of writing: Source: screenshot of the image in @iAnonPatriot's post on X.com Another X post (archived here) used the fake image as a prediction of an even bigger turnout of protesters at a "Unite the Kingdom" rally on September 13: 13th September there will be 1 million people lining the streets of London supporting @TRobinsonNewEra and UNITE THE KINGDOM. We will make sure that we get all them eyes on $UTK this movement will not stop we will be supporting every step of the way. This is just the beginning. RULE BRITANNIA Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flaws in this digital creation are obvious. First, look in the top middle where the flags converge on a building. Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories A Google reverse image search (archived here) concluded that is the Arc de Triomphe, which is in Paris, France. Just a few of the red flags that say 'hey. I'm not a real photo' Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another X post (archived here) shared what appears to be a realistic image of the Mall filled with real people, real flags, and correct arch Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories -- Photo by Aaron Chown That photo already appeared in New York Times reporting about Queen Elizabeth II's jubilee (archived here) in 2022. Claim: A police body-camera video authentically showed the arrest of 16-year-old Meijer supermarket employee James Denison who lives with autism or other special needs and who faces food insecurity after Joseph Kolacsky, a store manager at the Seven Hills, Ohio, store, documented Denison's repeated theft of discarded food, then reported him to law enforcement. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: The video truly shows a Seven Hills Police Department officer arresting a person named "James" for allegedly consuming food and drinks without paying for them. The arrest occurred at the Seven Hills store on March 7, 2024. However ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's False: ... Users shared this story with inaccurate and unsupported claims. A Meijer incident report, partially visible in the body-camera video, displays James' last name as "Glenboski," not "Denison." The report, which police provided to Snopes, alleges the suspect stole chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings and fountain drinks from the "deli area," hot food area and "grab and go" section with no mention of discarded food, as users claimed. The report also details the timeline from the company discovering the suspect's activity to his arrest as occurring between March 2-7 not a months-long investigation as users alleged including looking back as far as Feb. 19 to document further thefts totaling $110.88. Minutes into the video, the suspect tells the officer he's 19, not 16. Further, Joseph Kolacsky, a man identifying himself to Snopes as the son of a Meijer store director also named Joseph Kolacsky, said his father started working at the Seven Hills location in early August 2025, meaning he would have had no involvement with the arrest occurring more than 18 months before. What's Undetermined: As of this writing, online searches found no credible evidence that would allow independent researchers to confirm the suspect lives with autism or other special needs. We also located no information confirming the suspect faced food insecurity at the time of arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2025, at least tens of millions of online users viewed posts and videos claiming a police body-camera video showed a law enforcement officer arresting a 16-year-old Meijer supermarket employee named James Denison a person who reportedly faces food insecurity and supposedly lives with autism or other special needs at the grocery chain's Seven Hills, Ohio, store, located south of Cleveland. According to users' posts, a purported Meijer manager, Joseph Kolacsky, allegedly reported that Denison whom some users described as "disabled" or "mentally challenged" violated a company theft policy by taking and eating discarded food from the store's trash for a number of weeks or months, including fruit cups, chicken and other items. Users alleged the store's manager, or other officials, watched for months as the suspect repeatedly took food without paying for the items, all in an effort to build a case against him for an eventual arrest. Some users called for a boycott of the U.S. Midwest supermarket chain, including drawing comparisons between the Meijer family's purported $15.9 billion net worth and the significantly lower cumulative cost of the suspect's stolen food. While the in-question video truly showed a Seven Hills Police Department officer arresting an employee named "James" at the Meijer store in Seven Hills, an examination of all available evidence found users promoted numerous inaccurate or unsupported statements about the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Meijer incident report, partially visible in the body-camera video, displays James' last name as "Glenboski," not "Denison." The report, which police provided to Snopes, alleges the suspect stole chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings and fountain drinks from the "deli area," "hot food area" and "grab and go" section with no mention of discarded food, as users claimed. The report also details the timeline from the company discovering the suspect's activity to his arrest as occurring between March 2-7 not a months-long investigation as users alleged including looking back as far as Feb. 19 to document further thefts totaling $110.88. Minutes into the video, the suspect tells the officer he's 19, not 16. As of this writing, online searches found no credible evidence that would allow independent researchers to confirm the suspect lives with autism or other special needs. We also located no information confirming the suspect faced food insecurity at the time of the arrest. Further, a TikTok user claiming to be Kolacsky's son said in an Aug. 20 video that the arrest occurring on March 7, 2024 took place long before his father began working as a store director or manager at the location in early August 2025. "I just hope that this information gets out there and people start realizing that this isn't him," the user said in the clip. "And maybe some of the hateful messages will slow down or stop, and people will realize, you can't believe everything you see on the internet." (Snopes independently confirmed the TikTok user's identity with a driver's license photo as Joseph Kolacsky, meaning he shared the same first name as the man he said is his father.) We contacted Meijer to ask if it could also officially confirm Kolacsky a man facing a fierce wave of online harassment, as was his son had no involvement with the arrest occurring over 18 months ago. We also attempted to reach a man named James Glenboski, and some of his relatives, through phone numbers listed on public-records websites. Searches for social media accounts for the same name found no results. In a statement (archived) Meijer published on its official Facebook page on Aug. 20, the store acknowledged an arrest occurred last year but did not mention any names as is normal with employee privacy standards. The company said it "take[s] this very seriously and recognize that the situation should have been handled differently." The store also added, "Earlier this year, we implemented a new procedure to make sure this doesn't happen again." (Meijer/Facebook) Users also shared screenshots showing a different Meijer statement from a Facebook comment users said the company posted prior to its formal statement. That since-removed comment, no longer appearing under the post pictured in one of the screenshots, read in part, "The video (taken last year) only shows a snippet of the full story, which is understandably leading to a lot of misinformation. The former team member knowingly committed multiple thefts over the course of multiple months, which is why local law enforcement was involved." Users make claims without checking facts In one example of a person sharing the rumor without first verifying the details, on Aug. 21, a manager of comedian Jimmy Dore's YouTube channel The Jimmy Dore Show posted a video (archived) with the title, "SHOCKING Reason Supermarket Had Disabled Teen Employee ARRESTED!" The post, receiving over 153,000 views, featured a description reading in part, "James Denison, a 16-year-old disabled deli worker for the Meijer supermarket chain, was arrested after Meijer management accused him of taking $110 worth of discarded food over several months. Police bodycam footage shows James calmly explaining he had only eaten food that was being thrown away, but the store chose to treat it as theft." ("The Jimmy Dore Show"/YouTube) In Dore's video, he displayed for viewers an X post (archived) receiving over 21 million views. Other popular posts included a TikTok video (archived) with 14 million views and an X post (archived) receiving nearly 9 million views. Additionally, other users shared the name and supposed photo of Joseph Kolacsky as the store manager allegedly responsible for notifying police, despite providing no credible evidence of that being the case. Users shared this rumor on Bluesky, Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived), TikTok (archived) and X (archived). BREAKING - Americans are calling for a boycott of the retailer Meijer after bodycam footage revealed the $15 billion corporation had a 16-year-old disabled deli worker named James arrested for taking just $110 in food over three months to get through his shifts. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Zh7MPP6Fj6 Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio-based WKRC-TV on Local12.com, Michigan-based MLive.com and New York Post all published articles about the arrest with the name "James Denison," as well as the claims about the suspect living with autism. A reporter for MLive.com told us the site sourced the name and autism claim from a since-deleted GoFundMe fundraiser page, then later updated the story. An archived version of the GoFundMe page displayed the suspect's name as "James Danison," as opposed to other users claiming his name as "Denison." On the archived page, the fundraiser's organizer said the person "came across" the arrest video online, and did not provide any information indicating they knew the suspect. We contacted GoFundMe to ask if it could tell us why the fundraiser page disappeared. We also emailed Dore to ask him to provide evidence for the claims, as well as the other two publishers to request information for how they independently confirmed the "Denison" last name and autism claim. We will update this story if we receive details. Examining the video and evidence On March 21, 2025, a manager of the Bodycam Fails YouTube channel posted the full-length, body-camera arrest video with the title, "Teen Arrested For Stealing Lunches At Work." A "police blotter" report from Cleveland.com, published on March 29, 2024, documented the arrest as occurring on March 7. The report did not name the suspect, only identifying him as a resident of Parma, Ohio. The report also did not mention discarded food, only saying the suspect "had taken numerous food and drink items from the deli area to the team member break room, where he consumed the merchandise without paying": On March 7, police were dispatched to Meijer regarding a shoplifting incident at the Broadview Road store. The loss prevention officer said the suspect was a Meijer employee who had taken numerous food and drink items from the deli area to the team member break room, where he consumed the merchandise without paying. The caller said the employee had used the same MO on multiple occasions dating back to February. The value of stolen items was more than $110. The Parma man was arrested for theft. The body-camera video shows a Seven Hills Police Department officer arriving on the scene and walking into a windowless office located near the front of the Meijer store. Near the beginning of the clip, an unidentified man working for Meijer names the suspect only as James. He tells the officer, "He works in our deli department and we found out that he's been taking just, like, orders of chicken and fruit cups and stuff like that off the shelf." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the unidentified Meijer official talks to the officer, the clip shows the officer reading over an incident report displaying the Meijer logo. That report, only partially visible in the video, lists out, line-by-line, items Meijer alleges James stole. The full report, provided to Snopes by the Seven Hills Police Department, says that a Meijer official only learned of James' actions including allegedly not paying for chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings and fountain drinks on March 2. The reporting Meijer official wrote that he then checked the employee's timecard, reviewed security footage from past shifts and found previous thefts as far back as Feb. 19. In other words, the report's text suggested Meijer spent less than one week not months compiling data on James' alleged thefts, despite some users' falsely claiming the company waited months to arrest him. In the video, the officer then confirms the total amount of stolen food from Feb. 19 to March 7 as $110.88, learns the suspect walks to work the job and places him in handcuffs. At no point in the video does the unidentified Meijer official verbally mention to the officer that the food the suspect allegedly stole was discarded or headed for the trash, or items already in the trash. Instead, the report's author documented all of the suspect took the food and drinks from the "deli area," "hot food area" and "grab and go" section. At the 3:43 mark in the body-camera video, the officer asks the suspect about the theft charge while walking to the officer's car. In response, he explains his actions "started off slow," then continued for months. He also said he "meant to pay it back" but his shift breaks didn't afford enough time to both stand in line to pay for and then eat the food: OFFICER: This ever happened before? JAMES: Uh, no. So, yeah, um, I explained to them that, um, the, that it started off slow. It happened a couple of times just because like I forgot my wallet or something, and then I meant to pay it back, and then when I had my wallet like the following day or something, I either just forgot or, um, which I didn't know who to talk to, and then, um ... OFFICER: Like it just kind of spiraled? JAMES: Yeah. A few months, like about a month or two ago, um, my managers, um, called me in the back... Ok. JAMES: ... and complained that I took too long on my breaks. OFFICER: Ok. JAMES: Then, I tried to explain to them that a lot of that time was because I was waiting in line to pay for the food or I was trying to grab something, and they said that if it kept happening, they would write me up. OFFICER: Ok. At the 5:38 mark in the video, the officer asks for the suspect's age. The suspect responds during the arrest in March 2024 that he's 19, not 16 as users claimed. A public record available on Whitepages.com for a man named James Glenboski listed a current age as 21. Other public-records websites also list his place of residence as a mailing address located near the supermarket a detail shedding light on the information from the video, in which he told the officer he walked to the supermarket job. Reddit post from March 2024 On March 9, 2024, a Reddit user posting (archived) on the r/antiwork subreddit described a story that very closely resembled that of the video-recorded arrest from just two days before. That Reddit user did not mention any names or the location of the Meijer store but did say written in the present tense that a "friend who's in high school got fired" for eating discarded food, including fried chicken. The post included some sensitive details, as well. The user's page showed no activity since April 2025. Even so, we contacted the person to ask questions and will update this story if we receive further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For further reading, a previous fact-check article examined a rumor from 2017 claiming sex traffickers drugged and nearly abducted a woman in the bathroom of a Meijer store in Michigan. Sources: Benson, John. "Hungry Meijer Employee Has Sticky Fingers: Seven Hills Police Blotter." Cleveland.com, 29 Mar. 2024, https://www.cleveland.com/community/2024/03/shoplifting-galore-at-meijer-where-even-an-employee-has-sticky-fingers-seven-hills-police-blotter.html. @jt_kolacsky. " Please Don't Be so Quick to Assume. #sevenhills #meijer #misinformationkills #misinformation #fruitcup." TikTok, 20 Aug. 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@jt_kolacsky/video/7540662703451360526. "Meijer Family." Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/profile/meijer/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Teen Arrested For Stealing Lunches At Work - Bodycam Fails." YouTube, Bodycam Fails, 21 Mar. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3Ilw1Lt6_g. Facebook, Meijer, 20 Aug. 2025, https://www.facebook.com/meijer/posts/pfbid0nqgaEqPtTWQ3KtgDirUaMyZzskYj1HNtYn8v72zwKaExFmL3ubfp93CEMqLSbw7Al. Claim: Netflix Co-founder and Chairman Reed Hastings donated $2 million to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting campaign. Rating: Rating: True In late August 2025, social media posts claimed Reed Hastings, the co-founder and chairman of Netflix, had donated $2 million to support California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting campaign aimed at boosting Democrats' prospects in the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move came after Texas lawmakers approved their own redistricting plan that created five new districts favoring Republicans. California's redistricting effort was aimed at offsetting the Texas map with five new Democratic-leaning seats. In a post (archived) shared on Aug. 31, 2025, one Facebook user wrote, "Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and professional wallet for Democrats, just dropped $2 million into Gavin Newsom's redistricting scheme." Similar posts circulated elsewhere on Facebook (archived) and on X (archived here and here), including this one: BREAKING: Reed Hastings, co-founder and chairman of Netflix, has donated $2 MILLION to back Gavin Newsom's redistricting campaign in California. What's your response? Will you STOP watching Netflix ? YES or NO? pic.twitter.com/NGu4oPhw11 Tucker Carlson News (@TuckerCNews) August 30, 2025 Snopes' readers also searched our website to find out whether Hastings actually donated $2 million to support Newsom's redistricting efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim was true. State campaign finance records showed Hastings donated $2 million in late August to support redistricting efforts in California. It is worth noting that this was a donation made by Hastings personally, not by Netflix as a company, as some people on social media suggested. A Form 497 (archived) filed on Aug. 29, 2025, reported a $2 million contribution from Hastings to "The Election Rigging Response Act, Governor Newsom's Ballot Measure Committee." (California Secretary of State) The document is a report that individuals or groups must file when they receive or spend $1,000 or more within 90 days of an election. Proposition 50, the redistricting measure that's part of a campaign Newsom has called the "Election Rigging Response Act," is set to appear on the ballot in California's special election on Nov. 4, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the filing did not include a street address for Hastings, it did list Santa Cruz, California, as his city of residence and the ZIP code 95060. This information aligned with Hastings' contribution records compiled by OpenSecrets, a nonprofit organization that tracks and publishes campaign finance data. Another 2025 campaign finance report (archived) that Snopes found during our search for the Form 497 also listed Hastings' employer as "Netflix.com." News outlets Bloomberg (archived) and Politico (archived) first reported the news of Hastings' $2 million donation to Newsom's redistricting campaign. Snopes asked Hastings via email to confirm his donation and elaborate on the reasons behind it. We'll update this story should we receive a response from him. Hastings has historically been a major political donor to Democratic candidates and causes. For example, in 2024, he donated $7 million to a super PAC supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential election campaign, according to Variety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hastings and his wife also donated as much as $1.5 million to back President Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential race, The New York Times reported. They've also donated to super PACs meant to help House and Senate Democrats, according to the newspaper. Sources: "Governor Newsom Signs 'Election Rigging Response Act' Legislative Package; Gives People Power to Push Back on Trump's Attempts to Shred Democracy | Governor of California." Governor of California, 22 Aug. 2025, www.gov.ca.gov/2025/08/21/governor-newsom-signs-election-rigging-response-act-legislative-package-gives-people-power-to-push-back-on-trumps-attempts-to-shred-democracy/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. "Donor Lookup." OpenSecrets, www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup/results?name=Reed+Hastings. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Carson, Biz. "Netflix's Reed Hastings Gives $2 Million in Newsom's California Map Fight." Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 29 Aug. 2025, www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-29/netflix-s-reed-hastings-gives-2-million-in-newsom-s-california-map-fight. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White, Jeremy B., and Christine Mui. "Netflix Co-Founder Drops $2 Million into Gavin Newsom's Redistricting Campaign." POLITICO, Politico, 29 Aug. 2025, www.politico.com/news/2025/08/29/netflix-ceo-2-million-gavin-newsom-redistricting-campaign-00536569?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Spangler, Todd. "Netflix Reed Hastings Donates $7 Million to Kamala Harris Campaign." Variety, Variety, 25 July 2024, variety.com/2024/biz/news/netflix-reed-hastings-donates-7-million-kamala-harris-campaign-1236085318/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. Schleifer, Theodore. "Netflix Co-Founder Becomes One of the Biggest Democratic Donors to Call for Biden to Step Aside." The New York Times, 3 July 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/us/politics/reed-hastings-netflix-biden-withdraw.html. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a military parade in China on Wednesday to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, marking a rare overseas trip for the reclusive leader. Kim stood side by side with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the parade in Beijing, before holding a bilateral meeting with Putin. Here are details of the North Koreans seen with Kim since he left North Korea by train to visit China this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KIM JU AE Kim brought his teenage daughter with him for her first public outing overseas. North Korea has never revealed her name or age, but South Korean intelligence officials believe she is the daughter identified as Ju Ae by former American basketball player Dennis Rodman. She was photographed standing behind Kim when he arrived in Beijing and her presence will fuel further speculation that she may be Kim's potential successor in the family's dynastic rule of North Korea. KIM YO JONG Kim Yo Jong is the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un. She is vice director of the propaganda and agitation department, and acts as one of the main voices of commentary in overseas messaging, often lashing out at the U.S. and South Korea via state media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021 she became a member of the State Affairs Commission, North Korea's highest political body made up of top politicians assisting Kim Jong Un, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry which handles inter-Korean affairs. She has accompanied Kim Jong Un on multiple foreign visits including summits with U.S. President Donald Trump during Trump's first term, apparently acting in the role of a personal aide. Footage showed her joining Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a car before the leaders' bilateral meeting on Wednesday. CHOE SON HUI Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui is one of the few North Korean women to hold high office. She was appointed in 2022, having previously been the first vice minister of foreign affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choe has been one of the very few officials closely involved in North Korea's diplomacy on weapons development for more than 20 years, dating from the early days of its nuclear programme. Choe was seen during Kim Jong Un's previous high-profile meetings with other world leaders, including summits with Donald Trump during the U.S. president's first term. State media mentioned her by name as one of the officials travelling with Kim. KIM SONG NAM Kim Song Nam is the director of the International Affairs Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, which manages party-to-party ties with China's ruling Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that position, he is Kim Jong Un's lead adviser and point man on China-North Korea relations, said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert with the U.S.-based Stimson Center. He has been an interpreter for all three members of the ruling dynasty, including Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather, in interactions with Chinese leaders, Madden said. A photograph showed him sitting alongside Kim Jong Un and Choe on Kim's train. KIM TOK HUN A secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Tok Hun is a former premier who led economic and internal affairs. In January, he also became chairman of the budget committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, said South Korea's Unification Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is a rare rags-to-riches story in North Korea, having been a factory manager in his early career before rising to the top ruling echelon, analysts have said. Kim was photographed in Beijing when Kim Jong Un arrived. JO YONG WON In 2022, Jo Yong Won became the director of the organisation and guidance department of the ruling party, a powerful body that governs nearly every aspect of life in North Korea. A 2017 U.N. resolution placed him under an international travel ban and asset freeze after a series of missile tests by North Korea. Jo was photographed in Beijing when Kim arrived. HYON SONG WOL Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hyon Song Wol is a Workers' Party of Korea official believed to be a close aide of Kim. A former singer and art troupe leader, Hyon gained international recognition when she led a North Korean art troupe to South Korea during the 2018 Winter Olympics. She oversees Kim's protocol and event-related affairs and accompanied Kim during his 2019 summit with Trump in Vietnam. Hyon appeared in footage of Kim joining Putin in a car before a bilateral meeting. JU CHANG IL Ju Chang Il is the director of the propaganda and agitation department of the Workers' Party of Korea, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His department engages in or is responsible for censorship and since 2024 Ju has faced U.S. sanctions. Ju was seen in a photograph taken when Kim arrived at Beijing. (Reporting by Joyce Lee, Josh Smith and Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies, Clarence Fernandez and Michael Perry) Sep. 2Fairfield police said their investigation into crimes involving patrons of Sabor Peruano continues two weeks after officers performed a "targeted operation" that netted 39 arrests, most of whom were detained by federal immigration officers. Of the 39 arrested, 34 were arrested in the parking lot of Sabor Peruano, a nightclub and restaurant on Dixie Highway. Five others were arrested during traffic stops. According to jail records, all but two were on holds for the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Of those two not held for ICE, one had their case dismissed and the other pleaded guilty to a lesser traffic charge, according to court records. Twenty-six remain in the Butler County Jail on Friday, all on ICE holds and a couple with state charges out of Fairfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was in response to years of problems at Sabor Peruano, police said. In 2021, Fairfield police met with the ownership to discuss the problems and asked them to get their patrons under control. Fairfield Police Chief Steve Maynard said they were causing fighting, driving while intoxicated and causing property damage, among other issues. That meeting apparently did not help as in 2022, there was a stabbing, and in the past year, there were 42 calls for service to the business, which included two non-fatal shootings one in June and July in the past 12 months. All this culminated in what Maynard called a targeted operation on Aug. 16 due to the criminal activity and complaints from neighbors and business owners. Though the operation was viewed by some as an immigration-related operation, Maynard said that was not the case. It was about "sending a clear message to the ownership we are not going to tolerate that type of activity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our focus was on Sabor," the chief said. "This is not about immigration for the Fairfield Police Department. This is about curbing the violence and criminal activity that was taking place at Sabor." The Fairfield Police Department asked the Butler County Sheriff's Office and ICE for their assistance because of difficulties in investigating the two shootings due to the immigration statuses of those involved. He said the majority of people involved were in the country illegally and were difficult to identify. "We had to reach out to (ICE) and request their assistance to identify these people, get a history workup on who they are," Maynard said. "We knew going into this we were going to run into the same type of people that were likely not easily identified and we were going to need their assistance." Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has touted the number of people arrested or detained in the Aug. 16 operation who were in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been saying this for 20 years," said Jones about the country's population of immigrants here illegally. "And I was correct. I keep my ear to the ground. People have had all they want. Most of the country want something done with immigration; it affects us all." The sheriff said his jail was prepared ahead of the Aug. 16 operation for upwards of 100 people to be held in the county jail. "Fairfield had the issue, they got a hold of ICE, they got a hold of us, and it was a team effort," said Jones, adding ICE agents made the arrests, outside of the state charges levied by Fairfield police. June 8 shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 31-year-old immigrant in the country illegally, accused of firing a weapon at a car full of people on June 8, is likely to remain in jail regardless of the bond set on Thursday afternoon. Jose Ciprian Ramirez-Hernandez, of Cincinnati, was directly indicted on six charges of felonious assault on Monday, and arraigned on Thursday. Butler County Common Pleas Judge Daniel Haughey set a cash or surety bond at $250,000. However, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kraig Chadrick said since Ramierz-Hernandez was detained by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, "they have no intention of releasing him until this case is completed." Ramierz-Hernandez retained area attorney Scott Croswell, but during his first appearance in court, attorney Jesse Knowlden stood in for the Cincinnati attorney and entered a not guilty plea to the second-degree felonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairfield police claim Ramierz-Hernandez fired a weapon into a car full of people at Sabor Peruano. Police officers responded to the shooting report and found a male victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. That victim was transported to a local hospital and later released. Knowlden told the judge the action was in self-defense when discussing bond. He also said Ramirez-Hernandez is not a flight risk, having been in the country since he was 12 years old, owning a home and a roofing business, and having a wife with four children. Chadrick said his action discharging a firearm and striking an individual "creates a significant risk to public safety." If Ramierz-Hernandez posts the bond, he's required to have a GPS monitor and have no contact with the alleged victims. He is scheduled to reappear in court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 or a plea or trial setting hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez-Hernandez had been in the Butler County Jail since Aug. 22 detained on an ICE holder. He was not one of those 39 arrested or detained on Aug. 16. What's next Maynard said the investigation will continue, including looking for the person or persons involved in the July 27 shooting, which resulted in a person shot who fled to a Speedway gas station across Dixie Highway. That person was transported to Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital and then transported by medical helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Fairfield police confirmed the shooting that resulted in that person's injury is directly tied to Sabor Peruano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairfield Police Department is pursuing a revocation of Sabor's liquor license. The police chief said they are in communication with the state of Ohio. "We are handling this (investigation) in the same manner that we've handled every other club or bar in the city that we've had violence and problems with," Maynard said. "We've taken a strong stance against these bars where we continually have problems and have had a lot of crime. It's not something we're going to tolerate in the city of Fairfield." The families arranged a display that included a large table with a mock Hostage Return Agreement, a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize certificate, and oversized coins with Trumps face. Families of hostages held in Gaza set up a visual protest outside the United States Embassy branch in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, calling on US President Donald Trump to use American leverage to finalize a deal that would bring the hostages home and end the war. The families arranged a display that included a large table with a mock Hostage Return Agreement, a symbolic Nobel Peace Prize certificate, and oversized coins with Trumps face. The setup was meant to look like a signing ceremony, underscoring what they described as a historic opportunity for the US president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is your moment, said Dalia Cusnir, sister-in-law of hostage Eitan Horn. Imagine if today were the day 48 hostages came home. Imagine if today were the day the war ended. Hamas has already signaled its willingness. What stands in the way now is delay and political maneuvering from our own government. Do not let this opportunity slip away. Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is among the hostages and also holds US citizenship, said Trump has a direct obligation. Mr. President, there are American hostages in Gaza, including my son, he said. You are the only person in the world who can end our suffering. Demand both Israel and Hamas close the deal. The bottleneck for peace and for your vision of the Middle East is the release of the hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. Gil Dickmann, the cousin of hostage Carmel Gat, who was murdered in captivity last year, urged Trump to act quickly. Hostage families stage a mock ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize with US President Donald Trump as recipient, September 2, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV) We warned that invading Rafah could kill her. Bibi did not listen. He said the war would save the hostages. It killed 42 of them. We must end it before it kills more, he said. President Trump, you wrote The Art of the Deal. Today, we are asking you to make the ultimate deal. The deal on the table is your deal. Only you can close it. Hostage families to Trump: 'Make history' Signs at the protest read: Bring them home. End the war. Make history. The families said that about 80% of Israelis support a deal and accused the government of blocking progress, appealing to Trump to pressure both Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement. Corn is beginning to reach maturity in Iowa. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa farmers are gearing up for harvest season, as the latest crop progress and condition report notes 9% of corn acres across the state have reached maturity and farmers have scattered reports of soybeans dropping leaves. The crops continue to develop, with 63% of corn acres across the state now dented and 19% of soybeans coloring, for the reporting period of Aug. 25 through Aug. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corn condition was rated at 84% good to excellent, the same as last week, while soybean condition at 77% good to excellent declined slightly from the week prior. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The report, written by U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service, reported that the oat harvest in Iowa was virtually complete and farmers were nearly complete with their third cutting of alfalfa hay, with just 13% remaining. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said farmers will be busy this month bailing hay, chopping silage and beginning to gear up for harvest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now is also a great time to plan for seeding cover crops and adding other conservation practices to fields after harvest, Naig said in a statement. Naig also noted the cool, dry conditions across the state that led to a gorgeous holiday weekend. According to State Climatologist Justin Glisan, the state average temperature for the reporting period was 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which was more than 6 degrees below normal temperatures for the period. Several areas reported temperatures as low as 40 degrees during the period. While some eastern areas of the state had a couple inches of rain, the state average for the week was less than two-tenths of an inch, while the normal is 0.88 inch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the less-than-an-inch of rain the past several reporting periods, soil moisture conditions remain adequate to surplus. Across the state, topsoil moisture conditions were 78% adequate and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were similar with 79% adequate and 13% surplus. Soil conditions were driest in the southwest and southeast regions of the state. In those regions, around 30% of topsoil moisture was short, according to the report. According to the seven-day precipitation forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the majority of the state is forecast to receive less than half an inch of rain this week. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Earth's overheating is affecting another crop that many of us use in our frozen vegetable rotation. While it's normal for some fruit and vegetable yields to fluctuate depending on the year, a 30% drop in pea production has caused concern for British farmers. What's happening? According to the BBC, British farmers have seen pea crop yields drop by nearly a third in 2025. The National Farmers' Union noted that unusually long exposure to sunshine and dry weather caused the earliest harvest in 14 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Meteorological Office reported that England has had the driest spring in over 100 years, as well as the warmest June on record. Some regions endured three heatwaves in a matter of weeks in June and July, drying out pea farmers' soil. A regional NFU chair in Lincolnshire, Henry Moreton, said, per the BBC, "It's not looking good at the moment. I've never known the viners go out so early. I really haven't." Moreton also mentioned that this summer's heat is likely to cause a shortage unless they get a lot of rainfall before the end of the growing season. An operations manager for Stemgold Peas, who works with 45 farms covering 3,500 acres of land, said that the number of peas has dropped by half, and the pods that do make it have fewer peas in them. Why is a shortage of British peas important? A dramatic change in weather does more than just affect growing conditions. It also affects the quality and the taste of the peas, as heat causes them to be much sweeter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peas are also one of the most affordable vegetables as they are commonly used in canned goods, frozen foods, and baby foods. A shortage of an affordable product can have a profoundly negative impact on marginalized communities. Weather changes have already affected the cost of melons in South Korea, canola oil in Canada, and strawberries in India. When crops don't succeed, it not only affects the livelihoods of farmers and the budgets of consumers, but we also see a reduction in pollinators that regularly flock to the crops, ultimately hurting our delicate ecosystem. What's being done about the shortage of British peas? Farmers are harvesting as fast and efficiently as possible, but it's likely that farmers will have to look into creating different varieties of peas in order to withstand shifting weather behaviors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think going forward we can work on building more robust varieties as part of our breeding program with more drought-tolerant and stress-resistant varieties," Birds Eye senior agriculture fieldsman, Tom Screeton, told the BBC. 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. Terrible things happen to people every day: Wars rage, good people are betrayed, nefarious governments conspire, and innocents are left to make sense of it all. When My Father and Qaddafi filmmaker Jihan K asks her uncle if they will ever know the true details of what happened to her father, the Libyan politician Mansur Rashid Kikhia, he seems bemused, seeing his beloved cousins death as just one droplet in a sea of tragedy. He tells the filmmaker The country itself is collapsing, and young people die like you drink water. But for the filmmaker and her family, answers are needed. Its the not knowing that is so painful. Who kidnapped her father? Under what circumstances? Was he imprisoned, or murdered, or both, and will they ever have a graveside to visit? More from IndieWire Advertisement Advertisement Jihans astonishing documentary is a testament to an astonishing man; its the work of a talented young filmmaker who picked up a camera at an early age in order to speak her missing father back into existence. My Father and Qaddafi charts the story of Libyas past century with a clear-eyed view on one of its most public tragedies: The 1993 abduction of former Libyan ambassador turned opposition leader Mansur Rashid Kikhia from a human rights conference at a Cairo hotel, knowledge of and responsibility for which was denied by both the Egyptian and Libyan authorities. The ambassador left behind his Syrian-American wife Baha Al Omary, and the four children they were raising together, the youngest of whom has made this extraordinary film to contend with what happened to the father she has no memories of and to the beloved country they shared. There can be little to feel optimistic about as the film, in its central acts, kinetically charts the history of Libya and its patterns of resistance: half-remembered genocides, colonization, and a postArab Spring civil war that has seen much of the country lie in ruins. The fates of so many were decided on the 1969 day when a dashing and sadly underestimated 25-year-old Colonel Qaddafi seized power from the monarchy in a matter of hours and promised a new golden era, inspired by Egypts President Nasser. The history of Libya doesnt repeat itself, but it often rhymes, each generation nostalgic for the good old days that preceded them, papering over its brutality. In the present, even the surviving former opposition leaders long for a return to the Qaddafi regime, saying, Now its even worse than with Qaddafi. Then we had one dictator, now we have 1000. But even with his tyranny in recent memory, its still remarkable to see what an undignified end this once pompous and preening man would eventually face: killed by the people he oppressed, dragged through the streets with his bloodied corpse, then stored in a restaurant refrigerator where people would queue and even bring their children to catch a glance and revel in his long-overdue demise. Jihans mother, whose insightfulness and dignity cannot be overstated, offers a measured response: that despite what she and her family have been through, she cannot celebrate death. She is the films most compelling and enchanting voice, and while its hard to comprehend just how her handsome husband she would appreciate me pointing out, as she frequently does, just how handsome he is could risk leaving her a single mother, she insists that his kidnapping transformed her from a normal woman and into a mighty sword. Though it is deeply tragic that this family lost a parent who rose to prominence in his fight for the common man, the one who remained behind is just as formidable. Advertisement Advertisement More than just a portrait of Kikhias fascinating life, his daughters film offers an exquisite depiction of both yearning and the complexity of the grieving process. In each frame, Jihan longs to not just know what happened to her father, but also to know her father at all. Her loving older brother can recall the feelings he had when his father was present, but for her, in place of any memories, she has only photographs, newspaper clippings, and the odd bit of footage (in which hes always impeccably turned out, and often seen reveling in the joys of fatherhood). Jihan peers closer at these images, now sensing in some of them that her father seems preoccupied, as if already aware of the tragic fate that would befall him. She also contends with the knowledge that he knew and accepted the risks of his trip to Cairo, and how it could potentially leave her to grow up fatherless. But as her mother puts it, Death is one, but the ways you die are many, and her father stood up for the lives of Libyans despite the horrors that he was aware could lie ahead. For all of its formal elegance, My Father and Qaddafi is also thrilling. Many answers to questions that at first seem futile to pursue are eventually solved and their answers punctuate the films devastating final act, which hits like a punch in the heart, as the solutions are utterly grotesque, begging the question of whether perhaps not knowing would have been a kindness to these already beleaguered people. But theres a balance here, and the films grief is mercifully punctuated with joy: home video footage of piano practice, of Jihans mother radiant as she recalls a courtship with a (handsome) powerful man who believed in her artistic talent, and of a Thanksgiving where Jihans older siblings joke about being thankful for Americas colonial spirit. In total, Jihans film is both an act of remembrance and resistance writ large. In a world where decency can feel futile, My Father and Qaddafi presents a story that compels you to be decent anyway. We watch a man refusing to accept that his countrymen live their lives in oppression, a woman refusing to let her husbands sacrifice be brushed aside by nefarious forces, and a young filmmaker refusing to let her fathers narrative be controlled by those who didnt love him. Its a truly inspiring work and a credit to Jihan that even with so personal a subject she is able to convey both the micro and macro stakes. Terrible things happen in this film, just as terrible things continue to happen in the places that Mansur Rashid Kikhia held so dear, but we must, as he did, somehow find the strength to resist. Grade: A- My Father and Qaddafi premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. It is seeking U.S. distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Want to stay up to date on IndieWires film reviews and critical thoughts? Subscribe here to our newly launched newsletter, In Review by David Ehrlich, in which our Chief Film Critic and Head Reviews Editor rounds up the best new reviews and streaming picks along with some exclusive musings all only available to subscribers. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect the involved parties ages based on amended information from the police. KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Police are investigating a deadly shooting involving a father and son that happened Monday night in Knox County. According to Kentucky State Police, it happened around 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 1 at a home on Binghamtown Road in Flat Lick off Highway 223. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said its believed 47-year-old Jonathan Hall Jr. walked inside his fathers home, and a verbal altercation ensued. Thats allegedly when 68-year-old John Hall fatally shot his son. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Kentucky State Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community, and John was charged with murder. According to Jacobs, the case will be presented to a grand jury. Hall was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show his arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Father Ted co-creator and vocal anti-trans writer Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow airport on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence via social media posts. Among those posts was one encouraging people to punch trans women in the balls. Linehan arrived in London on a flight from the U.S. specifically from Arizona, according to the writer and was met on the tarmac by multiple police officers. He later wrote an entire Substack post describing the incident, saying he was greeted by five armed officers. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said in a statement to media. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Linehan was later taken to a hospital after police became concerned for his blood pressure following the arrest. According to Linehan himself, he became distressed during the incident. When they began reading me my rights, the red mist descended and I came close to becoming one of those police body-cam videos where you cant believe the perp isnt just doing what hes told, he wrote. Three posts to X sparked the arrest, including one that read: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 20, 2025 In his Substack post, Linehan complained further about trans people, and said that the punch tweet was a serious point made with a joke, meant to call out the height difference between people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bollocks being closer to punch level for a woman defending her rights and certainly not a call to violence, he wrote. Linehan also wrote that there was just one bail condition: he is not to go on Twitter. As of this writing, Linehans last post to the platform was indeed early Monday morning, asking, Can we make #TheoUpton trend? Earlier this year, Linehan pleaded not guilty to charges of harassment and criminal damage against an 18-year-old trans woman. The post Father Ted Co-Creator Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow on Suspicion of Inciting Violence Against Trans People appeared first on TheWrap. LONDON (Reuters) -Graham Linehan, the Irish co-creator of TV comedy show "Father Ted", said on Tuesday he had been arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts about transgender issues on X. Linehan, aged 57 and also known for "The IT Crowd", said five armed police officers had escorted him off a flight from Arizona and told him he was under arrest for three posts. He said in a statement on the Substack website that he had been interviewed by police about each of the posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one, Linehan said: "If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls." While he was being questioned, a check by a nurse showed he had high blood pressure and he was escorted to a hospital, where he was placed under observation, he said. "I looked at the single bail condition: I am not to go on Twitter," he said. "That's it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimes just a legal gag order designed to shut me up while I'm (in) the UK, and a demand I face a further interview in October." Linehan has been a vocal critic of transgender activism on X, formerly known as Twitter, and other platforms. He is due to go on trial later this week on separate charges of harassment and criminal damage involving a transgender activist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London's Metropolitan Police said a man had been arrested on Monday after arriving on an American Airlines flight. "The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence," police said. "This is in relation to posts on X." (Reporting by Paul Sandle, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) (WTAJ) A limited quantity of frozen shrimp distributed by Southwind Foods, LLC of Carson, California, has been recalled. The shrimp were recalled due to possible radionuclide (Cesium-137) contamination. Cs-137 is a man-made radioisotope of cesium, with traces widespread. It can be present in the environment at background levels, with higher levels being found in water or foods grown, raised and produced in areas with environmental contamination. The primary health effect of concern is an elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body. The FDA noted that health effects usually only occur following longer-term, repeated low-dose exposure, such as through consumption of contaminated food or water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati of Indonesia. No illnesses have been reported to date. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen shrimp should not consume the product and should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions should contact the company at 1-323-262-8222 Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Army Sergeant Michael Verardo, who was severely injured in an IED attack in Afghanistan 15 years ago, was honored at a memorial service in Weddington on Tuesday. Verardos service was attended by former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Thom Tillis, and other dignitaries at the Weddington Methodist Church. Verardo, who served in Fort Braggs 82nd Airborne Division, endured 120 surgeries following his injuries before passing away last week at the age of 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sgt Michael Verardos story is one of fearlessness and courage, sacrifice and perseverance, said former Vice President Mike Pence. What struck me most in every sense was that smile, warm and bright, just about lit up the arena. Michael, I will love you forever. Until my last breath, you will live through me and our daughters, Verardos wife, Sarah, said. Verardos wife and his oldest daughter spoke at the memorial service, vowing to uphold his legacy. As Verardos health declined, his wifes commitment to helping injured servicemembers grew through her role as CEO of the Independence Fund, an organization that supports wounded veterans. The Independence Fund provides track chairs to help veterans regain mobility, along with financial, emotional, and physical support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael, you did it. You fought the bad guys. You made our country safer and better. You fought the good fight, you finished the race. You completed the mission. Ive got it from here, Sarah said. (VIDEO: Army veterans family faces loss after lightning destroys S.C. home) The Freedom Mine near Beulah, North Dakota, provides coal to plants operated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) Companies seeking to mine coal on federal land in North Dakota are gaining traction under Trump administration policies, with some environmental groups saying changes to the lease process skirt the law. The Bureau of Land Management is holding a lease sale Wednesday for land at the Freedom Mine north of Beulah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coteau Properties Co. has applied to lease approximately 1,070 acres containing an estimated 18.3 million tons of recoverable federal coal. If approved, the lease would allow continued operations at the Freedom Mine through 2045. Freedom Mine feeds the Antelope Valley Station power plant and Great Plains Synfuels Plant that are nearby and the Leland Olds Station power plant near Stanton. All are owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Basin Electric Power Cooperative operates Antelope Valley Station, a power plant near the Freedom Mine coal mine. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) North American Coal is pursuing a lease to mine 800 acres of federal land at the Falkirk Mine near Underwood in central North Dakota. The mine feeds the nearby Coal Creek Station power plant. A lease sale is set for Sept. 10. A coalition of environmental groups, including North Dakota-based Dakota Research Council, has filed comments opposing Falkirk leases with the Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surfacing Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement agencies that fall under the Department of the Interior. Fort Berthold POWER (Protectors of Water and Earth Rights) also was included in comments on the Freedom Mine lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group Earthjustice took the lead on both comment submissions, saying newly implemented leasing procedures by the Department of the Interior are relying on a Trump administrations energy emergency proclamation that environmental groups argue cut corners in the environmental assessment process. President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 declared an energy emergency. It says the United States inadequate energy supply and infrastructure causes and makes worse the high energy prices that devastate Americans. Scott Skokos, executive director of the Dakota Resource Council, said with stable electric and home heating prices, there is no energy emergency. The whole justification for this doesnt make any sense, Skokos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Straley is manager of government and public affairs at North American Coal, which owns the Falkirk Mine and Coteau Properties Co. He said the company is trying to fill its obligation to the Coal Creek power plant as efficiently as possible. The company first applied for the Falkirk lease in 2019. North American Coal revised its request in 2020 and 2021. Those requests were neither denied nor granted. The 800 acres is projected to produce 11 million tons of coal over 15 years. North American Coal believes that these natural resources are for the betterment of the United States, for the betterment of our economy, and they help strengthen our electrical grid and our national security, Straley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the energy emergency, Trump in April issued an executive order about revitalizing the coal industry, including removing impediments to mining coal on federal land. Also this spring, Interior announced it would allow alternative arrangements for NEPA compliance, referring to the National Environmental Policy Act. It cited the energy emergency as allowing an expedited process. On June 20, the Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surfacing Mining announced a public comment period on the environmental assessment for the Falkirk Mine. The agencies accepted comments from June 23 to July 7. There was a public hearing in Underwood on July 7, but no members of the public attended. A hill is cut away for mining coal at the Freedom Mine near Beulah, North Dakota, shown on Sept. 4, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) An April 24 hearing on the Freedom Mine in Beulah also had no members of the public in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One objection from the environmental coalition is that the Department of the Interiors alternative process does not allow adequate time for a properly researched environmental assessment or for the public to comment on the assessment. In the past, the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surface Mining would notify people of a public comment period and try to encourage public involvement, but thats clearly not what happened here, Shiloh Hernandez, an Earthjustice attorney said. Skokos said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, is putting his finger on the scales for fossil fuels. Skokos predicted Trumps energy emergency will be challenged in court, though it may not be challenged through these leases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing is illegal until a judge rules on it, Skokos said. Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy said in a news release that the Freedom Mine lease sale reflects the Trump administrations commitment to expanding domestic energy production. The proposed lease will help maintain operations at one of the nations most productive lignite coal mines, supporting local jobs and reinforcing Americas energy security, Groffy said in the release. Straley said without the ability to mine the federal land, the company would would literally go around that land and it would be difficult to return to it. You kind of get one bite at the apple, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emergency coal lease application for Freedom Mine says if the coal deposits are not leased, they may be bypassed. If leased, at least some of the coal would be mined within three years. Other Earthjustice objections to the mines include pollution from the power plants. The comments note that Coal Creek Station is designated by the Environmental Defense Fund as the largest mercury emitting coal plant in the country. Earthjustice said that if the agencies regard emissions from the coal plants as an indirect effect of the mining, the emissions must still be included in an analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Environmental Protection Agency had tightened mercury emissions rules under the Biden administration, which North Dakota regulators had called a death sentence for the states coal industry. The Trump administration has been rolling back environmental regulations. I would say the (mercury) rules on life support right now, and theyre not currently applying it to the Coal Creek Station or any coal plant in North Dakota, Hernandez said. Jessica Bell, vice president of external affairs for Rainbow Energy, which operates Coal Creek Station, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Basin Electric Power Cooperative said in a statement that the cooperative and its subsidiaries have invested more than $2 billion in environmental control technologies. Since the cooperative began monitoring mercury in 2015, it has reduced mercury emissions intensity by nearly 80%, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakotas Lignite Energy Council deferred comment on the mining applications to the mining companies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After Trumps executive order on coal, the group praised the move as did North Dakotas congressional delegation. President Trumps leadership sends a clear message: America is done apologizing for using its natural resources, Jonathan Fortner, interim president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council said in a news release. Coal is not just an energy source its a strategic asset. The industry group says North Dakota has an 800-year supply of lignite coal, and a proud track record of environmental stewardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group says North Dakota has never violated federal ambient air quality standards. We mine responsibly, reclaim the land after mining, and provide the most affordable, reliable power in the nation, Fortner said in the release. North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach can be reached at jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Trump administration restarted a federal grant that could provide Indiana $100 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, but new guidance walks back language meant to help rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the new instructions for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program that was put on hold when President Trump cut off federal grants in February. Removing the language about certain communities is meant to create efficiency, but an Indiana group says it will leave some neighborhoods behind. Indianas portion of the NEVI program, dubbed Charging the Crossroads, has been on pause since Feb. 6, according to a message on the programs website. Indiana Department of Transportation spokeswoman Natalie Garrett said the department does not have any updates following Duffys announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NEVI program was launched under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to allow states to build out electric vehicle charging stations in an interconnected network. Part of the original plan under the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration was to assist underserved communities as well as promote opportunities for minority- and women-owned small businesses. Duffy and the FHWA have removed those requirements. While I dont agree with subsidizing green energy, we will respect Congress' will and make sure this program uses federal resources efficiently, Duffy said in a statement announcing the return of the NEVI program. Denise Abdul-Rahman, part of the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities, said the Trump administration is essentially stripping out several of Bidens requirements and no longer mandating the program to provide direct benefits to any disadvantaged communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alliance has been trying to ensure INDOT has the best understanding when it comes to building out this technology in Black and disadvantaged communities. And even though its no longer required, officials hope the state agency continues to keep a seat at the table for those Hoosiers. Hopefully they will continue a path of reasonableness thats in the public interest, Abdul-Rahman said. INDOT had been working on the Charging the Crossroads program since 2022 and already developed plans that aligned with the federal Justice40 initiative, which directs 40% of overall federal investments in clean energy to flow into disadvantaged communities already overburdened with pollution. A robust electric vehicle infrastructure would help communities reduce harmful emissions, and the Indiana alliance wants to see those benefits equitably distributed. The Rev. David Greene, senior pastor at Purpose of Life Ministries in Indianapolis, said Duffys newest guidance will lead to less implementation, fewer jobs and less access to charging stations for minority and poor communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with the least resources," Greene said, "will get left out. Greene also works with the alliance and helped write the Indiana Neighbor-Hood Electric Vehicle Charging Green Book. He said omitting the Justice40 and disadvantaged communities language from NEVI will deny groups of Hoosiers access to clean energy and clean transportation. Its going to be very similar to things that happened when they built interstates down the middle of Black neighborhoods, Greene said. Black people get left out and left behind once again. The exclusion of the original guidance will not just affect Indianapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorden Giger, also part of the Alliance, lives in South Bend and said disadvantaged communities there will now have less of a standing to hold INDOT accountable. Groups will continue to monitor what the department is doing, he said, like looking at who INDOT is contracting with for building out the infrastructure. INDOT in July requested a waiver from the federal requirement to consider race and gender conscious components of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which is a USDOT initiative to assist the formation and growth of small businesses. Giger said he encourages Hoosiers to submit their comments on this. We dont want a situation where communities that have been resourced for generations, that are whiter and wealthier, have clean air and less polluted conditions while economically disadvantaged communities still drive motor vehicles and their air quality is worse than other communities that are well off, Giger said. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social or X @karlstartswithk. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's $100M EV program restarts, but may leave some Hoosiers behind George Rubin first visited the Coffee Shop in 2018. Hed been homeless for what felt like 10 years, he said, traveling around after a construction accident, losing track of his family. Then one day, he was in Lykes Gaslight Square Park when he met a woman passing out coffee. She offered him a ride. The Coffee Shop colloquially shortened to just The Shop was operated by Gracepoint Wellness for nearly 40 years. The drop-in center worked as a touchpoint for those experiencing homelessness across Tampa. Patrons could receive mail, do laundry and shower, while also taking advantage of resources like the internet and case managers who signed them up for health insurance and other benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubin, 59, started visiting regularly first for the coffee, and then for the showers, laundry machines and the counselors. Staff helped him get a phone and a P.O. Box. They helped him find his siblings. Even after he secured housing about six years ago, he kept using the mailroom at The Shop. It gave me a backbone of support, Rubin said. Any time I could get a chance to go down there, I would go there. But The Shops future now hangs in the balance. After losing federal funding, the center closed in July. Today, the sprawling 8,400 square-foot space sits mostly empty except the chairs piled in an office and a few aspirational phrases still pasted on the walls. Have hope. Be strong. In an effort to take over the buildings lease and reopen the place, another Tampa nonprofit is racing to raise $180,000 for a year of operations. The rushed campaign comes amidst a host of cuts to social welfare programs and federal grants, as well as local and state ordinances that ban public sleeping and panhandling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofits across Tampa Bay and the U.S. are grappling with changes to their services as efforts to reduce government spending impact their bottom lines. Among them, the Department of Health and Human Services announced major restructuring in the spring that included absorption of the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration, the agency focused on behavioral health treatment. The change came with about $1 billion in proposed budget cuts, slashing of staff, and billions of dollars of COVID-era grants for mental health and addiction services revoked. Im trusting that theres enough people angry about the federal funding cuts and the landscape and the way the state is treating our homeless, said Jon Dengler, founder and CEO of WellBuilt Cities,the nonprofit trying to reopen The Shop. We need to take responsibility for the conditions of our city and the needs of our neighbors. Before its closure, The Coffee Shop served roughly 50 people every day, said Susan Morgan, Gracepoints chief development and communications officer, and the woman Rubin met in the park that day. Its more than showers, its more than laundry, Morgan said. Its rebuilding lives. Its building a community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the last four or five months, it became clear the costs of running the Coffee Shop around $300,000 a year wouldnt be feasible with no new funds to replace whats expiring. Meanwhile, Gracepoint merged with Cove Behavioral Health, another Tampa Bay nonprofit that also operates a shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness. It just made sense, Morgan said, to relocate some of the Coffee Shops staff. But Morgan started contacting churches and other community partners to see if it was possible to transfer ownership to another operator. This is the only one of its kind in the state of Florida that was truly a one-stop shop, Morgan said. Thats why its such a loss for the community. April McCullohs, outreach director at Grace Family Church said shes connected people with the Coffee Shop for years at the churchs weekly meal giveaways and food distribution services. When people asked where they could do laundry or take a shower, church staff would provide them with free bus passes so they could get to Seminole Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was just a huge relief for me, to kind of have this as a resource to where I could send people, McCullohs said. Were a church, so we couldnt do everything. We could send them somewhere to take the next step. After she learned of the closing, she and leaders from other churches and other community activists met at Oxford Exchange to brainstorm how they might keep the place running. At least five churches of different denominations and other nonprofits started pooling resources. WellBuilt Cities was tapped to lead the effort. Established in 2014, the nonprofit runs social enterprises that bring in revenue while seeking to address different community needs like its retail bike shop, which invests profits into providing bikes and repairs for those who cant pay. The plan is to collaborate with volunteers from churches like McCullohs to help manage the space and keep services moving. It wont be inexpensive. Between rent, utilities and liability insurance, maintaining the building alone would be around $10,000 a month. And then there are the other costs refurbishing the space, hiring a director and support staff, stocking up on cleaning products, shampoo, detergent and other supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dengler plans to refurnish the buildings large, main room with vinyl couches and tables for people to have coffee, watch TV or play cards. Through a short hallway is the mailroom, and much of the rest of the building is made up of individual offices. Dengler hopes to rent the spaces to other nonprofits or providers of homeless services, use them for pop-up clinics and provide case management, as Gracepoint did. The $180,000 goal represents the bare minimum of their annual funding need, Dengler said, allowing them to open up at least a few days a week. Through the month of August, the group raised about $60,000. He said theyll need at least $90,000 as soon as possible in order to get board approval and take over the buildings lease. Because of the speed of the campaign, theyre relying mostly on grassroots connections with churches and community donors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Dengler considers his organization nimble and adaptive, taking over The Shop is a huge responsibility and an expense that was not planned. But it was the existential reality that this was a need in the community, he said. We cant count on the government to take care of all these things, anyway. We have to take care of ourselves, Dengler said. We want to but we need gas for the tank. The Trump administration's use of federal troops in Los Angeles to conduct law enforcement operations is unlawful, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer issued an order prohibiting troops from engaging in security patrols, riot control, arrests, searches and crowd control. The order does not take effect until Sept. 12 to allow the Trump administration to appeal. MORE: 54 shot over weekend in Chicago as governor rejects Trump's threat to send in National Guard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer said the use of federal troops effectively created a "national police force with the president as its chief" and violated the Posse Comitatus Act. "The evidence at trial established that Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act," Breyer wrote. The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act limits the military from being involved in civilian law enforcement unless Congress approves it or under circumstances "expressly authorized by the Constitution." One exception is the Insurrection Act, a 218-year-old law signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Mike Blake/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: Members of the California National Guard are deployed outside a complex of federal buildings in Santa Ana, Calif., June, 18, 2025. The Insurrection Act states, in part: "Whenever there is an insurrection in any State against its government, the President may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into Federal service such of the militia of the other States, in the number requested by that State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another provision states it can be used "whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings." The ruling on Tuesday sets the stage for a high-profile appeal, as the Trump administration ramps up the use of the federal troops in other U.S. cities, including threats to do so in Chicago. MORE: Noem says nothing's off the table regarding more National Guard deployments Breyer issued his decision after holding a three-day trial last month featuring testimony from military leadership about the ongoing operations in the Los Angeles area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said the "record is replete with evidence" that troops were used to execute domestic law enforcement, including a raid of a cannabis farm, traffic stops in Long Beach and an immigration-related sweep of a public park. While troops were provided training materials on activities barred by the Posse Comitatus Act, Breyer said orders from military leadership contradicted those guidelines. According to evidence presented at trial, troops were initially instructed that they could not engage in security patrols or crowd control, but military leadership "all the way from the top" of the Department of Defense told troops that a so-called "constitutional exception" applied to those law enforcement activities. "These actions demonstrate that Defendants knew that they were ordering troops to execute domestic law beyond their usual authority. Whether they believed that some constitutional or other exception applied does not matter; 'ignorance of the law is no excuse,'" he wrote. David Pashaee/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: California National Guard members stand in formation during the protest in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2025. More broadly, Breyer faulted the Trump administration for applying an interpretation of the Posse Comitatus Act that allows the president to use troops to enforce any federal law, rather than strictly to suppress a rebellion or invasion. Breyer noted such an interpretation of the Posse Comitatus Act "nullifies the Act itself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Breyer's order does not require the Trump administration to withdraw troops from Los Angeles. Instead, the order sets guidelines for the activities in which the troops can participate. With the Trump administration threatening to deploy the National Guard to other cities, Breyer said his order was necessary to prevent the creation of a "national police force with the President as its chief." "President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have stated their intention to call National Guard troops into federal service in other cities across the country -- including Oakland and San Francisco, here in the Northern District of California -- thus creating a national police force with the President as its chief," he wrote. In June, Breyer also ruled President Donald Trump lacked the authority under the Insurrection Act to federalize the National Guard, concluding that the immigration protests in the city failed to meet the criteria of a "rebellion." ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two felons were arrested for their alleged connection to a shooting in Southeast Portland that left one man seriously wounded. Jeroshea M. Wilson and Sir James A. Williams were booked into the Multnomah County Jail two days after the August 22 shooting near SE 148th and Stark, police said in a release. 26-year-old man facing charges in deadly Milwaukie crash The shooting happened around 2:45 p.m. that day and the victim, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation continued, the suspects car was spotted in a parking lot near 16000 East Burnside. Officers took Wilson and Williams into custody without incident, officials said. Wilson, 27, was booked for attempted murder, assault, unlawful use of a gun, reckless endangering and two gun charges. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts Williams, 37, was booked on three separate gun charges: unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The case remains open and under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Portland police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) FEMA approved nearly $178 million in federal disaster recovery funds to support Florida in August. According to a news release, this brings the total approved since Jan. 20 to more than $804 million. In our area, FEMA is giving $5.7 million to help Panama City with disaster debris removal operations. Additionally, FEMA approved $17.3 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for its non-congregate sheltering program for Hurricane Helene survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OSCO searching for missing Ft. Walton Beach 13-year-old girl The state said its leading recovery efforts from multiple federally declared disasters, most recently Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some of the other funding will help cover items like road repairs, critical infrastructure restoration, debris removal, and other emergency actions taken to protect life and property following major disasters. FEMA said it is reimbursing these costs at no less than a 75% federal share through its Public Assistance Program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Fewer international tourists are traveling to the U.S., and the trend is not expected to change anytime soon amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to experts. In the first seven months of the year, the number of overseas visitors, which excludes travelers from Mexico and Canada, declined by more than 3 million, or 1.6 percent, compared to the same period a year before, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. Canadian data also showed a dip in tourists this summer. More Americans drove into Canada in June and July than Canadians driving into the U.S., a first in nearly two decades except for two months during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Canadas national statistical agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts and some local officials say this dip in international tourism has to do with President Donald Trumps return to office. Fewer international tourists are traveling to the U.S., and the trend is not expected to change anytime soon amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to experts (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images) They pointed to the Trump administrations sweeping global tariffs, immigration crackdown and repeated threats about the U.S. acquiring Canada and Greenland as alienating international travelers. "To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening, said Patrick Kaler, CEO of the tourism organization Visit Buffalo Niagara. The World Travel & Tourism Council projected ahead of Memorial Day the U.S. would be the only country among the 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending would fall in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worlds biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, Julia Simpson, the councils president and CEO, said. "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the closed sign. Travel research firm Tourism Economics predicted this month that the U.S. would see 8.2 percent fewer international arrivals in 2025. The firm noted airline bookings indicate the sharp inbound travel slowdown of May, June and July would likely persist in the months ahead. Deborah Friedland, managing director at the financial services firm Eisner Advisory Group, said the U.S. travel industry has faced geopolitical tensions as well as political uncertainty and rising travel costs. In the first seven months of the year, the number of overseas visitors declined by more than 3 million, compared to the same period a year before, according to U.S. government data (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images) Since returning to the White House, Trump has doubled down on some of the hard-line policies that defined his first term, reviving a travel ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries, tightening rules around visa approvals and ramping up mass immigration raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the push for tariffs on foreign goods that quickly became a defining feature of his second term gave some citizens elsewhere a sense they were unwanted. Perception is reality, Friedland said. But there are travelers from some countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Japan, who have visited the U.S. in greater numbers. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Some of Bakersfields working force celebrated Labor Day on Monday, while actively fighting for better union rights. Americas first Labor Day was held in September 1895, thanks to a movement started by labor and union activists across the country. Labor unions might be celebrating the day off, but they say there is plenty of room for improvement, even after 130 years. Judge says labor unions lawsuit over DOGE access to Labor Department systems can move forward Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well were laborers and its Labor Day Weekend, said Lorenzo Hernandez, with Liuna Local 220. So, we are out here with all of these other trades. Were here to unionize. Were here to get together and were here to come together, said Maria Chavez, with Liuna Local 220. SEIU Local 521 hosted the picnic called Families First not Billionaires, on Monday. The event brought members from more than a dozen unions across Kern County to enjoy music, food and to tell their message of being stronger together. Ana Rodriquez, who is part of the laundry workers union, is distraught by the lack of support for workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There needs to be a lot of improvement, said Rodriquez, with the Workers United Western States Regional Board. People dont feel safe on the streets. Workers dont feel safe working in their companies. As a part of the working class now is our time, said Maria Nirva. Its time for us to stand up and not take it from nobodywe are not going backwards here. Many union workers at the event felt unsupported by government officials, including Congressman David Valadao. Armando Quintero believes leaders, like Valadao, arent doing enough to support union workers. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now 17 News Alerts You need to go back to Washington and fight for us, said Quintero. As our representative, you need to be fighting for us. Stand up to your boss. In a recent Gallup poll, more than 2/3 of Americans cite support of labor unions. This is some of the highest support for unions since the 1950s and 60s. The poll also explored whether union memberships had increased along with its growing support. Nearly 1,100 respondents, only about 15% lived in a household with at least one union member. That number has remained consistent over the past 25 years. SEIU member, Ana Palacio, is encouraged by the high number of union support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a lot more information out there about what we do for our workers and employees, Im not surprised by those numbers at all, said Palacio, with SEIU Local 521. While many feel that the fight needs to continue, people like Hernandez want to take today as a reminder to celebrate the work that laborers do. Today is a day we celebrate our neighbors, if you see anyone who does labor, shake their hand. We help make America better, said Hernandez. Monday may be an extra day of rest, but there sure is plenty of work for union workers ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Making bomb threats. Possessing a gun on campus. Fighting other students. Those were some of the hundreds of charges officers with the Clark County School District Police Department filed against juveniles in the 2024-2025 school year, according to data 8 News Now obtained. Las Vegas student found with gun on elementary school campus The Clark County School District released the numbers after a public records request, showing that 377 juveniles were arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A student at Mojave High School was charged on March 14 with using a stun gun for a purpose other than self-defense. A student at Mojave High School was charged on March 14 with using a stun gun for a purpose other than self-defense. (KLAS) In February, a student at Walter Johnson Junior High School and a student at Dell H. Robison Middle School were taken into custody for making false bomb threats. CCSD police have seized guns, ammunition, and drugs The report 8 News Now obtained also showed children were arrested for possessing drugs and guns, burglarizing businesses, and arson. Communication is critical in making sure that our students, our families, everyone in the community is safe, CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clark County School District has seen a decline over the past three academic years in the number of guns police have confiscated. Yet, students still manage to sneak in firearms on campus. If you see something, even just in a conversation between two students, that would affect our schools. That you call Safe Voice, that you call the school, speak with a principal. Speak with a front office, Ebert said. The same data the district sent to 8 News Now showed CCSDPD issued citations to 3006 juveniles during the 2024-2025 school year, which included students who attended private and charter schools. Since the school year began Aug. 11, CCSDPD has confiscated three guns. Two were located outside of CCSD campuses, but one was found at Bruner Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Georgia was the place to make movies a few years ago, but the productions are moving overseas. The Wall Street Journal reported that big names like Marvel Studios are packing up and moving their projects to places like Europe, where labor costs are lower. According to the Savannah Regional Film Commission, 2022 was a great year for the industry with 16 feature films set in the area. That number down to eight films in 2024 and three so far in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Georgia does have beautiful locations and some tax incentives, experts like casting director Bill Marinella believe producers are moving projects where the money is. I think health has probably been a big motivating factor, Marinella said. You figure youve got various ages from like 18 years to maybe 65 or 70 all those health care premiums that they pay into. They go across seas to Europe; they dont have those health care premiums. That all adds up. Marinella has been in the business for about 30 years, and he said hes seen it change drastically. Hes finding himself traveling more and more for work to follow the tax credit circus as he called it. I really have to hustle to find work. The tax credits make it easier for us to find work, but you have to uproot and leave. Its really been unnerving, Marinella said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things could be looking up here in Georgia with the recently reinstated postproduction tax credit, effective Jan. 1. This would give editing, visual effects, and sound companies incentives in the Peach State. I hope that we can figure out a way to get the work back here. I fear that it may be gone for quite a while, but Hollywood will always rebound wherever the money is, Marinella 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 WSAV-TV. HONOLULU (KHON2) From Maui to Oahu, the tributes for Officer Suzanne O have been heartfelt and powerful. A hui hou e Officer Suzanne O At Valley of the Temples today, a celebration of life for Officer O, where she is being laid to rest. Photos provided by family friends show her remembered with the warmth and aloha she gave others. Officer Suzanne O was the finest of us. Thats not an understatement. Thats a fact. Everybody that knew her loved her. She made the community a better place, said Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Suzanne O served the Maui police for five years, remembered not just as a devoted officer but as a mentor, volunteer and loyal friend. Her death, the night of Aug. 15th, in a late-night shooting in Paia, shook the islands and brought law enforcement together in grief and solidarity. Check out more news from around Hawaii They do it because its their job, and they put their lives on the line every single day, and thats what Officer O did she did it knowing that, you know she could lose her life, but she did it willingly, and for that, we should honor her, and were here to honor her, said Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic. The unity has been evident from the start. Officers from all branches of all counties, including other states, attended Fridays memorial on Maui. Governor Josh Green ordered flags to fly at half-staff statewide in her honor. Law enforcement agencies from across the state sent representatives to todays Oahu service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While images from Maui gave the public a glimpse of her honors, todays Oahu ceremony remained private at the familys request. What was clear, leaders say, was the depth of love and respect that filled the day- what the family will need going forward. They have a trial in five months. They have a memorial in DC. A few months after that, they have a memorial at the state, and they have a memorial in Maui. And every year therell be a reminder of this. And her loved ones, and this department, and this community will never have that void filled, said Chief Pelletier. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You While her family and colleagues face a long road ahead, police say the counseling, peer support and outpouring of aloha from the community are helping them through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Finland and Poland are considering restoring peat wetlands along their Russian borders, a defense against possible invasion which has the added benefit of being a carbon sink. Eastern European states have bolstered security since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Finland building a wall and Poland adding minefields. But peat bogs can do the same job: In 2022, Ukraine blew up a dam to flood a marsh plain, rendering it impassable to Russian armor. Most such bogs have been drained for cropland, and several European governments are wondering whether to revive them, Politico reported. Peat bogs cover just 3% of the planet but hold a third of its carbon, and are conveniently concentrated around NATOs borders with Russia and Belarus. Former Moss Point Police K-9 Officer Craig Chandler is facing a new misdemeanor charge of domestic violence. The charge is based on the same allegations from his previous arrest for domestic violence, for which his conviction was subsequently dismissed and expunged from his record. City officials fired Chandler on August 11 after they found out about the case and video footage of the alleged incident surfaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandlers attorney, Tyler Cox, said his client plans to appeal his termination as well as the suspension of his law enforcement certification by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Chandlers firing came in the aftermath of the citys 5-2 vote to suspend Police Chief Brandon Ashley for five days without pay for failing to report the incident to city officials. Leontyne Daily, sister of the shooting victim Fabian Dailey, hugs Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley after a press conference announcing four arrests in the killing on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. Ashley has since returned to work, but did not return calls from the Sun Herald to find out if he planned to appeal the suspension as well. In the new complaint, Chandlers estranged wife, Amber Chandler, again accuses the former officer of kicking her, yelling and cussing, in an alleged Dec. 23, 2024, domestic violence assault at the home they shared at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the affidavit said, Craig went to the closet and grabbed his gun. He held the gun up and told Amber (Chandler) he was going to put a bullet in the dog. As a result of the alleged assault, Amber Chandler said she had injuries. She also accused the officer of punching several holes in a wall in a closet at the home. In the original complaint filed with the Jackson County Sheriffs Department, Amber Chandler said the assault happened after the pair got into an argument. Initially, she told authorities that she didnt want to pursue charges. A month later, she changed her mind. Moss Point Mayor Billy Knight, left, is pictured here with Police K-9 Officer Craig Chandler, and Police Chief Brandon Ashley Since the new charge has been filed, three Jackson County Justice Court judges have recused themselves from hearing the case. Justice Court Judge Jason Thornton is now set to preside over the trial in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Cox said, I look forward to trying the case and proving my clients innocence. The Sun Herald reached out to Amber Chandlers attorney, Charles Bordis, for comment, but did not hear back. Since Chandlers firing, his attorney has also asked a judge to find Amber Chandler in contempt in the divorce case for allegedly sharing video footage of the alleged assault on her TikTok account. However, she deleted the post about two hours later. In addition, Cox said he believes Chandler shared the same video with someone on social media who shared the footage on social media just prior to the officers firing. Craig Chandlers attorney is asking a Chancery Court judge to find his estranged wife in contempt of court for sharing a video of an alleged domestic violence incident on her TikTok account. The full video was later shared with someone on social media, bringing it to the attention of others. Amber Chandler filed court papers accusing Craig Chandler of contempt for not adhering to specific requirements in his pending divorce case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge has not ruled on either request. Instead, a trial is set next year. Officers initial conviction expunged After Chandler pleaded no contest to the offense and a judge convicted him, his attorney appealed in Jackson County Court. Judge Mark Watts subsequently dismissed the conviction and expunged Chandlers record under an agreement with Prosecutor Lee Farragut, noting there had been no trial testimony. Farragut later asked the court to reinstate the case for trial, but Watts denied the request. He said he made that ruling based on the rules of the court. But in his final order in August, Watts said he had since learned about Chandlers pending divorce in Chancery Court, where his estranged wife is pursuing a divorce based on habitual cruel and inhuman treatment that mirrors the domestic violence allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watts ruled that related matters should be handled in Chancery Court, but left the door open for Amber Chandler to refile her criminal complaint in Justice Court since the case was dismissed without prejudice. Another firing amid criminal wrongdoing The citys decision to fire one of its police officers amid allegations of criminal wrongdoing is not a first for the city. In March 2022, the city fired former Moss Point Police Officer Eric Eugene Maye after he was accused of embezzling property from an offender in a drug case. Maye has since been convicted of the offense. Ashley recommended Mayes firing after an internal investigation. However, Ashley was also the one who went to bat for Maye to get his police certification reinstated after the BLEOST terminated his law enforcement credentials due to the theft in Gautier. The certificate is required to serve in law enforcement in Mississippi. By then, Maye was working as a patrolman in Moss Point his second stint serving as a police officer in the River City. Now ex-Moss Point police officer Eric Maye waits for a hearing at Jackson County Circuit Court in Pascagoula on Thursday, March 24, 2022. The hearing was delayed to give the officer time to hire his own attorney. That was in 2019, when Maye went before the state BLEOST and unsuccessfully pleaded for his police credentials to remain intact. He had lost his certification after Gautier officials informed the board of his illegal activity in their city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief went before the same state BLEOST on Mayes behalf, telling the board that he (Maye) has been a model employee at Moss Point. Still, Maye lost his credentials at that time and resigned. Judge Krebs talks to Moss Point police officer Eric Maye at Jackson County Circuit Court in Pascagoula on Thursday, March 24, 2022. However, Maye ultimately regained his credentials in November 2021, when Chief Ashley again appeared before the state BLEOST on Mayes behalf to request his recertification to serve in law enforcement. The state allows candidates to reapply for law enforcement certification two years after cancellation. At the time, Maye claimed his past problems were behind him, and Ashley wanted to give him a second chance at a law enforcement career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Ashley informed the BLEOST that Maye had since joined the military, married, and started a family in the years following his loss of the license to serve as a police officer. Before Maye was fired in 2022, Chief Ashley issued a statement that said Mayes alleged criminal acts in the Jackson County case would not be tolerated. Ashley recommended Mayes firing after an internal investigation into the new allegation of embezzlement. Ashley also issued a statement denouncing that officers conduct. Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley released this statement in March regarding an investigation into alleged misconduct by a police officer. Ashley, it turns out, had actually gone to great lengths to get the officers credentials reinstated after another Mississippi Coast police department fired Maye for other alleged wrongdoing. There is no room in this Police Department for dishonesty, Ashley said. We hire officers with the belief that they can be trusted with not only sensitive information, but also property and other items that come into their possession by virtue of their office. These men and women are held to a higher standard, and they know they are accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, there is occasionally an officer who violates their own oath of office. When these officers are identified, they will be quickly removed from their position of trust. A firefighter was injured as a two-story home in Chatsworth burned Tuesday morning. The fire in the single-family house in the 10300 block of Christine Place was reported just after 10:45 a.m., and about 30 minutes later, the Los Angeles Fire Department advised that a firefighter suffered a minor burn injury. That firefighter is being treated on scene. Firefighters remain in the offensive mode despite heavy fire on the first and second floors, the LAFD added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A firefighter moves hazard fuel while working on the Bear Gulch fire this summer. Many in the wildland fire community believe the leadership team managing the fire sent crews into an ambush by federal immigration agents. (Facebook/Bear Gulch Fire 2025) Wildland firefighters were stunned when federal immigration authorities last week raided an active wildfire response in Washington state, arresting two firefighters and sidelining crews for hours. Wildfire veterans say the operation was nearly unprecedented, a breach in longstanding protocol that federal agents dont disrupt emergency responders to check immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, many wildfire veterans believe the management team overseeing the fire crews played a key role in handing over the firefighters to immigration authorities. Stateline spoke to nearly a dozen firefighters, agency staffers and contractors familiar with the incident, who shared their belief that the top officials assigned to the fire deployed the crews to a remote location under false pretenses so federal agents could check their immigration status. Most of them spoke privately for fear of retaliation. The raid has reverberated among fire crews, agency leaders and contractors. Wildfire veterans say the arrests have stoked fear and distrust among firefighters on the ground. They worry that crews may be scared to deploy if they may become a target for immigration raids. Theres really no way [the wildfire management team] could not have been involved, said Riva Duncan, a former wildland fire chief who served more than 30 years with the U.S. Forest Service. Were all talking about it. People are wondering if they go on a fire with this team, if that could happen to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the incident became public, the wildfire world has been abuzz with anger at that team California Interagency Incident Management Team 7. Made up of federal, state and local fire professionals, the team was assigned to oversee the response to the Bear Gulch fire, which has burned 9,000 acres in and around Olympic National Park in Washington state. One firefighter who was present at the raid said he is convinced that Team 7 leaders sent their crews into a trap. I felt beyond betrayed, said the firefighter, who requested anonymity to protect his career. What they did was messed up. Theyd been talking in their briefings about building relationships and trust. For them to say that and then go do this is mind-boggling. It boiled my blood. Team 7 Incident Commander Tom Clemo, in an email, declined to comment, citing an active investigation. Tom Stokesberry, the teams public information officer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to daily Incident Action Plans filed by Team 7 and posted online, the crews had previously been digging holding lines, working to protect structures and conducting mop-up work. The two crews targeted by federal agents had not been assigned to work together in the days leading up to the raid. Then, on Aug. 27, both crews workers from private companies contracted to help fight the fire were told to deploy to a staging area where they would cut firewood for the local community. The firefighter who was present at the raid told Stateline that a division supervisor told the crews he would meet them at the site, but never showed up. After arriving at the site, the firefighter said, the crews found piles of logs, seemingly from a timber operation. Not wanting to damage a logging companys property, they waited for a management team leader to show up with further instructions. After an hour, unmarked law enforcement vehicles pulled up to the site and federal officials began questioning the firefighters. Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter, said immigration agents would not have been able to access the site without help from Team 7 leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire areas are officially closed, very secure and there are roadblocks, she said. Somebody would have had to tell these agents how to get there. In a news release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its agents assisted with an investigation led by the federal Bureau of Land Management. While the agencys release did not mention the nature of the investigation, multiple wildfire sources said the feds claimed they had uncovered fraud on time cards submitted by the crews. Table Rock Forestry Inc., an Oregon-based company whose crew was one of the two at the scene, was allegedly subjected to the raid due to a half-hour discrepancy on a time sheet, said Scott Polhamus, secretary of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates. Table Rock Forestry is a member of the fire contractors group. Multiple wildfire veterans said that time card discrepancies are not uncommon at wildfires, where crews work long days and its not always clear if lunch breaks or errands in town count toward working hours. Such mix-ups are typically sorted out between organizational leaders. Calling law enforcement in such a scenario is almost unheard of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time a crew has been called on the carpet for maybe padding their time a bit, Duncan said. You deal directly with the company. Its just absolutely mind-boggling to treat it as a criminal issue. After about five minutes discussing the time card issue, according to the firefighter who was present at the raid, federal agents spent the next three hours checking each firefighters immigration status. The Customs and Border Protection news release announcing the immigration arrests made no mention of time sheets or any evidence that the investigation had turned up fraud. It did state that the two companies whose crews were raided had their contracts terminated by the government. Polhamus, with the fire contractors group, said that claim is false. While the crews were demobilized and sent home, the feds have not actually ended the companies contracts or ability to accept future deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Customs and Border Protection public affairs specialist did not immediately respond to questions about the investigation, the alleged fraud or federal agents coordination with Team 7. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the states lead wildfire response agency, said federal officials did not notify their state counterparts about the investigation. DNR was not informed of the incident until well after the fact, said Ryan Rodruck, wildfire on-call public information officer with the agency. Rodruck noted that the fire response was under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. Press officers with the Forest Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple wildfire sources said the crews would not have been sent to the staging area where they were ambushed without the knowledge of top leaders on the fires management team. The two crews that were raided have a diverse mix of firefighters, many of them Hispanic. One of the crews has many foreign workers who are legally in the country on H-2B visas. Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter, said it was likely not a coincidence that two crews with many brown-skinned members were targeted in the raid. Two of the firefighters were arrested, federal officials said, for being in the country illegally. One of the firefighters who was arrested is represented by Innovation Law Lab, an Oregon-based legal group that defends refugees and immigrants. Isa Pena, the groups director of strategy, said the Department of Homeland Security has not revealed the whereabouts of their client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firefighter, who Pena declined to name, has been in the U.S. since he was four years old and served as a firefighter for the past three years. Immigration advocates are alarmed that the raid was potentially arranged by California Interagency Incident Management Team 7, the leaders charged with overseeing the wildfire response. There certainly is concern if that is the case that individuals are being handed over to immigration as theyre trying to keep our communities safe, Pena said. Conducting immigration enforcement while brave members of our community are risking their lives to protect us is really disgusting. Several wildland fire veterans also noted that the raid took place on Team 7s final day in charge of the fire response, hours before a Washington team rotated in to take command. The California team headed home and left the new team to face the media scrutiny and angry firefighters in camp. If youve got ICE teams pulling your contractors out, youd want to cut and run as soon as you can, Polhamus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a forum for wildland fire professionals on the social media platform Reddit, many expressed anger at Team 7. Firefighters also took issue with the assertion, shared by federal immigration officials, that the raid did not disrupt firefighting operations. Its total bulls***, said Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter. Whoever made that statement doesnt understand the work. To take two crews off of a fire thats only 13% contained, that seems ridiculous at that point in a fire. That does seem very unusual. Many wildfire veterans said that conducting a raid at the site of an active wildfire was reckless and irresponsible. Having people on the line that you dont expect to be there is an issue, said Polhamus, with the fire contractors group. When you need crews and you are taking resources to check them for immigration status, we can all think of better ways to address that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncan said shes spoken with firefighters still assigned to the Bear Gulch fire who are disgusted with the situation and want to leave. The three principal wildland fire values are duty, respect, integrity, she said. Utmost in that is taking care of your people. If you cant trust the people youre working with when things get hairy, thats a concern. In Washington and Oregon, elected leaders have decried the raids and are pushing for more information on the status of the firefighters who were arrested. Federal immigration officials have said little since the news release announcing the arrests. 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. A firefighter moves hazard fuel while working on the Bear Gulch fire this summer. Many in the wildland fire community believe the leadership team managing the fire sent crews into an ambush by federal immigration agents. (Photo by Bear Gulch Fire 2025 via Facebook) Wildland firefighters were stunned when federal immigration authorities late last month raided an active wildfire response in Washington state, arresting two firefighters and sidelining crews for hours. Wildfire veterans say the operation was nearly unprecedented, a breach in longstanding protocol that federal agents dont disrupt emergency responders to check immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, many wildfire veterans believe the management team overseeing the fire crews played a key role in handing over the firefighters to immigration authorities. Stateline spoke to nearly a dozen firefighters, agency staffers and contractors familiar with the incident, who shared their belief that the top officials assigned to the fire deployed the crews to a remote location under false pretenses so federal agents could check their immigration status. Most of them spoke privately for fear of retaliation. The raid has reverberated among fire crews, agency leaders and contractors. Wildfire veterans say the arrests have stoked fear and distrust among firefighters on the ground. They worry that crews may be scared to deploy if they may become a target for immigration raids. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres really no way [the wildfire management team] could not have been involved, said Riva Duncan, a former wildland fire chief who served more than 30 years with the U.S. Forest Service. Were all talking about it. People are wondering if they go on a fire with this team, if that could happen to them. Since the incident became public, the wildfire world has been abuzz with anger at that team California Interagency Incident Management Team 7. Made up of federal, state and local fire professionals, the team was assigned to oversee the response to the Bear Gulch fire, which has burned 9,000 acres in and around Olympic National Park in Washington state. One firefighter who was present at the raid said he is convinced that Team 7 leaders sent their crews into a trap. I felt beyond betrayed, said the firefighter, who requested anonymity to protect his career. What they did was messed up. Theyd been talking in their briefings about building relationships and trust. For them to say that and then go do this is mind-boggling. It boiled my blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Team 7 Incident Commander Tom Clemo, in an email, declined to comment, citing an active investigation. Tom Stokesberry, the teams public information officer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to daily Incident Action Plans filed by Team 7 and posted online, the crews had previously been digging holding lines, working to protect structures and conducting mop-up work. The two crews targeted by federal agents had not been assigned to work together in the days leading up to the raid. Then, on Aug. 27, both crews workers from private companies contracted to help fight the fire were told to deploy to a staging area where they would cut firewood for the local community. The firefighter who was present at the raid told Stateline that a division supervisor told the crews he would meet them at the site, but never showed up. After arriving at the site, the firefighter said, the crews found piles of logs, seemingly from a timber operation. Not wanting to damage a logging companys property, they waited for a management team leader to show up with further instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an hour, unmarked law enforcement vehicles pulled up to the site and federal officials began questioning the firefighters. Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter, said immigration agents would not have been able to access the site without help from Team 7 leaders. Fire areas are officially closed, very secure and there are roadblocks, she said. Somebody would have had to tell these agents how to get there. In a news release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its agents assisted with an investigation led by the federal Bureau of Land Management. While the agencys release did not mention the nature of the investigation, multiple wildfire sources said the feds claimed they had uncovered fraud on time cards submitted by the crews. Table Rock Forestry Inc., an Oregon-based company whose crew was one of the two at the scene, was allegedly subjected to the raid due to a half-hour discrepancy on a time sheet, said Scott Polhamus, secretary of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates. Table Rock Forestry is a member of the fire contractors group. Multiple wildfire veterans said that time card discrepancies are not uncommon at wildfires, where crews work long days and its not always clear if lunch breaks or errands in town count toward working hours. Such mix-ups are typically sorted out between organizational leaders. Calling law enforcement in such a scenario is almost unheard of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time a crew has been called on the carpet for maybe padding their time a bit, Duncan said. You deal directly with the company. Its just absolutely mind-boggling to treat it as a criminal issue. After about five minutes discussing the time card issue, according to the firefighter who was present at the raid, federal agents spent the next three hours checking each firefighters immigration status. The Customs and Border Protection news release announcing the immigration arrests made no mention of time sheets or any evidence that the investigation had turned up fraud. It did state that the two companies whose crews were raided had their contracts terminated by the government. Polhamus, with the fire contractors group, said that claim is false. While the crews were demobilized and sent home, the feds have not actually ended the companies contracts or ability to accept future deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Customs and Border Protection public affairs specialist did not immediately respond to questions about the investigation, the alleged fraud or federal agents coordination with Team 7. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the states lead wildfire response agency, said federal officials did not notify their state counterparts about the investigation. DNR was not informed of the incident until well after the fact, said Ryan Rodruck, wildfire on-call public information officer with the agency. Rodruck noted that the fire response was under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. Press officers with the Forest Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple wildfire sources said the crews would not have been sent to the staging area where they were ambushed without the knowledge of top leaders on the fires management team. The two crews that were raided have a diverse mix of firefighters, many of them Hispanic. One of the crews has many foreign workers who are legally in the country on H-2B visas. Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter, said it was likely not a coincidence that two crews with many brown-skinned members were targeted in the raid. Two of the firefighters were arrested, federal officials said, for being in the country illegally. One of the firefighters who was arrested is represented by Innovation Law Lab, an Oregon-based legal group that defends refugees and immigrants. Isa Pena, the groups director of strategy, said the Department of Homeland Security has not revealed the whereabouts of their client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firefighter, who Pena declined to name, has been in the U.S. since he was four years old and served as a firefighter for the past three years. Immigration advocates are alarmed that the raid was potentially arranged by California Interagency Incident Management Team 7, the leaders charged with overseeing the wildfire response. There certainly is concern if that is the case that individuals are being handed over to immigration as theyre trying to keep our communities safe, Pena said. Conducting immigration enforcement while brave members of our community are risking their lives to protect us is really disgusting. Several wildland fire veterans also noted that the raid took place on Team 7s final day in charge of the fire response, hours before a Washington team rotated in to take command. The California team headed home and left the new team to face the media scrutiny and angry firefighters in camp. If youve got ICE teams pulling your contractors out, youd want to cut and run as soon as you can, Polhamus said. On a forum for wildland fire professionals on the social media platform Reddit, many expressed anger at Team 7. Firefighters also took issue with the assertion, shared by federal immigration officials, that the raid did not disrupt firefighting operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its total bulls***, said Duncan, the former Forest Service firefighter. Whoever made that statement doesnt understand the work. To take two crews off of a fire thats only 13% contained, that seems ridiculous at that point in a fire. That does seem very unusual. Many wildfire veterans said that conducting a raid at the site of an active wildfire was reckless and irresponsible. Having people on the line that you dont expect to be there is an issue, said Polhamus, with the fire contractors group. When you need crews and you are taking resources to check them for immigration status, we can all think of better ways to address that. Duncan said shes spoken with firefighters still assigned to the Bear Gulch fire who are disgusted with the situation and want to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three principal wildland fire values are duty, respect, integrity, she said. Utmost in that is taking care of your people. If you cant trust the people youre working with when things get hairy, thats a concern. In Washington and Oregon, elected leaders have decried the raids and are pushing for more information on the status of the firefighters who were arrested. Federal immigration officials have said little since the news release announcing the arrests. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org A Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum has been seen, apparently for the first time, armed with an air-launched munition analogous to the Russian UMPK, a fairly crude type of guided glide bomb that has nevertheless caused enormous difficulties for Ukrainian air defenses. The appearance of the weapon on the MiG underscores Ukraines continued efforts to field standoff munitions, to protect its air assets, and to press home more effective attacks on Russian targets across the front lines. Most significantly, perhaps, the development highlights Ukraines major push to introduce more advanced homegrown weapons, reducing its reliance on Western-supplied ordnance. Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet spotted with what appears to be the analogue of a Russian guided aerial bomb with the UMPK, installed under its wing. In June 2025, it became publicly known that Ukraine have begun tests of what can be considered to be its analogue of the Russian pic.twitter.com/Ua0Oglxu5Y Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) September 1, 2025 Recently appeared imagery shows the weapon the name of which remains unknown under the port wing of a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29. The jet is painted in the high-conspicuity blue and yellow scheme that echoes that of the Ukrainian Falcons display team, and which you can read more about here. A close-up of the weapon under the wing of a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29. via X As for the weapon, this appears very similar to the UMPK, which is essentially a low-cost kit converting an iron bomb into a guided munition. The Ukrainian weapon has the same underslung wing kit as found on the Russian weapon, which involves the flying surfaces popping out after the bomb topples over in mid-air, soon after being released. As in the Russian UMPK, the Ukrainian weapon appears to incorporate a standard free-fall bomb, which is attached to a self-contained flying device, with wings and a navigation package. Judging by the size of the bomb itself, it is apparently in the 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) category. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first reports of Ukraine testing such a weapon emerged in June of this year, with initial tests of the munition aboard the Su-24 Fencer strike aircraft. The Ukrainian glide bomb is test-launched from a Su-24. via X Ukraine is conducting tests of its analogue of a Russian guided aerial bomb with the UMPK module. In the footage, the weapon can be seen being launched from a Sukhoi Su-24. According to Defense Express, the Ukrainian KAB was able to struck a target located 60km away during pic.twitter.com/AY6p1v2DED Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) June 25, 2025 Bearing in mind the fact that the MiG-29 is more widely available than the Fencer, it makes sense to integrate it on the Fulcrum, too. As the workhorse of the Ukrainian Air Force, the MiG-29 has previously been a primary candidate to carry various Western-supplied munitions, as well. A Ukrainian MiG-29 loaded with U.S.-supplied Small Diameter Bombs (SDB). @air_winged via X The glide bomb seen being tested on the Su-24 is notably different from a munition that was seen on the same type of aircraft in September of last year. This mysterious store also appears to be a new locally developed air-launched guided munition, and you can read our report about it here. A Ukrainian Su-24 carrying the mystery munition. Its three distinct main sections are visible. @UkrAirForce/Telegram capture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reports of the Ukrainian UMPK first emerged earlier this summer, it was claimed that funds were still needed to support its development, which is understood to be carried out by the Medoid design bureau. Ukrainian media also reported that the new weapon had achieved a range of 60 kilometers (37 miles) in tests, with the aim of extending this to 80 kilometers (50 miles). Previous assessments suggest that the Russian UMPK has a maximum range of up to 44 miles. In all cases, the maximum range depends heavily on the launch parameters. A UMPK glide bomb strapped on a Russian Su-34. Russian Ministry of Defense In terms of guidance, the developer said that its looking to achieve greater accuracy than the Russian UMPK, with a locally developed guidance package as well as a plan to introduce undisclosed French-made technology, which would be more resistant to hostile electronic warfare jamming. Its unclear what has so far been achieved and what, exactly, is the weapons operational status at this point. Theres little doubt, however, that a weapon of this kind would be very useful for Ukraine, if it can be perfected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While you can read the full background to the Russian development of the UMPK in this previous feature, evidence of these weapons employment in Ukraine started to appear in early 2023. In Russian, UMPK stands for Unifitsirovannyi Modul Planirovaniya i Korrektsii, meaning unified gliding and correction module. While hardly comparable to the U.S.-made JDAM-ER glide bomb in any of its parameters, the Russian weapon quickly became a major concern for Ukraine. By April 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force was reporting that Russia was dropping up to 20 UMPK bombs each day, delivered from tactical jets operating at the edge of Ukrainian air defense coverage. Ever since, there have been repeated statements from Ukrainian officials reflecting on the difficulty of intercepting these weapons, which have been described as almost impossible to shoot down. Several stills from a newly released Russian MoD video showing one or more VKS Su-34 NVO strike fighters departing on a mission armed with UMPK-equipped 250kg-class OFAB-250-270 HE-frag bombs. The short clip at the bottom right shows the moment such bombs are released. pic.twitter.com/2ltZOr0YXQ Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) April 6, 2025 Most importantly, and despite questions about their accuracy and overall reliability, the UMPK kits allow for Russian aircraft to launch indirect attacks on targets that would otherwise put them at great risk due to Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses. Otherwise, much more expensive and complex standoff weaponry would need to be used, and Russias limited supply of these weapons has been put under extreme pressure by the prolonged war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Ukraine, the locally developed UMPK analog will provide the same kinds of advantages. In particular, while Western allies have supplied likely much more capable precision-guided standoff ordnance, these are relatively exquisite and expensive solutions. Among them are the U.S.-made Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), and the French AASM Hammer. They are also only available to the Ukrainian Air Force in limited numbers. According to recent Ukrainian media reports, the Ukrainian Air Force requires at least 100 standoff munitions each day. The situation should be helped by the arrival, in the coming weeks, of the first of 3,350 examples of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) to Ukraine, which will provide the country with a powerful new and relatively low-cost standoff strike capability. However, its unclear whether Ukraine will be able to use the new weapon to strike targets deep within Russia, based on restrictions imposed by Washington. US approves sale of 3,350 ERAM missiles with a range of up to 450 km to Ukraine WSJ Delivery expected in six weeks. Targets must be coordinated with the Pentagon. The package costs $850 million, largely financed by European allies. pic.twitter.com/Cv8cMCq92L Jurgen Nauditt (@jurgen_nauditt) August 24, 2025 Regardless, a locally produced and lower-cost solution is clearly badly needed to keep up the pace of surgical strikes on targets on and just across the front lines. It could potentially also be integrated on Western-supplied F-16s and Mirage 2000s, as well as Soviet-era tactical jets, among which the Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft would appear to be a very suitable candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there may be downsides to a weapon of this kind. The Russian UMPK is a relatively makeshift device, made hastily and quickly thrown into combat. Since then, it has been mated with different bomb bodies, including ones of steadily increasing size. However, Russian critical analysis has suggested poor performance and a high failure rate. It is likely that this has driven the development of the more advanced UMPB series, which is a purpose-built guided glide bomb. As TWZ reported when the new weapon first appeared: While the UMPK consists of a wing kit and precision guidance package thats essentially bolted onto one of several different free-fall bombs, the UMPB appears to have a slicker, far more elegantly integrated design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the UMPB likely has more in common, broadly speaking, with the American SDB. UMPBs loaded under the wing of a Russian Su-34. via X On the other hand, the availability of the UMPK means Russia has continued to make extensive use of it. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, in the month of August, Russian aircraft dropped 4,390 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian positions, compared with 3,786 bombs dropped in the previous month. In 2025, the highest number of bombs of this kind deployed by Russia occurred in April, exceeding 5,000. Meanwhile, Ukraines own experience of being on the receiving end of Russian glide bombs and subsequent combat analysis means that the locally developed analog may well include further improvements over the Russian weapon. At the same time, its real importance might ultimately lie in the fact that it should at least begin to reduce reliance on Western-supplied types, like the JDAM-ER, SDB, and AASM Hammer, which have been hugely important for the Ukrainian Air Force. As stocks of more advanced air-launched weapons continue to be eroded, the potential of a locally developed glide bomb kit that can be bolted onto existing Soviet-era munitions cannot be underestimated. Its also important to note that Russia will try to engage these glide bombs with air defenses. They can absorb far more expensive air defense effectors, which provides a critical shot exchange advantage for Ukraine that can help chew through Russian missile stockpiles. This has been a major problem with Russias UMPKs as they can be very resource-intensive for Ukraine to shoot down, consuming precious counter-air weapons, but they cost Russia relatively little. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Ukrainian Air Forces demand for weapons that can be launched at a safer distance from Russian air defenses, and the tempo of airstrikes in general, its likely we will see more of these weapons in the near future. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Sep. 2Events scheduled Sept. 6-7 The First Presbyterian Church of lronton will be celebrating their 175th Anniversary preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ from Sept. 6-7. The public is invited to join the congregation as they rejoice in the storied history of the church, celebrate the moment and look to the future with God's provision and guidance. Trending * Murder investigation is ongoing in Scioto County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Homeless man charged with murder in Scioto County homicide Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday with lite snacks and drinks in the Fellowship Hall from noon-1 p.m. At 1 p.m., the assembly will gather in the sanctuary for an historical overview of the church building and membership. Speakers include Caleb Franz, Randy Franz and Pastor Carson J. Hunt. The festivities include special music and congregational hymn singing. Sunday's Service begins with traditional worship at 10:30 a.m., followed with a history and tour of the church and concluding with desserts. Trending * Ashland 12th St. Bridge to be closed for a week for inspection starting Sunday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Ga. Man killed in Scioto County paraglider crash You Might Like News Suicide prevention walk set for Sept. 18 News Ironton aLive's concert series finale on Wednesday Coal Grove Coal Grove mayor pleaded guilty, lost license for six months News Time to get spooky At least five children were killed in the latest Israeli attack on southern Gaza, local media reported on Tuesday. Palestinian news agency WAFA said the shelling took place in al-Mawasi, an area that has been designated as a humanitarian zone by the Israeli military. A spokesman for the military said it was investigating the reports. Images circulating on social media show the dead bodies of several children. It was not possible to independently verify them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to WAFA, dozens of people were killed in earlier attacks across Gaza. More than 63,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the start of the conflict, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authorities in the territory. The tally does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but the figures are seen as credible by the United Nations. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. Israeli authorities estimate that 48 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as the Israeli army prepares to capture Gaza City, the largest settlement in the sealed-off strip home to some 1 million. The military's Arabic spokesman on Tuesday again called on the population to evacuate, suggesting people move south to al-Mawasi, where conditions are said to be catastrophic. KANSAS CITY, Mo. From sunup to sundown on Wednesday, flags across the state of Kansas will be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer Hunter Simoncic. Gov. Laura Kelly issued the order Tuesday morning, directing all state buildings, grounds and facilities to fly their flags at half-staff to pay their respects on the day of Simoncics funeral. The death of a law enforcement officer is always a tragedy, and Hunter Simoncic diligently protected and served Kansans, Kelly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Procession route released for funeral of fallen KCKPD Officer Simoncic Beyond his work as a police officer, he was committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the Kansas City community. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones, and the Kansas City, Kansas community, as they again grieve this unimaginable loss. Officer Simoncic was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 26, by a man, later identified by investigators as Dennis Edward Mitchell III, who was fleeing from police in a stolen car, prosecutors said. Simoncic was reportedly deploying stop sticks at College Parkway and State Avenue to stop the stolen car, but Mitchell swerved and hit the officer. The 26-year-old officer died at KU Medical Center later that morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A funeral and procession for Officer Simoncic is scheduled for Wednesday morning. At this time, multiple organizations have set up fundraisers in honor of Officer Simoncic, including one company, Relentless Defender, that created a T-shirt to raise money for the fallen officers family. The pre-order sale ends on Sept. 15, and all orders will start being shipped on Sept. 16. To order a shirt, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Level 2 Be Set evacuations levels for the Flat Fire burning in central Oregon were dropped Tuesday morning, according to the state fire marshal. The wildfire, currently 23,346 acres and 67% contained, has devastated parts of Jefferson and Deschutes counties for 12 days. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts All evacuations in both counties have been downgraded to Level 1 Be Ready. The latest information on evacuation zones can be found on the following Facebook pages: Flat Fire Facebook page from Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Flat Fire Facebook page from Deschutes County Sheriffs Office Due to improving conditions, the Red Flag Warning that was in place over the weekend is no longer in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, crews will continue patrolling the fire perimeter to identify and extinguish any remaining heat and smoke. Suppression repair efforts to support recovery are also underway, officials said. Resources assigned to the Flat Fire remain ready to support the local district with initial attack response if new fires emerge. Firefighters are making consistent progress toward full containment. Firefighters battling the Flat Fire near Sisters, August 30, 2025 (Flat Fire official Facebook page) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) Authorities are also asking everyone to remain cautious in the area as crews continue to work and to allow space for firefighters to do their work. The fire, which started on Aug. 21, has destroyed five homes and 11 other structures, while damaging two other homes and two other structures. It has threatened more than 1,457 homes as it burns four miles northeast of Sisters, fueled by tall and short grass along with brush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remains undetermined as the investigation into the Flat Fire continues. Investigators previously stated the fire sparked on private land. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, right, speaks to a Montanan after a legislative hearing during the 2025 session. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan) A Flathead Valley lawmaker is on the hook for more than $427,000 in unpaid federal taxes an amount he has disputed after the U.S. Ninth Circuit Appeals Court declined to take up his appeal from a federal district court. Rep. Thomas Millett, R-Marion, did not file federal income taxes from 2004-2009, or 2011-2012, according to court documents, and he filed, but did not pay, federal taxes in 2010 and 2013-2017, except what was withheld by his employer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a ruling handed down by Montana Federal District Court Judge Donald Molloy in 2023, five years of tax liens were found to be legally attached to a property in Marion that Millett previously co-owned; and his disputed tax burden was reduced to a judgement of more than $400,000. During initial proceedings before the District Court, Millett stated he was exempt from paying federal taxes because he believed only individuals who work in Washington, D.C., earn taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code. Acting as his own lawyer, he also argued that the government had failed to follow its own collection laws and the IRS had failed to properly notify him of deficiencies for eight of the tax years. But his arguments did not sway the judge, who ruled against him multiple times throughout the case. Millett appealed Molloys decision up to the Ninth Circuit, but a panel of judges unanimously declined to take up the appeal and affirmed the district court decision, stating Millett offered no evidence contrary to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district courts conclusions were supported by Milletts tax returns and IRS assessments. For the tax years in which Millett did not file a return, the courts conclusions were supported by Milletts own testimony, IRS assessments, copies of notices of deficiency, and certified mailing logs, the circuit judges wrote. Millett told the Daily Montanan in an email that he is still weighing whether or not to appeal the circuit decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, but regardless, I will abide by the final decision of the courts. I believe everyone should pay their taxes according to the law. For several years Ive been in a dispute with the government over how much I owe from several years ago (pre-2018), Millett wrote. I believe I owe X amount. The government says I owe Y amount. I believe the government hasnt followed the collection laws. They say they have followed the collection laws. Millett added that he is current on his taxes after 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People may ask, Why take on the federal government? The answer is because I believe in exercising my 5th Amendment protected right to due process and for holding everyone, even the federal government, accountable to following the law, Millett wrote. This is the same position I have taken when it comes to dealing with government at any level including as the Representative of House District 2. Millett served his first term in the Legislature during 2025, representing House District 2, which spans U.S. Highway 2 from Libby to just west of Kalispell. During his first term, Millett sponsored 14 bills, four of which were signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. The bills that passed included allowing political parties to contribute to judicial candidates; increasing fines for aquatic invasive species violations; and anti-SLAPP legislation protecting citizens and journalists from frivolous lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also sponsored failed bills to censor municipal judges; support Utah in a lawsuit seeking to transfer federal public lands to the state; promote the use of gold and silver as legal tender; and repeal the 17th Amendment, which provides for direct election of U.S. Senators. Millett told the Daily Montanan he intends to run for re-election in 2026. A Florida father has been fighting for his life after getting infected with a flesh-eating bacteria that left his leg covered in giant, bursting blisters, his family said. Ben West, 38, was infected with Vibrio Vulnificus after he went crabbing and mullet fishing with his family in Port St. Joe on August 23, according to a GoFundMe and local news reports. Three days later, West became confused and disoriented, and his fiancee, Janie Knowles, brought him to the hospital, where he received the diagnosis, she told WJHG. Big blisters started popping up, like it was trying to leave the leg, it was just at the ankle, coming up to the back side of the leg, to the calf, he said its the most excruciating pain Ive ever felt in my life, Knowles said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacterium that thrives in warm seawater, but infections are generally rare. If someone is infected, the bacteria are fast-spreading and can kill within days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Florida father Ben West was infected with a flesh-eating bacteria that left his leg covered in giant, bursting blisters, his family says. (GoFundMe) There were blisters everywhere, they were busting, it was swelling, you couldnt recognize his leg compared to the other one, it was actually four times bigger than the other one, she added. Not only was Wests leg tissue completely affected by the infection, but he also suffered kidney and liver failure as a result, his fiancee told the news station. I was blank, everything was happening so fast, I was scared, scared to death, and I remember fainting, but when I came back, I was on my knees and I was saying, God please, do not take him from me, God please, Knowles told WJHG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West had undergone four surgeries as of Monday, but more will likely be needed. West originally had two surgeries to remove the infected tissue. One picture shared on the fundraisers page shows him in a hospital bed with tubes in his nose, while others show his leg covered in large blisters and bruises. In an August 29 update after Wests third surgery, Knowles said that the doctors believed the progression of the virus had stopped. Doctor feels confident he has STOPPED the progression and now we have to start dealing with the residual affects to his skin, she wrote. There will likely be skin that dies[and] skin grafts will be needed at a later time. The fundraiser, made to help cover some of the medical bills, had raised nearly $17,000 as of Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still have a series of surgeries ahead of us and doctors say a LONG LONG road of recovery once we leave the hospital, Knowles wrote. Now Wests family is urging people to exercise caution if they decide to swim in local waterways. When I tell you that this disease, if youre wrong, it will kill you, it will kill your relatives, it will kill your loved ones, and youre going to have to make up your own mind if its worth it, the victims father, Keith West, told WJHG. West was left with blisters all over his leg and has undergone at least four surgeries following the infection. (GoFundMe) Just love your family and just dont let the impossible sit in the background because it can happen, you can be a victim of things of this nature, the next moment is not promised, and it can be you, it can be, Knowles added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the fundraiser, Knowles also noted that her fiancee was very healthy with no health problems but became septic in less than 24 hours after he was infected. Vibrio vulnificus is mostly an issue for people living along the Gulf Coast, as the bacteria thrive in seawater and in the mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported in Gulf Coast states from May to October. While infection is rare, there have been 23 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus in Florida this year, and five have resulted in death, according to the state health department. Last year, there were 82 cases reported and 19 deaths, whereas in 2023, there were 46 cases and 11 deaths, according to the health department. Cabin fever? A British Airways flight devolved into pure pandemonium after passengers and crew fell ill, prompting hazmat-suited workers to swarm the plane after an emergency landing. It was definitely a flight from hell, Melanie Wells, 61, told Kennedy News while recounting the ill-fated trip, which occurred during a flight from London, UK, to Egypt. The East Sussex native and her 19-year-old daughter had planned to embark on a $10,000 all-inclusive vacation to Sharm El Sheikh a scenic city on the Red Sea to help boost her spirits as she hadnt been feeling well. About six people fell seriously ill on board while we were in the air, Wells (pictured) recalled. KennedyNews/MelanieWells I hadnt been away for ages, it was definitely much-needed, Wells recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the Brits dreams of a relaxing trip fizzled after she became violently sick on the plane. When we boarded, the temperature was so extreme that I started to feel unwell, the vacationer alleged. It was supersonically hot. I ended up getting a really bad headache. Hazmat suit-clad responders board the aircraft following an emergency diversion to Venice, Italy. KennedyNews/MelanieWells Wells initially attributed her symptoms to the heat until she noticed she wasnt the only one feeling green around the gills. About an hour and a half in the air, crew members suddenly began running down the aisle backward and forward. I didnt know what was going on, she said. There was one mom whose eyes rolled into the back of her head. The crew looking after them had actually collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Wells, a total of six people fell ill aboard the aircraft. Wells, who felt nauseous with a headache, said she believes her symptoms were caused by noxious fumes on board. Wells dubbed it the flight from hell. KennedyNews/MelanieWells Following an emergency landing in Venice, Italy, ambulances and fire engines surrounded the plane. Then, emergency crews wearing hazmat suits and breathing apparatuses scrambled aboard and began administering tests to afflicted passengers and crew. I was absolutely terrified, recounted Wells. I was thinking, have we all been inhaling toxic fumes? She added that the usually stalwart airline staff was in pure panic mode as well. At no point did the captain give us any information, lamented Wells. KennedyNews/MelanieWells Unfortunately, she claims that the flyers were kept in the dark. At no point did the captain give us any information, the petrified passenger lamented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an eight-hour delay in Italy, the plane returned to London. It then landed in Egypt the next morning. Wells dubbed the experience horrific, venting we were traveling for 40 hours. We were utterly exhausted. Reps for British Airways chalked the emergency landing up to a technical issue, but didnt go into specifics. KennedyNews/MelanieWells The bedraggled traveler reportedly submitted a complaint to British Airways, which reportedly offered her nearly $3,000 in compensation for the cancelled flight, meal expenses and other hardships. But Wells claimed that the carrier refused to refund her the $667 for their first night that they missed in Egypt due to the delays. BA have performed in the most cavalier manner, she declared. The distress and trauma we went through, it was utterly traumatic. It ruined the start of our holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps for the airline have yet to specify the source of the inflight illness, instead claiming the aircraft was diverted as a precaution because of a technical issue. Weve apologized to our customers for their experience and have offered compensation accordingly, said the spokesperson. They added that there was no evidence of fumes on board and that the plane was inspected and put back in service the next day. The Post has reached out to BA for comment. For more than 17 years, one of the FBIs Most Wanted fugitives was hiding out in Mexico. Charged in 1998 with the rape and murder of a 22-year-old woman in Back of the Yards, Fidel Urbina evaded capture until 2016, when he was arrested by Mexican federal authorities on a U.S. extradition warrant. He has remained in Cook County Jail ever since, awaiting trial in the alleged murder of Gabriella Torres a case that originated during the Clinton administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There could be an end to the saga within sight. In recent weeks, a Cook County judge finally set aside time in November to hear Urbinas jury trial, while a motion to suppress evidence gathered at the crime scene was also denied. But another crucial pretrial ruling is still to come stemming from a 53-year-old Chicago police misconduct investigation into the lead detective in the murder case leaving the door open to more potential delays. Earlier this year, prosecutors made a disclosure to the court and Urbinas attorneys. A key witness, the since-retired Chicago Police Department detective who investigated Torres killing, informed the states attorneys office that he was suspended for a month without pay in 1972 after he was accused of stealing cash from a civilians wallet. The detective, who retired from CPD in 2009, denied any wrongdoing and said he underwent a polygraph examination, prosecutors wrote. The Police Department had no records of the suspension or internal investigation on file. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors met with the retired detective in March 2023 to discuss the case. It was then, prosecutors said, that he informed them of the suspension. In approximately 1972, (the detective) was accused of taking money from an accident victims wallet while on duty, prosecutors said in a notice of disclosure. (The detective) submitted to a polygraph examination and was subject to a 30 day suspension without pay. (The detective) denied any wrongdoing. After learning this information, (prosecutors) requested additional information from the Chicago Police Department and were informed there are no records on this matter. A states attorneys office spokesperson declined to comment on the still pending case. In their motion, though, prosecutors said questions about the suspension would amount to a highly prejudicial fishing expedition unrelated to the charges Urbina faces. But what seems like a minor infraction many years ago could be a stumbling block. In a statement, the Cook County public defenders office said the failure to maintain those disciplinary records undermines fairness in the criminal court system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, our attorneys learned of a former detectives suspension for misconduct, yet the department could not produce the underlying records, a spokesperson for the office said in a statement. The failure to keep these records long term hinders the ability of the courts to fully assess officers credibility, which is particularly concerning given our countys long history of wrongful convictions tied to police misconduct. Prosecutors and Urbinas defense are expected to argue the motion during Urbinas next hearing in the winding case this month. A horrific attack On Oct. 21, 1998, Urbina was working in an auto shop when 22-year-old Gabriella Torres took her car in to get the brakes fixed. Authorities allege that Urbina raped, beat and strangled her inside the shop before binding her body and stuffing it into the trunk of a stolen 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. At the time, Urbina was out on bond while he faced charges in another pending sexual assault case that originated earlier that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Urbina enlisted the help of two men to push the car into a nearby alley, where he doused the vehicle with gasoline and lit it on fire. The two men were seen running from the burning vehicle and were later arrested and charged with arson, although there was no evidence they were aware that Torres body was in the trunk. Five days later, Urbina failed to appear for a court date in the rape case and a warrant was issued for his arrest, records show. The two men charged with arson in connection with the killing both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to three and six years in prison, respectively, according to county court records. But Urbina was nowhere to be found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a year after Torres death, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Urbina. In 2006, a Mexican federal magistrate judge signed another provisional arrest warrant. In 2012, the FBI added him to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Four years later, he was found hiding in a small town in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Eventually, he was extradited back to Chicago. Fidel Urbina was wanted for his alleged role in two brutal attacks directed against innocent women, Michael Anderson, then the special agent in charge of the FBIs Chicago field office, said in 2016 after Urbinas arrest. Many family members have waited a long time for this day to come and they deserve the opportunity to face the accused in a court of law. While hes been in Cook County Jail on a murder charge, court records show Urbinas other case another sexual assault charge that also originated in 1998 was adjudicated last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, Urbina pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to six years in prison, records show. Torres family and the retired detective could not be reached for comment. Key rule violation The misconduct by the retired detective theft and lying during a polygraph could, in theory, amount to a violation of CPDs Rule 14, which forbids officers from making a false report, written or oral. CPD officers with sustained Rule 14 violations are effectively barred from any future police work that would require them to testify in court, as theyd be subject to cross-examination by defense attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazen, often criminal misconduct by CPD officers was far more common in the 1970s, when the departments internal oversight mechanisms were still relatively new. In decades past, the citys collective bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police allowed for the destruction of disciplinary records more than 5 years old. Ultimately, in 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that contract provision went against well-established public policy. That year, and again in 2021, the citys Office of Inspector General probed CPDs recordkeeping and production practices. OIG found the Police Department was unable to ensure that it can meet legal and constitutional obligations which are at the core of its function as a law enforcement agency. This is an area of very serious risk for CPD and for the City, OIG concluded. In criminal litigation, CPDs failure to identify and produce records and information in its possession might undermine criminal prosecutions or lead to vacated convictions. In civil litigation, the same failures may result in significant legal and financial liability. Uncertain path forward Even in Cook County, a criminal court system known to struggle with delays, the Urbina case stands out for the sheer age of the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the judge overseeing the case denied a motion to suppress much of the prosecutions evidence, which collected inside a garage near the 1998 crime scene. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for later this month, records show. Craig Futterman, a University of Chicago law professor who directs the law schools Civil Rights and Police Accountability Project, stressed that, in cases where someones defense rests in part on the honesty or dishonesty of the testimony of a police officer or a detective, or rests on alleged misconduct by that police officer or detective, the absence of bad evidence would be an out-and-out denial or could be an out-and-out denial of due process. The full effect of the officers alleged conduct, and the apparent delay in the Urbina defense knowing about it, remains to be seen. Whats head-scratching to me is that (the alleged misconduct) occurring in 1972, thats not something that you just get a suspension over, Futterman said. If youre caught stealing, thats the end of your police career. Theres another underlying policy issue of a police officer who was found guilty of stealing and stealing on the job is then allowed to continue to have a badge and a gun. Its unconscionable. In the basement of Miamis oldest mosque, faith leaders Muslim, Jewish and Christian along with attorneys and healthcare workers listened as resident Yovanny Martinez discussed the harsh reality of facing an eviction. After 13 years of living in a mobile home park with his grandfather, Martinez received a notice from his landlord: move out in six months or get evicted. Martinez a roofer who is also the caretaker for his grandfather is one of 90 families at Palm Lake Mobile Home Park in Gladeview facing the same dilemma. Many of the residents are low-wage workers, immigrant families with young children or elderly and disabled people on a fixed income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have invested all of our savings and all of our resources into maintaining our trailers and maintaining the mobile home park, and with that investment we cannot accept failure, Martinez said in Spanish. But Martinez has some hope and help thanks to the folks at Miami Workers Center, a nonprofit that works to expand tenants rights and protections across the county. Martinez who is now a member of the group received legal help from a program called the Eviction Diversion Project, which has been providing families at Palm Lake with free legal representation to help fight the mass eviction. The case is still ongoing, but Martinez says that without the program, he would be forced out of his home. The legal help is the reason why the 90 families are still living there today. All of us residents at the mobile home park, we feel that this program is absolutely essential we havent paid a cent for the support that weve received in this program, he said. It truly is providing life saving services. Martinez was one of several speakers at a prayer vigil, held at Masjid Al-Ansar, a mosque in Liberty City, who highlighted the mental and physical struggle of finding and keeping affordable housing in Miami-Dade. Many stressed the importance of programs like the one introduced by Miami Workers Center but the eviction program may be in trouble due to recently proposed county budget cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the vigil, organized by a nonprofit called PACT People Acting for Community Together one of Miami-Dades most politically engaged interfaith groups faith leaders, attorneys, healthcare workers and community members called out Miami-Dade County elected officials who failed honor their previous commitment to thousands of renters facing evictions. That commitment came in April at PACTs annual assembly where members press elected officials on issues like affordable housing and reducing evictions throughout the county. At that event, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava agreed to commit $3 million to the eviction diversion program in front of nearly 800 residents at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Cutler Bay. The current proposed budget allocates only $ 1 million to the program. Vanny Veras, lead tenant organizer with Miami Workers Center, said the nonprofit is grateful that county leaders didnt cut the program altogether, but that the reduction in funding is not a good sign for a pilot program fighting for permanence. This program is really the bare minimum, said Veras, who works with residents facing dire housing conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have elderly people living in rat and roach infested apartments, mold-infested apartments. Theyre getting sick, high blood pressure, in and out of the hospital, broken ACs in the middle of the summer. Like people are going through so much. And to think of this program being cut when its one of the few things that we have, its just unacceptable. In a statement to the Miami Herald, County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert said the county has been working tirelessly to make progress in the area of housing affordability. We fund a range of programs to address this crisis, but one of the most important is the Eviction Diversion Program, which provides vital support for residents at risk of losing their homes, he said. Gilbert said that this year is not an easy budget year, and that he and his colleagues have been working to close the funding gap for programs that protect families, reduce evictions, and give Miami-Dade residents the stability they need to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Levine Cava and Commissioner Vice Chair Kionne McGhee did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Facing evictions with dignity The pilot program was funded by the county commission in 2023, and was designed to assist at-risk tenants and their families through free legal assistance and eviction diversion programs. Organizers also went door-to-door canvassing to households and people who were struggling to navigate an eviction process. When theres an attorney involved, its better for everybody, said Carrie Feit, an attorney with Community Justice Project. A lot of times were almost serving as a mediator between the landlord and the tenant. Feit, who is working on the mobile home case, said even in situations where the eviction is lawful like in cases of non-payment due to unaffordable or rising rents the lawyers can help structure payment plans or ask for extended vacate dates. The free legal assistance helps people, regardless of income status, navigate a very scary time with dignity and respect, Feit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many cases, Feit said the county has referred people facing evictions to the program for help. The lack of funding would leave more people without legal help, potentially leading to increased homelessness. The program also allows the nonprofits involved to share data on how evictions impact housing stability, and identify ways to improve plans and processes for the future. Within one year of the pilots launch, evictions fell from 19,479 to 18,142 a nearly 7 percent decrease, according to Miami Workers Center. Organizers say this proves that legal help and outreach helps keep people housed and off the streets. We know that while poverty plays a role in whether or not you face an eviction, we also know that evictions are pretty evenly filed across the county at different income levels and different rental rates. In other words, eviction affects all of us, said Feit at the vigil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the vigil, faith leaders across various denominations cited scripture about the dangers of unchecked wealth, the lack of affordable housing issues and other social problems. The interfaith aspect of the vigil is one result of PACTs organizing work. The group is made up of some 40 churches, synagogues and mosques in Miami-Dade that come together to advocate for solutions to some of the countys most pressing social issues. Whats the reason for our problems in society? And Im telling you what it is.. Instead of you respecting God and worshiping God, you and I worship the businessman, we worship the banker, said Imam Nasir Ahmad, spiritual leader of the mosque Al-Ansar. Rabbi Jessica Jacobs of Temple Beth Sholom pointed out the imbalance in who receives legal representation in eviction cases. Only 3% of tenants have a lawyer to represent them in their eviction case, compared to 74% of landlords that are represented. The eviction diversion program is an opportunity to change this imbalance, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs also pointed to the Torah for guidance on how to treat the less fortunate in society. The Book of Deuteronomy tells us, do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kin .. rather you must open your hand and lend whatever is sufficient to meet the need, she said. Rev. Candace Thomas lead pastor at Christ Congregational United Church of Christ in Palmetto Bay closed out the night in prayer. Let all those participating in the eviction diversion program get the help they need, she said. We pray for affordable housing, for just wages and a commitment to the Golden Rule treating others as we would like to be treated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to reflect comments from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert. This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. (NewsNation) State officials have dismissed reports of an uprising at a controversial immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, calling them manufactured. In a statement to The Guardian, officials insisted detainees at the facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz were kept in clean, safe conditions and that guards were properly trained. Detainees had alleged tear gas and violence were used to break up a recent disturbance inside the center, with some stating a lot of people have bled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican president to give key address amid pressure from Trump The Miami-based, Spanish-language station Noticias 23 reported the incident occurred as authorities worked to vacate the facility. State officials, however, have maintained that no such incident took place. Citing environmental concerns, judge orders shutdown The detention center is in the process of shutting down following a federal judges order to close it over environmental concerns. The White House has vowed to fight the ruling, seen as a setback to the Trump administrations deportation agenda. We think its despicable that an activist judge has inserted themselves in this migrant detention facility, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. DHS is now having to relocate these illegal immigrants to other detention facilities around the country. That is an unnecessary burden on the Department of Homeland Security and these agents who should be removing these criminals from our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem accuses CBS of deceptively editing interview Facilitys closure could cost Florida $218M At its peak, the facility held about 1,000 detainees. Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, told the Associated Press last month that it could be emptied within days, with one lawsuit estimating at least 100 people have been deported from the site. Closing the center is expected to cost the state approximately $218 million. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Across Tampa Bay, local governments have tried to address threats posed by human-caused climate change, like rising temperatures and increasingly devastating hurricanes. St. Petersburg has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels to power city-owned buildings. Pinellas County once viewed electric vehicles as cost-saving, though it recently paused its EV program. Hillsborough County tallies energy savings in the millions now that its investments in solar have matured. That progress may all be at risk now that Floridas Department of Government Efficiency has targeted clean energy initiatives and carbon reduction strategies crafted by local leaders. State auditors, tasked with rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, requested municipalities provide them information on any Green New Deal policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They received thousands of pages of documents, spreadsheets and slide decks they had demanded from St. Petersburg and Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Heres what local governments shared with DOGE. Carbon emission goals The states first climate change-focused request asked local governments to disclose any carbon emission goals that had been set by local leaders. St. Pete has adopted ambitious targets to cut its reliance on fossil fuels completely by 2035, though how much progress has been made is unclear, the Tampa Bay Times previously reported. In 2016, it became the first city in Florida to commit to a switch to clean energy that would power all homes, businesses and other infrastructure within city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State auditors also asked for copies of the citys contracts with Michael Bloombergs philanthropy. In 2019, the billionaire former New York City mayors organization pledged $2 million worth of technical support to help St. Petersburg meet its carbon reduction initiatives. The Bloomberg money fully funded the citys Integrated Sustainability Action Plan, its guiding climate resiliency roadmap. During staffs latest presentation on the plan to the citys Health, Energy, Resiliency and Sustainability Committee in July, they announced 33% of municipal electricity came from clean energy sources last year. Staff also highlighted ongoing green energy projects, including scaling up its solar co-op, creating more electric vehicle infrastructure and establishing EV incentives. Since 2012, the city has spent about $5 million on solar panels, $416,000 on electric vehicles and $1.7 million on consultants to reach its net-zero emissions goal, according to records submitted to the state DOGE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Moran, director of Hillsborough Countys environmental services division, wrote to auditors that his department has developed sustainability and resiliency policies that protect people and propertythat meet requirements to receive state funding. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has not adopted any emissions reductions or carbon reducing targets. Im not aware of any alternatives considered in place of actual targets, Moran wrote. Shortly afterRepublicans won all but one seat on the Pinellas County commission and months before DOGE came knocking, the board passed a sweeping ordinance that ended county efforts to lower its carbon footprint. The county previously strove toward targets of reaching 50% renewable energy by 2030 and cutting fossil fuels completely by 2050. Those were discarded in April, alongside two other environmental policies. Electric vehicles At the same time that Pinellas Countyabandoned its emissions goals andpulled out of Dukes Clean Energy Connection program, commissioners passed a restriction on electric vehicle purchases for the countys fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of that ordinance was the first of 78 pages submitted to auditors detailing the countys climate change policies. The EV measure requires a financial analysis be presented to the board that demonstrates the fiscal benefits of EVs, like one prepared by consultants in 2021. Consultants estimated Pinellas County could cut emissions from county-owned vehicles 23% by switching to EVs. It would also save the county $364,000 each year in gas, maintenance and parts, they wrote in a memo. The county began buying EVs shortly after receiving the consultants memo and has bought 17 vehicles to date, costing nearly $800,000, records submitted to thestate DOGE show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those purchases have halted since leaders paused EV spending to reassess the cost-benefit of an electric fleet. St. Petersburg has mandated that all new administrative vehicles be fully electric or plug-in hybrids, according to city records. But city staff said there could be some downsides: Combustion engines are better suited to extreme weather and towing than EVs. Between 2020 and 2022, the city purchased 13 electric Nissan Leafs priced similarly to other combustion engine vehicles, staff wrote to auditors. The cost per mile is similar to a Corolla hybrid, they wrote. Our data does show that the annual maintenance cost on the Nissan Leafs has been lower than other similar sized vehicles. Hillsborough County has 26 EVs in its fleet, which cost $1.3 million a sliver of the fleets total value of about $260 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county has also installed 37 chargers that total $126,000. Seven chargers are available to the public and have added $18,600 in revenue to Hillsborough County coffers since 2018. Hillsborough staff wrote to auditors that the county does not plan to continue funding the public EV program because it was only seeing a profit margin of 6% each year. Solar panels Hillsborough County has spent $7.5 million on solar energy infrastructure for 25 buildings since 2018. The county has saved $2.3 million in energy costs and offset about 9,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to nearly 2,000 homes electricity use for one year, as a result of this investment in clean energy, staff wrote to auditors. Hillsborough County has allocated $650,000 for future solar installations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Petersburg says its city-owned solar panels have created nearly $900,000 in energy savings since 2019, records show. Pinellas did not supply records to DOGE regarding municipal solar. The county has installed rooftop solar panels at its downtown energy plant, according to its website. Floridas DOGE team expects to release its assessments on local governments spending within 60 days of an in-person audit. For Tampa Bay municipalities, that would set the states self-imposed deadline for mid-October. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Floridas most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man who helped catch a burglary suspect while wearing Batman pajamas has spoken out about the incident. On Aug. 27, officers with the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at a home around 2:03 a.m. At the scene, they found the suspect had already been captured by a man wearing Batman pajamas, Kyle Myvett, a contractor by day and hero by night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myvett recounted to reporters that he had been in bed when his security camera notified him of someone attempting to break into his truck. After going outside to investigate, Myvett spotted the suspect, Justin Schimpl, 20, entering his neighbors garage. I got a hold of their shirt and their right wrist, and I told him, I said, listen, dont try to get away, said Myvett. According to NBC affiliate WBBH, Myvett said that the Cape Coral neighborhood is generally pretty safe so he left his truck unlocked, allowing the suspect to enter and steal over $800 worth of belongings from him and his neighbors. The Cape Coral Police Department arrested Schimpl, saying that he had stolen multiple items, including two pairs of Ray-Ban sunglasses, cash, a wristlet, and over $500 worth of gift cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about his choice of sleepwear, Myvett responded, I dont have a Superman pajama because hes kind of, you know, if youre impervious and invincible, youre not really brave. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A West Palm Beach man has been arrested for abandoning an 11-year-old Shiba Inu named Coco on a remote road, according to deputies in Martin County. Investigators said Sean Anthony Miller, 28, drove to Indiantown and left Coco on the side of the road before driving away. The Martin County Sheriffs Office, with assistance from the West Palm Beach Police Department, identified and arrested Miller, charging him with animal abandonment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said the arrest spotlights the seriousness with which the Martin County Sheriffs Office takes animal cruelty cases. Authorities hope Coco will find a safe and caring environment for her final years. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Britain began warning overseas students they risked being deported if they overstayed in response to what the government claimed was an "alarming" surge in asylum claims from people who entered the country on student visas. Ten thousand international students with visas that are about to run out have received texts and emails from the Home Office as part of an initiative to tackle the problem of people using the higher education system as a means of migrating to the United Kingdom. In all, about 130,000 students and their families are set to receive messages saying that if they have "no legal right to remain," they must leave the country and that if they do not, the government will find and deport them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Office data indicated that at least 14,800 of the more than 110,000 people who claimed asylum in the 12 months to June arrived legally with a university study visa, a six-fold increase since 2020. That compares with 26,000 who arrived with another type of visa and the 43,600 asylum applicants who arrived on a small boat. International students were applying for refugee status "even when things haven't changed in their home country" to justify the claim, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC. Addressing the issue, the message said: "If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused. Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support." Starting this month, universities will be required to meet tighter quotas on the number of visa applications they refuse to sponsor and how many of their overseas students complete the course on which they are enrolled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move, which comes as immigration and "illegal" migration specifically, is racing up the political agenda with political parties vying to appear the toughest on cracking down on people trying to come to Britain, drew fire from organizations representing university staff. \University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady called the message "an attack on international students that has very little to do with visa overstays and everything to do with apeing [the right-wing party] Reform." "They should instead be making the case for a welcoming and economically strong Britain, of which international students and a world-leading higher education sector are an integral part," said Grady, who speaks for more than 120,000 academics, lecturers, researchers, post-graduate students and other university staff. Universities depend heavily on overseas students for their operating and research income because tuition fees for Britons are capped at $12,745 a year in England and Wales, regardless of the institution. In recent days, Nigel Farage's populist Reform party, formerly the Brexit Party, and the official opposition Conservative Party have been challenging the ruling Labour government to show it is serious about tackling the issue by designating migration and illegal migration a national emergency. The Home Office is to text more than 130,000 foreign students to warn them they face deportation if they overstay and seek asylum without merit. Almost 10,000 students and their dependants have already been contacted as part of the move by Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, to stop migrants using student, work and visitor visas as a backdoor route to stay in the UK. Some 37 per cent (41,400) of asylum claims in the year to June this year were lodged by foreign nationals who initially came to the UK as students, skilled workers or tourists. This is on top of the 50,000 migrants who claimed asylum in the past year after crossing the Channel to enter the UK illegally via small boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those who switched to claim asylum after entering on visas, students accounted for the highest proportion at 40 per cent, followed by 29 per cent by skilled workers and 24 per cent by visitors. The Home Office has already introduced tougher screening interviews to test the credibility of prospective foreign students suspected of using their applications as a potential backdoor route to remain in the UK. Now the new direct messaging campaign will remind students that their visas are due to expire and warns them that any asylum claims without merit will be swiftly and robustly refused. It is being targeted at the 132,000 students whose visas are coming to an end. The texts adds: Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will not receive support. If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you dont, we will remove you. home office to students A Home Office source said: Nearly 10,000 students and dependents received the guidance last week, with tens of thousands more expected to receive it over the coming weeks as their visa expiry dates approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source added that stricter screening had seen refusal rates for short-term study visas increase from 45 per cent to 68 per cent. Similar checks for skilled workers has already seen rejections of their visas increase from three per cent in 2023 to 21 per cent in June. Among nationalities with high rates of asylum claims, the refusal rate was even higher. Bangladeshis rose from 18 per cent to 62 per cent, Pakistanis were up from 10 per cent to 54 per cent, Sri Lankans rose from seven per cent to 48 per cent and Indians were up from two per cent to 24 per cent. Universities to be named and shamed It is part of a wider crackdown which will see universities barred from accepting foreign students if they fail to prevent their courses being used as a backdoor for migrants claiming asylum in the UK. As part of a fresh government crackdown, universities will be penalised if fewer than 95 per cent of international students accepted on to a course start their studies, or fewer than 90 per cent continue to the end of their course. Institutions that accept foreign students will face sanctions if more than 5 per cent of their visas are rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worst-performing universities will be named and shamed. Limits will be imposed on the number of new international students they can recruit until they have improved and those who fail to do so will be stripped of their ability to sponsor study visas altogether. Foreign students contributed 12.1 billion in revenue to universities in 2023-24, nearly a quarter of their total income. There were 732,285 overseas students studying at UK higher education providers in the same academic year, 25 per cent of the total student population. At some universities, international students account for as many as two thirds of all students. Those in big cities such as London and Manchester tend to attract the highest numbers but other institutions with a high proportion of international students include the University of Hertfordshire, with 55 per cent, the University of Bedfordshire (38 per cent), Coventry University (42 per cent) and Southampton (36 per cent). Universities UK, which represents more than 140 institutions, said many universities went beyond the Home Office requirements by taking additional steps when assessing international applications to ensure people were not using the course as a backdoor to claiming asylum. It said the Home Office must share more up-to-date data with universities to respond to emerging risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Home Office said it was improving data-sharing with education institutions to support them in recruiting genuine students. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. When it comes to movies, the sequel is rarely better than the original. The same may be true of a potential political debate rematch between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Earlier this week, DeSantis appeared on Fox News Hannity and during the interview, Sean Hannity asked him if the governor would be interested in participating in another debate against Newsom. I say its time for Ron DeSantis-Gavin Newsom 2.0, Hannity said. He suggested the rules would be the same as the last debate and asked DeSantis: Would that be fair? Are you up for it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course itd be fair. Itd be fun, DeSantis replied. But he brushed off the possibility, saying to Hannity, I know hes not going to do that. I think he is settled into being a troller of President Trump. DeSantis then took a shot at Newsom, saying that the average American may wonder why Newsom is spending time trolling Trump when there are bigger problems facing Californians. Wait a minute, youve got problems in your state, of homelessness, people cant rebuild, crushing taxes and regulations, DeSantis said. Why dont you focus on fixing those rather than trying to be cheeky with the president of the United States, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, quote-tweeting a post on X with a clip of Hannity and DeSantis talking about a possible debate, had this to say: Hahahhahahahahaha. While a debate rematch may seem funny to Newsom, the problems facing California arent: homelessness, taxes and a high cost of living. In fairness, Florida also has its challenges, especially with insurance and affordability. However, if I have to choose between DeSantis or Newsom for my governor, Id pick DeSantis every time. A second DeSantis and Newsom debate would basically be political theater, true, so I dont think its worth the airtime. But if it did happen, it could offer voters something of value: a chance to see the governing philosophies and their consequences of two governors who both have presidential aspirations in 2028. DeSantis isnt the best on a debate stage, but in a battle of governing records, DeSantis would be able to make the stronger case of the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers dont lie. Florida has no state income tax while individuals in California making at least $1 million pay 13.3% tax the highest in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, a Washington,D.C.-based tax policy group, California ranks No. 1 for state sales tax a rate of 7.25%. While Floridas state sales tax is 6% and ranks 17. The cost of living in California is 39% higher than the national average, according to Bankrate.com. Compared to living in Miami-Dade County, a person living in Long Beach, California, pays roughly 23% more, according to the sites cost of living calculator. California and Florida both face affordability challenges but their approaches to state governance differ. DeSantis has embraced conservative principles of limited government and lower taxes, creating a business-friendly environment that has helped Florida grow economically. During the pandemic, Florida experienced such a migration boom that it strained the housing market, and economic opportunity followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, meanwhile, has led with progressive policies regulations, environmental restrictions that limit housing development and tax policies that make California a difficult place for businesses to thrive and people to live. While another DeSantis-Newsom debate will generate headlines, it wont solve the affordability factor for either state. Both governors are trying to hold onto national relevance, but their first responsibility is to the people who elected them. Instead of rehearsing for 2028, Newsom and DeSantis should focus on tackling the crises at home and finishing their governorships strong. The first debate was enough; America doesnt need a flashy sequel. Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. In a harsh rebuke of public health policies enacted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accuse him of putting Americas health at risk. Former directors and acting directors of the CDC under both Republican and Democratic administrations outlined their complaints in a guest essay in The New York Times Monday. Per the essay, Mr. Kennedy has fired thousands of federal health workers and severely weakened programs designed to protect Americans from cancer, heart attacks, strokes, lead poisoning, injury, violence and more. Amid the largest measles outbreak in the United States in a generation, hes focused on unproven treatments while downplaying vaccines. He canceled investments in promising medical research that will leave us ill prepared for future health emergencies. He replaced experts on federal health advisory committees with unqualified individuals who share his dangerous and unscientific views. He announced the end of U.S. support for global vaccination programs that protect millions of children and keep Americans safe, citing flawed research and making inaccurate statements. And he championed federal legislation that will cause millions of people with health insurance through Medicaid to lose their coverage. Firing Dr. (Susan) Monarez which led to the resignations of top CDC officials adds considerable fuel to this raging fire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter was signed by Dr. William Foege, who led the agency from 1977 to 1983; Dr. William Roper (1990 to 1993), Dr. David Satcher (1993 to 1998); Dr. Jeffrey Koplan (1998 to 2002); Dr. Richard Besser (acting director in 2009); Dr. Tom Frieden (2009 to 2017); Dr. Anne Schuchat (acting director in 2017-2018); Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky (2021-2023) and Dr. Mandy K. Cohen (2023-2025). They said they collectively spent more than 100 years working at the CDC. Among other complaints, the nine wrote that access to health care will be harder to obtain for those in rural communities or who have disabilities, as well as families with low income. This is unacceptable and it should alarm every American, regardless of political leanings, they wrote. While noting they each at times disagreed with the president and others they served, they wrote that they never gave us reason to doubt that they would rely on data-driven insights for our protection or that they would support public health workers. And they heralded the creation of the COVID-19 vaccines created during President Trumps first administration under what was called Operation Warp Speed as a shining example of what Health and Human Services can accomplish when health and science are at the forefront of its mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those very vaccines are now at the heart of controversy nationally. Kennedys vaccine skepticism and moves to restrict who gets COVID-19 vaccines has created a great deal of tension between the CDC, physician groups and the administration, as Deseret News has reported. That tension only increased when he fired Monarez last week, reportedly because she refused to agree with his vaccine recommendations and declined to fire key staff members. Four other CDC top officials resigned when it was announced that Monarez was fired. The nine former CDC heads also wrote that average life expectancy has increased from 66 in 1946 when the CDC was established to its current 78 years, crediting public health gains with making the most difference, from reducing smoking to increasing access to vaccinations. In closing, the letter asks Americans to rally to protect public health. It asks Congress to exercise its oversight authority over Health and Human Services. Philanthropists and the private sector are asked to contribute more to their communities, state and local governments to fill funding gaps. And physicians are told to support patients with sound guidance and empathy." Vaccine panel agenda Kennedy fired the entire CDC vaccine advisory panel earlier this year and appointed his own members, who are set to meet Sept. 18 to consider the newborn hepatitis B vaccine, infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) recommendations and the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and young adults, as well as the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News reported that if recommendations are weakened, Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program and Vaccines for Children could restrict coverage. Those programs all serve low-income families. Meanwhile, a pair of Republican senators were going back and forth about the newborn hepatitis B vaccine on X. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., have different views on giving babies vaccines to prevent hepatitis B. As Newsweek noted, Paul said theres no medical reason to do so if the mother does not have hepatitis B. Cassidy disagreed, and noted higher risk that a baby with hepatitis B will later develop liver cancer and spread the illness to others. Cassidy also said not all women are tested prior to giving birth and that being tested in the first trimester doesnt guarantee a woman wont have acquired the virus by the time the baby is born. The two senators, both physicians, serve on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which Cassidy chairs, but have very different views on vaccination. Cassidy recently said the Sept. 18 vaccine panel meeting should be postponed or the new recommendations that dont support vaccination for healthy children and pregnant women should be set aside. The new recommendation under Kennedy is that the COVID-19 vaccine be for those 65 and older and people with specific conditions. Others can get the vaccine in consultation with their doctor. What will acting CDC director do? CBS News reported that Jim ONeill, deputy secretary of HHS, is now acting director of the CDC and in that role will face some tough decisions on vaccine policy. The article notes that he is not a physician or a scientist the two occupations that typically lead the nations top public health agency. He will continue in a dual role, per the article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill has previously described himself as very strongly pro-vaccine, but the article notes recent social media posts that create new concerns about his grasp of vaccine science. No one seems sure what will happen with vaccines or how available they will be or whether the school immunization schedule will ultimately change. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) A former Vanderburgh County Director of Finance will serve time in federal prison after being sentenced for stealing over $125,000 in public funds. Regene Newman, 59, was sentenced to 1 1/2 years after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Officials state Newman has already paid over $101,000 in restitution to two victims and privately settled with a third. Person of interest in Gum Street death arrested, victim identified Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Newman exploited positions of public trust over a period of seven years, stealing over $125,000 intended for community programs and nonprofit organizations. Officials say she used the funds to support a lavish lifestyle and making large purchases at several retailers. Newman served as the Director of Finance for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutors Office from 2015 to June 2021, where it was reported she had authorized access to both an office credit card and a debit card for My Goals, a nonprofit operating under the Prosecutors Office to assist at-risk youth. Officials state between March 2016 and March 2021, Newman made over $60,000 in unauthorized purchases with the My Goals debit card, and to conceal the theft, she arranged for the Prosecutors Office to make sham donations to the nonprofit by submitting false Accounts Payable Vouchers. Officials explained the fake donations created the appearance that the funds would be used to support My Goals mission of helping the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also reported Newman also made over $26,000 in unauthorized purchases using the Prosecutors Office credit card during that time, and in June 2021, Newman left the Prosecutors Office and became the Business Director for Vanderburgh County Community Corrections. Officials state she gained access to a separate county credit card and later requested responsibility for managing the checking account of a local nonprofit that supports individuals battling addiction, and once granted access, she made an additional $10,725 in unauthorized credit card purchases and $23,929 in unauthorized debit card purchases. Regene Newman stole from public institutions and nonprofit organizations whose mission was to serve vulnerable members of the Vanderburgh County community. She deliberately exploited positions of public trust to fund a lifestyle of self-indulgencestealing not only taxpayer dollars, but also resources earmarked for addiction treatment and youth intervention, said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Todays sentence is a stark reminder that those who abuse positions of trust and steal from the public will be held accountable. This sentencing underscores an uncompromising truth: those who corrupt positions of trust and steal from the public will be brought to justice, said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge, Timothy OMalley. For years, Regene Newman diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to serve at-risk youth in Vanderburgh County, instead funding a life of personal extravagance. This calculated abuse represents not only financial theft, but a profound betrayal of the very communities these resources were meant to uplift. The FBI will continue to pursue those who exploit the public trust and ensure they are met with the full weight of accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This outcome reflects the strength of interagency collaboration and the importance of vigilant oversight, said Paul Joyce, State Examiner. The State Board of Accounts is proud to work alongside our federal partners to uncover fraud and restore integrity to public service. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that public funds serve the people- not the personal interests of those entrusted to manage them. In addition to the sentence, Newman will be subjected to three years of supervised release after prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). ***Watch previous coverage above*** AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A former Archbishop Hoban High School teacher was arraigned on felony sex charges on Tuesday. Chad C. Kendall, 37, of Akron, pleaded not guilty to felony counts of sexual battery, according to court records. His $5,000 bond was continued, despite the states request to increase it up to $30,000. Chad Kendall, Courtesy: Summit County Sheriffs Office According to investigators, Kendall surrendered to Akron police last month. He was charged with two counts of sexual battery related to two students who came forward, alleging sexual relationships with him while they were 16 and 17 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hate group shouted down in Hudson Kendall had been placed on administrative leave after being charged with assault in June. In that case, hes accused of grabbing a student by the neck during a high school play rehearsal, a police report said. The alleged crimes happened between September 2022 and April 2024, the indictment stated. He no longer works at the school, as FOX 8 previously reported. He was previously listed as a choir and theatre teacher there. Kendall is set to appear for a status hearing on Oct. 6 at 9:45 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: UKC Ibrahim on Facebook Sometimes, we pay a little more for a full-on rig, rather than paying for parts separately, but I've never heard of paying a ten times markup. A former mayor of a city in the Philippines has been accused of doing such a thing, putting down nearly $175,000 for 16 PCs (with mice and keyboards) plus a server. As reported by Tom's Hardware, on August 27th, Ukc Ibrahim shared a post to their Facebook page saying that the previous mayor, Darwin Bajada, paid 10 million Philippine pesos (equivalent to $174,932 at the time of writing) for a computer server, and shared an image of a computer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was attached to a quote from current mayor Sally A. Lopez, which says (machine translated) "The price is too high and has not been tested whether it works or not, former Mayor Bajada paid immediately." This post was then reshared by the official Sally A. Lopez Facebook account. Soon after, this information was corrected by Lopez herself, who clarified that the lump sum was in fact given for '16 generic computer', alongside '16 generic keyboard and monitor', plus '1 system'. The keyboard and mouse (a Jedel G17 combo) are currently on sale for 290 Philippine pesos (around $5), so that's around $70 total so far ($90 full price). The imagery is somewhat hard to make out, but the monitors appear to be from Fonudar. As of the time of writing, Fonudar monitors range from $17 to $78. This means 16 of them, taking the middle price, would cost around $650-800. We don't know the specific monitor in question, so naturally, take this figure with a grain of salt. Two of the documents shared by Lopez | Credit: Mayor Sally A. Lopez on Facebook According to Tom's Hardware's approximation, the PCs (with a $60 UPS charge) would cost you $670 if you picked all the parts on Newegg. So far, the cost of everything here roughly accounts for around $12,000. Admittedly, this is rough maths, and it's worth noting this sale was from a year ago, so part prices are likely to have changed since then, but the discrepancy between the price and the value of these rigs is being questioned in Lopez's post and comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, Lopez notes a server with an Intel i9 14th Gen CPU, 32 GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, and 10 TB HDD. Though we don't have a price on this, if this server doesn't cost $150,000, then the former mayor perhaps paid a tad (or a lot) more than the computers are worth. Something good does seem to have come from this discrepancy, though. Carlo Ople, the CEO of Philippines-based tech shop Unbox, has announced that he will be providing a tech care package and has urged others in the area to contribute to it. I doubt enough will be made to account for the difference, but a little more tech is certainly not a bad thing. Sep. 1A former Albert Lea middle school teacher who pleaded guilty to sending naked photos to a child will serve five years of probation and 90 days in jail, which can be spent on work release, according to online court records. Gerardo Noe Guerrero, 32, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of distributing via electronic communication material that describes sexual conduct to a child tied to incidents from May 2024. Two other counts were dismissed, along with one count of soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct, as part of a plea agreement with the Freeborn County Attorney's Office. Court records state Freeborn County District Court Judge Ross gave Guerrero a stay of imposition, which means if Guerrero successfully completes his probation, his felony conviction can be reduced to a lesser crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guerrero, of Austin, was most recently a physical education teacher at Southwest Middle School and during the 2023-24 school year worked as a substitute teacher at Albert Lea High School. Court documents state Guerrero reportedly found a student he had met at the high school on Instagram and Snapchat and then began sending her photos and a video, some that were sexual in nature. As part of his sentence, Guerrero was ordered to have no unsupervised contact with people under age 18, with the exception of his own children. He is also prohibited from entering places where sexual materials are available and cannot possess any sexually explicit material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was ordered no access to or use of the internet without approval and must disclose all of his internet-capable devices and digital storage devices to his agent within 24 hours of possession. The devices are also subject to search and monitoring. He must also register as a predatory offender, and attend a sex offender program. Guerrero will receive credit for two days already spent in jail, French judges have issued arrest warrants for former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad and six top aides for the killing and wounding of a group of journalists during the Syrian civil war in 2012. Among those caught in the artillery strike in Homs were American journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik. Three other journalists were wounded in the strike on the building they had been using as a media center. Colvin was a reporter for British newspaper The Sunday Times and Ochlik was a freelance photographer. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French investigation found that the Syrian government had a policy to stop international journalists from covering the 14-year-long civil war. Colvin, Ochlik and the other wounded reporters colleagues suspected their media center was discovered and targeted by tracing their satellite phones. The judges had access to documents from the security services at the time ordering that journalists be followed and intercepted at checkpoints, Clemence Bectarte, a lawyer for International Federation for Human Rights and for the parents of Ochlik, said according to The New York Times. The judges of the French War Crimes Unit who spearheaded the investigation into the attack found that Assad and his aides were likely to be guilty of a war crime and a crime against humanity for the targeting of the journalists. Colvin was a veteran war correspondent who ranked among the most prominent of the over 100 journalists and reporters killed while covering the war in Syria. She spoke to CNNs Anderson Cooper the day before the artillery strike that took her life, explaining away the Syrian governments claims that they were only attacking terrorists in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no military targets here, she told Cooper the day before she was killed. Its a complete and utter lie. The Syrian Army is basically shelling a city of cold, starving civilians. Colvin, a New York native, was a famed war correspondent who reported from conflict zones including Chechnya, Sri Lanka and Kosovo. She was left blind in one eye while covering the war in Sri Lanka in 2001 after she was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Her illustrious career was chronicled in the 2018 film A Private War where she was portrayed by Rosamund Pike. Along with the deaths of Colvin and Ochlik, several were wounded in the attack including Paul Conroy, a British photographer for The Sunday Times, Syrian translator, Wael Omar and a French freelance reporter who was on assignment for Le Figaro, Edith Bouvier. al-Assad and his family fled to Russia last December, while the whereabouts of the six other accused officials remain unknown. Under French law, however, they can still be tried in absentia. The post Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Aides Wanted in France for Attack That Killed War Journalist Marie Colvin appeared first on TheWrap. Former state Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, a Collin County Republican who authored Texas sweeping 2013 abortion law which paved the way for similar restrictions nationwide years before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade has died, according to social media posts from several lawmakers. She was 68. It is heartbreaking to hear that my former deskmate and dear friend, Jodie Laubenberg, passed away, Leach wrote Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter. He called Laubenberg a faithful and consistent conservative champion and one of the first and most effective fighters for the pro-life movement anywhere in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laubenberg represented House District 89 in Collin County from 2003 to 2019. She was best known for authoring House Bill 2, the controversial 2013 law that banned most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy and imposed strict requirements, including that clinics meet ambulatory surgical center standards and that abortion providers have hospital admitting privileges. Although those two key provisions of HB 2 were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016, legal scholars and abortion rights advocates described the measure as a turning point in Texas abortion policy. The law helped shape the strategy behind a wave of restrictive measures nationwide and set the stage for the broader legal battles that culminated in the courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We are saddened to learn of the passing of former State Representative Jodie Laubenberg said Amy ODonnell, spokesperson for Texas Alliance for Life. As the author of HB 2 in 2013, she worked tirelessly to protect mothers and unborn children. Texas Alliance for Life was honored to work alongside her in crafting, advancing, and defending this historic legislation. Beyond abortion policy, Laubenberg chaired the House Elections Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She announced in 2017 that she would not seek reelection. She was succeeded in 2019 by Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, who wrote on X Monday that she was saddened to learn of Laubenbergs death. She loved Jesus and loved Texas. She was tiny but left BIG shoes to fill. We miss you, sweet friend, Noble wrote. Sen. Angela Paxton, Attorney General Ken Paxton, State Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, also posted their condolences to the family on social media. Jodie Laubenberg was a dear friend and a mentor to me my freshman year. She loved Jesus and Texas and will be dearly missed, wrote Shaheen in an email statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton wrote in a statement that Laubenberg was one of the first people who encouraged her to run for the Texas Senate and described the former Texas representative as compassionate, principled, and feisty! She was actually the fairy godmother of a puppy she once came across on the side of the highway, Paxton wrote. She reached out to me as she was trying to find a good home for it, not knowing that my oldest little girl had been fervently praying for a puppy! I had to say yes and my children all loved her for that. Details about the cause of death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available on Monday. She is survived by her husband Bob and their two children, David and Liz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement _The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage._ More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. By Dan Peleschuk LVIV, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukrainians paid tribute to prominent politician Andriy Parubiy as he was buried on Tuesday after being gunned down in a daytime attack on Saturday, the second assassination in the western city of Lviv in just over a year. As mourners streamed across cobblestone streets, the motives behind the killing of Parubiy, who played a key role in a pro-democracy uprising in 2014 that ousted a pro-Russian president, and later served as parliament speaker, remained unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian police, who have detained the alleged gunman, said on Monday they suspected Russian involvement. Moscow, which has waged a full-scale war in Ukraine since February 2022, has not commented on that claim. In courtroom footage broadcast on television on Tuesday, the alleged assassin, a Ukrainian man, admitted to shooting Parubiy, a 54-year-old sitting lawmaker, and described it as "my personal revenge" against the state. He did not elaborate. The suspect said he wanted to be included in a prisoner exchange with Russia to find the body of his son, a Ukrainian soldier who was killed, adding that he had not been recruited by Moscow for the murder. A Lviv court ordered the man into custody for 60 days pending investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local residents interviewed by Reuters on Tuesday praised Parubiy, a Lviv native who launched his career in nationalist politics and later joined a more centrist opposition party. The city of around 700,000 people has been a historical cradle of nationalist and cultural movements in Ukraine aimed especially at resisting Russian rule. "He was a big patriot of Ukraine - that's all you need to say," said 82-year-old resident Orest Kokovskyi, who was dressed in a traditional embroidered shirt. 2024 ASSASSINATION Saturday's attack followed the July 2024 public shooting in Lviv of nationalist politician and linguist Iryna Farion, who was known for her sometimes contentious efforts to promote the Ukrainian language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An 18-year-old Ukrainian man is currently on trial for her murder. Police said after Parubiy's death on Saturday that they did not immediately see a connection between the two crimes. On Tuesday, local residents such as Lidia Boiko, 44, said they believed the two assassinations were tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "They (the Russians) are destroying the best representatives of Ukraine so that...we don't have a chance to develop," Boiko said. (Writing by Dan Peleschuk; editing by Mark Heinrich) Update: Fort Collins Police said that Mia was located and is unharmed in a social media post at 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday. DENVER (KDVR) Police are seeking the publics help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, Fort Collins Police said in a post on X on Monday evening. Mia was last seen around midnight on Sunday near Kirkwood Drive. Nearly 50 people involved in complex Devils Head rescue She is described as five feet tall, 120 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said she was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and pants. If anyone has seen or has information about Mias location, Fort Collins Police asks them to contact the police at 970-221-6540. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Six developers are in the running to build a new Fort Lauderdale City Hall. The community lost its gray bunker of a City Hall when a record-breaking rainstorm hit in April 2023 and flooded the basement. The 1960s-era building, damaged beyond repair, has been demolished. A fence surrounds the spot at 100 N. Andrews Ave. where the eight-story building stood for nearly six decades. Fort Lauderdale is still in the process of defining the requirements and scope for the new City Hall, but is seeking to hire an outside firm to design, finance and construct the new City Hall. A decision is expected before the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meridiam Infrastructure North America the same company that built the Port of Miami tunnel submitted an unsolicited proposal in May to take on the job. As required by state law, Fort Lauderdale gave competing firms until early August to come forward with their own proposals. Five more proposals were submitted by the Aug. 5 deadline, leaving the commission with six to choose from. The South Florida Sun Sentinel takes a look at each one. PROPOSAL ONE Balfour Beatty City Hall Proposal As an international company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Balfour Beatty offers a strong balance sheet with more than $1.3 billion in daily net cash and our team has successfully delivered over 130 similar P3 projects, the 76-page proposal says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal offers three options: Solely developing the parcel for City Hall; developing the parcel into a multi-tenant facility including City Hall, office space and retail space; and developing the parcel and adjacent parcels, including the structured parking between First and Second Streets, into a city center hub. The developer says it could partner with Fort Lauderdale to get a new City Hall built by mid-2028. The exterior surfaces would be treated with reflective materials glass, polished metals or wave-textured panels that catch and refract light like sunlight on water, creating a vibrant, ever-changing facade throughout the day, the proposal states. Inspired by the fluid beauty and rhythmic power of ocean waves, our concept for the new Fort Lauderdale City Hall captures the essence of the citys coastal identity, the proposal promises. Just as waves shape the shoreline over time, the architecture is sculpted with sweeping curves and flowing forms that evoke movement, resilience and natural harmony. PROPOSAL TWO Cypress West City Hall Proposal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheldon Gross, managing partner of Cypress West, is the leaseholder of the Kaplan building at 1515 W. Cypress Creek Road. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department moved its operations to the Kaplan building two years ago soon after construction began on the citys new police headquarters building. Gross submitted a 25-page proposal suggesting the city embrace what he calls a dual-campus approach. Our offering involves delivering two different facility components: (A) an existing North Operations Campus located at 1515 West Cypress (currently the temporary home of the Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters), which will house the citys back office operations in a Class A office building, located in an X rated flood zone, and designed to operate 24/7/365; and (B) a new and generational Downtown City Hall located at 100 N. Andrews, which will be home to all public-facing team members and also public-facing meeting venues such as the commission chambers. The North Operations Campus is currently serving as the temporary home for the Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters, Gross notes. He suggests the city continue leasing or do a lease-purchase or outright purchase of the existing office complex at 1515 W. Cypress Creek Road. PROPOSAL THREE Fort Lauderdale Civic Partners City Hall Proposal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Meridiam development team has a track record that includes the $1.1 billion Port of Miami Tunnel, delivered ahead of schedule and $90 million under budget in 2014, according to the 175-page proposal. In New York City, Meridiam led the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, a $3.9 billion project delivered on time and on budget while maintaining full airport operations and named 2023 Worlds Best New Airport Terminal, the proposal says. We are offering Fort Lauderdale an unprecedented opportunity to bring city services back to one efficient and consolidated location by 2028. Phasing construction would allow for delivery of the commission chambers by November 2028, with a nal delivery of the tower by February 2029. The team is proposing three design options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Option 1: A 12-story office tower (340,000 square feet) with room for growth; two- to three-story podium offering community-facing city services in addition to a wellness center, child care center, public gallery and mobility services; 40,000 square feet of flexible space. Option 2: A 10-story office tower (275,000 square feet); two- to three-story podium with common and amenity spaces; and chambers meeting areas. Option 3: A seven-story office tower (200,000 square feet); two-story podium with common and amenity spaces; administrative functions housed in a lower tower; limited shared spaces and public-facing functions, with more affordable surfacing. PROPOSAL FOUR FTL Beacon Collaborative City Hall Proposal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arquitectonicas Miami-based studio will shape the citys new City Hall into a civic landmark, leveraging a 48-year portfolio of bold, human-centered architecture that has earned international acclaim and an award-winning South Florida pedigree, the 164-page proposal says. Their design approach pairs sculptural form with proven hurricane hardening, food-mitigation, and sustainability strategies perfected on numerous local government projects, driving down operating costs while safeguarding public services. Partnering with FTL Beacon Collaborative will provide the city with a signature design, climate-resilient City Hall that elevates civic pride and forward-looking governance for residents and visitors alike, the proposal states. The proposed design will also deliver functional and efficient workplaces tailored to meet the needs of administration, department leaders and staff. The buildings public spaces designed for art exhibits, civic gatherings and small-business pop-ups will ensure the facility remains a living hub of community life and opportunity. The proposal calls for raising the ground floor elevation beyond code minimums, using hurricane-resistant materials and installing power generation systems to keep critical functions operational. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building would be designed to withstand Category 4 or 5 hurricane winds, depending on the location. It would also feature impact-resistant systems designed to resist windborne debris, with backup power and communications to shelter staff and function without external utilities during emergencies. PROPOSAL FIVE FTL City Hall Partners City Hall Proposal The development team recommends a 10-story City Hall that would be architecturally iconic and unmistakably Fort Lauderdale. The cost to design and build: $260 million. The opening date: The end of 2028. Our team lives and works in Fort Lauderdale and we have a genuine love for this city and its people, the 92-page proposal states. We know that the future Fort Lauderdale City Hall needs to serve our entire community first and foremost the civil servants that work in the building, but the building also needs to be a place that everyone from Fort Lauderdale is proud of, the proposal says. A building where the needs of the city and its people are served for decades to come. That is why this offering not only represents the best subject matter and discipline experts at every level of our team, but also the voices of Fort Lauderdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new 196,000-square-foot City Hall would integrate structured parking, a shaded civic plaza space and opportunities for local retail or public use. The building would sit between a four-story screened garage on one side and a public plaza on the other. The proposal speaks of an inspired design: Patterns derived from the wind and water washed sands of the shore. Benches made of coral stone concrete and oak. Plants and trees native to the states unique climate. The site design aims to create an outdoor environment that is as comfortable and functional as the building it supports, the proposal says, with green areas and plazas as well as spaces for programmed gatherings and peaceful assembly. The site rises to elevate the building above the surrounding streetscape in a design gesture that is as functional as it is symbolic, lifting the voice and will of the people above all else and securing the building against threats from criminal actors as well as those brought on by global warming. PROPOSAL SIX Industry 1 Development Committee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development team proposes a quick construction timeline that would begin in May 2026 and end in March 2028. This proposal introduces a Co-Development Agreement structure designed to accelerate delivery and usher in a new era of civic infrastructure a City Hall for the times, and for the incoming times of Fort Lauderdale, states the 56-page proposal. This is not just about constructing a building, the proposal says. It is about creating a civic landmark that speaks to identity, equity, and belonging. We are not just the developers or the builders we are the neighbors, stakeholders, and stewards. Our proposal offers not only execution certainty, but cultural credibility and moral clarity. The people leading this effort reflect the very city they seek to serve. This is not an asset alone it is a landmark for a generation. The teams capital strategy calls for 100% private financing with no upfront city expenditures. No payment obligations commence until completion and city occupancy, the proposal says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The buildings design would incorporate flood mitigation, hardened building systems, and sustainable infrastructure to withstand climate impacts and reduce long-term public risk. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan BOSTON (SHNS) After achieving success in other states and with the Trump administration serving as a new foil, environmental activists are hopeful they can find traction this term for a climate change superfund bill that one major business group warned could devastate the states economy. Supporters mounted a new round of advocacy for legislation (H 1014 / S 588) that would impose significant financial penalties on fossil fuel giants for their role in greenhouse gas emissions, then use that money to help fund the states response to more intense weather, warming temperatures and other climate change outcomes. An earlier version of the measure failed in the last legislative term, but supporters are optimistic that the national context has changed enough since then to prod Democrats into embracing the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Vermont and New York enacted similar laws in 2024. Rep. Steven Owens, one of the Massachusetts measures lead sponsors, also said the Trump administrations rollback of some protections against climate change leaves states to deal with the costs and the public health externalities ourselves. In the bill, the polluters would pay. The polluters that would pay in this context are those companies that have gotten away with polluting our air with greenhouse gases, knowing the consequences, Owens, a Watertown Democrat, said at an Environment Committee hearing. The measure would task the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs with performing a climate cost study quantifying total costs Massachusetts faces as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, including their effects on public health, flooding and more. The state would update that study at least every two years. Fossil fuel companies responsible for more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 1995 and 2024 would each be charged a proportional share of those total climate change adaptation costs estimated by state government, under the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the revenue generated by those penalties, the state would establish a superfund to power a range of projects, including coastal protections, wetland restoration, and building weatherization. At least 40% of the money would need to be spent on environmental justice communities. In many ways, the comparison for what the fossil fuel industry has done to this country and to the world is comparable to the tobacco industry, which lied for decades about the negative health impacts of smoking and tobacco, said Sen. Jamie Eldridge, an Acton Democrat who filed a Senate version of the bill. Fossil fuel companies knew for decades, even going back, I believe, to the 1960s about the impact on climate but denied it. The proposal faces stiff opposition. Last year, the Environment Committee ordered an earlier version, which set a specific $75 billion target on funds raised from fossil fuel companies, to a dead-end study. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. Justice Department this spring filed legal challenges against the New York and Vermont laws, calling them expropriative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Associated Industries of Massachusetts official urged lawmakers to spike the latest version of the bill, calling it legally dubious and warning that it would significantly increase the costs of living and doing business in Massachusetts to a degree that could devastate the states economy. The assessments would likely cost the [fossil fuel] industry more than $70 billion dollars for activity that was legal and in demand over the course of decades. This proposal would have massive repercussions on the states economy, Samuel Larson, vice president of government affairs at AIM, wrote to lawmakers. The Healey Administration has wisely made the cost of living a central platform of their policy work and this legislation would singlehandedly undermine all those efforts, Larson added. The steep spike in energy costs would cripple industries like manufacturing, trucking, logistics and construction. Massachusetts residents would likely face 8%-16% increases in electricity rates which would make the state even more unaffordable for middle-class families. Owens said the bill would only penalize the largest polluters of greenhouse gases, not smaller entities like home heating oil suppliers. He voiced optimism that the assessments would not be passed along to consumers, seeking to contrast the charges from something more permanent like a carbon tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several supporters cited extreme weather Massachusetts has experienced in recent years as a reason to advance the bill. A flood that hit the western part of the state in 2023 caused $39 million in public infrastructure damage, according to Rep. Jack Lewis. Policymakers are already weighing other options to fund infrastructure improvement work related to climate change responses. Gov. Maura Healey filed a $2.9 billion borrowing bill this year that would use bond dollars to invest in flood controls, coastal resilience, upgrading dams and more. Some activists like the superfund bill, though, because it would require fossil fuel companies to pick up much of the tab. Our taxpayers are on the hook for 100% of the cost of climate damages, said 350 Mass legislative manager Daniel Zackin. Big oil and gas companies must pay their fair share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens pointed to his hometown as a Superfund success story, describing cleanup activities at the so-called Arsenal site that is now an engine of growth in town. The cost-recovery program set up by this bill can do the same for those areas most impacted by the devastating effects of climate change, he said. We know that storms are going to be more serious. Sea level rise is happening already. Shoreline erosion, storm surges, thats impacting our coast. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are likely to increase the intensity of both floods and droughts and wildfires. So this is our chance to prepare the commonwealth for the inevitable. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. Two teenagers have been charged for allegedly carjacking their friend and the childs foster dad over the weekend, according to records. Terrell Harris Jr. and Marcus Hayes III, both 18 years old, have both been charged with vehicle hijacking and armed criminal action. According to officials, a man was taking his foster child and Hayes, the childs friend, to meet with another one of their friends in Glasgow Village Saturday. Hayes had spent the night at the childs house the night prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restaurant worker raids expose reported packed suburban homes Once they arrived to the destination, Hayes allegedly got out of the car and was handed a rifle by Harris Jr., who also had a rifle. Together, Hayes and Harris Jr. forced the man and foster child to exit the car before getting in and fleeing. The St. Louis County Police Department was called to the armed carjacking, and they were able to find the stolen car 30 minutes later at a car wash in the 2800 block of North Florissant with Hayes and Terrell Jr. nearby. Keys to the vehicle were located on Hayes and the victim identified the duo as the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the teens are being held on a $500,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Sep. 2ROCHESTER A Fountain, Minnesota, man was injured in a motorcycle crash Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, on Interstate 90 in Olmsted County. A 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was eastbound on Interstate 90 when it crashed in the ditch near the Eyota exit around 10:21 p.m., according to a Minnesota State Patrol crash report. The driver, Daniel Allen Parker, 57, of Fountain, was transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys with non-life-threatening injuries. Alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to the report. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Eyota Fire Department and Eyota Ambulance also responded to the scene. LAVALE Four people were left homeless in two house fires that broke out in the county in less than eight hours, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. An early morning fire Tuesday in Locust Grove left two people homeless and two Westernport residents were displaced by a blaze that broke out in their property Monday evening, the fire marshal's office said. It was 2:39 a.m. when an occupant of a residence at 11113 Locust Grove Road awakened to fire in the bedroom of the two-story structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaVale Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding companies responded with 40 firefighters, taking 35 minutes to control the blaze that originated on the second floor of the structure, investigators said. The loss to the property, owned and occupied by Donald and Rhonda Michaels, was estimated at $50,000. The victims are being assisted by a neighbor and the American Red Cross. At Westernport, two residents of 188 Marsh Ave. escaped a fire that broke out in their residence and adjoining three-bay garage just before 7 p.m. Monday. Smoke coming from the basement alerted the occupants who were able to flee the property with their pets, the fire marshal's office said. Officials said the fire originated in the garage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property loss to the residence, garage and contents was estimated at $200,000. The property is owned by Drolls D&D Rentals LLC. The fire marshal's office continues to investigate the cause and origin of both fires. As Congress returns this week, so does the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as well as President Donald Trumps inevitable pushback. For those who might have forgotten, in July, the Department of Justice released a two-page memo stating that the convicted sex offender and disgraced financier had no client list and likely killed himself in prison. That set off a firestorm among both critics of the president and even some of his biggest fans. Democrats sought to make hay of the matter and proceeded to try and include amendments related to the investigation in the House Rules Committee, which forced House Speaker Mike Johnson to send the House of Representatives home early for the August recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump for his part has hoped that the whole thing would just go away. But now that Congress is back, both the House and Senate can take actions on Epstein. Here are four things to watch for as Congress takes up the Epstein investigation: As the House and Senate return, expect new developments in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. (AP) 1. The discharge petition and who joins it Typically, the only way to get a bill to the floor for a vote is to have it go through the House Rules Committee. House leadership and the majority also tightly controls what goes on the floor. But rank-and-file members have one tool to get around leadership: the discharge petition. If a member gets a majority of their colleagues to sign onto a petition, it can have an automatic vote on the matter in the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced one before Congress left. Now Massie says he will file his discharge petition on Tuesday. Expect every Democrat to sign onto it. But even some arch-conservatives like Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have signed onto it. 2. Chuck Schumers Rule of Five Senate Minority Leader invoked a little-known law known as the Rule of Five to force the Justice Department to turn over information on Epstein. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Democratic voters have not been happy with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ever since he voted for a continuing resolution to keep the government open in May. Some have hoped he will either retire or that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run in a primary against him in 2028. But Schumer still understands the rules and procedures of the upper chamber and he invoked whats called the Rule of Five. Put simply, if five members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee requests information, an executive agency must comply. In this case, Schumer joined with other members of the Homeland Security Committee to release information related to Epstein from the Justice Department. Its unclear how much information Democrats can get and certainly the White House will try to resist a release. But it tees up a huge fight right ahead of a potential government shutdown and gives Democrats some hint of leverage. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer will lead the investigation in the lower chamber. (AP) 3. The Oversight Committee While the fireworks will happen on the House floor, most of the activities surrounding the Epstein investigation will take place in the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically seen as an irascible and highly partisan committee, it will serve as the battleground for the narrative around the Epstein investigation. The committee already subpoenaed information from the Justice Department. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, have said it will receive the leatherbound book Epsteins collaborator and facilitator Ghislaine Maxwell curated for him, which reportedly also included a bawdy letter with a drawing of a naked woman. But James Comer, the committee chairman, also said Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before the committee. Other Democrats like Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have said that not only should Maxwell testify, but Epsteins victims should have an opportunity to do so as well. Oversight has plenty of the most hardcore partisans on both sides such as Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) on the Democratic side and Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Mace and Greene. Expect Democrats to emphasize any ties between Trump and Epstein as well as any coverup by the Department of Justice while Republicans emphasize the disgraced financiers ties to Democrats like Clinton. 4. The GOP response All of this could be rendered moot depending on Trump and Johnsons response to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A discharge petition is not fool-proof and Johnson could try to jam it the same way he tried to jam a separate discharge petition that Luna tried to force to allow the parents of newborns to take proxy votes. Attorney General Pam Bondi might also resist efforts from Senate Democrats or the House to turn over information. But the more resistance Trump puts up, the more suspicion he might face. And Johnson running interference might lead to the more squirrelly members of his conference revolting against him in the way that they have revolted against previous speakers like Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner and Paul Ryan. Gaetan Bruel, President of the Frances National Cinema Centre (CNC), opened up Unifrances Rendez-Vous event in Le Havre with a staunch defense of the European model of funding film and TV, which he said was under attack from U.S. authorities. He also hinted at big news in terms of investment quotas, which are strongly opposed by the U.S. streamers. The CNC President defended the European model of TV production, distribution and funding. He characterized it as a mix of public and private broadcasters and platforms, and funding that protects the rights of creators and ensures locally-produced fare can thrive. He said that there have been repeated attacks against the model from the U.S. administration and spoke of the sovereign right to protect this [audiovisual] sector. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CNC chief added that over a dozen countries have investment obligations for streamers and that 10 more are thinking about their introduction. He noted that Germany was among those weighing introducing such obligations and hinted that an announcement is in the offing. I believe there could be good news in the coming month, he said. Bruel was speaking before the French TV export figures are released later today (Tuesday). Those numbers are still under wraps but he noted the performance of French content internationally is remarkable given the context. He said: The international context is it is very difficult for an audiovisual market that is marked by the restructuring of major companies and a decrease in the buying of programming. He did, however, strike a positive note about how French content is faring abroad, ahead of the export stats being presented. There is strong momentum at a moment when the cards are being reshuffled at an international level, he said. The Rendez-Vous is the biggest market focused on French TV, with all of the major distribs in town and about 150 international buyers. Bruel was speaking at a new conference session that organizer, Unifrance, has introduced to take the temperature of the international biz from a French perspective, Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PARIS (Reuters) -France's far-right National Rally urged President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to swiftly dissolve parliament and call snap elections, adding that Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's efforts to stave off the collapse of his government would fail. The RN and other opposition parties have said they will bring down the minority government in a September 8 confidence vote, which Bayrou unexpectedly announced last week as he seeks to push through unpopular plans for a budget squeeze in 2026. That helped push France's 30-year government bond yields to their highest levels in over 16 years on Tuesday, driven by fiscal concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There has been no miracle, this meeting ... won't make the RN change its mind," RN president Jordan Bardella said after he and Marine Le Pen, the dominant force in the anti-immigration party, met with Bayrou. "We call for an ultra-quick dissolution (of parliament), so that the new majority that will come out of these elections can build up a budget (for the country)," Le Pen told reporters. The parties that have said they will vote against Bayrou - including the RN and Socialists - together have enough votes to trigger the fall of the government. If Bayrou does lose, Macron can appoint a new prime minister, ask Bayrou to stay on in a caretaker capacity for some time, or decide to call snap parliamentary elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron called a snap parliamentary election in June last year that was widely seen as a failed gamble, further weakening him and delivering an even more fragmented parliament. Opinion polls show new elections would deliver another hung parliament, but with the RN likely stronger. Any new prime minister would be the fifth since Macron's re-election three years ago. Amid concerns over the political uncertainty, France's 30-year government bond yields hit their highest since June 2009 on Tuesday at 4.513%, up 6.5 basis points. "The reality is that a successor to Bayrou would likely suffer the same fate, with opposition parties opposing any meaningful fiscal consolidation," Nomura analysts said in a note. (Reporting by Ingrid Melander and Sudip Kar-Gupta; writing by Ingrid Melander, editing by Alexandra Hudson) FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) For years, Frankfort Fire and EMS have been looking for a new home for a fire station, a milestone that was celebrated Tuesday. Frankfort Fire and EMS Chief Johnny Carpenter is looking ahead to a new fire station 1, close to the downtown area and right across from the public safety facility. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Were really excited. Im excited about where its going. Im excited about it for our department. Im excited about it for the city. Its going to give us room to grow, Carpenter said. Its going to allow us to get out of the station a lot quicker, because right now were in such tight quarters down the road that its hard to get in and out of the station sometimes, and we have trucks stacked on top of each other, rather than just being able to leave straight out of the station and go to the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future station, which used to be Bryants Pic Pac Supermarket, played a big role as a flood shelter during the disaster. Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson was one of the speakers at the groundbreaking. It really was a focal point during the flood recovery efforts. Its also fitting that it would become the center of our downtown firefighting operations as well, Wilkerson said. City leaders like Wilkerson agree that this was a must-have for the department, and the good news for them is that the wait wont be much longer. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to replace the old fire station, one which has been there since the 1950s. Its been long overdue that we needed to have a modern space thats safer for our firefighters, Wilkerson said. We should be done somewhere around October, and we hope to move in November or December of 2026, Carpenter added. When the new fire station is ready, it will replace the current one, which is adjacent to City Hall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 200 people attended rallies and sign-waving events across Frederick County on Monday, joining a national movement in support of workers on Labor Day. Activist groups, including the Indivisible Frederick Coalition, Indivisible Middletown and Resist Persist, held local "Workers Over Billionaires" rallies in Frederick and Middletown. Participants in Middletown spread across various intersections on Main Street, while the Frederick rally was held at the U.S. 15 overpass on Opossumtown Pike. All of the groups waved signs and American flags as drivers honked in support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With signs that read "Tax the Rich" and "Ban Billionaires," one of the main themes at Monday's events was that the federal government should ensure fair wages and prevent wealthy individuals from influencing politics. Stephanie Latkovski, founder of Indivisible Middletown, said the event was meant to highlight the country's inequality of wealth. "You shouldn't have to work three jobs in America to get by," Latkovski said. "We're all impacted by this, no matter where you live." Catherine Thompson, who attended the event in Frederick, said she believes the Constitution and the country are "in jeopardy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson, who held a sign that said "Workers Not Billionaires," said all workers, including delivery drivers and restaurant employees, are important and should earn fair wages. "The income inequality in this country has only continued to grow, and now we're seeing the problem with that," Thompson said. "It's not just an issue of fairness. ... It's an issue of political power concentrating to continually benefit them and not the people." In addition to labor issues, participants raised a number of other concerns, including cuts to federal health care, the White House takeover of Washington and heightened immigration enforcement and deportations. Alicia Henning said she has a "continuing sinking feeling" about the impacts of federal funding cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has relatives who depend on Medicaid and others in her family who work in government or as government contractors and are worried about losing their jobs. "When I get with the group, I just feel like I belong, like we all belong and care about each other no matter what our differences are," Henning said. Shane Stewart, a Frederick resident, is a member of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 2. He said being part of a union has made his life better and helped his family buy a home. Stewart said he is very concerned about the presidential administration's immigration enforcement efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a massive effort to throw people out of this country without due process," he said. "If anybody does not have due process, then none of us do." Many attendees said they were not personally impacted by the issues they were advocating for, but they came out to support their neighbors and democracy. Shyam Jayaraman helped hold up a large sign on the overpass in Frederick that read "More Housing Less Policing." Jayaraman and his wife have attended numerous protests in the community. He said the current government is "anti-democratic" and "authoritative." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Building a grassroots movement and changing people's minds, it's important," he said. Amy Wong, a mother of three, was in Middletown with her husband and three kids. The family has attended numerous rallies in the state and brought handmade signs on Monday that read "Gutting is not governing" and "I'm a princess, but I don't need a king." Marianna Jones, a Frederick resident, participated in the Frederick rally with her family. She previously attended a No Kings march in Philadelphia, she said. "I want my daughters, granddaughters, everybody to know democracy," Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups hope these events bring awareness to issues and show their communities they are working to make a difference. Tatiana Santos, a group lead with Indivisible Frederick Forward, said local events create opportunities for people who want to voice their opinions, but couldn't travel. Charlie Welch, a veteran, served as a safety marshal at Middletown on Monday, making sure people were safe and following the rules. He became involved with the group four months ago due to his dissatisfaction with the current administration. "I hope people see us and feel bold enough to do something," Welch said. FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) The 2025 NorthWest Illinois Airshow, which was scheduled to be held Saturday, September 20th, has been canceled. Event organizers announced the cancellation on Tuesday, citing unforeseen health issues impacting our promoter. Staff added that they were working with their ticketing vendor to arrange for refunds. The event was to be held at Albertus Airport, located at 1255 E Airport Road, and feature performances by aerial acrobatic pilots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A French judge has ordered that French actor Gerard Depardieu stand trial in a criminal court on charges of rape related to accusations by actress Charlotte Arnould, French media reported on Tuesday. The decision comes some seven years after Arnould officially brought rape charges against the actor in 2018. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actress, whose father was an old friend of the actor, accuses Depardieu of raping and sexually assaulting her twice in his Paris mansion in the summer of 2018 after she went to him for acting advice. The criminal court is Frances highest level of court reserved for crimes carrying sentences of more than five years, if the accused is found guilty. News of the trial comes four months after a Paris court found the actor guilty of sexual assault and gave him an 18-month suspended sentence related to his behavior towards two women on the set of the film The Green Shutters in 2021. That trial marked Depardieus first time in court against a backdrop of at least 20 public allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior against him, dating back decades, although many allegations have only come to light in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depardieu continues to deny all the allegations made against him. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The warrants are over the assassination of two journalists during the bombardments of the rebel-held city of Homs in 2012. A French court issued arrest warrants for Syrias former president, Bashar al-Assad, alongside six other top former Syrian officials, over the assassination of two journalists during the bombardments of a rebel-held city in 2012, French media reports said Tuesday. Marie Colvin, 56, an American working for The Sunday Times of Britain, and French photographer Remi Ochlik, 28, were killed on February 22, 2012, by an explosion in the eastern city of Homs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack targeted a press center where British photographer Paul Conroy, French reporter Edith Bouvier, and Syrian translator Wael Omar, who were injured, were also working. "The issuing of the seven arrest warrants is a decisive step that paves the way for a trial in France for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Bashar al-Assad's regime," Clemence Bectarte, lawyer for the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and for Ochlik's parents, told Le Monde. "The investigation clearly established that the attack on the informal press center was part of the Syrian regime's explicit intention to target foreign journalists in order to limit media coverage of its crimes and force them to leave the city and the country," added Mazen Darwish, lawyer and director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. A wall painted with a damaged drawing of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is pictured in the al-Qadam neighbourhood in Damascus, Syria, March 26, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/FIRAS MAKDESI) Other than Assad, the warrants target his brother Maher al-Assad, former Syrias intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk, and then-army chief of staff Ali Ayoub. Assads war crimes and use of chemical weapons France's highest court had already ruled in July that an arrest warrant for al-Assad was invalid because it was issued while he was still in office, but stated that a new warrant can now be issued as he is no longer a sitting head of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French investigating magistrates issued the warrant in November 2023 following a French investigation into chemical weapons attacks in the Syrian city of Douma and the Eastern Ghouta district in August 2013 that killed more than 1,000 people. Then-President Assad's government denied using chemical weapons during the country's civil war that began in 2011. Assad was toppled last December by Islamist rebels whose leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is now the interim president. Reuters contributed to this report. PARIS (AP) French film star Gerard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial before a criminal court in Paris over allegations of rape and sexual assault against actor Charlotte Arnould. I feel relieved, Arnould, 29, wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, announcing that she had received the investigating judge's indictment order. The order restores a form of judicial truth. I think Im having trouble realizing how huge this is. Arnould has said that the alleged crimes took place at Depardieus Paris home on Aug. 7 and Aug. 13, 2018. She was 22 and he was 69 at the time. He has denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acts of rape and sexual assault have been acknowledged, Arnould said. Now, we await the next steps. No date for the trial has been set yet, and there was no official comment from the court. Arnould's lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, said in a statement that she and Arnould were relieved and confident," describing the decision as a moment of judicial truth in the case, pending trial. Prosecutors submitted a request last year for the case to proceed to trial. The 76-year-old Depardieu, one of the most prominent figures in French cinema for decades, has faced a series of accusations of wrongdoing against women in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was convicted earlier this year of sexually assaulting two women on a film set and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence. The case was widely seen as a post-#MeToo test for the countrys film industry. Arnould attended that trial. In that case, Depardieu was convicted of groping a 54-year-old woman responsible for decorating the set and a 34-year-old assistant during the filming of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) in 2021. The court ordered his name to be listed in the national sex offender database. The actor has been accused publicly or in formal complaints of misconduct by more than 20 women in all, but so far only the sexual assault case has proceeded to court. Other cases were dropped because of a lack of evidence or because the statute of limitations expired. For more than a half-century, Depardieu stood as a towering figure in French cinema, a titan known for his commanding physical presence, instinct, sensibility and remarkable versatility. A bon vivant who overcame a speech impediment and a turbulent youth, Depardieu rose to prominence in the 1970s and became one of Frances most prolific and acclaimed actors, portraying a vast array of characters, from volatile outsiders to deeply introspective figures. He was nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his performance as the swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac. In recent years, his behavior toward women has come under renewed scrutiny, including after a documentary showed him repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea. French film star Gerard Depardieu will face trial for allegedly raping then-22-year-old actress Charlotte Arnould twice in his home. This is the actors most recent sexual assault allegation, following his spring conviction and 18-month prison sentence that hes since appealed. Arnould first accused Depardieu of rape in 2018, claiming the assaults occurred in his Paris home on two separate occasions when she was in her early 20s. Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing in the case. More from TheWrap In a statement posted to her Instagram page, the French actress said after seven years of horror and hell, the case will finally be brought to trial (translated from French). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a defense that, in recent months, has been excessive and absolutely unnecessary for the uncovering of the truth, the order restores a form of judicial truth, she added. I think Im having trouble realizing how huge this is. Im relieved. When Arnould first reported the allegations, police said there was insufficient evidence to charge Depardieu of rape. Arnould later brought a civil action against Depardieu in 2020, and prosecutors reopened the investigation and request a trial for the actor in 2022. Depardieu has long denied any allegations made by Arnould and has claimed that his relationship with the actress was consensual. The new trial comes just months after the actor was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of his 2021 film, Les Volets Verts. A Paris court judge gave him an 18-month suspended prison sentence in May, which he has since appealed, after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a set decorator and an assistant director. Additionally, his name will be added to Frances sex offender registry and he must pay a fine of roughly $32,350, including one victims medical fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actress and former ballet dancer Arnould was present in the courtroom in May when Depardieu was found guilty, and the actors lawyers even called her a liar in the courtroom. Depardieu has been publicly accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women and has become the face of the French #MeToo movement. If convicted, the offense of rape carries a maximum 15-year prison term in France. The post Gerard Depardieu to Face Trial for Alleged 2018 Rape of Actress appeared first on TheWrap. A French investigative judge has ordered veteran actor Gerard Depardieu to stand trial for an alleged 2018 rape and sexual assault of actress Charlotte Arnould. Arnould alleges that Depardieu, a friend of her fathers, raped her on two separate occasions in the summer of 2018 when she had visited his Parisian home to ask for advice. Arnould was 22 years old at the time. The Green Card and Cyrano de Bergerac actor was 69. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frances biggest film star facing a trial over rape and sexual assault allegations comes as the nations film industry grapples with its #MeToo moment. As part of an earlier trial and conviction, Depardieu was given a 18-month suspended prison sentence after two women accused the French acting legend of assaulting them on the set of French film The Green Shutters in 2021. The new trial over a complaint by Arnould will take place in a French criminal court, which has jurisdiction over serious crimes punishable by five years or more of imprisonment if a conviction is reached. Seven years later, seven years of horror and hell, I think Im having trouble realizing how huge this is. Im relieved, Arnould said on Instagram. Arnould first filed the complaint against Depardeiu in 2018. She then brought criminal charges in 2020, alleging Depardieu twice raped and assaulted her at his Paris home in August 2018. Depardieu denies the allegations, but lost an appeal for the French criminal court to drop the case. That opened the way for a Parisian investigating judge to indict Depardieu for rape and sexual assault, while releasing him without judicial supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A French judge has now ordered Depardieu to trial. Depardieu denies all wrongdoing in these and the many other sexual assault accusations brought against him in recent years. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. GA high school student dies in Labor Day crash A Georgia student died in a car crash over Labor Day weekend. The Lumpkin County School System identified the 17-year-old as Ayden Molinari. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Georgia State Patrol says the crash occurred around 6:42 a.m. Monday morning on Wimpy Mill Road. Troopers say the 2008 Ford Mustang Molinari was driving veered off the road, struck a power pole and guard rail, and overturned into a creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molinari died at the scene. A 16-year-old passenger was hospitalized with minor injuries. Georgia State Patrol is working to determine what caused the Mustang to veer off. The school is providing additional counseling and support services to help students and staff cope with the loss. Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy M. Jarrard also expressed condolences, asking the community to pray for comfort, strength, and healing during this challenging time. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Shas put out a letter thanking Gafni, thanking him for stressing the need for Shas to remain strong and independent, as no other party properly represents the Sephardic public. Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism has been accused of racism after he called on Shas to establish new schools tailored to the Sephardi public, citing overcrowding in existing institutions, when speaking at the opening of the Beit Yaakov Derech Emunah school in Ramat Beit Shemesh on Monday. I know there are problems with high schools in the city, and therefore I call from this honorable stage to the leaders of Shas: open new educational institutions appropriate and worthy of a quality public, so your daughters will have a place to study peacefully and with comfort, without having to crowd into our institutions, which are growing and for which there is no longer enough room to accommodate everyone, Gafni said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shas issued a written response later that day, framing Gafnis comments as an endorsement of the partys long-standing role in the Sephardi community. The life mission of the Shas movement is to establish outstanding educational institutions for the Sephardic public, and it has been doing so with great success for decades across the country. Kudos to Rabbi Moshe Gafni, who clarified just how important it is that the Shas movement continue to be strong and independent, and how much the Sephardic public cannot rely on any other party to look out for them, the statement said. Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) In response to Gafni's statements, Education Mininster Yoav Kisch said, There will be no discrimination in the education system based on origin! The vast majority of seminaries in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh are refusing the placements and are acting illegally." "This disgraceful and racist discrimination will end either with hearings, budget cuts, and proceedings to shut down the institutions, or with the acceptance of the girls into the schools in accordance with the Education Ministrys regulations, he concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gafni's words triggered a wider discussion during an appearance by Shas spokesperson Asher Medina and attorney Yoav Laloum in the studio. The need for Shas is still clear even in 2025 This part is nothing short of amazing. Were in 2025, said Medina. After taking a moment to recover from what was said, we say to him: Thank you very much, thank you for proving once again that racism exists. Shas continues to work. He added that while challenges remain, the situation in boys schools has improved. There is no doubt that this problem exists in the haredi public. In yeshivot, theres no problem today, Medina said. Laloum, a longtime advocate for equitable education in the ultra-Orthodox sector, criticized Shass role, claiming the party has hindered progress rather than supporting it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These institutions are state-funded. From 2006 until today, Shas has only interfered. It doesnt help. Dont let the Shas spokesperson confuse us. Shas doesnt help; it causes harm, he said. Lets ask: Where do Asher Medinas kids go to school? Where do the children of Shas MKs study? Where do Aryeh Deris children and grandchildren go to school? Why is Deri insisting that his grandchildren study in Ashkenazi institutions? In response, Medina defended the partys record and said the issue is primarily concentrated in a few cities. The ones who established Sephardic institutions in Israel that was Shas. I hear the pain. Deri was in Ofakim and Kiryat Gat today for the opening of Sephardic institutions in the network that houses 99 percent of the haredi population in the country, he said. This problem exists mainly in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak, because there were elitist institutions that had a monopoly, and the haredi public, including the children of public officials, wanted to be accepted to the best institutions, because there was nothing else. Medina was also asked why Shas had exited the government over the issue of military conscription but not over ethnic discrimination in education. A recent poll by Kikar HaShabbat was cited, showing public dissatisfaction with how Shas has handled the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, most MKs send their children to excellent Sephardic institutions, he said. A Sephardi who wants to send his children to Ashkenazi institutions, I wont tell him no. He added, Were addressing it. Do you know how much the problem has diminished? We're working on it. We're active. My son studies in an Ashkenazi institution, in an Ashkenazi yeshiva, because he studied in a school where all his friends went to that same yeshiva. As of publication time, no further official comment had been issued by either Shas or Gafni. GAITHERSBURG, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said a man who was wanted for allegedly shooting his partner is in jail in Texas. MCPD said the man, identified as 39-year-old Luis Antonio Quintanilla, was arrested on Monday in Irving, Tx. People who knew he was wanted for murder contacted the Irving Police Department. DC advocates say frontlines of resistance are now at the courthouse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MCPD said the incident happened on Aug. 31 at around 2:45 a.m. in the 900 block of Centerway Road in Gaithersburg. There, first responders found 35-year-old Maritza Ferman Sorto shot outside the home the couple shared. She died there. Quintanilla is being held in Texas until he is extradited to Maryland. He is being charged with first-degree murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) slammed President Donald Trump after securing a major legal victory in connection with the Los Angeles protests earlier this year. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Trumps administration violated federal law when it sent the National Guard to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement operations and the following protests. Newsom mocked Trump over Californias legal victory on social media platform X. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom wrote on X. The courts agree -- his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, he added. Six months into renewed fighting, IDF Chief Zamir cautions that the Gaza offensive may leave Israel ruling the Strip without a clear plan for the wars end or day after. Israels Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been managing the war in Gaza for six months since the January ceasefire broke down in March and fighting resumed. Zamir took over from Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who resigned in January and left his post in March. Zamir has had to manage a complex multi-front war. He has succeeded on all fronts. The IDF is operating almost daily in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria, as well as striking the Houthis in Yemen. The military also hobbled the Iranian regime in June. However, Zamir has also come up against challenges with Israels political leadership, as well as the future of the Israel-Hamas War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crossroads in Gaza are clear. Israel launchedGideons Chariots in May. The offensive was timed in an odd way. Israels political leadership cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza in March when the ceasefire fell apart. It was supposed to enter a second phase, which would have meant most of the hostages would be home by now. However, members of the coalition government have opposed a ceasefire and said that it wouldnt enter the second phase. Why didnt they want the second phase? Because they dont want to end the war in Gaza. Most of the Israeli public wants the war to end and the hostages to come home. However, an end to the war would mean that politicians who promised victory would have to justify how leaving Hamas in power and leaving some hostages in the Gaza Strip is victory. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a debrief in Khan Yunis, August 21, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) The Israel-Hamas War has always suffered from these contradictions. While the IDF is expected to continue fighting, the issue of a hostage deal is handled directly by Jerusalem. There is also interplay with the Trump administration, which was initially able to get a deal in January. It also brought home the last living American hostage, Eden Alexander. Israels government has never been able to get a deal on its own, and the intense opposition to a deal among some on the religious Right has meant the coalition has a hard time making clear decisions on Gaza. Israel is heading toward military rule over Gaza Zamir has Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement warned, according to reports on September 1, that if the IDF continues to control more of Gaza, Israel will be heading toward military rule over the Strip. The military currently controls around 70% of Gaza. These are areas that it conquered last year but then mostly gave back to Hamas. The IDF then had to reconquer those areas between May and July. The army chief succeeded at doing so with minimal casualties. However, soldiers are still dying and being wounded. Also, the IDF has been asked to call up 60,000 reservists for a battle in Gaza City. Meanwhile, 50,000 haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men continue to avoid being called up due to exemptions. This leaves the burden on only one part of society. The IDF is aware that it is calling up people again and again in an unprecedented way in Israels longest war. The battle for Gaza City was postponed until after the school year began so that parents would be called up while their kids were in school. The reports that the IDF chief is warning of military rule in Gaza hold up a mirror to Israels lack of strategy. The Jewish states political leadership has no clear public vision for the future of Gaza and has refused to put forward a day after plan or an alternative rule to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This leaves Gaza without a Clausewitz-style strategy or even a Powell doctrine, where the goals are obtainable and stated. The two million civilians in Gaza continue to be asked to evacuate to areas run by Hamas. However, the warnings about military rule would seem to indicate that if the IDF moves into Gaza City, then Hamas could collapse and Israel might have to rule Gaza. Yet, the IDF doesnt seem to want to rule over civilians. However, the political leadership opposes bringing in the Palestinian Authority. The United States has banned members of the PA from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly, even as countries in Europe move to recognize Palestine. Those countries say they want to boost the PA and also see the release of hostages, as well as an end to the war and to Hamas rule in Gaza. Because Israels current leadership opposes the PA as much as it does Hamas, there is concern about demands that the authority run Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the PA runs Gaza, this will unify the Palestinian areas and strengthen the Palestinian claims. Two decades of Israeli strategy has sought to divide the Palestinians and, for years, Hamas received funding from Qatar as a way to enable it to thrive in Gaza. This led to October 7, 2023, but the current trend in Gaza is not to replace Hamas, but to weaken its capabilities. Lack of clarity about the road ahead is what seems to lead to the current reports of tensions in discussions between the IDF top commander and the cabinet. The current Israeli position consists of several Nos a No to the PA in Gaza, a No to ending the war, and a No to a hostage deal. What the IDF seems to be noting is that without a clear strategy, the upcoming battle for Gaza faces hurdles. Israels leaders have shifted their position from a staggered hostage deal to demanding that all the hostages be released. Hamas claimed it had accepted a staggered deal on August 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the overall story of the hostage deal talks is never clear, rather, the public appears to be consistently misled via leaks every few weeks, suggesting a deal is close. In fact, a deal has never even been close over the 22 months of war. A leaked report that was noted on Channel 12 last week claimed that the IDF had assessed that Gideons Chariots had made many mistakes. A big question is why it didnt begin in March when aid was cut off. Instead, it began in May and then took place as the international community became outraged about reports of famine in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation also began operations in May, but this wasnt the magic wand some thought it would be. The GHF cant provide food to all of Gaza, and it was never intended to do so. Additionally, its not clear how long-term the foundation can be in terms of how it distributes food. Can it last another six months? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the UN General Assembly in September, pressure will build on Israel. If the IDF sees hurdles ahead in Gaza City and if Gideons Chariots didnt succeed as well as planned, then it raises questions about embarking on Gideons Chariots II. It also raises questions about why the IDF assessed in January 2024 that Hamas was largely beaten in Gaza City, only for it to apparently regrow in strength. The continued leaks that attempt to portray the IDFs top general as at odds with some of the political leadership appear to either be a way to slow down the Gaza City plans or to prepare the road to blame the military for what comes next. Either way, they illustrate that Israel is facing a new crossroads in Gaza. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. It is the richest of times, all apologies to Dickens, and it is the most unequal of times. The difference in wealth and income between the top 1% and the rest of America tends to get more attention, but one of the more striking wealth gaps is generational: Older Americans are far richer than young Americans. The good news is that most Americans, of all ages, have never had more wealth. But estimates in new research from Edward Wolff , the economist at New York University who has long studied wealth in America, show a large and growing gap in net worth between Americans over age 75 and those under 35. No wonder everyone hates the Boomers. Several economic trends have contributed to this divergence. One is the increase in stock ownership: In 1989, only 32% of Americans (of all ages) owned stock; by 2022, 58% did. This is in large part because 401(k)-type plans became more common and, according to the paper, displaced more liquid and less remunerative forms of saving such as checking accounts. Boomers were the first generation to be offered 401(k)s at work when they were young, and they have contributed to their wealth in retirement. Because 401(k)s are cheaper for employers to offer than defined-benefit plans, more people have them, and more have retirement benefits, period. According to the paper, stocks as a share of Americans' retirement portfolios more than doubled between 1983 and 2022, mostly because the market did so well the S&P 500 has risen nearly 20-fold since 1989. It has been a good time to own stocks. The other big change is the increase in home ownership. Between 1983 and 2022, it went up by 5.2 percentage points, to 67.4%. The paper estimates home ownership rates were flat for those under the age of 35, but older Americans became more likely to own their home. The homeownership rate of Americans aged 65 or older increased more than 7 percentage points. Meanwhile, as with equities, the value of real estate has increased since the 1980s. This is due in part to limited housing relative to a growing population, as well as to better, bigger homes with more amenities. Then again, mortgage debt also increased for all age groups, especially for young people attempting to buy their first home. This greater debt is contributing to the growing inequality between age groups. Inequality is often called the major economic issue of our era. But when the inequality is between the young and old, or within a family, it may be less of a problem. For one, the olds did not necessarily get rich at the expense of the youngs. For another, this inequality may simply reflect an ownership society in which more people save for their retirement and own their homes. Such a world would be more unequal because older people have had more years to accumulate wealth and enjoy the benefits of compound returns. To put it another way: The young people of today may yet have their time. There is certainly no guarantee that the next 40 years will be as prosperous as the last, but there are reasons to think it will. Some of the young may also inherit some of their elders' money, too. There is, I acknowledge, a seductive zero-sum view of this wealth gap. It goes something like this: First, older people benefited from buying houses when they were cheaper (though mortgage rates were higher). But there is a finite supply of housing, and prices went up, pricing out younger buyers. Meanwhile, a lot of this wealth accumulation occurred as the government took on more debt to pay benefits or lower taxes, and that can't continue as Social Security and Medicare costs mount. Younger Americans will have to pay all this debt, or it will weigh down the economy either way, their dotage will be worse than the Boomers'. Of course, the wealth gap does raise the question of why the elderly are the beneficiaries of so much government largesse. It is also worth noting that young people today may be worse off relative to older Americans than ever before. Nevertheless, today's young people are better off, in absolute terms, than the young people of the past notably the Boomers when they were young. Median and average net worth have increased over time for all age groups, especially in the last five years. These may be small comforts if your grandmother is pricing you out of your neighborhood. But it's always important, in both economic and familial matters, to keep a sense of perspective. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. (COMMENT, BELOW) Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist, is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal. Channel 12 interviewed Gazans about the IDF's upcoming invasion and takeover of Gaza City, speaking of ongoing displacement and the desire to emigrate. Gazans were filmed by Channel 12 cameras expressing dismay towards Hamas leadership and their fears of the upcoming IDF takeover of Gaza City, with many conveying their desire for a better future, including by leaving the enclave. Expressing their desperation, one Gazan was recorded by Channel 12 as saying, "For 40 years I've heard that Israel has nuclear weapons, so let them fire a nuclear missile at us and end it. Enough, we are completely desperate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course, the army really intends to conquer Gaza, from our past experience, everything the army promised, it carried out," another Gazan stated. One man named Mahmoud said that there is no future for his family and children, saying, "I must emigrate; if they open the crossings, I will be the first to go." Mahmoud told Channel 12 that he had abandoned his destroyed home and pitched a tent multiple times over the past two years. He shared his dismay at both Hamas and Israel, saying, "During these two years, no one really cared for us, neither those who ruled the Strip (Hamas) nor those outside of it, two years of hunger, pain, humiliation, poverty." Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military offensive take shelter in a tent camp, as Israeli forces escalate operations around Gaza City, in Gaza City, September 2, 2025. (credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters) Another resident added, "Emigration is a sensitive issue, but life is more valuable. Let us emigrate and find peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Gazans spoke about the constant displacement, having "evacuated more than ten times from place to place." However, some shared with Channel 12 that they wouldn't obey IDF evacuation warnings and not leave Gaza City ahead of the impending operation. "We will stay in our homes and we are prepared to pay any price." "Either we live with dignity or we die with dignity; we can no longer bear this." 'We have nowhere to go in Gaza' A woman interviewed by Channel 12 stated, "Even if we are required to evacuate, we have nowhere to go in Gaza. Rafah, for example, is also destroyed and unlivable." "Israel claims there are safe areas in Gaza. I say there is no safe place in Gaza; no matter where you go, you are going to your death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Gazan recorded by Channel 12 stated that he had interacted with an IDF officer, who asked him, "Why didn't you run away?" The Gazan responded in Hebrew that he didn't evacuate because tanks blocked the roads, and that he was afraid. The IDF officer responded, "You are right." Residents were recorded blaming Hamas for the situation, with one Gazan stating, "The one who can stop this war is the one who started it. Whoever brought this war upon us bears the responsibility to end it." "When you decide to invade Israel, you must provide security and a future for your people, not abandon them to death like this. The people are completely shattered." Disgraced former Congressman George Santos isnt thrilled with the conditions at FCI Fairton, where hes six weeks into a seven-year sentence on federal fraud charges. Among his chief objections against the New Jersey prison was a recent visit from a childish administrator who allegedly joked the facility could have marble floors and a jacuzzi, and inmates would still complain. Personally, I find marble to be cheap, gaudy, and tacky. But thats beside the point, he wrote in a column published by the South Shore Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Santos, snide comments like that one undermine the real problems in the prison, such as black mold he claims was merely cover[ed] up and an air conditioning issue that was just recently resolved after what felt like an eternity. The 37-year-old Republican, who lied about nearly all of his professional and academic achievements before being elected to the House of Representatives, was expelled from Congress in December 2023 after less than a year in office. In August 2024, he pleaded guilty to charges including wire fraud and identity theft, and was sentencing to 87 months in April. But in his Monday column, he lectured public servants including penitentiary operators that they have an obligation to honor their titles and responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos surrendered to prison officials on July 25, with a dramatic adieu to his supporters on social media. Well darlings the curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed, he wrote. Since beginning his sentence, the Queens native has regularly written essays about his experience behind bars. In his his latest South Shore Press missive, Santos promised to continue to share these dispatches from what I can only describe as my own personal hell here at FCI Fairton in South Jersey. In response to a Daily News request for comment on Santoss allegations, prison officials said they would not remark on the specific conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual, citing safety, security and privacy concerns. It is the mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), including the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fairton to operate facilities that are safe, secure and humane, a spokesperson said. (The Center Square) Georgia Reps. Tim Fleming and Victor Anderson are asking for a test of hand-marked ballots ahead of the 2026 midterms. The two sent a letter to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Tuesday, asking him to implement the test during the Nov. 4 Public Service Commission election and Dec. 5 runoff for local elections. The Georgia General Assembly passed a law in 2024 that would eliminate the use of QR codes in 2026 for counting ballots, which could force election officials to use only hand-marked ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is evident that the state is at risk of missing this important statutory deadline," Fleming, R-Covington, and Anderson, R-Cornelia, wrote in the letter published by the Georgia Republican Party on social media. "For that reason, we believe it is imperative to begin testing viable alternatives to the continued use of QR-coded ballots." Their request has the backing of the Coalition for Good Governance. The organization is asking state lawmakers to consider a pilot program where hand-marked ballots are primarily used. The Coalition for Good Government identifies itself as a nonpartisan group concerned with constitutional liberties and the individual rights of citizens. We believe such a pilot program is a timely, prudent and necessary step to address election security and prepare for the state's transition away from unverifiable voting technology," the organization said in a release. "As a nonpartisan organization, our primary concern is the security, verifiability, and transparency of the electoral process, and we see this proposed pilot as a crucial opportunity to gather empirical data that will benefit all stakeholders. Fleming is chairing the House Blue Ribbon Committee on Election Procedures, which is holding a series of meetings about the state's elections. He is also a candidate for secretary of state. Anderson is vice chairman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Fervier, chairman of the State Election Board, told the committee on Thursday that out of more than 5 million votes cast in the 2024 presidential election, only 87 had discrepancies and 86 of those were on hand-marked ballots. Hand-counting ballots would cost the state significantly more and cause delays, he said. "Georgia has fair, free and honest elections and its because of the hard work and dedication of all the election workers in Georgia," Fervier said. "It's also because all the laws passed by the General Assembly and implemented by the secretary of state and local officials. They're fair, reasonable and they make sense." But the board has not always agreed with Fervier, nor does the board's new executive director. "I've never served under a more dishonest, dysfunctional chairman than Chairman John Fervier," Executive Director James Mills told the committee. "I take no joy in saying any of it. It grieves me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Janelle King disagreed with Fervier's assessment of the elections. "We clearly have hundreds of cases of election fraud, improprieties, vulnerabilities, the list goes on and on," King said. King has been scrutinized for serving on the board while her husband, Kelvin King, is also a candidate for secretary of state. The committee's next meeting is Sept. 18 at Savannah Technical College. Gerard Depardieu will return to criminal court in Paris for a new rape and sexual assault trial tied to accusations brought by the actress Charlotte Arnould, The Associated Press reports. Depardieu is accused of sexually assaulting Arnould and rape by digital penetration. The alleged attack took place at Depardieus home in Paris in August 2018 while the pair were reportedly rehearsing a scene for a play. Arnould was 22 at the time and Depardieu was 70. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arnould reported the alleged attack to police a few days after, but the actor wasnt indicted and charged until 2021. The case continued to make its way slowly through the French criminal justice system, with prosecutors finally submitting a request for the case to head to trial late last year. (In the meantime, Depardieu stood trial on separate sexual assault charges, on which he was convicted earlier this year.) On Instagram Tuesday, Arnould responded to the decision to bring the case to trial by saying, The order restores a form of judicial truth. I think Im having trouble realizing how huge this is. I am relieved. Her lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, echoed the sentiment to Franceinfo, saying she was extremely satisfied and called the decision a moment of judicial truth in this case. A lawyer for Depardieu did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment. Depardieu has previously denied the allegation, claiming his encounter with Arnould had been consensual. (Depardieu has faced several other allegations of sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied, too.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depardieus conviction earlier this year pertained to allegations brought by two women, who accused the actor of sexually assaulting them on the set of the film The Green Shutters in 2021. One woman testified that Depardieu grabbed her hips and chest and, at one point, asked her to touch his penis with obscene language. The other woman claimed Depardieu touched her breasts and buttock on several occasions, and once blocked her against an apartment door and put his hands on her chest. Following his conviction, Depardieu received an 18-month suspended sentence, civil penalties, and his name was added to the national sex offender registry. Depardieus lawyer previously said the actor would appeal the decision. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Gerard Depardieu is to stand trial on charges of raping an actress in 2018, according to French judicial sources. The 76-year-old screen actor will be tried for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting Charlotte Arnould when she was 22 and anorexic. Depardieu was given an 18-month suspended sentence in a separate case in May, when he was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this is the first time he will stand trial for rape. In late 2021 Arnould publicly accused Depardieu, a family friend, of raping her twice in August 2018 in his Paris home. She said she weighed 37kg (5st 12lb) at the time. Depardieu pictured during his earlier trial for alleged sexual abuse in 2021 - Julien de Rosa/AFP via Getty Depardieu, whose reputation has been tarnished by a slew of allegations about his conduct with women, has denied the charges, insisting his relationship with Arnould was consensual. The actress welcomed the decision by an investigating magistrate to send the case to a criminal court. Seven years later, seven years of horror and hell... I think Im having trouble realising how huge this is. Im relieved, said Arnould, who filed the complaint in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, her lawyer, confirmed that Depardieu had been ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault and rape by digital penetration of Arnould in August 2018, on two occasions at his Paris home. My client and I are relieved and confident. This is a form of judicial truth for Charlotte while she awaits the criminal trial, she added. The date of the trial has yet to be set. The case was initially dismissed on grounds of insufficient evidence, but Arnould filed a civil complaint, which led to the opening of a judicial investigation in the summer of 2020. Charlotte Arnould first accused Depardieu of rape in 2018, going public in 2021 - Aurelien Morissard/AP A lawyer for Depardieu did not immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depardieu denied the allegations in a 2023 letter to Le Figaro, the French newspaper, writing: Never, ever, have I abused a woman. There was never any coercion, violence, or protest between us, he said, referring to Arnould. Depardieu, who has acted in more than 250 films and television series, was nominated for an Oscar in 1991 for his performance as Cyrano de Bergerac. He is the highest-profile figure caught up in Frances response to the #MeToo movement. More than a dozen women have accused him of abuse, which he denies. In May, a Paris court convicted him on charges of sexual assault during the filming in 2021 of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), directed by Jean Becker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs were a set dresser, 54, identified only as Amelie, and a 34-year-old assistant director, who accused the actor of sexual assault. Depardieu pictured in 2016 after courting controversy by feting Vladimir Putin and taking Russian citizenship - Axel Schmidt/AP He was ordered to register as a sex offender. Depardieu has appealed the ruling. Arnould, 29, an actress and former ballet dancer known for her work in theatre and voice acting, was present at the earlier trial in May. During that trial, Depardieus lawyer called her a liar in the courtroom. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the actress referred to those comments, calling Depardieus defence outrageous and ... absolutely unnecessary to uncover the truth. Since filing her complaint, Arnould has become a prominent figure in Frances #MeToo movement, expressing solidarity with sexual assault victims and demanding accountability in the film industry. 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. Gerard Depardieu, who has triggered a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement in France, will stand in a criminal trial where he will be prosecuted on rape by digital penetration and sexual assault allegations filed by French actor Charlotte Arnould. Arnould filed those charges in 2018, when she 22, and alleged that she had been raped twice by Depardieu at his home in Paris on Aug. 7 and 13. Depardieu was indicted on those charges since Dec. 16, 2020, and attempted to have the charges dropped in 2022, calling the accusations baseless, but the Paris prosecutor said there were serious and confirmed evidence that justifies Gerard Depardieu to remain charged, according to news outlet France 24. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Depardieu was convicted of sexual assault against two women and received an 18-month prison sentence from a Paris court, following a four-day-trial during which Depardieu refuted all accusations. The verdict stemmed from sexual assault charges filed by two women, a set decorator and an assistant director, who worked on the shoot of The Green Shutters in 2021. Prosecutors also requested the court to fine the actor and obligate him to undergo psychological treatment, as well as have him registered in the sex offenders file. The set decorator and the assistant director were part of the 13 women of sexually inappropriate behavior in a report published by French investigative news website Mediapart in April 2023. While hes now reluctantly retired from acting in the wake of these accusations, Depardieu was offered a role by Fanny Ardant, the well-known French actress-turned-filmmaker who took a stand for him during the trial and shot the film in Portugal in the Spring. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BERLIN (AP) German security authorities are warning people against becoming disposable agents as worries mount about Russia using social media to find recruits for spying and sabotage in or against Germany. Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents across Europe since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. They worry that the risks are rising as untrained saboteurs are increasingly used. German officials have voiced concern over the use of low-level agents. Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office said Tuesday that, along with the country's domestic, foreign and military intelligence services, it is seeing increasing activity in Germany and elsewhere in which Russian intelligence services directly or via intermediaries apparently use social media to recruit people for espionage or sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said the so-called low-level agents or disposable agents carry out crimes without receiving intelligence training, for only a little money and often without knowing who is ordering the activities or what their purpose is. They are used and then thrown away, the police office said in introducing a campaign titled Don't become a disposable agent. It warned that anti-constitutional sabotage carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison and espionage can carry a 10-year sentence. It urged people to get in touch with Germanys domestic intelligence agency if they or acquaintances have been contacted by strangers offering them money to engage in activity such as spreading pro-Russia slogans, scoping out people or property, or causing damage. Several suspected cases are currently under investigation in Germany, involving among other things arson, damage to property, drone overflights and suspicious filming and photography, police said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed Geneva as the venue for talks between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Source: ntv, as reported by European Pravda Details: Merz would recommend the Swiss city as the site for such a summit, he said at the Coalition of the Willing conference on Thursday, following his meeting with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Berlin. Keller-Sutter expressed readiness to host such a meeting. Background: Earlier the same day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin were "not yet ready" for a face-to-face meeting. Media report that US President Donald Trump intends to leave Russia and Ukraine to organise a meeting between their leaders, thereby distancing himself from the negotiations for the time being. Zelenskyy, speaking to the media on 29 August, reiterated that on Monday 1 September the "couple of weeks" Trump had given Moscow for further steps in the talks including the organisation of a bilateral meeting with Ukraine would expire, before the US President returned to the idea of sanctions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to begin his inaugural visit to India on Tuesday, with economic issues high on the agenda as India grapples with steep new US tariffs on its goods. The foreign minister kicks off his two-day trip in the southern city of Bengaluru, where economic prospects are likely to be the focus of attention, from research to skilled labour immigration. On Wednesday, Wadephul is then scheduled to hold political talks in New Delhi, where relations with Russia and China are expected to be key topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Office said that India, as the world's largest democracy, is an indispensable key partner for Germany and a driver of global innovation and growth. India's growth and innovation dynamics offer great potential for diversifying trade relations and supply chains, for technology cooperation and for recruiting well-trained skilled workers, she said. Wadephul's visit follows a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Sunday and Monday, which both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, along with 18 other leaders. Founded 24 years ago to promote security cooperation and economic ties, the SCO positions itself as a counterbalance to Western alliances, including NATO, but it could also gain importance in terms of economic policy. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began his inaugural visit to India on Tuesday, with economic issues high on the agenda as India grapples with steep new US tariffs on its goods. The foreign minister is kicking off his two-day trip in the southern city of Bengaluru, where economic prospects are likely to be the focus, ranging from research to skilled labour immigration. Against the backdrop of Germany's skilled labour shortage, Wadephul is set to meet German-language students at the Goethe Institute in the city to discuss their aspirations and career prospects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German government sees the world's most populous country, with around 1.4 billion people, as a key source of talent to help address its labour shortfall. Bengaluru, known for its large concentration of IT companies, is often referred to as India's "Silicon Valley." Also on the minister's agenda is a visit to the headquarters of India's space agency ISRO, where he plans to learn about developments at the satellite testing centre. The Indian government aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2040, with the first crewed flight expected in the coming years. Wadephul is scheduled to visit Mercedes-Benz's research and development centre to meet German business representatives. He also plans to tour an innovation park and SAP's Bengaluru campus, where he will open a visitor centre and meet employees. On Wednesday, Wadephul is scheduled to hold political talks in New Delhi, where relations with Russia and China are expected to be high on the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Office said that India, as the world's largest democracy, is an indispensable key partner for Germany and a driver of global innovation and growth. India's growth and innovation dynamics offer great potential for diversifying trade relations and supply chains, for technology cooperation and for recruiting skilled workers, she said. Wadephul's visit follows a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Sunday and Monday, which both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, along with 18 other leaders. Founded 24 years ago to promote security cooperation and economic ties, the SCO positions itself as a counterbalance to Western alliances, including NATO, but it could also gain importance in terms of economic policy. Germany wants to recruit more skilled workers from India, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday on the first day of his inaugural visit to the country. "Germany urgently needs highly qualified skilled workers," Wadephul said during a visit to the southern city of Bengaluru. He noted that there are many such workers in the world's most populous country, especially in the IT sector, and that he wanted to bring more of them to Germany as part of his planned closer cooperation with India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Wadephul, three things are essential to make Germany even more attractive for skilled workers: good language training opportunities, a quick digital visa process and a welcoming culture. Wadephul asked German-language students at the Goethe Institute in the city what attracts them to Germany. In addition to good study and career prospects, several of the young people mentioned the work-life balance. The German government sees India, with its around 1.4 billion people, as a key source of talent to help address its labour shortfall. Bengaluru, known for its large concentration of IT companies, is often referred to as India's "Silicon Valley." At the headquarters of India's space agency ISRO, Wadephul was shown how satellites are assembled. The Indian government aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2040, with the first crewed flight expected in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Europe lagging behind in space technology, Wadephul's visit to ISRO sent a signal that Germany is willing to cooperate in this area as well. Wadephul also toured Mercedes-Benz's research and development centre, as well as SAP's Bengaluru innovation park. Next stop: New Delhi From Bengaluru, Wadephul travelled on to New Delhi, where he is set to hold political talks with his counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, according to the Foreign Office. At the start of his trip, Wadephul emphasized that expanding security, defence and armaments cooperation, as well as economic relations, between Germany and India is in the mutual interests of both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to German government figures, India is now the fourth largest economy in the world, and Germany is its most important trading partner in the European Union. An exceptionally large business delegation - including representatives from defence, medical technology and aerospace companies - is accompanying the foreign minister on his trip. The German factories of insolvent Swiss solar cell manufacturer Meyer Burger ceased operations on Monday, as no investor to take over the plants had been found, the administrators said on Tuesday. Most of the 540 workers at plants in Bitterfeld-Wolfen in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and Hohenstein-Ernstthal in Saxony had been released or given notice, they said. The insolvency administrators said there were still ongoing talks with potential investors, and they are open to other offers, but there are no indications of investor interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solar energy sector in Germany and Europe has faced difficult economic conditions, they noted. The two plants are continuing to employ 100 workers to run down operations. The administrators said that dismissed workers could be re-employed, should an investor be found to take over the company. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued a call for global cooperation in research while on a visit to the European Southern Observatory (ESO) headquarters in Garching near Munich on Tuesday. The ESO is contributing to the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in the Atacama Desert in Chile. It is set to become the world's largest optical and near-infrared telescope with a primary mirror measuring 39 metres in diameter. Laypeople could scarcely imagine what earth-based space research implied, Steinmeier said. The public often focuses on spectacular space events, underestimating the work of the ESO, he said. While praising recent progress, Steinmeier noted the need for continued stable financing and ideal environmental conditions for telescopes, for example in relation to light pollution. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called Russian ruler Vladimir Putin "perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time". Source: Merz in an interview with German TV channel Sat.1, to be aired Tuesday evening, as reported by European Pravda citing German TV news channel n-tv Details: "He is a war criminal. He is perhaps the most serious of the war criminals we are witnessing on a large scale right now," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And we are simply obliged to know clearly how to deal with war criminals. There is no room for leniency here," he added. As chancellor, Merz has already accused Russia of "serious war crimes" and "terrorism against the civilian population". However, his characterisation of the Russian ruler as "perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time" is new. Background: In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in connection with the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine. Austrias Foreign Ministry said the country is ready to host talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin, adding that Vienna is prepared to negotiate with the International Criminal Court to ensure that Putin is not arrested during a visit. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that he would suggest Geneva as a venue for Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks at a Thursday meeting of some 30 countries to discuss post-war guarantees for Ukraine. "Geneva would be a suitable venue for a ceasefire agreement," Merz said at a news conference alongside Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. "The day after tomorrow, I will once again propose to the so-called 'coalition of the willing' that an invitation (to Geneva) be extended," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "coalition of the willing" put together by France and Britain has held talks for months to try to define plans for what countries could contribute militarily for Ukraine to deter Russia from attacking it again once there is a final truce. France will host a mostly virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest efforts to provide Ukraine with security support once there is a peace agreement and to denounce what Ukraine's allies see as Moscow's unwillingness to negotiate. (Reporting by Andreas RinkeWriting by Friederike HeineEditing by Madeline Chambers and Peter Graff) CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) September 1 marks Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, an officially recognized tribute to orange-furred felines, also known as ginger or marmalade cats. Leaves may change earlier in New England due to hot and dry summer Ginger cats are popular not just for their vividly colored coats, which stem from the pigment pheomelanin, but also for their endearing personalities. Fun Facts about Orange Cats: Nearly 80% of them are male, thanks to the genetics of the ginger gene on the X chromosome. Their iconic coat color comes from the reddish piment pheomelanin, which overrides darker pigments Ginger cats often develop small black freckles on their noses, lips, or gums as they age, due to the harmless genetic trait lentigo Ginger cats are among the most celebrated in historyRoman mosaics from Pompeii even depict orange-coated cats, hinting at their long-standing cultural presence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cat lovers are encouraged to shower their orange companions with love, extra treats, snuggles, or time in the sun. Sharing photos online, supporting local shelters, and considering adoption or fostering are meaningful ways to honor the day. Whether they are lounging in ancient mosaics or dominating your living room, orange cats continue to capture our hearts and the spotlight in our lives. Click here to learn more information about cat adoption. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NEED TO KNOW Sophia Forchas, 12, was shot in an attack at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis last Wednesday Part of her skull was removed, according to a statement Rep. Ilhan Omar, which was shared with Sophia's family's permission Two children were killed in the attack, and 18 others, including 15 children, were injured The family of a 12-year-old girl who is among the 18 people injured in a shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis last week that also killed two children is asking for prayers as she remains in critical condition. Sophia Forchas, a seventh grader, was attending Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis last Wednesday morning when Robin Westman, 23, shot into the church through its windows, police said. Sophia was shot in the attack and Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed. Eighteen others, including 15 children, were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westman was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, according to police, who said the three guns were legally purchased. Westman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesotas 5th Congressional District, shared a statement with permission from Sophias family on her X account. The statement says Sophia had to have one side of her skull removed as part of her treatment. It adds that it is crucial to keep the swelling down, and that she may need to have more of her skull removed. Should that happen, the statement said, "She would still survive but they're not sure what her quality of life would be." A GoFundMe that was started last week to assist with Sophia's medical care and recovery says she had undergone emergency surgery, and was being treated at a hospital where her mother is a pediatric critical care nurse. The fundraiser said that her mother had arrived at work "before knowing it was her childrens school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured." Her family previously declined to speak publicly. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. According to the familys GoFundMe page, the church runs a pre-K8 school that Sophia and her younger brother attend. Her brother was inside the school during the shooting but was not physically injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the statement Omar shared, another student named Lydia, whose father is a gym teacher at the school, was in the intensive care unit and is going "in the right direction." That student was identified in a separate GoFundMe as Lydia Kaiser, who, the fundraiser says, was injured while protecting a "buddy" during the shooting, which occurred during the first Mass of the school year. The fundraiser for Sophia, which describes her as a bright and kind young girl, has raised nearly $700,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Read the original article on People Telecoms equipment vendor Nokia has signed an agreement with Malaysian ISP Extreme Broadband (EBB) and its data centres subsidiary, Open DC, to upgrade Open DCs Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres. As part of the contract agreement, Nokias IP network solution will be used by EBB to interconnect six AI data centres across Malaysia, with the aim of providing a more reliable network with improved security and superior network performance. Under the agreement, Nokias Data Center Fabric, Data Center Gateway and quantum-safe network solution, including 7250 Interconnect Router and 7220 Interconnect Routers, will be used to modernise Open DCs data centres. Nokia has also entered into a MoU with EBB to collaborate in the fields of data centre solutions and quantum-safe networks (QSN). Under the MoU, the two companies will develop a joint go-to-market strategy for data centre and AI connectivity, offering QSN, enterprise connectivity and value-added services for data centre tenants, including multi-cloud connectivity and DDoS security and mitigation. They will also jointly conduct testing and validation of the Data Center Gateway, Data Center Fabric with Event-Driven Automation (EDA) tools and DDoS protection and mitigation. This collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneering technologies that deliver exceptional value to our customers and contribute to Malaysias economic growth under the MYDIGITAL policy," Wong Weng Yew, Managing Director at Open DC said. "Nokias solutions will enhance our security, scalability, and sustainability, enabling us to build connectivity hubs that support AI-driven innovation and create new revenue opportunities for enterprises." Kent Wong, Vice President and Head of IP Networks for Asia Pacific at Nokia said the collaboration with Extreme Broadband will help the vendor play a bigger role in Malaysias rapidly growing data centre industry. Nokia has emerged as a trusted partner of data centre companies across the world, supporting their efforts to build digital infrastructure that meets the demand for secure, high-performance networks," said Wong. "Our field-proven IP solutions empower data centre operators to achieve unmatched reliability and scalability while efficiently meeting the evolving demands. "The deployment will enable Open DC to leverage our data centre switching, automation and quantum-safe networking technologies to provide a crucial business edge to their customers." At Morehouse Colleges first Hump Wednesday of the fall semester, a weekly event where the Atlanta University Center gathers to enjoy food and music, students were treated to a special guest. The afternoon, sponsored by Kingsfords new Pass The Tongs initiative, kicked off with a fireside chat featuring actress Gail Bean, who spoke to students about the importance of legacy and community, and how to transform their aspirations into reality. Gail Bean, seen last year at the 55th Annual NAACP Awards in Los Angeles, said she uses acting as a platform to help others discover their passions. (Unique Nicole/WireImage) The 32-year-old Stone Mountain native has stolen scenes in hit shows like Harlem, Insecure, P-Valley and the acclaimed FX series Snowfall. Off-screen, Bean has turned her attention to the community she came from by launching Dream Above The Influence. The nonprofit serves metro Atlanta youth, equipping them with resources, scholarships and mentorship programming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her All Of My Love scholarship program awards $1,913 annually to 22 high school seniors. The figure is a nod to the year her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., was founded. In the Winter, Beans Project 404 distributes cold-weather essentials like coats, shoes and clothing. The She Has a Dream Too program is a mentoring series for girls in grades 6 through 12 to help them deal with adversity. When asked about the bridge between acting and philanthropy, Bean told Capital B Atlanta that she uses acting as a platform to help others discover their passions. Here, in our interview, she spoke about the necessity of passing down legacy through ones work, and Dream Above The Influences mission to uplift generations to come. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Capital B Atlanta: What inspired you to start Dream Above The Influence? Gail Bean: Dream Above The Influence is truly a reflection of my upbringing and my life. I had mentors, I was exposed to so many different opportunities at a young age, and then I had the resources from, if not just my mom, the community and our village. I wanted to make sure I was able to give that back to the upcoming youth, so they can know that there are endless possibilities, and if they ever need help or need someone to talk to, that were available. And, Dream Above The Influence, where did that name originate from? I wanted to affirm that your neighborhood, your community, your peers may have different dreams than you, and they may influence you to go one direction, but its OK to promote individuality without being an outcast or having to look down on someone else. Some people grow up in a family full of lawyers, and its OK if they want to be a chef, if they want to be an artist, if they want to be a doctor, just really pushing that. They may grow up in a community that is in poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So in communities that are disenfranchised, letting them know its OK to have dreams outside of the influences that you see every single day. Thats one of the things I love about the AUC, its in the middle of a community that some would categorize as the hood, a less fortunate area. However, people who are growing up in this less fortunate area can see students that are [continuing their] education and having dreams. We want to affirm that [community]. Gail Bean attends the 2025 Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles. (Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Essence) How have your roots in Georgia and your own community shaped your work, whether through acting, Dream Above The Influence, or as a whole? One of the things that I truly love about Georgia and the South is that we are who we are. And it truly spills over into everything I do when it comes to my community. When it comes to my acting, I show up as my authentic self, and I think that resonates with a lot of people. I put my authenticity into every character I play. Also, a big thing about Georgia is community and village. I think I share that as well with my nonprofit, making sure that I reach back to the community. Another thing is that manners will take you places that money wont. So making sure that Im respectful, and I honor my heritage and culture and the people that are around me. I treat the janitor with the same respect that I treat the president. What do you envision when you see the future of your organization? When I see the future of my organization, I envision reaching, because Atlanta is our pilot city. I envision reaching the youth and future generations in multiple cities. Weve done give-backs in New York, weve also done give-backs in LA. I want to extend it to Chicago, Philadelphia, D.C., and a lot of other cities that have been instrumental to my success as a Black woman, but also my successes in my career. [I want to scale] to reach more of our youth and have that continued longevity in a youths life. Like our [All Of My Love] scholarship, one of our recipients crossed Delta recently, but they were also a part of the Delta debutante. So always saying, OK, were a resource for you. We want you to look at us like Dream Above The Influence is your family, and we support you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethany Benjamin is a junior English major attending Spelman College. This article is part of Capital B Atlantas journalism partnership with HBCU reporters. The post Giving Back to Atlanta Youth Is the Role Actress Gail Bean Was Born to Play appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he would at some point deploy the National Guard to Chicago in an effort to stem violent crime, escalating a confrontation with local officials who have warned him not to intervene. Were going in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he had decided to send troops to the nations third-largest city. I didnt say when. The Presidents declaration followed days of sharp rhetoric aimed at Chicago and its Democratic leadership. In a string of social media posts Tuesday, he described the city as the MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! while insisting he could solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in D.C. He cited shootings over the Labor Day weekend that left at least eight people dead and dozens more wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, has rejected federal intervention and urged the White House to stay out of Chicago. Ive been standing up to Donald Trump, and Im going to do everything I can to stop him from taking away peoples rights and from using the military to invade states, he said Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation. Shortly after the Presidents press conference, Pritzker addressed reporters on Tuesday afternoon alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who issued an executive order last week instructing local police not to cooperate with federal agents or troops if they are deployed. The confrontation highlights the limits of presidential authority outside of Washington, D.C., where Trump sent the National Guard in August. In the District of Columbia, the President serves as commander in chief of the Guard. In Illinois, by contrast, the governor ordinarily controls deployment, though Trump has argued that he can act unilaterally. Legal experts predict the question will quickly end up in court if Trump follows through and deploys the military to Chicago. If the governor of Illinois would call up, call me up, I would love to do it. Trump said. Now, were going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it. He added that he has an obligation to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore. Pritzker responded in his own press conference shortly afterward. I'm aware that the President likes to go on television and beg me to ask him for troops, he said. I find this extraordinarily strange, as Chicago does not want troops on our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has already faced challenges on similar efforts. A federal circuit court judge ruled on Tuesday that Trumps deployment of 4,000 national guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles earlier this summer violated federal law, though the decision did not force the withdrawal of hundreds of Guard members still stationed in Los Angeles. The White House is expected to appeal that decision. Chicago has long struggled with violent crime, but city officials note that the problem is not as severe as Trump portrays. Homicides and shootings have declined this year, putting the city on pace for its lowest homicide rate in half a century, according to police statistics. Still, a violent Labor Day weekend gave Trump an opening. Two weeks ago they had six people murdered and 24 people hit by bullets, he said. Last week seven people died. Over the last two days, that was the crown jewel. They had, I guess, 9 or 10 killed, and 50 hit with bullets. The President also broadened his criticism to include Baltimore and Los Angeles, both led by Democrats, and suggested they could be next. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the world, by far, he said in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pointed to his deployment of national guard troops in Washington, D.C. as a blueprint for other cities. Im very proud of Washington. It serves as a template and were going to do it elsewhere, he said. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. A federal judge refused to break up Google for monopolizing the online search and ad markets, and instead imposed lesser restrictions to curb the power of the $2 trillion company. In a closely watched antitrust trial pitting the U.S. government against one of the worlds largest tech firms, District Judge Amit Mehta on Tuesday rejected the Justice Departments request to force Google to spin off its Chrome browser and Android products. Mehta agreed with the government, however, that Google needed to allow competitors to gain a foothold and ordered the company to make narrower changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google must now share some of its search data with competitors, and is prohibited from inking deals that make its products including its artificial intelligence the default tools on mobile devices. Mehtas opinion marks the most consequential antitrust decision on Big Techs business practices since a federal judges failed bid to break up Microsoft in the early 2000s. Legal experts expect Google will appeal the decision, which could be ripe for Supreme Court review. Google on Tuesday said it has concerns with Mehtas opinion and is reviewing the decision. The search case, which started under the first Trump administration, offers a glimmer of hope for other tech companies facing potential breakups of their businesses, including Meta, Amazon and Apple. The decision was the first of two major antitrust cases that Google faced this year. In the other case brought by the Justice Department, it faces a potential breakup of its ad tech business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Google avoided the most drastic outcome, Mehtas opinion showed there will still be consequences for anticompetitive behavior in the tech industry, said Vanderbilt University law professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth. Google has to see this [decision] as a real risk going forward, she added. The word we use as lawyers is chill. They are going to feel chilled from similar conduct. The tech industry especially the handful of giants that currently rule the digital economy as the worlds most valuable companies has faced a wave of antitrust pressure under both Trump and former President Joe Biden. The European Union has also looked to step in, using its strong online antitrust rules to regulate an industry it believes the U.S. created and boosted with an overly hands-off approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its been unclear how strongly either government will continue to press the issue. Tech CEOs have tried to make inroads with Trump during his second administration by pledging to invest in U.S. projects and donating to his inauguration fund. Attorney General Pam Bondi lauded Mehtas opinion Tuesday, saying the administration will continue our legal efforts to hold companies accountable for monopolistic practices. In Europe, Google received an 11th-hour reprieve Monday, when the company was expected to learn its penalty for its practices in placing online ads with search results. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovics intervention to hold off the penalty comes as Trump is threatening to block the sale of chips and other tech to countries says are discriminating against American companies. Looming over many of the cases targeting the largest tech companies is the question of how to apply longstanding antitrust law to new types of businesses, like Google, that may offer their services to consumers for free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Kovacic, an antitrust law professor at George Mason University who chaired the FTC at the end of the George W. Bush administration, said the case shows the federal government can win when applying old competition laws to modern digital markets. Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google illegally locked up 90 percent of the internet search market by partnering with iPhone maker Apple to be the default search provider on its Safari web browser an arrangement that essentially boxed out potential competitors. Google had similar agreements with handset makers and mobile carriers like Samsung and Verizon. Mehta also found that Google illegally monopolized the market for ads displayed next to search results. Whats extremely important here is that the combination of liability and a remedy shows the government can prevail, Kovacic said. Florian Ederer, an economics professor at Boston University, questioned how much the decision will shake up the market, especially since the largest tech companies still exert huge market power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ederer questioned if allowing competitors to access Googles search data, or prohibiting it from making Google Search the default app on mobile devices is really be enough to help new companies enter the market. It would have been a real landmark decision if we had seen a breakup, Ederer said. This is the best outcome [for Google], given that Google lost this case. In a nod to how the tech industry has changed just since the case started in October 2020, Mehtas decision prohibits Google from making Gemini the default AI product on mobile devices. The decision notes the market for generative AI is significantly more competitive than it is for search, listing rivals models from OpenAI, Microsoft and Anthropic among others. Mehtas initial decision came after a 10-week bench trial, and set up whats called a remedy trial, which took place in April. It was during that second trial that the Justice Department asked Mehta to break up the company to resolve its illegal monopoly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case spanned two administrations, starting under President Donald Trumps first term, going to trial under Biden, and Google has pledged to appeal in Trumps second administration. Googles next remedy trial starts later in September. In that case, a federal judge ruled in April that Google held an illegal monopoly in the almost $300 million U.S. market for digital ads. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia said Google maintained its monopoly by tying together its ad server business, used by online publishers to manage ad sales on their sites, and its ad exchange business, which auctions off digital advertising space on websites. Google claimed it won half the case and vowed to appeal the other half. Other major antitrust cases remain in the wings that could also drastically reshape the way the tech industry operates in America and across the globe. These cases and investigations come as lawmakers and regulators are worried about tech companies cornering the market for artificial intelligence in a similar fashion as what happened with e-commerce, social media and online search. Amazon is slated to go to trial in early 2027 over claims it squashes competition to rip off sellers and consumers while peddling a subpar shopping experience riddled with confusing advertisements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple faces claims its billions of iPhones sold since 2007 were designed to lock users into its products while raising costs for consumers, developers and artists, among others. Depositions and discovery in that case are scheduled through early 2027. And chipmaker Nvidia is the subject of a Justice Department investigation over its purchase of AI start-up Run:ai. A federal judge ruled that Google must share certain kinds of data with competitors and is prohibited from entering into exclusive distribution deals orders aimed at ameliorating its monopoly power in internet search but rejected the U.S. governments proposal to force Google to sell its popular Chrome browser. In a statement, Google VP of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said in part, We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department had sought to force Google to divest Chrome as one of several proposed remedies after the company in August 2024 lost the U.S. governments antitrust case charging it with a monopoly on search. A federal court ruled that Google was a monopoly and acted illegally by inking multibillion-dollar deals to make its search engine the default on web browsers and smartphones including devices from Apple and Samsung. Google has previously said it would appeal the August 2024 ruling. In the Sept. 2 ruling, Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia detailed a list of remedies, which he said would be in effect for a six-year term. A copy of the decision is available at this link. Per the decision, Google will have to make available to Qualified Competitors certain search index and user-interaction data, though not ads data, as such sharing will deny Google the fruits of its exclusionary acts and promote competition. In addition, the ruling requires Google to publicly disclose material changes it makes to its ad auctions to promote greater transparency in search text ads pricing and to prevent Google from increasing prices by secretly fine-tuning its ad auctions. Furthermore, Google is barred from entering or maintaining any exclusive contract relating to the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant and the Gemini app, according to Mehtas ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the judge rejected government prosecutors other proposed remedies to Googles anticompetitive behavior. Among the biggest of these: Google will not be required to divest Chrome, nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment, Mehta wrote in the decision. The judge said the U.S. government overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints. According to Googles Mulholland, a requirement for the company to divest Chrome or Android would have gone beyond the cases focus on search distribution, and would have harmed consumers and our partners. Other top-line determinations from the ruling: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products. Mehta wrote that Cutting off payments from Google almost certainly will impose substantial in some cases, crippling downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban. Google will not have to present users with choice screens on its products or encourage its Android distribution partners to do the same. Google will not be required to share granular, query-level data with advertisers or provide them with more access to such data. Google will not have to underwrite a nationwide public education campaign, a proposed remedy that does not fit Googles violations and its terms are too indefinite, according to Mehtas decision. Google will not have to modify its policies to offer website publishers more choice in how the search giant uses their content, nor will it be subject to an investment reporting requirement; Mehta said both of these proposals were unrelated to Googles anticompetitive conduct. Mehtas ruling said that the two sides shall meet and confer and, by September 10, 2025, submit a revised final judgment that is consistent with this Memorandum Opinion. Googles Mulholland, in her statement, said, Todays recognizes how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI, which is giving people so many more ways to find information. This underlines what weve been saying since this case was filed in 2020: Competition is intense and people can easily choose the services they want. Thats why we disagree so strongly with the Courts initial decision in August 2024 on liability. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images This story was originally published in Uncloseted Media, an LGBTQ focused investigative news outlet. Google is the most powerful search engine in the world, commanding nearly 90% of the global search engine market and generating over $348 billion in revenue last year. Over half of Americans say they trust Google more than their formal education. But how does Googles algorithm decide which results show up? And how do these results influence LGBTQ kids, their parents and Americans at large who are searching for help? Uncloseted Media asked five Americans from around the country to Google five common queries related to LGBTQ identity, religion and parenting. The results were alarming and raised an urgent question: With nearly 40% of LGBTQ youth seriously considering suicide just last year, what happens when a queer teen or the parent of a gay kid in crisis turns to Google? Photos courtesy of participants Mark Just, Genna and Melanie Brown, April Samberg, Tommy ONeil. Photo of Genna and Melanie by Kaoly Gutteriez. Im Christian, my daughter is a lesbian, Melanie Brown, a Southern Baptist from High Point, North Carolina, types into Google. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Brown presses enter, Bible Bulletin Board comes up as the third result, with the suggestion of offering hope for change, and lead[ing] the way to the alternative to homosexuality. It goes on to explain that homosexuality is contrary to Gods Word. It is sin and as always results in sins destructive effects on the individual and on those close to them. Uncloseted Media graphic In the living room, Browns 15-year-old daughter Genna, with her dog on her lap, Googles accurate information on gay kids and what to do. Focus on the Family (FOTF) is the first result. She clicks the link and lands on the platform of a hyper-religious organization known for promoting conversion therapy and labeling her sexuality as sinful. The site, which presents itself as a reputable religious source, features a tab titled Understanding Homosexuality and a section under their resources for Homosexuality. It states: [FOTF] is committed to upholding Gods design for the expression of human sexuality: a husband and wife in a marriage. Uncloseted Media graphic It offers suggested reading on redemption from a gay lifestyle, along with 11 counseling resources aimed at changing sexual orientation, including The Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity, which guarantees professional assistance for persons who experience unwanted homosexual attractions. The language is intentionally padded, which means Genna and her momand many of the other millions of Christian parents of queer kidsmay never know that Google led them to a Southern Poverty Law Center-designated anti-LGBTQ hate group. FOTF is known for its long-standing opposition to LGBTQ rights, for spreading anti-LGBTQ disinformation and for framing homosexuality and transgender identity as sinful and disordered. Screenshot courtesy of Genna Brown. Photo by Kaoly Gutierrez. In South Boston, Virginia, Tommy ONeil Googles, My daughter just came out as trans and Im a Christian. As a father of two, he wants whats best for his kids. According to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Googles second result, ONeil should recognize that God doesnt make mistakes when assigning sex and give sympathy for those who are indoctrinated in the transgender cult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What ONeil might not know is that this seminary made the list of Worst Campuses for LGBTQ students. And in 2016, it was granted an exemption to Title IX, allowing it to discriminate against LGBTQ students for religious reasons. Thousands of miles away in Anchorage, Alaska, 38-year-old bisexual woman April Samberg Googles, I am bisexual and have a husband who is Christian, am I going to hell? The third result is once again an article by FOTF that tells April that same-sex-attracted strugglers and transgender and homosexual lust and behavior are wrong. In Cincinnati, 44-year-old Mark Just Googles, accurate information on homosexual kids and what to do. FOTF is the top search result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont feel good about it, Just told Uncloseted Media. Its disturbing because if there are people out there who want to accept and understand their children or loved ones, this is what theyre being pointed to. [I feel] fear for the queer kids with Christian parents who will be seeing that and thinking its good advice, and sorrow for the kids with parents who already have, says Genna Brown, who was a self-loathing, suicidal kid who thought God would punish her for being gay before she came out to her now accepting parents. Its pretty awful that this is whats being pushed for advice. This has no doubt harmed people. Uncloseted Media also asked folks in Taiwan, Lebanon, China, Hong Kong, Canada and India to Google similar queries. All of them had FOTF turn up as a top search result. Why Does Google Allow This? Google, like other search engines, compiles information and directs users to various websites by referencing the titles of web pages that it judges to be most reflective of what was searched. Googles algorithm is notoriously a black box, says Jesse Ringer, founder of Method and Metric, a search engine optimization (SEO) growth company. Thats intentional to keep their competitive advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we do know is that Google ranks search results by first crawling the web with an automated program called spiders to follow links from page to page and collect data. It uses text matching to identify documents that it thinks are relevant to a query and then ranks them based on a combination of popularity, freshness, location and previous links clicked. But for people searching for reliable information, its process can be problematic. Google doesnt rank based on accuracy, but on popularity and query matching, says Dirk Lewandowski, professor of information research and retrieval at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. This is based on clicks and a network of how many other links are directed to this website. Of course, users click what is shown in the first position. So we have kind of a rich get richer. How to Get a High Ranking As websites with the highest rankings continue to receive more clicks, websites like FOTF can also employ other tactics to keep their prominent placement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backlinkingthe process of having other web pages hyperlink back to your siteis one of the ways to maintain your high ranking. Backlinks are a big part of popularity. So the relationship between other websites linking to this source is a big part of Googles algorithm, says Ringer. There are SEO businesses that build link farms so that the content of their clients can go higher. They create a network effect and they link to each other. It is not unreasonable to think that [FOTF] has hired either an SEO person or theyve hired an external agency to contribute to that. According to Francesca Tripodi, assistant professor at the University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science, ranking can also be gamed by matching keywords to content. Tripodi looked at the metadata of progressive and conservative companies and found that conservative content creators are much better at doing this. They are savvy at creating new sets of words and tagging their content with them, she says. Thats not something Im seeing with progressive content creators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tripodi says that not only does conservatism thrive online, it might be the only perspective returned. They are well-funded companies with large production budgets and effective digital marketing teams, she wrote in a 2019 testimony about conservatism and Google searches. This is why when you search for liberal phrases like gender identity or social justice the top returns are conservative content creators. Google declined to speak on record with Uncloseted Media for this story. In an email, a spokesperson said: Like any search engine, Google indexes the content thats available on the open web, relying on systems like keyword matching to surface relevant results. We are largely guided by local law when it comes to removing pages from search results. What If Its Harmful or Illegal? The United States notoriously protects harmful or misleading contentincluding anti-LGBTQ hate speechunder the First Amendment. The situation in [other countries] is a bit different than in America, Lewandowski says. For instance, Holocaust denial is illegal in Germany. So Google bans these sites, but they dont ban them in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Section 230 of the U.S. law protects Americans freedom of expression online by implying that we should all be responsible for our own actions and statements on the internet. This law largely takes legal pressure off of Google. And in 2003, an Oklahoma court ruled that Googles rankings are subjective opinions and thus constitutionally protected. Googles policies for tamping down on harmful content dont apply to web results. Thus, there is little moderation on the web pages that pop up for Americans who use the search engine. The spokesperson for Google says that [they] hold themselves to a high standard when it comes to legal requirements to remove pages from Google search results and that they dont remove web results except for child sexual abuse, highly personal information, spam, site owner requests, and valid legal requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But according to the company, determining whether content is illegal is not always a determination that Google is equipped to make. Tripodi says this might be why groups like FOTF are still showing up, even though conversion therapy is illegal in 23 states. She says these groups may have found a loophole in Googles policy by tricking the search engine into thinking they are providing resources and not simply a recommendation for conversion therapy. What Can Google Do to Fix This? Google has a responsibility for what is coming up in their results because people trust [them], says Lewandowski. They think something is correct or accurate because it is number one in Google. Fifteen-year-old Genna Brown is one of the 85% of Americans who feel this way, according to a 2025 study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isnt the first result typically ranked most credible? she says. Because I typically trust the first result more. Its pretty concerning what comes up when you search for these things, Ringer says. There needs to be more done to educate the people who are doing the searches on understanding news and information. But vulnerable groups, like LGBTQ kids who are living in households where they are told they are going to hell and parents who are often confused and in crisis themselves, are being led by Googles algorithm to believe that being queer is wrong. 1000% yes, these results concern me, says Genna Brown. Were talking about organizations that promote practices like conversion therapy, which is insane. I wish there was some disclaimer. Like, Google has determined this to be a subjective query. As such, we cant verify the following results. Proceed with caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tripodi says she thinks consumers are responsible for about 20% of the burden by researching and verifying the sources they learn from. But she agrees with Brown in that Google carries an ethical responsibility for the content it chooses to rank and promote. As a global corporation that gobbles up all other possibilities for information, Google has a responsibility to ensure that its content is accurate and not harmful, Tripodi says. [Its their job] to ensure that the information that they surface is accurate and reliable because we know people trust that information. Uncloseted Media reached out to Focus on the Family, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Bible Bulletin Board. They did not respond to our request for comment. Additional reporting by Sophie Holland and Spencer Macnaughton. A federal judge has restricted Google from entering into exclusive contracts for the distribution of search and other apps, but he rejected more severe punishments for the tech giant, including a divestiture of its Chrome browser. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year that Google violated antitrust law in its dominance over search, and his latest opinion, issued Tuesday, had to do with what remedies the company would have to take in response. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the judges Google ruling. The Justice Department sought a long list of remedies that included the sale of Chrome, but Mehta wrote that the government overreached in seeking such a divestiture, as well as a contingent offloading of its Android operating system. Google also will not be prohibited from making payments to distribution partners for preloading or placement of search, Chrome or generative AI products. The judge wrote that such a restriction would almost certainly will impose substantial in some cases, crippling downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers, which counsels against a broad payment ban. The judges restrictions centered on the exclusivity arrangements that prevented potential rivals from gaining access to devices. The judge wrote that Google will not be able to enter into contracts that conditions the licensing of the Play Store or any other Google application on the distribution, preloading, or placement of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app anywhere on a device; (2) conditions the receipt of revenue share payments for the placement of one Google application (e.g., Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app) on the placement of another such application; (3) conditions the receipt of revenue share payments on maintaining Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app on any device, browser, or search access point for more than one year; or (4) prohibits any partner from simultaneously distributing any other GSE, browser, or GenAI product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google also will have to make some search index and user-interaction data available to qualified competitors, with Mehta concluding that such a remedy will deny Google the fruits of its exclusionary acts and promote competition. Google will not have to share ad data, and the information that it does have to make available will be limited to those having to do with its anticompetitive conduct, Mehta wrote. The restrictions will be in place for a period of six years, the judge wrote. The Justice Department sued Google in 2020, along with state attorneys general. In his ruling last year, Mehta concluded that Google violated section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The judge said that Googles distribution agreements in which it was placed as the default search engine on browsers, Apple and Samsung mobile devices and wireless carriers have foreclosed competition. The judge noted that Google paid $26 billion in 2021 to ensure that its search would be the preloaded default. In exchange for revenue share, Google not only receives default placement at the key search access points, but its partners also agree not to preload any general search engine on the device, the judge wrote. Thus, most devices in the United States come preloaded exclusively with Google. These distribution deals have forced rivals to find other ways to reach users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge made clear that the emergence of AI technologies weighed heavily on his latest decision, calling them potential game changers in the marketplace, as users bypass search for services like OpenAIs ChatGPT. The judge wrote that generative AI had changed the course of this case, as they pose a near term threat to search engines. Mehta wrote that unlike the typical case where the courts job is to resolve a dispute based on historic facts, here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judges forte. Google posted a statement saying, We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely. The Court did recognize that divesting Chrome and Android would have gone beyond the cases focus on search distribution, and would have harmed consumers and our partners. Abigail Slater, chief of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division, said, The first Trump administration sued Google to restore competition for millions of Americans subjected to Googles monopoly abuses. Today, the second Trump administration has won a remedy to do just that. We will continue to review the opinion to consider the Departments options and next steps regarding seeking additional relief. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Washington Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, filed a discharge petition on Tuesday to attempt to force a House vote on compelling the release of files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, resurfacing the saga upon Congress' return. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced legislation in July that would require the Justice Department to release the Epstein files within 30 days. They planned to force a vote on the bill once lawmakers returned from their lengthy August recess. Although leadership controls the House's agenda and what legislation receives a vote, individual lawmakers can "discharge" legislation that has been sitting in committee. A discharge petition enables 218 members, a majority of the lower chamber, to provide their signatures and effectively bypass leadership to bring a bill before the full House for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna told NPR News on Tuesday that he's "very confident" all 212 Democrats will support the petition, along with more than the six Republicans needed to force a vote in the House. Before lawmakers left Washington, House Democrats and some Republicans had pushed for a floor vote to force the release of the files, but House Speaker Mike Johnson opted to send the House home early amid the pressure. As lawmakers returned to Washington on Tuesday, House Republican leadership added a bill to the House schedule for the week that would direct the House Oversight Committee to "continue its ongoing investigation into the possible mismanagement of the Federal government's investigation of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell," Epstein's co-conspirator who is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Massie criticized the move, calling it a "meaningless vote to provide political cover for those members who don't support our bipartisan legislation to force the release of the Epstein files." Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. / Credit: Kent Nishimura / Bloomberg via Getty Images Johnson told reporters in response that he would describe "virtually everything Thomas Massie says related to this issue as meaningless." And the speaker defended how the administration and Congress have approached the documents so far, telling CBS News that "there's been a lot of things that transpired over the August district work period." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Oversight Committee is well underway, the administration is complying. The Department of Justice complied with all the subpoenas they received and are processing 34,000 documents already," Johnson said. "And we're going to move that along as quickly as possible so that all of this is pushed out to the public so the American people can make their own decisions." Epstein was convicted of sex trafficking and died in federal custody in 2019 in what numerous investigations deemed a suicide. But the push to release the Epstein files reached a fever pitch, including among President Trump's base, after the Justice Department issued the findings of an internal review in July that found no "client list" or evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent figures. And the development has prompted calls for more transparency from both sides of the aisle. Members of the House Oversight Committee are meeting with survivors of Epstein's abuse Tuesday. And Massie and Khanna are set to host a news conference at the Capitol on Wednesday alongside survivors. The developments come after the Trump administration released transcripts of a two-day interview with Maxwell late last month. The Oversight Committee has also said it plans to make public records it received from the Justice Department related to Epstein after redactions have been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, told Fox News on Sunday that "we're going to make this information public that's what the American people want," while noting that "it's very complicated because there are victims of the Epstein files, and we want to listen to those victims and their families and their attorneys to see how best can we present this information." Historian Miles Yu on Chinese military parade: "Trolling is a very good word" Judge lets Google keep Chrome, but says it must share search data with rivals A look back at the first "CBS Evening News" broadcast on its 62nd anniversary House GOP leaders returning to Capitol Hill this week from the long summer break will be immediately confronted with the radioactive subject of Jeffrey Epstein. Top Republicans had accelerated their July exit from Washington in part to avoid the thorny Epstein saga and were hoping the attention swirling around the convicted sex offender would dissolve over the five-week recess, allowing Congress to move on to other things in September. Instead, the focus on Epstein is poised to erupt beginning in the earliest days of Congresss return, creating challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and GOP leaders just as theyre racing to prevent a government shutdown on Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue will come at them from various angles and quickly. On Wednesday, a pair of bipartisan lawmakers will host a press event at the Capitol to advance their efforts to force the Trump administration to release all of the governments Epstein files. To ramp up the pressure, the lawmakers Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) will be joined by several survivors of Epsteins abuse. Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee have subpoenaed the Epstein estate for a slew of sensitive documents, including anything resembling a client list and Epsteins birthday book a 2003 volume, compiled by his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, that reportedly includes a lewd letter written by President Trump when he was a private citizen in New York. Those materials are slated for delivery to Capitol Hill by Sept. 8. And the House Rules Committee, which Republicans shut down in late July to avoid Epstein-related votes, will have to resolve that impasse if GOP leaders want to move virtually any significant piece of legislation to the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combination is sure to challenge Johnson and other GOP leaders, who have sought unsuccessfully to defuse the Epstein controversy and would prefer to focus their energies on keeping the government open beyond September. Democrats, meanwhile, are only eager to keep the story alive. Were not going to stop talking about this, said a House Democratic aide familiar with the debate. If it were just Democrats clamoring for the Epstein files, GOP leaders would have an easier time brushing the issue aside. But some prominent voices in the House GOP conference, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), a close Trump ally, have been an active part of the pressure campaign demanding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) publicize the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those conservatives were not convinced by the DOJs July memo refuting the right-wing conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, including the central claim that the government is concealing his case files to protect powerful elites who committed crimes against minors. And they havent been silenced by President Trumps calls to forget the Epstein hoax, or his threats to disavow any supporters who continue to press for more information. Greene, for one, warned Trump that refusing to release the files risks losing the bulk of his MAGA base. If you tell the base of people, who support you, of deep state treasonous crimes, election interference, blackmail, and rich powerful elite evil cabals, then you must take down every enemy of The People, she posted on the social platform X. If not. The base will turn and theres no going back. The issue has put Republican leaders in a bind, squeezed between their loyalty to a president who wants the issue to go away and conservatives in and out of Congress demanding that it doesnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie is leading that charge on Capitol Hill. Hes pushing a procedural gambit, known as a discharge petition, to force a vote on his legislation with Khanna. The bill would require the DOJ to post, in searchable form, every record the agency possesses related to its investigations into both Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019, and Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors. Under the bill, redactions are permitted to protect the identity of victims but are prohibited for purposes of preventing embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary. That resolution currently has 11 other Republican co-sponsors, in addition to Massie. The key question heading into September is whether those GOP lawmakers will go a long step further in their defiance of Trump by signing the discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures to force a vote on the floor. Johnson said Friday on CNN that the House would probably vote on an Epstein-related resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may be a floor vote of one measure or another. We have our own resolutions to do all this, but I dont its sort of not necessary at the point because the administration is already doing this. Theyre turning it over, he said. Pressed on the discharge petition, he responded, We might not even wait for that. We have our own resolutions to affect this same thing, but the process is playing out as it should, and very soon the American people will have that information, and they should have had it all along. Thats my view. A similar question surrounds the Rules Committee. The panel was brought to a halt in July when Democrats offered a series of Epstein-related amendments that committee Republicans hoped to avoid, not least because of the MAGA backlash some faced in opposing those measures. GOP leaders in Congress and the administration are taking aggressive steps to ease the various Republican concerns, and tamp down any potential internal revolt, when Congress returns this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In subpoenaing Epsteins estate, the Oversight Committee is seeking a host of documents spanning nearly three decades, including Epsteins will, any contact lists he kept, and flight logs on his aircraft. Oversight Republicans had also subpoenaed the DOJ earlier this month for Epstein documents. Meanwhile, the panel is set to interview Alexander Acosta, the former U.S. attorney for South Florida whos come under fire for cutting a nonprosecution deal with Epstein after his first arrest for underage sex crimes in 2006; and the committee has also subpoenaed former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who had ties to Epstein and Maxwell in years past. They are scheduled to be interviewed by the panel in October. Separately, a top DOJ official this month interviewed Maxwell in prison, and the agency released the full transcript of the exchange. It remains uncertain, however, if all of that movement will appease the Republicans who have sought the DOJs comprehensive files on the Epstein and Maxwell cases information that was not disclosed, critics said, when the department delivered some documents to the Oversight panel on Aug. 22 in response to the earlier subpoena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna said 97 percent of those files had been previously made public. Less than 1 percent of files have been released. DOJ is stonewalling, Khanna said in response. The survivors deserve justice and the public deserves transparency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WRBL) After President Trump announced on Tuesday that Redstone Arsenal will be home to the U.S. Space Command, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement following the announcement. Redstone Arsenal had long been considered as an option for the permanent headquarters of the command, which has been operating at its provisional headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, while the Air Force continued to review the potential move. The command was established in August 2019, the Space Command website states. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: U.S. Space Command Headquarters coming to Alabama In the statement released on Tuesday following Trumps announcement, Ivey said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after President Trump directed the Department of Defense in 2018 to begin planning for this new military branch, Space Force, we began making our own preparations in Alabama for the city of Huntsville to compete to be home for Headquarters. As I have said all along, there is no better place to locate Space Command Headquarters than in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, the facts prevailed, and it is official: Space Command Headquarters is coming to Sweet Home Alabama. The Redstone Arsenal region was ready to welcome Space Command Headquarters when I made the official pitch to the Defense secretary in June 2019, and it remains ready today to not only welcome Headquarters, but to welcome all of the military personnel and their families. I commend Redstone and city of Huntsville leaders for their diligence in maintaining a mission-ready stance. I also applaud our entire Congressional delegation Republicans and Democrats especially Congressman Mike Rogers as chairman of the House Armed Service Committee. As our history shows, Alabama always stands ready to support the defense of our great nation, and Huntsville continues proving the Rocket City is truly Space Central. U.S. Space Command is one of the 11 unified combatant commands within the Department of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The command employs joint forces from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force and is responsible for delivering space capabilities to joint and combined forces and protecting and defending the space domain. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Meiro, a Google Cloud partner, today announced that its AI-powered Customer Data Platform (CDP) is now available on Google Cloud Marketplace . With this listing, enterprises gain a direct path to deploy a composable Customer Data Platform that is validated for security and compliance while offering deep, native compatibility with Google Clouds data, AI, and advertising stack. Now, organizations can bypass lengthy procurement cycles and instead purchase Meiro through their existing Google Cloud accounts. Customers may also apply their Enterprise Discount Program EDP commitments, ensuring that investments in Meiro directly enhance the ROI of their overall Google Cloud stack. A New Standard for AI and Security: Private Cloud Architecture Unlike conventional multi-tenant SaaS CDPs, where the vendor hosts and processes customer data on their own servers, Meiro can deploy directly within each clients Google Cloud project. This means that sensitive customer data never leaves the enterprises infrastructure, giving companies the control of an on-premise solution with the scalability of the cloud. This architectural model is particularly suited for organizations in banking, finance, iGaming, and other highly regulated sectors where strict compliance and data sovereignty are non-negotiable. Running natively inside a clients Google Cloud project allows Meiro to integrate seamlessly with existing security, observability, and governance tools, ensuring airtight compliance while enabling fast innovation. Our architecture is designed for performance and security, because for our clients, data control is a mandate not a preference, said Pavel Bulowski, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Meiro. By deploying inside a clients Google Cloud project, we deliver native, high-performance connectivity to Google Cloud services including Gemini, BigQuery, Vertex AI, and Ads Manager without ever compromising security. With availability on Google Cloud Marketplace, it is now significantly easier for highly regulated enterprises to adopt a secure-by-design CDP while maximizing their Google Cloud investment. Key Advantages of Procuring Meiro via Google Cloud Marketplace Streamlined Procurement in Secure Environments Enterprises can purchase Meiro through existing Google Cloud accounts and apply EDP commitments, eliminating procurement bottlenecks. Maximized Google Cloud ROI All CDP processing and storage occur within the clients own Google Cloud environment, ensuring that consumption directly contributes to their cloud investment and ROI. Native Ecosystem Integration Meiro offers out-of-the-box connectivity with BigQuery, AlloyDB, Gemini LLM, Vertex AI, and other Google Cloud services allowing enterprises to unlock AI-driven customer insights without moving data to third-party systems. Activation Across the Google Ads Stack Meiro seamlessly connects to Google Ads and Display & Video 360 DV360 so enterprises can build precise customer segments and push them directly into advertising channels for activation. High-Performance, Real-Time Activation Native integrations with Google services enable low-latency, real-time customer data activation across channels, empowering businesses to personalize experiences at scale. About Meiro Meiro is an AI-driven, composable Customer Data Platform designed for enterprises that demand security and data cotrol. Its flexible, privacy-first architecture allows clients to deploy the platform within their own private cloud environment or on-premise, ensuring complete control and security over sensitive customer data. By natively integrating with Google Clouds data and AI ecosystem and the rest of the clients technology stack, Meiro helps organizations unify data, activate insights in real time, and deliver personalized customer experiences that drive measurable growth and loyalty. Learn more about Meiro CDP https://www.meiro.io/hosting/gcp/ MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz plans to call a special legislative session to consider tougher gun laws following a shooting last week at a Catholic school in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 21 people injured. The Democrat told reporters Tuesday, after welcoming children back to a public school in the Minneapolis suburb of Eagan, that he'll be making calls to lawmakers and working on a plan over the next couple of days. Walz said he intends to propose a very comprehensive package that could include an assault-weapons ban. But it's not clear if new restrictions on guns could pass the closely divided Minnesota Legislature. A special election this month is expected to restore a 67-67 tie in the House under a Republican speaker, and Senate Democrats have just a one-vote majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be very candid, just in a very evenly divided (Legislature), Im going to need some Republicans to break with the orthodoxy and say that we need to do something on guns, Walz said. GOP legislative leaders, whose support would be critical to any changes, complained after the governor floated the idea of a special session Friday that he had failed to consult them. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, said she had a "long overdue" conversation with Walz later Tuesday. If he decides to call a special session, anything that we do needs to have bipartisan support, Demuth said in a statement, noting that both parties showed they could work together in this year's regular session. "If Governor Walz and Democrats are focused on partisan accusations and demands, this special session will not be productive for the people of Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demuth indicated in an earlier statement that Republicans might be open to expanding school security funding to include private schools, and providing more money for mental health resources. While the governor didn't give many details of his proposals, he said they won't infringe on Second Amendment rights, but will protect students. He indicated his plan could include safe storage and liability insurance requirements, improvements to the state's 2023 red flag law, and more funding for mental health. He also said he's open to GOP ideas. If Minnesota lets this moment slide, and we determine that its OK for little ones to not be safe in a school environment or a church environment, then shame on us, Walz said. Separately, Vice President JD Vance will head to Minneapolis on Wednesday to pay his respects to shooting victims. His wife, second lady Usha Vance, is also going, and the pair plan to hold a series of private meetings to convey condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy, the vice presidents office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, joined by several suburban mayors, held a Capitol news conference Tuesday to call on the Legislature to change a 1985 state law that prevents cities from enacting their own gun restrictions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said they would strongly prefer for Congress and the Legislature to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at the national and state levels. If youre not able to do it, or willing to do it there, give us the ability to keep our constituents safe, Frey said. "That is our call. That is our ask." Police over the weekend raised the number of injured to 21 18 children ages 6 to 15 and three adults from Wednesday's attack at the Church of Annunciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide after firing 116 rifle rounds through the churchs stained-glass windows as hundreds of students from the nearby Annunciation Catholic School and others gathered for Mass on Wednesday. While investigators last week said they had not found a clear motive for the attack, the shooter had connections to the school. Westman's mother worked for the parish before retiring in 2021, and Westman once attended the school. Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said last week that the shooter left behind videos and writings that "expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable but admiration for mass killers. Tuesday was the first day back to class for most Minnesota public schools, but Annunciation students went back to school last Monday. No students have returned since the shooting and officials at the Catholic school have not yet said when their classes will resume. Hennepin Healthcare said it was still caring for three patients as of Monday, and that it would not provide further updates. They included one child in critical condition and a child and an adult in satisfactory condition. Children's Hospital of Minneapolis said one child remained there Tuesday but did not specify a condition. Governor Healey calls for end to monthslong trash strike: Its outrageous Governor Maura Healey called for an immediate end to the ongoing trash strike that has impacted more than a dozen communities across the Commonwealth. The Teamsters have been on strike since early July, asking for higher wages and better benefits. In a new development, Republic Services and the Teamsters returned to the bargaining table last week, but the meeting ended without an agreement. Governor Healey, meanwhile, says the strike has to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republic is outrageous, she said. I mean, theyre not playing ball, theyre not at the table, the Teamsters I know have made concessions and are trying to get this resolved. While not explicitly responding to Governor Healeys comments, a Republic Services spokesperson said the following: We met with Teamsters Local 25 on Thursday and put another strong offer on the table, which they rejected. Although we continued to enhance our proposals throughout the day, the Teamsters approach to the negotiations led to no substantive progress. Local 25 continues to make it clear they are not interested in reaching a deal. We remain ready. The governor says legally the states hands are tied because Republic Services are a private company. She expects municipalities to consider using other trash companies in the future. Weve got communities that continue to suffer and I continue to call on Republic to get to the table and resolve this, Governor Healey said. This cannot continue, its wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts towns affected by the strike are: Peabody Manchester-by-the-Sea Gloucester Wakefield Marblehead Malden Beverly Danvers North Reading Lynnfield Swampscott Arlington Watertown Canton Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MORA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued two emergency orders on Friday to make $1.5 million in state funding available to state agencies responding to the flooding in Mora County. Mora County officials requested assistance with repairs to county roads, swift water rescue teams, and sandbags following heavy rainfall on Aug. 26 and 27. PNM offering money in exchange for old fridges, freezers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Executive Orders allow the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration to allocate $750,000 to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and $750,000 to the Department of Military Affairs to help address the requests from county and local officials. Residents who have a claim with the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office should contact their Claims Office Navigator or call the Helpline at 505-995-7133 if they have new damages from the most recent flooding, accoridng to the governors office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Officials claimed that the move to transfer the funds would face major legal difficulties, the report said. The governments approval of the transfer of NIS 40 million to the Shas Partys school system is expected to face legal obstacles, KAN News reported on Tuesday. The government decided to approve the transfer of the funds to the Shas education system earlier this week, without requiring schools to teach the core curriculum as a condition for the funds, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two haredi (ultra-Orthodox) school systems set to receive governmental monetary assistance: Bnei Yosef, which is the one associated with the Shas Party, and the Hinuch Hatzmai (independent education), which is associated with Degel Hatorah (under the umbrella of the United Torah Judaism Party). Both systems are considered semiprivate and are fully funded by the state. They are required to teach a core curriculum that includes English, Hebrew, and science, but are privately run while being subject to the Education Ministrys oversight. The schools receive the same budget as public schools, which means that they are required to dedicate the same number of hours to the core curriculum subjects as public education does. Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Calls to halt the funding to the Shas school system MK Meirav Cohen (Yesh Atid) appealed to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) and Education Minister Yoav Kisch (Likud), calling for the immediate halt of the governments decision to transfer funds to the system without requiring core curriculum studies, per KAN News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that the move would face significant legal difficulties, it added. The Jerusalem Post was unable to verify the report independently. Appealing to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and to the Finance Ministrys Accountant-General, the NGO Hiddush organization requested that the authorities be instructed to refrain from transferring the funds, KAN News said. Hiddush said that the governments decision does not comply with the attorney-generals guidelines and that it contradicts a High Court of Justice ruling, according to the report. Eliav Breuer contributed to this report. Granbury ISDs longtime insurer abruptly slashed its price by nearly $300,000 when faced with competition but the school board still voted Friday to keep the provider, drawing sharp criticism from trustee Karen Lowery in an interview with The Dallas Express. The decision comes just seven weeks before voters head to the polls, where several incumbents who supported the deal will be on the ballot. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas Political Subdivisions (TPS) had charged the district $1.12 million last term. When Texans for Excellence in Public Education (TEE) entered the bidding with an offer of $820,410 later revised to $831,060 TPS cut its proposal to $836,157. Lowery and fellow trustee Tim Bolton argued the steep drop showed taxpayers had been overcharged for years. Rushed Vote They tried to rush through the vote without discussion, Lowery told The Dallas Express, pointing to video of the meeting as evidence. Coverage and Cost Concerns I believe TEE had the better coverage, with fewer deductibles and protections TPS did not include, she said. TPS lowered their bid very significantly from the year before, but there hasnt been any reduction in risk to justify that drop. Were still facing storms, property damage, and rising costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats money that could have gone to buses, special education, or teachers, Lowery added. If we dont review these contracts every three to five years, were missing out on real benefits for the district, the taxpayers, and the children. Transparency Questions The entire process for the district was quite a mess, Lowery said. There were discrepancies in communications with the bidders, and because this wasnt a formal RFP, it lacked structure and transparency. You cant have a relationship with a new provider unless you start the relationship, she added, after district leaders cited their longstanding ties to TPS. District leaders said the decision reflected TPSs long service history with Granbury ISD and a desire for continuity. Whats Next The school board cast its deciding vote on Friday, August 29, 2025, setting the stage for a heated campaign just five weeks ahead of the Granbury ISD trustee election on November 4. Early voting is scheduled to begin Monday, October 20. Critics argue the district missed an opportunity for structured competition that could have yielded real savings. Thats money that could have gone to buses, special education, or teachers, Lowery told The Dallas Express. Officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Park Police, and Metropolitan Police Department respond to a report of a stolen vehicle near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 19, 2025. Credit - Kayla BartkowskiBloomberg Finance LP/Getty Images Its unusual for a grand jury to decline to indict. But in recent weeks, grand jurors have done just that in the cases of multiple people who were arrested amid President Donald Trumps federal crackdown in Washington, D.C. In the latest instance, prosecutors failed to secure an indictment against a woman named Nathalie Rose Jones, who the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia accused of threatening Trump in multiple social media posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Jones agreed to speak with Secret Service agents at her home in New York. The U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. alleged that she called Trump a nazi and a terrorist during the interview and said she would kill him if she had to and had the opportunity to do so. She again spoke with Secret Service agents the following day, after traveling to D.C. to participate in a protest. Her lawyers said in a motion filed on Monday that she repeatedly told them she had no intent to harm anyone, including the president, and was in D.C. to attend a peaceful protest. Prosecutors, however, alleged that Jones admitted to threatening Trump during her previous interview, even as she denied presently wanting to harm him. She allowed agents to search her car, and she had no weapons, according to the motion filed by her lawyers. But agents arrested her on Aug. 16, and prosecutors said Jones confirmed she was the owner of a social media account that posted threats against Trump earlier in the month. The motion filed by her lawyers revealed that a grand jury has since declined to indict her. A grand jury has now found no probable cause to indict Ms. Jones on the charged offenses, her lawyers wrote. Given that finding, the weight of the evidence is weak. The government may intend to try again to obtain an indictment, but the evidence has not changed and no indictment is likely. For this reason the Court should release Ms. Jones on her personal recognizance to appear if required. Federal grand jurors also declined to indict at least three other people in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Judge Rules Trumps Deployment of Troops to Los Angeles Violated Federal Law Three grand juries declined to indict Sidney Lori Reid, who prosecutors alleged assaulted an FBI agent during a protest in D.C. in July. The failure to obtain an indictment prompted federal prosecutors to downgrade the charges against Reid to misdemeanor ones last week. Also last week, a grand jury declined to indict former Justice Department employee Sean C. Dunn, who was accused of assault on a federal agent after allegedly throwing a sandwich at a federal law enforcement officer in D.C. Video footage of the incident, which took place on Aug. 10, went viral online. Prosecutors have since reduced the charges against Dunn to misdemeanor charges. A few days earlier, a grand jury declined to indict Alvin Summers, who was accused of assaulting a federal officer in D.C. After failing to get the indictment, prosecutors requested that the case be dismissed without prejudice, meaning that they could refile charges against Summers in the future. His lawyers, meanwhile, have requested that the case be dismissed with prejudice, which would prevent the charges from being refiled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While such rejections from grand juries are a rare occurrence, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles also failed to get indictments in the cases of a number of people who were arrested while participating in protests against the Trump Administrations immigration enforcement actions. Many of the federal charges prosecutors had filed were ultimately dismissed or downgraded to misdemeanor charges. The decisions come as Trumps controversial mobilization of federal troops and officers to crack down on American cities faces pushback from local officials and the courts. A judge on Tuesday ruled that the Trump Administration violated longstanding federal law when it systematically used armed soldiers to perform law enforcement tasks after the President deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. The District of Columbia is mounting a legal challenge against Trumps takeover of the city, during which more than 1,000 people have been arrested, according to Administration officials. And the mayor of Chicago, which Trump has indicated is next in his efforts to combat crime, over the weekend ordered city departments not to cooperate in an anticipated National Guard deployment, saying Chicago 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. Contact us at letters@time.com. EBENSBURG At the 133rd annual American Legion County Fair, 9-year-old Henry Marino met a steer from Nagle Farms that will one day become burgers, steaks and roasts. Marino, of Gallitzin, said he was interested to learn how steers, unlike bulls, are bred without horns. While the fair is a family tradition for many, the agricultural work it showcases has become less prevalent among younger generations overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of society is four generations removed from agriculture, said Tommy Nagle, vice president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and owner of Nagle Farms in Patton. Aside from amusement rides and food, Nagle said consumer education about where food comes from is an important aspect of the fair. The fair is scheduled to continue each day through Saturday at the Cambria County Fairgrounds, 833 N. Julian St. Its a great opportunity to display agriculture to people who dont see it, Nagle said. As a society, weve lost touch with what it takes to produce food in the country. The fair gives people a better understanding of what it takes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livestock as well as horses from local farms and 4-H youth programs are on display. Justin OConnor and his daughter Lena, 2, took a walk through a barn filled with stalls of award-winning horses. We come to the fair every year, OConnor said. They visit from their home south of Pittsburgh. His wife, Macia (Itle) OConnor, is of the Itle family that owns Vale Wood Farms in Loretto. Her family shows dairy cows at the fair. The fair is such a great family tradition, she said. Now I get to share the same enjoyment I got as a kid with my kids. Beyond the animal exhibits, Sara Gressick, of Duncansville, watched Monday as her children enjoyed some of the amusement rides at the fairgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We enjoy walking through all the barns to see the animals and the hard work people put into their exhibits, she said. We also enjoy the food, the rides everything. Its also fun to see friends I grew up with who now have kids in 4-H with animals in the fair. Russ OReilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Greensboro College and the local theatre community are mourning the loss of a professor and a 64-year-old friend, William Perry Morgan. Morgan died in a car crash on Friday evening. Friend and colleague Ashley Hyers said he leaves behind a legacy in the theatre community, on and off campus. I think people did get to know Perry and all of his funny quirks and, gosh, his creativity. Everything was out of the box, said Ashley Hyers, Chair of the Department of Theatre & Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance at Greensboro College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William Perry Morgan, known to many as Perry, was the professor of theatre and director of the Greensboro College Music Theatre Program. In 2011, he came to college with his wife, Jo Hall, a professor of theatre and the Dean of the School of the Arts at Greensboro College. Hyers said he quickly began to make his mark on campus. Perry was integral to our program. He was head of our musical theater program. He actually wrote that program. Hes also our theater recruiter. So, all the students that we have, he personally went out, found them, invited them to be a part of us. So, we are who we are because Perry found those students, said Hyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doing the same off-campus, working with several community theaters. Hes a wonderful musician, so sometimes he was a music director, sometimes he just played a show. So, he really had a presence in all aspects of the theater in town, Hyers said. Hyers said Morrgan always left his door open to connect with students. Encouraging them to push their creativity. One of the classic things that Perry would say is he doesnt use the word better. What does better mean? What can you do that would be deeper, richer, stronger? Thats how you work. Thats how you live your life, said Hyers. The tight-knit campus community is left deeply saddened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, one thing we do at, you know, specifically here in our department on our curtain calls. We always gesture to the corner up here because we have very dear people in this department who arent with us anymore, and thats how we always remember. After every show we say, after every show we say we remember. And you are still important. And I think thats a tradition well always keep. And so, Perry is one of the ones that we remember now, said Hyers. William Perry Morgan was from New Jersey. Also a part of his legacy, the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters awards are named The Perry Awards in his honor. This school year, Morgan had plans to do three shows at Greensboro College. The department is working to ensure those shows happen as he would have wanted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Most legal cannabis in Illinois is grown without the sun, wind, rain, or even, in some cases, soil. But opportunities to grow cannabis outdoors in Illinois have been limited. State law, which requires that cannabis be grown in an enclosed, locked facility, allows greenhouses. But the law doesnt address similar facilities like screen houses and hoop houses, which feature a metal frame with plastic sheets. The lack of clarity over the legality of such facilities has led to a tug-of-war between the cannabis industry and state regulators. Two companies won state permission to grow cannabis in screened houses, but regulators later tried to revoke that permission. The companies went to court and won rulings that allowed them to keep growing outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third company that is also one of the largest Curaleaf has filed a lawsuit seeking permission from the state to grow outdoors. Curaleaf, which already operates a greenhouse, wants to build a hoop house with 42,900 square feet of plant canopy space, an irrigation system and storage space. It also wants to build two additional hoop houses in the future. Curaleaf Chairman and CEO Boris Jordan said in a statement that his companys proposal complies with the states requirements for a secure facility. This roadblock represents yet another unfortunate example of state regulators obstructing the growth of the regulated cannabis industry, Jordan said. We believe that when regulators prevent licensed operators from expanding access to legal cannabis for patients and consumers, they are effectively pushing demand toward the illicit, unregulated market. The Illinois Department of Agriculture said in a statement that state cannabis laws require strict safety and security at growing facilities. And as can be seen in other adult-use states, the subject of allowing outdoor cultivation is complex, and presents challenges of its own, including the need to mitigate the impacts of animal and insect life and the chemicals designed to protect against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulatory agency also said it must weigh the potential impact on the production of hemp, which is derived from the same plant as cannabis but has less than 0.3% of THC, the component that gets users high. Any significant change in the way outdoor cultivation is regulated could only be achieved through a change in state law or the administrative rulemaking process. This ensures that the entire industry, as well as advocacy groups and other impacted parties, all have an opportunity to participate in the discussion and that any resulting policy shift is applied to all licensees equally, at the same time, and in the same manner, the Agriculture Department said in the statement. There is precedent for growing cannabis legally outdoors in Illinois. Hemp is commonly grown in farm fields with no enclosures. Two cannabis companies Green Thumb Industries (GTI) and Natures Grace and Wellness went to court and won rulings that allow them to keep growing cannabis in screened houses. Some facilities also use translucent roofs on growing warehouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when Curaleaf petitioned the state for permission to begin outdoor cultivation in hoop houses, state regulators told the company that solid walls and ceilings were required. Potential concerns included security and nearby farm pesticides drifting into the outdoor growing areas. Like indoor growing facilities, outdoor cultivation sites must also be equipped with cameras and electronically locked security doors. Break-ins at Illinois cultivation centers are almost unheard of, but regulators often raise concerns about employee theft with cultivators. In December 2024, Curaleaf asked the state for permission to build a hoop house, but the state never acted on the request. In response, regulators told Curaleaf they would be formally changing the rules to restrict outdoor grows, but have yet to do so. The company filed suit this year seeking a court order to proceed with the hoop house. Other licensed business owners are watching the litigation with great interest, particularly craft growers and the more than 60 growers who have licenses but havent been able to open for business, mostly because of high costs and difficulty getting loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association previously asked state regulators for permission to grow outdoors, but that request was denied. We said, Flex here a little let us grow outdoors for extraction only, association President Scott Redman said. The ability to grow outdoors would be a game changer for all these craft growers trying to get started. An indoor craft growing operation can cost $5 million to $10 million to build, Redman said, compared with as little as $250,000 for a hoop or screen house. Those businesses are under pressure from the state to open, because the state deadline for becoming operational was June 1, though business owners may apply for extensions. Court records give an idea as to how Natures Grace won the right to grow outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the state Department of Agriculture granted Natures Grace permission to use a screen house to grow cannabis with low levels of THC, the component that gets users high. The outdoor grow was to be used for extraction, which is a process of removing cannabinoids from the plant for infusion in edibles or concentrates, not for smoking the plant. The screen house was to cover approximately 43,500 square feet, surrounded by a 6-foot fence. The state agency tried to rescind that permission in 2021, stating that the screen house was not enclosed and locked, with no floors, walls, or roof, was susceptible to infiltration by insects and animals, and was being used for high THC plants. But Natures Grace argued that such accusations were without foundation, and that any rule change would require going through a lengthy formal process with public hearings. Natures Grace is a fifth-generation family-owned farm in Vermont, outside of Springfield, that raises cattle and grows corn outdoors. Its chief operating officer, Tim OHern, told the Tribune the screen house has been a success for growing plants for extraction. We like it quite a bit, he said. To use Mother Nature to grow the plant is probably the biggest advantage. Its a lot lower electricity bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because a crop of cannabis requires about three months to grow, and needs at least 12 hours of darkness each night to flower, the Illinois climate only allows for one or two outdoor harvests a year. OHern called for the state to ease up on some of its restrictions on cannabis, particularly in light of competition from largely unregulated hemp. Hemp can be grown outdoors, without the same requirements for security and testing, without the high taxes imposed on cannabis, and without even a mandated minimum age for customers. I dont think we should be as scared of cannabis as maybe we were when legalization was passed, he said. GTIs screen house, meant for cultivation of nonintoxicating CBD, has a 10-foot-high chain link fence around the perimeter, including the roof, with surveillance cameras and other security features on each corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue has much broader implications beyond any one grower. One new study by a University of California at Berkeley researcher found that indoor cannabis cultivation is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, with one warehouse producing 100 more times emissions than a similarly sized Walmart. Outdoor growing could cut that output by 76%, a move that would support the Illinois Climate Action Plan, which has a goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050. Other industry participants are watching the outcome of the case closely. Cole Preston, author of TheColeMemo.com website and podcast, who first reported on the outdoor grows, sees them not only as a boon for licensed growers, but says it should extend to home growers. Currently, Illinois law limits home growing to medical cannabis patients, who may grow up to five plants indoors. I believe that as long as operators can produce a product that meets Illinois strict testing standards, there shouldnt be an issue with how they grow be it in an indoor cultivation center, a screen house, a hoop house, a green house, or another type of setup, he said. Judging from the successful use of outdoor grows so far, he said, There dont appear to be any issues. With Donald Trump and JD Vance in power, the annual gathering of the national conservatism movement in Washington will be partly a celebration and partly an opportunity to share winning tactics. But there will be an interloper at the party a growing split over what to do about Israel. If Maga and the American First movement, or whatever you want to call it, really wants to be ideologically coherent, then it cant be America First with an exception asterisk for Israel, said Curt Mills, the executive director of The American Conservative magazine and a speaker at NatCon5, as the conference is known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event, which starts on Tuesday, will bring together voices from the Trump administration such as Tom Homan, the immigration czar, and Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, as well as key figures in the Maga movement such as Steve Bannon. It is part of a project to flesh out the political framework underpinning Trumpism. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, will address the event on Tuesday. Nigel Farage will be a speaker at NatCon5 - Alex Brandon/AP After four years in the wilderness, the national conservative movement and its priorities emphasising national identity and sovereignty, family values and its opposition to globalism are riding high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sessions reflect the rapid way that Mr Trump has gone about reshaping American society, with titles such as: Fighting the woke-Islamist alliance on university campuses and What winning looks like. And then there is Mr Mills, who expects that his message that Israel could drag Washington into a long foreign entanglement to prove controversial with parts of the audience. I think the young people will like it, and I think it will be a mixed reception among the powers that be, he said. The reasons for US involvement in the Middle East have narrowed over the years, he said. Where once it was vital to protect oil supplies, the US is now a net energy exporter, and the importance of the Suez Canal for US trade has diminished. Demonstrators gather near the Trump Hotel in New York City to protest against the war in Gaza - Spencer Platt/Getty That just leaves Israel and there is no longer a case to be made that defending it is in US national interests as a way of promoting stability in an unstable region, according to Mr Mills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I also think its a false question, because I think Israel has 200 nuclear weapons, and theyre all trained on Tehran, he said. So the idea that its actually that threatened by its neighbours I think its a false choice. I think its most threatened by its own contradictions and inability to solve its humanitarian problem on its borders. For years, the Left and the Right have prioritised aid and weapons for Israel. The nations birth in the wake of the Holocaust gave it a special status in Washington, and for decades it was seen as a democratic bridgehead in the Middle East. However, Democrats have long warned Benjamin Netanyahu that his Right-wing politics and hardline approach to the Palestinian territories were undermining their partys support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the rise of America First principles has generated a split in the Republican Party, torn between an isolationist war policy to end a foreign conflict and the need to back to an old friend. Matt Gaetz, a former congressman, is among those who have warned Mr Trump that support for Israel is a political liability. Mr Bannon, the host of the highly influential War Room show, has repeatedly argued against foreign interventions. When Israel launched its 12-day war with Iran in June, he was among those on the Right warning that Washington risked being sucked into a devastating Middle East conflict. Mr Netanyahu pushed back against the warnings this week. He told Breitbart: Israel is fighting Iran, and you cant be Maga if youre pro-Iran, you cant be Maga if youre anti-Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bannon fired straight back, writing on the social media site Gettr: American citizens do not give 2 f---s About Your Thoughts on Maga, or what our citizens need to believe they care about exposing your pathological lies in order to keep us out of your next war. Steve Bannon, who hosts the War Room show, has repeatedly argued against foreign interventions in the Israel-Hamas war Another key voice urging a change in stance is Marjorie Taylor Greene, the controversial Republican congresswoman from Georgia. Last month, she called Israels war in Gaza a genocide. That puts her at odds with her leader in the House of Representatives and the traditional stance of the Republican Party. When Mike Johnson, the House speaker, visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem last month, he followed tradition by wedging a note with a handwritten prayer between its limestone blocks. Our prayer is that America will always stand with Israel, he said. Last year, speakers at NatCon4 included Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran. His speech included a call to mobilise Western support against Iran to restore freedom and democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year theyre gonna have me, who wants no part of a war with Iran, said Mr Mills. So thats a big tent. 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. You know the story - purchase (or receive) a gift card from the supermarket. Scratch the PIN, use the card number and PIN combination to buy something you want. Yet, Flight Formula founder and creator Simon Dean has found The Card Network's gift cards are susceptible to brute-force hacking due to a non rate-limited, non CAPTCHA-protected Internet-facing API. Simon Dean holds a degree in Computer Science from RMIT, and with a fascination for flying created "Flight Formula" where he dissects airline economics, fleet strategy, and cockpit curiosities. It's no surprise then that Dean was attracted to gift cards such as those issued by The Card Network, because periodically supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles will offer 20x points on gift cards in their loyalty programs Everyday Rewards and FlyBuys. You can use these points for lots of things, including discounts on your grocery shopping, but most flight fanatics will convert them to Qantas or Velocity points, accelerating their travel goals. Whatever the reason, Dean had his eyes on something at JB Hi-Fi, but rather than purchase from the retailer directly took advantage of a recent 20x points offer to buy two $500 TCN gift cards. Yet, when converting these to JB Hi-Fi gift cards he found one of the cards was already used. Yet, the PIN was sealed when he bought the card. Even if someone had taken note of the gift card numbers in the store, while still on the rack, they couldn't have seen the PIN without scratching its protective coating off. Dean reported his issue with TCN - who took a disappointingly long time to provide assistance. During that time they asked for his phone number to speak with him, despite phone being a mandatory field on the initial enquiry form Dean used. And, after he replied, they didn't respond for over two weeks. Meanwhile, Dean turned his number-crunching mind to work, because he wanted to understand just how somebody had used the card without actually revealing the PIN. Could it be something you can figure out? Turns out the answer is yes. With some poking around, some investigation, some programming, and no doubt some AI assistance, Dean found the TCN website offered a way to check card number and PIN combinations rapidly. Now, a four-digit PIN has 10,000 possible combinations - from 0000 through 9999. A human can't check all the options manually, because the website "check card balance" page requires you to prove you're a human and pass a CAPTCHA test. It's time consuming and tedious for a person to do this. Yet, Dean found, the website offers a public-facing API that rapidly validates any card and PIN combination - without CAPTCHA, and without rate-limiting. iTWire surmises such an API is for the use of merchants, allowing them to validate cards within their own applications. Yet, the API was not secured by common methods like rate-limiting, or whitelisting retailer IP addresses, or requiring the use of a VPN, or necessitating a merchant token or credential to be supplied too ... the API merely let you pass in any card number and any PIN and confirm if it is a legitimate combination or not. So, Dean surmises, a bad actor can go to supermarkets, take photographs of gift cards, then write an app to continually poll the API for these card numbers and, literally, every pin combination from 0000 to 9999. In fact, Dean found he could check all 10,000 possible PIN combinations for any card number within 10 minutes. This means if the program is always running a bad actor will be alerted of a successful card and PIN combination within ten minutes of you buyiing a TCN gift card, and it being activated at the checkout. While Dean can only assume this is what happened in his specific case, he certainly proved it is possible and verified it on camera with a $20 gift card, stating what the PIN would be before he scratched it off. Now, remember Dean was still waiting for TCN to come back to him about his $500 gift card problem. He had received a trite response from TCN stating they didn't see how anyone could redeem the card without physical access to it, to which he responded by alerting them he'd found a vulnerability in their system which allowed just that. In fact, Dean advised TCN three times of this vulnerability before disclosing it in a YouTube video, albeit without the specific technical details of the API or other items. TCN failed to respond to Dean, until after he posted his video. Then, and only then, did he receive a call from the TCN general manager providing him a $500 refund and stating the vulnerability would be fixed. Online commenters note that TCN cards are currently unable to be exchanged for other gift cards, and an anecdotal comment from a Woolworths staff member online states their store is recalling TCN gift cards - so it certainly appears to be the case that TCN has acted rapidly. Nevertheless, it shouldn't be the case that a company dealing with such volumes of people's money has such a terribly flawed system in place, to begin with. iTWire has reached out to TCN for comment on the testing and analysis it performs, as well as whether it has undergone external penetration testing and can provide evidence of such. This story will be updated if and when a response is received. Additionally, it is a blight on the customer service experience that someone should have a $500 theft be hanging around for so long with seemingly little response or interest from TCN until Dean publicised his findings. That's the experience of a smart, savvy computer scientist with a forum. Imagine the number of times this scenario has played out among ordinary Aussies who don't have the same ability to get eyeballs on their story. And while TCN has been exposed as having a vulnerability, one must ask how many other gift card vendors are in a similar situation. Indeed, one can imagine a determined bad guy could reverse engineer the algorithm that generates card numbers and PINs in the first instance, and not even require physical card access to get the numbers at all. Check out Dean's story on his YouTube channel, and embedded here: GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Police say three people were shot late Monday night in Grand Rapids Burton Heights neighborhood. We have somebody who is still free on the streets of Grand Rapids who nearly murdered three people last night, we want to get that person into custody, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom said. It happened around 11:15 p.m. in the area of Burton Street and Francis Avenue. Three people were taken to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three of those young men are going to make a full recovery, Winstrom said. No suspect information was immediately available. Right now, really, I have more questions than answers, the chief said. I guess I would describe it as sort of a muddy story or an unclear story from these three young men. Well see as they get medical treatment and discharged from the hospital hopefully we can piece this all together and make sure that whatever happened, it doesnt happen to somebody else. Winstrom said the shooting appeared to be intentional. I think whoever shot these individuals was definitely trying to kill them, he said. Three individuals shot, a lot of rounds fired I think were very fortunate that it wasnt a more tragic incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he believed the three victims are friends. Mary Walton had to clean blood from her front yard after the shooting. The whole street was lit up (with police lights), Walton said. I just seen somebody laying out there. The police wouldnt let me get close. They said, No maam, you cant.' Winstrom said the Labor Day holiday weekend can be a busy time. A few hours after the Burton Heights shooting, a man was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in a separate incident in the area of Diamond Avenue SE and Sigsbee Street SE, according to GRPD. Police: Man shot, killed in Grand Rapids Looking at the news over the weekend, I was feeling pretty confident going into last night that we had had a fairly peaceful weekend, Winstrom said. And so to get that wake-up call around midnight that three individuals had been shot (in Burton Heights), and then this heartbreaking tragedy here (at Diamond and Sigsbee) it went from what would be a very successful, peaceful weekend to a tragedy in Grand Rapids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe in violence, so I feel bad, Walton, the neighbor, said. They need to get their lives together and get in church; let God save them. News 8s Meghan Bunchman contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. HACKETT, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The Sebastian County Sheriffs Office says a juvenile has been arrested after a threat was made to Hackett Public Schools. SCSO said in a news release on Monday night that the department received calls around 10:30 a.m. about a threat to Hackett Schools. The sheriffs office said on Sept. 2 in an updated news release that it received almost 20 calls about the message until around 4:30 p.m. Messages given to SCSO said that on Sept. 2, there would be a shooting at the schools and harm would come to many students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators worked throughout the day to determine the origin of the messages and arrested a juvenile allegedly connected to them around 7:30 p.m. SCSO will continue to follow any leads that may develop in reference to this threat to Hackett Schools, the release said. SCSO says investigators are still following leads related to the case. It says it has a strong presence in the Hackett area and at the schools Hackett Public Schools will see increased law enforcement presence for the foreseeable future due to the threat, SCSO said. SCSO takes seriously our childrens safety and will endeavor to bring to account those who would threaten their safety, the sheriffs office said in the Sept. 2 release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Facebook post was made by the sheriffs office on Monday afternoon, saying it was investigating an anonymous threat received by some students who attend the school district. However, details of the threat were not released at that time. The post said the Hackett Police Department and Hackett School District have been made aware of the threats and are taking the necessary safety precautions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editor's note: This story was produced by students in the University of Notre Dame's Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy. The students spent about three months gathering data, interviewing dozens of sources and writing and editing stories under the guidance of a former Star reporter now teaching at Notre Dame. On the first day of school in August 2023, Jayne Watkin watched as one of her new students came off the bus and double-hand choked three of his peers an example of the violent behavior that would later extend to her classroom. Originally employed by Porter County Education Services (PCES) in Valparaiso, Watkin was an elementary applied skills teacher who moved into a different position through Porter Township before leaving the school system in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She enjoyed her job, but said it eventually became unmanageable when her concerns about this students aggressive behavior went ignored. Watkin recalled colleagues laughing at the situation and brushing her off, thinking that the kindergarten student was actually a third grader due to his size. They said he would only be in Watkins class for one year. But Watkin worked with students in kindergarten through third grade, and the prospect of another three years of this students aggression toward herself and other students was too much. I just got tired of the scratching and the biting and all of the kicking; hair pulling was another big one for him, said Watkin. I was told I was the teacher, and I should just figure it out. I said theres not enough hours in the day for me to figure this out, because I have this one student who is aggressive unless he gets his way 100 percent of the time And then I have these other 13 individuals that Im responsible for. I had relationships with parents that were phenomenal and I really hated to give those up, but for my own mental well-being as well as my physical well-being, I had to get out of there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCES Principal Jen Rogers did not returned repeated email and phone requests for an interview. Harmful behaviors are not an uncommon occurrence in Indiana schools. Watkin is just one out of the thousands of Hoosier educators who have suffered injuries due to student violence. The 2023-24 Indiana School Employee Injury Data Report outlines 3,032 unique incidents of violence aimed at teachers. The injuries range from bumps and bruises to broken bones. Porter County Education Services, which serves about 5,000 special education students across seven school districts and 55 schools, led the state in days missed by teachers due to injury, accounting for 30 full or partial days, and also ranked among the top five school districts in Indiana for total reported injuries. However, the majority of districts, like Porter Township where Watkin now works, did not report any injuries despite the requirements outlined in House Enrolled Act 1591. Only 127 of Indiana's 351 public school districts or 36% submitted mandatory injury data for the statewide report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courtney Crown, senior media specialist at the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), explained there are no penalties in place for school districts that fail to report employee injury data. While Indiana Code does require all public schools, including charter schools, to report physical injuries to IDOE, it does not provide the department with statutory enforcement authority to ensure reporting compliance, Crown wrote in an email. A three-month investigation by students in the University of Notre Dame Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics, and Democracy found teachers in Indiana are most often hurt due to a lack of training, staffing shortages, or both. When only about a third of school districts comply with the law and report their data, the problem of violence against teachers is undercounted and therefore underappreciated. The problem is not limited to Indiana. Nationally, teachers have been both threatened with injury and physically attacked by students at an alarming rate. The most recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that 4.1% of teachers were physically attacked by students during the 2020-21 academic year. The National Education Association estimates the number of K-12 teachers working in 2020-21 was more than 3.2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These statistics indicate that approximately 131,700 teachers were injured across the United States in a single year. Another study for the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests the NCES numbers may understate the problem. Survey data collected by the APAs Task Force on Violence against Educators and School Personnel suggested many teachers had considered leaving the profession due to violence. The APA study found that violence against teachers had doubled in the decade before the pandemic, then lessened when schools did not meet in person, before returning to levels equal to or exceeding those before the shutdown. Prior to the pandemic, 42% of teachers reported instances of physical violence from students. That number increased to 56% after pandemic restrictions ended. When teachers get hit, we feel like we cant do our job, said Diane Nusbaum, a former special education teacher and current professor of education at Saint Marys College. Its a horrible feeling because were nurturers. We have hearts that want to educate students, and when our heart cant do that because of all these obstacles, everythings getting tougher and we burn out. How an injury drove a teacher away from her profession Hannah Elliot, a former special education teacher in the Elwood Community School Corporation northeast of Indianapolis, lost 85% of her hearing following a student-caused injury at school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a first-year teacher, Elliot accepted a special education position in Elwood that offered flexibility under its new program director. There werent any immediate red flags in the months leading up to the start of school, but on the first day fellow teachers told her about one students severe behavioral issues. Hannah Elliot, a former special education teacher in the Elwood Community School Corp., lost 85% of her hearing following a student-caused injury at school. This students outbursts had been an ongoing issue for three years, and Elliot quickly realized that few teachers had received the necessary restraint training to handle this student. The result was a dangerous environment for herself and others. Elliott said she requested restraint training from her school several times, but her requests were dismissed and not taken seriously. There was one teacher in the building who had the restraint training, and I kept asking for it, because with a child like that, you know you need to be able to legally restrain him, Elliot said. And they kept saying, Oh yeah, well get to it. Well get to it. Well, they never did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a meltdown two weeks into the school year, Elliot was helping to put the student in a consequence room when he ripped off a metal door handle and threw it, striking Elliot's ear. The damage to Elliots eardrum, as well as her mental health following the incident, required her to step away from the teaching profession, something she had never considered after dedicating five years to obtaining her degree. I worked really hard to get there, but I just got to the point where I was like, You know what? I cannot see myself walking into another school, said Elliot. The trust had just been so broken. Elliot's injury was one impetus for the new law tracking teacher injuries. In Indiana, teacher injury data is collected through Data Exchange, the standard data submission mechanism for schools. Crown, the IDOE media specialist, said the department provides reminders to complete submissions in the weeks leading up to the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there is only one year of data available, Crown said the IDOE plans to take current and future data on teacher injuries into consideration when crafting training content. In Indiana, teacher attack data collection effort faces hurdles The recurring cycle of teacher injuries is exacerbated by a lack of resources, training, and the intense responsibilities placed on educators to resolve external traumas. Indiana State Rep. Ed Clere,, R-New Albany, said he authored the language on teacher injuries in House Enrolled Act 1591 with the intention to gather data on teacher injuries to inform policy making and to rebuild trust between teachers, administrators, and the state. Indiana State Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany), said he authored the language on teacher injuries in House Enrolled Act 1591 with the intention to gather data on teacher injuries to inform policy making and to rebuild trust between teachers, administrators, and the state. Cleres involvement with the legislation came after the Indiana State Teachers Association brought it to him around the same time his wife was injured while teaching at Clarksville High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She (Amy) was kicked while breaking up a fight and had to go to urgent care, said Clere. Thankfully, she didn't have any long-term effects. Since the bills implementation, there has been pushback from other representatives to repeal its reporting requirement. Clere expressed his disappointment in having to fight for the existing requirement rather than improving compliance rates, but remains hopeful that legislators will have difficult conversations about the reasons behind teacher injuries. He said incomplete data still has value, and he made the case for strengthening the existing requirement. I would like to think there will be an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and acknowledge the need for the data, he said. Ultimately, the need to act in response to the data to address staffing and other issues could help create a safer work environment for all school employees, from the boss to the classroom to the cafeteria. Experts call for enhanced crisis intervention training in schools Student-on-teacher violence significantly impacts teacher retention rates, experts say, and there is a constantly revolving door of educators coming in and out of the classroom as a result of insufficient training. Diane Nusbaum, a Saint Marys College education professor, said Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training, along with crisis teams in schools, would help maintain the dignity of students and the safety of the teachers. Nusbaum, the Saint Marys College education professor, said Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training, along with crisis teams in schools, would help maintain the dignity of students and the safety of the teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeanette Dalton, who taught emotionally-disabled students at PCES for 35 years, echoed Nusbaums sentiment. She credits the CPI training she received as a result of her graduate certificate in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders at Ball State University for why she lasted as long as she did in the profession. They train you how to put your hands on a child when they are being violent, hurting themselves or others, and if I was not able to put my hands on a child to stop them, then I dont think I would've lasted as long, said Dalton. I mean, you do all your training, you dont wanna put your hands on kids, but if you have to, then I was protected because I was trained. Nusbaum believes this training must be extended to paraeducators, the teacher aides who provide assistance and support in the classroom, or else their inability to properly respond to violence may contribute to teacher injuries. They arent trained in what an emotional disability is, how to do it, Nusbaum said. So first of all, lets pay them better. Second, lets train them better. Third, most of the time they dont get CPI training because the district doesnt want to pay for it. So theyre not even trained to physically protect themselves and arent allowed to touch a student without legally being liable. Three decades later, similar issues persist In 1990, Patti Schwetz Casella began her career as a K-6 teacher for emotionally handicapped students at the interlocal in Hebron. Her classroom was self-contained, with children whose ages ranged from 5-13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casella said the classroom model led to high stress levels. She had to navigate creating a curriculum and environment that suited each childs needs, while only having one paraeducator as support staff. I had kids swearing and little kindergartners terrified of people, but they didnt have the resources to divide my room into two different grade levels, said Casella. Nearly 30 years later, Tavinder Bains became an emergency hire at PCES Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) school during a staff shortage in 2022. Like Casella, Bains was placed in a classroom of students with behavioral issues in grades 1-8. At the start of her term, Bains had the opportunity to train with her paraeducator and determine what worked best for the classroom. But a medical emergency later left Bains with a new paraeducator who was a special-needs adult himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The burnout for me increased around that time where I was like, not only am I working with my kiddos and having to cater to each one of their needs while still trying to adapt their behaviors, but I also have a paraprofessional who was not equipped at that time for that role, said Bains. The type of training teachers and paraeducators receive is critical. At SELF, Bains said training often involved PowerPoint presentations given by other teachers and staff, rather than psychologists or behavioral interventionists who specialize in special education. This gap between what teachers need and what the administrators are providing can partly be attributed to the distance between the latter and what goes on in their buildings classrooms day-to-day. I had one administrator come in to teach for two days in my classroom, and I was told she took a couple of breaks because it was very hard for her to teach, said Bains. But suddenly, I was able to get all the resources that I asked for at the beginning of school. I think a lot of that is detachment. The teacher faces those problems head-on, every single day, where administrators might have to deal with it once in a blue moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melanie Wright, a sixth-grade teacher at Anderson Intermediate School and former state representative for District 35, is an outspoken advocate for Indiana's children and teachers. Wright said adequate training, support, and resources for paraeducators and teachers is dependent upon the districts administration as well as the surrounding community. Melanie Wright, a teacher and former state lawmaker, said negative attitudes toward teachers frequently result in them being scapegoated in situations where they are the victims of violence. Wright said negative attitudes toward teachers frequently result in them being scapegoated in situations where they are the victims of violence. A lack of support from both administrative and parental fronts has led some teachers to collect their own evidence to validate their experiences. One of my friends taught middle school and life skills and had an aggressive student, said Wright. She thought that that aggressive student would be removed because she had seen that student break a teachers finger, and she thought that he would find an appropriate placement, but she ended up getting him a few years later. He had lots of kicking issues, and she kept documenting. And finally she videotaped him pulling her over the table. And then finally, a removal happened. Effort to put cameras in classrooms fails in Indiana legislature Indiana State Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsvill, authored House Bill 1285, which originally included a provision requiring the installation of cameras in special education classrooms. While the bill passed this years legislative session, language regarding cameras was removed. Cash remains hopeful that the provision will be implemented later because cameras could both exonerate teachers who have been falsely accused of neglect and provide evidence against those teachers who do not follow state protocols. State Rep. Becky Cash, R-Zionsville, said she supports cameras in special education clasrooms. Cash said that she is concerned with how restraints and seclusions are being administered in special needs classrooms, but she also acknowledges that parents have accused teachers of improperly using restraint and seclusion practices in the past. Theyre (teachers) being blamed for things that are happening and they dont have any way to defend themselves without the videos, said Cash. As a parent, Cash wishes that the dialogue between state legislators and educators was more open. She believes that classroom cameras would ease tensions between teachers and parents over the administration of restraint and seclusion. Andrea Christensen, director of Education, Schooling, and Society (ESS) at the University of Notre Dame, stresses the importance of open dialogue and communal support for teachers. A school community that rallies around both its students and teachers leads to better teacher retention and an environment in which children feel supported and cared for. This type of success, she said, ultimately begins with a principal who listens to their teachers and enacts change on their behalf. There has to be a community among the teachers, but the principal is the person that facilitates that and establishes that, so that teachers feel like they are each others support system, said Christensen. Keith Gambill, president of the Indiana State Teachers Association, wants to go beyond the numbers of teacher injuries to investigate the motivation behind student-on-teacher violence. I think its not enough to just say we have these violent outcomes within a classroom, without trying to figure out why this is happening, Gambill said. I think thats the part that sadly gets missed. What is the root cause of these problems? Full classrooms exacerbate strain of behavioral issues The caseload or total number of students assigned to a teacher, speech-language pathologist, or a related services provider should ideally sit between 13 and 17 students to enhance learning efficacy, according to the National Education Policy Center. But educators across Indiana say that is far from their reality. Sarah Nagle, a former social worker at Eastern Hancock Elementary School in Charlottesville, said she was responsible for more than 530 students at her previous school. She said a lack of school support staff impacted her well-being and that of her colleagues. Youre putting one person with 25 students all day long; thats almost impossible to not have issues arise, she said. And you know, if Im being pulled to one classroom, then another situation happens in another one, that teacher is kind of out of luck until I get the opportunity to go. Nagle was assisting a teacher when her nose was broken by a student in August 2023. The student in question kicked Nagle in the face after throwing shoes at her, causing damage to her nasal cartilage and requiring her to undergo reconstructive surgery for a deviated septum. Nagle recalls several of her coworkers stating that she looked as though she had been in a car accident. The swelling was so severe that she could not have the necessary surgeries until the following February. Nagles injury and recovery was covered under workmans compensation, but according to Indiana state law, teachers must use seven days of paid time off before workmans compensation will go into effect. With only 12 days of paid time off offered each year, Nagle lost more than half of her days, which was a significant concern due to her sons epilepsy. While Nagle said she still loves her job and cannot imagine working in any other profession, the physical and mental exhaustion has led her to realize that she must prioritize her own well-being as well as her familys. I felt like for a while there, I was in a dark place because I felt like I couldnt do my job anymore, said Nagle. I wasnt good at it. And I know now thats not the case. And Ive been hit and kicked since then, but just there for a moment, it was really hard. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Attacks on Indiana public school teachers underreported An estimate says that 200 Hamas operatives in the terror group's propaganda arm have been eliminated; however, 1,000 may still remain. Israel's elimination of Hamas propaganda chief Abu Obeida on Saturday could be a game-changer. A recent report by Doron Kadosh, the military correspondent for Army Radio, provides details on the extent of Hamass investment in its military propaganda arm. However, there is one troubling problem. Many of the hundreds of Hamas propagandists are still active in the field in Gaza. What Kadosh wrote, in a long post on social media X/Twitter, was that Hamas had 1,000 operatives involved in spreading propaganda. It had rooms devoted to this throughout Gaza among its remaining units. It had even devised a plan to stop Israels invasion of Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First of all, it is now clear that Obeida was not just one of the last well-known Hamas commanders, but he was incredibly important. Palestinian-American humanitarian activist and blogger Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib wrote on Facebook that Obeidas death was the end of an era. He noted, I dont think most Western audiences and policy commentators are aware of the blow that Hamas just experienced with the elimination of its most public figurehead. The military said on Sunday that the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) had eliminated Hudahaifa Kahlout, Abu Obeida, who headed Hamass propaganda apparatus and psychological terror operations and was the spokesman of Hamass military wing. An illustrative photo of Hamas terrorists with hostage demonstrations in the background. (credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90, Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa) Kadoshs report said that Obeida was one of the last remaining senior terrorists of Hamass military wing from before October 7, 2023. Over the past decade, Kahlout was responsible for Hamass military wings propaganda apparatus. In this role, he oversaw spokesmanship across Hamass brigades and battalions, coordinated between the terror organizations political spokespeople and its military wing, and was a senior figure in determining propaganda policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, combined with Kadoshs post about Obeida, makes it increasingly clear that this could be a major blow. Hamas has recovered from other blows in the past, though, so its worth considering the ramifications. First of all, what does Kadoshs post reveal about the size of the Hamas propaganda arm? It consisted of around 1,500 operatives who were working to spread propaganda for Hamas. This was an increase from only 400 back in 2014. Clearly, Hamas believed that it should invest more in this arm of its operations than in its foot soldiers. Of the 1,500 people involved in the propaganda arm, around 1,000 were deployed to the field, attached to battalions and brigades. We know that the IDF has said throughout the 22 months of war that most Hamas company, battalion, and brigade commanders have been eliminated. However, the apparent destruction of many of these units has not led to the deaths of most of the propagandists attached to the units. Every battalion and brigade in the military wing has a deputy commander for propaganda, a senior representative on behalf of Abu Obeida who manages efforts, and under him, terrorists who are operational documenters trained in field filming, Kadosh wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats interesting here is that he writes that the IDF has eliminated around 200 of the Hamas propaganda field operatives. However, more than 1,000 remain. The state of Hamas's battalions What does this tell us about the state of the Hamas battalions? Hamas was assessed to have some 24 battalions at the beginning of the war. It may have had some 150 companies and five or six brigades. Hamass brigade in Rafah was apparently destroyed in the summer of 2024 and then beaten again in April 2025. The northern Gaza Brigade was also destroyed several times. The Khan Yunis Brigade is also believed to have been mostly destroyed. This leaves the Gaza City Brigade and the Central Camps Brigade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is, if these brigades had some 25,000-30,000 fighters, and around 1,000 of them were these propagandists, is it reasonable to conclude that the propaganda arm took fewer losses than the rest? What if the reality is that in many Hamas brigades, the losses were also fewer, meaning Hamas hasnt lost 20,000 fighters but fewer than that? Its not clear, but what is clear is that Hamass propaganda arm apparently remains active. Also, the terrorist organization seems to have invested more in this arm. Hamas knows it can survive in Gaza with fewer gunmen, hiding in the background. However, it needs propaganda to continue the war, as it puts pressure on Israel abroad. Hamas produces videos in the field. It has access to multimedia and has sought to operationalize people who work with various media outlets. This means co-opting some local journalists or using them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kadosh noted that Hamas films in the field and moves these videos back to a war room. This means that, even if the men in the field are killed, the propaganda survives. The IDF has attacked these operatives war rooms many times during the war, but Hamas moves them from place to place to schools and hospitals and all thats needed is basically a laptop with Internet communication, Kadosh wrote. Hundreds of Hamas members sit in these war rooms, ready to push out the propaganda. Obeida was personally involved in this, Kadosh said. No military move by Hamas in recent years in Operation Protective Edge (2014), in the Great March of Return demonstrations at the Gaza fence (2018-2019), in Guardian of the Walls (2021), and of course on October 7, 2023 would have been carried out without being accompanied by a standard combat procedure and approval of propaganda plans by Abu Obeida. This has created an asymmetry within the asymmetry of this war. Not only is Israel fighting Hamas members who wear civilian clothes, but it also has to fight the propaganda army. This kind of war within a war has long been a feature of modern conflicts. However, Hamas has invested in this even more than others, such as the Soviets, the Viet Cong, or other groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Kadosh report, Obeida had been focused on preventing Israels operations in Gaza City. He dealt with the question of how to block the IDF tanks and APCs [armored personnel carriers] using consciousness and influence moves that would affect the Israeli government and cabinet. He planned to do this through psychological terror moves that would make use of the hostages. The report added that Hamas is seeking to replace its chief propagandist. He had deputies. As far as is known, he didnt have a dominant deputy under him who is the natural replacement. However, Hamas will try to put on a brave face and assert that it lost many commanders in the past and has replaced them. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has been elected vice president of the Board of Directors for the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA). The NDAA is the countrys leading organization representing state and local prosecutors. DA Gulluni was sworn in to his new role during the associations summer conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Habitat for Humanity accepting applicants for affordable home in Northampton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now in his tenth year as Hampsen Countys top prosecutor, Gulluni serves more than 450,000 residents in western Massachusetts. He has earned recognition statewide and nationally for advancing youth intervention, victims advocacy, gun violence prevention, and alternatives to incarceration. Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, President of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association Fanny Wu, Plymouth County District Attorney and NDAA President Tim Cruz, and President of the National Black Prosecutors Association Simone Hylton. (Photo courtesy of the Hampden DAs Office) Its an honor to be elected Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association and to represent Massachusetts and the people of Hampden County on this national stage, Gulluni said. As I mark 10 years as District Attorney, this moment is especially meaningful. The work weve done in Hampden County, centered on prevention, opportunity, and justice, has shaped my approach to prosecution and to leadership. Being entrusted with this role by colleagues from across the country is both humbling and energizing, and Im proud to carry the values of our community into this new chapter. Under Gullunis leadership, the Hampden District Attorneys Office has expanded diversion and reentry programs, increased community engagement, and strengthened services for survivors of violence and trauma. He also previously served two terms as president of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA), where he contributed to shaping statewide policies and best practices for prosecutors. The NDAA, based in Arlington, Virginia, provides training, advocacy, and leadership development for prosecutors across the United States. Its board includes district attorneys from across the country who work to shape public policy, improve the criminal justice system, and advance public policy. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. New Hampshire's new election laws will make it harder for married women, seniors, students and people with disabilities to vote. (Photo by Will Steinfeld/New Hampshire Bulletin) Going to the polls with my parents as a kid is seared into my brain. Its one of those New Hampshire kid memories that sticks with you: adults waiting in line and murmuring, bake sales with limitless banana bread, neighbors crossing out names with rulers. It was probably 2004 when my mom discovered a discrepancy between her name on her license and her name on her voter registration. One included her middle name, which had been her maiden name before marrying my dad. The other didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So at (probably) 11, I learned the word affidavit. Since my moms identity couldnt be fully documented on the spot like countless voters on Election Day she signed a legally-binding affidavit attesting to her name. She could (and did) follow up with the Secretary of States office with additional documents. Plain old New Hampshire efficiency. The presumption was that my mom was a legitimate voter unless proven otherwise. Not so anymore. Our state has a new slate of voting laws that cut against the Granite State tradition of practical access. Had they been on the books 20 years ago, my mom probably wouldnt have been able to vote that Election Day. Anyone with a similar story will want to head to their local clerks office now or they may not be able to vote this election season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some call the passage of these laws election integrity. All I see is the government making it harder for people to vote especially women, senior citizens, college students, immigrants, and folks with disabilities. Before leaving office, Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1569, making New Hampshire the first state in the country to require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Now, name variations like my moms throw up barriers to the ballot. Even small shifts dropping a middle name, hyphenating a surname, reverting to a maiden name can block registration if names dont match across required documents. No affidavit. No presumption of good faith. No trust in the voter or in the local officials who used to help sort this out. And absentee voters arent exempt. This past August, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed two bills SB 218 and SB 287 requiring absentee voters to submit the same documentation now required in person. That means every absentee registration must include proof of citizenship, age, New Hampshire residence, and identity. Oh, and every time you request a ballot, you have to include a copy of your ID. Or a notarized signature. Or go in person to your town clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some call the passage of these laws election integrity. All I see is the government making it harder for people to vote especially women, senior citizens, college students, immigrants, and folks with disabilities. Over the years, how many women and even some men have changed their names through marriage, divorce, or just because they felt like it? How many seniors were born at home or in rural places and never got a formal birth certificate? How many students have mismatched addresses after moving apartments between semesters? How many seniors, people with disabilities, and rural neighbors who work hard hours vote absentee because its a lot simpler for them than waiting in line for an ambiguous amount of time on Election Day? At least 96 voters already started seeing the consequences of these laws play out when they were turned away from the polls during town meeting season. We can only imagine how many more will be discouraged from participating altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of us on the reasonable side of the fence believe in election integrity. We believe in sensible audits and consequences for the (literally) 10 bad actors our state has flagged since 2020. But democracy works best when more people participate, the rules are clear and fair, and leaders work for us not interest groups funding ads about fraud no one can find. Many of us already show photo ID at the polls. We already rely on a bipartisan, decentralized system run by people who live down the street. Im one of those volunteers. If integrity is the goal, there are smarter ways to get there than by tripping up voters in a middle school gym. So, what do we do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, dont wait. If you need to register, start early. If you moved, changed your name, or youre a student deciding where home is for voting, resolve those questions now. Dont wait until Election Day. The Secretary of States website has official guidance and links to local clerks office. Use them. Your clerk can tell you when to come in, what your options are, and how to avoid last-minute surprises. Second, lets fix the policy. If were serious about access and trust, lets pass laws that meet voters where they are. Protect Election Day registration. Its a tradition that boosts participation. Attempts to roll it back are a solution in search of a problem. Expand early and absentee voting. Parents, shift workers, caregivers, and rural voters dont need more red tape in their lives. They need flexibility. Modernize election security. Paper ballots, risk-limiting audits, and strong cybersecurity make our elections safer without making them harder. Fix campaign finance. Voters deserve to know whos paying for the megaphones. These are the practical steps that lead to election integrity. And if youre standing in the way, its worth asking whether your goal is about integrity or control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participation and security are not enemies. When more eligible Granite Staters vote, and when we can all see and trust the system that counts those votes, confidence grows. When we throw up new barriers, tell people to compile the amount of documentation they would need for a mortgage closing, and call it integrity, trust shrinks. For now, the voting laws on the books lack common sense. They would keep practical women like my mom from the polls. But New Hampshire is at its best when we lead with common decency. So maybe, with enough of us pushing, well remember what Live Free or Die really demands: a government that trusts its people and a democracy where every Granite Stater can raise their hand and say, Im here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Every coastal New England state aside from New Hampshire is party to a lawsuit seeking to overturn Trumps offshore wind executive order halting offshore wind projects. One of those projects, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island, shown above, is 80% complete. (Photo by Philippe Turpin/Getty Images) This story was originally published by Canary Media. A new state law set to take effect late this month marks the end of New Hampshires flirtation with offshore wind at least for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, signed into law by Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte, shortens the name of the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation to simply the Office of Energy Innovation. As the name change suggests, the legislation also removes the offices mandate to support offshore wind development, and dissolves two efforts to create workforce training programs and develop ports serving the offshore wind industry. Its definitely discouraging, practically and symbolically, when it comes to our region moving toward offshore wind as a meaningful part of the energy mix, said Mireille Bejjani, co-executive director of New England-based environmental advocacy group Slingshot. The move comes as President Donald Trump attempts to stop the emerging offshore wind industry in its tracks. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order pausing all permitting and lease sales for new projects, and in the months that followed his administration has attempted to halt the construction of fully permitted offshore wind developments, including, most recently, the nearly complete Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island. Other governors in New England, a region that has been counting on offshore wind for climate action and grid reliability, have been resolute in pushing projects forward. In fact, every coastal New England state aside from New Hampshire is party to a lawsuit seeking to overturn Trumps offshore wind executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law marks a shift from the stance taken by previous governor, Republican Chris Sununu, who was in office from 2017 to 2025. Swing state New Hampshire has long been a libertarian-leaning outlier in deeply Democratic New England. On climate and energy issues, New Hampshire has generally been less aggressive than neighboring states: It doesnt have legally mandated greenhouse gas reduction targets, has pulled back on energy-efficiency goals and programming, and recently all but drained its renewable energy fund to pay for other state needs. Offshore wind has the potential to realize many positive economic, energy, and environmental impacts for New Hampshire and our neighboring states. Former Gov. Chris Sununu For a time, however, the state seemed on the verge of embracing offshore wind. In 2019, Sununu asked the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to convene a task force to facilitate regional cooperation and discussion about the potential for wind development in the Gulf of Maine. The next year, the state created a commission to study offshore wind and port development, and in 2021 the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation was formed and funded. In 2022, the state released an in-depth report that found offshore wind could accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions and create good-paying jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Offshore wind has the potential to realize many positive economic, energy, and environmental impacts for New Hampshire and our neighboring states, Sununu wrote in the introduction to the report. This years legislative session, however, saw a flurry of bills aimed at keeping the New Hampshire government out of the business of offshore wind. One proposal even sought to ban its development outright. The recently signed law is less aggressive, pulling away from offshore wind without prohibiting it. To soften the blow further, the state Senate, led by Democratic state Sen. David Watters, amended the legislation to make it clear that the energy innovation office would still have the authority to do work related to offshore wind if interest is revived in the future. The bill as it finally passed still kept a toehold in state government for being able to respond to or prepare for future offshore wind development, Watters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the legislative process, however, it was clear that many interested parties saw the bill as a referendum on offshore wind in general, not merely the structure of government offices and committees. Public comments during a House hearing on the bill in February dwelled heavily on the perceived dangers of offshore wind, including potential threats to wildlife, possible hikes in electricity prices, and concerns about the intermittent nature of wind power. The movement against offshore wind, observers said, is driven by a mix of national conservative hostility toward renewable energy and New Hampshires unique character. The state Senate is reasonably open to renewables, Watters said. However, the 400-member House the largest state legislative body in the country, by a wide margin is far more averse, he said. Furthermore, the state has always been fiscally conservative, priding itself on its lack of sales and personal income taxes. It was always unlikely to offer tax incentives, like neighboring states, or take the risk of getting locked into a power purchase agreement at prices that could exceed market rates, said Sam Evans-Brown, executive director of Clean Energy New Hampshire. New Hampshire was never going to be the state that drove the offshore wind industry, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, some clean energy advocates are concerned that the offshore wind law is a troublesome step backwards when the state needs to be charging ahead on renewables. There is widespread agreement that New England needs more power supply to help control soaring electricity prices and maintain grid reliability. At the same time, observers said, restraints on natural gas supplies make more gas-fired power generation unlikely, and building new nuclear facilities would be contentious; either option would take years to begin sending electrons into the grid. Now, the Trump administration continues to throw up as many roadblocks as possible to offshore wind, potentially scuttling what may be the regions best and speediest chance to build large-scale energy generation. It makes no sense to let ideological objections to renewable energy get in the way of considering all available resources, said Nick Krakoff, senior attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. Theyll say they are for all-of-the-above energy, but dont even want to consider offshore wind, he said. Theyre not really looking at the full picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For others, the new law is a reasonable response to political realities in New Hampshire. If the state was never going to be a major supporter of offshore wind, it makes sense to focus the Office of Energy Innovation on measures that might actually have a fighting chance, Evans-Brown said, pointing to microgrids, battery developments, demand-flexibility programs, and electrification as promising options that would help the state make the most of the power production it has. Advocates and policymakers across the board, however, are holding on to hope that while the state explores other courses of action, the development of offshore wind is merely delayed. I do think [it] is likely to come back, Watters said. But I am a very pragmatic legislator: Were just going to have to have a pause on offshore wind. TRIGGER WARNING: 10 On Your Side wants to warn viewers and readers some details may be difficult to hear or read. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Mental health problems affect millions, leading some into chronic depression, and even taking their own life. Thats why annually, September is dedicated to increasing public understanding through Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is not uncommon in the Commonwealth. More than 700 self-harm-related deaths were reported last year, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says 1 in 20 adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no single cause of suicide, but the roots of self-harming thoughts are often planted by way of substance abuse, prolonged stress and in Elena Schexniders case, harassment. I was 11 years old, says Schexnider, NAMI Coastal Virginia connection facilitator. My family had moved. And between moving and dealing with bullying during high school I kind of had a rough time. And during that time frame I was diagnosed with depression as well as anxiety. And then high school happened and I experienced some trauma. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over an eight-year period, Elena attempted suicide six times, leading her in an out of psychiatric facilities. I overdosed on one of my psychiatric medications, Schexnider revealed. I would self-mutilate. My last attempt was January of 2015, and I had crashed my car, on 264, going really fast into a guardrail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elena frequently felt a loss of hope much like her colleague, Susannah Uroskie, whose daughter Alexa, who died by suicide in 2023. Just complete sadness in her affect, said Uroskie, NAMI Coastal Virginia Board President. Not finding joy in activities that normally brought her joy. And not looking forward to the future. Losing that excitement or the possibility of the next day. Susannah never imagined the last time she would hear her daughters voice would be at the age of 26. She was pregnant with our first grandchild, said Uroskie. She was just incredible. She was, like, a bright light and we miss her every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Elena and Susannah continue to push past their pain by helping others. Recovery is not linear, Schexnider said. I still have really bad days. Im just better able to ride the wave, so to speak. And just taking it one day at a time and hopefully, I mean, being able to pour back into people also gives me something. Uroskie said the first step when you notice signs that someone you know may be suicidal is to be direct, and to secondly, seek primary care. Ask the question because it becomes so scary, said Susannah. And people think that youre putting that thought into their head, if you ask. But its the research has shown thats just not true. You just feel like you have a weight lifted off of your shoulders because then youre not alone with this, with these thoughts of suicide anymore. So, asking that direct question can save a life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know is suicidal reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Just dial 9-8-8 for assistance. You can also reach out to NAMI Coastal Virginia, for mental health assistance, 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Hands On Hartford distributed food to people experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, or homelessness on Monday. Thousands attend Faxon Law New Haven Road Race on Monday The nonprofit organization gave out meals which included barbecue chicken, potato salad, cornbread and brownies. Miss Connecticut Teen 2025 Daviana Plaza was proud to be one of the volunteers handing out free meals for this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are so many ways you can help out your community, and this is a big way you can do it by volunteering, Plaza said. This is a great organization. If you are planning or looking to volunteer, I think you should come here. Hands On Hartford hosts meals on most major holidays and sees as many as 500 people at an event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Workers across the nation gathered for Labor Day marches and protests, including in Harrisburg. At the Pennsylvania State Capitol, numerous groups said they were there because they believe the billionaire class is exploiting working men and women. They listened to speeches, carried flags and sang songs. They also marched around the complex, decrying what they see as economic inequality in the United States. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania When we center workers rights, we get an outcome that is democracy, said Justin Douglas (D), Dauphin County commissioner. When we center billionaires, we get a whole system thats rigged for them to be successful and for everyone else to be unsuccessful. The demonstration brought out a wide variety of people including a doctor, a Navy veteran and a self-described Conservative who is alarmed with President Donald Trumps first six months in office. There might be people that are okay with some of the things he does, said T.J. Demetriou, a self-styled conservative. But I would say that if you take his policies as a whole, I dont know that there are, there cannot be a majority that agree with overturning the Constitution and our democracy. Theres some, but again, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution and what it represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rally goers also lamented that Pennsylvanias minimum wage sits at $7.25, the lowest of all its neighbors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A juvenile was arrested over the weekend by New Hartford Police after they led officers on a chase on Higby Road last week. Officers responded to the parking lot of the Sitrin Home on Tilden Avenue at approximately 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 26, responding to a staff call of a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle had first been observed by staff at approximately 6:45 am, and it was initially reported that two males were sleeping in the vehicle. Staff reports say that they had advice the males to leave; however, they did not comply with their request, leading to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon their arrival, officers approached the vehicle and observed that the license plates had allegedly been stolen from a different vehicle. At that time, the passenger woke up and alerted the driver, who sped away. At that time, the driver allegedly ran over a portion of the yard at the Sitrin Home, damaging it. The chase continued down Higby Road, where the pursuit was eventually terminated when it became unsafe to continue. With the assistance of the Utica Police Department, the 17-year-old driver was eventually located and identified later that day. A week-long investigation resulted in the arrest of the 17-year-old juvenile on Friday, August 30. The juvenile is currently being charged with: Criminal Mischief Recklessly Damaging Property, a misdemeanor, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, a misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to New Hartford and Utica Police, the juvenile is also facing felony charges in an unrelated matter and was held in a detention facility on those charges. The juvenile is being held by New Hartford Police at this time, pending a determination of further charges. Currently, the juvenile will answer the charges in Oneida County Youth Part Court and New Hartford Town 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., led a roundtable discussion in Dover Tuesday to highlight awareness about the growing problem of scams that exceeded $1 trillion in the U.S. last year, eclipsing the global drug trade as an illicit industry. Hassan is the ranking Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, a House-Senate panel that released a brief on the extent of scams and reforms that both public and private sector entities can take to reduce them. Just about everyone has gotten a text or call about some kind of fake unpaid toll or bill and the scale of scams may be higher than even some realize, with the $1 trillion stolen by scammers last year eclipsing even the global drug trade. The bottom line is that both government and businesses need to do more, Hassan said in a recent statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scams are more than just a nuisance for Americans, they are costing people their life savings and hurting our economy. The Joint Economic Committee ... will be launching investigations and driving action that will protect Americans and finally take on scams in a comprehensive manner. Hassan said senior citizens are special targets of scams with the average loss for those over age 60 being $80,000 or more than four times what the average American loses. The committee will also look at ways to prevent the proliferation of fraud on payment platforms along with spam calls and texts as well as the expanding use of AI that bad actors are using to advance their scams, Hassan said. Others taking part at Tuesdays event were Jim Stacy, the victim of a scam, Christina FitzPatrick, state director of AARP New Hampshire, Barbara Graziano, vice president of internal audit at First Seacoast Bank and officials with the Dover Police Department, the state Justice Departments elder abuse and financial exploitation unit and the U.S. Secret Service. klandrigan@unionleader.com Hawaii National Guardsmen are in Indonesia participating in a multinational exercise as the U.S. seeks to bolster its ties to Pacific nations. Images released by the U.S. military last week showed Hawaii guardsmen playing a central role in the Exercise Super Garuda Shield, with senior Hawaii Guard officers participating in the official kickoff ceremony in Jakarta on Aug. 25 and other photos showing Hawaii Guardsmen leading and participating in cyber warfare training involving American, Indonesian, Australian and Singaporean serv ice members. Hawaii has played key role in Washingtons relationship with Jakarta, with both U.S. military leaders and politicians in the Aloha State playing a surprisingly pivotal role in shaping those ties over decades. The Hawaii Guard has a partnership with Indonesia through the National Guards State Partnership Program, which pairs state National Guards around the U.S. with foreign militaries for training exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a population of over 280 million people, Indonesia is the worlds fourth-most-populous country and third largest democracy, spread across a massive archipelago of 17, 508 islands that span both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It also has Southeast Asias largest military and one of the regions largest economies. As the U.S. and China compete for influence and power, Indonesia has emerged as a key area of interest for both as they seek to tap into both its economy and its strategic location. In a media release the Hawaii-based commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, said that this year is the largest Super Garuda Shield ever with over 6, 500 participants and 13 nations, which represents a commitment to our partnership and to the sovereignty of each country through the prism of mutual respect. Indonesia is one of several countries to have been embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its exclusive sovereign territory over the objections of neighboring countries that also depend on those waters. More than a third of all international trade travels through the busy waterway and countries around the region have increasingly drilled for oil and natural gas deposits beneath it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesian officials have in recent years accused Chinese forces of sending vessels and covert drones into waters they claim, particularly around the Natuna Islands. Previous iterations of Super Garuda Shield brought troops there to train. In October Indonesian law enforcement and naval vessels engaged in a standoff with the Chinese coast guard over oil and gas resources in the northern portion of the Indonesias continental shelf in the South China Sea. But in November, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed $10 billion dollar deal to jointly develop maritime resources in the area. The deal was immediately controversial. Aristyo Darmawan, an international law professor at at the University of Indonesia, wrote in an op-ed in The Interpreter that in tolerating Chinas claims to territory within Indonesias exclusive economic zone Prabowo has assented to something that is illegal under international law Even worse, Indonesia is willing to share its sovereign rights to explore and exploit fisheries and oil with the country that is making this claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, investment by China in Indonesias energy and mineral sectors has only grown, while in March the Administration of President Donald Trump quietly backed out of the the Just Energy Transition Partnership, an international initiative launched in 2022 to help Indonesia shift away from coal. Chinese officials and companies has been eager to step in. Meanwhile American military leaders in Hawaii have been working to tighten their ties with Indonesia and ensure they maintain access to the archipelago. Hawaii guardsmen accompanied leaders from INDOPACOM to Indonesia in January for their 2025 Bilateral Defense Discussions in Jakarta, where they discussed information sharing, integrating operations and planning a cyber task force for Exercise Super Garuda Shield. A news release at the time said the Hawaii Guard provided medical professionals, translation services, information operations, and administrative support. Experts from these fields engaged in discussions with their counterparts, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two nations. The agreement between the Hawaii Guard and Indonesia was signed in 2007 by Gov. Linda Lingle, who already had a deep interest in the country. In 2010 Lingle gave a speech to the Hawaii-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce where she was introduced as the only Indonesianophile governor of the state of Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lingle had first traveled to Indonesia in 1995 while serving as Mauis mayor through Sister Cities International for the nations 50th anniversary of independence from the Netherlands. She returned in 2001 as part of a program training members of the Indonesian government as they adapted to democratic civilian rule after decades under the bloody dictatorship of a military officer known only as Suharto. Suhartos deadly reign had been largely supported by American officials that saw him as an ally in their fight against communism. But after the Cold War, American attitudes changed sharply. In 1998 Suharto resigned in the face of widespread riots and chaos, and the country began holding democratic elections. But in a 1999 referendum East Timor secured independence from Indonesia and violence broke out as government-backed militias committed numerous atrocities with support from elite Indonesian special forces. Then-President Bill Clinton ordered a suspension of military cooperation with Indonesia. However, after the 9 /11 terror attacks American officials were keen to bolster ties with Muslim countries, with Indonesia seen as a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawaiis late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye slipped language into a defense bill that allowed Indonesian military officials to participate in programs at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Waikiki and in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that ravaged Indonesia and killed 227, 898 people, the U.S. military played a key role in the humanitarian response. Officials in Indonesia later credited their partnership with the Hawaii National Guard for improving the way the country responds to volcanic eruptions. In 2010, Hawaii Guardsmen worked with both civilian and military leaders in Indonesia on a simulation of an eruption that officials said paid off when Indonesias Mount Merapi volcano erupted in 2010, killing 353 people. But the resumption in military ties hasnt been without critics. In Hawaii several activists and academics have pointed to the Indonesian militarys bloody campaigns in East Timornow Timor Lesteand continuing violence in West Papua, where the Indonesian military and police have been accused of widespread human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings in their fight against pro-independence rebels and activists. Until relatively recently Prabowo, a former Indonesian special forces officer, was himself banned from the United States for alleged atrocities committed while leading troops putting down rebellions across Indonesia. Since taking power he has been accused by some of overseeing a creeping remilitarization of the countrys government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exercise Garuda Shield became Super Garuda Shield in 2022 when it went from being an exercise that focused mostly on maneuvers pairing American and Indonesian troops to a growing multinational exercise that now includes increasing aircraft, ships and missiles. This year service members from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands are also participating in the exercise. Indonesian forces also regularly train in Hawaii through exchanges with the Hawaii National Guard, training with the Schofield-based 25th Infantry Division and with warships in the biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific. A homicide investigation is underway after a 12-year-old boy and his mother were found dead in a Hazel Park home Monday, Sept. 1. Hazel Park police were called about 4:15 p.m. to a home for an unresponsive woman, Hazel Park police said in a news release on social media. They found the 12-year-old boy and a 41-year-old woman, both of Hazel Park, dead with injuries from apparent trauma. 'She deserved to live': Loved ones of Henry Ford Hospital shooting victim demand change Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also read: Hamtramck council fires city manager as officials move to fire police chief, officer The pair were a mother and son, the latter of whom attended Hazel Park Schools, according to a letter from the district that was posted on the citys Facebook page. The investigation is being treated as a homicide and as of late Sept. 1, suspect information was still being developed, according to police. Hazel Park police do not believe there is a danger to the public. The department, when contacted, did not immediately provide the location where the mom and son were found. ClickOnDetroit reports the home was on Berdeno Avenue, which is near Nine Mile Road and Interstate 75. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further details were not immediately available. In the aftermath, Hazel Park schools are providing mental health professionals on-site and have supplied a list of resources for community families. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 12-year-old boy, mom found dead in Hazel Park; investigation underway The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert Friday for Trader Joes frozen, not-ready-to-eat uncured pepperoni pizza imported from Italy since it didnt undergo the required import reinspection. Officials said a recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. The product under the alert is a 17.63-ounce TRADER JOES UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY in a cardboard box. Packages affected include those with lot and date codes MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26 or MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26, printed on the bottom of the package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pizzas bear the Italian establishment number IT 1558 L UE inside the Italian mark of inspection on the front of the box and were shipped to retail locations in California. The issue was identified after Trader Joes notified FSIS that the frozen pizza was not presented for inspection upon import. No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with the product, according to a news release. FSIS warned that some pizzas may remain in consumers freezers. Customers who have purchased the product should not eat it and are advised to discard it or return it to the store. Anyone concerned about a potential illness should consult a health care provider. Consumers with questions can contact Trader Joes Customer Relations at 626-599-3817. Food safety questions may also be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or MPHotline@usda.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issues with meat, poultry or egg products can be reported at any time on this website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Government officials are warning consumers not to eat Trader Joe's frozen Uncured Pepperoni Pizza because it was not inspected upon arrival in the United States. Imported products must be re-inspected to receive the USDA mark of inspection and meet quality expectations. This pizza never went through the proper inspection protocols. The affected product was only distributed to Trader Joe's locations in California. Don't get me wrongI love my pizza straight from Italy. However, when it doesn't follow the proper protocols to reach my mouth directly from Europe, that's when we encounter problems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for that exact reason: frozen pizza imported from Italy and sold at Trader Joe's did not "receive the benefit of import reinspection." The product is no longer available for purchase, but you might still have a box stored away in your freezer. The product in questionTrader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, Product of Italybears MFG Lot 6/16/2025 with a best-by date of 8/16/2026, or MFG Lot 6/21/2025 with a best-by date of 8/21/2026, and comes in a 17.63-ounce cardboard box. It also displays establishment number IT 1558 L UE and was shipped to Trader Joes locations in California only. Trader Joe's Trader Joe's alerted FSIS that the pizzas were not presented for import reinspection, which is required to receive the USDA mark of inspection, and be eligible for distribution in the U.S. If imported foods fail to meet the U.S. requirements, they're refused entry and must be exported, destroyed, or, in some cases, converted to animal food. While there have been no confirmed reports of illness or adverse reactions, FSIS urges consumers to throw these products away or return them to the place of purchase. You Might Also Like Scorching temperatures that baked Southern California over Labor Day weekend will continue this week paired with thunderstorms and lightning strikes that will heighten fire risks across much of the state. A surge of monsoonal moisture, not uncommon during summer months, moved into the state from the southwest desert region early Tuesday, bringing lightning across much of California. Monsoon thunderstorms can trigger dust storms, lightning-sparked wildfires and downpours that result in flooding. Lightning paired with potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph and high temperatures reaching into the triple digits in some areas will significantly raise fire weather concerns through at least Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meteorologists tracked 50 to 100 lightning strikes per hour across Southern California on Tuesday morning, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. "This one has quite a bit of energy with it," Lewis said. "There is definitely concern for fire starts due to lightning strikes. I think lightning and wind are the biggest concerns right now." Farther north in Stanislaus County, a grass fire broke out early Tuesday shortly after a lightning storm passed through the region. The cause of the fire, which quickly scorched 300 acres, has not been determined. Crews are also continuing to fight the Garnet fire, a blaze sparked by lightning last week in the Sierra National Forest. The fire has burned more than 24,800 acres as of Tuesday and is 12% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meteorologists are predicting a 50% chance of thunderstorms directly affecting the Garnet fire, and firefighters overnight reported lightning strikes in the area around 3 a.m. Tuesday. "Along with a threat of new starts, strong, erratic outflow winds from convective activity can affect fire spread and are a threat to firefighter safety," the Forest Service wrote in a news release. A similar lightning storm in summer 2020 sparked a series of intense fires the North Complex fire, the LNU Lightning Complex fire and the CZU Lightning Complex fire in Northern California that collectively burned more than 800,000 acres and killed at least 22 people, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Thunderstorms are expected from Sacramento all the way to San Diego County beginning midday Tuesday. In Southern California, the heaviest storms will be focused over the Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains through Wednesday evening, bringing a 30% to 50% chance of flooding to the area that includes the Bridge fire burn scar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peak rain rates could range between half an inch to an inch per hour, according to the weather service. "Any storm could produce brief heavy rain, suddenly strong winds, dangerous lightning, fire starts. Stay weather aware today. If you hear thunder, seek shelter," the weather service wrote on X. A flood watch has been issued for a portion of Central California, including Kern River Valley, Grand Grove, Indian Wells Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, Mojave Desert, Tehachapi and the south end of the Upper Sierra, through Wednesday evening warning of excessive runoff that could result in rivers, creeks and streams flooding low-lying areas. In Southern California, the weather service issued a flood watch for Death Valley National Park, the eastern and western Mojave Desert and Morongo Basin warning of moderate to heavy rainfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile a heat advisory remains in place across much of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, with daytime temperatures reaching into the high 90s. The mercury in Clarita, Woodland Hills and Palm Springs could rise to over 100 degrees. 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. HENDERSON COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) Kentucky State Police say bone fragments were found while searching for Heather Teague in a different location this afternoon. Answers are coming. Whoever is responsible, we are not worried about that. We welcome Heather home. Heather is coming home, says Holly and Haven Teague, and Catherine Frederick, Heathers sisters. The sisters say their family has not stopped looking for Heather Teague, and neither has the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community is behind us, the sisters say. There are so many stories and theories about what happened to Heatherand you can go on the internet and read 25 different theories, and this is one of them, says Amanda Will. Will heard about Teagues disappearance six years ago and is researching to make a documentary. She and several people came to the property to find answers. There was a tip20-odd years ago that Heather Teague was buried in this well, Will says. Will and her step-son, Derek, used an excavator to dig into the well in a wooded area behind Cageys General Store in Reed, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was covered up with concrete and brick, and they were going at it with an excavator, and we had to get a jackhammer, and then we ended up finding these little bones. And for the next 20 to 30 minutes straight we were just pulling out little fragments of bones and putting them in bags. I think we could be opening the door to what could be bigger evidence, Derek Will says. KSP could not confirm if the bone fragments were human or animal. Troopers say the fragments are going to the medical examiners office in Louisville on Tuesday. In the meantime, Will says they will continue searching. Everybody, handle the property with respect right now. We are trying to handle it with care. Her mother deserves to know where her baby is. And we wont rest until we figure it out, Will says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heather Teagues mom, Sarah, also says there was red fiber, carpet, and duct tape found. KSP says they are not sure if it is true or if it is related to this case. But Troopers do say debris was found, and officials will go through every piece of it if the bones are determined to be human. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). IDF forces arrested Hebron Mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh early Tuesday over ongoing terror activity, according to Israeli authorities. He was convicted of murdering six Israelis in 1980. Mayor of Hebron Tayseer Abu Sneineh was arrested early Tuesday morning after an IDF raid of his home, the Hebron Municipality reported. His arrest was due to his ongoing terrorist activities within the southern West Bank city, according to its Israeli municipality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Municipal Council in Hebron Municipality strongly condemns the footsteps of the Israeli Underworld Forces today, Tuesday, on the arrest of the Mayor of Hebron Municipality, Mr. Tesir Abu Sunina, after a large military force broke into his house and violated his sanctity and messed with its contents, causing heavy material damage, the Hebron Palestinian Municipality posted on Facebook. This blatant assault not only targets a mayor, but it targets the will of the people of Hebron City and its elected institutions, and constitutes a blatant assault on the democratic process and the right of our people to administer their affairs and serve their city with freedom and dignity. The council then called on international, legal, and humanitarian organizations to pressure Israel for the mayors immediate release. The Israeli Municipality posted on Facebook as well. The IDF forces arrested in the morning the terrorist Thaisir Abu Senina, who has been serving in recent years as the mayor of Khalil (Hebron). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The municipality went on to share the reaction of the Hebron local councilor, Eyal Gelman, The arrest of the terrorist Abu Senina proves again the duty of the State of Israel to take back the reins and appoint itself a mayor, as it was before the Hebron Accord in 1997. The time has come to unite the city again under complete Israeli control. Sneineh's previous terrorist activities Abu Sneineh was one of four Palestinians behind the murder of six Israeli yeshiva students in 1980. The students, including two American citizens and a Canadian national, were part of a group that had danced from the Cave of the Patriarchs to Beit Hadassah in Hebron when Abu Sneineh and his terror cell opened fire. The six students were killed, and 16 others were wounded. The Palestinians were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, but they were later released in various prisoner exchanges Israel carried out throughout the 1980s. Abu Sneineh was released in a prisoner swap in 1983. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is replacing immigration judges with hundreds of military lawyers, following the Trump administrations monthslong purge of immigration courts. Hegseth approved more than 600 military lawyers from the Department of Defense to serve as temporary immigration judges, nearly doubling the ranks of jurists overseeing the presidents massive deportation efforts, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Its a move that indicates the Trump administration was simply clearing house to install its own ranks of loyalist judges, intent on seeing the presidents deportations through. A memo dated August 27 said that the military would begin dispatching batches of 150 attorneys to the Justice Department as soon as practicable and have an initial group identified by next week. Appointments would last no longer than 179 days, expiring in February, but they can be renewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trump entered office, a series of departures and firings have left only roughly 600 immigration judges to oversee the nations 71 immigration courts and handle a backlog of 3.7 million casesand the number increases every day. Most recently in July, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers claimed that another 17 immigration judges had been fired without cause. In February, Kerry Doyle, a longtime immigration attorney, who was part of an upcoming class of immigration judges who were all dismissed, alleged that her dismissal was politically motivated. As a result of the Trump administrations crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the number of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reached an all-time high. At the end of August, a record number of 61,226 people were detained by ICE, and 70 percent of them did not have criminal convictions. Energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services company Itron and Pacific Technologies are working together with Fijis primary water utility, the Water Athority of Fiji (WAF) on the first smart metering deployment in the Fiji Islands. The meters are part of Itrons smart water solution, which WAF is deploying to enable digital upgrades to its infrastructure and operations, and to help advance WAFs goal of providing sustainable, cost-effective, efficient and reliable water and sanitation services to its customers. Deployment is currently underway and began in May 2025 and is projected to finish in Q3 2025. Deploying Itrons smart water solution aligns with WAFs Water Sector Strategy 2050, which outlines five key outcomes the utility is striving to achieve by 2050: clean water, safe sanitation, livability and sustainability, financial sustainability and skilled workforce. Among the hurdles to achieving these outcomes is aging infrastructure and reducing non-revenue water, which WAF estimates is 47% of the water it produces/treats. WAF is upgrading its existing meters to Itron mechanical meters affixed with Itrons Cyble communications modules, transforming them into smart meters. The Cyble module has a simple, clip-on design that requires no wiring or wall mounting, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for the utility to modernize its water operations. Data from the smart meters will be collected via drive by using Temetra, Itrons globally adopted, cloud-based, multi-vendor, multi-commodity meter data management solution. The Temetra solution will enable the utility to collect and store water consumption data, eliminating the need for manual meter reading. Data can be easily accessed at future dates if billing concerns arise. Itrons Cyble modules, coupled with Itrons Temetra solution, will help address the challenge of reducing non-revenue water by providing insights and advanced data analytics to identify both real and apparent water losses across its infrastructure. The Temetra solution will also seamlessly integrate with WAFs existing technologies, offering a comprehensive view of the utilitys water infrastructure across the islands. The integration will provide WAF with a holistic view of its water network and enable the utility to identify water inefficiencies. We have a long-term vision for the future of water in Fiji. Step by step, we are striving to improve water operations and create a resilient and reliable water network. One key benefit of deploying Itrons Cyble module is that its scalable. This allows us to expand our smart metering program gradually, based on our priorities and budget, said Josateki Sivo, head of customer metering and installation atWater Authority of Fiji. This is a monumental milestone as we continue to pursue our WAF Water Sector Strategy 2050. The simplicity of the installation will enable us to quickly see benefits, including reducing and identifying non-revenue water loss and we look forward to deploying this effective solution across the Pacific Region saidDanish Khalil, general manager of Pacific Technologies (New Zealand) Limited. We look forward to working together with Pacific Technologies and Itron and empowering our customers with water consumption information. Operating on an island surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, WAFs infrastructure is exposed to fine droplets of seawater that are released into the air and carried inland. This salt spray can cause corrosion on metals. Fortunately, Itrons smart water solution is built to withstand these harsh conditions. Our Cyble module can handle a range of diverse environments and is resistant to corrosion, contaminants and temperature, helping WAF reduce long-term maintenance costs and avoid frequent meter or module replacements, saidJustin Patrick, senior vice president of Device Solutions at Itron. This deployment provides a practical model for smart water management, enabling WAF to upgrade its network at its own pace. We look forward to working together and helping WAF advance its digitalization journey. About Itron Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com. Henry County police looking for missing girl last seen heading to school Henry County police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a missing girl. Dashia was last seen on Thursday morning at Sable Chase Apartments near McDonough leaving for school. Police did not provide her last name or her age. Her hairstyle is currently shoulder-length dreadlocks. It is unknown what she was last wearing. If you have information about her whereabouts, please call the Henry County non-emergency dispatch at 770-957-9121. You can also text tips, photos, and videos to 770-220-7009. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Earlier today, President Donald Trump held a conference to announce that Space Command will move from Colorado to Alabama. Alex Wong / Getty Images Though the livestream started late, he did appear to be alive, contrary to many of the viral rumors that emerged this weekend. SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Related: "So Stupid. So Dumb. So Bad For The United States": 27 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Funniest Political Tweets Of The Week Part of the speculation surrounding his health comes from bruising that has been seen on the 79-year-old's hands for some months now, which the White House physician claimed was "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking." Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Related: "We Went From 'Lower The Price Of Eggs' To 'Lower Your Standard Of Living'": 39 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Very Relatable Political Tweets Of The Month So, what was the state of his digits after a week away from public appearances? Still seemingly bruised and covered in concealer: Alex Wong / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's another recent picture of Trump's hands, not covered in makeup, from Aug. 25: Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images Related: JD Vance's "Ridiculous" Answer About How To Curb School Shootings Is Going Viral Trump did acknowledge the whole "being dead" rumors at the press conference, saying, "Last week, I did numerous news conferences all successful, they went very well. Like this is going very well. And then I didn't do any for two days and they said, 'There must be something wrong with him.'" SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Obviously, he wasn't that brief you can read more here. Recently, it was announced that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, resulting in swelling in his legs. SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Related: "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 Must have been a lot of hand-shaking on his time off! Also in In the News: "I Am So Torn With What You Are Doing" 11 Posts From MAGA Business Owners Who Are So Close To Getting It Also in In the News: "WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID": This MAGA Supporter Shared 10 Reasons Why They Regret Voting For Trump, And The Internet Is Not Impressed Also in In the News: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining Read it on BuzzFeed.com HERKIMER, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) In the ongoing fight with the Village of Herkimer over their school resource officers, the Herkimer Central School District has provided an update, just two days before the school opens up for students. According to a post on the Districts Facebook page on Tuesday, September 2, Superintendent Kathleen Carney has said that both schools will have police officers patrolling the halls this school year. Mayor Dana Sherry had said that the village would not fund resource officers from the villages police department in April. This decision came in spite of village-wide support for the program and an agreement to provide the program in February. Sherry cited the villages financial situation as the reason for the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district offered to pay for the program itself if the village provided the officer. However, the mayor went ahead with the cuts as they were in May. Carney said in the post that Officer Jessica Alberts of the Herkimer Police Department will continue to be the School Resource Officer for the Middle and High School building on German Street. At the elementary school, Carney said that the district has now partnered with the Herkimer County Sheriffs Department. That partnership was approved at a Board of Education meeting on July 30. Former Poland School Patrol Officer Ken Lawrence was assigned to the elementary school building on Gros Boulevard. Officer Lawrence a former New York State Trooper met with administrators this week and toured the campus. The district remains committed to the safety of our students, staff and school community and we deeply value the partnerships we have developed with not only the Herkimer Village Police Department and the Herkimer County Sheriffs Office but also the numerous other public safety agencies that serve our district including the Herkimer Village Fire Department, the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department, The New York State Troopers, and the Herkimer County Emergency Services 911 Department, Carney said in the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herkimer students will head back to school with Officers Alberts and Lawrence there to greet them on Thursday, September 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Heroic officers journey: Amputation and recovery after deadly ambush Officer Justin Campbell of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department had his leg amputated after breaking it during a rescue attempt in a deadly ambush on April 29, 2024, in East Charlotte. The ambush on Galway Drive resulted in the deaths of four officers, making it the deadliest police shooting in Charlottes history. Four other officers were injured, including Campbell, who was later diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) due to his injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every now and then you get one where hair on your neck stands up, and its like holy (bleep), someone needs you, Campbell recalled about the day of the ambush. ALSO READ: We help each other: Wives of fallen officers find strength after east Charlotte ambush Officer Justin Campbell responded to a call for help on April 29, 2024, after hearing an officer down alert. Upon arriving at the scene on Galway Drive, he saw officers on the ground, some taking cover. Campbell described the chaos and urgency of the situation, saying, I know I need to get him out, I know I need to get them out, so I just told everybody, pull your guns, point them at that window, and dump your magazines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the rescue, Campbells foot got caught in a hole, leading to a severe injury that he did not realize until later that night when he woke up in excruciating pain. After months of ineffective treatments, Campbell was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a condition that causes severe pain and dysfunction in the affected area. Campbell eventually opted for amputation after learning about others with CRPS who found relief through the procedure. However, he faced challenges in getting approval for the surgery and obtaining a suitable wheelchair afterward. Support came from organizations like K9 Responder Academy and Wheelchairs for Warriors, which provided Campbell with a wheelchair and are fitting him for a custom one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the physical and mental challenges, Campbell remains determined to regain his independence, stating, Mentally, Im the one being taken care of. I dont like that. Im still trying to move around the house and be independent. Officer Campbells journey highlights the personal toll of the tragic ambush, as he continues to recover with the support of his family and community. VIDEO: Meck County DAs report details shootout that left 4 officers dead A Pennsylvania single mother's marriage to a charming doctor took a dark turn after the discovery of a hidden camera destroyed the life she thought they had been building. The case became even more horrifying when he was accused of plotting to silence a key witness. Justin Rutherford is in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his stepson and another minor, while also being convicted in a separate murder-for-hire plot. His medical license was revoked after his conviction. He was sentenced to 26 years and 10 months to 70 years, with 12 years of special probation for charges including rape of a child and invasion of privacy in February 2024, along with a charge of "rape of an unconscious victim." He later received an additional concurrent sentence of five to 10 years for attempting to arrange the murder of his stepson from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News Studios' "Betrayal: Under His Eye," a three-part series, is streaming in its entirety on Disney+ and Hulu from Tuesday, Sept. 2. ABC News Studios - PHOTO: Actor Anthony Edwards, who played major roles in "ER" and "Top Gun," discusses Tyler VanScyoc's case. The case gained national attention when actor Anthony Edwards, known for his roles in "ER" and "Top Gun," met Rutherford's stepson Tyler VanScyoc through the "1 in 6" organization, which supports male survivors of sexual abuse. "More kids are going to get hurt and stay silent like I did when people don't share," Edwards told ABC News. "From a lot of survivors in the world that I've met, they're saying 'Tell Tyler thanks.'" The investigation began in summer 2021 when a teenage friend of VanScyoc discovered a hidden camera disguised as a phone charger in the Rutherford family's bathroom. The friend took the camera home and showed his mother, who contacted police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were thousands of images of people showering, using the bathroom, changing in and out of clothing," Chief Jeffrey Smith of the Amity Township Police Department told ABC News. ABC News Studios - PHOTO: Tyler VanScyoc talks about the abuse he suffered. VanScyoc told one of his aunts that his stepfather had been sexually molesting him since he was 11. "If I didn't do what he wanted, he'd get very angry," he told ABC News. During the investigation, one of VanScyoc's friends revealed Rutherford had sexually assaulted him during a sleepover while the friend was under the influence of alcohol. This disclosure ultimately led VanScyoc to come forward about his own years of abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Stalker sentenced to decades in prison after keeping woman in soundproof bunker While he was under investigation, Rutherford fled to Europe for several weeks but was apprehended when he returned through Dulles International Airport in Virginia. While in jail awaiting trial, he attempted to orchestrate VanScyoc's murder through letters to a close family friend, police said. Courtesy of Stacey Rutherford - PHOTO: Justin and Stacey Rutherford's relationship fell apart after his conduct was discovered. "The person was to wait in our driveway and, when Tyler got off work, they were to kill him painlessly. And then he wanted him either buried in a forest or burned in a barrel," Stacey Rutherford, Tyler's mother, told ABC News. The case shook the family, who had thought of Rutherford as an upstanding husband and father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We lived the American dream and he destroyed it," Stacey Rutherford said. The family had to leave their dream home and rebuild their lives after the revelations. ABC News Studios - PHOTO: A hidden camera disguised as a phone charger was found in the Rutherford family's bathroom. The judge issued the maximum sentence and barred him from any contact with his two young children with Stacey. "The second they said you'll never see your kids or talk to your kids again, his body language was different. His face drooped," VanScyoc recalled. Since then, VanScyoc -- who is now 20 -- has gotten engaged and started working toward becoming a personal trainer. "Just because we're men, it doesn't mean we're weak," he said. "We're still strong. It doesn't mean we're not a man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 'Betrayal: A Fathers Secret' documents the dark truth that shatters a family The case highlighted the prevalence of male sexual abuse, with Edwards noting that, on average, men wait between 40 and 50 years before disclosing childhood abuse. VanScyoc spoke out at age 16, decades earlier than most male survivors. "As a community, it is shocking for people to believe that a doctor, a stepfather, a person who we pour our trust in, could do these types of things," Berks County Supervising Attorney Meg McCallum told ABC News. At EastSide Charter School in Wilmington, the first Tuesday after Labor Day doesnt start quietly. Music pumps through the speakers, as students make their way toward the school doors. A line of adults elected officials, parents, community leaders and neighbors stand with arms outstretched ready to give high-fives. They came with one purpose: to show students that their community is rooting for them. The tradition, called Suit Up, Show Up, takes place each year on the first Tuesday after Labor Day. Community members join staff in welcoming students with energy and encouragement. And this year marks its 10th anniversary. Chief Executive Officer Aaron Bass, Ed.D, gives instructions at the10th anniversary of Eastside Charter School's annual Suit Up Show Up event in Wilmington on Sep. 2, 2025. Students are greeted by business, political and civic leaders at the event. School CEO Aaron Bass said what makes the gathering unique is its inclusivity. There are no name tags, no VIP sections. A student might shake hands with a U.S. senator and then a school custodian in the same moment. What matters, Bass explained, is that a child sees a community that cares about them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back-to-school safety: Education roundup: From shooting hoax to real fear, Delaware has tips for school safety Parents see lasting value in the tradition Parents say the presence of community leaders sends a powerful and encouraging message. Early Tuesday morning, before the music began to play, Wilmington resident Denae Talbert stood outside EastSide with her daughters, Deniah, a fifth grader, and Josiah, a first grader. At first, she was simply curious about the energized crowd at the schools entrance. But when she learned they were gathered for the Suit Up, Show Up event, her face lit up. I love it. I think its a good thing, Talbert said. She explained that some kids face difficult circumstances outside of school, but when they get to school and see people showing up for them, it helps them feel safe and valued. As music filled the air and the energy built, she glanced back at the crowd and added, "I appreciate it. Everyone took the time to come out. For new Wilmington residents Taisha Jones and Avon McNair, the welcome was both unexpected and inspiring. Invited to join the receiving line, they got to high-five their first grader as she walked into school. Jones, originally from New York, said she had seen similar events before but was impressed by the diversity of professionals at EastSide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have doctors, they have people dressed in nice suits from different professions, Jones said. And I think it's a good thing to show these kids that they have a purpose. How warm welcomes led to lasting partnerships What began as a spirited welcome has become a signature event with a lasting impact. Over the years, casual conversations during Suit Up, Show Up mornings have led to deeper partnerships. One of the most notable outcomes is the $27 million Chemours STEM Hub on EastSides campus. Bass said the idea for the facility was sparked by connections made during those early interactions. Expanding opportunity: Officials cut ribbon on Chemours STEM Hub in Wilmington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those relationships have helped open the door to broader conversations about how EastSide and its partners can expand opportunities for students and families across Delaware. As the school celebrates a decade of Suit Up, Show Up, Bass hopes its message reaches even further. The more children in Delaware who feel celebrated, who see that cast of people around them, the better off theyll be, he said. Students are greeted by business, political and civic leaders at the10th anniversary of Eastside Charter School's annual Suit Up Show Up event in Wilmington on Sep. 2, 2025. That message is already gaining momentum, inspiring other school communities across Delaware to embrace the idea that a simple greeting can help build stronger ties between classrooms and the communities they serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. To share your community news and activities with our audience, join Delaware Voices Uplifted on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: EastSide Charter sets the tone with music, cheers for Suit Up, Show Up HIGH POINT A child care center in the northwestern part of the city closed Friday, citing financial issues. Representatives with Little Disciples of Joy Childcare Center on Old Plank Road informed parents and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services about the closure within the last week. In a message to the department, a representative with Little Disciples said the business tried to maintain its operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have been fighting to keep these doors open and not cross this bridge but, unfortunately, financially we just can't press on! the message said. Little Disciples couldnt be reached on Friday by The High Point Enterprise. The centers website appeared to have been taken down. Little Disciples had a maximum capacity of 149 children, according to ChildcareCenterUS. The child care center served children up to 12 years old and participated in a subsidized child care program. Statewide, a number of child care centers have been closing because of financial pressures. The states child care subsidy program is supposed to help low-income working families afford care, but child care advocates say the rates the program pays have not kept up with costs. The current rates cover about half of the cost of care, according to the N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education. They also vary widely from county to county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The N.C. Task Force on Child Care & Early Education reported earlier this summer that, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has suffered a net loss of almost 9% of child care programs. The task force reports that 58% of North Carolina early childhood educators reported a child care program had closed in their community within the past year. Advocates have pressed legislators to adjust the rates. Senate Bill 412 would allocate $123.5 million each year to increase rates and provide an additional 10% of funding to programs in rural counties and programs serving infants and toddlers. A World War II-era airport in South Jersey is slated to get a roughly $7 million investment from the federal government to overhaul its hangars and construct a new terminal, according to local officials. The congressionally-directed spending is part of a capital investment for the Woodbine Municipal Airport in Cape May County, borough Mayor William Pikolycky said in a news release. The investment adds to $100,000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program to access the airports hangars. The investment furthers years worth of efforts by the borough to oversee the public-use airports property, helping it become an economic hub for northern Cape May County, the mayor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to having infrastructure in place on both land and air sides and facilities to accommodate 21st century aviation, the goal is for the borough to be able to offer incentives such as tax abatement and have the flexibility to review development proposals in the context of the plan for not only the new hangars but also the remaining developable areas of the airport, Pikolycky said in a statement. The mayor described the improvements as shovel-ready, but the needed approvals for the project are unclear. The airport supported the U.S. war effort after it was built, according to the borough. Being near the ocean gave the military an advantage in guarding the coastline against potential foreign threats. Decades later, its used mostly for banner planes and private pilots while supporting drone research. David Dempsey, owner of High Exposure, an aerial advertising company with a hub at the airfield, said a modernized airfield could entice more planes to land there, further supporting the local economy. With an operation that in summer includes flights to Ocean City, Maryland, newer hangars would give his companys planes cleaner and more secure areas to store planes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dempsey noted the companys maintenance building has structurally outlived itself. That roof has blown off a couple of times, the doors blown in - you can only repair it so many times, Dempsey said. Since 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration has doled out about $6.5 million to support the airports operations, according to the agencys data. The most money, about $1.6 million, has been used to rehabilitate the airports taxiway, the data states. Likewise, about $1.5 million has gone toward fixing its runway. Eric Conklin Stories by Eric Conklin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A historic building that once served as San Diegos first city hall and housed critical public services is set to reopen this week after years of renovations. The Shepherd YMCA Firehouse, located at 7877 Herschel Ave. in La Jolla, was built in 1937 as Fire Station 13. At the time, it served as more than just a fire station. Get a peek inside the facility with FOX 5/KUSIs Allie Wagner in the video player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also the first city hall, a police station, a jail, a hospital room and the citys water department until 1976, when the fire station was moved to its current location at 809 Nautilus St. The original site was designated a City of San Diego Historical Landmark in 1982. However, the building sat unused until the La Jolla YMCA signed a 25-year lease from the city in 1987. Meet San Diego FC players at SeaWorld San Diego It underwent several transformations over the years and evolved to serve as a teen and senior community center as well as a performing arts and gymnastics center. After the completion of a $1.2 million renovation in 2015, the firehouse reopened as a health and fitness center for members, offering group exercise classes, a child watch center and more activities for all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to shut down in 2020, the building never officially reopened, said Dan Cruz, Shepherd YMCA Firehouses communications director. This Shepherd YMCA Firehouse is just a unique aspect, every YMCA kind of adapts to the needs of the community, and thats what I thought was really cool reopening this facility, Cruz said. Watch the interview with Dan Cruz, communications director for Shepherd YMCA Firehouse, in the video player above. He said the revitalization of the building and the addition of new programs were done in response to feedback gathered from a community survey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shepherd YMCA Firehouse reopens Saturday, Sept. 6, with a grand opening celebration from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For a limited time, new members can check out the new equipment, unlimited fitness classes, heated pools and more at no cost to sign up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Purple Heart recipient Jose Barco thought he had paid his debt to society after he served 15 years in prison for attempted murder. The federal government decided otherwise. Barco, a U.S. Army veteran who was injured in Iraq, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in January when he was granted parole. He's now being held in Denver and is slated to be deported to Venezuela, where he was born after his family fled Cuba, under a federal law that allows noncitizens to be stripped of legal residency and removed from the country if they are convicted of a crime. The Biden administration issued a directive in 2022 making it harder for ICE to deport noncitizen veterans. But the Trump administration has sought lists from jails and prisons of noncitizen inmates and detainees as part of its mass deportation campaign. At least four veterans - all of whom have criminal records and were lawful permanent residents before their service - are in ICE detention facilities and facing deportation proceedings, The Washington Post confirmed through interviews with family members and attorneys. More than 80 noncitizen veterans were in the federal prison system as of late August, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. For those who have been released from prison after serving sentences, deportation feels like an "unjust second punishment," said Jennie Pasquarella, legal director at the Seattle Clemency Project, which provides legal aid to formerly incarcerated people. Scott Mechkowski, who spent 22 years in ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations division and over 30 years in the Army, said he and his ICE colleagues "always had to give discretion to military service" by looking for legal ways to grant relief from deportation to veterans convicted of certain nonviolent crimes, such as drug possession. Barco's case is different because he was convicted of an aggravated felony, Mechkowski said. But he said Barco's situation still represents "a catastrophic failure across the board" because his attorney says he filed for naturalization before his crime and the system failed to process his applications. "He shouldn't be deported," Mechkowski said. "He answered the call when we needed him." Removing former service members from the country also infringes on their access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care and other earned benefits, said Danitza James, who served in the Army and advocates against deporting veterans. "We're not saying that they're not guilty. We're not saying don't make them serve their time," James said. "All we're saying is don't deport them. Don't take them away from their benefits their support, their families, everything that they fought and some of them bled for." Though troops are eligible to apply for naturalization while serving, the process isn't always clear to them. Some also wrongly assume that the oath of enlistment guarantees their permanent status in the country, said Rose Carmen Goldberg, an expert on veteran law at Yale Law School. Kimlis Tek, a Cambodian refugee who served in the Army and National Guard for about three years, said he thought he was "automatically made a citizen" when he took the oath of enlistment, based on information from his recruiters. He came to the United States in 1984 as a toddler, and his family settled in Southern California as lawful permanent residents. Amanda Schuft, director of legal services at Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Los Angeles, said the promise of naturalization is "used in recruitment efforts but that commitment is not followed up on," which can leave people vulnerable to deportation. After leaving the military, Tek was convicted of assault and domestic violence, court records show. He served 14 years in a state prison in Washington, where he worked toward an associate's degree and developed carpentry and bakery skills. Tek was released in May and immediately placed in ICE custody. "We had a room ready for him," said his younger brother, Syleaph Tek, who became a citizen more than a decade ago. "He was going to be living with me until he could get up on his feet, that was the plan." Now Kimlis Tek is being held at a detention center in Tacoma, Washington, and faces deportation to Cambodia - where he has no remaining family, his brother said. He was born at a refugee camp in Thailand. Barco, the Purple Heart recipient, was sentenced to prison after firing a weapon outside a party in 2008 and injuring a pregnant woman. He had recently been medically retired from the military after being diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury following a deployment to Iraq. He was 23. Barco has said he has no memory of the crime, according to his lawyer, who said his client had experienced a flashback at the time of the shooting. Barco has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder - a condition, his brother said in a letter to the court, that has been "severely exacerbated" in ICE detention. Advocates for Barco have attempted to get him access to Veterans Affairs health care while he is detained, but the requests have been denied or gone unanswered, according to an email reviewed by The Post. VA is restricted from providing health care services to veterans who are inmates if another government agency in charge of a jail or prison "has a duty to provide care or services," according to a department directive included in an email explaining the denial. VA officials did not respond to a request for comment on Barco's case. Barco - who served in uniform for about six years - had attempted to gain citizenship twice, said his lawyer, Kevin O'Connor. The first time, the military lost his application, a U.S. Army officer wrote in a court filing. The shooting outside the party took place as the second attempt was being processed, O'Connor said. (Barco declined an interview through his lawyer because proceedings are ongoing.) "He was good enough to serve our country, good enough to help rescue two fellow soldiers," Tia Barco said of her husband, referencing an incident during his first deployment to Iraq, where he sustained severe burns while lifting the front end of a car off two trapped soldiers, according to Ryan Krebbs, the company medic. "But now he's not good enough to be forgiven for a mistake," his wife said. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, noted the severity of Barco's crime in a statement and called him and Tek "heinous criminal aliens." For Krebbs, who served with Barco in Iraq, fighting his friend's deportation doesn't mean denying the seriousness of his crime. "He accepts full responsibility," Krebbs said. But the fact that a combat veteran could be deported, he said, has been "eye-opening." This month, Barco's attorney tried a new tactic. While Barco is not eligible for asylum because of his criminal conviction, O'Connor is asking the court to grant him relief under the Convention Against Torture, arguing that his status as a former U.S. service member would put him at special risk of persecution or torture if he is deported to Venezuela. The judge in Barco's case has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, and the veteran's family is hopeful he will consider Barco's military service, O'Connor said. Tia Barco said she has let herself feel "slightly optimistic" about her husband's case. Margaret Stock, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and an expert in military and immigration law, said Barco's potential deportation feels particularly unjust because his combat injury may have contributed to or caused the action that landed him in prison. "That's not what America is about," she said. "We're supposed to treat the veteran and restore them to health if we can, not deport them." For the family of Marlon Parris, another Army veteran who is facing deportation after serving time in prison, the process feels like double jeopardy, said his wife, Tanisha Hartwell-Parris. Parris arrived in the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago when he was 17. He served in the military for more than five years. When he completed his probation in 2016 after serving time for distributing cocaine, he received a "letter of no interest" from ICE, stating that the agency is "not amenable to deportation," according to a copy of the letter shared by Parris's attorney. But in August 2024, during the Biden administration, Parris received a notice to appear for removal proceedings. The family was preparing to challenge it. ICE detained Parris on Jan. 22, and he has since been held at a facility in Arizona, said his lawyer, Douglas Kouffie. McLaughlin, the DHS spokeswoman, said Parris "will remain in custody pending his removal." Kouffie said his client "feels like he's paid for his crimes and that this detention is unjustified," adding: "The government went back on their word." For the veterans facing removal and their loved ones, a feeling of betrayal lingers over their memories of military service. "I was willing to go fight and die for this country," Tek said in a phone interview from the detention center. "I didn't know they could deport veterans." (COMMENT, BELOW) HOLYOKE About two dozen members of the Holyoke Teachers Association led hundreds of marchers through the streets of the city Monday, pausing for a few moments in front of the offices of the Holyoke Public Schools. The two sides have been negotiating for months, and recently, Holyoke told state officials the discussions reached an impasse, an assessment not shared with the union. No one was inside, and the office was dark. It was Labor Day, after all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But rather than use the day off for one last summer hurrah, labor leaders saw the holiday as a way to highlight the problems facing organized labor in the region. From contentious, months-long negotiations involving local unions to a White House they see as a threat to organized labor, local union leaders, such as Ethel Everett, president of the Pioneer Valley Assembly, part of the Western Massachusetts Area Labor Federation, say unions are under attack. Labor Day started with the marches, so we want to go back to that tradition of highlighting workers and uplifting the struggle that workers have, especially in these times, Everett said. Jeff Jones, federation president, said it should be celebrated that the school district is exiting receivership, Jones said, but the Holyoke Teachers Association, representing about 520 educators, still is bargaining with city officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, its time to deal with the losses and the cutbacks they had to deal with in staffing and resources and compensation, Jones said. Holyoke is also in contentious contract bargaining with unionized members of its Department of Public Works, who are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459, whose president is Jones. There are other unions facing issues across the area, too. At MGM Springfield, dealers formed a union, and the casino has not bargained with them, Jones said. Jones said the union representing facilities and dining staff at Mount Holyoke College called for an unfair labor practices strike. The strike is scheduled to begin Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Sims, business agent for the 170 dining and facilities workers at Mount Holyoke represented by Service Employees International Union 32BJ, said the key issue for the union that has been bargaining since April is that it wants livable wages for all its workers and a legal representation fund to help workers with immigration issues. Currently, about half its members working at the college dont have a livable wage, Sims said. Its wall-to-wall support out there, Sims said, including from teachers and students. Teamsters said they would not cross the picket line to complete deliveries, and the Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council would stop construction work on campus, he said. The union, he said, filed an unfair labor practice complaint last week and took its vote authorizing a strike in early August. Sims said strikes are rare, and its the first-ever strike at Mount Holyoke. But it comes at a time when there are more conflicts between employers and unions, driven by the transfer of wealth from workers to the billionaire class, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are at a point now and been stretched so thin, and wages have been compressed so much, that they cant afford groceries at this point, Sims said. Reached for comment, Mount Holyoke issued a statement, saying it has been negotiating with SEIU 32BJ since March, and it continues to negotiate in good faith. We remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement, the college said. We deeply value and recognize the contributions of all of our employees. An impasse in Holyoke? Sides disagree Nick Cream, president of the Holyoke Teachers Association, helped lead the march that started outside City Hall, wound its way through Veterans Memorial Park and back down to Holyoke Heritage State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the organizers were surprised by the number of people who joined the march, a sign, he said, of the increasing awareness of support for unions, which is driven in part by the current political atmosphere. However, there are a lot of unknowns facing the labor movement, he said. Were in a particular political situation where we dont really ever know if we can trust the courts to do whats right, or if the law is going to change, or if somebodys going to be appointed to the National Labor Relations Board that is really anti-labor, Cream said. Closer to home, Cream and the Holyoke Teachers Association have been in negotiation with the district since February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Holyoke officials made a proposal that Holyoke Teachers Association said did not take into account the dozens of proposals educators have made at the table, a disrespectful and demeaning and insulting proposal, Cream said. As the school district exits receivership, there are some factors that are kept out of the bargaining process, Cream said, a condition established as part of some exit assurances set by the state. But the teachers union is seeking changes, such as having 15 sick days instead of 10, and more leeway in how the educators teach. In a statement, Beth Gage, Holyoke Public Schools chief of human resources, said the district filed for mediation to hopefully allow both sides to quickly come to an agreement. On Labor Day, and every day, we are encouraged to see our teachers working together, and we firmly believe their voices deserve to be heard, Gage said in a statement. We are committed to continuing our work with our HTA members to ensure we have excellent educators teaching and supporting our students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the march, The Expandable Brass Band followed the Holyoke educators, dressed in yellow and playing instruments such as trombones, a sousaphone and an accordion, amplified through a speaker pulled on a dolly. Behind them, marchers stretched for blocks. Some marchers held signs made by the teachers union: For Holyoke by Holyoke. Others carried homemade signs: an image of Smokey the Bear that said, Only you can prevent fascism. Another read, A living wage is not a luxury. Holyoke is a union town, they chanted. You wont keep these workers down. As the marchers walked into Holyoke Heritage State Park, Jaime LeBreton stood holding her sign. Every act of resistance matters, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A self-described avid protester, LeBreton said she is part of the Indivisible advocacy groups invited to participate in the march. Most of them I dont know, but I see faces that I recognize. Weve formed a community. Its finding solidarity with people, she said. Tom Gardner, who teaches in the communications department at Westfield State University and is an active union member himself, said he came out to protest the Trump administrations strategies targeting undocumented workers for deportation and to support the effort for Holyoke workers to attain a fair contact. Gardner, who participated in the Selma-Montgomery march in 1965 and once chaired the Southern Student Organizing Committee, said protest bolsters participants spirits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a union is in the midst of contract negotiations, its important to show public support for them, Gardner said. That puts pressure on town officials to do the right thing. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. A man learned his punishment for shooting at authorities in Fairborn last year, according to a spokesperson with the Greene County Prosecutors Office. [DOWNLOAD:Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Breyon Bryant, 32, was sentenced to 33 to 37 years in prison on Tuesday. A Greene County Jury convicted Bryant of three counts of felonious assault and a three-year firearm specification on April 30, according to the spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by News Center 7, Bryant was wanted in a homicide case out of Columbus. Fairborn police learned Bryant was at an apartment in the 400 block of West Funderburg Road on Jan. 24, 2024. Columbus police requested help from Fairborn police in serving an arrest warrant. Due to the high-risk nature of the warrant, detectives established a plan to minimize risk to themselves, Bryant, and the community as a whole. Bryants apartment was placed under surveillance by three Fairborn detectives utilizing an unmarked vehicle, the spokesperson said. Bryant eventually exited his apartment and walked to his car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that time, detectives slowly drove up to Bryant in the parking lot. Before detectives could even stop the vehicle and identify themselves as police officers, Bryant drew his waist-holstered firearm and opened fire on the detectives. Bryant later admitted that he did not know who he was shooting at, as the windows to the vehicle were tinted, the spokesperson said. Bryant then ran toward another part of the apartment complex with his gun out and pointing it toward the detectives. As previously reported by News Center 7, authorities fired back at Bryant. He eventually surrendered after hiding between two cars in the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured in this shootout. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the officer-involved shooting. The spokesperson said the BCI crime lab matched two of the fired shell casings to Bryants handgun and six fired shell casings to an officers firearm. Bryant will go on trial for unrelated charges in Greene County in October. After this case is finished, he will be extradited to Franklin County for additional proceedings related to the pending murder case, the spokesperson said. I would first like to commend the brave men and women of the Fairborn Police Department, who were simply doing their jobs and helping another jurisdiction apprehend a dangerous criminal. Their preparation and planning helped minimize the threat to the public, though it did not prevent the defendant from using violence. Today, Judge Tornichio held Bryant responsible for his indiscriminate violence, and we are all grateful for the sentence that was handed down. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christian Cavalier did an excellent job trying this case and securing justice for these police officers. Bryant still faces additional, unrelated charges. Due to the efforts of all involved, Fairborn is a safer place today. Greene County Prosecuting Attorney David Hayes [SIGN UP:WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Houchin Community Blood Bank is teaming up with the Salvation Army to bring the community a blood drive and sweet donation. Donors who donate blood from Sept. 2 to Sept. 12 at any Houchin location will be entered in a giveaway to win a Las Vegas vacation, according to organizers. The blood drive is in honor of Mona Pinons Birthday of Giving, organizers said. Pinon is one of the Salvation Armys advisory board members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time someone donates blood, Houchin will donate $15 to the Salvation Army. There will be food, music and activities from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Houchin location located at 11515 Bolthouse Dr. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Dartmouth resident was seriously injured and one of their dogs was killed when their house exploded early Tuesday morning, according to police. Multiple 911 calls reported the explosion at 20 Sagamore Drive shortly before 1 a.m., Dartmouth police said in a press release. Dartmouth firefighters, police and paramedics responded and discovered heavy fire conditions, as well as explosions coming from the homes garage. All of the homes residents fled the house before first-responders arrived, police said. One of them was taken to a Rhode Island hospital to be treated for burns believed to be serious but not life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three dogs were inside the home at the time of the explosion, police said. One was declared dead at the scene, another was taken to a veterinarian for emergency treatment and the third was found uninjured Tuesday morning after initially going missing. Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad technicians also responded to the home to try to determine what caused the explosion, Dartmouth police said. The State Fire Marshals Office and Dartmouth police and firefighters are investigating the incident. No further information has been released. More News Read the original article on MassLive. WASHINGTON (AP) The House Oversight Committee on Tuesday publicly posted the files it has received from the Justice Department on the sex trafficking investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, responding to mounting pressure in Congress to force more disclosure in the case. Still, the files mostly contain information that was already publicly known or available. The folders posted on Google Drive contained hundreds of image files of years-old court filings related to Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 as he faced charges for sexually abusing teenage girls, and Maxwell, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for assisting him. The files also included video appearing to be body cam footage from police searches as well as recordings and summaries of law enforcement interviews with victims detailing the abuse they said they suffered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee's release of the files showed how lawmakers are eager to act on the issue as they return to Washington after a monthlong break. They quickly revived a political clash that has flummoxed House Republican leadership and roiled President Donald Trumps administration. House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to quell an effort by Democrats and some Republicans to force a vote on a bill that would require the Justice Department to release all the information in the so-called Epstein files, with the exception of the victims' personal information. What's in the released files If the purpose of the release was to provide answers to a public still curious over the long concluded cases, the raw mechanics of the clunky rollout made that a challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee at 6 p.m. released thousands of pages and videos via the cumbersome Google Drive, leaving it to readers and viewers to decipher new and interesting tidbits on their own. The files released Tuesday included audio of an Epstein employee describing to a law enforcement official how there were a lot of girls that were very, very young visiting the home but couldnt say for sure if they were minors. Over the course of Epsteins visits to the home, the man said, more than a dozen girls might visit, and he was charged with cleaning the room where Epstein had massages, twice daily. Some pages were almost entirely redacted. Other documents related to Epsteins Florida prosecution that led to a plea deal that has long been criticized as too lenient, including emails between the defense and prosecutors over the conditions of his probation after his conviction. Barbara Burns, a Palm Beach County prosecutor, expressed frustration as the defense pushed for fewer restrictions on their client: I dont know how to convey to him anymore than I already have that his client is a registered sex offender that was fortunate to get the deal of the century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the interviews with officers from the Palm Beach Police Department date to 2005, according to timestamps read out by officials at the beginning of the files. Most, if not all, of the text documents posted Tuesday had already been public. Notably, the probable cause affidavit and other records from the 2005 investigation into Epstein contained a notation indicating that theyd been previously released in a 2017 public records request. An internet search showed those files were posted to the website of the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office in July 2017. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, chided Republicans on the panel for releasing material that he said consisted almost entirely of already available information. The 33,000 pages of Epstein documents James Comer has decided to release were already mostly public information. To the American people dont let this fool you, Garcia said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disclosure also left open the question of why the Justice Department did not release the material directly to the public instead of operating through Capitol Hill. Survivors meet with lawmakers On Capitol Hill Tuesday, the House speaker and a bipartisan group of lawmakers met with survivors of abuse by Epstein and Maxwell. The objective here is not just to uncover, investigate the Epstein evils, but also to ensure that this never happens again and ultimately to find out why justice has been delayed for these ladies for so very long, said Johnson, R-La., after he emerged from a two-hour meeting with six of the survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is inexcusable. And it will stop now because the Congress is dialed in on this, he added. But there are still intense disagreements on how lawmakers should proceed. Johnson is pressing for the inquiry to be handled by the House Oversight Committee and supporting the committee as it releases its findings. Push for disclosure continues Meanwhile, Democrats and some Republicans were still trying to maneuver around Johnsons control of the House floor to hold a vote on their bill to require the Justice Department to publicly release files. Democrats lined up in the House chamber Tuesday evening to sign a petition from Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, to force a vote. Three other Republicans also supported the maneuver, but Massie would need two more GOP lawmakers and every Democrat to be successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Massie, who is pressing for the bill alongside Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is able to force a vote which could take weeks the legislation would still need to pass the Senate and be signed into law by Trump. The clash suggests little has changed in Congress since late July, when Johnson sent lawmakers home early in hopes of cooling the political battle over the Epstein case. Members of both parties remain dissatisfied and are demanding more details on the years-old investigation into Epstein, the wealthy and well-connected financier whose 2019 death has sparked wide-ranging conspiracy theories and speculation. We continue to bring the pressure. Were not going to stop until we get justice for all of the survivors and the victims, Garcia told reporters. ___ Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Kevin Freking and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, Mike Sisak in New York and Meg Kinnard in Chapin, South Carolina, contributed. FLORIDA (WMBB) As Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to slash property taxes, a House select committee is expected to meet Sept. 22 and Sept. 23 to resume looking at the issue. The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is tentatively scheduled to meet during the afternoon of Sept. 22 and the morning of Sept. 23, according to a document posted on the House website. Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, established the select committee this spring, and it met twice in May. DeSantis wants lawmakers to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot aimed at cutting property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers likely will consider the issue during the 2026 legislative session, which will start in January. DeSantis and state Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia have launched audits of some local governments as they try to build support for cutting property taxes. Local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. The GOP-controlled House has released the first tranche of documents in its investigation into convicted sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein a move intended to quash the mounting calls for answers around why the Justice Department allowed Epstein to continue to prey on victims for decades. The trove of materials, however, is unlikely to satisfy those clamoring for more and new information about the case. This batch, subpoenaed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, contains almost exclusively information that has already been released publicly; Oversight Committee Democrats say that, based on their initial review of 33,000 files, only 3 percent of the documents contained new details. Many of the files appeared to be public court filings, including, for example, a 2021 motion from Epsteins co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell to dismiss the superseding indictment against her in federal court in New York. Among materials unveiled Tuesday evening, however, are some video clips, including one that appears to feature a young woman recounting her experience as one of Epstein's masseuses. Her image, and the image of the interviewer, are blurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These files were originally handed over to lawmakers last month, but Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Committee took more than a week to privately review them. The committees GOP majority said it was coordinating with the Justice Department to redact information that could compromise the victims or ongoing criminal matters. Its expected that the DOJ will continue to turn over information. Democrats claim that the only new information in the materials are the flight logs from Customs and Border Protection. The files show Epsteins travels to destinations such as Paris, New York, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. To the American people dont let this fool you, said Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, in a statement. House Republicans are trying to make a spectacle of releasing already-public documents. Pam Bondi has said the client list was on her desk. She could release it right now if she wanted to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein died by suicide in 2019, after the Justice Department had levied new sex trafficking charges against him. Maxwell, his co-conspirator, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the scheme. The Justice Department recently released a transcript of its July interview with her. The controversy surrounding Epstein ballooned in July when the Justice Department quietly released an unsigned memo that said there was no evidence that Epstein maintained an incriminating so-called client list or that he was murdered in his jail cell and that further information would not be forthcoming. The move triggered an uproar, as members of both parties accused President Donald Trump and his allies of reneging on their promise to bring transparency to the longstanding allegations against Epstein. Facing an online fury, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to ask the courts to release additional information in the Epstein case. But several judges ruled that the administration could not release grand jury materials. At the same time, House GOP leadership was fielding mounting calls from Republicans and Democrats to take action to compel the full release of the files a political quagmire that continues to plague Speaker Mike Johnson this week after the monthlong congressional recess. In what appeared to be a surprise move forced by Democrats on a House Oversight subcommittee, a majority of members on that subcommittee voted to subpoena the information right before leaving Washington for the August break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) issued the formal subpoena accordingly. Its not clear what additional troves of materials could include. The Oversight Committee has also issued a subpoena to Epsteins estate for more information and asked the Treasury Department for suspicious activity reports that could help with its investigation in the Epstein case. Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida who also served as Trumps Labor secretary during his first term, will sit with Congressional investigators Sept. 19. Acosta approved Epsteins 2008 plea deal that has been widely criticized as far too lenient. Isidoro Izzy Hernandez, right (at desk) presents to the interim Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee on Tuesday morning. (Screenshot courtesy NM Legislature) The head of the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority reported Tuesday that the authority has spent more than one-third of $166 million its received from lawmakers in recent legislative sessions. Isidoro Izzy Hernandez, the authoritys executive director, told a legislative oversight committee during a meeting that the authority has spent more than $54 million that lawmakers have awarded the agency since 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of that, about $29 million, has gone to provide down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers, according to Hernandezs presentation. Most of the rest of the funding, while not yet spent, is awarded, he said, which means it has been contractually committed to a program or recipient. The authority, which recently rebranded as Housing New Mexico, has been among the beneficiaries of a huge increase in state spending aimed at tackling the states affordable housing shortage. New Mexico lacks at least 32,000 affordable rental units, according to recent estimates. Homelessness and median rents have also increased at rates higher than the national average in recent years. Lawmakers in the 2024 session gave the authority a one-time, $50 million payment for its Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which pays for a range of programs including down-payment assistance, housing rehabilitation and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats on top of more than $100 million in recurring funding the authority received over the last three years in severance tax bonds, which come from oil and gas extraction. While the authority didnt receive any extra funding during the session earlier this year, lawmakers approved $140 million for housing and anti-homelessness initiatives for other agencies, overseen by a new Office of Housing. Lawmakers last week celebrated the release of $80 million of that allocation for a range of developments in Bernalillo County. While Hernandez and lawmakers lauded the huge increase in funding, they also noted it presented new challenges. Hernandez described the states overall approach to housing delivery as fractured, citing discrete funding streams coming from the federal Housing Department and the new funds awarded to the Office of Housing. The Office of Housing is yet another agency doing housing, which potentially complicates things, or at least creates some confusion, with where the money is coming from, and who has access to it, and how it gets underwritten, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NM Rep. Marian Matthews (D-Albuquerque) said the acute homelessness problem in New Mexico underscores the need for more collaboration and a statewide plan. This is such an important field, it just seems like there should be some coordination being sure that we werent duplicating, being sure we werent omitting important parts of the state in providing help with housing, she said. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) About 200 people gathered in Warren on Monday for a Workers Over Billionaires protest. People gathered at Courthouse Square holding signs with statements including Fight FASCISM, Good Trouble is My Civic Duty, BILIONAIRES WILL NEVER GIVE YOU A TAX CUT, and THIS DOES NOT LOOK LIKE GOVERNMENT TO ME. The protest was one of hundreds of demonstrations across the country focused on President Donald Trumps administration and the billionaires whom protestors believe are waging a war on working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally on Labor Day aims to celebrate workers and the power of the working class. What were trying to do is let the elected representatives know that were not happy with how theyre running things, how theyre passing laws and policies that dont help the working people they only help the rich, said protest organizer Gary Tuttle. Were here with like-minded people that feel we can do something, that somethings got to change, said protestor John Brallier. A similar rally also took place Monday morning in Grove City in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Hundreds of people turned out Tuesday for the funeral of former Ukrainian parliament speaker and prominent pro-Western politician Andriy Parubiy, who was gunned down in the street last weekend. Crowds gathered in sweltering heat outside St. Georges Cathedral in Lviv, a city some 500 kilometers (300 miles) west of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where Parubiy was fatally shot on Saturday. Parubiy's coffin was carried in a procession to Lvivs central square for a ceremony before he was buried at Lychakiv Cemetery, the resting place of many of the city's most renowned figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parubiy, 54, was a lawmaker from the Lviv region who participated in Ukraines Orange Revolution in 2004. He also led self-defense volunteer units during the Maidan protests of 2014, which forced pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych from office. He was the parliamentary speaker from 2016 to 2019. Investigators are seeking to establish a motive for the killing and are not ruling out Russian involvement, according to Andrii Niebytov, the deputy head of the National Police and chief of the Criminal Police. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said Monday the killing of Parubiy was not a random act but a carefully prepared operation. The victims movements were studied, a route was mapped out, and an escape plan was devised, Klymenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police on Sunday detained a suspect in Ukraines Khmelnytskyi region, more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The Lviv regional prosecutors office said Tuesday a court had ordered the suspect, identified only as a 52-year-old Lviv resident, be held for 60 days without bail while the investigation proceeds. Parubiy died on the spot after the suspect fired eight bullets at him, the prosecutors office said in a statement. Ukraines former military commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, called Parubiys death a loss for us all. His life is a reminder to all of us: independence rests not on speeches, but on those who are ready to give everything for it, Zaluzhnyi wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior government and regional figures attended the funeral. Parubiy is survived by his wife Ulyana and daughter Yaryna. ___ Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Ukraine contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Hundreds gathered Monday in Mill Creek Park on the east edge of the Country Club Plaza to protest what organizers called continued attacks on democracy, workers rights and freedom. Were here to resist in any way we can, said Timothy Desclos, of Kansas City, as he stood with his wife among an array of signs containing slogans such as Democracy Over Fascism, Fight Truth Decay, Stop the Mad Man and Respect the Voters. Whats going on is un-American. Hundreds of people attended a Labor Day rally put together by several labor unions and organizations, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City. The rally was organized by several groups and unions, including Stand Up KC, the Missouri Workers Center, Indivisible KC, SEIU Local 1, SEIU Healthcare, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition and 50501 Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were out here today to show our strength in numbers said Terrence Wise, a leader of the Missouri Workers Center and Stand Up KC. We are the people rising up Black, white, brown, north of the river, south of the river, east of Troost and west of Troost. We want our elected leaders to fight for our freedoms, not steal them away from us so they can line their pockets. Rob Philo of Kansas City holds a sign next to the Mill Street Park fountain during a Labor Day rally put together by several labor unions and organizations, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City. Fran Marion, a fast food worker and a leader with Stand Up KC and the Missouri Workers Center, told the crowd that House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, lied to all of us when Republicans voted in May to repeal Proposition A, an initiative petition approved last year that expanded access to paid sick leave for Missouri workers. Its anti-Democratic, and its anti-American, Marion said, adding that people need to confront the bullies from the statehouse to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When workers rights are under attack, Marion asked, What do we do? Stand up, fight back! came the loud response. Beverly Harvey, founder of Indivisible Kansas City, told those in attendance that today, we have terrorists in our government they want to destroy democracy. But today, we are all here to tell them, Hell, no! Did you hear that, Kehoe? Trump? Were not going away. Lois Belser of Kansas City holds a sign against gerrymandering during a Labor Day rally put together by several labor unions and organizations, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City. A major concern among the protesters was President Donald Trumps calls for Missouri lawmakers including Patterson, who represents the Kansas City suburbs most at risk in Missouri to redraw the states congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe ordered lawmakers to return to Jefferson City for a special session to gerrymander the states congressional map, an action spearheaded by the Trump administration that propels Missouri into a national redistricting battle. Kehoe also called on legislators to weaken the states initiative petition process that allows citizens to place measures on the ballot. The special session, aimed at maintaining the Republican Partys firm grip on Missouri politics, is to begin Wednesday at noon. The redistricting drive comes as Trumps political team has pressured Republican-led states to redraw their U.S. House maps so the GOP can maintain a majority in Congress. A copy of a proposed congressional map released Friday called the Missouri First Map appears to carve up the Democratic-leaning 5th District, which includes Kansas Citys urban core and nearby suburbs. That could effectively force U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, Kansas Citys longtime Democratic congressman, out of office. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-5) poses for a photo with supporters during a Labor Day rally put together by several labor unions and organizations, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Mill Street Park in Kansas City. Congressional districts are usually redrawn once every decade, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures. Under maps that lawmakers passed in 2022, Republicans control six of Missouris eight congressional districts, while Democrats control the 5th District in Kansas City and the 1st District in St. Louis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many signs at Mondays rally were critical of the gerrymandering effort. Among them: Fight Trumps Power Grab, Show Me Fair Maps Not Rigged Maps, Stop Rigging Elections and Thou Shalt Not Steal Applies to Congressional Seats. Cleaver attended the rally, greeting well-wishers and posing for pictures. I think its very important for the people in Washington to know that the people here are not in favor of whats going on, Cleaver said. And the worst thing about it, this was not done in Jefferson City. This was done in the White House. Steve Werner, of Kansas City, described the proposed redistricting map as crazy stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats their main goal to rig it to where Democrats dont have infuence commensurate with their size, he said. Gerrymandering is just one of many concerns he has about whats happening throughout the country, Werner said. Instead of getting to a stronger democracy, he said, it feels like our democracy is being destroyed. Chris Waechter, a retired iron worker who lives in the 5th District, carried a sign that said, No Redistricting In MO. No Gerrymandering in MO. My main concern is that we end up with a totally imbalanced legislature, Waechter said. And thats not acceptable. Its not fair and equitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fair representation has nothing to do with why they did this. Its just the opposite. He said, however, that with the GOP stronghold in the Missouri Legislature, a snowballs got a better chance in hell than for Kehoe to reverse this. How would it not pass? When youve got a bunch of trained lapdogs waiting to do their kings bidding, what else would you expect? Hundreds of people attended a Labor Day rally put together by several labor unions and organizations, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at Mill Street Park in Kansas City. Previous reporting by Kacen Bayless contributed to this article. Sep. 1More than 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Grandon Civic Center and Sterling's post office Monday, Sept. 1, joining thousands across the country in a coordinated "Workers over Billionaires" Labor Day protest aimed at highlighting labor struggles and income inequality. The Sterling demonstration was one of many held nationwide as part of a Labor Day push by unions and worker advocacy groups to draw attention to what they describe as deepening economic inequality and an erosion of worker protections. Many protestors in Sterling directed their criticism at President Donald Trump and his administration, blaming his policies for favoring corporations and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was organized by the Indivisible Sauk Valley group and union speech pathologist Alissa Kirchner. "We believe that as union members, we're stronger together," Kirchner said. "We feel that because we don't have money like the billionaires do, the one thing we do have is numbers and so, we are stronger when we work together." That sense of solidarity extended beyond those physically present. Indivisible's VJ Vaughn said the event was also meant to represent the many workers who could not attend. "There are countless individuals that are working: fast food employees, cashiers, law enforcement... that can't be out here and we're here to represent them as well," Vaughn said. "It's a good thing to be out here and support the rights of every person here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local attorney Janet Buttron said the influence of billionaires has fundamentally undermined the nation's democratic foundations. "Our country essentially has been taken over by billionaires. We're a constitutional republic of representative democracy, and that's not happening," Buttron said. "The people are being ignored while Big Money is running rampant and controlling our elections, and right now, we have a dictator in the office." Buttron pushed back against those who dismiss concerns about authoritarianism, pointing to what she described as a deliberate consolidation of power under Trump, including his withholding of nearly $2 billion in congressionally approved funds from Illinois. "That was congressionally appropriated money that Trump, without authority, has withheld from Illinois, and he's doing that in all the other blue states too," Buttron said. "He's ignoring Congress, and he's ignoring court orders... People in our courtrooms can't do that. They have to follow the court's orders but here's the president of the United States ignoring court orders." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She warned that these actions amounted to authoritarian behavior, citing Trump's use of the National Guard and what she described as a move toward a "militarized police state." "It sounds like something that would happen in other countries. I never thought I'd see it here in the United States, but it's happening," Buttron said. "Today's special focus is on workers over billionaires but it's the same thing, protecting the rights of the people." The Trump administration's recent visit to National Guard troops at Union Station stirred further outrage among protestors, especially after White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller reportedly dismissed concerns about the militarized presence, claiming only "elderly white people" objected to the show of force. Among the crowd were several political hopefuls and organizers gathering signatures for upcoming races, including Whiteside County Democratic Committee Chair Fidencio Hooper-Campos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's become a normalcy for us to protest now, and we've got them planned out until the end of the year," Hooper-Campos said. "Every couple of weeks, you'll be seeing us here at the park, and people are fired up." Nolan Kemp, a Democrat who recently announced his candidacy for Illinois's 74th House District, was also gathering signatures at the event. He said frustration with the direction of national politics is something he hears often from residents a feeling he shares. "That's one of the reasons I decided to step up," Kemp said. "I'm, of course, myself kind of unhappy with what's going on at the national level, especially with some of the values they're putting across the table. But as long as these people are going to be out here standing, I'm going to be standing right next to them. And I hope to instill some of the values and morals that these people out here today have when I get into office for the 74th District." Oliver Sweetser, a candidate for the 73rd House District, was also out collecting signatures. He said the protest's message aligned closely with his campaign's core values of labor rights, affordable housing, better transit, and taxing wealth to fund public services. "They recognize the injustice that is the rich getting richer and making sure that people like them have a harder life, just because it affords one more dollar that they can shovel into their mouths," Sweetser said. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES when its tempting to apply the principles of physics to politics, because it appears that the second law of thermodynamicsthats the one that explains that entropy tends to increase over timemay at last be catching up with Viktor Orban. Hungarys Christian conservative Disneyland, a shining beacon for Tucker Carlson, JD Vance, and others in the Trump administration, may be heading toward collapse. The catalyst for the crisis has been Peter Magyar, Orbans young and dynamic political opponent, whose energy and success appear to have helped to spark a social movement that could bring Orbanism to an end. Magyars political party, Tisza, now holds a steady lead over Orbans Fidesz in independent polls, somewhere between 5 and 10 percent. With elections likely in Hungary next April, Orban looks beatable. A large part of Magyars success derives from the fact that he has developed a serious ground game. Tisza has built a network of local community clubs or associations, called Tisza Islands, where civically minded people meet to share ideas about the condition of the country. In the meantime, Magyar keeps crisscrossing the country tirelessly, visiting even small villages in an effort to build support. According to Median, a research company with an excellent reputation, Tisza now leads Fidesz in all large and small cities throughout the countryeverywhere, in fact, except in villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confronted with a serious challenger, Orban, who has carefully cultivated his image as a political genius, cant stop making blunders. The thing to avoid, Napoleon once said, is not so much error as self-contradiction. It is especially by the latter that authority loses its force. Thanks to Magyar, the self-contradictions of Orbans regime are becoming ever more apparent. Share For example, in May, during Romanias presidential election, Orban delivered a speech in which he extolled the virtues of Christian nationalist politics. He ended his remarks with praise for George Simion, the far-right Romanian presidential candidate. Shortly afterwards, clips of Orban praising Simion were featured in paid political advertisements that appeared on social media in parts of Romania with a large Hungarian minority. Orban had effectively endorsed Simion. But Simiongood right-wing Romanian nationalist that he ishas a history of anti-Hungarian bombast. He has allegedly referred to the Hungarian minority in Romania as terrorists, and suggested Romanias borders should be redrawn to include parts of present day Hungary. He may also have been involved in desecrating a Hungarian cemetery. Leaders of the Hungarian minority in Romania, who are normally aligned with Orban, criticized his endorsement of Simion vehemently. Orban, the great Hungarian nationalist, looked like he was selling out Hungarians in Romania in hopes of gaining an autocratic ally in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Magyar immediately seized on the mistake. He announced that, to express solidarity with the Hungarian minority in Romania, he would take a million steps for peace and national unity by walking from Budapest to the Romanian city of Oradea (Nagyvarad), an important city in Hungarian history. The distance between the two cities is approximately 185 miles. The hike lasted two weeks, winding through small towns and the Hungarian countryside. As Magyar worked his way through the country, crowds would come out not only to see, but also to join him for part of the way. ANOTHER OF ORBANS BLUNDERS was to pass a law in March outlawing LGBTQ+ events, including the capitals annual Pride parade. Orban was drawing upon a well-worn playbook: He has used culture-war issues in the past to force the political opposition into adopting unpopular positions, and gay advocacy probably seemed like a perfect one for him to press into his young opponents hands. Peter Magyar was reluctant to address the issue and avoided taking a clear stance. But the law banning the parade violated democratic principles so blatantly that even without Magyars involvement it sparked protests throughout Hungary. Week after week, demonstrators in Budapest occupied bridges and major squares. On June 28, the day of the illegal Pride parade, hundreds of thousands of people marched through Budapest in defiance of the regime. Rather than deflecting attention away from problems with Orbans rulethe way a wedge issue ought to dothe Pride parade became a vehicle for channeling public anger against Orbans regime. That this enormous demonstration occurred despite being illegal made Orban look weak. And although Magyar himself did not play a role in the demonstrations, his rise and successes contributed to a growing sense in the country that Orban can be defeated, which undoubtedly emboldened people to take to the streets. Join now Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the mood in Hungary is palpably different than it was a year ago. Not only is everyone talking about Peter Magyar, but people are also more comfortable criticizing Orban in public (on trains and subways, for example). Public figures speak about the Orban regime instead of the Orban government, and talk openly about the need for a system change. The term mafia state, once used only by liberal intellectuals to describe Orbans manner of governing, has entered the mainstream. Shifts in public rhetoric like this suggest that Orbans Christian nationalist state is starting to struggle with legitimacy issues. In response, the rhetoric from the regime has also changed drastically. It has become more threatening, violent, and openly fascist. In a speech delivered on a major national holiday in March, Orban announced that, After todays holiday gatherings comes the big spring cleaning. The bedbugs (poloskak) survived the winter. Were going to eliminate the economic machinery which used corrupt dollars to buy politicians, judges, reporters, fake NGOs and political activists. Were going to eliminate the entire army hiding in the shadows. This Putin-like threat on the courts and civil society was disturbing enough, but Orbans use of the word poloskak caused even more outrage. Poloskak are a family of insects (including but not limited to bedbugs) that stink, bite, and suck blood. Critics allege that used this way the word has clear antisemitic connotations, hearkening back directly to the 1930s. That Hungarys prime minister used such language, and used it on a national holiday, was chilling. Orbans open embrace of fascist rhetoric has led many to doubt that he will willingly relinquish power. Prominent critics of the regime have argued that Hungarians need to start organizing civil resistance to prevent the country from converting to open Putinism. Autocratic systems are opaque by design, which makes discerning Orbans plans and intentions difficult. But even though one cant rule out a full authoritarian turn in Hungary, my own view is that the country will hold elections next spring and that Orban will accept electoral defeat if the results are clear. Blatantly disregarding election results would cost the regime far too much. It would almost certainly mean a suspension of Hungarys EU membership and the freezing of EU funds that Orban needs to keep his struggling country afloat. It would also create enormous domestic legitimacy problems likely to spark mass demonstrations, which in turn could require the repressive use of police force to control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Share The Bulwark Moreover, Orban still has a real chance to win next years elections, and all indications suggest that is his strategy. His use of fascist rhetoric is mostly intended to intimidate. He is testing the country, trying to size up where the opposition is strongest and boldest, and looking for ways to disarm the resistance and frighten the population into passivity. Still, as his impotent response to the defiant Pride parade suggests, Orban is unlikely to follow through on the worst of his threats. However, Orbans strategy also includes bringing government pressure to bear on leaders within the opposition. A recent example involves a constitutional law professor named Zoltan Fleck. Speaking at a Tisza Island event, Fleck was asked about a scenario in which Hungarys president (an Orban puppet) refused to recognize a Tisza electoral victory. Fleck replied that organized demonstrators would need to gather in public places to use promises, threats, and blackmail to force the president to accept the election result. Some weeks later, Hungarys president responded to Flecks remarks with a Facebook post in which he accused Fleck of inciting violence against Hungarys democratic order. The very same day, the paper Magyar Nemzet, a government mouthpiece, published an editorial referring to Fleck as a mentally ill, filthy crook, who calls himself a law professor, and demanded that the rotten bastard be fired immediately. Hungarys Putinesque Sovereignty Protection Office has filed a report accusing Fleck of breaking the law. As of this writing, Fleck retains his job, but the clear purpose of the orchestrated public campaign against him is to frighten public figures into silence, thereby depriving the opposition of leaders. IN SHORT, THINGS IN HUNGARY have gotten wild and ugly. The course of events leading up to next Aprils elections is impossible to predict. Broadly speaking, however, here are four possible scenarios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first is a clear Orban victory. Fidesz has a record of mobilizing its base and surging in the final weeks before an election. The electoral system is also heavily rigged in Orbans favor. He controls the public media, has far more money than the opposition, has gerrymandered the voting districts, and can change the electoral laws at the last minute to give him any additional advantage he needs. Hungarians also understand that removing Orban from power means regime change. Regime changes come with instability, and on election day, voters may choose the evil they know over the evils they dont. The second scenario is a contested election. Orban, one mustnt forget, can cheat. While large-scale electoral fraud is unlikely, cheating on the margins is not. Fidesz will certainly bribe and purchase votes in the poorer parts of the country, as they have allegedly done before. One can also imagine election officials tossing out batches of invalid ballots that favor the opposition in closely contested districts. Mail ballots arriving from Hungarians in Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine can be stuffed. Manipulations like these might be enough to push Fidesz over the top in a close election, or at least make the true result unclear. If the latter happens, Orban would likely refuse to step down. His regime would suffer from a growing legitimacy problem, and the political crisis in Hungary would deepen. The third scenario is a narrow Tisza victory, one in which Magyars party wins control of parliament but is denied the two-thirds supermajority it needs to govern effectively. The party-state system Orban has built would allow him, even in defeat, to retain control of virtually all public institutions other than the prime ministers office. The constitutional court, the office of the president, the public prosecutor, the ombudsman, and the fiscal council are all controlled by Orban loyalists. They would work to sabotage any decisions made by a new government, creating political and economic instability that Orban could use to mount a political comeback. The fourth scenario is a Tisza landslide that sweeps Magyar into parliament with a supermajority. A supermajority would allow Magyar to change the constitution, thereby removing Orbans cronies and dismantling the Orban system. Without the power of patronage, Fidesz would quickly shed its membership. Politicians in the top echelons as well as many oligarchs would leave the country in the hope of avoiding prosecution for corruption. Orbanism would collapse, and Hungary would enter a new phase in its post-Communist history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although this scenario seems less likely than the others, it should not be ruled out completely. If Magyar can maintain a commanding lead in the polls through to spring, voters may come to expect him to win. Hungarians understand the kind of regime theyre living in, and they know that without a supermajority, Magyar will have trouble governing. The same desire for stability that has worked in Orbans favor in the past might cause Hungarians to break for Magyar this time around, because they believe Magyar will need a two-thirds majority to govern effectively. Despite what his far-right American admirers believe, Orban is not popular in his own country. A lot of his staying power is just that: inertia, which has given rise to a feeling in Hungary that he is inevitable. Yet things in Hungary have started to move, creating political and social instability. Over the years, the Orbanization of Hungary has shown signs of entropic decline. Perhaps the time has come for something new to emerge out of the old. Share Correction (September 2, 2025, 1:25 p.m. EDT): When this article was originally published, the caption under the photo at the topa caption supplied by Getty Imagesmisstated the year of the Hungarian Revolution as 1948/49. September is Hunger Action Month, with Ozarks Food Harvest planning to help support children in need. Separate from National Hunger Awareness Month in June, this month focuses on encouraging people to take steps to help end hunger in their communities and across the United States. All proceeds from the Hunger Action Month campaign will go towards the Weekend Backpack Program, which provides a child with a bag of nutritious meals and snacks before they go home every weekend of the school year. Over 1,700 kids across Southwest Missouri depend on this program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Food Harvest will be holding events throughout the month and partnering with several local businesses, who will be running special promotions. Events 27th annual Hungerthon with iHeartRadio Springfield (September 5-8): Tune in to Alice 95.5, US97, 100.5 The Wolf and 105.9 KGBX to listen for match opportunities that will double your impact for the Weekend Backpack Program. You can also make a donation at ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate/Hungerthon. Hungerthon Day at McDonalds (September 8): Participating Springfield McDonalds will donate a portion of proceeds for every purchase made to the Weekend Backpack Program. Go Orange Auction (September 17-19): Participants can bid on silent auction items like experience packages, gift baskets, meals at local restaurants and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Empty Bowls Online (September 25 October 1): Participants can purchase bowls handcrafted by local artists with proceeds benefitting the Weekend Backpack Program. In-person purchases will also be available on October 2 at Panera Bread, 4100 S. Campbell Ave. in Springfield, from 3-7 p.m. The list of participating businesses can be found on the Ozarks Food Harvest Website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV) Its a main road to get to several homes and to one of the only public beach accesses on St. Helena Island, but its also being used for another recreational activity which has caused a little stir on safety in the area. Many residents and visitors have started noticing people lined up down Lands End Road on St. Helena. Theyve been spotted getting out of their vehicle with safety gear, guns and dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), its private land deer hunting season, and the lower end of the road is a private owned spot many hunters flock to. But several people have voiced concerns on social media, worried about their safety driving down the road. Many asked if hunters are allowed to shoot or present their gun from the highway, or if they can shoot across. Juston Gantt, SCDNR First Sergeant for Beaufort County, said in most cases, no. It would be unlawful for a person to hunt from a public road or railroad right away if the person does not have permission to hunt the land immediately adjacent to the public road or railroad right away, said Gantt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gantt said thats according to South Carolina Statute 50-11-760. The statute also outlines that there are exceptions if a property across from private land allows them to hunt adjacent to the private land. In this case, according to Gantt, the Lands End Road adjacent property does allow it. They can shoot across the road, like to the other side If they have permission from the property theyre standing on the and they have permission from the property on the other side, said Gantt. SCDNR holds several hunter safety courses throughout the year on the island to keep hunters informed of the public and surrounding properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gantt said most hunters in the area are aware but should still consider general safety. They always want to maintain situational awareness and make sure that the shot wouldnt endanger people or property like vehicles or anything like that, said Gantt. Gantt noted that private hunting land does not have to be marked or posted with warning signs to notify the public. Theres nothing against that they couldnt utilize some of that, but the law does not require you to have any of that signage or anything out on the property, or to be marked as far as this is a hunting property, said Gantt. He said if folks see hunters in bright orange gear, they should become extra aware and slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you were to come in approach, you see that theyre wearing their orange and stuff and you see that as a hunting, or like a sanctioned hunt thats taking place, just use caution as if it was to be like roadway construction, said Gantt. Just kind of slow down to be visual if theres a dog or someone that were to be running around or the dog may be trying to just be caught and may just be in a general area of the edge of the roadway. Gantt said they see these types of concerns every year, but they do monitor the areas frequently to make sure hunters are practicing safe hunting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) A Dominican national accused of multiple sexual abuse charges has been arrested by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, officials announced. Robert Reid Mendez Jimenez, who ICE says is in the United States illegally, remains in custody pending removal from the U.S. More Local News According to ICE, Mendez Jimenez was previously arrested by the New York City Police Department. Charges included sexual conduct with a child under the age of 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an ICE spokesperson, the NYPD refused to honor an ICE immigration detainer and released Mendez Jimenez. This case shows the real cost of ignoring ICE detainers: Violent offenders walk free, and public safety is put at risk, said ICE ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Ruben Perez. Im proud of our deportation officers, who tracked him down and took him into custody removing a dangerous predator from the streets within weeks of his release into the community. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark officers located and arrested him. Mendez Jimenez is reportedly subject to a final order of removal issued by a judge in July 2018. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. An illegal alien fugitive wanted for attempted murder in Venezuela was arrested in Plano by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The suspect, 31-year-old Raul Enriques Pargas, was wanted by Venezuelan authorities for a Russian Roulette-style attack on a woman in 2021, according to Fox 4. Venezuelan authorities said Pargas lured a woman to his workshop, beat her, and pointed a revolver at her while manipulating bullets before fleeing the country and entering the United States illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials said U.S. Border Patrol provided a tip that led to his arrest. This dangerous criminal alien allegedly beat, demeaned and tortured a young woman in some twisted version of Russian roulette and then fled to the United States when his attempt to murder her fell apart, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Acting Field Office Director Joshua Johnson said. Thanks to a tip from the U.S. Border Patrol, we were able to track him down and safely take him into custody so that he can be repatriated to Venezuela to face justice for his alleged crimes. Pargas is one of many illegal aliens with serious criminal backgrounds apprehended recently in Texas. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, ICE officers arrested 356 illegal aliens in Houston tied to more than 40 gangs. Those individuals had 1,685 criminal convictions, including arson and sexual assault of children. ICE said they crossed the border illegally 1,434 times. Critics of the Biden administrations border policies argue cases like Pargas highlight the risks of allowing illegal aliens with violent records to enter the country. Image credit: Wikimedia The federal government just gave the green light to military-grade phone hacking. ICE reactivated its $2 million contract with spyware vendor Paragon Solutions on August 30, nearly a year after the Biden administration paused the deal over human rights concerns. The timing feels deliberateburied in late summer when few people pay attention to federal procurement databases. The contract originally signed in September 2024 grants ICE access to Paragons Graphite spyware, software capable of bypassing encryption on WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger. Similar to NSO Groups infamous Pegasus spyware, but marketed with better public relations. Paragon has spent considerable effort positioning itself as the ethical alternative in commercial spyware, selling only to the U.S. and allied governments. Ethical Claims Meet Inconvenient Facts Companys targeting of journalists and activists undermines responsible use narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ethical positioning took a beating in early 2025 when Italian investigations revealed Paragons Graphite had targeted at least two journalists and several pro-immigration activists. The revelations forced Paragon to sever ties with the Italian governmenthardly the track record of a company committed to responsible surveillance. These tools were designed for dictatorships, not democracies built on liberty and protection of individual rights, warns John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab, according to TechCrunch. The growing pile of spyware scandals in democratic countries suggests the ethical spyware category might be an oxymoron. Ownership Shell Game Sidesteps Regulations U.S. acquisition creates regulatory workaround for foreign surveillance technology. AE Industrial Partners, a U.S. private equity firm, acquired Paragon in late 2024 for $500 million and merged it with Virginia-based REDLattice. The timing wasnt coincidentalforeign ownership likely complicated the contract under Executive Order 14093, which restricts government procurement of spyware linked to human rights risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ownership transfer appears to have satisfied whatever compliance concerns triggered the original stop work order. ICE, DHS, and Paragon havent responded to media inquiries about oversight mechanisms or deployment scope, leaving the public to guess how this technology will be used against migrants. Privacy rights now depend on agencies that wont explain their surveillance capabilities. The contract reactivation signals that regulatory red lines on commercial spyware are more flexible than the executive order suggested, especially when a vendor acquires the right passport. McALLEN, Texas (AP) President Donald Trump's administration has started requiring parents looking to reunite with their children who crossed into the U.S. alone to show up for interviews where immigration officers may question them, according to a policy memo obtained by The Associated Press. Legal advocacy groups say the shift has led to the arrest of some parents, while their children remain in U.S. custody. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not confirm that or answer questions about the July 9 directive, instead referring in a statement to the Biden administration's struggles to properly vet and monitor homes where children were placed. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is part of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department and which takes custody of children who cross the border without a parent or legal guardian, issued the directive. The agency said the goal is to ensure that sponsors usually a parent or guardian are properly vetted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo is among several steps the Trump administration has taken involving children who came to the U.S. alone. Over the Labor Day weekend it attempted to remove Guatemalan children who were living in shelters or with foster care families. The July 9 memo regarding sponsors, first reported by CNN, said they must now appear in person for identification verification. Previously, sponsors could submit identity documents online. The directive also says federal law enforcement agencies may be present to meet their own mission objectives, which may include interviewing sponsors. Neha Desai, managing director of human rights at the National Center for Youth Law, said the change provides U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a built-in opportunity to arrest parents something she said has already happened. Mary Miller Flowers, director of policy and legislative affairs for the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, said she knew of a case in which immigration officers arrested the father of a child under the age of 12 who had shown up for an identification check. "As a result, mom is terrified of coming forward. And so, this child is stuck, Miller Flowers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desai also said the interviews are unlikely to produce information authorities dont already have. Vetting already included home studies and background checks done by Office of Refugee Resettlement staff, not immigration enforcement. The Office of Refugee Resettlement said it communicates clearly and proactively with parents, telling them they may be interviewed by ICE or other law enforcement officials. It said parents can decline to be interviewed by ICE and that refusal won't influence decisions about whether their children will be released to them. The goal is to ensure that every child is released to a stable and safe environment and fully vetted sponsors by ensuring the potential sponsor is the same individual submitting supporting documentation, including valid ID, it said in a statement. However, Desai is aware of a situation in which a sponsor was not notified and only able to decline after pushing back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know of sponsors who are deeply, deeply fearful because of this interview, but some are still willing to go forward given their determination to get their children out of custody, she said. Trump administration points to Biden Tricia McLaughlin, a Homeland Security spokesperson, issued a statement that did not address any arrests or mention the specific changes. Instead, she said the department is looking to protect children who were released under President Joe Biden's administration. A federal watchdog report released last year addressed the Biden's administration struggles during an increase in migrant children arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2021. The Trump administration has dispatched Homeland Security and FBI agents to visit the children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another recent change allows ICE to interview children while they are at government-run shelters. That took effect July 2, according to a separate directive that the Office of Refugee Resettlement sent to shelters, also obtained by the AP. The agency said it provides legal counsel to children and that its staff does not participate in interviews with law enforcement. Child legal advocates say they get as little as one-hour notice of the interviews, and that the children often don't understand the purpose of the interview or are misled by officers. If we dont understand what the interview is for or where the information is going, are we really consenting to this process? said Miller Flowers, with the Young Center. Jennifer Podkul, chief of global policy at Kids in Need of Defense, said some officers lack language skills, trauma-informed interviewing techniques and knowledge of the reunification process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like its designed just to cast the net wider on immigration enforcement against adults, she said. String of policy changes adding hurdles to reunification process The July changes are among the steps the Trump administration has taken to ramp up vetting of parents seeking to reunite with children. The administration has required fingerprinting from sponsors and any adults living in the home where children are released. It has also required identification or proof of income that only those legally present in the U.S. could acquire, as well as introducing DNA testing and home visits by immigration officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children have been spending more time in government-run shelters under increased vetting. The average length of stay for those released was 171 days in July, down from a peak of 217 days in April but well above 37 days in January, when Trump took office. About 2,000 unaccompanied children were in government custody in July. Shaina Aber, an executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice analyzing child custody data, attributes the longer custody times to the policy changes. The agencys mission has been conflated and entangled, she added. It seems ORRs mission has been somewhat compromised in that they are now doing more on the immigration enforcement side, and theyre not an immigration enforcement entity. An Idaho task force is looking to change laws around child custody amid complaints from residents. (Getty Images) A task force of Idaho lawmakers is trying to zero in on potential legislative changes they could propose to address the complaints they receive about the states child custody and domestic relations system. Lawmakers will likely look to address how to handle imbalance in power and resources among parents who are challenging each other for custody of their children, and how to protect parents rights to see their children while balancing the safety of the child and keeping them out of potentially dangerous or abusive situations. The Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force met Thursday in Idaho Falls in a lengthy meeting with current and former judges, a trial administrator, a state health agency bureau chief, and three hours of public testimony regarding residents personal experiences with child custody battles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force members questioned family law experts on ways to improve financial inequality in cases, boost enforcement of court ordered custody plans, and appeal or provide oversight over judges making these decisions. Our purpose here is to consider the law, how its being applied and whether it should change, task force co-chair Rep. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, said at the beginning of Thursdays meeting. Nichols noted that legislators werent there to second guess the decisions of individual judges, although dismay at judicial decisions in these matters were at the center of much of the three hours of public testimony. The task force cannot write legislation but may present recommendations. Lawmakers question Idaho judges about mediation, attorneys fees The task force members heard from former Bonneville County magistrate judge Michelle Mallard, who retired and practiced family law before becoming a Bonneville County commissioner, as well as Bear Lake County Magistrate Judge Todd Garbett. Idaho state Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, walks away from the lectern after presenting a piece of legislation to the House State Affairs Committee on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, questioned Mallard about her use of mediation, a process for parents to develop a custody and parenting plan without going to trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats something that we are trying to also understand, because thats not something that everyone is using, Ehardt said, and we feel like its a tool that maybe can help both with time and with cost. Ehardt asked if judges could step in if it became clear one party in mediation was not working in good faith. Under the rules, mediators cannot tell the judges what is going on in mediation, Mallard responded. But if the mediation fails and the two people go to trial, the judge would be able to tell if one person wasnt cooperating fully, she said. Mallard said few of these cases go to trial, but many of the ones that do are very high conflict. She said family case outcomes are almost entirely by the motivation of their clients. I knew people who profess to want a quick resolution, and after a year of negotiation, it became clear to me they really only wanted revenge, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of mediation is widespread among courtrooms, Mallard said, but not required. If a case does go to trial, a lot of parents represent themselves because the cost of attorneys is high and sometimes the availability of family lawyers is low, Mallard said. When she was a judge, she would utilize an informal trial process, which follows a different set of rules and doesnt use the traditional question-and-answer model. Garbett, the Bear County judge, said about 5% of all Idaho child custody cases go to a trial and are decided by a judge. Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, works from the Senate floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, and Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, both of whom are attorneys, repeatedly asked about awarding attorneys fees to the parent who has less money or less access to legal resources; the Democrats suggested that perhaps the law could be re-written to strengthen a judges ability to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mallard said that can be done, but awarding attorneys fees happens at the end and can be a legal quagmire. The real problem is when youve got that imbalance, and youve also got this very Ignatius bully who doesnt care if they spend every last ounce of everyones resources to fight this, Mallard said. So you can have both a financial imbalance and an emotional imbalance, where some people, even if they have enough money, one party is just not going to fight and the other is. Judge doesnt see way to legislate our way out of fixing child custody disputes Committee co-Chair Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, said she kept getting comments from the public about parental rights being taken from one parent and given to the other and asked if that was happening in these trials. Garbett specified that termination of parental rights under the law is a rare and specific process, which can be directly and expeditiously appealed to the Idaho Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I suspect the way more people are using that is Ive lost some of my time with the child, or ability to make decisions for the child, and maybe that translates into them, Garbett said. Using those words, my rights have been taken, and those will be a case by case analysis, but I can assure you that as far as actual termination of parental rights, very rare. Sen. Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur dAlene, asked Garbett for suggestions as to how the Legislature could tighten up the code to get fewer complaints regarding decisions and to ensure the wellbeing of the children involved in the decisions. There is no way that I can think of that we could legislate our way into not hearing these kinds of stories, Garbett said. The problem that we have, is the most difficult case is when you have two parents that sincerely want to spend as much time as possible with their child or children, and theyre earnest and theyre honest. He said theres few decisions that parents are satisfied with in those cases because their time with their children is limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine only 18 Christmases with a child, and then, if its a contested case, you might get half, youre going to miss out on half of those Christmases, Garbett said. Thats a terrible thing for a parent to have to go through. Yet thats what magistrate judges are required to do when parents arent going to live together anymore or never have lived together in those maternity cases. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Public members present hours of grievances against judicial decisions in custody and domestic cases Thursdays meeting included about three hours of personal testimony regarding problems people have faced in domestic and child custody cases. The testimony often was emotional, detailing experiences such as those of parents with less money to fight for their childrens custody, other frustrated parents who didnt feel their judge considered the evidence they presented, and fathers who feel the system automatically favors mothers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One father said that in his case, he initially had 50/50 custody with his ex wife, but upon his remarriage and typical adolescent changes as his child turned 12 and 13, his custody plan was reduced. He suggested that Idaho adopt a standard 50/50 parenting plan, with room for changes on a case-by-case basis. Critics argue that 50/50 isnt always feasible, he said. Thats true, but a default standard doesnt mean one-size-fits-all, it simply means we start from equal footing and adjust when necessary. In my case, no evidence was presented to justify reducing my time. A default standard would have preserved our original agreement and prevented years of emotional strain on my child and our family. Danielle Hendricks, a sergeant detective in the Williston Police Department in North Dakota, spoke to a case she investigated of a father who had been accused of child abuse by his ex-wife and who was later killed in a Lewiston Rosauers parking lot as he was trying visit his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Mast was shot and killed in 2021 by his ex-father-law, who this month, alongside Masts ex-wife, was found criminally liable for Masts death, KLEW reported. Mast lived in North Dakota at the time, and Hendricks investigated the allegations of abuse against him. Mast was found clear of any wrongdoing, the detective said. I share this story not just to recount a singular tragedy, but to underscore the critical importance of recognizing the devastating impact that false reports can have, she said. As a dedicated Child Protection advocate, I believe we must take every allegation seriously, and any person who abuses a child should be held to the highest penalty. But with that being said, we must also ensure that our systems are not misused in any way that leads to irreversible harm to families of children. Multiple testifiers expressed support for requiring child abuse and domestic violence experts to be consulted during cases that involve allegations of those crimes. One woman said the judge in her case was not trained in noticing the signs of domestic violence, including coercive control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other suggestions included judicial oversight such as an ombudsman to investigate wrongdoing in a case and making it more difficult for custody or non-supervised visitation to be awarded to a parent who is a convicted sex offender. The task force is scheduled to meet again Sept. 30 in Nampa. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A federal judge on Tuesday urged a group of around a dozen lawyers circled up in a corner of the Boston courtroom to consider a settlement over cuts to National Institutes of Health research grants. This is the ideal time to settle this case, Judge William Young told the attorneys after stepping off his bench. The discussion of a potential settlement comes after the Supreme Court ruled that Young didnt have jurisdiction to restore hundreds of grants from the NIH. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young continued by stating that they have a big incentive to try to settle, to lock that in and told a Trump administration lawyer, Samuel Hobbs, not to tease the lawyers on the opposing side. No offer had been discussed prior to Youngs proposal, Hobbs said during the conversation. Young proposed a 15-minute recess to discuss a potential settlement could be reached. Hobbs said he wasnt especially optimistic that it is worthwhile. The 15-minute recess turned into around 45 minutes, where the attorneys met in the hallway of the court building, once again circling up in a sea of suits. They determined that more time was needed so that the lawyers could determine whether an agreement was possible a deal specifically focused on whether NIH grant applications may proceed, according to Olga Akselrod, senior counsel in ACLUs Racial Justice Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was adjourned until Thursday at 10 a.m., according to Akselrod. If a settlement cant be reached, it will proceed to trial, which is set for September 15, she said. Youngs discussion of a settlement came after he apologized that morning in court to the Supreme Court, stating that he didnt intend to defy its precedential action. Young and the lawyers representing the Trump administration declined to comment about a potential settlement. Hobbs for the Trump administration said he was declining to comment as part of Department of Justice policy. Young declined to comment through a spokesperson due to the matter being an ongoing court case. What happened between Young and the Supreme Court? In June, Young ordered that the National Institutes of Healths directives were unlawful. Those grants were cut over disfavored topics and populations, including diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also ordered the Trump administration to restore hundreds of grants from NIH, which amounted to $783 million worth of grants. Ive sat on this bench now for 40 years. Ive never seen government racial discrimination like this, Young said at the time. In August, the Supreme Court partly stayed the district courts judgment. While the Supreme Court didnt invalidate Youngs judgment on the guidance, it determined that Young lacked the jurisdiction to restore the grants. The Supreme Court ruled that court cases like these should be put in the Court of Federal Claims but the guidance issue must make it all the way through the courts before individual grant cancellations can be disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, legally, future grants cant be terminated along Trumps guidance due to ties to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming. However, the grants that Young ordered to be restored are now in limbo neither terminated nor active. Who is behind the lawsuit? There were two court cases that were heard jointly on Tuesday. One, which was filed in April, was filed by individual researchers; the American Public Health Association; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and Ibis Reproductive Health. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Massachusetts, Protect Democracy and the Center for Science in the Public Interest. An associate professor at Harvard Medical School, Brittany Charlton, is one of those suing. Her funding to study the mental health of young LGBTQ people was cut, affecting a team of 18 researchers and causing students to fear for their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other case was filed by Massachusetts and a group of over a dozen Democratic states, similarly stating that the cuts to research grants were illegal. At the same time, Harvard University is anxiously waiting for a decision from a different federal judge over its lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to restore canceled government funding for the university. The recent Supreme Court decision might change the trajectory of the lawsuit. Jodie Ferise, partner at higher education law practice at Church Church Hittle and Antrim law firm, said the result could have consequences across higher education, which has been in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard has been carrying higher ed on its back. Harvards been graciously serving as this torchbearer while other institutions have capitulated. But I think much of that was because on the horizon was winning on the merits. And now, I would imagine it does bring additional weight to bear, Ferise said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. The IDF's probe into the events of October 7, 2023, highlighted both key triumphs and failures in the battles near Yiftah Camp, Erez regional command post, and Zikim, preventing Hamas infiltration. The IDF found that the quick arrival and determined fighting on October 7, 2023, of soldiers in the border patrol area near Zikim prevented Hamas terrorist infiltrators from capturing the nearby Yiftah Camp, but also exposed major flaws in defense readiness and response, a military probe published on Tuesday revealed. The probe also noted that the arrival of additional combat personnel and senior commanders to the area helped prevent further infiltration north of the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine IDF soldiers fell in combat in the terror attack on Yiftah Camp. The 77th Battalion was deployed in the area from 5:30 a.m. Hamas terrorists launched a full-scale attack at 6:29 a.m., including rocket launches and infiltrations via paragliders, vehicles, and on foot. The sector to the north of the Gaza Strip, where Yiftah Camp is located, came under a well-organized attack in which the battalion was heavily outnumbered. An Israeli tank manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS) Key conclusions and lessons from the investigation into the battle of Yiftah Camp The IDF found that the Hamas terrorists, despite preparing for years to capture Yiftah Camp during an infiltration, ultimately failed to do so. This was attributed to the IDF personnel in the sector being able to thwart their terror plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This included the quick arrival of standby soldiers who, along with others, were able to stop the terrorists from infiltrating deeper and to prevent greater damage, the investigation found. While terrorists successfully infiltrated Yiftah Camp, they quickly decided to retreat into the Gaza Strip on a stolen military vehicle, the probe said. The investigation noted that while combat procedures in Yiftah Camp were conducted properly, the IDF needs to reevaluate the camps defense infrastructure and protocols, including positioning a permanent combat force near the battalion commanders headquarters, which would allow for a better and more effective defense. The probe also found that assigning a non-combat soldier as a guard at the border patrol post compromised the armys initial response ability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several IDF Combat Engineering Vehicle Operators were taking cover during the attack, the probe noted, adding that their absence during the fighting in the border patrol area compromised the armys defensive abilities against an attack of such magnitude, failing to meet the IDFs standards for a professional and ethical soldier. The return of the battalions ambulances to the camp at the start of the attack compromised medical flexibility, the probe said. Furthermore, the ambulances failure to return to the camp after making the correct decision to evacuate a soldier to the hospital affected the medical response within the camp during and after the evacuation. During the ambulances absence, a civilian played a key role in evacuating wounded and fallen soldiers, receiving praise from the militarys investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers were prompt in arriving at the area, operating tanks, and deploying to fight. This included the mobilization of soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade, Oketz canine soldiers, and Maglan commandos, who aided in restoring operational control, preventing further terror infiltration, and stopping the terrorists from succeeding in their goals. While the attack was ongoing, soldiers at the battalion headquarters acted admirably under fire, the probe noted. Their activities amid the attack included observers continuing their task of directing forces efficiently and professionally toward fleeing terrorists; the situation room functioning in managing the sector; and soldiers from the situation room assisting in treating and evacuating casualties. IDF investigation into battle at Erez regional command post The military also released the results of the battle at the Erez regional command post and the Zikim firing range. The investigation found that the reconnaissance unit, tank crew, squad commander, and additional soldiers played a decisive role in disrupting the original plan of the terrorists, delaying them from infiltrating deeper and preventing further damage. During these battles, four soldiers were murdered and 15 terrorists were killed. Two of the terrorists were killed while infiltrating the regional command post, three were killed as they embarked from a boat, and 10 were killed while fighting in the Zikim firing range area. Key conclusions and lessons from the investigation into the battle of Erez regional command post, Zikim firing range The investigation noted that the reconnaissance units swift actions and decision to quickly reach the barrier, which prevented terrorists from tunneling under the border fence, and firing at terrorists trying to breach it, were a key part in stopping the attack from this route, and significantly impacted the terrorists plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mobilization of the reconnaissance unit toward Zikim Beach following reports of the infiltration by sea, as well as determined fighting at Zikim firing range, caused several terrorist casualties, thereby delaying them and significantly affecting the outcome of battles, the investigation noted. The tank crews rapid positioning and firing of shells at the terrorists, without orders, halted the attack along the infiltration path and disrupted their plans, the probe found. The decision of St.-Sgt. Ofir Zioni to accompany another soldier to fight at Zikim Beach and engage with terrorists significantly helped establish the situational picture in the area and prepare the base for the terrorists infiltration attempts. Zioni was ultimately killed in combat during the fighting. The presence of the deputy platoon commander at the 5:30 a.m. patrol impacted response time and force readiness, as the command headquarters was understaffed and lacked a scout at the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The platoons forces were concentrated in two areas, with the probe noting that distributing soldiers to other areas would have assisted in quicker response times and an improved defense capability. The investigation found that there was no understanding among soldiers that a rocket and mortar barrage, as seen on October 7, was an indicator of an impending raid; therefore, no appropriate preparatory actions were taken, such as reinforcing positions to prevent infiltration. Soldiers at the Erez regional command post and in other parts of the sector entering a protected area during the rocket and mortar barrages negatively impacted the response time to raids, as well as any observational response, the military found. Observation posts must be protected from incoming fire, including platoon headquarters, to allow soldiers to remain in a secure location while defending their positions without risking exposure, the investigation recommended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation also noted that the placing of a reserve platoon at the Erez border crossing meant that the 77th Battalion did not have a ready reserve force and was, therefore, limited in its ability to influence the battle. The investigation also praised several soldiers for their actions, who followed correct operational behavior. As Gaza City becomes the focal point of the conflict, the IDF ramps up logistics, training, and support systems ahead of a major ground offensive. The IDF is advancing preparations for a large-scale mobilization of reservists and an expected expansion of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, including a renewed push into Gaza City, the military announced on Tuesday. Troops are expected to receive full tactical gear, personal equipment, and weapons tailored to the missions they will be assigned. Concurrently, units have been undergoing extensive training in both urban and open-terrain combat to sharpen their operational readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To support the buildup, the Technological and Logistics Directorate has set up air-conditioned staging areas with access to water, electricity, showers, and toilets. The IDF stated that the infrastructure is designed to provide soldiers with suitable living conditions throughout their deployment period. At the same time, maintenance and technology teams from Southern Command are operating at forward positions to carry out complex field repairs on armored vehicles, often while under fire. The Manpower Directorate has expanded its support services for reservists and their families, providing personalized assistance and ongoing logistical support. The military emphasized that it remains committed to fair service conditions and a balanced distribution of responsibilities across units. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir visits troops in Gaza, planning for Gaza City invasion, August 21, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Additionally, at least 40,000 IDF reservists reported for duty ahead of the expected invasion, according to numbers from media reports. Gaza City on the brink The upcoming operation in Gaza City is considered a critical step in dismantling Hamass military infrastructure. The city is viewed as the organizations last significant stronghold and command hub within the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already approved the IDFs plan to capture Gaza City and simultaneously authorized renewed hostage negotiations. Officials say the objective is to conclude the conflict in accordance with the principles established by the security cabinet. Notably, Netanyahu has told both the security cabinet and defense officials that a partial hostage deal is off the table and that he is only interested in comprehensive deals that would end the war on Israels terms. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said last week that the army would continue until both of its stated missions are achieved: the return of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. He added that the military is operating with determination and clear direction. Over the past several days, Israeli forces have targeted Hamas infrastructure across the enclave in what is widely seen as preparation for a ground assault. At the same time, humanitarian access to Gaza City is being curtailed. Airdrops of aid are expected to end, and civilian evacuations toward the south have been encouraged by the IDF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As many as 800,000 civilians may be affected by the planned offensive. Israel has said it will continue to take steps to limit harm to noncombatants, but foreign criticism has mounted. A joint statement by the foreign ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain condemned the plan and specifically rejected the idea of a lasting Israeli presence in Gaza City. Amichai Stein and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW Elias Morgan was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murder of Lenny Scott Scott was a former prison guard who discovered a cellphone in Morgan's cell when he was a prisoner in 2020. The cellphone revealed an affair Morgan was having with another jailhouse officer Morgan warned Scott he'd "bide" his time and seek revenge, shooting and killing him four years later A former British inmate has been sentenced to 45 years back behind bars after he was convicted last month of killing an ex-prison guard who exposed the illicit affair he was having with another officer in 2020. Elias Morgan, 35, had plotted his revenge for years, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan shot and killed Lenny Scott, who was a jailhouse guard while Morgan was previously behind bars and had exposed the affair Morgan was having with a female guard after discovering a secret cellphone in his cell during a search, according to prosecutors with the CPS. Prosecutors said during Morgans trial that he was driven by revenge and waited four years to carry out Scotts killing outside of his gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. Morgan initially tried to bribe Scott with 1,500 euros to not turn in the cell phone that he discovered inside his cell back in 2020. However, after Scott refused the bribe, Morgan began to threaten him and warned the prison guard that he would bide his time, but that he would get him, prosecutors alleged. Morgan stalked Scott at his home, at his former gym, and then at his new gym, where he eventually carried out the shooting on Feb. 8, 2024. Morgan shot Scott, a father of three, six times point blank in the head, prosecutors said. He turned himself in three weeks later on Feb. 22, 2024, and later pleaded not guilty to Scotts murder. He was convicted, however, on Aug. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan driven by revenge and believing he was above the law carried out a cold-blooded murder, said Wendy Logan, the Deputy Head of CPS North Wests Complex Casework Unit. We were determined to deliver justice and see Morgan brought to book for his evil crime and our case set out in clear terms how he planned and carried out his callous act. Lancashire Police/Facebook Lenny Scott Lenny Scott The BBC reported that local police described the murder in grave terms, saying Scott was assassinated by Morgan, who was described as a cold-blooded executioner. Sky News published security camera footage from the shooting, showing the moment Morgan walked out from behind a car and up to Scott before raising a gun to his head. Morgan had been out of prison on bail at the time of the shooting, according to the outlet. Scotts mother Paula Scott read an emotional impact statement in court Tuesday, Sept. 2, before Morgan was sentenced. My son was everything you are not, she told Morgan. He was strong, brave, honest, respectful. He lost his life for standing up for what was right. You are a vile, inhuman, coward. Paula said she will forever be proud of her late son before describing the impact his murder has had on the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Morgan has no regard for the impact of his actions, the victims mother said. He not only has stolen Lenny's future, but he has stolen our future with him. Lenny now won't achieve all the things he was working towards, all the plans he had with his children, his chance to see them grow and flourish, that has been taken away from us all. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW A 3-year-old boy in Illinois was critically injured after he was run over by an "industrial-style lawnmower" on Saturday, Aug. 30. The boy suffered a "serious lower extremity injury," according to the Cary Fire Protection District An initial investigation determined the incident was a "tragic accident," per CBS News Chicago, citing authorities A 3-year-old boy in Illinois was critically injured after he was run over by an "industrial-style lawnmower" on Saturday, Aug. 30, according to local police. Around 12:40 p.m. local time, the Cary Fire Protection District responded to the 28700 block of West Kristy Lane for a reported "traumatic injury involving a child," according to a press release from the department shared with PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is there that paramedics determined the boy had been "run over by an industrial-style lawnmower," resulting in a "serious lower extremity injury," per the press release. Before first responders arrived, a neighbor had applied a makeshift tourniquet to help control the bleeding. Once on the scene, paramedics immediately continued lifesaving efforts before loading the boy into an awaiting ambulance, CBS News Chicago reported. courtesy of the Cary Fire Protection District Firemen and EMTs at the scene of the incident Firemen and EMTs at the scene of the incident The ambulances transported him to a local hospital's helipad before he was airlifted by a medical helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition, the press release explains. As of Sunday, Aug. 31, he remained hospitalized at an unspecified ICU in Chicago, where doctors stabilized him, said the Lake County Sheriff's Office, per CBS News Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial investigation showed that the incident was a "tragic accident," the outlet reported, citing the sheriff's office. It is believed that the boy was riding the lawnmower with his father, deputy chief with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Christopher Covelli, said, according to The Daily Herald. Covelli also told Patch that it "appears the mower requires operators to be in a standing position." "We believe the child was initially in front of the operator. The operator of the mower began to reverse, and the child either fell off or jumped off. Unfortunately, the mower deck rolled over one of the childs legs, causing major injuries," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained to The Daily Herald that the incident "serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of lawnmowers and children and the fact that a child should never be riding on a lawnmower when it's operational." 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. PEOPLE reached out to the Lake County Sheriff's Office for comment. Read the original article on People Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) accused President Trump of trying to manufacture a crisis to justify an anticrime takeover and anticipated immigration crackdown in Chicago, similar to what Trump has spearheaded in the nations capital in recent weeks. This is not about public safety, and this is not about making our residents safer, Stratton said during an appearance on CNNs News Central on Tuesday. What Donald Trump wants to happen is he wants to manufacture a crisis. He wants to inflame tensions, and he wants to make sure that he can cause some sort of crisis so that he can say that hes coming to the rescue, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House called the comments from Stratton and other state and local leaders about the presidents motives despicable. It is despicable that state and local leaders in Illinois would rather let crime continue to plague their cities than partner with President Trump to make their communities safe again, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to The Hill on Tuesday. As the countrys homicide capital for 13 consecutive years, Chicago clearly has an out-of-control crime problem that has jeopardized the safety of law-abiding Americans for far too long. This is why the Democrats continue to be so unpopular they refuse to adopt commonsense policies that Americans support, she added. Stratton said she didnt think that the level of collaboration was adequate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres been no direct communication with the governor theres been no coordination, not just with our administration, but with local law enforcement and so, if this really is about what do we need to do to promote public safety and create safer communities, why would there not be coordination with our administration? Stratton told CNNs Kate Bolduan on Tuesday. She continued, Why would we not work with local law enforcement thats already on the ground and has relationships with our communities across the state and across the city? So, this is not about public safety; its not about coordination, the lieutenant governor added. Trump declared a public safety emergency and deployed soldiers to Washington, D.C., last month. He has repeatedly signaled in recent weeks that Chicago, which has struggled with gun violence, could be next, and he posted about crime in the Windy City multiple times on Truth Social on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratton and local leaders acknowledged this week that they expect a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago. Trump has been in an ongoing feud with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) over the White Houses threats to escalate federal intervention in the city. Seven people were killed in Chicago and 54 reportedly injured across at least 34 separate shootings during the Labor Day weekend, according to police data. At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar, Trump wrote in one of the Tuesday morning posts misstating the number of fatalities by one. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!, he wrote in a follow-up post. Stratton announced in April that shes running for an open U.S. Senate seat next fall that Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is vacating after nearly three decades in the post. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DOJ sues over financial support for illegal aliens The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois filed a complaint in federal court against the state of Illinois for policies directing financial support for illegal aliens that are not provided to non-resident U.S. citizens. The suit claims that federal law prohibits states from granting postsecondary education benefits to noncitizen migrants unless the state provides equivalent benefits to all U.S. citizens, regardless of residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State opposes proposed labor rule change The Illinois Department of Labor is opposing a proposed rule change from the U.S. Department of Labor that could impact some home health care workers. The proposed rule seeks to return to 1974 regulations regarding the definition of companionship services, saying 2013 rules make the services more expensive. Illinois joined officials from 17 other states and the District of Columbia in expressing their opposition. Cook County Naloxone campaign Cook County officials are encouraging residents to obtain medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. The Get Naloxone campaign includes taxpayer-funded medication for free at various community sites. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and public health officials plan to launch the campaign Wednesday afternoon. Eight dead after weekend violence Chicago Police say more than 55 people were shot, at least eight fatally, in the city over Labor Day weekend. The reports come after Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday, demanding that President Donald Trump stand down from his threat to deploy National Guard personnel to Chicago. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has scheduled an event Tuesday afternoon to discuss the potential deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican national's extradition sought U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says federal agencies are working to coordinate the extradition of a Mexican national charged with killing 24-year-old Emma Schafer in Springfield. Gabriel P. Calixto was captured by Mexican authorities last Thursday. Noem said Calixto had been evading justice for two years after he allegedly stabbed Schafer to death in July 2023. Dabrowski expected to announce bid for governor soon Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski is planning to run for governor. The organizations founder, Mark Glennon, released the news that Dabrowski was stepping down his position and would officially announce his gubernatorial run soon. Glennon said Wirepoints research director John Klingner was also leaving to join Dabrowskis campaign. While many teens spent their summers catching up on much needed sleep and shedding their scholarly responsibilities, I spent mine as a summer apprentice with the Detroit Free Press. For four weeks, I attended seminars led by top journalists, arranged interviews and chased down sources for my stories. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and a summer well spent. The Detroit Free Press Summer Apprentice Program has given high school students interested in journalism the opportunity to gain newsroom experience for more than 30 years. This year, six students joined the Free Press newsroom for four weeks. Julia Roeder, 17, of Grosse Pointe Park, left, poses for a portrait along with Detroit Free Press 2025 High School Apprentices, Peyton Robinson, 16, of West Bloomfield, back, Ava Nightingale, 18, of Shelby Township, front, Alexia Stephenson, 18, of Detroit, Lara Terpstra, 18, of Commerce Township, and Ari Saperstein, 18, of West Bloomfield in Detroit on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Support the 2026 Free Press High School Apprentices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I worked in one of my dream jobs, I wondered whether other teens and young adults knew how to find jobs within their dream careers as well. I had the pleasure of finding three different summer job programs across metro Detroit that strive to provide young adults with valuable work experience while also setting up their students to have long, successful careers in whatever fields they choose to enter. 2025 Detroit Free Press Apprentice Peyton Robinson Building connections to history Nevaeh Ramon never took the same route twice to her office inside the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Each path offered a fresh view presidential limousines gleam under spotlights and alongside artifacts steeped in history but she always lingered longest at her favorite exhibit, "With Liberty and Justice for All." Ramon, 23, got to enjoy the view thanks to the Ford Equity Initiative Internship. "The great thing about working here is that I am meeting so many people," Ramon, a Michigan State University graduate student majoring in arts, cultural management and museum studies, said earlier this summer. "That's why I love internships because your bosses are so dedicated to making sure you create connections with people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ford Equity Initiative Internship is open to college students enrolled in two- or four-year degree programs with at least a 3.0 grade point average. The internship, created in 2019, was designed to give students access to programs in more than 20 of the museum's departments. Interns are paid and work between 10 to 15 weeks with opportunities to attend workshops and seminars that teach topics like email etiquette, how to create elevator pitches and other social skills. "We set them up to become the next mentors, the next leaders and then they can eventually inspire and train the next leaders after that," said Alberto Acosta, intern specialist and leader of the Henry Ford Equity Initiative Internship. "What they do in their departments and in the program, changes what we do overall at the Henry Ford." Ramon interned in the community engagement department, working with curators from museums across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've created actual worksheets for the museum from scratch, and I've created programming for the museum," Ramon said. "The Ford Foundation is dedicated to giving you serious experiences." Gary Tubbs, 25, of Detroit, poses for a portrait with fellow Ford Foundation equity initiative interns Carmen Dudley, 21, of Gibraltar; Gerliz Herrera, 23, of Detroit; Celia Kuch, 23, of Parchment, and Addison Tracy, 22, of Woodhaven, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Addison Tracy, who studies history and sociology at Wayne State University, worked in the museum programs department spending time with guests and shaping their experience. "You get to connect with the guests and talk with them," said Tracy, 22. "I really enjoy that because I want to connect the academic side of the museum with the public, to inspire other kids to be curious about history." The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship and programs like it help young adults learn real-world skills and gain experience before entering the workforce. Hands-on training in construction Sachse Construction provides Detroit High School students experience with trades in the construction industry. The Sachse Construction Academy launched in 2016 and partners with the Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan's Journey to Jobs program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The academy has helped more than 5,500 Detroit high school students explore careers in the construction industry. It hosts two main events with more than 500 students, allowing them to work hands-on with more than 150 tradespeople in Michigan. "The goal of the construction academy is to remove barriers and open doors for every student we reach," said Jill Brack, vice president of engagement at Sachse Construction. The academy teaches students about specific careers in the construction industry including electrial, plumbing and masonry. "These are not passive demonstrations, they're hands-on, and students are using tools, working with materials and asking real-world questions," Brack said. "The goal is to give them a full view of what the construction industry has to offer and help them identify what aligns best with their interest and skills." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sachse also offers internships for college students and opportunities for graduate students. Job experience to find the right career More than 200 students across the state participate in the Michigan Works! Summer Employment Program, that was founded 30 years ago to connect youths, ages 16-24, with a variety of paid job experiences and valuable career insight. "Our goal is to place students in a work experience opportunity and cover the cost of wages, so that its a real learning opportunity for them, especially if they've not been able to obtain employment independently," said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works! agency and manager of Workforce Development for Oakland County. This year, in partnership with Michigan Works!, nine Pontiac students joined the Consumers Energy Summer Youth Academy for six weeks to learn about energy as well as workplace responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This internship not only prepares a young individual to do well in an energy career, but because of the soft skills and employability skills piece to it, it actually prepares them to do better in any career they choose to go into," said Johnathan Tessmer, a career navigator with Goodwill. Programs like these give students the ability to pursue their passions and learn more about careers that interest them, which is 16-year-old Karina Monter's goal. "I wanted to learn more about the electrical field because I had an interest in electrical engineering and I wanted to gain experience in that field," said Montero, of Pontiac. Peyton Robinson, a rising senior at Mercy High School, is a 2025 Detroit Free Press summer apprentice. Support the 2026 Free Press Apprentices Are you interested in supporting the Free Press' Summer High School Journalism Program? To make a tax-deductible contribution, contact Jewel Gopwani-Myers at jgopwani@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit internships, apprenticeships help youth discover careers In pics: comprehensive elderly care center in China's Chengdu Xinhua) 09:05, September 02, 2025 This photo taken on Sept. 1, 2025 shows a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A senior resident learns about daycare service under the guidance of a staff member at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A doctor conducts medical examination for a senior resident (R) at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) Senior residents watch television at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A senior resident arrives in wheelchair at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A staff member (C) talks to senior residents in front of a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A staff member (C) takes care of senior residents at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) Senior residents play Chinese checkers at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) Senior residents learn about cognitive health at a comprehensive elderly care center in Yingmenkou subdistrict of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 1, 2025. The comprehensive elderly care center covers an area of 1,400 square meters and serves multiple residential communities. Supported by the government and run by enterprise management with social participation, this community-based elderly care complex offers full-time care, daycare, rehabilitation therapies, and professional nursing services. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Well, it's been nine months since the last US election. So time to get the next election underway. Here is the latest campaign video by one of three declared GOP candidates for Texas-31: Valentina Gomez, who is running for Congress in Texas, declares war on Islam and Muslims by burning the Quran and says Islam must be stopped "once and for all." pic.twitter.com/wqI65qriD3 Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) August 25, 2025 Miss Gomez's last big viral video showed her shooting a hooded man strapped to a chair in the back of the head. Free-speech champion Elon Musk has disappeared the tweet, so I can't link to it, and I forget whether it was a real man or merely a tailor's dummy. But, if the former, one assumes it was some squishpants RINO committeeman from party HQ - or possibly a multiculti S&M fetishist for whom being tied up and abused by a Latina hottie is more of a turn-on than droning "Diversity is our strength!" with the glassy-eyed women d'un certain age at the NPR quilting bee. Enjoy the latest video while you can. It's already being suppressed by Twitter, and the more temperate infidels have condescendingly dismissed it: This is ill advised. That's all very magisterial of you, but the trouble is none of the well-advised stuff has worked. I don't mean just that the same people who, in the wake of the latest Executive Order, are gung-ho about the right to burn an American flag but generally go all sotto voce about the right to burn a Koran. That's fine and dandy if life is a late-night philosophical discussion in your dorm room, but in most of the west we are way beyond that now. It's an existential question: Do you want your society to die before mid-century? We are witnessing throughout the west the Ulsterisation of politics. One sees this not only in England's very Irish-style flag wars of recent weeks, in which the same authorities that are happy to ram the approved banners of Palestine and LGBTQWERTY down your throat suddenly draw the line at St George's Cross and dispatch their (strikingly non-Anglo-Celtic) minions to remove it. But Ulsterisation is also visible in, to channel Yeats, the non-holding of the centre. Tony Blair's "Good Friday Agreement", supported by all members of the well-advised class, delivered Nobel Peace Prizes to Northern Ireland's well-advised loyalist, David Trimble, and well-advised nationalist, John Hume. They flew off to Oslo to collect their gongs, and returned to find their respective parties were on an express chute down the toilet of history and that the ill-advised masses now preferred Ian Paisley's DUP and Gerry Adams' Sinn Fein. Since then, the same phenomenon has been observed across western Europe - in France, say, where the well-advised Republicains and well-advised Socialistes have haemorrhaged voters to the ill-advised Mme Le Pen and M Melenchon; likewise in Germany, vis-a-vis the well-advised CDU and SPD and the ill-advised AfD and Greens. My own preferred term for the well-advised class was "the lunatic mainstream" - and, as I wrote twenty-one sodding years ago, subsequent developments have been entirely predictable. . America, because of its institutionally frozen two-party system, is different, but only to a degree. It is, somewhat incredibly, a decade this summer since I mused on the ill-advised masses eschewing the well-advised Jeb and Hillary for Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. The response of the "lunatic mainstream" has been, in France, Germany, the United States and elsewhere, to attempt to criminalise its opposition. My coinage is not a rhetorical flourish from a columnar blowhard: the history of our time is that the mainstream is lunatic, which is why, in any recognisable sense, both North America and western Europe are on the brink of the abyss. In Texas, the GOP's eighty-three-year-old well-advised incumbent has not yet declared whether he is running again. But, whatever happens in 2026, in the medium-term (there is no long-term, absent course-correction), the future is with ill-advised types like Valentina Gomez. Because the uniparty has created a "centre" that cannot hold. So, as in Ulster, on "both" "sides" there will be a drift to the ill-advised. The results are not always equal: in Belfast, the Shinners have benefited far more than the DUP; in Paris, M Melenchon is in no danger of joining Prisoner Le Pen in the dock to be tried, convicted and banned. Nevertheless, the phenomenon is bipartisan: the well-advised centre-right and well-advised centre-left have both yielded to a righter right and lefter left. After the 2020 US "election", we were told by the commentariat that Americans had voted to put the adults back in charge, which sounds very well-advised. To be sure, Biden's crime-syndicate family was on the take from China, Ukraine and anybody else flush enough to pay the cover charge. But, within the norms of the Democrat Party, that's about as normie as it gets. Instead, whoever was waggling the dead husk of a moth-eaten sock-puppet immediately set about trannifying your middle-schooler. Which you'd think would meet anybody's definition of ill-advised. Yet, notwithstanding electoral and judicial setbacks, the left is not prepared to give up on it: they have decided that, if you have to have a hill to die on, the bepenised woman is as fetching a butte as the landscape offers. Valentina Gomez, on the other hand, gets that the contradictions cannot hold. Twenty-one ...here we go again! ...twenty-one sod-bollocking years ago, I wrote in The Spectator: A few weeks back I was strolling along the boulevard de Maisonneuve in Montreal when I saw a Muslim woman across the street, all in black, covered head to toe, the full hejab. She was passing a condom boutique, its window filled with various revolting novelty prophylactics, 'cum rags', etc. It was a perfect snapshot of the internal contradictions of multicultural diversity. In thirty years' time, either the Arab lady will still be there, or the condom store, but not both. Which would you bet on? Well, we're only two-thirds of the way through, but the condom store is already gone and Montreal is twinned with Gaza. So we know the answer to that one. As to the broader question of the internal contradictions of the rainbow coalition, from this weekend in Ottawa: BREAKING: The Capital Pride Parade was CANCELLED after Palestinian protesters took it over in front omf the PMO and stopped the entire march in front of the House of Commons pic.twitter.com/sPetLdaCZF Dacey Media (@chrisdacey) August 24, 2025 Still, capital-city-wise it couldda been worse: Un suspect a ete mis en examen dimanche pour "meurtres en concours" apres la decouverte de quatre corps en decomposition dans la Seine. Les investigations conduisent pour l'instant a l'hypothese de crimes commis en raison de l'orientation sexuelle des victimes. Which means: A suspected serial killer was charged on Sunday after the discovery of four decomposing bodies in the Seine. The investigation is currently pursuing the theory that the crimes were committed because of the sexual orientation of the victims. Can you guess the demographic identity of the accused, boys and girls? Gee, it's almost like a tiny percentage of these Mohammedan wallahs have a slight antipathy to the godless sodomites. Who knew? By the way, that Spectator headline ("Only Bush can save Europe") was written not by me but by my editor, one Boris Johnson, who has since risen without trace. As the piece mentions, the treasonous f**ker had recently encountered a ten-year-old girl "who was distraught because Tony Blair was going around telling anyone who still listens that we were all in 'mortal peril'." I responded: Picture that ten-year-old schoolgirl when she's the age Boris is now sometime in the 2030s, say. What will London or Paris, or Amsterdam (for she is after all a citizen of the European Union) be like in the mid-Thirties? On present demographic projections, it will be far more Muslim... Can a society become increasingly Islamic in its demographic character without becoming increasingly Islamic in its political character? Well, we know the answer to that second question. Boris's mythical "ten-year-old schoolgirl" was older than Valentina Gomez back then. Ms Gomez does not think as her octogenarian congressman does, anymore than Eva Vlaardingerbroek thinks as Mark Rutte does. They loathe the world the well-advised class has consigned them to, and they know its contradictions cannot hold: I was interested to see that [Niall] Ferguson, in a recent speech, has become a somewhat belated convert to the Eurabian scenario I've been peddling in these pages for a couple of years now. Perhaps he'll have better luck with it than I've had... That ten-year-old girl could have a lot more to worry about than gloomy Blair speeches. We know the answer to that one too, alas. Some on the ill-advised left will double-down on mass trannification, but, as the weekend scenes from Ottawa suggest, they will go the way, very easily; of that Montreal condom boutique. On the ill-advised right, there will be more and more Valentina Gomezes, who do not wish to live in the ruins of a well-advised world they never signed up for. "Celebrate diversity" while you can: one way or another, it is only an interim phase, and from Ottawa to Epping to Austin the contradictions are already being forced. Mark's international bestseller America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It. If you haven't read the book during its first seventeen years, well, you're missing a treat. It's still in print in hardback and paperback. (Buy it at a 77% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 47% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) (COMMENT, BELOW) Mark Steyn is an international bestselling author, a Top 41 recording artist, and a leading Canadian human rights activist. Among his books is "The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don't Say You Weren't Warned". (Buy it at a 49% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 67% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) The monument to Latino workers in Crescent Park in New Orleans on Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America) Olga still tears up when she recalls witnessing New Orleanians returning to the city in the months after Hurricane Katrina struck only to find their homes destroyed. It made me sad to see other people suffer like that. They were coming home and hoping that maybe theyd find some pieces of what they left behind and there would be nothing nothing, said Olga, a 63-year-old construction worker originally from Veracruz, Mexico, speaking through a translator earlier this month. I think that vicarious trauma affected me a lot. I did all I could to try to help those people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olga an undocumented immigrant who asked that her full name not be published arrived in New Orleans in January 2006 hoping to find work. There was plenty to be found. Katrina had hit New Orleans just a few months earlier. The failure of the flood protection system that followed left 80 percent of the city underwater; entire neighborhoods were in ruins. In the months after she arrived, Olga found jobs clearing out rotting furniture, deceased pets and damaged memories from peoples homes. She also worked on demolitions. As crews began to rebuild, she excelled in installing wallboard and later in welding fences, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olga is one of thousands of workers from Central America and Mexico who came to the New Orleans metro region to rebuild after Hurricane Katrinas destruction. The influx of Latinx workers to New Orleans has largely been viewed as a net positive. Many residents say the reconstruction workers helped make it possible for them to return to their homes and get back their lives after the storm took so much away. Hispanic residents represent one area of growth in an otherwise shrinking region. In the past two decades, the Hispanic population in the metro area grew by about 80,000 going from 5% of the area population in 2000 to about 14% as of last year adding to the local labor force, boosting local entrepreneurship and contributing to local tax revenues. But the stability that many longtime undocumented residents and recently arrived immigrants have sought in Louisiana is now being threatened as the Trump administration, along with state and local authorities, cracks down on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New state laws and federal policies have increased information-sharing between the state and immigration enforcement agencies. Immigrants have been taken into federal custody and swiftly deported after showing up for routine ICE check-in appointments. ICE has conducted major worksite raids in New Orleans and Calcasieu Parish. And nearly two dozen local and state law enforcement agencies have inked partnership agreements with ICE, deputizing local officers to do the federal agencys work. Olga said the threat of detention and deportation feels omnipresent now. I think the greatest fear Ive ever felt is this year, Olga said. You leave for work in the morning and you have no idea if youre ever going to make it home. Before coming to New Orleans, Olga came to the border walking and taking buses before crossing the Rio Grande in a raft. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and CatchLight Local/Report for America) Leaving our families behind and risking our lives Reconstruction workers had different reasons to come to New Orleans after Katrina. For Olga, it was money. Her husband had walked out on her, and she had three kids to feed. So she took the journey to Texas, traveling by bus and foot to the U.S. border, then crossing the Rio Grande in a raft. Olga left behind two daughters, a son and her parents, planning to send money back to them in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once she crossed into Texas, near McAllen, she said, she had to hide from immigration authorities in a ditch. She then headed northeast on foot, walking for eight hours. She then put her trust in smugglers, known as coyotes, to get her to a safe place to stay. She rested there for a month before making her way to Louisiana. Her first Louisiana home was in Hammond, about an hour outside New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain. She shared the house, which lacked electricity, with a group of roughly 20 other workers mostly men. After 10- to-12-hour days working in construction, she and the only other woman living in the house were expected to cook for the crew. This is how it went for years, she said, moving from house to house with different crews. Now, Olga lives in Jefferson Parish which has seen the largest growth in the regions Latinx population in recent decades. She lives with her son, who joined her in the U.S. in 2014 and works alongside her on construction jobs, and her grandson. Leticia Casildo, who came to New Orleans from Honduras in November 2005, came here seeking safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back home, she worked as a police officer. In an interview Tuesday, Casildo said she was threatened after she reported corruption within the force. She and her husband fled, leaving behind their 2-year old daughter and 5-year old son in hopes that they would be able to send for them soon after. It would be eight years before they were reunited. By then Casildo and her husband were also raising their third child, a U.S. citizen. Both Olga and Casildo cried when reminded of how their families were broken apart in their quests for stability in the U.S. My husband and I worked hard because we kept thinking, I need my children. I need my children with me, all the time, Casildo said. Because of her status, Olga has never left the U.S. since crossing the border 20 years ago.. When her father died in 2009, she could not return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [People] see us working, but a lot of people have no idea the suffering immigrants go through day in and day out, Olga said. We all have lived that same situation of leaving our families behind and risking our lives. Building community The rebuilding work could be risky. To aid in rebuilding quickly, the Bush administration in September 2005 briefly suspended federal worksite inspection and enforcements in storm-affected areas. Even though the regulations were quickly put back in place, the suspension of the laws had already paved the way for exploitation of workers, said Sarah Fouts, a University of Maryland, Baltimore County professor who provided support to workers in the 2010s as a volunteer with El Congreso de Jornaleros, or Congress of Day Laborers, a program of the now-splintered New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice. Fouts recently published book, Rebuilding New Orleans: Immigrant Laborers and Street Food Vendors In The Post-Katrina Era, notes the toxic conditions and lack of protections for thousands of Central American and Mexican workers reconstructing the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As day laborers worked relentlessly, they fell victim time and again to an unregulated job market, receiving little to no compensation or protections, Fouts writes. Olga said on multiple occasions, she and a crew she was working with would finish a job, only to be told that the homeowner refused to pay for the work. In 2009, the Times-Picayune reported that El Congreso de Jornaleros and the Workers Center filed complaints against contractors and subcontractors for shorting laborers on pay. Wage theft for immigrant construction workers in the United States persists as the threat of climate disasters intensifies with reports of lost wages from laborers who helped rebuild after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Hurricane Ida in 2021. A volunteer at Familias Unidas en Accion prepare food to be shared with community members in need Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America) Responding to challenges that the regions immigrant community was facing, Casildo founded the nonprofit Familias Unidas en Accion, or Families United in Action, in 2018. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization delivered food to undocumented immigrants who did not qualify for benefits. Familias Unidas has grown to operate other programs, including addressing labor rights issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these challenges of poor living and working conditions and fighting for proper compensation, Olga said she never considered leaving New Orleans. She was determined to create opportunities for her family in Mexico. She said her work has paid for her childrens education. Her eldest daughter is now a biologist. Her other daughter is a sommelier, and her son earned a law degree before joining his mother in the U.S. She also paid for a house in Mexico, where her daughter and grandchildren live. Others have become entrepreneurs. In Rebuilding New Orleans, Fouts, who researches foodways, writes that food trucks, called loncheras, sprung up near popular day-laborer corners during the post-Katrina reconstruction era because workers needed affordable, familiar foods to fuel their long work days. Now, she said, its easy to see the impact that Hispanic immigrants have had on the New Orleans metro region by following the food. Maybe the people arent that visible, but the restaurants are so visible, Fouts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mid-City, Fouts noted, food trucks selling Mexican tacos and Salvadoran pupusas line Broad Street, sitting near restaurants offering typical Honduran cuisine and three supermarkets serving Latinx customers Normas Bakery on Bienville Street, La Morenita on Canal Street and Ideal Supermarket on Broad Street. If you have three Latin American grocery stores within a half a mile radius, thats super visible, Fouts said. Your parents were heroes A few years after Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Juan Gershanik, who is originally from Argentina, looked around New Orleans and noticed that in a city filled with monuments to the past there was little public recognition of the Latinx workers contributions to the post-Katrina recovery. Gershanik is a pediatrician, not a construction worker, but he had made his own notable contribution to the city in the wake of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the floodwaters rose, he worked with a team of people at Memorial Medical Center, now Ochsner Baptist, to safely transfer some of its most vulnerable patients newborn babies in the neonatal intensive care unit being kept alive inside incubators to Baton Rouge. The team transported the incubators to a helipad on the hospitals roof. Inside a supply helicopter, Gershanik helped the newborns to breathe by manually pumping oxygen from a portable tank. With the most vulnerable baby needing warmth, Gershanik placed the tiny child on his stomach earning him the nickname the Argentinian Kangaroo. In the years after Katrina when he and his wife, Ana, a journalist, began speaking with Hispanic students in a drug and alcohol awareness program, they noticed that the children of migrant recovery laborers appeared ashamed of their parents work, he said in a recent interview. I say, What does your family do? And they start getting down in the face, Gershanik said. They were so, in a sense, ashamed that their parents were in what they called menial [jobs]. My husband and I said to them Without your parents, we would not have been able to go back to New Orleans, Ana Gershanik said. Your parents were heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They decided then that there needed to be a physical monument honoring the Latin Americans that helped rebuild New Orleans. I wanted these children to be proud to help their self-esteem, Juan Gershanik said. The Gershaniks and their three children worked on the effort to bring the statue to life. They found an Italian sculptor, Franco Alessandrini, to build it. Juan Gershanik wanted the sculpture to include a roof and ladder things that pointed to the work that was done. Ana Gershanik worked to ensure that the people in the finished piece did not have European features, but instead were representative of the Central Americans and Mexicans that worked in New Orleans. And she said, there had to be women there because she remembered seeing women working alongside men on dusty construction sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were women everywhere, Ana Gershanik said. In November 2018, the monument was unveiled inside Crescent Park, which runs along the Mississippi River, stretching from the Marigny neighborhood at the edge of the French Quarter to Bywater. The 26,000-pound sculpture featured workers a man on a ladder, another on the roof of a house, a woman holding a broom. After providing these contributions to New Orleans, immigrant workers deserve the same treatment as anybody else who lives in this country, Ana Gershanik said. She said that despite the threat of immigration detention and deportation, she believes recovery workers will continue to show up for U.S. communities after natural disasters. Olga said she knows that she has made a positive impact on hundreds of people whose homes shes worked on in the past two decades. She said of course she and other laborers deserve recognition, and they also deserve to live without fear. Dont treat us as criminals. We are essential workers. We are hardworking people. We try and help the community rebuild, develop and flourish, Olga said. Weve been here for you through all of this. Help us to at least be able to live with certitude that will be able to make it home safely without being hunted down. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. 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) This story originally appeared on Stateline. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Scopa noted that President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown has swept up even some workers who are in the country legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [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 quotes. And more high-profile raids on fire crews could cause many in the workforce to reconsider their profession. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, who heads the states lead wildfire response agency, issued a statement that the state is still gathering details on the Border Patrol operation. [T]he Trump administrations crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our State, he said in the statement. Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org. 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. (This article was updated to add new information) A dead newborn was lying in a wooded area along the Pogues Run Trail of Brookside Park on Labor Day. They were there all alone, as neighbors and families enjoyed the holiday only a couple of dozen feet away. Multiple forensic tests are underway to establish whether the remains are a fetus that was not viable outside the womb or in utero, or a newborn that may have been born alive, the Marion County Coroner's Office said. Coroners found no blunt force trauma or external injury that would have directly caused the death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, the gestational age of the remains is undetermined again until certain studies can be completed," the coroner's office said in a statement. "However, we do know that the remains were at least 30 weeks gestational, based on visual development at exam. The race is unable to be determined at this time, and we can say that the remains appear to be those of a female sex." It wasnt until a mother and her child took notice of the baby shortly before 3 p.m. on Labor Day that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department learned about the newborn. The newborn was only about a day old, according to police. It's unclear when or how the newborn died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After finding the newborn, officials from the Department of Child Services, Marion County Coroner's Office, detectives from IMPD's child abuse division, and the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Service agency arrived to assist in the investigation. The Indiana Parks and Recreation sign sitting outside of Brookside Park, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis police department is calling on the public to share any information they have about the newborn death. Detectives are concerned about the well-being of the mother and believe she may need medical attention, according to police. Yesterdays discovery in Brookside Park is incredibly heartbreaking. As a new mom myself, I know how overwhelming pregnancy, birth, and motherhood can be, said Amanda Hibschman, IMPD Public Information Officer. Its important for our community, especially women, to know that support and safe options are available. The Marion County Coroner's Office wants people to educate themselves on the challenges of pregnancy with information from the Indiana Department of Health on fetal-infant mortality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana has "Safe Haven" laws, which allow parents to anonymously give up an unwanted infant to a designated location without fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the baby. Neighbors react to the babys death A wooded area along the Pogues Run Trail of Brookside Park, where a dead newborn was found on Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. The following morning, neighbors walked the trail with their dogs and children, unaware of the discovery only a few hours before. I see families with their kids walk this trail all the time. I still cant believe it happened here, Margo Murray said. I wish she had taken the baby to a station, taken them to a safe place. The city has several safe haven baby boxes attached to fire department stations, which are meant to be seen as an alternative way for parents to anonymously give up their baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closest station with a baby box is about 6 miles away at the Lawrence Fire Station 38. The baby could have potentially left the baby at Indianapolis Fire Station 27, which was less than a mile away from the park. In either case, neighbors felt sorry for the newborn who barely had the opportunity to experience life. More: Parents can safely surrender babies up to 30 days old under Indiana's safe haven law A copy of the children's book "My Little Animal Book" sits along the Pogues Run Trail of Brookside Park, where a newborn was found dead on Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. The only remembrance of the newborn's death was a few pieces of police tape scattered along the Pogues Run Trail. One piece of tape lay in front of a passage to Pogue's Run Creek that normally remains hidden by park-goers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The path down to the creek was garnished with yellow wildflowers and the faint sound of the moving creek. But at the bottom of the path, there lay a dirty mattress and a cloth embroidered with hearts that say, love you. Anyone with information about the newborn is asked to reach out to IMPD Child Abuse detective Robert Burns at Robert.Burns@indy.gov or 317-765-6096. Tips can be left anonymously. Yellow wildflowers lay the entrance of a path into a wooded area along the Pogues Run Trail of Brookside Park where a dead newborn was found on Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. Noe Padilla is a Public Safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact him at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Public Safety Reporter, Jade Jackson contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Brookside Park, Indianapolis, IMPD investigates the death of a newborn found on Labor Day LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) India warned Pakistan about possible cross-border flooding for the second time in as many weeks as monsoon deluges cause death and widespread destruction in both countries. The disaster management authority in eastern Pakistan announced the warning Tuesday. New Delhi shared the warning with Pakistan on "humanitarian grounds through New Delhis high commission in Islamabad rather than the water-sharing Indus Waters Treaty, which remains suspended, an Indian government official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan conducted mass evacuations late last month after India released water from overflowing dams and swollen rivers into low-lying border regions. The countries came close to war in May and tensions frequently escalate between the two nuclear-armed rivals, making diplomatic contact uncommon. The latest warning concerns a surge in the Sutlej River, with floodwaters expected to enter Pakistan on Wednesday. Raging torrents already have devastated border communities in Kasur, Okara, Vehari and Bahawalnagar. Punjabs Disaster Management Authority said the Indian High Commission conveyed the warning to Pakistan through the Ministry of Water Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downpours lashed several parts of northern India and killed at least 10 people over the past 24 hours. Authorities were forced to close some schools and offices on Tuesday. Landslides, flooding and gushing rivers in Indias Punjab state, home to more than 30 million people, killed at least 29 people last month. Rescue teams, backed by the army and disaster response services, have evacuated thousands from homes impacted by floods. In New Delhi, water levels of the Yamuna River, which originates in the Himalayas, crossed the danger mark Tuesday, posing a threat of flooding in low-lying areas of the city. Heavy rains also flooded parts of Gurugram city on the outskirts of the capital, causing severe traffic disruptions while waterlogging roads and apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Pakistans Punjab province said Tuesday that more than 1 million people have been evacuated and 2.45 million people have been affected by monsoon flooding in recent months. ___ Associated Press writers Sheikh Saaliq and Rajesh Roy contributed to this report from New Delhi, India. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Indiana Secured School Safety Board has approved the distribution of more than $27 million to support school safety initiatives across the state. The money will be distributed to 494 schools and districts in the state to support School Resource Officers (SRO), support services, training and more. School safety is a top priority for my administration. Every student deserves a good education, and that starts with feeling safe and secure, said Gov. Mike Braun. Thats why Indiana continues to make unprecedented investments through the Secured School Safety Grant Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the projects that this money will be going to, according to a press release: CATEGORY: DOLLARS ALLOCATED: SRO/LEO $19,608,873.18 Equipment/Tech/Hardware $5,579,308.18 Student/Parent Support Services $1,368,668.38 Firearms Training for Staff $32,116.00 Design and Construction $263,498.03 Site Vulnerability Assessment $6,475.00 AEWS (no match) $87,227.50 Bullying Prevention $13,714.98 Since it was created in 2013, the Indiana Secured School Safety Board has dedicated more than $214 million in state funding to the matching grant program. Last year, 499 schools split an allocation of $24 million, of which $17 million was allocated to funding school resource officers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana Governor Mike Braun has recently signed legislation co-authored by a State Representative from Terre Haute that aims to ease child care licensing restrictions through the state. House Enrolled Act 1253, co-authored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), aims to expand child care throughout the state by reducing regulations for school-based and multi-state providers. According to a press release, under this new law, school-based programs can serve children in the entire school corporation instead of limiting enrollment to the children of students or staff. State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) (far left) joins Gov. Braun (center) and fellow bill authors State Reps. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) (far right) and Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) (second from left) for the ceremonial signing of a new law aimed at simplifying child care licensing in Indiana. The signing took place on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. New Indiana law gives school board candidates option to declare political party Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heaton added that the new law will also extend the eligibility period for child care vouchers from two years to three years, giving Hoosier families more time to use their benefits. Access to quality child care shouldnt be out of reach for Hoosier families, Heaton said. By streamlining regulations and giving providers room to grow, we can help provide more options for parents, strengthen our workforce and make child care more affordable across Indiana. This measure also allows multi-state child care operators to work under a single license, rather than requiring an individual license for each facility. Heaton said, This change streamlines the process with one application, a single license fee, and a more efficient, transparent application process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Indiana law to help Hoosiers with eviction sealing Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Indiana violated the First Amendment rights of a Fort Wayne "death doula" after it required her to obtain a funeral director license to provide end-of-life transition services, the Seventh Circuit court ruled. The state argued Lauren Richwine's consulting business, "Death Done Differently," was operating in a manner that required a state funeral director license. The funeral industry is regulated to ensure that ethical handling and legal requirements are met. However, on Aug. 28, the three-judge panel agreed with Richwine that her business does not offer services under the scope of such a license, and by asking her to cease to provide the bulk of her services, the state is infringing on her right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This approach furthers the states interests the way an atom bomb would further the eradication of a residential ant infestation," U.S. Circuit Judge Ilana Rovner's order reads. "It goes much too far." The appeal court panel also included Judges Nancy Maldonado and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, who were both appointed by former President Joe Biden. Former President George H.W. Bush appointed Rovner. Death doula or funeral director? Richwine and the state differ on what duties they consider to be in the purview of a licensed funeral director. A funeral director arranges for the removal of a dead body, prepares the body, files death certificates, assists with death benefits and directs funeral ceremonies, according to the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. Obtaining a license requires schooling, exams, an apprenticeship and various fees. Obtaining a license, Richwine and her lawyers said, would cost her thousands of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richwine's practice consists of consulting with clients to plan and support end-of-life planning, she says on her website. She advises clients on post-death procedures, components of the funeral service and burial options. She also provides general advice to ease stress and provide support. The court explains in its order, as well as Richwine on her website, that she is not intending to nor is she acting as a funeral director. Richwine and her lawyers have argued that a license is neither necessary nor worth the investment for the services she provides. Under the state's reading of the statute, Rovner writes that Richwine would have been unable to help pick out funeral music, tell a client that they don't need the priciest casket or explain burial options. "... (W)e do not see how the statute furthers the states interest in consumer protection by depriving its citizens of the opportunity to have a neutral third party assist survivors in selecting which items and services to purchase from a funeral home," the order reads. District court decision upheld In 2021, Attorney General Todd Rokita's office began investigating Death Done Differently after receiving a complaint from a member of the funeral services industry alleging Richwine was unlawfully practicing as a funeral director. The state moved for a cease-and-desist order after Richwine rebuked the assertion that she was offering funeral services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After some settlement negotiations, nonprofit public interest law firm Institute for Justice and Richwine filed a lawsuit arguing the state was infringing on her constitutional rights. The Northern Indiana district court agreed in a preliminary injunction, which the state then appealed. In the most recent order, the circuit court said the state's enforcement of the Indiana Code was too broad and limiting such access to information qualified as "overregulation." The case will now return to the district court to continue other proceedings in the case. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Appeals court says state violated rights of Fort Wayne 'death doula' JOHNSTOWN, Pa. The person killed in the Sunday evening shooting at Solomon Homes in Johnstown has been identified as Aquon Tillman, 17, of Johnstown. The individual who fired the fatal shots has also been identified but that person's identity has not been released by authorities. No arrests have been made as the Cambria County District Attorney's Office reviews possible whether this was a case of justified use of force in defense of self and/or others, a joint statement from Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer and Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday, a call to Cambria 911 reported shots fired near buildings 14 and 15 of Solomon Homes, a public housing property of the Johnstown Housing Authority. Tillman was transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where he subsequently died in the operating room, Lees said. Tillman "was struck by multiple shots, and ultimately succumbed to his injuries," the joint press release said. An autopsy was performed Monday at ForensicDX in Windber. The cause of death has been ruled massive blood loss due to gunshot wounds, and the manner of death has been ruled homicide, the press release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Based on items recovered from the scene, video evidence, and current witness statements, it is apparent that two different firearms were used, including one believed to have been used by Tillman which has not been recovered," the press release said. The person identified as the shooter has been fully cooperative with police, the press release said. The firearm used has been surrendered. "This incident is under review by the Cambria County District Attorneys Office for possible justified use of force in defense of self and/or others pursuant to Pennsylvanias Stand Your Ground Law and/or general self-defense principles," the press release said. "Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Johnstown Police Department Bureau of Criminal Investigations by calling (814) 539-2504." VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) One injured hiker was assisted off of Camels Hump Sunday afternoon, with multiple agencies assisting at the scene. A multi-agency litter carry was conducted, Stowe Mountain Rescue reports. They were one of two teams assisting the hiker, with the other being a Huntington Fire rescue team. The subject reportedly sustained a leg injury on Camels hump and couldnt bear weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue officials from SMR say on social media that Huntington had everything under control. The hiker was carried via littler down the mountain to safety. SMR wishes the hiker a speedy recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Insurers fined over $2M for mishandling hurricane claims If youve ever had to file an insurance claim, you know the frustration long wait times, unanswered calls, and unexplained denials. Now, the state of Florida is cracking down. Floridas Chief Financial Officer has announced more than $2 million in fines against insurance companies accused of mishandling claims related to Hurricanes Ian and Idalia. We put reforms in place to create a more vibrant insurance market, said Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia. But insurers dont get a free pass. They must pay what they owe and respond to homeowners in a timely manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT WENT WRONG? According to state investigators, some insurers failed to: Pay or deny claims within 90 days Acknowledge receipt of claims in a timely manner Pay interest on delayed claim payments when warranted Three companies alone were hit with nearly half a million dollars in penalties. Others received smaller fines. NOT ALL BAD NEWS Officials say these violations represent a small fraction of the total claims filed and that most insurers followed the rules. Lawmakers have spent the last several years trying to stabilize Floridas turbulent property insurance market. After years of skyrocketing premiums and insurer exits, the state has implemented a range of reforms. Im not here to protect profits, Ingoglia said. Im here to protect policyholders. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Florida heads into the peak of hurricane season, state officials want to send a clear message: insurance companies are being watched. And if they fail to treat policyholders fairly, theyll pay for it. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Interim Chicago Housing Authority CEO Angela Hurlock stepped down from her role Tuesday as the agency also delayed a vote on the appointment of former Ald. Walter Burnett as her permanent replacement, the agencys board announced in a special meeting. The moves came after a warning last week from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development not to appoint Burnett before it could review his potential conflicts of interest, the board said Tuesday. Interim Board Chair Matthew Brewer will now serve as operating chairman of the housing authority, a role that enables him to perform the same duties as CEO. He said he hopes the issue with HUD is resolved by CHAs Sept. 16 board meeting so that the vote on Burnett can take place. The agency was slated to have a new chief officer by July 1, Brewer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an unusual and unfortunate situation, Brewer said. We are in this time of transition, and we will remain committed so that CHA continues to function as a well-oiled machine. Hurlock had been in the role since the Nov. 1 departure of CEO Tracey Scott. CHA, the third largest public housing authority in the country, launched a national search for a new top executive earlier this year. The housing authority has seen eight high-ranking officials leave in the last 10 months, including three who were fired. Hurlock was lauded by colleagues at the board meeting, including the board members who are CHA residents. She thanked the board for the opportunity to serve in the role. Thank you for trusting that I would try to do the right thing, Hurlock said. It doesnt always go easy. It doesnt always go as planned. Thank you to the residents, particularly the resident leaders. You allowed me to come in and get to know me and work with you as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune reported last week that HUD asked CHA to hold off on Burnetts appointment in response to a letter Brewer sent to the federal agency that outlined Burnetts potential conflicts of interest. HUD officials said the agency is evaluating the contents of the letter and that it already has some concerns. HUD said it will need time to review CHAs letter and formally respond. HUD will require CHA to request a waiver for a number of conflicts of interest in Burnetts case. The local HUD office would then need to review the waiver request, send its recommendation for the waiver to HUDs Washington headquarters for additional review and send a formal response to CHA. Burnetts wife, Darlena Williams-Burnett, previously worked for CHA as deputy chief of fleet and facilities in CHAs general services department and violated the housing authoritys ethics policy in 2022, according to documents obtained by the Tribune through a public records request. She now works as a real estate agent, according to her LinkedIn profile. CHA serves more than 65,000 households. It is the largest single owner of rental housing in the city with more than 21,000 public housing units. Public housing authorities are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CHA, as well as many other authorities, generate additional revenue through separate development arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new CEO will be tasked with rebuilding residents trust, boosting staff morale and addressing safety and environmental concerns at its properties while shepherding more housing developments in a city where housing has become increasingly less affordable. CHAs resident board said in July that Burnett is not fit to lead the agency. The resident boards leaders said they sent two letters to the mayors office in June, with one letter opposing Burnett and one letter in support of Eugene Jones Jr., Scotts predecessor who was also being considered for the top role again. The residents said they didnt receive a response. Board commissioner and resident leader Francine Washington had the last words at Tuesdays board meeting and said the residents are tired. It is not about that fifth floor, Washington said, referring to the mayors office. It is about us, the residents you serve. Right now, we are being half-served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brewer, who works full time as an attorney, told the Tribune he would be at the housing authority regularly so long as he is in the operating chairman role. He has been on the board since 2013. Burnett responded to the Tribunes phone call seeking comment with a text Tuesday, saying he is just retired and waiting to see what may happen either way. He declined to comment further. ekane@chicagotribune.com KAN reported that countries that have air-dropped aid have stopped because they understand that enough aid trucks are entering Gaza. International aid drops into the Gaza Strip have stopped until further notice, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported on Monday evening. The Israeli public broadcaster reported that Jordan stopped airdropping aid into Gaza a week ago for "logistical reasons," while Egypt had stopped dropping aid nearly a month ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAN reported that the IDF has not received any new coordination requests at this time. Officials told KAN that if Jordan or Egypt submits any new request, Israel will review it accordingly. However, KAN reported that countries that have air-dropped aid have stopped because they understand that enough aid trucks are entering Gaza. A Palestinian woman carries a box as people seek aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), in the central Gaza Strip, August 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER) IDF stops aid drops into Gaza City On Friday, KAN initially reported that Israel would stop dropping humanitarian aid packages over Gaza City. The report added that Israel will also reduce the flow of aid into the northern part of the Strip, which is done to communicate the message to civilians on the ground that they must begin evacuating south, in light of the IDF's invasion of Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF began the Gaza City invasion on August 21 and sent out some 60,000 conscription letters. The IDF will reportedly take over the city before Rosh Hashanah. KAN reported that the military's operation plan will take about two to three months. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities are investigating after a stabbing and fire were reported at a hotel in South Nashville overnight. The Nashville Fire Department and Metro Nashville Police Department were called just before 3 a.m. Tuesday to Regency Inn on Murfreesboro Pike. First responders located a 64-year-old man with stab wounds, who was treated at the scene. He told reportedly told officers that the incident occurred during a fight with his ex-roommate. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, as they were speaking with the man, a person informed firefighters that a unit in the building was on fire. Firefighters on scene used a hose line to extinguish the fire before it could spread to other units. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. In a Tuesday press release, the Nashville Fire Department said the cause was determined to be accidental and was due to a malfunctioning wall-mounted air conditioner unit. The MNPD has not arrested the stabbing suspect. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. RED OAK, Iowa (KCAU) Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has officially confirmed that she will not be seeking reelection. In a video posted by Ernst on Tuesday, she confirmed that she will not be seeking reelection. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video, she states that her decision comes after much prayer and reflection and that she plans to focus on her family. This announcement comes after speculation last week, where sources reported that she was not going to be seeking reelection. Ernst is an Iraq War combat veteran and the first woman elected to represent Iowa in Congress. Senator Chuck Grassley released a statement following Ernsts announcement: It has been an honor to serve Iowans alongside my friend and colleague, Joni Ernst, since Iowans elected her in 2014. As the Senates first female combat veteran and Iowas first woman elected to Congress, she broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: MAKE EM SQUEAL. After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has served our country and state with pride and distinction. Barbara and I wish her well and know that whatever she chooses to do in her next chapter, they will be lucky to have this outstanding leader on the team. I will miss serving with Joni but know she will enjoy having more time to cherish her favorite role, as a mother and grandmother. Joni is a valued partner in the Senate, and I look forward to working together on issues important to Iowans throughout the remainder of her term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other local lawmakers have made statements as well. She broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: MAKE EM SQUEAL. After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has served our country and state with pride and distinction, said Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said, While Joni Ernst dropped out of this race because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter, the eventual Republican nominee for Senate will be saddled with the same toxic Republican agenda thats harming Iowa families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. DUBAI (Reuters) -The path to nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States is not closed but U.S. demands for curbs on Iranian missiles are obstructing prospects for talks, a senior Iranian official said on Tuesday. A sixth round of Iran-U.S. talks was suspended after the start of a 12-day war in June, in which Israel and the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles against Israel. "We indeed pursue rational negotiations. By raising unrealisable issues such as missile restrictions, they set a path that negates any talks," the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western countries fear Iran's uranium enrichment programme could yield material for an atomic warhead and that it seeks to develop a ballistic missile to carry one. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for electricity generation and other civilian uses and that it is enriching uranium as fuel for these purposes. It has denied seeking to create missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads and says its defence capabilities cannot be open to negotiation in any talks over its atomic programme. Larijani's comments follow last week's launch by France, Germany and Britain of a "snapback mechanism" that could reimpose U.N. sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three countries, also known as the E3, have urged Iran to engage in nuclear negotiations with the U.S., among other conditions, in order to have the imposition of the snapback sanctions delayed for up to six months. (Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Editing by William Maclean) Israel has begun its ground operation in Gaza City, Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Tuesday. "We are going to increase and enhance the strikes of our operation, and that is why we called you," Zamir said in Hebrew, addressing reservists who have been called up to serve in recent weeks. "We have already begun the ground operation in Gaza [City]." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also released a message addressing IDF reservists Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not agree to terms to end war, Israel's defense minister says "I want to strengthen and express my deep appreciation to you, IDF soldiers and reserve soldiers and your families," Netanyahu said in the video message in Hebrew. "Now we are facing the decisive stage. I believe in you, I trust you and the entire nation embraces you." Netanyahu approved the military's plans to seize Gaza City last month. Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Smoke billows from bombardment in the Gaza Strip as pictured from a position across the border with the Palestinian territory in southern Israel on Sept. 2, 2025. Last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City could "turn into Rafah and Beit Hanoun," areas that were destroyed by Israeli strikes, unless Hamas agreed to Israel's terms for a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Soon, the gates of hell will open on the heads of Hamas' murderers and rapists in Gaza -- until they agree to Israel's conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament. If they do not agree -- Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Exactly as I promised -- so it will be," Katz said in a post on X. MORE: Pope calls for an end to violence in Gaza, supports churches that will not evacuate Israel's demands include the release of all hostages being held by Hamas, Hamas giving up control of governing the Gaza Strip and Hamas leaving the strip. In May, Israel accepted a U.S.-proposed 60-day truce that included the release of only some hostages, but Hamas rejected the proposal because it did not guarantee a permanent ceasefire, something Hamas has called for in several rounds of negotiations. Netanyahu has never agreed to fully withdraw Israeli troops from the strip, which has left negotiations stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, a senior adviser to Netanyahu told ABC News the Israeli government has outlined five principles they would need to see to end the war: the dismantling of Hamas' military and political capabilities; the immediate release of all hostages; the demilitarization of Gaza; Israel having "overriding security control" in Gaza for the "foreseeable future"; and the imposition of a civil authority in Gaza, which excludes Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. MORE: Israel begins attack on Gaza City, calling up to 60,000 reservists At least 76 people were killed and 281 were injured in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. Among those killed were 12 people trying to get humanitarian aid and another 90 were injured, according to the health ministry. Thirteen people, including three children, starved to death over the past 24 hours across Gaza, the ministry said Tuesday morning. Across Gaza, at least 361 people have died of malnutrition -- including 130 children -- since Oct. 7, 2023, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the month of August, there were a total of 185 malnutrition-related deaths among adults and children in Gaza, the health ministry said, calling it "the highest number in months." Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Israeli army soldiers stand atop the turret of a Merkava main battle tank positioned near armored military bulldozers along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sept. 2, 2025. MORE: More than 100 aid groups warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza amid Israel's war with Hamas The world's leading authority on food crises -- the IPC -- determined there was a famine less than two weeks ago. The IPC itself does not declare a famine, but its famine determination can be used by states and bodies such as the United Nations to declare a famine. Even before the famine determination was made, more than 100 aid groups described the dire food shortage in Gaza as "mass starvation," as the "Israeli government's siege starves the people of Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizations warned that some aid workers are now joining food lines in Gaza, saying they are "risking being shot just to feed their families." Repeated deadly shootings around aid distribution centers have killed hundreds, according to the United Nations. ABC News' Tom Soufi Burridge contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Al Jazeera has appointed a Qatari royal as its CEO, raising questions in Israel about the networks neutrality amid years of strained ties and accusations of bias. Al Jazeera appointed a member of Qatars royal family as its new chief executive officer on Monday, raising renewed concerns in Israel about the networks editorial independence and its alignment with state policy. The broadcaster announced that Mustafa Sawaj had stepped down as CEO and would be replaced by Nasser al Thani, a member of the ruling Al Thani family. Al Thani has previously served as a Qatari ambassador and has held a seat on the networks board. This is the first time a member of the royal family has assumed the top executive role at Al Jazeera, which has traditionally appointed veteran journalists with no formal ties to the monarchy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leadership transition coincides with Al Jazeeras participation in a wider campaign titled Israel kills journalists. Although the campaign was not initiated by the network, Al Jazeera actively took part in its visual and editorial messaging. The campaign included a symbolic media blackout, during which over 200 outlets temporarily paused regular content or replaced homepage coverage with black screens to protest the killing of journalists in Gaza. Al Jazeera adopted key elements of the campaign across its digital platforms, drawing criticism from Israeli officials who viewed the networks involvement as part of a broader effort by Qatar to apply pressure on Jerusalem after failed ceasefire talks. Dr Ariel Admoni of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security said the appointment reflected a wider pattern of power consolidation within Qatar. Al Jazeera shows footage and documentation of Hamas planning and executing October 7 (credit: screenshot, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) This is a surprising change, he said. Qatar used to install media professionals at Al Jazeera to preserve an appearance of neutrality. Placing a royal family member in charge creates a different perception entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admoni also noted that members of the Al Thani family have increasingly assumed senior roles in key national sectors, including defense, sports, and diplomatic affairs. This, he said, reflects a shift toward tighter control of influential institutions. Appointment reflects growing state control over Qatari media Israeli officials have responded with concern to the appointment, particularly given Al Jazeeras longstanding influence in the Arabic-speaking world. The network is widely viewed in Jerusalem as an extension of Qatari foreign policy. The elevation of a royal figure to the top of its leadership is expected to heighten these concerns. Al Jazeera has frequently been accused by Israeli authorities of bias in its coverage of conflict zones, especially during military operations in Gaza. Critics argue that the network often adopts a narrative that aligns closely with the positions of anti-Israel factions in the region. Al Jazeera and Israel share a history of censorship and mistrust The relationship between Israel and Al Jazeera has been tense for years and has grown more confrontational in recent months. In 2024, the Knesset passed a law allowing the government to temporarily close foreign news operations deemed to pose a threat to national security. Under this law, Al Jazeeras offices in Jerusalem and the West Bank were shuttered. Equipment was seized, and the channel was removed from local cable providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the October 7 Hamas attacks, Al Jazeeras editorial decisions were sharply criticized by Israeli leaders. The network aired footage of hostage releases that officials said served Hamas propaganda efforts. The IDF later named several Gaza-based Al Jazeera journalists it accused of having ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Al Jazeera rejected the allegations, stating that the charges were part of a wider campaign to delegitimize its reporting. Although Al Jazeera continues to operate in many parts of the region, its access in Israel remains highly restricted. With Nasser al-Thani now serving as CEO, analysts expect further Israeli scrutiny of the networks role in covering the Gaza war and its alignment with Qatari strategic interests. A record 11,040 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons as of September 1, according to data published by Israeli human rights organization HaMoked. The non-governmental organization, which relies on information from the Israeli prison authority, said this is the highest number to date. More than half of these detainees are being held outside of regular judicial proceedings, according to HaMoked: 3,577 so-called administrative detainees and 2,662 "unlawful combatants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the combatants were arrested during the Gaza conflict, which began almost two years ago with the terrorist attack on Israel orchestrated by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization. Under administrative detention, suspects can be held for security reasons for six months or longer without official charges. This occurs when individuals are linked to a crime but there is insufficient evidence for a charge. As the measure is mostly based on intelligence information, the detainees and their lawyers cannot view the evidence and cannot effectively defend themselves. Human rights organizations have been calling on Israel to end this practice for decades. However, the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service justifies this form of detention as a necessary tool in the fight against terrorism. According to the Jerusalem Post daily, the current number of administrative detainees is about three times higher than during the second Palestinian uprising, the Intifada (2000-2005), when constant Palestinian attacks took place. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel on Tuesday launched its latest spy satellite into space from an undisclosed site, the Defence Ministry said. The Ofek 19 satellite was built by state-run Israel Aerospace Industries. "Ofek 19 is a highly advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) observation satellite with enhanced capabilities. Upon entering Earths orbit, the satellite will undergo a series of designated tests to assess its integrity and performance," the ministry said in a statement. Israel has launched Ofek observation satellites since 1988 for monitoring and intelligence gathering for the military. (Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that "Netanyahu does not want a fully-fledged Palestinian state." Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that Israel "wants to destroy all of Palestine" in a Monday interview. "Netanyahu does not want a fully-fledged Palestinian state," he said, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "determined to continue the genocide of the Palestinian people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We recognized Israel since 1988, yet it [Israel] still prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state." He went on to say that the PA is "ready to take over Gazas governance and we have the capabilities for it. We have no objections to Arab or international partnerships in managing Gaza," he added. French Consul-General in Jerusalem, Nicolas Kassianides (L) presenting a document to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (R) declaring France's intent to recognize a Palestinian state, July 25, 2025; illustrative. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT) He mentioned that several countries across the globe intend to recognize a Palestinian state. "One hundred and forty-nine countries have recognized the Palestinian state. Several heads of state have told me they intend to recognize Palestine." These statements were made ahead of a United Nations General Assembly meeting scheduled for later in September, from which Abbas and several other Palestinian officials were barred from attending by the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the US revoked the visas, Abbas said that he was considering unilaterally announcing the transformation of the PA into a state. In the Monday interview, he told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that he is aiming to "go to the UN for full membership for Palestine." Abbas on Palestinian disarmament in Lebanon Abbas noted that he agreed with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's decision to have Beirut's forces confiscate any weapons from Palestinian refugee camps. The Jerusalem Post previously reported that disarming Palestinian groups in Lebanon could pave the way for Aoun's government to disarm Hezbollah. "Withdrawing weapons from Palestinian camps is a step towards protecting Lebanon," Abbas said. "I want a normal relationship with Lebanon and for it to maintain its unity and security. I will not be the cause of disrupting the Lebanese state's project. Palestinian weapons will remain a trust with the Lebanese state." A total of 185 people in Gaza died due to malnutrition in August, according to Gazas Ministry of Health, as an additional 13 people, including three children, have died in 24 hours since then as the catastrophic effects of Israeli-induced famine in the enclave worsen. The statement issued on Tuesday said more than 83 people, including 15 children, had died since the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed global hunger-monitoring system, declared last month that parts of Gaza were undergoing a full-blown famine. The Health Ministry also said 43,000 children below the age of five were suffering from malnutrition along with more than 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women. Two-thirds of pregnant women were suffering from anaemia, the highest rate in years, it added. Mothers and newborns are the most at risk from malnutrition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total number of hunger-related deaths in the besieged enclave now stands at 361, including 130 children, since the start of Israels genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023. Israel has killed at least 63,633 people in Gaza and wounded 160,914 during the war, according to the Ministry of Health. The IPC declared on August 22 that 514,000 people in the Gaza Strip, close to a quarter of the enclaves population, are experiencing famine. It expected the number to rise to 641,000 by the end of September. The IPC made its declaration after more than 22 months of war, during which Israeli forces have destroyed medical facilities, schools, infrastructure and bakeries; blocked the entry of aid into the besieged Strip; and targeted and killed Palestinians seeking food aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time the IPC has recorded famine outside Africa, and the global group predicted that famine conditions would spread to Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south by the end of this month. After the IPCs declaration, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the famine a man-made disaster, a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself. Guterres said Israel had unequivocal obligations under international law as an occupying power to ensure food and medical supplies enter Gaza. Humanitarian organisations have demanded action. For its part, Israel rejected the findings, saying there was no famine in Gaza despite the IPCs overwhelming evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 78 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Tuesday, among them 42 in Gaza City alone, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Among the killed, 20 were aid seekers situated in central and southern Gaza. Israeli attacks are mainly, but not solely, now focused on Gaza City, the territorys largest urban centre, as the Israeli army relentlessly bombards it and tries to forcibly displace its residents to the southern part of the enclave. Civilians on the ground are bearing the brunt. There are still hundreds of thousands of families in Gaza City, reported Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum at midday from Deir el-Balah. They refuse to leave because they know that there are no safe spaces in central and southern Gaza and they would rather stay close to their communities and whats left of their houses. Once teeming and crowded with residential buildings, Gaza City has been home to one million Palestinians, nearly half of Gazas population, but it is now a landscape of rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worlds top genocide scholars formally declared that Israels war on Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide, marking a landmark intervention from leading experts in the field of international law. The International Association of Genocide Scholars, a 500-member body of academics founded in 1994, passed a resolution on Monday stating that Israels policies and actions in Gaza fulfil the definition of genocide set out in the 1948 UN Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. As Israel starts to mobilize 60,000 reservists for an intensified war in Gaza, its leaders stressed to soldiers on Tuesday the importance of their mission to defeat the Hamas militia which attacked the country nearly two years ago. "We are fighting a stubborn and just war without peer," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message to soldiers. "But what began in Gaza must end in Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir told a meeting of reservists that the Gaza operation would be intensified. "We have already begun the ground operation in Gaza - make no mistake," Zamir said, as reported on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Telegram channel. "We are already entering places we have never entered before," he added. "We will not stop the war until we defeat this enemy," he said. IDF says top Hamas terrorist eliminated in Gaza City Late on Tuesday, the IDF reported that it killed in a joint operation with the Israel Security Agency (ISA), Hazem Awni Naeeem, the terrorist who held hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Naama Levy in captivity. The three were released in a hostage deal in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas militant was a senior operative in military intelligence in the Gaza City brigade, the IDF said. Israel is planning to capture Gaza City, the largest settlement in the sealed-off strip and home to some 1 million, to rid it of Hamas terrorists, the government has said. The move has been denounced by hostage relatives and many others in Israel who worry that an occuupation of Gaza City will endanger the lives of those still held captive. According to Israeli sources, 48 hostages are still being held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Other critics argue that Hamas cannot be defeated militarily and no longer poses a threat to Israel. On the ground in Gaza At least five children were killed in the latest Israeli attack on southern Gaza, local media reported on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian news agency WAFA said the shelling took place in al-Mawasi, an area that has been designated as a humanitarian zone by the Israeli military. A spokesman for the military said it was investigating the reports. Images circulating on social media show the dead bodies of several children. It was not possible to independently verify them. According to WAFA, dozens of people were killed in earlier attacks across Gaza. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. More than 63,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since the start of the conflict, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authorities in the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tally does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but the figures are seen as credible by the United Nations. The military's Arabic spokesman on Tuesday again called on the population to evacuate, suggesting people move south to al-Mawasi, where conditions are said to be catastrophic. Aid organisations, citing satellite images, report that more than 70% of homes have been destroyed or damaged, with some areas of Gaza seeing destruction rates as high as 90%. Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Thousands of Israeli military reservists are preparing to join Israel Defense Forces that have begun a ground offensive against Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip. Israel has called up to active duty tens of thousands of reservists to support the offensive, but many have delayed responding to the move, The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday. The mobilization of about 60,000 reservists is the IDF's largest since the start of the war in Gaza, with between 40,000 and 50,000 called up on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many reservists have sought exemptions due to personal reasons, such as the start of the Israeli school year on Monday. Hundreds also have refused the call of duty and signed a letter accusing the IDF of illegally targeting Gaza City during the current military offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the offensive is illegal in a video statement on Tuesday, according to Israel National News. "We are fighting a stubborn and just war without peer," Netanyahu said. "We do not forget for a moment what they did to us on Oct.7, the beheadings, the women who were raped, the babies who were burned and the hostages who were taken into the tunnels in Gaza," he continued. "We are working to bring them back." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu cited other regional factors, such as Iran's influence among Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis in Yemen, and conflicts with them. "But what began in Gaza must end in Gaza," the prime minister said. The relatively slow response by reservists has led to smaller sizes for battalions, companies and platoons, but many volunteers have helped to fill the gap, according to The Times of Israel. The Gaza City offensive already has seen IDF ground forces nearing the boundaries of the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip, which Israeli military leaders say is a Hamas stronghold, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aerial and artillery bombardments have preceded the advance of IDF ground troops and killed more than 50 Palestinians since midnight, according to local hospital officials, as reported by the BBC. They did not say if the casualties are civilian, Hamas fighters or a mix of the two. The IDF had ordered Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of the offensive. About 20,000 have done so over the past two weeks, according to the United Nations, but about a million remain in the city. While Israel has launched the Gaza City offensive, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron has called on the United States to end its ban on visas for Palestinian officials ahead of the U.N. General Assembly that starts on Sept. 9 at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia are scheduled to co-chair a conference to discuss a two-state solution on Sept. 22. The French prime minister said it is "unacceptable" for the United States to deny visas for Palestinians, according to Haaretz. He said the 1947 U.N. charter prohibits denying access to U.N. headquarters, especially when they are invited. President Isaac Herzog will visit the Vatican on Thursday to meet Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, focusing on hostages, antisemitism, and protecting Christians in the Middle East. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will travel to the Vatican on Thursday for a one-day visit at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, Herzogs office announced. The President is scheduled to meet with the Pope and Vatican Prime Minister Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss efforts to secure the return of kidnapped Israelis, combat rising global antisemitism, and protect Christian communities in the Middle East. He will also tour the Vatican Archives and Library before returning to Israel later the same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo had called for an end to the 'barbarity of war' in July as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza. Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday. Pope Leo XIV looks on, on the day of the weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican August 27, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE) Speaking after his Angelus prayer, Leo read out the names of those killed in the incident. The Pope and Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Leo XIV have spoken to one another in July. The phone call came a day after an Israeli strike on Gaza's sole Catholic church killed three people and wounded several others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the call, the pope renewed his appeal for a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza, and expressed his concern over the "dramatic" humanitarian situation in the Strip, a Vatican statement said. While regularly calling for a ceasefire, the Pope consistently calls for the return of all of the hostages at the same time. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo and Israeli President Isaac Herzog have agreed to meet at the Vatican on Thursday but there was disagreement over whose idea the meeting was. The Israeli presidency issued a statement early on Tuesday saying Herzog would meet Leo on Thursday at the pope's invitation. In an unusual statement, the Vatican said on Tuesday evening: "It is the Holy See's practice to accede to requests for an audience with the pope made by Heads of State and Government; it is not its practice to extend invitations to them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Vatican rebuff, a source in the Israeli president's office said Herzog had been scheduled to meet the late Pope Francis on a visit to Italy when Francis became ill and later died. After Pope Leos inauguration, the new meeting was arranged in full coordination with the Vatican through diplomatic channels, the source said. The Israeli president's office said in its statement they would discuss efforts to secure the return of hostages held in Gaza, the fight against global antisemitism, and the safeguarding of Christian communities in the Middle East. Leo has recently stepped up his calls for an end to the war in Gaza. Leo, the first U.S. pope, last week issued a "strong appeal" for an end to the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vatican, which strives to be seen as a neutral arbiter in world affairs, does not typically comment in advance on the pope's meetings with world leaders. Its usual practice is to only issue brief statements after meetings with the pope have taken place. Leo has two announced meetings with world leaders this week: with Herzog on Thursday and with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Friday. Leo was elected by the world's cardinals in May to replace Francis, who had become a frequent critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee, additional reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Howard Goller and Giulia Segreti) Israeli soldiers have arrested Hebron Mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh, sparking anger in the West Bank city where officials fear for their autonomy. The Hebron city council sharply condemned the arrest. It said a large contigent of troops broke into Abu Sneineh's home overnight and devastated the interior. When asked for comment, the Israeli military pointed to domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet. Israeli sources said Abu Sneineh faces accusations of supporting the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization and Islamic Jihad, as well as incitement against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the city administration in Hebron, a city of some 200,000 located south of Jerusalem, claimed the arrest was politically motivated. "This brutal attack is not only directed against the mayor himself, but also against the will of the people of Hebron and their elected institutions," it said. The arrest constitutes a "flagrant attack on the democratic process as well as the right of our people to take care of their own affairs and to serve the city in liberty and dignity." Palestinian media said the arrest was an attempt by Israel to establish an alternative Palestinian leadership in the city, replacing the autonomous Palestinian Authority (PA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading sheikhs in Hebron had presented a plan in July to establish an emirate in the city that would maintain peaceful relations with Israel. But the propsal sparked outrage among other Palestinian representatives, describing it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Observers fear events in Hebron could be the first step in dissolving the PA across the entire occupied West Bank. Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been calling for the dissolution of the PA and the annexation of the West Bank by Israel. The PA administers parts of the occupied West Bank, while the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) serves as the official representation of the Palestinians at the international level. Both entities are separate from Hamas. The old town of Hebron, where several hundred Israeli settlers live, is controlled by the Israeli military. Israeli soldiers have arrested Hebron Mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh, sparking anger in the West Bank city where officials fear for their autonomy. The Hebron city council sharply condemned the arrest. It said a large contigent of troops broke into Abu Sneineh's home overnight and devastated the interior. When asked for comment, the Israeli military pointed to domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet. Israeli sources said Abu Sneineh faces accusations of supporting the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization and Islamic Jihad, as well as incitement against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the city administration in Hebron, a city of some 200,000 located south of Jerusalem, claimed the arrest was politically motivated. "This brutal attack is not only directed against the mayor himself, but also against the will of the people of Hebron and their elected institutions," it said. The arrest constitutes a "flagrant attack on the democratic process as well as the right of our people to take care of their own affairs and to serve the city in liberty and dignity." Palestinian media said the arrest was an attempt by Israel to establish an alternative Palestinian leadership in the city, replacing the autonomous Palestinian Authority (PA). The biggest problem, as with any real estate contract, is that Israelis are dazzled by the presentation, but do not read the fine print, Eyal Ofer said. US President Donald Trump will not have to pay the price for his promises about rebuilding Gaza the way Israelis will, Eyal Ofer, an expert on Hamass economy, told Maariv on Monday. The biggest problem, as with any real estate contract, is that Israelis are dazzled by the presentation, but do not read the fine print, Ofer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to him, the Israeli media rushed to sell the public a new-old dream, that two million Gazans will leave the Strip. This idea appeals to many. The truth must be said, if it were practical, and without accusations against Israel of ethnic cleansing, many would welcome it. The people of Israel have long dreamed of how to disconnect from Gaza, he continued, noting that if it had been possible to saw off the Strip and let it float away, we would have done so. Reading the fine print of Trumps plan shows that only 25% of Gazans would leave, and even they would be allowed to return once Trumps evacuation and reconstruction is completed, Ofer explained. Israeli military vehicles operate, near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel, August 16, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) And what about the other 75%? Where will they go? According to the presentation of the plan published by The Washington Post, they remain in Gaza in secured areas where food will be distributed and health and education infrastructure set up for them, meaning temporary rehabilitation for the 10 years during which permanent buildings will be constructed for them, castles in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and the plans initiator, claimed Israel should establish camps in the Negev for Gazans. On one hand, Gazans would see this as realizing a right of return to Israel, and on the other hand, its not hard to imagine how they would use this for propaganda, since the camps would certainly be surrounded by barbed wire, walls, and armed guards to prevent Gazans from spilling into the rest of Israel, Ofer said. After ten years of evacuation and reconstruction, any Gazan family that wishes could return. Kushner explicitly states that Israel did not object to their return. Each Gazan family would receive an apartment in luxury towers valued by real estate estimates at half a million to one million dollars for large families. With such conditions, Ofer questioned, why would anyone want to leave? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at the end of construction, the plan speaks of transferring responsibility to a renewed Palestinian Authority. Sounds familiar. The situation on the ground And what will happen until the evacuation begins? Ofer asked, noting that the IDF would be stuck with a million Gazans refusing to leave the city, meaning the military would be responsible for providing security for any demolition crews entering the area. Practically, this is a mission for tens of thousands of soldiers for many years, during which every week we will wake up to another cleared for publication announcement as Hamas guerrilla operations and explosives wait in every alley. There is no doubt this is a wonderful plan for real estate developers from Miami, but someone forgot what Gazas population really is, what the Palestinian ethos is, and how deeply Gazan society is religious and inseparable from Hamass ideology, Ofer stated, explaining that those living in Gaza are bound by religious commands telling them to cling to the land and continue jihad until the total destruction of Israel. Anyone who thinks a real estate project, comfortable life, and economic welfare are the solution to Gazas hatred of Israel, I have a suitcase full of Qatari humanitarian dollars to sell him. The suitcase is used but in good condition. Model 2018. First hand, wrapped in a shiny cellophane conception. J.McLaughlin intends to amplify its brand image and storytelling and has a new team on the case. In July, Greg Unis, former president of the Victorias Secret and Pink divisions of Victorias Secret & Co., became chief executive officer, and recently, Lee Anne Henrico became chief creative officer, a broad new role at the brand in which she will oversee womens and mens design, product conception and creative marketing and communications. She reports to Unis. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Henrico served as senior vice president of design at the Vancouver, Canada-based Aritzia fashion chain. Before that, she spent more than a decade at Victorias Secret until 2020, most recently serving as senior vice president and creative director. On Tuesday, Unis indicated that Henrico will shape the brands creative vision and seasonal storytelling to help grow J.McLaughlin, which turns 50 next year. Kevin McLaughlin, cofounder of the brand along with his brother Jay, is remaining with the company on a full-time basis, but will no longer hold the title of chief creative officer, according to Unis. Kevin is still very involved, he said. His role has not changed. Hes involved in the general brand positioning and product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unis also said McLaughlin will continue as a board member and in guiding the brandLee Anne and I are both leveraging him in so many different ways, he said. Jay McLaughlin left the company years ago. On Friday, J. McLaughlin launches its new fall campaign, Hello Fall, We Love You, which will run through September and October. Its Henricos first initiative at the company and was photographed in the Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn by Terence Connors, and in Millbrook, N.Y., by Jeff Allen. The campaign is rooted in the brands origins, features local spots, dogs and artists, and is considered a 360-degree effort since it involves the catalogue, stores, paid digital/CTV, influencer activation, organic/paid social and retail events. Lee Anne has an exceptional ability to create product that inspires and to tell stories that resonate, said Unis. Her leadership will bring fresh creative energy to the brand while staying true to our DNA. Said Henrico, J.McLaughlin is a brand with a rich heritage, distinct identity and strong connection to its customers. I look forward to building on that foundation to craft collections and experiences that feel both timeless and fresh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he was named J.McLaughlins new CEO, succeeding Mary Ellen Coyne, who joined J.Jill, Unis told WWD, Well scale the business, and drive creativity across all areas product, marketing and customer experience. Weve put together a strategic plan for the next three to five years. Its a comprehensive, long-range plan in terms of brand, product, marketing, the customer, stores and digital, that gives us a map of where were working toward. Unis spoke of amplifying who we are as a brand thats the starting point and then its about bringing together talent, [forming] new partnerships and collaborations, with people or brands that have a kind of a shared DNA, and connect with our kind of customer, but just in a broader way, in product categories that were not in. Theres a range of things were thinking about, always with two things in mind. Would it be capturing a new customer, or would it be about entering into categories youre not already in? From the upcoming J.McLaughin neighborhood-inspired fall campaign shot in Brooklyn. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Despite being based in Washington, D.C., staffers in U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirros office appeared to confuse prominent government buildings on Tuesday when they boasted about touring the Supreme Court in photos taken at the Capitol building. In a now-deleted X post, the U.S. Attorneys Office in D.C. flaunted that Pirro, a former judge and Fox News host, organized a tour of the Supreme Court for the offices fall 2025 intern class. Attached to the post were four photos showing the group of interns, and the intern coordinators, on a tour inside and outside the Capitol building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the alt text attached to the images, which is used to describe what is occurring in images for visually-impaired people, described the group at the Supreme Court building. Pirro re-posted the offices post on her official account as well. A screenshot from the now-deleted post shows US Attorney Jeanine Pirro re-posting a tweet from her office claiming they toured the Supreme Court (USAttyPirro / X) But soon after it was posted, people on the social media platform informed the office that it had mistaken the Capitol building for the Supreme Court. An X community note soon appeared declaring, That is not the Supreme Court. That is the Capitol building. The office deleted the tweet shortly after and replaced it with a similar post that changed the Supreme Court to the United States Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has asked the D.C. Attorneys Office for comment. Confusion about the two buildings may have occurred because the Capitol and the Supreme Court are located in proximity in downtown D.C. across the street from one another. Interns and intern coordinators in the US Attorney's Office for DC posed outside the US Capitol but identified the building as the Supreme Court (US Attorney's office for the District of Columbia / X) The Capitol building also housed the former Supreme Court chamber, which was used by the court from 1810 until 1860. Its unclear what led to the original mistake, but it produced a brief moment of ridicule online. Open the schools! X user Luke Radel joked. That is, uh, the wrong building, Capitol Hill reporter Joe Perticone said. Another X user named Charles said Pirro should be ashamed to not know the difference between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the latest blunder for Pirros office, which has been under a microscope since Trump announced that she would take over the U.S. Attorneys Office considered one of the most powerful in the country. A photo of the Capitol rotunda's ceiling that the US Attorney's Office in DC incorrectly described as 'Supreme court ceiling' (US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia / X) That was only intensified last month when Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C., giving Pirros office vast oversight of pursuing charges against people in the nations capital. While Pirro has boasted about arrests, the office has also struggled to secure federal indictments against various individuals accused of assaulting or threatening law enforcement or government officials. At least three grand juries, comprised of DC residents, have declined to bring charges against people that the office has accused of a crime a rare occurrence. The Wildwoods five-mile beach will host two surf fishing competitions this month, offering both seasoned anglers and newcomers opportunities to compete along the Jersey Shore. The North Wildwood Recreation Department kicks off the month with its annual surf fishing competition Sept. 5, 6 and 7. Participants can register at the Gazebo at 3rd and JFK Boulevard in North Wildwood for a $15 entry fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-day tournament runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, concluding Sunday with shortened hours from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will recognize winners in both adult and youth divisions at Sundays closing ceremony. Later in the month, the Pennsauken Surf Fishing Club will celebrate its 70th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament on Sept. 27 on Wildwood Crest beaches. The competition offers both team and individual entry options, with team registration priced at $75 and individual entries at $20. For more information about the North Wildwood tournament, interested participants can call 609-522-2955 or visit www.NorthWildWood.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those interested in the Pennsauken tournament can contact Pam Thompson at pamela.thompson74@gmail.com or visit www.ASAConline.org. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. Read the original article on NJ.com. Jessica Burroughs, Moms Rising (Courtesy photo) One of the most controversial bills to win approval by the North Carolina legislature during the 2025 session was a bill (SB 50) to allow any person 18 or older to carry a loaded concealed weapon without any kind of permit or background check. Gov. Josh Stein vetoed the measure, but the question of whether that veto will be overridden hinges on just a tiny margin of votes in the state House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And recently we got a chance to learn more about the bill and the concerns anti-gun violence advocates are raising from Jessica Burroughs, Senior Campaign Director for the group MomsRising. We also got a chance to ask Burroughs about another issue her group is monitoring closely hunger and the impact that recently enacted legislation in Washington will have on this fast-growing problem. Click here to listen to the full interview with Jessica Burroughs, Senior Campaign Director for the group MomsRising. Jewish teachers, fed up with their own unions spate of antisemitic actions in recent years, notched a win this summer when the National Education Association reversed a decision to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League. The victory, while gratifying for these educators, is hardly the norm. Jewish teachers say theyve been forced into defending their support for Israel or fighting against discrimination for expressing their views in public schools that have become bastions of anti-Jewish rhetoric. This troubling development has occurred against a backdrop of labor unions straying from the mission of representing teachers in workplace negotiations, while morphing into politically partisan organizations agitating for a variety of progressive causes. Jewish teachers are now engaged in legal battles on multiple fronts and in several cities across the country where teachers unions have supported anti-Israeli mantras and causes amid international division over the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NEA, the nations largest teachers union with nearly 3 million members, recently walked back a proposed boycott of the ADL, which has fought antisemitism as well as other forms of bigotry for more than a century. The ADL has also long provided anti-discrimination curriculum and highly regarded Holocaust teaching materials to as many as 2,000 schools nationwide. NEA President Becky Pringle said NEAs board of directors voted not to implement the proposal after consulting with NEA state affiliates and civil rights leaders, including Jewish American and Arab Americans community leaders, as well as ADLs leadership. "There is no doubt that antisemitism is on the rise. Without equivocation,NEA stands strongly against antisemitism," Pringle said in a statement after the unions reversal on ADL. "We always have, and we always will.Our Jewish students and educators deserve nothing less." "We know antisemitism and anti-Arab bigotry are very real and urgent problems in this country and around the world," she added. "They are insidious forms of hate, which is why NEA and our members actively work to fight them in our classrooms, on our campuses, and in our communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NEAs reversal came after an outcry by numerous Jewish groups, including the NEAs Jewish Affairs Caucus, which sent a letter to Pringle taking issue with a member-backed proposal to sever ties with the ADL and detailing harassment of Jewish teachers at the NEA conference in Portland, Oregon, in early July. NEA delegates at the Portland conference adopted a measure to bar the use or endorsement of any ADL materials including Holocaust curricula, statistics, and programs. Because it was a "sanction item," it required referral to the NEA executive committee, which decided to reject the vote by the 7,000-member representative body. Yet there were signs of trouble even before the proposed ADL boycott. Jewish educators took issue with the way NEA depicted the Holocaust in its 2025 member handbook - without mentioning Jews, but instead referencing victims "from different faiths" and stating that Israel was founded through "forced violent displacement and dispossession." After the Portland conference, Jewish delegates who attended complained that they were mocked, harassed, and threatened at the event in "ways that dishonor our union," the NEA Jewish Affairs Caucus wrote in its letter to Pringle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caucus reported that other delegates laughed and clapped as a Jewish delegate from Colorado referenced the death of Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor who was burned alive by a Molotov cocktail during a demonstration in Boulder on June 30. The unions choice to hold its conference in Portland, a city known for racial riots organized by Antifa militants, demonstrated little concern for dissenting Jewish members. Portlands public schools have become hotbeds of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli protests over the last two years. In May, a Portland high school math teacher who is an Israeli Jew, sued the citys school district, teachers union, and school board, arguing that they discriminated against him by distributing and promoting antisemitic and pro-Palestinian material and messaging, without a "balanced perspective." The teacher, identified in the suit as John Doe out of "fear for his physical safety," alleged that the Portland Association of Teachers worked with Oregon Educators for Palestine to co-publish guides called "Teach Palestine!" and "Know Your Rights!" and held training sessions in which teachers learned how to "teach and advocate for Palestine within Portland Public Schools." Jewish leaders, teachers, and parents in Portland last year took issue with the Portland Association of Teachers hosting of a pro-Palestinian advocacy meeting in which organizers encouraged teachers to display Palestinian flags in their classrooms, wear T-shirts emblazoned with pro-Palestinian messages, and teach lessons on the war in Gaza that critics argue are inaccurate and antisemitic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit referred to one of the unions lesson plans for elementary children that describes the state of Israel as a "group of bullies called Zionists." The curricula focused on the death and upheaval experienced by Palestinians without mentioning that the Israel-Hamas war began with the unprovoked slaughter of 1,200 Jews, most of them civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023. The teachers lawsuit said his school became a "forum for one-sided, anti-Israel rhetoric," with the administration allowing the posting of Palestinian flags and maps of Palestine that eliminated the state of Israel. He said he asked if he could display the Israeli flag but was rebuked and told it would be "too disruptive," according to the lawsuit. In late July, seven Jewish teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District renewed their fight against a California law that compels them to be represented by the United Teachers Los Angeles, exclusively, in all bargaining and workplace protection matters. Under the law, the UTLA must represent all teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District, even those, such as this group of Jewish teachers, who have severed ties and stopped paying dues because of what they view as antisemitic positions the local union has taken over the course of several years. The lawsuit lists the members of the California Public Employee Relations Board and LAUSD Superintendent Albert Carvalho as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My parents on my moms side were Holocaust survivors. Grandmother was in the camp and grandfather was in the forest [hiding]," Barry Blisten, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, told RealClearPolitics. "My grandpa used to say, It could happen again - you need to be careful. I thought he was crazy to say that in America. I was first generation. But he was so right. Everything is cyclical." On July 21,U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Wilson dismissed the First Amendment religious freedom case, citing precedent that determined that a group of members within the union that has been designated as the exclusive bargaining representative cannot reject the UTLA and find an alternative. The judge referred to a previous Supreme Court decision in a Minnesota case that determined that a group of community college faculty members who wanted to seek an alternative representative from the union couldnt do so, because the unions position as the sole collective bargaining representative hadnt infringed on the faculty groups freedom to speak on any education or related issue or "associate or not associate with whom they please." Blisten and the other plaintiffs with the support of the Freedom Foundation, a free-market conservative think tank based in Washington State, have since appealed, vowing to fight the issue all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has taken up several issues involving religious freedom in public schools this year. The UTLA didnt respond to RCPs request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blisten argues that his problems with the UTLA began six years ago when a group called Union Power seized control of UTLAs leadership and started pushing divisive social and political agendas instead of focusing on teacher welfare, wage increases, and tenure protections. The new leaders endorsed the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and voted for the immediate cessation of U.S. aid to Israel. Over the years, Blisten said the hostility toward Jewish members became more and more overt, with Jewish teachers systematically removed from online Zoom meetings for simply questioning positions they believed were antisemitic. Even before the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre, UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz referred to Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance, which teaches about the Holocaust, as "the enemy." The plaintiffs argue that more recently the UTLA used member dues to subsidize antisemitic school board candidates, curriculum, and rhetoric. Just a month after the Oct. 7 attack, UTLAs Political Action Council of Educators endorsed school board candidate Kahllid Al-Alim and spent more than $700,000 backing his candidacy. Jewish teachers pointed to numerous antisemitic posts on Al-Alims social media accounts, including one in which he calls the Nation of Islam Book, "The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews," "mandatory reading in community schools." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ADL, the book blames Jews for promoting a myth of black racial inferiority and makes conspiratorial accusations about Jewish involvement in the slave trade and the cotton, textile, and banking industries. On his campaign website, Al-Alim later issued an apology for endorsing the book. "I was wrong. I have connected with educators and community members and have since learned about the issues," he said. "I fully rescind that post. It has no place in our schools." Still, the disclosure prompted the UTLA to rescind its endorsement and immediately cease campaigning for Al-Alim, who lost his election in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blisten describes an incident in which UTLA members were on a Zoom conference call, where one member used expletives and disparaging language when discussing Jews and the war in Gaza. Jewish teachers then interjected, arguing that such expressions are deeply offensive. "Then they systematically kicked the Jewish teachers who were raising concerns out of the meeting, because thats what they do," he said. "I mean, its a microcosm of our government here in California, especially Los Angeles. Theres no accountability, and as soon as you ask the hard question, they dodge it or dont answer. So, this is where were at." The UTLA isnt really acting like a union anymore, Blisten added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theyre aligning themselves with so many different [political] organizations, instead of concentrating on teacher issues. I mean, its crazy." Susan Crabtree is RealClearPolitics' national political correspondent. For the record: 12:55 p.m. Sept. 3, 2025: An earlier version of this article misstated Lisa Johnsons title. She is the president and chief executive of Arts District Liberty Station. Liberty Station, the decades-long transformation of San Diegos massive Naval Training Center into a mixed-use neighborhood and cultural district, is a welcome reprieve from much of Southern Californias fragmented sprawl. Thanks to its 1920s-era Spanish Revival buildings, arched colonnades and broad public promenades, visiting it feels like stepping back to a time when walkability and simple elegance were the norm. To get a picture in your head, rewatch the original Top Gun for NTCs cameo when Tom Cruises Maverick rides toward the house of Kelly McGillis Charlie along the complexs Roosevelt Road with the arcaded buildings perfectly framing the shot. Despite its legacy and the sites many amenities, Arts District Liberty Station, the nonprofit that manages more than 100 of Liberty Stations cultural and hospitality facilities, was still searching for an anchor. Enter San Diegos Cygnet Theatre, which was seeking a new home. Cygnet had long outgrown its technologically outdated, barnlike theater in Old Town San Diego, its lease was uncertain and its operations were scattered around the area, notes Sean Murray, the Cygnets co-founder and artistic director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 10, Liberty Stations long-neglected naval base exchange, otherwise known as Building 178, will be reborn as the Cygnets new home. Called the Joan, short for the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in recognition of the projects lead donors, the 42,000-square-foot complex will serve as the theaters home for productions its first will be a staging of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheims Follies and its offices, while hosting other performance companies from around the region. Building 178, originally opened in 1942, had included a bowling alley, tailor shop and even a disco. But after the Navy closed the San Diego training center in 1997, it sat empty and deteriorating, facing threats of demolition or commercial redevelopment. Chris Bittner, a principal at San Diego's OBR Architecture. Irwin Jacobs, one of San Diegos most prominent arts philanthropists. Sean Murray, the Cygnets co-founder and artistic director. Ariana Drehsler / For The Times When the Navy left, they just walked out, says Lisa Johnson, president and chief executive of Arts District Liberty Station. It looked like theyd gone to lunch half-drunk coffee cups still on the desks. Much of Building 178 barely stood. Ceilings had collapsed. Columns were rotted through. In some cases, stucco was holding up walls that had no structural core, says architect Chris Bittner, a principal at San Diego-based OBR Architecture. Read more: Britney to Backstreet Boys: How Max Martin's biggest hits became the soundtrack for the musical '& Juliet' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bittner, whose grandfather trained at the base during World War II, has worked on various Liberty Station projects for more than two decades. He and his team rebuilt the buildings eastern flank, now containing rehearsal spaces, re-creating the colonial-style roof, beams and walls while opening up breezeways that had been bricked in. The Joans two performance venues a 280-plus-seat proscenium theater and a 150-seat black box are built into the surviving part of the building, but many of the spaces around them had to be reconfigured. For the main theater, to avoid changing the buildings historic roofline, crews excavated below the original slab, lowering the stage and audience levels so catwalks, rigging and lighting grids could fit under the low profile. We basically took a two-story building and sunk it down a floor, notes Bittner. Raising the black-box theater ceiling and making the space column-free required massive transfer beams to carry the load of the floor above. Because the theater sits directly under San Diego International Airports flight path (just try having an uninterrupted conversation in the Point Loma neighborhood), the architects wrapped each theater in layered wall assemblies, rubber gaskets and sound-lock vestibules with paired doors to block noise. HVAC units were acoustically isolated with springs and pads, ductwork was lined to slow air velocity, and separate mechanical zones were created so lobby or shop noise couldnt leak into performances. The main stage also has a thick concrete ceiling, and its subtly faceted acoustic wall panels, embedded with micro-perforations, double as sound absorbers and diffusers, subtly tuning the space. Leonard and Elaine Hirsch Community Green Room The Dottie Studio Theater Molli and Arthur Wagner Rehearsal Studio Pam Fair and Glen Sullivan Dressing Room 4 Ariana Drehsler / For The Times The auditorium design is modern but understated, with its angled panels and pops of color providing lively accents while still focusing attention on performances. The lobby, which opens to its surroundings (and breezes) via large sliding glass doors, tells a different story. With warm wood paneling, exposed concrete, terrazzo and low steel railings, the lively space feels both modern and nostalgic, with references to its past life as a bowling alley. There are lane arrows in some of the floorboards while original lane numbers are painted on the basement girders of the back-of-house spaces. Theres also a small art gallery just below, reached via an open stair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project might never have come to life without the support of the Jacobs', San Diegos most prominent arts philanthropists. (Irwin Jacobs founded Qualcomm, among other endeavors.) Joan Jacobs died last year, making the theaters name, which had already been planned, especially poignant. Even more so because Joan, raised in New York City, was a passionate theatergoer. The couple pledged $10 million when the project was still starting up a move certainly noted by subsequent donors. Once people saw the scope and ambition it became easier to attract other supporters, Murray says. Read more: Why 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl is 'the musical theater version of the Avengers' We hoped our gift would be a catalyst, says Irwin Jacobs, whose son Gary helped found Liberty Stations High Tech High in 2000, giving the Jacobs familiarity with the area. We wanted to help set the stage for the next chapter, he adds. Jacobs and his late wife supported a dizzying list of cultural facilities in the city (in addition to science and educational giving) including, in recent years, the San Diego Symphonys Jacobs Music Center, the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diegos Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building. They have shaped the cultural landscape of San Diego, Johnson says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobs, who acknowledged that his contributions have made San Diego a more dynamic place to live and work, says the Joan may be one of the last (or the last) major cultural project he supports. We couldnt think of a better note to end on, he says. Additional funding included a $10-million grant from the state of California (something that seems unimaginable in todays political climate), as well as support from San Diego County and dozens of private donors. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center ("The Joan") in Liberty Station in San Diego. (Ariana Drehsler / For The Times) While Cygnet will operate the facility, the Joan located at what Bittner calls the front door to Liberty Station is designed as a shared community space. The secondary black box, named the Dottie for significant donor Dorothea Laub, will be available for rental and outside performances. Public galleries and lobby spaces will activate the building throughout the day, not just during shows. Even as Cygnet prepares to open the Joan, fundraising continues about 14% of the $43.5-million budget remains to be raised. To its creators, the buildings most lasting legacy may be how it draws people into a campus that also boasts shops, galleries, artist studios, restaurants, museums, a cinema and Liberty Public Market food hall. This project is going to activate the whole campus in a way weve never seen, Johnson says. Its not just a theater its a magnet. It will bring people here during the day, into the evenings, and make this district a true cultural destination. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Joe Gebbia cofounded Airbnb and joined DOGE in February. He said he received "hate mail text messages" after he started working for the Trump administration. "It was just depressing for some period of time," Gebbia said. Joe Gebbia, who cofounded Airbnb and was its chief product officer, said he had a "pretty unpleasant" experience when he first joined the Trump administration's government efficiency commission, DOGE. "If you go back to February, when I got involved, there were a lot of people who were neutral, a lot of people who were positive, and then an equal amount of people who were just hateful," Gebbia said in an episode of "The Katie Miller Podcast," which aired Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller, who is married to Stephen Miller, the White House's deputy chief of staff, was previously DOGE's communications lead. She left DOGE in May and started her namesake podcast in August. "I remember thinking, if it's a stranger on the internet calling you something, it's not a big deal. But if it's somebody that you worked with for a long time, it hits different," Gebbia said without specifying who his detractors were. Representatives for Gebbia did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. In February, Gebbia announced on X that he was joining the White House DOGE office. In his post, which was published on February 27, Gebbia said his first project would be to improve the "slow and paper-based retirement process" for federal employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Miller on her podcast that he was disappointed that his work at DOGE, which he saw as a form of public service, was being vilified. "The hate mail text messages that I got were disheartening to say the least," Gebbia said. "I guess it was my first experience with it being so intense. It was just depressing for some period of time, and then eventually, it transitioned to, I liken it to a beasting. It kind of hurt, but a few hours later it's gone," he continued. Gebbia, who left his operational role at Airbnb in 2022, has a good relationship with Elon Musk and sits on Tesla's board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Miller he was first introduced to the DOGE team in late January after Musk invited him to meet them. Musk was the de facto leader of DOGE until May. Those criticisms, however, do not seem to have dampened Gebbia's commitment to public service. Last month, President Donald Trump appointed Gebbia as the US's first chief design officer. Trump signed an executive order on August 21, which created Gebbia's new role and the National Design Studio. Trump said in his order that the "America by Design" national initiative would "update the Government's design language to be both usable and beautiful." In an X post on August 23, Gebbia said one of his goals as chief design officer was to "update today's government services to be as satisfying to use as the Apple Store." "I will do my best to make the US the most beautiful, and usable, country in the digital world," Gebbia wrote in his post. Read the original article on Business Insider Philip Sarnecki, a Johnson County businessman who was managing partner of Northwestern Mutual, is launching a campaign for the Kansas Republican Party's nomination for governor in 2026. (Screen capture from Sarnecki's campaign announcement video) TOPEKA Businessman Philip Sarnecki said he was weary of Republicans losing Kansas campaigns for governor to Democrats, so he decided to try to fix the problem himself. He said he was joining a group of candidates seeking the Kansas Republican Partys nomination that was dominated by career politicians. The GOP list included former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson, Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2026 campaign will decide who replaces term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Shes been governor since defeating Republican Kris Kobach in 2018. In her 2022 campaign for reelection, she beat Republican Derek Schmidt. President Donald Trump won Kansas in a landslide the last three elections, but Republicans keep losing in Kansas, Sarnecki said in a campaign announcement Tuesday. That is over. Were going to win and were going to win big. Sarnecki, who lives in Johnson County, is retired after 30 years in the financial services industry. He was managing partner of Northwestern Mutual, which had offices in 18 states. He vowed not to play by the old political rules. I cant be bought. And, I refuse to let Democrats rewrite Kansas future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarnecki said that as governor he would support Trump, help create good-paying jobs, lower taxes for individuals and businesses, expand parental rights in education and shrink government red tape so businesses had more opportunity to grow. In addition, Sarnecki blamed poor Republican leadership for high corporate income taxes and property taxes. He said there wasnt enough affordable housing for young Kansans. Employers, he said, were irresponsibly advancing diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the workplace. This is what the career politicians in Kansas have brought us: Incompetence and losing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats running for governor include state Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher, both of Johnson County. Todays Democratic leaders are lost souls, Sarnecki said. They cant figure out the difference between illegal immigration and legal immigration. They cant figure out the difference between criminals and victims of crime. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) U.S. Representative Josh Riley (D-19) has been recognized by labor and community organizations for his leadership in supporting jobs in New York State. Broome Tioga Central Labor Council hosted an award presentation at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 112 Training Center. At the award presentation U. S. Representative Josh Riley was recognized for his support of policies in NYS that that promote family-wage jobs. Riley was awarded the Trade Justice Champion award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President of the Broome Tioga Central Labor Council, Phil Shannahan says the council applaud Representative Rileys commitment to the working families of New York. To learn more about the council visit the Broome Tioga Central Labor Council site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) For 45 years, Juan Meza has been serving up big smiles and good food at his family restaurant, Juan in a Million. The restaurant has become an Austin staple, welcoming both new and longtime customers. Meza didnt start out in the restaurant business though, he was a teacher in Austin with his wife. I would teach all day and then I would go wash dishes at a Mexican restaurant in the evenings, said Meza. I enjoyed the hustle and the bustle of the place and people coming in and all the noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, when a building on East Cesar Chavez went up for sale, Meza jumped on the opportunity to start his business and the rest is history. Juan in a Million is an East Austin staple thats withstood a wave of change Meza said he takes pride in his family owned and operated business. It has become a family affair and it has made my job a lot easier, Meza said. He said its his customers that have kept him in business, and hes grateful for all the familiar faces, as well as the new ones. Austin has been good to us, our customers have been good to us, so it is a blessing, Meza said. The Don Juan Taco Challenge Juan in a Million has become a popular spot for competitive eaters as well, with its well known The Don Juan Taco Challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think multiple pounds of potatoes, eggs and cheese, as well as multiple tortillas. So it started getting competitive two, three, there is a lady that walked in that ate 13 of those and the most amazing thing is she walked out of here, Meza said. If you think you can take down the challenge head over to Juan in a Million! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trumps use of the National Guard and other members of the military in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Trump federalized the National Guard to be deployed to Los Angeles in June, amid protests of the administrations immigration raids. Newsom objected to the deployment, saying that inflamed the situation, and challenged the presidents action in court. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the judges opinion on Trump and the National Guard. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the Trump administration was in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the use of the military to execute domestic law. The judge wrote, The evidence at trial established that Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge noted that 300 members of the National Guard still remain in Los Angeles, while Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have stated their intention to call troops to other cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, thus creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge granted an injunction to California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state. Breyer wrote, There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law. Trump has since dispatched the National Guard to Washington, D.C., as have other Republican state governors. But the situation is a bit different in the nations capital given the federal oversight of the district. The decision likely will be appealed, and the judge stayed his decision until Sept. 12 to give time for the administration to challenge it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges decision does not order the Trump administration to withdraw the remaining National Guard troops, but they must comply with the Posse Comitatus Act, meaning they can continue duties like protection of federal property. Speaking to reporters later on Tuesday, Trump called Breyer a radical left judge, but he cited as a victory the judges decision to allow the remaining troops to stay. Breyers ruling prohibits the Defense Department from deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops heretofore deployed in California, to execute the laws, including but not limited to engaging in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection, interrogation, or acting as informants, unless and until Defendants satisfy the requirements of a valid constitutional or statutory exception, as defined herein, to the Posse Comitatus Act. In his decision, the judge ran through the history of the law, passed in 1878, but also the founders worries of the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The judges ruling is a victory for Newsom, who has continuously argued that Trump overstepped his authority and has been warning that the president is in the midst of a power grab that threatens democracy. Newsom posted on X, DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on March 5, 2024. Hansen was the sponsor of a 2025 bill that would shorten the time for circulating ballot question petitions, but a judge ruled it unconstitutional. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The state of South Dakota cannot enforce a new law that would shorten the window for circulating ballot question petitions by three months, a judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge Camela Theeler filed a written order Friday that says the law is a violation of First Amendment rights. As a limitation on political speech, she wrote, moving the election-year deadline from May to February arguably goes beyond merely inconvenient and enters the realm of severe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing deadline dictates the amount of time petitioners have to gather the required number of signatures to put a statewide question on the ballot. Petitioners need 17,508 signatures from registered voters to propose a law, which is known as an initiative, or to put a bill passed by legislators on hold so voters can consider it, which is known as a referendum. The number of signatures required to put a state constitutional amendment on the ballot is 35,017. A ballot question committee that has worked on numerous campaigns, Dakotans for Health, filed the lawsuit in April after the Legislature and Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden approved the shorter deadline in March. Dakotans for Healths leader, Rick Weiland, praised the judges decision Tuesday in a news release. Once again, our states Republican supermajority tried to rig the rules to keep everyday South Dakotans from having a voice in their own government, Weiland said. And once again, a court sent them packing. The law shortening the deadline started as legislation from state House Speaker Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, who is one of several candidates for governor next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to South Dakota Searchlight via text message Tuesday, Hansen said Theeler got this wrong, and he called her a Biden appointed federal judge. While Theeler was appointed during the Democratic presidency of Joe Biden, she was confirmed 90-4 by the U.S. Senate, with yes votes from South Dakotas Republican U.S. senators John Thune and Mike Rounds. Hansen said elected legislators should have the authority to set petition submission deadlines, not unelected federal judges. This law is a reasonable step to safeguard our process and ensure the validity of petition signatures, Hansen said. He also referenced last years fight over an abortion-rights ballot question sponsored by Dakotans for Health, which Hansen opposed in his role as a leader of the Life Defense Fund. That groups lawsuit challenging the validity of petition signatures was not resolved prior to Election Day, and Hansen has repeatedly cited that example as a reason why an earlier deadline is needed to allow more time for legal challenges. The lawsuit against the abortion measure was dismissed after voters rejected the ballot question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The state Attorney Generals Office which defended the state in the petition-deadline litigation did not immediately respond Tuesday to South Dakota Searchlights questions. If the state chooses to appeal the ruling, its deadline to file an appeal is Sept. 29. The legal battle is part of a broader struggle between ballot petitioners and Republican legislators over citizen lawmaking. During this years legislative session, for example, Hansen also prime-sponsored a successful bill adding justifications for the secretary of state to reject petition signatures. He cosponsored a bill vetoed by the governor that would have required constitutional amendment petitions to have signatures from registered voters in each of the 35 state Senate districts. Existing law allows signatures to come from registered voters anywhere in the state. Those and other Republican-led efforts to restrict citizen ballot questions in South Dakota have come in response to the passage of ballot measures that many Republican lawmakers opposed. Examples have included ballot questions that raised the minimum wage, expanded Medicaid eligibility and legalized medical marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated since its original publication with the addition of a response from state House Speaker Jon Hansen. Election 2026 News and commentary on statewide races and ballot questions. Read the latest> As President Donald Trump threatens to deploy federal troops to Chicago in a continuation of his attempted power grab within prominent Democratic cities, a federal judge has ruled that his deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles in June violated the Posse Comitatus Act. On Tuesday, Northern District of California Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military as a mechanism of civilian law enforcement, when it deployed hundreds of members of the National Guard, and later U.S. Marines, to Los Angeles in response to protests against raids and arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congress spoke clearly in 1878 when it passed the Posse Comitatus Act, prohibiting the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law, Breyer wrote. There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law In short, defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Advertisement Advertisement Breyer added that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have stated their intention to call National Guard troops into federal service in other cities across the country including Oakland and San Francisco, here in the Northern District of California thus creating a national police force with the president as its chief. Hours before Breyer issued his ruling, Trump suggested on Truth Social that hes planning to replicate his crackdown on blue cities which has so far targeted Los Angeles and Washington D.C. in Chicago. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesnt know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon, the president wrote. The announcement for the president came after a notably violent Labor Day weekend in the city, during which 54 individuals were shot. Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has rejected any sort of incursion into the city by the federal government. No one in the administration the president or anybody under him has called anyone in my administration, or me. So, its clear that in secret theyre planning this well, its an invasion with U.S. troops, if they in fact do that, he told CBSs Face The Nation on Sunday. We hope that they dont send any troops along with ICE, Pritzker added. If they do, theyll be in court pretty quickly, because that is illegal. With Breyers ruling against the Trump administration, Pritzker and other Democratic states looking to enjoin Trumps attempted takeover of local law enforcement should expect more favorable outcomes in court. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) The evidence that Treasurer Deborah Goldberg relied on does not remotely suffice to support her firing of Shannon OBrien from the Cannabis Control Commission, a judge said Tuesday as he ordered OBrien immediately reinstated as chairwoman of the agency. Superior Court Judge Robert Gordon picked apart Goldbergs rationale for the September 2023 suspension and September 2024 firing of OBrien, herself a former state treasurer and the Democratic Partys nominee for governor in 2002, in a 50-page ruling that also featured harsh characterizations by the judge of OBriens leadership. The judge concluded that Goldberg had acted unlawfully and slammed the door on a court-ordered delay to OBriens return. But Gordon said the matter was not as simple as OBriens contention that she was a blameless change agent victimized by political chicanery a new chef brought in to rescue a failing restaurant, but then punished for breaking a few eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [T]o transpose the culinary metaphor, the Court simply observes that the Treasurers Decision places a lot of pots on the stove; but when the lids are lifted, they are revealed to be largely empty, Gordon wrote. Even when granting the Treasurers fact-finding all the deference due it under the substantial evidence standard, and even considering the facts Goldberg found in their totality, her case for removal amounts to thin gruel. The judge said OBrien is entitled to reinstatement for the remainder of her statutory appointment, and to an award of back pay and benefits running from the date of her unlawful termination. OBriens term as chair of the CCC was set to run through Aug. 31, 2027 and her spokesman said she plans to return to her job at the CCC. When Treasurer Goldberg first approached Shannon OBrien about becoming Chair of the CCC, Goldberg directed OBrien to clean up the mess at the CCC. OBriens past history as State Treasurer in identifying and cleaning up the scandal in the state lottery commission in 1999 and then blowing the whistle on the Big Dig cost overruns in 2001 was evidence of her prior record as a dedicated and honest public official. Her work as Chair of the CCC has been focused on fixing the management problems of the agency, bringing opportunities to people of color and women in the cannabis industry, and restoring the integrity to the CCC for the benefit of the taxpayers, OBrien spokesman Joe Baerlein said. Acknowledging the challenges of that mission given the recent reports by the State Inspector General and State Auditor, Chair OBrien is pleased to have her good name restored and looks forward to working with CCC Executive Director, Travis Ahearn, and her fellow CCC commissioners, in fulfilling the intent of the Legislature when it created the CCC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCC did not respond to News Service questions about OBriens return as chairwoman and instead referred all questions about her to Goldbergs office. Gordon, in his ruling, acknowledged that restoring OBrien as Chair may cause some short-term disruption to the operations of the CCC but determined that the transitional harm to the CCC, however, pales in comparison to the more substantial harm to OBrien and the public that would result from further delay. In a statement, Goldberg said she thinks Gordons ruling is wrong. Her office said early Tuesday afternoon it was reviewing the judges decision and determining its next steps, and said late Tuesday afternoon that it had filed a notice of appeal with the Superior Court. I dont think, under any circumstance, the kind of behavior Chair OBrien demonstrated should be tolerated. I do not accept that harassment and bullying are just trivial issues in the workplace. Frankly, we think this judge got it wrong, Goldberg said. A Dickensian Drama When she fired her last September, Goldberg charged that OBrien had committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner. Goldberg said OBrien made rude and disrespectful comments, remarks, statements, and presumptions to Commission staff and colleagues that were or were perceived to be race-based or, at minimum, to be racially, ethnically, and culturally insensitive; and that she contributed to a hostile work environment with the way she treated (or bullied, according to Goldberg) former CCC executive head Shawn Collins, a one-time Goldberg deputy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon brushed aside Goldbergs claim that OBrien was unable to perform the duties of CCC chair because he said it required a showing that OBrien was unable to discharge the powers and duties of her office because of a physical or mental incapacity, an actual absence from the job, or the functional equivalent of either. No such evidence was presented, he said. And as to Goldbergs claims that some of OBriens comments were at least racially insensitive, Gordon said that the treasurer had disregarded unrefuted and critically contextualizing evidence like the fact that OBrien was relaying what another person has said when she made a much-discussed comment about people of Asian descent. [T]here is no evidence whatsoever, and no finding by the Treasurer, that OBrien ever exhibited racial animus in her remarks much less in her decision making, Gordon wrote. Gordon also determined that OBriens treatment of Collins did not rise to a fireable offense and that Goldbergs finding that OBrien had interfered with Collins parental leave rights constituted a clear error of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OBriens concededly ill-considered remarks and other putative failures of leadership reflect, at most, errors of judgment falling far below the statutes gross misconduct threshold for removal. They do not approach singularly or collectively the kind of flagrant, outrageous or unconscionable acts that our case law has recognized as essential to a finding of gross misconduct, he concluded. Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale called Tuesday for Goldberg to resign, criticizing the treasurer for using taxpayer money in the legal fight around the attempted firing and for insulating her politically-connected staffers. Its time for a Republican treasurer to take over this office and focus on what taxpayers care about, which is protecting state revenue, not friends, Carnevale said. In 2022, before Carnevale took over as party chair, the MassGOP did not run a candidate for state treasurer. A party spokesman said talks are underway with potential candidates for 2026 and that at least one will be announced by the end of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of his ruling that vacated Goldbergs termination decision, Gordon emphasized that OBrien is to be reinstated effective immediately and without further delay, putting the last three words in bold and underlined text. He said the court generally waits until the losing party indicates it might appeal before deciding whether to temporarily delay a reinstatement. But in this case, he said, the interests of justice compel the Court to address the futility of such a motion without delay. He said someone seeking a stay pending an appeal would have to demonstrate a likelihood of success and a likelihood of harm if there is no stay. As the case at bar does not present as a close one, the Court does not foresee that the Treasurer is reasonably likely to succeed on the merits of an appeal, Gordon wrote. He added, Moreover, the public would be irreparably harmed if, regardless of the invalidity of a commissioners removal, the law nonetheless permitted the Appointing Authorities simply to run out the clock on the commissioners term, and thereby deprive the public of the independent leadership central to the CCCs design. There will be no stay, from this Court, of OBriens reinstatement to CCC leadership. From the beginning, what Gordon described in his ruling as a Dickensian drama involving OBrien has echoed that of Jordan Levy and Christy Mihos, the Turnpike Twins who were fired from the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board by Acting Gov. Jane Swift in 2001. Both were reinstated when the Supreme Judicial Court ruled 4-3 in May 2002 that Swift did not have cause for the firings. OBrien lawyer Max Stern raised the Levy and Mihos cases in his closing argument at the final closed-door meeting between Goldberg and OBrien last summer, according to a transcript. He also foreshadowed additional legal proceedings that he said could follow a ruling like the one that Gordon issued Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will truly, in the court of public opinion, be restored, and have her reputation restored. And just like in the Mihos case, after all thats done, we will also have the right to go to Federal Court and file the kind of [U.S. Code section] 1983 case that Mr. Mihos filed. And the Court found was a triable case which would give him the right to discovery, Stern said. So, everything that was told that we were told that we cant subpoena or anything, all that will be out. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg unlawfully fired Shannon OBrien as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission and ordered that OBrien immediately be reinstated to the job. Goldberg suspended OBrien as the commissions chairperson in September 2023. She fired her in September 2024 after considering two outside investigations and about 19 hours of private meetings held last summer. OBrien contested Goldbergs claims of gross misconduct through Suffolk Superior Court and was successful in her appeal of the treasurers firing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question before the Court is not whether [OBrien] was abrasive, boorish, inconsiderate, ill-tempered, imprudent and/or otherwise unreasonable either in actuality or in the reasonable estimation of the Treasurer," Judge Robert Gordon wrote in his decision. Those are simply not grounds that clear the high bar for removal set by the terms of the statute. Rather, he wrote, the question at hand was whether Goldbergs decision properly applied the legal standards to remove OBrien gross misconduct and being unable to discharge the powers and duties of her office and whether it was supported by substantial evidence. On any fair reading of the facts, and any proper application of the law, the decision fails on both counts, Gordon wrote. The judge said OBrien is entitled to reinstatement for the remainder of her statutory appointment, and to an award of back pay and benefits running from the date of her unlawful termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OBriens term as chair of the CCC was set to run through Aug. 31, 2027. Among the allegations Goldberg cited in firing OBrien were that the former chairwoman made rude and disrespectful comments, remarks, statements, and presumptions to Commission staff and colleagues that were or were perceived to be race-based or, at minimum, to be racially, ethnically, and culturally insensitive. Goldberg also said OBrien contributed to a hostile work environment with the way she treated or bullied, according to Goldberg former CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, a one-time Goldberg deputy. OBrien contended that Goldberg appointed her to be a change agent at an agency in need of a shakeup, that she was met with insubordination and hostility from the staff, and that her relationship with Goldberg soured when she raised the idea of removing Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Baerlein, a spokesperson for OBrien, said she plans to return to her job at the CCC. Her work as Chair of the CCC has been focused on fixing the management problems of the agency, bringing opportunities to people of color and women in the cannabis industry, and restoring the integrity of the CCC for the benefit of the taxpayers, Baerlein said. Acknowledging the challenges of that mission, given the recent reports by the State Inspector General and State Auditor, Chair OBrien is pleased to have her good name restored and looks forward to working with CCC Executive Director Travis Ahearn and her fellow CCC commissioners in fulfilling the intent of the Legislature when it created the CCC. In a statement, Goldberg said she thinks Gordons ruling is wrong. Her office said it is reviewing the judges decision and determining its next steps. I dont think, under any circumstance, the kind of behavior Chair OBrien demonstrated should be tolerated. I do not accept that harassment and bullying are just trivial issues in the workplace, Goldberg said. Frankly, we think this judge got it wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously to entirely overhaul the CCC in part due to the perception of it as an ineffective regulator and as an organization beset with personnel conflicts and scandals. The overhaul would also eliminate Goldbergs power to appoint the CCC chair, leaving all appointments to the governor. Cannabis in Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that US President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard to California to quell protests over immigration raids in June, violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits using the military for domestic law enforcement. There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence, Judge Charles R. Breyer wrote, but there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests. Breyers ruling hands a win to California Gov. Gavin Newsom who had sued the administration over the deployment. The White House is expected to appeal the decision; the administration last week telegraphed plans to expand its National Guard deployments to Democrat-run cities including New York, Chicago, and Seattle. LOS ANGELES A federal judge in California ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration violated a 19th-century law barring the use of soldiers for civilian law enforcement activities when it mobilized 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in June. "The evidence at trial established that Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles," U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco said in a 52-page filing. "In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act," he said. California National Guard members outside the federal building in Los Angeles on June 9 as people protest in response to federal immigration operations. (Apu Gomes / AFP - Getty Images file) Hours after Breyer's ruling, California filed a request for a preliminary injunction asking the court to remove the remaining 300 National Guard members stationed in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion is in response to an Aug. 5 federal extension of the guard members, whom Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered to stay in the region through the redistricting special election in November. The timing of Trumps extension of the National Guard soldiers isnt coincidental hes holding onto soldiers through Election Day, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. The reality is this they want to continue their intimidation tactics to scare Californians into submission. Breyer's ruling strikes a blow to President Donald Trump's push to deploy troops to city streets as part of an effort to fight crime. Critics have branded the deployments federal government overreach. Trump first deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles before he sent soldiers into Washington, D.C., enraging many political opponents and residents. He has indicated his interest in deploying troops to other cities, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, a rogue judge is trying to usurp the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to protect American cities from violence and destruction," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. Lawyers representing California argued last month that Trump had exceeded his authority by deploying federal troops after thousands of protesters took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles to rally against his immigration policies. The Trump administration had framed the protests as violent riots that were overwhelming local authorities and endangering residents. The National Guard was necessary, it argued, to protect federal property and personnel from the escalating chaos. But Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, pushed back immediately, insisting they had matters well in hand and arguing the protests were largely peaceful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers representing California had asked Breyer, a Clinton appointee and younger brother of retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, to order the Trump administration to return control of the remaining troops to Newsom and to stop using the military to execute or assist in the execution of federal law. The Justice Department countered that the deployment was necessary to protect federal property and personnel and that the troops acted within the confines of the Posse Comitatus Act. The 1878 statute prohibits the president from using the military as a domestic police force without approval from Congress. The Trump administration deployed the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell a rebellion and ensure that federal immigration law was enforced, Breyer wrote in Tuesdays ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence, he wrote. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law. Breyer ordered the Trump administration to stop using military troops in California to execute the laws, including but not limited to engaging in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection, interrogation, or acting as informants, unless the situation meets the bar for an exemption to the Posse Comitatus Act. He also wrote that Trumps intention to call National Guard troops into federal service in other cities would be creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Newsom celebrated the ruling, saying in a statement that "no president is a king not even Trump and no president can trample a states power to protect its people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass, who repeatedly accused the Trump administration of "invading" Los Angeles, applauded the court ruling and said the city would not "buckle." "We will not be divided and we will not be defeated," she said in a statement. National Guard members were spotted at several high-profile immigration enforcement actions, including in MacArthur Park and at two cannabis cultivation centers north of Los Angeles. Both incidents sparked backlash from immigrant rights advocates and local leaders. Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who commanded the National Guard troops, and William Harrington, the task forces deputy chief of staff, each testified that intelligence briefings suggested there was minimal risk to immigration officers during several operations, including the MacArthur Park action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherman said his chain of command told him that federal troops could conduct security patrols as well as traffic, crowd and riot control, in addition to protecting federal property and personnel. We were allowed to do these four things because it was in line with what the president was directing, Sherman told the court. Breyer bristled. What limiting factors are there to the use of this force? Breyer asked. Why is the federalized National Guard, even though its been drawn down, still in place? Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton said the guard members and Marines were serving in a protective function, which is not a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, were going to see federal officers everywhere if the president determines theres a threat to the safety of federal agents? Breyer pressed Hamilton. Thats what youre saying the law is. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that President Donald Trumps deployment of U.S. troops to Los Angeles earlier this summer violated a law barring the military from acting as domestic police. In a ruling issued Tuesday, Judge Charles Breyer concluded that the Trump administration broke the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of the military to enforce civilian law without congressional approval. Breyer found that Marines and National Guard soldiers stationed in Los Angeles this June were ordered to carry out policing functions during protests against the Trump administrations immigration policies. The rebuke from Breyer comes as Trump signals he may send troops into other blue cities. Congress spoke clearly in 1878 when it passed the Posse Comitatus Act, Breyer wrote. There was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law. In short, defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer accused the administration of attempting to create a national police force with the president as its chief. While he did not order the immediate withdrawal of the roughly 300 troops who remain in Los Angeles, he barred them from engaging in policing duties unless Congress explicitly authorizes it. The ruling is on hold until September 12 to allow the administration to appeal. The Trump administration has signaled that it will not back down. The military will remain in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, the acting attorney general for the Central District of California, wrote on X. This is a false narrative and a misleading injunction. The military has never engaged in direct law enforcement operations here in LA. The possible legal setback comes as Trump has publicly mulled expanding his military crackdown to other cities, including Oakland, San Francisco, and Chicago. Just before Breyer issued his decision, the president posted on Truth Social that he intended to solve the Windy Citys crime problem fast, just like [he] did in DC. JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesnt need help in preventing CRIME, Trump wrote while citing recent shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump carried out his recent deployment of federal officers in the nations capital under a different legal justification than the one in L.A., since the Constitution does grant the president authority over the D.C. National Guard. Gov. Pritzker blasted the suggestion, calling it an invasion with U.S. troops. National Guard troops or any kind of troops on the streets of an American city dont belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency and there is not, Pritzker told CBS News. If they do, theyll be in court pretty quickly, because that is illegal. The post Judge rules Trumps Los Angeles troop deployment illegal appeared first on Salon.com. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administrations use of military troops in Los Angeles was a blatant, illegal violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. Breyer has blocked the president from deploying the National Guard to California again. Congress spoke clearly in 1878 when it passed the Posse Comitatus Act, prohibiting the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law. Nearly 140 years later, Defendants President Trump, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and the Department of Defense deployed the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell a rebellion and ensure that federal immigration law was enforced, Breyer wrote in his decision. There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence, he continued. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law.... Defendants systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer put the ruling on hold for 10 days, as the Trump administration is likely to appeal. The president sent 4,000 National Guards troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles after he claimed that violent mobs were attacking ICE officersthe same officers snatching their friends, family, and neighbors from their homes and workplaces. That was a clear exaggeration then, and now Breyer has made it known now that it was a complete violation of U.S. law as well. This move, if extended, will likely have a significant impact on Trumps stated plans to expand his military takeover of Washington, D.C., to other cities like New York, Baltimore, and Chicago. The president has used exaggerated numbers and descriptions of these cities in recent weeks as his federal takeover of D.C. continues, serving at least in some capacity as a trial run for similar actions elsewhere. This story has been updated. President Trumps use of National Guard troops against immigration protesters in Los Angeles is illegal, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Trump overstepped his authority when he deployed the troops over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who presides over the Northern District of California. About 300 National Guard members remain on the streets of Los Angeles, but Breyer did not order their immediate removal. His ruling is not scheduled to go into effect until Sept. 12, allowing the Trump administration time to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom wrote on social media. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. In the ruling, Breyer also noted Trumps threats to deploy the National Guard in other cities across the U.S., including New York, Chicago and Baltimore. He said this would also violate the Posse Comitatus Act, the 1870s law that prevents military troops from enforcing the law on U.S. soil. President Trumps recent executive orders and public statements regarding the National Guard raise serious concerns as to whether he intends to order troops to violate the Posse Comitatus Act elsewhere, Breyer wrote. The Trump administration will almost surely appeal the ruling. Tuesdays decision was not even the first time Breyer ruled Trumps National Guard deployment in Los Angeles to be illegal. Back in June, he ruled Trump violated the Tenth Amendment by calling up the Guard over the governors objections, but an appeals court reversed that decision days later. Trump initially deployed nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles in response to protests against his immigration crackdown. Many of those troops have since departed. With News Wire Services A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trumps use of National Guard troops to aid immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles earlier this year is illegal. Judge Charles Breyer said the Trump administration violated a 19th-century law when it sent about 4,000 troops and 700 Marines to California in June to quell violent protests and aid federal agents in immigration enforcement efforts. After Trump mobilized the troops, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, sued the administration and argued they were in violation of the law that prohibits the military from enforcing domestic laws. However, the administration has argued the troops were in Los Angeles to protect federal officers and property and not to enforce laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Posse Comitatus Act is a statute from 1878 that prohibits a president from using the military as a domestic law enforcement agency without congressional approval. Breyer found the administration in violation of the statute by using troops for crowd control during protests. The issue began when Los Angeles residents began protesting the detention and deportation action being carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protests turned violent, prompting Trump to weigh in and federalize members of the California National Guard, despite Newsom and city leaders objecting. Trumps order to call up the National Guard to Los Angeles and bypass the request of a governor is a move used infrequently by presidents. Judge Breyer, a Clinton appointee, had earlier issued an emergency order in June where he said Trump had to give control of the troops back to Newsom. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned Breyers emergency order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court includes two Trump appointees and one appointee from former President Joe Biden. The panel said Trump had constitutional authority to deploy the guard against protesters since the demonstrations turned violent. The Trump administration will likely appeal Breyers latest ruling. In a statement posted online, Newsoms office celebrated the ruling by saying the people of California won much needed accountability against Trumps ILLEGAL militarization of an American city! The ruling comes as Trump has deployed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., under the District of Columbias Home Rule Act, which allows the president to federalize the citys law enforcement. Trump said crime in Washington was out of control, but is getting better with the federal oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also threatened to send National Guard troops to other Democratic-led cities like Baltimore and Chicago. It sparked a battle with local leaders, who say they do not need troops in their cities to control crime, and said they would sue if Trump tried to send troops. Trump deployed the troops to Los Angeles by declaring there was an emergency need to protect the federal buildings in the area. But in Chicago or any other city, it would be a different story. Without a clear emergency as the reason to send troops, Trump would be openly defying the governor and beginning a legal battle. Even if he overrode the governor, the troops would be limited to only protecting federal assets and employees, nothing more. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that National Guard troops ran afoul of the law in Los Angeles when President Trump deployed them in June after immigration protests that turned violent. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled their actions violated an 1878 law that generally bars federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement. The ruling comes as Trump publicly discusses putting troops in Chicago. This was intentionalDefendants instigated a months-long deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles for the purpose of establishing a military presence there and enforcing federal law. Such conduct is a serious violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, Breyer wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though most of the troops are no longer deployed in the city, the judges order blocks any remaining ones from making arrests and searches or conducting traffic patrols and riot control until the government meets a valid legal exception. Breyer paused his order until Sept. 12, providing the administration with an avenue to appeal before it goes into effect. An appeals court blocked a previous Breyer order that found Trump illegally federalized the National Guard and must hand back control to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The military will remain in Los Angeles. This is a false narrative and a misleading injunction, acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli wrote on the social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military has never engaged in direct law enforcement operations here in LA, he continued. They protect our federal employees our properties so our federal agents can safely enforce federal laws in the face of the thugs being unleashed and encouraged by state and local politicians. Trump deployed several thousand National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles in June as protests erupted in the city over the administrations immigration crackdown, turning violent in some cases. It sparked a major confrontation between Trump and Newsom, who has leaned into his role as a visible Trump foe to energize Democrats eager to see members of their party fight back at the president. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom posted on X in response to the ruling. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) had said the deployment is illegal in several respects and demanded the courts intervene to send the troops home. Todays ruling affirms that President Trump is not King, and the power of the executive is not boundless, Bonta said in a statement. For more than two months, the President has engaged in political theater, using National Guard troops and Marines as pawns to further his anti-immigrant agenda. After they sued, Breyer quickly issued an emergency ruling in June finding Trump didnt follow the mandated procedure. The judge had ordered Trump return control of the National Guard to Newsom, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals halted the ruling until it resolves the administrations appeal, allowing the deployment to remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As that appeal over Trumps authority remains pending, Breyer moved ahead to consider the legality of the troops actions on the ground. Breyer, an appointee of former President Clinton, is the brother of retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Trump, speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, decried Breyer as a radical left judge and stressed the National Guard troops still in Los Angeles can remain on the ground. The judge said that, You can leave the 300 people that you already have in place. They can stay, they can remain, they can do what they have to do, Trump said. During a three-day bench trial last month, the judge heard testimony from three officials from the Defense Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the Trump administration insisted the troops actions complied with the Posse Comitatus Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyers ruling rejects the administrations arguments that the law doesnt apply to the Los Angeles deployment, and Newsom had no right to sue. The judge went on to declare the troops actions illegal, emphasizing many went beyond the vicinity of federal property in downtown Los Angeles to assist immigration raids. In fact, these violations were part of a top-down, systemic effort by Defendants to use military troops to execute various sectors of federal law (the drug laws and the immigration laws at least) across hundreds of miles and over the course of several monthsand counting, Breyer wrote. The judge briefly noted Trump has since deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and has threatened to do so in other Democrat-led cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Tuesdays ruling does not impact those moves, and the unique structure of D.C. and its National Guard raises additional legal questions. When asked about the potential of sending National Guard members to Chicago on Tuesday, Trump confirmed he plans to but didnt specify when such an operation would take place. Well, were going in, the president said. Updated at 4:03 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Washington A federal court in California ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration violated federal law when it deployed members of the National Guard and active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles earlier this summer in response to protests against immigration enforcement operations. In a 52-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer found that the president and his administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 1878 law that prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Breyer blocked the Trump administration from deploying or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops in the state, for civilian law enforcement. His decision restricts the use of service members to engage in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures and traffic and crowd control. The injunction applies only to the Trump administration's use of the National Guard in California, not nationally, and it does not require the Defense Department to withdraw the 300 National Guard troops who remain in Los Angeles. Breyer noted that the administration is not prohibited from using troops consistent with the Posse Comitatus Act, and wrote that they can continue to protect federal property in a manner allowed under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge froze his injunction until noon on Sept. 12, likely to allow the Trump administration time to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. "Today, the court sided with democracy and the Constitution. No president is a king not even Trump and no president can trample a state's power to protect its people," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in response to the decision. He said Mr. Trump's use of the military "as his personal police force is illegal, authoritarian, and must be stopped in every courtroom across this country." Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, indicated that the Justice Department will appeal the ruling. "Once again, a rogue judge is trying to usurp the authority of the commander-in-chief to protect American cities from violence and destruction. President Trump saved Los Angeles, which was overrun by deranged leftist lunatics sowing mass chaos until he stepped in," she said in a statement. "While far-left courts try to stop President Trump from carrying out his mandate to Make America Safe Again, the president is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, and this will not be the final say on the issue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer's ruling came after he held a three-day trial in the case brought by Newsom in June. The Democratic governor sued in response to Mr. Trump's decision to deploy members of California's National Guard to Los Angeles to quell protests against immigration enforcement operations taking place in the area. The president invoked a law known as Title 10 to send the California National Guard to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel. The judge granted temporary relief to California officials in June that required the Trump administration not to deploy the California National Guard in Los Angeles and return control to Newsom. But a three-judge panel on the 9th Circuit found it likely that Mr. Trump lawfully federalized the California National Guard under a different law, Title 10. Those earlier proceedings did not involve the Posse Comitatus Act. Breyer, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, held the trial on the merits of Newsom's arguments that the president violated that 147-year-old law last month. The judge's ruling Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge wrote in his ruling that the evidence put forth at the trial established that the Trump administration "systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act," Breyer wrote. While the Pentagon withdrew roughly the 700 U.S. Marines who had been sent to Los Angeles, Breyer noted that there are still 300 National Guard members stationed there nearly three months after they were first mobilized. "Moreover, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have stated their intention to call National Guard troops into federal service in other cities across the country including Oakland and San Francisco, here in the Northern District of California thus creating a national police force with the President as its chief," Breyer wrote. The judge said that the Trump administration intentionally initiated the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to establish a military presence there and enforce federal law. He called that conduct a "serious violation" of federal law prohibiting the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In fact, these violations were part of a top-down, systemic effort by Defendants to use military troops to execute various sectors of federal law (the drug laws and the immigration laws at least) across hundreds of miles and over the course of several months and counting," Breyer wrote. Breyer rejected the administration's argument that the president's constitutional powers allow him to override the restrictions in the Posse Comitatus Act. "Under this 'constitutional exception,' as Defendants call it, the President has inherent constitutional authority to protect federal property, federal personnel, and federal functions, so any actions that can be construed as such 'protection' are lawful in spite of the Posse Comitatus Act," he wrote. "This assertion is not grounded in the history of the Act, Supreme Court jurisprudence on executive authority, or common sense." The judge said that Congress was clear about what constitutes an exception to the law, precluding the president from exercising all but his express authority under the Constitution. He also accused the Trump administration of attempting to usurp Congress' authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That Defendants characterize this as an 'exception' to the statute is mere wordplay; it does not change the fact that they seek to override Congress's legitimate exercise of its own authority," Breyer wrote. Attorneys for California had sought an injunction that blocked National Guard forces from participating in and protecting federal agents during immigration enforcement operations, and Breyer agreed to grant their request. The Trump administration had argued that Title 10 is an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act and therefore didn't apply to National Guard troops who were called into federal service. The judge wrote that while there is "no question that federal personnel should be able to perform their jobs without fearing for their safety," the Trump administration cannot "use this as a hook to send military troops alongside federal agents wherever they go." Since the 9th Circuit allowed the Trump administration to keep the National Guard in California, the president has moved to deploy troops to Washington, D.C. Mr. Trump has also teased sending the National Guard to other major cities throughout the country in what he casts as a looming crackdown against illegal immigration, violent crime and civil unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, there are over 2,200 National Guard members in Washington, D.C., with over half of those troops sent by Republican governors throughout the country. Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes Trump says U.S. military "shot out" boat from Venezuela carrying drugs Watch: Trump announces relocation of Space Command headquarters, takes questions on several topics A federal judge in Muskogee has declared unconstitutional an Oklahoma law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities. U.S. District Judge Ronald White issued his one-page order on Friday, Aug. 30, saying the law as applied to people who are not "lawfully present in the United States violates the Supremacy Clause." In issuing the order, White granted a request filed on Aug. 5 by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the U.S. Department of Justice, who jointly asked the judge to deem the state law invalid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said the ruling and the fact that Drummond supported it will only serve to hinder the state's efforts to build its workforce in critical areas. "This is only going to harm our state," he said. "It sends a message that the state of Oklahoma doesn't want people because they don't have a certain piece of paper." President Donald Trumps administration has tried for months to block states from extending lower tuition rates to students who are undocumented. The case against Oklahoma's tuition law was somewhat unique, because the defendant the state of Oklahoma agreed from the outset that it should be overruled. I am thankful to have worked with the dedicated professionals of President Trumps Department of Justice to ensure illegal immigrants no longer receive an unlawful tuition discount while American students from outside Oklahoma pay twice as much," Drummond said in a statement issued Tuesday. "This ruling is an important victory for fairness and common sense, and I am pleased that we have been able to correct course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which oversees public higher education in the state, said the executive agency was aware of White's ruling. "Our team is reviewing the order and we intend to comply," spokeswoman Angela Caddell said. About 400 students across the state system may be affected by White's ruling, Caddell said, basing that figure on information received from most of the state's public colleges and universities. More: Trump sues Oklahoma to stop undocumented immigrants from paying in-state tuition rates What the policy on Oklahoma in-state tuition said Under the agency's now-former policy, an undocumented student from Oklahoma was eligible to pay in-state tuition rates, which are considerably less than those paid by out-of-state students attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That policy said a person who resided in Oklahoma at the time of graduation from an Oklahoma high school and has resided in the state with a parent or legal guardian for two years prior to graduation from high school will be eligible for in-state status. A federal judge has approved a consent judgment requested by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the U.S. Justice Department over a state law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities. Alonso-Sandoval said he believed the state was doing itself a disservice to make it more difficult for some Oklahoma residents to access higher education. "These students are residents of Oklahoma," he said. "They've probably lived most of their lives in the state. These are students who have already graduated from high school, found ways to pay for college ... and are willing to put in the work to find scholarships. These are future teachers, engineers, nurses all the people we need in our state." The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma said it was not commenting on White's ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week after Drummond and the U.S. Department of Justice asked White to declare the law void, legal advocacy organization Public Justice asked White to submit a friend-of-the-court brief. The next day, on Aug. 13, Public Justice told the court the Justice Department consented to the filing, but noted in a separate filing later that day the governments consent had been withdrawn because it believes the proposed amicus brief is untimely. Public Justice disagreed, saying its request was not untimely, and, (e)ven if the amicus brief were untimely, however, the court should consider the brief because it addresses the courts subject matter jurisdiction and the courts independent obligation to ensure the consent decree is fair, reasonable, and tailored to cure a violation of federal law. On Aug. 26, the Justice Department and the state of Oklahoma filed a response opposing Public Justices motion, saying, its efforts were untimely and unhelpful and Public Justice has not shown that it has relevant information or a useful or unique perspective to share with the court. The next day, Public Justice filed a reply to that response. But on Aug. 29, White accepted a report from a U.S. magistrate judge that recommended the approval of the motion for consent judgment, then granted that judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexia Aston contributed to this report. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK's in-state-tuition for undocumented students ruled unconstitutional A judge has dismissed first-degree murder and arson charges against a 58-year-old Lantana-area man accused of setting a woman on fire almost five years ago, finding him incompetent to stand trial due to an intellectual disability. Circuit Judge Donald Hafele issued the ruling on Aug. 21 during a hearing pertaining to the competency of Luis Angel Quinonez, who authorities say attacked Angelica Blanco on the night of Nov. 30, 2020, an act that resulted in Blanco's death months later at the age of 63. Quinonez remains in the custody of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and a hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22 at which the judge will determine whether Quinonez will be committed involuntarily to a civil treatment facility. Hafele appointed a doctor and a counselor to assess the severity of Quinonez's disability independently ahead of that hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an order posted on Aug. 26, Hafele wrote that Quinonez has remained incompetent for more than two years, and found that no evidence had been presented to suggest he will be able to understand the charges against him and participate in his defense anytime soon. If Quinonez is committed, he would be sent to a facility specializing in intellectual disabilities and would have annual evaluations to determine either the level of care he should receive, or if he is eligible to be released. State prosecutors would be able to refile criminal charges if he is deemed competent. Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Donald Hafele presides over jury selection for the MacDonald v. Women's Healthcare trial Thursday morning, February 26, 2015. "We respect the court's decision," a spokesperson for the State Attorney's Office said in a statement to The Palm Beach Post on Aug 29. The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office is representing Quinonez. As a policy, it does not comment on active cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Season 2025: Weather is just ramping up despite a mid-season respite following Erin PBSO: Victim rented room in defendant's home, had cared for his ill family member At the time of Quinonez's arrest, sheriff's investigators alleged he doused Blanco in gasoline and set her on fire after finding out that she was in a relationship with another man. Although Quinonez and Blanco were not in a relationship, they came to know each other when she became a caretaker for one of his ill family members, investigators said. On the night in question, sheriff's deputies and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews responded to a fire at Quinonez's residence on the 7100 block of San Castle Boulevard, just south of Hypoluxo Road and east of Seacrest Boulevard. Neighbors reported seeing a woman covered in flames running from the home. Witnesses reported that a neighbor grabbed a water hose and Quinonez took it away, focusing the hose on the burning residence instead of Blanco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics flew Blanco to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami to be treated for second- and three-degree burns and deputies arrested Quinonez on an attempted murder charge. A subsequent grand jury indictment indicated that Blanco died on or about April 4, 2021, and that the charge was elevated to first-degree murder. The grand jury also indicted Quinonez on a charge of first-degree arson. While detained, Quinonez told investigators Blanco had rented a room in his residence after she was the caretaker for his ill family member, according to sheriff's office accounts. He said he was upset after he learned that Blanco was in a relationship with someone else and demanded that she leave the residence before he came back. According to an arrest report, he indicated that he went to a nearby gas station, filled a container with gasoline and returned home. When he saw that Blanco hadn't left, he poured the gas "all over her bed" and lit her on fire. He said he had also been drinking that evening, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Quinonez was found incompetent on four occasions between January 2023 and October 2024. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man accused of fatally setting woman on fire incompetent for trial Sep. 1A typically sleepy Spokane Municipal Court judge election has become a heated microcosm for the debate that has consumed city politics for years now: What should be done about downtown homelessness, and does the system provide enough "accountability" for those who commit low-level crimes? Judge Mary Logan, who oversees the city's community court, is facing her first re-election challenger since she was appointed as a municipal court judge in 2009: former Spokane City Attorney Lynden Smithson, who continues to serve in the city's prosecutor's office. Community court, a niche court within the city's broader municipal court system, has a narrow focus: nonviolent "quality of life" crimes that occur downtown, like graffiti, public urination and trespass. Many crimes that the court oversees are directly linked to homelessness, like sitting or lying down on sidewalks in the downtown retail zone, though many of these homelessness laws have recently been reformed in a way that some business groups find toothless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan is not just the face of the court; she spearheaded its creation in 2013, hoping to address the same individuals who cycled in and out of jail with little improvement in their lives and a high likelihood of reoffending. "It was from those feelings of 'can we do something better to uphold public safety for the community and serve the individuals that come into the court system?' " Logan said in an interview. Many of the charges that bring defendants to community court will be dropped once they complete community service and connect with social service providers who are gathered only a few feet away in one of the library's conference rooms. It's meant to be a one-stop shop for problem-solving where people can find information about health insurance coverage, substance-abuse treatment, housing, getting new photo IDs and more. The people who pass through the court, many of whom are homeless, are all offered a free sack lunch provided by the congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cathedral. The court's officers stress the importance of respect for defendants and recognition for progress; Logan teared up as she described handing people rocks painted with the words "Courage" or "Strength" or "Faith" to describe those who successfully complete the court's programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(One man) just stopped dead in his tracks, and he said, no one has ever recognized that in me," she said. Depending on the severity of their problems, people might spend anywhere from a couple of weeks to as long as three or six months in the court's program. The court was created to make lasting changes in people's lives, reduce recidivism and improve conditions downtown for residents and businesses. But Smithson and the downtown business owners who encouraged him to run argue the court is failing at its mission, lacks accountability, and does not subject itself to the kind of transparency necessary to evaluate its progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we need new ideas," Smithson said. "I think we need to have a little bit more accountability, and I think we also owe it to the community to have accountability on the court for the public. ... I still have no idea what the recidivism rate is in community court, I don't know how many people have been lifted out of addiction and into housing. They won't provide that information." Smithson argues the court needs "compassionate accountability" for the people who pass through it, and while he argues this does not mean a return to sending people to jail as a first step, he also believes the consequences for failing to meet the court's expectations are not sufficient. "I think (community court) is a great model," Smithson said. "I just think the way it has been applied leaves room for improvement." He also does not believe the court is open enough with data, arguing for regular presentations of the court's caseload, recidivism and other statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan, meanwhile, argues the court already meets those goals. There is accountability for the initial charge through community service, but also regular check-ins at the downtown library and an expectation to keep engaging with service providers. She recalls a woman brought into court for sleeping on the streets, visibly under the influence, and whom Logan ordered into drug treatment. The woman initially refused, had her case kicked up to standard municipal court, but eventually returned on another charge and this time successfully treated her addiction. "Accountability is saying, 'Yes, I was on the streets of Spokane, I have a drug problem, and I'm going to face it every single week because I either have to talk to Judge Logan about it or I have to talk to the prosecutor and defense about it,' " Logan said. "'And if I'm not in compliance, then the next level might be inpatient treatment.'" For someone who refuses to engage, the consequence of getting their case sent to another court may well be jail time, Logan added, though she argued this often becomes the least productive outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smithson, however, does not believe the consequences have historically been sufficient to convince someone to comply. "She says people will do jail time, but when I look at those files it's someone that did five days of jail time at the end because they had a warrant," Smithson said. "That's like spanking your puppy for peeing on the carpet last week ... if you can get the puppy and say you're not supposed to pee on the carpet and they do, maybe not jail, but we're sending them out to work ... maybe that changes their behavior." Many of Smithson's supporters are frustrated by conditions downtown, pointing to data indicating chronic offenders remain on the streets. Last summer, the Spokane Police Department launched a program of emphasis patrols downtown that contacted 73 homeless people with more than 2,000 prior arrests between them. Logan acknowledges a number of chronic offenders live downtown but doesn't agree that the blame lies with community court. She notes around 30 of the people brought into her court after that emphasis program had their cases dismissed by prosecutors because the cases were not adequately built, and points to others who are not competent to stand trial but don't have the same pretrial stabilization resources that they would have access to if they had committed a violent felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the expansion of involuntary confinement becomes more frequently discussed, recently energized by a push from the administration of President Donald Trump, Logan cautiously agrees more avenues to intervene are necessary. "If it's just a broad brush, then it would be an abuse of very basic fundamental rights ... but I can certainly think of individuals that I wish there was a safe haven for them, because ... the death toll for them is going to be high and grim," Logan said. She also wishes there was more funding available for existing programs, noting the state slashed funding for Oxford-style housing that is supposed to be a transition for people who need a sober place to live while they get back on their feet. Smithson argues the court does not provide enough data for the public to adequately assess whether it's succeeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan and other court officials presented data about the court to the Spokane City Council in June. Smithson said he was unaware of this presentation but argued it was likely spurred by the election; Logan said her court used to provide quarterly updates but did not during the term of former Mayor Nadine Woodward because "that wasn't welcomed." It's not clear, however, whether Woodward would have had any say in the court's participation in committees controlled by the City Council. A 2019 study by Washington State University did show a marked decline in recidivism for those who participated in community court versus similar cases prior to the court's existence or that went through another court; Logan noted the study cost $30,000, making it expensive to continually replicate, though she says she would if the court had the money. If elected, Smithson said , he would more regularly provide data to the public and further decrease recidivism. He also wants the court to have dedicated peer navigators to follow people through complying with the court's orders, though he would have to find the funding to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates have significant legal experience. Logan began her legal career in 1988, specializing in medical malpractice and other civil claims. She then represented cities for 15 years, first in California and later in Spokane County. She was hired by the Spokane public defender's office in 1997 and worked there until she was sworn in as a judge in 2009 following the creation of the court and her appointment by then-Mayor Mary Verner. Smithson has worked in various legal roles for the city of Spokane for 23 years including in the city prosecutor's office and served as the city's chief attorney under former Mayor Nadine Woodward. He also has prior experience in civil litigation and criminal defense. Logan's endorsements are extensive: over a hundred judges, including Kristin O'Sullivan, presiding judge of Spokane Municipal Court, 11 of the 13 sitting Spokane County Superior Court judges, and state Supreme Court Justices Debra Stephans and Mary Yu. She is also endorsed by Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, state Sen. Marcus Riccelli and other area politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smithson lists endorsements from a handful of local attorneys, two sitting judges, one from Kittitas County and another from Mason County, as well as former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward, former Spokane police Chief Craig Meidl and various business owners and politically active residents who frequently criticize Spokane's progressives. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correctly attribute a quote starting with "She says people will do jail time..." to Smithson. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) No verdict has been reached in the murder trial for Pagan Motorcycle Club member Ryan Lane, who was charged in the 2022 shooting death of Henry Silver in Marion County. After nine days, the jury was given the case Friday afternoon and deliberated throughout the day on Friday. After deliberating for more than six hours Tuesday following the Labor Day weekend, the jury was deadlocked, and the judge declared a mistrial. Lane, who is the President of Presidents of the national Pagan Motorcycle Club, is the last of six local Pagan Motorcycle Club members who were charged with murder in the case of Silvers death to go to trial. Silver was shot and killed by a group of masked men in Carolina, West Virginia in September 2022. Ryan Lane Lane was charged in 2024 after testimony during the first murder trial in the case of John Wolfe, who was convicted of planning the murder because the victim was sleeping with his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Couple charged after being highly intoxicated and urinating in Lewis County road with child present Although Lane was known to be in contact with other Pagan members around the time of the murder and held a leadership role in the Pagan Motorcycle Club, his cellphone location did not put him near the murder when others who were convicted, including Austin Mullins, Derek Clem and Dane Hull, were at the scene in Carolina. Lanes Pagan Motorcycle Club jacket, which was presented as evidence during the trial, also had no patches of violence. More than a dozen witnesses testified over the course of the trial, but the eighth day on Aug. 28, Austin Mullins, who is serving 40 years in prison for his role in the killing, was called to the stand by Lanes defense attorney but refused to testify. A redacted version of his testimony from a previous trial was read into evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hung or deadlocked jury means that the jury, which was comprised of eight men and eight women in this case, was unable to reach a unanimous decision. This means that Lane has neither been convicted nor acquitted in the case. Moving forward, the Marion County prosecutors will either retry the case, negotiate a plea deal or dismiss the charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett attends President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Credit - Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends her landmark decision to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion in a forthcoming memoir, arguing the court was getting ahead of the American people, according to an excerpt reviewed by CNN. Barrettwho initially opposed taking on the case but ultimately joined the majoritys 5-4 voteargues in the book that the Supreme Courts 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling was an error that came at a cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evidence does not show that the American people have traditionally considered the right to obtain an abortion so fundamental to liberty that it goes without saying in the Constitution, she writes, according to the excerpt. In fact, the evidence cuts in the opposite direction. Abortion not only lacked long-standing protection in American law it had long been forbidden. TIME has not independently reviewed the book, but has reached out to the publisher, Penguin Random House, for comment. Read more: Exclusive: Inside the Preparations for Trumps Next Supreme Court Nominee Listening to the Law, for which Coney Barrett reportedly received a $2 million advance, includes insight into her decision-making process in the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (T)he Courts role is to respect the choices that the people have agreed upon, not to tell them what they should agree to, Barrett writes in her memoir. Barrett was personally selected by Trump in 2020 to establish a conservative majority on the court following the passing of liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The majority allowed conservatives to achieve a long-held wish of overturning Roe v. Wade, a previous Supreme Court decision that codified the right to abortion nationwide. Barrett has sided with the conservative majority in many cases, bolstering national gun rights, ending affirmative action, and limiting the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions in a more recent birthright citizenship decision. But she has also become the Republican-appointed justice who is most likely to be in the majority for decisions with a liberal outcome, and has sided with the President the least in Trump-related cases, according to the New York Times. The justice notes the intensifying public pressure the Supreme Court has received in recent years in her book. While the intensity of the challenges faced by the Court ebbs and flows, the challenges themselves will never disappear, Barrett writes. Throughout, the job of every justice is to do his or her best by the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A historic low of 39% of Americans approve of the way the Supreme Court is handling its job, according to a Gallup poll. Listening to the Law will be published on Sept. 9 Contact us at letters@time.com. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee joins local legislators and educational leaders to kick off the 2025-26 Attendance Matters RI campaign at the State House Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Governor's Office photo) More Rhode Island kids attended school in the last school year, pulling the states chronic absenteeism rate down to 22.1% a decrease of around 2.6 percentage points, according to new state data released Tuesday. The rate of chronic absenteeism defined as missing at least 18 days of school, or 10% of a school year was 24.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2024-2025 academic year dip comprises about 142,360 fewer absences compared to the 2023-2024 school year. I know that these improved results are happening only because of the hard work of the students, families, educators and administrators like those here today, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green said at a Tuesday morning State House press conference to publicize the latest slate of initiatives tied to the ongoing Attendance Matters RI campaign. School absenteeism rose sharply during the pandemic nationwide. In Rhode Island, chronic absenteeism rates peaked at 34.1% during the 2021-2022 school year. Statewide rates have declined for three consecutive years but have largely remained above pre-COVID 19 benchmarks of under 20%. The state-controlled Providence Public Schools District (PPSD) saw robust improvement: Chronic absenteeism went down nearly 7 percentage points, from 36.2% to 29.3% for the 2024-2025 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the states biggest school district has improved 27.8 percentage points since the 2021-2022 school year, when PPSDs chronic absenteeism rate peaked at 57.1%. Reversing chronic absenteeism trends has been a major concern of Infante-Green and Gov. Dan McKee, who emphasized Rhode Islands recent progress while detailing the states continued strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism as students return to school statewide. We really want families and parents to know that if that child is feeling good, they need to be in school, McKee said. Were going to talk about the evidence that says that if youre in school, youre going to do better. Its common sense, right? If youre in school, if you show up, youre going to do better. New attendance guidance for the states public schools suggests flagging students who miss 10% of classes and are significantly off-track in their grades and studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School districts should notify families of such students with a Promotion in Doubt letter by the end of the first quarter of the school year, and provide quarterly updates after the initial letter if necessary. Schools are advised to exhaust resources like Individualized Learning Plans, tutoring, transportation assistance and social services before deciding to hold a student back. The commissioner noted that chronically absent students have a four-year high school graduation rate of just 58.9%, compared with 96.2% for their peers a nearly 38-point gap, Infante-Green noted. Every student that were able to recover makes a difference in their lives and the lives of the state, Infante-Green said, adding that some of the most effective interventions have been some of the simplest. Last year, we sent magnetic refrigerator calendars home with every single student in the state, the commissioner said. It was just a little thing that we tried, but students loved it. They were a physical representation of the hard work our students were doing by showing up to school every single day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infante-Green said that families have been inquiring about the calendars return this year, and she added that the calendars will once again be available this year to every single household in Rhode Island. Also premiering this year is an attendance heat map which shows in real-time when absences spike at the school, district, and state level. Absenteeism rates tend to cluster around weekends and holiday breaks an anecdotal argument the state now has data to back up, Infante-Green said. Complete attendance and absenteeism data for the 2024-2025 school year is available on RIDEs website. Schools with the most improved absenteeism rates in 2024-2025 Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School, East Providence Warren A. Sherman Elementary School, Warwick Achievement First Promesa Mayoral Academy , Providence Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School , Pawtucket Roger Williams Middle School , Providence Esek Hopkins Middle School , Providence West Broadway Middle School , Providence Governor Christopher DelSesto Middle School , Providence Nathan Bishop Middle School , Providence Beacon Charter School , Woonsocket E-Cubed Academy , Providence Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex , Providence Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School , Providence Village Green Virtual Charter School, Providence Schools with the lowest overall absenteeism rates in 2024-2025 TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is ordering flags across the state to drop to half-staff on Wednesday this week. Kelly said in a press release on Tuesday, Sept. 2 that flags should be flown at the half-staff position on all state grounds, buildings and facilities. This order will run from sunup to sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Kellys order is meant to honor the life of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic who was killed in the line of duty in late August. Simoncic was hit by a vehicle involved in a police chase on Aug. 26 and later died at a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death of a law enforcement officer is always a tragedy, and Hunter Simoncic diligently protected and served Kansans, Kelly said. Beyond his work as a police officer, he was committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the Kansas City community. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones, and the Kansas City, Kansas community, as they again grieve this unimaginable loss. Cost to camp at Kansas state parks may be going up with proposed fee changes For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The keel for the U.S. Navys second Columbia-class submarine was laid during an Aug. 27 ceremony in Kingstown, Rhode Island, marking the beginning of the subs construction. The vessel, currently designated SSBN 827, will be known as the Wisconsin, becoming the third in a line of warships that served with distinction in U.S. history. The original Wisconsin was the flagship of the Pacific fleet until 1903, while the second was an Iowa-class battleship that fought in numerous World War II Pacific battles and was resurrected twice to serve in the Korean and Persian Gulf Wars. As a ballistic missile submarine, the future Wisconsin will carry multiple nuclear warheads and conduct patrols to deter adversaries. Powered by a nuclear reactor, the Columbia-class submarine is designed to maneuver with total stealth and rapidly launch nuclear missiles in defense of the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It succeeds the Ohio class, which recently demonstrated the capabilities of current U.S. fleet of ballistic submarines. An Ohio-class delivered powerful strikes against Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer. It requires minimal maintenance stops and can transport over 66 Special Operations Forces and underwater vehicles. The Columbia class is expected to exceed the capacity of the Ohio class, both in terms of missile payload and stealth capabilities. Its also anticipated to field the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapons System, in addition to hypersonic missiles and the sea-launched nuclear cruise missile currently in development, known as the SLCM-N. These new sea-launched weapons have been named as strategic priorities for the Navy in the face of evolving threats. Our ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable leg of our nations nuclear triad; they are the ultimate guarantee that no adversary will ever miscalculate Americas resolve, Adm. William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, said in a service release. From this keel, the Wisconsin will rise an intricate structure of power, precision, and purpose, Houston added. And just as the keel bears the weight of the ship, this vessel bears the weight of our nations most solemn responsibility: to deter war and preserve peace through strength. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is targeting the governments Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, without which manufacturers might cease producing shots. (Eric Harkleroad/KFF Health News) Dining under palm trees on a patio at Mar-a-Lago in December, President-elect Donald Trump reassured chief executives at pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Pfizer that anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wouldnt be a radical choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services. I think hes going to be much less radical than you would think, Trump said later that month during a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida, resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight months have passed, and Kennedy is intensifying his attacks on the vaccine system. High on his list of targets: a federal vaccine compensation program that settles injury claims. His strategy could bankrupt or diminish the fund, some legal scholars and public health leaders say, saddling pharmaceutical companies with liability risks and costs that would compel them to stop making vaccines altogether. Its a radical agenda, said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Hes using a bunch of different mechanisms and there really are no guardrails. People are going to catch on but its not going to be enough to stop the waves of deaths, and deaths of children. Kennedy has said changes to the U.S. vaccine system are needed because, he asserts without evidence, immunizations are linked to autism, neurotoxicity, allergies, and death. He is a leader of the Make America Healthy Again movement, an informal campaign that eschews traditional medicine and espouses medical freedom. Many adherents oppose vaccines and believe they are unsafe despite scientific evidence to the contrary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy has acknowledged he wants to reform the vaccine fund, known as the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, writing July 28 on the social platform X that the VICP is broken, and I intend to fix it. HHS is working with the Department of Justice to revamp the program, which shields drugmakers from most liability over injuries. HHS didnt respond to a request to speak with Kennedy, but agency officials said he isnt opposed to immunizations. Secretary Kennedy is not anti-vaccine he is pro-safety, pro-transparency, and pro-accountability, HHS spokesperson Vianca Rodriguez Feliciano said in an email. Yet behind the scenes, Kennedy has been laying the groundwork to restrict the availability of widely used immunizations, according to people familiar with internal discussions who asked not to be identified because theyre not authorized to speak on the topic. A multipronged strategy The strategy began taking shape in the spring. The first step: Raise unfounded questions about the safety of vaccines. At a Cabinet meeting in April, Kennedy told Trump that HHS was undertaking a massive study that would identify the cause of rising autism diagnoses by September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy tasked David Geier, a researcher whos repeated the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, to oversee the work, according to media reports. Kennedy then doubled down by questioning the use of aluminum, which is added to many vaccines to help boost the immune response. He linked it to allergies at a July meeting of governors, even though a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found no connection. Hes widely expected to ask a federal vaccine advisory committee to conduct a review. The autism research and concerns about aluminum were early salvos in the push to go after the compensation fund, according to two of the people. That fund provides money to people for injuries from vaccines and has paid out more than $5 billion since it was established in 1988, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before filing a lawsuit in court, injured individuals bring their claims to the programs nonjury vaccine court, which reviews evidence. The fund provides compensation from a small excise tax on vaccines. Compensation is determined in part by a table maintained by HRSA and overseen by the HHS secretary. It lists each vaccine and associated injuries and encompasses routine vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are subject to the excise tax. The injuries include anaphylaxis and encephalitis. People who experience such injuries within a certain time after getting a specific vaccine can get money. Kennedy wants to get autism or allergies added to that document, according to two people familiar with internal discussions and concerns raised publicly by some vaccine developers and former regulators. He could accomplish the goal if HHS-led research blames vaccines for autism, for example, or if a federal vaccine advisory panel recommends against aluminum in vaccines, according to some legal scholars. Given the rate of autism, if a lot of cases are brought, that could bankrupt the program, said Dorit Reiss, a professor at University of California Law San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that were to happen, pharmaceutical companies could stop producing the immunizations, which dont tend to be very profitable, rather than get entangled in drawn-out, expensive lawsuits from claimants who cant get money because the federal vaccine injury fund has run dry, some legal experts and vaccine developers said. The compensation fund, if its gone, would impact decisions to proceed or not to proceed, said David Dodd, president and CEO of GeoVax Labs, a biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies. A federal vaccine advisory panel could also recommend against aluminum in shots, forcing drugmakers to make costly reformulations or exit the market. Kennedy has placed people around him to execute the strategy. Hes pushed to get vaccine skeptics in decision-making positions at the CDC, which recommends vaccines, and the Food and Drug Administration, which approves them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also tapped leaders in the anti-vaccine movement to vet candidates for him. The outcome has been regulatory and policy decisions that have winnowed vaccine access and development. HHS this month said it was halting $500 million in grants and contracts for the development of mRNA vaccines, including an improved, more durable covid mRNA vaccine. The federal government stopped recommending covid shots for healthy pregnant women and children, bypassing input from a vaccine advisory committee that traditionally would have weighed in. And Kennedy reconstituted that committee with his own handpicked members, including vaccine skeptics, and removed the American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, and other industry groups that served as committee liaisons. The modified panel recommended against flu vaccines containing a preservative erroneously linked to autism. The White House calls Kennedys determination to keep vaccine skeptics in oversight positions played out in a deal he recently made with Trump and his staff, according to two people familiar with the situation. The arrangement came together on a Sunday night in July when Kennedy got a call from the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subject was Vinay Prasad, a top vaccine regulator at the FDA. He had recently touched off a wave of industry criticism for playing a role in the agencys decision to ask biotech company Sarepta Therapeutics to halt shipments of a gene therapy over safety concerns. Social media posts and conservative commentators whipped up a furor. Laura Loomer, a far-right provocateur, said July 21 on X that Prasad should be fired and called him a self-proclaimed progressive liberal and Bernie Sanders fanboy, referring to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Congressional lawmakers began peppering the White House with questions. The furor reached Trump, who wanted Prasad out, according to the people. But Kennedy was concerned about losing Prasad. He felt he needed a critic of immunizations overseeing vaccines at the agency. So Kennedy struck a deal. Prasad would be asked to resign as head of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which regulates vaccine products and biologics such as gene therapies. And the center would be divided into two operations, with Kennedy empowered to select the person overseeing vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some public health leaders publicly shared details of the arrangement and raised concerns about its potential impact. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in an Aug. 1 interview on CNBC that he thought it would be very destructive to the agency. After leaving the agency in July, Prasad is now returning, though it is unclear if his role has changed. Recently, Kennedy was sued by Ray Flores, senior outside counsel for Childrens Health Defense. An anti-vaccine group founded by Kennedy, Childrens Health Defense is funding the suit, which claims Kennedy failed to launch a task force to study vaccine safety that it says is required to report findings to Congress. But Kennedy and his allies view the lawsuit as friendly, according to one person familiar with the matter, because it is seeking an outcome that he wants. HHS on Aug. 14 announced it was reviving a federal panel, disbanded in 1998, to provide oversight of pediatric vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedys work against vaccines has triggered unfriendly lawsuits too, including one brought by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other public health groups. His recent decision to halt funds for mRNA vaccine development yielded a swell of social media criticism. This is reckless. This is dangerous. This will cost lives. We must fight back, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) said Aug. 5 on X. Ive tried to be objective & non-alarmist in response to current HHS actions but quite frankly this move is going to cost lives, Jerome Adams, who was U.S. surgeon general during the previous Trump administration, said Aug. 5 on the same platform. Kennedy and his backers remain undeterred. In a counterpunch, his supporters are launching an unprecedented public relations campaign to promote the HHS secretary, spurring speculation that he may be mulling a 2028 presidential run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit MAHA Action held a call in July to energize Kennedy supporters and initiated a six-figure ad campaign extolling Kennedy and Trump administration health initiatives. Make no mistake, this is a revolution that will change the face of public health policy, Tony Lyons, president of MAHA Action, said in a statement. Americans are demanding radical transparency and gold standard science. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) From Sept. 2 to Oct. 12, submissions are open for Kent District Librarys annual Vibes program, an online platform that supports local musical artists. It is basically our local music streaming platform, Adam Marth, branch librarian for Kent District Library in Wyoming, said. Every year, we hold an open submission period for artists. Eastown Grand Rapids hosts annual festival, art fair Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning five years ago, KDL Vibes has since licensed over 50 West Michigan artists for select tracks and albums to be added to their free streaming site. Kent District Library invites West Michigan musicians to submit songs to their annual Vibes program, a yearly contest that supports local artists and licenses their work for a free streaming platform online through KDL. (Courtesy Kent District Library) Kent District Library invites West Michigan musicians to submit songs to their annual Vibes program, a yearly contest that supports local artists and licenses their work for a free streaming platform online through KDL. (Courtesy Kent District Library) Kent District Library invites West Michigan musicians to submit songs to their annual Vibes program, a yearly contest that supports local artists and licenses their work for a free streaming platform online through KDL. (Courtesy Kent District Library) Genres from artists and applicants cover genres like rock, indie, folk, funk, metal, country and more. Theres so much variety when it comes to West Michigan music, Marth said. We get a bit of everything. Until Oct. 12, submissions are made by entering one song that artists feel capture their own unique voice and sound. Kent District Library invites West Michigan musicians to submit songs to their annual Vibes program, a yearly contest that supports local artists and licenses their work for a free streaming platform online through KDL. (Courtesy Kent District Library) Kent District Library invites West Michigan musicians to submit songs to their annual Vibes program, a yearly contest that supports local artists and licenses their work for a free streaming platform online through KDL. (Courtesy Kent District Library) Kent District Librarys Cascade Township Branch. (July 25, 2024) Submit the song thats most authentic to you, Marth said. (The song) that you feel represents your music the best. After going through over 100 submissions, KDLs jury of curators and staff members select around 30 musicians to be inaugurated into KDL Vibes catalog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anybody can stream KDL Vibes, Marth said. The perk that we do have for KDL cardholders is that theyre allowed to download the music. Apple pie and BBQ combine at Silver Lake food festival To celebrate this falls submission period, the Cascade Township branch of Kent District Library will hold a Vibes Fest concert showcase on Sept. 13, inviting nine past winners to an all-day event where guests can enjoy some free, live music. It should just be a really fun day celebrating local music, Marth said. For more information on submissions, visit the KDL Vibes website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A handful of coal. (Getty Images) A mine manager from Kentucky pleaded guilty last week to conspiring to cover up a fire and keep miners working despite the danger in an underground coal mine in southern Illinois. Timothy Brandon Parsons, 38, of Louisa, Kentucky, entered a guilty plea Aug. 29 to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parsons was mine manager at the MC#1 Mine in Franklin County, Illinois, in August 2021 when a cutting torch ignited a fire underground. The torch was being used to clear steel beams from the collapse of a secondary roof support structure. When the fire could not be extinguished within 10 minutes, rather than implementing the approved Mine Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Plan, Parsons and conspirators agreed that they would not evacuate miners or notify MSHA, says a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice that describes Parsons as former manager of the Illinois mine. Gas detectors carried by miners alarmed for the presence of more than 10 parts per million of carbon monoxide, yet the mine continued to mine coal during ad hoc firefighting efforts over the course of three shifts from Aug. 12 to 13. The Justice Department release says Parsons tried to conceal the existence of the fire from those not already aware of it by evacuating the mine on the false pretense that a belt used to carry coal from underground to the surface was broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that morning, MSHA received an anonymous tip about the fire and then later ordered that the mine be evacuated after inspectors confirmed the existence of the fire. Despite the evacuation order, over the next several days, conspirators re-entered the mine on two occasions without MSHAs permission to assess the fire and manipulate the conditions underground so that MSHA would allow mining to resume. Members of the conspiracy did not wear tracking devices designed to track the underground location of miners and made false entries in mine records, the Justice Department said. Court documents do not identify the other alleged conspirators. The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and FBI investigated the case. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18. HENDERSON Kernel Craze, a relatively new face downtown, is hosting an arts competition for local kids from kindergarten to the 12th grade. The rules are as follows design something winter-holiday-themed that also represents Henderson and Kernel Craze in some way. Then a panel of five judges will select two winners whose designs Kernel Craze owner Stephen Wolf will feature on his holiday popcorn tins, to be released later this year. The first-place winner will also receive $100. Sign-ups begin at midnight on Sept. 2, and contestants will have until midnight on Oct. 16. Wolf is planning on holding a judging ceremony Oct. 23, time and place to be announced. Hopefully, he said, there will be enough submissions to fill one of the bigger venues in town. The vision is an arts show, of sorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those interested should go to kernelcraze.com and click Holiday Art Challenge. Registrations open up Sept. 2 and close at 5 p.m. on Oct. 1. The idea, said Wolf, was to offer local kids something creative and competitive to engage themselves in. Events like this encourage healthy competition and creativity in our community, said Wolf. Children can invest themselves in something that will inspire them beyond what I can even measure at the moment. Wolf himself is a Henderson native he grew up at Dabney Elementary, Eaton Johnson Middle School and then was homeschooled. He got a GED at Vance-Granville Community College at 15. He put himself through college for welding and left the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolf had some bad experiences growing up in Henderson. Those memories pushed him away he recalled hating Henderson at one point. He moved off to Port Clinton, Ohio a tourist town with a big lake. In his years there, he started to see things Henderson could be doing. Rather than leaving Henderson a place that continues to discourage people and motivates them to move away, Wolf wanted to return and uplift his hometown. Wolf hopes events like the Holiday Art Competition give youth some positive memories of their hometown. As for Henderson, growth emanating from the Triangle will reach Vance County eventually, he said. Either major corporations move in, or locals band together and build up their own community, from the ground up. Wolf hopes to see the latter. HUNT, Texas (KXAN) In a letter to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, three Hill Country camps are asking lawmakers to help with the costs of complying with the newly proposed safety regulations, including a rule that prevents the state from issuing or renewing a license for camps that operate cabins located in a flood plain. The legislation comes months after devastating flash floods over the Fourth of July weekend killed 27 children and counselors at Kerr Countys Camp Mystic and its longtime owner, Dick Eastland. Several of the parents who lost their daughters at Camp Mystic testified that the deaths of their children were preventable and urged lawmakers to pass the camp safety legislation. The camp had a heightened duty of care, and they failed to perform. That failure cost 25 campers and two young counselors their lives, the father of 8-year-old Linnie McCown, Michael McCown, told lawmakers on Aug. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United in Loss: A tribute to Texas flood victims Camp Mystic, one of several camps located along the Guadalupe River, was able to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to remove dozens of its buildings from the 100-year flood map, according to an Associated Press report. Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1 would ban the Department of State Health Services from issuing or renewing a youth camp license for a camp that operates cabins located in a floodplain, with a few exceptions, and require the state agency to post online the names of camps that have an active license. The Campaign for Camp Safety, launched by the families of Camp Mystic victims, posted the Aug. 28 letter from Camp Waldemar, Camp Stewart, and Vista Camps on Instagram. The Campaign for Camp Safety said it had no comment on the letter. But said it supports lawmakers efforts to pass SB1 and HB1 to ensure common sense safety reforms are in place for the 2026 summer camp season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmaker floats banning camps from flood zones, industry reps react In the letter, first reported by the Texas Tribune, the camp operators stated that the prohibition in HB 1 and SB 1 would, collectively, require them to spend millions of dollars rebuilding cabins outside the floodplain. Camp operators asked lawmakers to consider meaningful financial support, such as insurance or state grants, to help offset the costs. They requested that their camps also be allowed to operate while rebuilding cabins outside the floodplain. The owners of the camps stated that covering rebuilding costs without being able to operate and generate revenue would likely force their camps to close an outcome they say would impact local businesses, employees, and the economy in Kerr County. KXAN reached out to the camps that signed onto the letter, but so far, has not heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We support the enhanced provisions for emergency planning and staff training in Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, the letter said. The cost of compliance must be met with partnership and support, not mandates that dismantle the very institutions that have nurtured children for over a century. Senate Bill 1 would also require camps to maintain redundant internet connections and submit emergency plans that must meet new minimum standards. The legislation would require DSHS to store submitted emergency plans in a digital database accessible to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. From the moment he descended the golden escalator at Trump Tower to the moment he finished reciting the oath of office for the second time, President Donald Trump has always been able to count on one constituency having his back. They are: Americans without a college degree. But that might not be the case anymore. A clear majority of that bloc (56%) told Gallup in June that they disapproved of Trumps job performance, compared to 41% who said they approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, that margin moved slightly, with 55% saying they disapproved, compared to 38% who said they approved, according to a Newsweek analysis of polling trends. By August, the 47th president rebounded slightly, with 45% of those same respondents saying they disapproved of his job performance, compared to 49% who approved. Thats a significant shift among a voting bloc thats always been solidly in the Republican presidents column. Fifty-six percent of voters without a college degree backed Trump in his successful 2204 White House bid, compared to 51% in 2020, Newsweek reported. Last months slender rebound suggests that Trumps nativist messaging may still be resonating, even as he still struggles among college-educated voters, Newsweek observed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter group continues to be a problem for Trump, where his net approval rating now stands at -42 points, Newsweek reported, citing Gallups polling. That gap is particularly profound on one key issue: education. Barely a quarter of college graduates (26%) approve of Trumps handling of education, compared to 71% who disapprove. That gap was a narrower 45%-53% among voters without a college degree, Newsweek reported. While the split among college-educated and non-college-educated Americans on Trump is significant, one expert cautioned against drawing a binary conclusion from the polling data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be a huge mistake to say these polling results show that smart people dislike Trump and only dumb people support him. This survey does not measure intellect. A lot of well-educated people support President Trump, Peter Loge, the director of George Washington Universitys Project on Ethics in Political Communication, told Newsweek. Rather, the difference stems from questions of economic security, with people with a degree earning more over the course of a lifetime, generally, than people who do not have one, Loge told Newsweek. College graduates, who mainly live in cities that are diverse and globally connected, often lean Democratic. Non-college voters who are more likely to feel the system is rigged against [them]form a core part of Trumps base, according to Loge. Trump exploits that divide by framing the elite as enemies, Loge added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump exploits this divide by arguing those people are out to get you, he told Newsweek. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Kern High School District is seeking to provide guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in classroom settings. The proposal says this new policy is meant to provide principles for the district regarding AI use by both students and staff. It also requires the superintendent to ensure the usage follows district policy, according to the KHSD Board of Trustees agenda. The proposed policy defines artificial intelligence as an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments, as per Californias Education Code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teens participate in Community Paint Day at Kern County Fairgrounds The Board of Trustees recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to increase student access to information, support teacher effectiveness, and facilitate the administration of student assessments, as well as the potential for AI to undermine student achievement, health, and well-being, the agenda said. The policy, if approved, will emphasize the need to use AI ethically by everyone while also considering potential biases. It also says the district should prioritize security and privacy when adopting new AI practices. According to the proposal, AI should be used as a tool to support rather than replace teaching staff and be accessible for all students and schools across the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district should also evaluate AI use by students and staff on a regular basis and properly communicate with the community to share the districts standards on the use of AI in schools, the proposed policy said. Along with this new policy, the board is also set to consider revisions to a separate existing policy first adopted in 2009. This policy discusses the district technology plan. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage The revisions include an added acknowledgment of the potential negative outcomes of technology on student learning not just the positive results as well as additional rules for technological resources to address the districts other goals and standards, safe use of technology and use of AI, according to the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed revisions to the policy say the district should put together a technology plan that addresses issues like equitable access to technology for everyone in all KHSD schools; helping students develop knowledge and skills related to digital citizenship, social media and AI literacy; identifying online misinformation; how technological resources will improve education; cybersecurity-related concerns and more. Both proposals are set to be heard for the first time at the Tuesday board meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. BURLINGTON, Vt (ABC22/FOX44) The 2025-26 school year is in full swing and officials with the Red Cross want to help kids make it to and from their classrooms safely. Theyre offering tips from their Back to School Safety Checklist. If youve got a first time student, make sure they know their home address and have a way to contact their parents if needed. Another piece of well-known but important advice never accept a ride from someone you dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids who walk to school are reminded to stay on the side walk, facing traffic, and to only cross the road in a crosswalk. Communications manager Dan Dowling highlights the multitude of resources the Red Cross has available for Vermonters. An abundance of apps you can get for free from the app storea wealth of information that families can use to help keep themselves safe regardless if its back to school or a disaster is moving across our region, Dowling says. Another important note Dowling mentions that temperatures are still on the warmer side this time of year. If youve got kids participating in sports, make sure theyre well hydrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find more back to school resources from the Red Cross 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Two of the three men convicted as teens in the grisly 1995 death-metal-inspired murder of a 15-year-old San Luis Obispo County girl, including the self-proclaimed ringleader, are out of prison, according to multiple media reports. The unimaginable violence unfolded in July that year when Elyse Pahler snuck out of her familys Arroyo Grande home on an invitation from Jacob Delashmutt, then 17, to smoke some weed in the woods. Pahler and Delashmutt were joined by Royce Casey, also 17, and then 15-year-old Joseph Fiorella, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three boys had their own death metal band called Hatred, with one of their favorite groups being Slayer, a thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California famous for dark, occult-laced lyrics, including one song about sacrificing a blond, blue-eyed virgin and worshiping Satan. At a parole board hearing 30 years later, Delashmutt, now 47, said after the group got high, he put a belt around Pahlers neck, strangling her while Casey held her arms down and Fiorella stabbed her. The boys, he said, then took turns stabbing her with a 12-inch blade, first in the neck and then in her back and shoulders. In his parole board hearing, Casey, now 47, noted that he delivered the final blow to Pahler, stomping on the back of her neck as she cried out for her mother and Jesus. The trio had originally intended to further violate her body. They instead hid her remains in the woods where she was discovered eight months later, only after Casey confessed the brutal killing to his pastor who reported it to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their trial, prosecutors argued that the boys, obsessed with death metal, plotted to kill Pahler as part of a satanic ritual. Delashmutt and Casey pleaded no-contest to first degree murder and were sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison at the end of the 1997 trial. Fiorella, who had an added charge of being armed with a deadly weapon, got 26 years to life. Elyse Pahler, 15, a resident of Arroyo Grande, California was murdered by three teenage boys in 1995. (SLOCSO) (U.S. District Court for the Central District of California) Jacob Delashmutt, 47, pled no contest to the first-degree murder of Elyse Pahler in 1995. (CDCR) Royce Casey, 47, pled no contest to the first-degree murder of Elyse Pahler in 1995. (CDCR) Joseph Fiorella, 45, is the only person convicted of the 1995 slaying of Elyse Pahler, 15, who remains in prison. (CDCR) According to the Los Angeles Times, Delashmutt, who was the one to invite Pahler out that night, blamed the other two, saying they orchestrated it and convinced him to participate. He had previously been denied parole by the board in 2017 and 2022. In 2023, Govenor Gavin Newsom reversed a decision to grant him parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Casey was denied by the board two times and blocked from release in 2021 and 2023 after Newsom reversed those decisions. Now, both men are out of prison. Delashmutt was released in late July after admitting in his parole board hearing that he was the ringleader and the most responsible for the crime, The Times reported. In early August, Casey was released to transitional housing in Los Angeles County from Valley State Prison in Chowchilla after acknowledging in his hearing all the pain and trauma he caused. He also said it was impossible for him to comprehend the amount of pain he has put the Pahler family through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wedding crasher reportedly steals $100K in gifts from Southern California couple David Pahler, the 15-year-old girls father, has repeatedly fought against the release of his daughters killers, often bringing a photo of her to the hearings. In Caseys 2023 parole hearing, David Pahler quoted a transcript from Caseys journal, taken as evidence during his arrest, in which the then teen wrote that he believed Satan had taken control of his soul and replaced it with a new one to carry out his work on earth. If you give up your soul to Satan, how do you get it back? How do you get it back? I I dont have an answer for that, Pahler said, according to a transcript of the hearing obtained by The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiorella, described by Lisa Dunn with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office as a person who has been dangerous since he was 15, remains in prison despite claims that he is intellectually disabled and that his original lawyer, now deceased, mishandled his defense. His current attorney, Dennis Cusick, filed a complaint in the Central District of California in Nov. 2023 about the allegations, which was dismissed and then appealed earlier this year to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. An opening brief in the case is scheduled for November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Kim Jong-un has arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, where he will be the guest of honour at a military parade marking the end of the Second World War. Dressed in a black suit and red tie, the North Korean dictator was pictured smiling as he stepped off his bullet-proof train with Kim Ju-ae, his daughter, in the Chinese capital. His attendance at the Peoples Liberation Army parade marks the first time a North Korean leader has attended a multilateral international event since 1959. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His train, which departed Pyongyang on Monday, reportedly includes a restaurant serving French wines and fresh lobster. Its heavy armoured protection means it travels at just 37mph. Kims daughter Ju Ae, whom South Korean intelligence considers his most likely successor, travelled with him to Beijing in what is her first international trip. Kim will join 25 other heads of state, including Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, to watch the parade alongside Xi Jinping, the Chinese president. Russian state media also reported that Putin and Kim could hold a meeting while in Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade will allow Mr Xi to flaunt his vision for a new global order while Donald Trumps America First policies strain Western alliances. Kim Jong-un is pictured smiling on his armoured train - KCNA/Reuters Beyond the pomp, the event will be closely monitored by Pentagon analysts who are eager to glean anything they can about the weapons the US might encounter should Mr Xi order an invasion against Taiwan. Analysts are also watching whether the trio may signal closer defence ties following a pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024, and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, an outcome that may alter the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region. It would also be a blow for Mr Trump, who has talked up his close relations with all three leaders and touted his peacemaking credentials while Russias three-and-a-half-year war with Ukraine has raged on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese president hosted Putin for talks at the Great Hall of the People and then at his personal residence, calling him his old friend. In a thinly veiled swipe at Mr Trump on Monday, Mr Xi told a summit of more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries: We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics. Mr Xi also held talks on Monday with Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, whose country has been targeted by the US president over its purchases of Russian oil, which has been seen as helping finance Putins war effort. Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, called the summit performative and accused China and India, the biggest buyers of Russian crude, of being bad actors by fuelling Russias war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Putin and Mr Xi met, Russias Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation signed a deal to increase gas supplies and penned an agreement on a new pipeline that could supply China for 30 years. Kim Jong-un stands by his private train before departing for China - KCNA/EPA/Shutterstock The North Korean flag flutters from the train as it arrives in Beijing - Go Nakamura/Reuters The military parade comes after Pyongyang unveiled plans for a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile. The new missile referred to as the Hwasong-20 is the latest in a long line of long-range ICBMs, which Pyongyang first tested in 2017. Earlier generations, including the Hwasong-18 and Hwasong-19, have already demonstrated a range to strike nearly anywhere in the US. North Koreas state media released images of Kim inspecting what appeared to be the new missile at a weapons factory, and claimed the maximum thrust of the new-type solid-fuel engine using the composite carbon fibre material is 1,960 kilonewtons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This level of thrust is believed to be similar to earlier iterations of the missile and would potentially allow it to carry heavy payloads over thousands of miles. Pyongyang is currently believed to have as many as 10 ICBMs, with plans to increase its arsenal to 50 within the next decade, according to US intelligence. In response, Mr Trump announced plans for the US to develop a Golden Dome, an ambitious $175bn project, which would intercept any missile headed towards the country. Pyongyang has released photos of Kim touring a weapons factory ahead of his trip to China - AFP/KCNA North Korea tested its Hwasong-19 missile in October 2024 with state media at the time claiming it was the worlds strongest strategic missile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the engine, it is unclear how the new missile will differ from its predecessors, but each new iteration has professed to increase range, payload and efficiency. Given that North Korea can already reach the US with its existing missiles, experts suspect new models will be focused on multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, technology that allows for several nuclear warheads to be carried on one missile. 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. As a select group of world leaders are rolling into Beijing for a massive military parade on Wednesday, one made his way there in his signature armored green train: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The old-fashioned train has become a symbol of Kims dynasty and his secluded nation. It has also long been the subject of intrigue, carrying generations of the Kim family across the country and on rare international trips. North Korean state media Rodong Sinmun confirmed early Tuesday that Kims train had crossed the border into China, with photos of the leader smiling on board the train, sitting at a wooden table with a North Korean flag behind him. Hes accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, according to the countrys foreign ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim and his entourage arrived in Beijing at around 4 p.m. local time (4 a.m. ET), according to North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency. Photos showed Kims daughter walking as part of the group. They were welcomed by the countrys foreign minister Wang Yi and the mayor of Beijing Yin Yong, among other senior Chinese officials, the agency reported. The representatives met in a warm atmosphere, KCNA reported, adding that the North Korean leader thanked his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for his countrys hospitality. Kims father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, was reportedly averse to flying and relied heavily on the train, according to Reuters. A special train carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong Un runs in Khasan, a Russian border city with North Korea, on April 24, 2019, on its way to Vladivostok where Kim held his first summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. - Kyodo/Getty Images In one instance in 2002, Russian state media showed images of the train green with yellow striping when Kim Jong Il visited Russia during a brief period of relaxed sanctions that allowed greater engagement with the outside world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Kims father and grandfather reportedly hosted lavish dinners onboard. One account published in 2002 by Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky claimed that the train carried cases of Bordeaux and Beaujolais wine from Paris, and that passengers feasted on live lobster and pork barbecue. But that brief period of openness and luxury ended quickly, with international sanctions clamping back down in 2003. Though very little information from the isolated nation reaches the outside world now, reports indicate severe impoverishment and malnourishment throughout much of the country. The train is also famously slow-moving and tight on security. Its so heavily armored that it travels at an average speed of 60 kilometers an hour (about 37 miles mph), according to a 2009 report in South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. It contained conference rooms, an audience chamber and bedrooms and featured satellite phone connections and flat screen televisions, the paper reported at the time. In Kim Jong Ils time, some 20 stations were built for the family train, the paper said. Kim Jong Un is seen smoking a cigarette outside the armored train in a photo released by North Korean state media on September 2, as Kim traveled to Beijing. - Rodong Sinmun Kim has used this train on several trips abroad, though he has also previously traveled by plane and private jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim rode the train during his last international visit a 2023 trip to Russias far east to meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Photos released by state media at the time offered a glimpse into the locomotive, showing polished wooden floors and an ornately decorated white doorway. State media footage released in 2022 showed Kim working in his office on board the train, and also relaxing on board while smoking a cigarette in a short-sleeved shirt, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. And during a 2018 trip when Kim met Chinese leader Xi Jinping, footage by North Korean state media showed Chinese officials boarding the train to greet Kim. The delegations held talks on board, sitting on two rows of pink couches, photos showed. Besides international travel, the train has also been featured in state propaganda, with the Kim family going on long train journeys to meet ordinary North Koreans, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A life-sized model of one of the trains carriages is displayed in a mausoleum outside the North Korean capital Pyongyang, where the remains of Kims father and grandfather are kept. CNNs Mike Valerio and Catherine Nicholls contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SEOUL, South Korea (AP) In his latest bid to place himself among world leaders confronting the United States, North Korean leader Kim Jong Unarrived in Beijing on Tuesday aboard his trademark green armored train, an aging symbol of his familys dynastic rule that he has used for past foreign trips to break out of diplomatic isolation. North Korean state media published a photo of Kim smiling broadly while talking with his Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui, in one of the trains luxurious meeting rooms, furnished with yellow-brown desks, leather chairs and curtains with golden knots. Another photo showed him smoking a cigarette outside a carriage marked with a golden state seal, reminiscent of a smoking break he took on the train to Vietnam in 2019 for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, though his sister wasnt there this time to hold a crystal ashtray for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was later seen beaming in a black suit and red tie as he stepped off the train in Beijing. Here is a closer look at Kims private train, a relic inherited from previous North Korean leaders, and other ways he chooses to travel. Kim's train allows him to securely join world leaders Kims heavily fortified train, which he last used on a 2023 trip for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly travels no faster than about 60 kph (37 mph), making his trip to Beijing a day-long journey. Kim is among 26 foreign leaders invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping to a massive military parade on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas fight against Japans wartime aggressions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is likely to stand alongside Xi and Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square, according to South Koreas main spy agency, creating a symbolic image of the countries Cold War-era solidarity. Kim may also be eager to interact with other world leaders as he seeks to further expand his diplomatic footing. Train is a legacy from Kims father The train was a signature mode of transport for Kims famously flight-averse father, Kim Jong Il, who made roughly a dozen trips abroad during his 17-year rule, almost all to China and all by train. He was traveling by train when he died of a heart attack in 2011, according to North Korean state media. In a 2002 account, Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky recounted accompanying Kim Jong ll on a three-week trip to Moscow. The train carried cases of expensive French wine and passengers could feast on fresh lobster and pork barbeque, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Train travel also was part of a heavy focus on security. Kim Jong Il had several trains equipped with reception halls, conference rooms, high-tech communication equipment and flat-screen televisions. To guard against possible attacks, his train reportedly traveled with two other trains, one running in advance of his vehicle to check the safety of the rail line while another carried security agents and followed behind, according to South Korean media reports. Kim has traveled by air During an active stretch of diplomacy in 2018 and 2019, Kim Jong Un used the familys armored train for some of his meetings with Putin, Xi and Trump during the U.S. leader's first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike his father, Kim Jong Un occasionally has used planes to travel across North Korea and abroad. When he jetted to the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in May 2018 for a summit with Xi, Kim Jong Un became the first North Korean leader to have gone abroad by air since his grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung flew to the Soviet Union in 1986. In June 2018, Kim Jong Un borrowed a Chinese plane for his first meeting with Trump in Singapore, reportedly because his jet was deemed unsafe. In 2019, for another summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, Kim took his train on a two-and-half day trip. Kims official plane is a remodeled version of the Soviet-made IL-62. North Korea calls it Chammae-1, named after the goshawk, the countrys national bird. South Korean media reported Kims plane can carry about 200 people and has a maximum range of about 9,200 kilometers (5,700 miles) but reportedly has never flown that far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim also has used the airplane to review air force planes taking part in combat aeronautics contests and inspect construction work in Pyongyang. Kim has luxury limos and white horses Kim has a collection of foreign-made, luxury cars that are believed to have been smuggled into his country in breach of United Nations sanctions. During his visit to Russia in 2023, he travelled between meeting sites in a Maybach limousine that was transported using one of his special train carriages. During an earlier Russia trip in 2019, Kim had two limos waiting for him at Vladivostok station including a Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim reportedly used the S600 Pullman Guard in Singapore and Hanoi during his summits with Trump. In 2024, Putin gifted Kim a luxury Russian-made Aurus Senat limousine. Kim also has white horses that he and his family often ride in propaganda-driven events meant to bolster public support of their rule. In late 2019, North Koreas state media published photos showing Kim riding a white horse to a sacred mountain on two occasions, months after the collapse of his Hanoi meeting with Trump. When Kim and his preteen daughter reviewed a military parade featuring ceremonial cavalry unit members riding white horses in 2023, state television described one of the animals as most beloved by the girl, believed by South Korean intelligence authorities to be Kims likely heir apparent. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed into China by special train early on Sept. 2 to attend Beijings commemoration of Japans surrender in World War Two, state media in Pyongyang reported. North Korea's state-owned newspaper Rodong Sinmun said Kim departed Pyongyang on Sept. 1 and arrived in China the following morning. Kims visit marks one of his rare trips abroad and the largest multilateral diplomatic gathering he has attended. Kim is expected to take part in a military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, where he will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photographs published by North Korean media showed Kim with senior officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, inside his dark green armored train, according to Reuters. The train resembled the bulletproof model he has previously used for foreign visits. Other officials photographed with Kim, included Kim Tok Hun, a Workers' Party secretary and former premier who rose from factory manager to the top leadership and now chairs the parliaments budget committee; and Jo Yong Won, director of the partys Organization and Guidance Department since 2022, who oversees personnel and policy implementation and traveled with Kim to Vietnam for his 2019 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Before crossing the border, Kim inspected a missile research facility developing carbon fibre composite materials for intercontinental ballistic missile engines, according to KCNA. "Maximum propulsion of the new solid-type engine using carbon fibre composites is 1,960 kN, planned to be used in the intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-19 series and the next-generation ... Hwasong-20," KCNA reported. North Korea also voiced support for Xis recent call for fairer global governance, saying bilateral cooperation with Beijing would deepen to pursue that goal. During a summit on Sept. 1, Xi promoted his vision of a new global security and economic order centered on the "Global South," directly challenging U.S. influence. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the largest in the blocs history, has drawn over 20 leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Putin shakes hands with Modi, Xi, heres the state of Russias allies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. French police shot a man dead on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed five people in the centre of Marseille. The suspect, armed with two knives and an iron bar, tried to stab people at random and without provocation in a violent rampage, said Nicolas Bessonne, the Marseille public prosecutor. At least one of the wounded is in critical condition after the man, who arrived legally in France from Tunisia, launched the frenzied attack at 2.45pm local time on Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect burst into a hotel in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille from which he had just been evicted for not paying his rent, Mr Bessonne said. He went up to the first floor, where his room was located, and stabbed one of his roommates, who was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Forensic police officers at the site of the attack - CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images The attacker then went to the ground floor, where he stabbed the hotel manager. Once outside, he pursued the managers son and stabbed him in the back. Both victims were taken to hospital for emergency treatment, but according to the prosecutor, their lives are not in danger. The suspect then continued his attack in the city at the nearby Istanbul City snack bar, where he tried to stab the manager and probably other people at the scene, Mr Bessonne said. Chased away by customers, he went to Cours Belsunce, where he tried to attack several individuals with a knife and a baton. Two people were wounded in the face. Nicolas Bessone, the Marseille public prosecutor, says the suspect tried to stab people at random and without provocation - CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images A police patrol that was in the area intervened and attempted to neutralise him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the man began reciting verses from the Koran before rushing towards them and ignoring their orders to drop the weapons, according to Le Figaro. The police officers, equipped with Tasers and their weapons, neutralised him. The attacker died from his injuries at 3.25pm local time. According to Le Figaro, the assailant was a Tunisian man under judicial supervision and prohibited from carrying weapons. An interior ministry source told The Telegraph that no motives had yet been ruled out but that we must remain cautious over whether this is terror-related. A police source said the attack took place near a drug-trafficking hotspot - CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images The judicial police have been called in and an investigation has been opened for attempted murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the police watchdog has been called in following the shots that killed the attacker. The attack took place near a drug-trafficking hotspot before officers intervened and killed him, said a police source. Eyewitnesses told local media the man was holding two large butcher knives and an iron bar. Police cordoned off the area and put up a forensic tent in front of a fast-food restaurant. 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. BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Autumn Larosa knows exactly what shes looking for when she shops for yarn: Heavy enough to knit a warm sweater but light enough for a drapey shawl. Just the right shade of beige or black or purple. No polyester. The 27-year-old hairstylist can usually find her go-to: Jamieson & Smith, known for the Shetland wool yarns it makes on a Scottish island. But last week, she learned her favorite brand had suspended shipments to the United States because of new import levies. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a problem, said Larosa, whos partway through a sweater and a shawl, each requiring about 11 balls of yarn, and not sure whether she has enough on hand to finish. Knitters, crocheters and other yarn enthusiasts are feeling the ripple effects of President Donald Trumps repeal of a tax exemption for low-value imports. With Fridays ending of the de minimis rule, parcels worth $800 or less are now subject to an additional 10 to 50 percent levy depending on the tariff rate of the country of origin. Or they could pay a flat rate, ranging from $80 to $200. But uncertainty over how those charges will be collected prompted more than two dozen national postal services to pause U.S. deliveries. Now at least a half-dozen European yarn brands - some with intensely devoted U.S. fan bases - have followed suit, leaving crafters with the near-certainty of higher prices, delivery delays and supply issues. Knitting for Olive, a Danish brand with a cult following, suspended direct shipments to U.S.-based customers last week. Undercover Otter of the Netherlands, De Rerum Natura of France and John Arbon Textiles of England did the same. At Brooklyn General Store - where Larosa eventually chose vibrantly colored yarns from an American company, Spincycle, for an upcoming sock project - owner Catherine Clark wonders whether the higher import costs will put her out of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im really into buying American-made. I always have been. But I couldnt just have an American-made yarn shop. It wouldnt be sustainable. There isnt enough, Clark said. Ive been in business for 23 years. Ive never been this nervous about staying open. I made it through covid. The pandemic, in fact, sparked something of a resurgence in knitting and crochet, old-school hobbies that were labeled cool, trendy, calming and even brain-building in the age of Instagram and TikTok. Because such crafters are less likely to buy yarn from large retailers, the loss of de minimis is more acute. According to a survey from the Craft Industry Alliance in May, just 5 percent of yarn shoppers bought from Amazon and 4 percent from big-box stores like Walmart. Instead, 35 percent said they buy online directly from yarn makers, 30 percent shop at independent yarn stores and 18 percent buy from craft chains like Michaels. Knitting for Olive co-owner Alexander Larsen said he expects to start shipping again in several weeks, probably by using a commercial carrier instead of the Danish national postal service. He estimates that will double shipping fee for American buyers to about $20, which doesnt reflect the new 15 percent tariff on the yarn. Its a bit terrifying, he said. Its our biggest market. At Fibre Space in Alexandria, Virginia, owner Danielle Romanetti has seen a spike in Knitting for Olive orders as customers stock up. Though worried about rising prices, she finds the ambiguity of the duty collection process more challenging. Shes been getting tariff invoices for products after delivery. We dont even see bills for days or a week after the yarns are already on the shelf, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Woolyn in Brooklyn, owner Rachel Maurer was grateful a Turkey-based supplier paid the import fee on a recent delivery. A yarn Im selling for $30 now, if I have to charge $45, theyre not going to want that, she said. If the next order I get, I get hit with a 20 or 25 percent tariff bill, yes, the yarns are going to go up 20 or 25 percent. Maurer carefully stocks her one-room storefront with a mix of light and heavy yarns, from different kinds of sheep. Choosing colors is my superpower, she said. She wont buy products with huge tariffs on them, but isnt sure what she could replace them with. - - - $80 for $19 yarn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies that suspended shipments also know their shoppers - who already are being more choosy about discretionary spending in a time of rising prices - will quickly notice any delivery delays or cost increases. The craft alliance survey also found that 60 percent of knitters say they knit every day, and more than 90 percent knit at least once a week. The company that Larosa favors, Jamieson & Smith, buys 80 percent of the wool produced in the Shetland Islands, the windy northern Scottish isles - about 250 tons a year to turn into yarn. Staffer Ella Gordon said the islands climate has produced sheep with a sticky, windproof wool perfect for the Fair Isle patterns invented in the region, which require yarn of two colors to stay clearly differentiated from each other, and for a method known as steeking that asks knitters to cut into their fabric without the whole thing unraveling. Wool from Shetland is different from wool from anywhere else, Gordon said. It creates the perfect wool for what its used for. Though saddened to tell American customers that the company wont ship to them for the time being, shed otherwise risk having packages with unpaid duties turned back at the U.S. border. Aiden Sielias, who dyes yarn in the Netherlands under the brand name Undercover Otter, stopped selling to the U.S. when the Dutch postal service stopped shipments. Commercial carriers like FedEx are too expensive, Sielias said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sielias makes brightly colored yarns with names like Clowncore that often are inspired by American pop culture - like horror movies - and sometimes speak more to American audiences than Dutch ones. About 40 percent of Undercover Otter sales are to the United States. Sielias said a skein of yarn that currently costs $19 could be nearly $80 for American buyers with tariffs and shipping costs. They worry theyll go out of business without the U.S. market. If I let myself panic, Ill be in full panic mode. Sonja Bargielowska, director of John Arbon Textiles in the United Kingdom, said the United States represents about 40 percent of its business. But those sales have been falling since Trump began announcing tariffs weeks into his presidency. The moment that people hear it is going to be harder, in their heads, it is already harder, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - - - New levies are painful The Uruguay-based brand Malabrigo makes one of the most popular yarns in the world, according to the craft site Ravelry. The tariff for importing the brand from Peru, a hub of global yarn manufacturing, to the companys Miami distribution center has been painful, owner Tobias Feder said, though the company has not yet raised prices. About 70 percent of Malabrigo yarn is sold in the United States. Feder said he understands why Trump imposed the tariffs to foster domestic manufacturing. (Late Friday, a federal appeals court struck down most of Trumps tariffs, saying he overstepped his authority in using emergency economic powers to impose them on nearly every country. The levies were left in place pending the administrations appeal to the Supreme Court.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me tell you this. We do business with a lot of countries - other countries are not easy. The U.S. is a very easy country to do business with, he said, describing the paperwork and regulations that make it harder for him to sell products in Europe. If I were a U.S. manufacturer, I would be very upset about how easy it is to bring product into the U.S. But many craft experts are skeptical that the restrictions on foreign-made yarn will be a boost to American producers. Jennifer McKay, who owns two yarn stores outside of Philadelphia, said she tried to get on the bandwagon of supporting American-made yarn in response to the tariffs. She flew to California to tour a business. Stickers on her store shelves highlight locally made yarns. This is local. Ive seen these animals. Its great, she said, pointing out yarn made from Pennsylvania alpacas wool at her shop Purls of Wisdom in Phoenixville. But then she shrugs. She holds the Pennsylvania product in one hand, a South American-made yarn of the same cream color in the other. She invites a customer to feel the difference - the American yarns texture is far less smooth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sock-knitting class was starting up in McKays shop, and the knitters were lining up their needles, chatting about what they were making. Anne Costley said the higher costs wont change her choices, as she pulled her sea-green socks with blue toes out of her bag. I look at the quality of the yarn. I look at the colors. I look at how it feels, she said. Im not going to buy something else. Im going to want what I want. Julie Weil has been knitting since she was 14. Related Content Art as activism: The music and murals of Kenyas youth-led protests Medicaid cuts threaten rural hospitals and access to maternity care Fame can sack an NFL superstar. Good luck catching Jayden Daniels. Frances Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is scrambling to save his government and his job, holding talks this week with leaders across the political spectrum including far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of a parliamentary confidence vote on his governments plan to cut public spending. Opposition parties have already vowed to reject the austerity budget, and Bayrou, a centrist, is widely expected to lose the Sept. 8 confidence vote, pushing France to the brink of another political crisis. If Bayrou is defeated, that would leave President Emmanuel Macron in a highly uncomfortable position forced either to find a consensus prime minister, a difficult task in a deeply divided France, or to dissolve the National Assembly once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know about Frances latest political turmoil ahead of the vote: Why this mess? Bayrou himself triggered the confidence vote by announcing that he would seek parliamentary approval for his unpopular budget plans. Arguing that sharp cuts are needed to repair public finances, he unveiled plans last month to cut 44 billion euros ($51 billion) in spending in 2026, after Frances deficit hit 5.8% of gross domestic product last year, way above the official EU target of 3%. France is also faced with a massive debt crisis. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Frances public debt stood at 3.346 trillion euros, or 114% of GDP. Debt servicing remains a major budget item, accounting for around 7% of state spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayrou's plan, which includes removing two public holidays, has been slammed by his political rivals, who now have a golden opportunity to bring him down. Last-ditch negotiations Bayrou, however, has not given up hope of surviving the vote and has organized a series of meetings with political leaders. Raphael Glucksmann, a left-wing member of the European Parliament, said after talks with Bayrou on Tuesday that the prime minister should cancel the confidence vote if he truly wants to negotiate and seek a compromise on the budget, which Glucksmann called unacceptable in its current form. Le Pen and her National Rally protege Jordan Bardella also met with Bayrou and repeated their total opposition to his solutions, calling for new legislative elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Le Pen was convicted in April of embezzlement and barred from seeking public office for five years. She is appealing the ruling but her legal problems arent holding her party back. Leading in opinion polls, National Rally leaders have repeatedly insisted they are ready to govern if Bayrou falls. The only way for a prime minister to have a longer tenure would be to break with Macronism," Le Pen said. It is Emmanuel Macrons policy that is deeply toxic." On the far left, Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed said it will not support any government other than one led by his party, and has urged Macron to step down if Bayrou fails to win the confidence vote. Far-right and left-wing lawmakers hold over 320 seats at the National Assembly while the centrists and allied conservatives hold 210, making it impossible for Bayrous government to survive if opposition groups team up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron won't leave Macron says that he intends to serve out his term" and has urged political forces to find paths of agreement on the budget ahead of the vote. The challenge is not insurmountable, said Macron, whose decision last year to call early legislative elections led to the chaotic situation in parliament, divided among three minority blocs that do not have enough seats to govern alone. French politics have been in disarray since Macron called the snap elections. With one of the worlds biggest economies, Frances failure to pass a budget has worried investors and hurt the 20-country eurozone. The previous government collapsed over its budget plans, which included slashing 40 billion euros ($42 billion) in spending and raising taxes by 20 billion euros. Bayrous version has not proved any more popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social unrest? In addition to the confidence vote, Bayrou's government could face a nationwide day of disruption on Sept. 10. The Bloquons Tout (Block Everything) movement, originating on social media, is organizing groups across the country to stage a coordinated day of protest against government policies. The movement gained national attention this summer following the announcement of the 2026 budget and its controversial measures, including the plans to remove two public holidays. What lies ahead? If Bayrou loses, Macron could appoint a figure from the traditional left or right to try to consolidate his centrist alliance. Either option, however, would face a precarious political environment. Bayrou succeeded conservative Michel Barnier, who was ousted after only three months in office. Names circulating as potential successors include Sebastien Lecornu, Frances youngest-ever defense minister at 39; Gerald Darmanin, former interior minister and current justice minister; and Catherine Vautrin, an experienced center-right politician serving as labor minister. LONDON (AP) Bulgaria will not investigate suspected Russian electronic interference with a top European official's plane, officials said Monday because this kind of GPS jamming is now so common. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was flying to Plovdiv, Bulgaria on Sunday when her plane was hit by GPS jamming. It landed safely but the disruption was the latest in a string of almost 80 incidents tracked by The Associated Press and blamed on Russia by Western officials since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022. This year, Nordic and Baltic nations including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have repeatedly warned about greater electronic interference from Russia disrupting communications with planes, ships and drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian authorities suggest the jamming is defensive to protect key cities and military infrastructure from Ukrainian drone attacks Baltic officials say the depth of electronic interference has increased, causing navigation failures far from Russia's borders. In 2024, a plane carrying the British defense secretary had its satellite signal jammed as it flew near Russian territory, while a Finnish airline temporarily suspended flights to the Estonian city of Tartu. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the interference experienced by von der Leyen's plane was part of a complex campaign by Russia against Europe which could have potentially disastrous effects. How jamming works Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellite communications systems known collectively as the Global Navigation Satellite System or GNSS receive precise time signals from satellites around 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) away in space. A smartphone, car, marine or aircraft navigation system compares how long it takes to receive signals from several different satellites to calculate an exact location. But the signals can be interfered with commonly known as jamming or spoofing. Jamming means a receiver is overwhelmed by a strong radio signal transmitted in the same range where GNSS and other satellite navigation signals operate, leaving the receiver unable to fix a location or time. Spoofing involves transmitting fake signals which imitate a real GNSS satellite signal commonly known as GPS to mislead a phone, ship or aircraft into thinking it is in a different place. In a military context, jamming could be used to stop an incoming missile or drone attack, whereas the idea behind spoofing is to create deception, said Thomas Withington, an expert in electronic warfare at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible that Israel used spoofing technology to fly into Iranian airspace in June, when it killed top generals and struck nuclear sites, Withington suggested. Spoofing, he said, could have helped Israel deceive Iranian radar. Long before the invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities deployed spoofing technology around the Kremlin in Moscow, causing chaos for taxi drivers or other motorists using GPS. Russia does not mind if its own infrastructure is affected, as long as enemy activity is deterred, said Withington. Flying without satellite navigation In August, Latvias Electronic Communications Office said it had identified at least three hot spots for electronic interference along borders with Russia in the Kaliningrad, Leningrad and Pskov regions. All three regions host important Russian military bases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2024, Finland's national carrier Finnair temporarily suspended flights to Tartu, Estonia after it said two of its planes were prevented from landing because of GPS disruptions. At that time, Tartu airport required approaching planes to use GPS to land, although planes have and use other forms of navigation. These include radio navigation and Inertial Navigation Systems, which determine where an aircraft or submarine is located by measuring its position in the air or water without relying on GPS. Jamming and spoofing are common across the world and shouldn't be a problem for pilots to deal with, said Withington. But they could impair decision-making at a time when other things are going wrong, he suggested. In December, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed a plane crash which killed 38 people on unspecified physical and technical interference." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azerbaijan said the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over southern Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. Russian officials said that at the time the aircraft was preparing to land in Grozny, Ukrainian drones were targeting the area around the airport. Expanded operations Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said von der Leyen's plane was not specifically targeted and called the jamming a side effect of the war in Ukraine. Latvias Electronic Communications Office said it recorded 820 cases of interference with satellite signals in 2024, compared to 26 in 2022, and warned that the areas affected have recently expanded significantly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Baltic nations have banned drone flights in some areas near their borders with Russia and warned civilian drone pilots to assess signal stability before flying. Sweden's Maritime Administration said it received multiple reports of signal interference with ships in the Baltic Sea this year and in June officially warned sailors to use radar or landmarks for navigation. In July, Lithuanian media reported that two German tourists accidentally flew a light aircraft into Russia and had to be guided back to Lithuania by experienced pilots. Several states have complained about the electronic interference to the International Civil Aviation Organization but Russian officials dismissed the complaints and suggested they were politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential for disaster While jamming and spoofing were initially aimed at protecting Russian infrastructure, authorities have realized the tactics have a useful second order of effect, which is that it creates disruption and disquiet among the nations President (Vladimir) Putin perceives as being his enemy, said Withington. While countries along Russia's border appear to have largely mitigated the impact of Russian jamming in the air, there is potential for a serious incident at sea. While sailors should rely on radar and charts, as well as GPS, to navigate, anecdotal evidence suggests some crews are lazy, and just rely on GPS, said Withington. In that case, he said, if a large cargo ship crashes, potentially you could have a disaster on your hands. There was no agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on Sept. 2, contradicting Trump's earlier claims. The U.S. president had said on Aug. 19 that he began "arrangements" for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, with the possibility of trilateral talks after. "Right now, there is talk of a trilateral meeting, of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. But specifically, as far as I know, there was no agreement between Putin and Trump on this," Ushakov told Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement follows the expiration of another deadline set by Trump for Moscow to move toward a settlement in its war. Ushakov said raising the level of delegations in Ukrainian-Russian negotiations had been discussed during Trump and Putin's phone call and at their Alaska summit, but no agreement was made. "So far, what's being broadcast in the press is not exactly what we agreed on," he said. Sign up for our newsletter WTF is wrong with Russia? Sign up Trump met Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, three days after his meeting with Putin. Zelensky said after the talks that Ukraine was prepared to engage in unconditional negotiations with Moscow at the highest level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian president has repeatedly voiced readiness for a direct meeting with Putin, urging the U.S. to impose tougher measures if Russia continues to avoid such talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Aug. 22 that a Zelensky-Putin meeting was "not ready at all," accusing Ukraine of rejecting several preconditions and questioning Zelensky's legitimacy. A source in Ukraine's President's Office told the Kyiv Independent earlier that a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin will not happen unless the U.S. ups its pressure on the Russian leader. Trump said on Aug. 25 that Putin avoids meeting Zelensky because "he doesn't like him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Putin shakes hands with Modi, Xi, heres the state of Russias allies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) -One of the Kremlin's most senior hawks, Nikolai Patrushev, hopes that Japan will stop pursuing a policy of militarisation toward Russia and China, he said in remarks published on Tuesday, voicing concerns that NATO could use its fleet in combat. A former KGB officer and a Cold War warrior who crafted the Kremlin's national security strategy, Patrushev said, without providing evidence, that NATO intends to use the Japanese fleet to conduct combat operations in parts of the world. "One would like to believe that common sense will prevail among the Japanese elites, and they will stop pursuing a suicidal policy of militarisation and rattling weapons at two of the most powerful neighbouring states Russia and China," he told news outlet Argumenty I Fakty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But as long as this continues, we certainly cannot sit idly by." The remarks come as Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a rare four-day trip to China to attend a military parade on Tiananmen Square on Wednesday marking the end of World War Two after Japan's formal surrender. Ahead of the massive public display of China's modernising armed forces, Beijing has mounted a campaign saying that China and the former Soviet Union played a pivotal role in the Asian and European theatres during World War Two. Ties between China and Russia serve as a "source of stability for world peace", President Xi Jinping said last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Japan never signed a formal World War II peace treaty, with the main obstacle being an unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. "The Japanese Navy closely cooperates with the NATO fleet; at any moment, they can be integrated into Western coalition formats," Patrushev said. (Writing by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) HONOLULU (KHON2) Navigating senior care and family caregiving can impact the workplace. Productivity can dip, and in many cases, people have to quit their jobs to care for loved ones. But one organization aims to help both employers and employees answer questions and explore solutions. Hookele Navigators is a service provider that deals with care coordination. For about three to four years, its been hosting free sessions called Coffee & Cookies for employers to help navigate the challenges of senior care. Kupuna Caregiver: Therapeutic TV helps people with dementia, caregivers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coffee & Cookies started with an idea that we had of going out to businesses and speaking with their employees in a sort of a very intimate chat-type of arrangement, said Bonnie Castonguay, co-founder and CEO of Hookele Navigators. Castonguay leads the talk-story discussions, sharing her expertise and answering questions in real time. Companies are big, and so they dont know each other. But when they come to a common area and they have common issues, then they form a social network of their own, and they can help each other out, she explains. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You According to a report from AARP, more than half of family caregivers make changes to their work life to care for their loved ones. This includes reduced hours at work, taking time off, turning down promotions or having to quit altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its important for employers to understand that their staff are caregivers and the challenges that they face. And with some help, these employees can stay engaged and productive at their work site, Castonguay said. And so, if we can help them to put in some services, or for them to consider certain things, then they start, you can see the shoulders just, you know, just rest. The stress level in that room alone goes down immediately and people are having fun. Castonguay says help is out there, and just maybe it all starts with coffee and cookies to begin the planning process and start engaging. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The company Fire Point is demanding that Kyiv Independent retract information about an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) into its activities, and says it will file a complaint with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) accusing the outlet of aiding Russia. Source: Olha Rudenko, editor-in-chief of Kyiv Independent Quote: "Yesterday we received a letter from the companys head, Yehor Skalyha, demanding a retraction of the material stating that NABU is investigating the companys activities. According to our sources, as part of this investigation officials are also examining whether the company inflated the prices of drones supplied to the state, as well as the possibility of ties to Tymur Mindich a businessman close to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter confirms the existence of an investigation, but does not say whether Fire Point is involved, citing secrecy of investigation. Thats all. There was no retraction. NABUs public statement that no investigation is being conducted into the Flamingo missile is not a retraction, because no one wrote about an investigation into the missile and how can you even investigate a missile? Are we making such wonderful missiles that they become legal entities? The head of Fire Point informed us, the newsroom, that he would file a complaint with the SSU accusing us of committing crimes under articles on state treason and aiding the aggressor state. In his view, our material was commissioned by unknown actors and intended to disrupt Ukraines missile programme. I consider this threat nothing but an attempt to pressure the newsroom not only to scare us but also other journalists who might investigate the company. Given who the company may be linked to, and how those ties could affect the SSUs willingness to launch such an investigation, I am making this threat public." Background: Earlier, Kyiv Independent reported that NABU had launched an investigation into Fire Point, the manufacturer of the Flamingo missile and attack drones. Later, NABU said that it is not conducting an investigation into the Flamingo missile produced by Fire Point. Ukraine is currently producing about one Flamingo missile per day. Production is expected to rise to seven missiles per day by October. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraines new long-range missile Flamingo will soon go into mass production. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! An investigation is underway after two Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs were taken to the hospital because of a crash with a suspected DUI driver in South L.A., authorities confirmed to KTLA. Calls about the crash near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and West 98th Street came in just after 9 p.m. According to LASD, the deputies were traveling north on Vermont Avenue when they collided with a driver traveling east on 98th Street with blacked out headlights. Two L.A. deputies were injured during a collision with a suspected DUI driver who fled the scene on Sept. 1, 2025. (KTLA) Two L.A. deputies were injured during a collision with a suspected DUI driver who fled the scene on Sept. 1, 2025. (KTLA) Two L.A. deputies were injured during a collision with a suspected DUI driver who fled the scene on Sept. 1, 2025. (KTLA) Two L.A. deputies were injured during a collision with a suspected DUI driver who fled the scene on Sept. 1, 2025. (KTLA) The suspect, who may have been intoxicated, fled the scene on foot and as of 10:30 p.m. remained on the run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Killers of California girl, 15, murdered in 1995 satanic ritual out of jail Both deputies were transported to the hospital, though their conditions were not immediately available. Preliminary and unconfirmed reports suggested one of the deputies might have suffered head trauma during the crash. Aerial footage captured by Sky5 showed a heavy law enforcement presence at the scene, where the patrol vehicle, which crashed into a power pole, and the suspect vehicle remained. At the hospital where the injured deputies were taken, several patrol vehicles were seen parked outside. No additional details were provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A firefighter was injured Tuesday morning while battling a blaze at a two-story house in Chatsworth, authorities said. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the severe house fire in the 10000 block of Christine Place just after 10:45 a.m, according to a department advisory. All occupants of the home were able to evacuate before responding firefighters forced entry to battle the heavy blaze on the first floor and back of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fire Department said 37 personnel responded to the fire, with one taken to a hospital after suffering minor burns. The injured firefighter is stable, according to an LAFD spokesperson. At 11:39 a.m., LAFD brought in 16 additional crew members to work on overhauling both floors of the structure cooling hot spots and addressing additional fire risks after the main blaze was extinguished. The department also requested assistance from Southern California Gas Co., according to an advisory update. The LAFD advised motorists traveling through the immediate area to seek alternative routes. 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. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. Local unions are meeting at Cascade Playground in South Lake Union in Seattle Monday to both celebrate the Labor Movement and sound the alarm about Palantir Technologies. The unions argue that the software company, which specializes in AI data analytics, poses one of the most significant threats to democracy. The unions said the company helps fund ICE raids, foreign wars, and mass surveillance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays rally and celebration take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., held by Workers Over Billionaires. Below are several other gatherings taking place in Western Washington for Labor Day. Capitol Hill, Seattle Capitol Hill Pride is holding a march, rally, and chalk-in from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Seattle Central College. Lake Forest Park A sign-waving event is happening from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ballinger Way N.E. and Bothell Way N.E. Shoreline A rally, held by Everyday Activists, is taking place from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. near the town center. Des Moines From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., a rally will be held at Big Catch Plaza. Tacoma Indivisible Tacoma is holding a banner event over I-5 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Bothell Workers Over Billionaires is holding a rally at the intersection of State Route 522 and State Route 527 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Coupeville Indivisible Whidbey has people gathering from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at N. Main Street and State Route 20. Maple Valley Maple Valley will see a rally from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 26520 Maple Valley Black Diamond Road S.E. Port Orchard A protest walk, starting near City Hall, will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Milton From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a rally is happening at Meridian Avenue E. and Milton Way, held by Invidisible EMF. Labor Day hazards: Strong currents, stingrays at beaches OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Lifeguards in Oceanside say this Labor Day weekend has been one of their busiest of the year, with dozens of rescues and even more close calls in the water. Crews reported 59 rescues Sunday morning alone during the Oceanside Masters Swim Clubs annual pier swim. Since Friday, lifeguards have tallied at least 28 additional rescues while towers were open. San Diego-area beach closures, advisories in effect for Labor Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler Berry, a longtime lifeguard and now captain, said strong currents and crowded conditions kept teams busy. We did have quite a few people that got swept down, Berry said. We had a few that got very, very close to the pier. High rip current risk at San Diego beaches this Labor Day Red flags flew along the shore throughout the weekend, warning swimmers of dangerous rip currents. Lifeguards say the risks are greater for people with limited swimming ability. Stingrays were another hazard. Crews responded to around two or three stingray stings per day over the holiday weekend. Extreme heat and big waves expected in San Diego this Labor Day Berry said beachgoers need to be prepared before heading into the ocean. There would be a current that rips out to sea that can actually pull you out. If you panic, thats where it becomes a real issue where a lifeguard usually has to intervene, he said. Lifeguards are urging swimmers to stay alert and know their limits as the summer season winds down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. More than 300 turned out in Columbus during Monday's Labor Day holiday to protest the Trump administrations actions and how they affect working people. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.) More than 300 people turned out in an empty Columbus Arena District Monday to protest what they see as the depredations of the Trump administration. It was Labor Day, and organizers and protesters both played up the fact that the administrations biggest achievement so far is to take more than $1 trillion out of Medicaid and food assistance, while giving a $1 trillion tax break to the richest 1% of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They blame immigrants so you wont blame billionaires, one sign said in a reference to President Trumps mass deportations. Save democracy, abolish oligarchy, said another. But rally goers expressed other concerns including that by trying to stigmatize efforts at diversity, Trump is weakening the country. Im all about diversity. Thats why America is amazing to begin with, said Karen Hill. I dont want people to live with cruelty. Every day its overwhelming. Thats why Im here. A 1977 high school graduate, Hill said things seem worse now than they did then. She said getting out and protesting makes her feel better when she becomes discouraged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been to several, she said. Im not saying were saving the world but I want to be here. I cant take the chaos and everything. Im always asking myself, what happened today. Im tired of that. Somebody running our rights over. Its not right. I dont want to have a dictator. More than 300 turned out in Columbus during Mondays Labor Day holiday to protest the Trump administrations actions and how they affect working people. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.) Addison Torrence, 26, said he turned out to protect workers rights. To protect trans kids rights. All of our freedoms. Speak out against the corruption of the billionaire class. The crowd Monday appeared to be somewhat younger than the ones that came out to protest in Columbus during the first months of the Trump administration. Im hearing a lot of frustration and fear from people, Torrence said of his friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does that mean theyre tuning in? Id like to think so, Torrence said. Were out here showing something to the people were here to speak out for. Mondays rally was organized by several groups, including the protest group 50501. It was one of dozens in Ohio and more than 1,000 across the country. At a time when the billionaire agenda is turning the federal government into a slush fund for the wealthy, gutting Medicaid, firing federal workers and ravaging families through ICE raids, working families are coming together to demand workers over billionaires,' 50501 said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor day rallies on workers behalf have a long history in the United States. In her Substack newsletter, historian Heather Cox Richardson on Sunday explained the history of the holiday. On Sept. 5, 1882, more than 10,000 paraded through lower Manhattan to highlight workers crucial role in an industrializing economy. The marchers carried banners saying: Labor Built This Republic and Labor Shall Rule It, Labor Creates All Wealth, No Land Monopoly, No Money Monopoly, Labor Pays All Taxes, The Laborer Must Receive and Enjoy the Full Fruit of His Labor, Eight Hours for a Legal Days Work, and The True Remedy Is Organization and the Ballot,' Richardsons essay said. More than 300 turned out in Columbus during Mondays Labor Day holiday to protest the Trump administrations actions and how they affect working people. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.) Perhaps foreshadowing the present day, the movement ignited a debate over income inequality and whether the people who decided how much everybody would get paid were really worth so much more than the people on the factory floor. That debate raged as workers in 1884 helped to elect Grover Cleveland president. Then in 1888, Benjamin Harrison, the pro-Wall Street candidate, lost the popular vote, but won in the Electoral College. Four years later, there was a backlash, with Cleveland being re-elected in a landslide, Richardson wrote. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) With many people celebrating Labor Day, protesters are taking to the streets in major cities across the United States. Across the country, including in downtown Columbus, people protested against President Donald Trump and other billionaires who they said are hurting the working class. In Columbus, the protest was a chance for many groups to have their voices heard. A main focus of the protest was workers rights and educators calling on the state government to increase school funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio lawmakers propose eliminating extra registration fee for hybrid vehicles Were out here today because our communities need to be supported, Central Ohio Rank and File Educators member Kelsey Gray said. Public education needs to be supported. Public education was not the only issue people spoke about. We are supporting public education; we are supporting our immigrant neighbors and we are supporting the Black community and our trans neighbors as well, Party for Socialism and Liberation Columbus organizer Kiera Toliver said. Many had signs calling for the nationwide protest theme: workers over billionaires. Others focused on immigration and ICE activity in central Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe that our tax dollars shouldnt go towards funding ICE, that they should go towards funding affordable housing, free health care, free education, and making sure that all Ohioans have access to good-paying union jobs, Toliver said. Estate of Pickerington man killed by South Carolina hotel security guard files wrongful death lawsuit Hundreds came to make their voices heard through chants, speeches and signs. Theres people from all across central Ohio that came out for this, so its really nice to build community with our neighbors, Toliver said. A spokesperson for the White House did not directly address the protests but told NBC News: No one has done more for working men and women than President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC4 reached out to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines office for a statement about these protests, but has not received a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. IA, NE, SD (KCAU) All three Siouxland Governors released statements about the Labor Day holiday; keep reading to find out what each said. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said in a social media post, Grateful today and every day for the hardworking Iowans who make our workforce so strong. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen also posted, As Nebraskans, we work hard but hardly ever take time to celebrate our successes. This Labor Day, spend time with loved ones and reflect on the opportunities of our great state. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden wrote, Labor Day is a great occasion to look back at 250 great years of American history and look forward to the careers of the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. GARLAND COUNTY, Ark. Garland County authorities said three people are dead and three others were injured after two boats collided late Sunday night on Lake Hamilton. Authorities said the crash happened around 11:08 p.m. Six people in total have been reported in the accident. Three were injured and taken to the hospital. Officials have not released their conditions. Firefighters and EMS from different counties gather for boat safety training in Arkansas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Original reporting showed that two people were missing, but were later found and pronounced dead. Investigators said that the three people who died in the crash were 36-year-old Andrew Eason of Mabelvale, 50-year-old Justin Hall and 44-year-old Edis Miller, both of Hot Springs. Garland County Sheriffs Office Captain Joel Ware said that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is leading the investigation into what caused the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. NEW HOLLAND, Pa. (WHTM) A Lancaster County man is facing charges after a police standoff that resulted in a house fire early Tuesday morning. According to New Holland Police, on August 29, officers responded to an incident on Spring Hollow Road, where Donald Stoner was taken into custody and charged with terroristic threats and harassment. According to court records, he was released after posting $2,500 bail. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Police returned to the residence on September 2 to serve a warrant to find Stoner locked inside with the second floor of the home on fire. As negotiations with Stoner continued, police say they located him in the rear of the home and took him into custody. The house sustained significant damage and fire crews remain on the scene. Stoner was taken to Lancaster General Hospital and will face additional charges, including arson and causing a catastrophe. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A landslide has destroyed an entire village in Sudans western Darfur region, killing an estimated 1,000 people, according to a rebel group that controls the area. According to news agencies, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) issued a statement late on Monday reporting the disaster in the Marra Mountains area of Darfur. (Al Jazeera) SLM/A stated that the landslide occurred on Sunday, following days of heavy rainfall in the area, and the village of Tarasin was completely levelled to the ground, leaving only one survivor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand individuals, with only one survivor, the group said in a statement. SLM/A also appealed to the United Nations and international aid agencies for assistance in recovering the bodies of victims, including children. The ruling Sovereign Council in Khartoum mourned the death of hundreds of innocent residents in the Marrah Mountains landslide. In a statement, it said all possible capabilities have been mobilized to support the area. Al Jazeeras Mohamed Vall, reporting from Khartoum, said sources told him about the difficulty in getting help in retrieving bodies of people who have been buried following the landslide and giving them a proper burial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats going to take a long time, and maybe it wont even take place if there are no international teams that are specialised in these types of activities, he said. The affected area cannot be reached by car or any other means of land transport, which is why people often seek shelter in this mountainous region in times of war, Vall added. Those villages are actually many in number and are crowded with people. Some of them are displaced from other parts of Darfur. Ive been there, and Ive seen the destitution, the seclusion, the dire poverty of people there living hand to mouth, even though the land is fertile there, they have citrus plants there and abundant water but they have no relationship with civilisation and that makes farming very difficult, said Vall, adding that other means of survival are basically impossible, they have no schools, there are no traces of government in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the disaster comes as Sudans ongoing war now in its third year plunges the country further into one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with famine already declared in parts of Darfur. People fleeing clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur state had sought shelter in the Marra Mountains, and food and medication were in short supply, the Reuters news agency reported. Factions of the SLM/A, which controls the area where the landslide occurred, have pledged to fight alongside the Sudanese military against the RSF. Fighting has escalated in Darfur, especially in el-Fasher, since the army took control of the capital, Khartoum, from the RSF in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El-Fasher has been under the RSF siege for more than a year, as the paramilitary force is seeking to capture the strategic city, the last major population centre held by the army in the Darfur region. The paramilitaries, who lost much of central Sudan, including Khartoum, earlier this year, are attempting to consolidate power in the west and establish a rival government. Johannesburg At least 1,000 people were killed on Sunday when a landslide swallowed an entire village in war-torn Sudan's Darfur region after days of heavy rain, the rebels who hold the region said Tuesday. "Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand individuals, with only one survivor," the Sudan Liberation Movement, which controls the area, said in a statement. It appealed to the international community for help for those around the decimated village of Tarasin. The mountainous area is extremely difficult to reach, and it has become a refuge for people fleeing the violence of the civil war that has engulfed parts of Sudan, including Darfur, with thousands having arrived by foot in recent months. People gather at an area following a landslide that destroyed the Tersin village, in the Marra Mountains area of Sudan on Sept. 1, 2025. / Credit: Sudan Liberation Movement / Army/ Handout via REUTERS Tarasin, in an area known for citrus farming, had seen days of heavy rains, which ultimately led to the landslide, which was one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Sudan in recent history. But the Sudanese people have had no shortage of man-made suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear Sudan's civil war poised to get worse Sudan's civil war is now entering its third year. It has been fought largely between the Sudanese Armed Forces and a rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. Tens of thousands of people are believed to have been killed since the fighting broke out more than two years ago, both from the violence directly, and from hunger and disease. The war has left more than half of Sudan's population facing crisis levels of hunger, in what aid groups have labeled the single largest humanitarian crisis in the world. The SLM, which announced the landslide, controls Tarasin and some other parts of the mountainous area in western Darfur, but the group has largely stayed out of the fighting. At least 1,000 people were killed in a landslide that swept across Tarasin village in the Marrah Mountains area of Sudan's Darfur region, leaving only one survivor, according to a group that controls the area. / Credit: Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu/Getty The RSF controls most of the Darfur region, except the state capital El-Fasher, which its forces have had surrounded for more than 500 days. Over the past few days they have launched a new offensive, seeking to capture the last major city in Darfur not already under their control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of people are now trapped inside the city behind earthen walls newly built by the RSF forces, facing the threat of execution if they try to leave. Sources on the ground say there is little food left in El-Fasher, so local residents are slowly starving as artillery flies over their heads daily. The Sudan Doctors Network medical group said Tuesday that overnight shelling of El-Fasher had killed 18 people and wounded more than 100 others, including women and children. The group said in a social media post that it was holding "the international community, the United Nations and the African Union fully responsible for their disgraced silence and failure to protect more than half a million civilians trapped inside El Fasher, who are being subjected daily to shelling, starvation, and slow death." Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab has analyzed satellite photos of El-Fasher that it says show the RSF moving quickly to build berms around the city. "The RSF is creating a literal kill box around El-Fasher," the group warned in a report published late last week. More than 19 miles of earthen walls have been built since May 9, the group said in a statement provided along with satellite imagery on Aug. 27. "These berms will create physical boundaries to prevent smuggling goods like food and medicine into El-Fasher or people out of El-Fasher." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, in a statement last week,estimated that 260,000 people, including 130,000 children, remain trapped in "desperate conditions cut off from aid for more than 16 months." International humanitarian organizations have been prevented from reaching El-Fasher by the RSF, and UNICEF has warned that, with no new supplies getting in, acute malnutrition is spreading. The agency has cited recent reports that during one week alone, 63 people, mainly women and children, died of malnutrition in the blockaded city. Before El-Fasher was surrounded, UNICEF said it was treating some 6,000 children for severe acute malnutrition at health facilities in the city. Those children have now had their therapeutic food and medical care suspended. "We are witnessing a devastating tragedy children in El-Fasher are starving while UNICEF's lifesaving nutrition services are being blocked," the group's Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement in late August. "Blocking humanitarian access is a grave violation of children's rights, and the lives of children are hanging in the balance." Full interview: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Full Interview: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes The News in Brief Tuesday, September 2, 2025 The European Commission has confirmed that Georgia has replied to a letter sent by the Commission on July 14 concerning visa liberalization, spokesperson Markus Lammert said during a briefing."Yes, I can confirm that the Georgian authorities responded yesterday to the letter sent by the Commission on July 14. We will now evaluate the response sent by Georgia. The European Commission expects the Georgian authorities to take concrete steps regarding the issues outlined in the recommendations," Lammert told reporters.The spokesperson declined to provide details on the content of Georgia's response "I cannot discuss the details. As you know, we do not make such correspondence public," Lammert said.Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition party Gakharia for Georgia, said his team may take up their 12 parliamentary mandates, but stressed the decision will depend on the political environment following the municipal elections.In an interview with TV Pirveli, Gakharia confirmed that the party's political boycott remains in place for now. "As of today, nothing has changed regarding the political boycott," he said. "We are simply very actively engaged in the municipal election process right now, and we don't have time for this. Therefore, any decision regarding changes to the political boycott or these 12 mandates will be discussed by the political council, most likely after the municipal elections."Asked whether this meant that he did not rule out the possibility of his party entering parliament at a later date, Gakharia replied: "I'm not ruling anything out. At the same time, I emphasize that this will be directly tied to the political environment in the country after the municipal elections."Gakharia also acknowledged that his party's earlier refusal to use its mandates had been a miscalculation. "The boycott is not related to parliamentary results. I'm telling you honestly today that I believe not using the parliamentary mandates was a mistake. We have a small resource left to correct this mistake. Whether we manage to use it or not will directly depend on the political environment that emerges in the country after the municipal elections," he said.The press office of Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, issued a statement on September 1 addressing recent speculation about her role in opposition initiatives.According to the statement, the "Resistance Platform" remains active despite the imprisonment of most of its party leaders. "The 'Resistance Platform' was created on the initiative of President Salome Zourabichvili and has not been dissolved, although the majority of the leaders of the parties involved are currently imprisoned by the Russian regime," the press office said.The statement also drew a distinction between the "Resistance Platform" and the "Opposition Eight," clarifying that Zourabichvili was not involved in the latter. "As for the 'Opposition Eight,' which was formed later, after the creation of the Resistance Platform, President Zourabichvili has never been either the initiator or a participant in its creation. However, she is not and will not be against any attempt at opposition unification," read the statement. Credit:Facebook/ A landslide has killed 1,000 people in Sudans Darfur region in one of the countrys deadliest natural disasters in recent memory, a rebel group said. A landslide levelled the village of Tarasin in central Darfur after days of heavy rain, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the remote Marra Mountains where the disaster took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than 1,000 people. Only one person survived, the group said in a statement. The rebels said the settlement had been completely levelled to the ground and appealed to the United Nations and other international aid agencies for help to recover the bodies. Footage published by a local news outlet showed flattened ground between mountain ranges and a group of people searching through debris. Minni Minnawai, Darfurs army-aligned governor, described the disaster as a humanitarian tragedy. Credit:Facebook/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landslide struck an area that has already been devastated by Sudans civil war. Conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in Khartoum in April 2023 and has spread across much of the country, displacing millions. Fighting has rendered much of Darfur, including the Marra Mountains, inaccessible to aid agencies. The SLM/A has long operated in the region. It has not formally taken sides in the conflict, though some factions have declared their support for the army against the RSF. Many civilians displaced from north Darfur had sought refuge in the Marra Mountains before the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war has been marked by mass killings, sexual violence and what human rights groups describe as ethnically motivated atrocities. The United Nations believes more than 40,000 people have been killed, though some estimates have the death toll as high as 150,000. Around 12 to 14 million have been driven from their homes, with some families resorting to eating grass to survive famine conditions. According to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, only one person survived the disaster - Sudan Liberation Movement/Army The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict. Many Darfuris accuse the RSF and allied militias of seeking to turn the ethnically mixed region into an Arab-dominated territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, the United States said it believed that the RSF and its militias were committing genocide in Sudan. The RSF rejected the claim and said: America previously punished the great African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, which was wrong. 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. "If we do not save the state now, in two years, there will be nothing left to save. The window of opportunity will close, Lapid stressed. Opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said that it was imperative that his party, Yesh Atid, wins the elections and forms a government, adding that this was the most critical year in determining Israels fate during a Monday party conference called Fighting for Tomorrow. Lapid told the attendees that if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition were to win the elections again, it would be the end of Zionism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state will collapse. We are the only ones who can save it, he said. October 2026 is the current scheduled election date. Lapid also spoke on the importance of unity when building the next government, allowing for focus only on what truly matters: sending home the government of Hamas's October 7 massacre. Lapid stresses only he can successfully form government He said that this was the role of other opposition politicians in the elections as well, mentioning Yisrael Beytenu chair MK Avigdor Liberman, former IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Gadi Eisenkot, ex-prime minister Naftali Bennett, and the Democrats Party leader Yair Golan in this regard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition leader went on to say that the coming elections would not be easy this time either. Everyone will be involved Bennett, Liberman, Eisenkot, and Golan. Each of them has already declared that he will be prime minister, or at the very least defense minister. That is legitimate, I have no problem with people having ambitions, but someone also needs to know how to take all those forces and build a government out of them, Lapid continued, saying that only his party would be able to form a government successfully. Apart from Yesh Atid, there is no one who knows how to do this, he said. If you really want us to win the elections and form a government, Yesh Atid must be big, strong, and lead the camp, Lapid added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his speech, Lapid said that the stakes were high and that there was urgency behind the upcoming election. This is the last chance to save the state. The change must be made now. If we do not save the state now, then in two years, there will be nothing left to save. The window of opportunity will close. Lapid also listed some of his partys goals, which he stated include passing a constitution, along with training good teachers and paying them properly. Now we must fight corruption and protect the police and the courts. But above all, now we must bring our hostages home, he added. There are two possibilities ahead: a successful, sophisticated, first-world country, respected worldwide, with liberal values, a love for Jewish tradition, and a strong sense of community, or a violent, backward, third-world country that turns Judaism into racism and seeks to eliminate democracy, Lapid told those at the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know how to build great things here and form a functioning, efficient government that will work for the citizens. Above all, we know what kind of country we want for our children, Lapid said regarding his party. Only with us can you be sure that no one will steal your vote by handing it over to Netanyahu after the elections, he added. Parties begin preparing for next elections The Yesh Atid conference comes amid an emerging climate in which parties are beginning to initiate plans, turning their attention to the upcoming elections. Last week, Liberman requested that Lapid initiate a meeting with the heads of Zionist opposition parties, along with Eisenkot and Bennett, to set guiding principles for the next government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberman had also held a one-on-one meeting with Bennett on the day of the Yesh Atid conference, where the two said they discussed replacing the government as soon as possible to fix Israel. This week, the Arab parties Raam (United Arab List), Hadash-Taal, and Balad also continued negotiations to reestablish the Joint List bloc ahead of the next elections. MK Aida Touma-Sliman (Hadash-Taal) told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that such a bloc would strive to prevent a right-wing government from being in power. Before the current Netanyahu government, Bennett and Lapid had formed a national unity government in June 2021. During that time, and per a coalition agreement, Bennett served as prime minister from June 2021 until July 2022, with Lapid succeeding him until the government was dissolved in December 2022. PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) There is a large police presence outside a house in Pekin. Members of the Illinois State Police crime scene unit are in the 1800 block of South 14th Street, which is near the lake and a wooded area, according to the agency. WMBD has a crew on the scene and has reached out to the Pekin Police as well as to the Tazewell County Sheriffs Office. This story will be updated when more information is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One person was hospitalized and two were arrested following a shooting in broad daylight at the Sunoco gas station on East Third Street. According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, officers were dispatched to the Sunoco around 12:45 p.m. on reports of a shooting on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Police on scene told 2 NEWS the shooting stemmed from a disagreement inside the gas station between at least three individuals. Shots were fired first inside the building before moving outside near the gas station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one person was shot, a 35-year-old man. He was taken to a nearby hospital, and officials said that he was in critical condition. As of Wednesday, he is in good condition. Feds announce international drug conspiracy investigation One witness told 2 NEWS he saw the shooting happening outside and went to help the man who was shot. Another woman that was in the parking lot at the gas station, she grabbed me a towel out of her car and I was holding it to his chest, said the witness. When the cops got here, cops handed me a handful of gauze, like, here, lift the shirt up and put this on there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two individuals were found in a nearby home. According to the DPD, a 25-year-old person it called the suspect, and a witness was taken into custody during the investigation. Police are still investigating potential motives, but they have reason to believe the individuals knew each other. Whatever feud is happening between these individuals, its enough that theyre going to do it in broad daylight, said Lt. David Matthews, DPD. Darke County man dies in lawn mower accident The nearby Sunoco gas station has a new security system, which police said will likely help with the investigation. This shooting is under active investigation by detectives from the DPDs Violent Offender Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possible charges are being presented to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office and are pending. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Editor's note: This story has been updated with the confirmation from the Ukrainian side. A 14-square-kilometer oil slick is moving toward the Crimean peninsula, with most of the spill already reaching the coast of Russia's Krasnodar Krai, the Crimean Wind monitoring group reported on Sept. 2, citing satellite imagery. The spill originated on Aug. 29 at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium Marine Terminal near Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai. The slick initially covered around 40 square kilometers, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main slick currently stretches about 100 kilometers (62 miles) along the Krasnodar coast from the port city of Novorossiysk to the Taman Peninsula covering an area of roughly 211 square kilometers. The smaller slick breaking off from the main mass is drifting toward Crimea, according to the Crimean Wind. Ukraine's Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk confirmed an oil spill in a Russia-controlled area. "We, for our part, can confirm the very fact that oil or oil products have been spilled over a fairly large area," he told RBC-Ukraine. "Most likely from one of the vessels directly navigating in the area under the control of the Russian Federation." Russian authorities have remained largely silent on the incident and appear to be downplaying its severity, the monitoring group added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time a Russian oil spill has caused environmental damage in the Black Sea. In December 2024, two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, sank in the Kerch Strait, resulting in a fuel oil spill that spread across the Black Sea. The spill caused significant ecosystem pollution, with petroleum residues affecting areas from the occupied cities of Kerch to Sevastopol and Yevpatoria. Crimea has been under occupation since Russia illegally invaded and annexed the peninsula in 2014. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted the Crimean Bridge, a key supply and transport route for Russian troops operating in the occupied Ukrainian territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russias oil tanker crash causes worst ecological catastrophe, with Black Sea in need of a decade to recover Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge sentenced the man accused of orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur to more than three years in prison for an unrelated jail fight. On Tuesday, Clark County District Court Judge Nadia Krall sentenced Duane Keffe D Davis, 62, to 16-40 months in prison. Davis is already in jail awaiting a February murder trial. He was arrested in September 2023. I was attacked, Davis said. It was wrong. I know not to fight in the jail. The guy attacked me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 9, a Clark County jury found Davis guilty of fighting with another inmate in December at the Clark County Detention Center. It took the jury 90 minutes to reach its verdict. My parents brought me up to protect myself, and thats all I was doing, protecting myself, and this is totally wrong man, Davis said Tuesday. Davis, who a grand jury indicted in 2023 on a murder charge for Shakurs death, has publicly said he was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car involved in the 1996 murder near the Las Vegas Strip. He has remained in the Clark County Detention Center since his arrest on Sept. 29, 2023. Video of the fight showed Davis and another jail inmate rolling on the ground in a jail day room for about 30 seconds before officers separated them. A still image from surveillance footage from the fight involving Duane Keffe D Davis. (KLAS) Nevada statute called for a possible prison sentence of 1-20 years, plus an additional year in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krall sentenced Davis to a concurrent one-year sentence in jail, meaning he will likely serve most of the time while awaiting the murder trial. Should Davis be transferred to prison, he would no longer await his murder trial in the building next to the courthouse that will host those proceedings. Tuesdays sentencing was rescheduled twice previously. The trial for Shakurs murder was scheduled to begin next February. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of LaTania Doreen Phillips, a beloved daughter, sister, mother and friend. Born on August 30, 1961, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the union of Norman Phillips, Sr. and Celestine Terrell-Phillips, LaTania spent her life intertwined with the vibrant threads of her community, where she touched the lives of many with her warmth and gentle spirit. Find obituaries from your high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A proud graduate of Youngstown East High School, class of 1980. LaTanias journey led her into the world of the hospitality industry, where she worked diligently as a laborer at Towel Supply. Her commitment to her work exemplified her dedication and strong work ethic, qualities that earned her the respect of peers and friends alike. LaTanias faith was a guiding light and her spiritual home was Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church where she actively engaged in the usher and bowling league ministries during her youth and young adult years. She cherished her family deeply and is survived by her beloved daughter, Brianna Phillips, who carries on her legacy and her brother, Keith (Pamela) Phillips, Sr. LaTania also leaves behind fond memories shared with her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon entering eternity, LaTania was reunited with her parents, brother, Norman R. Phillips, Jr.; paternal grandparents, Monroe and Marion Phillips; maternal grandparents, Charles and Jerusha Terrell, who welcomed her with open arms in spirit. As we reflect on LaTanias life, we recognize the beauty of her journey, a tapestry woven with love, laughter and resilience. She will be lovingly remembered for her nurturing spirit, her unwavering faith and her commitment to lifting others up. Though LaTania is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. The Phillps Family invites the community to join them as they remember their beloved LaTania, a shining star whose light will never dim. In honor of LaTania, a celebration of her life will be held in the future, where friends and family will gather to share memories, laughter, and love. The details of the services will be publicly shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of LaTania Doreen Phillips elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500. Psalm 23- A Psalm of David The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. A television tribute will air Wednesday, September 3 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. By the end of August, a whopping 74 orbital rockets lifted off from Florida's Space Coast. For perspective, that total surpassed the former annual record of 72 launches in 2023 and 2024's freshly established annual record of 93 launches is also on pace to fall by the wayside. Will a new launch record materialize at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's neighboring Kennedy Space Center? Stay tuned. The Cape's September launch schedule will feature the usual heavy dose of SpaceX Starlink internet satellite missions, along with NASA's CRS-23 resupply mission to the International Space Station, NASA's IMAP mission to study solar radiation, United Launch Alliance's next Amazon Project Kuiper mission, and Blue Origin's next New Glenn rocket liftoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following are the latest missions coming up from the Cape. All launches are listed in Eastern Standard Time. But be aware: Dates and times routinely change for a wide variety of reasons. For the latest mission updates and space news, visit floridatoday.com/space. For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Cape Canaveral: Rocket launches in Florida: Here's an updating list of all 2025 missions from Cape Canaveral Wednesday, September 3: SpaceX Starlink 10-22 Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch the next batch of Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window : 7:06 a.m. to 11:06 a.m. Trajectory: Northeast. Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sonic booms: No. Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Thursday, September 4: SpaceX Starlink 10-57 Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch the next batch of Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window : 7:18 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Trajectory: Northeast. Location: Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Sonic booms: No. Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Monday, September 15: SpaceX NASA CRS-23 Mission: NASA and SpaceX will launch a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft on an International Space Station resupply mission. Launch window : TBA. Trajectory: TBA. Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sonic booms: Yes. Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Tuesday, September 23: SpaceX NASA IMAP NOAA's SWFO-L1 spacecraft enters a thermal vacuum chamber for testing in August 2024. Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch three observatories to study the sun: NASA's IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe), the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA's Space Weather Follow On-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1). Launch window : TBA. Trajectory: TBA. Location: Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Sonic booms: TBA. Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Thursday, September 25: ULA Project Kuiper 3 Mission: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will send up another batch of Amazon's Project Kuiper broadband satellites. Launch window : TBA. Trajectory: TBA. Location: Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sonic booms: No. Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. No earlier than Monday, September 29: NASA's Blue Origin ESCAPADE Mission: Blue Origin will launch its second powerhouse New Glenn rocket on the NG-2 mission, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft en route to study the Martian magnetosphere. Launch window : TBA. Location: Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sonic booms: No. Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. TBA: ULA Sierra Space Dream Chaser Mission: Sierra Space will launch its uncrewed Dream Chaser space plane atop a ULA Vulcan rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch window : TBA. Location: Launch Complex 41. Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts two hours minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Rocket launch schedule: September missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida A protest led by Nebraskan Paul Feilmann against the planned conversion of a McCook-based prison into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center for migrants began Tuesday at the Nebraska Governor's Mansion. He said it would continue through the week. (Juan Salinas II/ Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN After a Republican colleague nixed the idea for a public hearing of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, the lone Democrat who chairs a Nebraska legislative committee has scheduled a hearing for the public to air concerns and get answers about Gov. Jim Pillens plan to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp into a jail for migrants the federal government wants to deport. The Sept. 12 hearing called by State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, chair of the Legislatures Urban Affairs Committee, comes on the heels of the Judiciary chairs decision not to host a hearing. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha. July 21, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln last week called it premature to hold a hearing sought by 13 progressive lawmakers in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, including McKinney. Many have been critical of the Pillen administration plan, which responds to an amped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement strategy and campaign pledge by President Donald Trump to use states to help accelerate mass deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Bosn suggested instead that the group direct questions to Pillen and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office. She said that would be faster and more effective and said the Judiciary Committee had no more extraordinary authority than a single or group of lawmakers seeking answers. McKinney letter Tuesday, McKinney issued a letter of his own saying that due to potential building code issues presented by Pillens plan, the Urban Affairs committee under Legislative Resolution 148 will offer a space to discuss such concerns. The 9 a.m. hearing on Friday, Sept. 12., is open to the public in room 1507 of the Capitol. McKinney told the Nebraska Examiner he has invited Pillens team to the hearing, and expects administration responses will promote transparency to Nebraskans. He said he had been considering a hearing before the Urban Affairs Committee before the Judiciary Committee chair opted out. State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) McKinneys letter, which he and others publicized on social media and sent to state agencies, the all-male Work Ethic Camp in McCook has 200 beds and an operational capacity of 125. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A repurposed facility for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement would house about 300 people an increase in capacity that McKinneys letter described as concerning, foremost for safety and security. It would be state-owned and operated and, state officials have said, the federal government would fully reimburse Nebraska to house federal migrant detainees there. McKinneys letter says Nebraska law requires state buildings and jails to conform with International Building Code standards, including calculations for maximum occupancy. The Urban Affairs Committee oversees legislation and issues related to state building codes. The letter said that according to state law, A correctional system overcrowding emergency shall exist whenever the director certifies that the departments population is over 140% of operations capacity. McKinney asserts that the 300-bed facility planned by Pillen and ICE would put the facility at 240% of a 125-person operational capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayne Urbanovsky, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, said Tuesday that bed capacity at the McCook facility would be increased by repurposing existing multipurpose spaces that had been used previously for meetings and other programming. Urbanovsky said that the department would ensure all modifications meet building and safety codes. The 186 people Nebraska housed at the McCook facility as of Aug. 19 are to be moved to other prisons over the next two months, with specifics still being ironed out. Laura Strimple, Pillens spokesperson, said that Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys and his team look forward to providing an in-depth briefing to the full Judiciary Committee, which she pointed out includes McKinney and has principal subject-matter jurisdiction over the Department of Correctional Services according to the Legislatures own rules. Said Strimple: Nebraskans expect much from their elected representatives and deserve more than politically motivated media sideshows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, McKinney sent another message on social media: This isnt political theater, its political accountability. Private briefings dont count. Prison overcrowding Legislatively approved in April 1997, the McCook Work Ethic Camp opened in April 2001 as an effort to reduce prison crowding, primarily by offering rehabilitative programming to low-risk offenders. As a result, the facility hoped to open up space for more violent offenders in other state facilities. The Work Ethic Camp has most recently served adult men convicted of felonies who need substance use treatment or cognitive restructuring. It had an annual state budget of $9.5 million last year and about 85 staff. Tuesday, Omaha retiree Paul Feilmann stood with a huge sign outside the Governors Residence to protest the detention facility. Im trying to keep the issue out there, the former delivery van driver said, and plans to return every week day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for three weeks. His record stay on such vigils, he noted, is four months in 2019 objecting to lack of criminal justice reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mostly alone Tuesday, Feilmann talks to passersby about the issue and makes calls to strategize with others that have the same goal: to get Pillen to change direction. He also participated in a Friday rally that drew about 150 to the Governors Residence. Its dehumanizing and historically raises a whole bunch of nasty inhuman issues, he said, calling the ICE facility a bridge too far. In the earlier Aug. 27 letter to Bosn on the letterhead of State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha the 13 senators posed multiple questions. They noted also that the Judiciary Committee chaired by that Bosn has jurisdiction over matters relating to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service) Hunts letter said Pillen did not seek input from the Legislature on the repurposed detention facility the Trump administration nicknamed the Cornhusker Clink. Hunt called that problematic, as the Legislature is the peoples branch a co-equal and independent branch of government. Legality issues Among questions the lawmakers had was about the legality of Pillen entering a federal agreement to convert a state-run, legislatively defined prison into a federal immigration detention facility, and the legality of Correctional Services facilities and staff being used to house ICE detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nebraska Constitutions Article IV, Section 19, has since 1875 given the Legislature exclusive authority in the general management, control and government of all state charitable, mental, reformatory and penal institutions. The Legislature this spring completed a nearly two-year effort to clarify and strengthen its legislative oversight of executive branch agencies, including the state prison system. Strimple, in response to the Hunt letter, said lawmakers who want answers are welcome to ask the Governors Office. The administration cannot answer questions when they are not asked, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Minnesota Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, left, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth speak at a tribute to the late Minnesota House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman, who was killed in a politically motivated shooting in June, at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston this month. The shooting has caused many state lawmakers to reconsider the costs and value of public service. (Photo courtesy of National Conference of State Legislatures) In some of his first public comments since being shot in an attempted assassination, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman urged fellow lawmakers to refocus on the true purpose of public service. We cant let the evil of the night win, and we must redouble our efforts and reclaim the reason we are all public servants, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means listening to one another, extending understanding even in disagreement, and finding compromise: not because its easy, but because the people we serve deserve better than constant stalemate built on partisan egos. They deserve solutions. Hoffman appeared via video message before thousands of lawmakers and staffers gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures summit earlier this month in Boston. In June, he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home just before the politically motivated shooter killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. The June shooting hung over this years meeting of the NCSL, a group that labors to maintain a reputation for bipartisan and nonpartisan work. Lawmakers in attendance on the left and the right repeatedly lamented the toxicity of American politics and the growing threat of political violence at local levels of government. Many lawmakers raised questions about whether public service is still worth it, how state governments can buck the partisanship that defines Washington, D.C., and what measures lawmakers should take to keep members safe. Most lawmakers said they remained committed to serving, but they said conservatives and liberals must find ways to disagree without demonizing their opposition and do better at monitoring the rhetoric of members of their own parties. Wisconsin House Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, said the vitriol of social media and cable news has made it more difficult to talk with people of differing beliefs. Technology has reduced the frequency of many human interactions, he said. Even the rise of video doorbells has made it difficult for candidates and officials to talk with everyday constituents in person, as many refuse to answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So instead of knocking on doors and meeting strangers, you have a tendency to go to party events where you are meeting people who want to come and meet you, he said. Well, they come from usually one end of the spectrum. Theyre people who are probably paying too much attention to politics and not enough to all the other things in the world. Author and media personality Michael Smerconish asked Vos whether the current climate pushes good candidates away and incentivizes zealots to run. Thats a really good point, Vos responded. Part of my job is to recruit candidates, and it is very challenging to get people who are willing to put their personal life on the line and convince their family that there is nothing more fun to do on a Sunday morning than to go to a pancake breakfast. He said potential candidates are worried about how their kids will be treated in school and what effect running could have on their careers. But he said state governments can model a more civil political tone and show how government works. Even simple moves like holding bipartisan meetings with staff rather than holding separate caucus meetings can help to forge more positive relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are places where people can disagree, but we dont have to be hateful, he said. And maybe, just maybe, over time well be able to showcase to the rest of the country that thats the way that legislatures lead. Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint hearing of the House Energy Committee and the Senate Environment and Energy Committee Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. (Photo by Andrew Von Bank/House Information Services) Hold people accountable Since the June shooting in Minnesota, liberal and conservative states alike are considering measures to bolster protections for candidates and elected officials. Legislation proposed in New Jersey would prohibit the publication of home addresses of lawmakers, adding them to a list of protected officials that includes judges and law enforcement. That legislation remains in committee. ln North Dakota, lawmakers are considering establishing a more formal process for reporting threats, the North Dakota Monitor reported. A North Dakota man was charged in June with sending threatening messages to officials in which he referenced the Minnesota shootings. Legislative staff have already removed the home addresses of lawmakers from the legislative website and are considering providing post office boxes for lawmaker mail and creating new safety training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon introduce a package of bills to boost legislator safety, limit their public exposure and ensure representation if a lawmaker dies while in office, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. In Oregon, House Speaker Julie Fahey said lawmakers and staff are thinking more about personal safety. State law doesnt allow candidates to use campaign funds for security purposes, but the Democratic speaker said the legislature may soon change that. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact. Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat During an NCSL session about the cost of public service, Fahey referenced protesters 2020 armed breach of the state Capitol in Salem and noted that shed had an angry constituent show up at her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said lawmakers and staffers need to talk more about the cost of their work, which can be isolating, especially for those in leadership positions. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact, she said. Sitting next to her, West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said its not just personal safety that weighs on lawmakers. Its just as taxing on spouses and families who he said are front and center in any conversation about running for office nowadays. When he first assumed his leadership position in 2018, Hanshaw said he saw his job as mostly confined to running the chamber and worrying only about the behavior of members in their official capacity. But his thinking has evolved in this political environment, which he said requires modeling and monitoring of personal behavior and online activity of members of his caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the wrong approach, he told Stateline. And I would say that to anyone whos coming into one of these roles: You need to set the example and you need to hold people accountable. What is your why? Pennsylvania Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton said the current political environment is markedly different because officials at all levels of government can be targets. And what we must all collectively do is to condemn the violence, to bring the tone of rhetoric down and out of our capitols, and most importantly let folks know that we can always agree to disagree, but we can never, ever allow there to be violence in discourse, she said in an interview. Law enforcement stage in a neighborhood on June 15, 2025 in Green Isle, Minnesota. Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect in the killing of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were shot at their home yesterday (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) While the climate has not deterred her from serving, McClinton said it does provide an opportunity to underscore the solemnity of public service and helps frame a candidates purpose for running and deciding whether its worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is your why? she said she increasingly asks potential candidates. What is your purpose? What do you plan to achieve, to accomplish? Why is it that you want to do this? Tim Storey, the chief executive officer of NCSL, said state legislatures are more bipartisan than many realize. Even in dogged legislative fights, many bills ultimately pass with support from both sides or even unanimously. Theres a relatively small group who just demonize the other side, he said in an interview. I think for the most part, they still see each other as humans who are actually in a really unique job, and so only they can understand each other and the sacrifice and the pressure that gets put on by the public exposure. He said that was especially true following Hortmans assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They felt it across the aisle of both parties, he said. Storey said NCSLs Boston summit was a record-breaker with more than 1,600 state lawmakers and thousands more staffers and lobbyists in attendance. The event kicked off with two of Minnesotas top legislative leaders a Democrat and a Republican on stage in front of a packed ballroom talking about the assassination. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said Hortman had always treated her as a partner rather than an adversary. With mutual trust and respect, they could disagree without being disagreeable, she said. State Sen. Erin Murphy, the Democratic majority leader, said politicians must turn down the vitriol in their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a lot of America would appreciate that. I know Melissa would, she told the crowd. But she said lawmakers must also root out dehumanizing narratives and conspiracy theories that have led to the radicalization of so many individuals. We cant lose faith in each other. We cant lose faith in America, she said. As Melissa taught us, failure is not an option. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A federal judge in Georgia has allowed key portions of a lawsuit to proceed against GFA Alabama Inc. and Glovis Georgia, accused of exploiting Mexican workers recruited under the U.S. Trade NAFTA (TN) visa program. The lawsuit, filed by two Mexican professionals, alleges the companies used a bait-and-switch scheme to lure them to the U.S. with promises of engineering roles but instead placed them into lower-paying manual labor jobs, denied them overtime pay, and subjected them to discrimination. One plaintiff also claims she was terminated after disclosing her pregnancy. In a Thursday order, Judge J.P. Boulee of the Northern District of Georgia dismissed some allegations but permitted claims of fraud, discrimination, retaliation, and wage violations to move forward. Boulee also paused discovery while the case progresses through early motions; once the stay is lifted, both parties will exchange evidence relevant to the surviving claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case underscores growing scrutiny of how U.S. companies utilize temporary visa programs and the potential risks faced by workers when promised professional roles fail to materialize. Glovis Georgia, which operates as Hyundai Glovis, is a logistics company based in West Point, Georgia, and is part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. GFA Alabama, headquartered in Valley, Alabama, provides logistics services as a subcontractor for Glovis, including materials handling at the West Point warehouse. Plaintiffs Jimmy Martinez and Rosa Linda Soriano, residents of Mexico, allege they were recruited in 2022 for engineering positions under the TN visa program by GFA Alabama and Glovis. Martinez, an industrial engineer with six years of professional experience in Mexico, and Soriano, a pharmaceutical chemist also with six years of experience, say they were instead placed in low-level manual labor positions in warehouses and on automotive assembly lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the TN visa program, foreign workers with specialized training are intended to work in professional-level positions in the U.S. According to court documents, Martinez discovered that GFA paid him and his Mexican engineer colleagues approximately $11 per hoursignificantly less than the $1718 per hour earned by U.S.-born coworkers performing similar tasks. Soriano also reported earning around $11 per hour. Both plaintiffs say they incurred expenses for visas, travel, work supplies, and household goods and ultimately returned to Mexico at their own cost. Soriano alleges that after informing her employer of her pregnancy in December 2022 and requesting a less physically demanding role, she was fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GFA Alabama Inc. and Glovis Georgia did not respond to requests for comment from FreightWaves. The post Lawsuit by Mexican workers advances against U.S. logistics companies appeared first on FreightWaves. Haitians with a special protected status have six more months to leave the United States after a federal court injunction, but some advocates foresee a humanitarian crisis brewing in Springfield before their deadline to exit. That's because many of the estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitians living in the city have experienced problems with their work authorization, said Viles Dorsainvil, co-founder and executive director of the Springfield-based Haitian Community Help and Support Center. If they are unable to work, Haitians living in Springfield will struggle to meet their basic needs. Most Haitians in Springfield are in the nation with legal status, advocates have said. But President Donald Trump's administration has ordered that to end and for those Haitians to leave the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration originally ordered an end to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in Springfield on Sept. 3. That was extended six months, though, to Feb. 3, 2026 in response to a court order. But Haitians still have nowhere to go, Dorsainvil said. In July, he and other advocates for the community detailed violent conditions in Haiti and called going back a "death sentence." At that time, advocates said those who could were looking to leave the United States for Canada or Mexico, rather than return to Haiti. However, to legally enter Canada they would have to have family members already living there. And, leaving costs money many don't have due to job loss, Dorsainvil said. Other options for staying, such as applying for legal status like asylum, which many may qualify for, carries risk. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been arresting people at immigration courts, where asylum cases are heard. The nation's attention was drawn to Springfield during the 2024 presidential election when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, at the time the Republican ticket, amplified the false claim that Haitian immigrants in the city were eating their neighbor's pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the city's mayor and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine have defended Haitian immigrants, saying they are critical to local businesses that employ them. TPS and travel to Haiti Sophia Pierrelus translates in Haitian during the Haitian Festival at YMCA North on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. TPS protects immigrants from 15 countries from deportation and allows them to work legally in the United States, but the Trump administration has been ending the status for several countries. The TPS extension for Haitians ordered July 15 via an injunction filed by a U.S. District Court Judge in New York gives them more time to figure out what's next, Dorsainvil said, but it's expensive to move, especially to another country. On the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website about Haitian TPS, a notice states that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "vehemently disagrees with this ruling and is working to determine next steps." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration said previously that conditions in Haiti are stable enough that it is safe for those living in the United States under special temporary status to return to the Caribbean nation. However, the U.S. Department of State reissued its highest-level travel advisory on July 15, telling people not to travel to the country due to more indications of terrorism, according to the agency's website. It also mentions kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and limited health care as reasons not to go to the country. Meanwhile, Springfield Haitians with temporary protected status are trying to determine if they have any way to stay in Ohio past February, Dorsainvil said. "They would rather stay here instead of going somewhere else," he said. No work authorization, no employers who will hire even with it Haitians both with TPS and those who came to the United States under a separate program during former President Joe Biden's term have lost their jobs, Dorsainvil said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with TPS have faced layoffs because employers know their time to remain legally in the country will end in February, he said, and businesses have been reluctant to hire short-term employees even though they maintain a legal status. And Haitians in the country under the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) Parole Program had their work authorization revoked by a U.S. Supreme Court order earlier this year. DHS ended the Biden-era program in March and sent termination notices to those involved in June, according to its website. Haitians in the United States under CHNV are eligible for TPS, but Dorsainvil said the federal government isn't processing new applications as the February deadline looms. Dorsainvil and others from the center went to a local company recently to help explain to Haitians why they were being laid off, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was a very emotional day," said Dorsainvil. "Imagine that folks here live paycheck to paycheck as immigrants and they do not commit any crimes and they do not do anything and all of a sudden they cannot win bread to feed themselves or support themselves to sustain their household." 'Everyone deserves to eat' Local social service providers are also concerned about the plight of Haitians who cannot work due to expiring status or lack of legal work authorization. "We are expecting an uptick in need at a time where we have less donations," said Alex Jackson, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Champaign, Clark and Logan counties. A lot of the expected uptick is due to many local Haitian residents not being allowed to legally work after prior authorization expired or wasn't renewed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if some have active work permits, employers don't want to hire somebody who can only work for six months, until their status and work authorization expires in February, Jackson said. "Our charitable food system is already strained with a lack of resources and funds being pulled away," he said. "We are going to be stretched even thinner." Part of the reason for the strain in resources is federal funding and resources cut from food banks across the nation, but it's being compounded in Springfield by unemployment of many Haitian residents, Jackson said. For instance, earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed funding, halting nearly 700,000 pounds of food planned to be delivered to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. And more funding cuts are coming, including at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Harvest eliminated three staff positions just last month so it can spend the money on purchasing food and meeting the growing local need, Jackson said. "We would all need help from the charitable food system if we were not able to go out and work and earn," Jackson said. "Everyone deserves to eat. Food should be a basic human right, so if someone is trying to work, they should be able to." There aren't enough local resources to help Haitians in Springfield, Dorsainvil said. "It's a very panicking situation for them," Dorsainvil said. "As if they tried to starve them to death or make them feel miserable to self deport. I don't know if the agenda is that but it looks like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's creating a type of panic in the community," he said. The Haitian Support Center and Second Harvest Food Bank both accept donations on their websites. Underserved Communities Reporter Danae King can be reached at dking@dispatch.com or on X at @DanaeKing. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Haitians in Ohio face job losses ahead of deadline to leave US LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Lebanon rolled back a recently approved effort to limit neon lights and signs on buildings. City leaders recently passed the limit, but at Tuesday nights meeting, they went back on that decision. According to city officials, the original intention of the neon lights ordinance was to target vape and liquor stores. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell said neon lights became too distracting for drivers, but the ordinance came with unintended consequences for an iconic 1950s-style diner covered in neon lights. Snow White Drive In is a city staple. They initially sounded the alarm about the neon lights ordinance on social media, stating they would be negative impacted by the code. The community rallied around the restaurant when the ordinance threatened its aesthetics. Since then, an order to rescind the original ordnance passed a first reading thanks to a tie-breaking vote by Bell. The diner publicly thanked the city council for the vote when it passed on first reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bioretention pond added to Two River Dog Park after dog waster runoff issues cause E.coli spike The second and final reading of the repeal was Tuesday night. Mayor Bell told News 2 prior to the meeting that he planned to vote to scrap the ordinance again. The intent was good. I did not disagree with it; the council didnt disagree with it; they passed it unanimously, especially on the LED light part of this, he told News 2. I just think it we move forward with anything, we shouldnt rush it and put more thought into it. The Lebanon City Council meeting began at 6 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall in the administration building on North Castle Heights Avenue. If you couldnt make it in person, you could watch the meetings livestream online through the citys Facebook page. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. LEEDS, Ala. (TRIBUNE) A Leeds man who was arrested in 2022 on rape and human trafficking charges has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree rape, authorities said. Police Chief Paul Irwin said George Ervin Clark, 71, was taken into custody on Sept. 27, 2022, after Leeds officers executed a search and arrest warrant at his home in the 1500 block of Philadelphia Street. Three females were detained and released at the time, and investigators seized evidence including recording equipment, electronics, firearms, cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Clark was originally charged with three counts of rape and human trafficking. As part of a plea agreement this week, he admitted guilt to two counts of first-degree rape in exchange for the dismissal of the remaining charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are 10 cities with the highest crime rates A judge sentenced Clark to 20 years in prison, with a five-year split sentence to run concurrently. Leeds police expressed disappointment in the sentence, saying it was not long enough given the severity of the crimes, but said they were thankful the victims did not have to relive the case in court. There is no statute of limitations for these crimes, and we encourage any additional victims to come forward, police said in a statement. Clark has been held in the Jefferson County Jail since his arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. To the editor: The report on Francisco Longorias arrest ( San Bernardino man arrested after immigration officers shot at his truck, Aug. 29) reveals a disturbing abuse of authority that should not be allowed to fade into silence. In court, the prosecutor admitted he didnt know what traffic violation justified the stop and was not aware of any injuries to the officers who claimed assault. Video evidence shows no attack only officers retreating and then pursuing. And lets top all of that off with the fact that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have no authority whatsoever to make stops due to traffic violations. Yet no one neither San Bernardino police, the district attorney, nor the California attorney general has opened an investigation into unlawful detention, assault with a deadly weapon or the reckless use of deadly force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a civilian had fired into a truck with a family inside, charges would be swift. When government agents do it, silence is the response. That is not the rule of law it is the rule of impunity. Stephen Downing, Long Beach The writer is a retired deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Greensburg Decatur County Public Library hosts a summer reading kickoff for families on a new patio. (Courtesy photo) Much of the discussion surrounding property tax reform has focused on schools, law enforcement and local government having to cut services due to reduced funding. But libraries are also in line to see impacts from Senate Enrolled Act 1 legislation passed in April cutting property taxes. Several Indiana librarians expressed uncertainty about the exact effects of SEA 1, a complicated law that impacts both property and income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish I knew exactly what all this was going to mean, said Kim Porter, director of the Batesville Memorial Public Library. I dont understand it. Two major concerns raised by SEA 1, according to Indiana Library Federation President Julie Wendorf are property tax revenue and the local income tax (LIT) distribution formula. Hoosier homeowners are expected to save an average of $300 in property taxes the primary funding source for most libraries, according to Wendorf. Paired with changes to LIT formulas, many librarys budgets will feel the strain. Library funding across Indiana is not standardized, Wendorf explained, each public library receives tax support in a unique manner, influenced by its local property tax rate and access to local income tax revenue. The full effects of SEA 1 likely wont be seen until 2028, by which point many will face significant reductions to their overall funding, said Wendorf, due to both diminished property tax growth and decreased LIT allocations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libraries cant raise local income taxes on their own and instead will have to petition counties to approve a LIT dollars for their use. Sure, the library is an old-fashioned concept. So is democracy, so is equal opportunity, so is knowledge. Carri Randall, Johnson County library patron Beyond her role with the library federation, Wendorf serves as the director of Crown Point Community Library. As local governments prepare their 2026 budgets, were trying to account for the impact of SEA 1 without having much concrete data, she shared. Crown Points library has implemented a hiring freeze for new positions and is reviewing staff vacancies individually. When a department head recently announced their retirement, Wendorf said, I merged two departments to achieve significant savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While working on next years budget, Wendorf explained that shes reviewing contracts and expenses, cutting costs where possible to help offset the first years impact. Offsetting that impact, however, is challenging because SEA 1 limits revenue growth, meaning the gap between funding and rising expenses will only widen over time. Coupled with what Wendorf describes as cascading funding pressures, Indianas local, state and even federal libraries will see their ability to provide services hindered. One notable example following the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in March, the Indiana State Library lost $3 million in federal funding. That $3 million directly supported Indianas public libraries. The state librarys budget was also further cut by state lawmakers, which impacts what it can provide local libraries. Areas affected by these cuts and SEA 1 include public internet access many libraries rely on the state librarys Internet Connectivity Grant, which partially reimburses local libraries for service costs to provide public internet access and the INSPIRE database, an education and research tool used by public, academic and school libraries. Funding cuts may force public libraries to secure their own database subscriptions at a high cost to maintain the same level of access. Smaller or rural libraries with limited reserves could be forced into structural deficits, staff cuts or service closures, Wendorf said, as a result, public access to literacy and lifelong learning resources, digital equity and community program could be curtailed at a time when Hoosiers continue to rely heavily on libraries for these services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanessa Martin, director of the Greensburg Decatur County Public Library, elaborated on where rural libraries, especially, may need to make cuts. I think a lot of libraries are looking at their electronic offerings, Martin said, So, Overdrive, Libby, Hoopla, she named three widely used ebook and streaming services libraries use, any databases that arent getting used as much. Those arent things that we necessarily want to completely cut out, she emphasized, noting use of many databases has increased, but we might have to limit more. She added that regarding programming, libraries might have to do more with less and potentially explore staffing cuts. The key, she said, is to find a good balance of where the money goes to fund all the different things that we do. People are still using the library, Martin said, we have people in here every day for things that go beyond the books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin noted that Greensburgs library has people visiting daily for internet access, meeting spaces, tutoring and more, were still needed, she said, our digital offerings numbers continue to go up. A book bench at the Greensburg Decatur County Public Library. (Photo by Noelle Maxwell for the Indiana Capital Chronicle) Porter, with the Batesville library, is in a particularly unique position as the city sits on the Ripley-Franklin County line. Both counties have additional library systems that will also need to be funded via LIT and property tax money. It could be interesting, Porter observed, I could get funds from one county and not from the other. One-third of Batesvilles operating budget currently comes from local income tax dollars its just going to be really interesting, because I know its not going to cover everything that we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some library directors are already working to educate their communities on the potential impact of SEA 1. Johnson County Public Library Director Lisa Lintner hosted two public meetings covering Funding and the Future of JCPL walking citizens through how the library is funded and how SEA 1 might affect the librarys future. I am asking residents to volunteer to be advocates on our behalf, Lintner said, to support fully funding our library in the future, when well need to begin petitioning the county in 2027 for continued funding of our local income taxes in 2028. About 45 people attended the program, according to Lintner, who added that she plans to repeat the program every few months. Attendees were grateful to understand more clearly how the library is funded, she said, many expressed concern for our future funding and wanted to learn how they could support us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Johnson County library gets 40% of its operating budget from LIT money. With the passage of SEA 1, Lintner said, we will have to begin petitioning our county council for LIT funds in 2027. By 2028, many library districts could see devastating outcomes if LIT funding is not approved, she observed. More than 200 library districts across Indiana rely on LIT money, according to Lintner. Kerri Gipson, a long-time Johnson County public library user, said it breaks my heart to think of JCPL not getting necessary funding to continue providing the valuable resources and services that they currently provide. Libraries are such an asset to community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The library became a big part of Gipson and her familys lives in 2014, when Gipson started homeschooling her son following a move to Johnson County. Gipson and her son have both bonded with library staff over the past decade and theyve both gotten involved in volunteer work her son runs three weekly Dungeons and Dragons programs at JCPL and its branches and was named volunteer of the year in 2024. Gipson herself has done ESL tutoring and assists in her sons programs. It means so much that JCPL creates safe, inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome and valued, she said. Carri Randall has been a lifelong library user, dating back to her childhood in Los Angeles and volunteers at JCPL when possible. Randall, a teacher, shared that she and her colleagues rely on libraries, noting they make resources accessible to all that might not be otherwise. When I work with students on gathering information there is no way it can be done solely within the confines of the school day. The only places they are going to be able to access any needed information for free is the public library, especially kids from lower-income homes three of Johnson Countys schools have free or reduced lunch rates of over 40%, according to Randall.Libraries are no longer just information vaults or the keepers of information, she said. As examples, Randall cited database access, ebooks, wifi hotspot access, programs for the public, interlibrary loans, access to out-of-print sources, story hour and many other valuable educational services. She believes libraries provide all residents with access to resources that will mean the difference between success and failure for residents as individuals, Johnson County as a community and the United States as a nation. Sure, the library is an old-fashioned concept. So is democracy, so is equal opportunity, so is knowledge. JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) The issue of license plate fraud has been a growing problem across New York State, especially downstate, where officials say New York City is being cheated out of $100 million dollars a year in revenue. And, drivers in Western New York arent immune. According to New York Citys Department of Finance, a Jamestown couple appear to be the victims of a counterfeit license plate situation, which has greatly affected their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call 4 Action is taking on this case and the unit is getting action for Erik Anderson and Amanda Griffin of Jamestown. From speeding tickets to parking tickets and toll violations Erik and Amanda have been staring at dozens of tickets and toll violations for well over a year fines and fees they shouldnt have gotten. Its just so much, its hard to handle it all, when you get it all and you get all the paperwork and you start seeing the numbers build up and you just, you realize you done right by law and you start to get all these, it piles up and it gets really frustrating, Erik said. Their troubles began over a year ago. After they sold their Honda Accord and went to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in Jamestown at 512 West 3rd St., to surrender their license plates. Erik and Amanda have proof with a receipt from the DMV dated March 15, 2024, that their license plates associated with plate number: KBC8504, were destroyed, having no clue trouble was over the horizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, three months later, we started getting tickets in the mail from saying we were in New York City creating trouble, basically getting speeding tickets and stuff like that, Erik said. They say sometimes, theres two or three tickets at a time. Not just a few tickets, an avalanche of speeding tickets, parking violations and toll bills over 300 miles away in New York City and across the Hudson River on the New Jersey Turnpike. Have they ever been to New York City or New Jersey? One time, 27 years ago, Erik said. No, 12 years ago, I went for one day to New York City, Amanda said. Shes never been to New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erik and Amanda were shocked to see the tickets and toll bills listing their old license plate number: KBC8504. And theres more than meets the eye, the tickets show their old plate number on multiple cars a BMW in one picture, a Mazda in another cars with their inspection and registration stickers missing. In reviewing two speeding tickets, four months apart from each other, there are two different cars, a Mitsubishi and a Kia, both with license plates that say KBC8504, the same plate combination that Erik and Amanda surrendered. And the violations appear to be in the same area heading east on 115th Avenue and 225th Street, in Queens. Is there any chance that these plates were stolen? I dont believe so, said Emily Blevins, the deputy clerk in Chautauqua County. WIVB News 4 spoke to her on how license plates are surrendered and destroyed in the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You take your plate into the DMV, you give them a dollar to destroy the plate, the DMV then collects them, they are transferred to a secure location where they are permanently damaged, theyre chopped in half and then they are securely transferred to a certified scrap yard where they are completely destroyed, Blevins said. Blevins says thats what happened in Erik and Amandas case. A spokesperson with the state DMV also said that Erik and Amandas license plates were surrendered and their registration record was updated. The DMV says standard numbered plates, like the ones Erik and Amanda had, are never reassigned after someone has turned them in. Its unnerving, its very disheartening to know that this is going on and we get told it happens how does it happen? Erik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a question Erik and Amanda have been asking for 14 months. Call 4 Action analyzed all the tickets and parking violations Erik and Amanda received in the mail and found they were hit with $9,208 in tolls and fees they havent paid a cent. I dont have the finances to pay it, Im on a fixed income and its hard to make it from everyday to everyday and then we get this on top of it, Erik said. We try to keep up with our credit through Experian and Ive disputed three different things on his credit report, Amanda said. The unpaid tolls have resulted in three collection agencies seeking payment from Erik and Amanda. The New York City Department of Finance entered a judgment against Erik, threatening him with the booting or towing of his car, restraining his bank accounts and preventing the renewal of his vehicle registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a fear that I got to live with everyday when I pass by the state troopers or the sheriffs, is today going to be the day that I get pulled over? Because of all the threats and the all the threats of being suspended and everything, Erik said. An extra stress that Erik, whos an amputee, doesnt need. His leg had to be amputated after complications from diabetes. Amanda handles most of the phone calls with ticketing agencies and debt collectors. Pretty much every government agency that could try to reach out to Ive made phone calls and emails, its been a constant, Ive spent hundreds of hours on the phone, Amanda said. Call 4 Action reached out to New York Citys Department of Finance, which collects fines from city parking and camera violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson says: The Department of Finance has been working with Mr. Anderson, who appears to be the victim of a counterfeit plate using his old plate number. Our Office of the Parking Summons Advocate has enrolled him in the Automatic Dispute Program, which allows OPSA to challenge suspicious violations on his behalf. We will continue to monitor this plate and work to dismiss any outstanding or future fraudulent violations. The statement goes on to say that Erik and Amandas old plate number has been placed on the NYPD traffic and sheriffs boot/tow list to have the illegal vehicle removed from the streets. And theres more good news: the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says after a review by EZ-Pass New York, all fraudulent tolls associated with New York license plate KBC8504 have been dismissed. And finally, the Thruway Authority tells us Erik and Amandas old plate has been flagged in their system and that Erik and Amanda wont be responsible for toll bills after the plate surrender date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the tickets in New Jersey, Call 4 Action got a hold of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP, one of the collection agencies demanding payment from Erik and Amanda and provided them with documentation on their situation. A spokesperson wrote back saying: Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Upon receipt of your email we sent the documentation you provided to our clients for review (referring to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority). This documentation had not previously been sent to us. I am glad to report that New Jersey Turnpike Authority has accepted the documentation received to recall the accounts and remove the violations from Mr. Andersons name. This action alone tossed out $500 in tolls and fees against Erik and Amanda. At least with the New Jersey tolls all that is being dropped, how does that make them feel? Relieved, relieved, Amanda said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the greatest news Ive heard all day, Erik said, You guys have been amazing, I cant thank you enough for just listening and reaching out and listening to us thats what weve been needing thats what we were looking for and thank you. New York Citys Department of Finance says after a review by a panel of judges, the judgment against Erik has been reversed and that 13 other summonses have been dismissed, wiping his slate clean, hopefully for good. State Police said counterfeit and altered license plates are growing problems across the state. Youll hear from police about whats being done to fight back on this issue. Well also take a look at the shortfalls in the system, that allow for erroneous violations to be sent to people who dont deserve them in our series on license plate fraud. If you feel youre a victim of license plate fraud, you are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. You can also contact these agencies: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also submit a Call 4 Action complaint so that News 4 can take a look into your situation. The Governors Office says if you did share your personal information, you should check your credit reports. You can contact TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian to place a credit freeze or fraud alert on your account. Youre also encouraged to change your passwords, check your computer or devices for viruses, and notify your bank and other companies that you have accounts with. The Governors Office also says EZ-Pass or Tolls By Mail will never send a text or email requesting sensitive personal information. Since the beginning of Congestion Relief in January, text messaging scams from NY Toll Services or other fake names are trying to collect tolls for the Congestion Relief Zone in New York City. Latest Local News Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Lithuania intends to join Finlands initiative to develop a shelter network in Ukraine. Source: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, quoted by LRT and reported by European Pravda Details: In May, Ukraine and Finland announced the creation of an international coalition on strengthening civil defence, aimed at expanding the network of shelters in the country. The initiative focuses on building shelters, sharing expertise among participating countries, and creating financing tools for their equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nauseda said that Lithuania welcomed and fully supported Finlands initiative to lead the coalition for the construction of shelters for Ukraine, and that his country was ready to join it. Meanwhile, he called on Finland to take part in Lithuanias initiative to build new schools in Ukraine. Background: It was first announced on 19 March that Finland would lead the civil protection coalition for constructing shelters in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Tuesday's weather had a little of everything, including Hurricane Kiko, Tropical Storm Lorena, another area to watch in the Atlantic Basin, California lightning, and another fall chilly plunge ahead. For the latest on the Atlantic system a future Tropical Storm Gabrielle click here. The other weather stories we covered Tuesday are below. (11:59 a.m. EDT) Ragweed Season In Full Effect From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Sneezing much lately? Ragweed season is now in full effect over much of the country, with particularly high levels in the Plains and Midwest this week. Did you know that a single ragweed plant can release billions of pollen grains into the air on a windy day? Here are some tips on how to get a little relief. (11:38 a.m. EDT) A New Tropical Storm Has Formed Lorena has just become the 12th tropical storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season off the southwestern coast of Mexico. Lorena is forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow. But its center will remain well west of Los Cabos before it makes landfall much farther up the Baja Peninsula coast either late Friday night or early Saturday morning as a tropical storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lorenas remnant moisture and spin could bring locally heavy rainfall over parts of Arizona, New Mexico, even Texas this weekend. Tropical Storm Lorena live blog (11:14 a.m. EDT) Pakistan Reels From The Biggest Flood In The History Of The Punjab From senior writer Chris DeWeese: The water levels of rivers have crested to all-time highs in eastern Pakistans Punjab region, where officials say that the biggest flood in the regions history has impacted over 2 million people. This is the biggest flood in the history of the Punjab. The flood has affected 2 million people. Its the first time that the three rivers Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi have carried such high levels of water, the senior minister for the province, Maryam Aurangzeb, told a press conference on Sunday. The photo above, which was taken today, shows residents wading through a flooded area of the regions Jhang district. residents wading through a flooded area (10:44 a.m. EDT) Thunder-fornia The most lightning were seeing anywhere in the Lower 48 this morning is in California. Almost 4,800 total lightning strikes were calculated this morning, some of which were cloud-to-ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monsoon thunderstorms are typical this time of year in the desert of southeast California. However, some of that activity is also pushing northward through the Central Valley. While some rain is falling, this lightning in the states dry season already started wildfires in Monterey and Fresno counties. Red flag warnings are in effect for parts of Northern California and southern Oregon for the threat of wildfire starts. Any shifting winds with thunderstorms near existing wildfires could also cause the fire lines to shift erratically as well. (10:17 a.m. EDT) Gabrielle In The Making? Chance For Atlantic Development Increasing From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: The latest update from the National Hurricane Center shows the chance for tropical development increasing later this week. The tropical wave, located near Africa and south of the Cabo Verde Islands, will likely become our next tropical depression or Tropical Storm Gabrielle by the end of the week and into the weekend. What does its future hold? Check out our latest thinking here. (09:50 a.m. EDT) Early Heads Up: NFL Kickoff Looks Rainy From managing editor Sean Breslin: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could we see a lightning delay in the first NFL game of the 2025-26 regular season? Well, our current forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain Thursday night with isolated thunderstorms. The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field, and if conditions are good enough, kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. EDT. (09:22 a.m. EDT) Heavy Rain Causes Deadly Sudan Landslide From staff writer Renee Straker: A landslide in Sudans western region of Darfur wiped out an entire village today, leaving more than 1,000 people dead, according to the rebel group controlling the area. A farmer told the Associated Press that the landslide happened after weeks of heavy rain in the region. The disaster is being called one of the deadliest in the countrys recent history. (08:57 a.m. EDT) Hurricane Kiko: Potential Hawaiian Threat? From digital meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiko is the 11th named storm and fifth hurricane to form in the 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season. The storm is currently tracking westward through the Pacific and is expected to remain a hurricane for the next several days. Why are we keeping a close eye on it? By early-to-mid next week, Kiko could bring potential impacts to the Hawaiian islands. While it is too soon to determine exactly where this storm will track, there is a possibility that it could end up near the islands. If you live in Hawaii or are traveling there next week, this is something youll want to continue to watch closely. Hurricane Kiko Tuesday AM (08:25 a.m. EDT) Could You See The Aurora Tonight? From staff writer Renee Straker: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A strong geomagnetic storm is giving millions the chance to see the northern lights tonight. According to space.com, the aurora could stretch much farther south than usual, so if youre in one of the 18 states highlighted below, you may want to get outside and enjoy what could be a sparkling display. (08:00 a.m. EDT) A Cold Front On The Way: Big Temperature Changes For Many From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: A cold front will sweep across parts of the U.S. and drop temperatures 20-25 degrees below average. The biggest changes will take place across the Plains, Midwest and Ohio Valley. Check here to see if you will feel the fall air. An ICE officer's badge is seen as federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court in New York City. States like New York and Oregon have seen recent efforts surrounding legislation to prevent law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from using masks on the job. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) An Oregon Republican and Democrat have joined forces to introduce legislation to block immigration officers and other law enforcement covering their faces, despite concerns that the untested idea would invite legal vulnerabilities for the state. Reps. Cyrus Javadi, R-Tillamook, and Tom Andersen, D-Salem, announced Sunday that they plan to ask voters to amend the Oregon Constitution to ban what the lawmakers call secret police, or law enforcement officers wearing face coverings to conceal their identity. The lawmakers are planning to introduce the bill in the 2026 short session with the hopes of placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters later in the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon law already considers impersonation of a peace officer a low-level felony. In the wake of 2020s nationwide racial justice protests, state lawmakers passed legislation in 2021 mandating that local law enforcement like sheriffs and police officers working crowds in large cities must display their first and last name along with their identifying numbers. Sundays measure, however, does not delineate between local, state and federal law enforcement. It requires all officers to wear uniforms with their names and identifying badge numbers, exempting SWAT teams and undercover officers. The lawmakers say that wearing masks, as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents have done at recent raids, erodes trust in government, with no recourse for identifying agents conducting arrests or detainments. This isnt just a thing against Democrats. This is a thing against everybody in our state, Democrats, Republicans, your political affiliation makes no difference, and no administration, by whatever stripe they are, should ever be doing this stuff, Andersen told the Capital Chronicle. I dont think theres any disagreements that there will be challenges, he added. Well have to litigate that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE has argued during the Trump administrations mass crackdown on illegal immigration that its officers need to mask in order to do their jobs and avoid harassment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported a 830% increase in assaults toward officers in July, saying agents family members were doxed and targeted in the Portland area. The agencys leadership has stood by allowing officers to mask despite growing criticism from immigration activists and law enforcement watchdogs. The Oregon proposal would likely increase civil liabilities for law enforcement, a softer approach than taken by state legislatures in California, Michigan, Tennessee and New York, which are currently considering making masking for law enforcement a misdemeanor. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, introduced federal legislation in July prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from using face coverings and establishing an internal disciplinary process for violations. Battling these authoritarian acts by Donald Trump and his minions in our communities demands pushback on every level, Wyden said in a statement. Im gratified to see these two Oregon legislators spotlighting this issue at the state level with a bipartisan lens that reflects the best of the Oregon Way. But legal experts are debating the viability of the state-level measures, and whether states right to ensure the welfare and safety of their citizens can override the U.S. Constitution. The Constitutions supremacy clause ensures federal law takes precedence over state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other more legally viable options for states include allowing local law enforcement to verify federal agent identities or conditioning cooperation upon not wearing masks, according to Noah Chauvin, an associate professor of law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Oregons sanctuary law already prohibits state and local law enforcement from helping enforce federal immigration law without a court order. If it makes it a crime or otherwise prohibits federal law enforcement from wearing masks when doing their normal operations, then thats going to have supremacy clause problems, because its going to be a direct regulation of the manner in which the federal government is pursuing its mission, Chauvin said. Andersen said he was willing to consider making changes to state law and cooperation with federal authorities as a potential alternative but stressed the importance of challenging the Trump administrations immigration policy. In Beaverton, for instance, masked ICE agents apprehended a father outside of his childrens school in late July, aligning with a recent shift from longstanding federal policy preventing immigration enforcement in churches, schools and hospitals. We need to be aware of the atrocities that are happening in our country, and we need to stand up against it, Andersen said. This is the first set on a slippery slope, and the less we resist and stand up, the more the bullies will take over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homeland security department did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the legislation. In a June post on X responding to a similar bill in California, the agency called the effort despicable. While ICE officers are being assaulted by rioters, a sanctuary politician is trying to outlaw officers wearing masks to protect themselves from being doxed and targeted by known and suspected terrorist sympathizers, the department wrote. How the agency may respond to the proposed bill if it were passed remains a question. Chauvin said the U.S. Attorneys Office could remand state cases involving federal employees to federal court, moving to dismiss them on the grounds of preventing conflicts through the supremacy clause. Conceivably, you could see the federal government, if this were enacted, challenging in court, he said. I think, more likely, they would just ignore it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Constitutional amendments in Oregon require majority votes in both the House and Senate to receive a public vote on the ballot. If the legislature passes Javadi and Andersens proposal in the 2026 short session, it will be referred to voters on the 2026 general election ballot. It would require a simple majority of voters to pass. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Food to be distributed MICHIANA The Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food announced its September distribution dates. Several are within the region. Assorted food items offered free of charge. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged. Food is first come, first served, while supplies last for those in need of food assistance. One box or bag is permitted per household. Distributions listed below serve 150 households each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Distributions are drive-through and guests should remain in their vehicles with the truck open to receive items. An area will be available for those self-loading for those who trunk does not open. Sponsors this month include Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Indiana OCRA, Lippert Cares, and the Starke County Community Foundation and the Starke County Health Department. From 9-10:30 a.m. today, a distribution will be at Mentone United Methodist Church, 116 E. Main St., Mentone. From 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, a distribution will be at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, 134 St. Clair Ave., Elkhart. Later on Thursday, from noon-1:30 p.m. a distribution will be at New Hope United Methodist Church, 28765 C.R. 4, Elkhart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 10:30 a.m.-noon Sept. 12, a distribution will be at Warsaw Community Church, 1855 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw. From 9-10:30 a.m. Sept. 15, a distribution will be at Maple City Chapel, 2015 Lincolnway East, Goshen. Also on Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., a distribution will be at Excel Center, 154 Hively Ave., Elkhart. Children, teen activities at Syracuse library SYRACUSE Preschoolers can enjoy stories during storytime at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the childrens department. Each session focuses on a letter of the alphabet and has a craft. The homeschool class will begin a new geology unit at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the downstairs meeting room. The first lesson will focus on geodes, hollow rocks that contain masses of mineral matter, which may include crystals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The young adult video gaming group will meet at a new time and date, starting in September. From 4-6 p.m. today, teens will be able to play on the librarys Nintendo Switch in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The library will provide snacks. Teens can attend Teen Storytime from 5-6 p.m. Thursday in the Rosalyn Jones Room. During storytime, teen librarian Amber Cox will read a sample from various books. Teens are also welcome to bring a book of their own to read quietly. Get library carded this month SYRACUSE Swing by the Syracuse Public Library in September to get library carded during National Library Card Sign-up Month. One Card, Endless Possibilities is this years theme, and it rings true at SPL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With an Evergreen Indiana library card from the Syracuse Public Library, Syracuse and Turkey Creek Township residents not only have access to its materials but also those from over a hundred Hoosier libraries in the consortium. Residents in Syracuse and Turkey Creek Township can sign up for a free Evergreen library card at any time. Bring an updated photo ID and/or a utility bill with a Turkey Creek Township address listed. Library Friends group to meet SYRACUSE The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday in the downstairs meeting room. Since this meeting occurs before the library opens, knock on the southernmost Harrison Street door near the staff parking lot to enter. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A popular social media platform is being used to assist people when it comes to navigating the legal process of divorce. Trumbull County Family Court Judge David Engler is stepping out from behind the bench and onto TikTok, posting a series of videos on the platform. Its definitely a way to reach people, Engler said. I dont give legal advice. I could give insights, I could tell funny stories about the things that happen in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The videos cover a variety of topics, form what to do and how to behave in court, whether its in the physical courtroom or virtually balancing inspirational messages with humor. Ive never seen a judge that wanted to have such a presence on social media and to be able to reach out to people in the way that hes doing, said Bailiff Caleb Holscher. You want to communicate to people in a format that, one, theyll see it, and two, thatll have an impact, Engler said. His goal is to make the emotional divorce process a little less intimidating. The idea was to make people feel more at ease when theyre coming into court and maybe get some tips on some of the issues. Many people are doing it themselves, Engler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find Judge Englers TikTok videos under the handle @judgingdavid2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. EFFINGHAM In June 2024, Effingham entered a two-year contract with Flock Safety for a total of six traffic cameras for an annual cost of $18,000 and an initial setup fee of $7,500. Flock Safety would be responsible for providing and maintaining all necessary equipment under te agreement. Although the company is now being investigated by the state attorney general for allegedly breaking state law by allowing federal border enforcement officers to access its Illinois license plate camera data, local officials say the cameras have assisted citys police department tracking in criminal activity, finding missing people and supporting overall public safety. Since installing the cameras in the city, they have helped in numerous investigations, including the recovery of stolen vehicles and identifying suspects fleeing crime scenes, according to Deputy Police Chief Tom Webb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One example involved an elderly individual with cognitive impairment. An alert from the system allowed officers to respond promptly to the area their vehicle was last seen. The police officers were able to locate the person safely and return them to their fabeing invesmily.in There is value in this technology in solving criminal activity, as well as protecting the safety of impaired individuals who suffer from dementia and other mental illness, said Mayor Mike Schutzbach. The city will continue to follow all state regulations to comply with Illinois law. These matters from the attorney generals office are being thoroughly reviewed for a full understanding of the allegations. The city will act accordingly. According to Webb, the Effingham Police Department hasnt shared any data with out-of-state entities or federal agencies for purposes related to immigration or abortion-related investigations; both of which are prohibited under state law. The department is not aware of any federal government agencies that have access to the citys Flock cameras. We are committed to both ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of our residents. The technology has demonstrated clear value to the Effingham community, said Webb. That said, we take the Attorney Generals concerns seriously and will continue to follow all state guidance to ensure full compliance with Illinois law. We believe its continued use serves the best interests of our community; however, the city is researching the allegations of the attorney generals office and will act accordingly. DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Authorities have released the name of the person who was injured in a motorcycle accident over the weekend. The accident happened at 11:42 a.m. Saturday on E. State Road 58 at the intersection of County Road 700 East. As we previously reported, two motorcycles were traveling west on State Road 58 near County Road 700 E. when a vehicle stopped to make a left-hand turn. One of the motorcycles slowed down for the turning vehicle, but a second motorcycle, driven by James Gadberry, did not see the stopped car and rear-ended the other motorcycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crash reports indicate that the impact caused Gadberry to be sent into the path of an eastbound vehicle, causing him to go airborne. Gadberry was transported to the hospital with multiple injuries. The Indiana State Police reconstruction team was called in. Gadberry is a member of the Shakamak School Board and serves as an SRO at Linton-Stockton School Corporation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. A shipping disaster off the coast of Kerala, India, has left communities reeling as plastic pollution and economic fallout spread months after the incident. What happened? On May 25, 2025, the MSC Elsa 3 container ship capsized and sank just 13 miles from Kerala's shoreline. It was carrying hazardous cargo, including 71,500 sacks of plastic pellets known as nurdles. Nearly three months later, millions of them continue to wash up on beaches despite cleanup efforts that have so far recovered less than 8,000 of the missing sacks. Fishing families in Thiruvananthapuram say the situation is a complete disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The nurdles haven't just polluted the sea they've disrupted our entire way of life," local fish worker Ajith Shanghumukham told The Guardian. Nets are coming back filled with pellets, and fish sales are down because of worries about contamination. More than 100,000 families are facing lost income. Even worse, this comes not long after the worst plastic pollution spill in history. In 2021, the X-Press Pearl ship spilled nurdles and chemicals into the sea, causing "unprecedented devastation to the marine environment," according to a Sri Lankan court ruling. Why are nurdles concerning? Nurdles may look harmless, but don't let their small size and silly name fool you. These pea-sized pellets are raw material for plastic products and are classified as microplastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife can mistake them for food, leading to starvation, poisoning, and death. Nurdles also act like sponges in seawater, absorbing harmful "forever chemicals" and bacteria such as E. coli. Those toxins move up the food chain and end up in human bodies too. Research has already linked microplastics to health issues such as strokes and heart attacks. And with Kerala's spill happening in a region that lands nearly half of India's seafish, experts say the long-term effects on food supply and health are troubling. What's being done about nurdles? Kerala's government has filed a $1.1 billion claim against Mediterranean Shipping Company, which chartered the vessel. But MSC is disputing jurisdiction and trying to avoid being held accountable. Cleanup efforts could take up to five years, according to disaster officials. 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. Environmental advocates are also pushing for nurdles to be classified as hazardous material, which would enforce stricter standards for how they're packaged and transported. Recently, delegates from more than 170 countries met in Geneva to negotiate a United Nations plastic pollution treaty. Unfortunately, 10 days of negotiations weren't enough to reach an agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are sure to be more talks in the future, no dates have been scheduled. Until then, people at home can help mitigate these risks by using less plastic and choosing eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) An early morning house fire is under investigation in New London, according to fire officials. Just before 2 a.m. Tuesday, fire officials returning from an emergency call saw smoke in the area of Broad Street. Crews canvassing the area located a well-involved fire at a single-family home on Vauxhall Street. Fire breaks out in unoccupied building on Cappen Street in Hartford Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials said they put out the fire from the outside of the ranch-style home before entering. A neighboring building also sustained thermal damage, according to fire officials. Mutual aid was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Churches across the country are becoming increasingly concerned with how to keep their congregations safe while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Tuesday night, the London Police Department is preparing a free church security training event to address those concerns. London Police Department Public Information Officer Hobie Daugherty said that this is one of the many programs that they offer to make their community a safer place. Tuesdays free church security training gives the community an opportunity to enhance the church`s security awareness and preparedness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Officials said this workshop will equip church leaders, volunteers, and safety teams with practical knowledge to: Identify and assess potential threats Identify and address concerns in active shooter scenarios Develop an effective emergency response plan Strengthen on-site communication and coordination Daugherty said in todays society, its important to always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything at all times. Its one of those things that churches have always appeared as a soft target or they appear as something thats going to make a statement, you know, and while we want the church to always be welcoming, we also want it to be a safe place, as well, said Daugherty. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The London Police Department said that this training is a great way to learn how you can protect your congregation and prepare for any potential threats. So its going to cover a kind of a vast array, you know, theyre going to have a have an opportunity to kind of see a mock policy and procedures that they may or I should say, like a template, you know, its something that theyre going to be able to take from or add to and cater to their congregation and then really just going over different details about things you should be aware of that you may just not be thinking of at the time said Daugherty. The training event will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the London community center. The event will be led by acting Chief of Police Bobby Day. The training is free and open to all area churches. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, will not seek reelection and retire in December 2026 at the end of his term. (LRC Public Information) The chair of the Senate Transportation Committee will not seek reelection after his term ends next year. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, a Lebanon Republican, will retire from the Kentucky General Assembly in December 2026. He was elected to the Senate in 2009. Before that, he was in the House beginning in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of the 14th District, Higdon said in a Tuesday morning press release. The greatest privilege of this job is getting to help people every single day. Ive always tried to treat it as a calling, not just a position, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity. Higdons Senate district includes the counties of LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer and Washington. The senator said that he is at the peak of my legislative career and that I have seen too many colleagues stay too long. Spending more time with family was a key factor in his decision to not seek reelection. I am 72 now. If I ran again, Id be almost 78 at the end of another term, Higdon said. Its the right time. My wife Jane, who has been by my side in marriage for 51 years, and my family deserve more of me. Weve made a lot of sacrifices together to make this work, and I could not have done any of it without them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to chairing the Senate Transportation Committee, Higdon is a member of the committees on Education; Licensing and Occupations; Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection. He was Senate majority whip from 2015 to 2018 and Senate president pro tempore from January 2018 to 2019. The 2026 legislative session will be Higdons final session in office. Republicans will continue to hold a supermajority in the Senate. Currently, the GOP has 32 of 38 seats in the chamber. Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said in the press release that Higdon will leave a lasting legislative legacy deeply woven into the fabric of this commonwealth. What stands out most about Jimmy is the way he has always put people first. He approaches every challenge with humility and common sense, Stivers continued. His voice will be deeply missed in our chamber by our caucus members and by our staff, who have enjoyed working with him. We are grateful to have one more session with him and to celebrate a career of service that he and Jane can be incredibly proud of. By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) -U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from Manhattan who played a major role in both impeachments of President Donald Trump, will not seek re-election in 2026 after holding his seat for 34 years, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing an interview with Nadler. His office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request to confirm the report. Nadler, 78, a liberal voice in Congress since 1992, said he believed it was time for a younger generation of Democrats to emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions surrounding leadership age and generational change rocked the Democrats in 2024, when President Joe Biden, then 81, stepped down late in the presidential campaign amid concerns about his age. "Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that," Nadler told the Times. A 26-year-old, Liam Elkind, had already announced his intention to challenge Nadler in next year's primary. Nadler's withdrawal could attract other contenders. His solidly Democratic district includes some of New York City's most exclusive addresses along each side of Central Park and influential financial institutions and corporate headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before redistricting, he represented the downtown area around the World Trade Center in 2001 at the time of the September 11 attacks. As chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Nadler served as an impeachment manager in the first attempt to remove Trump from office in 2019 over accusations that he solicited Ukrainian interference in the 2020 election. The Republican-dominated Senate voted in 2020 to acquit Trump and keep him in office. Nadler's committee later helped draft an article of impeachment accusing Trump of inciting the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Again, the Senate voted not to convict Trump. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Ross Colvin and Sonali Paul) Veteran New York congressman Jerry Nadler will retire from office, after 34 years in the House of Representatives, saying he wants to make room for the next generation of Democrats. In an interview with The New York Times published on Monday, the 78-year-old Brooklynite said he was reluctant at first to quit the fight against President Donald Trump, but was ultimately convinced he should step aside. Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im not saying we should change over the entire party, he said. But I think a certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism." New York Governor Kathy Hochul hailed him as "a champion, a fighter, and a trusted voice for New Yorkers", saying he had "never wavered in delivering for the people he so proudly represents." Nadler was one of Trump's most outspoken critics during his first presidency, leading the New York real estate developer to denounce him as 'one of the most egregious hacks in contemporary politics' (Getty Images) Elected to Congress in 1992 after 16 years in the New York State Assembly, representing a succession of Manhattan districts that once included the World Trade Center, Nadler is both the longest-serving New Yorker and the longest-serving Jewish person in the U.S. House. During Trump's first presidency he was among the most outspoken critics, and has previously worked to heal the wounds from 9/11, limit the president's surveillance powers, and codify federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But today Nadler's party is embroiled in a bitter generational war, with some younger Democrats alleging that its current elite of retirement-age stalwarts paved the way for Trump's return and are now failing to fight back. The number of over-70s in Congress has increased to unprecedented levels, with 76 in the House and 33 in the Senate as of January 2025. Democrats had nearly twice as many as Republicans. Longtime Democratic legislators in California, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts and beyond are now facing primary challenges from younger candidates attempting to follow in the footsteps of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's breakthrough election 2019. Jerry Nadler has endorsed left-wing New York City mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani, but not all his fellow Democrats have followed suit (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) In Illinois, TikTok star and progressive researcher Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is running to replace 81-year-old Jan Schakowsky, arguing that the party is bereft of "real leadership" and needs a "makeover". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Connecticut, 46-year-old Luke Bronin is challenging 77-year-old John Larson, claiming that Trump's election must be "awake-up call for the Democratic Party... to do things differently". In New York, Nadler himself is facing competition from 26-year-old Liam Elkind, who said he was "respectfully asking" the older politician to retire due to his lack of a "plan" to stop Trump. Senior Democrats are divided over whether to endorse New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, despite his comfortable win in the party primary this June. In his NYT interview, Nadler said he would not seek reelection in next year's midterm elections, suggesting that a younger replacement "can maybe do better, can maybe help us more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussing the outlook for blocking Trump's "reign of terror", he said: "I am not terribly optimistic. I wish I could be. But this is the most severe threat weve had to our system of government since the Civil War, and unfortunately Abraham Lincoln is not the president." He also admitted that Israel's ruthless and allegedly genocidal conduct in Gaza had turned much of the party and its voting base against the former U.S. ally. I dont know what to say at this point. I cant defend what Israel is doing," adding that Israel is "without question" committing war crimes. A Los Angeles police cruiser and a Cybertruck both sustained damage in a collision in downtown Los Angeles Monday night. The incident was reported around 10 p.m. near East 9th and Main streets. Video showed the drivers side window of the police SUV had been smashed. The hood of the patrol vehicle also appeared to be crumpled. Damage was also seen on the passenger side of the Tesla. A police cruiser and a Cybertruck collided in Downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 2, 2025. (KNN News) Los Angeles Fire Department personnel were at the scene treating a male who was experiencing back pain, freelance media firm KNN News reported. No injuries were reported among the officers involved in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the crash was unclear, but the intersection was closed while officers conducted an investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The State DOGE team is about halfway through its audit of the City of Jacksonvilles finances and only Action News Jax is hearing from Floridas Chief Financial Officer on how that audit is progressing. We see a lot of room for improvement, said Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia. Specifically, Ingoglia said he believes the $13 million property tax cut proposed by the city council is a step in the right direction, but given it amounts to only about $1 per month in savings for the average homeowner, it doesnt go far enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because I think theres enough fat in their budget, said Ingoglia. Once you start going over these numbers and see what theyre actually spending on, youre going to start asking yourself, is this a good use of taxpayer dollars? And the answer to that, a lot of the times, is no. RELATED: Mayor and City Council Republicans disagree on proposed $13 million property tax cut We asked whether any particular local spending items have stood out, but Ingoglia is keeping those specifics close to his chest for now. And the reason being is that we dont want to tip other cities or counties off that we are looking for that stuff, said Ingoglia. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax asked Mayor Donna Deegan how the citys interactions with the state DOGE team have gone during the audit, but according to her, there havent been any developments following the initial visit. As far as I can tell, theyre still going through everything, but we havent heard any updates, said Deegan on Tuesday. And Ingoglia suggested that could be a good indication the city is cooperating. And in some cases, we have what happened in Orange County, where we actually had to issue subpoenas because we feel that they are not giving us information on purpose and trying to hide some of the information from the taxpayers, said Ingoglia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can expect the full report detailing all the alleged wasteful spending in about a month. Though, it likely will not be out before city council takes a final vote on the city budget in late September. RELATED: Mayor Donna Deegan to host town halls on embattled city budget [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Six persons have been indicted in Louisiana on federal charges they sold passing grades and approvals to applicants seeking to obtain a class A Commercial Drivers Licenses without them ever taking the necessary tests.The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced the indictments last week. The key to the CDL scheme was that Louisiana law allowed portions of the tests needed to acquire a CDL to be administered by third parties. The overall agency in charge of the testing process was the states Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC). But the third parties needed, according to the indictment, to meet the same qualifications and training as state examiners and give the same tests that would otherwise be given by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment charges that the conspiracy involved bribes to get applicants past both the knowledge test needed to obtain a learners permit, and then the skills test necessary to receive the actual CDL. The skills portion of the CDL test could only be acquired after a commercial learners permit had been acquired. Restaurant owner had friends at OMV According to the indictment, Mahmoud Alhattab, identified in the indictment as a restaurant owner, bribed two people who worked in the Donaldsonville office of the states Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The two employees, Jenay Davis and Shakira Millien, are accused in the indictment of having completed the knowledge tests necessary for the learners permit on behalf of the applicants Alhattab was assisting, and getting paid by Alhattab in return. But the pair of OMV workers were not confident enough in their own ability to ace the test, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. They performed internet searches to find the answers, according to the prepared statement from the office announcing the indictments. Needed a skills tester But that only got the applicants past the learners permit phase. The indictment said Alhattab also bribed Christopher Bryan Burns, who owned a truck driver training company, and Jonathan Parsons, who worked for Burns, to report to the Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS), which is funded by FMCSA, that the individuals passed the skills test. (The indictment notes that the servers that operated CSTIMS were not based in Louisiana, which makes any crimes connected to it an interstate offense). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment spells out the developments in the scheme: Alhattab collected money and information from people looking to obtain a class A CDL That information was provided to OMV employees Davis or Millien who entered incorrect answers to get Alhattabs applicant a learners permit, and reported that it had been secured. The two were paid for their assistance by Alhattab, funded by the bribe paid by the applicant. That information was provided to Burns or Parsons, the operators of the truck driving schools. The two of them entered a false passing grade into the CSTIMS system and got paid for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sixth person indicted, Marline Roberts, worked for Burns company. She also would put false information into CSTIMS. The person who funded Alhattab received a class A CDL. All six defendants were hit with at least one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud with some of them being charged with that count twice. Alhattab, Millien and Parsons were all charged with four counts of bribery in connection with a program funded by the federal government. Burns, Davis and Roberts all were indicted on one count of bribery in a federally-funded program. Among the specific dollar amounts in the indictment, the U.S. Attorney reports that an applicant seeking Alhattabs help paid about $6,500 for his services, and that Parsons told Roberts he would pay her $400 for reporting that an individual had passed the skills test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment lists three people, identified as Individual-A, B and C, as having used Alhattabs services to obtain their class A CDL. It says the conspiracy started no later than August 2020 and ran until February 2024. More articles by John Kingston Two state troopers who falsified CDL test results get short jail sentences in Massachusetts Trimbles Freight Marketplace snags its first shipper: Procter & Gamble NFI driver misclassification case in New Jersey could reach individual payouts of $50k The post Louisiana scheme to obtain class A CDLs without passing tests snags six in sweeping indictment appeared first on FreightWaves. NEED TO KNOW A father is in the hospital after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria while on a family fishing trip in Florida on Aug. 23 Ben West has been infected with Vibrio vulnificus, according to a GoFundMe page and an interview his family members gave to local media outlet WJHG "We never would have believed he would be on death's doorstep," West's fiancee Janie Knowles shared on the fundraiser A Florida man is fighting for his life in the hospital after becoming infected with flesh-eating bacteria on a family fishing trip. Ben West, 38, contracted the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus while fishing for crab and mullet with his family in Port St. Joe on Aug. 23, according to a GoFundMe page and an interview his family members gave to local media outlet WJHG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Cleveland Clinic, Vibrio vulnificus is "a type of bacteria that can cause a fatal infection. You get it from eating uncooked or undercooked shellfish or when seawater enters a wound. Symptoms get worse quickly. They include fever, low blood pressure and painful blisters." West's fiancee Janie Knowles shared on the fundraiser that the father started complaining of serious burning in his foot and ankle, which began to swell terribly, It was the worst pain he's ever felt, she recalled. West went to the hospital two days later and was misdiagnosed with cellulitis. He was sent home with antibiotics, which caused a reaction and his skin began to blister, according to Knowles. There were blisters everywhere, she recalled to WJHG. They were busting, it was swelling, you couldnt recognize his leg compared to the other one, it was actually four times bigger than the other one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West's father, Keith West, also told the outlet, "The hardest part so far is watching him be in that bed helpless, not knowing if hes going to live or die, right now in particular, not knowing if hes going to get to keep that part of his leg or not, the foot, the leg, from the knee down." GoFundMe Ben West suffered painful blisters after contracting flesh-eating bacteria on a fishing trip Ben West suffered painful blisters after contracting flesh-eating bacteria on a fishing trip According to the GoFundMe page, West started to decline extremely fast" and he was sent to Bay Medical in Panama City less than 24 hours later. We never would have believed he would be on death's doorstep, a ventilator and highly possibly becoming an amputee of his entire left leg, Knowles wrote. Knowles also told WJHG that West's kidneys and liver were failing from the infection, but in an update on the GoFundMe page on Friday, Aug. 29, Knowles wrote that a doctor had told them that West's kidneys appeared to be improving. I was blank, everything was happening so fast, I was scared, scared to death, and I remember fainting, but when I came back, I was on my knees and I was saying God please, do not take him from me, God please, Knowles told WJHG. Hes loving, hes a loving guy, hes a family man, he loves his children, he loves his children, hes fought for it, hes fought really hard." 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. West initially had two surgeries to remove the infected tissue. In images shared on the GoFundMe page, he is seen at the hospital with tubes in his nose and one of his legs severely blistered and bruised all over his shin down to the ankle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily as of the two surgeries, the bacteria had not gotten into the muscle, which was amazing news. It did effect his left leg from the knee down but had NOT spread, said Knowles, adding, ...We still have a series of surgeries ahead of us [with] a LONG, LONG road of recovery..." GoFundMe Ben West has had three surgeries following the fishing trip on Aug. 23 Ben West has had three surgeries following the fishing trip on Aug. 23 Following Wests surgery on Aug. 29, Knowles shared in an update that doctors believe the progression of the virus has stopped. Doctor feels confident he has STOPPED the progression and now we have to start dealing with the residual affects to his skin, she wrote. "There will likely be skin that dies [and] skin grafts will [possibly] be needed at a later time. West is next due for surgery on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The GoFundMe page has raised over $16,000 so far with a goal of $20,000 to cover medical costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 28, the Florida Department of Health at Bay County (FDH) issued a health alert of a recent sewage spillage in Port St. Joe that could have caused bacteria contamination in the area and urged locals not to swim there. Until further information is known regarding possible bacterial contamination of enterococci, a fecal-indicator bacteria, residents and visitors in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the impacted area in Gulf County, the FDH said. Read the original article on People Flip The Bird, the locally-owned North Shore fried chicken chain, has closed its closest location to Boston. The company announced Monday that the Woburn store had closed. Running a small but growing business comes with extreme highs and lows. Unfortunately, this is a low, Flip The Bird wrote in a Facebook post. We have come to the decision to close the Woburn location of Flip the Bird. If any of our fans are entrepreneurs like us you know this decision did not come lightly. We have done all we can think of to get this location to where it needed to be. Unfortunately, not everything always works out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks ago, owners Victoria Torie Farnsworth and Anthony Marino informed staff at the Woburn location that the store would close on Aug. 30. We wanted to give them the courtesy of finding a new job while still having one with us, the Facebook post read. All our team members have also been offered jobs at other locations of Flip The Bird and some of them are already in the process of transferring to Beverly and Danvers! The post also indicated that the last week at Flip The Bird Woburn was supposed to be a way to give back to our regulars and thank them for their support. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control did not allow for us to do that. Thank you to the Woburn community for your support over the last few years, the post continued. If youre in the area, please visit one of our other locations in Beverly, Danvers, Swampscott and, soon-to-open, North Andover! You never know, you just might see a friendly familiar face from the Woburn location! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farnsworth and Marino opened the first Flip The Bird in Beverly on April 1, 2019, according to the chains website. The local chain has a second location in Beverly as well as spots in Salem and Danvers. The Woburn location opened in September 2023 Flip The Bird is more than just a fried chicken sandwich joint, the website reads. Quality is what drives us; it is at the core of our brand. Flip The Bird quickly gained a local following for their Nashville-inspired chicken sandwiches that are made to order. The menu has only seven options, including The O.G., The Early Bird, Angry Bird and Buff Chick. Flip The Bird also offers several sandwich styles, buttermilk biscuits, sides and sweets. Our motto here is good vibes only, Flip The Birds website reads. Our mission is to provide every Flip The Bird customer with homemade comfort food by using top-quality ingredients, and delivering classic southern-style hospitality to create an atmosphere of good vibes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The address for the now-closed Flip The Bird Woburn is 880 Main St. More restaurant stories Read the original article on MassLive. President Trump asked, and now Congress will answer: Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Florida Rep. Greg Steube will soon introduce legislation to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, RealClearPolitics is first to report. Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of restoring the original branding of the federal governments largest department. "I like Department of War better," he said last week during a cabinet meeting. And to the president, it is more than just a name. "As Department of War, we won everything. We won everything," Trump explained during a sit-down in the Oval Office with Lee Jae Myung, the new president of South Korea. "We had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War," he said of the name used from the nations founding until 1947. "Then we changed it to Department of Defense." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Between us," Trump said to the Korean leader and assembled members of the press, "I think were going to change the name." Congressional Republicans were listening. "For the first 150 years of our Armed Forces history through WWII, Americans defeated their enemies and protected their country under the War Department," Lee told RCP. "Im proud to introduce the Department of War Restoration Act to make President Trumps return to tradition permanent in federal law." The White House was reportedly exploring avenues to change the name unilaterally, but a revision would require an act of Congress to make it official. Hence, the proposed legislation. "From 1789 until the end of World War II, the United States military fought under the banner of the Department of War. Thanks to their courage and sacrifice, the standard of excellence was established for all servicemembers who followed in their footsteps," Steube, a retired Army captain, told RCP. "It is only fitting that we pay tribute to their eternal example and renowned commitment to lethality by restoring the name of the Department of War to our Armed Forces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A draft of the Lee-Steube legislation reviewed by RCP would simply restore the old name and update Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths title. If the bill passes, henceforth, he would be designated "Secretary of War," becoming the first man to hold that position since U.S. Army General Kenneth Claiborne Royall during the Truman administration. President George Washington first created the department in 1789, but in the aftermath of World War II, a rebrand and reorganization were needed for the modern era. At the time, the Department of War oversaw the Army. The Department of the Navy directed naval forces and the Marines. Both had their respective secretaries and enjoyed seats in the presidents cabinet until the National Security Act of 1947. That law merged the Department of the Army with the Department of the Navy and birthed a separate branch, the Department of the Air Force, while placing them all under the civilian control of the newly formed "secretary of defense." Things continued this way for more than half a century through both Republican and Democratic presidencies and numerous wars. Then Trump. He has already remodeled the federal government both figuratively and literally since returning to the White House, slashing some government agencies and cutting others entirely. At the presidents direction, Hegseth has instituted sweeping reforms to the military. He has ended so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and launched an overhaul of the military to create a leaner, more lethal force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the proposed name change. "Heres what people miss: Its not just about words. Its about the warrior ethos. Its about what the department is supposed to do," Hegseth said at the last cabinet meeting. He noted the place card in front of him included his current title and said he hoped for the older, more austere one. "George Washington started the Department of War because he wanted us to win our wars." When some on the right survey the postwar period, they see decadence in spending and malaise as a result. The Pentagon now enjoys a nearly $1 trillion budget, they complain, but the results have been middling as that department has become too concerned with politics rather than the business of winning battles. After the Global War on Terror, an epoch punctuated by the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden, a reckoning is in order. An energetic executive, Trump has toyed with the idea of doing a name change by fiat. At the conclusion of a NATO meeting in the Netherlands earlier in the summer, he introduced Hegseth as "secretary of war." When asked last week about how he planned to make the new verbiage stick, he replied, "Were just going to do it," before adding, "Im sure Congress will go along if we need." Lee and Steube are expected to introduce their legislation on Tuesday afternoon. Philip Wegmann is White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics. Negotiators for Germany's Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots' union have applied to their executive for a ballot on a strike targeting Lufthansa after talks on company pensions broke down, according to a letter to members seen by dpa on Tuesday. It is not yet clear whether and when a renewed pilots' strike could occur at the Lufthansa Group's core airline. VC last called a one-day strike at the German carrier in 2022. VC called for talks with Lufthansa on occupational pensions, along with so-called "transitional provisions," but the talks concerning 4,800 employees did not produce a result. VC's view is that Lufthansa failed to make a substantive offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Lufthansa spokesman said the company had not as yet received any information on the failure of the talks and so could not comment. In a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, VC accepted that Lufthansa could no longer guarantee the total amount of pension payments, but only the level of employer contributions, with interest risk transferred to the employees. In addition, the average age for transitional provisions was increased by two years to 60 years. Revenues are believed to have fallen short of expectations at the time. A major pay and conditions conflict is looming in the various companies in the Lufthansa Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group's executive board, chaired by Carsten Spohr, set up the companies City Airlines and Discover with the stated aim of operating at more favourable conditions on pay than at Lufthansa Classic and its regional subsidiary, Lufthansa Cityline. Collective bargaining agreements have since been reached in part with the verdi trade union, a VC competitor, excluding VC for the pilots and UFO for cabin crew. VC and UFO are attempting to prevent an increasing number of flights being shifted to the newer and cheaper companies. South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evettes (R) gubernatorial campaign launched an ad campaign on Tuesday attacking Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) over the congresswomans past criticisms of President Trump. The spot, titled Never Trump Nancy, features a past interview with Mace in which she says she does not believe Trump has a future in the GOP. The ad also notes Mace hosted a fundraiser for Trump critic and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) in 2021 and voted to certify former President Bidens win over Trump that same year. The ad also includes past clips of Trump dubbing the congresswoman Crazy Nancy Mace at a rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes a terrible person, and she knows no idea what shes doing, Trump says in the spot. While Mace was once publicly critical of Trump, she has since become one of his most vocal supporters in Congress. The congresswoman has referred to herself on the campaign trail as Trump in heels. Maces campaign hit back at Evettes ad in a statement to The Hill. Nancy Mace was one of the first hires for President Trumps 2015 campaign while the nice lady from Ohio was busy sipping cocktails at the country club trying to manage her husbands alleged fraud problems, Maces spokesperson Sydney Long said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes embarrassed President Trump posted our polling showing Nancy Mace with a massive lead, she continued, referring to polling Trump shared on his TruthSocial platform. Next. The ad comes after Evettes campaign launched a monthlong, million-dollar advertisement blitz highlighting the lieutenant governors support for the president. Evette and Mace are two of five Republicans running in what is shaping up to be a contentious primary in the election to replace Gov. Henry McMaster (R). The primary is turning out to be a battle for Trumps endorsement in the state, which the president won by nearly 18 points last November. Early polling shows Mace and state Attorney General Alan Wilson (R) leading the pack. A South Carolina Policy Council poll released late last month showed Mace leading the crowded field with 16 percent of voters who said they identified as Republicans while Wilson closely trailed at 15 percent. Evette came in with 8 percent support, followed by Norman at 6 percent. State Sen. Josh Kimbrell (R) received 3 percent support. The same poll showed 52 percent of voters were undecided, suggesting there is ample opportunity for the candidates to bolster their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 11:19 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on the evening of Sept. 3, European Pravda reported on Sept. 2, citing an undisclosed source at the Elysee Palace. Zelensky is expected to meet Macron ahead of a high-level summit of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," scheduled for Sept. 4. The summit, also to be held in Paris, is being convened at Ukraine's initiative, according to a French official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official said the meeting aims to send a clear message: countries willing and able to provide security guarantees to Ukraine have finalized the necessary technical groundwork, coordinated by their chiefs of defense and senior military officials. "We are now ready to provide these security guarantees," the official said. The source added that the coalition intends to increase support for Ukraine and apply further pressure on Russia, with the ultimate goal of securing a ceasefire. While Kyiv's European partners have vowed to provide Ukraine with security guarantees to deter renewed Russian aggression including a deployment of a multi-national "reassurance force" Moscow has repeatedly rejected the presence of NATO troops as part of any peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin has also dismissed ceasefire proposals and ramped up attacks against Ukrainian cities, with the Russian military recently announcing its intent to sustain its ground offensives and aerial campaign. According to Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing from diplomatic efforts until one or both sides demonstrate what a White House source described as greater flexibility. Despite months of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, Trump has not taken concrete steps to pressure Moscow to stop fighting, while his administration paused military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine at various points. Read also: In occupied Ukraine, the first day of Russian school begins with preparations for war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on the evening of Wednesday 3 September, ahead of the Coalition of the Willing summit scheduled for 4 September. Source: an Elysee Palace official who asked to remain anonymous, speaking to a European Pravda correspondent Details: Zelenskyy will arrive in Paris on the evening of 3 September to meet Macron before the Coalition of the Willing summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Macron will meet President Zelenskyy tomorrow evening in Paris, ahead of the meeting with all our partners," the source said. They pointed out that the 4 September Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris is being held at Ukraines initiative. According to the French official, the goal of the meeting is "to send a message that we, the states ready and able to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, have completed the technical work carried out by chiefs of staff and defence ministers". "Today we are ready to provide these security guarantees," the source emphasised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added that support or increased pressure on Russia is needed with the ultimate aim of achieving a ceasefire. Background: The Coalition of the Willing will meet in hybrid format on 4 September under the chairmanship of Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Informal sources said that Zelenskyy will join the meeting. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urged the Coalition to begin concrete planning on the possible deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) -Madagascar ceremonially received three colonial-era skulls from France on Tuesday, 128 years after they were taken from the Indian Ocean nation, including one believed to be that of a Malagasy king beheaded by French troops. Public pressure has grown in recent years for former colonial powers such as France and Britain to return artefacts taken from Africa and Asia. The skulls, presumed to belong to King Toera and two others from the Sakalava ethnic group, were formally handed over to Madagascar at a ceremony held at the French culture ministry in late August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A military guard of honour raised swords as three men in traditional dress carried the skulls, draped in red cloth, out of the plane that landed in Antananarivo late on Monday. The skulls were welcomed with a ceremony on Tuesday attended by President Andry Rajoelina at the Mausoleum of Antananarivo, the resting place of Malagasy national heroes. A police officer, a soldier and a gendarme carried the skulls into the mausoleum, where Rajoelina, wearing a traditional "Lamba Landy" textile draped over a black suit, inspected a guard of honour. "We are here to pay tribute and honour the heroes and those who fought for the homeland 128 years ago under the leadership of King Toera and his soldiers," Rajoelina said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king's skull will now be taken to Ambiky, in the Menabe region, where he was killed in 1897, the ministry of communication and culture said, with several stops en route to accommodate ceremonies to mark the occasion. Descendants and historians say the return of Toera's skull carries both political and cultural significance and will allow the Sakalava people to carry out the Fitampoha, a traditional ritual of purification and blessing that requires the presence of ancestral royal relics. "Toera is not only the king of the Sakalava, he is also a martyr of independence," Piero Kamamy, a descendant of the monarch, told Reuters. According to Malagasy historians, Toera's attempt to forge alliances symbolised a rare moment of unity between different Malagasy groups against colonial forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His capture and beheading in 1897 were part of a broader French strategy to crush resistance through psychological intimidation, said Jeannot Rasoloarison, a historian at the University of Antananarivo. "The Sakalava can now grieve with the return of the kings remains and can constitute his relics." (Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary; Editing by George Obulutsa, Ammu Kannampilly and Alex Richardson) ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) Madagascar on Tuesday received three skulls of Indigenous warriors returned from France, including one believed to be of a king killed by French troops 128 years ago. It's the first use of a 2023 French law regulating the return of human remains to its former colonies. One skull is believed to belong to King Toera, the ruler of the once-powerful Sakalava kingdom on Madagascar's west coast. French colonial troops took the skulls during violent clashes in 1897 and brought them back to France as trophies. They were then kept in a Paris museum alongside hundreds of other human remains from the former French colony, an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa. Nearly 130 years after their forced transfer to France, the skulls were flown to Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. They were welcomed Tuesday in a solemn ceremony by political and military authorities, as well as members of royal families, at the Mausoleum of AvaratrAmbohitsaina where prominent figures of the state are buried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, in this historic place, we honor the martyrs of the nation who fought colonialism," said Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, standing before three coffins draped in the Malagasy flag. The memory of their struggle must rekindle in us the flame of patriotism. A long-awaited homecoming In a symbolic gesture, King Toera's heir and great-grandson, the newly enthroned Sakalava King Harea Georges Kamamy, sprinkled his ancestor's coffin with water from the sacred Tsiribihina River to welcome him home." The coffins will be reburied in Menabe, 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the capital. King Toera's descendants requested the return of the skulls over 20 years ago. Their restitution is a gesture of immense significance, said Madagascars culture minister, Volamiranty Donna Mara, during last week's restitution ceremony held in Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The return of the skulls comes as European countries are increasingly forced to confront their colonial legacy, including theft of cultural artifacts and human remains. According to researchers, nearly 90% of sub-Saharan Africas cultural heritage is located outside the continent. Most of it is being held in European museums and was largely acquired during the colonial conquests of the 19th and 20th centuries. Several European countries have put in place legal frameworks to return the artifacts, but the process has been slow and mainly limited to art objects. The restitution of human remains has been more fraught. Thousands of skulls and other skeletal remains have been looted from former colonies and brought to Europe to be displayed, traded and used for research, and are still being held in museums or private institutions. France only European country to pass law on human remains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, France is the only European country to pass a law specifically tackling the restitution of human remains. It allows the authorities to handle the requests by a simple decree instead of putting in place laws governing individual demands, which had been the case before. The total number of human remains held in France is unknown, but the National Museum of Natural History in Paris where the Sakalava skulls were held, said it had more than 1,000 skeletons and 18,000 skulls. Belgium holds at least 500 human remains from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi in its public institutions, according to an official report by Belgian scientists in cooperation with the science ministry. Nearly half of the remains were removed from former colonies long after the Belgian government had taken over control from King Leopold. Two years ago the country drafted legislation to regulate the restitution of human remains, but it has been stalled by the change of the government. So far, it has only returned the tooth of Congo's independence hero and first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, who was killed in 1961 after he fell out of favor with Belgium and the United States. Developments in other African countries In 2018, Namibia regained 27 sets of human remains from Germany after more than a decade of negotiations. The remains, including 19 skulls, five full skeletons and fragments of bone and skin, had been held for decades in German hospitals, museums and universities. In Berlin, the repatriation ceremony in 2018 marked the culmination of talks that began more than a decade earlier. Three years later, Germany officially recognized the colonial-era killings in Namibia as genocide and pledged financial support for affected communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in southern Africa, Zimbabwe has pushed for the return of human remains. Without providing a number, the countrys home affairs ministry said the remains of 19th-century resistance fighters and spiritual leaders are still dotted in British Museums. In 2022, the Natural History Museum in London confirmed it held 11 remains from Zimbabwe and expressed willingness to return them after discussions with a visiting delegation. Activists have staged protests outside the British High Commission in South Africa and launched the #BringBackOurBones campaign to keep the issue alive. Zimbabwes former president Robert Mugabe once called the storing of skulls in European museums among the highest forms of racist moral decadence. Earlier this year in Britain, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations published a report on the African human remains collected by British museums, calling for their restitution and for banning all sales of human remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The continued presence and display of the remains causes profound distress to diaspora communities and countries of origin," the report said. Associated Press writer Farai Mutsaka contributed from Harare, Zimbabwe. Ahead of a federal court ruling on Donald Trumps trade tariffs, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that a legal defeat risked creating a dangerous diplomatic embarrassment. Not surprisingly, this did not prove persuasive. NBC News reported: A federal appeals court said Friday that President Donald Trump had misused his authority when he imposed tariffs under an emergency-powers statute, ruling that only Congress has the power to apply such sweeping measures. ... The ruling affects two sets of tariffs Trump has sought to impose. The first are the country-by-country or reciprocal tariffs. ... It also affects the 25% tariff Trump imposed on some goods from Canada, China and Mexico for what the Trump administration said was a failure on the part of those countries to curb fentanyl flows. The core Congressional power to impose taxes such as tariffs is vested exclusively in the legislative branch by the Constitution, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled, adding, Tariffs are a core Congressional power. The institutional distinction is important: The appeals court didnt say that the tariffs themselves are unlawful, but rather that the White House implemented the policy in an unlawful way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the president had followed the proper legal process and gone through Congress, the tariffs wouldve easily prevailed. In the short term, the decision comes with limited practical consequences. As my MSNBC colleague Jordan Rubin explained, [T]he ruling wont take immediate effect because the court is giving the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court. So as with nearly every big issue in American life, the justices may have the last word. But in the meantime, it was difficult not to notice the rhetorical hyperbole in Trumps meltdown after the ruling was issued. The incumbent president argued online that if the ruling stands it would literally destroy the United States of America. In case that was too subtle, the Republican added a couple of days later that without tariffs our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, he went on to argue that without his tariffs, we would become a Third World Nation. None of this made any sense. If Fridays court ruling stands, the country would simply go back to where it was earlier this year. But just as notable is the easy option thats readily available to the White House. As the editorial board of The Washington Post summarized: Trump has warned that if his power is limited here, it will literally destroy the United States of America. If the stakes are that high, he can make the case to the institution that has explicit authority over tariffs: Congress. Tax rates can be changed on a party-line vote. It is telling that the Republican Partys most dominant figure in a generation is taking his chances at the high court rather than working to win over senators and congressmen who have so far shown nothing but loyalty to this presidents agenda. At least for now, the House and Senate are led by Republican majorities, which have spent the year eagerly doing Trumps bidding. If the White House is correct and theres a genuine emergency that necessitates an ambitious tariffs agenda, the president can simply make an appeal to his GOP allies on Capitol Hill, who would likely follow his instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why hasnt this happened? Possibly, Trump and his team have doubts about congressional Republicans willingness to go along with an unpopular and ineffective policy, or the White House simply wants to assert institutional dominance, claiming a power the president does not have. If its the latter, going to Congress for permission might, from Trumps perspective, set a bad precedent for an administration that prefers to do as it pleases. To date, the president hasnt even tried to explain why it doesnt want to follow the law, even if that would short circuit the legal fight. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Its been about a week since the public first learned about Charles Borges, the Social Security Administrations chief data officer, and the remarkable whistleblower complaint he filed. According to his dramatic accusations, members of the DOGE operation uploaded a copy of a highly sensitive database to a vulnerable cloud server, creating enormous vulnerabilities. In fact, The New York Times reported that the database in question includes individuals full names, addresses and birth dates, among other details that could be used to steal their identities, making it one of the nations most sensitive repositories of personal information. Borges didnt say that the database had been breached, but that DOGE members allegedly copied the highly sensitive data without any kind of independent security monitoring created enormous and avoidable risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In theory, Borges, a decorated military veteran, would be rewarded for coming forward and shining a light on the underlying risks. In practice, the Social Security Administrations chief data officer quickly found himself out of work. NBC News reported: [Borges] said in an email Friday that hes submitting his involuntary resignation because of actions the agency has taken against him. ... [He said] in an email to colleagues which was obtained by NBC News from a person who received it that he had experienced retaliation since his whistleblower complaint became public. Borges said the SSAs actions make my duties impossible to perform legally and ethically and have caused him physical, mental and emotional distress. He added that since reporting his concerns to management, he has suffered exclusion, isolation, internal strife, and a culture of fear, creating a hostile work environment and making work conditions intolerable. The whole point of having whistleblower laws is to prevent circumstances like these. For years, both parties agreed that federal employees who witness wrongdoing corruption, mismanagement, abuses, et al. should be encouraged to come forward, confident in the knowledge that protections would be in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Social Security Administrations former chief data officer, he faced retaliation anyway, not because hed done something wrong, but because he filed a complaint about others who allegedly did something wrong. Given the recent track record surrounding other whistleblowers, it stands to reason that others who see behind-the-scenes abuses in federal agencies will get the message and keep quiet in the coming months and years. But its also worth appreciating the degree to which the White House has created a blame the messenger environment. Erika McEntarfer provided the public with accurate information that Donald Trump didnt like, so she was ousted as the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse provided the public with accurate information that Trump didnt like, so he was ousted as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Top officials at the National Intelligence Council provided the White House with accurate information that Trump didnt like, so they were ousted, too. The crackdown on dissenting voices, alas, doesnt end there. FEMA officials have been punished for telling inconvenient truths. The same is true at the EPA and the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each instance, these officials raised legitimate concerns about important missteps. In each instance, they have been punished. During last years campaign, then-candidate Trump made little effort to hide his authoritarian ambitions related to silencing dissenting voices. Unfortunately, its a promise he and his team have kept. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com I realize that obscure and technocratic phrases about the federal budget might make some readers scramble to click elsewhere, but stick with me for a minute, because the latest gambit from the White Houses budget office is as consequential as it is controversial. NBC News reported: The White House informed Congress of its plans to cut $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding through a seldom-used budgetary tactic dubbed pocket rescissions, two congressional sources tell NBC News. Lets pause here to review the difference between rescissions and pocket rescissions. When Congress appropriates funds, the White House is obligated to spend the tax dollars accordingly. Presidents, at least for now, do not have the legal option of simply ignoring lawmakers wishes and impounding the money (although Richard Nixon tried and failed to do so). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is a legal mechanism in place that allows the White House to send Congress requests to undo funds that were appropriated but not spent. These are called rescissions packages. Once they arrive on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have 45 days either to approve the packages and un-spend the money, or to ignore the presidents request, which in turn would force the administration to do what Congress directed in the first place. Sometimes, these requests are anodyne if a spending project is completed under-budget, for example while other times theyre highly problematic, such as the example we saw a couple of months ago. Either way, however, the process is legitimate and legally permissible. Pocket rescissions are different. As NBC News report explained, A pocket rescission is a secondary maneuver where the president attempts to cancel funding in a window of time so late in the fiscal year that there is not enough time for Congress to weigh in. Congress typically has a 45-day window to act on rescissions, but the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, less than 45 days away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russ Vought, the far-right director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, has warned for months that he and his colleagues would have no qualms about using such a tactic, and it now appears he wasnt bluffing. Why should the public care? For a few reasons. First and foremost, the consensus view among most credible observers is that pocket rescissions are illegal. The Government Accounting Office has said so, explicitly. While congressional Democrats responded to the White Houses abuse by emphasizing the degree to which it defies the law, they managed to receive at least some GOP backing on the point. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, for example, said in a statement, Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law. Similarly, Republican Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho told The Hill, Pocket rescissions, I think, are unconstitutional. ... So well see how it goes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, Donald Trump and his team have spent quite a bit of time expressing indifference to many legal limits, so its not altogether surprising that Vought and his office are shrugging off legal concerns, but there will be some vigorous lawsuits over this, and the law does not appear to be on the White Houses side. Second, this isnt just an academic exercise: The Republican administration, as part of its legally dubious power grab, intends to undo billions of dollars that Congress approved in international aid, including development assistance that was allocated for the U.S. Agency for International Development. People will suffer, in other words, if Team Trump succeeds. Finally, the White Houses radical effort makes a government shutdown later this month a lot more likely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For generations, Democrats and Republicans have advanced spending deals through bipartisan negotiations and compromises in which both parties end up with some of what they want. But if were entering an era in which presidents can decide to reject certain congressionally approved investments, then members, especially those in the minority, have no reason even to try to reach bipartisan deals, since theyll have no guarantees the money will actually be spent. Responding to reporting on the White Houses pocket rescissions plan, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote online, Trump is rooting for a shutdown. He knows he has created a huge problem because now any budget deal with Republicans isnt worth the paper its written on. A couple of months ago, a reporter asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Why would any Democrat vote for a bipartisan spending bill if Republicans can turn around and claw back the money the next day? She barely even tried to answer, referring to funding for USAID as crap, before moving on. The shutdown deadline is four weeks away. Watch this space. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Lobster traps piled on a pier in Stonington Harbor. (courtesy of Steele Hays) The Trump administrations order to stop construction of the nearly completed Revolution Wind project is putting hundreds of offshore workers out of a job including dozens of local fishermen who voted for President Donald Trump and are asking him to reverse course. A week ago, the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Matthew Giacona, ordered the Danish wind developer rsted to stop all offshore work on the Revolution Wind farm so the federal government canaddress concerns related to the protection of national security interests of the United States. Giacona did not specify the nature of those security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction began on the 704-megawatt project in January 2024 and is now 80% complete, according to rsted. The wind farm is being built off the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in a federally designated wind energy area that received sign-offs from multiple branches of the military, Canary Media reported Sunday. Though often seen as opposed to offshore wind, many New England fishermen have made peace with the industry in recent years. They increasingly rely on part-time salaries from wind companies as fishing revenues dry up. Over the past two years, rsted put 80 fishermen to work on the Revolution Wind project, paying out $9.5 million to captains, deckhands, and fishing boat owners, according to Gary Yerman, a Connecticut-based fisherman who founded and leads a fisher cooperative called Sea Services North America, which has an active contract to work on Revolution Wind. Most of us are Trump voters, and we still believe in a leader who builds. Thats why were asking President Trump to reverse the stop-work order issued to Revolution Wind by Interior, Yerman told Canary Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stop-work order echoes a similar one the Interior Department gave in April that froze all offshore work on New Yorks Empire Wind project a move that grounded Sea Services fishermen for a month, until Trump lifted the ban. Yerman and other commercial fishermen remained quiet the last time Trumps assault on a wind farm put them out of work. This time theyre speaking out. Its madness to stop a project that already had permits, said Jack Morris, a Massachusetts-based scalloper and manager for Sea Services who voted for Trump. This is not something any of us planned for: the captains, the crew, the shore engineers, the people we buy food from for our trips. Sea Services captains Jack Morris, left, and Kevin Souza, right, pose on the Pamela Ann, a scalloping boat docked in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Feb. 28, 2025, just before the boat embarked on a 10-day journey at sea to provide safety services to offshore wind construction vessels. (Photo by Clare Fieseler/ Canary Media) rsted was one of the first firms building turbines in U.S. waters to employ local fishermen, offering Sea Services a contract in 2021 to perform safety and scout tasks. The cooperative helped build rsteds South Fork Wind Americas first large-scale offshore wind farm, which went online last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, its common for wind developers to rely on local U.S. fishermen. Avangrid and Vineyard Offshore, codevelopers of the embattled Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts, have paid out about $8 million over the past two years directly to local fishermen and vessel owners. If the infrastructure and pilings are already in, what good is stopping now? fisherman Tony Alvernaz told Canary Media when asked about the Revolution Wind pause. A Massachusetts fisherman unaffiliated with Sea Services, Alvernaz works part-time for Vineyard Wind, assisting with the ongoing construction of its 62 turbines. Of those, 17 are already sending power to the grid. Alvernaz is concerned about the Trump administrations pattern of halting wind projects without warning and with little justification. Trump has already pressed pause on two of the five offshore wind farms currently under construction in America today. Trump putting fishermen out of work In a statement Monday, an rsted spokesperson said Revolution Wind supports more than 2,500 jobs around the U.S., including hundreds of local offshore jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commercial fishermen have spent a total of 1,109 days working at sea for Revolution Wind, according to Yerman. Now, sitting at the docks due to the Trump administrations stop-work order, the 15 fishermen who planned to be at sea, working 10-day shifts throughout this month, will get paid nothing. Our cooperative only invoices when our boats are on active duty. Fishermen are paid for the days they work, not for standby, Gordon Videll, CEO of Sea Services, told Canary Media. The group is calling on Trump to lift the ban so that its members can resume the job, which would have involved eight more fishermen helping with an offshore substation this fall. The extra income from Revolution Wind has been a lifeline, particularly for scallop fishermen who, in recent years, have been severely restricted in how much they can fish. Strict federal quotas have been put in place to allow scallop populations to rebuild after years of being overfished, according to Morris, but that has meant scallopers who form the majority of Sea Services members are off the water for about 10months a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the pause on Revolution Wind, scalloper Kevin Souza expected to make an additional $200,000 working on the project as a part-time boat captain for two years. Souza told Canary Media in February that, had he stuck to scalloping alone, hed be lucky to earn $100,000 in a single year. The deckhands he hires only bring in around $30,000 per year working on scallop boats, but the offshore wind gig makes it possible for them to earn a middle-class wage, said Souza. Souza has recruited both of his sons, his nephew, and other young people from longtime fishing families to work for the wind industry. They might have otherwise left the scallop industry if not for the supplemental income, he said. Losing faith in Trump As a group, Americas commercial fishermen have long been loyal to Trump. Last weeks order is shaking that confidence. I cant think of one guy who isnt a Trumper in our co-op. Were blue-collar guys (and some gals too) who get up before dawn, work with our hands, and we trusted him to look out for us. The truth is, we love President Trump, Yerman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Bedford, Massachusetts, home to the countrys most profitable fishing port, TRUMP 2024 flags fly from dozens of boats docked in the harbor. A few of those crews work for the offshore wind companies, and at least one captain lowers his MAGAflag before setting out to the wind farms, according to Rodney Avila, a Sea Services fisherman. That kind of faith makes Trumps pause on Revolution Wind even more gutting. Its like having the rug pulled out from under you. Nobody understands why Trump did it. I dont know what Trumps agenda is, said Morris. Trumps attacks on wind have dried up job prospects for local fishermen up and down the East Coast. His administrations hostile actions have thrown sand in the gears of a New Jersey wind farm that planned to start construction in the next three years, Marylands first offshore wind farm, and another wind project off the coast of Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to targeting individual projects, the Trump administration has initiated policies intended to undermine the entire sector: killing offshore wind leasing, pausing permitting for wind farms, and sunsetting tax credits critical to their economic viability. Many fishermen, including those who have pocketed thousands by working at offshore wind farms, remain wary of the companies building turbines out at sea. No fisherman loves new structures in the water, but we all have grandkids, Roy Campanale, a Sea Services member based in Rhode Island, told Canary Media. Weve lived with the water getting warmer, watched the fish move north, and had to adapt again and again. Trumps pause on Revolution Wind imposes yet another hardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alvernaz voted for Trump and opposes certain wind farms that he believes pose a risk to his favorite fishing grounds. He said that he does not support Revolution Wind due to its placement on Cox Ledge, a swath of seabed identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as critical habitat for Atlantic cod. But if Trump decides to freeze Vineyard Wind, for example, Alvernaz said he would not be happy. Alvernaz has worked on the water for over 40 years. Yermans fishing career spans 50 years. With nearly a century of combined experience in New Englands waters, neither of them are buying the Trump administrations excuse for pausing Revolution Wind. Something about national defense? How can it be an issue of national defense if there are other wind farms out there with the same technology? pondered Alvernaz. Its kind of odd. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the United States of plotting regime change after Washington announced the deployment of 4,000 troops to the waters off his countrys coast. Last week, The Dallas Express reported the U.S. would send 4,000 personnel near Venezuela to counter drug cartel threats. Tensions escalated further after Attorney General Pam Bondi serving under President Donald Trump doubled the U.S. bounty on Maduro to $50 million in early August. They are seeking a regime change through military threat, Maduro said Monday, per Fox News. He claimed Washington has long plotted to oust him. Venezuela is confronting the biggest threat on our continent in 100 years, he added. A situation like this has never been seen. Maduro said Venezuela would not bow to threats, claiming the country was super-prepared for military confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has accused Maduro of direct ties to cartels including Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles. On Aug. 7, Bondi said the DOJ seized more than $700 million in Maduro-linked assets including jets, vehicles, and nearly seven tons of cocaine. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell backed that assessment during an Aug. 19 briefing. If you need more evidence that theres zero percentage in trying to appease or bargain with authoritarians, check out what happened this weekend when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attacked CBS News for supposedly editing her Face the Nation appearance in a deceptive way. Unsurprisingly, it concerned the wrongfully deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, about whom Noem and other Trump officials have lied relentlessly for months on end. Noems claim really amounts to a declaration that she is entitled to have her vile smears of Abrego Garcia air undisturbed, no matter how viciously dishonest. But what makes this even more galling is the larger context here, which has gone mostly unremarked upon: It comes after CBS News settled a massive lawsuit with Trumpto the tune of $16 millionin which he made a very similar, equally ludicrous charge of deceptive editing. Turns out that didnt placate Trump officials or get them to back off these underhanded tactics in the slightest. Noems attack on CBS is that the network supposedly suppressed footage of her comments about Abrego Garcia. Noem posted this video juxtaposing her fuller comments to CBS with what actually ended up airing on the network: This morning, I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS shamefully edited the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety. Watch for the part of my interview that @CBS tried to pic.twitter.com/28fsGZug48 Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) August 31, 2025 The careful viewer will notice that just about all of the remarks that did not air are lies, distortions, and charges that Abrego Garcia has merely been accused by the government of committing, not convicted of in court. Heres a transcript of Noems comments that were supposedly suppressed: This individual was a known human smuggler, MS-13 gang member, an individual whos a wife beater, and someone who was so perverted that he solicited nude photos from minors. And even his fellow human traffickers told him to knock it off, he was so sick in what he was doing and how he was treating small children. So he needs to never be in the United States of America, and our administration is making sure were doing all that we can to bring him to justice. In reality, Trump officials utterly failed to produce anything serious tying Abrego Garcia to MS-13, even though they actively searched for such evidence for many months, in what became a kind of whole-of-government mission involving numerous senior officials and multiple major agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the human smuggler claim, the government has charged Abrego Garcia in Tennessee with trafficking migrants. But the whole case stinks: A senior prosecutor in that office resigned, reportedly because the case seemed dubious. More importantly, Abrego Garcias lawyers have plausibly claimed that the administration tried to coerce him to plead guilty to those charges by threatening to deport him to Uganda if he did not. Its bad enough for government officials to go on national television and rattle off a litany of hideously damning charges as fact when they havent yet been proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In this case, officials apparently went to extraordinarily depraved lengths to try to coerce a guilty plea, which doesnt exactly exude confidence in the strength of those charges to begin with. Indeed, on the photo-solicitation charge, Politifact points out that this isnt even in the indictment against Abrego Garcia, and is a matter the government is merely investigating. Yet Noem keeps repeating the claim as if its an established truth, as she did on CBS here. Responding to Noem, a CBS spokesperson says the full interview was posted online, and notes that cuts were made to fit the segment into a limited time slot. As it happens, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with this edit, and its fairly common for networks to do this with lengthy interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its worth going further than this spokesperson did: Not airing footage of Noems lies and smears unchallenged was, journalistically speaking, the correct thing to do. CBS News is under no obligation to air them, and arguably should not have. If anything, CBS bent over backward to let her have her say, posting full video of the interview online, including her making those chargeswhich, again, are unprovenwith no serious rebuttal. Lets also not forget that this comes barely two months after Trumps settlement with CBS News. As youll recall, CBS handed over $16 million largely to Trumps future presidential library after Trump sued CBS for supposedly editing an interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. Here again, with this edit, CBS didnt do anything wrong, and many lawyers had predicted CBS would have won in court if it had litigated. But executives at CBS parent company Paramount viewed the settlement as a way to facilitate the Trump administrations approval of its merger with Skydance, which was subsequently completed in August. Its telling that despite that settlement, Noem has now gone right back to the same poisoned well, accusing CBS of the same bogus deceptive editing scam that Trump used to extort CBS last time around. Why, its almost as if CBSs initial willingness to settle in the face of equally bogus claims just might have encouraged Trumps thugs to do exactly the same thing againthis time not to extort money, perhaps, but maybe to game the refs so theyre more willing to air their scurrilous smears without challenge next time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBSs response to this latest saga has been largely defensive and even taken on a pleading quality. In a sense, posting the full video of the interviewincluding numerous unrebutted lies about Abrego Garcialets Noem and her falsehoods get their way, and then some. So perhaps its time for news organizations to state unabashedly and affirmatively that they are not in the business of amplifying Trump officials lies and smears, and any official who feels entitled to such amplification can go stuff it. Perhaps other journalists should stand with them as they do so. Let Noem shriek into the MAGA disinformation abyss about it all she likesthis is a sleazy little scam, and theres no need to get pushed around by it any longer. Eliminating mail-in voting in Idaho would disenfranchise many qualified voters, including those living in rural areas, write guest columnists Kendal Shaber and Elinor Chehey. (Getty Images) At the urging of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on mail-in voting threatening an executive order banning the practice. The president does not have the constitutional authority to carry out this threat. Elections are under the authority of the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eliminating mail-in voting in Idaho would disenfranchise many qualified voters, including those living in rural or remote areas who do not have access to in-person voting. Idaho has 11 such precincts that are mail-in voting only. Others who rely on this voting service are military personnel and their families as well as those who are traveling, conducting out-of-state religious service, or those caring for others. Changing Idaho law, the only way to eliminate mail-in voting, would also impact those without transportation or the flexibility to leave work, and citizens with disabilities. Other voters want to take time with their ballot, studying candidates and the issues. Absentee balloting facilitates more informed voting choices. With 34 other countries using some form of mail-in voting, the U.S. is not alone. A Republican president attacking mail-in voting now is reacting to sentiments of his party disavowed in the 2024 general election. In that election, the national Republican Party embraced the practice, pumping $16 million dollars into mail voting promotions targeting low propensity voters. The effort paid big dividends. Republicans outpaced Democrats in mail-in voting in some key states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Pennsylvania alone, GOP voters increased their share of mail-in ballots from 25% in 2020 to 32% in 2024. It is not a coincidence that the 2020 and 2024 elections have had the highest voter turnout since 1908 at 66% and 64% respectively. During these elections, mail voting hit its highest levels with 43% during the pandemic and 30% when it was actively encouraged. Eight states including Utah, Oregon and Washington allow all elections conducted by mail. Other states allow some small elections to be conducted by mail-in ballots. Idahoans have been able to vote by mail through no-excuse absentee balloting since 1970. Since 2021, this previously uncontroversial provision has seen three attempts by legislators to either eliminate it or restrict it under the pretense of election integrity. Each time they have claimed that absentee balloting was only intended for special cases. The intent of the governing statute 34-1001, is clear: Any registered elector of the state of Idaho may vote in any election by absentee ballot. Additionally, Idahoans have been told repeatedly by successive secretaries of state that Idaho has free, fair and secure elections. There are multiple layers of security provided for in the absentee balloting process to make sure only those eligible to vote do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research has shown over time that increasing voting options, including mail-in voting, increases voter turnout. With Idaho at an average of 54% voter turnout in general elections since 1980 and a meager 21% in primary elections when most races are decided, it would bode poorly for Idaho if this option where eliminated or restricted. Idahoans who are eligible to vote should be encouraged to exercise their constitutional right to vote in all elections. Voting options enable citizens to participate in our democracy and makes us stronger as a state and as a nation. The struggle for voting rights has been ongoing since the founding of this nation. The League of Women Voters advocates for empowering voters. We the people are responsible for protecting mail-in voting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Meetra Mehdizadeh, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, speaks to press alongside Maine Family Planning President George Hill and Director of Advocacy Olivia Pennington outside the U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine on Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Maines largest reproductive health care provider is continuing its fight in federal court to reinstate lost Medicaid funding. Maine Family Planning, which serves more than 8,000 patients, half of whom are on Medicaid, lost up to $1.9 million in federal reimbursements after the federal budget reconciliation bill was signed into law on July 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain reproductive health care providers including Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood clinics in Maine were blocked by a provision in the law from accepting Medicaid funding. Planned Parenthood challenged the provision in federal court and succeeded in temporarily blocking it from applying to the organization. In late August, Maine Family Planning made a similar case, appealing to Judge Lance Walker, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in his first term. Walker rejected Maine Family Plannings request for a preliminary injunction on August 25. The health care provider did not demonstrate the irreparable harm it claimed to face, Walker wrote in his decision. He also acknowledged that after the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion, Maine Family Planning and other providers knew about the increased risk that they could lose federal funding if they continued to provide abortions and that the provider still stood firm in its mission. On Friday, Maine Family Planning, represented by national legal advocacy firm the Center for Reproductive Rights, appealed Walkers decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, asking for a decision by Sept. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Pennington, Maine Family Plannings director of advocacy, said 70% of patients rely exclusively on one of the 18 clinics across the state, seeing no other provider all year. Maine Family Planning is continuing to fight for Mainers health and their ability to access essential health care, no matter their insurance status, she said in a statement. Our health care network is overstretched in Maine, and we provide care in very rural areas where there are no other health care providers. If the appeals court does not grant the injunction within a matter of weeks, MFP will have to discharge all of its existing primary care patients and wind down its primary care practice, attorney Meetra Mehdizadeh wrote in the latest filing. Soon after, MFP may have to discharge family planning patients on Medicaid as well. Maine Family Plannings services include primary care, STI testing, and cancer screenings. While the provider offers abortions, it does not use Medicaid funds, as the Hyde Amendment already bans use of federal reimbursements to fund abortions. However, Mehdizadeh made the case that the organization is collateral damage in the federal governments attempt to defund Planned Parenthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Congresss goal was to generally reduce the number of abortions it is irrational to achieve that goal by imposing exacting criteria that only apply to a tiny subset of abortion providers nationwide, treating them differently from all other similarly situated providers, she wrote. Granting the injunction would not harm the defendants, she argued, but would cause lasting damage for patients and Maine Family Plannings reputation damage that cannot be easily undone even if Medicaid funding is eventually restored. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Reuters) -A European Commission poll released on Tuesday indicated that 56% of EU citizens support further enlargement of the European Union, though backing varies dramatically by country, while candidates to join show mixed enthusiasm about EU membership. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Most candidate countries have been building ties with the EU for decades even as Russia seeks to maintain its influence and deter the West in regions that were formerly part of or allied with the Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Ukraine has intensified this geopolitical rift as countries decide whether to move closer to Brussels or lean towards Moscow. BY THE NUMBERS 56% of EU citizens favour further enlargement, even if more than two-thirds say they do not feel well informed about it. Support varies across the EU, with people in 23 member states showing at least 50% support for enlargement. Sweden (79%), Denmark (75%), and Lithuania (74%) lead those backing enlargement, while the Czech Republic and France (both 43%) and Austria (45%) show the lowest support. Notably, among the EU's top three economies, only Italy reaches majority support at 53%, while Germany and France rank lower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among candidate countries, Albania leads with 91% support, while Serbia shows the lowest at 33%. In the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood, Georgia (74%) and Ukraine (68%) show strong support for EU membership, with Moldova at 60%. The survey was conducted between February and March 2025, gathering views of over 26,300 citizens across all 27 EU member states. Surveys in candidate countries used face-to-face interviews with 1,000 individuals per country between May and June. CONTEXT Croatia joined the EU in 2013 in the most recent enlargement. The largest expansion occurred in 2004 when 10 countries joined, including eight Central and Eastern European states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT'S NEXT Ukraine and Moldova formally opened accession negotiations in June 2024, with both countries aiming to open their first negotiation clusters on fundamentals as soon as possible. Georgia's EU accession process remains suspended after talks were halted by the government until 2028. (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Matt Scuffham, William Maclean) KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysian authorities have summoned TikTok's top management over the social media company's alleged delays in tackling fake news on its platform, state news agency Bernama reported on Tuesday, citing Malaysia's communications minister. Minister Fahmi Fadzil said TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, had been too slow in responding to requests for assistance in police investigations, prompting him to ask the firm's chief executive for help, Bernama reported. Fahmi cited a recent case where a man had falsely claimed on TikTok to be a pathologist involved in an investigation into the high-profile death of a Malaysian teenager, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "TikTok was very slow in providing information... to the point that I had to call TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to inform him, 'this is a crime that's being committed and your organisation is very slow'," Fahmi was quoted as saying. "We cannot allow such an attitude." TikTok will be summoned to Malaysian police headquarters on Thursday, with the police chief and attorney-general expected to be in attendance, Fahmi said, according to Bernama. Malaysia has stepped up scrutiny of social media companies in recent years, after reporting a sharp rise in harmful online content on their platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malaysian authorities deem online gambling, scams, child pornography and grooming, cyberbullying and content related to race, religion and royalty as harmful. Fahmi said Meta, the parent company of social media and messaging platforms Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, will also be summoned over the spread of "immoral" content, including paedophilia-related imagery, Bernama reported. TikTok and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "We see these platforms are not taking the matter seriously, so the dialogue process will continue, and we will stress that Malaysian law applies to them and they must comply. We will summon every platform," he said, according to Bernama. . (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Sharon Singleton) Zohran Mamdani netted key support from the Bronx Democratic Party Tuesday in the borough where he had a weak showing during the primary, though Borough President Vanessa Gibson was a no-show. Elected leaders at the event, held near Yankee Stadium, hammered the idea of party unity a pointed message to leaders like Gov. Hochul, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, who have not yet backed the party nominee. Just get over it, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said. Zohran won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gibson, who was slated to appear alongside Mamdani on Tuesday, missed the event, though a spokesperson for the BP released a statement late Tuesday underscoring her support for Mamdani. A scheduling conflict kept the Borough President from joining yesterdays Mayoral endorsement press conference, but she wants to clear up any confusionshe stands with the Bronx Democratic County Committee in supporting Zohran Mamdani as the Democratic Nominee for Mayor, the statement said. Gibson over the weekend had praised Mamdanis opponent, Mayor Adams, calling him a five-borough mayor. He has delivered for us, she said. This election cycle is seeing a rare competitive general election, with Adams and ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo both opting to run on independent tickets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Mamdanis primary victory, some establishment leaders and business executives have been reluctant to line up behind him over concerns about his pro-Palestinian stance and support for tax hiles to fund his affordability agenda. Now is the time that all of us must stand arm in arms, shoulder to shoulder with no space between us, and now is the time to get behind someone who understands the challenges in New York City and someone whos not afraid to stand up to individuals who want to challenge New York City, Attorney General Leticia James said. Hes going to bring us all together. Mamdani received 34% of first round votes in the June primary, as compared to Cuomos 52%. The only other borough he lost was Staten Island. Zohran and I dont agree on 100% of the issues, Bronx Councilmember Oswald Feliz said. We dont agree on 100% of the issues, but thats okay. Its not the end of the world Even when theres disagreement, I can guarantee you that Zohran will always enter the room not to speak to but to listen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candidate is running on populist promises of freezing rents for rent-stabilized tenants, free childcare and a Department of Community Safety that would expand violence interrupter programs and deploy mental health teams. I have heard time and time again of how this affordability crisis has left this city as the most expensive in the United States of America, Mamdani, a Bronx Science graduate, said. That crisis is felt with the most intensity right here, in the Bronx. It is a crisis where the effects of poverty and of negligence and City Halls failures are felt most keen. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who has been complimentary of Mamdani, has not yet offered his formal endorsement. Also on Tuesday, former Mayor de Blasio endorsed Mamdani, writing in the Daily News that hes the right choice for mayor because in his heart and in his bones he cannot accept a city that prices out the people who built it and keep it running. This story has been updated with a statement from Borough President Vanessa Gibson. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Kenneth Landcraft and his girlfriend were in a car using drugs and attempting to have sex late New Years Day when they were interrupted by a man who tried to open the door and rob them, the girlfriend told police. She said they drove away but spotted the man in an alley a short time later. Landcraft stopped and got out. A brief altercation ended with the other man, Paul Camarillo Jr., 35, fatally stabbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found surveillance footage showing Landcraft swinging his arm with a knife in his hand. What they didnt find, however, was evidence of the attempted robbery, Bakersfield police Detective John Ryan said Tuesday at Landcrafts preliminary hearing. They also found no evidence Camarillo was armed. After hearing testimony from Ryan and two other officers, Superior Court Judge Gloria Cannon ordered Landcraft, 60, held to answer on a charge of first-degree murder. Hes due back in court next week, when a trial date will be set. The stabbing occurred around 11 p.m. in an alley by East 18th and Kern streets. Afterward, Camarillo ran to his familys nearby home and banged on the door before collapsing on the front porch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was rushed to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead. A doctor determined hed been stabbed through the shoulder into the chest, according to court documents. Ryan testified a security guard witnessed the altercation and described the vehicle that was involved. A license plate camera captured the vehicles plate, Ryan said. Further investigation linked it to Landcraft. Police arrested him the next day and seized the vehicle. Detective Chase Puryear testified a 6-inch fixed-blade knife with apparent dried blood on the blade was found under a backpack on the front passenger seat. Landcraft at first denied being near the crime scene. He changed his story after being shown the surveillance footage but claimed Camarillo tried to rob him, Ryan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple cases are listed against both Landcraft and Camarillo on the Superior Court website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. A Tennessee man was arrested late Monday in Habersham County for unauthorized use of emergency lights, an open container of alcohol and other charges, the Habersham County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday. John Ross Vankouwenberg, 55, of Piney Flats, Tennessee, was driving a yellow Ford Mustang with flashing red and blue lights at a high rate of speed on U.S. 441/Ga. 15 toward Habersham County, the sheriffs office said.. Deputies stopped him near Tom Arrendale Interchange. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Rabun County dispatchers had warned Habersham County deputies about the vehicle, leading to the traffic stop around 11:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vankouwenberg faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm or knife during certain crimes, driving under the influence refusal, possession of an open alcohol container and unauthorized use of blue lights. He was booked at the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville following his arrest. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW A 23-year-old man has been accused of stabbing a woman to death before dumping her body in the ocean in Australia after leaving her corpse in his bathroom for days In court, prosecutors alleged that Muhammad Abdur Rehman Mirza killed Helen Jeremy Solomon Marsuk on Dec. 1, 2022 Mirza alleged that he killed Marsuk in an act of self-defense amid a dispute over drugs A man in Australia has been accused of stabbing a woman to death before dumping her body in the ocean. The Western Australia Police Force confirmed to PEOPLE that the body of a woman was found in the water near Success Boat Harbour in South Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia (WA) by a member of the public on Dec. 4, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While police did not confirm the woman's name in a timeline of events, she was identified as Helen Jeremy Solomon Marsuk, 25, from the suburb of Koongamia, 9 News previously reported. Authorities noted that a man was charged with one count of murder in relation to the death five days later. Getty Freemantle Harbor Freemantle Harbor The WA Supreme Court confirmed to PEOPLE in an email that Muhammad Abdur Rehman Mirza is facing a murder charge relating to the alleged offense date, thought to be Dec. 1, 2022, three days before Marsuk's body was found. Per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), it was a recreational fisherman who found the victim's body floating face down in the water. She'd suffered 16 "penetrating sharp force injuries," the outlet noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court, prosecutors accused Mirza, 23, of inviting the victim to his home to have sex with him in exchange for drugs, per the ABC. When he was first questioned by the police, the outlet alleged that Mirza accused a drug dealer of murdering Marsuk, saying that he was also injured and threatened in the altercation. However, he allegedly told an undercover operative that he was responsible for the murder, which he said was an act of self-defense. The pair had allegedly communicated via the messaging app Telegram, and Mirza alleged he was providing Marsuk, who was reportedly addicted to methylamphetamine, with drugs, the ABC stated. However, the victim allegedly got angry when she realized the suspect didn't have any drugs and Mirza claimed she armed herself with a knife. Citing her multiple wounds, four of which were potentially fatal, prosecutor Katrin Robinson pointed out that Mirza continued to attack the victim, who was "much more injured than him." Robinson alleged that the suspect didn't call an ambulance because he didn't want the police to get involved, the outlet noted. Getty Supreme Court of Western Australia Supreme Court of Western Australia Prosecutors alleged that Mirza hid the victim's body in his bathroom for days before disposing of it in the ocean. He has even been accused of hosting a friend in his apartment during that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mirza allegedly kept the door to the room where the remains were locked, the ABC reported. Defense lawyer Simon Watters insisted his client reached for the knife after Marsuk became "aggressive and upset," the outlet stated. "He wasn't necessarily looking where he was stabbing," the lawyer claimed. RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Stock image of a Freemantle police car Stock image of a Freemantle police car Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The jury trial is listed until Sept. 19, 2025, the WA Supreme Court confirmed to PEOPLE. Defense lawyer Simon Watters declined to comment when approached by PEOPLE for a statement. Read the original article on People Sep. 2Deputies arrested Michael John Feehan, 33, for first-degree possession of a controlled substance after receiving a report at 8:16 p.m. Friday of a male with a large amount of unknown drugs at 79503 298th St. in Clarks Grove. Man arrested after crash in Hollandale Deputies arrested Jacob Kyle Schandorff, 28, for a probable cause arrest for Mower County after a traffic crash at 12:28 p.m. Sunday on Minnesota Highway 251 and Center Avenue in Hollandale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 arrested for DWI Police arrested Jesus Lara Rangel, 24, for driving while intoxicated after a crash at 2:31 a.m. Friday on the 400 block of Vine Avenue. Thefts reported Police received a report at 8:09 a.m. Friday of a cell phone that was stolen while the reporting party was at 310 W. Seventh St. A picnic table frame was reported stolen from a yard at 6:41 p.m. Friday at 102 N. Sixth Ave. Police received a report at 7:14 a.m. Sunday of a backpack that was stolen at 906 W. Front St. Attempted break-in reported A attempted break-in was reported at a storage unit at 8:08 p.m. Friday at 401 Pilot St. The lock on the unit was broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 arrested for driving after cancellation Police arrested J. Adam Russell Spotts for driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety after a traffic stop at 1:27 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Fountain Street and Park Avenue. 1 arrested for DWI Police arrested Geneva Dennis Bramley for probable cause driving while intoxicated after a traffic stop at 1:48 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of South Washington Avenue and West William Street. Gunshot reported A gunshot was reported in the alley at 3:37 a.m. Saturday at 134 W. William St. Police recovered one shell casing. Man arrested after house reported broken into Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police received a report at 6:41 a.m. Saturday of a house that was broken into at 806 Pillsbury Ave. A 9mm pistol was stolen, and a meth pipe was found on the floor of one of the children's rooms. Police logs state Rio Santiago Acosta, 28, was being held on felony charges of receiving stolen property, and felony possession of a firearm and ammunition by someone who is not allowed to possess them. Windshield broken A windshield was reported broken out of a vehicle at 10:35 a.m. Saturday at 522 E. Fifth St. Burglary reported Police received a report at 11:16 a.m. Saturday of a house that was burglarized at 636 E. Seventh St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money stolen Police received a report of cash that was reportedly taken from a self-checkout register at 6:09 p.m. Saturday at Walmart, 1550 Blake Ave. Man arrested for fleeing police, DWI Police arrested Ramon Gomez Gutierrez, 25, flor fleeing in a motor vehicle, fleeing on foot, driving while intoxicated, fictitious plates, cell phone use, no Minnesota driver's license, no proof of insurance and open container after a traffic stop at 7:42 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East Second Street and James Avenue. Garage rummaged through, items stolen A garage was reported rummaged through at 8:27 p.m. Saturday at 1311 Margaretha Ave. A PlayStation 3, smart watches and other items were missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Window broken out A window was reported broken out of a car at 9:59 p.m. Saturday at 1333 Todd Ave. Items stolen from car Items, including medication and a back pack were reported stolen out of a car at 4:01 a.m. Sunday at 617 Oak Lane. Shoplifter reported Police received a report at 11:12 a.m. Sunday of a shoplifter at 201 W. Main St. Items stolen from vehicle Items were reported stolen out of a truck at 4:47 a.m. Monday at 1218 Frank Hall Drive. Man arrested for DWI after crash Police arrested Tanner Joseph O'Rourke, 22, for fourth-degree driving while intoxicated and blood alcohol content at .08 within two hours after a traffic crash at 5:29 a.m. Monday at 211 W. Richway Drive. Vehicle reported stolen Police received a report at 10:52 a.m. Monday of a stolen vehicle at 1013 W. Clark St. (KRON) A Daly City man was arrested on Aug. 28 for stealing a check for $15,265.80 made out to a Marin County Office of Education Account, according to the Marin County Sheriffs Office. The Marin County Treasurers Office reported the check stolen out of the mail on June 7 and subsequently deposited into an unrecognized Chase bank account in San Francisco. The suspect, 20-year-old Rhod Robles of Daly City, seen in custody. (Marin County Sheriffs Office) SUV crashes outside of popular San Francisco coffee shop in Sunset District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an investigation, authorities identified 20-year-old Rhod Robles as the suspect who deposited the check. The check was quickly flagged as fraudulent by Chase Bank and the treasurers office recouped the full amount of the check, the Marin County Sheriffs Office said. Robles was unable to withdraw the fraudulent funds before they were removed from his account by Chase Bank. Two killed in Santa Rosa crash Detectives from the Marin County Sheriffs Office served a search warrant at Robles home in Daly City, where they recovered additional evidence in the case. Robles was booked into the Marin County Jail for theft and fraud-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are working to find the person who broke into two fast-food restaurants on Monday morning. The burglaries happened at two Kentucky Fried Chicken locations. A little before 6 a.m., a security alarm went off at the KFC on the 1600 block of Union Avenue. When Memphis Police arrived, they say a male suspect with a camo hat took off in a black Honda Accord with temporary tags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also noticed a broken drive-thru window and a missing cash register with $60. What 901 Day looks like in Memphis According to the police report, the suspect was seen on camera, a little after 1:30 a.m., breaking the drive-thru window and stealing the register. A KFC employee told WREG the suspect had been camping out in the parking lot before the burglary. Surveillance video shows him returning to the KFC a few hours later to steal another register and enter a safe. About 45 minutes after the burglary on Union Avenue, Memphis Police were called to a KFC in the 2400 block of Jackson Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like the first burglary, employees told police that the suspect entered through the drive-thru window and attempted to steal from the register, but it was empty. The suspect is accused of then going into an office and rummaging through items before he left with a chicken bucket. The KFC on Jackson Avenue did not have video of the suspect, but investigators were able to collect DNA evidence, which could soon lead to an arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A Chicago man is facing involuntary manslaughter charges after an altercation at a downtown CTA station last month led to the death of a 9-year-old Humboldt Park boy with autism who fell down stairs during the melee, authorities said Monday. Police arrested Michael J. Korosa, 52, on Saturday, the same day the boy, Elijah Ramon Flores, was laid to rest during a funeral mass at Holy Name Cathedral. During a detention hearing Monday, Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz released Korosa pending his next court appearance, according to court records. Besides manslaughter, Korosa also is charged with aggravated battery of a transit employee both felonies, the records said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video captured Flores and a 22-year-old man exiting a Green Line train on the 500 block of West Lake Street shortly before noon on Aug. 10. In court Monday, prosecutors said the man lived with the boy and was dating his mother. The 22-year-old man started an altercation when he grabbed money from another passenger on the train and then dragged (the boy) with, to make good his escape, prosecutors said. They said he picked the boy up over his shoulder at the top of the stairs and began to run down them as Korosa, also a passenger, and the theft victim pursued him. Prosecutors said Korosa, who was wearing a walking boot on his foot and using a cane, struck the man on his back and head with the cane, causing the man to fall down the stairs and drop the boy. The altercation was captured on CTA surveillance video and cellphone footage taken by the theft victim, according to court documents. The man who was with the boy eventually tossed the money down the stairs, then scooped up the child and boarded another train, where a passenger called 911 after observing the unconscious boys condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the 22-year-old man did not go with him to the hospital. The Tribune is not naming the man who, according to court records, has not been charged with a crime related to the incident. Rescuers rushed the child to Lurie Childrens Hospital, where authorities said he suffered severe brain damage. He died on Aug. 16 of blunt force injuries to the head in a death that was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Prosecutors said police later identified Korosa from a community bulletin containing a still image from the CTA surveillance video. They said the mothers boyfriend and the other man who was the theft victim also identified Korosa, and that Korosa admitted to chasing and swinging his cane at the 22-year-old man on the steps as he held the boy. Korosa, who lives on the 5100 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, is due back in court Sept. 4. Prosecutors said he is a convicted felon with past stints in prison whose crimes include aggravated battery, possession of a controlled substance, escape, retail theft, robbery and burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the boys death, donors raised about $30,000 in a GoFundMe campaign launched to help with funeral expenses. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for your love, prayers, and generous donations during this heartbreaking time, the boys family said in a statement posted on the GoFundMe page Thursday. Your kindness has lifted us and helped us carry the weight of this loss. Sep. 2A Mobile County man was arrested in Falkville early Monday after a traffic stop led to the discovery of narcotics and a container of synthetic urine, according to a complaint filed in Morgan County Circuit Court. Bernard Franklin Robinson, 32, was booked into Morgan County Jail and charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances, illegal use of synthetic urine and driving under the influence. He is being held in lieu of a $51,500 bond. The complaint said Robinson was pulled over on Interstate 65 near mile marker 323 and possessed "a small amount of crystal meth along with a large package containing 113 pills." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package was labeled "Maeng Da Kratom," and a bottle of synthetic urine, aimed at altering drug tests, was found in the back seat, according to the complaint. Alabama made it illegal in 2020 to use, possess or sell synthetic urine with the intent to "defraud an alcohol, drug, or urine screening test." A first conviction for this charge is a Class B misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent conviction is a Class A misdemeanor. According to court documents, Robinson's charge for possessing synthetic urine is a Class A misdemeanor. wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442. CHIPPEWA FALLS An Osceola man accused of stabbing a person in the hand after kicking a puppy during a fight returned to court last week. Michael J. Danielson, 28, was charged in April in Chippewa County Court with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, battery, and intentional mistreatment of an animal. Danielson, who is currently incarcerated in the Jackson County Correctional Institution, appeared via video before Judge Benjamin Lane. Danielson previously waived reading of the criminal complaint, and he informed Lane he is seeking a new defense attorney. Lane then set a return court date for Oct. 8, and arrangements will be made so he can also attend that hearing via video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the fight happened in Lake Hallie in September 2022. It is unclear why charges are just being filed. A woman told police that Danielson had gotten into a fight with her daughter and her daughters boyfriend (the victim) at a home along Highway P. According to [an eyewitness], while they were all outside, Michael proceeded to kick or shove one of Fredricks puppies that was attempting to play with Michael and that the puppy began to yelp as it was in pain, the complaint reads. That led to the physical altercation between Danielson and others present. During the altercation, Danielson had struck the victim in his hand with the knife, then threw the knife at the victim, striking and cutting his right shoulder. [The victim] informed me that he then went outside and began to yell at Michael to get off the property, which is when Michael pulled out a knife and went towards him with it, the complaint states. [The victim] told me that once Michael walked over to him, Michael proceeded to extend the knife out at approximately waist level in a jabbing motion where [he] was ultimately stabbed in his left hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danielson was previously convicted in Eau Claire County Court of carrying a concealed knife. Danielson was convicted of second-degree recklessly endangering safety-domestic abuse and strangulation and suffocation in 2018 in Polk County Court; he was ordered to serve 2 years in prison and four years of extended supervision. In 2014, Danielson was convicted in Lincoln County Court of two counts of battery by an inmate, which is a felony. Wisconsin Department of Corrections records show that Danielson has been in the state prison system since May 2023 and he is currently incarcerated at the Jackson Correctional Institution. DOC records show he has a mandatory release date of Dec. 12 on his current conviction. A Texas man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy who played a doorbell prank. Houston police charged Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, with murder in the death of Julian Guzman, 11. Police said Guzman and his friends were pranking neighbors by ringing doorbells and running away from homes around 11 p.m. Saturday. Related: Federal Agency That Handles Citizenship, Green Cards Will Now Have Armed Agents Officers were told that Guzman was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away, the Houston Police Department said in a statement. A witness stated Guzman was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound. A makeshift memorial for 11-year-old Julian Guzman, who was shot and killed during a doorbell prank, is shown Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Houston. David J. Phillip/AP Guzman was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday from multiple gunshot wounds. Leon was charged with the boys murder and booked into Harris County Jail on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houston Police Sgt. Michael Cass told KHOU it doesnt appear to be a case of self-defense. Witnesses said Guzman was running away when he was shot in the back. In my opinion, it does not look like any type of self-defense, Cass said. It wasnt close to the house. Related: Appeals Court Blocks Order To Wind Down Operations At 'Alligator Alcatraz' In May, an 18-year-old in Virginia was fatally shot while playing a doorbell prank. And in 2023, a 14-year-old girl in Louisiana lived after she was shot in the back of the head by a homeowner while playing hide-and-seek on his property. Two months later, a man in Tennessee was charged after he allegedly pulled a gun on a group of teens playing a ding dong ditch game, police said. More Stories Epstein Victim Who Put Her Hope In Trump Scorches Him For Calling Scandal A Hoax Teen And Friends Held At Gunpoint After 'Ding-Dong Ditch' Gone Wrong, Police Say Guatemalan Document Undercuts U.S. Claims On Child Deportations Read the original on HuffPost A man has been charged in the deadly shooting of a boy who was struck in the back by gunfire while playing "ding-dong ditch" Saturday night in Houston, Texas, authorities said. Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, is charged with murder and currently jailed in Harris County, which includes the east Houston neighborhood where the shooting took place, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said a SWAT team took Leon into custody on Tuesday. In addition to confirming Leon's arrest, Houston police identified the boy in a news release as 11-year-old Julian Guzman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, police had said the boy suffered a gunshot wound late Saturday while carrying out a "ding-dong ditch" prank, where a prankster rings the doorbell or knocks on the door of a home and runs away before anyone comes to answer it. Houston Police Sgt. Micheal Cass, the lead detective in the case, told CBS News' Karen Hua that two children who are cousins had knocked three times on the suspect's door within a span of about 15 minutes. The children sprinted away after the third knock but the homeowner was "waiting in the shadows in his own side yard behind a fence," Cass said. The sergeant said the suspect followed the children as they ran before opening fire and striking the victim. Guzman was shot in the back, Cass previously told CBS News affiliate KHOU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy was wounded when police arrived at the scene and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday, police said. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, a man was detained at the home where it occurred and questioned by Houston homicide detectives, but he was ultimately released, according to the police department and KHOU. Investigators seized several rifles and handguns while executing a search warrant at the man's home, KHOU reported. Authorities have not explicitly named Leon the individual detained initially for questioning. This was not the first time in recent years that a "ding-dong ditch" prank turned deadly. In 2023, a California man was found guilty of murder for intentionally ramming the car of three teen boys who rang his doorbell as a prank, killing all of them, The Associated Press reported. More recently, in May, a man was charged with second-degree murder in Virginia after he shot and killed a teenager who had filmed a TikTok video of himself playing the doorbell prank on the man's home, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Texas allows people to use deadly force in situations where they believe doing so is necessary for their own protection, Cass told KHOU that the circumstances around this case did not appear consistent with "any type of self-defense" claim. Historian Miles Yu on Chinese military parade: "Trolling is a very good word" Judge lets Google keep Chrome, but says it must share search data with rivals A look back at the first "CBS Evening News" broadcast on its 62nd anniversary A 42-year-old Texas man is facing a murder charge in the shooting of an 11-year-old boy after the victim and his friends banged on the suspect's door late Saturday night in what police described as a "ding-dong-ditch" prank that has been trending on TikTok and other social media platforms, authorities said. The suspect, Gonzalo Leon Jr., was arrested and booked at the Harris County Jail on Tuesday morning, charged with one count of first-degree murder, according to Harris County court records. During his first court appearance on Tuesday, Leon asked for a court-appointed attorney. He did not entered a plea and was ordered to be held without bond, pending a bail hearing on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Boy dies after being shot in door-knocking prank gone wrong The shooting unfolded around 10:55 p.m. on Saturday at a home in southeast Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. The child, who police initially said was 10 years old, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday afternoon, according to a statement released by police. The victim was identified by police on Tuesday as 11-year-old Julian Guzman. "Officers were told the male was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away. A witness stated the male was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound," Houston homicide detectives said. Houston Police Department - PHOTO: Booking photo of Gonzalo Leon Jr. It remained unclear if Leon is the owner of the home where the door-kicking prank occurred, or whether he just lived there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prank allegedly committed in Houston is similar to what's being dubbed the "door-kicking challenge," a national trend based on an old prank called "ding dong ditch," in which groups of kids record videos of themselves kicking and banging on doors of homes and apartments before running away and then posting the videos on social media platforms such as TikTok. Leon is believed to be the same person detained by police in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's shooting. He was released after being questioned but was detained again after the child was pronounced dead at a hospital around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, Houston police Sgt. Michael Cass said at a news conference over the weekend. Cass said a search warrant was served on the home, and a significant number of weapons were found inside the house. Cass said the boy who was shot in the back lived about a block from the home. KTRK - PHOTO: Homicide detectives search for evidence, Sept. 1, 2025, outside a Houston home where an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot after playing a door-knocking prank on a neighbor. MORE: School shooting hoaxes: Experts underscore the seriousness of these crimes, penalties at stake Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim and at least two of his friends had been going around their neighborhood banging on or kicking doors and running away, Cass said. Cass said the preliminary information indicates that the victims and his friends ran down the street after banging on the suspect's door. "Our witness says the suspect came out of the door, ran out into the street and was firing down the road," Cass said. He said the victim was able to run about a block before collapsing in the street. "In my opinion, it doesn't look like any type of self-defense," Cass said. The fatal shooting follows a string of incidents across the country associated with the door-kicking challenge on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a 58-year-old Texas homeowner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault when he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle fleeing his home in Frisco after someone banged on the front door, according to a statement from the Frisco Police Department. The driver of the car that was shot at around 10:50 p.m. on July 28 and two passengers contacted police to file a complaint, showing officers three bullet holes in the vehicle, according to police. "However, during subsequent interviews, all admitted to ding, dong, ditching in a random neighborhood when they were confronted by a male with a firearm," Frisco police said in a statement. In June, police in Chandler, Arizona, released video footage of a group of juveniles committing the "door-kicking challenge,'' alleging the group pulled the prank on the same home at least 18 times, prompting the homeowner to move out. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. CARTHAGE, Mo. A man who allegedly was high on drugs and ran naked Monday through the Days Inn motel and around the grounds of the motel has been charged in Jasper County. Jose Juarez Ramos, 34, of Carthage, was arrested about 4 p.m. Monday by a Carthage police officer. According to a probable-cause statement filed in court records, Patrolman Chris Haddock was dispatched to the motel where employees described seeing Jose Jaurez Ramos running up and down the hallway naked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramos then ran through the lobby and out the front door going south toward Central Avenue. When Ramos reached a grassy area on the south side of the motel, he turned around and ran in front of the motel, then headed around to the back and into a field behind the business, according to the sworn statement. Police obtained a clear plastic trash bag, jacket and black backpack from the room where Ramos had stayed. The officer reported that he found a hollowed-out ink pen containing a powdery residue and a baggy that contained 1.6 grams of methamphetamine in the suspect's belongings. Ramos has been charged with first-degree sexual misconduct, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for him was set at $5,000 by Judge John A. Nicholas. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC4) A man accused of critically injuring a bicyclist in an August hit-and-run has been charged. A GoFundMe has been organized for the victim, who suffered extensive injuries. Jose Isaac Sanchez, 41, was charged on Aug. 21 with one count each of failure to stop at a serious injury accident, not having motor vehicle insurance, and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Aug. 16, 2025, around 2:20 a.m., South Salt Lake City officers were dispatched to a hit-and-run crash near 2800 S and 900 W. While they were traveling to the scene, they were informed that a witness was performing CPR on the victim. The witness told police that he was driving down 900 W when he saw the victim on the ground. He quickly made a U-turn and called 911 to report that the bicyclist had been hit. PREVIOUSLY: Man in extremely critical condition after hit-and-run crash in South Salt Lake, driver at large Medical responders arrived and found the victim lying on the ground with a bleeding head wound; his bicycle was 30 feet away from him and had a bent rear tire. The victim, Matthew Clark, was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Documents say that he suffered a severe brain injury, as well as neck and leg injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers searched the scene of the crash and located a broken piece of a front bumper near the victims bicycle. Detectives found out that the piece allegedly belonged to a white Ford Fusion. Reviewing surveillance footage from the scene revealed that a white Ford Fusion had struck the back of the victims bicycle and continued driving. According to documents, surveillance footage showed that the driver later identified as Sanchez made a U-turn as if to return to the scene before making a second U-turn and fleeing. Detectives were able to capture the vehicles license plate number, which led them to Sanchez. Detectives discovered that Sanchez did not have insurance, and his drivers license was currently suspended. The white Ford Fusion was spotted at an apartment complex in West Valley City, and South Salt Lake City Police went to investigate. The apartment manager confirmed Sanchezs identity and that he lived in the apartments. A search warrant was served on Sanchezs vehicle and apartment, and officers discovered that it was in disarray and cleaned out as if the occupants had grabbed items and left in a hurry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents say that Sanchez was confirmed to be in the U.S. illegally by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and his home country is Mexico. Sanchez is not currently in custody, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. To support Matthew Clark with medical bills as he recovers from his critical injuries, visit the familys GoFundMe. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) A man who shot a police officer after being pulled over in a stolen truck in June 2023 has been sentenced to prison, according to the San Diego District Attorneys Office. J.C. Blake Sartor, 32, was convicted of attempted murder, assault on a peace officer, shooting at an inhabited structure, and other felony counts for the June incident. A jury found him guilty of all counts on July 10, and he received his sentencing of 38 years to life in state prison Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womans body found 12 hours after hit-and-run crash in Mission Bay According to the report, Officer James Romero attempted to pull over Sartor in June 2023, who was driving a stolen vehicle. Sartor then fled on foot, abandoning the truck, and leading Officer Romero on a pursuit through a passage through an apartment complex. During the chase, Sartor fired two shots, with one bullet striking Officer Romero in the arm and seriously wounding him. The other bullet hit a building in the apartment complex, according to authorities. Officer Romero was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they were able to find Sartor during a manhunt at a house in Kearny Mesa after officers lifted fingerprints and DNA from the stolen truck and identified the 32-year-old as the driver. When police arrested Sartor, authorities said he was in possession of the same gun used to injure Officer Romero. This case demonstrates why traffic stops can be among the most dangerous situations peace officers on patrol encounter, District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a press release. Fortunately, Officer James Romero survived the attempt on his life, and Im proud of our prosecution teams dedicated work to deliver justice on his behalf and on behalf of the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A man who Dorchester County deputies said was in the country illegally was found with numerous guns and drugs during a Friday night traffic stop. Deputies with the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office were called to assist the South Carolina Highway Patrol with a traffic stop for a speeding vehicle on Dorchester Road. Officials said the driver, identified as Joaquin Lopez-Rubio, started exhibiting unusual behavior during the stop, and deputies saw what they said was a pistol magazine in plain sight on the passenger seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez-Rubio was detained for reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license. It was also determined that he was a Mexican national in the United States illegally, according to the sheriffs office. During a search of Lopez-Rubios vehicle, deputies and troopers found three clear plastic bags with 8.6 gross grams of cocaine, ten firearms, and multiple magazines with various rounds of ammunition. He faces a slew of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, giving false information to law enforcement, speeding more than 25 mph over the speed limit, driving without a license, and presenting a false identification card. The sheriffs office said Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Lopez-Rubio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Update: The Clark County Coroners Office identified the driver who died as 28-year-old Robert Johnson. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man is dead after speeding and crashing into a block wall near Harry Reid International Airport, police said. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Monday at the intersection of E. Hacienda Avenue and University Center Drive, east of the airport. Las Vegas Metropolitan police said the driver, whose identity is listed as unknown, was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman is facing a charge for what was reported as an attempted kidnapping in Warren on Sunday morning. Police were called to First Christian Church on First Street just before 11 a.m. after witnesses reported they saw someone in a white vehicle force a man into the trunk of the vehicle. Police reports said that a man was forced into the trunk of a car before he rolled out and ran to a church nearby for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a police report, one of the suspects asked the victim, Wheres my s***? after hitting the victim in the face. The victim said he did not recognize the man who attacked him, but he knew the woman who was with him. The victim reported getting out of the truck by pulling a latch to release the back trunk. Reports said that the victim rolled out while the vehicle was still in motion. Police reports said that officers later found the car and one of the suspects, Christine Mazanec, in the 400 block of Martin Street. Mazanec admitted to confronting the victim, whom she believed had stolen from her. She said the other suspect she knew only as J hit the victim, but that they drove away after determining that the victim would not fit in the trunk of the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reports said that Mazanec was taken into custody on a kidnapping charge, while the suspect known as J was not identified by police in the reports. Mazanec pleaded not guilty to the charge in Warren Municipal Court on Tuesday and is set to appear in court again on Monday. Bond was set at $100,000 with the condition of no further contact with the victim. Chelsea Simeon contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) A man was found dead a day after he was reported missing Saturday night on Lake Buchanan, according to the Chief Chad Mitchell with the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department. Mitchell said the fire department was informed the man, whose identity had yet to be released Monday, was reported missing around 8 p.m. Four hours earlier, he left in a blue and white kayak without a life jacket and was headed across the lake to fish at the dam, according to the fire department. Along with Buchanan VFD, the Cassie Volunteer Fire Department, East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department and the Tow Volunteer Fire Department all searched with boats along the area where the man was last seen. The search also included the southern and western shorelines of the lake, Mitchell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Travis County Starflight and both Burnet and Llano county sheriffs drone teams performed aerial searches of the lake. Officials suspended the operation by midnight, Mitchell said. When Buchanan VFD resumed the search Sunday morning, Mitchell said the team concentrated on searching along the western shoreline starting at Black Rock Park in Llano County. Additionally, Buchanan VFD, Cassie VFD, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and the Lower Colorado River Authority rangers manned boats and walked the shoreline searching. Mitchell said a drone was deployed, and that is when the kayak was found approximately 400 yards from the victims cabin. The man was found deceased near the kayak around 8 a.m. Sunday, Mitchell said. He said the man would have survived if he had been wearing a life jacket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other details were available Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. One person has been killed in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A 62-year-old man has been killed in an enemy attack on the Polohy district. The Russians dropped aerial bombs on Uspenivka." Details: Houses and outbuildings were destroyed and damaged in the strike. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MARSEILLE, France (AP) A man who went on a stabbing rampage in the southern French city of Marseille injured at least five people before he was shot dead by police, authorities said. Local prosecutor Nicolas Bessone said that the attack was carried out on Tuesday afternoon by a Tunisian national with legal residency status. Bessone said that the suspect had been expelled from his hotel for not paying his rent. He returned armed with two knives and a baton, first attacking someone in the room he had previously occupied. He then attacked the hotel manager before turning on the managers son and stabbing him in the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor added that the man continued his rampage in a nearby snack bar and in the streets, trying to injure people at random, before he was neutralized by police. He said the investigation was in its early stages and that the motive of the assailant was not known. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was expected to travel to Marseille later on Tuesday. The port city is plagued by gang violence and drug-related crime. A man was arrested after authorities allege he nearly gouged out another drivers eyes in a road rage incident in Vermont. Aaron Williams, 44, has been charged with aggravated assault and maiming in connection with the alleged attack on Aug. 26, per court documents obtained by WPTZ, WCAX and Seven Days Vermont. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, per the reports. The victim, identified as 46-year-old Ronnie Bushway II, claimed to police that Williams cut him off and then brake-checked him in traffic, WPTZ reported, citing court documents. That's when both drivers got out of their cars. Williams then allegedly pushed his thumbs into Bushway's eyes and repeatedly punched him, per the report. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Bushway has since undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized with limited eyesight, WCAX reported, citing police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's been so much going on at the hospital with the doctors," the victim's father told WPTZ. "His wife's been with him the whole time. I don't know the [time] recovery, but it sounds like it could be a long time." Police claim Williams drove off after the alleged attack but dash cam video from Bushway's car helped them identify the suspect, Seven Days Vermont reported. A bail hearing for Williams is expected to be scheduled in the next few weeks. Read the original article on People A man pled guilty to manufacturing child sexual abuse material and invasion of privacy after he was caught with video recordings of people undressing in the bathroom of his Jersey Shore home, police said. David Lyons, 44, of Glenside, Pennsylvania, was arrested on July 21, 2024, at his home in Beach Haven. Police said they received a report that a 15-year-old girl had been videotaped while she was taking a shower at a rental property, police said. Lyons then became a suspect since it was his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police searched the home in Long Beach Island, where Lyons was living, and recovered several of his electronic devices, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. Lyons was taken to the Ocean County Jail and later released. Lyons sentencing date is Nov. 14. Hes facing a six year term in state prison. A digital forensic review of the seized electronic items found Lyons had secretly recorded a juvenile and an adult while they were undressing in a bathroom at another rental property in July 2023, police said. The Beach Haven Police Department contacted the Abington Township Police Department of their findings. Lyon was charged with a number of similar offenses in that jurisdiction, which are still pending. Stories by Victoria Gladstone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @TorigNJAM. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Read the original article on NJ.com. The man who rescued a boy walking on the monorail at the Hersheypark theme park in Pennsylvania is speaking out following the adrenaline-filled incident, which was caught on camera and has since gone viral. John Sampson, who was at the park that day with his family, said he remembers the moment he realized something was wrong. "Everybody's like, 'Oh my God, there's -- there's a kid up there, there's a kid up there!'" Sampson recalled. Maruo Bekhit - PHOTO: A boy was caught on camera walking along the monorail track at Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania on Aug. 30, 2025. The monorail was not in operation at the time, and the section with access to the monorail was in a secure area that had been chained and barricaded, according to Hersheypark officials. Despite those measures, they said the boy managed to gain access and entered the barricaded section Saturday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In video footage of the incident, bystanders notice the boy from underneath the monorail and yell up to him as he begins to walk along the monorail track. Heart-pounding monorail track rescue at Hersheypark Sampson, a veterinarian and a father of three, said he had been watching over his family's belongings when he noticed the child on the monorail. "A kid is walking on the monorail, and obviously, panic kind of sets in a little bit," Sampson said. When you have that, like, kind of dad instinct, it doesn't matter if it's your kid or not, it's a child that you want to make sure they're safe as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sampson said he jumped into action and began running to the roof of a concession stand, hoping it could help get him closer to the monorail. "There was a fence that I jumped on and then I was able to jump on the roof from there and then it was a straight shot up," Sampson said. ABC News - PHOTO: John Sampson speaks out after rescuing a boy from the monorail track at Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Although Sampson said he has a fear of heights, he said he didnt consider it when the rescue unfolded. "It didn't bother me up there, because I was just concentrating on one thing, and I didn't hesitate on any of it," he recalled. Sampson said that within seconds, he managed to get onto the monorail and reach the boy, who was frightened and climbed into his arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young boy rescued from Hersheypark elevated monorail track "So, when I finally got him in my arms, honestly, there was no words," he said. "I was just mumbling, 'I'm so happy,' you know, 'I got you. You're OK, you're OK.'" "And then it was the, 'OK, now, how do I get down from here?' Luckily, another gentleman was waiting there for me, and he helped me out," he added. Hersheypark staff were able to take the boy from Sampson, and as Sampson descended from the concession stand roof, he said his wife located him and he realized what he had done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I heard this 'John?!' and that's when it kind of like, I was able to think again and, like, hear everything," Sampson recalled. "And I looked down. I'm like, oh my goodness, OK, yeah ... I just waved to her, like, nonchalantly." In a statement, Hersheypark said the boy was unharmed after the monorail incident. "Our team members immediately responded after he was spotted on the tracks, and at approximately 5:28 p.m. the child was safely reunited with his family. He was unharmed," Hersheypark said in part. "We are grateful for the vigilance of our guests and the swift response of our team, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest levels of guest safety throughout Hersheypark." Following the incident, Sampson said he received a phone call from the boy and his parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They contacted me, and then we had a nice conversation," Sampson said. "Obviously, super, super happy to hear that he's back with his parents. And then I got a nice thank you as well from the son. So that was nice." Sampson said he wasn't the only hero that day and said his message to others is that we all need each other's help, and we should all look out for each other. DAVIDSON COUNTY A man and woman have been arrested and accused of assaulting another man and woman, including stabbing the man, and kidnapping the woman, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies went on Thursday to a house in the 400 block of Mount Zion Church Road south of Thomasville after the stabbing was reported. The man had multiple stab wounds and was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for advanced treatment. No other information about the man's injuries or condition was released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives learned that the two who reportedly assaulted the man took the woman with them, the sheriff's office said. Working closely with the Randolph County Sheriffs Office Criminal Apprehension Team, the reported attackers were were found in Randolph County and taken into custody without incident. Larry Brandon Jones, 48, of Johnsontown Road was charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, second-degree kidnapping and larceny of a motor vehicle. Paula Kay Boyd, 41, of Cabe Road was charged with assault, second-degree kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle and accessory after the fact. Both were being held with no bond allowed and are scheduled to appear in the Davidson County District Court on Sept. 24. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who bought a truck off of Facebook Marketplace in August went to police last week after certain red flags were raised that led him to believe his new truck had been previously stolen. A man called police last Friday after suspecting that he may have unknowingly purchased a stolen vehicle a few weeks prior. The man told police he interacted with an account on Facebook Marketplace to purchase a silver 2024 Ram pickup truck and met with the seller Aug. 9 at the parking lot of the Cranberry Police Department in Pennsylvania. He said the seller gave him the title to the truck after the man paid $27,000 for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man said he believed the transaction was legitimate, as he was able to get it registered with the title he received. Police ran the VIN number found on the windshield and inside the door, which both matched and returned to a 2024 Ram truck that was not reported as stolen, according to the incident report. But he did notice a few red flags. First, the seller had deleted the account used to sell the truck. Then, when he took the truck to a local car dealer to have it checked out, employees advised him that the truck is actually a 2022 model, not a 2024, he told police. The dealership employees examined the trucks engine block internally, where they were able to read a partial VIN. When that partial VIN was put into the police system, it got a hit for a 2022 silver Ram reported as stolen out of Kentucky, according to the police report. The man told police he would be fully cooperative with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Police investigated a report that a man in Warren attempted to lure a female child into his truck on Saturday, according to a police report. The report indicates that at 7:11 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North St. NW, where a man driving a black Chevy Silverado truck had allegedly been following a female child and tried to get her to get into his vehicle. The girl, whose age was redacted from a police report, was walking westbound on Washington Street NE near Vine Avenue when the black truck pulled up next to her. A man with a thick accent told her to get into his truck, the girl told police. The truck then stopped on Vine Avenue and told the girl to get into the vehicle again, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The childs mother, who was on the phone with her daughter at this point, picked her up near the intersection of Washington Street and Vine Avenue. The truck then headed north on Olive Avenue. The childs mother drove behind the truck and reported its license plate to the police. Officers went to the address of the registered owner of the truck, but the vehicle was not located at that address. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A man wanted for multiple crimes in Missouri was arrested in Jacksonville last week. Officials from the Jacksonville Police Department said Montrel Burton, 34, was wanted in Mexico, Missouri, on multiple charges that consisted of robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On Friday, the Mexico Police Department informed Jacksonville Police that they had reason to believe Burton was in Jacksonville. Jacksonville officers started looking for Burton and officials said they eventually found him in a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police: Man arrested after battering multiple Amtrak employees in Champaign Before officers could initiate a traffic stop, Burton exited the vehicle and entered into 356 East State, officials said. Patrol officers from the department surrounded the building. Once the Jacksonville Special Response Team was on scene, contact was made with Burton, who exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Burton was booked into the Morgan County Detention Facility on the Missouri warrant and is awaiting extradition. In addition to the Jacksonville Police Department, the Morgan County Sheriffs Office and the Illinois State Police were involved in Burtons arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Thanks to paper packaging advancements, the beverage industry may be on the cusp of a revolution, according to Packaging Digest. Half Shell Vodka, a craft distillery out of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, partnered with Frugalpac, a United Kingdom-based company that makes a sturdy paperboard bottle in a range of shapes and sizes. The collaboration opened up new markets for both companies, including deals with Target and 7-Eleven to sell Half Shell Vodka in Frugalpac bottles. Both retailers now sell one of their own alcohol brands with Frugalpac as well, Packaging Digest reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paper bottles were a pipe dream for a long time. It was hard to make a product that works, let alone get consumers to trust it. However, the inroads of companies like Frugalpac could mean change is on the horizon. The promise of paper is coming at a good time, given the sheer amount of plastic that typically supplies the world of soft and hard drinks. Industry giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo sell upward of 100 billion single-use plastic bottles each year. Those bottles only add to the growing microplastics crisis that is polluting human bodies and ecosystems around the world. Plus, paper packaging is more eco-friendly overall. It requires less energy to create than plastic, which is a solid win for keeping global temperatures and extreme weather under control. The material is also much lighter to transport than glass, which helps further lower its environmental footprint. Not to mention, choosing paper means no longer worrying about breaking a glass bottle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the solution is not perfect yet. Frugalpac's bottle includes a plastic liner, and the responsibility to separate and recycle it still falls on the consumer. As Packaging Digest explained, the company is collecting feedback from its partners and working to refine the bottle to be as low-impact as possible. This effort includes selling Frugalpac machinery to manufacturers in North America, India, and Australia, which are closer to the company's clients and can help simplify the supply chain. Frugalpac is far from alone in the sustainable bottle race. Other companies are testing their own designs, such as PulPac and NBCo's fiber bottles, Pulpex's paper bottle that uses a protective chemical coating instead of a liner, and Absolut's partnership with Blue Ocean Closures to make a paper cap and bottle combo, per Packaging Digest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These solutions boil down to good business sense. The majority of consumers want the brands they buy to have a positive impact on the world, and most people also lose respect for companies that only prioritize profit over the environment, Packaging Digest reported. "It absolutely differentiates us in the market," Half Shell Vodka's CEO and founder Harrison Holditch told Packaging Digest. His favorite part of the new bottle's success is watching customers learn about it for the first time. "You see their eyes get real wide, and they're like, 'Wait, the whole thing's paper? There's no glass in it at all?'" he mimicked. "It's fun seeing people react that way." "I think you're just seeing the start of this," he added. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Nonprofit Creatives for the Culture is set to host MAP 2025: Music, Art, Poetry We Are the Culture, an event that celebrates creativity. The event celebrates voices that shape the capital area, bringing together artists, poets, authors, and musicians for an evening of expression and community. Guests are encouraged to express themselves through fashion and dress up from their favorite time period, from 1920s elegance to Afro-Futurism. They can enjoy live performances, art displays, and interactive moments that showcase the cultural heartbeat in the metro area. Event details When : 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Where: EBRPL Main Library (7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is open to all. Click here for ticket information. Baton Rouge fashion show in October features local designers Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. North Carolina is the latest state to join a mid-decade redistricting gambit that could shake up next year's midterms following similar moves by Missouri, Texas and California to redraw their congressional maps, and a separate court-ordered effort in Utah. The redistricting push began when President Trump last summer pressed Texas Republicans to redistrict and increase the number of GOP seats. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation in August to redraw the districts and create five GOP-friendly seats, launching the first salvo in a battle that has spread to other states. Gov. Gavin Newsom, in turn, launched an effort to redraw California's map to help Democrats. In November, the plan was approved by voters by a 29-point margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Missouri, state lawmakers redrew their map in September to squeeze Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver from his Kansas City district. Then in October, North Carolina state Republicans redrew the 1st Congressional District, held by a Democrat, to make it more favorable to conservatives. In Indiana, despite their initial reluctance, lawmakers reconvened in December to redraw their congressional map, aiming to create two more Republican seats and change their U.S. House delegation from 7-2 to 9-0. Utah lawmakers also reworked their state's map after a judge ruled the current districts violated restrictions on gerrymandering. All four of the state's House districts are represented by Republicans, but a judge in November threw out the GOP-controlled legislature's map and ordered one that will create a Democratic-leaning district in Salt Lake City. Challenges remain in all states that are redoing their maps. In Texas, a federal court blocked the state from using the newly redrawn map in the upcoming midterm elections. The NAACP filed a lawsuit challenging Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's authority to create Missouri's new map outside of a census year, and three other lawsuits have been filed. Despite getting the seal of approval by voters in California, state Republicans filed a lawsuit against Prop 50 after Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressional maps are normally redrawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census reveals population shifts. But this rare mid-decade redistricting push was kicked off as Republicans seek to maintain or even expand their razor-thin majority in Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Historically speaking, midterms are often a rebuke of the party in the White House. Abbott then called a special session of the Legislature with redistricting on the agenda. But two weeks into the 30-day special session, Texas Democrats fled the state to deny a quorum and prevent the legislation from coming to the floor. The Democrats ultimately returned after two weeks, and the legislation was passed, but they garnered significant national attention. Although California requires congressional maps to be approved by voters, Newsom vowed to redraw the state's districts to garner up to five seats for Democrats to counter Texas. Amid this push, other states have also started to discuss redistricting efforts, including Indiana and Florida, which could net Republicans several more seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although both parties are trying to rig their states' congressional districts to be favorable to themselves, the outcome is far from guaranteed. "Computers and technology do give us a lot more ability to to make predictive statements about outcomes, but we're doing it I think it's fair to say in a very volatile environment politically, where things that we have seen as trends are sort of being turned on their heads," said Kareem Crayton, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based the Brennan Center for Justice. Crayton noted several current issues that could factor heavily into voters' decisions, and called it "folly to assume that just because people showed up and voted for the current president of the United States, that people want to show up for a member of Congress, particularly a new candidate in a district that hasn't been created before." CBS News Texas has 38 congressional seats, with 25 held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have invested heavily in the Rio Grande Valley, once a Democratic stronghold, but they've made inroads. In 2024, two of the three Rio Grande Valley House seats voted for Mr. Trump, though they reelected their Democratic congressional representatives. The maps were designed to increase those gains and box out the two Democrats. Texas Democrats have recently made gains in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston's Harris County. The new maps reshape Democratic Rep. Al Green's Houston district in the rural areas, making a district that was 72% Democratic into one that is 40% Democratic. The proposed map also changes Rep. Julie Johnson's Dallas-area district from 62% to 41% Democratic. Rep. Marc Veasey's district in Dallas-Fort Worth remains a Democratic stronghold, but he would no longer live in the district. Liberal Austin is further dissolved into neighboring districts. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who was first elected in 1994 and whose district gave former Vice President Kamala Harris her largest margin of victory in all of Texas, announced in August that he would not seek reelection if the proposed maps are upheld by the courts, avoiding a primary with Rep. Greg Casar, also of Austin. On Nov. 18, a three-judge panel in the U.S. District Court in El Paso blocked Texas from using the maps approved by the legislature in August. The court said that the plaintiffs will likely succeed in showing that race predominated over partisanship in the map-making process, and said the legislature appears to have set and followed a racial target. CBS News California has 52 House representatives, with nine Republicans and 43 Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Republicans flipped three seats held by Democrats for the first time since 1994. They've hung onto two of them, including GOP Rep. David Valadao's 22nd District in the Central Valley. Under the proposed map, Valadao's district would go from being 47% Democratic in 2024 to 49% Democratic, making him slightly more vulnerable. And GOP Rep. Darrell Issa's 48th District near San Diego would change from 42% to 52% Democratic. In Southern California, Rep. Ken Calvert's 41st District in Riverside would be redrawn further toward Los Angeles, shifting it from a district that was 47% Democratic in 2024 to one that is 57% Democratic under the proposed maps. In Northern California, GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa's District 1, which includes the northeastern-most part of the state, would shift further south toward Marin County and the northern part would be absorbed in the 2nd District, home to heavily Democratic Eureka and the northern Pacific coast. Rep. Kevin Kiley's district, which snakes along the California-Nevada border through Death Valley, would instead move further toward heavily Democratic Sacramento. Republican Rep. Tom McClintock's 5th District would be shifted to include the southern portions of what was Kiley's district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiley, whose district would go from one that was 48% Democratic in 2024 to one that is 55% Democratic, has been an outspoken critic of redistricting, even introducing legislation in the House to ban mid-decade redistricting. CBS News After Texas and California's redistricting efforts, Gov. Kehoe called a special session of Missouri's legislature to take up redistricting. Missouri currently has two Democratic representatives in Congress: Rep. Wesley Bell, who represents St. Louis and was first elected in 2025, and Cleaver, who has represented the Kansas City area since 2005. As Missouri has trended toward Republicans over the past 20 years, Cleaver's district has been a target of the GOP, especially in the 2021 redistricting when several lawmakers pushed for what was called the "7 to 1 map" that would have redrawn the 5th Congressional District to be more Republican. Lawmakers ultimately decided against that plan. St. Louis' NPR station reported that Republicans worried that the short-term gains from carving up the district could lead to long-term problems in the neighboring suburban districts. Nonetheless, the Missouri GOP joined the redistricting effort in 2025. Under the new map, Cleaver's district transforms from one that is 62% Democratic to one that is 41% Democratic. Cleaver says he still plans to run for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighboring 4th and 6th Districts both become slightly bluer, to 39% and 36% Democratic, respectively, but they are still safely Republican. By expanding the 2nd District south and west, GOP Rep. Ann Wagner's district becomes redder, going from 46% Democratic in 2024 to 44%. While Wagner has maintained her grip on the district, Mr. Trump won by only 100 votes under the previous lines in 2020. In the 2021 redistricting, Wagner's district lost some of the Democratic-leaning St. Louis County. CBS News North Carolina has 14 congressional seats, 10 of which are held by Republicans. But the state is not as solidly red as that breakdown would suggest it's closer to a 50/50 state at the presidential level these days, and the state's governor and attorney general are both Democrats. In the redistricting push undertaken this fall, North Carolina Republicans are targeting a single seat: Rep. Don Davis' 1st Congressional District. Davis' win in 2024 in the northeastern part of the state was a rare bright spot for Democrats, especially after Republicans were able to flip congressional three seats in North Carolina that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the map passed by the North Carolina Assembly on Oct. 21 and 22, Davis' district boundaries move further south, into the current 3rd District. That changes the makeup of the district from one that was 48% Democratic to one that is 44% Democratic. CBS News Indiana state lawmakers initially resisted the Trump administration's pressure to redraw their map to edge out the two Democratic seats. When Republican Gov. Mike Braun called a special session in November, Senate President Rodric Bray said publicly the votes weren't there, and when the legislature convened, it only agreed to meet again in January for the regular session. But lawmakers reversed course in November and said they would reconvene take up redistricting. On Dec. 1, Indiana House Republicans unveiled their proposed map, which significantly changes the boundaries of District 1 and District 7. In the proposed map, District 1, which includes Gary, Indiana, and other Chicago suburbs, is redrawn so voters are spread through Districts 2 and 4. All three districts are between 40-44% Democratic under the proposed map. The map would also break up the heavily Democratic District 7, which currently includes most of Indianapolis and backed Harris with 71% of its vote. It would be split, with its population absorbed into several Republican districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still several GOP holdouts in the Indiana Senate. The contentious debate over redistricting has led to threats against bomb threats and swatting attempts against lawmakers, the FBI said. But Braun, who has also been targeted, posted on social media in November that he told Mr. Trump that he's "committed" to pursuing redistricting. CBS News Utah differs from the other states here, among other reasons, because there are no Democrats among the four members of its congressional delegation. And its 2025 redistricting effort was put in motion when a judge ruled the current districts violated a voter-approved measure to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The GOP-controlled legislature produced four maps for public comment, and on Oct. 6, approved a map that would be the least competitive for Democrats. The legislature proposed a map that would split Salt Lake County into two districts, which would make Districts 2 and 3 more competitive for Democrats. But a district court judge in Utah on Nov. 10 rejected redistricting maps selected by the Republican-controlled legislature and instead selected a map that would create a Democratic-leaning congressional district in Salt Lake City. The map approved by the legislature "does not comply with Utah law," wrote 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson in her opinion. She continued that "based on the evidence presented," the legislature's map "unduly favors Republicans and disfavors Democrats." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maps enacted by Gibson create a new district encompassing Salt Lake City that would be 62% Democratic, based on the 2024 presidential results. Florida charter school company run by GOP figure leaves parents frustrated: "They dropped the ball" Key Tennessee special election underway between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn Nationals from 19 countries face halt of immigration cases and citizenship ceremonies In January of 2021, Cindy Klegers 28-year-old son, Wyatt Young, was missing from his home in Wicomico County. He had been using drugs and threatening to take his life, and a judge had signed an order directing that he be taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to court records. So when she learned that he was passed out at the scene of a one-car accident on Route 50 in Easton, Kleger immediately called the local Maryland State Police barracks. Zed Grafton was the state police trooper at the accident scene. Rather than follow the court order, which he learned about via a radio call, and MSP protocols, Grafton at the direction of a supervisor took Young to the Dorchester County Department of Corrections, or DCDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There, he later testified in a sworn deposition, Grafton told workers of the emergency hospital evaluation order and provided them with Youngs paperwork. The following day, jail officers found Young dead by suicide. Losing Wyatt has devastated me and our family, Kleger told The Baltimore Sun in a statement. No one should ever lose a child. There are no words that can adequately describe this deepest level of emotional pain shattered is the only word that may come close. Authorities defied court order When Young arrived at DCDC, officials placed him in a medical cell. About 17-and-a-half hours after authorities booked him, an officer found Young dead. He had ripped a bed sheet, tied one end around his neck, and the other around a door hinge, and hanged himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother filed a federal lawsuit in 2024 alleging Youngs death would not have happened if officers had followed the judges order, taking him to a hospital instead of a jail, or placing him in a suicide-resistant cell, where, among other precautions, the sheets are thicker and harder to tear into strips. Kleger is seeking $525,000, attorneys fees, and punitive damages. Kledgers attorneys are scheduled to respond to defense motions for summary judgment by Sept. 9. The events leading up to Youngs suicide in January 2021 are detailed in the federal lawsuit she filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore in 2024. The lawsuit alleges Youngs suicide was caused by the deliberate indifference, unreasonableness, and negligence or gross negligence of the correctional staff working for Dorchester County. A man died after a tsunami of failures to protect him, [failures] to follow a court order that would have saved his life, to listen to his mother as she pleaded for his life, and to pay even a modest amount of attention to protecting him and keeping him safe, one of Klegers attorneys, Cary J. Hansel said in an interview with The Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would be here today if not for all of these failures, and officers themselves have admitted it, Hansel added. There were violations of policy, of law, of the constitution, and of course decency that led to this mans death. By taking Young to the DCDC rather than to a hospital, the MSP violated not only its own protocols but Maryland law, which requires law enforcement to follow a court order mandating an emergency evaluation at a medical facility. The requirement also applies to detention centers. In a sworn deposition he provided as part of Klegers lawsuit, former MSP Cpl. Joseph Chester the supervisor who directed Grafton, the trooper on the scene, to take Young to DCDC rather than a hospital acknowledged that the move violated MSP protocol. You agree with me (that) a man died as a result? Hansel asked Chester during a deposition, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, sir, Chester responded. Hansel also asked Chester what he meant when he told a trooper, Were not going to tie a freaking body up by taking Young to the hospital. The comment was on an MSP audiotape of a discussion between Chester and a fellow trooper. Because we have more calls pending and so on, sir, Chester responded. In his deposition, Chester testified that he retired from the MSP in January 2024 and began working for the Dorchester County Sheriffs Office as a court security deputy a month or two later. In an email, an MSP spokesperson noted that the agency is not named in the lawsuit and had no comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no indication that any of the MSP troopers or DCDC jail officers who interacted with Young or were allegedly involved in the decision not to take him to a hospital have been disciplined, Hansel said. The lawsuit he filed on Klegers behalf with his colleague, Kristen M. Mack, does not name any current or former MSP troopers or anyone from another agency. Hansel told The Sun he and Mack learned of MSPs involvement in the decisions that led to Young being placed in jail rather than taken to a hospital after theyd filed the lawsuit, and said he may amend the civil action to name other defendants. Attorneys for Dorchester County, for Chester and other current or former MSP troopers, and for individual current and former Dorchester County jail officers did not respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment. Many of the details of the events leading up to Youngs death are contained in sworn depositions of current and former MSP troopers and current and former Dorchester County jail officers. In discovery, Hansel and Mack obtained recordings of phone calls between law enforcement officers involved in Youngs detention, which The Sun reviewed. Attorneys for Dorchester County, MSP deny wrongdoing In court filings, lawyers for current and former jail officers denied their clients committed any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one filing, Jason L. Levine, an attorney for Dorchester County, wrote that jail officers did not cause or contribute to Youngs injuries. Mr. Young caused his own injuries and/or damages, and death, through his own actions and/or inaction, Levine wrote. In a separate filing, an attorney for former Dorchester County jail Officer Mar-quet Robinson, wrote that his client was never aware that Mr. Young presented a risk of suicide. Robinson never became aware of[any reason to believe Mr. Young was suicidal before he discovered him hanging in his cell when he was delivering lunch, the attorney wrote. In a separate filing, a defense attorney wrote that Davion Batson, another jail officer, was also unaware that Young was a suicide risk. Batson was also unaware that Kleger had called the detention center to check on the well-being of her son, the attorney wrote. Young had struggled with addiction off and on, but hed been doing well in the year before his death, Kleger told The Sun. Hed obtained a truckers license and was earning $80,000 a year, Kleger said in her deposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early January 2021, Young was in an accident and totaled a car hed bought from her, Kleger testified. Wicomico County sheriffs deputies came to her home and said hed been in an accident and they couldnt find him, she said. On the night of Jan. 7, Kleger couldnt sleep and went into the garage, where shed heard a noise. She saw Young looking for food in the garage refrigerator. He was high, and she was alarmed, she said in her deposition. I know my son. Ive known him my whole life, she testified. Wyatt wasnt Wyatt. That wasnt Wyatt. He was high. Id never seen him like that, maybe smoking some weed occasionally, but he wouldnt even bring that home. He was in the pantry and he said the light hurt his eyes. Im like, you need rehab, and he said yes. We were going to get him to rehab the next day was the plan, and he was staying. And thats the last time I saw him. Kleger obtains an emergency petition to try to save her son The following day, sheriffs deputies advised Kleger to obtain an emergency petition from a judge, which she did. Once law enforcement found Young, she expected them to take him to a hospital, and she would take him to rehab, Kleger testified in the deposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Grafton the MSP trooper who transported Young to DCHD learned at 12:41 p.m. that Young was a missing person, according to his sworn deposition. Shortly thereafter, Grafton responded to the single-car accident Young was involved in on Route 50. Grafton said he believed he would be taking Young to a hospital because that is how hes handled every other emergency petition. But Chester, who was at the barracks and who outranked him, gave the direction to take Young to the detention center, Grafton testified. Hansel asked Grafton if he had warned anyone at the detention center that Young might be suicidal and that he had an emergency protection order. Yes, thats what I told them, Grafton replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young tested positive for marijuana, methadone, and morphine at the detention center, according to the lawsuit. Hansel believes that some MSP troopers might have held a grudge against Young in connection with a 2010 incident in Wicomico County. In that incident, Young fired a gun into the air as an MSP trooper chased him. Young fired not to harm the trooper, but in the hopes of slowing him down, Hansel said. Young pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, use of a handgun in the commission of a felony, and third-degree burglary and served several years in prison. An MSP spokesperson said the agency had no comment. An MSP sergeant poses the scenario of taking Young to jail, not to a hospital In another deposition, Cynthia Hurt, who at the time was an MSP sergeant, testified that on the afternoon of Youngs accident, she was at the barracks, conferring with colleagues about how to handle the situation. Hurt retired from MSP in 2023 because shed maxed out her time, and now works for the Talbot County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy First Class, she testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansel played for her a tape recording of a conversation Hurt had with a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriffs Department. Hurt acknowledged that she raised the idea with the Wicomico County deputy of taking Young to jail rather than to the hospital. I was posing scenarios, Hurt testified. You only posed one, right? Not plural, you posed one scenario, Hansel asked. Yes, Hurt responded. Referring to the MSP tape recording, Hansel asked Hurt why, when the Wicomico County deputy said shed found a way to send Young to jail rather than the hospital, Hurt responded in an elevated, excited voice, You guys are awesome, thank you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurt responded that there was a lot of confusion and it sort of alleviated some confusion, and thats why. Hansel asked Hurt if she understood that Young would still be alive if MSP had taken him to a hospital rather than to jail. We have no way of knowing that, Hurt responded. Do you regret the way you approached this case in any way? Hansel asked. No, sir, Hurt responded. Have a news tip? Contact Ruben Castaneda at rucastaneda@baltsun.com After the Supreme Court ruled that a federal judge didnt have jurisdiction to restore hundreds of grants from the National Institutes of Health, the judge apologized in a Tuesday pre-trial conference. It is incumbent upon me to, on the record here, to apologize to Justices [Neil] Gorsuch and [Brett] Kavanaugh if they think that anything this court has done has been done in defiance of a precedential action of the Supreme Court of the United States, said Judge William Young. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say that he didnt intend to go against the Supreme Court and that no other judge in any other court has thought he defied higher orders throughout the over 40 years he has served in judicial office. I stand corrected and those justices and the entire court can be assured that this court will absolutely obey ... the precedential decisions of the Supreme Court as I have done and tried to do throughout all of my judicial service, Young said. Young provided his thoughts during a Tuesday pre-trial conference, which was intended to discuss logistics for a September 15 trial and to address whether NIH grant applications may proceed. A recess was taken following Youngs remarks as the attorneys for both sides met. What happened between Young and the Supreme Court? In June, Young ordered that the National Institutes of Healths directives were unlawful. Those grants were cut over disfavored topics and populations, including diversity, equity and inclusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also ordered the Trump administration to restore hundreds of grants from NIH, which amounted to $783 million worth of grants. Ive sat on this bench now for 40 years. Ive never seen government racial discrimination like this, Young said at the time. In August, the Supreme Court partly stayed the district courts judgment. While the Supreme Court didnt invalidate Youngs judgment on the guidance, it determined that Young lacked the jurisdiction to restore the grants. The Supreme Court ruled that court cases like these should be put in the Court of Federal Claims but the guidance issue must make it all the way through the courts before individual grant cancellations can be disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, legally, future grants cant be terminated along Trumps guidance due to ties to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programing. However, the grants that Young ordered to be restored are now in limbo neither terminated nor active. Who is behind the lawsuit? There were two court cases that were heard jointly on Tuesday. One, which was filed in April, was filed by individual researchers; the American Public Health Association; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; and Ibis Reproductive Health. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Massachusetts, Protect Democracy and the Center for Science in the Public Interest. An associate professor at Harvard Medical School, Brittany Charlton, is one of those suing. Her funding to study the mental health of young LGBTQ people was cut, affecting a team of 18 researchers and causing students to fear for their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other case was filed by Massachusetts and a group of over a dozen Democratic states, similarly stating that the cuts to research grants were illegal. At the same time, Harvard University is anxiously waiting for a decision from a different federal judge over its lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to restore canceled government funding for the university. The recent Supreme Court decision might change the trajectory of the lawsuit. Jodie Ferise, partner at higher education law practice at Church Church Hittle and Antrim law firm, said the result could have consequences across higher education, which has been in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard has been carrying higher ed on its back. Harvards been graciously serving as this torchbearer while other institutions have capitulated. But I think much of that was because on the horizon was winning on the merits. And now, I would imagine it does bring additional weight to bear, Ferise said. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. A Massachusetts man is facing charges multiple charges after Manchester Police say he drove his Tesla into a house on Island Pond Road on Sunday, causing significant damage. Manchester Police say around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to 733 Island Pond Road for a report of a vehicle that crashed into a house. Upon arrival police reported a white Tesla that had hit the front of the residence, causing significant structural damage. Manchester Fire Department personnel forced entry into the home to perform a safety sweep, and found four dogs inside and unharmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other occupants were present, police said. The driver, identified by police as Alan Piket, 37, of Tewksbury, Mass., was on scene and uninjured, officials said. According to police, prior to the crash New Hampshire State Police reported Pikets vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Interstate 93 northbound. State troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Piket failed to stop and exited the highway at Candia Road, at Exit 6. He was later determined to have been driving in excess of 100 mph on East Industrial Drive, where the posted speed limit is 30 mph, Manchester Police said. At the intersection of East Industrial Drive and Island Pond Road, Piket allegedly lost control of the Tesla and hit the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piket was taken into custody by police and charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. He was scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in Manchester District Court. pfeely@unionleader.com Massachusetts junk fee crackdown takes effect Tuesday. Heres what to know Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbells new consumer protection regulations prohibiting junk fees or deceptive pricing take effect in Massachusetts on Tuesday. Junk fees are sometimes referred to as convenience fees or service fees on a bill. Theyre usually a surprise and hike up the price of your overall purchase. Businesses in the Bay State must now provide the total price of a product, including any fees or charges added on up front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbells regulations ban hidden fees and impose strict rules on subscription trials and auto-renewals. They also require businesses to tell people whether fees are optional or required, and simplify the process for cancelling trial offers and recurring charges. You now have to be given an easy way to cancel and not have it automatically renew. You need to be warned ahead of time, Edgar Dworsky of ConsumerWorld.org told Boston 25 News. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said common junk fees include: Fees for overdraft or nonsufficient funds Late fees for not paying a bill on time Convenience fees Prepaid card fees Closing costs and homebuying fees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulations define what constitutes unfair or deceptive conduct when it comes to presenting prices, advertising trial offers, and managing contracts with auto-renewal features. Campbell said junk fees unfairly hinder consumers from making price comparisons when shopping, since they are often undisclosed when prices are publicly marketed. Campbell first proposed regulations to combat junk fees back in November 2023. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said Monday he hopes House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will listen to the pleas of victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as he and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) prepare to hold a press conference with the individuals. Our press conference with 10 victims of Epsteins sex trafficking is at 10:30 AM on September 3. I pray @SpeakerJohnson will listen to the pleas of these victims for justice and quit trying to block a vote on our legislation to release the Epstein files, Massie said in a post on the social platform X. Khanna and Massie have previously announced that Epstein victims would join them at a press conference early Wednesday, the day after the House returns from August recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday, Khanna promised the press conference will be explosive. What will be explosive is the Sept. 3 press conference that both of us are having with 10 Epstein victims, many who have never spoken out before. Theyre going to be on the steps of the Capitol, Khanna told NBC Newss Kristen Welker. They will be telling their story, and they will be saying clearly to the American public that they want the release of the Epstein files for full closure on this matter. Earlier this summer, President Trump and his administration faced intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle over their handling of information related to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khanna said Sunday on NBC he is very confident his and Massies bill on files related to Epstein will pass. Congress left for its month-long recess in July without voting on the legislation. Im very confident it will, the California Democrat said. I spoke to Congressman Massie. You had us both on a few weeks ago. We will have the petition live on Sept. 2. We have all 212 Democrats committed to signing it. He has 12 Republicans. Only six of them have to sign it. Johnson said late last week he thinks the lower chamber will probably vote on one measure or another related to releasing more information on Epstein. The Hill has reached out to Johnsons office for further comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sep. 2Baltimore firefighters are battling a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department. Crews worked to contain the blaze by fighting it from the outside, a department spokesperson said at the scene, adding that it was too dangerous to send firefighters into the building since the fire was not under control. The fire started around 3:05 p.m. at Fayette Tower, fire officials said. Three structures have been affected, including two four-story buildings and one smaller building that collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters are trying to keep the fire from spreading further. Officials said all affected buildings were vacant, so there were no evacuations. The Maryland Transit Administration shut down the light rail in the vicinity of the fire with train service suspended between Patapsco and Falls Road. Commuters were told to use shuttle buses between the stations. The CityLink Red was detoured between Fayette Street and Liberty Street. The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management told residents to avoid Howard Street from Baltimore Street to West Saratoga Street. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the blaze is unknown, officials said Tuesday. The investigation is being handled by ATF and Baltimore Police's arson division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 of 8 Baltimore firefighters battled a five-alarm fire in a building at the intersection of North Howard Street and West Fayette Street on Tuesday. (Kim Hairston/Staff) Expand Have a news tip? Contact Chevall Pryce at cpryce@baltsun.com. Originally Published:September 2, 2025 at 3:57 PM EDT It has been said that, in politics, every accusation is a confession. If you dont want someone to focus on your own wrongdoings, just make up an allegation about someone else. Which brings us to Floridas DOGE theater and crosswalk crackdown. As youve probably seen, Gov. Ron DeSantis and his DOGE team are traveling the state, hurling accusations at one local government after another, accusing them of hiding records about how theyre spending tax dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet at the same time, this same administration is refusing to release records about how many tax dollars theyre spending on their crusade against colorful crosswalks. And its not just the spending totals theyre hiding. The state also hasnt released records that would show whether all these middle-of-the-night, cover-up contracts were competitively bid, why certain crosswalks were targeted while others went untouched by state contractors and whether the state destroyed records about all this. Thats an awful lot of secret-keeping for people who claim theyre committed to transparency. Lets be clear: The Orlando Sentinel will get this public information, even if we have to sue to get it. Weve done so before and won with ease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See, when you spend the publics money, use the publics resources or craft public policy, Florida law says you have to disclose every document that explains how all that was done. Its not complicated. Yet the DeSantis administration has repeatedly hidden records or slow-walked their reveal. Two years ago, the state had to pay $152,500 to cover the legal costs of Democratic lawmakers and open-government advocates who sued the DeSantis administration for access to COVID-19 data that was clearly public. You paid $152k for DeSantis latest legal loss, another attempt to keep public info hidden | Commentary Two years before that, the Orlando Sentinel won a similar fight over public health data where the state coughed up $7,500 to cover our legal expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis keeps losing these battles for the simple reason that hes wrong, legally and morally. Above-board public officials dont hide public information from the citizens theyre supposed to serve. In the case of the crosswalks, the Orlando Sentinel began requesting public records 10 days ago after we learned that DeSantis Department of Transportation had dispatched a crew in the middle of the night to erase a colorful tribute to the 49 people slaughtered at the Pulse nightclub. There was a lot about this dark-of-night operation that didnt make sense in terms of safety or finances. Not only had DeSantis own DOT previously approved of Orlandos rainbow-colored crosswalk, it had actually encouraged local communities to install similarly colorful crosswalks, saying the designs were safer for pedestrians. Multiple studies said the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell: Orlandos Pulse rainbow crosswalk erasure lies, bigotry and danger In 2021, DeSantis DOT specifically cited improved school safety when giving the city of Tampa an award for a creatively colorful crosswalk there. Yet after DeSantis turned his attacks on all things LGBTQ to a tribute to victims of a mass murder, DeSantis calls those same crosswalks safety hazards, and the same DOT that used to literally bestow colorful crosswalks with safety accolades says they should be erased. Well, we wanted to know how much this war on rainbows is costing taxpayers and why certain crosswalks were targeted first. So the Sentinel requested: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copies of work orders related to Pulse crosswalk removal Copies of emails or texts related to how the Pulse crosswalk was specifically targeted Documents that reveal whether any of the crosswalk-erasure contracts were competitively bid. (No-bid contracts for political cronies have been a theme with this administration, everywhere from Alligator Alcatraz to the DeSantis-controlled Disney governmental district. And the state claims it spent more than $1,500 just to remove sidewalk chalk in one instance at the Pulse crosswalk.) Maxwell: DeSantis spending orgy at Alligator Alcatraz benefits donors I also asked for copies of any social media posts the DOT has recently deleted or removed from public view. I did so after seeing a report on Orlandos Bungalower website that said DOT had previously touted decorative elements at another Orlando crosswalk in a July Facebook post that now appears to have been deleted. Weve so far received none of that information most of which should have been easily accessible and readily turned over within 24 hours. Whether thats because of intentional obfuscation or unintentional incompetence is irrelevant. The law must be followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the silence in response to record requests about spending looks particularly hypocritical while DeSantis and his DOGE puppets are traveling the state, screaming about the importance of releasing such info. The DOGE hysteria is obviously political theater. If CFO Blaise Ingoglia really wanted to track down public money, hed start with the money misappropriated right under his nose in Tallahassee connected to the DeSantises now-infamous Hope Florida charity. Even GOP legislators have said they suspect crimes likely took place. Maxwell: Scandals for Dummies. Breaking down the Hope Florida fiasco Or Ingoglia and DeSantis would be grilling GOP-controlled local governments that are raising taxes (like Seminole County) more than Democratic cities and counties that have held the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that Floridas DOGE dysfunction is just an excuse to attack and attempt to deflect. And it will probably work with some people the same kind of simpletons who are OK being told that colorful crosswalks are safer one day and more dangerous the next. But none of those sideshow antics will distract us from getting the public records that tell the full story. Because you deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent. You deserve to know how decisions are being made. And you deserve to know if any records are being deleted. Orlandos artistic crosswalks boosted safety. Florida ordered them painted over (WBRE/WYOU) Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is announcing her campaign for Congress in Pennsylvanias 8th District against Republican Congressman Rob Bresnahan. Officials with Cogenttis campaign say she is running to clean up corruption in Washington and fight for the hardworking people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Never miss breaking news sign up for breaking news alerts on the 28/22news app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Cognetti stated the following regarding her campaign for Congress: Nobody works harder than the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we are tired of corrupt politicians lying to us and leaving us behind. When I first ran for Mayor, I ran as an Independent against a Democratic machine that wanted to keep using city government to benefit themselves. I took on the machine to clean up City Hall, and we got to work, for the people, by cutting red tape, fixing our finances, attracting new businesses, putting more cops on the beat, building new parks, and making real reforms. Now Im running for Congress to take on a corrupt Washington that has left our community behind while politicians get richer, our costs keep rising, and we get sold out. Congressman Rob Bresnahan lied when he promised he would ban congressional stock trading, and he lied when he said he would protect access to health care. Whats even worse is that Bresnahan is profiting off our pain, playing the stock market while voting to screw us over in Washington. We wont sit back as Bresnahan day trades away our future. So Im running against the machine again to stand up for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and make Congress work as hard as they do. Mayor Paige Cognetti Congressman Rob Bresnahans camp stated the following on Mayor Cognettis congressional announcement: Paige Cognetti launching a vanity campaign for Congress while still running for a new term as Scranton Mayor tells you everything you need to know about her priorities. Mayor Cognetti is a far-left extremist who has backed a radical agenda, from open borders and eliminating Medicaid to force everyone into government-run health care, to defunding the police, banning fracking, and even supporting taxpayer-funded sex change operations for illegal immigrants. We look forward to putting a spotlight on her extreme and dangerous positions, which are completely out of step with Northeastern Pennsylvania, where President Trump won by nearly 10 points. Bresnahan for Congress campaign Cognetti will be running for Scranton Mayor along with candidates Republican Patricia Trish Beynon, Independent Rick Little, and Independent Eugene Barrett. Officials with Cognettis campaign said that Paige enters the race with significant local support and has the endorsement of Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, former Congressman Matt Cartwright, and Congressman Chris Deluzio. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Shenzhen TV: Yesterday, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative when hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting in Tianjin, which has been well received by the international community. Participating leaders and people from many countries said that the Global Governance Initiative has contributed Chinese wisdom and plan for building a more just and equitable global governance system and injected robust momentum into the pursuit of a community with a shared future for humanity. Whats your comment? Guo Jiakun: The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) put forward by President Xi Jinping is the highlight of the SCO Tianjin Summit. It has made this summit a grand gathering that lights up humanitys road forward. Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, this year is a big year for global governance. The GGI is a timely response to the hope of the people across the world and provides what the world urgently needs. It has been warmly welcomed and supported by leaders and heads of international organizations participating in the SCO summit, and will surely be more actively endorsed and more widely recognized by the international community. The five core concepts of the Global Governance Initiative outline the principles, methods, and pathways to reform and improve global governance. Sovereign equality is the foremost premise of global governance. International rule of law is the fundamental safeguard. Multilateralism is the basic pathway. The people-centered approach is the underpinning value, and taking real actions is an important principle. They are consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and are helpful for all the countries to advance the reform and building of the global governance system to meet the need of our times via the UN and other multilateral mechanisms and better cope with the challenges of the times. The GGI is yet another important public good provided by China, following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of stability and certainty for a changing and turbulent world and demonstrate Chinas commitment to taking up its responsibility in international affairs. We will strengthen coordination and communication with the UN and all the parties to implement the Global Governance Initiative, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and join hands to build a community with a shared future for humanity. CCTV: Its reported that China and Russia are discussing new steps to facilitate cross-border travel. Did it come up in the meeting between Chinese and Russian leaders? Is there any outcome? Can you give us some details? Guo Jiakun: To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decided to expand its visa waiver program and extend visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Russia on a trial basis from September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026. Ordinary passport holders from Russia can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have been moving forward on a high level. China attaches high importance to facilitating cross-border travel between the two countries and supports our two peoples in strengthening exchanges and making positive contribution to promoting the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. We welcome more friends from Russia to visit China. Bloomberg: Can you confirm a report that Russia and China have agreed on a Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal that will allow Gazprom to deliver 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China via Mongolia? Guo Jiakun: China and Russia carry out practical cooperation in various areas, including energy, under the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. On the specific project, Id refer you to competent authorities. Beijing Youth Daily: Its reported that recently, the Djibouti prime minister has conferred the Independence Day Medal on all members of the Chinese medical team there. Not long ago, the president of Tanzanias Zanzibar also gave a decoration to the Chinese medical team in the country. Whats your comment? Guo Jiakun: We congratulate the Chinese medical teams in Africa on winning more awards. Since 1963, China has sent medical teams to over 40 African countries who treated close to 300 million African patients. They also helped local people train their own medical teams by clinical teaching and other means. Team members have worked with local medical staff on the front line, and taken concrete actions or even sacrificed their precious lives to put into action the extraordinary dedication, commitment, love and fighting spirit of Chinese medical teams. They have won the support of African people and enhanced China-Africa friendship. Both China and Africa belong to the Global South. We are good partners in pursuit of shared goals and fellow companions on the path of development. China stands ready to work with Africa to deepen health cooperation and friendship and jointly build the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. AFP: The U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said yesterday that the Shanghai Cooperation Summit is largely performative, and branded India, China, and Russia as bad actors, as India and China are supporting Russia. Whats your response? Guo Jiakun: Since the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 24 years ago, the member states have upheld the Shanghai Spirit, namely mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development, and shared opportunities and pursued common development. They have brought about groundbreaking and historic achievements, and set up a stellar example of a new type of international relations. The SCO has grown into a big family of 27 countries, covering Asia, Europe and Africa, with nearly half of the global population and a quarter of global economic output. The SCO has become the largest regional cooperation organization that covers the biggest population and area with the greatest development potential. The Tianjin Summit is the largest-ever SCO summit. It planned for high-quality development, charted the course for humanitys progress, and produced the most fruitful outcomes. Eight major outcomes have been achieved in Tianjin Summit. The development strategy of the SCO within the next decade has been formulated. The summit has sent out a just voice of defending the victorious outcome of World War II, made clear the just position in support of the multilateral trading system, launched four security centers, made a political decision to establish an SCO development bank, set up six platforms on practical cooperation, made six action plans for high-quality development, and achieved new breakthroughs in the organizations reform. The successful Tianjin Summit will lead the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development featuring stronger solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness, and will definitely become an important milestone in the history of the organization. On your question regarding the Ukraine crisis, China always upholds an objective and just position on this issue, which is totally aboveboard as the world can see. Reuters: I wanted to ask if theres any update on the attendance for tomorrows parade commemorating the end of World War Two. In particular, will there be any foreign troops and from which countries? Guo Jiakun: Id refer you to competent authorities. AFP: Ukraines Foreign Ministry urged China to play a more active role during President Putins visit and help find peace. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment? Guo Jiakun: Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Since day one of the crisis, China has been committed to upholding an objective and just position and promoting talks for peace. China stands ready to work with the international community, in light of the will of the parties concerned, to continue playing a constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis. RIA Novosti: There were media reports that leaders of China, Russia and North Korea could meet in Beijing during their visits here for the military parade. Could you provide any details if you have? Guo Jiakun: We will release information in due course about 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. On your specific question, I have no information to share. ********************************************************** In light of the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, there will be no regular press conference on September 3. The press conference will resume on Thursday, September 4. Questions can still be submitted to the Spokespersons Office via fax, email or Wechat. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Engaging with young people is a crucial component to making Memphis better. This is something leaders talk about every day. And when it comes to tackling crime with young people, that was one of the things Memphis Mayor Paul Young talked about at length Tuesday with a large group of college students. The auditorium was full at Southwest Tennessee Community College as the mayor and his team of city leaders engaged with students in a town hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was part of the One Memphis TourTown Hall College Edition. I want you to be encouraged in this moment. You all are not only the future, you all really are the right now, said Young. The mayor and his team tackled the issues, taking questions and concerns from students. Mayor responds to shots fired on Beale; worker left with bullet holes in car Whats the biggest challenge facing the city right now and what can you do to tackle it? one student asked. The mayor called for engagement. One of the biggest challenges I think this room can help resolve is apathy, apathy, we need more people to care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student questions ranged from crime, blight, xAI, to how to get reliable public transportation in the city. Students also asked about other issues many Memphians talk about daily, like speeding and reckless driving. Stolen vehicle causes three crashes as police pursue it across Memphis: MPD Another student asked, What can be done about speeding, driving collisions to make sure that younger drivers want to join the road? Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis acknowledged its a big problem and said everyone needs to commit to be better. So we all have to be good stewards behind the wheel, everybody does. So we have enforcement operations. How many of you have seen Highway Patrol? And theyre not playing, and its not to harass people, its to calm our traffic, Davis stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. CUMBERLAND, Md. Constituents of the states sole swing district got an August preview of Rep. April McClain Delaneys campaign to defend her seat in 2026. And it will be shaped by the policies passed in President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill. National sentiment has swayed against the legislation, with its myriad of policy changes and new provisions. And months of Democratic messaging against some of the bills cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, among others continued over Congress summer break. But in Maryland, how people feel about the bill will be most consequential in District 6, the states most competitive seat, where voters could help decide who wins the House majority in 2026. What shes saying McClain Delaneys approach hasnt been full of firebombs. Whereas her Democratic colleagues in safe blue districts have delighted in denigrating the bill from the jump, designating it the Big, Ugly Bill, she has often chosen a more nonpartisan title for it that wont immediately alienate voters on either side of the aisle: the Big Budget Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message that follows has been less subtle. McClain Delaney has characterized the bill as dangerous and reckless, saying that its cuts to social programs, such as Medicaid and SNAP, will harm families and hurt Americas future by adding trillions to the national debt. If something is totally egregious, I will call it out, McClain Delaney told The Baltimore Sun, mentioning the Medicaid and SNAP cuts. Republicans have rejected the characterization of the bill by Democrats, often pointing to the tax increase Americans would have faced if the bill hadnt been passed and the 2017 Trump tax cuts had not been made permanent. Theyve also said that the changes to Medicaid and SNAP will strengthen the program for those who need it most by implementing work requirements and other new restrictions, while eliminating waste in federal spending. State Del. Jesse Pippy, the Frederick County GOP chairman, told The Sun that some of the bills cuts have resonated well with people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of Americans realize that something has to be done about the reckless spending, Pippy said. McClain Delaney started the last week of summer recess with a tour through the district, with stops in Frederick, Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, culminating in a joint town hall with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks that spent time addressing how the bill could affect the region. It wasnt a campaign trip. But it did provide a chance for conversations about whats going on in Washington, D.C. and a chance to talk about the potential impact of Trumps crowning legislation. Everybody Republican, Democrat, Independent, wherever you are theyre going to get hit, McClain Delaney said. And so, how are we going to deal with Medicaid, how are we going to deal with SNAP, how are we going to work together? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill will cut roughly $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade. Beginning in 2027, enrollees will face more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements. The changes are projected to cause 11.8 million people nationwide to lose coverage by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Changes to SNAP will shift more of the programs cost to the states, while adding work requirements for parents of kids older than 14. Its unclear when the SNAP work requirements will be enacted. Some of McClain Delaneys visits were to facilities and industries that could directly or indirectly be affected as provisions of the bill are enacted. McClain Delaney visited three medical facilities on Monday during the first leg of her tour: UPMC Western Maryland, UPMC Center for Hope and Healing and Garrett Regional Medical Center. The One Big, Beautiful Bill reduced the amount of federal funding rural hospitals will receive as part of the provider tax rate cut. Whats at stake Western Maryland will likely be a competitive seat in the 2026 elections. The district isnt on national blue-to-red watch lists. But unlike the states other congressional seats, it cant be categorized as safe. However, this could change if Maryland joins the redistricting battle. Gov. Wes Moore said on Sunday that hes actively looking at shifting Marylands map. Although the district leans blue, the 2022 redistricting made it more favorable for Republicans. It was Marylands closest House race in 2024. McClain Delaney defeated Republican Neil Parrott 53% to 46.7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parrott, a former state delegate, has filed to run again, along with political newcomer Chris Burnett. The out-of-power party typically has an edge in the midterm elections. Trump is currently dealing with low approval ratings, particularly on the economy and high prices. And, despite struggling to find a consistent message on almost every other issue, Democrats have been persistent with their communication against the new laws approaching policy changes. Theyre hoping ripples from the big, beautiful bill will reverberate through next November. Pippy thinks that effort will ultimately be in vain. The big, beautiful bill is one piece to a very large puzzle of whats going on in Marylanders minds, Pippy said. That is a component, but its not the biggest (issue) that I hear, mentioning the states energy troubles and high taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the kitchen table items that most people are concerned about, Pippy added. Its the liberals that every day are trying to make everything about President Trumps personality, theyre trying to make everything about, Oh, the big, big beautiful bill! But that is not on every single CD-6 residents mind. But the cuts are a nuanced issue within the Republican Party, particularly for those who represent people who rely on the social programs for a leg up. While acknowledging the goal of ridding social programs of abuse and fraud, state Del. Jim Hinebaugh, a Garrett County Republican, said people could be influenced by hearing about the bills cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. It could because the public in general is concerned about it, Hinebaugh said. If part of the storyline is, Oh, jeez, people are going to be kicked off snap, people arent going to have access to Medicaid, I would think people are concerned. Are they going to vote Democrat because of it? Hinebaugh added. I dont know. I dont think so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not often that a bill breaks into the mainstream of the public consciousness. Democrats have spent months working to ensure this one would. While Republicans worked to pass it, Democratic lawmakers began a bombardment of social media, television hits, op-eds, rallies, and town halls, pushing through a message about a legislative monstrosity that would negatively impact the middle and lower classes while enriching the wealthiest. A focus on Medicaid The bill stands as Trumps signature legislative win, but its future Medicaid cuts arent popular with many constituents. McClain Delaney said Medicaid was the issue constituents raised most during the break. People are very upset about cutbacks to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, McClain Delaney said. But I think in terms of the bill, its Medicaid and health care, she said of her constituents top concerns. Theres tension between the discussion of Medicaid cuts and their actual implementation. Changes to the program wont kick in until after the midterms. So a central component of McClain Delaneys message will rest on an issue that is worrisome but not yet tangible to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though the cuts havent arrived, the issue was a frequent topic during McClain Delaneys interactions with people in the district. They know its coming, McClain Delaney said. About 348,000 people in Western Maryland are enrolled in Medicaid. Roughly 246,000 Marylanders are predicted to be affected overall. We have to figure out a solution, Mark Boucot, president and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center, told The Sun. You cant just drop off all those people. About 70 to 75% of the patients at Garrett Regional are on government-assisted health care. The majority of that is Medicare. Around 8% of current patients are on Medicaid, according to Boucot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had somebody that worked here that did nothing but if you were uninsured, they would work with you to help you enroll in Medicaid if you met the criteria, Boucot said. But now, like, what do you do? -------------- RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) Officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) said significant headway is being made for the construction of a four-lane highway between U.S. 80 in Pearl and State Route 468 in Flowood. The work includes grading, drainage and bridge work, and earthwork operations are complete. Other completed work includes all excess excavation, mainline borrow, and subbase material hauling. Crews have also finished storm drainpipe and drainage structures, soil treatment, and curb and gutter work. Progress made on I-55 bridge preservation project in Jackson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to MDOT, crews are currently working on the last intermediate lift of asphalt, ITS installation, fencing, Right of Way markers and erosion control. Once complete, State Route 477 (West Rankin Parkway) will connect the cities of Pearl and Flowood. The original completion date was spring 2027, but MDOT officials said the project is currently ahead of schedule. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? Tips@idahostatesman.com. Gary Connells senior assisted living center in Nampa will soon have a choice to consider: Should it stop accepting residents on Medicaid? At Table Rock Senior Living at Park Place, the finances were already on thin ice. Most of its residents rely on the low-cost insurance subsidized by the federal and state governments. But Idaho often pays Table Rock less than half the amount it costs to provide those residents care, Connell told the Idaho Statesman. The state Department of Health and Welfare now plans to cut its reimbursement rates even further starting in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really going to cause a lot of havoc, Connell said. Resident Stan Fellows salts his lemonade in the cafeteria at Table Rock Senior Living At Park Place, a senior living and memory care community located in Nampa, Friday, August. 29, 2025. Connell said he hopes his facility can find a way to keep serving the elderly Medicaid population. They deserve to have the same comfort and care that anybody would receive in this phase of life, he said. Thats not something that should just be reserved for a select group of people. Staff member Sandra McIntosh, left, plays the game Uno with residents Dorothy Benson, center, and Mary Johnson, right, at Table Rock Senior Living At Park Place in Nampa, Friday, August. 29, 2025. State officials last year predicted expenses based on data available at the time, but the need for services has spiked since then, AJ McWhorter, a spokesperson for Health and Welfare, told the Statesman by email. The department now anticipates more than double those costs, it told providers in a letter. In response, the department must take immediate steps to stabilize the Medicaid budget, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Brad Little in August ordered nearly all state agencies to reduce their budgets for the 2026 fiscal year, which began in July, after Idaho lawmakers reduced income and property taxes by over 20%. The Governors Office said the state must also make way for the tax cuts in President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Health and Welfare plans to drop reimbursement rates for providers by 4%. That will reduce general fund spending on Medicaid by nearly $40 million this fiscal year, McWhorter said. We appreciate the support from the Governors Office and the Division of Financial Management to take a proactive approach to address rising costs in Medicaid, McWhorter told the Statesman by email. Facilities that accept residents on Medicaid will have to make really tough decisions, said Marisa Crecelius, the deputy general counsel for The Pennant Group, an Eagle-based holding company that owns the Table Rock assisted living center. Some have already given Medicaid patients 30-day notices that they need to move out, said Ashley Pentzer, the chief marketing officer for a subsidiary of Pennant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All kinds of providers that accept Medicaid patients will feel the effects, including nursing facilities and hospice care, according to Health and Welfare. As Idahos population ages, providers warn that facilities providing elderly care may take a particular hit. The senior care industry was already strained after the COVID-19 pandemic, when about 30 assisted living facilities in the Treasure Valley shut their doors. I think our senior living community now is really feeling like these cuts potentially could be another devastating blow, Pentzer said. Medicaid patients seek to live their final days in dignity Liz Sonnichsen, another deputy counsel for Pennant, recalled watching her grandfather go through hospice care. His insurance allowed him to seek his care at home, allowing him to die peacefully on his farm in Jerome, she told the Statesman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She attributed his quality care to the availability of a range of care options, including home health nurses and hospice providers. But Medicaid cuts to all of those will leave people like her grandfather, especially in rural areas with few senior care facilities, with far fewer options close to home. With these cuts, its going to significantly impact that ability to live and end your life in dignity, she said. Connell said there are often misconceptions about who uses Medicaid. At his facility, many of the residents started off paying for assisted living care out of pocket, but wound up exhausting their savings before finding themselves on Medicaid. Theyre teachers, and firefighters, and police officers, and small-business owners, Connell said. His average resident is 85 years old, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired for 20 or 30 years, those residents have just exhausted all their resources, he said. At that point, theres really no other option for them except Medicaid. Connell said evicting existing residents on Medicaid would be a last resort because of the effect it can have on their health. Even the fear of being displaced can cause depression, anxiety and loss of appetite, he said. It can exacerbate existing health conditions and, in extreme cases, lead to premature death, Connell warned. Thats what we want to avoid, he said. Cuts to Medicaid will drive up ER costs, providers warn Pentzer said many workers who found themselves involved in end-of-life care are called to the work and often witnessed an elderly family members final days. During her time in the industry, she said she has seen how inaccessible quality care can be for many, and how often family caretakers exhaust all their options as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentzer said she has regularly seen family members providing care for an elderly relative on Medicaid and waiting for months to bring them into a facility or get into appointments with specialists only to burn out and drop the relative off at the emergency room. Care at an ER costs significantly more. Medicaid reimburses up to $125 for a home-health visit from a skilled nurse, or about $200 per day of hospice care, Pentzer said, while a day in the hospital costs an average of about $3,000. Hospitals cannot release patients without a safe discharge plan, so they must help the patient find placement at an assisted living facility or other home. Until then, the patient must remain at the hospital and if theyre on Medicaid, those stays get billed to the state. As Idaho cuts its Medicaid reimbursement rates for homes like these, fewer will continue to accept Medicaid patients, Pentzer predicted, leaving patients in hospitals for longer periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader Melissa Wintrow, a Boise Democrat serving on the Legislatures Medicaid Review Panel, echoed those concerns. Were going to see serious access issues now, and then, whats going to happen? Theyre going to go to the hospital emergency room, she told the Statesman by phone. We cant refuse people at the hospital emergency room, and thats a higher cost of care, which means the Legislature is going to take it on the chin in the end. Idaho parents were paid to care for their disabled children. Those days are over Congress weighs cuts to Medicaid, food stamps. In DC, Gov. Little asks to spare Idaho Under Idaho Medicaid law, doctors warn kids access to primary care is at risk SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) A small plane crash in the mountains of northern Wyoming killed a 13-year-old girl and injured three relatives, authorities said Tuesday, adding a medical service helicopter spotted the wreckage. The crash occurred late Monday afternoon in the area of Big Mountain, an 8,200-foot (2,500-meter) peak in the Bighorn Mountains about 15 miles (24 kilometer) west of Sheridan. The medical helicopter spotted the downed aircraft after its crew was asked to fly over the area in Bighorn National Forest. Rescue teams set up a command post at a parking lot off a nearby highway, U.S. 14, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said rescuers flown to the site found the girl dead and three seriously injured relatives an 11-year-old boy, 53-year-old woman and 54-year-old man. The medical chopper and another helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard along with an ambulance took two survivors to a hospital Billings, Montana, and one to a hospital in Sheridan. As of Tuesday, authorities hadnt released the victims identities or information about their flight, saying the crash was still being investigated. Federal Aviation Administration investigators were headed to the location, according to the statement. Melbourne police intensify search with $5K reward for leads in shooting death of 2-year-old Melbourne police are pursuing new leads in the shooting that killed 2-year-old BlesSyn Lightner late last week. Officers responded to a home on Poplar Lane around 10:50 p.m. on August 29, where they found three victims shot inside the residence. Lightner died at the scene. A 54-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were injured but survived. During a news conference today, Commander Shawn Eising said detectives are working around the clock to find answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told us, Our investigators give every victim of a homicide their complete undivided attention, full 100% effort. But when you insert a two-year-old child like BlesSyn Lightner, it summons an extra level of energy that, you know, takes them to that next level of trying to determine what happened and they are physically mentally affected by these things. So far, police have not identified a motive in the case. Police urge anyone with information to call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6450 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Two men who allegedly burglarized the closed Cleveland Cliffs steel mill in Steelton stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of items from it, police said. Court documents filed by Steelton Police show 48-year-old Chad Gsell, of Carlisle, and 47-year-old Timothy Crosson Jr., of Mechanicsburg, are accused of trying to steal items from the mill. Officers find suspects after breaching the building The duo was allegedly spotted in the mill maintenance shop building on surveillance video by a Cleveland Cliffs fire/EMS employee around 11:30 p.m., police said. After arriving, officers set up a perimeter around the building before breaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents detail that once officers entered the building, they found Crosson, who surrendered to police, and Gsell, who was found hiding in the rafters on the second floor. Police said in the charges filed, Crosson and Gsell were trying to steal various tools and equipment. Police recovered face masks, gloves, and headlamps from the duo. Crosson also had a small amount of cocaine on him, police said. Police said Tuesday the steel mill was burglarized from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29 and took $43,000 worth of items. Crosson allegedly confesses to the crime Crosson allegedly confessed to the burglary, but Gsell wouldnt speak when they were being questioned at the police station, according to a criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crosson detailed to police how he met Gsell while they were both in Cumberland County Prison, and they reconnected at a car wash while on work release. Police said when Gsell was fired from the car wash, he allegedly proposed the idea of burglarizing the steel mill. The duo each faces charges including burglary, criminal conspiracy, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, and loitering and prowling at night. Crosson also faces drug charges. Both of them were placed in Dauphin County Prison, with Crossons bail set at $100,000 and Gsells bail set at $200,000. Preliminary hearings for them are scheduled for Sept. 16. Closing the steel mill More than 500 people used to work at the steel mill, which was considered Americas longest-running steel mill until it went idle on June 30. The Steelton facility manufactured railroad rails, flat bars, and specialty blooms, and it was one of three facilities in the United States that produced rails in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A company spokesperson said the decision to close the plant was not related to tariffs. Before the decision to idle, Governor Josh Shapiro and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made a stop at the steel mill on June 3, where they talked about the importance of infrastructure. State lawmakers called for Cleveland Cliffs officials to find alternative options instead of closing or to offer additional help to the impacted workers. There was a proposal among Cleveland Cliffs leaders to transform the facility into a data center. The companys chief financial officer, Celso Goncalves, said that the company has interested buyers for their idle facilities in Steelton, Conshohocken, and Riverdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. The European Union is not responsible for decisions on military support for Kiev, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, responding to reported comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding security guarantees. Military support for Ukraine is a matter for the members of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, Merz said in an interview with broadcaster Sat.1. His comments followed similar criticism by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday, after a Financial Times report said von der Leyen had spoken of specific plans to send ground troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz made it clear that there are no such concrete plans for military action - "at least not in Germany." Long-term security guarantees can only be decided once there is a ceasefire or a peace agreement, he emphasized. Even then, he said he would have "considerable reservations" about deploying German troops, and stressed that this would have to be approved by the German parliament. A deployment would also depend on the type of agreement made with Russia, he added. "There are still many, many hurdles to overcome, possibly over a fairly long period of time." The Coalition of the Willing, made up of around 30 countries, is scheduled to meet on Thursday in Paris for talks on security guarantees for Ukraine and other topics. Russian President Vladimir Putin is "perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an interview set to air on Tuesday evening. "He is a war criminal," Merz told the broadcaster Sat.1, referring to the Russian leader. "We simply have to be clear about how to deal with war criminals. There is no place for leniency," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz has levelled severe criticism against Russia since taking office in May, accusing Moscow of "the most serious war crimes" and "terror against the civilian population." The personal description of the Russian president as a war criminal, however, is new. Merz's comments came after he was asked what name he would give Putin after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Kremlin leader as a "predator" during a trip to Poland. Swiss entry into the European Union is not on the agenda, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, as he hosted Swiss President Katrin Keller-Sutter in Berlin. However, he spoke in favour of showing a united front in response to US President Donald Trump's confrontational trade agenda, with higher tariffs being imposed on non-EU member Switzerland than on the 27-country bloc. The relationship between the EU and Switzerland should be "as close as possible," Merz said, while refusing to be drawn on whether the country should become the EU's 28th member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's relations with its southern neighbour are excellent, he added. Keller-Sutter meanwhile underlined that neutrality is deeply anchored in the Swiss population, describing the principle as "a characteristic of the Swiss people's identity." In times when stability and legal certainties can no longer be taken for granted, she said it is important to meet like-minded partners in favour of a rules-based and values-based order. The question of Swiss EU membership was recently raised by leading German lawmakers after US President Donald Trump's administration slapped exorbitant tariffs of 39% on imports from the Alpine nation - far higher than the 15% duty that the EU has agreed to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swiss business associations have warned the toll could put tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Merz acknowledged the effects of the US tariffs on Switzerland, calling it "all the more reason for us in Europe to move closer together." He warned that the EU is still facing 50% tariffs on sectors such as steel and aluminium, saying that Brussels is trying to resolve the dispute. "And of course I am happy to include Switzerland here too," he added. "It is part of the European Economic Area and in this respect we also have common interests here, which we represent together." From right, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham; Joe Altepeter, a DARPA program manager and quantum researcher; Economic Development Secretary Rob Black; and New Mexico Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque) announced further investments in advanced quantum computing. Lujan Grisham told Source NM the sling was due to a recent rotator cuff surgery. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) New Mexico leaders said a federal partnership announced Tuesday will help launch the state as the next Silicon Valley in the frontier of quantum computing, a nascent technology that boosters say will revolutionize problem solving from cancer research to code-breaking. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a $120 million dollar partnership with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency the research and development wing of the U.S. Department of Defense will ensure companies can deliver on their proofs of concept for advanced computing. The state and DARPA may contribute up to $60 million dollars each over four years to vet projects promising advanced computers. If companies can prove their prototypes work at a utility-scale, DARPA will award up to $300 million in development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The partnership, called the Quantum Frontier Initiative, will push development, testing and validate emerging technologies, she said. Lujan Grisham said she wanted New Mexico to be known as the home of quantum computing, during an announcement Tuesday in Roadrunner Venture studio, as Albuquerque hosts 1,500 researchers for a national Quantum Week conference. After the announcement, Lujan Grisham told Source NM the state was looking to build the ecosystem for quantum to thrive, noting that DARPAs certification program would attract companies from across the U.S. When companies come here to do a proof of concept, then my job is to keep them here, Lujan Grisham said. It creates a migration of companies, and thats what Silicon Valley did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The promise of quantum computing would mean the power to perform calculations beyond a traditional computers abilities. Even with recent developments in quantum computers, they remain expensive to build, error-prone and fragile to interference, since information is encoded into supercold atoms or in extremely small circuits. If realized, quantum computing poses risks to the encryption that governments and companies use to protect sensitive information. The State of New Mexico has made a series of investments totaling tens of millions of dollars in quantum computing in recent years. In April, Lujan Grisham signed a bill to set up the Technology Innovation Division inside the states Economic Development Department with $40 million to seek private or federal investments in emerging technologies. New Mexico is also a finalist for $160 million over 10 years from the National Science Foundation to develop quantum technologies for both civilian and military uses. Last week, the state gave Roadrunner Ventures a $25 million grant to develop a downtown hub to build an Innovation District focused on quantum computing. Officials said the state gets a boost from the development of projects at the states two national laboratories in Los Alamos and Albuquerque and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We bring the capacity of our national laboratories adding to those workforces, adding to that with our universities, tying that in with [Central New Mexico Community College] creating a quantum boot camp, Economic Development Secretary Rob Black said. We are building the workforce. DARPA, which has invested in research and development projects for everything from synthetic blood to manta ray-shaped submarines, will provide $60 million to researchers to stress-test quantum computer proposals, said Joe Altepeter, a program manager for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative . Altepeter got his start in quantum research at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a graduate student in 1999. He described himself previously as a skeptic, but said recent developments in the technology raise the question if its possible to develop a working quantum computer by 2033. He said the certification program aims to separate working proposals from hype. It is an extraordinarily difficult job to figure out to forecast, maybe 10 years in the future, whose phenomenal plan, which is great on paper, is really gonna workreally deliver or transformative change and which ones arent, Altpeter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The validation process is a series of three phases to try and determine if quantum companies can develop a computer valuable enough to be worth the cost. DARPA will not necessarily keep an office in the state, but researchers and contractors evaluating the projects will frequently visit Albuquerque or live in-state. Developing quantum will benefit the whole state, not just Albuquerque or just scientists, by increasing the tax base and diversifying the states economy, Nora Meyers Sackett, the director at the NM Technology and Innovation Office, told Source NM. Quantum is the next revolution of technology, and were working to make that revolution happen right here in New Mexico, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Three people were displaced after a structure fire broke out late Sunday in northwest Midland. According to MFD officials, firefighters were called to the 5100 block of San Antonio Avenue at about 10:41 p.m. on Aug. 31. Crews worked to contain the blaze, which officials said left three residents without a home. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. A growing number of vape cartridges sold at Michigan recreational marijuana dispensaries are being recalled. Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency said Sept. 2 that it's conducting a voluntary recall with House Brands Distro for its Runtz-branded Top Smoke Go Kartz one-gram vape cartridges produced on Feb. 25. The agency said the vape carts contain a banned chemical and should not be consumed. The recall of the Runtz vape carts follows a recall last week of nearly 5,800 Kushy Punch vape carts produced by Ann Arbor-based Exclusive Brands because the agency found the vapes contained medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. It was one of several recalls of vape carts in recent months after the agency banned the use of MCT oil in vapes in October. Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency said Sept. 2, 2025, that it's conducting a voluntary recall with House Brands Distro of Runtz-branded Top Smoke Go Kartz one-gram vape cartridges. The agency said the vape carts contain a banned chemical. It's unclear which banned chemical is in the House Brands Distro vape carts. Michigan's CRA referred the question to the company, which didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banned chemicals include Bifenthrin (an insecticide), Bifenazate (a pesticide) and Trifloxystrobin (a fungicide), among several others. The CRA said House Brands Distro has identified sales locations that have this product in their inventory and are working with stores to retrieve and dispose of any recalled product in stock. About 5,800 vape carts were sold and 3,800 vape carts are still at dispensaries around the state, a spokesperson for Michigan's CRA said. The vape carts were sold at stores such as Herbology Cannabis Co. in River Rouge, several Jars Cannabis stores, Joyology of Lake Orion and Green Genie in Detroit, among others. Consumers who purchased this flavor of House Brands Distro vape cartridge any time after Feb. 25 should check the Metrc Tag number of the package label and compare it to the recalled Metrc Tag numbers found on the CRA's website, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More cannabis industry news: Michigan cannabis testing lab loses licenses, owners banned in long-running dispute More on marijuana product recalls: Michigan cannabis regulator finds more vape carts that contain potentially unsafe MCT oil Consumers with a recalled vape cart should dispose of it safely, the CRA said. Consumers who have experienced adverse reactions after using these products should report their symptoms and product use to their health care providers, the agency said. Consumers are also encouraged to report any adverse reactions to the products to the CRA by completing an "Adverse Reaction Reporting Form" that can be found on the agency's website or by phone at 517-284-8599, the CRA said. Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Runtz-branded Top Smoke Go Kartz vape carts recalled in Michigan The Palisades nuclear reactor in Covert Twp. is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. | Lucy Valeski In western Michigan, a previously defunct nuclear plant has transitioned back to operating status following the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions decision to reauthorize power operations. As of Aug. 25, the Palisades Power Plant is the first nuclear plant in the United States to transition from decommissioning status back to operations, according to the plants owner, Holtec International. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, will follow in the Michigan plants footsteps. Constellation Energy is currently working to reopen the nuclear facility renamed Crane Clean Energy Center by 2027. Thats a year earlier than initially expected. It is slated to power data centers for Microsoft. An agreement reached between the tech company and Constellation is reported to last 20 years, could create around 3,400 jobs and bring $3 billion in state and federal taxes. The Michigan plant can begin receiving nuclear fuel and restart operations once certain conditions of the plants technical specifications are met. While the company works on repairing the plants steam generators, alongside reassembling the main generator and turbine, Holtec says the plant is squarely in the final phase of its restart preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a proud and historic moment for our team, for Michigan, and for the United States, Holtec International President Kelly Trice said in a statement. The [commisions] approval to transition Palisades back to an operating license represents an unprecedented milestone in U.S. nuclear energy. Our mission remains clear: to restart Palisades safely, securely, reliably, and in support of Americas energy future while supporting local jobs and economic growth for decades to come. Holtec employees train at Palisades in a mock operation room in Covert Twp. on Aug. 12, 2024. | Lucy Valeski Upon returning to operations, Holtec said the facility will produce 800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 800,000 homes and businesses. While the plant has received support from Michigan Democrats and Republicans alike, the plant is not without its opponents, with Kevin Kamps of the anti-nuclear advocacy group Beyond Nuclear arguing lawmakers and regulators are playing radioactive Russian roulette on the Lake Michigan shore. Holtecs Palisades zombie reactor restart scheme is not only unprecedented, but also unneeded, insanely expensive for taxpayers and ratepayers, and very risky for health, safety, security and the environment, Kamps said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the plants restart have argued the funds used to restart the plant including a $1.5 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy and $300 million in state funding could be better spent on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Residents living near the plant have also raised health concerns with a survey of 702 full and part-time residents living 400 yards to a mile from the reactor finding those individuals were five times more likely to develop thyroid cancer in their lifetime than the rest of the nation. Kyle Davidson covers state government alongside health care, business and the environment for Michigan Advance, a sister outlet of the Pennsylvania Capitol-Star. The Capital-Stars Tim Lambert contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Before coming to Lansing to serve in the Michigan Legislature, state Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, was in the classroom. As a teacher, he said the most frequent instruction he gave his students was "put your phone away." Koleszar said he wants to see Michigan enact a statewide policy limiting students' phone use. But he recently joined Democratic lawmakers in the state House to reject a bill to tamp down on digital distractions at school, citing last-minute changes to the plan he said he didn't have enough time to vet. The failed vote on July 24 prompted finger-pointing between Democrats and Republicans but the bipartisan duo crafting a plan to ban student phone use say they are still working together on the issue. Any new state policy would likely take effect for the next school year. While many students across Michigan face rules from districts or teachers limiting their phone use, the state has no law in place standardizing cell phone restrictions across school districts. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in her State of the State address in February, said she wanted Michigan to join states with policies limiting student phone use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've seen encouraging data about how commonsense restrictions on phone use during class lead to more learning and less bullying. Kids listen. They raise their hands. They make more friends. They talk during field trips," Whitmer said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives her State of the State Address at the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. With more devices brought into Michigan classrooms in recent years, educators have found ways to separate students from their phones during class time. Students can store their phones in two spots in Darcy Fisette's reading intervention classroom at Richards Middle School in Fraser, for instance: In a caddy once meant to store calculators or plugged into one of the 10 charging cables Fisette had arranged on a counter at the perimeter of the classroom. Otherwise? Phones should be in student lockers, except at lunchtime, she told students on Aug. 25, the first day of school in Fraser Public Schools. Even at lunch, Richards' policy prohibits students from using their phones to take photos, make phone calls, text or use social media in the building. "I should not at any point see a phone in your pocket lighting up," she said. Richards Middle School 8th grade students make their way up to the second floor to their lockers during their first day of school at Richards Middle School in Fraser on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Teachers support policies to ban or restrict phone use at school, according to Michigan Education Association spokesperson Thomas Morgan, who said the union's members have seen firsthand the impact of social media on students' mental health, and they want to minimize distracting technology in the classroom. "This is really important to our front-line members who are living this reality every day," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But efforts in Lansing to heed Whitmer's demand sputtered before the start of another school year. Competing plans for Michigan law on cell phones in school State Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, introduced legislation to ban phones at school last September, but his bill never received a hearing before the last legislative session came to an end. He reintroduced the bill ahead of Whitmer's State of the State address. State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, followed up with a competing plan that the Michigan Senate passed in May, requiring school districts to create policies to limit students' cell phone use with exemptions for emergency situations, devices used for medical purposes and devices provided as an accommodation for students with disabilities. Every Democrat in the chamber supported the legislation while Republicans were evenly divided. State Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, identified cell phones at school as "an extraordinary problem" but voted against the bill. "I believe this is too permissive and I don't see anything in law that would currently prohibit our schools from doing what's already being requested in this bill," she said in a floor speech. The Michigan House moved forward with a vote on Tisdel's more restrictive plan, banning elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during the school day and prohibiting high school students from using cell phones in class. Schools that enroll elementary or middle school students and high school students would be prohibited from using cell phones in class under Tisdel's bill. The legislation included similar exceptions to the ones in the Polehanki bill. Richards Middle School student Layla Richardson exits her bus while arriving to start her seventh grade year at Richards Middle School in Fraser on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The bill flopped. Despite support from most Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, they couldn't muster enough support on their own between absent members and opposition by a pair of GOP lawmakers. Not a single Democratic lawmaker voted for the legislation, including state Rep. Noah Arbit, D-West Bloomfield, who previously praised Tisdel's plan. Arbit did not respond to a voicemail message seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisdel blasted House Democrats for defeating his bill, claiming they undermined an agreement with Whitmer and Senate Democrats. Under the agreement, changes would be made to Tisdel's legislation, such as allowing students to use flip phones at school and creating an exception to the phone ban during emergencies, according to Tisdel. Polehanki pushed back on claims of an agreement. "There was a deal being discussed but nothing was in any way solidified," she said. Polehanki said House Speaker Matt Hall's, R-Richland Township, decision to put Tisdel's bill up for a vote came as a surprise to her. "So I don't know what kind of stunt that was, but it didn't help things," she said. Tisdel said there may have been some miscommunication amid back and forth on the legislation with the Senate and the governor's office. Whitmer Press Secretary Stacey LaRouche did not respond to a request to confirm Tisdel's account of an agreement with the governor's office, but said in a statement, "The governor will work with anyone to ensure our students can focus on learning with fewer distractions." Tisdel also raised the possibility that House Democrats may have decided to vote against his legislation as a show of strength to Hall, signaling that the House Speaker can't ignore them. Cell phone bill flop prompts finger-pointing Hall seized on the vote breakdown as an example of Democratic lawmakers out of step with Whitmer and out of touch with public support for cell phone restrictions at school. Hall claimed that he and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, had a deal until House Democrats killed it to humiliate him and Tisdel. "But the real people losing are the kids who are not going to get an education as well because they're going to be distracted in the classroom, and that's just sick coming from these legislative Democrats," Hall told reporters during an Aug. 6 news conference. There was never a deal between the House and Senate, according to Brinks spokesperson Rosie Jones. The political maelstrom caught the attention of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who capitalized on the drama over the cell phone legislation to make a pitch for his independent campaign to be Michigan's next governor. "Do you want to know why I left the Democratic Party? One million Michigan school children are about to return to school in classrooms where their cell phones will continue to be a constant distraction," he said in a video posted to Instagram on Aug. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duggan asserted that because Tisdel hails from a swing district, Democrats rejected his plan. But House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, spokesperson Tracy Wimmer said Democrats wanted to see greater flexibility in Tisdel's legislation to implement a school cell phone policy sought by school administrators. The Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators, which opposed Tisdel's bill before it was amended, did not respond to a request for its position on the changes to the legislation. Executive Director Tina Kerr said in a statement Aug. 28 that the priority must be passing a state education budget. Lawmakers have blown past the deadline for sending a state spending plan for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, leaving districts to start the school year without knowing what resources they will have from the state. Lawmakers might soon have another chance to weigh in on the issue. Polehanki and Tisdel said they're still working together to land legislation restricting student phone use on Whitmer's desk for her signature and that they're close to crafting that policy. Tisdel said it would look nearly identical to his legislation. Richards Middle School student CJ Stewart Jr., right, and Bohdan Struzhakovsky listen to their teacher during their first day of school at Richards Middle School in Fraser on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. While districts currently have cell phone policies, Michigan needs a statewide policy that sets a minimum statewide standard and takes some pressure off of teachers, Tisdel said. In the face of resistance to cell phone bans from parents, for instance, teachers can say they're just following the law. "I don't feel bad being the bad guy," he said. State Rep. Regina Weiss, D-Oak Park, who previously taught middle and high school students in Detroit said it would be great if Michigan had a school cell phone policy. "But I'm more frustrated that we don't have a budget done heading into the school year," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weiss said it wouldn't be responsible to impose new cell phone restrictions on schools without a budget, saying any new requirement for school districts comes with a cost. Schools might have to purchase pouches or lockers for students to put their phones in, she said. Free Press staff writer Lily Altavena contributed to this report. Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan still has no state law on student cellp hone use NEED TO KNOW Katie Buffum, principal at Woodland Park Middle School, went viral for a joke about cell phone-free schools The viral TikTok has given Buffum a chance to speak on the subject as an administrator at a school where the policy was implemented last year Buffum tells PEOPLE about the benefits her school has seen and how they got students on board with the idea A middle school principal's take on cell phone bans led to her going viral on TikTok. Katie Buffum's joke about a hot topic in education eliminating cell phone use during the school day led to a recent TikTok spreading wide as parents, educators and students weigh in on bans that many schools nationwide are facing for the first time this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buffum, principal of Woodland Park Middle School in Southern California, tells PEOPLE that her perspective on the matter comes with experience. "I'm at Woodland Park Middle School, which is a middle school, in San Marcos Unified School District, which is part of San Diego County. It is my third year as a principal. Prior to this, I was at a K-8 school for about eight years as an assistant principal. Before that, I was an assistant principal at Woodland Park and an assistant principal at San Leo Middle School, and I was a teacher prior to that," she tells PEOPLE. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Having been a teacher, currently serving as an administrator and also being a parent has led to Buffum exploring all sides of the issue, something she's grateful her school district has done as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We started last year, right after winter break. We started the initiative by talking. Our district got together a group of students from all the levels and talked to them about it. They talked to parents. They talked to the school board. They got a lot of input that first semester, and then they came to a decision. And so, then we implemented it last year during the second semester, and then we've started again this semester," she explains. "I feel very lucky to be in a district that took input from all stakeholders and saw what they wanted, because if we didn't... if we just implemented something without talking to anybody about it, I think we would have had a really upset community," she continues. "Even this summer, they did it again with students and parents and families and the board to review what the policy was again to see if they wanted any changes. They all said no, so I think that was a big piece of it." As she got ready for the new school year, Buffum shared a TikTok joking about printing schedules for the students for the year. "Realizing we will have to print over 1300 class schedules because students can't use their phones to see their schedules and where to go each period on the first day of school," she wrote on the video, where she puts her head in her hands as "It's a Hard-Knock Life" from the Annie soundtrack plays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buffum explains that it was especially a joke because even before students lost the ability to have their phones during the day, they always got a paper copy of their schedule to start the year. "This year, more kids definitely had a paper in hand, walking around looking for classes. That was very different. Last year, I didn't even think of that because we were starting a new semester, and they already knew their classes were. But that was pretty cute." Implementing the no phones policy looks different in different places. In Buffum's school, they tested a "parking lot," with slots hanging in the front of the classroom where students could deposit and charge their phones while in class. "We all decided that, we knew students were going to come with our phones, so we decided that cell phones had to be put away when the last bell for school starting rang, so we all decided that once that first bell went off, students knew they had to be put away. In class, if you take it out, first you get a warning. If they do it again, they get another warning, but they have to put in the parking lot. If there's a third warning, for them to realize this is serious and something we can't have, we call parents to come pick up the phone," she explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole semester, just one parent had to come collect a phone. For that student, they worked out a policy where the phone would be dropped off at the front office at the beginning of the day and collected from there at the end. "What was interesting was, we noticed that it was our eighth graders that really struggled more with it than our younger grades, because they've been in schools with phones for longer." It was also important to educators and parents that students understood the reasoning behind the decision. "We made a lot of videos trying to explain to them why we were doing it because the kids did not understand why we were doing it. They felt it was punishment towards them that we just didn't feel that we couldn't trust them, that we didn't think that they were responsible enough. At the middle school level, they really feel like they're responsible. We made a lot of videos and talked about the purpose of it and why it was happening. It was across all the middle schools. I did not have one parent who had anything negative to say about the policy. They were very supportive of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it went into action, teachers, administrators, and students found themselves troubleshooting problems that would arise in real time. "Some students really enjoy taking a picture of when something is due, so they would take pictures of the whiteboards. They were like, 'Well, I need to be able to take pictures.' We talked about learning different strategies like writing it down in their notebook, so that was a new thing for them. We also have Chromebooks, so we talked about taking some pictures with their Chromebooks. It's all about seeing a problem and being like, 'Let's find different ways to do it.' " As a parent to a middle schooler, Buffum admits it took some getting used to on that side of things. "I texted him because I had forgotten that I wanted him to know he was being picked up by somebody. And I'm like, 'Why isn't he responding?' As a parent, I had to remember, 'Oh, my gosh, he's supposed to be in class. He shouldn't be looking at his phone.' All of us parents had to adjust, and it was a difficult one to swallow, because we all want to get a hold of our children quickly." The concerns of parents who fear the worst have also been taken into consideration by the school in how they implemented this policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there's ever an emergency where the parent needs their child, we've always been proactive in going to get a child and helping where we can. Children with an IEP that need to have their phones have special stickers so that teachers know why they have phones, but it isn't drawing attention to it from other students. If God forbid anything ever happened where an intruder comes into our school, our district doesn't lock up the phones. They are allowed to be in their backpacks so in the event of an emergency, they are more than welcome to use it. I do understand that there's a lockdown like, even if my child was in a lockdown, I feel comfortable knowing that his phone is in his backpack, if he needs me." So far, Buffum has noticed that there's been "less drama" among the students, another welcome conclusion from the removal of phones. "There's less filming of each other. Filming each other without permission has become a problem, and now that's less so," she explains. "We also hope that means less cyberbullying because they don't have those videos and aren't online to do anything negative during the school day. We're hoping for more concentration because a lot of the time, students think about what they're missing in chats or on social media," she continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buffum notes, "That's one reason I started to do TikTok. I wanted to show them that social media could be a positive platform and not an area where people are harassing people or putting them down or talking bad about people. It can be a way to just have fun." Moving forward into their first full school year with new phone policies in place, Buffum is hopeful. "I hope for more social interactions, more kids getting along. We've noticed they're moving around more at lunch, and we've added music and are trying different things to get them involved. It's nice to have eight hours a day where they're not getting influenced by anything and are staying in a positive light, while in school." Read the original article on People Austin Carriggs journey with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) began soon after her husband enlisted in 2002. Their oldest son was enrolled in the program due to respiratory issues, which canceled their orders to Germany and instead sent them to Fort Campbell, where her husband deployed shortly after. Their second child, born after that deployment, had even greater medical needs. That kiddo had a lot more going on medically than our first one, Carrigg told We Are The Mighty. And somewhere along the way, things just kept piling on medically to the point where we ended up at Fort Benning, and our medical team there was like, Look, your child is in real danger. (Courtesy of Austin Carrigg) Their sons more complex medical needssevere allergic reactions without exposure meant a lot of ambulance rides and time in the ER and eventually, reassignment to Boston for specialized care, separating her husband from a traditional infantry path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we worried, you know, everybody says its going to ruin your career, Carrigg said. Fearing their sons genetic condition might affect future biological children, the Carriggs chose to adopt a child with special needs. They brought home a baby girl with Down Syndrome, deafness, and a heart defect. I thought, okay, we can handle this, she said. Within weeks, she underwent open-heart surgery and nearly died. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, and Im glad, because she is the greatest thing thats happened to us, but that was the moment where we realized that life was going to be very, very different for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orders soon moved them from Boston to Washington State, but their daughter wasnt yet enrolled in EFMP because she hadnt been seen at a military treatment facility. Upon arrival, doctors said she shouldnt have been sent there at all. We were told our only choices were to follow orders or my husband could get out of the Army, she recalled. Carrigg fought for two years before securing a move to the Washington, D.C. area. Carrigg meets with Arizona Sen. John McCain. (Courtesy of Austin Carrigg) There, she became active in defending Medicaid coverage when proposed ACA changes threatened access to critical surgeries that Tricare wouldnt cover. Our daughter would have died without Medicaid, she said, recalling how a hospital required a deposit for her open-heart surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Carrigg testified before Congress about EFMP challenges. Messages poured in from families across the country, seeking help, sharing similar experiences, and inquiring about how to create change. Realizing no organization existed solely for EFMP families, she began building a nonprofit. Exceptional Families of the Militarys nonprofit status was approved in 2021. It launched with three core missions: peer-to-peer support, legislative and policy advocacy, and direct family assistance. Her initial advocacy Facebook group has grown to over 15,000 members across all branches of service. Legislative wins include changing Tricare policy so primary caregivers with nursing support can work or attend school. The nonprofit also runs a micro-grant program, offering $30 for expenses such as hospital parking, gas, or food during long medical appointmentssmall amounts that have proven life-changing for families who often must choose between therapy travel and basic groceries. No one should have to make that choice, especially not these families who are already dealing with so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she never received formal training to run a nonprofit, Carrigg taught herself through research, networking, and advice from volunteers. Her husbands words, No one knows you dont belong unless you act like you dont belong, helped her walk into rooms with decision-makers and advocate for change. (Courtesy of Austin Carrigg) Looking ahead, shes applying for grants to expand assistance, including portable safety equipment for medically fragile children during PCS moves. Her hope: that one day, military systems will fill these gaps, allowing her nonprofit to focus solely on community building. Through two decades of marriage, three children with significant needs, and countless relocations, EFMP has reshaped the Carriggs pathbut not ended opportunity in the military. Her husband, now a Sergeant Major, has achieved career milestones despite an unconventional route. Together, theyve built a legacy ensuring EFMP families are seen, heard, and supported. When Besa Pinchotti and Raleigh Smith Duttweiler showed up to their Mighty 25 interview dressed nearly alike, they laughed. Not embarrassed, not surprisedjust two women so in sync it felt inevitable. Thats their relationship in a nutshell: often coming from different perspectives, yet finishing each others sentences. Since 2018, the duo has worked together, leading the National Military Family Association (NMFA), with Pinchotti serving as CEO and Smith Duttweiler as Chief Impact Officer. Together, theyve reshaped one of the nations most trusted military family nonprofitswhile leaning on each other through the hardest chapters of their own lives. (Courtesy of Besa Pinchotti and Raleigh Smith Duttweiler) Raleigh Smith Duttweiler grew up in an Army family, dead-set on avoiding military life. I was bound and determined to have nothing to do with it, ever, under any condition, she laughed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After boarding school, Barnard, and Columbia Journalism School, she built a career writing for The New York Times and NPR in New York. Then, a Marine proposed to me during Fleet Week. Even I was rolling my eyes, she said. But she entered military life with eyes wide open, knowing the statistics on unemployment, the silent trauma veterans endure, and the inevitable strain on families. Living it was harder. She became a mother of three while her husband returned from combat deeply changed. Eventually, Raleigh made the painful choice to divorce. She tells the story openly to erase stigma. My husband did nothing wrong. He served, and hes hurt in ways hell struggle with for the rest of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her darkest moments, fellow military spouses carried her. Thats what Im most grateful forthe sisterhood of strong women. Besa Pinchottis connection to military service began across the globe. Her father came to the U.S. from Kosovo, and during the war, her family members were killed, and they lost their homes. What people here were seeing on the newsthat was my family, she said. When U.S. forces intervened, saving lives, she wanted to understand who these service members were. Working as a TV reporter in Texas, she accompanied local troops to Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo. They didnt want to talk about the mission. They wanted to talk about missing birthdays and track meets. It hit methe families are the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later moved to eastern North Carolina during the Iraq War. The only advice I got was, Dont marry a Marine,' she joked. Spoiler: she did. Still, she didnt see herself as a military spouse until years later. While her husband transitioned out of the military, she took a job in the tech industry. Eventually, she realized it didnt fulfill her. She wanted to support military families and applied to just one job: Communications Director at NMFA. Salary cut in half. No hesitation. I wanted to feel like I was making a real difference. Besa quickly realized she needed Raleigh on the team. She was one of the smartest people Id ever met, she saidso she slid into her DMs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What she didnt know: NMFA had already saved Raleighs family. When Raleighs infant daughter suffered a severe allergy and TRICARE denied coverage for life-saving formula, the family spent $14,000 in two months. A friend connected her with NMFA. Forty-eight hours later, a case of formula was on her doorstep. (Courtesy of Besa Pinchotti and Raleigh Smith Duttweiler) So when Besa called with a job offer? It was an immediate yes, Raleigh said. This organization saved my kids life. Since teaming up in 2018, the pair have redefined leadership at NMFA. Their secret? Disagreement. People think we get along because we think alike, Besa laughed. Thats hilarious. We disagree on everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres no ego. I assume my idea sucks until Besas heard it, Raleigh said. Journalism taught them to separate the person from the product. She gets it part of the way. I get it part of the way. Then we bring in our smartest friends. Its never about being rightits about getting it right. They are also inseparable outside the office. We text each other pictures of what were wearing to events. Shes my personfor everything, Raleigh said. For both women, the future of NMFA is about more than programsits about impact. Weve made real progress around quality of life for military families, Besa said. People listen to NMFA because of the trust weve earned since 1969. Its our job now to keep pushing forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre focused on both advocacy and urgent support. The biggest thing we can do is remind families theyre not alone, Raleigh said. Thats the heart of it. When they learned theyd both been named to the Mighty 25, Besa read the email three times in disbeliefuntil Raleigh texted in all caps: ITS BOTH OF US. Being in this together means everything, Raleigh said. When I was a young spouse, isolated, struggling with trauma and deployments, I never imagined Id find someone like this. They may lead one of the nations most influential military family nonprofits, but theyll tell you their greatest success is each other. This is the work, Raleigh said. But this-this friendship-is the why. Becoming a military spouse wasnt something CNN anchor Brianna Keilar planned, but its a role she now proudly claims. Keilar met her husband, Army officer Fernando Lujan, at a happy hour in Washington, D.C. At the time, she admits, I knew embarrassingly little about the military, even though my dad had served in the Australian Navy. The two married in 2015. By then, Keilars journalism career was well established, and Lujan had been in the Army long enough to land back-to-back assignments in the D.C. area. That stability meant Keilar never had to navigate a PCS move but she did experience the strain of deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first time Fernando deployed, I realized shortly after he left that I was pregnant. I was caring for my stepson, who was a toddler, while navigating pregnancy alone, she recalled. I was up to my eyeballs, but it was also such a formative time for me. (Courtesy of Brianna Keilar) Soon after their son, Antonio, was born, Lujan deployed again. Suddenly, Keilar was juggling a newborn, a toddler, and the demands of her career while feeling adrift. Despite her strong D.C. network, she realized she needed the unique support only fellow military spouses could provide. Thats when she connected with Blue Star Families and found encouragement from leaders and fellow military spouses, like Kathy Roth-Douquet. Supplementing my existing support system with a military one made such a difference, Keilar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those conversations also sparked a new professional mission. She began pitching stories on military family life at CNN. I put together a proposal for CNN.com, and they immediately wanted me to run with it. It was not a hard sell at all, Keilar said. From there, Home Front was borna column dedicated to telling military family stories, and bridging the divide between service members and their civilian neighbors. It later transitioned into a weekly television segment. Even the graphics for the project were designed by a military spouse. That was really special to me, she added. Through Home Front, Keilar has been able to spotlight challenges unlike her ownCoast Guard families navigating pay gaps during government shutdowns, moms deploying overseas, and veterans facing struggles receiving benefits. Brianna Keilar on CNNs Home Front. (CNN) It fulfilled me so much professionally and personally to tell those stories and learn more about this community I had become a part of, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the issues shes most passionate about are barriers to child care and military spouse employment. When you move every three years, its tough. If we dont address these issues, were going to lose really good people. Service members are making huge sacrificesand the family unit has to be stable and supported if we want them to thrive. Though her husband retired three years ago, Keilar still embraces the military spouse perspective and wants to continue to tell these stories. Even when youre out, youre still a military family. I love being a military spouse, and I still approach life with that military spouse approach. I care deeply about the people who serve and the families who support thembecause I know whats at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Keilar, storytelling is both a responsibility and a privilege. People ask who my favorite interviews are, and they expect me to name someone famous. But honestly, its almost always ordinary people doing extraordinary things, she said. Stories about the military and military spouse community usually have all of the elements of something truly great. Daniel Sylvester, a U.S. Army veteran turned attorney, has transformed Holland & Knights veterans initiative from a small support network into a powerhouse legal advocacy group, delivering millions of dollars in pro bono services to military families. Sylvester, who attended law school at age 44 after more than a decade of military service and nearly nine years in executive recruiting, was named co-chair of his law firms veterans group as a first-year associate in 2014. They asked me to help lead it, and three months later, my co-chair left the firm, Sylvester tells We Are The Mighty. They basically told me, OK, this is yours, run with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Run with it, he did. Under Sylvesters leadership, the group expanded from a simple annual Veterans Day video and a spreadsheet of names to a formalized, multi-office veterans network spanning 34 offices and counting 250 members, including over 100 veterans. The groups dual mission focuses on supporting veterans within the firm and assisting veterans, service members, and their families in the broader community. We do everything from disability claims and discharge upgrades to helping service members whose cars were towed while deployed, Sylvester explains. Today, the group contributes an estimated $4 million worth of pro bono legal services annually, including work with the American Bar Association (ABA), which provides assistance through its Legal Assistance to Military Personnel Committee. This committee helps fill gaps in military legal support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has paid off Holland & Knight is the only firm to have received the Outstanding Military Service Award from the ABA every year since the award was initiated in 2012. But the impact goes beyond standard legal matters. Sylvester and his team have supported veteran entrepreneurs through pitch competitions, in turn offering pro bono legal services to help winners launch their businesses. He has also helped connect the firm to organizations like PALADIN, which aggregates pro bono opportunities and distributes them to law firms and corporations, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which advocates for military caregivers. While Sylvesters own caregiving role for his wifea fellow Army veteran living with PTSDshaped his personal understanding of military family challenges, he credits the broader team effort for the groups growth and success. Being mighty is doing more than you realize you are capable of, Sylvester says, reflecting on his journey. My advice for others is to find something that youre passionate about and build on it. Thats how you sustain this kind of work. Sylvesters path from soldier to attorney to leader of one of the nations most respected veteran-focused legal initiatives is a testament to the power of service after serviceand a reminder that supporting those who wore the uniform takes many forms. When Maria Reeds husband retired from the Army this year, and her son Patrick became the fourth generation in the family to serve, she knew she wasnt done serving the military community herself. As the creator of Moving With the Military, Reed has spent nearly a decade transforming homesand lives of military familiesone room at a time. I knew nothing about the military when I married into it, Reed admits. I think thats why I do what I do nowI want to mentor young military families and support them through the journey. The idea for Moving With the Military came in 2016 after a frustrating experience moving into so-called vintage housing on Fort Hood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They called it vintage, but it was really just mismatched, multi-colored linoleum floors and all, she laughed. We were well into our military career at this point, and I thought, I know we can make this better. Inspired by HGTV and other home makeover shows, Reed pitched a series idea to major networksbut was told there wasnt enough interest. They said a Veterans Day special featuring a military family was enough. That was a blow. It was her high school students who gave her the push to go rogue. As a video production teacher in Temple, Texas, she often encouraged them to use their phones and shoot and edit their own content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They turned the advice back on me. You know how to edit, Mrs. Reed. You have YouTubewhy dont you do it yourself? They were right. So she did. WIth her background in TV production and her familys life savings, Reed launched the first episode of Moving With the Military. While my husband was deployed, in true military fashion! she exclaimed. We honored a local family here in the Fort Hood area, and then we just kept going. (Courtesy of Maria Reed) Eight years later, the show has completed 89 makeoversmore than most major network home makeover shows in the same span. Were scrappy. We stretch every dollar, but more importantly, we build community, Reed said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military families are nominated from all over the country, but the impact goes far beyond paint, furniture, and decor. Every single family has said the same thing: Thank you for the beautiful space, but more than anything, thank you for seeing us. Thats what this is really aboutbeing seen, supported, and reminded that youre not alone. Each makeover sparks a ripple effect. Past recipients often return to volunteer and help with the next project. Its how the community builds itself, Reed added. And Moving With the Military isnt just for Army families. Reed and her team makeover homes across all branches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt matter what uniform your spouse wearswere all part of that 1%. That shared experience connects us. Now a military mom with her son serving, Reed says her mission hasnt changed. I dont think your military story ever really ends. Its part of how were wirednot just the service member, but the whole family. We continue serving in different ways. This is mine. With thousands of nominations and growing support, Moving With the Military is showing no signs of slowing down. Were going to keep goingone makeover at a time. Because every family deserves to feel at home, even when home keeps moving. When service members hang up their uniform for the last time, the world expects them to reintegrate seamlessly. But the truth is, transitioning out of the military isnt just a professional shiftits a total identity upheaval for both the veteran and their family. Michael Schindler knows this all too well. As the founder of Operation Military Family, he has spent more than 10 years guiding thousands of veterans and their loved ones through the emotional and often isolating maze of post-service life. His goal? Helping them uncover a new mission, rediscover who they are, and heal what the battlefield never touched but deeply affected: the family unit. We help transitioning service members and their families identify a new mission, new purpose, [and] new identity when they get out, Schindler says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schindler, a Navy veteran himself, was inspired to create the organization after his best friend was deployed to Afghanistan. Witnessing the emotional toll on families back home, he penned his first book, Operation Military Family, shining a light on the strain that few wanted to acknowledge: the silent weight carried by military spouses. In many cases, the wives had to be the husband and wife. They became the new general of the family, he recalls. Very few people talk about that story. But Operation Military Family doesnt stop at storytelling. What began as pre- and post-deployment marriage workshops quickly evolved into a comprehensive support system focused on what Schindler calls the core. If we can help someone identify who they arewhat really matters to themwe can change everything, he says. Lets help people identify their true mission and purpose, and from that, theyll be able to identify who they are. (Courtesy of Michael Schindler) Over 10,000 veterans and family members (Schindler says they stopped counting after 10,263) have gone through their programs. Not every story ends neatly, but many end with healing, which proved to be the case for a veteran named Jack, whom Schindler met during an equine therapy session. Jack and his wife were struggling in their marriage. Though Jacks marriage didnt survive, the program helped him rebuild his relationship with his daughters and sparked a personal spiritual awakening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To some, that may not sound like a success story, but Schindler calls it a win. In many ways, people would say that thats not a success story, but there was a rebuild of who Jack was, and if you were to call him today, he would say that that was a catalyst for him meeting Christ, Schindler says. It brought him closer to his daughters; he and his ex (now) have a good relationship. They can talk now, and that wasnt the case before. It was a marriage that was suffering in silence, and now its a family thats becoming whole. Whether they get together again, I dont know, but I look at that and say, in many ways, that its a success story. The biggest challenge veterans face, Schindler explains, is writing a new storyone theyve never been taught to write without the structure of the military. When that structure disappears, many veterans are left with anxiety, isolation, and a deep sense of loss. Theyve never had to decide who they are, he says. The military wrote that story for them, and now they have to figure it out on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Schindler remains hopeful. With the proper support and stronger communities, he believes outcomes can change, especially around mental health and suicide prevention and its people like him who are working mightily each day to push this type of initiative forward. Somebody that shines in other peoples lives (and) somebody that encourages and uplifts someone elsethat is mighty to me, Schindler says of what being mighty means to him. Because thats what the world needs. And in his own quiet way, thats exactly what Schindler is doingshining a light for thousands of military families navigating the long road home. The Womens Military Memorial is the only major national memorial dedicated to the more than 3 million women who have served in the United States military since the Revolutionary War. Created by Congress in 1986 and opened to the public in 1997, its mission is simple, yet profound: To honor, preserve, and share the stories of women who have worn the uniform. At the helm is retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilsona woman whose story of service is an impressive one. Wilson served in the Army for 37 years, but admits she didnt even know the memorial existed until 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A friend was having a promotion ceremony there. I was working at the Pentagonjust one metro stop away from Arlington National Cemetery, she said. When I walked in, I was blown away. I thought, How did I not know this place was here? Within a month of that first visit, Wilson recorded her own service story in the memorials national database. Just a few years later, she was offered the chance to lead the very foundation that operates it. (Courtesy of Phyllis Wilson) At first, she wasnt interested. I was happy doing intel work at the Pentagon. People kept on saying I should apply, and I kept saying no. Then one day, fate and a grocery store parking lot changed her mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson had parked in a veteran parking space when a man challenged her. He asked if my husband was with me. I explained that I had served myself for more than a minute. We talked, and I realizedif I were a man, he probably wouldnt have questioned me. I thought about the millions of women who have served and how invisible so many of us still are. Thats exactly what the memorial is here to change. So, I went home, dusted off my resume, and applied. Be careful what you apply foryou just might get it. Wilsons military journey began with a simple goal: Pay for college. As the first in her family to attend, she signed up and paid for community college classes one or two at a time. After a year and a half, I thought, This is going to take forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then she heard a radio ad: Be all that you can be. The Army promised money for college, a sign-on bonus, and the chance to learn a foreign language. I said, Yes, yes, and yes! So thats exactly what I did. Wilson with the famous Bagram Batman. (Courtesy of Phyllis Wilson) She trained in Monterey, Calif., learning German and beginning her career as a voice intercept officer. Marriage and children followed, but in the 1980s, being a dual-military family with small children was challenging. They didnt cut you any slack. I had a five-week-old baby when I was sent back out into the field, Wilson said. She transitioned to the Army Reserve to study nursing, but returned to active service after being accepted into the Warrant Officer Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody messed with Warrant Officersthey were the technical experts. Best choice I ever made, she reminisced. Over the next few decades, she served around the globe, including with the Joint Special Operations Command. At the Womens Military Memorial, Wilsons most rewarding moments are watching families discover their loved ones service stories. Wilson with Kristen Griest (left) and Shaye Haver (right), the first two female graduates of the U.S. Army Ranger School. (Courtesy of Phyllis Wilson) When they see their mother, grandmother, sister, or daughters photo and biography appear on a large screen, they nearly gasp. Her story is here forevermore. Thats what we dohonor their service so its never forgotten. Inside the memorial, visitors can see artifacts from the Civil War to today, hear personal accounts, and explore a growing database of womens stories. Nearly 330,000 are already preservedbut Wilson knows thats just a fraction of the 3 million who have served, and shes determined to collect more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether you served a few years or a few decades, your story matters. Our biggest challenge is that so many women minimize their service. They think, I was just doing my job. But when you put all those stories together, they form a mosaic of womens service to this country. For Wilson, thats the call to action: We cant let these stories be forgotten. Theyre a part of our national historyand they need to be told. Brigadier Gen. Remo Butler was a trailblazer making history as the first Black Special Forces general. Born in Mississippi, Butler grew up in a military family. His father served three decades, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. Yet Butler admits he wasnt initially eager to follow in his fathers footsteps. I joined ROTC when I was in college, not because I was looking to join the military, Butler recalled, but I wanted to ensure I had a decent job when I graduated.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That practical decision came at a pivotal time. In 1974, when Butler graduated from Austin Peay State University, the economy was struggling, and jobs were scarce. The military, while demanding and not his first choice for a career, offered stability. Still, it wasnt easy at first. I didnt like the rules and regulations that came with ROTC, he said. But I overcame it and received my commission. Butler began his Army career as a field artillery officer before transitioning to infantry. It was there that a chance conversation changed the course of his career and life. His commander an Army Special Forces captain suggested Butler had what it took to join the elite Green Berets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We chatted and he said they needed guys like me in Special Forces, Butler recalled. Intrigued, Butler took the challenge. He completed the Special Forces qualifying course in 1977. (Courtesy of Remo Butler) I never looked back knowing I made the right decision, Butler said. Special Forces is made up of a unique group of individuals. Were a different breed of person. From that point on, Butler built his reputation by leaning into the toughest jobs. He embraced challenges others avoided and excelled in them. Let me tell you how you become successful, he explained. Do the hard jobs. Do the things that people cant do or wont do, and do them well. If you commit to doing that, things will work out for you. Youll be successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But success didnt come without obstacles. As one of the few Black officers in Special Forces, Butler often encountered racism throughout his career. In 1996, while attending the U.S. Army War College, he wrote a groundbreaking research paper titled Why Black Officers Still Fail. In it, Butler highlighted disparities in promotion rates and command selections, finding that Black officers were consistently falling behind their white counterparts at the lieutenant colonel level and above. The paper drew national attention, sparking conversations across the Army. That paper did and still does get a lot of attention, Butler said. I do my best to mentor and be a role model for other Black men, to help them be successful. I take a lot of pride in that. (Courtesy of Remo Butler) What began as a way to secure a decent job became a career of historic impact. Butler served nearly 30 yearsjust shy of his fathers service record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did 29 and a half years, he said with pride. Thats not nothing. Now retired, Brig. Gen. Remo Butler is working on a book about his military career a story of resilience, trailblazing leadership, and breaking barriers for future generations. So others may live. The rescue swimmer motto is simple, but for AST2 Scott Ruskan, it resonated. For AST2 Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old from Oxford, New Jersey, those words became reality on his very first missionhelping save 165 people during the July 4 floods in Texas. Everyone joins the military for different reasons, Ruskan said. But for rescue swimmers, thats what we do. Rescue swimmer school is tough for a reasonwhen push comes to shove, can you stay calm and strong so others may live? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruskan grew up at the Jersey Shore, where he spent six summers as a lifeguard. After college, he was working as an accountant in New York City when he realized office life wasnt for him. It wasnt my speed, he said. I wanted something active, hands-on, and near the water. The Coast Guard checked all the boxesand the only job I wanted was rescue swimmer. Even though he didnt have the collegiate swimming background many of his peers did, Ruskan pushed himself through the grueling training. Last November, he became a fully-trained rescue swimmer. His first mission came on July 4. That morning, Task Force One near San Antonio called for help as severe flooding threatened hundreds at Camp Mystic, a summer camp in the Texas Hill Country. From Coast Guard Station Corpus Christi, Ruskans crew launched into storms that repeatedly forced them to land and regroup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took us seven hours to get there, Ruskan said. The weather was brutal. Wed see a break in the radar, try to punch in, then get pushed back. But our pilots just kept finding ways to push forward. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer assigned to Air Station Corpus Christi, responded to flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country as part of a Coast Guard aircrew conducting search and rescue operations. (U.S. Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Perry Shirzad) Petty Officer 3rd Class Perry Shirzad When they arrived, the scene was chaotic. Helicopters from the Air National Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety were already working. When his crew reached Camp Mystic, they made a call: Ruskan would stay on the ground. As both a rescue swimmer and EMT, he could triage and comfort campers while freeing space on the helicopter for evacuees. The scene was overwhelming. Many of the girls were barefoot, still in pajamas, clutching stuffed animals. Their feet were cut on rocks as they tried to escape the rising water. I just did my best to make them feel safe, Ruskan said. He organized campers into safe zones, assessed injuries, and worked with Army National Guard helicopters to lift them out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, his crew flew to an isolated area and saved 15 people stranded with no other way out. That was true lives saved, Ruskan emphasized. Without them, those people wouldnt have made it. By the end of the mission, Ruskan was credited with assisting 165 lives. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Corpus Chrisi, after Ruskan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in Kerrville, Texas, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard/ Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Hillard) Since the rescue, Ruskan has been interviewed on national television and meritoriously promoted to Petty Officer Second Class by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Still, he deflects the spotlight. Im just a dude whos stoked to represent the Coast Guard, he said. The media attention has been a whirlwind, but at the end of the day, I was just doing my joband it was a team effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says he plans to stay in the service as long as the work feels meaningful. I told myself Id do this until it wasnt fun anymore. Its still fun. I love my job, I love the people I work with. And if someones in danger, they dont care how experienced you arethey just want to know the Coast Guard is coming to get them. And we willso others may live. Travis Ellis Troy campbell Mighty 25 Mighty 25: Travis Ellis & Troy Campbell are the shepherds for struggling veterans By Teal Yost James capers ask a marine Mighty 25 Mighty 25: Ask a Marine became one of James Capers lasting impacts By Teal Yost betty diaz mighty 25 Mighty 25 Mighty 25: Betty Diaz opens doors for veterans in media By Teal Yost austin carrigg mighty 25 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mighty 25 Mighty 25: Austin Carrigg, the Army spouse who built the support she didnt have By Teal Yost thom tran on stage mighty 25 Mighty 25 Mighty 25: Thom Tran heals himself and others through laughter By Teal Yost When Troy Campbell and Travis Ellis first met in 2012, neither could have predicted the movement they were about to launch. One was a Marine stationed near Atlanta, the other a businessman and community leader. Their paths crossed through the Cobb County Chamber of Commerces Honorary Commanders program, which pairs military leaders with local business and political figures to foster understanding of national defense and its impact on the community. Ellis said the program changed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can fly people on aircraft, we can get them on Navy ships, but the greatest asset we have is the men and women who wear the uniform. I wanted leaders to see that firsthand. The two quickly became friends, bonded by fitness, service, and a shared drive to live with purpose. That friendship soon evolved into a mission. Through the program, Campbell and Ellis visited the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, home to the SHARE Military Initiative. SHARE provides world-class rehabilitation for service members with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was blown away, Campbell said. Hearing directly from clients and seeing the impactit was life-changing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Ellis, it hit even closer to home. A close friend went through SHARE. He told me this program saved his life. Without it, he wouldnt be here. That was all I needed to hear. Both men were already active in endurance events and saw an opportunity to combine fitness with advocacy. They launched Shepherds Men, a volunteer group committed to raising awareness and funds for SHARE. Their first challenge: a run from Atlanta to the Marine Corps Memorial in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they stopped at firehouses, VFW halls, and American Legion posts, spreading the word about SHARE and encouraging veterans to seek help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal was simple, Campbell said. We wanted veterans to know: If youre struggling, theres a place in Atlanta saving lives. For Ellis, Shepherds Men also filled a gap. With a family lineage of military service dating back to the French and Indian War, not serving himself had always weighed on him. Meeting Troy was part of a divine plan, Ellis said. Shepherds Men gave me a way to serveby building awareness, raising resources, and tearing down the stigma around mental health care. Since 2014, Shepherds Men has raised more than $12.5 million for SHAREall through volunteer-led efforts. Just as important, their message has helped break down the barriers that prevent veterans from seeking care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, the mantra was put your head down and press on, Ellis said. Admitting you needed help was seen as weakness. That mindset has cost too many lives. By raising awareness, weve helped men and women reclaim purpose and move forward. Campbell says Shepherds Men is about more than writing checks. When veterans join us at events, they find purpose again. And when donors meet the people their support impacts, it becomes real. Thats what keeps us going. Now in its second decade, Shepherds Men continues to expand its voice. Their mission is focused on TBIthe signature but often overlooked injury of post-9/11 wars. SHARE remains one of the few programs in the country offering comprehensive treatment at no cost to veterans or their families. Whats next is figuring out how to reach even more veterans, Ellis said. If youre struggling, please know that you dont have to fight this alone. There is a place that can help. The alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by a Moroccan migrant has sparked a violent backlash in Spain. The suspect is accused of attacking the teenager in a park near the First Reception Centre, which processes migrants in Madrid. After the alleged rape, a pair of hooded men attacked two migrant children and an accompanying adult near the centre. One child required hospital treatment and has since been discharged. Police have launched an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francisco Martin, the representative of the Socialist-led national government in the Madrid region, condemned the violence, saying that hate speech ultimately manifests itself in hate crimes. Francisco Martin, a member of the Socialist-led national government, condemned the violence - Europa Press News/Getty The arrested migrant is being detained in a closed juvenile prison while investigations continue. The conservative regional government of Isabel Ayuso said she would request that the suspect be included in a group of 37 migrant minors deemed ill-adapted who risk repatriation. That drew an angry response from the central governments ruling Left-wing coalition, which accused Ms Ayuso and her Popular Party of appeasing the populist Right-wing Vox party over an individual criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Martin said: Madrid has recorded 256 rapes this year, yet only this case elicits such political zeal... It is unacceptable to criminalise vulnerable populations. Vox has called for a demonstration at the centre. The sexual assault against a 14yearold in Hortaleza is a consequence of the progressive consensus embodied by both the Socialist party and the Popular Party, said Javier Ortega Smith, Voxs spokesperson in Madrid. This disastrous policy of open borders... allows violence to become widespread in neighbourhoods hosting these reception centres. Credit: Allle944/TikTok | Ideal.es Police boosted security at the centre on Monday, with police vehicles and about 10 officers stationed at the entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tensions come just weeks after riots erupted in Torre Pacheco, Murcia, over the alleged assault by three North African youths of a 68-year-old local man. Videos and social media posts spread false claims and fuelled calls to hunt migrants in the towns San Antonio neighbourhood, home to many migrant agricultural workers. Police arrested several suspects and prosecutors opened investigations into hate speech and incitement. The issue of migrant children has prompted heated political debate in Spain. There has been stiff local resistance against reception centres for unaccompanied minors amid concerns of overcrowding, safety and the strain on local services. Madrid has complained to the national government of being forced to shoulder a disproportionate burden. Ms Ayuso has said she is taking the government to court over the unfair quota of migrant minors. Civil unrest emerged in Murcia after the alleged assault of a 68-year-old local man - Olmo Blanco/Getty Tensions in Spain are similar to those seen in the UK since July 13 after an asylum seeker was charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. His trial began last week and is due to conclude this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that the Home Office could continue to house migrants at the Bell Hotel. On Monday, Epping Forest district council revealed it was seeking to appeal the courts decision to overturn an injunction granted by the High Court, which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from living at the hotel. On Tuesday, a man who admitted violent disorder after a demonstration outside the hotel housing asylum seekers was warned by a judge that he will likely be jailed. Martin Peagram, 33, of Loughton in Essex, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court to violent disorder outside the Bell Hotel on July 17. He will be sentenced next month. 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. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved sending up to 600 military lawyers to the Justice Department to serve as temporary immigration judges, according to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press. The military will begin sending groups of 150 attorneys both military and civilians to the Justice Department as soon as practicable and the military services should have the first round of people identified by next week, according to the memo, dated Aug. 27. The effort comes as the Trump administration cracks down on immigration across the country, ramping up arrests and deportations. Immigration courts also already are dealing with a massive backlog of roughly 3.5 million cases that has ballooned in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, numerous immigration judges have been fired or left voluntarily after taking deferred resignations offered by the administration, according to their union. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers said in July that at least 17 immigration judges had been fired without cause in courts across the country. That has left about 600 immigration judges, union figures show, meaning the Pentagon move will double their ranks. The move is being done at the request of the Justice Department, and the memo noted that the details will initially last no more than 179 days but can be renewable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the move, a DOJ spokesperson referred questions about the plan to the Defense Department. Pentagon officials directed questions to the White House. A White House official said Tuesday that the administration is looking at a variety of options to help resolve the significant backlog of immigration cases, including hiring additional immigration judges. The official said the matter should be a priority that everyone including those waiting for adjudication can rally around. Roughly $460,000 is returning to city coffers after officials became aware in July someone was impersonating Scherrer Construction, a company involved in the $38 million revamp of the public library on North King Drive. The fraudsters were able to trick comptroller office staff into changing the account that received the funds. The office's typical security measure asks people to supply a bank letter verifying the information given, but that was forged as well. The only indication that the construction company was being impersonated was the email address from a .us website domain, not the usual .com, said Bill Christianson, Milwaukee's comptroller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To have (the funds) in hand this week is quite remarkable, Christianson said. The thwarted fraud allows the city to pay a $460,866 invoice to Scherrer Construction for its work on the Milwaukee Public Library's Martin Luther King Branch reconstruction project. The event has also prompted a strengthening of the city's comptroller office's anti-fraud measures. It was in early August that the office became aware of the fraud, which took place in mid-July. Two days after becoming aware of it, Christianson met with the police, who were pessimistic on whether the city would be able to get its money back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt have very high prospects for it, Christianson said. Milwaukee Comptroller Bill Christianson But less than two weeks later, the detectives called him and said the money was on its way back. The fraudsters bank had frozen the account and was able to return it to the citys account. Police Detective Chad Vartanian and Detective Tony Castro of the Financial Crimes Unit led the investigation, Christianson said. The suspects of the fraud are believed to be overseas, a Milwaukee Police Department spokesperson said in an email. "The Milwaukee Police Department is proud of the diligent work of our members," the email said. "MPD continues to investigate to hold these individuals accountable." Fraud exposes system weakness, prompts changes Christianson said an internal review was ongoing regarding the incident, but he believed the incident to represent a flaw in the offices systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the fraud occurred, the office has implemented stronger measures to prevent it in the future. Those include making people verify old account information when requesting a change and requiring comptroller office staff to speak with a vendors representative on the phone to finalize an account change. We are doing everything we can to make sure that this does not happen again, Christianson said. The discovery of the fraud also prompted a review of the departments past payments. A smaller fraudulent payment was discovered from 2024, but Christianson said it was still being actively investigated and could not speak on it at length. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police recover roughly $460,000 in thwarted fraud against the city ST. LOUIS A minor was reportedly injured following a shooting that happened in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood Monday evening. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), the shooting incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the 5500 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard. Police say an adult took the juvenile to a nearby Crown Mart gas station for help. The minor has now been listed in stable condition, according to SLMPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown how the minor was shot, but SLMPD has reported that another adultin regard to the shootingis not cooperating with investigators. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. NEED TO KNOW Monica Islam was found dead at a Florida intersection after briefly vanishing in May Police have obtained an arrest warrant against her brother-in-law Shahidul Islam in relation to the homicide after he was previously accused of pointing a gun at her in December Authorities allege her husband Rashedul Islam fled the country soon after her killing Authorities in Florida have issued an arrest warrant against a man months after his missing sister-in-law was found dead. The victim, Monica Islam, briefly disappeared from Eustis, Fla., before her body was found at an intersection in nearby Mount Dora on May 2, Click Orlando, FOX 35 and WESH reported, citing Lake County authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her death was ruled a homicide, and the cause was determined to be a gunshot wound. The Lake County Sheriff's Office has now announced that they have obtained an arrest warrant in relation to the homicide against her brother-in-law Shahidul Islam, the outlets reported. Shahidul, who has been in custody of immigration officials since May 6, will be transported to Lake County once that proceeding is settled, Lake County authorities said, per the outlets. Monica, 44, was last seen leaving the Shell gas station where she worked as a cashier, according to Click Orlando and FOX 35. Her daughter Rimi Islam said at the time that Monica did not have any animosities with anyone, FOX 35 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, police claim the investigation has revealed that Monica's husband Rashedul Islam and his brother Shahidul Islam were involved in an alleged domestic violence incident with her in December 2024, FOX 35 and WESH reported. Shahidul allegedly struck Monica and stole her jewelry and paperwork for property in her native Bangladesh, the Lake County Sheriff's Office discovered, per the two outlets. In the same incident, Shahidul allegedly pointed a gun at her, investigators said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Rashedul allegedly fled the United States before an arrest warrant for him could be obtained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shahidul, who had previously been deported, was arrested on May 6 in New York by the U.S. Marshals Service. He is awaiting extradition to Lake County once his immigration matters are complete. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe discusses the 2025 legislative session with reporters in his Capitol office on May 16 (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent). The son of a Republican lawmaker is suing Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe alleging his First Amendment rights were violated when Kehoe preemptively declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in anticipation of what turned out to be peaceful protests against the Trump administration across the state and nation in June. Lucas Cierpiot, a disability-rights activist from Blue Springs, said he felt intimidated by the governors actions and too unsafe to attend any No Kings protests on June 14. His lawsuit alleges the order violated Cierpiots right to free speech, free assembly and association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also was an act of discrimination based on disability, Cierpiot contends, since those with vision impairments would be uniquely vulnerable to projectile weapons fired by crowd control troops. Ciepriot is legally blind in one eye. It was an abuse of process to declare a false emergency when a true emergency did not exist, Cierpoit writes in his lawsuit. When Kehoe issued the order, there were no protests occurring anywhere in Missouri at all, and certainly not any that were un-peaceful. A spokeswoman for Kehoe declined comment on the pending lawsuit, instead pointing to the governors June 12 statement when he declared the state of emergency. We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, Kehoe said at the time, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days before scheduled protests in June, Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-25, activating the Missouri National Guard as a precautionary measure to protect against events that are occurring or could occur. The move was denounced by the ACLU of Missouri as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent and by House Minority Leader Ashley Aune as a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights. A day after issuing the order, Kehoe announced that he would be leaving the country during the state of emergency for a long-planned trade mission to Europe. Thousands gathered that Saturday at protests in cities and towns across the state, as well as around the steps of the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City. The weekend protests were peaceful and came and went without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters demonstrated throughout the U.S. that day as President Donald Trump hosted a military parade in Washington on his birthday. The coordinated events followed Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Demonstrators spoke against Trumps immigration crackdowns and dismissals of federal workers. Cierpiot was not among the protesters. He writes that he originally planned to attend, given his history of advocating for civil, constitutional and anti-discrimination rights of persons with blindness, low-vision and/or diseases of the eye. But Cierpiot said the governors order and the activation of the National Guard prevented him from participating in the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kehoe issuing this escalatory false emergency declaration represented a very real threat to plaintiffs safety, the lawsuit says, adding that Cierpiot was not afraid of anything related to the protests themselves and only felt unsafe due to the possibility of police or military response. Rubber bullets, pepper spray and tear gas, Cierpiot says in the suit, are a significant threat to a patriot with low-vision and/or diseases of the eye, threatening the permanent loss of what remaining vision plaintiff does have as a price of exercising free speech. Cierpiot whose father is state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lees Summit Republican is currently representing himself in the lawsuit, which was filed in Jackson County. He said in an email to The Independent that he is in the process of interviewing attorneys. Last year, Cierpiot garnered headlines after filing a formal complaint accusing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey of violating the rules of professional conduct for lawyers. The complaint focused on campaign contributions and accused Bailey of using his office for his personal political benefit. The Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel declined to investigate the complaint, leading Cierpiot to request the Missouri Supreme Court intervene. The court declined to get involved and the ethics complaint was dismissed. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has released its annual Labor Day holiday report, which shows five traffic deaths and one drowning in Missouri. MSHPs statistics cover the Labor Day holiday from 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, Sept. 1. MSHP says there were five fatalities from traffic incidents over the Labor Day weekend, including one fatality in southwest Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Aug. 30, a 52-year-old man from Clarkton, Missouri, died when the motorcycle he was driving drove off a dead-end road and landed in a ditch in New Madrid County. On Saturday, Aug. 30, a 48-year-old female pedestrian from Excelsor Springs, Missouri, died while walking on Missouri 291 and being hit by a vehicle in Clay County. On Sunday, Aug. 31, a 46-year-old man from Bunker, Missouri, died after his vehicle left the road, overturned and ejected him 10 miles east of Bunker. On Sunday, Aug. 31, a 42-year-old male pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Missouri 364 near Jungerman in St. Charles County. On Monday, Sept. 1, a 16-year-old male from Bentonville, Arkansas, died after a UTV he was driving overturned on private property in McDonald County. Here are the total 2025 traffic statistics from MSHP: Crashes 222 Injuries 104 Fatalities 5 DWI 100 Drug Arrests 14 MSHP also reported three boating accidents during the Labor Day weekend that caused four injuries in total. They also reported one drowning at the Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old man from Glenwood, Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the total 2025 boating statistics from MSHP: Crashes 3 Injuries 4 Fatalities 0 BWI 9 Drownings 1 The six fatalities in 2025 are down from 2024s Labor Day holiday period, where there were seven traffic fatalities, two boating fatalities and one drowning, according to MSHP statistics. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Missouri State University is rolling out a pilot program this year called Bears Share, which aims to tackle food insecurity among its students and reduce food waste. Missouri State University says the Bears Share program will provide leftover food from campus events and meetings to students in a timely manner, benefiting those with food insecurity and promoting sustainability. The program works through organizers submitting a Microsoft form that will automatically notify enrolled users of leftover food when a campus event ends. In the notification, organizers will share where the food is, what type of food is available, and the events end time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will have 20 minutes to get a serving with their own containers or containers provided by the office of the president. Missouri State University highlights upcoming safety app for students this year Working in the dean of students office, I meet many students who face challenges that make college especially difficult, said Ellen Currie, coordinator of student care and support, in a news release. One of the first students I worked with shared they couldnt remember the last time they had a hot meal. That really stuck with me. Eating is something many of us take for granted, but it can be a daily struggle for some students. I could not be more excited about Bears Share and the way it supports our students, builds community and helps reduce food waste across campus. A 2020 U.S. Department of Education National Postsecondary Student Aid study found that 23% of undergraduate students and 12% of graduate students deal with food insecurity each year. Food insecurity can cause negative effects in students besides hunger, such as stress, poorer mental health, disrupted sleep and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri State Students registered with the Bear Pantry are piloting the program, but it may expand in the future, the university says. Students who want to receive Bear Share notifications can sign up through the Bear Pantry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Hundreds gathered at the state Capitol on Monday asking Gov. Tim Walz to call a special legislative session to ban assault weapons on the heels of a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School last week that killed two children and injured 18 children and adults. No one should be scared to go to school out of fear of being shot. Our schools should be where our dreams are shaped, not our nightmares, said Timberlyn Mazeikis, a former Michigan State University student who survived a mass shooting on campus there in 2023 and now is a volunteer leader with the Students Demand Action group at the University of Minnesota. Minnesota lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, must act to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, Mazeikis said. Thats why we are at the Capitol today: to ask Gov. Walz to call a special session on public safety and demand our politicians prioritize our safety over the gun lobbys interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz announced last week that he was planning to call state lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session to do just that in response to Wednesdays shooting in Minneapolis. Walz and fellow Democratic-Farmer-Labor leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, have advocated for policies including a ban on semiautomatic rifles and a magazine capacity limit. Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are most frequently used in mass shootings and have greater destructive impact than standard handguns, said Minnesota Youth, the group that hosted Mondays rally. These weapons were designed for the battlefield, not our schools, churches or city streets. Investigators say the high-powered rifle used in the Minneapolis shootings was a semiautomatic. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara told reporters Thursday that the 5.56 mm rifle fired 116 rounds in less than four minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans generally oppose new gun control legislation, so passage of any bill will require bipartisan support. Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, told the Pioneer Press last week that Walz call for a special session was a partisan stunt. Republicans are committed to addressing the root causes of violence, supporting safe schools and increasing access to mental health resources, Johnson said. Calling for a special session without even consulting legislative leaders is not a serious way to begin. A coalition of gun prevention groups showed up at the Monday rally including the state chapter of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, Protect Minnesota, Brady Northland, Brady Uniteds state chapter and the state chapter of the Giffords gun owner caucus, organizers said. At least nine out of the 10 mass shooting incidents with the most casualties since 2015 involved at least one firearm equipped with a high-capacity magazine and the use of at least one assault weapon, said a spokesperson for Minnesota Youth. When the U.S. had a federal assault weapons ban on the books, it worked. State-level assault weapon bans are associated with a lower likelihood of an active shooter event. Not only are laws prohibiting assault weapons constitutional, these policies are effective and they save lives. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China grabbed the worlds attention this weekend. Much of the commentary was centered on the presence of Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited China for the first time in seven years. Photographs from Tianjin showed Modi with Chinas Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. This prompted two lines of narrative. The first was that Modi, stung by President Donald Trumps imposition of steep tariffs on India exports to the U.S., was pivoting toward China: Trump had pushed an American friend into the arms of Americas enemy. The second was that Modis arrival in Tianjin signaled the emergence of a new global allianceled by China, supported by Russia and Indiaagainst the U.S. My view: Both of these conclusions are too hasty, and fail to reckon with the cold economic and geopolitical reality that India cant afford to cut ties with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, theres no gainsaying that Trumps behavior toward India has been despicable. Theres credible reporting to suggest that the U.S. presidents imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports was in large part the product of spite. Having falsely claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan earlier this year, Trump wanted Modi to publicly express gratitudeand to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistans prime minister had done so, but Modi refused to play ball, infuriating Trump. The tariffs, accompanied by scornful rhetoric from Trump about Indias dead economy, made it hard for Modi to sustain a longstanding narrative that he had developed a special friendship with the American leader. For months, officials in New Delhi had been crowing that their prime minister was Trumps main man in Asia, and that the U.S. regarded India as an essential bulwark against China. Now, Trump has shown how little he cares for Modiand for India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is reasonable to assume that Modi might not have gone to Tianjin if the tariff negotiations had gone differently. For one thing, he has long regarded Xi with suspicion bordering on hostility, and had refrained from visiting Indias giant neighbor to demonstrate unhappiness at Chinas policies toward India. These include economic, military, and diplomatic support for Pakistan and aggressive claims on Indian territory, accompanied by land grabs and clashes along the border. For another, Modi would not have relished having to rub shoulders with many of the other attendees, such as Pakistans Shehbaz Sharif and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan; the latter was recently denounced by New Delhi for taking sides with Islamabad during the India-Pakistan mini war in February. Most of the countries represented at the summit were represented by autocrats of one or other descriptionsuch as Irans Masoud Pezeshkian and Belaruss Aleksandr Lukashenko. The presence of Indias prime minister provided some democratic gloss to this parade of pariahs. (Indonesias Prabowo Subianto was a late cancellation.) This served Xis egomuch more than a Nobel nomination would have sated Trumpsas well as his geopolitical ambitions. It would have pleased Putin, too, since the Russian leader could claim to have brought the Asian giants closer. In effect, Modi had gone from being Americas main man to playing third banana at Chinas banquet. No amount of mugging before the cameras in Tianjin could mask the comedown this represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean India is pivoting away from the U.S. in an eastwardly direction. The bald reality is that it simply cant afford to do so. Its the economy, stupid. Indias exports to the U.S., closing in on $90 billion annually, far exceed its exports to all the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, taken together. Xi and Putin can smile in Modis general direction, but they cant make up for the loss in export revenues that will result from Trumps tariffs. China and Russia want to sell more to India, not buy more from it. Its also the geopolitics, stupid. For all the talk of the Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant joining in an embrace, the fact remains that Beijing views New Delhi as a rivalmore like an uppity competitorin need of occasional smackdowns. China will remain Pakistans primary patron, and will continue to claim large swaths of Indian territory. Nor is India likely to walk away from military alliances with the U.S. and other Asian nations, alliances that Beijing regards as unfriendly but New Delhi views as existential. For these reasons alone, Modi knows he cannot stray too far from Washingtons orbit. He will need to find a face-saving way to make up with Trump: Indias economy and security depend on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, Indian diplomats and lobbyists in Washington are working feverishly to engineer a rapprochement. They may have hoped that Trump would see those pictures of Modi grinning alongside Xi, and be alarmed at the prospect of losing an American friend. Fat chance: Trumps reaction to Modis trip to Tianjin has been scornful, claiming that India is offering to drop all tariffs on American goods. None of this will be lost on Xi. Ever the geopolitical realist, the Chinese president will know Modis presence at his banquet was opportunistic at best, and doesnt indicate the start of a beautiful friendship. He must know, too, that without India his grand alliance against the U.S. and the West is a non-starter. The likes of Indonesia and Turkey will always be careful to keep a foot in both camps. When Modi has made up with Trump, Xi will be left with Putin and the other pariahs. Contact us at letters@time.com. NEED TO KNOW Maureen Slough, 58, told her family she was going on vacation with a friend. However, she actually traveled alone to Switzerland to end her life with assisted suicide Her daughter, Megan Royal, opened up about the devastating moment she learned of her mothers death via text message Royal and her family are now looking for answers as to how Slough was able to move forward with assisted suicide without their knowledge A daughter is opening up about the chilling way she learned that her mother traveled to Switzerland to end her life without their familys knowledge. On July 8, Maureen Slough a 58-year-old from Cavan, Ireland told her family she was going on vacation to Lithuania with a friend. However, she confided in two friends that she was actually traveling alone to Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day, her daughter Megan Royal was contacted by one of her mothers friends with concerns about her real plans. A close friend of hers messaged me on the Wednesday night, possibly at like 10 p.m. I was in bed with the baby, Royal, a mom of two, recalled to the Irish Independent. He just replied like, Your moms in Switzerland. Hes like, You have a right to know. I was sworn to secrecy. Shes there and she wants assisted suicide. I was so scared in that moment. Royal said she immediately called her dad, who tried to contact her mother in Switzerland. She said Slough ultimately promised that she would return home. However, the following day around 1 p.m. she received a text message on WhatsApp informing her that her mother had died. What was worse was not only did I get the text on WhatsApp, they had advised me that her ashes would be posted to me in 6-8 weeks, she said. In that very moment, because I was alone, I just sat there with the baby and cried I just felt like my world ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal explained that the text message came from Pegasos, an assisted dying nonprofit organization in Liestal, Switzerland. She learned that Slough had quietly filed an application and paid 15,000 to end her life. Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since 1942, according to Dignity in Dying, a British organization. It's different from euthanasia which is illegal because the patients themselves administer prescribed drugs to end their lives, rather than a doctor. 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. Following Sloughs death, her family is now looking for answers as to how the assisted suicide happened without their knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal described her mother as a fiery, smart and dedicated woman. However, she told the outlet that Slough had a long history of mental illness and even had a past suicide attempt while struggling to cope with the deaths of her two younger sisters. Maureen Slough/Facebook Maureen Slough Maureen Slough The family had tried to get her help through the difficult time. No ones saying she wasnt feeling pain. Not pain good enough to go and end her life. She had a lot more life to live and give, Royal told the outlet. She was just in a dark time. She wasnt terminally ill or, in my opinion, ill enough to go and do this and leave our family behind like that. In the weeks following her mothers assisted suicide, Royal said she learned more details about the moments leading up to her decision to end her life with Pegasos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pegasos did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. The nonprofit told both Royal and the Irish Independent that Slough went through an extensive assessment prior to her death, including an independent psychiatric evaluation confirming that she was of sound mind. Pegasos said Slough informed them of her history and stated repeatedly that she was suffering with unbearable chronic pain. According to the outlet, they received a letter from Royal stating that she was informed of her mothers decision and although she didnt agree, she accepted it. The organization said the daughter was contacted directly via email to confirm the authenticity of the letter and Royal ultimately responded to confirm as well as apologize that she could not accompany her mother to Switzerland. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! However, Royal and her family believe Slough created the email herself and responded on behalf of her daughter. Shes now questioning Pegasos verification process, wondering why they didnt use the provided WhatsApp number to call her rather than confirm authenticity via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all just a confusing story, Royal told the outlet. It wasnt even my email. With anything these days, 99% of things you settle you get a call to your phone. So why is it not like this when youre about to lose your life? If I want to set up a Roblox account for my 8-year-old I have to verify it on my phone. People are saying to me, At least you didnt find her in a bad way over here. Well, it was just as bad to me, she continued. Royal claims, She was in and out in two days and that was the end of their communication with me. Not even a condolence letter with her urn. Not even a fragile sticker on the box, just bounced around the back of a post van. Royal says that her uncle, Philip, Sloughs brother, is a solicitor in the UK and hes written to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK, asking it to investigate their family's case with Swiss authorities. In the letter, he claimed the Pegasos failed to follow its own policy of informing family. While I understand that Swiss law permits assisted dying, the Pegasos clinic has faced numerous criticisms in the UK for their practices with British nationals, and the circumstances in which my sister took her life are highly questionable, he wrote, Right to Life UK reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal said in early August that Sloughs ashes arrived with her family and by the end of the month, they arranged a funeral. Were going to bury her with her two sisters, she said, noting that shes still struggling with grief. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Read the original article on People Getty Images After filing a civil suit in hopes of pushing back against a smear campaign, a West Michigan school librarian is facing accusations of defamation for speaking out against a years-long dispute with a local parent affiliated with the far-right group, Moms for Liberty. In May, Lowell Area Schools Library Media Director Christine Beachler filed a civil suit against Stefanie Boone, whose children attend Lowell Area Schools, citing several false claims painting Beachler as a smut peddler, a pedophile and accusing her of providing pornography to children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beachlers case is one of many examples of libraries and librarians facing attacks from right-wing groups like Moms For Liberty who seek to purge books with racially-inclusive or LGBTQ+ content from shelves. While Beachler sought relief on the grounds that shed been portrayed in a false light, and that Boone had intentionally inflicted emotional distress, Boone has filed a counter complaint arguing Beachler used offensive and inappropriate language regarding Boone in her interviews, documentaries, and podcasts. The countersuit points to several comments Beachler made addressing the attacks against her, arguing Beachler intends to intimidate, threaten, harass, or annoy Boone and intends to discredit Boone through her own defamation campaign and to gain fame and notoriety. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the statements listed in the countersuit, Boone and her attorney, Matthew DePerno, disputed Beachlers remark on a podcast that she and Boone had never met, and remarks to WOOD TV that she had faced death threats as the result of Boones social media posts and that library books are optional. These are not required materials. These are not curriculum materials. Boone and DePerno have requested $250,000 in damages, alleging libel, slander and defamation; false light invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Boone has also filed a civil rights case against Beachler, the school district and several district employees in 2024 arguing they violated her parental rights. While the district and its employees have filed a motion to dismiss with the U.S. District Court Western District of Michigans Southern Division, the court has yet to rule on the motion. DePerno is running for attorney general following an unsuccessful bid in 2022. He is facing felony charges as part of an alleged scheme to access and tamper with voting machines following the 2020 election, which current President Donald Trump lost to former President Joe Biden. He is also facing three counts of professional misconduct before the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, according to a report from Bridge Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a response provided by her attorney, Beachler said she is aware of the counterclaims against her and that they have absolutely no merit. I look forward to addressing these ridiculous allegations through the court. In the interim, I remain focused on my work, Beachler said. Gov. Wes Moore, right, vowed at the outset of his term to end child poverty, but that pledge has run into the reality of budget cuts by President Donald Trump that critics say with hit the poorest Americans. (President Donald Trump from a White House screen shot; Gov. Wes Moore photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) On Feb. 1, 2023, Gov. Wes Moore (D), in his first state-of-the-state address, promised to make Maryland the first state to end child poverty. Maryland will lead the way, Moore said. The new governor likely never imagined that twice-impeached former President Donald Trump would return to the White House this year and begin what critics call a War on Children widespread federal spending cuts that threaten to push more children into poverty nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Moore made a new promise, saying, I am prepared to use every tool at my disposal to protect our people and minimize the fallout from these reckless policies. Moore campaigned for governor in 2022 with the slogan, Leave no one behind. He now uses it as a rallying cry to support those of all ages who might be hurt by Trump cuts. An estimated 174,000 Marylanders are at risk of losing food assistance, and 144,000 Marylanders may lose health coverage from Medicaid cuts, according to the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research group. Ben Orr, the centers chief executive officer, writes: While the numbers alone are staggering, behind those numbers are real people parents who wont be able to afford enough food for themselves and their children, families becoming homeless because they had to spend limited funds on healthcare or food instead of rent. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. In 2023, the most recent year with available data, there were about 142,000 Maryland children in poverty, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of children. The states child poverty rate stood at 11%, the national rate at 16%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poverty is complex, which helps explain why no state has ended it. Factors include low wages, lack of affordable housing, rising costs and underfunded government programs for the poor. In seeking to boost the economy and reduce federal fraud, waste, and abuse, Trump slashed grants, programs, departments, and agencies, many of which serve children, and fired tens of thousands of workers, many of them parents. On July 3, Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, packed with spending and tax cuts shifting wealth from the poor to the rich, from young to older won final congressional approval, prompting him to declare, its going to make this country into a rocket ship economically. Moore fired back that no state has the resources to fill the massive hole that Trumps measure will put in our social safety net. In June, he told WUSA that proposed cuts in food stamps, Medicaid and education would push about 76,000 of our children, our children, into poverty. And its all being done so we can give millionaires a tax cut! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 2023 state-of-the-state speech, Moore said, No group deserves our help more than the children of Maryland. In a state with the highest median income in the country, one in eight children lives in poverty. I know there will be skeptics, said Moore, a former head one of the nations largest anti-poverty organizations. But, he said, We can, and we will, end child poverty in the state of Maryland. Moore moved quickly on several fronts, including affordable housing, raising the state minimum wage, expanding the state child tax credit and earned income tax credit, and launching The ENOUGH Act Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households an effort to end concentrated child poverty while constructing strong communities. Orr says the governor made a lot of progress on child poverty in his first two years in office, though he now faces new challenges with Trump cuts atop a state budget deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to those cuts, Orr says, I certainly expect, when the data is in on the next couple of years, we will see an increase in child poverty in Maryland and the various ways harm is being done to Maryland families. Children are among the most vulnerable, given that those in poverty are less apt to graduate high school, and thus more likely to face joblessness, homelessness and other life problems, impacting their children and possibly grandchildren. A month after taking office, Moore told Baltimores WYPR public radio, I hope we can make enough of a dent in child poverty in his first term to justify reelection, and then, during a second term, which would begin in 2027, push toward finishing the job. Moores efforts in a second term may get a boost from the fact that Trumps second term is set to end on Jan. 20, 2029, and, with it, perhaps, an end to a War on Children. Rotary Play Park is about to receive a much-anticipated facelift, as more upgrades come to Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. The all-ages and all-abilities playground area within the park will close on Tuesday as crews begin a $5 million project to revamp the area that was created in honor of the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games. Its expected to remain closed for most of the next year, while crews install several new amenities. These include new swings and slides, a climbing tower, natural play areas, shaded seating and picnic areas, a group pendulum swing and wheelchair accessible spin carousel, among other things. Itll also have adaptive interpretive features for people with vision, hearing and communication disabilities. A concept rendering of what the updated Rotary Play Park within Liberty Park in Salt Lake City will look like when it's completed. The project is expected to be finished by mid-2026. | Salt Lake City Public Lands The features and new play area design were pieced together after the city collected feedback from over 1,700 residents from across the city and the surrounding area over the past few years, according to the Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project is about investing in a play space that welcomes every child and family, said Kim Shelley, the departments director, in a statement. This new design is a direct reflection of what we heard from residents. They asked for more nature, more shade, more adventure and a place where all kids feel seen and included. Were proud to deliver that. Funding for the project comes from two key sources. City officials drew $2 million from the $85 million general obligation bond for park improvements that residents approved in 2022 to cover part of the cost, while the rest comes from impact fees fees collected from new developments that are allocated for public benefits, such as parks. Families who typically bring their children to the play area are encouraged to use other playgrounds in the area until the project wraps up, which is expected to be in the summer of 2026. These include the Rice Pavilion Playground at the northeast corner of the park, at 600 E. 900 South, and Herman Franks Park, 1371 S. 700 East, which is directly southeast of Liberty Park. The project adds to the construction taking place at the popular 80-acre, 143-year-old city park. Construction on the new Seven Canyons Fountain dry art feature continues at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City on Thursday. The project is expected to be completed this fall. | Carter Williams, KSL.com A large area between the Rotary Play Park and Liberty Park Pond is currently fenced off while crews work to transform the old Seven Canyons Fountain built in 1993 as a fountain celebrating the countys creeks into a dry art feature. The city announced the new plan for the fountain in 2023, six years after it shut the water off to it amid maintenance issues and public health concerns raised by the county. That project is still on track to be completed by mid-October, according to the city. For those seeking a water feature north of the pond, the updated Rotary Play Park will include a new splash zone. LifeWise Academy, which got its start in northwest Ohio, expects to serve nearly 100,000 public school students across 1,100 schools in 34 states with free off-campus, privately funded, Bible-based education. Both the nonprofit and the concepts of released time religious instruction have expanded in recent years. (Photo courtesy of LifeWise Academy) In the past month or so, federal courts have dealt a string of blows to conservatives push for the biblical Ten Commandments to be posted in public schools. Yet as states lose over required religious displays, many are working on another route to faith-based education by allowing kids to attend off-campus religious instruction. This year, Iowa, Montana, Ohio and Texas passed laws guaranteeing parents the right to have their children excused during the school day for free, off-campus religious instruction, often called released time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those four states are the latest of at least 12 that require school districts to offer released time religious schooling upon parental request, including: Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. The released time approach may be more likely to pass constitutional muster than other government-imposed religious efforts, experts say, by shifting influence off school grounds and under the direction of faith-based groups rather than public school teachers, and by making it free to students. A 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Zorach v. Clauson allows for released time religious instruction as long as its off school property, privately funded and parent permitted. Not every family has access to private or parochial school, but for many generations families have been able to take their students out of school for a portion of the day for religious education if they choose, said Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based Christian nonprofit founded in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has been active in expanding its reach and lobbying lawmakers for stronger legislative support. This school year, LifeWise expects to serve nearly 100,000 public school students across 1,100 schools in 34 states, Jury said. The off-campus gatherings work the same way in most states: With parents approval, public school students sign out of school during a lunch, recess or study hall block. Students will either walk or ride one of the distinctive red LifeWise buses to a local church or a program-leased community building in town. And depending on state limitations for the religious instruction, for either a half or full hour, kids will learn about the Bible. When the allotted time is up, students go back to their public school to finish the day. In some states, students can earn academic credit for the off-campus instruction, which has been more controversial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Montana, for example, legislation that would have required school districts to develop policies for academic credit was amended to authorize a district to allow credit, after pushback from the states school boards and school administrators associations. School districts should have the autonomy to determine which external coursework aligns with the academic frameworks and whether such courses should be eligible for credit, Rob Watson, who represented the two groups at the legislature, said in his comments to a House committee in February. He noted the groups did not oppose the released time policy itself. Despite the changes, only one Democrat in the legislature voted yes. Montana GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law in May. Supporters had touted the academic credit option as a way to entice homeschooling families to consider public schools. In her interview with Stateline, Jury noted similar programs that accommodate Jewish, Muslim and Mormon faith-based teaching for public school students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether a person is religious or not, the Bible is widely recognized as one of the most influential books in history, Jury said. A lot of our Western culture was born out of ideas that come from the Bible, like the fact that every person is created equal, that we are to love our neighbor. Identical bill language The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, in August adopted model legislation about released time policies that state lawmakers can propose. ALECs proposal would allow from one to five hours per week of off-campus religious instruction and would require school districts to award academic credit if the course meets certain criteria. Districts would have to assess instruction based on secular standards and would not be allowed to test for particular religious content, according to the model legislation. Nearly identical language had already appeared in several state bills, including in North Carolina and West Virginia this year and in Mississippi in 2023. In North Carolina, LifeWise Academy registered with the secretary of states office in 2024, as reported by NC Newsline, and a released time bill was introduced in February. It was sent to committee but never moved ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills in Mississippi and West Virginia also stalled. Legislation that does become law earns praise from groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom, one of the nations most active legal organizations opposing abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Statements from Greg Chafuen, senior counsel for the nonprofits Center for Public Policy, say the new released time laws respect parents educational decisions and ensure parents are in the drivers seat when it comes to their kids education. An Indiana law lets high school students leave school for religious instruction each week for an amount of time equal to one elective course. Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee laws allow students to earn elective credit for released time religious instruction, though it cannot replace a core curriculum class. School boards can set standards for when such programs qualify for credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LifeWise operates in each of those states. Ten Commandment displays Jury, of LifeWise Academy, said her organization wants off-campus religious options for public school students to be available in all 50 states. Its important to note this is an option, and parents are the ultimate decision-makers in enrollment, she said. We would love to see every student in the United States have the option to attend a program like LifeWise if they want to and if their parents want them to. A lack of parental choice might be what trips up state efforts to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This is an option, and parents are the ultimate decision-makers in enrollment. Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy After Louisiana last year became the first state in recent decades to require that the Ten Commandments, a central tenet of the Judeo-Christian tradition, be displayed in school classrooms, bills followed in at least 15 other states. Two states Arkansas and Texas enacted laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for now, courts have blocked the mandates in all three states. In Texas, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery warned the displays are likely to pressure [children] into religious observance and undermine parents rights. In Arkansas, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks called the states requirement to post a specific version of the Ten Commandments plainly unconstitutional. The law is not neutral with respect to religion, he wrote. By design, and on its face, the statute mandates the display of expressly religious scripture in every public-school classroom and library. He also noted that the law requires that a specific version of that scripture be used, one that the uncontroverted evidence in this case shows is associated with Protestantism and is exclusionary of other faiths. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sep. 2In the past month or so, federal courts have dealt a string of blows to conservatives' push for the biblical Ten Commandments to be posted in public schools. Yet as states lose over required religious displays, many are working on another route to faith-based education by allowing kids to attend off-campus religious instruction. This year, Iowa, Montana, Ohio and Texas passed laws guaranteeing parents the right to have their children excused during the school day for free, off-campus religious instruction, often called "released time." Those four states are the latest of at least 12 that require school districts to offer released time religious schooling upon parental request, including: Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The released time approach may be more likely to pass constitutional muster than other government-imposed religious efforts, experts say, by shifting influence off school grounds and under the direction of faith-based groups rather than public school teachers, and by making it free to students. A 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Zorach v. Clauson allows for released time religious instruction as long as it's off school property, privately funded and parent permitted. "Not every family has access to private or parochial school, but for many generations families have been able to take their students out of school for a portion of the day for religious education if they choose," said Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based Christian nonprofit founded in 2018. The organization has been active in expanding its reach and lobbying lawmakers for stronger legislative support. This school year, LifeWise expects to serve nearly 100,000 public school students across 1,100 schools in 34 states, Jury said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off-campus gatherings work the same way in most states: With parents' approval, public school students sign out of school during a lunch, recess or study hall block. Students will either walk or ride one of the distinctive red LifeWise buses to a local church or a program-leased community building in town. And depending on state limitations for the religious instruction, for either a half or full hour, kids will learn about the Bible. When the allotted time is up, students go back to their public school to finish the day. In some states, students can earn academic credit for the off-campus instruction, which has been more controversial. In Montana, for example, legislation that would have required school districts to develop policies for academic credit was amended to "authorize" a district to allow credit, after pushback from the state's school boards and school administrators associations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "School districts should have the autonomy to determine which external coursework aligns with the academic frameworks and whether such courses should be eligible for credit," Rob Watson, who represented the two groups at the legislature, said in his comments to a House committee in February. He noted the groups did not oppose the released time policy itself. Despite the changes, only one Democrat in the legislature voted "yes." Montana GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law in May. Supporters had touted the academic credit option as a way to entice homeschooling families to consider public schools. In her interview with Stateline, Jury noted similar programs that accommodate Jewish, Muslim and Mormon faith-based teaching for public school students. "Whether a person is religious or not, the Bible is widely recognized as one of the most influential books in history," Jury said. "A lot of our Western culture was born out of ideas that come from the Bible, like the fact that every person is created equal, that we are to love our neighbor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Identical bill language The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, in August adopted model legislation about released time policies that state lawmakers can propose. ALEC's proposal would allow from one to five hours per week of off-campus religious instruction and would require school districts to award academic credit if the course meets certain criteria. Districts would have to assess instruction based on secular standards and would not be allowed to test for particular religious content, according to the model legislation. Nearly identical language had already appeared in several state bills, including in North Carolina and West Virginia this year and in Mississippi in 2023. In North Carolina, LifeWise Academy registered with the secretary of state's office in 2024, as reported by NC Newsline, and a released time bill was introduced in February. It was sent to committee but never moved ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bills in Mississippi and West Virginia also stalled. Legislation that does become law earns praise from groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom, one of the nation's most active legal organizations opposing abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Statements from Greg Chafuen, senior counsel for the nonprofit's Center for Public Policy, say the new released time laws respect "parents' educational decisions" and ensure "parents are in the driver's seat when it comes to their kids' education." An Indiana law lets high school students leave school for religious instruction each week for an amount of time equal to one elective course. Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee laws allow students to earn elective credit for released time religious instruction, though it cannot replace a "core curriculum" class. School boards can set standards for when such programs qualify for credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LifeWise operates in each of those states. Ten Commandment displays Jury, of LifeWise Academy, said her organization wants off-campus religious options for public school students to be available in all 50 states. "It's important to note this is an option, and parents are the ultimate decision-makers in enrollment," she said. "We would love to see every student in the United States have the option to attend a program like LifeWise if they want to and if their parents want them to." A lack of parental choice might be what trips up state efforts to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an option, and parents are the ultimate decision-makers in enrollment. Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy After Louisiana last year became the first state in recent decades to require that the Ten Commandments, a central tenet of the Judeo-Christian tradition, be displayed in school classrooms, bills followed in at least 15 other states. Two states Arkansas and Texas enacted laws. But for now, courts have blocked the mandates in all three states. In Texas, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery warned the displays "are likely to pressure [children] into religious observance" and undermine parents' rights. In Arkansas, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks called the state's requirement to post a specific version of the Ten Commandments "plainly unconstitutional." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law "is not neutral with respect to religion," he wrote. "By design, and on its face, the statute mandates the display of expressly religious scripture in every public-school classroom and library." He also noted that the law "requires that a specific version of that scripture be used, one that the uncontroverted evidence in this case shows is associated with Protestantism and is exclusionary of other faiths." Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at [email protected]. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Labor Day usually means cookouts and parades, but in Morgantown on Monday afternoon, it also meant horsepower, as dozens of car and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered to not only show off their wheels, but to raise money for a good cause. A 4th-generation (1999-2004) Ford Mustang GT (WBOY Photo) Triple S Harley-Davidson in Morgantown hosted their Labor Day Bike, Jeep & Car show early Monday afternoon. Several members of the community were in attendance, bringing out their best rides. From classic trucks to American muscle, all the way to a Lamborghini Gallardo, the automotive community was well represented at the show. A Lamborghini Gallardo (WBOY Photo) Of course, several modern and classic Harleys were on display, and we cant forget the Jeeps and their rubber ducks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was live music along with several vendors, contests, games, and giveaways. Winning Powerball ticket sold in West Virginia, but jackpot continues to grow The interior of a 1960s Ford Mustang (WBOY Photo) 12 News spoke with Triple S Harley-Davidsons Marketing & Events Coordinator, Alex Edwards, who said the company is just glad to be able to help give back to the community. Were super excited to be helping out with WVU Medicine Childrens. Theyre going to be going directly to the childrens hospital itself, helping with all those donations for the kids and the families to really make sure that everybody is well taken care of, Edwards said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All proceeds from the event went to help support WVU Medicine Childrens Hospital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A bowl of Queen Kisses lip balm is pictured. (Courtesy photo) Tamiqua Whittaker was inspired to launch her homemade cosmetics business while working full time in the dental field. Watching her patients struggle with dry lips during and after checkups inspired the Tulsa resident to develop her first homemade cosmetic product, an all-natural lip scrub. To ensure her products are safe and effective on different ages and skin types, she tests them on herself, her children and her husband. She also researches industry standards, and her background has taught her best practices in sterilization and how to prevent cross-contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building on the success of her lip balm, Whittaker created the brand Queen Kisses and scaled it up to a three-part lip restoration system that includes lip exfoliators, balms and a nighttime aloe mask consisting of less than five certified organic or locally sourced ingredients from makers or growers in Tulsa or surrounding areas. What sets my business apart is that I am a licensed dental professional who started this endeavor, so I have the experience and knowledge necessary for caring for such a sensitive and important part of your face, Whittaker said. Whittakers lip balms are a part of a quickly growing but largely under regulated sector in Oklahoma and nationally the handmade cosmetic industry. Queen Kisses cosmetic product are pictured. (Courtesy photo) The market for natural cosmetics in the United States is expected to grow by nearly 71% by 2030 and reach almost $1.1 billion, according to a 2024 analysis by the Chemical Abstracts Service. The group, which aims to connect scientific knowledge to accelerate breakthroughs, said more consumers are shunning mainstream products, which contain synthetic chemicals, in favor of natural, sustainable and customized products. The growth of social media has also opened up opportunities for small business owners to showcase and pitch their homemade products to large numbers of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts, including the Food and Drug Administration, warn that the handmade cosmetic industry is a buyer-beware market for consumers. Because there is little state and federal oversight of the burgeoning industry, they acknowledge that some homemade cosmetics could be misbranded or contaminated because they dont have to be approved before use. An FDA spokesperson said the federal agency does not approve cosmetics before they are sold but does regulate them after they become available on the market. The FDA does not provide specific resources or educational programs for small or home-based cosmetic producers, an agency spokesperson said. As a regulatory agency, our priority with regard to cosmetics is ensuring that products are unadulterated and properly labeled. In Oklahoma, the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering is responsible for the protection and education of consumers who perform cosmetology services. The agency provides proper training for applicants and requires them to pass a written and practical examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a consumer has a complaint about a business or product, they can submit it to the state board. The complaint will then be reviewed and acted upon if necessary. The agency did not comment about how it regulates handmade cosmetics. Whittaker, though, said the state board primarily leaves regulation to the FDA, and its up to small business owners to stay abreast of the latest compliance regulations and requirements. She supports the current regulatory levels because she might not have been able to grow her home brand from nothing if the state had more stringent regulations. LaVonda Robinson, owner of Growing Hands LLC, is pictured. (Courtesy photo) Too many regulations could make the entrepreneurship dream a bit more of a reach for those aspiring, Whittaker said. Too many regulations ensure certain (items and ingredients) are unobtainable by us common folk capable of creating our own success, and even further limit options for those of us brave enough to attempt entrepreneurship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she acknowledged there are bad actors in her industry, which local and state agencies struggle to regulate. Thats really a Catch-22 answer, Whittaker said. Too many regulations hurt us honest business owners, but not enough creates issues for consumers. Ken Marenus, president and CEO of the Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors, said the industry is oversaturated with personal care brands, and small businesses often struggle to find ways to stand out. But the growing competition hasnt deterred LaVonda Robinson, an entrepreneur and CEO of Growing Hands LLC. My passion and happiness in my job is seeing the hair grow back and remain healthy, she said. Robinson, of Tulsa, creates hair growth oils that are tailored to meet specific needs of each of her clients because there wasnt one specific product on the market that could accommodate them all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to make a product that was safe and that helped maintain that natural, healthy look and feel, she said. Robinson said there are plenty of similar products being marketed as healthy and effective, and while shes sure about the safety of her product, she isnt as confident about others on the market. (My) question is, Are they really safe, and do they really work? she said. Editors note: This story was produced through a reporting partnership between Oklahoma Voice and the University of Central Oklahomas journalism program. There are no words for the latest movie aiming to be the quintessential Detroit flick, Motor City. Well, almost, sort of. The action film, which had its world premiere Aug. 30 at the Venice Film Festival and arrives Sept. 4 at the Toronto International Film Festival, has critics buzzing about its nearly complete lack of dialogue. There are five or four or three lines of hearable dialogue, depending on whom you ask. Potsy Ponciroli, the director of "Motor City," which will be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Youve heard of silent movies? This is a loud movie, except that it does away with words, opined the Wrap in its early festival review from Italy. That leaves room for lots of quiet glowering and for a bunch of grunts, groans, thuds, thwacks, oofs, crunches, screams, explosions and assorted nasty sounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadline called it a dazzling demonstration of how well filmmakers and their audiences understand the vocabulary of cinema and of genre cinema in particular. In other words, practically no words necessary. As the home of muscle cars, Detroit knows something about speaking softly and carrying a big engine. Why use dialogue when sheer, raw muscle will do? Motor City stars Alan Ritchson of Amazon Prime Video's popular series Jack Reacher as an autoworker named John Miller who is targeted by a drug dealer (Ben Foster) and a crooked policeman (Pablo Schreiber). Framed and put in prison, John emerges out for revenge and ready to reunite with fiancee he was been ripped apart from, Sophia (Shailene Woodley). The story is set in 1970s Detroit, but the Motor City is played by New Jersey (which, unlike Michigan, has a film incentives program). The entire movie contains about five lines of dialogue. But it has enough fight scenes to fill entire seasons of Starsky & Hutch, The Streets of San Francisco, Kojak and other 70s era action dramas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the slang of that landline era, it sounds totally off the hook. In a statement to the Venice Film Festival, "Motor City" director Potsy Ponciroli explained that he set out to make a visual experience that is kinetic, immersive, and designed to be felt as much as seen. Wrote Ponciroli: The absence of words allowed us to lean fully into the physical language of the characters. The score, pacing, sound design and music drive the emotional and narrative momentum. The result is a high octane experience where tension builds with precision on a very sonic level. The score, peppered with rock classics like Fleetwood Macs The Chain", was curated by Detroit alt-rock icon Jack White, according to the Toronto festival. TIFF's description of Motor City calls it a cinematic symphony of muscle cars, gunfire, and heartbreak. Alan Ritchson in a scene from the movie "Motor City". The film is on the market for a distribution deal to bring it to multiplexes. Prospects seem good that someone will sign on the dotted line during or soon after the Toronto event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not surprisingly, those involved in "Motor City" hope it will be more than just an art-house experiment. As Ritchson told Variety recently. "Obviously, its a huge choice to not rely on dialogue, but I want this to be commercial. I want everybody to enjoy this and it not just to be for a tiny niche audience. And I think we did it. Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Motor City' has barely any dialogue, but has film critics buzzing MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) This Labor Day, around 100 demonstrators gathered for a Honk and Wave protest in Morgantown, situated just outside of the Coliseum and organized by Mountaineers Indivisible Citizen Action. Mountaineers Indivisible officials said this was a part of national Labor Day protests with the theme Workers Over Billionaires. Demonstrators protested the Big Beautiful Bill Act and other actions taken by President Trump and his administration, such as Medicaid cuts, SNAP cuts and tariffs, saying that they will make life harder for working Americans. Photo of protestors with Mountaineers Indivisible during a Honk and Wave rally in Morgantown on Labor Day 2025 (WBOY image) 12 News first reported on Mountaineers Indivisible in March. A couple of protesters who spoke to 12 News at Mondays demonstration had comments about what keeps them wanting to raise their voice even after the Big Beautiful Bill Act had been passed. Protester Richard Dennis said Mountaineers Indivisible would like to see the effects of the act undone and the flipping of the House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats probably a major goal for everyone in this group, to return our countrys policies, both nationally and internationally, back to a rule of law approach, Dennis said. Winning Powerball ticket sold in West Virginia, but jackpot continues to grow Protester Cynthia Fox had similar sentiments about needing to stand up against the presidents actions, which she called authoritarian. She said that she sees the actions of major law firms and media companies as appeasing to President Trump, and that the protest takes the opposite stance. We cant lay down and die, Fox said. Appeasement doesnt work against people who want to be autocrats. Standing up to them does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to its website, Mountaineers Indivisible plans on holding several events throughout the month, including marching in the Monongalia County Fair Parade. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As children lined up outside Browning School on the first day of classes for Milwaukee Public Schools on Sept. 2, 7-year-old Caleb Harris danced to the "Macarena" playing over a school speaker. Away from the gaggle of cameras around the governor and other visiting officials, he was excited to get back to his favorite subject, math. In a school district where many students switch schools over the years, Calebs mother, Rajanay Jones, said she plans to stay with Browning and is sending her younger child there, too. Considering that my child needs extra attention, they were very open with what they have here available, and real helpful, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school was chosen for this year's red-carpet treatment for the first day of school, with children entering the building past cowbell-ringing officials including Gov. Tony Evers, state Superintendent Jill Underly and Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. State officials have been particularly involved in MPS throughout the last school year, as they've overseen MPS' completion of overdue financial reports and ordered outside reviews of MPS operations. Evers and Underly had only praise for the district Sept. 2, noting progress under Cassellius. MPS has been a great partner," Underly said. "Were really optimistic and very excited for this year." Browning, which serves students through fifth grade on the north side of the city, has been spared from recent facilities problems at MPS. Constructed in 2003, it wasnt among the majority of MPS schools that needed to be cleared of lead-paint hazards. It also wasnt among those with flooding damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven miles across town, another MPS school had to delay its start date by a day. Already dealing with flood damage, Riverside University High School was also working to clean up a chemical spill. Cassellius said mercury had spilled from old thermometers. MPS unprecedented undertaking this year to address problems in its aging buildings, which will include considerations of closing some schools, is one of several fronts where families could see major changes as the school year unfolds. Theres a new administration: locally and federally MPS is entering the school year under a new local superintendent and a new federal administration. Cassellius joined the district in March with a jumble of immediate challenges. It was less than a year after former Superintendent Keith Posley resigned amid public outrage over the district missing critical financial reporting deadlines. Cassellius inherited a finance office that was still picking up the pieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also as Cassellius started the job, she faced a lead-paint crisis and soon fielded outside reports that found MPS was failing at key operations from human resources to consistency in academic programming. Cassellius has since recruited new leaders over operations, human resources, communications and academics. Shes brought in outside consultants to help the finance office fix its inefficient accounting systems, drawing praise from state officials. The district has a new academic plan and is working on a long-range facilities plan. Cassellius also started weeks after a judge ordered MPS to place Milwaukee police officers in its schools, following state legislation that was opposed by many community groups and school board members. This fall, Cassellius said there are 25 officers in the district's high schools. Cassellius' first moves havent been without criticism. The teachers union protested her decision to force over a hundred specialized staff to reapply for a smaller pool of their jobs or move into classroom teaching positions. It was a choice that Cassellius said filled almost 30 classroom teacher vacancies, while the union said it also caused some staff to leave the district and lowered morale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will also be the first full school year under the new Trump administration, which brings uncertainty to federal funding streams. While most school funding comes from state and local sources, about 8% of funding for Wisconsin schools comes from the federal government, according to state data. Some federal grants have already been lost, including a $10 million grant for Wisconsin school-based mental health programs, and a $3.3 million grant for training special education teachers at MPS. In both cases, federal officials objected to program materials they said related to diversity, equity and inclusion. A broader threat to federal funds came in June, when federal officials said funding for certain after-school programs and programs supporting migrant children could arrive late or be cut. That funding was later released. This spring, the federal government threatened to pull funding from states that wouldnt agree to end diversity, equity and inclusion practices it says are illegal. A federal judge this August ruled that threat was illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is also reshaping its approach to investigating civil rights violations, taking a stance that DEI programs have discriminated against white and Asian students. Its investigating one such complaint in Green Bay. There are also fears about immigration authorities entering schools as the Trump administration removed limitations around immigration enforcement on campuses. MPS has a safe haven resolution that establishes some protective protocols, such as not sharing a students or guardians immigration status without a court order. Schools are recovering from flooding and lead hazards, as MPS considers permanent closures in long-term plan With the average MPS school building being over 80 years old, the school district is reckoning with the result of years of wear, tear and neglected maintenance amid budget cuts and a declining student population. Early in 2025, health officials discovered peeling lead-based paint in one MPS bathroom and ultimately found widespread lead-paint hazards throughout the district, where facilities staff had stopped properly monitoring and fixing paint deterioration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Cassellius set a goal to address lead hazards in all 50 schools constructed before 1950 by the first day of school. All but six were cleared by Sept. 2. Families at the six schools, listed on the MPS Lead Report website, were told that most spaces in the schools were cleared but a small number of rooms might be closed for final cleaning and testing. Other schools, those built between 1950 and 1978, will be cleaned up next, during after-school hours and on weekends when students arent in the buildings. Progress was interrupted in August when severe floods swept much of the city. While Cassellius said most MPS schools were unscathed, there were 24 schools that experienced flooding. In half of them, the flooding disturbed asbestos, Cassellius said, which had to be removed. MPS also offered one of its schools, Marshall High, as a Red Cross shelter for over 40 people displaced from the floods, who slept on cots in the gym. All schools affected by flooding, aside from Riverside addressing its chemical spill, were set to open on the first day of school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead with the lead and flooding issues aside, Cassellius has said she believes MPS will need to fully close some schools to focus resources on improving the infrastructure and programming at its remaining schools. Since early this year, steering committees have been meeting to discuss how the district should approach potential closures and its long-term plans for MPS facilities. Cassellius said there will be more community discussions on the plan this school year. MPS has a new literacy plan and new half-days to support it Setting a top priority to improve reading scores at MPS, Cassellius created a new position for an academic superintendent for literacy. She hired Gabriela Bell Jimenez, who formerly oversaw literacy, biliteracy and other academic areas at the Madison Metropolitan School District. Bell Jimenez, alongside MPS Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Mims-Howell, shared a new academic plan in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It resets the districts approach to teaching reading, aligning with new state requirements to prioritize phonics-based lessons, which focus on sounding out letters. It also bars three-cueing, an approach that prompts students to use context clues to guess words they dont recognize. MPS has begun training its teachers with a program called Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, also called LETRS. That training is partly why MPS families were recently notified of a change to the school districts calendar. MPS made four school days into half-days for students, with a plan to use those afternoons for teacher training. I realize that this is late for our parents and disruptive for their schedules, and it was a really hard decision to bring this forward, Cassellius said. But we have 90% of our students who arent reading (proficiently), and teachers have to have the time to be able to do this really important work, and we need to value their time, and it needs to be paid time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the districts plan is responsive to the states new reading law, it also addresses a recent outside review that found MPS staff need higher-quality training. It also found inconsistent academic and extracurricular activities for students between schools across the district. Cassellius said she plans to present a plan for extracurricular activities in October. How to stay involved As MPS navigates decisions on student programming, facilities and budget challenges, the district is trying new ways to engage families. Cassellius held nine listening sessions at schools over the summer with over 600 attendees, she said. A final virtual listening session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 1. Registration isnt yet available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milwaukee School Board has also launched a new format for its Committee on Family and Community Engagement. Every other month, it will be a community engagement session rather than a traditional meeting where public comments are limited. The next engagement session is scheduled for Oct. 14. The agenda isnt yet available. Journal Sentinel reporter Cleo Krejci contributed to this report. Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @RoryLinnane. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS students are back to school. Here are three big changes this fall. Sep. 2The Scioto County Sheriff's Office is investigating a murder that happened on Monday According to the sheriff's office, the 911 dispatch got a call around 9:40 a.m. Monday from a person who said they stopped by to check on a friend on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road. The caller said their friend, Rocky L. Jordan, 59, was unresponsive and possibly deceased. Deputies, detectives and EMS was dispatched to the scene. The death was determined to be a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending * Homeless man charged with murder in Scioto County homicide * Ashland 12th St. Bridge to be closed for a week for inspection starting Sunday The sheriff's office is being helped in their investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the State Fire Marshal's Office. Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said it is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-354-7338. Trending * Ga. Man killed in Scioto County paraglider crash * Public tours new D-B manufacturing lab You Might Like News Suicide prevention walk set for Sept. 18 News Ironton aLive's concert series finale on Wednesday Coal Grove Coal Grove mayor pleaded guilty, lost license for six months News Time to get spooky Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Visitors to a South Carolina beach came across an unusual hazard on the coastline: an unattended sailboat washed up onto the sand. The Horry County Police Department said on social media that the boat was found on the beach Monday morning near the Ocean Creek Resort in Myrtle Beach. Police urged members of the public to avoid the area, but many curious witnesses gathered on the beach to take photos of the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a little unusual; I lived out here most of my life," local resident Elton Johnson told WMBF-TV. "I've never seen a sailboat this close and washed up on the shore like this." Police said they were able to contact the owner of the boat and no injuries were believed to have been involved in the sailboat's stranding. It was unclear how the boat came to be on the beach, but some witnesses reported seeing it floating in the ocean Sunday, hours before it came ashore. The boat was removed by a salvage company contracted by the owner Monday afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard said more information on the incident will be made available pending the outcome of an investigation. A 72-year-old Northwestern University professor has been found and taken to the hospital after being reported missing in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois. Nina Kraus, a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology at the School of Communication, disappeared Labor Day morning after leaving her home around 9 a.m. for a walk, according to police. She left her phone behind, officials said. Her family reported her missing after she failed to return, according to the university. The Evanston Police Department, supported by Northwestern Universitys police, launched an urgent search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not specifically naming Kraus, Evanston PD announced Tuesday morning that they would be flying a drone along the lakefront as part of a missing person investigation. On Tuesday evening, police said in a Facebook post Kraus had been found in Evanston and taken to a local hospital for treatment. A 72-year-old Northwestern University professor has been found and taken to the hospital after being reported missing in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois (Evanston Police Department) The Independent has contacted Evanston PD for comment on Kraus current condition. Following Kraus disappearance, Northwestern University had asked for the publics help in locating her. The University is hopeful that with the communitys help, we can find Professor Kraus and assure her safety, the institution said in a Monday news release, which The Independent was directed to on Tuesday when they asked for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kraus is a distinguished academic, described as a scientist, inventor, amateur musician, and director of the Hugh Knowles Center, who specializes in neurobiology and auditory learning. She holds a PhD from Northwestern and authored the 2022 book Of Sound Mind. My research on sound and the brain aims to understand how our life in sound, for better and worse, alters the processing of sound in the brain, makes us us, and affects the world we live in, her Northwestern bio reads. A grand jury has indicted a Cumberland County man on charges that he killed another father after a dispute involving their teenage children. Eric D. Hannah, 55, of Vineland, is accused of killing Louis Gus Serbeck, 54, of Millville, during an April 20 brawl at Hannahs residence. Hannahs 17-year-old son is also charged in the death. The father and son struck Serbeck with a metal bat and a large flashlight after the victim went to their residence to confront the younger Hannah for allegedly assaulting his daughter a day earlier, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gus Serbecks obituary described him as a legend and stated that his death is just one more myth that will define his legendary life. In his final act, Serbeck laid his life down to do what he does best, to protect his family; to protect his baby girl, his obit said. Eric Hannah was originally charged with first-degree counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. But the grand jury did not indict him on the murder charges. Last week, the grand jury indicted Hannah on charges of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannahs attorney did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the indictment. Serbecks daughter was in some kind of relationship with Hannahs son, Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Cathryn Wilson said during a May court hearing. The daughter told her father about the assault, and Serbeck went with her to the Hannah home on Easter Sunday to speak to the family, investigators said. Police said Serbeck and Eric Hannah were longtime friends. The Serbecks were met at the door by the teen charged in the case. The juvenile defendant came out and immediately threw punches at the victim, Wilson said. Hannahs daughter recorded video of some of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The juvenile defendant then retrieved some kind of bat which is seen on the cellphone video that was taken by the defendants daughter. And he was attacking the victim with the bat, Wilson said. The video also shows Serbeck holding the boy on the ground and the boy continuing to hit Serbeck with the bat, Wilson said. Prosecutors said the teen suffered facial injuries in the incident. Eric Hannah was seen on the video holding a large metal flashlight and Serbecks daughter told investigators Hannah hit her father in the head with it multiple times during the altercation, according to the prosecution and court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video doesnt show Eric Hannah striking Serbeck with the flashlight, the prosecutor said. However, a noticeable mark found on Serbecks head matches the imprint from the flashlight, Wilson said. The teen charged in the case is also accused of striking Serbecks daughter in the head during the fight, according to prosecutors. When the Serbecks tried to leave, the teen started hitting Serbecks car with a hammer, Wilson said. At that point, Serbeck said he couldnt breathe and collapsed, his daughter told investigators. He died while being transported to a hospital. Eric Hannah wasnt involved in the fight and didnt strike anyone, his attorney, William Popjoy, said during the May hearing. The father came outside after the incident was over and tried to defuse the situation, the attorney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah remains jailed pending trial and is due back in court Sept. 8 for a post-indictment arraignment hearing. Hannahs son was charged with homicide and weapons offenses, along with an aggravated assault charge for allegedly striking Serbecks daughter. Prosecutors are weighing whether to try him as an adult. At the time of the incident, the elder Hannah was already on pre-trial release in an unrelated case involving charges that he possessed methamphetamine and ghost guns, which are firearms without serial numbers. Weapons recovered from his home in that case included two shotguns and a rifle, according to court documents. He was also charged with possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine. Hannah was indicted on five counts in that case and entered a not guilty plea to the charges. Stories by Matt Gray Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. BUTLER TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Police arrested a man after they say he broke into an assisted living home while naked and assaulted several residents. According to the Butler Township Police, officers received a 911 call from the Fritzingertown Senior Living Community around 11:50 p.m., claiming a naked intruder was assaulting residents in the facility. Police stated that 35-year-old Zane Brobst, of Drums, broke into a private apartment and assaulted the 87-year-old female resident inside. The victim suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Leigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commotion alerted an employee and the victims 76-year-old neighbor. When they confronted Brobst in the hallway, he allegedly grabbed the staff member by the neck before hitting the 76-year-old, knocking her to the floor. Brobst reportedly broke into three more rooms before employees were able to barricade him inside a laundry area until police arrived. Officers say that Brobst showed signs of drug impairment. Fritzingertown Senior Living Community in the 100 block of South Old Turnpike Road remained open during repairs of the damage Brobst allegedly caused. Brobst is charged with aggravated assault, burglary, criminal trespass, and other related offenses. He was unable to post the $30,000 bail and remains in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Assumption Parish Sheriffs Office arrested a man in connection with two relatives who were injured while in his care on Aug. 31. Nathaniel Bell, 22, of Napoleonville, was charged with cruelty to juveniles with force/violence. Nathaniel Bell (Assumption Parish Sheriffs Office) Deputies responded to a home on Jones Street, where two children, ages 12 and 7, were with Bell. When the children were picked up, the parent noticed that both were hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was later discovered that Bell allegedly repeatedly hit the children with an exercise band. Deputies questioned the children and found their stories to be consistent with their injuries. The Napoleonville man was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. Bell has a bond set at $70,000. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. It started with a hunch. Or more accurately, a glow. Scientists using NASAs James Webb Space Telescope were combing through the deep sky, same as theyve done dozens of times, when something odd lit up in the data: 300 objects shining way brighter than they should. Now, a team at the University of Missouri says these may not just be cosmic anomalies. They might be galaxiessome of the very first to ever exist. And if thats true, it could mean everything we thought we knew about the early universe needs an update. What This Discovery Means Even if just a handful of these objects turn out to be what we think they are, said Haojing Yan, one of the lead researchers, were talking about changing the origin story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That story, until now, went something like this: After the Big Bang about 13.8 billion years ago, the universe was a hot mess of particles and light. Then came the cosmic dark agesa 400-million-year period when neutral hydrogen gas blocked most light from traveling through space. Over time, gravity did its slow dance, pulling matter together into the first stars and galaxies. But these 300 objects suggest the first galaxies mightve arrived at the party much earlier, and much more fully formed than expected. Which is puzzling. These are supposed to be baby pictures of the universe, said one researcher. But theyre looking surprisingly grown up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, no ones saying these are definitely ancient galaxies. Some scientists believe they could be something elsecloser, weirder, or just misunderstood. But the team behind the discovery did what they called cosmic detective work to rule out the usual suspects. They used a technique called redshift analysis, which basically looks at how much light stretches as it travels through the expanding universe. The higher the redshift, the farther (and older) the object. And these are off the charts as they showed redshifts, dating back over 13 billion years. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, dont give us all the answers. But they ask a very big question: What if the universe got a faster start than we thought? Bottom Line Webb has already shaken up astronomy in just a few years since beginning operations in 2022, but this one might be its biggest shake yet. Not a ripplemore like a rewrite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because if these lights are what they appear to be the origin story just got a plot twist. Source: Mens Journal Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) In Davidson County, theres been a call for public investment to help Nashvilles low-income families afford childcare. According to a white paper released last month from the Nashville Early Education Coalition, 12 childcare centers said they havent been able to afford covering their operational costs. Many of those facilities serve low-income families, according to the publication which was produced in partnership with Elevate, Raising Readers Nashville and United Way of Greater Nashville. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts I never went into this field thinking I would have to advocate for funding, Alyssa Garnett-Arno, the Executive Director of St. Mary Villa, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garnett-Arno said it takes a village to raise a child, and in Nashville, that village has been struggling. In 2022, Metro Council approved funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to help stabilize centers serving low-income families, However, that funding stopped being distributed in December 2024. It had been used to raise staff pay and create more spots at childcare centers, which helped alleviate waitlists. If we dont have those dollars, we cant hire more staff, cant enroll more children, Garnett-Arno said. Garnett-Arno got emotional speaking about how much the kids mean to her. She said its the children who hurt the most from a lack of funding and quality childcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that not everyone who comes in this building has food security, housing security, Garnett-Arno said. They come to school in different types of cars. Some take the bus. Some walk. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Theres still hope that the village that helps raise Nashvilles children can get the support it needs. Until then, theyll make it work by making sacrifices. Were here because we want to be here, because we know what we do is important, Garnett-Arno 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 WKRN News 2. The Macau Consumer Grand Prix campaign kicked off yesterday, receiving positive feedback from senior citizens, with many opting to use it for daily food purchases. The consumption campaign offers nearly MOP500 million in incentives, with a key feature being the half-price instant discount of MOP500 for senior cardholders and holders of Care Cards for people with disabilities, allowing residents to pay only 50% of eligible transaction amounts at participating merchants. Im happy to receive this kind of support from the government. Daily necessities have really gone up compared to before, so programs like this alleviate, at least, some of our burden. Rising prices make it hard for seniors to get by on a fixed income, a 67-year-old resident told the Times. I hope these subsidies continue because supporting us seniors also means supporting our neighborhood stores, she added. Another senior citizen noted that receiving the discount was convenient this time, as most seniors have already exchanged their old cards for new senior citizen cards, which automatically become eligible for the incentive. I hope the government will continue this program and even expand it. Many seniors are struggling, and additional support would be a real relief, said another resident to the Times. With support like this, the first thing that comes to our minds is getting fresh produce and covering basic needs, the elderly added. The program runs from September 1 to November 30, covering 13 weeks. Residents with verified electronic wallets can draw up to three digital vouchers per week for purchases of MOP 50 or more at eligible stores. Voucher values range from MOP10 to MOP200 and must be redeemed during the following weekend at over 20,000 merchants, with single-transaction redemption requiring a purchase of three times the voucher value. Weekly unused vouchers expire each Monday. Times Reporter Like this: Like Loading... NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) More people are getting pulled over than ever in Nashville. Traffic stops by Metro police are up 59% compared to this time in 2024. Metro Council members said that the increase is due to an initiative that puts more patrol officers on the streets. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Metro Council and police said theyre working together for a safer Nashville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want people to drive safe and get home safe, District 19 Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin said. Data shows traffic stops increased the most in the West, South and Central districts, and they fell by 5.6% in East Nashville. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com These stats dont include traffic stops conducted by other law enforcement agencies. The new data comes after Metro Council passed a resolution urging police to increase patrols. Kupin said the results are encouraging for Metro Council and that it also helps protect pedestrians and bikers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A period of unsettled weather is set to impact portions of the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley and from Florida to southern Texas Sept. 2-4. According to the Weather Prediction Center, clusters of showers and thunderstorms will support locally heavy rainfall and the potential for isolated to widely scattered instances of flash flooding. Showers, storms and an abundance of clouds will largely keep temperatures on the cooler side of normal by a couple degrees, said the center. Although heavy rain is possible, no severe weather is expected in Middle Tennessee wrote the National Weather Service in a post to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service issued a flood advisory for Montgomery County until 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, warning of minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Good morning! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and will continue through Thursday. No severe weather is expected, but heavy rain is possible at times. Cooler and drier weather is in store for the weekend. pic.twitter.com/pTSFaKihba NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) September 2, 2025 Here's what else to know. Period of 'unsettled weather' expected to bring high chances of rain to Middle Tennessee, forecasters say More rain is in the forecast for Middle Tennessee. According to the weather service, "plenty of moisture" in the area will linger through mid-week, leading to high rain chances Sept. 2-3. Forecast models show a medium chance (5070%) of receiving a tenth of an inch of rain and a low to medium chance (3040%) of half an inch. However, the weather service suggests these estimates may be conservative. "I would not be surprised to see more 12" plus accumulations by mid-week," the weather service wrote online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday brings another opportunity for low to medium rain chances as a cold front moves through the area. Conditions are then expected to dry out as drier air follows the front, with a secondary cold front projected to arrive during the night on Sept. 5. Nashville-area radar Nashville 7-day forecast Sept. 2: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Then partly cloudy, with a low around 63 at night and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sept. 3: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89 and a 20% chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Then partly cloudy, with a low around 66 at night and a 30% chance of showers between 1 and 4 a.m., followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sept. 4: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Then, mostly clear with a low around 61 at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sept. 5: Sunny, with a high near 93. Then, partly cloudy with a low around 62 at night and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by a chance of showers after 1 a.m. Sept. 6: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 and a 20% chance of showers before 1 p.m. Then, mostly clear with a low around 55 at night. Sept. 7: Sunny, with a high near 83 then mostly clear, with a low arounf 57 at night. Sept. 8: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville, Middle TN to see 'unsettled' weather: What that means The Nashville Zoo is mourning the loss of the matriarch of its giraffe herd. Nasha, an 11-year-old Masai giraffe, died in mid-August from intestinal complications, the Zoo posted on Facebook Aug. 25. "As the matriarch of our herd, Nasha made a lasting impression on both guests and keepers. She had a playful spirit and unique personality that made her unforgettable and adored by many," the Zoo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: See Nashville Zoo's newest babies: Why Music City is the leader in leopard repopulation Nasha was a model giraffe, acting as an ambassador helping "people build a personal connection to the challenges giraffes face in the wild," the Zoo said. Masai giraffes are endangered. She was such a special giraffe that enjoyed drinking from the hose, twirling sticks and interacting with her humans," one of her zookeepers said in a statement provided by the Zoo. "While the barn doesnt feel the same without her presence, she will always be in our hearts. Nasha suffered a complicated birth in 2021. Before birth, she showed no signs of going into labor, raising concerns for veterinary staff, who then intervened. Nasha gave birth and to the surprise of vet staff, the calf was born alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That joy was short lived, however. In the hours after birth, the keepers heard signs of trouble from the suite where the baby and Nasha were introduced. Staff believe Nasha may have stepped on the calf's neck. The calf died. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Zoo's giraffe herd matriarch Nasha dies at 11 years old CHICAGO Following weeks of speculation over whether President Donald Trump will send troops to Chicago, questions remain over the authority the National Guard would have if deployed to the city. National Guardsmen serve simultaneously in their states National Guard, as well as in either the Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard, which are reserve components of their respective services. Labor Day weekend brings violence to Chicago, with nearly 60 people shot and 8 killed through Monday holiday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When activated, National Guardsmen serve in one of three duty statuses: State Active Duty (SAD), Title 10 status, and Title 32 status. The deployment duty statuses determine the Guards command, funding, location of service and benefits. They can also greatly impact the role that Guardsmen play in the area where theyre deployed. When federally deployed, National Guard members are subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of federal military personnel to enforce domestic law and bars Guardsmen from participating in domestic civilian law enforcement activity without congressional approval. Mayor, protestors gather in West Loop on Monday for Labor Day Rally Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though some guardsmen can participate in law enforcement activity, the National Guard often operates in support of local law enforcement, not in replacement of it. Title 10 Federal Control Title 10 of the United States Code determines the legal framework for the function, duties and responsibilities of the Armed Forces. The duty of a Guardsman activated under Title 10 U.S.C. is controlled and funded federally, meaning they operate as part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Given that Title 10 Guardsmen are under federal control, when activated they usually perform federal missions, including overseas deployments or support of national defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guardsmen activated under Title 10 can only be deployed domestically with congressional or constitutional authorization. ICE operations to surge, federal troops could be deployed to Chicago by later this week When federally deployed, National Guard members are subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of federal military personnel to enforce domestic law and bars them from participating in domestic civilian law enforcement activity without congressional approval. There are some exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, like the Insurrection Act, that allow federal troops to conduct law enforcement activities under specific circumstances. Could a Title 10 National Guardsman arrest you? In short, no, a Title 10 Guardsman cannot arrest people, but they could detain them in some rare cases, such as preventing interference with military duties or federal operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authority of a Guardsman and their ability to participate in law enforcement activities are entirely dependent on their duty status. Mayor Johnson signs executive order demanding President Trump stand down on threats to send troops to Chicago While Title 10 Guardsmen can support local law enforcement with things like logistics, transportation and intelligence, because of the Posse Comitatus Act, they are prohibited from participating in domestic civilian law enforcement activity without congressional approval. Title 10 Guardsmen are often called in to prevent harm or interference with federal officials, and they could detain individuals in support of that duty and hand them over to local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Title 10 Guardsmen are not authorized to conduct arrests or detain people as part of law enforcement. Title 32: State Control, Federal Funding Title 32 of the United States Code determines the role of the National Guard, its federal status and authority. Guardsmen activated under Title 32 have been called upon by their states governor, who must first receive federal mobilization authorization. While Guardsmen mobilized under Title 32 orders are under the command and control of their states governor, their duty is funded and regulated federally. Title 32 activation allows a states governor to mobilize Guardsmen for operational homeland defense activities, which could include disaster response, defense of cities or infrastructure, or responding to major security threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps policies spark protests in multiple US cities on Labor Day Because Title 32 units are not considered fully federalized troops, they are not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act and can participate in law enforcement support activities, as long as they remain under state control. Since Title 32 Guardsmen remain under state control, if called to perform law enforcement duties they can only enforce the laws of the state where they were called to serve. Could a Title 32 National Guardsman arrest you? In short, yes, a Title 32 Guardsman can detain or arrest people in some cases. Because Title 32 units are not fully federalized, they are not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act and can participate in law enforcement support activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guardsmen activated under Title 32 can arrest and detain an individual as long as their actions are authorized under state law and they are acting under the authority of their states governor. Not all Guardsmen maintain the authority to detain or arrest people, and those who do are often assigned and trained for law enforcement support duties. State Active Duty (SAD) Fully State-Run When in State Active Duty, National Guard members are under the control of the governor of the state they serve, and their activities are funded by the state. National Guard members are by default under state control. Usually, SAD Guardsmen are called upon in response to natural disasters or homeland defense missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City leaders brace for deployment of National Guard to Chicago, which may begin Tuesday State Active Duty is built upon state statute and policy, and it is funded by the state. When in SAD, Guardsmen remain under the command and control of the governor of the state they serve. Because SAD Guardsmen are entirely controlled by the state, the Posse Comitatus Act does not apply, and the states governor can employ members to aid with law enforcement as needed. Could a State Active Duty National Guardsman arrest you? In short, yes, a State Active Duty Guardsman can detain or arrest people under certain circumstances, but only with explicit state authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Active Duty Guardsmen can detain or arrest people interfering with their duties, as long as they are acting under the authority of the governor. But that does not give SAD Guardsmen the authority of a police officer outright. Those who possess the authority to make arrests must be authorized through specific mission directives and legal statutes. Because State Active Duty units are under the control of their states governor, they are not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Native Vote. Today, the Spirit Lake Nation, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and several individual Native voters filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court, formally requesting the Court to review their case in its upcoming term. Represented by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Campaign Legal Center (CLC), the Law Office of Bryan L. Sells, LLC, and Robins Kaplan LLP, the plaintiffs have been fighting since 2022 to secure fair representation for Native American voters and to defend the integrity of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their case challenges the State of North Dakotas legislative map, arguing it dilutes the voting power of Native communities and violates Section 2 of the VRA. The current North Dakota voting map gives my community a chance to elect who we want to represent us just like other communities across the state. It is fairer than the map the state originally put into place, and nobody is saying its not. Instead, the Eighth Circuit is saying that Native voters and Tribal Nations dont even have the right to fight for a fair map. The idea that we dont have the right to advocate for ourselves and for fair voting is undemocratic and goes against the principles that our country was founded on, said Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Chair Jamie Azure. For years, Native voters in North Dakota have been fighting for adequate representation. It affects our day-to-day lives, our communities, and our well-being when we cant elect a candidate to represent our interests. We deserve representation just like other communities around the state. It is shameful that, when we succeeded in court and got a fair map in place, the state turned its attack against the Voting Rights Act and a persons right to vote free from discrimination. We need the Supreme Court to protect our fundamental right to vote and be heard, said Spirit Lake Tribal Chair Lonna J. Street. It is unacceptable that we must go all the way to the United States Supreme Court just to defend our right to a fair map. Politicians should not be able to manipulate district lines to decide which voters get a voice. The court promised fairness, yet the State of North Dakota is choosing to waste time and taxpayer dollars fighting against the simple principle of equal representation, said plaintiff Collette Brown (Spirit Lake Tribe). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to take away our fair map is nonsensical. They claimed that we dont have the ability to fight back against lawmakers who treat us unfairly, and that flies in the face of years of court decisions and legal proceedings. Of course the Voting Rights Act gives us certain rights, and of course we are able to sue to enforce them. That is the way that it has been since 1965, said plaintiff Zachery S. King (Turtle Mountain Chippewa). After the plaintiffs secured a favorable ruling in trial court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit issued a sweeping and unprecedented decision in May, ruling that no private party including individuals or organizations can sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. If upheld, the ruling would effectively eliminate the primary tool used by voters to challenge racially discriminatory voting laws and maps. This decision would leave enforcement of Section 2 solely in the hands of the U.S. Department of Justice, severely weakening the VRAs protections. In July, however, the Supreme Court granted a stay of the Eighth Circuits ruling temporarily preserving the fair map that the plaintiffs won at trial. Now, the Tribal Nations and Native voters are asking the Supreme Court to hear the case and reaffirm both their right to vote and their legal standing to defend it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act provides a right to vote free from racial discrimination. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit held that voters cannot sue to enforce that right. The decision is counter to the spirit of democracy and equal access to the vote, and it goes against decades of practice and case law from throughout the country. We expect the Supreme Court to reverse this anti-democratic, outlier decision, said NARF Staff Attorney Lenny Powell. The protections of the Voting Rights Act should extend to all Americans, said Mark Gaber, senior director for redistricting at Campaign Legal Center. If the Eighth Circuit's ruling is allowed to stand, American voters will lose the right to defend themselves against racially discriminatory maps and voting laws. Private individuals and organizations must be allowed to continue bringing lawsuits to enforce Section 2 of the VRA because every voter must be able to make their voice heard and have their vote count. The Supreme Court now has the opportunity and the responsibility to uphold fair maps in North Dakota, honor long-standing legal precedent, and affirm that voters have the power to defend their rights in court. 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 LUXEMBOURG (AP) NATO is working to thwart Russian jamming of civilian flights, said the alliance's chief on Tuesday, two days after a jet carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lost its ability to use GPS navigation midair in Bulgarian airspace. The plane landed safely on Sunday, but Bulgarian authorities said they suspected Russia was behind the interference. It is taken very seriously," said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during a news conference in Luxembourg with the duchy's prime minister and defense minister. I can assure you that we are working day and night to counter this, to prevent it, and to make sure that they will not do it again. He did not elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Russia nor von der Leyen has commented publicly on the incident. The EU and NATO are separate entities with different sets of member countries, but Europes security is a vital issue for both. Rutte said the jamming was part of a complex campaign by Russia of hybrid threats like cutting of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, a plot to assassinate a German industrialist, and a cyberattack on the National Heath Service in the United Kingdom. I have always hated the words hybrid because it sounds so cuddly, but hybrid is exactly this jamming of commercial airplanes, with potentially disastrous effects," he said. The Associated Press has plotted almost 80 incidents on a map tracking a campaign of disruption across Europe blamed on Russia, which the head of Britains foreign intelligence service has described as "staggeringly reckless. Since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents, ranging from vandalism to arson and attempted assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interference from Russia includes jamming and spoofing. Jamming means a strong radio signal overwhelms communications, whereas spoofing misleads a receiver into thinking it is in a different location or in a past or future time period. The threat from the Russians is increasing every day. Lets not be naive about it: this might also involve one day Luxembourg, it might come to the Netherlands," Rutte said. With the latest Russian missile technology for example, the difference now between Lithuania on the front line and Luxembourg, The Hague or Madrid is five to 10 minutes. Thats the time it takes this missile to reach these parts of Europe. The whole continent was under direct threat from the Russians, he warned. "We are all on the eastern flank now, whether you live in London or Tallinn. Bulgaria will not investigate the jamming of von der Leyens plane because such things happen every day, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said Tuesday. He said it was one of the side effects of Russia's war in Ukraine and had occurred across Europe. - Associated Press writer Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria contributed to this report. NATO is working to thwart Russian jamming of civilian flights, said the alliances chief on Tuesday, two days after a jet carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lost its ability to use GPS navigation midair in Bulgarian airspace. The plane landed safely on Sunday, but Bulgarian authorities said they suspected Russia was behind the interference. It is taken very seriously, said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during a news conference in Luxembourg with the duchys prime minister and defense minister. I can assure you that we are working day and night to counter this, to prevent it, and to make sure that they will not do it again. He did not elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Russia nor von der Leyen has commented publicly on the incident. The EU and NATO are separate entities with different sets of member countries, but Europes security is a vital issue for both. Rutte said the jamming was part of a complex campaign by Russia of hybrid threats like cutting of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, a plot to assassinate a German industrialist, and a cyberattack on the National Heath Service in the United Kingdom. I have always hated the words hybrid because it sounds so cuddly, but hybrid is exactly this jamming of commercial airplanes, with potentially disastrous effects, he said. The Associated Press has plotted almost 80 incidents on a map tracking a campaign of disruption across Europe blamed on Russia, which the head of Britains foreign intelligence service has described as staggeringly reckless. Since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of staging dozens of attacks and other incidents, ranging from vandalism to arson and attempted assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interference from Russia includes jamming and spoofing. Jamming means a strong radio signal overwhelms communications, whereas spoofing misleads a receiver into thinking it is in a different location or in a past or future time period. The threat from the Russians is increasing every day. Lets not be naive about it: this might also involve one day Luxembourg, it might come to the Netherlands, Rutte said. With the latest Russian missile technology for example, the difference now between Lithuania on the front line and Luxembourg, The Hague or Madrid is five to 10 minutes. Thats the time it takes this missile to reach these parts of Europe. The whole continent was under direct threat from the Russians, he warned. We are all on the eastern flank now, whether you live in London or Tallinn. Bulgaria will not investigate the jamming of von der Leyens plane because such things happen every day, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said Tuesday. He said it was one of the side effects of Russias war in Ukraine and had occurred across Europe. Associated Press writer Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria contributed to this report. The military conducted an airstrike against a suspected drug vessel leaving Venezuela, President Donald Trump said Tuesday, a sign of the administrations increasing willingness to use the military in its fight against drug traffickers. We just over the last few minutes shot out at a boat, a drug-carrying boat, Trump said at a White House press conference.. These came out of Venezuela. we took it out. In a follow-up post on Truth Social , Trump said that the strike was conducted against the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua group in international waters, killing 11 suspected traffickers. Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Trump wrote, attaching a video that appeared to show military footage of the strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon, in a statement, confirmed the military conducted a precision strike against a drug vessel operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization, but did not provide further information. The U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the southern Caribbean in recent months as the administration threatens to use American military power to combat cartels. Several U.S. ships are patrolling the waters off the coast of Venezuela, including the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, which crossed the Panama Canal last weekend. Trump has fixated on Tren de Aragua since early in his second term. He has used the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime measure, to target members of the gang for deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the strike on X and later told reporters that the Trump administration would wage combat against drug cartels threatening the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials have long accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of ties with gangs in the country, going as far as to indict Maduro on narcotics trafficking charges in 2020. The administration in 2025 increased a criminal bounty on the leader of up to $50 million. Officials have alleged that Maduro and other top lieutenants are linked to notorious gangs Tren de Aragua and the Cartel de los Soles. And Washington has increasingly accused other top Venezuelan military and intelligence officials of being involved with, or leading, transnational criminal groups based in the country. Venezuela has rejected the allegations as smears intended to justify a potential U.S. military intervention in the South American country and the overthrow of its leftist government. The country and its allies have also mobilized civilian brigades ahead of a potential invasion. Countries in the region have cautioned against the U.S. intervening in Venezuela, but largely refrained from directly condemning the build up of ships in the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But U.S. officials have refused to rule out the prospect of a military intervention in Venezuela. The move also comes less than a month after a Coast Guard unit fired on suspected drug traffickers south of Mexico. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, asked about an invasion, said last week that Trump is ready to use "every element of American power" to combat drug trafficking. U.S. Southern Command, where the strike occurred, referred questions to the State Department. The State Department referred queries to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Paul McLeary contributed to this report. Argentine police are investigating a deceased Nazi's daughter and son-in-law after a 17th-century painting stolen from a Dutch Jewish art collector was recently spotted in a property ad before promptly disappearing. The painting, believed to be "Portrait of a Lady" by Italian baroque artist Giuseppe Ghislandi (1655-1743), was recognized by the Dutch newspaper AD in a photo of a house for sale in the Argentine seaside resort of Mar del Plata. The authenticity of the artwork cannot be confirmed until it is recovered, but it is believed to have been stolen from Amsterdam art dealer Jacques Goudstikker during World War II. Goudstikker died while fleeing the Netherlands in 1940 when the country was invaded by Nazi Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The for-sale notice revealed what is believed to be the Ghislandi painting in the house of Friedrich Kadgien, a financial adviser to Adolf Hitler's right-hand man and an art aficionado who plundered paintings taken from Jewish-owned galleries in Nazi-occupied Europe, according to The Associated Press. Kadgien later fled to Argentina, along with other Nazi war criminals. He died in 1978. A black-and-white image of Giuseppe Vittore Ghislandi's Interpol and the Argentine federal police are involved in the search for the artwork. After the article was published, the image was removed from the real estate listing. When Argentine police entered the house last week, they found a tapestry of a horse hanging in the spot the painting had been in the pictures, AP reported. Four property searches conducted Monday at Kadgien's home and three other residences linked to the family failed to yield the artwork, AP said. Kadgien's daughter, identified by AP as Patricia Kadgien, has been placed under house arrest along with her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, the prosecutor in the case said Tuesday. They will appear in court to be charged in connection with the painting's disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Murias, a lawyer for Kadgien's daughter, told a local Mar de Plata newspaper that the pair would cooperate with the authorities, through prosecutors said Tuesday the artwork has not been handed over. A member of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) stands outside the house that was raided after a photo showing a 17th century masterwork allegedly stolen by the Nazis from a Dutch Jewish art collector appeared in an advertisement for the sale of the property, in Parque Luro neighbourhood, Mar del Plata, Argentina, on August 27, 2025. / Credit: MARA SOSTI/AFP via Getty Images Argentina's La Nacion newspaper reported that the couple said they had inherited the artwork and were its rightful owners. The prosecutor's office said investigators carrying out the search had seized two other artworks from the home of another Kadgien daughter that appeared to be from the 1800s. "The works will be analyzed to determine if they are linked to paintings stolen during World War II," the office added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goudstikker, a leading dealer of Italian and Dutch 16th- and 17th-century masters, left behind an extensive art collection of over 1,000 paintings when he fled. Top German officials, led by Gestapo founder Hermann Goering, divvied up his collection. After the war, the Dutch state retrieved some 300 works, most of which were returned to Goudstikker's heirs. In 2011, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles returned a 17th-century Dutch painting from Goudstikker's collection. Many other works remain scattered around the globe. Goudstikker's heirs are determined to recover the painting, which is listed on an international registry of missing artworks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes Extended interview: Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson on how U.S. and Russia negotiate prisoner swaps Slim margin leaves Republicans in need of Democratic votes to avoid government shutdown DENVER (KDVR) Nearly 50 people took part in a rescue operation at Devils Head on Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson from Douglas County Search and Rescue told FOX31. A man fell while climbing in the area. 90s, snow within a month is possible: What to expect as fall takes over Denver weather Several agencies responded, including: Douglas County Search and Rescue Larkspur Fire Protection District Jackson 105 Fire Protection District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who arent familiar with rescue terminology a complex, multi-step rescue was required to first reach the fallen climber, with rescue teams having to ascend to the area where he was located and then slowly levering him down a steep, rocky surface. The rescue team described the rescue happening in this order: A two-pitch, high-angle rescue to get to him and then get him down A complex exposed carry Shorter pitch, high-angle lowering Numerous low-angle pitches to get through the terrain After the rescue was completed, the man was taken to a helicopter in Rampart by an ambulance. He is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All crews were successfully and safely able to get out of the area themselves. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. North Korea said yesterday leader Kim Jong Un inspected a new weapons factory thats key to his plan to accelerate mass production of missiles in a weekend visit before he departs for a major military parade in China. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency did not disclose the location of the factory Kim visited Sunday, but it may be in Jagang province, a hub of the countrys munitions industry that borders China. Both China and North Korea confirmed last week that Kim will make his first visit to China in six years to attend a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas resistance against Japanese wartime aggression. South Korean media speculated Kim could depart for China by train sometime Monday, pointing to heightened security measures at the Chinese border town of Dandong, where rail traffic was reportedly halted and hotels stopped receiving foreign guests. KCNA said the factory had assembly lines to speed missile production and reported that Kim praised scientists and workers and ratified plans for improvement. South Korean officials say Kim has pushed to accelerate munitions production as he supplies Russia with large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and ballistic missiles. Kim has also sent thousands of troops since last fall to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, as he prioritizes Moscow as part of a foreign policy aimed at expanding ties with nations confronting the United States. Since aligning with Russia, North Korea has become more vocal in international affairs beyond the Korean Peninsula, issuing diplomatic statements on conflicts in the Middle East and in the Taiwan Strait, while portraying itself as a part of a united front against Washington. Some experts say Kims presence at the multilateral event in Beijing is part of efforts to develop partnerships with other nations close to China and Russia. China remains North Koreas largest trade partner and economic lifeline, and Kims attendance at the Beijing military parade is also seen as an attempt to showcase ties with a major ally and boost leverage ahead of a possible resumption of negotiations with Washington. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... NEED TO KNOW Julian Guzman, 11, was fatally shot while playing "ding-dong-ditch" in Houston, Texas, police said Gonzalo Leon was charged with murder in connection with the incident A witness told police that the child was running away from a house when he suffered a gunshot wound A Texas man has been charged with murder of an 11-year-old boy who was fatally shot after a "ding-dong-ditch" prank. Gonzalo Leon is charged with murdering 11-year-old Julian Guzman and was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 2, according to the Houston Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guzman was fatally shot on Sunday, Aug. 31, police said. According to the department, Guzman had been ringing doorbells in the area and running away. At around 10:55 p.m., Guzman suffered a gunshot wound while running away, police said, citing a witness. Related: 11-Year-Old Texas Boy Dies After He's Shot at While Playing Ding-Dong-Ditch Prank Leon was subsequently identified as a suspect and arrested two days after the shooting. KHOU spoke to police Sgt. Michael Cass, who said the evidence seemingly does not support a potential self-defense claim. In my opinion, it does not look like any type of self-defense," he told the outlet. "It wasnt close to the house, so itll more than likely be a murder charge." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The outlet also spoke to neighbors who were stunned by the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What harm could they have done? Playing with a doorbell? Thats the part that really kind of hurts the heart, one told KHOU. For someone to shoot him in the back, they knew they were a kid. Whats the purpose of it? It is not immediately clear if Leon has entered a plea or retained an attorney. Read the original article on People Prime minister convenes high-level talks on extending Israeli sovereignty in West Bank after France and others recognize a Palestinian state, officials say. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a meeting on the possibility of applying sovereignty and taking measures against the Palestinian Authority in response to countries recognizing the Palestinian Authority as a state. The meeting was scheduled for Tuesday; however, the discussion was delayed to Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Israeli officials previously reported that Israel is considering annexation in the West Bank as a possible response to France and other countries recognizing a Palestinian state. It is unclear where precisely any such measure would be applied and when, whether only in Israeli settlements or some of them, or in specific areas of the West Bank like the Jordan Valley, and whether any concrete steps, which would likely entail a lengthy legislative process, would follow discussions. Any step toward annexation in the West Bank would likely draw widespread condemnation from the Palestinians, who seek the territory for a future state, as well as Arab and Western countries. A Palestinian woman walks past a mural in protest of Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, July 14, 2020 (credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA) Sa'ar, Rubio discuss West Bank sovereignty in DC It is unclear where US President Donald Trump stands on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walla reported on Sunday that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the topic of West Bank sovereignty during his visit to Washington last week. However, a spokesperson for Sa'ar did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the topic. Reuters contributed to this story. (The Center Square) - A Nevada man recently received over 15 years in prison after fraudulently obtaining over $11 million from the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. This sentence comes after Meelad Dezfooli of Henderson, Nevada, pleaded guilty last year to bank fraud, money laundering and illicit transaction charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada. In addition to this sentence, Dezfooli will serve another five years of supervised release and must pay back nearly $12 million in restitution, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendant will also need to forfeit $11.2 million, two vehicles and five properties. To obtain these fraudulent loans, Dezfooli submitted three applications on behalf of entities he controlled, which resulted in the millions of dollars he received from the federal government, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. When Dezfooli filled out these applications, he used false documents, including fabricated tax records and a utility bill, the office said. Furthermore, he exaggerated the number of employees and payroll expenses for each entity, the U.S. Attorney's Office noted. Once the defendant received the money, he used it to buy an estimated 25 properties in Nevada under the alias James Dez or a fake entity named Holdings Trust," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The office added Dezfooli used the money to fund his personal investment account, obtain luxury cars and gamble in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being indicted for his PPP scheme, Dezfooli continued to launder money, including selling property he had purchased with the fraudulent funds, the U.S. Attorney's Office noted. Matthew Galeotti, the Department of Justices criminal division acting assistant attorney general, said prosecuting schemes like Dezfoolis are critical to protecting the contributions of hard-working Americans, preserving confidence in government relief programs, and ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it. Dezfoolis actions have caught up with him," said Sigal Chattah, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada. Chattah also thanked law enforcement for their efforts to hold Dezfooli accountable for defrauding the government. Dezfoolis case was not the only COVID-related fraud case the state dealt with in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig Renard Gibson, a Las Vegas man, was charged with bank fraud, illegal transactions and aggravated identity theft. The U.S. Attorney's Office for Nevada said Gibson stole over $500,000 in benefits meant for unemployed people during the COVID-19 pandemic. If convicted, he faces 162 years in prison and a fine exceeding $5 million, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. CHICAGO (WGN) It was a violent Labor Day weekend in the city, with 58 people shot, including eight killed, according to the Chicago Police Departments official holiday weekend crime stats, released Tuesday morning. Near the scene of one of those shootings, in the area of West 17th Street and Wolcott Avenue, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and balloons represents the palpable grief many in the Pilsen community are feeling. It was a shooting early Sunday morning that left two men wounded and claimed the life of 57-year-old Pedro Toledo Catalan, fondly known to many as Pepe. Residents say he long faced homelessness, living on the streets of Pilsen for many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is believed Pepe was an innocent victim, caught in the crossfire. Labor Day weekend brings violence to Chicago, with nearly 60 people shot and 8 killed through Monday holiday He was very kind, thoughtful, respectful. I dont know anything bad about him, Pilsen resident Dalia Radecki said. My grandkids would honk and say, Hey, theres Pepe! I would honk and say, Pepe, get out of the street. He didnt like that, but it was just for his safety. According to the Cook County Medical Examiners Office, Catalan died from a gunshot wound to his head. I was heartbroken when I heard the news, because hes just such a good dude and completely opposite of violence in any way, Dan Buchanan, owner of anemoia, a creative studio and vintage shop in Pilsen, said. Shooting victims were outside According to Chicago police, all three victims were outside near the 1900 block of W. 17th St. when the shooting happened just before 1:40 a.m. Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion of gunfire continued for at least 15 seconds and was caught on several residents home surveillance cameras. Police said two men, ages 41 and 43, were hit in the legs by gunfire and taken to the hospital, expected to survive. Pepe, 46, was rushed to Mt. Sinai with a gunshot wound to his head/neck area and two to his leg, where he was pronounced dead. 46-year-old man killed, 2 others wounded in shooting on Lower West Side overnight According to police sources, Pepe was found lying in the intersection, while witnesses said the other two men were found in a separate spot nearby. Police sources told WGN News approximately 50 shell casings were recovered on the 1800 block of W. 17th St., indicating at least four different guns had been fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man told police he was a valid CCL holder and had exchanged gunfire with someone on the street, sources said. He was initially taken into custody, though its not clear whether hes considered a suspect, and no charges have been filed. Residents in the area where the shooting occurred told WGN News there have been ongoing issues with a rental property in the 1800 block of W. 17th St. They claim the property has been tied to ongoing parties and that there were issues stemming from this location the night of the shooting. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) confirmed his office has received complaints about the location and that his office is in touch with CPD 12th District Commander Garien Gatewood, who is Chicagos Deputy Mayor of Community Safety. Sigcho-Lopez shared an anonymous email sent to his office regarding concerns over the rental property being tied to acts of violence on the block. In part, it reads: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent left our neighbor Pepe, an innocent homeless man many of us knew from the block, dead. Pepe was not a stranger to our community. He was gentle, kind, and part of Pilsen for years. People shared meals with him, gave him water, clothes, and conversation. He didnt deserve to lose his life to violence that was brought into our neighborhood by outsiders treating our housing stock like a business opportunity and exploiting our neighborhood for profits over lives. This is more than just one tragic night. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting may be related to issues stemming from the party. Details regarding what led up to the shooting are still not clear. Never should have happened to Pepe As the investigation into the shooting continues, Pilsen residents said the death of their longtime neighbor has left them feeling frustrated and sad. ICE operations to surge, federal troops could be deployed to Chicago by later this week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whoever did this, terrible, Radecki said. We dont want that in our community. You dont come and intrude and just think that youre going to be shooting out here. Im very upset, angry, because that never should have happened to Pepe. He didnt bother anybody. Buchanan started a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses. He said he considered Pepe a friend and finds it hard to believe hes gone. My first time I met Pepe was when I first moved to Pilsen, and I saw him outside of Slice Factory. I thought, That guy looks awesome. I want to know that guy,' Buchanan said. Over the years, Buchanan said Pepe frequented his art store and would attend shows. He said the man would sometimes work the door and dance along to music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, Buchanan said he had a going away party that Pepe attended. Later in the evening, he returned to find the man still there. He said he made soup for Pepe, and the two had a cigarette and talked over the meal before they parted ways. About 30 minutes later, the shooting happened. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines He was like giggling the whole night, and it was kind of it was awesome, it was hilarious, Buchanan said. Thats how Buchanan is choosing to remember his friend, and he said he hopes those who never had the chance to meet Pepe get a glance into who he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A vigil was held for Pepe on Tuesday night. Juanita Romero says those who attended helped clothe and feed him, and gave him scarves in the winter because he was family to them, too. He survived all these winters, he survived COVID, and to be killed the way he was killed, she said. Mercy Morales brought her sons Lucas and Liam to the vigil. To pray not only for Pepe, but peace as well. Its important for us to come together as a community to try and have a better life, a better future for our families, Morales said. During the vigil, Pepes neighborhood family got to meet his real brothers for the very first time. Many hugs were shared during the emotional moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests or charges have been announced in the shooting. Area Three detectives are handling the investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call them at 312-744-8261, or contact CPDTip.com, where you can remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. During slavery, reading wasnt merely discouraged; it was often illegal. Enslaved people were denied the right to read because being literate allowed them to envision and demand freedom. The Bible, read clandestinely or from memory, became a pathway to liberation. The story of Moses leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under the Pharaoh kindled hope in the hearts of those yearning to be free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the emancipation, freed people often with aid from church groups, mutual aid societies, and the Freedmens Bureau established schools, where both children and adults could learn to read, frequently using the Bible as a primary text. Today, the importance of literacy remains unchanged. But in Newark, the statistics are jarring. According to TAPintoNewark.net , less than 24% of third graders passed the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment in literacy in 2024. While some individual district schools show bright spots such as Park Elementary, which saw 58.7% of its third graders reach proficiency many schools lag far behind. In eight district schools, fewer than 10% of third graders can read at grade level, according to data compiled by the state Department of Education . The importance of reading by third grade cannot be underestimated because up until third grade, students are learning to read. After that, they are reading to learn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A landmark 2011 study found that children who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school by age 19, and for low-income students, the risk increases to 13 times higher compared to their proficient, wealthier peers. Just as reading the Bible once opened doors, so too today is literacy not only the gateway to deeper faith, but to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the increasingly complex world that we all inhabit. Unfortunately, for many of Newarks children, the door to learning and to broader possibility remains locked. Ensuring children can read by third grade is the continuation of a sacred mission of empowering individuals to access the Word and chart their own course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If reading once illuminated the path from slavery to hope, then today, literacy is the foundation of freedom. It is freedom to read the Bible. It is freedom to think critically and not be deceived by falsehoods. It is freedom to pursue college, which can open doors to careers, economic security, and a future once denied to our people. In August 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that seeks to address the alarming literacy gaps in New Jerseys schools. This legislation mandates that students in kindergarten through third grade undergo literacy screenings at least twice annually, starting in the 20252026 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are required to notify parents of their childs results within 30 days and provide necessary interventions for those falling behind. The law also establishes a statewide working group to recommend evidence-based literacy strategies and creates an online resource center to assist districts in selecting high-quality instructional materials. Additionally, it allocates millions of dollars in funding to support these initiatives. If reading proficiency scores are less than 40% at your childs school, ask yourself: is my child getting what he or she needs? Even if your child is getting As and Bs, it doesnt mean they can read at the level they should. Tests that are given to all children across the state tell us the truth about how our own children are doing here in Newark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the results are grim. As a faith leader serving Newarks community, I see this as more than just an educational issue. It is a moral and spiritual one, and thats why I plan to make literacy a part of my Sunday worship experiences this fall. Literacy is the key that opens the Bible to every child, allowing them to engage with scripture directly, to reflect, and to grow in faith. It is also a pathway to freedom, empowerment, and opportunity, continuing the legacy of those who, after the emancipation, built schools and taught their communities to read against all odds. By highlighting the importance of this law, I urge families, educators, and community leaders to come together to ensure our children do not fall behind. Its the responsibility of parents to use the tools provided by New Jerseys new literacy law to help their children succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our children learn to read, they are not only prepared for school, they are prepared for life, equipped to engage fully in faith, in community, and in the promise of a brighter future. Jesus said, You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. But our children cannot know the truth if they cannot read the Word. Literacy is the pathway to knowing truth, both Gods truth and lifes truths. The Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter is the pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark and South Orange. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor for Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom. Read the original article on NJ.com. This past May, the Trump administration announced it was temporarily freezing student visa interviews at its consulates, making an already difficult process for those wishing to study in the United States even more difficult. For colleges like Niagara University, while not taking as much of a hit as larger institutions like the University at Buffalo, the drop in international students has impacted what the college hopes to accomplish. Its been a long-standing part of our strategic plan, said Chandra Foote, the associate provost for Graduate and International Enrollment, adding that having international students is both good for business and for the education of domestic students, especially those looking to be part of a welcoming local tourism industry. Having that engagement and exposure to students from other cultures is beneficial to domestic students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fall semester at Niagara has 465 students enrolled from countries outside of the United States and Canada, a 45% drop from last year. Those students make up 12% of the overall student body of 3,894 students, not taking into account those only studying for a semester or year, which the school has not seen any major changes. Last year, students were lined around the block (for visa interviews), with many getting denials, said Foote. Now, there just arent any appointments. We had a lot of students we admitted in March, April, and May and they cant find an open appointment to have an interview. While students coming from Europe or New Zealand still received visas, Foote said more denials came for those from Asian and African countries like India, China, Vietnam, Ghana, the Gambia, and Bangladesh. For these student visa interviews, after the college issues an I-20 form, the students have to show they plan on studying in the U.S., they or their family can afford to pay tuition, and show that they have a reason to go back home, as well as explain if their degree is in demand in their home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visa process now includes vetting of an applicants social media for any anti-American, terrorist, or anti-semitic information. Right now, we are checking in with every international student, looking at their schedule to make sure they are registered for enough courses, Foote said. The college has designated officers who communicate with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the federal system that processes immigration for students, to make sure their students have been admitted and are attending classes. The Trump administration in June also put a travel ban in place from 12 countries, mostly from African and Middle Eastern countries. It included Afghanistan, where Niagara had accepted three students who cannot come to school now. Meanwhile, the schools Canadian campus in Vaughan, Ont., has a similar process for admitting students, with the Canadian government having restrictions on the number of international students from other countries. Canada is seen as a more attractive destination because their visas allow students to work on campus up to 20 hours a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niagara has seen an enrollment increase of Canadian students by 100, or 10%. All of the students from outside the United States, including Canada, make up 30% of its student body. To help out some incoming international students, Niagara sent three freshmen coming from India, Nepal, and Ghana to Salzburg College, a partner institution in Salzburg, Austria. Courses they take there will count toward a Niagara University diploma, with the hope that they can eventually go to the U.S. consulate in Vienna for an appointment. Another nursing freshman from Nigeria has instead enrolled in online courses. The college is also reaching out to accepted students who could not arrive for classes about deferring their start to the spring semester. Foote said Niagara has been more flexible to changes like this than the SUNY schools, adapting by putting graduate programs online and reaching out to more Canadian students. In the long range, well be fine, Foote said. Its a matter of having to predict the next trend and reacting as quickly as possible. If you believe that the success of any government should be measured by how often its leader is invited on to American late night chat shows, then Nicola Sturgeons devolved administration can be considered a mighty success. In Sturgeons recently-published autobiography, Frankly, the former first minister excitedly discusses her delight about appearing as a guest on Jon Stewarts Daily Show. Unfortunately, she spent far less time discussing her own dreadful legacy on drug deaths: but then, that topic is a bit of a downer, and maybe its not what her fanbase wants to read about. Now that she is out of office and heading towards the exit door of the Scottish Parliament, she will not be in the medias crosshairs today when figures will reveal Scotland remains the drug death capital of Europe a title we can hardly be proud of, but which the current cohort of ministers seem incapable of addressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of Scottish drug deaths in 2023 was 1172, a figure that is expected to fall slightly when the total for 2024 is revealed. But experts and medical authorities have already warned not to celebrate what will almost certainly turn out to be a blip in an otherwise inexorable rise in misery and despair for addicts and their families. The number of drug deaths earlier this year were already higher than in 2024, Kirsten Horsburgh, chief executive of the Scottish Drugs Forum, has warned. The SNP administration has historically resorted to two political strategies to address this shameful record. The first and its an instinctive reaction to any level of criticism in any policy area is to blame Westminster. Ministers claim that if only the power to write legislation covering drug use were devolved to Holyrood, then Scotland could set its own legal framework for coping with the crisis. As an example, they cited Home Office opposition to plans for a legalised consumption room, where addicts could inject themselves without fear of prosecution, using clean needles and facilities. Eventually, after much legal and political back and forth, the facility went ahead in Glasgow. Unfortunately, early figures show that drug deaths rocketed by a third during the centres first three months of operation, leading to fears that the initiative was feeding addiction rather than fighting it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accusation about UK drugs legislation being to blame for the high numbers of drugs deaths in Scotland never held any water anyway: if that were the case, why did similar communities across England and Wales, operating under the same legal framework, suffer far fewer tragedies than Scotland did? The second part of the political strategy to deal with the Scottish Governments disastrous drug record is deflection. Talk about something else anything so long as its not the actual problem. Sturgeons self-serving memoir is a perfect, though admittedly extreme, example of this. But you can be sure that when todays figures for unnecessary drug deaths among users are revealed, Scottish ministers will find some way of blaming someone else or talking about something else. They will be far keener to talk about the latest publicly-funded giveaway for middle class voters the scrapping of peak rail fares than about the misery and the reality of Scotlands drug culture. And in a way they can hardly be blamed for their complacency. After all, being the drug deaths capital of Europe has hardly damaged the SNPs electoral prospects. The period of Sturgeons reign from Bute House covered five of the seven years in which drug deaths were at their highest. Yet that never caused the electorate to pause in their enthusiasm for voting for her party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Swinney, although not enjoying the same levels of popularity as his predecessor-but-one as first minister, can be reasonably certain that when Scots go to the polls next May to elect a new Scottish Parliament, the SNP will emerge with the largest number of votes, and ministers failure on drugs as in many other areas can be set aside until the victory celebrations are over. This is what happens when a significant minority of the electorate remains committed to independence and see the SNP as the only realistic way of achieving that end. The polls are less an admonition of the opposition parties at Holyrood than a simple exercise in basic electoral mathematics. All the blame-dodging and finger-pointing serves the political process, but it can never address the real agony of the lives of addicts and the grisly fate that awaits more of them each year. They are the forgotten victims of a political culture that tries to ignore them all year round, until the day the latest figures are published. And afterwards we return to politics as usual. We should feel ashamed, but the electoral timetable hardly affords us time for that. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A house fire sent nine firefighters to the hospital in McKinney over Labor Day weekend. Firefighters with the McKinney Fire Department responded to a burning house on Joshua Tree Trail on Saturday evening, according to a press release. The caller reported a fire in the master bedroom of the home, in southwest McKinney a block south of Gabe Nesbitt Park. When responders arrived at the scene just after 9 p.m. on August 30, the home had heavy smoke showing from the open front door, according to the release. Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack on the second floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A firefighter became disoriented and low on air, prompting a MAYDAY, the release reads. Nearby crews quickly initiated a coordinated rescue and safely removed the firefighter from the structure. Nine firefighters sustained injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to overexertion, according to the department. All were treated at local hospitals and released by the following morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. We appreciate the prayers for our firefighters as they recover, the release reads. The Dallas Express reached out to the McKinney Fire Department and Fire Marshal, but did not hear back in time for publication. The incident follows several major fires across North Texas this summer. In June, a six-alarm blaze displaced more than 800 residents at Fort Worths Cooper Apartments. Days later, a fire at Hulen Mall prompted evacuations. Some wings in the oldest portions of the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton date back nearly 200 years. The smallest cells, like the one pictured, measure four by seven feet. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) Over a century ago, New Jersey corrections officials and advocates called on lawmakers to demolish and replace the state prison in Trenton, declaring the facility outdated, inadequate, and wholly unsuited for the present needs either of the inmates or of the officers. Lawmakers did not act on that 1918 call to action or several subsequent pleas for change, and today, more than 1,300 people are incarcerated in New Jersey State Prison considered the oldest operating prison in America, with one section built in 1836, according to a new watchdog report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the state corrections ombudspersons office has joined the chorus urging lawmakers to raze and rebuild the maximum-security lockups oldest wings, where people have spent decades in closet-sized cells with no hot water, no privacy, no recreation space or day room, and such sweltering temperatures in the summer that many sleep on the floor to stay cool. Hundreds of people are living in the prisons West Compound in cells small enough that they can extend their arms and touch both side-walls and the ceiling, state Ombudsperson Terry Schuster wrote in a report released Tuesday. The buildings in the West Compound were constructed nearly 200 years ago, and have been called antiquated and inhumane by New Jersey correctional leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts for at least the last 100 years. Department spokespeople did not respond to a request for comment. While two of the prisons three compounds were built in the 1980s with modern temperature control and housing unit design, its west compound has seven housing units that were built between 1836 and 1905, according to the report. The compounds smallest cells measure just four feet by seven feet, and its oldest housing units were designed for solitary confinement, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 600 people live there, with over a third of its general-population residents serving life sentences, according to the report. Kory McClary, who has lived at the prison since 2013, described the cells in the west compound as cages for rotting men in a 2024 essay. Living there is like living in an abandoned building, he wrote. Im in a single cell about the size of a small walk-in closet half the size of the cells in the south compound. With my books and coolers strewn around the cell, I only get two steps into my pacing before I have to turn around. The windows rattle, creak and swing back and forth when the wind blows. Guys holler all day. The shower room in the west compound of the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton offers users no privacy. (Photo courtesy of N.J. Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) Some wings in the oldest portions of the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton date back nearly 200 years. The smallest cells, like the one pictured, are so small an occupant extending his arms can touch opposite walls at the same time. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) A recreation yard at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. Portions of the prison date back to 1836, making it the oldest operating prison in America. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oldest section of the west compound of the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton was built in 1836, making it the oldest operating prison in America. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) Law library at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson) An inmate now at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton has been criminally charged in the November beating death of his cellmate at Bayside State Prison in Leesburg. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) The New Jersey State Prison in Trenton (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators noted that officials have repeatedly urged lawmakers to replace the prisons oldest portions. After prison riots in 1952, a committee held public hearings and issued a report to then-Gov. Alfred Driscoll that denounced the prison as one of the most archaic in the United States and exhorted lawmakers to build a new facility rather than taking piecemeal and temporary measures to stave off the ravages of old age, the report says. It was slated for demolition at least twice before. Its end was so expected in the 1980s that preservationists photographed the building for historic building archives, the report says. And in 2011, the Department of Corrections sought state funds to demolish and rebuild it, citing class-action litigation over confinement conditions and warning that inaction would compromise security and force officials to maintain the old systems at extremely high costs. Maintaining the West Compound of the prison has required immense effort on the part of the facilitys staff and leadership over the last century-plus, and has cost New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, Schuster wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schuster urged lawmakers and department officials to prioritize and fund the demolition and reconstruction of the west compound. Past estimates for such work have ranged from $200 million to $400 million, he added. Absent that, officials should relocate west compound residents to safer, more modern housing units, Schuster recommended. Lawmakers also should adopt standards for the size of single- and double-occupancy cells to ensure prison conditions are humane, Schuster said. He noted that the states administrative code regulates the size of county jail cells, requiring a minimum of 35 square feet of free floor space in a single-occupancy cell, yet has no minimum standard for the size of state prison cells. He also recommended that department officials create more privacy in the compounds showers and provide residents with free, standard-size bath towels, instead of the smaller towels they now get. Prison staff told Schusters investigators that many residents bathe in their underwear for privacy in a washroom that has just small dividers between showering spaces. Corrections officials have closed a number of state prisons in recent years, including Jones Farm in Ewing and Southern State Correctional Facility in Delmont. Officials also plan to close the East Jersey State Prison in Woodbridge and the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like New Jersey State Prisons west compound, though, the state has stumbled and stalled in its efforts to close other abhorred lockups, including two prisons for juveniles. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Cows mill around a washed-out road in Mora County in July 2022 after the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. Continued post-fire flooding occurred last week in Mora County, prompting Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to announce on Sept. 2 a $1.5 million emergency funding. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized $1.5 million in emergency spending to help Mora County residents recover from recent flooding, according to a Tuesday news release from her office. Heavy rainfall between Aug. 26 and 27 caused flood damages on public and private property, according to the governors office. The flooding disrupted essential services such as transportation, emergency response and utilities, according to an emergency order the governor signed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order cites continued damage from the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, which burned a 485-square-mile area, including much of Mora County, in Northern New Mexico. County officials have requested the states help with procuring sandbags, along with emergency county-road repair and swift water rescue teams, according to the governors office. National Weather Service reports show that flash flooding caused small creeks to flow above their banks in at least eight places along NM Highway 518, a major roadway, north of Cleveland, NM. Reports also show extreme damage to NM 434 prompted emergency responders to close it for repairs. The emergency orders fund $750,000 apiece to the states emergency management and military affairs departments, according to the governors office. The governor can also authorize new funding, $750,000 at a time, as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-fire flooding has occurred repeatedly in and around the burn scar since the 2022 wildfire, which is the biggest in New Mexico history. Those who see damaged or lost property due to flooding are eligible for compensation from the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Fire Assistance Act, a $5.45 billion fund Congress created in late 2022. The governors office said those who have an outstanding claim with the claims office should reach out to their navigators, who help claimants through the process, if they have damages from the flooding last week. The governors office also said updates about the states response will be published to this Facebook page. The Macao, China delegation attended the 2025 Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) Annual Meeting in Tokyo from August 25-29. Discussions focused on mutual evaluation reports, upcoming evaluations, revised procedures, and trends in money laundering and terrorist financing. The delegation included nine agencies, such as the Commission Against Corruption, Macao Customs Service, and Judiciary Police, and was recognized for its active APG participation. GIF representatives chaired and assessed evaluations. GIF said it will continue coordinating with AML/CFT Working Group members to prepare for future reviews. Like this: Like Loading... SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) Despite a Democratic lead in Californias 2026 gubernatorial election, Republican candidates will meet in a November debate in San Marcos. Polling at 17% for first choice preference, Representative Katie Porter (D) is currently leading the crowded race for the office of governor. However, 38% of voters remain undecided, with Republican candidate Chad Bianco polling at 10% first choice preference. FILE U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., smiles as she prepares to address supporters at an election night party, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) Conservative gubernatorial candidates Steve Hilton, Che Ahn and other unlisted speakers will speak in a showdown at Awaken Church at San Marcos. The debate is being hosted by political commentator Lara Logan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in the fight to reclaim our state from crisishomelessness, crime, human trafficking, and policies like AB 495 that threaten families, event organizers said in a news release. Steve Hilton is currently polling at 6%, while Che Ahn does not directly appear in recent polls. Currently, the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at Berkley states 3% of those polled picked other in the study. This study follows Kamala Harris decision not to run for governor, who was previously the front runner with a double-digit lead. According to a news release from the Porter for Governor Campaign, Porter has raised over $3 million in grassroots donations 36 hours after Harris announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only three candidates have reached double digits in either of these two most recent polls Katie Porter and two Republicans, the campaign stated. Democrats can ensure they arent shut out of the general election by consolidating behind Katie. Former San Diego State Senator Toni Atkins (D)who announced her campaign last monthis also running for governor, currently at 1% in IGS polling. California state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins looks on during a briefing with district representatives, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in San Diego. Atkins is preparing to step down from her leadership post early next year, though she could make history again with a run for governor. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) The findings show that there is no clear frontrunner at this early stage, IGS Co-Director G. Cristina Mora said in the study. This will mean that candidates will have to spend lots of time, and lots of money, working on name recognition and educating voters about their record of service. Locals can see Republican candidates debate on Nov. 8. Voters can weigh in the primaries on June 2, 2026 and in the general election on Nov. 8, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For Ukrainians, every delay is measured in lives. What we had hoped for since the start of this war, but even more so in the last few weeks, is an immediate and visible ceasefire on the ground, as a lead-up to a true and just peace. But instead of real pressure, we continue to see diplomatic choreography while Russia escalates its missile strikes, drone attacks, and shelling of civilians. Every so-called "promise" from Russian President Vladimir Putin has only been followed by more death and destruction. Last week, a Russian strike on Kyiv hit the building housing the European Union's mission to Ukraine. This was not only another assault on Ukrainian civilians, it was an attack on EU property itself, a clear act of aggression that shows Russia is at war with Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A just peace has only one meaning: the full de-occupation of Ukraine, real security guarantees, and accountability for Russia's war crimes and destruction. That path is possible, but it requires tools that apply real pressure, like tough, targeted sanctions on oil and gas. True peace efforts must respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, not ideas of land "gifts" for the very regions brave Ukrainians have spent the last three years fighting to protect. Rumours have been circulating in Brussels that the EU's 19th sanctions package will not include any major new restrictions on the oil and gas sales that bankroll Russia's war. If true, this would be a grave mistake; one that risks prolonging Ukraine's suffering and leaving Europe dangerously exposed to the very fossil-fueled leverage Putin has weaponised for years. Red carpets and rides in 'The Beast' won't stop Putin. Only hard-hitting sanctions will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's position is not one of strength; it is one of attrition, kept afloat only by fossil fuel revenues that keep Putin's army well financed. With the 19th sanctions package currently under discussion, Europe now has to step up and stop waiting for action from the U.S. if it truly wants an end to this war. Europe's leaders surely know this, but are forced to appease an unpredictable Donald Trump. They also know Russia is far from dominating the battlefield. Just hours before the Oval Office meeting between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, the British Defense Ministry assessed that at current rates, it would take Moscow 4.4 years to capture the territory it claims to have annexed, and that it would cost an additional 1.93 million casualties on top of the over one million Russian troops already killed or wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's position is not one of strength; it is one of attrition, kept afloat only by fossil fuel revenues that keep Putin's army well financed. U.S. President Donald Trump (C-R) and President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-L) stand with European and NATO leaders for a family photo in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images) That is where sanctions matter most. Since the invasion began, Russia has earned more than 900 billion from fossil fuel exports. Yet, sanctions are already making an impact. The U.K. Foreign Office estimates that sanctions have stripped the Kremlin of 386 billion in war funds, including 120 billion in lost oil tax revenues. Russia's fossil fuel trade has been pushed onto longer, more expensive routes, shadow-fleet tankers have been blacklisted, and Moscow's foreign reserves are shrinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A full embargo on Russian fossil fuels is long overdue. Pressure is working. But it is still nowhere near enough. Europe's next sanctions package must finally strike at the heart of Putin's war chest. Europe cannot keep tinkering around the edges. A full embargo on Russian fossil fuels is long overdue, and the oil price cap should be slashed to $2025 per barrel, the level that would actually hurt Moscow rather than help it. Equally urgent is cutting off Russia's prized LNG projects, including Arctic LNG 2, one of Putin's personal crown jewels. The Russian shadow fleet of tankers must be dismantled through strict enforcement of maritime transparency, ownership disclosure, and oversight of insurers and flag states. And sanctions must be aligned across the Atlantic, with the EU and the U.K. working with the U.S. in imposing tough secondary measures on Russia's biggest energy customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Europe also needs to look at its own fossil fuel dependency. Replacing Russian LNG with fossil fuels from other autocratic regimes would mean repeating the same dangerous mistakes of the past. Reliance on U.S. LNG should also be carefully weighed, particularly with an unpredictable administration in Washington. Read also: Russia-Ukraine naval drone arms race could usher in a new era of warfare True energy security will never come from trading one dependency for another. It will come from breaking free of fossil fuels altogether. That means massively investing in cheaper renewables and prioritising energy efficiency over destructive fossil infrastructure. The EU has made remarkable progress in reducing its dependence on Russian energy, but this is not the time to slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every euro denied to Russia's treasury is a missile that cannot be built, a drone that cannot be launched, a life in Ukraine that can be spared. Putin is counting on Europe's hesitation and Trump's vanity. He is exploiting Washington's theatrics to buy time on the battlefield. Europe cannot afford to wait. By strengthening sanctions now and cutting off the fossil cash that fuels Russia's war, the EU can demonstrate that its commitment to Ukraine is not only about words, but about action. A united, determined Europe can close the loopholes, dry up Putin's war chest, and bring closer the day when peace is built on justice, accountability, and security. That is the only kind of peace Ukrainians can accept, and the only kind of peace Europe should stand for. Submit an Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sep. 2WORTHINGTON The Nobles County Heritage Center is hosting a grand opening of three new exhibits from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the center, 225 Ninth St., Worthington. The exhibits are called Natives and Settlers, Coming of Age: The 1968 Generation and Our People, Our Communities, Our Legacy. The Coming of Age: The 1968 Generation exhibit is a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota History Center and will be featured at Nobles County for four months. The exhibit looks at pivotal events that shaped the lives of that generation. The state has just started doing traveling exhibits again since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is the first time Nobles County has had a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota History Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's kind of a new thing for us," Beth Rickers, Nobles County Historical Society executive director, said. "But you want to supplement it with your own content." She said they have been looking through The Globe archives on Newspapers.com to find interesting, local events from 1968. "We can do so much more because we're digitizing all that Globe stuff," Rickers said. "It's incredible the stuff we find." The 1968 exhibit involves information about the Space Race, a competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and will include a fun toy for kids to play with, shooting foam rockets up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unusual artifact from 1968 is also part of the exhibit. It is a paper dress with Campbell soup cans printed all over. At the time, you could order it for $1. Turkey Day history will also be included in the Coming of Age exhibit. The Natives and Settlers exhibit is about the Dakota War of 1862 and the impact it had on local settlement. Sarah Darling researched all of the content as part of her master's program. Her father, Harris Darling, who recently died, was a lawyer who was very into history, especially Native American artifacts. While the Dakota War did not take place in Nobles County, there were events, such as a massacre, that occurred in Murray County, and in the Jackson and Spirit Lake, Iowa, area, there were some raids that happened. These events affected settlement in Nobles County due to hysteria over the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from panels sharing all of Sarah's researched information, the exhibit will also feature many Native American artifacts, including arrowheads and more. Bob Ludlow, owner of Bedford Industries, approached the Heritage Center with an idea of a new exhibit he'd like to see about all of the towns in Nobles County, so the Our People, Our Communities, Our Legacy exhibit was created. "Our challenge always is that we're a county museum, we're not just a Worthington museum," Rickers said. "So we want to be inclusive, but because Worthington is the largest community in the county by quite a bit, it's not always the easiest to be inclusive with all the small towns." So they began researching and developed a separate panel of information that the Globe archives assisted with, for all the towns in the county, including the unincorporated towns of Org and Reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many interesting facts are shared throughout the exhibit, including how President Theodore Roosevelt spoke in Rushmore once or how a guy in Wilmont built the first car in Nobles County. The Brewster girls drum and bugle corps was a big deal as well. "They traveled all over and represented Brewster... and won all kinds of competitions," Rickers said. "We happened to have two of their uniforms." Rickers also said a large screen TV will be part of the exhibit, showing footage of the bugle girls marching in parades among other videos. "We're really finding the things that are unique and that means something to all these towns," Rickers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the towns in Nobles County were founded because of the railroad, so a model railroad will be on display as an interactive component to the exhibit. Jim Hintgen and John Galstad are the steady, patient hands behind the model railroad. Hintgen has been working on model railroads for close to 30 years, working on his very own for the last 20 years. "The time building a model is very time-consuming," he said. "And I like to do a lot of detail. Some people don't. You're working with really small stuff. So far my hands have been staying steady so I can do most of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hintgen's favorite part about building model railroads is, of course, the end result. The exhibit's model started with polyfoam and a board, then they built it up from there. The base is grass, which comes in all different colors and thicknesses. Hintgen has a tool he created to make the grass easily stand up on the board. He puts the grass into a makeshift contraption that includes a sour cream container with a screen and a little 9-volt battery. Glue is then poured on the base and a wire attached to the contraption is stuck into it. The battery causes a charge in the screened container that makes the grass stick up when it falls out. "That's what gives you the texture," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hintgen also makes most of the trees himself. "They ship in and we cut them up, take out all the little fine pieces in there, spray them with a little color to color the bark and then we soak them," he said. "At least I soak them, some guys don't, and then hang them upside down on wire. It is a process." The process continues when he makes a hole in the board, puts in a drop of glue and sticks in the tree, one by one. Though the model is not to scale, it includes all of the towns and depots, Lake Okabena and Lake Ocheda. The engines have digital command control that gives them the ability to make all sorts of sounds, such as a horn, bell or brakes. It is all controlled by an iPad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the railcars have old Nobles County businesses on the sides, such as Boote's Hatchery and Worthington Creamery. Other details include a hobo in one of the box cars. Around the model are little bits of relevant information, including an interesting story about Jack Boote, the owner of Boote's Hatchery. He was once the mayor of Worthington and did so much business with the railroads that he had his own private railcar to use for two weeks. He would invite all of his friends and businessmen to his private railcar, which had a chef and a butler, for elaborate dinners. A photo of him in the railcar is featured in the exhibit. This exhibit has been the Heritage Center's most ambitious in-house project to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's our biggest investment, and we knew that going in," Rickers said. "Thanks to the Ludlows, we had a good investment to put into an exhibit like this. We just decided it was time to make an investment into our exhibit, because we need to get more people in here. People don't know we're here." The Our People, Our Communities, Our Legacy exhibit is meant to be long-term to truly showcase the communities in Nobles County. "It's been an adventure," Rickers said. "We can see the ends in sight, it's just getting all the last minute stuff put together. This will always be a work in progress. I have to say we have a great group of volunteers who figure out how to get stuff done." A couple future exhibits to look forward to are on immigration and the ice harvest. Those will be opening early 2026. Noem Posts Uncut Clip Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused CBS News of shamefully editing her remarks about an alleged MS-13 gang member, fueling renewed scrutiny over the networks handling of politically charged stories. Noem said a portion of her Sunday interview on Face the Nation about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported earlier this year, was clipped to omit graphic details about his alleged criminal background. She posted the uncut exchange online, claiming CBS tried to whitewash the dangers Garcia posed. This individual was a known human smuggler, a MS-13 gang member, an individual who was a wife beater, and someone who was so perverted that he solicited nude photos from minors, and even his fellow human traffickers told him to knock it off, Noem said in the unaired clip. She added, So he needs to never be in the United States of America, and our administration is making sure were doing all that we can to bring him to justice. This morning, I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS shamefully edited the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety. Watch for the part of my interview that @CBS tried to pic.twitter.com/28fsGZug48 Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) August 31, 2025 CBS Defends Edits A CBS spokesperson told the New York Post the segment was edited for time and met all CBS News standards, adding that the full interview and transcript were made available online. History of CBS Controversies The dispute follows other controversies involving CBS programming. Last year, 60 Minutes faced criticism after a segment on Texas abortion laws included disputed claims about medical training. Texas Scorecard reported that doctors interviewed for the broadcast misrepresented residency programs at UT Southwestern, alleging the show did not properly fact-check the allegations made by subjects on the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, CBS parent company Paramount Global agreed to pay up to $30 million to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump, who alleged a 60 Minutes interview with thenVice President Kamala Harris had been deceptively edited. Under the settlement, transcripts of future candidate interviews must be released after airing, The Dallas Express reported. Critics have also pointed to the networks history, including the 2004 controversy known as Rather-gate, when 60 Minutes relied on fake documents about President George W. Bushs National Guard service. The documents had been produced with a typeface from Microsoft Word and could not have been produced on a typewriter from the Vietnam War era. The fallout led to the resignation of longtime anchor Dan Rather. Regulatory Debate The Federal Communications Commission maintains a longstanding policy against news distortion, though its jurisdiction is limited to local broadcast affiliates and requires proof of deliberate falsification. According to FCC guidance, the agency will not intervene in cases involving mere inaccuracy or difference of opinion, only in instances where evidence such as outtakes or written directives shows intentional deception. President Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly urged regulators to act. In recent weeks, he targeted ABC and NBC in social media posts, accusing them of being an actual threat to our Democracy and suggesting the FCC revoke their licenses. However, such a revocation could face constitutional hurdles if the action was taken as an act of censorship because of perceived journalistic bias, DX reported. ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa (KCAU) An over-century-old building located in the Iowa Great Lakes area tells the history of some of the first settlers along the lakes, and a local non-profit is making sure the building, and the story it tells, stay alive. In 2021, the non-profit Friends of the Abbie Gardner Cabin Historic Site was founded with two goals in mind; preserving the cabin and building a new museum. And in late 1856, Abbie Gardner and her family would become the first permanent settlers in what is now Arnolds Park, Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March of 1857, Abbie, alongside three other children, would be abducted by the local Native American tribe while the other settlers were killed during what is known as the Spirit Lake Massacre. When I was a kid and learned about this story, it was a story that was very much good guys versus bad guys. Now we know that this story is actually a gray story, and we understand now that it wasnt good guys and bad guys. And the cabin is kind of the symbol that ties everything together, that and the 1895 monument, said Mary Dreier, a member of Friends of the Abbie Gardner Cabin Historic Site. Abbie was released from captivity after a couple of months, and later in life, she purchased and moved back into her family cabin, which became a tourist destination after she shared her story. 169 years later, the cabin still stands, and since forming Friends of Abbie Gardner, officials have worked with the state of Iowa to continue efforts to preserve the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a new roof, the cabin could have went, you know, into very bad disarray. With the new roof, you know, we gave the assessment to the state, worked with the state to say, Hey, can we prioritize this? And the state was then able to prioritize the project, and the roof got done, and they did a little gutter system around that, said Drew Hage, the director of development with Spirit of Okoboji. Officials are also working on building a brand new museum. Existing museum is, you know, limited in a couple of factors where it isnt able to be open in the winter. When youre preserving artifacts, it is not climate-controlled, so there are some things like that that if were going to really enhance the storytelling piece, we need some, you know, assistance on the technological side and then also the preservation side, said Hage. Officials say by keeping Abbies cabin and her story alive, this history can teach us how to create a better future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more we know about history, the more we know what works and what doesnt work. And I think that saving this cabin and promoting this cabin and the stories that are housed in it is a way that we can all become better people and our future much brighter, said Dreier. Hage said there are talks about possibly adding a new exhibit to the museum in the near future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. An environmental nonprofit in Minnesota has filed lawsuits against two cities and their development partners, arguing that reviews for massive projects failed to disclose the potential for data centers and the risks they pose. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy filed separate lawsuits against Lakeville and North Mankato, claiming that the cities' alternative urban areawide reviews a type of environmental review violated state law. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reported that the MCEA is arguing the documents didn't identify the projects as potential data centers, glossing over critical concerns such as water use, electricity demand, and pollution. Now, the MCEA wants both cities to halt these developments and undergo more rigorous environmental impact statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In North Mankato, internal emails showed that city officials were in contact with two data center developers while the AUAR was underway. In Lakeville, the review projected water usage of up to 2.5 million gallons per day, which is comparable to that of a medium-sized data center. Both projects moved forward without publicly disclosing that they might house massive server facilities. Data centers are notoriously resource-intensive. They consume large amounts of water for cooling, require huge amounts of electricity, and can generate noise, light, and air pollution. Without clear disclosures and thorough reviews, residents could be blindsided by the potential impact of these projects on their bills, health, and local environment. Residents were grateful for the organization's eagle-eyed response, with one Facebook user saying: "Most grateful I live north of Mankato & drink from a private well. YOU are my [heroes]." Another added: "Thank you MCEA! We need this transparency to protect our groundwater and natural resources. Responsible development is key!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Minnesotans have a right to know where the energy will come from to power these massive facilities and how our clean air, drinking water, and quality of life will be protected," said Kathryn Hoffman, MCEA's CEO. "Without answers to these basic questions, Minnesota can't fully weigh the pros and cons of whether these developments are right for our state. Our laws require more transparency, and Minnesotans deserve it." "We have a goal of all carbon free energy in Minnesota by 2040 and increasing electricity demand without making sure we have the clean energy resources puts those goals at risk," Hoffman also said to MPR News. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. In just three years, Jay Collins has gone from nonprofit executive to state senator to a lieutenant governor viewed as having an inside track in the governors race in 2026. During that time, the nonprofit organization where the Tampa-area Republican served as a top officer entered the Florida market and then received $16 million in disaster relief business from the state. At Missouri-based Operation BBQ, Collins, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, pulled down a six-figure salary as part of the executive team. The organization, which provides meals to those impacted by natural disasters, started doing business with the state after Collins won the Republican primary in a Tampa-area race in 2022, state records show. Three weeks later, he defeated Democratic Sen. Janet Cruz to win the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food relief organization received its first $2.63 million of a $5.11 million contract to feed Hurricane Ian victims two weeks after Collins won that race with the help of an endorsement from Gov. Ron DeSantis and thousands of dollars from the Republican Party. His victory flipped the district red to help give Republicans a supermajority in the Senate, which enabled DeSantis to push through many of his legislative priorities with minimal resistance from Democrats. The Orlando Sentinel reported on that first contract in 2023; the group has since received another $8.3 million of the $16 million worth of food relief its under contract to provide. The flow of money to Operation BBQ concurrent with Collins stint in the senate might give the average voter pause and raise an eyebrow, said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. The Legislature is responsible for deciding the states spending plan each year and setting rules for the awarding of grants and contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does look like a potential conflict of interest when you look at the timing of a high-ranking official beginning to operate and get contracts the same time hes elected to the majority party of the Legislature, Jewett said. State emergency management officials said Operation BBQ Relief received the first contract as part of a regular competitive bidding process. It is unclear whether Collins played a role in drafting the proposal or obtaining the first contract or subsequent state work for the organization. State emergency management officials did not respond to further requests for comment about Collins involvement in the selection process or subsequent purchase orders. Collins did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did the governors office. Ben Wilcox of the independent watchdog group Integrity Florida likened Collins situation to that of former Sen. Lauren Book. A Democrat from Plantation, Book ran a nonprofit child abuse prevention organization, Laurens Kids, that received over $24 million from the Legislature over nearly a decade and a half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was paid a $200,000 annual salary from the organization, yet voted to give Laurens Kids millions in grants, saying she was advised by Senate lawyers that she didnt have to abstain on such matters. There were questions raised about whether she should disclose the potential conflict or abstain from voting, Wilcox said. My advice at the time was she should at least disclose. Book did not. Florida lawmakers are considered part-time politicians and expected to maintain full-time jobs, Wilcox said, so the bar on conflicts of interest is set intentionally low and name recognition can play a role in deciding who gets contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be a nod and a wink kind of thing, the fact that hes listed as an employee means something to the people giving the contracts, Wilcox said. As a senator, Collins doesnt appear to have voted on any money going directly to his organization or appear to have disclosed any conflicts of interest. During his first two years in the Senate, Collins was appointed chair of the senate agricultural committee, and assigned to several high profile budget and policy committees. He introduced legislation supporting the governors agenda, including a proposal that would allow residents to carry guns without getting permits. Hes been a steadfast and loyal supporter of DeSantis, most recently sponsoring several of the governors immigration reforms during a special session of the Legislature. He also defended the controversial decision by the Hope Florida Foundation, First Lady Casey DeSantis pet project, to give $10 million to two political groups that were campaigning against Amendment 3, the failed ballot initiative to legalize marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis appointed Collins as lieutenant governor on Aug. 12, six months after Jeanette Nunez stepped down to become president of Florida International University in Miami. During his swearing-in ceremony in Tampa two weeks ago, DeSantis said Collins was someone that will help us deliver more wins for the people of Florida and is also capable of serving and leading as governor, if that need were to arise. Collins said he would do his best to help support the governors agenda. In the past few months, Collins has been mentioned frequently as a possible candidate for governor. He has said he has not decided if he will run but that the race needs competition. If he does decide to run, he would likely get endorsed by DeSantis, who said recently that Collins has what it takes to be a compelling candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Collins candidacy backed by DeSantis would likely further deepen the rift between the governor and President Donald Trump, who has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples for the job. The same day DeSantis appointed him, Collins gave up his $221,000-a-year job as chief operating officer at Operation BBQ. His annual salary as lieutenant governor is $135,000, and hes already making high-profile moves in a role that is often very low key, traveling by chartered jet to California to oversee the extradition of Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India accused of making a deadly U-turn in South Florida that killed three. Collins, a Montana native, served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, seeing combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. He lost his left leg in battle and returned to active duty for five more years after he was fitted with a prosthetic. He retired in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He met his wife Layla Collins while both were serving in the military. After she lost a Hillsborough County School Board race, DeSantis in July appointed her to the State Board of Education. Collin and his family moved to Florida in 2019. In 2021, the Gary Sinise Foundation built and donated a $1.2 million accessible smart home for Collins and his family in northwestern Hillsborough County. As a fully disabled veteran, Collins pays no property taxes on the home. Collins began working for Operation BBQ Relief in December of 2018, seven years after the organization was created and served its first hot meals to victims of the 2011 tornadoes in Joplin, Mo. Jay was a valued member of the OBR team, co-founder and chief administrative officer Will Cleaver said via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has served over 11 million meals in 36 states, according to its most recent tax return. That includes close to 2.5 million meals distributed to victims of hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton in Florida, based on public contract and purchase order information. To date, the nonprofit has received $13.4 million from the state and $171,500 in donations from the Florida Disaster Fund. Collins has been on the ground distributing meals. In an Aug. 25 post on X, Collins stated: When Hurricane Ian hit Ft. Myers, I didnt run to cameras. We lived in tents and campers making sure families had food and water. I will always roll up my sleeves for Floridians. ------------- TALLAHASSEE In just three years, Jay Collins has gone from nonprofit executive to state senator to a lieutenant governor viewed as having an inside track in the governors race in 2026. During that time, the nonprofit organization where the Tampa-area Republican served as a top officer entered the Florida market and then received $16 million in disaster relief business from the state. At Missouri-based Operation BBQ, Collins, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, pulled down a six-figure salary as part of the executive team. The organization, which provides meals to those impacted by natural disasters, started doing business with the state after Collins won the Republican primary in a Tampa-area race in 2022, state records show. Three weeks later, he defeated Democratic Sen. Janet Cruz to win the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food relief organization received its first $2.63 million of a $5.11 million contract to feed Hurricane Ian victims two weeks after Collins won that race with the help of an endorsement from Gov. Ron DeSantis and thousands of dollars from the Republican Party. His victory flipped the district red to help give Republicans a supermajority in the Senate, which enabled DeSantis to push through many of his legislative priorities with minimal resistance from Democrats. The Orlando Sentinel reported on that first contract in 2023; the group has since received another $8.3 million of the $16 million worth of food relief its under contract to provide. The flow of money to Operation BBQ concurrent with Collins stint in the senate might give the average voter pause and raise an eyebrow, said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. The Legislature is responsible for deciding the states spending plan each year and setting rules for the awarding of grants and contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does look like a potential conflict of interest when you look at the timing of a high-ranking official beginning to operate and get contracts the same time hes elected to the majority party of the Legislature, Jewett said. State emergency management officials said Operation BBQ Relief received the first contract as part of a regular competitive bidding process. It is unclear whether Collins played a role in drafting the proposal or obtaining the first contract or subsequent state work for the organization. State emergency management officials did not respond to further requests for comment about Collins involvement in the selection process or subsequent purchase orders. Collins did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did the governors office. Ben Wilcox of the independent watchdog group Integrity Florida likened Collins situation to that of former Sen. Lauren Book. A Democrat from Plantation, Book ran a nonprofit child abuse prevention organization, Laurens Kids, that received over $24 million from the Legislature over nearly a decade and a half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was paid a $200,000 annual salary from the organization, yet voted to give Laurens Kids millions in grants, saying she was advised by Senate lawyers that she didnt have to abstain on such matters. There were questions raised about whether she should disclose the potential conflict or abstain from voting, Wilcox said. My advice at the time was she should at least disclose. Book did not. Florida lawmakers are considered part-time politicians and expected to maintain full-time jobs, Wilcox said, so the bar on conflicts of interest is set intentionally low and name recognition can play a role in deciding who gets contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be a nod and a wink kind of thing, the fact that hes listed as an employee means something to the people giving the contracts, Wilcox said. As a senator, Collins doesnt appear to have voted on any money going directly to his organization or appear to have disclosed any conflicts of interest. During his first two years in the Senate, Collins was appointed chair of the senate agricultural committee, and assigned to several high profile budget and policy committees. He introduced legislation supporting the governors agenda, including a proposal that would allow residents to carry guns without getting permits. Hes been a steadfast and loyal supporter of DeSantis, most recently sponsoring several of the governors immigration reforms during a special session of the Legislature. He also defended the controversial decision by the Hope Florida Foundation, First Lady Casey DeSantis pet project, to give $10 million to two political groups that were campaigning against Amendment 3, the failed ballot initiative to legalize marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis appointed Collins as lieutenant governor on Aug. 12, six months after Jeanette Nunez stepped down to become president of Florida International University in Miami. During his swearing-in ceremony in Tampa two weeks ago, DeSantis said Collins was someone that will help us deliver more wins for the people of Florida and is also capable of serving and leading as governor, if that need were to arise. Collins said he would do his best to help support the governors agenda. In the past few months, Collins has been mentioned frequently as a possible candidate for governor. He has said he has not decided if he will run but that the race needs competition. If he does decide to run, he would likely get endorsed by DeSantis, who said recently that Collins has what it takes to be a compelling candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Collins candidacy backed by DeSantis would likely further deepen the rift between the governor and President Donald Trump, who has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples for the job. The same day DeSantis appointed him, Collins gave up his $221,000-a-year job as chief operating officer at Operation BBQ. His annual salary as lieutenant governor is $135,000, and hes already making high-profile moves in a role that is often very low key, traveling by chartered jet to California to oversee the extradition of Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India accused of making a deadly U-turn in South Florida that killed three. Collins, a Montana native, served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, seeing combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. He lost his left leg in battle and returned to active duty for five more years after he was fitted with a prosthetic. He retired in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He met his wife Layla Collins while both were serving in the military. After she lost a Hillsborough County School Board race, DeSantis in July appointed her to the State Board of Education. Collin and his family moved to Florida in 2019. In 2021, the Gary Sinise Foundation built and donated a $1.2 million accessible smart home for Collins and his family in northwestern Hillsborough County. As a fully disabled veteran, Collins pays no property taxes on the home. Collins began working for Operation BBQ Relief in December of 2018, seven years after the organization was created and served its first hot meals to victims of the 2011 tornadoes in Joplin, Mo. Jay was a valued member of the OBR team, co-founder and chief administrative officer Will Cleaver said via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has served over 11 million meals in 36 states, according to its most recent tax return. That includes close to 2.5 million meals distributed to victims of hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton in Florida, based on public contract and purchase order information. To date, the nonprofit has received $13.4 million from the state and $171,500 in donations from the Florida Disaster Fund. Collins has been on the ground distributing meals. In an Aug. 25 post on X, Collins stated: When Hurricane Ian hit Ft. Myers, I didnt run to cameras. We lived in tents and campers making sure families had food and water. I will always roll up my sleeves for Floridians. The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) issued a statement yesterday announcing the first issuance of municipal government bonds by the Shenzhen Government in Macau. The announcement reads, The Shenzhen Government will issue its first offshore RMB-denominated municipal government bonds in Macau in early September, with an expected issuance of RMB1 billion of green bonds dedicated to combating climate change. This issuance follows the fifth consecutive year that the Guangdong provincial government has issued offshore RMB-denominated municipal government bonds in Macau. This year, Guangdong Province successfully issued RMB2.5 billion in offshore municipal government bonds in Macau. During the announcement, AMCM explained that this year marks the first issuance of themed bonds for the 15th National Games, as well as the introduction of blue bonds in Macau. To date, the cumulative issuance size of municipal government bonds issued by the Guangdong Government in Macau has exceeded RMB10 billion. According to AMCM statements, both Shenzhen and Guangdong RMB-denominated municipal government bonds will be offered exclusively to professional investors. NS Like this: Like Loading... North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the China-North Korea border by train on Tuesday, the country's state news agency reported, heading to Beijing where he will attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, the other two leaders having come from a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Tianjin, where Xi hosted world leaders including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kim is accompanied by a delegation including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters - PHOTO: Chinese Changhe Z-8L and Harbin Z-20 helicopters fly in formation during a military parade rehearsal in Beijing, China, on Aug. 24, 2025. Kim, Xi and Putin will gather for the military parade amid Ukrainian and Western concerns over the collaboration of the three nations in bolstering Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has sent an invitation to meet with Kim on the sidelines of the military parade, according to Putin's top foreign policy aide. "Our president and Kim Jong Un will be attending the parade and the reception together tomorrow and we believe that their contact at those two events will be continued in the bilateral format," the aide, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters Tuesday. "The invitation has been sent to our Korean friends, so I believe this conversation will take place," he added. MORE: 'They do not surrender': Ukraine commander details fight with North Koreans in Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian and Western governments have accused North Korea of supplying significant amounts of ammunition and troops to support Russia's war, while Kyiv and its NATO backers have identified China as Moscow's prime source of materiel and a vital economic lifeline. Speaking at the SCO meeting on Monday, Putin said the war in Ukraine began with a Western-sponsored "coup" and "attempts by the West" to ""pull Ukraine into NATO." The address echoed long-established false Russian narratives about the pro-Western 2014 Maidan Revolution and the subsequent Russian invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Moscow built on that round of aggression by launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Putin said he spoke with Xi on Sunday about the ongoing U.S.-sponsored peace process in Ukraine, which has so far failed to produce a ceasefire or a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Kcna/via Reuters - PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels by train as he leaves Pyongyang to attend China's celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War II, in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 2, 2025. Putin and Xi met again on Tuesday morning, according to a readout from the state-run Xinhua news agency. The two leaders signed "more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents," Xinhua reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the documents is a strategic cooperation agreement between Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy corporation, and the China National Petroleum Corporation, the Kremlin said. A memorandum on the development of strategic cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy, was also signed between Rosatom, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, and the China Atomic Energy Authority, the Kremlin said. Memorandums of understanding between Russia and China on space and science research were also signed during the meeting, the Kremlin said. Bilateral relations, Putin said, "have reflected a high degree of strategy and reached the highest level in history," Xinhua reported. Xi, meanwhile, said ties between Beijing and Moscow "have withstood the test of international changes," according to Xinhua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: North Korea test-fires 2 new missiles amid US-South Korea military drills, state media says The Russian president also met with Modi on Monday. India -- along with China -- is a top customer for Russian energy exports, an income stream that Ukraine and its allies say has helped Moscow soften the impact of international sanctions and fund its war. In a post to X, Modi said he had an "excellent meeting" with Putin. "Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilizers, space, security and culture," he added. "We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting comes shortly after U.S President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on all Indian goods -- bringing the total tariff rate to 50% -- related to India's continued purchases of Russian energy exports and military equipment. ABC News' Kate Lee, Tanya Stukalova, Anna Sergeeva, Karson Yiu, Will Gretsky and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set off for Beijing, where he is set to attend a military parade, state media reported on Tuesday. North Korean state news agency KCNA cited Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il as saying that Kim left for Beijing on Monday aboard his armoured train. KCNA said that Kim was accompanied on his China trip by senior North Korean officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim is set to attend a large-scale military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. The major event, which could offer signals about the future Chinese leadership, will also be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim rarely travels abroad. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the North Korean ruler has only left the country once, in September 2023, for a summit with Putin. The meeting took place in Russia's Far East, around 100 kilometres from the border with China. Kim's last visit to China was in January 2019, when he met President Xi Jinping for talks in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In total, Beijing is expecting 26 foreign leaders to attend the commemorations. Wisconsinites have yet another chance of seeing the northern lights this week. The lights could make an appearance in nearly a dozen states, including the Badger State, over the next two days, according to a forecast from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. The SWPC's forecast indicates that aurora borealis could be visible across most of the state on Sept. 2, but will retreat to the northern portion on Sept. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sept. 2 forecast has a Kp index of four while the Sept. 3 forecast has an index of two. For indexes in the three to five range, lights will likely be "brighter and there will be more auroral activity" if they appear since they're moving further from the poles, according to the SWPC. But indexes in the zero to two range indicate the lights won't be very bright if they're visible. The lights did make an appearance over some parts of Wisconsin on Labor Day. 9:30pm Monday: The Northern Lights are slowly appearing tonight. This is from Karen at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee county along Lake Michigan. Karen says it is seen through the cell phone camera right now. Take your cell phone with you, find a dark spot and let us know pic.twitter.com/pwqMZaf8nA Tom Wachs (@Tom_Wachs) September 2, 2025 Aside from the general viewline forecast, the SWPC also has an aurora forecast tool that provides a short-term forecast, showing the lights' location and intensity for the next 30 to 90 minutes. What will the weather be like in Wisconsin this week? As "fall-like" weather arrives, a partly cloudy night sky is forecast throughout most of the state on Sept. 2, including in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee and Madison. It's worth noting that there's also a chance of showers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The northern portion of the state, including in Green Bay and Appleton, will be partly cloudy on Sept. 3. More: 'Fall-like' temperatures are hitting Wisconsin this week What are tips for watching the northern lights? The SWPC says the lights are typically best within an hour or two of midnight, meaning you should keep look for them between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. You should also head away from city lights and seek out high vantage points for a better view. You can find more tips from the SWPC at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/tips-viewing-aurora. What are the best places in Wisconsin to watch the northern lights? If you're planning on searching for the northern lights, here are some spots across Wisconsin that offer the best view of the night sky: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Can I see the northern lights in Wisconsin tonight? CHICAGO (WGN) Dr. Xiaoning Huang, a research professor specializing in cardiology at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine, joined the WGN Evening News to discuss how a new study is showing Black adults in the U.S. are being hospitalized for heart failure nearly 14 years earlier than their white adult counterparts. More information on the study can be found on Northwestern Universitys website at this link: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/09/black-adults-face-heart-failure-nearly-14-years-earlier-than-white-patients?fj=1 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A Northwestern University professor who had been reported missing after going for a walk Monday has been found in the same Chicago suburb where she lives, Evanston police said Tuesday. Police said in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon that communication professor Nina Kraus, 72, had been found and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. She had been last seen at 9 a.m. Monday leaving her home in Evanston to go for a walk, police said. Her home is about a mile from the university. The reason for her hospitalization was not immediately clear. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (NewsNation) A Northwestern University professor has been found a day after she was reported missing. Police asked for help in finding Nina Kraus, 72, after she left for a walk at around 9 a.m. Monday in the Chicago suburb of Evanston and never returned home. Kraus is a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology at Northwesterns School of Communication, according to Northwestern Now, the universitys news site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was found close to her home and was taken to the hospital for treatment, the Evanston Police Department said in an update Tuesday 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 NewsNation. A Northwestern University professor who was reported missing after leaving home to go on a walk was found and transported to a local hospital on Tuesday, according to the Evanston Police Department. Before she was found, Nina Kraus, a 72-year-old professor at the university's school of communication, was last seen on Monday after she left her Evanston home to go on a walk at approximately 9 a.m. local time, officials said. Her family reported her missing the same day, officials said. The details of her condition were not immediately released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The University is hopeful that with the community's help, we can find Professor Kraus and assure her safety," Northwestern previously said in a press release on Monday. Evanston Police Department via Meta - PHOTO: Northwestern University professor Nina Kraus is seen in this undated police handout. She was last seen wearing long pants and a windbreaker, and was believed to be carrying a dark backpack, officials said at the time. Kraus is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 140 pounds and has long silver hair, police said. MORE: Minnesota man missing after leaving for 3-day hike in Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming: Sheriff On Tuesday, police said they would be flying drones along the waterfront of Lake Michigan as part of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to her faculty bio, Kraus' is a "scientist, inventor and amateur musician who studies the biology of auditory learning." MORE: Body of missing pregnant 18-year-old found, ex-boyfriend confessed to murder: Officials "My research on sound and the brain aims to understand how our life in sound, for better or worse, alters the processing of sound in the brain, makes us us, and affects the world we live in," Kraus wrote in her bio. A father tends to his ill daughter in this 19th century illustration. New transportation technology; explosive population growth and a lack of adequate sanitation and vaccines led to high infant mortality rates throughout the century. (Getty Images) Think of the worst eras in history. Im going to go with a dark horse candidate: the mid-19th century. This may seem an odd choice when the Black Death and the Thirty Years War are on the shelf. The people of those times would have loved the technologies that made goods more plentiful and travel easier during the Victorian era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But those cravat-wearing, girdle-trapped train passengers carried viruses and bacteria to populations with no immunity to them. The factories that made those goods triggered explosive growth in cities, far beyond societys ability to manage the sanitation problems that resulted. Children bore the brunt of this calamity. Infant mortality rates were horrifically high and even higher if you were poor, Black or Native American. Life expectancy as a whole fell in the first half of the 19th century. Many of those who survived adolescence experienced stunted growth or carried health problems for the rest of their lives. According to Health and Wellness in 19th Century America by John C. Waller, a soldier in the Civil War was, on average, an inch shorter than a soldier who served in World War II and an inch shorter than a soldier who served in the American Revolution. I wouldnt want to live in 1750, but when it comes to public health, I might prefer it to 1850. Progress is neither preordained nor secure from reversals. And we have examples of this in our own lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take measles. The first vaccine against the disease hit the market in 1963. The MMR shot the one most of us over the age of 20 got came along in 1971. Both these vaccines were safe and effective against a disease that once killed 2 million people around the world each year. In 2000, authorities declared measles eliminated in the United States. But that didnt last. A fraudulent study falsely linking vaccines to autism which is not a disease led to people forsaking the shot and empowered all kinds of con artists to attack science and scientists. In the first three months of 2025, the United States had more reported measles cases than in all 2024. Now measles has reached Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama Department of Public Health reported last week that a 5-year-old child tested positive for the disease, the first confirmed case of measles in the state in over 20 years. But it wont take another 20 years to see the second case. Health care experts say we need 95% vaccine coverage to prevent the spread of measles. Alabamas rate among kindergarteners was 95.2% last year. Thats good because it was 93.8% the year before, setting off alarm bells at the health department. Yearly swings like these are becoming common and will only endanger children. Facing these risks, we need political leaders who listen to health care experts; take disease seriously and rebuke the charlatans putting families in danger. Heres what we have now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last several years, Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has pushed legislation to expand Alabamians ability to claim religious exemptions from vaccinations. These exemptions are largely anti-vaxxer nonsense. Few, if any, religions ban their adherents from getting vaccinated. Orrs bill passed the Senate this spring. It failed to move in the House. But Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, has already prefiled a new version of the bill for next years session. (It would allow college students to claim the same exemption, a perfect way to spread disease among stressed-out people living in tight quarters.) Then theres our allegedly inevitable next governor. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has suggested mandatory vaccinations in the Armed Forces hurt recruitment. Because nothing says military readiness more than a bunch of sick soldiers. Last December, the Republican appeared to signal agreement with now-U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that babies were getting too many vaccines. He followed that up during Kennedys confirmation hearing earlier this year with an announcement that his granddaughter wouldnt be a pincushion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, now a candidate for U.S. Senate, who falsely claimed in 2022 that the COVID-19 vaccine was ineffective. His opponent in the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, appears to agree with Tubervilles make-em-sick approach to national defense, demanding in a 2021 letter to the U.S. Department of Defense that service members not get vaccinated against COVID-19. Heres your future, Alabama. A bunch of leaders captured by the virus lobby. I hope this poor 5-year-old who caught measles recovers. I hope it doesnt spread. The severe respiratory illness and rash is miserable even when its not deadly. But when we get our second measles case, will we have a government acting to protect us? Or will our politicians watch children get ill or worse and mumble something about freedom? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the evidence points to the latter. And an Alabama political class inexplicably undoing decades of public health gains. This may not be the Victorian era. But unlike us, the Victorians didnt choose to live in a world where children needlessly died. Less than a year since Disney finally settled a pay inequity class action from female employees with a $43 million payout, the company now is facing similar claims in a new suit from one of its former top lawyers. Lets just put it plainly, when someone like Alisa Clairet, a 20-year veteran of the House of Mouse and an ex-temporary co-head of the Legal Affairs group at Disney Channel, accuses Disney of violating the Equity Pay Act, and lashing out with retaliation and discrimination, you know this is personal very personal. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning of her career with the Disney Channel at The Walt Disney Company in May 2005 through the end of her career at Disney in October 2024, Alisa Clairet was paid substantially less than her male counterpart another lawyer with the same experience, qualifications and job duties as Ms. Clairet in the same legal affairs department, the seven-claim August 15 filing in LA Superior Court states. Not only was she paid less, she consistently did more work and had more responsibilities than her male counterpart, the 12-page document goes on to say. When Ms. Clairet brought this inequality to Disneys attention she was ignored. Even after Disney was sued by a class of women alleging company-wide pay discrimination, Disney continued to ignore her, asserts Clairet and her Brown, Neri, Smith & Khan lawyer Nathan M Smith. Then, after announcing a settlement of the class action, Disney laid off Ms. Clairet as punishment for her efforts to secure equal pay and non-discrimination from Disney. This lawsuit follows to seek justice for decades of pay inequality and discrimination. Specifically, Clairet is going after Disney for violation of Californias Pay Equity Act, disparate treatment based on sex, retaliation in violation of the Golden States Pay Equity Act, retaliation in violation of Californias Fair Employment and Housing Act, failure to pay wages due to discharged employees, violations of Californias Unfair Competition Act, and wage penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a lot. Adding insult to injury, Clairet and her lawyer Smith notes of her September 24, 2024 so-called cost cutting pink slipping from Disney effective October 19 that her male counterpart kept his job. The filing goes on to note: Upon the termination date, Ms. Clairet received a severance payment pursuant to a written plan but was not asked to sign any release. If truly the case, the latter may be what keeps this suit out of arbitration. The former, with that male colleague, could prove the spear of Disneys destiny here. if the reasons for the layoffs were due cost-cutting, and efficiencies as Ms. Clairet was explicitly told, then the higher paid and less effective male Principal Counsel should have been selected. Given the substantial salary disparity between the two, eliminating Ms. Clairets position also eliminated another glaring example of Disneys discriminatory pay policies and practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what may be a poison pill for Disney, Clairets jury trial seeking filing is not only looking for a plethora of damages, but backpay, reinstatement, or front pay in lieu of reinstatement. Clairets filing in LASC two weeks ago came with just a day to go before the ex-in-house attorney could opt-out of the back pay, lost benefits and more class action first launched by Disney staffers LaRonda Rasmussen and Karen Moore in 2019 and settled last November, Disney fought that case tooth and nail, but, after several setbacks in court and a 2025 trial getting closer by the day, the company reached a deal with the up to 14,000 eligible class members of female Disney employees past and present from 2015 to 2024. While not chump change, the $43.25 million was a lot less than the $300 million plaintiffs lawyers were looking for once they received class certification in December 2023. Disney did not responded when reached out to by Deadline about Clairets suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have also not responded in court as of this Labour Day. In fact, since the former Disney lawyer sued her corporate alma mater on August 15, there hasnt been much activity on the docket except to get a new judge assigned which was done on August 25 with Judge Brook T Hammond taking over. Now that summers over, that might be about to change. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On the morning of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, 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 China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common valuesan ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time. As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development. The two sides should accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples and set an example for building a community with a shared future among neighboring countries. President Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength. China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistans home-grown capacity for development. China supports Pakistans efforts to combat terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take solid and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation. The two sides should strengthen strategic communication, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, address common challenges, and uphold international fairness and justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and noted that the Communist Party of Chinas pivotal role in the global struggle against Fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world. The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the over 200 million Pakistani people, and every generation will remember Chinas selfless support. No force can shake this unbreakable bond. Under President Xis great leadership, China has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and improved the peoples well-being. At the same time, China also share opportunities with fellow developing countries through Belt and Road cooperation, earning global acclaim and winning peoples hearts and minds. Pakistan unwaveringly commits to the one-China principle and looks forward to strengthening friendly ties with China and advancing cooperation in various fields to ensure sustained progress in Pakistan-China relations. Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of a regional summit in China yesterday in a show of deepening ties when New Delhis relations with Washington are strained over the purchase of Russian oil. The two leaders held talks after attending the key session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering in the port city of Tianjin, where discussions focused on regional stability, bilateral trade and energy cooperation. In his remarks to open the talks, Modi termed the partnership with Moscow as special and privileged. Putin addressed Modi as a dear friend and hailed Russias ties with India as special, friendly and trusting. Russia and India have maintained special relations for decades. Friendly, trusting. This is the foundation for the development of our relations in the future, Putin said. These relations are absolutely non-partisan in nature, supported by the overwhelming majority of the peoples of our countries. Putin plans to travel to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, according to his foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov. Modi used the SCO meeting to welcome the peace initiatives aimed at halting the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and called on the stakeholders to move forward constructively. To end the conflict soonest and establish peace permanently, we need to find out a way. Its a call of the entire humanity, Modi said. At the talks, Putin was accompanied by a large delegation that included top government officials. Russian state media reported that before sitting down for the formal dialogue, Putin and Modi spoke one-on-one for almost an hour in Aurus, a high-end, Russian-made limousine that Putin regularly brings on foreign trips. The meeting carried added significance as it came days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariffs on Indian imports, raising the total duties to a steep 50%, in retaliation to Indias continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. Washington has repeatedly warned New Delhi against buying Russian crude which it said was partly keeping Moscows revenues afloat to fund the Ukraine war. India has defended its imports as essential for meeting the growing energy needs of 1.4 billion people. Modi travelled to Russia twice last year. In July he visited for talks with Putin, his first trip to Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Kremlins forces in February 2022. He then traveled to Kazan in October for the summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies. Russia has had strong ties with India since the Cold War, and New Delhis importance as a key trading partner has grown since the war between Moscow and Ukraine. China and India have become key buyers of Russian oil after the West shunned Russian exports to punish Moscow. India historically bought most of its crude from the Middle East, but the worlds third-largest crude importer after China and the U.S. has started buying Russian oil available at discounted rates. Russia now accounts for around 37% of Indias total oil imports, according to analysts and Indian officials. Trade between India and Russia has sharply increased in recent years, touching a record $68.7 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. Imports from Russia reached around $64 billion and exports from India totaled about $5 billion, as per Indian government data. Indias financial year runs from April to March. The two nations aspire to bolster the trade to $100 billion by 2030. Modis meeting with Putin underscored New Delhis stance that India prized its old and reliable strategic partners and has sufficient strategic autonomy in its foreign policy to maintain and strengthen its multi-dimensional partnership, said Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, an international affairs expert at New Delhis Jindal School of International Affairs. At the same time, the Indian government hopes the present rough weather between India and the U.S. is a temporary aberration, Chaulia said. Then, India can return happily to having the Russian cake and eating the American pie as part of its multi-alignment strategy, Chaulia said. RAJESH ROY & HUIZHONG WU, TIANJIN, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) CrossFit Myrtle Beach is hosting its second annual 9/11 Memorial Workout to honor victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and raise money for an organization that helps first responders, veterans, and their families. Anthony Mazzariello, who is hosting the event, is a retired New York City firefighter who worked was on duty that day in 2001. I struggle with depression, usually around this time of year, he said. I got a little tired of just struggling for no reason, so I decided to put it to use. [CrossFit Myrtle Beach] helped lift me up over the past four years, relocating and moving down here. I felt this would be a great place to start an event like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazzariello said there will be four heat times: 8:46 a.m., when Flight 11 hit the North Tower; 9:03 a.m., when Flight 175 hit the South Tower; 9:37 a.m., when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon; and 10:02 a.m., when Flight 93 crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In the first three heats, participants will do nine pullups, 11 burpees, and a one-mile run. Then, instead of a one-mile run, the last heat will end with 110 pushups, for the number of floors in the World Trade Center. It is $25 to register for the workout, and all proceeds go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization gives mortgage-free homes to fallen first responders families and builds specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. Mazzariello hopes the fundraiser can help Tunnel to Towers this year as much as it did last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our money contributed to a small village of tiny homes being built for veterans up in Pennsylvania, he said. Thats a great feeling. You feel like whatever you were able to collect and get together, it actually went somewhere. Whether you do a modified workout or join participants for breakfast, Mazzariello said what matters is most is that you are there, bringing some light to one of our countrys darkest days. Its a personal thing for me, being one of those who suffered from two different cancers from the Trade Center, he said. My focus is to get [participants] to refocus years later and not let it be forgotten or fall by the wayside. Mazzariello said participants can stay motivated by thinking of who they are doing the workout for. He is dedicating the workout to the FDNYs 343 members who died to save others lives on Sept. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I usually set up a display up front, with a helmet that I wore and pictures of the 343 firemen, Mazzariello said. It culminates in a long grind workout. Then, you do the pushups, basically, in front of an altar. You have a visual motivation of seeing the gentlemen who perished. The 9/11 Memorial Workout will be at 8 a.m. on Sept. 6 at CrossFit Myrtle Beach on Waccamaw Boulevard. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) Labor Day for most people is spent enjoying a day off of work. But for more than 100 people at the Illinois State Capitol on Monday, there is still plenty of work left to do. Everything that all of us did could be gone. Just so someone can give tax cuts to a billionaire? Dale Hawkins, a retired Union Boilermaker, said. But budget cuts are making that work harder than ever to accomplish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign Co. Labor Day Parade: Remembering more than just a day off It is just unbelievable to think benefits are being taken away from our clients. A lot of people are not aware of what they are going to lose, home care worker Loretta Thompson said. Thompson, along with her fellow home care provider Tericus Mackay, have seen firsthand how strained services have gotten since the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill. They believe if the cuts move forward as planned, then services in Illinois smallest communities will be the first to go. It is devastating and its going to hit rural areas and communities. Its going to be a major widespread epidemic, very hard on the seniors, Mackey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it wasnt just funding on protesters minds. Champaign library workers plan to form union Why they would select just a few cities they are going to target, it just doesnt make any sense, Jim Hade, a volunteer with Mother Jones, said. On Sunday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed a rumored ICE operation in Chicago. It is set to begin sometime this week despite objections from state and city leaders. It is not freedom. Its not liberty, its tyranny, Hade said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) Four people shot on a Little River party boat in May are suing its owners, saying they didnt do enough to ensure the safety of passengers ahead of the violence despite being warned of the possibility. Kalayla Bufkin, Kamra Bufkin, James Graham and Vince Hanna filed complaints this week in Horry County Common Pleas Court, naming Hurricane Fleet LLC, Little River Campground, Griselda Redd, Jacklyn Bellamy and Meek Bell. Bellamy and Redd are the mother and aunt respectively of Shawon Shamarion Williams, one of two people facing charges tied to the incident. The other is a 16-year-old whose name has not been made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams, who graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School in 2023 and was in the Navy, waived extradition from Illinois in June and returned to Horry County to face his charges. Little River party boat lawsuit Download More than 100 people were aboard on May 25 when an altercation broke out at its 1522 Watson Avenue location and shots were fired, injuring 10. Shawon Williams J. Reuben Long Detention Center Unbearable pain: Little River shooting victim, attorney hold news conference The victims lawsuits accuse Hurricane Fleet LLC and its staff of failing to take routine steps including: Permitting overcrowding on the boat Over-serving alcohol and liquor Ignoring hazardous conditions on the vessel Allowing overly loud music Failing to use metal detectors to screen customers for weapons Continuing to serve alcohol after fighting began Inadequate staffing Failure to quickly call law enforcement for assistance Lack of on-site surveillance equipment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to May 25, 2025, defendants were on notice that the subject event, subject yacht/boat, subject dock, its business and the premises being operated at the location of the shooting was unsafe and posted reasonable risks of danger to the public, the lawsuit says. Williams on June 30 picked up another charge when he was accused of unlawfully delivering or selling a pistol. The lawsuits are seeking damages on grounds of negligence, alcohol liability, negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention and violation of the states Unfair Trade Practices Act. Attorney Brooke Wright, who represents the four victims says she tried reaching out to the boat owner and the dock property owner where the shooting happened. One refused to negotiate and the other still hasnt called her back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And really by their failure to cooperate and providing information its forced me to have to go ahead and take these steps, she said. Wright says the boat staff over served alcohol and did not take the right security measures, enabling the violence. Theres a lot of money that was made off of this event, she said. My clients purchased tickets and certainly they should use that money to have economically feasible security measures in place that could have prevented this. Wright says she believes staff was serving alcohol to the minor who was involved in the shooting. She adds some people were patted down and wanded as they came aboard but not all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So clearly, it was foreseeable and the defendants in this case knew that pat downs were necessary, she said. They suspected that there could be people with weapons. However, they failed to do those pat downs on every single person. They let some people get on the boat without going through the pat down. I dont know if it was because they knew them or if they had some special VIP treatment going on. Now she says one of her clients is left with a more than $220,000 medical bill. She says this lawsuit will force the party boat to provide information like their insurance they werent forthcoming with before. Wright says shes not sure if there will be any additional criminal charges. News13 reached out to the parties involved but have not yet heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Sep. 2---- Just a couple of weeks before a memorial ride will take place for Derek "Hooty" DuHoux, the National Transportation Safety Board released its final on the July 25, 2023, airplane crash that took his life. DuHoux, 34, of Clara City, died Aug. 2, 2023, at CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital of the injuries he suffered when the crop duster plane he was flying over a corn field crashed near Clara City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was a failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line. According to the report released on Aug. 28, DuHoux was piloting an Air Tractor AT-402B airplane at 7:11 a.m. on the day of the crash. He was making an approach consistent with a cleanup pass when the tail assembly of his plane impacted the lowest transmission line on a set of power lines along the perimeter of the field. The plane was likely flying under the transmission lines at the end of the cleanup pass, according to the report. The upper portion of the plane's vertical stabilizer and the rudder were separated from the airplane and located in the vicinity of the power lines, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation found no evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction before the impact with the transmission line. An examination of the engine showed signs consistent with an engine operating at the time of impact, the report stated. A blood analysis showed that DuHoux had no alcohol or other drugs in his system at the time of the crash. was a decorated Army veteran and accomplished pilot who flew Apache helicopters. A 2007 graduate, DeHoux enlisted in the in 2005 and was commissioned into active duty in 2011. He served in Afghanistan and Africa. Following his service, he returned to Clara City and served as a first responder and flew as a crop duster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legion of St. Michael LEMC Lakes Area motorcycle club is sponsoring a to honor his life and legacy. It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, with registration at 9 a.m. and the event beginning at 11 a.m. at the Off Center Tavern in Clara City. All vehicles are welcome. A $25 registration fee is requested. The sponsors state in promotions for the event that any proceeds or donations in his memory be directed to aviation scholarships, the American Legion, first responder programs, and LifeSource (Donate Life). National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. to fight crime, but they have also participated in President Donald Trumps beautification efforts, collecting 500 bags of trash along a 3.2-mile stretch. When Trump announced last month he had placed D.C. police under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to the city, he said he did it to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse. Now, soldiers are rescuing D.C. from litter. Troops wearing orange high-visibility vests over their camouflage uniforms were seen last week picking up trash in Lafayette Park just outside the White House. Soldiers were also seen cleaning up along the tidal basin near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guardsmen have cleaned more than 3.2 miles of roadways, collected more than 500 bags of trash, and disposed of three truckloads of plant waste, the National Guard said in a statement shared by CBS News Scott MacFarlane on Monday. National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. to fight crime, but they have also participated in President Donald Trumps beautification efforts, collecting 500 bags of trash along a 3.2-mile stretch (National Guard Bureau) Trump has said he is determined to make Washington, D.C. safe, clean and beautiful again (National Guard Bureau) The Independent has reached out to the National Guard for comment. Trump has said he is determined to make Washington, D.C. safe, clean and beautiful again. During a photo-op at the U.S. Park Police facility in Anacostia last month, Trump told local and federal law enforcement he plans on renovating D.C. parks, and then went into a bizarre spiel about how hes very good at grass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents push to beautify D.C.s parks comes after the National Park Service lost 24 percent of its permanent employees, The New York Times reported, citing data compiled by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. More than 1,800 park employees who left accepted the Trump administrations resignation offers, which were made in the name of government efficiency. White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers praised the joint task force in D.C. aimed at helping Trump make D.C. a safer and more beautiful city in a statement to The Independent. The Task Force has increased federal law enforcement to assist local officials, reduced violent crime, repaired roadways and parkways, and removed homeless encampments to restore our nations cherished capital, she said. More than 2,200 National Guard troops have been sent to D.C. (Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty) The Associated Press recently reported there have been more than 1,200 arrests made since the start of Trumps federal takeover on August 7, citing data released by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,200 National Guard troops have been sent to D.C., which includes soldiers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, the NYT reported, citing National Guard spokesman Major Michael A. Maxwell. Experts told CNN the deployment of National Guard troops is costing about $1 million per day. Despite the Trump administration's rhetoric about D.C., crime statistics released by the U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. in January showed violent crime went down by 35 percent in 2024, a 30-year low, after peaking in 2023. Four women are suing the city Education Department and the longtime principal of a Queens high school, accusing him of being a serial sex predator who earned the nickname Creepy Bill just a few months after his arrest on sexual abuse charges. William Bassell, 66, treated the Academy of American Studies in Astoria as his personal playground for sexual fulfillment for at least a decade, while the city Department of Education stonewalled his accusers attempts to report him, alleges the lawsuit, which was filed in Brooklyn Federal Court on Friday. The women suing William Bassell, the principal of the Academy of American Studies, include a former student who says he sexually assaulted her during a 2015 field trip to the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, the guidance counselor who reported the alleged assault, and two staff members who say he sexually harassed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bassell was arrested in Queens on May 26 on five counts of sexual abuse, accused of groping two women who work at the school over the course of a year, blocking one of them from leaving a vehicle as he grazed her neck and breast with his hand. The case is still pending, with his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday. Bassell, whose been removed from his post, has denied the charges. One of the alleged victims was Leslie Kohn, an assistant principal at the school, and his arrest opened the floodgates, leading Kohn and the three other women to file their lawsuit, attorney Amy Robinson told the Daily News Tuesday. It seems like there were a lot of people who knew that there was misconduct, and it seems like there were people who were reporting him, and its pretty shocking that, according to my clients and according to the allegations, nothing was done, Robinson said. The lawsuit accuses the Education Department of allowing a serial predator to use a New York City public school as a venue for grooming and sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the benefit of the DOEs deliberate indifference, Bassell widely known as Creepy Bill, Creepy Bassell, or simply Creep by students and faculty members at the Academy has, for more than a decade, targeted female employees and at least one femalestudent, singling them out for illegal touching, texting, and commentary, the lawsuit alleges. Bassell is so notorious, the suit alleges, that an Instagram account called AAS Takes a Stand posted several student accounts and allegations in 2020. Based on the information available to Plaintiffs, it is nearly certain that there are dozens of other women and girls who were abused by Bassell, the suit alleges. However, because Bassell still holds the title of Principal, many of his victims are unwilling to come forward publicly for fear of retaliation. One accuser, then-student Khiabet Leal, now a city school teacher, alleges that she landed in Bassells sights after she transferred to the academy because she was severely bullied at her last school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a field trip to the Metropolitan Opera on Feb. 13, 2015. Leal stepped into the lobby and sat on the carpet suffering a migraine and stomachache and Bassell crouched down to ask if she was OK, then reached underneath her skirt and started rubbing her inner thigh, the suit alleges. Leal eventually confided in two teachers about what happened the following year, and those teachers told Nicole Sinatra, the school guidance counselor, who reported the alleged assault. Leal alleges that Education Department investigators interrogated her in an empty classroom, expressing derisive skepticism of her account, and made a thinly veiled threat about her prospects for college, according to the suit. Sinatra alleges that after she reported the abuse, Bassell started retaliating against her, criticizing and berating her, accusing her of taking bathroom breaks too often, and writing her up for being a minute late to work despite her request for a medical accommodation for an anxiety diagnosis. Another accuser, Tara Murphy, a licensed social worker at the school since 2021, said Bassell started with sexually inappropriate comments within weeks of her hiring, and gave her unwanted, lingering hugs while rubbing her back. Hed leer at her whenever she bent over while wearing a dress and share lewd gossip about the schools students, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy tried to report Bassells behavior to her United Federation of Teachers chapter leader in April 2022, but was told it wouldnt go anywhere and shed suffer a backlash. In one incident during a March 2024 staff meeting, Bassell came up behind her while the group was deciding on Chinese food, rubbed her back and brought his lips up to her ear and said that he wanted to order suck me yum soup,' the suit alleges. He repeated the line into her ear as he laughed, according to the suit. Murphy, Sinatra and others reported the incident to the same UFT Chapter leader, who told her Bassell was Teflon Don because nothing sticks to him. the suit alleges. UFT representatives did not immediately return a message seeking comment Tuesday. Kohn, the assistant principal, said Bassell started harassing her for months before her official start date in August 2022, stroking her arm, texting her asking for photos, and asking her, When was the last time you were with your husband? the suit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohn subjected her to weekly abuse, groping, stroking, caressing and touching her without permission, and finally, she took a teaching job in Long Island for $50,000 less than what she was making to get away from him, the lawsuit alleges. The harassment escalated after she started her new job, but the Education Departments Title IX Attorney warned her that her identity could be exposed as a whistleblower, so she refrained from filing a complaint, the suit alleges. She took a very substantial salary cut to get out of there, Robinson said. She was on a career trajectory. And she had worked towards becoming an AP for a long time. Shes a pretty accomplished person. When she tried to get another assistant principal job with the city in May, a school district official asked if she left her last job because of Bassells pervy stuff, and the Queens North school district superintendent suggested she file a police report, leading to his arrest, the suit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bassells criminal defense lawyer didnt immediately provide a comment on the allegations against him. Education Department officials referred all questions to the city Law Department, which declined comment on the lawsuit. With Cayla Bamberger Independent NYC mayoral candidate Jim Walden announced Tuesday hes dropping out of the race, and urged other candidates to do the same in the hopes of defeating Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Walden, an attorney, said its time for the others in the race to follow suit and consolidate behind one candidate in order to set up a head to head match with the progressive Mamdani, whose pro-Palestinian positions and support for tax hikes to fund an affordability agenda has sparked blowback. The other candidates now in the race are Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov, Andrew Cuomo, both running an independents; and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Most polls show Mamdani winning handily against a divided field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For months I have been steadfast in my view that, unless there is a one-on-one race in November, a Trojan Horse will take control of City Hall, Walden said in a statement. I cannot spend more public money in the futile hope I am the one called to battle. For those still trailing in the polls by months end, I implore each to consider how history will judge them if they allow vanity or stubborn ambition to usher in Mr. Mamdani. Walden had previously pledged to support whoever was the strongest challenger to Mamdani come the end of the month. The former prosecutor himself has been polling at around 1%. Cuomo has taken a similar stand, saying he or Adams whoever is trailing in the polls- should drop out to avoid splitting the more moderate vote. Adams has soundly rejected the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walden had so far received $2.3 million through the citys 8-to-1 public matching funds program, and he still has still has $1.2 million in his campaign coffers. Per Campaign Finance Board rules, Walden will likely be required to pay back those matching funds. From the bottom of my heart, I thank my campaign staff and consultants, who believed in our campaign and worked tirelessly to accomplish all that we did, Walden said. I thank the many people who supported and endorsed us. I know todays news will disappoint all of them. Today Jim Walden put ego and ambition aside for the good of New York City, Rich Azzopardi, Cuomos spokesperson, said in a statement, adding that a Mamdani mayoralty poses an existential threat to New York City. Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, said the campaign respects Waldens choice to drop out but said Adams is still in the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While others may choose to exit the race, Mayor Adams is focused on the future delivering results and leading this city forward. We are confident millions of New Yorkers will proudly stand with him at the polls, he said. Mamdanis camp also reacted to the news. While support of Zohrans vision for an affordable New York continues to grow across all five boroughs, the billionaire class is narrowing their selection process and Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are pulling out all the stops to charm them alongside Donald Trump, Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, said. Its unclear if Waldens name will remain on the ballot in November. NEW YORK (PIX11) New York City schools will open their doors on Thursday, Sept. 4. With the new school year finally upon us, there are several important dates to mark down this month. More Local News Sept. 4: First day of school Sept. 17: 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 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sept. 25: Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K-12, and 6-12 schools More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State There are also several important updates for the upcoming school year that parents should be aware of, including a statewide ban on cellphones in schools. Click here to read more. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. New York Citys decline in major crimes continued this year with record-low shooting incidents and shooting victims through the first eight months of 2025, and the overall safest August ever, officials said Tuesday. Even with a recent spike in gun violence in the Bronx, and threats from the White House to crack down on crime in the city, Big Apple police brass boasted about new numbers that they said painted a rosy picture on everything from gang takedowns to the number of cops on the street. In the first eight months of the year, the NYPD drove down shooting incidents and shooting victims to the lowest levels in our citys history, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belowground on our subways, we have cut crime down to record lows, excluding the pandemic years. Our focus has been on taking illegal guns off the streets, arresting violent gang members, and deploying our most valuable resource the men and women of the NYPD on foot posts where they are most needed, and the results are clear: Our strategy is working, and our cops are driving down crime. The most celebrated stat was the decline in shooting incidents and the decrease in the number of shooting victims so far this year. According to NYPD data, the city recorded 489 shooting incidents and 611 shooting victims, compared with 502 and 612 in 2018, the previous all-time lows during the CompStat era, which started in 1994. The shooting numbers helped drive declines in major crime, with a 6.7% overall drop in August 2025 compared with the corresponding period last year, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the data, crime has consistently declined each quarter since January 2024, marking the citys seventh straight quarter of major crime decline. Meanwhile, the month that just ended was the safest August on record for subway crime, excluding the COVID period of 2020 to 2021. Year to date, transit robberies are at the lowest levels in recorded history, officials said. August also saw a record-low number of burglaries, while retail theft declined 22%, officials said. As August closed, we continued to break more records: shooting incidents and shooting victims for the first eight months of the year were at their lowest levels in recorded history, and crime in our subways in August was at the lowest in recorded history, Mayor Adams said. But even with the tremendous steps weve taken in making our city safer, we know that one crime is still one crime too many, and a number of heartbreaking incidents remain at the forefront of peoples minds. We see so much promise in New York City, and it is readily apparent that our public safety plan is working. We will continue to make adjustments as we see spikes, but thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, New York continues to be Americas safest big city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report was good news for Adams, who is locked in a tough reelection battle, and is beating back overtures from President Trump, who has suggested sending federal troops to New York City to help fight crime as he did last month in Washington, D.C. The new numbers also follow a spate of gun violence in the Bronx that prompted Adams recently to announce that 1,000 additional cops were being assigned to the crime-racked borough and that efforts would be made to reach out to the gang members, the shooters, the trigger pullers [to] .. .end this violence. Adams has touted law enforcements anti-gang efforts for removing guns from the street. So far this year, NYPD detectives have carried out a record-high 55 gang-related takedowns arresting 396 gang members and associates, officials said. NYPD officials said the department also hired 1,100 police officer recruits in August, marking the largest class of officers sworn in by the NYPD since January 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far this year, the NYPD has hired 2,911 recruits the highest number since 2006 with another class still scheduled for the year. In 2025, the department is on pace to hire the greatest number of new NYPD officers in recorded history, Adams said. Officials also patted themselves on the back for a decline in retail theft, the kind of crimes that have frustrated customers at places like Walgreens, where basic items like shampoo, toothpaste and Tylenol are now often under lock and key. According to the data, retail theft was down 12% for the first eight months of the year, and 22% in the month of August. Officials said they have attacked the retail theft trend by having more officers on foot patrol, and by coordinating with transit cops, who catch shoplifters fleeing in the subway. Sands China Ltd. introduced new family-friendly benefits yesterday to support team members welcoming newborns. Eligible full-time employees can receive up to six days of paid Child Care Leave for medical appointments or vaccinations in the childs first year. The company also offers a Parenthood Support Shift with regular work hours and up to 90 consecutive daily one-hour exemptions to help balance childcare and career. Existing maternity and paternity leave, nursing facilities, and parenting programs remain available. Like this: Like Loading... ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) David Allingham was the owner of Oakton Primary Care Center before his medical expertise and ethics was called into question. While advertising his practice as an Addiction Medicine Family Doctor and helping patients with addiction. In reality, he would prescribe some patients opioids and amphetamines to some patients without a proper assessment, multiple people died of drug overdoses after receiving oxycodone prescriptions. Oakton doctor pleads guilty to illegally distributing opioids, amphetamines to patients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between April 2019 and January 2024, Allingham wrote similar prescriptions outside of regulation and professional practice. Without physically examining patients, Allingham authorized renewals of opioid medication, encouraging employees to use mom and pop pharmacies to avoid scrutiny as he prescribed high-dose opioids. Allingham also prescribed amphetamines to multiple chronic pain patients to assist them in weight loss in contravention of regulations, regardless of whether the patients were obese. He pleaded guilty in January, and was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Friday, Aug. 29. In 2024 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) served an Immediate Order to Show Cause (ISO) that resulted in Allingham surrendering his DEA registration number, relinquishing his authority to handle controlled substances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Across occupied Ukraine on Sept. 1, children spent the first day of the new school year being brainwashed into idolizing Russia and waging war. At a newly opened school in Luhansk, Leonid Pasechnik, the Russia-installed head of the occupied territories in Luhansk Oblast, posed near a bust of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, and said students should "love the motherland, cherish and protect it, because it is the most precious thing they have." "(Let's go) only ahead, only to victories!" he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 0:00 / 1 Similar scenes played out across the occupied territories students in Donetsk marched while holding the Russian tricolor flag. In Kherson Oblast, a politician from Russian President Vladimir Putins "United Russia" party handed out sweets. Ukraine's Center for National Resistance posted a photo it claimed was from Luhansk Oblast showing children in a training session where they were being taught hand-to-hand combat and "special forces techniques." "The 'instructors' openly said that this was preparation for selection into military formations," the center said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Children and young people are being encouraged to regard war as an inevitable part of their futures," Jenny Mathers, Russia expert and lecturer in International Politics at Aberystwyth University, told the Kyiv Independent. "And to prepare themselves to play their parts, whether as soldiers or as civilians who support the war effort," she added. A politician from Vladimir Putins United Russia party distributes sweets to schoolchildren in Russian-occupied part of Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Telegram) Videos and pictures from Mariupol and Donetsk showed members of Russia's Young Army movement present during ceremonies celebrating the first day of the school year, marching past rows of young children. Created by the Russian Defense Ministry in 2016 in order to encourage "patriotic education of Russians from the age of eight," the group encourages other schoolchildren to join and eventually enrol in the Kremlin's armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Russian military comes, always followed by a Russian teacher." The militarization of education violates the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and is regarded as a war crime under international humanitarian law. Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from the Holos political faction, told the Kyiv Independent this was a pattern that has been repeated every year in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. Young students attend the first day of school at School No. 2 in Russian-occupied Henichesk, Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Telegram) "The Russian military comes, always followed by a Russian teacher," she said. "As soon as Russians occupy somewhere, the first thing they organize is the educational process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraines territory. For the children of Ukrainians living under occupation, a Russian education is compulsory. Russia has been using financial incentives to recruit Russian teachers to work in occupied parts of Ukraine in a campaign aimed at reshaping local identity and fostering loyalty to Moscows regime, according to a report published by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) on June 26. When Ukrainian children sit at their desks they read Russian versions of history, both of their own country and that of the "special military operation," the term the Kremlin continues to use to describe the full-scale invasion. The curriculum is tightly controlled from Moscow on Aug. 20, Russias Education Ministry published lists of "patriotic" books written by Russian writers that are acceptable for use in classrooms. A portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen in a new high school history textbook containing Russian propaganda narratives about Russias ongoing war against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014 on Aug. 7, 2023. (Yuri Kadobnov/AFP via Getty Images) Russian and Russian-installed officials in Ukraine's occupied territories were keen to put a positive spin on the first day of school Denis Pushilin, the head of the Russian illegal occupation administration in Donetsk Oblast, said the children at a school in Makiivka, Donetsk Oblast, had "promising faces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In reality, children there have very bleak prospects," Sovsun said, adding their educational certificates are only recognised in Russia meaning if they wish to go on to higher education, they will be forced to stay in the Russian education system. "What is happening now shocks me, but does not surprise me at all, Sovsun added. Read also: Yanukovychs stunt in Russian media shows Kremlin doesnt understand Ukraine, experts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Six years ago, the Midland and Odessa community was forever changed. On August 31, 2019, a gunman killed seven people and injured 25 others in a mass mobile shooting that cut across two cities and took countless lives. In the tragedys aftermath, neighbors turned to one another, and one local nonprofit quickly became a lifeline. The Odessa Community Foundation, an arm of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, helped raise and distribute more than $1.2 million in donations for victims and families. Every dollar, says President and CEO Renee Earls, went straight back to those impacted. Every single dollar that was donated went back to those families, Earls said. Again, a terrible tragedy, but Odessans stepped up, and people want to do what they can to help their neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earls recalled how quickly the community mobilized. Within hours of the shooting, Chamber leaders opened donation channels, and support began pouring in from across the country. Cheer squads, tattoo parlors, t-shirt drives, and businesses near and far all found ways to contribute. We truly received money from across the country. And people just again want to help, Earls said. At the end of the day, more than a million dollars was raised for these 25 victims plus seven families who lost their loved ones. Today, Odessa continues to honor those lives. Last year, a memorial was unveiled on the campus of UTPB. Each year, yellow flags wave in Memorial Park, a reminder of resilience and remembrance. They saw that a terrible tragedy was turned into something where people had an outpouring of love and support for those families impacted, Earls said. It made me proud of our community, my hometown, that stepped up and showed people that in a time of terrible tragedy, something good can come out of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, the foundation assisted families affected by the July 4th floods in Kerrville, raising funds for funeral expenses and legal support. Anytime theres a tragedy, we help our neighbors, Earls said. Were a large enough community to where we can make a big difference, but were also small enough to where we work together, we go to church together, our kids go to school together. Were all in this together. The Odessa Community Foundation is not only about responding to tragedy. Established in the 1990s as a 501(c)(3), the nonprofit has supported projects ranging from the Chris Kyle Memorial to the Texas Scholar Program, which encourages high school students to volunteer in their community. City leaders are also looking to the nonprofit as they take on one of Odessas biggest projects yet: reclaiming the world record for the largest jackrabbit statue. Through it all, the foundation reflects the character of the community it serves. And when asked to sum up Odessas spirit, Earls had one word: grit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were a community of people who just roll up our sleeves and get the work done, she said. Im proud to be from a community that has a lot of grit and a very strong work ethic we face a lot of tough issues, but we come together and get the work done. As Odessa pauses to remember August 31, 2019, Earls says the foundation remains committed to its mission. The Odessa Community Foundation continues to accept tax-deductible donations for local projects, scholarships, and relief efforts. For more information about the Odessa Community Foundation, visit the Odessa Chamber of Commerce website, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Connecticut wildlife authorities are asking residents to inspect their hardwood trees for signs of a destructive beetle that has already caused damage in neighboring states, WFSB reported recently. What's happening? The Asian longhorned beetle poses a threat to hardwood trees, such as maple, throughout the Northeastern United States and other regions. These insects grow to an inch and a half in length, according to Connecticut Fish & Wildlife. The beetles display white markings against black bodies, with white and black banded antennae. Larvae bore into tree trunks and ultimately kill their hosts, per New York's Department of Environmental Conservation. As they emerge from trees, they create circular exit wounds about the width of a dime or smaller in the bark, WFSB reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Connecticut hadn't recorded any confirmed sightings at the time of the report, government agencies continue battling established populations in Long Island, New York, and Worcester County, Massachusetts. Why is the Asian longhorned beetle concerning? When invasive species such as the Asian longhorned beetle arrive in new territories, they disrupt entire ecosystems by outcompeting local species for resources. Native wildlife depends on healthy forests for food and shelter, and these beetles threaten that balance. Destroying hardwoods such as maple hurts more than just forest health. These trees help clean our air, prevent soil erosion, and provide shade that naturally cools neighborhoods. Losing them can impact property values, increase cooling costs for homes, and damage local timber industries. Protecting native habitats from invasive species helps maintain natural pest control, preserves food sources for wildlife, and prevents tree diseases that could affect agriculture and forestry. What can I do to help? If you spot a beetle that matches the description or notice circular wounds in bark around your property, report it to wildlife officials immediately. You can photograph any suspicious beetles or damage to trees to help with identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials recommend that homeowners capture suspected beetles in containers and freeze them to preserve the specimens for expert identification, according to WFSB. To help prevent invasive species from spreading, purchase firewood locally instead of transporting it between regions, check outdoor furniture and equipment before relocating them, and learn to recognize invasive species common to your area. Growing native plants in your yard also bolsters local ecosystems against invasive threats. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. New Hampshire campers are exacerbating a black bear threat, according to The Boston Globe. What's happening? A bear has torn through multiple tents at campsites in the White Mountains looking for food. This activity is thanks to campers not putting their trash away adequately, improperly storing their food, and, in some cases, actively feeding the bears. "It's just up to people to make the right choices and not let these bears get food rewards or be intentionally fed, which will change their behavior and lead to these kinds of issues," Daniel Bailey, bear project leader at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, said, per the Globe. "Storing food in a manner that the bear can't get at it is really the key factor here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franconia Brook Tent site was shut down while the threat was being assessed. Why are bear encounters important? As habitat has eroded and droughts have made food sources scarce, bears have been traveling further afield to access food sources, often overlapping with human habitation. After repeated exposure to people, wild animals become less afraid and more aggressive in pursuing food sources that are close to human habitation. What's being done about bear encounters? Unfortunately, a bear that has become accustomed to human food sources will come back again and again. Even relocation isn't a viable option. "We've moved bears that have GPS collars and then watched them straight-line distance their way right back within a couple weeks," Bailey said, per the Globe. This means the bear is likely to be euthanized if it continues to be a threat to campers. Other such instances have ended this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts suggest storing food in a car when camping and disposing of garbage in secure containers. Some campers have already developed good habits. "I refuse to let people I camp with bring coolers into camp. Leave them in the car. I'll even prepare food on the tailgate and bring it down to cook," one Facebook commenter wrote. "It's on us to protect the bears, they are animals and will do what animals do. You can also buy bear safe coolers. I don't get the person who refuses to educate themselves and take the proper steps." 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 province in Vietnam is launching a new campaign to crack down on illegal fishing operations throughout the region. And it could help protect one of the country's most valuable industries. As Vietnam Plus reported, the Lam Dong Border Guard Command is stepping up its efforts to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Its campaign kicked off on August 18 and will run until the European Commission conducts its fifth inspection visit in Vietnam later this year. The EC issued Vietnam a "yellow card" in 2017 for failing to adequately combat illegal fishing. This acted as a warning to the Southeast Asian country regarding the governance of its fishing industry. To ensure compliance, the Lam Dong Border Guard Command will implement stricter measures. This includes mandatory full inspections of all fishing vessels, expanded use of vessel monitoring systems, more comprehensive patrols, and detailed public awareness campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a recent study, Vietnam's fishing industry recorded an export value of over $11 billion in 2023, ranking as the world's third-largest. The inability to correct its illegal fishing issue could lead to a ban on all seafood exports. This would deal a massive blow to Vietnam's economy and its workforce, which is heavily dependent on the industry for survival. The country's marine fisheries were estimated to have employed around 4.5 million people in 2022. Processing and export jobs also added an additional 300,000 positions. However, as the industry faces challenges with illegal fishing operations and the threat of an export ban from the EC, hundreds of thousands of people could lose their jobs and jeopardize their financial security. As NOAA Fisheries noted, IUU fishing can encompass a range of questionable practices that threaten the viability of legitimate fishing operations. These practices include fishing without a license, failing to report catches, and fishing in closed areas or during closed seasons. In addition to its devastating economic consequences, IUU fishing can also harm marine ecosystems by threatening food security and depleting fish stocks. This not only reduces marine biodiversity but also damages sensitive habitats such as coral reefs, which are crucial to the ocean's overall health. 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. Environmental advocates in Argentina are pushing back after officials quietly changed a law, allowing a pair of controversial oil and gas ports to be built on a vital, biodiverse gulf. What's happening? As Mongabay reported in mid-August, the port is set to be built in Punta Colorada, a village on the San Matias Gulf and the end point of the Vaca Muerta Sur pipeline. Surrounded by national parks and protected natural areas, the gulf is also home to the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 272-mile-long Vaca Muerta Sur pipeline will transport oil fracked from a plateau in western Argentina to offshore filling tanks for passing ships. Critics fear the port and pipeline will introduce oil spills in a region known for its striking biodiversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gulf is home to whales, seals, penguins, sea lions, sharks, rays, dolphins, and many other types of marine life, according to Mongabay. "We all need energy to live our lives, but the location chosen for these works could not be worse," Roxana Schteinbarg of the Whale Conservation Institute told the environmental news outlet. "The San Matias Gulf is too important for the health of our sea to be turned into a sacrifice zone." Nearby, a second port is also being planned. This one is meant to transport gas to a ship that will process, store, and move liquefied natural gas exports. A 1999 law had previously banned all hydrocarbon projects within the treasured gulf. But the government of Argentina amended the law in 2022 critics say it was done without conducting any hearings or even informing the public. Why are fuel ports and pipelines concerning? Fossil fuel proponents tout these ports and pipelines as necessities to tap into energy reserves around the globe. But this infrastructure comes with considerable environmental concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pipelines are notorious for cracking and leaking into surrounding water and soil. Data shows that, over a 20-year period starting in 2004, the United States saw nearly 1,200 "significant" oil spills from pipelines. Those spills leaked roughly 750,000 barrels' worth of oil or more than 31 million gallons into the environment. These spills can be devastating for the regions in which they occur. In Nigeria, for example, a pair of spills within two months resulted in fish and plants dying and the community losing access to clean water. And a Mexican oil company faced massive backlash after failing to report a pipeline leak for four days, forcing beaches to be closed and tourism to shut down over a holiday weekend. In the case of the San Matias Gulf, Argentine researcher and activist Hernan Perez Orsi told Mongabay that the ship intended for use alongside the gas port will also use ocean water for cooling and then dump hot ocean water back into the gulf, with the potential to alter the ecosystem. Increased ship traffic and the threats it can bring to wildlife and the environment is another concern when it comes to building new ports. And while some may argue that new fossil fuel infrastructure is crucial to the economy, threats to eco tourism and to delicate ecosystems can also have significant financial impacts. What's being done? Environmental advocates filed a lawsuit, challenging how the law was changed to allow for such projects, but it was thrown out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there have been two public hearings about the ports, which advocates say prove there is considerable pressure mounting that could alter the course of the projects before the pipeline is operational in 2026 and the oil port and gas ship are operational in 2027. "It is impossible to think that activities of this kind will not have a significant impact on the gulf's ecosystem," Valeria Falabella of the World Conservation Society told Mongabay. 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. (NewsNation) One family has decided to spread positivity in Minnesota following the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, which took the lives of two children during Mass last week. The Chrostowski family, from Cleveland, Ohio, traveled to Minneapolis to cook pancakes for the community of Pearl Park, near where the shooting occurred. The Chrostowskis, who are Catholic, were especially moved by the tragedy, given that their two children attend Catholic grade school in Cleveland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You gotta do something with that energy. The emotion you feel, you have to do something with it, and I wasnt just going to sit and stay back in Cleveland, and work the restaurant. I was going to get up here and do something, Brandon Chrostowski, head chef and owner of Edwins Restaurant, told CBS. Chrostowski and his family, including his 10-year-old son, Leo, and his 8-year-old daughter, Lilly, made the nearly 800-mile trip to help a community reeling from the disaster. Greensboro couple reunited with dog after 6 years It felt like the right thing to do ,to help people out and bring them back together, Leo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrostowski added he wanted to put his God-given skills to use for the betterment of the community. Im not good at sitting down and doing nothing. I know how to cook, he said. We want to bring people together. Its not a time to be alone. The archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis told NewsNation Prime on Sunday that prayer for the community is important and appreciated. But he added that prayer should be coupled with action. He said that could mean coming together to work with our officials, to work with our legislators, to see how it is that we might be able to diminish that pandemic of arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the vaccines that are going to help us so that other families dont have to experience whats being experienced at Annunciation in Minneapolis? he asked. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Space Force headquarters will go to Alabama, even though Vice President JD Vance and Ohio lawmakers pushed for Ohio. Earlier this year, state lawmakers urged federal authorities to put Space Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, in the backyard of the Wright Brothers. Trump announced Sept. 2 that Space Force HQ would relocate from Colorado to Huntsville, which already hosts NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the announcement, Trump said that Huntsville "will forever be known as Rocket City. "I lobbied the president hard to put it in Ohio," said Vance, a former Ohio senator who grew up in Middletown. Vance said the leaders from Alabama were "too persuasive." Stay informed: Sign up for our weekly Ohio politics newsletter Joe Zeis, who is Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's senior advisor on aerospace and defense matters, said it's no surprise that Huntsville won but Ohio will continue to raise its profile in the aerospace industry. We continue to grow our U.S. Space Force presence here in Ohio. Significant space assets grow in Ohio, including the National Space Intelligence Center, NASA Glenn, and the Air Force Research Laboratory," Zeis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's announcement is the latest in a tug-of-war over where Space Force will be located. Trump decided in 2021 to move Space Command to Alabama but the Biden administration overturned that and opted to keep it in Colorado. About 1,700 personnel work at Space Command, according to congressional records. U.S. President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaks during an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama, in the Oval Office. REUTERS/Brian Snyder In February 2024, Ohio's Congressional delegation signed a letter urging that part of Space Force the Space Training and Readiness Commands Delta 12 mission be located at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky near Lake Erie. Trump has often linked federal funding decisions and politics. The president previously blocked a move to put the FBI's headquarters in Maryland, calling it a "liberal state" and suggested linking disaster aid in California to the state's policy decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama is a state Trump carried by 30 percent points. He lost Colorado by 11 points. Ohio still wants to land NASA headquarters Ohio is still lobbying the Trump administration to relocate NASA headquarters to the Buckeye state. In March, Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted and Congressman Max Miller sent a joint letter pitching Cleveland as an ideal location, if NASA ends up moving from Washington, D.C., when its lease expires in 2028. The letter argued that Glenn Research Center in Cleveland would be a cost-effective alternative if the agency chooses to move. "Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, the heart of America's aerospace industry, and a critical hub for advanced technology, research and manufacturing," the letter stated. "Placing NASA HQ in the 'Heart of It All' would reinforce our national leadership in space exploration and aeronautics innovation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio isn't the only state courting NASA. Florida, Texas and Alabama are also likely contenders. USA TODAY reporter Zac Anderson and Statehouse Bureau writer Haley BeMiller contributed to this report. State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@gannett.com and @lbischoff on X. Tell us what you think This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Space Force going to Alabama. Ohio still wants to land NASA HQ (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Military veterans in Ohio could suffer from the cuts to Medicaid in the federal budget bill signed by President Donald Trump in July. A fading level of safety-net supports for veterans could have consequences when it comes to recruiting new service members, according to a former surgeon general for the U.S. Navy. While active and former members of the military may have access to care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), some may not know about it, and some may not be eligible for care in the same way they are eligible for Medicaid. For that reason, 1.7 million veterans rely on Medicaid in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Forrest Faison, who led the medical and health care systems for the U.S. Navy as surgeon general until 2019, said the group of veterans who rely on Medicaid tends to be these high-need, very vulnerable populations. Faison is now provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Coverage through the VA depends on a disability rating, according to Faison, which is determined based on your years of service, service-related injuries and other factors. For some that are severely disabled after leaving the service, the VA provides full-service benefits. For others, less coverage is available. The veteran Medicaid population, which amounts to about 10% of the entire veteran population, uses the program for mental health, housing and other services they may not be able to receive through the VA system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also veterans that dont have a very high disability rating, but are nonetheless veterans, who may depend on Medicaid because of job issues, disability, PTSD, things like that, Faison said. Ohio will see a $33 billion decrease in federal Medicaid spending over the next ten years, part of the $911 billion in total Medicaid cuts across the country for the next decade, according to estimates from health policy research organization KFF. Source: KFF The reductions come at a time when more members of the military than ever are coming back from conflict, which Faison called high combat survival. Were routinely saving men and women who would have died in any previous conflict, Faison said, meaning the support for these men and womens health care should be improving, rather than being cut. Where will the cuts come from? One thing the federal budget bill didnt do was reduce the federal match Ohio receives from its current 90%, meaning the states Medicaid expansion group is still in place. The state operating budget included language that would have eliminated the group if the federal match went down even 1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimated losses would come the implementation of work requirements in the federal bill, which imposes new requirements on those aged 19 to 64 who are in the Medicaid expansion population, with exemptions for things such as medical conditions or individuals with young children. Previous evidence suggests that work requirements may cause many Ohioans to lose their insurance, even if they are employed or have a condition that exempts them from new requirements, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio said in an analysis of the federal budget bill. While the exact impact of these requirements will differ depending on upcoming federal guidance and state decisions, existing analyses based on Ohios submitted work requirements waiver suggest that up to 200,000 Ohioans could lose coverage. Other losses could come from taxes on medical providers, which states like Ohio use to create revenue for their Medicaid programs. These can include Medicaid managed care plans, commercial health insurers, nursing homes and hospitals. The Health Policy Institute of Ohio said restrictions included in the federal bill will result in significant Medicaid funding shortfalls for Ohio. The states Medicaid department itself saw a drop in funding from the state operating budget, amounting to $93.7 million in fiscal year 2026 and $650 million in 2027, when compared to the executive budget proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless the state finds new revenue sources, Ohio will need to cut billions of dollars of annual Medicaid spending in the coming years, the institutes analysis stated. The institute said primary ways in which the department could lower spending would be in the areas of provider reimbursement rates, covered services or eligibility groups, including Medicaid expansion. Ohio veterans on Medicaid Its hard to tell how many veterans this might impact specifically, because while the application for Medicaid includes a box to note ones veteran status, checking the box is optional, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The think tank Policy Matters Ohio noted that from 2021 to 2023, 1 in 10 Ohio veterans were enrolled in Medicaid and/or had a family member in the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Policy Matters Ohio researcher Heather Smith said in an August brief that the federal budget bill would not only cut Medicaid funding for veterans, but also implement workforce reductions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid is crucial to filling health coverage gaps for many veterans, especially those who have low income or are unable to prove service-connected disabilities, Smith wrote, adding that nearly half of veterans covered by Medicaid have reported a disability. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said in July that it was on pace to reduce total VA staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025, which the agency said would eliminate the need for a large-scale reduction-in-force. The department had been considering reducing staff levels by 15%, but said through the federal hiring freeze, deferred resignations, retirements and normal attrition, the department wouldnt go through with that plan. VA has multiple safeguards in place to ensure these staff reductions do not impact veteran care or benefits, the department release stated, announced after Trump signed the budget bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release also noted the phasing out of gender affirming care and ending of diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the department as proof that the VA performance continues to improve. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX With reductions in both the VA and Medicaid, veterans on Medicaid expansion may see more red tape with increases to the number of times they must prove eligibility. This redetermination process would occur twice a year instead of once per year, leading to an increase in administrative load along with extra work for those eligible for coverage. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, previous experience has shown that people who still meet eligibility criteria will lose coverage and churn on and off Medicaid, leading to interruptions in peoples medications and treatments. We have no plan The struggles that veterans may face in getting proper medical care and other services after theyve come home from service reflects back to a country of young people who are debating service themselves, and the parents who want to make sure they remain as safe as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we found and continue to find is our recruiting and our ability to retain the force necessary to defend and protect us depends on how well its perceived by others that we take care of our active duty and then from that, our veterans, Faison said. In his days as surgeon general of the Navy, Faison frequently asked leaders about a national strategy to help veterans, wounded or not, and how the country would support the future of the military through its care for those in uniform. He asked as military members came back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and as cuts to parts of the military care system kept coming in order to pay for other needs within the government. I asked these questions all four years I was surgeon general, and no one could answer those questions, Faison said. Which told me we have no plan. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services endeavors to get those who are eligible for VA services transitioned from Medicaid to VA care. The program supports veterans with service-connected disabilities who are in long-term care, according to the state Department of Veterans Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2013, the Veterans On Medicaid program has helped more than 75 veterans secure VA benefits and transition from Medicaid, allowing them to retain their VA pension or compensation while receiving comprehensive VA health care, according to a spokesperson for the department. The voluntary Veterans On Medicaid program is free for veterans, with outreach staff who help find placement at VA locations or other proper facilities. Ohio has five VA medical facilities, located in Cleveland, Columbus, Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Dayton. The locations can mean struggles for veterans who are rural residents, which isnt a small amount, according to Faison. A lot of these veterans, especially in Ohio, live in rural areas, where even if youve got some benefits, you may not have the services available, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid was seen as a safety net for those Faison knew who couldnt readily access or didnt know about their eligibility for VA coverage. So as the federal government looks to make cuts to that safety net, the consequences have to be considered, he said. Those consequences arent only in quality medical care, but also in housing, food security and employment for veterans after their service. Consequences that could mean less interest in serving for fear of a lack of support afterward. Every mom and dad in America is looking at how well we take care of these folks to help influence whether their son or daughter puts on the uniform and serves our nation to protect us, Faison said. So theres a lot riding on that. This story has been updated to include comments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE * First Day High Morning bus traffic up 10% yesterday as enrollment hit 89,000 for the new school year, with majority of students returning * Gaming | GGR hits new post-pandemic high in August * Senior citizens respond favorably to consumption campaign * Macau was recognized as a Muslim-friendly destination for the first time at the ASTINDO Travel Fair, held in Jakarta last week * Shenzhen to issue RMB1 billion green municipal bonds in Macau in September * Russia, China, India, and seven others meet in northern China for SCO summit, signaling a potential challenge to US leadership DOWNLOAD PDF Tuesday, September 2, 2025 edition no. 4793 Like this: Like Loading... The Oklahoma City Zoo is still on track to provide guests with the "most requested species" of penguins in a new exhibit, leadership said this week, though the project has been scaled back in recent months. As part of its 2018 master plan, the zoo proposed the development of a "Shore to Sea" exhibit, among other projects, that would bring the often-requested penguins to the zoo, as well as sea lions, by the end of 2027. However, due to projected high costs, OKC Zoo CEO Dwight Lawson said leaders decided to redirect resources earlier this year. The Shore to Sea project was going to be another really massive undertaking for the Zoo. We got it to bid, and it just came back outlandish. So, we've had to scale our thinking back on that and where we were going to do sea lions and penguins. We're now going to focus just on the penguin portion of that, Lawson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson noted that the complexity and overall cost of a sea lion is significantly more than a penguin, and in considering the endangerment status of both species, it was more advantageous to focus on penguins with the zoo's conservation mission. What kind of penguins will the OKC Zoo get? The exhibit, which is still in its design phase, could be home to a colony of two dozen African black-footed penguins. We're looking at one of the more temperate species," Lawson said. "Given our climate here and what we can do well with, and what we'll do well here, they would give us a lot more options than one of the Antarctic penguins." These penguins often live in the warmer coasts of Africa near Namibia and South Africa, so they are better suited than their further South counterparts, but Lawson noted they will have cool water and an indoor space that will be the best fit for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The penguin is on average about two feet tall, much smaller than the typical Antarctic penguin, but these are actually among the smallest species of penguins in the world. When will the OKC Zoo have penguins? Lawson said that he hopes to stick to the 2027 opening of the penguin exhibit at the OKC Zoo, though he doesnt know what month that would come to fruition. The detailed planning takes a good while and then bidding and getting a contractor and getting it underway, but I would hope we could hold to sometime in '27 for a Penguin opening, Lawson said Friday morning. While they wont be moving forward with sea lions, the CEO said they are adding other water animals to their radar, with a stingray exhibit also expected to open in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson said as for right now, they are about to start the planning stage of the exhibit. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is OKC Zoo still getting penguins? Here's the latest on the exhibit NEED TO KNOW An 11-year-old Oklahoma girl gave birth at her family's home last month The girl's mother and stepfather, along with a woman connected to the child, were all charged with child neglect after the girl gave birth The girl's stepfather was later charged with child sexual abuse after a DNA test allegedly showed he is the father An Oklahoma stepfather has been charged with child sexual abuse and child neglect after an 11-year-old girl became pregnant and gave birth in August, according to multiple reports. Authorities allege they have determined through DNA testing that the girl's stepfather, Dustin Walker, is the baby's father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stepfather, 34, was initially charged alongside the girls mother, Cherie Walker, 33, with one felony count of child neglect after the girl gave birth to a full-term baby at the familys home on Aug. 16, according to NBC News, KJRH, and KTUL. But, according to NBC, the stepfather was later charged with child sexual abuse last Monday after a DNA test showed a 99.9% probability that he was the father. In addition, Cherie was charged with enabling child sexual abuse, according to KTUL. Both were held in Muskogee County Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to KJRH. But county jail records reviewed by PEOPLE show the parents are no longer in custody as of Sept. 2. KJRH reported that the 11-year-old and her five siblings have been removed from the Walkers' home. The outlet reported that Muskogee police also charged a woman, Michelle Justus, who they allege is connected to the child, with six counts of child neglect one for each of the six kids living in the house, between the ages of 2 and 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justus spoke with reporters from KJRH outside the familys home last week, claiming that her daughter and son-in-law love the children. She also claimed the 11-year-old girl told her she was impregnated by a 12-year-old boy. "She keeps telling everybody that it was him, Justus told KJRH. They got curious. That's all I know." Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told NBC that the case is one of the most if not the most serious child sexual abuse and neglect cases I have ever prosecuted. Hutson added in an interview with KJRH: I was horror-stricken to find out its an 11-year-old little girl whos given birth. And that she had no medical care, and she had no one to be with her. The parents next court hearing is set for Sept. 3, according to NBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma daycare providers are outraged after the State Auditors Office found the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) mismanaged millions of dollars in federal COVID relief funds meant to keep childcare centers afloat during the pandemic. The findings came in a report State Auditor Cindy Byrd released last week, which confirmed concerns daycare providers have raised for more than a year. They say DHS promised money it could not sustain long term, and instead of addressing the problem, punished providers, forcing many out of business. Last week, Byrd said the federal government gave DHS funding during the pandemic to support childcare providers, but OKDHS mismanaged how it distributed the funds. LOCAL NEWS: Oklahomans struggling with mental health, new study shows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The money was] To help child care facilities cover normal operating expenses by payroll and grants during the pandemic, ensuring that mandated lockdowns did not result in the permanent closure of daycares in Oklahoma, Byrd said. But Byrds audit may now be on the hook to return tens of millions of dollars to the federal government. DHS did not put strong guidelines on how daycares were to use the funds, nor did it conduct any financial monitoring of child care development, Byrd said. As a result, bad actors were able to game the system at taxpayers expense. A major issue, Byrd said, came from a per-child subsidy amount DHS distributed to childcare centers based on how many stars out of five each center received on state inspections. Centers like Tina Feltmans daycare in Durant depend on those subsidies. I think were at about 75% of our enrollment is subsidized, Feltman told News 4. Byrds audit found DHS began handing out five-star ratings without enough oversight, creating obligations the state could not sustain once federal money dried up. There was this huge increase of people being the highest ranking, Feltman said. And so then there was really no monitoring. Nobody was really checking anything. And so everybody went on. She said that changed when DHS started feeling the money run out. All of a sudden, when the monitoring started, then thats when we started seeing that some programs were not necessarily meeting the standard, Feltman said. News 4 has reported for the past two years on daycares in danger of closing due to the sudden loss of subsidy funds. The estimate was around 691, I slots a month are closing, providers are closing at that rate. And so I think that you have a lot of providers that have done it for many, many years that when the grants were available for the first time, they could operate the program, pay the staff that they needed to, Feltman said. All the funds were there. And I think now I think a lot of providers are just like, its not worth it anymore. Byrds audit also found the former OKDHS director of childcare services unilaterally awarded her husbands private company about $2 million that was supposed to support childcare in underserved areas. It is very frustrating. Its very frustrating when you have providers, again, that for years have operated and tried their best to maintain the highest standard across the state, and then to hear that there was this internal way of approving something and all of this funding went there and there was no proof to be given, Feltman said. Byrd agreed. We need to do better, Byrd said. I think that accountability, I think that would be nice, Feltman said. If one of our staff members makes a mistake, I am held accountable for that. LOCAL NEWS: Mixed predictions on Oklahomas winter weather She added that more needs to be done to prevent the same problems in the future. It would be wonderful even to say go back to the table and have discussions on how can this not happen again. What are some ways that this can not happen again? Feltman said. Right now, it is unclear whether any criminal charges could come from the audits findings. But Byrds office said there is an ongoing investigation into the situation involving the former OKDHS childcare services director and her husband. Editors note: This article has been updated from a previous version which included a portion of a quote partially misattributed to Byrd. Byrd did not criticize current OKDHS leaders, but only the previous agency leaders in place during the years reviewed by the audit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood discuss state investments in public education. July 26, 2023. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN A report from Nebraskas Department of Revenue projects that the federal budget reconciliation bill will cost state government more than $216 million over the next two years. The department released the analysis as part of a state law that requires it to report to the Nebraska Legislature within 60 days of a change to the national Internal Revenue Code. Congress One Big Beautiful Bill that passed on July 4 was the subject of Tuesdays report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DORs analysis spanned the next four fiscal years ending in 2029. It surmised that the expected losses in corporate and individual income tax revenue will cost Nebraska more than $406 million over those four years. Within the two years that make up the existing biennial budget, the losses would equal roughly $216 million. This will likely dent the state budget, but the projected impact wont be clear until Nebraskas Economic Forecasting Advisory Board next meets in October. Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent said the board will consider this report, along with several other factors, including the states monthly tax receipts, when making state revenue projections. State Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood. (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office) At the boards last meeting in July, members confirmed suspicions that Nebraska was back in a projected budget deficit to the tune of about $95 million. That, combined with Gov. Jim Pillens stated intent to cut Nebraskas budget by up to 10%, will make finding revenue to support other measures like tax relief more difficult, according to Appropriations Committee Chair State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood. Though the revenue losses were about double what he was expecting, Clements said even if the departments predictions are accurate the budget will still be manageable. He noted that the last two months of tax receipts have been higher than the boards projections and argued that Pillens budget goals could help find savings to offset the new losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no need to panic at this time, Clements said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The departments report details the fiscal impacts of some specific measures within the federal reconciliation bill. The largest impacts to Nebraska come in corporate income tax revenues, where the bill expands several existing tax deductions and credits for businesses. Within the current budget cycle, these changes could cost Nebraska over $140 million in lost tax revenue, according to the report. Individual income tax losses make up a smaller but still sizable part of the impact, totaling more than $75 million over the budgets two-year cycle. The bill similarly adds and expands several tax relief measures for individuals, including increasing the federal child tax credit, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report does not touch on the changes to Medicaid, as that does not have a direct impact on tax revenue, DOR spokesman Patrick Roy said. Patent said the budgetary adjustments made in response to these changes likely wouldnt happen until the states next two-year budget. Despite the coming challenges, Clements said property tax relief still remains a top priority for himself and the governor. Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the report proves that the federal bill is already providing tax relief to Nebraskans. Nebraska families wouldve paid an average of $2,443 more in taxes without the One Big Beautiful Bill, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said in a statement. That would have been a major hit to our community. Fewer jobs and less money means hurting families. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect species that Connecticut officials have urged people to smash on site if found, is growing in numbers across the state. The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station has detected the insect in all of the states eight counties, according to entomologist Dr. Gale Ridge. The insects have now been reported in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties, but sustaining populations have not been confirmed in every county. Populations are most widespread in Fairfield and New Haven counties, according to Ridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following up the I-95 corridor, there is a very high population, which we expected because we saw very high nymph numbers this spring, Ridge said. The highest number of repostings are coming in from West Haven. But we have now received reports now from Tolland and Windham counties. So the invasive insects are now in every county in Connecticut. But we dont believe there are large populations in those counties. The invasive insect has also been reported in over a dozen other states throughout the Northeast from as far south as Kentucky. Spotted lanternflies, native to China and East Asia, were first found in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, according to Gale. The insect is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding plant hopper that has the potential to impact agriculture. The insect particularly affects grapes, hops and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults are able to feed on more than 70 species of plants, making it unique in its ability to negatively affect crops and plants. Spotted lanternfly eggs hatch in the spring and early summer. Early spotted lanternfly nymphs are black in color with white spots, later nymphs are red with black and white spots, according to Gale. Nymphs can be seen from April to October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, we are starting to see some predation of the spotted lanternfly, Ridge said. There are reports of bats eating them and even a sighting of a hawk diving for one. Yellow jackets are also preying on them. So what I suspect will happen, similar to Pennsylvania, is that the natural ecosystem will begin to treat the insects as a new food source. There are also parasitic flies known as feather-legged flies that specialize on this group of insect. These flies are common around Connecticut, so we expect their numbers to begin to stabilize despite their spread. The insects preferred host is the tree of heaven, a highly invasive deciduous tree that is abundant along highways, in urban areas and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established. The tree of heaven can be spotted by its one single stem with multiple blade-like leaves coming from it. If you see a tree of heaven plant, cut it down, Ridge said. The plant is also highly invasive and by removing the plant, youre also removing the largest host for the spotted lanternfly. To prevent and slow the spread of the spottern laternfly, a Notice of Order of Quarantine was established in July 2021 in Connecticut, to set forth definitions, regulated articles, regulated areas, conditions of movement, violations and penalties and special exemptions for research or cooperation with federal plant regulatory authorities, the order says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the population continues to expand, posing a threat to the agriculture and forests of Connecticut, the quarantine order has been renewed and expanded a number of times, according to the CAES. The most recent quarantine order went into effect Dec. 31, 2024, and will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2025, after which the quarantine may again be renewed, rescinded or replaced. Early detection is important, and the public is urged to report potential sightings of this invasive pest when they become active again in 2025, the CAES said. Anyone who sees the insects is asked to report the sighting at portal.ct.gov/caes. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com. Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Archaeologists working at the Orozmani site in Georgia said they found a 1.8-million-year-old human jawbone. The jawbone, found alongside stone tools and animal fossils, is one of the oldest human remains found outside Africa. The discovery is made all the more remarkable due to the relatively small size of the Orozmani site itself Archeologists in Georgia (the country, not the state) have announced the discovery of a jawbone that could reshape our understanding of early humans. Its official! Giorgi Bidzinashvili declared in a Facebook post, 1.8 million years old mans lower jaw was found in Orozmani! Bidzinashvili, a professor of stone age archaeology at Ilia State University in Tbilisi and one of the lead archaeologists on the project, has reason to be excited. This discovery represents some of the oldest human remains ever discovered not on the continent of Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unearthed at Georgias relatively small Orozmani excavation site, Bidzinashvili and the team discovered the jawbone from a Homo erectus, alongside ample evidence that these hunter-gatherers were quite successful in their trade. In his post, Bidzinashvili wrote that the new discoveries strengthen Georgias position as the main site of the study of early human migration from Africa, an assertion bolstered by the nearby village of Dmanisi previously giving researchers 1.77-million-year-old human skulls. The newly discovered lower jaw fragment contained two teeth, but these were not the first teeth found at that site. In fact, in 2022, within the same layer the jawbone was eventually found in, archaeologists discovered a human tooth. This tooth was the first piece of human remains ever found at the site. Prior to that, according to Georgia Today, only animal fossils and stone tools were found there. Those items, of course, can also help paint a picture of early man. Along with the jawbone, the team also found a mix of animal fossils, including saber-toothed tigers, elephants, wolves, deer, and giraffes. They sat next to a range of stone tools that would have been used by the early hunter-gatherers, offering new clues for what life was like during this period. Beyond the remarkable nature of the find itself is the frequency with which such discoveries are made at the Orozmani site, a dig site NBC News described as smaller than two parking spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My second day [on the dig] I found a nice little ankle bone, Miles Alexandre, an anthropology graduate from the University of Rhode Island, told Reuters. You go down five centimeters [two inches] theres a good chance youre going to find something. So what exactly does the Orozmani jawbone tell us about early humans? Bidzinashvili, along with colleague Nikoloz Tsikaridze, wrote that Homo erectus is believed to be the first hominin to spread from Africa to Eurasia, and they suggest that the new find offers a regional variant of Homo erectus. Further study of remains at Orozmani could also offer a fresh perspective on human movement. The study of the early human and fossil animal remains from Orozmani will allow us to determine the lifestyle of the first colonizers of Eurasia, said Bidzinashvili. We think Orozmani can give us big information about humankind. You Might Also Like President Trump wants poor people to stay in jail when they are arrested, while still presumed innocent, even if it takes months or years before their cases come to trial. He didnt exactly put it that way, of course. But that would be the inevitable consequence of his campaign against cashless bail. Trump announced an executive order last week to penalize cities and states that have limited or abolished monetary bail as a condition of pretrial release. He called cashless bail a government-backed crime spree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With scant resemblance to reality, Trump declared, Somebody kills somebody, they go and dont worry about it No cash. Come back in a couple of months. Well give you a trial. You never see the person again. In fact, jurisdictions with cashless bail, more accurately called personal recognizance, have no-show rates essentially the same as those requiring cash bail. Illinois became the first state to fully abolish cash bail in September 2023. Under the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act, or SAFE-T Act, nearly all defendants are granted release without monetary bail, although some have check-in requirements or ankle monitors. Importantly, judges may still order pretrial detention for those who pose a real and present threat to the safety of any person or persons or the community, or if the defendant represents a flight risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After eliminating money bail, Illinois no-show rate actually fell from 17 percent to 15 percent. Nor has there been an increase in crime, which continued to drop in Chicago. But the switch to personal recognizance did lead to a decrease in pretrial incarceration of defendants who would not have been able to pay their way out of jail. In Washington, D.C., which has operated under a mostly non-monetary release system since 1992, about 11 percent of defendants miss court dates, which is consistent with the national rate for federal courts that set cash bail. As always with Trump, there are serious legal and constitutional problems when he attempts to expand his personal power. Trumps executive order directs every federal agency and department to identify Federal funds, including grants and contracts, currently provided to cashless bail jurisdictions that may be suspended or terminated. Significantly, the order is not limited to funding related to pretrial release programs, or even criminal justice, but rather threatens across-the-board elimination of grants and contracts to the targeted jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If actually pursued, such punitive manipulation of appropriated funds would encroach on Congresss spending power under Article I of the Constitution. As explained by legal scholar Ilya Somin, the Supreme Court has held that only Congress can impose conditions on federal grants, and the president may only enforce conditions clearly provided in the relevant legislation. Under the 10th Amendment, even Congress has no authority over the states administration of their own criminal justice systems, including bail provisions. So Trump is wrong on the facts and wrong on the law. But put that aside for now, and consider the very good reasons for eliminating cash bail, making it easier for defendants to secure pretrial release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The monetary alternative, used in most jurisdictions, serves largely to keep poor defendants in jail simply because they cannot afford to ransom themselves from custody. The consequences can be devastating, as I learned very early in my career as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago. One morning in 1976, I was asked to represent a young woman, living on welfare with two pre-school age children. She had been arrested the previous night for stabbing her boyfriend. By the time I arrived at the courthouse, bail had been set in an amount she could not possibly meet. When I interviewed her in the lockup, she was desperate to get home to her children, who had been taken in by a neighbor. She told me that her boyfriend frequently hit her and had started beating her as she made dinner the night before. Grabbing a kitchen knife, she stabbed him. In 1976, battered woman syndrome was not yet a concept, much less a legal defense. Nonetheless, my client had a valid claim of self-defense against her much larger, habitually violent boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I located the prosecutor and attempted to persuade him to dismiss the case, or at least agree to a recognizance bail. He was surprisingly sympathetic, but unwilling to go that far, given the serious injury to the hospitalized boyfriend. Instead, he proposed a plea bargain. If my client would plead guilty that day, he would agree to a sentence of probation, and she could go home that afternoon. I thought that was coercive and unfair, but legal ethics required me to present it to my client. I tried to explain the consequences of the deal, but of course all she cared about was going home to her children. The likelihood of acquittal didnt matter to her at all, given that she would have to remain in jail for weeks or months, and maybe longer. If I plead guilty, I can go home? she wanted to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, but you arent guilty, I told her. I dont care, she replied. I have to get home. She faced a terrible choice between returning to her children or asserting her compelling defense, solely because she could not post bail. Perhaps a more experienced lawyer could have figured something out, but I had to respect her decision. Under todays cashless system, my client would have been released on recognizance, free to raise her defense while still caring for her children. That would be humane and just, which is evidently what Trump wants to prevent. Steven Lubet is the Williams Memorial Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As the city approaches polling day for the Legislative Assembly elections, the Union for Development (UPD), also known as group number five in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, unveiled its economic and employment agenda at a press conference yesterday. Under the banner Together with One Heart, UPD representatives Ella Lei, Leong Sun Iok, and Cheng Ka Man outlined their proposals, emphasizing the need for sustained government intervention to create a more conducive business environment in Macau. Lei, who advocated for labor rights during her previous term at the AL, emphasized the importance of prioritizing local hiring particularly in the outsourcing of public works and services as a key step toward improving labor market conditions. This call for local employment aligns with ongoing government initiatives. On May 28, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai issued an executive order establishing a task force led by Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip to coordinate efforts to promote employment. Meanwhile, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam Vai Man announced, also in May, that government public works contracts would require contractors to prioritize hiring local residents. Following announcements made on June 9 that 11 of the remaining satellite casinos will shut down by December 31, 2025, UPD called for the close monitoring of satellite casino closures at yesterdays briefing. UPD stressed the need to ensure employees jobs, benefits, and salaries are protected throughout this transition. These closures come as the three-year transitional period set by Macaus amended gaming law, Law 7/2022, comes to an end. Among the casinos scheduled to close by the end of the year are the Grandview, which closed on July 30, along with Legend Palace, Fortuna, Landmark, Ponte 16, Le Royal Arc, Emperor Palace, Kam Pek Paradise, and Casino Casa Real operated by SJM Resorts. In addition, Melco Resorts Grand Dragon and Galaxys Casino Waldo will also cease operations. So far, only Ponte 16 and LArc Macau are expected to remain open beyond 2025. According to recent reports, SJM Holdings is still in discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the two satellite casinos. In addition to employment measures, UPD proposed distributing consumption cards to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ease financial pressures on residents. This proposal has also been raised by other election groups during the campaign period. The official 14-day election campaign, which began recently, will continue until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 12. In this years elections, 14 candidates from six groups are competing for 12 indirectly elected seats. None of the six groups contesting the 14 directly elected seats is new to the race, including UPD. Like this: Like Loading... My cousin Sameeh Mohamad Hilmi Almadhoun was just 18 when an Israeli soldier allegedly killed him at an aid site in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. He was a young man searching for food, a simple act that became his death sentence. The truth is far more devastating than a simple headline: Israel has turned aid in Gaza into a lure for death. Sameeh had already lost nearly everything. An Israeli strike in northern Gaza killed his parents and three siblings, some of whom had special needs. Driven by hunger, he left the north in search of a meal without his surviving family knowing he had even gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He walked more than six miles to reach one of the four aid sites run by Gaza Humanitarian Foundation near Khan Younis and chose to wait overnight so he could be first in line in the morning. That decision became his death sentence. Sameeh was one of more than 1,400 Palestinians killed at aid sites across Gaza. We discovered his death the way too many Palestinian families do: through a grainy photo of an unidentified body circulating on Telegram. My sister, Chef Samah who runs a soup kitchen on the Gaza pier, now a makeshift camp for displaced Palestinians recognized him and quickly reached out to our mother. That recognition was a form of grief too heavy to bear. Sameehs grandmother, who suffers from chronic chest pain, has already buried 10 of her children and grandchildren, all killed by the Israeli military in northern Gaza during this ongoing nightmare. Sameeh was the latest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitnesses said the soldiers killed 15 other Palestinians along with Sameeh, all of them seeking aid. The explanation that filtered back to us was that an Israeli military jeep appeared and soldiers opened fire, killing the aid seekers. Later, a neighbor, moved by pity for the ill and grieving grandmother, risked his life to retrieve Sameehs body from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis and bring it back to the makeshift camp in northern Gaza. The body returned to her unclothed a rare and shocking indignity for a boy who had already lost so much. A single bullet to the heart killed Sameeh. This is what aid has become for my people: a trap. The flour, cooking oil and sugar meant to sustain life have become lures for death. While the world debates aid shipments and inefficient, dangerous airdrops, Israel decides who survives. And far too many international actors including the United States look the other way or worse, pretend to do something while still actively arming Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I raise funds for UNRWA, Gazas largest humanitarian agency, but funding is meaningless without access. Israel blocks access as part of its forced takeover and weaponization of aid, while foreign governments fixate on airdrops that make for good headlines but leave families starving. The real problem is not the humanitarian actors over 400 aid workers have been killed since October 2023. The true enablers are those who, through their silence, allow a far-right Israeli government to deliberately starve children and turn lifesaving aid into a death trap. Thats why my family and I also run the Gaza Soup Kitchen in northern Gaza, preparing hot meals for our neighbors. We do this not only to nourish but to reduce the desperate need for people to risk their lives at these dangerous aid sites. We couldnt save Sameeh, nor the others killed while simply trying to eat. Now, with Israel recently approving a plan to fully occupy Gaza City and expel its residents to the south, the largest concentration of displaced Palestinians is trapped between the Mediterranean coast and the city itself. Nearly 1 million people live there, families paralyzed by fear of whats still to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 22 months of relentless bombing, destruction and forced displacement, the threat of yet another displacement for some, the 20th hangs heavily over them. Families dont know where to flee, if anywhere is safe, or if they will survive another round of violence. The U.S. government is actively aiding and abetting Israels genocide in Gaza. The moral outrage should be deafening, but the Trump administration chooses silence. It uses its position at the United Nations Security Council to veto resolutions for a cease-fire, effectively shielding Israel from international accountability. The administrations failure is not one of inaction, but of active complicity. With every veto and every new arms shipment, Washington makes a statement: Palestinian lives are expendable, and the pursuit of a meal is a valid pretense for murder. This policy is a stain on Americas stated values and a betrayal of humanity. Sameehs killing is more than a personal loss; it is proof of a system Israel has imposed on Palestinians, a system that denies dignity and sustenance and decides life and death with impunity. This is a moral test for America and Israels other Western backers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the promise of a meal a pretext for murder? Is the dignity of life negotiable? We must demand accountability from those who allow this to continue governments, institutions and complicit organizations. Rest in peace, Sameeh. May your memory endure and demand justice for a family and a people that deserve it. Hani Almadhoun is senior director of philanthropy for UNRWA USA and co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen, which is operated by members of his family in Gaza. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democrat Catelin Drey didnt just win Iowas Senate District 1 last week. She flipped an open seat that President Trump carried by 11 points in 2024, breaking a Republican supermajority in the State Senate. This wasnt supposed to be possible in a district written off as solid Republican territory. Democrats have for years pursued a pragmatic strategy of funneling money into urban strongholds and swing suburbs while abandoning deep-red, rural and working-class districts as unwinnable. The logic is straightforward: Resources are limited, races are numerous and hard choices must be made. But that efficiency has often meant burying the body while the heart is still beating. Across rural America, Republicans have built veto-proof majorities in many state legislatures, taken control of election boards and aggressively redrawn districts. Retreating from safe red seats has left Democratic voters without a fighting chance at representation in communities that once supported them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While special election victories dont always yield reliable data points, Dreys win shows that voters in conservative districts are still persuadable and that Democrats may still have a fighting chance in places they have long considered unwinnable. Drey succeeded, in part, by embracing a form of populism her party often avoids. Wary of Trump-style politics, Democrats often default to technocratic, policy-heavy campaigns, avoiding messaging that feels emotional or combative. That caution is understandable but, taken too far, it has become a liability in deep-red districts where voters respond to candidates who speak to their daily struggles. Drey ran as a working mom and local activist. Founder of Moms for Iowa, she built a platform rooted in her experience, speaking directly about housing, childcare and reproductive rights. That authenticity mattered in a state where Democrats have been steadily losing ground to home-grown, working-class Republican candidates. While her opponent, Republican Christopher Prosch, embodied the state GOPs culture-war strategy, likening abortion to the Holocaust and pushing conspiracy theories about vaccines and the 2020 election, Drey ran a campaign focused on kitchen-table issues and a clear vision that everyday voters could relate to and rally behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of writing off this district as a lost cause, the Democratic National Committee made a calculated last-minute investment, deploying more than 30,000 volunteers for get-out-the-vote efforts. But this level of support isnt consistent, as the party tends to concentrate funding on safe seats and top-tier battlegrounds while neglecting heavy Republican districts. Yes, the partys resources are limited and it is pragmatic to both protect existing strongholds and build on those foundations. But treating as risky deep-red races and the populist candidates who could win them is exactly the problem. Democrats should keep prioritizing safe and competitive races, but they must also must make room for calculated investments in heavily Republican districts especially when a populist, locally rooted candidate has the potential to resonate across party lines. This approach could help rebuild trust in communities that have long felt abandoned by Democrats, cultivate a stronger pipeline of candidates and steadily chip away at Republican strongholds. Dreys win proves its time to rethink the partys traditional investment strategy and back promising local contenders wherever they emerge. Political maps are not static. Republicans rural dominance is not inevitable. Though Dreys victory came in an off-year election with fewer races and more money available, the core lessons about which candidates can win and how to support them still hold true. That is exactly why this race should be seen as a test case for a broader strategy, not a one-off success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats dont have to win every race, but they do have to show up in every race. Iowa just proved that even in red states, voters are still listening. That will matter in the 2026 Senate race, with Democratic populist candidates like Nathan Sage on the ballot. If Democrats are willing to back authentic, local voices, they wont just compete in hostile territory. They could redraw the entire political map. Ryan W. Powers is a legal analyst and former Big Law attorney, licensed to practice in New York and Washington D.C. He writes a weekly newsletter on democracy, dissent and the law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 one of the most transformative laws in American history. Signed into law after the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, the Voting Rights Act gave teeth to the 15th Amendments promise that no American could be denied the right to vote because of race. The results were undeniable. In places where Black voter registration had once been in the single digits, registrations surged. Black citizens who had long been shut out of the political process gained a voice on school boards, in state legislatures and in Congress. The Voting Rights Act was proof that when the federal government enforces equality, democracy becomes stronger. But anniversaries arent just moments of celebration; theyre moments of reckoning. As we are recognizing the 60th anniversary of this landmark legislation, Louisiana is at the center of a case Louisiana v. Callais that could completely erase the legacy of this act. The dispute in this case is whether Louisiana can be required to draw two congressional districts where Black voters have a fair chance to elect candidates of their choice. Black people make up nearly a third of Louisianas population but historically have had influence in only one of six congressional districts. Federal courts have found that the congressional lines have been drawn in a way that dilutes Black peoples voting power in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The remedy is clear: create a second district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 14th and 15th amendments transformed the Constitution into a document that protects equality and democracy for all. These amendments finally enshrined rights for Black and minority communities into the Constitution where there were no explicit civil rights protections before. After initially defending a recently created map that added a second minority-majority congressional district, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has executed a troubling bait-and-switch. She has pivoted to argue that race-conscious redistricting is itself unconstitutional under the 14th and 15th amendments. This is not just a reversal it is a direct challenge to the Voting Rights Act itself. If her view prevails, Louisiana v. Callais could become the case that dismantles one of the last remaining protections for minority voters in America. These amendments were set to make a more perfect union. But now these very amendments that were used to give Black Americans rights are being cited in an attempt to dilute, oppress and suppress Black peoples voting powers. This is no abstract risk. Courts have already found that a map that dilutes Black voting strength is a violation of federal law. Creating a second minority district is not a racial preference; it is a constitutional remedy to an undeniable civil rights violation. But Murrills new stance threatens to erase one of the last remaining safeguards of minority political power. After years of advocacy from Black Louisianans, the state government in 2024 finally adopted a map that reflects the population of our state. As the attorney general of Louisiana, Murrills focus should be defending the Louisiana Legislatures right to draw a congressional map that reflects our states population. Her decision not to defend it is an about-face, a reversal of her duty to uphold the laws of the state of Louisiana. Louisianians would be right to wonder if she is working for the Louisiana people or working to advance her standing with Trumps MAGA movement? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act matters so deeply. It is not about looking back with nostalgia but looking forward with resolve. Do we still believe in the laws promise of equal representation? Or will we let legal theories dressed up as color blindness strip away protections that generations marched, bled and died to secure? To be clear, what we have seen over the last eight months of this new presidential administration shows us that this nation is nowhere near color blindness. The stakes could not be higher. The question is not only whether Black voters in Louisiana will receive fair representation. It is whether the United States will continue to honor the hard-won protections of the Voting Rights Act or allow them to be erased under the guise of constitutional purity. We must decide what side of history we want to be on: the side that drags us back toward 1964 or the side that carries us forward into 2025, where liberty and justice apply to all of us. The Voting Rights Act is not just legislation; its a covenant with the American people. Sixty years later, the question remains: Will we keep it, or will we break it? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Last week, a federal appeals court found that President Donald Trumps imposition of sweeping tariffs on billions of dollars of goods coming into the U.S. exceeded presidential authority. In doing so, that court merely applied recent rulings of the Supreme Court to the tariffs. In fact, the case against the tariffs is even stronger than the one filed against the Biden administrations student loan relief plan, in which the justices had no problem halting assistance to millions of Americans. On Tuesday, Trump said his administration will ask the Supreme Court to expedite the White Houses appeal of the verdict. When the justices ultimately hear the tariff case, will they simply apply their own precedent in a straightforward and even-handed way regardless of who is in the Oval Office? Or can we expect this court to, once again, impose a different set of rules when it is a Trump policy that is being challenged? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, as the nation was still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, Miguel Cardona, the secretary of education under President Joe Biden, invoked the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act (HEROES Act) of 2003 to cancel up to $20,000 in outstanding student debt for millions of American student loan borrowers. The law grants the secretary of education the power in a presidentially declared national emergency to waive or modify elements of federal student loans and develop new rules that would operate in lieu of existing program regulations power that Trumps first-term secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, exercised at the beginning of the pandemic. The Biden-Cardona plan was challenged by several red state attorneys general. The Supreme Courts conservative super-majority made quick work of the Biden plan, ruling, in a 6-3 decision, that the loan plan exceeded the congressional grant of authority under the HEROES Act on several grounds, rendering it illegal. First, despite the explicit language authorizing the administration to waive or modify student loan terms, the Court found that this authority did not include the power to simply cancel student debt. The majority would parse the terms waive or modify and find that the administration had the power to make modest and not wholesale changes to the program. Second, the majority found that prior administrations had never exercised the relevant authority under the HEROES Act to cancel loans altogether. Since no prior administration had sought such authority, that suggested that no prior administration believed it had such authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the court surveyed the scope of the student loan program and determined that waiving hundreds of billions of dollars of potential revenue represented a significant portion of the federal governments discretionary spending. Because of that, such a significant policy initiative could only be instituted with express congressional authority. In doing so, the court turned to a doctrine the conservative justices had invoked several times against the Biden administration, what they have called the Major Questions Doctrine. According to this doctrine, when the executive branch exercises authority it claims Congress has granted to it with respect to a significant policy issue, that grant of authority must be clear and explicit. When one looks at the courts reasons for invalidating Bidens student loan program and applies them to the Trump tariffs, any fair reading of that prior decision whether one agrees with it or not means that the court should affirm the lower courts decision: The Trump administration exceeded its authority when it issued a range of far-reaching and sweeping tariffs on global trade. First and foremost, the power to impose tariffs is one explicitly provided for in the Constitution but it is Congress that wields that power. That branch has granted some economic powers related to international trade to the executive, even emergency powers, but the main statute the Trump administration claims grants the president authority to impose tariffs as he chooses, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), never even comes close to doing so. In fact, it doesnt even mention the term tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Granted, the authority extended to the executive branch under the statute is fairly broad, lists many things the president can do in a declared emergency and provides procedures by which the president can do them. Nowhere, however, does it grant the president the authority to impose tariffs. So, unlike in the student loan case, the court does not have to interpret specific terms in a grant of authority and decide how far to extend that power given those terms. Rather, the power to impose tariffs is not one of the expressly named powers in the IEEP. And when Congress grants some powers and withholds others, the president can only act in ways that are expressly authorized by statute. Here, there are no terms for the court to interpret; and it cannot read into a statute what is not there. When we look to other grounds upon which the courts conservative majority struck down the Biden student loan plan, the case is even more persuasive for this court to do the same with the Trump tariffs. Presidents have never exercised this sort of tariff power without congressional approval. Moreover, the tariffs, by the presidents own claims, will bring in trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy, dwarfing even the massive impact the court claimed the student loan program would have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For these reasons, in this case, in the absence of an explicit grant of congressional authority, there is an even stronger argument that can be made for the court to invalidate the tariffs under its prior rulings applying the Major Questions Doctrine. Of course, theres a good chance the court will side with Trump, which would only provide further evidence of what many Americans fear: that this court has a different set of rules for the Trump administration. Or, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote recently in a dissenting opinion involving the administrations efforts to gut funding programs of the National Institutes of Health, the only rule is that there are no rules save one: that this Administration always wins. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As the Supreme Court closed its latest term, it did so by denying justice to Native Americansyet again. With its refusal to hear Apache Stronghold v. United States, the court effectively allowed a foreign-owned mining company to desecrate a sacred Apache site Chichil Bidagoteel, or Oak Flat opening the door for it to be swallowed by a massive crater in the name of copper and profit. Its a decision that echoes centuries of erasure, colonization, and corporate greedand one that sends a chilling message to Indigenous Peoples across the world: that our prayers, our places, and our people remain expendable. The tragedy here is not just what the court failed to do but who failed to act. In a bitter twist, the courts three liberal Justices long seen as allies to Indigenous communities declined to join Justices Gorsuch and Thomas in defending Native religious freedom. This was not a fringe case. It was a defining test of whether the promise of the First Amendment applies to all faiths, or only to the dominant ones. Chichil Bidagoteel is not just land. It is the spiritual heart of the Western Apache. It is where ceremonies are held, where language is spoken, and where generations have connected with the Creator. For decades, it was protected until 2014, when mining lobbyists quietly inserted a midnight amendment into a must-pass defense bill, transferring the land to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of two of the worlds largest mining conglomerates, Rio Tinto and BHP. Their plan: a vast mine that will collapse the sacred site into a two-mile-wide, 1,000-foot-deep pitpermanently ending Apache religious practices tied to that land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Apache Stronghold a grassroots coalition of Apache spiritual leaders and their alliesbrought suit, arguing that destroying Oak Flat would violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. But four years of litigation have not delivered justice. In 2024, the Ninth Circuit, in a 6-5 ruling, rejected the Apaches claims, saying that reducing Oak Flat to rubble doesnt burden their religious freedom. Every judge that sided with the mining company was Republican-appointed. Every Democratic appointee dissented, calling the ruling a tragic error. The Supreme Court had the chance to correct that error. Instead, it declined to act despite clear precedent supporting religious liberty in far less consequential contexts. Just this summer, the court ruled in favor of parents who objected to gay- and transgender-affirming books in public school (Mahmoud v. Taylor), declaring that merely exposing a child to ideas contrary to a parents faith burdens religious freedom. Meanwhile, the court has refused to even hear a case about the destruction of a Native sacred site. To their credit, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented, calling the courts inaction a grave mistake. Gorsuch, who has a strong record on Indian law, rightly warned that before allowing the government to destroy the Apaches sacred site, this court should at least have troubled itself to hear their case. Hes right. Whats more troubling is the silence of the courts progressive wing. Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson could have joined the dissent to form a majority. They did not. Their absence is not only deeply painful its strategic malpractice. If the court is already expanding religious freedom in sweeping terms, progressive justices should be using that very doctrine to protect Native peoples whose traditions predate the Constitution itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Apaches have now asked the court to reconsider in light of Mahmoud. Their argument is powerful: If reading a book burdens religious freedom, then surely obliterating the cradle of an entire religion does too. While the Supreme Court considers their case, the fight in the lower courts continues. Recently, in two of the three related lawsuits, the Ninth Circuit temporarily blocked the government from giving Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. That ruling temporarily safeguards the sacred site and allows the various lawsuits, including Apache Strongholds, to continue before Oak Flat is destroyed. But this issue is even bigger than Oak Flat. It is about whether Indigenous religions deserve equal standing in the eyes of the law. It is about whether we will continue a pattern of dispossession cloaked in bureaucracy or rise to meet this moment with moral clarity and courage. As a global advocate working with Indigenous nations across five continents, I see this case for what it truly is: a litmus test for the soul of the American legal system. If this country claims to uphold religious liberty, self-determination, and justice, then it must apply those principles to the First Peoples of this land not just to the politically powerful or religiously familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court still has time to change course. The stakes are clear. The world is watching. Fawn R. Sharp is the 23rd President of the National Congress of American Indians, former President of the Quinault Indian Nation, and serves as a Global Board Member of The Nature Conservancy and a Council Member of the World Economic Forums Global Future Council on Natural Capital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for the mass abduction and forced transfer of Ukrainian children, it was a chilling acknowledgement that Russias war in Ukraine is not only about territory or politics. It is about erasing a nations identity by targeting its most vulnerable: its children. According to international investigators, more than 35,000 Ukrainian boys and girls have been stolen from their families, stripped of their names, their language and their heritage, and re-educated to be Russian. Some were taken from state institutions in occupied Ukraine, some from summer re-education camps, others after their parents were killed or arrested. The United Nations has declared these abductions and deportations war crimes. Yale Universitys Humanitarian Research Lab has documented that children as young as four months old have been sent to at least 57 facilities across Russia and Belarus. Many have been placed in Russian families, issued new birth certificates and forced to adopt Russian citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some were physically abused or denied contact with their families in Ukraine. In effect, Russia is running a 21st-century program of cultural genocide through child theft. If you believe in the sanctity of children, in the basic moral law that they should never be pawns of war, this is one of the most shocking crimes imaginable. Former President Joe Biden said in August 2023, We are also working with nations everywhere to hold Russian forces accountable for the war crimes and other atrocities they have committed in Ukraine. That includes the forcible removal of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia. These children have been stolen from their parents and kept apart from their families. Its unconscionable. And today, we are announcing new sanctions to hold those responsible for these forced transfers and deportations to account, and to demand that Ukrainian children be returned to their families. And yet over the three years of the Russia-Ukraine war, President Trump has said nothing about this egregious war crime, including during his recent warm welcome of Putin in Alaska. While Trump has discussed the worldwide issue of missing children with the president of the European Commission, there is no indication whether they specifically addressed missing Ukrainian children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while Melania Trump wrote a letter to Putin, it did not mention the Ukrainian children who have been taken by Russia. Rather, it spoke of children in general: Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future. Mr. Putin, you can single-handedly restore their melodic laughter. Trumps silence is not just shameful; it is scandalous. By refusing to acknowledge these atrocities, he signals to Putin that he will not be held accountable for crimes against humanity. The forced transfer of children has long been recognized as a marker of genocide. The 1948 Genocide Convention specifically lists forcibly transferring children of one group to another group as one of its five acts constituting genocide. The ICC indictment of Putin rests precisely on this principle. These are not abstract legal definitions. They are about children losing their families, their names, their country. Imagine your own child or grandchild being kidnapped, given a new identity and told they are someone else, never to return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 19,000 Ukrainian children have already been confirmed as deported to Russia. Fewer than 1,600 have been returned. Russia has refused to give Ukraine even a basic list of the missing children. Many will never see their parents again. Some will grow up believing they are Russian. That is not simply a war crime. It is cultural erasure. Meanwhile, earlier this year, according to the Washington Post, the Trump administration terminated a U.S.funded program that documented Russian war crimes and tracked these abducted children eliminating key evidence and jeopardizing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. A moral leader would condemn this atrocity in the strongest possible terms, mobilize allies to pressure Russia and insist that the return of stolen children be a precondition to any negotiation. In the long history of war crimes, the theft of children carries unique moral weight. It is a direct assault not just on individuals but on the future of a people. When Trump refuses to even acknowledge it, he places himself on the wrong side of history and humanity. His silence in the face of such a gross atrocity is not neutrality. It is endorsement. The United States must stand with Ukraines stolen children. The world must demand their return. And American citizens must use their voices in defense of such children and against a leader who refuses to defend those Jesus called the least of these my brothers and sisters. President Trump frequently threatens severe consequences if adversaries and competitors do not yield to his negotiating demands. But some of his international opponents seem to have concluded that he is mostly posturing and have called his bluff without paying a price. The prime example is the series of deadlines Trump has imposed on Ukraine and Russia for ending their conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately accepted Trumps mandates despite initially disagreeing over the joint recovery of Ukraines mineral resources. Vladimir Putin, conversely, has repeatedly evaded Trumps demands, or has agreed in principle but has not taken meaningful action. Trump has responded to Putins obstructionism by discarding his own deadlines, such as the need for an immediate cease-fire to enable a lasting peace agreement. Russia continues killing civilians and destroying their cities as it inches forward with its invasion of Ukraine. Donald Trump inexplicably disregards his massive political, economic and military leverage over Russia and the Axis of Evil countries supporting its aggression and war crimes, most notably China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has similarly benefited by defying outright or finessing Trumps mandates on COVID, Huawei, TikTok and trade while suffering minimal adverse consequences. Trump successfully employed a radically different approach in seeking a halt to Irans nuclear program. After giving Tehran a two-week extension to his 60-day ultimatum on a denuclearization agreement, and feigning preparations for a delayed attack, on June 21 he suddenly ordered U.S. B-1 bombers armed with bunker-busting bombs to strike Irans nuclear weapons sites. The attack set back by several years Irans nuclear program, which had been on the verge of imminent breakout. The stealth and surprise of the operation was so effective that it weakened Tehran rulers and made regime change a reasonable possibility for the first time since widespread public unrest erupted in 2009. Unfortunately, the Trump administration said the departure of Ayatollah Khamenei is not an objective of U.S. policy, just as former President Barack Obama had taken it off the table when the Iranian masses were beseeching the U.S. for moral and political, not military, support a decision Obama says he now regrets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A keen observer of these events has been the Chinese Communist Party, which harbors the same designs on Taiwan total conquest and absorption that Putin pursues for Ukraine. Historically, the United States has a similar moral and geostrategic commitment to the political sovereignty of the two entities, just short of an actual formal alliance. In 1994, the U.S. persuaded Ukraine to surrender its Soviet-era nuclear weapons in exchange for a security guarantee from America, the United Kingdom and Russia. In 2008, President George W. Bush urged NATO to declare Georgia and Ukraine as eventual members. Russia invaded Georgia that year and Ukraine in 2014, violating the just-executed Minsk ceasefire agreement. The U.S. and the West took no action in either case to honor their security commitments. In the case of Taiwan, after President Carter in 1979 switched formal diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China on Taiwan to the Peoples Republic of China, the U.S. Congress enacted the Taiwan Relations Act. It declared that any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, [is] a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States. The Taiwan Relations Act even suggested the conditionality of U.S. recognition of Communist China the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means. The conquest of either Ukraine by Russia or Taiwan by China would have even greater geostrategic consequences than the abandonment of Afghanistan by the combined actions of Presidents Trump and Biden and their shared distaste for Americas forever wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all the TRAs strong language, no American president since 1979 has been willing to declare as official policy that the U.S. would defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, blockade or embargo. At most, off-the-cuff comments by Bush and Biden suggested a U.S. military response, but all were walked back by their respective staffs and State Departments in adherence to the U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity. Meanwhile, Beijing, with utmost strategic clarity, keeps affirming and expanding its preparations for military action against Taiwan. As a possible strategic trade-off for Trumps distancing himself from Taiwan, he said last week that President Xi Jinping assured him China would not strike Taiwan during Trumps term in office. Xi had originally told the Peoples Liberation Army to be ready to reunify Taiwan no later than 2027, though U.S. Indo-Pacific Commanders have repeatedly predicted a shorter time frame. Taking Xis courtesy extension to Trump at face value means the world can realistically expect a conflict across the Taiwan Strait on Jan. 20, 2029, unless Trump for some reason leaves office earlier than the expiration of his term. (Then again, avoiding a war with China might be a plausible pretext for unconstitutionally keeping Trump in power beyond this term.) Alternatively, having lulled Trump into accepting his peaceful intentions toward Taiwan for the next three and a half years, Xi could suddenly accelerate his schedule for military action, just as Trump did with Iran. In 2015, Xi promised Obama he would not militarize his artificial islands in the South China Sea, a promise he promptly broke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surprise and deception have been a specialty of Chinese strategy as far back as Sun Tzu, and Russian, Chinese and North Korean communists and post-communists alike have made lying and cheating an integral part of their ideology and practice. None other than Chinas Great Reformer Deng Xiaoping called on his strategists to Hide your capabilities, bide your time. Xi no longer hides Chinas capabilities to attack Taiwan, he flaunts them we shall see how much longer he is willing to bide his time. Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of The Vandenberg Coalition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New York and Miami recently flipped the script on the future of in-office work, according to a study by Placer.ai. But its not the end of the story rather, it is the opening scene in a far more complicated drama. Cities dominated by the financial industry are actually returning to the office. Tech-driven cities are recalibrating at a new normal that involves more remote work. Finally, a large middle swath of metros is settling into hybrid routines that will likely never fully go back to the way things were in 2019. The results showcase how industry mix shapes behavior on the ground. Finance sets the tone in both cities and has pushed hard for in-office norms. Placer.ai reports that New York is unique among major metros in that it already has more office visits by workers than it did in 2019 up by 1.3 percent from before the pandemic. Miami is a close second, being down from 2019 by only about 0.1 percent. The reason? Firmer policies among large financial institutions that prize in-person apprenticeship, compliance and deal cadence. That pressure certainly helped fill elevators this summer, yet it also created friction for talent that still values flexibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies that dial returns up too far invite turnover risk that shows up quickly in high-skilled labor markets. The evidence for that is no longer anecdotal. University of Pittsburgh researchers analyzing S&P 500 firms found that after return-to-office mandates, affected companies experienced abnormally high employee turnover and slower hiring, with especially pronounced exits among senior and high-performing employees. The schools summary states that mandates did not improve firm performance or employee satisfaction. Those findings underscore why aggressive policies that play well in finance hubs can misfire in markets where labor has more leverage. The relative momentum in New York and Miami also relates to cost and commute realities. Even in transit-rich regions, the daily trip remains a major deterrent for many workers a point reinforced by research into transportation and worker well-being. Recent studies link longer commutes with lower reported well-being and higher stress, while acknowledging mixed findings by mode and context. The strongest takeaway is simple enough for policy: Reduce the cost and friction of getting to the office if you want higher attendance. Step back from New York and Miami the two cities whose in-office days are up or at least nearly flat and the spread is striking. Placer.ais data show nationwide office visits are still down 21.8 percent versus 2019, even after a 10.7 percent gain year-over-year. Atlanta and Dallas have tightened their gaps to 14.8 percent less than 2019 and 18.3 percent less better than the national average whereas Denver office visits remain roughly 40 percent below 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco office visits are still 34 percent behind their 2019 levels, despite 22 percent year-over-year growth for July. These data points capture a national landscape where finance-forward metros are going back to the office, diversified markets are stabilizing in a hybrid equilibrium, and tech hubs are transforming more slowly. That divergence matters for public finance and street-level vitality. Even as availability begins to ease nationally, vacancy in tech-centric cities remains elevated and foot traffic patterns skew toward peak collaboration days rather than five weekly uniform commutes. The report notes that San Franciscos June 2025 office vacancy rate (28 percent), Seattles (27 percent) and Austins (28 percent) show that the recovery is uneven. National averages can mislead operators when tech is so much slower to go back and there is an oscillation between anchor days, remote days and surge days. If July was the busiest in-office month since early 2020, it still left a structural gap that looks durable. The report emphasizes employee preferences that have barely budged since 2022, citing Gallups hybrid indicator and related survey data. Sixty percent of remote-capable workers prefer hybrid and roughly one-third prefer fully remote, with fewer than one in 10 choosing full-time on-site. That preference has consequences: Sixty-four percent of remote workers say they would be extremely likely to look elsewhere if flexibility were revoked. Leaders can recognize the ceiling that such preferences place on daily attendance, or they can spend political capital chasing a 2019 target that no longer exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commute economics also bite. The report synthesizes 2025 findings that employees point to commute cost as their largest barrier to more frequent office attendance, with estimates of weekly driving and parking outlays that can add thousands of dollars per year to household budgets. This is where city context shows up in the numbers: New Yorks reinvigorated transit network eases reentry to Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Metros with weaker or costlier commutes face a steeper climb. None of this is an argument against time in the office. But it is an argument against pretending that office time, by itself, fixes performance. The Pitt research team found no evidence that mandates lifted firm performance or employee satisfaction, linking strict return-to-office rules to higher attrition among senior and high-skilled people, plus longer times to fill roles. That is a talent tax, and it lands harder in markets where employees have more options. What tends to work, across markets, looks more like magnet than mandate. Anchoring teams on specific in-office days aligned to project rhythms, designing spaces for collision and apprenticeship rather than rows of assigned seats, and lowering commute friction by subsidizing transit and parking are the practical levers that show up in stronger peak-day utilization. In Chicago, for instance, early 2025 peak-day office utilization above 70 percent coexisted with hybrid schedules and aggressive quality upgrades in the best submarkets a reminder that space strategy and experience design, not edicts, drive meaningful occupancy. New York and Miami prove that firm policies plus supportive urban infrastructure can deliver full or near-full office attendance. They do not prove that every city will, or should, follow the same path. The national baseline is improving, yet the clearest signal in 2025 is the divergence itself, from finance-centric hubs that have largely restored old patterns, to diversified metros that are stabilizing at hybrid levels, to tech centers that are rebuilding on a different foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs of rigid mandates are real, from attrition among top performers to commute burdens that depress well-being, and leaders who ignore those costs will spend more time replacing people than building momentum. The better play is to design offices and policies that earn the commute, accept a lower but more intentional baseline, and measure outcomes on the days that matter most. Gleb Tsipursky, Ph.D., serves as the CEO of the hybrid work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts and authored the best-seller Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This story was originally posted to MyNorthwest.com A family based in Oregon accused their childs dentist of medical negligence in a recently filed lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court. In the lawsuit, obtained by KOIN, the family claimed their four-year-old child was given general anesthesia, despite the parents reservations and the childs young age, when visiting Sunnyside Dentistry in June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child, identified as M.L. in the lawsuit, went into the dentists office to have some cavities filled. The plan was originally to have M.I. be under nitrous oxide, but the dentist suggested coming back and having it done under general anesthesia. The familys attorney said that they were not told why Davis did not use nitrous oxide. M.L. went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to a childrens hospital. According to the lawsuit, the child spent weeks being treated for brain swelling, was put on a feeding tube, and ultimately lost basic motor functions. According to KOIN, M.L.s heart stopped shortly after being administered the anesthesia. The lawsuit stated the child died in the dental chair briefly before being revived through life-saving CPR and epinephrine injections. Due to oxygen being cut off from the brain, M.L. now suffers from brain damage. According to the family, M.L. could sound out words, write and dress themselves, and use the bathroom without assistance. After the dental procedure, the child has regressed back to an infant state, according to the lawsuit. M.L. is relearning how to walk, talk, hold their head up, grasp objects, and use their arms and legs. M.L. now needs diapers again, despite the child being potty trained long before the dental procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family is accusing the office and the dentist of medical negligence, alleging the dental providers failed to monitor the childs vital signs that would have prevented the cardiac arrest. They are seeking $22 million in damages for past and future medical costs. This is a developing story, check back for updates Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here. Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would accelerate the creation of an SCO development bank yesterday at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin, as he seeks to expand the organizations influence and scope. Currently, as the global situation becomes more complex and turbulent, member states are facing more arduous safety and development responsibilities, Xi said in opening remarks to the forum. He pledged $1.4 billion in loans in the next three years for SCO members. They are not specifically designated for the new development bank, for which no timeline has been released. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the leaders of a couple of dozen nations meeting as part of the SCO. With the addition of the bank and an emphasis on providing loans, Xi is attempting to expand the scope of the organization. He wants to provide an alternate world order, because the U.S.-led world order is very much in decline. This is the main narrative, said Alfred Wu, a professor at the National University of Singapores Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Xi also said states should oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc-based confrontation and bullying, and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core while advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world, an inclusive economic globalization, and promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system. Xis remarks were consistent with Chinas past comments. Opposition to a Cold War mentality is a reference to the Americas tough approach to China, as well as its withdrawal of funding from some U.N. agencies. But at this moment in time, Chinas consistency is the message, Wu said. HUIZHONG WU, TIANJIN, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (left) and Maryland's U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (second from right) standing before burned homes at Kfar Aza, a kibbutz attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Merkley and Van Hollen could see and hear Israeli forces bombing Gaza City from the kibbutz, he said. (Photo Courtesy of Sen. Jeff Merkley's Office) A lot has changed in Israel and Palestine since Oregons Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley first visited in 1978 as a 21-year-old backpacker. But the pace of change between his last trip to the region in Jan. 2024 and the present, as Israel wages an ongoing war against the militant and political group Hamas in Gaza, has been unbelievably devastating, Merkley told the Capital Chronicle Sunday morning from Cairo, Egypt, at the end of an eight-day trip to the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot that has transpired over those 20 months, he said. I dont think 20 months ago, January 2024, we would have imagined that the war would be ongoing. He and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, returned in late August to Gazas borders with Egypt and Israel, and visited the West Bank and Jerusalem, to monitor the distribution of international aid meant to reach starving Gazans, and to learn more about the ongoing impacts of the nearly two-year war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli soldiers have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government but staffed by medical professionals and considered by the United Nations and other independent experts to be the most reliable source for casualty numbers. Israeli soldiers have also razed entire cities, leaving most of the remaining population of Gaza today displaced and facing famine. More than half of the Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas or rescued, while more than 80 are confirmed to have died and about 30 who are still being held captive are believed to be alive, according to the Israeli government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has to be an end to this war. The hostages all have to be released. And there has to be massive intervention to address the medical problems and the starvation, Merkley said. Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called on his colleagues in Congress to halt hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons sales to Israel until Gazans receive immediate and critical aid being blocked by Israeli forces. He has also, along with Democratic senators, called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war. The U.S. has sent more than $20 billion in weapons and military aid to Israel since Oct. 7, 2023. Israel The eight-day trip including more than two dozen meetings in four settings began in Israel, where Merkley and Van Hollen met with families of the Israeli hostages, with aid providers from the United Nations World Food Programme and with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 140 Gazans have died of hunger since the start of the war, including 88 children, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures. Most of those deaths were in the last couple months. Between April and July, more than 20,000 children in Gaza were seen by doctors for acute malnutrition, and more than 3,000 of those children were deemed severely malnourished, according to a recent report from The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, a global initiative that provides food security analysis for charities and U.N. agencies. The senators also talked on the phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely symbolic role in the government, and met with Greek, Latin and Armenian Catholic church leaders in the Old City of Jerusalem who are calling for an end to the war. With those church leaders, the senators visited the Kerem Shalom Crossing, a gateway between Gaza and Israel, where they learned about how foreign aid moves from inspection areas in Israel into Gaza, where Palestinian trucks receive it and move it to warehouses, Merkley said. Van Hollen and Merkley also returned to a kibbutz called Kfar Aza a sort of intentional community, or commune, centered on egalitarian values and growing food that they had visited in January 2024, and that was a site of Hamas violence against Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They met with a woman trying to rebuild the kibbutz so people will return over the next year, but so far, only 20 of the former residents have returned, Merkley said. The ongoing war had impacted their host, too. She knew many of the people who died and she knew many of the people who were taken hostage from the kibbutz. In fact, she basically knows everybody at the kibbutz, he said. But from the community, its possible to see over the border into Gaza City, Merkley explained. While he and Van Hollen were there, they could hear Israel dropping bombs on Gaza City. And she said, as time has passed, her sense has returned of how we have to break this cycle of revenge and we have to find a way for the two peoples all the Israelis and the Palestinians to live together peacefully, Merkley recounted. But it had been like a long process of grieving and pondering in that regard. West Bank In the West Bank, Merkley and Van Hollen met with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, as well as families of American Palestinians living in the West Bank who have been jailed by Israeli authorities, and who know others who have been jailed or killed by Israeli authorities or Israeli settlers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also visited a Christian village in the West Bank that was recently attacked by settlers, Merkley said, noting that Israeli encroachment into Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, and violence from those settlers towards Palestinians, has intensified. Almost nothing is done by the Israeli Defense Forces to protect the Palestinian villagers from the settlers, Merkley said. Many of the IDF forces that are in the West Bank are settlers themselves, and its almost as if the government of Israel has given a green light. They just are not engaged in stopping this escalation of violence, and its coming in many forms. Gazan borders The Israeli military barred Merkley and Van Hollen from entering the Gaza strip when they visited in January 2024, but the two were able to go to Rafah Gate, where Egypt borders the southernmost edge of Gaza, to meet doctors and aid truck drivers who painted an early picture of a people beginning to starve. One conversation that really sticks in my mind was with two doctors who had just left the European hospital, and one of them was more of a specialist in burns, and the other in broken bones, and one of the doctors said: Of course, we can put an arm in a cast, but our patients need more nutrition in order to recover, Merkley recounted. Well, if you go 20 months forward, that brings us to the current moment. All of those things are true, but at such a higher level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Hollen and Merkley returned to Rafah Gate on Saturday, still barred from entering Gaza, but able to look out over the city of Rafah from the top of a building. We could see absolute rubble, like there was no semblance of a town remaining. It wasnt like a bunch of buildings with holes in the side like shell holes and blown holes No, everything was rubble, he said. Now, this same process is beginning in Gaza City, and there are upwards of about a million people in the Gaza City area. And realize, not that many months ago, a million people were in Rafah. We have our voices Merkley said the war is at a desperate moment and a ceasefire is needed to stop the assault on Gaza City, where roughly 1 million Palestinians are facing forcible displacement. There are ministers in the (Israeli) Cabinet who have this vision of depopulating Gaza and making it part of a broader Israel, he said. But there are many, many Israelis that are fiercely opposed to that vision as well. After all, to depopulate an area in that fashion is a war crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has deeply damaged Israels standing in the world, and many Israelis understand this. Thousands of Israelis marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday demanding an end to the war. Theres deep, deep debates going on among the leadership and the people of the State of Israel, Merkley said. He returned to the U.S. on Monday and will resume work in Congress on Tuesday. He and Van Hollen have written op-eds and attempted to pass memorandums that would make military aid to Israel dependent on humanitarian aid getting to Gazans, but theyre in the minority in Congress. Recent polling shows most Americans disapprove of Israels military campaign in Gaza. Merkley said turnout at his 36 town halls this year has been five times what it was in past years, in part because people wanted to tell him to do something to stop the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the members of Congress who continues to vote in favor of military aid to Israel is Oregons senior U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, also a Democrat. Wyden has joined Merkley in calls for a ceasefire and aid to Gazans, but has so far not joined in efforts to end weapons sales. His town halls have also been packed with constituents asking him to stop arming the Israeli military. One recent town hall in Grants Pass was cut short by protests. Merkley declined to share anything about conversations with Wyden on the topic. Feelings are shifting, but there is no magic wand here. There is no Oh, well, just say it louder, and somehow you will change the course, Merkley said. You just have to keep pressing with ideas in amendments, and voting () and conversations with our colleagues, you keep pressing on everything. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Orlando police investigate after man shot at apartment complex Police in Orlando are investigating an overnight shooting that sent a man to the hospital. The shooting happened around 8 p.m. on Edgemoor Street near Ivey Lane. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found a man with a gunshot wound outside an apartment. The building was also struck by gunfire, police said. The identity of the shooter remains unknown, and police have not released any information regarding a possible suspect or motive for the shooting. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (FOX40.COM) An Oroville couple and parent were arraigned in Butte County Superior Court on Aug. 25 on charges connected to the fentanyl-caused death of their two-year-old son. Video above: How deadly is fentanyl? According to the Butte County District Attorneys Office, Chelsea Whitfield, 29, and Anthony Solansky, 28, were arraigned on a charge of felony child endangerment on the allegation that the endangerment caused the death of the child. District Attorney Mike Ramsey said in a statement that the charges come from an incident on March 9, where the child was rushed to Oroville Hospital after the parents realized he was unresponsive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after he arrived at the hospital, officials said the child was pronounced dead and the cause of death was ruled to be acute fentanyl intoxication. Teen arrested in connection with armed robbery that left three dead Ramsey stated that after a lengthy and extensive investigation by the Oroville Police Department, it was shown that earlier that day, Whitfield, Solansky and their son were asleep in a bedroom of the home. BCDAO said that Whitfield was sleeping after multiple days of a drug bender, which included fentanyl and methamphetamine. The same day in the afternoon, Solansky woke up to use the bathroom and gave his child his cellphone to watch childrens YouTube videos before Solansky went back to sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, an individual who was described to be a Whitfield drug dealer entered the room unannounced and, after a brief interaction with Solansky and Whitfield, retrieved some car keys and potentially provided fentanyl to Whitfield. Officials said both of the parents went back to sleep, leaving the child awake as he watched videos on a cellphone. It was at this time, investigators believe the child got into his mothers fentanyl stash. The parents were then awakened by a housemate and later discovered their son lying unresponsive next to Whitfield in the bed on her arm, BCDA said. Authorities stated Whitfield and Solansky are both facing a maximum of 12 years in state prison for child endangerment causing death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, both are being held with no bail pending their entry of plea on Aug. 28, the DAs office 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 FOX40 News. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Several students tested positive for Hand, Foot, Mouth disease at Sherwood Elementary School, Memphis-Shelby County Schools said Tuesday morning. MSCS says on August 27, they alerted parents of the confirmed cases via email, text, and call. The school district is urging parents to notify the school administration if they suspect their child has HFMD. According to MSCS, the symptoms they say to look out for are fever, mouth sores, and rash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Live in a home governed by a condominium, co-op or homeowner's association? Have questions about what they can and cannot do? Ryan Poliakoff, an attorney and author based in Boca Raton, has answers. Question: I own a townhouse in a community governed by an HOA. Our association restricted rentals in 2017, a year after I moved in, by limiting the number of renters to a maximum of 20% in the community. Ive been wanting to rent out my unit for years, but the board has rejected any attempt, even refusing to add me to a waiting list (citing that some of the current renters have been here almost 20 years). They say this is to comply with FHA mortgage guidelines, but our bylaws state that anyone purchasing a home in the community must put at least 20% down, which certainly doesn't mesh well with the typical FHA down payment of 3.5%. Is there any hope or should I sell? Signed, D.S. Dear D.S., Im not a big fan of rental caps. While the FHA concerns are legitimate, there are so many other restrictions that can trip up FHA approval that I dont find them to be particularly effective. Plus, they are very difficult to police and manage. When I draft rental cap restrictions, I include very complicated language that details exactly how they are going to be enforced who has leasing priority (existing leases or new leases), how you get on the wait list, once your turn comes how long you have to find a tenant before they move on to the next person on the list, etc. Can HOA cap the number of renters in a community? With that said, rental cap language would have needed to be added to your declaration of covenants by amendment in order to be enforceable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I doubt that a board-created rental cap rule would survive muster. You dont specify how your rental cap came to be. If the rental cap was a proper amendment, I dont think theres a lot you can do other than challenge the boards procedures for managing the cap, which might be possible but is far from a given. But if this is just a rule the board created, I think you would have a good chance of invalidating this policy in court. Can HOA require US driver license for the hired help? Question: My housekeeper was denied access to my property recently because she didnt have a US-issued drivers license. She has a foreign issued drivers license/identification card from her countrys consulate office. Her denial was due in part to a new rule that was recently passed by our HOA. Is this lawful? It appears to be unlawful and discriminatory because it targets non-US drivers license holders; thus, foreigners. Ive been living in our community for 11 years now and this is a new rule. I cant fathom under what laws or regulations an HOA would have the power to create such a rule about the type of identification a guest must possess to be granted access to my gated community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This law doesnt advance any concerns over safety. Signed, D.G. Dear D.G., Most governing documents provide boards with the authority to promulgate rules governing the community, including the use of the common areas, as well as the lots. But those rules must be reasonable. That means they must be related to a legitimate association interest and written to further that interest. I can see how requiring non-residents entering the community to show identification is related to a legitimate interest. The association may reasonably address security issues, and knowing who is entering the community clearly furthers that interest. Most communities have such a rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I cannot imagine is what legitimate interest requiring a US-issued drivers license would address. I am assuming the license she has allows her to legally drive in the United States, so that would not be a concern. Perhaps the board would argue that they cant effectively validate foreign IDs because there are so many, and they are inexperienced with them; but is that really any different from state-issued IDs? Do we really think the average gate attendant can immediately identify whether an out-of-state ID is legitimate? Its highly unlikely. If fake IDs fool bartenders and bouncers, theyre going to fool your gate attendant. The bigger issue, though, is that the Fair Housing Act, a federal discrimination law, prohibits housing providers from discriminating against a person based on their national origin. Its difficult to argue that this rule doesnt do exactly this. To survive a challenge under the FHA your community would need to jump over a very high legal hurdle, and without going into detail to explain the complicated analysis that would require, I think that would be nearly impossible in this situation. So, they seem to be playing with fire here, and I think a challenge on your part would be warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Poliakoff, a partner at Poliakoff Backer, LLP, is a Board Certified specialist in condominium and planned development law. This column is dedicated to the memory of Gary Poliakoff. Ryan Poliakoff and Gary Poliakoff are co-authors of "New Neighborhoods The Consumers Guide to Condominium, Co-Op and HOA Living." Email your questions to condocolumn@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your location. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida condo owner unable to lease when HOA caps renters. Legal? PORTLAND, Maine Graham Platner is still trying to process this moment. A month ago, the scruffy U.S. Marine veteran was tending to his oyster farm on the coast of Maine in relative obscurity. Since announcing his bid against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) two weeks ago, however, the 40-year-old political newcomer has drawn national headlines, hauled in over a million dollars for his campaign, and raised hopes among Democrats across the country that perhaps, this time, they have a shot at ousting the longtime GOP incumbent and taking back control of the U.S. Senate next year. On Monday, Platner addressed the biggest crowd of his life in downtown Portland, bringing over 6,500 screaming people to their feet at a Fighting Oligarchy rally featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with his call to fight corporate interests and the influence of billionaires in both political parties. The populist message has resonated amid broad dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party with its leadership and their handling of President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have not yet begun to emotionally connect with whats going on, because I dont even know how to, the scale of it is so ridiculous. Its essentially incomprehensible, the Democratic candidate reflected after the event in an interview with HuffPost. Its weird because, like, I dont get nervous because it feels so ridiculous. I dont even know how to begin to handle it. Platners rapid rise to become a leading candidate to challenge Collins is a direct challenge not only to her but to Democrats in Washington, who are almost entirely focused on convincing Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) to run for Senate and can be slow to embrace candidates with anti-establishment personas. The possibility of a contested primary between Mills, Platner and Jordan Wood a former congressional aide who announced a run earlier this year is exciting for Republicans eager to exploit Democratic divides. Related: Trump Goes On Bonkers AI-Fueled Posting Spree And Gavin Newson Is Already Firing Back Dressed in a red work shirt, boots, and blue jeans, Plattner said Maine deserved a senator in Washington who understood and fought for the working class. He accused Collins, a veteran lawmaker eyeing her sixth term in Washington and one of the last remaining blue state Republicans, of being disingenuous in voicing concerns with Trumps policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symbolic opposition does not open hospitals. Weak condemnations do not bring back Roe v. Wade, he said, referring to Collins votes clearing the way for Trumps Medicaid cuts and a Supreme Court justice who overturned federal reproductive rights. Performative politics that enables the destruction of our way of life is disqualifying for the role of U.S. senator. He also urged Senate Democrats to play hardball and refuse to provide the votes necessary to fund the government ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline. Democratic leaders are still smarting over their decision to allow Republicans to fund the government in March, resulting in widespread political blowback for Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat in the Senate. Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Portland, Maine. Igor Bobic / HuffPost But shutting down the government wouldnt come without risks for Democrats. In addition to keeping many federal workers off the job, it would allow Republicans to wallop vulnerable Democrats ahead of next years midterm elections. Were at a point where I honestly do not care about what some pundits opinion on what a government shutdown may or may not look like in an election a year from now. Im sorry, we are beyond that, Platner said Monday. Whatever can be done to slow down this speed run towards authoritarianism that we are currently undertaking anything that we can do to slow that down is necessary and should be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Weve created this kind of absurdity for ourselves, so we may as well at least use this absurd system we built to do something good and maybe slow down what is currently happening. Republicans and GOP-friendly news outlets have dubbed Platner Maines Mamdani, a reference to Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic socialist candidate running for mayor of New York City. They also slammed the Maine Senate candidate for criticizing Israel and its war in Gaza, a position he hasnt shied away from on the campaign trail. No matter which party is in power, Susan Collins has a proven record of putting Mainers first, by crafting legislation to protect their Social Security and support small businesses, National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Samantha Cantrell said in a statement. Graham Platner, on the other hand, is spending his time cozying up to Bernie Sanders and championing his radical, anti-Israel agenda. Its an accusation that Platner, a competitive pistol shooter and firearms instructor, called absurd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im fairly sure that Zohran does not spend his weekends at the gun range, he said. Im fairly sure that Mr. Mamdani does not spend an immense amount of time hanging out with his friends, who are all Trump voters. It also just goes to show, though, that if you try to do a single thing for working people in this country, Republicans are going to call you the most lefty nut job that could you could possibly think of. A lot of working-class Americans are realizing that that is absolute nonsense. Related: Infectious Diseases Expert Sounds Alarm On Disney Vacations Amid Florida Vaccine Move The socialist label may not be as much of a dirty word in the age of Trump. His administration recently took a 10% equity stake in chip-making company Intel over the objections of very few Republicans who ordinarily would have been screaming from the rooftops about socialism had a Democratic president done so. Moreover, the move was cheered by populists like Sanders and Platner. The fact that if private companies get to invest in things, they get to own it, but when the American people invest in things, somehow theyre not allowed to have an ownership I find that to be truly ridiculous, Platner told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike most Democrats, Platner also took a more toned-down approach to regulating guns, which are popular in Maines hunting and rural communities. Asked what forms of gun control he supported in the wake of a horrific mass shooting in Minnesota, he said he supported red flag laws that are written in such a way that they dont impede the ability of legal gun owners to have access to their firearms. Still, Platners progressive views on economics and the simple fact that he was wholly unknown a month ago are why top Democrats are still hoping a more conventional and experienced candidate like Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) jumps in the Senate race. Mills said last week she is seriously considering doing so, but is not in any rush to announce her plans. At 77 years old, however, Mills age could be an issue if she decides to run in the Democratic primary at a time when former President Joe Bidens disastrous decision to run for reelection in 2024 has made voters skeptical of older candidates. I feel like people like Susan Collins, like Janet Mills, people like [Independent Maine Sen.] Angus King, whom I adore, should just step aside and mentor some of the younger voices coming up and really reenergize the Democratic Party, said Dot Ollier, 72, a real estate agent from Brunswick. I feel like the party has become very stale. So I think we need to shake things up. Maine Gov. Janet Mills disagrees with President Donald J Trump as he speaks about over transgender women in sports during a Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room at the White House on Friday, Feb 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Washington Post via Getty Images Platner said its generally easier to motivate voters and build political support with fresher candidates, though he took exception to 83-year-old Sanders and his appeal to younger Americans. He also criticized Democrats for sticking with Biden despite clear evidence of his aging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people are sick and tired of being told that the thing that they are seeing with their own eyes is not happening, whether that be an economic system that is clearly not meant to support them, whether that is a genocide in Gaza, and whether that is a clearly aging candidate, he said. Sanders also cited Platners stance on Gaza as a reason for getting behind his bid against Collins. One of the reasons why I want Graham Platner in the Senate is hes willing to say no more money for the Israeli war machine thats destroying the people of Gaza, the senator said on Monday. Maine is one of the Democrats best Senate pickup opportunities, and a state they need to win to have any hope of taking back control of the Senate in 2026. Harris carried the state by seven points in the 2024 presidential election, and Collins has seen her polling plummet during the first six months of Trumps second term though polls have missed the states preferences before. Democrats will be eager to tie her to Trumps cuts to rural health care and other popular government programs this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins had a relatively quiet August recess. Like other Republicans, she held very few public events. When she did, appearing at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new road in Searsport last week, she was met by jeers and boos from liberal protesters angry with her perceived complicity with Trump. Its a notable shift for Collins, who held over a dozen public events in August 2019, the summer before her previous reelection campaign. Mainers who turned out for a raucous Sanders rally in Portland on Monday said Collins legislative record under Trump would come back to haunt her. Related: Trump Again Dismisses Epstein Hoax As Victims Call For Transparency: Live Updates Someone needs to blow apart her image of being a moderate, because shes not, said Liz Moberg, a retired artist from South Portland. She only votes undercover when shell be the one person who votes against something horrible. But knowing that shes not making any effort to convince any other members of her party to do anything differently, she has a lot of power, and shes not using it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Turcotte, a retired ethics professor from Bangor, Maine, said Democrats needed a Senate candidate who doesnt simply echo their famous neighbor from Vermont. If he mimics the same thing, Im out of here, Turcotte said of Platner before hearing him speak on Monday. Do we need another Bernie? Sanders has been saying this for 20, 30 years. What are you for? I get that were angry. I get that theres a lot of partisanship. This country cant survive unless we think ahead beyond this. After Platner delivered his remarks, which received multiple standing ovations, Turcotte told HuffPost he liked what he heard, including a poetic stemwinder about rebuilding the American dream. When we reform our democracy, let our freedom be a different kind of freedom, Platner said in his speech, a freedom to live with the dignity and fulfillment that gives us the society that we deserve, where instead of dreaming of a life where we can get by, we can afford a life that allows us to dream. Related... Read the original on HuffPost U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting a detailed breakdown of military deployments to Los Angeles amid recent immigration enforcement protests in the city. The two California Democrats wrote Monday that they wanted to know how thousands of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines were specifically used, whether and how they engaged in any law enforcement activity and how much the deployments have cost taxpayers to date. The deployments were made over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and other local officials, and sparked a lawsuit by the state alleging they were illegal. The letter came just hours before a federal judge agreed with the state in a ruling Tuesday that Padilla and Schiff both cheered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Padilla and Schiff wrote that the deployments were unnecessary and that greater detail was needed in light of similar operations now being launched or threatened in other American cities. "The use of the U.S. military to assist in or otherwise support immigration operations remains inappropriate, potentially a violation of the law, and harmful to the relationship between the U.S. public and the U.S. military," they wrote. Read more: Trump deployment of military troops to Los Angeles was illegal, judge rules in blistering opinion The Department of Defense declined to comment on the letter to The Times, saying it would "respond directly" to Padilla and Schiff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump ordered the federalization of some 4,100 National Guard troops in California in June, as L.A. protests erupted over his administration's immigration policies. Some 700 Marines were also deployed to the city. Most of those forces have since departed, but Padilla and Schiff said 300 Guard troops remain activated. Trump, Hegseth and other administration leaders have previously defended the deployments as necessary to restore law and order in L.A., defend federal buildings and protect federal immigration agents as they conduct immigration raids in local communities opposed to such enforcement efforts. Under questioning from members of Congress at the start of the deployments in June, Hegseth and other Defense officials estimated that the mission would last 60 days and that basic necessities such as travel, housing and food for the troops would cost about $134 million. However, the administration has not provided updated details as the operation has continued. Padilla and Schiff asked for specific totals on the number of California Guard troops and Marines deployed to L.A., and details as to which units they were drawn from and whether any out-of-state Guard personnel were brought in. They also asked whether any other military personnel were deployed to L.A., and how many civilian employees from the Department of Defense were assigned to the L.A. operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators asked for a description of the "specific missions" carried out by the different units deployed to the city, and for a breakdown of military personnel who directly supported Department of Homeland Security teams, which would include Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. They also asked which units were assigned to provide security at federal sites or were "placed on stand-by status outside of the immediate protest or immigration enforcement areas." They asked for "the number of times and relevant detail for any cases in which [Defense] personnel made arrests, detained any individuals, otherwise exercised law enforcement authorities, or exercised use of lethal force during the operation." Read more: California hopes law from bloody era of U.S. history can rein in Trump's use of troops They also asked for the total cost of all of the work to the Department of Defense and for a breakdown of costs by operation, maintenance, personnel or other accounts, and asked whether any funding used in the operation was diverted from other programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Padilla and Schiff requested that the Department of Defense provide the information by Sept. 12. Unless it is "expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress," the use of military personnel for civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil is barred by law under the Posse Comitatus Act. The 1878 law applies to U.S. Marines and to Guard troops who, like those in L.A., have been federalized. In its lawsuit, California argued the deployments were a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. In response, the Trump administration argued that the president has the legal authority to deploy federal troops to protect federal property and personnel, such as ICE agents. On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled for the state, finding that the deployments did violate the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge placed his injunction on hold for 10 days, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schiff said Trump's "goal was not to ensure safety, but to create a spectacle," and that the ruling affirmed those actions were "unlawful and unjustified." Padilla said the ruling "confirmed what we knew all along: Trump broke the law in his effort to turn service members into his own national police force." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two activists from the organisation Futuro Vegetal threw red and black powder against the facade of one of Spain's most famous monuments: the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The organisation is protesting against the management of the fires that have devastated thousands of hectares of land in Spain this summer. The protesters were arrested and released after paying a fine of 600. Check out the moment below: Futuro Vegetal explained that their action aims to denounce "the complicity of the different governments in the fires that have ravaged the Peninsula this summer" - alluding to the political disputes during the serious fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related The organisation criticises the "lack of government measures against the climate crisis and its repercussions on the fires that have devastated the Peninsula and a large part of Europe". Luna Lagos, spokesperson for the association, lamented that "politicians, bankers and CEOs of multinationals continue to gamble our lives to multiply their profits". They also blame industrial livestock farming for being indirectly responsible for around 70% of forest fires. "Governments are prioritising irrigating livestock farms with public money instead of protecting people who have lost their homes," says Futuro Vegetal. "They subsidise ecocidal industries with our taxes while condemning essential workers such as firefighters and health workers to precariousness." Al-Sheikh's letter, which was dated August 30, said that Abbas "categorically condemned violence and terrorism, including the attacks of October 7" in a June 8 letter to Trump. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reconsider the US's decision to ban PA President Mahmoud Abbas from the UN General Assembly this month, Axios reported on Tuesday. Last Friday, the US announced that it would not allow Palestinian officials and diplomats, including Abbas, to attend the UNGA in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the State 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. Al-Sheikh's letter, which was dated August 30, said that Abbas said in a June 8 letter to US President Donald Trump that he "categorically condemned violence and terrorism, including the attacks of October 7." Al-Sheikh added that the PA is ready to initiate legislative and presidential elections within a year of the end of the war in Gaza, along with governing Gaza and engaging in peace negotiations. The Jerusalem Post previously reported in June that Abbas praised Hamas's October 7 massacre for achieving "important goals." US President Donald Trump and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shake hands as they conclude their remarks after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in the West Bank city of Bethlehem May 23, 2017. (credit: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST) In an interview published in June by the PA's official daily, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, and exposed by Palestinian Media Watch, Abbas described the attack in terms that focused on its strategic impact against Israel, ignoring the casualties and the hostages. PA VP discusses war in Gaza with Putin's envoy Additionally, on Tuesday, Al-Sheikh discussed the war in Gaza and denied visas to the Palestinian delegation to the UN with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and the envoy to President Vladimir Putin. According to Al-Sheikh's post on X/Twitter, they also discussed the situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as aid to Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Together with the Russian deputy foreign minister, I affirmed the continuation of close coordination between the State of Palestine and the Russian Federation to confront current challenges and to strengthen international efforts to convene the peace conference in New York on its scheduled date of September 22." Ohad Merlin contributed to this report. (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) The Palmer Lake Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Palmer Lake Recreation Area. The event will feature more than 45 Colorado craft wineries, along with food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music. Matthew Hexter, event co-founder and founder of Evergood Adventure Wines, joined hosts Krista Witiak and Justin Antweil to share whats in store for this years Palmer Lake Wine Festival and how the event supports the local community. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with VIP tickets available for early entry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tri-Lakes Cares, a local nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPECIAL FOR LIVING LOCAL VIEWERS: Use code LIVINGLOCAL to save $5 off every General Admission ticket! Offer valid through the day of the event. Tickets are available online at PLWF2025.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Cumberland Countys Health and Safety Standards Board decided to suspend fines and defer action for an additional 30 days on a property on Andrews Lane. Last month a fire had totally destroyed the main structure on the property that had been under complaints for roughly two years. The board continued the case as it was under investigation as a suspicious fire. A significant amount of debris remains at the scene on the property. Craig Clark, Health and Saftey Standards Board vice chairman, asked Philip Burnett, Cumberland County attorney, to give an update on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burnett said he had gotten a letter from Allstate Insurance that stated they had released the scene. The letter from Allstate states, Allstate Indemnity Company has released the scene. We have confirmed with our origin and cause vendor, EFI Global, that the scene does not need to be held They didnt find anything that indicated an accelerant was used, Burnett said. Burnett also reported to the board that Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox said the sheriffs office was almost finished with its investigation of the scene, and it should be released soon. The current property owner attended the meeting and told the board he plans to clear the property of the remaining debris within 30 days once the scene is completely released and he is paid from the insurance company. He also said once he gets his settlement, he intends to pay the $12,000 judgment/lien the county has on the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Richard Bringenberg motioned to hold action on the property for an additional 30 days. Nancy Hyder, 2nd District commissioner and chairwoman, supported the motion. It was approved unanimously. An abandoned trailer on Cherokee Trail in Lake Tansi was also discussed and continued to next months meeting. The trailer has been abandoned on the property and has trash around the premises, according to the complaint. However, the property owner is deceased. The county has been unable to contact the heirs of the property with a notice of complaint. Burnett said they have advertisements scheduled to run in the newspaper and once those are complete, the board would be able to clear the property and ultimately sell the property to recover the costs for cleaning. Bringenberg motioned to allow Tom Isham, 2nd District commissioner and board member, to work on getting bids for clearing the property once the time is completed and the notice has run in the newspaper. Hyder supported it and it was unanimously approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board also dismissed further action on a Tabor Loop property. I was out there this morning and it is completely cleaned up. Everythings picked up; that old shed is gone and its cleared, Hyder said. She then motioned to dismiss the case. Isham supported the motion and it was approved unanimously. Under old business Clark updated the board about a property on Oak Drive. He said the owner had installed cameras and that no people had been around the vacated residence. He said the owner planned on beginning remodeling the home in the near future. The board scheduled its next meeting for Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. with a tentative location of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce conference room. Property complaint forms are available on the countys website under the documents of interest section titled HSSB complaint form at: www.cumberlandcountytn.gov/directory/codes/. There is an online petition of complaint link to the form. A 51-year-old woman was rescued by helicopter Monday afternoon after crashing while paragliding in steep, remote terrain east of Toro Canyon, authorities reported. Santa Barbara County Fires Air Support Unit hoist-rescued the woman and her gear after the accident. The crash was reported at 1:17 p.m., the departments Public Information Officer posted on X. Firefighter-paramedics treated the woman at the scene before she was airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with moderate injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenging terrain required specialized hoist operations to safely retrieve both the patient and her equipment. A 51-year-old woman was hoist-rescued by Santa Barbara County firefighters after crashing while paragliding in steep, remote terrain east of Toro Canyon and was airlifted to the hospital with moderate injuries. (SBCF) The response involved multiple agencies, including Santa Barbara County and Santa Barbara Front County Fire, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office, search and rescue teams, American Medical Response, and the countys air support unit, officials said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The parents of a 20-year-old college student living in Michigan said their daughter was being stalked by her ex-boyfriend for months before police found her dead in an apparent murder-suicide Saturday night. You see this happening on the news and you never think its going to happen to you. It just doesnt even seem real, you know, the victims father, James Carroll, told ABC affiliate WXYZ. Westland police said Sarah Carroll was found dead at an apartment complex and was fatally shot by her boyfriend, the outlet reports. Related: Trump Fired An Official Over A Weak Jobs Report. Another Brutal One Just Came Out. The ex then called police to report he killed the victim before taking his own life, Jennifer Carroll, Sarah Carrolls mom, told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not immediately respond to HuffPost for more details about the events leading up to the shooting. Sarah Carroll, 20, was found fatally shot at an apartment complex after months of stalking by her ex-boyfriend, according to her family. GoFundMe / Deborah Carroll The victims mom told NBC affiliate WDIV-TV her daughter had broken up with the shooter but was being stalked by him in the two months leading up to the fatal shooting. She went on to say her daughter was in the process of getting a restraining order but had never confided in her. To other parents watch your kids, the mom said. Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you. James Carroll called his daughter smart in an interview with Fox affiliate WJBK, adding that she had made the deans list while studying to be a physicians assistant at Schoolcraft, a community college about 27 miles from Detroit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was only just beginning her journey, and losing her at such a young age is something no family should ever have to go through, Sarah Carrolls family said in a GoFundMe launched to offset funeral expenses. Related: Trump Is Accusing Foes With Multiple Mortgages of Fraud. Records Show 3 of His Cabinet Members Have Them. The family described her in the fundraiser as a brave, strong young woman who was taken from us far too soon due to gun violence. Gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety found that women living in the U.S. are 28 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries, and 6 out of every 10 gun deaths are suicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Related... Read the original on HuffPost (The Center Square) Former state Sen. Louis Pate Jr. died Friday at his Mount Olive home. He was 88. Veteran of the U.S. Air Force with time at Seymour Johnson, he was a building supply company owner with his father-in-law by trade. The Republican Party member was in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1995-96 and 2003-08 prior to the 2010 midterms when he won a state Senate seat he would hold until resigning for health reasons in 2019. Pate was mayor of Mount Olive from 1991-94 and 1999-2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, wrote on social media, It was an honor to call Senator Pate both a friend and mentor. He was a true public servant who dedicated his life to not only eastern North Carolina, but also our country. Im forever grateful for his service, mentorship and friendship. Former state Sen. Mike Woodard, D-Durham, said of Pate, One of the kindest people I served with. Pate is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Garner Pate; three children; nine grandchildren; and a sister. Services are Thursday. HOLYOKE A new chapter begins this week at the William R. Peck Middle School. For Assistant Principal Roberto Vicente, its more than a new building its a full-circle moment. Vicente, a longtime educator in Holyoke, is stepping into his first year as vice principal at the newly built school. The $85.5 million facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting Tuesday led by Mayor Joshua Garcia and Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto. The new school merges two former programs the Joseph Metcalf School and Holyoke STEM Academy and serves about 550 students in grades six through eight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One week in, Vicente said students are adjusting well to new routines and teachers are focused on building relationships with new and returning students. This is also a new role for me, and its an adjustment, said Vicente, who spent 18 years at the Dr. Marcella R. Kelly School and has worked in the district for 27 years. Before teaching at Kelly, Vicente briefly worked at the old Peck building during a sabbatical from Smith College. He said the new school is a dramatic improvement over the confusing layout of the old one. I dont know how many times I walked around in a circle to get to a classroom, he said. That was my biggest concern how am I going to learn this new building? But it didnt take long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new building also offers unique programs like cooking classes, with a professional chef leading the way, he said. Students interested in culinary arts can follow a pathway from Peck to Holyoke High Schools Dean Technical Campus and eventually to Holyoke Community College where Vicente himself was a student in 1991. The new facility is also designed to support all levels of learning, with accessible classrooms and specialized spaces, including an international academy for English language learners a program close to Vicentes heart. I came to Springfield in 1984 with no English, he said. I know exactly how they feel. I can relate to their fears, concerns and worries because at one time, that was me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicentes journey from paraprofessional to teacher, dean and now assistant principal was made possible through Holyokes support and a leadership academy in Boston, he said. After the training, he said he went through the interview process like everyone else and earned the position. I still have my accent. I think because of that, it motivates students to put themselves in my shoes. Thats one of the things I tell my students its what makes me unique, he said. Because you have an accent, it doesnt make you less of a person than someone who speaks English. Now that the district is under local control after a period of state supervision, Vicente said the schools focus is on cultivating a sense of belonging and building a positive culture. Our main job is to make sure all students and staff from the main office to the custodians feel like they belong, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers are using creative icebreakers to help students connect. One activity involved students guessing facts about their teacher, like where shes from or if she has pets. As an educator, it made me feel human, Vicente said. We want the kids to know that Im not only a teacher and they are able to connect with me. Parents who once attended Peck themselves are amazed by the transformation. They cant believe their child is going to such a beautiful building, Vicente said. At Tuesdays ribbon-cutting, held outside the schools main entrance at 1916 Northampton St., community members went on tours. Students who were finalists in the schools logo design contest were also honored. Read the original article on MassLive. NEW YORK (PIX11) A pedicab driver died while in custody in a Manhattan police precinct on Friday, two hours before a defendant died in a holding cell at a Brooklyn courthouse, authorities said Tuesday. Musa Cetin, 29, was found unconscious in a cell at the Midtown South Precinct on West 35th Street at 8:33 p.m., less than 15 minutes after he was last seen in good condition, according to the NYPD. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead on Sunday, cops said. Sources said Cutin died by suicide. Cetin was in police custody for operating a pedicab without a license, according to court records. After the stationhouse death, 46-year-old Christopher Nieves died in a holding cell in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Schermerhorn Street at around 10:15 p.m., police said. Sources said Nieves died of a medical episode. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Nieves was arrested for stealing food from the Whole Foods on Bedford Avenue the day before he died, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYPDs Force Investigation Division is investigating both cases. The day after these incidents, a man in custody for killing his building super and shooting two other neighbors died on Rikers Island, officials said. The DOC said Jimmy Avila, 44, was being held at the West Facility of Rikers Island when medical emergency personnel came to his aid on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at 4:29 p.m., according to the DOC. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of an individual in our care. We mourn his passing and extend our sympathies to his loved ones, New York City Corrections Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mginley-Liddie said an investigation will be conducted. Avila, of the Bronx, was arrested and charged with murder after a deadly shooting in Claremont on Wednesday. According to police, Avila killed his 1412 College Ave. building super, Ryan Hines, 37, and shot a 62-year-old man in the arm as well as a 59-year-old man in the buttocks. Sources said the feud began over access to the complex backyard. The Legal Aid Society, which represents low-income individuals in criminal cases, claims the defense counsel found out about Avilas passing through a press release and was not contacted by the DOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit called the action completely unacceptable. The DOC did not share the cause of death in its initial statement. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (WHTM) Lawmakers from Philadelphia are concerned about cuts to SEPTA that could cripple transportation in the states largest region. One lawmaker decided to skip the bus and walk to Harrisburg to bring attention to the problem. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) walked from Philadelphia to the State Capitol 105 miles in over five days to bring awareness to what he calls a funding crisis not only for SEPTA but for mass transit in Pennsylvania. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Kenyatta said he is frustrated House Democrats passed five different mass transit funding bills, and the Senate only passed a bill that would have them borrow from a public transportation trust fund. That money, the Senate argued, is intended for capital improvements and infrastructure. Im tired and in a little pain, said Kenyatta when he arrived in Harrisburg. Do your damn jobs. Kenyatta also blasted Senate Republicans for derailing the broader budget, in general, and mass transit funding, specifically. The budget is now several months overdue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He specifically targeted his frustration toward Republican lawmakers whose constituents rely on SEPTA. State Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) said threatened service cuts could affect fans commuting to the Eagles season opener this week. And thats going to cause chaos down there on Thursday night, and they are willingly doing this, Farry Said. I dont think they want a solution until they enact as much political pain as they can to try and win elections next year. I literally believe that in my heart. Kenyatta, meanwhile, criticized the senators concerns as flip flopping. He put ads on Facebook saying, Frank Ferry voted to fund SEPTA,' Kenyatta said. That is a lie. That is a lie. So, not only do they not want to solve your problems, they want to lie and say, I did solve your problems.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farry said hes never received any calls from Kenyatta trying to solve the funding issue. Instead, he said Kenyatta chose to play politics. Pennsylvania wont take part in the national rush to redraw congressional maps And while Kenyattas shoes may be worn out, so too is the patience of commuters in the states most economically important region, and the long list of folks who rely on state funding. How come my constituents are disillusioned? said Rep. G. Roni Green (D-Philadelphia). Well, Im disillusioned. I thought that we all believed in the same thing, but I see that we dont. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Permian Basin Fair & Expo is hosting its 4th Annual Sensory Day on Wednesday, September 3, offering an inclusive and low-stimulation environment for individuals and families with sensory sensitivities. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Organizers said the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the fair experience. During Sensory Day, noise levels will be reduced and flashing lights will be limited across the fairgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sensory Day is more than just an event; its a celebration of inclusion, connection, and community, said Permian Basin Fair & Expo President Chad Martin. We want every guest to feel safe, seen, and supported while making memories at the fair. This years activities include appearances by TINA the Drug-Free Tiger, the mascot of The Basin Lighthouse, who will greet families and promote a positive message about saying no to drugs and alcohol. Students with Andrews FFA will also host an animal encounter at the Outback Arena, giving visitors a chance to interact with animals in a calm setting. In addition, a sensory-friendly game zone will be set up in the rest tent for families. Organizers say the event is open to anyone seeking a quieter fair experience. For more information, visit pbfair.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. The gerrymandering wars are getting out of control. However, Utah courts have pointed a way off the battlefield. This summer, gerrymandering has spiraled out of control. Usually, congressional districts are only redrawn after each census. But then President Donald Trump demanded a new congressional map in Texas. With his partys control of Congress currently hanging by a thread, Republicans and Democrats alike are desperate to extract more seats by any means possible. Texas passed a new mid-decade plan that could award the GOP an additional five seats. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom responded with a counterstrike that would deliver five seats for Democrats. And the battles may soon spread to Ohio, Missouri and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2018, Utah voters saw the gerrymandering wars coming and protected themselves. They approved Proposition 4, which gave the redistricting power to an independent citizens commission, along with mandatory fairness standards. But Utah lawmakers overrode that law, in an effort that many saw as protecting their power as legislators and as a Republican party as a whole. Now a Utah judge, following guidance from the state Supreme Court, has ruled that the legislatures actions were unconstitutional. The judge ordered that a new congressional map be put in place for 2026. This is good news for everyone in Utah. No one wins a race to the bottom. As Gov. Spencer Cox observed recently, the toxicity in our politics is spiraling out of control. If we continue down this road and ignore all guardrails to pursue partisan advantage, we will make our divisions worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gulf between the parties isnt going away soon, and gerrymandering removes what little chance there is for competition. In a gerrymandered district, the winner is determined ahead of time. No wonder huge majorities of Americans believe that our politicians dont represent us. And faith in our institutions crumbles. The current gerrymandered map cuts the Salt Lake City region into four different slices, each too small to influence a congressional election. Lawmakers who drew the maps insisted that this was so every member from Utah would represent both cities and smaller towns. But the practical effect was to assure that Republicans would win all four of the states seats by well over 20 points, despite the fact that one-third of Utahns voted Democratic. Some might view the recent court ruling, which will likely reunify the Salt Lake City area, as a partisan victory for Democrats. But something more important will happen: by restoring representation for Utahs largest city, Utahs interests will be better represented in Washington, D.C. Republicans shouldnt fear competition. A commission-drawn map may give Democrats some chance of winning one seat. Voters used to have that chance, and in 2018, when the nation swung toward Democrats, the state did send one Democrat to Washington. But a chance is not a guarantee, and a competitive seat will allow voters to decide in the future which party has best earned their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Utah, the stakes for the national partisan fight are relatively small. Republicans currently have only a three-seat majority in Congress The Texas map may sway as many as five seats. But in Utah, it appears that only one seat will be at stake. Consider that in a midterm election, an incumbent presidents party loses a median of 13 seats. The last time Donald Trump was president, the loss to his party was even greater 41 seats. Utah legislators face the question of whether they will look after the rights of their own voters, or continue to fight over just one seat. When politicians draw districts that one side or another cannot lose, they effectively lock themselves in office. In uncompetitive districts, all the action moves away from the general election and toward party primaries in which far fewer voters participate essentially determining the winner for everyone. One of the most serious problems in our politics is that a fraction of a fraction of voters are picking everyones member of Congress and those representatives know that they need only listen to the most extreme voices in their base. Fair maps are a crucial first step in giving voters a chance to hold their representatives accountable. More competitive elections would benefit all Utahns, regardless of party. Just look at the other states that joined Utah in reforming their elections in 2018 and 2019. Fair commission-drawn maps in Colorado, Michigan, and Virginia have created new competition that didnt exist in the previous decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Research done at Princeton University and the Electoral Innovation Lab shows that the best two roads to a balanced and competitive map are an independent citizen commission or a court order. Utah now has both. In Ohio and Missouri, where lawmakers ignored the guardrails imposed by voters, theres likely to be a mid-decade gerrymander. But when lines are drawn and redrawn every few years, its impossible for voters to form a meaningful connection with their representatives. Utah voters have had their say and demanded a fair process. The courts have now backed that up. Its time for politicians to respect this. This is a rare instance in which doing the right thing involves the least effort. Utah politicians can let the Utah Supreme Court ruling stand. The independent commission has already produced multiple draft maps, and all the legislature has to do is choose one of them. By respecting the judicial decision, the legislature has a chance to help break the fever on the latest crisis in US democracy. Sam Wang is a professor at Princeton University, where he directs the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. He also directs the Electoral Innovation Lab, an independent, nonpartisan organization that applies science to repairing democracy. By Marco Aquino LIMA (Reuters) -An Indonesian diplomat's killing in Lima will be thoroughly investigated, Peruvian authorities pledged on Tuesday, promising answers for what it called an "assassination." Zetro Leonardo Purba, who worked at Indonesia's embassy in the Peruvian capital, died Monday night after being shot three times by an unidentified person while biking to his home, police reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peru's foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday it deeply regretted Purba's assassination and would take all measures "to clarify what happened." Police protection would be increased for the personnel and facilities of the Indonesian embassy in Lima, it added. A Peruvian police official, speaking to a local TV station, said "a settling of scores is not ruled out." According to video broadcast by local media, Purba was arriving home when he was intercepted by his attacker who could be seen wearing a helmet. That person then fled on a motorcycle driven by someone else, the video showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said on social media late Monday that he had spoken to Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer and requested "a thorough investigation" into the death of Purba, who served as the embassy administrator in Lima. "We trust Peru will ensure the highest protection for our embassy staff, families and citizens in Peru," Sugiono said. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Cassandra Garrison) PayPal and Palantir cofounder Peter Thiel is embarking on an unusual intellectual journey this falldelivering a sold-out four-part lecture series on the biblical figure of the Antichrist. The private lectures, which will be held at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, represent the latest evolution in Thiels increasingly public theological interests that intertwine his Christian faith with his concerns about technologys potential to enable authoritarian control. The series, organized by the nonprofit Acts 17 Collective, will explore the theological and technological dimensions of the Antichrist in four sessions across September and October. The lectures remain off-the-record, with no transcripts or recordings made public, but they draw upon the work of Rene Girard, the French philosopher who profoundly influenced Thiel during his Stanford undergraduate years, along with thinkers like Francis Bacon and Carl Schmitt. Thiels theological preoccupations might seem incongruous with his business empire, but they reflect a consistent worldview shaped by Girards mimetic theorythe idea that human desires are learned through imitation, often leading to conflict and violence. This philosophical framework reportedly influenced Thiels $500,000 angel investment in Facebook in 2004, which he credits to recognizing the mimetic nature of social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 57-year-old billionaire, worth an estimated $20.8 billion according to Forbes, built his fortune through a series of contrarian investments that challenged conventional Silicon Valley wisdom. His investment philosophy centers on identifying monopoly-like businesses and backing transformative technologies before they gain mainstream recognition. This approach led to early successes with PayPal, which sold to eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002, and later investments in companies like Palantir Technologies, the data analytics firm he cofounded in 2003. Palantir has emerged as perhaps Thiels most controversial venture, providing surveillance and data analysis tools to government agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Defense, and intelligence services. The companys Gotham platform enables law enforcement to connect vast datasets, creating detailed profiles of individuals by combining everything from DMV records to social media activity. Recent Trump administration contracts have expanded Palantirs reach across federal agencies, raising concerns about potential misuse for political targeting. A theory of technological apocalypse Thiels fascination with the Antichrist concept stems from his belief that such a figure would rise to power not through overt evil, but by exploiting technological fears to impose global control. In a recent New York Times interview, Thiel shared his speculative thesis about how the Antichrist might emerge: The way the Antichrist would take over the world is, you talk about Armageddon nonstop. You talk about existential risk nonstop. This theory positions the Antichrist as someone who would offer peace and safety while using fear of catastrophic technological risksartificial intelligence dangers, nuclear war, climate changeto justify unprecedented surveillance and control measures. The irony, as some critics note, is that Thiel himself frequently discusses apocalyptic scenarios while building the very surveillance technologies that could enable such control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thiel has previously suggested that modern technology provides the mechanism that fictional depictions of the Antichrist lacked: the ability to achieve global dominance through data integration and surveillance rather than traditional conquest. Thiels company Palantir exemplifies this capability, with its platforms designed to synthesize disparate information sources into comprehensive intelligence systems. Thiels theological interests have grown more public in recent years, coinciding with his increased political influence. He was an early Trump supporter and delegate at the 2016 Republican National Convention, where he made history as the first openly gay speaker to declare his sexuality from the stage. His support for political figures like JD Vance, whom he helped launch into politics, reflects his belief that technological stagnation requires disruptive political change. The Acts 17 Collectivewhich organized Thiels Antichrist lecture series and takes its name from Acts 17, where the apostle Paul preached to cultural elites in Athens and other intellectual centerstargets wealthy tech leaders by recognizing that traditional evangelical approaches often fail to resonate in secular tech culture. For Thiel, who grew up Lutheran but describes himself as having complicated religious views, his interpretation draws heavily on Girards work on sacrifice, violence, and social order, seeing Christianity as uniquely equipped to diagnose the dangers of society that technology can amplify. The big picture The timing of Thiels Antichrist lectures coincides with growing scrutiny of Palantirs expanding role in government surveillance. Under the Trump administration, the company has secured over $113 million in federal contracts, with its technology now deployed across at least four major agencies. The companys ability to integrate data from multiple sources has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates and even some Republicans about the potential for abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics argue that Thiels warnings about the Antichrist ring hollow given his role in building the very surveillance infrastructure that could enable authoritarian control. Thirteen former Palantir employees recently signed a letter urging the company to cease its work with the Trump administration, citing concerns about how the technology might be misused for political targeting. These tensions reflect broader questions about the role of technology companies in democratic governance. As Palantirs tools become increasingly sophisticated, the line between legitimate security applications and potential authoritarian abuse becomes harder to define. Thiels theological framework offers one lens for understanding these risks, but whether his Antichrist lectures represent genuine concern about technological overreach or are an attempt to deflect criticism of his own companies remains an open question. Palantir did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A Petersburg man has been charged with child solicitation after authorities say he tried to meet with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. According to an affidavit, Jason Loveless, 44, began speaking to a Petersburg Police Department decoy on social media on August 26. Police say early in the conversation, Loveless was told that the decoy was 13-years-old and he reportedly said he could not do anything sexual with her or he could go to jail. However, authorities say Loveless later described how he would engage in sexual intercourse with her. Loveless agreed to meet the decoy at a park on August 29. Authorities were able to locate Loveless in the park and bring him into custody without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an interview with authorities, Loveless reportedly admitted that he went to the park to meet with the 13-year-old, but denied he was going to have sexual contact with the juvenile. However, authorities say Loveless did admit to talking about different sexual acts taking place after he picked her up at the park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Three people, including two Phoenix officers, were hurt in a shoot-out in the early afternoon of Sept. 2 near the intersection of 17th Avenue and Tonto Street, according to police officials. A SWAT team was serving a search warrant at an apartment and was met with gunfire from inside after knocking on the door, prompting at least one officer to return fire, according to Sgt. Jen Zak, a Phoenix police spokesperson. The officers pulled three people from the apartment and detained them. A man was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, while two officers were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area was shut down as the Arizona Department of Public Safety's major incident team investigated the scene. There was no active threat to the public, police said. (This article was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 injured in Phoenix shoot-out involving police MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) The Manchester Fire Department is doing their part to make sure everybunny goes home safe after rescuing two rabbits from a storm drain. Trio of birds rescued over last 2 days in Suffield The rabbits were stuck in a drain Monday on Pine Hill Street, according to the department on Facebook. The heroes came from Engine 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. A wildlife photographer has documented a seldom-seen dragonfly species at an English nature reserve, according to the BBC. Tony Clarke captured an image of a lesser emperor dragonfly at Rutland Water Nature Reserve on July 13. This marks just the eighth confirmed living observation of the species in Leicestershire and Rutland since initial documentation in 2003. The photograph carries special significance for conservation efforts. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust had only one previous photographic record from the region, which showed a dead insect in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photography is a powerful documentation tool for scientists who want to track species migration and adaptation patterns. When wildlife enthusiasts and researchers capture images of uncommon species, they curate important databases that help experts monitor population health and distribution changes. These visual records help us understand endangered and growing species. Each photograph includes data about location, timing, and habitat conditions that scientists can use to assess rehabilitation efforts and guide conservation strategies. The lesser emperor's appearance means broader environmental shifts are occurring that may affect Britain's ecosystems. Once considered an occasional visitor from European countries, this dragonfly has established regular migration patterns across the U.K. since 2000. Breeding populations now exist in Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. This growth benefits local ecosystems and communities in multiple ways. Dragonflies control mosquito populations naturally while serving as food for birds and fish. Their presence indicates healthy wetland conditions, which filter water naturally and reduce flooding risks for nearby communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people living near these habitats, increasing dragonfly diversity leads to healthier waterways and more balanced ecosystems. These insects act as natural pest controllers and reduce the need for chemical interventions that harm water quality and human health. Intelligent management of wetland environments supports our most delicate species' survival, which ultimately boosts human food supplies' resiliency. Healthy insect populations pollinate crops and bolster the ecological balance we need for agricultural success. Ian Merrill from the British Dragonfly Society described the species as a "generalist" to the BBC because of its wide-ranging habitat needs, as it's adaptable to several different wetland environments. While the lesser emperor is an "unusual occurrence" in the area, according to Merrill, its more frequent presence means environmental conditions are changing across the U.K. 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. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) A Penn State research center focused on fraternity and sorority life has been awarded $70,000 to study how membership in Greek organizations may shape students leadership abilities, critical thinking and intercultural awareness. The Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research announced the funding, supported in part by the North American Interfraternity Conference, to examine learning outcomes connected to fraternity involvement. The study will include a second phase where Penn State will collaborate with Franklin College, Grand Valley State University, Kansas State University and the University of Central Oklahoma to collect data from campus organizations nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say the research will look at whether fraternity affiliation helps students develop skills that prepare them for careers and community leadership roles. The Piazza Center, established in memory of Timothy Piazza, has become a national hub for data-driven research on fraternity and sorority life. Its mission includes reducing hazing, preventing substance misuse and equipping campus leaders with tools to build safer, more supportive environments. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The North American Interfraternity Conference, which represents fraternities across the U.S. and Canada, is backing the effort as part of its mission to promote positive and enriching experiences for its members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Pinellas County Republican state Rep. Berny Jacques speaking at a town-hall meeting in Largo on Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Its not just Republicans in Congress who are being aggressively challenged at town-hall meetings this summer. Pinellas County state Rep. Berny Jacques heard loudly from some critics about the way Florida Republicans are running the state while hosting a town hall meeting at the Abundant Life Ministries in Largo Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While touting DOGE efforts led by Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to review spending by local governments, Jacques was interrupted by a man who began shouting about home rule. Youre talking about giving over our finances and giving up control to the state government and having their Big Brother eyes scrutinizing these cities, whether its big cities or small cities. Like, what about the citys own ability to judge for themselves? the man yelled at Jacques. Youre taking away everybodys power to hold their own electeds responsible if they so choose. I would push back against your dismissiveness of the states role in all of this, Jacques responded. And I believe in home rule as much as the next guy, but when government is intentionally or blatantly wasting your money, and people dont have recourse The man angrily retorted: Wasting your money? $300 million on Alligator Alcatraz! He referred to the costs of the immigrant detention facility built by the state in the Everglades. (Court filings in a federal lawsuit brought by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida say that the state has spent at least $218 million in constructing the facility). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be no resistance to being transparent, Jacques responded, his voice rising. Anybody who is resistant to be transparent has something to hide, and they need to be brought to heel! Other members of the crowd cheered him on. Like the Hope [Florida] Foundation, right? Another voice in the audience immediately called out. Another inquiry about the costs of constructing the Everglades deportation facility prompted Jacques to say that the state and the country gave President Trump the green light to enact his promise of mass deportations of immigrants without legal papers when they reelected him to the White House last year. He has to deliver on that mandate, he said. Anything less would be a disappointment, and Im so glad that the president is amping it up, and Im so glad that our state government is being a strong partner in amping up the deportations because its what the people demanded. Congressional redistricting The next issue was congressional redistricting. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said its likely the Legislature will follow Texas in redrawing the states congressional districts map before the 2026 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman asking the question prefaced it by denouncing the 2022 congressional map drawn up by DeSantis that eliminated a majority-Black district in North Florida (that was recently upheld by the Florida Supreme Court). She also criticized the 2022 state Senate-approved map that a federal judicial panel upheld within the past month. She went on to describe the call by Trump for Republican lawmakers to redraw their congressional lines was a way to silence the voices of millions of Floridians. Do you intend to support this obvious gerrymandered and partisan redistricting? she asked Jacques. I will support our redistricting if they get the numbers accurately, he replied, adding that he believes Florida was undercounted in the 2020 U.S. Census and robbed of one or two congressional seats. So, there should be a new Census, he said. There should be a citizenship question. We should know whos here, and we should redistrict accordingly in a way thats accurate with the current times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few minutes later a woman stood up and chastised Jacques and the crowd for displaying what she called un-Christian behavior. She then criticized law enforcement officers arresting and detaining people who they claim lack the legal right to be here without due process. You have to prove that. Instead of allowing funds to be diverted to federal initiatives, we are investing in concentration camps in the United States, she said. Now, the Germans said the Jews were criminals and they were taking away from our An uproar from the crowd ensued, drowning out the remainder of her sentence. Before we go to the next person, just to be clear, I disagree with everything she just said, Jacques responded, as an official with the church intervened to try to keep the peace. At that point, the man who who initially shouted out to Jacques yelled back at the church official. Members of the crowd yelled, We dont want to hear you, and he peaceably left the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd settled down after that. The Pinellas Republican was later asked about SB 180, the measure sponsored by fellow GOP Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie designed to expedite post-disaster rebuilding. Theres been a substantial backlash from local government officials since it went into effect. They object to a provision that prevents local governments from passing any new local land-use or development regulations that could be considered more restrictive or burdensome than what was already on the books. We vote on hundreds of bills. And every now and then, probably more times than we care to admit, we have some unintended consequences. And then you have to go back and adjust, Jacques responded. That is an issue Im looking into, because Ive been hearing from several people who are involved in local government and we dont want to be overdeveloped. Property taxes Another inquiry from a woman who identified herself as a member of the Pinellas Republican Liberty Caucus was about the (still to be written) constitutional amendment expected to be on the ballot next year aimed at either eliminating or reducing property taxes on homesteads. If approved, she asked, would that mean that the tax burdens would simply just shift into higher sales taxes, more tolls, or higher fees at state parks? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will depend on the particular city, Jacques said. Even if all homestead property taxes went away, they could still make it up on second homes, they could still make it up on commercial properties. He added that the idea that local governments could lose some of their funding via property taxes forces them to look inward. And then to start making priorities and to get back to basics of police, fire, roads, sewage systems. After the meeting, Jacques said he wasnt taken aback by the aggressive questioning by some members of the audience. Im always prepared to engage with both passionate supporters and those who are not supporters, so I was not surprised, he told the Phoenix in a text message. This was our third annual town hall since elected. I welcome the constituent engagement I work for all of them. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE People in the Pittsburgh area are stocking up on tickets as the Powerball jackpot passes $1 billion. Channel 11 spoke with plenty of hopefuls at the BP in the citys Summer Hill neighborhood. David Brogan, who works at the store, said he always sees a rise in excitement when the jackpot gets this high. Everybody always gets excited when the jackpots up, and everybody talks about what theyd do with the money. Generally, a pretty exciting time, Brogan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Johnson of Ross Township told Channel 11 his plan if he hit the jackpot. It would be property...and I would disappear, Johnson said. Channel 11 will have the Powerball drawing tonight on 11 at 11. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW COLUMBUS The Ohio Controlling Board approved the release of $1,501,459 to support the Campus Wayfinding Project at Shawnee State University, announced State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) on Monday, Aug. 25. Upon completion of the project, the university will have a consistent, uniform, and fluid signage infrastructure, both interior and exterior, throughout campus, including signage to assist with exterior delineation. In total, 450 signs will be installed. Shawnee State is one of the pride and joys of our community, said Pizzulli. This project will provide clarity to students as they head back to school and ensure an enjoyable experience for all who visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Controlling Board oversees requests for changes to budgetary authority for state agencies. Pizzulli also commented on the recent groundbreaking of the Portsmouth Riverfront Park Project, a transformational effort along the Ohio River. The project received a $34.2 million grant from the Appalachian Community Grant Programs Wonderful Waterfront Initiative to support riverfront revitalization efforts. This project along our beautiful riverfront will be transformational for our community and the 90th House District as a whole, fostering community engagement, spurring economic opportunity, and encouraging outdoor recreation, said Pizzulli. Key elements of the project include updates to Alexandra Point Park, including a new scenic riverfront overlook, a community amphitheater, a new riverwalk trail network, an RV campground, and improved access to the Ohio River. PLATTSBURGH On Labor Day a gathering estimated at 120 with signs voicing many of the concerns about how the United States is being negatively affected by the Trump administration lined up at both sides of Route 3 at the former Friendlys restaurant parking lot. According to one of the organizers, J.J. Murnane of Show Up Community Events which incorporates local organizations into a community coalition of local grassroots groups, Today represents our frustration with what is happening in our country with health care, education, and community services. These negative policies are being controlled by a disproportionate group using its power. Murnane emphasised that this rally is for getting messages across to all the citizens. It is not about a political party. Its about a division of class. Its about how fear makes us all vulnerable. We feel our demonstration is doing the right thing, judging from all the positive waves and horn beeping by passing motorists. Why would any grown-up vote Green? Before Tuesday, this seemed rhetorical. Wherever the Party has wielded even a smidgen of power, theyve waged total war on motorists usually at the expense of local businesses and championed wacky, unpopular ideas. Monthly bin collections (wonderful when you have a large family) and bans on weed killers, which left pavements cracked by five-foot-tall triffids, are just two of the most notorious. But now that members have elected self-professed eco-populist Zack Polanski, the quondam hypnotherapist who once claimed to be able to augment womens breasts by his intangible powers, to be its leader, we need to look at this party more closely. No longer will the Greens attempt to scoop up disaffected Tory voters, ex-schoolteachers and churchgoers who still hold to old-fashioned sentimental environmentalism. Nor will they bear more than a passing resemblance to the Ecology Party, once soft-Left and anti-Europe, from which they evolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the Greens are morphing into another vehicle for disaffected, hard-Left radicals to peddle what amounts to reheated Corbynism. The shift in the Green position looks like the result of Militant-style entryism. As a consequence, there are now at least two Jezza parties as well as a constellation of Left-wing political groups, operating independently yet pulling Britain in a clear direction. The Greens new deputy co-leader Mothin Ali, also appointed this week, was elected to Leeds council last year on what many saw as a Gaza solidarity vote. To be fair to the boob-whisperer, who won the leadership contest by a landslide, he grasps that environmentalist evangelism alone is not enough to distinguish the party. Eco-orthodoxy now suffuses every aspect of our economy and society. With the exception of Reform and a few Tories, virtually all our parliamentarians subscribe to the net-zero narrative. Out in the wider world, barely a lesson goes by in any subject, in any school, without talk of global warming. The Met Office appears far more preoccupied with man-made climate change than it does accurately forecasting the weather over the weekend. Businesses are being dragged down by ESG targets. Eco-hotgospeling with its accompanying hyper-moralism and absolutism isnt enough. Polanski wants to position the Greens as the most socially and economically Left-wing bloc in Britain. At a time when Labour is devoting most of its energy towards neutralising Reform on immigration and feebly trying to rein in government spending, both alienating progressives, it could work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labour has lost around 7 per cent of its vote to the Greens over the past year, Prof John Curtice tells me. One in five Britons would, according to one poll, now consider backing Polanskis party at a future election; among 18-24-year-olds, its 36 per cent. These are big numbers, albeit amassed on the flimsiest basis. As with the Lib Dems and the Corbyn-Sultana Party With No Name, they have no practical ideas for government. Slogans about the hated billionaires will have to do instead. Glance at the Green Partys 2024 manifesto, and youll see the word fair in the title of 11 of its 15 pledges. No wonder they support a wealth tax, which representatives have implausibly claimed would raise 40-50bn when combined with levelling capital gains with income tax. They might look at the exodus of millionaires prompted by Rachel Reevess last Budget alone. Theyve advanced rent controls a policy that has failed everywhere it has been tried, including Edinburgh, whose council recently declared a housing crisis. At one point, the party suggested we bring in a new economic target: leisure time. Even though, against 24 comparable countries, Britons are the least likely to say work is important in their life. On social policy the Greens are no less dogmatic. Their stance on trans rights has split members and its former health spokesperson accused the party of trying to purge anyone with gender-critical views. Polanski subscribes to the party line, that trans women are women, and non-binary identities are just the thing in conflict with last years Cass Review. And common sense. But this weeks schism within Jeremy Corbyns party on trans issues is a portent of things to come. For how long will their supporters unify behind a socially progressive agenda? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres an argument that Polanskis election will split the hard-Left vote. But look at who is praising the new leader; the Leftist echo chamber is ringing with praise. Polanski hasnt ruled out a pact with Corbyn-Sultana and the Greens have indulged in such arrangements before, with Plaid Cymru for instance. Corbyn might stick to his guns and say no to any alliance. But if he opens himself to it, as many think likely, this would obviously be devastating not just for Starmer, but for the country. It would be the Britain of university towns and multicultural enclaves against the rest of Britain; it would be wokeness, Islamism, net-zero lunacy and economic madness against everything we should cherish. Another pro-open borders, pro-trans extremism, anti-Israel, anti-growth political party. Just what Britain needs. Why would anyone back a Green Party infiltrated by the Corbynites? Perhaps because they havent looked too closely. Or perhaps they believe Polanskis hypnotherapy can levitate us into prosperity, peace and happiness. 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. West Orange Police are asking for the publics help in their search for a missing male with autism. He walked away from a disability facility on Main Street in West Orange. He was last seen at about 9:40 a.m. Monday walking north on Main Street towards Washington Avenue. According to police, the male appears to be 16 or 17 years old, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, green and grey pants, and slippers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he is non-verbal, he can repeat words when spoken to. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the West Orange Police Department at 973-325-4000. Stories by Rebecca Heath Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. CHICAGO The Evanston Police Department is using its drone to search for a missing person along the lakefront on Tuesday morning, the Police Department posted on its X page. Commander Ryan Glew said the department is using the drone in its search for Northwestern University professor Nina Kraus, who was reported missing Monday. The 72-year-old woman was last seen leaving her home in the 1500 block of Ashland to go for a walk at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday. She was wearing long pants and a windbreaker. Glew said the department is using its drone to search the lakefront around Church Street because Kraus likes to visit that area. We need to search and fly the drone because thats a better tool to search along the lake, along the rocks, along the water and so on and so forth, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kraus is described as being 5-foot-4, 140 pounds, having long silver hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Evanston Police Department at (847) 866-5000. According to Northwestern, Kraus is a professor of neurobiology and otolaryngology. She has authored the book Of Sound Mind: How our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World, which was selected as NPRs Book of the Day. She has also made numerous presentations, appeared on podcasts and contributed to academic articles. Kraus has written extensively on music, concussions, aging, speech, bilingualism, autism, technology and HIV through her work. She received her B.A. from Swarthmore College and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. _____ WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in the District said they are investigating a shooting that left two women hurt in Southeast D.C. on Monday, Labor Day. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that officers responded to the 1700 block of Mississippi Avenue SE at around 5:15 p.m. There, they found two women who had been shot. They were both conscious and breathing. DC advocates say frontlines of resistance are now at the courthouse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two were taken to the hospital for treatment of their non-life-threatening injuries. As of 6:20 p.m., no suspect information was available. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or to text the departments tip line at 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Denham Springs Police Department (DSPD) is searching for a male suspect after six businesses in and around the Antique Village were vandalized. Police responded to the scene on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and started an investigation after reports of property damage. The Denham Springs Police Department is working to identify a male suspect after at least six businesses were burglarized in Denham Springs. Authorities confirmed that the suspect spray-painted graffiti. They determined that the damage took place overnight on Monday, Sept. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains ongoing. More information will be shared as it becomes available. The Denham Springs Police Department is working to identify a male suspect after at least six businesses were burglarized in Denham Springs. Deputies arrest man accused of vandalizing 3 churches near Baton Rouge Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. DENVER (KDVR) Police are on the scene of a shooting that took place on Monday night, according to a post on X from the Denver Police Department. The shooting occurred in the 1200 block of South Federal Boulevard. Nearly 50 people involved in complex Devils Head rescue One person was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. An investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided when more information becomes available, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police say theyre investigating a shooting in Southwest Oklahoma City Tuesday morning. According to Oklahoma City Police, officers responded to the area of SW 65th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. at around 10 p.m. Monday night. Upon arrival, they found a man struck in the hand and leg by gunfire. His current condition is unknown at this time. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHAMPAGN, Ill. (WCIA) Officers with the Champaign Police Department responded to Champaigns Amtrak Station on Monday for a report that a man had battered multiple employees. It happened around 7:10 p.m. The Champaign Police Department said after the battery took place, the man, later identified as 22-year-old Preston J. Powe, boarded a train. Champaign Co. Labor Day Parade: Remembering more than just a day off Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before it left the station however, the man was identified and arrested for battery. WCIA reached out to Amtrak representatives for more information but did not immediately receive a response back. This is a 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 WCIA.com. I remember my first arrest it was quite a nasty assault. The kid was about 15 years old, and had hit somebody around the head with a shovel, causing some serious injuries. We arrested him, took him through the process police station, cells, interview before he eventually pleaded guilty. This was a long time ago. I joined the force just after my 22nd birthday in 1995. Id always wanted to be in the police even as a child, I used to dress up constantly in uniform. I initially spent a few years in the army reserves parachute regiment until my local police unit up north started recruiting again its all Ive known ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first 20 weeks as an officer, I was in training school. We started out by answering 999 calls, before going out on the streets wearing the pointy hat. Initially, you have a tutor an experienced cop who looks after you, until youre ready to go out on your own as a response officer. After five years on the job, I joined the firearms team. Its very specialist only firearms officers carry a gun in the UK, and we go through extensive training. Most police like it that way and, fortunately, it works in this country (theres a dedicated firearms unit in every force). In my local division, there are 3,500 police officers around 120 of them are firearms. A typical day for the firearms team starts with a briefing from the supervising sergeant, who allocates crews to an ARV (armed response vehicle) and a patrol zone. Then we go in pairs to kit up in the armoury, drawing up our weapons, checking them over and locking them in the car. We have up to 15 of us on duty at any given time, and we rotate on shifts (seven night shifts in a row can be brutal). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early 2000s, there was at least one firearms call out a day now, its maybe one every four to five days. So were always proactive driving around in rougher areas, stopping cars, answering other calls, including domestic incidents and shoplifting. Well often back up the response officers there. You just have to be careful going to fights because you dont want to be wrestling someone when youve got a gun on you. Just because we go to a job doesnt mean well use the guns. In fact, with each firearms job, someone in the control room assesses whether to give us authority, meaning we can take our guns out of the car safe. We also have less lethal options like tasers, rubber bullets, batons and pepper spray. Today, a lot of the calls our unit gets involve knives. Some officers and members of the public dont like that, but the counterargument is, Would you like to try and stop someone with a knife on your own? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive pointed a gun at more people than I can count, but never actually fired one. Ive been involved in some difficult cases, though. In 2005, I was the operational firearms commander when a colleague shot and killed someone, and the investigation found we did everything right. A few years after that incident, I became a firearms instructor, teaching weapons and tactics. I led firearms training for a decade until I took a promotion from constable to sergeant in 2019, then went up to inspector shortly after. That sadly meant leaving firearms for the response team, so Ive been doing that ever since. What people dont realise about specialist posts is that it doesnt pay more. As a firearms officer, I got paid exactly the same as detectives or any other constable. Given the amount constables are expected to know and do, I dont think they get paid enough. When theres an explosion and people have lost body parts, its your basic cops who go. Theres not some special team. Thats a lot to deal with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police also had a pay freeze for many years. If it was done fairly, I think constables would be on something like 10,000 a year more today. At least after I reached inspector level, I was getting about 3,000 a month, which I was quite happy with. Part of the reason that I was starting to think about promotion by then was that it would make a massive difference to my pension. But despite the pay bump available, I knew I never wanted to go beyond inspector. After that, its effectively just office work. (The hierarchy after goes: chief inspector, superintendent, chief superintendent, assistant chief constable, and finally, chief constable.) I cant speak more highly of being a police officer, but Ive also seen how much policing has changed over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average police constables now have about 15 crimes at one time theyre investigating through to court. Theyre juggling everything they might finish taking details of an assault, then get another job for a missing person, an abandoned car, or theft. Officers help investigate all the cases theyre involved in, meaning door-knocks, the lot. Theyre extremely busy, which is why sometimes people will ring the police and nobody comes out. We also lost a lot of officers in the early 2010s during austerity, so the remaining ones became busier and lost the time to be proactive. The police also changed recruitment to get younger people in, and young tutors arent as experienced. Trust in the police also feels like its fallen, especially in the Met (Londons force). I see a lot of criticism on social media now. The Sarah Everard case also hit every officer I know. One mans horrific crimes tainted the whole service. Ive had people question a friends safety when shes with me simply because Im a male police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is that 99pc of officers are doing this job because they want to help people. You wouldnt keep doing this job, staying late and dealing with all kinds of rubbish otherwise. Anyone who joins on a power trip probably wont stay very long. Hundreds of officers getting barred every year nationally sounds like a lot, but thats still a fraction (0.5pc) of the total force. Think about all the people we arrest for serious crimes, then get all the evidence witnesses, video and get them convicted. Thats a really good feeling. We just dont publicise the countless good outcomes because theyre not news. Of course, policing can always be improved. I thought the Casey Report offered valid points about getting back to basic standards of discipline. I think that slipped over the years, and the guidance needed updating to meet modern times. Thats what institutionalised failures actually means it doesnt mean every officer is tarnished, or racist. I havent fallen out of love with policing, and I still get a buzz driving on blue lights, but I always planned to retire at the 30-year mark. So Im going to be a young retiree at 52, thanks to the pension scheme that existed when I joined. It means my pension will kick in straight away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rules have changed now, and you need to work until youre around 60 before you can get your pension. Its still a really good deal, but its been controversial. If you phone the police during an assault, would you really want a 60-year-old person turning up to break that up? 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police have released new details in a deadly shooting in Northwest Oklahoma City. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to the 4700 block of W Park Pl. around 12:30 a.m. on Monday regarding shots fired. Once they got there, they found the victim, 29-year-old Luis Lopez, dead outside a home next to a vehicle. Officials say investigators learned that Lopez had been involved in an altercation with 30-year-old Devin Cartwright when the shooting happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Cartwright stayed at the scene and was later taken into custody. He has been booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a murder complaint. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ENDWELL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Police seek help to identify the man who allegedly broke the glass door of a business in Endwell. According to police a man broke the glass door of Endwell Market located on Country Club Road in Endwell on August 31st. A report was made to the Broome County Sheriffs Department a day prior of a similar incident. After an investigation police say that the suspect threw multiple objects at the door of the market appearing to cause intentional damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believe that the suspect is traveling by foot and may live in the area. Police ask that anyone with information regarding the mans identity and whereabouts to call 607-561-7400. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After a man was found lying in a pool of blood at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, the apparent victim of a homicide, authorities said Monday that they were seeking the publics help to determine the identity of the victim and solve the crime. We are specifically looking to identify the white, male adult decedent, according to a news release from the Pershing County Sheriff's Department. The dead man, the release said, is 35 to 40 years old, with short brown hair and facial hair. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release also said the Sheriff's Department is seeking information about "any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being. The mans body was discovered shortly after the giant effigy of Burning Man was lighted on fire. Authorities have not released a specific cause of death. It was a shocking end to the festival, which draws tens of thousands of people each year to a desolate area about 120 miles north of Reno for a nine-day celebration of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. About 9:15 p.m. Saturday, a festival-goer approached a sheriffs deputy to report that he had found a body in one of the campsites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Believing the death was a homicide, deputies and rangers from the Bureau of Land Management began interviewing festival attendees to try to piece together what happened. But two days later the final day of Burning Man detectives were still seeking leads. At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact detectives, the sheriff said. The Burning Man Project, the nonprofit that organizes the festival, said in a statement on its website that it was cooperating with law enforcement and that peer support counselors were available on the grounds. The festival this year was also the site of an unexpected birth when a 36-year-old woman went into labor in her RV. The woman said she had been unaware she was pregnant. An obstetrician who happened to be in the nearby campsite helped deliver the baby girl. 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. Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Local police seek information related to the suspected murder of a middle-aged white male found on Saturday night at the site of the annual Burning Man Festival. The Pershing County Sheriff's Office described the deceased man as about 6 feet tall with short brown hair, facial hair, and between 35 and 40 years old and seeks help in identifying him. "We also are seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being," Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a news release on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged homicide occurred between the intersection of the 8 and 8:45 o'clock area and I Street at the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City, which is a temporary settlement in the Black Rock Desert area in northwest Nevada and about 90 miles north of Reno. "No information is too small to disregard," Allen said, "so do not hesitate to contact my office." People can contact the sheriff's office by calling 775-273-2641 or 775-273-5111, referencing case number 25-318 and asking for investigator Josh Nicholson. The man's body was found at 9:14 p.m. PDT on Saturday as the festival's annual burning of a man effigy was beginning, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A festival participant waved to a sheriff's deputy to report the man lying in a bloody pool and deceased. Forensic investigators with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office helped process the scene as police interviewed nearby festival participants. The festival drew about 70,000 participants, who were readying to leave after the burning of the man effigy. Officials with the Burning Man Project said they are cooperating with law enforcement. "The safety and well-being of our community are paramount," event organizers said, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The annual festival got underway on Aug. 24, but storms and other events delayed its scheduled events during the week. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Police are asking for the publics help in identifying three women accused of stealing merchandise from the Sephora section of a Midland store earlier this month. According to Midland Crime Stoppers, the incident happened on August 6 around 5:47 p.m. Investigators said one woman wearing a black dress selected multiple items and then concealed them inside the bags of two older women. The trio then left the scene in a red Chevrolet Silverado. Midland Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to a case closure. Tips can be submitted anonymously in several ways: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can call 694-TIPS or 1-800-7LOCKUP or visit www.694tips.com. You can also submit a tip using the P3 TIPS app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. Bags of cocaine that were seized by Israel Police. (photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON The kindergarten teacher was found with nearly half a kilogram of cocaine on their person, as well as a large sum of money. Police seized around half a kilogram of cocaine from a kindergarten teacher and one other suspect, who were both arrested for drug trafficking, the Israel Police announced Tuesday. The two were suspected of trafficking illicit drugs throughout the country. Arrested in broad daylight Spotted at a commercial center in broad daylight, the two were arrested and searched by the police, who found drugs not intended for personal use and a large sum of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both suspects were in their 30s and were residents of central Israel. They will be brought to a court for a hearing later on Tuesday, where police will ask to extend their detention in custody. Major drug, weapons busts with civilian recruits Four Eilat businesses were exposed for selling alcohol to minors in an undercover operation that included the use of an underage operative, the Israeli Police said on Monday. According to the statement, the four businesses sold alcohol to a minor who was working with the Southern District Police in Eilat under their Youth Division. During the operation, a minor was recruited as an undercover agent and supervised by the police. The agent attempted to purchase alcohol from various businesses around the city, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, an undercover agent led to the arrest of over 50 weapons and drug traffickers in July, Israel Police stated. The undercover agent, codenamed "The Nobleman," worked under Lahav 433 over the past year to gather evidence against more than 50 suspects involved in weapons and cocaine trafficking worth thousands of shekels. The agent, a civilian, was recruited to target criminals who were involved across Israel. The agent was accompanied and supported operationally and through intelligence by Lahav 433. They carried out more than 30 controlled and monitored transactions, such as the purchase of 18 pistols, three M16 rifles, and over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, the police said. PARIS (Reuters) -Five people including a hotel manager and the manager's son were stabbed at a hotel in the southern French city of Marseille on Tuesday and one was in critical condition, the city's prosecutor said. The Tunisian attacker, who had two knives and a crowbar, died after being shot by police, prosecutor Nicolas Bessone and the police said. Bessone told reporters that the attacker, a legal immigrant, had been evicted from the hotel for not paying rent. The incident took place at 2:45 p.m. (1245 GMT) in Marseille's first arrondissement, or district. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Makini Brice; Editing by Kevin Liffey) A 14-year-old student was found with a gun during the first day of the school year Tuesday at a St. Paul high school, according to police. Police were called to Johnson Senior High School on Arcade Street at 9:30 a.m. The school received a tip that a student may have brought a weapon to school, Principal Jamil Payton wrote in an email sent to parents Tuesday. During a staff search conducted by one of our assistant principals, interventionist, and school support liaison (SSL), a gun was found, he wrote. No one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to the school, and found staff had the teen and the firearm secured, said Alyssa Arcand, a St. Paul police spokeswoman. The handgun was unloaded when police recovered it. Officers booked the teen into the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center. I understand this news can be extremely upsetting, especially on the first day of school, Payton wrote. At the same time, I want to call out that our safety protocols worked as intended. An investigation is underway, according to Arcand. The incident happened as law enforcement has increased their presence around schools in St. Paul and Minneapolis after a shooting last week as Annunciation Catholic School students celebrated Mass in Minneapolis. The shooter killed two children and injured another 21 people, mostly children. Authorities on Sunday updated the number of people whod been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Paul officers and firefighters offered to be outside public, charter and private schools in the city this week, and were present at more than 100 locations on Tuesday, Arcand said. Related Articles WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man was taken into custody over the weekend after he allegedly tried to carjack someone in Northeast but was stopped by nearby witnesses. At around 6 p.m. on Aug. 30, D.C. police say someone was sitting in their parked car in the 2000 block of West Virginia Avenue when John Gainey, 51, of Northeast, allegedly assaulted them and pulled them out of the vehicle. DC advocates say frontlines of resistance are now at the courthouse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gainey then sat in the drivers seat of the car, which was running at the time. However, two people, who saw Gainey assault the driver, pulled him from the car until officers arrived, according to D.C. police. The driver suffered minor injuries. As a result, police arrested Gainey, charging him with attempted unarmed carjacking. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. As federal food assistance programs face reductions, rising food prices are leading many in Maryland to say they are having to make choices between buying food and other essential bills, according to a new poll. (Image courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture) More than eight in 10 Marylanders said increases in the cost of food are outpacing their income, according to a poll released Tuesday. The poll conducted for No Kid Hungry found that 96% of those surveyed said child hunger should not exist in the state. More than eight in 10 want elected officials to do more to end child hunger. Ninety-three percent said ending childhood hunger in Maryland should be a shared, bipartisan goal for lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This poll paints a stark picture of how Maryland families are suffering. No one should have to choose between purchasing food and paying your rent, but thats an all-too-familiar choice our neighbors find themselves having to make, Ayesha Holmes, No Kid Hungry Maryland director said in a statement. With impending cuts to SNAP and Medicaid on the way, Maryland families will continue to face a future impacted by hunger and undue worry. The poll found that 65% of those surveyed said they had to choose between buying food or paying for gas or a car repair, rent or mortgage, or medical treatment. Within that survey, 71% of families said they had to make that choice, according to the poll. Nearly six in ten people said their mental health has suffered in the last 12 months due to the cost of food, according to the poll. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More than six in 10 said they worry about their ability to buy groceries if they were to be hit with an unexpected expense of $500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The online survey conducted for No Kid Hungry sampled 1,054 Maryland residents between July 22-29. The margin of error is 4%. The poll followed passage of federal legislation that makes permanent tax cuts made in 2017. The cuts are offset, in part, by cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Advocates say passage of the bill could deal a devastating blow to the 680,000 state residents who currently receive SNAP benefits. Currently, the state and federal government split administrative costs for SNAP 50/50, while the federal government pays for 100% of the benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That changes next year. States will pay 75% of the administrative fees. The cost to Maryland will approach an estimated $173 million. In 2027, Maryland will pick up 15% of the cost of the benefit on top of administrative costs - about $240 million. Nearly 370,000 Maryland resident could lose part or all of their benefits, according to a recent report by the Urban Institute. The poll found that nearly six in 10 people had a favorable view of the SNAP program. More than 80% said Maryland should continue a summer program to ensure children have access to food when schools are closed. (The Center Square) - Karrin Taylor Robson has seen her lead increase among candidates in the 2026 Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary, a new poll shows. Noble Predictive Insights released a poll showing Taylor Robson 10 points ahead of competitor U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, with a lead of 37% to 27%. In May, the previous NPI poll showed Taylor Robson leading Biggs by 7 percentage points. If she wins the primary, she will do better than she did in 2022 when she lost to Kari Lake in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary. Lake went on to lose to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is expected to be the Democratic nominee again in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor Robson said the new poll confirms what she has been seeing along her campaign stops, which is that her movement is growing. With President Trumps endorsement, the earliest media buy in AZ Gubernatorial history, record-breaking fundraising, and grassroots momentum in every corner of Arizona, our campaign is built to win, she said. President Donald Trump endorsed both Biggs and Taylor Robson. Although the poll showed Taylor Robson leading Biggs, 36% of respondents remained undecided. The margin of error for this poll was plus or minus 4.99%. The poll noted Taylor Robson is doing well among Republicans over age 65. These voters preferred her over Biggs by 13 percentage points, with 41% supporting her and 28% supporting Biggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, the poll found Taylor Robson is doing better than Biggs with what are described as Trump first Republicans. The findings showed she had a 4-point advantage in this category: 33% to 29%. Besides these two voter groups, Taylor Robson also leads in Party-first Republicans. The poll showed that she was up 42% to 28% among these voters, representing a 14-point difference. Taylor Robson is playing a very different game than last cycle, Mike Noble, NPI CEO, said. Shes running ads touting Trumps endorsement while also solidifying support among more Traditional Republicans. That combination is giving her an early edge, he explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noble added Taylor Robson may have the early edge, but Arizona primaries are never won in the opening rounds. Biggs isnt going anywhere, and this matchup is on track to be a slug-fest between two heavyweights all the way to the finish, Noble said. These poll numbers may change in the future for both candidates as another Arizona Republican is considering a run for governor. In August, Axios reported that U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Phoenix, may run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. The congressman had not yet made up his mind, Chris Baker, a campaign consultant for Schweikert, told Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NPI poll did not show what the race would look like if Schweikert were to get involved in it. Who will win the general election remains unclear, according to the poll. The survey found Biggs or Taylor Robson is in a statistical tie with Hobbs due to the margin of error. Noble said Taylor Robson is better positioned than Biggs "to keep Republicans unified and remain competitive with independents." He explained Biggs risks alienating key segments of the broader electorate that Republicans will need to win statewide. The date for the Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary is Aug. 4, 2026. MISSION, S.D. (KELO) For many communities, nearby access to a pool where kids and families can swim is a given. But not everywhere. Mission, South Dakotas old pool, which was built in 1967, closed in 2017. Now in 2025, a campaign is ongoing for a new city pool. It got to the point where hey we, theres a lot of memories with this pool, there is, I mean, countless, for everybody, Mission city manager Dan Brave said. But it got to the point where it just wasnt safe anymore for us to keep it going. Union members rally for workers rights on Labor Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a green outfield to the immediate west of the closed pool offers the promise of a new era because its where a new pool is planned to rise up. Amanda Riley, who sits on the capital campaign committee for the pool, has kids who are going to enjoy themselves at the new facility. It makes me feel excited, happy, fulfilled that my kids will get to experience that and have that, Riley said. Riley and Brave are married with four kids. Brave says more than $300,000 have been raised for the pool so far. All told, its expected to cost about $8.5 million, and the goal is to have it open in 2027. The pools just a point of that were jumping off of to show hey, if we can do this, we can do everything else that we put our minds to, Brave said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brave says the nearest public pool for Mission kids is presently in Valentine, Nebraska, a little over half an hour away. A trip to Winner, South Dakota, is about 45 minutes. Even though were in South Dakota, and were used to travel, and were used to going long distances to go shopping, thats a lot to ask just to go for recreational, said Linda Vargas Garriott, who serves as an alderman for the City of Mission. And recreational is vital. Recreation is vital to our children, for our health, our well-being. Garriott has grandkids who will use the new pool. To be able to come to our own city pool, to be able to swim with their own family, with their own friends, with their own, in their own community, that would mean a lot, Garriott said. For our own children to be able to walk or drive or have auntie or cousin or somebody to pick them up and just bring them to the pool, that means a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new pool in Mission wont just benefit kids in that town; it can do the same for kids in nearby Rosebud or St. Francis or elsewhere on the broader Rosebud Reservation. At St. Francis Indian School, we bus our kids to the Valentine pool, so itll be closer for them just to come here, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Secretary Nicole Marshall said while standing near the new pools planned location. Wed have a lot of happy kids. Right now, thank goodness for a Boys & Girls Club, thank goodness for some of our tribal programs that are willing to bus our children to take them to pools, Garriott said. Riley acknowledges the financial cost of the new planned pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we picked the concept for this pool, we could have picked something that was two million, a lot cheaper. But what we were thinking of was something for every age group, Riley said. So when you think of eight-and-a-half million, it is a lot. It is a lot of money. But its going to cover every age group, and I think thats important because, I mean, this is a big community, and we just strive to bring that to everybody around us. And for them, this campaign for a new pool is about the future. We love our community, we love our children, and we just would love for them to have opportunity, Garriott said. I feel like this investment brings hope to our kids and to our community, Riley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well-wishers can support the new pool by clicking on a link at the top of the citys website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Pope Leo XIV appears to have embraced his predecessors legacy on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church after meeting with a prominent advocate at the Vatican. Leo met with Reverand James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor of America Magazine, on Monday in a possible sign the U.S. pontiff will continue the late Pope Francis work of opening up the Church to the LGBTQ+ community. Martin, a leading advocate for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church, has been repeatedly attacked by conservative Christians for his ministry, but was supported by Francis. The reverend says Leo plans to uphold Francis policy, urging him to continue his advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people, Martin told the Associated Press after the audience. It was wonderful. It was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun. Pope Leo recently met with Jesuit Father James Martin, an advocate for LGBT inclusion in the Catholic church (Vatican News) In a separate post on X Monday, Martin said he found Leo to be joyful, relaxed and serene, along with posting two photographs of the pair. He is a joy to be with!, he added. The meeting in the apostolic palace, which lasted about half an hour, was officially announced by the Vatican, signaling that Leo wanted it made public. It came just days before LGBTQ+ Catholics participate in a Holy Year pilgrimage to the Vatican in another sign of welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Catholic Church teaches that LGBTQ+ people deserve respect and dignity. While it says same-sex attraction itself is not sinful, sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage are. Francis distinguished himself from his predecessors by working to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ Catholics, including his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples. During his 12-year papacy from 2013 to 2025, Francis and Martin met on several occasions. The late pope named him an adviser in the Vaticans communications department and a member of his big multiyear meeting on the future of the church. A Jesuit like Francis, Martin wrote a 2017 book on how Catholic leaders should engage the gay community and now runs an online news site for LGBTQ+ Catholics. The Associated Press contributed to this report. On the morning of September 2, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, 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 Uzbekistan are friendly neighbors and all-weather comprehensive strategic partners for a new era. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and stands ready to work together to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, steadily advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, step up cooperation in such areas as joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence and poverty reduction, and expand exchanges on culture, education, tourism and at the sub-national level. The two sides should make good use of the China-Uzbekistan law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism, jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, and together tackle security risks and challenges. President Xi emphasized that amid complex and volatile changes in the current international situation, a solid and stronger SCO will help countries safeguard their shared interests and boost their respective development. China and Uzbekistan should firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system, practice true multilateralism, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), defend the victorious outcomes of World War II, and protect hard-won peace and tranquility. President Mirziyoyev noted that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and hosting the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance highlights Chinas courage and resolve to uphold lasting world peace. Uzbekistan attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is grateful for Chinas long-term and valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of peoples livelihood. Uzbekistan is ready to work with China, respect and support each other, deepen cooperation in various fields, and further develop the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era. Uzbekistan congratulates China on hosting a successful SCO Tianjin Summit, and believes that Chinas productive presidency has effectively elevated the international influence of the Organization. Uzbekistan fully supports the GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping, as it addresses the needs of global governance and demonstrates profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan will work with China to implement this initiative and promote a more just and equitable international order. After the meeting, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as the alignment of development strategies, mutual establishment of cultural centers, and medical services. The two sides also signed bilateral cooperation documents in economic and technological cooperation, the digital economy, market regulation, aerospace, customs and other fields. Wang Yi were present at these events. Ryanair is about to make it harder for British travelers to get to Spain. The European budget airline is reportedly slashing close to one million seats on flights to and from the countrys regional airports after a planned 6.5% fee hike by Aena, Spains state-run airport operator. The higher charges will help fund major upgrades at Madrid and Barcelona. But these rising costs aren't doing anything to help the smaller hubs be profitable. If you're heading to Spains lesser-known regions, it may be more difficult to find a flight with so few options available. This isnt new territory for Ryanair. Earlier this year, the carrier already cut 800,000 seats and dropped a dozen Spanish routes over what it called "excessive fees." CEO Eddie Wilson has made it clear: the airline will only "invest where we can get a return." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have plans to travel to Spain, check your routes early and prepare to be flexible. You may need to fly through a major hub or look at other airlines serving Spain if your usual regional connection disappears. Other airlines flying to Spain you can book instead British Airways Iberia easyJet Vueling Jet2 Wizz Air This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A key ingredient used in many brands of gel nail polish has been banned in most of Europe but it remains on sale and available in the U.S. Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, commonly known as TPO, is now forbidden in all cosmetic products as of September 1, after European Union officials deemed it potentially toxic to humans. Numerous gel nail polishes use TPO as a 'photoinitiator', which lets the polish harden faster when bombarded by ultraviolet light, and helps them hold their color for longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But several studies on animals have linked the chemical to long-term fertility damage, leading the E.U. to ban it as a precaution, while further research is conducted. By contrast, the U.S. has not yet regulated TPO, just as it has declined to act on numerous other food additives and chemical ingredients banned by European nations. Nail salons in any of the the E.U.'s 27 member states, as well as other countries that mirror the trade bloc's regulations such as Norway and Switzerland, must now stop selling TPO-based nail gels and safely dispose of all their current stock, while manufacturers must reformulate their products to be TPO-free. European regulators have branded a key ingredient used in many brands of gel nail polish as potentially toxic to humans (Toru Yamanaka/AFP via Getty Images) The E.U.'s ban could still disrupt the American beauty industry if companies source their products from Europe or are affected by knock-on supply shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those that reformulate their gels in Europe may do the same in the U.S. in order to avoid making two separate versions of the product. The ban could also could also prompt U.S. regulators or state governments into taking action. Francesca Rapolla of the British trade association CPTA told the nail magazine Scratch that sometimes industries could win exemptions from E.U. regulations by proving that the risks can be mitigated. But she said: "In the case of TPO, the industry did not, and could not, defend the continued use of this ingredient in nail products, mainly because it could not demonstrate that there are no alternative ingredients to this one." Many nail industry figures are opposed to the ban. "The prohibition of TPO in U.V. gels is not supported by a scientifically justified risk assessment," said California-based scientific consultant Doug Schoon in an open letter on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If left uncorrected, this decision will once again impose unnecessary economic burdens, waste safe products, and undermine confidence in E.U. regulatory proportionality." The Belgian wholesaler ASAP Nails and Beauty Supply set up a protest website to oppose the ban, arguing it would cause "major economic damage" to small businesses and was based on "no human evidence of danger". A man is in the hospital after being shot by a Port Orange police officer Monday afternoon, authorities said. Officers were called to a home on Kerry Court around 4 p.m. for a report that a person inside was suicidal, according to an initial police report. During the encounter, officers opened fire and a man was hit. He was taken to a hospital; his condition was not immediately known. Police vehicles blocked both ends of the street for hours as investigators processed the scene, leaving some people in the Willow Run neighborhood on edge. Very scary. We dont see this for sure, a neighbor said. Surprise, for sure. Its a quiet neighborhood. We wouldnt expect it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No officers were hurt. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the shooting. Its a sad situation indeed to hear that something like this goes on. But you just hope everyone is ok, said Jennifer Ramsey, who lives a block down from the incident. Channel 9 has requested additional details from the Port Orange Police Department about what led up to the gunfire. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Jarvis DeBerry/Louisiana Illuminator A section of the Louisiana State Penitentiary that is undergoing emergency, fast-track repairs will house Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees, the governors office announced Tuesday. In a news release, Gov. Jeff Landrys office said the facility will house the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE. Landry declared a state emergency in late July to allow the expedited repair of Camp J at Angola. The section, which has been closed since 2018, consists of four maximum-security buildings on the 18,000-acre prison grounds. At its peak, the camp held more than 400 prisoners. The state has not said what its capacity would be after renovations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once known as the Dungeon, most of Camp J had been designated as solitary confinement to segregate prisoners for disciplinary reasons. Corrections officials closed it seven years ago after its cell locks malfunctioned, allowing inmates to evade security checks. Dozens of weapons were discovered after its closure, and more than 80 prison employees quit, retired or were fired related to misconduct at Camp J. Other than being a quarantine zone for prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp J has not been in use. Landrys emergency order suspended state procurement code and public bid law for the state to secure any materials and write or amend any contracts needed to respond to the emergency. The cost of Camp Js refurbishment has not yet been made public. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Deputy ICE Director Madison Sheahan will join the governor at Angola Wednesday morning to make the announcement official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from its state penitentiary, Louisiana has become a go-to location for the Trump administration since it placed a heightened emphasis on immigration enforcement in January. The states nine ICE processing and detentions centers have a combined capacity of 6,000 people, second only to Texas with more than 28,000. Louisiana State Penitentiary has room to hold more than 6,000 incarcerated people. Its population was 4,253 as of June 30, according to the most recent statistics from the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety. Immigrant rights advocates say the Louisiana ICE facilities have been full for several months because Bondi and the U.S. Department of Justice consider federal courts in the South to be more friendly venues for its immigration cases. According to data analysis from the Deportation Data Project, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 1,989 people in Louisiana from when Trump returned to office Jan. 20 through June 26. More than half of those arrestees have since been deported or removed from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The analysis also found that just 6% of ICE arrests in Louisiana over the period were convicted violent criminals. Critics of the Trump administrations approach to immigration have called on federal courts to uphold the U.S. Constitutions requirement of due process for persons who are arrested. They note the vast majority of immigrant detainees have not been allowed to post bail while awaiting trial and are therefore unable to build their defense and secure witnesses. This is a developing story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) New Britain police say an investigation is underway after a possible gunshot wound victim flagged down an officer Monday night. Police said around midnight, an officer in the area of Main Street and North Street was approached by a male suffering a possible gunshot wound. New Britain residents told to vacate apartment building immediately He was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male told police he was involved in a disturbance in the area of Janet Drive. When officers responded to the area, they reported finding evidence of a disturbance taking place. Police believe the incident was isolated and theres no danger to the public. The incident remains under investigation by the departments detective division. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Possible wreckage from Januarys deadly midair collision washed up along the Potomac River in Alexandria on Sunday. Its been more than 7 months since the Jan. 29 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which killed all 67 people on board an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter. Potomac plane crash: How people can help families of victims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Guevara was walking his dog along the Mount Vernon Trail when he spotted something floating along the edge of the Potomac River Sunday evening. Its surreal. I guess thats the best way to say it. I really couldnt believe it, Guevara said. There was what looked like a tray table latch. There was a leather pouch. It was a blue pouch at the bottom. Knowing what happened back in January, you just kind of put two and two together. I stopped some passersby and asked them, too, Hey, what does this look like? And theyre also like, yeah, that kind of looks like an airplane seat. Guevara called the authorities. He said Alexandria Police Departmetn officers arrived and jumped down to the rivers edge to retrieve what looks like part of an airplane seat, just about two miles away from where the deadly midair collision happened near DCA. Especially given how serious the situation was when it happened, and even though its seven months later, its still part of a tragedy. Its still part of what happened. I think its important that it gets to the right people, Guevara said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FAA bans helicopter route near DCA after deadly midair crash D.C. police confirmed Tuesday they received the possible plane wreckage and are holding onto it before transferring possession over to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSBs investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. New posters depicting the so-called sandwich guy hitting Trump administration officials in the head with hoagies have cropped up in Washington, D.C., the latest symbol of protest against the presidents crime crackdown in the nations capital. After Trump declared a crime emergency in the city, a video captured government employee Sean Dunn allegedly throwing a sandwich at a group of federal law enforcement officers. The video went viral on social media, and his likeness subsequently has been styled as a symbol of resistance to Trumps federal takeover. Black-and-white Banksy-style silhouettes of a masked Dunn, winding up to throw a multi-colored sub-style sandwich, started appearing across the city last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, new posters have been added, illustrating the trajectory of the hoagie throw, which end with the sandwiches smacking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in the face. Lettuce spills out of the sandwich and flops over the heads of Hegseth and Miller in the latest street art offerings. The posters of the administration officials appeared in the citys Shaw neighborhood this week. Posters depicting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth getting hit in the face with a sub, hurled by the so-called sandwich guy, have cropped up in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images) The original posters are an homage to Banksys mural, Love Is In The Air, also known as The Flower Thrower. It shows a young man wearing a bandana across his face, poised as if to throw a grenade but instead he holds a bouquet of flowers in his hand. The Banksy original has been construed as an image of resistance, peace and hope. The D.C. renditions use a sandwich in lieu of the bouquet. Dunn, a former Department of Justice employee, was arrested on August 14 and charged with a felony count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and employees of the United States. However, in a rare move, prosecutors failed to obtain an indictment against him and he was released. He has since been charged him with a misdemeanor violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors accused Dunn of pointing his finger at a Customs and Border Protection agent and yelling: F*** you! You f***ing fascists! Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! New posters have been added, illustrating the trajectory of the hoagie throw, which end with the sandwiches smacking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller (pictured) in the head (Getty Images) Dunn then crossed the street, continuing to yell obscenities, before coming back. He was then seen winding his arm back and forcefully throwing a sub-style sandwich at the agent, according to court records. Despite violent crime hitting a 30-year low in the nations capital, Trump declared a crime emergency on August 11, federalizing the local police and deploying the National Guard. In a Washington Post-Schar School poll conducted last month, 79 percent of DC residents said they oppose Trumps decision to deploy National Guard members and allow the federal government to take control of the citys police department. Sean Dunn was arrested after he threw a sandwich at a federal officer patrolling in Washington, D.C., and called him a 'fascist,' police say. After prosecutors failed to secure an indictment for the felony charge against him, they downgraded his charge to a misdemeanor (U.S. District Court for D.C.) While 31 percent of poll respondents consider crime to be a serious problem in the city, many dont think the administrations tactics will be effective in curbing it. Some 65 percent of those polled said they dont believe the presidents actions will reduce violent crime in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, President Trump declared the city a a crime free zone in a Truth Social post. But crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department show 442 crimes reported in the district over the past seven days. Instead of writing about posters put up by some liberal activist, The Independent should cover the tremendous drop in crime in DC thanks to President Trumps intervention but Fake News will be Fake News! Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, told The Independent, when asked about the new posters. NEED TO KNOW Katelynn Strate, 17, was shot in the head during a suspected road rage incident last month in Louisiana and delivered her baby via emergency C-section before she died Katie Cancienne Liebert, a friend, is now speaking out on behalf of the family Katelynn's baby girl is healthy and although the family is keeping her name private for now, Liebert says part of her moniker means miracle in Spanish Loved ones are speaking out after a pregnant Louisiana teen was shot in the head during an alleged road rage incident last month and delivered her baby via emergency cesarean section before she died. Authorities say the incident occurred on Sunday, Aug. 24, around 9 a.m. local time, when 17-year-old Katelynn Strate, who was around 28 weeks pregnant, was traveling in a Ford Expedition with two others in the Ponchatoula area north of New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's when Katelynn's vehicle encountered the suspect in her death, identified as Barry West, 54, who was driving a silver Dodge truck in the same direction, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said in a news release. An initial statement from the sheriff's office suggested the two vehicles were tailgating and break-checking each other. But speaking on behalf of Katelynn's family, friend Katie Cancienne Liebert denies this account. Liebert maintains that Katelynn's 19-year-old boyfriend and father of her baby, Alain Cruz, was not break-checking and did nothing to encourage the situation. West fired one round into Katelynn's vehicle, where she was riding in the front passenger seat, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a result of the investigation, it was determined while West believed the occupants of the vehicle in front of him had shot at him first, evidence has confirmed there were no other shots fired in the incident," the sheriff's office said, "and there was no weapon in the vehicle the victim was traveling in." When Cruz realized his girlfriend had been shot, he dialed 911 and drove her to the hospital, their friend says. "The baby's father is getting death threats and being told that he deserves to die because he put his pregnant girlfriend in danger, when in reality, that day, he was a hero," Liebert tells PEOPLE. Now, he's struggling to cope with the fatal events that unfolded in a matter of moments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's a 19-year-old kid, and he watched his 17-year-old girlfriend, who he's in love with, get shot in the head," Liebert says. "He's the last thing she saw before he died. She was staring at him the whole way to the hospital, struggling to breathe, holding his hand." The sheriff's office said on Monday, Aug. 25, that Katelynn's baby had been delivered via emergency C-section and was doing well in an area neonatal intensive care unit. The post was updated on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to confirm Katelynn had died following the incident, with police noting the family had decided "to give the Gift of Life" and donate her organs. "Her generosity will save lives, and we are immensely proud of her for that final act of kindness," the family said in a statement released through Liebert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They called her death a "preventable tragedy" that required justice. Liebert says the family held a baby shower over the weekend and has chosen to donate extra baby items they'd received as gifts to the Restoration House Pregnancy Resource Center in Hammond, La., to help other mothers. Liebert remembers the 17-year-old as kind and exceptionally entertaining. "She had the best comebacks in the world," she says. "When you were around her, it was just laughter." Katelynn also couldn't wait to become a mother. "She changed a lot once she became pregnant," Liebert recalls. "Yes, she was still goofy and funny, but she was becoming a woman and looking forward to her baby and talking about what she wanted for her baby." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her family is choosing to keep her baby girl's name private for now, Liebert says, but despite the traumatic circumstances surrounding the premature birth, "she's shocking the nurses" with how healthy she is, adding that part of the baby's name means miracle in Spanish or milagro. For now, Katelynn's mother, Kristen Nicole Blow, is ready to care for her new grandchild and to co-parent with the baby's father as he continues to heal emotionally. "Katelynn's old bedroom they're keeping her bed so that he [Cruz] can come over whenever and sleep in that bed and be with his baby," Liebert says. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. West, the suspect, was initially booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on multiple counts of attempted second-degree murder, one count of illegal use of a weapon and obstruction of justice, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Katelynn's death, his charges were upgraded to include one count of second-degree murder. It was unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney who can comment on his behalf. "We want him charged to the fullest extent of the law," Liebert says. "They don't want him to have the death penalty. They want him to stay in prison without the possibility of parole." A GoFundMe to support Katelynn's family has already raised more than $55,000. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump says he will deploy the National Guard to Chicago to help with crime in the city. Were going in. I didnt say when. Were going in, Trump said at the White House on Tuesday. Chicago is a hellhole right now, Baltimore is a hellhole right now, he added. Chicago ranks 13th in total crime rates for American cities with populations of at least 250,000, with Memphis, Cleveland and St. Louis plagued with the highest total crime rates, according to FBI crime data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Chicagos crimes rates are down across the board this year, dozens of people were shot and at least seven people were killed in the city in a surge of violence over the Labor Day weekend. The citys leaders and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have said they do not want U.S. troops to assist in the city. Pritzker said Sunday such a move would be an invasion, and added that the Trump administration has not communicated any plans to his office. National Guard troops are not trained to do local law enforcement, but FBI agents, DEA agents, ATF agents are trained to fight crime, and they have collaborated with local law enforcement. So I would prefer more resources on that, [rather] than sending the military illegally into the streets of American cities against American citizens, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told CNN on Tuesday. The news comes hours after a federal judge in California determined that the president illegally violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the power of the federal government to use military force for domestic matters, when he deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge ruled that the president failed to show there was a rebellion or inability of civil authorities to respond to the demonstrations, which is the requirement in federal law to use troops over the objections of the governor. Accordingly, he will have the same issue should he try to do this in Chicago, and likely the same result, retired Maj. Gen. William Enyart, a former Congressman who also served as the 37th Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard, told Military Times. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly called Breyer a rogue judge trying to usurp the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and vowed to fight the decision. Guard deployment in DC More than 2,200 National Guard troops are deployed in Washington, D.C., where crimes were already on the decline prior to their deployment, according to FBI crime data. Since the deployment, crime has continued to decrease with the administration surge of federal resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department data showed that 20-year homicide trends last year were at their lowest point since the 2020 pandemic. Homicide rates in 2024 were 68% lower than the record highs of the 1990s, from about 80 homicides per 100,000 residents to about 25 homicides per 100,000 residents, FBI crime data shows. But those rates last year were almost twice as high as in 2012, when the nations capital experienced a 50-year low in the number of homicides per capita. President Trump has accused D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser of providing highly inaccurate crime figures by stating that total violent crime in the capital was at a 30-year low. The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether the Metropolitan Police Department has falsified its data. The president has claimed that crime in D.C. was the worst ever and that it had been many years since the city had a murder-free stretch of even a week. Neither statement is supported by data. On Tuesday, the president praised how much he felt that D.C. had changed since his deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops, saying, You can walk right down the street even by yourself, and youre totally safe. Washington, D.C., is great. KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 The death of a Taiping prison inmate was caused by seven blunt force injuries that ruptured internal organs and led to fatal bleeding in the abdomen, a forensic pathologist told the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today. Dr Tan Lii Jye of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, who conducted the post-mortem, testified that the injuries were concentrated on the mans back and were not the result of CPR. He said the deceased, Gan Chin Eng, 62, had lost about 1.4 litres of blood before succumbing to his injuries, leaving him with only a brief window of survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main cause of death was abdominal injury due to blunt trauma, that was the number one cause. The contributing factors were arterial blockage but it was not significant enough compared to the haemorrhage, Dr Tan said today during the Suhakam inquiry into the alleged violation of human rights at Taiping prison. On January 17, 2025 an incident occurred at Taiping Prison involving alleged brutality by wardens. Over 100 inmates, including Gan, were reportedly assaulted using batons and tear gas. Gan was in poor condition at one point and was taken to Taiping Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Dr Tan said he could not determine whether swift action would have saved Gans life, even though the hospital was only five minutes from the prison. He also said that Gan was probably not moving or standing when the injuries occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were blunt force injuries. The impact was from outside and transmitted to the internal organs. There are broken ribs which lead to a ruptured liver which causes internal bleeding. All seven injuries we found were from the back and those injuries were consistent with inflicted injuries. It is blunt force trauma and not from a fall. Although a fall could cause these injuries, its unlikely as there are seven locations where there was impact on the body. Seven injuries are inconsistent with self-inflicted injuries or falls, he clarified. He also told the inquiry that the force of the blow damaged the adrenal glands and lungs through impact transmitted from the ribs, further supporting the conclusion that the injuries came from heavy external force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Tan added that the distribution of injuries suggested the man had been attacked from behind while unable to move away. When the body has nowhere to go such as lying on the floor or against the wall, the force is fully absorbed. Its unlike standing up where the force can be transferred, he said, alluding that Gan was probably on the ground when he was allegedly attacked. He explained that the pattern of injuries suggested Gan may have been struck while lying against a surface, such as the floor or wall which prevented his body from absorbing the impact. There were claims that over 60 prison wardens had assaulted more than 100 prisoners in Taiping prison earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The families of the victims had lodged reports, claiming that they were barred from visiting the detainees, with the prison giving the excuse that the inmates were undergoing quarantine. The prisons department, for its part, confirmed that a provocation had occurred involving a number of inmates being transferred from the Batu Gajah correctional facility to the Taiping prison. On January 27, federal police said they would be investigating the matter. Suhakam launched an investigation of its own the following month. The inquiry is chaired by Suhakam chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus and commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki. Democrats in the House Oversight Committee released more photos related to the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee said it received a total of 95,000 pictures. Some of the photos include influential people, including President Donald Trump and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. The lawmakers said the images "raise even more questions... The post House Democrats release more photos of Jeffrey Epstein's estate appeared first on Straight Arrow News. South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko presents to the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on Jan. 23, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakotas beleaguered secretary of corrections has resigned. Gov. Larry Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight that Kellie Wasko delivered the letter announcing her Oct. 20 departure on Tuesday, though the letter is dated Sept. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the secretarys resignation after 3 years on the job came less than a day after a group of 20 lawmakers in the House of Representatives signed a letter calling on Rhoden to clean up his Department of Corrections before a Sept. 23 special session. Thats when lawmakers will be asked to endorse construction of a $650 million, 1,500-bed mens prison in Sioux Falls. The timing of the lawmaker letter was coincidental and unfortunate, Rhoden said. She had made up her mind, and she knew what she wanted to do, the governor said. She knew that this wasnt getting better. Rhoden added that only one of the letters 20 signatories, Howard Republican Rep. Tim Reisch, had called him to express his concerns about Wasko in the past six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guarantee you, they all have my cell number, said Rhoden. The governor added that he had faith in Wasko in spite of criticisms of her management style and a wave of security incidents and controversies since 2023. Despite that confidence, Rhoden said he recognizes that Waskos resignation will make it easier to convince the Legislature to back the $650 million project. Youre always looking for the hurdles that are going to give people a path to no, and to remove those hurdles and give them more reasons to say yes, Rhoden said. Letter authors laud resignation Reisch, the first lawmaker to call for Waskos resignation and a former corrections secretary himself, lauded the news as a step forward as the Legislature ponders a replacement for the oldest parts of the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just hope its a transition to a better way of doing things, Reisch said. None of the 20 lawmakers listed on the letter hold leadership positions in the House. But House Speaker Jon Hansen, the Dell Rapids Republican now running for governor, said Wasko needs to be fired on his campaigns Facebook page Tuesday morning. House Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems, R-Canton, is Hansens gubernatorial running mate. She said she wasnt asked to sign the letter. Even so, she said Waskos leadership is what I think rises to the top of her list of concerns about an expensive new prison. Resignation letter lists accomplishments Wasko, a nurse by training who spent years working in Colorados correctional system before coming to South Dakota in 2022 as an appointee of then-Gov. Kristi Noem, wrote that shed spent the past few months discussing her decision with her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes leaving to pursue other opportunities, the letter says. The two-page document has four paragraphs in total, reserving the bulk of its space for 22 bullet points listing just a handful of her accomplishments. Among them are a 43% increase in correctional officer pay and a decrease in staff vacancies, creating a comprehensive reentry program for inmates leaving state prisons, curing 300 inmates of Hepatitis C, creating an Office of Inspector General to investigate crime behind the walls and a reduction in escapes. I have worked diligently for the last 3 years to improve the Department of Corrections and I know I am leaving it far better than I found it, the letter says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also points to a change in the DOCs insolence and discipline policy, which was highly controversial with previous secretaries and ended the practice of placing inmates in disciplinary segregation for talking back to officers. It was necessary, and we have successfully corrected the process, she wrote, noting that a 2022 operations review recommended housing inmates in the least restrictive environment necessary to maintain safe and secure facilities. Critics: New policies made for unsafe facilities The letter from lawmakers stopped short of demanding Waskos resignation it doesnt mention her by name but Reisch said changes like that are why hes called for her ouster. If inmates know what the rules are and that theyre enforced, the vast majority will comply with them, Reisch said. If word gets around that theyre not enforced, that word gets around pretty fast, and security goes by the wayside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reisch said staff assaults are up, based on conversations hes had with current correctional officers. The DOCs annual statistical report for 2024 showed assaults on staff at a five-year low, but Reisch said that could be a matter of shifting definitions of assault since Wasko came to lead the agency in 2022. A lot of the definitions can change, said Reisch, who also suggested that some assaults arent logged. Attorney General Marty Jackley told the Dakota Town Hall podcast in mid-February that his office had more than 100 open assault investigations involving inmates. Youre always looking for the hurdles that are going to give people a path to no, and to remove those hurdles and give them more reasons to say yes. Gov. Larry Rhoden, about the Wasko resignation's potential impact on legislative support for a prison construction project Corrections spokesman Michael Winder declined to offer the number of staff assaults to occur thus far in 2025, and said the definition of assault has not changed since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all lawmakers saw Waskos leadership as a sticking point. Sen. Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, scolded the House members for the letter in a Tuesday interview with South Dakota Searchlight, arguing that it was improper to inject other issues into a discussion about replacing a prison he called inhumane and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Mehlhaff, who served on the Project Prison Reset task force, said Wasko has been treated more unfairly than any public official in the state, noting that she came to the job after a scandal resulting in the removal of top DOC officials under accusations of misconduct and nepotism. She did not come on to a DOC that was a well-oiled machine, Mehlhaff said. It was a disaster. Money questions Each of the House members who signed the letter voted in February for a bill to finalize funding for what would have been an $825 million, 1,500-bed mens prison in southern Lincoln County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That effort ultimately failed. In the wake of that failure, Rhoden established a Project Prison Reset task force to build consensus on the need, price and placement of a new facility to ease overcrowding at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls. The group voted to back a 1,500-bed facility on undeveloped land in northeastern Sioux Falls, and to cap the price at $650 million. The $175 million distance between the first figure and the second was also cited as a concern in the letter. Rhoden released a Frequently Asked Questions webpage last week on the prison that claims the prisons designers were able to hit that budgetary mark, in spite of those designers telling the task force it was a tall order at the groups final meeting in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mortenson recalls being told in February that the states $825 million proposal was the lowest number possible for a 1,500-bed prison. On the House floor, Mortenson was among the lawmakers to repeat the DOCs assertion that delay would inevitably increase the prisons price. The same people in the administration were telling us theyd already found all the cost savings they could six months ago, and we believed them, Mortenson said. Now its a much different story. Rhoden: There are answers The governor said Tuesday that there are quantifiable answers to the lawmakers questions. On the cost savings, he said the new design trims the number of buildings from seven to five, and consolidates common areas for inmates. We save 150,000 square feet right there, Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That figure is not on the prison FAQ page, however. On the price drop, the page says contractors and designers are preparing a specific plan to meet this budget, and more detail will be added when it is available, in early September. Rhoden said he intends to hold conference calls with lawmakers in the coming days and weeks to answer their questions in advance of the special session. I would really like to see this evolve into a type of deal where its almost a formality to vote, that everybody is informed and comfortable enough that they can just go in, have their discussion and vote up or down, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant House Minority Leader Marty Overweg, R-New Holland, said theres a decent chance that lawmakers will be won over if their questions are answered. Overweg still wants to know why Nebraska is building a prison for millions less than South Dakota, for example, and said the governors office has yet to satisfy his curiosity. The FAQ page says South Dakotas prison will be designed and built to last 100 years, with durable materials, modern security, and full programming spaces unlike other states that cut corners upfront, only to face higher costs later. Overweg, echoing a refrain from lawmakers like Reps. Lems and Hansen, sees value in putting the project out for bids again to make sure. I dont think theres any urgency, he said. I think the special session is crazy. Theres no reason we couldnt do this first thing at the start of the next session in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also wants assurances that the price lawmakers vote on is the price that will stick. The new womens prison in Rapid City, currently under construction, came in at a final price of $87 million. Initially, Overweg said, it was pitched at a cost a lot closer to $30 million. The taste of that is still in my mouth, he said. CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) On Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker said President Trump is plotting to ultimately deploy armed troops on the streets of Chicago in the coming days. After deploying federal troops to Washington, D.C., in a crackdown on crime and illegal immigration, President Donald Trump has threatened to send the National Guard to Chicago next. At a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said, Were going in. I didnt say when were going in. I have an obligation. This isnt a political thing. I have an obligation when we lose, when 20 people are killed over the last two and a half weeks and 75 are shot with bullets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker said the head of the Illinois State Police had received a call from Customs and Border Protections chief patrol agent Gregory Bovino on Saturday, saying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be coming to Chicago, but did not give a timeline. Weve gathered [additional] information from unauthorized, patriotic officials inside the government about Donald Trumps plan, which is to deploy armed military personnel to the streets of Chicago, Pritzker said. I want to take a moment to note how truly extraordinary it is for the federal government to refuse to coordinate with local law enforcement and government, Pritzker said. In Illinois, however, the TRUST Act and the Way Forward Act prevent local and state law enforcement from cooperating with the federal government to enforce U.S. immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor said the White House began positioning armed federal agents and military vehicles at the Great Lakes Naval Base on Monday. Unidentifiable agents in unmarked vehicles with masks are planning to raid Latino communities and say theyre targeting violent criminals, Pritzker said, adding that he expects to see videos of them hauling away mothers and fathers traveling to work or picking up their kids from school. We have reason to believe that [White House Deputy Chief of Staff] Stephen Miller chose the month of September to come to Chicago because of celebrations around Mexican Independence Day that happen here every year, he continued. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said undocumented immigrants should prioritize your health, mental wellness, and safety above all else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker characterized undocumented immigrants in Chicago as law-abiding individuals who pay taxes and pay taxes and contribute to the communities. In other words, theyre following the law, Pritzker said. U.S. federal law (8 U.S. Code 1325), makes it illegal for someone to enter the United States at any time or place between an official port of entry. Pritzker also said he believed Trump and his team will be looking for any excuse to put active duty military on our streets, supposedly to protect ICE, and said We have reason to believe that the Trump administration has already begun staging the Texas National Guard for deployment in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He issued a warning to Chicago residents, saying, If someone flings a sandwich at an ICE agent, Trump will try to go on TV and declare an emergency in Chicago. Im imploring everyone: if and when that happens, do not take the bait. The Governor said the Chicago surge is expected to last 30 days. Pritzker has voiced strong opposition to federal actions in Chicago, stating this weekend on CBS Face the Nation that the move would equate to a military invasion. This is dangerous. They shouldnt be doing it. Its anti-American, Pritzker said. We would like the ATF to help us take guns off the street. We would like the FBI to, again, coordinate with our local law enforcement to help catch perpetrators of crimes. If they would to that, we would welcome that. But thats not what theyre planning to do, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Tuesdays press conference, Mayor Brandon Johnson attributed the violent crime in Chicago to red states [who] continue to have a gun problem, blaming gun traffickers in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Indiana for a flood of illegal weapons to Illinois. According to the Governors Office, murders in Chicago have declined more than 30% in the past year, and 50% since 2021, with robberies down 33% from 2024, and shootings down 36%. However, according to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, violent crime in the city remains 21% higher than the U.S. national average. Chicago crime stats at a glance: Is Trump right about the Windy City? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. The Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago is expected to serve as a central command post for National Guard operations. Activists recently marched to the naval base, carrying protest signs and crosses, to voice their concerns. Chicago is home to a large population of undocumented immigrants, 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 Trumps mass deportation agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Johnson. In Washington, D.C., approximately 2,000 troops were deployed on the street. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, in the first week the White House had control of the citys police force, property crimes dropped 19% compared to the week before, and violent crime dropped by 17%. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. The last time Donald Trump and his team accused CBS News of deceptively editing an interview it was last fall, when then-Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on 60 Minutes. The show made some routine edits for time, and the Republican president proceeded to launch a hysterical crusade that included filing a $20 billion lawsuit. Nearly a year later, Team Trump is leaning into a similar complaint against the same network. The Hill reported: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused CBS News of selectively editing footage from her Sunday interview, cutting some of her remarks about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran national who was mistakenly deported and returned to the U.S. to face separate charges. After the Department of Homeland Security issued a written statement that accused CBS of deceptively editing a Face the Nation interview, the South Dakota Republican added via social media, This morning, I joined CBS to report the facts about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Instead, CBS shamefully edited the interview to whitewash the truth about this MS-13 gang member and the threat he poses to American public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS chief then included a video clip that included the comments that were left on the editing-room floor, a portion that Noem said the network tried to cover up. For its part, CBS News explained that the interview was edited for time and that the full version, including the transcript, was published online, which doesnt exactly sound like a cover-up. But theres another element to this worth keeping in mind: The comments in question, which Noem said but which were not immediately aired on television, were wrong. She peddled highly provocative allegations against Abrego Garcia and characterized them as factual, despite the fact that Trump administration prosecutors havent proven the claims and, more importantly, didnt even include the claims in their indictment. If the DHS secretary wants to argue that independent news organizations have a responsibility to air her false allegations, unedited, shes welcome to give it a try. But I wouldnt recommend it. As for whether Noem might sue CBS for some outrageous dollar amount, watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com WHITESBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) Prosecutors want the murder trial involving the former Letcher County sheriff to be moved to another county, according to a recent court filing. On Sept. 19, 2024, shots rang out inside the Letcher County courthouse, killing 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins. Kentucky State Police alleged that the former sheriff, Shawn Mickey Stines, is the one who pulled the trigger. Kentucky sheriff reportedly shoots judge: A look at the timeline, investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stines was arrested and charged with the murder of a public official after turning himself in. This case is unique in that the scene of the crime happens to be the courthouse in which the Defendant is reporting for pretrial conferences, status hearings, and could potentially be tried in, Commonwealths Attorney Jackie Steele wrote. According to the Aug. 29 court filing, KRS 452.210 requires a circuit judge to move the trial to an adjacent county, or the most convenient county, if the defendant or state would not receive a fair trial in the county where the prosecution is pending. Steele emphasized that Letcher County residents had to vote for both Stines and Mullins at some point in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every eligible voter in Letcher County either had a reason to vote for or against the defendant and the victim at one time, Steele wrote. The preconceived opinions as to the character and ability of these two men are likely to irreconcilably prejudice both the Commonwealth and the Defendant if this trial takes place in Letcher County. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Despite gaining national attention, prosecutors zeroed in on the widespread attention the story captured in eastern Kentucky, specifically arguing that proceedings wouldnt be fit for any surrounding county either. The filing, per court records, does not necessitate a hearing being scheduled. The judge has yet to file an order regarding the motion for change of venue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Video surfaced over the weekend of Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) being heckled at a town hall in Houston, which the Texas Republican said was evidence of leftists disrupting his event and annoying his constituents. The protesters criticized Crenshaw for voting for President Trumps sweeping tax and spending bill in July because of its cuts to Medicaid, and they called on the lawmaker to instead focus on the release of files tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Throughout Crenshaws remarks, demonstrators held up red signs when he shared statements they disagreed with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 400 people in the room, about fifty leftists would not stop interrupting with shouting and incoherent chanting, Crenshaw wrote in a Friday post on X. 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. The Texas representative said he was disrupted as he attempted to provide flood mitigation updates to residents and accused noisy attendees of being Democrats from outside his district. First clue that most of these protesters probably werent actual constituents: they tried to shout me down when I gave an update on funding for FLOOD MITIGATION, which is priority #1 in Kingwood, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kingwood is a community in Houston where Crenshaw was holding his event. Theyd know how important these projects are if they actually lived in Kingwood during Hurricane Harvey. Anyways, the protestors did a great job of annoying all the actual constituents in the room and made it really easy to identify themselves with their red cards (youll see what I mean in the video. It was kind of hilarious actually), Crenshaw wrote. If the left keeps this up 2026 is going to be a really good year for Republicans. Republicans have come under fire at a number of town halls across the country all year. Video shows some in the audience at Crenshaws event shouting release the files and telling Crenshaw to answer our questions about Epsteins dealings involving the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont want to hear your propaganda, some told Crenshaw as he spoke about measures impacting the district. Dozens in the group of demonstrators also objected to Crenshaws statements about the spending package Republicans approved over the summer. Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law July 4, enacting harsher work requirements and limiting the amount of federal reimbursements hospitals can receive for performing services required by law. During the town hall, Crenshaw lauded the bill as a measure to kick the lazy off of welfare in an effort to save the taxpayers $1 trillion. You have to be an adult with no disabilities, no other issues, and no dependents under 15. You have to refuse to volunteer or look for a job or even take a part-time job. Basically, you have to be pretty dang lazy. Thats who we kicked off, Crenshaw said of the new requirements, which were in part ushered in through legislation he introduced earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can be mad about it, you can be mad about it, but Ill tell you what, 80 percent of Americans agree with this idea that there should be work requirements for welfare. This is going to be a very fun hour, I appreciate the enthusiasm, he continued. Despite criticism, GOP strategists have urged Republican lawmakers to host town halls for the purpose of outlining the benefits of the bill ahead of midterm elections. Some have shied away from events citing a poor response from attendees often captured in the media and online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. CLAYTON, Mo. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Shaw Park in Clayton on Labor Day to protest Missouris upcoming special legislative session, where lawmakers are set to consider redrawing the states congressional districts. The protest, marked by chants and signs critical of several Republican-led policies, centered on concerns over a new redistricting map proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe (R-Missouri). The special session begins Wednesday in Jefferson City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the speakers was Dan Simon, a member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 96. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News When our democracy is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back, Simon said to the crowd. The proposed congressional map would make significant changes to Missouris 5th District near Kansas City. Critics argue the changes are politically motivated and could shift the district from Democratic to Republican control. I am devastated that we are getting closer and closer to our democracy being rigged so that working people can never win, said Romanda Watkins, a nursing home employee who attended the protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris current congressional map was drawn just a few years ago using the latest census data. Kehoe argues his proposed changes better reflect Missouris political landscape. Cash vs. annuity: Which payout should you take if you win the $1.4B Powerball jackpot? Republicans hold over 90% of local county offices and have held every statewide seat, Kehoe said. Democrats, however, are pushing back. State Senator Doug Beck (D-St. Louis County) called the new proposal a continuation of partisan gerrymandering. Dont kid yourself, folks. The maps are already gerrymandered to be 6-2, Beck said, referencing Missouris current six Republican and two Democratic congressional seats. They should be 5-3 maps. Theyre already gerrymandered. Theyre going to try to gerrymander them even further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the special session approaches, some protesters said they plan to head to Jefferson City next. This splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current version while preserving two congressional districts as they currently stand, Kehoe said. The Missouri legislature will convene Wednesday to begin deliberations on the proposed map. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. They started gathering around noon, a small group at first, 15 in total. An hour later, approximately 40 protestors lined Market Street near the boarded-up Big Lots, waving signs condemning President Donald Trump, fascism, ICE and billionaires. Some drivers greeted them with thumbs down, middle fingers for fascism, angry shouts. A few large trucks spewed angry gray smoke as they sped past. But reactions were overwhelmingly positive towards the protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tens of thousands of people were expected to gather across the nation for Labor Day Workers over Billionaires protests. There were signs Monday afternoon in Logansport that spoke for workers rights and against greed, but many others expressed their anger and worries about an eroding American landscape under the Trump administration. Kim Waldron said she was inspired to organize a local protest because of the state of America and the reality that billionaires run this country. But it was Trumps immigration policy that really called her to action. Im repulsed by it, she said. To have people in power and an administration that want to take us back to a place we never should have been before is just wrong. Im just flabbergasted at the number of people that have no idea what is going on in this country. Most who showed up to the protest were near middle-aged or older, however a few young people were among the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandy Balzazar, 20, was one of the young people who showed up Monday afternoon. She wanted to be there because she comes from an immigrant family. I feel that it is my right as a first-generation American to come and have a voice for them because they are scared, she said. And its my right to prove to people that not all of us are bad people. My grandparents are very hard working, have lived here most of their lives to have a better life for their kids, me, and I feel like its my duty to show that we are amazing people. We are great for the economy, for America and without us a lot of things would stop. She hoped that other people her age would get out of their comfort zone and protest. Its a little bit scary, she said. You are afraid of what people will say or think. They might make you feel small but you are the voice for the people who cant come out and say how they feel. Coming out here and expressing yourself and showing people that they arent alone makes a really big difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jinx Nash, 18, came to the protest because she was not happy with the state of the country. Things have gone really downhill, she said. Our current president, using all of our funding to do whatever the hell he wants isnt the best thing, I feel. She encouraged young people, even if they werent of voting age, to speak out. You have a voice, she said. Use it. You will be heard. Even if you cant vote that doesnt mean you cant make a difference. Amy Glasson came to the protest with her friend and said she hoped the Logansport immigrant community would see that people care about them. We dont want them to be abused by the government, she said. I want them to feel like they are our neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig Remmeman said patriotism brought him out to protest. Its disgusting when the president of the United States breaks the law, willfully, over and over again, he said. But it was to be expected. Waldron said it only takes a one person showing up to show others they arent fighting alone. You do events like this and people realize in a small town that there are people like us and then they start to look out for events, she said. That one person leads to two. A small group does make a difference. A small group leads to a big group. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Across the country, including right here in the Miami Valley, people came together for a nationwide protest called Workers Over Billionaires. Over 40 protests occurred on Labor Day in Ohio alone, including one in Kettering. Protesters raised their voices on many causes, ranging from workers rights to immigrant rights. Protests on Labor Day are nothing new. Historically, protesters would gather on the first Monday of September to continue the work of labor activists from the late 1800s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, labor advocates fought for workers rights to be put in place, as well as pushed for Labor Day to be recognized as a federal holiday. Now, activists in Kettering are continuing the fight for a multitude of reasons. Weve got people from all different organizations and angles here. Obviously, its Labor Day, so were here for workers rights, said Michelle Ricica, with the Dayton Chapter of Indivisible for All. Were also here for Medicaid, for LGBTQ+ folks, for immigrant rights. Were also here to say we need to stop investing in genocide and invest in the people here in our country. Across the country, there were approximately 1,000 rallies, marches and protests, all with the same message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This demonstration is mainly about workers being recognized for the fact that they do everything that makes our country wonderful, said one protester. The White House put out a statement for Labor Day, saying in part, My Administration is restoring the dignity of labor and putting the American worker first. We are making it easier to buy American and hire American, breathing new life into our manufacturing cities, and securing fair trade deals that protect our jobs and reward our productivity. Pres. Donald Trump While many of the protests spoke out against the Trump administration and billionaires, activists say above all, Labor day should be about honoring American workers. On this day that most of us should get off, we are taking a moment and honoring those people that fought hard. Some people lost their lives in order for us to be here today, said Marilyn Hickland, IUE-CWA. Community organizers say events like this will continue throughout the week and into the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. (WJET/WFXP) Pennsylvania police are offering a reward to anyone who can provide information regarding a homicide case dating back nearly 50 years. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Erie station is continuing their investigation regarding the death of 23-year-old Karen Marie Hufnagel in 1977. Police chase spans two states, ends in arrest of Jamestown man According to police, on April 13, 1977, a fire was reported at Hufnagels mobile home on State Route 99 around 10:10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Edinboro Fire Department arrived on the scene, they discovered Hufnagel unconscious but breathing in her front yard. First responders on scene then discovered that Hufnagel had a gunshot wound to the head. Hufnagel was pronounced dead at 10:53 p.m. that same night at Saint Vincent Hospital. Former SCI Cambridge Springs CO avoids jail time for sexual assault conviction Some background information regarding Hufnagel was also provided by the police. Hufnagel graduated from Norwin High School in 1971 and later attended Edinboro State College. Before her death, she worked as a cashier at Kens Pharmacy in Cambridge Springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call SP Erie at 814-898-1641 or PSP Tips Toll Free at 1-800-472-8477. You can also submit a tip online by clicking here. Those who submit a tip that leads to an arrest, helps to solve a crime/cold case or leads to locating a wanted person, fugitive or missing person are eligible to receive a cash reward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Kantar, the worlds leading data, insights, and consulting company, has unveiled the results of the Kantar BrandZ Philippines 2025 Report, recognizing the countrys most meaningfully different brands. Presented at The Westin Manila, the launch spotlighted Filipino and international brands that stand out for shaping consumer perceptions, earning trust, and building lasting brand value. This years report highlights Ayala Land, Philippine Airlines, Dove, Maxs, Bench, Lucky Me!, and Downy as among the most meaningfully different brands across different consumer categories. Each has successfully maintained relevance and carved a unique identity in an increasingly competitive, fast-changing market. - Advertisement - Growth for us is always equated with brands, said JV Villabroza, head of solutions, chief client officer, and president of Kantar Philippines. Brands afford us a rule of thumb for choice. And when brands are meaningfully different, they dont just attract more people; they also sustain long-term value. Celebrating the Philippines most meaningfully different brands The Kantar BrandZ Philippines 2025 Report analyzed 120 brands across eight categories, measuring Demand Power, Kantars aggregated metric for a brands desirability and market potential and Future Power, a metric of a brands likelihood for future growth based on consideration and brands strength of awareness. The meaningfully different brands for Filipinos named in their categories during the event were: Real Estate Top: Ayala Land, followed by Megaworld Airlines Top: Philippine Airlines, followed by Cebu Pacific; rankings in this category are highly influenced by domestic travel trends Feminine Beauty and Skincare Top: Dove, followed by Ponds Casual Dining Top: Maxs, followed by Kuya J Apparel Top: Bench, followed by Penshoppe Pantry Brands Top: Lucky Me!, followed by Purefoods and Century Tuna Fabric Care Top: Downy, followed by Surf The event also recognized three rising Filipino brands: Luxe Organix, Delimondo, and Tiny Buds for their disruptive strategies and strong Future Power potential. Meaningful difference as the foundation of growth For two decades, Kantar BrandZ has consistently demonstrated that brands delivering a meaningful difference outperform their competitors. To attract more people, you need to be meaningfully different, Villabroza explained. Brands that succeed in this do not just stand out, they create predisposition. They become the first choice in consumers minds, ensuring relevance and resilience in the face of market pressures. Kantar research shows that meaningful difference is built on three key qualities: Meaningful meeting real consumer needs and fitting naturally into daily life Difference creating a brand identity that clearly sets it apart Salience being consistently visible and top-of-mind at the moment of choice Eva Claravall, head of marketing and growth and CX lead at Kantar Philippines, highlights how resilience, relevance, and meaningful difference enable brands to thrive in times of uncertainty at the Kantar BrandZ Philippines 2025 launch. In a VUCA world, brands are no longer built on stability; theyre built on resilience, relevance, and meaningful difference, said Eva Claravall, business unit head, head of marketing and growth, and CX lead at Kantar Philippines. Brands that achieve this not only recover faster during crises but also emerge stronger than their competitors. Claravall added that meaningful difference is more than functional benefits: Its about relevance, emotional connection, and salience The challenge for leaders today is to focus their limited resources on what will make the biggest difference in building their brand. About the Kantar BrandZ Philippines 2025 Report The study surveyed a total of 3,360 respondents, with 420 respondents in each category, in 2024, producing Demand Power and Future Power scores. Demand Power reflects consumer preference and brand predisposition, while Future Power estimates a brands potential growth using predictive analytics. Globally, Kantar BrandZ is the worlds most extensive brand equity study, encompassing over 4.5 million consumer interviews across 22,000 brands in 538 categories and 54 markets. Since 2006, it has provided marketers with actionable insights into building stronger, more valuable brands. Celebrated Canadian author Margaret Atwood is speaking out after her award-winning dystopian novel The Handmaids Tale was included on a list of more than 200 books removed from public school libraries under the Canadian province of Albertas new school restrictions. In July, Alberta's education ministry ordered school libraries to remove "materials containing explicit sexual content" by 1 October. In response to this equally dystopian ruling, Atwood wrote on X, Get one now before they have public book burnings, and released a new short story online that satirizes the book ban. The story focuses on two "very, very good children" named John and Mary, who never picked their noses or had bowel movements or zits and who married each other, and produced five perfect children without ever having sex. John and Mary ignored "forgiving your enemies and such; instead, they practised selfish rapacious capitalism". Atwood added: "The Handmaid's Tale came true and Danielle Smith found herself with a nice new blue dress but no job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a reference to both the blue garb worn by the wives of the high-ranking commanders in The Handmaid's Tale and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has backed the new directive to keep out sexually explicit content. However, Smith has recently stated that Edmonton's public school board was practising a form of "vicious compliance" and had gone over the top in following the directive. She told reporters late last week that the province was happy to reissue its directive to the school boards which misunderstood it. Other classics that the Edmonton Public School Board announced were being removed from school libraries include Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", George Orwell's "1984", Alice Walker's "The Colour Purple", and Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". Rooftop solar panels like the ones seen here are helping generate electricity after Hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island electrical infrastructure. (Photo by Aaron Sutch/Solar United Neighbors) Could an innovative energy project bringing light and hope to Puerto Rico also illuminate the Old Dominion? Back in 2017, a hurricane destroyed Puerto Ricos power grid. The island struggled to rebuild it, with limited success, and continues to experience a severe electricity shortage and frequent power outages. Customers and nonprofits have stepped into the void, installing solar panels on rooftops all over the island and backing them up with batteries. Today, 175,000 households have solar about 1 in 7 and at least 160,000 of those also have battery backup. Thousands of new installations go in every month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solar and batteries dont just secure electricity for the customers who install them. Through programs like one managed by the solar company Sunrun, Puerto Ricos grid can draw on the batteries to provide power in times of emergency, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages for everyone. Last month, as hurricane season got underway again, Puerto Ricos grid operator announced it had reached a major energy milestone. In a statement posted on X, LUMA Energy said it successfully dispatched approximately 70,000 batteries, contributing around 48 MW of energy to the grid. Thats about as much as a gas peaker plant, with no need for fuel. Puerto Ricos experience shows how residents and businesses no longer need to be passive energy consumers. With a well-designed program they can play an active role in keeping the lights on in their communities, and get paid for it. This customer participation creates what is called a virtual power plant (VPP), sometimes also called a community power plant. The VPP may use battery aggregation, as in Puerto Rico, or demand reduction measures like temporary adjustments to smart thermostats or shifting electric vehicle charging to off-peak times. The more these measures are combined, the bigger the benefit to the grid, and the less a utility needs to invest in new generation to meet peaks in demand. Electric company crews work on electrical towers in a clearing atop a mountain on September 19, 2018 in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Personnel has been replacing and repairing the electrical system destroyed by Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria slammed into the island on September 20 resulting in the death of nearly 3,000 people in the months following the storm according to George Washington Universitys Milken Institute. (Photo by Angel Valentin/Getty Images) VPPs offer such promise that this year Virginias General Assembly directed Dominion Energy to develop a pilot program for its customers, to be overseen by the State Corporation Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB2346, from Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk, calls for a program of up to 450 MW to optimize demand with distributed energy resources, mainly batteries but also smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging and non-battery storage (e.g., electric hot water heaters). The proposal, due to be filed with the SCC by December 1, must include incentives for at least 15 MW of residential batteries. The legislation calls for stakeholder participation in the development of the VPP, with opportunities for public input. Dominion is also tasked with expanding the electric school bus program it began in 2019, which allows the utility to make use of school bus batteries at times of the day when the buses are not needed to transport children. As of March of 2024, Dominion had 135 electric buses in the program, spread across 25 school districts in Virginia. The impact of VPPs can be significant. This summer, Californias grid operator conducted an experiment to determine how much customer batteries could contribute to the needs of the grid. More than 100,000 residential batteries across California delivered an average of 535 MW of power from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 29, an output equivalent to that of a coal plant. Many other states are also using VPPs. Some are limited to solar-powered battery aggregation, like Xcels Colorado program and a new Texas program, while others involve demand response programs using smart appliances anything that can be turned off and on remotely for short periods. In Michigan, DTE pays electric vehicle owners to charge at off-peak times, while Arizona Public Services VPP pays customers for the ability to access their smart thermostats to reduce peak demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermonts Green Mountain Power runs two popular battery programs, one for people who own their own batteries and the other that leases batteries to customers. Both allow the utility to draw on the batteries when the power grid requires more capacity. While Virginia has not had a VPP program before, appliance-based demand response will be familiar to residents who opted into Dominion Energys Smart Cooling Rewards program. Participants allowed the utility to remotely turn their air conditioners on and off for a few minutes at a time on hot days in exchange for an annual $40 payment. This helped the utility shave peak demand without affecting residents comfort. Dominion ended the cooling rewards program in 2022 and now offers a Peak Time Rebate program that rewards customers for reducing energy use during certain times of high energy demand. This program, however, requires residents to take affirmative measures themselves, like adjusting thermostats and delaying laundry. A well-designed VPP program, by contrast, takes the burden off the individual. Josephus Allmond, a lawyer with the Southern Environmental Law Center who helped to craft the Virginia VPP legislation, told me in an email that he expects school buses and smart thermostats will make up most of Dominions program initially, but hed like to see the residential battery component grow significantly from the initial 15 MW. Even 100,000 aggregated residential batteries would be a minor share of Dominions 2.8 million residential accounts, he pointed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I emailed Nathan Frost, Dominions general manager for new business and customer solutions, to ask for more information about the VPP program. Frost replied only that Dominion is actively developing our VPP framework and will be engaging stakeholders soon. Stakeholders, including customers themselves, are likely to have a lot to say. Clean energy advocates have long urged that VPPs, distributed generation sources and microgrids can contribute to a more efficient, secure and resilient grid, at less cost to everyone. No doubt recentering the grid around customers is too tall an order for a monopoly utility with a profit model based on centralized generation. But from what weve seen in Puerto Rico, California and elsewhere, harnessing even some of the power of customer-owned resources is a worthwhile project whose time has finally come. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has suggested restricting reverse gas and electricity supplies to Ukraine from Europe in order to force Kyiv to stop striking energy infrastructure linked to the West. Source: Putin at a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Russian Interfax Details: Slovakia is one of the main channels for reverse gas supplies from Europe to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Putin: "The Ukrainian side is trying to damage us, but they are also harming our partners. Ukraine receives a significant volume of energy resources through its Eastern European neighbours. Stop reverse gas supplies to them, cut off their electricity supplies, and they will immediately understand that there are certain limits to their behaviour in violating others interests." Background: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico pledged to raise the issue of the Druzhba oil pipelines security during his upcoming talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 5 September. Last week, Fico said he did not understand the attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline. The foreign ministers of Slovakia and Hungary complained to the European Commission over the strikes. In addition to Fico, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Putin in China, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also plans to do so. Fico and Vucic were the only European heads of state to attend the 9 May celebrations in Moscow as Putins guests. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Beijing China will host its biggest military parade ever on Wednesday, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan's formal surrender. The massive procession will go down Chang-an Avenue, the name of which means "Eternal Peace." Joining Chinese Prime Minister Xi Jinping for the "Victory Day" event which will showcase some of China's newest and most advanced weapons will be Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Rehearsals have been underway for weeks, and security in the sprawling Chinese capital has been extra tight. All buildings overlooking the parade route will be locked down as the leaders and other dignitaries from 26 countries take in the spectacle, along with some 50,000 spectators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For China's 72-year-old leader Xi, it will be a landmark moment. It's the third and most important military parade he will have overseen since coming to power in 2012. As commander-in-chief of the world's largest standing armed forces, he will watch as tens of thousands of troops under his orders march toward Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. Xian H-6N jet bombers fly in a formation past a Chinese national flag during a flyover rehearsal ahead of a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2025. / Credit: Tingshu Wang/REUTERS It will be a visceral display not only of China's growing military might and newest hardware, including hypersonic weapons, nuclear capable missiles, fighter jets and underwater drones, but of its growing clout as a geopolitical power, with deepening ties to some of the United States' most potent adversaries. North Korea's Kim arrived in Beijing Tuesday aboard his green armored train, stopping to inspect one of his own country's missile production facilities on the way before crossing into China. The parade will be the first time that Kim appears together with both Xi and Putin offering him a first multilateral diplomatic event. A North Korean flag flutters from a train believed to have carried North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as it arrives in Beijing, China, Sept. 2, 2025. / Credit: Go Nakamura/REUTERS The symbolism of the three leaders together on a stage with Xi's military thundering past in formation will be undeniable. Xi is expected to be flanked by Putin and Kim. Together, they have been dubbed an "Axis of Upheaval" by some Western analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi is bringing together the leaders of some of the most heavily sanctioned nations in the world. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and the leader of Myanmar's ruling military junta, President Min Aung Hlaing, will also be attending, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a clear show of solidarity against the West, and it's being seen as a direct challenge to the U.S.-led world order that has prevailed for a century. Xi and Putin have made their ambition to shake up that status quo clear for at least several years. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk at the personal residence of the Chinese leader, Zhongnanhai, in Beijing, China, Sept. 2, 2025. / Credit: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool/REUTERS "We, together with you and with our sympathizers, will move towards a multipolar, just, democratic world order," Russia's longtime Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in 2022, ahead of a meeting with his Chinese counterpart. The gathering in Beijing will represent a clear challenge to President Trump's claim to be fostering close working relationships with Xi, Putin and Kim. Xi's bond with Putin was on clear and deliberate display in the days leading up to the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and Russia have declared their "no limits partnership," and while China claims to maintain a neutral stance on Russia's war in Ukraine, Beijing's support of the war effort by providing dual-use technology and continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas in defiance of Western sanctions, has proven to be an economic lifeline funding Putin's three-and-a-half-year war. During talks at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Putin hailed "unprecedentedly high relations" with China and thanked his "dear friend" Xi for the warm welcome. Kim's support for Russia's war has been even more direct. Since October last year, North Korea has sent around 13,000 troops, along with conventional weapons, to support Russia's war effort. South Korea's intelligence services estimate that around 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed fighting alongside Russian forces. A pool photograph distributed by the Russian state media shows North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, June 19, 2024. / Credit: GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP/Getty The parade will be a show of both China and Russia's implicit support for Kim's nuclear weapons program, which remains the subject of numerous United Nations sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi burnished his credentials as a geopolitical powerbroker at a regional security summit in Tianjin, northern China, that ended on Monday. He hosted more than 20 world leaders there, including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We should uphold fairness and justice," Xi declared at the gathering of the Shanghai Corporation Organization, seemingly trying to claim moral high ground amid the upheaval and strained relationships caused by Mr. Trump's global trade war and isolationist policies. "We must oppose the Cold War mentality, block confrontation and bullying practices." Without mentioning the U.S. or its president by name, Xi told the assembled leaders of non-Western countries: "We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, Sept. 1, 2025 in Tianjin, China. / Credit: Suo Takekuma/Pool/Getty On Monday Xi, Putin and Modi were shown together smiling and laughing at the summit a deliberate public display of warmth and camaraderie. Just last week, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a close ally of Mr. Trump, called the summit "performative" and accused China and India of being "bad actors" for fueling Russia's war. At the parade this week, Xi is not only asserting China as a reliable and stable partner, but also showing off his country's burgeoning alliances, influence and its military might and power. It is a message that many will see as being aimed squarely, if not entirely, at China's rival across the Pacific. Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes New push from lawmakers to release Epstein files as Congress returns from recess Kraft Heinz set to split one decade after merger Russian President Vladimir Putin met Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Sept. 2, where the two discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, relations with Western countries, and economic ties, Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti reported. Fico traveled to China to attend events marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, making Slovakia the only EU country represented. After meeting Putin, he is expected to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky later in the week. At the meeting, Fico said Slovakia sought to "standardize" relations with Moscow, saying the two countries "should look for opportunities to deepen and broaden cooperation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico also pledged to raise with Zelensky what he described as the inadmissibility of attacks on energy infrastructure, a reference to recent Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia. The Druzhba pipeline is one of the world's largest oil networks and remains a lifeline for Hungary and Slovakia, the only EU countries still importing Russian crude through the system. Putin used the talks to accuse Ukraine of escalating strikes against Russian energy facilities, claiming Moscow refrained from targeting Ukrainian infrastructure "for a long time." "We did not take any actions concerning civilian infrastructure, especially during the winter period, and for a very long time we tolerated when Ukrainian troops were striking our energy facilities," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After that, we started to respond, and we are responding, of course, seriously," Putin said. His remarks contradict the record: in 2024, Russia launched at least 13 mass drone and missile attacks against Ukraine's energy grid, forcing emergency blackouts nationwide. Just days earlier, Russian strikes on Odesa Oblast left more than 29,000 consumers without power. During the meeting, Putin also claimed that Russia has never opposed Ukraine's accession to the EU, but NATO membership remains "unacceptable" for Moscow. Since returning to office in 2023, Fico has ended military aid to Ukraine from Slovak army stocks and questioned EU sanctions on Russia, moves that drew criticism from Kyiv and Brussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, Fico has also vowed to block Kyiv's entry into NATO a move that requires the agreement of all 32 members, including Slovakia but said he was open to Ukraine joining the EU. The Russian president praised Bratislava's stance, calling it an "independent foreign policy" that produces "positive results." Putin and Fico last met in Moscow in May during Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Read also: As Putin shakes hands with Modi, Xi, heres the state of Russias allies Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday praised the Trump Administration and said the two sides have been working through negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Putin made the comments during a trip to China to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, saying that the (Trump) administration is listening to Russias reasoning behind the war. Now we see this mutual understanding, its noticeable, he said, according to The Associated Press. We are very happy about this and hope this constructive dialogue will continue. Putin added that the two sides had reached a mutual understanding regarding the war, though he did not provide further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments followed a meeting between Trump and Putin at the recent Alaska Summit, where no deal was reached to end the war, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Although no consensus was reached at the summit, the sides later agreed that Ukraine would not join NATO in exchange for security guarantees another topic Putin addressed during his China trip. Putin said there is an opportunity to find consensus on security guarantees for Ukraine, though he offered no additional details, per the AP. Despite the lack of a written agreement to stop the war, Trump has said he is determined to find a resolution quickly, claiming the U.S. is ready to act soon if no path to peace emerges. There will be very severe consequences, he said, as previously reported by DX. Additionally, the president has guaranteed that U.S. troops will not be deployed to Ukraine, assuring this would not occur during his time in office. Im just trying to stop people from being killed. Theyre losing 5,000 to 7,000 people a week in that ridiculous war that should have never happened, he added, as reported by DX. The latest remarks suggest progress remains limited, with no written peace agreement yet reached. Russia allegedly allows for cooperation with the US in managing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which is located in the occupied Ukrainian city of Enerhodar. Source: Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a summit in Beijing, as reported by the Russian outlet Meduza Quote: "We can cooperate with our American partners at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. In general, we have indirectly discussed these issues with them as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: He added that this "also concerns the Ukrainian side at the Zaporizhzhia NPP". "And if favourable circumstances arise we discussed this with our American colleagues we can even work together, all three of us, at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant," the Russian ruler declared. Background: The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in Enerhodar, was seized by Russia at the beginning of 2022. Its operator formally remains Ukraines Energoatom, but in practice, it does not control the plants operations. Since 2024, all six reactors at the ZNPP have been in a state of cold shutdown. At the beginning of 2025, US President Donald Trump proposed "American ownership" of Ukraines nuclear plants, which, according to him, would be "the best protection" for them. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had not discussed with Trump the possibility of transferring the ZNPP or other Ukrainian plants into US ownership. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that U.S President Donald Trumps administration is listening to the Kremlins justifications for its invasion of neighboring Ukraine and claimed that Moscow and Washington have come to a mutual understanding about the conflict. Putin said during a visit to China that the (Trump) administration is listening to us, as he complained that former President Joe Biden paid Moscows arguments no heed. Now we see this mutual understanding, its noticeable, Putin said at a bilateral meeting with pro-Russian Slovak President Robert Fico after talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. We are very happy about this and hope this constructive dialogue will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Russia faces possible punitive actions by Trump, who has expressed frustration at Putins lack of engagement in U.S.-led peace efforts and threatened unspecified severe consequences. The American president has made ending the three-year war one of his diplomatic priorities and hosted Putin at a summit in Alaska last month. Putin attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who are also facing pressure from Trump. The SCO started out as a security forum viewed as a foil to U.S. influence in Central Asia but it has grown in influence over the years. After the summit, the Russian leader held talks with Xi in Beijing, and on Wednesday he was to attend a massive military parade there commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. In Beijing, Putin struck an apparently amenable tone about possible progress in some aspects of the discussions to stop the fighting, although his comments reflected no substantial change in Russias position. Western leaders have accused Putin of marking time in peace efforts while Russia's bigger army seeks to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the key issue of possible postwar security guarantees for Ukraine to deter another Russian invasion, Putin said it seems to me that there is an opportunity to find consensus. He didnt elaborate. While Putin reiterated that Moscow will not accept NATO membership for Ukraine, he also noted that he had never objected to Ukraine joining the European Union. He also said Russia can work with our American partners at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europes largest and one of the 10 biggest atomic power plants in the world. Its fate has been a central concern of the war due to fears of a nuclear accident. Putin said Russia could also work with Ukraine on the Zaporizhzhia question if favorable conditions arise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico said he planned to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in the Ukrainian city of Uzhorod, which lies on the border with Slovakia, to talk about Ukraines attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Slovakia and Hungary, which refuse to provide arms to Ukraine, condemned recent strikes by Ukrainian troops against Russian oil infrastructure, namely the Druzhba oil pipeline. The two countries, as well as the Czech Republic, are exempt from a European Union ban on importing Russian oil, which they rely on. Fico told Putin he wants to normalize relations and develop business ties with Russia while continuing to import Russian oil and natural gas. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine The Philippines continues to attract robust investor confidence from its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with projects approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) reaching P252 billion since 2020. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the steady inflow highlights the countrys enduring appeal as an attractive investment destination in the region. From January to July 2025 alone, ASEAN countries contributed P58.07 billion to the BOIs total investments pipeline. - Advertisement - DTI Secretary and BOI chairman Cristina Roque said the agency remains focused on advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s priorities by strengthening the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and deepening investment relationships with ASEAN member countries, particularly in the digital economy sector. As we build stronger trade and investment ties with our ASEAN neighbors, these numbers reflect the growing confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines as a place for business growth, Roque said. We will keep working to create a stable and welcoming business environment, one that brings in more investments and opens up real opportunities for Filipinos, she said. Singapore has consistently led as the top ASEAN source of investment pledges, contributing P246 billion in approved projects since 2020. It is followed by Indonesia (P12.27 billion), Thailand (P4.34 billion), and Malaysia (P1.7 billion). These investments have primarily flowed into the information and communication sector (P169.59 billion) and the power sector, including renewable energy (P74.20 billion). Other sectors that drew ASEAN capital include manufacturing (P5.58 billion), administrative and support services (P1.41 billion), and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (P930 million). Collectively, these projects are projected to generate 15,358 new jobs for Filipinos from 2020 through July 2025. The BOI-approved projects from ASEAN investors, particularly those in the Information and Communication and the Renewable Energy sectors, align with the Philippines push for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services, said BOI executive director Evariste Cagatan. In a bid to strengthen investment ties with fellow ASEAN member states, President Marcos has actively pursued bilateral cooperation on trade and investments. He made a state visit to Vietnam last year and, in May 2025, attended the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he held bilateral talks with various ASEAN leaders. Complementing BOIs data, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also reported sustained growth in regional FDI inflows. Net foreign direct investment (FDI) from ASEAN reached $95.78 million in the first seven months of 2025, with Singapore ($63.61 million) and Malaysia ($31.56 million) leading as top sources. The DTI said the Philippines assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 is expected to further solidify its leadership role in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday he was grateful to Chinese President Xi Jinping, his "dear friend", for the warm welcome he has received during his trip to China. "Dear friend, both I and the entire Russian delegation are pleased to meet once again with our Chinese friends and colleagues," Putin told Xi at a meeting, according to a video published on the Kremlin's official Telegram messaging app. "Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level." (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Tom Hogue) Having made no concrete progress on his major goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Donald Trump appears interested in another very ambitious project. The president told reporters last week that he was initiating talks with Russia and China on denuclearisation. We cant let nuclear weapons proliferate. We have to stop nuclear weapons. The power is too great, he stated. With his signature aplomb, Trump declared that Russia is willing to do it, and I think China is going to be willing to do it too. It might strike some as unusual timing, coming just in advance of a major Chinese summit, at which Xi Jinping and have appeared to openly signal their defiance of the United States. But the president also has a history of defying his critics, scoring multiple victories on the domestic and international fronts that many thought impossible. Unfortunately, with all due respect to Trump, concluding a trilateral nuclear arms control treaty between Washington, Moscow and Beijing is a monumental and probably unachievable project, however noble his intentions are. Heres why this is a road to nowhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most obviously, China almost certainly will not sign any nuclear arms control deal, bilateral or trilateral. Beijings strategic calculation, threat assessments, and war-fighting doctrine call for an increase, not a decrease, in the size of its nuclear arsenal, as it seeks to close the gap with the US and Russia, which possess approximately 90 per cent of the worlds atomic weapons. China is set to triple its current nuclear arsenal of approximately 500 deployable warheads by 2035, bringing it to roughly to the same level as America and Russias respective attack-ready arsenals. The lessons Beijing has learned from the Russia-Ukraine war are likely to have reinforced its decision to beef up the countrys nuclear stockpile. Natos decision not to test Russias willingness to use battlefield tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine has limited the assistance Kyiv has been able to receive during the conflict. China is seeking to achieve a similar deterrent with regard to Taiwan. China is accelerating its build-up of new missile silos, launchers and warheads and is highly unlikely to change course ahead of its planned invasion of Taiwan. Unrealistic for Beijing to disarm Beijing has repeatedly turned down US denuclearisation overtures, noting that it has no interest in joining Russia and the US in their bilateral negotiations. Last Wednesday, Guo Jiakun, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, ruled out Beijings participation in trilateral nuclear disarmament negotiations as neither reasonable nor realistic. China and the United States are not at the same level at all in terms of nuclear capabilities, Guo told reporters. Indeed, Beijing views Washingtons attempts as a backdoor way of preventing it from deterring US intervention in a China-Taiwan conflict, accusing the Trump administration of seeking to create a poison pill. In 2020, Fu Cong, then-head of the foreign ministrys arms control department, and now permanent representative of China to the United Nations, mocked Washingtons overtures. I can assure you, if the US says that they are ready to come down to the Chinese level, China would be happy to participate the next day. But actually we know thats not going to happen, he said during a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to Trumps apparent thinking, Putin has no leverage over Xi Jinpings nuclear decision-making, either. Despite ample public demonstrations of being strategic partners and the friendly behaviour between Putin and Xi this week Russia and China are geopolitical rivals and potential future opponents in a land war in the Far East. China has significantly more people than Russia (1.4 billion vs 143 million), while Russia has nearly double the land mass of China (6.6m sq miles vs 3.7m sq miles). Moscow and Beijing, which have had multiple border clashes during their turbulent history and to this day maintain a territorial dispute in Russias Far East, may well believe that a future conflict is only a matter of time. Faced with a demographically declining nation and a decades-long migration of Chinese citizens into its Far Eastern region, Putin warned as far back as 2000 that, if it neglected the area in the short term, then a few decades from now its Russian population will mostly be speaking Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Unlike their Western counterparts who tend to think short-term, Russian and Chinese strategic planners make their threat assessments 50+ years out and probably have war plans on the books for a future conflict along the Russia-China Far Eastern border. Russia wargamed Chinese invasion Tactical nuclear weapons are the centrepiece of Russian defence strategy against a Chinese invasion, while Beijings planning has historically emphasised manpower and conventional munitions. Russia is also known to have wargamed a Chinese invasion, including conducting exercises that involve the potential use of tactical nuclear strikes to counteract enemy forces. Despite not acknowledging it publicly, Russian military planners view China as its second biggest geopolitical threat, following the US and Nato. Putin will probably go along with Trumps suggestion, exhibiting interest in nuclear talks and inflating his influence over Xi, as part of his gameplan to outfox the US leader: playing for time on Ukraine while delaying economic sanctions. Dangling a nuclear deal is another trick in Putins Playbook to keep Trumps ambitions for a Nobel Peace Prize alive and avoid angering him, progress or no progress in the actual Ukraine talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear why Trump seems to be falling for Putins trick, as Russias track record on arms control clearly demonstrates that nuclear forces will remain a central piece of Moscows war-fighting strategy for decades to come. Moscow has been modernising its already formidable nuclear arsenal for more than a decade. Putin has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and in 2023 left the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Russia has also developed treaty-breaking missiles, such as the SSC-8 (9M729) Screwdriver. It is why Trump, during his administration, suspended US participation in the INF Treaty. Maintaining lines of communications with your adversaries is a good thing as it decreases the risk of misunderstanding and of war breaking out unintentionally. How much time and manpower is invested in an unachievable project to denuclearise China, Russia and the US is Trumps choice. Rebekah Koffler is a strategic military intelligence analyst, formerly with the US Defence Intelligence Agency. She is the author of Putins Playbook, Regnery 2021. Her next book Trumps Playbook will be published later this year. Kofflers podcast Trumps Playbook is running on her channel Censored But Not Silenced and is available on most social media platforms @Rebekah0132 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. In Beijing, Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held talks during which they discussed the unprecedented level of cooperation, with Putin declaring that Russia and China had been the main victors of World War II. Source: CNN; Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlets TASS and RIA Novosti Details: The talks began with a trilateral meeting involving Mongolia, followed by bilateral negotiations between Putin and Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin invoked the memory of World War II, stating that Russia and China had been its main victors. Quote from Putin: "We were always together then, and we remain together now." Details: In response, Xi referred to Putin as an "old friend" and stressed Chinas readiness "to work together with Russia to build a just and reasonable global governance system". Quote from Xi: "China is willing to work together with Russia to support each others development and revitalisation, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, and build a just and reasonable global governance system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Following the talks, Gazprom announced that it had signed a legally binding agreement with Chinas CNPC on the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline. The project is planned to transport 50 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Russia to China through Mongolia. Previously: Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, at a Heads of State Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, once again repeated his false claim that Russias invasion of Ukraine was supposedly provoked by the West. Commenting on Putins remarks at the SCO summit, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said that the Russian leader is gradually losing his skills in lying. Background: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin arrived in China on 31 August for a four-day visit. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian President Vladimir Putin signed some 20 deals with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on a visit to Beijing on Tuesday that highlighted the two countries' strong bilateral relations, according to reporting by Chinese news agency Xinhua. Among them was a legally binding memorandum for the construction of a new gas pipeline through Mongolia to China, announced by Gazprom chief Alexei Miller in Beijing and reported by Russian news agencies. Miller announced the agreement after a meeting between Putin, Xi and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The price of gas supplied via the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline would be lower than for Europe, Miller noted, pointing to reduced transport costs. Gazprom and the China National Petroleum Corporation also signed documents to boost gas deliveries through the existing Power of Siberia pipeline from 38 billion cubic metres per year to 44 billion cubic metres, according to the reports. The 6,700-kilometre-long Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, including 2,700 kilometres on Russian soil, is due to have a capacity of 50 billion cubic metres per year. The contract is set for 30 years, according to the Russian reports. Miller described the pipeline as the "largest, most extensive and capital-intensive gas project worldwide," without giving details on the costs, which are estimated at tens of billions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timeline for the construction of the new pipeline remains unclear. Negotiations on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline have been ongoing for five years, with Moscow and Beijing unable to agree on the price. Visa-free travel trial for Russians Beijing and Moscow also agreed to a trial of visa-free travel for Russians with valid passports to China, Russia's official TASS news agency reported. A Chinese Foreign Ministry official told TASS that the new regulation, which applies to stays of up to 30 days, will be in effect for a trial period of one year. Current rules permit Russians with diplomatic or official documentation to travel to China, and there is a bilateral agreement on visa-free group trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new regulation is to take effect on September 15. The leaders also signed other cooperation agreements in fields such as energy, aviation, artificial intelligence and agriculture. Visit sends signal to the West The two leaders were at pains to highlight their countries' strong relations, which Putin described as being at an "unprecedentedly high level." Xi said their ties had withstood the test of international change and could be further expanded, Xinhua reported. Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is due to attend a large-scale military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a similar show of support, Xi attended a Russian parade in Moscow marking the end of World War II in May. China is considered Russia's most significant backer in the Ukraine war, since Beijing has not condemned Moscow's actions and has put forward Russian demands in its own proposals for resolving the conflict. However, no details emerged on what Xi and Putin said about Russia's war on Ukraine. Information from Beijing indicated that the two leaders discussed "regional issues of common interest." Western countries accuse China of supplying Russia with goods that can be used for military purposes, thereby supporting the Russian arms industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Xi and Putin called for a new world order at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Russia-friendly SCO is seen as a counterbalance to Western alliances, including NATO. Putin stated that the eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic model had become obsolete. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping highlighted their strong relationship during talks in Beijing on Tuesday, China's Xinhua state news agency reported. Xi said their ties had withstood the test of international change and could be further expanded, the agency reported. Both sides signed more than 20 cooperation agreements in fields such as energy, aviation, artificial intelligence and agriculture. Putin described Russian-Chinese relations as being at an "unprecedentedly high level," according to the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No details emerged on what Xi and Putin said about Russia's war on Ukraine. Information from Beijing indicated that the two leaders discussed "regional issues of common interest." Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is due to attend a large-scale military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing on Wednesday. China is considered Russia's most significant backer in the Ukraine war, since Beijing has not condemned Moscow's actions and has put forward Russian demands in its own proposals for resolving the conflict. In a similar show of support, Xi attended a Russian parade in Moscow marking the end of World War II in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western countries accuse China of supplying Russia with goods that can be used for military purposes, thereby supporting the Russian arms industry. On Monday, Xi and Putin called for a new world order at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Russia-friendly SCO is seen as a counterbalance to Western alliances, including NATO. Putin stated that the eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic model had become obsolete. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sept. 2 that neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to hold direct talks at this time, according to Reuters. Erdogan made the remarks on Sept. 1 after meeting with Putin in China and speaking with Zelensky by phone. Erdogan told journalists that while negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul show the path to peace remains open, conditions for a leaders' summit have not yet been created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, Turkey supports "raising the level of negotiations gradually," the Turkish president added. After the Aug. 15 summit with Putin in Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was working to broker a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Following Aug. 18 talks at the White House with European leaders and Trump, Zelensky said Kyiv is ready to enter unconditional high-level negotiations with Moscow. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly voiced readiness for a direct meeting with Putin, urging the U.S. to impose tougher measures if Russia continues to avoid such talks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Aug. 22 that a Zelensky-Putin meeting was "not ready at all," accusing Ukraine of rejecting several preconditions and questioning Zelensky's legitimacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source in Ukraine's President's Office told the Kyiv Independent earlier that a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin will not happen unless the U.S. ups its pressure on the Russian leader. Trump said on Aug. 25 that Putin avoids meeting Zelensky because "he doesn't like him." Read also: Zelensky wants a meeting. Putin wants to win Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEED TO KNOW Queen Camilla returned to her royal duties following a brief holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland The Queen visited several of her royal patronages in Cornwall, visiting with a local knitting club and a disaster relief charity She also named a new rescue helicopter after King Charles' former title, "The Duke of Cornwall" Queen Camilla returned to her royal duties following a brief summer break at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Queen, 78, visited several of her royal patronages in Cornwall, on the southwest tip of England, meeting with locals and checking in with various charities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She visited the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters which she opened during a royal visit in 2012 to commemorate the charity's new operations unit and formally name a new rescue helicopter "The Duke of Cornwall." Camilla's husband, King Charles, was the Duke of Cornwall from 1952 until 2022, when he acceded to the throne. The title then passed to his son, Prince William. Chris Jackson/Getty Queen Camilla formally names a new helicopter during her visit to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters on Sept. 2, 2025 Queen Camilla formally names a new helicopter during her visit to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters on Sept. 2, 2025 During her visit to Cornwall, the Queen also sat down with a local knitting club, which is one of many community projects supported by the Cornwall Community Foundation, of which she is also a patron. She also visited the headquarters of ShelterBox, a charity that provides emergency shelters to communities that have been ravaged by natural disasters or forced to flee their homes due to violence and war. Chris Jackson/Getty Queen Camilla meets members of the Air Ambulance medical team at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters on Sept. 2, 2025 Queen Camilla meets members of the Air Ambulance medical team at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's Headquarters on Sept. 2, 2025 The outing marks Queen Camilla's first outing since spending time at the royal family's Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands, their annual summer getaway. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Balmoral has been the royal family's summer escape since the reign of Queen Victoria, whose husband, Prince Albert, purchased the property in 1852. Adrian Dennis - Pool / Getty Queen Camilla meets members of a knitting club at the Cornwall Community Foundation on Sept. 2, 2025 Queen Camilla meets members of a knitting club at the Cornwall Community Foundation on Sept. 2, 2025 The Queen's return to royal duties comes as a new book has detailed a previously unknown anecdote about her being the alleged victim of a sexual assault as a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An excerpt from Valentine Low's Power and the Palace, published in The Times on Sunday, Aug. 31, details a meeting between Camilla and then-London mayor Boris Johnson in 2008. At the time, Johnson was planning to open three new rape crisis centers in London, and Low wrote that the future Queen shared a story from her own personal experience. "She was on a train going to Paddington she was about 16, 17 and some guy was moving his hand further and further 'At that point, Johnson had asked what happened next. She replied: 'I did what my mother taught me to. I took off my shoe and whacked him in the nuts with the heel.' Harri said: 'She was self-possessed enough when they arrived at Paddington to jump off the train, find a guy in uniform and say, 'That man just attacked me,' and he was arrested.' " Buckingham Palace declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE. Adrian Dennis - Pool / Getty Queen Camilla meets members of the public in Cornwall on Sept. 2, 2025 Queen Camilla meets members of the public in Cornwall on Sept. 2, 2025 Queen Camilla has long made supporting victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse a key priority of her public work. In March, she reached out to Gisele Pelicot to commend her for her extraordinary dignity and courage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a long-term supporter of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, the Queen wrote to Madame Pelicot privately, a royal aide told Newsweek. It was very much her instigation and determination to write to express support from the highest level." Read the original article on People The pungent smell of disinfectant wafts across the outside the testing aream where a handful of people wait on blue plastic chairs. One by one they approach a nurse perched safely inside a pressurised chamber, who slips her hands through external gloves to swab their throats. At the height of the pandemic, this space, tucked beside a car park at Bangkoks Hospital for Tropical Diseases, was heaving with locals anxiously awaiting Covid test results. Now there are just a handful of people and they already know theyre infected. Having tested positive for Sars-Cov-2, these volunteers are taking part in a trial with an ambitious objective: to identify antivirals that could help fight the next pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the latest phase of a trial launched in 2021, which aimed to evaluate different treatments for Covid. Regulatory delays meant the study began later than hoped, and many of the initial results came too late to inform policy. But instead of dismantling the trial apparatus, scientists have now expanded the study to hone in on other threats including disease x, an as-yet-unknown pandemic pathogen. Theres now this very clear mission the challenge to have medical countermeasures ready within 100 days of a public health emergency declaration, said Dr Stije Leopold, head of antiviral clinical research at the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (Moru) in Thailand. But if we only start innovating at the point the clock starts ticking, were never going to make it, he told the Telegraph. So in our trials, we focus on pandemic preparedness efforts, to evaluate different antiviral drugs in peacetime. Southeast Asia is a hotspot for bird flu spillover - TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images The study is split into three sections, each looking at a different disease Platcov for Sars-Cov-2, Ad Astra for flu, and Arsynal-FC for RSV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 16 existing treatments are currently being analysed some already approved, some repurposed, some in new combinations and more than 3,200 patients have been enrolled in Thailand, Brazil, Laos, Nepal and Pakistan. Dr Leopold said influenza was deemed a priority, as theres little data directly comparing existing treatments, or looking at the impact of taking existing drugs in combination for instance pairing either oseltamivir, baloxavir or favipiravir. At the same time, theres a high likelihood the virus could evolve into something new, especially as H5N1 is now rampant in US cattle. Southeast Asia is also a hotspot for bird flu spillover, with 15 cases in people infected in Cambodia alone in 2025. Meanwhile the study enrolled its first RSV patients earlier this year. There are currently no routine antiviral treatments approved against the disease, but the burden is growing worldwide especially among the elderly. The Arsynal-FC branch of the trial is testing whether the Covid drug molnupiravir could also be used for RSV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as proving useful for existing viruses, the data gained could help scientists prioritise which treatments should be trialled if a new but similar threat emerges. As we saw with Covid-19, pre-existing knowledge on other similar viruses is a key element to a rapid response to outbreaks,said Dr Natsuko Imai, research lead at Wellcome, the British foundation which funds Moru. The evidence gained from these trials on which drugs can treat which infections gives us a head start for developing treatments for new emerging threats, she told the Telegraph. Stije Leopold and Podjanee Jittamala - Sarah Newey Overall, the trial design is similar to the UKs Recovery trial, in that it uses a randomised, adaptive platform. This is scientific jargon for flexible different treatments are evaluated at the same time, allowing for direct comparisons, with drugs added or dropped as results emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike Recovery, which assessed treatments based on hospitalisation and mortality rates, the Moru-led trial tracks virus clearance. Researchers are not analysing how sick a person becomes, but how many days it takes an antiviral to rid the pathogen from their system. This means were focused on healthy adults, and dont need to enrol as many patients to get clear results, said Dr Podjanee Jittamala, a researcher at Moru and doctor at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and principal investigator of the Thai-arm of the study. But it means we also have to enrol patients into the trial very early in their infection. Then we ask the participants to come back here every day for five days to have swabs taken, and we analyse for viral load, she said, standing in the sparse testing area. The drawback is that further trials would be needed for regulators to approve repurposed drugs or new combinations, as data on disease severity, hospitalisations and mortality is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically regulators need clinical outcomes, said Prof Peter Horby, director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford and architect of the Recovery trial. But I think this is a great addition to our arsenal, in terms of getting the evidence we need to triage and take forward drugs, Prof Horby, who is not involved in the Moru-led trial, added. The project is the latest phase of a trial launched in 2021, which aimed to evaluate different treatments for Covid - Sarah Newey Trials like these are relatively rare. Within the flagship 100 day moonshot mission, which aims to develop medical countermeasures within 100 days of a pandemic pathogen, much of the focus is instead trained on vaccines. Prof Horby said this is partly because its harder while there are now well-established vaccine platforms, its a challenge to create broadly applicable antivirals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus few are deemed a profitable investment by many pharmaceutical companies, and there is no equivalent of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations for treatments. This initiative, founded in 2016, funds vaccine research for pandemic threats. Cepi was established and got health financing to take forward vaccines that otherwise werent commercially viable, Prof Horby told the Telegraph. There isnt that for therapeutics. He added that there have been some attempts to organise work in this area for instance the Therapeutic Coalition, set up by the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat, held its first scientific advisory meeting last month. But this is not a funding mechanism and the lack of early stage drug development is reflected in the fact that pandemic preparedness trials are not testing any brand new treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got these fantastic clinical evaluation platforms now, the dynamic ones on viral load [like at Moru], and big clinical end point trials like Recovery, said Prof Horby, who is not involved in the Moru-led trial. But we havent got any exciting drugs to put in them, so its earlier clinical development that really needs investment. Thats not a reflection on the trials, but the pipelines. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on Filipinos to embrace the countrys maritime heritage and strengthen stewardship of its waters, saying the seas have long been central to the nations history, economy and sovereignty. In a message for the observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2025, Mr. Marcos described the Philippines as a seafaring nation whose ancestors navigated the seas in balangays long before colonizers arrived. - Advertisement - The sea has been both our cradle and our crucible, he said. Every century of our history has been measured by its tides, carrying the seeds of prosperity and the storms of conflict, President Marcos added. The Commander-in-Chief underscored the role of the seas in binding the countrys islands, serving as the richest reservoirs of food and widest corridors of trade. He also highlighted the work of the National Maritime Council and the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns in advancing agriculture, energy, commerce and science through maritime governance. Effective maritime governance requires foresight equal to its scale, the capacity to turn geography into strategy, Mr. Marcos said. In mastering our seas lies the strength of our economy, the safety of our communities, and the dignity of our sovereignty, he added. President Marcos urged institutions to align science with law, communities to embrace stewardship, and leaders to govern with horizons beyond their own time. As we continue building a Bagong Pilipinas, let us unite our people towards caring for our seas and shores, he said. For we care to protect not only our nations sovereignty but also those who will inherit our legacy. MANA Mo, observed every September, aims to raise awareness of the Philippines identity as a maritime and archipelagic nation. Too many of our academic institutions have replaced rigorous research with racial activism. University of Leicesters Centre for Hate Studies is just the latest example. They have published a report which warns of rural racism in the overwhelmingly white British countryside. The researchers who spoke to just 115 people and 20 community groups over a two-year period also lamented the lack of religiously-sensitive facilities in rural areas that are defined by their traditional pub culture and other monocultural customs. It is a crying shame that an academic institution based in Leicester would invest so much time and resources on the supposedly hostile nature of the countryside; it has much bigger problems closer to home. The riots which spilled onto the streets of the city a few years ago was a watershed moment in British community relations it destroyed the areas undeserved reputation for being a paragon of social cohesion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is that Leicesters academic ecosystem has failed miserably in terms of engaging with the citys social troubles. In a case of unfortunate timing and breathtaking complacency, in 2022 the University of Leicester announced plans to hold a series of events to celebrate the citys immigration-induced diversity; this was shortly before the disorder broke out. The universitys Unit for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (Dice) has absurdly described Leicester as a previously non-descript city which had been transformed into a thriving and successful multicultural place. It is a gross misallocation of resources that city-based academic institutions are given millions of pounds by charitable trusts to investigate so-called rural racism but are reluctant to produce anything of note on the community tensions on their own doorstep. More robust research is needed to expose the ethnic and religious fault-lines in diverse metropolitan centres. Indeed, a Hope Not Hate study published during the Covid-19 pandemic found that twice as many ethnic-minority people agree (40 per cent) than disagree (21 per cent) that there is more tension between Britains different minority communities, compared with tensions between white and non-white groups. Yet, this is not reflected in recent hate-studies research. As highlighted in last years Policy Exchange report on the portrait of modern Britain, British ethnic minorities are spreading into rural areas and country towns. This includes the rise of Asian-heritage businesses especially restaurants belonging to families who can trace their origins back to the more agricultural regions of the Indian subcontinent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the English countryside was so uniquely hostile towards ethnic and racial minorities, would we be seeing these population changes? The truth is that the countryside is an easy target for university academics who know full well that not all is well in our cities. They do the British public a disservice. Dr Rakib Ehsan is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEED TO KNOW On Sept. 1, San Antonio police said a man and woman were found dead in Salado Creek, a day after a near-historic rainstorm Police Chief William McManus said authorities believe that both the man and the woman got washed up in the water San Antonio received over three inches of rain on Aug. 31 The bodies of a man and a woman were found dead in a San Antonio creek after a rainstorm the night before. The San Antonio Police Department tells PEOPLE that an officer was notified on Monday, Sept. 1, around 12:15 p.m. local time about a deceased body in a nearby creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer was led to Salado Creek and came across an unidentified female along the edge of the creek bed, deceased from an apparent drowning, police said. The officer conducted a further search downstream for other possible victims as he was told that three homeless people had not been seen following the rainstorm that occurred the evening of Sunday, Aug. 31. Other officers and SAFD rescue located a second victim, a deceased male, nearby. The third individual was ultimately located, safely, the San Antonio Police Department added. At a news conference Monday, Police Chief William McManus said authorities believe that both the man and the woman washed up in the water Sunday night or Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know 100 percent what happened, he added, and we wont until we get further into the investigation. But thats what appears to be right now. Asked about the two victims relationship with each other, McManus told a reporter that the two were apparently friends and believed to have been from another location, based on preliminary information. He also said that the two appeared to be homeless. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed. Police tell PEOPLE that there were no other missing individuals from the incident. San Antonio experienced over three inches of rain Sunday evening, Anthony Franze, a meteorologist San Antonio-Express News, reported. That amount was just short of a daily record set on Aug. 31, 1892. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The National Weather Service for Austin and San Antonio announced early Monday morning that a flood watch was in effect for parts of South Central Texas along and west of I-35 and along and north of U.S. 90 until noon that day. The weather agency added that one to two inches of rainfall were possible and could lead to flash flooding. Read the original article on People Sep. 21/18 Swipe or click to see more Montana Runnels, organizer of Lawrence County Trade Day, gets a hug from one of the wolf dogs of the Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary at the fairgrounds event on Saturday. 2/18 Swipe or click to see more Chainsaw art from Bill & Sons, of South Point, lined the midway area of the fairgrounds during Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3/18 Swipe or click to see more A child looks at chickens for sale during Lawrence County Trade Day at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 4/18 Swipe or click to see more John DeBoard, of the Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary, located in Chesapeake, shows off one of his animals at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 5/18 Swipe or click to see more One of the prairie dogs from Scottown Funny Farm at Lawrence County Trade Days on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 6/18 Swipe or click to see more Lawrence County Trade Day took place at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7/18 Swipe or click to see more Pork Chop, a pot-bellied pig, was raffled off at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 8/18 Swipe or click to see more Children look over toys at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 9/18 Swipe or click to see more Lawrence County Trade Day took place at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 10/18 Swipe or click to see more Chainsaw art from Bill & Sons, of South Point, lined the midway area of the fairgrounds during Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11/18 Swipe or click to see more A boy pets a wolf dog from Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 12/18 Swipe or click to see more Lawrence County Trade Day took place at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 13/18 Swipe or click to see more A wolf dog from Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary gets a belly rub at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 14/18 Swipe or click to see more Rabbits for sale at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 15/18 Swipe or click to see more Livestock for sale at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 16/18 Swipe or click to see more Rabbits for sale at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 17/18 Swipe or click to see more Chickens for sale at Lawrence County Trade Day on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 18/18 Swipe or click to see more Jeff Yamanaka does woodworking at Lawrence County Trade Day at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Trade Day returns to Lawrence County fairgrounds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ROME TOWNSHIP Dozens of vendors drew a crowd to the Lawrence County Fairgrounds on Saturday, with the county's 4-H and FFA programs seeing the benefits. The second Lawrence County Trade Day took place, with an assortment of crafts, food, livestock and yard sale items being sold. Trending * Murder investigation is ongoing in Scioto County * Homeless man charged with murder in Scioto County homicide Proceeds from admission will go toward further upgrades for 4-H facilities at the fairgrounds, organizer Montana Runnels said. "It's going good," she said of turnout by noon. "We have more animals this year, and I've already seen a few people leave with a rabbit take a chicken home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the vendors, there was a raffle, with Pork Chop, a potbellied pig going to the winner. Runnels also had her petting zoo, Scotttown Funny Farm set up, including her two new prairie dogs, Eleanor and Theodore, while the Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary was present, with owner John DeBoard leading one of his wolf dogs around the fairgrounds' main barn. The dog was a hybrid of a dog and "68 percent wolf," he said. Located in Chesapeake, DeBoard's property serves as a rescue for wolf dogs, and he has traveled the county to obtain the animals. The first Lawrence County Trade Day took place in May and funds for that event were used to build turkey pens and other facilities at the fairgrounds for the 4-H and FFA turkey show, which saw it debut at this year's fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending * Ashland 12th St. Bridge to be closed for a week for inspection starting Sunday * Ga. Man killed in Scioto County paraglider crash Near the road on Saturday, Bill Plybon, of South Point, was making his second visit to Trade Day, with items from his business, Bill & Sons lining the midway. Plybon explained that the pieces, which ranged from bears to owls to signs, were all carved by chainsaw and each took about three hours to cut. He said, once carving is done, the pieces are then finished, which takes "about a day or two." "I loaded up by whole building," Plybon said of the array of pieces he had for sale. He said he travels to multiple events and hopes to do more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another vendor was Marcin Ciszeke, of Farmabake, who was selling breads, sweet and jams. "Were a home bakery," Ciszeke, of Chesapeake, said, saying he uses Facebook messenger for his business, and that he hopes to eventually start a brick and mortar location. "We make real bread," he said. We try to make things healthy, because we're all so tired of all the additives that are put in food." Runnels said the effort was a community effort, thanking all of the vendors who set up and gave their time. "I really appreciate them," she said. She said she was especially thankful to DeBoard for showing up, while she said many helped, such as Randy's Potties, who donated facilities, while Drew Schmidt helped with organizing the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Runnels said Trade Day will return to the fairgrounds in May, and the plans is to continue having the event, with another set for fall. "So there will be two a year," she said. You Might Like News A small tick bite: Rising concerns and community protection News WIC hosts event for new mothers News Suicide prevention walk set for Sept. 18 News Ironton aLive's concert series finale on Wednesday Ramsey County officials are proposing increases of 9.75% in 2026 and 7.5% in 2027 to the property tax levy as part of the countys budget. The proposed budget totals $929.25 million in 2026 a 6.57% increase from the 2025 supplemental budget of $848.5 million. The 2027 proposed budget of $968.45 million is a 4.22% increase from 2026. County governments cannot operate as if it were business as usual, said County Manager Ling Becker at Tuesdays county board meeting. We are navigating rising costs, limited revenue growth and increasing demand for services, while facing deep uncertainty from federal and state budget pressures. This budget responds directly to those realities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 46% of the countys proposed budget is funded through property taxes. The rest comes from intergovernmental revenues, charges for services and other sources. The county raised the tax levy 4.75% in 2025, 6.8% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2023. The average tax increase on a residential median-value home is estimated at a 4.4% increase, or $22 per month according to county officials. The estimated median home value in St. Paul for 2026 is $289,200. Whats driving this? The three drivers behind the budget are unfunded mandates from the state of Minnesota, employee compensation and directing resources to our core services and improving our organizational performance, Becker said. As part of 2025 supplemental budget discussions, county officials have decided to restructure, with the new system taking effect Jan. 1. This will reduce the size of the countys Health and Wellness Service Team and sunset the countys Strategic Team and Information and Public Records Service Team. County departments are currently organized into four Service Teams and a Strategic Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Priorities in the proposed budget include Project Bridge which relocates individuals from the Adult Detention Center, which is overcrowded to the Ramsey County Correctional Facility, according to county officials. Theres also the countys Appropriate Response Initiative, which involves reexamining how it responds to 911 calls, and expanding staffing and training in Child Protection Services. Staffing positions The proposed budget includes the reduction of 43 staff positions in areas not considered to have an essential county function, such as its Detox and Withdrawal Management Program which serves around 10 people per day on average. It will be closed as of Jan. 1. Its difficult to hire that type of expertise and there are lots of community providers within the metro area that provide detox and withdrawal management successfully to folks, said Alexandra Kotze, county director of finance. As part of this, were going to spend the next few months working to close down and make sure that the people who need that service are successfully transitioned. Additional staffing will include 110 full-time employees in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes the 80 full-time employees hired to help with backlogs affecting access to Medicaid-funded services, and 30.5 full-time employees in 2027. More information County service teams will hold budget presentations throughout September. Community members will be able to provide feedback on the proposed budget during public hearings Sept. 22 and Dec. 11 before its expected approval by the county board on Dec. 16. For more information on those presentations, visit ramseycounty.us/content/2026-27-budget-presentations. To learn more about the proposed budget, go to ramseycounty.us/your-government/budget-finance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about property tax relief, visit revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund. Related Articles After the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled against his tariffs last week, President Donald Trump repeatedly condemned the decision, which he preposterously warned will ruin the country unless it is overturned by the Supreme Court. "It would be a total disaster for the Country," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday. "If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America." He reiterated that claim on Sunday: "Our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated," he said, adding that "we would become a Third World Nation, with no hope of GREATNESS again." Trump's prophecies of doom were not the only implausible aspect of his comments. He described the appeals court as "Highly Partisan," implying that its reasoning was driven by political affiliation, and said the majority was "a Radical Left group of judges," implying that the result was dictated by ideology rather than a careful consideration of the facts and the law. Trump reflexively criticizes judges who rule against him in language like this, to the point that he has stripped ideological labels of all meaning. In this case, his complaints are especially hard to take seriously. The Federal Circuit's tariff decision addressed two lawsuits, one brought by several businesses and one filed by a dozen states. Both sets of plaintiffs argued that Trump exceeded his statutory authority when he relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose stiff taxes on imports from scores of countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven members of the 11-judge panel agreed. And while it is true that six of those judges were appointed by Democratic presidents (Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden), the majority also included Alan D. Lourie, who was nominated by George H.W. Bush in 1990. Notably, Lourie was also one of four judges who went further than the majority, arguing that IEEPA "does not authorize the President to impose any tariffs" (emphasis added). Four judges dissented, saying the plaintiffs "have not justified summary judgment in their favor on either statutory or constitutional grounds." Two of the dissenters were appointed by George W. Bush, and two were appointed by Obama. These breakdowns do not support Trump's contention that the judges chose sides based on partisan considerations, as opposed to an honest assessment of the statutory and constitutional issues. That explanation looks even less plausible as applied to the May 28 Court of International Trade (CIT) decision that the Federal Circuit reviewed. Three CIT judges, including one nominated by Ronald Reagan and one nominated by Trump himself, unanimously concluded that the president's tariffs were not authorized by IEEPA. When you consider the reasoning underlying these decisions, the claim that they can be explained only by anti-Trump animus or allegiance to a "Radical Left" ideology looks even sillier. Both courts noted that Trump's use of IEEPA, which does not mention tariffs at all, was unprecedented and involved an assertion of authority that implicated the "major questions" doctrine, which aims to uphold the separation of powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Supreme Court, that doctrine applies when the executive branch asserts powers of vast "economic and political significance." In such cases, "the Government must point to 'clear congressional authorization' for that asserted power," the Federal Circuit noted. "The tariffs at issue in this case implicate the concerns animating the major questions doctrine as they are both 'unheralded' and 'transformative.'" The Supreme Court "has explained that where the Government has 'never previously claimed powers of this magnitude,' the major questions doctrine may be implicated." Trump claimed to have discovered a heretofore unnoticed delegation of unlimited tariff authority in a statute that is nearly half a century old. That claim, the Federal Circuit concluded, "runs afoul of the major questions doctrine." Far from the invention of "Radical Left" judges, the major questions doctrine stems from a series of Supreme Court decisions spearheaded by conservative justices. The late Antonin Scalia, whom Trump has described as the very model of a "great" jurist, explained the rationale for the doctrine this way in the 2001 case Whitman v. American Trucking Associations: "Congress, we have held, does not alter the fundamental details of a regulatory scheme in vague terms or ancillary provisionsit does not, one might say, hide elephants in mouseholes." The Supreme Court has applied that logic in several decisions rejecting assertions of agency authority, including the Food and Drug Administration's attempt to regulate tobacco products without explicit congressional authorization, the national eviction moratorium imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration tried to impose on employers in 2021, and the Biden administration's student debt relief plan. Whatever you might think of those decisions, they are hardly evidence of a "Radical Left" mindset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As in those cases, the central question in the tariff case was whether Congress had actually delegated the broad powers claimed by the executive branch. Another issue was whether Congress could, consistent with the Constitution's separation of powers, delegate such authority. In addition to concluding that IEEPA did not authorize Trump's tariffs, the Federal Circuit noted that "the Government's understanding of the scope of authority granted by IEEPA would render it an unconstitutional delegation." The rationale for that ruling is not, by any stretch of the imagination, the product of "Radical Left" thinking. It is conservative in the best sense, aiming to preserve the structure of government established by the Constitution. The post The Rationale for the Federal Circuit's 'Radical Left' Tariff Decision Is Fundamentally Conservative appeared first on Reason.com. Readings plan to demolish another property in the 400 block of Penn Street hit a roadblock when the Historical Architectural Review Board denied a request to fully raze the building. The board previously gave approval for a partial demolition of the building at 441 Penn St. in the Callowhill Historic District on the condition that the facade be preserved. The board had placed the same stipulation on the neighboring city-owned properties at 431 and 435 Penn St. However, the buildings were razed this year after the citys contractor determined the frontage could not be safely saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reading demolished two city-owned buildings at 431-433 Penn St. in May. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE) David Barr, city community development director, said the current request involves a similar situation. The facades structural integrity is questionable, he said, noting the cost of repairs and stabilization would likely approach $1 million. It really boils down to: Is this expense worth retention of that facade or is that money in a limited budget better put toward the retention of roofing primarily at the Farmers National Bank building? Barr said, referring to the classical-revival-style building next door, which the city has pledged to maintain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Structural engineer Frederick Germann described rotation and cracking along the parapet and damage to the decorative terracotta. Germann said moisture infiltration contributed to the deterioration. Without reinforcement, he said, the walls strength is uncertain. Preserving the facade, he said, would require excavation, construction of new foundations, installation of a concrete block wall and structural bracing. Even a conservative estimate, Barr said, would consume scarce resources that the city would rather spend on stabilizing the two properties that are still intact. Board members pushed back on Thursday, noting the city has not submitted a formal financial hardship application with detailed estimates, a requirement before financial hardship can be considered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That puts the board in a bind, said Aaron Booth, a board member and professional architect. Given that we dont see that it is impossible to save that facade, I would say that it is appropriate to restore the facade, Booth said. Whether or not its financial hardship, we cant speak to tonight. The deterioration did not occur suddenly, City Managing Director Jack Gombach said, but is the result of deferred maintenance over several city administrations. Delays could increase public safety risks as winter approaches, he said, warning that water infiltration and freezing could further destabilize the facade, raising the chance of collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board members countered that structural deficiencies had been identified as far back as 2013, giving the city ample time to gather the required documentation. The citys Historic District ordinance can be waived if the citys building inspector or fire marshal determines a structures condition to be an imminent public danger. City Council at a recent meeting authorized transferring $310,500 from property maintenance funds to emergency demolition, signaling that the administration is prepared to move quickly. The three-story Italian Renaissance Revival-style structure, is part of a city-owned string of five parcels, 431 to 449 Penn St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berks County historian George M. Meiser IX said the building was once home to Consumer Gas Company, and later part of American Bank and Trust and its successors. Along with the adjacent properties, it was part of the banks 1982 Keystone project. The city bought the mostly vacant and dilapidated buildings in 2013 for $2.6 million under then-Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer. An agreement with Philadelphia-based real estate developer Philly Office Retail to purchase and develop the properties failed to be completed by the August deadline, city officials confirmed, noting new plans to market the properties are underway. Barr and Gombach said the city is committed to preserving and developing the landmark buildings at 445 and 449 Penn St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barr, who grew up in Reading, said he is mindful of the long history tied to the block. He said he understands the historical and architectural importance of the buildings, noting it is unfortunate that the city allowed them to deteriorate. He recalled standing on the sidewalk outside the buildings as a child, holding his mothers hand and watching parades down Penn Street. These are important buildings to me, too, Barr said. Its sad to see them go. Board solicitor Michele Mayfield said the city may file a new application that includes the necessary financial documentation or it may appeal the denial to City Council. A 21-year-old Reading woman has been charged with criminal homicide following the discovery last month of her boyfriends decomposed body in her bedroom, according to court records. Alexis Williams was placed in Berks County Jail without bail to await a hearing following arraignment Friday night before District Judge David L. Yoch in Reading Central Court. According to the probable cause affidavit: On Aug. 21, officers responded to the 100 block of Buttonwood Street after a 911 call reported a foul odor and an unconscious male. Emergency medical personnel found Guerby Aspervil, 22, dead in the second-floor front bedroom, his face covered in blood and a handgun lying nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A relative had noticed a foul odor coming from the room where Williams and Aspervil slept. She asked another household member to check, and when he opened the door, he saw Aspervils lifeless body. The body showed signs of decomposition, suggesting the death occurred days earlier, according to police. Investigators reviewed footage from a doorbell camera and nearby surveillance systems. On Aug. 18 around 11:30 p.m., Aspervil and Williams were seen returning home together. Just hours later, at 4:38 a.m. on Aug. 19, Williams was seen on video running from the residence. Her vehicle, a white Kia Rio, was later tracked by license plate readers traveling south through Georgia and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to police after the discovery of the body, a relative told police that she hadnt seen Williams or Aspervil for several days, which was unusual. Williams explained her absence was due to her door dashing, meaning working as a food-delivery contractor. Williams was in contact with relatives after fleeing Pennsylvania and they persuaded her to return and meet investigators on Aug. 29 in York, where she gave a detailed account of the night of the incident. She claimed Aspervil had assaulted her and that after an argument and they had sex and she fell asleep. She awoke to find Aspervil lying on the floor. She got her gun, which she kept by the headboard, and shot her boyfriend in the head before fleeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy conducted in Reading Hospital confirmed Aspervil died of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. The manner of death was ruled homicide. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said investigators initially thought the manner of Aspervils death may have been a suicide, but they were still eager to talk to Williams. After the autopsy findings, however, their interest in speaking with Williams intensified, he said. Volunteers help plant new vegetation as part of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation's restoration project along the Bear River near Preston, Idaho, where an 1863 massacre almost entirely annihilated their people. (Photo Courtesy of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation) It was the deadliest massacre of indigenous people in U.S. history. But today, many still dont know the story. It was 1863, on an icy January morning, at dawn. Hundreds of members of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation were sleeping where they had settled for the winter along the Bear River, or as they call it, Wuda Ogwa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shoshone Nation were a nomadic tribe, but every winter they would make this place their home, near whats now known as Preston, Idaho. There, theyd fish for trout and hunt game birds. Hot springs nearby warmed the ground, heating their tepees and lodges, and giving their horses a place to graze in an otherwise frost-bitten landscape. But that day, the tribe was nearly entirely wiped out. U.S. military soldiers led by Col. Patrick Edward Connor set out from Ft. Douglas, Utah, toward Chief Bear Hunters camp, reportedly in retaliation for Shoshoni raids. The soldiers killed an estimated 300, including women and children, according to historians, though tribal leaders say it was more, closer to 500. Connor reported his troops counted 224 bodies, destroyed more than 70 lodges, seized 175 horses, and captured 160 women and children, according to National Park Service records. Though they were few, some of the Northwestern Band survived. Today, their descendants are working to reclaim the site of the massacre as their home and restore its natural ecosystem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a graveyard. This is our Arlington Cemetery, Brad Parry, vice chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nations tribal council, said in a PBS documentary about the tribes restoration project. This is where our people had to fight for their freedom to exist. I want to take this land back in time, to when it was wild, Parry continues. And restore our connection to it. Parry and other tribal leaders held a forum Wednesday at the Northwestern Bands tribal office in Ogden, Utah, to share the massacres history and also share how the tribe is working to restore the land. There, Parry told a room of more than 140 people that his grandmother, Mae Timbimboo Parry, learned about the massacre directly from her grandfather, Yeager Timbimboo, who was about 12 years old when the attack happened. To survive, he hid among dead bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He laid on the frozen ground, playing dead, Parry said. A soldier saw him playing dead, raised his rifle at him three times, but didnt shoot. Now, more than 160 years later, Parry is leading the effort to give the site of the massacre new life. Though its history is fraught with horrific bloodshed, Parry told Utah News Dispatch that tribal leaders want to turn their grief into healing. Weve wallowed long enough. Weve been sad long enough. This has been detrimental long enough. Lets flip the script, he said. Lets take it back to what our ancestors would recognize and start bringing the community back to the land. And not just indigenous communities, but all communities. The Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation holds a forum at its tribal office in Ogden on Aug. 27, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Since the Bear River Massacre, the Northwestern Band hasnt had any land to call home. Their tribe was never given a reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in 2018, the tribe purchased about 350 acres of land around the massacre site. Their goal, Parry said, is to restore it to its wild, natural state, and to help the rivers ecosystem thrive. And because all things in nature are connected what happens in one ecosystem can affect another the efforts to restore that section of the Bear River can have a cascading effect on a downstream neighbor thats in dire need. How the Wuda Ogwa restoration could bring more water to the Great Salt Lake The Bear River is the largest tributary of the Great Salt Lake, which has been shrinking to dangerously low levels due to drought, climate change and water diversion for agriculture and development. Today, the lake remains on the brink of ecological collapse. The drying Great Salt Lake poses an existential threat to not only the wildlife that rely on its waters and wetlands, but also to people. Less water means more exposed lake bed, leading to dust storms laced with cancer-causing carcinogens like arsenic. In Utah, leaders are all in agreement for the sake of Utahs future, the Great Salt Lake must be saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Wuda Ogwa restoration project could play a part. The Bear River flows near what is now Preston, Idaho, on land the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation purchased in 2018 to restore after the 1863 massacre almost entirely annihilated their people. (Photo Courtesy of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation) Tribal leaders say researchers models have predicted that the restoration of Bear River natural habitats could help send an estimated 13,000 acre-feet of water to the Great Salt Lake a year by ripping out water-sucking invasive plants and replacing them with native plants, cleaning out creeks, and restoring old agricultural fields to wetlands. This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. The Great Salt Lake needs every drop of water it can get, so that amount of water isnt insignificant but it would far from solve the lakes crisis. It needs about 8 to 15 more vertical feet of water (the equivalent of two Bear Lakes) to be healthy, according to the Great Salt Lake Collaborative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And whether that water will actually flow all the way to the Great Salt Lake is still an open question. The tribe has secured water rights for the project, Parry said, but because it crosses state lines, tribal leaders have encountered challenges from leaders in Idaho during water rights adjudication discussions. One of the biggest problems that weve found is the state above you their users dont care about the Great Salt Lake, Parry said. I can say that because weve been involved in adjudication, and instead of asking how they can protect their water rights, (they ask), Are you guys doing this for the Great Salt Lake? Asked to clarify those comments, Parry told Utah News Dispatch that in talking with Idaho state officials and irrigation farming districts in Idaho, their goal isnt to help us save the Great Salt Lake. Parry said the tribe has its own, primary reasons for wanting to restore the land and the wetlands but the benefits to the Great Salt Lake would be a positive consequence of the restoration that the tribe also supports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that tribal leaders have found that the further away from the Great Salt Lake, theres less interest in helping save it. But he argued were all in this together, and the impacts from toxic dust from the dried lake bed would be far-reaching, including potentially in other states like Idaho. If the states dont start working with each other, its never going to happen, he said. The Wuda Ogwa restoration project Parry said the tribe has secured roughly $13 million in various state and federal grants and other funding sources for the river restoration project. During Wednesdays forum, tribal leaders and researchers detailed how after the Bear River Massacre, colonial settlement transformed what was once the Bear Rivers natural bends and wetlands into farm and grazing land. Since then, it has become a shadow of what it once was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, thanks to the help of volunteers on weeding and planting days, the tribe is working to remove invasive plants and replace them with native vegetation. Theyre also working with engineers and biologists to reshape the river and its wetlands to a more natural state to help attract back fish, birds and other wildlife. Rios Pacheco (left), a member of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, speaks while the tribal councils chair, Brad Parry, holds the microphone during a forum at the tribes office in Ogden, Utah on Aug. 27, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) One of the biggest foes theyre working to root out is the Russian Olive. The thorny, invasive tree that sucks up massive amounts of water has taken over the river shoreline. Brian Andrew, an engineer at the firm Hansen Allen and Luce thats been hired by the tribe for the project, said there are an estimated 400,000 Russian Olive plants on a 60-acre area of the site. A mature Russian Olive tree consumes an estimated 75 gallons of water a day and crowds out other native plants like willows and cottonwoods. Early in the project, Parry said tribal leaders envisioned building a geothermal heated amphitheater and cultural interpretative center. But he said the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted funding, and construction costs have since skyrocketed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Parry said the tribe is focused on restoring the land first and foremost, now envisioning a trail system as a way for members of the public to experience the wetlands once theyre thriving. So far, the tribes partners estimate theyve planted and seeded about 69,000 native plants over 111 acres. Between 2025 and 2027, they expect to plant an additional 130,000 over 250 acres. Parry said with $13 million in funding thats already been secured, theyve made good progress but he said tribal leaders continue to ask for donations since were always looking for funding, especially for monitoring the projects impact on the ecosystem. Another $5 to $10 million wouldnt hurt, he said. Existing conditions (top) are pictured near Preston, Idaho, of land the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation purchased in 2018 to restore after the 1863 massacre almost entirely annihilated their people. Below is a rendering of wetlands the tribe envisions after restoration. (Photo Courtesy of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Kate Holton and Ben Makori LONDON (Reuters) -The recognition of a Palestinian state by leading Western nations will trigger a sprint towards a two-state solution, the head of the Palestinian mission in London said on Tuesday. Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium have all said they will recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, although London could halt the process if Israel eased the humanitarian crisis in war-shattered Gaza and committed to a long-term peace process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moves are designed to put pressure on Israel to end its assault on Gaza and curtail the building of new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, but some question whether recognition is merely symbolic. "I think it will be the starting gun for what we hope to be a sprint, not even a march, towards implementing the two-state solution, and we are hoping for an active, effective, meaningful role by the United Kingdom," Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission in London, told Reuters. Israel, facing a global outcry over its conduct in the Gaza war, has reacted angrily to recognition gestures, saying they would reward Hamas. The Palestinian militant group's gunmen attacked southern Israeli communities near the border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. A two-state solution is the idea that the two sides could co-exist in peace alongside each other - a Palestinian state on territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, with the Gaza Strip and West Bank linked by a corridor through Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the proposal has become less viable over time, as Israel has accelerated the building of Jewish settlements in occupied territory, while the two sides stick to uncompromising positions on core issues including borders, the fate of Palestinian refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. Zomlot said the move by Britain was significant due to its role in endorsing a "national home for the Jewish people in Palestine" in 1917. He said it was not too late to achieve a two-state solution, and that he hoped the momentum being built at the U.N. would lead Israel to dismantle its settlements. "Once we create sufficient pressure - meaningful pressure - I assure you, it is absolutely possible," he said. The United Nations' highest court said in 2024 Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements there are illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's right-wing government rules out a Palestinian state and says the territories where settlements have expanded are not occupied in legal terms because they are on disputed lands. It cites biblical and historical ties to those lands. (Reporting by Kate Holton; additional reporting by Muvija M; editing by Mark Heinrich) "I think it will be the starting gun for what we hope to be a sprint, not even a march, towards implementing the two-state solution," said Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission in London. The recognition of a Palestinian state by leading Western nations will trigger a sprint towards a two-state solution, the head of the Palestinian mission in London said on Tuesday. Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium have all said they will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, although London could halt the process if Israel eased the humanitarian crisis in war-shattered Gaza and committed to a long-term peace process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moves are designed to put pressure on Israel to end its assault on Gaza and curtail the building of new Jewish settlements in the West Bank, but some question whether recognition is merely symbolic. "I think it will be the starting gun for what we hope to be a sprint, not even a march, towards implementing the two-state solution, and we are hoping for an active, effective, meaningful role by the United Kingdom," Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian Mission in London, told Reuters. Israel, facing a global outcry over its conduct in the Gaza war, has reacted angrily to recognition gestures, saying they would reward Hamas. The terror organization's gunmen attacked southern Israeli communities near the border on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. IRONICALLY, ALTERNATIVES to a two-state solution dont necessarily provide any sort of protection from the violence against Israel. (credit: REUTERS) What does a two-state solution mean? A two-state solution is the idea that the two sides could co-exist in peace alongside each other - a Palestinian state on territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, with the Gaza Strip and West Bank linked by a corridor through Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the proposal has become less viable over time, as Israel has accelerated the building of Jewish settlements in West Bank, while the two sides stick to uncompromising positions on core issues including borders, the fate of Palestinian refugees, and the status of Jerusalem. Zomlot said the move by Britain was significant due to its role in endorsing a "national home for the Jewish people in Palestine" in 1917. He said it was not too late to achieve a two-state solution, and that he hoped the momentum being built at the UN would lead Israel to dismantle its settlements. "Once we create sufficient pressure - meaningful pressure - I assure you, it is absolutely possible," he said. The United Nations' highest court said in 2024 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements there are illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible. Israel's right-wing government rules out a Palestinian state and says the territories where settlements have expanded are not occupied in legal terms because they are on disputed lands. It cites biblical and historical ties to those lands. The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the beating heart of global food and agriculture (F&A). By 2030, the region is expected to account for over half of global agricultural output, driven by rising populations, shifting consumer preferences, and ongoing innovation across the value chain. From Chinas leadership in cereals and seafood to Indonesias dominance in palm oil and Vietnams expanding export markets, Asia is not just feeding itself it is also feeding the world. How does the Philippines fit into this evolving landscape? More importantly, how can the country position itself to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive global food system? - Advertisement - At a crossroads: The case for transformation Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Philippine economy supporting millions of livelihoods, contributing to national food security, and offering significant potential for export growth. But for years, the sector has struggled with deep-rooted structural challenges: low productivity, ageing infrastructure, exposure to extreme weather, and a persistent reliance on food imports to meet domestic demand. Encouragingly, there are signs that this is beginning to change. Recent data points to a narrowing agricultural trade gap, driven by stronger export performance and a recalibration of import flows. While the country is not yet fully self-sufficient, these early signals suggest that Philippine agriculture can become more globally competitive and less dependent on foreign supply, provided the right conditions are in place. Still, the need for transformation remains clear. Climate disruptions continue to threaten crops and communities. Consumers are demanding higher standards in food quality, sustainability, and transparency. And producers must navigate increasingly complex supply chains, both domestically and internationally. In this context, the challenge is not only to produce more but to produce smarter, more sustainably, and with stronger linkages to global markets. Doing so will require coordinated efforts across policy, finance, and industry, and a shared vision for the future of Philippine agriculture. A new chapter for Philippine agriculture The Philippine government has taken proactive steps to strengthen and modernise the sector. The Philippine Development Plan 20232028 identifies agricultural transformation as a national priority, aiming to raise productivity, ensure food security, and enable inclusive growth. The Masagana Rice Industry Development Program aims to modernise rice production the countrys staple crop through the adoption of improved technologies and climate-smart farming practices. Meanwhile, the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change programme, a USD 39.2 million initiative supported by international development partners, is building resilience in vulnerable farming communities. While these programmes are vital, their long-term success depends on strong implementation and financing, especially from the private sector. Finance as a lever for change Unlocking the full potential of Philippine agriculture requires more than public policy or grassroots effort. It demands long-term commitment from private sector players who understand the complexity of food systems and are willing to work across borders, sectors, and supply chains. As a bank with deep roots in food and agriculture financing, ING sees our role not just in providing capital, but in helping build the conditions for sustainable growth. For one, we work with companies looking to expand beyond local markets whether thats securing trade flows, entering new regional supply chains, or raising capital to support outbound investment. Our international network gives us a birds-eye view of where opportunities are emerging, and how Philippine firms can tap into them. We also support global food and agriculture players seeking to invest or scale in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Having local expertise on the ground and a presence across key F&A markets in Asia-Pacific enables us to facilitate these connections bringing international ambition and local opportunity into alignment. Our sector focus is another differentiator. Food and agriculture is one of INGs core coverage sectors globally, which means we approach the industry not just as financiers, but as partners who understand the nuances of everything from commodity volatility to processing trends and changing consumer behaviour. That context shapes the way we engage with solutions that are relevant to each clients position in the value chain. Importantly, we see sustainability as integral to long-term competitiveness in the F&A space. Thats why weve been at the forefront of designing financial solutions that link cost of capital to measurable environmental and social outcomes. For instance, ING supported the refinancing of a USD 680 million sustainability-linked facility for global agri-commodities group Sucden, aligning financing terms with measurable progress on responsible sourcing and supply chain decarbonisation. In another example, we arranged a USD 2.1 billion SLL for multinational F&A firm COFCO International, with terms linked to sustainability milestones across its operations and global supply chain. These are more than transactions. They demonstrate how finance can act as a catalyst, and not just a conduit, for long-term transformation. A regional network, rooted in local insight Recognising the strategic importance of Asia-Pacifics food systems, ING deepened our F&A franchise in 2025 by expanding our dedicated sector team across the region. The APAC F&A team is fully embedded within INGs global network, ensuring seamless cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing whether clients are local champions with outbound ambitions or multinationals looking to invest in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, ING has built a long-standing track record across debt capital markets, corporate finance, and strategic advisory. Our Manila branch continues to support leading corporates with tailored solutions ranging from managing currency exposure to structuring complex transactions. In the F&A sector, we are proud to partner with companies as they navigate change whether thats investing in greener operations, building supply chain resilience, or entering new markets. Beyond bilateral engagements, we also convene regional and global dialogues, such as the Food Transformation Forum in the Netherlands, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and financiers to collectively address systemic challenges. These platforms are critical to building trust and shared direction. They also offer valuable insights that can be translated into tangible action in markets like the Philippines. A shared vision for the future The Philippines stands at a pivotal moment. With strong policy direction, a growing consumer base, and natural endowments, it is well-positioned to become a leader in sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia. But success will require a shared commitment from government, business, and finance. ING is proud to be part of this journey, not just as a financier, but as a strategic partner dedicated to long-term impact. With the right partnerships and bold ambition, the Philippines can build a food system that is more productive, inclusive, and resilient setting a benchmark for the region and beyond. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Volunteers will be at McDonalds locations across the Kansas City metro early Friday morning selling this years flag. All of the Red Friday Flag sales benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City. Organizers say youll want to wake up early on Friday to get one of the limited-edition flags before they run out. End Zone Extra: Get the top Chiefs news and insider features all season long Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also pick up a limited-edition flag benefiting RMHC at 5th and Walnut in the City Market on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be photo opportunities with Chiefs cheerleaders, KC Wolf, and the Rumble Drumline. The proceeds benefit RMHC and its mission of serving families with children who are sick. We serve about 5,000 families a year. Some families are with us for six or eight nights, some families are with us for months because their child is waiting for a transplant, or theyre going through something really serious with their childs health care, said Tami Greenberg, the CEO of RMHC KC. So, families, stay with us for days or weeks or months, and were taking care of them at no charge to the family, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is genuinely life-saving on, on a few different levels, said Tiffany Williams, who has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. Williams first stayed at RMHC two-and-a-half years ago when her first daughter was born early. She spent several weeks in intensive care. She was in the NICU for 76 days. And I stayed at the Ronald McDonald house with her the entire time, Williams explained. Were back with a new NICU baby. She was born at 28 weeks and two days, weighing one pound, seven ounces. Shes been here, I think, 110 days. So, were back again. Williams says the services and support at Ronald McDonald House have made all the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Her family isnt from Kansas City, but they quickly felt the love from Chiefs Kingdom. I became a Chiefs fan after our first day here because I saw how much the Chiefs and Hunt family were involved in the Ronald McDonald house. I benefited so much from their involvement. We had players who would come in and sign hats for kids. We would have players come in and bring meals, Williams recalled. I never knew what the flags were until I stayed here. Now, when I see the flags around town, it just feels like a big hug from the community. They may not realize it, they may just be buying fun Chiefs merch, but their contribution directly impacts my life, and its directly impacted the life of my toddler, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicken N Pickle closing all stores nationwide on Tuesday. Heres why. Red Friday is a longstanding tradition in Kansas City. Over the last 12 years, the sale of Red Friday Flags has raised over $6.5 million to support the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. Red Friday flags will be available at McDonalds locations while supplies last. Click the following link for more information on where to purchase one. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As more students are returning to school this week, both law enforcement and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) have a few reminders for drivers. During a one-day survey, Washington school bus drivers documented 542 instances of drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus. Multiplied by the number of days in the school year, the survey results indicate that drivers are illegally passing a school bus in Washington state almost 100,000 times per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, drivers reported the total for the one-day survey was 67,258. In 2024, there were 387 collisions in Washington involving school buses, according to data from the Washington State Patrol. Of those collisions, 70% were the fault of the other drivers, according to OSPI. Drivers should be reminded that they need to stop for school buses that have their lights flashing and/or a retractable stop sign that is engaged. The OSPI has provided graphics for various scenarios for drivers. Heres when you should stop and when you should proceed with caution: Law enforcement is also reminding folks that some areas have speed cameras, so be cognizant of how fast youre going in a school zone, or you could get a hefty citation. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination with the added bus traffic and frequent stops. HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) Students around the Piedmont are back in school. That means school buses are rolling, and youll see a lot of children gathered at bus stops. Drivers need to use caution, but so do children. In Mommy Matters, five things your child should know to stay safe at the bus stop. North Carolina law requires school buses to stop within one mile of a students residence. That means your child may have to walk to the bus stop. Make sure they know to walk against traffic so they can see oncoming cars, and remind them to take their earphones off while theyre walking so they can hear. Make sure they wait out of the road. They should stand on the sidewalk or in the yard while they wait, and its a good idea to stand with other children in one group. Dont talk to strangers who may stop or walk up. If someones bothering them, run home or dial 911 if they have a phone. As the bus pulls up, children should take three steps back from the curb. Give the bus plenty of room and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to board. And avoid walking or stopping in the drivers blind spots. Those are the front and back of the bus. If a child stops to bend over, the driver wouldnt be able to see them. If your child cant see the bus drivers eyes, the bus driver wont see them either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. Several senior Houthi leaders have reportedly fled Sanaa towards fortified hideouts in Saada, Amran, and other areas under Houthi control due to fears of further Israeli airstrikes. Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said that "the remnants of Houthi leadership" are fleeing Sanaa in Yemen. "Like all the leaders of radical Islamist terror, they look after themselves and abandon residents," the defense minister stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katz added that this was how Hamas leaders behaved in Gaza and "in the luxury hotels of Qatar," and "this is how the Houthis act in Yemen." "We knew how to hunt them down this time, and we will know how to do so in the future as well. Houthi leaders flee Sanaa Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq al-Awsat reported that several senior Houthi leaders have fled Sanaa towards fortified hideouts in Saada, Amran, and other areas under Houthi control. Defense Minister Israel Katz on a tour in the Gaza Strip, August 5, 2025. (credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY) High-ranking Houthi officials, including Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the group's ruling council; Abdul Karim al-Houthi, the terror group's interior minister; Abu Ali al-Hakim, the newly appointed head of Houthi intelligence; and Ahmed Hamed, another member of the ruling council, have disappeared from Sanaa in recent days, sources confirmed to Asharq al-Awsat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buses were seen transporting the families of group leaders towards Amran and Saada, sources told Asharq, saying that the terror group is aware that its leaders are direct targets for Israeli airstrikes. According to the report, Houthi leaders and commanders were instructed not to use government buildings or gather in public places. U.S. House Representative Emanuel Cleaver introduces Joe Biden at a campaign rally at the National World War I Museum and Memorial on March 7, 2020 in Kansas City (Kyle Rivas/Getty Images). If Missouri Republicans go through with a plan to gerrymander the states congressional map to do away with a Democrat-leaning seat in Kansas City, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver said Monday he will see them in court. Speaking to reporters at a Labor Day event in Kansas City on Monday, the 11-term Democratic congressman said he has no intention of going quietly into the night as the GOP targets his seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if hes committed to running for another term representing the 5th District even if Republicans break it up into multiple districts Cleaver said: Im committed to going to federal court. I mean, Im not committing to lay down and talk about running, unless Im running to the lawyers office, Cleaver told reporters. Were going to file a lawsuit. Cleaver suggested the fact that the map would rely on outdated population figures may violate the U.S. Constitution. Other Democrats contend the new map would also run into issues with the Missouri Constitution. On Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called lawmakers back to the Capitol this week to redraw the states congressional map. Missouri has eight congressional districts, with two held by Democrats. The new map would carve up Kansas City, nearly all of which is currently in the 5th District, in order to create a new Republican-leaning district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intended result is a map where the GOP holds nearly 90% of the states seats in the U.S. House. The current map was drawn in 2022, following the U.S. Census. Mid-decade redistricting is rare. In Missouri, it hasnt happened since the 1960s. But President Donald Trump, facing a potentially difficult midterm election cycle next year, has demanded GOP-controlled states redraw maps to add more Republican seats. On Friday, Trump praised Kehoe for calling the legislature back into session and instructed state lawmakers to pass the new map AS IS without any changes. Cleaver said the way the districts are drawn makes it clear the map released by the governors office was drawn by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House designed the map, he said. This map was not drawn in Missouri. For proof, Cleaver said look no further than the fact that the Kansas City School District is split between two districts. Thats absolutely crazy, he said. In unveiling the new map, Kehoe insisted it was drawn and created by his team in Missouri. Statelines Jonathon Shorman contributed to this story. This story was updated at 8 a.m. to clarify the current boundaries of the 5th Congressional District. NEW YORK Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the powerful upper West Side liberal, says he wont run for reelection in 2026, citing the need for younger Democratic leaders to power the party into the future. Today, I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election next year and that this term in Congress will be my last, Nadler said in a statement posted on X Tuesday. This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation. Nadler, 78, said in an interview that the drama over former President Joe Bidens initial decision to run for reelection in 2024 and his abrupt withdrawal from the race, convinced him it was important to pass the baton to a more dynamic successor in good time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that, Nadler told the New York Times. He said the need to defend democracy against President Donald Trumps aggressive right-wing push also made his decision more urgent. A certain amount of change is very helpful, especially when we face the challenge of Trump and his incipient fascism, he said. Nadler, who was first elected in 1992, said he plans to remain in office until voters choose a successor in the midterms to represent his deep blue seat, which is the most heavily Jewish congressional district in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race for the district, which was reshaped to also include much of the upper East Side in the most recent round of redistricting, is likely to attract a crowded Democratic primary field. A source close to Nadler said he plans to endorse Assemblyman Micah Lasher, a former aide, to succeed him. Other potential candidates include Assemblyman Alex Bores, New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and longtime state Sen. Liz Krueger. Nadler has generally been reelected with only token opposition over his three-plus decades in Congress. He was forced into a Democratic cage fight with then fellow incumbent lawmaker Rep. Carolyn Maloney in 2022, but he easily defeated her in a primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maloney is now 79 and is not considered likely to be a candidate to replace Nadler in 2026. The dean of the New York delegation, Nadler led Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee throughout Trumps first term and led the first impeachment effort in 2019. But Nadler, who has never been known as a master of backroom politics, was ousted as head of the opposition on the powerful panel by Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, after Trumps reelection last year. Nadlers liberal legacy includes spearheading legalization of same-sex marriage and defense of civil liberties and voting rights. He has built a reputation as a strong supporter of Israel, but has harshly criticized the Jewish state over the bloody war in Gaza. WXIN/WTTV A new report says Indiana has the second-highest rate of fraud against senior citizens in the nation. According to the report from Caring.com Americans over the age of 60 lost $4.8 billion to fraud and scams. Based on population, Indiana ranked second in the nation with 76.9 complaints per 100,000. Only Arizona ranked higher. Indiana was followed by Nevada, Alaska and New Mexico. In addition, the report found Indiana has seen the biggest increase in fraud against older adults over the past three years, rising 240%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This rise in cases could be attributed to Indianas aging population, the report states. By 2030, people aged 65 and over are projected to make up 20.1% of the states population, which could lead to even larger rates of scamming seniors. The writers of the report hope the sobering numbers will encourage families to have conversations about fraud with their older loved ones, as well as encouraging seniors to safeguard themselves. The researchers offered the following suggestions: Avoid Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers create a sense of urgency to rush victims into handing over money or personal information. Watch for Tech Support Scams: Scams where people posed as IT professionals were the most reported fraud type in 2023, with over 17,000 cases involving people over 60. Be Cautious of Cryptocurrency Payments: Seniors lost over $108,000 per case to cryptocurrency scams, often linked to romance scams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTTV CBS4Indy. Under President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Securitys social media channels are beginning to look like a white nationalist content mill, churning out bigoted, jingoistic schlock. A recent report from Hatewatch, the extremism watchdog run by the Southern Poverty Law Center, shows how the agency and top Trump administration officials have ramped up their promotion of white nationalist or anti-immigrant social media posts since June, when the agency reposted anti-immigrant propaganda that originated from an avowedly racist social media account. MSNBC has noted the agencys propaganda in the past, including their use of cruel memes that vilify nonwhite immigrants and of American artworks to promote themes of ethnic cleansing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hatewatch report takes a comprehensive look at these incidents since June, citing an apparent increase in racist propaganda as part of what the watchdog calls an escalating trend in American immigration enforcement toward overt use of white nationalist and anti-immigrant myths to recruit personnel and justify departmental operations. The Department of Homeland Security didnt immediately respond to MSNBCs request for comment on Hatewatchs claims. When asked last month by NBCs Los Angeles affiliate about the campaign, the DHS called its digital strategy bold and effective. Heres one example Hatewatch flagged: In one recruitment poster, published on Aug. 11, a white Uncle Sam caricature in the style of a Norman Rockwell painting stands at a crossroads of directional signs that include such phrases as INVASION, CULTURAL DECLINE, HOMELAND and LAW & ORDER. The poster includes the caption Which way, American man? which appears to be a nod to the influential white nationalist text Which Way Western Man? by William Gayley Simpson. Published by an imprint associated with the neo-Nazi National Alliance, the book is a reflection and critique of society from Simpsons travels. While critical of some aspects of society, it largely frames Western civilization as superior and veers into sexist and antisemitic commentary. To some online observers, like author and conspiracy theory expert Mike Rothschild, this apparent nod to an unabashed bigot was hardly subtle: This is a clear reference to the right wing conspiracy theory book WHICH WAY WESTERN MAN, a work of staggering racism and antisemitism that argues Jews must be "put out and kept out" of western society. https://t.co/zNoYSwLRfV Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd on blu sky) (@rothschildmd) August 12, 2025 The report notes that multiple Trump administration figures in senior leadership roles have ties to racist organizations or have been known to espouse white nationalist themes. That includes border czar Tom Homan, who collaborated with anti-Muslim hate group The United West on his Defend the Border project, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, whose white nationalist views first came under scrutiny during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also refers to multiple posts from DHS that promote the idea of forging friendships or strengthening familial bonds over the targeting of immigrants. And it notes that the agencys social media strategy has been celebrated by known white supremacists like activist Jared Taylor, who called the posts a remarkable change during an episode of his podcast in August. Thats certainly one way to describe the Department of Homeland Securitys embrace of racist propaganda to further the Trump administrations draconian anti-immigrant agenda. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A Republican congressman who is spearheading the push on the right for the Trump administration to release the entirety of the federal governments investigation into Jeffrey Epstein made it clear on Thursday that it will be top on the agenda as Congress returns. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky representative with a history of clashing with the president and his own party, wrote on X that he planned to file a discharge petition forcing a vote on the matter in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, when the House gavels back into session. Lawmakers spent the month of August on their yearly summer recess, during which many members returned home to their districts to meet with constituents. That recess was called early, by Speaker Mike Johnson, to block Massie from filing his petition, in late July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am in DC and I will file the discharge petition today, Sept 2nd, at approximately 2pm when Congress officially returns from the August recess, Massie posted. At that point we can begin collecting the 218 signatures necessary to force a vote on binding legislation to release the Epstein files. Johnson previously called the move by Massie a charade. Thomas Massie says hes optimistic about collecting further Republican support for a petition that would force the federal government to release the Jeffrey Epstein investigation (Getty Images) Massie is joined in leading the petition by Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman from California. As the House called recess in July, the two pledged to relitigate the issue once Congress returned. GOP leadership is unlikely to escape an embarassing vote on the issue in the days ahead if public interest in the investigation retains any of the same potency it exhibited earlier in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was simultaneously facing efforts by Democrats to force votes on Epstein-related amendments in the Rules Committee, as well as efforts by the House Oversight Committee to obtain the files a rare area where the Speaker has been forced to break from Donald Trump and support calls for the files to be released to the Houses top investigative body. The Oversight committee, on Tuesday evening, published more than 33,000 files related to the investigation. The vast majority were previously part of the public record. Massie, in response, told The Independent that he would continue his petition. At least one other Republican, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, signaled that shed sign on as well. Look, if my legislation were redundant, why would the White House be trying to stop it? It's not redundant. There are things that the White House doesn't want out there that my legislation would cause to be released," Massie said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president, meanwhile, has furiously labeled the investigation a hoax in an attempt to move his base off the issue. Meanwhile, there are countless clips of top members of his administration, including Vice President JD Vance, remarking that the files should be released if and when they entered government. Trumps explanation also clashes badly with an effort by his own deputies at the Department of Justice and FBI to publicize the investigation and the Trump administrations supposed transparency around it. Pam Bondi, the attorney general, invited conservative influencers and MAGAworld operatives like Jack Posobiec to the White House earlier this year, where the group received large, flashy folders declaring the contents to be phase one of the Trump administrations Epstein-related releases. Interest remains high among Trumps base for the government to release the Epstein files (AFP/Getty) Phase two never occurred. In early July, the DOJ turned speculation around the adminsitrations delays into full-blown conspiratorial accusations when the agency released a memo with the FBI claiming that the Epstein client list of the convicted sex offenders alleged accomplices did not exist. The agencies further stated that they were closing the book on releasing evidence from the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement enraged followers of the case, whove long speculated that evidence exists tying the billionaire financiers crimes to some of the many powerful and influential persons and institutions with whom he cultivated relationships over his life including President Donald Trump, and former President Bill Clinton. Reporting from the Wall Street Journal subsequently revealed that the DOJ informed the president that his name came up multiple times during a review of the investigation files, though there was no direct assertion of wrongdoing involving Trump. Separately, the outlet reported that the president penned a message for Epsteins 50th birthday card containing a sexually suggestive drawing and a message suggesting the men shared secrets. The president furiously denied the Journals reporting and sued the paper and its owners for $10 billion. Wildlife officials were contacted after three black bear cubs were spotted in a Northern California neighborhood. The Los Angeles Times reported the trio was found wandering in Calaveras County without their mother. Fortunately, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife was able to rescue the animals without incident. They were then taken to the Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center in San Diego, where they were examined by veterinarians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS Sacramento provided footage of the bears after they were rescued: Estimated to be six to seven months old, the cubs' mother was never found. Unfortunately, the female cub was found with irreversible injuries, and it was decided that euthanasia was the inevitable option. "This is never a decision we take lightly, but in cases where an animal's quality of life would be severely compromised, humane euthanasia is sometimes the most compassionate option," veterinary manager Alexis Wohl at the San Diego Humane Society said, per the Times. The two male cubs are now recuperating in the San Diego facility with the goal of being released back into the wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a critical moment for these bears," said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager for the SD Humane Society. "We are doing everything we can to give them the best possible shot at returning to their wild home." The California bear rescue is a great example of how joint community efforts are vital to wildlife conservation. Knowing what to do and how to respond can make a huge difference. If you spot wildlife acting strangely or in locations where they shouldn't be, professionals should be contacted immediately both for human and animal safety. Do not approach or touch wildlife, especially wild bears. Mother bears in particular are known for their protective nature, and they are rarely far from their cubs. They will act accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other bear cub cases, wildlife officials were able to help rescue one tangled in a wire fence by sedating the mother bear first. In an example of what not to do, a group of people ripped two cubs from a tree for a photo op, causing the bears to flee and become separated. A bear cub at large faces a much smaller chance of survival without its mother. Human interaction also puts animals at risk for euthanization for simply doing what comes naturally to them. Taking local action and supporting wildlife conservation organizations can save lives and protect ecosystems. For example, in Spain, a group of rangers put together a bear task force to facilitate relations between endangered brown bears and local communities. Respect for nature and wildlife is crucial to a thriving coexistence. 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. Researchers in Ireland are flying large kites to create renewable electricity, according to an AFP news agency article published by Tech Xplore. Dutch company Kitepower has been testing its system since September 2023 in Bangor Erris, a remote area on Ireland's western coast. The innovation works by connecting a 60-square-meter kite to a generator on the ground through a cable. As the kite flies upward to about 400 meters and reels back down to 190 meters repeatedly, it creates enough force to spin the generator and produce electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This yo-yo motion generates about 30 kilowatts of power that gets stored in batteries. The current setup can fully charge a 336-kilowatt-hour battery system, enough electricity to power remote outposts, isolated communities, or temporary work sites. The kite system solves several challenges traditional wind turbines face. Unlike turbines that need costly foundations built over time, these kites can be deployed within 24 hours. They're also portable, making them ideal for areas where conventional wind farms aren't practical. "We are witnessing a revolution in wind energy," Andrei Luca, operations head at Kitepower, told AFP. "It took nearly 25 years for wind turbines to evolve from 30 kilowatt prototypes to megawatt scale, and decades to offshore wind farms we see today." The technology proved itself during Storm Eowyn in January, which caused widespread blackouts across Ireland. While many households lost power, the kite system continued generating electricity throughout the severe weather event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This breakthrough comes at an important time for Ireland, where wind already supplies about one-third of the nation's electricity. The government aims to produce 20 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2040. Kite systems could help reach these goals faster while reducing dependence on oil and gas. Airborne wind systems' flexibility makes them valuable for remote communities and mobile operations. They require minimal infrastructure compared to turbines and leave a smaller footprint on the landscape. As costs decrease and efficiency improves, multiple kites working together could power entire islands. Mahdi Salari, an airborne wind energy researcher at the University of Cork, told AFP he expects these systems to become commercially viable by the 2030s, changing how we capture wind power in locations where traditional turbines can't reach. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Three years after a Pittsburgh-area coal plant closed, research has discovered that children's asthma-related visits to the ER dropped by more than 41%. According to Philly Voice, the Shenango Coke Works in Avalon shut down in 2016 after years of public outcry. The plant operated for over 50 years and produced a concentrated form of coal commonly called "coke," which is used in steel manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coke plants are known for releasing high levels of dangerous pollutants like benzene, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. A study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, found that the closure has had a profoundly positive impact on the health of local children. "Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that reducing fossil-fuel-related air pollution emissions produces especially large public health benefits, both in the short and longer term," the researchers said, per Philly Voice. The researchers also found a 20.5% drop in weekly respiratory visits among the general population following the closure, along with long-term declines in hospital visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These findings come as many communities across the globe are turning away from coal. For instance, the U.K. shut down its last coal plant in September 2024. One Utah coal town is transitioning into a clean energy leader as it completes a hydrogen-capable power plant. In an interview with Inside Climate News, George Thurston, a professor at New York University's School of Medicine, noted that pollution caused by coke making is especially harmful, saying that it's like "coal-fired power plant particles, but on steroids." However, he added that the health impacts of these plants are indicative of the broader health threat from dirty energy sources, which also include oil and natural gas. "We're all exposed to [pollution from dirty energy] every single day," he told ICN. "We're bathed in it. All throughout our lives, day and night, every day of the week, we're exposed to this when we drive on roads, when we get on a train, when we go to the city. I know because I carry an air monitor around with me, and I see the exposures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, retiring coal is not just a win for clean air, but it will also help curb the overheating of our planet dirty energy sources produce over 75% of all planet-warming pollution, according to the United Nations. "The immediate respiratory health benefits observed are consistent with the significant large reduction of airway irritants, and longer-term reductions may represent lung repair following the closure," the study's authors concluded, as Philly Voice shared. "These lung health benefits from reduced fossil fuel air pollution appear remarkably consistent with the lung function and airway inflammation benefits experienced by smokers with asthma after they quit smoking." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Pete Kurtz-Glovas served as deputy director of regional partnerships for American Universitys Polarization & Extremism Research Innovation Lab, which has helped launch initiatives in two cities to address extremism as a public health issue. (Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News) Rebecca Kasen has seen and heard things in recent years in and around Michigans capital city that she never would have expected. Its a very weird time in our lives, said Kasen, executive director of the Womens Center of Greater Lansing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last November, a group of people were captured on surveillance video early one morning mocking a Black Lives Matter sign in the front window of the center, with one of them vandalizing its free pantry. That same fall, Womens Center staff reported being harassed. A couple of blocks down East Michigan Avenue, Strange Matter Coffee, which supports progressive causes in the community, has been confronted by First Amendment auditors outside its storefront. Some toted guns or cameras, sometimes chanting slogans supporting President Donald Trump, generally unnerving customers and staff, Kasen said. In many cases, extremist activities and conduct throughout the U.S. over the past few years have been driven by the deepening chasm of political partisanship and disinformation-driven rebellion against responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. More recently, backlash against immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has heightened tensions. Last year, the Southern Poverty Law Center documented 1,371 hate and extremist groups nationwide sowing unrest through a wide range of tactics, sometimes violent. Over the last several years, the group writes, the political right has increasingly shifted toward an authoritarian, patriarchal Christian supremacy dedicated to eroding the value of inclusive democracy and public institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers at American Universitys Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab, or PERIL, say that in online spaces, hate is intersectional. (For example, Pasha Dashtgard, PERILs director of research, explains, platforms dedicated to male supremacy are often also decidedly antisemitic.) Seemingly innocuous discussions erupt into vitriol: The release of A Minecraft Movie prompted tirades against an alleged trend toward casting Black women and nonbinary people. The continued escalations drove staffers at PERIL and the Southern Poverty Law Center to approach the problem from a different angle: Treat extremism as a public health problem. Community Advisory, Resource, and Education Centers are now operating in Lansing, Michigan, and Athens, Georgia, offering training, support, referrals, and resources to communities affected by hate, discrimination, and supremacist ideologies and to people susceptible to radicalization, with a focus on young people. The team defines extremism as the belief that ones group is in direct and bitter conflict with another of a different identity ideology, race, gender identity, or expression fomenting an us-versus-them mentality mired in the conviction that resolution can come only through separation, domination, or extermination. Researchers who study extremism say that, as the federal government terminates grants for violence prevention, state governments and local communities are recognizing theyre on their own. (CARE receives no federal funding.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Flanagan, the Southern Poverty Law Centers deputy director for prevention and partnerships, said his organization and PERIL came together about five years ago to examine a shared research question: What would it take to create a nationally scalable model to prevent youth radicalization, one thats rooted in communities and provides solutions residents trust? They looked to a decades-old German counterextremism model called mobile advisory centers. The objective is to equip all levels of civil society with the skills and knowledge to recognize extremism and to engage in conversations about addressing it, Dashtgard said. Were not about, How do you respond to a group of Patriot Front people marching through your town? Pete Kurtz-Glovas, who until June served as PERILs deputy director for regional partnerships, explained during a training in January. Rather, How do you respond when your son or a member of your congregation expresses some of these extremist ideas? Tim McVeigh Michigan has long been considered fertile ground for extremism. Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, convicted of the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, were associated with a militia group in the state. Some of the men charged in 2020 in the plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had ties to a militia group calling itself the Wolverine Watchmen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states capital city and adjacent East Lansing, where Michigan State University is, are relatively progressive but have seen conflict. Will Verchereau has a vivid recollection from the early days of the pandemic: a pickup truck speeding down the street in their Lansing neighborhood, a Confederate flag flying from it, music blasting, later joining a rolling protest that clogged streets around the Capitol to protest Whitmers covid lockdown directives. Incrementally, the community has responded to these expressions of extremism. After the confrontations at Strange Matter Coffee, Verchereau, a board member of the Salus Center, which advocates for and supports the LGBTQ+ community, said people banded together to talk about how to be safe in those moments; how to de-escalate when and where possible. The CARE initiative reinforces such efforts. The centers offer tool kits catered to specific audiences. Among them are a parent and caregiver guide to online radicalization, a community guide to youth radicalization, and Not Just a Joke: Understanding & Preventing Gender- & Sexuality-Based Bigotry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan said the team views this public health model as separate from but complementary to law enforcement interventions. The goal is to have law enforcement as minimally engaged as possible to detect nascent warning signs and address them before police get involved. The resources help identify conditions that can make people more susceptible to manipulation by extremists, such as unaddressed behavioral health issues and vulnerabilities, including having experienced trauma or the loss of a loved one. Lansing resident Erin Buitendorp witnessed protesters, some of them armed, flood the state Capitol building during the pandemic over lockdown and masking orders. Shes a proponent of the public health approach. Its providing people with agency and a strategy to move forward, she said. Its a way to channel energy and feel like you can actually create change with community. Lansing and Athens were chosen for a number of reasons, including their proximity to universities that could serve as partners and to rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the small town of Howell, 40 miles southeast of Lansing, protesters waived Nazi flags outside a production of the play The Diary of Anne Frank at an American Legion post. In nearby DeWitt, the local school district proposed a mini lesson on pronouns for a first grade class that involved reading the picture book They She He Me: Free to Be! Threats against school staff followed and officials canceled the lesson. Since then, the CARE team has helped provide support to teachers there in holding conversations on contentious topics in classrooms and in dealing with skeptical parents. Its really important that rural communities not be left behind, Flanagan said. They persistently are in America, and then theyre often simultaneously demonized for some of the most extreme, or extremist, political problems and challenges. National plans The CARE team hopes to expand its program nationwide. Similar public health initiatives have been launched elsewhere, including Boston Childrens Hospitals Trauma and Community Resilience Center and the DEEP program, run by New York Citys Citizens Crime Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in June a new tool, the Reach Out Resource Hub, went live, offering guidance to help prevent violent extremism. Pete Simi, a professor of sociology at Chapman University and a leading expert on extremism, sees a daunting task ahead, with extremisms having become more mainstream over the past 25 years. Its just devastating, he said. Its really startling. Simi said that while there was previously talk of shifts in the Overton window, the range of ideas considered politically acceptable to mainstream society, I would say now it has been completely shattered. Violent extremists now feel unshackled, supported by a new administration that has their back. We are in a more dangerous time now than any other in my lifetime, Simi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Pippin Whitaker ministers the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens in Georgia, which last year received a package of ammunition in the mail with no note included. She embraces framing extremism, and peoples lack of awareness of it, as a public health issue. If you have a germ out there, Whitaker said, and people arent aware that if you wash your hands you can protect yourself, and that its an actual problem, you wont enact basic protective behavior. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Trail cameras in a key wildlife corridor near the southern U.S. border captured images of an elusive apex predator. As the Washington Post reported, night-vision cameras in southern Arizona confirmed the rare sighting of a jaguar on the U.S. side of the border. The cameras were set up at the San Rafael Valley wildlife corridor, where jaguars, bears, and other endangered species freely traverse between the two nations. Research at the University of Arizona's Wild Cat Center has been aware of the jaguar's presence in the United States for some time. Dubbed Jaguar Number Four, the adult male was first detected in 2023 and resurfaced earlier this year after a long absence. Jaguar Number Four's return sparked considerable excitement. The center's director, Susan Malusa, said she received a text from a volunteer saying, "We got him." Photo Credit: Facebook As an apex predator, jaguars perform a valuable role in the ecosystem by keeping their prey populations in check. They prevent overgrazing by herbivores, and they leave behind carrion for scavengers. They are the third largest cat in the world and boast the most powerful jaws on a pound-for-pound basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaguars' historic range in the U.S. once extended as far north as the Grand Canyon, but now only the odd wandering male is ever seen north of the border. Due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as hunting, jaguars have been extirpated from the United States since the last female jaguar was shot in the 1960s, per Panthera. Hopes of eventually reintroducing jaguars into the area face a looming threat: a proposed extension of the border wall. If this goes through, it will close the wildlife corridor in San Rafael and permanently sever habitat connectivity in the borderlands. However, the plan is facing substantial legal challenges from conservation groups. The story highlights the critical role that trail cameras can play in wildlife conservation. In some cases, it can be pivotal in educating and forming local strategies for protecting species based on an accurate picture of their range and numbers. In this instance, the images are a potent reminder of the lasting consequences of attempting to bypass regulations for political expediency. 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. CHICAGO -- The latest weapon in Chicagos war against rats is plant-based, naturally flavored and nutritious. Its a birth control pellet made with corn and peanuts, and a team of researchers and volunteers will be serving it to discerning rats in a four-block area of Lincoln Park for a year. The aim is to reduce the rat population without harming urban wildlife, including owls and hawks, which can die after eating poisoned rodents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study was sparked by the high-profile deaths of three beloved Lincoln Park owls mom, dad and owlet who made their home near North Pond and died in rapid succession last April and May. The deaths were all linked to rat poison, which causes internal bleeding. We just realized we had to do something, said Judy Pollock, former president of the Chicago Bird Alliance, which raised $32,000 for the study and is working with partners including the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation and 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen. The Chicago study comes at a time when the poisonings of high-profile birds of prey have helped launch rat contraception studies in New York and Boston. New York lost Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl, who famously flourished in the city after escaping the Central Park Zoo, to a 2024 building collision. But testing showed Flaco had been exposed to a level of rat poison that would have been debilitating and ultimately fatal even without the accident and may have made the accident more likely, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, a barred owl known as Owen was rescued near Bostons Faneuil Hall after ingesting rat poison. Owen lost an eye but survived. The Lincoln Park owls nested in an easily accessible park, and some fans would visit them on a daily basis. Then all three owls died in the course of a single month. It was really sad and there were a lot of people that watched it and as a result, I think, a lot of people are very interested in our work, Pollock said. The contraceptive pellets, which are distributed in black feeding stations about the size of a traditional rat-bait box, look a lot like dry cat food and are sized for carrying (by a rat). The active ingredient is an extract of thunder god vine, an Asian plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thunder god vine, which is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, has a notable side effect: It can decrease fertility, according to Alaina Gonzalez-White, director of operations at Wisdom Good Works, the Arizona nonprofit that is supplying the contraceptive used in the Chicago study. The Wisdom Good Works contraceptive targets both male and female rats, Gonzalez-White said, interrupting ovulation in the females and inhibiting sperm development in the males. While standard rat poisons accumulate in the animals body, the active ingredient in the Good Works contraceptive is rapidly metabolized in the rats liver. The rats need to continue to consume the pellets to maintain the contraceptive effect. The contraceptive is formulated for rats and mice, so other animals would have to eat very large amounts to be rendered infertile, and even then, the effect would be reversible, according to Wisdom Good Works founder Loretta Mayer, who spoke at a recent webinar hosted by the Chicago Bird Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayer, the co-inventor of the contraceptive, which is called Good Bites, said that Wisdom Good Works hasnt seen any negative effects on birds, dogs or squirrels. During a study in the historic Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston that began in 2023, the rat population declined by 56% to 70% over the course of 16 months, Mayer said. Asked if Chicago could expect similar results, Mayer quipped: Well, if I knew that Id be in Las Vegas, making my fortune. Our experience tells us that a 50% reduction would be an expected reduction. She added, If I were a betting woman, Id probably bet somewhere around a 60-65% reduction level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contraceptives address the great challenge of rat control: the animals rapid rate of reproduction, according to Maureen Murray, assistant director of the One Health initiative at Lincoln Park Zoo. Murray, who is leading the Chicago rat contraception study, said rats can breed every three weeks, and they produce up to 12 pups in a litter. Two rats can produce about 1,250 rats in the course of a year, according to the global pest control company Rentokil. Killing a rat does, of course, end reproduction, but its incredibly difficult to kill enough rats to make a lasting dent in the population, Murray said. And when you kill rats, the remaining animals will multiply faster, because they have more access to resources such as food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago rat contraception study will monitor the effects of the contraceptives using multiple measures. Researchers will look at how much of the contraceptive is consumed, how many rats are visiting the feeding stations, and how much rat activity is picked up at separate stations dubbed rat cams. The rat cams upside down buckets with wildlife cameras hanging from the ceiling and peanut butter inside will be stationed in areas where rats travel, such as along fences. Small holes in the buckets will allow the rats to enter and exit. The researchers will also be using the rat cams to monitor four neighboring blocks where contraceptive pellets wont be distributed. Thats to help assure the researchers that any drop in the rat population in the area with pellets is due to contraception, rather than broader factors such as weather or sanitation. A rats range varies, but the animals typically stay within an area smaller than a city block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 50% reduction in rats would be a great outcome for the study, said Gloria Pittman, Chicago deputy commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation, at the Chicago Bird Alliance webinar. Streets and Sanitation helped choose the areas where the contraceptive is being placed and is part of the team that is monitoring the results. Knudsen, the 43rd Ward alderman, said in a news release that if all goes well with the study and he believes it will he wants to pitch a citywide rat contraception program. It would be great if contraception could be one of the tools in the tool kit for rats, said Murray. Im not sure that any one single tool is going to be the best in all scenarios, but I think having another tool so that we are less reliant on rat poison will benefit everyone. It will benefit people, it will benefit pets and it will benefit wildlife. Florida backyards are known for their sunny pools and palm trees but sometimes the neighbors that show up aren't exactly welcome. A viral TikTok video shows the shocking moment a sheriff's deputy pulled an alligator from a swimming pool with his bare hands, leaving residents horrified. What's happening? In the clip, a St. John's County Sheriff's officer can be seen casually reaching into a backyard pool and hauling out a young alligator. He cradles the reptile against his chest while chatting with the startled homeowners its underbelly scales visible in the body cam. "Well, I'll load him up in the back of my car," the deputy says, explaining he'll take the gator to a pond far from residential areas. In the body cam footage, he's even spotted tucking the animal into the back seat and buckling it in with a seat belt a moment that has viewers laughing in disbelief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one homeowner summed it up: "Florida grown at its finest." However, one TikTok user was stunned, "I could never live somewhere where this species of animal is just a casual neighborhood nuisance." Why is this gator sighting concerning? This run-in might look funny on video, but it points to a bigger problem. As more people move to Florida and neighborhoods spread into wetlands and forests, animals get displaced from the places they once called home. With less space to hunt or find water, gators along with bears, coyotes, and even the occasional panther are showing up where people live. And while most of these encounters end without anyone getting hurt, they are not harmless. Relocated animals often have a tough time adjusting, and frightened wildlife can lash out or injure themselves. The more development pushes into wild areas, the more likely these kinds of surprise backyard visits will happen. What's being done about it? In this case, the officer gave the gator a new start by moving it to a nearby pond, far from people. Florida's wildlife officers handle thousands of calls like this every year, trying to keep both residents and animals safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a bigger scale, there are projects working to lower the chances of run-ins altogether. Florida has been creating wildlife corridors stretches of land that let animals move around without cutting into neighborhoods or roads. Conservation groups are also restoring habitats so animals have safer places to live. Homeowners can help, too. Keeping pools and yards secure, never feeding wild animals, and supporting local conservation work all make a difference. At the end of the day, looking out for wildlife is also a way of looking out for our own communities. 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. Kenya's decades-old secondhand clothing trade faces a troubling side effect: mountains of textile waste that can't be reused, polluting the environment and threatening public health, according to Le Monde. What's happening? Nairobi's Gikomba market the largest secondhand clothing market in East Africa relies on hundreds of containers of used clothing that arrive each month through the port of Mombasa. In 2023 alone, Kenya imported nearly $298 million worth of used clothing, much of it donated or discarded in the U.S., Europe, and China. The trade supports roughly 2 million jobs, from wholesalers and porters to tailors and resellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's nothing we can do with them," Solomon Njoroge, head of a Kenyan waste-picker association, told Le Monde of the piles of waste at a Nairobi area landfill. High-quality pieces, called cameras in Swahili, according to Le Monde, are quickly sorted and sold. But a large share of what arrives especially cheaply made fast fashion can't be reused. These unsellable garments pile up in dumps and open landfills, where they leach chemicals into soil and clog waterways. Nonprofits like Africa Collect Textile (ACT) are trying to curb the waste by salvaging fabric to create new products and jobs. Even so, about 40% of imported textiles end up in landfills like Dandora, where thousands of waste pickers work daily amid toxic smoke and unsafe conditions. Why is this textile waste important? Discarded textiles pose serious environmental and health risks. Many fast-fashion garments contain plastics and harmful chemicals that don't break down. Open-air burning of these clothes releases hazardous fumes, worsening air quality and causing respiratory illnesses such as asthma among waste pickers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fires at Gikomba have destroyed property and, in past incidents, killed people. With an estimated 300 million synthetic garments entering Kenya each year, the environmental toll keeps growing. What's being done about textile waste? Local initiatives are offering some hope. ACT turns salvaged textiles into uniforms and other products. Co-founder Elmar Stroomer told Le Monde, "Thanks to the circular economy, we create jobs, preserve traditional crafts and fight textile waste." Entrepreneurs such as Tatiana Teixeira, founder of AfroWema, are finding creative ways to repurpose denim and other fabrics, proving that old clothes can have new life. For everyday consumers, shopping secondhand and donating usable clothing can help. Thrifting keeps clothes out of landfills, saves money, and reduces the demand for fast fashion that drives this growing global problem. 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 building that housed a landmark restaurant where generations of Greece residents gathered for meals, weddings, banquets and other important events, is getting a new tenant. Nativos Restaurante & Club plans to move into the old Dutch Mill space at 2901 Dewey Ave., vacant since 2022, having secured a special-use permit, with conditions, from the Greece Town Board at its Aug. 21 meeting. The conditions are based on concerns raised by neighbors at a public hearing in July. What are the plans for Nativos Restaurante & Club? Nativos will offer indoor live music and DJs, dancing, dance lessons and games and serve food and alcoholic drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will occupy only a portion of the Dutch Mill building 3,044 square feet on the first floor, according to Aug. 21 meeting minutes. What did the Greece Town Board do to address residents' concerns? The board stipulated that use of the second floor would violate the permit. And there will be no outdoor seating or cooking. Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. (Originally, the owner proposed staying open as late as 2 a.m. some nights.) The building will be soundproofed to avoid excessive noise in the densely developed neighborhood, which includes retail businesses, a private school, churches and single-family homes. The nearest single-family home is within 230 feet of the 2901 Dewey. The business will provide its own security to prevent disturbances and littering, and it will discourage guests from parking on side streets. (There is public parking in the vicinity of the address.) The Town Board will review reports provided by the Greece Police Department, code compliance officials and the Greece fire marshal about any disturbances, violations or complaints, which could result in the permit being modified or revoked. What was The Dutch Mill restaurant in Greece, NY? The distinctive Dutch Mill at 2901 Dewey Ave. in Greece began in 1928 as a hot dog stand, evolved into a full-service restaurant and bar, and closed in 2022. The Dutch Mills roots dated to 1928, when Leon Cox, founder of the Barnard Fire Department, and his wife, Bertha, opened a hot dog stand in a building on the site. Leon built a miniature Dutch windmill to use as ornamentation. "Bertha thought Old Mill would be a good name for their business, while Leon suggested Dutch Mill," the Greece Historical Society reported. "Drawing straws resulted in Leons choice, and the Dutch Mill opened with the windmill on top of the small building." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Prohibition ended, the business evolved into a restaurant and bar. Besides the mini windmill (complete with turning blades) on top of the building, Dutch boy and girl figurines adorned the restaurants tables. Over the years, the Coxes and three sets of subsequent owners remodeled and expanded the two-story structure, which now measures 8,500 square feet. The business closed permanently three years ago, and the building was purchased by Flaum Management. The Dutch Mills last owners, Ann Marie and Bob Simmons, went on to open the Valley Inn in Honeoye, Ontario County. (This story was updated to correct an inaccuracy.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Nativos Restaurante & Club to open in Dutch Mill building in Greece NY President Herzog joins pupils in Kiryat Shmona as schools reopen following war-time evacuation. Enrollment drops by nearly 1,000 since 2023. Riki Rahamim arrived at Rambam Elementary School in Kiryat Shmona on Monday morning, not as a teacher but as a retiree. After 46 years of service, she came to show support as the school year began. Although I will not be teaching this year, I am excited by the moment of opening the school year, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rahamim, who came to assist younger teachers, noted the significance of the day. This year, the day is not a normal day. Last year, for the first time, the first day of school was not celebrated here. Now we have returned home. President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal, joined pupils at the state religious school to mark the occasion. Population drop highlights postwar challenges While the atmosphere was festive, the data reflected a different picture. At the beginning of the 2023-4 academic year, five weeks before October 7, Kiryat Shmona was home to approximately 5,700 children and teenagers aged 0 to 18. Israeli president Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal visit Israeli kids on the first day of the school year in Kiryat Shmona, September 1, 2025. (credit: Eyal margolin / Flash 90) Two years later, that number has dropped to around 4,650, a decline of roughly 1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most significant decrease occurred in preschools. The number of children aged 3 to 6 fell from 903 in 2023/24 to 695 this year. The 0 to 3 age group also declined by around 350. At Rambam Elementary School, where Herzog visited, 124 pupils are now enrolled in grades 1 through 6, 28 fewer than two years ago. At its peak, the school had more than 300 pupils. Now we have become a boutique school, said a staff member. Rahamim reflected on the broader exodus. Many families have not yet returned to the city, and it pains me, she said. Young people leaving was always a problem. Over the years, we lost a significant part of our future generation. Many young, well-off families left for surrounding communities, moshavim and kibbutz expansions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the war, there was another wave. Some discovered the Center and stayed for reasons such as employment or proximity to family. Some retirees also remained in the Center, near their children and grandchildren. My three daughters, for example, no longer live here, she added. New pupils bring hope Still, there were signs of renewal. Noam, a new sixth grader who moved with his family from Mevo Horon, said he was excited to begin at a new school and make new friends. President Herzog and Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avihai Stern met with first graders, who shared where they had lived during the evacuation. Families were dispersed across the country, from Eilat in the south to Beit Hashita and Tiberias in the north. Kiryat Shmona is a symbol, a deep symbol in the national consciousness of the people of Israel, Herzog told the children. It was a symbol even before you were born, and in the past two years, it became an even greater symbol because Kiryat Shmona stood on the front line, on the border, facing a terrible and relentless assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People changed their entire lives. You left your homes. Some of you stayed to defend the community. And now we are here, a symbol of courage, a symbol of victory. Kiryat Shmona won thanks to its residents, its children, its parents, and its alumni. Everyone stood strong together, and everyone is returning to live here to continue developing the city. We want it to grow, develop, and expand, together with all the communities of the North. First anthroposophic kindergarten opens in Upper Galilee Despite the overall decline in enrollment, the new school year brought renewal to the region. The Kiryat Shmona Municipality, together with the Upper Galilee and Mevoot HaHermon regional councils, opened the areas first anthroposophic kindergarten. Located in Kiryat Shmona, the kindergarten will serve children aged 3 to 6 from the city and nearby communities. It will be led by Avigail Ben-Simon, an educator who integrates forest pedagogy with Waldorf teaching methods. The kindergarten will emphasize a nurturing, creative environment, enabling each child to develop at their own pace and in close connection with nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative was described by local authorities as a milestone in regional cooperation. New excellence center launched The municipality also established a new excellence center in partnership with the YASA Excellence School in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, and the planned Kiryat Shmona and Galilee University. The center will provide morning enrichment activities across city schools and afternoon programs aimed at cultivating various fields of excellence. The initiative is led by Dr. Aliza Bloch, president of YASA and former mayor of Beit Shemesh. Bloch, who moved to Kiryat Shmona two years ago, has been closely involved in the citys educational recovery. A former aide to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr was reportedly so upset at being fired earlier this summer that she accidentally backed her car into his. Hannah Anderson, who served as Kennedys deputy chief of staff for policy, was dismissed along with then-chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson on July 16 after just six months in the role. According to The Wall Street Journal, Anderson was so distraught at her removal that she subsequently suffered the embarrassing auto mishap. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jrs car was reportedly damaged by an employee who was upset at being fired (Getty) CNN reported at the time that Flick Melanson had moved to fire Anderson over dissatisfaction with her job performance but did not go about it through the proper channels, taking the White House by surprise and angering Kennedy, who dismissed her in turn. But Flick Melanson disputed that version of events, telling the network instead: Its simple. I was not fired. I resigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to her stint at HHS, Anderson had previously been a Republican staffer on Capitol Hill and had advised first the Senate GOP and then the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute think-tank on healthcare. The detail about her subsequent car accident was revealed in the WSJs report into the state of turmoil within Kennedys Make America Healthy Again movement, which it characterizes as a fractious coalition of vaccine skeptics or medical freedom activists healthy eating advocates, and critics of pesticides, microplastics and corporate power. The movement consists of many Kennedy supporters who backed him long before he rose to power as an associate of President Donald Trump, many of whom have differing views or were attracted by different aspects of his messaging and all of whom expect results now that he is in a position of real authority. Hannah Anderson, former deputy chief of staff for policy to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who was dismissed in July (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) The WSJ offers the forced resignation of Dr Vinay Prasad as the top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration on July 29 as an example of departmental chaos, saying his ousting came about in part because of a pressure campaign orchestrated by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who was opposed to his progressive background and past support for Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prasad had also clashed with different factions within the movement over his opposition to biotech firm Sarepta Therapeutics and decision to stop the shipment of one of its drugs used to treat muscular dystrophy. Kennedy had reportedly fought to save Prasad and eventually succeeded, with the help of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, in persuading Trumps formidable White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that he should be allowed to return, which was duly announced on August 9. The state of upheaval within Kennedys HHS came to public attention much more dramatically last week when Susan Monarez stepped down as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after less than a month in the job following a clash with the secretary over vaccine policy, prompting a number of other officials to follow her through the door issuing stark warnings about the CDCs future. But vaccines are not the only point of contention within the HHS, according to the newspaper. The secretarys anti-pesticide drive has also placed him at odds with the administration over its priorities for the agricultural sector and his claim that glyphosate, the key ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup, causes cancer has been met with alarm within the White House, which earlier this year reportedly asked him not to mention it in public again. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Research shows that chronic absenteeism is associated with negative consequences for students, and state leaders in Rhode Island are continuing their efforts to help prevent that. On Tuesday, Gov. Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) kicked off this years Attendance Matters RI campaign. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days in a year, or roughly two days a month. Officials say it impacts students performance in the classroom and its the single strongest predictor of dropping out before graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State leaders have been looking at ways to improve attendance since the pandemic. They said its one of the biggest challenges that schools have faced over the past five years. We really want parents to know that if their child is feeling good, they should be in school, McKee noted. Too many absences? RI students may be held back under new policy Despite the ongoing challenge, state leaders celebrated the tremendous progress thats been made recently. The states chronic absenteeism rate declined for the third straight year, from 24.7% in 2023-24 to 22.1% last school year, which equates to more than 142,000 fewer absences statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we kick off the campaign for the upcoming year, its important we recognize our progress, but also keep in mind that too many kids are still missing school too often, Infante-Green said. Chronic absenteeism peaked at 34.1% in Rhode Islands 2021-22 school year, according to the states data. McKee and Infante-Green released new guidance for districts and also announced a new online heat map which shows when and where absences are happening. In addition to student absences, Infante-Green told 12 News the state is working to overcome a teacher shortage. It is a problem nationwide, she said. We really need our schools of higher education to focus on special education, bilingual education, science and math. Those are areas that theres always been a shortage, and now it is exacerbated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 70+ classroom vacancies on first day of school in Providence is lowest in five years Stay with 12 News for more Back to School coverage throughout the week. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks later, the Trump administration abruptly halted construction on Revolution Wind, a project already 80% completed and set to begin delivering power to Rhode Island and Connecticut in mid-2026. Predictions of economic and environmental harms quickly solidified, leaving workers stranded at sea, regional grid reliability under threat and state decarbonization mandates potentially out of reach. The invocation of the Wind Memorandum to issue a Stop Work Order for the fully permitted Revolution Wind project as it nears completion will harm Rhode Island, its residents, our strong labor workforce, and our offshore wind and related industries, Kearns wrote in a second affidavit on Aug 28. Moreover, it will harm our efforts to diversify our energy system and increase reliability. The consequences for Rhode Islands only commercial offshore wind project will feature heavily in a Sept. 4 federal court hearing, where a group of 18 Democratic state attorneys general, including Rhode Islands Peter Neronha, will ask U.S. District Judge William Young of Massachusetts to throw out the Trump administrations Jan. 20 executive order halting reviews of offshore wind projects. The Revolution stop-work order provides another example of the harmful effects of Defendants arbitrary decision to adopt and implement the Wind Directive to stop wind-energy development in our States, the AGs wrote in an Aug. 28 court filing. And it underscores the importance of prompt vacatur of that decision to enable projects in and beyond the permitting pipeline to proceed toward development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Revolution stop-work order provides another example of the harmful effects of Defendants arbitrary decision to adopt and implement the Wind Directive to stop wind-energy development in our States. Attorneys generals in an Aug. 28 filing as part of a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration The court hearing in Boston was scheduled two months before the Revolution Wind project was suddenly put in jeopardy, prompted by a multistate lawsuit filed in May against the Trump administration. The initial complaint centered on offshore wind projects still awaiting federal approvals, like the SouthCoast Wind project proposed off the coast of Marthas Vineyard, from which Rhode Island is also in negotiations to buy power. Revolution Wind did not appear at risk, having already begun construction soon after receiving its final federal permit in November 2023. Stuck in limbo Little comfort now to the dozen millwrights idled aboard Wind Scylla in Rhode Island Sound for over a week, who were building turbines when the stop work order came through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were still waiting for an answer from the companies and the contractors on whats going on, Evan Wytas, business representative for Millwrights Local 1121, said in an interview Friday morning. We havent gotten any word that they are on their way back, or when that will be. Meanwhile, another two dozen union trade workers scheduled to head out to the construction site Aug. 28 are still on land, waiting by the phone for the call that they can head to work, said Erica Hammond, legislative director for the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Workers are still getting paid for now, Hammond confirmed, though those who remain onshore much longer might have to file for unemployment, depending on the specific details of their contracts. It is very frustrating, Hammond said. To stop now, in the case of this specific project, its a waste of resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were still waiting for an answer from the companies and the contractors on whats going on. We havent gotten any word that they are on their way back, or when that will be. Evan Wytas, business representative for Millwrights Local 1121 on the millwrights stranded at sea More than 1,000 union workers have spent the last two years building the 65-turbine project, 40 of which have been installed, as well as a pair of substations that will connect the power supply to Rhode Island and Connecticut. The 704 megawatts of nameplate capacity is enough to power 350,000 homes across both states, equal to 2.5% of the electricity load throughout New England, Kearns said in his affidavit. The renewable electricity supply has already been baked into Rhode Islands clean energy portfolio and is crucial to meeting the 2021 Act on Climate Law, which mandates net-zero emissions by 2050 with incremental, legally enforceable benchmarks that kick in at the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Revolution Wind, a renewable energy project that is right at the finish line, and which would add 400MW to our clean energy portfolio, must move forward, Neronha said in a statement Friday. Billions in investment, more than 1,000 jobs, and an energy future that helps, not hurts, generations to come, are all on the line. For this reason, we formally notified the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts of the Presidents unlawful stop work order and the harm it will cause to Rhode Islanders. We cannot allow this Administration to stop this project, and we will continue to explore additional legal avenues to prevent them from doing so. DOT yanks port funding The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday it was pulling $679 million in federal infrastructure grants tied to 12 doomed offshore wind projects across the country. Among the casualties: an $11.2 million grant for Quonset Development Corp. to upgrade its port, improving terminal access for offshore wind projects along with strengthening resiliency against sea level rise. The Quonset Development Corporation is disappointed by this decision but understands that this administration is working to fund projects in line with its current policy priorities, Steven King, managing director for the quasi-public state agency, said in an emailed response Friday. Given that the Quonset Business Parks 250 companies work broadly across nearly every sector of the economy, including in shipbuilding, we believe there is common ground to pursue and look forward to working together on new grant projects that align with the administrations objectives and that grow the economy. Gov. Dan McKee was not as forgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision undermines progress on critical infrastructure and threatens Rhode Islands economic and energy future, McKee said in a statement late Friday afternoon. The Port of Davisville and the broader Quonset Business Park are vital hubs for manufacturing, shipping, and energy, including the states offshore wind industry. This funding would have modernized port infrastructure and expanded cargo capacity. By withdrawing it, the Trump administration is undermining a high-performing port that drives real economic output, strengthens regional supply chains, and plays a central role in advancing energy and long-term growth for Rhode Island and across the Northeast. The Sept. 4 hearing in Boston will also give the federal agencies and cabinet directors named as defendants a chance to present their own arguments on why the lawsuit should be tossed. Adam Gustafson, acting assistant U.S. Attorney General, defended the federal administrations pause on offshore wind projects in an Aug. 8 memo, citing potential legal deficiencies in past practices, the possibility of serious harm to various interests and marine mammals, and the potential inadequacies of various environmental reviews. Gustafson argued that states lacked the jurisdiction to challenge federal review powers, at least on a universal basis. He asked the judge to rule in favor of the defendants, or to limit orders to specific projects and permits, rather than a blanket ruling denying federal review power over offshore wind as a whole. Limiting relief in such a way would be practical and minimize risk of confusion for Agency Defendants responsible for overseeing federal wind leasing and permitting processes, Gustafson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Young is unlikely to make a decision on the dueling motions at the Sept. 4 hearing. A ruling will come at a later, unscheduled date. This story was originally published by Rhode Island Current. Like Maine Morning Star, Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Its Happy Cat Month, and the team at the River Center Branch Library is getting pawsitively creative. Theyre inviting the community to enjoy story time and make fun, recycled cat toys. Kids at the River Center Branch Library are celebrating in the best way possible by spreading some love to furry friends at Companion Animal Alliance (CAA). Jen Hollas, the communications and events senior manager for CAA, says their animals rely on donations and community support to find a happy home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They do need it for enrichment, socialization, and also just to keep them busy while they are waiting for their homes here at the shelter, said Hollas. All month long, stop by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library as their staff reads their favorite cat-themed books. While youre there, you can make cat toys from recycled materials. Theyre fun to create, and even better, they will be donating them to the shelter at the end of the month. Any recycled items from your home, whether its loose fabric or even a toilet paper roll, corks, really anything you can think of that a cat might like, they probably will, said Hollas. You can stop by the River Center Branch Library all month long during the librarys regular hours to make toys while supplies last. Make a toy, make a friend, and make a different and Happy Cat Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have glass to recycle? See where, when to drop it off in Baton Rouge Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Pennsylvania American Water has announced there is a 12-inch water main break along South Main Street in Hanover Township. According to PA American Water, approximately 40 customers are impacted, with anticipated repairs happening later Tuesday night. Mayor Paige Cognetti announces campaign for Congress in Pennsylvanias 8th District One block of South Main Street is closed from Columbia Court to King Road in Hanover Township. A detour is in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, now running for Nevada attorney general, speaks outside the Legislative Building in 2023 before a hearing on a ballot measure to enshrine the right to an abortion into the Nevada Constitution. (Photo courtesy NReal Media Strategies) One advocacy group is jumping into Nevadas 2026 endorsement cycle early with the hope of reversing the battleground states recent swing toward electing candidates with weaker records on protecting reproductive rights. Abortion was seen as a key issue in the 2022 midterm elections, which took place months after the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturned Roe v Wade and largely brought wins for Democrats. Many expected the issue to be a deciding factor for voters in 2024, but Donald Trumps ascent into a second presidential term, and Republicans taking control of both the House and Senate, raised doubts about that narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We learned the hard way in 2024, said Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju, in an interview with the Nevada Current, conceding there were voters they took for granted. Reproductive Freedom for All exit polls and focus groups held in the aftermath of last years election found that many voters simply did not believe Trump would actually attempt to ban or restrict abortion. Democrats in the lead up to the election had flagged this Trump believability gap as a problem on myriad issues. Their research also found that Trump did better among voters who were not familiar with his positions on abortion. When Trump said he was going to leave it to the states, it gave a permission structure for voters who were conflicted, Timmaraju said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, I will give him and his campaign credit for successfully inoculating Democrats at the presidential level by continually showing message discipline. Voters could feel empowered to vote for Trump while also supporting abortion rights protections, like those proposed in Nevadas Question 6, because they saw abortion as something out of the purview of a president, or as protected at the state level, or as something Congress would never rally the votes for. Timmaraju sees it as voters being swayed by misinformation because the actions taken by the Trump administration since he took office should make it clear that the issue isnt being left to the states. But voters need to hear the message. We have to get in front of them, and we have to know our candidate early, and get them to understand the policy landscape, she said. Theyre with us, but that takes a lot of repetition. That means it takes a lot more time, more than ever before, more than it did even two years ago, to break through to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Joe Lombardo, like many Republican candidates in Nevada, struggled with the issue of abortion rights while on the campaign trail in 2022, giving conflicting messages and defaulting to a position of sidestepping the issue by calling abortion rights settled in the state. Its an argument Timmaraju thinks voters should reject next year when he is up for reelection. I dont know Joe Lombardo well enough to understand what the hell hes thinking, she said. You could think hes moderate. It does not matter anymore. Anyone who is a Republican right now is complicit and cannot be trusted on fundamental freedoms like reproductive freedom. The GOP is in a continual downward slide into extremism, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement but Democrats Aaron Ford and Nicole Cannizzaro are among the candidates who have already publicly declared their intent to run for an office. Ford, currently attorney general, is running for governor. Cannizzaro, currently senate majority leader, is running for attorney general. Candidate filing doesnt begin until March Both are currently expected to have Democratic primaries to contend with. Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill has announced her intent to run for governor, and Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine is actively campaigning for attorney general. Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, has said he will run for re-election. Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian, a Republican, has announced he will run for attorney general. Reproductive Freedom for All on Friday announced candidate endorsements for Democrats Nicole Cannizzaro, who is running for attorney general, and Aaron Ford, who is running for governor. Its the first of a string of endorsements the organization plans to make in battleground states for the 2026 elections. Cannizzaro, who the Current interviewed alongside Timmaraju last week, said reproductive rights wont be stripped away from people through one sweeping piece of legislation that says, heres a bill to take away all of your rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They happen with the incremental policy changes that do affect people, she said. There are many ways to attack access, and we are watching that happen right before our eyes. Added Timmaraju, The Trump administration has shown absolutely no limits on how they will mess with states and their administration of federal programs. Telemedicine, which is filling voids where physical reproductive health clinics have been forced to close, is one target. The prescription drugs used in medical abortions have been another target. Abortion is legal in this state but if the Trump administration managed to circumvent access to medicinal abortion through a number of ways, theres no protection for Nevadans, even if you codified it in your constitution. They are being nefarious, said Timmaraju. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney general races play a major role in combatting attempts to strip protections away, she added. Every state where weve passed a ballot measure but dont have an AG on our side, weve had problems, she said. In the states where weve passed (ballot measures), and we have an AG whos willing to enforce, is where weve actually seen the realization of the promise of the measure. The state of reproductive rights in Nevada In 2024, Nevadans overwhelmingly supported Question 6, a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. The measure must pass again on the 2026 general election ballot to go into effect. If passed, abortion rights would be further strengthened in the state. Abortion already has some strong protections, primarily through a law passed as a ballot measure in the 1990s. Changing that law requires a vote of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, Nevada Medicaid expanded its coverage of abortion services, the result of a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Nevada. That lawsuit argued that the existing policy violated the states Equal Rights Amendment, which voters passed in 2022. But not everything has trended toward expanded access. Earlier this year, Nevadas 1985 parental notification law, which requires that minors notify their parents or guardian before having an abortion, went into effect for the first time. A decades-long injunction had kept the law from being enforced. After that decision, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte announced it would fight the ruling in court but their efforts were thwarted in federal court. A separate state challenge is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaro criticized the parental notification law, saying the years she spent as a Clark County prosecutor influenced her perspective. People do not like to think about the fact that there are children who are living in homes where theyre being sexually abused, and oftentimes their rapist is a family member, so its not safe for that child to ask for parental notification in order to not have to birth their rapists baby, she said. That is a very real thing that happens. The parental notification law now being enforced lacks protections for those children, she continued, and puts them at greater risk. When asked if there had ever been conversations in the Legislature about addressing the 1985 law, Cannizzaro said there hadnt been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because there was an injunction in place for so long, there were other things that we were looking at, she said. The statutes that were actually on the books and in effect and not affected by any sort of injunction. Among those priorities was 2019s Trust Nevada Women Act, which decriminalized medicated abortion and removed antiquated informed consent laws, such as a mandate that physicians tell patients about the emotional impact of an abortion. Cannizzaro recalls the criticism at the time: Why do you have to take outdated penalties out of state law? This is not an issue. This hasnt been an issue. Its not an issue. But attempts by the Trump administration to use century-old laws to restrict the prescription drugs used in medicinal abortion shows that antiquated laws can be a source of ammo for legislators or administrations looking to restrict access. A focus on IVF In the 2025 Legislative Session, Cannizzaro sponsored a right to assisted reproduction treatment bill, which would have required many private and public insurance companies to cover procedures like in-vitro fertilization. Lombardo vetoed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaro said the governors office gave her no indication that he was considering vetoing the IVF bill, which received some bipartisan support, or any of the 87 bills he vetoed. This despite her office asking for feedback on the IVF bill and dozens of others prior to their final passage by the Legislature. We brought this to the governors office many times. Hey, can you take a look at these bills? Hey, can you let us know where youre at? Hey, can you let us know? The IVF bill concerns raised in Lombardos veto letter could have been answered by watching the bill hearing, said Cannizzaro, or by having a conversation with her. The veto letter cited, among other things, the potential cost to Nevada Medicaid. That provision, Cannizzaro said, was scheduled to go into effect in a future biennium, and Medicaid staff had indicated they would apply for an available waiver allowing the federal government to cover some of the cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannizzaro said she is committed, whether still in the Nevada State Senate or as attorney general, to making sure IVF returns front and center in the next regular legislative session. Members of the caucus are ready to take up that mantle, she said, because theres no way that bill should have been vetoed. Rowan County sees uptick in whooping cough cases The Rowan County Health Department is warning residents to be aware of the signs of whooping cough as cases are on the rise, according to a release. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious illness that can be prevented with vaccines and treated with antibiotics. ALSO READ >> US childhood vaccination rates fall again as exemptions set another record Whooping cough often begins like a common cold, with symptoms including a mild cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the illness progresses, the cough becomes more severe and may include a high-pitched whoop sound when breathing in. The health department encourages residents who are sick to see a doctor. VIDEO: Whooping cough cases surging across US British officials are discussing delaying the delivery of the Royal Navys new frigates so that hulls can be diverted to Norway under a 10bn shipbuilding pact. The deal announced over the weekend commits the UK to delivering five Type 26 anti-submarine warships to Norway, with the first arriving in 2030. But with British shipbuilders already busy with an order of eight vessels for the Royal Navy, delivering the first Norwegian Type 26 within that timeframe is expected to require changes to the build programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is understood that talks between the two governments are now under way about how to address the issue, with no decisions taken yet. Possible options include allowing Oslo to take delivery of one of the Royal Navys first four vessels, accelerating work at the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow, or expanding capacity there. On Monday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) insisted that all the Royal Navys ships would still be delivered on schedule in the 2030s. Diverting any vessels to Norway would be controversial at a time when the Royal Navy is grappling with a shortage of frigates. However, officials argue that doing so would still serve British interests given the close working relationship with Norway, which is a fellow Nato member and will use the ships for essentially the same task hunting Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Nato plans, both countries are tasked with defending the maritime choke-point between the UK, Iceland and Greenland known as the Atlantic gap. They are also discussing a combined fleet approach which could involve sharing training, maintenance and even crews eventually. The shipbuilding deal is seen as a major coup for the domestic shipbuilding industry and will ensure that BAEs Scottish yard is kept busy well into the 2030s. Work is under way at the BAE Systems shipbuilding hall in Glasgow - John Linton/BAE Systems On Monday, an MoD spokesman said: We will agree the specific timelines for delivery of the Norwegian Type 26 frigates during contract negotiations, including which existing build slots will produce ships for Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UKs Type 26 programme remains unchanged, reaching initial operating capability in 2028 and with the Royal Navy receiving all eight Type 26 frigates during the 2030s, as planned. The Type 26s, also known as the City Class, will be some of the most advanced and stealthy vessels of their kind when they enter service later this decade, replacing the older Duke class. They will primarily be used for anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic but also for more general patrol and escort duties. Ministers have previously said that the Royal Navy expects to take delivery of eight Type 26 ships from 2028 to 2035, with each one costing around 840m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first ship, HMS Glasgow, is scheduled to begin sea trials next year. HMS Glasgow is a Type 26 frigate - John Linton/ BAE Systems BAE can build two ships at a time but each one is expected to take at least five years to complete, including tests, when production has ramped up fully. It means that the first Norwegian vessel would not be delivered until the mid-2030s on current schedules. Sidharth Kaushal, a sea power expert at the Royal United Services Institute, said this meant the Royal Navy would have to take delivery of at least one vessel later than previously expected to meet the terms of the latest deal. He said: I cant see any way they can do it without diverting one of the Navys ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he added that the UK-Norway deal underscored the close cooperation between the allies. The Norwegian government has said its Type 26s will be as identical as possible to their British equivalents and have the same technical specifications, in a move intended to speed up construction and allow closer collaboration. Once the Type 26 frigates are outfitted by the Royal Navy, they will be equipped with a medium-calibre gun, Sea Ceptor missiles, a towed sonar array and a helipad capable of accommodating anti-submarine Merlin helicopters as well as heavy-lift Chinooks. They will also have Thunderbird Two-style mission bays capable of transporting boats, drones, special forces equipment, disaster relief supplies and other cargo. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester man is facing multiple charges after an investigation by the Rochester Police Department. According to police, officers responded to a residence on Monday around 12 p.m. for a report of family trouble, during which a man was allegedly attempting to hide a firearm. When they arrived on scene, officers found a backpack. Inside of it, officers reportedly found nearly 200 rounds of various calibers of ammunition and an Anderson Manufacturing 300 blackout AM-15 pistol. The pistol is said to have been loaded with one round in the chamber and 27 rounds in the magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 23-year-old Lazareth Unzueta is now charged with harassment in the second-degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree for the domestic incident, and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, relating to the weapons found. Police confirmed that Unzueta is known to police, as he was previously arrested on January 24. His arrest at that time followed a search warrant executed by the Rochester Police Departments SWAT Team relating to an investigation in which he allegedly shot a man on November 1, 2024. He was charged with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for this incident. Also during the arrest, SWAT officers found him to be in possession of a .40 caliber Glock handgun equipped with a switch to be fired fully automatically, in addition to a described disassembled 9mm ghost gun. He was charged with second-degree and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon for possessing the firearms. Police say court records show that he plead guilty on June 30 for the above charges, with an agreement to serve a sentence of 15 years in prison. However, he was released from custody pending a sentencing scheduled for October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday, Unzueta was arraigned in Rochester City Court on the most recent charges, and is being held in the Monroe County Jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. The United States fired a "lethal strike" against what it says was a ship loaded with drugs that had departed from Venezuela, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X on Tuesday. The ship "was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization," Rubio claimed. Shortly before, US President Donald Trump announced at a press conference, without providing specific details, that the US had taken action against a boat carrying drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, tensions between the two countries have escalated. According to media reports, the US has deployed several warships off the Venezuelan Caribbean coast in recent weeks, claiming the move is aimed at intercepting drug smugglers. Additionally, Washington has doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to up to $50 million. The US Department of Justice says Maduro is involved in international drug trafficking. Maduro calls US military presence 'greatest threat' Maduro has described the US military presence in the Caribbean as the "greatest threat" in a century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Venezuela is facing the greatest threat our continent has experienced in the last 100 years," he said on Monday during a press conference with foreign correspondents. "Eight warships with 1,200 missiles and a nuclear submarine are targeting Venezuela. It is an extravagant threat. Unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal," he said. Maduro warned of armed resistance in the event of a US attack. Previously, he had announced plans to recruit additional militia members. According to its own statements, the militia currently has around 4.5 million members, including reservists, numerous members of the socialist ruling party, employees of state-owned companies and pensioners. Security experts, however, doubt the militia's military effectiveness. Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday he experienced more pain than I ever felt after a car crash last weekend but expects to recover fully, making his first public remarks on video about the rear-end wreck in New Hampshire. After multiple days in a hospital, Giuliani returned wearing what appeared to be a metal brace under his suit jacket to his Americas Mayor Live online program and his eponymous show on Lindell TV. It's an online media platform launched by MyPillow founder Mike Lindell. The 81-year-old former New York City mayor described Saturday's crash, which happened shortly after but separately from a roadside encounter with someone Giuliani said flagged his vehicle down to seek help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God was very, very good to us. He looked after us, Giuliani said, accompanied by spokesperson Ted Goodman. We did the right thing, so we can feel good about ourselves, and we can be an example. The former mayor also used his shows to celebrate President Donald Trump's decision to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. It's the best medicine, said Giuliani, a vocal Trump ally who was his personal attorney for a time. Giuliani said he was in New Hampshire on Saturday to see a minor league baseball game. After leaving, he was riding along Interstate 93 in a rented Ford Bronco, with spokesperson Ted Goodman behind the wheel, when the vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V driven by a 19-year-old woman, New Hampshire State Police said in a statement. Both vehicles hit the highway median and were heavily damaged, the statement said. Goodman and the 19-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani was taken by ambulance to a nearby trauma center for treatment of a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg, according to a statement posted on X by Michael Ragusa, Giulianis head of security. The thoracic vertebrae are part of the spine. State police said the cause of the crash was under investigation. No charges were filed. Before the accident, Giuliani and Goodman said on Tuesday's shows, a woman flagged them down shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday. She told them she was being abused or attacked by a man in her company and asked to get in their car, they said. She was clearly distressed, but she was under control and didn't appear injured, Giuliani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodman said the woman was with someone who was holding up a flashlight that obscured that person's face. Uneasy about the situation but wanting to help, Giuliani and Goodman told the woman to stay put while they pulled up a bit further along the road and called police. While they were on the phone with authorities, the woman approached their car and asked for their phone, saying she could call her sister to collect her, Giuliani said. They refused and offered her a ride instead, but she went away, the two said. Giuliani said that after police and an ambulance arrived, a state trooper told him that the woman had badly beaten the man. A message seeking comment and further details was sent to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodman eventually got back on the road, and the collision happened a few minutes later, he and Giuliani said. Investigators said the reported domestic violence and the crash were believed to be unrelated. We got hit in the back, I would say, the hardest Ive ever been hit in my whole life, said the ex-mayor, who said both he and Goodman were wearing seatbelts. He said he could barely move afterward because I felt more pain than I ever felt. The former mayor said that he had been instructed not to bend, lift or twist for the time being but that doctors were very confident hed heal. The onetime Republican presidential candidate was dubbed Americas mayor in light of his leadership in New York after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani later became a vocal proponent of Trumps allegations of fraud in the 2020 election, which was won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump and his backers lost dozens of lawsuits claiming fraud, and numerous recounts, reviews and audits of the election results turned up no signs of significant wrongdoing or error. Two former Georgia elections workers later won a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani. New Hampshire State Police released new details on Monday night related to a two-vehicle crash on I-93 in Manchester that injured three people, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles. Based on the investigation to date and witness statements that have been gathered, the State Police can confirm that before the crash on I-93 northbound, Giuliani and his driver, Theodore Goodman, were traveling on I-93 southbound when they were flagged down by a woman on the side of the road, just south of Exit 9N, who reported to them she had been involved in a domestic violence incident, according to the news release. Just after 9 p.m., Goodman initially reported the incident to law enforcement, and he and Giuliani remained at the scene until troopers arrived to investigate. Goodman and Giuliani spoke with the troopers about what they had witnessed and then left the scene before exiting the interstate at a nearby exit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes later, Goodman and Giuliani got back on I-93, this time headed northbound, when they were struck from behind at mile marker 23.2 by a Honda HR-V driven by Lauren Kemp, 19 of Concord, almost directly across from the scene of the reported domestic violence incident on the southbound side. Troopers who were already at the initial scene responded immediately and provided aid, according to the news release. Both vehicles crossed into the median and sustained heavy damage. Investigators believe the driver who struck Goodman and Giuliani had no connection to the initial domestic violence incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemp, Goodman and Giuliani all suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospitals, according to state police. The former mayor was transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg, Giulianis head of security, Michael Ragusa said in the statement on X. Giuliani has been released from the hosptial, accordiing to multiple news reports. At this time, all aspects of the crash remain under investigation, including whether distraction or curiosity of the initial scene was a factor. No charges have been filed, according to state police. Video captured by Troopers dashboard and body-worn cameras is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. No additional details are available at this time, according to the news release. State police ask anyone with information about the crash to contact Sgt. Mark Dore at 603-223-4381. A plane on which European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was travelling was hit by GPS jamming over Bulgaria in a suspected Russian operation, a spokesperson says. The plane landed safely at Plovdiv International Airport in the countrys south-central region on Monday. The incident was first reported by the Financial Times, which said that Ms Von der Leyens plane had to circle the airport for an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission's spokesperson Arianna Podesta said that Ms Von der Leyen would continue her planned tour of the seven European Union nations bordering Russia and Belarus. We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming, Ms Podesta said. We have received information from the Bulgarian authority that they suspect that this was due to blatant interference by Russia. Ursula von der Leyen is touring the EU nations around Russia (AP) Ms Von der Leyen is a fierce critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russias war in Ukraine. This incident actually underlines the urgency of the mission that the president is carrying out in the frontline member states, Ms Podesta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that Ms Von der Leyen has seen firsthand the everyday challenges of threats coming from Russia and its proxies. And, of course, the EU will continue to invest in defence spending and in Europes readiness even more after this incident, she said. Bulgaria issued a statement saying that the satellite signal used for the aircrafts GPS navigation was disrupted. As the aircraft approached Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal was lost. Ms Von der Leyen was scheduled to address a news conference at 2.30pm GMT in Romania on Monday. In 2024, Russia was believed to have jammed the signal of an RAF plane carrying then-defence secretary Grant Shapps in an electronic attack described as wildly irresponsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GPS signal of the plane was said to have been interfered with for half an hour while it passed the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania. The defence secretary was aboard a RAF Dassault 900LX Falcon jet on the way back from Poland when the attack took place. Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with 150 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of various types starting from the evening of 1 September. Ukrainian air defence has managed to destroy 120 drones, while the remaining 30 have hit their targets. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Quote: "As of 08:00, air defence had downed or jammed 120 enemy Shahed UAVs and decoy drones of various types in the country's north, south, east and centre. Hits by 30 UAVs were recorded in nine locations and the falling of downed drones (debris) in five locations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Drones were launched from the Russian cities of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk as well as from Cape Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Leila Miller BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Russia on Tuesday denied suggestions by Argentine officials that it may have been involved in a bugging operation to tarnish President Javier Milei's government ahead of legislative elections. An Argentine judge on Monday barred media outlets from publishing audio recordings made inside the Casa Rosada presidential palace, presumably of Karina Milei, the president's sister and chief of staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argentina's security ministry has filed a criminal complaint alleging that illegal recordings were made of government officials, including Karina Milei, as part of an operation to taint Milei's government. It said that the political opposition was involved, but also alluded to Russia's participation, accusing Russian residents in Argentina of "conducting actions to influence the population for Russia's geopolitical interests." Milei's spokesperson, in a post on X, also suggested that Russian operatives may have been involved in the recordings and a "wider plot" linked to Milei's political opposition in a "disinformation campaign to overthrow the government." The Russian embassy denied any involvement and dismissed "public speculation" that its intelligence services had recorded phone conversations in Casa Rosada. "No evidence has been provided to support these claims," the embassy said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The desire to see 'Russian spies' around every corner is irrational and destructive." Milei's government faces allegations of corruption after a separate series of audio recordings were leaked to news outlets in August. In those, the voice of a person purported to be the former head of Argentinas disability agency described a kickback scheme he said involved Karina Milei. A federal judge has opened a criminal investigation into the bribery allegations. The scandal has erupted ahead of the key October midterm elections, which are an opportunity for Milei to expand his government from its current minority. The midterms are preceded by local elections in Buenos Aires province on September 7, currently dominated by the Peronist opposition. (Reporting by Leila Miller; Editing by Cassandra Garrison and Stephen Coates) (Reuters) -Moscow expects talks between Russia and Ukraine to continue but "new territorial realities" must be recognised and new systems of security guarantees formed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in remarks published on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. Russia now controls a little under one fifth of Ukraine. "For peace to be durable, the new territorial realities ... must be recognized and formalized in international legal terms," Lavrov said in an interview to Indonesian Kompas newspaper, according to a transcript provided on the website of Russia's foreign ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A new system of security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine must be formed as an integral element of a pan-continental architecture of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia." In an indirect reference to Moscow's continued opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, Lavrov said that "Ukraine should be guaranteed a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status." Ukraine says it is not for Russia to decide what Kyiv can or cannot join, while NATO says that Russia can have no veto over membership of the alliance which was formed in 1949 to counter the threat from the Soviet Union. U.S. President Donald Trump, who held a summit with Putin in Alaska in mid-August and subsequently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and key European and NATO alliance leaders at the White House in efforts to bring an end to the war, said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" in the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had expected Zelenskiy and Putin to meet after the summit. Zelenskiy has said Russia is doing everything it can to prevent the meeting, while Russia says the agenda for such a meeting is not ready. Lavrov said the heads of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations were in direct contact. "We expect negotiations to continue," Lavrov said. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Stephen Coates) Russia has lost 800 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day alone, bringing its total number of personnel losses to 1,083,790. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 2 September 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 1,083,790 (+800) military personnel; 11,156 (+1) tanks; 23,233 (+4) armoured combat vehicles; 32,301 (+53) artillery systems; 1,477 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems; 1,213 (+0) air defence systems; 422 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 341 (+0) helicopters; 55,446 (+170) operational-tactical UAVs; 3,664 (+0) cruise missiles; 28 (+0) ships/boats; 1 (+0) submarine; 60,488 (+89) vehicles and fuel tankers; 3,952 (+0) special vehicles and other equipment. The information is being confirmed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect a statement from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. Moscow is open to "three-way cooperation" with the U.S. and Ukraine regarding the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sept. 2, according to Russian news channel Vesti. The comments, made during Putin's meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, represent an apparent shift from Moscow's previous refusal of any changes regarding the Ukrainian plant's oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of such possible cooperation remain unclear. The largest nuclear plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the town of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has been under Russian occupation since 2022. While the facility remains under Russian control, it is not currently generating electricity. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry refuted Putin's attempt to legitimize its occupation of the power plant. "The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is and will remain an integral part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Any attempts by Russia to question this fact are legally null and void and politically pointless," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The only way to restore nuclear safety is the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant." U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, has said that the plant's status would likely play a role in an eventual settlement. When talking to Zelensky in March, Trump suggested that the U.S. could operate and possibly own the nuclear power plant to ensure its protection. A similar U.S. proposal, reported by Reuters on April 25, envisioned Ukraine regaining the plant but under U.S. administration, with electricity distributed to both Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Foreign Ministry responded by claiming the plant to be a "Russian facility" that cannot be transferred to Ukraine or any other country. In 2022, Moscow illegally declared the annexation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and three other Ukrainian regions, despite not controlling them fully. In turn, Kyiv has demanded that the plant be returned under Ukraine's control and accused Moscow of using the facility as part of nuclear blackmail tactics. It remains unclear whether Putin's statement represents an actual shift in policy, as the Kremlin has repeatedly retracted its pledges regarding Ukraine and consistently pursued maximalist goals. Read also: Russian map behind top general hints at ambitions to seize Ukraines Odesa, Kharkiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WARSAW, Poland As Russia and Belarus launch the Zapad 2025 joint military drill this month, eyeing buildups of military forces along NATOs eastern borders and direct simulations of attacks on Poland and the Baltic States, the four Eastern European allies are gearing up for the drills of their own in anticipation of low-intensity attacks against their infrastructure. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland plan to respond by holding their own training for some 40,000 troops to mirror Zapad 2025. This years edition of the exercise is scheduled for Sept. 12-16. Russia used the previous Zapad, or West in Russian, training in September 2021 to deploy the forces that eventually invaded Ukraine in February the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint exercise usually takes place every two years, but the Kremlin decided to cancel the 2023 edition as Russia was struggling to source troops and gear for its aggression against Ukraine. While Moscows military capacities continue to be largely tied up in the ongoing invasion, Zapad 2025 is expected to comprise nuclear weapons and Russian-made hypersonic missiles. In Lithuania, which shares a border with both Belarus and Russia, the upcoming drills have put the countrys security apparatus on high alert, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence. This year, up to 30,000 troops are expected to participate, the ministry told Defense News in a statement. Around 6,0008,000 will be stationed in Belarus, with several thousand in Russias Kaliningrad exclave. Despite rumors of larger forces, Lithuanian intelligence reports no such increase. The Baltic nations military, alongside NATO allies, is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully prepared to respond if necessary, the Lithuanian ministry said. Lithuania will conduct its own exercises simultaneously, with allied support to ensure national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen. Raimundas Vaiksnoras, the Lithuanian chief of defense, has announced that during Zapad 2025 the three Baltic States will join forces with Poland to respond by launching an exercise for around 40,000 allied troops in the region. The Lithuanian contingent, without speculating too much on numbers, will be around 10,000, plus another 6,000 or so from our allies. And this applies not only on land, but also at sea and in the air, Vaiksnoras told local broadcaster LRT. The general said that, based on what is planned as of today, the Baltic states plus Poland will have more moving parts, personnel and other capabilities than what we can observe through reconnaissance platforms with regards to Zapad 2025. Poland, the largest ally in the region which borders Belarus and Russias Kaliningrad, is working with its NATO partners to ensure monitoring of the forthcoming exercises, but also acting within the framework of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), according to the countrys Ministry of National Defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming Zapad 2025 exercises by Russia and Belarus, in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine, illustrate further aggressive behavior and deepening cooperation between the two countries, a spokesperson for the Polish ministry told Defense News. Warsaw considers the risk of provocations by Moscow and Minsk will rise during Zapad 2025. These could involve cyberattacks against allies, GPS jamming targeting NATO infrastructure, or small-scale military incidents designed to test Polands capacity to respond, according to the ministrys representative. Last month, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told the regimes official press agency BelTA the forthcoming training will partly focus on operating nuclear arms and the intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile. The Russian military uses the latter weapon in its attacks on Ukraine. Certainly, within the framework of the Zapad exercise together with Russian colleagues we will practice matters of planning to use this kind of weapons, Khrenin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Belaruss involvement in the Russian war against Ukraine has pushed Minsk towards an even closer military cooperation with Moscow, in August 2022, Belarusian dictator Aleksander Lukashenko announced Russia upgraded his countrys fighter jets to allow them to carry tactical atomic weapons. Moscow has also agreed to transfer to Minsk the Iskander-M tactical missile systems which can use both ballistic and cruise missiles in conventional and nuclear variants. Polands Armed Forces are constantly monitoring all military activities by neighboring countries and are prepared to respond appropriately to any possible security threats arising from such activities, the Polish ministry spokesperson said. A Russian company is seeking 350,000 from Ukrainian national power company Ukrenergo as compensation for imbalances (electricity flows) during the parallel operation of the Russian and Ukrainian power grids. Source: Ukrenergos press service; Nashi Hroshi with reference to ProZorro Details: On 27 August, following a tender, Ukrenergo contracted the Eterna Law law firm to provide legal services worth UAH 2.38 million (US$57,000). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the end of 2028, the firm will provide legal consulting and represent Ukrenergos interests in a dispute at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. The total contract amounts to 400 hours of work at UAH5,940 per hour (US$143). The Arbitration Notice from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, dated 26 March 2025, identifies the claimant as a Russian company seeking 350,000 from Ukrenergo under an international contract. As a result, there was a need to procure legal services for representation and defence of Ukrenergos interests. Ukrenergos press service writes that the claim concerns debt collection under an agreement between Ukrenergo and PJSC Inter RAO UES regarding the settlement of imbalances (electricity flows) during the parallel operation of the Russian and Ukrainian power grids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported earlier, in August 2022, Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers terminated the intergovernmental agreement with Russia on ensuring the parallel operation of Ukraines Unified Energy System (UES) and Russias Unified Energy System. In March 2022, Ukraine officially joined the European energy network ENTSO-E, and since then electricity flows between Ukraine on one side and Belarus and Russia on the other have become impossible. Ukraines UES was disconnected from the Russian grid before the full-scale invasion and has not been reconnected since. The founders of Kyiv-based Eterna Law are Oleh Malskyi and Andrii Astapov, with Artem Kuzmenko serving as director. The firm belongs to the same group as Kyiv-based LLC Eterna Law, also registered to them. Background: On 19 December 2024 and 16 July 2025, Ukraines Ministry of Justice signed two contracts with the international law firm Staiger Attorneys-at-Law Ltd (Switzerland) for legal services to the Ministry of Defence, worth a total of US$245,000. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A map displayed in Russias ministry of defence suggests that Vladimir Putin is claiming huge swathes of Ukraine that his troops have not seized. The map, spotted on a wall behind Valery Gerasimov, Russias top general, in a recorded military briefing, showed Ukraine divided with a dark black line. The territory outlined on the map not only includes the four regions Russia annexed in 2022 Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson but also Mykolaiv and Odesa in the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video was released by the Russian defence ministry to state-run news sites, though it was widely shared on Telegram. Putin has made no secret of the fact that he believes all of Ukraine belongs to Russia. In fact, he said as much at an economic forum in St Petersburg in June: I have said many times that I consider the Russian and Ukrainian peoples to be one people. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours. However, the front line is miles away from the new territories claimed in the map, and there has been no indication of a fresh offensive to claim the southern regions. If the map displayed behind Gen Gerasimov were real, Russia would border Moldova, which itself borders the Moscow-backed enclave of Transnistria, where Russian troops are stationed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Donald Trump launched a push for peace earlier this year, there have been a number of signs that Putin is not only unwilling to end the war but that he has territorial ambitions beyond the four regions he illegally annexed in 2022. Putin said earlier this year that the Russian army might seize the northern city of Sumy in an attempt to create a security zone after the Ukrainian army invaded the nearby Kursk region last year. At peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in June, Vladimir Medinsky, Russias lead negotiator, threatened to take three more regions unless Ukraine agreed to settle now. Since then, the Russian army has been pushing to enter the region of Dnipropetrovsk, which Putin has not laid claim to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Ukraine admitted for the first time that Russian forces had entered the region but denied that they had made any significant advances. An image released by the Russian defence ministry shows soldiers displaying flags in Zaporizka in Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region - Russian defence ministry/Reuters Michael Clarke, a military analyst, told The Telegraph that the Russian push suggested Putins territorial ambitions did not end with the four regions it laid claim to in 2022, plus Crimea. Dnipropetrovsk is a foothold in a bigger push westwards, which the Russians will do if they can, he said. Putin reportedly told Mr Trump at a summit in Alaska last month that he would be willing to draw the front line where it is, so long as Ukraine withdraws from the rest of the Donbas region, of which Russia controls 88 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen Gerasimov insisted that Russia was advancing in many areas and said his troops held the strategic initiative on the battlefield. But the Ukrainian army said Russias summer offensive had ended without achieving significant results. Analysis of the front line showed Russias advance slowed throughout August. Moscows forces captured a total of 594 sq km (229 sq miles) from Ukraine over the month down on the 634 sq km gained in July, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Gerasimov claimed Russian forces had seized 3,500 sq km of Ukrainian territory and 149 settlements since March of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was described as a very big exaggeration by pro-Russian military bloggers who asked which military officials were feeding false reports to the Kremlin. ISW analysis shows Russia gained 2,346 sq km of territory and 130 settlements between March 1 and Aug 30. It added that the only confirmed outcome of the war this year is the fact that Moscow has lost 291,000 soldiers through death or injury this year. The Ukrainian army said: The final report of General Valery Gerasimov is an example of inflated claims and misrepresentation. Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold the front, inflict losses on the occupiers, and demonstrate that Russias spring-summer offensive of 2025 has not achieved its objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said Russia was losing around 1,000 soldiers a day, three times Ukraines losses. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian forces conducted a drone strike on the Bila Tserkva hromada in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 1-2 September. One person has been killed, several injured and a fire has broken out as a result of the attack. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Volodymyr Vovkotrub, Secretary of Bila Tserkva City Council; Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Details: Vovkotrub said the Russian strike had caused a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sadly, people have been injured and one death has been confirmed," he reported. Kalashnyk noted that the body of a man was found during the extinguishing of a fire at a garage cooperative. : Fire at the scene Photo: Mykola Kalashnyk Quote from Kalashnyk: "There are reports of damage to the windows of high-rise buildings, as well as fires in the grounds of a garage cooperative and in commercial and industrial premises in the city." : Fire at the scene Photo: Mykola Kalashnyk Details: Local authorities are warning residents about possible smoke in certain areas and urging them to keep their windows closed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! On the morning of September 2, President Xi Jinping held the seventh meeting of heads of state of China, Russia and Mongolia with President Vladimir Putin and President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Xi pointed out that the trilateral cooperation among China, Russia and Mongolia has developed steadily and achieved tangible results. The medium-term roadmap for trilateral cooperation has been smoothly implemented. The trade volume among the three countries has been rising steadily, and cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, ecological conservation and culture has been further deepened. As a friendly neighbor linked by mountains and rivers and sharing weal and woe, China stands ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to adhere to the original aspiration of cooperation, dispel external interference, and jointly promote high-quality trilateral cooperation. President Xi put forward a three-point proposal on advancing China-Russia-Mongolia cooperation. First, cement political trust. Amid growing volatility and challenges in the international situation, it is all the more important that the three countries strengthen solidarity and collaboration, enhance mutual support, respect each others core interests and major concerns, and provide solid strategic underpinning for their respective paths of development and revitalization. Second, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Taking physical connectivity as a key direction, the three countries should actively promote their cross-border infrastructure and energy projects, and make such cooperation more substantive. Taking institutional connectivity as a major pillar, the three countries should enhance the alignment of their development strategies and increase the size of local currency settlement. Taking people-to-people connectivity as an important foundation, the three countries should enhance the exchanges among their neighboring provinces and states, and step up cooperation in tourism and cultural heritage protection. Third, collaborate more closely within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The SCO is a primary platform for countries in the region to jointly safeguard security and seek common development. The three countries should make good use of the cooperation platforms and centers established following Chinas proposal during the Tianjin Summit to expand cooperation space. President Putin noted that Russia, China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors with a long tradition of cooperation. Enhancing political mutual trust is of great significance and conducive to consolidating the foundation of trilateral relations. Russia is ready to carry out strategic cooperation with China and Mongolia that is equal, mutually beneficial and future-oriented, so that the trilateral cooperation and bilateral cooperation can complement and reinforce each other. The three countries should align their development strategies more closely, strengthen connectivity, increase trade and investment, deepen cooperation and exchanges in such areas as finance, energy, the digital economy, education, environmental protection and tourism, facilitate their respective economic development, promote regional economic integration, and enhance people-to-people bonds. President Khurelsukh noted that China and Russia are important neighbors of Mongolia. Mongolia is committed to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding the trilateral cooperation, promoting the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges, so as to bring benefits to people of the three countries and advance regional development and prosperity. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union. The people of Mongolia, China and Russia should jointly celebrate and commemorate this historical moment and promote a correct historical perspective on World War II. Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting. Qatar has unveiled an ambitious $103 billion investment plan across six African nations, marking one of the Gulf states largest-ever international expansion efforts. Spearheaded by Al Mansour Holdings, the initiative targets sectors from energy and agriculture to critical minerals and infrastructure underscoring Dohas shift away from hydrocarbon dependence. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive the largest share $21 billion focused on mining, hydrocarbons, and agriculture. Mozambique will follow with $20 billion, while Zambia and Zimbabwe secure $19 billion each. Botswana and Burundi will receive $12 billion apiece, according to Oxford Economics Africa. This bold pledge arrives amid growing Gulf competition for influence in Africa, as the region offers what Qatar lacks: arable land, critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, and fast-growing markets. In return, Qatar provides capital, energy expertise, and geopolitical backing. Qatars investments could help African nations reduce reliance on raw exports. For instance, Botswana hopes to buffer its economy from fluctuating diamond prices, while the DRC may finally unlock its mineral wealth. The Qatari investment firms leader and royal family member, Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, has recently pledged $70 billion in investments for projects spanning energy, agriculture, tourism and mining. across the four southern Africa countries in a 10-day tour. Still, execution is key. Oxford Economics cautions that governance, transparency, and infrastructure bottlenecks especially in Zimbabwe and the DRC could hinder progress. Still, as Western influence recedes under shifting U.S. priorities, Qatars Africa push may reshape alliances and economies alike. Whether this moment marks transformation or familiar unmet promise will depend on delivery. After the overnight air attack on 1-2 September, Russia has continued to launch drone strikes on Ukraine; as of 16:00, air defence had downed or suppressed 48 out of 53 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on social media Quote: "After the attack on the night of 1-2 September, Russian occupiers carried out another strike from the northern direction, using 53 strike UAVs of the Shahed type and various types of decoy drones. Most targeted the capital of Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: It is noted that as of 16:00, air defence had shot down/jammed 48 Russian UAVs. Meanwhile, the Air Force warns that the Russian attack is ongoing: as of 16:00, new groups of Russian drones were being detected in Ukrainian airspace over Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. Background: On 2 September, Ukrainian Air Forces reported that Russian forces had attacked Ukraine with 150 Shahed UAVs and decoy drones of various types starting from the evening of 1 September. As of 8:00, Ukrainian air defence had destroyed 120 drones, while the remaining 30 hit their targets. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces attacked residential areas and infrastructure facilities in Donetsk Kharkiv, Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts on 1 September. Two people were killed and twelve others injured in the attacks. Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Details: Kherson Oblast: Russian attacks destroyed five apartment blocks and eight houses and damaged a mobile phone mast. One person was killed and two others injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donetsk Oblast: In Kostiantynivka, one civilian was killed in a Russian attack. A further seven people were wounded in strikes across 11 settlements in the region (not including information from Mariupol and Volnovakha). Kharkiv Oblast: Two people were injured in the past day a 64-year-old woman in Oskil and a 74-year-old man in Spodobivka. The Russians used Geran-2 drones, FPV drones, a guided aerial bomb and other weapons. Residential buildings, outbuildings, vehicles and power facilities were damaged. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: The Russians repeatedly struck the Nikopol district with FPV drones and artillery. A five-storey building, an administrative facility, a house and a gas pipeline were damaged. A 32-year-old man injured in an evening attack sought medical assistance; he will be treated as an outpatient. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Five San Angelo Fire Department members were honored during the Sept. 2 City Council meeting for their actions in saving the life of a premature infant who is now expected to make a full recovery after being born in a rare medical scenario. SAFD Chief Patrick Brody addressed the crowd during the meeting, stating that the SAFD was dispatched to a call regarding an unconscious infant and an OB-GYN emergency at 11 a.m. on Aug. 10. Brody said SAFDs Ladder 1 and Medic 6 crews responded to the scene, not yet knowing the critical nature of what they were about to face. Upon arriving at the scene, the crew of Ladder 1 came upon a medical scenario that Brody stated most never encounter in their careers an infant born prematurely and en caul, or still inside an intact amniotic sac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a 1 in 80,000 delivery, and it was delivered in the toilet at just 26 weeks gestation, Brody said. This child was no larger than the palm of your hand and was in grave danger. San Angelo Animal Services worker swims lake to save baby deer The chief said the Ladder 1 crew carefully removed the infant from the amniotic sac and immediately initiated life-saving resuscitations, with Medic 6 arriving shortly afterward to provide additional support. The infant would be transported to a hospital, regaining a pulse while en route. Working together with seamless coordination, the team provided CPR and supplemental oxygen and rapidly transported the infant to the emergency department without delay, Brody said. Their efforts were nothing short of miraculous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brody stated that the child is expected to make a full recovery. It is difficult to overstate the gravity of this day, Brody said. Without the rapid expert care delivered by these responders, the outcome could have been much tragically different. Instead, because of their dedication, their training, a life was saved. The chief presented Cpt. CJ Naylor, engineer Darin Wright and firefighters McShane Matthews, Anthony Gossett and Daniel Code with the San Angelo Fire Department Life-Saving Award which Brody said was the highest respect in administration and stork pins. Each of you exemplify what it means to be a first responder, Brody said while addressing the awardees. Prepared, compassionate, unwavering in the face of crisis, you not only upheld the mission of the San Angelo Fire Department, you fulfilled the deepest calling of this profession: to save lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Salvation Army receives linen donation for new Veterans Wing JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Salvation Army of Johnson City announced on Tuesday that it has received a donation of linens for all 15 bedrooms within the new veterans wing. The donation was made by the Washington County Federated Republican Womens Club (WCFRW). We are very grateful to the WCFRW for raising funds and purchasing new bedding, so that each of our veterans upon entering the new unit will have a fresh new start, Major Maureen Diffley, corps officer, said in a news release. It is a blessing for them to feel the support and care of our Washington County community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nominate: Tri-Cities Best Biscuits and Gravy The WCFRW raised funds throughout the summer for The Salvation Army and its More Than a Bed campaign. More Than a Bed aims to sustain critical shelter and wraparound services for the community, according to the release. Anyone interested in supporting The Salvation Army is invited to donate online or by mailing a donation to PO Box 1715, Johnson City, TN 37605. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Maine Gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Graham Platner, who is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, held a Labor Day rally at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine on Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont spoke to more than 6,500 people in Portland on Labor Day, endorsing union-backed candidates for the U.S. Senate and governor who made pitches to create a government that serves workers and everyday people, not billionaires. Graham Platner, the oysterman challenging long-time Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, and Troy Jackson, former president of the Maine Senate and fifth-generation logger from Allagash, joined Sanders at the Fighting Oligarchy rally to appeal to widespread concerns about affordability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While repeating common critiques made by other Democrats against President Donald Trumps administration for providing tax cuts for the wealthy while stripping funding for health care, education and other programs essential to the working class, the trio also stood up for causes moderates have avoided, such as championing tribal rights and calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis driven by Israels military campaign in Gaza. This is an unprecedented, and in fact, dangerous moment in American history, Sanders told the crowd, with local union workers seated behind him on stage. We have got to respond in an unprecedented way, and the way we respond is to build a kind of strong, progressive, grassroots movement, the likes of which this country has never seen. Supporters rallied at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine for a Labor Day rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Maine gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson and U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner on Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) An anti-establishment pitch Portland resident Ken Bailey, a 76-year-old former member of the U.S. Air Force who joined the anti-war movement in the 1970s, sees that as more possible now than ever in his life. Bailey considers himself a democratic socialist, like Sanders, who Bailey has been a fan of since he was elected mayor of Burlington, Vermont in 1981. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That win knocked me off my feet, Bailey said. But, then, he hadnt imagined the more widespread embrace of democratic socialist ideas hes now seeing pointing out the range of attendees: others like himself adorning grey beards, parents with their children on their hips, college students. He also sees momentum beyond Maine, notably Zohran Mamdanis primary win for New York mayor. Platners campaign has ties to Mamdanis, as the two share progressive strategists with records of successfully running against establishment Democrats. While Graham and Jackson are Democrats, they used their speeches to separate their candidacies from the establishment. We have tried it their way and it doesnt work, Jackson said. Its time for regular folks to take the wheel. Hell, we built the wheel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platner sees the path forward in the legacies of the labor movement and the Civil Rights Movement: legacies of building power, as he put it. Lets be clear: we do not live in a system that is broken, Platner said. We live in a system that is functioning exactly as it is intended. The United States is already living in an oligarchy, Sanders said, because the top 1% of earners control the economy and politicians. It is not just Republicans, he said. It is also the fact that billionaires play a much too significant role in the Democratic Party as well. Sanders specifically took aim at the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2010 that allowed corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited money on elections. Mainers have backed campaign finance reforms several times, including in the past two general elections, but the laws have been stalled in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sanders said he, and he believes attendees, have a vision for a government of the people, he said, and the crowd responded, for the people. Supporters rallied at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine for a Labor Day rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Maine gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson and U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner on Sept. 1, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star) Maines affordability crisis The speeches also focused on the economy, specifically the struggle for Mainers to afford housing, child care and other costs that have continued to increase. People my age and younger are being driven out of this state by an affordability crisis, said Platner, who is 40. Thats the reality for Sophie Creamer, 25, who grew up in Brunswick and now attends college in Massachusetts. Creamer, who is not enrolled with any political party, said they worry about being able to move back to Maine due to the lack of available and affordable housing. Creamer is also concerned about access to health care, as someone who relies on MaineCare, the states Medicaid program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Democrats planks often include bringing down the cost of living, Creamer thinks progressive Democrats like those on stage in Portland Monday night are needed to push the establishment to actually change the status quo. Jackson said hes running for people like Jordyn Rossignol of Caribou. Rossignol said she drained her savings to make payroll for her childcare center, Miss Jordyns Child Development Center, but financial reasons ultimately led to its closure and around 100 children who lost care in 2023. Taking the stage to express her support for the candidates, Rossignol pointed to Jacksons work championing child care reform as the former president of the Maine Senate and called Platner a working man, a leader and someone who wont just say hes concerned. He will act, referring to the oft-repeated critique of Collins statements of concern. Gigi Larrc drove from Unity to support Jackson, handing out signs to attendees. She supports him over other candidates in the crowded governors race because she does not believe in political dynasties, she said, referring to Hannah Pingree and Angus King III, who are the children of some of Maines current members of Congress. Jacksons working class background appeals to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Troy is working on getting our bread-and-butter needs met, it comes from a place of solidarity, not charity, Larrc said. Not all attendees knew who their gubernatorial or Senate choices will be. Nicole Petrin and Renee Marsh from Biddeford said they attended the event to hear Sanders speak, but they were in the market when it came to voting for governor. Their top priority, Petrin said, was not voting for a rich politician, or someone who is backed by rich people. The fact that Jackson was endorsed by Sanders, however, would be a huge deal, in their decision, both said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A man was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of assault, damaging an aircraft, and other charges. Saudia Flight 119 stopped on a taxiway at Europe's busiest airport, surrounded by emergency vehicles. The plane's next flight returned to Saudi Arabia nearly four hours late. An unruly passenger delayed travelers by nearly four hours when he was arrested at London Heathrow Airport last Thursday. Saudia Flight 119, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, touched down in the British capital shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, flight-tracking data shows how the Boeing 787 Dreamliner stopped on a taxiway at Europe's busiest airport. Images shared on social media appear to show several emergency vehicles around the jet, and a set of rescue stairs parked by the door. London's Metropolitan Police told Business Insider that officers were called to an aircraft, "following reports of a disturbance." They added that a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft, damaging an aircraft, behaving in a threatening or disorderly manner toward an aircraft crew member, and two counts of assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sun reported that a passenger punched a crew member before trying to open the cabin door. "He has since been released under investigation as enquiries continue," the police said. Following the incident, the same Boeing 787 was scheduled to fly back to Jeddah, operating Saudia Flight 120. It was supposed to take off two hours after Flight 119 landed, but was delayed a further three and a half hours, per Flightradar24. Initially set to reach the Red Sea port city at 10:55 p.m. local time, arrival was pushed back until 2:11 a.m. early Friday morning. Saudia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been just over 1,000 reports of unruly passengers so far this year. That means 2025 is set to have the lowest number of incidents since before the pandemic, with incidents soaring fivefold to nearly 6,000 in 2021. Read the original article on Business Insider Jars of honey lined up on a shelf ahead of a competition. (Provided/Savannah Smith and Garland Wilson) COLUMBIA The night before South Carolinas annual beekeeping conference and competition, high school students Savannah Smith and Garland Wilson sat in a hotel bathroom, picking bubbles out of jars of honey. Smith, a senior, and Wilson, a junior, harvested the honey as part of the Governors School for Agricultures beekeeping club, using equipment donated to bolster the fledgling program. The two needed their jars to be perfectly pristine for the next days competition, where they would be two of the youngest people competing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panic set in when condensation from a shower caused the jars to fog up, and again when bubbles reappeared. The students rushed to wipe off all the watermarks and put the jars in a car overnight, hoping the bubbles would disappear. We went out the next day, and they were beautiful, Smith said. And then we got first (place). The students success at the July competition in Columbia, where they won half a dozen awards, shows the success of the year-old program, said instructor Susan Jones, an apiculture specialist who competed alongside her students. Getting these girls to the state conference was kind of a test case, Jones said. I really did not expect them to win. We were going as a learning experience. And the fact that they did so well is just very satisfying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its second year, the program is set to expand, thanks to a donation. Duke Energy provided $25,000 for state-of-the-art honey harvesting equipment and a honey house, which gives students a dedicated space to filter and jar their honey. With 19 hives of honeybees, students will start making and selling their own beeswax products while continuing to make award-winning honey, Jones said. Like with all courses at the agricultural school, known for centuries as John de la Howe, the goal is for students to recognize beekeeping as a viable career path, Jones said. Smith and Wilson are already on their way to achieving intermediate certification, one step down from the master certification that separates hobby and commercial beekeepers, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beekeeping is an essential career not just to produce honey but to help farmers crops grow, Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier said in an email. The donation came from the utilitys foundation, which focuses in part on climate resiliency, he said. Agribusiness is a top industry in South Carolina going back to the states beginnings, and this school is educating the next generation of those business leaders, Mosier said. Getting started Neither Smith nor Wilson had any particular affinity for bees when they elected to start their own hives. I just heard it, and I was like, I like outside. Bees are outside. Bees are good, apparently. So, I signed up, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a year of helping tend six hives, both earned their beginners certifications. At least once a week, they go out to their hives to check on the bees, making sure they show no signs of pests or diseases, Jones said. Bees perched on a glove at the Governors School for Agriculture. (Provided/Garland Wilson) The program got off to a rough start. Jones tried to start the program in 2021, after giving several guest lectures on beekeeping. The schools teachers had too much on their plates to properly instruct the students on how to care for the hives, and the school couldnt find any volunteers in rural McCormick, so none of the bees survived over the winter. Jones, a former president of the South Carolina Beekeepers Association, tried again in 2024, after coming onto the staff as an instructor. After a successful first year, the schools aviary expanded to 19 hives this school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each hive can produce between four and nine gallons of honey, Jones said. When you start doing that math, thats going to be a lot of honey for this next year, she said. The program isnt all about honey, though. Honey is a great byproduct, but the real value comes from teaching students about pollination. The students also look after bumblebees, which dont produce honey, at the campus greenhouse. If you want something from the bees, its one thing, Smith said. Non-native honey bees are the best at making honey and other byproducts, but if youre talking about, Save the bees, lets talk native bees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After normal classes finished every day, Smith and Wilson joined several classmates in walking out to a classroom in the woods with their notebooks and pencils. There, Jones lectured for about two hours at a time. The knowledge shows. Smith and Wilson know about the origins of different bees, how they pollinate and how that affects the environment. Both are certified beekeeping apprentices, and both are on their way to moving up to the intermediary level, which is a rare feat for teenagers, Jones said. Award-winning honey Already, the students have a strong foundation, Jones said. That much was clear when Smith and Wilson took home first-place prizes at the South Carolina Beekeepers Association conference in July. Savannah Smith pours honey into a jar at the Governors School for Agriculture. (Provided/Susan Jones) Wilson walked away with first-place ribbons in novice honey and dark honey, as well as a third-place accolade for photography. Smith scored runner-up in novice honey, first place in amber honey and fifth place in black jar, which judges decide based on taste alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The awards are based not on a ranking system but on whether the honey meets a certain standard, Jones said. A category could have multiple first-place winners or none at all. In this case, scoring first place meant the students made the honey as good as it could be, she said. At nearly every turn, Smith and Wilson were the youngest people in the room. Everyone was like, Oh my goodness, and theyd never seen us before, so they were like, Where did they come from? Smith said. This year, the students feel good about their odds. Different parts of campus produce different tastes and colors of honey, since the bees pollinate different flowers and trees. Smith, in particular, plans to graduate with a big win. She has a hive in the woods that she thinks is making the most natural honey under the sun, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the donated equipment, the students can collect beeswax as well, which they can turn into any number of items, which Jones calls lotions and potions. Students will be able to submit candles, soap or lip balm for consideration at next years conference. Next up is the South Carolina State Fair in October. The students plan to clean up any problems they had at the conference over the summer to perfect their jars of honey. More late nights in the bathroom, Smith said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) September is National Preparedness Month, its also peak hurricane season, and the American Red Cross of South Carolina is urging everyone to protect their loved ones by getting their households ready now for any emergency that could impact day-to-day life. Last year, the Palmetto State was impacted by both Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, which devastated many communities. National Preparedness Month is a great time to ask whether your family would be ready if something unexpected happened tomorrow, said Susan Everitt, Regional CEO for the Red Cross of South Carolina. Its not about being scared; its about being smart and looking out for the people you love. Taking a few simple steps now so that you have a plan can make all the difference when it matters most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing just one big storm could be catastrophic, officials say you should gather and organize critical supplies like food, water, and medications into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. These kits should include back-up batteries and chargers for your devices, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records. Added to that should be a two-week supply of non-perishable food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible. Officials say you should also have a plan to reconnect with loved ones should you become separated and have important phone numbers written down on a contact card. You can find a full list of preparedness items and things you should keep in your storm-ready kit, just click here to review our Storm Team 2 Hurricane Ready Guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON -- August saw an easing in the scale of Russia's long-range strike campaign on Ukraine, according to data published by Ukraine's air force and analyzed by ABC News, though Moscow continued to launch massed and deadly bombardments on Kyiv, other major cities and critical infrastructure targets. Over the course of August, Russia launched 4,216 air attack vehicles -- 4,060 attack or decoy drones and 156 missiles -- at a daily average rate of nearly 131 drones and five missiles, Ukraine's air force data showed. No night of August passed without a Russian attack, the Ukrainian government said. The reason for the apparent drop off in the overall intensity of the attacks is unclear. Moscow has shown no sign of abandoning its maximalist demands in the ongoing peace talks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian long-range strikes have been targeting military industrial targets across Russia, including facilities involved in the production of drones and missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian forces said they shot down or suppressed just over 85% of the drones and nearly 68% of missiles launched by Russia during August. Gleb Garanich/Reuters - PHOTO: People look at a destroyed Russian combat drone at an exhibition in central Kyiv, Ukraine, on August 8, 2025. The overall number of long-range Russian drones and missiles launched in August was around 34% less than in July, according to the Ukrainian air force's figures. But the month ended with a notable uptick in Russian activity. From Aug. 1 to 15 -- the day of the summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska -- Ukraines air force said Russia launched a total of 1,131 drones and 21 missiles, at a daily average of 75.4 drones and 1.4 missiles. But from Aug. 16 to 31, the scale of attacks increased. In the second half of the month, Ukraines air force reported 3,001 Russian drones and 135 missiles at a daily average of 187.5 drones and 8.4 missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Kyiv hit by 'massive' Russian missile, drone attack, officials say, with 22 killed Neither Russia nor Ukraine publish data on their own strike campaigns. Ukraine's air force publishes a daily tally of Russian drone and missile strikes, while Russia's Defense Ministry only publishes figures of Ukrainian drones it claims were shot down. The overall number of Russian drones and missiles reported by Kyiv in August was the lowest monthly total since May. Still, three nights during August each saw more than 500 drones and missiles launched into the country, despite the comparatively smaller scale of month's attacks. The human toll continues to rise in Ukraine, despite Trump's repeated appeals for Moscow to end long-range strikes -- and despite his public frustration over Putin's refusal to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said that July marked the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since May 2022, with 286 people killed and 1,388 people injured. The mission said it verified casualties in 18 of the country's 24 regions in July. The mission attributed nearly 40% of the casualties in July to "long-range weapons such as missiles and loitering munitions." The mission is yet to publish its data for August. But there were several high casualty events during the month, perhaps most notably the drone and missile barrage on Kyiv that killed at least 23 people on the night of Aug. 27-28. MORE: Why Ukraine's ex-foreign minister believes Putin won't go for peace as Trump summit approaches Gleb Garanich/Reuters - PHOTO: Explosions are seen in the night sky as Ukrainian servicemen fire towards drones during a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 21, 2025. MORE: Why a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting matters -- and why it might not happen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bombardment on the night of Aug. 20-21 also saw one person killed and more than a dozen more injured, while another large combined strike on the night of Aug.29-30 killed one person and injured at least 29 people. In July, Russia set a new monthly record for the number of drones and missiles fired at Ukraine. The month saw Russia launch 6,443 aerial vehicles -- 6,245 drones and 198 missiles -- into the country, of which 89% of drones and around 61% of missiles were defeated, according to Ukrainian figures. June saw 5,438 drones and 239 missiles fired into Ukraine, with a daily average of 181 drones and nearly eight missiles. The air force downed or suppressed 87.2% of all drones and 73% of missiles during June. And in May, Russia launched a total of 3,835 drones and 117 missiles, for an average of around 124 drones and nearly four missiles each day. Across the month, 85.7% of drones and 57% of missiles were defeated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the nightly attacks, August saw two key diplomatic summits, intended as springboards to end Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor which began in February 2022. MORE: Ukrainian soldiers focus on daily battles as Trump and Putin prepare to meet Reuters/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, August 12, 2025, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London, August 14, 2025 and President Donald Trump in Washington, August 14, 2025. MORE: Trump 'very angry' with Putin as Russia's strikes on Ukraine continue despite peace push First, Putin traveled to Alaska to meet with Trump -- the first face-to-face meeting between Russian and American leaders since 2019. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by a host of European leaders, then traveled to the White House to discuss possible peace terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump framed both meetings as positive and encouraging. But subsequent developments have been lacking. Trump's proposal for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy -- an idea the Kremlin has repeatedly dodged since the two men last met in 2019 -- has yet to come to fruition, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of continued evasion. Data published by Russia's Defense Ministry suggests that Ukraine maintained the level of its own drone strike campaign through August. The ministry said its forces shot down 2,783 Ukrainian drones over the course of the month, at an average rate of nearly 90 per day. MORE: Russia ramps up grinding summer offensive as Ukraine seeks US battlefield aid Handout/State Emergency Service of Ukraine - PHOTO: This handout photograph taken and released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Aug. 28, 2025, shows rescuers at the site of a Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv. MORE: Russia hits Ukraine with drones as Kyiv celebrates independence day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across July, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported downing 3,008 Ukrainian drones at an average of around 97 per day. In June, the ministry reported downing a total of 2,368 Ukrainian drones, with an average of almost 79 drones per day across the month. Those figures were down from May, during which the ministry said it shot down 3,611 drones with an average of 116 per day. Local governments in Russia often publicly state death tolls for specific attacks, although the Kremlin doesn't release a regular country-wide tally, making it difficult to track over a period of time. Last month, Rodion Miroshnik -- a Foreign Ministry ambassador-at-large responsible for analyzing Ukrainian attacks in Russia -- told the TASS state news agency that 15 people were killed and 140 injured during one week of attacks in August. The toll included casualties in frontline regions, as well as those deep inside Russia caused by long-range drone strikes. Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Kyiv is planning "new strikes." The 19th edition of Africas Food Systems Forum (AFSF), dedicated to innovation and the implementation of agri-food system transformation, kicked off on Monday in Dakar Under the theme Africas Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation, the inaugural session of the Forum, held until September 5, was attended by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, several heads of state and government, and representatives of participating countries. In his opening address, the Senegalese president called for massive financial mobilization to transform African agriculture, advocating for a genuine investment revolution to make the continent the worlds breadbasket, in line with the Maputo commitment to allocate 10% of national budgets to the agricultural sector. He also warned that without urgent action, more than a billion people could suffer from chronic undernourishment by 2030, half of them in Africa, urging his peers to make agriculture appeal to young people and investors through training, rural entrepreneurship, and opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Agriculture must become a driver of sovereignty and growth, the Senegalese president said. Head of the Moroccan delegation to the Forum, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests Ahmed El Bouari, held on the sidelines of the event, talks with CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Ted McKinney. Discussions focused on Morocco-US relations in the agricultural sector, particularly the state of trade, prospects for its development, and prospects related to triangular trade with Africa and growing American investment in Morocco. Nearly 6,000 participants from Africa and beyond are taking part in this continental event, which focuses on entrepreneurship, investment, national policies, and experience sharing, within the framework of the new Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) 20262035. The Forum also features the presentation of the African Food Prize, which rewards initiatives that have helped transform African agriculture into a driver of prosperity and growth. Africas Food Systems Forum, formerly AGRF, is the worlds premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African food systems forward. Africa Food Systems Forum is designed to energize political will and advance the policies, programs, and investments required to achieve an inclusive and sustainable food systems transformation. MSNBC pundit Joe Scarborough suggested that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) work with President Trump to fight crime in Chicago. I actually think that JB Pritzker should do something radical, Scarborough said on his morning talk show on MSNBC on Tuesday. I think he should pick up the phone, call the president and say, you know and, I know you dont have the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard here you can do that in DC, you cant do that in Chicago. But lets partner up.' Chicago is the most dangerous part of Pritzkers state, Scarborough continued, saying he should work with Trump to partner in a way that is constitutional and respects the sort of balance of federalism between the federal government and the state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hosts comments were first highlighted by Mediaite. Trump has criticized Pritzker over what he says in rampant crime in Chicago, writing on Truth Social over the weekend He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or were coming! Trump last month took control of the police department in Washington, D.C. and deployed the National Guard to patrol city streets as part of his crime crackdown in the nations capital. Trump and his allies have suggested they could also implement stricter crime fighting measures in other major cities across the country like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Researchers in Sydney, Australia, recently uncovered 21 previously undetected "forever chemicals" in the city's residential tap water, raising new safety concerns about the public drinking supply. The findings add to growing evidence that PFAS a group of chemicals linked to serious health risks are more widespread than previously understood. What's happening? Researchers at University of New South Wales recently discovered 21 previously undetected PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Sydney's tap water. This raises the total known PFAS present in Sydney's public drinking supply to 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS are widely used in everyday products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant fabrics, and personal care items like nail polish and shampoo. Because these chemicals don't break down easily, they accumulate in the environment including in drinking water. Among the newly identified substances in Sydney's tap water was one chemical previously thought to exist only in bottled water and consumer goods. Another detected substance was a breakdown product of firefighting foams, which was also detected for the first time in any drinking water supply worldwide. Although the levels detected were extremely low, some samples came close to or even exceeded safety benchmarks used in other countries. "Sydney's water meets current Australian standards, but when considering health benchmarks used in other countries, some samples were near or above safety limits," lead author and UNSW Sydney professor William Alexander Donald said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Detecting PFAS not previously reported in tap water highlights that our monitoring programs are now uncovering more of the chemicals present in our supply," he added. Why is PFAS in drinking water concerning? PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" as they "usually take hundreds or thousands of years to break down," the World Economic Forum reports. These substances can build up in soil, water, and living organisms including humans. The substances have been linked to health issues like cancers, reproductive issues, hormone disruption, and more. They also pose a threat to wildlife, potentially leading to illness or death when ingested. There's still a lot to learn about the impact of PFAS including what concentrations are particularly concerning for human exposure. What's clear, however, is that their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in living beings make them a growing public health concern and environmental challenge. What's being done about PFAS in drinking water? UNSW Sydney researchers highlighted the need for broader and more sensitive PFAS monitoring, particularly to understand how seasonal changes and regional regulations might affect exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It should be reassuring that these PFAS concentrations are low," laboratory analysis lead Dr. Lisa Hua said in the news release. "However, we should explore new technologies that remove PFAS before their release into our ecosystems and drinking water supply." The authors also pointed to new research on a material that can remove more than 99% of PFAS from water at concentrations commonly found in the environment. UNSW Sydney noted that regulations and safety limits for PFAS are still evolving as scientists learn more about these "forever chemicals." For now, the World Health Organization and governments worldwide continue to monitor and reassess the risks of PFAS. 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 new study has revealed that the Greenland ice sheet is melting at an increasingly faster rate due to huge underwater waves that churn up warm seawater. What's happening? A GreenFjord project research team unveiled the findings via the latest Nature cover, according to the University of Zurich. It found that massive chunks of ice that break off the Eqalorutsit Kangilliit Sermiat glacier and cause these waves "prolong water mixing, bringing a steady supply of warmer water to the surface." The underwater waves, comparable in height to skyscrapers, are not visible, unlike the surface waves created by this ice calving. However, they also drive melting and erosion, which then leads to more calving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The warmer water increases seawater-induced melt erosion and eats away at the base of the vertical wall of ice at the glacier's edge. This, in turn, amplifies glacier calving and the associated mass loss from ice sheets," co-author Andreas Vieli said. The team used a 10-kilometer fiber-optic cable to measure ground motion via distributed acoustic sensing. Data showed that after surface waves dissipated, the subsurface waves were still pushing up warmer, denser water from the bottom of the fjord. Why is this important? "The fiber-optic cable allowed us to measure this incredible calving multiplier effect, which wasn't possible before," lead author Dominik Graff of the University of Washington said. It was placed hundreds of meters from the front of the 80-meter-tall (262-foot-tall) ice shelf at 300 meters (984 feet), the depth of the seabed, allowing scientists to safely measure the effects of calving and go deeper than conventional remote sensing methods, which are limited because satellites cannot show what goes on where glaciers and seawater interact under the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our previous measurements have often merely scratched the surface, so a new approach was needed," Vieli said. The release noted that the Greenland ice sheet holds enough water to spike global sea levels by seven meters (23 feet) if it were to melt. Glacial meltwater affects ocean currents, climates, and ecosystems. "Our entire Earth system depends, at least in part, on these ice sheets. It's a fragile system that could collapse if temperatures rise too high," Graff said. What's being done about glacier calving? The glacier, which is three kilometers (1.9 miles) across where it meets the water, sheds 3.6 cubic kilometers (0.9 cubic miles) of ice every year. Slowing this freight train will require a herculean effort to keep global temperatures from continuing to rise. The ice sheet itself has lost mass every year since 1998 because of the planet's alarming warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals can vacation and travel responsibly by avoiding flights as much as possible, making energy-efficient home upgrades, and reducing their consumption of beef and dairy products. These steps reduce the production of heat-trapping pollution, and they will also save you money. 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 protester holds a placard describing the election of Donald Trump as a climate disaster during the demonstration. Protesters marched in Central London demanding climate justice and an end to fossil fuels, as COP29 continues in Azerbaijan. Credit - Vuk ValcicSOPA Images/LightRocket/ Getty Images More than 85 scientists from around the world have issued a scathing rebuttal to a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report that diminished the threat of climate change, arguing that it misrepresented data and cherry-picked numbers contrary to scientific consensus. The Trump Administrations July review of the impact of greenhouse gas emissions claimed that the threat of climate change is exaggerated and less damaging economically than commonly believed. Chris Wright, the energy secretary and former fossil fuel executive, hand-selected the five authors of the report, who all refute the consensus that burning fossil fuels is quickly heating the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This report makes a mockery of science, said Dr. Andrew Dessler, one of the contributors to the 500-page report written by climate experts in response to the review. It relies on ideas that were rejected long ago, supported by misrepresentations of the body of scientific knowledge, omissions of important facts, arm waving, anecdotes, and confirmation bias. This report makes it clear DOE has no interest in engaging with the scientific community. Read more: Here Are All of Trumps Major Moves to Dismantle Climate Action The scientists behind the report say the DOE report is being used to advance and justify the administrations fossil fuel interests, at the same time as the White House has rolled back the Environmental Protection Agencys abilities to fight against climate change in President Donald Trumps second term. The report found several instances where the DOE authors misrepresented information on climate change, such as claiming that rising carbon dioxide can have a net benefit to the U.S. agricultural economy, without citing the documented consequences of increased temperatures for that industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Errors in the DOE review included misquoting a climate report, providing incorrect explanations for scientific concepts, and confusing the results of various studies that the report cited. In response to a request for comment on the critiques it is facing, the department told TIME: "The purpose of this report is to restore an open and transparent dialogue around climate science. Following the public comment period, we look forward to reviewing and engaging on substantive comments." Dr. Kim Cobb, director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society and co-author of the report, highlighted a glaring omission by the DOE of the human-caused warming of the ocean and its decimation of coral reefs through marine heat waves. Cobb also noted that the DOE argued against rising global temperatures, citing the natural variability of weather over centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe there was a time when that debate could be had, but that is no longer a tenable position, Cobb told TIME. From a scientific perspective, we have extremely robust lines of evidence pointing out that we are living through a period of unprecedented warmth. Cobb emphasized that one of the greatest threats of the DOE review is its potential to become a bedrock for future environmental policy. She described the credibility of the DOEs review versus the scientific communitys rebuttal as a feather on one side and 1,000 pounds of metal on the other. It is really important that climate scientists stand up and be active stewards of their science in the public sphere. It's part of our job. It's our responsibility to the world, to taxpayers, to the next generations. That's what we are charged with doing. And this may be the most important moment where we are called to do that, Cobb said. The scientists who responded to the DOEs review argue that it was compromised from the beginning due to its tiny team of hand-picked contrarians, the absence of a peer review process, which is standard practice for a document of this volume, cherry-picked evidence and inaccurate citations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally, a report like this would undergo a rigorous, unbiased and transparent peer review. When it became clear that DOE wasnt going to organize such a review, the scientific community came together on its own, in less than a month, to provide it, said Dr. Robert Kopp, another contributor, upon its release. Other organizations and scientists have refuted the DOEs review, including the American Meteorological Society, which highlighted further flaws in the report and urged a correction of the findings by the agency. Trump has taken several steps in his second term to dismantle government efforts to address climate change, including blocking state laws against climate change, expanding oil and gas production, and phasing out FEMA, the agency responsible for responding to climate-related disasters, which have become more frequent with rising global temperatures. In his first term, Trump rolled back more than 125 environmental policies. Columbia Universitys Climate Backtracker identifies steps taken by the administration to scale back climate mitigation measures, and has identified over 200 instances in Trumps second term. Contact us at letters@time.com. More than 85 veteran climate scientists have pushed back against a Trump administration report downplaying the severity of climate change, submitting more than 400 pages in public comments to the Energy Department on Tuesday. The departments Climate Working Group report, released July 29 alongside proposals to deregulate some polluting sectors, was authored by five well-known climate change contrarians and even portrayed climate change as potentially beneficial. In Tuesdays comments, the climate researchers describe that report as science-y in appearance, but grossly misleading, lacking in substance and peer review. For example, the comments criticize the sections on sea level rise, noting the report failed to capture the acceleration of such trends, among other inaccuracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes a mockery of science, said Andrew Dessler, a climate researcher at Texas A&M University who helped organize the public comments to push back against the report, citing mistakes in the document and other flaws. The researchers comments are a lengthy, point-by-point rebuttal to the report in the form of a peer review to the Climate Working Group report. It includes a Summary for Policy Makers and zeroes in on everything from the reports portrayal of carbon dioxide as a net benefit for agriculture, to its depiction of the accuracy of climate modeling. The climate scientists came together quickly in an ad hoc manner, first organized on the social networking site Bluesky, to address what they interpret as the Trump administrations attempt to erase credible climate science from the record. Their effort involved dozens of experts and some review, but the 30-day public comments deadline forced the researchers to respond quickly. There is, however, a lack of clarity about what process the Energy Department will follow in reviewing the public comments and if it will potentially incorporate them into a final report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fracking company executive who has minimized the ongoing and future harms of climate change, handpicked the working group reports authors: John Christy and Roy Spencer, both research scientists at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, Steven E. Koonin of Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, Georgia Tech professor emeritus Judith Curry and Canadian economist Ross McKitrick. Dessler compared their report to a badly written blog post, but said it demanded a response. This is something coming out from the federal government that the federal government could conceivably use to make policy he told CNN. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has already cited the document as part of the scientific justification for repealing the endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions a 2009 scientific determination that human-caused climate change endangers human health and safety. Repealing the finding could help end many of the governments most significant regulations protecting Americans health and the environment, including emissions regulations for vehicles, power plants and the oil and gas industry. Energy Secretary Chris Wright after speaking during a television interview outside the White House on August 19 in Washington, DC. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Dessler and fellow coauthors of the new comments criticize the Energy Department report for trying to manufacture scientific uncertainty where it does not exist, whether the topic is climate changes influence on extreme weather events or its potential agricultural impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is really a rerun of the tobacco battles. The goal here is not to win the debate. Theyre never going to win the debate. The science of climate change is incredibly solid, Dessler said. All theyre trying to do is muddy the waters here, create this idea that theres a debate, and then the government will use that to roll back regulations. Robert Kopp, a climate scientist at Rutgers University also involved in the response, said the departments report is not scientifically credible, and the comments filed overall criticize it for aiming to reach a predetermined conclusion, missciting and mischaracterizing studies, and making numerous errors. The comments summary states that the working group report exhibits pervasive problems with misrepresentation and selective citation of the scientific literature, cherry-picking of data, and faulty or absent statistics. Several climate scientists whose research was cited in the Trump report have said it misused or misrepresented their work, CNN previously reported. Rebecca Neumann, a researcher at the University of Washington who also took part in the comments, said the administrations report fits in with the evolving arguments of those who minimize the threats climate change poses. As outright denial of climate change becomes less tenable, the new approach is to downplay its dangers and exaggerate its upsides, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other mainstream climate scientists and their affiliated groups are also more formally addressing flaws in the Energy Departments report. Last week, for example, the American Meteorological Society, which represents weather and climate experts, published a statement identifying foundational flaws in the report. Scientific assessments that emphasize unusual views are unrepresentative of the larger community of subject matter experts, the societys response states, though it is not clear from the statement whether the American Meteorological Society is submitting its response as a formal comment to the report. The DoE Report selectively emphasizes a small set of unrepresentative findings, particularly those that might appear beneficial on superficial examination. This cherry picking also downplays and excludes scientific findings that might be widely understood to be harmful, the societys statement says. It also points out, as does Dessler, that the arguments put forward in the Climate Working Group report are not new, and have been previously considered by the broader scientific community. Wright told CNN in August that the departments working group may revisit previously published National Climate Assessments, and he has also expressed interest in holding public climate science debates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national assessments which are congressionally mandated and take years to research and peer review have been removed from government websites, and the Trump administration dismissed the authors of the next iteration, raising the possibility that the Department of Energy scientists will have a role in writing it. Dessler said the arguments put forward in the working group document would never survive a peer review in a scientific journal. What they are trying to do now is rewrite the rules of science, because they know they cannot win in the actual scientific community. So they are busy trying to figure out a venue where they can win, Dessler said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was founded in 2001 as a Eurasian security bloc by China, Russia and the four Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It now has 10 full member states, with the addition of Belarus, India, Iran and Pakistan in the past decade. In all, the bloc now brings together 26 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, including observer states Mongolia and Afghanistan and 14 dialogue partners: Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar, the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates. Myanmar and Turkey are among nations seeking full membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Here is how the bloc has evolved from a small consultative group of five states focused on regional border security - known as the "Shanghai Five" - into a comprehensive Eurasian organisation addressing not only security but also economic, trade and diplomatic challenges. 1996: The "Shanghai Five" bloc is set up after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with China, Russia and three newly independent Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. 2001: The "Shanghai Five" is renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in June 2001, after Uzbekistan joins the grouping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2002: SCO Charter is signed at the St Petersburg summit and takes effect in September 2003. It is a fundamental constituent document stipulating the goals, principles, structure and major areas of activities of the organisation. 2003: SCO member states sign a 20-year programme of multilateral trade and economic cooperation, including the establishment of a free-trade zone. 2004: Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or Rats is established in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as a coordination centre in the fight against terrorism, separatism and religious extremism. In December, the SCO is granted observer status at the United Nations General Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2005: India, Iran and Pakistan are granted observer status at the Astana summit. The United States also applies for observer status but is rejected. The SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group is established. Meetings are held in China, Russia, and other member states. However, its activities remain suspended from 2009 until being revived in 2017. 2012: Afghanistan is granted observer status when then-Afghan president Hamid Karzai visits China for the Beijing summit. Turkey is granted dialogue partner status. 2013: SCO Energy Club is established to boost cooperation between major energy producers and consumers. Projects supported include the Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline, a natural gas delivery system developed as an extension of an earlier pipeline begun by the Soviets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2014: India and Pakistan apply for full membership, approved during the Astana summit in Kazakhstan in June 2017. 2023: Iran is granted full-member status at the 23rd summit of the SCO Council of Heads of States, held in New Delhi. 2024: Belarus officially joins the SCO, becoming the 10th member state at the Astana summit, after becoming a dialogue partner in 2010 and gaining observer state status in 2015. 2025: SCO leaders meeting for the summit in Tianjin, China, agree to set up a development bank to strengthen financial resilience among member states and reduce dependence on the US dollar. It is expected to play a crucial role in funding infrastructure and development projects across the bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint declaration adopted at the summit reaffirms member states' commitment to combating terrorism, promoting regional security and economic cooperation, addressing climate change, enhancing connectivity, and fostering cultural exchanges, while emphasising a multipolar world order and the need for reform in global governance. 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. A person riding a personal scooter has died after being hit by a vehicle in Northern Kentucky. Newport police officers responded to a collision at the intersection of Monmouth Street and New Linden Road Sept. 2, just before 10 a.m., according to a release from the department. The vehicle was turning onto New Linden Road from Monmouth Street when it collided at the intersection with a person traveling northbound on a personal scooter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scooter rider was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where they died. The investigation is ongoing, and police did not identify the person killed and are not releasing personal information about either party involved in the crash. This story is developing. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police are investigating NKY crash that killed scooter rider Conservative pundit Scott Jennings claimed Monday that there was no fracture in the GOP regarding the Jeffrey Epstein sagaonly to be shown a poll indicating a divided Republican electorate. The CNN commentator was discussing the scheduled appearance in Congress this week of some of Epsteins victims on The Arena alongside former Harris campaign adviser Adrienne Elrod. Jennings took issue with the Democratic strategist saying that GOP leadership has to deal with a challenging fracture within the MAGA base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no fracture in the Republican Party over this, Jennings insisted. If I were the president and I were the administration, I would trust and want to work with James Comer on this, apart from having this spill out into a larger issue that continues to chew up floor time, the former George W. Bush administration figure continued. My advice: work with Comer and get all the information out you can through the House Oversight Committee. CNN anchor Pamela Brown then cited one indicator that Republicans may not be as unified as Jennings claimed. You say that theres no fractureI just want to go to this really quick, she said, introducing a Quinnipiac University poll from late August showing 44 percent of Republicans approve of how the Trump administration has been handling the Epstein files, while 34 percent disapprove and 22 percent had no opinion. The same poll found 73 percent of voters believe the Justice Department hasnt been transparent on the topic. A Quinnipiac poll from August shows about 1 of 3 Republicans disapproves of the Trump administration's handling of the So, I mean, there is a fracture, Brown told Jennings, who responded by touting Trumps approval rating among Republicans. Jennings claimed it was 93 percent, though the Quinnipiac poll pegged it at 84 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on this issue in particular, Brown replied, is there any concern that this could come back to bite Republicans at the polls? Jennings answered that he had precisely 0.0 concerns. Demonstrators hold signs calling for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files outside of the White House. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag For the larger group of American people, the electorate of this country, this is one of the lowest rated issues for them, he claimed. Look at all the opinion polling on this. Nobody brings this up as their top issue. This is a completely manufactured issue among a handful of people. Brown then highlighted twelve members of Congress who have publicly supported releasing files released to the dead sex offender, among them Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, Kentucky Rep. Tim Burchett, and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie and California Rep. Ro Khanna have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday to give an update. Next week, Epsteins estate is expected to hand over to lawmakers a 2003 book in which Trump reportedly left a suggestive birthday note and drawing for Epstein. Trump has denied doing so. Scranton, Pennsylvania, Mayor Paige Cognetti launched a campaign Tuesday to challenge GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan for his Northeast Pennsylvania House seat. Cognetti began her campaign by lashing into the embattled GOP freshman over his murky financial record since entering Congress. People here work hard, Cognetti said in a video announcement Tuesday. And we stand tall. And our new congressman falls a bit short. Rob was handed the keys to a family fortune at 19. Workers here built that company. Rob sold it to foreign private equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvanias 8th District is one of a dwindling number of true swing seats left in Congress. Bresnahan defeated Democrat Matt Cartwright by just over 6,000 votes last November, bolstered in part by a promise to ban stock trading. In May, Bresnahan introduced legislation to bar members of Congress or their spouses from trading stock while in office, to kick off in January 2027. But since arriving in Washington, Bresnahan has continued to trade stocks, though he says financial advisers manage his portfolio. House Republicans have still privately raised concerns about the activity. Sold Chinese stocks the week of a tariff, buys missile stocks before a war, Cognetti said in her video announcement. Buys jet stocks before a big contract. Oversees crypto, buys crypto stocks before a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Pack, a spokesperson for Bresnahans campaign, called Cognetti a far-left extremist and accused her of supporting open borders and defunding the police in a statement to POLITICO. We look forward to putting a spotlight on her extreme and dangerous positions, which are completely out of step with Northeastern Pennsylvania, where President Trump won by nearly 10 points, Pack said. The United Nations has sounded the alarm over Sudans worsening humanitarian crisis, reporting more than 100,000 cholera infections in the past year, the largest outbreak in recent times. According to the Sudanese Health Ministry, at least 2,561 people have died since the epidemic began in August 2024. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described the situation as dire, noting that Sudan is simultaneously facing the worlds largest hunger crisis, with famine already confirmed in some areas. The cholera epidemic is unfolding against the backdrop of a brutal war between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has left over 20,000 people dead and displaced 14 million since April 2023. While UN figures place the toll at tens of thousands, research from US universities suggests the death count could be closer to 130,000. OCHA has appealed for urgent international support, warning that millions of Sudanese lives remain at risk without immediate intervention. GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) Sullivan County Sheriffs officers acted appropriately and didnt violate the civil rights of a man who died after May 2024 incidents at the countys jail and an area hospital, attorneys for the county claim in their responses to a federal wrongful death lawsuit. Attorneys for Sullivan County have denied all claims in the lawsuit against the county, Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy and officers, filed by the family of Matthew Stoddard. The 26-count lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Tennessee on May 20, alleges that over two separate days, multiple Sullivan County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) deputies violated Stoddards rights, used excessive force and ultimately caused his death. The actions of Defendant were objectively reasonable under the circumstances, and he/she was acting in good faith and without malice, attorneys argue in answering the wrongful death claim for one of eight individual defendant officers. Similar answers claiming officers acted in good faith and reasonably are made in other officers defenses and for additional claims, including excessive force, assault and battery and infliction of emotional distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The answers also deny that Cassidy or SCSO failed to properly train officers or that any of their actions violated Stoddards constitutional rights, and claim qualified immunity because the people were acting within their law enforcement capacity. PREVIOUS: Video, audio reveal events surrounding wrongful death suit against SCSO Stoddard, 40, of Ooltewah, never regained consciousness after a May 22, 2024 struggle with officers at Bristol Regional Medical Center. That struggle came less than 24 hours after officers arrested Stoddard, with his wife and children present, at a home in Sullivan County where the family had stopped to seek directions and where Stoddard was acting erratically. The lawsuit claims Stoddard was suffering a mental health episode and was mistreated and assaulted at the scene, and during a short incident at the Sullivan County Jails intake area on May 21. It claims he was also assaulted and that officers actions ultimately caused his death the next night at Bristol Regional Medical Center when he allegedly grabbed a deputys gun and fired a shot that didnt strike anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stoddard died at a Chattanooga medical facility on July 13, 2024. The lawsuit claims that in the hospital struggle, a deputy placed his full weight on a facedown Stoddard, leading to anoxic brain injury and cardiac arrest and ultimately to Stoddards death. This came after a violent struggle with Stoddard that was recorded on a hospital security officers body cam footage and also shows Stoddard at one point striking his own forehead with the officers baton. PREVIOUS: Man involved in Bristol hospital shooting died weeks later; family seeks answers The lengthy answers of just over 100 pages claim there is no basis for the allegations against officers. They claim any physical actions against Stoddard were defensible and necessary. One defense with respect to any injuries Stoddard sustained, this Defendant denies that any such injuries are causally related to his/her actions and avers that they are the result of some preceding event or pre-existing health condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defenses claim any use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. They claim that no actions violated any of Stoddards constitutional rights determined by the standard of objective reasonableness and that defendants had probable cause and lawful justification for any and all actions taken. Attorneys for the Stoddards declined to comment on the filing. News Channel 11 has also reached out to Sullivan Countys attorney. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. JEFFERSON COUNTY (KSNT) Law enforcement is searching for a missing man in Jefferson County this week who was last seen in late August. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said it is searching for Patrick Crim, 34, who was last seen at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Abate Bike Rally. The sheriffs office encourages people who know where he is to call 785-863-2765 as soon as possible. Patrick Crim. (Photo Courtesy/Jefferson County Sheriffs Office) Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told 27 News he believes Crim is a resident of Topeka with some possible sightings of him in the Capital City following the missing person alert. He said that sheriffs deputies with K-9s are searching the area of Paradise Point and will receive assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two killed in Jefferson County crash, several hospitalized For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The search for two men who went missing after a boat capsized off the Oregon Coast has been called off, the Coast Guard announced Monday. The boat, a 26-foot catamaran, was overturned Sunday evening at around 9 p.m., officials said. At the time, three people were on board the ship, one of whom was rescued by a good Samaritan and taken to a nearby hospital. Dozens of officers respond to SE Portland street takeover Monday night Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard said they conducted a first light search of the area, covering over 75 square nautical miles, but they were unable to find the two missing men. This is a very tragic situation, said Master Chief Petty Officer Carlos Hessler, Officer in Charge of Station Chetco River. Anytime there is a vessel in distress, we do everything we can to help those in need. Our hearts are with the boaters and their families during this difficult time. During the search, officials said that there were 18-20 knot winds, 4-6 foot waves and the water was 55 degrees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Seattle police have arrested a man who they say is accused of dealing in depictions of child sex abuse materials. The 40-year-old had a $5,050 felony warrant out for his arrest. Police were looking for him and posted information on his whereabouts and appearance on Sept. 1. He was arrested on Sept. 3 in Lakewood thanks to tips from the community. He was booked into Pierce County Jail. KIRO 7 will have updates if there is a charging decision. The second Boone County Sheriff's deputy wounded in a shooting at a Walton apartment complex has been released from the hospital, officials said. The deputy was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and escorted home by police on Monday, Sept. 1, according to the sheriff's office social media post. The other injured deputy was released from the hospital on Aug. 29. Officials have yet to release the identities of either deputy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'It was very scary.' Apartment residents recount Walton shooting, neighbor's death "The team at UC Medical Center is incredible and we are forever grateful," the post states. "We have felt the outpouring of support from the community. Thank you all." Major Philip Ridgell with the Boone County Sheriff's Office previously said the deputies went to the Towne Creek Crossing Apartments in Walton around 10 p.m. on Aug. 28 to serve a warrant and were met with gunfire. Officials said 39-year-old Justin Chapman, who lived at the apartment on Service Road, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he shot and wounded two deputies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ridgell told The Enquirer that the felony warrant deputies were serving on Chapman was for failure to pay child support. It carried a $14,000 bond. He added that Chapman was not under investigation for any other alleged crimes. Court records show Chapman has previous convictions, including for failure to pay child support and attempted witness tampering. The records also indicate he was arrested in 2010 in Gallatin County on a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence assault. The sheriff's office said additional information is forthcoming about the involved deputies, as well as the shooting investigation. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Second Boone County deputy shot in Walton released from hospital NEED TO KNOW The U.S. Geological Society reported on Sept. 2 that a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck about 21 miles northeast of the Afghan city of Jalalabad A Taliban government spokesperson said the death toll from the Aug. 31 disaster has passed 1,411 people The European Union, India and Britain are among those who have donated money and supplies for Afghan relief efforts Afghanistan experienced its second earthquake in days as the country continues to reel from an earlier major quake that claimed at least 1,400 lives. The latest quake, measuring 5.2 magnitude, occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 2, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) northeast of the Afghan city of Jalalabad, and with a depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers), the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tremor comes as a Taliban government spokesperson said on Tuesday that the death toll from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake on Sunday, Aug. 31, has now passed 1,411 people, alongside over 3,000 injured, The Guardian reported. Sundays quake struck the province of Kunar, near Jalalabad and its neighboring provinces, including Nangarhar, Laghman, Nuristan, and Panjshir, according to local news outlets Hasht-e Sobh and Khaama Press. Many people were buried underneath the rubble of collapsed buildings, while the mountainous terrain has made rescue operations challenging, Afghan-based outlet Hewad reported. At the time of Sundays disaster, the Taliban government was using helicopters to rescue those affected by the quake, as the mountainous terrain and landslides triggered by the natural disaster made providing aid challenging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations announced on Tuesday that aid workers were still racing to help survivors. The organizations top aid official in Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, said that the impact from the disaster could be in the hundreds of thousands as in houses destroyed, injured, casualties, livestock lost and any livelihood systems that they had. WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Damaged houses are pictured after quakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Afghanistan, on Sept. 1, 2025 Damaged houses are pictured after quakes at Mazar Dara village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, in Afghanistan, on Sept. 1, 2025 The U.N. said that its humanitarian air service has arranged more flights connecting Jalalabad and the Afghan capital of Kabul for personnel and cargo to scale up the response. Ratwatte said that the country has long faced humanitarian obstacles, explaining that half its population needs help, and that a drought has exacerbated food insecurity. The earthquake comes at a time where vulnerable communities are going to be super-exposed to additional stresses, Ratwatte said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said that rescue operations are still underway. "Dozens of commandos have been airlifted to areas where planes could not land to pull out the injured from the rubble and transport them to a suitable location, Fitrat said, according to ABC News. Meanwhile, Britain has donated $1.35 million for the U.N. and Red Cross relief efforts, while India has provided 1,000 family tents to Kabul and is moving 15 tons of food to Kunar, Al Jazeera reported. The European Union announced that it approved $1.16 million in humanitarian aid for the reeling country. Officials added that the EU is also providing 130 tons of relief supplies, including tents and clothes. 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. Afghanistan remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 23 million people estimated to need humanitarian assistance this year, the EU said in a statement. Some 12.6 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, and mass repatriations of Afghans from neighbouring countries in past months have further increased the population's needs. Read the original article on People The Jefferson City Correctional Center. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent) The panel established by Gov. Mike Kehoe to write rules for how long people who break the law must stay in prison may be violating the law itself by meeting in secret. As one of his first acts as governor in January, Kehoe ordered the Department of Corrections and the Division of Probation and Parole set up a working group for a comprehensive study of parole rules. The group is to work toward the goal of providing clarity, transparency, and accountability for the parole process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only time the 15-member panel has met in public was June 13, when it held a 25-minute public hearing in the Capitol Building. Since then, it has met three times without posting any notice of the time or place of the meeting or allowing the public to attend. The next meeting is Sept. 18, when according to one member the panel will present ideas in writing for inclusion in the working groups report, due Oct. 1. The working group is violating the Missouri Sunshine Law, Amy Malinowski, Missouri director of the MacArthur Justice Center, said in an email to The Independent. According to general counsel for the (Department of Corrections), they do not prepare agendas for or minutes from meetings. Nor do they publish notice of any meetings, whether open or closed. (It is) cruelly ironic since one of the things Gov. Kehoe asked this working group to focus on was transparency. Malinowski wrote several emails in July to the Division of Probation and Parole asking for notice of upcoming meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please be advised we are following all guidelines for this executive order and offered more than what was required by hosting an open public forum and creating a special email account for constituents to submit concerns and requests, Glenda Owens, executive assistant to the Parole Board, wrote in reply. When Malinowski responded by stating the working group needed to follow Sunshine Law guidelines for meeting notices, Owens disagreed. No public notice is required as it is not an open meeting, Owens wrote. A governmental body subject to the Sunshine Law must post a notice of the time and place it intends to meet, with an agenda of items to be discussed, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To hold a closed meeting, the body must first meet in public, with an agenda that cites specific exemptions in law that allow for closed meeting discussions. The body must hold a roll-call vote to go into a closed session. The Sunshine Law also specifically includes any advisory committee or commission appointed by the governor by executive order in the definition of public governmental bodies. That specific statement, said Dan Curry, legal advisor to the Missouri Press Association, makes the working group subject to all Sunshine Law requirements. The Department of Corrections disagrees. Spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said in an email to The Independent that parole board staff believe the working group meetings are not public meetings/hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive order does not require public hearings to be held only to ensure that the working group includes a variety of stakeholders, including members of the public and formerly incarcerated people, Pojmann said. The public hearing held June 13 was an effort to get input from the public, as was the establishment of the email address for collecting public comment. Four meetings have been held so far, with a fifth planned for next month. Having the working group meet in secret violates the spirit of Kehoes executive order as well as the Sunshine Law, Malinowski said. Its doubly concerning, because one of the specific issues theyre supposed to be working on is transparency, she said. How can we take seriously their recommendations with regard to transparency when theyre not taking seriously a very clear legal obligation regarding transparency? A spokeswoman for Kehoe did not respond to a request for comment. Working group issues Missouri has about 24,000 people incarcerated in the 19 adult prisons, with new admissions and releases each running at more than 11,000 per year. The Division of Probation and Parole had 13,809 men and women under parole supervision at the end of June 2024, the most recent data available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the brief public hearing, advocates for incarcerated people called on the group to bring more predictability to parole hearing dates, provide more feedback to people denied parole and shorten the time between a hearing and a release date. They also asked the working group to look at how new interpretations of existing rules have added years, and sometimes decades, to the time required before parole eligibility. The boundaries on the working groups recommendations are things that can be done through revisions to regulations. Tony Helfrecht, the chairman of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole, is leading the working group and he said at the public hearing that it would not be considering recommendations for changing state law. The regulations define the portion of a sentence that must be served before parole eligibility. They also define the structure of parole hearings such as who can speak or have representation, and the conditions a person on parole must meet to remain out of prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helfrechts vice-chair is Trevor Foley, director of the state corrections department. Six other members are corrections department employees or members of the state parole board, and five represent the judiciary and law enforcement. Two public members, including Courtney Everett, program coordinator for the St. Louis University Prison Education Program, were previously incarcerated. In an interview last week, Everett said the working group has met twice, in July and August, and will meet again on Sept. 18. He said he has asked for more public sessions, especially so people who have dealt with the parole system can testify. Im just hearing stories that are blowing my mind, but everyone needs to hear it, and its difficult for me if I spent the hour with the mom, to take the notes and represent that in a Zoom meeting, Everett said. Thats just too hard for me to do. Everett said he was concerned that the working group would have an anti-inmate bias when he saw the list of members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went into this with a lot of trepidation, because I didnt think we would be heard, but I feel like everyones listening, Everett said. I feel like everyones open-minded. The public should know what issues the working group considers important and what resources are being used to address them, Malinowski said. The MacArthur Justice Center has identified several areas to work on and she presented them at the public hearing. Who knows when well get another opportunity like this to take a hard look at the regulations and change things? Malinowski said. Even the chairman himself described it as a once in a decade opportunity. So I want assurances that theyre making the most out of that opportunity, and, right now, I have none. Next steps Everett said in an interview that he would like the working group to get an extension on the Oct. 1 deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something that should take longer than a few months, Everett said. Its just so much. Theres so many layers to it. We cant do it in six months. The MacArthur Justice Center is weighing whether to take legal action over the Sunshine Law issues, Malinowski said. One barrier, she said, is that the lawsuit would take far longer than the time left before the working group issues its report. The department has stopped responding to her on the open meetings questions, she said. They are not posting public notices of meetings. They are not preparing agendas for meetings, Malinowski said. They are not maintaining minutes of meetings. Yet these are all things the Missouri Sunshine law requires them to do. How, then, can we have any confidence in the forthcoming recommendations from the group? Naeem held several roles in Hamas's Gaza City brigade, and throughout the war, was a senior operative in military intelligence and was close to Gaza City brigade commander Ezz al-Din Haddad. Security forces killed Hamas terrorist Hazem Awni Naeem, who held Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Naama Levy hostage, the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) confirmed on Tuesday. Naeem was killed in a coordinated strike by the IDF and Shin Bet on August 28 in the Gaza City area, the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naeem held several roles in Hamas's Gaza City brigade, and throughout the war, was a senior operative in military intelligence and was close to Gaza City brigade commander Ezz al-Din Haddad. The IDF and ISA eliminated the senior terrorist Hazem Awni Naeem in the Gaza City area. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) Reports from Naeem's death surfaced on Sunday, with the IDF confirming his death on Monday through its official channels. Damari reacted to the news of his death with an Instagram post where she thanked Israel's security forces, who "never rest for a moment on behalf of all of us," and hoped that good news, including the announcement of the return of the remaining 48 hostages, would come "sooner than expected." Previous killing of other Damari terror captor Mohammed Nasser Ali Qanita, another Hamas terrorist who held Damari and the others captive, was confirmed killed by the IDF and Shin Bet in July, following a targeted attack in mid-June. Qanita was a member of Hamass military intelligence's al-Furqan Battalion. He infiltrated Israel on October 7 and then held Damari hostage in his home at the start of the war. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain As the UK and other NATO nations dramatically increase defense spending to counter growing global aggressions, one under-recognized aspect of security debates is the role of the arms industry. And as London prepares to host the world's largest arms fair next week, health professionals must do more to counterbalance the arms industry's influence on government agendas and its damaging effects on human and planetary health, say experts in The BMJ. In a series of articles published today, Mark Bellis at Liverpool John Moores University and international colleagues lay out the direct and wider harms of arms and show how weapons manufacturers use commercial strategies to subvert public health agendas and shape discourse around security and violence. They argue that, like the tobacco, alcohol, and fossil fuel industries, the arms industry should be seen as a commercial determinant of health, where corporate practices matter as much as products when considering how industries can harm health. These practices include marketing, lobbying, funding of think tanks and universities, and forging close relationships with governments, which the industry uses to shape public policy and regulatory environments in its favor while deflecting responsibility for its contribution to perpetuating conflict, injuries, and death. The arms industry deserves more scrutiny at a time when defense spending is threatening health, say BMJ editors Jocalyn Clark and Kamran Abbasi in an editorial to introduce the series. Recent military spending commitments by the UK and other nations are reallocating resources from health and foreign aid budgets, reviving debates about warfare versus welfare not seen since the Cold War. Global military expenditure is already over $2.7 trillion annually. While Europe must reduce its reliance on the US for security, this cannot come at the expense of welfare or by sacrificing the health and humanitarian benefits from foreign aid, they say. They urge renewed support from health professionals for a peace dividendto maintain health and welfare spending for populations and societies both domestically and globally. Within these spending debates there has been little if any attention paid to the arms industry as a commercial determinant of health, leaving a large gap in the scientific literature and a void where more health research and action are needed. Bellis and colleagues' analyses suggest that examining these industry dynamics can help uncover both direct and systemic health harms and inform how health considerations should feature alongside defense and profit. They acknowledge that this is a conceptual shift but say "it is also a call to action for health professionals including researchers, policy makers, and civil society to advocate for a reorientation away from design, distribution, and deployment for profit and towards global priorities of health, human rights, and peace." In another editorial, Mohammed Abba-Aji at Washington University and Nason Maani at the University of Edinburgh outline research priorities and the role of health practitioners to help confront the growing power asymmetries between the arms industry and public health interests. They say the health community has unique advantages that can be a counterpoint to industry narratives and framing of security problems and their causes. Health professionals have successfully challenged powerful industries before, through building coalitions that together expose the manipulation of policy environments, they say. Medical journals also have a history of exposing the misdeeds of health-harming industries, including the arms trade, add Clark and Abbasi, describing how protest by journal editors, doctors, and anti-arms trade campaigners led to publisher Reed-Elsevier (now RELX) divesting from the defense sector in 2007. But they say the practices and behavior of the arms industry are not closely enough examinednor challenged. As such, they argue that we must go further in our scrutiny of the arms industry by recognizing it as a commercial determinant of health and that the global peace dividend campaign deserves renewed support from medical journals and all health professionals. More information Weapons, wealth and health: the arms industry as a commercial determinant of health, The BMJ (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-086166 Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Key medical concepts Public Health Health Personnel The Seminole County Sheriffs Office is hosting a recruitment event on Wednesday, September 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the KIA Center in Orlando, Florida. The event aims to attract individuals interested in law enforcement careers, offering them a chance to meet the recruitment team and learn about opportunities within the Sheriffs Office. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the salaries and benefits package offered by the Seminole County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The benefits include paid retirement, medical, dental, and life insurance, wellness benefits, educational incentives, holiday pay, and a personal time off program. The recruitment event is located at the KIA Center, 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday that she will not seek reelection next year, confirming in a video post on social media that she will retire after months of speculation about her plans. The Republican senator's announcement opens up a Senate seat in the state known for its long-serving incumbents. Rep. Ashley Hinson, representing Iowas northeastern congressional district, announced Tuesday that she would seek the GOP nomination. As President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans look to maintain their narrow majorities in both chambers, the loss of two incumbents in those races could come with challenges in the once-competitive state where Democrats are looking for pickup opportunities. Two of Iowas four congressional districts have been among the countrys most competitive in recent elections, and Democrats have already identified Hinsons as an additional third target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ernst's announcement Tuesday followed reports last week that she was expected to bow out of the reelection bid this month. In a video, Ernst cited her aging and growing family as a reason for not running again. This was no easy decision, Ernst said. I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator. An open Senate seat is rare in Iowa Ernst was first elected in 2014 to the open seat previously held by Tom Harkin, a Democrat who served for 30 years. Republican Chuck Grassley, Iowas senior U.S. senator, was first elected to the Senate in 1980. It is another unexpected retirement for Senate Republicans as they work to maintain their majority in the chamber, with Ernst joining Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who turned down a reelection bid after clashing with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Republicans former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith had already entered the Senate primary intending to challenge Ernst. Immediately after Ernst's announcement, Hinson thanked the senator for her service and previewed her entry into the race, saying in a post on X that Trump needs a fighter in the Senate who will always have his back." Just hours later, Hinson joined conservative talk radio host Simon Conway to announce her candidacy. Im running to be President Trumps top ally in the United States Senate because we have to be working on continuing to deliver that America First agenda that is working for Iowans every single day, she told Conway. Several Democrats are seeking the partys nomination for the Senate 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ernst, Iowa's first woman elected to Congress, is an Iraq War combat veteran and retired from the Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel. She served for several years in Senate GOP leadership and was considered a vice presidential contender for Trumps first White House run. But Ernst has faced pressure from all sides in the last year. She took heat after signaling her hesitance to support one of Trump's Cabinet picks. She's also been one of the faces of Democrats' campaign against the sprawling tax and spending package after she made a retort about Medicaid cuts at a town hall. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, touted Ernst's service helping Iowa families and making Washington squeal, a reference to her original campaign message that spoke of her experience castrating hogs. Traveling across the Hawkeye State with Joni, I know she loves Iowa, and Iowa loves her, he wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Implications for a congressional district Hinson, a former news anchor for KCRG-TV, won her most recent election with the support of 57% of voters in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Hinson was first elected to represent Iowa's northeastern corner when she beat out one-term Rep. Abby Finkenauer in 2020. Finkenauer, a Democrat, had ousted a GOP incumbent in the midterm election just two years earlier, helping Democrats retake control of the U.S. House during Trumps first term in office. Hinson has since put up strong fundraising numbers to buoy her decisive wins. The district, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo, has just shy of 29,000 more active voters registered as Republicans than as Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is simple: Iowa voters trust Republicans to deliver real, commonsense results and have no interest in the Democrats radical agenda," Emily Tuttle, spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement. "This seat will stay red. Still, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in April included the district in its list of potential pickups. In a statement following Hinson's announcement Tuesday, DCCC spokesperson Katie Smith said Democrats will "compete aggressively to flip this seat, and we will win because Iowans are ready to elect someone who actually puts them first. Lindsay James, a state representative and pastor; and Clint Twedt-Ball, a pastor who founded a nonprofit, are among the Democratic candidates running for the seat. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday that she will not seek reelection next year, confirming in a video post on social media that she will retire after months of speculation about her plans. Ernsts departure opens up a Senate seat in the state known for its long-serving incumbents. Ernst was first elected in 2014 to the open seat previously held by Tom Harkin, a Democrat who served for 30 years. Republican Chuck Grassley, Iowas senior U.S. senator, was first elected to the Senate in 1980. Her announcement Tuesday followed reports last week that she was expected to announce her retirement in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been an honor to serve Iowans alongside my friend and colleague, Joni Ernst, since Iowans elected her in 2014, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a statement released shortly after her announcement. As the Senates first female combat veteran and Iowas first woman elected to Congress, she broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: MAKE EM SQUEAL. After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has served our country and state with pride and distinction. Barbara and I wish her well and know that whatever she chooses to do in her next chapter, they will be lucky to have this outstanding leader on the team. I will miss serving with Joni but know she will enjoy having more time to cherish her favorite role, as a mother and grandmother. Joni is a valued partner in the Senate, and I look forward to working together on issues important to Iowans throughout the remainder of her term. It is the second unexpected retirement for Senate Republicans as they work to maintain their majority in the chamber, with Ernst joining Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who turned down a reelection bid after clashing with President Donald Trump. It also could have ripple effects down the ballot if third-term Rep. Ashley Hinson from the Cedar Rapids area in eastern Iowa jumps into the race, as is widely expected. Hinsons decision could also complicate House Republicans efforts to keep control as Democrats look for opportunities to flip seats in once-competitive Iowa, where two of Iowas four congressional districts have been among the countrys most competitive in recent elections. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Republicans former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith had already entered the primary to challenge Ernst. Ernst, Iowas first woman elected to Congress, is an Iraq War combat veteran and retired from the Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel. She served for several years in Senate GOP leadership and was considered a vice presidential contender for Trumps first White House run. But Ernst has faced pressure from all sides in the last year. She took heat after signaling a hesitance to support one of President Donald Trumps Cabinet picks. Shes also been one of the faces of Democrats campaign against the sprawling tax and spending package after she made a retort about Medicaid cuts at a town hall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst officially announced on Tuesday that she wont be seeking reelection. Sen. Ernst made the announcement in a video on her official YouTube channel. It comes after reports last week speculating that she wouldnt be seeking a second term. Iowa State Fair releases theme for 2026 season In the video, Ernst cites her growing family as one of the main reasons why she decided to not seek reelection in 2026. Ernst was first elected to the US Senate back in 2014. She says in part: Having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, now as our family ages and grows, it is my time to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026. This was no easy decision. I love my state and country. It is the very reason why I decided to wear our nations uniform and run for elected office in the first place. I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States Senator. Sen. Chuck Grassley released a statement about Ernsts announcement shortly after the video was released. It reads: It has been an honor to serve Iowans alongside my friend and colleague, Joni Ernst, since Iowans elected her in 2014. As the Senates first female combat veteran and Iowas first woman elected to Congress, she broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: MAKE EM SQUEL. After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has severed our country and state with pride and distinction. Barbara and I wish her well and know that whatever she chooses to do in her next chapter, they will be lucky to have this outstanding leader on the team. I will miss serving with Joni but know she will enjoy having more time to cherish her favorite role, as a mother and grandmother. Joni is a valued partner in the Senate, and I look forward to working together on issues important to Iowans throughout the remainder of her term. Several candidates have announced their run for Ernsts seat, with the latest being Bob Krause who announced his campaign on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story, check back to www.who13.com for updates. Iowa news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Washington Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, officially announced Tuesday that she won't seek reelection in 2026 after two terms in the Senate. "After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026," Ernst said in a video announcement. Ernst, 55, was elected to the Senate in 2014, becoming the first woman to represent Iowa and the first female combat veteran to serve in the upper chamber. In her announcement Tuesday, Ernst said "this was no easy decision," adding, "I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News first reported last week that Ernst was planning to reveal that she wouldn't seek another term. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Heuer / Bloomberg via Getty Images The decision comes after the Iowa Republican faced criticism in recent months from both sides of the aisle from Democrats over comments she made about Medicaid cuts, and from her own party over her initial reluctance to support Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's confirmation earlier this year. Ernst's decision not to seek reelection opens up a seat in Iowa, where Democrats are hoping to make inroads as the party seeks to take control of the Senate in the midterm elections. But a Democratic candidate would face steep odds in a state Mr. Trump won by more than 13 points in 2024, and Iowa hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008. That dynamic hasn't stopped a crowded field of Democrats from emerging, with state Rep. Josh Turek, state Sen. Zach Wahls and Nathan Sage, executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, all vying for the nomination. Among Republicans, speculation has circulated about whether Rep. Ashley Hinson, who's represented the state in the House since 2023, could enter the race, along with Matt Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ernst celebrated her work in the Senate in her announcement, touting legislation to prevent violence against women, support farmers and veterans, and cut waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. "While this chapter of elected service will soon close, I will always find ways to best serve my community, state and these great United States of America," Ernst said. Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes Trump says U.S. military "shot out" boat from Venezuela carrying drugs Watch: Trump announces relocation of Space Command headquarters, takes questions on several topics LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ALICE can be used as more than a persons name. Make It Make Sense guests Mollie Palmer, vice president of communication and engagement for Heart of Arkansas United Way, and Shantell Hinton-Hill, senior equity officer for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, were in the studio to explain the Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed individuals moniker, ALICE, and what it implies. The discussion delved into the economic vulnerability of those who are employed, often holding more than one job, and struggling to make ends meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also included was a discussion of the ALICE@Work initiative, which aims to collaborate with employers and raise awareness of the potential for ALICE employees. Make It Make Sense is a KARKFOX16+ exclusive show that airs weekly at 7 p.m. Monday on the app. For more information on how to get the app, head to KARK.com/Streaming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, at a meeting with Kremlin head Vladimir Putin, has complained that Serbia was "in a difficult situation" because of the war Russia has unleashed against Ukraine. Source: Vucics statement was cited by Blic, as reported by European Pravda Details: Vucic addressed the Russian leader in Russian, thanking him for the warm reception during his visit to Moscow on 9 May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For Serbia, cooperation with Russia at the highest level in all areas is very important, and I hope that we will have the opportunity to improve certain aspects of this cooperation. Energy is a very important field, especially gas supplies," he said. Vucic then began lamenting the "difficult situation" Serbia had found itself in since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "Serbia is in a difficult situation, trying to cope with the pressure, but we have still managed to maintain our principled position towards the Russian Federation, and we will continue to fight for Serbias independence, as well as strive to remain the only country in Europe that has not imposed sanctions against Russia," he added. He said that he wanted to listen carefully to Putins advice on "improving relations between Serbia and Russia in the future". Background: Putin also held a meeting in China with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Following it, the head of the Slovak government said he expected many phone calls from leaders of other European countries. Fico and Vucic were the only European heads of state to attend the 9 May celebrations in Moscow as Putins guests. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! AUSTIN (KXAN) Hundreds of books filled floor-to-ceiling, wooden shelves stacked along the walls of Dr. Kim Rossmos home office in Central Austin. Their spines displayed titles like The Biology of Violence, Career Criminals and Delinquent Behavior. Without knowing Rossmos background, one might assume a darker obsession. Kim Rossmos collection of crime-related books line the walls of his office (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle) But a closer look would reveal a handful written by Rossmo himself, a criminologist. They included Geographic Profiling. That particular volume described an investigative methodology he pioneered and has now used to scientifically determine the likelihood of a serial killer drowning victims in Lady Bird Lake a few miles away. Serial murder is a very rare event, but its also one with very serious consequences, Rossmo said, pointing to a computer monitor on his desk that showed a map of the waterway part of the Lower Colorado River stretching through the citys downtown. He traced his finger from the eastern boundary of focus U.S. Highway 183 across the screen to Red Bud Isle at the west end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applying his technique, he then analyzed what some believe to be a series of seemingly connected crimes over the past 22 years. Criminologist Kim Rossmo reviews Lady Bird Lake drowning research in his Austin home office (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle) We started with 189 cases, Rossmo explained of the data he and his team gathered from police, medical examiner reports and other sources. It included locations and dates of when bodies were recovered in or near the water, along with other key characteristics helping them narrow down the list to 58. We removed some that were obviously not of our interest, he said. So, for example, a flooding death. We removed boating accidents or things where it clearly was suicide. That final tally allowed Rossmo to take an evidence-based, completely independent approach to a story that continues to haunt the citys lakeside bar district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the cases that match the M.O. and the victimology of the Rainey Street Ripper, he said, pausing momentarily before adding, if he or she exists. The resulting report answers that thought, finding neither direct evidence nor indirect warning signs of a serial murderer and that the frequency of drowning incidents in Austin is consistent with historical patterns, average drowning risk in Texas, and population growth. Preconceived bias For years, police have denied the existence of a serial killer in the heart of Austin, insisting no foul play in most cases and concluding they lacked connections beyond a few similar details: often young men, many intoxicated, found floating in Lady Bird Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After one such death in 2023, then-APD Assistant Chief Jeff Greenwalt reiterated the message some victims loved ones and several social media sleuths refuse to believe: There are a lot of allegations that theres a serial killer, but theres no proof or evidence in any of our investigations to sustain that. MAP: Tracking deaths in Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin Sgt. Nathan Sexton, who helps oversee the departments homicide unit which responds initially to several types of deaths, including drownings told KXAN the serial killer theory has led to an increase in tips, but that can sometimes create frustration during an investigation. APD Homicide Sgt. Nathan Sexton speaks with KXAN Investigator Josh Hinkle about drownings in Lady Bird Lake (KXAN Photo/Dalton Huey) I think it just takes from resources that could be spent in other areas (like) our victim services counselors, Sexton said. The families can often be misled to think that there might be foul play. And that could potentially, I think, be very damaging to families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sexton said he generally sees more conspiracy theories surrounding the drownings compared to other investigations in his unit, as the rise of social media influencers has likely fueled that trend in recent years. That is definitely an obstacle to overcome when were trying to work with (families) and help them through this very difficult time, he said. Years ago, there werent quite so many places you could go click and watch a YouTube video or TikTok or whatever it is to see somebody explaining and walking through exactly what their theories are. So this year, Rossmo, a professor at Texas State Universitys School of Criminal Justice and Criminology and director of its Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, approached APD to propose a partnership, a study not meant to be supporting that or be critical. Austins Lady Bird Lake (KXAN Photo/Josh Hinkle) What can we figure out from this evidence without sort of having a predetermined goal in mind? he said. Lets take a look at patterns over time, and lets see what they tell us without any sort of preconceived bias. And when I did this, when I talked to APD about it, they committed to releasing the results publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin police and other city leaders have not yet specifically indicated how the results of the 40-page study might inform their future decisions. APD Chief Lisa Davis previously said in a university announcement, If any patterns or correlations are found, we want to know what changes can be made to reduce the likelihood of such preventable tragedies. After the report published, Davis released a new statement, saying, researchers findings reinforce our own investigative work. Austin Police detectives are committed to fully investigating every case to ensure community safety and provide answers, she added. The statement also said APD will continue to work with city and community partners to reduce risks associated with drowning, particularly in areas with high foot traffic near water. In recent years, lights and fencing have been added along some areas near the water, and police and EMS patrols have temporarily picked up around the lake following new cases. Rossmos study notes drownings decreased after the Austin City Council dedicated nearly $1 million in 2023 to lakeside trail safety improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets be effective and efficient, and lets use knowledge, research and data to determine where our problems are and what they are and then what we can do about them, he said. Rossmos study notes, The Travis County Medical Examiners Office concluded the deaths were accidental drownings, most involving intoxicated individuals who fell into the water. As an area of potential focus, he further emphasized to KXAN cases often involved alcohol especially when speaking of lake-adjacent Rainey Street, the name of which inspired the moniker for the supposed serial killer. Rainey Street has transformed over the past decade from mostly historic houses to a bustling bar scene today, though Rossmos report said it is not Austins drowning epicenter with only eight target victims recovered from that area since 2004. Bodies were more often found upstream near Auditorium Shores and Barton Creek, according to the study. In our data, we found more men than women, he said, highlighting other studies on the prevalence of men drowning in Texas and also how male victims generally engage in more perilous behavior than females. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rossmos report references 7,737 unintentional drownings across the state over more than two decades. 78% of those were males predominantly between the ages of 22 and 44 years. It also mentions Austins population boom and alcohol sales in the Downtown/Rainey Street district increasing by 320% between 2020 and 2022. Historic Rainey Street home gets new life in Dripping Springs Its been suggested that the serial killers preference is that hes going after young men, Rossmo continued. One of our points is going to be: well, how does this differ, if at all, from what we find from drownings across the entire state of Texas going back many years? You know, its just the victimology is different because men engage in probably more drinking and riskier behavior. Autopsy and toxicology reports, police records, witness accounts and other evidence showed several of the victims were indeed intoxicated. The cause of death for most in the list was accidental drowning or undetermined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people whether attempting to use the bathroom or just going down by the river just to see it that close access can be dangerous, Sexton said. Mixing whether its drugs or alcohol with a body of water nearby, theres potential, obviously, for drownings. Sexton added police and city officials should continue educating and reminding the public about such risky situations, and Rossmos study could be another tool in that campaign. I think trying to promote factual evidence like this research project and showing that, that its not a killer, Sexton added. That its, you know, I think, unfortunately, most of these are a series of accidents and just public awareness. Looking for clusters By invoking drama and fear, the study indicated social and mainstream media coverage has criticized the failure of authorities to recognize the threat of a violent offender, while adding that police must properly respond to the risk of a predator but not waste limited resources pursuing a criminal who does not exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murder is uncommon, the study also acknowledged. And homicidal drownings account for only 0.2% of all murders in the United States serial murderers almost never drown their victims (fewer than 0.1%). Rossmo said seeing this research should help dispel the myth of a single person or group repeatedly preying along the lakes shores. I think theyll convince some people, he said. Others? Yeah, the research is very clear that once people make up their minds, some of them can be very, very difficult to budge from that. Rossmo as a Vancouver detective-inspector (Courtesy Kim Rossmo) Though definitions vary among researchers and law enforcement professionals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation labels serial murder as the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s) in separate events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rossmo has studied serial murder for more than three decades, spending the early part of his career as a detective-inspector in Vancouver, Canada. I was in charge of (the police departments) geographic profiling section, he said, which did a lot of work on serial crime, including his experience on the Robert Pickton case. The Pig Farm Serial Killer in the suburbs of Vancouver, Rossmo recounted. Women were disappearing No bodies were being found. And this wasnt happening elsewhere, like in other Western Canadian cities. Robert Pickton, convicted Canadian serial killer (AP Photo) Rossmo played a key role in analyzing the pattern of those missing women, using some of the same methods he applied to the Lady Bird Lake drownings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We borrowed techniques from epidemiology, something called spatial temporal clustering, which simply means: do we have too much happening in too small an area in too short a time period for it just to be random? Rossmo said, at that point, such research turns to his main approach: cluster analysis. Were looking for clusters or spikes of things in time and space that might suggest we have a serial offender, he explained. An investigation eventually led police to Pickton, who murdered at least 26 women many of them prostitutes from Vancouver between 1995 and 2001. Their remains were buried and scattered across his familys pig farm. He confessed to 49 murders and was later killed by a fellow prisoner while serving a life sentence. Investigators digging at family farm where Pickton buried victims (AP Photo) That analysis ended up, unfortunately, being correct, Rossmo said. In 2012, he told a panel during an official inquiry he believed Pickton would have been stopped up to two years sooner if senior police officials would not have rejected his serial killer theory and avoided a public warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to say we are sorry again to the family and friends of the murdered and missing women, Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu said in a statement later that year. We could have and should have caught Pickton sooner. The inquirys final report blamed blatant failures by police for allowing Pickton to remain undetected for so long. Rossmo suggested police back then suffered from linkage blindness. Police departments dont see or sometimes refuse to see linkages between cases, he said. There are scientific techniques, statistical techniques we can use to try to determine if something like that is happening. But even without a serial killer at play in Austin, Rossmo said embracing academic research at this stage in the Lady Bird Lake timeline could help police here not only further target potential solutions, but also rebuild lost trust in the community. Hopefully, this will allow for a more moderate and rational discussion, he said. Thats going to get us as close to the truth as possible. KXAN Investigative Photojournalist Richie Bowes and Digital Director Kate Winkle contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. If you have noticed a lingering spot somewhere on your skin, it would be wise not to dismiss it, especially if theres something unusual about its appearance. Over the past three decades, rates of melanoma skin cancer have more than doubled in the UK, a trend that looks set to continue. With baking summers starting to become the norm, UK cancer specialists predict there could be 26,500 new cases of melanoma every year by 2038. At present, Cancer Research UK estimates that around 17,500 Britons are diagnosed with melanoma on an annual basis, which works out at around 48 cases per day. Were seeing more cases because people are just travelling a lot more to warmer climates, says Susanna Daniels, the chief executive of UK-based charity Melanoma Focus. And in recent years weve been having these hotter spells in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the short, sharp shock of sunburn, which is the highest risk factor, especially in fair-skinned people, says Dr Rowland Payne, a consultant dermatologist at Devonshire Dermatology, who has had many crowned heads in his consultant rooms. Particularly in people who have a little bit of red colouring, for example, if you have red or auburn hair, then thats a particularly susceptible colouring for melanoma. A friend of the Duchess of Yorks commented that this is close to home, as her father had a melanoma when he died, but added: Sarah is very resilient. There is a slight genetic susceptibility between breast cancer, melanoma and colon cancer. Some patients can have all three conditions in the same family, says Dr Payne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes sense in such patients to have a colonoscopy, and, in the right age group, mammograms, and to have a total skin examination from time to time. According to Cancer Research UK, 86 per cent of all melanoma cases are preventable. Experts like Daniels say that they could be entirely avoided by following sensible precautions such as staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm, and wearing a broad-rimmed sunhat and UV-protected sunglasses. Suncream needs to be at least factor 30, with a four- or five-star rating. This rating is a measure of how much UVA ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are capable of penetrating deep into the skin and damaging cells the suncream is blocking. Its important to reapply suncream, particularly if youve been swimming or youve been out, because your clothes can rub it off, says Daniels. So we recommend that you reapply every couple of hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary thing is prevention of sunburn, agrees Dr Payne, and reporting anything that changes. If your child has many moles, and theres a family history of melanoma, it might be worth a visit to the dermatologist in the teenage years. So what exactly does a melanoma look like, and how does it develop? Read on. Spotting melanoma What are the subtypes of melanoma? There are four main subtypes of melanoma, with superficial spreading melanoma which starts off by growing along the top layer of the skin being the most common. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this accounts for 70 per cent of all cases. The second most common is nodular melanoma, which represents around 15 per cent of cases, and is often described as the most aggressive form of the disease as it grows faster than the other melanoma subtypes. It is more common in over 65s and people of a light complexion and tends to look like a bump or flat lesion which rises above the skins surface and is firm to the touch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lentigo maligna melanomas accounts for somewhere between 4 and 15 per cent of cases. They usually form on the face, ears or neck of people with sun-damaged skin, often causing a blotchy appearance, and sometimes tend to be confused with more benign skin damage. They evolve much more slowly than other forms of melanoma, says Dr Christian Aldridge, a consultant dermatologist, and medical advisor for the charity Melanoma UK. This presents as an enlarging, asymmetrical lesion with areas of black pigment within brown patches. Acral melanoma is the most common melanoma in people of black or Asian ethnicities. It appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or under fingernails or toenails. As a result it is often not spotted until a much later stage. Its not easy to see from a patients perspective, and due to the delay, it has the worst prognosis of them all, says Dr Aldridge. It is characterised by a distinct difference in colour to the surrounding skin, and can often be confused for a stain or bruise. The most common non-melanoma skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, a slow-growing skin cancer that does not tend to spread. Other non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinomas and Merkel cell carcinomas are more serious than basal cell carcinoma because they have the ability to spread to the lymph nodes and other organs. Non-melanoma skin cancers can appear as non-healing scabs or pinkish skin growths, says Dr Jenny Nobes, a clinician at private healthcare provider GenesisCare. While basal cell carcinoma does not tend to be lethal, it does need treatment at an early stage to increase the chances of cure and minimise the cosmetic and functional impact of treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The treatment for most non-melanoma skin cancers tends to be relatively straightforward. Just a simple surgery will take care of them, says Adil Daud, the director of melanoma clinical research at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco. You dont often need to go to systemic treatment with immunotherapy to take care of a basal or squamous cell cancer. How does melanoma develop? Melanoma develops when cells called melanocytes which produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour mutate and start to multiply uncontrollably. In the vast majority of cases, these mutations occur as a consequence of damage from ultraviolet light radiation, but in 1-2 per cent of cases, these mutations have been directly inherited from the individuals parents at birth. Melanoma is more common in women under 50 than men, and it remains one of the most common cancer for women of that age group, alongside breast cervix and thyroid. However in later life, the prevalence switches. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, men aged 65 are twice as likely to get melanoma, while men aged 80 are three times as likely to develop the cancer. Detecting it early before the cancer has spread deeper into the skin is crucial. According to the Cleveland Clinic, melanomas have a 99 per cent cure rate if caught in the earliest stages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If primary melanomas are caught early, then patients tend to have very good outcomes, says Prof Chris Bakal of the Institute of Cancer Research in London. If it hasnt spread, and its caught at the earliest stage, then cure rates lie between 80 and 100 per cent, usually just by surgery without the need for chemotherapy or immunotherapy. What does a melanoma look like? Jenny Nobes points out that they can range greatly in size, shape, thickness, colour and location on the body, although there are some general trends. Classically, melanomas would appear as a dark or pigmented spot on the skin, says Nobes. However they can sometimes present as pink, flat areas where the diagnosis is not immediately obvious. They usually occur in sun-exposed skin but can also occur in parts of the body which are usually covered up, as well as under fingernails or toenails and in the eye. Daniels says that overall, men and women tend to get melanomas in different areas. For men theyre more likely to get them on their trunk, perhaps as a result of sun damage from walking around with no top on, she says. And for women its more likely on their legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melanoma experts refer to what is known as the ABCD rule where A stands for Asymmetry, B for Border Irregularity, C for Colour and D for Diameter when it comes to identifying whether a spot or discolouration on the skin might be cancerous. If one side is much bigger than the other then thats asymmetry, says Daud. If the border is broken in some places or the colour is very different either a lot lighter or darker than the other moles you have on your body, then those are warning signs. Finally when it comes to the size, most moles should not be larger than half a centimetre, like the size of a pencil eraser. If its bigger than that, you should probably have it seen by a dermatologist. Because early detection is so critical, doctors urge patients to seek medical attention for anything they might be concerned about. Melanomas normally present as a pigmented brown or black lesion, says Dr Aldridge. They start off small and round but with time there is uneven, cancerous growth leading to these ABCD changes. The advice to patients is to report any change. 90 per cent of the time its something benign, but we have to cast the net wide in order to catch those melanomas. How to tell a mole from melanoma? According to Aldridge, people should not get too concerned about existing moles on their body turning into something cancerous, as this happens relatively rarely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 75 per cent of melanomas arise from normal-looking skin, and only 25 per cent arise from a pre-existing mole, he says. Harmless moles also stay largely the same in appearance over time and blend in with your normal skin pigmentation. Daud says that whether something is rapidly changing in size is another indication that it might be malignant. Moles tend to have a fairly uniform colour and if you look at the ones you have on your body or face, many might have increased over the years, but you shouldnt see a mole thats growing month on month, he says. If you see something thats changing over the course of a few months, its a sign that it needs to come out. You can read more about how to spot dangerous moles in our how-to guide. What are the symptoms of skin cancer that has spread? As melanoma invades deeper into the skin, it begins to ulcerate and bleed. If a lesion or spot on the skin is becoming painful and bleeding, this is one of the warning signs that a melanoma is becoming more advanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bleeding allows tumour cells to seed into the blood and the skin drainage system known as the lymphatic system, says Aldridge. This is serious because melanoma can then spread via two mechanisms to local lymph nodes or via the blood to any other organ of the body, for example the liver, lungs and the brain. Nobes explains that patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancer will receive an examination, sometimes accompanied by scans. Patients with very thin melanomas a thickness of less than 1mm usually have excellent long-term survival with surgery alone, she says. The survival rate worsens for patients with very thick melanomas which have spread to local lymph glands. Patients with thicker melanomas, often referred to as stage 2 melanoma, will receive a small operation known as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, where a lymph node is removed for analysis to help assess the spread. Aldridge explains that melanoma treatments have improved markedly over the past 15 years, with molecular testing enabling doctors to identify genetic mutations in the melanoma which make it susceptible for targeted therapies. As a result, immunotherapies are now being used to treat stage 2 melanomas which have not yet metastasised or spread to other organs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stage 3 and 4 melanomas are cases where the cancer has spread to multiple organs. Bakal explains that the symptoms will depend heavily on where the melanoma has ended up. When metastatic cells move to other parts of the body, theyre invading those tissues and shutting down their function, he says. So if they reach the liver, it will stop working, or if they reach the brain, the patient will have neurological symptoms. The current five-year survival rates for stage 3 melanoma are 70 per cent, and 30 per cent for stage 4 melanoma, although both are improving all the time with advances in treatments. The drugs which have made the biggest differences are forms of immunotherapy called checkpoint inhibitors, as well as BRAF and MEK inhibitors which target particular genetic forms of the disease. These drugs all act to shrink the tumours and can keep them under control for long periods of time. In years to come, further improvements are likely, trials are already underway on the worlds first personalised cancer vaccines which use a technology called messenger RNA. This can be used to deliver a treatment which has been cultivated based on the exact genetic code of that patients tumour. Moderna and Merck currently have a personalised cancer vaccine in clinical trials for advanced melanoma patients. Ive been working in this field for 15 years and weve gone from a time when somebody with metastatic melanoma had maybe six to nine months of survival time, to an average of six to seven years, says Daud. Thats an enormous difference. Can I cut my risk? As well as staying out of the sun, there is also some emerging evidence that taking vitamin D supplements may help reduce your risk of melanoma. Earlier this year, a Finnish study showed that adults at a higher risk of skin cancer who took vitamin D tablets, were less likely to get the disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being deficient in vitamin D has been associated with thicker melanomas at diagnosis, and people are also more likely to suffer a recurrence of their cancer, says Daniels. We suggest taking the recommended dose, which is 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplements a day. For people with either a family history of melanoma, a fair skin tone or past use of indoor sunbeds, it is especially important to be vigilant. Celebrities with skin cancer Many high profile celebrities have spoken publicly about their battle with the skin condition. Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsey recently disclosed he underwent treatment to remove his basal cell carcinoma, expressing gratitude to the healthcare workers who supported him. Comedian Katherine Ryan, who first battled melanoma in her twenties, recently spoke on a podcast about her second diagnosis. She joins a growing number of media personalities, including actors Hugh Jackman and Brooke Shields, who have openly shared their own diagnoses and emphasised the importance of sun protection. Reggae pioneer, Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36 from melanoma after a growth appeared under his toe nail. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. This 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: Alice Ndimuhara, 87, who has dementia, touches her arm and replies "This looks good to you?" in response to a visit by a nongovernmental organization worker to her home in Kitaburaza, Uganda, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/David Goldman In the night, when all that glows on this hilltop is the moonlight and all that moves are branches tickled by a soft breeze, the tumult returns. The old woman grows convinced her house is on fire and, panicked, drags the table, chairs and the rest of her few worldly possessions, outside. Unable to calm his mother, her son knows just one way to end it. He locks her up. "She yells," the son, 62-year-old Herbert Rutabyama, says matter-of-factly. "She pounds on the door." Dementia's prevalence has long been muted on this continent where lifespans have trailed the rest of the world for as long as anyone has kept track. But as the population of older people increases across Africa, experts are seeing a spike in new diagnoses, each of them bringing profound challenges to the patient and their family. A surge of new cases of dementia is expected across Africa in the coming years as the demographic shift continues. But, already, the desperation of those caring for people living with diseases like Alzheimer's is beginning to show. They turn for help in a place with little to offer. In many of the languages spoken on this continent, they don't even have a word for dementia. This day, the crew from Reach One Touch One is making its rounds in this western Uganda village about an hour north of the Rwandan border. Nearing the woman whose middle-of-the-night visions are so unnerving, aid worker Moses Kahigwa musters as much sunniness as is splashed outside the lush valley below. "You look good!" he coos. The woman, 87-year-old Alice Ndimuhara, gives him an icy glare. "This looks good to you?" she says. It's just past noon and Ndimuhara hasn't had anything to eat today. She has no money. All her limbs feel weak. Her headache never seems to go away. If not for visitors, she would've just stayed in bed. "My life is just meaningless," she says. Her son, Rutabyama, arrives from working in the field, wearing tall black rubber boots that are coated with mud. Sweat wets his forehead. Don't be fooled by his mother's sass. This, he says, is one of her good days. It's been a few years since she started wandering from the house and showing other signs that something was wrong. He took her to ROTOM's clinic and they said she had dementia. His father has been diagnosed, too. "It's really, really hard," he says of managing their care. When Ndimuhara wanders off in the daytime, her son will set out to look for her, sometimes finding she's made it as far as the next village. But when her nighttime confusion returns, he's unsure what to do. He puts a padlock on her door and nails her window shutters closed and resists unlatching them even when she screams and pounds. "You know better," the mother says when the subject comes up. It's not entirely uncommon. The United Nations' chief voice on the rights of older people, Claudia Mahler, issued a report in 2022 warning of elders being locked in their rooms and tied to trees in their yards, without citing the countries in which it was common. Even for the wealthiest people in the richest places, the solutions offered for those with dementia are inadequate, amounting to salves for a disease with no cure. Here, though, there is basically nothing. Rutabyama believes caring for his parents is his responsibility. Even if he could afford a nursing home, the country has only a handful and the closest one is a day's drive away. As Africa's longevity revolution makes itself known in a thousand ways, the problems that come with it are being dumped in a place where they have lots of company. Elders, no longer able to walk, are trapped inside with no wheelchair. But what good would it do if sidewalks are missing, streets are cratered and homes are unnavigable shacks? Untreated cataracts leave many blind. But how do you broach surgery when even a ride to the doctor is a quandary and even a simple pair of glasses is out of reach? Dementia brings ostracization and accusation. But who can help if belief in witchcraft is wide, cognitive expertise is sparse and the language hasn't even a word for the diagnosis? Rutabyama doesn't know the answer to those questions and doesn't defend his choice to lock his mother up. It is another flawed response to a question with no good answer. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. NEED TO KNOW On Feb. 18, 2023, Morgan Kay Harris, 27, and her dog, Huck, were found dead in a CubeSmart Self Storage unit in Utah Authorities allege that her boyfriend, Alexander Paul Wardell, then 30, locked them inside, trapping them when a fire broke out, according to the probable cause declaration obtained by PEOPLE Initially unconscious, Harris woke up inside with flames erupting all around her, say authorities A Utah man who is suspected by police of locking his girlfriend and her dog inside a burning storage unit in 2023 has now been charged with her murder, authorities say. On Feb. 18, 2023, Morgan Kay Harris, 27, and her dog, Huck, were found dead in a CubeSmart Self Storage unit in Murray after a strip of units erupted in flames, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities at the time alleged that her boyfriend, Alexander Paul Wardell, then 30, locked them inside, trapping them when a fire broke out, according to the probable cause declaration obtained by PEOPLE. Wardell was arrested and booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping and negligent homicide, KSL.com reported. However, after a lengthy investigation, in May 2024, the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office announced that no charges were to be filed against Wardell, given the current evidence at the time, Gill said, KUTV reports. Calling the incident tragic, Gill said, This office turned every stone to make sure Ms. Harriss memory was served with our best effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angered by the DAs decision, Harriss mother, Laurice Williamson, asked the Attorney Generals Office to review the case, KUTV reports. On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Utah Attorney Generals Office charged Wardell in connection with Harriss death. He is charged with felony murder-domestic violence, kidnapping-domestic violence, aggravated animal cruelty and other crimes, according to charging documents obtained by PEOPLE. google Morgan Kay Harris and her dog Huck were found dead in a CubeSmart Self Storage unit When Gill announced at a press conference that no charges would be filed against Wardell, he said that his offices investigation found that it was not likely that Wardell had set the fire, KSL reports. According to the charging documents, just before Wardell allegedly locked Harris and the dog in the unit, surveillance video showed the two arguing, according to the declaration of probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Utah Woman and Dog Die in Fire After Allegedly Being Locked in Storage Unit by Boyfriend Wardell told police that when he left, there was no candle or any other fire source burning, the declaration says. According to the declaration, the fire originated underneath and to the left of Harris, who was unconscious and sitting in a folding plastic lawn chair with metal supports. As she sat unconscious, her buttocks and left side caught on fire, according to the probable cause declaration, which noted that a conscious person would have tried to evade the pain of fire, which she did not do. 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. After some time, it continues, she regained consciousness and stood up in the unit and breathed in the fiery hot air, which burned her upper airway and larynx, it says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As flames engulfed the unit, Harris went over to her dog and lay on the ground trying desperately to breathe the air from underneath the unit door, the declaration says. She was found dead on the ground about a foot from the door of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. As part of the Attorney Generals investigation, a search warrant was executed to search a duffle bag belonging to Wardell, the charging documents state. "In it, investigators found an extra-large blue button-down long-sleeve shirt wadded up in the center of other XL clothing, it alleges. Blood stains and burn marks appeared to be on the shirt. A rapid DNA test revealed the tested red brown stains to be blood and the DNA in the blood matched (Harris's) DNA, it alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charging documents, "a burnt cardboard box was located near where (Harris's) chair had been. Inside the box was an intact candlestick. A lighter was found on (Harris's) body." The DAs office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. On Thursday, Aug. 28, Gill said he stands by his team's decision to not file charges based on the evidence they had at that time, KSL reports. It is unclear whether Wardell has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Editors Note: This article was selected through a vote by members of the Kyiv Independents community. Become our member today and join our exclusive members-only Discord channel, where you can discuss and suggest stories, ask our journalists questions, and more. This article contains graphic descriptions. In almost two years of Russian captivity, former Ukrainian marine Vladyslav Zadorin lost 60 kilograms half his body weight along with his gallbladder and nearly his toes. He returned home with lasting disabilities and deep trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captured on the first day of the full-scale invasion in 2022 while defending the strategically important Snake Island, 35 kilometers off the coast of Ukraines Odesa Oblast, Zadorin was held in seven detention centers across Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories. He recalls starvation, constant beatings, electrocution, rape, and castration among the methods of violence used against Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). They used needles under our nails and constantly set dogs on us. They forced us (POWs) to fight each other in the corridor (of the prison), Zadorin, now 26, told the Kyiv Independent. They smashed bottles over our heads as a result, I suffered a closed head injury, and I was left with a permanent disability. They also smashed three vertebrae in my spine with a hammer. To this day, I cant get them fixed it still hurts and affects my health. Routine torture and inhumane treatment make every day in Russian captivity a nightmare for thousands of Ukrainian POWs. According to the UN, over 95% of released prisoners report having been tortured. Former Ukrainian marine Vladyslav Zadorin, who was held in Russian captivity for two years, pictured before (L) and after (C-R) captivity in undated photos. Zadorin said he lost 60 kilograms while imprisoned. (Courtesy of Vladyslav Zadorin) As of summer 2025, 6,400 soldiers and civilians had been released from Russian captivity, while thousands more remain captive. Ukraine has pushed for an all-for-all exchange, but Russia has so far rejected the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like Zadorin, many POWs return with disabilities losing teeth, limbs, organs, and in some cases, even their lives after coming home. We now see more and more cases when people are freed from captivity, only to die two or three months later. The longer a person spends in those conditions, the more devastating the consequences, Mariia Klymyk, head of the department for the protection of servicemembers and their families at Media Initiative for Human Rights, told the Kyiv Independent. Even if after release they receive proper nutrition, medical care, and rehabilitation, the years of abuse take such a toll that the body eventually breaks down and simply stops working. Read also: How Ukraine lost faith in the Red Cross and UN We were in hell Zadorin says the treatment of POWs varies depending on the facility. According to him, the harshest conditions and the worst torture he experienced were in a detention center in the Russian city of Kursk, while the one in Sevastopol, occupied Crimea, was comparatively easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to him, Ukrainian POWs often heard Russian prison guards being ordered to inflict the maximum harm on prisoners, both physically and psychologically. To break us as much as possible, so we would feel that we were in captivity, that we were in hell. For Ukrainian POWs, the so-called intake into a Russian prison is a terrifying first step, where they face harsh treatment and humiliation. You would run down that corridor, being beaten from all sides. Then they would strip you naked and apply the stun gun to every part of your body. There was a long corridor, where these special forces stood in a staggered formation. Each of them held different objects that could be used against you: Batons, clubs, stun guns, brass knuckles, glass bottles, Zadorin recalls. You would run down that corridor, being beaten from all sides. Then they would strip you naked and apply the stun gun to every part of your body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harsh interrogations, beatings, torture, and humiliation are a daily reality in Russian captivity. According to Zadorin, some prisoners also endure sexual abuse, rape, and castration. But because the topic is highly sensitive and rarely discussed in public, little is known about how widespread this is. He recalls a Ukrainian POW who was subjected to constant sexual abuse by prison guards for several months: Even simple actions, like being touched from behind during a morning inspection while restrained against the wall, could make him freeze, shake, or urinate out of fear, Zadorin says. Due to constant and severe beatings, one Ukrainian POW developed a massive abscess on his back and would lose consciousness from the pain, Zadorin says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the brutality of beatings and torture, POWs face starvation, while receiving no medical care all of which severely undermines their health. A Ukrainian soldier who was previously held captive in Russia poses for a portrait while undergoing rehabilitation in Ukraine on June 6, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images) We almost had no water, and what we had from the tap was of terrible quality and yellow. Because of that, my gallbladder had to be removed; it had turned into a solid stone, Zadorin says. They gave me size 41 shoes, while I wear 45. As a result, my toes almost had to be amputated in Ukraine because they had started rotting. But luckily, my toes were saved and healed. Lifetime of scars Even spending just a couple of months in Russian captivity can have lifelong effects on POWs health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Maksym Turkevych, CEO of Neopalymi (Unburned), a national program that provides free medical care for war injuries, POWs regularly return with a range of scars and physical deformities. Beatings alone can result in fractures, dislocations, internal organ bruising or rupture, internal bleeding, skull damage, and even brain injury, Turkevych told the Kyiv Independent. The consequences of torture can be severe and varied. Weve seen cases where soldiers and civilians were subjected to electric shocks, including one man who was electrocuted so badly that he ultimately required double amputations of his lower limbs. Turkevych says they have also treated patients with marks from cuts, whether random or deliberate inscriptions, including the case of a Ukrainian POW with a Glory to Russia scar, which shocked the world earlier in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, these kinds of injuries are quite common, and they affect many military personnel, says Turkevych. The words "Glory to Russia" were branded onto the right side of a wounded Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW) by a Russian doctor during an operation. (Maksym Turkevych/Facebook) Klymyk says they also often record people returning with severe diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, or even late stages of cancer. Its possible that the disease had already started developing at the time of their mobilization, but because they never had a proper medical examination, it went undetected and in captivity, no one pays attention to such things, she says. Stomach cancer is the most common diagnosis, and women often return from captivity with gynecological cancers, a result of both extreme stress and insufficient healthcare, according to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many have died of tuberculosis (upon their release) because they couldnt receive timely treatment (in captivity), she says. Even though nowadays tuberculosis is not fatal under proper medical care, in captivity it becomes deadly. We have testimony about five prisoners who literally burned out because they were left untreated. Zadorin recalls that whenever prisoners complained of a headache, a guard would hit them on the head with a baton and then ask if it still hurt, so they avoided asking for help to escape further beatings. In one case, a man whose tongue had been cut asked for medical help. The medic, seeing him bleeding heavily, simply told him to keep his mouth shut to stop the flow, Zadorin recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klymyk says that the constant, daily use of electric shocks takes a heavy toll on the POWs hearts. As a result, many young men suffer from heart problems after leaving captivity. They are also at risk of strokes and other health issues, she says. While an all-for-all exchange remains a distant hope for Ukraine, the treatment of Ukrainian POWs in Russian captivity could be somewhat improved if the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had regular access to them something Russia continues to refuse as well. They know no one will stop them, no one will hold them accountable, Klymyk says. And so they do whatever they want. Note from the author: Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (The Center Square) A new lawsuit seeks to block one of Colorados newest gun control laws before it takes effect next year. The suit, brought by the Colorado State Shooting Association and litigated by Lakewood, Colorado-based Mountain States Legal Foundation, questions the constitutionality of Senate Bill 25-003. The suit argues the new law puts in place an onerous permit-to-purchase scheme. SB 25-003 was passed by the Democratic majority in the last regular legislative session and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, a defendant in the lawsuit, in April. But it doesnt go into effect until August 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law will ban the purchases of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns that have detachable magazines, unless individuals get a firearms safety course eligibility card from their local sheriff department and then complete a firearm education course. The bill, when it was initially introduced, was an outright ban on so-called assault weapons, but was later amended to include the permit-to-purchase requirements. The Acts permit-to-purchase requirements for specified semiautomatic firearms arbitrarily delay and burden the right of law-abiding citizens to obtain and possess arms even if they have previously been determined to be law-abiding, and even if they desire to obtain and possess arms for the purpose of self-defense in the home, where Second Amendment protections are at their zenith, said the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The Colorado State Shooting Association, which is the National Rifle Associations state affiliate, said in its announcement of the lawsuit that the law will place unlawful burdens on the rights of law-abiding Coloradans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This law wont stop crime it will only stop Coloradans from exercising their constitutional rights, CSSA President Ray Elliott said. Colorado already has background checks. We already have waiting periods. SB25-003 piles on yet another hoop for responsible citizens while criminals ignore the rules. "Enough is enough," Elliott said. Mountain States Legal Foundation said the new law is a direct affront to the Constitutional rights recognized in the U.S. Supreme Court decisions District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. If the State of Colorado were to try these backhanded tactics to limit any other fundamental right whether that be religion, speech, or the right to counsel - those statutes would be quickly struck down as unconstitutional by even the most partisan of jurists, Michael McCoy, the MSLF director of the Center to Keep and Bear Arms, said in a statement. But when it comes to the Second Amendment, these tactics to limit our God-given right to keep and bear arms for self-defense have borne fruit for far too many states ... and for far too long. No more! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCoy added hes confident the law wont stand up in court. With the recent and clear precedent out of the United States Supreme Court and the Tenth Circuit upholding the Second Amendment protected rights of law-abiding citizens, SB3 will not be able to survive review and will be struck down, he said. I am confident of that. One of the lawsuits plaintiffs, Israel Del Toro, an Air Force veteran who survived an IED blast in Afghanistan that left him with burns on over 80% of his body, said the law would ban certain firearms and accessories that help him shoot despite physical limitations from his injuries, according to MSLF. One of those accessories, force-reset triggers, will be banned under the new law. Similarly, due to the difficulty that [Del Toro] experiences trying to hold a more traditional-style handgun with only one partially intact hand, Mr. Del Toro has come to rely on the more versatile AR platform semiautomatic pistol with stabilizing brace, the lawsuit stated. However, under the provisions of the Act, AR-platform pistols will become illegal to manufacture, sell or purchase We had just returned from high school graduation on June 6, 2017, when my daughter ran into our house with a chilling declaration. Something is happening, she said. Opening the front door, I immediately heard the sirens converging on our neighborhood in Sandy, Utah. As we instinctively ran toward the commotion, neighbors yelled out to us, There is a shooter. Children celebrating the final week of the school year were walking home when violence reigned. As frantic cries rippled up and down the street, adults desperately pulled schoolchildren into cars and homes. A few kids ran away; some hid. It would be hours before some parents and their children reconnected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police tape and emergency vehicles had already sectioned off the street when I learned that my friend, Memorez Rackley, 39, and her 6-year-old son, Jase who had just completed kindergarten were dead. As the final act of a tragic domestic attack and before turning the gun on himself, 32-year-old Jeremy Patterson had shot them. He also injured Memorezs 11-year-old son and the 8-year-old daughter of a woman who tried to help the family. My 74-year-old neighbor Kathy Peterson opened her home to that woman and her children, one who was also shot. The woman had pounded on Kathys door in the horrific moments after the attack. They locked the house and sat on the kitchen floor until help came. Kathy, who died five years later, was never the same. As commotion buzzed around me, I stood behind the police tape doing the only thing I could. I prayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what Kathy and those sitting on her floor did too. And it is what dozens of my neighbors did as they searched for their children and tried to make sense of the violence that had robbed us of peace. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The memories of that tragic day came flooding back to me one week ago when Robin Westman, 23, opened fire during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis killing two children and injuring 18 children and adults before committing suicide. I remember the fear, the denial, the anger and the pain. And I saw some of those stages of grief again as political leaders, my colleagues and others tried to find meaning as yet another school shooting claimed children in the United States. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey both demanded action by attacking the sacred act of prayer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prayer is not freaking enough, wrote Psaki on X. 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. Their words minimizing the sustaining power of prayer at a time when a majority of Americans still pray daily are regrettable. This is not the time to debate between prayer and political action. Our nation needs both. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Prayer strengthens believers from the inside out. A connection to God does not eliminate tragedy in our lives or the lives of others but it certainly helps us endure it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me personally, accountability to God gives my life meaning and directs my focus outside of myself to my community and nation. It causes me to embrace virtues, to serve and, yes, to mourn with those that mourn. There is also a place for political action after tragedy. Just as prayer heals souls from the inside out, government works to improve the lives of its citizens from the outside in. State legislatures and the U.S. Congress must continue to debate the excruciating, difficult issues of gun control and Second Amendment rights and of mental health advocacy and support. School administrators must continue to intensely focus on how to keep children safe. The attorney general and even the Supreme Court must tackle issues of policy and protections. That is what happened in my neighborhood after a man wielding a gun stole our innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early 2018, the Utah Legislature took action to strengthen laws on protective orders, stalking injunctions and pretrial release of alleged perpetrators to fix gaps in Utah domestic violence law that might have made a difference for my friend Memorez. The law went into effect May 8, 2018 not even a year after her death. Family photo And my neighbors and I also turned heavenward. Two days after the tragedy, we gathered. Our mayor and over a dozen other community and religious leaders took turns at the lectern, encouraging us to remember what we had lost, seek help to work through grief and come together in order to heal. Then we prayed and prayed again in the tradition of many different faiths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We left feeling a little better having been reminded and reassured that God was aware of us and would continue to send his peace. We also left feeling a little stronger knowing that the same spirit that led my neighbors to pull children they did not know into their cars and homes as gunshots peppered our street, would carry our grieving community through the loss. And we left feeling a little safer believing that our government would work to address the issues that had made our community vulnerable. That is the kind of prayer and action needed now in Minneapolis, a city desperate for both. Instead of a forced choice between the two, this is the better path forward: Legislation to help make our communities (and especially our children) less vulnerable, coupled with prayer to give us the inner strength to keep going in spite of senseless tragedy. A Labor Day shooing at an apartment complex in Exeter Township sent one person to the hospital, according to police. The shooting happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday in Chalfont Place, part of the Exeter Village apartment complex in the Lorane section of the township. Lt. Sean Fullerton, Exeter police spokesman, said officers responded to a report of gunfire and discovered a male victim. They rendered aid before the victim was placed into an ambulance and taken to Reading Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims condition wasnt immediately available. The person who shot the male surrendered a short time later and was taken to the police station for questioning, Fullerton said. The motive for the shooting wasnt immediately identified, and it was unknown what, if any, charges he might face. We are still investigating it, Fullerton said. Our detectives are on the scene. Exeter police are working closely with the Berks County district attorneys office, he added. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 17-year-old was critically injured after being shot in downtown Memphis as thousands gathered for 901 Day celebrations Monday night. Officers say they responded to the corner of Beale Street and South Main around 10:15 p.m. regarding a shooting call. A woman told police that her teen son had been shot. The male victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound to his stomach that exited his back, and twice in his right arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. Thousands gather for 901 Day celebrations in downtown Memphis The manager of B.B. Kings Blues Club on 143 Beale Street told officers that he was in his office in the back of the building when he heard the shots being fired. He says two rounds went into his office, hitting the ceiling and the wall. Several witnesses on the scene also told officers that the suspect was a man wearing a white t-shirt and a black backpack. Video footage was provided to officers. WREG crews captured yellow crime scene tape along with two crime scene vans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christian Oliver said the commotion affected the Beale Street restaurant where he works. It was kinda hectic, there was a couple of fights earlier, I think, we had closed down early because there was so much going on, on Beale Street, said Oliver. Stolen vehicle causes three crashes as police pursue it across Memphis: MPD Oliver said he walked to his car, parked in the alley behind BB Kings Blues Club, and he saw large groups of teenagers walking off Beale and the nearby alley. Then I seen another group of younger dudes coming up the alley and they were arguing and I had rolled my window down like, yall aint finna fight is it? And they was like, yeah Im finna beat this, Im finna beat em! said Oliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two minutes later, he heard gunshots. Bullets hit his car a few times, he said, but he was not injured. WREG Photographer Quintin Bearkley And when I heard the gunshots I jumped out of my car and hit the ground, said Oliver. Very, very disappointing, very. It seems like you cant even get out and do anything without these younger dudes, these teenagers, getting out and acting a fool, said Oliver. It essentially points out the work that we need to continue doing, said Mayor Paul Young. (Photo provided by: Christain Oliver) (Photo provided by: Christain Oliver) (Photo provided by: Christain Oliver) (Photo provided by: Christain Oliver) It was an amazing day, a lot of great activities, it was great to see Memphis show up in that way. Definitely unfortunate that there was a fight and then it was about two hours after the event had ended, those individuals were still on the streets, said Oliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to look at our young people, see what theyre doing everyday. If theyre walking out of the house with a backpack and theyre not going to school, we should be asking questions around, whats in the backpack? Those are things, we as parents should do. said Mayor Young. I was down here yesterday, and we had a blast, said CJ, another Memphis resident who celebrated 901 day. It was a great day, so when we left, I thought everything was going to be cool. Mayor Paul Young, who was on Beale Street during 901 Day, told WREG the city was doing all the things to make sure the area is protected. Police are out in full force. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Situations where tempers flare up and situations where they usually used to end in fist-fights now end in shootings, CJ said. Its sad you want to come out and do something positive in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since January 1, police have responded to just under 240 calls when it comes to assaults, burglaries, robberies, weapon offenses, and homicides, according to the citys data hub. There is the likelihood that there was more than one shooter, as crime scene investigators reportedly recovered spent rifle casings and live rounds from a handgun. Witnesses say the gunman in this case did have a backpack. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Stick with WREG News Channel 3 for updates as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A suspect is in custody after shots were fired at officers in McDonald Borough. Click here for photos from the scene. Officers were called to a house on the 300 block of Fairmont Street for a welfare check on a man who was intoxicated and in distress at 9:36 p.m. When they arrived, they found a man, identified as Stephen Joseph Budai, who began swearing and yelling at them to shoot him. He retreated into a house and came back outside with a gun, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budai reportedly fired multiple shots and continued to do so throughout the entire incident, police said. The Allegheny County Police Department said they received reports that a man began firing shots at officers at that location at 9:50 p.m. Their SWAT units provided assistance at the scene along with other police departments from both Allegheny and Washington counties. Budai was barricaded inside a house in that location. Police said he exited the house and surrendered peacefully at 11:10 p.m. Investigators said no one was injured, but multiple police and civilian vehicles were hit. Budai was transported to a nearby hospital for an evaluation and is expected to be charged, according to the McDonald Police Department. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Shreveport police responded to a reported shooting on Boone Street early Tuesday morning. Caddo 911 call logs show a reported shooting on Boone St. near Fairy Avenue and Prentiss St at 9:39 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2. A female victim was shot inside her home. She was struck by gunfire on her right side, and a bullet grazed her head. Her wounds are considered non-life-threatening. This investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. By Joe Cash BEIJING (Reuters) -China's President Xi Jinping convened his Russian and North Korean counterparts in Beijing for the first time on Tuesday, a show of solidarity with countries shunned by the West over their role in Europe's worst war in 80 years. Xi hosted Vladimir Putin for talks at the Great Hall of the People and then at his personal residence, calling him his "old friend". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, Kim Jong Un's armoured train was spotted by a Reuters witness arriving in the Chinese capital. North Korean state media confirmed Kim's arrival, showing his daughter Kim Ju Ae accompanying him. Ju Ae, whom South Korean intelligence consider her father's most likely successor, is making her international debut after years of being seen next to Kim at major domestic events. Xi, Putin and Kim are set to take centre stage at a massive military parade on Wednesday, where the Chinese president will flaunt his vision for a new global order as U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies strain Western alliances. Beyond the pomp, analysts are watching whether the trio may signal closer defence relations following a pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024, and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, an outcome that may alter the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also be a blow for Trump, who has talked up his close relations with all three leaders and touted his peacemaking credentials as Russia's three-and-a-half-year war with Ukraine has raged on. In a thinly veiled swipe at this rival across the Pacific Ocean on Monday, Xi told a summit of more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries: "We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics." Xi also held talks on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, whose country has been targeted by Trump over its purchases of Russian oil seen as helping finance Putin's war effort. Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the summit "performative" and accused China and India, the biggest buyers of Russian crude, of being "bad actors" by fuelling Russia's war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Putin and Xi met, Russia's Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation signed a deal to increase gas supplies and penned an agreement on a new pipeline that could supply China for 30 years. ALARM BELLS At a time when Trump has set his sights on a Nobel Peace Prize, any new concentration of military power in the East that includes Russia will ring alarm bells for the West. "Trilateral military exercises between Russia, China and North Korea seem nearly inevitable," wrote Youngjun Kim, an analyst at the U.S.-based National Bureau of Asian Research, in March, citing how the conflict in Ukraine had pushed Moscow and Pyongyang closer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until a few years ago, China and Russia were important partners in imposing international sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear and missile tests... (they) are now potential military partners of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea during a crisis on the Korean peninsula," he added, using the diplomatically isolated country's official name. The North Korean leader has supplied more than 15,000 troops to support Putin's war in Ukraine. In 2024, he also hosted the Russian leader in Pyongyang - the first summit of its kind in 24 years - in a move widely interpreted as a snub to Xi and an attempt to ease his pariah status by reducing North Korea's dependence on China. About 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed fighting for Russia in the Kursk region, according to South Korea's intelligence agency, which believes Pyongyang is planning another deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin also told the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin that a "fair balance in the security sphere" must be restored, shorthand for Russia's criticism of the eastward expansion of NATO. For Kim, the parade will mark the largest multilateral diplomatic event he has ever attended, offering the reclusive young leader an opportunity to gain implicit support for his banned nuclear weapons, and expand his diplomatic circle. Before crossing to China early on Tuesday, Kim visited a missile laboratory. The visit was geared towards "showing off (North Korea's) status as a nuclear power" just before "standing alongside Xi and Putin, which is intended to suggest support for North Korea as a nuclear state," said Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Beijing railway station, Kim and his daughter were greeted by senior Chinese officials including top-ranked Communist Party official Cai Qi and foreign minister Wang Yi, according to North Korean state media. Painstaking planning has also gone into China's "Victory Day" parade, marking 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two, with downtown Beijing paralysed by security measures and traffic controls for weeks. Alongside the showcase of cutting-edge military hardware in front of an estimated 50,000 spectators, authorities plan to release more than 80,000 "peace doves" during the event. (Reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne, Ju-min Park in Seoul; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Ryan Woo, Lincoln Feast, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Alex Richardson) 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: BlurryScope enables compact, cost-effective scanning microscopy for HER2 scoring using deep learning on blurry images. Credit: Ozcan Lab @ UCLA. A research team at UCLA, led by Professor Aydogan Ozcan, has introduced BlurryScope, a compact, cost-effective scanning microscope that combines simple optical hardware with advanced deep learning algorithms to assess HER2 status in breast cancer tissue samples. The work, published in npj Digital Medicine, demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) can unlock diagnostic value from images that would traditionally be considered unusable, reducing the cost and complexity of digital pathology without compromising diagnostic performance. Digital pathology has become an indispensable part of modern cancer diagnostics, enabling precise evaluation of biomarkers such as HER2, a protein that plays a critical role in guiding treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. However, the high cost and large footprint of whole-slide imaging scanners have limited their widespread adoption, especially in clinics with constrained budgets or in resource-limited regions. Conventional scanners can cost upwards of $100,000, and their large size makes them impractical for many laboratories. In contrast, the BlurryScope system can be built for less than $650, occupies only a 35 x 35 x 35 cm space, and weighs just 2.26 kgmaking it portable, accessible, and affordable. The technical advancement lies in the way BlurryScope captures and processes images. Instead of stopping to acquire sharp, still images of each tissue regiona process that requires precise mechanical control and relatively long acquisition timesBlurryScope continuously scans tissue slides, resulting in motion-blurred images that would normally be discarded. A specially trained deep neural network then interprets these blurred images to classify HER2 expression, effectively converting optical "imperfections" into a valuable diagnostic resource. This approach drastically simplifies the microscope hardware requirements, reducing both the cost and mechanical complexity of the device, while still delivering clinically relevant information. In blinded experiments involving 284 unique patient tissue cores, the system achieved nearly 80% accuracy across the standard four HER2 scoring categories (0, 1+, 2+, 3+). When the scores were grouped into two clinically actionable categories (0/1+ versus 2+/3+), accuracy increased to almost 90%. Importantly, repeated scans of the same samples demonstrated strong reproducibility, with more than 86% of classifications matching across multiple independent runs. These results highlight not only the robustness of the AI model but also the reliability of the entire system for real-world clinical use. Beyond its performance metrics, BlurryScope automates the entire diagnostic workflowfrom continuous scanning and image stitching to region-of-interest cropping and classificationmaking it a turnkey solution for pathology laboratories. While the device is not intended to replace high-end digital pathology scanners, it provides a powerful complementary tool for rapid triage, preliminary assessments, or use in settings where traditional systems are impractical or unavailable. By leveraging artificial intelligence to compensate for limitations in microscopic image quality, the technology illustrates how computational methods can fundamentally reshape biomedical imaging hardware. The potential impact of BlurryScope extends well beyond HER2 scoring. The same principleusing AI to analyze motion-blurred or otherwise imperfect imagescould be applied to other forms of tissue staining, biomarker analysis, or even entirely different clinical imaging modalities. As the researchers note, this work demonstrates a general framework for co-designing optical systems and deep learning algorithms to maximize diagnostic performance while minimizing hardware requirements. "With BlurryScope, we are redefining what affordable microscopy can look like," said Dr. Aydogan Ozcan, Chancellor's Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCLA and Associate Director of the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI). "By harnessing deep learning to interpret motion-blurred images, we can deliver clinically meaningful HER2 scoring at a fraction of the cost and size of conventional pathology scanners." Dr. Michael Fanous, the first author of the paper, added, "This work opens the door to advanced diagnostic capabilities in settings where access to high-end equipment has traditionally been out of reach." The study, published under the title "BlurryScope enables compact, cost-effective scanning microscopy for HER2 scoring using deep learning on blurry images," highlights a new paradigm in biomedical engineering: one where the boundaries between optical instrumentation and computational intelligence are blurred to achieve diagnostic breakthroughs. As cancer care increasingly relies on precise biomarker evaluation, innovations such as BlurryScope will play a crucial role in democratizing access to high-quality diagnostics worldwide. More information Michael John Fanous et al, BlurryScope enables compact, cost-effective scanning microscopy for HER2 scoring using deep learning on blurry images, npj Digital Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-025-01882-x Journal information: npj Digital Medicine A classroom sits empty at Mayo Demonstration School in Tulsa on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma signing bonus program, intending to fill a critical workforce shortage in public schools, will reward 151 special education teachers up to $20,000 this school year. The Oklahoma State Department of Education announced Tuesday the program will award signing bonuses to 34 experienced special education teachers who came from out of state and to 117 new teachers who recently became certified for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program exceeded the agencys initial goal of recruiting 110 special education teachers to work with students with disabilities. About 17% of public school students in Oklahoma are receiving services for a disability, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Out-of-state teachers coming to Oklahoma were eligible for a $20,000 signing bonus this year and another $5,000 in the 2026-27 school year if they remain in the same district. Newly certified special education teachers qualified for a $10,000 signing bonus and a potential $2,500 retention bonus next year. The initiative attracted educators from at least 17 states and Japan, the Education Department reported. Seventy-nine Oklahoma districts are participating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recipients of the signing bonuses are moving from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas, the agency said. Agency spokesperson Madison Cercy said signing bonus recipients coming from California have been instructed to take an America First assessment. The Education Department developed the test with the conservative media entity PragerU to weed out educators with woke agendas who relocate from progressive states. The agency also sent the notification to teachers moving from New York, Cercy said, though that state wasnt one the Education Department initially listed in its announcement of the signing bonuses. Another state agency that oversees teacher certification testing, the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, has warned the America First test could overstep legal bounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law mandates that the Oklahoma State Board of Education shall issue a certificate to teach to a person who holds a valid out-of-state certificate. Oklahoma statutes require no further assessment besides a criminal history check for teachers who are already certified and moving from out of state. The state Education Department first announced the $20,000 signing bonuses in April, saying at the time it had budgeted $1.875 million from the federal fund IDEA Part B, which supports students with disabilities. This is the agencys third round of signing bonuses for teacher recruitment under state Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters has leveraged hefty signing bonuses to attract hundreds of certified educators to return to teaching after having left the profession or to move to Oklahoma from other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, his administration offered between $15,000 and $50,000 to early elementary and special education teachers. The effort drew more than 500 teachers, though the Education Department paid a few by mistake. The second wave of signing bonuses granted up to $25,000 to educators who accepted hard-to-fill math and science positions in rural middle and high schools. That initiative rewarded 61 teachers last year. Through investing in our educators and rewarding excellence we are making sure every child in Oklahoma has the opportunity to succeed, Walters said Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) A busy Triad road was closed for hours on Tuesday due to a crash. According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, the 5200 block of Silas Creek Parkway was closed between Robinhood Road and Yorkshire Drive because there was a crash involving a vehicle and a utility pole. The call came in around 6:30 a.m. and police said that the road reopened just before 12:30 p.m. No further information on injuries were readily available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. A mother has told of the moment she was evicted with her children as hundreds of thousands of families face losing their homes in the UK, new analysis has revealed. There were 124,210 families in England facing homelessness in 2024/25, the research from Shelter shows, equivalent to one in every 57 families. Of these, 70,630 are single-parent households, around one in every 24. The housing charity adds that there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of families assessed by their local council as homeless or at imminent rise of homelessness compared to five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Single mother-of-three Angela Carruthers has been homeless for two years and is currently living in temporary accommodation in Birmingham. 'Our House': New Shelter and HSBC campaign highlights issue of families in temporary accommodation (Shelter) After losing her home of 12 years because the landlord decided to sell, Angela and her children have moved three times. She is now in her third temporary accommodation property after first staying in a hotel miles away from her community. Angela told The Independent: You can imagine someone coming to your house on the day youre going to be evicted and not knowing where youre going to go. Were all just in hysterics because wed lived there for so long and the kids had their friends round there, their school, work was down the school it was perfect. And all of it got ripped away from us in the space of a couple of hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, her children were eight, 15 and 17. When they arrived at the temporary accommodation the local council had arranged a hotel, despite knowing six months in advance of Angelas eviction it had no electricity or hot water for five days. That for a parent, when you dont know where youre going to be with your kids, is really petrifying. Because yeah, I couldnt protect them, I couldnt support them. Thats my job as a parent but it was completely out of my hands. Angela recently faced eviction again, but was able to remain in her current property with the help of Shelter. However the mother has now lived in temporary accommodation for two years, and says she wants to be able to find secure permanent social housing. There were 124,210 families in England facing homelessness in 2024/25 (Getty Images) Ive got no control over anything in my life or in my childrens lives, she said, Its just like theyre playing god with people. Theyve split up my family, stopped my kids from progressing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelter policy officer Jenny Lamb said: We are in the middle of a housing emergency that we have been in the middle of for a long time now, and it is impacting millions of people. Were hearing horrific stories of people finding themselves at the sharp end of the housing emergency. Families spending sleepless nights anxious about losing their homes, having to move away from their work, their communities, their childrens schools. [Its] a system that is failing people at every turn. We have a record high private rents and a severe lack of genuinely affordable social housing, and when you combine that with frozen housing benefits which make private renting unaffordable to so many people, then you end up in this absolute emergency. The housing charity has called on the government to build more social housing, aiming for a target of 900,000 over the next ten years, up from the current 300,000 pledged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has also urged ministers to unfreeze local housing allowances, which set the rate at which housing-related benefits are paid. Rental costs are far outpacing the amount that private tenants can claim in support. Alongside HSBC, Shelter has launched a campaign to raise awareness of families living in temporary accommodation, and the difficult, often dangerous, situations thousands are finding themselves in right now. Last month, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner announced plans to build 300,000 new affordable homes, including 180,000 social homes, in the next decade. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Monarch butterflies are loved by many people for their colorful features, but officials in Iowa are asking folks to do more than just watch these insects. Each fall, monarch butterflies travel through Iowa as they head down to Mexico. Researchers with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium are asking landowners to help document this migration. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siouxlanders can help by keeping an eye out for monarch roosting locations. A monarch roost typically includes dozens to hundreds of monarchs clustered on tree branches. They are often found in sheltered areas, near the edge of woodlands, windbreaks or river corridors. Officials say roosting typically occurs in the evening and early morning. If you notice a monarch roost on your property, or on public land, you can anonymously fill out this form. Officials say documenting these sites helps to inform conservation strategies to help restore declining monarch butterfly populations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. LOUIS District 6 Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) are responding to a deadly shooting that happened in the Penrose neighborhood on Monday. According to police, the shooting occurred in the 4400 block of Marcus Avenue around 6:14 p.m. SLMPD has identified the deceased as an adult male, but information about the victim is limited at this time. Homicide detectives have been requested to investigate the incident, SLMPD says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 is learning more information about the fatal shooting; more information will be posted when it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that after meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in China, he had "several conclusions and messages" he wishes to convey to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: Fico on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: He said his meeting with Putin lasted an hour and focused mainly on Russias war against Ukraine. The Slovak PM noted that during the meeting, Putin briefed him on his talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska and about the "prospects for ending" the war he had launched against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "I drew several conclusions and messages from this important conversation, which I intend to convey to Ukrainian President V. Zelenskyy on Friday." Background: Fico also said he expected to receive many calls from other European leaders after his meeting with Putin in China. In addition to Fico, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also met with Putin in China. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, during his meeting with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin in China, said he intends to raise the issue of Ukrainian attacks on Russias energy infrastructure in his talks with the Ukrainian president. Source: European Pravda citing Aktuality Details: Fico said that during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he expects to take place after his return to Slovakia, he plans to address the issue of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stated that it was unacceptable for such attacks to be carried out on infrastructure that is vital for Slovakia. Background: Last week, Fico said he did not understand the attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline. The foreign ministers of Slovakia and Hungary complained to the European Commission over the strikes. In addition to Fico, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Putin in China, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also plans to do so. Fico and Vucic were the only European heads of state to attend the 9 May celebrations in Moscow as Putins guests. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Slovakia seeks to normalise relations with Moscow and is increasing Russian gas imports through the TurkStream pipeline. Source: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as reported by Reuters Details: These remarks contradict the position of the European Union, which aims to cut off Russian energy imports to punish Moscow for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They came at a critical stage in efforts to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slovakia and Hungary, despite being EU members, maintain political ties with Russia, which supplies most of their oil needs. "I want to say openly that we are extremely interested in standardisation of relations between the Slovak Republic and the Russian Federation," Fico said during a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of World War II anniversary celebrations in China. "Let's get back to what used to be typical for countries when it comes to economic cooperation," he added. The EU has pledged to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027, severing decades of dependence on its former top gas supplier. But Hungary and Slovakia oppose this plan, saying the switch to alternatives will raise prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to thank you for the safe and regular gas supplies that we receive through TurkStream," Fico told Putin during the meeting. For reference: TurkStream remains the only pipeline delivering Russian gas to Europe after the explosions on Nord Stream 1 pipelines in September 2022 and the shutdown of transit through Ukraine on 1 January. This year Slovakia has imported about 1.7 billion cubic metres of gas via Hungary, which has direct access to TurkStream. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! TYLER, Texas (KETK) The Smith County Central Labor Council celebrated Labor Day on Monday by honoring hard working East Texans at Lindsey Park. What East Texans think Labor day means while celebrating on Lake Palestine The picnic consisted of home-cooked barbeque, a raffle hosted by the Coalition of Labor Union Women and dancing with family and friends. I love seeing all the families and friends, former Tyler city councilmember and mayoral candidate Dr. Shirley McKeller said. Its a family event and thats what makes it so beautiful. The children are roller-skating and just having a great time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the state, there are nearly 500 labor councils, who are elected bodies dedicated to representing the interests of working people, both locally and state-wide. Unions are important to every community, president of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women (NETNOW) Dr. Nancy Nichols said. They are the reason we have 5-day work weeks and get breaks during work. East Texas Biggest Labor Disputes: The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 NETNOW is encouraging all women workers in the area to also attend their annual Voices for Justice march and expo. The event will be held on Sept. 20 at the W.T. Brookshire center in Tyler. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. CLEVELAND (WJW) The largest anti-hunger program in the United State is undergoing major changes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federal safety net which has provided food assistance for vulnerable Americans since 1964 and President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty. Students attacked after local football game Food banks warn the changes could create a crisis in an already fragile system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new federal budget signed into law in July, Ohio will lose hundreds of millions in SNAP benefits. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the new budget cuts $186 billion from SNAP benefits through 2034. There will be work requirements for some recipients and time limits. In July, when the federal budget was signed into law, Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks, said the burden of an under-funded system has already fallen to them. She explained that 70-thousand older adults in the state receive the minimum benefit, $23 per month. She told Fox 8, Families are really struggling. From 2020 to 2024 we saw a 24% increase in the consumer price index for all food consumption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novotny explained, Low wage families dont have the budgets to make up for that kind of sharp increase in basic spending. For the first time ever, states will share in the cost of SNAP benefits and the expense of administering the program. Ohio would be responsible for nearly $400 million annually just to maintain what are already inadequate benefits, Novotny said. Powerball climbs! Three tickets in NE Ohio win $150K And because Ohios program is administered by the counties, county governments face the burden of millions in new costs for the states poor, its veterans and the disabled. The new SNAP rules and requirements went into effect as of Sept. 1, however the impact of the cuts will be felt over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compounding the impact on Ohioans is the 25% reduction in funding for food programs in the state budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. 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 A comprehensive study shows that California's CA Bridge program has successfully implemented opioid-use disorder treatment services across more than 80% of the state's emergency departments, reaching over 165,000 patients and providing nearly 45,000 instances of buprenorphine treatment from July 2022 through December 2023 alone. The initiative proves that emergency departments can serve as a critical entry point for addiction care when provided with proper funding, training, and patient navigation support. The study is published in the journal Health Affairs. The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across America, with emergency departments treating large numbers of people with opioid-use disorder, but most health systems failing to provide evidence-based addiction care. Nationally, only 5.7% to 11.5% of emergency department patients with opioid-use disorder receive medications for this condition, life-saving medications that reduce overdose deaths and improve treatment outcomes. CA Bridge represents the largest state-based emergency department addiction treatment initiative in the United States, offering a potential roadmap for nationwide implementation. Researchers analyzed data from 252 California hospitals participating in CA Bridge from July 2022 through December 2023. The program provided hospitals with $120,000 in funding, technical assistance, and training to hire patient navigators, support clinical champions, and establish addiction treatment pathways. Using grant reporting data and California's controlled substances prescribing database, researchers tracked patient navigator encounters, buprenorphine treatments, and subsequent care engagement across rural, urban, public, and private hospitals. They found that the program achieved remarkable reach and effectiveness. From June 2022 through December 2023 at CA Bridge participating hospitals: Patient navigators engaged patients with opioid-use disorders in over 165,671 emergency department visits. Patient engagement at public hospitals was about 80% higher than public hospitals. Provision of buprenorphine treatment at public hospitals was about 50% higher than in private hospitals. In 2022, across all California EDs: 119,271 people received a prescription for buprenorphine for treatment of opioid-use disorder, of whom 5,150 people (4.3 percent) received that prescription from an emergency medicine clinician. Among the 58,399 people receiving a first-time buprenorphine prescription, 5.3% were started by emergency clinicians. There were 1,737 unique emergency clinician prescribers, with nearly 22% new to prescribing buprenorphine. About 36% of patients who received an buprenorphine prescription in the emergency department had a follow-up prescription within 40 days. Patients received a median 58 days of uninterrupted treatment within one month of receiving a buprenorphine in the emergency department. The success of CA Bridge demonstrates that emergency departments can be transformed into effective sites for initiation of addiction treatment and linkage to maintenance care, but researchers emphasize the need for sustainable financing and quality measures to support nationwide dissemination. Future work should focus on understanding implementation strategies used by high-performing sites, developing standardized quality metrics for emergency addiction care, and exploring similar initiatives for other substance-use disorders including methamphetamine and alcohol. The program's model could inform national policy discussions about expanding emergency department addiction services. "CA Bridge has helped transform emergency care throughout California to include low-barrier buprenorphine for opioid-use disorder. The program has developed a successful model for scaling ED addiction care across diverse practice settings, with high adoption and services provision," said Dr. Elizabeth Samuels, lead author of the study and researcher at UCLA. "EDs are a strategic point of entry into the addiction care system, and our findings demonstrate that with technical assistance, training, and funding, adoption and services provision are high." More information Elizabeth A. Samuels et al, Increasing Emergency Department Patient Navigation And Buprenorphine Use: A Model For Low-Barrier Treatment, Health Affairs (2025). DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00333 Journal information: Health Affairs CORBIN The 2025 SOAR Summit concluded in Corbin last Friday with a Principal Officer Plenary that highlighted both the resilience of Eastern Kentucky and major new investments aimed at shaping the regions future. Governor Andy Beshear and U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers led the closing session underscoring the importance of collaboration, economic revitalization and disaster recovery. SOAR Executive Director Colby Hall opened the plenary by recognizing first responders, city officials and volunteers who aided recovery efforts during the May tornado in Laurel County and other natural disasters in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from London, Pulaski and surrounding communities joined him on stage to be honored for their service. Over 200 showed up today from as far as Florida, and all over the country that participated in the response, Hall said. What a great way to start the morning as a way to say thank you to these heroes, and their important work in helping us rebuild from these tragedies that have happened but that we are going to build back stronger and ever than before. Gov. Beshear followed by praising the resilience of the people of Eastern Kentucky in the face of disasters such as the 2022 floods and the May tornado. After natural disasters, we see that people at their core are good, Beshear said. We see God in the strength, the kindness and the love in Kentuckians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He turned his remarks toward the progress being made through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program, which has provided millions of dollars to communities impacted by historic coal mining. Beshear highlighted completed projects including waterline replacements in Hazard, wastewater upgrades in Jenkins and expansions at the Appalachian Valley Autism Center in Floyd County. No parent should ever hear that the best thing for their childs healthcare is to move, Beshear said. With some of the investments we are making today, we are gonna make sure that no parent does hear that in Eastern Kentucky. Approximately 15 new AMLER awards were also announced during the closing plenary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those recipients of this years AMLER awards were Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, which was awarded $780,000 to build a new dormitory for its nursing students. Dr. DJ Washington, President of Union, said that the project will give local students the opportunity to train in world class facilities, and serve their neighbors with the skill and compassion they deserve. Somerset Community Colleges Laurel County campus was awarded $6 million for a career and technical education training complex that will support workforce programs in construction, HVAC and other trades. Saint Joseph London received $650,000 toward the purchase of a new CT scanner expanding care for the 34,000 patients it serves each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to AMLER funding, Beshear pointed to other statewide progress including a 30 percent decline in opioid-related deaths over the past year, record-breaking tourism and $42 billion in new investments since he took office, creating nearly 63,000 jobs. Also announced at the plenary session was Beshears intention to push for universal preschool for all Kentucky four-year-olds in the next legislative session. In June, the governor formalized the effort with an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, emphasizing that the initiative would deliver broad benefits by boosting student achievement, strengthening the workforce and easing family budgets. Congressman Rogers built on Beshears remarks, praising Kentuckians for their role in driving both state and national success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eastern Kentucky has proven once again that we are stronger than any storm we face, Rogers said. Our best resource has always been you the Appalachian people who fuel the nations industrial revolution and growth renovation across the country. He also pointed to Kentuckys leadership in combating the drug epidemic and detailed his request for nearly $150 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026. The request includes $45 million for first responders and emergency facilities, more than $100 million for infrastructure projects such as the Somerset northern bypass and the Mountain Parkway expansion, and $10 million for aerospace education and drug recovery initiatives. Both leaders credited SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) for creating opportunities and bringing communities together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cannot tell the story of the United States of America without talking about Eastern Kentucky, Beshear said. Because of everyone here, this region is going to play a major role in the future of our country too. The plenary concluded with Beshears call for compassion and unity, and his continued dedication to the state. Life is short, Beshear said. Our job is to do good things, and to be kind to each other. I think that is what is seen every year at SOAR. For the full recording of the 2025 Officer Plenary Session and other events throughout the summit, visit the Shaping Our Appalachian Region Inc. (SOAR) Facebook page. The son of Mykhailo Stselnikov, who is suspected of committing the murder of former Ukrainian parliament chairman Andrii Parubii, fought in the 93rd Mechanised Brigades reconnaissance unit of the 3rd battalion and was killed in action in Bakhmut in May 2023. Source: Slidstvo.Info Details: The press officer of the 93rd Mechanised Brigade, Iryna Rybakova, confirmed that Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov, who went by the alias Lemberg, served in the reconnaissance unit of the 3rd battalion and was killed in action in Bakhmut in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alina Karnaukhova, the head of the brigades patronage service, said that officially, Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov has been considered missing since 20 May 2023, as his body was never recovered. His mother, writer Olena Cherninka, wrote a book about her missing son titled Lemberg: Mum, Please Dont Cry. Journalists found records of serviceman Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov in the Clarity Project database, where he is listed as missing since May 2023 in Bakhmut. Previously: During the trial, the suspect in the murder of Andrii Parubii, Mykhailo Stselnikov, declared that the killing was his personal revenge against the Ukrainian authorities. He said he wanted to be exchanged and transferred to Russia to search for the body of his son a Ukrainian soldier who went missing in action on the Bakhmut front. Background: On 30 August, Parubii 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 was launched in the city to locate and apprehend the murderer. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the night of 31 August-1 September that a suspect had been detained. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the suspect was detained in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The National Police posted the first photos of the detained suspect. Ivan Vyhivskyi, Chief of National Police, stressed that this crime was not random and that there is a Russian connection involved. At a briefing on 1 September, law enforcement officials said that they had not ruled out any lines of inquiry in the case of the murder of Andrii Parubii, but have identified a Russian link as the priority. Radio Libertys Ukrainian Service reported that the recently detained suspect in the murder of Andrii Parubii confessed during initial questioning and disclosed his contact with Russian representatives. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Williamsburg County woman who had custody of a baby who died last week after being left alone in a hot car has been released from jail on bond, authorities said. Armina Lavette Seal-Middleton, 52, of Salters, who was arrested on Aug. 26 and charged with homicide by child abuse in the death of 4-month-old Xymere Bishop Miller, posted a $25,000 personal-recognizance bond and was released on Saturday. Kingstree police responded to Dollar General to assist Williamsburg County EMS with a call involving an unresponsive infant who was found in a car that wasnt running. Williamsburg County Coroner Ivori Henryhand said the baby died at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center after being taken there with a temperature of 107 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a court hearing on Wednesday, the babys grandfather said they had been trying for nearly two months to get custody of the boy. Seal-Middleton is not related to the boy but was awarded custody after he was taken from his mother after he was born. The babys mother had requested Seal-Middleton to be the person to take care of him. Millers parents are from Charleston, South Carolina. Seal-Middletons sister said during Wednesdays hearing that Armina is in poor health and that Xymere should not have been in her care. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Southwest Airlines has become one of the first U.S. carriers to take flight with an added barrier to protect pilots from intrusions when they exit the cockpit. Southwest took delivery of the Boeing 737 Max 8, with the added retractable gate-like feature, and put it into service over the Labor Day weekend. The change comes nearly 24 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. "For Southwest this was the right decision," the airline said in a statement. "We have a robust safety management system that takes a proactive approach when it comes to enhancing safety wherever possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additional flight deck barrier is designed to prevent cockpit invasions, like those during the 2001 terror attacks when hijackers took control of four jetliners. The secondary gate is closed to provide added protection for pilots when they open the cockpit door to access the lavatory. Before the barriers, flight attendants have routinely blocked access to the front of the plane, using themselves or a drink cart, whenever a pilot leaves the flight deck. While existing planes cannot be retrofitted with the barriers, newly delivered planes will come with the barrier installed. Last week, a 2023 Federal Aviation Administration regulation required Boeing and Airbus to begin delivering its new planes with the secondary barriers. According to the final rule, the new barrier "will be deployed, closed and locked whenever the flight deck door is opened while the airplane is in flight." While Southwest has decided to take immediate delivery of planes with the secondary barriers, other airlines have opted to wait until July 2026 after the FAA granted a one-year exemption. President Donald Trump confirmed once again that he is, in fact, alive. Conservative pundit Scott Jennings posted on X on Tuesday that he just got off the phone with Trump, attaching an interview where the two discussed a topic on the top of his mind this morning and it wasnt the viral rumors that have swirled around on social media about his health. Trump instead addressed a ruling about his sweeping tariffs, in which a U.S. appeals court held on Friday that most of his levies on virtually every country as part of his Liberation Day announcement in April are illegal. Trump has said he will ask the Supreme Court to overturn the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although most of his reciprocal tariffs remain in limbo, they will stay in effect until at least Oct. 14 to give Trump time to appeal. The presidents sector-specific tariffs, however, are safe from the ruling, including his levies on copper and steel. Our country will be weak, pathetic and not rich... I negotiated seven peace deals because I was able to use tariffs, Trump told Jennings, a popular CNN commentator, in a snippet on his radio show expected to air later Tuesday. Without tariffs, many of those deals, half of those deals, I wouldnt have been able to do. It gives us tremendous negotiating power. It gives us tremendous economic power. And its the same exact thing that theyve done to us for 30 years, and theyre still doing it," he continued. Trump went on to say that it would be an economic disaster" if the decision stays in place, adding that the United States would become one of the very poor countries. REEDS SPRING, Mo. A man from Springfield has been criminally charged after allegedly making threats to shoot people in a newly-opened school for students with disabilities in Stone County. According to online court dockets, Anthony Michael Lawrence, 37, is charged with first-degree terrorist threat in Stone County Circuit Court. The probable cause statement says the incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 29, when Lawrence made numerous threats via text messages and phone calls toward the staff of the Menta Academy in Reeds Spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement says that in his threats, Lawrence stated the police need to be on scene when he arrives at the Academy and that he had 10 guns in the back of his car. Lawrence said he would walk into the building and shoot employees if he didnt get a check, the statement says. Lawrence is currently being held in the Stone County Jail with a $25,000 bond set. If convicted, he faces up to 7 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SPRINGFIELD Eight days ago, Ari Keigan was heading to court with a farmworker when three unmarked vehicles cut off their car. Six immigration officers jumped out, one held a gun on them while the others surrounded the car, opened the doors and grabbed them. It was an absolutely terrifying moment, said Keigan, of the Pioneer Valley Workers Center. She and a third person in the car, a juvenile, were eventually released. What she described as more terrifying is that the farmworker, called Demetrio, has been detained, and few know what happened to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Labor Day, eight days after Demetrio was taken into custody, the Workers Center joined with Neighbor to Neighbor and LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts to hold a protest against his detention, as well as many other actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE. Keigan would not reveal Demetrios last name or his lawyers name but said they were leaving his Springfield neighborhood and heading to District Court for a hearing on a motor vehicle violation. Other officials said he is from Mexico and is a longtime farmworker in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Florida, and is the father of three. Protest organizers urged the roughly 150 people gathered on Court Square to take action by speaking against deportations, spreading the stories about farmworkers and others being detained, and learning about their rights in case they are confronted by ICE agents. They were encouraged to share the information in multiple languages. Simbrit Paskins, a chapter organizer for Neighbor to Neighbor, said she was born and raised in Springfield, but her family is from Trinidad, and she cant imagine what it would be like to see a relative taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While leading the crowd on chants including Not one more! Paskins said she worries that trends show there might be many more detentions in Massachusetts and in Springfield in upcoming weeks. ICE detentions have been stepping up in Washington, D.C., and other cities, and Paskins said officials believe that will soon spread to other places, especially where political leaders are resistant to President Trumps efforts to increase deportations. It has been happening all along here, but this was really aggressive, she said. She isnt alone in her sentiments. State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said Demetrio should be home with his family and not detained in an unknown location. He called for protesters, no matter what race, no matter whom they pray to, to come together to fight the detentions and deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged people to talk to legislators, local officials and other stakeholders about the detentions. This story highlights a harsh reality. Our community depends on these workers. They feed us, contribute to our economy, Gomez said. Masked men run rampant in our neighborhoods without accountability. The state Legislature is currently debating several bills to address problems with ICE, including one that bans law enforcement from covering their faces, which the federal agents are known to do. Im terribly concerned, especially about the Republican bill that just passed through Congress, that will put tens of millions of dollars to ratchet up deportation, said state Sen. Jo Comerford, who also attended the rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature continues to fight the horror of the efforts to detain and deport immigrants, some who are here legally, and to protect them, she said. In some cases we are on the offense, and at other times we are on the defense, she said. Read the original article on MassLive. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Starting today, the Spencerport Central School District is kicking off a new bus safety program. According to a statement provided by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, the district will begin the Monroe County School Bus Safety program on Thursday by equipping buses with BusPatrol technology. The BusPatrol will provide school buses with stop-arm cameras to enforce these violations when drivers pass a school bus when it is stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monroe County eyes bus seat belt safety amid new state bill Currently in Monroe County: Hilton, East Irondequoit, Webster, Monroe BOCES 1, and Greece schools are enrolled. The county notes all suburban districts are eligible to participate with its Board of Educations approval. Officials with the countys bus program noted they issued more than 8,500 citations to driver last school year. When the program starts, it will start with a 30-day period where drivers will receive warning letters without fines. On October 6, drivers who are caught will face a $250 fine for a first offense, and penalties will escalate for repeat violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the program, 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 RochesterFirst. 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: Functional mapping: the dynamic range of NaCT is determined by residues of the H4c/H6b regulatory array. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62103-3 Scientists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered that human cells operate a sophisticated, synchronized traffic control system that actively monitors nutrient availability and precisely controls cellular energy balance and blood sugar levels. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about how cells sense and respond to changing nutrient levelsand offers a promising new target for treating diabetes and cancer. The study was led by Prof. Ehud Ohana and Ph.D. student Noa Yehoshua and published recently in Nature Communications. Prof. Ohana's lab is back up and running in an alternate location following its destruction by the Iranian missile strike on Soroka University Medical Center. All cells must produce and use energy to live every single moment. Therefore, they face a constant challenge: how to quickly sense nutrient availability and maintain proper energy balance. Until now, scientists believed cells primarily relied on relatively slow internal sensing mechanisms that could take hours to adjust metabolism. However, this new study reveals an elegant mechanism: cells have evolved a fully synchronized rapid-response system that directly monitors nutrient availability at their surface. Two key transporter proteinsthe liver citrate transporter (NaCT) and glucose transporters (Glut)don't just carry these energy-providing nutrients into or out of cells. They work together in perfect coordination, continuously sensing nutrient levels and communicating with other cells to maintain energy balance and control blood sugar through synchronized nutrient uptake that adjusts within minutes. "This research fundamentally changes how we think about cellular nutrition and energy balance. Rather than passive recipients of randomly available nutrients, cells actively monitor and negotiate their intake through sophisticated, synchronized molecular systems that directly control blood sugar, carboxylic acids and energy balance. "We have developed molecules that target these synchronized functions which, remarkably, lowered blood glucose in mice. Therefore, we have in-hand new potential and robust tools to cure diabetes, cancer, and other metabolic disorders," says Prof. Ohana. The molecular partnership Think of NaCT and Glut as two synchronized traffic controllers in constant communication, continually coordinating to maintain optimal energy balance and nutrient control. The researchers identified a specific molecular region in NaCT called the H4c domain that enables this molecular coordination. When one transporter senses changes in nutrient availability, it immediately signals the other to adjust accordingly, ensuring perfect synchronization in energy management. The NaCT K107 mediates interactions with H4c and H6b residues to control NaCT function, regulation by partner proteins, and the glycolytic flux. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62103-3 The coordination is remarkable: when liver cells are starved of glucose, both glucose and citrate uptake increase dramatically to maintain energy balance. However, the moment glucose becomes available again, elevated uptake stops. Targeting the system: A potential breakthrough for diabetes and cancer The therapeutic implications are promising. When researchers genetically disrupted NaCT expression in mice, something interesting happened: cells absorbed notably more glucose from their surroundings, and consequently, blood glucose levels dropped substantially. By targeting this synchronized nutrient-sensing system, scientists can effectively control blood sugar levels in living animals. The approach suggests a potentially valuable treatment strategy: by strategically targeting NaCT, physicians might be able to help diabetic patients' cells pull more glucose from their bloodstream, effectively lowering blood sugar levels and potentially offering a new highly efficient therapeutic approach for diabetes. Beyond diabetes: Developing a cure for metabolic diseases The discovery extends beyond diabetes treatment toward potential cures for multiple metabolic diseases. Cancer cells notoriously hijack glucose transporters while suppressing NaCTa combination that fuels their aggressive growth. Based on this, Prof. Ohana, in collaboration with Prof. Shimon Ben-Shabat has engineered new molecular entities that reprogram tumor cell metabolism, which will be developed for clinical treatments in collaboration with Prof. Nicola Mabjeesh (head of Urology, Soroka University Medical Center) and Dr. Sabri El-Saied (Deputy head of Otolaryngology, Soroka University Medical Center). The team has shown that these new molecules eradicate specific tumors in mice. Therefore, understanding this synchronized NaCT-Glut system could unlock new ways to eradicate cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. The study, by Ph.D. student Noa Yehoshua and Hadar Eini-Rider with key contributions from Ahlam Khamaysi, Aharon Keshet, and other team members, represents an important shift: from targeting individual proteins or cell signals to targeting the orchestrated function of transporter interactionspotentially leading to breakthrough treatments that could cure rather than just manage these challenging diseases. "This scientific discovery is an example of cutting edge research which becomes an opportunity to develop new drugs. BGN Technologies, the tech transfer company of Ben-Gurion University, is committed to translating this achievement into collaborations with international companies to bring these discoveries 'from lab bench to bedside' to affect millions worldwide," noted Dr. Galit Mazooz-Perlmuter, VP Business DevelopmentBiopharma, Biotechnology and Medical Device. More information Noa Yehoshua et al, Regulatory interaction between metabolite transporters coordinates glucose and exometabolite fluxes to drive bioenergetics, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62103-3 Journal information: Nature Communications Key medical concepts Diabetes Primary Malignant Neoplasm JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) State Auditor Shad White (R-Miss.) announced that his office established the Defend the Sip Fellowship for law graduates awaiting training to join the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps in the military. According to White, the fellowship gives graduates a chance to get hands-on, real-world experience working on legal matters for the Office of the State Auditor between the time they graduate law school and the time they become a military service member. Ole Miss partners with Navy for ocean research Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a service member myself, Im excited about bringing these talented young people onto our team, said White. We will benefit from their energy and skill, and hopefully after they finish their military service, they will return to Mississippi and make our states future even brighter. The fellowship will be open to all Mississippi law graduates or upcoming graduates who have been accepted to the JAG Corps. The State Auditors Office is working with Mississippi College (MC) on recruiting graduates for the fellowship. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Minnesota Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, left, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth speak at a tribute to state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was killed in a politically motivated shooting in June, at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston this month. The shooting has caused many state lawmakers to reconsider the costs and value of public service. (Photo courtesy of National Conference of State Legislatures) BOSTON In some of his first public comments since being shot in an attempted assassination, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman urged fellow lawmakers to refocus on the true purpose of public service. We cant let the evil of the night win, and we must redouble our efforts and reclaim the reason we are all public servants, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means listening to one another, extending understanding even in disagreement, and finding compromise: not because its easy, but because the people we serve deserve better than constant stalemate built on partisan egos. They deserve solutions. Hoffman appeared via video message before thousands of lawmakers and staffers gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures summit earlier this month in Boston. In June, he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home just before the politically motivated shooter killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. The June shooting hung over this years meeting of the NCSL, a group that labors to maintain a reputation for bipartisan and nonpartisan work. Lawmakers in attendance on the left and the right repeatedly lamented the toxicity of American politics and the growing threat of political violence at local levels of government. Many lawmakers raised questions about whether public service is still worth it, how state governments can buck the partisanship that defines Washington, D.C., and what measures lawmakers should take to keep members safe. Most lawmakers said they remained committed to serving, but they said conservatives and liberals must find ways to disagree without demonizing their opposition and do better at monitoring the rhetoric of members of their own parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin House Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, said the vitriol of social media and cable news has made it more difficult to talk with people of differing beliefs. Technology has reduced the frequency of many human interactions, he said. Even the rise of video doorbells has made it difficult for candidates and officials to talk with everyday constituents in person, as many refuse to answer. So instead of knocking on doors and meeting strangers, you have a tendency to go to party events where you are meeting people who want to come and meet you, he said. Well, they come from usually one end of the spectrum. Theyre people who are probably paying too much attention to politics and not enough to all the other things in the world. Author and media personality Michael Smerconish asked Vos whether the current climate pushes good candidates away and incentivizes zealots to run. Thats a really good point, Vos responded. Part of my job is to recruit candidates, and it is very challenging to get people who are willing to put their personal life on the line and convince their family that there is nothing more fun to do on a Sunday morning than to go to a pancake breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said potential candidates are worried about how their kids will be treated in school and what effect running could have on their careers. But he said state governments can model a more civil political tone and show how government works. Even simple moves like holding bipartisan meetings with staff rather than holding separate caucus meetings can help to forge more positive relationships. We are places where people can disagree, but we dont have to be hateful, he said. And maybe, just maybe, over time well be able to showcase to the rest of the country that thats the way that legislatures lead. Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint hearing of the House Energy Committee and the Senate Environment and Energy Committee Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. (Photo by Andrew Von Bank/House Information Services) Hold people accountable Since the June shooting in Minnesota, liberal and conservative states alike are considering measures to bolster protections for candidates and elected officials. Legislation proposed in New Jersey would prohibit the publication of home addresses of lawmakers, adding them to a list of protected officials that includes judges and law enforcement. That legislation remains in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ln North Dakota, lawmakers are considering establishing a more formal process for reporting threats, the North Dakota Monitor reported. A North Dakota man was charged in June with sending threatening messages to officials in which he referenced the Minnesota shootings. Legislative staff have already removed the home addresses of lawmakers from the legislative website and are considering providing post office boxes for lawmaker mail and creating new safety training. Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon introduce a package of bills to boost legislator safety, limit their public exposure and ensure representation if a lawmaker dies while in office, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. In Oregon, House Speaker Julie Fahey said lawmakers and staff are thinking more about personal safety. State law doesnt allow candidates to use campaign funds for security purposes, but the Democratic speaker said the legislature may soon change that. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact. Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat During an NCSL session about the cost of public service, Fahey referenced protesters 2020 armed breach of the state Capitol in Salem and noted that shed had an angry constituent show up at her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said lawmakers and staffers need to talk more about the cost of their work, which can be isolating, especially for those in leadership positions. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact, she said. Sitting next to her, West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said its not just personal safety that weighs on lawmakers. Its just as taxing on spouses and families who he said are front and center in any conversation about running for office nowadays. When he first assumed his leadership position in 2018, Hanshaw said he saw his job as mostly confined to running the chamber and worrying only about the behavior of members in their official capacity. But his thinking has evolved in this political environment, which he said requires modeling and monitoring of personal behavior and online activity of members of his caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the wrong approach, he told Stateline. And I would say that to anyone whos coming into one of these roles: You need to set the example and you need to hold people accountable. What is your why? Pennsylvania Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton said the current political environment is markedly different because officials at all levels of government can be targets. And what we must all collectively do is to condemn the violence, to bring the tone of rhetoric down and out of our capitols, and most importantly let folks know that we can always agree to disagree, but we can never, ever allow there to be violence in discourse, she said in an interview. Hundreds gather for a vigil honoring Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman outside of the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) While the climate has not deterred her from serving, McClinton said it does provide an opportunity to underscore the solemnity of public service and helps frame a candidates purpose for running and deciding whether its worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is your why? she said she increasingly asks potential candidates. What is your purpose? What do you plan to achieve, to accomplish? Why is it that you want to do this? Tim Storey, the chief executive officer of NCSL, said state legislatures are more bipartisan than many realize. Even in dogged legislative fights, many bills ultimately pass with support from both sides or even unanimously. Theres a relatively small group who just demonize the other side, he said in an interview. I think for the most part, they still see each other as humans who are actually in a really unique job, and so only they can understand each other and the sacrifice and the pressure that gets put on by the public exposure. He said that was especially true following Hortmans assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They felt it across the aisle of both parties, he said. Storey said NCSLs Boston summit was a record-breaker with more than 1,600 state lawmakers and thousands more staffers and lobbyists in attendance. The event kicked off with two of Minnesotas top legislative leaders a Democrat and a Republican on stage in front of a packed ballroom talking about the assassination. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said Hortman had always treated her as a partner rather than an adversary. With mutual trust and respect, they could disagree without being disagreeable, she said. State Sen. Erin Murphy, the Democratic majority leader, said politicians must turn down the vitriol in their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a lot of America would appreciate that. I know Melissa would, she told the crowd. But she said lawmakers must also root out dehumanizing narratives and conspiracy theories that have led to the radicalization of so many individuals. We cant lose faith in each other. We cant lose faith in America, she said. As Melissa taught us, failure is not an option. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. Like Minnesota Reformer, 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. *A photo caption in an earlier version of this story misstated Rep. Melissa Hortmans name. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Trump declared the numbers were wrong, fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, and offered as a replacement E.J. Antoni, a loyalist who has proposed suspending the jobs report. Trump falsely said in a Truth Social post that the revised jobs numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad. Beyond those attention-grabbing actions, though, the numbers demonstrate the real effects of Trumps work slashing the federal government. A Stateline analysis of the data shows how several states, especially Virginia and New Jersey, shed jobs in the second quarter of this year, which includes May and June. In Virginia, there were job losses blamed on canceled federal contracts in Northern Virginia as part of cuts made by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. Meanwhile, a slow housing market shuttered a plywood factory in the southern part of the state, and DOGE efforts canceled flooding control contracts on the coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay Ford, Virginia policy manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, told a state legislative committee in June that $50 million in contracts were slashed in the Hampton Roads area near the coast, causing a spike in unemployment claims. That included $20 million to address flooding in Hampton, where almost a quarter of homes are in flood zones, and $24 million to repair a Portsmouth dam that could fail in a major storm, he said. This is work that you desperately needed, Ford said at the committee hearing. There was a real focus on certain buzzwords like climate or resilience, and I think people conflated some of these projects as somehow unnecessary. For instance, the American Institutes for Research announced 233 layoffs in Virginia in May and 50 in Maryland since the beginning of the year. The not-for-profit organizations projects include working with school districts to solve achievement gaps and absenteeism, creating AI-driven workforce training, and addressing health care issues such as improving kidney disease care while reducing Medicare costs and strengthening access to health care by keeping rural hospitals open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes occurring in the federal government have brought significant challenges for many federal contractors, including AIR, said Dana Tofig, the companys spokesperson. Other recent layoffs in Virginia: 442 workers at Northern Virginias Mitre, which manages federally funded defense research centers and faced $28 million in canceled federal contracts; and 554 workers at a shuttered plywood factory in Southern Virginia. Housing affordability challenges and a 30-year low in existing home sales are impacting our plywood business, as many of our plywood products are used in repair and remodel projects, which often occur when homes change ownership, Georgia-Pacific said in a May news release. Stateline looked at two state jobs surveys for the second quarter that sometimes have quite different results: the so-called payroll survey of businesses that the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses for its monthly report, which has yet to be revised at the state level, and the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics program, which estimates job changes based on monthly household surveys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LAUS estimates are often called the household survey because they rely mostly on surveys of households, asking how many people are employed. They include jobs the payroll survey cant get, such as contract and agricultural jobs, and capture jobs where people live rather than states where employers are located. In a state like Virginia with a high number of federal employees and contract workers, lost jobs may show up sooner in the household survey since many federal jobs are not reflected on state-level payrolls if they are done by subcontractors, if the agency or contractor is based in another state, or if DOGE cuts allowed people to stop work but stay on the payroll until September. Those people might report being unemployed in the household survey but wouldnt show up in other surveys until October. The household survey shows about the same number of slowing job gains as the revised national payroll report, so it may be a window into the trends, many caused by Trump administration cuts in government, health care and foreign aid, and also by slowing sales in stores and housing markets. Both surveys rely on small samples and are often revised later, said Charles Gascon, an economist and research officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The more definitive Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, set for release Dec. 3 for the second quarter, will show state patterns more conclusively, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The household surveys show Virginia with the largest job losses in the country for the second quarter, down about 43,000, and job losses every month since February. Before that, the state gained jobs every month since the height of pandemic job losses in April 2020. New Jersey, which had the most job losses 15,400 in the separate second-quarter payroll survey, has suffered layoffs in retail stores hit by a slowdown in consumer spending, increased shoplifting and, among drugstores, lawsuits for their role in the opioid epidemic. Walmart announced 481 layoffs at its Hoboken, New Jersey, corporate office, and Rite Aid drugstores laid off 1,122 amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy affected by opioid crisis lawsuits that also hit Walmart and other pharmacy chains. Pharma firms Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis also have announced hundreds of layoffs in New Jersey, citing patent expirations on popular drugs. Wobbly state finances Rising unemployment combined with weak revenue growth suggests economic fragility for state finances, said Lucy Dadayan, a principal research associate for the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center who tracks state tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, unemployment was at 4.2% in July, the same as July 2024 but up from recent lows of 3.4% in April 2023, with the largest increases in Mississippi, Virginia and Oregon. Unemployment has dropped the most compared with July 2024 in Indiana, Illinois, New York and West Virginia. The states with the highest unemployment rates in July were California (5.5%), Nevada (5.4%) and Michigan (5.3%), while the lowest were in South Dakota (1.9%), North Dakota (2.5%) and Vermont (2.6%). I think the dramatic May and June jobs revision signals economic fragility. State-level warning signs suggest the impacts will show gradually, Dadayan said. And of course states are facing fiscal challenges caused by One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax and spending decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State finances are a mixed picture, with income tax collections rising because of a strong stock market and sales tax growth weak as consumers retreat on spending, Dadayan said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US In Virginia, the economically distressed area around Emporia will suffer aftershocks from the plywood plant closing, said Del. Otto Wachsmann, a Republican who represents the area in the state House of Delegates. The area is already reeling from the indefinite closure of a nearby Boars Head lunch meat plant that employed 600 people after a listeria outbreak there last year. The community, part of the southern Wood Basket region, has a large logging industry that will now struggle to find new markets farther away with higher costs for trucking, Wachsmann said. Were working hard to find new industries to come here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas added 42,700 jobs in the payroll survey, with the largest increase coming in the category of private educational services, 14,400 jobs, as the state approved a plan for school vouchers to start next year, according to a statement to Stateline from the Texas Workforce Commission. California added 25,300 jobs. But the household survey showed an increase of almost 111,000 jobs, the highest in the country. A Public Policy Institute of California blog post in July called the states labor market at best, in a hold-steady pattern this year, citing the states stubbornly elevated unemployment rate of 5.4% but also its jobs improvement over last year. A hold-steady pattern is a welcome change from a year ago, said the post, written by Sarah Bohn, a senior fellow at the institute. Stateline 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. Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota health officials, health care providers and the public are waiting for details on how the state will implement changes to its Medicaid programs, but federal guidance may not be handed out until 2026. Without that guidance, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and health care providers wont be able to calculate potential administrative costs forced by the changes, or have a clearer picture on how to implement new processes, said Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the state Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new requirements will affect about 23,000 of the more than 108,000 Medicaid recipients in the state who are part of the Medicaid expansion program. Aker said the department knows communicating the changes in the program will be important for patients and providers. She said the department is planning a public information campaign, but that needs to wait until detailed guidance on the program is released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Aker added that receiving those specifics before 2026 would be very optimistic. Coverage exemptions, new work requirements and semiannual eligibility check-ins were part of the federal budget reconciliation package signed into law by President Donald Trump in July that will change the Medicaid program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know exactly how the federal government is going to require us to document that exemption, Aker said. Until we know more, we dont want to speculate about exactly what that will look like. The state is hopeful the department will be able to use as much existing reporting infrastructure as possible to make submitting documents less burdensome, she said. Aker said the department will also try to automate some enrollment processes for efficiency. Tim Blasl, president of the North Dakota Hospital Association, said he thinks it is too early to determine how the changes will affect Medicaid coverage or attach a dollar amount to the overall cost of the changes. He said the association is concerned that when people lose health care coverage they wont complete annual check-ups or use preventative care services, which could lead to longer-term chronic conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you dont have coverage, that one person if its not detected early, its detected later, that becomes chronic and probably the health care cost goes up because of that, Blasl said. He added that increased expense could lead to higher costs across the health care system for all patients. Blasl said the hospital association will be monitoring the new eligibility and work requirements closely because, if people lose coverage, health care providers could also see an increase in charity care cases and patient medical debt. If people lose coverage, they are always going to be able to access health care, but those individuals now become uninsured and then who covers the cost of that service? Blasl said. Typically, its probably going to turn into bad debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shannon Bacon, director of external affairs for the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas, said rural health care facilities sometimes rely on Medicaid reimbursements to make ends meet. Medicaid really helps sustain access to care for other people, too, who maybe arent even on Medicaid, Bacon said. It makes it possible to sustain a rural health care facility in their community, so thats something were really paying attention to, that sustainability piece. One element of the Medicaid program changes that has received a lot of news coverage are the provider tax provisions included the Republican megabill, Aker said. Provider taxes are a regulated tax arrangement that states can levy on health care organizations, including hospitals and health systems, nursing facilities, and managed care organizations, to pay for their portion of the Medicaid program, according to the American Hospital Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Aker said those taxes will not affect North Dakota rural hospitals and clinics in the same way as other states because North Dakota does not use that tax as a major funding source. North Dakota uses one provider tax for intermediate care facilities that raises about $32 million per year for the program, which represents less than 1% of the HHS budget. We wont be able to do any new provider taxes, but were not in the position where we need to reduce provider taxes and come up with new state funding, she said. North Dakota will also receive about $100 million per year for the next five years as part of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program that was included in the new law to offset provider tax losses in other states. Aker said applications for those rural hospital grants are due by the end of the year. I really feel that this is going to be pretty transformational for our state, she said. Aker added grants could be awarded for prevention and management of chronic diseases, investments in medical technology, recruiting and retaining workforce in rural areas, access to behavioral health services and right-sizing community health care systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blasl said he believes rural health care facilities may see a fair amount of that extra funding to offset any potential losses due to the program changes. The operating margins in the rural areas are a little lower than what they are in the urban areas, he said. Thats a concern because if they are in the red already and now we see less people with coverage, they are going to be more in the red and can they survive? But you could say that for an urban hospital as well. Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, has served on the Senate Human Services Committee since coming into the Legislature in 1995, including serving as chair for the last 24 years. Lee said there are always unintended consequences when changes are made to programs, which means its important to listen to concerns of the affected groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid expansion was a lifeline for rural hospitals that were able to remain open because it paid facilities for care that may not have been originally covered, she said. Lee said North Dakota has 37 critical access hospitals serving rural areas of the state that could be impacted by even small changes. She also stressed that people should get more information about how the Medicaid program is run in North Dakota before jumping to conclusions. You are always scared of things you dont know, Lee said. We need to just not get all bent out of shape until we find out what it really is. And as Ive learned a tiny bit more I have fewer apprehensions about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signs an executive order on state government's use of artificial intelligence on Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo by Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline) North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said Tuesday he is creating a council to study and begin using artificial intelligence within state government, signing an executive order and sketching out what he described as a years-long plan to use the technology for economic growth and attract innovation. The AI announcement came alongside another long-term blueprint to attract business in the biotech industry, as well as a plan to make North Carolinas public schools the best in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steins Tuesday order creates a leadership council that will study how state workers should use AI. It will be chaired by Lee Lilley, the secretary of the Department of Commerce, and Teena Piccione, the secretary of the Department of Information Technology who joined the administration from a senior leadership role at Google. Picciones department will also house a new AI accelerator, which will explore and implement AI solutions to real world problems, Piccione said. And state agencies will each have an oversight team guiding proper uses of AI. The goal, she said, was to make North Carolina the most AI-literate state government workforce in the nation. Teena Piccione, secretary of the NC Department of IT, speaks to reporters on Sept, 2, 2025. Piccione joined the state after a senior role at Google. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline) Still, she and the governor acknowledged that uncertainty reigns as states grapple with AIs limits and flaws. It presents serious risks alongside extraordinary possibilities, Stein said, and added that the state had created a framework to help guide state workers on how to use, or not use, the technology. He pointed to agencies like the bogged-down DMV that he believes could be more efficient at getting people through the system quicker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does that mean for state workers whose jobs could heavily overlap with AI usage? Nothing right now, Stein said though he acknowledged that could change in the future. Im not denying that there may be employment consequences, Stein said. But we are nowhere near that at this point. Other sectors of North Carolina government have already ventured into AI usage and policy. State Treasurer Brad Briners office partnered with OpenAI earlier this year in an effort to make parts of that offices work more efficiently. And state lawmakers have filed more than two dozen bills on the topic so far this session: dealing with everything from algorithmic rent fixing to AI ethics and literacy in K-12 education. Governments across the U.S. at all levels have begun to lean more into AI use and regulation. Many cities have developed guidelines to steer workers use of AI. Congress, as members debated what would become a massive tax and spending bill, weighed banning states from regulating AI. That language was stripped out before the package became law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Stephen Miller has been accused of making misleading statements in a social media rant over a 10-year-old orphan he wants to deport. Miller responded angrily to a tweet from one Trump-supporting account that claimed a Biden-appointed district judge had blocked his administration from sending unaccompanied migrant children back to their home country of Guatemala, despite the country having agreed to accept them. Posting on X, the White House deputy chief of staff and Trumps immigration czar, said the reality was actually much worse than even that. Stephen Millerspeaking during President Donald Trumps 100th Day in office achievement speech in Warren, Michiganhas been carrying out his boss's immigration ambitions with gusto. / Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images He claimed that the smuggled migrant children had been orphaned in America by the Biden Administration, that they had all self-reported that their parents are back home in Guatemala, and that the Democrat judge is refusing to let them reunify with their parents. Its actually much worse than even that. These smuggled migrant children were orphaned in America by the Biden Administration. The minors have all self-reported that their parents are back home in Guatemala. But a Democrat judge is refusing to let them reunify with their parents. https://t.co/o3h6e0YsMC Stephen Miller (@StephenM) August 31, 2025 In follow-up posts which raised fury among several prominent MAGA accounts, Miller wrote: The government of Guatemala has formally requested their return. And there are tens of thousands more smuggled minors orphaned in America by the Biden Administration that Democrats are refusing to allow back home with their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: Their goal is to keep these migrant minors in the USA forever and never let them go home. The Democrat Party is fully committed the proposition of infinite child trafficking. Trumps former advisor Elon Musk replied: Thats insane. The cruel judge is refusing to allow children to return to their parents! MAGA influencer David J. Freeman, AKA Gunther Eagleman, wrote simply: Democrats are evil. However, prominent commentators were quick to call BS on Millers claimswith one immigration expert contradicting his claims with legal documents. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with the American Immigration Council and a former immigration lawyer, posted a sworn declaration from one of the children saying that their mother was dead and that they had left Guatemala because they suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of their family, including their surviving father. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick posted this sworn declaration from one of the children. / TheDailyBeast/X He blasted: Stephen Miller is a liar. The child wants to stay and seek protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politicos senior legal affairs reporter said in a quote-tweet of Millers original post: This is devoid of factual or legal relevance. This is devoid of factual or legal relevance. Lawyers for the children say some were fleeing abusive situations, and say the deportation effort was undertaken abruptly overnight and without legally required notice or protections to ensure safety. Whether their parents are in https://t.co/zRT1Pd5zQH Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 31, 2025 It is the latest immigration setback to hit Miller, who in spearheading Trumps deportation drive has struggled to hit 3,000 arrests a day as he attempts to deliver what he touts as the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. The unseemly row came after Trinidad and Tobago-born American federal judge Sparkle Sooknanan hours earlier froze a Trump plan to place more than 600 unaccompanied Guatemalan minors on flights out of the country, after immigrant advocates sued, calling the unannounced effort unlawful. On Sunday, she issued an emergency order at around 4 a.m., then moved a video hearing forward to 12:30 p.m. after learning removals had begun, admonishing the government for trying to send minor children out in the wee hours of the morning on a holiday weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kidsaged 10 to 17 and held by HHSs Office of Refugee Resettlementwere slated for return under what advocates describe as a new pilot arrangement with Guatemala. Government lawyers framed the effort as reunifications requested by parents, while attorneys for the children said some families had not consented and that due-process protections were being sidestepped. Sooknanan broadened her order to cover similarly situated minors lacking final removal orders, and the Justice Department told the court the children who had been boarded were taken off the aircraft. An internal ORR memo signed about five hours after Sooknanans order warned contractors of legal consequences for failing to comply with lawful requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clash echoes a March episode in which the administration pressed flights carrying Venezuelans despite an emergency order from Judge James Boasberg. In a parallel suit Saturday, U.S. District Judge Georgia Alexakis in Chicago blocked the removal of up to four Guatemalan minors until Wednesday. The White House, Department of Homeland Security, and Justice Department have all been contacted for comment by the Daily Beast. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The Sterling County Sheriffs Office made a social media post about an arrest they made where a man had two firearms, over 40 grams of drugs and other drug paraphernalia. The man who was arrested was 38-year-old Billy Williams. BILLY WILLIAMS MUGSHOT Initially, SCSO was requested at Stripes for a welfare check of two individuals who were slumped over in their vehicle and wouldnt wake up. Sheriff Irby responded, and when making contact with the individuals, a baggy with marijuana was observed in plain view inside their vehicle, reported SCSO on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that discovery, Deputy Shields arrived on scene to assist with a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, two firearms, approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine and 22 grams of cocaine were located along with other drug paraphernalia, said SCSO. Williams was then arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail on felony drug and gun charges along with additional active warrants for a parole violation, theft of property and falsification drug device, reported SCSO. According to the Tom Green County jail roster Williams was booked at 11:39 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2025. He currently has a bond of $56,000 and at the time of publication Williams is still currently behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Dozens of union members at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland chose Labor Day to share their frustration of the ongoing back-and-forth with Legacy Health management as they seek a fair contract. More than 200 hospitalists represented by Northwest Medicine United across the Legacy Health system have been bargaining for 18 months without a contract. Organizers said this Labor Day rally highlighted how short staffing and rising workloads threaten connections between doctors and their patients. To be clear, this rally with picket signs was not a strike. It was a group of unionized Legacy workers who wanted to share their frustration and the support of their hospital co-workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Labor Day rallies zero in on wealth inequality Dr. Mikeanne Minter, whos been at Legacy for 25 years, said that in her time as a hospitalist that is, a doctor who provides care for patients at a hospital many things have changed, including patient needs and requests from higher-ups. I think one of the things that has become more evident than ever before is that the patients we see in the hospital now are extremely complex, Minter told KOIN 6 News. That complexity and the endless demands of the job make things more complicated, she said. Unionized hospitalists held a Labor Day rally outside Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland, September 1, 2025 (KOIN) Unionized hospitalists held a Labor Day rally outside Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland, September 1, 2025 (KOIN) Unionized hospitalists held a Labor Day rally outside Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland, September 1, 2025 (KOIN) Unionized hospitalists held a Labor Day rally outside Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland, September 1, 2025 (KOIN) I end up thinking of us as being in a bubble, and we are taking care of patients inside this bubble and outside the bubble, Minter told KOIN 6 News. Insurance companies, large medical institutions are just compressing us and applying more and more pressure to try to get us to see more patients, to spend more time working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been two months since Legacy had a bargaining session with this union. At this time, no bargaining session is on the calendar, union leaders said. In a statement, Legacy Health said, in part: We continue to bargain in good faith with our Northwest Medicine United-represented staff members and respect the right of all Legacy employees to participate in union activities, including informational pickets. We do not expect any disruptions to patient care, and ensuring the wellbeing of our patients and employees will remain central to everything we do. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma State Representative Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, will continue to serve in his current position until October 1, after handing in his resignation letter Saturday. He sent the letter to Governor Kevin Stitt, saying, 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 has been a House Representative since 2018. Last week, he pled guilty to three counts of domestic abuse and assault from two separate incidents. One from April where he reportedly ran his daughter and another family member off the road, threatening to kill one of them. In a second incident from November 2024, Burns allegedly tried to gouge his wifes eye out following an argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His resignation letter came less than 48 hours after several high-profile lawmakers called for Burns to step down immediately, including minority leaders from both the House and Senate, the chairman of the Oklahoma GOP, and Governor Stitt himself. LOCAL NEWS: Mixed predictions on Oklahomas winter weather I think its important that the Governor has come out right away and said that his representative should resign, said Tim Gilpin, legal expert. Things like violence and domestic disputes are serious, and we should all abide by the same rules, the same laws. The republican from Pawnee is a veteran who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In his resignation letter, he claimed to have a traumatic brain injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, said Burns. The House is expected to hear from Burns later this month during an interim study that he will lead. The study will focus on PTSD in Oklahoma veterans. Governor Stitt will now have to call for a special election to fill Burnss seat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain It's one of the most insidious diseases you've never heard of, but Chagas is in California and 29 other states across the U.S. It kills more people in Latin America than malaria each year, and researchers think roughly 300,000 people in the U.S. currently have it but are unaware. That's because the illness tends to lie dormant for years, only making itself known when its victim keels over via heart attack, stroke or death. Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which lives in a bloodsucking insect called the kissing bug. There are roughly a dozen species of kissing bugs in the U.S. and four in California known to carry the parasite. Research has shown that in some places, such as Los Angeles' Griffith Park, about a third of all kissing bugs harbor the Chagas parasite. It's why a team of epidemiologists, researchers and medical doctors are calling on the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to label the disease as endemic, meaning consistently present, in the U.S. They hope that it will bring awareness, education, dialogue and potentially public health investment to a disease that has long carried a stigma, falsely associated with poor, rural migrants from bug-infected homes in far-off tropical nations. "This is a disease that has been neglected and has been impacting Latin Americans for many decades," said Norman Beatty, a medical epidemiologist at the University of Florida and an expert on Chagas. "But it's also here in the United States." "We had a kid from the Hollywood Hills who got it," said Salvadore Hernandez, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. He said the patient had not traveled outside of the country and probably got it in his leafy, affluent neighborhood, where kissing bugs are prevalent. The parasite has also been detected in local wildlife, including wood rats, skunks and mice in Griffith Park, as well as bats, raccoons and black bears in other parts of the state. "Kissing bugs are a pretty equal opportunity when it comes to who they take a blood meal from," said Sarah Hamer, an epidemiologist at Texas A&M University's School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, listing a variety of animals, such as ocelots, bobcats, coyotes, birds, reptiles and amphibians. "That means the reservoir for T. cruzi is pretty large," she said. California has the largest number of people in the U.S. infected with Chagas disease between 70,000 and 100,000. That's mostly because the state is home to so many people from countries where the disease is endemic. But it's also because the parasite and vector live here, meaning some of those cases could be home-grown. A small study by the state's Department of Public Health, for instance, found that 31 of 40 human cases reported to the state between 2013 and 2023about 78%were acquired in other countries. For the remaining cases, health officials couldn't rule out local transmission. Chagas is not a reportable disease in California, which means the state does not require physicians and health systems to report and investigate it, as it does with influenza, Lyme and malaria. However, it is reportable in Los Angeles and San Diego counties; Los Angeles was the first county in the state to mandate reporting of the disease. Between 2019 and 2023, health officials confirmed about 18 cases of Chagas disease in L.A. County, "although many more cases likely go undiagnosed," the department wrote in a statement. It said most of the identified cases were infected internationally, but some appear to be locally acquired. Gabriel Hamer, an entomologist at Texas A&M, said that confirmed human cases in the U.S. represent "just the tip of the iceberg" and that nobody really knows how many people actually have the disease. "There's no standardized reporting system. There's no active surveillance." Most people find out they have the disease only after trying to donate blood, said Hamer. Janeice Smith, a retired teacher in Florida, discovered she had it in 2022 after receiving a letter from her local donation center telling her she'd tested positive and should go see a physician. Smith now runs a nonprofit to increase awareness of Chagas, which she said she probably got in 1966 when her family went to Mexico for vacation. She had returned home with a swollen eye and high fever, and was hospitalized for several weeks. No one found out what caused her symptoms until almost six decades later. Hamer said proteins in the kissing bugs' saliva can cause acute reactions, such as swollen limbs, eyes and anaphylaxis, all unrelated to the disease-carrying parasite. But it's the longer-term or chronic effects that cause the most harm. And because the disease is not well known, and its symptoms are often indistinguishable from other forms of cardiac and organ damage, it's likely many people are showing up to their doctors' offices with heart arrhythmia, a swollen esophagus, seizures and stroke, without ever being screened. "The disease is definitely underdiagnosed," said Hernandez, the Kaiser cardiologist. "If we screened for it and caught it early, most patients could be cured. The problem is we don't, and people end up dying or requiring terrifically expensive care," including organ transplants and surgery. Anti-parasitic medications can be used to stop disease progression. Chagas is also prevalent in dogs who show similar clinical signs, heart failure or arrhythmias. "We'll see these acutely infected, usually young dogs that might be puppies, or dogs less than 1 or 2 years of age that are really adversely affected. And then we would have dogs that would come in older, and they might be in heart failure," said Ashley Saunders, a Texas A&M veterinary cardiologist. She said dogs often acquire the disease by eating the bugs, which give a much higher "dose" of the parasite than a few bug poops in a cut. 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ST. LOUIS More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers remain on strike at plants across the St. Louis region. The walkout, now in its fourth week, is the companys first defense-sector strike since 1996. Workers say they want to keep building Americas defense aircraft, but only with a contract that values their experience. Were not pushing for anything extreme, said Amil, a Boeing machinist. Were just asking for a fair contract at the end of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 drivers charged with DWI in 2024 fatal crash Boeings latest offer included a 20% pay increase over four years and a $5,000 bonus for newer hires. Veteran workers say the plan caps their pay and doesnt reflect the added responsibility they carry, including mentoring new employees and keeping production running smoothly. Weve been pushing for a better raise, but theyve been cheating the older guys, Amil said. They robbed our second and third year, with almost no raise. At the end of the day, its the experienced workers who keep everything running. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News An anonymous striker also called out Boeings corporate values, which emphasize accountability and care. The companys CEO has promoted a Give a Damn culture as part of these values. Earlier this year, our CEO had a strong focus on culture within the company. As soon as contract negotiations start, he has now stated we are only 2%. Its insulting and even more demoralizing to hear that from your own company. We demand respect! We demand it now! At least we give a damn! the striker said. Union leaders warn that without contract changes, experienced employees could leave for competitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boeing, please come to the table next week and I guarantee we can work out a deal, Amil said. Boeing has paused talks indefinitely but says it has contingency plans to keep production moving. Union leaders say theyre ready to return to negotiations, but for now, picket lines remain. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was taken into custody after starting a police chase that caused three crashes in Nutbush, North Memphis, and Midtown, according to Memphis police. At 11:43 a.m., officers saw a Honda Civic that matched the description of the suspects vehicle that was involved in multiple recent burglaries in the area of Jackson Avenue and Warford Street in North Memphis. Police said they initiated a traffic stop, but the driver did not stop, which started a police pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to MPD, during the chase, the suspect was involved in two crashes, one at Summer and Hollywood and one at Macon and Highland. Police said no injuries were reported at the crash at Summer Avenue and North Hollywood Street. They said a woman was transported to the hospital in noncritical condition from the crash scene at Macon and Highland. Reports said the suspect continued to flee the scene and was also involved in a two-vehicle crash at Melrose Street and Central Avenue. The driver was taken into custody at the scene. Melrose and Central Photo by WREG Melrose and Central Photo by WREG Melrose and Central Photo by WREG Melrose and Central Photo by WREG Police said that a pole was struck, and the suspect and another person were transported to the hospital in non-critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MPD said the vehicle was reported stolen, and this is an ongoing investigation. Neighbors in the area of Central and Melrose captured the man on video and said he had to be pulled out of the car by police. I saw the police out there, they had the gun to dude head, pulling him out the car, the car was on fire. It was wrapped around the pole, car parts was everywhere, said Merritt Bailey, witness. Memphis Gas, Light, and Water workers were seen fixing the utility pole the suspect hit for a few hours. Three tow trucks were unwrapping the vehicle from the utility pole by putting the vehicle in the air to get it from underneath the pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video from social media, the suspect was shown being treated before being transported to the hospital. WREG has reached out to MPD for any additional suspect information or charges, but has yet to hear back. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. ST. LOUIS The City of St. Louis was founded more than more than 260 years ago and is currently home to around 300,000 residents. Yet, many locals might not know or remember the story behind its namesake. It is a city with a rich history, and yet one history question St. Louisans are often unable to answer is a simple one. Who was this Saint Louis?, says Lance Geiger, a YouTube personality known as The History Guy. Geiger joined an episode of Off The Clock on the FOX 2 STL+ app to discuss the origins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1764, French fur traders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau established a settlement along the Mississippi River as a trading post. At the time, the land was under French control, and it was customary to name new settlements in honor of French royalty or saints. Police recover $12,000 worth of apparel stolen from area shopping malls The settlers chose St. Louis as the name in honor of King Louis IX, reflecting both French heritage and a large Catholic influence. King Louis IX, who ruled from 1226 to 1270, was a crusader and medieval monarch remembered for his piety, judicial and administrative reforms, and leadership of the Seventh and Eight Crusades. He was also a patron of arts and architecture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 18 King Louiss of France. Only one King Louis of France was a saint, and only one saint was a King of France: Louis IX, said Geiger. One visual reminder of King Louis IX that stands today is the Apotheosis of St. Louis, a statue located in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. While the origins of the name St. Louis are well established, historians often debate the citys exact birthday or founding date. Some claim it was Valentines Day in 1764, while others argue it was the day after. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. MENOMONIE Alongside the return of students for the fall semester, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is welcoming a gift of new equipment to their campus. The $3.1 million donation comes from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, including a variety of equipment like industrial 3D printers and a variety of manufacturing machines, systems and tools. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation and its belief in the distinctiveness, relevance, and need for the polytechnic learning experience that UW-Stout provides, UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank said in a press release from the university. This investment in labs and high-demand programs will serve thousands of students prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of Wisconsin and beyond. The strong relationships with our business and industry partners, like Ashley Furniture Industries, are key to our ability to produce UW-Stout graduates prepared to succeed on day one and throughout their professional career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Freedman, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management, said the donation comes after a series of discussions about how the foundation was interested in supporting Stout as a result of their ongoing partnership with the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries. In one area, some of the new equipment is upgrading the CNC machines in their fabrication lab on campus. We had similar equipment, but it was all 15 to 20 years old, Freedman said. This leaps us forward into really first-class new equipment. This is really designed to be able to offer industry-recognized certifications and automation through an organization called SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance) that Stout has been collaborating with since it started. All of this equipment is really designed to both support education of our students within Stout, as well as provide the equipment and the training to industry partners and to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the $3.1 million donation, Stout received several CNC machines for their Fryklund machining lab, including six Haas VF-2 CNC mills, a Haas ST-20Y CNC lathe and Fanuc Robodrill. Four new Universal Cobots (collaborative robots) and six AI-powered Cognex Vision Cameras were also added to the universitys Industrial Robotics and Machine Vision Lab, alongside a variety of industrial 3D printers which were installed in the Additive Manufacturing Lab. In addition to those equipment, Stout received an Amatrol Smart Factory Enterprise system, which will be used by the university to create a new Automation Training Center. Expecting to impact over 1,000 students in the next year and more in the future, Freedman said a focus of Stout has always been providing hands-on experience. We dont want to show students and teach on equipment thats designed just for teaching, he said, we want to show them what theyre going to be using when they get out into the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you go to Ford, therell be a room with 20 or 30 of these [Stratasys 3D printers], all prototyping parts for pre-production models of automobiles. So we dont just want to teach them the principle of the technique, we really want to show them what they would be using when they get out of industry. As the university moves forward with training a future workforce with the hands-on education model of their polytechnic college, Freedman said the donation will also help meet the evolving needs and operations of industry partners. I think one of the things that people often dont understand is that when you buy a new piece of equipment, its kind of assumed that you know what youre going to do with it, he said. But the kinds of things that were getting with this donation, there are applications that simply havent been invented yet. LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas The most consequential bipartisan accomplishment of this decade was hatched in NYU faculty housing and is being fulfilled in conservative and liberal state capitals alike. The legislative victory at hand? Banning phones in classrooms. Until now, it has barely registered amid the tribal trolling that passes for a national political dialogue in the Age of Trump. But as the school year gets fully underway across the country this week, more parents may be able to identify Jonathan Haidt, or at least his groundbreaking book on the risk of childrens access to smartphones, than they can recognize their own member of Congress. Go ahead, tell me another issue that has cracked the red-blue divide like Haidts crusade against smartphones in The Anxious Generation or name another book that has so quickly led to far-reaching reforms, such as banning phones in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone is a parent, everyone has kids, thats it everyone sees this, Haidt told me, by way of explaining why his work has unified policymakers of every stripe. The statistics speak for themselves. The Anxious Generation debuted as the top-selling, non-fiction book on the New York Times best-sellers list in March of 2024 and has remained on the list for the last 74 weeks a Harry Potter-like longevity that, to put it mildly, is rarely accorded with works from PhD social scientists. This week, its back at number one. 39 states now have some sort of phone restrictions in schools, and 18 states and Washington, D.C. have bell-to-bell bans which ban phones for the entire school day according to Haidt. After the next legislative sessions, which in many state capitols begin after the new year, more states are sure to enact full bans. The issue has rallied conservatives and liberals, and its potency with parents has largely steamrolled libertarian objections and big tech lobbying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first realized a remarkable story was sitting in plain view when I witnessed two governors who are almost comically far apart on the political spectrum both embrace Haidt. Last year, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a copy of Haidts book to every other governor. She then hosted Haidt in her home state before joining him earlier this year on stage at Davos, not typically a lovefest forum for Arkansas governors and New York academics. Shortly after that, at the winter meeting at the National Governors Association, I got to talking to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and one of his top aides, and they also were trumpeting Haidts work. A liberal, former Goldman Sachs executive turned northeastern governor, Murphy, 68, sounded a lot like his 43-year-old conservative counterpart from Little Rock. Different regions, different politics and different generations. And yet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You probably already guessed it: Sanders is a mother of three and Murphy a father of four. Im living this real time, right now, Sanders told me over coffee earlier this year in the governors mansion, discussing her own kids in the same home she also spent most of her teen years as the daughter of a governor. Ironically enough, she first came across the book by discovering a clip of Haidt on Instagram and quickly ordered a copy. Our parent friend group is in this to phone or not to phone, she said. It just was really top of mind. Murphy, in a separate interview, all but echoed Sanders. Weve seen it with our own kids, he said, adding: I bemoan the fact that if we got bell-to-bell in New Jersey, and we had that 15 years ago, how that would have changed the trajectory of how our kids interact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy, whose children are older than those of Sanders, had mutual friends with Haidt and had read some of his work. The two spoke on the phone, and it prompted the governor to, as he put it, move from Lets study it, lets let the school districts lead on this to, You know what, Im feeling like I want to put my thumb on the scale more. Then came what Murphy called a seminal visit to a school in South Jersey, Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, which had already barred phones throughout the school day. It didnt just convert me to the cause, it converted me specifically from no cellphones in class to bell-to-bell, he recalled. Why? In part because the visit made him recall Haidts research that in the last few minutes of class, students lose focus because of the anxiety of knowing theyre about to get their phones back. I spoke to Murphy on the sidelines of the summer meeting of the National Governors Association, one of the last venues for bipartisan discussion at least for those governors willing to sit through plenary sessions with the opposing tribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daytime general sessions can be substantive but also somnolent. Yet when Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee cited Haidts book many of us have read the book The Anxious Generation heads quickly began nodding (and not because they were dozing). Lee, a Republican, was joined on stage by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who quickly chimed in with a tone of wonder about what he had just witnessed visiting a school cafeteria in Loudoun County, Virginia, where there was a bell-to-bell ban. The kids are all talking to each other. They're not looking at their laps at a cellphone, he said, noting that their relearned behavior also translates when the school day is over and parents find their children more engaged in the car and at the dinner table. Theres something else at play that explains how quickly Haidts proposals have taken off while phone bans have broken through the countrys polarization, its the same deepening partisanship that partly explains the ideas success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bans speak to each partys disdain for, and really fear of, the opposition. Todays right is animated almost wholly by backlash to the real and perceived excesses of the left, particularly on culture. And todays left, or at least the balky anti-Trump coalition, is unified mostly by the perception that the right has lost its mind, what with the rise of QAnon and a number of other technology-borne rabbit holes. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, one of the earliest governors to embrace the Haidt cause, described it as the convergence of the nostalgic piece, which tacks right, of get back to the good old days, let kids play all day and the lefts alarm over the crazy conspiracy stuff that happens. When I mentioned to Cox, a Republican, that the phone bans had the air of cigarette restrictions its too late to save adult smokers, but perhaps we can save the next generation he agreed but said there was a crucial distinction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference, he said, is we all thought, at least I did, that social media would bring us together, and it has been the exact opposite. It's not just the governors acting. Other countries are going even further. Australia, for example, has banned teenagers from social media entirely and recently moved to include YouTube within that restriction. Haidt is skeptical there will ever be similar, sweeping federal action in the U.S. But he said 20th-century history offers a lesson in how citizen advocacy can force marketplace action, too: Ralph Nader exposed the automobile industrys resistance to safety features in his 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile, which ultimately pressured the government to pass safety legislation and also prompted carmakers to compete on safety, as Haidt put it. Hopefully, he said, social media companies will do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope is that someone will come up with a social network in which everyone is authenticated, said Haidt. For now, the focus remains on schools and phones. All 50 states have either passed bills or have pending legislation. And the bulk of the credit goes to one mild-mannered professor on Washington Square, whose last name some of the governors didnt even know how to pronounce when they first met him. He quite literally lit this issue up, scaled awareness and motivated all of us to move, said California Gov. Gavin Newsom of Haidt. As colleges reopen for the fall, new research has pinpointed a problem keeping students from graduating on time: Classes required for their majors arent taught during the semesters they need them, or fill up so quickly that no seats are left. Colleges and universities manage only about 15% of the time to provide required courses when their students need to take them, according to research by Ad Astra, which provides scheduling software to 550 universities. Its among the major reasons fewer than half of students graduate on time, raising the cost of a degree in time and money. Now, with widespread layoffs, budget cuts and enrollment declines on many campuses including in California the problem is expected to get worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is more foundational to what we do as colleges and universities than offering courses to students so they can graduate? asked Tom Shaver, founder and chief executive of Ad Astra. Fifty-seven percent of students at all levels of higher education spend more time and money on college because their campuses dont offer required courses when they need them, Ad Astra found in an earlier study last year . Independent scholars and university administrators generally confirm the finding. Were forcing students to literally decelerate their progress to degrees, by telling them to do something they cant actually do, Shaver said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scheduling university and college courses is complex. Yet rather than use advanced technology to do it, many institutions still rely on methods that include producing hard-copy spreadsheets, according to some administrators. Difficulties at California State University The cash-strapped California State University system has eliminated 1,430 course sections this year across seven of its 23 campuses, or 7% of the total at those campuses, a spokeswoman, Amy Bentley-Smith, confirmed. These include sections of required courses. At Cal State Los Angeles, for example, the number of sections of a required Introduction to American Government course has been reduced from 14 to nine . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emilee Xie, a senior geology major, said required upper-division courses fill up quickly. Its common to apply for a class needed to graduate, end up on a wait list and have to apply again next semester. It is what it is, said Xie, of San Gabriel. Her parents ask her whether she plans to graduate soon and her advisors tell her shes on track to graduate in spring 2026. But shes not so sure. Those geology classes, due to the small size of her department, arent offered during the summer, when most students try to take classes theyve missed during the academic year. The more courses that arent offered as often, like my geology courses, the more expensive your degree will be, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Professors at the beginning of the semester warned juniors Victoria Quiran and a friend, Gabriela Tapia, both biology majors, about how hard it would be to register for classes in upcoming semesters during the first days of class. Tapia and Quiran have struggled to get into required courses because there arent enough seats, they said. Theyve seen wait lists grow to as many as 40 students. Although the school provides advisors, the help can often feel impersonal, Tapia and Quiran said. A bunch of us are first-[generation students] who dont have anyone to guide us, Quiran said. Consequences mount In addition to taking longer and spending more to graduate, students who are shut out of required courses often change their majors or drop out, according to research by Kevin Mumford, director of the Purdue University Research Center in Economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together with economists at Brigham Young University, Mumford found that when first-year students at Purdue couldnt get into a required course, they were 35 percentage points less likely to ever take it and 25 percentage points less likely to enroll in any other course in the same subject. Students at U.S. colleges and universities already spend more time and money getting their degrees than they expect to. According to a 2019 national survey by a research institute at UCLA, 90% of freshmen say they plan to finish a bachelors degree within four years or less . But federal data show that fewer than half of them do . More than a third still havent graduated after six years. At community colleges nationwide, students who cant get into courses they need are up to 28% more likely to take no classes at all that term , contributing to graduation delays, a 2021 study by UC Santa Cruz and the nonprofit Mathematica said. An increase in students with double majors , minors and concentrations has further complicated the process. So do the challenges confronted by part-time and older students, who typically dont live on campus and juggle families and jobs; such students are expected to account for a growing proportion of enrollment as the number of 18- to 24-year-olds declines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are so many obstacles students face, from transportation to work schedules to child care. Some can only take classes in the afternoon or on the weekends, said Matt Jamison, associate vice president of academic success at Front Range Community College in Colorado. Meanwhile, we have instructors that have [outside] jobs and arent always available. And faculty can teach only so many courses. Several colleges and universities are turning to more online courses. In Californias rural Central Valley, for example, community college students struggled to get into the advanced mathematics courses needed for STEM degrees. In response, UC Merced launched a pilot program during the summer to offer these required classes online . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Improving the scheduling of required courses seems a comparatively simple way for universities to raise student success rates, Mumford said. This seems like a much cheaper thing to solve than many of the other interventions theyre considering, he said. Marcus is a reporter for the Hechinger Report , which produced this story and is a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. McDonald is a Times staff writer. 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. Students lead initiative for new bike racks at Charlotte middle school Students at Piedmont Middle School in Charlotte are reducing traffic congestion by biking to school, thanks to a student-led initiative to install new bike racks. Former students Luke Sawyers and Brodie Welp proposed the idea of installing bike racks as part of a school project last spring. Their efforts led to the Charlotte Department of Transportation installing ten bike racks at the school, accommodating up to 20 bikes. We encouraged a lot more students to ride their bikes to school and we help cut down on traffic in front of the school during morning and afternoon pick up, said Brodie Welp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dave Campbell with the Charlotte Department of Transportation emphasized the importance of making the city more accessible for children. If you make your city better for kids, you start solving lots of problems. You wont solve them all, but I am happy to prioritize that with the bike program, Campbell said. The project involved collaboration between the students, the school principal, and the Charlotte Department of Transportation. (VIDEO>> Change somebodys life: Ministry rehabs used bikes for people in need) Robert Cheeks sits outside a polling place in Birmingham on Aug. 26, 2025 after casting a ballot for the first time in his life. Cheeks, 82, spent 40 years in prison after receiving a mandatory life sentence for a felony conviction. A new report found that Black Alabamians were four times more likely to be disenfranchised than whites, and suggested disparate application of felony disenfranchisement laws played a role. (Andi Rice for Alabama Reflector) BIRMINGHAM Robert Cheeks cast a ballot in Birminghams municipal elections last week and received a standing ovation from poll workers. It was the first time that Cheeks, 82, had voted. Until the most recent election, his criminal history barred him from participating in the electoral process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had never voted before and it was always my wish to vote, he said after he cast his ballot. I had the opportunity, encouraged, to vote, and I said I want to exercise my right as a citizen in the state, and I wanted to vote because I had never voted before. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For Black Alabamians like Cheeks who have criminal convictions, getting the right to vote restored can be difficult, according to a new report from Return My Vote, an organization that assists people with criminal convictions with regaining their right to vote. The study, Alabamas Moral Turpitude Law Disproportionately Strips Black Citizens of Their Voting Rights, found that Black Alabamians were four times more likely to lose their right to vote than white Alabamians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most basic, and most important, finding is that overall that people who were dropped from the voter file or denied registration due to felony conviction, a majority of them were Black, said Richard Fording, a professor of political science at the University of Alabama and a co-author of the study. Not a large majority, but over 50% of them were Black. It was about twice the percentage of the general population that is Black in Alabama, and so, of course that is alarming. Alabama laws generally deny the vote to those convicted of crimes of moral turpitude, a broad phrase that was subject to interpretation until the state began listing specific crimes under it in 2017. While some states automatically restore voting rights after a person completes a sentence, Alabama has a more complicated process. While only a handful of crimes can permanently cost a person their vote, some require pardons from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Others require a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote once they have completed their sentence, which includes payment of any fines, fees and restitution. The authors of the study studied 25,000 people removed from the voter rolls or disqualified from voting between 2017 and 2020 due to criminal conviction. Study authors were able to review the information only after the Campaign Legal Center had obtained the records after a federal judge had required the Alabama Secretary of States Office to release it. Disparities According to the study, Black men were disenfranchised at a rate of 22.4 citizens per 1,000 men of voting age. That is almost four times the rate for their white counterparts, whose rate was 6.7 citizens per 1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rate for disenfranchising Black women was 3.9 citizens per 1,000, almost twice the rate of white women, whose disenfranchisement rate was 2.1 citizens per 1,000 white women. Counties with significant Black populations had some of the highest Black disenfranchisement rates and largest racial disparities in disenfranchisement. Seven of the 10 counties with the highest rates of disenfranchised voters are within the Black Belt. The rate for disenfranchising Black men in Monroe, more than 40% Black, was 40.6, compared to 8 per 1,000 for white men. In Perry County, with a Black population of 70%, the rate was 30 citizens per 1,000 Black men of voting age. The rate was 11.4 for white men, almost three times lower. The disparities are less pronounced for women in the same counties, but they still exist. In Monroe County, Black women are disenfranchised at a rate of 5.6 citizens per 1,000 Black women who are at least 18 years old. For white women in that county, the rate is 2.4, less than half. Study authors stated in the report that even though there is some uncertainty with the information because of problems collecting data, after reviewing the Uniform Crime Report data obtained from the FBI website, the findings indicated that more Blacks are disenfranchised than whites even when criminal convictions are considered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the most important takeaway is that the disproportionate percentage of arrests for disqualifying offenses by Blacks in Alabama (42%) cannot fully account for the significantly higher percentage of Blacks disenfranchised by the state (52%) during 2017-2021, the report states. The study also found that Blacks have a more difficult time regaining their right to vote after they are removed from the voter rolls after getting convicted of a crime. Authors also investigated the number of people who were removed from the voter rolls from 2017-2021 who had regained their voting rights and registered to vote once again by 2024. According to the study, 1,034 people who are Black reregistered to vote after they completed their sentence, about 8.3% of the total. That is less than the almost 13% of whites registered to vote after a criminal conviction. The study suggested that the disparities could stem from disparities in the application of Alabamas felony disenfranchisement law and uneven methods of voter file maintenance in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the reason, the significant variation in county-level disenfranchisement rates calls for further investigation into how Alabamas felony disenfranchisement law is being implemented at the local level, the report said. This is especially important given federal law that requires uniform implementation of state election laws across counties. It means so much Cheeks spent almost 40 years in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections after receiving a mandatory life sentence in 1985 for a robbery. Cheeks had prior convictions of forgery and assault, leading to the sentence but no one was physically injured. Cheeks spent 30 years working in the kitchen at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer without pay, according to Alabama Appleseed. Cheeks was released in July 2022. His criminal convictions required him to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, which he applied for and received from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Cheeks, with the help of supporters, then registered to vote with the Board of Registrars in Jefferson County and acquired full citizenship once again after spending nearly four decades incarcerated in Alabamas prisons. It is more important now than it would have been in the first place, Cheeks said of voting. I have been so anxious over the years to vote. I have been hearing so much about voting, and I wanted to express my opportunity for the right to vote. It is granted to American citizens by right, and I wanted to do that. I am so thankful. It is a blessing, and it means so much. A new study has identified a massive creature that hunted and ate dinosaurs 70 million years ago. It's called Kostensuchus atrox. The scholarly article, published on Aug. 27 in the journal PLOS One, reveals that the "crocodyliform specimen," the first of its kind discovered, was recovered in the Austral Basin in Patagonia, near the town of El Calafate, Argentina. Crocodyliforms are the ancestors of modern crocodiles. The K.atrox belonged to an extinct group of peirosaurid crocodyliforms, according to Live Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massive fossil is advancing knowledge about the ecosystem in the Cretaceous period. According to Live Science, the creature was named for a Patagonian wind called "the Kosten" and "the Egyptian crocodile-headed god Sobek." An Expert Says the 11.4-Foot Creature 'Preyed Upon Dinosaurs' Researchers have unveiled Kostensuchus atrox, a giant crocodile relative that ate dinosaurs in Argentina 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. https://t.co/6JoquL1gUT Live Science (@LiveScience) August 28, 2025 The researchers described the creature as "a large predator," and gave these dimensions: It measures 3.5 meters long, which is 11.4 feet. It weighed more than 551 pounds. The Kostensuchus atrox is larger than similar specimens and indicates that the species evolved into "larger body sizes." "In particular, terrestrial crocodylians were notably diverse and abundant during Cretaceous times in South America and Africa, including small and large, meat-eating and plant-eating forms, revealing that these continents were 'land of crocs,'" Fernando Novas, a paleontologist and the lead researcher, told Live Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These extinct crocodyles competed and preyed upon dinosaurs, and played an important role in the structure of vanished ecosystems." The creature had a broad snout that made it likely a "top" predator, the study says, "as evidenced by several adaptations indicative of a predatory lifestyle and its large body size." Its "broad, robust snout" covers more than half of its skull length, and it possesses powerful jaw muscles, they wrote. The animal also had "large conical teeth," they noted, adding that its teeth were capable of "slicing through the flesh of sizable prey." The Kostensuchus Atrox Was a 'Large Predator' Whose Skull & Jaws Were 'Beautifully Preserved' The journal article contains many detailed diagrams of the creature's skeleton and jaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fossil "consists of a beautifully preserved and articulated skull and jaws, and part of the postcranial skeleton that were preserved encased in a large concretion," the experts wrote. "The completeness of the new specimen reveals, for the first time, the anatomy and body plan of a large and broad snouted peirosaurid," added the researchers. "The end of the Cretaceous Period is particularly well recorded in Patagonia. In recent years a large collecting effort has resulted in a high number of new vertebrate records in different basins of Patagonia," they wrote. "Kostensuchus gen. nov. formed part of the latest Cretaceous ecosystem of southern Patagonia, in a freshwater ecosystem under a temperate to warm climate with seasonal humidity, alongside a diverse fauna of dinosaurs, mammals, and other vertebrates," the researchers added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The broad and high snout of Kostensuchus gen. nov., with notably large and robust ziphodont teeth, along with a broad adductor chamber in the skull and deep mandibular ramus, and robust forelimb anatomy suggests that the new species was capable of subduing large prey. These features imply that Kostensuchus gen. nov. played the role of a top predator within this end-Cretaceous ecosystem," the researchers concluded. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. 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. Students from around the nation joined in school walkouts against gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado where 13 people were killed. (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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For babies, the two causes of death with the biggest gaps between the U.S. and the other countries were prematurity being born too early and sudden unexpected infant death. For children and teens, the biggest gaps were in firearm-related incidents and car crashes. Since 2020, gun violence has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens. Firearm death rates among U.S. kids have more than doubled since 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New groundbreaking results from a clinical trial reinforce the critical importance of personalized medicine in hypertension care. Results from the AIM-HY INFORM trial, presented today at the ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid, confirm that ethnicity is a relevant consideration in hypertension drug response. The trial is the first of its kind in the U.K. and is part of a wider program of work led by King's that seeks to understand whether ethnicity and the chemical makeup of blood can predict the best type of drug or combination of drugs to treat hypertension in a person. "The AIM-HY trial will help us give everybody in the U.K. the best treatment for hypertension by tailoring treatment according to ethnicity. The next challenge is to be able to use biological markers to predict the best treatments and to develop treatments that are equally effective in all ethnic groups," says Professor Philip Chowienczyk, Lead Primary Investigator in the AIM-HY program, King's College London. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, dementia, and premature death. It affects one in three adults yet often goes undetected because it has no symptoms. Unlike many chronic conditions, hypertension can be easily identified and controlled, with regular monitoring, healthier lifestyles, and effective medication transforming outcomes. The AIM-HY INFORM trial, part of the wider AIM-HY program led by King's, involved 829 participants from Black, South Asian and white backgrounds. Each participant received multiple blood pressure treatments, allowing for precise comparisons within each person. The trial results confirm significant differences between Black, South Asian and white patients in response to both single-drug and dual-combination antihypertensive therapies among different ethnic groups in the U.K. The results could inform more tailored and effective treatments and offer potential cost savings as well as significantly enhance patient outcomes through more targeted therapies. The trial also highlighted biological mechanisms underlying these variations, such as notably lower plasma renin levels in Black patients, providing crucial insights into why certain medications perform differently across groups. They demonstrate that ethnicity-related differences in drug response have clear biological foundations and could transform outcomes for the more than 7 million people of Black and South Asian heritage in the U.K., of which at least 2 million require treatment for hypertension. "These important findings could influence treatment choices for millions with high blood pressure. They confirm NICE is right to base initial single-drug therapy on ethnicity but reveal that the most effective two-drug diuretic combination (water tablets) is not currently recommended, regardless of ethnicity. "Overall, these drugs were well tolerated, and the BIHS will urge NICE to review its guidance in light of these results," says Professor Ian Wilkinson, of the University of Cambridge Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutetics, Chief Investigator of the AIM-HY INFORM trial and Chief and President of the British & Irish Hypertension Society Key medical concepts High Blood Pressure At least half a million people across the country marched against the billionaire takeover of the government on Labor Daybut you wouldnt know it by the amount of coverage media devoted to it. The U.S. Department of Labor has called President Donald Trumps second administration the new dawn and golden age of the American worker. However, Americans expressed their discontent Monday by organizing more than one thousand Workers over Billionaires demonstrations. In Chicago, where Trump has threatened to carry out the next phase of his illegal law enforcement takeover of Democratic cities, hundreds of workers from dozens of unions marched in protest of the Trump administration. No Troops in Chicago, read one protesters sign, while others had slogans about Families Over Billionaires, and Education Not Deportation. People participate in the Labor Day Workers Over Billionaires rally, in solidarity with labor unions and advocacy groups, on September 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Stacy Davis Gates, head of the Chicago Teachers Union, delivered remarks condemning Trumps efforts to tamper with government institutions that were built by workers, for workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lincoln didnt free us. We freed ourselves, workers. Our work created the Departments of Housing, Education. Labor, and more. We built the United States as weve known it, and now workers will protect it, Gates said, according to the unions post on X. People participate in the Labor Day Workers Over Billionaires rally, in solidarity with labor unions and advocacy groups, on September 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois Across the country, unions in Boston, Massachusetts organized the citys first Labor Day parade in decades. Governor Maura Healey and Senator Elizabeth Warren marched alongside union leaders and thousands of protesters. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Senator Ed Markey made remarks to the demonstrators at City Hall. We wont let you get away with kicking our loved ones off health care to fund tax breaks for the rich, said Wu, according to The Boston Globe. We wont let you sweep the Epstein files under your Qatari jet. In Los Angeles, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined members of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor as they rallied in Long Beach. The May Day Strong movement, the group behind the nationwide protests, was backed by the AFL-CIO, which includes 63 national and international unions that represent more than 15 million working people. Worker demonstrations were planned all across Southern California, and hundreds marched in the northern part of the state in San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, a crowd of several hundred people gathered to protest the president, holding signs asking Which Side Are You On? according to The New York Times. A demonstrator dressed as a fake reporter, with signs labeling her a "Right Wing Troll," takes part in a Labor Day "Workers Over Billionaires" rally outside Trump Tower in New York City on September 1, 2025. The demonstrations werent confined to larger U.S. cities. In Durham, North Carolina, hundreds of workers marched at Duke University, and protesters strode down the streets of Asheville demanding, Power to the people! In Albuquerque, New Mexico, 6,000 people took to the streets, according to the American Federation of Teachers. Des Moines, Iowa, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, Missouri, and Detroit, Michigan were among the other cities where demonstrators gathered. Across the country, people showed up to express their resounding rage with Americas first billionaire president, who seems bent on reshaping the American economy to benefit his family, and his wealthy friendswhile sending prices soaring, sparking an economic slowdown, and making plans to gut essential programs like Medicaid and Social Security. Sep. 2On Aug. 3, Alaska's U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan posted on social media a video he recorded at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in which he said he was preparing to return to Alaska to "keep explaining this One Big Beautiful Bill." "There has been nothing better in a long time for the great state of Alaska," said Sullivan. Every August, members of Congress return to their home districts for several weeks. This time around, the task for Sullivan, along with the two other members of Alaska's all-Republican congressional delegation, was to sell their legislative accomplishment from the preceding month: a behemoth budget reconciliation bill that offsets the extension of tax cuts by slashing spending on Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska's U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski faced searing criticism from many of her moderate and left-leaning supporters after she cast the deciding vote in favor of the bill's passage. But the bill could prove more politically decisive for Sullivan and Alaska's only U.S. House member, Rep. Nick Begich, who both face reelection bids next year. Both Begich and Sullivan have sought to portray the bill as a triumph for the state, even as a majority of Alaskans indicated in a recent survey that they oppose it. Whether or not Sullivan and Begich succeed in convincing Alaskans could determine their political future. In the days after Sullivan's video at the Lincoln Memorial, he met with President Donald Trump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson ahead of the president's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin; he went fishing on the Kenai; he attended a commissioning ceremony for a new Coast Guard icebreaker in Juneau; he accompanied the secretaries of housing, health and transportation as they visited Anchorage; he took a helicopter ride to examine Juneau flood damage; he visited a Navy strike group stationed in the Gulf of Alaska; and he went to the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. On Wednesday, a coalition of left-leaning groups in Anchorage sought to draw attention to one thing that Sullivan, Begich and Murkowski did not do during the recess: host a town hall open to the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're here tonight because it is August recess in America, and that means allegedly the delegations of the members of Congress are home in their districts. Allegedly they are here. They are hiding," said Kristen Crowell, executive director of Fair Share America, a group that has orchestrated 48 such events across the country to denounce Republican members of Congress for passing the budget reconciliation bill. "We are here tonight to make sure that they know exactly who they are accountable to," said Crowell, a Wisconsin resident, eliciting applause and cheers from an Anchorage crowd of several hundred. GOP lawmakers across the country have faced pushback for limiting town halls amid criticism over the impacts of the budget reconciliation bill. But town halls have long been uncommon in Alaska. Sullivan was met with boos during a 2017 gathering in Anchorage, and has generally stayed away from the format since. Alaska's longtime former U.S. representative, the late Don Young, famously avoided such events. Begich faced criticism earlier this year when he cut off a question from a Trump critic during a telephone town hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murkowski has more regularly sought to hear from everyday Alaskans, most recently holding a February call that drew more than 1,000 Alaskans, during which she fielded questions about mass firings in the federal government and other contentious topics. Sullivan declined multiple interview requests from the Daily News during the August recess. Sullivan's office backed out of plans for the senator to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with Daily News staff this month. U.S. Rep. Nick Begich also declined multiple interview requests from the Daily News. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski did not grant an interview to the Daily News, but answered questions from Alaska reporters in her Anchorage office shortly after the August recess began. Sullivan's spokesperson Amanda Coyne said in a statement that "far-left-wing affiliated Democrat groups have been trying to scare Alaskans by spreading blatant falsehoods about the OBBB." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sullivan has been engaging directly with Alaskans across the state to set the record straight. Leading up to and during the August recess, Senator Sullivan held productive meetings with local city officials, chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, hospital leaders, Alaska Native health providers, housing advocates, members of Alaska's aviation community, veterans, service members, members of the Alaska state Legislature and employees at local businesses," Coyne wrote. Opponents of the budget reconciliation bill say that the new Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks it demands which go into effect in 2027 will do little to root out waste and fraud, but could cause thousands of eligible Alaskans to lose access to health care due to paperwork hurdles. Sullivan, for his part, reasons that the bill does not directly cut Medicaid reimbursement rates for Alaska. He also points to a rural health fund that could direct hundreds of millions of dollars toward the state in the coming five years. Sullivan has focused his efforts to explain the budget reconciliation bill on touting its benefits to Alaska resource development, investments in the Coast Guard and tax cuts. Numerous analyses find that the tax cuts will disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans. Coyne said they deliver "tax relief for hard-working families and small businesses." Crowell, on Wednesday, had a well-practiced response to Sullivan's message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're watching Republican members of Congress now traveling the country trying to spin the lies, trying to spin the Big Beautiful Bill as something that is on the side of people," said Crowell. "We're going to continue to organize and double down to make sure that every one of our community members knows who betrayed us." Her words were met with a chant from a man in the audience: "Throw Dan Sullivan out!" "Throw him out! Throw him out!" the call echoed. "This is what accountability looks like, ladies and gentlemen," Crowell said. No serious challengers have entered the race against Sullivan as of August, but his fate in the 2026 election could depend on how effective he and his GOP colleagues are in portraying the budget reconciliation bill as a triumph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowell's rallying cry was followed Wednesday by testimony delivered by Sarah Krug, an Anchorage resident who relies on Medicaid to care for her child who has cerebral palsy, and Abram Goodstein, an Anchorage rabbi whose children are enrolled in Denali KidCare, the Medicaid program for Alaska children. Both said they were worried that the budget reconciliation bill would weaken the public assistance on which they rely. "When people argue against Medicaid funding, they fail to see the human cost. Cuts to Medicaid mean that families like mine will be forced to go bankrupt for trying to provide care," said Krug. "Thousands will simply fall through the cracks, left without the care that they need to survive." Both Sullivan and Begich have largely sidestepped any public debate about the projected cuts to Medicaid spending across the country. Begich, whose August calendar has included a visit to the Red Dog Mine north of Kotzebue and acting as Alaska tour guide for a group of Congress members on the House Natural Resources Committee, has focused his attention on the benefits that may come from the oil and gas lease sales mandated by the bill. When asked during a press conference whether he has taken the time to explain the budget reconciliation bill to its detractors, Begich contended that he has, in fact, held town halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some of these town halls are specific to specific groups. So we'll be focusing on veterans, on natural resources and other issues, and we'll continue to talk about this message of just how good the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is for the people of Alaska," he said. "I was actually out at the fair while I was back here in state, just taking questions from folks, constructive criticism, praise," said Begich, adding that he welcomed both. [Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess] While Sullivan and Begich have described the bill as indisputably good for Alaska, Murkowski has acknowledged that the projected cuts to Medicaid and food assistance spending dictated by the bill could be harmful. She has said she was compelled to support the bill in order to influence its contents in the state's favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The benefits of the reconciliation bill include tax relief averaging thousands of dollars for the typical Alaskan, new resource development opportunities, and infrastructure investment across our state," Joe Plesha, a spokesperson for Murkowski, said on Friday. "The Senator and her team have highlighted those benefits at events throughout August, while also meeting with leaders in the healthcare space, state legislators, and (Department of Health) officials to coordinate on next steps as the measure is implemented." Plesha said Murkowski "secured a number of additional priorities" for Alaska in the bill, and her office is "working to ensure the state understands and benefits from them." BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) In Alabama, some things just naturally go together, like a summertime holiday and barbecue. While many people enjoyed a day off from work on Labor Day, others in the food service industry were hard at work. Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q in Bessemer said Labor Day, the Fourth of July and Memorial Day are big holidays for the restaurant. General manager Jason Jewell said on those days, the restaurant will have extended hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually on the holidays, its busy all day. We hope so. Were counting on it, Jewell said. Drive-thru line in the road, we hope, but we cant block the intersection. Weve got to have some police if we get too busy. Well get them to come help us. We count on it being every table full pretty much all day. Labor Day in 2025 was no different. Bob Sykes had a line of cars in the drive-thru and a packed dining room. Jewell said he and his staff dont mind working the holidays because they know theyre serving their community. The holidays, we try to be here for the customers because they count on us for barbecue and good food and good desserts, Jewell said. For the holidays, to be able to trust us with their familys food, and you know that they can order, they can take it home, and its going to be good food. Jewells grandparents are Bob and Maxine Sykes, the founders of barbecue spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a tremendous legacy to carry on the traditions that my grandfather started, Jewell said. My grandmother, she was the business mind, and my grandfather was the cook. North Alabama restaurant reunites family with birthday card filled with 50 years worth of signatures Those traditions stretch into the customers that frequent Bob Sykes. We were talking about the things that we remembered on Labor Day yesterday, and I said, Well, do you remember? and he spoke up and said, Yeah, the day we broke down in the drive-thru line at Bob Sykes when the water pump went out, and things kept just bringing us back to Bob Sykes, said Mrs. Jones, a lifelong customer of Bob Sykes. Jud said this morning, I know you want to go to Bob Sykes for lunch. I said, or supper or whatever time it is that we get there.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Joneses have been coming to Bob Sykes since it opened in 1957. It was delicious then, Mr. Jones said. My momma and daddy and I used to go up there to get it. He loved barbecue, daddy did. I do, too, now. The barbecue at Bob Sykes is so loved by the customers, some deem it the best place to introduce their international friends to the Southern delicacy for the first time. Ive never had anything like this, said Mirella Rabin, who is on a trip to the U.S. from Finland. I just got into this. What was this called? Fried okra. Never had anything like this. Amazing flavors, really hits you, and its nice and crispy. I absolutely love it. In Finland, you cant find anything like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the traditional old style, the old pit, the reputation, the lemon icebox pie, thats what makes it special, said Vestavia Hills resident Mark Robinson, who brought his Finnish friends to the restaurant. Bob Sykes estimated it served up around 300 racks of ribs, 150 half chickens, 200 pounds of chicken filets and 100 pounds of hamburger meat Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) An attempt to limit how long Sumner County officials can hold public office has failed twice. Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield has aggressively pushed to establish county-wide term limits, but the resolution has yet to garner the required votes to move forward. Despite the hiccups, Mansfield told News 2 hes determined to see it through. Im going to bring it back every month if I have to, Mansfield said. I think one thing that we can unify on as Americans is term limits in government, and those who are entrenched there too long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitor spending spreads beyond Davidson County into neighboring counties Mansfield first filed the resolution in July. Since then, it was removed from one commission agenda, then failed to get the two-thirds of votes needed to pass, falling just one vote short. He hasnt been deterred, though; Mansfield sees preexisting support for term-limits in their countys two largest cities. The City of Hendersonville voters they passed term limits by over 90% approximately, and thats nine out of 10 voters, Mansfield said. In Gallatin, about 80%, so eight out of 10 voters. In Sumner County, thats roughly 110- 115,000 people representing the county. If it were to pass the County Commission, a term limits act would still need state approval. From there, its the voters of Sumner County who would make the final call during the 2026 election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something that those who are elected into office arent willing to do because once they get into office, they like the power. They like the prestige, and they like to be there for a long time, Mansfield said. I believe in leading from the front and leading by example, so I think Sumner County has an opportunity to be a leader in this for the state and set a model. Mansfield believes more turnover in elected positions would allow for more work to be done, given their time in power is on a clock. As for those on the other side, Sumner County Commissioner Wes Wynne who abstained from the most recent vote believes the impact of term limits needs to be analyzed more in-depth. Tennessee to study possible drug links to mass shootings under new law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to stop trying to localize national and state level issues and focus on the business of making Sumner County one of the best places to live, learn, work and play, Wynne said in a statement to News 2. Nonetheless, Mansfield plans to bring the resolution back to the commission on September 15. News 2 contacted some of the commissioners who voted against term limits. As of publication, they have yet to respond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SUNSET, La. (KLFY) Two Sunset residents arrested following an investigation involving abuse of a disabled person, deputies said. According to authorities, Benjamin Michael Lagrange, 48, and Kendall Lanclos Lagrange, 34, both from Sunset, were arrested and charged with cruelty to person with infirmities. Both Benjamin and Kendall were booked on Aug. 28. The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services reported an incident of cruelty toward a person with infirmities to deputies. During the investigation, it is alleged that Benjamin and Kendall physically abused a 22-year-old unidentified woman, diagnosed with an intellectual disability and Downs Syndrome, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with additional information about this investigation are asked to call the St. Landry Parish Sheriffs Office at 337-948-6516. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Benjamin Michael Lagrange, 48, of Sunset (Left) and Kendall Lanclos Lagrange, 34, of Sunset (Right) Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. NEWTON FALLS, Ohio (WKBN) The U.S. Supreme Court will consider the merits of an appeal filed by Claudia Hoerig in connection with her conviction in the 2007 shooting death of her husband, Karl, inside their Newton Falls home. The Court docketed Hoerigs case on Tuesday and will have a decision by January. Hoerig has claimed several constitutional violations in her appeal, including a claim of sudden passion. This is a legal claim stating an extreme emotional state of the offender during the commission of a crime, typically murder. Hoerig claims she was the victim of domestic abuse, which led to her killing her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high court doesnt rule on whether the claim of sudden passion is valid or not, but it will consider constitutional violations in connection with the claim. For instance, Hoerig argues that she killed Hoerig during a crime of passion after being the victim of domestic abuse. She alleges that her claim was not fairly considered by the trial court and subsequent appeals courts, which could have led her to being charged with voluntary manslaughter instead of aggravated murder. Hoerig is representing herself in the case, according to court records. Hoerigs murder case garnered national attention when she fled to her native Brazil following the murder. She was not arrested for the crime until 2018, when she was extradited. Hoerig was subsequently tried and convicted in 2019 in Trumbull County and sentenced to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoerigs case being docketed by the U.S. Supreme Court does not mean the panel is taking up the case. It only means they are reviewing it to see if her claims have merit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A new sushi spot is set to open Sept. 3 in Midtown Detroit's Detroit Shipping Co. food hall by longtime restaurant owner Genevieve Vang. Sushi Lounge, at 474 Peterboro St. from Vang brings to Midtown Detroit a new concept thats 100% gluten-free. A 2019 James Beard semifinalist, Vang is the owner and chef of longstanding Dearborn restaurant Bangkok 96 and Bangkok 96 Street Food inside the Detroit Shipping Co. Vang also has a retail line called Thai Feast. Genevieve Vang (L), Jasmine White (C) and Caroline Vang of Sushi Lounge opening in the Detroit Shipping Co. This project brings Vangs personal love for sushi into the spotlight, according to a news release.While the soft opening is on Wednesday, Sept. 3, a grand opening is set for noon Saturday, Sept. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vangs 100% gluten-free health-conscious sushi approach includes replacing soy sauce with tamari and using a gluten-free tempura batter. Sushi Lounge veggie hand roll. Leading Sushi Lounge's kitchen is chef Jasmine White, a seasoned sushi chef and Detroit native. I see Jasmine fight, her passion, her love for sushi, Vang said in a news release. All my life in kitchens, people underestimate me because I am a woman. I see myself in her, and I believe she deserves this chance to show Detroit what she can do. Whatuproll! at the Sushi Lounge inside the Detroit Shipping Co. in Midtown Detroit. White trained at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas and was the head chef at Maru Sushi in Detroit before it closed. Before Maru Sushi, she cooked at Wolfgang Puck and Benihana before returning home. The new Sushi Lounge is a dream of White and something shes wanted to do for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a dream Ive been chasing for years, White said in a news release. To bring my style of sushi to my hometown in a way thats fun, approachable, and truly reflects Detroit it feels like everything has come full circle and Im so excited to finally show my city what I can do. Expect the Sushi Lounge to offer classic and familiar rolls, including California, Rainbow, tuna, and salmon rolls. There will also be a lineup of Detroit-style sushi. Sushi Lounge highlights include: The Big Three Roll: fried lobster, shrimp tempura, torched scallop, avocado, pickled daikon, and scallions. Whatuproll!: fried crab, cucumber, roasted red pepper, asparagus, avocado, and Fresno chili. Sushi Bombs: a rotating five-piece temari set (colorful bite-sized sushi balls). Sushi Stack & Snack: a three-layer tower of diced sashimi served with gluten-free chips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other menu offerings include red and green onigiri, a daily chefs nigiri selection, and vegan and vegetarian options. There are also desserts, such as scooped ube ice cream and green tea mochi ice cream.At the Detroit Shipping Co. bar, new sake options will be offered.The Sushi Lounge will operate during the Detroit Shipping Co.s hours. Sushi Lounge boasts 100% gluten-free items. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit chef, restaurant owner to open Sushi Lounge in Midtown The suspect detained over the murder of former parliament speaker Andrii Parubii confessed to the crime in comments for the media on Sept. 2, calling the crime a "revenge against Ukrainian authorities." Parubii, a 54-year-old long-time politician and a prominent figure in the EuroMaidan Revolution, was shot dead in Lviv on Aug. 30 by an assailant disguised as a courier. Ukrainian authorities reported on Sept. 1 that the 52-year-old suspect from Lviv whose name was not disclosed was detained in neighboring Khmelnytskyi Oblast, noting that the crime was carefully prepared and possibly linked to Russian intelligence services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I admit, I killed him. And I want to ask to be exchanged for (Ukrainian) prisoners of war so that I can go and find my son's body," the man told journalists from behind a glass cell. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the man established contact with Russia while trying to find information about the status of his son, a Ukrainian soldier who disappeared near Bakhmut in 2023. Russian contacts then reportedly informed him of his son's death. Citing its sources, Channel 5 reported that the suspect was "blackmailed" by Russian intelligence services using information about the whereabouts of his son's body. The man denied claims that he would be blackmailed by Russian intelligence services or be directly working with them in comments to journalists. When asked why he killed Parubii specifically, he retorted that the politician "was nearby." The suspect in the attack on MP Parubiy admitted to killing the politician. He called his actions "revenge against the Ukrainian authorities" and denied reports that Russian special services had blackmailed him, a hromadske correspondent reports Video: Olha Denysiaka / hromadske pic.twitter.com/pvBb78DZMt Hromadske Int. (@Hromadske) September 2, 2025 "If I lived in Vinnytsia, it would have been Petia," he said, in possible reference to former President Petro Poroshenko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Lviv court arrested the suspect for the initial period of 60 days without the right to bail, as the investigation is ongoing. Parubii, whose funeral service took place earlier on Sept. 2 at Lviv's St. George's Cathedral, was a well-known activist, politician, and government official who 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Poroshenko's European Solidarity party. Read also: Ukrainian soldier whose throat was cut by Russian forces found safe after disappearing from hospital Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A suspect was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy who rang the suspect's doorbell while playing with friends. The suspect's name and court documents detailing the charges were not immediately released. The shooting took place at around 11 p.m. CDT on Aug. 30 near the 9700 block of Mimbrough. As a group of kids were playing "ding-dong ditch" and after knocking on one home, someone came outside and opened fire as the children ran away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A witness says someone ran out of that house and was shooting at the kids running down the street, and unfortunately, sadly enough, one of the boys, who was 11 years old, was shot in the back," HPD Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass said. The child was taken to the hospital, where he later died Sunday afternoon. Residents in the neighborhood are shaken by the event as they told local media the kids were not going to cause any harm. "What harm could they have done? Playing with a doorbell? That's the part that really kind of hurts the heart," one neighbor told the local media. "For someone to shoot him in the back, they knew they were a kid. What's the purpose of it?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allison Gatz, a witness, told the local media she saw the kids pranking her neighbors and told them it was dangerous. "I warned them that they shouldn't be doing what they were doing, that it was dangerous, and they had two minutes to go and leave the property or I would contact the police," Gatz said. "They knew that they were doing something wrong." George Skinner, another resident of the community, said he believed that this event could have been avoided. "It's an innocent life taken. He could have avoided it. The parents maybe could have avoided it," Skinner said. "You got to teach them and let them know what's right and what's wrong, and it's wrong to knock on somebody's door while playing a prank." A man accused of intentionally starting an apartment fire that killed a woman and injured her son is now in custody. DeKalb County police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that 44-year-old Shawn Fails was caught during a traffic stop in Chambers County, Alabama. He was captured more than 100 miles away from the fire that happened Monday at a DeKalb County apartment complex. Police identified the victim as Stephanie Wiley and said Fails was her ex-boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fails faces charges for murder, aggravated assault and arson. He has not been returned to Georgia yet. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Channel 2 Action News reported on the fire the morning it happened as arson investigators and police told Channel 2s Darryn Moore the fire was set deliberately. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] On the morning of September 2, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, 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 Jinping noted that the China-Russia relationship, having stood the test of changes in the world, has become a prime example of relations between two major countries featuring everlasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win. Staying committed to their abiding aspirations and maintaining resolve, the two sides have produced fruitful outcomes in their cooperation across the board. The Chinese side will work with the Russian side to maintain close high-level exchanges, support each others development and rejuvenation, coordinate position on matters pertaining to each others core interests and major concerns in a timely manner, and achieve greater progress in China-Russia relations. President Xi Jinping stressed that in development and rejuvenation, China and Russia both have strong driving force. The two sides should guide their cooperation through large, especially more flagship projects and promote convergence of interests at a deeper level. The two sides should strengthen resilience and enhance synchronization in cooperation, and spare no effort to consolidate and uphold the overall interests of cooperation. President Xi Jinping noted that the Chinese and Russian presidents attending the commemorations of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War held in each others countries fully demonstrates the sense of responsibility of major countries as the key victorious nations of World War II and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and speaks to their firm determination to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and uphold a correct historical perspective on the War. The aim of putting forward the Global Governance Initiative is to work with all like-minded countries to resolutely defend the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and make the global governance system more just and equitable. Both China and Russia emphasize sovereign equality, international rule of law, and multilateralism. The two sides should continue to step up coordination and cooperation at the U.N., the SCO, the BRICS, the G20 and other multilateral platforms, and join hands in building a community with a shared future for humanity. President Putin noted that guided by President Xi and himself, the bilateral relationship has been highly strategic and reached a historic high. President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Unions Great Patriotic War last May. President Putin said that he will attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression tomorrow. By doing so, the two countries underscore to the world that they helped each other and fought side by side in the World Anti-Fascist War and played critical roles in its victory in both main European and Eastern theaters, and they are firmly committed to jointly upholding the truth of history and safeguarding the fruits of the victory in World War II. The solidarity and cooperation between Russia and China in the World Anti-Fascist War has laid a solid foundation for the development of their relations in the new era. President Putin congratulated China on successfully hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and steering the meeting to multiple outcomes that greatly contribute to the development of the SCO. The Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi is very timely and relevant, and will play an important role in closing the global governance deficit. Russia will work with China to maintain strategic coordination, conduct close high-level exchanges, step up practical cooperation in various areas, and take the bilateral relationship to an even higher level. The two heads of state also had in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest. At noon, President Xi Jinping held a small-group tea meeting with and hosted lunch for President Putin. The two sides signed over 20 bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as energy, aerospace, artificial intelligence, agriculture, inspection and quarantine, health, scientific research, education, and the media. Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at these events. 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: UPWARDS Project Research Framework. Credit: BGI Genomics A study in China covering 42,703 families affected by rare diseases across 32 provincial regions of China has established a new diagnosis framework for rare diseases. It offers new hope to millions of patients struggling with delayed or incorrect diagnoses. The study, led by Peking Union Medical College Hospital, was published in Science Bulletin, on August 25. The findings come from the UPWARDS Project, a nationwide public welfare initiative led by Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between August 2022 and July 2024. The project tested and analyzed the genetic data of 94,749 individuals, resulting in 12,633 confirmed diagnoses. With an overall diagnostic rate of 29.58%, UPWARDS represents China's first and largest genome-based rare disease program. Rare diseases burden in China According to estimates based on Orphanet's database and China's 2017 population report, 48 to 82 million Chinese citizens may live with a rare condition. Yet, diagnosis remains a major hurdle. A national survey in 2018 revealed that nearly 73% of patients had been misdiagnosed. The average time to receive a correct diagnosis was 4.3 years. Some patients visited up to 10 hospitals before receiving an accurate result. "Diagnosis is the first step toward treatment," explained PUMCH's Rare Disease Center expert. "But the complexity of symptoms and genetic factors makes these diseases particularly hard to identify." Building a nationwide diagnostic network The UPWARDS Project aims to build a standardized framework for rare disease genome testing and clinical services across the country. The established framework features a 3-in-1 model, involving genetic testing as the starting point, followed with multidisciplinary consultation, bringing together experts from multiple medical fields, and lastly clinical education, training doctors to recognize rare disease patterns. To ensure consistency, 444 hospitals submitted patient data through a centralized UPWARDS system, and all testing was carried out by accredited laboratories. Advanced sequencing and classification The project used two major technologies, Whole-exome sequencing (WES) for 77% of patients and Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for 23% of patients. All genetic variations were interpreted using international guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). To better organize cases, researchers developed a five-level classification system (AE) based on complexity. Category A cases, with clearer symptoms and fewer possible genes, achieved the highest diagnosis rate (52%). Category E cases, with multiple unexplained conditions, still achieved a notable 26% diagnosis rate, showing the power of genome testing even in the most challenging cases. Key findings Family testing helps to improve the diagnosis rate. When genetic data from four or more family members were included, diagnosis rates rose to 39%, compared to 23% for single patients. Multi-system conditions are more detectable. Patients with disorders affecting multiple organs were diagnosed more often (34%) than those with a single-organ condition (28%). Regional differences emerged. Most patients came from eastern and central provinces, but participation from western and northeastern regions is steadily increasing. Genetic hotspots were identified in different provinces. Certain conditions showed local concentration, such as the F8 gene (hemophilia A) in Guangxi and the DMD gene (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) in Qinghai. "This achievement not only benefits Chinese patients but also provides valuable data for the global rare disease community," noted the research team. "It brings us closer to the goal that every patient with a rare disease should one day have a diagnosis." Future of the unsolved 70% While nearly one-third of patients received a diagnosis, 70% remain undiagnosed. Researchers believe this gap stems from China's unique genetic diversity, the limited use of WGS, and insufficient study of non-coding DNA regions. The UPWARDS team is now exploring next-generation approaches to improve the diagnosis rate. The team is considering the future integration of multi-omics data, such as RNA sequencing, which could have raised diagnostic rates by up to 17%. Using AI-assisted analysis to interpret complex data could also help identify genetic mutations linked to conditions. More comprehensive patient and clinician engagement platforms and clinical handbooks will educate the broader public on rare conditions, potentially supporting the early recognition of these conditions. The program laid the foundation for a Rare Disease Center, combining patient databases with expert networks to accelerate precision medicine and new treatments. By analyzing the genetic data of more than 42,000 families, the UPWARDS Project has created the most comprehensive picture yet of rare disease distribution in China and is potentially empowering the fight against rare diseases globally. More information Xiaodong Luan et al, National-scale genomic diagnosis of rare diseases in China, Science Bulletin (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2025.08.044 Key medical concepts Hemophilia A Provided by BGI Genomics MEMPHIS, Tenn. The woman accused of killing a Memphis pastor in March at a bar downtown was indicted for second-degree murder last week, according to court documents. Samantha Marion, 42, was initially charged with Voluntary Manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Pastor Ricky Floyd from Pursuit of God Church in Frayser in March. Ricky Floyd, Samantha Marion (file, SCSO) ORIGINAL: Pastor Ricky Floyd dead, woman charged after shooting at Memphis bar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 26, Marion was indicted by a Grand Jury for second-degree murder, the employment of a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and reckless endangerment-deadly weapon. Samantha Marion faced a preliminary hearing in June on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the fatal March 12 shooting. Marion posted bond back in April. The case was sent to a grand jury after a judge said Marion will remain out on a $100,000 bond. WREG reached out to the special District Attorneys Office in Nashville, now handling the case, they say Marion will next have another Bond hearing on these new charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman charged in pastor Ricky Floyds death appears in court The shooting took place at Mommas Bar and Kitchen, 855 Kentucky St. at Crump, at 1:14 a.m. A man was pronounced dead on the scene, and Marion was taken into custody, according to the MPD. A manager at Mommas Bar and Kitchen told WREG that this incident did not occur inside the establishment, but rather after they had closed. The scene on Kentucky Street at Crump Boulevard on Wednesday morning. The scene on Kentucky Street at Crump Boulevard on Wednesday morning. According to reports, when police arrived, Floyd was lying in the road, suffering a gunshot wound. The Memphis Fire Department arrived on the scene and pronounced Floyd dead at 1:24 a.m. Police said they talked to witnesses who said they were inside the business with Marion when she became involved in an argument with Floyd. They said Floyd left the business, and they went outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that while they were talking outside, Floyd returned and became irate and aggressive to the witnesses and Marion, which was captured on surveillance cameras. In the video, Floyd is seen throwing Marions phone to the ground and throwing a beer can, police said. He then left in his vehicle. MPD said that Marion walked onto the road and recorded his vehicle with her phone. Floyd stopped his vehicle and walked toward her, and one of the witnesses got in between them. The video showed that Marion walked toward Floyd, who began to walk backwards away from her. As he backed away, he was seen falling to the ground and not getting back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness told police that Marion shot Floyd in the roadway. Floyd was a pastor at the Pursuit of God Church. WREG interviewed him multiple times over the years as he led efforts for police reform and shared his testimony of helping teens escape violence. Pastor Earl Fisher was a friend of Pastor Floyds. If this is a step in the direction of figuring out what exactly happened, what level of accountability and responsibility certain parties need to adhere to then I would have to be here for that in the name of Ricky Floyd and all those who love him, said Pastor Fisher. Video shows moments before Pastor Ricky Floyd shot; suspects attorney says they had argued over religion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Mar. 21, video obtained by WREG showed the moments before beloved Memphis pastor and prominent community leader Ricky Floyd was killed in a shooting at a Memphis bar. The video, provided by the attorneys of the woman charged with shooting Floyd, shows just a portion of what happened that night outside Mommas Bar and Grill on March 12. We have carefully considered the weight of whats shown and the sensitivity to all involved in this tragedy. But we also believe its an important part of this story and one you deserve to see. The phone video captured what appears to be some of the final moments of Pastor Floyds life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shows the Tahoe truck he is in putting on the brakes. Pastor Floyd gets out and walks toward the person shooting the video as they yell to back up. Im backing back three times now. When I do that, you know. Back the up. Back the up. Back the up, says the person holding the phone. Then the video drops out. Warning: Some viewers may find the video below disturbing. WREG sat down with the attorneys for Samantha Marion, who is charged with voluntary manslaughter in Pastor Floyds shooting death. They say the video speaks for itself. The video does not capture the gunfire that would have taken place, probably maybe three or four seconds later, but it clearly shows him approaching her aggressively after being told several times to stop, and that he should not be, you know, walking up on her like that, said Marions attorney, John Keith Perry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry says his client was behind the camera shooting the video, and it came after Marion and a man she had met that night got into a heated discussion about religion with Pastor Floyd inside the bar. Perry says when everyone was leaving, Pastor Floyd walked toward Marion, and the man got between them. He stands in front of Reverend Floyd. Hes knocked to the ground by Reverend Floyd. And when he does, the back of his head hits the pavement and he becomes a little stunned or dazed, Perry said. Reverend Floyd then takes the telephone of Miss Marion, and he throws it to the ground, and he gives a couple of insults or what have you, and then starts to walk off. Thats when he says Samantha Marion picks up her phone and starts recording the license plate of the truck since she had never met Floyd before. Whatever triggered him, he was upset with Mrs. Marion, said Kevin Massey, another of Marions attorneys. He fought through two individuals to get to her and watching him from the vehicle and and approach her, it was clear that his intentions was definitely not to give her a hug and say, hey, lets work this out. But he had aggression in his heart and in his mind. WREG acknowledges that this is only one piece of video from that night, and it does not include what police have described as Pastor Floyd holding his hands up and walking backward away from Marion before falling to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of respect for Pastor Floyds family, WREG reached out to a family spokesperson and shared the video. It was their first time seeing it. At this difficult time, were just totally focused on prayer and maintaining our faith in the justice system, said Telisa Franklin, spokesperson for Floyds family. We trust that it will fulfill its purpose and provide us the answers and the accountability that is essential right now. We dont really know what played out, what was happening before and after, said Franklin. We dont know. All we know that our pastor, Pastor Sheila, is now a widow. Our church is without our pastor. But Marions attorneys believe the video shows their client was defending herself, and that should have been taken into consideration when she was in jail for seven days and given a $100,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WREG reached out to the family of Pastor Floyd but they declined to comment. Pastor Fisher hopes everyone moves away from the spin that Marion and Floyd knew each other, her attorney says they did not, and move toward the facts. A court date has not been set for Marion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The suspect in the murder of Andrii Parubii, an MP and former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), has pleaded guilty in a commentary to journalists. Source: Ukrainian independent online media hromadske from the courtroom Details: The suspect called his actions "revenge on the Ukrainian authorities" and denied the information that Russian secret services were blackmailing him. , . , , . hromadske : / hromadske pic.twitter.com/IH9nxKkbpG hromadske (@HromadskeUA) September 2, 2025 The suspect also stated that he expects a quick verdict for him so that he can be exchanged for prisoners of war and find his son's body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was also asked why he chose Parubii as his victim (since he was actually in opposition to the current government), to which he replied that he was living "nearby". "If I lived in Vinnytsia, it would have been Pietia [probably referring to Petro Poroshenko ed.]," the suspect said. The hearing on the selection of a preventive measure began at 13:07. Lviv Oblast Prosecutors Office Head Mykola Meret said that the prosecution will request a non-alternative preventive measure namely, detention in custody without bail. This news has been updated since publication. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Suspended license? You may be eligible for free help Chad Randall admits he was driving drunk in 2009. He said he ended up having to have an interlock system in his car. You have to breathe into it before your car starts. He says he passed test after test. But then, in 2023, the DMV says he failed one. Randall claims it was a false positive, which may sound like an excuse, but Action 9 has covered concerns about that before. ALSO READ: Some drivers say they fail DWI/DUI ignition system because of products like mouthwash, mints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, the DMV says it notified him he had 30 days to request a hearing. He says he didnt know, so he acknowledges he missed the deadline and kept driving. I got pulled over by the Highway Patrol. Didnt know what for. He came to the car. And he said, You know why I pulled you over? I said, No, sir. He said, Your license is suspended, he said. The DMV reinstated his license about a year later. Its valid now. But he says his insurance took a big hit because of the suspension. So he really wishes he had fought it. Real big shock when my insurance jumped to $2,000 every six months, he said. Very frustrating. Very expensive. Many North Carolina residents have suspended licenses. According to a Duke University study a few years ago, one in seven driving-age residents was in this situation, and that was just for non-driving reasons alone, like Failure to Comply and Failure to Appear. That didnt include actual moving violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke offers a few takeaways here: Its so important to check your mail. If the DMV says its suspending your license, make sure you request a hearing. If youre past that point and youre trying to restore your license, you may be eligible for free help. The NC Pro Bono Resource Center will review your driving record and find out why the DMV suspended your license. Then, a lawyer will send you a letter explaining how to get your license back. Please note that the letter can take two to three months to process. Go to https://ncfairchance.org/ and click on Request a drivers license restoration advice letter. VIDEO: Some drivers say they fail DWI/DUI ignition device because of products like mouthwash, mints SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A vehicle crashed into a bike rack outside of Andytown Coffee Roasters in the Outer Sunset neighborhood in San Francisco on Monday afternoon. The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) responded to a call regarding the crash at around 2:40 p.m. The bike rack is located next to the parklet in front of the coffee shop on Lawton Street. No injuries were reported, and no damage was reported at the Andytown cafe, SFFD said. Video from the scene can be viewed in the media player above. The SUV that crashed is seen being surrounded by yellow police tape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matcha shortage affecting San Francisco cafes amid recent boom in Japanese tea drinks popularity An SUV crashed into a bike rack outside of Andytown Coffee Roasters at 3655 Lawton St. in San Francisco. (KRON4 Photo) SF tech CEO says AI enabled him to cut 4,000 jobs SFFD said the San Francisco Police Department is now investigating the crash. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Mabel the basset hound was at risk of going to an animal shelter when her previous owner in the eastern Kentucky mountain area could no longer care for her. Now, Mabel lives in Frederick after she was saved by a Kentucky rescue. Sara Hoffman of Frederick adopted Mabel in 2024. The 2-year-old rescue, Mabel Grace Hoffman, is one of 10 finalists in People magazine's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Hoffman, 30, recovered from surgery in July, she saw an ad for the contest and entered Mabel. "It was great just to kind of showcase how far she's come, and plus, raise awareness for her rescue," Hoffman said. The winner, who will be announced Oct. 8, will receive a magazine photo shoot and feature, a year's supply of dog food and a $1,000 donation to an animal rescue of their choosing, according to People magazine. Fans can vote for the cutest rescue dog once a day until Sept. 15. Three finalists will emerge, and the winner will be chosen by celebrity judges and representatives from People and Pedigree, a dog food company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman has made flyers and created an Instagram account to promote Mabel in the contest. Mabel is food-driven and loves carrots and green beans, Hoffman said. "She's just the sweetest little girl," she added. "We always joke that she's a huffer and a puffer." Hoffman said she would donate the money to the Bourbon County Rescue, which saved Mabel. The rescue, which was founded by Elaine and Charles Fuerniss and is run by volunteers, took care of her and created a profile for her on pet adoption sites where Hoffman saw her and began the adoption application. Elaine and Charles Fuerniss make the 8-hour drive to Frederick every few weeks and bring about a dozen rescue animals, including dogs, cats and hamsters, from Kentucky to the city's Petco for adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman said Mabel was the first dog she applied to adopt. "I went to go and meet her, and it was just pretty instant," Hoffman said. "We were drawn to each other, and she was pretty much bonded to me within two hours." Elaine Fuerniss said people from neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia, also attend the Frederick events. The couple first got involved with animals in Kentucky when they began offering spaying and neutering clinics to help those who could not afford the procedures. After volunteering at shelters and fostering dogs and cats, Fuerniss said, this "wasn't enough." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair then started helping a woman who rescued animals and took them from Kentucky to Germantown for adoption events. Once the woman moved away, volunteers in Maryland asked the couple to continue the work. They began hosting the events at the Frederick store and are continuing their mission of saving animals and finding them new homes. (KRON) Sweetgreen is opening its third San Francisco location with a grand opening next week. Sweetgreen is a salad eatery that has a mission of building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. The health spot is known for its Harvest Bowl, Crispy Rice Bowl, Caramelized Garlic Steak and Miso Glazed Salmon dishes. The newest locations address is 1023 3rd St., which is in the Mission Rock neighborhood. Photo: Sweetgreen Photo: Sweetgreen Photo: Sweetgreen Photo: Sweetgreen Los Angeles-based ramen spot opening first Bay Area location this Labor Day weekend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grand opening is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. Free Sweetgreen tote bags and treats will be given to the first 150 guests on the day of the grand opening. The Mission Rock location will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Per Sweetgreens website, Sweetgreen is headed to multiple Bay Area cities, including Burlingame, Emeryville and Santa Rosa. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Syria has exported 600,000 barrels of oil from its Tartous port, the state-run SANA reported, the first oil shipment to leave the war-torn country since 2011. The Syrian Oil Transport Company said that the Greek-flagged Nissos Christiana tanker was loaded on Monday. The company's General Manager, Maan Basha, told SANA he hoped Syria would be able to resume exports without problems, adding that the main obstacle facing oil companies is the infrastructure left behind by the former regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the 2011 protests against the long-term rule of dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria produced around 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and exported around 110,000 bpd. While it was not a major producer of oil, nearly all exports went to EU countries, but they were halted due to sanctions imposed in 2011 on the country in response to the brutal crackdown on the pro-democracy protests and the ensuing civil war. Al-Assad was ousted by an Islamist-led rebel alliance in December and fled to Moscow. Since then, Syria's new administration, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to garner world recognition and economic support to rebuild the country devastated by more than a decade of civil war. The European Union and the United States have since begun to lift economic sanctions to support Syria's recovery. The Shah of Iran once asked Elizabeth II whether shed had more audiences with Conservative or Labour prime ministers during her reign so far. I had to say to him, she later told Sir Malcolm Rifkind, that I hadnt the faintest idea. When it comes to relations between the monarch and the PM, it is personality not party that counts. Power and the Palace, a lively new book from former royal correspondent Valentine Low, takes us through two centuries of these pairings, beginning with Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne and ending more or less up to date. Victoria had strong opinions on her PMs: Robert Peel was a cold, unfeeling, disagreeable man. William Gladstone inspired in her a visceral loathing. She adored Benjamin Disraeli, writing that he was full of poetry, romance and chivalry. Disraeli, meanwhile, had worked out a technique for dealing with her: Everyone likes flattery; and when you come to royalty you should lay it on with a trowel. Elizabeth II did not require flattery. In fact, she preferred prime ministers with whom she could engage in ordinary conversation. She got on famously with Harold Wilson, fascinated to hear about his childhood growing up in a back-to-back; when he resigned, she sent him a photo of the pair together in the rain at Balmoral, which he thereafter carried in his wallet. Elizabeth II got on famously with Labours Harold Wilson. (Pictured in June 1969) - Fox Photos/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images With John Major, she enjoyed what Low calls one of the most positive relationships with a prime minister of her entire reign, and invited him to the palace for private conversations long after he had left office. He was trusted to act as an honest broker between the warring Charles and Diana, the latter fondly nicknaming him the Hon John. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Cameron, Elizabeth IIs fifth cousin twice removed, felt few nerves before his first audience with her: I knew that world a little bit. Elizabeths dealings with Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher had been more strained. Heath had zero small talk, and Thatcher never got over a feeling of social awkwardness in the Queens presence. But Lord Owen tells Low that the Royal familys view of Thatcher was transformed by the Falklands War: At long last they had a prime minister who made them feel proud The Queen had lived through the humiliation of Suez and now it could be argued that the shame had been put to rest. Thatcher also had an excellent, if unofficial, adviser: her husband. When the Foreign Office was divided over whether the Queen should cancel a trip to Jordan in 1984 in the face of a terrorist threat, Thatcher said: Theres only one thing to do. Lets get the only person here who understands the common-sense view of the man in the street. And thats Denis. He was duly summoned to a meeting with Geoffrey Howe and Michael Heseltine (then foreign secretary and defence secretary respectively), handed a glass of whisky, and asked for his opinion. Well, Queen Elizabeth I would have gone, said Denis, so Queen Elizabeth II must go. And so Her Majesty went. Margaret Thatcher never got over a feeling of social awkwardness in Elizabeth IIs presence. (Pictured at a Commonwealth meeting in Zambia in 1979) - Anwar Hussein/Getty Images Europe At the heart of Lows book is the question of: How, without a single law being passed, Britain has gone from a country where sovereigns assumed the right to appoint the prime minister of their choice to one where they go to almost any length to distance themselves both metaphorically and literally from the process. It takes him a while to get there, but he comes to a simple explanation: Elizabeth II recognised that the rise of democracy, and the post-war decline of deference, rendered it inappropriate for an unelected monarch to wield political power. That, combined with her natural modesty, meant that she kept herself at a remove from politics. A history of how our constitutional monarchy has changed to fit the times could be terribly dry in the hands of another writer, but Lows is peppered with entertaining lines. One of his skills as a journalist is an ability to sift through mountains of archive material and pick out the gems. So a section on Gladstone includes a description of him by Emily Eden, the novelist and great-great-great-aunt of Anthony Eden: If he were soaked in boiling water and rinsed until he was twisted into a rope, I do not suppose a drop of fun would ooze out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The later sections of the book feel fresher, because theyre based in part on interviews with politicians and Palace insiders. If youre looking for comedy, the chapter on Tony and Cherie Blair delivers the goods. You must call me Tony, the newly elected Blair tells Prince Charles. It is very nice to see you, Prime Minister, is the reply. (He never called him Tony, confirms a Clarence House fly-on-the-wall.) Then, as the Blairs take tea at Balmoral with Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the phone rings for the prime minister. I wonder who that is? says one of the Royal party. I expect its someone ringing up to ask how we can abolish the monarchy, Cherie quips. The queens response: More tea, Mrs Blair? This anecdote from a reliable and well-connected source is surely too good to be true; Lord knows, if it were, it would have made its way into The Crown. Still, Low writes, even if it is apocryphal, it speaks to how Cherie was regarded in Royal circles. Elizabeth II receiving prime minister Tony Blair at Buckingham Palace in 2005 after the Labour Party had won a historic third term in office - John Stillwell/PA Wire Lows contacts also supply the books two revelations, much reported in the past few days. The first is our present Queen confiding in Boris Johnson for the pair get on like a house on fire that, as a teenage schoolgirl, she was the victim of an attempted sexual assault on the London Underground. I did what my mother taught me to, she told Johnson. I took off my shoe and whacked him in the nuts with the heel. The second is if you missed the headlines, steady yourselves that Elizabeth II was a Remainer. The evidence for this is an anonymous senior minister, who tells Low about speaking with the Queen three months before the referendum. We shouldnt leave the EU, she apparently told them. Its better to stick with the devil you know. On a fundamental level, Low suggests, Elizabeth II viewed the European Union as symbolising an era of peace after two world wars. Decades earlier, Thatcher had told Brian Walden, the political interviewer and former Labour MP: The problem is, the Queen is the kind of woman who could vote SDP [Social Democratic Party]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some sections are so well-worn that you may find yourself skipping over them. For instance, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and the resulting fuss over the Queens unwillingness to fly the flag at half-mast has been retold too many times. But one thing on which Victoria and Elizabeth IIs prime ministers could have agreed is their monarchs delight in gossip. And theres plenty of it here, from Elizabeth II complaining about John McCririck ruining Channel 4s racing coverage I cant watch it. I cant stand that man to her asking George Osborne, as a state banquet turned into quite the party: Will you tell President Obama to go to bed? My favourite anecdote dates back to James Callaghans premiership, when the then Prince Charles desired to be tutored in statecraft, and was duly invited to dinner with ministers at Chequers. The prince recounted being asked by a Qantas stewardess whether he would one day be king; when he said yes, she replied: Gee! Thats pretty scary, isnt it? Charles said, solemnly: When you think of it, it is pretty scary. At which point Denis Healey, the Labour chancellor, leant across the table, patted the heir to the throne on both cheeks in the style of Eric Morecambe, and said: Well, you shouldnt have joined. Power and the Palace is published by Headline at 25. To order your copy for 19.99, call 0330 173 5030 or visit Telegraph Books 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. EDITORS NOTE: This story contains a disturbing image. Afghanistans Taliban rulers have called for international help after a huge earthquake killed hundreds of people and leveled entire villages, piling further misery on the war-ravaged country that was already grappling with food shortages and cuts to foreign aid. At least 2,205 were killed and 3,640 others injured after the 6.0-magnitude quake struck towns and villages close to the Pakistan border on Sunday, causing strong aftershocks in Kabul, according to an update from Taliban government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat on Thursday. The devastating earthquake also destroyed more than 5,400 homes, according to a government update earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heavy rain, landslides and damaged roads have made it difficult for relief teams to access the remote mountainous areas hit hardest by the quake. On Tuesday evening, a second, 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Jalalabad, in Nangarhar province, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake on Tuesday had a depth of about 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), the USGS said, with shallow earthquakes tending to be more destructive. Residents in the capital Kabul west of the epicenter reportedly felt tremors. It is unclear if the new tremor caused casualties or damage. Meanwhile, recent US aid cuts have crunched relief efforts in the country, which has been contending with shrinking global aid since the Taliban seized control in 2021, imposing harsh rules and punishments on the nations 43 million people. Heres what we know about the earthquake and the rescue operation. Where did the quake hit? The initial earthquake on Sunday hit just before midnight 27 kilometers (16.77 miles) north-east of Jalalabad, a bustling city of about 200,000 people in Nangarhar province near the border with Pakistan, in a mountainous area known for its seismic activity, USGS said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quake was relatively shallow with a depth of about 8 kilometers (4.97 miles), according to the USGS. The earthquake devastated neighboring Kunar province, razing three villages, Reuters reported, citing local authorities. Damage and injuries were also reported in Laghman, Nuristan and Panjshir provinces, according to the Taliban government and humanitarian workers. The earthquake was also felt in several cities in neighboring Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said in a statement. The region was hit by at least five aftershocks, the strongest measuring 5.2-magnitude in the hours after the initial quake, according to USGS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the third major quake to hit since 2021 in Afghanistan, which faces a litany of man-made and natural disasters, including poverty, conflict, drought, and the forced return of millions of refugees by neighbors Pakistan and Iran. Powerful earthquakes in 2022 and 2023 killed more than 3,000 people in Afghanistans Paktika and Herat provinces, by some estimates. How many people were affected? Nearly half a million people likely felt strong to very strong shaking, which can result in considerable damage to poorly built structures, according to the USGS. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistans National Disaster Management Authority, said the number of dead and injured is likely to rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injured are being evacuated, so these figures may change significantly, he told the AP. Photos from the aftermath showed rows of brick houses swept under muddy debris, as residents clambered over huge piles of fallen concrete. An Afghan boy carries a baby's shrouded body through the ruins of a damaged house of the Mazar Dara village, in the hard-hit Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan, on Monday. - Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images Eyewitnesses recalled fumbling for loved ones stuck under collapsed homes, as they waited hours for emergency workers to reach the worst-affected regions, according to the AP. I was half-buried and unable to get out, Sadiqullah, a resident of Nurgal, in Kunar province, told AP. His wife and two sons were killed, he added. Ahmad Zameer, 41, a resident of Kabul, more than 100 miles from the epicenter, told CNN the earthquake jolted his neighborhood. He added that everyone from the nearby apartment buildings rushed into the street in fear of being trapped inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos obtained by CNN show men digging with shovels to search for survivors under the rubble in Kunar province. Others showed chaotic scenes as officials worked to stretcher the wounded onto helicopters to be airlifted to hospital. Global funding cuts hamper rescue efforts The war-ravaged nation is in the throes of a humanitarian crisis that has only worsened since the Taliban seized power in 2021 following a chaotic United States withdrawal. Many international aid groups, wary of collaborating with a repressive regime known for its persecution of women and girls, have since pulled out of the country. Earlier this year, the White House halted more than $1.7 billion worth of American aid contracts supporting dozens of programs in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom, France and Germany swiftly followed suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan shrank to $767 million in 2025, down from $3.8 billion in 2022, according to Reuters. Thamindri De Silva, National Director of World Vision Afghanistan, said the sheer number of challenges facing the country has made it difficult for humanitarian organizations to support Afghans. This is not the first shock that weve faced this year. Were undergoing a drought. Were supporting the returnee response. Were still working with the earthquake-affected people in Herat. Theres a huge malnutrition crisis in the country, De Silva told CNNs Lynda Kinkade. So its not just the funding shortfalls, its the compounding of shock after shock in the country, which is stretching already very thin resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body bags are one of the greatest needs in terms of supplies, she said, as well as basic necessities, such as clothing, hygiene products, and cooking equipment. A man walks clambers over a collapsed house in the Mazar Dara village of Nurgal, on Monday. More than 5,000 homes were destroyed in Afghanistan, according to a government spokesperson. - Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images Taliban call for international assistance The Taliban have appealed to the world for more aid to support relief efforts, but so far, few countries have stepped up. We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses, health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman told Reuters. The United Arab Emirates has dispatched food, medical supplies and tents to quake-stricken regions in Afghanistan as well as a search and rescue team, state-run Emirate News Agency, WAM, reported on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK on Tuesday announced 1 million ($1.3 million) in new emergency funding to support families affected by the earthquake, to be split between the UN Population Fund and the International Red Cross. The UK remains grateful to the aid workers on the ground, who help us to provide support to Afghanistans most vulnerable people, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement. European leaders donated $1.16 million (1 million) of humanitarian emergency funding, as well as tents, clothes, medical supplies and other aid stocks to the region, the European Commission said on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry said it was ready to provide disaster relief assistance according to Afghanistans needs and within its capacity, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, India delivered 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 metric tons of food aid to Kunar, with more relief to come, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said according to Reuters. The US State Departments Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs extended heartfelt condolences to the Afghan people in a post to X, but there was no immediate word of aid from the US. CNNs Ivana Kottasova and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 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: Tara Winstead from Pexels Cancer kills 1 in 5 people globally. Yet, except for a one-off increase in 2021, the flow of money for cancer research has trended downward every year since 2016. Our new analysis of more than 100,000 public and philanthropic grants reveals where research funding is being allocated. There are very likely to be reductions in funding from the US under the Trump government. So it's important to understand how other groups of countries, such as the Commonwealth, can address this shortfall. The Commonwealth is a network of 56 nations. Membership includes high-income countries such as the UK, Canada and Australia, and lower-income members in Africa and the Caribbean. Together, its members account for more than 14% of cases of common cancers globally in 2020a share projected to rise to 17% by 2050. Survival rates vary dramatically, from under 5% five-year survival in some lower-income countries to 60% in wealthier countries. Understanding how research funding flows within this diverse group offers a roadmap for fairer investment and opportunities for international collaboration. This can also help address the likely funding gaps from the US. As a part of The Lancet Oncology Commission for Cancer in the Commonwealth, we and partners across several institutions took the most comprehensive look to date at global cancer research investment (201623). We mapped more than 107,955 awards worth US$51.4 billion (38.1 billion), categorizing each project by cancer type, type of research and funder. We then used global and Commonwealth-wide network maps to reveal which countries were central to awarded grants, publications, clinical trials and patents, and which countries remained peripheral. Our analysis showed that laboratory studies received 76% of funding (US$39 billion), while clinical trials drew just 7.3% (US$3.7 billion). Breast cancer accounted for 10.3% of the funds (US$5.3 billion), and blood cancers accounted for 9% (US$4.7 billion). Despite their central role in treatment, surgery research was the focus of only 1.7% (US$0.8 billion) and radiotherapy 3.1% (US$1.6 billion). Lower-income countries received less than 0.1% of total grants, highlighting a stark mismatch between cancer burden and research capacity. Funders' heavy focus on laboratory science potentially starves the late-stage trials and implementation research that translate discoveries into patient care. The small amount of investment in surgery and radiotherapy research risks slowing advances in methods that already save lives today. Equally, the near-absence of funding led by lower-income countries perpetuates a cycle where countries with the greatest projected rise in cancer cases have the least capacity to respond. Within the Commonwealth, the UK, Australia and Canada dominate both in terms of providing and receiving grant funding. These three countries serve as hubs for collaborationlinking lower-income countries to the US and EU. In contrast, collaboration among lower-income Commonwealth countries on developing new drugs and technology remains weak, suggesting untapped potential in turning lab discoveries into new treatments and products across a wider breadth of countries. With an unpredictable president in the White House, it's vital to understand how other groups of countries can address the likely gaps. To this end, we illustrated below the effect of a potential funding cut from the US, and then measured the effort required for each group of countries to compensate for a hypothetical 50% cut of the US funding. Cutting US funding will significantly weaken international collaboration ties, which makes sharing ideas and skills harder. Yet, as shown in the table below, each group has sufficient stock of domestic grants where turning only a small proportion into cross-border grants is enough to restore the collaboration level. That is, the EU to raise its share from 4.18% to 4.48%, non-US G7 countries from 1.11% to 1.20%, the rest of the world from 1.63% to 1.89%, the Commonwealth from 0.66% to 0.69%, and Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) from 0.49% to 0.99%. The numbers tell a straightforward story. When the US cuts cancer research funding, it breaks connections among researchers worldwide. This makes it harder for scientists to share discoveries and learn from each otherultimately hurting cancer patients everywhere. But other countries can step up to fill this gap. The table shows that each group of countries already funds plenty of domestic research. They just need to redirect a small portion of these existing grants to include international partners. This would restore the global research network to its previous strength. This is an opportunity for governments to work together and take the lead on cancer research when the US steps back. Four practical steps could make this happen. Match funding to where cancer hits hardest. Review current grants to ensure money goes to the deadliest cancers and the countries with the worst survival rates. Create research hubs in poorer countries. Build centers of excellence in lower-income Commonwealth countries that can train researchers, share data and run clinical trials. Fund surgery and radiotherapy research. These treatments save lives today, but get barely any research money. They deserve dedicated funding streams. Help researchers turn discoveries into treatments. Create programs that help scientists in all Commonwealth countriesnot just wealthy onespatent their discoveries and develop them into actual medicines. Looking ahead Cancer kills nearly 10 million people each year, with over 20 million new cases diagnosed. By 2050, deaths are estimated to reach 18 million. The numbers are getting worse, not better. The Commonwealth's wealthy countriesthe UK, Canada and Australiacould serve as bridges, connecting researchers across rich and poor nations. Done right, this could reshape how the world fights cancer, ensuring no country gets left behind simply because they lack resources. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Esta investigacion de cinco entregas fue realizada por Conexion Migrante y Factchequeado con apoyo del programa Disarming Disinformation del International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). Puedes leer esta nota en espanol haciendo clic aqui. I'm Mexican now! I'm Mexican now! shouts a woman wearing glasses as she excitedly hugs others around her. She approaches another woman and a man dressed in suits, who are talking on their cell phones. A few minutes later, a mid-range car arrives and the new Mexican woman gets in with three other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, another large vehicle approaches and picks up four people to take them to an office in downtown Tapachula on Mexico's southern border, the main gateway for undocumented migrants. The office is a converted house with a waiting room and reception area. There are at least 20 women and men of African descent and three young people who appear to be Muslim based on their clothing. Among them is a young woman who looks no older than 20, her hair covered with a pashmina. After waiting for 15 minutes, one of the lawyers comes out of the office and says loudly: "My brothers and sisters, thank you all for waiting, but today we will not have time to see everyone. I ask you to please leave. We are only going to see the people who have an eligibility interview with COMAR next Monday. Only those who have an interview will be prepared! he insists. We ask that you please come back next week." The demand for legal services in a city like Tapachula is high due to the urgency of immigrants to move to the center or north of the country, or to a city where there are more jobs and better pay. People gather, line up and wait for answers around the three COMAR offices in Tapachula. Legal and administrative advisory services for asylum seekers are also abundant. UNHCR estimates that an average of 150 foreign nationals apply for refugee status daily in this southern Mexican city. Photo: Benjamin Alfaro Getting from Tapachula to Mexico City without being detained by immigration authorities cost up to $1,500 in May 2025, according to immigrants interviewed for this investigation. It is a distance of 1,157 kilometers that can be covered by bus or plane, but without legal protection, undocumented foreigners run the risk of being detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the vast majority who cannot afford that amount, applying for asylum is a free but slow option, as it can take at least six months and forces them to remain in Tapachula until the process is complete. Legal advisory services on immigration matters range from a supposed amparo (injunction) allowing them to move around the country, to advice on what to say in their eligibility interview with COMAR (Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance). We visited a law firm and one of the partners explained the process: If we tell you it's green, you're going to say it's green, he said. "There are no magic formulas here. In Tapachula, there is no lawyer who will tell you that it is 100% certain. It depends a lot on the work you do as a lawyer and how you respond as a client. That's why we prepare them. We tell them what to say, what not to say, and what they may be asked. Some people don't have a story, so we help them create one. Some people don't know what to do, so we help them with all of this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the asylum application process with COMAR is completely free by law, lawyers charge at least 15,000 pesos, or about $750. Fifty percent must be paid up front, and they promise results within six months. If a satisfactory response is not received, the other half is not paid. Hundreds of migrants go to COMAR 2 in Tapachula every 10 days to register their signature, from the time their refugee application is registered until they receive an appointment for an eligibility interview, based on which it is determined whether they can receive refugee status in Mexico, which allows them to have legal immigration status. The application and response process takes at least six months. / Photo: Benjamin Alfaro You can look for any lawyer in Tapachula, anyone. Search Google on your phone and type in: lawyer, immigration, Tapachula, and the first options and positive reviews that come up will be ours, says the confident defender we spoke to, in an office shared with two partners. Not far from there, in another central area of Tapachula, another office offers to process appeals to obtain the Visitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons (TVRH) so that people can leave Tapachula for another city. What the lawyer does not make clear to his clients is that the Card is not a passport to travel to central or northern Mexico, nor is it an exit pass from Tapachula. It is only issued when a person submits a formal application for asylum to COMAR, and it functions as temporary protection during the evaluation process, which by law must last 45 business days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, although in theory it allows free transit through the country, anyone who leaves the state where they applied for asylum automatically loses the protection granted by the INM. However, the version presented by these agents is very different: Believe me, with us, we will tell you the truth, we are not going to sell you something we haven't worked for, everything is 100% legal, he assures in a recording obtained by a potential client and shared for this investigation with Conexion Migrante and Factchequeado. This discrepancy between the legal reality of the document and what the lawyers promise illustrates the type of deception that proliferates in Tapachula, a city of 218,000 inhabitants located on Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. With few formal sources of employment, the city is home to thousands of people awaiting a decision from COMAR. Migrants represent a million-dollar business: the state of Chiapas received $1.067 billion in remittances in the second quarter of 2025, a rapid increase from $699 million to $1.194 billion between 2022 and 2023, when the largest migratory flows in Mexico toward the U.S. border occurred, according to the Bank of Mexico. A Pass to Travel Around Mexico Faced with the desperation to leave Tapachula, law firms offering immigration services receive dozens of foreign citizens seeking an exit pass to the interior of Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Here, immigrants are not given any information, neither by COMAR nor by Immigration. One knows very little about the process one is going through. They deceive us here. But according to what I have heard from migrants, friends, when COMAR denies you asylum, they have to give you a humanitarian visa, but they don't because they deceive you about your rights," says Felix, a 28-year-old Cuban man who was denied refugee status along with his 34-year-old brother. What can you do? You look for a lawyer to process a humanitarian visa for you, he says. In his words, he recounts: So, the lawyer files an amparo, which I don't know what that would be in Mexican law, which is forcing Immigration to give you a humanitarian visa. "He explained to me that you can leave, even leave the country, during that period, but here they don't comply, at least with migrants. Here, they extort you at Immigration. You're going to travel, and they ask you for more money, and sometimes they don't even let you travel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early August 2025, a caravan of migrants, mainly of Haitian and Cuban origin, left Tapachula for Mexico City, tired of not receiving a response from COMAR and the lack of opportunities. Around COMAR offices in the city of Tapachula, an economy based on documents needed for the refugee process proliferates. Places like this even promise assistance in scheduling pre-appointments with Mexican officials. / Photo: Nadia Sanders *Second of five-part series, "I'm Staying in Mexico" Factchequeado is a verification media outlet built by a Spanish-speaking community to tackle disinformation in the United States. Do you want to be part of it? Join us and verify the content you receive by sending it to our WhatsApp +16468736087 or to factchequeado.com/whatsapp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Im Staying in Mexico Migrants Blocked by Trump, Caught in Disinformation Spread by Sheinbaums Government From Facebook to TikTok: misinformation is on the rise, and almost 50% of migrants are victims of fraud Tapachula, the Border of Deception Stories in Line: the Ordeal of Seeking Refuge in Mexico MEXICO CITY (AP) Security, sovereignty, tariffs, trade, drugs and migration all hot-button issues for the Trump administration and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere will top Secretary of State Marco Rubio's agenda this week on his third trip to Latin America since becoming chief U.S. diplomat. The visit comes as the Trump administration has dramatically stepped up operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean, including recent military deployments and what it said was a lethal strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel. In talks with leaders in Mexico and Ecuador on Wednesday and Thursday, Rubio will make the case that broader, deeper cooperation with the U.S. on those issues is vitally important to improving health, safety and security in the Americas and the Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, President Donald Trump has alienated many in the region far beyond the usual array of U.S. antagonists like Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela with persistent demands, coupled with threats of sweeping tariffs and massive sanctions for not complying with his desires. US military strikes in waters off Latin America as Rubio heads to the region Shortly before Rubio left for Mexico, he and Trump announced the U.S. military had carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a vessel hauling drugs that departed from Venezuela. Trump announced that the vessel was being operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which his administration has designated a foreign terrorist organization, and that 11 people were killed in the strike, which he said took place in international waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE! Trump said. Rubio, speaking to reporters before boarding his plane to Mexico, said Trump is going to be on offense against drug cartels and drug trafficking in the United States. It destabilizes not just the country but the entire Caribbean basin. The president has been very clear that hes going to use the full power of America and the full might of the United States to take on and eradicate these drug cartels, no matter where theyre operating from and no matter how long theyve been able to act with impunity, he said. Those days are over. Mexico has been a focus for Trump Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump has demanded, and so far won, some concessions from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's government, which is eager to defuse his tariff threats. Rubio arrived in Mexico City just a few hours after Sheinbaum had planned to lead a meeting of the countrys most important security forum, which brings together all 32 governors, the army, navy, federal prosecutors office and security commanders to coordinate actions across Mexico. Sheinbaum had been talking for weeks about how Mexico was finalizing a comprehensive security agreement with the State Department that, among other things, was supposed to include plans for a joint investigation group to combat the flow of fentanyl and the drug's precursors into the U.S. and weapons from north to south. Under no circumstance will we accept interventions, interference or any other act from abroad that is detrimental to the integrity, independence and sovereignty of the country, she said Monday in her State of the Nation address marking her first year in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, however, a senior State Department official downplayed suggestions that a formal agreement at least one that includes protections for Mexican sovereignty was in the works. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview Rubios meetings, said sovereignty protections were understood by both countries without having to be formalized in a document. Sheinbaum lowered her expectations Tuesday, saying it would not be a formal agreement but rather a kind of memorandum of understanding to share information and intelligence on drug trafficking or money laundering obtained by them in their territory, by us in our territory unless commonly agreed upon. Mexico's president touts keeping close US ties Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be moments of greater tension, of less tension, of issues that we do not agree on, but we have to try to have a good relationship, and I believe tomorrows meeting will show that," Sheinbaum said of her meeting Wednesday with Rubio. "It is a relationship of respect and at the same time collaboration. To appease Trump, Sheinbaum has gone after Mexican cartels and their fentanyl production more aggressively than her predecessor. The government has sent the National Guard to the northern border and delivered 55 cartel figures long wanted by U.S. authorities to the Trump administration. The Trump-Sheinbaum relationship also has been marked by tension, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announcing a new initiative with Mexico to combat cartels along the border that prompted an angry denial from Sheinbaum. Despite American officials singing her praises, and constantly highlighting collaboration between the two countries, Trump glibly said last month: Mexico does what we tell them to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department has said Rubio, who has already traveled twice to Latin America and the Caribbean this year, would focus on stemming illegal migration, combating organized crime and drug cartels, and countering what the U.S. believes is malign Chinese behavior in its backyard. He will show "unwavering commitment to protect (U.S.) borders, neutralize narco-terrorist threats to our homeland, and ensure a level playing field for American businesses, the department said. ___ Associated Press writer Maria Verza contributed to this report. Most people arent expected to shell out hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars on items that are necessary for them to do their job. Think about it: An accountant isnt expected to supply their own computer keyboard, a creative director doesnt purchase a printer for their team, a doctor doesnt fund the decorations for the patient waiting rooms in a hospital. Teachers are the exception to this rule. Its commonly expected for educators to buy decor for their classrooms, extra supplies for students and, in some states, necessary classroom storage. In many cases, these costs come out of a teachers paycheck (and we all know teachers are chronically underpaid) but it depends on the state and the district just how much is covered by the school, parent-teacher association or other funders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers from across the country spoke with HuffPost about the costs they pay out of their own pockets each year just to get the school year started. John in California spent $500-$1,000 in the first years of his career but now spends $100-$400. John, a middle school teacher in California entering his 19th year of teaching, spent more money in the first few years of his career, between $500 and $1,000 each school year, as he was building up his supplies. Now, he spends $100 to $400 on necessities each school year. This depends on the bulletin boards that Im making, the activities that Im doing ... updating the bookcases, because things are outdated within just a couple years, new stories need to be featured, new stories need to be highlighted, John said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers, then, only get to write off $300 of the school supplies they buy for taxes, John said. This often doesnt cover the full extent of what they spend, John noted. This isnt to say schools and parent-teacher associations dont support teachers and help them start the school with what they need, John said. But additional supplies are often needed to make sure all students have what they need to learn, John said. Brandon in Texas spent $2,000 on his classroom decor and supplies this year. Brandon, a third-grade teacher in Texas, said its definitely expected [for teachers to buy supplies and decor for their classrooms], but its also, I think, something that isnt really spoken about, but we just do it. I think as teachers, we strive to really make opportunities for learning and for engagement and fun for our students, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It costs money to make exciting, comfortable and engaging spaces for kids. This year, I believe I spent, on end, about $2,000 to fund my classroom the way that I wanted to, he said. This includes decor for the classroom, in addition to resources, hands-on activities and supplemental aids that help kids of all different learning styles learn, Brandon said. He also had to purchase items such as a computer keyboard, computer mouse and printer. Tatyana in Texas spends $300-$500 each school year. Tatyana, a third-grade reading and social studies teacher in Texas, is provided basic supplies by her school, such as pencil sharpeners and staplers, but anything decor-related is on her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on what she needs to buy each year, Tatyana spends between $300 and $400 on decor for her room. This includes things like rugs, bulletin boards and bulletin board paper. Related: New Math? Sight Words? Heres What Kids Are Actually Learning In School Now. She then may spend an additional $100 each year on supplies for students whose parents cant afford to provide them with things like binders, folders, crayons and headphones. And that adds up, depending on how many students you have. For me, I have two sets of classes, so thats 40 students. [If] 10 students dont bring a binder, the binders are, depending on the size, the max is like $5 for a binder. So thats already $50, said Tatyana. Keri in Alabama spent more than $1,000 this school year. I teach in Alabama. This is my 18th year, Keri told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After working outside of the classroom for a few years, Keri is now teaching kindergarten and needed to stock up on supplies, decor and even furniture for her classroom. Literally, in the last month or so, I probably spent over $1,000 getting stuff for this room, Keri said. When I walked in the room, there was literally nothing. Honestly, there is nothing in this room. There was nothing on the wall, theres no rug. There was nowhere to put kids supplies, she explained. She had to bring in bookcases from home and buy new bookcases, she said. Most teachers have to buy classroom rugs, and theyre not cheap. I just got one off of Amazon, but it was like $200, Keri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keri stressed that she likes her school and her school district, and is grateful for the parent-teacher organizations support, which gives teachers things like tissues and paper towels throughout the year, but it isnt enough to cover everything the classroom needs and some of these items may not be given to teachers until the late fall or early winter. Cara in New Jersey gets a $300 budget and doesnt have to spend much of her own money. Cara, who teaches fourth grade in New Jersey, said New Jersey does treat its teachers well. Districts Ive worked in, were given like a budget, so, $300 now, that goes fast, and its not a lot of money when you start thinking about class sets of things, Cara said. This requires Cara to consider if she wants her budget to go toward a specific type of folder for her students, decor or something else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of this allowance, she doesnt spend much at most, Ill spend $20 on new things ... but thats just because Ive been teaching now for a little bit so Ive accumulated things, Ive saved things, Ive taken care of things, Cara said. In her first years as a teacher, shed spend another $100 or $200 on top of the budget, though. Teachers are often expected to spend their own money on classroom items and supplies for students. Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images Melissa in Missouri spends about $200 a year now, but spent $1,000 a year when she first started. Melissa, an elementary music teacher in Missouri who has also taught in Texas and Iowa, has spent between $200 and $1,000 on necessities for her classroom, depending on the year, the school districts budget for the arts and PTA contributions. Now that shes a few years into teaching, she tries to stay around the $200 mark, but she spent as much as $1,000 each school year during her first five years as a teacher. All of the kids in the school take music classes, so the items in Melissas classroom tend to deteriorate and require replacement pretty quickly, she noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is true for necessary music class supplies such as rhythm sticks, egg shakers, headphones, mallets and more, Melissa said. Its on me to replace it mid-year, and if I dont, then there goes a lot of my lessons or experiences that I wanted to provide my students, Melissa said. Jenny in Illinois receives a budget now but spent $200 each year when she first started teaching. Jenny, a kindergarten teacher in Illinois and in her 15th year of teaching, receives a budget each year from her district that covers all of the supplies and decor she needs. I know thats a rarity, and I feel bad for teachers who do have to spend out of pocket, and I know that because my first two years teaching, I didnt get a single penny for anything in my classroom, and thats very hard as a first-, second-year teacher to have to be spending money that you really dont have coming out of college, Jenny said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her first couple of years teaching, she estimates, she spent about $200 throughout the year on what she needed for her classroom. [Teachers] love their students, and they want to provide snacks for them and basic necessities for them and make sure that their classroom is a warm, welcoming environment, Jenny said. I feel bad that they are having to spend so much of their paycheck on those things, and it really should be provided more by the state and by the district and all that, she noted. Related: Theres 1 Surprising, Sexy Thing That Might Make You A Better Parent Heres how you can support teachers: There are lots of things you can do to support your local teachers and school, and thats true whether or not you have a child in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, education needs funding. So, at a micro level ... go to your local schools, find out what they need, provide them, said John. You can even ask teachers in your community what they need for their classroom, John added. Start micro because thats going to have the most immediate effect on the students in your community, he said. Teachers also commonly make Amazon Wishlists with items they need for their classrooms or turn to online platforms like DonorsChoose, which is an online fundraising site where teachers post classroom projects or supplies that need funding, Cara said. Brandon said the perspective around teachers asking for donations needs to change. I think that theres a negative scope and lens on education, and especially teachers at the moment, and so, changing really that viewpoint and that perspective on how teachers are treated, how teachers are seen, Brandon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show up to board meetings, please, even if your kids dont go there, Melissa said. If you show up, you can voice concerns around budgetary matters or other topics at the school, Melissa added. You should also vote on school-related issues in your community, Melissa said, even if your child is well past school age or youre child-free. Still keeping a pulse on our schools [they] are literally the hubs of our future. That sounds so cheesy, but it is what it is, Melissa said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost KANSAS CITY, Mo. An 18-year-old Boonville, Missouri, man is facing charges following a road rage incident last week that led to a shooting on Interstate 70 in Saline County. The Saline County Prosecutor on Friday formally charged Mason Mayhew with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. North Kansas City man federally charged, accused of pointing laser at aircraft Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a crash just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, on westbound I-70 at the Marshall Junction, just east of U.S. 65 Highway. The cars involved were reported to be a Ford Focus and a Chevrolet Equinox. Court documents say the driver of the Ford and another car, later identified as a Nissan Altima, were involved in a road rage/racing incident before the crash. The drivers of the Ford and Chevrolet were both taken to hospitals for their injuries. During the crash investigation, troopers discovered apparent bullet defects in the Ford. One apparent defect was located in the right rear quarter panel, above the rear passenger tire. The rear passenger window and drivers window were also broken, and there was an apparent bullet defect in the front passenger seat headrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial evidence indicates a gunshot broke the rear passenger window, traveled through the front passenger headrest, and exited the drivers window, according to court documents. Two 9mm shell casings were recovered from the scene. One witness stated they were driving west on I-70 when they were passed by the Ford on the right shoulder and then passed by the Nissan in the left lane, according to court documents. Both drivers were speeding, and the witness stated they saw the driver of the Nissan with his arm out of the drivers window, holding a gun and potentially firing at the Ford. The driver of the Ford then lost control and crashed into the Chevrolet. The witness captured the incident on their dash camera. Court documents say another witness stated they were driving west on I-70 when they noticed the Ford speeding on the shoulder and then cut off the first witness behind them. The driver of the Nissan then passed the second witness and cut them off before shooting at the Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Mayhew was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 28, following a traffic stop in Meade County, Kansas. At the time of his arrest, Mayhew had multiple firearms in his possession, and evidence was found connecting him to the I-70 shooting. A passenger in Mayhews car was also arrested. The passenger told investigators Mayhew had asked them to travel with him to visit a friend in Arizona on Aug. 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Teens charged with murder for deadly drive-by shooting in northeast Charlotte Two teenagers are facing first-degree murder charges after a deadly drive-by shooting in northeast Charlotte, police announced on Tuesday. Channel 9 reported on the shooting in mid-August at a home on Lambeth Drive, and a 16-year-old was killed. The victim was identified as Tyshawn Stokes. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> Northeast Charlotte home targeted after fatal drive-by shooting On Tuesday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced that two juveniles were arrested and charged in connection with Stokes killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens werent identified, but CMPD said a 16-year-old suspect was charged as an adult with first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property. Authorities got a secured custody order for a 14-year-old for first-degree murder. Police havnt released details about a possible motive behind the shooting. The family said the teen was outside their family home with his aunt when the suspects opened fire. He was able to drag himself inside the home and was taken to the hospital where he passed away. Stokes was a rising junior at Julius Chambers High School, and family says he was looking forward to the start of school. Days after Stokes was killed, the home was targeted for a second time and another person was hurt. Family says the victim in that incident wasnt a relative or a friend. They said he was grazed and was able to walk home and call 911 once he got there. Were working on getting more details. Check back for updates. (VIDEO: Charlotte murder suspect arrested in Atlanta) In 1998, Oregon voters essentially voted against an attempt to make it more difficult to get ballot measures approved. (Photo by Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle) With the May 2026 primary eight months away, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said Oregonians may start to receive mail and other communications about the election. The easiest way to tell if something is from an official source is to look for the official election mail logo, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official election logo is a trademarked design created by the U.S. Postal Service that only election officials at the federal, state and local levels can send to voters. The design is an interpretation of the stars and stripes on the U.S. flag and it includes the words Official Election Mail. It only comes in black, blue and red. The image above is the official logo states, local and federal officials use to communicate voter information. It comes in blue, red and black. (United States Postal Service) Election-related mail without the official logo does not come from a local or state election office and third-party groups often use outdated or incorrect data, Read warned. Local elections offices have the most accurate and updated voter registration information. To check on voter registration status, visit oregonvotes.gov/myvote or call 1-866-673-VOTE. Oregonians are getting a lot of different information from a lot of different sources about our elections thats why its so important for our citizens to have the tools they need to sort out fact from fiction, Read said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon voters with further questions about election-related mail can reach out to the Oregon Secretary of States Elections Division or contact their local county clerk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) September is Suicide Prevention Month, a reminder of the challenges Tennessee continues to face with high rates of suicide among teenagers. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teens in Tennessee. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts We know there are a number of factors anxiety, depression and sleep problems tied to social media, as well as bullying that can happen online, Dr. Aaron Brinen with Vanderbilt University Medical Center said. Add in academic pressure, rising anxiety, and what were seeing now is really an epidemic of loneliness and disruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State data shows youth suicide rose 47% over a five-year period, according to the latest Suicide Prevention report. Emergency rooms also tend to see more visits from students this time of the year as classes resume. Young women are reporting more thoughts and attempts, and young men are more likely to die by suicide, Brinen said. He added that access to treatment remains a challenge. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com There are huge waitlistsits really hard to get in to see someone, he said. Once you do, are they getting evidence based treatments they need? Like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A new Tennessee law requires mass shooters to be tested for psychotropic and gender-altering drugs to uncover any potential connection between the two. Recently, the federal government announced it will launch its own study. The Tennessee law, which passed in April, requires medical examiners to test dead mass shooters for psychotropic and gender-altering drugs. The University of Tennessees Health Science Center will then study any potential interactions between those drugs and any other drugs found in their system. Police say Minneapolis church shooter was filled with hatred and admired mass killers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think to study what is in the brain and body, the drugs, will give us a good start of whats going on, said Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson), the bills House sponsor. Its a piece to the puzzle to try to figure out whats going on with these people, added Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the bills Senate sponsor. Some Tennessee Democrats argued the issue isnt about drugs, but guns. If you have people who are committing acts of mass murder, they obviously have some mental issues, and they will very likely be taking some drugs to treat that mental issue, said Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville). That doesnt mean thats the cause. Its correlational, and its a pretty big difference, and to try to look at one and attribute it to the other, again, takes our eye off the prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom However, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed his theory that SSRIs and other prescription drugs could be linked to mass shootings following the deadly attack at a Catholic school in Minneapolis last week. RFK Jr. announced the federal government will launch a study, despite research posted on the National Institutes of Healths own website in 2019, which reads, it appears that most school shooters were not previously treated with psychotropic medications and even when they were, no direct or causal association was found. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Back in Tennessee, it may take a while for the state to gather enough data to determine whether there is a potential connection. Since 2015, there have been eight mass shootings where four or more people were killed in Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall goal of the legislation is to prevent another tragedy in the Volunteer State. I hope you never get a report, but if we do, thats the purpose and intent of this bill, said Rep. Littleton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Mayor Brandon Sakbun has submitted the City of Terre Hautes proposed 2026 budget to the City Council and Indiana Department of Local Government Finances. According to a press release, the proposed 2026 operating fund revenues are projected to $127.8 million. The city said the projected fund reflects steady growth from 2025 and raises casino revenue from $3 million to $9.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terre Haute is living within its means, said Mayor Sakbun. Weve put forward a responsible, balanced budget that not only supports public safety and essential services, but also invests in infrastructure, parks, and community amenities that improve quality of life. In a press release, Sakbun said, key highlights of the 2026 budget include: Balanced General Fund: Surplus increased from $4.3M to $4.7M in 2024 with another marginal increase in 2025, current models show the city will continue maintaining healthy reserves for the general fund. Public Safety Investments: Salary adjustments, including a base increase for police and fire personnel, alongside improvements in facilities and equipment. Infrastructure & Community Projects: Funding for the Deming Pool ($1.15M), YMCA partnership ($750,000), Neighborhood Parks Improvement Projects, and multiple paving, sidewalk, demolition projects, and building improvements. Fiscal Responsibility: Slower expense growth of just 1.47%, compared to a 15.45% increase in the previous year. This is a direct result of SB1, which is costing the city over $1M to the general fund in 2026. Modernizing Staff and Equipment: Efficiency gains will be made through improved staffing, modern equipment, and realignment within city departments. According to the press release, the budget also anticipates future investments in long-term sewer and stormwater infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our focus is on sustainability, Sakbun added. By strengthening reserves today and investing wisely, were building a more resilient Terre Haute for the next generation. The negative effects of SB1 have only just started. The city is preparing for that through a conservative approach to gaming revenue and EDIT revenue. The proposed budget will now move forward for consideration by the City Council. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. A Tewksbury man is facing charges after allegedly leading police on a chase in southern New Hampshire before crashing into a Manchester home Monday night. New Hampshire State Police allegedly saw 37-year-old Alan Pikets white Tesla traveling at a high rate of speed on Interstate 93 northbound. Troopers allegedly tried to stop Piket but instead drove off the highway at Exit 6, eventually driving in excess of 100 miles per hour on East Industrial Drive, over 70 miles per hour over the speed limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piket allegedly lost control near the intersection of East Industrial Drive and Island Pond Road around 7:45 p.m., careening into a house, Manchester police say. The impact left a large hole in the side of the house. Four dogs and no humans were in the home at the time. All the dogs were unharmed. Piket was also unhurt. He is charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Manchester District Court on Tuesday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW 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: SIAT Standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for cervical cancer achieves disease-free survival (DFS) in approximately 70% of patients with locally advanced disease; however, nearly 30% still experience recurrence or metastasis. Intensified treatment strategies may improve survival rates, but they often come with higher toxicity and costs. The key challenge is to accurately identify patients who truly need intensive treatment by the clinicians, as standard therapy suffices for low-risk cases, whereas high-risk patients benefit from aggressive intervention. In a study published in npj Digital Medicine, a team led by Assoc. Prof. Liang Xiaokun from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with Prof. Hu Ke and Prof. Hou Xiaorong from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, developed a deep learningbased multimodal prognostic prediction model, CerviPro, which provides a comprehensive approach for risk stratification, enabling personalized treatment strategies. CerviPro integrates features of pre- and post-radiotherapy CT foundation model, radiomics features, and clinical information. It first employs deep learning-based automatic segmentation techniques to precisely extract tumor regions, and then utilizes a pre-trained CT foundation model to extract high-dimensional deep features. Subsequently, intelligent fusion of multi-source heterogeneous data is achieved through principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction and feature selection techniques. Workflow of the CerviPro model for multimodal feature integration and survival prediction. Credit: SIAT To ensure the clinical applicability of CerviPro, researchers collected multimodal clinical data from 1,018 cervical cancer patients across multiple hospitals in China. Using a multi-center validation design, they demonstrated that the model not only achieved high performance in individual hospital settings, but also maintained robustness and adaptability across diverse real-world clinical environments. CerviPro achieved robust predictive performance across all testing cohorts (training, internal validation, and external validation), and demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to conventional Cox proportional hazards models and DeepSurv. It successfully stratified patients into high-risk DFS group which potentially requires intensified treatment and low-risk DFS group which may consider de-escalated treatment options, along with other critical prognostic insights. This study offers clinicians a reliable, intelligent decision-support tool for accurate identification of high-risk patients, guiding the development of personalized treatment strategies for locally advanced cervical cancer. More information Weiping Wang et al, Multimodal deep learning model for prognostic prediction in cervical cancer receiving definitive radiotherapy: a multi-center study, npj Digital Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41746-025-01903-9 Journal information: npj Digital Medicine Key medical concepts Cervical Carcinoma Radiomics This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Texas free newsletters here. After years of using a touchscreen machine to mark their ballots, voters in at least three Texas counties will be asked instead to make their selections directly on the paper ballots, by hand, starting in November. Election officials in Collin, Williamson, and Bastrop counties said theyre proactively changing their voting procedures and equipment in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump in March that sought to mostly ban voting equipment that uses barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots to speed up vote counting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some other provisions in the executive order have been blocked by the courts, but this one has not. The order instructed the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which crafts the certification guidelines that most states rely on for their voting equipment, to amend the guidelines to prohibit such systems and take appropriate action to review and rescind previously issued certifications based on prior standards. U.S. EAC Commissioner Donald Palmer told state election directors at a July conference that there wont be mass decertification of systems in the near future. Still, Trumps order has sparked questions from the public and uncertainty about the use of different kinds of voting machines. Election officials have concerns, too, about the potential cost and complexity of having to switch voting systems. Some Texas counties, and officials in states including Ohio, California, and West Virginia, are opting to make changes now, in a year without a federal election, hoping to prevent disruption closer to the 2026 midterms. Every election is important, but you would never want to try such a big change for a primary election, said Kaleb Breaux, election administrator in Collin County, north of Dallas, which is spending $2.3 million on the switch. You want it to be a known process that your voters and people in your county trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His department is planning to host events next month to give voters a chance to familiarize themselves with new equipment. Touchscreen voting machines, barcodes and the Trump order In most Texas counties including the most populous voters make their selections on touchscreen machines known as ballot-marking devices. At check-in, they receive a blank paper ballot that is inserted into the ballot marking device. Once a voter makes their selections on screen, the machine prints them out on the ballot for the voter to review. Then the voter inserts the ballot into the tabulation machine to be counted. The counties potentially affected by Trumps executive order use ballot-marking devices made by Elections Systems & Software, one of two state-certified voting system vendors. In addition to marking the ballots with the voters choices, the ES&S equipment prints a machine-readable code reflecting those choices that is used to speed up tabulation. Critics of such systems have argued for years that voters have no way of knowing whether the code accurately reflects their choices, even though the results are audited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ES&S told Votebeat that it is developing new equipment to meet the latest iteration of federal guidelines, and that it wont use codes. Equipment from Hart Intercivic, the other state-certified vendor, doesnt use machine-readable codes. Both vendors also give counties the option of using paper ballots that voters mark by hand. Those systems still use tabulator machines to scan the ballots and count the votes. Last month, Texas Elections Director Christina Adkins told a group of election officials that shes waiting to see what action the federal EAC takes on certification of voting equipment in response to Trumps executive order. Any change to the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines would immediately affect Texas certified voting systems, which must follow the federal guidelines under state law. Adkins said voters across the state have been speaking at public meetings and have asked legislators about the part of the presidents executive order on machine-readable codes and paper ballots. She asked election officials to be prepared to answer questions from voters in their communities with accurate information about the order and how the state plans to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a Republican-led push to ditch all electronic voting equipment including the tabulators and hand count ballots instead, has made inroads in Texas. Gillespie County in the Texas Hill Country hand-counted thousands of ballots in the 2024 primary, but had to fix a series of errors in the results, which couldnt easily be audited for accuracy because the ballots couldnt be scanned by machines. Different methods of voting in Texas About 80% of Texas 254 counties use machines to mark voters choices on paper ballots. In the rest, including Denton County in North Texas and Cameron County in South Texas, voters mark the paper ballots by hand, and then put them in the tabulator for counting. (Even these counties must make at least one electronic voting machine available in each voting location to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.) . Two small Texas counties Limestone and Foard dont use paper ballots at all, but state law will require them to by next year. Paper ballots, whether marked by a hand or a machine, are typically considered the gold standard for election security. They allow voters to check their selections before casting their ballot, and create a physical record for audits and recounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But is one way of marking ballots better than the other? Some election officials say that with hand-marked ballots, its harder to determine voter intent if theres a doubt, or for a scanner to read the voters selections. On the other hand, some say hand-marked ballots allow voters to check for errors right away, rather than having to wait until theyre done voting and their ballot is printed out. And lines can move faster if people dont have to wait for a machine. Collin County prepares for the changes In Collin County, a Republican-led community with 750,000 registered voters, the switch away from ballot-marking devices follows years of lobbying by activists urging the commissioner court to eliminate voting machines, even though the system has gotten high marks from the Texas Secretary of States Office. A measure to make the change failed last year, but county officials approved a new one in June. Trumps executive order was a bit of a catalyst for the court to revisit this move, said Kaleb Breaux, the Collin County elections director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, 1,500 ballot-marking devices, which the county has used since 2019, will be put in storage. The county will still use about 300 of them at polling locations to comply with federal law on disability access. Trumps executive order allows leeway for that, as long as the machines produce a voter-verifiable paper record. The $2.3 million the county is spending includes the purchase of voting booths, printers, laptops, and other election materials. Breaux said the voting booths take up less space than the voting machines, so polling locations can accommodate more voters than before. However, he wants to encourage voters to take their time marking their ballots in November to avoid problems tallying later. Make sure they're bubbling everything in completely, he said. And if they mess up their ballot, don't be afraid to ask for another one.. Breaux said he hopes the new method of voting can help boost voter trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what we had worked well, he said, but I also think this is going to work just as well for our voters and our workers. Natalia Contreras is a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with the Texas Tribune. She is based in Corpus Christi. Contact Natalia at ncontreras@votebeat.org More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. (Texas Scorecard) A coalition of left-wing groups and individuals has filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas over the implementation of the state-wide ban on DEI-related curriculum and gender ideology in K-12 schools. The lawsuit was filed on August 28, just days before the law took effect on September 1. It was filed in a federal district court in Houston. The Lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas filed a lawsuit against Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath and the Independent School Districts of Houston, Katy, and Plano. The ACLU announced on its website that it had teamed up with the Transgender Law Center and private firm Baker McKenzie to challenge the constitutionality of the states new anti-DEI law. The law (Senate Bill 12), also known as the Parental Bill of Rights, protects children from sexual ideologies and DEI instruction in public schools. It also requires schools to give parents access to all records concerning their children and empowers parents with stronger grievance processes. State Sen. Brandon Creighton (RConroe) authored it, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law on June 20, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was filed in a federal court, as plaintiffs allege SB 12 raises federal questions and seeks to vindicate civil rights protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffsrepresented by the ACLUinclude left-wing groups, such as Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA) and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). GSA Networks website defines the organizations mission as elevating trans, queer, and Two-Spirit youth voices by sharing stories, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying the intergenerational lived wisdom of our people. While GSA clubs could previously be found throughout the state, the new law bans clubs based on sexual identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEAT is an organization whose mission is to organize youth to address systemic inequities and drive change in Texas communities. It previously co-hosted a drag show at the state capitol. Additional plaintiffs include Rebecca Roe, Ruth Roe, and Polly Poeall operating under pseudonyms for anonymity. Roe and Poe are described in the lawsuit as a student, and an educator [who] speak about issues relating to race, gender identity, and sexual orientation in Texas schools and beyond. They claim the DEI-ban blocks them from doing this. Plaintiffs claim that SB 12which they renamed the Student Identity Censorship Lawviolates their constitutional rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The First Amendment prohibits laws that target and suppress speech from disfavored viewpoints, reads the lawsuit. But the Texas Legislature has done exactly that with Senate Bill 12. The lawsuit challenges four allegedly unconstitutional provisions of the law: Banning all student organizations based on sexual orientation or gender identity Prohibiting any reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in any policy, procedure, training, activity, or program developed or implemented by a school employee, contractor, or volunteer (at, for, or on behalf of a school) Barring school employees from assisting any students social transition, including by providing any information about this topic Preventing all educators and third parties from providing any instruction, guidance, activities, or programming regarding sexual orientation or gender identity to students enrolled in prekindergarten through 12th gradeeven outside the school day or in that individuals private capacity Plaintiffs are asking the court to stop the enforcement of these four aspects of SB 12 and to declare the provisions unconstitutional. They are also asking the court to award them reasonable costs and attorney fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU has a history of representing left-wing groups and individuals in lawsuits against state legislation they oppose. They are also currently challenging SB 10, which requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms. The ACLU, TEAM, Houston ISD, Katy ISD, Plano ISD, Morath, and Creighton did not respond to Texas Scorecards request for comment in time for publication. If you or anyone you know has information regarding court cases, please contact our tip line: scorecardtips@protonmail.com. This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night. When kids in Texas return to school this week, many will notice a new fixture in the classroom the Ten Commandments poster. A new state law, which went into effect on Monday, Sept. 1, requires every public school classroom to display one. Some classrooms though will remain bare of the displays, at least for now. On Aug. 20, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to 11 school districts in response to a lawsuit from parents and advocacy groups, blocking the display of the Ten Commandment posters in those districts while litigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rest of the schools will have to abide by the law, said the states attorney general Ken Paxton. The woke radicals seeking to erase our nations history will be defeated, Paxton said. Under the statute, each poster must measure at least 16 by 20 inches. The schools dont have to spend their own funds on the posters although they can if they want to but they are required to accept any privately donated posters or copies that fit the laws requirements. That provision has fueled a surge of donations from conservative political and religious organizations. Texas Values, which promotes biblical, Judeo-Christian values, contributed $6,000 to cover posters for 6,000 classrooms. Restore American Schools, a partner initiative, says it has helped provide displays for more than 156,000 classrooms in Texas, offering bulk sponsorships for $1 per poster. Love Heals Youth, a Christian nonprofit, delivered over 5,000 posters to public schools, including 230 posters to different private Christian schools. Some districts and lawmakers have chosen to pay for posters themselves, even though they dont have to. For example, Frisco Independent School District, with more than 4,000 classrooms, spent $1800 on the posters. State senator State Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, said he spent $7,500 for the posters in his district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Aug. 29, some districts, who arent part of the lawsuit, have received no donations. We have had groups inquire about making donations, but so far, no donations have been made, Jackie Simien, spokesperson for Beaumont Independent School District, told me in an email. The district has no plans to use its finding, she said, but it welcomes donations that meet the state requirements." Supporters of the law claim that the Commandments are a historical document and shape the moral character of the citizens. To post the Ten Commandments in the classroom is not an imposition of the Christian religion by the state but an acknowledgment of history by public schools, writes Daniel Darling. Opponents, however, say that the law violates the separation between church and state and crosses the line from exposure to coercion. It feels like I dont have control over what my kid is seeing, one parent in Texas said. The state sends an unintended but clear message that some students belong more than others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Ten Commandments laws continue to go through the courts in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, their fate will test how far states can go in integrating religious expression into public education, and whether judges deem these classroom posters as secular sources of history and morality, or as the governments endorsement of faith. Fresh off the press Cakes are back in the courts: A California cake decorator asks Supreme Court to hear her case. Where do clean swears heck, gosh and dang come from? My colleague Jacob Hess explores. Jennifer Graham takes an in-depth look at how the crisis of men is playing out in politics. The good news is, suddenly lots of hands are coming on deck. And one reason is the reelection of President Donald Trump, an event that has caused soul-searching in the Democratic Party about what is happening with Americas young men." What Im reading One of the girls at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis was injured while shielding another student. Another boy who was brought to the hospital asked the doctor: Can you say a prayer with me? Here are some stories of the victims of the Catholic school shooting. Stories of bravery and heartache emerge from Minneapolis church shooting , AP Meet Bishop Michael Pham, a Vietnamese American priest in San Diego, who is speaking out about migrant issues. Pham, other clergy members and faith-motivated volunteers have since expanded the effort into what are now daily vigils to offer support to migrants during their immigration hearings. They want to be a visible witness of God and, Pham said, restore dignity to the experience of migrants in a country and church that are full of migrants. He was a child refugee. Now hes a bishop navigating Trumps deportation push , Washington Post. Richard Garnett, law professor at the University of Notre Dame, writes that recent Ten Commandments laws reflect a legal and cultural revival of a practice long seen as unconstitutional, but the Supreme Courts recent decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District has unsettled prior precedent, including the Lemon test. This has created uncertainty over how courts will now evaluate the secular purpose of government actions involving religion. The Ten Commandments and a secular purpose," SCOTUSblog. Odds and ends You may not think of the Vatican as a performance venue, its going to transform into one on Sept. 13. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop star Pharrell Williams are codirecting a concert called Grace for the World, that will include John Legend, Karol G, and Jelly Roll, and a 250-person international choir, among other musicians. The concert will take place on St. Peters Square and it will mark the closing of The World Meeting on Human Fraternity, a conference thats usually attended by artists, athletes, and politicians. The Texas House on Tuesday approved legislation to restore restrictions on late voter registration changes, sending the bill to the governors desk and walking back a measure adopted during the regular session. Texas does not allow same-day registration for new voters, unlike 23 other states. But under legislation that passed with bipartisan support earlier this year, voters could update their addresses at the polls and immediately vote in their new precinct or district, as long as the move was within the county. On Tuesday, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 54, 86 to 46, returning the state to the status quo and requiring voters to wait 30 days for an address change made at the polls to take effect. Their ballot that day would show races tied to their old address on file. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for the measure last month when he added it to his agenda for the Legislatures ongoing special session. Some election administrators expressed concern last month about allowing voters to cast ballots immediately based on same-day address changes. Trudy Hancock, head of the elections department in Brazos County, home to Texas A&M University, said that students move constantly. The volume of changes, made by poll workers at every election without additional address and mapping verification steps election officials typically take, could lead to voters getting the wrong ballot, she said. Our election workers are experienced, but they can make mistakes, she said. Not all of them are familiar with every single area of the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some conservatives suggested inaccurately on social media that Texas had implemented same-day voter registration, sparked in part by Abbotts call for legislation to prohibit same-day voter registration in Texas when he expanded his special session agenda. Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, proposed the measure earlier this year that allowed voters to immediately cast a ballot based on an address change at the polls. Though the change tacked on as an amendment to another bill was adopted with bipartisan support, Shaheen on Tuesday said it would be prudent for lawmakers to take a closer look at the change during the interim session. Once a broader audience and more stakeholders saw the changes that were made, more questions arose, Shaheen said Tuesday. I think its reasonable and prudent to reverse the amendment that was made and have an interim hearing. Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urged schools across the state Tuesday to establish dedicated prayer time in classrooms, recommending students begin with the Lords Prayer. His statement followed the Sept. 1 enactment of Senate Bill 11, which permits voluntary prayer and scripture reading in public schools. In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up, Paxton said in a statement. The Republican attorney general criticized what he called twisted, radical liberals who want to erase Truth, dismantle the solid foundation that Americas success and strength were built upon, and erode the moral fabric of our society. The new law marks a significant shift in Texas education policy and reflects ongoing national debates over religions role in public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 11 allows school boards to adopt policies setting aside time for voluntary prayer and Bible reading. Each Independent School District board must vote on implementation within six months of the laws effective date by March 1, 2026. Student participation requires parental consent. The Attorney Generals office has pledged to defend any district facing legal challenges over adopted prayer policies. Paxton specifically encouraged students to recite the Lords Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 in the King James Version. Our nation was founded on the rock of Biblical Truth, and I will not stand by while the far-left attempts to push our country into the sinking sand, Paxton stated. Districts that adopt such policies will receive state legal protection under the new law. BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party is still seeking to form the next government but is prepared to dissolve parliament, a senior party official said on Tuesday, a move that could trigger a general election. In a sign of deepening political turmoil as two rival camps vied to form the next government, Pheu Thai Secretary General Sorawong Thienthong said the party was weighing its options between nominating its own candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri for the premiership, or calling a new election. Sorawong's remarks came as People's Party, the biggest force in parliament, met for a second day to discuss who it might back to form the next government, either Pheu Thai, or Bhumjaithai, a renegade party that quit the governing coalition in June and is mounting its own challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the People's Party have the decision to vote for Anutin, we will proceed with the process," Sorawong told reporters, referring to Bhumjaithai's leader Anutin Charnvirakul. "If there is a vote set for prime minister selection, we will submit Chaikasem Nitisiri." A court decision last week dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra - daughter of billionaire Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra - due to an ethics violation, touching off a scramble for power between the populist ruling party and Anutin's Bhumjaithai. POLITICAL TURMOIL Her removal was the latest twist in a tumultuous, two-decade battle for power among Thailand's rival elites, with Paetongtarn the sixth premier from or backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family to be ousted by the military or judiciary and the second in the space of a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chaikasem, 77, a former attorney-general and justice minister with limited cabinet experience, has kept a low profile in politics. He is the sole remaining eligible prime ministerial candidate for Pheu Thai, a once dominant party that has been haemorrhaging support of late. There are conflicting opinions among law experts in Thailand as to whether a caretaker government has the authority to seek house dissolution. Sorawong, the government spokesperson and a top aide to the acting prime minister each did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The hugely popular People's Party, whose predecessor won the 2023 election but was blocked from power by lawmakers allied with the royalist military, said its party's executives would make the decision on Wednesday on who to back to form the next government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party, which has nearly a third of house seats, reiterated on Tuesday that it will not join any government and favours house dissolution. Amid frenzied speculation that Pheu Thai had already sought house dissolution, Sorawong in a Facebook post later on Tuesday stressed the party had not submitted any request, but it remained an option. (Additional reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Kitiphong Thaicharoen; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Martin Petty) Waco, TX (FOX 44) Senate Bill 2024 officially went into effect on Monday. The bill blocks the sale and advertisement of all hemp-derived vape products including THC, CBD, and Delta-8. Dispensaries around the state are now having to adjust to the changes to their stock, and to their business as a whole. We have a lot, a lot of people who love their vape. So, were going to find new ways to help our customers consume the way that they want to consume. If they like to consume with oils and concentrates and stuff, were going to find a way to get them oils and concentrates to their liking, legally, and in the right way, says Michael Busby, an employee at The Gass Shack dispensary in Waco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A driving force behind getting the bill passed was to protect minors from THC products. To purchase THC products in Texas, you must have a legal drivers license and be over 21 years old. If a minor is getting something from anywhere, nine times out of ten thats coming from the streets. You cant be under 21 coming in here. Before you come in you have to show your ID at the door, says Busby. Busby says that thankfully the supplier for The Gass Shack is allowing them to exchange their now illegal product for legal options. Not all suppliers are as generous, and some dispensaries may now find themselves in a situation where a large amount of their stock is now unsellable. For now, Senate Bill 2024 is the biggest problem facing dispensaries in the state, but a much larger threat is potentially on the way. Senate Bill 5 looks to completely ban the sell of hemp products in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Representatives were back in environmental court Tuesday to discuss a plan for the now-empty Serenity Towers. The facility, despite being boarded up, has become a target for thieves. Attorneys say crooks have gotten into the building and stolen copper. Special Master Marcus Ward says thats why its so important to have a plan for the future of the property and secure the site. Broken windows, open buildings, vacant structures become absolute playgrounds for a lot of nefarious activities, so we want to minimize that as much as we can, Ward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward says they want to see a plan for selling or redeveloping the property to be completed quickly. The city attorney says a team representing Serenitys bondholders are in the process reviewing the building, but theyve only completed a preliminary environmental report. They also say that, since the city is still the receiver, its still footing the bill for maintenance and upkeep. Parties are scheduled to go back to court next month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. 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: MART PRODUCTION from Pexels A new study has revealed the most important factors for aging positively, according to the lived experiences and views of older adults in England. The research by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) aims to combat society's negative attitude to aging and highlight the role of older adults in shaping their own aging experiencefrom creating meaningful relationships to giving back. The paper, "I'm more confident now than I ever used to be: a preliminary qualitative study of British older adults' perception and experience of aging positively," has been published by The Gerontologist. Exploring the theme of "what is positive aging?", a group of 15 participants aged between 56 and 86 took part in interviews with psychologists to share how they were living well as they age. The researchers identified key themes in the discussions which highlight how positive aging is a complex concept that goes beyond just physical health. Essential to their experience is building close and harmonious relationships with their spouse, family, and friends. This range of supportive and healthy relationships provided a secure environment where they felt free to be themselves. The participants also valued intergenerational connections with people both older and younger than themselvesrecognizing the richness, meaning, and energy these relationships brought to their lives and how they embraced them with openness and joy. Engaging with life by learning new things and pursuing personal interests was seen as vital for keeping the mind (and body) active and enjoying lifewith some of the participants expressing that they were free to try activities for fun without any expectations. They also found value in "giving back" through volunteering and community involvement. Simply caring for otherssuch as grandchildrenprovided a sense of purpose and worth. Accepting that getting older comes with challenges and limitations was also important, helping them to build resilience and adapt to new life stages and changes. Dr. Miriam Sang-Ah Park, lead researcher and principal lecturer at NTU's School of Social Sciences, said, "Our findings suggest that how older adults feel and think about their aging is more important than the actual physical changes they go through. We see that positive feelings come from their own thoughts and interpretations, not just from the reality of getting older. "Our interviewees told us that they often felt overlooked and negatively viewed or patronized, particularly by younger generations, but, despite this, they accepted themselves as they are and weren't confined by the age-related expectations that society puts on them." The study recommends that policies and programs aimed at promoting positive aging be focused on the person, considering older adults' experiences and priorities beyond physical health. Dr. Park added, "Older adults are still developing and their aspirations, needs, and wishes matter. We shouldn't perceive old age as the end-of-life stage where the fulfillment of goals is ignored. "We need to combat ageist attitudes in society and support older adults with social connections across generations, along with opportunities for community involvement and lifelong learning to continue their sense of purpose." More information Miriam Sang-Ah Park et al, "I'm more confident now than I ever used to be": a preliminary qualitative study of British older adults' perception and experience of aging positively, The Gerontologist (2025). DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaf149 Journal information: The Gerontologist HOOPER, Utah (ABC4) On Labor Day back in 1925, Roy Beasley organized the first Farm Bureau Day Celebration in Hooper. In 1932, the name was changed to Hooper Tomato Day after the popular tomatoes that were grown in the city. Over the years, the event grew and grew and what was once a day of celebration is now a weeks worth of fun. Whether a persons family has called Hooper home since the 1870s, like Robyn Cox Like I said, multiple generations, Robyn Cox told ABC4. I love being a part of Hooper. I moved away for a short time but Ive been here for probably 37 years out of my 45. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or just visiting for the day like Maddie Stewart I knew I would love it, she said. Its so fun. Like Abby said, all the quirky little things about it. Theres a reason Tomato Days continue to draw in crowds 100 years after its founding. Extinguished Willard Peak Fire raises flooding concerns Its like a big family reunion, Kathleen Hinds explained. I have family that still lives here. I dont live here anymore, but I get to see people that are still here so I can talk and visit with them. In a time when people may not know their neighbors, thats not the case in Hooper, especially during Tomato Days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very family, Ashlyn Cox said. I know everybody in Hooper. Ashlyn Cox and her mother, Robyn, were selling Hooper shirts. They were just one of many vendors set up at the park. Its a family friendly event, stated Robyn Cox. We get people from all over that come out so come see your friends. Its just family. Theres a lot to do Utah launches domestic violence dashboard, Rep. Wilcox calls for assessment protocol for perpetrators It is that sense of family that brings one couple to Tomato Days every year. The pair told ABC4 that they went to the parade with friends five years ago and fell in love with the city and its people. By the following year, they had sold their house in Davis County and bought a home in Hooper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food, games, tournaments, dog races and horse pulls are some of the activities that people can expect. We always make a big effort for our whole family to come out for bingo, Kali Walker said. Its maybe not the most exciting but its fun to get together as a family and keep that tradition going. I think everyone should just try it out, Abby Stubbs told ABC4. Come see it if youre needing some wholesome fun and get a tomato on your face, she said with a large glittery tomato painted on her cheek. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE Thunder on the Strip returns this weekend, and is expected to draw thousands to the village. Dwayne Bennett, organizer of the event and mayor of Geneva-on-the-Lake, said he hopes the weather remains similar to last week. Thursdays looking like a little bit of rain, but ... this is the perfect weather for a bike event, he said. They wear their leathers, so they like it a little bit cooler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are more than 100 bands scheduled to play at the event, along with three stunt shows and a mini-bike race, Bennett said. Weve been doing that [the mini-bike race] for four years, he said. Everybody as a kid had a mini-bike, so we get a big crowd for that, that watch it, and a lot of different people that participate. Bennett said he is expecting a big crowd. I think a lot of people are already in town, he said. Seems like a lot of them stay, ... from Labor Day right through to Thunder. The Strip will be restricted to motorcycle parking only on both sides of the street again this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats helped tremendously with safety services, Bennett said. With vehicles and big box trucks and trailers, its hard for them to see to get out. With motorcycles, they can see right over them, any way theyre pulling out. Thats actually helped out a lot. The villages fire and police departments will be fully staffed all weekend, he said. The Founders Parade will take place again this year, ending at the Grand River Manor, after its previous destination closed, Bennett said. There are number of larger vendors participating this year. We have a lot of vendors this year that are big-scale, Bennett said. Where normally, we would have a lot of smaller vendors, were getting a lot more bigger vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the vendors are what people would usually see at larger rallies like Sturgis or Daytona. The weekend after Thunder is Ocean City, Maryland Bike Week, so I think we get a lot of those guys coming through, they stop in to our event, then they go to Ocean City, Maryland, Bennett said. Thunder on the Strip has been around for 19 years, so it is on the map. No different than Daytona or Ocean City or Ohio Bike Week, were right at the top of the list of rallies, Bennett said. Attendees like the event because once they park their bike, everything is in walking distance and the events are scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shuttle services also help attendees get around, or get back to their hotel at the end of the night. Bennett said the shuttle drivers have been doing it for 18 years. They have an absolute blast, he said. They beg to do it every year, because you meet so many different people, and they have so much fun on the shuttle, taking them from one end [of the Strip] to the other, so they all look forward to that. Thunderstorms to bring dangerous ocean conditions to San Diego SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Thunderstorms are forecast to move through the region Tuesday and could create dangerous conditions in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego as they head west, according to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service forecasts scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected hit eastern San Diego County mountains and deserts then push west into coastal areas. Heat Advisory takes effect on Labor Day in inland valleys Scattered showers, along with isolated to scattered thunderstorms, will move into the region this morning. Locally intense rain and gusty winds with any thunderstorm. Chances decrease near the coast late in the day, but continue inland through the evening (PHOTO: National Weather Service) Thunderstorms could bring gusty winds, choppy seas and low visibility, NWS reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NWS issued a Marine Weather Statement on Tuesday from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border and out 10 nautical miles, including San Clemente Island. NWS forecasts scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday afternoon over the coastal and outer waters off San Diego County. Those storms could create dangerous ocean conditions and choppy seas, with gusty winds and the potential for cloud-to-sea lightning. NWS issues Marine Weather Statement (tan) for Pacific Ocean off San Diego for Sept. 2, 2025 (National Weather Service) Boaters are urged to monitor weather conditions closely and to avoid traveling near rain showers and thunderstorms. Where to see changing colors this fall near San Diego Imperial County is also expected to see thunderstorms Tuesday and the rest of the week. The City of El Centro posted on social media to expect periods of heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds and localized flash flooding. Nearby Yuma, Arizona and portions of I-8 are under a severe thunderstorm warning with heavy down pours, over 60 mph wind gusts and blowing dust expected, NWS says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes as much of San Diego County is under a heat advisory through Tuesday evening as the daytime heat and monsoonal moisture contribute to create the potential for thunderstorms. Baja California is also getting hit with monsoons this week, with heavy rain, gusty winds and high surf. The government said flooding from overflowed streams and landslides could also take place in highland areas. A ground stop was issued Tuesday morning at San Diego Intl-Lindbergh Field Airport (SAN) due to lightening detected from thunderstorms. Flights were briefly halted. Video reposted by the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center shows lightening northwest of Borrego Springs Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chances of rain and thunderstorms in the region continue through at least Thursday. Full forecast at fox5sandiego.com/weather Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Mexican TikTok influencer Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay was tragically killed at just 32 years old, along with her husband and two children. During a press conference on Aug. 22, prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan confirmed that four bodies wrapped in plastic were discovered inside an abandoned pickup truck in the San Andres neighborhood of Guadalajara, Mexico. Days later, the victims were identified as Garibay, her 36-year-old husband, and their two children, ages 13 and 7. According to Latin Times, investigators traced the truck back through surveillance footage to a nearby auto repair shop, where they reportedly uncovered bloodstains, shell casings, and other ballistic evidence indicating the family was killed there before their bodies were moved. Authorities suspect the killings were carried out in a cartel-style execution, though no motive has been confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three men who worked at a mechanic shop near where the truck was abandoned were taken into custody but later released due to insufficient evidence. The case remains open and under investigation. Known on TikTok as Esmeralda FG, Garibay launched her account in 2020 and quickly built a community of more than 43,000 followers through her lip-syncs, lifestyle clips, and travel content. Her final post, uploaded on Aug. 7, shows her driving around her ranch. Just days earlier, she shared a lighthearted video of her fluffy white dog running across her lawn. Those posts have now turned into memorials, with fans flooding the comments to express their grief. May God have mercy on her and her family. Something you dont wish on anyone one follower wrote in Spanish. Another added, Rest in peace. All of their lives matter. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media influencer Tatiana Martinez was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while streaming live on TikTok to her thousands of followers. The 24-year-old whose full name is Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was arrested on August 15 in downtown Los Angeles by federal agents who dragged her out of her Tesla. Videos of her arrest have now circulated online, and her attorney argues she was targeted because she used her social media platform to document ICE activity. Video of the incident recorded from across the street appears to show at least three officers dragging Martinez out of her car. The officers held Martinez, who was screaming, by her limbs before putting her face down on the ground. Martinez can be heard shouting wait, wait, I'll get out," in Spanish as she was placed on the ground, according to a translation by NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage also shows an individual, dressed in plain clothes, watching the arrest and speaking to the officers. One officer pushed the individual away after Martinez was dragged from the car. Shortly after placing Martinez on the ground, one officer shouted, Hey, and ran off-screen. Someone had unlawfully towed a government police vehicle during the arrest, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek. Federal agents reach into Tatiana Martinez's car to arrest her while she streamed on TikTok (Twitter) Another video shows a witness yelling for someone to call 911 after Martinez went motionless on the ground, NBC News reports. Martinez reported shortness of breath during the arrest and was taken to a hospital, a DHS official told The Independent. Martinez is now being detained in Calexico, California. Martinez was pulled out of her Tesla by federal agents (Twitter) Chaotic livestream footage shows federal officers waiting outside of the car (Tatiana Martinez) A DHS official said that Martinez, who is from Colombia, was detained following a DUI conviction in Los Angeles. Her attorney, Carlos Jurado, confirmed she was convicted in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS official added that Martinez entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was released by the Biden administration. However, Jurado told The Independent that Martinez "legally presented herself at the border. Martinez was given a work permit after she was processed at the border and granted parole to enter the country, he said. "When the DHS comes out and says that she's an illegal immigrant she's just not. That's just factually incorrect," Jurado said. Jurado said Martinez was targeted because she had documented ICE activity online for more than 40,000 followers. Officers made comments about her social media after she was released from the hospital, according to Jurado. Martinez's lawyer says she was targeted because she documented ICE activity online (Department of Homeland Security) "One of the biggest points that was being made to her aggressively by officers was, 'Did you think that you were going to get away with recording our activities and there wouldn't be a consequence?' That was said to her many times by many different people while she was being held in Los Angeles," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurado previously told ABC 7 that officers didn't mention the DUI during the arrest. He also noted that Martinez initially didn't exit her car because officers didn't present a warrant. Martinez still has bruises on her arms from the arrest, Jurado said after visiting her in Calexico. She has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine while speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Source: Ukrinform, citing Guterres's address to SCO leaders Quote from Guterres: "In Ukraine, it is past time for a ceasefire leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter, international law, and UN resolutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Guterres also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and unrestricted humanitarian access for the Palestinian population. "From Sudan to Myanmar, the Sahel, Afghanistan and beyond we must protect civilians, promote dialogue and secure peace," he added, noting that the SCO is "uniquely positioned to help shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future". The summit of SCO member states took place in the city of Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September. It was attended by Guterres and the leaders of China, India, Turkiye, Armenia, Pakistan, Russia and other countries. Background: At the SCO Heads of State Council meeting, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin reiterated his usual lies about the war against Ukraine and expressed "hope" for peace. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the final document of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Tianjin contained no mention of Russia's war against Ukraine, which they see as evidence of the failure of Moscow's diplomatic efforts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Police officers across Iowa are working with local Texas Roadhouse restaurants to raise funds for Special Olympics. On September 11 from 4 8 p.m., officers will help serve guests and collect donations at the Davenport Texas Roadhouse. In addition, the location will donate 10% of that days sales. Iowa Texas Roadhouse locations raised over $28,000 in 2024. Other participating locations include Coralville, Sioux City, Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Urbandale, Dubuque, West Des Moines and Altoona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Indiana is one of the few states that allows the public to search its civil and criminal court records for free. MyCase is an online database of records from civil and criminal cases within the Indiana court system. A wide breadth of cases can be found, from speeding tickets and felony convictions to contract disputes and evictions. Where can I find Indiana court records? The public can access state court records by visiting mycase.in.gov or public.courts.in.gov. Both links go to the same state-run website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accessing records only requires a searcher to know what they are seeking. The records are available for free and accessible without creating an account or entering any personal information. What can I find on MyCase? Every county in the state uploads information to the case management system from which MyCase pulls its records. Each case will include basic information, including the involved parties, case number, type of case, dates, status and a docket of updates. If a case is criminal, it will include some details about the charges. Private addresses, emails, phone numbers and birthdays are not permitted to appear online per Indiana court record rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some nonconfidential documents are available to access. Those documents are denoted by an icon of a piece of paper next to the entry in the chronological case summary. To access the document, click the icon or the hyperlink of the action associated with the document. Some public court documents include: Orders in many civil case types Non-confidential documents in miscellaneous criminal cases Final orders and judgments in criminal cases Orders and other non-confidential documents from pending or denied expungement cases Opinions and orders in appellate cases Attorneys' briefs, petitions and motions in non-confidential appellate cases A case may not appear if it is confidential, restricted or expunged. How to search? A searcher can find cases by entering the name of a person, business or attorney. A persons birth date can also be entered, but it might filter out relevant cases since this data is not typically included in online case documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can specify their search by using the advanced option, including case status and a file date range. One or more courts can be chosen to refine the results as well. People can also search the database by entering a case, citation or cross-reference number. That number could change, though, if a case is moved to a different court. For additional case information, contact the clerks and courts where the case is being handled. What if I'm not sure what I'm looking for? If youre having trouble spelling a name right, enabling the sounds-like search will surface cases with other spellings to the one entered. A searcher can also add an asterisk to the end of a search field if they are unsure of the end of a name or case number. For example, if you know a person's first name starts with a "J" and has the last name "Doe," you can enter "J*" for the first name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A partial case number can generate broader results. A case number will start with a court-identifying number followed by the last two digits of the year, the month and the case type. Each of those fields is separated by a dash. For example, the case number "49D17-2506-CM*" will generate a search of Marion Superior Court 17's filed criminal misdemeanor cases from June 2025. How often are cases updated? When a local court uploads updates and documents to its internal system, MyCase automatically updates as well. Some older records may not be on MyCase because the individual courts have to add and update information. Some courts only display cases since they started using this system, while others are adding those that predate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out the "Go Live Date" on the state's roster of participating courts for an estimate of how far back these records date. Can I pay fees online? Certain cases allow people to make online payments if the "make a payment" button appears. This can be done with traffic tickets in some courts and criminal fees in Lake County Circuit and Superior courts. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tips and tricks for searching MyCase, Indiana's legal records database "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Sheinelle Jones last appeared on Today back in January, saying she had to take time off for "family health matters." In May, her co-workers shared that Sheinelle's husband, Uche Ojeh, died after battling brain cancer. Sheinelle and her husband were college sweethearts and shared three children together. Its been nearly nine months since Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, 47, last appeared on the morning show. In January, she announced she was taking time off for a "family health matter," and in May, her co-hosts made the devastating announcement that Sheinelle's husband of 17 years, Uche Ojeh, died after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. He was just 45. Now, Today just announced that Sheinelle will be coming back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinelle will share a deeply personal interview with Savannah Guthrie on Friday, September 5, opening up about how she and her children are coping in the wake of Uches death, as well as her message of hope for others, according to Today. Its not clear if Sheinelle will be back to work after that, or if she will take more time to be with her family. Savannah shared the news on Today this morning. She and her family have been through so much after the devastating loss of her husband, Uche, she said. Savannah also noted that she and Sheinelle shared a really personal conversation, talking about how she has carried on and found the strength these past few months. Sheinelle calls her experience a beautiful nightmare, according to Savannah. Savannah suggested that Sheinelle will return to her co-hosting duties soon, saying, we cannot wait to welcome Sheinelle home, right where she belongs, right here in our studio. Sheinelle has largely been quiet on social media over the past few months, although she did post this message on Instagram to fans in late May alongside a tribute her co-hosts shared on Today: Thank you, for all of your love and support. . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinelle's Today co-hosts shared the news of Uches death during a May 23 broadcast. With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and Today co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, Savannah said. There are no words for the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children, she continued. Uche was an incredible person. We all loved him. And so we want to take a moment to tell you more about the remarkable man who was Sheinelles perfect partner in life. The show then played a montage of Uches life, along with Sheinelles love story with her husband. Friends, co-workers, and strangers quickly filled the comments section with their love and condolences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what Sheinelle has revealed about her experience thus far, plus what's next for her. What happened to Sheinelle Jones? Sheinelle was quietly absent from Today before sharing on January 15 that she was navigating a family health matter. "I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while Ive been absent from the show. I want to share with you that Im taking time to deal with a family health matter," she said in an Instagram post. Its not lost on me how lucky I am to have not on the support of my Today show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. Ill see you soon. The comments of Sheinelles post were flooded with messages of support from friends and Today colleagues. "So much love to you," actress Selma Blair wrote. "You are a queen and are LOVED beyond measure! Wrapping our arms around you, always " fellow Today host Jenna Bush Hager added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that day's Today broadcast, co-anchors Savannah and Craig Melvin shouted out their colleague. "We know so many of you have been asking about Sheinelle and missing her," Savannah said. "We miss her too." "Sheinelle, we all love you and are so looking forward to having you back," Craig added. Savannah noted that fans would see Sheinelle back "soon." Sheinelle didn't post again on social media until her co-workers announced her husband's death. What is glioblastoma? Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). The organization refers to this form of brain cancer as devastating, noting that it can lead to death in six months or less if it goes untreated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of this type of brain cancer include persistent headaches, double or blurred vision, vomiting, changes in mood and personality, trouble with thinking and learning, seizures, and increasing trouble with speech, per the AANS. How long have Uche and Sheinelle been together? Sheinelle was married to business consultant Uche Ojeh for 17 years before his death. The two fell in love in college at Northwestern University in the late 1990s. They met when Sheinelle was still a freshman. She offered to show Uche, then just a high school senior, around campus, the video voiceover said during the Today segment. Eight years later, Uche proposed back on campus "in the middle of a rainstorm," the video says. They married in Philadelphia in 2007. Before the film played on the segment, Savannah called him Sheinelle's "perfect partner in life." She and Uche have three children. The couple share 14-year-old Kayin and 12-year-old twins, Clara and Uche. Kayin was born in August of 2009, and the twins were born in July of 2012, per Today. Uche was an incredibly devoted father to all three of his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinelle was originally set to release a book about parenting, called Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans, in April 2025. But that release date has been pushed back to April 2026, according to Amazon. Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans $26.00 at amazon.com Sending lots of love and support to you during this difficult time, Sheinelle! You Might Also Like This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a time to take action against a disease that affects more than 10 million Americans and is the largest cause of nontraumatic amputations in the United States. That's why the PAD Pulse Alliance, a coalition of leading medical societies dedicated to improving vascular health, is urging patients, providers, and policymakers to act through its Get a Pulse on PAD Campaign. PAD is a serious cardiovascular disease caused by blockages in the arteries of the legs. These blockages restrict blood flow, which can lead to cramping, pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, the loss of a limb. PAD is also a warning sign of an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. While treatable, PAD often goes undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages. "The Get A Pulse on PAD campaign is all about prevention, compassion, and ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, has the chance to keep moving forward in life. PAD too often goes unnoticed until it reaches a critical stage. Many patients only learn they have PAD when pain prevents them from walking, when wounds no longer heal, or when they are facing the life-altering reality of amputation. We can change this story," said Srihari S. Naidu, MD, MSCAI, President of SCAI, a founding member of the PAD Pulse Alliance. "By raising awareness, educating the public, equipping clinicians with the best tools, and supporting legislative action, we can identify PAD earlier, treat it more effectively, and improve outcomes." Nearly 70% of those living with PAD do not know they have it, according to a survey by the PAD Pulse Alliance. Among Black and Hispanic adults, 8 in 10 report never having a health care provider discuss PAD with them, despite being disproportionately affected. The PAD Pulse Alliance is encouraging legislative action. "Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most devastating but overlooked threats to cardiovascular health, particularly in Black and Brown communities where rates of amputation remain alarmingly high. Too many lives are disrupted because PAD is not detected early enough, despite the fact that it is treatable and preventable," said Foluso Fakorede, MD, CEO of Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) PAD Initiative. "At ABC, our mission is to ensure that no patient is left behind due to systemic neglect or lack of awareness. By advancing screening, education, and equitable access to care, we can stop the cycle of unnecessary amputations and save both lives and limbs." What's in the PAD patient toolkit Understanding PAD: An easy-to-understand overview of risk factors and warning signs A symptom checklist: Help recognize the signs of potential PAD to discuss with your doctor Questions to ask your doctor: To guide conversations about diagnosis, testing, and treatment options Testing explained: Step-by-step look at how a simple test, the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can help identify PAD early Lifestyle steps to protect your arteries: Including smoking cessation, healthy eating, diabetes control, and exercise "Peripheral Artery Disease is one of the most underrecognized yet devastating cardiovascular conditions in the U.S., too often diagnosed only after it has advanced and placed patients at risk for amputation, heart attack, or stroke. "The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to participate in the PAD Pulse Alliance to raise awareness, expand early screening and referral for at-risk populations, and advocate for equitable care. By identifying PAD earlier, addressing risk factors, and connecting patients to life- and limb-saving treatments, we can prevent amputations and improve the lives of millions," said Keith Calligaro, MD, DFSVS, President of the Society for Vascular Surgery. Top 5 things to know about PAD PAD is common. More than 10 million Americans are affected. PAD is underdiagnosed. Nearly 70% of people with PAD do not know they have it. Symptoms are often overlooked. Leg pain, cramping while walking, and slow-healing wounds may be dismissed as aging but can signal PAD. PAD can be detected with a simple test. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a quick, painless screening that compares blood pressure in the arm and ankle. PAD is treatable. Lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and prevent amputation if caught early. Gov. Ron DeSantis made a stop in Central Florida on Tuesday. DeSantis held a news conference on Fighting Fentanyl at the FDLE Orlando Regional Operations Center on West Robinson Street. The governor was also joined by Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. Watch the full news conference here: Channel 9 had a news crew at the event and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. China displays its military strength in a parade on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII BEIJING (AP) Chinese leader Xi Jinping said humanity must choose between peace and war and dialogue and confrontation in a speech Wednesday before a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Xi started a brief address by remembering the victims of the war and called for eradication of the roots of war to prevent history from repeating itself. But his main message was forward looking: Today, China is strong, fears no one and is ready to take a leading role in the world. The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong, he said. The U.S. Air Forces top officer in the Pacific says a key takeaway from Chinas huge military parade tomorrow will be that we are not deterred. Several new Chinese air combat drones and air and missile defense systems, as well as a host of other advanced capabilities, will be showcased at the event in Beijing, as TWZ has been reporting on already. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, head of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), offered his own strategic signaling on the forthcoming Chinese parade during a virtual talk hosted today by the Air & Space Forces Associations Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Schneider was responding to a direct question from Aviation Weeks Steve Trimble, who specifically highlighted the new air combat drones, as well as the HQ-29 high-end anti-ballistic missile system, that are among the Chinese systems set to make their official public debut tomorrow. Drones and other materiel seen at a base outside of Beijing during preparations for tomorrows parade in Beijing. Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies Wood, Stephen Nations like China, and North Korea, and Russia, and others do these kind of events. Theres certainly a big focus on messaging, Schneider said. You know, messaging is certainly a factor there, but I think the takeaway for this is we are not deterred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to stay ahead of the challenges. We will continue to find ways to advance our capabilities and to deal with potential adversary systems as they are developed and fielded, he continued. I maintain a high degree of optimism that we have been successful in doing that, and we will continue to be successful in finding ways to mitigate threats by others as they are developed, and advancing our own capabilities, to be able to break down doors, to get into anti-access area/denial areas, and to be able to operate in weapons engagement zones, something that we have done as a nation since day one. Earlier in the talk, Schneider had also offered a basic rubric for understanding deterrence, which he said was imparted to him by a former head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). He described deterrence as a bit of a mathematical equation. It was capability times willingness times messaging. And his point was, if any of those factors are zero, then deterrence is zero. It wasnt an addition problem. It was a multiplication problem. Within that, capability is the outsized factor in deterrence, he added. So, finding ways that we can continue to improve our positions, our capabilities, and to be able to adapt ahead of what a potential adversary is doing, is by far the most important of those factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneider specifically name-checked the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and the F-47 sixth-generation fighter as examples of how the Air Force is advancing its capabilities. New Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones are another centerpiece of the Air Forces future plans, including in partnership with future crewed aircraft like the F-47 and B-21. A graphic the US Air Force put out in May with details about the F-47 and the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A drones now under development as part of the CCA program, as well as other existing crewed combat jets. USAF The first pre-production B-21 Raider in flight. USAF By and large, its China that occupies the main focus of our attention, including the growing size and capability of the Peoples Liberation Army [PLA], Schneider acknowledged. He also highlighted the aggressive behaviors that go along with that, and that plays out in the West Philippine Sea, against the Philippines, on an almost daily basis, as well as in and around Taiwan, with the multi-domain pressure activities that take place with regularity. The remarks from the current PACAF commander are in line with other comments in recent years from senior Air Force officers about the capabilities of PLA, especially its growing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters. Its [the J-20] not anything to lose a lot of sleep over, Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, then head of PACAF, told members of the media, including TWZ, on the sidelines of the Air & Space Force Associations Air, Space & Cyber Conference back in 2022. Certainly, were watching them closely and seeing how they felt and how they operate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, Im like Gen. Wilsbach, now-retired Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, then Air Force Chief of Staff, had said while speaking separately at the same event. [The J-20 is] not something to lose a lot of sleep over, but Im gonna pay attention to it. I dont think that its a dominating aircraft at this point, compared to what we have [in terms of stealthy F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightnings], Wilsbach said at the 2023 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Theyve done some good copying pretty much most of the technology from that airplane [the J-20] was stolen from the U.S. A row of J-20s. PLAAF Wilsbach was most recently head of Air Combat Command (ACC) and had been expected to retire soon, but is now reportedly among the contenders to succeed Gen. David Allvin as Air Force Chief of Staff. All this being said, China has been pushing ahead with its own slew of new and advanced airpower developments in recent years. This is underscored by the air combat drones, or mockups thereof, that will be officially shown for the first time at the parade tomorrow. No. 2 or Type B: also not yet seen uncovered pic.twitter.com/EvzTIyCuPW @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 2, 2025 And finally another "big" one that would be no. 6 or Type F: also not yet seen uncovered Any corrections appreciated! pic.twitter.com/9IK9g1sBOU @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the new Chinese air combat drones, seen in the picture below, notably reflect the same kind of dichotomy, broadly speaking, in terms of configuration and performance, that has been seen in the pair of designs currently being developed for the U.S. Air Force CCA program. Chinese internet A composite rendering of the YFQ-42A, at bottom, and YFQ-44A, at top, that are currently being developed under the US Air Forces CCA program. USAF The GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), or further iterations of that design, including ones intended for naval operations from carriers and big deck amphibious ships, will also be on display at the event. The GJ-11 represents a capability set that the Chinese are investing in heavily, but that the U.S. military continues to eschew completely, at least publicly. This is despite the United States being a leader in that arena for decades, as you can read more about in this seminal TWZ feature. Two mock-ups of the naval GJ-11J or allegedly GJ-21 with numbers 21 & 22. pic.twitter.com/aR9SkjdbbV @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 2, 2025 All of this reflects Chinas ever-more prominent position in the uncrewed aviation space. This was further punctuated this year by the emergence of what appears to be a very large, high-altitude, long-endurance, stealthy flying wing-type drone, which TWZ was first to report on and that may now be flying. The very large flying wing design seen at Chinas secretive test base near Malan in Xinjiang province in a satellite image taken on May 14, 2025. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crewed military aviation developments have also continued apace in China. This includes the J-36 and J-XDS (also referred to as the J-50) next-generation crew combat jets that broke cover last December, followed shortly thereafter by a new jet-powered airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the Y-20 airlifter. Just last month, another new Chinese stealth tactical jet design, which may or may not be piloted, emerged. A two-seat variant of the J-20, which would be well suited to the airborne drone controller role, and the J-35, a next-generation carrier-based fighter, also look poised to enter service. The J-36, at left, and the J-XDS (also referred to as the J-50, at right. Chinese internet As noted earlier, the parade in Beijing tomorrow will serve as a spotlight for a host of other advanced PLA capabilities, including new ballistic and cruise missiles, air and missile defense systems, armored vehicles, and uncrewed maritime platforms. Many of these systems factor directly into the Chinese anti-access and aerial denial bubbles that Schneider mentioned as being among the challenges the Air Force will need to stay ahead of in order to succeed in any future high-end fight in the Pacific. This is also part of the expanding and evolving threat ecosystem facing U.S. airbases and other facilities across the region. I think theres a couple of takeaways for us and things that we continue to take a look at [when it comes to base defense and resilience], Schneider also said during todays talk. One is detection and sensing, our ability to recognize that our attacks are inbound, or even before theyre inbound, how an enemy or a potential enemy is starting to posture their forces. So indication and warning, and those capabilities that give us indication and warnings. Then there is our ability to flush, our ability to get aircraft into the air quickly, to put fuel in aircraft, to put munitions on aircraft, he continued. As an outcome of that, [there is] our ability to repair runways, and what it is that we need for rapid airfield damage repair capability, whether its pre-staging equipment or new and innovative ways of putting fixes and taking holes and turning them into usable surfaces again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PACAF commander also highlighted the ability to rapidly deploy forces, something the Air Force is focused heavily on as part of its Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts of operations, as well as active air and missile defenses provided by other services. Only a brief mention was given to talk of more physical hardening of facilities against attacks, which remains a source of very heated debate within the Air Force and the rest of the U.S. military, as you can read more about here. Altogether, Schneiders comments today are certainly meant to underscore confidence, at least publicly, that the U.S. Air Force and the rest of the U.S. military remain ahead of the PLA on the capability curve. At the same time, despite the continued downplaying by American officials, there are clear signs of growing concern about more and more advanced Chinese military developments. Contact the author: joe@twz.com (NewsNation) The number of tourists coming to Las Vegas dropped for the seventh straight month in July. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Sin City saw a 12% decline in visitors in July of 2025 compared to a year ago, hosting nearly 3.1 million people. Convention attendance has also been up and down, decreasing 10% in June but up 10% in July. Travel hacks you need to know for your next flight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall downturn has caused alarm for Las Vegas because the citys economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism. Bruce Rosenberg, global president of HotelPlanner, told NewsNation that with the costs of drinks averaging $20 to $25 and the high cost of hotel resort fees, Vegas has gotten too expensive. These costs have often led visitors to check into resorts in small rural towns near Vegas. With the high costs, some resorts have been leaning heavily into promotions. Resorts World has waived resort fees and paid parking through Sept. 10, and Sahara Las Vegas has many perks, like free late checkout, free parking and upgrades on select stays, according to The Points Guy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A tourist exploring the waters of a Scottish island found something unexpected: a unique jellyfish nobody had seen in almost 50 years. According to reports from The Independent and The Guardian, Depastrum cyathiforme, a jellyfish that resembles a thistle flower, was last spotted in France in 1976. That is, the report explained, until tourist Neil Roberts came across four in South Uist of the Outer Hebrides. After comparing them to drawings he found online, Roberts was doubtful he had found such a rare creature. But experts who conducted a follow-up search confirmed that he had seen the jellyfish. Though they were once more common, the jellyfish disappeared decades ago, leaving experts wondering if they had gone extinct, The Guardian reported. After confirming their presence, scientists were optimistic that there could be a stable population nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Neil first shared the photos it was like seeing a ghost," Guy Freeman, the editor of British Wildlife magazine, said. " This thing that had only ever existed in old drawings was suddenly there." The newspaper explained that there are about 50 species of stalked jellyfish, with 10 common to Britain and Ireland. "Species become lost quite often because they're threatened by impacts caused by humans. So, for example, climate change, pollution, habitat clearance," scientist Thomas Evans explained to NPR. When species disappear, it can affect ecosystems and food webs, which can cause problems with biodiversity that can harm the human food supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, many jellyfish species provide numerous benefits to oceans. The Marine Conservation Society emphasized that jellyfish can provide shelter for small fish, act as a food source, transport nutrients, and eliminate pests that can affect fish populations. These attributes promote biodiversity, making it easier for people to do everything from fish for food to marvel at nature. Other species once thought lost have been found as well, including the New Britain goshawk, a rare frog, and De Winton's golden mole. In response to the rediscovery of this long-lost jellyfish, readers and experts had a lot to say. In a comment on The Independent's Facebook post about the development, one person shared a positive sentiment: "Nature is coming home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In British Wildlife, Freeman wrote, "Having now reacquainted ourselves with the D. cyathiforme, we should take the opportunity to ensure that this jellyfish isn't left to slip back into obscurity once more." 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. ANKENY, Iowa A 2-alarm fire at a townhome complex in Ankeny has left several units damaged and several families displaced. The Ankeny Fire Department was dispatched on reports of a structure fire at a townhome complex located in the 1400 block of SW Twin Gates Drive, on Ankenys southwest side. While enroute to the scene, fire crews noticed a huge plume of smoke and upgraded the call to a 2-alarm fire, bringing in additional assistance for surrounding fire departments. Ankeny fire crews arrived on scene and found a well-involved townhome fire, which was attached to five other townhomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upcoming jury trial for embattled Madison County Treasurer postponed Fire crews began immediate efforts to extinguish the flames and began an aggressive search of the residence for any occupants or pets. While doing so, two firefighters received minor burns to their wrists and were transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where they were treated and released. During the extinguishments, crews had to be split into several groups to extinguish the fire and search for occupants in the adjacent townhomes. The fire department says four of the six townhomes were damaged, in varying degrees, during the extinguishment and overhaul stages. The Ankeny Fire Departments says that due to the extent of the damage to the complex, Polk County Emergency Management was contacted to coordinate assistance for the occupants with the American Red Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Ankeny Fire Department thanks all the agencies involved, Ankeny Police Department, Altoona Fire Department, Bondurant Fire Department, Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District, Mid-American Energy, Polk County Sherriffs Office Communications Center, Saylor Township Fire Department, Urbandale Fire Department, and West Des Moines Fire Department. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Trader Joes has issued a major warning to customers about its frozen pepperoni pizza product. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for the frozen, not-ready-to-eat uncured pepperoni pizza imported from Italy after the product did not receive the benefit of import re-inspection, a protocol when goods are transported from Europe to the U.S. However, a recall was not requested because the product is no longer being sold in stores, according to the FSIS alert. The pizza was only sold at Trader Joes stores in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The product subject to the health alert is 17.63-oz. cardboard box packages with TRADER JOES UNCURED PEPPERONI PIZZA PRODUCT OF ITALY on the bottom of the packaging. The bottom of the packing would also say MFG LOT: 06/16/25 BEST BY: 08/16/26 or MFG LOT: 06/21/25 BEST BY 08/21/26 Pizza boxes also have the Italy establishment number, IT 1558 L UE, printed inside the package. USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service says the identified frozen pizza product was sold at Trader Joes stores in California (Getty Images) According to the USDA, once an incoming shipment has met the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service requirements, the shipment must be reinspected by FSIS at an approved import inspection facility. However, the Trader Joes frozen pizza product never went through re-inspection, which is when goods are stamped with the USDA mark of inspection and are allowed to enter U.S. commerce for distribution and use as if they were produced domestically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trader Joes offered an explanation to Newsweek, saying: Due to a paperwork error, a shipment of Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, imported from Italy was not presented for import re-inspection into the United States prior to delivery to these Trader Joe's stores in Southern California. There have been no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. All potentially affected product has been removed from sale. Trader Joe's issues warning on frozen pepperoni pizza after it missed a routine re-inspection (U.S. Department of Agriculture) The Independent has contacted a representative for Trader Joes for comment. This isnt the first time that a Trader Joes product has raised safety concerns. In February, the company announced a recall of its Trader Joe's Organic Acai Bowls, since the bowls may have contained plastic. Last year, the company also recalled more than 650,000 of its mango-tangerine-scented candles. In that instance, Trader Joe's said there was a chance that the flame on the candle's wick could spread to the wax and produce a larger-than-expected flame. This meant that the candle could result in a larger flame, posing a fire hazard. When youre in a pinch, cooking a frozen pizza is a great way to have dinner on the table in 15 minutes. If you shop for pizza at Trader Joe's, however, check the packaging before sharing it with the family. On August 29, the USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza. The frozen pizza, imported from Italy, skipped a step in the import inspection process. It passed U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements but was never reinspected by FSIS. In the inspection process, the FSIS performs a quality and safety check. From the growing radioactive shrimp recalls, we've learned its best to take necessary precautions with imported food. Simply Recipes / Trader Joe's This frozen pizza is no longer available for purchase at Trader Joe's, but the FSIS is concerned it may still be in shoppers' freezers. Heres how to tell if your food is part of the recall: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Product: Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy MFG Lot: 06/16/25 and 06/21/25 Best By Date: 08/16/26 and 08/21/26 Italy Establishment Number: IT 1558 L UE (found inside the Italian mark of inspection on the front of the package) Trader Joe's shared a list of 67 stores that sold this pizza, all in California. If you purchased Trader Joe's Uncured Pepperoni Pizza this summer and still have a box in your freezer, check the labels. The FSIS recommends either throwing the product away or returning it to Trader Joe's. Do not eat it. Trader Joe's has not said whether it will offer refunds for the product. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Trader Joes Customer Relations at 626-599-3817. Read the original article on Simply Recipes 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: Stricken with cancer in infancy, Jessica Lopez endured tumor-fighting treatments that saved her young life but also left her with lasting heart damage. By the time she reached her early 30s, Lopez, who was left blind by her cancer, also found herself in triple-organ failureher heart, liver and kidneys were shutting down. A rare triple-organ transplant was deemed her only hope for survival. Recently engaged to fiance Christian, the Chicago native's prospects looked bleak until a team of specialists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital embarked on the risky procedure. Up until then, triple-organ transplants had only been performed 59 times in the United States, researchers said in background notes. However, "from the day I met her in clinic, I knew we were going to pull out all the stops to do what we needed to do to get her feeling better," Dr. Benjamin Bryner, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in Chicago, said in a hospital news release. "She has an attitude that's really positive, she's endearing, and has a great sense of humor," he explained. "Just walking out of the clinic room, I thought, 'this is going to be tricky, but we absolutely have to do this." " Lopez, 32, said she's always been a "very positive" person. "I don't like to ever think negatively," she said. "I was confident from the very beginning that my doctors at Northwestern Medicine were going to do this successfully." Lopez's challenges began early: As an infant she battled leukemia and an eye cancer called retinoblastoma, which left her blind. Aggressive treatments allowed Lopez to beat her cancers. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, adult survivors of childhood cancers face a 10-fold higher risk for heart disease and a 15-fold higher odds for heart failure, due to the toxic toll of cancer treatment on the heart. In Lopez's case, "the treatment she needed to become a cancer survivor likely led to her developing heart failure," said Dr. Jonathan Rich, a heart failure and heart transplantation cardiologist at Bluhm. "It feels really unfair. Unfortunately, we do see this and, in her case, I think that's exactly what happened." By November of 2023, bride-to-be Lopez discovered that she was in advanced cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease that impairs the heart's muscle, with downstream effects for other organs. Doctors told her she was already experiencing heart and liver failure. She was immediately put on the wait list for those organs. Over the following year, her kidney function also declined, putting her into kidney failure as well. Triple-organ transplants are challenging because all three organs must come from the same donor, potentially upping wait times. Risks to recipients also rise as the number of organs needed increases. "When you have multiple failing organs, along with a patient who is young and has heart damage due to chemotherapy as opposed to the usual heart disease, it gets a lot more complicated," Bryner explained. "It's unusual to find a recipient who can safely get through this complex of an operation." However, on Feb. 24, three organs suddenly became available. Lopez was sent to surgery to first transplant the heart and kidneys, with a separate procedure for the kidneys scheduled later. "We transplanted the heart and liver in one block to limit the amount of time the organs go without blood or oxygen," said transplant surgeon Dr. Juan Carlos Caicedo-Ramirez, who directs Northwestern's Liver Transplant Program. "The heart and the liver stay connected the whole time from the donor to the recipient." He noted that "while Dr. Bryner was doing the heart transplant, we were sewing the liver graft. You have two surgeons working simultaneously and that's one of the advantages of our team." A successful kidney transplant procedure followed. It's been a long journey back to health for Lopez, who has been cancer-free for 20 years and appears to be thriving with her new set of organs. "I feel like I was reborn again," she said. "I have more energy, my heart beats much stronger and my hands are even warmer. I'm incredibly grateful for my organ donor and their family. Because of their selfless decision, I've been given a second chance at life and can start planning for my future." Although she lost her sight in infancy, Lopez has learned to navigate her world with ease. "If I have to go somewhere, I use landmarks when traveling on my own," she explained in the news release. "My phone has accessibility to access rideshare and social media apps. When cooking for myself, I use my hands to locate items on the stove. I cook things like rice, seafood and spaghetti. It's just about setting my mind to it." She's already got her post-surgery goals in place, planning to study forensics at Loyola University Chicago with the aim of becoming a crime scene investigator. Romance is blooming, too: Jessica and Christian are planning a California wedding for 2026. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Key Points Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza faces FSIS alert for skipped import reinspection. Affected pizzas have best-by dates in August 2026 and establishment number IT 1558 L UE. Check your freezer for these pizzas sold in California and return or discard them. Theres a public health alert on a popular Trader Joes find, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection (FSIS). This is due to lack of proper inspection. The 17.63-ounce packages of Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza affected were imported from Italy and did not receive import reinspection, causing this alert. They either contain a lot code of 06/16/25 and the best-by date 08/16/26 or a lot code of 06/21/25 with best-by date 08/21/26. The cardboard packaging also bears establishment number IT 1558 L UE printed inside the Italian mark of inspection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These frozen pizzas were sold at Trader Joes locations in California. While not labeled as a recall since the product is no longer available for purchase, the FSIS has issued an alert on these products, and consumers are urged to check their freezer and dispose of or return the impacted frozen pizza. For questions about this alert, contact Trader Joes Customer Relations at 626-599-3817. Contact a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any signs of illness after eating the Trader Joes pizza. Read the original article on EatingWell This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. UPDATE- September 1, 2025, 8:45 p.m.: Forward progress has been stopped on the Long Hollow fire at approximately 21.7 acres. Utah Fire Info continues to ask people to avoid the area. UPDATE- September 1, 2025, 7:50 p.m.: Westbound lanes have been reopened between Price and Spanish Fork, according to UDOT. Original Story: UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A fire is affecting the roadway on US-6, causing significant delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), a fire broke out near the US-6 and US-89 Junction in Utah County, prompting road closures. Utah Highway Patrol and UDOT say they have closed US-6 in both directions. Eastbound lanes are closed at MP 190 at the US-89 junction and westbound lanes are closed at Price. They are calling this fire the Longhollow fire. Courtesy: McKenzie Diaz//KTVX Courtesy: McKenzie Diaz//KTVX Notably, Utah Fire Info is currently calling it the Long Hollow fire and are estimating it is 20 acres currently. They also say the fire started on private land. In addition to the fire, many travelers are currently using US-6 as they travel for Labor Day activities, which may contribute to the delays. UDOT says travelers should, expect heavy delays in the area and use alternate route, including US-89 and US-191. They have not yet confirmed when the roadway will reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lieutenant Clay Morgan, with the Utah Highway Patrol, says, This is the worst possible weekend for us in this canyon. We have a lot of people to travel and its slow anyway on Labor Day weekend. When we have to shut it down for even a few minutes, it just backs up for miles and miles Eric Jacobsen, a truck driver, said the delays impacted him greatly. He said, Its going to cost me 5 hours maybe depending on what time they let us out so that ends up snowballing into my unload time at the other end. Jacobsen was driving a truck full of hazardous materials. While he says the delays impacted him, he also says, Its inconvenient, but its necessary not only to keep us safe but to keep all these other vehicles safe. If my truck catches on fire, this road is shut down for weeks. Because of [a] hazardous spill, they have to dig up the pavement and ground. While forward progress on the fire has been stopped, roadways have not fully reopened. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Pamela Novak, manager of the Ashland and Hanover Visitor Center, uses her binoculars to determine if a train is coming to the Ashland Amtrak station. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Pamela Novaks binoculars helped her and the volunteers at the Ashland and Hanover Visitor Center zoom in on answers to travelers questions, such as when the next train would arrive in front of the centers doors. With new Amtrak updates at the Ashland and Richmond stations now prominently displaying the information passengers need, she has happily retired the binoculars. Novak said after the pandemic, passenger queries increased, as did ridership. Even before the global health crisis, passengers were often unable to determine a trains arrival time or which side of the tracks to board, creating chaos and prompting volunteers to step onto the tracks to help look for lights or signs of the next locomotive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre coming into my visitor center for help, and Im not going to turn them away, said Novak, the centers manager. I need to help them and thats part of what we do. After years of coordination and effort, the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) has debuted, designed to inform passengers using the Ashland and Richmond Main Street stations neither of which has in-person staff about upcoming trains through displays and a speaker system. As part of the system, Amtrak will notify passengers of updates from its PIDS Operations Center between the two stations at Richmond Staples Mill. The Passenger Information Display System at Richmond Main Street Station. (Photo courtesy of The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority) PIDS provides customers with real-time information on train arrivals and departures, as well as track assignments, in both audible and visual formats, Amtrak said in March when it announced the upgrades at the Main Street Station. The system can also announce essential update information during service disruptions and includes an adaptive sound system that adjusts to different environmental noise levels. As of March 28, Virginia stations equipped with PIDS include Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Williamsburg, and the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond. Amtrak Virginia trains offer direct service to the Main Street Station to and from Newport News, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far north as Boston, according to the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amtrak is committed to providing timely and accurate customer communications across all channels in stations, on board trains, via our mobile apps and our various web-based platforms, said David Handera, Amtrak vice president of accessibility and Stations & facilities Chief Administrative Officer, in a March statement. Thanks to VPRA, the City of Richmond and our dedicated, multi-departmental team for this modern and accessible system that will enhance the travel experience. Improving public safety, ridership experience The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, which manages the commonwealths state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service, has worked with the transit provider on the upgrades to enhance public safety and improve the ridership experience. If people have proper information, that is going to reduce the possibility that someone could have a safety incident on the tracks, said Mike McLaughlin, VPRAs chief operating officer. At the Ashland station, McLaughlin said passengers are unable to cross to the other side of the track once a train has arrived, which is why information about where the train will arrive is essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comparison, at the Fredericksburg train stop, travelers can use an underpass to walk underneath the tracks. However, it can still be challenging for those who need more time to board. Ensuring passengers have up-to-date information was another priority, McLaughlin said. We live in the 21st century, where people come to appreciate that and people come to expect that, and the customer needs that information, McLaughlin said. Knowing their trains arrival time can also help passengers manage their time better and determine if they have enough spare time to grab a snack or pop into a nearby shop, which is a potential revenue booster for local businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it does go hand in hand that the more information that people have, the more they can make the best use of their time, McLaughlin said. If the best use of your time is (visiting) a business across the street, whether it be a coffee shop or something of that nature, thats a win-win for everyone. More riders get on board VPRA and its partners efforts to boost interest in trains statewide have led to an increase in ridership across all rail corridors in Virginia, including Ashland and Richmond in the central region of the state. In July, Amtrak Virginia reached a milestone, welcoming 131,743 passengers, marking the highest ridership for that month and the second-highest overall since the state-supported service began in 2009. The record for the highest monthly ridership remains 136,433, set in December 2024. The increase in ridership has benefitted the tourism industry, including businesses and local amenities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The upgrades) represent a huge leap forward technology and safety-wise based on what we were dealing with, which was nothing except the best guess of our very gracious staff, said Martha Miller, assistant town manager in Ashland. So the town is incredibly excited to have these new displays. Pamela Novak, manager of the Ashland and Hanover Visitor Center, uses her binoculars to determine if a train is coming to the Ashland Amtrak station. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Miller said the town will need to find adequate parking during special events due to the increase in ridership. In Richmond, Katherine ODonnell, president and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism, applauded VPRA and Amtraks investment in the city, which she said will also help support tourism in the region. Whether guests are arriving for business or exploring our historic sites, having clear, real-time travel information ensures a welcoming and stress-free experience, ODonnell said in a statement to the Mercury. Main Street Station and Ashland are important gateways into our community, and improvements like these reinforce the Richmond Region as a connected, accessible, and visitor-friendly destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novak has retired her trusty binoculars given to her by her husband after she shared her previous method of trying to spot trains while helping passengers with mobility challenges or children and will retire herself in October after 19 years at the visitor center. As a new era of train travel emerges, she reflected on the role they have played in Ashlands culture. When I sit back and think about it, we were very intertwined with Amtrak, Novak said. It just happened that way because of so many people. On some days, we would have anywhere from 50 to 100 people come through here in one day. Thats a lot for a small town, and for us and a good portion of (visitors), it has something to do with the train. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The verdict and sentencing stage has begun in the trial of Brazils former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges of leading a conspiracy to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. This comes after the prosecution presented its case in July, while the defence concluded arguments in mid-August. Brazils Supreme Court has scheduled sessions until September 12 to reach a verdict. Bolsonaro, who denies any wrongdoing, is charged with five counts, including attempting to stage a coup, plotting the assassination of current leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and a Supreme Court justice, and involvement in an armed criminal organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al Jazeeras Monica Yanakiew, reporting from Brasilia, said the former president was not going to attend at least, not his first day before the Supreme Court concludes his verdict and sentencing along with that of seven co-defendants. She noted that Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August 4, and that his lawyers expect a conviction, saying there is overwhelming evidence pointing to several crimes, among them attempting against democracy and allegedly plotting a coup. Prosecutors also allege Bolsonaros allies devised plans to kill President Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. They also argue that a January 8, 2023 riot in Brasilia when Bolsonaro backers stormed Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace one week after Lula took office, evoking a January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol by supporters of Bolsonaro ally US President Donald Trump was part of an effort to trigger military intervention and remove the new president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A guilty verdict on the coup plot charge alone could carry a sentence of up to 12 years. Meanwhile, Brazils former president is already barred from seeking office until 2030. The countrys top electoral court imposed the ban after finding he abused power while in office and spread baseless claims about the electronic voting system. A federal police investigation concluded that Bolsonaros dissemination of misinformation was part of a multipronged strategy to stay in power. Yanakiew added that the case really brought relations between Brazil and the United States to a very, very low point. This comes as Trump denounced the trial as a witch hunt while slapping a steep 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remarks have fuelled nationalist responses among Bolsonaros allies, while the US Department of State imposed sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes, the justice overseeing the case. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former presidents son and a sitting member of Brazils Congress, relocated to the US earlier this year, and had previously lobbied for the imposition of US sanctions. Meanwhile, Brazilian authorities consider Jair Bolsonaro a potential flight risk, and ahead of the verdict phase, the Supreme Court has ordered heightened security, including the inspection of vehicles leaving his residence and in-person surveillance around his home. Bolsonaros trial represents a break from Brazils tradition of impunity. Under the 1979 Amnesty Law, the country never prosecuted military officials responsible for abuses during the dictatorship, a dark era that Bolsonaro extols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yanakiew noted that the defence will try to negotiate with politicians an amnesty in Congress in case he is really convicted and sentenced, but analysts say the case itself signals that Brazils democratic institutions are maturing under Lulas leadership. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A tribute honoring the life and legacy of the late Judge Frank Caprio will be viewable at the State House starting Tuesday. Gov. Dan McKees office announced the tribute will include Caprios portrait being displayed in the State Houses rotunda. READ MORE: Judge Caprios oldest son: He was the best dad in the world Judge Caprio was more than a juristhe was a symbol of compassion and humanity whose empathy on the bench touched lives across Rhode Island and around the world, McKee said in a press release. As we continue to mourn the passing of this extraordinary man, I invite all Rhode Islanders to visit the State House to honor Judge Caprios remarkable legacy and to keep his family in our thoughts during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caprio died nearly two weeks ago at the age of 88. He was laid to rest Friday and his funeral took place at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. RELATED: Judge Frank Caprio laid to rest There will also be a condolence book set up for members of the public to sign and write their memories of the judge. The tribute display starts at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and will go until Friday at 4:30 p.m. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Troopers urge driver to come forward who left wreck that ejected 7-year-old Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver responsible for a crash on I-75 near Emerson in Bartow County that ejected a 7-year-old boy from a pickup truck and injured three others. The incident happened on Monday as many were returning home from the Labor Day holiday. A white passenger vehicle reportedly collided with a Camry, which then crashed into an SUV. Both cars then went into the southbound lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact caused the SUV to overturn, ejecting the young boy. I think its horrible. Its very sad that that little boy was ejected from the vehicle, driver Rhonda Green said. TRENDING STORIES: The Georgia State Patrol is asking for the publics help in identifying the hit-and-run driver. The driver of the white passenger vehicle fled the scene after causing the crash. The 7-year-old boy was airlifted to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital, while three other injured individuals were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The condition of the boy remains unknown as the hospital cannot release information without a name. Green shared her personal connection to such tragedies with Channel 2s Tom Regan. My oldest daughter was killed in a car wreck 20 years ago. So definitely, my heart goes out to that family, she said. GSP urges anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver to come forward. Albuquerque police photographed in 2022. (Photo by Shelby Wyatt / Source NM) Moriarty Police Chief Adan Urbina and one of his officers, Christopher Costa, spent the summer of 2023 taking inventory of everything in their evidence room. The pair began the tedious work of inspecting and cataloging the boxes of seized possessions after Cpt. Mark Satterfield, the lone evidence custodian for this small police force some 40 miles east of Albuquerque, submitted his notice of resignation that June. Lifting the box of evidence for a January 2023 criminal case off its shelf, Urbina and Costa couldnt find the seized cash that was supposed to be inside. Urbina called off the inventory effort, records show, and decided to intercept Satterfield, who was scheduled to clean out his office, the next day. Investigative documents show that Urbina asked Satterfield about the missing money. Satterfield assured him that the cash was safe and still on city property and promised he would take the chief to see it the following day. As promised, the next afternoon Satterfield arrived at the chiefs office and told him the missing money was All the way on the east end of town, police reports say. He told the chief he moved the money because he was afraid that someone might tamper with evidence to destroy his career. Urbina pressed Satterfield was there any other evidence missing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satterfield emphatically responded, No, according to a police report. Urbina and Costa got in a car and followed Satterfield two miles to the citys Fire Department Training Center. Satterfield put his car in park and opened the door to step out. He began walking directly to one of the training containers a building that resembles a mobile home and can withstand flames to give firefighters accurate training scenarios on the west side of the property, according to a police investigation. Just as MPD Chief Urbina reached the entrance to the container, Satterfield emerged carrying what appeared to be a plastic bag containing what appeared to be an envelope. Satterfield handed the evidence bag over to MPD Chief Urbina. Satterfield stated that more than a thousand (dollars) were in the evidence bag. When pressed about how many cases this money was from, Satterfield became flustered and could not provide a coherent response. Earlier this year, Satterfield was charged with embezzlement and tampering with evidence, both of which are felonies. He is awaiting trial. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Satterfield is one of two law enforcement officers included on a Brady List by the Seventh Judicial District Attorneys Office, which oversees prosecution for Socorro, Torrance, Sierra and Catron counties. The lists are named after two U.S. Supreme Court cases Brady v. Maryland (1963) and Giglio v. U.S. (1972) that directed prosecutors to disclose any material that could prove to be exculpatory to the defense or that could cast doubt on the credibility of the prosecutions witnesses. These lists are maintained internally by prosecutors offices across the nation and serve as guideposts for which police officers, sheriffs deputies and state troopers are suspected to have credibility problems and, therefore, could tank a case if prosecutors rely too heavily on their testimony. In the files pertaining to Satterfields case, deputies with the Torrance County Sheriffs Office included an aerial photograph of the firefighter training facility where he allegedly stashed cash from his departments evidence room. (Courtesy of Torrance County Sheriffs Office) Searchlight New Mexico requested copies of these lists, as well as supporting Giglio disclosures that explain why a DAs office sometimes decides to question a given cops credibility, from each of the 14 DAs offices in the state. Nine, including those that cover the states most populous areas in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe, responded in full. Two said they did not have any responsive records. Three did not respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is seemingly no single, standardized format for tabulating and storing these records in New Mexico. Custodians in each of these offices keep these documents in different ways. In some district attorneys offices, the internal documents clearly spell out which cops they do not want to call on for testimony and why. In others, officers are listed as potential concerns that should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In yet others, prosecutors maintain folders of documents that include correspondence with an officers or deputys supervisors, who review an officers personnel file and then inform the local prosecutors of any red flags contained therein. For instance, the DA in Bernalillo County which publishes the names of Brady List officers on its public website gave Searchlight supporting documentation such as emails and correspondence that shed light on internal investigations into several officers conduct. The Third Judicial District Attorneys Office provided Searchlight with a two-page document titled, Potential Giglio Officers, with officers employers and brief notes from prosecutors as to why each one may be a risk to put on the stand. Other offices did not give Searchlight a list. The Seventh Judicial District Attorneys Office did not provide any internal memos or correspondence that shed light on how prosecutors view the reported conduct of these officers. It did, however, provide police reports, court documents and other information that explain why they are on the offices Brady list. In response to Searchlights request, the 12th Judicial District Attorneys Office shared a spreadsheet with the names of each officer on its Brady List, as well as one line to explain their inclusion. The spreadsheet did not readily identify which law enforcement agency each officer and deputy works or worked for. Through reviews of court records and news reports, Searchlight has been able to identify many of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searchlight has used these documents to identify nearly 100 current and former sworn police officers and sheriffs deputies who have been deemed as a cause for concern by prosecuting attorneys. That figure is likely an undercount as several DAs offices in the state did not provide any documents. In some cases, internal memos show, a given officers testimony could cast serious doubt on the prosecutions case because of their discipline history. In others, prosecutors call officers a potential cause for concern but stop short of calling them altogether untrustworthy. The law enforcement officers whose conduct has been called into question range from Las Cruces to Santa Fe, from Hobbs to Socorro. They face allegations ranging from embezzlement and tampering with evidence to domestic violence and child pornography. Many have been terminated, reprimanded or, in extreme cases, sentenced to prison. Others have left for jobs with new departments. Roswell Police Chief Lance Bateman, for instance, told Searchlight that none of the Roswell Police Department officers identified on the list still work for the city. Below, see, in their own words, how local prosecutors and leaders in police departments and sheriffs offices across the state refer to these law enforcement agents and their conduct. An officers listed department reflects where they worked at the time of inclusion on a local DAs list. Many of their comments are presented in their entirety edits were made only for length. See which police officers prosecutors have internally expressed concerns about and why. Click the name of each judicial district to see that DAs comments. This article first appeared on Searchlight New Mexico and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted the Polish president in the Oval Office, as leaders in Warsaw and other European countries discuss ongoing security threats posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On Tuesday, Trump made an announcement regarding U.S. Space Command from the Oval Office, saying the headquarters will move to Alabama. Latest Developments Sep 3, 12:15 PM Trump says he's mulling sending troops to New Orleans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump on Wednesday reiterated his threats to send federal troops to cities like Chicago and New York to combat crime. He also said that he is considering sending troops to cities in red states. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Donald Trump hosts Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. "So we're making a determination now. Do we go to Chicago or do we go to a place like New Orleans where we have a great governor, Jeff Landry, who wants us to come in and straighten out a very nice section of this country that's become quite tough, quite bad?" Trump said. "So we're going to be going to, maybe Louisiana, and you have New Orleans, which has a crime problem, will straighten that out in about two weeks." Sep 3, 12:10 PM Trump questioned about strike on alleged drug boat President Trump was asked about the military strike on an alleged drug boat out of Venezuela -- why the vessel wasn't intercepted and why the alleged gang members weren't taken into custody. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Donald Trump shakes hands with Polish President Karol Nawrocki (L) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. Trump claimed there were tapes that showed a massive amount of drugs on the boat. "They won't be doing it again. And I think a lot of other people won't be doing it again," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 3, 12:07 PM Trump dodges questions about Epstein files Speaking to reporters while hosting Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump was asked about the Epstein files and accusations from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that the Justice Department is holding back the full release due to Trump's associates being implicated. Trump repeated his claims that the Epstein file controversy was a "Democrat hoax," to take away from his administration's accomplishments. "We gave them everything over and over again, more and more and more and nobody's ever satisfied," he said, before bringing up Washington, DC crime and foreign policy. Sep 3, 11:44 AM Trump greets Polish president ahead of bilateral meeting Trump greeted Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the White House for a bilateral meeting on Wednesday. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Donald Trump and Polish President Karol Nawrocki (R) watch a flyover of military aircraft from the South Portico of the White House in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025. The president backed the conservative during Poland's elections this spring. An F-16 flyover honored a Polish pilot who died in a crash last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 3, 10:22 AM Hegseth hints strike on alleged drug boat won't be the last Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with "Fox and Friends" on Wednesday about the military strike on an alleged drug boat. Hegseth declined to give more details on the strike only saying it was "precision," and indicated that it would not be the last. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump listens on as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, September 2, 2025. "I don't want it won't stop with just this strike. Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a deadly terrorist will face the same fate," he said. -ABC News' Anne Flaherty Sep 3, 7:07 AM Trump to host Polish president at White House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump is scheduled to welcome Polish President Karol Nawrocki to the Oval Office on Wednesday morning. The pair will hold a bilateral meeting, which will be followed by a lunch, according to the White House. Lukasz Glowala/Reuters - PHOTO: Polish President Karol Nawrocki attends a ceremony marking the 86th anniversary of Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland at the World War Two Westerplatte Monument in Gdansk, Poland, Sept. 1, 2025. Polish Secretary of State Marcin Przydacz wrote a list of priorities for the meeting. Those priorities included the "first point" of describing security in the region to Trump, "so that President Trump also has full awareness of our perspective on the situation regarding Russia's aggressive policy, Belarus's actions, including in the context of hybrid attacks or the deployment of Russian troops in the region," Przydacz wrote in an Op-Ed in a Polish newspaper. NATO aircraft scrambled in Poland early on Wednesday, as Russia bombarded neighboring Ukraine with drones and missiles. -ABC News' Hannah Demissie and Kevin Shalvey Sep 3, 12:21 AM Appeals court says Trump cannot invoke Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans A federal appeals court on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administration cannot use a centuries-old wartime authority to speed up the removals of noncitizens alleged to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. In a 2-1 decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that President Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act did not meet the legal requirement of a war or an invasion. Handout/Salvadoran Government via Getty - PHOTO: Salvadoran Government Receives 238 Alleged Members Of Criminal Organizations 'Tren De Aragua' and 'MS13' The Louisiana-based appeals court -- one of the most conservative in the country -- rejected the Trump administrations argument that members of Tren De Aragua comprised a hybrid criminal state intent on invading the U.S. A Country's encouraging its residents and citizens to enter this country illegally is not the modern-day equivalent of sending an armed, organized force to occupy, to disrupt, or to otherwise harm the United States. There is no finding that this mass immigration was an armed, organized force or forces, Judge Leslie H. Southwick wrote. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Andrew Oldham rebuked his colleagues for second-guessing Trumps determination about the alleged invasion. That contravenes over 200 years of legal precedent. And it transmogrifies the least-dangerous branch into robed crusaders who get to playact as multitudinous Commanders in Chief, he wrote. -ABC News' Laura Romero and Peter Charalambous Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 2, 10:35 PM DOD asks military judges to backfill immigration judges The Defense Department says its looking to tap military judge advocates and civilian attorneys to begin working on the growing backlog of immigration cases thats topped 3.6 million cases in recent years. The move is part of President Donald Trumps crackdown on migration to the U.S., and in particular, asylum seekers. Under U.S. law, a person who enters the country illegally is still allowed to seek asylum through an immigration court. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump listens on as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, September 2, 2025. The Justice Department, which oversees the court system, says it has tried to hire more judges in recent years but remains overwhelmed by the number of new cases being filed, with some 1.8 million new cases added last year, according to the Congressional Research Service. In a statement, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department is in the process of identifying people who can work as temporary judges at the request of the Justice Department. These DOD attorneys will augment existing resources to help further combat a backlog of cases by presiding over immigration hearings, Parnell wrote in a statement. According to an email sent by the Navy Judge Advocate General obtained by ABC News, the military is interested in 100 volunteers -- active duty, reserve and civilian -- who could begin work this November for a roughly six-month stint. But that number is expected to grow. The Associated Press first reported on Tuesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved sending up to 600 military lawyers to work as temporary immigration judges. Preferred volunteers will have experience in administrative law, immigration law, as a military judge or in related fields, the Navy JAG wrote in its email calling for the initial group of volunteers. Furthermore, selected officers must demonstrate a record of sound judgment, legal expertise and analytical ability, coupled with exceptional discernment and impartiality, a professional demeanor, suitable temperament for the role of immigration judge and strong written and oral communication skills are also essential, the email added. Judge advocates must be active members in good standing of a state bar or The DC bar. -ABC News' Will Steakin and Anne Flaherty Sep 2, 7:29 PM Cassidy stands behind Kennedy after CDC shakeup Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bill Cassidy told reporters hes not walking back his support for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. despite Kennedys changes to vaccine policy and the termination of CDC Director Susan Monarez. People are going to try to make this something more than it is. Im not presupposing anyone is right or wrong. I am saying weve got to get to the truth because there are serious allegations and so that will take radical transparency -- to quote the president, to quote the secretary, Cassidy said. So I am not presupposing someone is right or wrong. I just know weve got to figure it out, he said. Cassidy, a physician who cast a key vote for Kennedys confirmation and chairs the committee that focuses on health, has been embroiled in the CDC showdown -- both during the termination, when Monarez called Cassidy to alert him that Kennedy was pushing her out, and afterward, as Cassidy called for oversight investigations into the major staff shakeups at CDC. But on Tuesday, he maintained that Kennedy and Trump are still in fact-finding mode, and he wouldnt make a final judgement until all of the data was out there. -ABC News Cheyenne Haslett and Allison Pecorin Sep 2, 4:17 PM Pritzker lays out what he expects to unfold in Chicago in coming days Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said he expects to see what played out in Los Angeles and Washington to happen in Chicago in the coming days. "First, Donald Trump is positioning armed federal agents and staging military vehicles on federal property, such as the Great Lakes Naval base. It is likely those agents will be with ICE, Customs and Border Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security and other similarly situated federal agencies. Many of these individuals are being relocated from Los Angeles for deployment in Chicago," the governor said. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a press conference, Sept. 2, 2025, in Chicago. Pritzker said he expects agents are planning to "raid Latino communities and say they're targeting violent criminals" and that Trump "will be looking for any excuse to put active duty military on our streets, supposedly to protect ICE." "We have reason to believe that the Trump administration has already begun staging the Texas National Guard for deployment in Illinois," Pritzker said. Click here to read the rest of the blog. Donald Trumps Department of Justice is vowing to keep troops stationed in Los Angeles, despite a Tuesday ruling declaring the administrations use of the military in the city for domestic law enforcement purposes illegal. Earlier, a federal judge ruled that Trumps use of federal troops to perform police functions in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge further barred the administration from using the military in California to execute the laws, including but not limited to engaging in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection, interrogation, or acting as informants in ways that violate that law. California Governor Gavin Newsom applauded the ruling on X, writing that the courts ruled that Trumps militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, told the governor that the troops are going nowhere. The military will remain in Los Angeles, he wrote in response to Newsom. This is a false narrative and a misleading injunction. Essayli went on to argue that the military is not involved with direct law enforcement operations in Los Angeles. Instead, he repeated the administrations justification for its iron-fisted military crackdown on the city, first sparked by antiImmigration and Customs Enforcement protests in June: that troops are protecting federal agents from thugs supported by Democratic officials. (Several hundred National Guard troops still remain in Los Angeles.) Essaylis claim runs counter to Tuesdays ruling, which found that the Trump administration indeed systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. 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: Cell Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116151 Research has revealed a new mechanism within cancer cells that could be exploited to treat glioblastomaone of the deadliest types of brain tumors. Dr. Angel Alvarez-Prado, one of The Brain Tumor Charity's Future Leaders and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, discovered that blocking a protein called ADAR1 had a two-fold effect on glioblastoma tumors. Firstly, it reduced the ability of cancer cells to multiply and thencrucially, kicked the immune system into action to recognize and attack the tumor. His findings, published in Cell Reports, establish the therapeutic potential of targeting ADAR1 in glioblastoma. Dr. Alvarez-Prado, who has gone on to run his own laboratory at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, is now evaluating different ADAR1-inhibiting drugs with the long-term goal of improving patient care. If his team's findings in the laboratory can be replicated in clinical trials, it could lead to the development of more effective therapies against this aggressive diseasethe first advance in treatment for glioblastoma since 2007. About 3,200 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) in the U.K. every year, and standard treatment involves surgery, radiotherapy and/or temozolomide chemotherapy. But these treatments don't usually cure the condition and there are side effects. People live, on average, for just 1218 months after they are diagnosed. While this research is still at a relatively early stage, The Brain Tumor Charity continues to support Dr. Angel Alvarez-Prado and his new team to help drive this vital work nearer to the clinic. Dr. Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumor Charity, said, "Identifying weaknesses in tumor cells, allowing scientists to both directly target the cancer cells and train our immune system to recognize them, is a powerful way to develop urgently needed treatments. "We are immensely impressed by and proud of the work Angel has achieved here. He is one of our Future Leadersa group of the brightest early-career neuro-oncology researchers whose work we are supportingand we look forward to his career flourishing to help drive exciting discoveries like these nearer to the clinic." Dr. Alvarez-Prado said, "Glioblastomas present a huge challenge. They are very complex and aggressive cancers, and we urgently need new treatments for patients. "We wanted to see if blocking ADAR1a protein normally involved in anti-viral immunityin mice with glioblastoma tumors would affect tumor growth. We discovered that tumors grew more slowly, the immune system became active and fought the cancer, and mice survived for longer. Blocking ADAR1 in human glioblastoma cells also reduced the ability of cancer cells to multiply. "Our work has revealed a potential treatment avenue to explore. My laboratory is now searching for and evaluating different drugs to block ADAR1 function. This is a critical step in identifying relevant molecules that can subsequently be tested in clinical trials and, hopefully, result in a more effective therapy for patients with glioblastoma." More information Angel F. Alvarez-Prado et al, Cancer cell and microenvironmental rewiring by ADAR1 loss impairs glioblastoma tumor growth and extends survival, Cell Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116151 Journal information: Cell Reports Provided by The Brain Tumour Charity A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. A Replay of the Alien Enemies Act Debacle With One Big Difference The Trump administration was busted over the holiday weekend trying to whisk unaccompanied Guatemalan children out of the country. It was a replay of the mid-March weekend when the Trump administration secretly launched its Alien Enemies Act deportations. But unlike the Constitution-shaking defiance it showed last time, administration officials appear so far to have abided by the emergency court orders to stop the flights, deplane the children, and return them to the U.S. government agency that originally had custody of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan of Washington, D.C., put in a yeomans effort over the weekend to block the removals and to do so in a way that gave the administration no benefit of the doubt and little to no wiggle room. Sooknanan first learned of the emergency lawsuit by the National Immigration Law Center after it was filed around 1 a.m. ET on Sunday morning. She issued a middle-of-the-night restraining order to block the removals of the 10 unaccompanied minors who filed the lawsuit and scheduled a Sunday mid-afternoon hearing to consider expanding her order to include some 600 similarly situated Guatemalan children in the United States. But after receiving reports that the flights were underway, Sooknanan issued a second order barring the removal of the larger group of children and moved the hearing up to midday. Lawfares Anna Bower was all over it in real time and chronicled the emergency hearing. I have the government attempting to remove minor children from the country in the wee hours of the morning on a holiday weekend, which is surprising, but here we are, Sooknanan said when she convened the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration contended in court that the deportations werent removals but repatriations done in conjunction with the Guatemalan government and parents or families who wanted the children back. The plaintiffs contested those claims, and the dead-of-night operation suggested nefariousness was afoot. At least one plane carrying children may have taken off before returning to the United States, a Trump DOJ lawyer told the court, an ironic callback to the AEA case in March when a federal judge ordered the planes to turn around but the administration ignored it. Sooknanan ordered the Trump administration to file a series of status reports on their progress in deplaning the children and returning them to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Those status reports continued Sunday night into midday Monday of the Labor Day weekend, when the final status report from the administration confirmed that all of the children had been returned to ORR custody. At one point, as Bower noted, Sooknanan appeared to have been awake for 20 hours straight dealing with the emergency case. In an additional twist, reporting from Politico suggests that some of the facilities in which the children have been housed may be resisting instructions to turn them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Politico obtained a memo dated Sunday and signed after Sooknanans order from the acting director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement that chastised its contractors: Negligent or intentional failure to comply with lawful requests from ORR regarding the care of children in your care facility will result in prompt legal action, and may result in civil and criminal penalties and charges, as well as suspension and termination of contractual relations with your facility. Stay tuned. Judge Blocks Trumps Fast-Track Deportations U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb of Washington, D.C., on Friday blocked a centerpiece of President Trumps mass deportation strategy: fast-track deportations far from the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to people living in the interior of the country, prioritizing speed over all else will inevitably lead the government to erroneously remove people via this truncated process, Judge Cobb wrote in her ruling. Keep an Eye on This The ACLU is asking the entire D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a panel decision that ended U.S. District Judge James Boasbergs contempt of court proceedings in the original Alien Enemies Act case. Cant Let Go Emil Bove continued to work at the Trump Justice Department after he was confirmed by the Senate to a federal appeals court seat, the NYT reports. Whats the Point of Congress? President Trump asserted the presidential power to use the pocket rescission to not spend nearly $5 billion in foreign aid this year, further complicating the politics of the government shutdown looming at the end of this month. For Your Radar President Trump continues to reveal his rat-fucking plans for the 2026 mid-term elections in piecemeal fashion by posting threats on social media that wildly exaggerate the constitutional powers of the presidency. Trumps latest effusion promises an executive order requiring voter ID in all elections even though the president has no power over or involvement with election administration. 2026 Ephemera IA-Sen : Two-term Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) will not seek re-election. NY-12 : After more than 30 years in Congress, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) will not run in 2026. WI-Supreme Court: Uber-conservative and trolly Justice Rebecca Bradley wont seek re-election next year, giving Democrats a chance to expand their majority on the court. Good Read The Cut: An Astrologers Messy Affair With a Trump Pentagon Official Ooof On the same weekend that Rudy Giuliani was injured in a car accident in New Hampshire, President Trump announced that hes awarding his former attorney the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. Duke Cunningham, 1941-2025 SAN DIEGO MARCH 3: Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham (2nd L) walks into Federal Courthouse during the sentencing phase at the U.S. District Courthouse March 3, 2006 in San Diego, California. Cunningham was found guilty of conspiracy and tax evasion for accepting more than 2.4 million in bribes and could face up to 10 years in prison. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) Disgraced former Rep. Randy Duke Cunningham (R-CA), the former Navy aviator whose congressional career ended in a political corruption scandal that was epic by the now-quaint standards of the time, has died at age 83. Cunningham spent nearly a decade in prison after resigning from Congress and pleading guilty to federal corruption charges. He was later pardoned by Donald Trump, on the last day of his first term as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cunningham, who lived rent-free aboard a yacht docked in DC called the Duke-Stir that was owned by a defense contractor, admitted to taking more than $2 million in bribes in return for steering government contracts to favored contractors via earmarks. Among the lowlights of his sordid case was selling his San Diego home to the same defense contractor for far above market value and keeping a handwritten list of bribe offerings. Longtime TPM readers will remember Cunningham as a central figure in TPMs coverage of the rampant political corruption in George W. Bushs second term, especially in the Tom Delay-run House of Representatives. The Cunningham case, among many other scandals, contributed to the 2006 Democratic takeover of the House, ending a dozen years of GOP control. TPMs Golden Duke award, celebrating the best in political corruption and scandal, is named in dishonor of Cunningham. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! (Reuters) -The Trump administration will reconsider the permit for SouthCoast Wind, a Massachusetts offshore wind farm approved by the government of former U.S. President Joe Biden last year, according to a federal court filing seen by Reuters on Tuesday. In a motion filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Friday, attorneys for the Department of Justice said the Interior Department intended to reconsider the approval of SouthCoast Wind's construction and operations plan. The legal maneuver is the latest move by President Donald Trump's administration to stymie development of offshore wind energy, which he says is ugly, expensive and unreliable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ filed the motion in a lawsuit brought by the island town of Nantucket, Massachusetts, earlier this year challenging the agency's approval of the project, which is planned for 20 miles (32.2 km) off its coastline. Last year, a turbine failure at an offshore wind farm caused debris to wash up on Nantucket beaches. In the filing, the administration asked for more time to respond to Nantucket's complaint because it was preparing to ask the court to send the decision back to the agency by no later than September 18. Representatives for SouthCoast Wind were not immediately available for comment. In a September 1 filing, the company opposed the government's motion for an extension. "This delay and the forthcoming request for remand are simply pretexts for the unabashed desire of the President to eliminate all offshore wind projects from existence regardless of their impacts," attorneys for SouthCoast Wind said in the filing. The project is being developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Richard Chang) Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. As I mentioned last week, I'm on vacation and out of the country. So this newsletter, like the last, will be a bit shorter and a little less pegged to the news. Rather, I wanted to write about the housing "emergency" that the Trump administration is mulling and what it could possibly do, given all the ways the administration is currently working to make housing more expensive. And return next week for more regular programming. Trump's Housing Nonemergency On Monday, the Washington Examiner published an interview with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said that the administration was considering declaring a housing emergency later this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessent declined to describe any specific policies that might be included in the housing emergency, saying only that the administration was studying how to "standardize" local building and zoning codes while respecting local autonomy. "We're trying to figure out what we can do, and we don't want to step into the business of states, counties, and municipal governments," said Bessent. The secretary's comments all suggest this housing emergency declaration is very much a work in progress, if it is declared at all. Indeed, the fact that the administration is studying potential actions it might take within a few months doesn't quite sound like it considers the state of housing in the country to be a proper dictionary-definition emergency requiring immediate action to prevent the loss of life, limb, and property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, it would appear this would be another "emergency" that the president will declare to force through policy changes that in nonemergency times would require going through the federal rule-making process or even, gasp, Congress. Even assuming that's the case, it's not clear what federal actions or directives might be included in a declared "housing emergency" from this White House. If the administration wanted to "standardize" zoning codes, the president could pull a YIMBY DOGE move and freeze grants going to localities with high housing costs, low housing production, and excessive land use regulations. The first Trump administration did in fact consider a similar policy as part of its rewrite of federal fair housing regulations. But this seems exceedingly unlikely in a second Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new fair housing rules issued by the administration make it abundantly clear that the White House does not want to use federal funds to influence local land use policies. In the latest presidential budget request, the White House called for defunding the small Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Housing grant program, which was intended to incentivize localities to liberalize their zoning codes. The White House claimed the program had been hijacked for woke purposes and instead proposed "allowing States and local governments to address affordable housing and development challenges within their communities." A housing emergency that did try to tie federal dollars to local land use liberalization in some fashion would therefore be a major course change. That seems exceedingly unlikely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same thing can mostly be said for any effort the Trump administration might make to "standardize" building codes. Building codes for residential development are written by nonprofit code councils and then adopted by states and localities. Other than the influence they can get from attaching strings to federal funding, the administration has no direct power over building codes. The one exception is the building code for the manufactured housing, which is set at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A housing emergency could direct the department to find ways of streamlining the manufactured housing code. The last administration did this via the normal regulatory process. There's no reason, and no seeming political downside, to stopping the Trump administration from looking for more options for liberalizing the HUD code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the white whale of chassis reform (removing the requirement that manufactured housing sit on a permanent steel chassis) would require congressional action. One thing the administration could do that would be squarely in the federal wheelhouse, and wouldn't involve trying to influence local land use policy, would be lifting tariffs on imported building materials and appliances. That steel chassis would be cheaper if imported steel didn't have to pay high tariffs. Likewise, homebuilders would celebrate the lifting of tariffs on imported lumber and gypsum. The trouble here is that Trump is ideologically committed to raising tariffs on imports and has singled out building materials for increased tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the administration doubled duties on imported lumber from Canada. The administration has also recently applied its 50 percent steel and aluminum tariffs to home appliances and furniture. In court, the administration is also fighting tooth and nail to preserve its emergency powers to levy tariffs. So, builders and homebuyers can expect no relief from tariffs in any eventual Trump administration housing emergency. Another possible action that could do that and would be more ideologically aligned with the Trump administration would be some sort of emergency transfer of federal lands to states and localities to use for housing. The administration already has an initiative to identify and dispose of federal lands that can be used for housing. The Bureau of Land Management also does have the authority to sell off surplus lands, although the process for doing so is long and legally intensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible that a housing emergency declaration could suspend some of the process involved in selling off federal lands. As far as policy goes, that would be a fine initiative. But any attempt to suspend procedural steps in federal land sales would undoubtedly attract lawsuits from environmental groups who are dead opposed to privatizing federal land for additional development. Practically, that seems like a dead end. Something similar could be said for other marginal actions the federal government could take in a declared "housing emergency," like streamlining or waiving requirements around federal clean water permits or energy efficiency rules. While it might be a good idea on policy grounds, any effort to route around the law and bureaucratic process via the invocation of emergency powers is undoubtedly going to be challenged in court. In general, emergency rules that might be stopped by the courts and that could be withdrawn by the administration at the drop of a hat are not the ideal regulatory regime for something like housing, which requires substantial investment of time, land, and capital to build. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American land use is too regulated, and housing costs too much as a result. The fruits of this overregulationhigher home costs, few housing options, more homelessnessare dire. But they're not a proper emergency. Fixing this state of affairs is going to require more permanent legislative action, ideally at the state and local level. Presidents do have an outsized role in the discourse and can use that role to help drive policy. A toothless "housing emergency" could help spur productive legislative change, if that's what Trump wants to use his bully pulpit for. Unfortunately, Trump generally uses his bully pulpit to complain that America allows too much housing, not too little. Even rhetorically, his housing emergency is likely to disappoint. The post The Trump Administration's Fake Housing Emergency appeared first on Reason.com. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. Space Command will be located in Alabama, reversing a Biden-era decision to keep it at its temporary headquarters in Colorado. The long-expected decision from Trump caps a four-year tug of war between two states and opposing administrations about where to locate U.S. Space Command, an intense fight because the headquarters would be a significant boon to the local economy. Alabama and Colorado have long battled to claim Space Command, with elected officials from both states asserting their state is the better location. The U.S. Space Command headquarters will move to the beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, Alabama, forever to be known from this point forward as Rocket City, said Trump, repeating a nickname the city has used for decades already because of its early role in NASA and the U.S. space program. We had a lot of competition for this and Alabamas getting it, added the president, flanked in the Oval Office by Republican members of Alabamas congressional delegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Huntsville won the race for the Space Command headquarters, in part, because they fought harder for it than anybody else. GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor of Alabama, said Huntsville is the perfect place for the headquarters and suggested it be named after Trump. And Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt, who stood next to Trump during the announcement, thanked Trump for restoring Space Command to its rightful home. The Biden administration chose to make this political, she said. What we want to do is put the safety and security of Americans first. We want to make sure our American war fighter is put first. The Associated Press reported earlier Tuesday that the president would announce the move at the White House after a Pentagon website set up to livestream the remarks described the event hours in advance as a U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Space Command said in a statement on X after the announcement that it stands ready to carry out the direction of the President following todays announcement of Huntsville, Alabama, as the commands permanent headquarters location. Its functions include conducting operations like enabling satellite-based navigation and troop communication and providing warning of missile launches. Huntsville, Alabama, has long been home to the Armys Redstone Arsenal and NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center. The Armys Space and Missile Defense Command is also located in Huntsville, which drew its nickname because of its role in building the first rockets for the U.S. space program. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said about 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years. This decision is not about whats best for Huntsville its about being mission-focused, said Battle. The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The saga stretches back to 2021, when the Air Force identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command. The city was picked after site visits to six states that compared factors such as infrastructure capacity, community support and costs to the Defense Department. Then-President Joe Biden in 2023 announced Space Command would be permanently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which had been serving as its temporary headquarters. Biden's Democratic administration said that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness. The announcement infuriated both Democratic and Republican officials in Colorado, which has a booming aerospace industry. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, called the relocation of Space Command to Alabama deeply disappointing and demanded an explanation as to how the decision was made. This is the wrong decision, diminishing military readiness and national security and eroding the trust Americans have in our country and its leaders to do the right thing, Polis said. Uprooting Space Command will weaken national security and readiness, waste taxpayer dollars, and inconvenience military families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Tuesday said his initial plans to locate the headquarters in Huntsville were wrongfully obstructed by the Biden administration. But he also said the fact that Colorado uses mail-in voting played a big factor also in moving the headquarters away from Colorado Springs. The problem with Colorado is that they have a very corrupt voting system, Trump said. A review by the Defense Department inspector general was inconclusive and could not determine why Colorado was chosen over Alabama. Trump, a Republican who enjoys deep support in Alabama, had long been expected to move Space Command back to Alabama. ___ Chandler reported from Montgomery, Alabama. Donald Trump announced this weekend that he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The news comes days after the former New York City mayor and disgraced attorney was in a car accident in which reportedly his spine was fractured. Trump made the announcement Monday on Truth Social, calling his former legal adviser the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot. Shortly before the announcement, Giuliani was reportedly injured with a spinal fracture in a car accident on a New Hampshire highway, according to a statement from Michael Ragusa, who identified himself as head of Giulianis security. The car was struck from behind at high speed, according to Ragusa. Giuliani has since been discharged from the hospital, according to a statement to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani, who joined Trumps legal team in 2018 and represented him in lawsuits challenging the 2020 election results, was disbarred from practicing law in Washington, D.C., and New York for his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud after Trumps loss. Giuliani was also sued for defamation by two Fulton County election workers over false accusations of fraud. A federal judge ruled Giuliani should pay the election workers $146 million, and the two parties reached a settlement earlier this year that Giuliani said does not involve an admission of liability or wrongdoing. Giuliani was also instrumental in the response to the attacks on New York Citys World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Giuliani, who was mayor at the time, admitted to authorizing surveillance of Muslim communities in the city and to planting undercover agents in mosques. The prestigious award, originally called the Medal of Freedom, was created by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor any person recommended to the President for award of the Medal or any person selected by the President upon his own initiative. It has been awarded 673 times to politicians, actors, athletes, musicians, philanthropists and religious figures. Giuliani would be the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom of Trumps second presidency. Some of the more controversial recipients from his first term include conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh (who promoted conspiracy theories that former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States), House Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio (who echoed false claims that the 2020 election might have been stolen from Trump) and Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American physician and Republican megadonor who received the medal in 2018. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NEED TO KNOW Donald Trump says he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom He referred to the disbarred lawyer as a great American Patriot Giuliani was mayor of New York City from 1994 until 2001, and also served as Trumps personal attorney Donald Trump has announced that he will award Rudy Giuliani with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Countrys highest civilian honor, the 79-year-old wrote on Truth Social on Monday, Sept. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump added that details regarding a date and location for the ceremony would come at a later time. ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024 Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani at Ground Zero, in New York City on September 11, 2024 Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! he concluded. While Trump did not say what prompted the announcement, the news comes just two days after the 81-year-old politician and disbarred lawyer was seriously injured in a New Hampshire car accident on Aug. 30. Michael Ragusa, who serves as Giulianis head of security, confirmed the incident in a post shared on Instagram. According to Ragusa, the former mayor had been assisting a domestic violence victim and waiting for police to arrive when he was struck from behind while driving on the highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say that his client "was transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg." However, Ragusa ended the post by stating that the former United States Associate Attorney General was in good spirits and recovering tremendously. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Rudy Giuliani on Sept. 18, 2024 Rudy Giuliani on Sept. 18, 2024 The following day, his son Andrew Giuliani referred to his father as the toughest SOB Ive ever seen!" in a post on X. Giuliani, who was the mayor of New York City from 1994 until 2001, has a decades-long friendship with Trump and previously served as his personal attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his second impeachment by the House of Representatives in January 2021, there were reports that a seething Trump was not going to pay his personal attorney's legal fees. 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. However, at the time, his campaign's senior adviser, Jason Miller, shared a tweet seemingly debunking the rumors. "Just spoke with President Trump, and he told me that @RudyGiuliani is a great guy and a Patriot who devoted his services to the country!" Miller wrote on social media. "We all love America's Mayor!" Read the original article on People President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will move the militarys US Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama undoing a decision by the Biden administration to keep operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The US Space Command, or SPACECOM, is a joint command separate from the US Space Force military branch, which is tasked with leading national security operations in space. That includes overseeing satellites and networks that provide missile warnings, communications and in-space surveillance, while also tracking orbital debris and potential threats to US and allied spacecraft. We initially selected Huntsville for the SPACECOM headquarters. Yet those plans were wrongfully obstructed by the Biden administration, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In announcing the move Trump also criticized the state of Colorado which has Democrats in its statewide elected offices saying, The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, is they do mail-in voting. (Several red states also allow some form of mail-in voting, including Utah, which like Colorado, has automatic mail-in voting.) Meanwhile, Colorado officials blasted Trumps decision. The states governor, Jared Polis, called the move a waste (of) taxpayer dollars and an inconvenience (to) military families that must relocate. A permanent location for SPACECOMs headquarters has been the subject of debate and an impetus for accusations of political manipulation by both political parties since Trump reestablished the center in its modern iteration in 2018. At the time, SPACECOM was set up as a temporary location in Colorado Springs while other cities were being evaluated as possible long-term homes. In 2021, the US Air Force recommended the command be moved to Huntsville, Alabama, noting it would be the most cost-effective option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following year, however, a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the US Air Forces decision-making process had significant shortfalls in its transparency and credibility. $1 billion economic impact In 2023, then-President Joe Biden sought to make SPACECOMs Colorado Springs location permanent, heeding a recommendation from Gen. James Dickinson, the former head of Space Command, who cautioned that relocating to Alabama could jeopardize military readiness because it would take time to make the headquarters fully operational. Colorado officials cheered Bidens decision. The local chamber of commerce noted that the decision preserves the nearly 1,400 Colorado jobs and annual economic impact of $1 billion reliant on Space Commands HQ in Colorado Springs. But the decision was met with disagreement from other Air Force officials and anger from Alabama officials who had long lobbied for a move to Huntsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is absolutely not over, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville said in a 2023 statement reacting to Bidens decision. I will continue to fight this as long as it takes to bring Space Command where it would be best served Huntsville, Alabama. Tuberville and fellow Alabama Sen. Katie Britt stood beside Trump during Tuesdays announcement. Trump referenced their apparent lobbying effort during his speech, saying, Youre not going to call me anymore and talk about this subject, right? Last year, House Armed Services committee leadership asked the Department of Defenses Inspector General to evaluate Bidens decision, and a report was released in April. The document concluded that it would take three to four years to set up a temporary SPACECOM headquarters in Alabama that is similar to what was already available in Colorado. But Air Force officials continued to express their preference for the relocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said investigators were unable to determine why the Biden administration did not accept the US Air Forces initial recommendation to move SPACECOM to Huntsville. In making that recommendation, the Air Force said Huntsville ranked highest in its evaluation, which looked at mission synergy, infrastructure, cost, community support and quality of life. It also said it had acknowledged risks to (military) readiness inherent to moving the HQ from its provisional locationbut balanced that risk, which they proposed could be mitigated, against the $426 million cost advantage of moving to Alabama. The GAO reported in May that US Space Command officials had told investigators they faced ongoing personnel, facilities, and communications challenges in Colorado. Space Command is the US militarys 11th combatant command, joining the ranks of US Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, and US Special Operations Command, which oversees Special Operations Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps 2018 decision to reestablish SPACECOM came as national security experts renewed their emphasis on the importance of space operations. Hawks in Congress frequently point to competition with China and a need to establish US supremacy in space technology as urgent considerations. Chinas space program has been a personal focus for President Xi and a symbol of their great power status. We cannot afford to lose any time or effectiveness against this threat, reads a 2023 memorandum from the SPACECOM commander. Rocket City vs. The Springs Space Commands history in Colorado Springs dates back four decades. From 1985 to 2002, its headquarters were located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, according to the Defense Departments report from the Office of the Inspector general. (After 2002 and until Trumps 2018 decision to reestablish the command, SPACECOM was merged with the US Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, near Omaha, Nebraska.) Both Colorado Springs and Huntsville have long histories as centers for aerospace and defense activity. Companies including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and L3Harris have facilities in both locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his statement, Gov. Polis said that Colorado Springs is a proud military community that is home to significant national security missions and units, all of which are critical to U.S. Space Command. Coloradans and Americans should all be provided full transparency and the full details of this poor decision, Polis said of Trumps announcement. Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet also said in a statement that he and his colleagues are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Space Commands long-term presence in Colorado Springs has also created a large number of civilian businesses and workers on which the Command now relies, Bennet said. Those people will not simply move with the Command at the militarys whim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether he was concerned about military families willingness to relocate to Alabama, Trump suggested SPACECOM would replace personnel who would not move: Im not worried. Then well get somebody else. Nicknamed Rocket City, Huntsville is home to sprawling aerospace manufacturing plants and Redstone Arsenal, a World War II-era Army facility and the site of NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with additional context about Trumps claims about mail-in voting and statements from Colorado officials regarding the relocation of SPACECOM. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump on Monday announced he will award his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who was disbarred over his push to overturn the 2020 election, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor. The award, which was established by former President John F. Kennedy in 1963, is typically reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to the White House. Past recipients have included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa. But Trump now seems to think Giuliani is deserving of the prestigious award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Details as to time and place to follow. Trumps announcement comes days after Giuliani was injured in a car crash in New Hampshire on Saturday night and was treated for fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg, said Michael Ragusa, the head of his security. Giuliani was released from the hospital Monday, according to The New York Times. Related: Ron DeSantis' 'Unhinged' Attack On California Backfires Spectacularly Giuliani, who served as New York City mayor from 1994 to 2001 prior to supporting Trumps 2016 White House bid and joining his legal team in 2018, was one of the key architects of Trumps effort to undo Joe Bidens win in the 2020 presidential race. Giulianis involvement in the push to overturn that race got him indicted in both Georgia and Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani also lost a defamation lawsuit two Georgia election workers brought against him, owing the two women almost $150 million in damages, but finally reached a settlement agreement with them last year. Giuliani, once lauded as Americas mayor, has also been disbarred from the practice of law in New York and the District of Columbia over his actions. During his first term in office, Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to GOP donor Miriam Adelson, late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), among others. More on Politics In Undercover Video, Staffer Claims DOJ Will Hide Republican Names In Epstein Files Trump Goes On Bonkers AI-Fueled Posting Spree And Gavin Newson Is Already Firing Back Republican Senators Grill RFK Jr. Over Chaos At CDC Read the original on HuffPost Rudy Giuliani has good reason to get well soon. President Donald Trump shared on Sunday that hell award his longtime pal and political ally the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The announcement came just two days after Giuliani, 81, was reportedly banged up in a car crash in New Hampshire that authorities are still investigating. As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Countrys highest civilian honor, Trump wrote on Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on Monday evening, New Hampshire State Police shared new details of the crash, which seemed to differ from what Giulianis camp has said about the accident in some key ways. Troopers say Giuliani and his driver/spokesperson Ted Goodman were driving southbound on I-93 when they were flagged down by a woman reporting a domestic violence incident near Exit 9N around 9 p.m. After speaking with the police, the pair left. Minutes later, Goodman and Giuliani got back on I-93, this time headed northbound, when they were struck from behind at mile marker 23.2, almost directly across from the scene of the reported domestic violence incident on the southbound side, the statement read. Troopers who were already at the initial scene responded immediately and provided aid. The driver of the other vehicle, a Honda HR-V SUV, was identified on Monday as Lauren Kemp, 19, of Concord. Rudy Giuliani speaks to the press about various lawsuits related to the 2020 election with hair dye running down his face. / Drew Angerer/Getty Investigators believe the teen driver had no connection to the domestic violence call and are probing whether distraction or curiosity of the initial scene played a role in the collision. Giuliani and the two drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and police are reviewing camera footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Giulianis medical provider and business partner, Dr. Maria Ryan, told supporters the crash hit like a rocket, and fractured the former prosecutors spine. Ryan also said that the woman who initially flagged Giulianis car down was actually the aggressor and that her boyfriend was bloodied. She even threw in that troopers wanted a selfie with Giulianidetails not included in the police account. In the same message, Ryan attached a prayer for followers to say for the ailing Giuliani. Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media at a press conference held in the back parking lot of Four Seasons Total Landscaping on November 7, 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. / Chris McGrath/Getty Giuliani served as Mayor of New York City from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2001. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he became known as Americas Mayor and was named TIME Magazines Person of the Year that same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two decades since then have been a bit of a rollercoaster for Giuliani. Once Trumps top lawyer, he led the legal efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election, leading to him being disbarred in both New York and Washington D.C for making false claims about the outcome. He was also found guilty of defaming two former election workers in Georgia and ordered to pay them $148 million. There is no American more deserving of this honor, Goodman said in a social media post. Mayor Rudy Giuliani took down the Mafia, saved New York City, comforted the nation following 9/11, and served in countless other ways to improve the lives of others. Its a whiplash reunion. In 2024, Giuliani complained that Trump and the RNC still owed him roughly $2 million in legal fees, even after Trump held a six-figure-a-plate fundraiser for him. While the pair have been supportive of each other publicly, Giuliani is no longer the central figure in the Trump team that he once was. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to security, world peace, cultural achievements or other significant endeavors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman to recognize civilian service during World War II, iconic civil rights champion Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded one for his equality campaigning. Other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom include Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou, Stephen Hawking, and Harvey Milk. Earlier this month, the White House announced it may consider awarding former DOGE goon Edward Big Balls Coristine, 19, the same medal for the bravery he showed during a carjacking in Washington, D.C. The Daily Beast has reached out to both Giuliani and the New Hampshire State Police for comment. 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 More than one in every 100 deaths globally is due to suicide, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, calling for urgent action to stem a mounting mental health crisis among young people especially. The WHO said that, while global suicide rates had fallen somewhat in recent years, progress in combating the issue was far too slow. In 2021the last year for which data was availablethere were an estimated 727,000 suicides worldwide, the United Nations' health agency said. "Globally, suicide accounts for more than one in every 100 deaths, and for each death, there are 20 suicide attempts," said Devora Kestel, the interim head of the WHO's noncommunicable disease and mental health department. Those suicides "affected countless more lives and livelihoods, as friends, caregivers and loved ones were forced to grapple with unimaginable hardship", she told reporters. The WHO's World Mental Health Today report highlighted that suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people across geographies and socioeconomic contexts. In 2021, it was the second leading cause of death for girls and women aged 15 to 29, and the third leading cause for males in the same age category, it found. Despite a 35% global decline in the age-adjusted suicide rate between 2000 and 2021, the world is still falling short of its goal: instead of the targeted one-third reduction in suicide rates between 2015 and 2030, current progress suggests only a 12% decrease will be achieved, according to the WHO. 'Stagnation' Decreases were seen in every regionexcept in the Americas, where the suicide rate increased by 17% in the same period. Nearly three-quarters of all suicides take place in lower-income countries, where most of the global population lives. Although wealthier countries have a higher suicide rate, as a proportion of population, it is difficult to compare since they also tend to have better data available than lower-income countries, the WHO pointed out. The agency cautioned that, while suicide rates have been slowly declining, the prevalence of mental disorders like anxiety and depression has been swelling. "Between 2011 and 2021, the number of people living with mental disorders increased faster than the global population," the report said. According to the latest findings, more than one billion people are living with mental health disorders. The WHO voiced particular concern about growing mental health distress among young people. While there are likely a long line of drivers behind the increase, Mark van Ommeren, head of the WHO mental health unit, said "the two main hypotheses are social media and the impact of the COVID pandemic". In this context, WHO voiced alarm at a "stagnation" in mental health investment around the world, with median government spending on mental health remaining at just 2% of total health budgetsunchanged since 2017. Globally, only 9% of people with depression get treatment, it found. "Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Key medical concepts Suicide Depression Anxiety Disorders 2025 AFP President Donald Trump on Tuesday seized on a series of holiday weekend homicides to once again threaten sending in the National Guard and federal law enforcement as he incorrectly dubbed Chicago the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far in an early morning social media post. Writing on his Truth Social platform, the president noted that at least 54 people were injured by gunfire in Americas third-largest city with eight dying as a result. Local reports cite seven fatalities among the 54 shot over the holiday weekend. At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far, Trump wrote, ahead of a 2 pm announcement from the White House on a yet-to-be-determined topic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He implicitly blamed Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, claiming that the Democratic politician and potential 2028 presidential candidate needs help badly but just doesnt know it yet. He then claimed he would solve the crime problem fast in the Windy City, comparing his as-yet unspecified efforts at a show of force against the Democratic-led city and state governments with his use of a never-before-used authority to seize temporary control of the Washington, D.C. police department last month. Police patrol downtown Chicago as President Donald Trump threatens to deploy National Guard troops citing rampant crime after weeks of federal law enforcement agents patrolling the streets of Washington DC. (Getty) Chicago will be safe again, and soon, Trump added. Trump has spent weeks railing against Democratic elected officials and blaming them for what he has described as out-of-control crime in some of the nations largest metropolitan areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a pattern that dates back to his first term in the White House, when he would routinely rail against crime problems in cities with Black mayors and threaten action against them. While Chicago has long had a problem with gun violence and a large number of homicides and shootings each year, other cities in Republican-led areas actually have far higher crime rates when weighted for population. Nonetheless, Trump has signaled his intent to use federal resources to make a spectacle that will solidity the image he wants to cultivate of himself as a crime fighter rather than the first convicted criminal ever elected to the presidency. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks near the Haymarket Memorial in the West Loop during a march where activists, workers and politicians spoke against Donald Trump on Labor Day (AP) Unlike in Washington, where the citys federal status gives the president outsized influence over law enforcement operations and control of national guard units there, Trump has no such powers in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker, long considered a presidential hopeful by Democratic insiders, told the Associated Press last week that there is no emergency in his states largest city and credited local authorities for making strides against criminality there. Weve been fighting crime. Weve been trying to prevent crime and its been working, he said. But Trump appears intent on deploying national guard forces into Democratic cities. He is understood to be considering using the part-time soldiers as a protective force in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The Department of Homeland Security has requested access to Great Lakes Naval Station about 40 miles north of Chicago to house ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents from September 2 through 30, including support National Guard resources. Trumps border czar Tom Homan confirmed to reporters Thursday that "there's discussions" about ICE using a naval base north of Chicago as an operations center, noting "the planning is still being discussed." He didnt say whether National Guard troops would use the base. A federal judge has declared President Donald Trumps use of military troops in Los Angeles illegal, barring the Pentagon from using National Guard members and Marines from performing police functions, like arrests and crowd control. In a 52-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer warned that Trump appears intent on creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Trump billed his deployment of troops to Los Angeles, starting in early June, as a way of bolstering immigration enforcement efforts amid protests in the city against the presidents deportation agenda. Though Trump has now withdrawn all but 300 of those troops, he is mulling sending troops to other major cities, such as Chicago. He has also deployed the National Guard in Washington, D.C., under a separate legal authority from the one he used in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer, a Clinton appointee based in San Francisco, concluded that Trumps LA deployment an operation overseen by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated a longstanding law meant to prevent domestic law enforcement by the military: the Posse Comitatus Act. His decision followed a four-day trial last month that included testimony from the Pentagon officials overseeing the troop deployment in Los Angeles. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 bars the military from enforcing domestic laws without explicit permission from Congress. But Breyer said that despite this restriction, the Pentagon systematically used armed soldiers to perform police functions. And he noted that Trump has expressed his desire to use similar tactics in other cities across the country. Breyers ruling bars the Pentagon from ordering, instructing, training, or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops heretofore deployed in California from engaging in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection, interrogation, or acting as informants, without demonstrating they have permission from Congress. Breyer put his ruling on hold until Sept. 12 to allow the Trump administration to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House criticized the ruling. "While far-left courts try to stop President Trump from carrying out his mandate to make America safe again, the president is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, and this will not be the final say on the issue, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. The ruling is a win for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who brought the lawsuit. But it could be short-lived. An earlier decision from Breyer against Trumps call-up of National Guard troops was quickly lifted by a federal appeals court. In that earlier decision, in June, Breyer had found that the deployment was unlawful because there was little sign that the situation in southern California met criteria Congress has specified for federalizing a states military forces, such as danger of a rebellion or difficulty in executing federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new ruling is based on a separate legal argument that the troops actions during the deployment have exceeded the bounds of what federal law permits. The judge said a California National Guard contingent, known as Task Force 51, had clearly violated those limits by engaging in routine law enforcement actions under the orders of Pentagon leadership. The violations were not one-off acts by individual servicemembers but were rather the function of systematic and willful orders to troops to execute domestic law, he wrote. Task Force 51 was expressly instructed that it could engage in certain law enforcement activities: setting up protective perimeters, traffic blockades, crowd control, and the like, Breyer continued. That instruction was incorrect. There is no exception to the Posse Comitatus Act for such conduct. The record is replete with evidence that Task Force 51 executed domestic law in these prohibited ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer also reiterated his earlier conclusion that Trumps claimed basis for deploying the troops in the first place was contrived. There was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law, the judge wrote, adding, This was intentional Defendants instigated a months-long deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles for the purpose of establishing a military presence there and enforcing federal law. Breyer stressed that he was not ordering a withdrawal of the roughly 300 troops that remain in Los Angeles, but simply that they only perform functions authorized by federal law. Federal troops can continue to protect federal property in a manner consistent with the Posse Comitatus Act, the judge wrote. Score one for the Constitution. A federal judge has put a temporary halt to President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, finding the president violated a bedrock American law known as the Posse Comitatus Act. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer issued the preliminary injunctionTuesdayafter a three-day bench trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An appeal from the Justice Department is forthcoming. The ruling was clear right from the start. Congress spoke clearly in 1878 when it passed the Posse Comitatus Act, prohibiting the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law, Breyer wrote before detailing the actions of the Trump administration in sending troops to LA to ostensibly quash a rebellion, in the form of protests over immigration raids. Related: Trumps Use Of The Military In LA Is Unprecedented. It Could Be Just The Beginning. There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence, Breyer acknowledged. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act, he wrote, adding that the law was violated willfully and that the Defense Department knowingly contradicted their own training materials which listed 12 functions that the Posse Comitatus Act bars the military from performing. Per the judges order, the Trump administration will be blocked from deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the National Guard, and any military troops heretofore deployed in California, to execute the laws, unless it can show a valid constitutional or statutory exception to the act. At the height of Trumps response, there were over 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines deployed to LA, prompting Newsom to sue the administration. Currently, there are about 300 troops left in Los Angeles. A protester holds a sign near Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) at Twentynine Palms, California as they guard the Wilshire Federal Building as Vice President JD Vance visits on June 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. David McNew via Getty Images Breyers order on Tuesday only applies to California. But any attempt by the president to deploy troops elsewhere to assist with civilian law enforcement, as Trump has suggested he will do in Chicago, could now face major legal headwinds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To send in Marines and grab hold of Californias National Guard, Trump issued a broad memo in June that invoked an obscure statute known as Section 12406 that he claimed essentially allowed him to sidestep the Posse Comitatus Act if there is an ongoing rebellion against the U.S. government or the governments authority to enforce federal laws. To justify its use, Trump asserted that the protests in response to immigration raids led by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement qualified as rebellion. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Newsom, however, argued that the deployment was a drastic overreach into the states sovereign powers and altogether unnecessary. Usually, National Guard troops are only deployed at the behest of state or city officials. At trial, intelligence and security assessment reports from federal and local enforcement confirmed that concerns for life and property were low before and after raids were conducted and troops were deployed. Breyer had issued a temporary restraining order in June that blocked the administrations seizure of the California National Guard, finding that Trump likely broke the law when he commandeered those troops. Breyer found the presidents conduct was both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment. Judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals swiftly blocked Breyers order, however, and California challenged the decision, leading to the trial in San Francisco last month. Bonta heralded the ruling as a victory not only for California but the Constitution at large. Related: Ron DeSantis' 'Unhinged' Attack On California Backfires Spectacularly Todays ruling affirms that President Trump is not King, and the power of the executive is not boundless. For more than two months, the President has engaged in political theater, using National Guard troops and Marines as pawns to further his anti-immigrant agenda. In doing so, he trampled on one of the very basic foundations of our democracy: That our military be apolitical and the activities of troops on U.S. soil be extremely limited to ensure civil liberties and protect against military overreach, Bonta said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment, the Defense Department referred all questions to the White House; the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. According to Breyers order, the evidence at trial made clear that the Trump administration had used the military to bolster operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Department of Homeland Security and used military personnel to enforce the law, including by forming armed perimeters and blockades, engaging in crowd control. Often, the judge noted, there were greater numbers of military personnel at various sites than there were civilian law enforcement agents, and the point of the troops presence was to demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. Demonstrators hold signs to protest while the U.S. Marine stand guard in front the Edward R. Roybal Federal building on June 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Apu Gomes via Getty Images The violations of the Posse Comitatus Act were part of a top-down, systemic effort by Defendants to use military troops to execute various sectors of federal law (the drug laws and immigration laws at least) across hundreds of miles over the course of several months and counting, Breyer wrote. So-called exceptions that troops received were made to excuse unlawful military conduct, Breyer added, noting that these instructions came all the way from the top of the Department of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Hegseths actions and their shared intent to call troops into federal service elsewhere effectively created a national police force with the President as its chief, the judge bristled. Breyers order bans troops in California from making arrests, apprehending people, conducting searches or seizures or engaging in security or traffic patrols, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection and interrogation. They are also prohibited from acting as informants. But this prohibition wont go into effect until Sept. 12. This gives the administration time to formally appeal. Bonta said Tuesday he fully expects the Trump administration to do as it usually does when it loses a fight in court: hurl insults at judges and claim judicial overreach. Related: The Case That Could Test The Lengths Of Trumps Military Power If you dont want to have court orders against you, stop breaking the law, Bonta told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday. We follow court orders in the United States of America. This order has teeth. It has force ... it is clear about what is prohibited. If the Trump administration disagrees with it, they can do what the appropriate thing to do is: appeal ... the appropriate remedy is not to chirp on the sidelines and criticize and undermine courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for a withdrawal of troops from Los Angeles, Bonta said the public will have to stay tuned on when and if that will occur. Technically, he said, the military is still allowed to guard, protect and defend federal property. If thats how the federal government wants to misuse the military, Bonta said. They could be tackling fentanyl, or wildfires, instead of sitting at or in federal buildings, protecting them from no threats, targeting or attacks. If thats how the president wants to waste the time of these patriots and have them sit at federal buildings with no threats, we believe that is potentially compliant with the courts orders, Bonta said. CORRECTION: This story has been amended to correct the year the Posse Comitatus Act became law. Related... Read the original on HuffPost When President Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month, the topic was the weighty issue of ending Russias invasion of Ukraine. But at one point, Trump took a provocative diversion into domestic politics. Zelensky noted that, in his country, the law doesnt allow for elections during periods of martial law. So you say during the war, you cant have elections, Trump responded. So let me just say, three and a half years from now so you mean, if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections? Oh, thats good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laughter ensued. Trump wondered aloud what the fake news would do with his comment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on August 18. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images But increasingly, Democrats arent laughing. A growing number of them are arguing Trump will do something to either try to cancel or commandeer elections to keep his hold on power. That might seem ridiculous to some. Trump hasnt explicitly said he plans to cancel elections, and he said last month he would probably not run for a third term, which the Constitution forbids anyway. But the president has certainly floated such possibilities before and done plenty of anti-democratic things. And his extraordinary moves to take more control over the voting process and dispatch troops on US soil are already raising alarm bells. (A judge said Tuesday that Trump was, in effect, creating a national police force with the President as its chief.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker claimed Sunday that Trumps threat to send troops into cities like Chicago was part of the plan. The other aims are that hed like to stop the elections in 2026 or, frankly, take control of those elections, the Democratic governor said on CBS Face the Nation. Hell just claim that theres some problem with an election, and then hes got troops on the ground that can take control if, in fact, hes allowed to do this. Pritzker, who may have his own White House ambitions, pointed to how Adolf Hitler took just 53 days to turn Germany into a dictatorship. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the press while onboard a water taxi passing Trump Tower in Chicago on August 25. - Scott Olson/Getty Images I can tell you that the playbook is the same, Pritzker said. Its thwart the media. Its create mayhem that requires military interdiction. These are things that happen throughout history, and Donald Trump is just following that playbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Gov. Gavin Newsom floated a very similar theory last week. Asked about his own plans for running for president in 2028, Newsom shrugged them off by casting doubt on whether that election would be above-board or even happen at all. He cited how Trumps recently passed domestic agenda law made Immigration and Customs Enforcement the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency, claiming ICE is increasing Trumps private police force. He predicted that federal agents would be sent to polling places. And then he predicted Trump would try to halt elections altogether. "Donald Trump 2028" hats sit on a file cabinet in the entryway to the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in Sacramento, California, on August 28. - Fred Greaves/Reuters I dont think Donald Trump wants another election, Newsom said at an event hosted by Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People actually think this guys serious about having another election? the governor said, adding: Hes not being serious? Wake up. You will lose your country. These are the most powerful Democrats to float such theories. But theyre not the only ones. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York said people shouldnt laugh at what Trump said next to Zelensky. Watch Trump fantasize about dragging America into a war as a pretense to cancel our elections, she said on X. The room may have laughed, but HE. IS. NOT. JOKING. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who administers that states elections, said Trumps push to end mail voting is part of a pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What in the world does that pattern lead to? Fontes told local KTAR News. It leads to the further erosion of our trust in our elections that might justify his ability to determine that theres an emergency and cancel the 2026 elections. Election workers open and inspect mail-in ballot envelopes after they completed signature verification inside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 5, 2024. - Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images Fontes added: This is where all the evidence is going, and at every turn Donald Trump gives us another reason to believe that that might be true. And Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner last week told CNNs Early Start that Trumps use of troops in cities is an attempt to create a pretext. The only crisis here is Donald Trump, and he wants a crisis because he wants an excuse to cancel elections down the road, Krasner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes talking about the cancellation of elections because of a crisis where there is no crisis. America needs to wake up. This is serious. We have elected officials saying nothing and doing nothing. All of these warnings might sound rather alarmist and conspiratorial. Trump certainly lacks the legal power to cancel elections under federal law. But hes also flirted with these kinds of things plenty of times and shown a real disregard for democratic norms and election law: He not only sought to overturn the 2020 election based on lies about voter fraud, but he later turned those who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, into something amounting to heroes of the MAGA right. He has repeatedly flirted with the idea of trying to seek a third term in 2028, despite that being expressly forbidden by the Constitution. Back in 2020, he floated delaying the election, despite not having the power to do so. In 2022, he claimed purported voter fraud allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution. And last year, he made odd comments suggesting Christians who voted for him in 2024 wouldnt have to vote in 2028 because he would have it fixed so good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After those last comments blew up, Fox News host Laura Ingraham invited Trump to clarify them. She claimed his critics who were saying he wanted to cancel future elections were being ridiculous. But Trump repeatedly declined to directly rebut those critics. The president has also recently sought to expand his control over elections and done so unilaterally, by executive action. Early in his term, he sought to boost proof of citizenship requirements for registering to vote. And recently, he began a push to end mail voting and voting machines. He doesnt appear to have the power to do any of that. But what Democrats are increasingly suggesting could happen is not a legal effort to commandeer or cancel elections, but an extralegal one or one that seizes on a manufactured crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the idea that Trump could take all of it too far is a concern that may not seem so ridiculous to many Americans. A Public Religion Research Institute poll last year, for example, showed 49% of Americans said there was a real danger in Trump using the presidency to become a dictator. (And this wasnt just a case where all partisans assumed the other side would do that; only 28% had the same worry about Kamala Harris.) The question, as always with Trump, is whether hes being provocative for the sake of provocation, or he really has designs on burrowing his way into the election process to try to hold onto power. Democrats are increasingly calling on people to start paying attention. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Trump cast further doubt on the future of U.S. vaccines on Monday, claiming that the CDC has been ripped apart by the debate over the Covid-19 shots efficacy. What Trump said I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as BRILLIANT as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? he wrote on Truth Social. He demanded that drug companies make their data publicly available to prove their efficacy. I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not??? he continued. The wider context Operation Warp Speed, the rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines in 2020, was one of the proudest achievements of Trumps first term. It played a vital role in the development of mRNA-based vaccines in particular. But due to his MAGA bases widespread vaccine skepticism, Trump has been increasingly reluctant to tout its success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an op-ed for the Washington Post last month, Jerome Adams, who was U.S. surgeon general from 2017 to 2021, noted the presidents more recent refusal to acknowledge the operations achievements. He wrote: This historic feat positioned the United States as the global leader in biomedical innovation. It warranted Nobel Prize consideration for the president, because of its unprecedented impact on humanity and health. Yet, in his second term, Trumps tolerance for his own appointees undermining this legacy is nothing short of baffling. Susan Moranezs firing Trumps most recent remarks undermining Operation Warp Speed also follow the dismissal of Susan Monarez as director of the CDC. NBC News reported that a conflict over a key independent vaccine committee was the last straw that led to Monarezs removal. Health Secretary RFK Jr. repeatedly interfered with the committee, firing members and replacing some with vaccine skeptics, stoking fears about the committees future impact on public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has tapped Deputy Health Secretary Jim ONeill, a former Silicon Valley tech investor, as Monarezs replacement. Shifting gears As if the situation wasnt complicated enough, Trump brought up Operation Warp Speed during a televised cabinet meeting last week but on that occasion, he was emphatic about its success. He called it one of the greatest achievements ever in politics or in the military, because it was almost a military procedure, during a televised cabinet meeting. Crucially, he added that President Putin gave him kudos for it, boasting: But everybody, including [Russias Vladimir] Putin, said that Operation Warp Speed, What you did with that, nobody can believe it. And we did a great job. Its strange for Trump to trumpet Putins validation, considering his frustration over the Russian leaders continued bombardment of Ukraine. Just a couple of weeks ago, he told the BBC: Well have a great conversation. Ill say: Thats good, Ill think were close to getting it done, and then hell knock down a building in Kyiv. All things considered, it appears he still values the Russian presidents praise remarkably highly. The FDAs new booster restrictions This is all very well, you may be thinking, but how does this back-and-forth affect the American public? Looking ahead, the FDA has approved the latest Covid-19 booster shots for the fall, but massively limited who will be eligible for them. For the first time, the jab isnt being recommended to most people for the winter. Its been authorized for over-65s, but younger people are no longer eligible unless they have an underlying condition that makes them more vulnerable to Covid-19. A medical provider must be consulted before under-18s receive the shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Added to this, the jab must be approved by the very same CDC advisory committee that has recently been overhauled by Health Secretary and stalwart vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. The post Trumps Changing Tune on the Covid-19 Vaccine appeared first on Katie Couric Media. President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his administration was going in and would deploy the National Guard to Chicago but did not specify when. Chicagos very interesting, because I watched them say We dont need help, were safe, but two weeks ago, they had six people murdered and they had 24 people hit by bullets, he said. Chicago is a hellhole right now. Trump has for weeks indicated he was considering Chicago as a future location for his crackdown on crime. His definitive indication Tuesday he would deploy the National Guard is an escalation of past statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're going in. I didn't say when. We're going in, he said. Trumps Tuesday comments on the city come as he touts decreasing crime numbers in D.C. amid his federal takeover of the police and deployment of the National Guard. He called the capital city a template for others in the country. The president praised D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for her willingness to work with him, and urged Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to do the same. If the governor of Illinois would call me up, I would love to do it, now, were going to do it anyway, Trump said. We have the right to do it, because I have an obligation to protect this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker said at a press conference Tuesday that he would not call Trump back and called the presidents remarks unhinged. He said Trumps absurd characterizations do not match what is happening on the ground. He has no idea what he's talking about. There is no emergency that warrants deployment of troops, Pritzker said. He is insulting the people of Chicago by calling our home a hellhole, and anyone who takes his word at face value is insulting Chicago too. Pritzker, and other Democratic governors, urged the Trump administration in a Thursday letter not to send troops into their cities. Whether its Illinois, Maryland and New York or another state tomorrow, the Presidents threats and efforts to deploy a states National Guard without the request and consent of that states governor is an alarming abuse of power, ineffective, and undermines the mission of our service members, they said in the letter, organized by the Democratic Governors Association. National Guard troops sent to Washington, D.C. to battle Donald Trumps vision of a violent, lawless city on a par with Third World nations, have revealed how many bags of trash theyve collected. Trump claimed D.C. suffered one of the Highest Rates of Crime in the World, more than many of the most violent Third World Countries. President Donald Trump announced last month he was deploying thousands of troops and federalizing the D.C. police force because the nations capital had higher homicide rates than cities that are notorious for violence, such as Bogota, Colombia, and Fallujah, Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But rather than battling cartels or terrorists, the soldiers have been busy picking up trash and spreading mulch, jobs that would typically fall to National Park Service employees. The Trump administration has fired thousands of federal workers this year, including almost 25 percent of the NPS, leaving the National Guard to assist with more than 40 beautification projects around the city. Guardsmen have cleaned more than 3.2 miles of roadways, collected more than 500 bags of trash, and disposed of three truckloads of plant waste, the National Guard said over the weekend in a statement shared by CBS. A National Guard troop discarding a bottle near the National Malltasks typically falling to the National Park Service are being picked up by the Guard after Trump slashed the federal workforce. / The Washington Post via Getty Images Some troops have questioned how the deploymentwhich is costing an estimated $1 million per dayaffects their military readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presence of soldiers on American streets has also proven to be deeply unpopular with voters, with just 41 percent of respondents saying they approved of the move, a Quinnipiac University poll found last week. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House and the National Guard for comment. Trump insists he has made D.C a much safer place as he sets his sights on other Democrat-led cities such as Chicago, Baltimore, and New York. As of Friday, 1,369 arrests had been made during the three-week crackdown, according to the White House. But D.C.s top prosecutor, former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, has not been following through with progress in court. In a couple of high-profile cases, she failed to secure grand jury indictments. More than 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to the nations capital under Trump's crackdown. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Many of the guardsmen have been sent from Republican-led statesincluding Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisianathat have cities with higher crime rates than Washington, D.C.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson, Mississippis homicide rate is a whopping four times higher than D.C.s, while the murder rate in Memphis is three times higher, and in New Orleans it is double, NPR reported. House Speaker Mike Johnson struggled to respond when Gov. Gavin Newsom called out a similar disparity between Californiawhere Trump sent National Guard troops earlier this summerand Johnsons home state of Louisiana, whose murder rate is four times that of the Golden State. Democratic governors, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have called out the Trump administration for deploying National Guard troops to Democrat-led states. / Fred Greaves / REUTERS Gavin Newsom will do anything for attention. He can name-drop me all, all, Johnson stammered, that he wants. He needs to go and govern his state and not be engaging in all of this. As for the presidents claim that crime in the nations capital resembles a third-world country, its not clear where he got his Fallujah statistic, since no official figure appears to exist for the city that was the site of some of the deadliest battles of the Iraq War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Bogota, its true that Washingtons homicide rate was higher last year. But thats not because Washington has cartel levels of violenceits because the Colombian city has managed to bring homicide rates way down since the 1990s. In 1993, Bogotas homicide rate was 81.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, but by 2007, it had fallen to 19 per 100,000 inhabitants, and last year it was 15 per 100,000, CNN reported. That means youre statistically more likely to get murdered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, than in Bogota, according to an analysis of FBI data by Axios. US President Donald Trump has been scheduled to deliver a new statement from the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday 2 September. Source: Roll Call, a publication covering Congress, as reported by European Pravda Details: The address is scheduled for 2 September at 21:00 Kyiv time. It is not yet known what the US president will speak about. Background: On 22 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Vladimir Putin would meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy only after a "summit programme" had been prepared and that there were no such plans at the moment. Trump intends to leave it to Russia and Ukraine to organise a meeting between their leaders, thereby stepping back from the talks for the time being. Speaking to the media representatives on 29 August, Zelenskyy recalled that on Monday 1 September the "couple of weeks" Trump had given Moscow for next steps in the negotiations, including arranging a bilateral meeting with Ukraine before returning to the idea of sanctions, would expire. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Trump on Monday demanded drugmakers justify the success of their treatments for COVID-19 amid turmoil in his administration over vaccines and other health issues. It is very important that the Drug Companies justify the success of their various Covid Drugs. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree! the president said in a post on Truth Social. With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW, the president continued, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president ousted the director of the CDC last week amid reports of a showdown between the embattled agency head and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccines. I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not??? Trump wrote Monday. They go off to the next hunt and let everyone rip themselves apart, including Bobby Kennedy Jr. and CDC, trying to figure out the success or failure of the Drug Companies Covid work. On Monday, former directors of the CDC rebuked Kennedy, who has a history of vaccine skepticism, over his leadership at the agency and his push to fire its director, Susan Monarez. In an opinion piece for The New York Times, nine former CDC directors and acting directors offered a warning about the changes Kennedy has made at the agency, which they called alarming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demetre Daskalakis, the former leader of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, on Thursday said Kennedy had not been briefed by agency experts on measles, COVID-19 and the flu. No one from my center has ever briefed him on any of those topics, Daskalakis said on CNN. Perhaps he has alternate experts that he may trust more than the experts at CDC that the rest of the world regards as the best scientists in the areas, he added. Trump in his Monday social media post touted the effectiveness of Operation Warp Speed, the push during his first term to speed up vaccine development and distribution during the pandemic. And he said drugmakers show me GREAT numbers and results, but they dont seem to be showing them to many others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want them to show them NOW, to CDC and the public, and clear up this MESS, one way or the other!!! I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as BRILLIANT as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? he added. The Hill has reached out to Pfizer for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 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: Evolution of researchdisease divergence and share of research and disease burden for respiratory infections and tuberculosis. Credit: Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03923-0 There's good news and bad news in the world of global health research. The good news is that the gap between what health scientists are studying and the actual worldwide disease burden has narrowed since 1999. That's according to a new study from a global team of health policy researchers, including Georgia Tech's Cassidy R. Sugimoto. The bad news? The study shows the improvement was mostly accidental, and things are likely to start getting worse againespecially if the U.S. follows through on plans to cut global health research funding. "Our current situation is going to lead to an increasing imbalance between the diseases burdening the world and the research that is produced," said Sugimoto, the Tom and Marie Patton Chair in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy. The work is published in the journal Nature Medicine. An accidental alignment The idea that research and disease burden are mismatched isn't new. In fact, the paper cites a longstanding rule of thumb stating that only 10% of health research funding goes to diseases that make up 90% of the global disease burden. However, this paper's approach is new in key ways that go beyond this "10/90 gap" concept. While that concept provided a static snapshot of the problem, this study created a two-decade-long analysis of how the gap evolved and where it's heading next. The authors used a "triangulated large language model approach" that they validated as being significantly more precise than older coding methodologies, with the AI tools achieving 94.9% accuracy in correlating articles with diseases, compared to 67.0% for traditional methods. In the study, Sugimoto and her co-authors from the University of Mannheim, the University of Zurich, and Heidelberg University Hospital used those AI tools to examine 8.6 million research papers published over two decades, comparing them to the Global Burden of Disease database maintained by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. They found the gap between research and real-world health problems had narrowed significantly over the study period, 1999 to 2021. However, this progress was not because scientists changed their focus. Rather, the global disease landscape had shifted to better match the static priorities of the research community. "The data show a seemingly increased alignment of research and burden of disease over the past two decades, driven almost entirely by changes in the burden of communicable diseases, while research has remained largely unchanged," the authors wrote. Research versus disease burden stratified according to disease and country. Credit: Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03923-0 A widening gap ahead For decades, widespread public health interventions have reduced the impact of communicable diseases. As that burden shrank, the world's health problems began to look more like what scientists were already studying. Now, with fewer gains to be had fighting communicable diseases, and with chronic, "Western-style" diseases on the rise globally, the researchers project the gap will widen again. "We find a dichotomy of more local communicable diseases, which have seen a decline in divergence of about 75%, and more global noncommunicable diseases, which have seen a 25% increase in divergence," according to the paper. The reason for the widening gap is that most research into chronic diseases isn't truly global, the researchers argue. Scientists, heavily concentrated in Western countries, tend to focus on problems and solutions applicable to their own populations, which often have access to advanced health care systems and technologies unavailable in many parts of the world. And that doesn't seem to be getting better, the researchers say. "Paradoxically, as disease patterns become more globally integrated, recent evidence suggests that scientific research is becoming more fragmented, with declining international collaboration overall," the researchers said. COVID-19: An exception that proves the rule The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a powerful exception to the study's main findings. The authors found that as the pandemic surged, the scientific community demonstrated a remarkable ability to pivot and rapidly align its focus with the emerging crisis. This was a stark contrast to the static, two-decade-long trend observed for most other diseases. The data show that the share of the global disease burden from respiratory infections such as COVID-19 doubled between 2019 and 2021. In response, the proportion of global research dedicated to this category quadrupled, rising from 3% in 2019 to between 12% and 14% in 2020 and 2021. According to the paper, this proves "the capacity of the global research system to align rapidly with emerging health challenges," suggesting that the usual lack of alignment is a problem of priorities and incentives, not capability. Funding cuts could further widen the gap However, such pivots are highly dependent on funding, and one particular risk, the researchers say, is the decision by U.S. officials to reduce funding for international health science research, including initiatives such as U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the vaccine alliance Gavi. According to the paper, a sustained withdrawal of U.S. funding could reverse nearly half of the progress made in aligning research with disease burden over the last 20 years. Such cuts would harm research on both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, neurological disorders, and substance use disorders, the researchers say. Sub-Saharan Africa is at particular risk, the researchers say, given that 84% of U.S. global health funding went to that part of the world as recently as 2023. That money supported 41% of research into sexually transmitted diseases in the region and 25% of the region's research on respiratory infections and tuberculosis. More broadly, the researchers warn that uncertainty from funding terminations affects the entire global research enterprise, including "international science research networks, capacity-building global health partnerships and multi-country clinical trials." Forging a more aligned future To counteract these trends, the authors argue for a deliberate and coordinated global effort to realign research with health needs across three fronts: Finding ways to support governance structures that can withstand national or regional political shifts to ensure funding and incentives are directed toward the most pressing global health priorities. Investing in "locally led research capacity," especially in the regions where the disease burden is growing fastest. This approach, the researchers say, avoids "helicopter science"where Western researchers collect data and leave. Instead, this approach builds sustainable, local expertise to develop solutions that are practical and effective in their own communities. A greater commitment to open science and shared data infrastructure. More openness would allow for transparent, real-time tracking of how well research is aligning with disease patterns, enabling funders and policymakers to make more evidence-based decisions. "Policy action, like open science and data sharing mandates, is needed to make progress in aligning global research efforts with evolving disease burdens. This will facilitate the acceleration of research in traditionally less research-intensive countries, which become increasingly affected by the burden of non-communicable diseases," according to the researchers. More information Leo Schmallenbach et al, Global distribution of research efforts, disease burden, and impact of US public funding withdrawal, Nature Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03923-0 Journal information: Nature Medicine A federal judge in San Francisco barred soldiers from aiding immigration arrests and other civilian law enforcement across California, warning Tuesday of a growing "national police force with the President as its chief" in an impassioned order set to take effect Sept. 12. The decision is a major win for California and could have wide-ranging consequences for President Trump's use of the military nationwide. But legal experts warn it could prove a Pyrrhic victory, won at such great cost it is tantamount to defeat. Many fear a reversal on appeal could hand the president near unlimited power to deploy troops on American soil. "The stakes are huge," said Eric J. Segall, a professor at Georgia State University College of Law. "If this District Court decision is reversed by either the 9th Circuit or the Supreme Court or both... the Trump administration would go hog wild." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 52-page decision filed early Tuesday morning, Senior District Judge Charles R. Breyer blocked the administration from "deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using" California troops to engage in civilian law enforcement, as Trump has done throughout Southern California during sweeping immigration raids since June. "Why is the National Guard still around?" Breyer demanded with evident irritation at trial last month. "What is the threat today? What was the threat yesterday or two weeks ago that allowed it?" the judge said at the time. "I'm trying to see whether there are any limits, any limits to the use of a federal force." Tuesday's ruling comes as hundreds of troops now patrol the United States capital, following an order by the president in mid-August deploying the National Guard to tamp down what he described as rampant crime in the District of Columbia. Thousands more could soon be deployed to other American cities, the administration has warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 300 soldiers remain on the streets of Los Angeles, where thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines were deployed in early June to quell fierce protests over immigration raids. Breyer's order would strictly limit what those remaining forces can do. The Department of Justice indicated it would immediately appeal the decision, all but ensuring a stay until the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals can rule on it later this month. Trump said Tuesday that the judge had "ruled against our country." Read more: Trial in National Guard lawsuit tests whether Trump will let courts limit authority Legal experts say the ensuing judicial dust-up will clarify precedent in a murky corner of the law. But some warn it could also unearth a road map for future deployments in cities across the U.S., should California go on to lose in a higher court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Breyer sides with [Gov. Gavin] Newsom, and the 9th Circuit sides with Trump, we now have a playbook to use the National Guard and maybe the military around the country," said Mark P. Nevitt, a law professor at Emory University and one of the countrys foremost experts on the law at the heart of the case. "He'd have a ruling from the most liberal circuit in America giving the legal go-ahead for this deployment," Nevitt said. "That would make bad law for the country." Trump has long threatened to send troops to police American cities, especially those run by his political foes. As president, he repeatedly raised the specter of using the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that grants the executive branch sweeping domestic military power. So many court-watchers were surprised when the Department of Justice instead lifted the authority to federalize California's Guard troops from an obscure subsection of the U.S. code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Breyer called the decision a "tacit admission" by the administration that facts on the ground didn't support their narrative one more easily probed under the Insurrection Act than Section 12406 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the statute the Justice Department invoked. Legal experts say the move is emblematic of the administration's second-term judicial strategy. "Hes using these shadow statutory mechanisms to get where he wants to go without making the hard political decision of invoking the Insurrection Act," Nevitt said. "His lawyers are scrubbing the U.S. Code looking for executive power." The three-day trial in August revealed stunning new details of some of the military's most controversial actions in Southern California this summer, including their participation in a July raid of MacArthur Park that enraged residents and city officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 12, Army Maj. Gen. Scott Marshall Sherman testified that Border Patrol agents had initially planned to target the park on Father's Day a decision the military overruled, saying the expected crowds made it too dangerous. "It was going to be a very large amount of people in the park," said Sherman, who led the federalized National Guard troops and Marines sent to L.A. in June. "I could not approve it because of the high risk." Sherman's initial refusal to rubber stamp the military mission led Chief Gregory Bovino of the Department of Homeland Security to question his loyalty to the United States, a fact California's attorneys fought hard to see included in the court record. Breyer himself was incredulous at the implication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If ... a military officer who's had 33 years of experience is told by civilian authorities that he is disloyal to the United States of America, why isn't that relevant to whatever decisions he made?" Breyer said at trial. Read more: Trump lawyers call California effort to block L.A. military deployment a dangerous 'stunt' State and local leaders have repeatedly called the military's actions "political theater" and decried their use as a distraction from everything from the Epstein files to Trump's tariffs. But experts warn California's legal arguments are also tenuous, and could set up a crushing defeat in the weeks to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's the second time Newsom has risked expanding the presidential power he sought to curtail when he filed suit against Trump over the troop deployment in June. On June 9, Breyer ruled to strip the president of command of federalized troops, saying he'd overstepped his authority under an obscure subsection of the U.S. Code. The 9th Circuit quickly reversed that decision, finding the president had broad discretion over domestic deployments. Now, the appellate court must weigh whether the same broad presidential discretion extends to the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th century statute that forbids soldiers from enforcing civilian laws in all but the most extreme circumstances. The Department of Justice contends that once the president invokes his near-total authority to deploy troops, almost anything soldiers might do to "protect" federal law enforcement is permitted under the act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you saying because the president says it, therefore it is? Breyer said during the trial. "In other words, were going to see federal officers everywhere if the president determines theres some threat to the safety of a federal agent." The federal government's argument during the August trial veered at times into what Breyer called "Alice in Wonderland" logic: Justice Department lawyers said both that Los Angeles troops had stringently followed the law and that the law did not apply to them. "Why did I spend a day looking at slide after slide and regulation after regulation and report after report on ... compliance with the Posse Comitatus Act if the Posse Comitatus Act is irrelevant?" Breyer snapped at the Justice Department legal team. "Maybe you should tell your client that they dont have to follow [it] if that's your view." Likewise, administration attorneys told the court Trump can't be sued for violating the criminal statute. But neither can he be prosecuted for breaking it, they said, thanks to the Supreme Court's presidential immunity decision last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So there's no remedy," Breyer said. Reaction to Breyer's Tuesday decision was mixed. Some legal experts say the law is unclear. "The legality of all of this is really messy," Nevitt said. "Arguably California might not have standing to even get to the merits of the case." Others were more bullish on California's chances. "This is an opportunity to give more meaning to a statute thats notoriously vague," said Dan Maurer, a law professor at Ohio Northern University. "Its important to see what can the president get away with." State and local leaders celebrated Tuesday's decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the federal court ruled in favor of the people of Los Angeles, said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The White House tried to invade the second-largest city in the country. That was illegal. Los Angeles will not buckle and we will not break. We will not be divided and we will not be defeated. But some legal scholars were less sanguine. Some fear expanding the use of soldiers for civilian policing could be a first step toward martial law. "The reason Trump might find that delightful is because thats what Lincoln did," Segall said. "Trump wants to be Lincoln." The president has already signaled his intention to expand the use of the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to look at New York. And if we need to, were going to do the same thing in Chicago, Trump said during a news conference in August. Hopefully, L.A. is watching. On Tuesday, he reiterated the threat, adding that he could soon deploy more troops to Los Angeles. "[Newsom]'s going to need us again, because it's starting to form again," he told the White House press corps Tuesday afternoon. "I see it." For Breyer, the threat is existential. "Whats to prevent a national police force?" the judge said. "Is there any limit?" Times staff writer Michael Wilner contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. After firing or forcing out dozens of immigration court judges, the Trump administration is planning to fill the benches with military lawyers under command of the Department of Justice. Last week, the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review gave itself permission to hire any attorney to serve as temporary immigration judges, even if they dont have any experience in that area of the law. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has now approved sending up to 600 military lawyers to the Justice Department to fill the bench in immigration courts across the country, according to a recent memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon will deploy groups of 150 military attorneys as soon as practicable, according to the memo, which is dated August 27. The Pentagon is identifying qualified military and civilian attorneys to augment existing resources to help further combat a backlog of cases by presiding over immigration hearings, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to The Independent. The Pentagon has approved a plan to send up to 600 military lawyers to serve as immigration court judges as the Trump administration seeks to rapidly scale up its mass deportation agenda (AP) The Department remains committed to continuing our support for our interagency partners, bringing the skill and dedication of Americas service members and civil servants to deliver justice, restore order, and protect the American people, he added. Beyond this, we dont have any additional details to provide at this time, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department referredThe Independents request for comment to the Pentagon. Immigration courts are grappling with a massive backlog of more than 3.7 million cases in immigration courts which hold hearings on asylum claims and whether immigrants can be swiftly deported. But more than 100 immigration judges have been fired or forced out of the role since Trump took office. Unlike federal courts, immigration courts and the judges who run them operate under the Justice Department and at the direction of the office of the attorney general. Under new guidance released last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi can install any attorney to serve as an immigration judge for terms lasting up to six months at which point their term can be renewed, sparking fears that the Trump administration is escalating an anti-immigration agenda by employing inexperienced loyalists to decide the fates of tens of thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump took office, the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review told judges to grant motions from government lawyers to immediately dismiss immigrants cases, making them easy targets for arrest and removal. That strategy has generated scenes of masked federal agents patrolling courthouse hallways and hauling away immigrants the moment they leave hearings. More than 60,000 people are currently in immigration detention centers across the country. Before last weeks rule change, temporary immigration judges had to be a former appellate immigration judge; an administrative law judge at the Executive Office for Immigration Review; or an attorney with more than 10 years of experience in immigration law. Now, the Justice Department says experience with immigration law isnt necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration law experience is not always a strong predictor of success as an immigration judge, according to last weeks rule change. It makes as much as sense as having a cardiologist do a hip replacement, said Ben Johnson, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. While [military] attorneys may be well suited to handle military matters, immigration law is entirely different and exceptionally complex, he added. The work of immigration judges has been described as life and death decisions in traffic court conditions. Expecting fair decisions from judges unfamiliar with the law is absurd. This reckless move guts due process and further undermines the integrity of our immigration court system. Attorneys with the Judge Advocate Generals Corps or JAG, the militarys legal branch have served as immigration judges in the past, so I am not of the belief that they will all become rubber stampers, according to American Immigration Council senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the command pressure to deny will undoubtedly be enormous, he wrote Tuesday. There are also not enough immigration courtrooms to suddenly add hundreds of new judges, Reichlin-Melnick said. The logistics are going to be a complete disaster. The Justice Department has instructed immigration court judges to dismiss immigrants cases, making them vulnerable targets for immediate arrest and removal as soon as they step out of courtrooms (AP) Rear Admiral Donald J. Guter, a retired Navy Judge Advocate General and former president and dean of South Texas College of Law, called the administrations latest move another unprecedented action, and unwise. Its another authoritarian step toward militarizing civilian functions, compromises the statutory role of JAGs, reduces readiness and is a specialized area in which the JAGs have no training or experience, he told The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the Trump administrations deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops and Marines into the streets of Los Angeles, inserting the military into polarizing domestic issues that risk politicizing the military itself, Guter and other former JAG attorneys wrote in The Bulwark. The dangers of politicizing the military are twofold: Domestic uses of our military render it less prepared to perform its primary missions, and inject the military into civilian situations our troops are not trained for, they wrote. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, the union that represents immigration judges, told The Independent that it supports filling temporary immigration judge positions through a transparent, merit-based process that takes into consideration an individuals background, legal experience, knowledge of immigration law or judicial procedures, and experience in administrative law. Hiring judges without adequate experience or knowledge of immigration laws could slow the system down and increase appeals, the union said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations actions to strip legal status from immigrants who are in the middle of their immigration cases have radically expanded a pool of undocumented people to add to the presidents demands for mass deportations. A federal judge in New York last month condemned the Trump administrations arbitrary practice of arresting immigrants as they leave their court hearings, which has created what he called a game of detention roulette that violates due process. Another federal judge last week blocked immigration authorities from rapidly deporting immigrants by using a fast-tracked removal process central to the presidents mass deportation agenda. District Judge Jia M. Cobb in Washington, D.C. argued that the administration risks wrongfully removing people and violating due process rights for people who have long since entered the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prioritizing speed over all else will inevitably lead the government to erroneously remove people via this truncated process, she wrote. 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, Cobb explained. By merely accusing you of entering unlawfully, the government would deprive you of any meaningful opportunity to disprove its allegations. Fortunately, that is not the law. Editors note: This story was originally published in July, but after questions have arisen about President Trumps health we are republishing. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common age-related condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Its primary symptom is swelling in the legs. That occurs when valves in the leg veins dont work well. Theyre supposed to make sure blood flows toward the heart, but instead, gravity takes over and some of it flows backward and causes swelling in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not dangerous, but can be very painful, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which says that left untreated, one can experience: Pain Swelling Cramps Skin changes Varicose veins Leg ulcers The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided the presidents diagnosis Thursday, noting it explained the swelling in his legs. Later, the White House said that bruising on his hands that had caused speculation was simply related to the fact that he very often shakes hands. Trumps doctor explains diagnosis In a memo addressed to Leavitt, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the presidents doctor, said Trump is in excellent health. But he explained that because of mild swelling in the lower legs, he underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo said the condition is benign and common,particularly in individuals over the age of 70. Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. Trump is 79 years old. He also underwent thorough blood testing and everything was normal. The doctor said Trump has no signs of heart failure, systemic illness or kidney impairment. Per the doctors note, the bruising on the hand was minor soft tissue irritation from shaking hands a lot and also from using aspirin. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy, he wrote. Cleveland Clinic reports that disease impacting veins is very common. For example, varicose veins affect about 1 in 3 adults. Each year, about 1 in 50 adults with varicose veins go on to develop chronic venous insufficiency." While chronic venous insufficiency usually impacts those over 50, risk goes up with age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article said that chronic venous insufficiency affects about 1 in 20 adults. How is chronic venous insufficiency treated? Per the clinic, lifestyle changes are the frontline treatment, including weight management, leg elevation and exercise. If more is required, medication options include antibiotics and anticoagulants. Compression helps. Treating varicose veins is helpful and can involve nonsurgical and surgical options, as well. The doctors memo did not address how the condition will be treated in Trumps case or if it will require treatment. By Nandita Bose and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed reports on social media that he is in ill health, saying he was busy over the Labor Day weekend giving media interviews and visiting his Virginia golf course. "I was very active over the weekend," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Asked if he was aware of the reports, he called them "fake." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, 79, in January became the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency. Speculation about his health swirled on the social media platform X over the weekend, with posts citing Trump's lack of a public schedule late last week and a USA Today interview with Vice President JD Vance published on Thursday. When asked during the interview if he was ready to assume the role of commander in chief, Vance said he was confident Trump was "in good shape" but also suggested he was prepared to step in if anything happened to the president. Before Tuesday, Trump's last extended exchange with reporters came during a cabinet meeting a week earlier. Trump led the more than three-hour session on August 26, his longest on-camera appearance as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the Labor Day weekend, reporters saw him leaving the White House each day to visit his golf course. Trump underwent an extensive physical examination on April 11 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in suburban Washington. It found he had a normal heart rhythm and no major health problems, according to official results released by the White House. On July 17, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump was experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand after photos showed him with swollen ankles and makeup covering part of his hand. His physician, Sean Barbabella, said in a letter released by the White House that tests confirmed the leg issue was due to "chronic venous insufficiency," a benign and common condition, especially in people over 70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctor said the bruising on Trump's hand was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which Trump takes as part of a "standard cardiovascular prevention regimen." Since then, the White House has played down concerns about Trump's health, without detailing how the leg issue is being treated. (Reporting by Nandita Bose and Steve Holland in WashingtonEditing by Colleen Jenkins, Howard Goller and Nick Zieminski) A polling location in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). The U.S. Department of Justice has been reaching out to Missouri election officials requesting access to voting equipment used in the 2020 presidential election. According to a memo produced by the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, at least two county clerks have been contacted in recent weeks by Andrew McCoy Mac Warner, a DOJ official. While serving as West Virginias secretary of state, Warner falsely claimed the CIA and FBI colluded with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to steal the 2020 presidential election from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo was shared with election officials across the state and obtained by The Independent through a public records request. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Warner requested Jasper County Clerk Charlie Davis and McDonald County Clerk Jessica Cole allow the DOJ to access, physically inspect and perhaps take physical custody of election equipment made by Dominion Voting Systems that was used in the November 2020 election, according to the memo. In an interview with The Independent, Davis said he informed the DOJ his office purchased new equipment and no longer has the machines used in the 2020 election. But even if he had those machines, Davis said it would be illegal for him to allow anyone access to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely not, he said. The laws prohibit us from allowing anybody to touch our equipment. Davis said hes not sure why the DOJ wants to access machines used in the 2020 election, which Trump won in Missouri with 57% of the vote. But after the call from the DOJ, Davis said he was also contacted by former Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft urging him to comply with the DOJ request. In a statement included in the memo, Cole said custody, maintenance, preparation, testing and storage of election equipment are the responsibility of the local election authority. Allowing unauthorized access, she said, is a crime. These safeguards exist to protect the security, accuracy and integrity of our elections, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks, who serves as president of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, echoed Coles point in an email to The Independent, noting that while robust pre- and post-election equipment testing is open to the public for observation, it is illegal to allow unauthorized access or tampering to election equipment. The DOJ did not respond to a request for comment. Ashcroft, who in July was appointed by the governor to serve as an administrative law judge, said in a brief interview on Tuesday: If I were involved, it was a request from someone to help connect people together. And it would have been something that Id done on my own time, not during work hours. And it would have just been, Hey, do you know someone? Can you give me their number? That sort of thing. A spokeswoman for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said in an email to The Independent that Hoskins was contacted by the DOJ hoping to speak with local election officials for more information and context. Our office referred them to the clerks directly. In recent months, the DOJ has been contacting states demanding access to sensitive election and voting data. The department has sent letters to at least nine states asking for information related to voter list maintenance in the states under the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act, according to Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus on Dominion machines harkens back to the web of baseless conspiracy theories spread by Trump supporters in the years following his 2020 defeat that the company was at the heart of a scheme designed to rig the presidential election. Those lies about a stolen election helped fuel the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and continue to percolate through Trumps political base even after he won a second term last year. Dominion won a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News in 2023 after the network repeatedly promoted lies that the companys machines had been used to flip votes away from Trump in an effort to help Biden win the White House. More recently, right-wing cable channel Newsmax agreed in August to pay Dominion $67 million to settle a libel lawsuit based on similar false claims of election rigging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis, who still uses Dominion machines, said he knows there are some people who question the integrity of the 2020 election. But its been proven, especially here in Jasper County and in the State of Missouri, that our election results are the results of the elections, he said. Its proven that the machines count the ballots correctly. The final frontier may be 62 miles above Earth's surface, but after years of political bickering, the U.S. Space Command headquarters will be firmly grounded in the Deep South. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is authorizing the Space Force HQ to move from Colorado to Alabama, ending years of partisan fighting over the fate of the hub for the militarys space-related operations and effectively punishing the Centennial State for electing Democrats while rewarding deep-red Alabama for supporting him and his party. Speaking in the Oval Office flanked by Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of the Yellowhammer States congressional delegation, Trump noted that he was surrounded by great Republicans and boasted of having won Alabamas electoral votes by about 47 percent in last years election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also admitted he was punishing Colorado for the states political decisions by openly declaring that its use of postal balloting weighed heavily into his decision. The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting. They went to all mail-in voting, so they have automatically crooked elections. And we can't have that when a state is for mail-in voting. That means they want dishonest elections, because that's what that means. So that played a big factor, he baselessly claimed. Hegseth, the former Fox News personality turned defense boss, contradicted Trumps claim of political motivations just moments later when he said the decision was informed by a Pentagon inspector general report that assessed the proper location for Space Command as Huntsville, Alabama, at the historic Redstone Arsenal facility. Donald Trump, next to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attends an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama (REUTERS) What you're doing today, Mr. President, is restoring it to precisely where it should be based on what the Space Force, the Air Force, your leadership believes, will give us strategic advantage in the future, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communities surrounding both potential locations for Space Command view hosting the base as both a mark of prestige and a boon to their local economies, which would benefit from increased defense funding related to space issues, such as satellite defense, missile tracking, and worldwide communications. In a statement, the entirety of the Colorado congressional delegation including both Republican and Democratic members vowed to challenge the move, which they said would directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom line moving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time, they said. The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to return to a first-term plan to move the headquarters of U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, from its provisional home in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Getty Images) The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told KKTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement marks a return to public appearances for Trump, after multiple days outside the spotlight prompted speculation about the presidents health. Tuesdays plan is also a return to a first-term priority. In January 2021, as Trump was preparing to leave the White House, the Air Force announced its preferred location for Space Command headquarters would be Huntsville, nicknamed Rocket City for its history of building rockets for NASA and housing the Armys Space and Missile Defense Command. The decision, however, was not a final one. In 2023, when it came time for a permanent decision, the Biden administration reversed course, electing to keep the command at its temporary headquarters in Colorado Springs, arguing that moving across the country would disrupt readiness. Colorado is another major military aerospace hub, home to the Air Force Academy as well as the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The Biden administration opted to keep Space Command in Colorado, angering Republicans who accused the president of political favoritism (AFP via Getty Images) The 2023 decision, announced as Alabamas Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville was blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest over abortion-related policies at the Department of Defense, prompted allegations from Republicans that the Biden administration was showing political favoritism and opting for a more politically friendly state than deep-red Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April 2025 review by the Defense Department inspector general could not determine why the Biden administration chose Colorado over Alabama, adding that it lacked access to senior defense officials during the Democrats tenure. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, the Republican ordered the creation of what became the United States Space Force, a sixth branch of the U.S. military. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump is expected to announce that the U.S. Space Command headquarters is moving from Colorado to Alabama, a source familiar with the move confirmed to NewsNation. Trump is expected to confirm the change from the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon in what the Pentagons public affairs website called a U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement, the source said. NewsNation will stream the announcement from this story when it begins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps use of National Guard in California illegal, judge rules The move would shift the commands operations from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville is nicknamed the Rocket City and has long been home to the Armys Redstone Arsenal and the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, along with NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center. Alabama was Trumps top choice for headquarters location in 2021, the Associated Press reported at the time. In 2023, the Biden administration chose Colorado Springs as the commands permanent site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A member of the National Guard stands alongside a military vehicle parked in front of Union Station, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) As elected leaders in Chicago are bracing for President Donald Trump to potentially send National Guard troops to their city, Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized the presidents use of the military in U.S. communities. He also said that they are ready if the Trump Administration turns its attention to Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ever since the president made what I think is a wrong-headed decision to take the guard away from the governor and put them on the streets of Los Angeles, wehave been preparing for such a thing to happen here in Philadelphia, Shapiro said in response to a question from the Capital-Star on Tuesday. Weve received no word that it is imminent, by any stretch. During the summer, Trumps administration sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. A federal judge in California on Tuesday ruled that the move violated a federal law against military members conducting domestic law enforcement. Shapiro noted the ruling and the presidents rhetoric as a reason for the state to be preparing for Trump potentially sending National Guard personnel to Pennsylvania. Im the former chief law enforcement officer of this commonwealth, and I understand what communities need to do to make people safe, Shapiro said. As governor, weve invested millions of dollars in not only policing, but in community organizations that have helped bring down violent crime by 42%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Now is not a time to disrupt that with distrust, the way the president is doing in other communities, he added. Now is the time for us to continue making the progress were making here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Im going to focus on that, but our teams are prepared for whatever the White House may try and send our way. Following the ruling from Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer in California, Democratic elected officials in the Golden State celebrated the decision. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who sued to block Trumps federalization of the states National Guard, said the ruling sided with democracy and the Constitution and echoed Breyers warning about Trump leading a national police force. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused the White House of trying to invade the second largest city in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandan Johnson, both Democrats, have also been outspoken in their opposition to the prospect of the National Guard being sent to Chicago. To Chicagoans, what you can do is look out for your communities and your neighbors. Know your rights. Film things that you see happening in your neighborhoods and streets and share them with the news media, Pritzker said on Tuesday afternoon. Authoritarians thrive on your silence. Be loud for America. Trump has mentioned multiple cities, including Chicago and Baltimore, as potential areas he could send troops to in an effort to combat crime. An FBI report released last month shows violent crime in the United States fell 4.5% in 2024, while property crime dropped 8.1% from the previous year. Troops are currently patrolling Washington D.C., under what President Trump called a crime emergency. He was able to mobilize the District of Columbia, because the district is not a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, an elected official, has written on X, formerly Twitter, that the Trump administrations actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful. There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Violent crime in DC reached historic 30-year lows last year, and is down another 26% so far this year, Schwalb said. However, not all elected officials have criticized Trumps efforts in the nations capital. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, spoke positively about the impact of Trumps surge of federal law enforcement officers, NBC News reports, although she also claimed that the presence of masked ICE agents and National Guard members is not working. The ruling by Breyer on Tuesday morning that Trump could not use the National Guard for a wide array of police activities in California will go into effect Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it is likely that Trump will appeal to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The president secured a victory in an earlier case in that court. As budget impasse goes beyond 2 months, Shapiro says differences are being narrowed During Shapiros visit to Murrell Dobbins CTE High School on Tuesday, he participated in a panel discussion with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. He also told reporters that he was heading back to Harrisburg on Tuesday afternoon to meet with leaders to continue discussions about the state budget. Its time for them to make some tough decisions to close this out, Shapiro said. The issues have been narrowed. Theyve got to make tough decisions and get this done. Its been 210 days since I introduced my budget. The Senates only come to work 26 times since then, he added. Theyve got to come back to Harrisburg, do their jobs and pass a budget that includes funding for mass transit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said hes deeply concerned about the impact of the service cuts from SEPTA on the Philadelphia-region. Senate Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin, a Republican from Lancaster County, told NBC10 on Aug. 28 that a long-term solution for SEPTA was not going to happen. Shapiro said that he was not going to negotiate the topic of a short term vs long term solution on SEPTA and mass transit funding through the media. The caucus that Senator Pittman leads, the Republican caucus in the Senate, has very different views than the Democratic caucus that Leader Bradford leads in the House of Representatives, Shapiro said. Ive been working hard to go back and forth between them to find that common ground, to help our rural brothers and sisters understand that the strength of Philadelphia helps drive our economy, and in many ways, the strength of Philadelphia is predicated upon having a strong mass transit system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive tried to remind all the leaders and the lawmakers that mass transit is an issue that affects us in all 67 counties. Ive tried to remind them that thanks to our investments in public education, as youve heard here today, were making significant progress, he added. Weve got to keep making those investments. Im confident well get there, but finding that common ground between the two leaders, between the two caucuses, is a challenge. Were going to get there. Shapiro wouldnt get into the details of internal discussions and what the main sticking points were, but said it was his job to find enough Republican and Democratic votes in both chambers to come to a budget agreement. Im confident we can get there, but these two leaders need to make some tough decisions, he said. Part of the decisions they need to make are quieting some of the extreme voices within their own caucus. 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: Computer Science and Engineering Ph.D. student Nayan Bhatia demonstrates Pulse-Fi, technology that uses Wi-Fi signals to measure a person's heart rate. Credit: Erika Cardema/UC Santa Cruz Heart rate is one of the most basic and important indicators of health, providing a snapshot into a person's physical activity, stress and anxiety, hydration level, and more. Traditionally, measuring heart rate requires some sort of wearable device, whether that be a smartwatch or hospital-grade machinery. But new research from engineers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows how the signal from a household Wi-Fi device can be used for this crucial health monitoring with state-of-the-art accuracywithout the need for a wearable. Their proof-of-concept work demonstrates that one day, anyone could take advantage of this non-intrusive Wi-Fi-based health monitoring technology in their homes. The team proved their technique works with low-cost Wi-Fi devices, demonstrating its usefulness for low resource settings. A study demonstrating the technology, which the researchers have coined "Pulse-Fi," was published in the 2025 21st International Conference on Distributed Computing in Smart Systems and the Internet of Things (DCOSS-IoT) Measuring with Wi-Fi A team of researchers at UC Santa Cruz's Baskin School of Engineering that included Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Katia Obraczka, Ph.D. student Nayan Bhatia, and high school student and visiting researcher Pranay Kocheta designed a system for accurately measuring heart rate that combines low-cost Wi-Fi devices with a machine learning algorithm. Wi-Fi devices push out radio frequency waves into physical space around them and toward a receiving device, typically a computer or phone. As the waves pass through objects in space, some of the wave is absorbed into those objects, causing mathematically detectable changes in the wave. Pulse-Fi uses a Wi-Fi transmitter and receiver, which runs Pulse-Fi's signal processing and machine learning algorithm. They trained the algorithm to distinguish even the faintest variations in signal caused by a human heart beat by filtering out all other changes to the signal in the environment or caused by activity like movement. "The signal is very sensitive to the environment, so we have to select the right filters to remove all the unnecessary noise," Bhatia said. Dynamic results The team ran experiments with 118 participants and found that after only five seconds of signal processing, they could measure heart rate with clinical-level accuracy. At five seconds of monitoring, they saw only half a beat-per-minute of error, with longer periods of monitoring time increasing the accuracy. The team found that the Pulse-Fi system worked regardless of the position of the equipment in the room or the person whose heart rate was being measuredno matter if they were sitting, standing, lying down, or walking, the system still performed. For each of the 118 participants, they tested 17 different body positions with accurate results. These results were found using ultra-low-cost ESP32 chips, which retail between $5 and $10 and Raspberry Pi chips, which cost closer to $30. Results from the Raspberry Pi experiments show even better performance. More expensive Wi-Fi devices like those found in commercial routers would likely further improve the accuracy of their system. They also found that their system had accurate performance with a person three meters, or nearly 10 feet, away from the hardware. Further testing beyond what is published in the current study shows promising results for longer distances. "What we found was that because of the machine learning model, that distance apart basically had no effect on performance, which was a very big struggle for past models," Kocheta said. "The other thing was positionall the different things you encounter in day-to-day life, we wanted to make sure we were robust to however a person is living." Creating the dataset To make their heart rate detection system work, the researchers needed to train their machine learning algorithm to distinguish the faint detections in Wi-Fi signals caused by a human heartbeat. They found that there was no existing data for these patterns using an ESP32 device, so they set out to create their own dataset. In the UC Santa Cruz Science and Engineering library, they set up their ESP32 system along with a standard oximeter to gather "ground truth" data. By combining the data from the Pulse-Fi setup with the ground truth data, they could teach a neural network which changes in signals corresponded with heart rate. In addition to the ESP32 dataset they collected, they also tested Pulse-Fi using a dataset produced by a team of researchers in Brazil using a Raspberry Pi device, which created the most extensive existing dataset on Wi-Fi for heart monitoring, as far as the researchers are aware. Beyond heart rate Now, the researchers are working on further research to extend their technique to detect breathing rate in addition to heart rate, which can be useful for the detection of conditions like sleep apnea. Unpublished results show high promise for accurate breathing rate and apnea detection. More information Pranay Kocheta et al, Pulse-Fi: A Low-Cost System for Accurate Heart Rate Monitoring Using Wi-Fi Channel State Information, 2025 21st International Conference on Distributed Computing in Smart Systems and the Internet of Things (DCOSS-IoT) (2025). DOI: 10.1109/DCOSS-IoT65416.2025.00037 "Israel was the strongest lobby Ive ever seen. They had total control over Congress, and now they dont," Trump told the Daily Caller in an interview. US President Donald Trump said that he was surprised that Israel lost its control over Congress in a Monday interview with the Daily Caller. When asked by journalist Reagan Reese if he was concerned over declining Republican support for Israel in Congress, Trump said that he was amazed at the way the Jewish State's reputation had changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israel had the strongest lobby in Congress of anything or body, or of any company or corporation or state that Ive ever seen. Today, it doesnt have that strong a lobby. Its amazing," Trump told the Daily Caller. "Israel was the strongest lobby Ive ever seen. They had total control over Congress, and now they dont, you know, Im a little surprised to see that." Reese noted that a March Pew Poll found that 53% of US adults had an unfavorable view of Israel, compared to 42% in 2022. She went on to tell Trump that, additionally, half of Republicans polled by Pew now view Israel unfavorably. A person shouts an anti-Israeli slogans as people participate in a ''March to Gaza'' protest during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S., June 21, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ) Israel is losing the war of opinion, Trump says Trump added that though the IDF needed to finish the war in Gaza, he believed that it was harming Israel's international reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theyre gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel. Theres no question about it. They may be winning the war, but theyre not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them." Trump also said that he believes that people "forgot about October 7," which led to growing unfavorable public opinion towards Israel. He also asserted that "nobody has done more for Israel than I have, including the recent attacks with Iran, wiping that thing out." Netanyahu says Trump opposes partial hostage deal This report follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegation that Trump opposes a partial hostage deal. "Forget the partial deals. Go in with full force. Finish it," Netanyahu quoted US President Donald Trump as saying, adding that Israels window of legitimacy from the international community is limited, and that pausing for a partial deal would harm the effort to destroy Hamas. "Our impression is that Netanyahu's opposition is genuine. He will not agree to a partial deal," ministers said. Amichai Stein contributed to this report. US President Donald Trump is visiting the U.K. soon, with the president set for an unprecedented second state visit to the country in mid-September. And the visit is set to include a state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the kind of reception one would expect of a foreign President being received by royalty. And now, President Trump has taken it upon himself to invite one particular person to that banquet. According to The Telegraph, Trump has extended an invitation to Dame Karen Pierce, the former British Ambassador to the US, to attend the banquet at Windsor Castle. Pierce, a highly respected diplomat, served as the ambassador to the US from 2020 to February 2025, and previously worked as the UKs permanent representative to the United Nations. Lord Peter Mandelson, the current British ambassador to the US, is also expected to attend. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Related: Here are the celebrities who support Donald Trump Mandelson criticized Trump harshly in the past, calling him a danger to the world and little short of a white nationalist, but seemed to take it all back once Trump won re-election. I consider my remarks about President Trump as ill-judged and wrong, he told Fox News in January. I think that times and attitudes toward the president have changed since then. Mandelson also added, I think that he has won fresh respect. He certainly has from me, and that is going to be the basis of all the work I do as his majestys ambassador in the United States. There are no reports about how King Charles feels about the US President adding to the state banquet guest list. Trump has previously spoken favorably of the British royal family, saying, Being with Charles, Camilla and everybody, Ive got to know because of four years [as President] and now six months, he said. Ive got to know a lot of the family members. They are great people. They are really great people. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike his French counterpart, who addressed Parliament during his recent U.K. visit, Trump will not be doing so. This, according to reports, is part of the plan. Parliament is not sitting, so he wont be making an inflammatory speech to MPs. But, of course, he will make a speech and propose toasts at the banquet in his honor. Usually, these speeches are ceremonial diplomacy of the highest order and honor the relationship between the two nations. The one group of people Trump seems to respect is the British royal family, so we will just have to hope for the best. King Charles is reportedly worried about the upcoming visit. The Daily Beast reported the King is very concerned that President Trump could use the moment to discuss immigration. During a recent visit to Scotland, Trump said, You better get your act together or youre not going to have Europe anymore. Youve got to stop this horrible invasion that is happening to Europe, many countries in Europe, and added, This immigration is killing Europe. Brittani Barger, co-founder of Royal News, told Daily Express U.S.: If King Charles is concerned President Trump will speak out of turn, he has good reason to think that, adding, President Trump does not hide his feelings or opinions, no matter who is around. And that is one reason so many people love him, but so many also dislike him. However, she also said about the royal family, They know their responsibilities and even if they disagree with a person, they will show grace and do what is best for the UK, explaining, If this state visit is going to help the UK, it is worth the time of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Advertisement Advertisement Well have to wait and see what happens during the Presidents visit, but one thing seems clear: President Trump wont have a hostile crowd. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Trumps use of the National Guard during Los Angeles immigration raids and subsequent protests violated federal law. As California leadership like Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrated the ruling, the Trump administration has yet to respond to how the decision will affect future National Guard deployments to cities like Chicago and Baltimore. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco Judge Charles Breyer did not require the remaining troops in L.A. to be withdrawn, but his order will go into effect on Friday. The order comes after the state of California sued, claiming that the federal troops arrival violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 that prohibits military enforcement of domestic laws, which the Trump administration has since rejected. Breyers decision comes as the president has made repeated calls to send the National Guard to other cities, creating a national police force with Trump serving as chief. Tuesday morning the president posted several posts to his platform Truth Social, calling for crime reform in Chicago. Trump wrote that Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World and that he will solve every crime problem fast. Later posting CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! Though the military action has been deemed illegal by the federal courts, MSNBCs Senior White House correspondent Gabe Gutierrez said it was unlikely the administration would back down on plans to patrol Chicago or Baltimore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Newsom celebrated the courts Tuesday decision, writing DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against U.S. citizens is ILLEGAL, he wrote in a post to X. The federal decision is a win for the California governor who has positioned himself as vehemently anti-Trump in recent months. On a national scale Trumps threats to crack down on crime in Chicago are different than his presence in Los Angeles. The Trump administration claimed they were responding to unrest in L.A., whereas in Chicago the administration is responding to existing crime alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats really going a step further than what they did in Los Angeles, where they said it was to respond to unrest, NBC News Senior Homeland Security correspondent Julia Ainsley said. Chicago, to call them in preemptively, already raises legal questions, so after a judge is saying they werent used correctly in California its unclear how the White House might pivot or if they will change their course with the actions they have planned for Chicago. Immigration attorney Allen Orr added that as corporations across the nation are capitulating to the president, this ruling was a firm stance against Trump and a defense of democracy. It isnt so much that the president was pushed back, Orr said, But that the constitution and the way our government has always been run is being upheld. Watch the full exchange here: The post Trumps LA National Guard Takeover Ruled Illegal as Threats Against Chicago, Baltimore Loom appeared first on TheWrap. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., joined by two fellow New England lawmakers, is pressing some of the biggest banks in the nation for more information about overdraft fees that they say target the poorest Americans. The letter from Warren and U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., comes after the Republican Trump administration repealed a rule capping the formerly crippling fees at $5. "Overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees are one of the most common exploitative mechanisms big banks use to target the poor," the lawmakers wrote to the heads of 25 banks that were targeted because they collect the most overdraft revenue as a percentage of their profits, or have overdraft policies that have harmed consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters, sent to such banking titans as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Truist Bank, PNC Bank, US Bank and TD Bank, seek more information on the potential impact of lifting that cap. In late 2024, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency spearheaded by Warren, closed a loophole that allowed banks to charge massive overdraft fees. Since 2022, actions by the CFPB, which Trump moved to gut after taking office, have led to nearly $250 million refunded to consumers, according to Fortune, which was first to report the news. In May, Trump signed a Republican-authored bill lifting that cap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter to the banks, Warren and her colleagues said the CFPB found that twice as many customers with incomes between $35,000 and $65,000 were charged overdraft fees, compared to those earning between $100,000 and $175,000. Those fees put lower-earning customers into a cycle of debt, they wrote. When consumers finances are already stretched thin, exorbitant overdraft fees can cause other payments to bounce leading to even more fees in a vicious circle that can turn setbacks into crises. By closing the loophole, the CFPB ended a practice that allowed many large banks to transform overdrafts into a massive junk fee harvesting machine, they wrote, adding that the caps would have saved $3.5 billion in annual overdraft fees, or $225 per household that pays these fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overdraft fees are the source of tens of millions of bank account closures, meaning this law will likely increase debanking, running counter to President Trumps stated goal of reducing debanking, the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers asked that the banks respond to their queries by Sept. 12. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Colorados mail-in voting policies were a big factor in his decision to relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. Meanwhile, Republican members of Congress from Alabama, who stood beside Trump during an Oval Office announcement, insisted it was former President Joe Biden who politicized the basing process. This delegation has worked together, both chambers, both parties, to make sure that Huntsville was the place that Space Command called home, Sen. Katie Britt said during the event. Obviously, the Biden administration chose to make this political. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement is just the latest development in a yearslong back and forth about which of the two states should host the the military command, which is charged with operating the Defense Departments space assets. The headquarters has been provisionally based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, since 2019. In 2021, just as Trump was leaving office at the end of his first term, the White House announced Huntsville, Alabama, as its pick for the headquarters. The decision sparked pushback from Colorado lawmakers, largely led by former Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., who called the Air Forces selection process fundamentally flawed. A series of Government Accountability Office and DOD Inspector General reports followed, identifying issues with transparency and credibility in the Air Forces basing process but concluded that the service followed the law in choosing Alabama. Despite the conclusion of the watchdog investigations and then-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendalls support for relocating the command to Huntsville due to estimates that the move would save DOD $426 million the White House announced in July 2023 that it had abandoned the first Trump administrations decision and that Space Command would remain in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps announcement that he would revert to his earlier, 2021 decision to base the commands headquarters in Alabama was widely expected. However, his insistence Tuesday that the move was closely linked to Colorados embrace of mail-in voting a major concern for the president was not previously publicly identified as part of his administrations justification. More than once during the briefing he called Colorados policy of allowing voters to submit ballots by mail as crooked and claimed it influenced his decision. When the state is for mail-in voting, that means they want dishonest elections, Trump said. That played a big factor. As president, Trump has been forward leaning on space policy. During his first term in 2019 he created the U.S. Space Force and reestablished Space Command as the 11th combatant command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the briefing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, indicated the new command would be named the Donald J. Trump Space Command Center. The Space Force and Space Command deferred questions about the claim to Tubervilles office. A spokesman for the senator said he is exploring avenues to make that the official name. Sen. Tuberville believes that naming U.S. Space Command headquarters after the guy who created Space Force and has brought Space Command back to life is more than appropriate, the spokesperson told Defense News in an email. President Donald Trump declared Chicago the worst and most dangerous city in the world on Tuesday. Without citing any evidence, Trump claimed in a Truth Social post that Chicago is the murder capital of the world. However, CNN host John Berman disputed this claim on Tuesday, noting that Chicago is not even included in the top 10 U.S. cities with the worst violent crime rates. President Trump issued a statement on crime in Chicago with a new threat to have federal involvement to battle that crime. He called Chicago, The worst and most dangerous city in the world by far, and said, I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC, Chicago will soon be safe again, Berman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now it is important to note that Chicago does not rank in the top 10 of cities in the US in terms of violent crime rates. Doesnt even rank in the top 20 of cities with populations of 250,000 or more, he said. And there are a lot of cities in red states where the President is not suggesting sending the National Guard are taking over federal involvement. Memphis, Nashville, you have cities in Missouri as well. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that U.S. Space Command will move from Colorado to Alabama, undoing a Biden-era decision and following through on a plan made in the final days of his first term. The cross-country move reverses former President Joe Bidens 2023 decision not to relocate the command, which oversees military space operations and the defense of satellites. It also ends a bitter, yearslong turf war between Alabama and Colorado leaders over the best home for the unit. Each side argued the other benefited from politically motivated decisions by either Trump or Biden to reward states that voted for them. Colorado lawmakers vowed to fight the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump criticized Colorado's laws on voting by mail in his Oval Office announcement and said they were a "factor" in his decision. He was joined by Alabama's congressional delegation, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. "We're moving forward with what we want to do in the place that we want to have this," Trump said. "And this will be there for hopefully hundreds of years. That's where it's gonna be." Trumps Oval Office announcement was preempted by the Pentagon, whose website posted a link to the anticipated livestream with the caption U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement. The website was later edited to remove a mention of Space Command. POLITICO reported about the planned announcement earlier in the day. The command will head to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal in the coming years, departing its location at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Biden canceled the move in 2023, opting to keep the command in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said previously that he personally chose Alabama over Colorado and other potential sites. Alabama lawmakers had long projected confidence that Trump would return to his original decision to move the command to Huntsville. The president has also repeatedly railed against mail-in voting as fraudulent and reaffirmed a push to end the practice ahead of the 2026 elections. "The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting," he said during the announcement. "When a state is for mail-in voting, that means they want dishonest elections, because that's what that means. So that played a big factor also." Trump noted intense lobbying from Alabama lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think that influenced my decision," he quipped. "But we had a lot of competition for this, and Alabama is getting it, Huntsville in particular." Colorados delegation has argued that moving Space Command would hurt national security. The unit became fully operational in 2023 at the Colorado Springs site, and state leaders contend moving it across the country would hurt the militarys ability to defend U.S. space assets. They also insisted Space Command would lose many of its civilian workers and contractors, who wouldn't agree to move across the country. Colorado Republicans, including close Trump ally Rep. Lauren Boebert, said in recent months that the state was still in the mix due to the national security imperative of the space mission. But Alabama leaders pointed to Huntsvilles higher rank in most of the Air Forces basing criteria as proof they won the competition. Moving to Alabama will also likely prove cheaper than staying in Colorado due to lower costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, predicted in April that the Trump administration would select Alabama. Contractors are ready to turn dirt on the day the announcements made, he said. Alabama has also pointed to backing from Bidens Air Force secretary, Frank Kendall, for moving Space Command to Huntsville. Rogers, who was present for the Oval Office announcement, praised the decision and accused Biden of selecting Colorado "because it served him politically." Colorado's entire delegation, including Trump allies, vowed to fight the decision. They argued it "weakens our national security at the worst possible time." The lawmakers warned that relocating Space Command would waste money and hurt military readiness, but didn't specify exactly how they'd challenge the move. "Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "Colorado Springs is the appropriate home for U.S. Space Command, and we will take the necessary action to keep it there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Pentagon watchdog report, released in April, noted Kendall supported putting the command at Redstone Arsenal, which the Air Force projected would cost $426 million less due to lower construction and personnel costs. But Space Command leadership, then headed by Gen. James Dickinson, warned against moving due to the risks to readiness. Jack Detsch and Paul McLeary contributed to this report. U.S. Space Command is provisionally located in the Hartinger Building at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. (Department of Defense Inspector General) President Donald Trump announced Tuesday his intention to move U.S. Space Command headquarters out of Colorado to Alabama. Space Command has been at full operational capacity at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs since December 2023, after former President Joe Biden announced in July that year it would stay in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado officials previously expressed concern that Trumps decision during his first presidential term to move Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, was politically motivated, as he waited until after the 2020 election to announce the move. Alabama went for Trump, a Republican, in that election, and Colorado went for Biden, a Democrat. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Colorado officials from both parties have advocated Space Command staying in Colorado. Peterson housed a previous version of Space Command from 1985 to 2002. The Air Force subsequently oversaw military space operations from the site. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat who is running for governor in 2026, said in a statement Tuesday his office has been preparing for legal action over a Space Command relocation if Trump made such an unlawful decision. Weiser said military families in El Paso County have relied on the decision to keep Space Command headquarters in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families, Weiser said in a statement. Moving Space Command Headquarters to Alabama is not only wrong for our national defense, but its harmful to hundreds of Space Command personnel and their families. Moving Space Command Headquarters to Alabama is not only wrong for our national defense, but its harmful to hundreds of Space Command personnel and their families. Phil Weiser, attorney general of Colorado In a joint statement, all members of Colorados federal delegation said the move will directly harm our state and the nation and that they are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the delegation said in the statement. Being prepared for any threats should be the nations top priority; a crucial part of that is keeping in place what is already fully operational. Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilian businesses and workers who work with Space Command in Colorado Springs will not simply move with the Command at the militarys whim, the statement said, adding that many of them will leave the workforce and create a disruption that will take our national defense systems decades to recreate. Operational readiness A U.S. Department of Defense inspector general report determined it would take years to construct secure facilities in Alabama after a final basing decision, and said Space Command leadership favored keeping its headquarters in Colorado, as it made more sense for operational readiness and civilian workforce retention. The Colorado delegations statement said the inspector generals office has repeatedly reported that moving Space Command would impede our militarys operational capability for years. Colorados federal delegation includes U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both Democrats, as well as Democratic U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette of Denver, Joe Neguse of Lafayette, Jason Crow of Centennial and Brittany Pettersen of Lakewood, and Republican U.S. Reps. Jeff Hurd of Grand Junction, Lauren Boebert of Windsor, Jeff Crank of Colorado Springs and Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crank, who represents the Colorado Springs-centered district where Space Command is currently located, said he is confident its not an across-the-board move and that Space Command assets and jobs will continue to exist in El Paso County. I have also been told that Space Force missions will continue to expand in our community, and our military installations will play an integral part in President Trumps Golden Dome Initiative, Crank said in a statement. I continue to have productive discussions with the Administration to minimize the impact on our community. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, said the relocation is deeply disappointing decision for our state and nation, and he said it will diminish military readiness and national security and erode the trust Americans have in our country and its leaders to do the right thing. He said members of the public should be provided full transparency and the full details of this poor decision. Uprooting Space Command will weaken national security and readiness, waste taxpayer dollars, and inconvenience military families, Polis said in a statement. Colorado Springs is home to a proud military community and a thriving aerospace ecosystem, and significant national security missions and units, all of which are critical to U.S. Space Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents decision is an abuse of power and a blatantly political decision, Bennet, who is running for governor in 2026, said in a press call Tuesday. From the Oval Office earlier today, the president of the United States made clear that in making his decision, he was rewarding his political friends and allies, Bennet said. The men and women of our military deserve better than a president who uses them as political pawns. Bennet also defended Colorados mail-in ballot voting system, which Trump said played a factor in his decision to move Space Command out of the state. Bennet said he had never heard concern about mail-in ballots expressed related to Space Command prior to the presidents remarks Tuesday, nor does it have anything to do with Space Command. Since he lost to Biden in the 2020 election, Trump has repeatedly made false claims questioning the validity of elections, particularly mail-in ballots. The Alabama view Alabama officials, including Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, applauded Trumps decision, saying it is in the best interest of national security to relocate Space Command to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and honor the Air Forces original decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary (Pete) Hegseth for their commitment to keep politics out of this basing decision and allow the Air Force to proceed with doing its job, Britt said in a statement, referring to the Defense secretary. Alabamas world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future. The Colorado Space Coalition, a statewide aerospace arm of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, said in a statement with other organizations that the move is unnecessary and risks disruptions, but the coalition said the decision will not diminish Colorados central role in advancing our nations space and defense missions. The Colorado Space Coalition will continue to work with our industry partners across the state, counterparts in Colorado Springs, and our congressional delegation to ensure Colorados military and civilian space families continue to provide key contributions to our nations national defense, the coalition said. Colorado Springs Democrats in the Colorado Legislature, Sens. Marc Snyder and Tony Exum and Reps. Amy Paschal and Regina English, also shared their disappointment with the announcement, and said the Springs is the clear and logical choice for Space Command headquarters given the U.S. Air Force Academy is also located in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Space Command drives Southern Colorados economy, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs and innovation in aerospace, research, and technology, the lawmakers said in a statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SAN FRANCISCO (AP) A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump's administration willfully broke federal law by sending National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area in early June after days of protests over immigration raids. In the 52-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco noted Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have stated their intention to deploy National Guard troops to other cities across the country, including Oakland and San Francisco, and that raises concerns they are creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Breyer did not require the 300 remaining soldiers to leave but pointed out they received improper training and ordered the administration to stop using them to execute the laws. The order that applies only to California will take effect Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House indicated the government plans to appeal. Once again, a rogue judge is trying to usurp the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to protect American cities from violence and destruction," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. It was unclear if the order could set a precedent that could impact plans by Trump, who has discussed National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Baltimore and New York. Trump has already deployed the guard as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover targeting crime, immigration and homelessness in Washington, where he has direct legal control over the District of Columbia National Guard. Judge says administration is violating the law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breyer said in his ruling that the Trump administration used troops for functions that were barred by their own training materials, refused to meaningfully coordinate with state and local officials and coached federal law enforcement agencies on the language to use when requesting the Guard's assistance. He said the government knew they were ordering troops to execute domestic law beyond their usual authority" in using "armed soldiers ( whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. Breyer barred troops from such actions, including making arrests, searches, acting as informants and collecting evidence. Ruling follows California lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California sued over the deployment of troops, saying it violates the Posse Comitatus Act, a 1878 law that prohibits military enforcement of domestic laws. Lawyers for the Trump administration argued the Posse Comitatus Act doesnt apply because the troops were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws, and that the president had the authority to call on the troops. Trump federalized members of the California National Guard under section 12406 of Title 10, which allows the president to call the guard into federal service when the country is invaded, when there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government, or when the president is otherwise unable to execute the laws of the United States. The deployment appeared to be the first time in decades that a states national guard was activated without a request from its governor, a significant escalation against those who have sought to hinder the administrations mass deportation efforts. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in response, blocking off a major freeway and setting self-driving cars on fire as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs to control the crowd. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement the court sided with democracy. No president is a king not even Trump and no president can trample a states power to protect its people," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration has talked of more deployments Trump has pushed the bounds of typical military activity on domestic soil, including through the creation of militarized zones along the U.S.-Mexico border. Asked by reporters Tuesday in the Oval Office about sending National Guard troops to Chicago, Trump said, Were going in, but added, I didnt say when. I have an obligation, the president added. This isnt a political thing. Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have pushed back, saying crime has fallen in Chicago. They are planning to sue if Trump moves forward with the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ret. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Maurer, an associate professor at Ohio Northern University College of Law, said presidents have federalized the National Guard to address widespread unrest and to desegregate schools but the Trump administrations example is certainly the most aggressive use of the military domestically when the facts to support them are extremely weak. He said the ruling could give a roadmap to other states. Troops joined federal law enforcement in Southern California Roughly 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines were deployed to Los Angeles before all but 300 soldiers were withdrawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soldiers marched at MacArthur Park in downtown Los Angeles, which was intended as a show of force. They also accompanied federal immigration officers on raids at two state-licensed marijuana nurseries in Ventura County, Army Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman testified. Sherman, who initially commanded the troops, testified during the second day of the trial that he raised concerns the deployment could violate the Posse Comitatus Act. He said soldiers were given materials that included a list of activities prohibited by the act. Sherman said he was told by his superiors that there was a constitutional exception that permitted such activities when the troops are protecting federal property or personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ This story has been corrected to show the judge's order goes into effect Sept. 12 and that he is in San Francisco, not Washington. ___ Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington, Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta and Mike Catalini in Trenton, N.J., contributed to this story. On the morning of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, 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 China and Mongolia, as friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, are enjoying ever deepening exchanges and cooperation across various fields, with multiple key projects making positive progress. The two sides should be guided by the vision of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen development integration, and bring the two peoples closer, so as to inject sustained momentum into their comprehensive strategic partnership. President Xi stressed that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will remain a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia. The two sides should carefully safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations, better synergize development strategies, and work together to advance our respective modernization endeavors. China proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to better address global challenges, and is ready to work with Mongolia to implement this initiative to tackle governance deficits. President Khurelsukh said that it is a priority of Mongolias foreign policy to maintain permanent good-neighborly friendship and pursue sustainable, mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Mongolia highly commends Chinas commitment to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in pursuing its neighborhood diplomacy. Mongolia will continue to uphold the one-China principle, and firmly support Chinas positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. Mongolia looks forward to tapping into the potential of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, enhancing connectivity, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and delivering an even more fruitful bilateral relationship. The GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping advocates for a U.N.-centered international governance system that ensures equal participation of all developing countries. Mongolia warmly applauds this initiative, and is ready to work with China to provide mutual support and pursue close cooperation on the global stage to safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation agreements in areas such as customs, metrology, and media. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. Today, Sept. 2, was supposed to be "Russia ends its atrocious and unlawful war in Ukraine" day. What? Did you forget that President Donald Trump laid down a 50-day marker on July 14, a hard-and-fast deadline for Russia to end the hostilities and remake the peace it destroyed by invading Ukraine? Maybe it slipped your mind because Trump stripped that deadline from his calendar just two weeks after announcing it, cutting that timeframe down to "10 to 12 days" on July 28 before letting that day pass 10 to 12 days later with no significant outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know about Trump and the war he once claimed he could end in a single day: He has no clue how to resolve this issue and zero fortitude for ever holding Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable. Here's something else we've learned about Trump he sets deadlines not as a means to accomplish something in the definable future but as a way to escape from immediate pressure to take action in the moment. Congress could force Trump's hand by making life more difficult for Putin and the Russian economy. But that would require Republican leaders in Congress to stand up to Trump for being unwilling to stand up to Putin. Congress is starting to unite against Russia and Putin At a time when our country is seeing a peak in political partisanship, Congress is actually speaking with a bipartisan voice about punishing Russia with sanctions, as a way to force the end of the invasion and war. A woman feeds pigeons on the street, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Oct. 14, 2025. A resident sits in a car as she leaves her apartment building damaged by Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine Oct. 13, 2025. A cat walks on debris in a church damaged by Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine Oct. 13, 2025. A destroyed car lies on a road near apartment buildings damaged by Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine Oct. 13, 2025. Pedestrians exit a subway station in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, on Oct. 13, 2025. A resident carries belongings out of a damaged residential building following a Russian strike in the town of Bilozerske, Donetsk region on August 12, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Relatives hug a released prisoner of war wrapped in a Ukrainian national flag upon their arrival after a prisoners exchange in the Chernigiv region on August 14, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine exchanged 84 prisoners each on August 14, 2025, both sides said, the latest in a series of swaps that has seen hundreds of POWs released so far this year. A woman carrying a child visits a memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv on Aug. 4, 2025. A Ukrainian serviceman kisses a flag with the brigade insignia during an honorary ceremony of receiving brigade patches in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on August 3, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ceremony is one of many traditions observed by Ukrainian brigades - rituals that strengthen unity and forge a shared sense of identity among service members. A Ukrainian law enforcement officer looks out of a broken window standing inside a destroyed building of the Bilenkivska correctional colony following an air attack in Bilenke, Zaporizhzhia region on July 29, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian airstrike on a prison in southeastern Ukraine overnight killed 17 inmates and wounded dozens of others, Kyiv said on July 29, 2025. People kneel down during the funeral ceremony for Victoria Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist who died while in captivity in Russia, on Independence Square in Kyiv, on August 8, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian rescuers work inside a destroyed residential building after an air attack in Kharkiv, on August 18, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian drone attack on a five-storey apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early on August 18, 2025 killed at least five people and wounded more than a dozen others, Ukrainian authorities said. An explosion of a drone and tracers are seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 17, 2025. A man walks on a snow-covered street during a snowfall, near a Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 14, 2025. Women carry flowers and balloons, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, on Valentine's Day in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 14, 2025. A woman pays her respects at a portrait of a fallen Ukrainian serviceman, some of whom worked at Zavallievsky Graphite, amid RussiaOs attack on Ukraine, in Zavallia, Ukraine on February 10, 2025. A man walks near the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 12, 2025. Resident Natalia collects her granddaughter's toys that were scattered around her home hit by a Russian air strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine on February 9, 2025. A local resident stands on the destroyed balcony of an apartment in a damaged residential building following a missile attack in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Makiivka, Donetsk region on February 9, 2025, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. A local resident walks past a burnt-out car in the courtyard of a damaged residential building following a missile attack in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Makiivka, Donetsk region on February 9, 2025, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Residents ride bicycles near a car destroyed by Russian military strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine on February 6, 2025. An employee sorts clothes at a market which was hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine on February 6, 2025. Relatives, friends and fellow soldiers attend funeral ceremony for Anton Spitsyn, Ukrainian servicemen and co-founder of special purpose unit of "Gostri Kartuzy" (Peaky Blinders), who was killed fighting Russian troops, in Kharkiv on February 5, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian firefighters try to put out a fire in a building after a drone strike in Kharkiv on February 5, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian police officers inspect the bodies of killed people in plastic bags at the site of a missile attack in Izyum, Kharkiv region, on February 4, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian missile attack on February 4, 2025 on the Ukrainian city of Izyum, briefly occupied by Russia in 2022, killed five people and wounded three dozen more, officials said. Rescuers carry the body of a person found under debris at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Poltava, Ukraine on February 1, 2025. A passenger sits next to a fogged up bus window during an unusually warm and foggy winter morning, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine on January 31, 2025. Children hold military equipment displayed during the opening of the 65th Brigade's recruiting center "Velykyi Lug" in Kyiv on January 27, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. People walk past at a street exhibition displaying destroyed Russian military vehicles, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on January 25, 2025. Graffiti depicting Russian leader Vladimir Putin hanging by a Ukrainian flag is pictured on a heavily damaged wall of Kostyantynivka train station after it was destroyed by a Russian attack, on January 23, 2025 in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine. Ukraine faces a pivotal moment in its war with Russia as its biggest military ally, the United States, inaugurates a new president and with it a new foreign policy. During his campaign for the US presidency, Donald Trump had promised to end the war on Day One of his term, although he has since walked back his ambitious timeline. A building lies in ruins after being hit by a Russian attack, on January 23, 2025 in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine. Ukraine faces a pivotal moment in its war with Russia as its biggest military ally, the United States, inaugurates a new president and with it a new foreign policy. During his campaign for the US presidency, Donald Trump had promised to end the war on Day One of his term, although he has since walked back his ambitious timeline. A resident examines his flat in an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on January 23, 2025. A woman walks past an installation made of used ammunition shells, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on January 21, 2025. Cars pass over a new bridge built alongside one that was destroyed during the Russian occupation, on January 21, 2025 in Izyum, Ukraine. Ukraine faces a pivotal moment in its war with Russia as its biggest military ally, the United States, inaugurates a new president and with it a new foreign policy. During his campaign for the US presidency, Donald Trump had promised to end the war on Day One of his term, although he has since walked back his ambitious timeline. Restaurant employees watch the presidential inauguration of US President Donald Trump on television screens in Kyiv, on January 20, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A worker cleans debris outside a McDonald's restaurant that was heavily damaged in an overnight Russian missile strike, on January 18, 2025 in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv, Ukraine. Four people were killed and a fire broke out in a non-residential building, according to Kyiv's mayor. Priests and worshippers clear debris inside St. Andrew's Cathedral damaged by Russian missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on January 18, 2025. A member of the White Angel unit of Ukrainian police officers, who evacuate people from the frontline towns and villages, helps an elderly woman, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine on February 7, 2025. What life looks like in Ukraine after more than three years of war with Russia 1 of 38 A woman feeds pigeons on the street, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Oct. 14, 2025. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, introduced identical bills on April 1, called the "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those bills would impose limits on visas for Putin, Russian military commanders, and any person from other countries who aid Russia's attacks on Ukraine. They also include asset freezes and tariffs of "at least 500%" on goods and services exported to or imported from Russia. Opinion: Trump, Putin rewrite history in Alaska as Republicans stay obediently silent And they would inflict tariffs of at least 500% on any country that buys "Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products." That would be a shock to the system for Russia's already precarious economy. The House bill has 45 Democratic and 44 Republican cosponsors, while the Senate version has 42 Democratic and 41 Republican cosponsors, plus one independent signed on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, where is Trump on this? President Trump remains all over the place on sanctioning Russia On brand, Trump is all over the place on sanctioning Russia. Each new deadline he sets comes with the threat of imposing the sanctions Congress is calling for. But nothing happens. It's all talk. That's critical here because both chambers of Congress are, in theory, controlled for now by Republicans. But those politicians have, for now, surrendered their function as a coequal branch of government. They show no signs of taking action, independent of Trump. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on people, power and policies in the time of Trump from columnist Chris Brennan. Get it delivered to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's shifting deadlines are always good news for Russia. He voices the emptiest of threats. He talks tough about sanctions but then shrugs them off and whines about how hard it is to end a war that he repeatedly claimed, while campaigning last year, would be an easy task. And Putin walks away, a winner each time. Sometimes with a big smile on his face. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. Putin is in Alaska at the invitation of Trump in his first visit to a Western country since he ordered the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that has killed tens of thousands of people. On Aug. 26, Trump was still playing the same shiftless game, telling reporters at the White House that he is mulling "very serious" sanctions for Russia. "We have economic sanctions," Trump said, according to Reuters. "I'm talking about economic because we're not going to get into a world war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why would Putin believe that Trump is serious now, or ever? Why would anyone believe it? Trump has always seemed far more likely to turn his back on Ukraine than to turn his fury on Russia. Opinion: At Ukraine talks, Trump was a child among adults. You can't trust him or Putin. Putin knows Trump won't take action as Russia continues its onslaught That was one of the takeaways from Trump's Aug. 15 summit in Alaska with Putin. Trump went in all hell-bent on securing a ceasefire, which Ukraine and that country's European allies see as a critical first step toward peace. He came out a few hours later mouthing words that should have had a Russian accent, since they were an exact match to Putin's predetermined rejection of a ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at their news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. Putin doesn't have to fear Trump on sanctions or anything else. He keeps on killing civilians in Ukraine attacks and now widens his war with intentional, international targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His army launched a pair of cruise missiles two weeks ago at an American-owned electronics factory in western Ukraine. A Russian air bombardment last week killed at least 21 people, while damaging the European Union mission and a British Council office. Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland, on Aug. 28, posted this on social media about Russia bombing civilians in Ukraine: "Putin understands only power. The only thing that will bring him to the negotiating table is pressure." Finland shares a border of more than 800 miles with Russia, so Stubb would know. French President Emmanuel Macron posted this the same day: "629 missiles and drones in a single night over Ukraine: this is Russias idea of peace. Terror and barbarism." Over at the White House that day, Trump Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt equated the Russian slaughter of Ukrainian civilians in their homes with recent Ukrainian army strikes on Russia's oil industry infrastructure. She literally used the phrase "both sides" to put equal blame on the invaded country and the invaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress can't wait for Trump to find the courage to hold Putin accountable. That day is not coming. So the Republican leaders in Congress must stand up to Trump to punish Russia. Follow USA TODAY columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Translating Politics, here. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump promised Russia, Ukraine war would end today. Well? | Opinion Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is "not concerned at all" about a potential axis forming against the United States that includes China and Russia. Trump made these remarks during an interview on the "Scott Jennings Radio Show" on Friday. His comments follow a recent summit in Tianjin, China, where Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted several world leaders on Monday, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Related articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump: not concerned about China-Russia axis Risks Rising? Smart Money Dodged 46%+ Drawdowns on These High-Flying Names After soaring 149%, this stock is back in our AIs favor - & already +25% in July Donald Trump promised his presidency would usher in a golden age for American workers, but his administration has gutted union protections for tens of thousands of federal workers in what labor activists and historians have called the largest acts of union busting in American history. Nearly half a million federal workers lost their union protections last month in the wake of the presidents executive orders demanding federal agencies abandon collective bargaining agreements and appeals court orders upholding those decisions. In March, the president issued an executive order ending collective bargaining rights for federal workers at more than a dozen agencies, effectively cancelling legally binding union contracts that cover a vast swath of agencies that are now on track to no longer recognize union representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, days before Labor Day, Trump issued another executive order similarly stripping union rights from thousands more employees at six other federal agencies. This is how President Trump is commemorating Labor Day: continuing his administrations all-out attack on workers and unions, according to A.F.L.-C.I.O. president Liz Shuler. Workers unfurled an American Workers First banner on the Department of Labor building in Washington, D.C., as Trump moved to cancel collective bargaining agreements with unions representing thousands of federal workers. (AFP via Getty Images) When those workers cant speak up on the job and make sure their offices are serving the American people, we are all at risk, she said in a statement last week. Unions sued the administration earlier this year, arguing the presidents actions amount to retaliatory threats to workers First Amendment rights, but appeals courts have kept the orders in place while legal challenges continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal workers have had the right to collectively bargain over working conditions since the 1960s. Unlike private sector workers, they cannot legally strike, but they can help shape parental leave, overtime and other workplace issues and conditions. Trumps executive orders have characterized those union protections as a war against his agenda, while government attorneys argue that his administration can cancel contracts involving departments and agencies that deal with national security. Even if Trumps actions reflect a degree of retaliatory animus towards unions, they reflect the presidents focus on national security, according to an August ruling from a three-judge appellate court panel. But the executive orders have gutted union protections for workers far beyond the governments national security apparatus, including the doctors, nurses and social workers who care for veterans, as well as park rangers, emergency responders, scientists at NASA and the National Weather Service, and thousands of other rank-and-file federal workers who keep government services running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is literally the largest act of union busting in American history, said former A.F.L.-C.I.O. political director Mike Podhorzer, echoing Georgetown University labor historian Joseph A. McCartin, who earlier this year decried Trumps largest single action of union busting in American history. Labor union workers rallied across the country on Labor Day to protest the Trump administrations agenda, including sweeping executive orders stripping union protections for tens of thousands of federal workers (Getty Images) Trumps orders also target scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, workers at the nations patents agency and hydroelectric power plant operators, and even food safety inspectors. The union representing grocery and meatpacking workers denounced the Department of Agricultures decision to rip up union contracts covering food safety inspectors. Unilaterally breaking union contracts that have already been signed and ratified demonstrates a disturbing, illegal pattern of union busting across federal agencies, according to Milton Jones, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents more than 1 million workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision doesnt just erode labor rights it damages the publics trust in the safety of our food supply, Jones said. In the months leading up to Trumps election, now-White House budget director Russell Vought said he planned to have them viewed as villains and traumatically affected once Trump returned to power. After taking office, Trump labeled federal workers crooked and dishonest. Trump has also paralyzed the National Labor Relations Board by firing its general counsel and one of its members, marking the first time in American history that the president has done so, triggering another legal battle over alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act. According to progressive research group Center for American Progress, Trumps orders threatened collective bargaining rights for nearly 82 percent of the civilian federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administrations bullying tactics represent a clear threat not just to federal employees and their unions, but to every American who values democracy and the freedoms of speech and association, warned American Federation of Government Employees president Everett Kelley, the nations largest union representing federal workers. So far, nine agencies have terminated union contracts covering more than 445,000 federal workers, including staff at the Environmental Protection Agency, Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the General Services Administration, as well as Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as parts of Homeland Security. Trumps orders have effectively ripped up certain union contracts that guaranteed paid parental leave, meal allowances, rest periods for employees who work longer periods, and protections for workers who raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation. A recent court filing from a coalition of former government attorneys and national security officials warns that Trumps executive orders amount to unlawful retaliation for views the president considers hostile to his agenda, without demonstrating any connection between the purported hostility and any hindrance on the administrations ability to promote national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration's attempt to silence federal workers and the unions that represent them is a dangerous abuse of power that undermines both the rule of law and Americas safety, according to Elena Goldstein, legal director at Democracy Forward, which represents the coalition. Labor groups fear Trumps accelerating anti-union efforts are likely to come crashing into the private sector, derailing union progress and popularity under Joe Bidens administration. President Trump suggested Tuesday he's planning to send National Guard troops to Chicago, in what could be the latest salvo in his controversial push to use federal forces to address crime, drawing pushback from local political leaders. "We're going in. I didn't say when, we're going in," Mr. Trump said in an Oval Office event, after a reporter asked if he plans to send the Guard to Chicago. Mr. Trump did not specify whether his administration will primarily send Guard forces or federal law enforcement agents to Chicago. He also didn't say how many Guard troops could be deployed, or where they will hail from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told "Fox & Friends" that Pritzker should be "welcoming support and outside efforts to come alongside him, just as the mayor of Washington mostly has." Hegseth added that he and the Joint Chiefs chairman both served in the National Guard and are "happy to support in every way the president's belief that we should be helping to secure American cities where Americans deserve to live safely." Mr. Trump also suggested Baltimore could also draw a federal response. The president has vowed for weeks to intervene in Chicago and Baltimore, arguing the two cities have failed to contain violent crime. Chicago could be the third city to face a crackdown under the Trump administration: Thousands of Guard troops and federal agents have been deployed to the streets of Washington, D.C., since last month as part of an anti-crime initiative, and Guard forces were sent to Los Angeles in June to protect immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump said he hopes Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker a vociferous Trump critic will call him and request that troops be sent to Chicago. But the president said: "We're going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it because I have an obligation to protect this country." In a press conference Tuesday, Pritzker called Mr. Trump's comments "unhinged." "No, I will not call the president asking him to send troops to Chicago," he said. Pritzker said he expects federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies to surge in Chicago in the coming days. He said the president could then "use any excuse" to deploy military personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor said his administration is "ready to fight troop deployments in court." Any Guard deployment to Chicago would likely draw legal pushback. The D.C. National Guard is controlled by the president, but the 50 states' Guard forces are typically run by governors. Mr. Trump called members of the California National Guard into federal service without Gov. Gavin Newsom's permission by invoking a law that applies to rebellions or situations where the president can't enforce the law with "regular forces." Newsom sued the Trump administration over the move. An appeals court ruled that Mr. Trump likely had the right to call up the California National Guard, but a lower court judge on Tuesday ruled the deployment violated a 19th century law prohibiting the military from being used for domestic law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump calls Chicago a "mess" Pritzker calls his claims "absurd" The president has zeroed in on cracking down on crime in the nation's major cities, beginning with the effort in D.C. despite data showing crime has declined in the city in recent years. When Mr. Trump announced the crackdown in the nation's capital, he said the effort "will go further," saying the administration is "starting very strongly with D.C." and suggesting it could then move to other cities. Since then, he has publicly lashed out over Chicago's murder rate. "We have other cities also that are bad. Very bad. You look at Chicago, how bad it is. You look at Los Angeles, how bad it is," Mr. Trump said last month. "We're not going to lose our cities over this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president later praised the National Guard's work with the police in D.C., saying, "After we do this, we'll go to another location, and we'll make it safe, also." "Chicago's a mess, you have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent," Mr. Trump said last month. "And we'll straighten that one out, probably next that will be our next one after this." The president predicted that, within a week of a federal intervention in Chicago, "We will have no crime in Chicago just like we have no crime in D.C." In Tuesday's press conference, Pritzker said "there is no emergency that warrants deployment of troops." He called Mr. Trump's characterization of crime in Chicago "absurd" and pointed to recent reductions in homicides, shootings and other violent crimes according to city statistics. "One violent crime is too many, and we have more work to do," Pritzker said. "But we have made important progress on safety that Trump is now jeopardizing." Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Sneak peek: Murder at Sea? Epstein survivor hints at potential list of names being compiled by accusers Donald Trump has publicly raised questions about Covid-19 vaccines for the first time. On Monday, the US president raised concern over the jabs, developed on his watch during his first term, demanding that drug manufacturers publish data to justify the success of their various Covid drugs. Mr Trump said that he had seen great numbers and results from some manufacturers, but that these had not been shared with the public or those in the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which he said was being ripped apart over the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people think they are a miracle that saved millions of lives. Others disagree! With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW, he wrote on Truth Social. I hope Operation Warp Speed was as BRILLIANT as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? It comes after Susan Monarez, the former director of the CDC, was fired last Wednesday after a dispute over vaccine policy. Ms Monarez was abruptly pushed out less than a month into her tenure and replaced by Jim ONeill, the second-in-command to Robert F Kennedy Jr at the Department of Health and Human Services. Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, heads the Department of Health and Human Services - Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz The White House said Ms Monarez was not aligned with Mr Trumps agenda. Her lawyers have said she was targeted for standing up for science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps comments are the latest sign of his attempts to tread the line between having been a vocal supporter of the Covid vaccine rollout which he has previously called his greatest accomplishment and being supportive of Mr Kennedy and the backers of his Make America Healthy Again (Maha) plan, who are traditionally more sceptical of vaccines. The president claimed drug companies have shown him extraordinary data about the success of Covid vaccines and demanded the information be shared with the CDC to clear up this mess. I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not??? he posted on social media. They go off to the next hunt and let everyone rip themselves apart, including Bobby Kennedy Jr. and CDC, trying to figure out the success or failure of the Drug Companies Covid work. They show me GREAT numbers and results, but they dont seem to be showing them to many others. I want them to show them NOW, to CDC and the public, and clear up this MESS, one way or the other!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pfizer and Moderna were approached for comment. It is not clear what data Mr Trump was referring to, but the White House said that decision-making was being driven by Gold Standard Science. HHS, the FDA, and the CDC will continue to take an evidence-based approach to evaluate pharmaceutical treatments and Make America Healthy Again, Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, told The Telegraph. The president has previously privately voiced concern about giving children vaccines. In a phone call with Mr Kennedy in July last year, he warned that with a high volume of vaccines you see the baby all of a sudden starting to change radically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps latest remarks followed an announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it would restrict eligibility for the next Covid vaccine, sparking criticism from public health experts. The president told a cabinet meeting last week that Operation Warp Speed, the name for the Covid vaccine rollout, was one of the greatest achievements ever in politics, yet he has remained on board with Mr Kennedys plans to reform the governments vaccines policy. The ousting of Ms Monarez sent the CDC into a tailspin, prompting the resignation of four officials who have since accused Mr Kennedy and his allies of ignoring science in pursuit of plans they worry will limit the availability of some standard vaccines. In the coming weeks, an advisory committee, which Mr Kennedy has reshaped with vaccine sceptics, is expected to issue new recommendations on immunisation, including standard childhood shots for measles, hepatitis and other diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Mr Kennedy is scheduled to testify before Congress after Republican senators called for oversight of his plans and some Democrats said he should be fired. The White House was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Venezuelan oil tanker has been seized by the US in an unprecedented move that the countrys government has called an international act of piracy. It marks a serious escalation in the ongoing hostilities between President Donald Trumps administration and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who has accused the US of orchestrating the military action to exploit Venezuelas natural resources including oil and energy. Trumps attorney general Pam Bondi said that the seizure was organised to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil and was conducted safely and securely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US accuses Venezuela of using the tanker to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran suggesting it was involved in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations. Nicolas Maduro, pictured brandishing a sword, has called for peace and dialogue (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) However, critics have accused the US of overstepping its jurisdiction with a heavy-handed show of force in international waters, which include its operation against alleged drug-smuggling boats off the coast of the country. Maduro denies his country is involved in an illegal drug trade and accused the Trump administration of fabricating a new eternal war. I think youre going to find that this is war, Trump said last week. And very soon were going to start doing it on land too, he said following the naval strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 87 people have been killed in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, with some legal experts calling the attacks extrajudicial killings. The US military seizing a tanker transporting oil (X/@AGPamBondi) The US has sent some 15,000 troops and more than a dozen warships to the region over the last few months as part of what Trump has framed as a war against drug cartels. Maduro has accused Washington of trying to force regime change. The Independent looks at how both sides got to this point - and how likely Trump is to launch an invasion. Will the US strike Venezuela? Trump warned airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers last month that they should consider the airspace around Venezuela closed amid fears Washington is preparing to carry out airstrikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president later told reporters not to read anything into it, adding that he had issued the threat because we consider Venezuela to be not a very friendly country. The US is not legally able to close Venezuelas airspace. But it could agitate Caracas by encouraging airlines to steer clear, creating a deeper sense of insecurity at home. Venezuela described the comments as a "colonialist threat" against its sovereignty. The USS Gravely joined the warships sat outside Venezuela amid a buildup in the Caribbean (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Last week, Trump threatened to escalate action against Venezuela by moving to operations on land. You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering [drugs] by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon. Why has the US sent a naval fleet to Venezuelas coast? The US has amassed warships and troops in the region over the last few months as part of Operation Southern Spear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes the 337m USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, capable of carrying around 4,600 personnel and 90 aircraft. It has also included guided missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships and oil tankers for refuelling vessels. Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, says Southern Spear is aimed at removing narco-traffickers from the Western Hemisphere. The Trump administration has not provided evidence that the boats targeted were carrying drugs. Footage shows a US missile strike on a boat allegedly carrying drugs (White House) Maduro says the show of force in the region is part of an effort to oust him from power. Dr Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, told the BBC in October that the administration was aiming to displace Maduro and force regime change. How has Maduro responded? Maduro initially sent some 15,000 troops to the border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking in August. But the US has continued to amass forces in the region regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela has had a careful balance to maintain between insisting upon dialogue and standing firm against perceived aggression. Last month, Maduro appeared at a rally with the sword of independence leader Simon Bolivar and promised to stand against imperialism. "I swear before this sky, I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela against the threats and aggressions of imperialism," he said. Trump held a phone call with Maduro over the weekend (AP) But he has also continued to call for deescalation. He recently sang John Lennons Imagine during a rally in Miranda, and once spoke directly to American audiences in English to call for peace and urge against war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the worst-case scenario, Venezuela is believed to be preparing to mount a guerrilla-style resistance or sow chaos, according to sources and planning documents. Resistance could involve small military units carrying out acts of sabotage and other guerrilla tactics. Historic tensions between the US and Venezuela Trump has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the US through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations, asserting that the vast majority of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific. Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year. The opposition said there is credible evidence that its candidate had won the vote, as it urged the US and other countries to ramp up pressure on Maduro to force him out of office. The Trump administration announced a $50m reward earlier this year for Maduros arrest, accusing him of being one of the world's largest drug traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade. In recent weeks, President Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserves credit for ending six or seven wars during his first months in office, arguing that he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. "I stopped seven wars, and they were, they're big ones too," Mr. Trump said Friday. "I've settled six wars, and a lot of people say seven because there's one that nobody knows about," he said in an August 19 interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official provided a list of seven conflicts the president is referencing: Israel and Iran, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand and Cambodia, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo. "There has been more progress towards peace than ever before because of this President's leadership," the official wrote. The recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace prize is expected to be announced next month. Over 100 people have received the award since the 19th-century chemist Alfred Nobel created the prize to honor a "person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four U.S. presidents have been past laureates, most recently Barack Obama who received the prize for supporting nuclear nonproliferation and international diplomacy. Foreign policy experts say that while Mr. Trump has helped broker ceasefires, including one between Israel and Iran, several of the foreign conflicts cited by the administration were not full-scale wars and many remain unresolved. The White House did not respond to a request for clarification on why the president has repeatedly labeled all seven conflicts as settled wars. Some of these peace efforts involved limited U.S. involvement, and in other instances, it remains unclear whether Mr. Trump's role was decisive. Here's a look at the conflicts: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel and Iran After Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities in June, a 12-day conflict resulted in the deaths of about 28 Israelis and hundreds of Iranians before a ceasefire was reached with U.S. and Qatari involvement. Mr. Trump claimed credit, saying he had ordered U.S. airstrikes on Iran's uranium enrichment sites and pressed Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold back from further strikes. Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at Brookings, said Mr. Trump deserves some credit for this ceasefire. "He managed to use a combination of a good relationship with Netanyahu, but also a willingness to put a little pressure on Netanyahu that I think contributed to the at least temporary cessation of hostilities," O'Hanlon said. But other foreign policy experts said tensions between the nations are far from resolved, and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in early July that the Defense Department estimated the U.S. strikes likely delayed Iran's nuclear program by "one to two years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larry Haas, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council said, "I very strongly disagree with the notion that the president brought peace to Iran and Israel. We may be in a quiet period in terms of direct confrontation, but Iran right now is trying to regroup." Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo In June, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo announced a peace deal after multiple days of talks in Washington mediated by President Trump and Qatar. The deal aimed to end three decades of fighting over Congo's mineral reserves. Yet the violence has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating peace terms. Human Rights Watch reported that M23, an armed group that U.S. officials believe is backed by Rwanda, killed over 140 civilians in eastern Congo in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a premature declaration of success, when in fact we are just getting to the starting line," O'Hanlon said. Armenia and Azerbaijan In August, Mr. Trump helped negotiate an agreement aimed at normalizing relations and reopening transportation routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have spent decades fighting for control of the Karabakh region. O'Hanlon and Haas agreed the Trump administration pushed the deal forward in part by inviting both leaders to the White House. Leaders of both countries also credited Mr. Trump for the agreement, saying he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the deal is not a formal peace agreement and requires ratification. One remaining sticking point is that Azerbaijan wants Armenia to remove any mention of territorial claims to Azerbaijan's land from its constitution before officials sign a final deal. Armenia's prime minister has expressed willingness to change the constitution but has not specified a date for a referendum. Thailand and Cambodia In late July, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire after an outbreak of fighting killed at least 35 people. President Trump said that he had pressured both sides to come to the table by threatening trade consequences. The U.S. is a top importer for both counties, and foreign policy experts CBS News spoke to said Mr. Trump's tariff threats played a significant role in securing a ceasefire. "He helped move things along with economic pressure," Haas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The border dispute is continuing, though, with Thai officials accusing Cambodia of laying new landmines. Cambodia denied doing so. India and Pakistan India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in May after weeks of cross-border missile and drone strikes. The deal ended the latest flare-up in their long-running dispute over Kashmir, which both nuclear-armed nations claim as their territory. Pakistan credited the Trump administration's efforts in U.S.-led talks, and nominated him for the Nobel Peace prize. But India insisted its own pressure on Pakistan, not U.S. diplomacy, drove the deal. Josh Kurlantzick, a senior fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, said it's a stretch to call the dispute over Kashmir settled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no real ending to this conflict," he said, noting that future negotiations could be complicated by Mr. Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on India, a key partner. Egypt and Ethiopia Mr. Trump also claims he brokered peace between Ethiopia and Egypt, which have disagreed about Ethiopia's decision to construct a hydroelectric dam in the Nile. During his first term, Mr. Trump tried to broker a deal between the countries and suspended some aid to Ethiopia because of a lack of progress. In June, the president mentioned the dispute on Truth Social, writing, "There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No deals have been announced, however. Ethiopia still plans to officially open its dam in September over Egypt's objections that it will restrict the flow of water to its country. And while Egypt previously threatened to go to war over the dam, this conflict has remained a diplomatic one. O'Hanlon said of the dispute, "I would not call the Egypt-Ethiopia interaction a war." Serbia and Kosovo In 2020, President Trump helped negotiate a deal between Serbia and Kosovo to help normalize economic ties, but progress stalled afterward. Talks have continued with European leaders, but no breakthroughs have emerged. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, which Serbia still does not recognize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His deal-making, to the extent that it existed, actually occurred in his first term, and he really hasn't stopped what's going on," Haas said. Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Very little new information in thousands of Jeffrey Epstein files released this week Trump says he's not happy about state of Russia's war in Ukraine WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. Space Command's headquarters will move to Alabama from Colorado, reversing a Biden administration decision. In remarks at the White House, Trump said he was making the shift in part because of Colorado's use of mail-in voting. "The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting, they went to all mail-in voting, so they have automatically crooked elections," Trump said in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado allows for in-person elections, but every voter automatically receives a ballot in the mail. According to Colorado's secretary of state, about 92% of the ballots cast in last November's election were a mail ballot, with about 8% voting in person. Trump said last month that he wanted to ban mail-in voting nationwide, an announcement that has already been met with pushback from some Republicans. "We cant have that when a state is for mail-in voting, that means they want dishonest elections, because thats what that means. So that played a big factor also," Trump said while flanked by the Alabama lawmakers who lobbied for Space Command's move to their state. Trump lost Colorado, a state with two Democratic senators, in the last three presidential elections. Alabama, meanwhile, is a deep red state that has consistently voted Republican in presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and several Alabama Republicans at the White House event noted that it was President Joe Biden who changed Space Commands headquarters to Colorado from what was supposed to be Alabama. Hegseth said that Trump was restoring its headquarters to "precisely where it should be, based on what the Space Force, the Air Force, your leadership," which he said will "give us strategic advantage in the future." "That is Huntsville, Alabama," the defense secretary continued. "We are way ahead in space, but this will ensure we stay leaps and bounds ahead, because that's the most important domain. Whoever controls the skies will control the future warfare. And Mr. President, today you're ensuring that happens." President Donald Trump as the flag for the new U.S. Space Command is revealed in the Rose Garden in 2019. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images file) The Colorado congressional delegation, comprised of both Republicans and Democrats, said in a joint statement that Trumps decision would harm the state and the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the statement read. Being prepared for any threats should be the nations top priority; a crucial part of that is keeping in place what is already fully operational, it continued, adding that the bipartisan group of lawmakers will take the necessary action to keep Command in Colorado Springs, which it called the programs appropriate home. While Trump had announced, and it was later confirmed, that Huntsville was the preferred location for U.S. Space Command headquarters, the Biden administration halted those plans in 2023 because of concerns with Alabama's restrictive abortion law. As a result, the head of Space Command decided that year that the military branch would build out its headquarters in Colorado Springs, instead. Space Command is a unified Pentagon command comprised of elements from the Army, Navy and Air Force. It is distinct from the separate military branch known as Space Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Tuesday that the move to Alabama would result in 30,000 jobs in the state and lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in investment. "Most importantly, this decision will help America defend and dominate the high frontier, as they call it," he said. The president added that Space Command, from its new location, will play a "key role" in the development of the "Golden Dome," the missile defense system Trump wants modeled after Israel's Iron Dome. "Were going to be having a Golden Dome that the likes of which nobodys ever seen before, the finest, the best," he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Kanishka Singh and Ryan Patrick Jones WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" in Russian President Vladimir Putin and added without elaborating that his administration was planning to take some actions to bring down deaths in Russia's war in Ukraine. The Republican leader also said he was not concerned about warm ties between Russia and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump held a summit with Putin in Alaska in mid-August and subsequently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and key European and NATO alliance leaders at the White House. Following those meetings, Trump said he expected Zelenskiy and Putin to hold a bilateral meeting before a trilateral meeting that would also include Trump. Zelenskiy has said Russia was doing everything it could to prevent a meeting between him and Putin, while Russia says the agenda for such a meeting was not ready. "I am very disappointed in President Putin, I can say that, and we will be doing something to help people live," Trump said in an interview on The Scott Jennings Radio Show. Trump has told Zelenskiy that Washington would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal. Trump has also renewed a threat to impose further sanctions on Russia if there is no progress toward a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia occupies around a fifth of Ukraine, and Trump has said "land-swapping" and changes to territory will be crucial for any settlement. Ukraine opposes the idea of legally recognizing any Ukrainian territory as Russian. But it has tacitly acknowledged it will almost certainly have to accept some de facto territorial losses. 'NOT CONCERNED' ABOUT CHINA-RUSSIA TIES Trump was also asked in the interview if he was concerned "about an axis forming against the United States with China and Russia." "I am not concerned at all ... We have the strongest military in the world, by far. They would never use their military on us. Believe me," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Putin on Tuesday for talks in China, calling him his "old friend." Xi also held talks on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country has been targeted by Trump over its purchases of Russian oil. China kicked off its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday in a show of its growing firepower and geopolitical clout as Xi sought to cast Beijing as the custodian of a post-U.S. international order. "May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto; Editing by Alistair Bell and Stephen Coates) By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will relocate the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama, noting the southern state's strong support for him while criticizing Colorado's voting practices. The move, first reported by Reuters, benefits a state that overwhelmingly supported Trump's three Republican presidential bids, at the expense of one that opposed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We love Alabama. I only won it by about 47 points. I don't think that influenced my decision, though," Trump told reporters and lawmakers gathered in the Oval Office. The decision reverses a move made under former President Joe Biden's administration, which had selected Colorado Springs as the permanent home for the military's newest combatant command. Defense officials have previously estimated that relocating the headquarters, which became fully operational in December 2023, could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and take three to four years to complete. The Space Command, established in 2019 under the first Trump administration, is responsible for military operations beyond Earth's atmosphere and defending U.S. satellites from potential threats. About 1,700 personnel work at Space Command, according to congressional records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has often linked federal funding decisions and politics. The president previously blocked a move to put the FBI's headquarters in Maryland, calling it a "liberal state," and suggested linking disaster aid in California to the state's policy decisions. "The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting. They went to all mail-in voting, so they have automatically crooked elections," Trump said. Citizens can vote in person or by mail in Colorado. All of Colorado's congressional leaders said in a joint statement, "Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea." Four of Colorado's representatives are Republicans. Huntsville, home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and a major hub for defense contractors, such as L3Harris and Lockheed Martin, has long lobbied for the Space Command headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement POLITICAL WEAPON Military basing decisions have long been wielded as political weapons in Washington, with lawmakers treating defense installations and equipment purchases as bargaining chips. In 2021, a week before the end of Trump's first term, the Air Force announced Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred location for Space Command's permanent headquarters, pending an environmental assessment. But while the Air Force completed the assessment in 2022, it did not make a final decision regarding Space Commands headquarters. The Government Accountability Office, Congress' nonpartisan research arm, released a report in 2022 saying it had identified "significant shortfalls" in the Air Force's selection process for the Space Command headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April 2025 report by the Pentagon's inspector general "acknowledged risks to readiness inherent to moving the HQ from its provisional location" to Huntsville but said it was balanced by an estimated $426 million cost advantage Huntsville has due to lower personnel and construction costs. (Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Joey Roulette; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Paul Simao, Rod Nickel) By Julia Harte Sep 2 (Reuters) -Juan Rivera voted for President Donald Trump, hoping that the president's efforts to rid the United States of illegal immigration would improve safety in the Southern California city where the 25-year-old content creator lives. Neighborhoods near Rivera's home in San Marcos that used to be frequented by migrants with "violent tendencies" do feel much safer now, he said. But he also said he'll "never forget" seeing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents pull over a truck of Latino workers and haul the men into their cars without asking for identification, leaving the empty truck behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Rivera's family members work for U.S. Border Patrol. Other relatives who are in the process of establishing legal residency in the United States "are scared of going to work because they fear that they're going to get pulled over by immigration," he said. Overall, however, Rivera gave the Trump administration very high marks on its handling of immigration because "there's a lot more public safety." Seven months into his second term, Trump's signature issue - immigration - is still helping buoy his overall sinking approval ratings, making up for a downturn in support for his economic policies. A group of 20 Trump voters Reuters has interviewed monthly since February, including Rivera, illuminated the complex views behind the numbers. Reuters asked the voters to rate the Trump administrations handling of immigration on a scale of 1 to 10. Fifteen gave it a rating of 7 or higher, and none rated it below 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They universally support Trump's tightening of U.S. border security to prevent further illegal immigration and his efforts to expel immigration offenders with violent criminal records. But there was less consensus about how Trump is going about the crackdown. "President Trump was elected based on his promise to close the border and deport criminal illegal aliens," said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson in an emailed statement. "The Trump Administration will continue carrying out the largest mass deportation operation in history." The 20 voters were selected from 429 respondents to a February 2025 Ipsos poll who said they voted for Trump in November and were willing to speak to a reporter. They are not a statistically representative portrait of all Trump voters, but their ages, educational backgrounds, races/ethnicities, locations and voting histories roughly correspond to those of Trump's overall electorate. Seven of the voters said they worried about the means Trump was using to achieve his goals, with some recoiling at the way authorities are rounding up immigrants for deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I agree that you have to have an immigration policy and enforce it. I don't agree with kidnapping people off the street," said Virginia Beach-based retiree Don Jernigan. Jernigan, 75, said that footage of ICE raids he has seen on ABC and Fox News "reminds me of Nazi Germany. And you would rarely hear me say that name, Nazi, okay? But it does, the way they snatch people." Other voters, such as Will Brown, 20, a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, urged the administration to pursue even more ambitious deportation goals. Brown, who said he "couldn't be more of a fan of Stephen Miller," the White House aide credited with designing Trump's immigration policy, noted that the deportation rate of Trump's second term so far lagged that of the last two Democratic administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Honestly, I don't think they're doing enough," he said. REALITY DIVIDE The voters' attitudes towards traditional news outlets heavily affected their view of Trump's immigration crackdown. "If you get your information from one source, ICE is devils incarnate, and if you get it from another source, they're superheroes," said Gerald Dunn, 66, a martial arts instructor in upstate New York. Dunn said he rarely reads or watches news from mainstream outlets because "everything is so exaggerated." Instead, he browses headlines and watches YouTube videos to stay informed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has heard reports of ICE agents detaining non-criminal immigrants, but said such incidents are blown out of proportion. "You're going to arrest people wrongfully, and it turns out they shouldn't have been arrested. That doesn't mean you don't arrest anybody." In the Chicago suburbs, municipal office secretary Kate Mottl, 62, said she is thrilled with Trump's immigration policy. She does not believe news outlets that report immigrants without a criminal record are being swept up in raids. Mottl was dismayed to learn that some immigrants without legal status she knows are afraid of being deported under Trump. "I tell them, 'you shouldn't be worried about that because you're not a bad person. You're not committing crimes,'" she said, adding that she feared they were being misinformed by the news sources they watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLEARER PATHWAY TO LEGAL STATUS Fourteen of the 20 voters said they hoped Trump would improve the immigration system and vetting process to help deserving foreigners with the potential to contribute to the U.S. economy legalize their status more easily in the United States. Like Mottl, Lesa Sandberg of St. George, Utah, said she knows undocumented immigrants "who are raising their families here, who are working, who are contributing to our economy and our society. And my heart goes out to them." Sandberg, 57, who runs an accounting business, rents properties and works for a former Republican congressman's political action committee, said she is glad to see the administration cracking down on immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when it comes to the immigrants in the U.S. illegally that she considers friends, she said, "I would never call ICE on them ... [it's] that whole concept of when we know people in the situation, feelings are different about it because we know how bad it is for them." David Ferguson, 53, a mechanical engineer and account manager in western Georgia, said some of the foreign students in his daughter's graduate school program want to stay and work in the United States but fear they won't be able to re-enter if they visit their home countries, despite having valid visas. Some immigrants really do "want to have long-term residency and be productive members of our society. Let's give them a path for that," he said. Ferguson said he doesn't think an amnesty program is necessarily the solution. But Juan Rivera, the Trump voter in southern California, thinks it could attract wide support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's actually a really big sentiment I've been hearing from a lot of local Republican elected officials, that the Trump administration [should] offer amnesty the way that Reagan did," said Rivera, who does Latino outreach advocacy for his county's Republican Party. His own father was able to become a U.S. citizen after former Republican President Ronald Reagan signed legislation in 1986 granting amnesty to about 3 million immigrants without legal status, according to Rivera. He said he hopes Trump moves the country toward "an immigration system that balances security with humanity." (Reporting by Julia Harte; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Suzanne Goldenberg) President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that his administration will deploy the National Guard to Chicago following a violent Labor Day weekend in which at least eight people were killed and more than 50 wounded in shootings. Were going in, Trump said during an Oval Office press conference on Sept. 2, according to NBC News. I didnt say when. He added that he would prefer Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to request federal assistance but insisted the federal government has the authority to intervene regardless. If the governor of Illinois would call me up, I would love to do it. Now, were going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it, Trump said. Local Resistance Chicago Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Aug. 30 instructing city police not to cooperate with federal forces if Trump follows through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We send a resounding message to the federal government: we do not need nor want an unconstitutional and illegal military occupation of our city, Johnson said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. Gov. Pritzker has likewise rejected Trumps proposal, telling CBS News over the weekend that he would do everything I can to stop him from taking away peoples rights and from using the military to invade states. Violence and Crime Trends The Labor Day weekend marked Chicagos most violent holiday stretch of the summer, with nine people killed and 52 others wounded by gunfire, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Still, broader city statistics show violent crime has declined in 2025. By mid-August, Chicago Police Department figures reflected a 23% drop in violent crime compared to the same period last year, putting the city on pace for its lowest homicide rate in nearly 50 years, according to The Washington Post. Legal and Political Fight Deploying National Guard troops without state consent could require invoking the Insurrection Act, a rarely used measure permitting federal intervention in extraordinary circumstances. Legal experts warn such a move would spark immediate court challenges. Trump has increasingly targeted Democrat governors including Pritzker, Marylands Wes Moore, and Californias Gavin Newsom, framing Chicagos violence as evidence of failed leadership. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon, Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social. Trump admires Israel, believes he has done more for it than anyone else, yet warns it is bleeding legitimacy with every passing day of war. US President Donald Trump is not known for nuanced wording, and an interview Friday with the Daily Caller, where he talked about Israel and Gaza, is a case in point. Asked about the war, he said Israel may be winning the war, but theyre not winning the world of public relations Theyre gonna have to get that war over with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not the first time Trump has sounded this note. Back in March 2024 on the same day the Biden administration declined to veto a UN resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire he told Israel Hayom that Israel needed to Finish up your war You gotta get it done. The message has been consistent: Trump admires Israel, believes he has done more for it than anyone else, yet warns it is bleeding legitimacy with every passing day of war. The subtext is clear: Israels military clock is not the only one ticking; so too is the diplomatic clock. And it is running down faster. In the same Daily Caller interview, Trump also raised some eyebrows by saying that 15 years ago Israel had the strongest lobby in Congress of anything or body, or of any company or corporation or state that Ive ever seen They had total control over Congress, and now they dont. US PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in the Oval Office in April. In ignoring an Arab offer, the US and Israel have sentenced Israelis and Gazans to continued bloodshed, say members of Commanders for Israels Security. (credit: KEVIN MOHATT/REUTERS) Some heard total control as trafficking in antisemitic tropes. But Trump was not channeling conspiracies about Jewish control. Rather, he was describing a well-known political reality: For decades, Israel enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress, maintained by a highly efficient lobbying effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At its peak, AIPAC was the most formidable presence in Washington. It kept support for Israel strong on both sides of the aisle, such that for an aspiring politician as Trump put it You couldnt speak badly about Israel. That was then. American sympathy for Israel is eroding, especially among young voters Today, Pew data shows American sympathy for Israel eroding, especially among young voters including younger Republicans. The once-solid bipartisan wall has fissures. For Israel, those shifts cannot be ignored. Trump, obviously, is not wrong about Israel not winning the world of public relations. Images from Gaza that have flooded global screens have overshadowed the October 7 atrocities that started this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, to stop the war months ago when Trump first urged Israel to finish it up would have frozen the battlefield at a very different place. In March 2024, Hamas still had many of its leaders and strongholds, Hezbollah had not been dealt a heavy blow, Iran had not yet been struck, Syria was still under Bashar Assads control, and the Houthi leadership was intact. Today, Hamas is a shell of what it was, Hezbollah has been vastly diminished, Iran is reeling from unprecedented strikes on its nuclear and missile programs, and even the Houthis must now wonder where the next Israeli blow will come from. These achievements did not happen in spite of the war dragging on they happened because of it. This is the paradox at the heart of Trumps critique. The longer the war lasts, the worse it is for Israels international standing. But the longer it lasts, the more Israel degrades its enemies capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus critics, both at home and abroad, this looks like endless war; in Netanyahus telling, however, it is a long fight yielding historic returns. And here is where the deeper story lies. The new Israeli war doctrine For decades, Israels security doctrine assumed that the country could not afford long wars. A small state, heavily dependent on reserve soldiers and vulnerable on multiple fronts, Israel believed it had to fight quickly, decisively, and wrap things up before economic and social stamina ran out. The Six Day War in 1967 was the ideal short, sharp, and overwhelming. The Yom Kippur War in 1973, though it lasted less than three weeks, was the cautionary tale: a grinding reserve mobilization that continued for months, staggering casualties, and a society shaken to its core. The lesson etched into Israels psyche was that time worked against it that protracted fighting would sap its strength faster than its enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This war is rewriting that doctrine. Nearly two years in, with 40,000 additional reservists called up for duty on Tuesday, Israel is showing it can sustain a long campaign. The home front is stressed but functioning. The economy has absorbed shocks but not collapsed. The reserves have proven resilient. The hope of Israels enemies that it would crack first has not materialized. Quite the contrary: Hamas, Iran, and their proxies are the ones steadily being ground down by time. This marks a serious departure from past assumptions. Israel is not as small as it once was. Its population is larger and its economy much more robust. It has shown endurance beyond what many expected. The longer the war runs, the weaker its enemies become not the other way around. And this brings us back to Trump. His critique that Israel is losing world opinion cannot be dismissed. He is right. Legitimacy is bleeding away. But the irony is sharp. The very longevity that drains international patience and support is what has enabled Israels military gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps words are not just commentary; they are a mirror of American politics. His claim that the Israel lobby is weaker, that You couldnt speak badly about Israel 15 years ago, but you can now, is an assessment of the erosion of bipartisan consensus. His warning that Israel is not winning the world of public relations is an understatement. What is striking, however, is his insistence that nobody has done more for Israel than he has a line he repeats with pride, presumably because he thinks it still resonates politically. Trumps latest comments lay bare Israels dilemma. Winning the war but losing the world is not a sustainable formula. Yet, neither is halting the war before the job is done. That tension between endurance on the battlefield and legitimacy abroad remains unresolved. Tuesdays massive call-up of reservists shows Israel has chosen, for now, to fight on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is not pressuring Israel to stop. But he is warning that there is a steep price in legitimacy to be paid, and that this final push to defeat Hamas should not drag on endlessly. Or, in his words, Theyre gonna have to get that war over with. US President Donald Trumps ongoing campaign against wind energy is pitting his administration against Democratic leaders and trade unions, and the management of a top wind farm developer against its shareholders. The administrations latest wind crackdown arrived on Friday, when the Transportation Department said it would withdraw $679 million in funding for offshore wind projects. The move follows the imposition of new layers of bureaucratic scrutiny on wind farm permits, and the withdrawal of permits for at least one major offshore wind farm already under construction. On Monday, the Democratic governors of several northeastern states urged the administration to change course, warning in a statement that the current policies will jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors. Labor unions agree: the head of Rhode Islands AFL-CIO said the project cancellations put thousands of jobs at risk and that many of his members who voted for Trump are outraged. Meanwhile rsted, the Danish developer behind one cancelled project, will ask its shareholders this week to approve a massive new fundraising but some are skeptical the plan will do enough to prop up its foundering stock price. Members of the California National Guards and U.S. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division guard the entrance outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, Calif., Friday, June 13, 2025. Credit - Stephen LamSan Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump broke the law when he sent thousands of National Guard members and Marines into Los Angeles earlier this summer, concluding that the troops were used as a de facto police force in violation of a longstanding prohibition on domestic military enforcement. In a 52-page decision issued Tuesday, Judge Charles R. Breyer of the Federal District Court in San Francisco said the Trump Administration had systematically used armed soldiers to perform law enforcement functions such as crowd control, traffic blockades and detentions, despite clear limits under the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the use of the military for civilian policing without explicit approval from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violations were not one-off acts by individual servicemembers but were rather the function of systematic and willful orders to troops to execute domestic law, Judge Breyer wrote. He warned that the Administrations approach suggested an effort to create a national police force with the President as its chief. The decision does not order the immediate withdrawal of the roughly 300 federalized Guard members who remain in Southern California, but it will sharply restrict their role to protecting federal property. Judge Breyers injunction, set to take effect Sept. 12, bars the Pentagon from directing National Guard soldiers or Marines in the Los Angeles area to make arrests, conduct searches, or perform crowd or riot control unless Congress authorizes such activities. The ruling marks a victory for Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who sued to block the deployment and has accused Trump of militarizing city streets for political gain. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom wrote in a post on X, echoing the Presidents social media style. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL. Trump ordered the deployment in early June after protests broke out in Los Angeles over immigration raids. He declared the demonstrations a form of rebellion in an executive order and directed nearly 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines into the nations second-largest city, despite objections from Newsom and local leaders. City officials argued that the protests were largely peaceful and manageable, and that the presence of armed troops escalated tensions unnecessarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who led the task force overseeing the deployment, testified that the troops had been trained on the limits of the Posse Comitatus Act, including prohibitions on patrols and riot control. But he said Pentagon officials instructed him that exceptions existed when federal property or personnel were involved. Judge Breyer rejected that reasoning outright, calling the Administrations legal theory incorrect and its justifications contrived. The Justice Department, which defended the deployment, has signaled it will appeal the ruling. Lawyers for the Administration argued that the troops served only a protective function and were necessary to shield federal agents from demonstrators interfering with their duties. They also contended that presidents have broad inherent authority to dispatch military forces in defense of federal operations. Read more: Trump Has Deployed Troops At Home Like No Other President. Here is Where He Has Sent Them Judge Breyers decision is the latest rebuke of Trumps expansive view of presidential power, which he has invoked to impose tariffs, roll back regulations, and deploy federal forces in American cities. Since the deployment to Los Angeles, Trump has used his authority over the District of Columbia to send National Guard troops into Washington, and has mused publicly about doing the same in Chicago and other Democratic-led cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests, Judge Breyer wrote. This was intentional. Defendants instigated a months-long deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles for the purpose of establishing a military presence there and enforcing federal law. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. The Credible Messenger job is not a 9-to-5 gig. They are the ones who are turned to when help is needed if a mentee calls in the middle of the night, the phone is answered. The Credible Messengers program is a Milwaukee County-backed initiative to pair adult mentors who have gone through the criminal justice system with at-risk youths to help them from entering, or re-entering, the justice system. Holding the youths accountable and avoiding jail is not the program's only goal. It is also about building trust, using cultural intelligence and understanding trauma to help the youths realize their potential. The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services can now point to data that shows the success of the program and the impact of the connections its mentors built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are sowing some impactful seeds with those youth they are working with," said Vaynesia Kendrick, prevention coordinator with DHHS. Chaz Fortune, a credible messenger and director of YAP, believes tailoring the program to what the youths need and being truthful is most important. Each one of the youths has different needs, even if on paper it looks the same, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Some of the families have the same traumas, but the family dynamic is different, Fortune said. Credible messenger youth from WestCare on an ice-skating outing. Credible Messengers find ways to have big impact with Milwaukee youths Founded in 2021 by County Executive David Crowley, Credible Messengers is a partnership between DHHS and community organizations including WestCare, located in the Harambee neighborhood; the Milwaukee Christian Center; Running Rebels; Youth Advocate Program (YAP); 414LIFE and GLOW414. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each organization has its own focus on how to engage with the youths. Some focus on school support and community engagement, some emphasize family resources and youth leadership, and others use violence interruption. All the youths in the program chose to become involved and were not ordered by a court, said David Muhammad, DHHS Chair of the Youth and Young Adult Engagement Action Team. Courts and government agencies can refer youths to the program, but ultimately it is their decision on if they would like to participate. Its a self-selected program, he said. The program initially focused on reducing gun violence. While that is still the primary focus, in 2023, Credible Mentors added GLOW414 and YAP to better serve at-risk girls, youths and families in crisis. The team also works with the Milwaukee County Trauma Response Team to provide mental health support and other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One way YAP works with the kids is by assessing family dynamics. He tries to find what small things he can start with, to have the biggest impact, and does so through conversations and assessing needs as "equal partners." Sometimes I see one kid eating in their room, the parents out at work, Fortune said. I ask them, When was the last time you and your family ate dinner together? If they are open to it, he may take the family out to dinner once a month or just pay for the meal, according to Fortune. He tries to find what small things he can start with, to have the biggest impact, and does so through conversations and assessing needs Thats the type of stuff they remember, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the youths and their families see the messengers are there to help and not just for a paycheck, they begin to trust and start reaching out for help from them on their own, Fortune said. When they call, you better answer. When they see this is not just a 9-to-5 then they trust you and they start calling after that 5, he said. They dont just call people they dont want to. New data shows most participants have positive outcomes The first year, there were about 70 youths enrolled in the program as a whole. It expanded year by year, and in 2024, that number more than doubled, reaching 199 youth, according to the most recent data by the DHHS. Most have been involved in the criminal justice system and were referred by Children and Youth Family Services (CYFS), a department under DHHS. Others were referred by the community or found the program in other ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first year the county can analyze and present in-depth data on the program, according to a presentation by the DHHS. The Department of Health and Human Services released data on the Credible Messenger program to include 2024. Last year, about 76% of the youths did not reoffend while in the program. Of the youths referred by CYFS, 71% did not reoffend. Of community referrals, 81% did not offend at all. When they are mentored for at least 26 weeks, there is a notable effect on positive outcomes, according to Crowleys office. About 66% of the youths in the program met the 26-week threshold and the messengers logged over 12,000 hours of mentoring. The thousands of hours helped most of the youths and changed lives for the better. But no one can help in all situations, according to Fortune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all the youths 98% who participated in the program were not injured by gun violence in 2024. One person died in a shooting and three were injured by gunfire, according to DHHS data. We watch the news like everyone else, and we ask ourselves, was that a young person that we worked with?' Muhammad said. The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services released data on the credible messenger program. According to the data 98 percent of the youth in the program were not directly impacted by gun violence while in the program. Credible Messengers find success by being truthful, showing youths what's possible Todd Jones, a credible messenger and violence interrupter with the Milwaukee Christian Center, knows exactly why it is important to do everything he can to help prevent gun violence. Jones was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in 1996 and was in prison until 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He got involved in the program after he was released, because he did not want to see others make the same mistakes as him. According to Jones, being upfront and truthful is one of the greatest weapons against gun violence. Im not telling them to put their pistol down, he said. I cant. Their life situation is different than mine. What I am telling them is my life testimony. He begins by explaining the devastation and loneliness he felt after he was convicted. That is one of the things that gets lost is what prison is like, what the consequences feel like, he said. I didnt have family. I didnt get to go to prom. I didnt get to see my sister before she passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said one of the best moments as a messenger is when he sees one of the youths start to see things differently, and the possibilities of what the future can hold. Fortune mirrored Jones' sentiment and said showing youths different options is important to foster their success. A credible messenger and youth on a WestCare outing. "When you don't see someone who looks like you then you don't think you can do that," Fortune said. "When you see a minority owning a tire shop or a boutique or something, then that becomes a possibility." YAP and other organizations under the credible messengers can help youths get jobs, which can give them some financial stability. But that's not the starting point, according to Fortune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can't just come in and give you a job," he said. "If you aren't going to school or there are other problems, we gotta get that taken care of first." One of the youths under the program started out breaking curfew and breaking the rules, but after a few months of mentorship, he was attending school and is on track to graduate this year, Fortune said. He is also currently working at a car wash with glowing recommendations from his bosses. Messengers like Fortune and Jones are used to picking up the phone. Sometimes it is to help solve a problem, sometimes it is to be an ear. And sometimes, the phone rings and it is a former mentee who is just calling to let them know they are doing all right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you come together and people see you are there to help and support them, everything after is priceless," Fortune said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Credible Messenger program shows success in helping youth Starting with a battery ban at the same time as it began requiring Real ID weeks before Memorial Day, it has been a summer of change for TSA. A new ban on certain haircare tools is the latest change for TSA. The recent TSA rule changes enhance flight safety and security screenings, but they can be hard to keep track of if you're not a frequent flier. Let's take a look at what's new and what's changed. TSA bans cordless hair tools from checked luggage Do you use cordless hair devices for your hair routine? It might be best to keep them at home, because they may contain potentially hazardous materials, like gas cartridges and butane, which are banned by TSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration says that these kinds of cordless hair tools are banned in checked luggage: Cordless curling irons or flatirons containing gas cartridges. Butane-fueled curling irons or flat irons. Gas refills (spare cartridges) for curling irons or flat irons. If TSA finds these banned items in your checked bags, the items will be taken away. These items are allowed in your carry-on if they have safety covers to prevent activation. Hair tools with cords are fine for checked or carry-on bags. Portable batteries, power banks banned by TSA before summer travel season Just as TSA began mandating Real ID for security checks, it banned portable chargers and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries from checked luggage. External chargers can only be packed in carry-on bags and kept inside the aircraft cabin, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's latest guidance. Lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard and are subject to overheating and creating sparks, especially if damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule applies to electronics and external battery chargers that contain a lithium-ion battery, which cannot be stored inside checked bags. This includes: Power banks Cell phone battery charging cases Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries Cell phone batteries Laptop batteries External batteries Portable rechargers TSA got rid of its shoes-off policy In July 2025, travelers arriving at TSA checkpoints at airports across the country would no longer have to remove their shoes as part of the screening process. Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA, announced in a press conference on July 8 that the long-standing policy requiring most passengers to remove their shoes is no longer in effect. TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint," Noem said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only passengers in the TSA PreCheck line were previously allowed to keep their shoes on. However, travelers who set off the alarm at scanners or magnetometers may be required to remove their shoes for additional screening. Noem said other steps in the multilayered security screening process, such as identification checks and screening of carry-on bags, will continue. Some travelers may still be asked to remove their shoes for additional screening, and passengers who trigger the alarm at scanners or magnetometers will be required to remove their shoes for additional screening as well. TSA will keep its 3.4-ounce liquids rule TSA may have dropped its shoes-off rule at security checkpoints, but its rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces won't change anytime soon. TSA clarified why it got rid of the shoes-off rule but kept the liquid 3.4-ounce rule in a July 2025 Facebook post. According to the post, explosives in liquid form can be disguised as everyday products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some aviation security experts caution that the TSAs infrastructure isn't ready to drop the 3.4-ounce rule, as scanning liquids requires different technology compared to scanning passengers' shoes, according to The Detroit News. Scanning liquids requires some of the most sophisticated technology available in the security industry. TSA has been installing computed tomography (CT) scanners (an imaging device that scans your baggage) at a steady rate, but not fast enough to handle another policy change. To get rid of the 3.4-ounce rule, airports would first need to see significant advancements in scanning technology or a decrease in threats to air travel safety. What TSA does if there's an 'SSSS' on your boarding pass If your boarding pass has "SSSS" on it, TSA will pull you aside for additional screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "SSSS" stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection." It is seemingly randomly applied to boarding passes, per Travel + Leisure, and means you'll have to take an extra few steps beyond regular security protocols, which can add significant time to your security screening process. This is not just for regular boarding pass holders. Even those with Global Entry and TSA Precheck, or a CLEAR access purchase, may also be pulled for additional screening if they find those four letters on their boarding pass. The code can appear on anyone's boarding pass. A few common reasons for this group of letters include: Purchasing a last-minute ticket. Booking a direct one-way flight and paying in cash. Flying to or from a country flagged by the U.S. State Department. Raising suspicions at the airport. Selected at random. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do find this quartet of letters on your boarding pass, allow 1545 minutes of extra time to get through security at the airport. TSA announces family-friendly checkpoints at select airports In July, TSA's new Families on the Fly campaign aimed at easing airport security lines for families. Perks include special "family lanes" at select airports, $15 discounts on TSA PreCheck enrollment fees for families (fees can cost around $80 per person), and the introduction of dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families. The program will roll out at select airports before expanding. No Ohio airports are on the initial list. 9 unique items you can bring through TSA security checkpoints If you're a cowboy who likes Harry Potter and you want to celebrate Christmas with festive lights and a live lobster, you should have little trouble getting through TSA at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These bizarre and unexpected items are TSA-approved: Live lobsters: Live lobsters are allowed through security, but TSA says your lobster friend must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint. Christmas lights: If you're feeling a bit of holiday cheer, TSA allows Christmas lights in either carry-on or checked bags. Cowboy spurs: Cowboy spurs are allowed, but they must be off your boots and placed in carry-on or checked bags. Antlers: Antlers are allowed on board as a carry-on or can go inside your checked bags, but there's a snag you need to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane if you're bringing it as a carry-on. Harry Potter wands, light sabers: Both your Harry Potter wands and Star Wars light sabers are safe to fly. "Sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you," TSA adds. Coffee and espresso makers: Need an extra jolt of energy? TSA says that coffee and espresso makers are allowed, but you should carefully pack it and make sure all cords are wrapped. TSA recommends packing them in your carry-on. Magic 8 ball: While your fortune-telling ball can't go in carry-on bags, it's good to fly in checked bags. According to TSA, "For carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us Outlook not so good! For checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us It is certain!" Sewing machines: Sewing machines are allowed to fly in your checked luggage or carry-on, but TSA says you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the plane's overhead bin or underneath the seat. Waffle irons: Waffle irons will go through TSA checkpoints as a carry-on or in checked baggage, but make sure that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Not sure what's allowed or prohibited to bring on board? See the complete list on TSA's website. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New TSA bans, security rules, policies. A look at recent changes Turkeys peace process is advancing. In August 2025, three months after the Kurdistan Workers Party commonly known as the PKK announced its formal disbandment, a Turkish parliamentary committee overseeing reforms as part of the process met. It followed a symbolic disarmament ceremony in northern Iraq, during which Kurdish militants publicly burned weapons. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hailed the peace moves as a new page in the countrys history. He may not be wrong. The Kurdish insurgency has, after all, raged for decades and presented an ongoing security and human rights concern. But as potentially momentous as these developments are, public opinion in Turkey remains far from optimistic about the chances of lasting peace, particularly given numerous failures over the years. A Research Istanbul survey from early August revealed that just 39% of respondents believe the process will prove successful, with 48% expecting it to fail. The most common reason for this pessimism was fear that the PKK itself might sabotage the process. Such perceptions matter greatly, as without broad public trust and a sense of ownership, its difficult for a peace process to endure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a scholar of peace and conflict studies who has examined post-conflict transitions in places from Northern Ireland to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Colombia, I believe that Turkey now faces its most credible opportunity for a durable peace. Yet the central question remains: Will both the PKK and Erdogans government sustain their commitment when the process inevitably encounters setbacks, or will history repeat itself with another collapse into mistrust and violence? Why the odds look better this time The conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK has been one of the most protracted and violent struggles in the world. It has claimed over 40,000 lives soldiers, insurgents and civilians alike and displaced countless families, particularly in Turkeys southeast where a majority of Turkish Kurds reside. Beyond the humanitarian toll, the war has left lasting scars on the fabric of Turkish society, deepening mistrust between Kurdish communities and the state, polarizing politics and shaping the countrys security and foreign policy priorities. The first group of the Kurdistan Workers Party destroyed their weapons in northern Iraq on July 11, 2025. Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images The PKK, which first took up arms in 1984, launched its campaign in the name of Kurdish autonomy and cultural rights and confronted a state that, at the time, denied even the recognition of Kurdish identity. Turkeys response has been a mixture of heavy-handed military campaigns and sporadic, often short-lived, openings to dialogue. In his early years as prime minister, Erdogan broke with the traditional secular military establishment by taking a more conciliatory approach to the Kurdish question. He expanded cultural rights, lifted restrictions on Kurdish-language broadcasting and even acknowledged past state repression. The 20132015 solution process, launched under Erdogans leadership with the declared aim of ending the armed conflict and integrating Kurds more fully into Turkish political life, was a serious attempt at peace. Yet it later collapsed amid deep mistrust, mutual recriminations and renewed violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political environment today, however, while fragile and uncertain, carries elements that distinguish it from past attempts. Perhaps most surprising has been the endorsement of the latest process by the far-right Nationalist Movement Party, or MHP, Erdogans coalition partner and long one of the staunchest opponents of any concessions to Kurdish aspirations. The MHPs backing provides a measure of political cover to the ruling government that no previous effort enjoyed. At the same time, Erdogans own trajectory complicates the picture. Despite his earlier reformist approach, Erdogans governance has, over time, become increasingly centralized and, in the eyes of critics, authoritarian. That shift often left little room for compromise on issues of identity and rights. Some observers argue that his renewed embrace of negotiations today reflects a calculation that, with firmer control over state institutions and the backing of the far-right MHP, he can pursue peace without appearing politically vulnerable. Others see it less as a change of conviction than as a response to shifting circumstances, both domestic and regional, that have made engagement with Kurdish groups a strategic necessity. On the PKKs side, the renewed embrace of negotiations reflects both attrition and recalculation. After decades of armed struggle that yielded diminishing popular support, steady battlefield losses and few tangible political gains, the movement faced a narrowing horizon for armed insurgency. Turning to peace is, for many within its leadership, less a sudden conversion than a recognition that the military path had reached a dead end. Supporters attend a rally airing a televised statement by the jailed leader and founder of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, in Syrias predominantly-Kurdish northeastern city of Qamishli on July 9, 2025. Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images) Risks that could derail the process Despite a promising environment for peace, the hardest work isnt over. While PKK disarmament marks a watershed moment, history and global experience suggest that peace is often most fragile at precisely the stage when a formal diplomatic process begins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most immediately, the reform question looms large. The PKKs legitimacy in shifting from militancy to politics will hinge not just on disarmament, but on whether the Turkish government follows through with visible reforms. Those include recognition of Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, meaningful political participation and effective reintegration for ex-combatants. Colombias experience with the rebel group FARC is instructive. Sustainable peace required the implementation of social and political reforms, rural development programs and comprehensive reintegration efforts to prevent former fighters from drifting back into violence. Yet Colombia also shows the risks of delay. When reforms lagged, frustration grew and parts of the process stalled, threatening the durability of peace. Regional dynamics could also quickly upset the fragile progress. Turkeys ongoing security concerns in Syria and Iraq complicate its domestic peace calculus. Turkey has already pressed the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, seen as closely linked to the PKK, to fall in line with the peace process not only by recognizing the PKKs disbandment but also by aligning themselves with Turkeys broader regional security policies, including in northern Syria. Some analysts have warned that escalating cross-border tensions could embolden hard-liners on all sides. Finally, history shows that cohesion within an armed movement that has embraced diplomacy cannot be taken for granted. In Northern Ireland, dissident IRA groups launched attacks even after the Good Friday Agreement was concluded in 1998, which formally ended the Troubles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lesson from other peace processes is sobering. Peace is rarely immediate, rarely absolute and often marred by spoilers. The decisive factor will be whether the mainstream leadership of Turkey and the PKK remain firmly committed to a political path, even when fringe actors inevitably defect or unforeseen circumstances arise. Turkeys road ahead While the ceasefire marks an extraordinary opening, its survival depends on more than the absence of gunfire. For the PKK to remain invested in politics, I believe four conditions are widely viewed as essential. Perhaps most importantly, reforms must be tangible. Confidence in the peace process will quickly erode without clear action from Turkey in the form of democratization and a credible commitment to respecting Kurdish cultural, political and economic rights. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers remarks following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex on July 28, 2025. Yavuz Ozden/ dia images via Getty Images Additionally, a settlement negotiated solely between the state and the PKK risks alienating those most affected by decades of violence. Victims associations, civil society groups and opposition parties will need to be part of the conversation if reconciliation is to take root across society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regionally, there are all kinds of potential spoilers that the diplomatic process must contend with. Kurdish movements in Iraq and Syria share ties with the PKK, and their actions can either reinforce or destabilize peace inside Turkey. Constructive engagement with these actors by Turkey, rather than confrontation, will be critical in preventing spillover tensions that could unravel progress. Finally, transparency and oversight will matter. Both domestic mechanisms and international monitoring can provide accountability, build public trust and deter spoilers. Just as importantly, strong oversight can help mitigate the profound power imbalances that often undermine peace processes. In Turkey, the state clearly holds overwhelming institutional, legal and security advantages over Kurdish forces. Without mechanisms that level the playing field, promises of reform may be perceived as hollow. When the Oslo Accords failed to address asymmetries between Israelis and Palestinians, mistrust deepened and the process unraveled. By contrast, in Northern Ireland, more balanced oversight structures, including joint institutions and international guarantors, gave weaker parties a meaningful stake in compliance and implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey now stands at a historic crossroads. If the Turkish government and the PKK can stay the course, and if Turkish society embraces the promise of reform and reconciliation, this moment could mark the long-awaited turning point toward a durable peace. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Alpaslan Ozerdem, George Mason University Read more: Alpaslan Ozerdem does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ISTANBUL (Reuters) -A Turkish court on Tuesday ousted the Istanbul provincial head of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), dealing a fresh judicial blow to opponents of President Tayyip Erdogan and triggering sharp falls in share and bond markets. The Istanbul court ruled that the votes of delegates in a 2023 CHP provincial congress had been influenced by cash payments, and thus the board members elected at the congress should be removed. The CHP denied all the accusations and said the court had no authority to overrule congress decisions, according to a court document seen by Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court named former CHP deputy chair Gursel Tekin as interim provincial head, replacing Ozgur Celik who was removed. The party convened its central executive board to discuss its next steps. Speaking to broadcaster HalkTV after the meeting, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said that they deem the court decision "null and void," and will file objection to the upper courts including the Constitutional Court on the grounds that the ruling was "completely illegal." Ozel also said that Tekin, who was appointed as CHP interim provincial Istanbul head, has been expelled from the party after the court decision. In an address to supporters in front of the CHP provincial headquarters building in Istanbul, Ozgur Celik said that they will stay in the building and will not hand over the post to anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish stocks were down 3.57% at the close after plunging over 5% following the court ruling, while the banking index ended the session down 4.76%. Turkey's international bonds suffered, with longer-dated maturities seeing the biggest declines and the 2045 benchmark bond down more than 1 cent to be bid at 86.953 cents on the dollar, Tradeweb data showed. The declines also reflected a broader selloff in longer-dated bonds in other major markets. [US/] The Istanbul ruling could have implications for another court case, in Ankara, that could oust CHP leader Ozel. In that lawsuit, for which the next hearing is set for September 15, results of the party's 38th Ordinary Congress in 2023 could be overturned over procedural irregularities. It was at that congress that Ozel replaced Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who lost to Erdogan in a presidential election earlier that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRACKDOWN Turkish authorities have been conducting an unprecedented crackdown on the main opposition party that has seen the detention of 15 mayors, including Erdogan's main rival, Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. "Today's move could signal wider political pressure, raising serious concerns about ongoing legal challenges to Ozel's CHP leadership and echoing earlier prosecutions targeting CHP figures," said Wolfango Piccoli at the consultancy Teneo. "These moves... form part of Erdogan's broader strategy to disable the main opposition party and weaken the opposition ahead of the next presidential and parliamentary elections." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government says Turkey's judiciary is independent and that the opposition's accusation that court rulings are politically motivated is baseless. Turkey's next presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2028. (Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Ece Toksabay, Additional reporting by Karin Strohecker and Canan Sevgili, Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Kevin Liffey, Gareth Jones and Chizu Nomiyama ) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in China and a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that the parties are "not yet ready" for a meeting at the leaders level. Source: Reuters Details: It was reported that Erdogan spoke to journalists on board a plane returning from China, where he had met with Putin, and later phoned Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the talks in recent months between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul showed that the path to peace remains open. Erdogan noted that Turkiye supports a "raising the level of negotiations gradually" in order to turn hopes for peace into concrete results, adding that any initiative should eventually be considered at the leaders level, although the conditions for this have not yet been created. Background: On 29 August, the Kremlin repeated its reasons for avoiding a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. On 30 August, Zelenskyy stated that the time allotted for preparing the leaders meeting was used by Moscow for strikes on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron believes that if the Kremlin leader continues to evade a meeting with the Ukrainian president a meeting he had agreed to during a summit with Trump this is something the US president cannot leave without a response. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LONDON (AP) The co-creator of British TV sitcoms Father Ted" and the "IT Crowd" said he was arrested over a series of posts about transgender people. Graham Linehan, 57, said he was arrested Monday at Heathrow Airport after arriving from Arizona. The Metropolitan Police didn't name Linehan but said it had arrested a man at the airport on suspicion of inciting violence in posts on X. Linehan, who is well known for posts asserting that trans women are men, said in April that trans women were violent criminals if they used women-only facilities. He advocated hitting them if calling police and other measures failed to stop them from using such facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His post on X came just days after the head of the U.Ks Equality and Human Rights Commission said transgender women would be excluded from women-only spaces such as toilets, single-sex hospital wards and sports teams. The decision followed a ruling by Britain's highest court that the terms woman and man refer to biological sex for antidiscrimination purposes. Conservative members of Parliament condemned the arrest. Britain used to be known for its sense of humor," Conservative MP Claire Coutinho said. Now the police are arresting people for making jokes. Linehan said in a post on Substack that the questioning by police sent his blood pressure soaring and he was taken to the hospital and kept under observation before being released on bail. The Irish writer said the only condition for his release was that he could not post on X. He is due to appear Thursday in Westminster Magistrates Court on a separate case in which he is accused of harassing a transgender woman and damaging her phone. He has denied the charge. Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Two adults believed to be homeless were killed overnight, drowning in floodwaters caused by heavy rain that hit San Antonio over the weekend, authorities said. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters during a press conference that the bodies of a man and woman were found Monday near a creek. The identities of the victims have not been released, but McManus described them as homeless and were believed to have been friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flooding is a common natural disaster for San Antonio, according to the city. On Sunday, it was hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms, prompting the National Weather Service to issue several flash flood warnings and flood advisories. McManus said police were contacted Monday morning by a person who said their friends were missing, while expressing worry that they may have washed away overnight in the high-flood waters. A second person who described themselves as a friend of the victims shortly after also contacted police, stating he had found a body near a creek. "We went down, check it out and, yes, there was an individual down there," McManus said. "A female, an adult female who got caught up in the water." Roughly 100 yards down the creek from where the woman's body was found, lay the body of the man, he said. The investigation into their deaths is ongoing, McManus added. Protesters who witnessed a violent clash during a Labor Day protest in Clay County are speaking out and expressing concerns about boiling political tensions. Cellphone video captured the moments just before and just after the clash between a protester and a counter-protester broke out. The man in the video initially holding a flag has been identified as 53-year-old Eric Besco, a registered Republican. Eric Besco, 53, was arrested on Labor Day for battery on a protester in Orange Park. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Clay County Sheriffs Office alleged Besco was the primary aggressor in the altercation and hit another protester with a flagpole, knocking them to the ground. We are still waiting to receive his arrest report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hit the guy with the flag he was holding and thats when the melee ensued, said Jason Collins, a protester who witnessed the fight. Jason and his wife Libby spoke with Action News Jax about what they saw, but asked not to appear on camera out of fear theyd be subjected to additional harassment. Jason said he got some minor cuts on his leg while trying to hold Besco down after the initial fight broke out. I saw the guy start to bite him. So, Im like, no, Im not gonna let him do this. So, I pinned the guys arm. I just kneeled on it. Didnt strike him, said Jason. Besco is charged with battery and resisting without violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos provided by Clay Dems appear to show injuries to the victim following the altercation. Photos of injuries to man provided by the Clay County Democratic Party A second man, Allan Dill, a registered Democrat, was also arrested during the clash. Hes charged with disturbing the peace after Clay County deputies said they witnessed him try to punch someone after the original conflict had been broken up. Saw me get thrown and took a swing at the guy that threw me, but he did that in front of the police. So, that probably wasnt the best idea at the time, said Jason. Allan Dill was arrested for breaching the peace during a Labor Day protest in Orange Park on Sept. 1, 2025. In a statement, the Clay County Sheriffs Office told Action News Jax, The Clay County Sheriffs Office supports the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations, but criminal activity will not be tolerated and will always be addressed quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Collins said they participate in protests regularly and the same five or six counter protesters show up each time. But lately, the Collins claim the counter protesters disruption tactics have gotten more aggressive. Every single one, they get a little worse, said Jason. Its a small group of MAGA supporters. We know theyre MAGA because theyre wearing the hats, said Libby. Rhonda Jett, Chair of the Clay County GOP told Action News Jax in a statement in part, Our local Republican Party members are not familiar with the people involved in the incident. Our local Republican Party members support our Constitutional right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Collins said they plan to keep attending protests, despite the Labor Day chaos, but hope to see cooler heads prevail moving forward. We dont all agree on things. We all come up with ideas. Thats great, we all have the right to be out there and protest, but lets do it peacefully. Lets do it nonviolently. We dont have to fight with people, said Libby. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] JEFFERSON TWP. Two people were taken into custody after firing shots in the township during a domestic dispute Sunday night, police said. An officer traveling on Cortez Road around 10 p.m. was stopped by Michelle Brislin, who told him she was assaulted by her boyfriend, Ted Kalinowski, at their residence, according to a criminal complaint. Brislin informed officers a verbal argument began after Kalinowski became upset about a Facebook post and the dispute escalated as he wrapped his arm around her throat and neck, and dragged her into the home against her will, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brislin, 51, also told police Kalinowski threatened to kill her and her kids, and shot her car with an AR-15 rifle, striking it multiple times, according to the criminal complaint. Brislin who officers said had a swollen and bloody lower lip and red marks around her throat told police she fired a 9 mm round from a Glock 19 inside a hallway in the house and another into the air outside because she feared for her life, police said. Police charged Brislin with discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure. Kalinowski, 48, faces charges of strangulation, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats. WESTERNPORT No injuries were reported when fire broke out early Monday evening in a two-story residence at 188 Marsh Avenue in Westernport, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. Potomac Volunteer Fire Company took 30 minutes to control that fire that originated in an adjoining three-bay garage and caused a property loss in structures and contents estimated at $200,000, officials said. Residents fled to safety with their pets upon detecting smoke coming from the basement, prompting notification of firefighters at 6:56 p.m. by the Allegany County 911 emergency center, investigators said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The property is owned by Droll's D&D Rentals LLC. The victims are being provided emergency assistance by the American Red Cross. WASHINGTON The battle lines are being redrawn literally and figuratively for Donald Trumps second and final midterm election, as the contest for the House of Representatives heats up this summer with showdowns over redistricting and the presidents big, new law pushing his domestic agenda. August saw the beginning of a heated national fight over attempts to redraw congressional districts in various states, after Texas Republicans moved to eliminate as many as five Democratic-held seats and California Democrats moved to counter them. It means that the 2026 battlefield of competitive House races is shrinking even as the fight for the majority intensifies. The GOP push has been led by Trump in a bid to insulate his partys congressional majority ahead of the midterms, which historically often favor the party out of power in Washington. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats to get a majority, and they are working to capitalize on voter angst that was expressed at numerous Republican town halls this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of competitive districts is slated to shrink slightly, said David Wasserman, an election analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, noting that some gerrymandered seats could still feature close races next fall. He estimated that redistricting alone could lead to a net pickup of anywhere from four to 12 seats for Republicans, impacting the larger fight to secure 218 seats and control of the House. The overall seat estimate hinges on California and Florida, Wasserman said. If California passes its map, then Democrats should still feel cautiously optimistic about [winning] the House. If it doesnt, and Florida redraws, then its a much closer call. Congressional district maps displayed at the Texas State Capitol on Aug. 6. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images) As Texas approved a new map at Trumps request, California Democrats set up a ballot measure this fall to redesign the blue states House lines with the goal of neutralizing the GOPs gains in the Lone Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egged on by Trump, Republicans are also considering new maps that could expand their power in red states such as Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and, perhaps, Florida. A court order in Utah could lead to a new battleground or Democratic-leaning seat there. And while Democrats in New York are exploring ways to retaliate, they may have to wait until 2028. It all points to the changing nature of the midterm landscape, with parties moving to stack the deck in their favor so they dont have to win more voters in competitive areas. Its my I told you so moment right now, said Adam Bozzi, a liberal activist and consultant who fought to ban partisan gerrymandering during the Biden administration, which Democrats embraced and Republicans opposed. It clearly was a missed opportunity that would have avoided this mess, he said. Had we passed this, it would have meant fair districts and made more sense to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last three elections, the House majority has been decided by a handful of seats. Both parties agree that the playing field is much narrower than at any point in the last decade, with Democrats carrying no expectation of another 40-seat pickup like they won in 2018 even if its another wave election. Wasserman said a hypothetical repeat of the 2018 environment would net out closer to 20 seats, given the smaller battlefield. Jacob Rubashkin, an analyst with Inside Elections, said that if both parties are maximally aggressive with their opportunities, Republicans would gain significant advantages in seven seats on net. There are plenty of historical examples of gerrymanders not going as intended due to candidate quality, political trends or the national environment, he said. Demonstrators in the rotunda of the State Capitol on Aug. 20 oppose the redrawing of the Texas congressional map. (Eli Hartman / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Trump seeks to rebrand his big bill Trump and Republicans are trying to reshape not only the political map, but also public opinion of their big, beautiful domestic policy law, with the president saying he wants to rebrand the measure that extended his tax cuts and boosted immigration funding while slashing Medicaid and SNAP aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to use the term great, big, beautiful that was good for getting it approved, but its not good for explaining to people what its all about, Trump said last week at a Cabinet meeting. Its a massive tax cut for the middle class. That's exactly how Republicans are selling it in TV ads already running in key races around the country. Meanwhile, Democrats are blasting it as a tax cut for the wealthiest earners, paid for in part by taking health care from working-class Americans. Even Donald Trump has realized that Republicans Big, Ugly Law is a political disaster thats lost the support of the American public, Justin Chermol, a spokesman for the House Democratic campaign arm, said in a statement that also accused Republicans of running scared and largely avoiding town halls. An analysis released last week by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the law would deliver a net resource increase of $13,600 on average for the highest one-tenth of U.S. earners, while causing a net decrease on average of $1,200 for the lowest one-tenth of earners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have made the law which public polling shows to be unpopular overall, though it contains some more popular elements a focal point of their pitch to voters to hand them power in the House next year. Theyre hoping that a backlash to Trump and GOP control of the White House and Congress will compensate for Democrats own problems, which range from an exceptionally weak brand to losses in voter registration. Democrats continue to overperform in low-turnout special elections, giving them hope of a favorable electorate turning out in 2026. Meanwhile, a new memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee advises candidates to tout their party-line domestic policy law especially its tax breaks for tips, overtime and parents with children. Citing an internal poll of 46 battleground districts, the NRCC encouraged candidates to criticize Democrats as voting to raise taxes and hike costs on working families. Stay on offense; this is the signature debate of 2026, and winning it means holding the majority, the NRCC memo concluded. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Having first met Russia's leader Vladimir Putin and then his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in August, US President Donald Trump said Washington would have a clear picture of whether an end to Moscow's war in Ukraine is attainable within half a month. "We will know within two weeks whether there will be peace in Ukraine. After that we will have to maybe take a different tack," Trump said on 21 August. He did not elaborate on what that would entail, but Russias intentions in its all-out invasion of Ukraine have not changed since. What happened on the ground in Ukraine in the past two weeks? Russia has intensified its summer offensive in eastern Ukraine, aiming at occupying all of the Donetsk region Moscows prime target since the first invasion of 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops have focused explicitly on the Dobropillia, Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka areas. In mid-August, they have reportedly penetrated Ukrainian defences and temporarily seized positions on a nearby settlement to support further offensive operations. Kyiv responded by deploying its best forces to the area. On 12 August, the elite Azov Corps confirmed it had been deployed to the Pokrovsk sector amid the Russian offensive in the area. FILE: A Ukrainian National Guard serviceman of 3rd brigade "Spartan" takes his position during a training not far from the frontline on Pokrovsk direction, 8 August 2025 - AP Photo A few days later, Kyiv reported that Pokrovsk was cleared of Russian sabotage groups, the Dobropollia area penetration was stopped, and a few settlements were liberated from Russian troops. According to DeepState, an interactive open-source intelligence project, the pace of Russia's advance in Ukraine slowed by 18% in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The increase in occupied territory over the past two years and 11 months is virtually zero," Deepstate said. Related Ukrainian defence troops managed to slow down the Russian offensive and clear the infiltrated area, although Moscow has not changed its strategy and clearly hoped to occupy more territory for any possible negotiations. Intensified aerial attacks against Ukraine Alongside its summer offensive in the eastern regions, Russia has significantly intensified its aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Alaska summit between Trump and Putin on 15 August, Russia has launched 3,372 missiles and drones against Ukraine. On 28 August, Russia unleashed 629 air attack weapons, partially destroying the buildings belonging to the European Union and the British Council in Kyiv, causing both the EU and the UK to summon top Russian diplomats stationed in their capitals. People look at a house destroyed by a Russian strike in Kyiv, 29 August 2025 - AP Photo Twenty-five people, including four children, were killed in what was Moscows second-biggest aerial attack since its full-scale invasion in early 2022. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One month earlier on 29 July, Russia launched its deadliest attack against Ukraine, killing 32 people in Kyiv. A few weeks prior, on 9 July, Moscow unleashed its most significant aerial strike on Ukraine involving 741 drones and missiles. No diplomatic progress from Moscow Having met Putin and Zelenskyy, Trump said the next step should be a one-on-one between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The US president described it as a crucial meeting in his push to put an end to Moscows war and admitted there might be two meetings: first, a bilateral summit between Zelenskyy and Putin, followed by a trilateral one when the US president would join them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy dispatched his top envoys to tour possible locations for a meeting with Putin, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Putin for the abduction of Ukrainian children limits the choice of location, as he risks arrest in any of the court's 125 member states if he sets foot into their territory. Some of them like Switzerland and Austria said they are ready to make an exception and promised not to arrest Putin if he comes for a meeting, which could put an end to the war against Ukraine. But it does not seem like the Russian president is going anywhere any time soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Moscow has repeatedly rejected the possibility of direct Zelenskyy-Putin talks, citing various reasons, including that preparations are not yet complete, questioning Zelenskyy's legitimacy, and stating that they never agreed to any meeting in the first place. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, who was present at the Alaska summit in August, said on Tuesday that no agreement was made between Trump and Putin to meet with the Ukrainian leader. What now? Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed readiness for a direct meeting with Putin, urging the US to impose stricter measures if Russia continues to avoid such talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Announcing a new two-week deadline for Moscow, Trump said he will "take a different tack" if there is no progress. This is not the first time Trump has set deadlines for the Kremlin and threatened to take tougher measures against Moscow. However, none of his deadline threats have materialised so far. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, 1 September 2025 - Sputnik Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly redeployed its "elite" naval infantry and airborne (VDV) forces to the Donetsk region from northern Sumy and the Kherson direction, indicating Moscows strategy for the upcoming autumn 2025 offensive. Russia is once again prioritising the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk directions, as it was a year ago, still hoping to envelop Pokrovsk, advance toward Dobropillia, and bypass Ukraines Donetsk region fortress belt from the west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only is Russia not showing any signs of a possible truce, it is still pushing to occupy all of Ukraines Donetsk region, despite significant manpower losses. Related The Kremlin is also not planning to stop its aerial attacks: Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow will attack Ukrainian energy sites. Every autumn Russia intensifies its attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, causing power outages and heating problems in winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visiting China this week, Putin once again confirmed that his intentions towards Ukraine have not changed, and Trump has not convinced him to stop. Putin again blamed the West and NATO for his ongoing all-out war against Ukraine during the address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, indicating that he is not willing to put an end to it any time soon. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. DRAPER, Utah (ABC4) Two people have been hospitalized after a stabbing Tuesday morning at the Anthology Apartments in Draper. Mike Elkins, a lieutenant with the Draper Police Department, stated that police responded to a call at approximately 8:48 a.m. on Sept. 2, reporting that one person had been stabbed. Upon arrival at the scene, the Draper Police Department confirmed that two individuals had been stabbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both victims, a male and female, have been hospitalized with serious injuries. Elkins told ABC4 that the investigation is still ongoing but is being investigated as a domestic violence incident. We are asking anybody here that has a doorbell camera or heard anything to help us piece this together, shared Elkins. Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger or an emergency, please call 911 immediately. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Raytown School District announced that two of its schools will return to in-person learning after a natural gas leak forced students and staff to start the 2025 school year virtually. Starting on Monday, Sept. 8, the doors of Raytown South High School (RSHS) and the Herndon Career Center (HCC) will reopen to students following a nearly three-week stint of AMI learning. The first day of school was on Aug. 20. Flags to be flown at half-staff Wednesday in honor of KCK Officer Hunter Simoncic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, class will be back to normal. According to the district, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, it will be installing natural gas detectors throughout the building as an added precaution. In a letter to RSHS and HCC families, the district included an update on the work that has been completed or started in partnership with the Well Done Foundation (WDF). The letter said: Initial methane detection work is complete. Methane concentrations were found in the geothermal well field located beneath the north parking lot. With the assistance of contractors, exploratory excavations identified isolated leaks in a small number of geothermal wells. Of the 28 wells inspected, only 11 required repairs. WDF is working with a local drilling company to repair the affected wells and stop the migration of methane. Both the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Geological Survey are in agreement with the assessment and repair approach. Methane levels are being continuously monitored and are currently not detected at the perimeter of the parking lot. According to the district, the north parking lot will remain closed until all repairs are finished; however, the rest of the campus is safe and ready to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas City streetcar to close next week for maintenance We know the past few weeks have brought unexpected changes, and we truly appreciate your patience and flexibility, the district said. We are proud of the way our students have adapted, and we look forward to having our school community together again. We cant wait to see you back in the building on September 8! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies were taken to the hospital Monday after their patrol car was struck by another motorist, who attempted to flee the scene, authorities said. The collision occurred about 9:10 p.m. in the Westmont neighborhood of South L.A., according to Deputy Tracy Koerner, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department. Koerner said the two deputies were traveling northbound on South Vermont Avenue when another vehicle traveling eastbound struck them near the intersection with West 98th Street. The other motorist did not have any lights on, Koerner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact pushed the deputies' vehicle into a nearby electric pole. Footage broadcast by KCBS-LA showed the Sheriff's Department black-and-white cruiser pinned against an electric tower. The suspect tried to flee the area on foot, according to Koerner, but was later detained. It was unclear if the suspect had been formally arrested or booked into custody; officials did not release the person's name or other identifying information. The deputies were transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center "with non-life-threatening injuries," Koerner 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. As the U.S. deploys an armada of ships and aircraft to the southern Caribbean, at least partly aimed at Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. Navy and Marines are conducting an amphibious landing training exercise in southern Puerto Rico. While the U.S. Marine Corps does not make any mention of Maduro or Venezuela in its media release about the exercise, the move comes as tensions are mounting between Washington and Caracas over the flow of illegal narcotics. The Trump administration considers Maduro a narco-terrorist and has raised the award for his arrest to $50 million. You can catch up with our most recent reporting on the Caribbean deployments here. Meanwhile, the U.S. carried out a lethal strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X this afternoon, following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump. Striking this vessel points to a new kinetic angle to this effort, a major escalation. You can read more about the attack in our story here. As @potus just announced moments ago, today the U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the southern Carribean against a drug vessel which had departed from Venezuela and was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization. Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 2, 2025 The amphibious training exercise, which began two days ago, involves Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The 22nd MEU, part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), left Norfolk Aug. 14, bound for the southern Caribbean. That force included more than 4,500 sailors and Marines on three ships: The Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships the USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marines and sailors involved in the training exercise are part of the ARG/MEU dispatched for the drug interdiction effort, a Navy official told The War Zone Tuesday afternoon. The three ships are currently near Puerto Rico, the official added. Given the training efforts, at least some of these vessels are almost assuredly taking part, though neither the Navy nor Marines could immediately confirm that. The Navy referred us to the Marines for clarification, and we will update this story with any pertinent details provided. The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is part of a large force conducting counter-drug operations in the Caribbean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Logan Goins) Seaman Logan Goins The deployment of the ARG/MEU is part of a much larger movement that also includes three Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers, a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser, a Los Angeles class fast attack nuclear submarine as well as land-based surveillance aircraft. The movement of equipment and personnel is part of Trumps continuing efforts to take on cartels. SOUTHCOM Snapshot: Potential strike package with a TLAM (Tomahawk Land Attack Missile) loadout via @vcdgf555 POTUS has options. pic.twitter.com/9ForwEHosq Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) September 1, 2025 The Puerto Rico training exercise is designed to enhance the 22nd MEUs readiness and capabilities, while also fostering stronger relationships with the Puerto Rican National Guard, the 22nd MEU said in its release. Amphibious operations are a cornerstone of naval integration and a core competency of the 22nd MEU. They enable the rapid deployment of Marines from naval vessels to shore, supporting U.S. strategic objectives. Whether coincidental or not, there are many physical and environmental similarities between Puerto Rico and Venezuela, located about 500 miles south of the U.S. territory. The training exercise in Puerto Rico is taking place about 500 miles north of Venezuela (Google Earth) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenging terrain and tropical climate of Puerto Rico provides an ideal environment for the 22nd MEU to conduct realistic amphibious training and hone specialized skills such as patrolling, reconnaissance, and survival techniques, ensuring a high level of readiness while forward deployed, the unit explained. These operations offer a valuable opportunity to train alongside the National Guard, leveraging existing military training facilities on the island. The 22nd MEU is actively seeking ways to expand collaborative training opportunities, including jungle training, combined exercises and community engagement events. These combined efforts are aimed at enhancing regional security, disaster response capabilities, and joint capacity building. In addition to the ARG/MEU ships, Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Jason Dunham are underway in the southern Caribbean, the Navy official told us. Meanwhile, at least two Navy warships have reached or transited the Panama Canal. The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie recently passed through the canal from the Pacific to the Caribbean. The Panama Canal opens up into that body of water about 600 miles southwest of Venezuela. The Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie recently transited the Panama Canal. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 2nd Class Austin Irby) Commander, Task Force 70 / Carri Overnight, guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) transited the Panama Canal northbound and entered the Caribbean Sea. Following the transit, Lake Erie stopped broadcasting its position, steaming at 17 knots on a 36 course, heading in the direction of Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/aNmeJhmN4y Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) August 30, 2025 In addition, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Sampson is docked on the Pacific side of the canal, the Navy official added. Citing Navy policy against publicly disclosing the location of its submarine force, the official would not comment on the whereabouts of the Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Newport News, also part of this effort. The USS Sampson is among at least eight warships U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered toward Venezuela to take part in counter-narcotics operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen 2nd Class John Allen) (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen 2nd Class John Allen) USS Sampson DDG-102 on @MarineTraffic doing its best impression of a navigational aid marker. https://t.co/Rh75I9AsPspic.twitter.com/wjw52Zg2Wr Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) September 1, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there is no indication that the U.S. plans to land forces in Venezuela, has the deployed capacity to do so effectively, or that any U.S. vessels are close by, Maduro and his military say they are ready to repel any attack. In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela, Maduro said Monday of the deployment, which he characterized as an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat. Maduro called the U.S. buildup the greatest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years in the form of eight military ships with 1,200 missiles targeting Venezuela. Maduro asegura que 1.200 misiles y un submarino nuclear apuntan contra Venezuela La Casa Blanca ha confirmado un despliegue militar en el Caribe como parte de su estrategia antidrogas, y aseguro que cuenta con el respaldo de varios paises latinoamericanos. Maduro afirma que su pic.twitter.com/KDAO2dUmLX DW Espanol (@dw_espanol) September 2, 2025 While the exact nature of this movement remains unclear, and no overt threats of kinetic action against Maduro directly have been made by the Trump administration, the Venezuelan dictator seems to be gearing up for a fight. Late last month, he announced the planned deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country. They are volunteers designated to bolster the armed forces defense against external and domestic attacks. In addition, Venezuela announced it was deploying 15,000 troops toward the border with Colombia to conduct counter-drug operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio said recently that for the first time in the modern era, the U.S. government was truly on the offense against organized cartels sending drugs to the United States, The New York Times noted. He and other officials in the Trump administration have called Mr. Maduro an illegitimate leader and his government a narco-terror cartel. Maduro was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency. He and 14 others, including several close allies, were hit with federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy with the Colombian FARC insurgent group to import cocaine. The U.S., as we previously mentioned, has issued a $50 million reward for his capture. El primer poster oficial del gobierno de los Estados Unidos por la captura del terrorista latinoamericano mas buscado de todos los tiempos: el venezolano Nicolas Maduro Moros. pic.twitter.com/Pq0ElEOGuF Agustin Antonetti (@agusantonetti) August 8, 2025 Last week, someone with direct knowledge of the operations told us that the U.S. is building up military assets in the region aimed as a direct message at Maduro in addition to taking part in counter-drug operations. With the aforementioned attack on a Venezuelan cartel drug boat, this has now become a lethal drug interdiction effort. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com An ally and appointee of President Donald Trump is defending the administrations actions after a federal judge ruled Trump broke the law by deploying the military to Los Angeles. In response to California Gov. Gavin Newsom crowing that Trumps militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli noted that the military will remain in Los Angeles and clarified what he sees as the troops role in L.A. The military has never engaged in direct law enforcement operations here in LA, he wrote on social media. They protect our federal employees our properties so our federal agents can safely enforce federal laws in the face of the thugs being unleashed and encouraged by state and local politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even prior to the judges ruling, Essayli has supported federal agents and their immigration raids in Southern California, prosecuting some whove allegedly committed crimes during protests against federal actions. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have decried the raids as an overreach of federal authority. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The U.S. Coast Guard says that it is searching for two people who fell off a catamaran after it capsized near the entrance to the Rogue River in Oregon. Coast Guard (CG) Sector Columbia River received a report that a catamaran had capsized with three people on board. One of the people was rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to Gold Beach. Air Station North Bend and Station Chetco River crews are searching for the other two people who were on the catamaran. This story is developing. Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil was medically examined on Monday amid renewed concerns over his health. A five-member team of government doctorsincluding Dr Ajay Chandanwale, Director of Medical Education and Research, Dr Tushar Palve, Superintendent of Cama Hospital, and Dr Sanjay Surase, Superintendent of JJ Hospitalassessed his condition. According to officials, the doctors carried out routine checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and hydration levels. The examination showed that Patils blood pressure was slightly low and he displayed signs of dehydration, though his sugar levels remained normal. Despite this, the medical team confirmed that his condition is currently stable. Patil assured the doctors that he has no serious health complaints, a senior health official said on condition of anonymity. This is not the first time Jarange Patils health has come under scrutiny. During his earlier indefinite hunger strikes in 2023 and 2024, he was hospitalised multiple times after sharp drops in blood pressure and sugar levels. In September 2023, he had to be admitted to a government hospital when prolonged fasting caused dehydration and weakness. Similar episodes occurred in subsequent protest phases, with doctors repeatedly warning him about the long-term risks of sustained fasting. Given his central role in mobilising thousands from the Maratha community across Maharashtra, officials said his health is being closely tracked to avert any medical emergency during the ongoing agitation. Washington The U.S. military on Tuesday struck a drug-carrying boat hailing from Venezuela, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, as tensions spike between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government. President Trump announced the strike during an unrelated Tuesday afternoon Oval Office event, saying the military had "shot out" the boat "moments ago." He said his team had been briefed on the strike by Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The president later said on Truth Social that 11 people were killed in the strike, which he said targeted members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuela-based organized crime group that the Trump administration has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. He posted a video that appeared to show a military strike against a small boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!" the president wrote on Truth Social. Rubio posted on X that the military carried out a "lethal strike" in the southern Caribbean Sea. He said the "drug vessel" had departed Venezuela and "was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization." Rubio later told reporters he believed the drugs that were allegedly carried on the boat were probably headed toward Trinidad and Tobago or "some other country in the Caribbean." A senior defense official also said the U.S. had conducted a "precision strike" against the vessel. The strike came after the U.S. confirmed last month that the Navy would boost its presence near Venezuela, deploying three warships to the waters off the South American country as part of an anti-drug cartel mission. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the ships an "extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat" and deployed military forces to the country's coastline, vowing to defend against any possible U.S. attack. The U.S. has not indicated it plans to strike Venezuela's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has accused Maduro's government a longtime U.S. foe of working with drug cartels and groups like Tren de Aragua to traffic narcotics to the United States, and of leading a Venezuela-based drug group called Cartel de los Soles. Maduro was charged with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking in U.S. federal court in 2020. Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi doubled the reward for Maduro's arrest to $50 million. Maduro has denied the allegations. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called Bondi's move "pathetic" and a "crude political propaganda operation." Mr. Trump directed the military to target drug cartels in Latin America last month, CBS News previously reported. Historian Miles Yu on Chinese military parade: "Trolling is a very good word" Judge lets Google keep Chrome, but says it must share search data with rivals A look back at the first "CBS Evening News" broadcast on its 62nd anniversary U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson spoke to business owners and community members at the Greater Des Moines Partnership as part of the organization's candidate forum series Oct. 16, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate Tuesday, hours after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst publicly announced she would not run for reelection in 2026. In a statement announcing her run, Hinson aligned herself with President Donald Trump, saying she will be the presidents strongest ally in the Senate and will work to support his agenda on issues like immigration and border security, supporting Iowa agriculture and returning common sense to classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The America First agenda is working for Iowans, Hinson said. Im running for Senate because theres more work to do, and I am prepared to win and deliver. Hinson, currently representing Iowas 2nd Congressional District, has been considered a top GOP contender for the U.S. Senate seat amid speculation and reports on Ernst leaving the race. Ernst officially said she would not run for reelection Tuesday, saying it was no easy decision to not seek another term but that she planned to focus and give back to her family. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In her announcement to run for the spot, the Republican representative thanked Ernst for her military and public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Service defines Senator Joni Ernst from serving her country in uniform to fiercely fighting for Iowans in the U.S. Senate, Hinson said. Her story from Red Oak to the Senate, is a powerful example of the American dream. Our country and state are better off because of Jonis selfless service I lead a heartfelt thank you from every Iowan. There are two other Republicans who are also campaigning to become the GOP Senate nominee former state lawmaker Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith, who previously ran as a Libertarian candidate for the state Senate. Multiple Republican U.S. Senators, including Katie Britt of Alabama, Jim Banks of Indiana and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma endorsed Hinson as she entered the race. Shes proudly pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and is working hard to cut the long-unchecked waste, fraud, and abuse thats run rampant in Washington, Banks said in a statement. There is no doubt she is the conservative fighter we need in the Senate to advance President Trumps agenda and keep America on the right path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinson has represented northeast Iowa in the U.S. House for three terms since she defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat, in the 2020 election. Before her time in Congress, Hinson worked as a TV news anchor for Cedar Rapids KCRG, in addition to serving in the Iowa House. Her move to run for Senate means the 2nd Congressional District will be without a Republican incumbent. Multiple Democrats state Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, Clint Twedt-Ball, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25 and Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College have announced their campaigns, but there are currently no Republicans who have entered the field. Though the 2nd Congressional District is rated as a solid Republican seat by the Cook Political Report heading into 2026, Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Hinson shifted to the U.S. Senate race as her re-election prospects are doomed because Northeast Iowans see that she is more focused on serving billionaires than working for them. Hinson knows what we know: theres change coming in Iowa, Democrats will compete aggressively to flip this seat, and we will win because Iowans are ready to elect someone who actually puts them first, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But House Republicans campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee, argued Iowans will elect the eventual GOP nominee in Iowas 2nd Congressional District. This is simple: Iowa voters trust Republicans to deliver real, commonsense results and have no interest in the Democrats radical agenda, NRCC Spokeswoman Emily Tuttle said in a statement. This seat will stay red. Democrat Bob Krause joins Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Iowa Democrat Bob Krause has also entered the race for U.S. Senate, ending his campaign for Iowas 1st Congressional District. Krause, the president of the Veterans National Recovery Center and a former state representative, made a video Monday announcing his bid to become the 2026 Democratic nominee for Iowas U.S. Senate seat. He is joining a crowded primary field state Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris and former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage have also announced their campaigns for the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Krause said he was the best candidate for the job because of his background in the state legislature, his work as a regional representative for the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in former President Jimmy Carters administration and his military experience. For 28 and a half years in the military, I pledged to defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic, Krause said in the video. Today I see movements towards the ignoring of the Constitution, and I want to change that. Krause has run for Senate multiple times before he sought to become the Democratic nominee in 2010, 2016 and 2022 though he withdrew from the Democratic primary in 2022 after failing to gather enough signatures to make it onto the ballot. Krause said in a statement he is coming into the race with a robust network of supporters across the state from previous election cycles. In May, Krause announced he was running for Iowas 1st Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. In a statement Monday, Krause said he was withdrawing from this race and endorsing Democrat Christina Bohannan for the Democratic nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohannan, a former Iowa House member and University of Iowa law professor, was the 1st District Democratic nominee in 2024, a race she lost to Miller-Meeks with 49.9% of the vote to the incumbents 50.1% after requesting a vote recount. She announced she would run for the position again in June. Krause said in a statement Bohannan has run before, possesses a strong work ethic and enjoys exceptional name recognition. Travis Terrell, a patient access specialist at University of Iowa Health Care, is also running to become the 1st District Democratic nominee, campaigning as a progressive candidate. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst spoke to an audience in Cedar Rapids before introducing Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley Oct. 20, 2023. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced Tuesday she is officially not running for another term in the U.S. Senate, leaving the seat open heading into the 2026 election cycle. In a video address, Ernst said it was no easy decision to decide not to seek reelection for a third term as senator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country, having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, Ernst said. Now, as our family ages and grows, its my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026. Ernst, who was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020, is the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate, having served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard. Before her time in Congress, she had served in public office as a state senator and Montgomery County auditor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Republican said Iowans sent her to Washington with a mission in mind to make Washington squeal, referencing her 2014 campaign ad and efforts in office to address federal government waste, fraud and abuse. Ernst said she was proud to say we have delivered on her squeal promises. She also highlighted her work in the U.S. Senate on anti-abortion measures, preventing violence against women and supporting farmers and veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a proud Harley rider, you can rest assured, Im not slowing down anytime soon, Ernst said. There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term, and Ill keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress. Reports were published Friday from multiple outlets saying that sources close to Ernst expected she would announce her plans for 2026 this week. Though Senate GOP leadership had reportedly encouraged Ernst to run for another term, the senator faced criticism from Republicans for expressing concerns about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during the nomination process. She also gained national attention for saying well, we all are going to die, at a May town hall when responding to a person who said GOP-backed Medicaid cuts would cause people to die. Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election, responded that Ernsts decision not to run was a signal that Republicans hold of Iowas congressional seats could be at risk. Currently, Iowas federal delegation is all Republican, but Iowas 1st and 3rd Districts have been brought up by political forecasters as pivotal battlegrounds for control of the U.S. House in the upcoming midterms. The Cook Political Report rated the race for Iowas Senate seat as likely Republican but the race could be more contentious without an incumbent Republican candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement responding to Ernsts announcement, and said her decision shows that Donald Trump and Senate Republicans devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy. Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters, Schumer and Gillibrand said in the statement. Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families. State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris and former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage are currently running to become Iowas Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott said in a statement the Senate GOP campaign arm is confident Iowans will elect a Republican to continue fighting for them and championing President Trumps agenda in 2026. He also thanked Ernst for her service in Washington and in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Iowans, Scott said. Traveling across the Hawkeye State with Joni, I know she loves Iowa, and Iowa loves her. We are grateful for all she has accomplished in helping Iowa families keep more of their hard-earned money and make Washington squeal. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Ernst dropped out of this race because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter and said whoever becomes the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate will have to contend with the same toxic Republican agenda thats harming Iowa families. The energy is on our side heading into the midterms as Iowans are fed up with Washington Republicans spiking costs for working people to deliver tax cuts for billionaires, Hart said. In 2026, Iowans will elect a Democrat to the U.S. Senate who will prioritize making Iowa economically prosperous and a healthier state. Hinson joins U.S. Senate There are two Republicans currently running for the nomination: former state lawmaker Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith, a former Libertarian candidate for the state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowas 2nd Congressional District, who was expected to join the race, officially entered the field as a GOP candidate shortly after Ernsts announcement Tuesday. Im running for Senate because theres more work to do, and I am prepared to win and deliver, Hinson said. Hinson has been working on reelection efforts in Iowas 2nd Congressional District in recent months. There are currently three Democrats running for the seat in 2026, state Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, Clint Twedt-Ball, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25 and Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College. Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Hinsons expected move to the U.S. Senate race in 2026 shows Democrats have a strong chance in the 2nd District race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashley Hinson is clearly eager to jump off the sinking ship that is her re-election in Iowas 2nd district, Smith said. Hinson is terrified to face her voters, whove had a front row seat as shes prioritized Washington and billionaires while voting to raise Iowans costs. Theres change coming in Iowa: voters are ready for new leadership and no matter what Hinson decides, she will lose her seat. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This story has been updated with new information about U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinsons campaign for U.S. Senate. CHAMPAIGN-URBANA (WCIA) A group of University of Illinois students is documenting bird deaths on campus and working to figure out how to reduce the number of birds that die after colliding with windows and buildings. The Bird Strike Survey is connected to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Champaign library workers plan to form union Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers look for injured birds from September to November in the fall and from March to May in the spring. They survey problem buildings twice a day; when they find an injured or dead bird, they document information like its species, where and when it was found and the direction the window it hit was facing. The surveyors use this information to identify which buildings on campus are most dangerous to birds and which species are most impacted. The Bird Strike Survey began at the U of I in 2019. Sarah Jacobson, an NRES senior involved with the project, said it all started when students decided to do something about the number of bird strikes on campus. Bird strikes are a huge problem in combined urban and natural areas, like this campus, because a lot of birds use them as stopover habitat during migration, Jacobson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobson added that an estimated 1 billion birds die from bird strikes in North America each year. Champaign clinic aims to educate community on International Overdose Awareness Day On the U of Is campus, certain features make it dangerous for birds. For example, a bird may mistake the Quads reflection on a glass building for real trees and sky and fly right at the building. At night, migrating birds can also become disoriented by artificial lights. Those involved in the project said they hope the data they collect will lead to building design changes, ultimately supporting bird conservation on campus. The Bird Strike Survey team is already speaking with the U of I about possible solutions. This includes applying overlays to windows to reduce reflections, or installing sticker grids that create the illusion of an obstacle birds cant fly through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the project couldnt come at a more important time. Benjamin Van Doren, an assistant professor in NRES and one of several faculty advisors to the project, said birds are essential to our natural ecosystem, but are facing certain threats. North American bird populations are currently declining at a worrying rate, and collisions with buildings are a large source of direct, human-caused mortality, Van Doren said. Students from all across campus are involved in the leadership team. Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Programming benefitting more than just students NRES seniors Jacobson and Wren Dulnev provide information about ecology and field work; Avi Berger, a graduate student in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, is in charge of specimen preservation; Leilany Fuentes-Garcia, senior in sustainable design, Ciara Roon West, junior in civil engineering, provide insight into bird-friendly construction practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone interested in learning how to identify birds, promote bird conservation, and help reduce bird strikes can sign up to volunteer for the surveys fall season, which begins Sept. 5. To read more about how NRES students are working to protect birds from window strikes, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The University of Arizonas new mission statement, released in May, opens with the Success of Every Student. The first sentence promotes academic excellence ... and opportunity, preparing graduates for ... impactful careers and lives of engaged citizenship. This sounds exemplary. The harder question, always, is how do we get there? The easiest, cheapest and most direct route is to improve the universitys General Education program, which is intended to cultivate a broadly educated and well-rounded person, regardless of a student's major. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It consumes enormous resources, accounts for about a quarter of most undergraduates coursework and is a first point of contact for many students and their parents. As the flagship of UAs undergraduate program, GenEd should reflect the universitys soul, central mission and commitment to excellence. Not all GenEd classes meet UA's high standards UA already has exceptional GenEd courses across many fields, which have taught countless students. We know, because one of us has taught a popular GenEd science course to thousands of students, and the other has served on the universitys GenEd Committee for 14 years, reviewing hundreds of course proposals. Yet much of the program, which includes about 520 elective GenEd courses, does not meet that exceptional standard. The programs priorities and decisions often follow the path of least resistance, accommodating professors and administrators convenience instead of focusing on the value delivered to students and society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individual academic departments, which understandably focus on the education and success of their own students, have used the GenEd program to bulk up their seat enrollments and budgets, securing approval for a plethora of course titles. Students find this list hard to navigate but are unlikely to complain loudly if they can find courses that check the required GenEd boxes and fit their niche interests without threatening their GPA. The missing conversation is how the vast resources spent on GenEd can advance the universitys core priorities, so well expressed in Mays mission statement. Stop talking about knowledge and provide it Both of us served on the Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee last year. We supported President Suresh Garimellas appointment partly because of his academic reforms at the University of Vermont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are optimistic that he can overcome the bureaucratic culture that has settled over UA in recent years, allowing too many decisions to drift away from what should be our priority: delivering the best and academically richest student experience. Unlike many initiatives, strengthening GenEd would require few if any new funds. The money is already being spent. The point is to spend it more effectively. We offer three suggestions. First, a nationwide trend toward talking about knowledge instead of providing it has proceeded too far at UA. We recently delivered a report to the Faculty Senate and provost, which compared GenEd programs at UA to those at 50 peer institutions. The 51 programs cover a wide spectrum, but UA lies at the extreme end of talking about knowledge rather than providing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of teaching facts or theories about sociology or biology, for example, UAs GenEd courses focus, by policy, on how statisticians and biologists think about what they are doing. These critical thinking skills are important but acquire their importance of a basic understanding of the subject matter. Its like training someone to use a knife without offering anything substantive to carve: Students wont become skilled by waving the knife in the air, nor will they come away with useful carvings. UA should bulk up on science, civics courses Second, one way to increase content would be to require more natural science, as UA itself required before a recent reform. Among the 51 schools, UA is in the bottom group of three schools that require the least exposure to natural science: a single three-credit course on the scientific perspective, rather than requiring any actual knowledge of science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: UA wiped out its $177 million budget hole. Here's how This is ironic in a school renowned for natural science, which could deliver great knowledge to its undergraduates and recruit more students with talent and interest into those critical fields. Third, we support the regents mandate that the three Arizona universities provide more knowledge about American institutions and substantial practical experience with the increasingly important skills of civil discourse, civic engagement and information literacy. We distributed a detailed proposal last spring for implementing this civics mandate at UA. It would encourage interdisciplinary and team teaching, opportunities that arise naturally from a mandate that explicitly spans political science, law, history and economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our proposal would also generate plentiful opportunities for the university and its students to engage and build ties with the Tucson community. We look forward with optimism to a General Education program that becomes more exciting for students, an exemplar of the universitys values and a point of state pride. Joellen Russell is a distinguished professor of geosciences and Mark Stegeman is associate professor of economics at University of Arizona. Reach them at jrussell@arizona.edu and stegeman@arizona.edu. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: UA's GenEd program should better reflect its mission | Opinion The United Kingdom has stated that it will extend the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme for another 24 months. Source: UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "We will continue to do our bit to support Ukraine extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme by a further 24 months." Details: The Ukraine Permission Extension programme allows Ukrainians who have received protection in the UK to remain in the country in safe and legal conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK also confirmed readiness to continue providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war: in particular, to organise treatment for children who have sustained serious injuries in the Gaza Strip and to provide education for a new group of refugee students at British universities. Background: Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the introduction of stricter rules for receiving social assistance. Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary manager of the ruling CDU/CSU faction, stated that Ukrainian citizens who receive benefits should agree to take jobs even if they do not match their profession. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian forces cleared out Russian troops from the Donetsk Oblast village of Udachne and raised the Ukrainian flag in the settlement, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Sept. 2. Udachne lies around 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Pokrovsk, a strategic town that has become one of the fiercest front-line areas in Ukraine's east. The announcement comes only a day after the Ukrainian military reported the liberation of the nearby village of Novoekonomichne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers of Ukraine's 425th Skala Regiment destroyed all Russian positions in the city, the General Staff said, sharing a video of a pair of Ukrainian soldiers raising the flag on top of a damaged building. "For two weeks, assault units gradually cleared house after house and raised the Ukrainian flag over the village," a military spokesperson said in the video. The Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState showed that Russian forces were still holding the southern part of Udachne as of Sept. 1, with the northern part marked as a contested "gray" area. The estimated Russian advance (red) near Udachne, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of Sept. 1, 2025. (Deep/StateOpenStreetMaps) Kyiv says that Russia has amassed around 100,000-strong force near Pokrovsk, a key strategic hub that has faced a Russian onslaught for many months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow sought to push forward in Ukraine's east during its spring and summer offensive, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a peace deal. According to DeepState, the Russian offensive slowed down by 18% in August, with Russian forces occupying 464 square kilometers (180 square miles) of new territory. The DeepState report followed claims that Ukrainian forces are gradually pushing Russian troops back near the town of Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast. At the same time, the Ukrainian military warned that Russia is already preparing new attacks, namely in the direction of the town of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russian map behind top general hints at ambitions to seize Ukraines Odesa, Kharkiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian government agency responsible for ethnic affairs has launched legal action to have the country's largest Orthodox Church banned for its alleged links to Moscow, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) filed the lawsuit with the Supreme Administrative Court last Friday, according to the report. DESS chairman Viktor Yelensky told Interfax-Ukraine that he was hoping the case would be expedited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loss of legal status would mean that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's parishes could no longer be organized centrally. According to Yelensky, that would not imply that the parishes would have to transfer to another church. With around 10,000 parishes, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church remains the largest religious community in Ukraine. The church, which previously fell under the Moscow Patriarchate, broke with Moscow partly because Patriarch Kirill has been a passionate advocate of the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian authorities doubt whether the church is truly independent and are now seeking a ban on the basis of a law passed in August 2024 that provides for religious organizations with ties to Russia to be banned. President Volodymyr Zelensky withdrew Ukrainian citizenship from Metropolitan Onufriy, the head of the church, in July on the grounds that he had kept secret his Russian citizenship something that the 80-year-old primate denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The state is not forcing anyone to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine or any other church," Yelensky said. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, founded by former president Petro Poroshenko, is preferred by the state authorities in Ukraine. (Reuters) -Ukraine will never agree to legalise the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops is the only way to guarantee safety there, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. A ministry statement made no direct reference to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's statement during a visit to China that Moscow was ready to cooperate with the United States at the plant, seized in the first weeks after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is and will remain an integral part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Any attempts by Russia to question this fact are legally null and void and politically pointless," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The only way to restore nuclear safety is the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant." (Reporting by Ron Popeski, Editing by Nick Zieminski) Key developments on Sept. 2: Ukraine liberates another village near Pokrovsk, military says Russia open to 'cooperation' with Ukraine, US at occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Putin claims About 2,000 North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia, Seoul says Kremlin denies Trump, Putin ever agreed on face-to-face Zelensky meeting Ukrainian forces cleared Russian troops from the Donetsk Oblast village of Udachne and raised the Ukrainian flag in the settlement, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Sept. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Udachne lies around 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Pokrovsk, a strategic town that has become one of the fiercest front-line areas in Ukraine's east. The announcement comes only a day after the Ukrainian military reported the liberation of the nearby village of Novoekonomichne. The estimated Russian advance (red) near Udachne, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, as of Sept. 1, 2025. (Deep/StateOpenStreetMaps) Soldiers of Ukraine's 425th Skelia Regiment destroyed all Russian positions in the settlement, the General Staff said, sharing a video of a pair of Ukrainian soldiers raising the flag on top of a damaged building. "For two weeks, assault units gradually cleared house after house and raised the Ukrainian flag over the village," a military spokesperson said in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState showed that Russian forces were still holding the southern part of Udachne as of Sept. 1, with the northern part marked as a contested "gray" area. Kyiv says that Russia has amassed around 100,000-strong force near Pokrovsk, a key strategic hub that has faced a Russian onslaught for many months. Moscow sought to push forward in Ukraine's east during its spring and summer offensive, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a peace deal. According to DeepState, the Russian offensive slowed down by 18% in August, with Russian forces occupying 464 square kilometers (180 square miles) of new territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DeepState report followed claims that Ukrainian forces are gradually pushing Russian troops back near the town of Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast. At the same time, the Ukrainian military warned that Russia is already preparing new attacks, namely in the direction of the town of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast. Read also: Years of torture, abuse in Russian captivity take shocking toll on Ukrainian POWs Russia open to 'cooperation' with Ukraine, US at occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Putin claims Moscow is open to "three-way cooperation" with the U.S. and Ukraine regarding the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sept. 2, according to Russian news channel Vesti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments, made during Putin's meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, represent an apparent shift from Moscow's previous refusal of any changes regarding the Ukrainian plant's oversight. Details of such possible cooperation remain unclear. The largest nuclear plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the town of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has been under Russian occupation since 2022. While the facility remains under Russian control, it is not currently generating electricity. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, said in March that the plant's status could play a role in an eventual settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When talking to Zelensky in March, Trump suggested that the U.S. could operate and possibly own the nuclear power plant to ensure its protection. A similar U.S. proposal, reported by Reuters on April 25, envisioned Ukraine regaining the plant but under U.S. administration, with electricity distributed to both Ukraine and Russia. Russia's Foreign Ministry responded by claiming the plant to be a "Russian facility" that cannot be transferred to Ukraine or any other country. In 2022, Moscow illegally declared the annexation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and three other Ukrainian regions, despite not controlling them fully. In turn, Kyiv has demanded that the plant be returned under Ukraine's control and accused Moscow of using the facility as part of nuclear blackmail tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear whether Putin's statement represents an actual shift in policy, as the Kremlin has repeatedly retracted its pledges regarding Ukraine and consistently pursued maximalist goals. Read also: In occupied Ukraine, the first day of Russian school begins with preparations for war About 2,000 North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia, Seoul says Roughly 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia have been killed while fighting against Ukraine, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Sept. 2, citing lawmakers briefed by the country's intelligence service. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Pyongyang plans to send an additional 6,000 troops to Russia as part of its third wave of deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 1,000 combat engineers have already arrived in Russia, while troops dispatched earlier are reportedly stationed in the "rear front as reserve forces." North Korea has claimed to have suffered only 350 casualties in earlier phases of the deployment, while South Korean intelligence reported in April that the number of Pyongyang's soldiers killed in action was around 600. Pyongyang has become one of Moscow's most important military allies during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, supplying artillery shells, missiles, and soldiers. North Korean involvement became visible after Ukraine's August 2024 cross-border offensive into Russia's Kursk Oblast. Russia retook much of the territory in March 2025, with support from North Korean forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyongyang confirmed in April that North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russian units, though reporting in the media suggested their presence months earlier. The deepening military ties follow the June 2024 signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, under which the two countries pledged mutual aid if either were attacked. Read also: No more excuses: Its time to strike Russias war chest Kremlin denies Trump, Putin ever agreed on face-to-face Zelensky meeting There was no agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on Sept. 2, contradicting Trump's earlier claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president had said on Aug. 19 that he began "arrangements" for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, with the possibility of trilateral talks after. "Right now, there is talk of a trilateral meeting, of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. But specifically, as far as I know, there was no agreement between Putin and Trump on this," Ushakov told Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin. The statement follows the expiration of another deadline set by Trump for Moscow to move toward a settlement in its war. Ushakov said raising the level of delegations in Ukrainian-Russian negotiations had been discussed during Trump and Putin's phone call and at their Alaska summit, but no agreement was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So far, what's being broadcast in the press is not exactly what we agreed on," he said. Trump met Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, three days after his meeting with Putin. Zelensky said after the talks that Ukraine was prepared to engage in unconditional negotiations with Moscow at the highest level. Read also: Russia-Ukraine naval drone arms race could usher in a new era of warfare The Ukrainian president has repeatedly voiced readiness for a direct meeting with Putin, urging the U.S. to impose tougher measures if Russia continues to avoid such talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Aug. 22 that a Zelensky-Putin meeting was "not ready at all," accusing Ukraine of rejecting several preconditions and questioning Zelensky's legitimacy. A source in Ukraine's President's Office told the Kyiv Independent earlier that a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin will not happen unless the U.S. ups its pressure on the Russian leader. Trump said on Aug. 25 that Putin avoids meeting Zelensky because "he doesn't like him." Note from the author: Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has stated that it views a notice of suspicion served on SSU Brigadier General Illia Vitiuk as retaliation by Ukraines anti-corruption agencies in response to the SSUs detention of several National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) employees at the end of July. Source: SSU in a statement Quote: "We would like to point out that the SSU recently exposed one of the heads of NABUs interregional directorates for trading with Russia (Article 111.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), and detained another NABU employee for treason and passing information to Russia (Article 111). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SSU believes the notice of suspicion served on [Illia] Vitiuk by NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office [SAPO] is NABU and SAPOs revenge for the SSU effectively countering Russian influence on state bodies and exposing several NABU employees for committing crimes." Details: The SSU said Vitiuk was served with the notice of suspicion following the high-profile detentions of NABU officials, although the relevant criminal case was opened almost a year and a half earlier. The SSU claims the investigation ignored: the opinions of multiple expert examinations refuting the claim that an apartment was bought at an undervalued price, including some examinations that were initiated by NABU itself; the opinion of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, which after thorough checks found no signs of illicit enrichment in Vitiuks family; the entrepreneurial activity carried out by Vitiuks wife and her legal, declared income, which was used to purchase the family home (confirmed by several state examinations); the testimony of numerous witnesses who, despite investigative pressure, refuted the version outlined by the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SSU also noted that Vitiuk "has made an important contribution to the defence of the country" since the earliest days of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Background: NABU and SAPO reported that they have served a notice of suspicion on the former head of the SSUs Cybersecurity Department, Brigadier General Illia Vitiuk, for illicit enrichment and tax fraud. In early April 2024, investigative journalists from Slidstvo.Info reported that Vitiuks wife had purchased an apartment with a market value of over UAH 20 million (about US$483,000) in December 2023. Following the journalists investigation, SSU head Vasyl Maliuk suspended Vitiuk pending a review of the circumstances and sent him to the front line. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention began a lifestyle audit "to establish the compliance of Vitiuks lifestyle and that of his family members with their property and declared income". On 1 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree dismissing Illia Vitiuk as head of the SSU Cybersecurity Department. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) have reported exposing a senior officer of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) for illicit enrichment and tax fraud. Source: SAPO; NABU; an Ukrainska Pravda source in law enforcement Details: According to the source, the case concerns former head of the SSU Cybersecurity Department, Brigadier General Illia Vitiuk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators found that the suspect bought a flat worth UAH 21.6 million (about US$521,547) in December 2023, registering it in his wifes name. The contract price was listed as UAH 12.8 million (about US$308,962). To justify the source of funds, his wife claimed she had earned the money as a private entrepreneur since February 2022 by providing legal and consulting services. Investigators established that funds were indeed transferred to her business accounts, supposedly for legal and consulting services. However, they came from an individual suspected of embezzling funds from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) as part of a criminal organisation, as well as from companies controlled by that person. Anti-corruption officials emphasised that the services were not provided, and the companies showed signs of being fictitious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, there was no confirmation of the legal origin of the remaining UAH 8.8 million (about US$212,360) spent on the flat. Background: In early April 2024, Slidstvo.Info investigative journalists reported that Vitiuks wife had purchased an apartment with a market value of over UAH 20 million (about US$482,713) in December 2023. After the investigation, SSU head Vasyl Maliuk suspended Vitiuk during the review of the circumstances and sent him to the front line. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention began a lifestyle audit "to establish the compliance of Vitiuks lifestyle and that of his family members with their property and declared income". On 1 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree dismissing Illia Vitiuk from his post as head of the SSU Cybersecurity Department. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that Russia was engaged in a new troop buildup along certain sectors of the frontline and was still launching strikes on Ukrainian targets. "Now we see another buildup of Russian forces in certain sectors of the front. He refuses to be forced into peace," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address, referring to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy provided no further details, but said "Russia continues to launch strikes. Of course, we will respond to this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Russian forces had targeted Ukraine with 150 drones overnight, more than 50 in the morning and "dozens" more in the evening. New drone attacks, he said, amounted to "an accompaniment to Russian statements from China," a reference to Putin's visit to Beijing, where President Xi Jinping is hosting the Russian leader and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. "Yesterday, the Russians literally denied what (U.S. President Donald) Trump said about the leaders' meeting needed to end the war. In China, Putin is continuing to spin tales as if he not guilty for the war," said Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy has long backed Trump's call for a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents as a step towards ending the war, launched by Russia's invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. Russia has said no suitable agenda has been set for such a meeting. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) A group of Ukrainian children has been brought back from Russia and Russian-occupied territories through an initiative by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinez announced on Telegram on Tuesday. According to Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, children between 3 months and 18 years old have been returned. "For years, they lived under pressure and fear," Yermak wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those brought home was a child with a disability and a mother with two sons who were deported to Russia, Yermak said. Lubinez and Yermak did not say how many people had been brought back in the operation, which involved the human rights commissioner's office, other state authorities and international partners. In the past, the return of Ukrainian minors has been arranged internationally. Now, children are often returning to Ukrainian-controlled areas on their own. Ukrainian sources say more than 19,000 children and young people have been abducted from Russian-occupied territories since the beginning of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, during direct talks with Russia in Istanbul, Kiev demanded the return of a list of just 339 minors. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in connection with the alleged deportations, which the Kremlin rejects. (Reuters) -More than 300 people were evacuated from their apartments overnight following a Ukrainian drone attack on the capital of the Rostov region, the acting governor said on Tuesday. The Russian defence ministry said air defence units destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over the Rostov region overnight. It did not say how many drones were detected. "An unexploded (drone) shell was discovered in one of the apartments," Rostov region's acting governor, Yuri Slyusar, said on the Telegram messaging app. "As a precaution, 320 residents of the building are being evacuated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack damaged several apartment buildings in the city of Rostov-on-Don, he added. Three people, including a child, were lightly injured. Rostov-on-Don Mayor Alexandr Skryabin said residents were relocated to a school while bomb disposal experts were removing the shell. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate from Kyiv. Both sides deny targeting civilians in their strikes during the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in 2022. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Stephen Coates) The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that soldiers of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skelia have liberated the settlement of Udachne on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk Oblast. Source: Ukraine's General Staff on social media Details: It was reported that through direct contact and with the support of strike assets, all Russian strongpoints were destroyed. Over the course of two weeks, assault groups swept house by house and raised the Ukrainian flag over the settlement, the military added. Meanwhile, the DeepState map still marks part of the settlement as occupied. The village of Udachne on the map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screenshot: DeepState map Background: In April, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported the liberation of about 16 square kilometres near the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne and Shevchenko. The Pokrovsk front remains one of the hottest and the situation there is changing dynamically; on 1 September the defence forces stopped 46 Russian assault actions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DENVER (KDVR) Folks representing the labor movement were out across the state on Labor Day, letting their voices be heard. Many of the messages from Mondays protest at the state capitol were different, but most of them were directed at the federal administration. Denver police seek help finding driver who hit multiple people on scooter We shouldnt have to do this, but democracy is not a spectator sport, so thats why Im here, said Gary from Englewood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds came out to the state capitol on Labor Day. Gary and others said they came to stand up to billionaires by standing with working people. Theres an underlying problem and the billionaires are supporting that: they keep getting richer and we keep getting poorer, Gary said. While Federal Reserve data shows the wealth gap continues to deepen in the U.S., some said taking to the streets is their way of fighting back. I think the more and more people that come out, the bigger the message is thats being sent, Ed said. While rights for all workers were top of mind for many, other issues, like protections for union members in the classroom, were also mentioned. Unions like the Colorado Education Association and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association were represented at the state capitol. Members said organizing is critical in todays environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our government starts threatening the funding that we rely on, it threatens the foundation of what we are trying to do as public school educators, said Jen, DCTA member. 90s, snow within a month is possible: What to expect as fall takes over Denver weather The theme of the rally is workers over billionaires. Our unions help us with benefits, with pay, with insurance coverage, with working hours that are reasonable, contracts that are reasonable, and so I think we are super important in this time, said DCTA member Tim. Im concerned about funding for special education and the erosion thereof. Im concerned about the erosion of the Americans with Disabilities Act that impacts kids and grown-ups alike. And its just, its horrifying. You know? Our attendance has dropped because the kids are afraid to because students are afraid to come to school because they are afraid of ICE or their parents are afraid of ICE. Thats not the way it should be. These protests took place across the state and nation today, with more than a dozen happening here in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Several people were arrested after large gatherings and multiple incidents, including shots being fired, led to a large police response near the University of Dayton late Sunday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The incident occurred during a block party on Kiefaber Street, where things reportedly got out of control, prompting police to clear the streets. Soon after that, shots were fired on Brown Street. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police told News Center 7 that a 19-year-old man shot a gun in the air and was later arrested. Seven other people were arrested for disorderly conduct offenses. On Tuesday, university officials reiterated no UD students were arrested and added that the university did not cite any of them. News Center 7s Taylor Robertson reached out to the university for an on-camera interview. They declined to talk on-camera, but did answer some of her questions through an e-mail. Robertson asked the university about the white City of Dayton barriers placed around the student neighborhood and if theyre there permanently throughout the year, and if theyre on campus as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email, a spokesperson for the university said, The city of Dayton police placed temporary barriers on several city-owned streets in the south student neighborhood Sunday afternoon as a safety measure. The university was also asked if there are any new policies in place for students this year regarding the student neighborhood and having large gatherings on campus, as well as if theyve considered ways to keep non-students off campus and out of student neighborhoods. The university responded by saying: "The University has not implemented any new policies or rules specifically for this year. However, we have a longstanding student code of conduct and accompanying community standards all students are required to follow. The UD police department is responsible for addressing behaviors that violate Ohio law and local ordinances, and they can refer to the Universitys conduct system behaviors that violate the Universitys community standards. Students are sent communications at the beginning of each semester with reminders about behavioral expectations, taking care of their living spaces and being responsible members of our community, as well as personal safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because public city streets exist within our student neighborhood, we do not have a closed campus. We work closely and collaboratively with the Dayton police department to plan for significant University and student-led events, manage crowds and address the actions of all individuals in the student neighborhood. Additionally, University leadership is always looking for ways to maintain and improve campus safety." [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Originally appeared on E! Online A University of Kentucky cheerleader is facing legal trouble. Laken Ashlee Snelling was arrested on August 27, according to a release from local Lexington police, in connection with a dead infant found hidden in a closet. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., officers were dispatched for an unresponsive infant at a residence in the 400 block of Park Avenue, the statement read. When officers arrived, they located an infant that was pronounced deceased at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snelling, 21, has been accused of hiding her dead infant, who had been wrapped in a towel and placed in a trash bag in her closet, in order to conceal the recent birth, according to NBC News, citing police. The college senior was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant, per police, and was booked into Fayette County Detention Center, Lexington, Kentucky. The statement from police said the departments Special Victims Section would be continuing the investigation and noted, The Fayette County Coroners Office will release the infants cause of death. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E! News has attempted to locate a lawyer for Snelling for comment and has reached out to local police for comment but has not yet heard back. The University of Kentucky confirmed, in a statement to local NBC affiliate WLEX, that Snelling has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons and noted all other questions should be directed to Lexington Police. Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The infant, according to an arrest citation obtained by WLEX, was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag. The citation also noted that Snelling, after being read her Miranda rights, admitted to giving birth to the child. Additionally, per the document obtained by WLEX, Snelling admitted to concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Guardian, citing public records, noted Snelling was scheduled to make a preliminary court appearance on Sept. 2. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App A member of the University of Kentuckys cheerleading stunt team has been accused of multiple crimes after police say they found her newborn child dead in a closet. Laken Snelling, a junior from White Pine, Tennessee, was charged Sunday with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant, Lexington police said in a release. According to the police statement, officers arrived last Wednesday at Snellings address, where an unresponsive infant had been reported. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene. Related: Texas Woman Arrested After Police Say She 'Intentionally' Left Baby In Hot Car The coroner will determine the cause of death, cops added. Laken Snelling, 21, is accused of multiple crimes in connection with a dead infant. University of Kentucky The arrest citation noted the infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag, in a closet, NBC affiliate LEX18 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops said Snelling, 21, admitted to giving birth and attempting to conceal the fact, according to the station. Snelling is listed on the 2025 roster for the stunt team. Related: University Student Dies After Reportedly Being Punched During Fraternity Ritual We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons, the school said in a statement before referring other questions to the police. Lexington police did not immediately provide additional details to HuffPost. More on Crime Montana Man Pleads Not Guilty To Shooting 4 People At A Bar Late Crime-Busting Sheriff Buford Pusser Inspired Hollywood. Investigators Say He Killed His Wife Read the original on HuffPost Authorities are searching for a suspect who fired multiple rounds at a father and son who were in a dry lake bed in the High Desert on Labor Day. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to St. Marys Hospital in Apple Valley around 12:35 p.m. on Monday afternoon after receiving reports of a gunshot wound victim. When the deputies arrived and began their investigation, they learned that the shooting had occurred in a dry lake bed near the area of Oldenburg Road and Fairview Valley Road, which is about 13 miles from the hospital and near Reeves Dry Lake in unincorporated Apple Valley. The intersection provided by officials is adjacent to the Holiday Ranch Airport and southwest of the Circular Rock Path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very warm weather and monsoonal moisture coming to Southern California The victim and his son drove out to the dry lake bed when a dark colored vehicle drove towards them, SBSD said in a media release issued late Tuesday morning. The suspect fired multiple gunshots and the victim sustained a gunshot wound to his upper arm. No suspect or suspects have been located, and no further information was released. Anyone with information should contact SBSDs Victor Valley Station by calling 760- 552-6800. Calls can also be directed to Sheriffs Dispatch: 760-956-5001. To remain anonymous, call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463 or visit www.wetip.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A Massachusetts man was rescued from Mount Washington in New Hampshire after suffering what officials are calling an "unknown medical event." 29-year-old Tyler Viruent from Carver, Massachusetts, was reportedly "unable to move" while hiking through the state park on Tuesday, August 26. One member of the group Viruent was with, an off-duty EMT, described his friend's sudden symptoms to emergency personnel over the phone around 4:30 p.m.. Staff from Mount Washington State Park were able to reach the incapacitated man at 5:48, according to the official statement from The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The entrance to the Auto-Road, that leads to the top of Mount Washington, standing at an elevation of 6,288.2 ft in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire on June 12, 2020. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) While little information was given about Viruent's health or what led to his immobilization, the statement insinuates that weather may have had an effect. "Hikers are reminded that weather in the White Mountains is beginning to change rapidly," it concludes, "wind chills are already below freezing in areas above tree line, and it will not be long before ice and snow arrive." At the time of rescue, it was around 40 degrees at Mount Washington and felt even colder due to winds and light rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue workers advised the group of hikers to move Viruent to the auto road that leads down the mountain. Once found, the 29-year-old was assessed and officials helped to assist him the remainder of the way to the paved main road. Once he was standing and began moving again, Viruent "started to feel better, and was then able to hike with assistance the rest of the way out, New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officer Matthew Holmes told The Boston Globe. Viruent was driven down the mountain on the auto road and was assessed again by medical personnel at the bottom of the mountain. He refused an ambulance ride, but was brought to a hospital in a personal vehicle instead. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The investigation determined that Hamas terrorists failed to achieve their primary objective of capturing Camp Yiftach, located north of the Gaza Strip, despite years of planning for this goal. Extraordinary acts of heroism by Israeli soldiers at an army base on the Gaza border averted a Hamas strategic victory during the October attack, an Israel Defense Forces inquiry released on Tuesday revealed. The investigation determined that Hamas terrorists failed to achieve their primary objective of capturing Camp Yiftah located north of the Gaza Strip, despite years of planning for this specific goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rapid response and determined fighting by soldiers from Battalion 77 of the 7th Brigade proved decisive in thwarting the enemys plan, though terrorists did manage to briefly penetrate the camp before retreating to Gaza with a stolen military vehicle. The defense began at 6:29 a.m. when patrol forces, already positioned along the coastline, received reports of suspicious movement. Without waiting for orders, the patrol immediately moved toward the threat, arriving just as two terrorists attempted to breach the border barrier. Their quick action, supported by tank fire, stopped this infiltration route and prevented terrorists from reaching the nearby Moshav Netiv Haasara civilian community. A VIEW of Zikim Beach (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Simultaneously, Hamas launched a sea-borne assault on Zikim beach with seven boats carrying terrorists. Captain Itai Maor led a reconnaissance force that engaged the maritime infiltrators, with his unit fighting until the last bullet despite being heavily outnumbered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation noted that approximately 15 terrorists were eliminated across various battle sites, including two at the Erez police station, three who disembarked from boats, and ten more in fighting along the barrier and firing ranges. At Camp Yiftah itself, Sergeant Ofir Zioni emerged as a key figure. When massive gunfire erupted at the base, Zioni took another fighter and moved toward the shore to establish contact with approaching terrorists, coordinating with naval forces to eliminate the first terrorist boat. He continued fighting from a dangerous forward position until he was fatally wounded. The investigation praised his exceptional leadership and courage, with one officer stating that Zioni deserves to be highlighted for his selfless actions. The battle intensified when terrorists penetrated deeper into the camp. Corporal Naama Boni, stationed at a critical guard position, called for help on WhatsApp while under fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being vastly outnumbered, with more than twenty terrorists facing a handful of defenders, soldiers like Lieutenant Yoav Aliev continued fighting even while wounded. Aliev was noted for writing in his notebook during the battle: These are the most significant minutes of my life, the best twenty minutes of my life. However, the investigation also delivered harsh criticism of soldiers who remained in shelters throughout the attack instead of joining the defense. The report characterized their behavior as inappropriate and constituting a moral and professional failure that compromised the camps defensive capabilities during this unprecedented assault. Tuesdays report is the latest in a series of detailed army probes, summaries of which have been released, of how some 5,000 terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad managed to attack numerous Israeli communities and overrun the armys border positions. The armys chain of command broke amid the chaos, and soldiers were outnumbered. How the army misunderstood Hamass intentions for years The investigations found that the army misunderstood Hamass intentions for years, and as October 7 approached, intelligence about the looming attack was misinterpreted. The military was also more focused on threats from Iran and its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF probes only deal with issues of operations, intelligence, and command, not decisions made by the political echelon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls for a formal state commission of inquiry, saying he opposes a politically biased probe. Critics accuse Netanyahu of delaying the inquiry and trying to water down its mandate. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamass attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 48 remaining hostages, around 20 are believed to be alive. WINTERSET, Iowa The upcoming jury trial for embattled Madison County Treasurer Amanda DeVos, 38, has been postponed. The upcoming trial against embattled Madison County Treasurer Amanda DeVos, 38, has been postponed. It will be held in Boone County after a change of venue was granted. The trial was scheduled to begin on September 16. Court filings show the prosecution cites scheduling concerns and has requested that the pre-trial conference and the subsequent jury trial be rescheduled for a later date. The new dates will be scheduled during a trial scheduling conference on September 11. DeVos is expected to attend by phone, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garwin man arrested for animal neglect after alleged dog death DeVos faces four criminal charges stemming from alleged misconduct as the Madison County Treasurer, including Felonious Misconduct in Office, Tampering with Records, Fraudulent Practice in the third degree, and third-degree Theft. The trial will be held in Boone County after her attorney filed for, and was granted, a change of venue in May. The pre-trial hearing is expected to happen in Winterset. The delay comes after months of various others in the case. DeVos trial was originally scheduled to take place in June in Madison County. She was arrested in late January, for allegedly using her access as county treasurer to alter government records to make it look like she paid for her vehicle registration plates when she had not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeVos has pleaded not guilty. Metro News: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. The US Army's Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, missile system will deploy to Japan this month. Typhon has previously been involved in exercises in the Philippines and Australia. Its deployment has repeatedly irked China. Both China and Russia condemned its move to Japan. The US Army is sending its powerful new ground-fired missile system to Japan during joint exercises this month. The Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon, fires different missiles that can strike targets on land or at sea. The truck-mounted Typhoon launcher carries missiles in vertical launch tubes that have the extended ranges needed to target fleets in the Pacific and even sites on the Chinese mainland, repeatedly drawing anger from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Exercise Resolute Dragon this month, an annual training between the US Marine Corps and Japan Self-Defense Force, the Army's 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force "will deploy the Typhon missile system to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni" located south of Hiroshima, according to an Army statement obtained by Business Insider. Typhon's deployment is focused on promoting training and interoperability with Japanese systems and capabilities in a realistic environment, the service added. The Typhon is capable of firing cruise missiles with ranges many times that of the Army's ATACMS tactical missile capabilities similar to US warships and can be staged on secluded bases in the Pacific. The announcement of Typhon's involvement in the upcoming Resolute Dragon sparked new pushback from China. "China always opposes the United States deploying the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system in Asian countries," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday. TK US Army photo by Sgt. Perla Alfaro Russia, too, condemned the deployment. On Friday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called Typhon's move to Japan "another destabilizing step as part of Washington's course towards ramping up the potential of ground-based shorter and intermediate-range missiles." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that Typhon being in Japan "in regions near Russia poses a direct strategic threat to Russia." The US has maintained that the deployments of Typhon in the Indo-Pacific with its allies and partners in the region is to promote interoperability, advance forward-deployed long-range precision fires, and ensure a free, open Indo-Pacific. News of Typhon deploying to Japan also comes just days before China's planned massive military parade on September 3, during which it will potentially reveal new weapons systems and capabilities. Typhon can carry the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The SM-6 has an estimated range of up to 230 miles, potentially extending to 290 miles for certain variants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tomahawks, long-range, subsonic cruise missiles, have estimated ranges from 1,000 to 1,550 miles depending on variants and are routinely carried by US warships and attack submarines. Both of these systems give the Army longer reach and more dispersal to attack the multitude of maritime and land targets that China has amassed in the Pacific region. The Army has been exploring how best to employ the Typhon since its development, which followed the 2019 US withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty over concerns about Russian violation. The treaty banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,000 kilometers. American and Japanese officials have also discussed deploying an MRC system to Japan. Darrell Ames/Executive Office Missiles and Space The withdrawal was overseen by the first Trump administration and driven by Moscow's SSC-8/9M729 missile, opening the door to the development of previously banned weapons. The system most recently completed a live-fire exercise in Australia during the annual Talisman Sabre exercise in July, during which the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force fired an SM-6 and sank an unspecified maritime target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time the land-based Typhon had been fired west of the international date line, which splits the Pacific Ocean, and was a significant step for the Army in deploying and operating land-based maritime strike capabilities, the service said at the time. Prior to that, Typhon had been deployed in the Philippines during a joint exercise last year, quickly drawing China's frustration. In September 2024, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign military, called the deployment "a move to turn back the wheel of history," adding that "it gravely threatens regional countries' security, incites geopolitical confrontation, and has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region." The Philippines has also noted that Typhon's presence has angered China. In August of last year, Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said that his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, had expressed concerns that the weapon could destabilize the security and relations of the region and that when they discussed it, China "made it very dramatic." China has warned Manila against igniting an arms race. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force has also been tinkering with Typhon in the field. During its deployment in the Philippines, soldier input and feedback led to "multiple design changes" in the system. Read the original article on Business Insider By Dietrich Knauth and Tom Hals (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday blocked U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from using the military to fight crime in California, as the Republican president threatened to send troops to more U.S. cities including Chicago. San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer found that the Trump administration willfully violated a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which sharply limits the use of the military for domestic enforcement, by employing troops to control crowds and bolster federal agents during immigration and drug raids. The administration deployed 4,000 National Guard members and 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's ruling dealt a setback to Trump's push to broaden the role of the military on U.S. soil, which critics say is a dangerous expansion of executive authority that could spark tensions between troops and ordinary citizens. Breyer put the ruling on hold until September 12. The Trump administration is likely to appeal. Trump said at a news conference that the Los Angeles deployment restored order, and he intended to send the military to more cities. "Chicago is a hellhole right now. Baltimore is a hellhole right now," Trump said. "We have the right to do it because I have an obligation to protect this country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injunction applies only to the military in California, not nationally. But the judge said that Trump's stated desire to send troops to Chicago and other cities meant that an injunction was necessary to prevent future violations of the law separating the military from law enforcement. Trump has said the troops were needed in Los Angeles to protect federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement, after large-scale immigration raids triggered protests. Lawyers for the Trump administration had argued that the U.S. Constitution permits presidents to use troops to protect federal personnel and property as an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act. "There is no question that federal personnel should be able to perform their jobs without fearing for their safety," wrote Breyer, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Bill Clinton and is the brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. "But to use this as a hook to send military troops alongside federal agents wherever they go proves too much and would frustrate the very purpose of the Posse Comitatus Act," Breyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles deployment drew wide condemnation from Democrats, who said Trump was using the military to stifle opposition to his hardline immigration policies. "The people of California won much-needed accountability against Trump's ILLEGAL militarization of an American city!" California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat who brought the lawsuit, wrote on X on Tuesday. Around 300 National Guard members remain in Los Angeles, although protests have long died down, and the administration has extended their deployment into November. California said in a court filing later on Tuesday that those remaining troops should be returned to the state's control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state said that the continued presence of troops could interfere with California elections in November by intimidating voters and "chilling participation." The timing of Trumps extension of the National Guard soldiers isnt coincidental - hes holding onto soldiers through Election Day," Newsom said in a statement. "The reality is this - they want to continue their intimidation tactics to scare Californians into submission." California had challenged Trump's decision to take control of the state's National Guard in June, but it lost that fight on appeal. The state said on Monday that circumstances had changed and the decision to extend the troop deployment was not legally justified. Breyer's ruling does not bind other judges but could shape how other courts interpret the law, which has rarely been addressed by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's going to be highly influential for any challenges in other cities," said Brenner Fissell, a professor at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. "If a judge doesn't agree with this, he's going to or she's going to have to explain why." Trump has also deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., a federal district where Trump wields exceptional power. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware and Dietrich Knauth in New York; Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Jack Queen in New York; writing by Susan Heavey and Luc Cohen, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien, Noeleen Walder and Michael Perry) By Jody Godoy and Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -Google won't have to sell its Chrome browser, a judge in Washington said on Tuesday, handing a rare win to Big Tech in its battle with U.S. antitrust enforcers, but ordering Google to share data with rivals to open up competition in online search. Google parent Alphabet's shares were up 7.2% in extended trading on Tuesday as investors cheered the judge's ruling, which also allows Google to keep making lucrative payments to Apple that antitrust enforcers said froze out search rivals. Apple shares rose 3%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta also ruled Google could keep its Android operating system, which together with Chrome help drive Google's market-dominating online advertising business. The ruling results from a five-year legal battle between one of the world's most profitable companies and the U.S., where antitrust regulators and lawmakers have long questioned Big Tech's market domination. Mehta ruled last year that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search and related advertising. But the judge approached the job of imposing remedies on Google with "humility," he wrote, pointing to competition created by artificial intelligence companies since the case began. "Here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judges forte," Mehta wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While sharing data with competitors will strengthen rivals to Google's advertising business, not having to sell off Chrome or Android removes a major concern for investors who view them as key pieces to Google's overall business. Google faces a major threat from increasingly popular AI tools including OpenAI's popular ChatGPT chatbot, which are already eroding Google's dominance. If allowed to access the data Google is required to share, AI companies could bolster their development of chatbots and, in some cases, AI search engines and web browsers. "The money flowing into this space, and how quickly it has arrived, is astonishing," Mehta wrote, saying AI companies are already better placed to compete with Google than any search engine developer has been in decades. Deepak Mathivanan, an analyst for Cantor Fitzgerald, said the data-sharing requirements pose a competitive risk to Google but not right away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will take a longer period of time for consumers to also embrace these new experiences," he said. U.S. antitrust enforcers are considering their next steps, Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater said on X. Google said in a blog post it was worried data sharing "will impact our users and their privacy, and were reviewing the decision closely." Google has said previously that it plans to file an appeal, which means it could take years before the company is required to act on the ruling. The case is likely to end up in the Supreme Court. "Judge Mehta is aware that the Supreme Court is the likely final destination for the case, and he has chosen remedies that stand a good chance of acceptance by the Court," said William Kovacic, director of the competition law center at George Washington University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BILLIONS IN PAYMENTS The ruling was also a relief for Apple and other device and Web browser makers, whom Mehta said can continue to receive advertising revenue-sharing payments from Google for searches on their devices. Google pays Apple $20 billion annually, Morgan Stanley analysts said last year. Banning the payments is even less necessary amid the rise of AI, Mehta wrote, where products such as OpenAI's ChatGPT "pose a threat to the primacy of traditional internet search." The ruling also made it easier for device makers and others who set Google search as a default to load apps created by Google's rivals, by barring Google from entering exclusive contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google itself had proposed loosening those agreements, and its most recent deals with device makers Samsung Electronics and Motorola and wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon allow them to load rival search offerings. BIG TECH CRACKDOWN In addition to the case over search, Google is embroiled in litigation over its dominance in other markets. The company recently said it will continue to fight a ruling requiring it to revamp its app store in a lawsuit won by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games. And Google is scheduled to go to trial later this month to determine remedies in a separate case brought by the Justice Department where a judge found the company holds illegal monopolies in online advertising technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department's two cases against Google are part of a larger bipartisan crackdown by the U.S. on Big Tech firms, which began during President Donald Trump's first term and includes cases against Meta Platforms, Amazon and Apple. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York, Mike Scarcella in Washington and Kenrick Cai in San Francisco; Editing by Chris Sanders, Edmund Klamann, Matthew Lewis and Sonali Paul) China has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen their collective financial security and voice in the world as pressure mounts from the United States and its allies. Without naming any country, President Xi Jinping told the SCO state leaders - many of them facing blanket sanctions and punitive tariffs from the US - that the organisation needed to speed up and achieve "real results" to better protect themselves from "hegemonic" bullying. To that end, Xi suggested that the group, which is meeting in the northern port city of Tianjin, set up an SCO development bank - an idea that was first floated in 2010 but has gained new urgency with American sanctions and duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. He said the lender should be set up "as soon as possible to provide strong underpinnings for security and economic cooperation among member states". Xi went on to outline the "historic achievements" the group has made over the past 24 years, in which it has become the world's biggest regional organisation, accounting for nearly half the globe's population and about a quarter of its GDP. He said he hoped the SCO could become a major platform to advance multilateralism, collective security and protection from unilateral bullying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SCO - a largely security-focused bloc - comprises 10 members: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Leaders attending the forum included Russia President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian - all of whom are from countries confronting political and economic threats from Donald Trump's America. "We always stand on the side of international fairness and justice ... and oppose hegemonism and power politics, thus becoming a proactive force for world peace and development," Xi said. But in a world fraught with changes and challenges, the bloc needed to take "solid steps" and do more, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would mean putting aside their differences, building consensus, and deepening cooperation in areas ranging from infrastructure to science - an apparent response to the growing tech rivalry with the United States. He capped his address with a call to oppose the "cold war mentality", bloc confrontation and "bullying practices", and to protect the international system. "We should advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and make the global governance system more just and equitable," he said. The speech is part of China's ongoing push to position itself as a stable major power that can protect world peace and reshape the international order amid Washington's retreat from its global leadership role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, Beijing has presented itself as a leader of the so-called Global South, of which SCO member states consider themselves to be part. The call for the bloc to deepen collaboration and strengthen resilience was also timely. For one, the SCO and similar platforms have struggled to produce results. And second, the bloc's members have become targets of Trump's punitive measures, such as trade tariffs. This is the case for India, which appears to be drawing closer to countries like China and Russia as Trump ramps up tariff pressure over Indian purchases of Russian oil. The shift was apparent on Monday, when a visibly delighted Modi - on his first trip to China in seven years - engaged Xi and Putin in conversation before the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modi also posted photographs of himself greeting and hugging Putin, saying: "Always a delight to meet President Putin!" But India is not alone in facing US pressure. Among the SCO countries, Russia and Iran have long wrestled with US sanctions and Belarus is paying the price for its alleged involvement in the Ukraine war. China, too, is grappling with American duties despite ongoing trade negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) and Chinese President Xi Jinping chat on the second day of the SCO summit in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: Kyodo alt=Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) and Chinese President Xi Jinping chat on the second day of the SCO summit in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: Kyodo> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Arase, resident professor of international politics at the Hopkins-Nanjing Centre, summed up the moment bluntly: "Everyone gathered at the summit is angry about Trump's tariffs as well as Western economic sanctions more generally." Xi, he said, had seized on a "great opportunity" to rally SCO member states against American "bullying" and to call for a more just and equitable global order. "The key message is that the world can trust China - but not the US - to promote peace, security and development across Eurasia and the wider non-Western world," Arase added. Beijing's message was strikingly consistent throughout the two-day summit in Tianjin, including in Xi's bilateral meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, in talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, he said the two countries should take on their responsibilities as major countries of the Global South and "jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying acts". A day later, Xi told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that they should work together to "build a global governance system that is more just and equitable". And on Monday, when addressing a wider pool of dialogue partners and SCO observers, Xi proposed a new initiative on global governance that would seek to build a more just governance system, citing "a new period of turbulence and transformation" in the world. "International law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly. There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi said countries should seek integration instead of decoupling, adding: "We should continue to unequivocally oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism and stand as a pillar in promoting a multipolar world." In a declaration on Monday, the SCO leaders said they opposed "unilateral coercive measures", adding that intensifying geopolitical confrontation posed threats and challenges to global and regional security and stability. The declaration also said member states agreed to set up the SCO development bank and would "accelerate consultations" on issues related to its operations. The SCO leaders line up in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: Reuters alt=The SCO leaders line up in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: Reuters> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lin Minwang, vice-dean at Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said Xi's remarks "clearly included implicit criticism" of Washington, given that many SCO member states had strained relationships with the US. "China is expressing its own stance ... [but] I believe this also reflects the collective perspective of the majority of SCO members. It's not just China that faces US tariff pressures or other forms of pressure," he said. Brian Wong, non-resident honorary fellow at the Asia Society Centre for China Analysis, said the big breakthrough for this year's summit was Modi's decision to attend. That decision indicated a shift in India's foreign policy to deepen ties with China "in an attempt to counterbalance against American hegemony and also the unilateralism of the incumbent American administration". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The SCO has always been an entity comprising countries that are in many ways disillusioned with what they perceive to be Western interference and hegemony," he said. "This summit saw perhaps the first time in seven to eight years an implicit affirmation of this very message by the Indian leadership, which, for a very long while, has shied away from any criticism of Western double standards or imposition of their standards." 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. Rubio previously visited Israel in February, marking his first trip to the Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to arrive in Israel in about two weeks, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post. The tentative date for Rubios arrival is the week of September 14. He is expected to stay for several days, during which he will meet with senior Israeli officials. His visit comes in the wake of comments by US President Donald Trump, who said the war in Gaza needs to end quickly because Israel is losing the public relations battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is going to have to end this war [in Gaza]. Its hurting Israel; theres no question about it. They may be winning the war, but they are not winning in the arena of public opinion, Trump said in an interview with the Daily Caller. Fifteen years ago, Israel was the strongest lobbying force that ever existed. Now... it has been weakened, especially in Congress. During his visit, the US secretary of state is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Pilgrims Road in the City of David, an archaeological site where ancient Jerusalem once stood. The event, marking the opening of this 2,000-year-old historical main street of Jerusalem, will be attended by senior Israeli and American officials. Trump had considered attending the ceremony, scheduled for September 15, but the visit ultimately did not materialize, a source with knowledge told the Post. Demonstrators protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, August 31, 2025 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) The event will take place a week before the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, where France and several other countries are expected to announce recognition of a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting on Thursday with several ministers to discuss the possibility of extending Israeli sovereignty over parts of Judea and Samaria, as well as the security implications of such a move. Rubio previously visited Israel in February, marking his first trip to the Middle East. He landed in Israel as top US and Israeli officials worked to secure the release of the remaining six living hostages in phase one of the ceasefire deal. US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, visited Israel in early August, where he visited the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site in the Gaza Strip and met with hostage families. During Witkoff's visit in August, he said that the US was planning to end the war and called for an all-or-nothing approach to end the war in Gaza in a meeting with hostage families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, since then, Israel has changed course and has, in recent weeks, begun implementing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to invade and occupy Gaza City in order to pressure Hamas. The IDF advanced preparations for a large-scale mobilization of reservists and an expected expansion of ground operations in Gaza, the military announced on Tuesday. IDF mobilizes for Gaza City invasion as Netanyahu changes course At least 40,000 IDF reservists reported for duty ahead of the expected invasion, according to numbers from media reports. The upcoming operation in Gaza City is considered a critical step in dismantling Hamass military infrastructure. The city is viewed as the organizations last significant stronghold and command hub within the enclave. Netanyahu has already approved the IDFs plan to capture Gaza City and simultaneously authorized renewed hostage negotiations. Officials say the objective is to conclude the conflict in accordance with the principles established by the security cabinet. Amir Bohbot contributed to this report. This is a developing story. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. has carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela. The president offered scant details on the operation. When you leave the room, youll see that we just, over the last few minutes, literally, shot a boat a drug-carrying boat, Trump told reporters during an unrelated Oval Office event. He added there were a lot of drugs on the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the vessel was being operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization. The secretary described the operation as a lethal strike. Rubio addressed the strike on Tuesday shortly before he was scheduled to depart for Mexico and Ecuador for talks on drug cartels, security, tariffs and more. The U.S. recently announced plans to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. The U.S. has not signaled any planned land incursion by the thousands of personnel being deployed. Still, President Nicolas Maduros government has responded by deploying troops along Venezuelas coast and border with neighboring Colombia, as well as by urging Venezuelans to enlist in a civilian militia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro has insisted that the U.S. is building a false drug-trafficking narrative to try to force him out of office. He and other government officials have repeatedly cited a United Nations report that they say shows traffickers attempt to move only 5% of the cocaine produced in Colombia through Venezuela. Landlocked Bolivia and Colombia, with access to the Pacific and Caribbean, are the worlds top cocaine producers. The latest U.N. World Drug Report shows that various countries in South America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, reported larger cocaine seizures in 2022 than in 2021, but it does not assign Venezuela the outsize role that the White House has in recent months. The impact of increased cocaine trafficking has been felt in Ecuador in particular, which has seen a wave of lethal violence in recent years linked to both local and transnational crime groups, most notably from Mexico and the Balkan countries, according to the report. Maduro on Monday told reporters he would constitutionally declare a republic in arms if his country were attacked by U.S. forces deployed to the Caribbean. The press office of Venezuelas government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trumps announcement. The Pentagon did not offer any immediate comment on the reported incident. (Reuters) -Conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has defended her 2022 vote to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized a constitutional right to abortion in a new book set to be published next week. "(T)he Court's role is to respect the choices that the people have agreed upon, not to tell them what they should agree to," Barrett wrote in her memoir, "Listening to the Law," according to CNN, which obtained a copy before its September 9 release. The 5-4 ruling in 2022 set in motion a dramatic change in abortion access for millions of women in America, with 18 states implementing near-total abortion bans or bans at an early stage of pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights research group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the share of Americans who support abortion rights has grown over the last decade. In a 2024 Reuters/Ipsos poll, some 57% of respondents said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, up from 46% in 2014. Republican President Donald Trump appointed Barrett to the court in 2020 after the death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a strong supporter of abortion rights. Barrett's addition gave the court its current 6-3 conservative majority. In the book, Barrett, 53, writes the right to end a pregnancy was never deeply rooted in U.S. history as were other implicit constitutional rights. "The evidence does not show that the American people have traditionally considered the right to obtain an abortion so fundamental to liberty that it 'goes without saying' in the Constitution," she wrote, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spotlight on Barrett is set to intensify with numerous planned public appearances this month, including one on Thursday in New York. She garnered a $2 million advance for the book, Politico reported in 2021. COURT SHIFTS TO THE RIGHT Since Barrett joined the nine-member court, it has rapidly shifted American law to the right, not only by limiting abortion but also by widening gun rights, expanding religious rights and rejecting race-conscious university admissions policies. During that time, the court's public approval ratings have slipped, falling below 40% for the first time since 2000 according to a Gallup poll update in August, though Democrats view the court much more negatively than Republicans.The court wrapped up its last term in June with a major ruling Barrett wrote curtailing the power of federal judges to block presidential policies nationwide, a win for Trump in a case in which he is seeking to restrict automatic citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil as part of his hardline approach to immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court has sided with Trump's administration in almost every case it has been called upon to review on an emergency basis following lower court rulings impeding his policies. In her book, Barrett addressed this emergency docket, also known as a shadow docket, which has exploded in both volume and importance in recent years compared to the court's regular work, which typically involves oral arguments and extensive briefing and deliberation. "As long as litigants continue filing emergency applications, the Court must continue deciding them, Barrett wrote, according to CNN. Barrett, who is married and has seven children, also touched on how some have perceived her devout Roman Catholic faith. During a confirmation hearing in 2017 for her prior judicial appointment to a federal appeals court based in Chicago, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein told Barrett that "the dogma lives loudly within you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without naming Feinstein, who died in 2023, Barrett wrote, "Some suggest that people of faith have a particularly difficult time following the law rather than their moral views. (I faced that criticism as a Catholic, most sharply when the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing to consider my nomination to the Seventh Circuit.) I'm not sure why." (Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Howard Goller) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Sept. 1 that the Trump administration is considering new sanctions on Russia after President Vladimir Putin intensified strikes on Ukraine despite recent peace talks. "I think everythings on the table," Bessent said speaking to Fox News' Senior National Correspondent Rich Edson in Washington, D.C. Putin "has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated he wanted to do" following the "historic meeting in Anchorage," Bessent said. "As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable, despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think with President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think well be examining those very closely this week," he added. The remarks come mere weeks after Trump met Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in an effort to advance a peace deal. Since then, Russia has continued its assault on Ukraine, launching fresh barrages of missiles and drones. Read also: Russia, China sign most ambitious Power of Siberia-2 pipeline deal On Aug. 28, Russia launched a mass attack against Ukraine, killing 25 people in Kyiv and injuring 63 people, including 11 children. U.S. lawmakers have already signaled they are ready to impose tough sanctions if peace efforts collapse. Experts told Fox News Digital last week that Putin may be using negotiations to buy time while pressing ahead with his military campaign and attempting to avoid secondary sanctions threatened by Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessent was also asked about the U.S.-India relationship following the administrations decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods, citing Indias purchases of Russian oil that Washington argues help finance the war. The comments came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian and Chinese leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. This is a longstanding meeting, its called the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and I think its largely performative, Bessent said. I think at the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to Chinas than to Russias. "But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine, Bessent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Kyiv names managers for U.S.-Ukraine investment fund ahead of first meeting Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for frozen pizza sold at Trader Joes because it was sold without the benefit of import reinspection. The Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza was imported from Italy, but not presented for FSIS import reinspection. The import reinspection is required by the USDA after border inspection and animal and plant health inspection. During this inspection, FSIS ensures the products are properly certified, then examines the shipment for general condition and labeling. How To Identify the Impacted Trader Joe's Pizza The TJs pizzas were sold at retail locations in California and can be identified by the following information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trader Joes Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Product of Italy with MFG lot 06/16/25 and best-by date 08/16/26 or MFG lot 06/21/25 and best-by date 8/21/26 The box also includes the Italy establishment number IT 1558 L UE inside the Italian mark of inspection on the front of the package. FSIS has label images on its site to help identify the pizzas. What To Do if You Have the Impacted Trader Joe's Pizza FSIS has not issued a recall because the product is no longer being sold at Trader Joes stores. However, if you have the pizza in your freezer, you should not consume it. Instead, throw the frozen pizza away or return it to Trader Joes for a refund. At this time, no illnesses or adverse effects have been reported from eating the pizza. For any questions regarding the health alert, contact Trader Joes Customer Relations at: 626-599-3817. Read the original article on Allrecipes In the global race to reduce plastic pollution, manage packaging waste, and create new jobs in the process, the United States risks falling behind - not because of a lack of innovation, but because of outdated federal regulations. At the heart of the problem lies a little-known provision in the USDAs National Organic Program (NOP) that is stifling the adoption of compostable packaging, even as states like California push forward with ambitious waste reduction goals. The NOP was established under the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990. It sets and enforces standards for organically produced agricultural products in the U.S. including provisions for what feedstocks can be used to produce compost certified as organic. As this framework is over 25 years old, it does not contain updated definitions that allow for safe, compostable packaging now available on the market to be used in organic compost. Compostable packaging is responsible for increasing the diversion of more nutrient-rich food scraps to compost, meaning there is a valuable compost feedstock being left out of the production of organic compost. In California, the NOP definitions have proven to be a hurdle. California statute, established by AB 1201(from 2021), requires that any product labeled as compostable or home compostable must meet certain regulatory requirements. It must obtain third-party certification. It must contain no intentionally added PFAS (a group of toxic chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment). It must be limited to packaging directly associated with food and organic waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This well-intentioned law also ties its definition of compostable packaging to the USDA NOP standards. That means if the USDA doesnt define compostable products as allowable under its NOP rules, they cant be sold as compostable in California, which is the worlds fourth-largest economy. Instead of encouraging innovation and economic growth, the USDAs rigid rules on compost feedstocks are instead creating confusion and uncertainty in the marketplace. Take, for example, CJ Biomaterials and its product, PHACT, which is a bioplastic made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a naturally occurring polymer produced through fermentation of plant-based sugars. PHACT is certified as fully biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and can be composted both industrially and at home. It represents the kind of breakthrough technology for safe, non-toxic materials that the U.S. should be championing. California recently granted an 18-month extension on implementation of AB 1201s NOP provision signaling recognition of the need for compostable products in California. However, the challenge now is securing a permanent federal fix. Without federal action, companies like CJ Biomaterials face the prospect of being locked out of key markets despite offering technically advanced and environmentally superior products. In addition to the manufacturers of compostable polymers and products, a large set of stakeholders will be helped by the definition change, including restaurants, organic farmers and growers, schools and colleges that serve millions of meals per day, infrastructure and equipment manufacturers, consumers who need foodservice and food packaging, governments that want to reduce organic materials in landfills and have to manage large volumes of packaging and food waste, and the chemical industry, which has invested significantly in developing compostable alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The irony is that compostable packaging is exactly what California, and other states need to meet their climate and waste diversion goals. Compostable materials not only reduce landfill waste but also help divert food scraps one of the largest sources of emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas from landfills to composting facilities. Products like PHACT are particularly well-suited for food packaging, utensils and flexible films that often contain food residue and therefore are inherently ideal for composting. The USDA must act. It should revise the NOP to allow for the use of compostable products as a feedstock. This change will reflect modern materials science and the evolving role of compost as a solution for addressing both food and packaging waste. USDA should also work with industry stakeholders, composters and state regulators to develop clear, science-based standards supporting the growth of compostable packaging while protecting compost quality and end markets. This is not just an environmental issue; its an economic and national security one. Bioplastics like PHA are made from crops such as corn, canola, and sugar beets, and have the potential to create new markets for American farmers and rural communities. Bioplastics support both agriculture and domestic manufacturing. The U.S. has the opportunity to lead in this critical sector, but only if federal policy keeps pace with innovation. We can create new jobs, build local and state economies and support an American industry that is virtually future proof. Other countries are moving quickly to support biopolymer manufacturing and compostable packaging. If the USDA does not fix outdated rules, the U.S. risks ceding industry leadership, and the jobs that come with it, to global geographies actively creating infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDAs NOP was never designed to regulate packaging. Its time to modernize it for the 21st century. Congress and the Trump administration should direct the USDA to initiate rulemaking that reflects todays compostable technologies and tomorrows economic goals. Max Senechal is the Chief Commercial Officer for CJ Biomaterials. I strongly disagree with Deputy Opinion Editor Jacob Stewart's column, Trump should dismantle USPS wed all be better off." Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution granted Congress the authority to establish a postal service. The U.S. Postal Service now provides the infrastructure, legal framework and logistical reach necessary to serve nearly every address in the U.S. Read the original column: Trump should dismantle the U.S. Postal Service we'd all be better off Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Stewart suggests that private companies like UPS, FedEx and Amazon could do the job more efficiently, USPS is generally cheaper for packages under 12 ounces. Unlike the USPS, private carriers do not provide legally recognized proof of delivery and cannot handle classified materials or official documents such as court summonses, tax notices or property liens. They are not required to deliver or accept anything. FILE PHOTO: A United States Postal Service (USPS) mailbox is pictured in Pasadena, California, U.S., August 17, 2020. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo That being said, the USPS is stuck with prices dictated by lawmakers who often refuse to authorize necessary changes, while private carriers can adjust rates as they see fit. As a result, USPS frequently handles last-mile delivery for companies like FedEx and Amazon for below market value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, despite a $9.5 billion net loss in 2024 on a $79.5 billion budget, USPS receives minimal funding from taxes. More from Jacob Stewart: Public media funding cuts create fair competition for local news in Indiana Its operations are financed by postage and service fees. Raising the cost of a stamp by 12% to just 87 cents could eliminate the deficit while keeping USPS much cheaper and more capable than private carriers. Stewart also suggests the government could pay for a year of Starlink internet for 11.5 million households for about the same amount USPS loses annually. This comparison ignores the $90 billion in annual services the USPS delivers to individuals, businesses, private carriers and the government itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USPS is not an investment. It is a public service that is vital, reliable and unmatched in scope and accessibility. Calls to dismantle it ignore both its foundational role in American infrastructure and the protections built into our founding documents. James Sluka lives in Bargersville. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: USPS provides vital service FedEx, UPS can't | Letters SOUTHERN UTAH (ABC4) The Humane Society of Utah is working to provide low-cost spay and neuter services to the public. Across the country, animal shelters are reporting that fewer pets are coming in already spayed or neutered. The Humane Society of Utah has also seen this and is reporting that numbers have dropped over the last five years, meaning more litters and an increased strain on shelters. Guinnevere Shuster with Humane Society says, It also means that it takes longer for these animals to move through the shelter system. The animals that come to us that have already been spayed and neutered, you know, they can go right up for adoption. They have a much shorter length of stay in the shelter, which also helps them from behaviorally declining in the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a national report, only 22% of dogs and cats were already spayed or neutered when they arrived at a shelter. In comparison, in 2019, 30% were spayed or neutered. In order to get neuter and spay numbers up, the Humane Society is expanding low-cost options, including with their last litter program. If you have a cat or dog, mama dog who has recently given birth, you can reach out to us and we will help set you up in getting that animal spayed or neutered for $100 and also surrendering the litter over to us, Shuster said, We will make sure that litter is all spayed and neutered before theyre put up for adoption. And then we will return that mother dog [or cat] back to you. In addition to controlling the population, spaying and neutering pets also provides health benefits and reduce potential strays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shuster says, Often pets who are not neutered are going to look to escape. They might have some undesirable behaviors like marking, but theres also health benefits. Theres cancers that are prevented. She also explained, Theres something that they can have thats called a truck, which can actually turn out to be pretty deadly and the easiest way to prevent that is to spay them. Utah Humane Society says it is best to neuter or spay their animals early, before they have a chance to reproduce. We really encourage people to look into getting your pet spayed or neutered, you know, before theyre even a year old, because before you know it, it can happen. And even if its not intentional, it can still happen, Shuster concluded. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Some Hawesville residents might face traffic delays. A utility company in Hancock County has advised the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) that they will be blocking one lane of KY 1389 for two to three hours Tuesday from 8:16 a.m. as crews make repairs to a busted water line. Overnight road closure planned for U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County The lane closure will be between the 7.5-7.6 mile points, between Mason Street and Sycamore Lane in Hawesville. (Courtesy: KYTC) Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A plan to build a power transmission line in Madison and Jackson counties is raising concerns about the effect on the view from the Pinnacles, a popular hiking destination and overlook in the Berea College Forest. This is the view to the east from the Pinnacles. (Photo by Whitney McKnight, The Edge) BEREA Five property owners in Madison Countys Big Hill, Pilot Knob and Red Lick communities plus a few more in adjoining Jackson County were among the last to know the details of a plan to build a nearly nine-mile long transmission line through their respective properties. Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperatives first public announcement that it would construct the 69 kilovolt Big Hill-Three Links line (aka, the Big Hill line), and a substation on Red Lick Road, came in the form of a legally mandated letter, sent in September 2023, to area residents determined by the co-op to be most impacted by the development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter told of a meeting to be held a couple of weeks later at Berea Colleges Forestry Outreach Center where all would be explained. The letter did not reach all relevant addresses, instead arriving at several homes which were not in the direct path of the transmission line. But word spread quickly among neighbors, and on the night of the meeting, the room was filled to overflowing with people who wanted answers to their many questions. Questions such as, why had no one in the neighborhood been consulted about the plan for the power line before it was determined? What did this mean for property values? What about the view from the Pinnacles? What might be the impact on the watershed for Owsley Fork reservoir, the primary water source for much of the county and all of Berea? Would the line adversely impact tourism in an area popular with outdoor enthusiasts? Area resident Nicole Garneau recalled the scene in an interview with The Edge. We all came with our questions, but it wasnt a real meeting. EKPC had little stations where it was one of their people to one of ours. It was divide and conquer. Its not like there were chairs arranged so we could sit together and listen to someone talk to everyone all at once and answer our questions so everyone could hear the answer. In September 2023, residents of Big Hill and Red Lick in southern Madison County crowded around representatives (far right, in blue polo shirts) from Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative to demand answers about a transmission line to be built through the Owsley Fork reservoir watershed. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Garneau/The Edge) Garneau, who lives in Clear Creek, does not own property directly impacted by the line, but says she enjoys spending time in the wooded landscape that surrounds the reservoir and on the Pinnacles, a network of trails in the Berea College Forest leading to sweeping views from popular overlooks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She began walking around the room where the meeting was being held, waving protest signs she and others had made in advance of the meeting. Then she grabbed a microphone and demanded the representatives from the power co-op face the crowd. That night at the Forestry Outreach Center marks the beginning of a now two-years long struggle to demand the power cooperative listen to its member constituents and be transparent about its movements to build the line. Their success, however, has been minimal according to some. One thing the Big Hill Line exemplifies is the inability of the people to be able to actually participate in the government, activist and Berean Bugz Fraugg told The Edge in a text. People were willing to come together to understand the project and to negotiate. EKPC has been unwilling to have frank conversations with concerned constituents that will be impacted by the Big Hill Line, whether or not they are land owners. Poor communication seems to be their strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amber Falle and her husband, Marty, Jackson County property owners who are being sued by EKPC in an eminent domain case, are among those who believe the power cooperative deliberately avoids communicating clearly about its intentions. We never got that letter they supposedly sent out in September, Amber told The Edge in an interview. We didnt get a letter until February 2024, she said. Robert McNamara, deputy litigation director for The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit public interest law firm in the Washington, D.C. area, told The Edge in an interview that property owners potentially impacted by eminent domain are typically given as little information as possible by the entity doing the taking. They are likely the last to know about plans that might involve condemnation, he said. Condemnation is the technical term for when land is taken for public use. Increased demand for power EKPC, along with other power utilities across the state, are under pressure to improve and expand Kentuckys aging power grid, particularly as demand for energy increases to support the Beshear administrations bid for rapid high-tech industrial growth across the commonwealth. Clear Creek resident Nicole Garneau hoists a sign opposing the Big Hill line. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Garneau/The Edge) Federal statistics show that Kentucky is already one of the nations most energy-intensive economies, ranking among the top 10 states for amount of energy used per dollar of gross domestic product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry is the states largest energy consumer, accounting for more than a third of all end-use energy consumption statewide. Add in the states new electric vehicle battery factories, plus the increasing number of data centers and that usage is predicted by EKPCs regional transmission organization to soar. EKPC is part of the regional grid known as PJM, so-named for its original founding states, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. The PJM regional transmission organization now includes Kentucky, several other states and the District of Columbia. PJMs long range forecast released earlier this year is for summer peak energy demand in the region to more than triple in the next 15 years, from 70,000 megawatts, to 220,000 megawatts. The PJM notes in its report that current energy usage projections equal the fastest rising demand for power since 2006, and specifies data centers and EV battery manufacturing as key to this trend. EKPC is taking steps to prevent outages from happening, EKPC spokesperson, Nick Comer, told The Edge in an email. During extreme cold weather in January 2025, high electricity usage caused substation equipment [serving the southern end of the county] to operate near its capacity, threatening overload, which could cause power outages for homes and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comer said that the majority of the power cooperative members in the southeastern part of Madison County are served by a substation that currently serves 4,100 meters, more than any other substation in EKPCs system. Once the Big Hill line is completed, only about 1,500 meters will be connected to the substation on Red Lick Road, he said. This will provide more flexibility to serve these homes with electricity from either the south or the north, reducing the risk of outages, Comer said. Questions about the line remain The power co-op claims it has accommodated local residents impacted by the line. EKPC has listened and responded to the concerns of the community and affected property owners about potential impacts of this project, Comer wrote in the email. EKPC is taking reasonable steps to mitigate impacts while ensuring reliable electric service. Opponents disagree. Pilot Knob is seen in the background of a balsam growing in the shallows of the Owsley Fork reservoir. This is the Pilot Knob in Madison County not the one in Powell County that is a state nature preserve. (Photo by Whitney McKnight/The Edge) When the power co-op sued Berea College earlier this summer to condemn less than a mile of the forest to build a portion of the transmission line, the college responded by demanding answers to multiple questions about how and why EKPC planned to build the line, and what other alternatives exist questions, the college said in a statement, it has been asking the power utility to answer since the outset in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The colleges response to EKPCs complaint, filed with the Madison County Circuit Court, also demanded a slew of documents the college said EKPC had previously been unwilling to produce, including proof of an environmental impact study. The utility has until Sept. 15 to respond, but has since issued a public statement indicating it has conducted a federally stipulated environmental study, saying the study has been, reviewed and approved by the Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The statement also reiterated that the power co-op, has listened and responded to the concerns of the community and affected property owners about potential impacts of this project. Previous attempts by the Kentucky Resource Council to receive evidence of an environmental impact study also went unanswered in the past. Potential environmental impacts The Edge requested a copy of the impact report from EKPC but did not receive it. A letter from the U.S. Department of the Interiors Fish and Wildlife Divisions Kentucky field office, however, indicates it assessed the area to be impacted by the line and that while several species of bats possibly may be imperiled the Indiana bat in particular, is likely to be adversely impacted other damage would be minimal. EKPC has not publicly addressed the matter of the potential fate of the Indiana bats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the statement, EKPC did however, address concerns about the line marring the viewshed from the Pinnacles, saying the line would be screened largely (but not entirely) by Pilot Knob. In the statement, the utility dodged the questions of how the line might impinge on the bucolic feel of Windswept, the Colleges retreat and conference center overlooking Owsley Fork reservoir, also home to an observatory. The College demanded an answer in its response to EKPCs suit. The city of Berea had contracted an engineering firm to assess the lines potential impact on the water quality of the reservoir, the source for the citys water. The engineering report concluded the line would not result in a significant enough impact on water quality. Therefore, EKPC pledged in its statement to follow the firms best practices for vegetation management around the transmission lines. EKPC is continuing right-of-way acquisition and plans to commence clearing and construction in 2026, Comer said. This story is republished from The Edge, based in Berea. An aerial view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. (Photo courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel) As the countdown to this falls high-stakes elections continues, advocates are calling on the next governor of Virginia and state lawmakers to continue efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay from pollution and to work to fight climate change impacts for Virginians and wildlife. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), an independent conservation organization, held a press conference last week to discuss ways they hope the next governor will ramp up efforts to protect the bay and continue programs that are already in place. The agency said this election comes at a pivotal time for Virginia, where federal shifts have led to major shakeups including lost flood mitigation and clean energy funding, as House of Delegates and gubernatorial candidates priorities take shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also about making sure that we have drinking water that is clean and ensuring that clean streams and rivers are available for our kids to enjoy for years to come, said CBF Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore. Its also important that we make sure through these efforts, that our homes and our businesses are protected from damaging floods and extreme weather events that are becoming more common here in the Chesapeake Bay region. They have put together a five-point action plan to preserve the natural resource that so many in the commonwealth depend on. Restoring and protecting waterways The state of Virginia has been a part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed agreement for a decade. That agreement between states surrounding the bay aims to reduce the amount of pollution and sediment runoff in the bay, restore habitats for key species, adapt communities to be more climate resilient, and expand education around bay conservation. One of the Bay Foundations recommendations is to make the pilot Pay-For-Outcomes Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction grant program permanent. Businesses, nonprofits, individuals, or local governments could apply for grants to reduce the amount of nitrogen or phosphorus flowing into the watershed. An initial $20 million had been put toward the one-year program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBF also urges the protection and restoration of Virginias wetlands that have been steadily shrinking. Recent studies have shown that the state could lose up to 78% of its wetlands by the end of the century due to rising sea levels. Wetlands can be the first line of defense when it comes to storm surge and protecting habitats within the bay. That is an unsustainable path, and we have got to turn that trend around, so we are calling on the next administration to take bold action, both legislatively and in the budget to expand the restoration and creation of wetlands, living shorelines, and green spaces, said Jay Ford, CBF Virginia policy manager. Becoming more climate resilient Virginia faces serious threats from climate change ranging from extreme heat, flooding, powerful storms, and disease. Hampton Roads is especially susceptible to flooding dangers as sea levels rise and rain amounts increase. The next governors administration will undoubtedly need to address these issues when she takes office. In a sit-down interview with the Mercury in August, Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger said she would return Virginia to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative that had been bringing in funds to help with flooding mitigation and other resiliency projects. In a wide-ranging interview at her campaign headquarters on Aug. 5, Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger discussed her priority policy plans should she win the November election. Her opponent is Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. (Photo by Marcus Ingram for the Virginia Mercury) Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears had agreed to an interview but canceled it less than an hour before it was scheduled to start, and has not responded to questions about her climate resilience plans or any queries for this story. She has publicly stated her support for the states removal from the RGGI program, saying it was an unjust tax on Virginians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBF states there should be more resources in place for homeowners to access to make their homes more resilient against flooding and heat. There are also existing agricultural programs to help farmers get grants to plant cover crops and other methods to aid in reducing land erosion that the organization would like to see continue. Virginia is simply not prepared for climate change, and the federal government is pulling back at a time we need to be leaning in. Our next governor will need to help us catch up and make Virginia a national leader on climate adaptation, Ford said. Earle-Sears has not clearly laid out an agenda for climate resiliency or flood mitigation, but she has remarked on her all of the above energy policy, which does include building out fossil fuel infrastructure as part of the plan. Safeguarding Virginias diverse landscape Virginia boasts forestland, mountains, and coastal elements to its rich landscape. CBF would like the next governor and General Assembly to modernize the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. The law gives the Department of Environmental Quality the authority to review state and federal projects to ensure they are built in a manner that preserves water quality. The law was last amended in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wed like to see it include more stringent conditions for allowing building in or removal of the CBPA buffers in the future, Ford said. This is just a recognition of the changes that are coming with climate change as these waters continue to move further up the shoreline. As forestland and wetlands are impacted by climate change, the CBF also wants to see an expansion of programs to protect tree canopies while respecting local authority under the Dillon rule. Invest in farmers The General Assembly has continued to increase the amount of funding for a grant program that allows farmers to opt in to sustainable farming measures to cut down on pollutants. This year, $223 million was put into the program. Farmers can apply for up to $300,000 in cost-share funds to select from 60 different projects all aimed at protecting water quality in the bay. The Commonwealth should work with the farmers and a research community to identify and target pollution hotspots that are prone to discharging excess nutrients, Ford said. The water runs off the land differently, all over the place, and we have the great tools available to us now to know how we can best deploy these limited tax dollars and make sure Virginias getting the most bang for our buck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanberger served in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and chaired the Conservation and Forestry subcommittee and is keen to continue that type of work in the commonwealth. Abigail brought Virginia producers, business owners, and community leaders together to strengthen voluntary conservation programs. Abigail supports strengthening voluntary, state-level programs to help Virginia farmers and producers reduce runoff and improve water quality, a spokesperson for the Spanberger campaign said. Hold polluters accountable CBF said the next administration must take a serious step towards managing PFAS, or forever chemicals, and microplastics that pose a serious threat to the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways in the state. Amid federal rollbacks of policies aimed at reducing pollution and emissions, CBF said it is time for the state to step in and ramp up. A Spanberger spokesperson said she has met with the CBF and others about this and will make sure conservation efforts are working as intended, and that businesses are following the law, if she is elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford said there has been wide support for clean water initiatives, however, many lawmakers and local governments have differing ideas on what they feel is the best way to manage water quality. He said their organization has struggled the most in making headway in the General Assembly around the management of PFAS. The longer answer is the devils in the details, and we need to make sure we get everyone swimming in the same direction on these items, and thats why were trying to jump out early before weve had an election, before we know who our new governor (and) a new general assembly is, and really set a roadmap for them to follow over the next couple of years, Ford said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) With a mostly dry summer and not much interference from hurricanes, it should have been a booming summer season at Virginia Beachs Oveanfront. But did it show in our local hotels and restaurants? Labor Day weekend has been really good for us, Coastal Edge president Deepak Nachnani told 10 On Your Side Monday. Weve had great traffic, great weather [and] beautiful beach conditions, and that always makes for a fantastic guest experience. But if you ask about the summer season as a whole, Oceanfront businesses owners arent exaclty shouting from the rooftops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall summer, well probably end up being single digits ahead of last year, so Im really pleased with that, Nachnani said. Ocean Eddys owner Jeff Hague said it was difficult to tell how his business did this summer. When we compare our numbers with last year, we are up in our total sales, Hague said. However, our costs are also up, so,its kind of hard to gauge at this point exactly where we are. Though numbers are up when you step inside Ocean Eddys, its owner noticed something interesting once you stepped outside. It definitely just didnt seem as busy at the Oceanfront this summer as it has been in previous years, Hague said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And locals noticed it, too. It was very scarce, said Chesapeake native Christy Marciano. Only when the festivals happen. Perhaps one reason there were fewer people, at least anecdotally, than in years past, is due to the cost being cheaper somewhere else. People are not spending as much, or theyre going south, cause its cheaper to go down to Florida than it is to come here, Virginia Beach resident Ray Hunt said. As a result, vacationers are cutting corners or rather, cutting vacations short. Perhaps there arent as many people who are staying here for an entire week, there are more weekend getaways, Hague said, whereas in the past, it seems like we would have customers come in at the beginning of the week and wed see them every day for a whole week and then they go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Nachnani: During the week, Monday through Thursday has been a little slower. However, theyre still hoping for a strong offseason. All the events like Neptune Festival, and were doing Fil Fest 2025, which will be incredible, Nachnani said. But only time will tell. Its always about the economy, right, Hague said. Hague mentioned prices for food are going up he said theyll keep an eye on them and determine if theyll have to make changes to menu items going into the offseason. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Are you finding job-hunting impossible in the current market? We want to hear how it has affected you email us at money@telegraph.co.uk* When lay-offs hit my role as a senior copywriter at Virgin Media O2 in August 2023, I knew the job hunt wouldnt be easy. But two years, a drained bank account and a psychiatric unit later, I never imagined it would be this brutal. After a year or so of mass layoffs at major tech firms including Meta, Microsoft and Google amid many others Virgin Media O2 followed suit, giving 2,000 workers 12pc of its workforce the chop. I lost jobs during the credit crunch and pandemic, but I found a new role with relative ease. This time it has been different. After the recent bloodbath of redundancies, those crises seem to pale compared with the challenges of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK unemployment stands at 4.7pc the highest since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics. Nearly 90,000 redundancies were made between March and May alone. Vacancies have plunged. Employers are holding back hiring amid uncertainty. Recruiters say placements fell in June at the fastest rate in nearly two years down 145,000 from a year ago and still below pre-pandemic levels. There are now 2.3 unemployed people per job vacancy, up from 1.7 before the pandemic. Five hundred applicants per role is now the norm. Its brutal out there. Once youve applied, you rarely hear back. Six in 10 jobseekers get no feedback after interviews, HR trade body the CIPD found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need to be superhuman to job hunt now without letting it grind you down. Ive applied for over 5,000 jobs on LinkedIn alone. Hours go into tweaking my CV, writing cover letters and answering irrelevant diversity questions about whether I believe in God and whether I fancy men, women or both. Yet I could count on my fingers the number of interviews Ive had. Ive applied for jobs outside my remit: retail, serving coffee, caring for the elderly. On the odd occasion Ive received feedback, the rejection is always because there are hundreds of people in front of me with more experience. Royal Mail turned me down for a cleaning job at a depot because they had a long line of applicants with cleaning experience. A pre-school turned me down for looking after children with autism and gave it to someone with experience. The only way I can think of to get a look-in is to lie on my CV. The endless effort with no return isnt a pain you can pinpoint like a toothache. It spreads everywhere mentally, physically, financially. The turmoil consumes your waking hours. It follows you to bed and seeps into your nightmares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This June, it became too much. My dad found me on the floor, curled in a ball, crying, self-harming and screaming that I didnt want to be here any more. I was admitted to a psychiatric unit. Behind every redundancy is a human being, and the effects go further than most boardrooms acknowledge. Unemployment has become a silent mental health crisis. Long-term unemployment increases suicide risk by around 2.6 times, according to research by the Samaritans and ONS. Economists estimate that 20-30pc of suicides globally are linked to unemployment. The despair doesnt always peak straight away. It often intensifies months later, when savings and hope run dry. The effect of endless effort seeps into every aspect of your life. I dont know where Id be without my parents help, says Joe Thats just the mental toll. Physically, the job loss has hit me hard. Ive had panic attacks so severe I struggled to breathe. I ground my teeth to the point of wearing a hole in one. I had eczema so bad I bled. My hair fell out and my blood pressure skyrocketed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financially, my debt has spiralled. I live in my overdraft and I have to rebuild my life from multiple levels below zero. I dont know where Id be without my parents help. All it would take to turn a corner would be a contracting job on the pre-pandemic rates of 350 a day. But recruiters never call and the contracting market has vanished. A permanent job would also be a start. But with salaries around the 35,000 mark, plus travel expenses from companies demanding a return to the office, it would be a long way back to normal for me. Given the job hunt and the free time that comes with unemployment, I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn. It isnt always the most pleasant place to be. The platform is glistening with other peoples success stories, and detractors lurk ready to tear me down for talking openly about my struggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one will employ you if you post about mental health, some say. Id steer clear because I wouldnt want a nutcase on my team. If you really wanted to work, youd just go and get a job stacking shelves. One media outlet dubbed me the unemployment influencer. Ive been invited to speak about my work crisis on BBC Radio 4. Some accuse me of monetising my situation and faking mental health struggles to get more work. How I wish that were true. But LinkedIn has given me purpose to: Normalise vulnerability, struggle and sadness especially among men, who usually bottle it up Encourage open conversations about mental health Banish the stigma around psychiatric medication Do what I can to lower the shocking suicide rate: one every 60 seconds Help fellow job seekers feel less alone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, and find work as a copywriter. It seems to be making a difference. Several of my LinkedIn posts about my struggles have gone viral, with one gaining over 11 million impressions. Almost 40,000 people follow me on the website. Ive had messages from people whose lives have been touched by suicide. Parents who have lost sons and women who have lost husbands have thanked me for raising awareness. A message from one man stands out in my mind. This year, he was diagnosed with cancer, separated from his wife, lost his home and his job. He told me it had reached the point where he didnt want to wake up in the mornings, but my posts had given him a reason to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I admit Im desperate. Im desperate to get my life, finances and mental health back to a place I can control. Millions are struggling. Yet too many stay silent, afraid of being seen as weak. So its time for us to stop shaming struggle. Its time for us to normalise asking for help. Im confident every business still needs me. Nothing sells without words. Im hoping mine can lift me out of this doldrum. *Please note that by submitting your content to us, you are consenting to The Telegraph processing your personal data where required by law. For further details, please see our Privacy Notice. 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. Venezuela is at maximum preparedness in light of the U.S. military bolstering its maritime force in the Caribbean to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said. In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela, Maduro said during a press conference Monday, The Associated Press reported. Maduro described the deployment of several U.S. ships, a submarine and Marines as an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps administration has seven warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, more than 4,500 Marines and sailors near Venezuela or are about to be, a U.S. Defense official confirmed to The Hills sister network NewsNation over the weekend. Hes prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said of Trump. The U.S. has not indicated it is preparing a land invasion into Venezuela. Caracas has ordered 15,000 troops to the nations border. The Trump administration has characterized the buildup of Coast Guard and Navy ships as an anti-drug trafficking operation, one that has received backing from Venezuelas neighbor, Guyana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy has the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham, two Aegis guided-missile destroyers, already in the Caribbean, a defense official told the AP. Trump has supported utilizing the U.S. military to stifle the Latin American cartels he accuses of bolstering the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the country. Maduro said Monday a potential U.S. military operation against Venezuela will stain the presidents hands with blood. President Donald Trump: The pursuit of regime change is exhausted. It has failed as a policy worldwide. You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela, Maduro said, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Labor Days meaning and origins are often overlooked in comparison to the weekends retail sales and, for many, a day off of work. But Vermont labor officials Monday wanted to share their appreciation for Vermont workers. In Vermont, our economy and our communities are powered by hardworking people from the farmers who keep our tables stocked, to the builders shaping our towns, as well as the educators, health care workers, public servants, and small business employees who serve our neighbors daily, said Interim Commissioner Kendal Smith. Vermont Air National Guard prepares for September 7 open house Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor Days origins are disputed, but Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing it, back in 1887, and the first Monday in September became a federal holiday seven years later. Labor Day was intended by trade unionists as a time to celebrate the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations. One of the claimed originators of the holiday, labor activist Peter J. McGuire, was one of the major forces behind the standard eight-hour work day in the U.S., according to the AFL-CIO. Drought affects Vermont trees, could change fall colors More information about Labor Days history can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website. (Courtesy: U.S. Department of Labor) The department wrote that it is committed to ensuring that Vermonters receive fair and equitable treatment, that their workplaces are safe and free from retaliation, and that employment discrimination has no place in Vermont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lake County deputies have identified a suspect who is accused of killing a Eustis woman back in May. An arrest warrant has been issued against Shahidul Islam in the killing of Monica Islam. Authorities say he was already being held in federal custody for reentering the country illegally. The victims daughter, Rimi Islam, said it was unexpected because the suspect is her uncle. Theres no reason to kill someone, especially your sister-in-law, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt. John Herrell explained how Monica Islam wasnt getting along with her husband, Rashedul Islam, and his brother, Shahidul Islam. He said, The dispute centered on some property. Rimi Islam said her mother owned property in Bangladesh and told her father she was going to leave him in December. She said thats when things got violent. Rashedul battered her, stole some jewelry, stole the paperwork for that property, at which time Shahidul threatened her with a gun, Herrell said. Investigators say security footage shows Monica Islam walking out of work and into her husbands car after getting a call from him on May 2, which was the day she died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her body was found shortly thereafter on Wolf Branch Road, Herrell said. Herrell explained how local investigators learned he was already in federal custody, saying Shahidul Islam had a federal warrant for illegal reentry into the United States. He said after they learned he fled to New York in a rental car, U.S. marshals were able to catch up with him. Investigators say Rashedul Islam fled to Bangladesh before the arrest warrant was served for domestic violence. Rimi Islam wants justice. She said, I want them to get whatever they deserve because my mom didnt deserve that. Deputies say the victims husband was out of the country at the time of the murder and dont think he was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say they still have to wait for the U.S. marshals to finish dealing with the brother-in-laws charges before he can be extradited to Lake County and face charges locally. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Vietnam is ramping up its military presence in the contested South China Sea, satellite pictures suggest. Images show significant dredging and land-filling work in the Spratly Islands at Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef and Petley Reef. A runway also appears to be nearing completion on Barque Canada, the most developed of the reefs under Hanois control. New military outposts have also been pictured on another three established islands Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef and West Reef the scale of which means Vietnam is now a major rival to China in the strategic region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spratly Islands are a disputed archipelago of more than 100 islets and reefs located near the Philippine island of Palawan and Borneo. Many of the land masses being turned into military outposts were small sandbanks just years ago, before the mass dredging and landfill operation. Along with Vietnam and China, the island chain is also claimed by Taiwan and partially claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. As of March, Vietnam had developed 21 structures and approximately 70 per cent as much artificial land in the Spratlys as China. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said this is a stark change from just four years ago when the majority of the reefs hosted only isolated pillbox structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China claims nearly all of the South China Sea and over the last decade has asserted itself by turning small islands and reefs into military outposts. At least three reefs now host large runways under Beijings control, including Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef and Subi Reef. By asserting itself, China routinely faces off against surrounding countries, in particular with the Philippines. Most of the stand-offs are resolved relatively quickly with no bloodshed, but they have occasionally turned deadly. In 1973, 53 South Vietnamese troops were killed when a navy vessel sunk in a clash over the Paracel Island chain. Vietnams dredging and landfill operation is underway at several reefs in the Spratly Islands - CSIS/AMTI/MAXAR An AMTI report also notes that munition storages appear to have been constructed on each of Vietnams reefs, with the exception of Barque Canada, which has three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellite imagery also shows a recurring group of six buildings arranged in an identical pattern on three sides of a central courtyard, according to the report. On each reef, the six buildings face outward towards the water. Most of the islands have two sets, while Barque Canada appears to have four with a fifth under construction. Its unclear what these buildings will be used for, but their presence rules out the possibility of Vietnam building additional runways to fly in or out of the Spratlys. 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. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) Vietnam marked its National Day on Tuesday with its largest military parade in decades, as thousands packed the streets of the capital, Hanoi, after many camped overnight to witness the grand display marking 80 years of independence. The parade unfolded at Ba Dinh Square, the site where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on Sept. 2, 1945. Fighting resumed soon after as Vietnamese forces battled the French in the First Indochina War, which ended in 1954 when the country was divided into Communist North and U.S.-backed South. The Vietnam War followed, during which the Communist North fought the South and its American allies. That conflict ended when Communist forces captured Saigon on April 30, 1975 and the country was unified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnams top leader, Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, paid tribute to those who died in the fight for independence and reiterated the ruling party's goal that by 2045 Vietnam will be a powerful, prosperous and happy nation, calling it the aspiration of the entire nation, an oath of honor before history." We want to be a friend, be a trusted partner with all countries in the world, he said, adding that Hanoi would never compromise on independence or sovereignty. Columns of troops marched past as tanks, armored vehicles, and missile systems rumbled by. Helicopters flew overhead trailing giant Vietnamese flags followed by jets while a military band played martial tunes below. Officials said nearly 16,000 soldiers joined the event, including upgraded tanks, large artillery guns on vehicles, amphibious vehicles and missile systems made by a state-owned Vietnamese company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time, it also organized a televised naval parade off the coast of the port city of Cam Ranh in southern Vietnam, featuring warships, submarines, helicopters and sea planes. Honor guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia also joined the display, which Vietnamese state media said reflected the countrys international friendships. China is planning to hold a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the end of World War II. Crowds began arriving in Hanoi days in advance, and thousands camped on sidewalks Monday night to secure viewing spots. Videos of the parade went viral on social media and many gathered were in their twenties, wearing red shirts with yellow stars and cheering wildly as soldiers marched past while sipping iced boba tea. People waved the country's flag or painted it on their faces. Giant screens at intersections broadcast the parade while balconies across the city were draped with more flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something to be proud of, said Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, 22, who spent the night near Ba Dinh Square. Our grandparents fought for this. Now life is better. Vietnams transformation has been among Asias most striking. Since opening its economy in the late 1980s, the country has become a manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, and footwear, supplying global brands like Samsung and Nike. Poverty has dropped and the middle class is growing fast. But new challenges loom as the country tries to balance rapid growth with reforms, aging demographics, climate risks, weak institutions and U.S. pressure over its trade surplus. And it has to do all of this while balancing relations with major powers and asserting sovereignty in the South China Sea, where it has overlapping claims with its largest trade partner, China. By Phuong Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam celebrated the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule on Tuesday, with its largest military parade in decades, unprecedented cash handouts and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners. Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets of the capital Hanoi, most of whom were wearing red shirts and holding Vietnamese flags, in a strong show of nationalism in the Communist-run country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade showcased Vietnam's most advanced military equipment, including Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters, Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, and domestically produced drones. Thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and military personnel from China, Russia and other countries participated in the celebration. A separate event at sea featured Russian Kilo-class submarines and frigates. "We are unwavering in our commitment to defend the independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our Fatherland, down to every sacred inch of land," Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam said as he opened the parade. National leaders and foreign dignitaries, including top lawmakers from China and Russia, watched the military procession in Ba Dinh Square, where on September 2, 1945, revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh made his historical declaration of independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speech marked the foundation of an independent Vietnam after nearly a century of French colonial rule and a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, but the French did not recognise the new country and fought a decade-long war, which ended with their defeat in 1954. The United States sent a member of its embassy to the parade and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an emailed statement, congratulated Vietnam for the anniversary, noting the country had become "a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a leader in addressing shared global challenges." "I'm so glad, satisfied, and deeply moved to finally witness the marching troops pass by," said Hoang Thi Huyen, a 42-year-old Hanoi resident who camped on the pavement with her other four family members for nearly two days to secure a spot. "It was worth the wait. The troops and the fighter jets were amazing," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roads in the centre of Hanoi had been blocked for three working days for the rehearsals and the main parade. As part of anniversary festivities, Vietnam last week announced it would hand out 100,000 dong ($3.80) to each of its 100 million citizens, in an unprecedented package that could cost the country as much as $380 million. President Luong Cuong also announced last week a major amnesty for 13,920 prisoners who will be released before the end of their jail terms, including 66 foreigners. (Reporting by Phuong Nguyen, Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu; editing by Saad Sayeed) Tens of thousands of people gathered in Hanoi on Tuesday to witness a massive military parade marking 80 years since then-president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence. Tanks, missile launchers, amphibious vehicles and other hardware rolled past stands at Ba Dinh Square, where the revolutionary leader declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945. Borrowing the language of the American Declaration of Independence from 1776, Ho Chi Minh declared that "all men are created equal" before announcing the nation should throw off the yoke of French colonialism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, less than two months later, the French returned to Vietnam and fought the 12-year-long First Indochina War before the country was divided into South and North Vietnam in 1954. About 40,000 people took part in the Tuesday parade, including 24,000 civilians and 16,000 officers, who marched in formation alongside displays of fighter jets, helicopters, warships and submarines. Delegations from Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Belarus attended. Several European states declined invitations, with diplomats citing concerns over appearing at an event featuring Russian troops while Moscow's conflict with Kiev continues. In the days leading up to the anniversary, Hanoi's streets were lined with banners featuring the crimson national flag and the hammer-and-sickle emblem of the Communist Party, while many residents wore red T-shirts emblazoned with the Vietnamese flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam, once among the world's poorest nations, has transformed into one of the world's fastest-growing economies, producing electronics, textiles and agricultural goods such as coffee and rice. The country has become a key manufacturing base. VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Knox County community is invited to attend the annual Suicide Prevention Walk at Vincennes Universitys outdoor track. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and several agencies in the Vincennes area are coming together on September 6 to make an impact. The walk provides time for those affected by suicide to come together and share their stories and help with the healing process. The news release states that sharing these stories can provide insight and possible warning signs that can be used by others during a time of crisis. Community resource agencies will also be in attendance to provide information on programs and services. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. More than 49,000 people claimed their own lives in the U.S. in 2022. In 2022, statistics show 59.3 million people, or 1 in 5 adults, in the country struggle with mental health issues throughout the year. The release states that more than 1,100 Hoosiers die from suicide each year, and 13.2 million adults have serious thoughts of suicide across the country each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vincennes University collaborates with Walmart to train associates Check-in for the race begins at 8:30 a.m., and participants can choose their length from .5 miles, one mile, two miles, three miles, or five miles. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m., and the walk will begin following the ceremonial first lap led by members of the Wabash Valley Friendship Clubhouse. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, Knox County has a 24-hour mental health crisis line available at 1-833-644-3575. Services through the call center are provided by Family Health Centers Green Door Center. All services through the crisis center are voluntary, confidential, and free. Also available is the national 988 hotline that can connect crisis staff with those in need by text or call. For more information on the event, call or text 812-396-8808 or email mhakcindiana@gmail.com. To learn more about identifying warning signs of suicide ideation, visit this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) Northern Virginia firefighters swooped in to save a womans beloved pet toucan after the social media star hopped into a hard-to-reach hole behind her dishwasher over the weekend. Four Arlington firefighters at Station 5 in Crystal City received an abnormal call Sunday, asking if they would flock to a nearby apartment to free the exotic bird named Chester from an unknown alcove in the bird owners kitchen. Maria Stagliano and Chester the toucan pose in front of an Arlington County fire truck on Sept. 1, 2025. Perched on Maria Staglianos shoulder Monday, Chester showed off his flying colors to DC News Now outside Station 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There you go! Stagliano said as she perched Chester on the front of a fire engine. Toucan rescued after getting trapped behind appliance inside Arlington apartment The 8-year-old toucan ruffled Staglianos feathers after disappearing in a series of events she called clumsiness. I was cleaning my apartment, and I didnt realize Chester was in the bathroom with me, and he accidentally jumped over me and fell into the toilet. And, I freaked out because that was the first time in four years of having him (that) he has done that, she said. After his fall into the throne, Stagliano proceeded to give Chester a bath in the kitchen sink, only for the bird to hop out. So, he jumped and went on to my floor of my kitchen and tried to hide underneath the cabinets. I looked down and all of a sudden he was gone, and I was like, Where did my bird just go? Theres only so many places. I felt crazy, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still soaking wet from his accidental dip in the toilet and subsequent scrub in the sink, Chester had managed to squeeze himself into a dark hole, where Stagliano discovered he was stuck behind the dishwasher. Hes very active. So for him to just be, like, frozen in the back, standing there, like, just wet and scared, I mean, I couldnt get him out. I tried a raspberry. I tried throwing [his] rubber ducky in for him to play with. He did not want to move, she said. Sign up for a Halloween pet photo at Alexandria animal shelter At her beak-ing point, Stagliano said she tried to get building maintenance to help free Chester, and for some reason, they couldnt immediately assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats when she said she called Arlington County firefighters down the road, recalling, I think I said, Hi. I know this is going to sound like a strange call, and Im not sure if this is the right place to be talking to, but my building wont help me. My toucan is stuck somewhere in a little alcove behind the dishwasher.' Minutes later, four firefighters swooped in and rescued Chester. Stagliano took to social media, where the birds 590,000 Instagram followers and 832,000 TikTok fans could witness his ordeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew that rescued Chester was off-duty Monday on the Labor Day holiday when we dropped by the Station 5 fire hall. Stagliano says she and her shoulder-bound bestie plan to return and share their thanks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, walks through the Capitol during the 2022 Virginia legislative session. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) For more than thirty years, Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, has navigated Virginia politics with a simple motto: Be nice. The Republican, who was elected minority leader by his caucus in May, keeps a copy of the credo on his desk on the House floor and embodies it as he roams the halls of the Capitol, dishing out grins in the depths of February budget battles. Politically, Kilgores amiability translates into a willingness to cut deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help Southwest Virginias economy, he has embraced projects that are controversial within his own party and constituents, including Medicaid expansion, the legalization of casino gambling and a regional hospital monopoly. Kilgore declined an interview for this story. But in two interviews last year, he laid out a vision of politics built around compromise. If you get 60-70% of what you want, thats a win, Kilgore said in July 2024. A lot of folks dont see it that way. Kilgores deals sometimes benefit his donors, his family and himself. Hes sponsored bills that benefit his twin brother Jerry Kilgores lobbying clients and helped appoint allies to the local judicial bench. In 2018, his colleagues roasted him with an Overdog Award, complete with a trophy overflowing with campaign cash, for driving legislation that allowed Dominion Energy, his largest donor, to keep hundreds of millions in excess profits. The Kilgore twins as Gate City High School juniors in 1978 yearbook photos. (Photo by Ben Paviour/Virginia Mercury) Kilgores new role as the top Republican in the House of Delegates means hell have to strike his toughest deal yet in this Novembers elections: convincing swing voters to trust the GOP against the backdrop of President Donald Trumps continued unpopularity in the commonwealth. Kilgore is no personal danger in his ruby red district but he needs to help Republican candidates flip two swing seats to retake the House majority. Theyre seen as an underdog, with GOP gubernatorial hopeful Winsome Earle-Sears trailing Democrat Abigail Spanberger by 7% among likely voters in a recent poll from Roanoke College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilgores job wont be any easier in January, when the legislature convenes. The bipartisanship he championed for years has been strained by increasingly bitter battles over abortion, guns and surging energy demand. An increasing number of Democrats and some Republicans have taken a critical view of powerful special interests like Dominion Energy. Still, Chris Saxman, a former Republican delegate who served with Kilgore from 2002 to 2010 who now heads the pro-business advocacy group Virginia Free, said Kilgore was a very skilled operator who would pick his battles strategically. People confuse nice with weakness, and one should never do that with Terry Kilgore, Saxman said. The Dealmaker Kilgores politics are at least partly explained by his background in Scott County, on the Tennessee border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaped by isolation from Richmond parts of the region are closer to seven other states capitals Southwest Virginia defies easy political categorization. The region elected one of the two first women to serve in the General Assembly in 1923 and sometimes elected Republicans during Democratic Byrd Machines dominance in the early 20th century. Regional lawmakers from both parties learned to band together in farflung Richmond, according to Duane Miller, the longtime head of the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, which coordinates economic development projects. Southwest Virginias small political presence at the statehouse diminished further by population losses driven by the decline of coal made bipartisan cooperation essential to winning state attention to the regions needs, Miller said. Whether Richmond is a Democrat majority or a conservative majority, in Southwest Virginia, you have to be able to relate and get along with everybody because we have fewer voices, Miller said. Southwest Virginias rolling Appalachian mountains, seen here in Wise County near Big Stone Gap, have also helped isolate it from other parts of the state. (Photo by Ben Paviour/Virginia Mercury) Kilgores 1993 election to the House of Delegates made him the first Republican to represent the district since at least 1947. He found early ways to make his mark. Working with Jerry Kilgore, who served at the time as Gov. George Allens secretary of public safety, the brothers helped bring two high security prisons in the region that are now major employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Jerry lost the 2005 gubernatorial contest to Democrat Tim Kaine, Terry rose through the ranks of the House Republican majority, eventually assuming the chair of the powerful Commerce and Labor Committee and the Virginia Tobacco Commission. The commission helped bring broadband to Appalachian hollers, funded scholarships and helped set up Lincoln Memorial Universitys veterinary school, the largest private vet school in the U.S. Kilgore sidestepped pressure to run for Congress and turned down a federal judgeship. As a delegate, he felt he could do more for Southwest Virginia than he would on the bench or in Congress. I sort of got into a niche here, Kilgore said. The Virginia Way To Kilgores critics, that niche became a little too cozy emblematic of The Virginia Way. The phrase has sometimes been invoked proudly, to describe a form of political civility and pro-business legislative consensus in Virginia. But Jeff Thomas, author of The Virginia Way: Democracy and Power after 2016, argues that Virginia lawmakers have regularly prioritized donors interests over constituents, enabled by the commonwealths nearly unfettered campaign finance laws and lax ethics rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that [Kilgore] embodies a lot of whats wrong about Virginia politics, Thomas said. Kilgores deep ties to major donors, particularly Dominion Energy, have been a consistent theme in his career. As chair of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, Kilgore and commission members sent $30 million in economic development funds from 2012 to 2014 to help build a pipeline fueling a Dominion plant. VTCs own funding formulas called for giving less than a quarter of that amount. Kilgore also backed a $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in Wise County that Dominion completed in 2012, over the objections of environmentalists who said it was unnecessary. In 2020, with Democrats aiming to quickly retire a plant that operated at 22% of its capacity in 2019, Kilgore struck a deal with the party to delay the plants closure a move he said was necessary to fund local government services. In exchange, he was the only House Republican to vote for the sweeping Virginia Clean Economy Act, a Democratic priority aimed at decarbonizing the electric grid by 2050. At some points, Kilgores legislative causes have overlapped with his brother Jerrys lobbying clients. Terry Kilgore sponsored 2024 legislation aimed at legalizing gaming terminals at convenience stores. Jerry Kilgores lobbying clients included Pace-O-Matic, a key driver of the bill and, through an affiliated industry group, Del. Kilgores second largest donor last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When one of Jerry Kilgores clients and Del. Kilgores donors, Mountain State Health Alliance, wanted to advance a merger with a rival hospital system, Terry Kilgore sponsored 2015 legislation allowing the change and led public hearings before it was ultimately approved by the state health commissioner in 2017, over the objections of federal regulators. The resulting company, Ballad Health, has drawn criticism for failing to meet many of the benchmarks set by regulators. Nonetheless, state regulatory filings show Jerry Kilgore, who has continued to lobby for Ballad, unsuccessfully pushed for reduced state oversight of the company as recently as 2023. The delegate said he and his brother dont always agree on everything and noted Ballad made good on its promises to re-open a shuttered Lee County hospital. Arguably the biggest nexus for Kilgores regional political clout is his law firm, headquartered out of a sturdy former bank in downtown Gate City. Del. Kilgores law firm sits in downtown Gate City, a ten minute drive to the Tennessee border. (Photo by Ben Paviour/Virginia Mercury) Across the street at the Scott County Court, Kilgore argues cases in front of judges whom he helped appoint. In Virginia, local delegations of lawmakers pick local judges in a largely closed-door process. Kilgore and other practicing lawyer-lawmakers have an unusual relationship with the bench, who hear their cases and require lawmakers support to retain their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Virginias judgeships are stocked with people Kilgore knows well, including his former officemate, two former associates who worked for his firm and a former colleague in the House Republican caucus. Given the many factors that go into court cases, its difficult to definitively determine whether those ties have given Kilgores clients a leg up. Kilgore said he gets basically what everyone else gets when it comes to legal outcomes. But the appointment process has presented other opportunities. In 2021, Kilgore and other local lawmakers appointed Scott Countys top prosecutor to the bench. Kilgores son, Kyle Kilgore, whod finished law school two years before, ran for the vacant commonwealths attorney seat and won an uncontested race. In 2023, local lawmakers appointed their colleague, then-delegate Jeff Campbell, to the bench. Kilgore subsequently purchased Campbells law firm. The move allowed Kilgore to pick up Campbells clients and, together with a merger with a law firm in Blacksburg, expand the reach of his practice to become among the regions largest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilgores legal clients have sometimes had a distinctly political tint. When China Machinery Engineering Corp. of Beijing sought to build an arena in Virginia Beach in 2013, they hired Terry Kilgore, who lived a seven-hour drive away, as an attorney news first reported by the defunct news site watchdog.org, which said Kilgore signed a contract with the company worth $1.2 million. Kilgore said that the true total was nowhere close to that amount. The attorney said that hed been brought on to the project because his firm knew some people who knew some people in Virginia Beach but that his work on the project, which never got off the ground, had been limited. More recently, Kilgore has provided legal representation to Clyde Stacy, a local coal mining magnate whose 2023 plan to bring a private landfill to Russell County generated a groundswell of local opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the plan was being considered by the countys board of supervisors, Kilgore became the boards attorney, and in at least one case, attempted to squelch criticism of the project, leading some activists to accuse him of having a conflict of interest. Kilgore said hed recused himself from all landfill business. Kilgores law office doubles as his legislative office in Gate City. (Photo by Ben Paviour/Virginia Mercury) A purple state battleground Kilgores new position may bring more scrutiny to future deals. But his immediate task is to raise lots of money and help swing-district Republicans win tough suburban races. Its not going to be easy. In last years presidential elections, Kamala Harris carried 59 of the states 100 House districts, according to an analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project. The Roanoke College poll found 56% of Virginia residents disapproved of Trumps job as president. In Kilgores view, Virginias political landscape has changed since Trumps first term, when Republicans lost control of the House for the first time in over 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps doing a lot better, Kilgore told conservative talk show host John Fredericks in July. Our economys just running on all cylinders right now. Kilgore has never come across as a MAGA diehard. But how he handles Trumps policies the tariffs, the cuts to Medicaid, the immigration raids, the firing of federal workers may help define his legacy. For Democrats like Del. Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, who spent decades working alongside Kilgore, it can be difficult to square the Republicans personal warmth with Trumps politics. She said Kilgores new position means hell be asked to own the presidents policies or risk provoking his caucus and the White House. My bet is that the Terry that Ive seen for so long will not change into the aggressive partisan spokesman, she said. The issue is whether or not the Republican House caucus is going to be satisfied with whats in front of the camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also not clear how long Kilgore will want the job. The Republican is the first to admit he is in the twilight of his political career. I cant do it too much longer, he said in a July, 2024 interview. For now, Kilgores Subaru Crosstrek is criss-crossing the state, hitting fundraisers from Chesapeake to Harrisonburg. Saxman, the former delegate, said Kilgore was one of a handful of politicians he knows who seemed to genuinely enjoy politics. They have this glint in their eye, Saxman said. They just love what they do and theyre really good at it and the people around them really like them, too. Natural Tunnel State Park is a major tourism draw in Scott County, where Del. Kilgore grew up and continues to live today. (Photo by Ben Paviour/Virginia Mercury) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Davidson County once again led the state in tourism spending, with visitors generating about $30,000 per day in 2024, according to new numbers released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. But nearby, Sumner County is also climbing the ranks, holding its spot as the 14th most-visited county out of Tennessees 95 counties. Direct visitor spending there reached $221 million this year, nearly $5 million more than in 2023. Gov. Bill Lee speaks on preserving land, creating new state parks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve held our ranking in the state amongst all the counties, whereas others have dropped, said Sumner Countys executive director of tourism, Mark Efros. Were still number 14 and hoping to move up over time, but it was a good increase this year. The county is leaning on its history, lakefront views, and outdoor attractions to draw visitors. Hendersonville leaders point to Old Hickory Lake and local parks honoring stars like Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, and June Carter Cash. Meanwhile, Gallatin promotes its historic downtown square, boutique shopping, and cultural ties to figures like President Andrew Jackson. Gallatin is just a really fun place to kind of get away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville and really experience a lot of fun outdoor activities and really rich history and an adorable shopping experience in our downtown square, said Gallatin Tourism Director Jenna Landstrom. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Tourism leaders said the next push will be to attract more overnight visitors by expanding hotel options, rather than relying mostly on day trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited for the future, Landstrom said. Weve got some projects lined up in mind to help maybe get some more hotels into our area to help increase those overnight stays, and were just really excited about where the future of Sumner tourism is going. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On the afternoon of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, 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 China and Turkmenistan are good partners that trust each other. The two countries complement each others strengths through their cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results. China stands ready to deepen cooperation and exchanges with Turkmenistan and build a China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future. President Xi emphasized that China supports Turkmenistans policy of permanent neutrality, and its efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two sides should increase natural gas cooperation, continue expanding cooperation in non-resource sectors, enhance connectivity, accelerate the development of the Luban Workshop and establishment of cultural centers in each others country, strengthen coordination and collaboration within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the China-Central Asia mechanism, and work for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation. Both China and Turkmenistan made great sacrifices for the victory in World War II. The two sides should resolutely safeguard the fruits of the victory in the War, and jointly uphold world peace. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his pleasure to visit China for the SCO Tianjin Summit, and extended his congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. For Turkmenistan, China is a reliable friend and partner. The two countries enjoy deep mutual trust and extensive cooperation, which bring benefits to the two peoples. Turkmenistans strategy of Revival of the Great Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative complement each other. Turkmenistan is ready to work with China to enhance cooperation and exchanges in such areas as energy, infrastructure construction, education and culture, and work for greater progress in the bilateral relations. The SCO is highly promising, and its cooperation in trade, investment, security and people-to-people exchanges has made solid progress, making positive contributions to the building of a more just and balanced international landscape. Turkmenistan is ready to participate in relevant cooperation. The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi are conducive to improving the system of international relations. Turkmenistan fully supports them and is ready to work with China to promote their implementation. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as intellectual property rights, media and education. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. (The Center Square) Residents in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District have until Monday to register to vote in the Oct. 7 primary election. Early voting in the race to decide who will represent each political party for the seat begins Sept. 17. When you dont vote, your voice will be overshadowed by those that do vote, said Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said Monday. In Tennessee, we want every eligible Tennessean to vote, but the first step is registering to vote. This election will have national implications, if you have not registered or need to update your information, we encourage you to do so before the registration deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green stepped down on July 4. Eleven Republicans are vying for the chance to move on to the Dec. 2 general election. Polls have been mixed as to who is in the lead, according to recent reports. Americans for Prosperity's Tennessee chapter sponsored the poll of 500 likely voters who were questioned between Aug. 19-23 showed state Rep. Jody Barrett in the lead. The poll shows more than 57% of respondents are still undecided. Barrett garnered 10.1% of the yes votes, followed by state Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, (8.9%) and Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin (7.9%). Matt Van Epps, the former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, was fourth with 7%. Reeves' campaign spokesman Brian Floyd called it a "fake poll with less credibility than the Robert Mueller Report and the Steele Dossier." Pollster John McLaughlin said an earlier poll had different results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin wrote on social media, "Never Trumpers trying to fake with robocalls that tough on illegal immigration, pro @realDonaldTrump Lee Reeves is in a close race. We posted a poll a month ago with @LeeReevesTN with 6 point lead and the Reeves campaign has dropped more mail, radio and canvassing than any other opponent. Bulso was at 3% in our poll." Nashville state Reps. Vincent Dixie, Bo Mitchell, Aftyn Behn and Nashville businessman Darden Hunter Copeland are vying for the Democratic nomination. Independent candidates are Teresa "Terri" Christie, Bobby Dodge, Robert James Sutherby and Jon Throp. The Welsh Government is poised to row back on its stringent holiday let policy after a backlash from homeowners and industry insiders. Mark Drakeford launched a consultation last week on changes to the law which states that a holiday let must be occupied for 182 nights a year in order to qualify for business rates. The consultation has proposed allowing the 182-day criteria to cover multiple years rather than just one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another amendment would allow holiday let owners to donate short breaks to charities in return for an allowance of up to 14 days, which would count towards the 182-day quota. The consultation would also look at encouraging local authorities to support self-catering operators with a stepped transition to council tax. Currently, as soon as a holiday let is taken off business rates, it is liable for a second home premium on council tax. However, critics of the policy says these small concessions will not fix the problem. Mr Drakeford highlighted that one local authority created a 12-month grace period in which the property would only be liable for the standard rate of council tax. The consultation will examine whether other councils should be encouraged to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Announcing the consultation, Mr Drakeford said: We have listened to those working in the sector and are proposing small changes to the current rules to support them. In 2023, the Labour-run government increased the amount of nights a holiday home must be occupied from 70 to 182 nights a year. If the property meets this criteria, it qualifies for business rates and is therefore exempt from council tax. It was met with widespread backlash, as the most damaging intervention to the holiday sector. Nicky Williamson, of the Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC) UK Cymru trade body, said: While our members will welcome the acknowledgement that the 182-day rule is failing, these small concessions will not fix the problem. Wales has already lost over a quarter of its overnight visitors since this policy came in, yet the threshold has not changed. Business owners are working harder than ever just to stand still, with 85pc discounting heavily to try to achieve the target. This is not sustainable. She said the proposals will create more complexity for local authorities, and more work for an already overwhelmed Valuation Office Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Williamson added: What Welsh businesses and communities need is clarity, stability and fairness, not more layers of red tape. This policy is the most damaging intervention we have ever seen in our sector. It is piling pressure on small business owners, creating mental health issues, and destabilising Welsh tourism. In 2023, the Welsh Government also increased the maximum level at which local authorities can charge a council tax premium on second homes from 100pc to 300pc. The Telegraph is campaigning for the second home premium to be abolished after it was introduced by more than 200 councils in England in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welsh Conservative Gareth Davies told the BBC the 182-day rule was harming our tourism industry. He said: Tinkering around the edges will not help struggling businesses. The Welsh Conservatives have pledged to reduce the threshold to 105 days if they came into power. PASC said rural and coastal communities will not survive without a significant reduction in the threshold. The Government previously came under fire for failing to communicate that the 182-day rule would be backdated. Hundreds of homeowners were subsequently hit with huge council tax bills on their holiday lets as well as a second home premium of up to 300pc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many allege they were not warned of the new rules though the Welsh Government insists all those affected were sent letters alerting them to the change in October 2022. Guy Allen and Em Enticott received a backdated council tax bill for 15,000 with a 15-day deadline to pay. The couple had worked hard to reach the 182-day target every year since 2023, but were 11 nights short of the target in 2022-23. On July 17 Swansea Council demanded 15,189 by August 1 for three years worth of council tax, all of which had a 100pc premium applied. Legal experts previously condemned the Welsh Government for failing to properly communicate the confusing policy change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Welsh Government spokesman said: 60pc of properties are already meeting the letting criteria since the new rules were brought in, but we have listened to the sector and are proposing small changes to the current rules to support them. 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. Gov. Tim Walz, on Sept. 2, 2025, said he will call a special session for lawmakers to vote on gun control measures after two children were killed and another 21 wounded at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis last week. (Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer) Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday said he will call a special session for Minnesota lawmakers to vote on a package of gun control measures, although passage seems unlikely in a closely divided Legislature. Walz, after welcoming Deerwood Elementary School students to their first day of school in Eagan, said Minnesota needs to take action following a mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis that killed 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski and wounded 21 others last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Minnesota lets this moment slide and we determine that its okay for little ones to not be safe in a school environment or a church environment, then shame on us, Walz said. Im going to call (lawmakers) back. The governor said he will release a gun control package this week that will include an assault weapons ban. Walz said he plans to call a special session even if he gets zero commitments from Republicans to vote for his gun control measures. Republicans led by Speaker Lisa Demuth and who are strongly aligned with the gun rights movement have 67 members in the House, while Democrats have 66 in their ranks following the June assassination of Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus leader Melissa Hortman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz and DFL lawmakers are hoping the shooting of a church filled with schoolchildren would pressure Republicans to accede to new laws. A special election to replace Hortman in safely blue District 34B is Sept. 16. The special session will force Republicans to vote on gun control a little more than a year from a crucial midterm election when all 201 legislative seats will be on the ballot. When (Republicans) talk to the parents of these children and they hear the public speaking out, they get to make a decision. Are they going to stand in the way of having an honest debate? Now, we might not get it done in there, but the idea that you would not even come back and make a debate, I think, is untenable, the governor said. A majority of Minnesotans supported banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines in a MinnPost poll from 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats had full control of the Legislature in 2023 and 2024, but they failed to pass a statewide ban on assault weapons. They did pass a slate of other gun control measures, however. They instituted an extreme risk protection order, or red flag, law that allows family members or police to ask judges to take guns from people deemed a danger to themselves or others and passed universal background check requirements. Although a special legislative session would force Republicans to take potentially difficult votes on gun regulation, it would also give them an opportunity to propose legislation of their own. Although only the governor can call the Legislature into special session, only lawmakers have the power to adjourn. Republicans are already signaling they will make a special session about culture war issues given the Annunciation Church shooters apparent trans identity. Rep. Drew Roach, R-Farmington, said in a press release that he will propose a bill repealing a ban on conversion therapy if lawmakers are called into a special session. The law, passed in 2023, prohibits mental health professionals from providing therapy that seeks to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, in a statement said Walz hasnt reached out to her about a special session. As disappointing as it is that the governor is doing this in such an overtly political way, House Republicans stand ready to protect students and schools, Demuth said. I hope we can have a real conversation about all aspects of safety including things like the school security funding that was denied by the DFL trifecta in 2023 and more funding for desperately needed mental health resources instead of vague demands for policies that have not stopped gun violence in other states. Walz cautioned Republicans to keep a special session focused on gun control. If we call a special session, and (Republicans) decide to deflect this to something else, my guess is that that Minnesotans are not going to be too happy about that, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor on Tuesday said hes open to proposing more resources for mental health in his gun control package, but guns are the culprit in mass shootings. I am not going to allow anyone to try and make the case that the United States is unique in either mental health issues or other things, Walz said. The thing that makes America unique in terms of shootings is we just have more guns and the wrong types of guns that are on the streets. Walz didnt provide a timeline for when he plans to call lawmakers back to session, but he will likely wait at least until the House returns to a tie after the Sept. 16 special election. Suspect identified in Eustis womans murder Deputies in Lake County said a warrant has been issued after a woman was murdered in May. Monica Islam, 44, was found dead at the intersection of Wolf Branch Road and Scenic Hills Drive in Mount Dora on May 2. After her death, deputies issued an arrest warrant for Shahidul Islam. Investigators said Monica Islam had been a victim of domestic violence in December 2024, involving both her husband and his brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rashedul Islam allegedly assaulted Monica and stole her jewelry and important documents related to a property dispute in Bangladesh, according to a report. Deputies said Shahidul Islam was implicated in the same incident, reportedly threatening Monica with a gun to prevent her from contacting the authorities. This incident was reported to the Eustis Police Department, leading to an arrest warrant for Rashedul Islam, who subsequently fled the country. Shahidul Islam, who had previously been deported, was found to have re-entered the United States illegally. License plate readers helped detectives track him to a residence in Sanford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He fled to New York shortly after Monicas murder, where he was apprehended on a federal immigration warrant on May 6. Deputies said Shahidul has been in federal custody since his arrest and will be served the homicide warrant once his immigration status issues are resolved. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) The chairwoman of the Warrick County Republican Party is speaking out, nearly two weeks after a town hall with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith ended with three arrests. April Edwards says she didnt speak up sooner because she didnt want to give more attention to those who were arrested. In a Facebook post, she called the outbursts poor behavior saying those involved do not represent a legitimate political voice nor the views of most Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards says the party fully supports Beckwith and will keep pushing for civil dialogue on the issues facing the community and the country. You can view Edwards full statement by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Attorney General Nick Brown signs his election certificate after being sworn in Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard) Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and dozens of his colleagues across the country are calling on tech companies and payment platforms to take action to block computer-generated pornography. Two letters the bipartisan group of attorneys general sent last month note 98% of fake videos posted online specifically feature so-called deepfake pornography. Almost all target women and girls. Altogether, these videos have received hundreds of millions of views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the Washington Legislature overwhelmingly approved making the willful distribution of a forged digital likeness, or deepfake, a gross misdemeanor crime. Experts say the law is the first in the nation to impose criminal liability for any malicious deepfake, not just those that are sexual or political. It went into effect late last month. In recent years, lawmakers have also created a civil cause of action for political candidates depicted in manipulated content that isnt disclosed as fabricated, and prohibited digitally-altered sexual photographs or videos of children and sharing any fake intimate images. State AI regulations were at risk earlier this summer when Congress considered banning the rules in its massive tax cut and spending bill. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, led the push to remove that provision from the sprawling legislation. At the federal level, President Donald Trump in May signed a new law criminalizing the distribution of revenge pornography, including artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes. The bipartisan law, called the Take It Down Act, requires platforms to allow victims of this type of sexual abuse to request their picture or video be taken down within 48 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the letters penned last month asks Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay to enforce policies prohibiting their services from being used to profit from the disturbing content. In 2020, for example, Visa and Mastercard announced theyd stop processing payments on Pornhub due to videos depicting sexual assault. Brown and the other attorneys general want similar action on deepfake pornography, arguing that sellers of tools used to make these videos accept money from these credit card companies and payment processors. Payment platforms should not only deny sellers the ability to use their services when they are on notice of these connections but should be actively working to identify and remove any such sellers from their network, the letter reads. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One generative AI company, Civitai, has had to turn to cryptocurrency this year after its payment processor pulled out over concerns about nonconsensual computer-generated content. A second letter, to the search engine arms of Google, Microsoft and Yahoo, lists two requests. First, the attorneys general ask the companies to describe how theyre already working to restrict access to deepfake pornography. And second, they ask for a commitment to further action to avoid being complicit in the proliferation of such content. They liken this issue to how search engines respond when users look up how to build a bomb. Instead of a guide, the users get government resources and scientific articles. When someone searches for how to die by suicide, they get prevention options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when people look up how to make deepfake pornography, also called nonconsensual intimate imagery, the results show them the tools to create it without warnings, the attorneys general wrote. Google, Microsoft and Yahoo allow people to request removal of sexual content of themselves, whether fake or real, from search results. Redmond-based Microsoft declined to comment on the letter. The results of currently available searches indicate to our offices that there needs to be quicker and more decisive action against this content, the top state and territorial attorneys write. Search platforms should work to implement new policies that appreciate the threat of deepfake NCII by steering users away from harmful content and providing appropriate warnings. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko will resign effective Oct. 20, she said in a letter dated Sept. 1 to Gov. Larry Rhoden. Rhoden provided KELOLAND News with a copy of the letter on Tuesday. The Legislature will be voting on a proposed $650 million 1,500 bed prison recommended for Sioux Falls on Sept. 23 and lawmakers have shared concerns about the DOC. Push in House for cleaning up DOC before prison vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden said Wasko turned in her resgination Tuesday morning. It was a decision made of her own accord over the last few days, he said. Rhodens announcement of Waskos resignation comes after about 20 state House lawmakers released a signed a Sept. 1 letter to Rhoden that said, We do not have trust in the leadership of Rhodens Department of Corrections. Waskos decision to resign was made before the Sept. 1 lawmaker letter was released, the Governor said. Wasko said in her letter that I have been discussing this decision with my family over the course of the last few months and have made the decision to seek other opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waskos resignation should improve the chance of the Legislature approving a $650 million prison, according to Rhoden. Well, I think that Waskos resignation, there were more and more people that were coming out of the woodwork that weremaking that a bigger issue. So it does bode well for taking another issue off the table for them to have an easier path to yes on this, Rhoden said in a KELOLAND News interview on Tuesday. You can read Waskos letter attached below. 20250902KELO131815Download Then-Gov. Kristi Noem named Wasko as her DOC secretary in February of 2022. Wasko started on March 7, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by KELOLAND News if the lawmakers Sept. 1 letter was a form of political posturing because many the lawmakers had supported an $825 million prison and may now face re-relection, Rhoden said that he had hoped politics could be set aside on the prison. We know that this is the right policy, theyve all said that its the right policy, that there is a need for a (new) prison, Rhoden said. I was hopeful we could leave the politics behind. One of the Republicans running for governor, House Speaker Jon Hansen, had called for Waskos resignation in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. Rhoden said that of the 20 lawmakers who signed the letter calling a cleaning of DOC, only one had talked to him in person about any concerns about Wasko. You can take that however you want, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former DOC secretary and a lawmaker who signed the Sept. 1 letter, Republican Rep. Tim Reisch, told Dan Santella of KELOLAND News he was encouraged by the news. Its encouraging, Reisch said. Hopefully this will lead to better days ahead for our DOC staff and the inmates in their custody. Reisch has been critical of the DOC and Wasko during Project Prison Reset meetings. The South Dakota Employees Organization praised Wasko on its X account. Shes a HERO for finally moving the needle on DOC employee pay. Its not like all of the sudden DOC employees were massively underpaid. It was COMMON KNOWLEDGE that was unacknowledged, the organization said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with KELOLANDs Bob Mercer, Republican Rep. Will Mortenso was asked about specifics of the Sept. 1 letter. Its serious consideration of these concerns is what were looking for that were looking for and it hasnt been provided to this point. Theres a reason why we didnt put any names in or say this or that person has to be fired, because this is a responsible group of legislators that dont hip shoot and put things out for click-bait, Mortenson said. We want this done, we want this run, by a DOC we can have confidence in, and Im hopeful that on September 23 that we can approve this prison and get it done, and kind of a fresh start at the DOC as well. The Sept. 1 letter from lawmakers said they had questions and concerns about how and why a $625 million plan was now an option instead of earlier, the letter said of questions. Wasko has been the DOC secretary for about 3 1/2 years. Her salary as of July 1 was $177,155.63. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was hired after a tumultuous 2021 for the DOC, in which an anonymous complaint containing allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism, poor pay and bad equipment led Noem to shake up DOC staff. Then-Secretary of Corrections Mike Leidholt was placed on administrative leave and retired in August. Noem fired Warden Darin Young and Deputy Warden Jennifer Dreiske after getting an anonymous complaint that includes allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism, poor pay and bad equipment. Stephany Bawek was also fired as director of Pheasantland Industries, where prison inmates work, by Noem in 2021. The firings come after an internal review conducted by the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources. Noems administration hired CGL Companies to conduct a comprehensive review of DOC operations. Some of the findings in the report included the need to increase the pay for corrections officers and the need to reduce turnover for corrections staff In her resignation letter, Wasko cited the officer pay increase of 43% during her tenure as well as reducing the uniformed officer vacancy rate from 36% to 3%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wasko accomplished some good things as DOC Secretary, Rhoden said. She will be missed, he said. Rhoden said the search to replace Wasko started on Tuesday. This is a 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 KELOLAND.com. (The Center Square) In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop gets to the latest from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the prospect of increased federal immigration enforcement and the possible use of the National Guard. Bishop also talks with Ted Dabrowski, a potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, about how the state of Illinois should be interacting with the Trump administration toward enhanced public safety and federal immigration enforcement. The two also discuss Illinois education funding and outcomes. Watch the full program below. Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted. A conference that has struck fear into the conservative old guard and served as an ideas lab for policies now being implemented in the Trump administration kicks off Tuesday. Now in its fifth year, the National Conservatism Conference is not a flashy rally like the Conservative Political Action Conference or events that Turning Point USA packs with young people and pyrotechnics. Rather, it has fostered the intellectual muscle behind the aggressive, nationalist power-wielding that has defined the second Trump administration and rapidly taken hold on the right. I do think that NatCon represents the conservative movement at this point, said Rachel Bovard, vice president of programs at the Conservative Partnership Institute whos a speaker at this NatCon and those in the past, noting the high number of former speakers now in the Trump administration. These ideas are not only driving the movement, but theyre popular enough to get elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the gathering will preview more targets for its movement such as taking aim at Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. An Overturn Obergefell session Wednesday night will be a public event. ( Breccan F. Thies goes deeper on this in The Federalist.) And it is an important forum to assess live debates still happening on the right and in the Trump administration. While there is broad agreement in the national conservative space on issues such as immigration they support more restrictions, on the off-chance you assumed otherwise there are still divisions on issues like tech and foreign policy that will be hashed out at this years gathering. Anna Wellisz, president of the Edmund Burke Foundation that puts on the conference, said there are bright-eyed conservatives who are enthusiastic about artificial intelligence and very protech, while others are more concerned about what technology will do to that life, what it will do to families, to children, to surveillance. On the tech front, keep an eye on the AI and the American soul breakout session Tuesday morning; and pay attention to the America and the Israel-Iran War breakout session Tuesday afternoon, where bubbling differences on Israel policy (which I wrote about recently) could be on display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years big speakers include Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya. Wellisz said the conference has been influential over the past several years because it has been a forum for debate on the political right, defining what it means to be a national conservative. Its simply conservatism and national, because conservatism is attached to a place, a people, Wellisz told me. Its not a planetary movement, not a galactic movement. Its not a starship enterprise and a federation. Its a nation, a place, a place you love, whose culture you take your own, whose language you understand, whose history speaks to you. Vice President Vance, as a Senate candidate in 2021, gave a NatCon speech on how the universities are the enemy, and other speakers in 2024 focused on taxing university endowments and getting red-state governors to put more pressure on trustees. Now, the Trump administration is aggressively cracking down on universities, and the president signed a bill that raises taxes on university endowments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually you dont get that chance in your career to see something go from its intellection formation to practice. Sometimes you do, but its over like, 20 years, Bovard said. Weve seen it over like, five years. The national conservatism statement of principles first released a few years ago whose signatories includeTurning Point USAs Charlie Kirk, investor Peter Thiel and many others endorses restrictions on immigration; the national government intervening energetically to restore order in states where lawnessness, immorality, and dissolution reign; promotion of the Bible in public life; and free enterprise, with the caveat that the free market cannot be absolute. The popularity and influence of national conservatism has rocked thinkers and institutions that dominated the right in the pre-Trump era of politics. As something of an answer to national conservatism, free-market evangelists put out a Freedom Conservatism statement of principles that stressed liberty and greater individual choice with signatories including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), Karl Rove, Americans for Tax Reforms Grover Norquist, and The Views Alyssa Farah Griffin and held a conference earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avik Roy, a main crafter of the Freedom Conservatism statement of principles, was motivated in part by wanting to expose young people to those classical principles they might not be seeing noting a 17-year-old now was 7 when Trump first ran for president. If you believe in freedom as a principle, Roy said, that means that you have on a fundamental level, a confidence that people, when left to their own devices, will do the right thing and will do things, will achieve great things. And If you subvert or subordinate freedom to other goals, what youre basically saying is that you dont trust people to live their lives the way they want to. After attending the conference in 2021, columnist David Brooks (no relation to me) wrote in The Atlantic that NatCon gave him the sinking sensation that NatCon was the future of the Republican Party. Bovard was heavily featured in the introduction to that piece, saying she had absorbed the dominant ideas of her peer group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most striking thing to me about it was that he sort of created, or tried to portray me as being manipulated or something, Bovard said. I just think he got it completely wrong. I was reflecting a lot of what the younger conservatives were feeling at the time, she added. And that is why Ill aim to stop by NatCon if the congressional schedule allows to see what theyre feeling now. Welcome to The Movement, a weekly newsletter looking at the influences and debates on the right in Washington. Im Emily Brooks, House leadership reporter at The Hill. Drop me a note if youll be at NatCon and we can say hi: ebrooks@thehill.com. Not already on the list? Subscribe here SHOOTING INVIGORATES ANTI-TRANS AGENDA If Democrats want more than conservatives thoughts and prayers in wake of the shooting at Minneapoliss Annunciation Catholic School as MSNBCs Jen Psaki posted, to much disdain they better get ready for GOP calls to action that focus on transgender individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the shooter intended to terrorize children and had a fascination with mass killings. But conservatives quickly homed in on federal officials saying 23-year-old Robin Westman, who was born Robert Westman, was transgender. They pointed out the similarity to the 2023 Nashville Christian school shooting by 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who police said identified as a man and are looking toward action on transgender policies as an answer. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) in an interview with the New York Post called for Minnesota to repeal its trans refuge law that blocks out-of-state subpoenas or arrest warrants for those who travel from out of state for gender-affirming treatments. The Daily Wires Mary Margaret Olohan asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt about whether the Trump administration would support instituting a new class of domestic terrorism that involves trans ideology. Leavitt said she would have to check with the relevant people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthony LaBruna, executive director of the American Principles Project, called on Congress to take up legislation to ban gender-affirming medical procedures for transgender minors in wake of the shooting. FOLKS, IS TAYLOR CONSERVATIVE NOW? The hot conservative takes about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces engagement started even before The Daily Callers Regan Reese could inform President Trump about the biggest pop culture news of the year. Charlie Kirk said he hopes Swift becomes conservative. Taylor Swift might go from a cat lady to a JD Vance supporter, and I think we should celebrate that, Kirk said on his radio show soon after the news broke. I think that Taylor Swift having two or three children she should have more children than she has houses. That is my challenge to Taylor Swift, and Im not being sarcastic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Submit to your husband, Taylor, he added. A reminder, and reality check: Swift has endorsed Democratic politicians, criticized Trump, heavily featured her journey into activism in her Miss Americana documentary, and cast a transgender model as her love interest in a music video, among other public statements. Still, Ben Shapiro argued the mere act of Swift getting engaged without any blowback from the left is a cultural win: The sort of Gloria Steinem take on marriage is dead, and Taylor Swift may have just put a stake through it, he said on his show, referring to the feminist icon who was long skeptical of marriage but did eventually tie the knot. Conservatives also seem convinced Swift and Kelce could help stoke a baby boom if they have a child soon. Ive yet to see any empirical data of major celebrities or public figures fueling a bump in birth rates, but the Washington Examiners Tim Carney who wrote a book, Family Unfriendly, on the causes of the current baby bust made this argument: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When birthrates are lower, peoples social lives are less child-friendly. Also, when nobody around you is having children, you have trouble imagining yourself with a child. If someone who is constantly watched by millions of people starts living a married life and a mother life, then the idea of being married and a mother becomes more imaginable even if her life is inaccessible in so many other ways. ON MY CALENDAR Tuesday, Sept. 2 to Thursday, Sept. 4: The fifth annual National Conservatism Conference in Washington, D.C. Friday, Sept. 19 to Saturday, Sept. 20: The Intercollegiate Studies Institute hosts its Homecoming Weekend in Wilmington, Del. THREE MORE THINGS Natalie Allison of The Washington Post had a very cool rundown of The six factions of Trumpworld. Those are: MAGA populists such as Steve Bannon and Vice President Vance Traditional Republicans such as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (S.D.) Small-government conservatives and fiscal hawks such as Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rand Paul (Ky.) The religious right such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president Marjorie Dannenfelser and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) The tech right such as venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and David Sacks MAHA and other converted Democrats such as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. The Spectator has some tea on Trumps new pick to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, E.J. Antoni: One event last year has made some [Heritage Foundation] staff hesitant to publicly endorse Antoni: a presentation delivered by Antoni to Heritage interns last summer was sidetracked when he was asked a question about IQ. Antoni argued that women were clustered around average intelligence, while more men were likely to be hyper-intelligent or below-average intelligence. After some complaints about the presentation, Heritage VP of domestic policy Roger Severino told the interns that this was not Heritages formal policy position. 3. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) put out a pro-worker Labor Day video Monday, with a release saying the video comes as union support continues to realign, noting recent Teamsters contributions to the NRCC and GOP candidates. Republicans stand with the American worker. Lower taxes, better jobs, bigger paychecks. Democrats ship your jobs overseas. We bring them home, the video says. Democrats side with the elites, Republicans side with you. We work for the people who build America, not the ones who tear it down. It also features a clip of Teamsters President Sean OBrien, who spoke at the Republican National Convention last year. WHAT IM READING Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (The Center Square) Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says increased K-12 spending during his administration is producing results. A potential competitor says the state should be doing much better. With the school year now in full swing, Pritzker stopped at Wagoner Elementary School in Sauk Village last week. We've invested more into Illinois schools than ever before, Pritzker said. In total, since taking office, we've increased our commitment to our students by more than $2.8 billion. That's a 33% increase in school funding from Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor, who announced a bid for a third term in the 2026 election, championed recent reports of Illinois educational outcomes. Illinois students in grades three through eight are charting the highest ever proficiency rate in English language arts, Pritzker said. Illinois's high school graduation rate is the highest it has been in 14 years. CNBC, the television station CNBC network, now ranks Illinois third in the nation for education. It's great, but I want to be number one. Potential Republican gubernatorial challenger Ted Dabrowski said more money isnt the solution to Illinois education challenges. And I want to really offer you the actual numbers from last year, a few places, Rockford Black children, only 10% could read at grade level, Dabrowski told The Center Square. Last year, Peoria, Black children, only 9% could read at grade level. Quincy, white children, only 30% could read at grade level. I can go on and on. Waukegan 16% for Hispanics. Decatur, this is I think the most interesting, white children only 14% read at grade level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest Illinois Report Card shows nearly 40% proficiency rates statewide for English/Language Arts. Dabrowski said Illinois should do what Mississippi and Florida are doing to hold third graders back if they cant read at grade level. We should not celebrate how much money we spend. We should again return to how many kids can read a grade level, Dabrowski said. Florida, Mississippi have laws that say you can't go to the fourth grade if you can't read in the third. And, you know, that makes everybody focus on reading. Bringing the unions, teachers, local businesses and volunteers together to promote literacy is something Dabrowski said can bring about positive changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody obsesses about literacy. And if we don't get to that, it's all a joke. We're wasting money. And most of the kids can't read, he said. Illinois is set to spend $11.2 billion of state taxpayer funds on K-12 education in the current fiscal year. (The Center Square) President Donald Trump has promised to send federal crime-fighting help to Chicago, but Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he wants federal dollars instead. The president answered questions from reporters Tuesday and cited Chicago crime numbers, which included more than 50 people getting shot over the Labor Day weekend. Trump promised to send federal troops to make the city safer. Well, were going in. I didnt say when, but were going in. Look, I have an obligation. This isnt a political thing, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump discussed Washington, D.C.s improved public-safety numbers and said the nations capital is now a safe zone since he deployed federal troops to the city last month. Chicago is a hellhole right now, Trump offered. Trump said Illinois has a "terrible governor," but he also said he would be happy to hear from Pritzker. I would love the governor of Illinois, Id be honored to take his call. All he has to do is say, 'Sir, we need help. Its out of control,' and everyone knows it is. Hes not kidding anyone, Trump said. Pritzker held a press conference after Trump was finished and said the presidents remarks were unhinged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, I will not call the president, asking him to send troops to Chicago. Ive made that clear already, Pritzker said. The governor noted that the Illinois National Guard was deployed in Chicago last year for the Democratic National Convention. Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton, Illinois Attorney Kwame Raoul, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The governor suggested that the president should send money instead of troops. What I want are the federal dollars that have been promised to Illinois and Chicago for violence prevention programs that have been proven to work, Pritzker said. That is money that Illinois taxpayers send to the federal government, and its an insult to any and every citizen to suggest that any governor should have to beg the president of any political party to resources owed their people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor said the president was insulting the people of Chicago by calling their home, a hellhole. The White House released a statement Tuesday afternoon, advising Chicagoans and residents in Democrat-run cities, You dont have to live like this. On Saturday, Johnson signed an executive order which demanded that the president stand down from his threat to deploy National Guard personnel to Chicago. Before and after signing the order, Johnson offered more criticism of Trump. He is the biggest threat to our democracy that weve experienced in the history of our country, Johnson said. When asked how effective he thought his executive order would be, the mayor responded by saying he did not take orders from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez offered his thoughts in an X post Tuesday morning. If @POTUS is paying, let National Guard come here. Not in our communities, but protecting assets & high priority targets downtown so that our @Chicago_Police dont have to babysit the Bean or Buckingham Fountain for eight hours a day. Our officers can return to their districts & answer the thousands of 911 calls logged but never answered, Lopez posted. State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said Tuesday that Johnson, Pritzker and Illinois Democrats have created a pro-criminal environment. They have abandoned the victims, abandoned the police and abandoned the people of Chicago and many of the people in our districts as well, Chesney said Tuesday during a virtual press conference hosted by the Illinois Freedom Caucus. Sep. 2WATERTOWN All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church has faced bumpy challenges the past four years, including not having a pastor to help guide the congregation. But that personnel issue has finally been addressed with the hiring of a part-time pastor from Rochester. Former pastor Marty Pelham left All Souls in 2021. Since then, the church has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and two major floods at its 1330 Gotham St. building. Those floods involved repairs and time-grabbing insurance negotiations, followed by the realization that the 40-year-old building's roof and siding also needed repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A retired minister residing in Canton traveled to All Souls to do a service at the church once a month. "We also brought in other guest ministers or speakers, and then congregation members would occasionally do a service," All Souls member Sarah O'Connell said. Church members quickly acclimated themselves to Zoom. "We even held a Christmas Eve candlelight service by Zoom one year by distributing, before-hand, battery-operated tealights and kazoos," for the chorus of "Deck the Halls," O'Connell said. Unlike churches in some other denominations, congregations in the Unitarian Universalist Association choose their own ministers, with guidelines from the association. But as church members sought a new pastor, they faced an issue shared by many churches: There are more openings for ministers than there are available candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And since our budget only allowed for a part-time minister, it took us a while," O'Connell said. As of Aug. 1, Unitarian Universalist Minister Cindy Terlazzo has been the pastor of All Souls. She was most recently a quarter-time minister at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Terlazzo and her husband moved to Rochester to be closer to their grandchildren. Terlazzo is also the pastor at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canandaigua, Ontario County. In Watertown, she will do a mix of in-person and online services. "This month has been a lot of orienting," Terlazzo said in a phone interview late last month. She explained that she entered the profession of ministry late in life, after raising a family with her husband, John. They began attending a UU church in 1999. According to the Unitarian Universalist Association, its faith "draws from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I like the idea that there is an attempt to make room for everybody, regardless of a particular orientation to what spirit is calling somebody to," Terlazzo said. The pastor-search task force at All Souls consisted of three people. "When the three of us on the search task force interviewed Reverend Cindy, we were impressed with her background and credentials, but most importantly we felt an immediate bond with her," committee member Eleanor Allen said. The group thought that Terlazzo would be the idea person to provide All Souls with not only Sunday morning sermons, but pastoral care, and that she would be able to provide guidance to the church's elected board and committees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's a person who makes everyone with whom she comes into contact feel that they have been seen and heard," Allen said. "I'm very eager to engage in traveling with this community of people and seeing how we can build community both within the context of the congregation and within the Watertown community," Terlazzo said. "Because I think we're living in a time where we need to be able to see human beings as human, and not as a particular label. I say that as part of the important work we have to do." Universalist roots in Watertown The first official meeting of the Universalist society in Watertown was held in June, 1820. Plans for building a church were formalized, and 18 months later, a new church on the southeastern corner of Public Square was dedicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That first church burned in 1850, and a larger brick building called the First Universalist Church was built at the same site. It was later sold and in 1907, a new building on Washington Street was dedicated. The Washington Street Church was destroyed by fire on Dec. 13, 1984. The All Souls church on Gotham Street was dedicated in September, 1988. "As we have been in the past, we continue to be a presence for social justice in our community," O'Connell said. Thousands of people have been sickened by a wave of serious respiratory infections in Gaza, health officials have said. Doctors say the outbreak thought to be Covid-19 or flu is spreading fastest among displaced families, with poor sanitation turning overcrowded displacement camps into breeding grounds for disease. There has also been a surge of infections among children and people with chronic health conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acute respiratory infections accounted for 58 per cent of all recorded illnesses in the first week of August, according to the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha). Severe shortages of medicine and medical equipment, such as oxygen machines to help with respiratory distress, are complicating the response effort, the Gazan health ministry said on Sunday. High levels of malnutrition in the enclave, where famine has been confirmed, have left people vulnerable to recurrent infections which can increase the risk of illness and death, especially in young children, doctors say. Infants will die from respiratory distress and untreated illnesses. Even a simple fever in a state of hunger can be fatal, said Dr Michal Feldon, a senior paediatrician at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If hundreds of children needing oxygen arrive, they simply wont survive the winter will be a catastrophe, he told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Depleted medical supplies Last month, Israels health ministry reported a 30 per cent increase in cases of Covid-19 compared with the previous week, bringing the total up to 430 cases. Diagnostic capacity for respiratory diseases is very limited in Gaza, a WHO spokesperson told The Telegraph, adding that there have been some suspected deaths caused by Covid-19. Medical professionals have also reported an outbreak of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare and acute autoimmune disorder that causes muscle function to deteriorate and can cause paralysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have now been 94 reported cases in Gaza, with around 25 per cent requiring ICU treatment and ten associated deaths, according to Ocha. Dr Ahmad al-Farra, Head of Paediatrics of Nasser Hospital, said cases that would normally take months to become acute are now progressing in just a few days. Patients are fatigued, unable to stand or sit. Then as the paralysis increases it affects patients respiratory muscles and can lead to respiratory failure. This can, in some cases, result in cardiac arrest, he told The Telegraph. Medicines used to treat the illness are completely depleted, making it even more difficult to manage the outbreak, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stocks of intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma filters used to treat the illness are completely depleted, making it even more difficult to manage the outbreak, he added. Dr al-Farra said he expects to see an increase in cases, adding that they are facing difficulties in diagnosis due to a lack of MRI machines. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Way off this year: Faneuil Hall business cites drop in tourism, sales over the summer As well soon close another summer in New England, businesses in downtown Boston tell us this has been a quieter season than usual. In Fanueil Hall Tuesday afternoon, international and domestic tourists lined Quincy Market after a holiday weekend. Meanwhile, shops and stores alongside said theyve been struggling. Were getting killed in Faneuil Hall, said Mahlon Williams, owner of I Love Boston Sports. I mean, were down 40%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Boston 25 that international travelers specifically have been missing. Williams added, Weve either upset them with some of the comments that have been made, or people dont want to come here if they dont think theyll be able to get in or get out. Next door, Jason Michael Jennings has been manning the same ticket booth for City View Trolley Tours for 25 years. It hasnt been good, he said, referring to the foot traffic downtown. Its been off... I dont know whether its the tariffs, a lot of people not coming down from Canada, I dont know what it is. But, its way off this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses specifically cited a drop in Canadian tourists. Inga Kim Shoi and others from Toronto were walking around Fanueil Hall as a stop on their cruise. The US is still the US, she said. So, we still go. The World Travel and Tourism Council this spring predicted the US would be one of the only countries where foreign visitor spending would drop in 2025. MassPort data shows there has been little change in international travelers flying into Boston over the past two months. MeetBoston anticipated a drop in tourism this summer when they spoke to Boston 25 this spring. They are still gathering data from this summer. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ***Watch previous coverage in the video above*** LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) Additional fundraisers are being held to help the Lorain families and officers shot during the July 23 ambush. Lorain Officer Phillip Wagner was on his lunch break when he was shot. Police found a man waited with weapons and explosives then carried out an ambush, shooting and killing Wagner and wounding officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne. The suspect was shot and killed by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several fundraisers have been held to help Wagners family as well as Gale and Payne. Gale and Payne are continuing to recover. Mapleton schools to reopen after evacuation, illness Wagner was a husband and father of three young children. The Lorain Police FOP and the Lorain County Sheriffs Deputies Association are hosting a 50 Gun Raffle on Oct. 25 at New Russia Township Hall. Tickets are $25 a piece or five for $100. Cleveland official wont get job back after crash with kids in city car: I-Team The winner doesnt need to be present and proceeds go to the charitable foundation. Tickets can be purchased from any Lorain police officer or through the Lorain FOP 3 Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another fundraiser is set for Nov. 2. A Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band called Vicious Cycle will be performing at the Lorain Palace Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds go to the charitable fund. Find tickets to the event 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 8 Cleveland WJW. Former Fox 19 (WXIX-TV) morning news co-anchor Lauren Minor is returning to the Queen City, but she's joining a new station, she revealed in an Instagram post Sept. 2. Minor left the Cincinnati area last year after accepting a job with LEX 18 (WLEX-TV), an NBC affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky, as a weekday early evening news co-anchor. The Northern Kentucky native will now join Channel 9 (WCPO-TV) as a weekend morning anchor. "I am so excited to be returning to Cincinnati as the weekend morning anchor at WCPO 9 News! I am happy to be coming back to a city I love so much, and I cannot wait to reconnect with viewers and continue telling the stories that matter most," Minor wrote on Instagram. "Being closer to home will also give me the flexibility to spend more time with my kids, which Im really looking forward to." Minor will take over as weekend morning anchor sometime in September, according to WCPO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Northern Kentucky University grad began her career in 2013 as an assignment editor and production assistant for Local 12 (WKRC-TV) before going to WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she worked as a multimedia journalist. Minor has also worked as an anchor and reporter at WKYT-TV in Lexington. She earned an Ohio Valley Emmy Award in 2022 for her breaking news reporting on tornadoes that killed more than 50 people in Western Kentucky. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Fox 19 anchor Lauren Minor returns to Cincinnati, joins WCPO NEED TO KNOW George and Nadeen Farahat got married over the weekend at a church in Glendale, Calif., followed by a lavish reception at the Renaissance Banquet An uninvited man was captured on security footage stealing the newlyweds' gifts from the dance floor at the venue, with the couple estimating that the thief made off with between $80,000 and $100,000 worth of gifts and cash I ended up sitting on the dance floor, sobbing with my friends and cousins around me, bride Nadeen told ABC 7 of the shocking incident A newlywed couple in California has had an unfortunate start to their married life. George and Nadeen Farahat got married over the weekend at a local church, followed by a reception in one of the ballrooms at the Renaissance Banquet in Glendale. However, while they were celebrating the first moments of married life with their guests on the dance floor, one uninvited guest was ruining their special day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A wedding crasher was captured on camera brazenly grabbing a box containing tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and cash that had been given to the couple by family and friends. The man, who was wearing a suit, could then be seen fleeing the venue, which was decorated with lavish flowers for the occasion. GoogleMaps Renaissance Banquet in Glendale, California Renaissance Banquet in Glendale, California As soon as we found out what happened, the music shut down, everything immediately stopped, bride Nadeen recalled to ABC 7. I ended up sitting on the dance floor, sobbing with my friends and cousins around me." 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. Security footage captured the thief attending the reception for around 90 minutes, using the restroom and, at one point, even ordering a drink at the bar. Hes watching the dance floor, watching our family. Its so scary to look back and see that there was a stranger at such a private and intimate event, Nadeen told ABC 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groom George who estimates that the thief took between $80,000 and $100,000 told KTLA that the party was wonderful until the incident took place. He added, As is tradition in our culture, most people give cash or checks as gifts for the newlyweds, so there was a box containing all the envelopes, the cards, the money from family and friends who were invited. Getty Card boxes at wedding (stock image) Card boxes at wedding (stock image) The footage showed the thief taking the box through the venue toward a back alley, where a getaway vehicle was waiting. The couple is offering a $5,000 reward for any tips that lead to an arrest. Despite the unlucky incident, they say they are trying to put a positive spin on the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We try to focus on the positive on that day, George told KTLA. We had a wonderful ceremony at our church and a really fun party with our family and friends. Nadeen is equally pragmatic about the theft, which is currently under investigation by Glendale police. Somebody said that if it rains on your wedding day, it usually means good things are to come. Well follow that same trend, she told the news outlet. "Were just really thankful. The Glendale Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident. Read the original article on People A newlywed couple married over the weekend in Glendale claim an uninvited man crashed their wedding and a can be seen on surveillance footage stealing a box containing tens of thousands of dollars in cash, gift cards and checks. The alleged incident occurred on Aug. 30 in one of the ballrooms at Renaissance Banquet, located at 1236 S. Central Avenue in Glendale after having had their ceremony at a church in downtown Los Angeles. It was a wonderful party until the incident took place, George Farahat, the groom, told KTLA in an interview Monday evening. As is tradition in our culture, most people give cash or checks as gifts for the newlyweds, so there was box containing all the envelopes, the cards, the money from family and friends that were invited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say that the unfortunate heist unfolded at around 12:30 a.m. when a person who had gone unnoticed by security as he loitered in the hall grabbed the box and exited one of the side doors at the location. In footage obtained by KTLA, cameras captured the man the couple believes to be responsible for the heist as he paces around what appears to be the lobby of the banquet hall while holding his cellphone out as if on a call. Cameras also capture the individual making his way into the ballroom where the wedding celebration was in full swing. The newly married couple seen celebrating at the event while an unknown man reportedly was stealing thousands in gifts on Aug. 30, 2025. (George Farahat) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) An alleged wedding crasher reportedly stole some $100,000 in cash, gift cards and checks during the event at a Glendale banquet hall on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) The vehicle the newlywed couple believes the wedding crasher fled the Glendale banquet hall in on Aug. 30, 2025. (viewer image) Once inside, he can be seen appearing to order a drink and taking it to one side of the hall and then moving through a set of mostly vacant tables as guests were on the dance floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage appears to capture the man approach an area off the dance floor, lean over, pick something up and leave the wedding hall. In surveillance footage taken from the exterior of the building, the couple believes the individual fled in a black Mercedes Benz. It was one of the brides girlfriends who noticed and immediately told the couple that the man snatched the box of gifts from family and friends and made a break for it. At that point, the music stopped, everyone was aware of the situation, Nadeen Farahat said, before adding that the theft left her speechless. Its such a memorable and happy day and youre having so much fun. You dont think about this stuff. Its the last thing that couldve been on anyones mind. The Farahats told KTLA that theyve reached out to many of their guests since the incident occurred and from what they can gather the heist has cost them in the range of $80,000 to $100,000 in gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The distraught couple added that they paid extra to have security at the wedding and have since filed a police report. KTLA has reached out to both the Glendale Police Department and Renaissance Banquet for comment on the incident and is awaiting a response. In the meantime, the couple are asking anyone who might recognize the man or have information about the incident to email Justice4GN@gmail.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WEST VIRGINIA (WBOY) More than 100 years ago, the West Virginia Mine Wars began in the southern region of the state, prompting a series of battles and strikes where union miners fought coal companies for a living wage and better working conditions. It was the efforts of West Virginians during this time that ultimately influenced current labor laws. Thomas Jude, the Museum and Communications Manager for the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, spoke with 12 News about how these events impacted United States labor laws the following decade. So much of what happened in West Virginia in the decades before really shaped the labor laws that are formed, and you end up with the 8-hour workday, the 40-hour work week. So much of what we enjoy today, really, you can draw a line back to the West Virginia Mine Wars, Jude said. (WBOY Image) First celebrated in the 1880s, Labor Day recognizes the commitment and achievements of workers across the country. For West Virginians, this holiday can be traced back to union miners risking their lives in events such as the Paint and Cabin Creek strikes, the Matewan Massacre and the Battle of Blair Mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How events in north central West Virginia led to the Battle of Blair Mountain Erin Bates, Communications Director for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), spoke with 12 News about the importance of continuing to celebrate the holiday. A win for one group is a win for all workers, and so, this is a day to celebrate those wins and to remember the people of the past that fought and died to end up having the working conditions that were safe and allowed them to come home at the end of the day to their family, Bates said. While Labor Day is something weve come to expect each year, its history is intimately tied to the efforts of workers at the turn of the century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $525,000 of site readiness grants in six West Virginia counties on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 in Caldwell, West Virginia. (Photo by the West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey) WorkForce West Virginia recently released data that shows the states labor force has been in a steady decline for the last 14 months. The Mountain State has lost more than 4,000 jobs and about 7,600 people from its workforce in the last year. The amount of people leaving the workforce is more than the amount of jobs lost because our workforce is aging, retiring and we have a high rate of people with a disability or chronic illness that cant work or have trouble finding work, according to Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Theres also people who decide to no longer work so that they can stay home to care for a child or family member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 400 federal jobs have been lost in West Virginia from cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but that number could be higher, according to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Data related to those cuts is delayed, and doesnt include recent layoffs or employees who were placed on administrative leave or took involuntary buyouts. The agencies who have been most impacted by those cuts are the Bureau of the Fiscal Service in Parkersburg, NIOSH in Morgantown, the Job Corps Center in Charleston and National Park Service staff in the Monongahela National Forest and the New River Gorge National Park. The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is alarmed about the job report. Chamber President Steve Roberts said when West Virginia was ranked as last in the country for job growth that the chamber started to look into the numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, between 2024 and May 2025, the state had the largest decrease in non-farm employment in the U.S. at 1.3%, according to the report. Thats one of those lists we dont want to be on. Why dont we go in and take a deeper dive and take a deeper look? What can we figure out is going on? and the more we looked, the more concerned we became, Roberts told WV MetroNews. WorkForce West Virginias jobs report showed that several key industries hospitality, manufacturing, mining and retail all have declining numbers. Roberts said the workforce has shifted from being a manual labor workforce to a digital workforce, and we need to tell our children that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really have to look at education, how were performing, and what we can do to help our kids be more prepared for the future, he said. Sounds like investing in our public schools and teachers would be a great way to address job loss. At the Chamber of Commerces Business Summit last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey revealed his big economic plan to try to get the states job numbers back up cutting regulations, investing in energy and scrutinizing the use of taxpayer dollars to lure businesses into West Virginia. Cutting regulations sounds worrying, especially if its environmental regulations, which Morrisey has proven not to be a fan of. However, he did give a good example a bill passed this year that allows occupational licensing reciprocity, which allows new residents to transfer their occupational and professional licenses from another state to West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If thats the kind of regulations were cutting, then great. But if hes going to follow in President Donald Trumps footsteps which he most often does we might see Morrisey trying to cut health and safety regulations that are meant to protect workers. Risking peoples health and lives to help businesses is never the answer. To invest in energy, Morrisey launched his Economic Backyard Brawl, to focus on developing energy infrastructure to compete with other states. This is where the microgrids and data centers come in that residents are overwhelmingly opposing throughout the state. Morrisey ended his speech at the summit talking about how the states workforce could be improved by doing a complete overhaul of the WorkForce West Virginia website. Recruiting, retention and retraining has to be one of our big hallmarks, Morrisey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know what would help with recruitment and retention? Do literally anything to help with child care. Lawmakers need to start thinking of the children. Investing in child care is imperative. Research by the tech company Wonderschool found that about half of West Virginia businesses reported that child care challenges frequently or very frequently affected their employees ability to work. And 70% reported they were doing nothing to help with those challenges. Weve had two legislative sessions where lawmakers said lack of affordable child care is a major problem and then did nothing to help the industry or the families that need it. There are areas with no child care and where there are facilities most have very limited spots. How can people work if theres no one to watch their children? Or if they cant even afford to put them in daycare? Child care centers are losing money, resulting in closures. I cant think of a better place to use some of that $254.8 million surplus in the state budget. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Portia Crowe and Jessica Donati DAKAR (Reuters) -Western Balkans criminal groups, who are among Europe's top cocaine traffickers, are entrenching themselves in West Africa in a sign of the region's growing significance on the smuggling route from Latin America to the EU, a report has found. Rising demand for cocaine in Europe, combined with increased enforcement along direct routes from Latin America and the significant expansion of maritime ports in West Africa, has for several years pushed smugglers to increase trade through Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the influence in the region of Albanian- and Slavic-speaking networks has so far been poorly understood. The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) researchers said in the report released on Tuesday that the groups had significantly grown in global importance and were among the top criminal networks in Europe's cocaine trade. These groups have leveraged alliances in the region with Dutch criminal groups and, notably, Brazil's Primeiro Comando da Capital, or PCC, to deepen their footprint across the supply chain. "That alliance, between Western Balkan groups and the PCC, is probably the most important alliance for moving cocaine into Europe right now," said Sasa Djordevic, one of the co-authors and senior analyst at the GI-TOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, partly sponsored by the UK government, said more cross-continental cooperation was needed between law enforcement, port authorities and other players to tackle the growing drug routes. It also called for increased data collection and smarter targeting that focused on brokers in the trade. "These groups are amongst the most sophisticated organised crime groups in the world - they're not minor players," said Lucia Bird Ruiz-Benitez de Lugo, director of GI-TOC's Observatory of Illicit Economies in West Africa. "These major global players have been linked to violence in Europe, and as we see more and more of these very sophisticated, very violent organised crime networks pile into West Africa, that is a threat from the perspective of stability and violence." (Reporting by Jessica Donati and Portia Crowe; Editing by Alison Williams) CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) There are just a few students yet to go back to school in western Massachusetts. Busy roads, skies expected on final day of Labor Day travel 22News has compiled a list of the first day of school across western Massachusetts on Tuesday: Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. WESTFIELD, NJ - Talking to Christopher Forcenito, you get reminded that there's an art to building something meaningful. While that could easily apply to his close-knit group of family and friends or his latest work of art, Westfield's newest Sergeant of Police knows the canvas of what makes this town great is one that the community fills in together. Fresh off of Chief Christopher Battiloro's announcement that the 10-year-veteran will be assuming the role of Sergeant in the near future, Forcenito will tell you that his latest recognition is more a responsibilty than a promotion. Home means more than just patrolling a beat to the 38-year-old from Staten Island, a winner of the department's COVID-19 Exceptional Service honor for this response in the community during the pandemic. (Credit: Sgt. Christopher Forcenito) "I take a lot of pride in being part of a department that works so closely with the community to keep it safe...it's a great place to just walk around enjoy the energy of the town." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our exclusive interview, Sgt. Forcenito talks passion, purpose and tells Patch that Westfield gives just as much to him, if not more, than he returns laying his life on the line to help others every single day. Motivation It's no secret that a lot of people get into a profession for the accolades, of which you have a handful with two more on the way, one being this promotion. I can't help but to think though that for someone like you who has worked in some of the most dangerous, fast-paced situations as an EMT with the Fire Department of New York and now as a police officer in North Jersey, it's a lot deeper than that. Forcenito: Being promoted to Sergeant is truly an honor and a milestone in my law enforcement career...It represents not just personal growth, but a greater responsibility to lead with integrity, set an example, and support the development of others in the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let's talk about the Command Citations. Chief Battiloro says you're right at the top of the department when it comes to "best qualified and most deserving" for "police work beyond an ordinary or routine nature." What's he speaking to there on a broader scale do you think? Receiving these Command Citations was both humbling and validating. Each one reflects moments in my career where training, teamwork, and instinct aligned to ensure public safety and uphold the law. These were not just individual efforts, but outcomes made possible through the collective dedication of the department. Both of those awards were related to your response to drug-related situations. This new award you are due to receive is a Unit Citation, given for commendable service performed as a member of an operating unit in a cited action. Talk to me about what this means to you, answering the call after multiple vehicle burglaries were reported in the area. The upcoming Unit Citation is especially meaningful to me because it highlights the strength of collaboration. It speaks to what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and urgency. The Westfield Police Department What is it in your team that you value most? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm proud to be part of this department that consistently puts the community first and strives for excellence, even in the most challenging situations. Im grateful for the opportunities Ive been given and remain committed to serving with the same passion and professionalism that brought me here. The Westfield Community Why is Westfield special? Westfield is such a special place to me because its a true community. The people here look out for one another, and being able to serve in a town with that sense of connection is something Im really grateful for. I take a lot of pride in being part of a department that works so closely with the community to keep it safe. (Credit: Sgt. Christopher Forcenito) The Other Side So what's the playbook look like when you're off duty? What do you get into at home and around Westfield? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Im not working, I love enjoying the local spots. Westfield has some great restaurants, whether its grabbing a slice of pizza, a good coffee, or sitting down with friends for a nice dinner. Theres always something going on downtown, and its a great place to just walk around and enjoy the energy of the town. Outside of work, Ive always been an artist at heart, and one of my biggest passions is woodworking. Im also a big fan of spending time with family and friends, theyre my support system and mean the world to me. As far as interests go, I enjoy movies and staying active. Currently under a temporary role in the Detective Bureau, Sergeant Forcenito will next be assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau as a field supervisor. 'Westfield Is Such A Special Place To Me': New Sergeant Of Police Reflects On His Community originally appeared on the Westfield Patch The Westhaven Foundation recently awarded five Williamson County School alumni up to $17,500 in scholarships. The foundation began in 2007 and seeks to help students who live in the Westhaven community or are students of Williamson County schools. Additionally, it supports school programs and contributes to community-enhancing events and causes. These exceptional students represent a new generation of altruistic and service-minded individuals, said Dana Hardy, a Westhaven Foundation board member and chair of the Scholarship Committee. "Their commitment to service and academic excellence makes them stellar representatives of our neighborhood and the greater Williamson County community, and we're proud to support their educational journeys." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westhaven is an 1,500-acre-master-planned community featuring traditional neighborhood design in Franklin. The community also comprises a village center with restaurants, retail and gathering spaces. The nonprofit raised the scholarship funds at its annual Porchfest Music Festival, which occurs every September in Westhaven. The recipients of the scholarships were chosen because of their academic excellence, how they embody community spirit and their generosity through noteworthy volunteerism. The five recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Education Scholarships are: Fountain Scholarship (awarded to high school graduates who reside in Westhaven): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $5,000 Connor Britt, son of Natalie & Jeff Britt of Westhaven, and a graduate of Independence High School. Britt will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville to major in Mechanical Engineering. $2,500 Colin Adams, son of Barbara & Robert Adams of Westhaven, and a graduate of Independence High School. Adams will be attending Vanderbilt University to major in Business and Pre-Law Grimes Lift Scholarship (awarded to Williamson County Schools graduates): $5,000 Baker Bruehl, son of Kaylyn & Reid Bruehl of Arrington, and a graduate of Page High School. Bruehl will be attending Western Kentucky University to major in Business Management/Sales. $2,500 Shiloh Branson, daughter of Kristy & Steven Branson of Thompson Station, and a graduate of Vanguard Virtual High School. Branson will be attending Belmont University to major in Biology. Debbie Jones Memorial Nursing Scholarship: (awarded to Williamson County Schools graduates or college students from Williamson County pursuing a nursing degree): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $2,500 Jessica Crockett, daughter of Holly & Larry Crockett of Franklin, and a graduate of Page High School. Crockett will be attending Lipscomb University to major in Nursing. Additional information about The Westhaven Foundation, as well as the Excellence in Education Scholarship Program, can be found at https://westhavenfoundation.org/. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Westhaven Foundation gifts students with $17,500 in scholarships When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Ed Jackson representing the London Welsh rugby team in 2012. | Credit: Getty Images A former rugby star, who was told he would never walk again after breaking his neck, has become the first person to scale a previously unsummitted peak in Krgyzstan's Tian Shan mountain range. Ed Jackson, 36, sustained the life-changing injury in 2017 when he dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool and has lived with various physical and neurological disabilities ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, August 21, he returned home from a month-long expedition to the remote Tien Shan mountains, where he became the first person to reach the unexplored summit of a peak he's dubbed 'Hope Mountain'. The challenge, which has raised 6,000 ($8,000) for his Millimeters to Mountains (M2M) foundation and various children's organizations, is the culmination of years of hard work. Jackson and his wife Lois launched M2M a year after his injury to help facilitate outdoor adventures for people facing adversity. "There was a lot of meaning behind reaching the summit, other than just ticking a box to stand on top of it," Jackson told BBC Radio Bristol. "Whatever your limitations are, you can get out and do extraordinary things." Jackson and his team overcame plenty of tricky terrain and challenging conditions during the ascent, negotiating icy glacial slopes, uneven valleys, and steep, elevated ridges. The former England and Wales player says the help he received from locals was one of the highlights of the adventure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of the most amazing things was connecting with the local shepherds and the nomads in the mountain," says Jackson. "They became invaluable for us to be able to get our kit into different locations, they were lending us their horses or coming with us." A handful of states have placed themselves front and center in a national redistricting battle after Texas took an unusual step to do mid-decade redistricting and advance a friendlier map for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Lone Star States map, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law on Friday, has prompted red and blue states alike to consider redrawing their own maps. California is the only state so far to tee up a potential new House map ahead of next year in response, where voters will weigh in November whether to pass new congressional lines. The redistricting tit-for-tat will have major implications for which party controls the House and whether President Trump could see a check on his power in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres where key states stand on redistricting: Texas The GOP-led state legislature in Texas passed a new set of congressional lines this month, with the intent of giving Republicans the chance to pick up five seats in the midterms an effort that was driven by Trump and the White House. Abbott signed the map into law on Friday, but several organizations have already sued the state over the congressional maps, arguing that the map is unconstitutional and violates the Voting Rights Act. A federal court has already scheduled dates for a preliminary injunction hearing in one of the lawsuits, which will run from Oct. 1 through Oct. 10. California California lawmakers advanced a new set of congressional lines aimed at neutralizing expected gains from Texas new map, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signing the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new House map will go before voters in a special election in November, where a simple majority is needed in order to enact the map before the midterms. The California Supreme Court has rejected two challenges by Republicans over the new House map, but President Trump has said he intends to sue over them. Ohio The Buckeye State was originally the only state expected to redraw its congressional maps this year after the House map used in 2022 didnt receive bipartisan support. Republicans will be eyeing the chance to redraw Democratic Reps. Marcy Kapturs and Emilia Sykes seats to make them even more GOP-friendly. Kapturs seat is already Republican-favored, having gone for Trump by close to seven points in 2024 while Sykes district evenly split their votes between Trump and former Vice President Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans may also try to redraw Democratic Rep. Greg Landsmans seat, though his will likely be harder to change given the seat includes Cincinnati. The process to redraw the maps will begin in the coming weeks. The state legislature gets the first go at drawing the congressional lines, where lawmakers need to reach a certain threshold of bipartisan support in each chamber in order to pass a new map, with a deadline of Sept. 30. If the state legislature cant pass their House map with bipartisan support, the process is kicked over to the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which gets the chance to draw a map, with a deadline of Oct. 31. If the commission is unable to pass the map without bipartisan support, the state legislature gets another go at drawing the map, which must be passed by Nov. 30. If the House map receives enough bipartisan support in the state legislature to pass, its used for the next decade. If the congressional lines dont receive enough bipartisan support, theyre only in place for four years. Indiana The White House has been pushing for Indiana state lawmakers to redraw their House map, with Vice President Vance traveling to the Hoosier State earlier this month and later bringing up the topic with them again during their recent visit at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump reportedly spoke with top statehouse leaders as well. While some Republicans initially opposed to the idea of redistricting have since come around, statehouse leaders and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) have been noncommittal so far. Braun is looking to statehouse leaders to see what kind of support redistricting has among the members. Missouri The White House has also been pressing top leaders in Missouri to redraw their map, and on Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) announced he would be calling a special session to convene starting Sept. 3 to consider redrawing the states House map. This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform, Kehoe said in a statement, with a press release including a House map his team made to be considered by state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) in the states 5th Congressional District is most vulnerable here. But Republicans will have to be cautious in how they draw their map given the GOP ultimately nixed a plan in 2022 to draw a 7-1 map over concerns it could endanger some Republicans. Florida Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has signaled the Sunshine State should reconsider its House map ahead of 2026, and lawmakers are starting to take some steps in that direction. Florida state House Speaker Daniel Perez (R) announced earlier this month that he would be creating a select committee on redistricting a move that came about a month after the Florida Supreme Court upheld the states current map, which reconfigured former Rep. Al Lawsons (D-Fla.) district, with three GOP lawmakers now holding parts of Lawsons old district. Its unclear exactly when lawmakers are looking to meet and ultimately pass a new House map, though Perez noted that he would announce in September the members who would be included in the select committee. Utah The Utah Supreme Court delivered Democrats a win this month when it ordered the state to no longer use the congressional map the state passed in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also determined that a ballot measure passed in 2018, which mandated the creation of an independent redistricting commission and was later repealed and replaced with a commission that was structured differently, was the law in Utah. The state Supreme Court told lawmakers that it needed to redraw its map in compliance with the 2018 ballot initiative by Sept. 24. A hearing on the maps will be scheduled in mid-October. The high courts decision is likely to give Democrats one pick-up opportunity in the Beehive State. Louisiana Louisiana was required to create a second Black-majority district in the last election cycle after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the state to redraw its map following a Supreme Court case playing out in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court was expected to issue a ruling over the congressional lines this summer after a group of non-African American voters sued over the new map, but in an unusual move, announced in June it would be rehearing the case. Oral arguments are scheduled for Oct. 15. The question the Supreme Court is focusing on is whether the States intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The state is urging for the high court to effectively throw out its current map, saying in a supplemental brief filed on Wednesday that the court should determine that the intentional creation of a second majority-minority district in the congressional map is unconstitutional. the Court has assumed, but never decided, that race-based redistricting in the name of compliance with Section 2 of the VRA is constitutional, the filing argues. It is not for two independent reasons. First, race-based redistricting is categorically unconstitutional because it violates fundamental equal protection principles. Second, it fails strict scrutiny. Either way, race-based redistricting is unconstitutional. Alabama One state to watch in the broader redistricting battle will be Alabama. A three-judge panel earlier this month ordered the state to use the map that Alabama used during the 2024 cycle, which was created by a special master and established a second Black-majority House district, for the remainder of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a filing after the three-judge panel handed down its decision to use the congressional lines drawn by a special master, Alabama Republicans said they were appealing that decision to the high court. Illinois Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) have left the door open to potentially redrawing the Prairie States House map, though there has been little movement publicly yet. Democrats hold 14 of the 17 House seats in the district a map that already gives a heavy partisan advantage to Democrats and which has been rated poorly by redistricting experts on partisan fairness and competitiveness. Illinois and Maryland have easier paths to redrawing their maps as the states only need to pass new maps through the state legislature and are subject to the governors signature or veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has put pressure on states like Illinois and New York to begin taking up redistricting in their own states. Maryland Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said last week that hes actively looking at redistricting in his state, saying all options are on the table. Marylands House Majority Leader in July proposed legislation that would allow the state to do mid-decade redistricting if another state initiated redrawing their maps first. Redistricting the state is tricky enough given the Maryland congressional delegation includes seven Democrats and one Republican. But Democrats would need to be especially cautious in trying to redraw their map given the one Democrats looked to use in the 2022 cycle which essentially would have created eight Democratic-favored districts was struck down by a court over partisan gerrymandering. New York Lawmakers in the Empire State have already introduced legislation that would amend the state Constitution to allow legislators to redraw their map if another state engages in mid-decade redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Democrats would need to pass that constitutional amendment in two consecutive legislative sessions before it goes to voters for a vote, meaning the Empire State wouldnt be able to redraw its maps ahead of 2026 but could do so in the 2028 cycle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Numerous administration officials and congressional leaders are expected to travel to North Carolina today for the funeral of former Army Sgt. Michael Verardo, whose catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan led to his familys involvement with the Independence Fund, eventually pushing the charity into a prominent national advocacy role. Verardo, 40, died on Aug. 26 from complications related to long-standing wounds sustained in a roadside bomb attack in April 2010. He lost two limbs and suffered significant burns in the ambush, and endured more than 120 surgeries over the last 15 years to address the injuries. In a statement, officials from the Independence Fund said that Verardo 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA leaders push back deadline for caregiver program changes to 2028 Among the expected attendees at his funeral services this morning in Weddington, N.C., are former Vice President Mike Pence, VA Secretary Doug Collins, Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and a host of other state and federal lawmakers. On Sunday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein ordered flags at state facilities to be flown at half staff until Tuesday evening, in honor of Verardo. Last week, President Donald Trump posted a tribute to Verardo on social media, saying his familys service and sacrifice exemplifies the spirit of America. Verardos involvement with the Independence Fund founded in 2007 primarily to help provide wheelchairs and support equipment to wounded veterans shifted the advocacy group from a regional charity to a regular fixture at White House events with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his wife, Sarah, first became involved with the group in 2012. By 2017, she was named executive director of the organization, and the pair frequently attended veterans events in the Oval Office and on Capitol Hill. They became regular advisors to Trumps Department of Veterans Affairs, sharing their stories of caregiving and recovery as part of broadening efforts by the group to influence policy changes. In April, several dozen veterans from the Independence Fund attended a White House ceremony with Trump, Collins, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Cabinet members to discuss challenges with VA services and offerings. In a social media post last week, Sarah said she and the couples three daughters were heartbroken by the loss. He fought the good fight every single day and gave us everything he had, she wrote. I promised him that I will forever do relentless good in his honor. Pakistan's Army Chief Syed Asim Munir in Tehran, Iran on July 16, 2023. Credit - Anadolu AgencyGetty Images In 1959, six years before I was born, Pakistan was ruled by a general who had seized power in a military coup and elevated himself to the rank of Field Marshallthe highest rank in the British army, whose structures and hierarchies were inherited by several post-colonial nations. One of Field Marshall Ayub Khans main claims to power was that he was best friends with American president Lyndon B Johnson. Their mutual bonhomie is preserved in several portraits. Field Marshal Khan patting President Johnson on the cheek; President Johnson approaching a camel cart driver on a Karachi street and asking if he would like to be friends with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Field Marshal Khan must have had some doubts about the nature of their relationship because he ended up writing a book about it and called it Friends, Not Masters. Its Urdu translation has a more poetic and more self-serving title: Jis Rizq Se Aati Ho Parwaz Mein Kotahi. Borrowing from a poem about the spiritual and the moral struggles of the self by our national poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, it boasts that what America feeds us will not stop us from soaring high. America had no business feeding Pakistan as it was an agricultural country with famously fertile lands. More than American grains, Field Marshal Ayub Khan needed American patronage to keep a handle on the political opponents at home and show his mother institution, the armed forces, that he was a close buddy with the most powerful man in the western world. What did Lyndon Johnson want in return, besides friendships with a military dictator and Karachis camel cart driver? A Cold War geo-strategic fling which allowed the U.S. the use of an airbase in Pakistans north to fly reconnaissance flights over the Soviet Union. As I enter the 60th year of my life, Pakistan has its second Field Marshal. Soon after a brief and dangerous conflict with India in May, Asim Munir, the general leading the Pakistani army, was promoted to the rank of Field Marshall. He is also the first head of Pakistan's army, who without staging a coup, has been invited to an official lunch meeting at White House. President Donald Trump said he was honored to meet him. Pakistan nominated Trump for the honor he covets desperately: the Nobel Peace prize. Pakistan has all the trappings of democracy, a parliament, a prime minister, judiciary, a noisy press but after putting the countrys most popular leader Imran Khan behind bars two years ago, the army calls the shots. Its no surprise that Trump instead of wasting time with civilian figureheads extended his hand of friendship to the man who matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America has always had a soft spot for Pakistans military dictators because they see them as a one window operation for their secret, and not-so-secret, strategic plans. Throughout the 1980s, America bankrolled the brutal military dictatorship of General Zia ul Haq because he was helping Washington defeat the Soviets in Afghanistan. When General Pervez Musharraf overthrew an elected government in the late 1990s, he became an international pariah. After America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, the Bush Administration embraced General Musharraf when they needed his cooperation to invade Afghanistan. The beginning of this new courtship was typical of U.S.-Pakistan love lore. General Musharraf claimed that a senior American official threatened to bomb Pakistan into stone age if it didnt comply. Whats a general to do? He offered full cooperation and gave Americans excess to Pakistans air bases to bomb its supposed Taliban brothers in Afghanistan. The relationship really bloomed. General Musharraf became a bounty hunter for Washington: handing over Taliban leaders, even their ambassador to Pakistan, to Americans who hooded, gagged, handcuffed and dispatched them to black sites or put them on flights to Guantanamo Bay. On many occasions innocent Pakistani citizens were handed over just to make up the numbers. It's mostly during the civilian governments that relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan has soured and foreign affairs experts have to roll out relationship metaphors to describe this sordid affair. Cheated on, used and dumped, jilted lovers---everything has gone into this toxic mix. When Hillary Clinton visited Islamabad and in a town hall lectured Pakistanis about keep snakes in the backyard, the U.S. was called a mother in law who is never satisfied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first term, President Trump wasnt happy with Pakistan and described its establishment as deceitful. Islamabad had failed to deliver what Washington had wanted in Afghanistan. In the second Trump term, that old love between America and Pakistan seems to have been rekindled by what brought them together in the past: their cooperation in the war on terror. Last year, Pakistan army arrested and handed over an Afghan citizen, the alleged mastermind of an attack on Kabul Airport that killed more than 200 Afghans and about a dozen Americans. President Trump thanked Pakistan in his first state of the nation address. Donald Trump is not the first American President to look at this strong army and think I can put them to some good use. Field Marshal Asim Munir is not the first Pakistani general to believe that even an abusive relationship with the U.S.a bit of a master, a bit of a friendhelps him maintain the militarys grip over power in Pakistan. Munirs army has the country at a choking point. They can handpick the ruling party, choose the opposition, fix the courts, steal the elections. Their business empire is more sprawling than ever: from real estate to fertilizer, from breakfast cereal to amusement parks. But Pakistans armed forces do have a really solid side hustle in professional soldiering. In recent skirmishes with India, it surprised international defense analysts with its agility and preparedness. American generals probably noticed that that their old ally can still hunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet while the Pakistan army is claiming, celebrating victory over India and flaunting Field Marshall Munirs halal lunch with President Trump, its popularity at home is at an all-time low. Inter Services Public Relations, the public relations wing of the Pakistan army, cant even say, Asslam ul alaikum on its social media handles without attracting a torrent of abuse and insults from the political opponents. A close relationship with the U.S. is no guarantee of popularity at home. People can see through the facade of strategic alliance and promises of exploring Pakistans massive oil reserves. After Trumps discovery of oil in our country, Pakistani internet exploded with memes about of canisters of cooking oil we use in some of our favorite foods. Not even the most delusional Pakistanis believe that the country has any oil reserves. We have watched this love story before. It never ends well. In Afghanistan it ended with scores of Afghans dangling from the retreating American planes and falling to their death. More than 70,000 Pakistanis were killed in the two decades of our militarys cooperation in the American war on terror. And every few months, Pakistan has returned to the International Monetary Fund boardrooms to keep its economy afloat. Among the ordinary citizens of Pakistan, theres an undercurrent of resentment against American hegemonic power that erupts into bursts of hatred when they are unhappy with their own rulers, who they see as extensions of American power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All it takes is the lighting of a match to test our rulers bond with their patrons in Washington. A political worker once told me that whenever their party is in power and they need something done all they need is an American flag, a match box, and a camera. If you dont accept our demands, well take this matchstick to the American flag and take a picture, and then well see what America really thinks of you. Friend? Master? Or that double-dealing old ally who can still hunt? Contact us at letters@time.com. He was Rex Anglorum, the first king of the English. He won great military victories, leading armies far north to crush unruly Scots and Vikings. He was the first monarch on these shores to put his face on coins. He legislated to standardise justice and his court was a thriving centre of scholarship, and he cultivated allegiances with other rulers across northern Europe. Aethelstan ought to be one of the first names every school child learns. But how many, of any age, could name him? While his grandfather Alfred the Great continues to loom large, Aethelstan has been all but forgotten, lodged in a no-mans land before 1066 (currently being given a glossy James Norton do-over on the BBC). But a growing group is fighting to give him his rightful place in Englands creation story. Professor David Woodman, a biographer of Aethelstan, is among a group of historians who are working with Alex Burghart MP, the shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to campaign for a memorial to the monarch as part of celebrations to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of England in two years time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birth of England deserves to be remembered and given that England is just about the oldest kingdom to maintain its borders, 927 AD is a significant date in European and world history, Burghart told The Telegraph this week. This is an opportunity to celebrate England in a very positive way and perhaps remind ourselves of Englands past. Professor David Woodman is campaigning for greater public recognition of Aethelstans creation of England - The Parker Library The historian Tom Holland is one of Aethelstans most dedicated cheerleaders. He has written a history of Aethelstan and the most loyal subscribers to his blockbuster podcast, The Rest is History, are called Aethel-stans, after the slang stan for fans. This week he is officially naming a train King Aethelstan in a ceremony at Kingston Station. Aethelstans ignored because there wasnt a biography of him, he says. Alfred the Great had a biography, by the Welsh cleric Asser, but there isnt a biography of Aethelstan. And theres a general sense that English history begins with 1066, which is mad, because what other country begins its history with a massive defeat? Theres an underlying assumption that England has always existed. People dont bother to ask how and why. The moment you start asking that question, Aethelstans role is essential. Hes the founding father of England. The historical consensus is that Aethelstan came to the Anglo-Saxon throne in 924 at the age of 30, following the death of his father, Edward. After suppressing some local resistance in Wessex he was crowned on Sept 4 925. Two years later, he conquered York, which had been the last remaining Viking stronghold in England, and the other English regional rulers submitted to him. To mark the achievement, he issued coins with the inscription Rex Totius Britanniae meaning King of all Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having consolidated power in England he marched north and made Constantine II, king of Scotland (Alba), bend the knee too. In 937, he decisively defeated a counterattack by the Scots and Vikings at the Battle of Brunanburh, an engagement some believe marks the foundation of modern England. He was a powerful, charismatic king, says Charles Insley, a senior lecturer in medieval history at the University of Manchester and the author of a new book on Aethelstan being published next year. He wins his battles. 2027 will mark the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of England - Alamy In addition to his military success, Aethelstan understood how centralised policy could bolster his authority. He was a prolific legislator, Insley says. We have records of five or six law codes, assemblies where laws are discussed and promulgated. Its important legislation. It established a pennyweight (a standardised weight for metals), the age at which you could hang thieves, and that mints can only be located in royal boroughs. He was also shrewd about making connections with other leaders. He was at the heart of a web of marriages and alliances that connect England to pretty much everywhere in northwestern Europe, says Insley. His half-sister Edith is married to the future Otto the Great of Germany, his half-sister Eadhild is married to the most powerful noble in the Western Frankish kingdom. Other sisters were married to Kings of Burgundy and the Scandinavian Dublin kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He strengthened the Church, too, giving relics, land and treasure to churches and monasteries, promoting uniformity in the liturgy and involving bishops in government. Holland believes his rule had a strong sense of Christian grace. His qualities as a warrior were immense, but he was also a formidable law giver, and he also clearly buys into the notion that the king will be judged at the Day of Judgement for what he has done for his people. There is a moving mention in one of his Christmas charters when he gives a grant of land to a nobleman but specifies that anyone who comes onto his land who is homeless or hungry must be given sustenance. Its obvious he has the idea of the holy family going to Bethlehem on his mind. There is a degree of moral purpose to what he is doing that animates English law and government for centuries. Aethelstans fragile kingdom fell apart soon after he died in 939 and the Vikings quickly retook York. But his vision of a Britain ruled by the English was revived by the Angevins and Plantagenets. When Edward I fought the Welsh and the Scots in the 13th and 14th centuries, Aethelstan was one of his models. He emerges as a pivotal figure in Englands awkward transformation into arguably the first unified, centralised European nation-state with clear borders. Hes the first king to talk about being King of the English, hes arguably the king who sets up the idea that the English also rule Britain, he says. He stands on the cusp of an early medieval type of kingship, where you rule through personal relationships, and something more institutional and bureaucratic, which we see in the later 10th and 11th centuries, where you rule through tax systems, the coin system, the justice system. He looks both backwards to these more expansive but shallower kingdoms and forwards to something that looks more like the Kingdom of England we see after the Norman conquest. Aethelstans fifteenth century memorial tomb lies at Malmesbury Abbey, Wiltshire, England - Getty Given Aethelstans achievements, it is surprising that he is largely overlooked by the school curriculum. Currently he is only an option in Key Stage 2, for children aged seven to 11. Partly this is down to scant materials, and the poor PR Holland outlines. Aethelstan is not mentioned much in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the main contemporary source for Anglo-Saxon kings. William of Malmesbury wrote extensively on him, but not until the 12th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alfred the Great had Asser to sing his praises, Woodman said this week. And within decades of Aethelstans death, a wave of propaganda ensured King Edgar became famous for reforming the Church. This completely overshadowed Aethelstans earlier revamping of learning and religiosity. Insley agrees.Theres a murkiness there, which is perhaps why he sidles out of view, because hes not universally liked or admired. The places that write history in southern England are not really interested in him. Rory Naismith, a professor of early medieval English history at the University of Cambridge, says the curriculum also has a tendency to do the things it has always done. There has been a strong focus on the Norman Conquest as the key moment from the earlier part of English history, he says. [The curriculum] goes from the Romans, then maybe a little bit about how things go pear shaped at the end of the Roman period, and then youre into 1066. Everything else tends to get left over. Historically, there has been a sense that the early Middle Ages matter less. Aethelstan isnt dramatically less clear or more complicated than 1066, but he just hasnt featured, he says. Even in older schoolbooks from the 19th or early 20th century, its bizarre. In the Middle Ages people thought he was the bees knees, but he has not done so well in recent times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are qualities, says Naismith, that ought to make Aethelstan a fascinating subject for students today. Hed be a really good way for children to think about how a place like Britain, where youve got multiple countries in one country, comes to be, he says. I remember the last three years of school before A-Level were all Nazis and other 20th-century wars and dictators. It does a disservice to everything else, which is hugely important and explains a lot about British society. I think a lot of it is inertia. There has been so much focus on Henry VIII, Hitler and the trenches that schools dont always have the expertise or the resources to do other things. It could be changed, it would just take a big effort. Holland has not lost hope. I think there has been a massive revival, he says. His profile is much higher than it was 10 years ago when I wrote my biography. Hes a massively significant historical figure who should be better remembered, and hes in the process of being remembered. Together with the other initiatives around the anniversary, the signs are that the overdue Aethelstan revival is well underway. The forgotten first king of the English may get his dues at last. 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. Islamabad, Pakistan When the foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, landed at Dhaka airport on a windswept, overcast morning on August 23, it was the first time in 13 years that such a senior Pakistani official had visited Bangladesh, which had broken from Pakistan 54 years ago. Dar, who also serves as Pakistans deputy prime minister, struck an optimistic tone, calling the historic tour the start of a new phase of our reinvigorated partnership. Acknowledging a thaw in bilateral relations, he pointed to the significant progress made over the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must work together to create an environment where youth from Karachi to Chittagong, Quetta to Rajshahi, Peshawar to Sylhet and Lahore to Dhaka join hands to face challenges and realise their shared dreams, Dar said, naming cities across both countries. His visit symbolised a breakthrough after months of diplomatic and military engagements between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Relations have warmed rapidly since the August 2024 ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was widely perceived as being close to India, and who was forced out by massive student-led protests. But Masood Khalid, Pakistans former ambassador to China, cautioned that the past continues to complicate trust-building between the two nations. The new government of Bangladesh has responded positively to Pakistans gestures. Clearly, there were artificial barriers to close relations that have now been removed, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was now needed, he said, was a framework for deeper engagement, where constructive dialogue can dispel misunderstandings. Military and diplomatic engagements intensify While Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladeshs interim government, twice last year, few analysts expected such a swift improvement in ties, or the regular, high-level exchanges that followed. In January, Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan of the Bangladesh Army visited Islamabad to meet Pakistans army chief, General Asim Munir. In February, Bangladeshs naval chief, Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, followed, and two months later, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch travelled to Dhaka. Dars trip had been delayed by Pakistans four-day clash with India in May, but July saw Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi visiting Dhaka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dars eventual arrival in Dhaka in August coincided with that of Lieutenant General Muhammad Faizur Rahman, the quartermaster general of the Bangladesh Army in Pakistan, where he held talks with the chairman of the Pakistani Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. Delwar Hossain, an international relations professor at the University of Dhaka, said that Pakistans hasty efforts to strengthen ties are strategic. Pakistan was trying to normalise relations even under the Hasina government. Now they see an opportunity to revive the bond they enjoyed in the post-1975 era, he told Al Jazeera, referencing the period after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladeshs founder and Hasinas father. Relations between Islamabad and Dhaka normalised under Ziaur Rahman, Bangladeshs military chief-turned-president, who led the country from late 1975 until he, too, was assassinated in 1981. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regime change has historically created a binary of friendship and antagonism in Bangladeshs ties with India and Pakistan. Pakistan may also want to exploit the current tensions in Bangladesh-India relations. This is a common diplomatic practice, Hossain added. Bangladeshs war of independence legacy For decades, Islamabad and New Delhi have viewed ties with Dhaka through the prism of their rivalry, a dynamic rooted in Bangladeshs 1971 war of independence. When Pakistan and India gained independence from Britain in 1947, Pakistan was created as a Muslim-majority state with two geographically separated wings. The western wing, home to about 34 million people of diverse ethnicities, was seen as dominant. The eastern wing, East Pakistan which would become Bangladesh was more populous, with more than 42 million Bengali speakers. India stood between the two parts of Pakistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As grievances grew in the east, India supported the Bengali liberation struggle. Pakistans military and allied militias carried out atrocities, killing hundreds of thousands of people and allegedly raping an estimated 200,000 women. With Indias military backing, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his Awami League party led Bangladesh to independence. He became the countrys founding president. Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 16 years before her removal last year, is widely seen as close to India, where she has been living since last year. Aizaz Chaudhry, Pakistans former foreign secretary, said that the shared grievances over Indias regional hegemony have spurred Islamabad and Dhaka to repair ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bangladeshis have experienced Indian hegemony, and we, in Pakistan, saw it in the May conflict. Both nations now understand the need for balance of power in South Asia, he told Al Jazeera. In May, India and Pakistan fought a brief but intense four-day aerial war after gunmen killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in an attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, allegations that Islamabad rejects. Shahab Enam Khan, the executive director of the Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, described Dhakas relationship with New Delhi as lukewarm, despite India being a significant neighbour, but added that foreign policy is driven by economic imperatives. Anti-India sentiment is often exaggerated, he said. Bangladesh historically avoids viewing relations, especially with Pakistan, through a purely security or military lens, preferring economic and regional cooperation. Chinas growing role Regional dynamics are further complicated by Chinas growing influence in South Asia. Beijing, a close ally of Islamabad, had strong relations with Hasina, who successfully juggled her friendship with India and China though the two Asian giants are otherwise rivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhaka Universitys Hossain said that China had managed to retain a significant presence in Bangladesh even after Hasinas ouster. In March, Yunus visited Beijing, followed by Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zamans weeklong China trip in August. Bangladesh is considering buying 12 J-10C fighter jets to boost its air power, he added, referring to Chinese-made planes that Pakistan also has, and that Islamabad used in the May conflict. China is also Pakistans closest strategic partner, and the source of both economic loans and investments as well as military equipment. These developments are bringing Dhaka and Islamabad closer, transforming ties into a strong partnership, Hossain said. Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials held several meetings during Dars visit to Dhaka in August [Handout/Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs] Trade, politics as countries seek partnership Dars two-day visit to Bangladesh was packed with meetings, including talks with Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also met leaders from a range of political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which spearheaded the protests that toppled Hasina. Those meetings were particularly significant as Bangladesh is preparing for elections in early 2026, said Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani high commissioner to India. No matter what happens between India and Bangladesh, Pakistan and Bangladesh will forge ahead, he told Al Jazeera. We have issues from the past, but they can be handled skilfully and should not become barriers. Both could benefit from closer economic relations, too, suggested Pakistans former China ambassador Khalid and Dhaka Universitys Hossain. Bangladesh, with a growth rate of 6 percent since 2021, is among South Asias fastest-growing economies. Pakistan lags behind, recording 2.5 percent growth last year. At the moment, bilateral trade is modest, tilted towards Pakistan, whose exports to Bangladesh totalled $661m in 2024, compared with $57m in imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if both countries try and revitalise trade relations, Hossain said they could each benefit from the other both as a source of raw materials and as a potential market. The academic said Bangladesh may benefit from importing cotton and textile products, rice, cement, fruits and processed food from Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan can import jute and jute products, hydrogen peroxide, chemicals and tobacco products from Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Pakistan have a combined population of 430 million, he pointed out, which is more than twice the size of West Europe. Historical grievances remain The deepest fault line in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations is the legacy of the 1971 war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhaka continues to demand a formal apology for the atrocities. Then there is the dispute over the status of more than 200,000 Urdu-speaking Muslims in Bangladesh. After the partition in 1947, the community had mostly moved to East Pakistan from Bihar in present-day India. East Pakistan today Bangladesh was closer to Bihar geographically than West Pakistan. But Bangladesh, whose formation in 1971 was built on Bengali nationalism, has only given Urdu-speaking Muslims limited rights, and wants Pakistan to take them, something Islamabad is reluctant to do. Bangladesh also seeks a division of the pre-1971 assets of the state of Pakistan, and the transfer of aid that was promised by West Pakistan to East Pakistan in 1970 after a devastating cyclone, in which an estimated 300,000 people died. The slow and largely inadequate response of the West Pakistan-based government is cited by many historians as a major catalyst for the liberation war that led to the formation of Bangladesh. Still, Chaudhry, the former Pakistani foreign secretary, argued that public sentiment in both countries supports reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People of Pakistan are also as sad about the events of 1971 as the people of Bangladesh. I think this pain is common, and people in both countries now want to move on, Chaudhry said. However, Dhaka Universitys Hossain said that, despite strong support from the current political forces for strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan relations, issues related to the 1971 war continue to remain a barrier for improved ties. It is important to remember that the ouster of Hasina from power has not fundamentally changed the mindsets of the people of Bangladesh about the liberation war and an expectation from Pakistan for healing the past, Hossain said. Still, he added, Dhaka did not want to stay stuck in the past either. Diplomacy is a dynamic process. Both the countries can move forward for cooperation in economic, diplomatic and cultural sectors, while they will continue to maintain the healing process, he said. Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression, are common among older adults, and can be exacerbated by declining health, loss of loved ones, financial challenges and late-in-life regrets. Unfortunately, these issues can impact overall health, quality of life, and in some cases, even be life-threatening. The suicide rate among Americans aged 75 and older is the highest of any age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If youre an older adult, Dr. Zia Wahid, medical director with Cigna's Medicare business, encourages you to take the following actions: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nurture relationships. Research has found that loneliness can have negative health consequences as impactful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Thats why finding connection is essential. Check with your local community center to find out what activities, classes and social events they offer. Faith-based organizations, neighborhood gatherings, and clubs based on common interests are also great ways to meet people and stay engaged. A simple phone call with a loved one is often enough to strengthen bonds, and emotional resilience. Research has found that loneliness can have negative health consequences as impactful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Thats why finding connection is essential. Get moving. Physical activity can improve strength and agility as you age. It can also be a powerful way to boost your mood and ease anxiety and depression. From chair yoga to water aerobics, there are forms of exercise appropriate for every ability and age, and free or inexpensive classes offered in many communities. Your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may also offer fitness benefits that can help you move more and stay connected. Group fitness not your thing? Consider just getting outdoors for a short walk and a dose of sunshine. Avoid substance misuse or abuse. Substance use disorder is common among older adults, and can intensify mental health challenges. One in 11 adults over age 60 had a substance use disorder in 2022, and that number is on the rise, according to the American Psychological Association. Check your Medicare plan. It may cover treatment for alcoholism and substance use in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Schedule a doctors visit. Mental health, just like physical health, requires your attention and care. If youre experiencing mental health concerns, schedule a doctors appointment. They can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker, or provide additional advice and resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get it off your chest. Talking about your feelings with friends, family, or even a trained professional can be helpful. Medicare covers individual and group therapy with doctors or licensed clinicians, and some of these services are offered virtually. Consider medication. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, can be effective treatments for certain mental health conditions. A Part D plan either standalone or within an MA plan covers many of these prescriptions. Before starting a new medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with drugs youre currently taking. Dont wait! If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediately call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 nationwide in both English and Spanish. via StatePoint This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: The secrets for maintaining your mental health as you age (Getty Images) This story was originally published by Grist. Should you be worried about climate change? The answer used to be debatable literally. Way back in 2007, NPR aired a debate over the proposition that Global Warming Is Not a Crisis. The panel had six commentators, divided equally into two sides. Those on the not a crisis side (which included Jurassic Park author and nonscientist Michael Crichton) argued that much of the current alarm was based on ignorance. Sure, the climate was changing, but that wasnt anything new, they said. They werent convinced carbon dioxide was driving it this time around, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those stuck arguing that global warming was not not a crisis an awkward double negative countered that the scientific community was in near-universal agreement that CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions were at fault. They laid out the dire consequences (rising seas, shrinking ice caps, warming oceans) and called on the audience to think of the planet their children and grandchildren would inherit. Afterward, the conservative think tank The Heartland Institute declared that the climate realists had beaten the alarmists. Polling the audience, NPR found that 57 percent thought that global warming was a crisis before the debate, but only 42 percent did afterward. The results seemed to confirm the fears that participant Gavin Schmidt, a NASA climate scientist, had outlined on his blog ahead of the event. Is this kind of rhetorical jousting useful for clarifying issues of science ? Or does it just validate the least serious opposition? he wrote. In 2010, around the time when these kinds of debates were popular, almost half of Americans falsely believed there was a lot of disagreement among scientists that climate change was happening. Fast-forward to today, and the publics understanding has evolved. More Americans acknowledge that scientists agree on climate change. People are also increasingly worried about the consequences: The intense floods, wildfires, and heat waves battering the country have sparked concern not only for the future, but for the present. And yet the old way of discussing climate change framing it as a debate appears to be coming back into fashion, this time spurred by the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new report from the Department of Energy, A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate, arrived in late July. Climate change is a challenge not a catastrophe, Chris Wright, the Trump-appointed energy secretary, declared in the foreword. He wrote that the public conversation on climate change had drifted from the science because of exaggerated media coverage, potentially leading to misguided policies based on fear. While the report acknowledged that yes, the planet is getting warmer, and yes, its caused by humans, it argued that these changes arent as bad as you think. It contended that carbon dioxide is good for plant growth, that computer models are overstating predictions of future warming, and that sea level rise isnt accelerating. These conclusions were no surprise considering that the reports five authors John Christy, Judith Curry, Steve Koonin, Ross McKitrick, and Roy Spencer have a long track record of pushing back against mainstream narratives about climate change. Among those who care deeply about climate change, the report sounded alarm bells. Critics pointed to its use of selectively chosen data. A fact-check from the data journalism nonprofit Carbon Brief identified more than 100 cases of false or misleading claims in the 140-page document, with some researchers saying their cited work had been mischaracterized. Some scientists, led by Andrew Dessler at Texas A&M University, have begun organizing an academic response to the report. It is a shock to see the U.S. government, in an official document, deny scientific realities and spew so much disinformation, said Rachel Cleetus, a senior policy director for climate and energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But getting scientists riled up might have been intentional. One of the reports authors, Koonin, recently told E&E News that the expected pushback to the DOE report is part of a long-standing effort to create a red team, blue team exercise that could revive the debate over climate change. Red team, blue team is a reference to an adversarial military exercise used to expose weaknesses. The idea, with roots in 19th-century Prussian war games, took off in the U.S. during the Cold War in the 1960s and has since become popular in cybersecurity. Companies will hire a red team to try to poke holes in their blue teams digital defenses. These provocations help companies bolster their defenses against actual hackers. The red team, blue team idea was floated by an EPA official during President Donald Trumps first term as a way to challenge mainstream climate science. Before that, it had been raised by Spencer, another author on the 2025 report, as early as 2009. For a matter like climate change, however, a loud red-team attack has the effect of making the whole field look wobbly, split into two equally divided sides. It can really create perceptions of false equivalence in the public sphere, said Max Boykoff, an environmental studies professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Burgess, an environmental economist at the University of Wyoming, said that the context of the DOE report the Trump administrations broader assault on climate information makes it hard to take it seriously. While the DOE report was underway, officials removed congressionally mandated climate reports on how climate change affects life in the United States from the federal website they lived on. The administration has also cut billions in funding for climate programs and research, and has proposed halting projects that monitor climate change. On the same day the DOE report was released in July, the Environmental Protection Agency fired another shot at climate science, saying it would roll back the Obama-era finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health the scientific foundation that allows the agency to address climate change. In its proposal to repeal this so-called endangerment finding, the EPA cited the new DOE report, and many have interpreted it as a pretext for the EPAs announcement. So the blue team pushed back. Two environmental groups, the Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists, filed a lawsuit against both agencies earlier this month, arguing that Wright had secretly arranged for five hand-picked skeptics to write a report challenging the scientific consensus on climate change. The lawsuit alleges that involving a secret, unaccountable group in policymaking concerns violated federal law. (The DOE did not respond to a request for comment for this story.) But scientists may want to be careful in how they push back at the report, since arguing over fringe viewpoints may have the effect of amplifying them, falling into the same trap created by the climate debates of 20 years ago. One study from 2023 found that disinformation about climate change was more emotionally compelling and persuasive to people than scientific facts. To Cleetus, the governments revival of the climate debate is a distraction from the task at hand. Were losing precious, precious time to help stave off these terrible impacts of climate change, Cleetus said. And I dont know what we will say to our children and grandchildren, that this is what we wasted our time on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the polarization around climate change appears to stem from disagreements over what to do about it. In recent years, many advocates have justified faster action more regulations, fewer fossil fuels, and more green technology by appealing to science. The Biden administration even enshrined listen to science as its official policy. But while science can inform policy decisions, it doesnt answer the question of how to navigate the complex moral and cultural issues that come with reimagining life after fossil fuels. The political left has used the science-has-all-the-answers framing to shut down important conversations about real trade-offs, said Travis Fisher, who helped organize the DOE report. He is also the director of energy and environmental policy at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. He says that by using the science as justification to push through controversial policies, it invites skepticism in science as an objective force. Theres only so many times you can get hit with that, like, trademark science club before you start saying, Hey, whats actually in that club that you have? Fisher said. Is it as solid as you say it is? It bears repeating that upward of 97 percent of climate experts agree that human-caused climate change is happening, but there are many areas of climate science that merit further study. For example, the question of whether climate change affects tornadoes (not yet clear) or just how quickly and strongly CO2 emissions will drive global warming in the future. (The DOE report argues that the planet is less sensitive to CO2 than commonly believed, while scientist James Hansen argues that its actually more sensitive.) Science is always evolving as new evidence comes in, and it takes many studies to create a sufficient body of evidence before a causal argument can be accepted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take that famous 97 percent stat from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, for example. According to the organization, it came from not just a single study, but by a converging stream of evidence over the past two decades from surveys of scientists, content analyses of peer-reviewed studies, and public statements issued by virtually every membership organization of experts in this field. To Burgess, the environmental economist, the messy context around the DOE report represents a missed opportunity particularly because he thinks the critics make some good points. There are certain narratives, especially around the severity of climate impacts, he said, that are underappreciated in the mainstream discourse. But the solution, Burgess said, isnt war-room style debates its open, transparent collaboration between what might be described as the blue team and red team. As an example of a way to encourage thoughtful engagement, he pointed to the University of Pennsylvanias Adversarial Collaboration Project, which encourages scholars who disagree to work together to resolve polarizing scientific disputes. We do ourselves and the community a favor when we dispassionately try to, through things like adversarial collaboration, get to the bottom of genuine scholarly debates about how to interpret facts, Burgess said. Even if we dont like the people who interpret the facts differently than we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright has hinted that the DOEs report, which is open to the public to comment, may just be the start of the administrations move to stir up debate over climate change. Well probably have public events here in D.C. this fall, he said in an interview with CNN earlier this month. We want to have an honest dialogue with the American people about climate change. Burgess interprets the whole episode around report differently. I think its just basically another opportunity for people to yell at each other online and go back to their silos, he said. This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/politics/us-government-revive-climate-change-debate/. KANSAS CITY, Kan. A holiday Wiffle ball tournament hopes to address serious issues for teenagers. Nearly a year ago, one popular Johnson County teen died by suicide, and Mondays tournament hopes to help teens address mental health challenges. There isnt much Olathe South High School student Ryan Whitney loved more than playing Wiffle ball with his friends. Hundreds gathered at HomeField in Kansas City, Kansas to play Wiffle ball on a rainy day in the first-ever Ryan Whitney Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement September 1st would have been his 16th birthday. Whitneys family said Ryan died by suicide last December. I think about Ryan always, like every second of the day, Tiffany Whitney, Ryans mother, said on Monday. The Whitney Family said Ryan was a popular athlete, and showed no signs of mental health concerns. 53 teams of teenagers turned out to play in the memorial tournament. The family has the teens mental health concerns in mind, donating all proceeds to metro non-profit, Fight Club. A peer-driven support group that hopes to encourage teenagers to open up to others about problems that affect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted something that wasnt adult-led, and just fun, because they have their pressures. Theres also social media. We didnt have to deal with that as kids, said Tiffany Whitney. Thats been a big challenge, and causes more loneliness, even though they feel like theyre more connected. Its caused more disconnection. One of Mondays teams, The OGs, is made up of neighborhood kids who grew up with Ryan in Olathe. Theyre in full support of of the positive messages this sporting event drives home. Youve got to always check up on your friends and family, and know whats going on in their lives so this doesnt happen to you, Colton Lake, a classmate at Olathe South, said. I feel like now, they know its more of an issue because its affecting our community. I feel like it should have always been a thing, because theres some stuff that could have been prevented, Davis Schipper, another of Ryan Whitneys classmates, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Whitney says she hopes this gathering served to remind other young people theyre not alone, and in those moments of concern they may experience, theres always help to be found. You Matter: Find mental health resources and stories on FOX4. If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Please get help immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. One hundred years ago, William Milton Davis and his sons started opening grocery stores in Miami and built them into a massive chain across Florida and the South. Now Winn-Dixie is celebrating its centennial with throwback prices on some items and a free birthday bash at six locations, five of them in Florida. The first 100 customers to arrive at each location at 4 p.m. will get a random Winn-Dixie gift card ranging from $19.25 (see what they did there?) to $100, according to a release from parent company Southeastern Grocers. And in the grocery chain's hometown of Jacksonville, racing fans can get a gander at a replica of Mark Martins legendary #60 Winn-Dixie car. Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone that belongs to everyone who has been part of Winn-Dixies journey our associates, our customers and the communities we call home," said Anthony Hucker, Chairman & CEO for Southeastern Grocers. "For generations, weve been a trusted part of family dinners, holiday gatherings and everyday moments that matter most. That trust is our greatest measure of success." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winn-Dixie is also marking its anniversary with a $200,000 donation to Feeding America to support hunger relief programs and $100,000 in products to local communities across the Southeast. Which Winn-Dixie locations are having birthday parties? The birthday parties will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. with "live music, birthday cake, giveaways, sampling and family fun." Apopka: 611 E. Main Street Doral: 10505 NW 41 st Street Jacksonville: 10915-122 Baymeadows Road St. James City: 9864 Stringfellow Road Tampa: 13508 N. Florida Ave. The only birthday party celebration outside of Florida will be in Kenner, Louisiana at 2104 Williams Blvd., the release said. What are Winn-Dixie's throwback sales? In the release, Winn-Dixie announced throwback pricing from Sept. 3-30 on "iconic Chek Cola, private-label staples and popular national brands." Pricing will be available through digital coupons in the Winn-Dixie Rewards app and online, the company said. What is Winn-Dixie? William Milton Davis and his sons opened several grocery stores in Miami in the 1920s and began buying and absorbing other stores. Over the next few decades, they acquired hundreds of other stores and chains including the Winn & Lovett chain in the 1930s and the 117-store Dixie Home chain in the 1950s. They rebranded as Winn-Dixie and became widespread all over Florida and the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winn-Dixie kept expanding until the company ran into financial problems that forced it to close 120 stores in 2004 and file for bankruptcy in 2005. In 2006, Winn-Dixie was bought by Bi-Lo Holdings for $530 million. The new company became Southeastern Grocers, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018 to reorganize. The company also embarked on a plan to upgrade all of its locations. "Over 70% of Winn-Dixie locations have been refreshed, with the rest on the way by 2024," the Winn-Dixie website says. In March of 2024, Southeastern Grocers was acquired by Aldi, which embarked on an ambitious five-year, $9 billion plan to add 800 stores nationwide by opening new stores and converting the Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarket locations it bought. Less than a year later, in February 2025, a consortium of private investors led by Hucker got together to buy back many of the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, with Aldi keeping the stores they planned to convert. Which ones older, Winn-Dixie or Publix? Winn-Dixie, by five years. Publix is celebrating its 95th birthday this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publix founder George W. Jenkins started working at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store the year Winn-Dixie was founded, but left in 1930 to open his own store. Aldi still converting Winn-Dixie stores The discount grocery chain Aldi has continued to convert Winn-Dixie locations that were already in progress at the time of the sale. Last month, new locations for the no-frills grocery chain launched in Odessa, Crawfordville, Jensen Beach, Westlake, Port Orange and St. Cloud, part of least 28 new locations that have opened their doors this year. A new location is scheduled to open in Tampa on Sept. 4, and another in Aventura on Sept. 11. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Winn-Dixie sales, Florida parties planned for 100th birthday (The Center Square) Public testimony on permits for a Line 5 reroute in northern Wisconsin will take place starting on Wednesday in Madison. Environmental groups and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians are challenging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approval of permits 41-mile reroute of Enbridges Line 5 pipeline off reservation land and instead surrounding it. The pipeline reroute still requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enbridge and supporters such as the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition say that the group went through rigorous environmental impact studies and challenges to show there will not be significant impact from the project, which they say is essential for Wisconsins economy. We dont need more trucks or more rail on our infrastructure, FutureWood President Steve Aderman said in a testimonial about the pipelines benefits. Its the best carbon footprint that we can have right now. Enbridge has proven time and time again we have six miles of pipeline that comes through our property, our company-owned property and theyve always maintained the highest integrity, environmental stewardship, communication, accountability. The groups challenging the permits point to a 2024 Enbridge Line 6 spill of more than 69,000 gallons of crude oil in Oakland, Wis., located in Jefferson County east of Cambridge, due to a failed gasket flange. They also say the reroute will have permanent negative environmental impacts on the reservation and areas such as the bands rice beds, which the band relies upon for food, Earthjustice Senior Attorney Stefanie Tsosie said in opening remarks of the set of hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If something happens to this region, the Band has nowhere else to go its the Bands homeland. Members of the public who have already registered to speak will begin public testimony at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Hill Farms State Office Building in Madison. Public testimony is scheduled to continue through Sept. 12. The Bad River Band will then present its case Sept. 15-19 in Ashland, Enbridge will present Sept. 22-26 in Madison and the DNR will present its case from Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Madison. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Charges were announced for the woman who allegedly drove a vehicle into the Kipona Festival in Harrisburg, injuring three people last evening, including a young boy now in critical condition with multiple broken bones. Elizabeth Ann Bohrer, 37, of York Haven, Pa., is facing charges including three counts of aggravated assault by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI. What is Harrisburgs Kipona Festival? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Captain Atah Akakpo-Martin of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, the festival had ended and police officers were in the process of clearing the area when a woman drove a red minivan around barricades and parked cars and through the crowd on North Front Street after 6 p.m. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts According to Harrisburg Police, the officers who arrested Bohrer reported her appearing to be out of it and gave indicators she was under the influence. Police also reported she continued to fall asleep and spoke of random things during her interview at Dauphin County Booking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say a 6-year-old boy and a 25-year-old woman were taken to local trauma hospitals, and an adult man was treated at the scene. Harrisburg Police say the boy has a fractured pelvis, two broken ribs, a broken jaw, and other injuries. Mayor Wanda Williams said the 6-year-old boy is in critical condition after the incident, and the two adults, including a man working for the citys traffic engineering department and a woman using a wheelchair, are in stable condition. Mayor Williams extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims in a statement and said, Harrisburg will not tolerate reckless disregard for human life. Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick released a statement on X in response to the incident, saying, Dina and I are praying for those injured during Harrisburgs Kipona Festival. Were extremely grateful for our first responders and law enforcement officers who responded efficiently to this tragic situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told abc27 that Bohrer was hospitalized, and she is now awaiting her preliminary hearing on September 17 at 10:15 a.m. Bohrer is being held on $350,000 bail. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information on it is asked to contact the Harrisburg Police at 717-558-6900. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman was assaulted and robbed in the drive-thru at the Churchs Chicken on Third Street after an argument in line, according to a Memphis police affidavit. On July 31, an incident began when a customer behind the victim later identified by police as Terrona Cook became upset about her place in the drive-thru. According to the affidavit, Cook drove a silver 2016 Kia Sorento and intentionally struck the victims 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage, causing about $100 in damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Cook and Latisha Sams, 31, then got out, opened the victims driver door, and punched and scratched her, leaving bruises and abrasions. Latisha Sams (SCSO) MPD said during the incident, Cook snatched the keys from the ignition; the victims wallet was attached to the keys and contained identification documents. Both women fled in the Sorento. On Aug. 10, the victim gave a recorded statement and picked Sams from a six-person photo lineup as one of the attackers. Sams is now charged with Robbery and Assault. This case remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. GARMENT DISTRICT, Manhattan (PIX11) A 34-year-old woman was bitten on the cheek and sexually assaulted in a Manhattan nail salon Monday evening, police said. The suspect walked into the salon near West 36th Street and Broadway near Herald Square just after 6 p.m. and allegedly pinned the woman into a corner, according to the NYPD. More Local News The man then allegedly took her pants and underwear off before touching her private area, police said. The woman was bitten on the cheek and almost raped before fighting off the suspect, cops said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. It was unclear if the woman worked at the nail salon. Police said the 6-foot man took off after the incident and was last seen wearing a blue shirt and an orange cap. There have been no arrests. Police are searching for a suspect in connection with an attempted rape in Midtown on Sept. 1, 2025. (Credit: NYPD) Rapes and other sex crimes have increased this year, according to NYPD crime data. Rapes have jumped 22.3%, while sex crimes have risen by 3%. Rape incidents increased by 24% in August compared to the same period in 2024 (160 vs. 129), according to the data. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren woman is facing charges of DUI refusal and child endangering following a crash in Warren Saturday. Officers were called about 1:40 a.m. to the area of McMyler Street NW and Parkman Road NW on reports of a car that crashed into a parked vehicle. When officers arrived, they encountered the driver, Adorare Brown, 21, who officers said smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech. She also fell backward into the car while trying to get out, and officers said she had no clue that she was involved in a crash, according to a police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown refused field sobriety and breath tests, according to the police report. She was immediately arrested. A search of the car Brown was driving uncovered an open bottle of rum that was half empty; a bottle of 99 Bananas, which was three-quarters full; and a pint of vodka, which was almost empty, according to the police report. Brown was charged with child endangering because she had a 17-year-old passenger in the car with her, according to the police report. Formal charges were filed Tuesday in the case, following the Labor Day holiday on Monday. Browns arraignment was also set for Tuesday. No further dates have been listed yet in online court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Sep. 2A woman charged in a chase with Dayton police that was tied to an officer-involved shooting earlier this year was granted intervention in lieu of conviction. What is intervention in lieu of conviction? Intervention in lieu of conviction allows a defendant who has pleaded guilty to have court proceedings suspended while they complete an intervention plan, according to the Ohio Supreme Court. If a defendant completes the intervention plan successfully, charges are dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the terms of the intervention plan? Heaven Shepherd must go through rehabilitation for one to five years, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. The Montgomery County Probation Services Department will supervise her. Shepherd must enter a drug treatment facility or program and follow all rules. She also must complete community service, which will be determined by a probation officer after consulting with the court. If she fails to follow the plan, Shepherd could have the intervention in lieu of conviction revoked. What was she accused of? Shepherd allegedly led Dayton police on a chase on June 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were participating in a joint violence deterrence initiative with Ohio State Highway Patrol's aviation unit when crews spotted a Ford Fusion that was reported stolen, according to police. The aviation unit followed the Ford while giving Dayton police real-time updates. On Miller Avenue, Shepherd allegedly pulled next to Rodney Smith Jr. while he was in a pickup truck with a trailer attached. Troopers said it looked like something may have been exchanged or thrown from the Ford near the truck, according to Montgomery County Municipal Court Western Division records. Shepherd continued driving to a house in the 100 block of Pomeroy Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A resident told police Shepherd entered the house and shut the door, according to municipal court records. Police surrounded the house and ordered her to come outside. Once outside, she said she had consumed a large amount of narcotics and was overdosing, according to an affidavit. Crews took Shepherd to the hospital for treatment and then booked her into the Montgomery County Jail. A grand jury indicted her on receiving stolen property, failure to comply and possession of heroin charges. Who else was involved? In addition to Shepherd, Smith is also facing charges. A grand jury indicted Smith on one count each of having weapons while under disability, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of drugs and obstructing official business, according to court records. The obstructing charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Dayton police officer shot Smith while trying to pursue Shepherd on Redmond Place on June 12. Smith was in a pickup truck with an attached trailer that was across the road and blocking police. Dayton police body camera footage showed an officer exit a cruiser and tell the driver, later identified as Smith, to get out of the truck. Smith exited the truck and appeared to have a handgun in his right hand, Dayton police Chief Kamran Afzal said. Smith began to run, and the officer told him to drop the gun at least once before they shot him. Medics transported Smith to the hospital. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A woman was hit by a car when walking on a Greenville County road Thursday. The Greenville County Coroners Office said Dymond Juanita Abercrombie, 30, was walking on Taylors Road around 9:55 p.m. Thursday when she was hit by a vehicle. According to the coroners office, Abercrombie was taken to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital where she died from her injuries Sunday at 4:49 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manner of death has been ruled accidental by the coroners office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Nashville Police are searching for a woman they say shot and killed another woman over the holiday weekend in the Napier community. Police were called to a home on Fain Street at about 11:30 p.m. Aug. 30 after the shooting, the department said in a statement the next day. Shereca M. Waters, 50, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. She died shortly after 3 a.m. on Aug. 31, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Waters was in an argument with another woman when it turned physical and at least one shot was fired. The shooter fled the scene before police arrived. Waters' death was the second homicide investigation of the Labor Day Weekend. Ever Domingo Mazariegos, 25, was killed in what police called a targeted shooting Aug. 29 at a South Nashville apartment complex. Tennessean reporter Liam Adams contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: Woman dead after second Labor Day weekend shooting A woman was jailed Tuesday after she ran off with another womans young child at Miami International Airport, resulting in a fight over the child that included intervening bystanders, the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office said. The bizarre incident happened around 4 a.m. as the mother was standing in line with her child at Security Checkpoint 5, the sheriffs office said. The child was crying and 23-year-old Alvina Omisiri Agba, fron Luton, England, offered to take the child to try calming him or her down. The sheriffs office did not name the child or indicate the childs sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother, Nadine Joseph, agreed, but as soon as she handed over the child to her, Agba walked away, according to the sheriffs office arrest report. Joseph tracked Agba down and demanded she hand over the child. Agba refused, insisting the child was hers, according to the report. Agba then wrapped her arms and legs around the child so he or she couldnt move, the report states. Joseph tried to grab her child, but Agba pushed her away. At one point, Joseph grabbed the childs arms while Agba had a hold of his or her legs and the two were trying to wrestle each over the child, deputies said. Witnesses intervene to protect child Another woman, Natylet Montano, saw what was happening and grabbed the child to prevent him or her from being hurt, according to the report. Montano walked behind a check-in counter holding the child, the report states. Local 10 said Montano, whom the Herald could not reach, was an employee of GlobalX Air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agba crawled under the counter and demanded Montano hand over the child, deputies said. Three men intervened, preventing Agba from taking the child away from Montano. Agba ran away, but deputies caught up to her and arrested her. After being read her rights, Agba first told deputies she was taking the child to a wall painted with a rainbow thinking that might calm the child down, according to the report. She then changed her story and said she took the child because God told her to, the report states. As of Tuesday afternoon, Agba was being held at Turner Guilford Correctional Center on a total bond of $3,500 on charges of interfering with custody and battery. Information on her legal representation was not immediately available. RAVENNA, Ohio (WKBN) A woman who has been convicted in at least three child endangering cases received her sentence Tuesday in her latest case. Deanne Hartman, 50, was sentenced to two years of probation, starting with 60 days in jail, in Portage County. Her jail sentence begins Wednesday, according to a Portage County Court of Common Pleas staff member. Hartman was granted work release during her jail sentence, but will have to obtain drug and alcohol, as well as mental health, evaluations. Her drivers license was suspended for two years, and she has to pay $500 in fines plus court costs. She was ordered to have no contact with the victim in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If she violates the terms of her probation, she will serve 6 to 12 months in prison, according to the employee. Hartman pleaded no contest and was found guilty in July of endangering children, a fifth-degree felony, and two counts of OVI, first-degree misdemeanors. She had previously pleaded guilty in October 2024, but tried to withdraw the plea. After a series of motions, she ended up filing the no-contest plea in July. Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested Hartman in June 2024 following a traffic stop in Windham Township. According to the traffic ticket, Hartman had a blood-alcohol content of .172, over the legal driving limit of .08, when she was pulled over on Interstate 80 at 12:42 a.m. The ticket did not say why she was pulled over, but she was additionally charged with endangering children and littering following the stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Hartman was on probation from a child-endangering case in Austintown. That case involved an investigation in May 2023 after accusations that Hartman pulled a child by the hair and put her hands around the childs neck. Hartman also faced similar charges in 2017 when police found Hartman asleep inside her Austintown home while a 2-year-old child was alone outside. Police said the child was wearing only a diaper and was leaning over a dead rat on the porch. Police noted in their report that Hartman appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance, and there were medication and beer bottles scattered throughout the home. She was sentenced to probation in both of those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Originally appeared on E! Online A woman embraced art and motherhood in the Black Rock Desert. Indeed, Burning Man attendee Kayla Thompson didnt know she was pregnant until she unexpectedly welcomed her and husband Kasey Thompsons daughter Aurora on Aug. 27during the actual 2025 festival. Its an absolute miracle, Kasey, 39, told the Los Angeles Times in an interview published on Aug. 29. Had I known [about the pregnancy], thats the absolutely last place on this planet I would have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kasey went on to note that Kayla, 36, showed no signs or morning sickness as they enjoyed the Nevada festival. However, it wasnt until the couplewho traveled to the event from Utahwent back to their RV before dawn that his wife suddenly went into labor. It was absolutely 100 percent a cryptic pregnancy, he explained. She wasnt even showing. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued of the unexpected delivery, I just started yelling for anyone to come help me. 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. Miraculously, the three medical professionals were living in a camper next door when they heard Kaseys screams. The publication reported that the crew scrambled to tend to Kayla once Aurora was born, keeping them comfortable with clean blankets and saline. Their baby girl was then transported to a neonatal intensive care unit in Reno alone, as there was no space for them to travel with her. The medical staff at Burning Man grabbed me and just hugged me and said hes not going to let her out of sight, he continued. He kept reassuring me shes going to be OK. JULIE JAMMOT/AFP via Getty Images As of now, the duo is still living in Reno as their daughter remains in the hospital. And as their daughter continues to receive treatment, the duowho relocated to Reno shortly after the birthcreated a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and baby supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is currently in the NICU, gaining strength every day, Kaseys sister, Lacey Paxman, wrote on the fundraiser. Mom and baby are both doing okay, but she will need to stay in the hospital until she is ready to come home. Since this is their first child and the pregnancy was completely unexpected, my brother and his wife dont have anything prepared. Meanwhile, the festival congratulated the couple on their bundle of joy. Burning Man Project would like to extend congratulations and well-wishes to the family, a spokesperson said in a statement to Today . In the midst of wind, heat, and storms, they brought new life into the world in Black Rock City. Of all the things we celebrate at Burning Man, bringing life, connection, transformation, and joy are dearest to our hearts. (E! And Today are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Construction workers perform tasks on an apartment building in 2019. (Photo by John Raoux/The Associated Press) Workers compensation insurance rates in Florida should decrease by an average 6.9% in 2026 under a proposal by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Submitted last month, the NCCIs proposed reduction is a recommendation only. Rates are set by the Florida Commissioner of Insurance, usually after a public hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recommended filing is based on experience data for policy years 2022 and 2023 as of yearend 2024. The proposed reduction is being driven by declines in lost-time claim frequency, according to a summary from NCCI. The workers compensation system remains healthy. For the last decade, the system has broadly benefited from a steady drop in claim frequency, rising wages, and moderate severity. The changing workforce and evolving economy also continue to impact workers compensation, the summary notes. Workers compensation is a no-fault system that aims to protect employers from getting sued by injured employees and, in exchange, employers provide employees injured on the job the care they need to return to work. Employers are required to provide compensation for lost wages if an employee misses more than eight days of work due to an on-the-job injury. Most employers in Florida are required to carry workers compensation insurance but there are exceptions for businesses with four or fewer employees and for construction companies with four or fewer officers. While those firms arent mandated to carry the coverage, they are required to file for exemptions with the state. Data show that 203,365 employers filed for exemptions with the state in calendar year 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers compensation affects a large and disparate group of interests, including business groups, labor unions, insurance companies, plaintiffs attorneys, and injured workers. Because of that, workers comp bills in the Florida Legislature attract a spate of special interests, and getting changes passed through the Legislature and signed into law isnt always easy. A 2025 review of 50 states and Washington, D.C., workers compensation rates by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Businesses Services shows Florida ranked No. 30 in the nation for workers comp costs in 2024. Thats an improvement from the previous analysis of 2022 premium data, when Florida ranked No. 28 for workers comp premiums. Hawaii had the highest workers compensation costs in 2024, according to the report, followed by New Jersey, New York, California, and Vermont. North Dakota had the lowest rates in the nation. If the proposed reduction (or a modified reduction) is approved, it will be the ninth consecutive year in which workers compensation rates have been ordered reduced by the states insurance commissioner. Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky on Nov. 18 last year ordered an average 1% rate decrease in workers compensation rates effective Jan. 1. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Along the Broadway Bridge in Little Rock, protestors spent Labor Day putting their voices to work. Scott Holladay is a protestor who said the nationwide movement, called Workers over Billionaires, has hundreds of Arkansans rallying against the Trump administration. Trump says hes awarding former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill is going to wreak a lot of damage, hurt a lot of people, Holladay said. A lot of working poor people and retired people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the Workers Over Billionaires protest, the Republican Party of Arkansas communications director said: President Trump and Republicans are delivering win after win for the American worker no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, creating over half a million new jobs since he took office and so much more. Trump plans a hefty tax on imported drugs, risking higher prices and shortages But the protestors march on. They said billionaires and the politicians they control are privatizing schools, slashing health care, criminalizing immigrants and gutting the programs Arkansans rely on. Theres just a whole laundry list of problems that the administration and Congress are causing, Holladay said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) Around the country, including in Bristol, Tennessee, many people took to the streets for the Workers Over Billionaires Labor Day protest. The rally in Bristol was organized by several groups, including the Sullivan County Democratic Party. Susan Whitlow said shes a member of the Sullivan County Democratic Party. Without labor, those billionaires would have, not zeros, zilch, goose egg, Whitlow said. Its actually the workers who keep our country going, and so were out here supporting workers on Labor Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Makalah Mullins is with TennVa UNITED. Were the ones that go and work every single day and make the money for these people, Mullins said. The Tri-Cities I grew up in, we were there for our neighbor, and we still need to be today. Organizers said the protest revolves around the importance of workers rights and the history of Labor Day. ETSU students protest removal of DEI office Many who came, including Noel Marshall, also protested for the right to unionize. A lot of folks dont realize the history of Labor Day, Marshall said. They think its a great day, a great time to go buy mattresses or go buy some other sort of stuff. But what you need to do is you need to thank everyone who made this possible. Thank the unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protestor Emily Elkman came out to protest budget cuts to several organizations, including the National Parks. I dont want to see our National Parks go away, Elkman said. You dont have to be a liberal to think that way. A lot of hunters love all of our beautiful national lands and our national parks in our national forests, and Im out here to support that. Protest organizers said that those who were out protesting can also make their voices known on Election Day. Its not going to do nothing if you dont go out and vote, Mullins said. If you dont go out and look at whos running for these seats, all the way down from the school board, all the way up to who is representing us in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont use our voice to speak up in those matters when they actually do represent us, then we cant expect any kind of changes here because its always going to stay the same. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Thousands of demonstrators marched and held up signs as part of the "Workers Over Billionaires" protest in Los Angeles on Labor Day. The protests, which also took place in cities such as New York City Boston and Chicago, were held to emphasize the power of American workers over that of billionaires who fund the Republican and Democratic parties. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Americas cities over the Labor Day weekend to protest against Donald Trumps administration and demand tighter protections for U.S. workers. More than 1,000 demonstrations were held across all 50 states, with many people coming together under the banner of Workers Over Billionaires to draw attention to the polarisation of wealth embodied by super-rich individuals like Trump and his erstwhile ally Elon Musk. Other appeals made by activists across the weekend were calls for an end to federal overreach, prejudice against minority communities and corporate corruption and more funding for schools, healthcare and affordable housing. A protester holds a "Liberty" sign at a "People's Block Party" gathering organized as part of a national day of action on Labor Day to protest the "billionaire takeover" of the U.S. in Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California (AFP/Getty) In New York, demonstrators gathered outside Trump Tower in Manhattan once again, calling the president a fascist and demanding his resignation while a marching band played. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairer wages were also on the minds of many. Service workers in New York City are the backbone of this city, restaurant worker Giovanni Urbie told Al Jazeera at a One Fair Wage gathering. The National Restaurant Association is our number one opponent thats fighting to keep subminimum wage intact so they dont have to pay their workers their full minimum wage to survive. So were just asking for a livable wage. In Chicago, protesters were more motivated by expressing their rejection of the Trump administrations plans to send in the National Guard to support local law enforcement and eradicate urban crime, as it has set about attempting in D.C. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks near the Haymarket Memorial in the West Loop during a march where activists, workers and politicians spoke against Donald Trump on Labor Day (AP) This is the city that will defend the country, Mayor Brandon Johnson told a crowd brandishing flags expressing local pride. Were going to defend our democracy were going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has insisted violent crime is a major problem in the Windy City, which he has branded a mess, a hellhole, and a killing field. Many locals taking part in the demonstrations on Monday did not dispute that crime was an issue but feared that sending in the Guard or more ICE agents was only likely to inflame the situation on the ground, chanting No troops in Chicago at Johnsons rally. Do we feel theres gonna be trouble? Yes, Filiberto Ramirez, 72, told Al Jazeera. I hope nobody gets hurt. The National Guard is supposed to fight for us, not against us, added Yvonne Spears, 67. People rally outside Trump Tower in Chicago on Labor Day (AP) Activists also gathered outside of the presidents Trump Tower complex in Chicago, some of whom bore signs branding him Donald the Disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major demonstrations also took place in cities like Houston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles as well as smaller cities like Cleveland, Ohio, and Greensboro, North Carolina. The May Day Strong coalition of labor unions organized Mondays events, with help from the AFL-CIO, One Fair Wage and other workers rights organizations. Matt Duss, a former adviser to Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders and now executive vice-president at the Center for International Policy, said of the nationwide protests: I think there are a set of shared concerns: the cost of living, the cost of housing, the cost of basic goods, groceries, the cost of education, the overall sense that people in the United States have lost control of their economic and political lives and their futures. SOUTH HADLEY Invoking the legacy of pioneering Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, an alumna of the college, a group of workers at Mount Holyoke began their strike a 5 a.m. Tuesday. But last night, the strike at Mount Holyoke ended with a letter to the college unconditionally offering to return to work at 3 a.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from the union. Workers believe they demonstrated significant strength over the day and hope to return to the negotiating table soon, Frank Soults of Service Employees International Union 32BJ said in a statement. We think that if Frances were with us today, that shed be out here with us, Rich Olszewski, who is leading negotiations between the union and the college, said earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-morning, a group of housekeepers and dining and facilities staff set up camp chairs along Route 116. They cheered as drivers honked such as the operator of a large U.S. Postal Service truck whose blare of the horn filled the street. The strikers brought boxes of Donut Dip coffee and a container of homemade cookies. A game of cornhole lay unused in the grass. The colleges administrative office lay just beyond the stone and wrought iron gate that held a banner: Welcome to orientation, it said. The 100 dining staff and 70 facilities staff, represented by Service Employees International Union 32BJ, and 23 housekeepers represented by UAW Local 2322 have been negotiating with the college since the spring. They cut the campus lawns and clean dishes in the cafeteria and take out the trash. They want a living wage that allows them to afford the cost of living in Hampshire County. They say the college engaged in unfair labor practices during negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Sims, business agent for workers at Mount Holyoke represented by SEIU 32BJ, said the college said it wouldnt return to the negotiation table unless workers agreed not to strike. How does that look like its working out for them? Sims told the workers gathered. Last I checked, we are on strike! Asked about the unfair labor practices allegations, college spokesperson Christian Feuerstein referred to a statement the school first sent The Republican on Aug. 21 and declined further comment. We remain committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement, Mount Holyokes statement says. We deeply value and recognize the contributions of all of our employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking the bullhorn at the event outside Mount Holyokes gates, state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, said he believed that Perkins would support efforts to secure living wages for all workers. He described investments in workers as an investment in the community and its legacy. We need to invest in them, those dedicated individuals who make our campus vibrant, safe and welcoming, Gomez said. Supporting immigrant workers and international students is equally vital. They bring invaluable diversity, talent and strength to our community, and their contribution shapes what makes Mount Holyoke very special. Patrick Burke, president of UAW 2322, said the 23 housekeepers his union represents clean the common spaces, dorms and residences in order to create a home away from home for the students, 20% of whom travel from out of the country to study there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The housekeepers, Burke said, want living wages and they dont want additional responsibilities without additional pay. Its a miniscule amount, he said, for an institution with an endowment of more than $1 billion. They could go a thousand years giving what we ask for and theyd be fine, he said. But the college, Burke said, violated labor law in part by attempting to change what theyre telling the workers. He said the college should live up to its values, values that helped shape the likes of Perkins and former Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis and other students who come through these gates and learn how to be active in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our members are part of that educational community, Burke said. Working as labor secretary during the Great Depression, Perkins helped create Social Security and usher through the Fair Labor Standards Act, which established the minimum wage and addressed child labor. Biographies, such as one maintained by the National Park Service, say it was at Mount Holyoke where Perkins studied working conditions in sweatshops, laying a foundation for her later work. Some students brought the striking workers water and snacks, a gesture of support you dont see that at other places, Olszewski said, who leads negotiations at 25 higher education institutions across Massachusetts and Rhode Island for SEIU 32BJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olszewski also said Mount Holyoke President Danielle Holley visited the picket line earlier that morning to tell workers she appreciated their service to the college. SEIU 32BJ spokesperson Franklin Soults said many of the workers in Mount Holyokes cafeteria are immigrants and so the union has asked the school to contribute to a legal fund that would help pay for lawyers should a worker need help with an immigration matter. A group of janitors represented by SEIU 32BJ in the Boston area has a similar legal fund. At a time when the Trump administration is pursing an aggressive immigration policy, Soults said the union wants to establish that legal assistance for the thousands of workers it represents at schools around the region. But the legal fund has not been established with SEIU 32BJ-represented workers at any other regional school, Soults said. If Mount Holyoke agrees, it would be the first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the ways were trying to stand up for immigrant rights, Soults said. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Workers from various labor unions, organizations, voter advocacy groups and others, showed up to participate in a mass Labor Day protest Monday. Event organizers say, Stand Up KC, Missouri Workers Center, SEIU Local 1, SEIU Healthcare, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Indivisible KC, and 50501 KC, were among those in attendance. Kansas City Irish Fest honors late chef Shaun Brady with Brady Brunch Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release shared Monday, organizers say the event was to protest Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoes decision to call a special session on Friday in service of President Donald Trumps calls to illegally redraw the states congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The release also noted that attendees focused largely on Speaker of the House Jonathan Patterson (HD-30), who represents the Kansas City suburbs most at risk in Missouri Organizers claimed Patterson is trying to ram through the legislature new congressional maps that would break up Kansas Citys working class communities and silence the voices of disproportionately Black and Brown voters in the 5th congressional district. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Missouris 5th Congressional district, was at the event speaking to attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bail agent questions Wyandotte County DAs remarks on accused cop killer I think people feel so threatened by whats going on, that they gave up their opportunity to lay leisurely around their homes to come out and say we dont like it, and this is enough, Cleaver shared with FOX4. Im not going to lay down, because somebody decided in Washington that they wanted to mess up our community and our state. The rain didnt stop protesters at Mill Creek Park on Monday. The event was one of many Workers Over Billionaires protests planned across the United States. This is what democracy looks like all of these people to stand with me and my brothers and sisters and fight and tell them that we will not be silenced, said Fran Marion, a leader with Stand Up KC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other protesters shared with FOX4 that they feel theres a war on workers and wages. Our contracts are going into negotiation this year. We want to promise every single one of our members that we will make sure that their rights are upheld, but that also is a two-way street, said Carter Taylor, a Kansas City Public Schools teacher and the Legislative Chair for the American Federation of Teachers, A.F. T. 691. As teachers, weve had our funding taken, weve had contracts that havent always had their promises kept. We want to make sure that, the people here, who some of them, have lost their union bargaining contracts altogether, that there is someone standing up and saying this isnt right. Missouri is next to answer Trumps call for redrawn maps that boost GOP in 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters also say they want to fight for the future, including Missouris congressional map. Last week, they took away our paid sick days that we voted for. They took away over 700,000 workers paid sick days and here they go try to redistrict us, Marion, a resident in Missouris 5th congressional district, added. FOX4 reached out to Speaker Pattersons office, along with Governor Kehoes office, Monday. So far they have not responded, but we will update the story if or when they do. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Lindsey and Tim Pierce first held their newborn son in July more than three decades after he was conceived. Born from a frozen embryo the Ohio couple adopted, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce is being called the worlds oldest baby because he is the oldest known frozen embryo to be brought to term. As explained in MIT Technology Review, Thaddeus was conceived through in vitro fertilization in 1994; he has a biological sister who is 30 years old. The circumstances of his birth challenge what we think we know about IVF what the limits are, in medicine and in morality. The worlds oldest baby, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, was born on July 26, 2025, from an embryo frozen in 1994 making him over 30 years old at birth. pic.twitter.com/AY4tyxpImz Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) August 4, 2025 Since Louise Brown, the worlds first test tube baby, was born in 1978, the technology has enabled millions of people to become parents but also created a vexing moral dilemma: what is to become of all the embryos created through IVF that are not used? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people who believe that human life should be treasured and protected from the moment of conception, discarding these embryos amounts to taking a life which is one reason that many people of faith oppose IVF. And yet the number of embryos in cryostorage thought to be more than a million in the U.S. alone exceed the number of couples seeking to adopt them. And even when a couple decides to adopt an embryo, not every doctor is willing to work with one that is decades old. Thats why the founder of a fertility clinic in Tennessee has stepped into this complicated space. Sarah Coe Atkinson, IVF lab supervisor and senior embryologist, left, and Dr. John Gordon pose for a photograph in the lobby of Rejoice Fertility in Knoxville, Tenn. The clinic recently facilitated the birth of a baby from an egg that had been frozen for more than 30 years. | Wes Hope for the Deseret News Dr. John Gordon, a reproductive endocrinologist who formerly practiced in northern Virginia, came to the work after some soul-searching, the kind that many others are doing as the choices offered by reproductive medicine are expanding, to including testing for both physical traits and diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questions before us include not just the moral worth of an embryo, but what we believe about the meaning of life and the very purpose of children. How long can a human embryo be frozen? Sarah Coe Atkinson, IVF lab supervisor and senior embryologist, demonstrates how frozen eggs are fertilized by inserting a pipette into a culture medium at Rejoice Fertility in Knoxville, Tenn. The clinic recently facilitated the birth of a baby from an egg that had been frozen for more than 30 years. | Wes Hope for the Deseret News Thaddeus Pierce, the worlds oldest baby, began life through an IVF procedure that created four embryos in 1994. One, a girl, was brought to term and raised by parents who later divorced. The mother, Linda Archerd, was awarded custody of the three remaining embryos, and at first thought that she might get pregnant again some day. She paid hundreds of dollars every year for their storage until she eventually donated them to Nightlight Christian Adoptions, which has a program for embryo adoption called Snowflakes. Archerds embryos were considered hard to place, because of their age. But they werent too old for Gordon, who left a thriving practice near Washington, D.C. after a hard conversation with his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the couple was preparing for a vacation in Italy when Gordons wife who has a Ph.D. in engineering broke her ankle. While she was recovering, she spent time studying scripture (they are members of the Presbyterian Church in America), and became convinced that the way Gordon was practicing wasnt honoring God and wasnt the right thing to do. She was troubled by the number of embryos that were being created and not used, and also by the losses of embryos when storage procedures failed in Ohio and California. Sarah Coe Atkinson, IVF lab supervisor and senior embryologist, refills a backup Dewar vacuum-insulated container with liquid nitrogen pumped through a wall at Rejoice Fertility, where donated eggs are cryogenically stored, in Knoxville, Tenn. The clinic recently facilitated the birth of a baby from an egg that had been frozen for more than 30 years. | Wes Hope for the Deseret News Gordon recounted the conversation they had. She said, are you trying to deal with this problem? ... If youre not worrying about this problem and trying to fix it, then nobodys going to be dealing with it. You need to fix this and or at least think about what youre doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was fair criticism, he acknowledged. This is a field in which weve walked into some moral peril, and I took the charge seriously and I dove deep and reached out to a lot of different individuals. One person he talked with was a Jesuit priest who told him to think about it like this: Youre sitting by a river and see a basket floating down the river with a baby in it. You bring it to shore, and then you see two more baskets with babies floating by. You bring them to shore, and then you look up the river, and all you see, from riverbank to riverbank, are baskets with babies floating toward you. This is what you have created in the field of reproductive medicine. This is the problem you have created with all these frozen embryos, the priest told him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He started thinking about how he could practice in a way that reflected his values, still helping couples overcome infertility while creating fewer excess embryos. If youve got 27 embryos, how do you prioritize? I would say its better to not make 27 embryos in the first place. At a friends recommendation, Gordon decided to relocate to Knoxville and to open a practice with the goal of every viable embryo getting a chance at life. The clinic has a no discard policy, and Gordon says, The only embryo that can never result in a healthy baby is the one you fail to transfer. Rejoice also doesnt do genetic testing on embryos, or do IVF with donor egg and sperm. Sarah Coe Atkinson, IVF lab supervisor and senior embryologist, points to an image of the embryo created for the Pierce family that led to the oldest successful embryo transfer in the world at Rejoice Fertility in Knoxville, Tenn. The clinic recently facilitated the birth of a baby from an egg that had been frozen for more than 30 years. | Wes Hope for the Deseret News However, Gordon said, I wouldnt fault anyone for practicing differently, whether theyre believers or nonbelievers. However they practice, thats up to them. But for myself, this is how I want to practice. And thats what I tell the patients. And they seem open to that, and many have sought me out because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people have told Gordon they had previously been reluctant to pursue IVF because of their discomfort with creating embryos that would be frozen indefinitely. And so far, there appears to be no limit to how long these children-to-be can be frozen, despite concern about the practice worldwide. Which is why we now live in a world in which a 30-year-old father and the infant son whose embryo he adopted could have been conceived in the same calendar year. Does the U.S. regulate IVF? A certificate from Guinness World Records for the previous record of the oldest human embryo used in a successful pregnancy hangs on the wall in the lobby of the Rejoice Fertility office in Knoxville, Tenn. The clinic recently facilitated the birth of a baby from an egg that had been frozen for more than 30 years. | Wes Hope for the Deseret News While some countries have limited the number of embryos that can be created in an IVF cycle and others limit the number of years that embryos can be stored, according to a 2024 review by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the U.S. has relatively few restrictions regarding IVF, and they vary by state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana, for example, has a law prohibiting the destruction of embryos but they can be shipped out of state. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine and other professional groups have guidelines for practitioners but theres no real enforcement mechanism and they truly are recommendations, said Matthew Eppinette, executive director of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. Its not uncommon in ethics circles to hear the phrase wild, wild West being used about the state of reproductive technologies in the United States, Eppinette said. The ethics of assisted reproductive technology is such a broad subject that it will comprise two of five sessions in an online course Eppinette is leading next month on The Ethics of Life and Death. In the U.S., assisted reproduction was caught up into politics after a 2024 ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that said an unborn child is a genetically unique human being whose life begins at fertilization. The decision allowed parents to sue a fertility clinic for wrongful death after frozen embryos were accidentally destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeking to assuage concern that IVF would be unavailable when embryos are granted personhood, President Donald Trump issued an executive order this year affirming IVF for couples who are unable to conceive, and pledging to provide support, awareness, and access to affordable fertility treatments ... (to) help these families navigate their path to parenthood with hope and confidence. Eppinette said he would like to see better tracking of the numbers of embryos being kept indefinitely in storage. There is no mandatory reporting, which is why estimates range between 1 and 10 million. Thats a good first step in grappling with the issue. But he he also said there hasnt been enough deep and thoughtful discussion about the moral issues involved, beginning with the fundamental question: What do we think about children? Are they projects of our design or gifts to be received? Those are extreme examples, but what do we think about when we think about welcoming new life into the world, and what do we mean by welcoming? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With regard to embryos, Are they tissue to be screened or human lives to be respected, cherished and cared for? And those views lead to significantly different ways of acting and thinking about these very early forms of human life. The moral status of embryos Meanwhile, the ethical questions posed by assisted reproduction technology continue to expand, as new companies such as Orchid screens embryos for health risks and some fertility clinics offer testing to screen for physical traits like eye color. Orchid founder Noor Siddiqui, in conversation with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, explained how an Orchid genetic counselor meets with couples and goes through the risks of each embryo, which is evaluated for the likelihood of developing more than 1,200 conditions, which include Down syndrome, autism, cancer, Alzheimers disease and Celiac disease. The cost is $2,500 per embryo. In the conversation, Douthat pressed Siddiqui to answer whether an embryo has any moral status, a question which she did not clearly address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various religious traditions have also grappled with the question, not only as it relates to IVF, but also to research and abortion. In 2024, Southern Baptists meeting in Indianapolis adopted a resolution affirming the right to life of every human being, including those in an embryonic stage, and to only utilize reproductive technologies consistent with that affirmation. The Catholic Church teaches that IVF generally is morally unacceptable. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "discourages artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization using sperm from anyone but the husband or an egg from anyone but the wife. However, this is a personal matter that is ultimately left to the judgment and prayerful consideration of a lawfully married man and woman, according to the churchs handbook on church policies and guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gordon said the dilemma that Linda Archerd faced decades ago what to do about her frozen embryos is one that the entire country is now facing writ large. No one, when theyre going through infertility, ever thinks that they can have too many embryos, because theyre worried (IVF) wont work, and they want to have a backup plan. They cant even imagine the flip side of that. Correction: A previous version of this article said the Gordons are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. They are members of the Presbyterian Church in America. Questions about which words to use and what they mean have become political, writes opinion editor Clay Wirestone. (Getty Images) Whats in a word? As a writer, I think about words a lot. What they mean, what they signify, how they sound when combined with other words. I enjoy words. But like most of our state and country today, words have become politicized. Look no further than retired assistant U.S. attorney Leon Patton, who testified in front of the Lenexa City Council last month about using the word alien to refer to undocumented immigrants. Third Ways tortured language list Therapy-Speak Privilege Violence (as in environmental violence) Dialoguing Othering Triggering Microaggression/assault/invalidation Progressive stack Centering Safe space Holding space Body shaming Seminar Room Language Subverting norms Systems of oppression Critical theory Cultural appropriation Postmodernism Overton Window Heuristic Existential threat to [climate, the planet, democracy, the economy] Organizer Jargon Radical transparency Small d democracy Barriers to participation Stakeholders The unhoused Food insecurity Housing insecurity Person who immigrated Gender/Orientation Correctness Birthing person/inseminated person Pregnant people Chest feeding Cisgender Deadnaming Heteronormative Patriarchy LGBTQIA+ The Shifting Language of Racial Constructs Latinx BIPOC Allyship Intersectionality Minoritized communities Explaining Away Crime Justice-involved Carceration Incarcerated people Involuntary confinement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think that its somehow racist to use the word alien, then I presume you got your education by sitting in movie theaters and watching movies about extraterrestrials, Patton said. Meanwhile, some of us get our education by sitting in courtrooms and by reading federal statutes. Although he later told Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith that I sort of get it, when talking about the terms implications, I personally find such a strong reaction to word choice baffling. Language changes and evolves, and has since the beginning of time. The words we once used freely may go into the forbidden box. That doesnt mean anyone has done anything good or bad, necessarily; it just means that tastes have changed. Progressives worry about such overreactions these days. Perhaps its because of President Trumps linguistic overflow, a constant stream of crude invective. Should they be talking like him? Perhaps its because of genuine concern about reaching a broader audience. Nonetheless, moderate Democratic think tank Third Way just released a list of words that its says politicians should avoid using when talking to the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read them all in the accompanying box below. We are putting a spotlight on the language we use that puts a wall between us and everyday people of all races, religions, and ethnicities, the group writes. These are words that people simply do not say, yet they hear them from Democrats. The list doesnt appear to draw from any polling or research. As a longtime journalist, Im reminded of banned words compilations that grizzled copy editors would pass around in decades past, harping on supposedly ungrammatical or illogical terms. I dont love many of the words, and Third Way may have a point. So did the grizzled copy editors! That being said, Im not sure that studiously avoiding such terms will hand the magical keys to power to progressives. After all, Trump has conspicuously said whatever the heck he wanted. Do political consultants think that lawmakers policing their vocabulary more will improve the situation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, the real problem with these politically correct terms is that regular folks just dont know what they mean. That leaves them open to misinterpretation and outright distortion by political opponents. (Remember critical race theory?) If language has any point besides sounding pretty, it needs to communicate efficiently and clearly. Thats one of the reasons why journalists traditionally avoid language like passed away or went on to his heavenly reward in favor of the blunt: he died. So yes, do that. But will using a random word from Third Ways list or trying to make people think about what theyre saying in the first place doom democracy? If so, we have far bigger problems than vocabulary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of problems, Kansas legislators just banned some of the simplest words pronouns from state employees email signatures. Thats right, he/him, she/her, they/them and the like. The last time I checked, such language serves as basic building blocks of English sentences. Perhaps if lawmakers wrote more often, they would understand that. But conservatives have decided that using such words in a signature block signifies an unacceptable embrace of gender ideology. Talk about ridiculous terms. Including pronouns in an email signature block demonstrates sensitivity and support for transgender people. For todays senselessly cruel rightwing ideologues, that counts as an unpardonable sin. So the Kansas Legislature just banned the practice altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference, then, between the left and right when it comes to disputed language? Liberals are trying to police themselves to appeal to a greater number of people. Conservatives are literally obliterating disfavored groups identities. Im not sure that using preferred language always makes a difference. But I know that listening does. And I know that allowing people to use the language they choose, to speak about what they want, can change the world. Whats in a word? These days, a hell of a lot. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. MARSHALL COUNTY, Miss. A motorcyclist suffering a gunshot wound was killed in a car crash early Monday morning in Marshall County, Mississippi. Marshall County Coroner James Anderson said an accident was reported at around 1:40 a.m. They said Calvin Brassell, 47, of the Sardis/Oxford area, was killed Monday on Highway 7 South and Wilson Golden Road. Anderson said Brassell was southbound on Highway 7 on a motorcycle that collided head-on with a pickup truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the coroner, the victim had gone to an event at Holly Springs Motorsports and had a gunshot wound to his stomach, but it is unknown where the shooting occurred. Highway 7 and Wilson Golden Road The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Highway Patrol are investigating the case. The MHP did not indicate if the driver of the pickup truck was injured. Anderson said an autopsy will be conducted. The state medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A 31-year-old Maryland man was killed and two people were seriously injured in a head-on crash early Sept. 1 on U.S. Route 301 in Middletown, police said. Delaware State Police said the crash happened around 1:40 a.m. Sept. 1, when a Ford Focus traveling north in the southbound lanes struck a Kenworth tractor near Bunker Hill Road. According to authorities, the driver of the Ford, identified as Sean Hannon, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kenworth, a 60-year-old man from Yonkers, New York, and his 62-year-old passenger were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. DOVER CRASH: Suspect in Dover deadly hit-and-run turns herself in. Driver faces multiple charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The southbound lanes of Route 301 were closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene. Police said the crash remains under investigation and are asking witnesses to contact Cpl. Oakes at (302) 365-8483 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. To share your community news and activities with our audience, join Delaware Voices Uplifted on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police investigate deadly wrong-way driving crash on Route 301 PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) The West Virginia Department of Human Services has recognized National Recovery Month in celebration of those on the path to recovery. PCH/WVJC partner to increase access to respiratory care Nearly everyone has been affected in some way by substance use. Each September, community organizers offer support and resources to those battling substance use, along with their loved ones. 59News spoke with organizers at a recent recovery event, who said the goal is to bring attention to this widespread issue and to honor those who have struggled with substance use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Substance use is something that everybody is affected by, said Southern Highlands CMHC COMAT Assistant Director, Brandi Farmer. What were aiming to do is just spread awareness for those who have lost their battle and those who are continuing to fight. DoHS Secretary, Alex Mayer encouraged West Virginians to connect with these local resources and support members of the recovery community. He said, recovery is not only possible, its happening every day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged Russia and Mongolia to deepen their energy and financial bonds with his country while fending off "external interference". The three countries must further strengthen "solidarity" amid increasingly turbulent international dynamics, Xi said during his first trilateral summit with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in three years. "China is ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to strengthen political mutual trust ... eliminate external interference and jointly promote high-quality development of trilateral cooperation," Xi said at the summit in Beijing, according to state news agency Xinhua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. China and Russia have boosted economic and security ties as both face growing geopolitical pressure from the West. But Mongolia - a de facto buffer zone between the two nuclear giants during the Cold War - has seemingly placed greater emphasis on its "third neighbour" foreign policy. By that approach, the landlocked country has worked to develop partnerships with the United States, Japan, South Korea and the European Union to diversify its diplomacy, trade and security relations beyond Beijing and Moscow. Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) hosts his Russian and Mongolian counterparts during a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua alt=Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) hosts his Russian and Mongolian counterparts during a trilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the US-China strategic rivalry continues to intensify over trade and technology, with rare earths - critical to semiconductor and clean energy sectors - now a key bargaining chip, Mongolia's vast mineral wealth has elevated its strategic significance in the global political landscape. Mongolia's 2023 memorandum of understanding on critical minerals collaboration with the US made this clear. During a phone call in May, Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "expressed their satisfaction with the vitality of Mongolia-US relations and cooperation", according to Ulaanbaatar. In Beijing on Tuesday, Xi called for prioritising "hard connectivity" between the three countries by "advancing cross-border infrastructure and energy projects", according to Xinhua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also urged the three countries to "expand local currency settlements" and align their development strategies amid the growing global resistance to the dominance of the US dollar and China's push for greater international use of the renminbi. Putin sought to emphasise the strong ties among the three nations. Russia "sincerely strives for the comprehensive development of mutually beneficial, equal and multifaceted relations" with both China and Mongolia, he said, adding: "Our three countries have much in common." "We share an interest in developing political, economic and humanitarian ties between our countries. And most importantly, Russia, China and Mongolia are good neighbours." Khurelsukh said that Mongolia had "consistently made efforts to deepen bilateral and trilateral relations and cooperation" with China and Russia in "all areas". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Mongolian side attaches particular importance to the implementation of joint projects in areas such as the development of economic corridor infrastructure, transport, logistics, energy and trade," he added. The China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor is one of the major components of Beijing's transcontinental Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen slow progress since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ulaanbaatar did not include the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline connecting Russia and China in its action programme through 2028, which was announced last year, a decision interpreted by many as a shelving of the controversial project. The pipeline is expected to deliver 50 billion cubic metres (1.77 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas annually from Russia to China, nearly matching the pre-idle flow via Nord Stream 1 between Russia and Europe. But whether it would pass through Mongolia has been discussed for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project could help Moscow continue to sell its vast gas output while also addressing Beijing's energy import needs. Despite the omission by Mongolia, the project appears to be on track. According to Russia's official Tass agency, "based on the public statement made by the leaders of three countries - Russia, China and Mongolia - a legally binding memorandum" was signed on Tuesday between Russian energy giant Gazprom and the Chinese state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation on the construction of the mega gas pipeline. The project would transit through Mongolia, the report said, quoting Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Mongolian parliament ratified a long-stalled deal with China to build a new cross-border railway, which was also viewed as a sign of Ulaanbaatar's move to tighten economic ties with Beijing amid US President Donald Trump's global tariff wars. Both Putin and Khurelsukh attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit hosted by Xi on Monday in northern China's Tianjin, where Mongolia's status was elevated from observer to a "partner" of the grouping. Their last trilateral gathering was on the sidelines of the September 2022 SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under a mechanism launched in 2014. The Russian and Mongolian leaders will also be attending the grand military parade in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is gratifying to note that the peoples of our three countries are always united in their desire to preserve historical memory," Khurelsukh said during the three-way meeting. Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid a historic week-long visit to Mongolia in July, during which they visited a memorial honouring the thousands of Japanese held as prisoners during World War II. Xi earlier on Tuesday had a one-on-one meeting with Khurelsukh, where he pledged that China would always be a "reliable and dependable" partner to Mongolia regardless of changes in international circumstances, according to Xinhua. Khurelsukh told Xi that maintaining a permanent friendship with China was a diplomatic priority for Mongolia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed his old friend Russian President Vladimir Putin to China this week as the two leaders, along with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, are set to attend a massive military parade in Beijing. Putin called Xi his dear friend and argued the relationship between Russia and China, which has deepened since Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is at an unprecedentedly high level, according to The Associated Press. The agenda, aside from meetings between the world leaders, included their aides huddling at Zhongnanhai, the compound that houses offices for the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Xi and Putin met a day earlier at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin. There, the two leaders spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks among the three heads come as President Trump slapped steep tariffs on India, with critics arguing the administrations policy would force New Delhi to forge closer ties with the Kremlin and Beijing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday in an interview with Fox Business that the summit, which was formed in 2001, is largely performative and added that Indias values are much closer to ours and to Chinas than to Russias. China revealed after the Tuesday discussions that it would offer 30-day visa-free passes for Russian travelers. The nations National Petroleum Corporation and Russias gas giant Gazprom also signed an agreement for a new pipeline and a deal to boost gas supplies. Putin and Xi will attend the military parade on Wednesday, which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraine's former pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych seemingly resurfaced publicly for the first time in years on Sept. 1, claiming that he had always backed Ukraine's path toward the European Union. The statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China while also peddling false narratives, including the claim that the EuroMaidan Revolution was a Western-backed "coup." Experts say that Yanukovych's sudden appearance, designed to reinforce Russia's anti-Western and anti-EuroMaidan talking points, reveals that the Kremlin has no understanding of Ukraine and its society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Indeed, I worked purposefully to bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, ultimately setting the goal of EU accession," Yanukovych is heard saying in the video broadcast by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. "Another matter is that our EU partners sometimes behaved, to put it mildly, inappropriately during the negotiations. They failed to understand the complexity of Ukraine's economic situation. To put it bluntly, they were arrogant." The comments contradict Yanukovych's actions in 2014, when he fled Ukraine amid the EuroMaidan protests, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, which were triggered by his government's decision to not sign an Association Agreement with the EU. Yanukovych also called Ukraine's potential NATO membership a "disaster," echoing a key Kremlin narrative that blames Kyiv's Euro-Atlantic ambitions for triggering Russia's full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have always been a categorical and staunch opponent of Ukraine's accession to NATO. I have always clearly understood that this would be a disaster for Ukraine a road to nowhere, a direct path to civil war," he said. In a rare media appearance, ousted ex-president Yanukovych addressed Russian journalists, echoing Kremlin narratives. He claimed his goal was EU membership but opposed NATO, accused European partners of acting improperly, and backed Putins claim that Western attempts to pull pic.twitter.com/3xjhfyLkdQ NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) September 1, 2025 The date and location of the recording were impossible to establish, and the Russian propaganda often employs false or manipulated footage. To verify whether the video was authentic or AI-generated, the Kyiv Independent used Forensically tool that analyzes "noise contrast," which looks at the tiny, random variations in each frame, like the natural grain or texture found in real footage. In AI-generated videos, these random patterns tend to be overly smooth or uniform. In this case, the analysis showed normal, uneven noise patterns throughout the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hive Moderation, an AI-based content moderation tool, also indicated that the video was unlikely to be AI-generated. "I dont think its a fake, because (showing) the real Yanukovych is cheaper than producing a fake video," Yevhen Mahda, a Ukrainian political expert who specializes in Russian hybrid warfare, told the Kyiv Independent. Yanukovych, 75, remains one of Ukraine's most controversial political figures. He was rejected by the voters in the aftermath of the 2004 Orange Revolution, which overturned a rigged election in his favor. Nevertheless, he returned to win the presidency in 2010. Yanukovych's presidency, widely seen as corrupt and authoritarian, drew Ukraine closer to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us After the deaths of nearly 100 protesters at the hands of security forces in February 2014, Yanukovych fled Ukraine and sought refuge in Russia. Ukrainian prosecutors believe that the former president currently resides in the village of Barvikha in Moscow Oblast. "There is only one explanation for Viktor Yanukovychs public appearance: the Kremlin does not understand that his statements mean nothing to Ukrainians," Mahda said. "He has no influence on politics in Ukraine, but Russia fails to grasp this." The media reported in 2022 that the Kremlin had considered reinstalling Yanukovych in a leadership role if Russian forces had successfully seized Kyiv at the start of its full-scale invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political analyst Ihor Reiterovych says that the video proves that "Russia continues to live in the paradigm of 2014," hence the reused narratives and "absurd statements about a coup, the 'bad West,' and the 'legitimate Yanukovych.'" "Since Putin repeated all this at the SCO summit, the topic had to be developed and reinforced somehow," the analyst added. According to the expert, Moscow's belief that Yanukovych could influence anyone in Ukraine "as a reminder of supposedly 'stable times'" demonstrates that it "has never really understood Ukraine, and still doesn't." In January 2019, Yanukovych was convicted in absentia of high treason and complicity in waging an aggressive war. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison. In April 2025, he received another sentence in absentia 15 years in prison for organizing the illegal transfer of individuals across Ukraine's border and inciting desertion. Read also: Viktor Yanukovych: Ukraines scandal-ridden ex-president Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Pride festival will take place this weekend in the public square of a rural Indiana city after a federal district court found the city's previous event policies had violated organizers' First Amendment rights. Judge Richard L. Young, who presides over the District Court of Southern Indiana, found that Loogootee, Indiana, violated the event organizers' constitutional rights after the city passed several restrictive changes to its special events policy. Public institutions can legally establish time, place and manner restrictions on free expression as long as these restrictions are narrowly tailored. Young, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, found the ordinance was too broad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loogootee, a southern Indiana city of 2,600 people, has fostered a complicated relationship with its local LGBTQ+ community following years of advocates seeking to publicly celebrate their identity despite strong, sometimes threatening, community pushback. The city's most recent move sought to change the location of this year's PrideFest from the highly visible public square downtown. Under a new policy, events could only be held in one of two parks. Still, lawyers from the Indiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented festival organizer Patoka Valley AIDS Community Action Group, argued the city did not uniformly apply the policy. The Aug. 28 permanent injunction undid the city's location restriction. The city must allow PrideFest to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 pm. Sept. 6 in the public square and with its requested streets closed. "It is so important for our local LGBTQA+ community to be celebrated and seen," said Tracy Brown-Salsman, vice president of Patoka Valley and PrideFest organizer, in a news release. "Having our 3rd Annual Loogootee PrideFest downtown on the public square is so important because that visibility matters. Visibility literally saves lives!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to IndyStar, Loogootee Mayor Brian Ader said the city was "deeply disappointed" by the ruling and plans to appeal. The statement said, unlike other events, the organizers of PrideFest were not satisfied with complying with the city's ordinances for an event of its size. "This issue is not about free speech, but instead it is about politics," Ader's statement reads. Brewing disapproval of LGBTQ+ community As partisan politics grows ever more intertwined with identity, Loogootee is symbolic of rural America's fracturing when residents are faced with acknowledging their neighbors in historically underrepresented demographics. During Pride Month in June 2022, residents Tim and Tracy Brown-Salsman asked city leaders if they could put up decorations on the city-owned downtown public square a demonstration similar to the nativity scene set up at Christmas and American flags hoisted on Flag Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials said no, and soon after, the city council passed an ordinance re-establishing a rule that only city employees can decorate its property. The Brown-Salsmans, however, did obtain permission to place Pride flags in the city's flower pots, which lasted less than two weeks before community outrage spurred leaders to remove them. Pride flags were stolen, others with religious messages were placed beside them, and the city official approving the Pride flags received threatening messages, the Herald-Times reported. Several openly LGBTQ+ residents told the Herald-Times in early 2023 about the harassment that they had faced while living in Loogootee. Stories include a brick thrown through a home's window, slurs hurled at a public pool, middle fingers extended out of car windows, and an overall cold shoulder from neighbors. PrideFest's footing at the public square In June 2023, the Brown-Salsmans organized and held the city's first pride festival in the spot of their requested pride display the previous summer. They told the HT they hoped the festival would mend divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival was approved to take place in the public square for the 2023 event, and city leaders initially approved the same arrangement for the following September. Organizers have sought to hold PrideFest on the square where other communal events take place, close to shops and highly visible. Following a new mayor and several new councillors taking office, the city rescinded the approval and passed a new city ordinance to ramp up vetting for special events applications. The organizers reapplied and were approved for the city square without requested road closures for the 2024 event, which drew about 350 people, according to court documents. Pakota Valley, represented by the ACLU, then decided to sue the city in June 2024. They argued that the prior revocation and the ordinances violated their First Amendment rights. The plaintiffs called the ordinance "a burdensome and lengthy process that is unrelated to any legitimate governmental need and imposes an unconstitutional burden on expression in public places." In January 2025, the city council further amended its special event ordinance to require that all such events take place in one of two parks, neither of which was the city square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When organizers applied to hold the 2025 event, they received approval for either park. The new policy denied organizers the ability to host PrideFest in the most visible "heart of Loogootee," court documents say. The initial ACLU case grew to include this development as another alleged violation of the First Amendment. Loogootee "burdens substantially more speech than necessary" Young found Loogootee's special event ordinance to be unconstitutional since it lacks narrow tailoring. He struck down the entire 2025 ordinance in response. The ACLU's arguments and Young's ruling focus on three primary issues with the ordinance: the event location limits, a 45-day event permit application deadline and small group permitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the city argued the ordinance was meant to maintain safety, Young said the new policies went too far and restricted speech unnecessarily to achieve that goal. Regarding the location policy, he said the city "fails entirely" to explain why the restriction is needed. "In any event, even if the 2025 Ordinance sometimes serves the City's interest in preserving public health and safety by restricting special events involving fifteen or more people to two locations," the judgement reads, "'it does so at too high a cost, namely, by significantly restricting a substantial quantity of speech that does not impede [the City's] permissible goals."(This story has been updated to add new information.) The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Court finds rural city violated 1A rights of Pride festival organizers On Monday, the Houthis said they launched a missile towards the Liberia-flagged Israeli-owned tanker "Scarlet Ray" ship near Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port city of Yanbu. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Tuesday that they had attacked a ship in the northern Red Sea with two drones and a missile over its connection to Israel. The group did not say when the attack happened. There was no immediate confirmation of the attack from maritime sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Yemeni armed forces carried out a joint military operation targeting the ship ... for violating the (Houthi) decision to ban entry to the ports of occupied Palestine," the group's spokesperson said. On Monday, the Houthis said they launched a missile towards the Liberia-flagged Israeli-owned tanker "Scarlet Ray" ship near Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port city of Yanbu. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday that it received a report of an incident 40 nautical miles southwest of Yanbu. A vessel said to be Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged Eternity C sinks in a footage released by Yemen's Houthis, in the Red Sea, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 9, 2025 (credit: Houthi Media Center/Handout via REUTERS) A vessel reported "a splash in close proximity from an unknown projectile and heard a loud bang," the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, adding that the vessel's crew were all safe and it was continuing to its next voyage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a later update, Ambrey said it assessed the vessel to be "aligned with" the targets of Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis' profile, given that it was publicly Israeli-owned. Previous Houthi attacks, including sinking ships In July, the Houthis sank two ships in the Red Sea and killed several members of one ship's crew. The terror group claimed that one of the ships, the Eternity C, was on the way to the Eilat port. "The attack was carried out with an unmanned boat and six cruise and ballistic missiles. The operation resulted in the complete sinking of the ship, and the operation was documented with audio and video," Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree added. This is a developing story. (The Center Square) Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is continuing his fight to declare Google a common carrier despite a judge ruling otherwise. Yost appealed a Delaware County judges decision to dismiss the lawsuit earlier this month, arguing for fairness in the marketplace. Ohioans deserve fairness in the digital marketplace, Yost said. When one company has the power to stack the deck, it hurts consumers, innovation and free competition. This appeal is about standing up for Ohioans and consumers everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit Yost filed in 2021, the state said Google should legally be considered a common carrier and a public utility because of its control over search results and how it can prioritize its products and services over competitors. A common carrier like airlines, taxis or railroads are required by law to serve anyone who asks for the service and meets legal requirements. The case, the first of its kind in the nation, now heads to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The judge refused to throw out the lawsuit in late May 2022. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages. Yost says Google hurts Ohioans by not offering all the information needed for someone searching to make the best decision. He used searching for a flight as an example, saying if Google returns its own search results to steer someone to Google Flights, the person will not see offers from competitors such as Orbitz or Travelocity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says the California-based company has a duty to offer sources or competitors' rights equal to its own, claiming it should not prioritize the placement of its own products, services and websites on search results. Yost said he wants those equal rights to extend to advertisements, enhancements, knowledge boxes, integrated specialized searches, direct answers and other features. An 11-year-old boy died in Houston over the weekend after being shot in the back while playing a ding-dong ditch prank, police have confirmed. According to investigators, the child was with two other kids in an East Houston neighborhood when they rang a doorbell and ran away. The homeowner then allegedly stepped outside with a handgun and opened fire down the street. The boy was struck in the back and later pronounced dead. Houston police reported that the incident happened late Saturday night, around 11 p.m. in the 9700 block of Racine Street, near Fidelity Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have since confirmed that charges have been filed in the case. The suspected shooter, identified as 42-year-old Leon Gonzalo Jr., has been charged with murder. Gonzalo was taken into custody on Tuesday morning and booked into the Harris County Jail without bail, according to inmate records. The victim was identified as 11-year-old Julian Guzman. Doctors pronounced Guzman dead on August 31 after he was rushed to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Sergeant Michael Cass told Fox 4 KDFW that the facts of the case do not suggest a self-defense argument, adding that the boy was not near the house at the time, making a murder charge more likely to stick. Under Texas Castle Doctrine, residents may legally use deadly force if they reasonably believe their life or safety is in danger, but the protection is not automatic. While homeowners in Texas enjoy some protection under those laws, deadly force is not automatically justified, especially in a case where children are running away from the scene, posing no further threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case follows a similar incident in Frisco in July in which 58-year-old Damon Wolfe reportedly fired at teenagers participating in a TikTok-fueled ding-dong ditch challenge, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Wolfe was eventually charged with three counts of aggravated assault, even though none of the bullets struck any of the teens. In some cases, ding-dong ditching may technically qualify as low-level trespassing, but it is not grounds for deadly retaliation. VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A young child was airlifted to Rady Childrens Hospital Monday after a drowning incident in a dunk tank in Vista, authorities said. The incident occurred around 1:29 p.m. at a church event in the 740 block of Avenue De Benito Juarez, according to the Vista Fire Department. Authorities say the child somehow ended up in a dunk tank, prompting the father to pull the child out of it and begin compressions on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego-area beach closures, advisories in effect for Labor Day First responders provided medical support and the child was taken to a hospital. Their status is unknown at this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains drowning can either be a fatal drowning when someone dies and nonfatal drowning when a person survives a drowning 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. Brett Pitts | courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas This article was published with support from the Solution Journalism Network's H.E.A.L. Fellowship and the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources. During the sweltering first week of her freshman year at the University of Arkansas in 2022, Helana Alexander walked the three minutes from her dorm room to the campus's imposing, colonnade-covered library. The sun blazed overhead, casting sharp reflections off the building's white stone. By the time she found the correct room, she was already late. She lingered in the doorway, embarrassed, until she was waved in by the facilitator, Amelia Southern-Uribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander had arrived at one of Zero Hour Arkansas' weekly "climate anxiety processing sessions," a space where young people could voice their grief, fear, and rage about the climate crisis. The group is one of dozens that have emerged across the country as young people grapple with ecological and political catastrophes escalating around them. That day, five young people discussed the debilitating grief they felt about corporate pollution, vanishing landscapes, and devastating tornadoes in their state. The conversation was raw and unfiltered. For Alexander, it felt like a dam was breaking. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take She had started experiencing climate anxiety or intense worry about the current state and future of the planet in high school. While growing up in Arkansas, she spent summers visiting her grandparents in Alaska. After missing a few trips, she returned to find that once enormous glaciers seemed to have completely melted. At her conservative high school, no one understood her grief, but in the University of Arkansas library, it became clear she was far from alone. Anne-Elise Tidwell \| courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas A fall 2024 survey of 15- to 25-year-olds in The Lancet found that 60% of respondents are "extremely worried" about the climate crisis. More than 40% say climate anxiety affects their mental health. For young people in climate-vulnerable states, those emotions can be especially intense. Arkansas ranks as the second most at-risk state after Florida due to extreme heat, tornadoes, and minimal investment in climate adaptation projects from its Republican-led legislature. When Southern-Uribe, the facilitator Alexander met that day, founded Zero Hour Arkansas first as a high school student and later at the University of Arkansas they knew that confronting this sense of despair in their community would be essential to sparking action. Online the refrain "We're already doomed" was common among people their age. It made sense: Gen Z has grown up watching oil companies, Wall Street banks, and politicians collude to destroy the planet and its future for personal profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southern-Uribe sees Arkansas as a microcosm of a national pattern of greed. The Walton family, heirs to the Walmart fortune, wield enormous political influence in the state. They've spent billions of dollars on cosmetic projects like bike trails and art museums while supporting conservative candidates who have destroyed environmental regulations. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have cheered on the Trump administration's rollbacks of environmental protections and even reopened coal plants. Perhaps equally demoralizing is the lack of support from national climate groups. While organizations like the Sierra Club receive millions of dollars each year, red states like Arkansas are often written off as electorally unwinnable and therefore unworthy of investment. This erases and devalues the work of organizers like Southern-Uribe. Brianna Ifland But they didn't want young people to minimize their expression of anger and anxiety, whether it's directed at national organizations, state lawmakers, or billionaires hijacking their state. Southern-Uribe wanted them to alchemize those emotions into action. "You can't create a movement if you're debilitated by anxiety and grief," they tell Teen Vogue. That's how the idea for the first climate anxiety processing sessions emerged. After continuing to attend the sessions, Alexander decided that she had to be "all in." In 2023, she became co-president with Southern-Uribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together they wanted young Arkansans to tap into their own power and on the University of Arkansas campus, those efforts have paid off. In just three years, Zero Hour Arkansas has become the largest chapter of Zero Hour, a national, youth-led climate justice movement with groups nationwide. On the University of Arkansas campus, where many believed such grassroots organizing was impossible, they've built a 250-person movement that demands action and systemic change. While federal, state, and university governments continue to abandon them, these students have turned toward each other for support. Zero Hour Arkansas has built deep alliances with groups like Students for Justice in Palestine and the the immigrant workers' rights organization Venceremos to create an intersectional environmental justice movement. And for Amelia Southern-Uribe and Helana Alexander, who once walked nervously into a library room full of strangers, that collective action has led to something neither of them expected: hope. courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas Southern-Uribe couldn't have imagined the impact Zero Hour Arkansas would have when they first envisioned the group. During their sophomore year of high school, they visited their father in Miami, a city on the frontlines of the climate crisis. While there, they were overwhelmed with thoughts of dread as they considered Miami's vulnerability to sea-level rise. It reminded them of being seven years old, watching thick black oil choke the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill. That sense of alarm led them to a webinar hosted by Zero Hour, where they heard the organizations founder, Jamie Margolin, speak. Southern-Uribe immediately recognized their own story. Like them, Margolin was a queer child of Colombian immigrants. She encouraged other young people to draw from their lived experiences to fuel climate action where they lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in Arkansas, Southern-Uribe began reckoning with the environmental injustices that had shaped their community. They considered classmates who developed asthma due to air pollution. They thought of immigrant poultry workers in Springdale, home to Tyson Foods, who were forced to process chicken without basic protections. And looming largest was Walmart, loudly touting its climate pledges while fueling greenhouse gas emissions and generating staggering amounts of waste. Fueled by grief and fury, Southern-Uribe decided to launch the first Zero Hour chapter in their home state. courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas From the very beginning, they understood that the best way to build a movement was to respond to people's immediate needs. After brainstorming different ways to get started, Zero Hour Arkansas partnered with Campus Cup to pass out free menstrual cups to students. They played music and handed out the cups in sleek, climate-friendly packaging. Students started to associate Zero Hour with forward-thinking, helpful solutions. Based on the number of cups that were distributed, the group believes it diverted more than 200,000 pounds of waste from cotton pads and tampons, showing how concentrated action on college campuses can have an outsized impact. courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas They also wanted to share their ideas with a broader audience, and tell a new story about climate justice in the Ozarks. Southern-Uribe and their roommate launched ROOTS Magazine with their friend and roommate, Grace Holley. The zine features dozens of drawings, poems, essays, and stories from artists dedicated to climate justice and Southern ecologies. As the groups campus profile began to grow, members of Zero Hour Arkansas started to think about ways they could take action while continuing to address the grief that came up during the climate anxiety processing sessions. Slowly, an idea developed: What if they did the opposite of what their grief encouraged them to do? What if instead of sitting together in a quiet library, simmering in their frustration, they threw a raucous, strobe-light filled college party? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result was Party Like It's 2050, a fundraiser that encouraged students to "Party like the world is on fire because it is." The event was a way to raise money while showing other students that climate action could be rebellious and even fun. Multiple bands from the University of Arkansas headlined. Students sold sustainable products at a night market that overflowed with upcycled fashion, glittering vintage jewelry, and heaping plates of food. All proceeds from the $5 door fee supported Venceremos and the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, a community-driven organization that pools resources to protect critical land for people and wildlife. Soon students who had attended the event were clamoring to get involved. Rather than viewing climate action as pointless, people wanted to know how they could help. At a university largely dominated by Christian organizations and Greek life, Zero Hour Arkansas had catalyzed a new kind of culture. The group wanted to seize this attention and develop a campus-wide campaign. courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas In 2024, Southern-Uribe and Alexander decided to attend a weeklong training with the Campus Climate Network (CCN), a coalition of more than 50 college organizations working to advance climate justice. The training was a flurry of activity. CCN taught students how to build coalitions, recruit new members, and develop campaigns. Southern-Uribe notes that after years of pouring energy into their community, it was the first time they received practical resources about how to organize, as well as financial support to do so. In February, their group launched its largest campus campaign: Students for an Equitable and Livable Future, or SELF. Framed as a "Green New Deal for Campus," the campaign is putting pressure on the University of Arkansas to disassociate from fossil fuels while expanding access to affordable transportation and housing. The university has a severe housing shortage, leaving more than 80% of students to secure an apartment on their own. Amid worsening floods and extreme heat, this has contributed to a surge in unhoused students and community members alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with their success, the students admit that the work comes with limits, since sustaining momentum without significant funding or institutional backing can feel precarious. Still, in order to build their base for the campaign, they've met with dozens of campus organizations, including agriculture students concerned about soil health and Students for Justice in Palestine. Theyve already joined a coalition that protects unhoused people from sweeps, helping them find shelter and providing food and water in the sweltering heat. courtesy of Zero Hour Arkansas Southern-Uribe will soon move to Washington, DC, to serve as director of global organizing for Zero Hour, but theyre committed to returning regularly to Arkansas. For them, the work at state, national, and international levels is inseparable: The blood money that goes into wars and oppression is the same money funding the systems that make our planet unlivable. If there's one lesson Southern-Uribe and Alexander hope others take from their work, it's the importance of building coalitions rooted in shared humanity. Don't turn away from the grief of this moment, they say; treat it as a tether, binding you to others committed to change. Find those people, be honest about what you're feeling, and organize from there. From the early climate anxiety sessions to now, its always been the same principle, Alexander says. "We want you to be heard. We want you to be real and come together to make a difference about it." Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more Teen Vogue climate coverage? YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said an inmate who was stabbed Sunday at the private prison on the East Side died in the hospital. Read next: Ursuline family files civil rights lawsuit against school Chief of Detectives Capt. Jason Simon said the inmate at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center had initially stabbed two other inmates, then was attacked by four inmates who, in turn, stabbed him. That inmate, identified by the Mahoning County Coroner as Isiaha Waulk, 29, died at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operators of the prison, CoreCivic, sent a statement Tuesday afternoon regarding the incident. On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m. (EDT), a correctional officer at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center (NEOCC) called an emergency after an altercation began involving five United States Marshals Service (USMS) inmates. Medical staff at the facility quickly responded to render aid and conduct medical assessments. Our partners at USMS were notified of this incident, and further inquiries can be referred to the USMS, Office of Public Affairs. The Youngstown Police Department is investigating with NEOCCs full cooperation. All involved individuals have been identified. As this is an ongoing investigation, there are no additional details to share at this time. Reports said police were called about 6:25 p.m. to the prison for a report of a stabbing. Security told police that an inmate was let out of his cell on a top tier and stabbed two other inmates. That inmate then went down the stairs to a downstairs room, where he was stabbed by four inmates, reports said. The first two inmates who were stabbed were also treated for their injuries at St. Elizabeth. Simon said detectives are working with prison staff and the U.S. Marshals Service in their investigation. The prison also houses inmates for the marshals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stabbing does not get added to the Youngstown Police Departments homicide statistics since it occurred in a correctional institution. The prison has experienced a rash of stabbings over the last two years. According to WKBN files, Sundays stabbings bring the total to at least eight stabbings for the year, and eight inmates were stabbed in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called Russias day-time drone attacks an audacious act. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "Reports from the military since the morning. In particular, from the Air Force commander on drone shoot-downs. The audacity of the Russians is growing: they are attacking Ukraine more and more often during the day with dozens of attack drones. There were 150 drones during the night, more than 50 in the morning, dozens more in the evening, and most of them were Shaheds. In fact, groups of Russian drones in our sky are an accompaniment to the statements Russia has made in China. It is Russias blatant disregard for everything the world is doing to stop the war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy noted that on Monday 1 September, the Russians "literally denied what President Trump said about the meeting of leaders that is needed to end the war". Quote: "And now we see another build-up of Russian forces in some sectors of the front. But he [Putin ed.] does not want to be forced into peace in any way. Russia continues to carry out strikes. Of course, we will respond to this. We will respond asymmetrically as well, so that Russia clearly feels the consequences of its audacity." Background: On Tuesday afternoon, an air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv due to Russian drones. In the Dniprovskyi district, UAV debris was found on the grounds of a kindergarten closed for repairs. Another air-raid warning was issued and explosions were heard in the city in the evening. On the night of 1-2 September, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with strike drones. An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv and several oblasts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A lunar eclipse and a blood moon will occur on Sept. 7. Despite the dramatic name, a blood moon refers to the deep red hue the moon takes on when it passes through Earths shadow during a lunar eclipse, known as the eclipses totality point. This weekends celestial event will be visible to an estimated 85% of the worlds population although no one in the Americas will be able to see it. Lunar eclipses only happen twice a year on average the upcoming one is the second and final of 2025, and the next is expected to occur on March 3, 2026, according to NASA. Heres what to know about Sundays upcoming eclipse. What is a lunar eclipse? A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth, the moon and the sun are perfectly aligned in orbit, but the Earth is positioned between the moon and the sun. Earths shadow blocks the sunlight from reaching the moons surface, causing it to dim, according to NASA. (In contrast, a solar eclipse happens when the alignment is similar, but the moon blocks the suns light from reaching Earth, NASA explains.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lunar eclipses occur when the moon is at its full moon phase when the moons face is fully visible from Earth. Even though the moon enters its full moon phase every month, an eclipse only happens when the moon is inclined at a certain angle when its orbital path crosses Earths, according to Time and Date, a site that tracks astronomy and time zones. What is a blood moon? The moon takes on this particular shade of red because the only sunlight that reaches its surface comes from the edges of the Earth. Air molecules in the Earths atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light, NASA explains, which means the remaining light reflects onto the Moons surface with a red glow. When and where can viewers watch the eclipse? The lunar eclipse will start at 11:28 a.m. ET, and totality will happen at 1:30 p.m. ET, according to Space.com. The eclipse is expected to last roughly five hours and 27 minutes, while the blood moon will be visible for 82 minutes during that time, Time and Date said. The entire eclipse will be visible to people in Australia, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe; while stargazers in parts of Western Europe, such as the U.K. and Spain, and the easternmost parts of Brazil will catch some glimpses, but not the full eclipse, Space.com reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in the Americas will not be able to see anything because the moon will be below the horizon and on the opposite side of the Earth during that time, Space.com said. There is no risk of damaging your eyes if you want to watch the total lunar eclipse, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). If you want a closer look, NWS recommends watching with a telescope or binoculars, but no special eye protection is necessary. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. The return to Hungary of MotoGP, the premier category of high-speed motorcycle racing, boosted the number of foreign visitors to the area around Lake Balaton over the race weekend, Visit Hungary said. The number of foreign visitors to Lake Balaton between August 21 and 24 climbed 17pc from the same period a year earlier, Visit Hungary said. Most of the foreigners were from Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia and Romania, it added. Revenue of tourism accommodations in the area around Balatonfokajar, the venue for the MotoGP race, rose 21pc to HUF 5.8bn. Revenue of tourism accommodations around Zamardi, a settlement on Lake Balaton that hosted a musical festival that coincided with the MotoGP race, increased 22pc to HUF 4bn. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. On the evening of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, 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 Malaysia are good friends with common vision. The two sides have stood together through the changing international landscape and advanced together on the paths toward modernization, ushering in a new Golden 50 Years for China-Malaysia relations. President Xi recalled his state visit to Malaysia in April this year, during which the two sides reached important consensus on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future. China is ready to work with Malaysia to advance the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, deliver more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to peace and development in the region and the world. President Xi stressed that the two sides need to accentuate the new characterization of bilateral relations as high-level and strategic, deepen all-round strategic coordination, and firmly support each others core interests and major concerns. The two sides should work together to become an inspiring example of cooperation on high-quality development in the region, strive to create highlights of cooperation in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, new energy, and semiconductors, and ensure the high-level development of key projects including the Two Countries, Twin Parks and the East Coast Rail Link. It is important to keep carrying out the Confucian-Islamic Civilizational Dialogue and strengthen the bonds of people-to-people exchanges. Closer multilateral coordination and collaboration are needed between the two sides to promote the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of the Global South. Prime Minister Anwar noted that President Xis state visit to Malaysia was highly successful. It strongly boosted the bilateral relationship and brought it onto the fast track, which is well received by all sectors of Malaysian society. It is an honor to be in China to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi addresses head-on the challenges confronting global governance. The Initiative features both advanced ideas and practical solutions, and is of great significance for enhancing global governance. Malaysia values the special strategic partnership with China and will continue to deepen cooperation across various fields to bring more benefits to the people of both countries. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. The Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design is holding an international scientific symposium on the impact of artificial intelligence and the Visegrad countries on September 12, with funding from the International Visegrad Fund, organisers said. Eight speakers and researchers, philosophers and university experts in visual culture from Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia will discuss the cultural impact of AI, with an emphasis on regional specialties, the statement said. Topics will include to the distortions of AI-generated images to the cultural heritage, misrepresentations of small local communities in AI content and the homogeneous representations of women, as well as the use of AI in arts, it said. The event is part of a research and development project of MOME's Heritage in Motion Lab, inspecting the under-representation of the Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak languages in generative AI systems. Registration to the event is accessible under https://www.addevent.com/event/mL26136193 Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Jaishankar noted that India has already dispatched relief material to Afghanistan, with 1000 family tents sent to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food materials moved to Kunar from Kabul by the Indian Mission there. The Union government will release guidelines on Wednesday to co-locate anganwadi centres with schools, aiming to boost early childhood care and education under the Viksit Bharat vision. Scroll down to read more. Maharashtra Maratha reservation ruckus still underway. Due to this, a team of ministers is going to meet Manoj Jarange today. So let us tell you that today the MLAs have once again demonstrated in Mumbai regarding Maratha reservation. This demonstration has been done by the leaders of Uddhav group. To understand this news in detail, see this report. Maratha Aarakshan Andolan: 5 people have committed suicide demanding reservation in Maharashtra. Let us tell you that in the last one week 5 people have committed suicide. These five youths have cited the demands of the Maratha movement as the reason behind their suicide. Naomi Osaka defeats Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2021 Australian Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion dominated with 85% first-serve points won and just 12 unforced errors. Osaka sets up a US Open 2025 quarterfinal clash with Karolina Muchova, aiming for her third Flushing Meadows crown. P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that defence cooperation remains a key pillar of the India-Singapore partnership and both leaders agreed to build momentum in exchanges, training, and engagements across all three services. People's obsession with meaningless superstitions still exists in many states Women are more often than not the victims of such superstitions In a recent case, 3 women were beaten to death in Jharkhand as they were accused of being 'witches' A major security alert is underway in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants launched a coordinated assault on a Frontier Corps (FC) post. The meeting of PM Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping is being seen as a significant geopolitical moment, potentially contributing to the formation of a strategic bloc aimed at balancing Western influence particularly in the context of U.S. trade policies under former President Donald Trump. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape workplaces, classrooms and daily life, Emory College of Arts and Sciences professor Yana Bromberg is giving first-year students the tools to understand this rapidly-evolving technology with her class, College in the Age of AI. The class is designed to introduce students to both the promises and challenges of AI, helping them build critical awareness and thoughtful perspectives from the very start of their college careers. Now in its second year, the course examines the fundamentals of machine learning and large language models (LLMs) in a way accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Alongside technical basics, students explore ethical concerns such as bias and fairness in algorithms, and consider how AI can support personalized learning, uphold academic integrity and even enable early interventions for student success. The course also encourages students to reflect on the broader societal and cultural implications of rapidly advancing AI tools and technology. As a computational biologist, Bromberg uses AI and protein language models to study how microbial genomes work. But in her class, she wants students to learn not just how AI works, but also where it came from and how it affects society. The hope for this course is to calm the students down because there is a lot of media hype that AI will replace jobs, Bromberg says. We do much better with things that we know and are familiar with. The course begins with three introductory lectures on AI, then transitions into student-led presentations, many of which incorporate ChatGPT as a tool for research and preparation. Students are also encouraged to experiment with AI in their assignments. After completing readings, they are asked to generate discussion questions, run them through AI tools and compare those responses with their own responses and perspectives. This approach gives students valuable insight into both the potential and the limitations of AI-generated content. Toward the end of the semester, Bromberg addresses one of the most pressing fears among students: that AI could make their future careers obsolete. Her message is reassuring: Overall job loss is nearly negligible. AI wont take your job, the people who know how to use AI will. Avi Villareal, a dance major pursuing a dual degree with Emory and Georgia Institute of Technology in environmental engineering, entered the seminar class last year with little knowledge of AI. My biggest takeaway from the class was how AI is biased and flawed. AI is progressing rapidly right now, but most people don't understand how it works, which will lead to a lot of misinformation being spread, Villareal says. I think having a good understanding of AI and how it can be used as a tool or an inhibitor of my learning process is going to have a positive impact on my college career. Myles Garber, a biology major with eyes set on medical school for ophthalmology, also took the course last year. This class helped me progress in college by challenging me to think about new topics in a variety of ways and then assessing how each line of thinking competes, relative to others. By blending technical knowledge with critical discussion, Brombergs seminar equips first-year students with the tools to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with one of the most transformative forces of their generation. Bromberg is a professor of biology and computer science at Emory University, where she leads the Bromberg Lab. Her research applies computational and bioinformatics tools to understand how DNA encodes the molecular machinery of life, uncovering where it comes from and how it operates. SIUs THRIVE event on Sept. 17 focuses on mental health, suicide prevention by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host an entertaining, informative event focusing on wellness, mental health and suicide prevention on Sept. 17. Wellness and Health Promotion Services is sponsoring THRIVE from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Student Services Building Pavilion, and while the focus is especially on students, everyone is welcome. Held during Suicide Prevention Month, the free, expo-style event will feature interactive exhibits and booths, treats, prizes and giveaways. Peer-to-peer discussions and information about tools and resources will also be included and presented in a positive, community-based format by SIUs Student Health Services and partners across the university. Organizers say attendees will learn about coping strategies, resiliency and social connectedness. For more information, contact Shelly Ridgeway, assistant director of Student Health Services and director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services, at shelly.ridgeway@siu.edu or 618-536-4441. To learn more about Student Health Services, visit the website or follow the center on its Facebook or Instagram accounts. Contact SIUs Counseling and Psychological Services at 618-453-5371 if you or anyone you know needs support or help. In addition, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline is open 24/7 and can be reached by calling or texting 988. Tangshan Port in N China's Hebei bustles with cargo operations People's Daily Online) 09:12, September 02, 2025 Photo shows the ore terminal in the Jingtang port area of Tangshan Port, Hebei Port Group, Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Zhaomin) From above, the Jingtang port area of Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, appears as a hub of industrial activity along the Bohai Sea. Orange cranes handle cargo operations, ore stockpiles reflect sunlight, vessels dot the blue waters, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles move freight across the port facility. Photo shows the ore terminal in the Jingtang port area of Tangshan Port, Hebei Port Group, Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo courtesy of Hebei Port Group) The Jingtang port area is a major hub for energy and raw materials, spanning 90 square kilometers. The port contains 46 berths that can handle vessels carrying 15,000 to 250,000 tonnes of cargo. Ships carrying more than 100 cargo types, including coal, ores and steel, navigate through the facility's shipping channel. Forty-four container shipping routes connect the port to more than 190 ports worldwide, creating a maritime trade network that spans more than 70 countries. A cargo ship docks at the ore terminal in the Jingtang port area of Tangshan Port, Hebei Port Group, Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo courtesy of Hebei Port Group) Photo shows cargo at the ore terminal in the Jingtang port area of Tangshan Port, Hebei Port Group, Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Zhaomin) In the first half of the year, the port shipped 17.19 million tonnes of mineral construction materials, up 17.3 percent from a year earlier. Steel shipments for domestic trade totaled 4.5 million tonnes, a 40.5 percent increase, while bauxite shipments reached 3.8 million tonnes, up 17.5 percent. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) On the evening of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, 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 under the strategic guidance of me and President Rahmon, China-Tajikistan cooperation keeps yielding new outcomes. China has become Tajikistans largest trading partner, with steady progress made in a series of cooperation projects. As Tajikistans comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China stands ready to work with the Tajik side to build the China-Tajikistan community with a shared future. President Xi stressed that China and Tajikistan should strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and advance cooperation in various fields. China is ready to encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Tajikistan, support the two sides in expanding cooperation in such areas as new energy vehicles, digital economy and infrastructure construction, and deepen exchanges in disaster prevention and mitigation, healthcare, culture and education. The two sides should continue to advance counter-terrorism cooperation, jointly crack down on the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and safeguard their common strategic interests. The two sides should also enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative, and promote the building of a global governance system that is more just and equitable. Both China and Tajikistan made great sacrifices for the victory in World War II. The two countries should firmly defend the fruits of the victory and work together to advance the noble cause of world peace and development. President Rahmon stated that Tajikistan attaches great importance to its relations with China. Strengthening Tajikistan-China cooperation serves the common interests of both countries. Tajikistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will always be a reliable cooperation partner of China. Tajikistan is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in a wide range of fields such as economy and trade, green economy, digital economy and infrastructure construction, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Tajikistan. China has played an active role as the rotating president of the SCO, and brought the SCO into a new stage of development, making important contributions to regional peace and stability. He congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, stating that humanity should remember history and create a better future. The Global Governance Initiative put forth by President Xi demonstrates the vision and sense of responsibility of a world-class leader. Tajikistan fully supports it and will work with China to promote its implementation, so as to make international governance more reasonable and effective. The two sides signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as connectivity, green and low-carbon development, and digital economy. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court (IPCC) of Taiwan has ordered one former employee and two current employees of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to be detained and held incommunicado for allegedly stealing sensitive trade secrets involving the company's advanced 2 nanometer (nm) process. According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the ruling was handed down after the three suspects named Chen Li-ming, a former TSMC engineer, and two current engineers, Wu Ping-chun and Ko Yi-ping, were referred to the IPCC on Monday morning. A three-judge panel at the IPCC said the suspects deleted their communications records after their conduct was discovered. The judges noted that there were reasonable fears the three could continue to destroy evidence and collude with one another in making false statements. The panel further stated that since the alleged actions could harm national security and affect market competition, the three should remain detained to ensure smooth court proceedings. Focus Taiwan also shared that on August 27, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office Intellectual Property Branch indicted the suspects for their roles in the alleged theft of trade secrets and for violating the National Security Act by obtaining national core technology secrets for use abroad. Prosecutors are seeking prison terms of 14 years for Chen, nine years for Wu, and seven years for Ko. Chen, who now works at Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL), a Japan-based supplier to TSMC, allegedly asked Wu and Ko during the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025 to provide him with trade secrets they had access to. Prosecutors said Chen claimed the information would help TEL secure more contracts with TSMC. TSMC detected irregularities and filed a lawsuit against the three in early July. Prosecutors then carried out searches and raids from July 25-28 and secured approval from the IPCC to detain the suspects for investigation. The case was later referred to the court, where a hearing was held to decide on continued detention. In late August, TEL said an internal investigation had so far found no evidence that confidential information about TSMC's 2nm process was leaked to a third party. TSMC is currently developing its 2nm process, with mass production scheduled to begin in the second half of this year. At present, the 3nm process remains the company's most advanced technology in commercial production. (ANI) The Indian stock market opened on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by strong economic indicators that have boosted investor sentiment, though tariff challenges continue to weigh on the outlook. The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened at 24,665.15, gaining 40.15 points or 0.16 per cent, while the BSE Sensex started the day at 80,559.31, up by 194.82 points or 0.24 per cent. The market mood has improved from last week as a series of robust economic data points have strengthened confidence in India's growth story. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, "A good macro backdrop and a strong PMI number for August sets a positive tone for Indian markets. US tariffs and continued FPI outflows are expected to be offset by strong domestic inflows and a consumption stimulus expected from the GST cuts." Bagga also shared that the GST Council meeting began on September 3, with announcements on the new GST 2.0 expected on September 4. This will provide further support to domestic equities. Key economic indicators have underpinned the current market optimism. India's manufacturing PMI for August hit a 17-year high at 59.3, GST collections touched nearly Rs 1.90 lakh crore, quarterly GDP growth surged to a five-quarter high of 7.8 per cent, and July's IIP rose to a four-month high of 3.5 per cent. Additionally, robust two-wheeler sales data for August added to investor confidence. According to Motilal Oswal's market outlook, momentum is expected to remain strong in two-wheelers, sugar, FMCG, and defense sectors. On the global front, US markets remained closed on Monday, while Asian markets opened on a mixed note on Tuesday. The government's introduction of GST reforms is also expected to give a push to local consumption. At the same time, India is preparing to counter the impact of the proposed 50 per cent US tariff by diversifying its exports to European, Gulf, African, and other global markets. In the broader market indices, the Nifty 100 opened in green with marginal gains, while the Nifty Midcap 100 slipped 0.19 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 edged down by 0.03 per cent. Sectoral performance on the NSE was mixed. The Nifty FMCG index gained 0.21 per cent, Nifty Media rose 0.86 per cent, and the Nifty Oil and Gas index was up 0.31 per cent. However, the Nifty Auto fell 0.24 per cent, Nifty IT declined 0.41 per cent, and the Nifty Pharma slipped 0.29 per cent in early trade. Technical indicators also point towards market strength. Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said, "The successful close above the 24550-608 band and the Marubozu formed thereof is a vote of confidence on the mean reversion move. Favoured view hence expects the ongoing upmove to head into the 24697-809 band at least before any slowdown. Alternatively, pullback below 24550 could see bears returning." With strong domestic fundamentals, expectations of GST-driven stimulus, and healthy sectoral momentum, the markets are trading on a strong note in the positive in opening session. (ANI) India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, aimed at securing key resources essential for the country's economy, development, and national security. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav during the 20th Global Sustainability Summit hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Yadav said, "The Government of India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025. Under this mission, 24 minerals have been identified as critical and strategic, and 29 other minerals have been considered important for strengthening the country's economic development and national security." He added that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has made amendments through the forest conservation and augmentation rules to support this mission. Explaining India's strategy, Yadav noted that the country's sustainability model rests on balancing the economy and ecology. He stressed that nations must "re-engineer a new growth model and resilient development priorities" with sustainability at the center of policymaking. He highlighted the need for solutions across the economy, including circular economy models, green manufacturing, and encouraging responsible practices. The minister also spoke about the government's recent steps to back these efforts. "On August 29 last month, we enacted the environment audit rules 2025. These rules establish a formal framework for environmental auditing across India. The new rules, which come into force immediately, are designed to supplement the existing government monitoring and inspection framework, not to replace it," Yadav said. He further pointed out revisions in the green credit program, which now allow direct participation by private entities. Sanjiv Puri, Immediate Past President of CII (2024-25) & Chairman & Managing Director of ITC Limited, underscored the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. "We have the climate crisis. We have threats to food and nutrition security. We have challenges of social inequity, of course, and also complicated by the geo-economics, geopolitical and advent of trends like AI, where concerns of livelihood are arising," he said. Puri warned that while the world has acknowledged climate threats, progress remains slow. "While the world has recognized this threat, there are several commitments on net zero, by countries, by enterprises, but we all know the progress has been woefully inadequate," he added. Calling for a shift in approach, Puri said, "We have to reimagine the way supply chains are formulated, the way products are manufactured, the way we use the products, the way we distribute them, we have to reimagine business models completely." He also emphasised that sustainability is "everybody's business" and must be an inclusive process, with sustainable lifestyles serving as the foundation for long-term growth. (ANI) London [UK], September 2: The established entrepreneur and philanthropist, CA Abhay Bhutada, was honoured with the Bharat Bhushan Award at the 2025 Lokmat Global Economic Convention in London. The award was presented to him by the Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Resources, Anil Agarwal, and the Chairman of Gulf Oil International, Sanjay Hinduja. The other eminent personalities present at the stage, along with CA Abhay Butada at the time, were Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athavle, Chairman of Lokmat Media Group, Vijay Darda, and Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat Media Group, Rajendra Darda. In addition to achieving great success in the field of finance, CA Abhay Butada is also the Founder and Chairman of Abhay Bhutada Foundation. Founded in 2023, the Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment, education, and development of underprivileged sections of society. Focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term relief, it ensures that every project is designed for sustainability and measurable outcomes. Being awarded the Bharat Bhushan Award is a testament to CA Abhay Bhutada's unwavering commitment to social betterment, leadership in the financial sector, and his philanthropic efforts. The presentation of the award was indeed a highlight at this grand convention, which was organized by Lokmat Media Group. The event convened global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to examine the progression of India's 5 trillion-dollar economy. Four distinguished panels engaged in discussions on critical topics spanning the economy, industry, technology, environment, education, and socio-political issues. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The Union government has expanded its Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme to strengthen India's presence in the global semiconductor industry, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told ANI at SEMICON India 2025 on Tuesday. The move focuses on 25 identified semiconductor products that must be designed, developed, and produced entirely in India. "Basically, 25 products have been identified, and the complete design, the IP rights, and most importantly, the export and production of all the 25 chips must be from India. With this thinking, the Design Linked Incentive scheme is being expanded. There will be a focus on these 25 products," Vaishnaw said. The minister emphasised that the plan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance to establish a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem, rather than pursuing isolated projects. "The Prime Minister has always guided us that the entire ecosystem has to be developed from top to bottom, only then is long-term growth possible and sustainable. Thus, we have heavily focused on the ecosystem around semiconductors," he added. Explaining the importance of this expansion, Vaishnaw highlighted that semiconductors are as critical as steel in modern industries, powering everything. "The entire process of making a semiconductor is coming to India, and it is a very happy thing. This is a foundational industry. Like with steel, where it has multiple uses, semiconductors too, can be used in a multitude of products like cars, fridges, scooters, mobile phones; for everything semiconductor chips are required," he noted. The minister further said that the sector has already started to take shape in India, with significant progress in manufacturing plants. "Now out of 10 plants, four plants have their pilot line ready, and by the end of the year, production will be initiated in all four of these plants," Vaishnaw stated. (ANI) Ashwini Vaishnaw also presented the first made-in-India 32-bit processor chip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening ceremony of SEMICON India 2025. The presentation marked a significant milestone in the country's semiconductor journey, highlighting the government's efforts under the India Semiconductor Mission. Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted the rapid progress being made in the sector. "Today, construction of five semiconductor units is going on at a rapid pace. Pilot line of one unit is completed, and we just presented the first made-in-India chip to the Honourable Prime Minister. Two more units will start production in a few months from now. The design of five more units is progressing very well. Ecosystem partners for chip manufacturing are all here," he said. (ANI) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the European Union are in an advanced stage, as the two sides are making significant progress. Speaking to the reporters in the national capital, Goyal said, "We have reached a very advanced stage in our FTA with the European Union. The Commerce Secretary, as we speak, is in a meeting in Brussels with his counterpart, the DG of the EU. Their team is coming down later this week and will be in active negotiation with us. Minister trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic (European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security) is coming down on the 12th of this month and we are making very active and significant progress." The FTA negotiations between the two sides are expected to conclude in 2025. India last month said the two sides engaged in a forward-looking and substantive dialogue to address global trade challenges and reaffirm their shared resolve to conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. The India-EU FTA negotiations represent a significant step in strengthening economic ties between India and one of the world's largest trading blocs. The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides. India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 137.41 billion in 2023-24, making it the largest trading partner of India for goods. In addition, the bilateral trade in services, in 2023, between India and the EU was estimated at USD 51.45 billion. Speaking at the 20th Global Sustainability Summit, he said that India is in a dialogue with the US for a bilateral trade agreement. Talking about the FTA with India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Minister said that the concerned parties will start negotiating over it, as the Terms of Reference (ToR) have been finalised. "In terms of the Eurasian FTA, we are finalising the terms of reference. Now we'll set up the next step and dates and start discussing," he said. India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU,) comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation, signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on August 20 in Moscow. During the meeting in Moscow, both sides noted the growing trade turnover between India and the EAEU, which stood at USD 69 billion in 2024, registering a 7 per cent increase over 2023. (ANI) On the afternoon of September 2, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, 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 the China-Iran relationship has stood the test of changes in the world, and maintained steady and healthy development. Since we met in Kazan last year, departments of the two countries have actively implemented the important common understandings reached by the two sides, and bilateral cooperation has delivered many new outcomes. China always places its relations with Iran high on its diplomatic agenda in the Middle East. China stands ready to work with Iran to carry forward the friendship, deepen mutual trust, strengthen cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, clean energy and connectivity, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and jointly promote the steady and long-term growth of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. China has put forward the Global Governance Initiative, and will work with the international community including Iran to foster a more just and equitable global governance system, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. President Xi emphasized that the use of force is not the correct means to resolve differences, while communication and dialogue is the right path toward lasting peace. China attaches importance to Irans repeated pledge that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, and respects Irans right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. China supports Iran in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations. China will continue to uphold justice, work for a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties, and make continued efforts for realizing lasting peace in the Middle East. President Pezeshkian congratulated China on successfully hosting the SCO Tianjin Summit, and said during Chinas presidency, political trust among member states has increased and cooperation in various areas has made positive progress. Iran is ready to strengthen cooperation with China under the SCO framework. China is Irans comprehensive strategic partner, and Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, Iran will maintain its friendship with China and deepen cooperation with China. The Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi carries great significance for building a more just and equitable international order. Iran fully supports it and is ready to maintain close coordination with China to jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East, and work to put the Global Governance Initiative into practice and implementation. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 2: ICFAI Business School (IBS) has always believed that the best way to prepare future managers is by giving them not just academic knowledge, but also practical exposure to the real-world tools that global businesses rely on. Staying true to this vision, ICFAI Business School (IBS) has equipped all its nine campuses with two advanced learning facilities that place its students ahead of the curve -- the Bloomberg Lab and the SAP Lab. Together, they bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, offering students the confidence and skills to thrive in competitive corporate environments. Bloomberg labs bring global finance into the classroom In today's fast-paced business environment, access to real-time data and insights is critical. To prepare students for this reality, ICFAI Business School (IBS) provides Bloomberg Terminals to students across all campuses. Bloomberg is the world's leading platform for financial news, data, analytics, and research. Trusted by asset managers, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide, it brings global financial leadership directly into the classroom. The Bloomberg Lab allows students to work in simulated market environments, where they can analyze financial markets, assess economic scenarios, and interpret global developments that influence economies and corporations. For students, this means going beyond theory into practice: testing strategies, studying market movements, and learning how financial decisions are made in real time. This exposure ensures that ICFAI Business School (IBS ) graduates can confidently step into roles in investment banking, asset management, consulting, or corporate finance. They do not just read about financial markets; they experience how they function, gaining a level of practical familiarity that distinguishes them in job interviews and boardrooms alike. Adding to this advantage, ICFAI Business School (IBS) students receive free access to the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification. This interactive program introduces them to over 70 Bloomberg functions, covering topics such as economics, fixed income, equities, and portfolio management. Completing this certification provides students with a recognized credential that adds weight to their resumes and demonstrates their preparedness to recruiters. The Bloomberg platform also fosters analytical skills. By working with real-time, verified data, students learn to evaluate information critically, develop insights, and create tools for decision-making. In essence, the Bloomberg Lab helps ICFAI Business School (IBS) students build the same expertise that senior professionals in financial institutions and government agencies depend on every day. SAP Lab: Understanding how businesses run While Bloomberg prepares students for financial decision-making, the SAP Lab equips them with a deep understanding of how organizations function internally. In Semester III, a core course called Business Process Integration is taught in computer labs using SAP's advanced software systems. Students work with SAP S/4 HANA, the leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform used by top companies worldwide. They also explore SAP's Vision of the Intelligent Enterprise and engage with the SAP Fiori User Interface, which allows them to experience firsthand how modern organizations manage data, workflows, and decision-making processes. Through this lab, students are introduced to the entire spectrum of business operations. From supply chain management (SD, MM, PP) and finance (FI, CO) to human resources (HCM), project systems (PS), asset management (EAM), and customer service (CS, QM), they understand how different business functions are integrated through ERP systems. This is further reinforced with case studies that replicate real-world corporate challenges. One of the highlights of the SAP Lab is its use of business simulation games. These interactive tools enable students to manage virtual companies using SAP S/4 HANA, helping them see how decisions in procurement, production, or finance ripple across the entire organization. Such exercises sharpen decision-making skills, strategic thinking, and cross-functional awareness. Beyond ERP, students also gain exposure to cutting-edge applications such as Data Mining, Geospatial Processing, Text Analytics, and Graph Processing. These areas are becoming increasingly relevant as businesses rely on big data and advanced analytics for competitive advantage. For ICFAI Business School (IBS) students, the SAP Lab is more than a course requirement; it is preparation for the workplace. Recruiters value candidates who already have practical familiarity with ERP systems, as it reduces the learning curve when they enter the job market. This hands-on exposure gives IBS graduates an edge in interviews and ensures they can contribute effectively from day one. A distinctive edge for ICFAI Business School (IBS) graduates Together, the Bloomberg and SAP Labs underscore IBS's commitment to holistic learning. They represent the institution's philosophy of combining theory with practice, ensuring students are not only well-versed in management principles but also equipped with industry-standard tools. While many business schools teach management concepts in theory, ICFAI Business School (IBS) ensures that its students apply these concepts in real-world contexts. By working on Bloomberg Terminals, they learn how to interpret global financial events. By working with SAP systems, they learn how to integrate and streamline business processes. This dual exposure ensures that ICFAI Business School (IBS) graduates are industry-ready, capable of adapting to diverse roles across finance, consulting, operations, analytics, and technology-driven businesses. What truly sets ICFAI Business School (IBS) apart is that these facilities are not limited to one flagship campus. All nine campuses -- Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, and Dehradun -- provide students access to Bloomberg and SAP Labs. This democratization of resources reflects IBS's belief that every student, regardless of location, should have equal opportunity to benefit from world-class infrastructure. For more information visit https://ibsindia.org/ . Contact us IBS Admission OfficePlot No.65, Nagarjuna HillsPunjagutta, Hyderabad - 500082TelanganaPh 040-23440963 (5 lines)Toll Free: 1800 425 55 66 77Email: ibsat@ibsindia.orgVisit: ibsindia.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762307/Bloomberg_SAP_Lab_IBS.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1023356/IBS_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India is set to become one of the most important semiconductor destinations in the world, according to Fumihiko "Ray" Kaminaga, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Tokyo Electron Limited. Speaking to ANI at the Semicon India 2025 on Tuesday, Kaminaga said the country's growing pool of talent and government support make it a strong investment choice for the chip-making industry. While Kaminaga did not provide specific figures for upcoming investments, he made it clear that the company views India as part of its long-term strategy. "Yes, it's a good opportunity, subsidized by the government for the design center and design technologies. We would like to work together for the semiconductor growth in the world. I don't have the numbers. But I'm sure that we will do the investment," he told ANI. Regarding partnerships or joint ventures in India, Kaminaga stated that the company is not currently exploring joint ventures but remains open to collaboration. "Possibility, but we do provide the solution by ourselves. But we are working with our customers and the local suppliers as well. But we don't have an idea today to have a joint venture in India yet," he clarified. Kaminaga explained that Tokyo Electron has already laid a foundation in India with offices and service stations. "Oh yes, we built up our office here first in Bangalore, and we also provide service stations in Gujarat, Ahmedabad and also in Dholera. We established some local stations, and we are also working with the local engineering suppliers like HCL and Tata Consultations," he said. He emphasised that collaboration with Indian engineers and suppliers will play a crucial role in developing effective solutions. "So working together, in the future, we could provide more resources, working with the local people to provide hardware and software solutions for us. It's a great opportunity. We see big potential, lots of talented people in India and also very strong support from Prime Minister Modi and the government," Kaminaga noted. Explaining the company's offerings, Kaminaga pointed out that Tokyo Electron covers a broad range of semiconductor equipment. "We provide a lot of front-end equipment such as edge, restore tools, film formation and cleaning, as well as backend systems like testing. We have a wide variety of products," he said. (ANI) BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 2: Since its inaugural edition in 2023, ART MUMBAI has evolved into an anchor event in the region's art calendar, an art fair presenting the finest Modern and Contemporary art from South Asia and beyond. ART MUMBAI is a platform bringing together leading artists, galleries, institutions, curators, collectors, and industry experts. The fair is not just a showcase of South Asian and international art, it is also a gateway to global conversations in art. Founders Minal and Dinesh Vazirani, Conor Macklin, and Nakul Dev Chawla are delighted to announce the dates for the third edition from 13-16 November 2025 at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai. This year, ART MUMBAI will feature over 80 exhibitors, including prominent Indian galleries such as Experimenter, DAG, Akar Prakar, Nature Morte, Chemould Prescott Road, Vadehra Art Gallery, Gallery Espace and TARQ and international galleries including Lisson Gallery, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, Galleria Continua and Ben Brown Fine Arts. Two Foundations - the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) and Saffronart Foundation - both regular participants since 2023, will return this year with a special presentation. The much-anticipated Speaker Series will feature thought-provoking discussions on how art from India and South Asia continues to gain global prominence. Topics range from the shifting influence of museums in the region to education and scholarship, and the long term benefits of investing in culture. Key highlights of ART MUMBAI 2025 include : * New exhibitors: Sixteen new Indian exhibitors and nine new international galleries. * Offsite VIP programme -- private collection previews and artist interactions. * Public performances -- reflecting Mumbai's multidisciplinary arts heritage. * Guided Walks -- curated tours highlighting established, mid-career, and emerging artists. * Sculpture walk -- this year dedicated to women artists. * Food and lifestyle offerings -- international cuisine, retail pop-ups, and weekend main-stage performances. "The support we have received from gallerists, patrons, and collectors over the last two years underscores the growing scale and ambition of ART MUMBAI. Our aim is to remain an inclusive platform that engages new buyers, art professionals, and visitors alike, while highlighting South Asia's artistic depth, technological innovation, and Mumbai's growing stature in the region's art calendar," says Dinesh Vazirani, Co-founder, ART MUMBAI. Art, Mumbai and ART MUMBAI Mumbai's connection with the arts runs deep, tracing back to the Progressive Artists' Group, founded in 1947, which helped define India's modern art movement. The city's cultural vitality extends across performing arts, fashion, music, and literature, cementing its status as a centre of creative innovation. In recent years, Mumbai's art scene has expanded significantly, with growing gallery activity, landmark exhibitions, and public programmes that have brought art into the city's everyday spaces. ART MUMBAI builds on this legacy, serving as a platform that unites artists, galleries, institutions, curators, collectors, architects, designers, new buyers, and enthusiasts, creating an inclusive and engaging environment for the exchange of ideas and the celebration of creativity. ART MUMBAI: The Team Dinesh Vazirani: CEO Saffronart, Mumbai and Co-founder, ART MUMBAI Dinesh Vazirani is the CEO of Saffronart, a leading international auction house specialising in Indian art, that was established in 2000. A Bachelor's of Fine Arts and a Master's in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, an MBA with honours from Harvard Business School, Dinesh is also on the board of several companies and a frequent speaker at various events. He is actively engaged in the Young Presidents' Organisation. Minal Vazirani: President & Co-founder, Saffronart, Mumbai and Co-founder, ART MUMBAI Minal Vazirani is the President & Co-founder of Saffronart. She has led the founding of the business, developed the online auction technology and established the company's presence in Mumbai, New York and London. Her strategic planning and pioneering concepts have driven the company's foray into new businesses. Minal is also a co-founder of the Saffronart Foundation, which uses art to raise awareness about key social issues, support community outreach, and contribute to the development of South Asian visual art. She chairs the India Committee for Women to Watch, 2024, an exhibition developed by the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), Washington, D.C. She the co-chair for the acquisitions committee at the Tate Modern, UK and on the advisory boards for the Mumbai Urban Art Festival and CII Committee on Art. Minal is an MBA from INSEAD, France, and B.S. in Chemical Engineering with an additional focus on Art History and Indian History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Nakul Dev Chawla: Director, Chawla Art Gallery, New Delhi and Co-founder, ART MUMBAI Nakul Dev Chawla, director of Chawla Art Gallery, is a third-generation gallerist. Nakul has grown up around the dynamic landscape of South Asian art, which gives him a unique insight into the market. The gallery continues to be a pioneer in promoting and securing South Asian culture, with its primary focus being on modern Indian artists. Conor Macklin: Grosvenor Gallery, London and Co-founder, ART MUMBAI Run by Conor Macklin and Charles Moore, Grosvenor Gallery has continually exhibited modern and contemporary South Asian art, predominantly the works of mid-20th century Indian modernists such as the Bombay Progressives, as well as Chughtai, Gulgee and Sadequain from Pakistan. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Andre Aranha Correa do Lago, President of the UN's COP30 Climate Change Conference, said that the developed countries have more responsibility towards climate across the world as they are responsible for the accumulation of carbon dioxide for over two and a half centuries. "The developed countries are responsible for the accumulation of carbon dioxide for more than 250 years. So they have the responsibility that has been very clearly stated in the convention since the beginning," he told ANI on the sidelines of the COP30 event held today in the national capital. He said that the fact is that the world has changed a lot, and our countries can contribute much more than we do, so we don't depend on the developed countries for most of the things we need. Responding to the question of how India and Brazil are progressing in this cause, he said that both countries have been growing together for many years. "We are in the basic group and we negotiate together. We have the same concern about development of our countries and also the concern of better life of our population so we are united in that context," he said. Also, the years are going by, the climate crisis is increasing, and with the climate urgency that is surrounding the world, naturally, these countries have developed so much. Our counties have huge responsibilities and the rest of the developing world is looking at us so I think we have been an evolving role in the process and that's the exciting dimension of it, he added. Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belem, and Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago will lead this key climate summit in the Amazon. The Brazilian presidency of COP30, in the 2025 climate summit, called for new global climate governance mechanisms to help nations implement their commitments to curb global warming. The summit will be hosted in Belem in November this year. The COP1 was held in Berlin in 1995, followed by COP3 in Kyoto in 1997, and then COP21 in Paris in 2015. First Global Stocktake (GST) under the Paris Agreement was held at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, and the finalisation at COP29 in Baku of both the Paris Rulebook and the last remaining negotiating mandate from COP21 - the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance (NCQG). COP30 is a moment to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Throughout its first decade, the Paris Agreement has shown both efficiency and resilience. The treaty is working. Its ambition and implementation cycle are fully in motion. Yet, global warming is now occurring much faster than scientific projections had indicated in 2015. At the same time, geopolitical and economic obstacles are raising new challenges to international cooperation, including under the climate regime. (ANI) Tata Electronics and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier R&D organisation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the development of indigenous electronics and semiconductor solutions, including the Design IP ecosystem. The agreement marks a significant step forward for Tata Electronics and C-DAC in jointly building indigenous semiconductor design capabilities, thus strengthening the foundation for India's technological sovereignty. The MoU was signed on September 2, 2025, by Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Electronics, and E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC, in the august presence of Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, at SEMICON India 2025 being held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Tata Electronics is developing offerings across the entire semiconductor and electronics value chain to serve global customers. The company is building India's first commercial Fab in Dholera, Gujarat, with a total investment of INR 91,000 crores (USD 11bn), and India's first indigenous Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Jagiroad, Assam, with an investment of INR 27,000 crores (USD 3 billion). Collectively, the plants will produce semiconductor solutions with applications across sectors, including automotive, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, defence, aerospace, and other key domains. As part of the agreement, Tata Electronics and C-DAC will explore opportunities for collaboration to develop the semiconductor design and IP ecosystem in India, utilising Tata Electronics' Fab technology portfolio. Both organisations will also endeavour to enable Fab, OSAT, and design service solutions from Tata Electronics for the Indian semiconductor ecosystem. The targeted solutions will be geared towards startups, MSMEs, C-DAC and academia, with ChipIN playing a pivotal role in enabling them through the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, and various other semiconductor initiatives of MeitY, Government of India. Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Electronics, said, "This partnership with C-DAC is an important step towards India's semiconductor self-sufficiency. By combining our advanced manufacturing capabilities with C-DAC's role as the nodal agency to strengthen India's domestic semiconductor chip design ecosystem, we will build a design IP ecosystem that empowers innovators across the country's semiconductor value chain, from startups to established enterprises. This aligns with our vision of building a trusted, end-to-end semiconductor value chain in India." E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC, said, "As the nodal agency implementing MeitY's Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme and Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme, C-DAC has a mandate to nurture India's semiconductor design ecosystem." "Our partnership with Tata Electronics represents a crucial milestone in achieving this goal. Together, we will create a semiconductor design and IP ecosystem that provides domestic startups and academia with end-to-end support from silicon-proven IP portfolios to cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration will accelerate indigenous IP creation while positioning India as a leading global semiconductor design and manufacturing hub," Magesh said. (ANI) Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday said that the upcoming phase of India's semiconductor initiative will focus significantly on supporting full product development, including chipsets that are designed in India, with IP rights residing in the country and products developed by companies incorporated in India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has begun work on the next phase of India's semiconductor programme, Semicon 2.0, and is currently holding discussions with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to finalise its contours. Semicon 2.0 will build on the momentum created under the first phase. Under India Semiconductor Mission, or Semicon 1.0, the government had made an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore for the development of the semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Semicon India 2025, Union Minister said the government will give lot of support to the equipment manufacturers, material manufacturers, and other ecosystem partners "A very significant part of the allocation in the next version will also be for products developing full products, as in chipsets which are designed here, the IP rights, and reside in the country, and the companies which develop are also incorporated in India. So, these two will be additional to what is being done in ISM 1.0," he said. "We should get all the sectors covered, from automotive to power electronics to consumer electronics to medical to defense and strategy, all the sectors need to be covered. So we will continue that same approach, and will give lot of support to the equipment manufacturers, to the material manufacturers, and to the and to all other ecosystem partners that will be a significant part of our journey," the Union Minister added. Vaishnaw said a lot of learning curve has been crossed. "ISM 2.0 will be additional, will be increased, will be enhanced. From where we stand,...ISM 1.0 was a beginning. It was when we had to start, start a totally new industry in our country, from right, from scratch, right? It was a totally new journey. So once we have taken this first step up to here, now we have significantly more experience behind us," he said. "A lot of learning curve has been crossed, so it's time to increase the scope of work that we take. So the increased scope of work is what I said, capital equipment, materials, and the other things which go into semiconductor manufacturing will be part of it. And of course, fab and OSAT units will be an integral part of this journey," he added. The Minister also confirmed that the SCL Mohali Lab modernisation plan is on and the decision will be taken by the Cabinet soon. "One thing which practically every semiconductor player has shared with us is that India respects IP items. India respects the development processes. India respects the way the entire industry has grown over decades and how additional contribution can be made by a country, which is something very fundamental to developing trust." He said that the trust has resulted in industry players setting up their GCCs, and many companies are coming for their equipment development, supply chain development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Semicon India 2025 in the national capital. Speaking at the event, he said that the day is not far when the smallest chips made in India will drive the biggest change in the world. He added that even though India started late in the semiconductor sector, nothing can stop the country now. (ANI) Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha offered prayers at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Tuesday and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva. After offering prayers, Nushrratt spoke to ANI and shared her experience of visiting the temple and taking part in the Bhasma Aarti. She said, "I can't describe my experience in words...Devotees in large numbers come to offer prayers at the Mahalakeshwar Temple...One can only describe this feeling by offering prayers at the temple...I am feeling very good..." The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Bhasma Aarti is one of the most revered rituals here at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM. According to temple traditions, the ritual begins with the opening of Baba Mahakal's doors in the early hours, followed by a holy bath with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. The deity is then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood before the unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti take place, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells. Devotees from across the country visit the temple to witness this divine ritual, believing that attending the Bhasma Aarti brings blessings and fulfilment of wishes. On the work front, Nushrratt is known for her roles in 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha', 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2', 'Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety', and 'Chhorii', among others. Recently, she announced her next film, reuniting with her 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' director, Luv Ranjan. Taking to her Instagram handle, Nushrratt shared her first-look poster from the film titled 'Ufff Yeh Siyapaa.'The actress has been introduced as an Indian married woman who is "pyaar mein bholi...gusse mein bandook ki goli". Dressed in a simple saree, Nushrratt could be seen sporting a mangalsutra, a few bangles, and a tied-up hairdo. Written and directed by G Ashok, 'Ufff Yeh Siyapaa' is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films. The music has been composed by Oscar-winning AR Rahman. The film will be released in theatres on September 5. (ANI) During the meeting, the actresses submitted a request to posthumously confer the Karnataka Ratna award on the late Vishnuvardhan. They also requested that the Chief Minister name the road in Malleshwaram after the recently deceased multilingual actress B. Saroja Devi. Saroja Devi passed away in July this year at the age of 87. Saroja Devi got her big break with her Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). She made her Telugu film debut with Pandurang Mahathyam (1957) and acted in several successful films until the late 1970s. The Tamil film Nadodi Mannan (1958) established her as one of the top actresses in Tamil cinema. After her marriage in 1967, she remained the second most sought-after actress in Tamil films until 1974, while she continued to be a top actress in Telugu and Kannada cinema from 1958 to 1980. She also acted in Hindi films, starting with Paigham (1959) until the mid-1960s.She acted in 161 consecutive films as the female lead between 1955 and 1984. Sarojadevi was awarded the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1992. She also received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University and the Kalaimamani Award of Tamil Nadu. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Known for her work in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films, Saroja Devi's demise has left the industry in shock. (ANI) The Leader of Himachal Pradesh Assembly and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of failing to respond effectively to the recent disaster in Chamba and alleged that the CM was attending political programmes in Bihar. "The government has completely failed during this disaster. While the Assembly session was underway and a major disaster struck Chamba, the Chief Minister was attending political programmes in Bihar. There is a big difference between the figures given by the CM and Deputy CM in the House," Thakur said on Monday. "In Chamba, the disaster exposed the system. Large numbers of people are still stranded. The government's first priority should be relief in disaster-hit areas," Thakur added. He further alleged that the Chief Minister delayed his response. "The CM came to the Assembly four to five days later and hurriedly made his statement. Disturbing visuals from Chamba have exposed the system, but the CM kept praising his minister. The CM admitted that 15,000 pilgrims were stranded, yet accused the opposition of twisting facts when it said 10,000. Many pilgrims had to walk from Chamba to Bharmour. The minister being praised faced public complaints about the government's arrangements," Thakur remarked. Criticising the state's preparedness, he added, "There were only four helicopters in Chamba hired every year for pilgrims, but the Army's helicopters were not requisitioned in time. The government has now admitted 16 deaths. Manimahesh Yatra has always been risky, but no arrangements were made this time. In Mandi, heavy losses occurred, but the CM avoids mentioning Mandi." Thakur said the opposition supports declaring the situation a national disaster, but opposed extending the Assembly session. "The opposition supports declaring a national disaster, but we oppose extending the Assembly session by three days. Our priority is to save lives, not gain political mileage," he said. Meanwhile, the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has so far claimed 326 lives, including 171 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 155 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). (ANI) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that the former Delhi Chief Minister is misusing Punjab's funds for "personal leisure" while the people of the state are suffering from floods. In a post on X, Swati Maliwal said, "Lakhs of rupees are being spent by the Punjab government for the salary, perks and Z+ security of your pet goon Bibhav Kumar. Imagine a person like him sitting as the Chief Advisor to the Punjab CM. Absolutely shameful!" The remarks from the Rajya Sabha come at a time when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds for the state, citing the grave flood situation that has devastated large parts of the state. Maliwal further attacked and said, "Punjab is not your ATM, nor a refuge house for your rejected leaders. By the way, for the smallest of inaugurations, you and your deputees roam the field like kings of Punjab. But today, when such a big disaster has struck, where are you? Why are you not on the ground with the people?" "Just stop using Punjab's PRIVATE JET for your personal leisure. Crores of rupees from the state's funds have already been wasted on your luxury. Stop misusing Punjab's helicopter like a taxi to ferry yourself around," the RS MP wrote. Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has urged the Union government to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds, citing the grave flood situation that has devastated large parts of the state. "So far, there has been no response from them, but today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. We request all BJP leaders of Punjab to ensure the immediate release of our Rs 60,000 crore so that we can help the people of Punjab more effectively," Harpal Cheema said. (ANI) By Nazrin Abdul Azerbaijan and Brazil have held the first meeting of their Working Group on Trade and Investment as part of the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral economic cooperation. Azernews reports, the meeting took place during the visit of an Azerbaijani delegation to Brazilia, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov. According to the official X account of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two countries are actively working to strengthen their trade and investment ties. The inaugural session of the Working Group on Trade and Investments was held alongside the Political Consultations Meeting, underscoring the commitment of both nations to expand economic cooperation. The discussions focused on a broad range of topics covering bilateral, regional, and global agendas. Brazil and Azerbaijan have maintained diplomatic relations for over 30 years, with tourism, education, and parliamentary relations highlighted as key areas of their ongoing partnership. This meeting marks an important step in enhancing collaboration between Azerbaijan and Brazil, reflecting their mutual interest in fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel launched the book titled 'Communication in Healthcare -Principles, Skills and Practices' authored by Dr SN Basu, member, Governing Body of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. The book highlights the vital role of effective communication in building trust between doctors, patients, and caregivers. Drawing from real-world experiences, case studies, and research, it emphasises how clear, compassionate, and empathetic dialogue can improve patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes. Speaking to ANI, Dr Basu, Principal Director and Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, highlighted the importance of communicating with patients properly "As doctors, we face patients, we are counselling them, we are seeing them, and the most important thing is that when a patient or their family comes to us, they have multiple layers hiding in them. They may be having a physical problem, but the physical problem may actually be a reflection of something much deeper. And unless we learn how to communicate, ask the right questions, find out what is bothering them, look at their behaviour and everything, and then only give them a proper answer," she said. Dr Basu further added, "It is very difficult to find all the answers in a short consultation. And for that, you need to follow certain skills so that you get all the answers, and show your empathy. The idea was to make communication in healthcare far-reaching, making people aware that it is a very important aspect." Speaking at the launch, Anupriya Patel lauded the effort, stating that in today's rapidly evolving healthcare system, communication is as critical as clinical skills. "This book is a timely contribution towards making healthcare more humane and patient-centred." Dr. V.K Paul expressed that in modern times, the role of communication has assumed a very high importance. On the occasion, Dr Basu expressed gratitude to the medical fraternity for their encouragement and expressed that this book is dedicated to every patient and healthcare worker who has shown that healing is not just about medicines and procedures, but also about words, empathy, and listening. As per a release, the book is now available at Prabhat Prakashan and aims to serve as a guide for medical practitioners, students, and healthcare administrators committed to improving doctor-patient relationships. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested the accused in the murder of a woman whose body was found in the Kotwali police station area in Mainpuri district of the State. The accused is identified as Arun Rajput, who began his friendship with the woman through the social media site Instagram, according to the police. "On August 11, a woman's body was recovered near Kharpari Bamba in the Kotwali police station area... We had registered an FIR in the case, and the investigation was underway... In this connection, the accused Arun Rajput, who murdered the woman, has been arrested," Arun Kumar Singh, Mainpuri, told reporters on Monday. The police said that the accused and the victim had a dispute after the woman asked him to marry her and give back the money he had borrowed from her. This dispute led the man to kill the woman by strangling her, the police said. "During interrogation, it was revealed that about one and a half years ago, the woman and the accused used to talk on Instagram... They exchanged phone numbers two months ago, and then they met several times... They were talking to each other at the scene of the incident," the SP said. "The woman had pressured him to marry her. The woman also asked him to return Rs 1-1.5 lakhs he had borrowed... The accused said that he was tense for many days. Seeing the opportunity, he strangled her and killed her... After the murder, he removed the SIM card from her mobile and took it with him. The mobile phone has been recovered," he added. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tributes to the immortal martyrs of the Mussoorie firing incident on Tuesday on 'X'. "Countless salutations to the immortal martyrs of the statehood movement who laid down their lives in the Mussoorie firing incident," read his 'X' post. Adding further on the lines of identity, self-respect, and pride, CM Dhami wrote, "Your sacrifice continuously reminds us that Uttarakhand is not merely a geographical region but a symbol of our identity, self-respect, and pride earned through sacrifices and struggles. Our government, remembering the great penance of the statehood activists, is committed to building a developed Uttarakhand in accordance with their dreams." In the year 1994, on September 1, the Khatima firing incident took place, considered a dark day in the history of Uttarakhand's struggle for statehood, as a peaceful procession was being carried out by agitators seeking a separate state. The Khatima firing incident was followed by the Massorie firing incident the next day, in which six people were fired upon by Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel. Dhami, speaking on anti-terrorism laws and Sanatana culture, said, "Our government has provided free education in schools and colleges to the children of the martyrs. We have implemented anti-terrorism laws in the state. We have enacted a new law and decided to dissolve the Madrasa Education Board. We are also taking strict action against those who defame the Sanatana culture through Operation Kalanemi. Let us all take a pledge to protect the Himalaya and environmental conservation." Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the tribute programme organised in memory of the agitators who laid down their lives in the struggle for a separate state, which is now Uttarakhand. On this occasion, he also honoured their dependents and other state agitators. Earlier on Monday, the CM inaugurated the "Saathi Kendra" at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Government Post Graduate College, Khatima, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. According to a release, the Chief Minister said that the social and economic development of any country depends on the quality of its education. "For this purpose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a historic step towards bringing about comprehensive reforms in the education system of the country through the National Education Policy in the year 2020," he said. He said that today, through this policy, students are getting help in achieving success in competitive examinations along with employment-oriented education.Dhami stated that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, the Saathi project was launched in 2023 with the goal of providing quality education and equal opportunities to all students across the country. (ANI) Since March 1, police have registered 17,957 FIRs and arrested 27,796 drug smugglers, leading to the recovery of 1,129 kilograms of heroin along with other contraband. The drive, launched under the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to make Punjab a drug-free state. The campaign is being closely monitored by a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while day-to-day operations are supervised by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who has been personally overseeing the operations, said the crackdown has also led to the seizure of 384 kg of opium, 232 quintals of poppy husk, 29 kg of charas, 430 kg ganja, 6.3 kg ICE (crystal meth), 33 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets, and Rs 12.44 crore in drug money. On the 184th day of the campaign alone, police arrested 58 drug smugglers and recovered 8.4 kg of heroin, 4,087 intoxicant pills, and 2,300 in drug proceeds. Over 120 police teams, comprising more than 1,000 personnel and supervised by 67 gazetted officers, carried out raids at 309 locations. These operations resulted in 43 fresh FIRs, while 337 suspicious individuals were also checked. The Punjab government is pursuing a three-pronged strategy--Enforcement, De-addiction and Prevention (EDP)--to tackle the drug menace. As part of the 'De-addiction' component, Punjab Police successfully convinced 14 individuals to undergo treatment and rehabilitation. The government has reiterated its commitment to continue this crackdown until Punjab is freed from the grip of narcotics, combining tough policing with preventive measures and rehabilitation initiatives. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that senior officers with extensive administrative experience will be appointed as commissioners of the five corporations formed under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said, "We discussed the appointment of officials for the corporations, and we have decided to appoint those officials who are currently working locally." When asked about the use of helicopters and aircraft for official government work, Deputy CM added, "This topic has been before the government for several years. The CM had given me the responsibility of taking a decision on this and calling for tenders. We are trying to study the models from other states and hold discussions with HAL too." Earlier on Monday, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar announced the launch of the Greater Bengaluru Area Development Plan, under which five corporations will be established to oversee the initiative. "The development of the Greater Bengaluru Area is starting from today (September 1), for which five corporations are being formed. A very senior official will be appointed as the Commissioner," Shivakumar said. As part of the restructuring, the Greater Bengaluru Authority has restructured the city's administrative framework by establishing five distinct city corporations: Bengaluru East, Bengaluru West, Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, and Bengaluru Central. On Sunday, the Deputy CM posted on X, "Under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, we have created 5 city corporations: Bengaluru East, Bengaluru West, Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, and Bengaluru Central. The purpose of dividing into 5 city corporations is to provide better services and to carry out development. These five city corporations will cover 27 assembly constituencies and 197 wards. Bengaluru's development is our first priority!" The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the Legislative Council on August 21. (ANI) In a series of joint operations conducted across multiple districts of Manipur, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, in close coordination with the Manipur Police, apprehended three cadres of hill and valley-based insurgent groups and recovered 53 weapons, seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ammunition, drugs worth Rs 10 lakh, and other war-like stores. The operations were carried out between August 25 and August 31 across the districts of Jiribam, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Kakching, Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts of Manipur. According to an official release, on August 25, Assam Rifles intercepted a significant drug trafficking attempt in S Munnuam village of Churachandpur. They seized 1,200 WY tablets worth approximately Rs 10 lakh, thereby disrupting a key narcotics supply chain. In another operation in Singtom village near Sugnu, Chandel District, Assam Rifles, along with the Indian Army, Manipur Police and Kakching Commandos, recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including one INSAS Rifle with magazine, one Mortar, one Single Barrel Rifle, one .32 Pistol, two Carbines machine guns (country-made), four Pompi guns, seven IEDs, one Mortar Bomb with cover, assorted ammunition of INSAS (20), AK (10), SLR (15), 9mm (9) and .303 rifles (2), two Tear Smoke Grenades and four Tear Smoke Shells soft nose (LR), one INSAS LMG magazine, Communication equipment including Baofeng handset with charger, Protective and military accessories including BP cover, tactical boots (2) and belt. On the same day, the Army, in close coordination with Assam Rifles and Kakching Police Commandos, recovered a sizeable cache of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores, including an INSAS rifle with magazine, one 51 mm mortar, one single-barrel gun, one .32 pistol, two 9 mm carbines, four pompi guns, seven IEDs, one mortar bomb, assorted live and empty rounds of various calibres, tear smoke grenades, tear smoke shells, and an INSAS LMG magazine from the general area of Singtom. Miscellaneous stores such as a Baofeng handset with charger, a bulletproof cover, tactical boots, and a belt were also recovered. Similarly, on August 25, from Pangmol village in Tamenglong district, Assam Rifles recovered 110 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47, 16 rounds of 7.62mm LMG, four rounds of 5.56mm INSAS, eight fired cases of different calibres, two AK-47 magazines, one 12 Bore cartridge, one radio set, military fatigues, and other war-like stores. Also, on August 25, the Assam Rifles, along with the Territorial Army and Imphal East Police, apprehended an active cadre of the KCP (MFL) from the general area of Takhel, Imphal East (approximately 30 km Southeast of Sagolmang). The apprehended individual has been handed over to the Lamlai Police Station. On August 26, an operation near Rashidpur village, Jiribam District, Assam Rifles seized one 7.62mm SLR Rifle, one 5.56mm INSAS Rifle, one 9mm Pistol, one .32 Pistol, two rifle magazines, 41 rounds of various calibres, and six radio sets. On August 27, in two separate operations, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police successfully recovered significant caches of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores in Kangpokpi District. In the general area of Kotzim, the recovery included one 9mm Carbine with magazine, one Single-Barreled Rifle, three Pull Mechanism Rifles, three Improvised Mortars, and two No. 36 Hand Grenades. In General Area Maohing Kuki, the recovery included one US-made M16 Rifle, one .303 Rifle, one CMG, one Lathod, three Pistols, one .22 Rifle, six bolt-action rifles, two single-barreled rifles, and three Improvised Projectile Launchers (Pumpi). The recovery also included magazines, live rounds, grenades, four Baofeng radio sets, and three bulletproof jackets. During a joint cordon and search operation on August 27 in Haolenphai, Moreh, Tengnoupal District, Assam Rifles apprehended an individual suspected of extortion and weapon smuggling for VVEZ. A mobile phone suspected of containing incriminating material was recovered. On August 28, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Kakching Police Commandos, apprehended an active KCP (T) cadre from Kakching DSA Road, Manipur. The individual was involved in extortion and intimidation of locals in Kakching Valley. During another operation between Jairolpokpi and Mongbung villages, Jiribam District, on the same day, the force recovered five muzzle-loading single-barrel guns, 30 vials of gunpowder, 100 pieces of lead, two gunpowder filling rods, and one radio set used for making homemade shotgun cartridges. On the same lines, on August 28, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Lamsang Police Station, apprehended an active cadre of KCP (People's War Group) from Lamsang, Imphal West District, Manipur. On the same day, another joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Bishnupur Police Commandos, and Moirang Police following confirmed intelligence on the presence of arms and ammunition hidden by miscreants near Loktak Lake. The search resulted in the recovery of a cache comprising one self-loading rifle, one .303 rifle, two single-barreled rifles, one double-barreled rifle, and a seven-kilogram improvised explosive device. Assam Rifles and Imphal West Police Commandos also apprehended three active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Politbureau Standing Committee) from Lamsang in Imphal West District and Hiyanglam Awang Leikai in Kakching District. Six mobile phones and two Aadhaar cards were recovered and handed over to Imphal Police Station. Similarly, again on August 28, Assam Rifles and Imphal East Police Commandos apprehended an active KYKL (Oken) cadre from Bamon Leikai, Imphal East District, Manipur. On the next day, on August 29, based on credible information regarding extortion activities by a member of the proscribed group PREPAK (Pro), a joint team of the Indian Army and Bishnupur Police Commandos launched an operation in the general area of Moirang. The joint force apprehended an active cadre of PREPAK (Pro), who was a resident of Moirang, Konjengbam Maning Leikai. During preliminary questioning, the individual revealed that he had joined PREPAK (Pro) in January 2024 through one Leishangthem Hemanto and had undergone fifteen days of basic military training at Seijang in Imphal East. Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Indian Army and Tengnoupal Police, apprehended four active cadres of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Border Pillar 86 along the Indo-Myanmar Border in Tengnoupal District. The individuals were intercepted during an ambush based on intelligence inputs. These coordinated efforts by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur. (ANI) Delhi Police has busted an illegal arms factory with a huge stockpile of weapons, along with raw material, and apprehended three people from different areas of Uttar Pradesh, following raids. The team of Sarai Rohilla Police Station conducted a raid and seized six country-made pistols, 12 country-made pistols without screw, and raw material for more than 250 pistols. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North Delhi, Raja Banthia, said, "Six country-made pistols, 12 country-made pistols without screw, and raw material for more than 250 pistols were seized. A day earlier, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police had busted a racket dealing in the manufacturing and trading of duplicate products, including All Out Ultra, Good Knight, Godrej Hit & Godrej Soap. A large quantity of counterfeit products and packaging materials was recovered, the police said. Three accused persons have been apprehended and booked in an FIR registered under Sections 318(4)/336(4)/125/280 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 63 of the Copyright Act at the Police Station Crime Branch, Delhi. According to the police, acting on specific intelligence regarding the manufacturing and trading of counterfeit/duplicate All Out Ultra, Good Knight, Godrej Hit & Godrej Soap, information was developed in coordination with authorised legal representatives of the companies. Earlier, on August 31, In a major crackdown on narcotics, the Delhi Police apprehended a woman from the Kalandra colony, Bhalswa dairy and recovered 300 grams of heroin from her after acting on a tip-off.The accused has been identified as Afsana (23), a resident of Jahangirpuri.Accordingly, a case u/s 21, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) was registered at the PS Bhslwa Dairy. The accused was later arrested. After sustained interrogation and arrest of Afsana, in a late-night raid, Delhi Police arrested two suppliers, identified as Narender (37) and Jyoti aka Manshi (35). A total of 712 grams of heroin were recovered from them, broken down as 52 grams, 470 grams, 170 grams and 20 grams.Sections 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act were also added in the case.A total of 1,012 grams (1 kg and 12 grams) of Heroin was recovered in all. (ANI) Heavy rain disrupted normal life in Khatima city in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. The downpour in the last three days flooded low-lying areas, causing major traffic snarls and waterlogging. The city also witnessed heavy rain this morning. The floodwater entered the houses in the low-lying areas of the city. Office goers in the morning endured considerable difficulties due to the heavy rain and traffic snarls. All districts of Uttarakhand are currently under either a red alert or an orange alert. "Every district in Uttarakhand has been affected by the disaster. There is calamity at Dharali. In Rudraprayag, many places have been hit by the disaster. In Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar, many places are waterlogged. A cloudburst has occurred in Dehri's Ghansali region also," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters in Khatima on Monday. The state government is monitoring the heavy rain situation. "At such a time, it is the duty of our government and all our public representatives to stand together with the disaster-affected people and encourage the agencies that are working at this time. Our effort will be to provide all possible assistance to each and every disaster victim. Those who are staying in relief camps are being provided with food, medicines, clothes, and milk for children. I am monitoring it myself," the Chief Minister said. Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman told ANI on Monday that owing to heavy rains, waterlogging is a problem being faced in the plains, for which complete preparations have already been made. The Chief Minister has directed district-level officers to remain on round-the-clock alert, in view of the red and orange warnings issued by the Meteorological Department for most districts over the next few days. CM Dhami said that the state continues to face challenges due to excessive rainfall, and the coming few days are going to be more difficult. He directed all the officers to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens. Special vigilance should be exercised on the routes due to the risk of landslides, and all precautionary measures should be taken in anticipation of waterlogging in the plains. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who was on a visit to Germany as part of his two-nation tour, on Tuesday announced that 26 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 7,020 crore were signed, which will aim to create over 15,000 new jobs in the state. The Chief Minister concluded his visit to the 'TNRising Germany Investment Conclave' on Tuesday. In a post on X, Stalin said, "The Germany leg of my overseas investment mission concludes on a strong note. At the #TNRising Germany Investment Conclave, 23 MoUs worth Rs. 3,819 crore were signed, set to generate over 9,000 jobs. Global leaders across renewable energy, automotive components and advanced R&D have chosen Tamil Nadu for their next phase of growth. In total, 26 MoUs worth Rs. 7,020 crore have been signed during the Germany visit, set to generate over 15,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1962685657790456071 Earlier, speaking at the Tamil Nadu Rising Investors' Conference, M.K. Stalin said, "Just as Germany is the industrial backbone of Europe, Tamil Nadu is the industrial heartbeat of India. Tamil Nadu is India's Germany. Tamil Nadu is already home to over 60 German companies, including BMW, Daimler Mercedes-Benz, Schneider, Siemens, ZF, and Bosch. 'Made in Tamil Nadu' is emerging as a global mark of quality, just like 'Made in Germany'...I have not come here just to seek investments. I have come here to build a bridge between Germany and Tamil Nadu--uniting German precision with Tamil Nadu's potential, creating a strong trade link between Europe and Asia." CM Stalin said that global leaders from sectors such as renewable energy, automotive components, and advanced research and development had selected Tamil Nadu for their next phase of growth. A day earlier, the Chief Minister referred to the MoUs signed with German firms by his government and said the state is moving ahead as a centre of excellence, carrying the strength and vision to shape the global industry. Stalin said that his visit had turned the spotlight on Tamil Nadu. "Germany visit turns the spotlight on Tamil Nadu. MoUs signed with Knorr-Bremse, Nordex Group and ebm-papst, along with meaningful engagement with BMW leaders, reflect the world's growing confidence in our state. Tamil Nadu moves ahead as a centre of excellence, carrying strength, vision and the promise of shaping global industry," Stalin said in a post on X. Tamil Nadu government inked "key MoUs" with German firms during Stalin's visit to the country with the MoUs entailing fresh investments worth over Rs 3,200 crore and having the potential to create nearly 6,000 new jobs in the state. A state government release said that Munich-headquartered Knorr-Bremse, a world leader in braking systems, has announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment to establish a state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu. The plant will focus on railway doors and braking systems--marking the company's first major manufacturing investment in the state. The project is expected to generate 3,500 jobs and strengthen Tamil Nadu's growing ecosystem in railway components and advanced engineering. The release stated that the Germany-based Nordex Group will expand its operations in Tamil Nadu with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore and create 2,500 new jobs. The company is one of the world's top wind turbine manufacturers. This expansion reinforces Tamil Nadu's leadership in renewable energy manufacturing and green industrialisation, the release said. ebm-papst, a global leader in energy-efficient electric motors and air movement solutions, announced an expansion of both its Global Capability Centre (GCC) and manufacturing base in Tamil Nadu. With a proposed investment of Rs 201 crore over the next five years, the project will create 250 jobs in HVAC, automotive, and industrial applications, the release said. During his Germany visit, the Chief Minister also met senior executives of BMW Group. Discussions focused on Tamil Nadu's strong position in the automotive and EV sectors. The Chief Minister invited BMW to scale up its operations in the state. BMW leaders reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Tamil Nadu, citing the state's robust EV infrastructure and the company's established Indian footprint, the release said. (ANI) The meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament will be held at the Parliament House Annexe in the national capital on Tuesday. The session is scheduled to begin at around 11 am and will include representatives from the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications. The meeting agenda features a briefing by the Audit, followed by oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications on the subject, "Audit on Revenue Sharing by Telecom Service Providers with Government," based on Chapter IV of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Compliance Audit Report No. 1 of 2025. Earlier on May 5, Congress leader KC Venugopal was re-appointed chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which was constituted on May 1. The Committee on Public Accounts, which is the oldest and the most prestigious Committee of Parliament, is constituted every year for examination of accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament for expenditure of the Government of India and such other accounts laid before Parliament as accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, the Lok Sabha Secretariat stated. The Committee also examines the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on various subjects, including Civil, Defence, Posts, Railways, and Taxation. Additionally, it reviews the C&AG Reports on Performance Appraisals of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, as well as on subjects selected suo moto. Meanwhile, the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Committee examines instances of financial irregularities, extravagance, losses, delays, etc, and it also scrutinises in depth, various aspects of the Government's tax administration. Since 1967, a convention has been established whereby an eminent leader from the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Accounts. In the past, the Committee has been chaired by eminent Parliamentarians such as Prof. NG Ranga, MR Masani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jyotirmoy Basu, HN Mukherjee, PV Narasimha Rao, R Venkataraman, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, etc, Lok Sabha Secretariat stated. During the first year of the 18th Lok Sabha, the Committee on Public Accounts (2024-25) demonstrated remarkable diligence, scrutinising a wide array of performance appraisal subjects alongside routine transaction audit paragraphs from the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (ANI) Everything that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev talks about eventually becomes reality. Some are slower, some are faster, depending on the circumstances and the amount of interference. But this has already been proven and no one doubts it anymore: if the Azerbaijani leader raises a question, he will surely come to his decision, no matter what the force of friction. On September 1, the OSCE Council of Ministers decided to close all institutions related to the Minsk process on the Karabakh settlement starting from the same day. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, this decision was made on the basis of a joint appeal from Azerbaijan and Armenia. The OSCE secretariat has been instructed to resolve all organizational and technical issues related to the liquidation of these structures by December 1, 2025. In addition, the document notes that all decisions previously taken within the OSCE regarding the former Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict are null and void and cannot be applied. Among other things, the institution of the personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on the conflict, as well as High-level Planning Groups, is being eliminated. This decision was made on the basis of a joint appeal from Baku and Yerevan. OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu confirmed the termination of the existence of the Minsk Group and congratulated Armenia and Azerbaijan "on this concrete step towards peace and stability in the region, which is convincing evidence of the effectiveness of diplomacy." That's all. The 33-year history of the OSCE Minsk Group on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict has ended. It ended, I must say, ingloriously. The three powers - the United States, Russia and France - have not been able to find ways to resolve the problem peacefully. Or they didn't want to, as President Ilham Aliyev said. 33 years of meaningless activities, meaningless meetings and senseless waste of taxpayers' funds in the member states. The most annoying thing is that half of those years were years of hope. It didn't take long in Azerbaijan, but they still hoped that the international community would finally knock on the table and call the occupier to order. However, the international community, which was represented by the three Powers, was in no hurry to knock on the table. On the contrary, everything was done to ensure that the status quo, God forbid, would not suffer from "excessive" peacemaking. The OSCE Minsk Group was established in 1992. As if on purpose, three countries with the largest and most influential Armenian Diaspora were appointed as Co-chairs of the MG. Although why "as if"? There is no chance or coincidence here. This was done intentionally, since from the very beginning, the triumph of justice and international law was not on the menu. The goal of the decades-long process was to secure the lands for Armenia. But then, when Baku runs out of steam and stops fighting. Everything ends sometime, they sang in MG to the accompaniment of a duduk. But Baku not only did not give up, but also gathered forces and liberated its lands on its own, shocking everyone. A few days ago, at a meeting with residents of Kalbajar, the President said: "We have achieved what we wanted, the hated Minsk group is already living out its last days. In fact, she was inactive, and could not act. However, legally it existed, and now its end is approaching." The Azerbaijani leader spoke about the futility of continuing the existence of the MG immediately after the Victory. I recall the meeting of the head of state with the Co-Chairs from France and the United States, as well as the personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in December 2020. The three of them sat in front of the winning President like students who had failed an exam. "Unfortunately, the Minsk Group has not played any role in resolving the conflict. Although the Minsk Group has had a corresponding mandate for this for 28 years. I have been involved in negotiations for the last 17 years. However, as I said during the war, although the Minsk Group had some activity in the direction of advancing ideas and showing creativity, it did not give any result. That's the reality. ...Why, despite the resolutions of the UN Security Council, OSCE resolutions, and other international organizations, has the conflict not been resolved for so many years? The three permanent members of the UN Security Council were unable to use their capabilities and potential to force the Armenians to leave. They couldn't even get them out of some territories. Couldn't or wouldn't? This question remains open. But it doesn't matter now. The conflict has been resolved. Azerbaijan did this by military and political means. I have often heard from you and your leadership, as well as your senior officials, that there is no military solution to the conflict. I told you: There is! History has shown that I was right. It was! I think those who said "there is no military option" now understand themselves that there was one, because they simply wanted to keep the current situation as it is," President Ilham Aliyev said. The Azerbaijani president reminded the crushed diplomats how a few years ago the French first made a statement about the unacceptability of the status quo, but after some time they changed their words to "the status quo is unstable." In other words, the meaning of the statement was completely changed, and now it sounded in support of the status quo, and the only thing that the intermediaries were concerned about was its instability. Azerbaijan did not allow it to be made stable and, as promised to the Azerbaijani people by the President, the territorial integrity was restored. At the end of his speech at that December 2020 meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said: "I did not invite the Minsk Group to visit. But when I was informed that the Minsk Group wanted to come, I said: let them come, I don't mind. Maybe they have something to tell me." The Co-Chairs had nothing to say. They had nothing to say during all the years of the Minsk Group's existence. Armenia resisted for a long time. Yerevan's response to Baku's proposal for a joint appeal to the OSCE was vague. Until September 2023, someone somewhere else had hopes of preserving at least something for Armenia. In June 2022, at the conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, President Ilham Aliyev said that the Minsk Group was no longer necessary, we said goodbye to the Minsk Group, we said goodbye to them. "However, unfortunately, the Armenian side and others want to resurrect this group. I want to say that it is impossible. This group is already dead, lifeless. We suffered greatly from the occupation and we speak about it openly. I think any speculation related to the OSCE Minsk Group is not only unproductive, but also destructive, has a devastating impact on the establishment of peace in the region," the head of state stressed. It was only after the anti-terrorist operation, the results of which were eventually accepted by the whole world, that the hopes of the Armenian side disappeared. In April of this year, when receiving the newly appointed OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, President Ilham Aliyev once again stated that it was high time to abolish the OSCE Minsk Group, which had completely failed in the settlement of the former Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, and all related institutions. The Head of State stressed that Azerbaijan has fully secured its territorial integrity and sovereignty through military and political means, thereby ensuring the establishment of the norms and principles of the Helsinki Final Act and international law in the South Caucasus. Perhaps if the MG Co-Chairs, represented by the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the world powers, had made efforts to establish the norms and principles of international law in the South Caucasus, the lands could have been returned without blood. But they couldn't, or rather, they didn't want to do it. Each of the powers had its own calculations and its own interests. No one expected Azerbaijan to solve the problem without taking into account these calculations and interests. The President of Azerbaijan has his own calculations based on the national interests of his country, and other people's interests are not even the third in line here. The Punjab government has ordered the closure of all 43 centres associated with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) until September 3, citing inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations in the state. Punjab Minister Aman Arora shared a post on his official 'X' handle, informing about the development. "In view of the inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations, all 43 Skill Development Centres-- running in association with PSDM-- will remain closed till September 3, 2025 to ensure the safety & well-being of all the stakeholders.CM Bhagwant Mann Govt is committed to ensure safety of people and their assets," the 'X' post said. Earlier on September 1, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged the Union government to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds, citing the grave flood situation that has devastated large parts of the state. "Due to continuous rainfall in the mountains and our neighbouring states, a flood situation has arisen in Punjab. There is significant damage, but our Punjab Police is actively deployed on the ground. Our Chief Minister has written a letter to the Prime Minister of the country, requesting the immediate release of the Rs 60,000 crore owed to us by the central government. So far, there has been no response from them, but today Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. We request all BJP leaders of Punjab to ensure the immediate release of our Rs 60,000 crore so that we can help the people of Punjab more effectively," Harpal Cheema told ANI. Meanwhile, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday said that the floods in the state have affected more than 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing heavy losses to human lives, property, agriculture, and livestock. The Minister stated that, so far, 15,688 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, with the highest numbers reported from Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139), and Hoshiarpur (1,052). To provide immediate relief, the state government has set up 129 relief camps, sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur accounts for the maximum with 3,987 inmates, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424). (ANI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will visit flood-affected areas in Ferozepur district on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Aam Aadmi Party PRO. Mann will meet people at the relief camp at the Government Secondary School. After his Ferozepur visit, he is scheduled to inspect the flood situation in Hussainiwala. Earlier, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all 43 centres associated with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) until September 3, citing inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations in the state. In a post on X, Punjab Minister Aman Arora informed about the development. "In view of the inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations, all 43 Skill Development Centres--running in association with PSDM--will remain closed till September 3, 2025 to ensure the safety & well-being of all the stakeholders. CM Bhagwant Mann Govt is committed to ensure safety of people and their assets," the Punjab Minister said. On Monday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged the Union government to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds to deal with the flood damage. "Due to continuous rainfall in the mountains and our neighbouring states, a flood situation has arisen in Punjab. There is significant damage, but our Punjab Police is actively deployed on the ground. Our Chief Minister has written a letter to the Prime Minister of the country, requesting the immediate release of the Rs 60,000 crore owed to us by the central government. So far, there has been no response from them, but today Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. We request all BJP leaders of Punjab to ensure the immediate release of our Rs 60,000 crore so that we can help the people of Punjab more effectively," Cheema told ANI. Meanwhile, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said floods have affected over 2.56 lakh people in 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage to lives, property, crops and livestock. He said 15,688 people have been evacuated so far, with the highest numbers reported from Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139), and Hoshiarpur (1,052). The state government has set up 129 relief camps sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur has the highest number of inmates at 3,987, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424). (ANI) The Crime Branch of Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a group of agents accused of cheating two men under the guise of providing jobs in Russia. The victims alleged that they were lured with promises of work but were later abandoned abroad. According to the FIR filed by victim Pramod Chauhan, a resident of village Ranipur, Purandarapur police station, Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh, he had been working as a mason. He stated that he had previously worked in Saudi Arabia for 18 years, where he met Nizamuddin Akram Khan and developed trust in him. Pramod said he contacted Nizamuddin again when he was looking for a job in Russia. He alleged that Nizamuddin promised him employment and, on June 30, handed him an appointment letter from a company named Haka Moscow near the Badarpur Border. However, he never showed his office or home and only displayed documents outdoors. Pramod alleged that the agents told him he would receive a labour visa for Russia. Instead, he later found that they had provided him only a tourist visa. "Deceived by their assurances, I and my neighbour Gautam Sahni paid a total of Rs 4,05,000 through UPI and Rs 50,000 in cash to these agents," the victim said. The amount was allegedly taken by Nizamuddin and Premchand on different pretexts. After the payment, the two men were sent to Kazakhstan on July 1, where they stayed for a few days before being taken to Omsk, Russia. According to the complaint, they were then abandoned on the streets without food or money. "We were stranded there for several days without any resources, hungry and thirsty. Eventually, we contacted our family members, and they helped us by sending money to buy tickets," Pramod, Both men returned to India on July 17 after purchasing flight tickets with the help of their families. Following the complaint, the Delhi Police Crime Branch registered an FIR under sections 318/61/3(5) of BNS and began investigating the matter. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya booked for posting objectionable caricatures on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) on social media during the Covid pandemic. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria also disposed of the matter, after it was informed by the counsel appearing for Malviya that his client has posted his apology on his Facebook and Instagram accounts over his objectionable posts. "When the statement is made before this court by the counsel that the apology has been posted on Facebook and Instagram, we do not see any justifiable ground to disbelief the said statement", the Court noted in it's order. The top-court however clarified that in the event that Malviya is not cooperating with the investigation, the State authorities are at liberty to seek cancellation of the bail granted to him. Previously, the top-court had granted interim protection to Malviya and had subsequently extended the same after directing him to file an apology in Hindi within 10 days of its order. The Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 3 had rejected Malviya's anticipatory bail plea. The High Court had said that Malviya had misused the freedom of speech and ought to have used his discretion while drawing the caricature in question. His plea stated that he had published the original cartoon during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic when social media was rife with misinformation and fear related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. He further said that his cartoon is a satirical caricature work which offers social commentary on the comments made by a public figure regarding some vaccines being effective and "safe like water", even though their efficacy remains untested through rigorous clinical trials. He further claimed that the caricature, was the artist's imagination of a common man being vaccinated by a public representative and has been in public circulation on social media for over four years. Malviya also claimed that he shared that post to demonstrate that his cartoons are freely available for public use and expression but he did not endorse the views expressed in the added commentary but acknowledged the use of his cartoon. (ANI) Students' Federation of India, the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has announced a "mass mail campaign" against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been accused of harassing multiple women, and in one case, forcing a woman to have an abortion against her will. The campaign aims to send one lakh letters written by female students to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, demanding the resignation of Rahul Mamkootathil. He resigned from the post of Youth Congress State President after the allegations came to light, but he and his party resisted the demand for his resignation from the MLA post. The Congress argued that there are other MLAs from the ruling alliance who face similar allegations but have not resigned. Earlier, the Kerala Crime Branch had registered a case against Mamkootathil for allegedly stalking and harassing women against their will through social media, causing mental agony to the women. The case has been registered under the BNS sections of 78(2) and 351 and the Kerala Police Act 120(0), the officials added. The Crime Branch has registered a case on the instructions of the State Police Chief after examining the complaints received by the State Police Chief in this regard, and it was found that they were cognizable offences. An investigation is underway in the case, and Crime Branch Thiruvananthapuram Range Deputy SP C Binukumar is in charge of the investigation. Earlier on August 26, Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said that the Congress had set a "shining example" in Kerala's political history by suspending MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Addressing reporters at the District Congress Office in Kozhikode on Tuesday, Satheesan challenged mediapersons to question Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about "sex offenders in the Chief Minister's Office." He alleged that several CPI(M) leaders continue to hold positions despite multiple complaints about their misconduct. "Congress has shown moral courage. Now it is time for Vijayan to follow that example," Satheesan said. The Congress party has also suspended the Palakkad MLA from the party's primary membership. The Kerala LoP warned Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M), saying, "CPI(M) should not play too much with this issue. A lot is yet to come out. If it does, Kerala will be shocked. There is no need to wait until the elections for that. Consider it a threat if you want." (ANI) Over the past two decades, the Gujarat government has been at the forefront of strengthening the link between citizens and the administration. One significant initiative promoting good governance is SWAGAT (State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology), an online public grievance redressal program, according to a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The official release said, "In 2003, as the world was gearing up for the digital era, the then-Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recognised the potential of technology to bridge the gap between citizens and the government, and introduced the SWAGAT program". This initiative enables citizens of the state to present their grievances directly to the Chief Minister. The release said, "Since its launch, SWAGAT has received 15,84,535 complaints from citizens at the state, district, taluka, and village levels, out of which 15,79,002 have been successfully resolved". "2,39,934 Issues Resolved in 4 Years Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's Leadership", said the CMO release. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has been effectively leading the SWAGAT program and resolving citizens' grievances. Held on the fourth Thursday of every month, the program allows the Chief Minister to personally listen to, review, and take suitable action on public grievances. Notably, under his leadership, a total of 2,39,934 grievances have been successfully resolved over the past four years, the release stated. A citizen, Bharatbhai Khodiphad from Mahuva in Bhavnagar district, had not officially received ownership of his own plot of land. Mahuva Municipality had acquired nine acres of their land from his grandfather to allot plots to the economically weaker sections. However, the portion of residential land that was due to him was never handed over. Determined to claim what was rightfully his, Bharatbhai took his proposal to the taluka, then the district, and finally the state authorities, ensuring the house was officially registered in his name. Bharatbhai shared, "The Chief Minister heard my complaint and instructed the concerned officials to complete the land documentation. Because of his timely intervention, my long-pending issue was resolved, allowing us to process the loan for my children's higher education." Under SWAGAT Online, complaints are addressed through four levels: State SWAGAT, District SWAGAT, Taluka SWAGAT, and Village SWAGAT. In the State SWAGAT, the Chief Minister personally listens to citizens' grievances. In District SWAGAT, complaints are presented to the District Collector, while in Taluka SWAGAT, citizens submit their issues to the Taluka Officer or an equivalent Class-1 officer. In Village SWAGAT, applications are submitted to the Talati or Minister between the 1st and 10th of each month. After this, they are included in the Taluka SWAGAT and addressed accordingly. Citizens can also submit complaints to the Chief Minister's Office in person, by mail, or by post. These are forwarded to the relevant department or district officials for appropriate action. In 2021, the Chief Minister's Office launched the WTC (Write to CMO) online grievance portal, allowing citizens to submit complaints directly online. Through these initiatives, the Gujarat Government continues to ensure an ease of living for its citizens by addressing and resolving their concerns efficiently, the release stated. (ANI) According to the IMD, the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur, and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh were placed under a red alert. In Haryana, the warning covered Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, Rewari, and Mewat. In the hill states of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, a red alert was issued. In Punjab, the affected districts included Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, and Barnala. "Heavy spells (>15 mm/hr) accompanied with thunderstorms are likely in these districts. People are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable areas," Met said. The department also issued an orange nowcast warning for moderate rainfall between 5-15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in some districts of East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, and north Chhattisgarh. "Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall can cause local flooding, traffic disruption, and damage to weak structures. Residents are advised to remain indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety guidelines," IMD advisory wrote. Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days in Haryana's Ambala district has caused severe waterlogging in several areas, including residential localities. Residents of Cloth Market, Nadi Mohalla, and other parts of Ambala are facing significant inconvenience and damage due to flooding. A resident said that heavy rains since Monday have caused water to accumulate on the streets, making potholes invisible and posing a serious threat to two-wheeler riders. "During periods of waterlogging, minor injuries are common. Earlier, water used to drain away quickly, but now homes are also being affected, with water entering residential premises," the resident said. Another resident shared that all of his household belongings had been damaged by the floodwaters, causing him considerable difficulty. (ANI) A museum is a space where historical artefacts of history, culture, science, and art are preserved. It also provides knowledge, context, and deeper insights into the past. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum welcomed a total of 95,658 visitors as of August 31, 2025, from across India. The visitors include adults, children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities, reflecting the museum's commitment to accessibility and its growing appeal as a centre of learning and engagement. The museum offers an in-depth understanding of Vadnagar's multi-layered cultural legacy, showcasing over 2,500 years of human evolution through artefacts unearthed during extensive excavations. Spanning 13,525 square metres, it houses more than 7,000 discoveries. The nine thematic galleries display the region's art, sculptures, and linguistic heritage across different historical eras. The defining feature of the museum is its direct link to a 4,000-square-metre live excavation site, where archaeological remains can be seen at depths of 16 to 18 metres. Visitors can walk across a specially designed bridge and explore an experiential walkway shed, offering a rare opportunity to observe ongoing excavation activities in real time. The museum also showcases more than 5,000 artefacts, including ceramics, coins, ornaments, tools, sculptures, shell products, and organic remains such as skeletal fragments and food grains, unearthed directly from the site and presented through interactive installations and digital exhibits. At the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in North Gujarat (Mehsana), the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum will serve as a key highlight, symbolising both the depth of the region's history and its forward-looking approach to cultural development. Its success further strengthens Gujarat's position as a destination for heritage tourism. Gujarat Tourism will mark a significant presence at VGRC, North Gujarat, in Mehsana on 9th and 10th October, where India's rich cultural legacy and innovative spirit will be prominently showcased. (ANI) The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) hosted a regional roadshow in Guwahati today as a precursor to India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, which is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from October 27 to 31. The minister confirmed that several maritime ministers from across the world would attend the event, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sonowal stated that the Prime Minister's participation would add strength and global recognition to the initiative. Speaking at a roadshow in Guwahati, Sonowal stressed the importance of India's maritime vision. "Maritime ministers of several countries and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part and his presence will strengthen us...Our aim is to make India a leading Maritime country." The Union Minister stated that traders, industry stakeholders, and experts from around 100 countries were expected to participate in the week-long programme. The event would provide a platform for collaboration, investment, and policy discussions to boost India's maritime sector. The Guwahati roadshow brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the country to discuss the future of inland waterways, with a special focus on river cruise tourism and urban water transport systems. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, joined the show along with other senior officials of the Ministry and the IWAI. Top officials, along with transport ministers from all the Northeastern states, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, have been invited and are expected to attend the event. Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, along with the Secretary of MoPSW, TK Ramachandran, was present during the deliberations. (ANI) The BJP Mahila Morcha carried out a protest march to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee office here on Tuesday over the alleged derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga, Bihar. The police put up barricades to stop the protesters from marching further. Some of the protesters were seen climbing over the barricade. The police resorted to water cannon to disperse the protesters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress while referring to the derogatory remarks passed against him and his mother. The Prime Minister said that the abusive remarks were not just an insult to his mother, but of all the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. PM Modi stated that he had never imagined that such an act would take place on the tradition-rich land of Bihar. He also termed mothers as everyone's "self-respect" and "world". "Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar... These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. I know... how bad all of you, every mother of Bihar, felt after seeing and hearing this! I know, as much pain as I have in my heart, the people of Bihar are also in the same pain," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister stated that he was separated from his mother so that he could serve the country's other women. He stated that his mother, who passed away after completing 100 years and had nothing to do with politics, was abused by the state of RJD and Congress. "My mother separated me from her so that I could serve crores of mothers like you. You all know that now my mother is not alive. Some time ago, after completing 100 years of age, she left us all. That mother of mine, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress. Sisters and mothers, I can see your faces; I can only imagine the pain you must have felt. I can see tears in the eyes of some mothers. This is very sad, painful," he said. On August 29, the Bihar Police arrested a resident of Bihar's Darbhanga district in connection with the incident. The remarks caused a political storm in the poll-bound Bihar. The incident allegedly took place in the Jale Assembly constituency in the district on August 27 at an event organised as part of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra. On August 28, a purported video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering outrage from BJP leaders. (ANI) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met Xi Yinfen, Executive Vice President of the PowerChina Group in the Chinese city of Tianjin on September 2. During the meeting, the sides hailed the successful the company's successful operations in Azerbaijan. The discussions focused on the cooperation in the fields of green energy, environmental protection, water resources management, wastewater treatment, power generation and green hydrogen projects, construction, and production of equipment. The sides also exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the construction of solar and wind power plants, integration of "smart energy systems" and training of local specialists. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tributes to those who lost their lives in 1994 'Mussoorie Goli Kand', which took place during the movement for the formation of the state of Uttarakhand. "I pay tributes to all those people who gave their present for our future and the formation of the state of Uttarakhand. This will be remembered as a black day in the history of our state," said CM Dhami on Tuesday. "On Sept 1, Khatima Goli Kand had taken place where many people had lost their lives...Our six people who took part in the protest lost their lives in Mussorrie," the CM added further. While paying tribute to the martyred state agitators, he honoured their families in a program organised on the 31st anniversary of the Mussoorie firing incident. The Chief Minister has said that the state government is working with determination to create the Uttarakhand of the dreams of the state agitators. In a program organized at the Shaheed Smarak in Mussoorie on Tuesday, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the agitators Balbir Singh Negi, Belmati Chauhan, Hansa Dhanai, Dhanpat Singh, Rai Singh Bangari and Madan Mohan Mamgai who were martyred in Mussoorie during the Uttarakhand State Movement and said that the state agitators made their unique contribution in the creation of Uttarakhand by putting their present at stake for our better future. He further stated that September 2, 1994, will be marked as a black chapter in the state's history. On this day, the agitators who were peacefully demonstrating at Veerbhoomi of Mussoorie had to face police bullets. This incident was a symbol of the repressive attitude of the ruling parties of the time, who tried to crush a peaceful movement mercilessly. The Chief Minister said that the government has expressed its gratitude to the state agitators by implementing a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in government jobs for them and their dependents. Along with this, a monthly pension facility of Rs 3000 has also been started for the families of martyred agitators. Injured and jailed agitators are being given a pension of Rs 6,000, and active agitators are being given Rs 4,500 per month. Uttarakhand CM further added that during the time of previous governments, there was a provision of horizontal reservation for only one dependent of the state agitators. However, under the new law, the abandoned, widowed, and divorced daughters of the identified agitators will also be eligible to receive the benefit of this reservation. Furthermore, the state government has also employed 93 identified state agitators in government service, in addition to issuing them identity cards. Free education is being provided to the children of state agitators in schools and colleges, and the agitators are also given the facility of free travel on government buses. The Chief Minister said that the state government has also implemented a 30 per cent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs. The Chief Minister, emphasising the culture and language, said that the dream of the state agitators was to create such a Uttarakhand where our culture, language and traditions are preserved. With this objective, the state government has implemented the "Uniform Civil Code" and ensured equal rights and duties for all citizens in the state. At the same time, to provide equal employment opportunities with transparency to the youth of the state, the country's most effective anti-copying law was implemented, and more than 100 copy mafia members were sent to jail. Following this, more than 25,000 youths in Uttarakhand have successfully secured government jobs. The Chief Minister said that the state government is working with full commitment to protect the demography of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. For this, while a strict anti-conversion law was implemented in the state, more than 9,000 acres of government land have been freed from encroachment. Along with this, the state government has enacted a strict anti-riot law to serve as a deterrent to rioters and has also required them to compensate for the losses caused during the riots. Recently, the government has decided to abolish the Madrasa Board in the state by implementing a new law. After the implementation of this law, only those madrasas will be able to operate in Uttarakhand after July 1, 2026, that teach the curriculum prescribed by the government board. More than 250 madrasas operating illegally in the state have also been closed. The state government is also taking strict action through 'Operation Kalanemi' against the hypocrites who defame the Sanatan culture in the state. On this occasion, the Chief Minister discussed plans to build the Garhwal Sabha Bhawan soon, resolve the matter of the Siphon Court soon, and assured quick action on other demands, including the announcement of a vendor zone in Mussoorie. The CM stated that the state government will also celebrate the birth centenary of the late Indramani Badoni, a prominent figure in the Uttarakhand movement, in a lavish manner. (ANI) The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thundershowers and lightning, in multiple districts of Uttarakhand over the next 24 hours. According to the Meteorological Department, in the next 24 hours, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall at some places and very heavy rainfall/thundershowers/lightning/very heavy to extremely-heavy rainfall at some places in different places of Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, along with other districts of the state, such as Haldwani, Rudrapur, Bajpur, Kashipur, Lohaghat, Ramnagar, Khatima, Doiwala, Chakrata, Mussoorie, Raiwala and their surrounding areas. Earlier today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red nowcast warning, forecasting heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. According to the IMD, the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur, and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh were placed under a red alert. In Haryana, the warning covered Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, Rewari, and Mewat. In the hill states of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, a red alert was issued. In Punjab, the affected districts included Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, and Barnala. "Heavy spells (>15 mm/hr) accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in these districts. People are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable areas," the Met centre said. The department also issued an orange nowcast warning for moderate rainfall between 5-15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in some districts of East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, and north Chhattisgarh. "Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and heavy rainfall can cause local flooding, traffic disruption, and damage to weak structures. Residents are advised to remain indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow safety guidelines," IMD advisory wrote. All districts of Uttarakhand are currently under either a red alert or an orange alert. The government is monitoring the heavy rain situation. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government announced on Tuesday that due to rainfall in the catchment area of the Gaula River in Haldwani, the water level in the Gaula Barrage is increasing continuously. Currently, 44124 cusec water is flowing downstream of the Gaula Barrage. The state government further said, "The Gaula River is flowing 20cm above the danger level. Therefore, please be careful in the Gaula River downstream of the Gaula Barrage". On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Secretary and Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced that the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra have been postponed until September 5. The decision came amid the red and orange alerts for heavy rain issued by the Meteorological Department. (ANI) Mumbai Police personnel has arrived at Azad Maidan to vacate the area following the Bombay High Court (HC) directives to stop the Maratha agitation. DCP Zone 1, Pravin Munde and other police officials arrive at Azad Maidan to vacate the area. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil is on a hunger strike here, and his supporters are present here as well. Earlier in the morning, Mumbai Police issued notice and denied permission to continue the Maratha agitation and ordered the protestors to vacate Azad Maidan premises, citing violation of the terms and conditions laid out by the Bombay High Court and police to hold the protest. After Mumbai Police denied permission to continue the agitation, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on a hunger strike for the last 5 days, said that even if he dies, he will not leave the protest site Azad Maidan. As the state government has been directed to take steps to further stop the protestors from entering Mumbai in future, the Maratha activist warned the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating, "My request to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is that you will not be able to withstand the public outcry that is coming on Monday. Even if I die, I will not rise from this free ground. Even if I die, you keep silent." Jarange Patil warned that it will be "costly" for the government to evict the protestors from Azad Maidan. He further expressed hope for justice. He said, "We believe in the God of Justice... We are 100 percent confident that justice will be served. There is no traffic anywhere in Mumbai right now. Our kids have parked their cars in all the parking lots. It will be costly for the government to evict us from Azad Maidan. For the last two years we have been protesting peacefully. Our protest is going on within the law. We hope that the court will give justice in favor of the protest. As soon as the court order came, we have removed the vehicles. Now there is no traffic jam anywhere in Mumbai. We will get 100 percent justice. We are protesting in a democratic way." Patil asserted that the protestors will not leave Mumbai until their demands are met. "We will not leave Mumbai unless the demands are implemented. The divine justice has given us justice so far and will give us justice now too. We will not leave Mumbai unless the Hyderabad Gazette is implemented. We are peacefully sitting on a hunger strike. We said at night, remove the cars from the road and put them in the field, after which our boys removed all the cars within four to five hours, what more can be done than this. We are the guardians of the law and the divine justice," the Maratha activist stated. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike at Azad Maidan entered its fifth day. A large number of his followers were present at the protest site. Authorities have asked Patil's core committee to vacate Azad Maidan as soon as possible. This comes after the Bombay High Court on Monday issued directives asking protesters to vacate all streets in Mumbai by Tuesday noon. On Monday, Bombay High Court, in an urgent hearing on the ongoing agitation in Mumbai, said that they had given permission for the protest with certain conditions, which have been violated by the protesters. The protesters have brought the city to a standstill, and they have not followed their undertaking given to the court. Mumbai's Azad Maidan has been witnessing thousands of people from the Maratha community protesting to press their demands for 10 per cent OBC reservation in government jobs and colleges. The Marathas have been calling for a reservation demand for years. However, the protests intensified after Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil went on a hunger strike recently and vowed not to drink water until his demands were met. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday described Tamil Nadu and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany's economic powerhouse, as two regions united by a shared vision for the future. The Chief Minister added that he met with NRW Minister-President Thiru Hendrik Wust and extended a cordial invitation for him to visit Tamil Nadu. He further noted that Tamil Nadu, known as India's industrial hub, and NRW, regarded as Germany's economic engine, came together with "the spirit of trust and optimism." In a post on X after his meeting with NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wust in Dusseldorf, Stalin said, "Two powerhouses, one vision for the future...In Dusseldorf, I met NRW Minister-President Thiru. @HendrikWuest -- a leader who has assumed high office at such a young age, and whom I warmly wish to see reach even greater heights in the years ahead. Tamil Nadu, India's industrial powerhouse, and North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's economic powerhouse, came together with the spirit of trust and optimism." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1962796549613957125 The Chief Minister detailed the state's remarkable progress under the Dravidian Model of governance. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with companies in NRW to explore the opportunities in our state. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister announced that 26 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 7,020 crore were signed, which will aim to create over 15,000 new jobs in the state. Stalin concluded his visit to the 'TNRising Germany Investment Conclave' on Tuesday. In a post on X, Stalin said, "The Germany leg of my overseas investment mission concludes on a strong note. At the #TNRising Germany Investment Conclave, 23 MoUs worth Rs. 3,819 crore were signed, set to generate over 9,000 jobs. Global leaders across renewable energy, automotive components and advanced R&D have chosen Tamil Nadu for their next phase of growth. In total, 26 MoUs worth Rs. 7,020 crore have been signed during the Germany visit, set to generate over 15,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1962685657790456071 Furthermore, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, Dr T R B Rajaa said that the Chief Minister secured 23 MoUs worth Rs. 3,819 crore, which will generate 9,070 new jobs at the 'TNRising Germany Investors Conclave' in Dusseldorf. He later emphasised that companies with existing operations have also chosen to reinvest and expand in the state, reaffirming their trust in the unmatched industrial ecosystem and governance of Tamil Nadu. "A Total of Rs. 7,020 crore in MoUs creating 15,320 jobs!...Further to our three major MoUs signed earlier, our Honourable @CMOTamilNadu Thiru. @MKStalin avargal secured 23 MoUs worth Rs. 3,819 crore, generating 9,070 new jobs at the #TNRising Germany Investors Conclave in Dusseldorf...With this, the overall investments signed in Germany during the Chief Minister's visit now stand at a total of Rs. 7,020 crore across 26 MoUs, creating 15,320 #JobsForTN!," the Minister wrote in a post on X. "Today's conclave further brought in global leaders such as BASF, Herrenknecht, Vensys Energy, Bella, Puls, Witzenmann, and MASH Energy, who are investing across renewable energy, automotive components, industrial equipment, and advanced R&D," Dr T R B Rajaa added. (ANI) Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the people of Punjab amid severe flooding in the state, which has also affected Jammu and Kashmir. "There is a flood situation in J&K and now in Punjab. We stand with the people of Punjab. We are deeply concerned to see how large parts of Punjab are affected by floods, as this will significantly impact agriculture over the next 2-3 years," Sirsa said while speaking to reporters here. He further highlighted the central government's support, noting, "The Prime Minister yesterday spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and gave all assurances. We stand by the people of Punjab and assure that we stand by them." Meanwhile, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that floods have affected over 2.56 lakh people in 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing widespread damage to lives, property, crops, and livestock. He said 15,688 people have been evacuated so far, with the highest numbers reported from Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Amritsar (1,700), Pathankot (1,139), and Hoshiarpur (1,052). The state government has established 129 relief camps, sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur has the highest number of inmates at 3,987, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424). Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will visit flood-affected areas in Ferozepur district today, according to a statement from the Aam Aadmi Party PRO. Mann will meet people at the relief camp at the Government Secondary School. After his visit to Ferozepur, he is scheduled to inspect the flood situation in Hussainiwala. Earlier, the Punjab government ordered the closure of all 43 centres associated with the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) until September 3, citing inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations in the state. In a post on X, Punjab Minister Aman Arora informed about the development. "In view of the inclement weather conditions and prevailing flood-like situations, all 43 Skill Development Centres--running in association with PSDM--will remain closed till September 3, 2025 to ensure the safety & well-being of all the stakeholders. CM Bhagwant Mann Govt is committed to ensure safety of people and their assets," the Punjab Minister said. On Monday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged the Union government to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds to deal with the flood damage. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday appealed for nationwide support to Punjab, announcing that party MPs and MLAs will contribute one month's salary to the Punjab Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The AAP leader's appeal comes as Punjab battles the aftermath of heavy rains and floods that have caused widespread damage and displacement across several districts. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "Punjab has always stood tall in the face of any crisis that has befallen the nation. Today, Punjab itself is in crisis. I appeal to all my fellow countrymen to extend every possible help to the people of Punjab in this difficult time." He further added, "All Members of Parliament and MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party are donating one month's salary to the Punjab Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Let us all come together to help Punjab overcome this terrible tragedy." The floods have affected more than 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts, displacing thousands and causing heavy losses to human lives, property, agriculture, and livestock, according to Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S Hardeep Singh Mundian. To provide immediate relief, the state government has established 129 relief camps, which are sheltering 7,144 people. Ferozepur accounts for the maximum with 3,987 inmates, followed by Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411), and Gurdaspur (424). A total of 1,044 villages have been affected so far, with Gurdaspur reporting the highest number at 321, followed by Kapurthala (115), Hoshiarpur (94), Amritsar (88), and Pathankot (82). Gurdaspur remains the worst-affected district with nearly 1.45 lakh people impacted. Other severely affected districts include Amritsar (35,000), Ferozepur (24,015), and Fazilka (21,562). To aid relief and rescue operations, the state has mobilised multiple agencies. To intensify relief and rescue operations, multiple agencies have been mobilised. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 20 teams, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force have deployed 10 columns, with eight on standby, along with their respective engineer units. More than 35 helicopters are engaged in rescue efforts, supported by 114 boats and one state helicopter. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been deployed in affected border regions. (ANI) In a move to make outsourcing services more transparent, accountable, and employee-friendly, the Yogi government has approved the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Outsource Service Corporation Limited. According to a release, the decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where 15 proposals were cleared, including this major step to safeguard the interests of outsourcing workers. The corporation, established under Section-8 of the Companies Act, 2013, will function as a non-profit public limited company. From now on, outsourcing agencies will no longer be selected directly by departments; instead, the corporation will empanel agencies through a fair and transparent process via the GeM portal. Under the new system, outsourced employees will be appointed for three years, with an honorarium of Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. Salaries will be transferred directly to employees' bank accounts between the 1st and 5th of every month, along with EPF and ESI contributions, ensuring financial security. In case of irregularities, services can be terminated immediately. Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna stated that the corporation was necessary because agencies had previously failed to provide workers with their full honorarium and often neglected mandatory EPF and ESI contributions. "This step will eliminate irregularities and guarantee every employee their rightful dues," he said. The new framework also provides social security and reservation benefits. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and women will receive reservation as per constitutional provisions. Women employees will be entitled to maternity leave, while all workers will receive periodic training to enhance skills. Additionally, Rs 15,000 will be provided as funeral assistance in case of death during service. The new system introduces several key features aimed at ensuring transparency and employee welfare. Agency selection will be carried out through the GeM portal, while employees will receive a monthly honorarium ranging from Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000. Services will be provided for 26 days each month under a three-year term. Salaries, along with EPF and ESI contributions, will be transferred directly to employees' accounts. To maintain quality in recruitment, written tests and interviews will be conducted. Additionally, employees will be entitled to social security benefits, including maternity leave and funeral assistance. With this reform, the Yogi government aims to not only strengthen transparency in outsourcing, but also set a new model of employment and good governance in Uttar Pradesh. In a major step towards modernising urban transport, the Yogi government has approved the operation of electric buses on the Net Cost Contract (NCC) model in Lucknow district, Kanpur city, and adjoining towns. Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma informed that, at present, 743 e-buses are operating across 15 municipal corporations in the state, of which 700 run on the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. Under the new scheme, 9-meter-long AC e-buses will ply on 10 routes each in Lucknow and Kanpur, with a minimum of 10 buses on every route. The contract will remain valid for 12 years from the date of commercial operation. Each route is expected to cost around Rs 10.30 crore, including Rs 9.50 crore for bus procurement and Rs 0.80 crore for charging and allied infrastructure. Private operators will be responsible for the design, financing, procurement, manufacturing, supply, and maintenance of buses. They must supply prototype buses within 90 days and commence operations within a year. According to the model, fare and non-fare revenue will be collected by private operators, while tariffs will be set and revised by the government. The state will facilitate operations by providing licenses, permits, behind-the-meter electrical infrastructure, and charging facilities. The government expects the NCC model to reduce financial burden on the exchequer while improving the quality and reliability of urban transport services in the state's key cities. Aiming to make Uttar Pradesh a global export hub, the Yogi Cabinet has approved the Export Promotion Policy 2025-30, an upgraded version of the 2020-25 policy. The new policy places strong emphasis on digital technology, infrastructure development, financial assistance, export credit and insurance, market expansion, as well as training and capacity building. Its key target is to increase the number of registered exporters by 50% by 2030 while ensuring regional balance by linking all districts with export activities. The government expects the policy to not only boost the quality and volume of exports but also strengthen Uttar Pradesh's position as a major global export hub. The Yogi Cabinet has approved the proposal to establish Swami Shukdevanand University in Shahjahanpur by upgrading the academic units of the Mumuksh Ashram Trust. Currently, five institutions operate under the trust, Swami Shukdevanand College, Swami Shukdevanand Law College, Shri Daivik Sampad Brahmacharya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Shri Dharmanand Saraswati Inter College, and Shri Shankar Mumuksh Vidyapeeth. Once established, the university will oversee their functioning. According to the District Magistrate's report, the trust owns 21.01 acres of land, of which about 20 acres will be allocated to the university. In the first phase, an MoU will be signed between the Higher Education Department and the Mumuksh Ashram Trust, after which formal proceedings will be carried out under the Uttar Pradesh State University Act, 1973. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the flood-affected areas near New Delhi's Loha Pul on Tuesday after traffic and public movement around the bridge were halted due to Yamuna river rising above the danger mark of 205.33 meters. During her visit, the Chief Minister interacted with residents and said that the situation was under control. She noted that the water released from the Hathnikund Barrage was expected to reach the national capital by evening, and that arrangements had been made for accommodation of affected families. "The situation is under control. The release from Hathnikund Barrage is expected to reach Delhi by the evening. Despite that, the outflow of water from here is at the right point. The Administration has made all necessary arrangements for the residents here. Even better arrangements would be made. I met the people here and saw arrangements for their accommodation...There is water flow only in the Yamuna plain...All arrangements are being made for the people...We will not let there be any difficulty," Gupta told reporters. She added that Delhi would coordinate with adjoining states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana to extend assistance. "I have spoken with the adjoining states - J-K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana. We will extend all possible help to them, whatever is required. Together, we will face this crisis..." she said. Later in a post on X, the CM wrote, "Today, I inspected the relief camp near Geeta Colony Flyover and the Old Iron Bridge. I met with the affected families, listened to their problems, and assured them that the Delhi government is with them at every step. The safety and convenience of citizens is our topmost priority, and every possible assistance is being ensured." https://x.com/gupta_rekha/status/1962813748986741035 Earlier in the day, traffic and public movement near the Loha Pul was halted until 5 pm today after the Yamuna River crossed the danger mark of 205.33 meters due to heavy rainfall across the National Capital Region (NCR). The order was issued in response to a flood advisory from the Central Water Commission (CWC). The Shahdara District Magistrate announced the restrictions, warning that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) may exceed 206.50 metres. According to the order, "As the water level of ORB (Delhi Old Railway Bridge) may cross the danger level and is likely to exceed 206.50 m, a CWC advisory may be expected soon. So, all the Sector Officers are hereby advised to keep a strict vigil in their respective areas and to take necessary action at vulnerable points, such as people residing within the river embankments, shall be warned and shifted to safer places." It further said, "The police and the staff of 1&FC Department would undertake patrolling along the right and left marginal embankments and keep vigil round the clock on the vulnerable points, regulators/pumps, etc. as required." (ANI) Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC Sravan Dasoju has defended the party's decision to suspend senior leader and MLC K Kavitha from the party and alleged that she has been indulging in "anti-party activities" for the past few months. Sravan Dasoju alleged that Kavitha has made absurd statements targeting her father K Chandrashekar Rao, a former Telangana Chief Minister, and her brother KT Rama Rao, who is party's working president. "For the last few months, BRS party's senior leader K Kavitha has been involved in anti-party activities. She has made absurd statements targeting former Chief Minister KCR and party working president KT Rama Rao... She has also made absurd statements against our senior leader, Harish Rao, indirectly endorsing Revanth Reddy's allegations of corruption in the Kaleshwaram project," he said "Along with this, she has also given absurd statements against Santosh Rao. So, the way she is continuously and consistently talking about defaming the party leadership in the media, lakhs of workers are worried about it. Due to this, KCR has taken a stern decision and K Kavitha has been suspended from the party," he added. The suspension marks a major development in Telangana politics, given Kavitha's prominence as both a former MP and a senior BRS figure. Her fallout with the party leadership, particularly over the Kaleshwaram project and her criticism of key leaders, is expected to provide ammunition to both Congress and BJP. The decision of suspension was taken by the party president, K Chandrasekhar Rao, who stated that her recent behaviour and actions were "damaging" the party's reputation. In a post on X, BRS said the party leadership is taking this matter seriously as the recent behaviour and "ongoing anti-party activities of party MLC Smt. K. Kavitha are damaging the BRS party". "Party President Shri K. Chandrasekhar Rao has taken a decision to suspend Smt. K. Kavitha from the party with immediate effect." On September 1, Kavitha, while reacting to the Telangana government's decision to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kaleshwaram project, alleged that any taint on KCR's image regarding the Kaleshwaram issue is due to BRS leaders Harish Rao and Santosh Rao, accusing them of conspiring against her and KCR. "In the CBI probe, KCR will emerge spotless, like a pearl washed clean...If KCR's image is tainted in the Kaleshwaram issue, the reason is Harish Rao and Santosh Rao. Despite several conspiracies against me by them, I endured. Behind Harish and Santosh Rao, it is certainly Revanth Reddy. KCR is facing a CBI probe because of Harish Rao and Santosh Rao," she alleged. "I am not a puppet to play to the tunes of the BJP or the Congress...KCR never thinks about food or money. But false accusations are being hurled at KCR. People will remember the Kaleshwaram project for 200 years to come. It is tragic that a great leader like KCR is now facing a CBI probe," she added. (ANI) Amid ongoing protests and Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike at Azad Maidan, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday adjourned the matter till Wednesday, stating that it expects some development by then. Advocate Satish Maneshinde, representing Jarange Patil, has issued a statement appealing to his supporters not to create any traffic problems and not to gather in numbers exceeding 5,000. Maneshinde said, "Manoj Jarange has issued a statement appealing to his supporters not to create any traffic problems and not to gather in numbers exceeding 5,000". Attorney General Birender Saraf told the court that all procedures were followed through police channels, and a list of violations by protesters had been submitted. Saraf further added, "We have followed all the procedures through the police, and we have provided a list of the violations committed by them. So I request that my learned friend (Maneshinde) give an undertaking that they will leave Mumbai completely and go out. It will have an impact only if his clients and their supporters leave Mumbai and go out. Ganeshotsav is going on and thousands of people pin roads, and we have to maintain law and order also with police personnel". The High Court admonished the Attorney General, stating, "You should have come to us on the very first day and stated that the number of people exceeded 5,000. You allowed this situation to reach this point. We will also pass an order against you, as you are in breach of our orders". Earlier today, Mumbai Police personnel arrived at Azad Maidan to vacate the area following the Bombay High Court (HC) directives to stop the Maratha agitation. DCP Zone 1, Pravin Munde and other police officials arrive at Azad Maidan to vacate the area. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil is on a hunger strike in the presence of his supporters. Mumbai Police issued a notice and denied permission to continue the Maratha agitation and ordered the protestors to vacate the Azad Maidan premises, citing violation of the terms and conditions laid out by the Bombay High Court and police to hold the protest. After Mumbai Police denied permission to continue the agitation, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been on a hunger strike for the last 5 days, said that even if he dies, he will not leave the protest site Azad Maidan. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike at Azad Maidan entered its fifth day. A large number of his followers were present at the protest site. Authorities have asked Patil's core committee to vacate Azad Maidan as soon as possible. This comes after the Bombay High Court on Monday issued directives asking protesters to vacate all streets in Mumbai by Tuesday noon. (ANI) By Qabil Ashirov Pere Joan Pons, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), has welcomed the decision to close the Minsk Process after a joint request by Azerbaijan and Armenia. Pons made the statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the historical significance of the move. "I welcome OSCE Ministerial Council decision to close the Minsk Process following the Joint Appeal of Armenia/Azerbaijan. This historic step, rooted in dialogue, strengthens the path to lasting peace in South Caucasus. We will continue to support this process," the post reads. Chandigarh Police Crime Branch has busted a foreign-backed interstate narcotics syndicate and arrested three accused, including a notorious gangster involved in eight serious criminal cases, including double murder and the killing of a Naib Tehsildar, said a police statement on Tuesday. The operation also led to the recovery of 255.86 grams of heroin worth Rs 1.5 crore, a country-made pistol with a live cartridge, and a car. On August 30, a team headed by ASI Bhupinder Singh apprehended Baljit Singh alias Baba (55), a resident of Batala, Gurdaspur, from Sector 43, Chandigarh. SP Crime Jasbir Singh said, based on secret information in his possession, police recovered 109.86 grams of heroin and a country-made pistol loaded with one live cartridge. FIR dated August 30 was registered at the Police Station Crime under the NDPS Act and Arms Act. During interrogation, it was revealed that Baljit Singh was in touch with foreign-based drug smugglers and operating in the Tricity along with accomplices Parvinder Pal Singh alias Midda and Mandeep Singh alias Mandy. Both were later arrested, and additional recoveries of 121 grams and 25 grams of heroin were made from their possession. Police investigations revealed that Baljit Singh alias Baba was closely associated with US-based drug smugglers Bhupinder and Dalbir, who coordinated supplies through messaging apps and used multiple handlers to avoid direct links between money collection and drug delivery. He was also a key associate of Jasmeet Singh alias Lucky, a narco-gangster arrested in the United States for cross-border smuggling, mentioned the police statement. Baljit Singh's profile shows a long criminal history dating back to 2000, when he was convicted in a double murder case arising out of a land dispute. Later, while on parole in 2010, he murdered a witness, a Naib Tehsildar named Mintu, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. While lodged in various Punjab jails, he developed strong ties with Jasmeet alias Lucky and continued his involvement in drug trafficking even behind bars. Over the years, multiple cases of rioting, robbery, arms possession, and NDPS Act violations have been registered against him, said the police statement. Parvinder Pal Singh alias Midda, 41, of Sector 48, Chandigarh, a double postgraduate, was earlier employed in a finance company and also arrested in a rape case in 2022. He came into contact with Baljit Singh and became his associate in the drug trade. Mandeep Singh alias Mandy, 32, a B.Tech graduate, became addicted to drugs following personal setbacks and gradually turned into a peddler. He has been supplying drugs in the Tricity area for the past one and a half years. The trio were operating as part of a well-organised interstate network with strong foreign links, smuggling heroin into the Tricity on instructions from handlers abroad. With their arrest, the Chandigarh Police have struck a significant blow to the narco trade in the region. Further investigations are underway, and more arrests are likely. (ANI) The Uttarakhand government on Tuesday signed an agreement with National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) for the development of ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib under the Centre's Parvatmala project. The signing took place at the Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, according to a release from CMO. According to the agreement, NHLML will hold a 51 per cent stake, and the state government will have a 49 per cent equity participation. Of the revenue share, 90 per cent of the amount will be spent on tourism, transport and mobility projects in the state. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta and Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj were also present on the occasion. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that this agreement will give the state's religious and cultural heritage a new identity on the global stage, while also paving the way for new possibilities in the fields of tourism, employment, environmental protection, and infrastructure. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under the Parvatmala Project, approval was given for the construction of 12.9 km long ropeway projects between Sonprayag to Kedarnath at a cost of about Rs 4,100 crore and 12.4 km long ropeway projects between Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib at a cost of more than Rs 2,700 crore. The Chief Minister said that these projects will set new dimensions in the expansion of ropeway connectivity in the state as well as play an important role in strengthening the economy of the state. He stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rail, road, and ropeway connectivity are expanding rapidly in the state. Work is being done to strengthen connectivity through various projects related to Chardham All Weather Road, Delhi Dehradun Elevated Road, Sitarganj to Tanakpur Motorway, Paonta Sahib Dehradun, Banbasa to Kanchanpur, Bhaniyawala to Rishikesh, Kathgodam to Lalkuan, Haldwani Bypass and road connectivity in border areas. Work is also being done rapidly on the expansion of rail connectivity. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, stated that this is a significant day in the development of ropeways in the state. He said that under the guidance of PM Modi and the leadership of CM Dhami, development work is going on rapidly in every sector in the state. After the construction of these ropeways, devotees will have great ease in visiting Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that this agreement will play an important role in the development of tourism in the state. Following the construction of these ropeways, the local economy and employment opportunities will increase. (ANI) The Haryana Government has extended solidarity and financial support to flood-affected Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, releasing Rs 5 crore each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief to affected families and strengthening ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts in the two states. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, in letters addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, conveyed that the Government of Haryana and the people of the state stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the citizens of the neighbouring states during this natural calamity. He noted that "incessant rains and the resulting floods have caused severe hardships to the general public, and it was the duty of Haryana as a neighbour and a friend to extend timely support". The Chief Minister assured that Haryana is committed to providing all possible cooperation to ensure that quick and adequate assistance reaches the affected population. He urged both states to immediately convey if there was any requirement for additional relief material or other support, assuring that Haryana would make it available without delay. CM Saini emphasised that restoring hope and relief on the faces of those hit by the disaster remains the top priority. "Haryana Government will contribute in every possible way to ensure that no family feels alone in this crisis," he said. He added that humanitarian assistance and the spirit of brotherhood guide Haryana's decision to extend this support. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Saini had earlier written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann offering Haryana's cooperation during this period of calamity, reaffirming his government's commitment to standing with the affected states in their hour of need. (ANI) Punjab is reeling under its worst floods in nearly four decades, with more than 1,000 villages submerged and over 2.5 lakh people rendered homeless overnight. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday issued an appeal, invoking Punjab's unparalleled sacrifices for the nation and urging all political parties, state governments, and especially the Central Government to rise above politics and extend wholehearted support to flood-hit Punjab, stated a release. The AAP Chief announced that every AAP MP and MLA will donate one month's salary to the Punjab CM Relief Fund. Kejriwal stated that the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his ministers, MLAs, and thousands of AAP workers, were working round-the-clock on the ground to deliver food, medicines, and rescue services, while ordinary Punjabis themselves were exemplifying humanity by helping each other in this dark hour. In a video message, Kejriwal said, "Punjab is not just a state of our country, it is a strong shield of Hindustan. History bears witness that whenever any foreign invader advanced towards our nation, Punjab bore the first blow on its chest. In all the attacks that India faced, Punjab absorbed the strikes on its own body and protected the rest of India. In every difficult time, Punjab always stood at the forefront." Highlighting Punjab's contribution from the freedom struggle to guarding borders, AAP convenor noted, "This is the same Punjab that gave the highest number of sons in the sacrifice for India's independence and countless soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the defence of our borders. During the freedom struggle, the maximum number of hangings were of Punjabis, and the maximum number of people sent to Kalapani were Punjabis. In every grain of this soil lies the spirit of sacrifice for the nation. Punjabis have always laid down their lives for Bharat Mata so that the rest of the country could remain safe," he said. He added, "Punjab is the sacred land of five rivers, where not just crops but also knowledge and tales of valour have been nurtured. It is this soil where the hymns of the Vedas echoed, where the holy voice of the Gurus showed humanity the right path. When India faced food shortages and there was fear about how to feed a growing population, Punjab during the Green Revolution sowed seeds and fertilizers into its land to produce grain for the entire nation." He further stated, "Punjab feeds the whole of India. It has taken the responsibility of filling the stomachs of the nation's people. But today, that same Punjab is in deep distress. Nature has unleashed devastation and Punjab is under the grip of floods. Boundless water has submerged Punjab's fields. People have lost their homes and livelihoods. Thousands of acres of crops stand destroyed. In this calamity, every Punjabi--regardless of religion or caste--is helping one another, forgetting their own troubles to support their neighbours. Such an example of humanity is possible only in Punjab, and it is one that guides the world." Highlighting the unprecedented nature of disasters, Kejriwal stated that Punjab was witnessing terrible devastation. "This disaster is no ordinary flood. After 37 years, Punjab has witnessed such terrible devastation. More than 1,000 villages have been submerged. Over 2.5 lakh people--our brothers and sisters--have been rendered homeless overnight. Their life savings and dreams have been washed away. The crisis is so immense that one cannot even imagine it, and reaching the affected people is not easy due to the massive spread of water," he said. Making a heartfelt appeal, Kejriwal said, "I fold my hands before all political parties, state governments, and especially the Central Government. Let us rise above politics and fulfill the duty of humanity. Let us all come together and extend open-hearted support to Punjab. The Punjab that always bore every attack on its chest for the nation, the Punjab that has fed the people of this country--let us all now contribute for Punjab. I am confident that in this difficult time, the entire nation will stand resolutely with Punjab." The AAP Supremo further announced that all members of AAP across the country were donating one month's salary to Punjab, highlighting their support. "All Members of Parliament and MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party--from Delhi, Gujarat, Kashmir, Goa, and across the country--are donating their one month's salary to the Punjab CM Relief Fund to support flood-affected families. Today, the entire nation is with Punjab." Concluding with a prayer, Arvind Kejriwal said, "I humbly pray to Waheguru Ji to shower his blessings upon Punjab. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh." (ANI) The Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, on Tuesday said the just-concluded monsoon session was the longest in several years and recorded a productivity rate of 98 per cent higher than many other state assemblies and even the Lok Sabha. Speaking to reporters on the final day of the 12-day sitting, Pathania said the session had 60 hours of allotted time, of which the House utilised 59 hours. "The Himachal Pradesh Assembly is known for the depth and seriousness of its debates. This monsoon session again proved that both the ruling and opposition benches engaged constructively," he said. The Speaker said 690 questions, both starred and unstarred, were answered during the session. Under various rules, 12 subjects were raised under Rule 62, one under Rule 63, seven under Rule 101, and one government resolution under Rule 102 was passed. Six topics were discussed under Rule 130, and 12 under Rule 362(4). The House also tabled 47 committee reports and discussed 43 matters of urgent public importance during zero hour. A total of 1,018 students from various schools attended the Assembly proceedings during the 12 sittings. "This exposure will help the younger generation understand legislative responsibilities and the role of elected representatives," Pathania noted, thanking both print and electronic media for their coverage. On the session's key outcomes, the Speaker said 32-33 hours were devoted to discussing the ongoing disaster situation in the state. The House unanimously adopted a government resolution urging the Centre to declare the Himachal Pradesh disaster a national calamity. "The state has already been notified as a disaster-affected state under the Disaster Management Act, and all provisions of the Act are now fully in force in every district," he added. Pathania also said a suggestion was made to consider holding future monsoon sessions in September instead of August to avoid the peak rainy season. Addressing the issue of inaccurate or repetitive information in the Assembly, he announced the formation of a committee comprising senior Assembly officials to screen questions and topics before sessions to avoid duplication and ensure compliance with rules. "We will also examine cases where incorrect information is given, whether inadvertently or with intent," he said. The 14th Assembly has so far held nine sessions, with six more to be conducted before the current term ends, Pathania informed. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting exporters hit by the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States, saying industries in Tiruppur were suffering while Gujarat refineries benefited from cheap Russian oil. CM Stalin tagged PM Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Seethaaran in a post on X, demanding an explaination on why exporters were being made to bear the losses. Tiruppur, nicknamed "Dollar City" for its large textile export industry, has been hit by the tariffs. "The protest demonstration by the Secular Progressive Alliance was a grand success! Honourable Prime Minister Modi! Due to the #USTariff imposed by Trump, whom you supported, #DollarCity Tiruppur, which provides livelihoods for the youth of Tamil Nadu and workers from many Indian states, is suffering," Stalin wrote. https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1962876561906081871 Stalin further asked, "How is it fair that, for the sake of providing cheap Russian crude oil to oil refineries in Gujarat, you allow our exporters, who create thousands of job opportunities, to languish?" He urged the Centre to announce relief measures without delay. "I urge you to immediately announce the relief measures I have already mentioned in my letter and take action! Negotiate with the United States, find a solution, and do justice to your title of #VishwaGuru!" he wrote. CM Stalin also thanked all the party leaders, organisers, and members of the public who joined the protest. "Thanks to all the party leaders, organisers, and the public who participated in this protest and expressed their sentiments! @narendramodi @nsitharaman Post your reply," he added. On August 27, the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US on India came into effect. The US President imposed 25 per cent tariffs initially and then imposed an additional 25 per cent on India as a punishment for buying oil from Russia. Industry experts have also noted that 50 per cent tariffs will impact trade, especially in the sectors on which tariffs are imposed and that these sectors will suffer trade losses in the US, which will have an impact on industries such as textiles, Chemicals, and machinery. (ANI) The Delhi-Indore Air India flight that returned to Delhi shortly after take-off after a fire indication on Sunday had initially issued a MAYDAY call to the air traffic control, but later downgraded it to PAN-PAN to indicate urgency rather than an emergency, an Air India spokesperson said. "Flight AI2913, operating from Delhi to Indore on 31 August, air-returned to Delhi shortly after take-off, as the cockpit crew received a fire indication for the right engine. Following standard procedure, the cockpit crew elected to shut down the engine and returned to Delhi where the flight landed safely, Air India Spokesperson said in a statement. "The crew had initially made a MAYDAY call to the air traffic control, but later downgraded it to PAN-PAN to indicate urgency rather than an emergency. We confirm that the flight did not make an emergency landing at Delhi. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew are our top priority," the spokeperson added. On August 31, an Air India flight operating from Delhi to Indore on Saturday was forced to return to the national capital shortly after take-off following a fire indication in one of its engines. Flight A12913 had departed from Delhi for Indore when the cockpit crew reportedly received a fire warning for the right engine. Following standard operating procedures, the pilots shut down the affected engine and initiated a return to Delhi. In a statement issued by Air India, it said, 'Flight Al2913, operating from Delhi to Indore on 31 August, air-returned to Delhi shortly after take-off, as the cockpit crew received a fire indication for the right engine. Following standard procedure, the cockpit crew elected to shut down the engine and returned to Delhi, where the flight landed safely. The aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and passengers are being transferred to an alternative aircraft, which will operate the flight to Indore shortly. The regulator has been duly informed of the incident, an airline spokesperson further said in a statement. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew is our top priority, it added. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to look into the matter. (ANI) According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, the exercise is being conducted from September 1st to 14th. The bilateral exercise is part of the ongoing military-to-military exchange programme between the two countries and aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. The 13th edition of the exercise was held at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 120 personnel, is being represented by a Battalion of the Madras Regiment. The Royal Thai Army contingent, comprising 53 personnel, is represented by the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade. The joint exercise will focus on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The two-week programme includes tactical drills, joint planning, special arms skills, physical fitness and raiding operations. The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, simulating realistic operational scenarios. Exercise MAITREE, instituted in 2006, is one of the important joint training exercises between India and Thailand. The current edition further reinforces the bilateral defence cooperation and reflects the shared commitment of both Armies towards peace, stability and security in the region. (ANI) Following the successful completion of the FOCUS 1.0 programme, the Government of Mizoram has decided to launch FOCUS 2.0 as a continuation under the Handholding Scheme. The proposal for financial support amounting to Rs 380 crore from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has been approved by the State Finance Department for external loan assistance, and the Centre's approval is currently being sought. The programme will be implemented through various departments in convergence, with the Planning & Programme Implementation Department as the nodal agency. The new Governing Council of FOCUS 2.0 was formally notified on August 20 under the name Society for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Mizoram (SCRAM). The Chief Minister serves as the ex-Officio Chairman, and the Planning Secretary as the Ex-Officio Member Secretary. The scheme will be implemented over a period of six years. The meeting discussed modalities for implementation, including revisions to certain operational frameworks and nomenclature, the continuation and modification of assets and resources created under FOCUS 1.0, and the structure of implementing agencies at the State, District, and Village levels. Recruitment and engagement of project functionaries were also deliberated. FOCUS 2.0 will be implemented across 11 districts, covering 700 villages and benefiting 75,000 households. Of this, 7,000 households from landless farming families will also be included. The programme has been designed with a strong focus on ensuring women beneficiaries. The meeting was attended by PC Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture, Lalthansanga, Minister of Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation, TBC Lalvenchhunga, Adviser to CM, KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to CM, Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary, along with other members. (ANI) Due to heavy rainfall, landslides, cloudbursts, and other adverse weather-related conditions affecting various parts of Himachal Pradesh, the documentation schedule for the HP Police Recruitment 2024 has been rescheduled. The original schedule, set for September 8 and 9, 2025, at Police Lines, Bharari, District Shimla, has been postponed due to concerns about the safety of the candidates. In an official press note, the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters stated, "It is hereby intimated that keeping in view the safety and convenience of the candidates of HP Police Recruitment-2024, as per the directions of Police Headquarters, Himachal Pradesh, the Documentation Schedule for Recruitment of Constables-2 024 of Southern Range, Himachal Pradesh (i.e. Shimla, Solan, Sirmour & Kinnaur) fixed for 08.09.2025 & 09.09.2025 at Police Lines Bharari, District Shimla, HP is rescheduled to the following dates due to heavy rains, landslides. Cloud bursts and other weather-related issues are affecting many parts of the State." The rescheduled dates for the document verification are now September 28 and 29. The venue of document verification is Police Lines Bharari in Shimla. September 28 is for Shimla and Solan, and 288 candidates from both districts, including both male and female, will appear. On September 29, verification will take place for Sirmour and Kinnaur districts, from where 259 candidates, including both male and female, are expected to participate. The weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are very severe. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red nowcast warning on Tuesday, forecasting heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, in multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. According to the IMD, the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur, and Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh were placed under a red alert. In Haryana, the warning covered Fatehabad, Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, Rewari, and Mewat. In the hill states of Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, a red alert was issued. In Punjab, the affected districts included Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Moga, and Barnala. "Heavy spells (>15 mm/hr) accompanied with thunderstorms are likely in these districts. People are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable areas," Met department said. (ANI) On Monday, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. The information about the meeting drew attention to the message sent by the head of state to the Indian side. President Ilham Aliyev, in a conversation with the Pakistani leader, noted that India is trying to take revenge on Azerbaijan in international organizations for its support of Pakistan. But it doesn't matter for Azerbaijan, because fraternal relations are above all for our country. As you know, Azerbaijan, which has the status of a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, has previously expressed a desire to upgrade it to an observer status. Azerbaijan's rapprochement with the SCO would be a completely natural process, because Baku has established close cooperation with each of the countries (with the exception of India). Azerbaijan is a natural and necessary partner of the SCO space, and, in principle, the registration of its status does not matter for these relations. They will continue and strengthen anyway, because the knowledge of our country is only growing. The idea that India would block the elevation of Azerbaijan's status began to be talked about back when President Ilham Aliyev was first invited to the organization's summit in 2022. Baku was not very upset and did not take any diplomatic actions to butter up New Delhi. India treats Azerbaijan strangely. There have never been any special problems between the two countries. There has never been any special closeness, except for the fans of the "Disco Dancer". But this audience is already retired, and the younger generation now has other interests. There are also no serious economic ties or areas where the two countries could clash. However, this does not prevent the Indian side from disliking Azerbaijan for something. Everyone has the right to likes and dislikes. You can't argue with that. By supporting Pakistan, Azerbaijan has always supported it as a brotherly country, without referring to India. In other words, Baku's friendship with Islamabad was in no way directed against a third country. For some reason, Delhi decided to choose Baku as the enemy, although many people support Pakistan and its partnership. This is an interesting point that speaks to the short-sightedness and illogicality of New Delhi's actions. At the SCO summit in Tianjin, India was pleased to once again demonstrate its unfriendliness by blocking the issue of Azerbaijan's admission to full membership in the organization. This was expected, and President Ilham Aliyev, at a meeting with the Pakistani Prime Minister, spoke about just such manifestations of the strange foreign policy of the "elephant country". India was getting an opportunity to feed its revenge. Consensus is required to admit new members to the SCO, and the Indians are very happy to take advantage of this. It is not possible to get close to Azerbaijan from any other side, and blocking our country's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization remains the only sensitive instrument of Indian revenge. Let us emphasize once again that regardless of its status in the SCO, Azerbaijan will remain an indispensable partner for this space. And here India can't change anything. By its behavior, Delhi has opposed the principles of the organization itself and the "Shanghai Spirit" it proclaims. These principles are mutual trust, equality, cooperation based on mutual benefit, not solving issues at the expense of the partner's interests, promoting the ideas of multiculturalism and joint development. As they say in China, the "Shanghai Spirit" is the root and soul of the SCO and fully aligns with the goals of the United Nations Charter. It is inextricably linked to the five principles of peaceful coexistence and fully complies with the requirements of the organization's member States in the pursuit of stability, development and cohesion. That's it. India has gone against the principles laid down in the SCO, which reject the transfer of bilateral disputes to a multilateral platform. And that is exactly what the Indian side did, opposing Azerbaijan's membership. She used the SCO's multilateral platform to get even with Baku. It was low, but, unfortunately for the Indian side, it was not painful. India also went against the interests of China, which is interested in Azerbaijan's membership in the organization. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Azerbaijan's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. The Chinese leader stated that "China supports Azerbaijan's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and is ready to work closely with it on a multilateral basis to protect the common interests of the Global South and promote the creation of a community uniting the destinies of people." India is not interested in the interests of the Global South and the problems of the common destiny of mankind. Personal revenge is much more important to her. And don't think it's just about Pakistan. A more powerful ally of Pakistan than China would be hard to find. Beijing provides Islamabad with all possible support, including military support. Moreover, China, in a sense, stands behind Pakistan in its problems with Indian water blackmail. But Delhi's hands are short against Beijing. In addition, India needs it terribly to counter Trump's sanctions over Russian oil purchases, because India itself is nothing against the United States. By the way, this is also made clear by Donald Trump's actions, who froze similar sanctions against China, but imposed them on Delhi from the end of August. There is an Armenian factor in India's dislike of Azerbaijan. It's not because Hindus love Armenians. It's just that Armenians are working against Baku everywhere. And the Indians fell for narratives about Baku's support for Pakistan allegedly against India. Pakistan has a special relationship with Armenia. More precisely, there was no relationship at all until this Monday. Only on September 1, 2025, Pakistan, after consulting with the Azerbaijani side, decided to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia and generally recognized it as a state. The Armenians took revenge on Islamabad for these years of non-recognition, and it was most convenient to do this through India, which has territorial claims to this country. But by continuing to follow the inertia of the "carrot" of the Armenians, India has failed Armenia. While relations between Yerevan and Islamabad began to improve, Pakistan was forced to oppose Armenia's membership in the SCO in response to the Indian side's move. After the Washington agreements, Armenia also began to try on the role of a country that is not just a speck on the map for others. Serious changes in the perception of Armenia by other countries could also be seen in relation to Nikol Pashinyan in Tianjin. Previously, he was invisible on international platforms. India has failed its ally by opposing Baku. It is clear to everyone that Azerbaijan and Armenia cannot but be balanced in terms of membership rights in such organizations. If both seek membership, you cannot choose between them. This is diplomacy. The imbalance can harm the bilateral relations, which have just begun to improve. In the interests of peace in the region and advancing the dialogue between the two former adversaries, India, as a world power (as it positions itself), should have postponed its senseless personal revenge and not obstruct the entry of Azerbaijan and Armenia into the SCO. Azerbaijan has nothing to share with India. As we have already noted, their relationship has a level of point interests that appear depending on situations. But these relations could have great prospects, given the accelerated development of infrastructure projects in Eurasia. But in Delhi, apparently, they can't stop in any way and go by inertia, satisfying their petty aspirations. Well, Azerbaijan will not become a member of the SCO, so what? India cannot block the role of our country in this space. Delhi continues to grapple with rainfall, causing traffic jams, waterlogging and signs of possible flooding. Visuals from Okhla Barrage show the continuous increase in the water level of the Yamuna River. Amid rising water levels of the Yamuna due to continuous monsoon rains, shopkeepers in Delhi's Monastery market have removed their goods from their shops as a preventive measure against possible flooding. A shopkeeper told ANI, " I am emptying out my shop as the Administration has given us a warning (regarding rising water level in the river). The market will now remain shut for the next 4-5 days." Discarding the possibility of floods in Delhi, AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj told ANI, "I don't think a flood situation can arise in Delhi... The flood in 2023 happened because the gates of the ITO barrage, which is operated by the Haryana government, were closed, and water was released from Haryana from behind... Later, an investigation by the central government also clarified this. Now, since these gates have been opened and Haryana will not release water from behind, there will be no flood. However, if our government were in power, Haryana would have done this..." The old Yamuna Bridge, or the Loha Pul, has also been closed for vehicular traffic as a flood warning has been issued in the Yamuna River. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the flood-affected areas near New Delhi's Loha Pul on Tuesday after traffic and public movement around the bridge were halted due to the Yamuna river rising above the danger mark of 205.33 meters. During her visit, the Chief Minister interacted with residents and said that the situation was under control. She noted that the water released from the Hathnikund Barrage was expected to reach the national capital by evening, and that arrangements had been made for accommodation of affected families. "The situation is under control. The release from Hathnikund Barrage is expected to reach Delhi by the evening. Despite that, the outflow of water from here is at the right point. The Administration has made all necessary arrangements for the residents here. Even better arrangements would be made. I met the people here and saw arrangements for their accommodation...There is water flow only in the Yamuna plain...All arrangements are being made for the people...We will not let there be any difficulty," Gupta told reporters. Meanwhile, city authorities initiated a rescue operation to save farmers who were stranded in the fields at Burari on Tuesday. With the capital facing rising water levels in the Yamuna River, a member of the evacuation team says that the situation is currently dangerous, as water from the Hathnikund Barrage has been released. The member further added that the operation has been going on since last night. "The situation is dangerous right now because water has been released from Hathnikund Barrage. We have been rescuing people since last night," the rescue team member told ANI. (ANI) India is one of the best-performing G20 nations in meeting our sustainability commitments. This was said by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, at CII's 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Remarking on the role played by India for the cause of the environment, Goyal noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had played a decisive role in making COP21 a success. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a very important role in making COP21 a success. Without his active participation, without him weighing in with the developed nations to contribute to the sustainability efforts of the less-developed countries, probably COP21 could not have come to fusion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had got the whole global south together, that this should be a collective responsibility of every country in the world," he said. Goyal emphasised that India continues to remain firmly committed to its sustainability goals, upscaling renewable energy targets five-fold since 2014 and successfully creating a national interconnected grid under the principle of "One Nation, One Grid." Highlighting achievements in the power sector, Goyal noted that India is achieving its renewable energy goals well ahead of schedule, with 50% of its renewable energy capacity already installed. He highlighted that India aims to reach 500 GW by 2030, powered by Make in India products, self-reliant manufacturing and rapid innovation. He pointed out that renewable power is now available in India at globally unmatched prices, around Rs. 4.60 to Rs. 5.00 per kWh for 24-hour clean energy supply. He added that there was no contradiction in simultaneously pursuing coal and renewables, and that transparent bidding processes reduced the price of solar power from Rs. 7-8 to Rs. 2.41. He noted that India now has the ability to offer renewable energy round-the-clock at highly competitive rates unmatched globally. The Minister called on startups to innovate solutions for challenges such as water harvesting and energy efficiency. Citing the UJALA scheme launched in 2015, he said India had replaced incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, showcasing how small steps can have transformational impacts. Goyal further said that India's supply chains are resilient, and the nation is not at the mercy of any other country choosing to switch on or switch off the tap. This, he said, is making India Atmanirbhar and self-reliant, building the confidence of young India to take on any challenge the world wants to throw at it. Highlighting the role of every section of society, the Minister said that young men and women, startups, entrepreneurs, corporates, farmers, hawkers, kirana stores and shopkeepers, every player, collectively contributes to the nation's 7.8 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of this year. He said that being the fastest growing large economy in the world could not have happened without the conviction and resolve of 1.4 billion people. Goyal stressed that with India contributing 18% to global growth, soon to become the world's third-largest economy and already a $15 trillion economy in purchasing power parity terms, the country is engaging with the world from a position of strength. He said that India's future rests on sustainability, high quality, cost competitiveness and inclusive growth that reaches the last person at the bottom of the pyramid. Referring to GST reforms widely anticipated to boost consumption expenditure and demand, Goyal said that with government continuing to support infrastructure creation through huge resource allocation, India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals will enable it to beat every estimate that economists or pessimists may come up with. He noted that challenges will arise, but India's ability to take on volatile and uncertain times has only increased. On sustainability, Goyal underlined that it is not only about renewable energy or pollution, but also effective use of water resources and addressing the risks of climate change such as flash floods, cloudbursts, and flooding in cities due to haphazard planning. These, he said, can become opportunities for further economic growth. Quoting the Prime Minister, Goyal pointed out that less than 1% of textile waste in India is recycled, while developed countries are willing to pay a premium for recycled products. He said that cleaning up oceans and rivers can generate value from waste while saving aquaculture. Commending institutions like CII, he urged industry to adopt the Prime Minister's mantra of "Zero Defect, Zero Effect", quality and sustainability as the twin pillars for powering India through the Amrit Kaal journey until 2047. Goyal criticised the developed nations for failing to deliver on their Paris commitments. "The developed world has let us down very badly. In spite of making huge promises at Paris of ensuring trillions of dollars will be available in concessional finance or grants to support the efforts of the developing world or the less developed countries, at least $100 billion a year are committed. But we are yet to see any of these commitments to fulfill," he said. Goyal urged for collective action on sustainability, saying India's competitiveness will only improve with sustainable pathways, energy efficiency and responsible consumption. With the aspirations of a young India and the commitment of 1.4 billion people, he said, "India's future is safe, secure, and resilient, resting on sustainability, quality and inclusivity." The Minister said that India is expanding trade ties across the globe, with FTAs already concluded with Mauritius, Australia (first tranche), the EFTA block, the UK, and UAE, while talks are ongoing with the European Union, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia (second tranche), and Oman. India is in dialogue with the United States for a bilateral trade agreement, he added. Goyal stressed the need for innovation and energy efficiency in daily life, drawing from the Prime Minister's ideas. He said, "In every way we can, we must start assessing every single opportunity towards energy efficiency. In fact, Prime Minister only recently was sharing here is an example and experience about street lights not being switched off on time. Smart startup over here can come up with a simple device connecting all these street lights that automatically as the illumination goes up, the sun rises, the lights go off. And when the sun sets and starts getting dark, the lights start getting on. Elementary things, ladies and gentlemen, and we can make a transformational impact." Goyal concluded by affirming that India's future rests firmly on resilience, sustainability and collective determination. He said, "With this collective commitment and mindset, with the effort of 1.4 billion people, meeting the aspirations of a young India, one of the youngest countries in the world, I am very confident that India's future is safe, is secured, is resilient, and rests on the pillar of sustainability and high quality, cost competitiveness, to be able to engage with the whole world with confidence, and at the same time, ensuring that inclusive growth, growth which reaches the last man at the bottom of the pyramid will be our credo, will be our ultimate and final target or mountain that we have to cross." (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of nine accused, alongwith Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. The High Court stated that the roles of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the conspiracy are prima facie grave in view of the allegations against them. Delhi Police have alleged that they delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to instigate a mass mobilisation of members of the Muslim Community. The Division bench comprising justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur dismissed nine appeals and made certain remarks on the role of the accused persons. While dismissing the appeals, the Division bench said that "in view of the allegations levelled, the role of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the Conspiracy is prima facie grave". "In the conspectus of the allegations levelled, it emerges that the role of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid is prima facie grave in the entire conspiracy, having delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to instigate a mass mobilisation of members of the Muslim Community," the High Court said in the judgment. The High Court rejected the appeals after considering the submissions by counsel for the accused persons and Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta and Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad, and considering the evidence on record. The High Court said, " At this stage, considering the evidence on record and the events unfolding in the alleged conspiracy, prima facie it appears that the Appellants Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid were the first ones to act after the CAB was passed in early December 2019, by creating WhatsApp groups and distributing pamphlets in the Muslim populated areas calling for protests and Chakka-Jaams, including the disruption of essential supplies." The Delhi High Court said, " Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid were the first ones to act after the CAB was passed in December 2019. "They created WhatsApp groups and distributed pamphlets in the Muslim populated areas calling for protests and Chakka-Jaams, including the disruption of essential supplies," the High Court said. The Delhi High Court also stated that the alleged inflammatory and provocative speeches delivered by Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, when considered in totality, prima facie indicate their role in the alleged conspiracy. The High Court rejected the contentions that the Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid were not in Delhi at the time of the riots. "The mere absence of Sharjeel Imam a few weeks prior to the ultimate riots, and Umar Khalid's absence a day or two before, at this stage, may not be sufficient to mitigate their role. As they have been alleged to be the key conspirators in planning and designing the scheme of events," the High Court opined. SG Tushar Mehta argued that each of the conspirators had played a vital role in the planning, strategising, and execution of the criminal conspiracy, all under the guise of protest against the CAA/NRC. "The masterminds/top conspirators disseminated their messages through various speeches, pamphlets, WhatsApp Groups, etc., and their instructions were carried out by the foot soldiers," SG Mehta argued. He also contended that "keeping in view the large-scale violence that was sought to be undertaken, and which eventually took place in late in February 2020, resulting in the loss of 53 lives, causing injuries to numerous members of the public, Police Officers and causing damage to public properties, the Appellants are not entitled to bail". On the other hand, it was submitted by the counsel for the accused that the case of the prosecution against the Appellants (Sharjeel and Umar) is weak, since the evidence included in the Charge-sheet and the supporting material do not implicate the Appellants in any of the offences for which they have been Charge-sheeted. It was submitted that the prosecution has no evidence of their presence in any meeting where violence was conspired. They have been made accused in the present case only on account of their call for chakka-jaam, and based on the statements of witnesses, most of whom have been shown as protected witnesses. The defence counsel further argued that "the statements of such witnesses are merely a reproduction of each other, and when taken at face value, do not disclose the commission of the alleged offences by the Appellants, instead, appear to be concocted, and the witnesses have been coerced into giving such statements out of fear of arrest". The counsel for Appellants Sharjeel and Umar Khalid submitted that they have not sent a single incriminating message to attract any criminal liability, and there is no basis to show that the discussions in WhatsApp groups, to which the Appellants were added, amount to offences under the UAPA. It was also argued that there is a delay in the trial, and even charges have not been framed. Accused persons have been in prolonged incarceration for more than 5 years. SPP Amit Prasad opposed the contention and had submitted that "while liberty and the right to a speedy trial of an accused are essential, it should be balanced against the interest of national security and public order, more so in cases involving allegations of terrorism and anti-national conduct". (ANI) Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday said the BJP's stand has been that the Maratha community should get reservations. "Mumbai is a fast-paced city, so keeping in mind that people should not face inconvenience and law and order should not be disturbed, whatever directions have been given, I believe action is being taken accordingly. From the beginning, the BJP's stand has been that the Maratha community should get reservations, and to make that possible, the Devendra Fadnavis government made serious efforts," Bawankule told reporters. "As you all know, through EWS, a 10% reservation was also given... The Devendra Fadnavis government did everything possible to deliver justice to the Maratha community and to strengthen them. The Maratha community has been most empowered under the leadership of PM Modi, during the tenure of CM Fadnavis and CM Eknath Shinde government...," he further said. Meanwhile, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday ended his indefinite fast at Azad Maidan, in Mumbai, after accepting the Government Resolution (GR) presented by the Maharashtra cabinet sub-committee on Maratha quota, as he broke down in tears, calling it a "Diwali" for the community."Maratha vijay zala aj vijay zala, sukhi zala (Marathas have emerged victorious today and we are happy)", Jarange said as he was being carried from his protest stage to the ambulance. Jarange said, "Today is Diwali for us, as we have got what we wanted." Protesters performed Ganpati Aarti as a gesture of thanks to God; Jarange announced that after the Aarti, the protest would be formally over. (ANI) The flood caused damage in 23 districts in Punjab, affecting 1,400 villages and over 3.5 lakh people, according to official data. Pathankot reported the highest number of deaths at six, followed by Ludhiana with four. Three individuals are reported missing in Pathankot. Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Pathankot, Patiala, Roopnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran have been affected, according to an official bulletin of the data between August 1 and September 2. Gurdaspur is the worst-hit, with 324 villages affected, followed by Amritsar (135 villages) and Hoshiarpur (119 villages). Floods have damaged 1,48,590 hectares of crops, severely impacting the state's agricultural sector. Rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with 19,597 people evacuated across the affected areas. In Gurdaspur 5,581 people have been evacuated followed by Ferozepur (3,432) and Amritsar (2,734). A total of 174 relief camps have been set up, with 74 currently active, including 29 in Barnala, 16 in Amritsar, and 14 in Pathankot. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 23 teams across districts, with six teams each in Gurdaspur and Amritsar, and three each in Ferozepur and Fazilka. The Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army have mobilised 12 columns, with eight on standby and two engineer columns deployed. Additionally, 30-35 helicopters are assisting in rescue and relief efforts. The Border Security Force (BSF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are also on the ground, with two SDRF teams in Kapurthala and one BSF team in Gurdaspur. A total of 114 boats and one state helicopter are aiding operations. While the extent of infrastructure damage and livestock losses remains unclear due to ongoing floodwaters, authorities have stated that a comprehensive assessment will follow once the situation stabilizes. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed a total of 610 voters from 200 families belonging to various parties, who joined the BJP during a programme at Killa Bazar, Bagma under Gomati District. According to the CMO, addressing the event on Tuesday, CM Saha stated that people have come to understand that without the BJP, no one can develop the state or the country, as the CPI(M) and Congress have only exploited the Janajati people for vote bank politics. Welcoming the new members, CM Saha said people have realised that without the BJP, development of the state and the country is not possible. "I want to welcome the people who joined the BJP today. Two days back, I was in Asarambari to attend Mann Ki Baat, which is very popular, and no leader has ever done this. It is a non-political programme, but what happened during last month's Mann Ki Baat, when our karyakartas were listening, they were attacked. We are ready to sacrifice for the country, and whenever our karyakartas are attacked, the party stands firmly with them," said CM Saha. As per the CMO, he said that the BJP does not want the politics of murder, terror, and violence like the 35 years of CPI(M)-Congress rule. "BJP does not believe in such dirty politics. People have witnessed the politics of the CPI(M) and Congress. We do not believe in violence. People want peace. However, to ensure peace, strength and power are necessary, and if required, we are ready to use them. They used the Janajati people only as a vote bank. PM Modi has always said that we want development for everyone. We want to live with Jati and Janajati in unity. During CPI(M)'s rule, terrorism was born, but under our government, it has become terrorism-free," he said. "Earlier, the condition of the Northeast region was not good, but everything changed after 2014 when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. The present central government is working for the development of the Northeast. Now peace prevails in Tripura, and the HIRA model has been given to us. Connectivity has also developed," said the Chief Minister. The Tripura Chief Minister also criticised CPI(M) for not giving due respect to Maharaja Bir Bikram for his contributions to the development of Tripura. "We have given due respect to the Manikya Dynasty of Tripura. Maharaja Bir Bikram worked for the welfare and development of Tripura, starting from schools, colleges, markets, and many other institutions. CPI(M) never gave them any respect. Since 2014, PM Modi has been working for the development of the Janajati people. BJP knows how to ensure development and respect for the Janajati community. Unity is necessary for the development of the state," he said. MLA Rampada Jamatia, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, and Mandal President Amar Jamatia were also present at the programme. (ANI) Indian Police Services (IPS) officers in Punjab will contribute a day's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for relief operations in flood-affected areas, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said. Sharing an X post on Tuesday, the Punjab DGP wrote, "In solidarity with the people of Punjab affected by the devastating floods, all IPS officers of the state have resolved to contribute one day's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. This contribution is a humble gesture to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts." He added that the Punjab Police is committed to extending assistance to affected people in the state. "Beyond policing, we see it as our humanitarian duty to stand with our fellow citizens in this hour of distress. @PunjabPoliceInd remains committed not only to ensuring law and order but also to extending every possible assistance to ease the suffering of those affected. Together, with compassion and collective effort, we will overcome this challenge and help rebuild lives," the X post read. Earlier on Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that every AAP MP and MLA will donate one month's salary to the Punjab CM Relief Fund. Kejriwal stated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his ministers, MLAs, and thousands of AAP workers, were working round-the-clock on the ground to deliver food, medicines, and rescue services, while ordinary Punjabis themselves were exemplifying humanity by helping each other in this dark hour. In a video message, Kejriwal said, "Punjab is not just a state of our country, it is a strong shield of Hindustan. History bears witness that whenever any foreign invader advanced towards our nation, Punjab bore the first blow on its chest. In all the attacks that India faced, Punjab absorbed the strikes on its own body and protected the rest of India. In every difficult time, Punjab always stood at the forefront." Several parts of Punjab continue to reel under floods, with 30 lives lost and people across a large part of the state facing difficulties and suffering losses due to water entering fields and homes. The flood caused damage in 23 districts in Punjab, affecting 1,400 villages and over 3.5 lakh people, according to official data. Pathankot reported the highest number of deaths at six, followed by Ludhiana with four. Three individuals are reported missing in Pathankot. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has refuted Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani's remarks on the eviction drive in the state, warning him of legal action if necessary. "Who is Madani? Is Madani God? Madani's bravery exists if there is Congress. There is no evidence of Madani's bravery during the BJP's time. If he does too much, I will send Madani to jail. I am the CM, not Madani," CM Sarma told the media on Tuesday. This comes after Maulana Madani criticised the eviction drives being carried out in the state, calling them "unfortunate and painful." "Eviction drive is being carried out in the state...I visited several areas yesterday. Seeing the manner in which it is being done here is saddening. If you visit and see this, see the system, you will be saddened. I was pained, especially because communities and countries are formed under a system. If anything is done in violation of the system, if it is overlooked and trampled on is unfortunate and painful. The more it is condemned, the less it is," Madani said while addressing the media. Earlier, the CM had said that the police would maintain strict monitoring for the visit of the seven-member delegation of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in Goalpara district. In a post on X on Monday, CM Sarma wrote, "A delegation of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is presently visiting Goalpara district, Assam. Considering the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) elections and the sensitive situation in the district, the Assam police will continue to maintain strict monitoring to ensure peace and stability." Recently, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma has announced significant progress in the state's long-standing efforts to bring back the Vrindavani Vastra, a sacred textile created by 15th-century saint and reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, currently housed in the British Museum. The textile, which depicts the dasavatara (ten incarnations) of Lord Krishna and scenes from his childhood, is regarded as a treasured symbol of Assamese heritage and devotion, and CM Sarma said that the Museum is willing to loan it for 18 months in 2027. The Assam CM said, "We are working closely now with the British Museum, JSW, and the Indian Ambassador to Britain. Finally, the British Museum has written to us that if we can construct a museum as per the required environmental standards, then they are willing to give us the textile as a loan for 18 months in 2027." "Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev created a textile which in Assam we call Vrindavani Vastra. It depicted the dasavatara of Lord Krishna, along with his other childhood activities. That textile is in the British Museum and other museums of Europe," the Chief Minister said, adding that while many in Assam have heard about it, few have ever seen it in person. (ANI) Union Minister Anupriya Patel slammed the Opposition parties for alleged abuses against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a Mahagathbandhan rally in Bihar. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Anupriya Patel condemned the remarks against PM Modi's mother and called it "petty politics". "This is India. Mothers are worshipped here. The word 'Maa' evokes our feelings. We can have mutual differences. But I condemn dragging a mother into this... This is shameful. If bringing a mother into politics is in the culture of a party, there can be no politics pettier than this," she said. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced a statewide bandh in Bihar on September 4 against the Opposition. BJP's Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, said the five-hour bandh will be observed from 7 am to 12 noon. BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, "The nation will not accept this. There is a lot of grief and resentment in Bihar towards the RJD and the Congress. This is the reason women are shutting Bihar down on September 4. They will get a befitting reply." Hussain slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD MLA Tejashwi Yadav for not condemning the alleged derogatory remarks. "Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Tejashwi Yadav has said a single word...The rally had been operating under police protection ever since they made the statement. Women of Bihar are not happy," he said. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to speak on the ongoing row. She said, "It is very sad. For the last 10 years, the people of the INDI alliance have been using abusive language against the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, but now, spare those who are no longer in this world... Mamata Banerjee, along with all the women Chief Ministers in the country, should speak on this, but she (Mamata Banerjee) is in the INDI alliance and needs votes. If even the Prime Minister's mother is not respected, then imagine what respect women in West Bengal will get." Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said that the party does not support such statements; however, he slammed the BJP for its remarks against CM Banerjee. The political battle should have been on development and ideologies. We do not support any kind of statement against anyone's mother. If someone makes any comment regarding PM Modi's mother, we do not support it. But what does the BJP and Narendra Modi himself do? BJP's Leader of the Opposition, what bad words don't they use against Mamata ji? Where was your conscience then? We respect your mother, but you too will have to respect our Didi," the TMC leader said. Amid the row over derogatory remarks, PM Modi on Tuesday took an indirect jibe, at INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, calling them "namdaars", people born with a silver spoon who, he said, cannot understand the struggles of poor mothers or the suffering and pain of their children, as for them, "power" is "inheritance". Referring to alleged derogatory remarks made during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', PM Modi said, "The struggles (Tapasya) of a poor mother, the suffering of her son--these young princes born into royal families cannot understand. These 'naamdaar' people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. The power of the country and Bihar seems like an inheritance of their family to them." (ANI) A massive timber scam worth PKR 1.7 billion in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been uncovered by relevant authorities, seizing approximately 2.3 million cubic feet of illegally cut wood, Geo News reported, citing a report by The News. According to Geo News, citing a report released on Monday, investigations have implicated 140 officers and officials, who have received show-cause notices and are facing charge sheets. The provincial government has also forwarded some cases to Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Department for further action. The Forestry Planning and Monitoring Circle (FP&MC) in Peshawar reported that the seized timber was recovered mainly from Allai tehsil in Battagram and other areas in the region. The total volume of illegal timber may increase as monitoring of three more locations is still ongoing, Geo News reported. The investigation was conducted under the directives of the provincial cabinet, reviewing woodlots, approved working plans, FDF schemes, and the 2003 policy on dry standing and windfallen trees, as well as the illicit timber cutting policy. Out of 370 cases examined, 168 (45.4 per cent) were found to be compliant, 91 (24.6 per cent) had minor issues, and 111 (30 per cent) showed major violations, Geo News reported. In volume terms, 4.39 million cubic feet of timber were cleared, 1.545 million cubic feet were approved after rectification of minor faults, while 2.361 million cubic feet were seized due to serious breaches. The highest irregularities were observed in woodlots, with 64 out of 178 cases showing major violations, as reported by Geo News. Among working plans, 25 out of 79 cases had serious irregularities. In the category of dry, standing, and windfallen trees, 22 out of 76 cases involved major breaches. As per Geo News, FDF schemes had no major discrepancies in 36 cases, and only one minor violation was found under the illicit cut timber policy. The report highlighted that the seized timber cases involved officials neglecting marking standards, not adhering to approved working plans, or enabling illegal logging. The Forest Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules 2011, with charge sheets being prepared against 140 officers and officials, alongside legal actions. According to Geo News, citing sources, monitoring of timber marking and harvesting had been halted for three years for unclear reasons. However, in 2024, the current KP government ordered the resumption of monitoring and required detailed reports from officials, which eventually uncovered the large-scale scam. Government officials claim that this crackdown will help reduce timber mafia activities and improve transparency in forest operations. (ANI) By Nazrin Abdul The fifth round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Brazil was held recently, Azernews reports, citing the Brazilian Foreign Ministrys official X account. The consultations were held during a visit to Brazil by a delegation led by Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani delegation was headed by Elnur Mammadov, while Brazil was represented by Maria Laura da Rocha, Secretary-General of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry. During the event, both sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. Representatives from both ministries expressed satisfaction with the fact that diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Brazil have been maintained for over thirty years. Tourism, education, and inter-parliamentary cooperation were highlighted as the most active areas of collaboration. Following the consultations, Elnur Mammadov held bilateral talks with Brazils Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Monday evening, concluding his four-day visit to Japan and China, which spanned from August 29 to September 1. Describing the visit as "productive" in a post on X, PM Modi said he emphasised India's position on key global issues during his engagements. On the SCO summit, PM Modi wrote on X, "Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasised India's stand on key global issues. Thankful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people for the successful organisation of this Summit." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1962422286235132319 Addressing the Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted India's approach to strengthening cooperation under the SCO framework. In this regard, he noted that India seeks greater action under three pillars - Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. Emphasising that peace, security, and stability remain key to progress and prosperity, he called upon member countries to take firm and decisive action to fight terrorism in all its manifestations. The Prime Minister underlined the need for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalisation. Thanking member countries for their strong solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, he emphasised that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism and urged the group to hold countries that perpetrate and support cross-border terrorism accountable. The bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on full display at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. The two leaders shared warm moments, including a heartfelt hug and a ride together in Putin's official Aurus Senat limousine to their bilateral meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin waited for about 10 minutes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that he could join him in his car ride, as per sources. Prime Minister thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm hospitality and congratulated him on the successful organisation of the Summit. He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on taking over the next Presidency of the SCO. At the conclusion of the Summit, the SCO Member countries adopted the Tianjin Declaration. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi paid an Official Working Visit to Japan on 29-30 August 2025 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi was received by Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) on the evening of 29 August 2025 where he received a ceremonial guard of honour. The two Prime Ministers held the delegation-level talks during which they recalled the longstanding friendship between India and Japan that is rooted in civilizational ties, shared values and interests, common strategic outlook and mutual respect for each other. The two Prime Ministers appreciated the significant strides made by the India-Japan partnership over the last decade and held constructive discussions on ways to strengthen the strategic and forward-looking partnership for achieving mutual security and prosperity in the coming decades. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Annual Summit mechanism to progress India-Japan cooperation across a range of sectors. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the sustained high-level exchanges and ministerial and parliamentary engagements between both sides, which reflect mutual trust and the depth of the relationship. The partnership has significantly expanded over the past decade into wide-ranging areas such as security, defence, trade, investment, commerce, science and technology, skills and mobility, and cultural and people-to-people links. The two Prime Ministers appreciated that India and Japan have more than seventy dialogue mechanisms and working groups across sectors, which lead to intense engagement and collaboration between myriad ministries, agencies and departments, as per an official release issued bythe Prime Minister's office. The two Prime Ministers unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, and took note of the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team Report of 29 July mentioning The Resistance Front (TRF). The two Prime Ministers expressed serious concern over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that endanger the safety as well as freedom of navigation and overflight, and attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. They shared their serious concern over the militarization of disputed features. They reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), PMO said in a release. Prime Minister Modi further explained that the TRF had claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Ishiba noted this with concern. They called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay. They also called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxies, and to take resolute actions to root out terrorists' safe havens, eliminate terrorist financing channels and its nexus with transnational crime, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists. PMO said that the two Prime Ministers expressed deep satisfaction that defence and maritime security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upward trajectory. They welcomed the holding of the third 2+2 meeting of their Foreign and Defence Ministers in August 2024 in New Delhi and instructed their Ministers to hold the fourth round in Tokyo at an early date. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected 10 Chinese military aircraft, five naval vessels and one official ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am on Tuesday (local time). As per the MND, of the 10 sorties by PLA aircraft, one crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. In a post on X, he said, "10 PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1962681886863729080 Earlier on Monday, the MND detected eight Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and an official ship operating around its territory. Of the eight sorties, two crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "8 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 8 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1962321596066238835 Earlier, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung had described China as a "regional troublemaker" after the Solomon Islands barred Taiwan and other dialogue partners, including the US, from the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting, according to a report by the Taipei Times, citing an Australian daily. Citing the "Pacific Way" of inclusiveness, Lin warned that excluding dialogue partners undermines the forum's ability to address common challenges, as reported by the Taipei Times. Rejecting Beijing's claims over Taiwan, Lin emphasised that the People's Republic of China "has never ruled Taiwan for even a single day" and noted that UN Resolution 2758 does not refer to Taiwan, according to the Taipei Times. Calling China's narrative "the emperor's new clothes", he said, "Telling a lie 100 times does not make it true." Lin added that Taiwan is pushing back against Beijing's suppression through deeper international cooperation, practical contributions, and sustained diplomatic outreach. (ANI) European Union (EU) Commissioner for Technology, Henna Virkkunen, is facing mounting pressure to take a firm stance in response to US President Donald Trump's recent threats to impose tariffs on countries whose technology regulations impact American companies, Euro News reported. A spokesperson for the European Commission defended Virkkunen, stating that she "will fight back against all unfounded claims, she has done so, she will continue to do it", Euro News added. Virkkunen, who assumed office in December, has come under criticism this week for not publicly addressing President Trump's remarks made earlier this week. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed dissatisfaction over the silence, with Spanish MEP Laura Ballarin (S&D) stating that Virkkunen "has been too silent for too long on this matter," according to Euro News. She said the EU must "step up and [...] speak out loud the language of power, the one President Trump understands," adding that "remaining silent is not an option". Ballarin further stressed that "EU digital laws and the protection of digital consumers cannot be bargaining chips to serve the political agenda of Donald Trump and Big Tech. Europe must assert itself and take a more prominent role in negotiations with the United States." French member of the European Parliament, Leila Chaibi (GUE/NGL), described Virkkunen as "invisible" and called the situation "unbearable" while referencing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's alleged strategy to avoid new "Thierry Breton cases." Alex Agius Saliba (Malta/S&D) also said that speaking out in public to defend the bloc's digital rules is a crucial part of Virkkunen's role. However, not all lawmakers agreed. Dora David (Hungary/EPP) stated that the Commission, including the tech commissioner, is "managing a volatile situation in a calm and measured way, while firmly rejecting any notion that EU member states would under duress give up their sovereign right to regulate." In May, Virkkunen travelled to the United States to clarify the bloc's tech policy amidst growing criticism from the American administration. She has consistently stated that EU digital regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), are fair and do not amount to censorship. Further calls for action are coming from within the Commission. Teresa Ribera, EU Commissioner in charge of competition policy, told the Financial Times on Friday that the bloc must be "courageous" in response to threats from the US president. "We may be kind, polite, try to find ways to solve problems and discrepancies but we cannot accept whatever [they demand]," she said. "We cannot be subject to the will of a third country," Euro News reported. Thierry Breton, Virkkunen's predecessor, wrote in an op-ed for The Guardian: "How long are we, citizens of the EU, going to tolerate these threats?" He warned that failing to push back could lead to "humiliation and instability," while noting that he will reject an invitation from the US House of Judiciary Committee to attend a hearing on "Europe's threat to American speech and innovation." (ANI) The White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has again attacked India, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China on Monday. Speaking with reporters, Navarro lambasted PM Modi for what he termed was "getting in bed with the authoritarian," describing the meeting as shameful. He also pressed that India needs US, Europe and Ukraine and not Russia, urging New Delhi to stop purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow. "It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed as a leader of the biggest democracy in the world with the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world-Putin and Xi Jinping. That doesn't make any sense. I am not sure what he's thinking. We hope he comes around to seeing that he needs to be with us, Europe and Ukraine not Russia," Peter Navarro said. This follows the White House Trade advisor's earlier rant against India just shortly after PM Modi held a bilateral with Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO. "So, you know, look, Modi's a great leader... But I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping...when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world. I would just simply say to the Indian people. Please, understand what's going on here. You've got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop," Navarro had said. Navarro's remarks come amid the rising friction between Washington and New Delhi due to the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods, which includes a 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil. PM Modi, in his address at SCO, stressed the need to boost connectivity between the members to boost trade. "India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust," Pm Modi said. Russian President Putin said that dialogue within the SCO helps lay the foundation for a new Eurasian security system, replacing outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models. "The SCO is steadily increasing its influence in addressing international issues. National currencies are being used more widely in mutual settlements for trade among SCO countries. The pace of development of cooperation within the SCO is impressive," said Putin. Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to uphold fairness and justice while addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. (ANI) Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Japan and China as "very successful," stating that the meetings contributed to shaping a clearer outlook for enhanced cooperation. Speaking with ANI, Sikri pointed out that PM Modi's bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had strengthened India's perspective and plans for deeper engagement with Moscow and Beijing. "I think that PM Modi's meeting with President Xi Jinping of China and President Putin of Russia and a number of others - these bilateral meetings have really strengthened India's perspective and India's views and India's plans for cooperating with these leaders," Veena Sikri said. She also noted the condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in the joint Tianjin Declaration, stating that it was a crucial aspect that the SCO Summit as a whole accepted and incorporated India's thoughts and views in its final document. "Even in the meeting with President Xi Jinping, the question of cross border terrorism was taken up by PM Modi and of course in the SCO Summit itself, our PM gave a lot of focus on terrorism...He mentioned Pahalgam...All the points that our PM made were reflected in the final document, in the Tianjin Declaration. So, that is also a very important aspect that the SCO Summit as a whole accepts and incorporates India's thoughts and views in their final document," she said. Speaking about PM Modi's visit to Japan, the former diplomat emphasised that important decisions were taken on defence and security cooperation. She also added that even without Quad, India-Japan cooperation on defence and security matters will continue. "I think in Japan, this was a bilateral visit. It has set the perspective for the future of Japan-India relations for the next decade and more. Very important decisions were taken on defence and security cooperation. It was so significant. Whether there is a Quad or not, the bilateral cooperation between India and Japan in the South China Sea, on defence and security matters, will continue," she said. She added that bilateral efforts in technology cooperation were also advanced, reflecting the synergy between Japanese innovation and Indian enterprise. "Also on technology, Japanese technology is being used for making products of high defence value, including a communication antenna for naval ships and so on. So, all this has been a great movement forward. It shows that India and Japan have a very beneficial, mutually respectful relationship which will go very far indeed. Japanese technology and Indian talent, Japanese making in India, investing in India for selling to India and the rest of the world," she added. PM Modi concluded his four-day visit to Japan and China, which spanned from August 29 to September 1, on Monday. In China, PM Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 to September 1 and held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi affirmed that cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. At the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, which he participated in on Monday, the Prime Minister called for greater action against terror financing and radicalisation. He highlighted the Pahalgam terror attack and urged the SCO to hold countries that perpetrate or support cross-border terrorism accountable, while also congratulating Kyrgyzstan on assuming the SCO presidency. In Japan, PM Modi attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo. He lauded the outcomes of the Tokyo visit and expressed hope that India-Japan ties continue to reach newer heights in the future. (ANI) Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong will make an Official Visit to Delhi from September 2-4, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement by the Singaporean Prime Minister's Office said. Prime Minister Wong's introductory visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-India diplomatic relations and reaffirms Singapore and India's mutual commitment to strengthen ties. In Delhi, Prime Minister Wong will call on President Droupadi Murmu and meet Prime Minister Modi, who will host a Banquet Lunch. Prime Minister Wong will receive separate calls by Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Prime Minister Wong will also visit the Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, as per the statement. Prime Minister Wong will meet overseas Singaporean diaspora in Delhi at a reception to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Singapore-India diplomatic relations and Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60). Prime Minister Wong will also engage a group of Indian business leaders in a closed-door roundtable, as per the statement. Prime Minister Wong will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang, and officials from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Digital Development and Information. During Prime Minister Wong's absence, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam will be the Acting Prime Minister in Singapore, as per the statement. Singapore is an important partner for India, including in our 'Act East' Policy. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI) The Indian High Commission to Canada attended the 17th Nagar Kirtan organised by Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha in Montreal to mark the 421st Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In a post on X on Tuesday, Chinmoy Naik highlighted the teachings of community unity and harmony during the event. The High Commission tweeted, "Attending the 17th Nagar Kirtan organized on Aug 31 by Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha in Montreal, to celebrate the 421st Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji, Acting HC Chinmoy Naik highlighted its teachings of community unity and harmony and of practicing humility, compassion & seva in our daily lives." https://x.com/HCI_Ottawa/status/1962670848420282736 This comes as on August 14, local media reports from Canada had emerged where a video purportedly showed an Indian couple facing racial harassment. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly briefing, "On Canada, again, as far as the safety and security of our nationals are concerned, we take them very seriously. Our mission, as well as our consulates, are in close touch with the community members. Whenever an issue arises that needs to be flagged for security purposes, we address it. We take it to the local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action." According to the official website of Peterborough Police, an arrest has been made in connection with the incident. As per the police, an investigation into the incident, which occurred on July 29, 2025, was initiated on August 8. The investigation included viewing videos, some of which were circulating on social media, which included hate-based language. "As a result of the investigation and following consultation with the Crown Attorney's office, an 18-year-old male from the City of Kawartha Lakes has been charged with Utter threats - Cause Death or Bodily Harm. The accused has been released on an undertaking and will appear in court on September 16, 2025. While there is no specific charge for hate crime in Canada that applies to this incident, there is a hate crime element to this case, and that will be addressed as the case moves through the court process", the statement said. (ANI) Waiel Awwad, West Asia Strategist and Journalist said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was a major diplomatic win for India, as the countries adopted a strong stance against terrorism. Awwad, in a conversation with ANI, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi put his foot down on India's concern on terrorism, and this was a successful diplomatic mission. "This is absolutely a successful diplomatic mission by the Indian Prime Minister and I said it from day one that this outcome will be in India's favor and that is what I've been saying that India's concern of the cross-border terrorism and India being a victim of terrorism have been addressed and the Prime Minister put his foot on the ground and convinced the Chinese who was hosting this summit of the organization and also convinced many of the world leaders on a bilateral meeting that this is very important that the rest of the world should at least condole Indian sentiments and the victim this terrorist attack and I think that was the message very clear," he said. "I'm sure there will be lots to see in the coming days because remember, SCO is a security apparatus and unless and until all these countries collectively fight terrorism, everybody will be a victim of terrorism," he added. At the SCO Summit, the member states in the joint declaration adopted a strong stance against terrorism in their statement. The member states strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which killed 26 people. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice. The member states, while reaffirming their commitment to the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, stress the inadmissibility of attempts to use terrorist, separatist and extremist groups for mercenary purposes. They recognise the leading role of sovereign states and their competent authorities in countering terrorist and extremist threats. (ANI) Waiel Awwad, West Asia Strategist and Journalist, said that the US saw the outcome of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit as against its hegemony, and the US recognised its importance. Awwad, while talking to ANI, said that US President Donald Trump, therefore, sought his convenience and imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India. "So therefore, the United States, under tremendous pressure of President Trump, he might have come up with this statement only just to say that because of the development and because the outcome of this summit is against and many seeing it as against the hegemony of the United States," he said. Awwad said that the tariffs were an excuse even when India was on the negotiating table with the US. "So to blame India for the tariff is not an excuse, especially at the time when India was negotiating with the United States, they were a commercial delegation between India and the United States and they were discussing the matter of solving the bilateral issues and the tariffs and the balance of trade. But he found it much better for him that he can go in his own style of imposing 25% on India and increasing another 25% on India because he felt that this is the only way of bringing India down," he said. He further said that the leaders of the troika- India, China and Russia are determined to play a huge role in the new world order. "Well, there's no doubt about it that the United States recognized the importance of this historic meeting that took place in Tianjin and the meeting of the trade leaders, the Troika- India, China, and Russia, and that also give a clear indication that these leaders are very determined to play a major part in the new world order," he said. Awwad said that India stood its ground and even Trump is under pressure from his domestic side. "And I think India stood its ground and there's not much you can compromise on this. This is just an eye wash what he's been saying because India wanted to solve the problem, wanted to sort out ambically than want to lose United States. But here you go, a president carrying out with his own foreign policy, he has been criticized inside. And I think there are lots of domestic pressure against him and nobody will take his word," he said. Awwad said that Indian diplomats are skilled to negotiate with the US. "Look, there is always maneuver in diplomacy. In relation between nations, can always maneuver diplomatically and you can reach to a solution, to an amicable solution. And I think Indian diplomats are skilled to do this with the Americans," he said. He further said that both these countries are under tremendous pressure to reach an agreement. "I'm sure there will be some sort of an agreement with the United States not to lose face with India because India is a democratic country and the prime minister under tremendous pressure internally to deliver to his own public. So to give the United States the leverage and entering into India security, food security, and that's very difficult for India to digest. So therefore, there has to be some kind of compromise, and I'm sure India will be able to achieve with the United States," he said. Awwad also said that the SCO Summit is important, which can emerge as a brand new banking system of the world, as the member countries will now not rely on the IMF anymore. "Having said that, I would say also the outcome of the summit is very, very important. I think what worries the world is the talk of a new bank and the new banking system which is a developing bank that will also add muscles to the member countries which will also not only rely anymore in the IMF and the World Bank for loan which is usually attached to so much of conditions," he said. Awwad added that the SCO counties can support infrastructure development in each others' countries without causing social unrest. "Here there are countries who are willing to support development and infrastructure in a very peaceful manner without creating a social unrest in any of these countries. I think what we have seen now it's a preliminary agreement and it's a very ambitious statement. Let's see how much will be implemented. What will be the follow-up? All that will be, we will come to know in the coming days and months," he said. The SCO Summit took place on August 31-September 1. Describing the visit as "productive" in a post on X, PM Modi said he emphasised India's position on key global issues during his engagements. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1962422286235132319 On the SCO summit, PM Modi wrote on X, "Concluding a productive visit to China, where I attended the SCO Summit and interacted with various world leaders. Also emphasised India's stand on key global issues. Thankful to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and people for the successful organisation of this Summit." (ANI) New cases of enforced disappearances have emerged from Balochistan, as families across Karachi, Quetta, and Islamabad continue to protest, demanding the safe return of their loved ones, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, two men from different districts of Balochistan vanished on the night of August 31 after being taken into custody. Shah Nawaz, son of Hathim Baloch and a resident of Tobo Kaad Jhao in Awaran, was allegedly detained near Hub Chowki while returning from a hospital visit. On the same night, another man, Inayat Baloch, a labourer from Dandar Madag Kalat in Kech district, was reportedly taken from his home in the Bhawani area of Hub and has since gone missing. In a separate development, family members confirmed that Advocate Hakeem Baloch, who had been missing since July 23 from Quetta, has been released. His disappearance had previously raised alarm among lawyers' associations, civil society groups, and human rights defenders, according to The Balochistan Post. Meanwhile, protests over disappearances gained momentum in Karachi and Islamabad. In Karachi's Maripur area, families of the disappeared staged a sit-in on Tikri Village Road, blocking traffic to press their demands. Protesters highlighted several cases, including 25-year-old student Zahid Ali, who was taken on July 17, brothers Sheraz and Silan, reportedly detained in May, Sarfaraz Baloch, who vanished from Burhani Hospital in February, and Abdul Rehman, missing since June. Families insisted that if charges exist, detainees should be presented in court rather than kept in undisclosed facilities. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have both expressed support for the ongoing demonstrations. In Islamabad, BYC members and relatives of missing persons have maintained a protest camp despite heavy rainfall. BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch alleged that protesters are not allowed to pitch tents, install shelters, or freely interact with journalists, yet remain determined to continue their movement. At a solidarity camp in Quetta, the daughter of missing man Jahanzaib Mohammad Hassani told reporters that those who speak out against enforced disappearances face intimidation, harassment, and even arrest. Pakistani authorities, however, have not issued any public response to these latest allegations, as cited by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) Discussions around implementing a four-day workweek have resurfaced in Lithuania, with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene expressing strong support for the idea as a necessary and inevitable shift in the future of work. Azernews reports, the Prime Minister emphasized that modern workplaces are increasingly equipped with technologies that support remote work and flexible work-life balance. She argued that a shorter workweek could lead to higher productivity, a claim also reported by Latvian news outlet lsm.lv. At Gijos, an energy company in Lithuania, 80% of employees already work four days a week instead of the traditional five. The model has been in place for several years. A company representative noted that reducing the number of workdays has increased efficiency while giving employees more free time for family, hobbies, and education. However, not all employees can benefit from this model. About 20% of the companys staff are required to maintain uninterrupted water supply services for clients and therefore must adhere to a standard workweek. The Lithuanian Business Confederation has expressed skepticism. Its president, Andrius Romanovskis, referred to the concept as political futurism. Other business leaders echoed concerns, stating that while the idea may be appealing, many companies are not yet prepared for such a shift. They argue that transitioning to a four-day workweek would require significant investment and structural changes. The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Deepak Mittal as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates. The IFS officer from the 1998 batch has previously served as India's Ambassador to Qatar. He played a key role in establishing the first formal diplomatic contact between India and the Taliban after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Deepak Mittal met Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, then head of the Taliban's Political Office in Doha, in 2021. Deepak Mittal will replace Sunjay Sudhir, who has been serving as India's Ambassador to the UAE since 2021. India diplomatic relations with UAE were established in 1972. Over the years, they have grown significantly and gained new momentum after PM Modi's visit in 2015, the first by an Indian PM in over three decades. PM Modi visited UAE in 2015, which marked the beginning of a new Comprehensive and Strategic partnership between the two countries. This was followed by five other visits of PM in the last 8 years, most recently in Nov-Dec 2023 to attend COP28-World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, according to MEA. From the UAE, there have been multiple visits by the President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ). In 2016 and 2017, he visited as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. In Sep 2023, he visited India as the President of the UAE to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. In Nov 2023, President MBZ participated in the 2nd Virtual Global South Summit. In Jan 2024, he visited Gujarat to attend the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as the Chief Guest. To complement these high level visits, there have been regular ministerial visits form India to the UAE, including the visit of EAM Dr S Jaishankar to UAE and other Ministers. Likewise, there have been multiple visits from the UAE to India including the visit of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. The strong people-to-people ties are underpinned by the large Indian diaspora in the Emirates - estimated at 4.3 million - with a significant majority residing in Dubai. The UAE hosts India's largest overseas community, whose contributions are deeply respected and continue to strengthen the enduring bond between the two nations. (ANI) Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday urged against blaming 'divine will' for flood-related destruction, saying the real cause was unchecked construction on riverbeds and natural waterways, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said rains were a "blessing from God," but their benefits turn into devastation when housing societies, commercial structures and even hotels were built along rivers and storm drains, as per The Express Tribune. Asif further pointed out that Pakistan cannot afford to wait decades for mega-dams, which take 10 to 15 years to complete. Instead, he urged the construction of small dams at the village level under a comprehensive national strategy. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Punjab remains in the grip of a worsening flood crisis, as the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers surge to "exceptionally high" levels, threatening vast swathes of land, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of more torrential rain, which could lead to urban flooding across Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat, Dawn reported. The water level in the Pakistan Punjab's rivers is expected to rise further after the High Commission of India informed Pakistan of incoming floodwater from the Harike and Ferozepur headworks, according to the Pakistan Commission for Indus Water, as per Dawn. "Harike and Ferozpur along the Sutlej in India are at high flood level as of 8am on Sept 1, which will affect the water levels in the respective downstream districts," says an advisory released by the PDMA. As of 1am on Tuesday, the Chenab at Trimmu recorded a massive and steady outflow of 532,498 cusecs, classified as a "very high" flood. A dangerous surge is moving towards Head Trimmu, and water levels are expected to swell to nearly 700,000 cusecs, as per Dawn. At the same time, the Ravi River is also at a "very high" flood level at Balloki Headworks with 144,675 cusecs, while Sidhnai Headworks is also in a similar state, recording 105,604 cusecs and rising, Dawn reported. (ANI) An outrageous protest by the students of the University of Kashmir (PoJK) has erupted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), as students from PoJK began a hunger strike camp outside the Muzaffarabad Central Press Club, demanding the immediate release of their students arrested in Rawalakot. The protesters accused the authorities of targeting students with "baseless and fabricated" charges. They highlighted that among those arrested were minors as young as 13 and 14 years old, while some students living outside the Rawalakot region, even in Islamabad, had been named in FIRs. "Their education is being wasted because of false accusations," one of the protest leaders stated. The students condemned the violent crackdown on those who had already been observing a hunger strike in Rawalakot for more than 50 hours. According to the protesters, instead of addressing the grievances, the administration resorted to baton charges, leaving several students injured before detaining them. "They were peacefully demanding their rights, but were mercilessly beaten and thrown onto the streets," alleged another student activist. The protest leaders warned that if the detained students are not released, they are prepared to launch a student-led movement across Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir. They drew parallels to the student uprising in Bangladesh earlier this year, which played a decisive role in ending Sheikh Hasina Wajid's long rule. "History shows that student movements have the power to change regimes. We will not allow these injustices to continue," one of the protesters stated. Solidarity protests are spreading beyond Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot to districts such as Zafarabad, Kotli, Bagh, and Pallandri. Multiple student organisations, including MSF, PSF, MSFN, and SLS, have joined the protest in support of the detained youth. The protesters also invoked Article 257 of Pakistan's constitution, arguing that since PoJK is recognised as a disputed territory, Pakistan's domestic laws should not apply. They warned the authorities against underestimating their movement, saying, "If raising the slogan of Kashmir is a crime, then we are all guilty." The hunger strike camp in Muzaffarabad will continue until authorities announce the release of the detained students, as stated by the protest leaders. (ANI) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged not to "yield to external pressure" over Katchatheevu Island, promising to safeguard the country's territory, Srilanka Mirror reported. President Dissanayake's remarks come as he made an unannounced visit to the Island, which India ceded to Sri Lanka in the 1970s. As reported by the Sri Lanka Mirror, Dissanayake noted that although previous governments acted with the expectation of war, the present government is working to ensure that no form of war will ever recur in the country and to build peace and harmony within the nation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Modi to take all necessary steps to retrieve Katchatheevu and protect the interests of Indian fishermen. The State Assembly has also passed a resolution for the retrieval. In July, Tamil Nadu CM said, "Our government is taking all necessary steps towards retrieval of Katchatheevu. Whenever I meet the Prime Minister, I reiterate the need to retrieve Katchatheevu to bring about a permanent solution to the fishermen's issue. We have, in fact, passed a resolution in the assembly for the same. We are constantly urging the union government to ensure the release of our fishermen who are suffering in Sri Lankan prisons along with their boats," Stalin said. He further lambasted the Union government, which, according to him, is politicising the Katchatheevu matter. "The Union BJP Govt, which doesn't bother about Tamil Nadu and our fishermen, is only politicising the Katchatheevu matter. Treaties with foreign countries usually fall under the ambit of the Union government. What has the BJP government at the centre done in the last 10 years to retrieve Katchatheevu? Have they at least stopped the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities? No," the Tamil Nadu CM stated. In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her counterpart, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, signed the Agreement between India and Sri Lanka on the Boundary in Historic Waters between the two Countries and Related Matters of 1974, marking the official demarcation of the maritime boundary from the Palk Strait to Adam's Bridge. The maritime boundary agreement between the two countries extends from the Palk Strait to the Adam's Bridge. It also paved the way for the 1976 pact, which gave away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. (ANI) Launched in 2024, the policy aims to build smart industrial corridors and modern estates to connect markets, ease logistics, and support efficient, tech-enabled businesses. https://x.com/IndiainROK/status/1961959558638928182 "Chhattisgarh beckons global investors seeking a stable, welcoming and future-forward business environment," said Ramesh Iyer, chair of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, at the event co-hosted by the Indian Embassy in Seoul and the chamber. Chhattisgarh is positioning itself as an investment hub with a focus on IT, semiconductors, health care, clean energy and food processing, highlighted by projects like a 200-acre vehicle city and a semiconductor hub in Raipur, Iyer said. "Korean brands today are part of every Indian household -- LG, Samsung, Hyundai," said the state's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was leading the first-ever business delegation of the Central Indian state to Korea, as per Korean Herald. "Our state is also a major steel producer. With abundant mineral reserves vital for the automobile and electronics industries. Chhattisgarh can be an excellent destination for Korean companies," Sai told the investors. In his remarks, Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar highlighted strengthening India-Korea ties under the President Lee Jae Myung administration and encouraged more companies to invest in India. The ambassador reiterated that while the central government sets industrial policy, states play a key role in implementation, as per Korean Herald. He noted that industry makes up 48 percent of Chhattisgarh's gross domestic product, with metals driving 60 percent of steel production, highlighting the state's potential for a more diversified industrial base. According to Rajat Kumar, Secretary of the Chhattisgarh government, Chhattisgarh is mineral-rich and power-surplus, with 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises, 60 industrial parks, and advanced clusters in AI, semiconductors and green energy. "Nava Raipur is a smart city hub with top connectivity," he said. "Nava" is of Sanskrit origin and means "new" in Hindi. "Land is allotted within 45 days, projects commence in 95 days, and we provide sector-specific incentives -- up to 187 percent reimbursement in pharma, 76 percent in electronics, and 62 percent in steel downstream," said the secretary. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary of the state Amitabh Jain cited Korea as a model for India's vision of a developed country by 2047, as per Korean Herald. "We look to countries like South Korea, which has achieved substantial development post-World War II," Jain added. (ANI) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un packed his delegation in his armoured green train as China rolled out its carpets for him, CNN reported. The old-fashioned green train has become a symbol of Kim's dynasty and his nation. It has also long been the subject of intrigue, carrying generations of the Kim family across the country and on rare international trips, as per CNN. North Korean state media Rodong Sinmun confirmed early on Tuesday that Kim's train had crossed the border into China, with photos of the leader smiling on board the train, sitting at a wooden table with a North Korean flag behind him. He's accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, according to the country's foreign ministry. In one instance in 2002, Russian state media showed images of the train - green with yellow striping - when Kim Jong Il visited Russia during a brief period of relaxed sanctions that allowed greater engagement with the outside world, as per CNN. Both Kim's father and grandfather reportedly hosted lavish dinners abroad. One account published in 2002 by Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky claimed that the train carried cases of Bordeaux and Beaujolais wine from Paris, and that passengers feasted on live lobster and pork barbecue. The train is also famously slow-moving and tight on security. Due to being heavily armored, it travels at an average speed of 60 kilometers an hour, according to a 2009 report in South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. Kim has used this train on several trips abroad, though he has also previously traveled by plane and private jet. Kim rode the train during his last international visit - a 2023 trip to Russia's far east to meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Photos released by state media at the time offered a glimpse into the locomotive, showing polished wooden floors and an ornately decorated white doorway. The world knows less about North Korea, but as per the CNN report, reports indicate severe impoverishment and malnourishment throughout much of the country. (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the SCO Plus Meeting in Tianjin on September 1, where he underlined the importance of United Nations reform, stressed the need to keep counter-terrorism a priority, and reiterated India's commitment to sustainable development. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the Foreign Secretary's participation. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1962811099956552139 "Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri attended and delivered his remarks at the SCO Plus Meeting in Tianjin on 1 Sept 2025. He stressed on the need for UN reform, reaffirmed that fight against terrorism should remain an important priority of the SCO and highlighted 's readiness to share its expertise & initiatives for sustainable development with the SCO partners," Jaiswal said in the post. Misri's remarks at the SCO Plus Meeting came a day after he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin on August 31. At a special Ministry of External Affairs briefing, Misri told reporters, "The issue of cross-border terrorism was raised by the Prime Minister...he asked for China's support on this particular issue. As I said, the Chinese have extended their support in various ways in addressing this issue." He further elaborated, "The issue of cross-border terrorism was raised by the Prime Minister, and he outlined his understanding very crisply and very specifically. He outlined the fact that this is a scourge that both China and India have been victims of, and India is still combating this menace, and he asked for China's support on this particular issue. As I said, the Chinese have extended their support in various ways on addressing this issue." Further, Misri also noted that, "Among other issues, the two leaders also exchanged views on ways to increase and balance bilateral trade, strengthen people-to-people ties, cooperate on trans-border rivers, and jointly combat terrorism." (ANI) The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night has risen to 1,411, officials said, according to Al Jazeera. Rescue efforts are ongoing as teams search for survivors following the magnitude 6.0 quake, which has left over 3,000 people injured, with the majority of casualties reported in Kunar province. Aid workers are facing major challenges in reaching remote, mountainous areas that have been cut off from roads and mobile networks. In response to the disaster, India has extended urgent humanitarian assistance to support relief operations in the affected region. In a post on X on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that, "India extends humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in the wake of the earthquake." The post featured images of trucks loaded with sacks of rice and other food supplies, symbolising India's commitment to stand by Afghanistan during this critical time. The earthquake struck early Monday morning with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, and tremors were felt across the region, including parts of Pakistan, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). A series of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4 to 5, followed the initial quake. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the earthquake's epicentre was in the Kama district of Nangarhar Province, near the Pakistan border. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 800 people have been killed across four provinces, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, and Nuristan--while around 12,000 people have been directly affected. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to convey India's condolences over the tragic loss of lives. He also confirmed that India has already dispatched relief materials, including 1,000 family tents to Kabul and 15 tonnes of food supplies being moved from Kabul to Kunar by the Indian mission. "Spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi today. Expressed our condolences at the loss of lives in the earthquake. Conveyed that India has delivered 1,000 family tents today in Kabul. 15 tonnes of food material is also being immediately moved by Indian Mission from Kabul to Kunar. Further relief material will be sent from India starting tomorrow. Wish early recovery of those injured. India stands by Afghanistan at this difficult time," Jaishankar stated in a post on X. (ANI) The Canadian Baloch Congress (CBC) hosted a human rights conference in Toronto in recognition of the UN-designated International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, focusing on the struggles of countless missing individuals in Pakistan. This gathering honoured not just those who have been forcibly taken, but also their families, enduring ongoing silence and pain. The conference highlighted the growing trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where individuals, including political activists, human rights advocates, and students, have been abducted or detained without accountability. Among those affected are Baloch rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch and members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), whose capture has sparked significant condemnation. Bushra Khan, General Secretary of the Pashtun Council in Canada, called for the immediate release of all individuals wrongfully imprisoned. She pointed out that international organisations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Human Rights Commission have deemed enforced disappearances illegal, yet Pakistan continues these actions without consequence. Dr. Zaffar Baloch, President of the Baloch Human Rights Council of Canada, cautioned that Islamabad's new anti-terror legislation is being exploited to silence dissenters. "Individuals who oppose enforced disappearances or speak out against human rights abuses risk being labelled terrorists," he remarked, noting that political activists are being taken without fair trials under pretexts of anti-state accusations. Siraj Khan, a founding member of the Pashtun Council Canada, highlighted that Pashtuns, Baloch, Sindhis, and other marginalized communities have long been exploited for their resources. He advocated for a united front for all oppressed nations to collectively challenge Pakistan's authoritarian government. Sami Jan Mengal, an activist with the Baloch Human Rights Council, portrayed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Balochistan. He claimed that the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies are seizing civilians daily, rendering no one secure. "Baloch students are taken from their classrooms, fathers are snatched from their homes, and daughters are abducted from the streets. We are here to amplify our voices, hoping that one day global powers and democracies will acknowledge the situation unfolding in Balochistan," he expressed. The conference concluded with a unified appeal for worldwide awareness and support to put an end to enforced disappearances in Pakistan, demanding accountability from the state for what speakers denounced as "crimes against humanity." (ANI) The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has condemned Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent trip to Lhasa, describing it as a "stage-managed spectacle of unity" that eluded promises of autonomy. According to Phayul, the rights group argued that Beijing used the 60th anniversary of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to tighten its grip rather than recognise Tibetan self-rule. Xi, accompanied by senior Communist Party leaders including Wang Huning, visited the Tibetan capital on August 20. State media projected the visit as an expression of "care and affection" for the Tibetan people, highlighting Xi's emphasis on "political stability," "ethnic unity," and "religious harmony." According to Phayul, TCHRD dismissed the messaging, pointing out that unlike in previous commemorative speeches, neither Xi nor Wang mentioned strengthening regional autonomy. Instead, they reinforced the idea of assimilating Tibetans into the broader Chinese nation, undermining rights guaranteed under the 1984 Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law. The Dharamshala-based group also drew attention to the imbalance of power within Tibetan governance structures. Han Chinese officials dominate most of the TAR's leadership posts, leaving Tibetans with symbolic roles, TCHRD asserted. Phayul noted that the report highlighted sweeping Sinicisation campaigns: Tibetan-medium schools are being dismantled, Mandarin is imposed as the primary language even in monasteries, and images of the Dalai Lama remain banned. Parents have expressed concern that Tibetan children are now unable to converse with their elders, as the use of their native language is discouraged in classrooms. According to Phayul, the report further accused Chinese authorities of reshaping Tibetan society through intermarriage programs, forced labour transfers, and resource extraction projects that displace local communities without fair compensation. TCHRD also cited internal documents suggesting that officials are preparing to suppress dissent around sensitive anniversaries, including the Dalai Lama's upcoming 90th birthday. The group concluded, as stated by Phayul, that the commemorations were less about honouring Tibetan rights and more about showcasing Beijing's dominance under the rhetoric of "ethnic unity" and "national progress." (ANI) Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay along with his spouse Aum Tashi Doma will be on an official visit to India from September 3 to 6, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday. According to the MEA, the visit will include programmes in Gaya and Ayodhya before their arrival in Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs added that during the stay in the national capital, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will call on the visiting dignitary. The visit will conclude on September 6. This follows Tobgay's earlier official trip to India from February 20-21, when he participated in the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The MEA said the back-to-back visits underscore the continuing close cooperation and strengthened ties between India and Bhutan. As per the statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, during the earlier visit PM Tobgay had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi. In addition, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and other senior officials of the Government of India had also called on the Bhutanese leader. While delivering his remarks at the SOUL Conclave in Delhi, Tobgay had referred to PM Modi as his "mentor and elder brother" and said that he was inspired to work even harder as a public servant when he met him. Tshering Tobgay had said, "Prime Minister, my elder brother, every time I have the opportunity of meeting you, I am overcome with joy. Your Excellency, Prime Minister, my mentor, every time I meet you, I am inspired to work even harder as a public servant. Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, friends, I bring to you warm greetings of His Majesty the King of Bhutan." "Today is an important day in Bhutan as it is the birth anniversary of His Majesty the King. I am delighted that I am celebrating this auspicious occasion in India among friends led by the Honourable Prime Minister and including all the distinguished guests here," he had added. India and Bhutan had enjoyed exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels, the MEA stated. "The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan was in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, a hallmark of the special partnership," it had added. (ANI) Tokyo Electron Limited has expressed confidence in India's semiconductor sector, with plans to expand its presence in the country. Speaking to ANI at Semicon India 2025, Fumihiko "Ray" Kaminaga, Senior Vice President and General Manager, said, "It's a great opportunity. We see a big potential...There is also strong support from PM Modi and the Government. So, I am confident that India will be one of the powerful semiconductor hubs on the earth..." Highlighting the company's future plans in India, Kaminaga added, "We will open an office here in Bengaluru. We also provide stations in Ahmedabad and Dholera in Gujarat. We also work with local suppliers like HCL, Tata Consultations. So, in the future, we can provide more resources to local people to provide hardware and software solutions for us." The remarks came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba visited the Tokyo Electron factory on August 30, where they interacted with top company officials, underscoring the strong bilateral support for India's semiconductor ambitions. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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." Prime Minister Modi had arrived in Sendai on Saturday morning to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Ishiba. He was greeted with great fervour by the locals and Indian community members. The semiconductor facility, located near Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, was 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 represented one of Japan's largest efforts to revive its domestic chip-making industry. Economic security was a key pillar of India-Japan cooperation, covering semiconductors, AI, critical minerals, and clean energy. For India, deeper collaboration in these sectors provided access to advanced technology, enhanced supply-chain resilience, and opened up investment opportunities, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. (ANI) Indonesian police fired tear gas at crowds of protesters near two universities in Bandung on Tuesday, amid continuing nationwide demonstrations over government spending and the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle, Al Jazeera reported. According to Al Jazeera, security forces deployed tear gas outside the Islamic University of Bandung (UNISBA) and nearby Pasundan University, about 140 km west of Jakarta. Pasundan student Muhammad Ilham said, "There was a student who got hit by the rubber bullet, two shots," adding that tear gas canisters were also fired from outside the campus gates. At least eight people have died since the protests erupted last week, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said. Police official Hendra Rochmawan stated that authorities had not entered the campuses but sought to disperse non-student protesters taking shelter there. UNISBA rector Harits Nu'man confirmed that the campus was being used as a medical hub for the injured. However, the UNISBA student body accused security forces of seeking to suppress dissent, saying they "brutally attacked" the campus as tear gas caused breathing problems for students, Al Jazeera reported. In central Jakarta, Al Jazeera's Jessica Washington reported that thousands of motorbike taxi drivers gathered to honour the 21-year-old driver killed by an armoured police vehicle. "They say to demonstrate the power of peaceful assembly so they can honour their colleague, that they can call for their various demands, including economic inequality and do it peacefully," she said. Al Jazeera further reported that civil society groups raised alarm over the arrest of a civil society leader in Jakarta late Monday. A coalition of women's groups also planned to stage demonstrations outside parliament on Tuesday. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) said at least 20 protesters had gone missing in Bandung, Depok, and several districts of Jakarta since the unrest began. University students, historically seen as drivers of Indonesia's democracy, have played a central role in the protests, reminiscent of the 1998 movement that toppled President Soeharto. Current President Prabowo Subianto, a former military leader under Soeharto, faces his first major test as he engages with labour unions pushing for higher wages, Al Jazeera reported. On social media, Indonesians have turned their profile pictures pink and green under the hashtag #ResetIndonesia to amplify demands for reform. (ANI) He was received at the Delhi airport by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. "A warm welcome to PM @LawrenceWongST of Singapore as he arrives in New Delhi on his first Official Visit to India. Received by MoS for Finance @mppchaudhary at the airport," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in post on X. "As India and Singapore celebrate 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the visit will further strengthen India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he added. This is PM Lawrence Wong's first visit to India in his capacity as Singapore's Prime Minister. He will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and senior officials. PM Modi and his Singapore counterpart are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions on September 4. Prime Minister Wong will also call on President Droupadi Murmu. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other dignitaries are also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Wong during the course of the visit. Singapore is an important partner for India, including in India's 'Act East' Policy. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit of Prime Minister Wong, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen this partnership, Ministry of External Affairs said in a release earlier. The visit will provide an opportunity for both Prime Ministers to review "robust and multifaceted cooperation and to set the path for future collaboration". The two Prime Ministers will also engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest. (ANI) Ukraine's bid to join the European Union remains paralysed by Hungary's veto, a situation that has also prevented Moldova from advancing in its application, Euro News reported. The EU continues to resist decoupling the membership applications of Ukraine and Moldova, fearing such a move would deal a heavy blow to Kyiv at a time when accession is seen as part of broader security guarantees, Euro News reported. The idea of splitting the two bids, filed almost simultaneously in the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion, has gained traction recently due to Hungary's unassailable veto on Ukraine's ambitions. "The reason why we have a new momentum on enlargement is due to Ukraine," Marie Bjerre, Denmark's minister for European affairs, said on Tuesday as she hosted her counterparts in Copenhagen for an informal discussion on the matter. "It would not be fair to leave Ukraine alone. We need to move forward also with Ukraine." Both Kyiv and Chisinau have fulfilled the technical criteria to open the first cluster of accession negotiations, known as Fundamentals, covering key areas such as democracy, human rights, security, the judicial system and public procurement. However, opening a new cluster requires unanimity. Denmark, which currently holds the EU Council's rotating presidency, has vowed to apply "maximum pressure" on Hungary to break the deadlock, which began more than a year ago. Budapest has invoked various reasons, including the war, energy security, and agriculture, and launched a national consultation to justify its veto. "Hungary does not make any connection between any candidate country," said Janos Boka, the country's representative, upon arriving at the meeting. "We are supporting Moldova's progress, and we are against any linkage between countries because we believe it's a merit-based process," Euro News reported. The stalemate has frustrated other EU member states. Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden's minister for European affairs, called the veto "totally unacceptable," while her French counterpart, Benjamin Haddad, accused Budapest of holding up the accession process for "domestic reasons." "What Hungary is doing on Ukraine is having an impact on other countries that are actually making good progress in reforming, like Moldova," Haddad said. "Moldova belongs in the European Union, its European path is irreversible, especially in the context where we can see the pressure and the interference coming from Russia." Despite mounting political pressure from across the bloc, Hungary has not signalled any intention to lift its veto. Moldova, caught in the political crossfire, remains keen to advance its EU membership path while ensuring Ukraine is not left behind amid its ongoing war. "We are very much looking forward to a solution both for Moldova and Ukraine," said Cristina Gherasimov, Moldova's deputy prime minister for European integration. "It's important for us, for our security, for our own accession path, that as a region, we're stable, we're secure, and for that, we need a stable and secure Ukraine," Euro News reported. Member states argue that decoupling Moldova from Ukraine would legitimise Hungary's veto and weaken the EU's message of unity and support during peace negotiations, which have sometimes seen US President Donald Trump echo Russian talking points. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned against such a move in early August. "There can be no division between Ukraine and Moldova," he said. "If such a division takes place, that will automatically mean that Europe is divided on Ukraine, that Europe does not have a common position on (security) guarantees." "A united Europe is a clear answer towards Russia, China and also the United States," said Germany's Gunther Krichbaum, supporting the coupling of the bids. Poland's Ignacy Niemczycki added, "We really feel that we want to send positive signals to the Ukrainian people, not negative, so it's obviously a difficult situation." At the conclusion of the ministerial meeting, Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, praised Ukraine and Moldova for doing "their homework" and highlighted the urgency of unblocking the process. "EU enlargement has become somehow entangled in this geopolitical contest between free, democratic societies on one side and authoritarian regimes on the other side. And we see this, of course, most brutally in Ukraine," Kos said. "But we see it also in a more subtle, hybrid way in other candidate countries, such as the Republic of Moldova," she added. Kos cited a new Eurobarometer showing that 56% of EU citizens support enlargement, 26% are not very much in favour, and 12% are not in favour at all. Specifically, 52% support Ukraine's accession versus 41% who oppose, Euro News reported. (ANI) Indian refiners are indicating plans to reduce their imports of Russian oil due to "sustained US pressure", claims US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, following a high-level intelligence visit to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. In a release issued on Tuesday (local time), following the conclusion of his two-week mission to South Asia, Fitzpatrick claims that while in India, his delegation engaged in strategic discussions with senior officials, including the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisors. He stated that these dialogues, alongside sustained diplomatic engagement, have led to "early signals" from Indian refiners indicating a potential reduction in Russian oil imports amid heightened economic tensions between the two nations following Washington's imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which included an additional 25 per cent due to New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude oil. "Following these engagements and sustained US pressure, Indian refiners are signalling plans to reduce imports of Russian oil--a consequential shift that directly undermines Moscow's ability to finance its war in Ukraine," the release read. "In India, our direct engagement helped catalyse early signals that the government will reduce its imports of Russian oil--a meaningful step toward weakening Moscow's capacity for aggression and aligning our partners with the cause of freedom," the US Congressman said in a statement issued in the release. Brian Fitzpatrick, who serves as Chairman of the CIA Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, was joined on the mission by Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, also a member of the House Intelligence Committee. The Congressman also conducted oversight visits to the US Embassy in New Delhi, met with diplomatic and security personnel, and visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Beyond India, the congressional delegation travelled to Pakistan, where they engaged in high-level meetings with discussions focused on counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and long-term regional security cooperation. "In Islamabad, Fitzpatrick held high-level meetings with U.S. Embassy officials and senior U.S. Government personnel, focusing on advancing core U.S. intelligence priorities. He also held strategic meetings with partner nation representatives, including officials from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ukraine. These engagements drove progress on counterterrorism coordination, initiated new channels for intelligence transparency, and reinforced long-term security cooperation--strengthening a critical pillar of America's broader national security architecture," the release read. Meanwhile, in Nepal, his delegation held meetings with officials at the US Embassy in Kathmandu and strengthened intelligence coordination and deepened bilateral ties. Fitzpatrick emphasised that these engagements supported efforts to counter malign foreign influence and reinforced democratic governance in the region. "In Kathmandu, Fitzpatrick met with U.S. Embassy leadership to strengthen operational oversight and deepen bilateral cooperation. These meetings advanced intelligence coordination, built mutual trust, and reaffirmed America's role as a stabilising force in South Asia--supporting efforts to counter malign influence, defend democratic governance, and uphold a rules-based regional order," the release further read. (ANI) Hong Kong, WIPO sign MOU on WIPO Lex-Judgments database Xinhua) 09:20, September 02, 2025 HONG KONG, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on cooperation with regard to the WIPO Lex-Judgments database. The move aimed to strengthen information sharing, with a view to jointly building a more connected and informative global intellectual property (IP) community. The WIPO Lex-Judgments database provides free, open access to leading judicial decisions relating to IP from around the world. Under the MOU, Hong Kong will contribute leading IP judgments from the Judiciary to the database, facilitating the international IP community's access to such judgments, while at the same time showcasing the quality of Hong Kong's IP-related judicial judgments. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, said that Hong Kong's strengthened collaboration with WIPO would not only enhance its role in the international exchange of jurisprudence, but also strengthen Hong Kong's standing as a leading regional hub for IP trading and legal services. "By enhancing the global transparency of our IP legal regime, we provide greater confidence to international businesses and rights holders to invest and pursue innovation activities here," Chan added. Also addressing the signing ceremony, Jeremy Poon, chief judge of the High Court of the HKSAR, said that under the MOU, representative IP judgments of Hong Kong courts will be made available on the WIPO Lex-Judgments database. Hong Kong will continue to play an important role in providing better access of IP judgments, enhancing global understanding of judicial approaches to the latest common legal issues, and contributing to international cooperation for promoting IP, Poon said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a renewed threat of conflict as peace efforts between the government and the Congo River Alliance a coalition that includes the M23 rebels are faltering. The insurgent group has accused the Congolese government of systematically violating ceasefire agreements and undermining Qatari-led peace talks. Under a Doha-brokered framework signed on 19 July, both sides agreed to start formal negotiations by 8 August and reach a deal by 18 August. However, neither delegation showed up in Qatar, and no agreement was reached. M23 leaders claimed they never received an official invitation, while the Congolese military accused rebels of renewed attacks in eastern provinces. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, said in a press briefing that successive violations of the ceasefire by government forces and allied militias in South Kivu have jeopardized the talks. He urged mediators from Qatar, the African Union, and the United Nations to hold Kinshasa accountable, warning of a possible appropriate response if provocations continue. Despite missed deadlines, Qatari officials insist both parties remain open to dialogue. Talks have resumed in Doha with support from the U.S. and Red Cross. Yet violence continues to flare in the mineral-rich east, raising fears that peace once again may remain elusive in one of Africas most volatile regions. Africa is emerging as a key manufacturing hub for Indian companies, as record-high U.S. tariffs now up to 50% threaten Indias export competitiveness, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and gems. The penalties, imposed largely in response to Indias continued oil trade with Russia, have forced Indian firms to pivot strategically toward Africa to maintain access to their largest market. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Morocco are now drawing Indian manufacturers with incentives including tax holidays, duty exemptions, and low labor costs. Apparel giants like Gokaldas Exports and Raymond Lifestyle have expanded operations in Ethiopia and Kenya, where U.S. tariffs are only 10%. We will continue to expand in Africa in case of 50% tariffs, said Gokalda Managing Director Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi. Indias $87 billion merchandise exports to the United States could shrink by over 40% this year, with more than two-thirds of goods affected. Jewelry exports alone, worth over $10 billion, are under severe pressure. To counter the fallout, New Delhi is accelerating trade diversification under BRICS and Free Trade Agreements with Gulf nations like Oman and Qatar. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called the tariffs unilateral and vowed not to bow down, launching an Export Promotion Mission to support industry resilience. Africas rise as a production base may signal a longer-term shift in global supply chains one that reshapes Indias trade future. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the latest front in the U.S.-China rivalry, as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to secure critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and clean energy. Backed by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, U.S. firm KoBold Metals recently secured seven lithium exploration permits, including access to the coveted Manono deposit. The U.S. push, amplified since Trumps return to office, aims to break Chinas grip on the DRCs cobalt and lithium markets. More than 75% of global cobalt came from the DRC in 2024. Washington has paired mineral access with promises of security aid in the conflict-ridden east, where M23 rebels supported by Rwanda control many mining zones. President Felix Tshisekedi has embraced the U.S. strategy, betting on joint ventures and infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor to lure Western capital. Critics, however, warn of green colonialism, where foreign powers exploit DRC resources under the guise of sustainability. Catholic leaders and civil society groups reject Trumps peace-for-minerals model, calling it transactional and exclusionary. Congolese and Rwandans, you are at war with each other over minerals, and I, the great Trump, will come and reconcile you, and you will give me the minerals, said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, by way of a caricature. Despite high-level deals, experts warn gains may not reach ordinary Congolese. Corruption remains rife and political interests are vast, said analyst Daniel van Dalen, meaning it will take a long time before any increased earnings translate into a tangible improvement in the everyday life of the average Congolese. As the global race for green minerals heats up, Congo remains rich in resources but haunted by exploitations long shadow. Kenya has become the latest African country that has hired lawyers or lobbying firms with ties to President Donald Trumps associates to advocate for their interests in Washington, D.C. Kenya has signed a $175,000-a-month lobbying contract with Continental Strategy LLC, a U.S. firm led by ex-Trump official Carlos Trujillo, aiming to boost its influence in Washington on trade, diplomacy, and security. The move comes amid U.S. scrutiny over Kenyas global alliances, including growing ties with China and Russia. While Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defends the deal as strategic, critics in Kenya question its cost and transparency during economic hardship. The agreement, filed under FARA, precedes President Rutos September visit to the United States an early test of whether the lobbying yields measurable diplomatic returns. Kenyas government thus follows in the footsteps of several other African nations that are also paying millions to Trump-linked lobbying firms to maintain influence in Washington amid sweeping U.S. foreign aid cuts under President Trumps America First agenda. A recent Global Witness investigation found 17 of the worlds Least Developed Countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, Somalia, and Zimbabwe, have signed lobbying contracts with U.S. companies worth over $21 million covering the period from the U.S. election in November 2024 and end-2025, despite facing humanitarian crisis. The DRC, hit hard by the aid freeze, signed multiple contracts including one with Ballard Partners, owned by a longtime Trump ally to secure military and economic support in exchange for access to its critical minerals. Angola renewed a $3.75 million annual deal with Squire Patton Boggs, emphasizing its rare earth reserves and strategic Lobito Corridor. Critics warn these transactional deals risk deepening inequality and enabling resource exploitation, as U.S. firms gain privileged access to vital minerals. Meanwhile, communities in conflict zones face growing instability and fewer basic services, raising concerns that Washingtons new diplomacy is prioritizing minerals over justice. German leisure airline Eurowings, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will expand its operations in Morocco with the launch of four new direct routes to Marrakech for the upcoming winter season. The new connections will link the Moroccan tourist hub, better known as the Red City, to Hanover, Salzburg, Stuttgart, and Prague, with flights commencing between late October and early November 2025. Each route will operate twice weekly, offering increased travel options for European tourists seeking winter sun and rich cultural experiences. In addition to the new destinations, Eurowings will boost its existing DusseldorfMarrakech service from two to three weekly flights. The airline will also maintain its routes to Fez from Cologne/Bonn and to Agadir from both Dusseldorf and Stuttgart, reinforcing its commitment to the Moroccan market. The expansion comes as Morocco continues to position itself as a year-round destination, capitalizing on its mild climate, rich cultural heritage, and varied landscapes. Eurowings growing presence in Morocco reflects a broader trend among European carriers to diversify their leisure offerings and tap into rising demand for travel to Morocco. The long-discussed undersea tunnel that would link Morocco and Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar has gained fresh momentum following the signing of new contracts aimed at reviving the ambitious infrastructure project. Spains Ministry of Transport has commissioned public company EniCo to conduct a comprehensive financial feasibility study, backed by 350,000 in funding from the European Unions Next Generation program. The study will evaluate passenger and freight traffic potential, identify optimal terminal locations- likely in Algeciras or Tarifa- and explore financing models inspired by the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France, Spanish media reported. In parallel, Vodafone UK has been contracted to provide telecommunications infrastructure for the expert teams overseeing the project. The proposed tunnel would span 38.5 kilometers, including 28 kilometers beneath the sea, reaching depths of up to 300 meters. It would connect southern Spain to Punta Malabata near Tangier. Originally conceived under a 1980 bilateral agreement between Morocco and Spain, the project led to the creation of two dedicated agencies: SECEGSA in Spain and SNED in Morocco. Despite decades of studies and political interest, construction has yet to begin, and officials caution that work is unlikely to start anytime soon due to the scale of technical, financial, and environmental challenges. If realized, the tunnel would serve as a strategic transcontinental corridor, enhancing mobility, trade, and energy exchange between Europe and Africa. The Belgium federal government is expected to align its position on the Sahara with that of its major European allies (France, Spain, Portugal) which support Moroccos Autonomy plan offered for the territory under the Kingdoms sovereignty, ditching the self-determination referendum option. According to Africa Intelligence media platform, Belgium will announce its new position by the end of 2025 following in the footsteps of several other European countries which endorse Moroccos serious and realistic autonomy as the ONLY basis for the resolution of the decades-long conflict. In January, Belgian FM Bernard Quintin had said his country deems the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, presented in 2007, as a very good basis for reaching an acceptable solution by all parties. He had made the remarks in Rabat following talks with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita. Some prominent European and international partners have changed their position, had said the Belgian top diplomat, noting that Morocco and Belgium will continue to engage constructively on this subject. In May, President of Belgium reformist party Georges-Louis Bouchez called on his country to recognize Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory following in the footsteps of major Western allies including Washington, Paris, Madrid He introduced a legislation urging his countrys government to recognize officially Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the ONLY realistic and credible solution to the Sahara regional conflict. According to Africa Intelligence, the Belgium reformist party looks upbeat of securing the majority of votes in Parliament in support of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Haytham Eissa Head of the Banks Office in Morocco, in replacement Antoine Salle de Chou. Mr Eissa said: Building on the EBRDs strong track record in Morocco, I am committed to driving even greater impact in the years ahead. We will continue to invest in various sectors of the economy, developing infrastructure and empowering small businesses, while engaging in meaningful policy dialogue to unlock the full potential of the countrys private sector. A dual Egyptian and British national, Mr. Eissa joined the Bank in 2012 and became Regional Head of Infrastructure in the SEMED region and Deputy Head of Egypt. He played a central role in establishing the Banks infrastructure activities in SEMED and has led the delivery of numerous landmark and award-winning transactions in the transport and municipal sectors, as well as the Vital Infrastructure Support Program in Morocco during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to joining the EBRD, Mr Eissa held various roles in investment banking and corporate leasing, advising on major mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions across the Middle East and Africa. He holds an executive MBA from Warwick Business School and a BBA in International Business from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. The country is heavily investing in research and development activities and technologies to enhance construction operations and formulate better methodologies. Lotte Engineering & Construction applied for a patent on technology that reinforces earth-retaining safety by using AI to observe cracks in buildings and roads. The expansion of the residential sector due to rising investments in real estate and increasing urbanisation is supporting the market expansion. The rising construction of apartment complexes can also be attributed to the increasing land scarcity. The rising efforts of various key market players in the country to collaborate with international entities is providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. For instance, in June 2023, Hyundai E&C signed a contract with Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state oil company, to build a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia. The Korean government is adopting policies with the aim to apply BIM (Building Information Modelling) to the entire construction sector, including civil engineering and architecture services by 2025, providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market. The increasing efforts towards the construction of smart cities in South Korea have been supporting the South Korea construction market growth. One such initiative includes the construction of a smart city named Songdo from scratch on 1,500 acres of land. Dublin, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "South Korea Construction Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The South Korea construction market size is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 2.60% in the forecast period of 2025-2034. The construction market in South Korea is driven by increasing government investments in infrastructure development and growing smart city projects. Construction refers to the act of building bridges, roads, residential units, and infrastructure, among others; the construction sector includes public and private infrastructure and civil engineering services. With a surge in population, the need for households is increasing, supporting the market expansion. The market is driven by supportive government initiatives, urbanisation, infrastructural development, and technological advancements, among others. The South Korea construction market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.60% from 2025 to 2034, fueled by government investments and smart city projects. Key drivers include the adoption of BIM, expansion in smart cities like Songdo, and rising residential sector investments. Renowned players such as Samsung C&T, Hyundai Motor Group, and GS E&C are pivotal in this market transformation. For deeper insights, access the South Korea Construction Market Report 2025-2034. Story Continues Market Share by End Use Commercial construction accounts for a significant South Korea construction market share. Commercial construction involves the construction of buildings and infrastructure that are used for business and commercial applications. Commercial property consists of malls, grocery stores, offices, industrial estates, and manufacturing shops, among others. The market is witnessing rapid expansion due to increased commercial construction activities. Increasing ventures in South Korea, such as commercial offshore wind power project, Jeonnam Offshore Wind Power is further supporting the market expansion. The wind farm is expected to begin its operations in 2024. The project was founded in 2020 as a 51-49 joint venture between SK E&S (South Korea) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (Denmark). Market Share by Construction Type According to the South Korea construction market analysis, the demand for renovation is significantly increasing due to rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences in the region. In the contemporary world, people are making smart choices and thus, they need a house which is packed with numerous facilities including modular kitchens, electronic door locks, and wireless systems, among others. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which is accelerating the shift towards green office spaces and the incorporation of environment friendly devices and equipment in buildings to reduce their carbon footprint. All these factors are resulting in an increased demand for renovation activities, boosting the South Korea construction market demand. Competitive Landscape The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in South Korea construction market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans. Samsung C&T Corporation Samsung C&T Corporation is a South Korean construction and engineering company which was founded in 1938 as one of the business units of Samsung, initially involved in construction and overseas trading operations. In 1975, the company was designated by the Korean government as the nation's "first general trading company" to forefront nonindigenous sales operations. Apart from construction, the Samsung Group also operates in areas like shipbuilding and engineering, wind power, and power and control systems within the machinery and heavy industries sector. Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group, founded in 1947, is a construction and engineering company. The company aims to create a better world and future through constant innovation. In 2023, the company entered a partnership with the largest energy company RWE in Europe to facilitate next-generation energy projects. GS E&C Corp. GS E&C Corp. was founded in 1969 and specialises in constructing and operating large scale privately funded infrastructure. It has a dedicated technical research institute, which allows the company to constantly work towards the development of new construction methods for projects such as marine suspension bridges and deep underground tunnels. Other South Korea construction market players include Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Posco Holdings, LOTTE Corp., Hoban Construction Ltd., and Hanwha Corporation, among others. Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Size 2024-2025 1.2 Market Growth 2025(F)-2034(F) 1.3 Key Demand Drivers 1.4 Key Players and Competitive Structure 1.5 Industry Best Practices 1.6 Recent Trends and Developments 1.7 Industry Outlook 2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights 2.1 Market Trends 2.2 Key Verticals 2.3 Key Regions 2.4 Supplier Power 2.5 Buyer Power 2.6 Key Market Opportunities and Risks 2.7 Key Initiatives by Stakeholders 3 Economic Summary 3.1 GDP Outlook 3.2 GDP Per Capita Growth 3.3 Inflation Trends 3.4 Democracy Index 3.5 Gross Public Debt Ratios 3.6 Balance of Payment (BoP) Position 3.7 Population Outlook 3.8 Urbanisation Trends 4 Country Risk Profiles 4.1 Country Risk 4.2 Business Climate 5 Asia Pacific Construction Market Overview 5.1 Key Industry Highlights 5.2 Asia Pacific Construction Historical Market (2018-2024) 5.3 Asia Pacific Construction Market Forecast (2025-2034) 5.4 Asia Pacific Construction Market Breakup by Country 5.4.1 China 5.4.2 Japan 5.4.3 South Korea 5.4.4 ASEAN 5.4.5 Australia 5.4.6 South Korea 5.4.7 Others 6 South Korea Construction Market Overview 6.1 Key Industry Highlights 6.2 South Korea Construction Historical Market (2018-2024) 6.3 South Korea Construction Market Forecast (2025-2034) 7 South Korea Construction Market by Construction Type 7.1 New Constructions 7.2 Renovation 8 South Korea Construction Market by End Use 8.1 Commercial 8.2 Residential 8.3 Institutional 8.4 Industrial 9 Market Dynamics 9.1 SWOT Analysis 9.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 9.3 Key Indicators for Demand 9.4 Key Indicators for Price 10 Competitive Landscape 10.1 Supplier Selection 10.2 Key Global Players 10.3 Key Regional Players 10.4 Key Player Strategies 10.5 Company Profiles 10.5.1 Company Overview 10.5.2 Product Portfolio 10.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements 10.5.4 Certifications Samsung C&T Corporation Hyundai Motor Group Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. Posco Holdings GS E&C Corp. LOTTE Corp. Hoban Construction Ltd. Hanwha Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u2crm About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Ukraine urged China to pressure Vladimir Putin to move toward peace as the Russian president arrived in Beijing following his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit -- where he defended the war that has killed tens of thousands of people. "Given the significant geopolitical role of the People's Republic of China, we would welcome a more active role [for Beijing] in bringing peace to Ukraine based on respect for the UN Charter," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement as Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on September 2. The ministry statement noted that the SCOs final declaration avoided mention of the conflict, which has become a full-scale war since Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. We consider it eloquent that the main final document of the summit, the 20-page Tianjin Declaration, does not contain a single mention of the Russian war against Ukraine, the statement said. It is surprising that the largest war of aggression in Europe since World War II was not reflected in such an important, fundamental document, while it mentions a number of other wars, terrorist attacks, and events in the world. It said the failure to mention Russias war in Ukraine in the declaration indicates the failure of Moscow's diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has consistently called on China -- a close ally of Russia -- to put pressure on Putin to end the war. Another high-profile diplomatic event in China will be held on September 3 -- a massive military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Many leaders -- including Putin -- are remaining in China after the SCO to attend the parade. Putin Blames The West At the SCO in Tianjin outside of Beijing, Putin sent a defiant message against the West over his invasion of Ukraine after standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Putin said the war in Ukraine came about not as a result of a Russian attack but because of a Western-backed coup in Kyiv, according to comments carried by the Russian news agency TASS. That was an inaccurate reference to the Maidan protests that pushed Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych from power in 2014, after he scrapped plans for a trade agreement with the EU and turned toward Russia instead. Putin added that what he called the Wests attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO posed a "direct threat to Russias security," a claim that the military alliance has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, Kyiv's European allies in the so-called Coalition of the Willing -- led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer -- are set to meet in Paris on September 4 to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine. "Together with our partners, and in coordination with NATO, we will work to define robust security guarantees for Ukraine. These are a necessary prerequisite to move credibly towards peace," Macron wrote on X following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte. "We will also review Russias stance, as it persists in its war of aggression and continues to reject peace," Macron added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on August 31 said Kyiv's European allies were working on pretty precise plans and a "clear road map" for a potential deployment of troops to Ukraine should a peace deal be struck between Kyiv and Moscow. Von der Leyen, in comments published in The Financial Times, added that any such venture would have the full backing of the United States, which has swayed back and forth on potential involvement over the past year. 'No Concrete Plans' For Trilateral Summit Separately, on the sidelines of the SCO, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said there were no immediate plans for a trilateral meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump, contradicting recent remarks by Trump that he was arranging such a meeting. "Now everyone is talking about a trilateral summit...but there has been no concrete agreement on this between Putin and Trump," Ushakov said. Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority of his administration, has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin's refusal to meet with Zelenskyy but has suggested he was moving toward a trilateral meeting with himself included. Trump has also expressed anger with Russia's nonstop campaign of air assaults on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure. On September 2, Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, said an overnight Russian air strike on the city of Bila Tserkva near Kyiv killed one person and created a massive blaze at a multistory building. Attacks were also reported near the cities of Chernihiv and Sumy. Inside Russia, the Rostov regional governor reported early on September 2 that some 320 people were evacuated from an apartment block after a Ukrainian drone attack. Details were not immediately available. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Trump administrations decision to ease sanctions on Venezuelas oil sector by granting Chevron a specific OFAC license to expand operations represents a cautious recalibration of US policy. Unlike past general licenses, this narrower authorization signals a more tailored approach that could eventually open pathways for other companies such as Eni, Repsol, or Reliance. At the same time, the White House is pursuing a dual strategy: loosening restrictions on oil flows while intensifying pressure on Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro himself. In a recent development, the US last week deployed three missile destroyers to international waters outside Venezuela to support counter-narcotics efforts, adding to earlier moves including a four-count superseding indictment against Maduro in the Southern District of New York for alleged narco-terrorism and a standing $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. For Chevron, the license is meaningful. Production could rise by about 250,000 barrels per day a modest contribution in global terms, representing roughly 10% of the recent OPEC+ unwind and far too small to move Brent crude oil prices. Yet for Chevrons portfolio, the impact is substantial, equating to more than 10% of its current oil-only output. Its US Gulf Coast refineries, especially Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Pasadena, Texas, are positioned to benefit directly from discounted Venezuelan heavy crude. The return of this feedstock would ease some of the pressure created by years of relying on Canadian, Mexican, and US offshore grades. Refiners, particularly on the US Gulf Coast, are likely to welcome the reintroduction of Venezuelan heavy barrels. With global markets saturated in light sweet crude, the Orinoco Belts heavier grades provide much-needed diversity. While volumes in the range of 200,000400,000 bpd will not disrupt benchmarks like Brent or WTI, they could narrow the light-heavy differential and bring down premiums for grades such as Maya or Mars, which have climbed since sanctions were imposed. In this sense, Venezuelan supply may not reshape the global market but will provide relief in a crucial, tight niche. For PDVSA, the implications are equally important but tempered by reality. Years of mismanagement, alleged corruption, and sanctions have hollowed out the companys operational capacity. Infrastructure is degraded, technical expertise has fled, and institutional opacity persists. Chevrons presence bringing capital, technical know-how, and operational discipline offers PDVSA a lifeline. Even if the company is unlikely to revert to the traditional tax and royalty regimes of the past, renewed joint-venture activity would still inject much-needed momentum into the upstream sector. Yet a true return to pre-sanctions output levels remains improbable without broader systemic reform. The easing of sanctions also signals a strategic adjustment in Washington. The earlier maximum pressure doctrine aimed at isolating Maduro has given way to a more transactional approach, one that recognizes the Chavista governments staying power in the presidential Miraflores Palace. By carving out space for limited corporate engagement, the US is acknowledging the futility of total isolation while keeping political pressure intact. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a public reminder of Maduros indictment as recently as last month, underlining how narrow the opening really is. Looking ahead, much depends on whether Chevrons specific license is expanded, replicated for other companies, or allowed to lapse. For Chevron, it is a symbolic and material victory, enhancing both production volumes and refining economics. For PDVSA, it is a fragile chance to reestablish relevance in global markets, though the recovery will remain incremental. And for US policymakers, it is an experiment in balancing energy security with political leverage offering relief to refiners while reminding Maduro that Washingtons patience is finite. Venezuelan barrels alone will not shift the balance of global oil markets, but they could quietly rebalance a segment where scarcity is most acute. That, coupled with Chevrons ability to execute, ensures this opening, however narrow, will be watched closely across the industry. By W. Schreiner Parker, Head of Emerging Markets & NOCs at Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Drill, baby, drill is not something youd expect a climate activist to say. You probably wouldnt hear it from Just Stop Oil. But it is something I think youll hear more and more from serious climate commentators. We need to champion homegrown, sovereign, and traditional energy. Not just for price stability, but also as part of a grown-up energy mix. The conversation around Rosebank and the future of North Sea oil in the UK, for example, has become dangerously binary: shut it all down, or stall climate progress. But this framing obscures the nuanced reality of energy transition and risks both climate integrity and national resilience. From a climate perspective, maintaining a measured level of domestic North Sea production is more responsible than shifting demand offshore to jurisdictions with looser environmental standards and higher emissions per barrel. The same could be said for fracking and Gulf of Mexico oil production in the US. Every barrel we refuse to produce here at home is likely replaced with one produced under far worse ecological oversight undermining the very emissions gains we claim to pursue. Climate gains, after all, come not just from renewable energy replacement but also by making the traditional energy were going to continue to rely on for decades to come, cleaner. Climate progress meets reality Recent momentum on green energy in Britain is commendable, but it does not mean we can abandon domestic fossil infrastructure overnight. Other European grid operators still retain significantly more winter buffers than the UK can currently muster. Global developments only heighten the argument for a managed, responsible transition. On the geopolitical stage, uncertainty is mounting. During his recent visit to Scotland, Donald Trump revived calls for the UK to unleash its North Sea treasure chest, condemning high taxes on oil and gas companies and urging the government to incentivise drilling. His comments echo the growing perception that climate-driven cutbacks may compromise energy sovereignty. Also relevant is the state of global oil markets. OPECs supply decisions are showing signs of oversupply, putting pressure on US shale and unsettling traditional energy dynamics. All the more reason for the western nations to bolster domestic control, rather than remain at the mercy of shifting global politics and market swings. The energy mix doesnt just mean renewables Our energy mix and transition is not about stubbornly clinging to the past. It is about a pragmatic, phased approach preserving energy security while investing in the clean infrastructure of tomorrow. That includes: Sustaining domestic energy autonomy . Again looking at the UK as an example, but this can be applied to any major western economy Centricas recent 1.5bn acquisition of the Isle of Grain LNG terminal highlights the UKs continued reliance on imported fossil energy forcing us here to reckon with the reality that gas will remain part of our energy mix for years to come, especially as heating-sector electrification lags. Building public clean-energy muscle . The Great British Energy Act 2025 has now established a state-owned clean energy body with a clear mandate to drive renewables and net zero delivery. That is vital but it also needs the interstitial space to scale without crisis. Planning credible wind-to-power-legacy schemes . Floating wind farms like the Green Volt project off Scotlands north-east coast offer a clear path: repurposing oil-field infrastructure into renewable energy powerhouses. We at Applied Computing are not climate deniers . Quite the opposite. Through our Orbital platform, we help energy firms often operating legacy oil and gas assets to cut emissions and improve efficiency from day one using foundational AI. Optimising what exists today extends the lifecycle of assets within a declining schedule and supports the clean transition tomorrow. AI innovations like this will make it significantly easier to cut emissions from pre-existing traditional energy sources. The climate case for oil drilling That is the core of the climate activists case for a delayed North Sea decline not overnight shutdowns, but thoughtful stewardship. Oil and gas usage is going to happen for at least 30 years to come. Globally, each refinery supports infrastructure relied upon by up to 18 million people from food and transport to medicine and manufacturing. By keeping wells open for the foreseeable future, we can limit carbon leakage by avoiding outsourcing emissions to more polluting regimes; retain industrial capability by preserving skilled British engineering and infrastructure. It can also make it easier for these energy firms with greater stability and a timeline to work to to train their staff for whatever comes next, and to train up a new generation of employees without fear of having their livelihoods taken away by ill-thought-through climate policy. Sovereignty in a highly uncertain world We are also anchoring energy resilience by guarding against external shocks such as geopolitical realignments or import disruptions and provide transition time, enabling public clean-energy agencies, offshore renewables, storage, and grid upgrades to scale without leaving gaps. Trumps meeting with Putin on Friday must surely remind everyone of how urgent homegrown sovereignty of everything from energy to tech is at this chaotic moment in time. In Europe, we must stop treating North Sea oil like a battleground in ideological wars. This is not about preserving anachronistic industries. It is about acknowledging the pragmatic physics of energy systems, and treating our domestic hydrocarbon legacy as a bridge not an anchor. A future of sustainable abundance depends on Western leadership: engineering solutions, optimising todays assets, and growing cleaner alternatives at pace. That is how we secure our economy, our climate credibility, and our future not by choosing sides, but by managing the transition on our terms. By Callum Adamson via CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite progress in electricity generation, Japan's total energy consumption remains heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, with dependence still above 80%. Japan reached a new low in fossil fuel share for electricity generation, falling below 60% for the first time, driven by increased nuclear and solar power. Japan marked a significant milestone in its journey toward net-zero in the first half of the year; for the first time ever, fossil fuels accounted for less than 60% in Japans electricity generation. However, dependence on oil, gas, and coal imports in the resource-poor G-7 economy remains above 80% of total energy consumption amid shifting energy policies and priorities after the Fukushima disaster of 2011. In the wake of the devastating earthquake, Japan closed all its nuclear reactors for years-long safety checks and inspections. The low-carbon energy source, accounting for about 30% of electricity output before 2011, was suddenly no longer available. The result was a spike in imports of LNG, oil, and coal, and in carbon emissions. In recent years, particularly following the 2022-2023 energy crisis, which led to a significant increase in Japans fuel import bill, the country has begun to reopen some of its nuclear reactors gradually. That has helped reduce the share of fossil fuels, along with a surge in solar capacity installations. Japan, which has a target to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, has realized that it will have to rely even more on nuclear power generation in the coming decades if it wants to reduce emissions and its huge dependence on fossil fuels. In the latest energy strategy, Japan will double down on nuclear, with gradual safe restarts of reactors, aiming to more than double the share of nuclear generation of total electricity output to 20% by 2040, from less than 10% now. The share of fossil fuels in Japans power supply slumped to the lowest on record in the first half of 2025, as nuclear and solar electricity generation is growing. Japan saw its utility-scale electricity supply from fossil fuels slump below 60% for the first time between January and June, according to data from clean energy think tank Ember cited by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire. Japans dependence on oil, gas, and coal imports has dropped to 87% of total energy consumption from a high of 96% in 2012, after all nuclear reactors were closed, per data compiled by energy analyst John Kemp from the International Energy Agencys (IEA) World Energy Balances report from 2024. Despite the decline, the share is still well above the 81% share pre-Fukushima. Nuclear power alone cannot help Japan reach net zerothe country will need increased solar and wind capacity and generation. Solar power deployment has been a success. Wind power, however, has lagged behind, with recent setbacks pouring cold water on Japans offshore wind ambitions. Solar is Japans largest source of low-carbon electricity, accounting for a 10% share of generation. It has grown fivefold from 2014 to 2024, according to data from Ember. Wind power, however, only reached 1% of generation in 2024 despite its massive potential, lagging behind the rest of the G7 where wind averaged 11% of total electricity generation, Ember notes. Japan is looking to develop its offshore wind potential, but it has been struggling amid a challenging environment for the offshore wind sector globally in recent years. Japan has a plan to have offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 10 GW developed by 2030 and 30 GW-45 GW by 2040. The country has held three auctions to award capacity so far, but major developers have been reviewing their options in Japan amid headwinds in the sector globally, with surging costs and supply-chain delays. In a major blow to Japans offshore wind ambitions, Mitsubishi Corporation last week dropped plans to develop three offshore wind projects amid unexpected changes and rising challenges in the market. Mitsubishi has sought to adapt to the changes in the business environment by examining various options, including reassessment of costs, project schedule, and revenue. However, after discussions among the partners, we have determined that establishing a viable business plan is not feasible given the current conditions, the corporation said last week. Mitsubishis decision to abandon the projects in Japan comes amid rising headwinds to offshore wind development worldwide. rsted, the worlds biggest offshore wind project developer, warned in May of a continued challenging environment for the industry with mounting near-term headwinds globally. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China and India, as major opportunistic buyers, significantly increased their crude purchases to take advantage of the weaker prices. The rebound was likely influenced by low oil prices in May and early June, when August-arriving cargoes were nominated. Asia's crude oil imports in August averaged 27.18 million barrels per day, a rebound from a year-low in July and higher than August last year. Asias crude oil imports rebounded in August from a year-low level in July, likely fueled by low oil prices in May and early June when the cargoes arriving in August must have been nominated. Asia, the worlds biggest oil-importing region and a key gauge of global oil demand growth, saw crude oil imports average 27.18 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, higher than in July and in August last year, per data from LSEG Oil Research cited by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell. The July import levels of 24.91 million bpd were the weakest in a year for Asia. Imports rebounded in August as prices in May-early June when the cargoes were likely arranged were at the lower end of this years range in the low $60s per barrel of Brent Crude oil. The biggest Asian importers, China and India, took advantage of the weak oil prices to boost purchases for August-arriving cargoes. China, the worlds top crude oil importer, and India, the third largest in the world, can sway the trend in Asian imports with their purchases. It is not certain if rising demand in the summer or weak oil prices in May were the primary drivers. In August, China and India imported more crude from both Saudi Arabia and Russia, per LSEG Oil Research data. The two major importers remain opportunistic buyers, nominating more crude when prices are low. Earlier this year, Asias crude oil imports surged in June to the highest level in two and a half years, but the rise isnt necessarily attributable to strengthening oil demand after a soft start to the year. Cargoes arriving in Asia in June were likely contracted six to eight weeks priorin April, when oil prices crashed amid the OPEC+ production hikes plan and the U.S. tariff blitz. Going forward, Asias imports in September could be lower as oil prices briefly surged in the second half of June to above $80 per barrel during the Israel-Iran war. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite its growing appeal and expansion, the SCO faces internal differences, challenging its ability to act as a cohesive organization against Western-led institutions. Key storylines include the ongoing collaboration between Putin and Xi, India's Modi seeking a detente with China, and Central Asian nations navigating the growing influence of Beijing and Moscow. The SCO summit in China, hosted by Xi Jinping, aims to advance a vision of an alternative world order and position China as a leader of the Global South. 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. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Brazil wants a seat at the International Energy Agencys table, filing a formal request this week to move from partner status to full membership. On Tuesday in Paris, Brazils ambassador delivered a letter from Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira and Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira to IEA chief Fatih Birol, saying the government wanted to begin the accession process. The ministers pointed to the IEAs support on energy security, data, and policy analysis, while stressing Brazils weight as both a major oil exporter and a leader in renewable power. Recognising the challenges that lie ahead in the energy landscape and the strategic support that the IEA provides to its member countries [we are] pleased to inform you that our government would like to initiate accession procedures to the IEA as a full member, the letter said. For the IEA, Brazils bid is significant. Latin Americas largest economy brings both heft and contradictions: it is a leader in biofuels and hydropower, yet it is also expanding oil output aggressively. Petrobras, the state-controlled oil major, has committed $111 billion in spending through 2029$77 billion of which is earmarked for oil and gas exploration and production. The company recently hit record operated output of 4.19 million boe/d in Q2 2025, but has disappointed investors by holding back dividends to fund this expansion. Brazils government has made no secret that higher oil revenues will help fund social programs and even parts of the energy transition. President Lula da Silva argues that emissions reductions require investmentsome of which must come from Brazils deepwater riches. At the same time, Brazil has positioned itself carefully within producer alliances. In early 2025 it joined OPEC+, but on non-binding terms that exempt it from production cut quotas. The move gave Brasilia a seat at the table while preserving its freedom to chase a 5.4 million bpd production target by 2030. The IEA accession bid reflects Brazils other face: the climate leader that will host COP30 and touts its renewables-heavy power grid. Solar has surged, nuclear is expanding, and biofuels remain central. For Fatih Birol, the IEAs executive director, Brazil is a cornerstone of the global energy system today and its importance is only set to increase. That dual identityclimate champion and oil growth enginewill shape Brazils role inside the IEA. Membership, if approved, would tie the country more tightly into international cooperation on energy security and transitions, even as Petrobras drills deeper into the pre-salt. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias savings from discount Russian crude since 2022 have reached $12.6 billion, the Indian Express has calculated, although there could be much higher implied savings, the media outlet reported. The implied savings stem from the fact that Indias Russian oil ramp-up helped avoid a major international oil price hike following the events from February 2022, when Russian troops entered eastern Ukraine, and the European Union, the UK, the U.S., and Canada rushed to impose sanctions on Moscow, specifically targeting the energy industry. However, none of these countries would have enjoyed a Brent crude spike above $100 for more than a few months, and indeed none of them did enjoy the spike while it lasted. So it was made sure that prices would decline, including by redirecting the flow of Russian oil from the West to the East, notably to China and India. According to the Indian Express report, This may be among the reasons why India has shown no signs of buckling under American pressure on the issue of oil imports from Russia. The pressure has recently intensified, with the White House senior counselor for trade and manufacturing accusing India of profiteering from Russian oil imports. Peter Navarro also claimed that India was nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin, referring to New Delhi importing cheap Russian oil and selling the refined fuels at higher prices in Europe and Asia. In a response this week, Indias oil minister noted that Russian oil has never been sanctioned like Iranian or Venezuelan crude; it is under a G-7/European Union price cap system deliberately designed to keep oil flowing while capping revenues. Hardeep Singh Puri added that India's adherence to all international norms prevented a catastrophic $200 per barrel shock, and that there is no substitute for the worlds second-largest producer supplying nearly 10% of global oil. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias gas giant Gazprom on Tuesday signed an agreement with Chinas state energy firm CNPC to build a second huge natural gas pipeline from Russia to China, Gazproms CEO Alexey Miller said. Russia bets on selling increased volumes of energy products to China after losing Europe as a key oil and gas export market following Putins war in Ukraine. Gazprom and CNPC signed today a legally binding memorandum on the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia, Russian media quoted Miller as telling reporters in Beijing. Power of Siberia 2 has been a topic of discussions between Russia and China for years but no progress has been made so far. Currently, Russia supplies pipeline gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline, one of the biggest projects recently completed by Gazprom and the first conduit for Russian gas to China. The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline is designed to ship gas from Russias Western Siberia Altai region to northeast China via Mongolia. An agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 has been elusive due to some sticking points, including the price at which Gazprom will deliver the gas. The memorandum signed on Tuesday doesnt include details and issues such as prices or capacity commitments, so the key sticking points remain. It should be understood that the project of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline construction and the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline construction, the transit gas pipeline via Mongolia and related gas transport facilities in China, it will now be the largest, having the greatest scale and the most capital-intensive project in the gas industry globally, Russian news agencies quoted Miller as saying on Tuesday. Russia touted the project as the biggest ever in the global gas industry, while China has yet to confirm the deal, which is light on details. Miller himself acknowledged that Russia and China have yet to discuss issues related to financing and the price of supply. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The discount of Russias flagship Urals crude blend for Indian buyers has widened to between $3 and $4 per barrel for Indian barrels amid continued pressure on the latter coming from the United States. At the time of writing, Urals crude was trading at $62.89 per barrel, compared with $68.45 per barrel of Brent crude. However, over the last month, Urals has been trading within a range of between $61 and $65 per barrel, which makes it hard to put forward a solid argument that the discount has widened in the past few daysin mid-August, for example, Urals dropped to just over $61 per barrel, while Brent crude was trading at close to $67 per barrel, making the discount some $6 per barrel. Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg said that the $3-4 per barrel discount was for cargos contracted for delivery this month and next. The sources said that last week, cargoes were being contracted at a discount of $2.50 per barrel, while in July, the discount shrank to some $1 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump started a pressure campaign against India for its substantial imports of Russian crude last month, saying that if these imports stopped, Russia would have motivation to put an end to fighting in Ukraine. As a means of pushing India in the desired direction, Trump threatened an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports to the U.S. unless the country stopped buying Russian oil. India did not stop buying Russian oil, so Trump went through with the threat, slapping a total tariff of 50% on Indian imports effective August 27. Still, Russia has remained Indias largest single supplier of crude oil, accounting for over 31% of total oil imports in July. Indias second-largest supplier, Iraq, had a share of some 17% of the total, and Saudi Arabia, at number three, accounted for just above 16% of total imports in July. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project in Russia has accelerated cargo loadings and shipments in recent weeks, in a sign that the facility has now found its first customer after more than a year, and new buyers may have emergedall in China. Arctic LNG 2 is under sanctions by the United States, the EU, and the UK, which have also blacklisted many of the LNG vessels thought to be servicing the projects output. The Russian export project has struggled for more than a year to find any buyer willing to risk secondary sanctions. It appears that Arctic LNG 2 is done waiting and is now sending off loaded LNG cargoes, which could be testing the Trump Administrations willingness to sanction Russias LNG customers in China. Last week, a sixth LNG tanker loaded from the project in the Arctic this year, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing vessel-tracking data by Vortexa and Kpler. In recent weeks, signs have emerged that Arctic LNG 2 is coming back to life after a year of no activity and is looking for buyers in Asia. La Perouse, a tanker sanctioned by the UK, loaded LNG and departed from Arctic LNG 2 on August 30-31, according to the data cited by Reuters. Last week, a cargo from the facility docked at a Chinese import terminal in what appears to be Arctic LNG 2, testing the current U.S. willingness to enforce sanctions. The Arctic Mulan LNG tanker arrived at the Beihai LNG terminal, and China received the cargo, making it the first-ever actual exported cargo out of the Russian facility. Six laden vessels are in transit, Ashley Sherman, senior LNG analyst at Vortexa, wrote on LinkedIn last week. In contrast to 2024, these sanctioned vessels have not spoofed or deactivated their AIS signals, Sherman said, adding that This year, Russias Arctic LNG 2 activity is no longer in the shadows. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Syria has just exported its first cargo of crude oil in 14 years after the U.S. Administration revoked in June the sanctions on the country that has been in a prolonged war over the past decade and a half. Syria shipped on Monday 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil from the port of Tartus under an agreement to sell the cargo to B Serve Energy, a company affiliated with global trading firm BB Energy, Riyad al-Joubasi, assistant director for oil and gas at Syrias Energy Ministry, told Reuters. The 14 years of civil war and proxy wars in Syria have halted official oil exports and devastated vital infrastructure. Before the war, Syria was exporting 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024 and the Islamist-led government that succeeded him has promised to restore the country and revive its economy. One way to boost the economy is the return of oil production and exports. During the 14 years of civil war, the oilfields in Sysria, which are predominantly located in the northeast, have changed hands several times. The northeast territory is held by Kurdish-led authorities. The Kurds began to provide crude oil to the central government of Syria in February. Then in June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the countrys path to stability and peace. The order removed sanctions on Syria but maintained sanctions on Bashar al-Assad (who is believed to be granted asylum in Russia), his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies. U.S. firms are gearing up for work in Syria. Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG will develop a masterplan for Syrias oil, gas, and electricity sector, Argent LNG chief executive Jonathan Bass told Reuters in July. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday rolled out new sanctions against a shipping network accused of smuggling Iranian crude under the cover of Iraqi origin, part of Washingtons broader effort to choke off Tehrans oil revenues. The network is led by a businessman holding Iraqi and St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship and based in the United Arab Emirates. According to Treasury, his group covertly blended Iranian oil with Iraqi barrels and sold it abroad as if it were entirely of Iraqi originan effort to skirt restrictions that have long targeted Iranian crude exports. Treasury named the businessman himself, Babylon Navigation DMCC, and a cluster of affiliated firms and tankers. Several Liberia-flagged shipsincluding the Adena, Liliana, and Camillawere identified as assets tied to Babylon, accused of carrying out ship-to-ship transfers in the Arabian Gulf and operating in Iraqi ports to disguise Iranian volumes. The department also blacklisted multiple Marshall Islands-registered entitiesTryfo Navigation, Keely Shiptrade Limited, Odiar Management, Panarea Marine, and Topsail Shipholdingthat Treasury said acted as nominal owners to obscure the networks reach. By targeting Irans oil revenue stream, Treasury will further degrade the regimes ability to carry out attacks against the United States and its allies, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. He added that Washington remained committed to preventing Iranian crude from flowing into global markets through sanctions evasion schemes. The move comes with nuclear talks at a standstill. Negotiations were paused after Junes 12-day war, and a senior Iranian official said this week the path to renewed dialogue was still open, but that U.S. demands over missile curbs remained a sticking point. Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. The action highlights Washingtons focus on shutting down increasingly elaborate efforts to disguise Iranian crude flows, even as Tehran leans on ship-to-ship transfers and offshore registries to keep exports moving. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Out of all the days in August/September to call a Special Session, Oregon Governor Kotek called them into an emergency special session during Labor Day weekend often the 4th most traveled time in America. Kotek did not show up to the hearing to promote her own gas tax bill. It was not until later Monday evening that she appeared in the Capitol. Rumors in the Capitol said she spent the weekend at the coast vacationing, while she forced others (Capitol staff, lawmakers, lawmaker staff) to work. This is not the first time Kotek was taking it easy. She previously threw a $9,000 taco-party for government workers at the Governors mansion. Was this helpful? Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). By Naomi Inman The Oregon Legislatures Joint Committee on Transportation Funding considered legislation over the Labor Day weekend called LC 2 as they held a special session to address transportation funding. The Governors Transportation Budget Framework defines the problem as an ODOT budget gap that needs to be addressed with a funding solution. She says that the cause is a lack of revenue for ODOT, often repeated by legislators, lobbyists, and journalists who describe the problem as declining revenue, or a dwindling gas tax. These statements are simply not supported by ODOTs financials showing that net revenue grew by 30 percent since 2018 and reached record highs in 2024. A spending problem, not a funding problem, is the reason ODOT is about to eliminate 900 positions. The real problem is two-pronged: first, too many statutory restrictions on existing revenue; and too much debt service on $4 billion in highway bonds, which have grown at a much faster rate than ODOTs revenue. In reviewing LC 2, Cascade offered the Committee two suggestions. First, amend LC 2 to free up gas tax funds for services Oregonians need and have already paid for. Next, pay off these highway bonds with lottery revenues. This would increase ODOTs available gas tax revenue by more than 50 percent without a tax increase. Click here for a PDF of todays post. Naomi Inman is External Affairs Manager of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregons free market public policy research organization. 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: Professor David Woodman with the portrait of thelstan at the The Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Credit: The Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge A new biography of thelstan marks 1,100 years since his coronation in 925AD, reasserts his right to be called the first king of England, explains why he isn't better known and highlights his many overlooked achievements. The book's author, Professor David Woodman, is campaigning for greater public recognition of thelstan's creation of England in 927AD. The Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the signing of Magna Carta in 1215 are two of the most famous years in English history. But very few people know what happened in 925 or 927AD. Professor David Woodman, the University of Cambridge-based author of The First King of England, a new biography of thelstan, is determined to change this and not just with his book. Heand other historiansare planning a fitting memorial for England's first and unfairly overlooked king. "As we approach the anniversaries of thelstan's coronation in 925 and the birth of England itself in 927, I would like his name to become much better known. He really deserves that," says Woodman, a Professor at Robinson College and Cambridge's Faculty of History. Woodman is working with other historians towards a memorial for the king, which could be a statue, plaque or portrait in a location like Westminster, Eamont Bridge (where thelstan's authority in 927 was recognized by other British rulers) or Malmesbury (where he was buried). Woodman is also calling for the history of thelstan's reign to appear more routinely on the school curriculum. "There has been so much focus on 1066, the moment when England was conquered. It's about time we thought about its formation, and the person who brought it together in the first place," Professor Woodman says. Why isn't thelstan better known? Woodman's book, published today by Princeton University Press, blames a lack of public relations. "thelstan didn't have a biographer writing up his story," Woodman says. "His grandfather, Alfred the Great, had the Welsh cleric Asser to sing his praises. And within decades of thelstan's death, a wave of propaganda ensured King Edgar became famous for reforming the church. This completely overshadowed thelstan's earlier revamping of learning and religiosity." In modern times, historians have tended to dismiss thelstan's status as England's first king, on the basis that the kingdom fragmented soon after his death in 939AD. The focus has instead shifted to Edgar. Woodman rejects this argument. "Just because things broke down after thelstan's death doesn't mean that he didn't create England in the first place," Woodman says. "He was so ahead of his time in his political thinking, and his actions in bringing together the English kingdom were so hard-won, that it would have been more surprising if the kingdom had stayed together. We need to recognize that his legacy, his ways of governing and legislating, continued to shape kingship for generations afterwards." Woodman cites a wealth of evidence to resurrect thelstan's reputation. 10th-century manuscript open at its portrait of thelstan in The Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Credit: The Parker Library, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge Military success "Militarily, thelstan was supremely strong," Woodman says. "He had to be very robust to expand the kingdom and then to defend it." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. thelstan had to contend with major Viking settlements in the north and the east. In 927AD, he acquired authority over the Viking stronghold at York, and, in bringing Northumbria within his dominion, became the first to rule over an area recognizable as "England." As thelstan expanded his kingdom, he drew Welsh and Scottish kings into his royal assemblies. Large-scale surviving original diplomas, housed in the British Library, list the very many nobles he was compelled to attend. The meetings of thelstan's assemblies must have been incredibly grand affairs, involving hundreds of people in total. "These Welsh and Scottish kings must have bitterly resented being brought so far out of their territories," Woodman says. "An incredible tenth-century Welsh poem, The Great Prophecy of Britain, calls for the English to be slaughtered. It's difficult to date, but it may be a direct response to this expansion of thelstan's power." Then, in 937AD, at the famous Battle of Brunanburh, thelstan brutally crushed a formidable Viking coalition, supported by Scots and the Strathclyde Welsh, determined to overthrow him. "Brunanburh should be as well-known as the Battle of Hastings," Woodman says. "Every major chronicle in England, Wales, Ireland and Scandinavia took note of this battle, its outcome and how many people were slaughtered. It was a critically important episode in the history of the newly-formed English kingdom." Numerous locations have been proposed for the battle. Woodman is confident that it happened at what is now Bromborough on the Wirral. "That location makes sense strategically and the etymology of the name fits," he says. Revolution of government thelstan's most powerful legacy rests in his "revolution of government," Woodman suggests. Legal documents from thelstan's reign survive in relative abundance and, Woodman argues, take us right to the heart of the type of king he was. "King Alfred must have been a role model for his grandson," Woodman says. "thelstan saw that a king should legislate and he really did. He took crime very seriously." Once thelstan had created the English kingdom, royal documents known as "diplomas" (in essence a grant of land by the king to a beneficiary) were suddenly transformed. Formerly short and straightforward, they were transformed into grandiose statements of royal power. "They're written in a much more professional script and in amazingly learned Latin, full of literary devices like rhyme, alliteration, chiasmus," Woodman says. "They were designed to show off, he's trumpeting his success." But Woodman also argues that government became increasingly efficient during thelstan's reign. "We can see him sending law codes out to different parts of the kingdom, and then reports coming back to him about what was working and what changes needed to be made." "There is also some of the clearest evidence we have for centralized oversight of the production of royal documents, with one royal scribe put in charge of their production. No matter where the king and the royal assembly traveled, the royal scribe went too." Woodman points out that thelstan brought England together just as parts of continental Europe were fragmenting. "Nobles across Europe were rising up and taking territory for themselves," he says. "thelstan made sure that he was well placed to take advantage of the unfolding of European politics by marrying a number of his half-sisters into continental ruling houses." Learning and religion Woodman argues that thelstan reversed a decline in learning brought by the Vikings and their destruction of churches. "thelstan was intellectually curious and scholars from all over Europe came to his court," Woodman says. "He sponsored learning and was a keen supporter of the church." Two of Woodman's favorite pieces of evidence relate to Saint Cuthbert. The first, the earliest surviving manuscript portrait of any English monarch, appears in a 10th-century manuscript now cared for by The Parker Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. thelstan's head is bowed as he stands before the saint. "Everyone should know about this portrait, it's one of the most important images in English history," says Woodman. The manuscript was originally designed as a gift for the Community of Saint Cuthbert. "thelstan had just expanded into Northumbria and this manuscript cleverly includes a life of Saint Cuthbert," Woodman says. "He was trying to win them over to his cause." Woodman felt even closer to thelstan while studying the Durham Liber Vitae. Begun in the ninth century, this manuscript chronologically lists the people who had a special connection to the Community of Saint Cuthbert, in alternating gold and silver lettering. "If thelstan is going to appear, he should be many pages in, but in the tenth century someone visited Saint Cuthbert's Community and wrote 'thelstan Rex' right at the top. Seeing that was breathtakingly exciting. It's feasible that someone in his entourage was responsible. We know they visited the Community in 934 and this manuscript may have been on prominent display there, perhaps on its high altar." More information: David Woodman, The First King of England: thelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom is published by Princeton University Press on 2nd September 2025 (ISBN:9780691249490) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The latest weapon in Chicago's war against rats is plant-based, naturally flavored and nutritious. It's a birth control pellet made with corn and peanuts, and a team of researchers and volunteers will be serving it to discerning rats in a four-block area of Lincoln Park for a year. The aim is to reduce the rat population without harming urban wildlife, including owls and hawks, which can die after eating poisoned rodents. The study was sparked by the high-profile deaths of three beloved Lincoln Park owlsmom, dad and owletwho made their home near North Pond and died in rapid succession last April and May. The deaths were all linked to rat poison, which causes internal bleeding. "We just realized we had to do something," said Judy Pollock, former president of the Chicago Bird Alliance, which raised $32,000 for the study and is working with partners including the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation and 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen. The Chicago study comes at a time when the poisonings of high-profile birds of prey have helped launch rat contraception studies in New York and Boston. New York lost Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl, who famously flourished in the city after escaping the Central Park Zoo, to a 2024 building collision. But testing showed Flaco had been exposed to a level of rat poison that would have been "debilitating and ultimately fatal" even without the accidentand may have made the accident more likely, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. In 2023, a barred owl known as Owen was rescued near Boston's Faneuil Hall after ingesting rat poison. Owen lost an eye but survived. The Lincoln Park owls nested in an easily accessible park, and some fans would visit them on a daily basis. Then all three owls died in the course of a single month. "It was really sad and there were a lot of people that watched it and, as a result, I think, a lot of people are very interested in our work," Pollock said. The contraceptive pellets, which are distributed in black feeding stations about the size of a traditional rat-bait box, look a lot like dry cat food and are sized for carrying (by a rat). The active ingredient is an extract of thunder god vine, an Asian plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Thunder god vine, which is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, has a notable side effect: It can decrease fertility, according to Alaina Gonzalez-White, director of operations at Wisdom Good Works, the Arizona nonprofit that is supplying the contraceptive used in the Chicago study. The Wisdom Good Works contraceptive targets both male and female rats, Gonzalez-White said, interrupting ovulation in the females and inhibiting sperm development in the males. While standard rat poisons accumulate in the animal's body, the active ingredient in the Good Works contraceptive is rapidly metabolized in the rat's liver. The rats need to continue to consume the pellets to maintain the contraceptive effect. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The contraceptive is formulated for rats and mice, so other animals would have to eat very large amounts to be rendered infertile, and even then, the effect would be reversible, according to Wisdom Good Works founder Loretta Mayer, who spoke at a recent webinar hosted by the Chicago Bird Alliance. Mayer, the co-inventor of the contraceptive, which is called Good Bites, said that Wisdom Good Works hasn't seen any negative effects on birds, dogs or squirrels. During a study in the historic Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston that began in 2023, the rat population declined by 56% to 70% over the course of 16 months, Mayer said. Asked if Chicago could expect similar results, Mayer quipped, "Well, if I knew that I'd be in Las Vegas, making my fortune. Our experience tells us that a 50% reduction would be an expected reduction." She added, "If I were a betting woman, I'd probably bet somewhere around a 6065% reduction level." Contraceptives address the great challenge of rat control: the animals' rapid rate of reproduction, according to Maureen Murray, assistant director of the One Health initiative at Lincoln Park Zoo. Murray, who is leading the Chicago rat contraception study, said rats can breed every three weeks, and they produce up to 12 pups in a litter. Two rats can produce about 1,250 rats in the course of a year, according to the global pest control company Rentokil. Killing a rat does, of course, end reproduction, but it's incredibly difficult to kill enough rats to make a lasting dent in the population, Murray said. And when you kill rats, the remaining animals will multiply faster, because they have more access to resources such as food. The Chicago rat contraception study will monitor the effects of the contraceptives using multiple measures. Researchers will look at how much of the contraceptive is consumed, how many rats are visiting the feeding stations, and how much rat activity is picked up at separate stations dubbed rat cams. The rat camsupside-down buckets with wildlife cameras hanging from the "ceiling" and peanut butter insidewill be stationed in areas where rats travel, such as along fences. Small holes in the buckets will allow the rats to enter and exit. The researchers will also be using the rat cams to monitor four neighboring blocks where contraceptive pellets won't be distributed. That's to help assure the researchers that any drop in the rat population in the area with pellets is due to contraception, rather than broader factors such as weather or sanitation. A rat's range varies, but the animals typically stay within an area smaller than a city block. A 50% reduction in rats would be a great outcome for the study, said Gloria Pittman, Chicago deputy commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation, at the Chicago Bird Alliance webinar. Streets and Sanitation helped choose the areas where the contraceptive is being placed and is part of the team that is monitoring the results. Knudsen, the 43rd Ward alderman, said in a news release that if all goes well with the studyand he believes it willhe wants to pitch a citywide rat contraception program. "It would be great if contraception could be one of the tools in the toolkit for rats," said Murray. "I'm not sure that any one single tool is going to be the best in all scenarios, but I think having another tool so that we are less reliant on rat poison will benefit everyone. It will benefit people, it will benefit pets and it will benefit wildlife." 2025 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Penguin An unexplained reference to a mysterious figure known as the 'cotquean' has inspired a radical new exploration of the historical roots of queer life in the 18th century. "Queer Georgians: A Hidden History of Lovers, Lawbreakers and Homemakers" has unearthed archives and court records revealing how same-sex couples were 'getting married' and making homes together in the Georgian era, nearly three centuries before it was believed to have become commonplace in British and Irish society. In so doing, the book offers the first examination of male domestic gender nonconformity, insisting on the emotional significance of the home for men. It also presents new and sometimes very different perspectives on some of history's more celebrated queer figures, including the Chevalier d'Eon and Gentleman Jack herself, Anne Lister. "Queer Georgians" has been researched and written by historian and actor Dr. Anthony Delaney and is based on his Ph.D. at the University of Exeter, which he completed in 2022. This Ph.D. was itself inspired by another throw-away reference to same-sex homemaking that he found in a letter. "I stumbled across an 18th-century letter from a courtier, John, Lord Hervey to Stephen Fox," said Dr. Delaney, who is an Honorary Research Fellow in Exeter's Department of Archaeology and History. "The letter revealed how Hervey had been doing up a house, 31 Great Burlington Street in London, in preparation for Fox to move in. Dr Anthony Delaney. Credit: University of Exeter In the letter, Hervey says, "It is quite finished and looks the smuggest, sprucest, cheerfulest thing I ever saw. Nothing can improve it but a piece of moveable goods of my acquaintance [meaning Stephen], which I expect home with more impatience than I can tell you". "So, here is evidence that two men could make a home together, despite what we've previously been led to believe. Given that we'd completely ignored the history of the cotquean, and in light of this letter between Hervey and Fox, it made me ask: "What other parts of the queer past have been hidden from us?". This question led me towards the archives that would go on to inform "Queer Georgians.'" The book draws together a range of archival material, including life-writing, correspondence, documents from the proceedings of the Old Bailey, plays, poetry, pamphlets, travel writing, art, and newspapers. Dr. Delaney consulted numerous archives, including The Holland House Papers at the British Library, as well as those at Beinecke Library at Yale; the Bodleian, Oxford; the National Archives at Kew; the national libraries of both Ireland and Wales; and the New York City Municipal Archives. Across its three themes of "lovers, lawbreakers and homemakers," the book re-examines queer history in the 18th and 19th centuries through some of the stories and people from the era, including Lord Hervey and the Ladies of Llangollen. It also critically reappraises key historical figures, notably the Chevalier d'Eon, who Dr. Delaney says was not a "proto trans figure" as she is so often portrayed today but, as a previously overlooked letter in his own hand reveals, a person who we would now refer to as asexual, who was forced to dress as a woman by the French Crown. Delaney also finds evidence that the real history of Anne Lister, as portrayed in the hit period drama "Gentleman Jack," was far more toxic and abusive than has been addressed. "There is a huge misconception that queer history starts at the end of the 19th century with Oscar Wildeand it doesn't," concludes Dr. Delaney. "Here we are in 1726, where the book opens, and we are seeing queer communities, queer intimacy, queer love, queer joy and resistance. I hope that, in a time when LGBTQIA+ people are increasingly under threat from regressive legislative orders and increased violence, that this book invites queer people back to their once hidden pre-modern histories and inspires us to resist and persist, joyfully, as our queer Georgian ancestors did." Queer Georgians: A Hidden History of Lovers, Lawbreakers and Homemakers is published by Penguin Doubleday and will be released in the UK on 4 September. More information: Queer Georgians: A Hidden History of Lovers, Lawbreakers and Homemakers is published by Penguin Doubleday and will be released in the UK on 4 September. 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: Agile Gobbon at Twycross Zoo. Credit: University of Leicester A Leicester geneticist working with ape specialists at Twycross Zoo has developed a test which could help preserve highly vulnerable gibbon populations from extinction. Almost all 20 species of gibbon are either endangered or critically endangered, with their main threats being habitat loss and the exotic pet trade. Although captive breeding programs exist, it is extremely difficult to tell some species apart from another, with unknown hybrids unable to be released into the wild. Now geneticist Dr. Lauren Lansdowne, while a Ph.D. student at the University of Leicester, supervised by Dr. Richard Badge, associate professor in bioinformatics, has developed a genetic test to reliably determine the species of an individual gibbon. The results have now been published in Conservation Genetics Resources. Dr. Lansdowne collaborated with researchers at Twycross Zoo, the University of Tokyo and 19 other zoos across Europe so that she had large-scale samples from over 200 gibbons to work with. Her simple genetic test was able to confirm the species of gibbons in European zoos, and identified a few individuals who may have hybrid ancestry. Dr. Lansdowne, who spent three months on placement as part of her Ph.D. at Twycross Zoo, said, "Gibbons are highly charismatic small apes, closely related to the great apes but face extinction. Although captive breeding programs ensure populations are maintained away from the threats in the wild, it is vital that these populations are healthy." The test entails extracting DNA from a biological sample (such as hair or blood), and sequencing a small section of DNA which is highly variable between species, allowing identification based on the DNA sequence. Twycross Zoo was among those who provided gibbon samples. Dr. Lansdowne said, "Some species of gibbon are able to interbreed and produce hybrid offspring. If this happens, it potentially threatens the genetic integrity of the population(s). Historically, records of wild-caught animals sold to zoos were not always complete or accurate, and a particular difficulty with gibbons is that some species look very similar to each other, making it challenging to tell them apart. This means there could be unknown hybrids in captive populations. "This is similarly a problem for wildlife rescue centers. Confiscated gibbons usually have little or no documentation about where they came from or what species they are. Unscrupulous traders may breed different species together, creating hybrids. "If rescue centers cannot be certain what species an individual is, or if it is a hybrid, it cannot be released back in to the wild. Instead, it faces a lifetime in a rescue center, placing considerable strain on the center's resources as gibbons can live for over 25 years in captivity. "This test provides an easy way for zoos and rescue centers to assess their gibbon populations, providing important information to help guide future breeding, release, and welfare decisions." Dr. Badge said, "Dr. Lansdowne's study, one chapter of her Ph.D. thesis, is an excellent example of how research by students in the Department of Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Sciences at the University is having real world impact for the protection of endangered species, both in the wild, and their genetically informed management in captivity. We really hope this simple test will make a difference in protecting our smallest ape relatives." Lynsey Bugg, Twycross Zoo director, added, "Genetic research like this is a powerful tool in helping us understand and protect endangered species. At Twycross Zoo, we're proud to play a role in safeguarding gibbons, and studies like this support our efforts to preserve healthy, sustainable populations for the future." More information: Lauren Lansdowne et al, The mitochondrial D-loop is a robust maternal-species identifier in gibbons (Hylobatidae), Conservation Genetics Resources (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s12686-025-01392-8 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A rare glimpse into a behavior thats almost never seen outside captivity. Credit: Amazon Biodiversity and Carbon (ABC) Expeditions In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, researchers from the University of East Anglia have captured something never before documenteda black-coated jaguar mating in the wild with a spotted jaguar. This rare footage, recorded in Serra do Pardo National Park along the Xingu River, offers a new window into the private lives of one of the world's most elusive big cats. The findings are published in the journal Ecology and Evolution. Secluded hunters Jaguars are solitary and secretive in nature, making them difficult to study in their natural habitat. But during a biodiversity survey as part of an Amazon Biodiversity and Carbon (ABC) Expedition, researchers recorded a six-minute sequence showing a melanistic (black-coated) female and a spotted male mating. Prof Carlos Peres, from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, said, "We hit the proverbial jackpot and captured the first ever video trap footage of a black jaguar mating with a spotted male in the wild. "The six-minute sequence reveals courtship and copulation, and if they'd moved a few meters we would have missed everything! Credit: Amazon Biodiversity and Carbon (ABC) Expeditions "Despite the vast size of the Pan-Amazon region, we still know surprisingly little about many of its speciesespecially how they behave in the wild. This footage not only adds to our understanding of jaguars, but also underscores how much remains to be discovered about the everyday lives of Amazonian wildlife." The footage offers a rare glimpse into a behavior that's almost never seen outside captivity. "This is the first time we've captured a melanistic jaguar mating in the wild," said Post Doctor Thomas Luypaert from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). Mating to mislead? The footage showed a full sequence of courtship and copulation behaviors, similar to those previously documented in captive animals. And to top it off, the camera caught not one, but two mating events. Interestingly, the female appeared to show signs of lactation, such as swollen nipples. This raises the possibility that she was not in true estrus, but instead exhibiting what researchers call "pseudo-estrus"a behavior that may help protect cubs by confusing paternity. "If the female was indeed lactating, it could mean she was using a 'hide-and-flirt' strategy, which is mating to confuse paternity and protect her cubs," Luypaert explained. "That's a possibility we can't rule out." Different spots, same behavior Melanism in jaguars is caused by a genetic mutation and is more common in humid environments like the Amazon. While it's often assumed that such a major difference in appearance might influence behavior, the study found no clear differences in mating patterns between the melanistic female and her spotted counterpart. "What surprised us most was how closely the wild behavior mirrored what's been observed in zoos," said Luypaert. "It suggests that some aspects of jaguar courtship may be deeply conserved." This consistency could be good news for conservationists. Jaguars often struggle to reproduce in captivity, and understanding their natural behavior may help improve breeding success. "Understanding how jaguars behave in their natural environment is essential, not just for science, but for improving conservation and breeding programs worldwide," Luypaert added. The study's findings could help refine artificial insemination timing and improve assessments of mate compatibility in captive settings. In the wild, such data provide a baseline for understanding reproductive health and social dynamics. "Every new insight into jaguar behavior helps us protect them better," said Luypaert. "These animals are under pressure, and we need all the information we can get." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Cameras: A whole new world While this is just one observation, it highlights the value of camera traps and other non-invasive tools in studying elusive species. "Camera traps are revolutionizing how we study animals," Luypaert said. "Without them, this moment would have gone completely unnoticed." The researchers hope that future studies will build on this work to explore whether melanism affects mating success, social behavior, or other aspects of jaguar ecology. "This is just one data point, but it opens the door to asking bigger questions," Luypaert concluded. The results are derived from the Amazon Biodiversity and Carbon (ABC) Expeditions, a project led by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and University of East Anglia, U.K., in conjunction with Brazilian Research Institutes. The ABC Expeditions combine vegetation inventories and multi-taxa wildlife surveys to assess biodiversity and carbon stocks in severely under-sampled regions across the Brazilian Amazon. More information: Thomas Luypaert et al, First Record of Mating Involving a Melanistic Jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Wild: Novel Behavioural Insights Into Colour Morphs and CaptiveWild Comparisons, Ecology and Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71776 Journal information: Ecology and Evolution 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: Infographic with map showing the trajectory of iceberg A23a, the largest iceberg in world, from 1986 to its breaking up at the end of August 2025 north of South Georgia island. Nearly 40 years after breaking off Antarctica, a colossal iceberg ranked among the oldest and largest ever recorded is finally crumbling apart in warmer waters, and could disappear within weeks. Earlier this year, the "megaberg" known as A23a weighed a little under a trillion tons and was more than twice the size of Greater London, a behemoth unrivaled at the time. The gigantic slab of frozen freshwater was so large it even briefly threatened penguin feeding grounds on a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, but ended up moving on. It is now less than half its original size, but still a hefty 1,770 square kilometers (683 square miles) and 60 kilometers (37 miles) at its widest point, according to AFP analysis of satellite images by the EU Earth observation monitor Copernicus. In recent weeks, enormous chunkssome 400 square kilometers in their own righthave broken off while smaller chips, many still large enough to threaten ships, litter the sea around it. It was "breaking up fairly dramatically" as it drifted further north, Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer from the British Antarctic Survey, told AFP. "I'd say it's very much on its way out... it's basically rotting underneath. The water is way too warm for it to maintain. It's constantly melting," he said. "I expect that to continue in the coming weeks, and expect it won't be really identifiable within a few weeks." 'Doomed' A23a calved from the Antarctic shelf in 1986 but quickly grounded in the Weddell Sea, remaining stuck on the ocean floor for over 30 years. It finally escaped in 2020 and, like other giants before it, was carried along "iceberg alley" into the South Atlantic Ocean by the powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Around March, it ran aground in shallow waters off distant South Georgia island, raising fears it could disrupt large colonies of adult penguins and seals there from feeding their young. But it dislodged in late May, and moved on. Swinging around the island and tracking north, in recent weeks the iceberg has picked up speed, sometimes traveling up to 20 kilometers in a single day, satellite images analyzed by AFP showed. Exposed to increasingly warmer waters, and buffeted by huge waves, A23a has rapidly disintegrated. Scientists were "surprised" how long the iceberg had kept together, said Meijers. "Most icebergs don't make it this far. This one's really big so it has lasted longer and gone further than others." But ultimately, icebergs are "doomed" once they leave the freezing protection of Antarctica, he added. Iceberg calving is a natural process. But scientists say the rate at which they were being lost from Antarctica is increasing, probably because of human induced climate change. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Of the stars studied, seventy percent (the red diamonds) appear to accelerate and decelerate. This indicates the presence of a partner. Credit: ESO/Sana et al. Massive stars in metal-poor galaxies often have close partners, just like the massive stars in our metal-rich Milky Way. This was discovered by an international team of 70 astronomers led by scientists from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Israel. They used the European Very Large Telescope in Chile to monitor the velocity of massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The researchers published their findings in Nature Astronomy. For the past 20 years, astronomers have known that many massive stars in the metal-rich Milky Way have a partner. In recent years, it has become clear that the interaction between these partners is important for the evolution of massive stars. However, until now, astronomers were unsure if massive stars in metal-poor galaxies could also be part of a binary system. Now, it turns out that this is indeed the case. Time machine "We used the Small Magellanic Cloud as a time machine," explains Hugues Sana from KU Leuven (Belgium). "The Small Magellanic Cloud has a metallicity environment representative of that of distant galaxies when the universe was only a few billion years old." Studying massive stars outside of the Milky Way is difficult because the stars are far away and we receive little light from them. The researchers used the FLAMES spectrograph on the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile. It is one of the largest telescopes on Earth. FLAMES has 132 fiber optics, each of which can be directed at a different star, which can then be observed simultaneously. Accelerate and decelerate Over a period of three months, the researchers observed the acceleration and deceleration of 139 massive O-type stars at nine different times. These stars have masses between 15 and 60 times that of our sun. They are hot, shine brightly, and end their lives in supernova explosions. In the process, the star's core collapses into a black hole. The results show that over 70% of the observed stars accelerate and decelerate. That is a sign for a nearby partner. "The fact that massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud have a partner suggests that the first stars in the universe, which we suspect were also massive, had partners, too," says co-author Julia Bodensteiner of the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). "Perhaps some of those systems end up as two black holes orbiting each other. It's an exciting thought." The researchers have planned to observe the same stars sixteen more times in the near future. They aim to reconstruct the precise orbits of the binary stars, determine the masses of their components, and study the nature and properties of the companion star. "Using our measurements, cosmologists and astrophysicists studying the young, metal-poor universe will then be able to rely on our knowledge of massive binary stars with greater confidence," concludes Tomer Shenar of Tel Aviv University (Israel). 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: Selik, Salomon, Abraham, Mina and Sara Mahler, who grew up in Trondheim, Norway before WWII. Large parts of Jewish history disappeared with the Holocaust. Three of Simon and Malke Mahler's five children perished. So did their parents. Credit: Photographer Aune, Jewish Museum Trondheim Prior to the Second World War, there were a total of 150 Jewish-owned shops in Trondheim, Norway. Three hundred of the city's 80,000 inhabitants were Jews. Why did so many Jews find their way to provincial Trondheim? As refugees, what was their journey to Trondheim like? And what was it about Trondheim that made the Jews settle down and establish a new life there? "Trondheim was a rapidly growing city at this time, and the economic upswing gave the Jews the opportunity to engage in trade of textiles and fashion goods. Just in the few streets that make up the so-called "Nerbyen" quarter in Trondheim, there are approximately 60 addresses where various Jewish businesses were registered before the Second World War," explained Jon Reitan. Reitan is a historian and researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) who has studied how and why the Jews came to Trondheim, and what their lives were like in the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Jewish accounts disappeared with the Holocaust Reitan has used "microhistory" as a research method. Microhistory shows how the small details, the lives and actions of ordinary people, help to shape the bigger picture. His starting point was an autobiographical story by Simon Mahler. Mahler was a Jew who fled Latvia in the early 20th century. "Simon Mahler is quite unique in that he left behind a written account from the pre-war period. There are very few of these types of sources from the history of NorwegianJewish immigration. It provides us with valuable insight into the immigration and integration of Jews in Norway. Much of this knowledge disappeared during the Holocaust," added Reitan. The story of Simon Mahler Simon Mahler was born on 31 December 1886 and grew up in a shtetl in the small town of Saldus in Latvia ('shtetl' means village in Yiddish). At that time, the Jews were well represented in Saldus. They worked as shoemakers, textile merchants and metalworkers, and in the sawmills and timber industry. Mahler had five siblings and grew up in poverty. "There are several indications that crop failures, poverty, hardship and discrimination were the reasons why many Jews emigrated from their homelands. What perhaps makes Simon a 'typical' migrant for his time was that he grew up in modest and difficult circumstances, and that he was young and unmarried," said Reitan. Simon Mahler left Saldus at the age of 17 in 1903 or 1904. Unlike other Jews who followed family or brought the rest of their family at a later date, he traveled completely alone. At this time, the railway and steamship industries were growing rapidly. Modes of transport were becoming faster, and tickets were becoming more affordable. This allowed the labor market to become global and offered new opportunitiesa crucial factor for Jewish migration. First stop, Sweden Reitan said it was most likely that Simon Mahler, who was traveling alone, chose to depart from Riga or Liepaja in Latvia, which were not far from his hometown of Saldus. From there, steamships sailed to both Stockholm and Copenhagen. Many of the Jews who came to Norway had already been in Sweden for a lengthy period of time. Reitan believes that Sweden was likely their primary destination, but that various circumstances led some migrants to continue on to Norway. "Sweden must have been a safe haven for many Eastern European Jews. Steamships made the journey across the Baltic Sea a short one, and from 1860 to 1914, Sweden did not have any passport requirements for people entering the country," said Reitan. A street vendor carrying his goods on his back. Credit: Unknown, Jewish Museum Trondheim Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Sweden as a transit country The Jews' experience as craftsmen made it natural for them to make a living through itinerant trade in Sweden. They went door to door in towns and out in the countryside, selling clothes, textiles and handcrafted products. They lived frugally, and many of them lodged with local farmers. It was there they gained valuable knowledge about the new culture, the Swedish language and social mores. This helped many of them to save enough money to start their own businesses in the major cities. By the time Simon Mahler arrived in Sweden, itinerant trade had already been prohibited. Like many other new migrants, Mahler chose to continue illegally in secret, but always with the fear of being caught. "When I was 17, I traveled to Sweden and I was allowed to enter the country. I immediately started doing hard work. I went from door to door carrying a heavy load. All my joints ached from working hard day and night. I spent 8 years of my life like this; I suffered from hunger and cold, and I was tired of life. I walked across fields and meadows. The landscape was covered in deep forests. I walked in the pouring rain and freezing cold to earn just a little money [] and I was constantly afraid that the local sheriff would confiscate my goods. [] The door-to-door salesman's trudging seems endless, and it was often difficult to find overnight accommodation. Everything I write here I have experienced myself; everything is true and no lies," Simon Mahler writes. Prohibition may have forced Jews out Reitan believes it is reasonable to think that the prohibition on itinerant trade in Sweden may have forced many people to move on, including to Norway. In Skane, Simon met Malke Rachel Leiman, and they married in the synagogue in Malmo. She was also an Eastern European Jewish immigrant who had lived in Sweden. After eight years in Sweden, Simon and Malke took the train to Norway in 1911. The railway was expanded in Sweden from the 1880s and ran from Malmo and Lund to Norway. First they traveled to Oslo, and then on to Drammen. "From the end of the 19th century, Norway gradually developed two core areas of Jewish settlement: Oslo and Trondheim. The vast majority of immigrant Jews had a fairly similar social, cultural and religious background, in the sense that they came from the same areas in present-day Poland and the Baltics," explained Reitan. In Norway as a free person In Norway, Mahler was granted permission by the authorities to work as a tradesperson. After a few years in Eastern Norway, they moved on to Trondheim in 1918. "Considering that Mahler supported himself for a long time as an itinerant trader, which involved a lot of traveling and establishing customer networks across the country, it is not unlikely that the family found inspiration and motivation to move to Trondheim. It was a city experiencing strong economic growth, with a flourishing Jewish minority community," said Reitan. At the time Simon and Malke settled in Trondheim, there was already an established Jewish community reminiscent of the shtetl in their homeland, and the Jews were also successfully integrated into Norwegian society. "Both Simon and Malke had lived in Sweden for quite a while, a country that resembled Norway in many ways. They could speak Swedish and may therefore have experienced fewer language barriers than many other migrants," continued Reitan. Over the course of 20 years, the number of Jews in Trondheim rose from 120 in 1900 to over 300 in 1920. The Mosaic Community in Trondheim had formally existed since 1905, and in 1923, the old railway station at Kalvskinnet was converted into a synagogue. "This marks a sense of optimism for the future among the Jews, and a collective desire for integration and belonging in Trondheim," Reitan added. Simon and Malke Mahler, approx. 1917. Credit: Photographer Rahmn, Jewish Museum Trondheim Good times in Trondheim and hope for the future The expansion of the railways, the coastal express ferry service, and new steamship connections to Europe provided new opportunities for Trondheim's business community. Trondheim was growing rapidly; from having 25,000 inhabitants in 1890, the population had increased to 70,000 by 1910. The population was exposed to new ideas, wider networks and experienced general economic growth. Prosperity increased across the board, accompanied by a rise in purchasing power. The Jews also benefited from this through their shops selling fashion goods and textiles, and Simon Mahler started a business selling textiles and knitwearS. Mahler, at Hospitalslkkan 10. The Jewish traders succeeded in building upon the experience they had gained from itinerant trade among farmers and fishermen and used it to their advantage in Trondheim's commercial community. Their niche was to offer a different range of goods at a lower price, aimed at new target groups. This is how they differed from existing shops in Trondheim. Memorial stones In 1921, Simon Mahler settled down in Trondheim with both his family and business in Tempe. "This marked the beginning of a steady social climb. Simon Mahler's family went from poverty in an Eastern European shtetl, through difficult times in Sweden, to finally finding security and stability in Trondheim," said Reitan. Malke and Simon had five children. The parents wanted a good future for their children and prioritized their education. Abraham and Salomon attended Trondheim Cathedral School, Selik attended Trondheim Commercial College, and in 1942, Abraham moved to Volda to study at the commercial college there. The children's education was a big investment for the family. They had to pay school fees to attend middle school and upper secondary school. In addition, the children's schooling meant fewer hands contributing to the family business. In 1940, Simon Mahler ran Trondhjems Avfallsforretning (waste management company) at Kjpmannsgata 11. Today, you can find four shiny snublesteiner (memorial stones for Holocaust victims) there, for Simon, Malke, Selik and Mina. In Volda, you can find Abraham's memorial stone. The last two family members, Sara Bella and Salomon, lived on in Trondheim and Copenhagen. Insights from Simon Mahler's story Simon Mahler's story provides insights into the refugee and migrant life of Eastern European Jews, which began and ended with the steamship traffic across the Baltic Sea. Mahler wrote down his story in verse in Yiddish. In his work, Reitan has used a Norwegian translation from the 2000s. Microhistory makes it possible to gain unique knowledge about the past by studying the small things, the tiny details within the big picture. Microhistory can be used to find answers to larger historical questions. "By focusing on an individual, it is easier to relate to the person we are studying," Reitan said, adding: "One especially nice thing about this migration story, which is about 100 years old, is that it feels so timeless and universal. It has a lot in common with many recent migration stories." 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 North Korea is notorious for its illicit trade in weapons and narcotics. But a new investigation that I conducted with colleagues in the UK and Norway reveals a new concern: the illegal trade in wildlife, including species supposedly protected by North Korea's own laws. Based on interviews with North Korean refugees (also referred to as "defectors" or "escapees")from former hunters to wildlife trade middlemenour four-year study shows that almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is opportunistically captured for consumptive use or trade. Even highly protected species are being traded, sometimes across the border to China. Perhaps most striking: this isn't only happening in the black market. The North Korean state itself appears to profit from unsustainable and illegal wildlife exploitation. After the North Korean economy collapsed in the 1990s, the country suffered a severe famine that resulted in between 600,000 and 1 million deaths. No longer able to rely on the state for food, medicine and other basic needs, many citizens took to buying and selling goodssometimes stolen from state-run factories, or smuggled across the border with Chinawithin a growing informal economy. This included wild animals and plants, a valuable food resource. Others valued wildlife for its use in traditional Korean medicine, or for producing goods such as winter clothing. Importantly, wildlife could also be sold to generate valuable revenue. For this reason, as well as a domestic market in wild meat and animal body parts, an international trade developed in which smugglers would try to sell North Korean wildlife products across the border into China. This trade is not officially recognized by either government and North Korea is one of the few countries that is not a party to Citesthe treaty that regulates international trade in endangered speciesso there is little official data. Many of the techniques that researchers usually employ, such as market surveys or analyses of seizure or trade data, are simply impossible in the case of North Korea. We turned instead to the testimony of North Korean refugees. They included former hunters, middlemen, buyers, and even soldiers who had been posted to hunting reserves set aside for North Korea's ruling family. To protect their safety, all interviews were anonymous. To help verify our data we compared them to reports from China and South Korea, while reported changes in some forest resources could be verified using satellite-based remote sensing. Their accounts provide an astonishing level of insight into human interactions withand use ofwild animals and plants in North Korea. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. North Korean state involvement in wildlife trade Perhaps most concerning, however, were reports which suggested the North Korean state itself is directly involved in wildlife trade. Although it was clear from interviews that participants were often not aware of the legal status of wildlife trade in different species, based on our analysis, some of that trade would appear to be illegal. Participants described state-run wildlife farms producing otters, pheasants, deer and bears, and their body parts, for trade. (Indeed, North Korea is believed to have first started farming bears for their bile, before the practice spread to China and South Korea.) The state also collected animal skins via a quota-based system, with residents submitting skins to a government agency, while state-sanctioned hunters and local communities sometimes gifted wildlife products to the state or its leaders as a form of tribute. One species our interviewees identified was the long-tailed goral. Long hunted for its skin, this species is now highly protected under Cites. Our data suggested that gorals were destined for sale to buyers in China. As a party to the convention, this trade would violate China's commitments under Cites. Impacts beyond North Korea's borders The Korean peninsula is a globally important site for numerous mammal species. Its northern regions are connected by land to areas in China where these species are now recovering. However, unsustainable hunting and deforestation threaten their potential recovery in North Korea. This has wider consequences. For instance, it has been hoped that the Amur leopard, one of the world's rarest big cats, may one day naturally recolonize South Korea. But this is currently highly unlikelythese animals will face severe threats simply crossing North Korea. Meanwhile, China's conservation goalssuch as restoring the Amur tiger in its northeastern provincesmay be undermined if threatened species which cross its border with North Korea are killed for trade. Furthermore, illegal cross-border trade in wildlife from North Korea would constitute a breach of China's Cites commitmentsa serious issue, with potentially severe ramifications for legal trade in animals and plants. To address this risk, Beijing must do more to tackle domestic demand for illegal wildlife. The North Korean wildlife trade is currently a blind spot for global conservation. While our findings help shed light on the issue of illegal and unsustainable trade, tackling this threat to North Korea's natural resources will ultimately depend on the decisions taken by Pyongyang. Compliance with domestic protected species legislation should be an immediate priority. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers' headquarters. Base camp north of Maidakul Lake, close to Kyzylsu Glacier, during the first field visit in June 2021. Northwestern Pamir mountains, central Tajikistan. Credit: Marin Kneib/ISTA Too little snowfall is now also shaking the foundations of some of the world's most resilient "water towers," a new study led by the Pellicciotti group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) shows. After establishing a monitoring network on a new benchmark glacier in central Tajikistan, the international team of researchers was able to model the entire catchment's behavior from 1999 to 2023. The results, showing decreasing glacier health, were published in Communications Earth & Environment. High-mountain Asia has been nicknamed the Third Pole due to its massive meltwater reserves, which are second only to the Arctic and Antarctic polar caps. In Central Asia, the northwestern Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan have been home to some of the last stable or growing glaciers outside the polar regions. However, between the collapse of the Soviet Union and the return of new monitoring networks, this region has also suffered from a dire lack of observational data for decades. Researchers from Professor Francesca Pellicciotti's group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) are contributing to an international effort to address this issue. They teamed up with local researchers in Tajikistan and collaborators in Switzerland, Austria, and France to establish their own climate station on a benchmark catchment and model the glacier's changes over more than two decades. Now, their first joint publication shows evidence that the glacier likely reached its tipping point in 2018. "Due to the general lack of data and robust future projections in the region, we can't tell yet whether this was truly the 'point of no return' for Pamir glaciers," says the study's first author, Achille Jouberton, a Ph.D. student in the Pellicciotti group at ISTA. "We must keep in mind that this study only considers one specific catchment and extends from 1999 to 2023. However, it is the first study of its kind. Similar efforts will need to address these issues on a larger geographical scale." Maintaining the climate station. Authors Thomas Shaw and Achille Jouberton maintain the pluviometer station in Kyzylsu Glacier's catchment area during the last field visit in August 2025. Northwestern Pamir mountains, central Tajikistan. Credit: Achille Jouberton/ISTA Understanding an anomalous state Climate change has had a substantial impact on glaciers worldwide. While those in the Alps, Andes, and elsewhere in the world have been melting at a disconcerting rate, some glaciers in the Central Asian Pamir and Karakoram mountains were found to be surprisingly stable, possibly even growing. This unexpected and counterintuitive behavior of the glaciers has been termed the Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly. "Central Asia is a semiarid region that is highly dependent on snow and ice melt for downstream water supply," says ISTA Professor Pellicciotti. "But we still do not fully understand the causes of this anomalous glacier state." Are these the last resilient glaciers in the face of climate change? The team chose to establish their monitoring site on Kyzylsu Glacier in the northwestern Pamir, in central Tajikistan. This climate station is situated at an elevation of just below 3,400 meters above sea level in a country where half of the territory rises above 3,000 meters. "Kyzylsu is becoming a benchmark monitoring site due to the various observational sites recently established on and around the glacier," explains Jouberton. There, the researchers aim to start to shed light on the glaciers' anomalous behavior in the region. Towards the glacier. September 2023: The field team walks towards Kyzylsu Glacier on its true-left side moraine. Northwestern Pamir mountains, central Tajikistan. Credit: Jason Klimatsas/ISTA 'The challenge is that there is almost no data at all' Since setting up their monitoring network at the Kyzylsu catchment in 2021, the team has collected extensive data about snowfall and water resources in the area. Using these observations and climate reanalysis data as inputs to their computational models, they were able to simulate the glacier's behavior from 1999 to 2023. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "We modeled the catchment's climate, its snowpack, the glacier mass balances, and the water movements," says Jouberton. "But whichever way we analyzed the model, we saw an important tipping point in 2018 at the latest. Since then, the decreased snowfall has changed the glacier's behavior and affected its health." In fact, the glacier ice melt has increased, compensating for around a third of the lost water resources from reduced precipitation. Therefore, it seems the anomalous phase of the glacier's relative stability in the face of climate change has reached its end. The researchers used computational models driven by their critically important, new local observations. However, observational data alone would not have answered all questions, even if dense coverage was provided. "We need models and simulations anyway in our work, from the bottom of the valley to the top of the glacier. Even in Europe and Canada, where the monitoring networks are much more extensive, climate stations remain small, localized points on the map," says Jouberton. "But the challenge in the Pamir region is that there is almost no data at all." Therefore, the researchers have to densify the observational mesh. "In light of all these challenges, we are not sure how accurate the input to the model is. But since it performed well against independent observations, we are quite confident about the output. Our work is a first step in the right direction." Too little snow. March 10, 2022: Photo taken by a time-lapse camera near the pluviometer station, north of Kyzylsu Glacier. The snowpack is the thickest at this time of year. Due to the low precipitation, the snow barely reached one meter in thickness. Credit: Jouberton et al., time-lapse camera/ISTA Backpacks loaded with precious equipment Since establishing the collaboration in 2021, while the Pellicciotti group was located at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), the researchers have visited Tajikistan seven times. "We've planned field trips every summer with the local research institutes in Dushanbe and hiked with our backpacks loaded with precious equipment to set camp in remote mountains, cut off from the world. "Having local scientists as part of the field trip not only favors close collaboration and scientific exchange but also helps us overcome the language barrier while interacting with the local inhabitants who depend on the glaciers," says Jouberton. 2025 marks a milestone as this summer's field trip was the last one within the project's current funding period. Among this year's goals were updating and automating the monitoring networks to ensure they remain functional for decades to come. By also sharing essential knowledge about the equipment's maintenance with local inhabitants, they hope to make their work more sustainable and reduce the need for frequent field trips. Up to now, they had to travel to exchange the equipment's internal batteries, maintain the stations' functionality, and collect their data using USB sticks. The snow melted fast. April 26, 2022: Photo taken by a time-lapse camera near the pluviometer station, north of Kyzylsu Glacier. Too little snowfall and warm spring temperatures led to an unusually early complete meltout of the snowpack. Credit: Jouberton et al., time-lapse camera/ISTA Considerable local impact The team's work relies on close cooperation with the locals. "The shepherds know us. They see us every year and often invite us for lunch. They know where we set up our stations and do their best to ensure that nothing disturbs the measurements," says Jouberton. The team discusses the data with the locals, shares information, and works in the wilderness amidst the local inhabitants, their children, and livestock. Frequently, the locals report events that have happened in the mountains. "It is impressive to hear the locals tell us about things we only saw in satellite data. This gives a real and personal impact to our work." Close cooperation with the locals. First author Achille Jouberton (left) discusses the data with local inhabitants near Kyzylsu Glacier in the northwestern Pamir mountains, central Tajikistan. Credit: Jason Klimatsas/ISTA Guarding the 'water towers'. Local inhabitants and the mountains on whose meltwater they depend. Near Kyzylsu Glacier, northwestern Pamir mountains, central Tajikistan. Credit: Jason Klimatsas/ISTA The Kyzylsu catchment contributes to the drainage basin of the Amu Darya, one of the major rivers in Central Asia, whose water originates almost entirely from glaciers. The Amu Darya is also a former inflow of the now mostly dried-up Aral Sea. This inland sea has suffered from the ongoing decades-long diversion of its two main inflow rivers, the Amu Darya to the south and the Syr Darya to the northeast, to irrigate cotton fields created in the desert during Soviet times. "But the effects of the glaciers are the strongest in their immediate ecosystems," says Jouberton. "Even though the Kyzylsu Glacier and likely other Pamir glaciers seem to be melting faster and pumping more water into the system, it is unlikely that they will refill what's left of the Aral Sea." More information: Snowfall decrease in recent years undermines glacier health and meltwater resources in the Northwestern Pamirs, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02611-8 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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: Seismograms from nights one, two, and three of the Eras Tour in Dublin. This snapshot represents the seismic activity generated during love story, part of the Fearless era. 406 254 mm (300 300 DPI). Credit: International Journal of Science Education, Part B (2025). DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2025.2534042 The seismic activity generated by Taylor Swift's sold-out concerts in Dublin in July 2024 provided a unique opportunity for scientific engagement and education, according to the authors of a new study. Geophysicist Eleanor Dunn from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies hit the headlines in July 2024 with her #SwiftQuakeDublin project studying the seismic activity generated by Taylor Swift's concerts in Dublin. Now the Ph.D. student and one of her supervisors, Professor Joseph Roche from the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, have published an academic paper in the International Journal of Science Education, Part B about the power of pop culture events to boost scientific understanding and engagement. The paper, "Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismologyThe Taylor Swift effect," describes the powerful potential for celebrity influence in science communication and public understanding of science. In June 2024, as Taylor Swift played three record-breaking nights at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, researchers installed 42 temporary seismometers across 21 locations surrounding the venue. This extensive network allowed them to meticulously record and compare the seismic impact of the concerts with the readings from the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Measuring this "SwiftQuake" garnered public and media attention through strategic social and traditional media campaigns, captivating fans and the wider public alike. Following the concerts, the team analyzed the collected seismic data, sharing their findings with audiences and inviting fans to contribute their concert videos to aid in the seismic analysis. Seismic signals measured at the stadium for songs such as Shake It Off were matched with patterns detected by the national network in the Dublin mountains and in Wexford, showing the SwiftQuake being detected more than 100km away. By examining the extensive social and traditional media output, the study highlights how cultural events with massive public appeal can be leveraged to engage citizens and enhance their understanding of complex scientific concepts. Lead author Eleanor Dunn, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, explains, "This project was an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between celebrity pop culture and scientific inquiry. Witnessing the public's enthusiasm, especially from Swifties, for understanding how their collective energy translated into measurable seismic waves was truly inspiring. It showed us that science is all around us, even in our favorite music events! "This study demonstrates that integrating popular cultural events into scientific research can create accessible and exciting avenues for public engagement, transforming audiences into active participants in scientific discovery." Professor Joseph Roche, co-author of the study, from the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, praised Dunn's innovative approach. "Eleanor's research showcases the power of interdisciplinary thinking, combining seismology, science communication, and celebrity studies. It's a brilliant example of what happens when a researcher combines their unique research skills with their personal passions. Eleanor is a dedicated Swiftie and, once this study is published, Taylor is going to be just as big a fan of Eleanor's research." More information: Eleanor Dunn et al, Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismologyThe Taylor Swift effect, International Journal of Science Education, Part B (2025). DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2025.2534042 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: There's a cacophony of acoustic signals below the range of human hearing, many quite intense, that you can pick up with the right "ears." Credit: Elena Zhukova Along the coast, waves break with a familiar sound. The gentle swash of the surf on the seashore can lull us to sleep, while the pounding of storm surge warns us to seek shelter. Yet these are but a sample of the sounds that come from the coast. Most of the acoustic energy from the surf is far too low in frequency for us to hear, traveling through the air as infrasound and through the ground as seismic waves. Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have recently characterized these low-frequency signals to track breaking ocean waves. In a study published in Geophysical Journal International, they were able to identify the acoustic and seismic signatures of breaking waves and locate where along the coast the signals came from. The team hopes to develop this into a method for monitoring the sea conditions using acoustic and seismic data. The low rumble of the waves The surf produces infrasound and seismic waves in addition to the higher frequency sound we hear at the beach. Exactly how this works is still an open question, but scientists believe it's connected to the air that mixes into a breaking wave. "All those bubbles oscillate due to the pressure instability, expanding and contracting basically in sync," said first author Jeremy Francoeur, a former graduate student in Professor Robin Matoza's group. This generates an acoustic signal that transfers into the air at the sea surface and into the ground on the sea floor. While pressure waves below 20 hertz (Hz) are still ordinary acoustic waves down to about 0.01 Hz, the frequency, or "pitch," is too low for humans to hear. "These hidden sounds of Earth's atmosphere are produced by numerous natural and anthropogenic sources," explained senior author Matoza, a geophysicist in UCSB's Department of Earth Science. These include volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides; ocean storms, hurricanes and tornadoes; even auroras and the wind flow over mountains. Understanding the type of signals generated by each phenomenon can provide a bounty of information about these events. Working from UCSB's seaside campus, it was natural that Matoza eventually turned his attention toward the beach. He and his students were curious what their seismo-acoustic techniques could tell them about the surf breaking along the coast. Francoeur deployed an array of sensors atop the headland at UCSB's Coal Oil Point Reserve, part of the UC Natural Reserve System, to record infrasound and seismic waves produced by the surf. He paired this data with video footage of the beach to identify what signals corresponded to a breaking wave. Seeing the surf with sound Many infrasound studies have used only one sensor. Deploying an array provided the team with much more information. The crash of a wave acted like the snap of a clapperboard on a Hollywood set, allowing Francoeur to align the video and infrasound channels with each other. This enabled them to better identify the specific signal from crashing waves since they could correlate the footage with pulses in the infrasound. They then searched for the same signature in the longer archive of infrasound data they recorded at Coal Oil Point. While many phenomena produce infrasound, the signal from the surf was fairly clear in the data. It arrived at the sensors as repetitive pulses between 1 and 5 Hz. It was also fairly loud. Well, sort of. "'Loudness' is a description of a human perception," Matoza explained, "so infrasound cannot have 'loudness.'" However, what we perceive as volume relates to the amplitude of the acoustic wave. Most of the wave infrasound was around 0.1 to 0.5 pascals. This would be about the volume of busy traffic (74 to 88 decibels (dB) relative to a 20 Pa reference pressure), or about the volume of a busy restaurant, if it were shifted into the frequency range of human hearing. Particularly strong swells reached 1 to 2 Pa, or the din of a noisy factory (94 to 100 dB). "The sound of the surf is pretty loud when you're out there on the beach," Francoeur said, "so it's interesting that the majority of energy is actually produced in the infrasound range." The team was curious whether this signal would align with sea conditions. They found that the infrasound amplitude correlated with significant wave height, which is the height of swells on the open ocean. "But the correlation between what we were seeing with the video data compared to what we were seeing acoustically and seismically was a lot more complex than we initially imagined it to be," Matoza said. Francoeur was also able to use the array to triangulate the signals' origin from small differences in arrival times, a technique called reverse-time-migration. "It was interesting to me that all of the directions seemed to align to the same region of the beach," he said, "the rock shelf at Coal Oil Point." The authors suspect that the point's bathymetry forces a large proportion of waves to crash simultaneously, producing those synchronized bubble oscillations. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Future opportunities The researchers are curious if it's common for one area of a beach to produce most of the infrasound, like they observed in this study. They also want to know if the signals they detected are typical of breaking surf. "Does a wave here have the same infrasound signal as, say, a wave in Tahiti?" Francoeur asked. "And as tides change, as winds change, and the conditions out there change, how does that affect the infrasound that's produced?" Matoza will continue to investigate these questions with his lab, a task made simpler by the project's location, merely 2.5 miles from his office. "Having this field site very close to campus was really a fantastic opportunity because it was a lot of trial and error trying to figure out good array geometries," he said. "The proximity meant that we could quickly deploy." It's also a boon to his students' budding careers. "They get to take part in the whole geophysical workflowfrom collecting data in the field, deploying the instruments, analyzing the data, hypothesis testing and writing the paper. And we can do that all within Goleta," Matoza said. He hopes to ultimately develop a way to characterize surf conditions solely from infrasound and seismic signatures. This could complement video monitoring systems that may be limited by darkness and fog. More information: Jeremy W Francoeur et al, Identification of transient seismo-acoustic signals from crashing ocean waves: template matching and location of discrete surf events, Geophysical Journal International (2025). DOI: 10.1093/gji/ggaf317 Journal information: Geophysical Journal International 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: Kougoed. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Sceletium tortuosum is a little succulent plant that grows in the semi-arid Karoo and Namaqualand regions of South Africa. It has a long history of traditional use among the hunter-gatherers of the region. The plant, known as kanna or kougoed by the San and Khoikhoi people, was mainly chewed or smoked to stay alert and suppress appetite during long hunts. The San were traditionally hunter-gatherers, while the Khoikhoi were pastoralists who herded livestock. The name kanna (meaning "eland" in the click language of the San), has a symbolic reference to this large antelope, as the "trance animal," which was called upon during religious and spiritual gatherings. Kougoed is Afrikaans for "something to chew." The plant can be chewed after being dried and fermented, which is believed to intensify its effects. The first colonial governor of the Cape colony, Simon van der Stel, in 1685 wrote about kanna in his journal: "They chew mostly a certain plant which they call Canna and which they bruise, roots as well as the stem, between the stones and store and preserve in sewn-up sheepskins." I'm part of a group of scientists from different disciplines with an interest in this plant and we pooled our expertise to understand its effects on neurochemical concentrations in different parts of the brain. Our studies were done in mice, so there is caution about establishing effectiveness on humans. Still, the results are striking. As a chemist with an interest in natural products, I wanted to know which alkaloids in the plant were important in bringing about these effects. Our latest study explored the effects of Sceletium tortuosum extracts on mouse brain chemistry. We found that Sceletium increased the levels of certain brain chemicals which may balance mood and reduce stress. These findings lend support to the calming and mood-enhancing use of this plant in traditional medicine. Plant chemistry Chemotypes are groups of the same plant species that differ in the alkaloids they produce. This is because plants often produce alkaloids in response to external cues such as the weather or the presence of a plant-eating animal or pathogen. Alkaloids are carbon-based compounds produced by plants. They are often toxic or taste bitter, making the plants less appealing or even harmful to the predators or invaders that want to eat or inhabit them. Alkaloids generally have physiological effects of use to humans. Some commonly used ones include caffeine, morphine and quinine. We harvested two chemotypes of kanna from the Touwsrivier and De Rust regions of South Africa. These areas were chosen because of their interesting and unusual alkaloid profiles. The chemotypes were given to healthy mice as a supplement once a day for one month. The mice were monitored every day for behavioral or unexpected adverse reactions but none were noted. At the end of the month, the levels of chemicals in the mouse brain were measured. Both the chemotypes were found to cause a marked increase in noradrenaline and a decrease in GABA in all brain regions studied. Both molecules are neurotransmitters that transmit nerve signals in the brain affecting memory, mood, attention and sleep. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. This effect on noradrenaline supports kanna's traditional use as an appetite-suppressing drug. Increased noradrenergic stimulation is also the basis of many antidepressants as well as drugs that improve attention and alertness. We also found an impact on the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine which may act together to balance mood and reduce stress. Serotonin affects emotional well-being and mood; dopamine motivates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Importantly, the control kanna extracts that did not have the interesting alkaloid profiles did not cause any of these chemical changes in the mouse brain. Most studies on kanna have focused on the alkaloid mesembrine. The two specific chemotypes of kanna harvested from the Touwsrivier and De Rust regions of South Africa do have the mesembrine, but they are also packed with some other lesser-known or "minor" alkaloids. These differences in alkaloids may arise from a combination of geographic, environmental and inherent genetic factors found in a particular subset of plants. Both the Touwsrivier and De Rust plants contained higher levels of alkaloids called mesembrine alcohols, which are different from mesembrine, and were barely present in the control extract. Another minor alkaloid, known as sceletium A4, was also identified as possibly being important. Mesembrine alcohols and sceletium A4 may be the ones responsible for the activity. This suggests that the source of the plant, and the area in which it is grown, can influence its potential as a natural treatment for mood disorders and sleep. What the results tell us Stress, anxiety and depression pose a risk to the ability to lead a meaningful life. The World Health Organization has reported a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide since the emergence of COVID-19. Our study showed that the plant extracts had a broad noradrenergic effect in mice. But we have to be careful about making connections between results in mice and in humans. We need to explore the behavioral impact of these extracts in both mice and humans, especially in relation to sleep, alertness and mood. The results also highlighted that without understanding the complex chemical composition of these plants, we risk overgeneralizing their benefits, or worse, using them inappropriately. Our findings have two implications. First, they point towards a future of precision phytotherapy (use of plants for medicinal purposes), where natural remedies are tailored not just to individuals but to selecting certain plant chemotypes that produce certain combinations of alkaloids. Manipulating the growing conditions and genetic make-up of plants to optimize for alkaloid content is an age-old art. Second, they remind us of the enormous, still largely untapped potential of African medicinal plants in global health innovation if we invest in research that honors both indigenous knowledge and scientific rigor. As the world searches for safer, more sustainable ways to treat mental health conditions, South Africa's kanna plant may hold secrets worth rediscovering. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Tens of thousands of fans streamed into Manchester's Heaton Park this summer to see Oasis return home. Over 400,000 people attended across five nights of the much-hyped reunion tour. But the joy came at a price. For more than eight weeks, large parts of Heaton Park were fenced off and heavily secured, restricting everyday use. Families, dog-walkers and runners were displaced, and the effects rippled far beyond the park gates. The park regularly hosts food festivals and the music festival Park Life, but Oasis was of a different scale. The concerts effectively turned much of the park into a private venue, accessible only to ticket holders and staff. Residents complained of overcrowded trams, gridlocked roads and children struggling to get home from school. What is usually Manchester's largest green space became, in some people's minds, a no-go zone for two months. Local governments insist such events bring much-needed revenue. Manchester City Council has not reported a specific fee for Oasis to use Heaton Park, although it has been said that around 25,000 has been allocated to fund local projects. (At the time of publication, the council had not replied to our request for clarification about the fee.) Pubs and restaurants thrived on concertgoers, and taxi drivers got a ready-made source of customers who would pay whatever it took. The city itself basked in the global spotlight of a high-profile homecoming. Yet the downsides for locals were obvious: noise, antisocial behavior, litter and congestion, as well as the general fatigue of not being able to go about their daily business. Afterwards, many felt the grass and grounds had been left in a poor state, raising questions of how muchif anyof the fee would be reinvested in the park itself. This fuels skepticism: a multi-million pound tour gives the council a relatively small fee, while thousands of locals absorb the inconvenience. In my view, people are right to wonder whether public parks should be used to support these enterprises. The Oasis shows tap into a wider debate about the use of public parks for festivals and events. Why is a space designed for community relaxation doubling up as a mega-venue? Why not use a stadium or arena purpose-built for huge crowds? And why don't local councils charge far greater fees to permit such events, and properly enforce penalties for any damage? Heaton Park is not unique. Sefton Park in Liverpool and Finsbury Park in London have hosted major festivals including Africa Oye and Wireless for over a decade respectively, provoking annual complaints about noise and disruption. Each time, local councils stress the economic upside, while residents question whether public green spaces are being commercialized at their expense. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Why councils say yes In my experience, many local authorities simply feel they cannot afford to say no. Years of budget cuts mean councils must "sweat" every asset they own. Large parks, especially those with capacity for mass gatherings, are among the few resources left to monetize. Cultural prestige also matters. Hosting a band like Oasis in their hometown generates pride and attention that no council will want to turn away. But if parks are to be used in this way, the terms should be stronger. The reported 25,000 fee is minimal when set against the profits of a five-night run: 80,000 people paying 100 or more each over five nights adds up to around 40 million in revenue. (In fact, many people paid hundreds and even thousands of pounds to attend the Oasis gigs.) Councils could charge significantly more, with some of the revenue ring-fenced to fund park management and improvements, and contracts that cover damage to the park. So, did Oasis ruin Heaton Park? Not exactly. The concerts were a cultural phenomenon for Manchester and a source of joy for thousands of fans. But they also highlighted how public parks are being commercialized to plug council finances, often with limited benefit to those who most need them. If local authorities continue to hire out green spaces to private promoters, they should rethink the terms. At the very least, residents deserve more input, and a fairer share of the rewards. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: AI-generated image With the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), teachers have been thrust into a new and ever-shifting classroom reality. The public, including many students, now has widespread access to GenAI tools and large language models (LLMs). Students sometimes use these tools with schoolwork. School boards have taken different approaches to regulating or integrating tech in classrooms. Teachers, meanwhile, find themselves responding to these paradigm shifts while juggling student needs and wider expectations. The Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) has called on the federal government and the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to work with provinces and territories to enact enforceable policies that protect student privacy and data security, regulate how AI is used in classrooms and promote responsible and ethical use of AI systems. The federation acknowledges AI tools have the potential to enhance teaching and learning; it also expresses concern about regulatory gaps that leave students exposed to risks like data breaches, algorithmic bias and decline in education standards. As researchers whose combined work focuses on professional learning and AI in education, as well as professional practice standards and innovations in education, we believe commitments are needed not just in the form of policies, but also procedures and practices which develop AI competencies for teachers. We argue these should span both initial teacher education programs and ongoing professional learning. Many questions raised for teachers AI raises many questions about the purpose of education, including questions around academic integrity and how education can uphold fairness and equity. Questions include: Teachers are uniquely positioned to help guide students as they grapple with the existential and social implications of AI alongside practical concerns for their own and students' futures. Teachers cannot face this complex challenge alonethey need support and to feel skilled and empowered to fulfill this important role. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Empowering teachers There's a growing international consensus echoed by calls to action that teachers are essential players as learners develop AI literacy. The CTF calls for the role of teachers "in creating caring, human-centered classrooms" to be prioritized "in all AI policy development to ensure Canadian students enjoy their right to a quality education." As provinces establish their own recommended approaches around AI and education, education and government agencies are partnering to support innovation and programs for the development of AI literacy. Guidance created through government, research and not-for profit tech partnerships or tech company partnerships can also be consulted. Despite growing resources, the development of AI technology continues to outpace implementation support and essential training for teachers. This widening gap between teacher competencies and the demands of an AI-infused classroom is unsustainable. This is not merely about keeping pace with technology; it's about equipping teachers to guide the next generation in a world transformed by AI. Equipping teachers A holistic approach to prepare teachers for different issues at stake with AI-enhanced classrooms is needed. Teachers need: 1. Supported forums to address critical awareness of AI's impacts: Teacher education and professional development spaces could allow forums for teachers to address issues such as: helping students examine AI's societal impacts, including the ethics of AI use; environmental concerns; privacy concerns, misinformation, labor displacement and bias; how AI works within social media algorithms; personalized advertising; social-emotional support chatbots. These conversations are central to AI literacy. 2. Foundational knowledge of AI: Teachers need a baseline understanding of how AI works, including its limitations, biases and design. They don't need to be computer scientists, but they do need to be aware of what tools are available to them, learn how to make informed pedagogical and ethical choices about potentially using AI and understand how to use tools. 3. To be equipped with strategies to meaningfully integrate AI into teaching and learning, which requires asking why and when to integrate AI in learning. 4. Design-based professional learning: teachers need time and space to learn from each other. AI is evolving quickly, and teachers need professional learning communities where they can share ideas, design and test new approaches, and reflect on their experiences. Effectively using GenAI tools requires varied knowledge. Research-practice partnerships where researchers and practitioners work together, and professional learning that is responsive to teachers' specific contexts and practices hold promise for developing AI competencies. This could look like using AI as a professional learning tool to design activities that foster creativity or exploring using AI to support differentiated learning and promote inquiry. By empowering teachers with skills and confidence in AI use, they can continue to guide students and shape students' critical and responsible engagement with this technology. A shared responsibility Teachers cannot do this alone. Successfully integrating AI into education requires a concerted and collaborative effort from all stakeholders within the educational ecosystem. This vital partnership includes governing bodies, school boards and school leaders and teachers and researchers, who are instrumental in leading this transformation. Together, these partners can help establish clear, strategic mandates for AI integration and dedicate robust funding for essential tools and comprehensive training and research to foster innovative spaces where educators and researchers can experiment and study practices. Research is needed to assess the broader effects of AI use, for example, on critical thinking and cognitive offloading, to evaluate and understand the impacts of this technology in education. Supports are needed to ensure that AI adoption is not haphazard, but strategic and equitable across all jurisdictions. Implementation should also consider teacher burnout and the existing responsibilities that teachers carry. What can be removed, and what robust supports can be provided so teachers can take this on without compromising their well-being or effectiveness? Professional learning for educational uses of AI is already taking root through informal peer-to-peer networks and diverse formal experiences. These include academic institutions, bodies like the not-for-profit organizations International Society for Technology in Education or the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and charitable organization Let's Talk Science among many others. These existing pathways can be leveraged and scaled with targeted support to bridge the current preparation gap. It's time for policymakers to recognize that investing in teachers is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our students and in a better future for all of us. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain After six centuries in Spain, discrimination against the Roma people remains "rooted in stereotypes based on ignorance and, in some cases, pseudo-knowledge about this community," explains Juan Jarque Jarque, who advocates for an inclusive education system that respects diverse values as a way to end antigypsyism and encourage greater Roma participation in community life. "The image society has today," he argues, "is practically the same as the one recorded and published by Sebastian de Covarrubias in 1611 and by the Royal Spanish Academy in its Diccionario de Autoridades in 1734, which described Roma as lost souls, vagabonds, tricksters, and thieves." These stereotypes have been repeated in the Academy's twenty-three editions since 1780, although the latest online version of the 23rd edition modified the entry for "trapacero" [trickster], acknowledging that the term was "offensive or discriminatory." The researcher, who has recently earned a doctorate, explains why some of these stereotypes are inaccurate, such as the notion of a nomadic lifestyle. He notes that Roma migrations were mostly due to wars (refugees and displaced people), economic reasons (migrants), or religious pilgrimages within Europe. In fact, data from the Fundacion Secretariado Gitano in 1978 showed that the number of nomadic Roma in Spain did not exceed 5%. Jarque emphasizes that "while Roma and mainstream society share cultural spaces, it is essential to recognize that Spain's Roma population is heterogeneous and diverse." Historically, this diversity was reflected in the way authorities classified individuals as Roma, often basing it on lifestyle or social behavior rather than ethnicity itself. To overcome both antigypsyism in Spanish society and Roma disengagement from it, Jarque proposes an education system that weaves Roma history into Spain's national narrative while also protecting each community's cultural identity. This way, different groups can preserve their traditions yet share the same cultural, political and social space. At the same time, he suggests that Spanish Roma must also work to overcome disengagement from social norms and values, and increase participation in political and civic life (voter turnout is low, and representation in political parties is almost nonexistent). He welcomes initiatives led by the Fundacion Secretariado Gitano to challenge negative stereotypes, as well as the growing number of mixed marriages, which often encourage longer engagement with formal education. Despite the challenges, the current National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of the Roma People (20212030) offers grounds for optimism. Jarque believes it provides a framework for Roma communities and public administrations to work together to improve their social image and promote active civic participation. Juan Jarque Jarque has become the first Roma scholar to earn a Ph.D. in Contemporary History at the Universitat Jaume I, defending in June 2025 his dissertation "Gitanos en Castellon de la Plana. Avecindamiento forzoso, control y desigualdad (1739- 1978)" [Roma in Castello de la Plana: Forced Settlement, Control, and Inequality (17391978)], supervised by Professor Imilcy Balboa Navarro. The study reconstructs, for the first time, the history of Roma families in Castello province, which largely mirrors that of the rest of Spain: periods of migration, settlement, expulsion, resettlement, persecutionand always rejection, discrimination through legal measures, and strict control by authorities. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. His research set out two goals. First, to narrate the history of Roma in Castello from the forced settlement of two Roma families on May 12, 1739, to December 29, 1978, when the Spanish Constitutionwhose Article 14 guarantees equality for all citizensentered into force. Second, to identify the causes of persistent discrimination against the Roma minority after six centuries in Spain and, more specifically, in the 46 years since Roma Spaniards gained the same legal rights as the rest of the population. In 2025, Spain marks the 600th anniversary of the Roma people's arrival on the Iberian Peninsula. An institutional declaration approved by the Council of Ministers in January highlights the Roma presence since the 15th century and their contributions to Spain's history, culture and language, while also acknowledging the historic debt linked to enduring inequality, centuries of antigypsy laws, and repeated attempts at extermination. 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: Aerial view of Enewetak Atoll showing nuclear test craters. Credit: Copernicus Sentinel Data 2021 On September 2, 1945, the Second World War ended when Japan officially surrendered. Today, on the 80th anniversary, the physical legacy of the conflict remains etched into land and sea. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Pacific. There, fierce battles left behind sunken warships, aircraft and unexploded bombs. These remnants are not only historical artifacts but toxic time capsules. They leak fuel, heavy metals and other hazardous substances into fragile ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and, potentially, human health. This problem is a reminder of the enduring environmental harms of conflict. Toxic remnants of war can damage ecosystems and communities long after the fighting stops. The Pacific as a dumping ground World War II in the Pacific involved four years of conflict between Japan and Allied forces. The war began in the region in December 1941 when Japan attacked a United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Pacific conflict included the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal campaign in the Solomon Islands. Pacific islands became staging grounds for battles. Weapons were stockpiled and hazardous material discarded. Ships and aircraft were sunk. When the war ended, much of this material was simply left behind. Among the remains are an estimated 3,800 wrecks still lying on the Pacific Ocean floor. An environmental hazard As remnants of war degrade, they often leach toxic pollutants into nearby waters and soils. These can build up in marine life, enter the food chain and pose serious risks to both biodiversity. At Palau, a WWII Japanese ship sank in Koror Harbor and became known as the Helmet Wreck. It contains Japanese depth charges leaking acid into surrounding waters. Researchers have shown the long-term environmental impacts in the Baltic Sea of unexploded WWII ordnancebombs, shells and grenades that failed to detonate. An estimated 3000kg of dissolved ammunition chemicals have been found. Coral reefs and mangroves, which are vital for coastal protection, are especially vulnerable to both chemical exposure and physical damage. For example, researchers examined the effects off Puerto Rico of unexploded ordnance. They found nearby sea animals contained potentially toxic compounds leaking from the ordnance, which meant the substances had entered the food web. Human communities on high alert Unexploded ordnance continues to endanger communities. Just last year, for example, more than 200 bombs were found buried beneath a school in the Solomon Islands. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In places such as Palau, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, these dangers are unearthed regularly. They can be found by farmers working their land, children playing or fisherman working. Buried bombs, sunken ships and downed aircraft often contain fuel and heavy metals. This includes lead and cadmium which can interfere with the body's hormone system and cause serious health issues. Research into the human health impacts of war remains is limitedespecially in the Pacific. But existing studies suggest exposure is linked to serious consequences. For example, parental exposure to wartime contaminants has been linked to birth defects in Gaza and Vietnam. And a study of British Army ammunition technicians released earlier this year found significantly higher rates of bladder cancer than the general population. This suggests occupational exposure to explosive compounds may pose long-term health risks. Climate change is increasing the risk As Earth's climate warms, extreme weather events are worsening and seas are rising. This is exacerbating the dangers posed by wartime remnants. For example Cyclone Pam, in March 2015, exposed unexploded WWII ordnance in Kiribati and Tuvalu. Further investigations revealed remnants including high explosive projectiles, mortars and 5,300 rounds of ammunition. In 2020, a visiting fisherman found an unexploded bomb near Lord Howe Island. Then-Environment Minister Sussan Ley suggested the device may have been shifted by a cyclone or ocean currents. Similarly, floods and landslides can move these hazards over significant distances, increasing uncertainty around their locations and complicating clearance efforts. Rising sea levels are threatening to breach one of the Pacific's most toxic legaciesthe Runit Dome in the Marshall Islands. This concrete structure was built in the late 1970s to contain radioactive waste from US nuclear testing decades earlier. Research shows extreme storms could increase radioactive sediments in the area to up to 84 times higher than normal. There are also concerns cracks in the dome's surface could lead to contamination of surrounding waters. Reflecting on war's toxic legacy Despite the risks to people and health in the Pacific, remediation has been slow. The 80th anniversary of WWII offers an opportunity to reflect on the toxic legacy of warand to act. The scale of the problem demands coordinated, well-funded action. The work should not just remove dangerous materials, but restore damaged ecosystems and monitor long-term health impacts. Some support has been offered. It includes Operation Render Safe, a program to remove war remnants led by the Australian Defence Force. But more is needed. Regional partnersincluding Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United Stateshave a chance to lead. This means investing in environmental cleanup, supporting affected communities and acknowledging historical responsibility. It also means listening to Pacific voices, who have long called for greater attention to the war's toxic legacy. Their knowledge, resilience and lived experience must be central to any response. The authors acknowledge Nixon Panda for his contribution to this article. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang meets with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Khurelsukh is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang separately met here with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Tuesday. The two presidents are in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In the meeting with Khurelsukh, Ding said China is ready to work with Mongolia to continue to consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation in all fields to promote bilateral relations to a higher level. Khurelsukh said his country stands ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen mutual trust and cooperation to push forward greater development of bilateral relations. In the meeting with Berdimuhamedov, Ding said China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to continue to strengthen cooperation in natural gas and expand cooperation in non-resource fields. Turkmenistan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields to better promote regional stability and development, Berdimuhamedov said. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2025. Berdimuhamedov is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Charlie Sheen feels shame shivers over his turbulent past. Charlie Sheen feels shame shivers over his turbulent past The actor, 59, is celebrating eight years without drugs or alcohol, and has now given a frank interview about his partying days. Charlie told People magazine about the difficulty of forgiving himself: Forgiveness is still an evolving thing. I still get what I call the shame shivers. These are the moments that hit me, of the heinous memories and choices and consequences. Theyre getting farther in between, so I guess thats progress. What has been interesting about making amends is that most people have been like, Hey yeah, were good man, but we hope youve also forgiven yourself. Charlie rose to fame with roles in Ferris Buellers Day Off and Platoon before becoming one of TVs highest paid stars in his leading role on Two and a Half Men, while enduring years of public scandals and drug use. In the 1990s he testified that he paid more than $50,000 to call girls employed by Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss. And in 2005, during divorce proceedings from his second wife, Denise Richards, she accused him of making death threats, shoving her and endangering their children. In 2010 he was reportedly ejected from New Yorks Plaza Hotel after trashing a room while using cocaine. Charlie added to People he has no desire to return to substance use, saying: Whether its true or not, I like to think the next hit would kill me. His forthcoming memoir, The Book of Sheen, recounts his use of crack, heroin and testosterone cream, which he said made him a raving lunatic. He recalled: At my parties, I always said: Park your judgement at the door. No pain in the bedroom. And no one can die. Those were good rules. Charlie said his hedonism was fuelled by fear of losing fame. He added: There was always that voice of doubt that it was only a matter of time before it all went away, so to enjoy it as heartily as you can. Charlie has four children daughters Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with Denise, and twin sons Max and Bob, 16, with Brooke Mueller, his third wife. Denise temporarily cared for the twins in 2013 after authorities removed them from Brooke due to substance abuse. The actress and Charlie divorced in 2006 but continued to clash. She accused him of threatening her in 2013, saying: I am going to sever your head and mail it to your father. But by 2017 the pair appeared to reconcile, taking their children to a Twenty One Pilots concert. More recently, they disagreed over Samis decision to join OnlyFans. While Charlie criticised the move, Denise supported her daughter and joined the platform herself. Charlie said his decision to stop drinking and using drugs was shaped by fatherhood. He said: I keep a (mental list) of the worst, most shameful things Ive done, and I can look at that in my head if I feel like having a drink. His memoir release will be followed by a Netflix special on his life on Wednesday (03.09.25.) He said: Im not calling all of this a comeback. Im calling it a reset. Im just living for the next moment, whatever that turns out to be. China will host its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday as Xi Jinping positions himself as the biggest leader in the East to counter Donald Trump's aggressive trade and geopolitical policies. President Xi will be joined by Russia's Vladimir Putin, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in a first instance of the four leaders coming together in a display of strength as Beijing showcases its latest generation of military technology. The gathering of what Western analysts have dubbed as the "Axis of Upheaval", which includes a cohort of leaders of mostly 25 non-Nato countries, could build on a mutual defence pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Korean leader crossed into China early on Tuesday aboard his special train, en route to capital Beijing. Mr Xi and Mr Putin gathered at the Great Hall of the People for a meeting with Mongolia's leader, expected to touch on a vast gas pipeline project. The Russian president thanked his "dear friend" Xi for the warm welcome and said the close communication showed Russia's relations with China were at an "unprecedentedly high level". Chinas display of mammoth military power on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans Second World War surrender is poised to eclipse the tepid military parade held for Mr Trumps 79th birthday last June. The parade is a flex aimed squarely at Mr Trump and his Western allies, which is likely to stoke the American president's ire even further. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing (Reuters) The anticipated parade Pictures leaked on Chinese social media showed the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was preparing to show off a lineup of new land and water-based weapons systems on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans Second World War surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade is likely to be one of the largest in Chinas history, potentially eclipsing the 2015 parade marking the 70th anniversary. That event involved more than 12,000 soldiers and included international contingents from Russia, Belarus, Mongolia, Cambodia, and other nations. President Xi, who is also the head of the military, will deliver a speech on the occasion, which will feature new-type combat capabilities, including hypersonic weapons and a range of electronic gear, Beijing has announced. He will review the assembled troops through the sunroof of a Chinese-made Red Flag limousine affixed with microphones and periodically say "Greetings, comrades", reports say. He will be joined by world leaders to watch the rest of the parade that will pass through Tiananmen Square. Domestically, the commemoration is an effort to show how far the country has come, and in doing so, build support for the party and its leader. China was a major front in the Second World War, a fact often overlooked in accounts that focus more on the fight for Europe and US naval battles in the Pacific. It's a really important part of the Communist Party's legitimising narrative as the leader of the Chinese people," said Emily Matson, a scholar of modern Chinese history who teaches at Georgetown and George Washington universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers as well as ground equipment, some of which have never been seen in public before, will be featured in the parade, military officials said at a press conference. From trucks fitted with devices to take out drones, new tanks and early warning aircraft to protect China's aircraft carriers, military attaches and security analysts say they are expecting China to display a host of new weapons and equipment at the parade. China has the worlds largest standing military, with more than two million personnel , and an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of missiles, aircraft carriers, and fighter aircraft. "China will showcase a new generation of nuclear weapons," analyst Song Zhongping told AFP. Nuclear weapons and other military hardware "will help equalise the military power balance between China and the US", he said. A Chinese YU-20 aerial tanker and J-20 stealth fighter jets fly past the capital city tallest skyscraper China Zun Tower and office buildings in the central business district during a rehearsal ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Who is participating? About 26 leaders, including the reclusive North Korean leader, will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Xi on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Mr Kim, who crossed into China on his special train early on Tuesday, it will be his first major multilateral event and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade in 66 years. "The presence of Vladimir Putin, (Iran's) Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong Un underscores China's role as the world's leading authoritarian power," said Neil Thomas, a Chinese politics expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. The increase in leaders from Central Asian, West Asian, and Southeast Asian countries attending this year's parade compared to the last one in 2015 highlight's Beijing's progress in regional diplomacy, he added. Slovakian prime minster Robert Fico, the only Nato member, and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic both critical of sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine are the only Western leaders attending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, President Xi rallied leaders of developing nations to advocate for a more equal, multipolar world and promote the "correct historical perspective" of WWII at a regional security forum in the port city of Tianjin. The parade too is part of a "memory war" in which China and Russia offer an alternative history to a Western narrative they believe underplays their role in fighting fascist forces, the Brookings Institution wrote in a paper last week. Other guests expected to arrive in Beijing include Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, president Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, and Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chinese soldiers rehearses at a camp ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Military hardware on display The tightly choreographed 70minute parade offers a rare public window into Chinas rapidly evolving military edge in a stark reminder not lost on Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has claimed that all equipment on display are domestically produced and currently in service, with a redirected focus on the naval power as China escalates its pressure on Taiwan. "China must develop powerful anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to prevent the United States from posing a serious threat to China's national security," Song Zhongping, a military commentator and former Chinese army instructor, told AFP, referring to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te on Tuesday warned that the aggression will inevitably fail, pointing to the lessons from WWII and key victories Taiwan claims against Chinese forces in 1958. Chinese military helicopters fly over the central business district during a rehearsal ahead of the Sept. 3 military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, in Beijing on Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Navy power China is likely to display at least two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), according to leaked photos from the parade rehearsals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessels, estimated to be around 60ft long, were seen being carried across the city on massive transport vehicles, Naval News reported. Their torpedo-shaped hulls and pump-jet propulsion systems revealed that the underwater vehicles were built to be stealthy. Images showed one of the sea drones being marked as AJX002, while another type was photographed only under wraps. China is set to unveil the AJX-002, nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable extra large underwater vehicle (XLUUV). It measures 18-20 meters long and 1.5 meters in diameter, with pump jet propulsion and crane deployment lugs. Comparable to Russias Poseidon nuclear torpedo, this pic.twitter.com/IYMSaagnOu Vanguard Intel Group (@vanguardintel) August 18, 2025 Six of the drones were reportedly spotted during the rehearsal. Four matched the AJX002 profile, while two appeared slightly larger. The AJX002 features four lifting lugs along its hull, indicating that it is crane-assisted. China operates the world's largest XLUUV programme with at least five distinct types already in the water, Naval News reported. Armoured vehicles The PLA will showcase its Type 99A main battle tank, which was developed as a replacement for the second-generation Type 88 tank, according to the South China Morning Post. The development process for the Type 99 series, also known as the ZTZ-99, began in 1989 based on the design of the Soviet-era T-72 chassis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weighing at around 55 tonnes, Type 99A tanks are the most advanced variant of the Type 99 series and have been deployed by the PLA since 2011. It features an upgraded 105mm main gun, an enlarged turret, a four-sided radar, and an integrated propulsion system. The main battle tank operates with a crew of three and measures up to 36ft in length. Medium_Tank ZTZ-201 derivative infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) .the Chinese Army's new fourth-generation Medium Main Battle Tank. 40-tonne class. New, next-generation 105 mm main gun. Remotely controlled turret, three-person crew compartment at the front of the hull. pic.twitter.com/0zOTQk25Tq (@lfx160219) August 17, 2025 The Type 99A main battle tank is equipped with an advanced targeting system that allows the gunner to engage one target while the commander independently tracks the next, the SCMP reported. Its upgraded fire-control system features a third-generation thermal imager, meteorological sensors, and a ballistic computer, enabling precise engagement of targets at ranges up to 5km. Nuclear-capable ballistic missiles A intercontinental ballistic missile system and hypersonic anti-ship missiles are among the advanced weaponry the Communist government will display at the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos on Chinese social media captured a new anti-ship missile from the YJ series being taken across the city for the parade rehearsals. The new YJ-15 missile was spotted along with the YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles. The YJ missiles, short for "Ying Ji" or eagle attack", can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels. Various new missiles (ship UVLS launch?) confirmed, my 2c on roles: - YJ-15, ramjet compact supersonic? - YJ-17, waverider hypersonic glide? - YJ-19, ?maybe scramjet hypersonic? - YJ-20, biconical hypersonic/aeroballistic? Possibly seen before from 055.. Via REautomaton, SDF pic.twitter.com/9061QDAi09 Rick Joe (@RickJoe_PLA) August 17, 2025 These sightings indicate China is advancing rapidly in hypersonic weapons technology, a field that has drawn global attention for its ability to evade traditional defence systems. Also visible in the images was a new transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle carrying a large, tarp-covered missile canister, which could be a new ballistic missile system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-ship missiles and weapons with hypersonic capabilities will be particularly closely watched as the US and its allies prepare to counter China in any future regional conflict. Loyal wingman drone An uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), believed to be a Collaborative Combat Aircraft or loyal wingman drone, was spotted on the streets of Beijing during the rehearsals. Experts say the UCAV, which was spotted at the back of a truck, resembles either the Chinese FH-97 or the American YFQ-42A. Andreas Rupprecht, a Chinese military aviation expert, said that the scale of rehearsals alone already exceeds expectations. Just focusing on the aviation segment and what China is expected to showcase the rehearsals for the parade alone are already exceeding everything one could have expected, he told news outlet Defence Blog. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The announcements started on Instagram. Posts addressed specifically to U.S. knitters warned of confusing days ahead. Other notices came in via email, letting crafters know that, out of an abundance of caution, U.S. shipping was suspended. The members of r/knitting began to assemble, keeping panicked records of these announcements, the bell tolling with every new post: another yarn brand down. These records are made up of international millers, spinners, dyers, and stockists who, in the face of new tariffs that stripped low-value imports of their duty-free status, could no longer afford to supply the tens of millions of U.S. knitters and crocheters with the yarn theyd come to rely on for the past 50 years. For them, this isnt just a setback. This is yarn-ageddon. Theres an element to it thats like, Can I have one thing? Vanessa, a 34-year-old knitter from San Francisco, told Slate. Everything is on fire, and now I cant even buy yarn. For the same reason we dont just drink coffee from American beans, knitters source some of their favorite yarn brands from all across the globe. Livestock from Argentina, Iceland, Norway, and more produce distinctly varied types of wool, from merino to lambswool, cashmere to mohair. U.S. dyers relied on this wool as the base for their own brands, which make up the rich (and literal) tapestries of U.S. crafters. These materials are the difference between a dark winter sweater and a bright summer tank top, a luxurious cashmere scarf versus rough woolen mittens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For hobbyists, this cannot be achieved with U.S. materials alone. While the country boasted thousands of wool mills in the 1800s, America spent the past 100 years introducing trade policies, like NAFTA and the Multifiber Arrangement, that made it financially favorable for brands and designers to outsource. This dramatically reduced the industry to less than 80 U.S. mills still active today. Many of these remaining mills are small and family-run, and not built to handle the demand these tariffs will create. Advertisement American knitters are probably the largest consumer bloc of yarn purchasers in the world, Clara Parkes, author of Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool, told Slate. While tariffs are designed to encourage consumers to buy locally, thats not possible if theres no local industry to turn to. We no longer have the equipment, nor the skilled workers, to jump back into production. It would take at least a year, Parkes estimates, for a single new U.S. mill to get itself up and running to help meet demand, and given the volatile nature of the current economy, theres no sure incentive to do so. Meanwhile, international brands are losing a huge portion of their customer base, and brick-and-mortar small businesses similarly can no longer ship individual orders to the U.S. Many American customers will likely be reduced to yarn tourists who, in an effort to save money, limit their purchases to only when theyre on that countrys soil. Other knitters wont be so dedicated, and either turn to lower-quality, less sustainable yarns like acrylic or polyester, or get priced out of the hobby entirely. As a result, the entire global knitting ecosystem is tied up in knots. Advertisement Advertisement Brands like Knitting For Olive, which is based in Copenhagen, plan to circumvent the tariffs by only shipping wholesale to U.S. stockists. Parkes says this is still likely to increase the cost for consumers, which is why some knitters stocked up ahead of different brands cutoff dates, and those who werent fast enough are now watching their orders languish in customs. Others are hoping their existing stash of yarn will be enough to weather them through however long these conditions last. Advertisement For U.S. knitters, its annoying and disheartening. For U.S. yarn stores, its devastating. Figuring out what I want to stock and when to order it has suddenly become a lot more stressful, Hannah Wilson, owner of the Dropped Stitch in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, told Slate. I cant switch to U.S.-based suppliers even if I wanted to, because they simply dont exist for the type and quantity of products my customers are looking for. Advertisement Related From Slate Trumps Official Trade Policy Is to Be As Incoherent As Possible Read More And that goes for more than just yarn: A fiber artist, no matter how much yarn they have, cant get far without needles and hooks. The major producers of these tools are almost exclusively located in China, Japan, India, and Germany. Wilson will just have to raise prices, she says, and hope the community sticks by her. Advertisement Advertisement I really hope that for now well manage to hold it together, Parkes says, and has suggested smaller shops offer arbitrary digital purchasesquite literally PDFs that just say helloas a gesture of financial support available to international customers. As for the crafters themselves, r/knitting wont allow anyone to get left behind. The silver lining is definitely always the online fiber-art community, Vanessa says. Its a strong vehicle for community building across borders. Vanessa is also an administrator of Fiber + Friends SF, a community of Bay Area knitters who gather for meetups and, more recently, yarn swaps. She hopes to increase their focus on the latter so their knitters never have to go without the materials they need, but the subreddit has countless other suggestions. Knitters can opt for smaller patterns that require less yarn, or use up leftover yarn through designs that allow for different yarns to be cobbled together, such as striping. They can thrift old sweaters and unravel them to repurpose or, in select cases, learn to spin yarn themselves. Its certainly not ideal, especially for knitters for whom the hobby was a respite from the horrors of our current politics, but it exemplifies the long-standing and relentless spirit of the crafting community. Its time, as it was in the past, and will surely be again one day in the future, to make do and mend. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In debates about education, one topic seems, ironically, protected from challenge: the need to teach and emphasize critical thinking. This may be the only aspect of school, in fact, that all educators agree on. Wesleyan University president Michael S. Roth has suggested that students today even assume that being smart means being critical. While learning how to analyze and critique what other people have thought and done is indeed a necessary skill, weve made education lopsided in its name. We analyze carefully more than we explore imaginatively. We close down on our own points of view more than we open ourselves to the points of view of others. Exploratory thinking is barely the warm-up act. Critical thinking is all the show. It shouldnt surprise us, then, that once students leave school, the way they speak about and to one another is charged with strong opinion and critique. Thats what education has trained them to do. We unmask more than we admire. We make judgments before weve lingered with possibilities. We think for ourselves and announce what we think before we patiently learn what other people have thought in similar or different contexts. Schools that John Dewey saw as laboratories of democracy have become, in our time, laboratories of critique. That our politics and public discourse share that same skeptical mood should not surprise us. Its the mode in which we learn. Im not the only one to notice this. One of the main characters in Joseph ONeills recent novel Godwin confesses the impact of our educational imbalance: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being smartwhich we confused with being knowledgeablewas less about seeing something for what it was than about critically viewing ones act of seeing, then critically viewing oneself critically viewing ones originally seeing self, and so on infinitely, as in an Escher, without vertigo. In practice, it led to abandoning all attempts to actually absorb anything. Simon Critchleys book Mysticism similarly questions whether the elevation of critical thinking is sufficient for developing wisdom: I sometimes wonder whether I (as someone who teaches philosophy as a day job) should always be cultivating skepticism or praising the power of critical thinking. At this point in history, it is at least arguable that understanding is as important as critique, and patient, kind-hearted, sympathetic observation more helpful than endless personal opinions, as we live in a world entirely saturated by suspicion and fueled by vicious judgments of each other. Were lopsided toward critique, as these two writers suggest, but it would be a mistake to try to balance critical thinking with another technical skill. Whats missing isnt sharper technique. Whats missing is a wider range of lenses. Whats needed is a balancing mode of being in school and in the world. This mode involves openness and generosityand maybe gratitude. Its a mode of listening and heeding. Advertisement Advertisement ONeills helpful image in Godwin is absorption. Were in school to take in frameworks and contexts, ideas and stories that expand our sense of what a full, interesting life entails. We internalize other stories to develop our own. Absorption requires receiving accounts of the world on their own terms first. It requires checking the impulse to always suspect and unmask. In Mysticism, Critchleys alternative to critique involves a quest for understanding that comes on the far side of sympathetic observationsympathy, not suspicion, being the key. Jane Addams called this approach affectionate interpretation. We may get to critique as we study new things, but in this picture of education, we dont start there. We start with openness. In this mode, seeking to understand is not simply prelude to the critical thinking to come. It is a worthy mode on its own terms. Critique crouches with a shield and a sword. Understanding sits quietly with binoculars and a journal. Education develops the skill and the judgment to know how to move between those modes. Advertisement Advertisement What the images from ONeill and Critchley have in common is that they see education not as an instrumental process but as a formative one. Education is less about acquiring skills you can use than about becoming a certain kind of person who moves through the world a certain way. To become a full, mature, interesting, wise, decent, curious, empathetic, engaged person is to be someone who, first, and most of all, has learned to listen and take in. We dont want students to become robots or conformists. We very much want them to be independent thinkers. But you become your own full person by first absorbing the possibilities other people have explored. Then you turn those possibilities into your own version of a life well lived. You choose a path, and you start down it, your head and your heart full of the company of the lives and ideas youve sat with and pondered. When school is organized around skills, even those as important as critical thinking, it can feel like a grinding assembly line of acquisition. It should feel more like a road trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critical thinking shouldnt be displaced. It should just be slowed down. We tend to hurry students through encounters with texts and ideas in order to get to the part where we critique. Were rushing through the richer stage of absorption. We rush in good faith: We think a 21st-century education requires practicing strong critical thinking. But if that mode isnt balanced by listening and heeding, by generosity and curiosity about how other people frame and experience the world, we will continue to respond too quickly with criticism before we understand if thats the mode the situation really requires. We see this playing out in all aspects of our common life, but it begins with the elevation of criticality in school. Advertisement The failed schoolteacher Henry David Thoreau is one of my heroes, but I confess I misunderstood him for years. I always had an image of Thoreau walking through the woods beating on a metaphorical drum, heedless of what anyone thought, full of critique about the shallow lives of others. There are plenty of lines in Thoreau that justify that picture of him. But late in life, I realized that I had misunderstood Thoreau, and that I had misread especially the well-known clarion call from Walden: If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Advertisement Thoreaus archetypal nonconformist here is not actually banging a drum at all, as Id always thought. His hero is simply listening. Its relevant that hes not listening for arguments to engage with but for music to step to. Hes also listening very carefully because the music is far away. That should resonate with students everywhere. Life seems far away when youre young. What can you do? Thoreaus answer is quiet and wise: You can take your time, and you can listen. Wait for the distant music that draws your attention. Theres a lot of noise around you, and thats not going away. Its going to take some work to be attentive. Do that work. Before you rush to form a strong opinion, listen. The world is bigger than you and your critical powers anyway. Listen so that your context for understanding that world becomes dense and subtle. If education can do that part well, if we can help students cultivate patient habits of listening and absorbing, they will be ready also to begin to think critically. They need that too. But first they need to experience school as a laboratory of understanding. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The future of voting rights protection is squarely on the line at the Supreme Court in the term that opens in four weeks. Louisiana v. Callais is nominally a long-standing dispute over the drawing of that states six congressional districts. In reality, it may be the vehicle by which the Roberts courts conservative supermajority will end what is left of the storied Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is the best possible vehicle for challenges to racial discrimination in voting practices. The justices heard the case last March, but instead of deciding it, they set it for reargument this coming term. In early August, the court issued a troubling order asking the parties to specifically brief the argument that Louisianas compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is in fact unconstitutional under a view of the Constitution that demands complete colorblindness. Earlier this week, the state of Louisiana picked up what SCOTUS was throwing down and essentially changed sides in the litigation, now taking the position that Section 2 of the VRA is unconstitutional, leaving voting rights groups to defend the VRA on their own. On this weeks Amicus Plus, Dahlia Lithwick spoke with professor Richard Hasen, the Gary T. Schwartz Endowed Chair in Law, professor of political science (by courtesy), and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA School of Law, about the pathway to this moment and the stakes for voting rights if the court kills the VRA this term. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: You wrote for us at Slate that it now looks like the high court is teeing up the possibility of overruling Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. I think because the case has twisted on forever and now seems tangled in intramural process matters, its hard to comprehend the enormity of whats at stake here. Can you walk us through it? Richard Hasen: There are lots of constraints when states have to draw district lines. One of those constraints is that they have to comply with the Voting Rights Act, whichin a state with large minority populations and racially polarized voting, where white people tend to vote for one set of candidates and Black people tend to vote for the otheryou have to draw districts where Black voters or Latinos or Native Americans or Asian Americans can elect the candidate of their choice, to have the same opportunity as other voters. In earlier litigation, Louisiana was told, Hey, youve got one Black-majority congressional district. You need to draw another because theres a large Black population. So the Louisiana Legislature reluctantly drew another district, but they did so in a way that was oddly shaped because they were trying to protect Republican incumbents, including Speaker Mike Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Signaled Something Deeply Disturbing About the Next Term Read More They drew these districts, and then they faced a new lawsuit. The Supreme Court has said it violates the equal protection clause when a state makes race the predominant factor in drawing district lines, and theres no compelling reason to do so. And the way Louisiana v. Callais made it to the Supreme court was that the plaintiffs in that case, who didnt like this majority-minority district being drawn, said, You made race the predominant factor. And the state of Louisiana came back and said, No, we didnt. It was all about politics, we drew the map in this particular way to protect incumbents. And it looked like thats how the case was going to be decided, as one in a number of cases where the court has to do what I consider to be impossible: decide whether race or party predominates in a state where most white people are Republican and most Black people are Democrats. Advertisement But something happened this spring, and the court chose not to decide that? Right. At the end of June, the Supreme Court said, Were not going to decide this one. Well tell you in due course what we want briefing on. And then nothing comes for over a month. And then on Aug. 1, Friday after 5 p.m., the Supreme Court puts out an oblique order that basically says, We want to know if race-conscious districting as required by Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could ever be a compelling interest. Its very clear that this was the Roberts court trying to put Section 2 of the VRAs constitutionality at issue. Advertisement But this week, Louisiana decided it didnt want to defend Section 2 either? The filing declares that the state wants out of this abhorrent system of racial discrimination. Advertisement On Wednesday, the state of Louisiana filed a brief that said, We think Section 2 is unconstitutional. So just like how you struck down a different part of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County, strike this one down, too. Now its up to the Voting Rights plaintiffs, led by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to be the only ones really standing up for the constitutionality of what many people have called the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Advertisement Can you just explain to us what happens if Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is no longer the mechanism by which voters can remedy racially discriminatory voting practices? It would be an earthquake in American politics, like nothing weve seen before, because Section 2 applies nationwide, it applies to congressional districts, it applies to city council races, it applies to state legislative districts. Any place where legislative lines are drawn and white people and minority voters prefer different candidatesand thats not just in the South, thats in parts of California, thats in places all over the countrySection 2 would no longer require race-conscious districting, and it would mean that our legislative bodies will be less diverse. They will be whiter. Now some of the people whove been elected before as incumbents, theyd still be able to get elected, but youre going to see a bunch of redistricting in places where you could draw more Republican seats and squeeze out seats. Think about some of the most prominent Black members of Congress, the most prominent Latino members of state legislatures; some of these people would no longer be able to get elected. It would be huge. So I cant even tell you what an effect Section 2 has had in assuring fair minority representation in this country, and it would be gone. Graham Greene, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, has died aged 73 after a long illness. Graham Greene, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, has died aged 73 after a long illness The Indigenous star, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1991, passed away on Monday (01.09.25) in a Toronto hospital, his representative confirmed. Graham, born on 22 June 1952, had enjoyed a decades-long career across film, television and stage, often praised for breaking barriers for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. His representative told Deadline: He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed. He added: You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven, referencing Greenes longtime agent, who died in 2013. Graham, who was of Oneida First Nation and Canadian descent, grew up on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. Before turning to acting, he worked as a welder, draftsman and steelworker. His television debut came in 1979 with a part in The Great Detective, and his first film role followed in 1983s Running Brave. Grahams career breakthrough arrived in 1990 with Kevin Costners epic Dances With Wolves, in which his portrayal of the Sioux medicine man Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination. In a past interview with CineMoovie, the actor recalled the challenges of filming, including being thrown from a horse during production. He said: I wanted to get payback on the animal rather than take a break from filming. Graham also spoke about the difficulty of learning Lakota for the part, saying: I couldnt figure out how they ordered their language. Its structure is totally foreign to English or French. The star went on to appear in a wide range of roles, from comedy such as his recurring part in The Red Green Show to dramas including The Green Mile (1999), in which he played Arlen Bitterbuck opposite Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. Other credits included roles in Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Transamerica (2005), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) and Aaron Sorkins Mollys Game (2017). More recently, he appeared in Tulsa King alongside Sylvester Stallone and in HBOs The Last of Us. Grahams accolades included a Grammy, a Gemini and a Canadian Screen Award, as well as a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award. Earlier this year, he was honoured with the Governor Generals Performing Arts Award in Canada. He also has a star on Canadas Walk of Fame. One of his final screen appearances was in FXs Reservation Dogs, a series that continued his legacy of championing Indigenous storytelling. His last completed project is the upcoming thriller Ice Fall, starring Joel Kinnaman, which is scheduled for release on 16 October. Graham married Hilary Blackmore in 1990. He is survived by Hilary, their daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson Tarlo. Following news of his death, tributes poured in on social media, with floods of his fans saying he would be missed forever. It was smooth sailing from a pocket trip for Capt Jack Hanover ($4.70), who cruised to a dominant victory in the $11,643 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Monday, Sept. 1. Primo Uomo (Chris Long) led to the quarter easily in :26.2 as Capt Jack Hanover settled in the pocket for trainer/driver John MacDonald. Primo Uomo used a :28.2 second quarter as he sped to the half in :54.4 and remained in control around the final turn before bringing the field to three-quarters in 1:23.3. As they reached the stretch, Capt Jack Hanover made his move first-over and he blew right on by to stop the clock at 1:51.3. It was 3-3/4 lengths back to Primo Uomo, who had to settle for second-place money, while Syracuse Express (Adam Capizzano) finished third. Capt Jack Hanover is a seven-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous out of the Western Ideal mare, Current Hanover. He is owned by Michael Kessler, Speed to Burn Racing and trainer MacDonald. The win was his 14th this season in 26 starts and the 37th victory of his career. John MacDonald and Chris Long had driving triples on the day to lead that category, while Gary Levine had a training double. Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday, Sept. 5, with a post time of 3 p.m. (With files from Vernon Downs) Tres Chic Bluechip brushed late from off the pace to score an upset victory in the $17,534 Open I-II Pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon, Sept. 1. Kevin Cummings got away fourth with Tres Chic Bluechip as Downtown Tonight (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Forgot Thewallet A (Joe Chindano Jr.) traded leads three times as they raced to the quarter in :27.4. Forgot Thewallet A finally settled on the lead and got the girls to the half in :57.4. At that point, Rightfully Mine (Kyle Swift) pulled first-over and was followed by Tres Chic Bluechip as they motored up the backside. Forgot Thewallet A and Rightfully Mine continued to battle while all other horses were tightly placed as they entered the last turn. Halfway through that bend, Cummings tipped Tres Chic Bluechip off cover, cleared at the top of the stretch and pulled away by 1-1/2 lengths down the lane to win in a season's best 1:55.3. Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) finished second, with Summer Flash (Ray Fisher Jr.) getting up for third. The win was the fifth of the year in 20 starts for Tres Chic Bluechip, who is owned by John Sixt of Sardinia, New York. The six-year-old daughter of Heston Blue Chip-Coco Chanel is trained by Judy Blaun. She paid $17.60 for the 7-1 upset. Tres Chic Bluechip was only one of three wins for Cummings during the afternoon. Denny Bucceri scored a very unconventional driving hat trick on Monday. He won two races driving horses and one atop a 10-speed bike in the 2025 renewal of the Batavia Downs Horseperson's Bike Race. Eight drivers and trainers went postward in the one-eighth mile dash with Denny Boo shooting to the front, pulling away by 15 lengths and winning bragging rights for the next calendar year. There were also eight other winners in that race, those being fans who selected Bucceri to win and then were randomly drawn to receive one of the eight new bikes used in the race. The Batavia Bike Race was sponsored by Lawley Insurance, the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Wortzman Furniture, Wright Beverage Distributing and Wendy J. Photography. Batavia Downs will offer three guaranteed pools on wagers this coming weekend. The first is on Friday, Sept. 5 in the 6 p.m. first race, where the Pick-5 has $1,113.57 carryover and will be guaranteed at $5,000. Then on Saturday, Sept. 6, Batavia Downs will host the $2.4 million USD New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions and there will be two guaranteed pools to further enhance the already plentiful betting opportunities of the cash-laden card. Both Pick-4 pools (beginning in race three and in race seve) will be guaranteed at $7,500 each for that Saturday night card. These guarantees are made in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free full past performance program pages will be available to download at ustrotting.com under the "Handicapping" tab, after the races are drawn. (With files from Batavia Downs) JK Rowling and Elon Musk have led the backlash against Graham Linehans arrest over a series of social media posts about the trans community. JK Rowling and Elon Musk have led the backlash against Graham Linehans arrest over a series of social media posts about the trans community The Harry Potter author and Tesla-owning billionaire hit out after the 57-year-old creator of Father Ted and The IT Crowd was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday (02.09.25) after stepping off a flight from Arizona. Graham was detained at around 1pm on Monday by five armed officers from the Metropolitan polices aviation unit on suspicion of inciting violence in relation to posts he made on X in April. He said he was treated like a terrorist before being questioned about three messages on the platform. The Met said officers later became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital before being bailed pending further investigation. Tesla and X chief executive Elon Musk, 54, described Britain as a police state after the news broke, while JK Rowling, 60, said online: What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable. Graham shared on his Substack account the messages he says led to his arrest. One on 20 April read: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the b****. A post from the previous day, accompanied by a photograph of a trans rally, said: A photo you can smell. A follow-up read: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em. Piers Morgan, 60, said on X in the wake of Grahams arrest: Whats happened to Graham today is absolutely ridiculous. Five armed cops arresting him at Heathrow for tweets mocking the scandal of biological men invading womens spaces? When it comes to free speech, Britains turning into North Korea. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, wrote about the incident: This is ridiculous and a complete waste of police time. The police only respond to 1 in 5 reported shoplifting offences, but deployed 5 armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets. We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals. Iain Dale, the LBC presenter, said: This is an outrage. Graham has been pretty vile to me in the past on Twitter, but I stand with him on this outrageous experience what an utter waste of police time. Neil OBrien, a Conservative MP for Harborough, posted: Britain is now a total laughing stock a country where we arrest the authors of light comedies and interrogate them about their tweets. It would be laughable if it wasnt so serious. The Free Speech Union said it would fund Grahams legal defence, calling the arrest a disproportionate response. Graham said he was banned from using X as a bail condition and is due to return for further questioning in October. He is separately facing trial at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday (04.09.25)_ over allegations of harassing trans activist Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone last October charges he denied at a hearing in May. A Met police spokesperson said: The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. The arrest was made by officers from the MPS aviation unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. 2 min read Nokia announced that it has signed a contract agreement with Extreme Broadband (EBB) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Open DC, to upgrade Open DCs Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers, ensuring superior security and network performance. This partnership supports Malaysias National Cloud Computing Policy and addresses the stringent requirements of the banking and financial services industry, positioning EBB and Open DC as key innovators in the nations digital infrastructure. As part of the contract agreement, Nokias IP network solution will be used by EBB to interconnect six AI data centers, spanning CJ1 Cyberjaya, JB1 Menara MSC Cyberport and JB2 Menara Ansar at Johor Bahru, PE1 Menara Suntech and PE2 Bayan Lepas Industrial Park at Penang and the upcoming D8-1 in Kedah, to provide a more reliable network with improved security and superior network performance. This deployment ensures a resilient, secure network that aligns with EBBs vision of Innovating Connectivity and Open DCs mission to Develop the Connectivity Hubs at the Most Strategic Locations. In addition, Nokia has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with EBB to collaborate in the fields of data center solutions and quantum-safe networks (QSN). The two companies will develop a joint go-to-market strategy for data center and AI connectivity, offering QSN, enterprise connectivity and value-added services for data center tenants, including multi-cloud connectivity and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) security and mitigation. They will also jointly conduct testing and validation of the Data Center Gateway, Data Center Fabric with Event-Driven Automation (EDA) tools and DDoS protection and mitigation. Tech News Of The Day Wong Weng Yew, Managing Director at Open DC, said, This collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneering technologies that deliver exceptional value to our customers and contribute to Malaysias economic growth under the MYDIGITAL policy. Nokias solutions will enhance our security, scalability, and sustainability, enabling us to build connectivity hubs that support AI-driven innovation and create new revenue opportunities for enterprises. Kent Wong, Vice President and Head of IP Networks for Asia Pacific at Nokia, said, Nokia has emerged as a trusted partner of data center companies across the world, supporting their efforts to build digital infrastructure that meets the demand for secure, high-performance networks. This collaboration with Extreme Broadband will help us play a bigger role in Malaysias rapidly growing data center industry. Our field-proven IP solutions empower data center operators to achieve unmatched reliability and scalability while efficiently meeting the evolving demands. The deployment will enable Open DC to leverage our data center switching, automation and quantum-safe networking technologies to provide a crucial business edge to their customers. Nokias Data Center Fabric, Data Center Gateway and quantum-safe network solution will be used to modernize Open DCs data centers, in line with the evolving needs of the enterprises and ensuring long-term scalability and security. Nokias field-proven 7250 Interconnect Router and 7220 Interconnect Routers are also part of the solution to make the network more energy-efficient. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The EU will keep enforcing its tech regulations across the bloc, its digital chief Henna Virkkunen said Monday, despite threats from US President Donald Trump. The rules protect rights including freedom of expression, she posted on X, adding: "I will keep enforcing them, for our kids, citizens and businesses." Brussels has already asserted its "sovereign right" to regulate the activities of tech giants wanting access to the European Union's 450 million well-off consumers. Its two main pieces of legislationthe Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA)aim to keep harmful content off the internet and ensure fair competition. But Trump, who has shaken up global trade by imposing tariffs on America's trading partners, has threatened to add levies on those he accuses of targeting US tech companies. Virkkunen posted a link to a letter addressed to US Congress reiterating that the DSA and DMA were EU legislation with "no extraterritorial jurisdiction in the US or any other EU country." She countered claims that the EU rules amounted to "censorship"made by the US State Department and detractors such as Meta chief Mark Zuckerbergby stressing that the DSA upholds freedom of expression. Its focus was to protect consumers, including against scams and fraud, "but also on defending our democracies and deliberate manipulation campaigns aimed at undermining free and fair elections." Virkkunen also objected to Congress inviting her predecessor in the previous European Commission, Thierry Breton, to appear before US lawmakers. Breton last week declined the invitation. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain On Sunday, a plane carrying European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly forced to land in Bulgaria using paper maps after its GPS navigation systems were jammed. Bulgarian authorities claim the jamming was deliberate Russian interference, though a Kremlin spokesperson told the Financial Times this was "incorrect." GPS interference is on the rise, so you might be wondering how it works. And can anything be done about it? Andperhaps most importantlydo you need to worry? How does GPS jamming work? The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other satellite navigation systems use radio signals from satellites to calculate position. To determine position, a GPS needs a direct line of sight to at least four satellites. There are two ways to disrupt satellite navigation. The first is jamming. This works by simply broadcasting high-intensity radio noise in the same frequency band used by the navigation satellites. Jamming drowns out the satellite signal, like a person shouting loudly in your ear stops you hearing what someone is saying on the other side of the room. This appears to be what happened in Bulgaria. The second way to interfere with satellite navigation is called spoofing, and it's a little more elegant. Spoofing involves sending radio signals that pretend to be coming from the navigation satellites. Where jamming stops the satellite navigation system from producing any location, spoofing tricks it into giving a false locationwith potentially catastrophic results. Are jamming and spoofing becoming more common? Jamming and spoofing do appear to be growing more common, especially in conflict zones in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. A clandestine Russian base near the Polish border is reportedly responsible for satnav interference in the Baltic region. Ships in the Red Sea report frequent interference, likely from Houthi rebels in Yemen. These increasingly common incidents highlight how vulnerable our reliance on satellite navigation makes us. What can be done about interference? The best response to interference is to have backup navigation options in place. The US-run GPS is the best known and most commonly used satellite navigation system, but there are others. The EU runs a parallel system called Galileo, while Russia has one called GLONASS and China operates its own BeiDou satellites. Each of these systems operates using slightly different radio frequencies. Some navigation systems can tune in to more than one set of satellitesso even if one is jammed, others may be available. Galileo also has a "safety of life" feature, which allows users to detect spoofing. Australia's in-development SouthPAN system will also offer a similar feature. Another common feature of navigation systems is inertial sensing. This relies on sensors such as gyroscopes and barometers to directly detect movement and calculate position. Most car navigation systems use inertial sensors to track location in cities or tunnels where there is no direct line of sight to satellites. Inertial sensing works well for short periods of time, but quickly becomes inaccurate and needs to be recalibrated by checking in with satellite systems. Many researchers around the world are trying to develop new alternatives to satellite navigation using extremely precise sensors. One recent development uses tiny fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field to detect position, for example. Should you be worried about flying? Everyday air passengers have no need to worry about jamming or spoofing. For one thing, it's very rareespecially outside conflict zones. For another, the aviation industry is highly regulated and extremely safe. Even where satellite navigation doesn't work, there are backup options. What all of us can take away from this latest incident is how dependent we have become on satellite navigation. What matters is that we have a diverse range of systems so we are not dependent on just one. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Editorial investigates the breakthrough research on high ion uptake in artificial synapses via facilitated diffusion mechanisms. Credit: Dr. Eunho Lee from SeoulTech The Emerging Investigator Series by the journal Materials Horizons features outstanding work by young researchers in the field of materials science. In the latest Editorial, Dr. Eunho Lee, an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea, where he leads the Functional Semiconductors and Devices Lab, discusses and elaborates upon his Emerging Investigator Series research paper titled "Improving ion uptake in artificial synapses through facilitated diffusion mechanisms." Dr. Lee explains, "Our research shows a simple way to make the next wave of AI hardware more efficient by improving electrolyte-based organic transistors, which are soft, low-voltage devices that process signals with ions as well as electrons. A long-standing bottleneck has been doping efficiency: how effectively ions can enter and leave the polymer channel to switch the device. We addressed this by engineering the polymer's side chains so they actively attract and guide ions, like molecular 'handles' and 'lanes,' leading to faster and deeper ion uptake." The materials developed by Dr. Lee and his team point to practical uses in both AI hardware and bio-based interfaces. On the AI side, electrolyte-based organic transistors with diffusion-driven doping can function as analog synapses for ultra-low-power co-processors in wearables, cameras, and IoT nodes, enabling always-on sensing, in-sensor preprocessing, and adaptive learning with minimal energy. The same design rules also support hybrid integration with CMOS so that compact analog memory arrays reduce data movement and latency. On the biology side, the soft and ion-friendly operation is well suited to skin and tissue environments, suggesting stable bioelectronic interfaces for closed-loop therapies and electrochemical biosensors that not only detect biomarkers but also classify patterns locally. Beyond health, these devices could support environmental monitors for water quality and point-of-care diagnostics that combine electrochemical readout with small on-board learning. In short, controlling ion motion at the molecular level enables safer, lower-voltage systems that learn at the edge. "In the longer term, the ability to control ion motion in soft semiconductors could reshape how and where we run AI, and how electronics touch everyday life. In five years, we may see wearable and home devices that learn locally at very low voltage, which means longer battery life, less heat, and better privacy because raw data stays on the device. Health and well-being products could move beyond simple sensing toward adaptive analysis that filters noise, recognizes patterns, and personalizes feedback in real time," remarks Dr. Lee. Within a decade, the same materials principles could underpin soft humanmachine interfaces and environmental monitors that operate reliably in wet or biological conditions, enabling continuous water quality tracking in communities and safer biointerfaces for rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Because these polymers are solution processable, there is also a path toward scalable manufacturing and lower cost, which can broaden their access. Overall, the novel design rule established by the SeoulTech team led by Dr. Lee, namely tailoring side chains to steer ionic transport, offers a general strategy for energy-efficient, adaptive hardware that complements digital silicon. If it is possible to maintain stability and manufacturability while scaling up, this approach could reduce the energy footprint of AI, keep sensitive data local, and make intelligent systems more comfortable and more widely available. More information: Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator Series: Dr Eunho Lee, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Korea (the Republic of), Materials Horizons (2025). DOI: 10.1039/D5MH90071A Journal information: Materials Horizons Amanda Seyfried urged Mona Fastvold to cast "somebody English" in The Testament of Ann Lee. Amanda Seyfried had doubt about playing Ann Lee The 39-year-old actress has the title role in the musical drama - which is based on the story of the 18th-century founder of Christian sect the Shakers who emigrated from the UK to the US in 1776 with a small group of followers - and she was so concerned about messing up the writer-director's vision for the movie, she wasn't sure she was right for the part. Speaking at a press conference for the film at the Venice International Film Festival, she said: "I also was like, 'Mona, you don't have to cast me.' I kept saying, 'Go with somebody English,' because the accent seemed so hard. "That wasn't the hardest part but it was just, I saw the love that Mona had. This was her baby, and I didn't want to F it up. "But she believed in me, so I believed in me, and here we are." But Mona, 39, knew "mad" Amanda was the right person for the role. She said: "Amanda has a lot of power. She's really strong. She is a wonderful mother. She is a little mad. And so I knew that she could access those things she could access the kindness, the gentleness, the tenderness. And she could also access this power and this madness. "And I think that, at our age, there is something really exciting about exploring the combination of all of that. And I saw that Amanda has all of that, and that she was ready to go full force into that." Amanda hailed working on the film an "incredible" experience but admitted she had some struggles with the role apart from the English accent. She said: "It's also really hard playing somebody who's a leader. "Like yes, I relate to the mother instincts, I relate to the need for community and kindness and compassion and the quality. And I love Mona's intentions and Ann Lee's intentions behind everything they did, and it was just so attractive." But the Mean Girls star loved the "freedom" she was given to dig deep into the role. She said: "This did feel like an opportunity where there were just no tethers to anything. "Basically, I follow Mona into the light and anything goes, because there's so much freedom, and the only threat is to not use that freedom to your advantage as an artist to go as far deep as you can go to make the craziest sounds. I've never been let loose in this way." You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has shared rare photographs of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet visiting the set of her latest Netflix series. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has shared rare photographs of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet visiting the set of her latest Netflix series The mother-of-two, 44, who has the children with her husband Prince Harry, 40, released the images on Monday (01.09.25) on her Instagram page to coincide with the US Labor Day weekend. Season two of her lifestyle series premiered on 26 August and features celebrity guests, including chef Jose Andres. Meghan explained in her Instagram upload featuring her kids she often used music to keep the atmosphere lively while filming. She said alongside a carousel of images that included a list of some of her favourite songs: Filming season two of With Love, Meghan was more fun than you can imagine. Part of how we kept the vibe alive? Music. Between set ups I would play a song from my phone, and today I wanted to share some of the favorites I kept on rotation! Add them to your playlist, press shuffle, and enjoy! Happy Labor Day weekend! Work hard, play hard (music notes emoji.) The first photograph showed Meghan with Jose, 56, while other images captured Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, exploring the set. One picture showed the siblings, both red-haired like their father Harry, sharing headphones while watching a clip of Meghan on a monitor. Another depicted Lilibet spinning in a directors chair with the familys beagle at her feet, while Meghans friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin opened the studio door. Harry also appeared in a photograph alongside Meghan and their wedding reception caterer, Clare Smyth, who featured in an episode of the second season. In another image, Archie was pictured holding a clapperboard, calling cut during filming. Meghan later reflected on the moment in an interview with People. She said: Archie did the (filming clapboard)! Sweet moments. (The children) would also come with my husband and visit me on-set, and I loved that my children were able to watch me working and see the balance of that and understand what Mama does and is working to create and share. It was really special because up until then, they hadnt seen me at work. Meghan added: I hope that when they get old enough, they feel really proud that they were part of the beginning of this with me. We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about John Cleese has vowed not to work with the BBC again. John Cleese has slammed the BBC's approach to comedy The 85-year-old comedian created the iconic sitcom Fawlty Towers for the corporation alongside his first wife and co-star Connie Booth but has hit out at the BBC's use of "committees" to approve whether comedies will make it to the screen. Speaking at the Slapstick comedy festival in Bristol recently, John said: "If you put a script in now it has to go through a f****** committee who have no idea what they are doing. "There has been nothing funny since The Office. It is sad and it is because the people in charge have no idea how to make comedy happen. "The whole process has been replaced by a bureaucratic process which does not begin to work." Cleese is frustrated by the supposed decline of British comedy and bemoaned how all humour has to be "clean" in the modern climate. The Monty Python legend said: "We used to be really good at it and now we are not and that is very sad. There weren't committees when we started. Comedy now has to be clean. You must not play for laughs. "I am going to write a book about writing comedy to make people aware how difficult it is." Cleese added: "The people organising comedy have never been very good but at the moment particularly at the BBC they are clueless. I don't think it is a lack of talent except among the executive classes. Those classes have no idea what they are doing." Meanwhile, John is taking his Not Dead Yet tour to the United States and joked that the travel could end up finishing him off. He told MailOnline: "I'm 85 years old. I've got two replacement hips, a replacement knee, I'm deaf in one ear, I've got a pacemaker and I've had three hair transplants. "I'm hoping not to die while I'm on tour. It's exhausting, it's ridiculous and frankly, it might kill me." The comedy icon quipped: "If this is the last time. It's not a bad way to go." The tour, which marks the 50th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has been documented in Cleese's upcoming film John Cleese Packs It In in which he prepares to deliver 23 performances in five different countries. HA NOI Cuba is committed to creating favourable conditions and offering greater incentives, while also being ready to listen to and address difficulties and obstacles to enable Vietnamese enterprises to do business in the country, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez affirmed on September 2. The top Cuban leader made the statement while joining Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in a meeting with Vietnamese businesses to boost bilateral trade and investment collaboration, as part of his state visit to Viet Nam. Highly valuing the capacity of Vietnamese enterprises, he noted that in his meetings and talks with leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State, the two sides reached many important agreements, with particular emphasis on strengthening the presence of more Vietnamese firms in Cuba. The guest leader thanked Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and businesses for their cooperation with and support for Cuba in agriculture and energy projects, which have made important contributions to ensuring Cubas energy and food security. He showed his wish for Viet Nam to further promote and expand cooperation and investment with Cuba, particularly in agriculture, livestock, aquaculture; biotechnology, pharmaceuticals; consumer goods production; goods distribution and retail; tourism; real estate; and oil and gas exploration and exploitation, to meet the needs of the two peoples and for export. He also called for technology transfer, joint research, and product commercialisation cooperation in order to contribute more to Cubas socio-economic development. PM Chinh, in turn, called on Vietnamese enterprises to put themselves in Cubas current position and, from that perspective, share with Cuba just as Cuba once shared with Viet Nam. Recalling the words of leader Fidel Castro, For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood, the PM hoped that Vietnamese firms will embrace the spirit of For Cuba, be ready to devote time, effort, and intellect, thereby reflecting the steadfast and loyal tradition of the Vietnamese nation. Emphasising the importance of intellect, time, and decisiveness, he called on enterprises of both countries to cooperate with sincerity from the heart and rationality of the mind in order to achieve practical results. The Vietnamese Government leader assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Vietnamese companies to continue studying and expanding rice cultivation areas in Cuba and improving productivity, while also exploring the development of models for fruit crops, livestock, and aquaculture, to ensure sufficient food supply for the Cuban people right in Cuba. He also proposed Cuban enterprises enhance cooperation and investment in Viet Nam, especially in fields where Cuba has strengths and Viet Nam has demand, such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The PM also showed his hope that the two countries enterprises will actively propose mechanisms and policies to solve difficulties and obstacles, thereby increasing the number and effectiveness of bilateral cooperation and investment projects; as well as propose new projects and programmes, including studying the possibility of direct flights, tourism cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. He urged both sides to support and share experience with each other in the spirit of harmonised interests, shared risks, and say it, do it; once committed, it must be fulfilled; once done, it must yield results. At the meeting, Vietnamese enterprises were briefed on Cubas policies, guidelines, and priority orientations, while also exchanging views, raising recommendations, and making proposals regarding difficulties and obstacles in implementing investment projects there. The two sides discussed and put forward effective and breakthrough solutions to turn cooperation potential into concrete economic projects, bringing practical benefits to the peoples of both countries. Viet Nam is currently Cubas second-largest trading partner and the largest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. Bilateral trade reached US$57.33 million in 2023 and $134.7 million in the first eight months of 2024, and both sides are striving to reach $500 million within the next five years. Viet Nam is the largest Asian investor in Cuba, with at least seven active projects and a total committed capital of over $160 million. However, these outcomes remain modest compared to Cubas potential and the capacity of Vietnamese enterprises. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's trip to Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 was a success with diverse bilateral and multilateral activities, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu told the press. Vu highlighted two major outcomes of the trip, spanning from August 31 to September 1. First, as a guest of the host country, the PM delivered a keynote speech at the summit. He reaffirmed Viet Nams stance of supporting and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. PM Chinh underlined the Party and State's consistent foreign policy as well as the countrys positive contributions to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Particularly, he put forward three major proposals promoting multilateralism, solidarity and international cooperation in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges; mobilising more resources for development and enhance global governance capacity, stressing that all countries, especially major powers, must shoulder responsibility, take the lead and stand side by side with the United Nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; and strengthening trust, mutual understanding and win-win cooperation, particularly among neighbours, thereby fostering broader regional and global linkages. He also called for stronger cooperation between the SCO, the United Nations and ASEAN in consolidating a UN-centred international system. Second, on the sidelines of the summit, PM Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation held sincere, open and effective bilateral meetings with leaders from Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Europe and various international organisations. These meetings helped to consolidate and deepen Viet Nams bilateral ties across priority areas such as strategic infrastructure, agriculture, energy, nuclear power, digital transformation and green transition. In discussions with the Vietnamese PM, foreign leaders and international partners expressed their impression at Viet Nams historic struggle for independence and liberation, as well as respect for the countrys remarkable socio-economic achievements today. They emphasised Viet Nams increasing role and position in the international arena, voicing a strong desire to further strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam across multiple sectors, while agreeing on concrete measures to deepen relations in a substantive and effective manner, according to Vu. He said during the working trip, China extended a warm welcome to the Vietnamese PM and his entourage, reflecting its special regard for Viet Nam. During meetings with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and top Chinese leaders, including Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning, both sides agreed on major measures to advance ties under the six major orientations, with three major focuses: effectively realising joint statements already reached, strengthening strategic exchanges with an emphasis on national defence-security cooperation, and maintaining close multilateral coordination to tackle global and regional challenges. On practical cooperation, the two countries committed to comprehensive economic connectivity, particularly in railways and energy, while boosting collaboration in science-technology and innovation. China agreed to press forward with a feasibility study for the Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong railway and explore financing, investment, workforce training and railway industry development. The host also promised to import more Vietnamese agricultural products and accelerate the construction of smart border gates, moves seen as vital to meeting their shared goal of breakthrough development in the next period. The Vietnamese Prime Minister also met with several leading Chinese enterprises to push forward concrete projects, Vu said. The two nations further agreed to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Joint activities during the Year of Viet Nam-China Humanistic Exchanges are also planned, alongside celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Red Journey study tours aimed at consolidating public support for bilateral ties. On sea issues, both sides vowed to continue seriously realising the high-level common perceptions to properly manage and resolve differences; respect each others legitimate interests in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); work with ASEAN partners toward a substantive, effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), and maintain a peaceful, stable environment conducive to development in each country and the region. Overall, Vu said the trips important outcomes would translate the two Parties and States consensus into concrete projects and cooperation frameworks. These are expected to deliver direct benefits to citizens and businesses in both nations, while fostering a more stable, healthy and substantive Viet NamChina relations, contributing to global and regional peace, cooperation and development. VNA/VNS HA NOI The decisive factor behind Viet Nams revolutionary success has been the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) the force that spread Ho Chi Minhs ideology and safeguarded the nations interests, stated a Russian scholar. The establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam was the result of a process prepared and executed by President Ho Chi Minhs under the leadership of the CPV, Prof., Dr. Vladimir Kolotov, head of the Department of History of Far Eastern Countries and Director of the Ho Chi Minhs Institute at Saint Petersburg State University told the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams August Revolution and National Day. At the moment when Japanese militarism lost control in Viet Nam and French colonial rule had not yet been restored, the revolutionary forces, led by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, successfully carried out the August Revolution and proclaimed independence. This paved the way for subsequent achievements, such as the successful organisation of the general election for the 1st National Assembly, the adoption of the first Constitution, and preparations for resistance against the returning French colonial forces. All this was accomplished at a time when Viet Nam faced tremendous challenges and lacked solid material foundations, said Prof. Kolotov. He underlined that President Ho Chi Minh managed to unite around him outstanding comrades such as Tran Van Giau, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Pham Van ong to break the oppressive colonial rule. I think these were historic achievements inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Vietnamese nation. The scholar highlighted the Communist Party of Viet Nam as the decisive factor for these successes. Founded by President Ho Chi Minh, it only took 15 years after its establishment to lead the August Revolution and declare independence. The Party then directed the armed forces and people of Viet Nam in defeating French colonialism and American aggression, reunifying the country and resisting the genocidal Pol Pot regime, he noted. After achieving national reunification, in 1986, the Party launched the oi Moi (Renewal) scheme, which profoundly transformed the economy and the lives of the people. Today, Viet Nam is implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, aiming to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030; and a developed, high-income nation by 2045, the centenary of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. It is fair to say that for the past 95 years, the CPV has continuously led the nation from one victory to another, not only militarily, but also in economic development and science and technology. The scholar also underscored the significance of MarxismLeninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought as the guiding principles of the Vietnamese revolutionary movement. Indeed, they are the ideology of the Vietnamese nation itself, he said, adding that Ho Chi Minhs thought can be regarded as the ideology of the CPV. One could say that Viet Nams current independence, prosperity, freedom and genuine sovereignty are, in many respects, the concrete realisation of Ho Chi Minhs ideological legacy. Put simply, by following Ho Chi Minhs thought, the Vietnamese revolution achieved success. Prof. Kolotov described the historic developments of August and September 1945 in Viet Nam as a turning point that charted a new path of national development, with the CPV consistently leading the people from victory to victory. During the Cold War, Viet Nam was one of the worlds hottest spots and the only country in Northeast and Southeast Asia that overcame polarisation and confrontation to achieve national reunification in 1975, he stressed. At present, Viet Nam is a fully sovereign state, genuinely enjoying independence, freedom, and the right to determine its own development path without hosting any foreign military bases on its territory. This is the result of the spread of President Ho Chi Minhs thought and the leadership of the CPV, according to the scholar. Prof. Kolotov underlined that in 1945, the CPV, as a new political force, assumed the historic mission of the nation, bringing the message of independence under the red flag with a yellow star. The Party acted solely in the interests of the people, leading a thorough revolutionary struggle against French colonialists and Japanese militarism. This remains the greatest lesson for Viet Nams current and future development, which highlights the decisive role of a political force that genuinely protects national interests, he said. Another equally important lesson from the August Revolution is unity, the professor noted. Only when the entire nation is united as one can it achieve great success in safeguarding its interests. This principle continues to ensure the stability and growth of modern Viet Nam a sovereign nation that enjoys independence and self-determination, taking full responsibility for its destiny. He concluded by saying that Viet Nam now records high economic growth and continuously improves peoples living standards a long-cherished aspiration of President Ho Chi Minh and generations of Vietnamese patriots - that has become a reality today. VNA/VNS HA NOI The grand military and civilian parade on September 2, marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Viet Nams National Day, is the centrepiece of the 2025 celebrations. This historic event, known as the A80 parade, is taking place at Ba inh Square in Ha Noi. The A80 parade is unprecedented in scale, featuring more than 15,680 officers and soldiers in 61 formations. Among them are seven female military contingents (Military Band, Medical Officers, Viet Nam Peacekeeping Force, Commando Soldiers, Signal Troops, Militia representing Viet Nams ethnic groups, and Southern Guerrillas) and two female police contingents (Traffic Police Officers and Special Task Force Officers). For the first time since 1985, the parade includes military artillery vehicles and specialised police vehicles, reflecting the continuous growth of the peoples armed forces over the past eight decades under the sound leadership of the Party. The parade also highlights Viet Nams international friendships, with participation from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia. Russia has sent an honour guard of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, while Laos and Cambodia each contribute 120 servicemen. To bring you closer to this landmark event, Viet Nam News is running a live blog on our website from 6:30 AM, alongside continuous updates, photos, and videos on our official Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/vietnamnewsvns Stay with us for exclusive coverage of this once-in-a-generation celebration of Viet Nams independence, resilience, and strength. VNS HA NOI The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Ha Noi City solemnly organised a ceremony at the historic Ba inh Square on September 2 morning to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2). General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam attended and delivered an address at the ceremony. The Vietnam News Agency respectfully introduces a translation of the address. ADDRESS BY PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY TO LAM AT THE CEREMONY CELEBRATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM (Ha Noi, September 2, 2025) Dear leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, and Viet Nam Fatherland Front; revolutionary veterans; Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the Peoples Armed Forces, Heroes of Labour; generals, officers, and soldiers of the peoples armed forces, Dear compatriots, comrades; overseas Vietnamese; friends and progressive people around the world, Dear distinguished delegates! Today, in the sacred and proud atmosphere of the August Revolution, we solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 September 2, 2025). Eighty years ago, at the historic Ba inh Square, our beloved President Ho Chi Minh formally read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the first People's Democratic State in Southeast Asia, ushering in an era of independence and freedom for the country. Since that historic moment, the Vietnamese people have embarked on a new journey: building a people's administration, defending the Fatherland, and leading the country to take firm steps on the path towards socialism, for the goal of "A rich people and a strong, democratic, equitable and civilised country". In this sacred moment, we respectfully commemorate our ancestors, express our infinite gratitude to great President Ho Chi Minh; and pay tribute to our revolutionary predecessors, millions of compatriots and soldiers who sacrificed and devoted themselves for independence, freedom and reunification of the Fatherland and the happiness of the people. We forever remember the contributions by Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, war veterans, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs, and revolution contributors; and engrave in our hearts the dedications by workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, artists, the elderly, youth, women, children, compatriots of all religions and ethnic groups, our compatriots abroad, friends and the progressive people around the world who have stood shoulder to shoulder, assisted and supported the just revolutionary cause of the Vietnamese people over the past 80 years. The Vietnamese Fatherland is the crystallisation of a thousand-year tradition of national construction and protection; and of steadfastness, intelligence, compassion and aspiration to rise up. That spirit forged the great strength of the August Revolution; of the two long resistance wars against colonialists and imperialists; of the cause of building and defending the Fatherland in peace; and of the cause of renewal, international integration and national development. That strength stems from the People, belongs to the People, and is for the People; the strength of the great national solidarity bloc under the glorious flag of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, which was founded, led and trained by President Ho Chi Minh. We are proud to affirm that: All victories of the Vietnamese revolution are closely associated with the right and clear-sighted leadership by the Party and the thought, moral example and style of Ho Chi Minh. Our Party, the vanguard of the working class and, at the same time, the vanguard of the working people and the Vietnamese people, has stayed steadfast in the goal of national independence linked with socialism; creatively applied and developed Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought in accordance with the country's situation in each period; and put the interests of the Fatherland and the People first and above all. Thanks to that, our people has overcome countless difficulties and challenges; our country has transformed from a colony into an independent and unified nation, steadily advancing towards modernity and deep integration; and its position and prestige are increasingly asserted in the international arena. Dear compatriots, comrades! The task of protecting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Fatherland; firmly maintaining social security, order and safety for fast and sustainable national development; and unceasingly improving the people's life quality and happiness is our command to act. By successfully achieving these three goals, we fulfil Uncle Ho's wish before he passed away: "My final wish is: for our entire Party and people to unite and strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous Viet Nam, and to make a worthy contribution to the cause of the world revolution." Throughout the 80-year journey full of hardships but pride-worthy, we have affirmed the truth: under the glorious flag of the Party, with the light of Ho Chi Minh guiding the way, and relying on the strength of the people and the great national solidarity bloc, there are no difficulties or challenges that our people cannot overcome; and there are no noble goals that our people cannot achieve. Therefore, there are no obstacles or reasons that can stop us from reaching peace, prosperity, and an everlasting nation of development. Looking toward the future, our Party sets the goal that by 2045, the 100th founding anniversary of the country, Viet Nam will become a powerful, prosperous and happy nation. That is the aspiration of the entire nation, an oath of honour before History and the People. I call on the entire Party, the entire people, the entire army, and our compatriots at home and abroad, through concrete and practical actions, to stay united, join efforts, and be of one mind to turn aspirations into reality; to make more efforts and be more determined; and to highly promote Vietnamese intelligence, creativity, and mettle, thereby successfully implementing the goals and tasks set forth by the Party and State and expected by the People. We are determined and persistent in safeguarding the independence, freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and every inch of the sacred land of the Fatherland by exerting the combined strength of the entire nation: the strength of politics, economy, culture, science, technology, military, and external relations, and the power of the people. We want to be a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the world. We respect international law and the United Nations Charter; resolve differences and disputes by peaceful measures. We absolutely do not compromise with any plots or actions that violate independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity; and we are determined to firmly protect the interests of the nation and the people. Dear compatriots, comrades! In this sacred moment, each of us seems to hear the echo of Uncle Ho's Declaration of Independence in 1945, and to see millions of Vietnamese hearts beating with pride and resounding with the oath "to die for the survival of the Fatherland". We understand even more deeply the value of "Independence", "Freedom", "Happiness"; we even further treasure and are more determined to nurture peace; we understand even more deeply the sacred meaning of the words "My People" and "My Fatherland". Once again, I respectfully bow before the spirits of great President Ho Chi Minh, heroes, and martyrs who became part of the country and the sacred soul of the nation. I would like to send my warmest congratulations to compatriots, comrades, soldiers nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Long live Viet Nam; Peaceful the Vietnamese Fatherland; Prosperous and Developed the Vietnamese Nation. Long live the glorious Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Long live the glorious Communist Party of Viet Nam. Great President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our cause. Glory forever belongs to the People. Thank you very much. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam staged its first large-scale naval parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 morning. The spectacle, staged off Cam Ranh military base in the south central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, featured the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and standing maritime militia, showcasing an arsenal of modern vessels and equipment. These forces form the backbone of Viet Nams strategy to assert and defend its sacred sovereignty over seas and islands. The live footage of the parade was broadcast to the historic Ba inh Square in the capital city of Ha Noi, where leaders of the Party and State, officials, foreign guests and people from walks of life gathered for the anniversary ceremony. The parade, dubbed Mission A80, spotlighted Viet Nams naval evolution from a fledgling force reliant on armed motorboats to a modern maritime power equipped with advanced aircraft and warships. It displayed Kilo-class submarines, Gepard-class frigates, missile corvettes, and multi-role patrol ships, plus seaplanes and maritime patrol aircraft. This buildup reflects Viet nams focus on strengthening its maritime defences in the new era. A standout was the DHC-6 seaplane, dubbed the naval air forces eye in the sky. Its ability to take off and land on water makes it ideal for surveillance, reconnaissance, medical evacuations, and search-and-rescue missions at sea. Also featured was the Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopter, loaded with twin turbine engines, advanced navigation, autopilot, and anti-submarine warfare systems. Capable of operating in diverse weather conditions, it can detect and neutralise enemy submarines and surface vessels around the clock. Viet Nams undersea prowess was on full display with the Kilo 636 submarine, a diesel-electric vessel known as the black hole of the ocean for its stealth. Packing advanced cruise missiles, it can strike both land and sea targets while evading air defences, cementing its status as a symbol of naval power. The Gepard 3.9 guided-missile frigates, all about speed and endurance, showcased Viet Nams ability to counter threats at sea, in the air, and along the coast. Whether flying solo or teaming up, its ready to roll even when the seas get rough. In the lineup was 159-class anti-submarine frigate armed with AK-726 guns, torpedo launchers, and rocket depth-charge systems. With substantial displacement and endurance, it supports both solo and joint missions targeting submarine threats. The 1241RE missile corvette, capable of reaching 43 knots with a displacement of 502 tonnes, showed off Viet Nams high-speed patrol capabilities. Equipped with anti-ship missiles, automatic guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and long-range radar, it is optimised for reconnaissance and quick-strike combat. The 1241.8 fast attack missile vessel, nicknamed the lightning ship, impressed with its ability to track up to 15 targets at once and take on multiple threats, reinforcing Viet Nams coastal defence strategy. The TT-400TP gunboat brought the endurance, with a 30-day range and 2,200 nautical miles of reach. Armed to the teeth, it can blast targets at sea, in the air, or on shore. The Coast Guard rolled out multi-role patrol vessels with advanced weaponry and long-endurance systems. These ships handle law enforcement, sovereignty protection, search and rescue, and defence diplomacy, including confronting foreign vessels in Vietnamese waters. The Fisheries Surveillance force showed up with the KN-290 and KN-390 vessels, modern multipurpose ships with top-notch command and communication systems. Theyre out there backing fishermen, cracking down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and enforcing maritime laws at home and abroad. Rounding it out, the Border Guard brought SPA 4207 high-speed patrol boats for coastal security, search and rescue, and safety missions, while the maritime militia chipped in with ships ready for combat, patrols, reconnaissance, and logistical support. Its a full-on team effort to keep Viet Nams seas and islands locked down tight. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with visiting First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez in Ha Noi on Tuesday. PM Chinh warmly welcomed the Cuban leader's state visit and participation in activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam, noting that the trip coincides with the 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Cuba. It reflects the fraternal relations, comradeship and steadfast solidarity extended by the Cuban Party, State and people to Viet Nam, he said. The PM reaffirmed that Viet Nam always treasures and preserves its special friendship with Cuba a model in international relations nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both countries. He expressed deep gratitude for Cubas support during Viet Nam's past struggle for national liberation and its current cause of national construction and defence. The Government leader spoke highly of the successful outcomes of the Cuban leader's talks with Party General Secretary To Lam and his meeting with State President Luong Cuong. He said that Viet Nam always keeps a close watch on Cubas situation, shared with the difficulties and challenges Cuba is facing, and expressed his confidence that under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Caribbean nation will firmly protect revolutionary gains and achieve new victories in the cause of national construction and development. For his part, Diaz-Canel Bermudez extended warm congratulations to the Vietnamese Government and people on the 80th anniversary of August Revolution and National Day and recalled fond memories of his visits to Viet Nam in 2013 and 2018. He expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's achievements in socio-economic development and foreign policy and the stirring atmosphere of the anniversary celebrations, saying that these are always a source of encouragement to Cubas revolutionary cause. The Cuban leader stressed the importance of frequent high-level exchanges in strengthening the special Viet NamCuba relations. He emphasised Cubas wish to deepen the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Viet Nam, and voiced his hope for the sharing of experience in Viet Nam's renewal cause and Cuba's update of its socio-economic model. He expressed gratitude for Viet Nam's material and moral assistance that helped Cuba overcome difficulties due to the embargo and blockage and the complicated international situation. He hailed the role of Vietnamese enterprises in Cubas development, calling for greater economic ties. PM Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will deploy measures to provide practical support for Cuba, especially in agriculture, energy and biotechnology, building on high-level agreements from General Secretary To Lams visit to Cuba in 2024. He proposed further cooperation on the foundations of mutual understanding and shared progress. He suggested that the two sides promptly implement the agreements reached during this visit, and enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Viet NamCuba Intergovernmental Committee, political consultations, defence and security dialogue. The PM also called on Cuba to continue paying attention to and creating favourable mechanisms and conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest and do business in Cuba, while promoting joint ventures and partnerships between companies of the two countries. These efforts will elevate bilateral cooperation to a new stage, matching the potential and aspirations of both sides, he said. The two sides agreed to continue promoting the exchange of delegations at ministerial, sectoral, local and business levels in order to concretise the high-level agreements between the two countries. They also concurred on the need to maintain regular operation of and further improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, as well as to enhance cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges during the Viet NamCuba Friendship Year 2025 and beyond. They also agreed to increase coordination and exchange of stances at multilateral forums, mechanisms and international organisations of which both nations are members; step up cooperation between socio-political organisations and localities; and intensify communication, dissemination and education for the younger generations of both nations about the exemplary, loyal and special ties between Viet Nam and Cuba. The two leaders affirmed their continued support for creating favourable conditions and encouraging greater participation of organisations and enterprises from both countries in each others socio-economic development process. They agreed to focus on boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation, particularly in strategic areas already agreed upon at the highest level, while also expanding collaboration into other promising fields. At the end of the meeting, PM Chinh extended his warm regards to Revolutionary Leader Raul Castro and senior leaders of the Cuban Party and State. He also extended an invitation to Cuban PM Manuel Marrero Cruz to pay an official visit to Viet Nam again at a convenient time. VNA/VNS Dame Prue Leith was mortified after her "bath plug" was pulled out from a "designer salad" she made for a "smart lunch". Dame Prue Leith accidentally left her 'bath plug' in a 'designer salad' she made for her client At the start of her illustrious career, the 85-year-old food expert - who was a private caterer at the time - attended a swanky dining event hosted by her sugarbroker client, who invited Prue as a thank you for her hardwork in providing them grub for "five or six months". But after feeling "quite smug" over a "Senior Partner" giving a "concentrated intent" look at her "designer salad", Great British Bake Off judge Prue's self-satisfaction was shattered after they "slowly" pulled out what they initially believed was a "piece of string" in the dish, which eventually turned out to be her "bath plug". Appearing on the latest episode of Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Prue - who at the time prepared food and had lettuces in the bath of her fourth floor rooming house lodging in Earls Court, London - recalled: "I got a client, some young lads in the city who were sugarbrokers or something, but they were quite young, and there were about five or six of them. "And they wanted to have one smart lunch a week where they could woo clients, sort of directors, in a dining room, so they had to turn one of their offices every Friday into a directors' dining room. "And after about - I'd been doing Friday lunches for them for perhaps five or six months, and they asked me if I'd like to join them for lunch. They were just saying, 'Thank you for feeding us so well.' "So I was sitting there, I was quite nervous, and the Senior Partner, who was probably all of 30 but he seemed very grown up to me, he started to look at the salad with very, sort of, concentrated intent. "And I thought, 'Ah, he's never seen a designer salad before, he doesn't know what an arugula is or a lamb's lettuce or whatever,' and I was feeling quite smug. "And then he put his hand into the salad bowl, and he pulled out - quite slowly - a piece of string, and then he pulled a little bit further, and the piece of string turned into a chain, and then out popped my bath plug!" Despite being left red-faced by the blunder, Prue joked it showed them that she had washed the lettuce, and that they laughed off her big mistake. She added: "I said, 'Well, at least it proves I washed the lettuce (laughs), and they all laughed, and they were fine about it." HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam met with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in Ha Noi on September 2 as the latter came to Viet Nam to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 19452025) and National Day (September 2, 19452025). General Secretary Lam welcomed the Lao Party and State leader for leading a high-ranking delegation to the celebration, describing it as a testament to the rare, loyal, and special solidarity between the two Parties and nations. He noted that the participation of Lao Peoples Army soldiers in the National Day parade was great encouragement to Viet Nam. The Party chief stressed that every victory in Viet Nams revolutionary cause has been closely tied to the heartfelt support of the Lao Party, State, and people. He affirmed that Viet Nam deeply treasures this valuable assistance, from the years of resistance in the past to the cause of national construction and defence at present, and that Viet Nam will do its utmost, together with Laos, to preserve and further strengthen their special relationship. On this occasion, the host appreciated the Lao Party and States decision to recognise the Truong Son Trail Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos as a national historical relic of the country. He said the recognition carries special significance in upholding and honouring the shared history and solidarity between the two nations, while paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Vietnamese and Lao soldiers and youth volunteers who sacrificed along the legendary route. It also reaffirms the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, serving as a lasting symbol to educate future generations in patriotism and solidarity. For his part, the Lao leader offered congratulations to Viet Nam, noting that the success of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam in 1945 greatly inspired Laoss national liberation and energised revolutionary and peace movements among the oppressed peoples worldwide. He added that in solidarity with the Vietnamese people, Laos had held a grand ceremony marking Viet Nams 80th National Day, attended by over 1,500 delegates, including senior leaders and representatives of ministries, sectors, and organisations of Laos. The Lao leader called Viet Nams achievements over the past eight decades the shared achievements of both countries, saying he is deeply moved by the strong patriotism and pride he has witnessed among the Vietnamese people in recent days. Extending his congratulations, the top Lao leader emphasised that under the sound and talented leadership of the CPV, over the past 95 years, and especially during 80 years of nation building, Viet Nam has achieved great, remarkable, and comprehensive accomplishments in innovation, political stability, rapid and sustainable economic development, expansion of external relations, while its international role and position have been continuously enhanced both regionally and globally. He considered this a valuable lesson for Laos to strive for national development and progress. At the meeting, the two leaders informed each other about the situation of their respective Parties and countries, stressing that 2025 holds special significance as the final year of the current Party Congress term, leading up to each Partys Congress in early 2026. They agreed to maintain close coordination and share experience in preparation, thereby contributing to the successful organisation of their congresses. They held a trustful, sincere, and straightforward exchange on orientations and measures to promote areas of cooperation, while stressing that amid complex regional and global developments, the two countries need to strengthen consultations, share experience, and support each other in overcoming difficulties and challenges. Alongside strengthening collaboration in politics, defence, and security, both sides agreed to make efforts to elevate and create breakthroughs in economic cooperation to match the level of political relations, boost two-way trade, and enhance economic infrastructure connectivity, with a focus on implementing strategic cooperation projects to generate new momentum and open a new phase of practical and effective collaboration for the benefits of both countries. Both leaders expressed their delight that many investment projects by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos in the fields of energy, agriculture, telecommunications, and infrastructure are bringing tangible results; and the two countries are also working together to implement strategic infrastructure projects, including transport and energy connectivity, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of economic and trade relations and closer alignment with regional and international integration processes. They affirmed their commitment to further strengthening coordination of stances, expanding international integration, ensuring security, and serving the development and interests of the two peoples. Building on their precious traditional ties, the two countries will enhance coordination in the process of international integration, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, they added. VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) will enhance information sharing and coordination with, and support for its Lao counterpart at regional and international forums, and is ready to share experience and expertise in areas such as legal framework development, oversight of budget use and key bilateral projects. Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man made the statement on September 2 morning while meeting with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, who was in Viet Nam to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 19452025) and National Day (September 2, 19452025). The top Vietnamese legislator stressed that the Lao delegations presence was vivid evidence of the special Viet NamLaos solidarity. Recalling the nations proud revolutionary history, NA Chairman Man affirmed that every milestone and victory of the Vietnamese people has been closely linked to the steadfast support of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Lao people. He congratulated Laos on its great and comprehensive achievements in implementing the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP led by Sisoulith, Laos will successfully organise the 12th National Party Congress in early 2026 and fulfill its national development strategies. He affirmed that Viet Nam consistently gives top priority to its unique and special solidarity with Laos. Sisoulith expressed admiration and congratulated Viet Nam on its great, important and comprehensive achievements over the past 80 years, affirming that Viet Nam's success serves as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and valuable lesson for Laos in its national construction and development. Praising the cooperation between the two countries legislative bodies, the top Lao leader affirmed that parliamentary ties are an important factor contributing to the overall success of bilateral relations. He expressed his belief that the two sides will continue working closely together to oversee, promote, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of their cooperation agreements. He proposed that the two sides continue to exchange legislative experience and support each other at regional and international forums. The guest thanked the Vietnamese NA for its support and knowledge sharing, which has helped strengthen the Lao NAs role as a legislative body representing the peoples rights and interests. NA Chairman Man welcomed the remarkable progress in the special Viet NamLaos relationship, reflected via frequent high-level exchanges and the effective operation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. He said that the two parliaments are jointly compiling a book titled 50 years of relations between the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the National Assembly of Laos comprehensive cooperation for development, reviewing their cooperation, achievements, and lessons learned to strengthen coordination in the new period, and deepen public understanding of the special ties between the two legislatures and nations. He suggested the two countries continue maintaining all-level delegation exchanges, make full use of cooperation mechanisms, remove obstacles, and explore new areas of cooperation to open a new phase of practical and effective development. VNA/VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam highly value and are determined to deepen their special friendship with Cuba, and remain committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people in their revolutionary cause. During a meeting with Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba, NA Chairman Man warmly welcomed his return visit to Viet Nam and participation in the countrys grand National Day celebration in the context of the two countries marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations (December 2, 19602025). He described the occasion as a new historical milestone, reflecting the enduring friendship between the Parties, States, and peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba. President Diaz-Canel praised Viet Nam's recent socio-economic and diplomatic achievements, expressing his deep impression at the heroic atmosphere, the broad public participation in the celebration, and the warm welcome extended to the Cuban delegation. Highlighting recent positive developments in bilateral ties, he noted the significance of Party General Secretary and State President To Lams visit to Cuba in September 2024 and regular high-level exchanges that have deepened cooperation. Several new collaborative projects have already seen initial success, yielding positive results. President Diaz-Canel pledged to direct Cuban ministries, sectors, and local authorities to create favourable conditions and mechanisms for Vietnamese enterprises to operate successfully in strategic fields such as agriculture, energy, and biotechnology, with plans to expand into other potential sectors. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude for Viet Nam's practical support in areas including agriculture and food security, and for the campaign mobilising aid for Cuba on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations a reflection of the long-standing, sincere, and steadfast friendship between the two nations. Chairman Man highlighted that the Vietnamese NA will continue close cooperation with its Cuban counterpart through increased high-level visits and exchanges, inter-parliamentary group initiatives, sharing of legislative experience, and active coordination at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral parliamentary forums. President Diaz-Canel welcomed the positive development of parliamentary relations and conveyed an invitation from President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez to Chairman Man to pay an official visit to Cuba. The Vietnamese leader expressed his gratitude and confirmed he will arrange a visit at a suitable time. VNA/VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed the capital, Ha Noi, for China to attend the 80th anniversary of the global victory over fascism and to undertake official engagements during September 2-4. The visit is being made at the invitation of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China. The delegation accompanying the State President includes Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Central Commission for Information and Education; Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister; Le Khanh Hai, Chairman of the Presidential Office; Ha Thi Nga, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front; Nguyen Hoang Anh, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Hong Thai, Deputy Minister of National Defence; Nguyen Minh Vu, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Ngoc Lam, Deputy Minister of Public Security; Pham Thanh Binh, Vietnamese Ambassador to China; and Nguyen Hoang Anh, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Office and Assistant to the President. In the context of increasingly profound, substantive, and comprehensive relations between the two Parties and two nations of Viet Nam and China, President Cuongs visit holds significant importance and meaning. This is President Cuong's first official visit to China in his capacity as Head of State. It also coincides with the year 2025 being designated as the Year of Humanistic Exchange, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and China (January 18, 19502025). The visit is expected to further strengthen the robust, practical, and effective development of bilateral ties. Meanwhile, the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism serves as a moment for the international community to reflect on the historical significance, indomitable spirit, and enduring aspiration for peace that the victory represents. President Cuong's attendance at this major event in China also underscores Viet Nam's commitment and responsible voice in promoting global peace, security, and development. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and Cuba have issued a joint statement on occasion of the state visit to Viet Nam from August 31 to September 2 by First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of the Cuban Party and State, and their attendance at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam. The following is a translation of the joint statement. "VIET NAMCUBA JOINT STATEMENT 1. At the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and a high-ranking delegation of the Party, State and Government of Cuba paid a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam from August 31 to September 2, 2025. During the visit, First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez held talks with Party General Secretary To Lam, met with Politburo members State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and attended the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 19452025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 19452025). First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and the high-ranking delegation of the Cuban Party and State attended a ceremony celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cuba (December 2, 1960 - December 2, 2025), and a photo exhibition themed "65 years of the special friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba", events that demonstrate the exemplary and unique relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba. First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez laid a wreath in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, offered flowers at the monument to Cuban national hero Jose Marti; visited the Viet Nam Military History Museum and laid flowers at a monument to Cuban military experts; met with representatives of the Vietnamese business community; and had a sincere and emotional meeting with the leaders of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Standing Committee of the Viet NamCuba Friendship Association and the Club of Vietnamese Alumni in Cuba. 2. At the talks, Party General Secretary To Lam and First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez highly valued the outcomes of the state visit to Viet Nam by the First Secretary and President of Cuba, calling the visit an important milestone in the history of relations between the two Parties, the two States and the two peoples, helping reinforce and tighten the traditional solidarity, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba to develop substantively and sustainably in the new period, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, for socialism, and for peace, cooperation and development in each region and in the world. The two leaders reaffirmed the historical significance, precious heritage value and great cooperative achievements of the Viet NamCuba relationship over the past 65 years; and vowed the determination to jointly promote the relationship, established by President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban Revolutionary Leader Fidel Castro Ruz and nurtured by generations of the two countries' leaders and people, and to continuously improve the effectiveness of the comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba commensurate with the potential and level of sound political relations between the two countries. The visit demonstrated the high importance and priority both sides give to the top strategic relationship, affirming the spirit of international solidarity, consistent support and the desire to continue to cooperate and develop together between Viet Nam and Cuba in the new period. 3. On behalf of the Party, State and people of Cuba, Comrade Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed his particular delight to visit Viet Nam again and respectfully conveyed his warmest congratulations to the Party, State and people of Viet Nam on the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, along with the enormous achievements of historic significance that the Vietnamese people have obtained under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam during nearly 40 years of oi moi (Renewal) and international integration, bringing Viet Nam's fortune, stature and international prestige to unprecedented heights. First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez highly valued and expressed his belief that the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam headed by Party General Secretary To Lam, will join hands and be united in implementing the revolutionary strategic policies, successfully organising the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and creating new historic opportunities so that Viet Nam will firmly advance to a new era of development, an era of the nation's rise. 4. The Vietnamese side offered warm congratulations on the 67th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and the important achievements that the Party, State and people of Cuba have gained in implementing the resolutions of the 8th National Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, the national socio-economic development plan until 2030, the important decisions made at the 10th National Assembly and the meetings of the 8th Party Central Committee and, especially, the positive results in handling socio-economic challenges and implementing the update of the socialist socio-economic model, believing that Cuba will successfully organise the 9th National Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba from April 16 to April 19, 2026. Viet Nam reaffirmed its consistent solidarity and steadfast support for the creative efforts by the Party, State and people of Cuba to overcome current difficulties and challenges; pledged the readiness to continue to accompany and do its utmost within its capacity to unite, support and cooperate with Cuba; believed that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the direction of Revolutionary Leader General Raul Castro Ruz and First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the Party, State and people of Cuba will continuously consolidate national solidarity, safeguard the noble revolutionary goals of the Communist Party of Cuba, play a worthy role in the common struggle in the region and the world, for national independence, democracy, equality, and social progress and justice. 5. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the sound development of the Viet NamCuba relationship and cooperation at all levels and in all fields, especially in implementing the agreements between the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and the two States during the state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in September 2024; welcomed the initial positive results in the strategic cooperation between the two countries, notably the pilot rice cultivation models, the solar energy complex project in Cuba and the establishment of a joint venture in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. The two sides pledged to support, create favourable conditions and encourage the development of new cooperation models appropriate to the situation and strengths of research organisations, training institutions and enterprises; expand the presence and participation of the two countries' organisations and enterprises in the socio-economic development process of Viet Nam and Cuba, especially in strategic cooperation areas with great potential such as agriculture and agricultural processing, new energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and other potential cooperation areas. 6. The two countries reaffirmed that the relationship between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) serves as the foundation and strategic orientation for bilateral cooperation. They agreed on the importance of enhancing high-level Party-to-Party exchanges, theoretical workshops, and both in-person and online dialogues between the advisory bodies of the two Parties. They also supported practical study visits and experience-sharing programmes on socio-economic development in Viet Nam for Cuban officials at the deputy ministerial level and equivalent, as well as exchanges between their youth unions and people's organisations. Additionally, both sides welcomed initiatives aimed at sharing experience and lessons learned in advancing the socialist construction process in both countries. The two sides agreed to enhance the efficiency of existing cooperation mechanisms and to implement the Exchange and Cooperation Agreement between the CPV and the CPC for 20232028. They also committed to deepening collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Nico Lopez Party University, between the CPV Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation and the CPC Central Committee's Ideology Commission, between Communist Review and Cuba Socialista, and between the CPV Central Committee's Policy and Strategy Commission and the CPC Central Committee's Economic and Production Commission, including an online exchange scheduled for 2025. The two sides consented to jointly hold the seventh theoretical workshop between the two Parties and the third scientific conference entitled Fidel Castro Ho Chi Minh: Revolutionary Vision in 2026, on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. They also agreed to further exchange information, documents and curricula, and coordinate in researching and promoting the thoughts of Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro in each country. Viet Nam and Cuba also pledged to coordinate positions and activities within multilateral forums and mechanisms of political parties and progressive forces, including the BRICS political parties' forum, the International Meeting of Communist and Workers Parties (IMCWP), the Sao Paulo Forum, and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). 7. The leaders highlighted the importance of the Viet NamCuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in implementing protocols between the National Assembly of Viet Nam and Cubas National Assembly of Peoples Power. They welcomed the second session of the committee scheduled for early October 2025 and agreed to focus on perfecting the legal system, creating a legal framework for economic, trade, and investment activities, and promoting the sustainable implementation of bilateral agreements. 8. The two sides agreed to continue close cooperation in the areas of national defence, security, and foreign affairs, emphasising the importance and effectiveness of the extensive and substantive defence cooperation across various fields between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence and the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, the collaboration between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, as well as the political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries. 9. They spoke highly of the results of the 42nd session of the Viet NamCuba Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. They agreed to maximise existing mechanisms, expand cooperation into potential sectors, including priority ones such as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care, energy, telecommunications, tourism, construction, transport, high technology, and digital transformation. Viet Nam and Cuba vowed to jointly promote and deepen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, particularly in strategic and high-potential sectors. They called on relevant agencies of both countries to enhance exchanges and coordination to address existing challenges and obstacles, and to make the most of the Viet NamCuba Trade Agreement to increase trade volume and diversify bilateral trade. The Cuban side reaffirmed its support and facilitation for Vietnamese enterprises' greater participation and presence in Cubas socio-economic development process. 10. Cuba expressed gratitude and appreciation for the signing of the agreement between the two Governments on the implementation of a technical assistance project for the Cuban Ministry of Justice aimed at enhancing its capacity in law making and enforcement. Both sides agreed to ensure the project is carried out seriously, effectively, and with high quality, contributing positively to Cubas legal development and improvement efforts, thereby further strengthening the special friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba. 11. First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for the effective support for Cuba in food security and energy security. The two sides agreed to review and assess the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements; assign relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries to explore new methods and forms of cooperation; and promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles, and propose suitable mechanisms and policies for each country, thereby expanding areas of cooperation in the new phase. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the signing an agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the Republic of Cuba on promoting rice production to gradually ensure food security in Cuba for 20252027; the minutes of the 42nd meeting of the Viet Nam Cuba Intergovernmental Committee on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation; a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on healthcare cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the Cuban Ministry of Health; an MoU on archival and document management cooperation; and an MoU on the establishment of a joint venture between Hoa Sen Holdings Group, the Green Economics Institute, and Labiofam Group of Cuba. 12. Leaders of both countries welcomed and highly valued the results of the diverse and practical exchanges between the two peoples, particularly during the Viet NamCuba Friendship Year 2025; agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between socio-political organisations and localities of the two countries; and agreed to increase communications about the significance and importance of the traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba, instilling in the younger generations of both nations a lasting respect for and commitment to nurturing and developing this special, exemplary, and faithful bilateral relationship. First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations for organising the national fundraising programme 65 Years of Viet NamCuba Special Friendship to support the Cuban people, attracting participation and support from agencies, organisations, localities, the business community, and a large number of Vietnamese citizens. This serves as a vivid demonstration of the enduring tradition of solidarity, closeness, and mutual support, as well as the determination to unceasingly tighten and nurture the special and steadfast friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba. On this occasion, the Party, State, and people of Vietnam presented the first tranche of VN385 billion (over US$14.6 million) from this meaningful programme to provide timely support for the Cuban people. 13. High-ranking leaders of the two countries emphasised the shared perspectives on international issues of common concern, affirming that international disputes must be resolved by peaceful measures, with respect for international law and the United Nations Charter. They agreed that relations between countries must be built on respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, the right to self-determination of peoples and the fundamental principles of international law, including the respect for one another's territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the active mutual assistance and support at international organisations and multilateral forums where both countries are members, particularly the UN and multilateral political forums of international political parties. Cuba highly values Viet Nam's international role and prestige in proposing initiatives and contributing actively to global efforts in addressing shared challenges of humanity and emerging international issues, expressing belief that Viet Nam will successfully host the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi in October 2025. 14. Viet Nam consistently supports the just cause of the Cuban people, demanding the immediate and unconditional lifting of groundless economic, trade, and financial sanctions against Cuba; and calls for the removal of Cuba from the unilateral list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Viet Nam supports efforts to improve CubaUS relations and to expand cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest, based on equality and respect for independence, sovereignty, and political regime of each country. 15. First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez sincerely thanked the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for the warm, attentive, fraternal, and cordial reception extended to the high-ranking delegation of the Cuban Party and State; and formally invited a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam to visit Cuba by the end of 2025. High-ranking leaders of Viet Nam accepted the invitation. The visit to be arranged through the diplomatic channel. Ha Noi, September 2, 2025." VNS BEIJING State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening, beginning their three-day trip to attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the world people's victory over fascism and engage in bilateral activities in China. The working trip is made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping. Welcoming the President and his entourage at an international airport in Beijing were Chinese Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Wang Xiaoping; member of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress and Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Peoples Congress Yan Aoshuang; Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam He Wei; and Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh, among others. The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the world people's victory over fascism is a global-scale event, not only commemorating a historic milestone but also reaffirming the fundamental values that have shaped the modern international order: peace, independence, sovereignty, equal cooperation, and shared development. President Cuong's presence in the event reaffirms the countrys foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, and proactive, comprehensive, extensive and effective global integration, while making active and constructive contributions to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. In addition, the Vietnamese State leader will engage in bilateral activities during his trip. He is expected to hold talks and meetings with key Chinese leaders to reinforce political trust and push forward win-win practical cooperation. He will also meet leaders from other countries and international organisations attending the commemoration. High-level exchanges across various channels have intensified since early 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties (January 18) and contributing to consolidating political trust and the foundations of party-to-party and state-to-state ties. Bilateral trade reached US$205.2 billion in 2024 and $136.5 billion in the first seven months of 2025. Viet Nam remains Chinas top trading partner in ASEAN and its fourth largest globally, trailing only the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (RoK). China has emerged as a key investor in Viet Nam, with a cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) of $31.26 billion across 5,195 projects by late January 2025, ranking sixth among 149 foreign investors. In 2024, China led with 955 new projects and ranked third with $4.73 billion in committed capital, up 3% from the previous year. In the first seven months of 2025, China topped new project approvals with 695 and placed second in registered capital with $2.27 billion, behind Singapore. VNA/VNS Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Division Director for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, talks with Vietnam News Agency on the development success story of Viet Nam in the past eight decades, and the World Bank Group's commitment to continued assistance for Viet Nam in its aspirations to become a high-income nation. Looking back on Viet Nams 80-year development journey, what do you consider to be the most significant economic achievements and transformative changes that have shaped its rise to a highly open, middle-income economy in the region? Viet Nams progress since mid-1980s is one of the worlds most remarkable development stories from one of the poorest in the world to a vibrant middle-income economy in under four decades. For example, let's take a look at some numbers, starting with extreme poverty, which once affected more than half the population, is now below 1 per cent. Real incomes have risen six-fold and life expectancy has increased by 7 years since the early 1990s. Perhaps the most striking change is Viet Nams global integration. Trade now exceeds 160 per cent of the national GDP, among the highest ratios in the world, thanks to its deep integration into global supply chains, from textile and footwear to electronics. These changes are also reflected in peoples lives. Viet Nam has a 57-million-strong workforce, more than 20 million new jobs created since the 1986 reforms, and over 80 per cent now employed in the private sector. From the World Banks perspective, this is a story of vision, perseverance, and reforms that has delivered real outcomes for people. We are proud to have been a partner over the past more than 30 years, providing technical support and nearly US$26 billion in financing to support the countrys profound transformation. These achievements give Viet Nam a powerful springboard for the next stage of its journey to realise the ambition of becoming a high-income, green, and inclusive economy by 2045. Could you highlight some of the key milestones in the partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Viet Nam over the past decades, particularly in supporting the countrys economic reform and development efforts? The World Banks partnership with Viet Nam spans more than three decades, almost as long as the countrys reform journey itself. Since the early days of reform, we have been privileged to accompany Viet Nam through each stage of its transformation. In the 1990s, support focused on foundational reforms land, trade, investment, poverty reduction and finance that helped create the conditions for transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented system. Among these conditions, it was critical to recognise, legitimise, and reinforce the roles of market incentives and private sector growth for development. Over time, we have provided nearly $26 billion in financing, coupled with policy advice and global knowledge in critical sectors, to support the countrys development priorities. Together, weve invested in infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and social protection, helping to create millions of jobs and improve opportunities for Vietnamese people across the country. During the last decade, we have worked with the government on climate resilience in the Mekong Delta, renewable energy expansion, and building resilient, sustainable cities to prepare for the future. Some highlights of WBs knowledge and financial support to Viet Nam over the years include programmes on electrification (now at 99 per cent coverage), rural transport and local road management, rural water supply, and Mekong climate resilience development. There was also a series of 10 Poverty Reduction Support Credit operations helping build key institutional foundations for a market-oriented economy and, most recently, the Viet Nam 2035 and Viet Nam 2045 comprehensive reports. Throughout, our partnership has always been about more than just financing. Its about sharing knowledge and global expertise, so that Viet Nam can shape reforms that are its own, while still drawing on the best experiences from around the world. Given Viet Nams impressive development in the past four decades, the country has started to share its experiences with many other countries. Institutional reform remains a central focus of Viet Nam's development agenda. What is your opinion about this? Strong institutions are the backbone of sustained development. Research shows countries that successfully transition to high income all share one thing in common: effective and accountable institutions. Viet Nam has already made important progress by consolidating provinces, streamlining administrative structures through mergers of ministries and departments, and piloting digital government. These reforms matter because they are expected to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, including reduction of red tape for both citizens and businesses. As the economy becomes larger in size and more sophisticated in structure, stronger institutions will be vital to sustaining strong growth. The critical shift will be for the state to move from directly driving economic activity to enabling it creating a transparent, predictable and rules-based environment where the private sector can thrive. This means a high-performing civil service, fair enforcement of rules, and strong mechanisms for accountability. Every Vietnamese ong of investment becomes more productive with better governance. Trust grows when rules are transparent and predictable, and businesses are more willing to invest in a well-functioning market environment. The World Bank Group stands ready to support the government in building institutions that match the scale of its ambitions. Ultimately, strong institutions will be the bridge between Viet Nams 2045 ambitions and results on the ground. What is your assessment of Viet Nams economic growth prospects and resilience, especially in the context of global uncertainties and structural transitions? Viet Nam enters this next stage from a position of strength, having shown remarkable resilience and maintaining growth through previous shocks. The global landscape presents a sobering backdrop. The World Bank projects global growth of about 2.3 per cent in 2025; trade tensions have intensified, we see that daily, and economic policy uncertainty is at its highest in decades. For an export-driven economy like Viet Nam that is deeply integrated into global value chains, shifts such as friend-shoring and rising foreign trade barriers pose real challenges. The era of easy export-led growth is closing fast. So what does this mean? To reach high-income status by 2045, research shows Viet Nam would need to lift per-capita growth to around 6 per cent every year for the next two decades, and avoid the middle-income trap that has slowed many peers. The path forward from our perspective is quality growth, not just faster growth: higher productivity supported by quality infrastructure, innovation, digitalisation, and high-skilled workforce; and moving up the value chain beyond labour-intensive and low-skilled manufacturing, while diversifying growth drivers and deepening regional partnerships. The good thing is Viet Nams advantages are real: a young and talented workforce, macroeconomic stability, a strategic location in Asias growth belt, and a proven capacity to learn and adapt. So this is where the World Bank Group aligns with Viet Nams ambitions. We are aiming to move from plain-vanilla International Bank for Reconstruction and Development lending to also mobilising private capital through blended finance, guarantees, risk insurance and project preparation facilitation. Through the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, we help put in place stable policies and infrastructure that can attract investment, while directly providing financing, equity, guarantees, and risk insurance in an effort to crowd in private investment. From the World Banks perspective, what key policy recommendations would best support Viet Nam in advancing toward its sustainable development goals? The World Banks analytical work, including the recent series of Viet Nam 2045 report, recommends a set of strategic priorities to help Viet Nam sustain growth, avoid the middle-income trap which has afflicted many of its peers, and reach its high-income ambition: First, supporting private sector development is key to boost productivity and drive growth, job creation, innovation, and national competitiveness. Second, reforms in tertiary education are much needed to upskill the labour force, which is also critical to accelerate productivity growth. Third, while Viet Nam must rebalance growth toward higher productivity, sustained investment, especially in critical infrastructure, remains essential. Fourth, prioritising green growth and low-carbon development will drive sustainable economic progress, create green jobs, and protect Viet Nams environment. Fifth, strengthening institutional capacity remains essential to effectively implement these policies and pave the way for a high-income Viet Nam. Another point is that robust mechanisms are needed to ensure that faster growth does not exacerbate inequality and that all really Vietnamese can benefit from the countrys transition to high-income status. To translate these into reality, Viet Nam will need high-quality, transformative investments. The World Bank brings a unique combination: large-scale, long-term financing with a rich set of innovative instruments together with global expertise, so we can support Viet Nam to help ensure these resources are deployed effectively to accelerate its journey to high-income status. Do you have a message for the Vietnamese people on the occasion of the 80th National Day? It's really a privilege to be here in Viet Nam at this momentous time in the history of the country. And I can just say I have such deep admiration for Viet Nam's perseverance and determination. Few nations have advanced so far, so fast, and in such an inclusive way. The World Bank really is proud to have been a partner of Viet Nam through this journey of the last three plus decades. It's a remarkable one, one that is looked at by many people around the world, and we're really proud to have been an ongoing partner. My wish looking forward is that Viet Nam achieves its ambitions, its growth ambitions, so it's not only a faster growth, but also it's a greener growth and a fully inclusive growth that brings continued benefits of development to all the people in Viet Nam. VNS By Minh Hang As Nguyen Thi Thuy's children and grandchildren prepare to celebrate the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 with flags, shirts and hats bearing the golden star on a field of red, she cannot help but feel a surge of joy. The moment brings back memories of that unforgettable autumn, a season like no other in Ha Noi. Autumn in Ha Noi has always felt special, said Thuy, 91. But nothing could compare to that autumn of 1945." Eighty years ago, as summer came to a close and autumn began, tens of thousands gathered at Ba inh Square to hear President Ho Chi Minh proclaim the Declaration of Independence, founding the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. That moment marked not just a turning point in national history, but the beginning of a profound journey for the capital. Thuy still remembers that morning vividly. She was only 11, joining a childrens group from Ngu Xa Village (now Ngu Xa Street) organised by the local authority. The streets were full of red flags with yellow stars, she said. We children carried paper flags and waved them as we walked. At Ba inh Square, the crowd went completely silent as President Ho began to read. When he finished, cheers broke out like thunder. It was a moment that stayed with me forever. For her generation, the joy of independence from foreign domination was soon followed by years of war of resistance and hardship. Ha Noi became both a battlefield and a sanctuary. Families were evacuated to the countryside and houses were turned into shelters after President Ho issued the Appeal for National Resistance on the night of December 19, 1946, marking the beginning of the nationwide resistance war against the French. After nine long years of resistance, Ha Noi was finally and fully liberated on October 10, 1954. Nguyen Quang Ngoc, vice chairman of the Viet Nam Association of Historical Sciences, said the event marked a decisive turning point, ending colonial rule and opening a new chapter for the capital. From the very first days of liberation, Ha Noi had to shoulder two tasks simultaneously: carrying out the socialist transformation at home and serving as the rear base for the southern battlefield, he said. Apartment blocks like those in the Kim Lien, Nguyen Cong Tru and Giang Vo residential quarters were built, embodying the aspirations of a city rebuilding itself. Long Bien Bridge, battered but unbroken, continued to carry goods, people and hope across the Red River. Nguyen Tien Phuong, 89, a former senior official of the Department of Geology at the time, moved into Kim Lien in late 1975. Life in the Kim Lien blocks of flats was modest and crowded, yet it carried the warmth of community. We shared kitchens and bathrooms at first, but to us it was a dream, he said. There were shops, schools and playgrounds between the buildings. It gave us a sense of community and progress. According to ao Ngoc Nghiem, former director of Ha Nois Department of Planning and Architecture, since the restoration of peace the capital has undergone seven revisions of its master plan and four major adjustments to its administrative boundaries. Each phase of expansion, from the first enlargement in 1961 to the historic merger with Ha Tay Province in 2008, responded not only to the needs of urbanisation but also to national imperatives of defence, integration and modernisation, Nghiem said. Ha Noi has grown from a modest city of 152sq.km with about 530,000 residents in the 1950s to a metropolis of more than 3,300sq.km and over eight million people today. Successive plans have created hundreds of new urban areas, major infrastructure and iconic landmarks, laying the foundation for Ha Nois vision as a sophisticated, green and modern capital. Winds of renewal The reforms of 1986 breathed new life into the city. Markets buzzed again, private enterprises re-emerged and Ha Noi reopened to the world. The policy of oi moi (Renewal) fundamentally transformed Ha Noi. It marked a crucial milestone in the nations development, sweeping away the bureaucratic subsidy system and ration coupons, as the State gradually embraced the market mechanism, said Phuong. From a city once marked by scarcity, it has grown into a city of opportunity. The private economy began to expand, foreign investment flowed in and the capital quickly held a position as a centre of culture and commerce. Hotels and restaurants welcomed international visitors, and trading streets thrived. For many residents, it was the first time in decades that Ha Noi felt connected largely to the outside world. The 1990s and 2000s brought dramatic changes to the citys skyline. Bridges like Thanh Tri, Vinh Tuy and Nhat Tan all joined both banks of the Red River. Ring Roads 2, 3 and 4 expanded the urban fabric with many new residential areas. The administrative boundary expansion of 2008, when Ha Tay and parts of neighbouring provinces merged into Ha Noi, was another watershed moment. The enlargement of Ha Noi created one of the 17 largest capitals in the world by area. It posed huge challenges in governance and infrastructure, but it also created immense opportunities for balanced urban development. Projects like the My inh urban zone, Ciputra, Ecopark, Vo Nguyen Giap Road and the Cat LinhHa ong metro line signalled a city stepping firmly into modernity. Ha Noi also emerged as a venue for global diplomacy and events. From hosting the historic USNorth Korea Summit in 2019 to the 31st SEA Games in 2022, the capital has projected its reputation as a city for peace and connection. "Ha Noi is unique in embodying both tradition and change, serving not only as the nations administrative capital but also as its cultural heart, with an identity inseparable from Viet Nam itself," Ngoc said. VNS HA NOI Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) around the world celebrated the 80th anniversary of National Day with a series of vibrant activities, showing their close-knit ties to the homeland. On September 2 morning, the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo hosted a gathering where OVs living, studying and working in Japan gathered to watch a live broadcast of Ha Nois National Day celebrations on a large screen. Earlier on September 1, the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the Museum of Living History in Montreuil held a ceremony to lay flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Montreau Park on the outskirts of Paris. At the event, Ambassador inh Toan Thang unveiled a special edition postage stamp, a joint issuance by the Vietnamese Embassy and La Poste, Frances postal service, to mark the anniversary. He presented the stamp to Sabine Pesier, Secretary of the Museum of Living History Association. Earlier, he and other delegates paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his altar inside the embassy in Paris. Also on Monday evening, the Vietnamese Embassy in Canberra, Australia hosted a ceremony marking the occasion. In his congratulatory remarks, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell spotlighted Australias ambition to boost trade with ASEAN, particularly Viet Nam. He noted ample opportunities for cooperation in cybersecurity, e-commerce, and the Internet. Farrell said his role is to encourage Australian firms, especially those led by Vietnamese Australians, to expand abroad, particularly to Viet Nam, fostering robust business relationships with good partners and friends. At a ceremony held on August 31 in Bangladeshs Dhaka, the Vietnamese Embassy screened the Foreign Ministrys documentary chronicling 80 years of National Day history. Guests savoured pho, Viet Nams iconic noodle dish prepared by embassy staff, and immersed themselves in the countrys culture and tourism through traditional art performances and multimedia presentations. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nams 80th National Day celebrations unfolded today in a sea of red, with flags, flowers and beaming faces welcoming the biggest ever parade and march, creating a special atmosphere that touches not only the hearts of its own citizens but also those of foreign guests living in Ha Noi at this particular time. For many expats, it was a privilege to witness how Vietnamese people salute their national pride and to feel as part of a nation celebrating its historic journey. Since early morning on September 2, crowds already gathered near Ba inh Square where the grand ceremony took place. Will Helm Le Courageux, a French content creator who has lived in Viet Nam for five years was there, saying he was so impressed by the way people braved the weather and discomfort, even preparing days in advance just to witness the parade. But what struck him most was the diversity of participants, especially the prominent role of the women in uniform, which he found uncommon in his own country and a sign of inclusivity. Meanwhile, Austrian visitor Roland enjoyed his perfect time in Viet Nam, having the opportunity watching people line the streets in solidarity and it was their enthusiasm spirit that made his day memorable. That impressions and experience were also shared by foreign diplomats living in Ha Noi and observing rehearsals or joining the festivities in the lead up to Viet Nams National Day. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Choi Young Sam recalled how the sight of red flags around Hoan Kiem Lake, waved by both children and elders, reflected not just excitement but also the strength of a nation built on passion, sacrifice, and intrinsic strength. Meanwhile, Singaporean Ambassador Jaya Ratnam said Ha Nois transformation into a sea of red, was a vivid reflection of the pride Vietnamese people take in their past eight decades of independence. Irish Ambassador Deirdre Ni Fhalluin believed that there was very clear sense of pride and excitement around this years celebration. I think this reflect how much the Vietnamese people value their history, tradition, and most of all, their independence. Dutch Ambassador Kees Van Baar, for his part, drew on President Ho Chi Minhs words that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom, noting the Vietnamese people have embodied the spirit in the way they celebrate their National Day. The diplomats took the opportunity reflecting on Viet Nams path from years of sacrifice to an era of peace and prosperity, acknowledging the countrys dynamism and the potentials of its young generation. From Seoul came reminders of a steadfast partnership for more than three decades while Singapore was proud to call Viet Nam its trusted friend and partner and looked forward to taking the bilateral ties to new heights in the coming time. Ireland has been proud of its cooperation with Viet Nam throughout a period of the Southeast Asian countrys significant change, especially in the areas of humanitarian assistance, climate change resilience, agriculture, and people-to-people exchange. The Netherlands, looking ahead, placed its hope on forging a stronger partnership in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. World Bank Division Director for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Lao PDR Mariam J. Sherman described it as a privilege to witness such a milestone, recalling more than three decades of cooperation during which Viet Nams achievements have captured global attention. VNS 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. 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. HCM CITY With world-class doctors, modern hospitals and a growing reputation for affordable care, HCM City is positioning itself as a promising wellness tourism hub and experts say its high time the city fully taps into its potential. Home to 162 hospitals and nearly 10,000 private clinics, the southern metropolis already offers a wide range of medical services, from reproductive healthcare and IVF to traditional medicine and cosmetic treatments. Many of these are available at competitive prices, making the city an attractive option for international patients seeking both physical and mental rejuvenation. Wellness tourism aimed at helping travellers recover from the strains of modern life is now on the agenda for local authorities. But despite its strengths, HCM City currently welcomes only around 500,000 international visitors and overseas Vietnamese annually for medical-related purposes, a figure experts believe falls short of its true capabilities. Challenges holding back the sector include outdated infrastructure, a lack of foreign languageproficient staff, limited international payment options, and weak links between the healthcare and tourism industries. Speaking at a recent forum, tourism operators proposed targeted policies to kickstart medical tourism, including incentives to promote partnerships with tour companies and discount schemes to encourage packaged offerings that link health services with leisure travel. Deputy Director of the citys Department of Tourism Le Truong Hien Hoa said a Medical Tourism Development Project is underway, focusing initially on dentistry, aesthetics and advanced care. He called on healthcare providers to step beyond their traditional remit and collaborate more actively with tourism operators, including through public-private partnerships. To attract more visitors, medical tourism products must be built on actual demand, taking inspiration from successful models in Thailand and Germany, he said. Improving workforce capacity, particularly in foreign languages, is key and both students and AI could help enhance service quality. He also suggested more flexible visa policies to boost the citys global appeal, adding that 'quality and reputation, not just price, must be the foundation of our products'. The Editor-in-chief of Phu Nu Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh (HCM City Womens) newspaper, Ly Viet Trung, noted the citys advantages as both a major economic centre and a hub for modern and traditional medicine, supported by highly trained professionals. These factors present valuable opportunities for the city to develop a distinctive brand in medical and wellness tourism, she said. According to the citys Department of Tourism, HCM City welcomed 5.2 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2025 up nearly 50 per cent year-on-year alongside 25 million domestic travellers. Tourism revenue reached VN161.9 trillion (US$6.14 billion), a 31.2 per cent increase from 2024. VNS Nguyen Hang HA NOI Throughout every stage of its revolution, the Party, the State and the people of Viet Nam have always cherished and expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity and valuable support of international friends. This was affirmed by Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, o Van Chien, at a ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon to honour international friends on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of Viet Nam. Speaking at the event, Chien extended heartfelt thanks to the international community for their steadfast support and contributions to Viet Nams struggle for national liberation, reunification, reconstruction and defence. The gathering, organised as part of nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), was a profound expression of the gratitude of the Party, the State and the people of Viet Nam for the solidarity and invaluable assistance of international friends. It also conveyed to the world the message of a loyal and steadfast Viet Nam that treasures international support, while being a trusted friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. The event, Chien said, aimed to further strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Viet Nam and people around the world, and to call for continued international support for the countrys development and defence, thereby enhancing its global standing and prestige. Recalling the support given by people worldwide, Chien said that the compassion and solidarity of friends across the globe had given the Vietnamese people immense strength. He said that during the period of national reconstruction, many countries had helped Viet Nam build factories, schools and hospitals, making positive contributions to its development. Among them, there were people who had been on the "other side" but also overcame the past and contributed their efforts to work with the Vietnamese people to reconcile the war and build a new life. Chien also said that Viet Nams development goals are to become a modern industrialised nation with upper middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. To achieve these targets, Viet Nam is committed to three strategic objectives of safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; ensuring rapid and sustainable socio-economic growth; and continuously improving the material and spiritual well-being of its people. He expressed the hope that international friends would continue to extend their wholehearted, effective support across all fields. At the event, representatives of international partners shared moving stories of solidarity with Viet Nam. China A legacy of medical solidarity Liu Hong Lin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nanxi Shan Hospital in Guilin, Guangxi, China, recalled the hospitals role as the only international rear hospital in China during the Viet Nams resistance war against America. From 1969 to 1975, the hospital received and treated 5,432 wounded and sick Vietnamese soldiers, performed 2,576 surgeries and donated nearly 779,000 millilitres of blood. He stressed that the sacrifices, made in the most difficult of times, were a living testament to the blood-sealed friendship between the peoples of China and Viet Nam. In recent years, the hospital has actively fostered medical exchanges with Vietnamese provinces, training health professionals and deepening cooperation in healthcare technology and human resources. Time passes, but sincere friendship endures, he said, pledging to nurture the enduring bond of both comrades and brothers between the two nations. France A personal bond with history Elisabeth Helfer Aubrac recounted her familys unique connection with Viet Nam. In August 1946, President Ho Chi Minh agreed to be her godfather, forging a lifelong bond between her family and Viet Nam. Her father, Raymond Aubrac, had earlier assisted Vietnamese workers in Marseille during the Second World War, earning President Ho Chi Minhs respect. Today, although both men have passed away, her family continues its ties with Viet Nam. Her husband has taught Vietnamese students for more than 40 years at Franco-Vietnamese management centres in Ha Noi and HCM City, and the family has welcomed many Vietnamese students into their home in France. Cuba Viet Nam: Brotherhood Victor Fidel Gaute Lopez, Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, said President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in the hearts of Cubans through his career, thoughts and the history of his increasingly beautiful fatherland. Lopez also highlighted that 2025 as a year of special significance with the 50th anniversary of Viet Nams reunification, the 80th anniversary of independence, and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cuba. He expressed gratitude for Viet Nams unwavering solidarity with Cuba in its decades-long struggle against the embargo, which continues to affect every sphere of Cuban society. Quoting Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla at a recent commemoration in Havana, he recalled how Cuba was moved by the outpouring of support from the Vietnamese people through a humanitarian campaign led by the Viet Nam Red Cross. On behalf of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples, he reaffirmed the commitment to continue efforts to further strengthen the solidarity and friendship between the two Parties, the two Governments and the two peoples. United States Humanitarian bridges Magee Kathleen Soracco, Co-Founder Operation Smile, reflected on the organisations long partnership with Viet Nam since its first medical mission. Together, we have helped deliver more than 70,000 free, safe, and life-changing surgeries. But our work has gone beyond surgeries. "We have invested in building human capacity in the health sector, training surgeons, nurses, and biomedical professionals so that the gift of healing continues to grow within Viet Nam itself. "We have also stood alongside our partners in policy advocacy, ensuring that every child has the right to safe surgery, and that sustainable systems of care are strengthened across the country." In this way, Operation Smile has been proud to contribute not only to public health, but also to the friendship and trust between Viet Nam and the United States, Soracco added. Indeed, our work here became one of the early bridges of humanitarian cooperation that helped pave the way toward the normalisation of relations between our two nations. She expressed deep appreciation for the Vietnamese Government, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Ministry of Health and partner hospitals for their support. Also on the occasion, Chien presented Friendship Orders and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to organisations and individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Viet Nam. Accepting the award, Magee said this order is a recognition not of one individual, but of a partnership, a partnership rooted in compassion, service, and a shared belief that every child deserves to smile. On behalf of the entire Operation Smile family around the world, I thank you for this great honour, and I reaffirm our commitment to continue serving the children and families of Viet Nam for many years to come. Chuck Searcy, on behalf of US Marine veteran Paul Cox, Veterans For Peace and the Viet Nam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign, said: These awards encourage us to continue our work, in unity with you, until we eradicate the wounds of war. We will display these awards with pride and humility. Thank you for your friendship. VNS Alexandra Smith, british consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Further investments in sustainable infrastructure, digital transformation, and skills development will be key to unlocking its full potential. The citys focus on innovation and its strong entrepreneurial spirit are also significant assets. We anticipate continued growth in sectors like technology, finance, education, healthcare and renewable energy, creating further opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Vietnam. Danang also has a lot of potential as a regional financial centre; international investors and financial funds from the United States, Singapore, the Middle East, Switzerland and, of course, the UK have shown great interest in developing the citys financial centre with a focus on innovation, green finance, fintech, and trade finance. The aim is to leverage Danangs strategic geo-economic location along the Indo-Pacific corridor and its favourable urban infrastructure and environment to create a unique synergy between traditional financial services and cutting-edge technologies. This would enhance collaboration, connectivity, and integration into shifting global value chains. The UK is, of course, home to the top financial centre in the world, London, built on decades (and perhaps centuries) of experience in sound governance, transparency, and innovation. The UK government and regulators have worked closely with industry and other key stakeholders to achieve this position. An approach has been underpinned by high standards, a robust rules and principles-based regulatory framework, a strong ecosystem of financial and related professional services, common law, and a vibrant fintech infrastructure that supports all other economic activity. We combine deep expertise, built over years, with a forward-looking approach to adopting and championing cutting-edge technology and approaches. The UK and its financial and professional services industry, which has longstanding and strong ties in Vietnam with firms such as HSBC, Standard Chartered, Prudential and Dragon Capital, is well-placed to offer the expertise to develop a financial ecosystem and help promote good governance and rule of law. The improved regulatory and business environment will, in turn, enable sustainable growth and provide a gateway for the Vietnamese economy, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, to access international capital and investment. Therefore, one of the most critical lessons Vietnam can draw from the UK is the importance of a strong and predictable regulatory framework, underpinned by a common law framework. Almost every IFC around the world is built on English common law for a reason: it is trusted, widely understood and globally respected by investors. Only through adopting a common law framework can Vietnams IFC become a destination of choice for international financial institutions. And of course, the UK stands ready to support Vietnam in understanding and implementing common law. I also recommend that Vietnam continue to develop the business environment to be more competitive and attractive. Focusing on meeting international standards, such as International Financial Reporting Standards, as well as accelerating professional training in financial sectors and using English as the official language, is also important. Strategic planning for digitalisation and sustainability growth is a crucial factor to enable the success of IFCs. The initial focus areas for the IFC could be green finance, fintech and capital and commodities markets development. Other areas can be included during later stages or introduced on a tempered basis. Another area where the UKs experience can be relevant is fintech. The countrys thriving fintech ecosystem shows how technology can accelerate financial inclusion, efficiency, and innovation. By encouraging partnerships between UK and Vietnamese fintech firms, we can help promote technology transfer, expand digital financial services, and attract venture capital and global investors to Vietnam. Initiatives like the IFC in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are ambitious and exciting. The UK is committed to supporting Vietnam on this journey through knowledge-sharing, regulatory cooperation, and business matchmaking. Events like the UKs Southeast Asia Tech Week in Ho Chi Minh City and London Tech Week also offer opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement in financial services and emerging technologies. To accelerate initiatives such as the IFCs and Danang Free Trade Zone (FTZ), I would recommend three priority actions. The first is to establish a world-class regulatory environment, underpinned by common law. Vietnam should continue its reforms by developing a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly financial regulatory framework. Drawing from the UKs experience, this includes strong legal protections, a common law foundation, efficient licensing, and robust oversight mechanisms for both traditional finance and fintech. The second action is to create innovation-driven financial ecosystems. International investors are drawn to dynamic, tech-enabled ecosystems. Vietnam could encourage sandbox environments and digital finance innovation zones, supported by partnerships with leading UK AI and fintech firms. This helps demonstrate Vietnams readiness for the next generation of financial services. The final aspect is to signal strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance and sustainability. Sustainability is now a critical investment lens. By embedding such principles into the IFC and FTZ models, Vietnam can position itself as a forward-looking and financial hub. This will be a key differentiator in a competitive global market. Game-changers for foreign investors will include not only smart regulation and digital readiness, but also Vietnams ability to facilitate meaningful international engagement. The UK is a committed partner, through business missions, tech partnerships, and policy dialogue. We are pleased to see Vietnams progress and remain ready to provide continued support. The vision of the Party and state leadership to elevate Vietnam to a developed, high-income nation by 2045 is a powerful call for strategic realignment. This audacious goal demands a fundamental transformation of the national economy from a resource-based model to one powered by innovation and a robust private sector. Dr. Sven David, general director and CEO at VIET Transformation Advisors To realise this goal, the private sector is a primary catalyst for innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth. This strategic recalibration is fundamental to securing Vietnams long-term economic fortitude and sovereign resilience, all within the visionary framework established by the Party. In an era of intense global competition, this strategic shift is critical for building a resilient economy that can adapt to challenges. Vietnams remarkable progress is demonstrated by the exponential rise in per capita income since the late 1980s, a testament to successful development policies. This journey has not only transformed the lives of millions but has also established Vietnam as a dynamic and respected player on the world stage, navigating complex global shifts with pragmatism and foresight. Despite these triumphs, Vietnam is poised at a critical juncture. The path to 2045 requires not just sustaining but accelerating momentum, a task made urgent by a global landscape where the standards for a developed economy continually rise. A closer examination reveals that many Vietnamese enterprises, particularly the small and medium-sized ones, continue to grapple with structural impediments. These challenges, including constrained access to capital, skills gaps, and a complex regulatory environment, hinder their ability to scale and ascend global value chains. Addressing these issues is not merely an economic necessity, but a strategic imperative. While foreign investment has been crucial, over-reliance can create dependencies. To mitigate these and fortify economic autonomy, nurturing the private sector and cultivating a robust, indigenous industrial base is imperative. This requires a concerted effort to address capital allocation, streamline administrative procedures, and invest in the human capital necessary for a knowledge-based economy. The developmental journeys of nations that have transitioned to high-income status offer invaluable lessons. South Korea, for instance, strategically fostered its large conglomerates by ensuring access to international finance and steering technological advancement. Malaysia implemented targeted incentives to integrate its smaller businesses into sophisticated supply chains, thereby enhancing their technical capabilities. Germanys Mittelstand boasted a cohort of highly specialised, family-owned businesses acting as the backbone of innovation and stability.. Resilient and prosperous To truly empower the private sector as the principal driver of Vietnams national ascent, a coherent, forward-looking policy framework is essential, aligned with the strategic objectives of the Party and state. These pillars are not isolated initiatives. They form a cohesive strategy for unlocking the nations immense economic potential. Four interconnected pillars stand out as the most crucial levers for this transformation. Firstly, a predictable business environment is fundamental to investment and innovation. A steadfast, transparent legal framework that safeguards property rights and ensures contract enforcement is the cornerstone of long-term trust. The government can enhance investor confidence by ensuring consistency of its legislative and regulatory pronouncements. Concrete measures could include regular, high-level dialogues between government ministries and business associations. These forums would ensure that policy formulation is grounded in practical realities and that hurdles are systematically dismantled. Establishing robust, independent commercial arbitration mechanisms could also provide businesses with reliable dispute resolution. Such a stable and trustworthy environment is the bedrock of sovereign economic power. Secondly, Vietnamese enterprises require enhanced access to diverse capital to fuel growth and invest in technology, moving beyond the limitations of traditional banking. To ignite a dynamic innovation culture, state programmes can provide targeted support to promising young ventures, streamlining access to crucial venture capital. The government can also deploy strategic incentives to encourage robust research and development funding. Tech transfer from multinationals to the private sector should also be encouraged to disseminate knowledge and build local expertise. Vietnams public administration has already demonstrated commendable progress in digitalisation. The next step is to support the broader economys digital transformation. This will not only drive substantial productivity gains but also contribute to building a knowledge-based economy. The third aspect is elevating leadership and championing modern corporate governance. The ultimate success of any enterprise hinges on the vision, capability, and integrity of its leadership. Fostering leadership excellence is a strategic necessity. This entails a focused commitment to enhancing the strategic acumen, risk management, and ethical standards of business leaders. And lastly, embracing modern corporate governance frameworks, characterised by robust transparency and stringent accountability, is a fundamental prerequisite for building enduring trust with both domestic and international partners. This embrace of global best practices is a powerful affirmation of strength and maturity, accelerating Vietnams deeper integration into the global economy. Global integration To fully capitalise on global trade and enhance supply chain resilience, a proactive stance towards international engagement is essential for Vietnams private sector. This ensures domestic firms are not only participants but also drivers in a globalised economy. The government can play a crucial role by assisting domestic enterprises in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and by providing comprehensive guidance on leveraging the benefits of free trade agreements. Moreover, deepening engagement in international knowledge-sharing networks offers a vital pathway for Vietnamese companies to access global best practices and secure long-term competitiveness. The transformation of Vietnams private sector is a shared responsibility, demanding a synergistic partnership between government, the business community, and civil society. The government, guided by the Partys long-term vision, should continue to act as a far-sighted enabler, establishing framework conditions for sustainable growth. Simultaneously, business associations, forward-thinking research institutions, and educational establishments are poised to evolve into indispensable partners, equipping enterprises with the knowledge needed to thrive. While the vision is ambitious, its realisation is grounded in clear economic targets. To achieve the Partys goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045, an average annual nominal gross national income growth rate of 9.75 per cent is required, according to a recalculation using more recent macroeconomic data and the robust model and methodology developed by Dr. Pham Minh Thuy of the Academy of Finance. The calculations are grounded in the long-term assumption of an annual increase in the World Banks threshold by 3.47 per cent. It is, however, crucial to understand that these are projections. Recent data shows that the World Banks threshold is growing at a significantly higher rate of 4.85 per cent. This makes achieving the goal an even greater challenge, as the target value is shifting faster than the original long-term assumption suggests. The transformation is not guaranteed success; it requires extraordinary effort from every part of the national economy. The path is clearly defined, and the resolve of the nation will be the ultimate guarantor of its prosperous and sovereign future. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son International integration has made great contributions to national development. What have been the largest outcomes of Vietnams international economic integration? Economic diplomacy is not only one of Vietnams key priorities, but has also become a significant driving force in the countrys pursuit of sustainable development and deep international integration. In recent times, economic diplomacy has been implemented in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, closely linked with political, defence, security, and cultural diplomacy - together forming a unified front that effectively supports the nations process of renovation and global integration. A notable achievement is that Vietnam has now established economic and trade relations with more than 230 countries and territories. The country has signed and carried out 17 free trade agreements, and is negotiating with additional partners about new trade deals. Economic diplomacy has made a valuable contribution to Vietnams remarkable progress in joining the group of the worlds top 32 economies by GDP size, and the top 20 in terms of trade volume and foreign direct investment attraction. In addition, the active implementation of the Party Secretariats Directive No.15-CT/TW dated 2022, on boosting economic diplomacy in service of national development towards 2030, has helped position Vietnam as a crucial link in both regional and global markets. This has facilitated the expansion of cooperation in emerging sectors, and deeper participation in supply chains, while improving in Vietnams standing within the global value chain. What will the diplomatic sector do to contribute to the countrys development in the coming time? In the context of intertwined challenges and opportunities, and in alignment with the countrys development goals, economic diplomacy will focus on the following key priorities. Firstly, we will fully leverage the benefits of existing trade and investment agreements, especially in underexplored markets and sectors; and unlock new sources of investment and finance, particularly from major enterprises and investment funds. Besides that, we will also concretise newly upgraded diplomatic frameworks into practical, effective economic cooperation programmes. Secondly, we will contribute to promoting economic growth by revitalising traditional drivers of growth such as investment, exports, and consumption, while strongly fostering new growth impetuses such as science and technology, digital transformation, green growth, circular economy, and the knowledge-based economy. Thirdly, we will promptly identify and capitalise on emerging global trends, including digital, green, and energy transitions. We will also establish extensive cooperation with global innovation hubs in sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, AI, and quantum science. Finally, economic diplomacy will continue to work in close partnership with ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises to resolve difficulties and bottlenecks, while helping to create leverage, enhance connectivity, and attract new projects and cooperation initiatives. Over the past 80 years, the Vietnamese intellectual community abroad has remained a special resource, and has played an important role in the national development. What solutions will be made to continue attracting Vietnamese intellectuals and experts abroad? The Vietnamese community abroad is an inseparable part of the nation. It makes crucial contributions to the national development, with approximately six million Vietnamese living, studying, and working in more than 130 countries and territories throughout the world. With a deep awareness of the communitys role and position, in recent years, the work related to overseas Vietnamese has been comprehensively implemented, reflecting the care and attention of the Party and state. This has helped strengthen the great national unity bloc and mobilise overseas resources for national construction and development. Furthermore, the Party and state have introduced various mechanisms to connect with and tap into the potential of overseas Vietnamese, especially intellectuals. Notably, the Politburos Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has outlined key policies to attract and retain Vietnamese experts and scientists abroad, encouraging them to return to live and work in the country. The National Assembly has also promulgated many new laws, including the amended Law on Nationality which removes barriers to acquiring or reclaiming Vietnamese citizenship while allowing for the retention of foreign nationality and the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, which grants greater autonomy to individuals and organisations engaged in scientific research. Most recently, Party General Secretary To Lam has called for prompt proposals and recommendations for incentive policies to create the most improvements for overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals to partake in and contribute to national development. More than ever, leveraging the strength of the overseas Vietnamese community has become increasingly essential, serving as a major driving force for Vietnam to enter a new era of national development. In this spirit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue close coordination with relevant ministries and sectors to establish a favourable legal and policy framework that enables overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals to feel secure and motivated to engage with and contribute to the homeland. Could you share a few remarks or stories from world leaders regarding Vietnams role and status? Vietnams success story has increasingly served as an inspiration to the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at several meetings, has referred to Vietnam as a model of peace and sustainable development. Similarly, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn also underscored that Vietnam is a key member, making crucial contributions to strengthening unity and enhancing ASEANs position and capacity in global dialogue and cooperation, particularly on the 30th anniversary of Vietnams ASEAN membership. Many leaders of other countries and international organisations, through both their words and actions, have expressed high regard for Vietnams role on the global stage, recognising the country as a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community. Over the past eight decades, under the leadership of the Party and state, Vietnamese diplomacy has grown stronger and more dynamic. Moving forward, Vietnam will steadfastly pursue the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of relations. We will continue international integration, uphold the rule of law and international law, and make meaningful contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the wider world. We hope that our international partners, friends, and countries will continue to support and accompany Vietnam as it embarks on this new chapter in its national journey. Vietnam emerged from a small-scale, self-sufficient agricultural economy, once a colony. After achieving independence in 1945, instead of focusing on economic development, the nation was thrust into major wars. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Bo Linh, former Deputy Chairman National Assembly Office For nearly half of these 80 years, while the world advanced in economic and technological competition, Vietnam devoted its full strength to warfare, national reunification, and homeland defence. This unique context was also a significant obstacle, preventing Vietnam from fully focusing on economic development post-independence, unlike some other independent nations. Thus, the 80-year economic journey can be divided into two phases: the first half marked by a wartime, centrally planned, closed economy reliant on foreign aid; and the subsequent decades of economic reforms, transitioning to a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration. After gaining independence in 1945, Vietnam endured another decade of resistance against French colonialists, relying on aid from socialist bloc countries to muster resources for the victorious struggle. From 1954 to 1975, the country was divided. The north pursued socialism but essentially operated a wartime economy, channelling all resources into the resistance against the United States and national reunification. Post-1975, after reunification, Vietnam faced further border conflicts. Thus, the first 40 years were characterised by a centrally planned wartime economy, built on a backwards agricultural foundation, underdeveloped industry, and dependence on external aid - a distinctive economic model of that era. Despite such conditions, Vietnam achieved certain successes. Without these, the military and political victories would not have been possible. These outcomes stemmed from mobilising the entire population and resources for resistance, reflecting the success of a model suited to the context at the time. Hypothetically, without the impact of wars, this model could have yielded greater economic achievements and better foundations, as seen in some Eastern European countries or China. From 1986, amid the reform trends in socialist countries, Vietnam entered the era of doi moi and integration. The achievements over the past 40 years have been remarkable: from a food-scarce nation to a leading rice exporter; from a bureaucratic, subsidised economy to a dynamic, multi-sector market economy; and from a closed economy to one of the worlds most open, with total import-export turnover exceeding 200 per cent of GDP. The economic structure has shifted significantly, from exporting raw agricultural products to manufactured goods. The private sector has flourished, playing a major role in growth and job generation. Alongside this, the equitisation of state-owned enterprises has fostered diverse market entities. Vietnam has been recognised as a market economy by 70 countries. However, over the past 40 years, the world has undergone a powerful technological revolution, particularly in digital technology, AI, and big data, which Vietnam has not fully capitalised on. Our preparation in terms of institutions, infrastructure, and resources for the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been slow, a significant limitation. The most critical lesson is the need for independent, self-reliant thinking. Only with such a mindset can creativity flourish; otherwise, dependency stifles innovation. This principle has been consistent through both wartime and peacetime. However, independence and self-reliance do not mean isolation but understanding ourselves and our context to chart a suitable path. For instance, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Vietnam faced uncertainty. Instead of copying foreign models, the state and government chose their own path of reform grounded in reality - such as the contract farming system in agriculture (which allows farmers to enter into agreements with agricultural processing companies to produce crops), economic liberalisation, and trade relations with the world regardless of political systems. This independent, self-reliant mindset has become Vietnams unique brand, enabling the country to overcome crises and maintain stability. The overarching policy drivers have been the shift to a market economy and proactive, active international integration. These two major forces have transformed the structure and shape of Vietnams economy over the past 40 years. With the profound changes both domestically and globally, Vietnam is entering an Era of National Rise. But what does this concept mean in the current development context? In my view, it is not only about Vietnams internal transformation but also reflects humanitys shift in the digital age, the AI revolution, and automation - distinct from previous industrial revolutions. This new era of development is revolutionary in technology, trade, politics, and society, with many challenges related to sustainable development. Vietnam stands at the crossroads of both opportunities and challenges in this global era, requiring further innovation as the momentum from the previous phase gradually diminishes. When we speak of the Era of National Rise for the nation, it signifies not just a new historical phase but also a call to action. This call is to break free from low development levels, escape the middle-income trap, and avoid stagnation. Vietnam must overcome the institutional, scientific, technological, and infrastructural bottlenecks that have persisted over the past 40 years. Continuing the same approach as the last 40 years would result in slower progress, incompatible with humanitys new development era. Thus, rising is not merely a sign of maturity but a mandate for profound renewal. Only by surpassing ourselves through bold thinking, institutional reform, and decisive action can Vietnam seize new opportunities. Kim Nyoun Ho, chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam How are strategies led by major conglomerates shaping the South Korean investment trend in Vietnam? South Korean conglomerates operating in Vietnam are shifting from their traditional role as labour-intensive production bases towards more advanced and strategic investment directions. Beyond leveraging low-cost labour, they are targeting Vietnams growing domestic market, strengthening its role as a critical hub in global supply chains, and seeking to establish local capabilities in research and development (R&D) as well as high-tech industries. Specifically, several strategic shifts have emerged. Firstly, there is a transition towards high-tech and high value-added industries. Investments are expanding into fields tied to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as semiconductors, AI, biotechnology, and future mobility. Secondly, companies are strengthening localised production and R&D capabilities, developing products tailored to Vietnamese consumer needs, localising production systems, and establishing R&D centres that utilise local talent, thus contributing to Vietnams own technological capacity. Thirdly, there is a strong push to build sustainable growth models, including the adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management practices and eco-friendly production processes. This aligns with Vietnams policy focus on sustainability and is regarded as essential for long-term growth. Indeed, global investment trends are shifting from low-cost manufacturing toward green technology and the establishment of sustainable supply chains. South Korean companies are fully aware of this change and are responding proactively. While the large-scale labour-intensive manufacturing bases that South Korean firms have established in Vietnam remain a strong pillar of the Vietnamese economy and an important supply source for major global brands, many South Korean companies are diversifying their investments to secure new growth engines. These include green energy, smart factories, IT solutions, and eco-friendly materials. As the Vietnamese government sets carbon neutrality targets and accelerates the development of renewable energy, South Korean solar and wind power companies are actively entering the market. At the same time, with the growing importance of stability and sustainability in global supply chains, South Korean businesses are increasing investments in enhancing production efficiency within Vietnam, expanding the use of eco-friendly materials, and strengthening ESG management. These developments demonstrate that South Korean companies are focusing not merely on cost reduction, but on creating long-term value for future growth. How important is the local governments policy-driven motivation to South Korean businesses and investors in Vietnam? For Korean companies and investors, the policy-driven motivation of local governments is extremely important. While the central governments broad policy directions matter, it is the local governments commitment to concrete implementation, administrative efficiency, and flexibility that most directly affects day-to-day business operations. The strategic resolutions on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, international integration, legal reforms, and private economic development set out crucial policy directions for Vietnams future growth. South Korean companies hope these resolutions will translate into tangible incentives, administrative support, and enhanced legal transparency at the local level. The more clearly local governments articulate these strategic objectives, present concrete roadmaps for achieving them, and actively foster a business-friendly environment, the more actively foreign investment will flow in. Examples include infrastructure investment to support digital transformation, tax incentives for innovative enterprises, and training programmes for skilled labour. Such proactive policy commitment at the local level is a decisive factor in enabling South Korean companies to expand successfully in Vietnam and commit to long-term investments. How can Vietnam retain South Korea as a leading global investor in an increasingly uncertain world? Despite Vietnams positive economic outlook, South Korean businesses face several challenges on the ground. Firstly, there is uncertainty in legal and administrative procedures. Vietnamese regulations change rapidly, but ambiguities in interpretation or delays in administrative processes can create difficulties, particularly in areas such as investment licensing, taxation, and labour laws. Secondly, infrastructure remains inadequate. Limitations in logistics and transportation can affect production and distribution efficiency, while unstable power supply can also burden operations. Thirdly, there is a shortage of skilled labour and rising labour costs. While education levels are improving, securing specialised personnel for advanced industries or qualified mid-level managers remains challenging, and wage pressures are increasing alongside economic growth. Fourthly, competition is intensifying as Vietnams appeal draws companies from around the world, not just from South Korea. In this context, South Korean businesses expect the following legal improvements to address the following issues. They are greater transparency and predictability in regulations: investment, tax, labour, and other laws directly affecting business should be clearer and more consistently interpreted, enabling companies to make long-term plans. The other is streamlining and improving administrative procedures: simplifying licensing processes, shortening processing times, and expanding digital administrative services will reduce bureaucratic burdens. The effective operation of one-stop service systems is key. They also expect expanding and maintaining foreign investment incentives. Incentives should be enhanced and stabilised over the long term in priority sectors such as green technology and advanced industries that Vietnam aims to foster. Last but not least is strengthening intellectual property protection: stronger legal safeguards are needed to protect companies from technology leaks and counterfeit products. Peter Kompalla, chief representative of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam Every year on Vietnams National Day, the streets are alive with the colours of the Vietnamese flag, music, and a deep sense of pride. For those of us who have made Vietnam our professional home, it is also a time to reflect on the countrys remarkable progress and on the partnerships that have helped shape it. This year is especially significant, as Vietnam celebrates its 80th National Day and Germany and Vietnam mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. These milestones are more than symbolic; they reflect friendships built over decades, challenges navigated together, and opportunities turned into lasting achievements. From our vantage point, this story is not told only in trade figures but also in the experiences of factory managers, engineers, and young graduates beginning their careers. At its core, the history of German investment in Vietnam is a story of people, and of trust. In the 1990s, when Vietnam was further opening its doors to global investors, German companies began quietly setting down roots. Among the early German investors were companies such as Siemens, Mercedes-Benz, Bayer, Dussmann, and B. Braun, each bringing their own expertise in healthcare, engineering, facility management, and automotive manufacturing. These early entrants brought not only advanced technology, but also a commitment to developing local talent. B. Brauns intravenous therapy training programme, which reached thousands of nurses, is just one example of how investment was never only about machines and buildings it was about peoples wellbeing and professional growth. Those years required patience and perseverance to navigate new regulations, understand local business culture, and build infrastructure. The relationships formed then laid the foundation for todays trust. A broader canvas As Vietnam entered the World Trade Organization era in 2007 and broadened its network of free trade agreements, the partnership with Germany gained new depth. Leading companies such as Bosch, Schaeffler, and Siemens began to see Vietnam not only as a production base but as a place to innovate, localise, and co-create. In the 2000s, across the country, factories filled with advanced machinery and research and development centres emerged to design solutions for both domestic needs and global markets. In this period, about 53 per cent of German-invested projects were in southern Vietnam, 36 per cent in the north, and 11 per cent in the central region. Across boardrooms in Germany, Vietnam increasingly came to be seen as a strategic partner, a view formalised with the establishment of the bilateral strategic partnership in 2011. The 2010s saw a further wave of entrants. The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance recorded almost 200 German-invested projects in this era, including names such as Fuchs, Logwin Air + Ocean, Hafele, Oppermann, Zott, and Quickpack, each bringing expertise in sectors ranging from logistics and engineering to consumer goods and food processing. The German-Vietnamese business community, under the care of the German Business Association, was expanding fast. During this period, we experienced facilitating connections between businesses and local partners and serving as a consistent, trusted point of contact. It was during these years that we came to appreciate something deeply Vietnamese: progress is not rushed; it is nurtured, like a sapling that will one day shade generations. Even the strongest partnerships are tested. German firms in Vietnam have navigated multi-faceted administrative procedures, shifting legal frameworks after the pandemic, and the ongoing need to find skilled local talent. More recently, global trade tensions such as heightened scrutiny over transshipment risks following US tariff measures have added another layer of complexity for export-oriented manufacturers. The difference lies in how these challenges were met. Companies responded by strengthening supply chain transparency, diversifying sourcing, and ensuring full compliance with origin rules. They invested in training programmes, partnered with local universities, and empowered Vietnamese managers to lead. They also took the time to understand regional differences not only between north and south, but also between provinces, each with its own character and opportunities. This adaptability has helped German businesses maintain a strong presence in Vietnam and reinforced their reputation as reliable long-term partners. Todays headlines One of the most exciting milestones of 2025 came with the inauguration of SAP Labs Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. With an investment of 150 million ($175.8 million) over five years, this new hub will drive innovation in sustainable digital supply chains and AI-powered enterprise solutions. Already staffed by more than 200 engineers, the lab is expected to double in size by 2027. In the healthcare sector, B. Braun has expanded its commercial presence by opening new sales and marketing offices first in Hanoi, followed shortly thereafter by another in Ho Chi Minh City. These strategic moves reflect their growing commitment to Vietnams healthcare market and its role as a dynamic hub for regional operations. In the industrial sphere, long-term investors like Messer continue to expand their footprint. In August, the company inaugurated its Quang Ngai 2 plant, reinforcing its commitment to supplying high-quality industrial gases to Vietnams fast-growing manufacturing and energy sectors. Alongside such established names, a growing number of German companies are turning their attention to Vietnams opportunities. As of May, German-invested projects in Vietnam are overwhelmingly concentrated in the South. Out of 495 cumulative, effective projects, over 320 are located in Southern Vietnam, underscoring the pull of Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding Southern Key Economic Region for manufacturing, services, and logistics. Northern Vietnam hosts 120 projects, around one-quarter of the total, reflecting the growing appeal of the Hanoi-Haiphong industrial corridor, while the central region accounts for 51 projects (10.3 per cent), with activity clustered around Danang. This distribution reflects the souths long-standing role as Vietnams economic hub, the norths growing position as an industrial and logistics base, and the central regions selective but strategic growth in coastal and energy-linked industries all part of the broader story of talent, technology, and shared innovation between our two countries. Vietnam offers a diverse range of possibilities. In renewable energy, from offshore wind farms to solar parks, German expertise can support the countrys ambitions for a greener economy. High-tech manufacturing is advancing, with growing demand for semiconductors, automation systems, and Industry 4.0 solutions. The rapidly expanding digital economy creates scope for AI, cybersecurity, and fintech, while infrastructure projects such as metro systems, high-speed rail, and sustainable urban development promise to improve connectivity and quality of life. In the years ahead, new investment formats are likely to emerge, from joint ventures and publicprivate partnerships to innovation-led collaborations. Vietnams master plans for transport and urban growth create further space for German know-how in rail technology, smart mobility, and large-scale infrastructure. Increasingly, Vietnam is also becoming a reliable sourcing market, offering diverse supply options for global value chains. Drawing on complementary strengths, GermanVietnamese economic relations have contributed meaningfully to Vietnams development. As the country marks National Day, it also looks forward to a new chapter one where shared commitment to innovation can carry the partnership to even greater heights. Dr. Phan Huu Thang, chairman of the Vietnam Industrial Park Finance Association The Party leaders who devoted their lives to the liberation of the nation, achieving the remarkable success of the August 1945 Revolution, dedicated their intellect to rebuilding the country to be more prosperous and dignified, standing shoulder to shoulder with the worlds leading powers. Reflecting on Vietnams 80-year journey of socioeconomic development reveals the symbolic connection between the August 1945 Revolution and the countrys foreign investment achievements. If the former secured Vietnams national sovereignty, the latter during the economic reforms of the 1980s and global integration era symbolises its assertion of economic sovereignty in a globalised world. Immediately after reunifying the country, the Party and state leadership began considering the use of foreign capital in the post-war context: a constrained state budget, a heavily war-damaged economic infrastructure, and other challenges. Yet, through rational and creative approaches, they laid the groundwork for Vietnams socioeconomic development. Dedicated legislation In early 1977, during a meeting at the Office of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Vice Chairman Dang Viet Chau conveyed the directive to draft a legal document to facilitate and provide a legal basis for foreigners to invest and conduct business in Vietnam directly. Based on this, a drafting team was established, and within two months, they completed the draft of the regulations on foreign funding. The same year, on behalf of the government, Chairman of the Council of Ministers Pham Van Dong promulgated the foreign investment regulations. This was the first legal document to institutionalise the Partys economic policies after the country entered the phase of rebuilding an economy devastated by war. The regulations outlined fundamental principles for foreign investment in Vietnam, covering sectors, partners, capital contributions, forms, duration, funding ratios, foreign exchange management, accounting and statistical systems, procedures, dissolution, and dispute resolution. These 1977 rules marked the first legal framework for the country on foreign investment, opening a new chapter in the history of Vietnams economic development towards multilateralisation and diversification. However, due to unfavourable international conditions in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which limited the expansion of economic relations between Vietnam and non-socialist countries, the regulations did not achieve the desired results. In 1984, the Politburo decided to supplement and refine the 1977 regulations, moving towards the development of a comprehensive investment law. Based on this, Chairman Pham Van Dong established a subcommittee to study legislation. The draft law was completed in early 1986 and approved by the Council of Ministers that March. The draft was then sent to United Nations experts for review and feedback, while also soliciting opinions from businesspeople and journalists. The Politburo provided input on the draft Investment Law during its meeting in September 1987. Subsequently, the Committee for Economic Relations with Foreign Countries was tasked with finalising the draft for submission to the State Council. The draft law was presented to the eighth National Assembly at its second session. After Minister Vo Dong Giang, Chairman of the Committee for Economic Relations with Foreign Countries, presented the draft on behalf of the government, the revised and supplemented draft law was passed on December 29, 1987. Thus, the 1987 Foreign Investment Law was officially enacted. Since then, the law has been amended and supplemented to varying degrees in 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2014, and 2020, and is widely regarded by the international community as increasingly open, attractive, and aligned with international standards. As a result, even in the early days when Vietnams market mechanisms were not fully developed, foreign investors could still conduct activities in the country with minimal differences compared to traditional market economies. Socioeconomic alignment Over nearly 40 years of foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, efforts have focused on refining and expanding related objectives, such as attempting to focus on high-tech content, contributing to the transformation towards industrialisation and modernisation, addressing employment and improving living standards, and enhancing the economys independence and self-reliance. The year 2005 marked a significant milestone in the legal framework for overseas funding with the issuance of the Investment Law, which applied uniformly to both domestic and foreign funding. This created a level playing field, eliminated discrimination between investors, simplified procedures, and facilitated the attraction and efficient use of capital to meet the demands of international economic integration. Reviewing FDI attraction outcomes through key milestones of Investment Law amendments shows that, under the Partys close guidance, each revision and supplementation has been tailored to domestic and global geopolitical and economic contexts. FDI in subsequent phases has consistently surpassed previous ones in both quantity and quality, significantly contributing to socioeconomic development in each period. The development and refinement of the legal framework for investment have also played a crucial role in Vietnams successful international economic integration, marked by its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2005 and participation in numerous free trade agreements with countries worldwide. The Politburo then issued Resolution No.50-NQ/TW in 2019, outlining directions for improving institutions and policies to enhance the quality and efficiency of foreign investment cooperation by 2030. Key contents include: developing highly competitive and globally integrated cooperation institutions, protecting the environment, addressing social issues effectively, improving productivity and quality, and much more. By 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Partys founding, Vietnam aims to be a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income. As the Partys leader today, Party General Secretary To Lam has called for a new era of development - a period of national ascent. Speaking in March, he stated, Vietnam remains a reliable destination for investors, with many businesses and corporations choosing it as a strategic production hub connected to global supply chains. It is increasingly asserting its role as a key link in the new global value chain structure, particularly in electronics, science and technology, innovation, semiconductors, digital economy, and green economy. The dedication and precise guidance of Party General Secretary Lam, closely aligned with both domestic and international contexts, reflect the creative and insightful leadership of the Partys top leaders across revolutionary periods before and after the August 1945 Revolution. State agencies managing foreign investment at all levels, along with domestic and foreign businesses, will continue to recognise the importance of directives for FDI. These will guide implementation of the objectives, contributing to Vietnams success in socioeconomic development. The credits form part of the 5.9 million tonnes of surplus CO reductions remaining after Vietnams initial transfer under the first phase of its Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA), which generated revenues of $51.5 million. Under the agreement, about 95 per cent of these credits will be returned to Vietnam to support its Nationally Determined Contributions, the countrys greenhouse gas reduction commitments submitted biennially to the United Nations under the Paris Climate Agreement. The transfer price is based on the payment terms signed five years ago between Vietnam and IBRD. With the previous average rate of $5 per tonne, the additional one million credits could bring in an estimated $5 million. Funds raised will be allocated to forest owners, local commune authorities, and organisations tasked with managing natural forests across the five provinces involved in the programme, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue. A portion will also support groups engaged in forest protection, sustainable livelihoods, and income improvement for local communities. In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and IBRD signed an ERPA for the north-central region, covering 10.3 million tonnes of CO reductions in its first phase. Actual reductions achieved in 2018-2019 exceeded this volume, leaving a surplus of 5.9 million tonnes. IBRD subsequently proposed purchasing an additional one million tonnes from this balance. Last year, the ministry submitted a proposal to the prime minister to allow the additional transfer, ensuring further financial resources for forest protection and development. The remaining 4.9 million tonnes will be reserved for Vietnams own NDC implementation, as finding further buyers is challenging and the market value of reductions typically decreases over time. The UK, Japan and South Korea sweltered this year through the hottest summers since each country began keeping records, their weather agencies said Monday. Temperatures the world over have soared in recent years as human-induced climate change creates ever more erratic weather patterns. The UK's provisional mean June-August temperature was 16.1C, which was 1.51C above the long-term average and surpassed all years since 1884, including the previous record, set in 2018, the Met Office said. The British summer saw four heatwaves, below-average rainfall and sustained sunshine, and followed the nation's warmest spring in more than a century. Japan's average temperature spike was even starker over the same three summer months, at 2.36C above "the standard value", making it the hottest since records began in 1898, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. It was the third consecutive summer of record high temperatures, the agency noted. This year's scorching heat left some 84,521 people hospitalised nationwide from May 1 to August 24, according to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency. In South Korea, the average June-August temperature was 25.7C, "the highest since data collection began in 1973", the Korea Meteorological Administration said in a press release. The previous record over the same period was 25.6C, set just last year. Britain -- known for its damp and grey climate -- struggled through the record hot summer, which poses a host of challenges for a country ill-equipped for such conditions. Homes in the UK are designed to keep the heat in during the winter, and air conditioners are rare in homes and public places, such as much of London's sprawling underground "Tube" metro system. "It's hard to spend a hot day (here)," Ruidi Luan, a 26-year-old student from China, told AFP in London during the August heatwave. "There's no air conditioner in our dorm. It is sometimes very hot, and especially in public transport." Drought was declared in five out of 14 regions in England, while the Environment Agency classed the water shortfall as "nationally significant", as farmers struggle with stunted harvests. In Tokyo, Miyu Fujita, a 22-year-old businesswoman, said she had mostly socialised indoors this summer to escape the oppressive temperatures. "When I was a child, summer was the time to go outside and play," she told AFP. "Can kids play outside now? I think it's impossible." Japan's beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climate, or sometimes not fully blossoming because autumns and winters are not cold enough to trigger flowering, experts say. The famous snow cap of Mount Fuji was absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October. South Korea is meanwhile grappling with a prolonged drought that has hit the eastern coastal city of Gangneung. A state of national disaster has been declared in the city of 200,000 people, with water levels at the Obong reservoir, the city's main source of piped water, falling below 15 percent. The dry spell has forced authorities to implement water restrictions, including shutting off 75 percent of household meters. Kim Hae-dong, professor of meteorological studies at Keimyung University, told AFP the hot weather streak was linked to "the weakening of Arctic cold air due to global warming". "Because it is expected to continue weakening with global warming in place, we forecast similar weather patterns to repeat next year," he said. Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent worldwide because of human-caused climate change, scientists say. The UK's provisional record this year means all of its five warmest summers have taken place this century. The Met Office noted "a summer as hot or hotter than 2025 is now 70 times more likely than it would be in a 'natural' climate with no human caused greenhouse gas emissions". But the speed of temperature increases across the world is not uniform. Of the continents, Europe has seen the fastest warming per decade since 1990, followed closely by Asia, according to global data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The United Nations warned last month that rising global temperatures are having an ever-worsening impact on the health of workers, and also hitting productivity, which they say dropped by two to three percent for every degree above 20C. archives 7 Dec - 14 Dec (2) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (2) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (1) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (2) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (2) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (4) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (1) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (7) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (2) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (1) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (1) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (3) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (2) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (2) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (1) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (3) 3 Aug - 10 Aug (1) 27 Jul - 3 Aug (1) 20 Jul - 27 Jul (2) 13 Jul - 20 Jul (4) 6 Jul - 13 Jul (2) 29 Jun - 6 Jul (2) 22 Jun - 29 Jun (4) 15 Jun - 22 Jun (1) 8 Jun - 15 Jun (3) 1 Jun - 8 Jun (4) 25 May - 1 Jun (5) 18 May - 25 May (2) 11 May - 18 May (3) 4 May - 11 May (2) 27 Apr - 4 May (5) 20 Apr - 27 Apr (1) 13 Apr - 20 Apr (2) 30 Mar - 6 Apr (5) 23 Mar - 30 Mar (2) 9 Mar - 16 Mar (1) 2 Mar - 9 Mar (2) 16 Feb - 23 Feb (3) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (1) 2 Feb - 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25 Jan (19) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (35) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (23) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (27) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (28) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (23) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (22) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (19) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (22) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (19) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5) The 15th Annual Run on Tuna begins September 1 and runs through September 30, aiming to support the Food Bank of Northern Nevada during Hunger Action Month. The campaign has collected and donated more than 265,000 cans of tuna. Organizers Michelle Sturge and De De Rosene said they are confident this years effort will surpass the 10,000-can goal and push the overall total closer to 300,000 cans. Jocelyn Lantrip, marketing director for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, said the donations are vital for local families. The generosity behind this effort continues to inspire us. With more than 160,000 people turning to us each month, the need is still tremendous, and donations of protein like tuna have a powerful impact on the families we serve, she said. Run on Tuna encourages financial contributions, which organizers use to purchase cans of tuna, though actual cans are also accepted. Donations can be made via Venmo to De De Rosene (@Diane-Rosene) or Michelle Sturge (@Michelle-Sturge), through the Facebook Run on Tuna fundraiser page, or by delivering cans. Financial contributions can also be made directly at Chase International, located at 985 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Unit 110, in Reno, during business hours. Businesses or organizations can also host their own Run on Tuna collection. Tuna is a key item for the Food Bank because it is high in protein, has a long shelf life, and meets ongoing community needs. Hunger Action Month, observed nationwide in September, encourages communities to take an active role in ending hunger, with food banks across the country participating in similar campaigns. UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 22: The state of Nevada keeps restoring services following a cyberattack last month. In a release on Monday, the Governor's Office confirmed the restoration of civil fingerprinting background checks. These background checks support hiring and licensing across agencies, and a backlog of submissions is being worked through. Remote access VPN services are also available again, with improved stability. Also, a majority of public websites are back up and running, while the state works to improve website performance on those sites. The Governor's Office says voicemail services should be restored by later this week. The state is also upgrading its security measures going forward, including a statewide credential reset, stronger password standards, and network segmentation. UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 15: As of Monday, September 15, the Nevada Department of Public Safety and State Police websites and online services are fully restored and operational. Services now available include public records requests, civil background checks for employment, Brady background checks, fingerprinting, the Sex Offender Registry, and Danger Offender Notification. A spokesperson for the Governors Office confirmed these services are back online, marking a significant milestone in the states ongoing recovery from the recent cyberattack. UPDATE - September 12: Governor Lombardo gave an update on Friday on the ongoing response to the recent statewide cyberattack. Lombardo says that about 90% of all state websites are back online. The majority of the remaining 10% are key components of the state's systems and will require more due diligence before they are brought back online. The state is continuing to work on recovering all websites. Lombardo says the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is 100% back online. The State has researched problems users reported with registrations and determined that the issues stem from dealerships improperly filling out paperwork or customers inundating their system. At this time, Lombardo says the State has seen no evidence of personal identifier information being compromised in the attack. He said that the state will notify affected people if their personal information was accessed. Governor Lombardo says the State will continue to be transparent throughout this process. Lombardo says the State's health and social service systems have remained available throughout the entire cyberattack. Nevadans are encouraged to access the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website or visit the Division of Social Services in person, should they have any questions about their benefits. The Governor says the State is unable to answer any questions about the attack itself. He said that no banking activity was compromised in the attack. SEPTEMBER 8, 2025: While the Nevada DMV remains open, it is "still experiencing issues with processing first-time IDs or upgrades to a NV driver's license, ID card or instruction permit." The DMV became "100% fully operational" on Friday - more than a week after a statewide cyberattack affected numerous agencies. It adds, "For those with cancelled driver's license or ID appointments from 8/25 - 9/4 that are NOT requiring an issuance of a new ID, please walk-in to the office you originally booked your appointment at during business hours to be helped." Earlier, state officials set up a temporary website to help residents access updates and critical information during the ongoing cyberattack recovery. The website is available at: https://www.oem.nv.gov/en/recovery SEPTEMBER 5, 2025: The Nevada DMV says it's now 100% fully operational, including for drivers licenses and ID card transactions. On X, they say, "we are shifting focus at our offices to serve customers that need identification transactions. With that being said, we require all customers to our online services or kiosks for all vehicle transactions including registration, titling, renewals, moving permits, duplicate decals and more. UPDATE - September 4, 6:30 p.m. At a press conference on Thursday, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo stressed that the state will only share information on the state's ongoing response to a recent cyberattack when they safely can. Public updates can sometimes trigger more attacks. For that reason, we are moving forward cautiously, giving Nevadans as much information as possible while continuing to protect our systems," he said. Thursdays conference stressed on two major points. The first was the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "Nevadans can once again complete essential services in person such as registrations and title transfers, and beginning tomorrow, Nevadans can receive their driver's licenses in person too, Lombardo said. While some services may still be running slower than usual, operations are back online." The other notable portion of the briefing surrounded the data breach. The Governor did not comment on what was breached but instead commented on things they believe have not been breached. Those include state bank, financial, or treasury fund information. Lombardo says SNAP benefit information and DMV information, such as driver's license, vehicle registration or personal details were not included. They will continue to investigate to pinpoint the data breach. "If investigators eventually discover otherwise, we will follow Nevada's strict statutes about personal data breaches by notifying any affected individuals promptly and providing resources to help protect them," the Governor said. Lombardo says that he understands people are frustrated and want things back online as quickly as possible, but the state has to be super careful. "That's why I can't give you a 100% answer today on how much has actually been put back online because there's little compartments and different processes and different departments that may be affected that we have to ensure that they're safe before we provide 100%. UPDATE - September 4, 2:00 p.m. At a press conference Thursday, the Governor addressed the ongoing response to the recent cyberattack, saying the state has made significant progress but emphasized the need for a thorough review of every system that accesses state information. No site or service will be brought back online until officials can confirm it is not affected. The Governor reassured residents that standard extensions are in place for things like DMV renewals and license registrations, and law enforcement is aware and will continue to be informed of any temporary adjustments. He said teams are working as quickly as possible, but the process takes time due to the volume and complexity of state systems. UPDATE - September 4, 12:30 p.m. State agencies across Nevada are still recovering from last months statewide cyberattack. Governor Lombardo is set to hold a press conference today at 1:30 p.m., to provide the latest updates. Meanwhile, the Nevada DMV is accepting walk-ins for registration, titling, and other vehicle-related services, honoring canceled appointments from August 2530. Identification and driving privilege services, including new IDs and licenses, remain unavailable. UPDATE - September 3: While some state offices and agencies remain offline after last month's cyberattack, the Nevada DMV is now offering some in-person services. It also says all vehicle appointments that were canceled between August 25 August 30 will be honored as walk-ins starting today, September 2. All offices are open for registration, titling, and other vehicle related services. Identification and driving privilege services (such as new IDs, licenses) remain unavailable at this time. Walk-ins will be available during business hours, Monday Saturday (Monday Friday only for Carson City). Online, Nevadans can use services like registration renewal, driver history printouts, registration and insurance status, insurance general information, personalized plate ordering, rapid registration and vehicle taxes history. UPDATE - September 1: As of Monday morning, September 1, state officials say a temporary Nevada website has been launched to help residents access updates and critical information during the ongoing cyberattack recovery. The website is available at: https://www.oem.nv.gov/en/recovery Phone lines for NHP and dispatch remain operational, and troopers and officers are continuing to provide public safety services. The Governors Technology Office says work to restore affected systems is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. UPDATE - August 29: State officials gave a second public update on Thursday about the ongoing response effort from last weekend's cyberattack. During a live press conference, Governor Lombardo announced that while some agencies are starting to come back online, he's urging the public to call 211 if they need help. "It's frustrating. I understand," Lombardo said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. He also stressed that he's been in constant contact with agencies since he learned of it. "I am confident in our response." Phones are also coming online too since they are connected to the internet for most departments. Some services have been also restored at the Nevada DMV, including the website, which you can see below. All DMV offices remain closed until further notice though, including AAA offices, County and City Partnerships (DMV transactions only). Brick-and-mortar offices are still operational for people needing help with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Nevada Health Authority. Governor Lombardo clarified that the data that was accessed did not contain personal information. If there is, state officials say they'd alert the affected individual and decide what steps to take next. When asked why the websites aren't back online yet, he said that they want to make sure they are safe first to re-post. "So, are you (still) under attack?" a reporter asked. "No." He also said that they don't know what the motive was for the "intrusion" and that he doesn't know what kind of information the hackers wanted to access. You can also get updates on their recovery website. ORIGINAL STORY: This new briefing comes after a Wednesday afternoon press conference was held in Carson City. The Governors Technology Office, Directors of State Agencies, and federal agency partners presented updates on the coordinated investigation and recovery process. They discussed the current status of state operations and services, and shared additional insights into what is known so far about the nature of the cyberattack. State offices across Nevada remain closed due to what the Governor's Office is calling a "network security incident." The outage has impacted multiple services, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and other agencies. As of Thursday morning, August 28, the Nevada State Police reported no change in status. We are status quo today with the Nevada Department of Public Safety/State Police administrative offices and online services unavailable due to the network issue affecting State agencies, the department said in a statement. Phone lines for *NHP and dispatch remain operational. Troopers and officers are on duty and continuing to provide public safety services. Cybersecurity expert Chuck Flagg, President of Orion Technologies, Inc. in Reno, says better isolation tools could help prevent similar incidents elsewhere. If a threat actor does hit a specific computer, there are tools that will isolate that one computer that will not allow it to expand out, Flagg said. He added that basic antivirus protection is no longer enough, and stressed the importance of software updates. If your servers and your computers are not updated, that is a huge risk that you're putting yourself at," Flagg said. "Putting all this stuff into place will dramatically reduce your risk going forward with cybersecurity." The DMV says any canceled appointments will be honored as walk-ins for two weeks once systems are restored, and any late fees incurred during the outage will be waived. In a Facebook update, the DMV also addressed concerns from residents: We hear you, and we are here for you during this statewide outage... We are actively coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure they are aware of the situation and can provide appropriate consideration during this period. Other state agencies continue to adjust operations: The Nevada Department of Education says its Carson City and Las Vegas offices remain open to assist with educator licenses. The Washoe County District Attorneys Office says it cannot access information about child support cases until the state's NVKIDS system is restored. The Nevada Supreme Court reports intermittent system functionality affecting email, phone systems, eFlex, and the public case portal. Users are encouraged to continue trying to file electronically, and alternative methods may be announced if conditions worsen. The Governors Office says the state has prioritized restoring the most critical services and is using temporary routing and operational workarounds where possible. All systems must be validated before returning to normal operation. No timeline has been given for full restoration, though in-person services could begin later this week. Officials say the FBI is continuing its investigation and that minimizing interference with the process is a top priority. The FBI wants to capture all of that data without having a bunch of users coming in and re-infecting or creating a problem for them, Flagg said. Despite the disruption, the Governors Office confirmed that all state employees will be paid on time. Many returned to the office on Tuesday, and others will follow as systems come back online. The Governor's Office also provided updates on how key state services have been affected. Those impacts can be read by clicking on the document below. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is reportedly "exasperated" with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump over what she and her cabinet see as unrelenting demands from him and his administration. The New York times detailed that the "honeymoon" phase between the two heads of state seems to be ending as a result, with Sheinbaum not seeing fruits from her willingness to accommodate to Trump. The outlet recalled several instances in which Trump or his officials publicly demanded Mexico do more to address certain issues, including strengthening border security, delivering alleged cartel leaders to the U.S. to face justice there and do more to address money laundering through Mexican banks. "At each step, Ms. Sheinbaum has grit her teeth and stressed that there was a red line Mr. Trump must not cross: infringing on Mexico's sovereignty, particularly with unilateral military action," the piece highlighted. However, the Trump administration has refused to rule out such a possibility, and news broke in August that Trump had secretly directed the Pentagon to draw up potential military action against cartels. Sheinbaum said last week that the Trump administration "offered more intervention in our country" but she rejected any possibility of it happening. Speaking in her daily press conference, Sheinbaum said the offer took place in the context of the negotiation of a binational security deal that will be discussed when Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the country this week. Sheinbaum claimed that she refused the offer because her administration will "never sign something that from our perspective violates our sovereignty or our territory." "Never. They might have the intent to do it, but we said no, not under that scheme," she added. Despite her claims, Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole told Fox News last month that the decision to bomb Mexican cartels would ultimately lie with President Donald Trump. However, the Mexican president soundly rejected the possibility again. "Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign nation, and no foreign government has the authority to violate our sovereignty," Sheinbaum said. "This is not like the past. Mexico is strong, because of our people and because of what we represent as a nation." Sheinbaum also referenced a line from the Mexican national anthem, suggesting that the country would be ready to defend itself if the U.S. attempted a military operation. "So no, it's not going to happen. And as I said, if there's any attempt, we have our national anthem it says Mexico has a soldier in each of its sons," she said. Originally published on Latin Times Donations collected here will be divided among the Advocates to End Domestic Violence, Friends in Service Helping (FISH), and the Ron Wood Family Resource Center. Click the picture above for more details. Hundreds of people march down Fifth Street during the "Workers over Billionaires" protest that weaved through Downtown on Monday. Jessica Baca Doug Brandt plays his trumpet while marching down Central Avenue during the Workers over Billionaires protest on Monday. Jessica Baca Rallygoers march through Downtown Albuquerque during the Workers over Billionaires protest on Monday.Story, A3. Jessica Baca On Monday morning, thousands marched through Downtown Albuquerque, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump at the Workers over Billionaires protest. We are the true patriots standing out here fighting for this country, Eithne Johnson, a protester in attendance, said. The local protest was in line with hundreds of others across the country, which were led by unions and other progressive organizations. Its a travesty of democracy and justice. Everything that theyre (the Trump administration) doing is just antithetical to what the United States should be standing for, Eric Schaefer, another protester, said. The local Teamsters, communications, teachers, graduate workers and trade unions, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the Democratic Socialists of America and the Southwestern Coalition for Palestine were among the organizers of the Albuquerque demonstration. I think a lot of times, people think that Labor Day is a day that they get to spend time at home, right with their families, Sarah Hager, membership and involvement vice president for the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, said. But I walked behind a family today with four little girls, and I just thought, what a wonderful way to spend time with your family. According to a joint social media post from ATF and other organizers, over 6,000 people attended the protest. The New Mexico Republican Party did not provide comment. For its part, the White House put out a proclamation ahead of the weekend, signed Thursday by Trump, that pledged to protect American jobs and defend the dignity of American labor. Tragically, in recent decades, a corrupt political class allowed our manufacturing base to decline, the proclamation reads. Our jobs were shipped to distant shores, our industries decimated, and our communities weakened, all while building up foreign competitors at the expense of American workers and families. Google wants to improve real-time monitoring on Android 16 by adding Live Updates to Google Maps. The feature, initially introduced in the latest Android ecosystem, enables users to keep track of food deliveries, flights, rides, and now navigation. Although support has been limited to date, the tech giant is now rolling out the feature to one of its most popular apps. What Are Live Updates on Android 16? Live Updates provide users with real-time, progress-based notifications that appear on the lock screen, status bar, and Always-On Display (AOD). Rather than flipping between apps, users can easily monitor in-progress activity such as deliveries or directions without interruption. According to Android Authority, this feature is currently only partially deployed, with more comprehensive support to come in Android 16's Quarterly Platform Release (QPR2). The update will introduce additional system-level functionality, such as status bar chips and richer AOD integration. Google Maps Enters the Live Updates Experience Pixel and Samsung user reports of running Android 16 QPR2 beta confirm that Google Maps is experimenting with the integration of Live Updates. The new Maps notification has a progress-oriented design, indicating how far you've progressed in your journey. Unlike regular notifications, these updates are seen across multiple surfaces, so users don't miss essential navigation information. The rollout is presently narrow and does not reach all devices. That said, participants in the Google Maps beta program could have an opportunity to try out the feature ahead of the general public, subject to availability. When Wider Availability Can Be Expected? Google most recently tested this feature in March 2025, and now it seems near a formal release. Industry analysts anticipate Google Maps Live Updates to debut with the rollout of Android 16 QPR1, potentially releasing this week or the next, per Android Police. When QPR2 is out, additional third-party apps are likely to take up Live Updates, pushing the feature beyond Maps. Of course, this would be a game-changer for ride-hailing apps and order tracking platforms. That's a different story for music apps. It's a Huge Help For Navigation From the outside, the upgrade can appear minimalistic, but it thoroughly enhances navigation ease. With AOD and lock screen progress-based updates, drivers and commuters can quickly take a look at their devices for real-time travel updates without having to unlock or change apps. Last month, Google Maps brought the "Your Recent Places" section, so you don't have to do additional steps just to locate your visit history. That's a good update, especially if you want to keep track of the spots you want to visit within an area. Originally published on Tech Times By Ian Dempsey on behalf of UK-lifeinsurance.com This trend is evident among clients over 50 who are rethinking long-established estate plans in light of pension tax shifts, requiring complex planning with tax advisers. In the last nine months since the Autumn budget, Ive had a number of unsettled clients come to me asking for advice on navigating these changes, with life insurance being a strategy that has worked for many alongside deeper tax planning strategies but can also be a simple solution when needed. Whats Changed? And Why It Matters At the autumn Budget last year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief. Furthermore, private pensions will become part of a persons estate and subject to inheritance tax from April 2027, further encouraging individuals to use life insurance policies in trusts to avoid a large inheritance tax bill for their loved ones. Pensions were never meant to be used for IHT planning but they worked for people as a way to pass down wealth and avoid paying tax on withdrawals. But these changes mean the potential implications are huge for anyone dying after 75 and passing pensions to loved ones. This move alone has made years of previous estate planning partially obsolete for many High Net Worth families. Clients whove spent tens of thousands on tax advice are now back at the drawing board, with a big planning bill and left scratching their heads. The freezing of the nil rate bands has effectively also been a stealth tax since April 2009 and will remain in place until 2030. This will affect a lot more people and not just the HNW space. The average house price in the South East according to Plum is 442,000 and its estimated that married couples would have circa 300,000 in pensions at retirement in 2025; fine for now and under the 1m when you factor in the residential nil rate band. If you then look to 2030, average property prices could hit 700,000 and two pensions could total 440k and now your estate could have a tax bill with fairly modest growth if the nil rate band remains at 325,000 and the residential nil rate band at 175,000. We are not talking lavish or extravagant lifestyles at this level either. The HNW Dilemma: Legacy vs Liability With new changes in legislation, business owners and landowners may find their assets, previously shielded, are now fully taxable upon death. Many are realising that liquidity is paramount when facing IHT bills. Life insurance can provide an immediate financial buffer, with no real limits on coverage as long as terms and conditions are met. Without proactive planning, families risk being forced to sell assets at a discount to cover these taxes. A savvy strategy some clients are employing, though not universally available, is running part of the insurance cost through their businesses. Why Life Insurance in Trust Works Writing life insurance in trusts offers significant advantages. It removes the proceeds from the estate, eliminating Inheritance Tax liability on the payout and providing heirs with immediate funds to settle HMRC debts without needing to access the estate. This structure also bypasses probate delays, ensuring a swift and clean distribution of funds to beneficiaries. Policies can be precisely aligned with anticipated IHT obligations and can be adjusted as circumstances change. For many, this represents the most effective method to protect family assets without disrupting long-term financial strategies. Why Age and Timing Matter While premiums become significantly steeper with age, particularly for those in their 50s and beyond where it represents a significant investment, younger clients have a unique opportunity to secure manageable premiums. This early adoption allows them to build in cover while costs are still affordable, a window that will inevitably close. Unfortunately, for some, it's already too late, with prohibitive costs making cover out of reach, leaving them confused and potentially impacting their estate financially. What Happens Next? The market is expected to adapt, with providers innovating and new structures emerging, leading to another evolution of planning. Currently, however, we are in a transitional phase where the situation remains unsettled. Clients require clear and confident guidance, not only on tax but also on practical next steps. Planning plays a crucial role in this process; initiating it early can yield life-changing benefits, while delaying it can prove very costly. There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution; planning must be tailored to the individual. It is essential to have a trusted advisor who can objectively assess the broader situation, free from emotional influence. The Risks of Doing Nothing IHT bills are due within six months of death, and HMRC will not wait. Without sufficient liquidity, loved ones may be forced to make difficult decisions, such as selling property, businesses, or even the family home, or taking out loans to cover the costs. Even those with substantial wealth can inadvertently leave a significant financial burden for their beneficiaries if a life policy is not held in trust. Inheritance tax planning is no longer solely for the ultra-wealthy; it's becoming an essential consideration for anyone with 1m+ in assets, a group that is rapidly expanding. The clients that I have dealt with recently, for example, are not lottery winners, but people who have grown their estate value over the long term through their house value increasing, hard graft, their pensions and other assets. The rules surrounding inheritance tax are constantly shifting, and if your estate plan hasn't been reviewed recently, you're already at a disadvantage. While you might be currently compliant, it's crucial to reassess, especially given the potential 40% tax rate. For many, this isn't about avoiding tax but about protecting loved ones and making proactive decisions. While life cover in trust may not be the ultimate solution for every scenario, for a significant number of individuals, it represents the most advantageous immediate step. With these rules in place and the tax burdens expected to increase at the next Budget, I expect to see more people utilise life insurance policies to help plan their estate in the coming months. Delhi HC Denies Bail: Five Years in Jail Without Trial, Justice Deferred to Death 2 The Delhi High Court has once again refused bail to nine anti-CAA activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Athar Khan, Khalid Saifi, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shadab Ahmed who have been behind bars since 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Five years. No trial. No bail. This is not the language of justice; it is the language of slow erasure.Each hearing follows the same choreography: petitions filed, arguments stretched, judgments reserved, and bail denied. Courts insist that the trial will progress at its natural pace. But what is natural about half a decade of incarceration without even the first steps of trial? When does delay itself become the crime? The prosecution insists these were no spontaneous riots but a carefully scripted conspiracy, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta declared that the accused must remain in jail until conviction or acquittal. Yet here lies the absurdity: acquittal is impossible when trials never begin. The circular trap is complete a legal black hole in which liberty disappears.This is how procedure becomes punishment. This is how a democracy quietly borrows the methods of authoritarian regimes: not through sudden coups, but through the slow suffocation of dissent, legitimised by paperwork and adjournments. The 2020 Delhi riots claimed 53 lives and injured over 700. Instead of closure or accountability, what remains is a judicial theatre where the accused are reduced to exhibits of state power. They are branded conspirators, kept in cages, and denied even the basic safeguard of bail. International rights groups call it a travesty of justice. At home, it is met with silence the silence of fatigue, the silence of resignation. The judiciary does not roar; it whispers procedure. And so, Indias prisoners of conscience remain in Tihar, their youth wasted, their voices smothered, while the system calls this the natural pace of law.In truth, it is the unnatural pace of injustice. Delhi HC Rejects Bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and 7 Others in 2020 Riots Conspiracy Case 2 The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed bail pleas filed by activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and seven others accused in a UAPA case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. A division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur delivered the verdict, stating, All the appeals are dismissed. The detailed judgment is awaited. Those whose bail pleas were rejected include Khalid, Imam, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shadab Ahmed. The accused have been in jail since 2020 after a trial court earlier dismissed their bail applications. The prosecution argued the riots were not spontaneous but the outcome of a well-planned conspiracy aimed at defaming India globally. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that mere prolonged incarceration could not be grounds for bail, adding, If you do anything against your nation, you better be in jail till you are acquitted. Defense counsel countered that Imam was completely disconnected from the location, time, and other accused, and that neither his speeches nor WhatsApp chats incited violence. Khalid, Imam, and others were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly orchestrating the riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). The bail pleas of Imam, Saifi, Fatima, and others had been pending in the High Court since 2022. Delhi Police opposed their applications, calling the communal violence a clinical and pathological conspiracy. The police alleged that speeches delivered by Khalid, Imam, and co-accused invoked issues like CAA-NRC, Babri Masjid, triple talaq, and Kashmir, thereby creating fear and unrest. The police further argued that in cases of such grave offences, the principle of bail is the rule, jail is the exception cannot be applied, while rejecting any claim that the prosecution was deliberately delaying the trial. Maratha Quota Stir: Manoj Jarange Declares Victory as Govt Accepts Key Demands 2 Activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday declared victory in the Maratha quota agitation after the Maharashtra governments cabinet sub-committee accepted most of his demands, including the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas. The announcement, made on the fifth day of his indefinite fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, sparked jubilation among his supporters. We have won, Jarange told the protesters after his meeting with the sub-committee led by minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, accompanied by Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Uday Samant, and Manikrao Kokate. The panel discussed with Jarange the draft finalised by the government. Jarange said his protest would be called off and he would leave Mumbai if the state issued government resolutions (GRs) on the agreed demands by Tuesday night. The committee assured that the Hyderabad Gazette will be implemented immediately, and caste certificates will be given to Marathas with Kunbi records after due inquiry. Implementation of the Satara Gazette, he added, will follow within a month. The committee also promised withdrawal of cases filed against Maratha protesters by the end of September. Families of those who lost their lives during the agitation will receive government jobs and financial aid within a week, based on educational qualifications. According to Vikhe Patil, Rs 15 crore has already been disbursed to such families, with the remaining compensation to be cleared soon. On the contentious issue of the sage soyare (blood relatives) notification, Vikhe Patil revealed that nearly eight lakh objections have been received and are under scrutiny. He further said the government is exploring legal avenues to issue a GR equating Kunbis and Marathas as one community, a process that could take two months. Jarange, who began his hunger strike on August 29 demanding 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in government jobs and education under the OBC category, called the acceptance of these key demands a peoples victory. His declaration of success set off loud celebrations among protesters gathered at Azad Maidan. Lakito Kemp, of Pennsylvania, is charged with capital murder in the killing of Shaquille Bradford, (Contributed) A 48-year-old man has been charged in the 2024 shooting death of a 13-year-old boy in Montgomery. Lakito Kemp, of Pennsylvania, is charged with capital murder in the killing of Shaquille Bradford, Montgomery police announced Tuesday. Kemp was taken into custody Sunday. He remains held without bond in the Montgomery County Detention Center. Authorities said an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers 215-Stop led to the areas. Shaquilles family members had been searching for the young teen, saying he was last seen on the citys west side. Police and fire medics were dispatched shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, to a report of a person shot. Shaquille was found dead in the 100 block of West Fred D. Gray Avenue. Charging documents against Kemp state he did intentionally participate in the shooting and killing of Shaquille. Details surrounding the fatal shooting have not been released. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP (833-251-7867). Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to supporters at WorkPlayfollowing his third victory in the Birmingham mayoral election Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Will McLelland | AL.com) Will McLelland Newly re-elected Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is making an endorsement in the Mobile mayoral race. Woodfin, in an announcement Tuesday, said he is endorsing Democratic State Rep. Barbara Drummond during the Sept. 23 runoff in the Mobile mayoral race. Drummond is facing former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis. Mayor Woodfin, in a news release, praised Drummonds record of service and her people-first vision for Mobile. Shes proven time and again that she shows up, listens, and leads with integrity, Woodfin said. Mobile deserves a mayor who puts people first, and Barbara is the candidate who can deliver safe neighborhoods, strong services, and economic opportunity for every family. Woodfins endorsement adds to a collection of Democratic lawmakers and statewide left-leaning organizations that are backing Drummond, who is seeking to become the first woman elected mayor. Other prominent endorsers include the SPLC Action Fund, Southwest Alabama Labor Council (AFLCIO), Communications Workers of America Local 3907, Democratic Mayors Association, former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, and former mayoral candidates Lawrence Battiste and Jermaine Burrell. State Rep. Barbara Drummond greets her supporters as she arrives to an Election Night rally on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at Calirojae on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Ala. Drummond was the top vote-getter during the election and will face former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis during the Sept. 23, 2025, runoff. John Sharp Drummond, in a statement, said she was happy to have Woodins support. Woodfin sailed to an easy re-election win last Tuesday, securing around 75% of the vote to win re-election to a third term in office. When it comes to good governance from city hall, Mayor Woodfin is leading by example: tackling tough problems like crime while ensuring children in Birmingham have pathways to success, said Rep. Drummond. As mayor, I look forward to working hand-in-hand to ensure Alabamas cities make big strides forward together. Cheriogotis, in a statement, said he respects Woodfins work in Birmingham and looks forward to working with him as representatives of the Big 10 Mayors Association if elected mayor. The Big 10 Mayors is a coalition of mayors from the 10 largest cities in Alabama. Cheriogotis also said he was proud to have retiring Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpsons endorsement. Stimpson endorsed Cheriogotis in May. We have our own unique challenges and opportunities here in the City of Mobile, Cheriogotis said in a statement to AL.com. Im focused on speaking directly with local citizens and community leaders about my plan to address the things that are impacting their daily lives. Former Mobile County District Attorney Spiro Cheriogotis, a candidate for mayor, speaks during the Historic Districts Mayoral Forum on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp Drummond is running a campaign she said is focused on a grassroots approach. In her press release, she noted that she is being heavily outraised by Cheriogotis, who has generated nearly $1.1 million in contributions since entering the race in January. Drummond has raised $372,000. Drummond finished last Tuesdays election with the most votes in a four-person contest with 32.4%. Cheriogotis was in second with 28.1%. Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine and Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson finished in a distant third and fourth place. We were outraised, but not outworked, said Drummond campaign spokesperson Daniel Deriso. Barbaras victory in the primary showed that big money doesnt decide elections people do. The momentum is on our side, and were leaving it all on the field. Some North Alabama residents are speaking up after they said they were turned away from a political event with a Republican Congressman. On Thursday, the Republican Women of Madisons event at Movement Church featured Congressman Dale Strong. Residents like Susan Stewart said it was initially listed as a public event and town hall. Stewart had been wanting to speak with the Congressman for a long time and decided to attend. Ive been calling his office for months begging to either have a meeting with him, begging him to hold any kind of public event, Stewart said. He has held zero events in his district this year where people could actually just show up and either listen to him or speak to him. Its all been private events. Stewart attended the event but, once there, was told it was a private quarterly meet-up with Rep. Strong. The event, she was told, was RSVP-only. When you look at all the promotional materials, there was no way to RSVP, Stewart said. I had clicked going on the event, but that did not generate an email for me. While the event happened inside, some of the people who were turned away protested outside. Jeremy Devito, a Democrat who is running for Strongs seat, attended the event and shared several videos that showed the sequence of events and interviews with protesters. Your representative has people waiting in the parking lot just waiting to hear from him, Devito said on Facebook. (...) This is the state of your representation in this state of Alabama, and thats wild. A spokesperson for Strong said the attendees in question were only there to cause issues at the meeting. Its unfortunate that we continue to see Soros-funded protesters attempting to disrupt and intimidate Republican volunteer organizations and their members at events such as this, Dale Strongs spokesperson told WHNT. Republican Women of Madison President Sheila Banister told WHNT the group decided to close the meeting based on behavior seen at other events. (Earlier) we were notified that the Democratic Party of Madison/Indivisible had been advertising our event as a Public Town Hall, which it was never called that in any of (Republican Women of Madison) communications, Banister said in a statement. We were also advised about the number of people and the behavior of this group at recent events across the state and country. Our priority and obligation is to the members of our group to ensure the mission of our club and the safety of our members. Based on the information we received and seeing the chatter on social media, we decided to close the event to local Republican membership and their guests. While we recognize that many people from these groups were frustrated by our decision, we felt it was in the best interest of our organization to ensure the intent of the meeting was met and that our members felt safe while attending. READ MORE: Republican Alabama congressman running for Senate booed at town hall, leaves out the back Who is George Soros? Groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League say right-wing activists often deploy George Soros name to build distrust of Democrats. Soros is a Holocaust survivor and progressive philanthropist, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Anti-Defamation League writes, In far-right circles worldwide, Soros philanthropy often is recast as fodder for outsized conspiracy theories, including claims that he masterminds specific global plots or manipulates particular events to further his goals. Many of those conspiracy theories employ longstanding antisemitic myths, particularly the notion that rich and powerful Jews work behind the scenes, plotting to control countries and manipulate global events. While Soros partially funds Indivisible National, North Alabamas chapter is funded entirely by local, individual contributions. Stewart and representatives from groups like 50501, Indivisible District Five and Madison County Democrats all conclusively said they have never been paid to protest and do not know anyone who has. Ive been protesting in Huntsville, Alabama, since I moved here during the first Gulf War 35 years ago, Stewart said. I protested in Boston and London, places Ive lived, and Ive never, ever met anyone who was hired to do this, the people I meet, the people I know so many people in the protest community, in the activist community, I know them personally. So if someone was getting paid, itd be really hard to do that. And what would the mechanism be? How would this even happen? Democratic primary candidate Andrew Sneed said in a video posted to social media that its ridiculous to say that paid protesters are coming to North Alabama. Man, that is bull---, you know that is bull---- and its disruptive to this district and to this country, shame on you, Sneed said on Facebook. There were no paid protesters at that event. I dont even know what a paid protester is. We are in North Alabama, not Seattle or Los Angeles; you know the people in those videos. There were 50 to 60 people outside that event who just wanted to talk to their representative. That is their right. Stewart said Rep. Strongs claim is nothing new. Its just getting old, if theyre going to demean us, if theyre going to marginalize us, just come out and say we dont care about you, Stewart said. Youre not rich. Youre not donating enough to my campaign for me to take an interest in what you have to say. Just be honest about it. But this name-calling, its got to stop. She and organizer Amy Price said they are just passionate constituents who want to discuss pressing issues, like how Congressman Strong voted to cut federal funding to Medicaid when he voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill. She said he hasnt had any public events. Its a sharp turn from his predecessor. I remember with Mo Brooks, of all people, who embarrassed us on a regular basis, he would meet with his constituents in his office in district five, said Stewart. He would meet with us. He at least had the courage to actually sit across from someone who disagreed with him, and Dale does not have that kind of character. Its really disappointing. Stewart and others have gotten creative in their opposition. At many protests, they bring a cardboard cutout of the Representative called Flat Dale. We were carrying (Flate Dale) around to some demonstrations, so we could at least vent and pretend we were talking to him face to face, Stewart said. Advocate groups in North Alabama carry "Flat Dale" to demonstrations to demand an open and free town hall from their representative Susan Stewart Indivisible District Five even erected a billboard series in Athens, AL on Highway 72. It includes one slide with Rep. Strong that reads, Dales home for Vacation. Weve Got QUESTIONS, Dale. The focus is really just were so siloed in all of our news consumption now, and its a chance to reach the regular people like us, regular working people, just to kind of give them an idea of things that are out there, questions to ask, Price explained. She said the billboards are being funded by local members. They will keep running until donations stop. Griffin Lassiter, a senior project manager for the City of Birmingham, retired Sept. 2, 2025, at age 76. He was honored by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who said he loves him "like a big brother." (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin honored long-time city staff member Griffin Lassiter on Tuesday during the Birmingham City Council meeting on Lassiters retirement after 25 years working for the city as a senior project manager. Lassiters high-profile projects include putting together a property deal for the Barber Motorsports Museum and racetrack and putting together incentives to keep Coca-Cola United Bottling Co. in Birmingham. Just seeing you today brings back so many memories of so many deals, said City Council member Carol Clarke. Our crown jewel is Barber Motorsports. Coca-Cola United is currently building a new $330 million headquarters facing Interstate 20/59 near the Tallapoosa Street exit. Love you like a big brother, said Woodfin, after presenting a proclamation honoring Lassiter. Griffin is a comedian, said Coreata Houser, senior deputy director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. He always has a morning joke. He calls us all nicknames. Asked after the meeting if he has a nickname for Woodfin, Lassiter said: The Mayor, with a capital T. Houser cited Lassiters key role in designing incentives packages to help attract businesses to Birmingham. Griffin can come up with an incentives package in two minutes, Houser said. Lassiter said hes proudest of the growth of downtown and his role recruiting both industry and retail businesses to Birmingham. Its just all over the city, Lassiter said. With this team, we found success. City Council President Darrell OQuinn said Lassiter played a key role in convincing Coca-Cola United to stay and build a new headquarters. Huge project, 700 jobs in the city of Birmingham, OQuinn said. Coca-Cola United was being recruited by other states. There were a lot of people who wanted a big employer like that. Griffin, with his veteran experience, was able to help build an incentive package to keep them here. Lassiter worked under previous mayors, including former Mayor Bernard Kincaid. Even going back to the Kincaid administration, (Lassiter played a role in) keeping some of our auto dealerships in downtown Birmingham, OQuinn said. He has also been vital to recruiting companies to the Daniel Payne Industrial Park and in landing the Lakeshore Parkway Walmart. Hes seen a lot, OQuinn said. When Ive had businesses that were interested in either relocating in the city of Birmingham or coming to the city of Birmingham, Griffin has always been extremely helpful, OQuinn said. The other staff remaining in our Innovation and Economic Opportunity Department will have to pick up the slack. Lassiter worked for Alabama Power Co. when he joined the city on loan to help establish an economic development department for the city. When the three years were up, I chose to stay with the city, Lassiter said. We were having a lot of fun. We were doing a lot of good. Lassiter, 76, who spent 17 years with Alabama Power, said he plans to do volunteer work in the city and do some traveling with his wife, Marsha, who never pressured him to retire sooner. She left it up to me, Lassiter said. Lassiter said he didnt realize Woodfin thought of him as a big brother figure. Thats the first time hes called me that, Lassiter said. We get along great. Hes a terrific mayor. It was a pleasure to work by his side. WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 02: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on September 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Following days of speculation about his health from users on social media, President Trump made his first public appearance in a week to announce the moving of Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Getty Images Elected officials in Alabama on Tuesday applauded President Donald Trumps announcement that the U.S. Space Command is moving to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, a decision that some had promised since last years election and a move they say is best for the country as well as Alabama. Sen. Katie Britt said the president was correct to reverse President Bidens decision to keep the Space Command in Colorado Springs. As I have long stated, locating the permanent Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal is in the best national security interest of the United States, Britt said. In 2021, the Air Force made a decision to choose Redstone as the preferred basing location purely on merits, as Huntsville finished first in both the Air Forces Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase. To the detriment of U.S. national security, President Biden chose to undermine the integrity of the process and put politics ahead of merit by yanking this military decision out of the Air Forces hands. Im deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to keep politics out of this basing decision and allow the Air Force to proceed with doing its job. Alabamas world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink restored merit and integrity to the process. This was never supposed to be about politics, Tuberville said. After a thorough selection process involving 66 possible locations, Huntsville was chosen fair and square. But unfortunately, the Biden Administration chose politics over national security. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, said Trumps decision was based on merits. Rogers had said months ago that the announcement was coming. Space Command is finally coming home to Alabama, Rogers said. This announcement by President Trump is yet another in a long line of strong decisions that benefit Americas national security. Alabama was chosen in 2021 because it was the absolute best location for the Space Command headquarters. Today, in 2025, it remains the best location for our national security and for the taxpayer. This basing decision has been affirmed and reaffirmed by multiple agencies and multiple officials throughout both the Trump and Biden administrations. Biden was content to have Space Command located in the fourth best location because it served him politically. The differences between him and President Trump has never been clearer. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia, said Trumps decision is based on national security. Ive said all along that basing the headquarters in Huntsville is not a political decision, Strong said. Its a national security one. North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space. He said its been rewarding to play a role in every step of this process and to ensure that Space Commands Headquarters rightfully resides in the most capable and best-equipped community which has been proven time and again to be Redstone Arsenal. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to doing what is best for the security and future of our nation, and I remain grateful for the unified support of the entire Alabama delegation along the way, Strong said. I am excited for all that is to come, and now its time to move dirt. Strong has said Space Command could bring 4,700 jobs to north Alabama. Alabamas governor also has weighed in. As I have said all along, there is no better place to locate Space Command Headquarters than in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, the facts prevailed, and it is official: Space Command Headquarters is coming to Sweet Home Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said. The Redstone Arsenal region was ready to welcome Space Command Headquarters when I made the official pitch to the Defense secretary in June 2019, and it remains ready today to not only welcome Headquarters, but to welcome all of the military personnel and their families, Ivey added. As our history shows, Alabama always stands ready to support the defense of our great nation, and Huntsville continues proving the Rocket City is truly Space Central. U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, said Alabama is ready to make new contributions to advancements in the aerospace industry, building on what already is a long record. Having the U.S. Space Command in Huntsville is a win for the Rocket City and a win for Alabama, Figures said. Huntsville has long been a leader in aerospace, and I believe the state has shown it can handle our nations space defense. This move will not only create high-quality jobs in the region but will also bring significant investments that benefit the entire state. Ready to welcome Space Command Redstone Arsenal said it is ready to welcome Space Command to its growing facility. Redstone Arsenal is a thriving Federal Center of Excellence, where the Army, FBI, NASA, and other agencies come together to drive innovation and advance our nations interests. We are proud of the work being done here and are ready to welcome Space Command, which fits perfectly within our four core competencies space, logistics, research and intelligence operations, said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, Army Materiel Command deputy commanding general and acting commander. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the decision isnt just about a single location but readiness for the warfighter. This decision is not about whats best for Huntsville its about being mission-focused, Battle said. The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense. Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon agreed, adding, This is a win for our region and our country. City, county, state, and federal partners have worked side by side to prepare for this opportunity. Now, were ready to welcome Space Command and help facilitate its long-term success. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said the presidents decision is an example of the states strong support for the armed forces. Today is a monumental victory for Alabama, and I am deeply grateful to President Trump for standing with our state, Ledbetter said. Here in Alabama, our federal, state, and local leaders work hand-in-hand to ensure we are always ready to support our military and its service members. That commitment is exactly why there is no better home for U.S. Space Command than Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Local reaction Madison County Commissioners are excited to land another organization that brings jobs to the area. District Five Commissioner Phil Riddicks constituents live alongside the Redstone Arsenal and he said cant wait to see the opportunity that Space Command will bring. This is long and anticipated, Riddick said. Weve really been awaiting this announcement for quite some time. Were really looking forward to it, but I think it just kind of solidifies Huntsville and Madison Countys position as a tech town and also a great place to live. I think its just great. Should have been done some time ago, and were glad its finally happening. District 4 City Councilman Bill Kling said the announcement is just the latest chapter in Huntsvilles storied space history. I imagine that this is what it must have felt like when Senator John Sparkman announced during the mid-1950s that the von Braun space team from White Sands, New Mexico was going to be relocating to Huntsville, Alabama. We saw significant results in our space program as a result. Huntsvilles workforce, current Missile Command programs, and outer space experience, situate us well to provide for our countrys future safety. City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins agreed. I see tremendous potential in the possibility of Space Command moving here. A decision like this is transformativebringing jobs, strengthening our economy, and opening doors for local families. For me, its not just about economic numbers; its about what this means for our residents. It means new career pathways for young people, support for our small businesses, and growth that uplifts our entire community. While the details are still developing, Im committed to ensuring that when this move happens, its done in a way that benefits both the agency and the people who call Huntsville home. My focus will always be on making sure opportunities are equitable, infrastructure keeps pace, and that the quality of life in our neighborhoods is protected and enhanced.* Most Madison County commissioners are ready to see Space Command in Huntsville. Anything thats going to boost the economy in North Alabama, like a possible Space Command, its going to bring some really great opportunities for people, for families, for folks in the future to have a great opportunity for jobs, said District four commissioner Phil Vandiver. They know that new industries needs to see infrastructure that grows alongside it. Madison County has several ongoing traffic projects to help with congestion from growth. We will need more infrastructure, but well need that anyway, with all the other things that were doing, Commissioner Riddick. One more feather in our cap. Growth fuels a lot of things. So its better than going the other direction. Thats for sure. Even Madison City leaders support Space Command moving to Huntsville. Selecting Huntsville for U.S. Space Command affirms the data, facts, and thorough evaluations that identified our community as the best location to support this critical mission, Mayor Paul Finley said. Madison is proud to stand alongside Huntsville, Madison County and our regional partners as we welcome this new chapter of growth, opportunity, and national service. Together, we will continue to support our military, strengthen our workforce, and advance innovation that benefits our nation. This story will be updated. A solider wears a U.S. Space Force uniform during a ceremony for U.S. Air Force airmen transitioning to U.S. Space Force guardian designations at Travis Air Force Base, California, Feb. 12, 2021. AP President Trumps Tuesday announcement that Space Commands headquarters is moving to Alabama once again prompted the question: Are Space Command and Space Force the same thing? The two are often confused and - incorrectly - used interchangeably. Someone should tell New York Post that Space Command is not the same thing as Space Force@nypost pic.twitter.com/kLqaPTX54O Brett Forrest (@brettforrestTV) September 2, 2025 But Space Command and Space Force are two different entities with separate missions. Heres how the Department of Defense describes it: Space Command Space Command: Actively employs joint forces from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force to accomplish the commands mission. What that means: Space Command is a Combatant Command a high-level group typically made up of different military branches that are responsible for specific geographic areas. There are 11 Combatant Commands, including Cyber Command, Central Command, Special Operations Command and Strategic Command. For Space Command, feeder commands are Army Space and Missile Defense Command (already in Huntsville at Redstone Arsenal), Marine Corps Forces Space Command, Navy Space Command, Air Forces Space and Space Forces Space. Space Commands geographic coverage is the Karman line, the internationally recognized point where Earths atmosphere ends and outer space begins, to the moon and beyond. Space Force Space Force: Organizes, trains and equips space professionals and then presents those forces to U.S. Space Command and other Combatant Commands. What that means: Space Force was established in 2019 as a separate branch of the U.S. military under the U.S. Air Force, much in the way Marines are a branch of the military but part of the Navy. Space Forces main goals are to train and equip space personnel to protect and provide capabilities in space for the U.S. and its allies. Space Force is based the Pentagon in Virginia but it operates a primary field command at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been out for just a month, but early adopters are already complaining about the same issues that last year's Z Fold 6 experienced. Several owners complain that the anodized coating of the high-end foldable phone is chipping off, occasionally within days of receiving it, even though it costs well over $2,000. Galaxy Z Fold 7 Chipped Paint Issue Emerges Online Android Authority first spotted the problem on Reddit, where members posted photos of the Blue Shadow version with paint flakes along the power button, USB-C port, and side rails. Owners are adamant that the issue wasn't caused by drops, scratches, or abusive use. One user claimed that he never dropped his phone, but it still got a chop. He assumed that the paint was very soft and could fade out easily. Another user complained that his phone had a chip in the earphone. The problem is uncannily identical to the controversy surrounding the Z Fold 6 in 2024, when several customers complained of peeling frames. Samsung then accused third-party chargers of being the cause, positing that poorly grounded adapters led to current leakage that compromised the anodized layer. The company was sternly advising customers to stick with official power bricks alone. Users Dispute Samsung's Charger Theory In the same thread, the grievances contradict that explanation. Some Z Fold 7 owners report using no third-party chargers at all, yet the finish still wore off. Others dispute that anodization should not be on the verge of failure under typical use if it's properly done during manufacturing. One detailed article speculated that the aluminum frame might not have been treated correctly, which would mean the coating cannot adhere well. Is Your Current Model Affected? Most of the incident reports involve the Blue Shadow model, with a few others reporting Jet Black. Silver Shadow is not affected yet, according to Android Police. While not numerous, the increasing incident reports point to Samsung's quality control inconsistencies, particularly worrying for a phone promoted as the epitome of foldable innovation. What Can Samsung Do to Address the Issue? Samsung's customer support reaction has been uneven. Some consumers report that they were informed that cosmetic damage is not warranted, as the chipping does not affect performance. Others reported service centers scheduling pickups to assess the flaw, with some of those cases being escalated to Samsung's corporate team for additional review. For consumers who paid thousands for a flagship fold, chipped paint is more than a superficial defect. People are aware that this kind of issue erodes trust in the durability and build quality of the device. With Chinese competitors' foldables gaining popularity fast, Samsung will lose market share if it doesn't fix long-term quality concerns. If you're having doubts about purchasing the affected phone, you can wait for the release of the Galaxy S25 FE. Originally published on Tech Times President Donald Trump speaks during an event about the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP Space Command is officially moving from Colorado Springs, CO, to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal. While many Alabama leaders are celebrating the decision, Colorado leaders say that its a huge mistake. The Colorado congressional delegation, made up of Republicans and Democrats, is blasting the decision. U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Gabe Evans believe moving the fully operational U.S. Space Command headquarters is a mistake. They say its a waste of the billions of dollars it will take to relocate operations. READ MORE: Space Command is finally coming home: Alabama officials praise Trump for reversing Biden decision They released the following statement: Todays decision to move U.S Space Commands headquarters out of Colorado and to Alabama will directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom linemoving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time. Moving Space Command sets our space defense apparatus back years, wastes billions of taxpayer dollars, and hands the advantage to the converging threats of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The Department of Defense Inspector Generals office has reported multiple times that moving the Command will impede our militarys operational capability for years. Space Commands long-term presence in Colorado Springs has also created a large number of civilian businesses and workers on which the Command now relies. Those people will not simply move with the Command at the militarys whim. Many of them will leave the industry altogether, creating a disruption in the workforce that will take our national defense systems decades to recreate. Being prepared for any threats should be the nations top priority; a crucial part of that is keeping in place what is already fully operational. Moving Space Command would not result in any additional operational capabilities than what we have up and running in Colorado Springs now. Colorado Springs is the appropriate home for U.S. Space Command, and we will take the necessary action to keep it there. Meanwhile, Dave Williams, the former chair of Colorados Republican Party, had the opposite reaction. He believes Huntsville is a better fit. He said placing Space Command in his home state was a political move by former President Joe Biden. He wrote the following statement in 2023, before he decided not to seek re-election. As Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, I write to express my full support should you decide to reverse Joe Bidens political decision to place U.S. Space Command in Colorado and instead reaffirm your previous decision by returning it to Alabama. While the State Party is proud that Colorado Springs has long played a vital role in our nations defense, the integrity of our national security decisions must take precedence over political maneuvering. President Bidens move to keep Space Command in Colorado was clearly a political calculation aimed at rewarding Colorados radical abortion lawsnot a decision grounded in national defense priorities." Unlike the Biden administration, your leadership recognizes that national security cannot be compromised for the sake of advancing radical leftwing agendas, which ultimately endangers fellow Americans." If your administration determines that basing Space Command in Alabama better serves the interests of our armed forces and national defense, then I trust that decision and stand behind it. Whats good for national security is ultimately whats good for Coloradoand for America." Colorado Republicans reject the idea that Colorados permissive abortion laws should be used as a bargaining chip to influence military decisions. If the original decision to place Space Command in Alabama was based on merit, strategy, and securityas reported by the Inspector Generalthen it is only right that it be restored." Thank you for your unwavering leadership and commitment to putting America first. Either way, we trust you will make the right call for the safety and strength of our nation. President Donald Trump speaks about the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP U.S. Space Command will move to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, President Trump announced Tuesday. The move will relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, reversing a decision by President Joe Bidens administration. Flanked by Alabamas Republican Congressional delegation, Trump said the new location will be at the beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, AL, forever to be known, from this point forward, as Rocket City. Its an honor to give it (Space Command) to Huntsville, the president added. The president said the move will bring up to 30,000 jobs to Alabama and billions of dollars in economic development. Space Commands functions include operations enabling satellite-based navigation, troop communications and providing warning of missile launches. Space Command headquarters will be located at Redstone Arsenal, alongside NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Missile Defense Agency. While not confirming Space Command is being relocated to Huntsville, city officials were preparing for the possibility. One city official said while nothing is official yet, they are prepared to provide remarks to the media following a presidential announcement. READ MORE: Company at Redstone Gateway may play role in setting up Space Command in Huntsville Long battle between Colorado and Alabama Alabama and Colorado have long battled to claim Space Command because it has significant implications for the local economy. The site also has been a political prize, with elected officials from both Alabama and Colorado asserting their state is the better location. The announcement caps a four-year back-and-forth on the location of Space Command. The Air Force in 2021 identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command. The city was picked after site visits to six states that compared factors such as infrastructure capacity, community support and costs to the Defense Department. Then-President Joe Biden in 2023 announced Space Command would be permanently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which had been serving as its temporary headquarters. Bidens Democratic administration said that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness. A review by the Defense Department inspector general was inconclusive and could not determine why Colorado was chosen over Alabama. Trump, a Republican who enjoys deep support in Alabama, had long been expected to move Space Command back to Alabama. The AP contributed to this report. Alabama will have equal chances for above-average or below-average temperatures in September, according to this one-month temperature outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. Climate Prediction Center Will summer come roaring back to Alabama for the first part of fall? It could, according to NOAAs Climate Prediction Center. But it may not, either. The CPCs temperature outlook for September is forecasting a big question mark for temperatures over the next few weeks. Meteorological fall began on Sept. 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. Astronomical fall begins with the equinox on Sept. 22. But Alabama typically sees summer-like heat in September despite what the calendar says. In fact, the highest temperature on record in Alabama -- 112 degrees -- was recorded on Sept. 6, 1925, in Centreville. The one-month temperature outlook for Alabama, as well as much of the rest of the United States, is forecasting equal chances of above-average or below-average temperatures over the next 28 days. The only spot that will likely have above-average temperatures is the northern part of the country, including Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming, which have higher probabilities of above-average temperatures. As for rain, the forecast for September differs from north to south Alabama: The southern part of Alabama has increased chances of seeing above-average rainfall this month. CPC All of north Alabama and the northern part of central Alabama will have equal chances for above-average or below-average rainfall this month, according to the Climate Prediction Center. South Alabama has increased probabilities of above-average rain, however, especially the closer you get to the coast. Most of south Alabama has a 33-40 percent chance for above-average rain, but that ticks up for coastal areas, which have 40-50 percent probabilities. In the short-term, the six- to 10-day temperature outlook for Alabama continues a stretch with increased odds for below-average temperatures for part of the state: North and central Alabama will have slightly increased chances for below-average temperatures from Sept. 7-11. CPC North Alabama and the northern part of central Alabama have 40-50 percent probabilities of below-average temperatures from Sept. 7-11. The southern part of central Alabama has 33-40 percent odds of below-average temperatures. However, south Alabama has slightly increased odds -- 33-40 percent -- of above-average temperatures through Sept. 11. Temperatures could rise for all of Alabama by the middle of September. Here is the eight- to 14-day temperature outlook: All of Alabama will have increased odds of above-average temperatures from Sept. 9-15. CPC East and north Alabama have a 33-40 percent chance of seeing above-average temperatures during that time. The odds go up for south and west Alabama, which will have a 40-50 percent probability of above-average mercury readings. If youre living in the US, chances are if you bought the iPhone 14 or newer, your device does not come with a SIM card slot. Instead, youd have to rely on an eSIM to select your carrier. However, in other parts of the world, iPhone customers had the option of going eSIM or regular SIM, but that could change for EU customers looking to buy the iPhone 17. iPhone 17 to be eSIM-only in the EU According to a MacRumors report, they cite a source familiar with the matter that claims the iPhone 17 will be eSIM-only in the EU. The report says that retail employees at Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU are now required to undergo and complete a training source related to iPhones with eSIMs. This is actually not the first time that weve heard this rumor. Last year, The Information already hinted that Apple plans to drop the physical SIM card slot in more countries. However, back then, the report did not say which model in particular. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had also earlier opined that the iPhone 17 Air could already be eSIM-only. This is because of its ultra-thin design, which forces Apple to ditch the physical SIM slot. The analyst did not mention anything about the base iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. However, there is a good chance Apple might apply it across the entire lineup, at least for the sake of consistency. Why go eSIM? For years, many of us relied on physical SIM cards to gain access to a cellular network. However, over the years, weve started to see the rise in the popularity of eSIMs. This is because eSIMs ditch the need for a physical SIM. Those SIM cards are so annoyingly tiny that if youre traveling, its easy to lose them. eSIMs, on the other hand, can be accessed through your phones settings. Apple claims that the iPhone can support as many as eight eSIMs at once. This means if youre globe-trotting, swapping between local telcos will be a breeze. You will also no longer have to fiddle with SIM card slots or look for an ejector tool. Apple also says that eSIMs are more secure than physical SIMs. This is because they cannot be removed, so physical SIM swap attacks are not possible. Sony Xperia devices are not as popular as mainstream tech brands devices. However, the brand had recently confirmed that despite the negligible market share, the Xperia devices remain an important part of the business. But its latest move suggests otherwise. Sony has moved one of the best features of its Xperia phones behind a paywall, and its frustrating enough. Using Xperia as a Sony cameras viewfinder is now locked behind a paywall While Sony Xperia devices are popular for having an advanced camera system on a smartphone, they are also known for having direct integration with Sonys Alpha cameras. Past Xperia devices used to come with an External Monitor app. It would allow the users to connect Sonys camera to the device using a USB-C cable. The Xperias bright, color-accurate OLED display made it ideal as a viewfinder. It provided a much better experience than the small, less impressive screen on Sonys cameras. However, the latest Xperia 1 VII comes with a new Monitor & Control App. This app replaces the older External Monitor app that was free to use. But with the recent update, Sony has moved the feature behind a paywall. Users disappointed with the companys latest move Sony recently released an update to its Monitor & Control app (v2.4.o). With this update, the company has locked the popular feature of its smartphone behind a paywall. Yes, using certain features of the application now requires users to pay $4.99 a month. This move has frustrated the users of the Xperia devices. On Reddit, multiple users have expressed their disappointment with the update. The dissatisfaction is understandable, since it is one of the key selling points of the Xperia devices. A lot of users bought the devices to use this feature and to complement their experience with Sonys Alpha camera. But sadly, theyre now forced to pay a monthly subscription just to use the feature. Sideloading and using the older External Monitor app seems to be the only bypass for now. However, the company has already stopped the development of this app, and its device compatibility is already limited. Remembering US Flying Tigers who volunteered to support China in WWII (People's Daily App) 13:30, September 02, 2025 Eighty years after a daring group of American volunteer pilots provided vital air support for Chinese and British forces fighting the Japanese, the story of the legendary Flying Tigers still resonates across the Pacific. Their heroism and sacrifice created an enduring bond of between China and America. To mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan, their legacy has been immortalized with a new statue outside Los Angeles International Airport. Correspondent Ediz Tiyansan reports. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Government of Sudan on Tuesday said it is extending the opening of a crossing point with Chad for the passage of humanitarian aid until the end of the year America is split on whether Donald Trumps health and age are impacting his ability to serve as president, a new poll has found. Speculation over Trumps physical fitness during his second term has grown ever since photos of his swollen ankles and bruised hands, which are sometimes covered by makeup, began circulating online. Online rumors reached a fever pitch when Trump, 79, did not make a public appearance over the Labor Day weekend, aside from a brief sighting at his Virginia golf course Saturday. In a YouGov survey conducted Tuesday, 38 percent of Americans said Trumps health and age severely limit his ability to do the job as president, while 21 percent said it had little effect. America is split on whether Donald Trumps health and age are impacting his ability to serve as president, a new poll has found (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) There was also a good chunk of Americans who either said Trumps health and age had no effect on his presidential fitness, 26 percent, or were unsure, 15 percent. During his first public appearance in a week, Trump was asked if he had seen the rumors swirling about whether he was dead or suffering from a serious health issue. The president said he hadnt, called the rumors fake news and said, I was very active this Labor Day weekend. Trump had also taken to Truth Social late Sunday afternoon, writing, NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Questions about physical fitness and mental acuity were a major talking point during the 2024 presidential campaign and election. Most of the heat was on former President Joe Biden, now 82, who dropped out of the race months before the election after a dismal debate performance where he incoherently answered questions. In May, Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The diagnosis raised questions over whether the Biden administration was always transparent about the former presidents health. Speculation over Trumps physical fitness during his second term has grown ever since photos of his swollen ankles and bruised hands began circulating online (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) On Monday, a former Biden administration aide, Meghan Hays, accused the Trump administration of not being transparent about the presidents empty Labor Day weekend schedule. I think in August he spent 26 days doing public events or talking to press. So, to go down for six days and just have a slew of Truth Social posts that are very chaotic, and people cant follow all of them is very concerning, Hays told CNN on Monday, per The Hill. She continued: And I think that people have raised the question. The president could just be taking a few days down in August, which is normal for presidents to do. Or there could be actually something wrong. The problem is we dont know, and theyre not being transparent about it. Opposition politicians have criticised the arrest of Graham Linehan after the Father Ted writer was detained over social media posts about trans people. The 57-year-old said he had been detained by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport after flying in from Arizona, and told he was under arrest over three posts on X. Conservative MPs described it as ridiculous and accused the police of arresting people for making jokes. Author and campaigner JK Rowling claimed the arrest was totalitarianism and deplorable. Downing Street declined to comment directly on the arrest, saying it was an operational matter for the police, but added the Prime Minister and Home Secretary had made their priorities for policing clear. Linehan said he was taken to a cell and questioned over the X posts, published in April. One said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. JK Rowling (Yui Mok/PA) Another was a photograph of a trans rights protest, with the comment a photo you can smell, with a follow-up post saying: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em. The writer said that after being questioned by police his blood pressure had reached stroke territory and he was taken to hospital and kept under observation, before being released on bail. The Metropolitan Police did not identify Linehan, but a spokeswoman said officers had arrested a man on Monday on suspicion of inciting violence and that the arrest was in relation to posts on X. She added that it was routine for officers policing airports to be armed, and that their firearms were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick described the incident as ridiculous and a complete waste of police time. In a post on X, he said: The police only respond to 1 in 5 reported shoplifting offences, but deploy 5 armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets. We desperately need to end this nonsense and go after actual criminals. Fellow shadow cabinet minister Claire Coutinho said: Britain used to be known for its sense of humour. Now the police are arresting people for making jokes. You live in a society? Occasionally youre going to be offended. Thats how it works. Labour backbencher Jonathan Hinder said the arrest showed the need for a serious reset to get the priorities right in policing, while Independent MP Rupert Lowe said: I stand with Linehan. Rowling tweeted: What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said the arrest was an operational matter for the police, adding: The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been clear about where their priorities for crime and policing are, and thats tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, street crime, as well as reducing serious violent crimes like knife crime and violence against women. He also rejected Ms Rowlings claim that the UK was engaging in totalitarianism. A Met spokeswoman said: On Monday September 1 at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation. The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Separately, Linehan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday accused of harassing transgender woman Sophia Brooks and damaging her phone, which he denies. Carlos Sainz remains convinced he can become Formula One world champion with Williams. The Spaniard joined the British team ahead of this season after being unfortunate to lose his seat at Ferrari when the Scuderia opted to sign seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. His debut campaign with the Grove-based team has not gone as smoothly as Sainz would have liked, with a combination of inconsistency, misfortune and strategic errors meaning he only has 16 points from the first 15 races. But the 31-year-old has seen enough to remain confident that he joined the right team. Sainz has been disappointed with his points return so far this season (Bradley Collyer/PA) Asked if he believes he can become champion with Williams, Sainz told the PA news agency ahead of last weekends race in Zandvoort: Yes. If theres one thing Ive taken over from Ferrari and my other experiences, it is that I know that with the right people around me I can develop a competitive car and team. I get a lot of confidence from that, from knowing that I know how to guide a big organisation to go in the right direction, what the car needs to perform, what is the right structure for a team, and Im keen to help Williams on that. I see everything back at base, back at the factory responding and everything is going the way I want it to go. Its a matter of whether we can deliver it or not obviously but I feel like its still the right place for me for the future. Carlos birthday cake, delivered by Alex pic.twitter.com/dpNh60aBLF Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 1, 2025 The Dutch Grand Prix was typical of Sainzs season. He qualified a solid ninth but a mid-race collision with Liam Lawson for which the Spaniard was furious to receive a penalty saw him finish 13th. His team-mate Alex Albon finished an impressive fifth to take his season tally to 64 points. From my side, if I use Alex as a reference, I feel like speed has been there from the beginning, Sainz added. Weve been very closely matched in outright speed, which is normally the thing you struggle the most when changing teams. So Im relatively happy and proud of that adaptation process. important points added in Zandvoort in the battle for P5 pic.twitter.com/qIHQtITqJh Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 1, 2025 But unfortunately we didnt manage to get points on the table, or as many points as we should have, for the speed that I have in the car. Williams team principal James Vowles has been clear that he is putting together a long-term project, focusing on the new regulations which begin next year but admitting it could take until 2028 for many elements to come to fruition. That means Sainzs debut season has largely been a learning year, with the four-time race winner not expected to be featuring on the podium. Sainz admits he has had to change mindset, adding: Thats the one thing I miss. The pressure and the excitement of going into a weekend knowing youre fighting for a podium or a win. Sainz won four races as a Ferrari driver (David Davies/PA) Thats the only thing really I miss from the past. That pressure, that adrenaline, that feeling you get in the body when you know youre going into a weekend where you might have a chance to win or to step on the podium. But apart from that, honestly the competitive side of me goes into every weekend so fired up that it doesnt need any other adjustments. I feel like the more we work this year and the better we work this year, the earlier that feeling of winning and some podiums will come back. Chloe Malle has been named the new head of editorial content at American Vogue after Dame Anna Wintour stepped down from her role as the day-to-day editor of the title. Dame Anna will remain in charge of Vogue globally and as chief content officer of the media company Conde Nast, which oversees prominent media brands including Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ. Malle, the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French film director Louis Malle, will take on her new role immediately, the magazine said. She was previously the editor of Vogue.com and co-host of The Run-Through, Vogues weekly fashion and culture podcast. She will now lead the creative and editorial direction of the title and join Vogues ten existing heads of editorial content around the world, reporting to Dame Anna. Malle said: Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled and awed to be part of that. I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor. Announcing the appointment, Dame Anna said: Fashion is the art of embracing change, but some changes run closer to ones heart than the rest. When it came to hiring someone to edit American Vogue, letting me turn my attention more intensely to Vogues multifaceted growth across its global audiences and publications and events like the Met Gala and Vogue World, I knew I had one chance to get it right. Im thrilled to announce that Chloe Malle will be the next head of editorial content for our US title, leading the American magazine and guiding its digital coverage. Shes a voracious, engaged journalist with an intuition for womens changing interests now and her eye for the definitive image is exceptional. Chloe has long been one of Vogues secret weapons when it comes to tracking fashion. But she is not so buried in the industry that she misses the world: like the best designers, she understands fashions big picture, its role shaping not just whats on the runway but the changing fabric of modern life. Although she is no stranger to the glamour of red carpets, her talent has been for original thinking and hard work. A sample of nitazene powder. Official data shows there were 76 deaths involving nitazenes in 2024. Photograph: The Washington Post/Getty Images Health experts have warned that Scotland faces a fresh drug deaths crisis due to highly potent synthetic opioids already linked to more than 100 fatalities. The warning comes after the publication of official data which showed the total number of deaths from drug abuse in Scotland fell by 13% last year to a 1,017, the lowest annual figure since 2017. The data suggests intensifying efforts to deal with Scotlands drugs deaths, which have long been the worst in Europe, could be succeeding. This includes wider use of the opioid antidote naloxone by police and paramedics, and higher spending on addiction treatment and rehabilitation programmes. But the Scottish Drugs Forum, a campaign group, said those figures were likely to be a blip which masked a recent surge in the use of nitazenes, a class of very potent synthetic opioids which can be hundreds of times stronger than other opiates and opioids used by addicts. Kirsten Horsburgh, the chief executive of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said while the 2024 figures were welcome, there has been a sharp increase in overall drugs deaths reported in the first three months of 2025. National Records of Scotland data showed there were 76 deaths involving nitazenes in 2024, a figure three times higher than in 2023. Data from Public Health Scotland suggested that may have doubled this year with nitazene detected in 38 deaths in the first quarter of 2025. There are still increasing harms and increasing numbers of deaths. We are not in a situation where weve achieved what we need to achieve. Theres still a lot to be done, Horsburgh said. Were very concerned. For us, this feels like a crisis on top of a crisis. She said they were likely to be implicated in other deaths. There were up to 360 different compounds classed as nitazenes, which made it far harder for toxicology laboratories to detect them. Drugs gangs also mixed them into other drugs without users being told, adding to the serious risks of death. Nitazenes are also implicated in drugs fatalities in England. They were detected in 179 cases between June 2023 and May 2024. In some cases, more than one type of nitazene were found; in 17 cases, toxicologists could not identify exactly which was involved. Scottish government ministers have struggled to tackle the drugs death crisis, which soared higher after a cut in alcohol and drugs treatment funding in 2015. Maree Todd, the drugs and alcohol policy minister, said people in deprived areas were 12 times more likely to die from drugs misuse than those in wealthy areas. It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives, she said. This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death. Prof Catriona Matheson, a specialist in drugs misuse at the University of Stirling, said the 2024 figures showed the previously steep increase in deaths had been reduced by the tougher policy measures. Unfortunately [in] 2025, there has already been an influx of synthetic opioids and animal tranquillisers which are affecting our drug supply chain and making it an even more hazardous environment, she added. This highlights that we really do need further actions still on making sure we have drug checking services and safe supervised drug consumption sites across the country. Ederson has completed a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce following eight amazing years at Manchester City. The 31-year-old goalkeeper leaves the Etihad Stadium having helped the club to 18 major honours during his time at the club, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and a Champions League. The Brazilian also won the Golden Glove award three times. Ederson told Manchester Citys website: I leave incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am honoured to have worn the shirt so many times. Under (head coach) Pep (Guardiola), we have dominated the Premier League and conquered Europe. It has been amazing. I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope, but I could not have predicted such a beautiful time together. Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club. Gianluigi Donnarummas arrival at City is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday (Mike Egerton/PA) City have yet to officially announce the arrival of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, although a deal worth around 30million euros (25.9m) was agreed with Paris St Germain on deadline day, the PA news agency understands. Ederson becomes the latest familiar Premier League name to sign for Fenerbahce this summer, joining former Aston Villa pair Marco Asensio and Jhon Duran and ex-West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez. Fenerbahce are looking for a new boss after Jose Mourinho was sacked last Friday, two days after the club failed to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League following defeat to Benfica in the play-off round. Meanwhile, City have confirmed the exit of Swiss defender Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan on a season-long loan. Crystal Palace had earlier expressed an interest in Akanji, who joined City in September 2022 and was a key component of the side which won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble in 2023, and the team which won the domestic title again in 2024. Breakthrough research from the University of Bath and the University of Bristol that demonstrates the real-world efficacy of a passive EEG test in identifying memory decline years before a clinical diagnosis, is being developed as a screening tool by Cumulus Neuroscience BELFAST, Northern Ireland, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cumulus Neuroscience, a global digital health company focused on advancing neuroscience clinical trials and patient care through improved data and AI, announced new research published in the journal Brain Communications, led by Dr. George Stothart, a cognitive neuroscientist based in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath and Principal Scientist at Cumulus Neuroscience. Dr. Stothart has successfully trialled the Fastball EEG technology, the core component of Cumulus's AccelADx screening tool in development, for the first time outside of research labs. The study found that the three-minute, non-invasive Fastball EEG test can reliably identify early memory impairment in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition often preceding Alzheimer's disease dementia. This ground-breaking finding builds on previous research and, for the first time, validates the technology's ability to deliver reliable results in a real-world setting, with clinical staff visiting patients in their homes. Cumulus is developing AccelADx, a scalable version of Fastball EEG. AccelADx is currently deployed in two large grant-funded studies one that is enrolling 1000 participants in the UK, and one that is enrolling an ethnically diverse population of 1,000 participants in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The ability to test for early signs of Alzheimer's outside of a research or hospital environment is a critical step forward, as it paves the way for wider screening and earlier diagnosis in any public-health setting. This is particularly important given the recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer's treatments including donanemab and lecanemab, which are most effective when administered in the earliest stages of the disease. Despite this, a significant number of people with dementia worldwide remain undiagnosed, delaying access to crucial treatments and support. "We are missing the first 10 to 20 years of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's with current diagnostic tools. This research offers a way to change that," said Dr. George Stothart, who is leading the development of AccelADx. "By detecting memory changes far earlier and more objectively, using a quick and passive test, we can empower healthcare providers to intervene at the most critical time." AccelADx is a proprietary screening tool built on Cumulus Neuroscience's biopharma-proven NeuLogiq Platform. It combines an easy-to-use EEG headset with a tablet-based assessment that does not require participants to follow complex instructions or recall information. This passive approach makes the test more objective and accessible, as performance is not impacted by education level or language skills. The test monitors the brain's automatic responses to images, with AI-powered analytics quickly identifying subtle, early changes in brainwave activity. "This paper is an important addition to the evidence base not only can Fastball EEG detect some of the earliest decline that leads to dementia, but it can also detect memory impairment which is a key symptom of Alzheimer's Disease," said Brian Murphy, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Cumulus Neuroscience. "By removing barriers to diagnosis for all patients regardless of ethnicity or education level, AccelADx has the potential to accelerate enrollment in clinical trials, bringing much needed treatments to patients faster. We're looking forward to learning more about the real-world utility of AccelADx through our two grant-funded studies which will continue primary data collection into 2027, with interim results expected in 2026." About the paper The study, titled "A passive and objective measure of recognition memory in mild cognitive impairment using Fastball memory assessment," was authored by George Stothart, Sophie Alderman, Oliver Hermann (University of Bath); Sam Creavin, and Elizabeth Coulthard (University of Bristol). The research was funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences and supported by the dementia research charity BRACE. About Cumulus Neuroscience With a mission to generate the data and insights required to accelerate diagnosis and management of central nervous system (CNS) disorders for millions of patients and caregivers around the world, Cumulus Neuroscience is advancing NeuLogiq, an AI-based, multi-domain digital biomarker platform to enable better, faster decision making in neurology and neuropsychiatry clinical trials and patient care. Designed for and with 10 of the world's leading pharma companies, the platform enables decentralized trials and is already making a difference in the development of therapies for Alzheimer's Disease, depression and schizophrenia. Designed to provide an industry-wide standard for real-world measurement of disease progression, Cumulus combines patented technology, in-house expertise and key industry partnerships to capture large amounts of real-world, clinical data repeated over time, across multiple behavioral and physiological domains in the patient's home all with an EEG headset synced to a novel, tablet-based neuro-assessment platform. Together with machine learning (ML) analytics and the world's largest database of annotated, longitudinal, neurofunctional data, Cumulus simplifies and improves the robustness of neuroscience clinical trials to provide the best and most cost-effective assessment of CNS treatment outcomes. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657658/5487619/Cumulus_Logo.jpg SOURCE Cumulus Neuroscience Ursula von der Leyen has been accused of acting beyond her remit - Inquam Photos/George Calin Ursula von der Leyen is totally wrong to publicly discuss the deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, the German government has said. Boris Pistorius, the defence minister, rebuked the European Commission president after she said there were pretty precise plans for a multinational force in a weekend interview. She said tens of thousands of European soldiers, backed at a distance by the US, could be deployed in Ukraine to protect it from another Russian invasion as part of a final peace deal. Mr Pistorius said the EU had no authority or competence whatsoever regarding the deployment of troops and that it was far too early to discuss sending troops. Donald Trump has suggested the US could provide a back-up security guarantee but has ruled out American boots on the ground and expects European armies to police the peace. Donald Trump invited Vladimir Putin to Alaska, his first visit to a Western territory since the Russian invasion of Ukraine - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP Deploying troops to Ukraine is hugely divisive in Germany, because of its Nazi past, and controversial in other EU countries such as Italy. Apart from the fact that the European Union has no authority or competence whatsoever regarding the deployment of troops regardless of who or what I would refrain from confirming or commenting on such considerations in any way, Mr Pistorius said during a visit to an arms manufacturer in Cologne on Monday. These are things that are not to be discussed before sitting down at the negotiating table with many parties who have something to say, he added. I think it is totally wrong to discuss this publicly at this stage. There are ongoing discussions between members of the British-French led Coalition of the Willing over the security guarantees that individual nations could offer. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will chair another meeting of the group on Thursday, in which Volodymyr Zelensky will participate. Boris Pistorius says it is too early to discuss sending troops to back Ukraine - Clemens Bilan/EPA/Shutterstock Mr Pistorius is a member of the centre-Left SPD, the junior partner in the fractious coalition led by Friedrich Merzs centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). On Sunday, Mr Merz said that nobody is talking about ground troops in Ukraine at this point in another reprimand of Mrs von der Leyen, who is a member of his CDU. He said there would be public discussion on security guarantees only once Russia agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Germany has the third-largest army in the EU behind Poland and France, with about 185,000 personnel. 2603 Europe's armies remain comparatively small Mr Merz has plans to make Germanys army the strongest in Europe after decades of chronic underinvestment. He was among European leaders at the White House to discuss Ukraine when Mr Trump met Mr Zelensky in Washington last month. But there are divides over troop deployment not only across the CDU and the SPD, but the whole of Germany. A survey last month found that 49 per cent of Germans support sending German soldiers as part of a European peacekeeping force after a peace deal is struck. Sceptism remains strongest in Eastern regions, with 45 per cent opposing the deployment in the heartlands of the pro-Putin and opposition Alternative for Germany (AfD). No power to deploy troops As a former German defence minister, Mrs von der Leyen is surely aware that the EU has no power to deploy troops, which is purely a national power. The EU has had multinational battlegroups of 1,500 personnel each since 2007 but these have never been deployed. Sending those soldiers requires a unanimous decision by all 27 EU member states, rather than Mrs von der Leyens commission. It is not the first time Mrs von der Leyen has been accused of reaching beyond her remit. She was criticised by some governments for her full-throated support of Israels right to defend itself after the October 7 terror attacks. Ireland was among those which felt she had encroached on the national territory of foreign policy without checking with governments first. The Government will pursue every option to keep steel-making in South Yorkshire, an industry minister has said after Speciality Steel UK went into insolvency last month. Sarah Jones said she very much believes that the steelworks have a future in South Yorkshire, and in the West Midlands. In a statement to the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Jones said the Government stands with all those affected the workers, families and communities and that there will be no immediate changes, including to jobs. The Government took control of Speciality Steel UK, the countrys third largest steelworks, in August in a bid to save nearly 1,500 jobs. It came after the high court confirmed that Speciality Steel, previously part of Sanjeev Guptas Liberty Steel business, would face compulsory liquidation. The operation has plants in Rotherham, Stockbridge and Brinsworth in South Yorkshire, as well as Wednesbury in the West Midlands. The firm has been placed into the hands of the Official Receiver, a government official that manages bankruptcies, and special managers from advisory firm Teneo. Ms Jones told MPs: The Government stands with the affected steel workers in Rotherham, in Sheffield and in Wednesbury. We stand with their families and the communities who will undoubtedly be worried at this very difficult time. I would like to reassure them and all those employed by Liberty Speciality Steels that we are standing by with our rapid response teams to give immediate support on the ground, if required. We are working with the trade unions and the South Yorkshire Mayor and we are working with the councils and MPs from affected constituencies to offer all the help we can. Industry minister Sarah Jones addressed MPs (Jonathan Brady/PA) I also want to stress that there will be no immediate changes to the current operation of the business, including employees jobs. She added: I very much believe that these steel-making sites in Rotherham, in Stockbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury, have a future, and I am keen to see them return to production. But this has to be achieved through private investment by an owner who can invest in the workforce and invest in the future of the business, so that they can put it on a long-term sustainable footing We will pursue every option to keep steel-making in Rotherham, in Sheffield, in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands. The industry minister told MPs that it would have been wholly inappropriate for the Government to have entered into commercial arrangements with the steelworks company. Liberty Speciality Steels had failed to file accounts for over six years, she said, leading to a prosecution from Companies House, and the companys director is under investigation for suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering. She said: In the case of Liberty Steel, the lack of transparency, the legal and financial risks and the complete absence of reliable corporate information meant we had no credible route to act before insolvency. Responding, shadow business minister Gareth Davies accused the Government of failing British industry. Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said the Governments response is night and day from what we had under the Conservatives (Nick Ansell/PA) He said: Despite so many warm words about the steel industry, despite so many Labour promises to the people who have worked their whole lives in the steel industry, and despite the impression of superiority while in opposition, this Labour government is failing British industry. It is failing to provide certainty of policy, of economic growth that it said was its central mission, and it is failing to get a grip on the issues that affect thousands of peoples lives, working peoples lives. The shadow business minister said British steel was facing dual pressures from tariffs and high energy costs, and criticised the Governments ideological obsession with prioritising green policies over economic growth. Ms Jones said the Government had already intervened to protect thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe and secured a better deal for workers in Port Talbot. She said: We are spending money where we can on British business, something his government failed to do. Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said the Governments response is night and day from what we had under the Conservatives. The Labour backbencher said she is pleased that the Labour Government has taken resolute action to safeguard the future of this vital strategic business. Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney said: With Putins barbaric war in Europe and Donald Trumps damaging tariffs causing economic turmoil, securing the future of steel production in this country is more important than ever. She added: Liberal Democrats firmly believe that nothing should be off the table in supporting this critical sector. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: I think theres a better solution, which I have spoken about outside of this House, which is to merge Speciality Steels with British Steel to create a cohesive, excellent, strong champion of our steel industry that we all say we support into the future and invest in it. Thats the way to ensure economic growth in this country. Ms Jones said it was important for creditors for Speciality Steels to get compensation for any money owed. She added: The idea he suggests is not necessarily a foolish one, on this occasion. What the Official Receiver has to legally do, this is a legal process, they have to think of the creditors who have suffered throughout this. Sprawling tent camps have sprung up in Gaza City during the Israeli military offensive as displaced Palestinians have sought shelter there. Photograph: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters At least nine people, including five children, have been killed in an Israeli strike while fetching water in al-Mawasi, an area of southern Gaza which Israel has designated as a safe zone, health officials said. A doctor from al-Nasser hospital shared a picture of the childrens bodies in the hospital, as well as a picture of water jugs left in a pool of blood at the site of the attack on Tuesday. The attack came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces encouraged people to leave Gaza City for al-Mawasi, before Israels looming invasion of Gaza City. The Israeli military has sought to displace people from the city before its offensive and has promised that southern Gaza would be able to accommodate them, despite experts disagreeing with the suggestion. We wish to remind you that in al-Mawasi, enhanced services will be provided with an emphasis on access to medical care, water and food, the Israeli militarys Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X on Tuesday afternoon. Israel continued to push ahead with its operation and began the mobilisation of tens of thousands of reservists on Tuesday. At least 60,000 reservists will be called up, with the service of an additional 20,000 to be extended as the Israeli military slowly ramps up its military activity in Gaza City, which it has described as the last stronghold of Hamas. Israel has said that the operation, known as Gideons Chariots II, to take over Gaza City will involve five divisions from the countrys standing army and could extend into next year. Already Israel has pushed into the western parts of Gaza City, levelling the once prosperous neighbourhood of Zeitoun and declaring the entire city a dangerous combat zone last week. It has intensified its strikes, claiming to have killed the spokesperson of Hamass armed wing, Abu Obeida, in a strike on an apartment building in Gaza City on Saturday. The Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 76 people across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, Gaza health authorities said. On Monday, the worlds leading association of genocide scholars said Israels actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of the crime. Aid groups have warned that an invasion of Gaza City and the forced displacement of about 1 million people could have devastating humanitarian consequences. The population of the city has swelled over the course of the last 23 months as it became a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced from the near 80% of Gaza that is under evacuation order. The city is already gripped by famine created by Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza, which experts say will worsen even in the absence of a military operation. Thirteen people, including three children, died from malnutrition on Tuesday, bringing the total number of people who have starved to death over the last 23 months to 361 the majority of whom have died since July. Israel is seeking to forcibly displace Gaza Citys residents before its operation and has tried to entice Palestinians to southern Gaza, which already is packed with other displaced people. The head of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, said on Saturday that there is no safe way to conduct a mass evacuation of Gaza City and that no other part of Gaza had the capacity to absorb such mass displacement. Earlier in August, the UN human rights office spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan said that Palestinians in al-Mawasi had little or no access to essential services and supplies, including food, water, electricity and tents. Many residents of Gaza City have refused to leave, suspicious of what awaits them in southern Gaza after Israel has attacked so-called humanitarian zones in the past. The Gaza City operation, pushed forward by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from far-right members of his ruling coalition, faces stiff opposition at home. Tens of thousands of Israelis have marched across the country in protest against the war, which they say is aimless and endangers the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Israeli media has reported internal opposition between the countrys cabinet and the military chief of staff. According to Israeli medias retelling of a security cabinet meeting on Sunday, the Israeli military chief urged the government to take a ceasefire deal instead of pressing on with the Gaza City operation, which he said could harm the lives of hostages in Gaza. Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal two weeks prior that resembled an earlier US draft which Israel had approved in prior rounds of negotiations. Israel has yet to respond to the proposal, baffling mediators. Israels planned military operation in Gaza City as well as its continued systematic starving of the territorys population has prompted a wave of global condemnation. Related: Please dont succumb to hopelessness over Palestine. Your voice can still make a difference | Arwa Mahdawi On Tuesday, Belgium announced it would join a growing list of European countries in recognising Palestine as a state. It also announced it would ban goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and designate Hamas leaders, violent Israeli settlers and two far-right Israeli ministers as persona non grata. This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground, the Belgian foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, said in a post on X. He added that the EU should suspend its trade pact with Israel to further pressure it. The move further increases the growing international isolation of Israel as its war in Gaza and subsequent famine grinds on. At least 63,633 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza over the last 23 months. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages on 7 October 2023. As Congress returns this week, so does the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as well as President Donald Trumps inevitable pushback. For those who might have forgotten, in July, the Department of Justice released a two-page memo stating that the convicted sex offender and disgraced financier had no client list and likely killed himself in prison. That set off a firestorm among both critics of the president and even some of his biggest fans. Democrats sought to make hay of the matter and proceeded to try and include amendments related to the investigation in the House Rules Committee, which forced House Speaker Mike Johnson to send the House of Representatives home early for the August recess. Trump for his part has hoped that the whole thing would just go away. But now that Congress is back, both the House and Senate can take actions on Epstein. Here are four things to watch for as Congress takes up the Epstein investigation: As the House and Senate return, expect new developments in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. (AP) 1. The discharge petition and who joins it Typically, the only way to get a bill to the floor for a vote is to have it go through the House Rules Committee. House leadership and the majority also tightly controls what goes on the floor. But rank-and-file members have one tool to get around leadership: the discharge petition. If a member gets a majority of their colleagues to sign onto a petition, it can have an automatic vote on the matter in the House of Representatives. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced one before Congress left. Now Massie says he will file his discharge petition on Tuesday. Expect every Democrat to sign onto it. But even some arch-conservatives like Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have signed onto it. 2. Chuck Schumers Rule of Five Senate Minority Leader invoked a little-known law known as the Rule of Five to force the Justice Department to turn over information on Epstein. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Democratic voters have not been happy with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ever since he voted for a continuing resolution to keep the government open in May. Some have hoped he will either retire or that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will run in a primary against him in 2028. But Schumer still understands the rules and procedures of the upper chamber and he invoked whats called the Rule of Five. Put simply, if five members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee requests information, an executive agency must comply. In this case, Schumer joined with other members of the Homeland Security Committee to release information related to Epstein from the Justice Department. Its unclear how much information Democrats can get and certainly the White House will try to resist a release. But it tees up a huge fight right ahead of a potential government shutdown and gives Democrats some hint of leverage. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer will lead the investigation in the lower chamber. (AP) 3. The Oversight Committee While the fireworks will happen on the House floor, most of the activities surrounding the Epstein investigation will take place in the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Typically seen as an irascible and highly partisan committee, it will serve as the battleground for the narrative around the Epstein investigation. The committee already subpoenaed information from the Justice Department. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, have said it will receive the leatherbound book Epsteins collaborator and facilitator Ghislaine Maxwell curated for him, which reportedly also included a bawdy letter with a drawing of a naked woman. But James Comer, the committee chairman, also said Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before the committee. Other Democrats like Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have said that not only should Maxwell testify, but Epsteins victims should have an opportunity to do so as well. Oversight has plenty of the most hardcore partisans on both sides such as Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) on the Democratic side and Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Mace and Greene. Expect Democrats to emphasize any ties between Trump and Epstein as well as any coverup by the Department of Justice while Republicans emphasize the disgraced financiers ties to Democrats like Clinton. 4. The GOP response All of this could be rendered moot depending on Trump and Johnsons response to it. A discharge petition is not fool-proof and Johnson could try to jam it the same way he tried to jam a separate discharge petition that Luna tried to force to allow the parents of newborns to take proxy votes. Attorney General Pam Bondi might also resist efforts from Senate Democrats or the House to turn over information. But the more resistance Trump puts up, the more suspicion he might face. And Johnson running interference might lead to the more squirrelly members of his conference revolting against him in the way that they have revolted against previous speakers like Kevin McCarthy, John Boehner and Paul Ryan. French film star Gerard Depardieu will face trial for allegedly raping actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018. It is the latest blow to the 76-year-olds reputation, after he was convicted of sexual assault in May for groping two other women on a film set. Ms Arnould first accused Depardieu of rape in 2018. She said the assaults occurred in his Paris home on two separate occasions when she was in her early 20s. Depardieu has denied the allegations. On Tuesday, the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that an investigating judge had ruled that the case should be sent before a court. Actor Gerard Depardieu arrives with his lawyer Jeremie Assous, right, to face trial for the sexual assaults of two women on a film set in 2021 (AP) That came after Ms Arnould posted about the news on her Instagram account. "I think I'm having trouble realising how huge this is. I'm relieved," she wrote. No court date was given for the trial. Lawyers for Ms Arnould and Depardieu did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Depardieu rose to prominence in 1974 with Going Places and has starred in scores of French-language movies. He has been at the centre of a growing number of sexual assault allegations in recent years. Charlotte Arnould, centre, at Depardieus sexual assault trial (AFP via Getty Images) Ms Arnould, 29, an actor and former ballet dancer known for her work in theatre and voice acting, was present in the courtroom in May when Depardieu was found guilty in the sexual assault case and handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, which his lawyer said at the time he would appeal. During that trial, Depardieu's lawyer called her a liar in the courtroom. In her Instagram post on Tuesday, Ms Arnould referred to those comments, calling Depardieu's defence "outrageous and ... absolutely unnecessary to uncover the truth." Though Ms Arnould's case was initially dropped, it was reopened in 2020 and prosecutors requested a trial for Depardieu in 2022. Ms Arnould has since become a vocal figure in France's #MeToo movement, expressing solidarity with sexual assault victims and demanding accountability in the film industry. A federal judge has ordered a shake-up of Googles search engine in a crackdown aimed at curbing the corrosive power of an illegal monopoly while rebuffing the US governments attempt to break up the company and impose other restraints. The 226-page decision made by US District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, DC, will likely ripple across the technological landscape at a time when the industry is being reshaped by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence including conversational answer engines as companies like ChatGPT and Perplexity try to upend Googles long-held position as the internets main gateway. The innovations and competition being unleashed by generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, have reshaped the judges approach to remedies in the nearly five-year-old antitrust case. Unlike the typical case where the courts job is to resolve a dispute based on historic facts, here the court is asked to gaze into a crystal ball and look to the future. Not exactly a judges forte, Judge Mehta wrote. Investors seemed to interpret the ruling as a relatively light slap on the wrist for Google, as the stock price of its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc, surged nearly 3% in extended trading. The judge is trying to rein in Google by prohibiting some of the tactics the company deployed to drive traffic to its search engine and other services. But Judge Mehta stopped short of banning the multibillion-dollar deals that Google has been making for years to lock in its search engine as the default on smartphones, personal computers and other devices. Those deals, involving payments of more than 26 billion dollars annually, were one of the main issues that prompted the judge to conclude Googles search engine was an illegal monopoly, but he decided banning them in the future would do more harm than good. Partially because he is allowing the default deals to continue, Judge Mehta is ordering Google to give its current and would-be rivals access to some of its search engines secret sauce the data stockpiled from trillions of queries that it used to help improve the quality of its search results. The judge also rejected the US Justice Departments effort to force Google to sell its popular Chrome browser, concluding it was an unwarranted step that would be incredibly messy and highly risky. Allowing the default search deals to continue is more than just a victory for Google. It is also something that Apple, which receives more than 20 billion dollars annually from Google, and the beneficiaries of the payments urged Judge Mehta to maintain. In hearings earlier this year, Apple warned the judge that banning the contracts would deprive the company of money that it funnels into its own innovative research. The Californian company also cautioned that the ban could have the unintended consequence of making Google even more powerful by pocketing the money it had been spending on deals while most consumers will still end up flocking to Googles search engine anyway. Others, such as the owners of the Firefox search engine, asserted that losing the Google contracts would threaten their future survival by depriving them of essential revenue. Neither Google nor the Justice Department immediately responded to requests for comment. Stomach bugs are very common and usually pass quickly. (Getty Images) (Grace Cary via Getty Images) It's the same each September. As soon as the schools return, various nasty illnesses start doing the rounds. Like head lice, ear infections and flu, stomach bugs are incredibly common at this time of the year, thanks to children sharing their germs with their classmates. Diarrhoea and vomiting illnesses spread quickly in schools and nurseries, and while theyre unpleasant, theyre usually short-lived. Most cases clear up on their own in a few days. The key is knowing when to manage it at home and when its time to seek medical advice. Heres what you need to know. What is a stomach bug? When people talk about a "stomach bug," they usually mean an infection that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The NHS says these common bugs are most often viral, though bacterial infections, like food poisoning, can sometimes be the cause. Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of infection and can include sudden, watery diarrhoea, vomiting (sometimes projectile), feeling sick or losing your appetite, a mild fever, tummy cramps, tiredness or headaches. Most people adults and children alike feel better in less than a week. Stomach bugs can usually be treated at home but sometimes you'll need to visit the GP. (Getty Images) (Westend61 via Getty Images) The most common stomach bugs Gastroenteritis Often just called a "stomach bug", gastroenteritis typically affects around one in five people in the UK each year. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and tummy cramps. Thankfully, symptoms usually improve within a few days. Rotavirus Rotavirus used to be the leading cause of severe stomach bugs in under-fives worldwide. Since the vaccine was introduced in 2013, cases have fallen significantly. But outbreaks still happen at this time last year, cases were 58% higher than the five-season average, showing how it can surge in the winter months. Typical symptoms include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and tummy pain. Norovirus Norovirus, known as the 'winter vomiting bug', spreads quickly. Between April and May 2025, UK Health Security Agency data showed norovirus reports were more than "90% above the five-season average." Scientists hope that a new, world-first vaccine will help people avoid norovirus and, as a result, reduce the burden on the NHS. It typically brings sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, often accompanied by stomach cramps. How to care for yourself or your child at home Theres no cure for these stomach bugs; you simply have to let them run their course. But you can ease discomfort and prevent dehydration with simple steps, according to the NHS: Do: Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) in small, regular sips. Children should continue breast or bottle feeds; for formula-fed babies, stick to normal-strength formula but add small sips of water. Rest as much as possible. Eat plain foods if you feel hungry (bread, rice, pasta or soup). Take paracetamol for fever or aches (check the leaflet before giving to children). Dont: Drink fruit juice or fizzy drinks these can make diarrhoea worse, according to the NHS. Water down baby formula. Give diarrhoea-stopping medicines to children under 12. Give aspirin to children under 16. Preventing the spread Back-to-school season makes it easy for stomach bugs to move quickly through classrooms, families and offices. To reduce the risk, you can: Stay home from work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop. Wash hands with soap and water (hand gel isnt as effective). Wash soiled bedding, towels and clothes separately on a hot wash. Clean toilets, taps, door handles and other shared surfaces daily. Avoid preparing food for others until two days after symptoms end. Stay out of swimming pools for 48 hours after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea. Most stomach bug symptoms can be treated at home. (Getty Images) (Maskot via Getty Images) When to call a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 Most bugs can be managed at home. A pharmacist may suggest rehydration sachets or, for adults and older children, medicine to ease diarrhoea. But you should seek medical advice if: A baby under 12 months is unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting. A child under five shows signs of dehydration (fewer wet nappies, dry mouth). You or your child cant keep fluids down. There is blood in diarrhoea, or bleeding from the bottom. Diarrhoea lasts more than seven days, or vomiting more than two days. A baby stops breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Adults remain dehydrated despite regularly drinking water Red flag symptoms call 999 or go to A&E Most stomach bugs clear on their own, but sometimes they can be more serious. Call for urgent help if you or your child: Vomit blood , or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Have green vomit (adults) or yellow-green vomit (children). Develop a stiff neck , dislike of bright lights , or sudden severe headache . Become unusually drowsy, confused , or have severe breathing difficulties . Have sudden, severe tummy pain . Have blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (in darker skin, look at palms or soles). If you're ever unsure, call 111 or your GP for guidance. Read more about back to school: Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan said he was arrested at Heathrow airport over a series of posts about transgender people. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man in his fifties was arrested at Heathrow on Monday at 1pm on suspicion of inciting violence relating to posts on social media platform X (Twitter), as he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. They did not confirm the identity of the figure, but added that after being taken into police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition was neither life-threatening nor life-changing, and he has now been bailed pending further investigation. Linehan, 57, shared further details of the arrest on his blog, which he said occurred as he was returning from Arizona. He claimed to have been flagged and arrested at an airport like a terrorist. The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not two five, he wrote. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets. He reshared the posts, which were originally posted in April, one of which called on people to call the cops on trans-identifying people and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Another post showed a crowd of people at a protest, many holding transgender and LGBT+ Pride flags, which he wrote over the top: A photo you can smell. The third post he claimed had led to his arrest was in response to someone who commented under this photo, where he said: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em. He claimed his belt, bag and devices were confiscated as he was shown to a small green-tiled cell with a bunk and silver toilet, and he was questioned about his posts, which he said was a serious point made with a joke. When a nurse came to check on him, he claimed they found his blood pressure was in stroke territory because the stress of being arrested for jokes was literally threatening my life, which led him to be escorted to A&E. He added that his single bail condition is that he is not to go on X, and he faces a further interview in October. Linehan is already facing trial at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday over two separate charges. One is in relation to harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media, and the other is for damaging Ms Brookss mobile phone in October. He denied the charges at a hearing on 12 May. The Irish Bafta-winning writer has become increasingly known in recent years for sharing anti-trans rhetoric online that has attracted significant criticism from LGBT+ groups. In his 2023 memoir titled Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy, Linehan claimed his unfashionable views on trans rights had led him to being blacklisted in the entertainment industry and cost him his marriage. Last year, he announced he was leaving the UK to move to Arizona and was intending to film three episodes of a new sitcom with actor Rob Schneider. A Met Police spokesperson said: On Monday, September 1, at 1pm, officers arrested a man at Heathrow airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his fifties was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He has now been bailed pending further investigation. In response to Linehans claim that he was arrested by armed officers, the force said: The arrest was made by officers from the MPS aviation unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Zack Polanski has won a ballot of Green Party members A former hypnotherapist who claimed women could increase their breast sizes with their minds has been elected as the new leader of the Green Party. Zack Polanski won the ballot of party members after seeing off a joint leadership bid from Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns. Mr Polanski secured an emphatic victory with 20,411 votes, while Ms Chowns and Mr Ramsay received 3,705. The 42-year-old is a member of the London Assembly but not an MP, meaning his election will trigger another vote to elect a leader of the four-strong Green bloc at Westminster. He once worked as a hypnotherapist in Harley Street, and in 2013 attempted to help a reporter from The Sun newspaper increase the size of her breasts using her mind. The reporter was told to picture herself with bigger breasts while Mr Polanski addressed her unconscious mind. She claimed that the size of her breasts then increased for about 10 days. Zack Polanski is a member of the London Assembly but not an MP, meaning his election will trigger another vote to elect a leader of the four-strong Green bloc at Westminster - James Manning/PA Mr Polanski told The Sun at the time: Essentially, I am looking to utilise the unconscious process to make changes to the body. We dont exactly know what is changing because of the complexities of the unconscious. We do know that whatever is changing is ecological, so if its changing one thing such as the size of a persons breasts its making sure that the whole system is changing in order to support it. He later apologised. In an interview in 2019, he said: I think its important to say that Ive apologised. If it was 2019, I would have not done that article and if I had, I would have been stronger to condemn it. He insisted that it was not a service I charged for, a fact he said was not reflected in the original report. Mr Polanski takes over as Green leader from Mr Ramsay and Carla Denyer, who had served as co-leaders since 2021. Mr Ramsay refused five times to say whether he liked Mr Polanski during a head-to-head debate on LBC Radio. His initial response was that he had enjoyed working with Zack over the last few years. It then took him almost a minute to add: I work with Zack effectively, I like working with Zack, I like Zack, I dont know what the issue is. Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsay had mounted a joint Green Party leadership bid Many in the Green party will now be concerned that by taking it too far to the Left, Mr Polanski will alienate some of their middle-class support in the South. He has received the support of former hardcore Corbynites such as Owen Jones, the Guardian columnist, who wrote earlier this year: Theres an ever-growing constituency of disillusionment to Labours Left: but, right now, it is fragmented and demoralised. Polanski is the Greens best bet to turn that around. His victory could spark similar scenes to the takeover of the Labour Party by the hard-Left almost exactly 10 years ago. Jeremy Corbyn won the partys leadership election in September 2015 with almost 60 per cent of the vote. During the Corbyn years, the party was overshadowed by a rise in anti-Semitism among members, with at least one MP Luciana Berger forced out of the party as a result. There will be a fear among Greens that anti-Semitic activists who were forced out of Labour under Sir Keir Starmer may gravitate towards them. Over the summer, Mr Corbyn appeared to rule out an alliance between his new party and the Greens. However, he had warm words for Mr Polanski on Tuesday afternoon. Congratulations to Zack Polanski on your stunning victory, he said. Your campaign took on the rich and powerful, stood up for the dignity of all marginalised communities, and gave people hope. Real change is coming. I look forward to working with you to create a fairer, kinder world. Zack Polanski once worked as a hypnotherapist in Harley Street - PA/Lucy North Mr Polanski said he was open to working with the new hard-Left party co-founded by Mr Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. But he insisted any final decision on policy collaboration on an electoral pact would be for party members to make, and would depend on the final shape of the new party. The Greens have failed to capitalise on Labours collapse in popularity during Sir Keir Starmers first year in power. The party is currently polling at an average of 9 per cent of the vote, up just over a point from its performance at the general election last year. In an interview with The Telegraph this week, Mr Polanski hinted that he would take a more combative and personality driven approach to the leadership than his predecessors. He said: Far too often we have been on the sidelines and Farage has been in the centre of the conversation. We need to challenge Farage and his charlatan MPs as the climate deniers and the billionaire protectors that they are. I despise Nigel Farages politics, but its undeniable that he has been one of the most effective political operators that weve seen. Mr Polanski went on to say he was really frustrated with the Government over its economic policies and the war in Gaza. He has also vowed to withdraw the UK from Nato. In his acceptance speech, he said migrants were the backbone of the UK and that the country had a problematic history, adding that his party had a moral responsibility to step up with the bold politics that I know we have. He later said in an interview with Sky News that waving the St Georges Cross flag could be experienced as intimidation. Mr Polankski said: During a football game Ill paint my face in a St Georges Cross quite happily... but I think at times of heightened tensions, I would say patriotism is actually about loving your neighbour, whether theyre from this country or not. Asked whether flying the flag outside ones home at a time of heightened tension could be intimidating for some communities, he added: I think people can experience it as intimidation and I think if those communities are intimidated, again the patriotic thing to do would be to have those conversations with your neighbours, have those conversations with the communities. The big problem we have, is we have Nigel Farage whipping up hate and division and then we could have leadership from this Prime Minister... but hes not condemning Farages comments. In fact he is implicitly condoning them. Later in his acceptance speech he promised to nationalise water companies and hold the Government to account, accusing Sir Keir of being complicit in a genocide in Gaza. Mr Polanski said: We listen to the poorest communities, whether theyre migrant communities, disabled communities, the trans community, working-class communities. Whoever needs us to have their back, we will be there And we absolutely recognise that migrants are very much the backbone of this country. Our country has a problematic history that we also need to come to terms with but we also have a beautiful history, a beautiful present, and a beautiful future of what we are when communities come together. So lets have a clear Green Party message our communities will always stand together. In the archaeology galleries of the Yorkshire Museum, an incredible Viking silver neck-ring takes centre stage. The ring is made of four ropes of twisted rods hammer-welded together at each end, its terminals tapering into scrolled S-shaped hooks for fastening behind the neck. Weighing over half a kilo, it makes a less-than-subtle statement about the wealth and status of its Viking owner some 1,100 years ago. The neck-ring was part of a large silver and gold hoard found in 2012 by metal detectorists Stuart Campbell and Steve Caswell near Bedale in North Yorkshire. As the first precious object out of the ground, it was initially mistaken by Campbell for a discarded power cable. Six years later, I got the chance to analyse the Bedale hoard, as it is now known, for its isotopes and trace elements. Alongside the neck-ring and a gold Anglo-Saxon sword pommel (probably acquired in England by these Viking raiders), the hoard contained a spectrum of cast-silver artefacts spanning the Viking age: Irish-Scandinavian artefacts from Dublin, rings from southern Scandinavia, and many cigar-shaped bars or ingots that could have been cast anywhere. As an archaeologist investigating the historical secrets held by jewellery such as this, picking up these heavy objects and turning them over in my hands was a visceral experience. I felt connected with the desires, ambition and sheer force of these invaders from the north who had wreaked havoc on communities in northern England around AD900. Indeed, the entire Viking age (circa 750-1050) is often described as an age of silver. This form of wealth was so desired that its acquisition was a primary driver of the expansion out of Scandinavia that the Vikings are most famed for. To acquire it, they were prepared to risk their own lives and take those of many others. Tens of thousands of silver objects and coins are known from hoards and settlements across the Scandinavian homelands of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, as well as far overseas from England to Russia and beyond. The study of this silvers origins opens a window on the vast web of connections these warrior-traders established a study invigorated in recent years by scientific techniques drawn from geochemistry. Now, our analysis of the Bedale hoard and other Viking valuables promises to change the story of when these ancient Scandinavian people began travelling thousands of miles to the east to secure the silver that so captivated them. The Viking hoard dating 850-950 found near Bedale, North Yorkshire, in October 2012 (York Museums Trust) The origins of these violent chancers The word Viking comes from the Old Norse vikingr, meaning someone who participated in a sea raid or military expedition. The seeds of the outburst of piracy and overseas expansion that characterised the Viking age were sown in the 5th and 6th centuries, following the demise of the Roman empire. While Scandinavia was never actually part of the Roman empire, the empires fall severed important trade links and led to factional fighting. In addition, volcanic eruptions in the mid-6th century induced prolonged climatic cooling, leading to crop failure and famine. Together, these events fractured Scandinavian society: archaeologists can point to abandoned settlements and cultivation fields as evidence for community displacement and decline. There was also a striking absence of silver in the region at this time, despite Scandinavia possessing native silver ores. While Roman silver plate and coin had previously reached Scandinavia and been melted down to make huge, stunning relief broochesworn by women, this flow of silver had declined sharply by the 6th century. In the following century, most jewellery was made of copper alloy silver wasnt being mined, and in this overwhelmingly agrarian society, precious metal was an unnecessary luxury. In Scandinavia, where farming was challenging due to short summers and long harsh winters, wealth and power lay in good farming land and cattle with payments typically made in butter, cloth, horses, sheep, hides and iron. As archaeologist Dagfinn Skre explains: In an economy in which the supply of necessities was threatened, a man who had his moveable wealth in cows would survive, but one who had it invested in metal would die. His metal would be close to worthless for who would exchange their cows, butter or grain for metal in times of famine? Yet out of this period of domestic struggle, a new and ambitious elite emerged in Scandinavia, particularly around the fjords of Norway and in the central Malaren valley in Sweden fertile regions which afforded access to both inland resources and coastal waterways. Dubbed violent chancers by historian Guy Halsall, they seized abandoned land and valuable resources such as tar, furs and iron for weapons. They developed multiple, competing chiefdoms which they defended through a martial culture propped up by lavish consumption, trade and violence. Archaeologists can point to tangible survivals of this culture: luxury imports such as glass claw beakers, elaborately furnished burials under huge mounds, monumental halls and full-on military kits. These warriors had shields decorated with bird-of-prey figures, crested helmets covered with silver foils, and swords with pommels covered in gold and garnets. They were not to be messed with. Their success, coupled with these coastal peoples refined tradition of boat-building, enabled them to build and kit out fleets of ships. Surviving examples indicate these were long and narrow, with hulls made of overlapping (clinker) planking and shallow keels suitable for use in creeks, estuaries and beach landings. At first propelled by oar, the later adoption of sails enabled these ships to undertake long sea crossings. In the late-8th century, Scandinavians began launching violent seaborne attacks on centres of wealth in neighbouring countries first the coastal towns, monasteries and churches of modern-day Britain, Ireland and France, then later expanding their raids into Germany and Spain, and as far south as the north coast of Morocco. These centres of population provided human capital for the Viking slave trade, while enriching the invaders with portable wealth in the form of liturgical plates and reliquaries (from monasteries), silver coin and other high-status artefacts. A large silver neck-ring found in the Bedale hoard (York Museums Trust) A raid on the north-east England island monastery of Lindisfarne in 793 the first documented attack in the west was probably launched from Norway. Its precise targeting suggests the raiders were well-informed about their destination, and no doubt attracted by stories of the riches held there. Writing afterwards, York cleric Alcuin described how the church had been spattered with the blood of the priests of God, stripped of all its furnishing, exposed to the plundering of pagans. Alcuin blamed the attacks on his communitys fornications, adulteries and incest which have poured over the land even against the handmaids dedicated to God that is, nuns. The Vikings had made off not just with church treasure, but had also led away youths into captivity. The capture of slaves was a common tactic. Some, like the boys from Lindisfarne, might have ended their days in Scandinavia or have been sold on at slave markets. But often, they were ransomed back to their communities for cash. After Vikings captured the abbot of St Denis in 858, for example, church treasuries were drained dry in order to meet their ransom demands of nearly 700lb of gold and 3,250lb of silver. But even all this was far from being enough, lamented the periods chronicler Prudentius, bishop of Troyes. The Viking pattern of raiding, looting and slaving is a dominant theme of 9th-century annals from Ireland, England and the Carolingian continent (spanning much of modern-day western Europe). In 842, Vikings made a surprise early-morning attack on the trading port of Quentovic in modern-day France. They plundered it and laid waste, recorded Prudentius, leaving nothing in it except those buildings which they had been paid to spare. Accounts such as these record massive sums of silver extracted by the Vikings or offered as protection money. The extent of Viking accumulation of silver is staggering: the annals suggest that over the 9th century, the total loot in Viking hands amounted to 30,000lb of silver or 7 million Carolingian pennies. This stock is likely to have provided a stimulus to the economic development of nascent towns such as York and Lincoln in Scandinavian-settled areas of England, which are thought to have been more economically buoyant than their counterparts in English England. Why did the Vikings come to value silver so highly? While the ownership of land and livestock was determined by strict laws of inheritance, silver could be obtained independently and with little resource investment, bypassing these normal routes of advancement. In this sense, silver embodied a new kind of dynamism coinciding with a different mode of behaviour. These nouveau rich Vikings could not necessarily buy land with silver, but it gave them status enabling people without inherited assets to acquire, and pass on, wealth. While the division of farmland and cattle upon marriage or death could be tricky, silver was ideally suited to such payments. To these new generations of Scandinavians, silver became a standard of value that could guarantee investments, settle disputes and underwrite inheritance claims. It could be used to cement relationships acting, as archaeologist Soren Sindbaek puts it, as a virtual social glue. Silver analysis leads to a staggering result But as well as value, silver stores information in its chemical composition that can reveal where it came from something I have investigated as head of a research team over the last five years. We have analysed hundreds of silver Viking-age objects including from the Bedale hoard, with its rich mixture of rings and ingots cast by Scandinavians. To make the hoards massive twisted silver neck-ring, for example, Viking metalcasters would have melted down numerous silver coins or small pieces of deliberately cut hacksilver. Once melted, the silver was cast into ingots, then gently hammered into long rods which were heated and twisted together to form the neck-ring. However, this process masked the original sources of that silver. The only way to tell where it came from would require techniques from geochemistry so I took the objects to the British Geological Surveys laboratory in the suburbs of Nottingham, where isotope scientist Jane Evans drilled tiny samples from each silver object to measure them for lead isotopes. Just like the isotopes (of oxygen, strontium and sulphur) that are laid down in bone and teeth from which we can trace peoples childhood origins isotopes of lead can be used to trace silver back to its source. Most silver ores contain trace amounts of lead, the four stable isotopes of which vary according to the ores geological age and composition. These lead isotopes give each ore a fingerprint, which carries over into silver coins and other artefacts made from it. About the author Jane Kershaw is Gad Rausing Associate Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at the University of Oxford. This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. Given the location of the Bedale hoard in North Yorkshire, I was confident that much of the silver would have come from local Anglo-Saxon and also Carolingian sources in mainland western Europe. In England, the Vikings started to settle from around 865. How they did so whether by seizing land, purchasing it, or settling previously uninhabited areas isnt entirely clear, but the loot seized during their raids must have helped the process. Plotting the ratios of the lead isotopes in the Bedale hoard for the first time, many of the results were as expected: several silver objects matched the ratios of Anglo-Saxon and Carolingian coinage, and other objects had been refined to raise their silver content prior to casting, using local lead in the process of cupellation. But while many of the artefacts in the Bedale hoard yielded predictable results, a group of nine ingots stood out. Rather than matching western silver sources or local lead, they had the same isotope ratios as the Islamic currency of dirhams. Dirhams minted between AD750 and 900 by the Umayyads and Abbasids, in what is today Iran and Iraq, were a particularly close match. Two of these ingots were marked with a cross, although whether this carried Christian meaning or was simply a way of marking out ownership is unclear. Either way, these massive ingots must have been cast in Scandinavia from Islamic silver dirhams and brought over to England in Viking hands, before being buried in North Yorkshire. This result is staggering. The names of villages around Bedale like Snape and Newton-le-Willows sound very far from Mesopotamia yet the Bedale hoard contained a substantial component of silver minted in Baghdad, Tehran and Isfahan. These results have made us question the timing of the Viking ages eastern expansion. While Islamic dirhams are plentiful in Scandinavia, they predominantly date to the 10th century. However, our analysis suggests that dirhams were already arriving in Scandinavia in the 9th century in much larger quantities than previously thought with many being melted down as a raw material for casting. To understand how this happened, we need to meet the Scandinavians who looked east rather than west in search of silver and other riches. Who were the Scandinavians who went east? While the Viking raids on western Europe are best-known thanks to the many surviving written accounts, some of their fellow-Scandinavians largely drawn from modern-day Sweden headed east, establishing riverine, trade-based settlements in what is now Russia and Ukraine. The route led across the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland into northern Russia, transporting furs and slaves from northern Europe to the markets of the Islamic Caliphate. Finds of dirhams in Scandinavia represent the profit from this trade and show that it, too, had silver at its heart. Over time, these Scandinavians adapted to life on the eastern waterways, adopting some cultural practices from local people such as the nomadic Khazars. The 10th-century diplomat, Ahmad ibn Fadlan, gave a frank description of this new community of traders known as Rus rather than Vikings who he met on the River Volga in northern Russia: They are the filthiest of Gods creatures. They do not clean themselves after urinating or defecating, nor do they wash themselves after having sex They are like wandering asses. In 921, Ibn Fadlan had been sent by the Abbasid caliph, al-Muqtadir, as part of an embassy to the king of the Volga Bulgars, located near the modern town of Kazan in Tartastan, Russia. His travelogue-style account, or risala, of that journey has become famous for the many eyewitness accounts of people he met along the way including the Rus from northern Europe, whom he met as they traded with merchants from the Islamic empire at the market of Bulgar on the River Volga, roughly midway between Scandinavia and Baghdad. The Rus peoples long and difficult journey from Scandinavia would have taken several months, involving multiple rivers and portages when their boats had to be dragged across land. They traversed boreal forest and the Eurasia steppe, which was populated by various nomadic tribes. In this landscape, the only option was to travel by river or, in winter, to use the river as an ice highway, substituting boats for sledges. But for the Rus, travelling this perilous eastern route, the Austrvegr, was worth the risk. A painting of trade negotiations between Rus traders and Eastern Slav locals in the 10th century, by Russian artist Sergey Ivanov (1909) (Wikimedia Commons) According to Ibn Fadlan, the Rus acted as middlemen, acquiring furs and slaves from hunter societies in forested areas and organising their shipment down river via trading posts that later developed into permanent settlements. The goods were sent to major markets such as Itil (on the Caspian Sea) and Bulgar, where they would be purchased by merchants from the caliphate. What the Rus wanted in return for slaves and furs was dirhams: the fine silver coins, weighing roughly 3g each, which made up the currency of the Islamic Caliphate. The early 10th-century writer, Ahmad ibn Rustah, explained how the Rus earn their living by trading in sable, grey squirrel and other furs. They sell them for silver coins which they set in belts and wear around their waist. Ibn Fadlans highly detailed travelogue explains that once a trader amassed 10,000 dirhams, he melted them down to create a neck-ring for his wife. After 20,000 dirhams, he made two. This was no doubt an exaggeration such a neck-ring would weigh 65lb of silver but the notion that a smallish group of traders acquired tens of thousands of silver dirhams is supported by archaeology. For these Rus traders, just as important as the fur trade was the trade in enslaved people, who seem mainly to have been captured from the Slavic lands and what is now northern Russia, rather than western Europe. Scholars sometimes describe the Austrvegr as a trading route, but human trafficking can hardly be described as trade in the mercantile way that we understand it today. It was based on coercion and violence the terrorising nature of Viking activity in the west was replicated in the east. The Rus treat their slaves well and dress them suitably, Ibn Rusta wrote, because for them they are an article of trade. Yet its also clear that female slaves were exploited for sex. These reports underscore the grim reality of the Rus trade that their insatiable quest for silver entailed human suffering. Astonishingly, some 400,000 dirhams survive in Scandinavia and the Baltic, making the dirham the most common archaeological find type for the Viking age. However, most of these coins date to the first half of the 10th century. Yet according to our analysis of the Bedale hoard, rather than the Viking age starting in the west, the eastern and western expansions may have happened in parallel from the end of the 8th century with the wealth of the east a prime motivator of the Viking movement out of Scandinavia. Today, in some of the place-names near Bedale in North Yorkshire, we see evidence of Scandinavian settlement: Aiskew is Old Norse for Oak Wood, and Firby means Friths village. But now we also have evidence of a connection between the Bedale hoard and Rus traders bringing silver back to Scandinavia from their exploits in the east up to a century earlier than had been thought. Laser analysis brings new discoveries In our analysis of the Bedale hoard, lead isotopes alone werent enough to draw definitive conclusions. We needed additional data to confirm the Islamic origin of the nine ingots. Not only do lead isotopes differ between source ores so do trace elements. Gold and bismuth levels are especially helpful in evaluating the origin of silver, because, unlike other elements, they do not change when silver is melted down. After digesting the results of the lead isotopes, I returned to the suburbs of Nottingham. With Simon Chenery, we put the Bedale hoard objects under an excimer laser (a type of ultraviolet laser), ablating tiny amounts of silver in order to record the levels of trace elements. This time, thrillingly, the results came through in real time. They showed, for the Islamic-looking ingots, the telltale pattern of low gold that is characteristic of Abbasid silver. Abbasid dirhams of this date typically have gold levels below 0.4%, reflecting the low-gold character of nearby silver mines in the Taurus mountains, whereas gold levels in coins from western Europe are higher around 1 per cent in the late 9th century. We discovered, too, that other artefacts were probably made from a mix of both western and eastern silver sources. This was true of the massive silver neck-ring as well as a smaller neck-ring from the hoard. Indeed, these two items appear to have been made from the same silver stock, suggesting that they travelled from their source to Bedale together. Ingots in the tray ready for laser ablation (Jane Kershaw) While both could have been made in Scandinavia, the contribution of western silver raises the possibility that they were produced locally in Yorkshire, by metal casters with access to both distant, Islamic dirhams and local, Anglo-Saxon silver. Our analysis shows the Islamic contribution to the Bedale hoard is more significant than we would have expected for a Viking hoard from England. In all, the nine ingots weigh 715g, equivalent to around 240 dirhams. And taking into account the Islamic contribution to the mixed silver artefacts, Islamic silver comprises around a third of the total weight of silver from the hoard (weighing around 3,700g). Clearly, the Vikings were not only extracting silver from areas they raided and conquered, they were also bringing it in via their long-distance trade networks in the east. This result reveals the unexpected connectedness of the Vikings eastern and western expansions. Far from being separate phenomena, the profits of one directly fed into the activities of the other. Gains made from the Austrvegr may have enabled a group of Scandinavians to launch raids to the west and acquire further wealth and land. In the west, these raids lasted for around 70 years from the late 8th century, spanning two or three generations. But eventually, the Vikings decided to settle. In northern England, where Bedale is located, they proceeded to plough and to support themselves, according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle entry for 876 AD. Findsof female Scandinavian dress items from England suggest that whole families, not just retired warriors, settled there. Many questions remain about the nature of this settlement including whether the raiders-turned-settlers lived separately from or with the native Anglo-Saxon population, and how the settlement process was brokered. But the former Vikings and their families appear to have integrated relatively quickly, adopting Christian forms of burial, developing craft industries in towns, and embracing coinage as a means of exchange. Among the settled Scandinavian population, the violence ceased. Silver remained an important medium for displaying values and even identities. From around 900, new Anglo-Scandinavian rulers minted their own coinage sometimes preserving traditional features familiar to Anglo-Saxons, but also adding new aspects that proclaimed a Scandinavian background. Coins minted by the new rulers of York, a focus of Scandinavian settlement in northern England, could have a Christian cross on one side and a Thors hammer an overt pagan symbol on the other. These Anglo-Scandinavian coins were in use across Scandinavian-settled regions of England and are testimony to the continued importance of silver to the Viking economy now channelled into a form that was more regulated and acceptable to the local Anglo-Saxon community. Geochemical analysis of the silver in these coins also reveals glimpses of this process of assimilation. Our investigation of a handful of examples, using the same techniques of lead isotope and trace element analysis, suggests they were made mainly with Anglo-Saxon silver but again with a modest contribution from Islamic dirhams. The end of the eastern adventure The geochemical analysis of silver helps reveal the reasons for the extraordinary expansion of the Vikings and their fellow Scandinavians including pointing to the wealth gained in eastern markets as a major (and hitherto neglected) pull factor. To a greater degree than has traditionally been acknowledged, eastern silver travelled across the Scandinavian world of the Viking age. The huge number of Samanid dirhams found in Scandinavia point to the 930s-940s as the most fruitful decades for the Scandinavian travellers trade with the east. The Russ slave and fur trade continued until around 950 and silver analysis again helps to explain why it came to a fairly sudden end. Analysis of the silver content of dirhams shows their fineness declined sharply from the 940s and 950s a reflection, no doubt, of the drying up of silver mines in Central Asia. It did not take long for Vikings to seek out silver sources closer to home. They turned to coins from the area of modern-day Germany, struck with silver from the newly-exploited Harz mountains, which they obtained mainly through trade. The decline in the silver content of dirhams thus led to a major reconfiguration of Scandinavian trade routes. From this point on, long-distance trade with the east declined significantly. The Vikings instead turned again to the west, establishing trade links with England and Germany. In the late 10th century, increasingly powerful Scandinavian kings also launched new seaborne raids, exploiting the weakness of English kings such as thelred II the Unready (9781016) and initiating what has become known as the second Viking age in England. These raids, launched from around 980, were bigger, more centrally organised, and successful. The Vikings obtained significant quantities of Danegeld: protection payments made in coin. Ultimately, in 1016, the Danish king Cnut established himself on the English throne. The nature of the relationship between England and Scandinavia during this period is also being explored through silver, in a project on coinage from the recently-discovered Lenborough hoard. If the pattern identified for the Bedale hoard plays out across other Viking hoards, it will prompt a major re-evaluation of the movements of the earliest Scandinavian warrior-traders. As part of the same project, we have been analysing Viking silver hoards of a similar 9th-century date from Sweden and Denmark, the Carolingian continent, southern Scotland and the west coast of England. Preliminary results suggest a regional pattern, but with Islamic silver appearing to be dominant in many cases. Whats clear is that in the 9th century, the Vikings were already awash in Islamic silver. Meanwhile, more undiscovered treasures like that found in Bedale lie quietly underground, waiting to reveal their secrets. HANOVER, Md., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegis Global Solutions, the leading provider of global workforce solutions, will host a panel, "Navigating What's Next: From Static Models to Agile, Integrated Ecosystems," at Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) CWS Summit North America, on September 8, 2025, at the Omni in Dallas, Texas. Allegis Global Solutions to host speaker panel at CWS Summit North America The panel, moderated by Allegis Global Solutions Vice President of Client Delivery Jessi Guenther, will explore how leading organizations are moving from static vendor models to agile, integrated workforce strategies. Guenther will be joined by industry thought leaders and HR and talent acquisition practitioners, including: Dennis Voegele , Head of Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Solutions at Centene , Head of Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Solutions at Centene David Mann , Director of Talent Acquisition at MDA Space , Director of Talent Acquisition at MDA Space Stacy McCarthy , Director of Contingent Workforce Services at PayPal , Director of Contingent Workforce Services at PayPal David Francis , Research Practice Leader at Talent Tech Labs Together, the panel will share first-hand perspectives, lessons learned and best practices on how to unlock value, drive agility and build a strategy for what's next. "This year, we celebrate 20 years of partnership between SIA and Allegis Global Solutions, and we're proud to continue that legacy as a sponsor of CWS Summit North America," said Cory Hansen, vice president for Allegis Global Solutions North America. "This flagship event is a powerful platform for industry-wide collaboration, and I'm looking forward to our panel event, which will explore how our clients and peers are navigating the ever-evolving workforce ecosystem, leveraging emerging technologies and forging transformative partnerships to drive meaningful outcomes." As a gold sponsor of 2025 CWS Summit North America, Allegis Global Solutions will also host a roundtable discussion "Gen 1 MSP: Where Do You Start?" on Monday, September 8. Event attendees can also visit Allegis Global Solutions in booth No. 403 on September 8 and 9 for a demonstration of our Acumen Intelligent Workforce Platform a technology ecosystem that delivers an AI-enabled, integrated user experience that elevates workforce planning and insights. For more information about Allegis Global Solutions' industry-leading products and services, visit www.allegisglobalsolutions.com or subscribe to the blog at https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/. SOURCE Allegis Group, Inc. Josh Jones joins Yahoo UK's Queer Voices to discuss his experience in the industry. (Yahoo) Josh Jones is a stand-up comedian who was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer. The comedian joins Yahoo UK's Queer Voices to share insight into his experience in the comedy industry and his brand new tour. Josh Jones kicks off his UK tour I Havent Won The Lottery So Heres Another Tour Show! on 4 September. Tickets available on his website now. I'm not doing comedy to try and change the world. I'm literally just trying to make sure everyone has a good night out. That's my main thing, just give people a good night out. But it's mad how many people have messaged me like 'oh I was at a comedy club with my dad and my dad said that guy is really funny and then the week later I came out', and I think it was because he could see that their dad was alright with me that he'll be alright with them. I've had multiple people message me that, which is really lovely, but I don't do it for that; I do it for attention and money. I think being gay in stand-up is alright. When I first started 10 years ago, I was a bit nervous. I was like, 'Oh, will I get called whatever?' But I'm not that scared of getting heckled now, so I'm not bothered. I find it alright. The industry has been really lovely. Lots of comedians are so different, loads of comics are straight blokes, loads of my mates are straight blokes who are like my dad's age. You hang out with loads of different types of people, and everyone kind of just gets on. Josh Jones spoke of how having 10 years in the industry has made him realise the audience won't turn on him for being queer. (Yahoo) I've spoken about sex quite a bit in my last live shows. I'm trying not to do it as much because it's just a bit repetitive. My new show, it's good. I'm writing it at the moment and it's my best jokes, I think. I speak about queerness a bit in it, but not so much. It's just me talking about life, and obviously, I'm queer and talk about my boyfriend and that. It's good and it's a lot less dirty than the other shows, cause I'm 32, so I'm not really doing sex as much as when I was 22, because I'm already in the house, I don't have to try and get myself in there, he's let me in. So my life is a bit more chill, I just talk about me, the cats, but it's very funny. You should come, and there is the odd sex joke, but it's the cleanest show of mine. Queer favourites Abbott Elementary was one of the shows that Josh Jones celebrated for having great queer representation without making it the central theme. (ABC) (ABC) The first time I knew about gay people was in Bad Girls, which is a story about people who were lesbians in prison, and I was like, 'Oh my God. Girls are kissing girls, that's crazy.' There was also Todd in Coronation Street. I don't watch Corrie anymore, so I don't know if he's still in it, but when I was a kid, that was a big moment. And I remember it being in the news, which is mad. In terms of shows I enjoy now, there's an American series called Abbott Elementary, and it's set in this school, and there's a gay guy in it. You can tell he's probably queer, like he's not hiding his sexuality in it, but he's just living life, and it's not the big storyline. The big storyline isn't that he's queer; his boyfriend comes into it, but it's not referenced, it's not like a big deal. It's just normal, and I like that 'cause it's just normal. Josh Jones named Ian McKellen as a role model, particularly during his time as Magneto in the X-Men movies. (Fox) (ZUMA Press, ZUMA Press, Inc.) My favourite role model or ally was Joan Rivers. I think as a comedian, she was amazing, and she was so lovely to the queer community, and she's great. But my favourite queer person is Ian McKellen. I love Lord of the Rings and X-Men, and actually, the X-Men in general were very influential. The cartoon as a kid was a big thing for me, and that was all about being different, and I didn't really realise that till this moment. Queer representation in comedy Josh Jones is set to embark on a new UK tour titled I Havent Won The Lottery So Heres Another Tour Show! (Yahoo) Because I've been doing stand-up for 10 years, I do think that people who go and watch comedy are normally quite chill anyway, because, let's be honest, all the idiots aren't really up for a laugh. So all the people with mean thoughts are just at home being mean, so when you go out, most audiences are really nice. Obviously, you get the odd person who's drank a bit too much and they're making a fool of themselves, but you get over it and go on stage. Being queer used to be really scary when I was younger, but that was just because I was 22 and I was like, 'Oh my God, what if they call me gay?' Now it doesn't cross my mind. I've done 10 years of stand-up, gigging five or six nights a week, and I've had one experience that I'd say was bad because they were hating me because I was queer. But they got kicked out of the building, and the venue actually gave me a bit more money. Queer stories are important, but I just like to hear stories from queer people where the queerness isn't the centre of the story. They're just living their normal life. That's more important to me, I think, because it normalises everything. When it comes to homophobia online, because it's more online, you have to just remember that online isn't real. You don't know what situation the person who sent the hate is in; you don't know because in your head, you just imagine this person who's just a normal person, but they could be sitting in a room on their own, depressed, cut off from the world. They don't know anyone, and they're just taking it out on you. So just try and just brush it off when it's online. It's not real. My advice for young queer people? Oh my God, I feel like Oprah. I don't know anything, but also just have a nice time. And if you're queer, just come out, get it out, it's easier. Live your normal life. I'm not used to trying to answer real questions, but have a good time. That's my advice for queer people. Classic film Jaws is credited with the invention of the modern blockbuster as we know it, launching Steven Spielberg as a major Hollywood player and making Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfus two of the most sought-after stars of the decade. But it wasnt just the main cast members that reaped the rewards, with five days of shooting and one minute of screen time amounting to a lot more for child actor Jeffrey Voorhees. Vorhees might have had a tiny role in the film, playing the doomed Amity local Alex Kintner (aka Second Child Killed by Shark), but his brief, tragic appearance has proved unexpectedly lucrative five decades on. Thanks to his involvement with the movie, Voorhees, now 62, is regularly flown around the world to appear at fan conventions, for which he is paid $10,000 a pop. The love for Jaws has also seen obsessives chomping at the chance to acquire personal clips from him on celebrity video-sharing website Cameo. Voorhees charges 26 ($35) for messages and can receive up to 25 requests a day on occasions such as Mothers Day. It took Voorhees some convincing to jump on the nostalgia train, but he decided to give the Jaws fan circuit a go in 2017 after years of being persuaded and offered flights, hotels and money to attend conventions. Former child star makes regular appearances at signings and conventions (Jeffrey Voorhees) I used to say, I dont have time for this, and then I said: OK, Ill try it once, he told The Independent. The first one I ever did was in New York, and someones at the airport holding your name up and the photos. You make good money at those things and you go all over the world and meet up with real actors. The enduring legacy of his character inspired him to launch his own website, where he sells inflatable life rafts with a huge shark bite mark in them (retailing for $289), mugs ($30-$60), posters ($35), and T-shirts (up to $70). Jeffrey Voorhees with signed editions of his fleeting part in the film (Jeffrey Voorhees) I kind of retired because it's like I make more money off of Jaws stuff now, Voorhees, who ran his own restaurant business, aded. Voorhees home is covered with Jaws merchandise and he is still sent gifts from fans. Ill be walking down the street sometimes and I can hear people saying, Thats the dead Alex Kintner over there! Its surreal, he said. Former child star is still inundated with gifts and merchandise linked to the movies (Jeffrey Voorhees) There was a 14-year-old girl crying because her parents drove her five hours down from Chicago and she was so moved to see me. Im in the movie for one minute! The 62-year-old said the enduring love has given him a sense of purpose, and a documentary about his story is currently in the works. You get a little high off of that, he said. You make some good money, and you make some people really happy, so why not? Voorhees was 12 when he starred in the movie (Universal Pictures) Jaws is currently in cinemas again for a 50th-anniversary re-release. Joni Ernsts rumored decision not to run upends the 2026 midterms and may create a whole new Senate map for Democrats 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. 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. 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. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has crossed the border into China on his special train to attend China's celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, according to state media. Kim left Pyongyang for China on Monday and crossed into China early on Tuesday morning, North Korea's state newspaper Rodong Sinmun said, on his way to the largest multilateral diplomatic event he has ever been to. Kim is expected to attend the military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, joining Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Rodong Sinmun published photographs of Kim and his entourage, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who has been involved in Pyongyang's diplomacy on weapons developments for more than two decades. Kim Jong-un pictured next to the green train reportedly taking him to a major summit in China (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image) In one photograph, Kim can be seen standing next to the dark green train with a cigarette in his hand. In another, he is seated at a desk inside the train with a North Korean flag behind him and with a closed laptop computer in a carriage ornately furnished with wood paneling. The train appeared to be similar to the bulletproof train he has used before to travel to other countries. Before crossing into China, Kim on Monday visited a missile laboratory that is researching carbon fibre composite materials to be used in engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media KCNA said. Kim's visit to a missile laboratory just ahead of the multilateral summit appeared highly symbolic, experts said. Kim Jong-un seated inside the train with a North Korean flag behind him (KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Image) The visit is geared toward showing off (North Korea's) status as a nuclear power just before standing alongside Xi and Putin, which is intended to suggest support for North Korea as a nuclear state, said Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. Mr Hong said it also sent a message to the US about North Koreas will to advance nuclear weapons and the status of a nuclear power that is difficult to reverse. North Korea on Monday expressed support for remarks made by President Xi at a summit calling for fairer global governance, adding that cooperation between North Korea and China will grow to pursue such a value, according to a vice foreign minister in comments posted on the North Korean foreign ministry's website. Xi on Monday pressed his vision for a new global security and economic order that prioritises the Global South, in a direct challenge to the United States, during a summit that included the leaders of Russia and India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 (Getty Images) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has been seeking to improve ties with Pyongyang, was receiving real-time reports about Kim's trip to China, the presidential office said. Seoul is sending National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik to Beijing, but the country's Unification Ministry said it was unsure whether he would be able to hold bilateral talks with the North Korean leader on the sidelines of the event A farmer and landlord in Ballymena has said there has been a campaign of hate against him and his Filipino tenants. Sam Carson spoke out after a number of cars were set on fire in the Co Antrim town on Sunday and destroyed, in a racist attack. Police have appealed for information. Ballymena suffered several nights of racist violence earlier in the summer. The weekend incident happened in the Lisnevenagh Road area and was the latest in a series of racist crimes across Northern Ireland. A police spokesperson said: We received a report at about 10.10pm that six vehicles had been set alight and were destroyed. Our inquiries are ongoing and, at this time, we are treating this as arson with a racially-motivated hate element. We are appealing to anyone who might have any information which may assist us, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1473 31/08/25. Mr Carson told the PA news agency: On Sunday evening I was alerted by a tenant who came running in a panicked situation that we were under attack. I wasnt sure what he meant but when I came out I found the vehicles burning, six vehicles were burning. There was great pandemonium and panic because we didnt know if the house was burning, we didnt know what was happening. It was just chaos. We were pretty sure that we were attacked because of the tenants living on the property, they are foreign national tenants from the Philippines. They have been here for two and a half years with their visas. They are paying tax and living here. We are in a peaceful surrounding and never expected anything at all. Mr Carson said an online campaign targeting him and his tenants began after the riots in June. He said: Since that happened there has been a campaign of hate against me and my tenants. The first post was in June. It said there is a man who brings in illegal immigrants, a totally wrong fictitious allegation. Those posts continued and then we had a post naming me. Then we had a post saying where I and my tenants live. He added: We are peaceful here, we have never had any trouble until Sunday night. It came as a great shock. We consider it a threat to our lives. One of the tenants, who did not wish to be named, told PA they had been sleeping on Sunday night when their roommate knocked on their door and told them about the fire. I thought the house is burning, that there was a fire inside the house, but I went outside and saw the cars burning, from the house the fire looked higher than the car, they said. We panicked, we saw the fire extinguisher in our house, our roommate got it to put the fire out. We were scared in case the car exploded. They went on: We live here peacefully. We dont know why they have attacked us. I like living here, people here are very kind people. I came here to work. We pay taxes, our purpose here is to go to work to get a better future for our family. Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan described the incident as absolutely outrageous. He said: This is a continuation of the disgraceful, evil and reprehensible racist attacks that fly in the face of the vast majority of the people and communities who are welcoming and embrace diversity. This racist attack is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all, we need to all stand together, and show strong leadership. Racism has no place in this community and I would appeal to anyone with information about this attack to bring it to the police. UUP MLA Jon Burrows said: This was a disgraceful attack on law abiding and hard-working people who make a significant contribution to the local economy. He said he had requested additional police patrols in the area to reassure the local community and to deter further attacks. North Antrim MP Jim Allister said it was a highly dangerous and distressing incident. He added: Six cars were deliberately set alight while the tenants were inside, a situation that could have tragically resulted in serious injuries or worse. Once a car is set on fire you have no telling what could happen. Quite apart from the destruction of the vehicle, the fire could easily have spread. It is also important to stress that this is not a case of illegal immigration. These individuals have come to Northern Ireland to work and to take up employment. They are here legally and are contributing to the local economy. The Venerable Bede - The Art Archive/British Library Forgetting birthdays is a terrible habit, but we are all prone to it. Indeed, there is one significant anniversary coming up which seems to have slipped our collective memory: the 1100th birthday of England itself. It was in AD 927 that England emerged as a unified kingdom under King Aethelstan. However, both this date and Aethelstan himself are little remembered. The Cambridge historian Professor David Woodman, who has just released a biography of Aethelstan, laments that nothing is taught about him in the UKs school curriculum. There has been so much focus on 1066, the moment when England was conquered. Its about time we thought about its formation, and the person who brought it together in the first place, he said to the Telegraph on the release of his book. Woodman, together with other historians, are now working with the MP Alex Burghart for a proper memorial to Aethelstan. Woodman and his colleagues are doing a valuable service to make sure Aethelstans achievement is properly covered by the school syllabus. However, there are many more pioneering heroes from even before Aethelstan who made fundamental contributions to the emergence of England as a nation. We benefit from their legacy every day but we barely celebrate them, nor are they properly taught in schools. One such is the Venerable Bede. Bede (673-735) was a monk and scholar who lived on the banks of the Tyne. Although he barely ever left his monastery (which admittedly had one of the largest libraries in Europe at the time) he was a great practical thinker who has left a profound mark on the country. Indeed, the very idea of having a unified country was, for the most part, his. In Bedes time, the land of England was divided between warring Anglo-Saxon fiefdoms of varying ethnic mixtures. However, Bede looked beyond this instability to envisage them being a Gens Anglorum: a single English people. Bede drew these ideas from the Bible. The concept of nationhood came from scripture. He thought that the Old Testament nation of Israel could be the model for a unified English nation, governed by one king answerable to God for the conduct and welfare of its people. Our countrys name is even partly down to Bedes influence. He set great store by a joke meant to have been told by Pope Gregory the Great, who sent missionaries to convert England to Christianity in AD 597. When Pope Gregory saw blonde-haired blue-eyed slave boys who had been captured here and put up for sale in a Roman slave market, he said they were non Angli sed angeli: Not Angles but angels. For Bede, the joke had a religious significance, and it made him prefer the name England (from Angli) to anything like Saxonia or Juteland. Others followed suit. Bede also drew ideas from the Bible about how kings should govern. He praised kings like Oswald of Northumbria, who gave his silver to beggars, and Edwin, also of Northumbria, who provided drinking water and copper vessels for travellers on the main roads in his kingdom. Kings had to be charitable, and also law-abiding. Bede wrote that every king who sees himself as exalted to rule over the people must remember that he himself is to be ruled and subject to divine laws. Bedes vision was that power had to be tempered by duty, service, and the rule of law. These ideas were fundamental for the character of the later English state. His impact is even visible at the top of every print and online page of this newspaper. Bede believed that the coming of Christ into the world was the most important moment in history. Therefore, when he wrote his Ecclesiastical History of the English Church and People, he dated the events using the recently invented and then obscure AD system. From there, it took off around Europe. The fact that 2025 heads this page is down to Bede. Bedes work was used by later kings, including Alfred and Aethelstan, as the ideological basis for a unified nation. When we are striving to better understand our national identity, it is vital that we remember Bede and others like him who laid the foundations for our modern state. Bijan Omranis new book is God is an Englishman: Christianity and the Creation of England An aerial view of the Marshall Islands Nitijela parliament building in Majuro showing extensive fire damage. Photograph: Chewy C Lin In Majuro, a day after fire ravaged the national parliament, the full devastation became clear. The building known as Nitijela had been reduced to a blackened shell, littered with debris. Among the objects lost to the fire were archive documents, original journal transcripts of daily sessions going back decades, and artworks that once adorned the walls. Flames had engulfed the building by the time the only functioning fire engine in the Marshall Islands arrived to fight the blaze on 26 August. Firefighters were joined by residents and government officials, furiously trying to extinguish the flames and salvage any hard drives storing digital documents, including a copy of the countrys constitution. Yet despite their efforts, the building could not be saved. Now the people of the Marshall Islands are confronting a loss of a landmark that holds deep cultural significance. It was the heart of our democracy a place where the Marshallese voice was heard, our sovereignty upheld, our future shaped, says the minister of foreign affairs and trade, Kalani Kaneko. The Marshall Islands has overcome many trials. This tragedy will not define us. Our collective response and resilience in the face of it will demonstrate our strength. Clearing the parliaments ruins is expected to begin almost immediately, according to local media, and the rebuild could take up to a year. President Hilda Heine said the foundation of our democratic spirit and cultural strength remains firm and unshaken. Related: How hidden WW2 bombs across the Pacific are found and destroyed, 80 years after war Located in central Majuro, the parliament was connected by a corridor to the former capitol complex, which had been slated for rebuilding. The complex had been unoccupied for more than 10 years until its demolition last spring. Both buildings were 32 years old. Reconstruction of a new capitol complex will be delayed as the government works to first rebuild the parliament. Less than a week after the fire, a local construction firm brought heavy equipment for demolition to the site. Construction is expected to begin soon after clearing the ruins, and is aimed to be completed by August 2026. In the meantime, parliament will convene next door at the International Conference Centre. Kaneko says the cost of reconstruction is expected to reach millions of dollars but that what was lost cannot be measured in money. He calls the Nitijela the symbol of Marshallese democracy and the space where the voice of our people shaped our nations journey. The Pacific archipelago lies between Hawaii and Australia and has a population of 42,000, with about half in Majuro. It had previously been colonised by Spain, Germany, Japan and the US. The name Nitijela means the coming together of those who know and is based on a proverb once used to describe forums held by irooj (chiefs). The building gave a platform for the people of the Marshall Islands to story their own issues and chart their own course as Marshallese without filter by colonial powers, says Desmond Doulatram, a social science instructor at the College of the Marshall Islands. When the Nitijela is in session, key votes, debates and public hearings are broadcast on national radio and livestreamed, connecting Marshallese communities around the world. Doulatram describes the Nitijela as a symbol of a reciprocal relation between leaders and the people where plans are developed and debated, and cultural memory and oral traditions preserved. What the Marshall Islands needs most now, Kaneko says, is solidarity and support from our friends and partners, including technical expertise, financial assistance, and guidance in design and preservation. Under a recently renegotiated compact of free association with the United States, the Marshall Islands may be eligible to receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fema, which the Trump administration has threatened with drastic cuts, did not respond to requests for comment. Kitlang Kabua, a senator representing Kwajalein Atoll, tells the Guardian: Although our hearts are heavy I believe that Nitijela is still alive and strong through the survival of our people. So long as we remain and exist, we will always have Nitijela. We will build another Nitijela chamber that honours the legacy of our forefathers, our culture and the Marshallese of today and tomorrow. Minivan plows into festival crowd leaving boy fighting for life and injuring two more A woman has been taken into custody after a minivan plowed into a crowd of festivalgoers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, leaving a 6-year-old boy fighting for his life. The Kipona Festival was winding down when a the vehicle crashed through barricades and into parked cars at about 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Police said the driver was in a red Honda Odyssey, with the bumper sticker hella kids up in her, when it went into a crowd on South Front Street near the childrens activities, striking three individuals. Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said the boy was in critical condition, while a woman using a wheelchair and a man working for the citys traffic engineering department were in stable condition. A red minivan was driven into a crowd of Harrisburg Kipona Festival-goers (AP) Police chased the van on bicycles for six blocks before it crashed into another barricade and came to a stop near North Front Street and Cranberry Street. The suspect was wearing a shirt that said Mom and had two childrens car seats in the vehicle, according to PennLive. Several witnesses told CBS 21 News that the woman was honking her horn and crashing into anything in her way as she barreled down Front Street. This car came flying down through here fast, Lottie Beauvard, a vendor at the annual Labor Day festival, told ABC 27. Not yelling or anything, but just flying down through this. In the aftermath of the incident, pictures show the vehicle with a crumpled front end on the drivers side, surrounded by debris, before police put up yellow crime tape. It is not clear whether the woman was driving alone (AP) The 37 year-old suspect, who had not been named nor formally charged by Monday, was taken into custody, according to the Dauphin County District Attorney. It was not immediately clear whether anyone else was in the vehicle or whether the suspect was driving under the influence. The city is safe. These are random acts that sometimes are controllable and sometimes are not controllable, Harrisburg Police Captain Akakpo-Martin told reporters. Stores have closed their doors as police continue their investigation. In a Facebook update, the Anna Rose Bakery and Coffee Shop on North 2nd Street said: We will be closed tomorrow on Tuesday, September 2nd. Members of our staff directly witnessed the tragic accident that happened today at Kipona and need time to process everything. A spokesman for Defend Our Juries called the arrests scandalous. They took place hours before a Lift the Ban press conference - Jonathan Brady/PA Police have made arrests ahead of a mass protest against the ban on Palestine Action. The campaign group Defend Our Juries said more than 1,000 people were set to descend on Parliament Square on Sept 6, holding signs saying I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. It follows demonstrations over the summer that have seen more than 700 people arrested and 114 charged. On Tuesday, Defend Our Juries said several of its supporters had been arrested by counter-terrorism police. A spokesman said: This is scandalous. Locking up our key spokespeople just hours before they were due to hold a press conference announcing more peaceful Lift the Ban protests constitutes an unprecedented assault on free speech in our country. This level of political repression is not what we expect in a democracy its the kind of tactic typically associated with authoritarian regimes around the world. Five people were arrested under section 12 of the Terrorism Act, which covers support for banned groups. Kerry Moscogiuri, the director of campaigns and communications at Amnesty International UK, called the arrests incredibly concerning and said those held should be immediately released. The mass peaceful demonstrations they have organised over recent weeks are protected by international human rights law and to think they run the risk of being imprisoned for up to 14 years is a terrifying example of the UK authorities willingness to use authoritarian practices to silence dissent, she said. The Metropolitan Police said that two men aged 26 and 55, and a 61-year-old woman, were arrested in London, while a 48-year-old woman was held in Kendal, Cumbria, and a 39-year-old man in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. They were all arrested on suspicion of encouraging support for a proscribed organisation. Palestine Action was proscribed after the group claimed responsibility for damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton. Since then, hundreds of people have been arrested for showing support for the group. Huda Ammori, Palestine Actions co-founder, is taking legal action against the Home Office over the decision to ban the group, with a full legal challenge due to be heard in November. Chief Supt Helen Flanagan, the head of operations for Counter-Terrorism Command, said: These arrests have been made as part of an ongoing investigation into people we suspect have been involved in encouraging support for the proscribed group Palestine Action. We know there is a great strength of feeling towards the situation in Palestine and thousands have been able and continue to be able to express their views through protest and demonstrations, without breaking counter terrorism laws. But Palestine Action is clearly proscribed as a terrorist group, and those showing support for this particular group, or encouraging others to do so, can expect to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted. There are serious consequences for those who are found guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act, so I would urge anyone considering showing public support towards to this proscribed group to reconsider. Graham Linehan was taken to A&E suffering from stress after his arrest for online posts about transgender people Free speech laws need to be reviewed after Graham Linehans arrest, Wes Streeting has said. Mr Streeting, the Health Secretary, suggested that existing legislation was not fit for purpose after the Father Ted creator was arrested by five armed officers at Heathrow airport as he got off a flight from the US. Linehan, who has become a vocal critic of transgender ideology, said he was detained like a terrorist and locked in a cell for making jokes about trans people online. The case marks the latest instance of police investigating online comments while crimes including shoplifting soar, despite Labour pledges to tackle such offences. On Wednesday, Mr Streeting opened the door to changing the law in response to the row surrounding Linehans arrest. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: If Parliament has layered more and more expectations on the police, diluted the focus and priorities of the public, that is something that we need to look at. It is hard for the police sometimes, because they have to apply the law as it is written, not the law as sometimes it was intended. When it comes to criticising the police, the police are there to enforce the laws that Parliament makes. And if were not getting the law right, we cant have a go at the police for enforcing the laws that we havent got right as legislators. In an earlier interview, Mr Streeting told Sky News: We would rather see our police on the streets rather than policing tweets. Credit: Sky News Meanwhile, Sir James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, said on Wednesday the arrest looks like a real over-reaction and an over-reach. He told Times Radio: From what I have seen and I dont have all the details this does look like a real over-reaction to what was self-evidently a joke, and people can decide whether it was a funny joke or not a funny joke. I think he has himself said that it wasnt a great joke, but to be arrested over something like that I think is an over-reach, and weve got to stop policing people because some people have taken offence. It was clearly, clearly not a serious incitement, and I think there is an atmosphere that could just do with calming down a bit. Lord Blunkett, a former home secretary, said police had behaved in a totally inept way over Linehans arrest. Speaking at a meeting of the Counter Extremism Group, he said: When police and the security services get it badly wrong, they play into the hands of enemies, the people who undermine our freedom of democracy and our freedom of speech. So they play into a narrative, which the Americans have come out with, which is that we no longer believe in free speech and, of course, we are [in favour of free speech]. Graham Linehan said he was arrested because I made jokes that upset some psychotic cross-dressers - Jamie Lorriman On Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Ministers spokesman suggested police should be concentrating on issues that matter most to their communities. He said: This is an operational matter for the police, but the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been clear about what their priorities on crime and policing are thats tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and street crime, as well as reducing serious violent crime such as knife crime and violence against women. The Met Police Commissioner himself has talked previously about recruits joining the police to protect the public, and that he wants the police to exist to protect the public, spending their time dealing with the issues that matter most to their communities. He added Sir Keir did not agree with a comment by Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and X owner, that the arrest showed Britain was now a police state. Mr Musk said: Instead of arresting the violent criminals, the police in Britain are told to arrest people who tell the truth on social media. But Sir Keirs spokesman said: The Prime Minister has spoken previously about how he is strongly in favour of free speech and the long, proud history of free speech in this country, and he will continue to do so. Linehan, 57, wrote that he was arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal, adding: [I was] banned from speaking online all because I made jokes that upset some psychotic cross-dressers. To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men who have turned the police into their personal goon squad. Linehan was arrested over three posts on X. In one post in April, he wrote: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 20, 2025 In another, he posted a picture of what appears to be a trans rights demonstration with the caption: A photo you can smell. A photo you can smell pic.twitter.com/uWB2fCqQ6i Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 19, 2025 He followed up that post with the comment: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F--- em. Without naming Linehan, a Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed that a 57-year-old man had been arrested at Heathrow airport on suspicion of a breach of Part 3A of the Public Order Act 1986. The offence covers the use of words, behaviour or display of written material that is intended to stir up religious or sexual hatred. In 2010, Part 3A of the Act was amended to create offences of intentionally stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation. However, there is no specific mention in it of trans identities being covered. Recounting his arrest in a lengthy post on his Substack blog, Linehan wrote: The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not two five. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets. In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer for this tweet. I promise you, I am not making this up. Activist language Linehan claimed he was taken off the plane, put in a van and taken to a police station at Heathrow. He said he had his belongings taken from him and was put in a cell before being led into an interview room. He wrote: The officer conducting [the interview] asked about each of the terrible tweets in turn, with the sort of earnest intensity usually reserved for discussing something serious like oh, I dunno crime? He mentioned trans people. I asked him what he meant by the phrase. People who feel their gender is different than what was assigned at birth. I said: Assigned at birth? Our sex isnt assigned. He called it semantics, I told him he was using activist language. Linehan claimed he became so stressed that he needed hospital treatment, writing: The stress of being arrested for jokes was literally threatening my life! After being released, Linehan said, he was given a single bail condition namely that he was not allowed to use X. He added: Thats it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimes just a legal gag order designed to shut me up while Im in the UK, and a demand I face a further interview in October. Nigel Farage will raise Linehans case with allies of Donald Trump during a visit to the US Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, plans to raise the issue in the US, where he is set to meet Donald Trumps allies this week and give evidence before the judiciary committee of the House of Representatives, which is looking at the effect that British and European online safety laws are having on tech giants. Mr Farage is also expected to mention the case of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed over a social media post in the wake of the Southport attacks and subsequently accused Sir Keir of holding her as a political prisoner. He will say that Britain has become an illiberal and authoritarian censorship regime, according to written evidence to Congress seen by The Sun. Mr Farage said on Tuesday night: The Graham Linehan case is yet another example of the war on freedom in the UK. I will discuss this, the Lucy Connolly case and the increasing role of our police in non-crime hate incidents on Capitol Hill tomorrow. Free speech is under assault, and I am urging the USA to be vigilant. Mr Trumps administration has repeatedly raised the issue of free speech, which it says has been eroded in Europe, particularly in the UK. Last month, JD Vance, the vice-president, warned Britain not to go down the very dark path of censorship and told David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, the West had become too comfortable with censoring rather than engaging with other opinions. Credit: Reuters Sir Keirs official spokesman refused to be drawn on Linehans arrest on Tuesday afternoon, saying: You have got the previous words that the Prime Ministers used in relation to free speech. Its up to police to make operational decisions. But Labour MPs said that Linehans arrest was a failure of policing. Jonathan Hinder, the MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, who is a former police inspector, said: I love British policing and the people brave enough to do it. But cases like Graham Linehans airport arrest show that we need a serious reset to get the priorities right. Graham Stringer said: Its a shocking abuse of police powers and resources and is a real threat to freedom of speech. Its extraordinary. Complete waste of police time Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said: Sending five officers to arrest a man for a tweet isnt policing, its politics. Under Labour, we routinely see burglary, knife crime and assaults go unsolved, while resources are wasted on thought-policing. Its time this Government told the police their job is to protect the public, not monitor social media for hurty words. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: The police only send an officer to one in five reported shoplifting offences, but somehow think its appropriate to deploy five armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets. Its ridiculous and a complete waste of police time. We desperately need a return to common-sense policing, where officers go after actual criminals. Following Linehans arrest, other gender-critical voices leapt to his defence. JK Rowling denounced the arrest despite Linehan having previously criticised her for failing to defend him when he was cancelled for his views writing on X: What the f--- has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable. Martina Navratilova, the nine-times Wimbledon singles tennis champion who campaigns for biological womens sporting rights, said: This is pure insanity. What the hell? Linehan was returning to London ahead of his trial this week for two separate charges concerning the alleged harassment of a transgender activist. If he is charged with inciting violence under the Public Order Act, it is understood that Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, will have to provide his consent to prosecute. Linehan was bailed pending further investigation. The Free Speech Union said it would pay for his legal defence. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: On Monday, Sept 1 at 13.00hrs, officers arrested a man at Heathrow airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man, in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X. After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. The force added: The arrest was made by officers from the MPS Aviation Unit. It is routine for officers policing airports to carry firearms. These were not drawn or used at any point during the arrest. Following key partnerships with multiple credit unions aimed at exploring advanced technology to address unique industry challenges, Black Dragon Capital continues its support for the credit union movement through hosting a private reception for industry leaders to discuss collaboration and partnership opportunities. BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Dragon Capital ("Black Dragon") a global multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments has announced its attendance at this year's ElevateCredit Union Leadership Summit, where it will co-host two events. Black Dragon Capital ("Black Dragon"), founded over a decade ago by recognized technology leaders, is a unique multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm has recently launched the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board, an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. With renowned industry figures like Chuck Fagan, President & CEO of Velera and Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union taking the leadership role as Co-Chairs, the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board focuses on collaboration, innovation and community engagement between the most advanced credit unions and CUSOs in the industry and the intense operating focus and domain expertise of Black Dragon Capital. The collaboration will seek to build the most important and successful FinTech organizations that solve the most significant issues in the industry, creating sustainable long-term businesses, and drive strong returns to members and investors in the credit union industry. Elevate Credit Union Leadership Summit is a training and networking event designed to empower attendees with fresh perspectives that can help them evolve their credit union and their leadership skills in new and ever more helpful ways. This event welcomes leaders of all kinds including employees, volunteers, C-Suite, and Frontline Leaders. Elevate Credit Union Leadership Summit is an excellent opportunity for the Black Dragon Capital team to expand its network and connect with more members of the credit union industry who share their collaborative and sustainable approach towards building companies that can benefit the credit union movement "Our commitment to the credit union movement is our main motivation for seeking out partnerships that can drive innovation, collaboration, and efficiency. By joining forces with technology partners who have proven success, credit unions can become more competitive and optimize their services to meet the rapidly changing needs of their members," said Benson Porter, FinTech CUSO Chair at Black Dragon Capital. "Elevate: Credit Union Leadership Summit is an excellent opportunity for collaboration between innovative organizations with future-forward mindsets. We are excited to co-host events during this summit, and we look forward to connecting with even more credit unions who can collaborate with us in the creation of sustainable companies that can usher in new era for the credit union movement." Black Dragon Capital has also partnered with For A Bright Future Foundation, For A Bright Future Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development. For A Bright Future Foundation's existing efforts have a focus on education, healthcare, leadership, and the arts from awarding over 20 college scholarships annually, to creating media and fintech labs for career development opportunities, to partnering with numerous hospitals including Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, West Palm Children's Hospital, and the Children's Miracle Network. These activities are highly aligned with the mission and purpose of the credit union movement. "We take great pride in the efforts and alignment our foundation has to the credit union movement. We believe strongly in not only solving critical issues, creating sustainable technology businesses to support our call, but also providing returns to our community and giving back to the communities that support us in critical areas," said Gina Rogoto, Executive at For A Bright Future Foundation. "It has been very rewarding partnering with our like-minded credit union friends," she continued. About Black Dragon Capital Black Dragon Capital, founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology leaders, is a multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm is led by a collaborative team with a combination of intense operating experience, community impact focus, and a proven track record of successfully transforming companies. About the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board The FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board (LPAB) is an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. The Advisory Board provides input on industry issues, feedback on operational and technical areas with potential and current investments, and provides strategic advice and direction on all Black Dragon Capital's investments for Fintech strategies. The Advisory Board's feedback incorporates insight from Black Dragon's Global Advisory Group, thought leadership and guidance on key events. About Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development. Our initiatives provide equal opportunity for all children to have the tools and opportunities to fulfill their life goals and become constructive members of our global community. Learn more at forabrightfuturefoundation.org. Media Contact or Inquiries: Viviana Lauschus Marketing Manager, Black Dragon Capital [email protected] Aren Wong Social Media Manager, Black Dragon Capital [email protected] SOURCE Black Dragon Capital Graham Linehan says his campaign against trans ideology lost him work, made him financially destitute and ended his marriage - Andrew Crowley Walking off an American Airlines plane at Heathrow airport after a 10-hour flight from his home in Arizona, comedy writer Graham Linehan burst out laughing. Standing ready to greet him were five armed Metropolitan Police officers, staring at him in silence. Dont tell me! Youve been sent by trans activists, Linehan, a vocal critic of transgender ideology, laughed. The stony-faced officers did not respond. Escorting him off the plane, they took the 57-year-old creator of Father Ted and the IT Crowd aside and told him he was being arrested over three posts on X, formerly Twitter, four months earlier. In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer for this tweet, Linehan later wrote on his Substack, after being released from custody almost 12 hours later. And no, I promise you, I am not making this up. The story of Linehans arrest, which the Bafta-winning writer recounted in detail on his blog, immediately caused outrage across the political spectrum. But it was not the first time that Linehan found himself at the centre of a trans controversy. Before Mondays arrest, he had become something of a pariah even within the gender-critical movement for his increasingly provocative views, and actions. Linehan first began making public comments in 2008 after an episode of The IT Crowd was widely criticised as transphobic and sexist. The episode features a man who discovers that his girlfriend is transgender, this revelation then causes a fight between them. Campaign consumed his life In 2018, Linehan praised anti-transgender protesters at London Pride who had carried banners and flyers saying that trans activism erases lesbians, calling them heroes. Two years later, he was banned from Twitter after posting messages about trans people and by 2023, he said that speaking out against transgender rights had consumed his life. He said it had lost him work, made him financially destitute, and ended his marriage. That summer, for example, a comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe was cancelled following complaints about his views. Linehan told the 2023 Conservative Party conference he was the most cancelled person in this room. Regardless, he persevered in his campaign, insisting that using trans peoples preferred pronouns was immoral. His Twitter account was reinstated after Elon Musks takeover of the platform. However, he subsequently found himself facing criminal charges over his online abuse of a trans activist in 2024. The latest row, which led to his arrest, also began on Twitter, now X. Anger and bewilderment The Metropolitan Police initially said Linehan had been arrested on suspicion of inciting violence, fuelling a backlash across the political spectrum and into the US. But as more details began to emerge throughout Tuesday, anger became infused with a sense of bewilderment as to what crime he was supposed to have committed. The force later clarified that he had, in fact, been arrested for the offence of intentionally stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation under Part 3A of the Public Order Act 1986. The only problem was that Linehan did not appear to have made any comments about anyones sexual orientation and Law Commission guidance states that being transgender is not covered under so-called stirring up offences. In one post, Linehan had said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls. Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 20, 2025 In another, he posted a picture of what appears to be a transgender rights demonstration accompanied by the comment: A photo you can smell. He followed that post up with the comment: I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F--- em. A photo you can smell pic.twitter.com/uWB2fCqQ6i Graham Linehan (@Glinner) April 19, 2025 Linehan was returning to London before his trial this week for two separate charges concerning the alleged harassment of a transgender activist. His court case at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday relates to the harassment of Sophia Brooks, 18. He is also accused of damaging her phone during the Battle of Ideas conference in London in the same month, at which he was a speaker. Did they need five armed officers? As one supporter of Linehan said: He had travelled back to the UK from America to face trial. Did the police really need to send in five armed officers to detain him as soon as he landed and treat him like a terrorist? After being arrested, the Irish writer was taken to a police station at the airport and placed in a cell. During that time, he managed to doze off but kept waking up intermittently in a state of confusion, wondering if it was all actually happening. Eventually, he was interviewed by officers about each of the terrible tweets in turn. After explaining why he had written what he had, Linehan was taken back to his cell. A nurse came to check on him and found his blood pressure had skyrocketed and he was immediately taken to hospital. Linehan claimed the doctors said the high blood pressure was stress-related. I feel it may also have been a contributing factor that I have now spent eight years being targeted by trans activists, Linehan later reflected. Graham Linehan was taken to hospital with stress after his arrest at Heathrow After being released, Linehan breathed a sigh of relief before noticing he had been let go with a single bail condition he was not to use X. Thats it. No threats, no speeches about the seriousness of my crimes just a legal gag order designed to shut me up while Im in the UK, he said. Totalitarianism Allies and critics alike joined forces to defend Linehans right to free speech, including JK Rowling. Last month, he criticised Rowling, the Harry Potter author, for failing to defend him after he said he was cancelled for his comments on trans rights. On Tuesday, however, Rowling put aside her previous reservations to lead the chorus of full-throated support for Linehan. What the f--- has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable, she wrote on X. JK Rowling put aside her previous reservations to condemn the utterly deplorable treatment of Graham Linehan Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, was left stunned. The police only send an officer to one in five reported shoplifting offences, but somehow think its appropriate to deploy five armed officers to arrest a comedian over three tweets, he said. Graham Stringer, a veteran Labour MP, said it was a shocking abuse of police powers and resources and a real threat to freedom of speech. Its extraordinary, he added. His colleague, Jonathan Hinder, a former police officer, said the case showed policing needs a serious reset to get the priorities right. By mid afternoon, Linehans arrest had piqued the interest of powerful figures on the other side of the Atlantic. Mr Musk, the US tech billionaire, said Linehans arrest showed that Britain was a police state. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, said he would raise the case as part of free speech discussions with allies of Donald Trump in Washington this week. Linehan himself did not criticise the individual officers, some of whom he claimed were Father Ted fans, but he said his arrest would have a chilling effect on free speech. He said: The civility of individual officers doesnt alter the fundamental reality of what happened. I was arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal, taken to hospital because the stress nearly killed me, and banned from speaking online. He added: To me, this proves one thing beyond doubt: the UK has become a country that is hostile to freedom of speech, hostile to women, and far too accommodating to the demands of violent, entitled, abusive men. Vladimir Putin claimed on Monday that the "understandings" he reached with Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska have opened a way to peace in Ukraine. The Russian leader, who is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum in China's Tianjin City, said he would discuss the Alaska meeting with leaders attending the summit. Mr Putin was seen chatting and laughing with host Xi Jinping and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the summit. Mr Modi held the Russian leaders hand as they walked towards Chinese president Xi, before sharing a car ride with Mr Modi to their venue for bilateral talks. Presidents Xi and Putin took turns to take a swipe at the West during the summit that aimed at putting Beijing front and centre of regional relations. Chinese officials have touted the SCO summit as the largest in the blocs history, with around 20 leaders attending from countries across Asia and the Middle East. The candid footage of the three leaders at the summit captured a powerful narrative of deepening alliances between India, China, and Russia the key members of the Brics bloc. Their growing camaraderie seems poised to challenge the Western grip on global trade in a pushback against the American presidents punitive tariffs. President Xi slammed "bullying behaviour" from certain countries, in a veiled reference to the US. The security and development tasks facing member states have become even more challenging," he added in his address. "Looking to the future, with the world undergoing turbulence and transformation, we must continue to follow the Shanghai spirit... and better perform the functions of the organisation," Mr Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak during a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China# (Sputnik) The Russian leader used his speech to defend Moscows offensive in Ukraine, placing the blame squarely on the Nato security alliance. Mr Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has made clear his intention not to stop fighting until he has annexed large swathes of the country, including the eastern Donbas. He euphemistically referred to the war as a crisis in his speech at the SCO. "We highly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China and India aimed at facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis," Mr Putin told the forum. "The understandings reached at the recent Russia-US meeting in Alaska, I hope, also contribute toward this goal," he added. In order for a Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, the root causes of the crisis, which I have just mentioned and which I have repeatedly mentioned before, must be eliminated," Mr Putin said. Part of the source of the conflict "lies in the ongoing attempts by the West to bring Ukraine into Nato," Mr Putin reiterated. He said the Wests attempts to draw Ukraine into Nato pose a direct threat to Russias security. "A fair balance in the security sphere" must be also restored, he said, shorthand for a series of Russian demands about Nato and European security. He said he had already detailed to Mr Xi on Sunday the outcomes of his talks with the US president Trump, and the work "already underway" to resolve the conflict. Despite his ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Mr Putin later in his speech said his support of UN principles, including respect for the independence of states, was true and unshakable. China SCO (AP) "Its charter includes the key principles of the supremacy of international law, the right of nations to self-determination, sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the independence and national interests of each state," he said. "These principles are true and unshakable to this day. The SCO's activities are built on them." Mr Trump last week claimed that him and Mr Putin got along during the August summit and suggested the war may continue a little longer. I dont know. We got along, he told The Daily Caller. You saw it, weve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually. Thats why I really thought we would have this done. 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. Indias Modi met Mr Putin on the sidelines of the summit on Monday and hailed bilateral ties between the two countries. Washington slapped New Delhi with 50 per cent tariffs last week as a punitive measure for purchasing Russian oil, which the Trump administration says helps finance Russias war in Ukraine. Mr Modi was often seen warmly embracing and holding hands with the Russian president, a clear display of solidarity in the face of Trumps tariffs. "Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder," Mr Modi said. "Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity." China and India are by far the biggest purchasers of crude from Russia, the world's second-largest exporter. The SCO summit, which includes 16 additional countries as observers or "dialogue partners," began on Sunday, just days before a grand military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of Second World War. AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah have been called up to the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Loftus-Cheek and Quansah will join Thomas Tuchels group for the double-header after Adam Wharton withdrew due to a groin injury suffered in Crystal Palaces 3-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday. Loftus-Cheek returns to the England fold for the first time in six years, with his last call-up coming in March 2019. A squad update from St. George's Park, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah are added to our #ThreeLions squad, with Adam Wharton not reporting through injury. England (@England) September 2, 2025 He has won 10 caps, the last of which was against the United States in November 2018, but is known to Tuchel having played under him at Chelsea. Quansah, who swapped Liverpool for Leverkusen in the summer, is uncapped but has been in several squads before. Wharton limped off during the second half of Palaces excellent win at Villa Park and boss Oliver Glasner ruled him out of the international camp during his post-match press conference. Marc Guehi saw his move to Liverpool fall through (David Davies/PA) Loftus-Cheek and Quansah joined 23 other players in reporting for duty at St Georges Park on Tuesday ahead of Saturdays Group K match against Andorra at Villa Park and next weeks crunch clash in Belgrade against Serbia. Tuchel pushed back the meet-up by 24 hours for any players involved in transfer deadline day experiencing mixed emotions. Defender Marc Guehi was the only player affected as his protracted move to Liverpool fell through after his club Crystal Palace could not secure a replacement. A suspect has been charged in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy who was playing ding dong ditch in Harris County, Texas. Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was arrested and charged with murder Tuesday in connection with the shooting, the Houston Police Department said. He is now in custody at the Harris County jail. Police also identified the victim as Julian Guzman, who witnesses said was running away from the house when he was shot. Officers were told that Guzman was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away, the police department said. A witness stated Guzman was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound. Guzman was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds. The 11-year-old died on Sunday. Police initially detained someone at the scene for questioning, who was later released. Investigators also said they seized several rifles and handguns as evidence from the home while executing a search warrant. Gonzalo Leon Jr. was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Julian Guzman (Houston Police Department) Homicide Detective Sgt. Michael Cass told KHOU 11 earlier this week that investigators didnt think Guzman was shot in self-defense. In my opinion, it does not look like any type of self-defense, Cass said. It wasnt close to the house, so itll more than likely be a murder charge. Ding dong ditch is an age-old prank that involves ringing someones doorbell or knocking on their door and running away before they answer. The prank has become more popular through social media, including on TikTok. The 11-year-old died on Sunday after he was transported to the hospital on Saturday night with multiple gunshot wounds (KHOU 11) In May, an 18-year-old in Virginia was also shot and killed while filming a ding dong ditch prank for TikTok. Tyler Chase Butler, 27, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Butler says he was acting out of a genuine fear for his safety and the safety of his mother, according to a statement from his attorneys. Another Texas man was arrested last month after firing his gun at a group of teenagers attempting the prank, the Frisco Police Department said. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson warned that parents should talk to their children about the dangers of ding dong ditching. The teens involved in this case are very fortunate they were not shot and killed or seriously injured, he said in a statement. For homeowners, it is important to understand that there are legal and criminal consequences for running outside and shooting at a vehicle fleeing the scene. Marcus Ragland, 34, and Ashley Hawkins, 31, died in an off-road vehicle accident in Alabama Thirteen children lost their parents when they were killed in an accident in an off-road vehicle. Marcus Ragland, a father-of-10, and Ashley Hawkins, a mother-of-three, were driving in an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) when it hit another vehicle in rural Alabama before rolling over and striking a tree. The couple were from Rome, Georgia, and travelled to the Indian Mountain ATV Park, about 30 miles from their home, over the Labor Day weekend. Reports said the incident happened at about 4pm on Saturday. Mr Ragland, 34, who was driving, was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Ms Hawkins, 31, was taken to hospital by helicopter but later died. Seven children who were travelling in the ATV were injured. Nobody in the second vehicle was hurt, according to a report issued by Paul McDonald. the Cherokee County coroner. This is just so hard to deal with. Its just so hard, Felecia Towers, Mr Raglands mother, told WANF TV. Maya Boyett, a long-term friend of the couple said: Its tragic both of them are gone. They are both two good people, good to their kids, and I really hate that theyre gone now. Relatives of the couple, who had two children together, said Mr Ragland had a sense of adventure. He lived his life to the fullest, said his oldest sister, Lakeisha Floyd. Whatever he wanted to do, thats what he did. He said life is for living and thats what he did. She said Ms Hawkins was a very sweet soul, always was really, really sweet. Ive never seen her in a bad mood, always smiling. Local media said the seven children have been left with a variety of injuries. Mr Raglands 13-year-old son was the most severely injured, being left with a fractured skull. A girl, aged ten, broke a collarbone, and a two-year-old suffered injuries to her spleen. Andrew Jones, an Alabama legislator, said there were no regulations at the ATV park. Theres nothing that says that everybody that gets in a side-by-side has to be restrained, he said. Thats one of those things that personal responsibility has to be taken to ensure your own safety and the safety of those thats in your care. The final frontier may be 62 miles above Earth's surface, but after years of political bickering, the U.S. Space Command headquarters will be firmly grounded in the Deep South. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is authorizing the Space Force HQ to move from Colorado to Alabama, ending years of partisan fighting over the fate of the hub for the militarys space-related operations and effectively punishing the Centennial State for electing Democrats while rewarding deep-red Alabama for supporting him and his party. Speaking in the Oval Office flanked by Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and members of the Yellowhammer States congressional delegation, Trump noted that he was surrounded by great Republicans and boasted of having won Alabamas electoral votes by about 47 percent in last years election. Trump also admitted he was punishing Colorado for the states political decisions by openly declaring that its use of postal balloting weighed heavily into his decision. The problem I have with Colorado, one of the big problems, they do mail-in voting. They went to all mail-in voting, so they have automatically crooked elections. And we can't have that when a state is for mail-in voting. That means they want dishonest elections, because that's what that means. So that played a big factor, he baselessly claimed. Hegseth, the former Fox News personality turned defense boss, contradicted Trumps claim of political motivations just moments later when he said the decision was informed by a Pentagon inspector general report that assessed the proper location for Space Command as Huntsville, Alabama, at the historic Redstone Arsenal facility. Donald Trump, next to Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, attends an event to announce that the Space Force Command will move from Colorado to Alabama (REUTERS) What you're doing today, Mr. President, is restoring it to precisely where it should be based on what the Space Force, the Air Force, your leadership believes, will give us strategic advantage in the future, he said. Communities surrounding both potential locations for Space Command view hosting the base as both a mark of prestige and a boon to their local economies, which would benefit from increased defense funding related to space issues, such as satellite defense, missile tracking, and worldwide communications. In a statement, the entirety of the Colorado congressional delegation including both Republican and Democratic members vowed to challenge the move, which they said would directly harm our state and the nation. We are united in fighting to reverse this decision. Bottom line moving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time, they said. The Trump administration is expected on Tuesday to return to a first-term plan to move the headquarters of U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, from its provisional home in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Getty Images) The Trump administration should not play political games with our nations military readiness and military families, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told KKTV. The announcement marks a return to public appearances for Trump, after multiple days outside the spotlight prompted speculation about the presidents health. Tuesdays plan is also a return to a first-term priority. In January 2021, as Trump was preparing to leave the White House, the Air Force announced its preferred location for Space Command headquarters would be Huntsville, nicknamed Rocket City for its history of building rockets for NASA and housing the Armys Space and Missile Defense Command. The decision, however, was not a final one. In 2023, when it came time for a permanent decision, the Biden administration reversed course, electing to keep the command at its temporary headquarters in Colorado Springs, arguing that moving across the country would disrupt readiness. Colorado is another major military aerospace hub, home to the Air Force Academy as well as the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The Biden administration opted to keep Space Command in Colorado, angering Republicans who accused the president of political favoritism (AFP via Getty Images) The 2023 decision, announced as Alabamas Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville was blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest over abortion-related policies at the Department of Defense, prompted allegations from Republicans that the Biden administration was showing political favoritism and opting for a more politically friendly state than deep-red Alabama. An April 2025 review by the Defense Department inspector general could not determine why the Biden administration chose Colorado over Alabama, adding that it lacked access to senior defense officials during the Democrats tenure. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, the Republican ordered the creation of what became the United States Space Force, a sixth branch of the U.S. military. Donald Trump and administration officials violated the law by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to protests against his anti-immigration agenda, a federal judge in California ruled. The presidents troop deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the use of the U.S. military to execute domestic law, according to Tuesdays decision from District Judge Charles Breyer. Nearly 140 years later, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deployed the National Guard and a cadre of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell a rebellion and ensure that federal immigration law was enforced, Breyer wrote. There were indeed protests in Los Angeles, and some individuals engaged in violence. Yet there was no rebellion, nor was civilian law enforcement unable to respond to the protests and enforce the law, he added. Following a brief bench trial last month, the judge determined that the administration illegally and systematically used armed soldiers (whose identity was often obscured by protective armor) and military vehicles to set up protective perimeters and traffic blockades, engage in crowd control, and otherwise demonstrate a military presence in and around Los Angeles. A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard and any other troops in California after finding that the president illegally send US military into the state in response to protests against ICE raids (REUTERS) In short, Defendants violated the Posse Comitatus Act, Breyer wrote. The judges order in the face of Trumps plans for what Breyer called a national police force with the president as its chief further blocks the administration from sending troops into the state. The Trump administration is blocked from deploying, ordering, instructing, training, or using the National Guard currently deployed in California, and any military troops heretofore deployed in California, to execute the laws, including but not limited to engaging in arrests, apprehensions, searches, seizures, security patrols, traffic control, crowd control, riot control, evidence collection, interrogation or acting as informants, according to the ruling. Breyers order is paused until September 12, giving the Trump administration time to appeal. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly blasted far-left courts and called Breyer a rogue judge who is trying to usurp Trumps authority to protect American cities from violence and destruction. This will not be the final say on the issue, she added. The military will remain in Los Angeles, said California U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who called the judges ruling a false narrative and a misleading injunction. The military has never engaged in direct law enforcement operations here in LA, he said. They protect our federal employees our properties so our federal agents can safely enforce federal laws in the face of the thugs being unleashed and encouraged by state and local politicians. District Judge Charles Breyer warned against Trump creating a national police force with the president as its chief (Getty) A series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in the Los Angeles area in June sparked a wave of demonstrations, prompting Trump to deploy the National Guard and hundreds of Marines. The administration sent in roughly 5,000 National Guard soldiers and Marines to the Los Angeles area, assisting with more than 170 law enforcement operations carried out by federal agencies, according to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon has ended most of those operations, but hundreds of National Guard members remain active in southern California. Despite that relatively smaller footprint, they have already been improperly trained as to what activities they can and cannot engage in, and Trumps recent executive orders and public statements regarding the National Guard raise serious concerns as to whether he intends to continue violating the law, Breyer wrote. Trump had federalized the normally state-authorized National Guard, going above the command and objections of Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials. Those troops still have only a limited mission in supporting federal law enforcement agents and protecting federal buildings at the center of protests against the administrations mass deportation agenda. Democratic officials and civil rights groups fear the president is testing the limits of his authority to send active-duty military into American streets and violating service members commitments to stay out of domestic politics. Newsom then sued the administration, teeing up a legal battle between the Democratic governor and an administration that has since deployed the National Guard into the streets of Washington, D.C., and is imminently prepared to enter other Democratic cities with large minority populations. A federal appeals court had temporarily blocked an earlier ruling from Breyer, paving the way for a non-jury trial to investigate the basis and legal authority behind Trump sending in the troops. DONALD TRUMP LOSES AGAIN, Newsom wrote on X after Tuesdays ruling. The courts agree his militarization of our streets and use of the military against US citizens is ILLEGAL, he added. More than 10,000 cases were confirmed in the first six months of 2024 in the UK - Getty The name whooping cough might conjure up images of disease spreading in Victorian England but the illness can strike thousands of people during outbreaks, which occur every three to five years. Surges in cases have occurred in 2012, 2016 and, most recently in 2024 and 2025. Of the cases confirmed between January and March 2025, over 80 per cent were in those aged 15 years or older. While Britons are used to battling a week or so of sniffles and sore throats as a result of the common cold, flu or Covid, whooping cough can leave sufferers with a cough that persists for months on end. The disease spreads quickly. It is more infectious than Covid and around as infectious as measles. It poses a particular worry for the elderly, people with a compromised immune system and babies. In short, staying at home in the early stages of symptoms to avoid passing it on, and checking your vaccines are up-to-date to avert serious illness, is key. Read on to find out how to spot it, treat it and reduce your risk. What is whooping cough? Whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis after the bacteria that causes it (Bordetella pertussis bacterium), is a disease of the lungs and breathing tubes. It is also referred to as the 100-day cough because of how long it can take to recover. More than 10,000 cases were confirmed in the first six months of 2024 in the UK. For comparison, around 9,000 were detected in a 2012 outbreak and 6,000 in a 2016 surge. Outside of these years, cases can range from around 50 to 3,500. What are the symptoms of whooping cough? The most common symptoms of whooping cough are: Runny nose Sore eyes Sneezing Severe coughing, especially at night Audible whoops or gasps for breath between coughs Children may turn blue or grey due to difficulty breathing Adults may go become red in the face Lethargy What are the three stages of whooping cough? The symptoms progress through three stages. These include: The catarrhal stage The first stage is largely similar to a common cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore eyes and sneezing. The paroxysmal stage After around a week or two, those who are infected begin to develop bouts of intense coughing which can last for several minutes and are typically worse at night. There may be an audible whoop or gasp for breath between coughs, though this is not always present, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Young children may turn blue or grey due to difficulty breathing while adults might become red in the face. The covalescent stage Sufferers can then be left with a chronic cough which remains for several weeks. Dr Safia Debar, the executive health GP at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, recommends that anyone with a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks should see a doctor. Particularly if you also have symptoms like lethargy and fever, or youve been in contact with somebody with whooping cough, then definitely seek medical attention, she says. How is it diagnosed and treated? Treatment for whooping cough depends on how long a person has been infected and their age. Usually, the first step is a throat swab to check whether someone is infected with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, and if so, prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are given on a case by case basis, Dr Debar says. After the first three weeks, the infection tends to wane and sometimes if youre just left with the chronic cough, it could be that you do not need antibiotics. Babies under six months and severe cases usually require hospitalisation. For patients managing their symptoms at home, cough remedies arent usually effective but saline sprays can provide some relief, according to Dr Debar. I love natural remedies, so ginger, turmeric, all things to strengthen immunity. Stop a whooping cough at night The coughing can be worse at night so you want the environment around you to be as moist as possible. says Dr Debar. To help, she recommends the following: Use a humidifier Check the temperature in the room is appropriate Stay well hydrated Try an extra pillow How does it spread? Its highly contagious and its spread via respiratory droplets, says Dr Debar. Without treatment, people are infectious from around six days after cold-like symptoms begin up to three weeks after their cough starts. However, taking antibiotics within two or three weeks of starting to cough will reduce this infectious period. Without treatment, people are infectious for three weeks, but with antibiotics, youre not infectious after five days, she says. To prevent the spread of infection, people diagnosed with whooping cough are advised to stay at home and not to go to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after taking antibiotics or two weeks after their symptoms begin if they are not taking the medication. Low immunisation rates can encourage the spread of whooping cough and make the infection more severe in unvaccinated individuals. How serious is whooping cough? The illness is most dangerous to newborn babies and infants. Most children under six months require hospitalisation due to the risks of brain swelling and convulsions. One to 3 per cent of those under three months die from the illness. Babies are vulnerable because their immune systems havent fully developed, explains Dr Dipender Gill, a medical doctor and researcher at Imperial College London. Its quite prevalent in school-aged children as well, so those who are 11 to 18 years old. In teenagers and adults, serious cases of whooping cough can lead to: Pneumonia (lung infection) Fainting Rib fractures, because of the intensity of the coughing fits However, Dr Gill says it tends to be the elderly and those with compromised immune systems who are among the most vulnerable, as they are less primed to fight off the infection. How can you protect yourself and others? The most effective preventable measure is to get vaccinated. Babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks old are eligible for an immunisation on the NHS that protects against whooping cough (as well as other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio). Additionally, a pre-school booster is offered at three years and four months. Because whooping cough is so infectious, self-isolating if your doctor suspects that you have the illness is important to protect others. Vaccination in pregnancy Experts are particularly keen to raise awareness that pregnant women are eligible for the whooping cough vaccine, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. It is available through their GP and some antenatal services. However, fewer than six in 10 women typically take this offer up, down from a peak of nearly three-quarters in 2017. Newborns and babies in the first few months of life are more likely to get severe disease, says Beate Kampmann, a professor of paediatric infection and immunity at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In the first six months of 2024, 10 children died from the illness. This is almost entirely preventable if the mother is vaccinated in pregnancy and her protective antibodies can then reach the baby through the placenta, and protect [it] until the baby gets its own vaccines, she explains. Prof Kampmann recommends checking your own vaccine records in case you missed receiving this jab. It is also possible for concerned older individuals to receive a booster vaccine for whooping cough. Officials are investigating an incident involving two small aircraft that crashed at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport in Morgan County, Colorado, over the weekend, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Multiple agencies responded to the report of the crash on Sunday, Aug. 31, according to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. The planes, a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeubau EA300, collided while trying to land just before 11 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said on its website. According to the sheriff's office, the planes caught on fire. There were two people in each aircraft at the time of the incident. Footage published by news outlet Denver 7 showed the aftermath of the crash, including a damaged plane and the ground covered in black smoke. One person killed in crash The Morgan County Sheriff's Office said the Cessna passengers suffered minor injuries from the incident. A person inside the Extra Flugzeubau EA300 was transported to a nearby hospital. The other individual aboard died at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the case. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this tragic event. We would like to express our gratitude to all the agencies that helped with this situation," the Morgan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "Additionally, we want to thank the citizens who assisted in trying to extinguish the fire until the fire department and first responders arrived on the scene." Morgan County is about 88 miles from Denver. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 1 person killed after planes collided at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport Dogs come from everywhere. This list highlights breeds that didnt get their start in the U.S., but still manage to win over American households. They're popular for different reasons: ` appearance, temperament, or just good old-fashioned charm. If youve ever wondered about the global roots of your favorite pup, this makes a good place to start. Shiba Inu Japan Credit: Wikimedia Commons The Internet-famous Shiba Inu has been part of Japanese history since 300 B.C. They are known for their compact frame and fox-like face. It remains Japans most popular companion dog, and its clean habits and strong personality continue to win fans beyond its home country. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel England Credit: Wikimedia Commons This spaniel earned its royal name thanks to King Charles II, who rarely went anywhere without his dogs. Later, breeders crossed it with pugs and Japanese Chins to develop the version seen today. Despite centuries of pampering in English courts, Cavaliers remain low-maintenance and affectionate with families worldwide. German Shepherd Germany Credit: pexels The German Shepherd ranks third for smarts, behind Border Collies and Poodles. It was developed in 1899 by a cavalry officer and bred to herd sheep. However, it didnt stay in the fields long. Its intelligence and trainability helped it rise quickly through service ranks across the globe. French Bulldog France Credit: pexels French Bulldogs' roots are traced to Paris in the 1800s, when toy-sized English Bulldogs were crossed with terriers. The result was a compact, bat-eared dog that preferred laps over labor. Theyre still known for their sociable personality and sensitivity to being left alone. Labrador Retriever Canada Credit: Wikimedia Commons Newfoundland, Canada, is where this breed first earned its keep by retrieving fishing nets and hauling wood. English nobles brought them back to Britain and refined them into todays Labrador Retriever. Theyve become the go-to choice for families, service roles, and detection work, thanks to their temperament and willingness to please. Pug China Credit: Wikimedia Commons At one point, emperors had guards assigned just to protect their pugs. That should tell you how much status this tiny breed once carried. Traders brought them to Europe by the 1500s, and their popularity spread fast. Border Collie Scotland Credit: pexels Not many dogs can manage 1,000 sheep on a hillside, but Border Collies are built for it. Bred in the borderlands between Scotland and England, theyre sharp, agile, and hardwired to work. Even today, they dominate sheepdog trials and obedience competitions. Golden Retriever Scotland Credit: pexels Ask a Golden to do somethinganythingand itll probably say yes before it hears the question. That go-along nature is no accident. They were originally bred to retrieve birds from Scottish marshes and learned early on to be gentle and eager. They're especially good with kids, which has helped their lasting popularity. Rhodesian Ridgeback Southern Africa Credit: Wikimedia Commons The ridge running along its back traces to dogs kept by the Khoikhoi, later shaped by European hounds. Bred in southern Africa for endurance and nerve, the Ridgeback guarded homesteads and joined hunts. It remains steady and loyal, though its independence calls for an experienced hand. Akita Japan Credit: Wikimedia Commons In Japan, the Akita has long stood as a sign of health and protection, a breed tied closely to family life rather than public display. Reserved and deliberate, it tends to attach itself to one household with quiet loyalty. Visitors may see a calm, distant dog, but those inside the circle know a companion that holds its ground and stays near. Dalmatian Croatia Credit: Wikimedia Commons Today, they're recognized as one of the most easily identifiable breeds in the world because of their spots. However, their original job had little to do with looks. They worked alongside horse-drawn carriages to guard the horses and cargo from thieves or wild animals. Cane Corso Italy Credit: pexels Though large, theyre remarkably trainable and tend to bond closely with their owners. These muscular dogs were often used to guard livestock and property. Theyve recently become more visible outside Italy, especially among people seeking a strong but even-tempered guard dog. Samoyed Siberia Credit: Wikimedia Commons The breeds smile helps prevent drool from freezing in subzero temperatures. Theyve adapted surprisingly well to life outside the Arctic, though they still prefer cooler climates. Their thick coats and friendly nature keep them popular in northern countries. Cocker Spaniel England Credit: Wikimedia Commons Cocker Spaniels first earned their reputation in the English countryside, where hunters relied on them to drive woodcock out of the brush. Thats how the breed got its name. Over time, two branches developed: the American type, smaller and rounder in build, and the English type, leggier with a calmer look about it. Chow Chow China Credit: Wikimedia Commons The Chow Chow has one of the longest pedigrees in the dog world, dating back to the Han Dynasty. The breeds lion-like appearance and blue-black tongue set it apart visually. Chows tend to be reserved, sometimes aloof, but theyre deeply loyal once they connect with a person. "...greatness looks different on everyone... when we come together, we amplify each other's voices." Bradley Cooper Post this A true success story, BOSS Bottled defined the male scent market with its 1998 launch of the first men's gourmand fragrance. Confident and contemporary, stylish and distinctive, the fragrance family has long expressed the spirit of the BOSS man. Since the release of the original fragrance icon, the BOSS brand has evolvedand so has the meaning of success, which is now not only about pursuing personal ambitions, but also about celebrating peers. Three new faces embody the spirit of brotherhood From aspirational stardom to relatable fandom, BOSS RECOGNIZE BOSS. In a monumental move, three exceptional A-listersBradley Cooper, Maluma, and Vinicius Juniorbecome new global ambassadors of BOSS Bottled Beyond. These inspiring talentseach at the top of their game in their respective industries of film, music, and sportcapture the essence of brotherhood in the new fragrance campaign, which explores how BOSS men get inspired and inspire others. A modern celebration of shared excellence, this campaign redefines the BOSS man. United by the belief that true greatness lies in recognizing it in others, the three talents embody success, resilience, and authenticity. The campaign captures understated, intimate moments that show each of their own achievements in their careers but also reveals the respect and admiration they show for one another. It's about being inspired and inspiring, celebrating the strength you see in others. "I love that [the campaign] celebrates individuality and collective strength. There's this powerful message that greatness looks different on everyoneand yet, when we come together, we amplify each other's voices." Bradley Cooper Crafted in duality; crafted to perform This first premium ginger-leather fragrance embodies two distinct facets of sensuality: one electrifying and fresh, the other deep and carnal. The duality of these two ingredients breaks from the strict separation between top, heart, and base notes, and creates two powerful ingredient poles, defying the traditional fragrance pyramid. The stimulating ginger blend brings a vibrant, spicy, and aphrodisiac dimension, delivering a fusing, intense freshness. The innovative Supercritical Fluid Extraction technology used to extract this specific ginger adds a novel, long-lasting scent profile to this ingredient. Meanwhile, the sensuality of grained leather, directly inspired by niche fragrances, adds a sense of premium refinement, with a warm, addictive trail that feels almost enveloping. Unlike classical olfactive pyramid structures, these two blends emerge from the top and last until the end, resulting in a fragrance that is both readable and relatable. To push the performance of the fragrance even further, the scent is crafted at a significantly higher concentration than an average Eau de Parfum for men: comparable to a Parfum, or an Absolu. In addition, the formula is enriched with a Coty-patented sugar-derived technology which acts as a natural fixative, extending the fragrance's signature for a more long-lasting scent experience. High-quality ingredients, high concentration, and high-performance technology, all encapsulated in an Eau de Parfum, offer a strong sense of quality and value that exceeds expectations. This ginger-leather duality evolves in perfect harmony for a refined yet enduring result. It's an olfactive balance that is mirrored in the Double-B monogram, a marker of the BOSS brand and a bold symbol of the scent's equilibrium. The 'BOSS RECOGNIZE BOSS' concept extends to the three DSM-FIRMENICH master perfumers behind BOSS Bottled Beyond, who each brought their personal best to the collaboration while being inspired by their peers' process. Daphne Bugey was the initial lead on the fragrance, imagining a sharp, yet sophisticated clash that reinvents the codes of masculinity and bridges the worlds of niche perfumery and blockbuster appeal. Building on this concept, German-born, New York-based Franck Voelkl infused the scent with European craftsmanship and a detailed knowledge of the American marketresulting in elevated sophistication and lasting appeal. Bruno Jovanovic delivered his technical expertise to push boundaries and take the scent's performance to new heights. A premium, impactful design that goes beyond BOSS Bottled Beyond stands out with new, elevated codes, reinventing the iconic bottle shape in a more premium, striking design. The black lacquered glass bottle boasts an elegant leather-touch trim and a gunmetal-gray cap. A radiant gradient, moving from black to smoky gray, completes its masculine aesthetic. An engraved Double B monogram cements the fragrance's duality and adds a modern statement. BOSS Bottled Beyond is available as of August 24, 2025 for $125 (50ml), $155 (100ml), $185 (150ml), $195 (200ml refill), $45 (200ml shower gel) and $34 (75ml deodorant stick) at Macy's, Ulta, Amazon and Sephora. About Coty Inc. Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 130 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to making a positive impact on the planet. TV Campaign Video: https://youtu.be/hw3I4Wd7cPU Social Media: @BOSS #BOSSRecognizeBOSS #BOSSBottledBeyond Editorial Credit: BOSS Bottled Beyond Campaign Video Production Agency: Marcel Campaign Video Director: Karim Hu Doo Campaign Key Visual Photographer: Luis Alberto Rodriguez SOURCE BOSS Fragrances FILE - The Matsapha Correctional Complex is seen in Matsapha, near Mbabane, Eswatini, on Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP Photo/File) CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) Five men deported by the United States to Eswatini in July have been held in a maximum-security prison in the African nation for seven weeks without charge or explanation and with no access to legal counsel, their lawyers said Tuesday. They accused the Trump administration's third-country deportation program of denying their clients due process. The New York-based Legal Aid Society said that it was representing one of the men, Jamaican national Orville Etoria, and that he had been inexplicably and illegally sent to Eswatini when his home country was willing to accept him back. That contradicted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which said when it deported the five men with criminal records that they were being sent to Eswatini because their home countries refused to take them. Jamaica's foreign minister has also said that the Caribbean country didn't refuse to take back deportees. Etoria was the first of at least 20 deportees sent by the U.S. to various African nations in the last two months to be identified publicly. Expanding deportation program The deportations are part of the Trump administrations expanding third-country program to send migrants to countries in Africa that they have no ties with to get them off U.S. soil. Since July, the U.S. has deported migrants to South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda, while a fourth African nation, Uganda, says it has agreed to a deal in principle with the U.S. to accept deportees. Washington has said it wants to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose case has been a flashpoint over U.S. President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policies, to Uganda after he was wrongly deported to his native El Salvador in March. Etoria served a 25-year prison sentence and was granted parole in 2021, the Legal Aid Society said, but was now being held in Eswatini's main maximum-security prison for an undetermined period of time despite completing that sentence. The U.S. Homeland Security Department said that he was convicted of murder. The agency posted on X in reference to a New York Times report on Estoria, saying that it will continue enforcing the law at full speed without apology. It didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The Legal Aid Society said that an Eswatini lawyer acting on behalf of all five men being held in prison there has been repeatedly denied access to them by prison officials since they arrived in the tiny southern African nation bordering South Africa in mid-July. The other four men are citizens of Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen. Indefinite detention A separate lawyer representing the two men from Laos and Vietnam said that his clients also served their criminal sentences in the U.S. and had been released into the community. "Then, without warning and explanation from either the U.S. or Eswatini governments, they were arbitrarily arrested and sent to a country to which they have never ever been," the lawyer, Tin Thanh Nguyen, said in a statement. They are now being punished indefinitely for a sentence they already served. He said that the U.S. government was orchestrating secretive third-country transfers with no meaningful legal process, resulting in indefinite detention. U.S. Homeland Security said those two men had been convicted of charges including child rape and second-degree murder. A third lawyer, Alma David, said that she represented the two men from Yemen and Cuba who are also being held in the same prison and denied access to lawyers. She said she had been told by the head of the Eswatini prison that only the U.S. Embassy could grant access to the men. Since when does the U.S. Embassy have jurisdiction over Eswatinis national prisons? she said in a statement, adding the men weren't told a reason for their detention, and "no lawyer has been permitted to visit them. David said all five were being held at U.S. taxpayers' expense. Secretive deals The deportation deals the U.S. has struck in Africa have been largely secretive, and with countries with questionable rights records. Authorities in South Sudan have given little information on where eight men sent there in early July are being held or what their fate might be. They were also described by U.S. authorities as dangerous criminals from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar and Vietnam. The five men in Eswatini are being held at the Matsapha Correctional Complex. It's the same prison where Eswatini, which is ruled by a king as Africa's last absolute monarchy, has imprisoned pro-democracy campaigners amid reports of abuse that includes beatings and the denial of food to inmates. Eswatini authorities said when the five men arrived that they were being held in solitary confinement. Another seven migrants were deported by the U.S. to Rwanda in mid-August, Rwandan authorities said. They didn't say where they are being held or give any information on their identities. The deportations to Rwanda were kept secret at the time and only announced last week. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Simply Recipes / Coco Morante Why Make This Chutney Cheese Appetizer is made with cream cheese, shredded cheese, chutney, and green onions and takes 5 minutes. All you do is layer the ingredients in a small dish and serve the dip with crackers. When I was a kid, I loved to rifle through my moms recipe box. There were some treasured family recipes in there that wed make from time to time, including one my grandmother kept from her catering days: Narsais Chutney Cheese Pate. In the 1970s, my grandma Rachel worked with Narsai David, a Bay Area restaurateur and caterer who later went on to have a career in TV and radio. As it turns out, the chutney cheese pate recipe was actually given to him by another well-known Bay Area food personality, Shirley Sarvis. She worked at Sunset magazine and then went on to a freelance career, writing for magazines and authoring several cookbooks. Needless to say, this recipe has a pretty cool history! Simplifying an Already Simple Recipe Shirleys original version is the one wed make in my house growing up. In her version, you beat together cream cheese and shredded cheddar spiked with curry powder, sherry, and hot sauce. That mixture is spread on a platter, chilled, then topped with chutney and green onions just before serving. I wanted to make a version of this that was still delicious but didnt require any blending or chilling. You can truly put this together in five minutes, right before your guests arrive. Spread a layer of cream cheese in a serving dish, then top it with layers of shredded sharp cheddar, store-bought mango chutney, and green onions. Simply Recipes / Coco Morante How to Make Chutney Cheese Appetizer For a small dish of this appetizer to serve four you will need: Half of an 8-ounce tub whipped cream cheese 1/2 cup shredded cheese Half of an 8.5-ounce jar of chutney 1 tablespoon or so of sliced green onions Spread the cream cheese in a dish, top it with the shredded cheese, then top it with the chutney, and sprinkle it with the green onions. You can easily double these quantities and spread out the ingredients in a larger dish to accommodate more people. Serve with a spreading knife and some crackers. Read More: 14 Easy Party Appetizers for Procrastinators The Best Cream Cheese and Chutney Youll definitely want to use whipped cream cheese for this recipethe fluffy and scoopable kind that comes in a tub, not a bar. Its easily spreadable straight out of the tub, and no softening is required. Thats a big part of what makes this recipe so fast and easy to pull off last minute! As for the chutney, I like Trader Joe's Sri Lankan Mango Chutney. Its got a nice hit of warm spices with bits of diced mango throughout. If you cant find the TJs one, go with any mango chutney labeled Major Greys, which is the style used here. You can of course make your own if you want to. Simply Recipes / Coco Morante A Cocktail or Dinner Party Favorite The strong flavors of sharp cheddar and mango chutney pair really well with cocktails, especially something whiskey-based like a Manhattan or an old fashioned. A big red wine isnt a bad choice either. Set out a plate of chutney cheese pate and crackers when guests first arrive, and theyll be happy to have something delicious to nibble on before dinner or with other appetizers as part of a spread. Our Favorite Appetizer Recipes Read the original article on Simply Recipes By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday that aggression will inevitably fail, pointing - on the day before a mass military parade in Beijing - to the lessons from World War Two and key victories Taiwan claims against Chinese forces in 1958. Democratically governed Taiwan has over the past five years repeatedly complained about heightened Chinese military activity including war games around the island as Beijing steps up pressure to enforce territorial claims the government in Taipei rejects. Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will oversee a large-scale military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Speaking to officers at the defence ministry, Lai noted that Tuesday marked the 67th anniversary of a 1958 naval battle Taiwan celebrates as a victory that was part of the August 23 Chinese attack on the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, better known internationally as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. Taiwan's victories then show that true peace stems from a resolve to unite against aggression, he added. "We all know that the current security environment is more severe than ever before. In recent years, the Chinese communists have persistently conducted high-intensity activities with military aircraft and vessels around the Taiwan Strait," Lai said. "From the victory in World War Two to the glorious achievements of the September 2nd naval battle and the August 23rd artillery exchange, the most valuable lesson remains: unity ensures victory, while aggression inevitably fails." China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lai's remarks. China considers Lai a "separatist" and has rebuffed multiple offers of talks. China and Taiwan have both been engaged in an increasingly tense exchange of accusations about the World War Two anniversary and its broader historical meaning. Taiwan has told its people not to attend Beijing's parade, to China's anger. The most high profile person from Taiwan attending is Hung Hsiu-chu, a former chairwoman of Taiwan's largest opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT). The KMT and the Republic of China government it ran fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. The two had an uneasy alliance against Japan in World War Two and the Japanese invasion of China that preceded that, though much of the fighting was done by republican forces, historians generally agree. Republic of China remains Taiwan's formal name. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Constellation Brands (STZ) stock fell 7% on Tuesday after the Modelo and Corona owner cut its fiscal year outlook and said in a statement that declines in high-end beer sales to Hispanic consumers "were more pronounced than general market declines." This is now the second warning from the company suggesting that President Trump's immigration crackdown is having an impact on demand. Constellation Brands' core Hispanic consumer base makes up about half of its business, CEO Bill Newlands said on a call with investors in July. Modelo Especial has been the bestselling beer in the US since it overtook Bud Light (BUD) for the top spot in 2023. The company now expects fiscal year 2026 net beer sales to decline 2% to 4%, below its previous forecast of flat to 3% sales growth, due to "incremental macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumer demand." "We continue to navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment that has dampened consumer demand and led to more volatile consumer purchasing behavior since our first quarter of fiscal 2026," Newlands wrote in the release, adding that consumers are making fewer trips to buy beer and are spending less when they do. The company also cut its expectations for comparable earnings per share. For the full year, earnings are expected to be in the range of $11.30 to $11.60, down from the previous range of $12.60 to $12.90. Newlands previously told investors that "occasions on which beer is consumed have decreased [by Hispanic consumers]. ... [They're] not going out to eat as much as they had, [and] they're having less social occasions at home." "A lot of Hispanic consumers are apprehensive to leave their house or ... deviate from their routine or go out," Dave Williams of Bump Williams Consulting told Yahoo Finance earlier this year. "That results in fewer opportunities and occasions where beer would slot into the mix." Williams added, "The abruptness of this slowdown ... makes me feel like there's a lot more of it tied to the cyclical aspect of these consumer behaviors due to the recent ICE raids or deportation scares ... on top of the other structural aspects that beer brands [face] in general." A customer places a case of Corona Extra on the checkout counter for purchase at Susquehanna Beer and Soda in Marysville, Pa., on April 1, 2010. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The beer industry overall is facing significant pressure as Americans drink less alcohol. Only 54% of drinking-age Americans consume alcohol today, according to a recent poll from Gallup, the lowest proportion since the survey began in 1939. Even those who do drink are partaking less by a factor of nearly half. "The industry has never faced as much pressure as it does today," Bottle Raiders vice president of marketing Amanda Paul-Garnier said. Constellation Brands took one of the hardest hits in the recent quarter as volume growth for beer shipments fell 3.3%. Competitor Molson Coors (TAP) posted an even larger decline of 7%. Tariffs are also weighing on Constellation Brands. The company now expects operating income growth to decline 7% to 9% in the year, compared to the previously expected range of flat to 3% growth, and cited additional tariffs, lower volumes, and operating deleveraging as contributing factors. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance A study shows an ancient breathing practice may ease sleep apnea symptoms, offering a simple, low-cost alternative to machines. (CREDIT: Shutterstock) A centuries-old tradition may soon find a place in modern medicine. Researchers have discovered that a simple breathing exercise involving a conch shell can ease symptoms of a common sleep disorder. For people who struggle with restless nights, loud snoring, and daytime fatigue, this surprising approach may offer real relief. Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions worldwide. It occurs when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, interrupting breathing and reducing oxygen levels. The result is poor sleep quality, increased risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and even stroke. Standard treatment relies on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which keep airways open through a facemask. CPAP works well but is often uncomfortable, leading many patients to abandon it. Now, a group of scientists in India has turned to tradition for answers. Their findings suggest that blowing a conch shella practice rooted in cultural and spiritual ritualscould provide measurable benefits for people with moderate forms of this condition. Picture of a conch shell and researcher demonstrating practice of shankh blowing. (CREDIT: Krishna K Sharma) Testing a Traditional Technique The trial, led by Dr. Krishna K. Sharma from the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, set out to test whether conch blowing could strengthen airway muscles. The study followed 30 adults with moderate sleep apnea between 2022 and 2024. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 65. Volunteers were split into two groups. One group practiced blowing into a conch shell, while the other performed structured deep breathing exercises. Both groups were trained at the clinic and then practiced at home for at least 15 minutes, five days a week, over six months. Each participant underwent overnight sleep studies known as polysomnography. These tests measured breathing interruptions, oxygen levels, and other markers of sleep quality. They were also surveyed on how well they slept and how tired they felt during the day. Related Stories The results were striking. People who practiced the conch technique had four to five fewer breathing pauses each hour compared to the deep breathing group. They also reported a 34% drop in daytime sleepiness and showed higher oxygen levels at night. How Conch Blowing Works The conch shell, or shankh, is blown with a forceful and controlled breath. The technique requires a deep inhalation followed by a long exhalation through tight lips. This produces strong vibrations and creates airflow resistance. According to Dr. Sharma, this unique pattern may strengthen muscles in the throat and soft palate, areas prone to collapse in sleep apnea. The spiral shape of the shell could also enhance the acoustic and mechanical effects, stimulating muscles further. The way the shankh is blown is quite distinctive, he explained. It creates vibrations and resistance that strengthen airway muscles, which helps prevent collapse during sleep. This natural exercise may offer a non-invasive and affordable alternative for people unable to tolerate CPAP machines. Unlike devices or drugs, it relies only on disciplined practice and consistency. A small randomized controlled trial suggests that regularly blowing a conch shell, an ancient yogic breathing practice known as shankh blowing, may ease symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. (CREDIT: Shutterstock) Looking Beyond Machines For years, CPAP has been the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. Yet studies show that many patients stop using it within the first year because of discomfort. Alternatives like oral appliances or surgery exist but can be expensive and carry risks. Shankh blowing stands out as a low-cost, low-risk practice. For people living with sleep apnea, especially those who find CPAP uncomfortable, unaffordable, or inaccessible, our findings offer a promising alternative, said Dr. Sharma. He and his colleagues plan to expand their work into larger trials across multiple hospitals. These future studies will test whether the benefits hold in more severe cases and across different populations. Researchers also want to measure long-term changes in airway muscle tone, oxygen levels, and overall sleep health. Global Perspectives on New Therapies Experts outside the study are cautiously optimistic. Professor Sophia Schiza, head of the European Respiratory Societys group on sleep disordered breathing at the University of Crete, praised the approach. She noted that patients often seek new options beyond machines. This is an intriguing study that shows the ancient practice of shankh blowing could potentially offer a treatment by targeting muscle training, she said. A larger study will help provide more evidence for this intervention. Conch shell blowing is a traditional yogic breathing exercise that generates sustained exhalation and vibrations, which may strengthen upper airway muscles and improve respiratory function. (CREDIT: CC BY 3.0 US) She emphasized that sleep apnea remains a global health concern. Beyond sleepiness and snoring, it can shorten lives through its links to cardiovascular disease. Adding new tools to the treatment arsenal could improve patient outcomes. The Science of Ancient Practices The idea of blending traditional practices with modern medicine is gaining momentum. Breathing techniques from yoga and meditation are being studied for their effects on stress, lung health, and even immunity. Conch blowing adds another layer, combining physical exercise with acoustic and mechanical stimulation. Some researchers believe this could serve as a model for other non-invasive therapies that strengthen the body naturally. The challenge will be proving effectiveness through large, controlled trials and ensuring safe, standardized training methods. What It Means for Patients For now, the findings remain preliminary. With only 30 participants, the study was small. Still, the improvements were clear enough to inspire further research. For patients tired of restless nights and bulky machines, the idea of using a conch shell as therapy may sound unusualbut it may also be worth a try under medical guidance. Dr. Sharma hopes that more people will see value in ancient practices that can be tested with scientific methods. This is a small study, but we are now planning a larger trial, he said. Were particularly interested in comparing shankh blowing with standard treatments like CPAP, and in examining its potential help in more severe forms of sleep apnea. The early evidence suggests that a practice rooted in tradition may one day complement, or even reduce reliance on, modern machines. For millions living with interrupted sleep and daytime exhaustion, that possibility could change lives. Research findings are available online in the journal ERJ Open Research. Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. A manhunt for the suspect in a Virginia freeway shooting that left a 20-year-old driver dead and his passenger injured intensified on Tuesday when state police asked for the public's help and released photos of the alleged gunman and his vehicle. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Jason Allen Glidewell, who the Virginia State Police said should be considered armed and dangerous. The shooting unfolded Thursday afternoon on Interstate 85 in Mecklenburg County, about five miles from the Virginia-North Carolina border, according to a statement from the state police. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Jason Allen Glidewell II, 19, is wanted in a shooting, August 28, 2025, on Interstate 85 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, that left a 20-year-old driver dead and his female passenger injured. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation. The victim killed in the freeway shooting was identified by state police as 20-year-old Hunter A. Bates, of Colonial Heights, Virginia. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Police released photos of this white 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche suspect in a freeway shooting, Aug. 28, 2025, that left a 20-year-old man dead and a woman injured. Virginia State Police - PHOTO: Police released photos of this white 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche suspect in a freeway shooting, Aug. 28, 2025, that left a 20-year-old man dead and a woman injured. Bates was driving northbound on Interstate 85 when he was shot around 3:47 p.m., according to the state police. Bates' car swerved off the freeway and came to a rest in a culvert, police said. Bates was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. His passenger, a woman whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital, treated and released, police said. MORE: Suspect in Kentucky freeway shooting bought weapon legally that morning: Officials "State Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact the Virginia State Police Division 3," according to the state police statement. Authorities on Tuesday released a photo of Glidewell, who is believed to have ties to the Richmond and Henrico, Virginia, area. MORE: Burning Man participant found dead at festival, homicide investigation underway: Sheriff "On August 28, 2025, Hunter's life was cut short by a senseless act of violence that has left our hearts broken. As we come to terms with this unimaginable loss, we are reminded of how precious and fragile life is," Bates' family said of Hunter Bates in an obituary published by the Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Virginia. ABC News' Benjamin Stein contributed to this report. Getty Images Style Points is a column about how fashion intersects with the wider world. A 1972 commercial imagined a young Barney Pressman sitting on a Brooklyn stoop with young Humphrey Bogart and young Louis Armstrong, talking about what they dreamed of doing someday. Bogie and Armstrong spun their visions of Hollywood and jazz glory. But, Barney said cannily, Youll all need clothes. WWD - Getty Images The real-life Pressman was the founder of the namesake store Barneys, established in 1923 as a discount menswear stalwart. (No Bunk, No Junk, No Imitations was its frills-free slogan back then.) Decades later, it would lose its apostrophe, add New York, and assume downtown cool as nonchalantly as you might throw on a shawl-collared sweater. The department store model could feel stuffy or rote, but Barneys New York always elevated the experience, with sleek Peter Marino-designed interiors, an international stable of designers, and events that made it feel more like Studio 54 than a store. They All Came to Barneys by Gene Pressman Bookshop $29.76 at bookshop.org In his new book, They All Came To Barneys, out today, Barneys grandson Gene Pressman, who became the stores co-CEO, creative director, and head of merchandising and marketing, chronicles the way Barneys became interwoven with the changing landscape of 20th-century fashion. Pressmans father, Fred, introduced Giorgio Armani to an American audience, and later Gene himself would expand the retailers repertoire, bringing French designers like Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Claude Montana and avant-garde Japanese labels like Yohji Yamamoto into the fold. Amid the envelope-pushing, though, they retained retro touches, like the hat department on the ground floor. When, as Pressman tells it, some bean counter deemed it unnecessary and got rid of it, sales suffered. It wasnt about selling hats, Pressman writes. It was about the charm of the experience, the old-worldliness of it. Fairchild Archive - Getty Images Over several decades, the Chelsea flagship became the anchor of a changing New York, reflecting the world around it. When AIDS began affecting gay men in the fashion community, it remained taboo and little-spoken-of. But Simon Doonan, then a window dresser at the store, suggested they do a benefit for St. Vincents Hospital, and Pressman eagerly agreed. That 1986 charity runway show featured Madonna and Iman as models, and attracted Andy Warhol and John Galliano as guests. Fairchild Archive - Getty Images In 1995, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell feted downtown darling Steven Sprouse at the New York store, and that same year, the L.A. flagship hosted the post-premiere party for the Isaac Mizrahi documentary Unzipped, drawing both Cindy Crawford and the Beverly Hills fire department (due to the amount of indoor smoking that was taking place). Mario Magnani - Getty Images After signing a deal with Isetan, the Japanese department store company, Barneys spread beyond its New York bounds, becoming a fixture in high-end malls by the 90s. But Manhattan was still its spiritual center, as was clear from the ad campaigns featuring New York denizens Spike Lee, Harvey Keitel, and Sandra Bernhard. Barneys even became the first high-end store to wade into the previously verboten territory of top-of-the-taxi advertising. And NYC-set shows like Seinfeld and Sex and the City featured characters shopping there. (Sarah Jessica Parker once told a reporter, If youre a decent person and you work hard, you get to go to Barneys.) The store served as a kind of beacon of New York to fashion enthusiasts around the world. When Pressman was on a business trip to Japan, long before the store expanded internationally, he saw a woman carrying a Barneys shopping bag she had had laminated to serve as a handbag. Arnaldo Magnani - Getty Images Doonans topical, surreal window displays also drew people into the store. A 1988 tableau depicted Nancy Reagan leaving the White House, airline tickets in hand, while 1993 saw a mash-up of Edward Scissorhands and the Lorena Bobbitt scandal. A 1994 display by artist Tom Sachs, based on the Nativity scene but swapping in Hello Kitty and Bart Simpson for the usual participants, incited the ire of the Christian right. Paul Morigi - Getty Images Pressman had exited stage left by Y2K, but the store continued under different owners, and continued championing the emerging and avant-garde. When it finally closed for good in 2019, it felt like a part of New York had died. The nostalgia for Barneys, however, certainly hasnt waned. In September, Hourglass Cosmetics revived the beloved store with a temporary pop-up featuring designers like Presley Oldham and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen. Pressmans book will be adapted for TV by writer Beth Schacter and director Joe Wright. And Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have their own Barneys project brewing at Amazon MGM. So at least on the small screen, the story is far from over. You Might Also Like Jo Hale/FilmMagic; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Channing Tatum; Jenna Dewan NEED TO KNOW Channing Tatum said his split from ex-wife Jenna Dewan was "painful" but they "are good now" The former Step Up costars share 12-year-old daughter Everly "We tried to keep it together, tried for a year and a half, but we knew it was. Not to go into all that. Its in the past," Tatum said of the breakup Channing Tatum is offering rare insight into his "painful" breakup with ex-wife Jenna Dewan. In a new Variety cover story published Tuesday, Sept. 2, the actor discussed his latest film, Roofman, and its true story. At one point, Tatum, 45, was asked about playing a character who misses his daughter, reflecting on his split from Dewan, 44, and co-parenting their 12-year-old daughter Everly. "I know for a fact Im able to understand it," he said. "Jenna and I are good now, but it was a painful break to have that fall apart, especially being so young. We tried to keep it together, tried for a year and a half, but we knew it was. Not to go into all that. Its in the past. But its really tough not to have your daughter half the time. I wish I could just have her all the time." Mindy Small/FilmMagic Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan on April 21, 2017 Tatum and Dewan met as costars on the 2006 film Step Up, and they got engaged two years later. They got married in Malibu, Calif. in 2009, but in 2018 they separated. Dewan officially filed for divorce in October 2018, and it was settled six years later in September 2024. "Ive lived six or seven different lives, Tatum told Variety. Life gives you fuel. If youve really been heartbroken, and really been in pain and felt real, true aloneness Ive experienced enough life that I have something to offer. The technique and the ability to actually deliver." In Roofman, Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a "former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonalds restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname Roofman," according to a synopsis. "After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys 'R' Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move," the logline teases. "But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in." In January 2025, Dewan opened up about her newfound "strength" after finalizing her divorce from Tatum. She and fiance Steve Kazee announced their engagement in February 2020, and they share two kids: Callum, 5, and Rhiannon, 14 months. "This past year I learned that life has a way of bringing you exactly what you need to learn at exactly the right time," Dewan wrote in an InStyle essay at the time, adding, "The transitions werent just changes; they were invitations to grow, to lean into the discomfort and discover the strength I didnt know I had." Davi Russo/Paramount Pictures Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst in "Roofman" 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. Though she didn't mention Tatum by name or their divorce in the essay, Dewan added that she "learned a lot about myself, my resilience and my voice" in 2024: "Fresh starts, Ive realized, dont wait for calendars or big proclamations. They happen in the quiet choices: forgiving yourself, showing up again, trusting the process even when it feels hopeless." Roofman will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before hitting theaters Oct. 10. Read the original article on People MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caribou Coffee, a leading specialty coffee retailer, today announced the appointment of Scott Kennedy as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Kennedy previously served as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to the role of Interim CEO in March 2025. Scott Kennedy "I am delighted to announce Scott's appointment as President and CEO of Caribou Coffee. I am confident Scott's focus on building a winning team and culture along with delivering exceptional guest experiences in our Caribou coffeehouses everyday will help make this great brand a great business," said Jose Cil, Chairman of the Board of Caribou Coffee. "I'm honored to take on the role of President and CEO at Caribou Coffee," said Kennedy. "Caribou Coffee is a beloved brand with a strong foundation of exceptional products and a welcoming coffeehouse experience. Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunity to accelerate our growth, expand our reach, and continue elevating what makes Caribou unique. I'm excited to partner with our talented team to seize these opportunities and deliver even greater value to our guests and stakeholders." Before joining Caribou, Kennedy spent 14 years in executive positions at Target Corporation, the last six years as President, Financial & Retail Services. Earlier, he spent almost 16 years at KPMG, with the last two years as Partner. Mr. Kennedy received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Canberra. About Caribou Coffee Caribou Coffee serves high-quality handcrafted beverages and crave-worthy food in more than 800 coffeehouses worldwide. Since opening our first location in 1992, we've been committed to building personal connections in every experience. This desire drives our dedication to supporting our communities and crafting menu items with premium ingredients like specialty-grade coffee and real chocolate chips in our handcrafted beverages. Focused on smart growth, we operate and franchise coffeehouses across 11 countries, with the purpose of creating day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of good. Caribou Coffee is part of Panera Brands, alongside Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit cariboucoffee.com, follow Caribou Coffee on social media, or download the Caribou Coffee app to join Caribou Perks and start earning rewards. SOURCE Caribou Coffee HONG KONG Chinas military is getting stronger, and it wants the world to know it. The worlds largest active military, with more than 2 million personnel, is holding one of its biggest parades ever on Wednesday, a highly choreographed Victory Day spectacle to mark the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japans surrender at the end of World War II. The grand occasion in Beijing will showcase not just Chinas growing ability to rival the United States in any future conflict, but support from some of the worlds most heavily sanctioned nations in a display of unity against the West. Security has been tight in Beijing in the weeks leading up to the parade. (Pedro Pardo / AFP via Getty Images) Thousands of troops will march through Tiananmen Square, where they will be reviewed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as heads of government and state from 26 other countries look on. Topping the guest list are Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has pressed on with his war against Ukraine despite a U.S. peace push, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in a rare departure from his isolated, nuclear-armed state. Leaders from the United States and other Western governments have declined to attend the parade, partly because of the presence of Putin. It comes amid heightened military tensions in the region as China clashes with neighbors in the South China Sea and the U.S. and its allies brace for potential conflict over Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. Chinese soldiers rehearse for the Sept. 3 military parade in Beijing on on Aug. 20. (Ng Han Guan / AP) Its definitely a show of force, said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Its a means to show Chinas neighbors, other countries around the world, that Chinas military is formidable. The parade will showcase Chinas growing military power under Xi, who has overseen a modernization campaign as well as political purges of senior officials and even defense ministers. Its now become a much more capable force that is increasingly a near peer, if not a true peer, to the U.S. military in many respects, said Elsa B. Kania, a doctoral candidate at Harvard and an adjunct senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security, a think tank in Washington that specializes in U.S. national security issues. Xi and Putin at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on Tuesday. (Alexander Kazakov / Kremlin Pool via AP) China, whose annual defense spending is estimated to be about a third of the $1.3 trillion spent by the United States, has said its goal is for military modernization to be basically complete by 2035, and for the Chinese military to be world class by 2049, the 100th anniversary of communist rule. The U.S. is the only world-class military in the world, and we still have a need to catch up with the United States and it will take time, Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University in Beijing, told NBC News in an interview. But I believe by 2049, which is still far away, we should be confident to reach the objective, said Zhou, a retired senior colonel in the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. Confidence on display Security has been tight in Beijing in the weeks leading up to the parade, disrupting businesses and traffic. Tanks could be heard rolling down the streets during weekly overnight rehearsals that paralyzed the city center and were conducted with great secrecy. This is Chinas first military parade since 2019, when Beijing commemorated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, and its third under Xi, who also held one in 2015 for the 70th anniversary of Japans surrender. The legacy of World War II is still a sensitive subject between Japan and China, which is estimated to have suffered between 20 million and 35 million military and civilian deaths during a 14-year Japanese invasion and occupation that China calls the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. People riding past a portrait of Mao Zedong at Tiananmen Square on Thursday. (Pedro Pardo / AFP via Getty Images) The parade is aimed just as much at the Chinese public as it is at foreign adversaries, said Thompson, the former director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia at the U.S. Department of Defense. Its fanning anti-Japanese sentiments to increase the partys legitimacy in the eyes of its own people, he said, particularly at a time when the Chinese public is concerned about a slowing economy. Japan, a key U.S. ally, has reportedly urged other countries not to attend, leading China to lodge a diplomatic complaint. According to the Chinese government, much of the equipment included in the 70-minute parade is being revealed for the first time. In addition to the troops, the parade will involve more than 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, all of them domestically made and battle-ready, officials said at an Aug. 20 news conference in Beijing. The new-generation equipment on display reflects a high degree of informatization and intelligence, underscoring our militarys ability to adapt to technological advances and evolving warfare patterns, and to win future conflicts, said Maj. Gen. Wu Zeke, deputy director of the parade. Air and missile defense systems that could make an appearance include the HQ-19 and the more advanced HQ-26 and HQ-29, all of which are designed to intercept ballistic missiles and are believed to have capabilities similar to equivalent U.S. systems. Military observers are also watching for any new intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as new supersonic and hypersonic missiles. Such missiles pose a big threat for U.S. naval ships that would be central to any U.S. military intervention in the Asia-Pacific, said Shinji Yamaguchi, a senior research fellow in the China Studies Division at the Japanese governments National Institute for Defense Studies. China is also expected to display autonomous drones, which especially since the war in Ukraine have really changed the way of warfare, Yamaguchi said, as well as unmanned underwater vehicles, also known as sea drones. In a conflict, China could deploy sea drones in the Taiwan Strait and elsewhere to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, Yamaguchi said. Jet fighters will also be in focus after Pakistan said it used Chinese-built J-10Cs to shoot down Indian aircraft during a four-day conflict in May. But while China has become more open about displaying weaponry as its confidence grows, it is difficult to know what is going on behind the scenes. The dramatic removal of officials has raised questions about Xi Jinpings trust in military leaders, or about whether systemic problems of corruption can be resolved, Kania said. There has also been little recent real-world demonstration of the actual capabilities of the Chinese military, whose last experience in a large-scale conflict was against Vietnam in 1979. None of this has been tested. Nobody knows, Thompson said. And this may be one of the reasons that China relies on this very conventional form of deterrence and signaling in the form of a parade. Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong, and Janis Mackey Frayer from Beijing. Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China on September 1, 2025. - Alexander Kazakov/AFP/POOL/Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed a relationship with Beijing at an unprecedentedly high level on Tuesday, as the two countries reportedly inked a long-stalled agreement to build a massive new pipeline to send natural gas to China via Mongolia. Putin and Xi Jinping spent hours together on Tuesday, meeting with Mongolias president, sitting down for their own formal talks, and sipping tea at the Chinese leaders official residence in the latest show of solidarity between the two strongmen seeking to present a new world order. On Tuesday afternoon, Russias state-owned energy company Gazprom announced that a legally binding agreement had been signed for the construction the massive Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, which Moscow has been trying to push off the drawing board for years. The deal is a major win for Putin, who has increasingly turned to China to replace Europe as its major gas buyer. Its also a collective show of defiance against US President Donald Trump, who is pushing countries to cut Russian energy imports as part of his attempt to end the war in Ukraine. The new pipeline will supply 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from western Russia to northern China. Analysts have previously said it could offset nearly half of the gas exports to Europe that Russia has lost since the Ukraine war began. The deal includes a 30 year supply agreement and the price of supplies will be lower than Europe is charged, Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller said, Russias TASS news agency reported. It will be the largest, most extensive, and most capital-intensive gas project in the world, Miller was quoted as saying by TASS. China, though, has not yet confirmed the agreement. Beijing has long been seen as cautious about the mega-project, given its push for renewable energy transition and longstanding energy security concerns about being too reliant on a single supplier. Chinese state media reports on the meeting of the leaders Russia, China and Mongolia make no mention of the pipeline. In subsequent talks between Xi and Putin, the Chinese leader said their countries should use major projects to drive cooperation. Asked about the deal at a regular news conference Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China and Russia have consistently conducted practical cooperation in various fields, including energy, and asked reporters to contact the relevant Chinese authorities for details. Old friend Putin and Xi sat down on Tuesday for their first formal talks since the Russian leader arrived in China on Sunday. The meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was the latest show of solidarity between the two strongmen as Putin shrugs off Western pressure to end its war on Ukraine, and Xi casts his country as a new leader of world governance, at a time when Trumps foreign policy is upending the globe. Harking back to Soviet ties with China during the World War II, Putin hailed the memory of the brotherhood in arms, trust, mutual support, and firmness in defending common interests as the foundation of their countries strategic alignment in the new era. We were always together then, and we remain together now, Putin told Xi at the start of their bilateral sit-down. China-Russia relations have withstood the test of shifting international circumstances, Xi said, calling Putin an old friend. China is willing to work together with Russia to support each others development and revitalization, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, and build a just and reasonable global governance system, Xi said. After their formal meeting, Xi invited Putin to his residence in Zhongnanhai, the Communist Partys walled leadership compound in central Beijing, to continue discussions, according to Russian state media. Chinas state broadcaster said Xi and Putin had tea with a small group of aides around noon. The close rapport between Xi and Putin was also on show throughout a two-day security summit in the Chinese port city of Tianjin that concluded Monday. During a banquet dinner Sunday evening, Xi warmly greeted Putin and was seen gesturing expressively in conversation with the Russian leader. Putin previously said that he discussed his recent negotiations in Alaska with Trump with Xi during summit activities Sunday. Putin met Trump last month in Alaska as the US pushes for Russia to end its war in Ukraine. The Russian presidents visit to China is also expected to bring him shoulder-to-shoulder with North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un. Both top a guest list of foreign dignitaries joining Xi at a massive military parade in the Chinese capital Wednesday. The visit is the Russian leaders longest to a single country since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a Kremlin record of his overseas visits. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In scenes reminiscent of Andrea Sachs at the beginning of The Devil Wears Prada, a 25-year-old Chloe Malle turned up to her interview at Vogue wearing black tights (an Anna Wintour no-no), boots that were falling apart and a very boring dress. I think back to my interview at Vogue and Im a little embarrassed, Malle, now 39, said as she looked back at the 2011 grilling with Wintour, for a position as a social editor. Youre supposed to never wear black. I wore black, Malle said in 2014. It was in March and so cold, so I wore black tights and these black J. Crew suede booties, which were fine, but were sort of falling apart. And then I wore this very boring, shortnot super short, but short-ishDiane von Furstenberg collared dress with a gray and white striped blazer. Chloe Malle, the daughter of Murphy Brown star Candice Bergen, and a mom of two who likes nothing more than a quiet night in, is taking the helm of American Vogue from Anna Wintour (AFP/Getty) It was plain, but it was fine, she added. But then I wore this white-orange pashmina and this orange beaded bag that I thought were really coolI consider myself more of a 'fashion girl' now, but my evolutions been almost by osmosis. Malle has risen through the ranks of the fashion Biblefrom social editor to podcast host and editor of Vogue.comand is now taking over from Wintour as the new head of editorial content for U.S. Vogue. The staffer who landed Naomi Bidens 2022 wedding at the White House, and a Lauren Sanchez interview ahead of her nuptials to Jeff Bezos, could soon shape the fashion world. This Ivy League-educated New Yorker the daughter of Murphy Brown star Candice Bergen and the late French film director Louis Malle leads a glamorous life, according to the photos that adorn her Instagram. She often vacations at the family home in the South of France, frequents the beaches of Montauk in the Hamptons, and enjoys fine dining in some of the hottest spots in New York. But for Malle, a wife and mother of two, the party-girl lifestyle that is part and parcel of being a Vogue editor in the big city doesnt come naturally. During her interview with Wintour, the fashion mogul asked what she liked doing in her free time. I answered truthfully and said I like to sleep and cook, Malle told The New York Post. A glammed-up photo of Malle taking a selfie in a grandiose-looking bathroom attests to this. Back in my pajamas watching Miss Marple but still thinking about the time I dressed up THREE nights in a row! she captioned the 2022 photo. As social editor at Vogue, Malles role saw her forced to mingle several times a week, which was a shock to her system. I work on the best-dressed lists and write party coverage for Vogue.com, which is so funny because I used to hate going out, she told beauty site Into the Gloss in 2014. Im such a morning person. But now that I decide what parties to cover for the website, Im usually out three to four nights a week. Malle is the daughter of Murphy Brown star and the late French film director Louis Malle. She is pictured with her parents as a child in Central Park (Paris Match/Getty) A glammed-up photo of Malle taking a selfie in a grandiose-looking bathroom is captioned: Back in my pajamas watching Miss Marple but still thinking about the time I dressed up THREE nights in a row! (@chloemalle/Instagram) Malles early childhood was spent in Los Angeles, where her mom relocated them from New York when Malle was only three to shoot Murphy Brown. Her father, the Academy Award-nominated director Louis Malle, lived in France because he didnt like living or working in Hollywood, Bergen said in a 2015 interview with Dallas News. The director would travel between Paris and L.A. every other month to visit his wife and daughter. People who dont know better think its a glamorous arrangement, Bergen said in a 1993 interview with Cosmopolitan magazine. But long-distance communication puts a strain on the marriage. That weve made it at all is a testament to how much we both wanted it. Malle, an only child, was close with her father and was 10 when he died of lymphoma in 1995. Malle and her mom moved back to New York five years later, where she attended Riverdale High School. I was always a big readerI was an only child, so it was just me, my dog Lois, and my books, Malle said. The Ivy League-educated New Yorker, often vacations in Europe and frequents the Hamptons. (chloemalle/Instagram) As a teenager, dads of Malles friends would fawn over her mother, she told The New York Times. I grew up with my friends dads saying Oh, my God, I remember when your mom was young. She was a knockout, Malle said. I think [Bergen] had great insecurity around the fact that people have always focused on that. She studied comparative literature and writing at Brown University. When I graduated, I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, Malle said. I was always interested in writingI edited the weekly paper at Brown and loved that. After briefly considering a career in public health, Malle landed an internship at the New York Observer and was later hired to cover real estate. From there, she became a freelance writer, filing pieces for The New York Times Style section and landing bylines in Vogue. Then her big break came in 2011 for the social editor role. I was hesitant when I was interviewing, because fashion is not one of my main interests in life, and I wanted to be a writer more than an editor, but I was so seduced by the Vogue machine that I couldnt resist, Malle said. Malle, an only child, was close with her father and was 10 when he died of lymphoma in 1995. (Paris Match/Getty) As her career was flourishing, so was her personal life. Malles boyfriend of four years, asset manager Graham Albert, proposed to her on New Years Day in 2014. He said, I have a question. I think we should get married. And my first response was, 'Thats not a question! Malle told Vogue in 2015. I know Im a brat, but Im an editorwhat do you want from me? Then I said, Oh wow, this is happening. I dont think I ever actually said yes, there was no need. Malle added that Albert presented the ring from his pocket in a Kleenex. A detail that makes my mother shudder and yell, A KLEENEX! every time she hears it, she joked. The couple wed at the familys 16th-century stone manor in Le Coual, southwestern France, in the same room her parents Bergen and Louis Malle married in 1980. It was a lavish but intimate four-day affair with just 40 guests. I grew up spending every summer there and the minute I turn down the driveway my heart leapsI get so excited, Malle said. Its a visceral reaction, I just love being there more than anything. In May 2020, Malle and Albert welcomed their first child, Louis Albert, named after Malles late father. They had a second child, Alice, in April 2022, according to PEOPLE. Mom of two is really the most time-consuming occupation at the moment, which Im leaning into, she told the outlet last year. Now Ive just decided ... [to] embrace the fact that theyre going to take most of my time and my logistical mental space. Bergen is a doting grandmother to Malles children and sees her grandkids regularly, according to social media. Despite a career that entails being a party-girl, Malle revealed that she used to hate going out and prefers to cook and sleep (Getty) Malle is also not shy about her politics. She has spoken out against Trump and posted left-leaning clothing and messaging on social media. The day after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Malle asked guest Jack Schlossberg on the podcast The Run Through: What would you say to people who are struggling this week and advice on getting through it? Malle then suggested an article about how to talk to your children about the election. I really struggled with that this morning, she admitted. She posted a photo on January 21, 2017, preparing to attend the Womens March in Washington, D.C. to protest Trumps first inauguration. Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My Rights, the placard Malle is holding reads. Another photo shows Malle wearing a Hillary Clinton sweatshirt while holding her two children on the couch. Malle, now a mother of two, attended the Womens March in Washington, D.C. to protest Trumps first inauguration. Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My Rights, the placard Malle is holding reads (@chloemalle/Instagram) Wintour, a Democratic fundraiser, has never shied away from politics and raised millions for the party in 2024. She has previously said its important to take a stand when deciding which influential women in politics to feature on the magazines cover. We profile women in the magazine that we believe in the stand that they're taking on issues. We support them in the fact that we feel that they are leaders, she told CNN in 2019. Wintour was spotted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in May to meet with Trumps chief of staff, Susie Wiles, to talk about the impact of tariffs on the fashion industry. Now that Malle has won the top job, according to the online news site Puck, it remains to be seen how shell navigate running American Vogue while juggling personal politics. As for Wintour, the 75-year-old is reportedly not going too far, and will remain as Conde Nasts global chief content officer and Vogues global editorial director, which may have come as welcome news to Malle. I actually love working with Anna, because I love someone telling me exactly what needs to be done and exactly what she thinks about something, Malle said of her boss. Theres no indecision. Theres no ambiguity. This story was originally published on Thursday Aug. 14, 2025, and updated at 5:09 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday Sep. 1 to reflect reports that Malle had been picked to replace Wintour. Crime laboratory officers search the home of Gilgo Beach killings suspect Rex Heuermann in Massapequa Park, New York, on July 18, 2023. - Yuki Iwamura/AFP/Getty Images At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann. A Suffolk County judge is set to decide Wednesday whether the results of that testing method, which has never been used in a New York courtroom, should be permitted in Heuermanns trial, which could start next year. Heuermann is charged with murder in the deaths of at least seven women spanning three decades. He has pleaded not guilty. In arguments before the judge earlier this year, prosectors argued the technology they used in the Gilgo case known as whole genome sequencing bolsters testing thats already widely accepted and helps to extract evidence that would otherwise be impossible to get, such as from rootless hairs or degraded samples. Investigators used the technology to determine hairs found on several of the victims belonged to Heuermann or someone in his immediate family, court records show. Heuermanns defense team, meanwhile, argues the technology is largely unproven. Its a critical ruling as much as anything that has to do with something as powerful as DNA evidence. Its going to move the needle, said CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson. It would be a huge win for the prosecutors if it were admitted and a huge blow to the defense. Jackson said the evidence could be devastating for Heuermann because prosecutors would be able to make the case for jurors that he was with the victims in their final moments. Without it, the defense would have an easier time arguing its case knowing a key piece of evidence wouldnt be considered by a jury. If Judge Timothy Mazzei rules against prosecutors, however, they still have more to work with. At the end of the day, they have so many bites of the apple with this guy, Jackson said. Theres so much other evidence. The judge can sleep at night and say, I didnt kill their case. I just took one tool out of their toolbox that has 20 different tools in it. Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 and charged with murder in the killings of three women whose bodies were discovered bound with belts or tape and wrapped in burlap along a stretch of Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach in 2010. Those victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello along with a fourth woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose death Heuermann was charged in while in custody became known as the Gilgo Four. Rex Heuermann appears at Suffolk County Court for a status conference on February 25 in Riverhead, New York. - James Carbone/Pool/Getty Images/File Two second-degree murder charges were added in June 2024 for the deaths of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. Taylor was killed in 2003, and Costilla in 1993. In December, Heuermann was charged with murder in the death of a seventh woman, Valerie Mack, in a superseding indictment. Heuermanns July 2023 arrest was a major event in the area. Since the discovery of the bodies began in 2010, the mystique of the Long Island Serial Killer grew with each year the murders went unsolved. It quickly became the biggest mystery on Long Island, prompting books, articles and documentaries all while fear grew among residents knowing the killer was still out there. Heuermann now spends his days at the Suffolk County correctional facility. Expected arguments The defense contends the DNA analysis used by prosecutors lacks broad acceptance within the scientific community and should not be allowed as evidence in the trial. The analysis was conducted by Astrea Forensics, a company that specializes in whole genome sequencing a type of DNA analysis that can be used for difficult-to-treat samples. Whole genome sequencing is a method that attempts to read nearly all of a persons DNA, covering the entire genetic code of about 3 billion bases, or letters, said Daniele Podini, an associate professor at George Washington University. I think that it was used in this case because the DNA in hair is very degraded/fragmented and the conventional Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis is not as likely to be successful, Podini told CNN via email. STR analysis looks only at specific regions in the genome where short DNA sequences repeat multiple times. The key difference, Podini said, is conventional testing provides a limited DNA fingerprint, like a barcode on a supermarket product, while whole genome sequencing (WGS) offers a full genetic blueprint with much more detailed insights. Though the type of analysis has not yet been subject to an admissibility hearing in the State of New York, prosecutors said in their argument to the judge earlier this year, the technique is commonly used across numerous scientific and forensic fields, including virology, health care and criminal justice and by law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys. WGS is an advancement in DNA testing which enables more comprehensive collection and evaluation of DNA and has wide application throughout the relevant scientific communities, prosecutors said. It has been accepted by the CDC, the FDA, paleontologists, virologists, and the medical communities. New technologies are always up for examination before becoming routine, said Nathan Lents, a professor of biology at the City University of New Yorks John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Forensic methods are subject to intense legal scrutiny before they are accepted as common practice, and thats what we are seeing here, Lents said. This is the normal way that new techniques are introduced into the legal forensic toolkit, in test cases with a great deal of scrutiny and expert testimony. With or without DNA, prosecutors plan to build their case from multiple angles If the DNA testing method in the case is thrown out, Suffolk County prosecutors could rely on other evidence like the content allegedly discovered on Heuermanns devices, including a planning document outlining a strategy for future killings, or the newspapers and magazines allegedly found during a search warrant of his home that talked about the killings of the women. According to a bail application, the manual contained headings such as Supplies and Problems, with DNA listed as the top item under the latter. A section titled body prep detailed steps to clean, dismember and move bodies, while another called post event appeared to list tasks to avoid apprehension, including having a story set. Gilgo Beach is seen on July 18, 2023, in Babylon, New York. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images Prosecutors also have cell phone data and pings from cell towers that point to Heuermann, the eyewitness descriptions of him and his truck, the Chevrolet Avalanche, according to an official with knowledge of their strategy. They also have mitochondrial DNA that still points to Heuermann but would be more work for prosecutors to establish that it was Heuermann and not someone related to him that carried out the murders, the official said. Though a trial date hasnt been set for Heuermann, its expected to be sometime next year and will see prosecutors call witnesses who can testify to the legitimacy of the DNA, law enforcement that recovered the bodies and medical examiners who inspected the bodies, the official said. Meanwhile, Michael Brown, the defense attorney for Heuermann, said Wednesdays decision is important for their case but not essential. If we dont prevail on this, its OK we still have the ability to attack this before a jury, Brown told CNN. Im confident that a jury would disregard this new methodology. Part of the defenses strategy will include not only fighting the DNA evidence but also highlighting discrepancies in the case, such as an allegation that law enforcement had another suspect they were going to arrest before Heuermann was taken into custody, according to a source with knowledge of the defenses thinking. They also plan on digging up corruption in the history of Suffolk County law enforcement, something critics have long pointed to as being a main reason the Gilgo serial killer was not caught earlier, according to the source. How common is the technique? Though its never been used in a case in New York state, experts say, the use of whole genome sequencing as a DNA analysis method has been used for some time. The technique is legitimate and reliable and has been used in the research and clinical setting for many years now, Lents, the biology professor, told CNN. It is only coming into the forensic realm because forensics always trails a few years behind the scientific advances, because the courts want to see any new technique be deployed, analyzed and scrutinized for years before it is applied in a criminal case where someones life or liberty is at stake, he added. The US Food and Drug Administration uses whole genome sequencing to identify pathogens during foodborne illness outbreaks, the agency says on its website. Public health researchers use it to understand why certain bacteria cause more severe illness or show greater resistance to antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite this, Heuermanns attorney argued this type of DNA evidence hasnt gotten the general acceptance of the scientific community. The prosecution has failed to meet this burden, defense attorneys wrote. At best, the evidence presented demonstrates that the academic debate surrounding this paradigm shifting methodology is in its infancy, far short of the general acceptance required by law. Accordingly, this court must preclude the admission of such evidence. Prosecutors, however, say the latest advancements in forensic testing are not only reliable, but widely accepted. These facts demonstrate that the methodology has moved well beyond the novel or experimental stage, wrote Suffolk County prosecutors. This is not magic its science. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images A man pushes a cart filled with wrapped luggage. There are a lot of odd airport jobs. The bird guys keep birds at bay, lavatory crews empty the loos, and finally, there are people who get paid to wrap luggage in plastic. The first two jobs make senseits important to keep the runways clear and the planes clean but most travelers arent sure about the third. That said, luggage-wrapping stations have been a mainstay at major U.S. international airports since the early 90s. Theyre even more common abroad; one Miami-based company, Secure Wrap, has more than 500 employees wrapping luggage at airports across 17 different countries. Why do passengers wrap their luggage? Passengers wrap their luggage for an array of reasons. Some travelers get their luggage wrapped to protect the exterior of the luggage from scratches and marks, while others get it wrapped to protect the contents inside the luggage. Some travelers may think that if a suitcase is wrapped in plastic, its less likely to be inspected by TSA or interfered with by nefarious characters who may be inclined to steal or perhaps worse, plant something incriminating inside. And some travelers, especially those going to the Maldives, Australia, and other countries that spray insecticide and disinfectant on arriving flights, wrap their luggage in plastic to protect their contents from the chemicals. A lot of people did this on my flight arriving in China because of how much they spray and 'disinfect' your bag upon arrival, wrote one traveler on Reddit who said they regretted not wrapping their bag in advance because their clothes got saturated. Finally, there are always travelers who have to get their luggage wrapped because their suitcase is falling apart or theyve been cursed with a rogue zipper. Paying $15what Secure Wrap charges at Miami International Airportto wrap a broken bag is a lot cheaper than buying a new suitcase at the airport. What does the TSA do with wrapped luggage? TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers tells Travel + Leisure that luggage wrapped in plastic is treated the same as luggage that is not wrapped in plastic. All checked bags are subject to screening before theyre passed on to airline baggage handlers who load them onto the plane. In the U.S., thats approximately 1.3 million checked bags per day. TSA and its counterparts abroad use X-ray machines that use a 3D scanner to look for objects that resemble explosives or other hazardous materials. Some airports also rely on K-9s that can detect everything from bullets to bombs. Wrapping your luggage in plastic doesnt affect how the X-Ray machines scan the bag, nor does it deter the dogs. Most bags, approximately 95 percent, pass this screening and dont need to be physically inspected by a TSA officer. Bags that are flagged, get openedthis means plastic wrapping will be cut, and locks will be broken if theyre not TSA-approved. In the U.S. at least, the TSA examines luggage in a controlled environment monitored by CCTV. This ensures that no one is tempted to tamper (in an unnecessary way) with a passengers property. While the TSA agent who examines the bag will repack it and include a paper slip indicating that the bag was inspected so the passenger knows why someone rifled through their luggage, they will not rewrap the bag in plastic. However, some luggage-wrapping companies, including Secure Wrap, offer complimentary rewrapping if the plastic wrapping is cut by TSA. They also include a guarantee that matches the airlines compensation for lost baggage or damage. Note: These types of guarantees are subject to many terms and conditions. What else can you do to keep luggage secure? While some luggage-wrapping companies claim they only use 100 percent recyclable plastic, many airports are starting to consider banning plastic luggage wrapping due to environmental concerns. Fortunately, if you want to keep your luggage secure, you have other options. For starters, you can use TSA-approved locks or luggage straps. You can also invest in a reusable luggage cover if youre concerned with aesthetics. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure plaza David Perry I drove from NYC to Quebec City in Canada for a European-inspired vacation in North America. Quebec City has a lot of historic architecture, and the province produces impressive ice wines. My 72-hour trip was a fairly budget-friendly way for me to feel like I was in France. It's not every day I walk down a street where a Disney princess would be fit to start her opening number, but that's how I felt in Quebec City. The Canadian city is steeped in centuries of history and feels distinctly European, from its cobblestone streets to its largely French-speaking population. However, it's actually just an eight-hour drive (or two-hour flight) from my native New York City. After spending just about 72 hours in the city and its surrounding province, I'd say it's a great place to visit for a taste of Europe in North America. A walking tour is a great way to see the city and its architectural marvels The best thing to do in Quebec City is to walk. David Perry There's just so much to see in the centuries-old Quebec City, which still has preserved remnants of when it was a fortified colonial town. It's an architecture nerd's dream, from the walls surrounding Old Quebec (that still have many parts intact) to the mix of buildings in a range of design styles. For example, the you-can't-miss-it-it's-so-big Chateau Frontenac is distinct with its classic 1890s Chateauesque style, while the Edifice Price skyscraper is pure 1929 Art Deco. Fontenac David Perry My hotel stay, which cost about $65 CAD a night, came with a street tour that allowed me to take in many sights, like City Hall, lookouts over the Saint Lawrence River, churches, fountains, and the massive Parliament Building. I also enjoyed seeing the National Art Museum, with its extensive collection of Quebecois art. All that walking left me hungry fortunately, Quebec City has quite the culinary scene, including several options with a French influence. On this trip, I had the humble French onion soup at La Buchette, fresh pizzas at Nina Pizza Napolitaine, and burger au fromage de chevre at the cozy Pub Saint-Alexandre. Though I didn't stop by this time, another gem worth highlighting is Taniere, a historic fine-dining restaurant with two Michelin stars that focuses on cooking with fresh, local ingredients from the area. There are some incredible vineyards nearby, too Some incredible wine is produced near Quebec City. David Perry I also stopped at Ile d'Orleans, an island in the Saint Lawrence that plays a key role in Quebec's wine-making industry. Luckily, it's only about a 35-minute drive from downtown Quebec City. From there, I think the area is best explored by bike. With its vineyards and bucolic fields, the island felt like a world away from the city and I could feel the French passion for winemaking. As a wine enthusiast, I made sure to try a signature ice wine from Quebec vineyard l'Orpailleur. A sweet dessert wine, it can only be made when grapes freeze. Similar to l'Orpailleur, other local Quebecois winemakers like Isle de Bacchus and Vignoble du Mitan have evolved to embrace the cold and use frozen grapes to produce ice wines. All in all, my short trip felt like a great value wall gat David Perry For the 72 hours I walked, ate, and drank my way through Quebec City and its surrounding province, I felt like I was in France. A cheap, easy-for-me-to-get-to France! All told, I spent about $400 on my trip between the hotel stay, food, and bike rental. My biggest expense was probably the gas to drive from New York to Quebec City and back. Even so, my total is still less than what I'd pay for just one plane ticket to France. I especially recommend Quebec City to penny-pinching travelers in North America. After all, it's not every day you find something that is both French and easy on the wallet. Read the original article on Business Insider This undated trial evidence image obtained December 8, 2021, from the US District Court for the Southern District of New York shows British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and US financier Jeffrey Epstein. - US District Court for the Southern District of New York The House Oversight Committee on Tuesday released tens of thousands of Jeffrey Epstein-related files it had received from the Justice Department, as the controversy surrounding the case intensified with lawmakers return to Washington. While more than 30,000 pages were made public, the committees release may not represent the totality of the Epstein-related documents in the Justice Departments possession and congressional Democrats have said they largely included previously known information. Still, the files which include flight logs, court filings, jail surveillance footage, redacted records, depositions and memos fuel intrigue in a case that has at times driven a wedge between President Donald Trump and his own party. The 33,000 pages of Epstein documents James Comer has decided to release were already mostly public information. To the American people dont let this fool you, Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on House Oversight Committee, said in a statement. After careful review, Oversight Democrats have found that 97% of the documents received from the Department of Justice were already public. There is no mention of any client list or anything that improves transparency or justice for victims. The Republican-led House panel obtained the documents as part of a subpoena to the Justice Department last month, and the committee, in the days since, moved to redact sensitive information in them. As the panel readied the files release Tuesday, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie pushed forward with his effort to compel the publication of the case files in full a vote that House GOP leaders have sought to head off. Massies decision to officially move ahead with his bipartisan bill to force the Justice Department to release the files breathed new life into an issue that has caused headaches for the Trump administration and threatens to put Hill Republicans on the spot over the politically contentious issue. People want these files released. I mean, look, its not the biggest issue in the country. Its taxes, jobs, the economy, those are always the big issues. But you really cant solve any of that if this place is corrupt, Massie said. Just hours after returning from their summer recess, GOP lawmakers were facing intense pressure from their base to make a decision on whether to support the Kentucky Republicans resolution, or risk accusations that they are against transparency around the case. Massie formally introduced his resolution Tuesday afternoon, kicking off a frenzied week in which he and his Democratic cosponsor, Rep. Ro Khanna, will attempt to get the 218 signatures needed to circumvent leadership and force a vote on the House floor. Massie expressed confidence that he and Khanna could get six Republicans to join all 212 House Democrats in supporting their petition, despite what he said were attempts by the White House to halt the effort. Theres a major pressure campaign from the White House right now, and also from the speaker, but I think there are enough Republicans who are listening to their constituents and care about these victims that well get the 218 signatures we need, he said. Nobodys tried to get me to stop doing it. I have texted with Mike Johnson as recently as yesterday, Massie later told reporters, refusing to disclose what Johnson had said to him. And any vows from Trump and his allies to mount a primary against Massie doesnt worry him, the congressman said. Ive already poked the hornets nest here. And you know, once youre, once youre in for a penny, youre in for a pound, were going to get these files released, he said. A White House official said in response to a CNN request for comment, Helping Thomas Massie and Liberal Democrats with their attention-seeking, while the DOJ is fully supporting a more comprehensive file release effort from the Oversight Committee, would be viewed as a very hostile act to the administration. GOP leadership pushes symbolic vote Underscoring the growing pressure on House Republicans to act on the Epstein matter, leadership on Tuesday added a symbolic vote to the chambers calendar that would call on the Oversight Committee to continue its investigation into the Epstein files. Massie criticized the move, which came before he had the opportunity Tuesday to file his discharge petition and begin collecting signatures, as not wide enough. Its basically telling [House Oversight Chairman] James Comer to keep doing what hes doing, and I appreciate what James Comer is doing, but this vote is unnecessary, and its to provide political cover to those Republicans who may not be sponsoring or signing the effort that Ro Khanna and I put forward, he said of Johnsons resolution. The speaker brushed off Massies criticism, telling reporters later in the afternoon that he would not put much stock in what Thomas Massie says. The House Republicans have been very consistent about maximum disclosure, maximum transparency for the Epstein files, but we have to do it in a way that would protect the innocent victims of these horrific crimes, he said, later adding, What people want to do with this for political purposes, to me, is really just shameful. In response, Massie pointed to a Wednesday press conference he and Khanna will hold with a number of Epstein victims who he said are pleading for the files to be released. He cant say that hes protecting the victims, and Im not, he said. Emotional closed-door meeting with victims Johnson and members of the Oversight Committee met with six victims for more than two hours behind closed-doors Tuesday in what many lawmakers described as an emotional and informative meeting. GOP Rep. Nancy Mace left the meeting in tears, while Johnson told reporters the testimonials were heartbreaking and infuriating and that there were tears in the room. There was outrage. The speaker, who has tried to walk a tightrope on the issue, vowed for transparency in releasing information to the public, and said Trump shares the same perspective. Thats his mindset. And he wants the American people to have information so they can draw their own conclusions. Johnson said hed spoken with Trump about this very subject myself, saying the president is insistent that we protect the innocent victims, and thats what this has been about. Yet, Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury criticized Johnson for not wanting to expand the investigation into Epstein beyond the Oversight panel. Its noteworthy that in the room with six victims of sexual violence by Jeffrey Epstein, it was suggested by Democrats that this be investigated using the full force of every committee here in Congress. And the speaker ended by saying he didnt think that was necessary. Hed like to just keep it in the Oversight Committee, Stansbury said. Members in the room relayed that the victims want more information released, while ensuring that certain private details are protected. But even some Republicans leaving the room signaled that they would be open to signing onto Massies effort to force a full House vote on releasing the files. After reading the entire resolution, its very good. Its well written. It protects the victims and it provides the transparency that the country deserves, and most importantly, the survivors deserve. Yes I will be proudly signing the petition, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said. Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, meanwhile, told reporters she believes all of the files will be released and that a vote wont be necessary, but if it comes to it, she would be happy to sign on. There was bipartisan agreement in the room to subpoena more individuals based on the names that came up in the conversation with the victims, Democratic Rep. David Min of California told reporters. Theres a lot of stuff were learning that the government has access to that has not been made available to us, he said. We want to know what we dont know and where we can get it. I came away from this feeling like that first tranche of documents that we received was completely useless and that theyre withholding a lot of information right now. This headline and story have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Ellis Kim, Aaron Blake, Kit Maher and Casey Riddle contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former President Trump Holds A Campaign Rally In Grand Rapids, Michigan (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) THE OVAL OFFICE President Donald Trump told the Daily Caller that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is scared to bring in U.S. troops. The Daily Caller sat down with Trump for an hour long interview in the Oval Office. The president talked about his administrations work on the border crisis, his work with Mexico and upcoming policy on illegal farmers and restaurant workers. (RELATED: WATCH: The Daily Callers OPERATION DEPORTATION) The following is an excerpt from the Callers conversation with the president. The full transcript was posted Monday evening. REESE: You mentioned the border, its been something that I think has been probably your administrations greatest success this time around TRUMP: They dont even talk about it. [Inaudible]. Think of it. For the last 90 days, weve had nobody, three months. Three months, nobody, zero. And, you know, Democrats do those stats. Its like zero. Itd be very hard to get it, but for three months, weve had nobody. Could be four months now. I mean, Ive totally solved the border problem. REESE: Are you happy with the rate of deportations right now? TRUMP: Yeah, were doing a lot. You know, were doing a lot of self deportations. Millions are going out. Thats not much of a story, but a big story is self deportation. You know, we give them an incentive to go out, meaning you can come back someday. If you dont go out, you can never come back. [TRUMP and REESE move off the record.] [TRUMP and REESE move on the record.] REESE: Do you trust Mexico to secure their side of the border with since the government is believed to be, you know, run by the cartels, or the cartels are involved? TRUMP: So I like the president very much. I think shes a terrific woman. Shes actually an amazing woman in some, in certain ways, very elegant, beautiful. But Mexico is run by the cartels. Its run by the cartels. [TRUMP and REESE move off the record.] TRUMP: Now you can go back [on the record.] Ive offered to send in the military, and she doesnt want us to do that. REESE: Why? TRUMP: Because shes scared. REESE: Wow. TRUMP: Shes very scared. REESE: On illegal immigration, sticking on immigration, are there still plans to provide deportation exemptions for illegal farmers and restaurant workers? Whats the policy right now? TRUMP: We want to, we want to. Look I, I have two groups, that in particular like me, people that dont want to allow people to come into the country illegally, and the farmers. Okay, they really, with the farmers, theyre great and, and its a little at odds, because some of the people coming in for many years have worked on farms, and theyve been good, and in many cases, they pay taxes, you know, everything else. And you have some of my best people, dont want anybody in for any reason, no matter what. No matter what. Very hard line stand. So were working on legislation now thats gonna, its gonna I think, I think, Im gonna make everybody happy. Mexico has continuously had problems with drug cartels and their influence over the country. Corrupt dealings between the cartels and the Mexican government stretches to Sheinbaums office, as two former officials have previously been charged with involvement in a drug trafficking operation, The New York Times reported. While securing the southern border and stopping the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States, the Trump administration has also cracked down on cartels in Mexico. In early August, the president authorized the U.S. military to target Latin American cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, sources told The New York Times. The U.S. military also deployed assets to the southern Caribbean sea to curtail cartel activity. Entrants can donate to Make-A-Wish for the chance to win 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points for the trip of a lifetime PHOENIX, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chase and The Points Guy (TPG) are teaming up for the launch of a new sweepstakes benefiting Make-A-Wish, inviting supporters to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and enter for a chance to win 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points and a private planning session for a bucket-list worthy trip with Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy. This summer campaign, hosted by Prizeo, is part of the broader "Summer of Wishes" initiative and continues the shared commitment of Chase and TPG to transform lives through the power of travel. "Summer is the busiest wish-granting season for Make-A-Wish a time when thousands of families experience the joy, hope and inspiration that come with a wish. More than 75% of the time, those wishes involve travel, making travel partners critical to our mission," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. "Through this partnership with Chase and The Points Guy, we're inviting people to turn their everyday points into wishes that research shows can lead to better health outcomes and increased chances of survival." Every donation supports travel wishes for children like Brynn, an enthusiastic bird watcher. Brynn's wish to visit Hawaii with her family provided her with renewed motivation during her battle with a vascular disorder. Her wish gave her family a chance to heal, laugh, and reconnect. Wishes are more than just trips. They're powerful moments that restore hope, joy, and a sense of normalcy to families when they need it most. "We're honored to team up with Make-A-Wish and Chase to use travel as a force for good and help grant wishes to incredible kids like Brynn," said Kelly. "I've seen firsthand how powerful these moments can be for Make-A-Wish children and their entire families, and I hope everyone, from points beginners to frequent fliers, will join us in supporting this amazing cause." Long-time supporter Kelly and TPG have partnered with Make-A-Wish since 2018. Through donations, fundraisers, and special experiences, TPG has helped make dreams come true for hundreds of wish kids and their families. As part of its partnership with Make-A-Wish, Chase has donated millions of Ultimate Rewards points to help grant wishes for hundreds of children, including Brynn. Chase cardmembers can also support Make-A-Wish by donating at wish.org/Chase and redeem Ultimate Rewards for the value of the donation by using Pay Yourself Back through the Ultimate Rewards portal. Learn how you can enter for a chance to win the trip of a lifetime and help wish kids like Brynn get their wishes granted by visiting prizeo.com/TPGWish. About Make-A-Wish Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide; more than 390,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org. About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America with assets of $4.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 85 million consumers and 7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com. About The Points Guy The Points Guy (TPG) is a trusted travel media platform that focuses on maximizing travel experiences while minimizing spending. Through an informative, clever point of view, TPG has become the leading online site for all things points, miles and resourceful travel experiences. The site's editorial content, newsletter and app consists of firsthand flight, hotel and airplane reviews, curated travel guides and immersive video components, as well as global event activations. Since its launch in 2010, founder Brian Kelly has expanded the team to include a distinguished editorial staff and extensive network of freelancers around the globe. Today, TPG reaches 11 million unique monthly visitors and more than 4.4 million followers across social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok), and is committed to using travel as a positive force to educate communities, and support initiatives to promote equality and opportunity around the globe About Charitybuzz/Prizeo Charitybuzz is the leading impact marketplace for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive items, and unmatched accessall to benefit charitable causes. Through auctions, sweepstakes, an e-commerce shop, and a private concierge program, Charitybuzz has offered experiences with the world's most influential personalities, including George Clooney, Warren Buffett, Oprah, and Charlize Theron, raising millions of dollars for nonprofits including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish, ACLU, and thousands more. Its sweepstakes product, Prizeo, offers the chance to win extraordinary prizes while supporting meaningful causes. With automatic entry available for a charitable donation of $10 or more and free entries available for every sweepstakes, Prizeo invites everyone to win big and make a difference. SOURCE Make-A-Wish America For the traveler who prizes spontaneity over a rigid itinerary, Frontier Airlines' GoWild! Pass is an intriguing, and potentially game-changing, offer. Currently on sale at its lowest-ever price for early access to the 20262027 season, the pass promises unlimited travel to over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. But before you buy, it's crucial to understand the nuances of this all-you-can-fly deal, including the varying passes and their prices. SimonSkafar via Getty Images The annual pass: A ticket to freedom? The GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly annual pass offers a full year of potential air travel. Currently, in an exclusive presale, the 20262027 annual pass is available for just $299, a significant drop from its regular price of $599. Purchasing during this limited-time offer gives you immediate access through April 30, 2027, providing nearly two years of flying for a steeply discounted price. The booking process is simple: Once you've logged into your FRONTIER Miles account, you can book a domestic flight the day before departure or an international flight starting 10 days in advance. For each flight, you'll pay a nominal $0.01 in airfare, plus applicable taxes and fees. If a full year of commitment is too much, Frontier offers other pass options for different travel habits. The Fall and Winter Pass , available for a limited time for $299, covers travel from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The Summer Pass , which was available for the May 1September 30, 2025, travel period, was offered for $399. For the most flexible flyers, a monthly pass is also available. A limited-time offer gives the first month for $0, plus a $99 enrollment fee. The monthly pass is valid for 30 days and automatically renews each month for $149. Regardless of the pass type, holders can take advantage of the unlimited flight potential as long as they adhere to the booking windows. Leigh Ann Speake via Getty Images The fine print: Last-minute flexibility required, and no add-ons The magic and the challenge of the GoWild! Pass lies in its last-minute booking policy. While this system rewards spontaneous adventurers, it also requires flexibility. Last-minute domestic flights and international trips booked 10 days out are subject to seat availability, and last-seat availability is not guaranteed. The good news is that Frontier has introduced an "Early Booking" option for select flights, which allows you to book further in advance for an additional charge. This provides a welcome safety net for those who need to lock in a few key flights ahead of time. Potential pass holders should be aware of a few important caveats. The biggest consideration is the blackout dates, which typically surround major holidays and are clearly listed on Frontier's website. Additionally, the pass covers only the flight itself; extras like bags and seat assignments are not included and must be purchased separately. The pass is also non-transferable, meaning only the pass holder can use its privileges. In the end, the GoWild! Pass is not for every traveler. It's best suited for flexible, budget-conscious travelers with a penchant for spontaneous trips. For those who can adapt to last-minute planning and are willing to pay for add-ons, this pass can unlock an incredible amount of travel for a minimal cost. For the right person, it truly can be a ticket to go wild. Johnny Nunez/WireImage Pras Michel in New York City on May 04, 2022 NEED TO KNOW Fugees rapper Pras Michel missed a scheduled sentencing hearing on Friday, Aug. 29 because he underwent "emergency surgery for colon cancer removal," his spokesperson said Michel was found guilty in 2023 of conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, per the Department of Justice His next sentencing hearing date has been scheduled for Oct. 3 Fugees rapper Pras Michel recently underwent emergency surgery after experiencing a "medical concern," forcing him to miss a scheduled sentencing hearing. Michel, 52, was initially set to appear in court on Friday, Aug. 29 to discuss how much money he would need to forfeit after being found guilty in 2023 of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, according to Billboard. However, his lawyers said in an August filing, obtained by the outlet, that the rapper would be unable to appear at the hearing as he had experienced a significant medical concern. Pras missed Fridays sentencing hearing while undergoing emergency surgery for colon cancer removal, the rapper's spokesperson, Erica Dumas, said in a statement, per Billboard. We stand with him and his family and wish him a full recovery as he addresses this serious health matter. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Pras Michel arrives at U.S. District Court on March 31, 2023 in Washington, D.C.. She added that Michel was recovering right now until he is in the clear and focused on spending time with his family ahead of sentencing, and that he remains hopeful for his future. Michel found stardom as a member of the Fugees, who are regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1990s. Their final album The Score, released in 1996, was certified seven times platinum sales by the RIAA. However, he hit some legal trouble after being convicted of attempting to influence President Donald Trumps administration officials to drop an investigation into Malaysian businessman Jho Low, an international fugitive accused of embezzling money from Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). He also was found guilty during his trial which heard testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions of conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the 2012 U.S. presidential election. According to the DOJ, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty From Left: Lauryn Hill, Pras Michel and Wyclef Jean performing onstage in New York City on Sept. 23, 2023 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. However, Michels attorneys have requested that the rapper only receive 36 months of prison time something they described as a just sentence in this case, per Billboard. In addition to serving time in prison, he is required to forfeit a sum of money to the federal government a matter that was scheduled to be addressed at his sentencing hearing on Friday. According to Billboard, The federal government is seeking nearly $65 million from Michel. Michels next sentencing hearing date has been scheduled for Oct. 3. Read the original article on People Portland Police; KATU News/YouTube Neilyann Ysam (left); and S Mate-Joseph. NEED TO KNOW Neilyann Ysam was found fatally stabbed in a home with her four children present on July 19 S Mate Joseph, who is the father of Ysam's children, has been arrested on a murder charge, per police Ysam was hiding from Joseph at her aunt's place, per police The fatal stabbing of a woman fleeing her alleged abuse was reported to police first by the couple's 4-year-old child. The victim, 24-year-old Neilyann Ysam, was found dead in a Portland, Ore., home on July 19 by authorities responding to a report of a stabbing at the location, Portland Police said in a statement at the time. S Mate Joseph, 28, was arrested later the same day in nearby Vancouver, Wash., per the statement. Ysam's stabbing was reported to police by her 4-year-old daughter, who told authorities: "My dad killed my mom," according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KATU. The child also gave police her father's name. Joseph himself also called 911, and allegedly reported that he had stabbed a "loved one" and did not know if they were still alive, per the affidavit. Once police arrived at the scene, they found five children were in the home, unharmed, and removed them from the location, Portland Police said in their statement. Four of the children were Ysam's, KATU reported. Her aunt told authorities that Ysam and her children were staying with her after they fled alleged violence in the home Ysam shared with Joseph, per the affidavit. Joseph had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting Ysam when she was pregnant in 2019, according to Clark County court documents cited by KATU. In 2020, he was found in a car with Ysam and cited for violating a protection order a judge had issued against him in 2019. 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. Joseph has been charged with second-degree murder and first degree burglary, per Portland Police. He has pleaded not guilty pleas in response to the charges, KATU reported. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Related video: Jeffries, Schumer Call For FOUR CORNERS Meeting with GOP Leaders To AVOID Shutdown | SUNRISE House GOP leaders are staring down a politically fraught and legislatively jam-packed September as lawmakers return to Washington all while their tiny majority is set to get even slimmer. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) must contend with a Sept. 30 government funding deadline amid disputes among Republicans on the structure and length of a stopgap and as Democrats have the power to force a shutdown. Calls for more disclosures about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which thwarted leaderships plans ahead of the August recess, are set to come back to the forefront. And GOP lawmakers are planning to press their leaders on hot-button issues like stock trading, while contending with demands from President Trump on crime and beyond. Adding to the pressure are two special elections in September that almost certainly will add two Democrats to the chamber in seats open due to the deaths of Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.). Virginias special election is Sept. 9, and Arizonas is Sept. 23. That will give Republicans less breathing room on party-line votes, being able to afford just two GOP defections rather than three, assuming all members are present and voting. In a majority that includes lawmakers who routinely oppose continuing resolutions (CRs) to extend government funding when there is no time left for the regular appropriations process like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) having even one fewer vote could complicate the GOP strategy on a funding stopgap. The last GOP-designed CR in March was sent to the Senate after every Democrat and Massie voted no, leaving Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to make the call on whether to force a government shutdown, which he ultimately opted against. Putting that kind of pressure on Senate Democrats only works, though, if House Republicans are unified. Time is ticking, and I think thats the biggest challenge, said Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee. We spent the first seven months of this Congress focused on the big, beautiful bill, which is necessary and incredibly important, and glad we were able to get that done. But now weve put ourselves in a position where were racing against the clock to get an appropriations package done. Its going to be a very busy four weeks. Republicans will also need near-unanimous support on a vote to authorize a subcommittee to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and the previous Democratic-led investigation into Jan. 6. That panel, set to be led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), was announced more than seven months ago but was never formally established as Republicans hashed out disputes about its legislative jurisdictions. A slimmer majority could also have implications for Trumps authority over Washingtons police force. His takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, initiated in mid-August, needs Congressional approval to last beyond 30 days, though it is unclear whether Republicans will move to do so. Lawmakers will also contend with Trump saying he wants $2 billion from Congress to fund his plan to beautify Washington a sum that could invite scorn from fiscal hawks. The city is facing a shortfall after Congress effectively cut its budget by $1 billion earlier this year in a federal spending bill. Its not just pressures from Trump that leaders will face. A slimmer majority also helps Republicans willing to team up with Democrats in hopes of forcing votes on other hot-button issues through discharge petitions. The rarely-successful procedural gambit lets members circumvent leadership to force floor consideration of legislation if 218 members a majority of the House sign on. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are planning a discharge petition to force consideration of their bill requiring the Trump administration to publicly release the so-called Epstein files. They have enough Republican cosponsors on the measure to reach the 218-signaure threshold if every Democrat signs on. The duo will bring the Epstein issue to the forefront in the first days of Congress return with a press conference featuring Epstein survivors though the environment on the GOP side may not be as tumultuous as in July in wake of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee issuing subpoenas for Epstein-related documents and testimony. But Massie told The Hill of the Epstein issue this month: I dont think this is going to go away. Stock trading is another issue set to see a discharge petition and bipartisan pressure. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who brought a successful discharge petition on proxy voting for new parents earlier this year before the effort was later quashed by leadership, has also pledged to bring another one to ban individual stock trading by members of Congress. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is among those pushing for another stock trading ban bill but as of now, he is seeking to have it go through the committee process rather than force it straight to the floor. Theres a group of us on a bipartisan basis who are saying, look, time is now, Roy said Thursday on CNBC. I told Republican leadership I was going to give them the benefit of the doubt to get through the big, beautiful bill and to make sure we can move forward and advance the presidents agenda. Luna also told Joe Rogan on his podcast this month she was planning a discharge petition to bring a vote on term limits for members of Congress, an idea that is less likely to get majority support. All of those hot-button issues will come as the House also presses forward this month on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a piece of must-pass legislation that is not only one of the biggest legislative exercises of the year, but also a target for those looking to attach other priorities. Republicans earlier this year cut a deal to add a bill to block the creation of a central bank digital currency to the NDAA or must-pass legislation. And Tea Party Patriots Action has been pushing to attach a bill to require proof of citizenship to register to vote to a must-pass measure like the NDAA. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek farmers misappropriated EU agricultural subsidies worth more than 22 million euros between 2019 and 2024 by faking land ownership, a minister said on Tuesday, following a police investigation that has shaken the government. Greek police raided the Athens offices of OPEKEPE - the government agency tasked with supervising and paying EU subsidies - in July, seizing hundreds of thousands of farmers' tax records. So far, police have found that hundreds of Greek farmers have misappropriated EU subsidies worth at least 22.67 million euros ($26.54 million), after scrutinising more than 6,000 out of more than 800,000 applications, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said in a televised statement on Tuesday. "We can't and we should not tolerate people coveting precious public money, whether it's state or European," Chrysochoidis said. "It's our duty... to activate all available mechanisms, to prevent, and whenever needed, investigate, identify and punish offenders." In March, European prosecutors said they had charged dozens of Greek stockbreeders who received EU financial aid with making false declarations of ownership or leasing of pastureland. The EU in June imposed a 392 million-euro fine on Greece over the mismanagement of agricultural subsidies between 2016 and 2023 by OPEKEPE, which handles more than 2 billion euros in annual EU farm aid. Some senior OPEKEPE officials who EU prosecutors have investigated for their alleged roles in the fraud have denied wrongdoing. The government has said it will soon transfer OPEKEPE's responsibilities to Greece's state revenue authority to improve transparency. EU prosecutors have referred the case to the Greek parliament, the only body to investigate politicians. The parliament will set up a committee to look into OPEKEPE's handling of the EU subsidies. The conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis - who won a second term in 2023 - has seen its popularity fall amid the scandal which has led to the resignation of four ministers who have also denied wrongdoing. ($1 = 0.8542 euros) (Reporting by Angeliki KoutantouEditing by Ros Russell) Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic; Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages Heath Ledger; Matilda Ledger NEED TO KNOW Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams' daughter Matilda looks just like her late dad The 19-year-old was photographed biking around New York City recently Matilda was last photographed walking around Brooklyn in January Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams' daughter Matilda is her late father's spitting image. The 19-year-old was recently photographed biking around New York City, wearing red flats and a blue and white striped sweatshirt. She was later seen shopping around the city, wearing a black tank top and a denim midi skirt. Matilda looked just like her late dad as she walked down the street, holding her phone and carrying a green bag in the rare photos. 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. Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages Matilda Ledger This past January, Matilda was photographed taking a walk outside in Brooklyn, New York, wearing a green puffer jacket and blue jeans. Matilda accessorized with a red purse, strolling down the street with a friend. The teenager was also seen texting on her phone, walking alongside a brick building. Matilda's January outing came one week before the anniversary of Ledger's death. The late actor was found dead on Jan. 22, 2008. A toxicology report revealed a fatal mix of prescription drugs in the 28-year-old's system. Alongside Matilda, Williams is mom to son Hart, 5, and a second child whose name has not been revealed yet with husband Thomas Kail. Earlier this year, Williams announced she'd welcomed her fourth baby, her third with Kail, via surrogate. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Michelle Williams In April, Williams and her family of six were spotted around their New York neighborhood, and a source told PEOPLE that she and her husband welcomed their little one via surrogate six weeks prior. "They couldn't be happier to expand their family, and Matilda has been doting on her younger siblings," the source said. A rep for Williams could not be reached for comment at the time. While making an August appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Williams was complimented on her figure by guest host Tiffany Haddish, who said that she looked like she'd never had any children. "Then I've got to give a big shout out to Christine, cuz this last baby did not come through my body," Williams responded, referring to her surrogate. "But the miracle of our little girl is thanks to Christine. Maybe you're watching out there; thank you, Christine." She continued, adding, "Thanks to Christine, I have three under 5 at home." Read the original article on People Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba on Sept. 2, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina shared a kiss as they attended the premiere of Idris' new movie A House of Dynamite at the Venice International Film Festival Idris and Sabrina met in 2017, got engaged in 2018 and married in April 2019, months after Idris was named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive A House of Dynamite is in limited theaters Oct. 10 and begins streaming on Netflix Oct. 24 Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina are showing each other love at the Venice International Film Festival. Idris, 52, and Sabrina, 36, stepped out on the red carpet in Venice on Tuesday, Sept. 2 for the world premiere of his new movie A House of Dynamite, alongside Idris' costar Rebecca Ferguson and director Kathryn Bigelow. Idris and his wife paused to share a kiss at the event, with the action star wearing a suave dark gray suit and matching black shoes. Sabrina, the Somali-Canadian model who has been married to Idris for more than six years, wore a simple white dress and matching heels for the occasion. The couple held hands and laughed together as they posed for photos and walked the carpet. Idris and Sabrina first met in 2017 in Vancouver while the actor was in town filming the movie The Mountain Between Us. As he told The View in 2019, the pair found "love at first sight" when he decided to go to a party on his "only day off." The couple made their red carpet debut together at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 for the premiere of Idris' movie Molly's Game. Idris and Sabrina announced their engagement in 2018 and married in April 2019, months after he was named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba on Sept. 2, 2025 Back in June 2024, Sabrina told PEOPLE in an interview that the couple like to shower together. "I love showering together, although we have some really funny memories showering together," she said at the time. "When we can get up at the same time and someone doesn't have to be up super early, it's really nice, because we can get into the shower and enjoy that moment, have a coffee together, which doesn't feel like it happens enough, unfortunately," she added. "I think selfless self-care when it's with community and your partner and with anyone feels really nice." 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. Daniele Venturelli/WireImage Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Idris Elba on Sept. 2, 2025 An official synopsis for Idris' new movie A House of Dynamite reads: "When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond." The movie is Bigelow's first feature film since 2017's Detroit; Bigelow, 73, previously won two Oscars in 2010 for directing and producing the war movie The Hurt Locker and received another nomination in 2013 for Zero Dark Thirty. Prior to A House of Dynamite's premiere, Idris last appeared in this year's action-comedy Heads of State opposite John Cena. He also voiced a dog in the Netflix movie Fixed. Idris costars in A House of Dynamite, which is in select theaters Oct. 10 and begins streaming on Netflix Oct. 24, alongside a large cast that also includes Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Jonah Hauer-King, Moses Ingram, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke, Malachi Beasley, Brian Tee, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Willa Fitzgerald, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Kyle Allen and Kaitlyn Dever. Read the original article on People Jean-Marie PErier Whether you know him for his miniature figurines, beloved cat, or extraordinary career at Chanel, few would argue that Karl Lagerfeld embodies everything it means to be a legendary designer. A persona in his own right, the lasting image of the creative director remains his sleek white ponytail and high-collared suits. However, outside of his longtime collaborators and employees, few knew the man behind the enigmatic mask. That is what Karl, the new documentary debuting at the Telluride Film Festival this week, sets out to portray. The project charts the course of Lagerfelds life and career through interviews and never-before-seen personal correspondences, from his childhood in Hamburg to his movements between luxury houses including Balmain, Patou, Chloe, Fendi, and eventually (and most famously) his 36-year-long tenure at Chanel. But beyond his resume, theres a profound sense of intimacy that he held with his closest collaborators, including sound director Michel Gaubert, Chanels head of communications Marie-Louise de Clermont-Tonnerre, and set designer Stefan Lubrinamany of whom become emotional when speaking about the late designer to this day. Many more muses and confidants appear as well, such as Tilda Swinton, Lily-Rose Depp, and Tom Ford. Courtesy of Republic Pictures I think the stereotype of Karl was that he was kind of cold, distant, sort of grand, and condescending, director Nick Hooker tells ELLE. As soon as he began researching for the film, Hooker could tell that this preconceived notion was not the case at all. Beneath those dark sunglasses was a deeply cultured and complex individual. He was a boy who discovered the 18th century, who discovered beauty, discovered fashion, discovered a way of living at Versailleshe discovered it at a moment in his life that was as dark, violent, and traumatic as one can imagine, Hooker adds, referencing Lagerfelds experience witnessing Operation Gomorrahthe Allied bombing of Hamburgan event he rarely spoke about openly. Hooker believesalong with others featured in the filmthat Lagerfelds discovery of Versailles and the Princess Palatine, an 18th-century German who married into the French royal family, helped shape the reverence for grandiose beauty that defined both his work at Chanel and his personal iconography. Courtesy of Republic Pictures Though the documentary aims to dissect and soften Lagerfelds image, what is perhaps still most impressive to learn aboutin any formis the scale of his career and how it changed the mainstream perception of fashion designers forever. He cut his teeth working in Paris during an immense time of change. The 60s saw the youthquake movement and Beatlemania, the 70s ushered in the rise of luxury ready-to-wear and witnessed the American-French designer showdown at the Battle of Versailles, and the 80s experienced a full-throttle embrace of luxe glamour. By the time he got to Chanel in 1983, the house felt like a crystalized image lost in time, adrift and too attached to its older clientele since the passing of Gabrielle Chanel in 1971. In some ways, within the quickly modernizing fashion world, it could have even been described as stale. Explains Hooker, I was told by Marie-Louise de Clermont Tonnerre, shed had dinner with Hubert de Givenchy the night before Karl took over [Chanel], and he said, Whats he going to do over there? Whats going to happen? Later, Lagerfeld would go on to say that he wanted to preserve the essence of Chanel, doing exactly the same as before, but also completely the oppositeadding that hed enjoy if its legendary founder and namesake was rolling in her grave, because it meant that Chanel was still alive. Francois Durand - Getty Images Over the course of the documentary, Hooker also hones in on Lagerfelds skill as a creative director and technical ability as a designersomething that the Chanel atelier employees also emphasize. Many of the houses shows staged at the Grand Palais in Paris, such as the Chanel supermarket or live rocket launch, stand as clear examples. I realized theres this kind of other-dimensional quality to the really great designers, Hooker notes. Theyre like magicians. They use all these devicestheater, fashion, design, music, media, photography, television, [and] Instagramto cast these spells and seduce [the audience]. And for many designers, thats the difference between a tastemaker and a world-builder. You Might Also Like A man looks over the Nur al-Shams Refugee Camp, east of Tulkarm city in the occupied West Bank in March. - Issam Rimawi/Anadolu/Getty Images Israel is weighing the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank in retaliation for an expected wave of Palestinian statehood recognition by Western nations this month, two Israeli officials said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a meeting with top cabinet ministers on Thursday to discuss Israels response, the officials said. The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Tuesday, will be the second such gathering in a week and is expected to include Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. France, Australia, Canada, Portugal, the United Kingdom and other Western nations have announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly this month, joining more than 140 nations that already do so. Citing Israels expansionist ambitions and colonization program, Belgiums Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot announced late Monday that his country will also recognize Palestinian statehood at the General Assembly, saying Brussels had a duty to prevent any risk of genocide. Formal recognition, he said, would come through a royal decree once all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are released. Prevot also announced 12 sets of sanctions on Israel, including a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an initial discussion on annexation of pasts of the West Bank last week, but the security cabinet has yet to discuss the matter in detail and no decision has been made yet, the officials told CNN on condition of anonymity. Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and began establishing Jewish settlements there soon after in defiance of international law. The Palestinians want the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip for a future state, a position supported by most of the international community. The Israeli officials said Netanyahu is considering various scales and levels of annexation options, ranging from a limited takeover of several Jewish settlements to a broader approach calling for annexation of Area C, which comprises 60% of the territory. A series of peace agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in the 1990s known as the Oslo Accords split the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, where Area C falls entirely under Israeli administrative and security control. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar updated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Israels annexation plans during a meeting last week, according to an Israeli official. However, other Israeli sources told CNN the plans have not received a green light from the US yet. When asked about Israels annexation plans, a US State Department spokesperson told CNN on Monday that the agency does not divulge the details of interagency or diplomatic discussions. Israeli bulldozers demolish a Palestinian house in the village of Marah Ma'ala, south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, July 13, 2025. - Mosab Shawer/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images Encircling Palestinian population centers Two of the officials said one of the main options being considered is annexation of the Jordan Valley a strip of land on the eastern edge of the West Bank that runs along the Jordan River. The officials said there was a broader Israeli public consensus in favor of such a proposal, adding that Israels need to use it as a security perimeter would be easier to sell to the international community and, most importantly, Washington. However, Netanyahus far-right political allies, ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, as well as the settler leadership, oppose the idea of partial annexation involving specific strips or settlement blocks, and are instead pushing for the maximalist approach applying Israeli sovereignty over all territory not inhabited by Palestinians. The move would allow Israel to encircle Palestinian population centers, further undermining the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state. Whereas applying sovereignty to territory with Palestinian inhabitants could obligate Israel to provide citizenship or residency status to the roughly 3 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank. Annexing any part of the occupied West Bank by applying Israeli sovereignty would violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and spark an enormous diplomatic backlash. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law. The United Nations reinforced that designation in 2016 with Security Council resolution 2334, which declared that Jewish settlements in occupied territory are a flagrant violation of international law and have no legal validity. Omer Rahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of West Bank Jewish settlements, told CNN that applying sovereignty should be a preemptive move ahead of the French recognition of Palestinian statehood. By applying sovereignty, we will prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, because it is impossible to establish a state on the sovereign territory of another country. Rahamim said the settler leadership is demanding broad annexation moves, not just within the settlement blocs or the Jordan Valley because the meaning of applying sovereignty only to several or specific settlement blocs is that the rest of the area would become a terror state another Gaza in the heart of the country. And we vehemently oppose that. According to one Israeli official, given the expected political and international pressure, Netanyahu is considering a phased and gradual annexation plan, which would start with a selected territory on a pathway toward broader sovereignty. The official said a phased plan would enable Israel to walk back from a full annexation in exchange for normalization with Saudi Arabia. The last time Israel seriously contemplated West Bank annexation in 2020, Netanyahu eventually dropped the plans as part of the Abraham Accords that saw Israel normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. Saudi Arabia has said that no normalization would take place until Israel commits to a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Alongside annexation, Israel is contemplating other punitive measures in response to the Palestinian statehood developments, including sanctioning the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank as part of a peace agreement with Israel, or evacuating the Palestinian village of Khan Al-Ahmar. On Friday, the US announced it had decided to deny visas to Palestinian Authority officials arriving at this months UN General Assembly, where French President Emmanuel Macron plans to announce Frances recognition of Palestinian statehood, becoming the first permanent UN Security Council member to do so. An Israeli official said the US decision to deny visas was coordinated with the Israeli government as part of an attempt to prevent Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from attending. The US has continued near unwavering support for Israel under President Donald Trump, even as some of Washingtons closest allies voice growing alarm over Netanyahus government and the conduct of the war. Nonetheless Trump has said Israel is losing the world of public relations. Theyre gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel, he said in an interview with the Daily Caller that was conducted in the Oval Office on Friday. Theres no question about it. They may be winning the war, but theyre not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them, he added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MIAMI, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning actor, director, and U.S. Air Force veteran Courtlin D. Fields is proud to announce his new residency in Miami, Florida, and the upcoming release of his profound new book, "Learning To Love My Life: GOD had to Break Me to Heal Me." As the highly decorated artist settles into the Sunshine State, he is set to share a message of resilience and faith that has captivated audiences nationwide. Learning To Love My Life. GOD Had to Break Me to Heal Me. Fields's journey is a compelling testament to the power of transformation. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he transitioned his disciplined focus into a dynamic creative career, earning him a place in the SAG-AFTRA union and credits on hit television series such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "New Amsterdam," and "Glee." His literary and film work, however, has received critical acclaim. His powerful short film "Resilience" won Best Inspirational Film at the Toronto Independent Festival, while his other acclaimed short film, "Unwelcomed Justice," has received an impressive eight awards across prestigious film festivals. These honors include: Best Short Film at the Global Shorts Festival and the Hollywood Film Competition. at the Global Shorts Festival and the Hollywood Film Competition. Best Actor at the Accolade Competition and the United States Film Festival. His new book, the second in his powerful series, "The Life of Courtlin D. Fields," follows his debut, "Hating To Love My Life: The Fighter in me Would not let me Die." The new collection charts a path from despair to profound inner peace, inviting readers on a deeply personal journey of healing and self-discovery. Beyond his creative pursuits, Fields is the founder of the non-profit Found Purpose Inc., which empowers underserved communities. He is currently working on an untitled stage play, with plans for its debut right here in Florida, further cementing his commitment to the state's vibrant arts scene. "I am excited to call Florida home and to share my journey with a community that values both resilience and creativity," Fields states. "With 'Learning To Love My Life,' I aim to show readers that hope and healing are always within reach, no matter their past." "Learning To Love My Life: GOD had to Break me To Heal Me" will be available on September 18, 2025, on "Amazon: Learning To Love My Life: GOD Had to Break Me to Heal Me (The Life of Courtlin D. Fields): Fields, Courtlin D: 9781662964046: Amazon.com: Books, Barnes & Noble: Learning To Love My Life: GOD Had to Break Me to Heal Me by Courtlin D Fields, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble, and through his official website courtlin.media"]. About Courtlin D. Fields Courtlin D. Fields is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, award-winning actor, writer, director, and author. A member of SAG-AFTRA, his diverse career spans military service, acclaimed television appearances, and independent filmmaking. Through his art and his non-profit, Found Purpose Inc., he leverages his life experiences to inspire and empower others. About About Found Purpose Inc. Found Purpose Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Courtlin D. Fields dedicated to empowering individuals in underserved communities through mentorship, resources, and opportunities. Committed to helping individuals discover and achieve their full potential, Found Purpose Inc. operates various programs and will soon launch its podcast, streaming on all major platforms, to further its mission. Media Contact [Publicist's: Sebran Logan] [Assistant] [[email protected]] [Website courtlin.media] Instagram & TikTok: @_Courtlin_ SOURCE Courtlin D. Fields A federal judge on Sunday blocked the Trump administration from sending any unaccompanied migrant child to Guatemala unless they have a deportation order, just hours after lawyers alerted her of what they described as a hurried government effort to deport hundreds of children. U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle Sooknanan issued her order as the deportation effort was fully underway, with planes with migrant children on board ready to take off from Texas. Earlier Sunday, in the overnight hours, Sooknanan issued a temporary restraining order barring officials from sending a group of 10 migrant children between the ages of 10 and 17 to Guatemala, granting a request from attorneys who alleged the effort would skirt legal protections Congress established for these minors. She also scheduled a hearing in the afternoon to weigh the case's next steps. But Sooknanan abruptly moved up the hearing earlier on Sunday, saying she had been alerted that some migrant children were already in the process of being deported. As that hearing got underway, Sooknanan announced she had just issued a broader temporary restraining order blocking any deportations of unaccompanied children from Guatemala and in U.S. custody who did not have a deportation order. She instructed Drew Ensign, the Justice Department lawyer representing the Trump administration, to quickly inform officials they had to halt their deportation plans. Ensign acknowledged deportation planes had been prepared to take off on Sunday, but said they were all "on the ground" and still on U.S. soil. He said he believed one plane had taken off earlier but had come back. At the request of Sooknanan, Ensign said he confirmed that the children on the planes would be deplaned and returned to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for caring for migrant minors who enter the U.S. without authorization and without their parents or legal guardians. The Justice Department said 76 unaccompanied children were slated to be sent to Guatemala on Sunday before the effort was blocked. Of those, 16 had been returned to HHS custody as of Sunday evening and the rest were expected to be in HHS care by 10:30 p.m. HHS houses unaccompanied children in shelters or foster homes until they turn 18 or until they can be placed with a suitable sponsor in the U.S., who are often family members. Sooknanan conceded her temporary restraining order, which is set to last 14 days, is "extraordinary" but justified it on the grounds that the government had decided to "execute a plan to remove these children" in the "wee hours" of a holiday weekend. In their lawsuit, lawyers for the group of Guatemalan children said the Trump administration had launched an effort to deport more than 600 migrant minors to Guatemala without allowing them to request humanitarian protection, even though U.S. law protects them from speedy deportations. They alleged the children could face abuse, neglect or persecution if returned to Guatemala. Ensign, the Justice Department attorney, said the Trump administration was not trying to formally deport the Guatemalan children under U.S. immigration law, but instead repatriate them to Guatemala so they could reunite with relatives there. He said the Guatemalan government and the children's relatives had requested the reunifications. But lawyers for the children disputed the government's claims, citing one case in which they say a child's parents did not request any repatriation. They also said a law known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act says unaccompanied migrant children who are not from Mexico must be allowed to see an immigration judge and apply for legal protections before any deportation effort. Some of the children facing return to Guatemala still have pending immigration cases, the attorneys said. Ensign said the government's legal position is that it can "repatriate" these children, based on an authority given to HHS to reunite "unaccompanied alien children with a parent abroad in appropriate cases." Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the deportation plans. Neha Desai, an attorney at the California-based National Center for Youth Law who works with migrant minors, said the U.S. government was attempting to deport children with "already filed claims for legal relief based on the abuse and persecution that they experienced in their home country." "This is both unlawful and profoundly inhumane," Desai added. Most of the unaccompanied children who cross the U.S. southern border without legal permission hail from Central America and tend to be teenagers. Once in the U.S., many file applications for asylum or other immigration benefits to try to stay in the country legally, such as a visa for abused, abandoned or neglected youth. As part of its larger crackdown on illegal immigration, the Trump administration has sought to make drastic changes to how the U.S. processes unaccompanied children. It has made it harder for some relatives, including those in the country illegally, to sponsor unaccompanied children out of government custody and offered some teenagers the option to voluntary return to their native countries. The Trump administration has also directed agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies to conduct "welfare checks" on children released from HHS custody, a move it has said is in response to disputed claims that the Biden administration "lost" hundreds of thousands of migrant minors. There are currently roughly 2,000 migrant children in HHS care. "Portrait of a person who's not there": Documenting the bedrooms of school shooting victims Passage: In memoriam Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the mysteries of chronic pain Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman are seen at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 01, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman share a steamy kiss in coordinating outfits at the Venice International Film Festival The couple, who were first spotted together in January, have been spending time together in Italy ahead of the annual film festival Pullmans latest movie, The Testament of Ann Lee, premiered on Monday, Sept. 1 Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman are totally into each other. The 23-year-old model and actress was photographed in a steamy liplock with the Thunderbolts* actor, 32, as they left the Venice International Film Festival on Monday, Sept. 1, in Venice, Italy. In the images, the couple coordinated in black looks as Gerber put her fingers through Pullman's hair while they shared a kiss for the daytime outing. Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic; Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman at the 2025 Venice Film Festival Gerber wore a Givenchy dress from the luxury brands spring 26 collection with a black belt and black clutch, also by Givenchy. Her dress featured a strappy, high boatneck that bared her toned arms, while the intricate beadwork pattern added a flirty element to the form-fitting, sheer upper portion. The bottom half was a sparkly tulle design that stopped just above her ankles. Pullman went for a classic bow tie and tuxedo. They both wore black sunshades. Pullmans newest movie, The Testament of Ann Lee, which costars Amanda Seyfried, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Monday. Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival Though the couple attended together, they did not pose with each other on the red carpet. The Saturday Night actress first sparked dating rumors with Pullman at the end of January, weeks after PEOPLE confirmed her split from actor Austin Butler. They were seen at Los Angeles restaurant Salazar on Pullmans birthday. Theyve been spending time together the last few weeks," a source told PEOPLE of Gerber and the Avengers: Doomsday actor at the time. The insider added, "They're a cute couple and very low-key." affinitypicture / BACKGRID Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman in Venice, Italy Since then, they haven't been shy about showing off a little PDA. Ahead of the Venice Film Festival on Monday, Gerber and Pullman did date night in Venice, where they were photographed kissing and touching on their outing. The model held onto Pullmans arm as they walked the streets of Italy, with her wearing a backless halter black dress and closed-toe pewter pumps. As for the Salems Lot actor, he wore a white T-shirt teamed with dark colored trousers and a denim jacket. Gerbers parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, have shown their support for her relationship with the Lessons in Chemistry actor. 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. "Lewis has met Kaias parents, and they really like him, a source told PEOPLE of the parents' feelings on their daughter's romance in June. Everyone says Kaia and Lewis have great chemistry, and she loves how grounded and genuine he is," they added. The insider said Gerber "appreciates" Pullman has a "different" vibe from her past boyfriends. Hes very low-key, and she likes that hes not caught up in the spotlight. He just has this calm, down-to-earth energy, and she finds it really comforting. Read the original article on People Karen Huger on in New York Sept. 7, 2024. (The Hapa Blonde / GC Images via Getty Images file) "The Grand Dame" is free. "Real Housewives of Potomac" star Karen Huger was released from prison Tuesday morning, according to the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. The 62-year-old served a one-year sentence at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Maryland for driving under the influence and other charges. She was sentenced to two years in prison, with one suspended. Huger served her full time in the facility, according to a spokesperson for the department of correction and rehabilitation. Maryland has a diminution credit system in which some inmates can earn a reduction in their sentence. Inmates who are not eligible for this system include those convicted of serious sexual offenses. Huger, a fan-favorite original "RHOP" cast member coined "the Grand Dame," was convicted late last year by a Montgomery County jury of DUI and other charges connected to a March 19, 2024, solo crash near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac. No one was injured in the crash. Prosecutors had requested six months in prison and defense lawyers wanted no time in favor of rehabilitation. Huger was branded a repeat offender by prosecutors, who pointed out three previous alcohol-related traffic cases between 2006 and 2011. None of those previous cases had led to prison time. Huger was sentenced to prison time, $2,900 in fines and five years of probation. She admitted fault in court, saying she was grateful no one was injured by her actions. Now that she's been released, Huger wont be allowed to drive for a year, and, if she violates probation, she could be sent back to prison to serve the year of suspended time. An attorney for Huger did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fans and reality stars alike reacted to the news of Huger's release online. "She should've not been in jail, anyway," one commenter wrote on a post announcing her release. "Welcome home, Queen." Former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" peach-holder Marlo Hampton posted an Instagram story in support of Huger's homecoming. "Welcome home sis," Hampton captioned a video of Huger in full glam. Some were not as happy to see her free. "Not enough time for that drunk!" one commenter wrote. Others online speculated on if she would return to "RHOP." The show's 10th season will premiere on Oct. 5. "I want her back on the show ASAP, living her best life," one commenter wrote. Another commenter believes the Grand Dame will make an appearance on the season 10 reunion. Bravo did not respond to a request for comment. By Dave Graham WEGGIS, Switzerland (Reuters) -Swiss coffee machine maker Thermoplan was a small family firm until it rode the wave of late 1990s globalisation to become a key supplier for Starbucks and created more than 500 jobs in a lakeside village by the Alps. The future of those jobs has been thrown into jeopardy since U.S. President Donald Trump on August 7 imposed 39% tariffs on Switzerland due to its trade surplus with the U.S. Thermoplan CEO Adrian Steiner calculates the 39% levy and separate U.S. tariffs on industrial metals are costing the company in Weggis, on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne, around 200,000 Swiss francs ($250,000) every week. "We're bleeding," he said. "It's obviously a losing business for us. We don't have the kind of margins to compensate for that." Thermoplan is already taking steps to enable production in Germany so it can export under lower European Union tariffs, and is considering moving jobs to the U.S. to shore up business there. Starbucks said it has had a long history of successfully navigating global changes, and is working closely with suppliers to help minimize any impacts on its business. After Trump first set out his global tariff plans on April 2, Thermoplan said it and Starbucks agreed to split the added costs. The Swiss company, whose other clients include McDonald's and Nestle, is one of about 2,000 Swiss machinery makers that have carved out niches as specialist exporters despite high labour costs and the steady appreciation of the Swiss franc. About one in every seven dollars made from exports by Swiss machine makers is U.S.-dependent, official data show. But if Switzerland's tariffs stay at 39% and those on the EU at 15%, about four-fifths of U.S. exports from the Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering sector - worth some 10 billion francs last year - will disappear, said Jean-Philippe Kohl, deputy head of industry association Swissmem. Tariff pressure could shift business to the EU, provided firms meet U.S. requirements to qualify as EU-based, Kohl said. A Swissmem survey showed nearly a third are considering it. Jobs are already trickling away. Around 3,000 in the sector went between the first and second quarters, Kohl said. At worst, that could become 30,000 by the end of 2026, he added. 'MADE IN SWITZERLAND' In Weggis, there is disbelief that Thermoplan is now under threat from the United States. "The USA is a really exciting country, be it for business or geographically," said Marcel Waldis, the municipal council's finance chief. "But right now, I'm deeply disappointed. How can it be that a big country is dependent on a single voice?" With Switzerland attempting to negotiate lower duties, more tariffs possible, and U.S. legal challenges still pending, the outlook for Swiss firms is uncertain. After Trump's April move, Steiner immediately instructed Thermoplan to look into producing in Germany. Calling the tariffs "insanely unfair", Steiner said the idea of relocating jobs flew in the face of Thermoplan's "Made in Switzerland" seal of quality. All Thermoplan's manufacturing is currently in Weggis, and 82% of components come from Switzerland. Fully 98% of its products are sold to export, and Starbucks accounts for 32% of its sales, about two-fifths of which are in the U.S. Steiner wants Thermoplan to be able to begin manufacturing as soon as January in Germany. But before it can, the firm has requested clarification from U.S. customs that the goods would qualify as EU-made. It hopes for word within a month, but Steiner worries the workaround will not satisfy U.S. officials. "Because to be honest, I understand we're meant to go to America," he said. "Trump's goal is clear." While conceding that such a move could ultimately benefit Thermoplan, Steiner said it may lack the muscle to uproot its supply chains to the U.S., and might not find enough skilled workers there. A decision would need to be made within a year, and starting U.S. production could take over two years, he said. And there is a deeper concern. "If Trump gets what he wants with his power politics, there's a big danger other countries do the same," he said. "Then we'll have China First. India First. Russia First." ($1 = 0.8019 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Dave Graham; Additional reporting by Savyata Mishra; Editing by Jan Harvey) Johannesburg At least 1,000 people were killed on Sunday when a landslide swallowed an entire village in war-torn Sudan's Darfur region after days of heavy rain, the rebels who hold the region said Tuesday. "Initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand individuals, with only one survivor," the Sudan Liberation Movement, which controls the area, said in a statement. It appealed to the international community for help for those around the decimated village of Tarasin. The mountainous area is extremely difficult to reach, and it has become a refuge for people fleeing the violence of the civil war that has engulfed parts of Sudan, including Darfur, with thousands having arrived by foot in recent months. People gather at an area following a landslide that destroyed the Tersin village, in the Marra Mountains area of Sudan on Sept. 1, 2025. / Credit: Sudan Liberation Movement / Army/ Handout via REUTERS Tarasin, in an area known for citrus farming, had seen days of heavy rains, which ultimately led to the landslide, which was one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Sudan in recent history. But the Sudanese people have had no shortage of man-made suffering. Fear Sudan's civil war poised to get worse Sudan's civil war is now entering its third year. It has been fought largely between the Sudanese Armed Forces and a rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. Tens of thousands of people are believed to have been killed since the fighting broke out more than two years ago, both from the violence directly, and from hunger and disease. The war has left more than half of Sudan's population facing crisis levels of hunger, in what aid groups have labeled the single largest humanitarian crisis in the world. The SLM, which announced the landslide, controls Tarasin and some other parts of the mountainous area in western Darfur, but the group has largely stayed out of the fighting. At least 1,000 people were killed in a landslide that swept across Tarasin village in the Marrah Mountains area of Sudan's Darfur region, leaving only one survivor, according to a group that controls the area. / Credit: Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu/Getty The RSF controls most of the Darfur region, except the state capital El-Fasher, which its forces have had surrounded for more than 500 days. Over the past few days they have launched a new offensive, seeking to capture the last major city in Darfur not already under their control. Hundreds of thousands of people are now trapped inside the city behind earthen walls newly built by the RSF forces, facing the threat of execution if they try to leave. Sources on the ground say there is little food left in El-Fasher, so local residents are slowly starving as artillery flies over their heads daily. The Sudan Doctors Network medical group said Tuesday that overnight shelling of El-Fasher had killed 18 people and wounded more than 100 others, including women and children. The group said in a social media post that it was holding "the international community, the United Nations and the African Union fully responsible for their disgraced silence and failure to protect more than half a million civilians trapped inside El Fasher, who are being subjected daily to shelling, starvation, and slow death." Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab has analyzed satellite photos of El-Fasher that it says show the RSF moving quickly to build berms around the city. "The RSF is creating a literal kill box around El-Fasher," the group warned in a report published late last week. More than 19 miles of earthen walls have been built since May 9, the group said in a statement provided along with satellite imagery on Aug. 27. "These berms will create physical boundaries to prevent smuggling goods like food and medicine into El-Fasher or people out of El-Fasher." The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, in a statement last week,estimated that 260,000 people, including 130,000 children, remain trapped in "desperate conditions cut off from aid for more than 16 months." International humanitarian organizations have been prevented from reaching El-Fasher by the RSF, and UNICEF has warned that, with no new supplies getting in, acute malnutrition is spreading. The agency has cited recent reports that during one week alone, 63 people, mainly women and children, died of malnutrition in the blockaded city. Before El-Fasher was surrounded, UNICEF said it was treating some 6,000 children for severe acute malnutrition at health facilities in the city. Those children have now had their therapeutic food and medical care suspended. "We are witnessing a devastating tragedy children in El-Fasher are starving while UNICEF's lifesaving nutrition services are being blocked," the group's Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement in late August. "Blocking humanitarian access is a grave violation of children's rights, and the lives of children are hanging in the balance." Full interview: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Full Interview: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes Jimmy Fallon/Instagram Jimmy Fallon (left) and Nancy Juvonen with their daughters NEED TO KNOW Jimmy Fallon is spending some quality time with his family The comedian shared a photo on Instagram of his family's vacation, which included a rare picture of his two daughters Fallon shares daughters Winnie, 12, and Frances, 10, with wife Nancy Juvonen Jimmy Fallon and his family know how to strike a pose! The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon host, 50, posted a rare photo of his whole family on Instagram on Sunday, Aug. 31, as he shared scenes from his lakeside vacation. Fallon could be seen standing on the left, holding his arms up as his one of his daughters posed in front of him. His wife, Nancy Juvonen, stood in the middle and held up a peace sign while holding an arm around their other daughter, who posed with her arms in the air. "This is before my sister-in-law said, 'a little less,' " Fallon joked in his caption. 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. Jimmy Fallon/Instagram Jimmy Fallon (left) and Nancy Juvonen (right) with their two daughters Fallon shares his daughters Winnie, 12, and Frances, 10, with his wife Juvonen, 58. In September 2024, Fallon spoke with Parents for their "Take Five with Grace" column and opened up about how his mentality about his career has shifted since he's welcomed his daughters. "I used to work hard on my career for myself. Now it's about my kids," Fallon shared. "I want to show them that they can be as creative as I am and enjoy the process. Don't do it for money. Don't do it for praise. Do it because you like it and you'll be happy for the rest of your life." Jimmy Fallon/Instagram Nancy Juvonen (left) and Jimmy Fallon (right) with their daughters In August 2024, Fallon spoke with PEOPLE ahead of the publication of his new childrens book, 5 More Sleeps Til Halloween, and said that with autumn fast approaching, he would miss his daughters once they head back to school. I don't want [them] to go to school, Fallon joked. I don't want them to meet other people. I don't want them to do anything. I just want them to hang out with us for the rest of their life. Fallon said that despite his feelings, Winnie and Frances were more than excited for the new school year. They love their school, they love their friends, he said. And it's another little chapter in their lives and another fun adventure. Read the original article on People Google Maps NEED TO KNOW Tikerra Hicks, an employee at a Walmart in Indianapolis, was brutally assaulted by a group of women at the store on Aug. 29 An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet A video of the fight has gone viral online A woman's shift at Walmart took an unexpected turn when she was assaulted by a group of women. The altercation took place on Friday, Aug. 29, at a Walmart on Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. A video of the fight, posted by a social media user going by the name Kind Butler has since gone viral. The clip runs for more than four minutes and starts with the employee, identified as Tikerra Hicks by FOX59, on the ground as a group of women surround her and rain down blows. Hicks was brutally kicked and punched with her hair pulled. A man was also seen kicking her before he was removed by a group trying to break up the fight. "No fighting at Walmart," one person trying to stop the assault was heard saying. A group of employees finally managed to split the women up. However, after they were separated, Hicks ran after the women and retaliated, sparking a second altercation. Once the argument calmed down, an employee tried to get shoppers in the store to stop recording. However, they insisted that they would continue. Butler documented the moment that the group of attackers, which appeared to include a woman holding a baby, ran out of the store. Speaking to FOX59, he implied that the assailants were a family and said that the fight started "instantly on sight." There wasnt any questioning, no anything, he said. Just as soon as they saw the girl, the whole family came over and started beating her up. Hicks told the outlet that she had been suspended after the fight, adding that it took her by surprise. I just hear, There she go and then boom on the side of my head I feel somebody hitting me, Hicks said. She implied that the fight had to do with a friend of hers, who allegedly raped another friend. According to reporting by FOX59, Hicks was named as an "other person" in a police report about the alleged incident from the Beech Grove Police Department. 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. However, Hicks said that the alleged rape had "nothing to do with me" and that she had not been contacted by police about the allegations. I wasnt there, even if it did happen, to protect he. And I wasnt there to defend him either," she said. "This remains an open investigation referencing a verbal argument and a physical altercation," the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department told PEOPLE in a statement on Monday, Sept. 1. "There have been no arrest(s) at this time." "The violence that occurred at our store on Friday was unacceptable. We appreciate police for acting quickly," a representative for Walmart said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. PEOPLE contacted the Beech Grove Police Department for additional comment but did not hear back by the time of publication. FOX59 reported that management at Walmart location was unable to comment on the altercation. Read the original article on People A 42-year-old Texas man is facing a murder charge in the shooting of an 11-year-old boy after the victim and his friends banged on the suspect's door late Saturday night in what police described as a "ding-dong-ditch" prank that has been trending on TikTok and other social media platforms, authorities said. The suspect, Gonzalo Leon Jr., was arrested and booked at the Harris County Jail on Tuesday morning, charged with one count of first-degree murder, according to Harris County court records. During his first court appearance on Tuesday, Leon asked for a court-appointed attorney. He did not entered a plea and was ordered to be held without bond, pending a bail hearing on Wednesday. MORE: Boy dies after being shot in door-knocking prank gone wrong The shooting unfolded around 10:55 p.m. on Saturday at a home in southeast Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. The child, who police initially said was 10 years old, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday afternoon, according to a statement released by police. The victim was identified by police on Tuesday as 11-year-old Julian Guzman. "Officers were told the male was ringing doorbells of homes in the area and running away. A witness stated the male was running from a house, after ringing the doorbell, just prior to suffering a gunshot wound," Houston homicide detectives said. Houston Police Department - PHOTO: Booking photo of Gonzalo Leon Jr. It remained unclear if Leon is the owner of the home where the door-kicking prank occurred, or whether he just lived there. The prank allegedly committed in Houston is similar to what's being dubbed the "door-kicking challenge," a national trend based on an old prank called "ding dong ditch," in which groups of kids record videos of themselves kicking and banging on doors of homes and apartments before running away and then posting the videos on social media platforms such as TikTok. Leon is believed to be the same person detained by police in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's shooting. He was released after being questioned but was detained again after the child was pronounced dead at a hospital around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, Houston police Sgt. Michael Cass said at a news conference over the weekend. Cass said a search warrant was served on the home, and a significant number of weapons were found inside the house. Cass said the boy who was shot in the back lived about a block from the home. KTRK - PHOTO: Homicide detectives search for evidence, Sept. 1, 2025, outside a Houston home where an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot after playing a door-knocking prank on a neighbor. MORE: School shooting hoaxes: Experts underscore the seriousness of these crimes, penalties at stake The victim and at least two of his friends had been going around their neighborhood banging on or kicking doors and running away, Cass said. Cass said the preliminary information indicates that the victims and his friends ran down the street after banging on the suspect's door. "Our witness says the suspect came out of the door, ran out into the street and was firing down the road," Cass said. He said the victim was able to run about a block before collapsing in the street. "In my opinion, it doesn't look like any type of self-defense," Cass said. The fatal shooting follows a string of incidents across the country associated with the door-kicking challenge on social media. In July, a 58-year-old Texas homeowner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault when he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle fleeing his home in Frisco after someone banged on the front door, according to a statement from the Frisco Police Department. The driver of the car that was shot at around 10:50 p.m. on July 28 and two passengers contacted police to file a complaint, showing officers three bullet holes in the vehicle, according to police. "However, during subsequent interviews, all admitted to ding, dong, ditching in a random neighborhood when they were confronted by a male with a firearm," Frisco police said in a statement. In June, police in Chandler, Arizona, released video footage of a group of juveniles committing the "door-kicking challenge,'' alleging the group pulled the prank on the same home at least 18 times, prompting the homeowner to move out. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. The bow of the Titanic in 1986, a year after scientist explorer Bob Ballard and his team discovered the wreckage. Rusticles are hanging from the deck. - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Forty years ago, in the early hours of September 1, grainy black-and-white images of a metal cylinder appeared on the video feeds in the command center of Knorr, a research vessel searching the Atlantic seafloor for the worlds most famous shipwreck: the Titanic. Members of the four-person watch team, suspecting the object might be a sunken ships boiler, were unable to tear themselves away from what was unfolding on the screen, so they dispatched the teams cook to rouse Bob Ballard, the expeditions chief scientist who had been searching for the wreck since the 1970s. He was awake, reading in his cabin bunk. The cook didnt even finish his sentence. I jumped out. I literally put my flight suit over my pajamas, which I didnt take off for several days after that, recalled Ballard, senior scientist emeritus in applied ocean physics and engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. CNN spoke to Ballard, and a member of his team, Dana Yoerger, a Woods Hole senior scientist in marine robotics, ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Titanics discovery. They recounted the unusual chain of events that led to that stunning sighting and how the adventure didnt stop there. As I came in, we had a picture of the boiler on the wall, and we looked, Ballard said. We realized it was definitely (from the) Titanic, and all bedlam grew loose. Even before Ballard and his team found the wreckage 73 years after the iconic vessel set sail in 1912, the Titanic was a source of ceaseless fascination. The unsinkable ship went down on its maiden voyage in a gilded age with Americans wealthiest on board, a tale of human folly, class prejudice and technological failure. Its discovery in 1985 only intensified the Titanics pull on the public imagination; it unleashed a 1997 blockbuster movie that remains one of the highest grossing in film history, several documentaries and museum exhibits, and for those with deep pockets, high-stakes trips to see its final resting place about 13,000 feet (3,900 meters) below the oceans surface, one of which, in 2023, resulted in fresh tragedy. For ocean explorers such as Ballard and his colleagues, finding the Titanic was like climbing Mount Everest for the first time. The prototype technology that made it possible has since transformed deep-sea exploration and science, vastly expanding scientists knowledge of the ocean. But even with the right tools, it took an inspired shift in strategy to uncover the iconic shipwreck. The Titanic before it departed on its fateful voyage. It sank on the night of April 14-15, 1912. - Albert Harlingue/Roger Viollet/Getty Images The search concealed a top-secret mission The 1985 search for the Titanic was not Ballards first attempt at locating the wreckage. A 1977 expedition failed when a 3,000-foot drilling pipe to which sonar and cameras were attached snapped in two, according to Ballards 2021 memoir, Into the Deep. The experience, along with the need for live imagery, convinced Ballard that remotely operated underwater vehicles that could stream video back to the exploration vessel were a better way forward, but he struggled to find funding for his vision. Ultimately, the US Navy supported the development of Ballards technology, a deep-sea imaging system nicknamed the Argo. The Navy was interested in using it to determine why two nuclear submarines, the USS Thresher and the USS Scorpion, had sunk in the Atlantic in the 1960s, as well as for broader Cold War intelligence-gathering purposes. Ballard convinced Navy officials to build in some time to search for the Titanic during the expedition to survey the submarines, a ploy that ultimately acted as a cover story for the Navys secret mission. What people didnt know at the time, at least a lot of the people, was that the Titanic (search) was cover for a top-secret military operation I was doing as a naval intelligence officer, Ballard said. We didnt want the Soviets to know where the submarine was. Bob Ballard (right), then the head of the Deep Submergence Lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with colleagues aboard the research vessel Knorr after the Titanic's discovery. - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Despite years of planning, Ballard wasnt optimistic that he would find the Titanic for two reasons: The time allotted for the search was short and a French team, led by engineer Jean-Louis Michel of the French oceanographic institution IFREMER with whom Ballard had been cooperating, was using a new, sophisticated ship-mounted sonar system to locate the ships final resting place. The agreement was that the French would find it, Ballard said, (and) once they found it, Id have plenty of time, a week would be sufficient, to film it. The French team, while close, missed the wreckage, and Ballards camera on a string, as he described it, spotted the wreck aided by a significantly narrowed search area following the French sonar scanning. Ballard had what he called a light-bulb moment while mapping the debris of the Scorpion sub that was pivotal to the mission success. Its debris field was a mile-long trail, not in a small circular area as expected. Heavier objects sank straight to the seafloor, but lighter debris went down at a slower rate, and ocean currents carried them farther away. He realized that the Titanic, which fell to a similar depth as the Scorpion sub, would have a similar, if not larger, debris field and that looking for this stream of detritus would be easier than finding the hull and other heavy parts of the vessel. It was the technology and the knowledge of how to use it, Yoerger said. But also the big thing that led to our success was Ballards strategy. He wasnt trying to find the ship, he was trying to find the debris field, which is a much bigger target, and one thats particularly well-suited to finding with your eyeballs. ANGUS, the unmanned search and survey system, captured the first still images of the Titanic wreckage. - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute The discovery added a new word to the dictionary The Argo took black-and-white video of the Titanic in 1985, while an older system called ANGUS, with its 35-mm camera system, captured blue-hued still images revealing the wrecks existence. The team returned a year later with more advanced, color cameras to record every inch of the wreckage, including the ships swimming pool, grand staircase and bow, generating iconic images still familiar today. Ballard also became the first person to visit the wreck that year via Alvin, a crewed submersible that he had previously piloted, which took more than two hours to reach the seafloor. Once there, he spotted poignant artifacts, including a childs doll, uncorked champagne bottles and silverware. He saw no human remains. Trails of rust covered the Titanic, created by bacteria that feasted on the metal, creating long, reddish spikes a phenomenon Ballard named rusticles, a word that subsequently entered the Oxford English Dictionary. Ballard recalled that some areas, covered in a protective pink paint when the ship was built, looked pristine. To preserve the very hallowed ground, Ballard said he advocated using a similar approach protective paint perhaps applied by underwater robots to prevent the wreckage from eroding further. The first evidence that researchers aboard the Knorr had found the Titanic came on September 1, 1985, from the distinct pattern of one of the ship's boilers. - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute Rewriting science textbooks The Titanics final resting place was far from Ballards only discovery in a long, distinguished career as a scientist and explorer. Expeditions to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge provided key evidence for plate tectonics, while a voyage to the seafloor along the Galapagos Rift revealed the existence of hydrothermal vents and the fantastic life forms that live on them showing that life could thrive without sunlight and precipitating new theories about its origins. Ballard went on to discover several other storied wrecks: the Nazi warship Bismarck, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and PT-109, a Navy vessel commanded by President John F. Kennedy in his mid-20s during World War II. Ballard (right) is still exploring. In July, he was aboard the Nautilus exploration vessel in the Solomon Islands. - Ocean Exploration Trust The 21-day expedition in the Pacific mapped wrecks from five naval battles during World War II. - Ocean Exploration Trust But his golden touch faltered in 2019 when an expedition to locate Amelia Earharts downed plane turned up empty. The explorer said he thought it would be possible to find the aircraft with the help of new technologies. Its still on our checkbox, he said. While human-operated submersibles still have a role to play, he said that the future of ocean exploration is remote and robotic, and he ultimately envisions that uncrewed ships will ply the worlds oceans. To date, about 27% of the seafloor has been mapped. Were now getting to where we can launch multiple AUVs, autonomous (underwater) vehicles, sort of a pack of dogs that you can send out. We can put all those assets in the water at the same time, said Ballard, whose Zoom handle is Captain Nemo after the fictional character in Jules Vernes Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. I mean, its all about bottom time. The real calculation you make is how long you are underwater. Yoerger has turned his focus away from the ocean floor and is developing an underwater robot that can explore the twilight zone the midwater ocean 200 to 1,000 meters (about 650 to 3,300 feet) below the ocean surface, just beyond the reach of sunlight, which plays a key role in regulating the globes climate by mitigating the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. At 83, Ballard is still actively exploring the ocean. In July, he returned from a 21-day expedition aboard the Nautilus operated by his nonprofit, the Ocean Exploration Trust, to Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. There, he began mapping vessels and planes lost during five major World War II naval battles between August and December 1942. I love it when kids tell me to stop discovering things, so theres something left for them to find, Ballard said. But he said hes confident plenty of unknowns remain about the ocean for the next generation of explorers. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Missouri has joined Texas and California in redrawing its congressional maps, as part of a redistricting push that could lead to Republicans drawing themselves as many as six extra House seats while Democrats' efforts could help them pick up five. The redistricting gambit began with President Trump's call for Texas Republicans to find more seats. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation in August to redraw the state's districts and create five GOP-friendly seats, launching the first salvo in a push that has drawn national attention. It led to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's own campaign to redraw the map to help Democrats. Then, in Missouri, state lawmakers redrew their map earlier this month to edge out Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver from his Kansas City district. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, signed the legislation on Sunday. Challenges remain for the maps in all three states. The NAACP filed a lawsuit challenging Kehoe's authority to create the new map outside of a census year, and three other lawsuits have been filed. Civil rights groups are also suing in Texas, claiming the maps are racially biased. And in California, the state's new map must be approved by voters in a November special election before it takes effect. Congressional maps are normally redrawn every 10 years after the U.S. Census reveals population shifts. But this rare mid-decade redistricting push was kicked off as Republicans seek to maintain or even expand their razor-thin majority in Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Historically speaking, midterms are often a rebuke of the party in the White House. Abbott then called a special session of the Legislature with redistricting on the agenda. But two weeks into the 30-day special session, Texas Democrats fled the state to deny a quorum and prevent the legislation from coming to the floor. The Democrats ultimately returned after two weeks, and the legislation was passed, but they garnered significant national attention. Although California requires congressional maps to be approved by voters, Newsom vowed to redraw the state's districts to garner up to five seats for Democrats to counter Texas. Amid this push, other states have also started to discuss redistricting efforts, includingIndiana and Florida, which could net Republicans several more seats. Although both parties are trying to rig their states' congressional districts to be favorable to themselves, the outcome is far from guaranteed. "Computers and technology do give us a lot more ability to to make predictive statements about outcomes, but we're doing it I think it's fair to say in a very volatile environment politically, where things that we have seen as trends are sort of being turned on their heads," said Kareem Crayton, vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based the Brennan Center for Justice. Crayton noted several current issues that could factor heavily into voters' decisions, and called it "folly to assume that just because people showed up and voted for the current president of the United States, that people want to show up for a member of Congress, particularly a new candidate in a district that hasn't been created before." See maps of how Texas, California and Missouri's push could play out, based on the 2024 election results: Texas congressional districts map Texas has 38 congressional seats, 25 of which are currently held by Republicans. The other 13 are held by Democrats. Texas Republicans have invested heavily in the Rio Grande Valley, once a Democratic stronghold but Mr. Trump and the GOP have made gains here in the past few years. In 2024, two of the three Rio Grande Valley House seats voted for Mr. Trump but reelected their Democratic member of Congress. The new maps are trying to add to those gains and box out those two Democrats. Texas Democrats have recently made gains in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston's Harris County. The new maps reshape Democratic Rep. Al Green's Houston district in the rural areas, making a district that was 72% Democratic into one that is 40% Democratic. The proposed map also changes Rep. Julie Johnson's Dallas-area district from 62% to 41% Democratic. Rep. Marc Veasey's district in Dallas-Fort Worth remains a Democratic stronghold, but he would no longer live in the district. Liberal Austin is further dissolved into neighboring districts. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who was first elected in 1994 and whose district gave former Vice President Kamala Harris her largest margin of victory in all of Texas, announced in August that he would not seek reelection if the proposed maps are upheld by the courts, avoiding a primary with Rep. Greg Casar, also of Austin. California congressional districts map California has 52 House representatives, nine of whom are Republicans and 43 are Democrats. In 2020, Republicans flipped three Democratic-held seats for the first time since 1994. They've held two of them, including Rep. David Valadao's 22nd District in the Central Valley. Under the proposed map, Valadao's district would go from being 47% Democratic in 2024 to 49% Democratic, making him slightly more vulnerable. And GOP Rep. Darrell Issa's 48th District near San Diego would change from 42% to 52% Democratic. In Southern California, Rep. Ken Calvert's 41st District in Riverside would be redrawn further toward Los Angeles, shifting it from a district that was 47% Democratic in 2024 to one that is 57% Democratic under the proposed maps. In Northern California, GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa's District 1, which includes the most northeastern part of the state, would shift further south toward Marin County and the northern part would be absorbed in the 2nd District, home to heavily Democratic Eureka and the northern Pacific coast. Rep. Kevin Kiley's district, which snakes along the California-Nevada border through Death Valley, would instead move further toward heavily Democratic Sacramento. Republican Rep. Tom McClintock's 5th District would be shifted to include the southern portions of what was Kiley's district. Kiley, whose district would go from one that was 48% Democratic in 2024 to one that is 55% Democratic, has been an outspoken critic of redistricting, even introducing legislation in the House to ban mid-decade redistricting. Missouri congressional districts (Choropleth map) After Texas and California's redistricting efforts, Kehoe called a special session of Missouri's legislature to take up redistricting. Missouri currently has two Democratic representatives in Congress: Rep. Wesley Bell, who represents St. Louis and was first elected in 2025, and Cleaver, who has represented the Kansas City area since 2005. As Missouri has trended toward Republicans over the past 20 years, Cleaver's district has been a target of the GOP, especially in the 2021 redistricting when several lawmakers pushed for what was called the "7 to 1 map" that would have redrawn the 5th Congressional District to be more Republican. Lawmakers ultimately decided against that plan. St. Louis' NPR station reported that Republicans worried that the short-term gains from carving up the district could lead to long-term problems in the neighboring suburban districts. Nonetheless, the Missouri GOP joined the redistricting effort in 2025. Under the new map, Cleaver's district transforms from one that is 62% Democratic to one that is 41% Democratic. Cleaver says he still plans to run for reelection. The neighboring 4th and 6th Districts both become slightly bluer, to 39% and 36% Democratic, respectively, but they are still safely Republican. By expanding the 2nd District south and west, GOP Rep. Ann Wagner's district becomes redder, going from 46% Democratic in 2024 to 44%. While Wagner has maintained her grip on the district, Mr. Trump won by only 100 votes under the previous lines in 2020. In the 2021 redistricting, Wagner's district lost some of the Democratic-leaning St. Louis County. Government shutdown likely, CBS News' Robert Costa says after conversation with Trump Why crickets are as good as a thermometer Trump plans to send troops to Portland, Oregon; governor says it is "not needed here" North America's Original Blow Dry Bar Franchise Debuts in Dunwoody, GA; Offers Founders Rate for Mane Squeeze Membership DUNWOODY, Ga., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America's original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, will open its newest bar on September 12, 2025 in Dunwoody. Located at 4511 Olde Perimeter Way, the new bar will offer guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand-new section of customized looks to provide endless inspiration. Also, for a limited time, the new bar will offer a founder's rate for its signature Mane Squeeze Membership that includes two blow outs a month for $80, $5 off each additional blow out and 10% off retail. And a free birthday blowout Meet the Local Franchise Owner: The new bar is owned and operated by local entrepreneur and Atlanta native Jasmine Budhwani. Raised in Decatur by business-savvy parents who immigrated from India, Budhwani grew up learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship from a young age. After earning a business degree from Mercer University and building a successful career that includes banking and owning gas stations, grocery stores, and hotels, Budhwani found a new calling and this time it was within the beauty and wellness sector. While in Houston for her brother's wedding, she discovered Blo Blow Dry Bar and instantly fell in love with the experience. "I walked out of my appointment feeling amazing, beautiful, confident, and genuinely appreciated," she recalls. "That moment stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to bring that same feeling to women in my own community." Blo Blow Dry Bar Dunwoody will be more than a beauty destination, it will be a space where hardworking women can finally put themselves first. Budhwani, a new mother herself, deeply understands the need for self-care and is passionate about making it accessible to the working-class women within her community. The business will create 1015 new local jobs and is the first of three Blo locations she plans to open across Georgia. With a strong desire to give back, she's actively seeking partnerships with female-focused charities, women's support organizations, and community initiatives. "So many women spend their lives taking care of others," Jasmine says. "I want to create a place where they can come in, be celebrated, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves because they deserve that." To celebrate the opening, guests can take advantage of the following special offers: Discounted Blowouts : Purchase a single blowout for $45 (offer valid from Sept. 12 to Oct. 12 ). : Purchase a single blowout for (offer valid from ). Additional Promotions: VIP Complimentary Services for VIP guests on feel good upgrades (add-ons). The Blo Blow Dry Bar Experience: Blo Blow Dry Bar is on a mission to create a space where people of all ages, ethnicities, and orientations are welcomed, represented, and made to feel gorgeous while emphasizing the need for self-care and wellness. Combining a sophisticated design with a fun and energetic environment, Blo cultivates a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests upon their arrival, during, and after their services. Expertly trained blo-ers are available for consultation seven days a week to meet the needs of all guests. The brand's hair menu includes five signature styles from sleek and straight to bouncy curls, plus a wide assortment of customized looks including updo's and braids. Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services from expert artists on hand to help guests look and feel amazing for any occasion. Blo Blow Dry Bar is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. For more information on Blo Blow Dry Bar in Dunwoody, please visit https://blomedry.com/blo-dunwoody/ or call 678- 862-7203. About Blo Blow Dry Bar Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 165+ locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com. Media Contact: Allie Shust, Fishman Public Relations, 773-849-3506, or [email protected] SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar Matt Wright (middle) has been found guilty over the death of Chris Willow Wilson (left) - Daniel Walkington/National Geographic Channels An Australian crocodile wrangler has been found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice over a helicopter crash, in which one of his best friends died. Matt Wright, who shot to fame in the television shows Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, was accused of destroying and fabricating evidence relating to the crash. The incident happened in a remote part of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory in 2022. Chris Willow Wilson, one of Wrights best friends and co-star, was dangling from a sling hook attached to the helicopter while collecting eggs from crocodile nests a lucrative business in the tropical north of Australia. The aircraft plunged from the sky and crashed, killing Mr Wilson. Sebastian Robinson, the pilot, sustained life-altering injuries and is now confined to a wheelchair. The Air Transport Safety Bureau found that the helicopter ran out of fuel, causing its engine to shut down. At the end of a month-long trial in the Supreme Court in Darwin, the jury unanimously found Wright guilty of attempting to obstruct the crash investigation by lying to police and putting pressure on the pilot to falsify flight records. Wright was found guilty after a month-long trial in the Supreme Court in Darwin - WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images He was found guilty on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. There was an audible gasp from Wrights friends and family when the verdict was read out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The defendant slumped in his seat. Wright was released on bail and will be sentenced on Oct 6. He said he was pretty disappointed in the verdict and would be launching an appeal. Its been a long fight and weve got an appeal in process now, and well keep moving forward with this, he said. Important moment in a painful journey Mr Wilsons widow, Danielle, said the verdict represented an important moment in a long and painful journey. She and her two sons lived with the pain of her husbands death every single day, she said. The trial has been about the conviction of an individual who attempted to pervert the course of justice, and in doing so denied a complete, thorough and unimpeded investigation into the crash an investigation that could have provided my two young sons with the answers that they so much deserve, she added outside court. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Authorities are asking for the public's help identifying a man found dead at Burning Man. Nevada law enforcement officials issued a desperate plea to tens of thousands of strung-out Burners for help identifying a mystery man found dead in a pool of blood Saturday night as they try to narrow their search for the still-at-large killer. With Burning Man set to conclude on Monday night, investigators window to probe any witnesses among the massive crowd is quickly closing. At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my Office, Perishing County Sheriff Jerry Allen pleaded. Nevada authorities are asking the public to help identify a person murdered during Burning Man and the assailant still at large. Siobhan McAndrew/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The unidentified mans body was found around 9 p.m. Saturday, right as the human-shaped effigy that gives the raucous festival its name was torched. Authorities said that the victim was between 35 and 40 years old with short brown hair and facial hair and stood around 6 feet tall. Horrified festival goers found the bloodied man lying on the ground, obviously deceased and flagged down a sheriffs deputy monitoring the festival. By then, his unknown killer was already lying low somewhere among the sum-odd 70,000 attendees, according to officials. Two days later, authorities have come up with zilch and turned to the public for help tracking down the person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being, the Perishing County Sheriffs Office wrote. A perimeter still stands around the area where the mans body was found in Black Rock City, the grounds where the festival is held, but cops are quickly running out of time as Burners leave the desert and head home. The Perishing County Sheriffs Office is also looking for any information on the person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being. Facebook/Pershing County Sheriff's Office The Burning Man Project, which organizes the annual palooza, is cooperating with authorities and encouraged all other Burners to do the same. The Pershing County Sheriffs Office will be the primary source of further information. If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity, the festival association said in a statement. Burning Man started in 1987 in San Francisco before moving to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada in 1990. The week-long bonanza originally started as a celebration of artistic self-expression and counterculture, but became more notorious for its association with hippie culture and psychedelic drugs. The deceased man was found in a pool of blood around the same time the eponymous effigy of a man was set aflame. Siobhan McAndrew/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In recent years, though, its been overwhelmed by the richest of the rich and young influencers looking to throw caution to the wind. More than 1,000 injuries are typically reported by the end of the festival each year, on top of a swath of other bizarre happenings. Before this years celebration even began, authorities had their hands full arresting miscreants trying to sneak drugs into Black Rock City. Then, a dust storm swept through the grounds and upended many camps alongside the famed Orgy Dome near the very start of the celebrations. Last Wednesday, a couple who didnt know they were even expecting welcomed a baby girl inside their mud-caked camper. The newborn, named Aurora, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital and placed in the NICU, where shell recuperate until shes ready to go home. CHICAGO Local and state leaders are quickly responding on Sep. 2 to President Donald Trumps declaration that he will send the National Guard to Chicago after the city had a violent Labor Day weekend, warning residents that there will be immigration raids and troop stagings similar to those in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. "None of this is about fighting crime or making Chicago safer, for Trump its about testing his power," said Gov. JB Pritzker at a news conference called almost immediately after the president made the declaration in the Oval Office. "I can't pretend Trump isn't tearing this country apart for his own greed." The president announced he would send the National Guard to the city after at least eight people were killed and 50 people were injured in shootings across the city over the weekend, according Chicago Police Department data. Trump referenced the deadly holiday weekend, calling Chicago "the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far," in a post on Truth Social. Local leaders have acknowledged the city has a crime problem but have also insisted that crime is down significantly, according to Chicago Police Department data. There is no emergency in the city, Pritzker and other leaders declared. "This president doesn't care about gun violence, he just wants his own secret police force whenever he needs another distraction from his failures," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. Pritzker said that Chicagoans should expect what residents of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have experienced during National Guard deployments, including aggressive immigration enforcement raids and military checkpoints. Immigration enforcement agents have already begun arriving at a naval base of the city that will be used as a staging ground for federal operations, Pritzker said. The governor and others urged residents to protest peacefully in response to Trumps promised deployment: "Authoritarians thrive on your silence, be loud for America." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'None of this is about fighting crime': Illinois responds to Trump's plans North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the China-North Korea border by train on Tuesday, the country's state news agency reported, heading to Beijing where he will attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, the other two leaders having come from a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Tianjin, where Xi hosted world leaders including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kim is accompanied by a delegation including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, the Korean Central News Agency reported. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters - PHOTO: Chinese Changhe Z-8L and Harbin Z-20 helicopters fly in formation during a military parade rehearsal in Beijing, China, on Aug. 24, 2025. Kim, Xi and Putin will gather for the military parade amid Ukrainian and Western concerns over the collaboration of the three nations in bolstering Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ongoing since February 2022. Putin has sent an invitation to meet with Kim on the sidelines of the military parade, according to Putin's top foreign policy aide. "Our president and Kim Jong Un will be attending the parade and the reception together tomorrow and we believe that their contact at those two events will be continued in the bilateral format," the aide, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters Tuesday. "The invitation has been sent to our Korean friends, so I believe this conversation will take place," he added. MORE: 'They do not surrender': Ukraine commander details fight with North Koreans in Russia Ukrainian and Western governments have accused North Korea of supplying significant amounts of ammunition and troops to support Russia's war, while Kyiv and its NATO backers have identified China as Moscow's prime source of materiel and a vital economic lifeline. Speaking at the SCO meeting on Monday, Putin said the war in Ukraine began with a Western-sponsored "coup" and "attempts by the West" to ""pull Ukraine into NATO." The address echoed long-established false Russian narratives about the pro-Western 2014 Maidan Revolution and the subsequent Russian invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Moscow built on that round of aggression by launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Putin said he spoke with Xi on Sunday about the ongoing U.S.-sponsored peace process in Ukraine, which has so far failed to produce a ceasefire or a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Kcna/via Reuters - PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travels by train as he leaves Pyongyang to attend China's celebration of the formal surrender of Japan in World War II, in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 2, 2025. Putin and Xi met again on Tuesday morning, according to a readout from the state-run Xinhua news agency. The two leaders signed "more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents," Xinhua reported. Among the documents is a strategic cooperation agreement between Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy corporation, and the China National Petroleum Corporation, the Kremlin said. A memorandum on the development of strategic cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy, was also signed between Rosatom, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, and the China Atomic Energy Authority, the Kremlin said. Memorandums of understanding between Russia and China on space and science research were also signed during the meeting, the Kremlin said. Bilateral relations, Putin said, "have reflected a high degree of strategy and reached the highest level in history," Xinhua reported. Xi, meanwhile, said ties between Beijing and Moscow "have withstood the test of international changes," according to Xinhua. MORE: North Korea test-fires 2 new missiles amid US-South Korea military drills, state media says The Russian president also met with Modi on Monday. India -- along with China -- is a top customer for Russian energy exports, an income stream that Ukraine and its allies say has helped Moscow soften the impact of international sanctions and fund its war. In a post to X, Modi said he had an "excellent meeting" with Putin. "Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilizers, space, security and culture," he added. "We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine." The meeting comes shortly after U.S President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on all Indian goods -- bringing the total tariff rate to 50% -- related to India's continued purchases of Russian energy exports and military equipment. ABC News' Kate Lee, Tanya Stukalova, Anna Sergeeva, Karson Yiu, Will Gretsky and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report. This photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, is greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his arrival at a station in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by train on Tuesday to attend a military parade with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, an event that observers say could potentially demonstrate three-way unity against the United States. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the 26 world leaders who will join China's President Xi Jinping at Wednesdays massive military parade in Beijing that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas fight against Japan's wartime aggressions. It's set to be Kims first time attending a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, and the first time Kim, Xi and Putin, all key rivals of the U.S., have gathered at the same venue. None of the three countries have confirmed a private trilateral leaders' meeting. North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said Kim was greeted at Beijing railway station by senior Chinese officials. Kim was cited as saying he was pleased to visit China and expressing thanks to Xi and his government for their cordial hospitality. According to KCNA photos, Kims delegation at the Beijing station includes his young daughter, who South Korean intelligence officials view as his likely heir. Since 2022, she has frequently accompanied her father on a slew of major events including missile tests, with state media calling her Kim's most beloved or respected child. KCNA earlier said senior officials including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui were traveling with Kim, but didn't mention the girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and about 13 years old. Bilateral meetings In a closed-door briefing to lawmakers earlier Tuesday, South Koreas National Intelligence Service said that Kim will likely receive special protocol and security measures on par with those given to Putin, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting. The intelligence agency said Kim may stand alongside Xi and Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesdays parade. It anticipated that Kim will hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Russian leaders and interact with other heads of state at a reception and cultural performance as he seeks to further break out of isolation and expand his diplomatic footing, Lee said. It is Kim's first visit to China since 2019, and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power upon his father's death in late 2011. South Korea's acting ambassador to the United Nations, Sangjin Kim, said Tuesday the government is watching and monitoring very closely what is happening on this trip. We believe Kim Jong Uns trip and possible summit with neighboring countries needs to be done in a way conducive to bringing about increasing stability in the Korean Peninsula and helping to achieve our shared goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, he told a U.N. press conference. I hope our neighboring countries will play a constructive role in that regard. Putin arrived in China on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional summit, as well as the Beijing parade. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russias Tass news agency on Sunday that a meeting between Putin and Kim on the sidelines was under consideration. North Korea observers are paying keen attention to Kim possibly meeting Xi bilaterally as well and holding even a trilateral meeting with Xi and Putin. The three leaders have met bilaterally previously but have yet to hold a trilateral meeting. Kim wants to restore strong China ties North Korea's foreign policy priority has been Russia in recent years as it has been supplying troops and ammunition to support Moscow's war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last year. In its latest briefing to lawmakers, the South Korean spy agency said it believes roughly 2,000 of them have so far died in combat, Lee said. Kim has also agreed to additionally send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russias Kursk region, and the agency assesses that the first 1,000 are already in Russia, Lee said. North Korea's relations with China have reportedly turned sour in recent years, but experts say Kim likely hopes to restore ties as China is North Korea's biggest trading partner and aid benefactor and he would want to brace for the end of the Russia-Ukraine war. Kim is also developing partnerships Since aligning with Russia, North Korea has become more vocal in international affairs beyond the Korean Peninsula, issuing diplomatic statements on conflicts in the Middle East and in the Taiwan Strait, while portraying itself as a part of a united front against Washington. Some experts say Kims presence at the multilateral event in Beijing is part of efforts to develop partnerships with other nations close to China and Russia. Kim's trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and new liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed their hopes to restart talks with North Korea. North Korea has been shunning talks with the U.S. and South Korea and pushing to expand its nuclear and missile arsenals since Kims earlier round of diplomacy with Trump collapsed in 2019. Before departing for China on Monday, Kim visited a North Korean missile research institute to review progress on developing a new engine for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, KCNA reported. The North in recent years has tested various versions of ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and analysts say the next-generation ICBM likely refers to a long-range weapon with multiple nuclear warheads that can defeat U.S. missile defense systems. - Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report from the United Nations Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department are facing blowback over their effort to block a lawsuit from members of the far-right Proud Boys, who are seeking financial reimbursement for their criminal cases and imprisonment for offenses stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The Proud Boys Jan. 6 rioters, who met in a social media "X spaces" gathering last month, are calling for Bondi's resignation, after the Justice Department filed a motion in federal court in Florida last week, asking a judge to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed by Enrique Tarrio, Zachary Rehl, Domenic Pezzola and other Proud Boys. All the men were imprisoned for their roles in the riot before President Trump pardoned them on the day he was inaugurated for his second term. The Proud Boys' lawsuit seeks more than $100 million in damages and alleges the men suffered "A parade of horribles: egregious and systemic abuse of the legal system and the United States Constitution to punish and oppress political allies of President Trump, by any and all means necessary, legal, or illegal." "Through the use of evidence tampering, witness intimidation, violations of attorney-client privilege, and placing spies to report on trial strategy, the government got its fondest wish of imprisoning the J6 Defendants," the lawsuit claims. In a filing on Aug. 25, the Justice Department responded that the Jan. 6 defendants had not yet exhausted administrative remedies before they filed suit and also argued the U.S. enjoys sovereign immunity from such claims. An attorney for Jan. 6 defendants sent a statement to CBS News, saying, "Motions to dismiss are a common reaction to a civil complaint, and we anticipated that the attorney the government assigned to the case would make such a motion. We are confident that the Court will see that the Federal government's outrageous treatment of my clients justifies allowing the suit to continue. " In their publicly posted X spaces meeting video, Jan. 6 defendants and supporters blistered the Justice Department for opposing the Proud Boys' civil challenge. Isaac Thomas, a pardoned Jan. 6 defendant from Michigan who participated in the meeting, said, "Unfortunately, Pam Bondi's DOJ seems to be advocating for the same things that the Biden regime was advocating for. A long time ago, I joined the call of Trump supporters saying that Pam Bondi needs to step down." Thomas said the Jan. 6 defendants "have been dumped out." Mark McCloskey, an attorney who said he is seeking financial payments for Capitol riot defendants, said in the video he was "very disappointed" in the Justice Department's challenge to the Proud Boys lawsuit. He said if the Justice Department opposes other legal challenges seeking restitution or financial awards for Jan. 6 defendants, "It's going to make our lives very difficult." He predicted more legal challenges would be coming, as some of the more than 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants pursue financial compensation, and he referenced "hundreds" of people who could be impacted. The Justice Department did not have an immediate comment to the recent Jan. 6 defendants' online meeting. The civil lawsuit filed by Proud Boys members also alleges malicious prosecution and violation of Fourth Amendment protections, claims that the Justice Department rebutted in its response to the suit. In their Aug. 25 filing, the Justice Department argued the Proud Boys defendants failed to sufficiently demonstrate the case was "malicious" and that their constitutional rights had been violated. The 17-page filing from the department did not address whether the men had been rightfully or wrongfully convicted by a jury. The Proud Boys also allege harsh conditions in jail in their lawsuit, and it referenced the language used in President Trump's pardon order for Capitol insurrection defendants, which said, "This proclamation ends a grave national injustice that has been perpetrated upon the American people over the last four years and is a process of national reconciliation." An attorney who filed the suit did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CBS News. A Justice Department attorney who filed the motion to dismiss the Jan. 6 defendants' lawsuit has been harshly criticized by name on social media. In one instance, the attorney was referred to as being one of the "swamp rats." News of the Justice Department court filing also triggered a wave of critical comments about the department in a weekend social media post by a media outlet aligned with Trump supporter Mike Lindell, who made baseless claims about the 2020 election. Historian Miles Yu on Chinese military parade: "Trolling is a very good word" Judge lets Google keep Chrome, but says it must share search data with rivals A look back at the first "CBS Evening News" broadcast on its 62nd anniversary By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow had never opposed Ukraine's potential membership of the European Union, and that he thought it was possible to find a consensus on ensuring the security of both Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump said after his summit with Putin in Alaska last month that he thinks Putin is "tired" of the war in Ukraine but that it remains to be seen if peace can be secured to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. Ukraine and the leaders of Western European powers have said they do not believe Putin is serious about peace in Ukraine, and have warned that if Russia wins the Ukraine war then Putin could attack Europe and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance. In some of his most dovish remarks since the Alaska summit, Putin, speaking in China, pushed back against those claims, which he cast as "horror stories" and "hysteria" pumped up by incompetent people seeking to cast Russia as an enemy. Putin said Russia had been forced to act in Ukraine by what he cast as the West's attempt with the help of NATO to try to absorb the entire post-Soviet space. "As for Ukraine's membership of the EU, we have never objected to this," Putin told Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at talks in China. "As for NATO, this is another issue... Our position here is well known: we consider this unacceptable for ourselves." A potential security guarantee for Ukraine - backed by the United States and Western European powers - is one of the toughest parts of any future peace settlement, according to diplomats and officials involved in discussions. Ukraine says that it is not for Russia to decide what Kyiv can or cannot join, while NATO says that Russia can have no veto over membership of the alliance which was formed in 1949 to counter the threat from the Soviet Union. Putin said that he had discussed Ukraine's security at his August 15 summit with Trump. "There are options for ensuring Ukraine's security in the event of an end to the conflict," Putin said. "And it seems to me that there is an opportunity to find consensus here." Russia, Putin said, was ready to cooperate with the United States at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest nuclear plant. Russia took control of it in March 2022, shortly after its invasion of Ukraine. "We can cooperate with American partners at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Putin said, adding that the issue had been discussed indirectly with Washington and that he was even prepared to work with Ukraine at the plant. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge/Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) 7-Elevens snack section changes constantly, with shelves packed full of chips, jerky, ice cream, pastries, taquitos, and the stores own 7-Select creations. Some are worth a second trip, while others feel like filler. To cut through the clutter, heres a ranking of the best 7-Eleven snacks you can find right now. Barbecue-Flavored Fried Pork Rinds Credit: Youtube What looks like a bag of greasy regret is light and strangely snackable. These chicharrones are closer to Cheetos in texture than bacon strips, with just enough smoky barbecue dust to keep them interesting. There are no greasy fingers, and if you're into low-carb snacking, they also check that box. Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast Sandwich Credit: Youtube It sounds like a carnival dareFrench toast swirled with cinnamon sugar, stacked with sausage, egg, and cheesebut it works. The bread turns custardy when microwaved, and the swirl gives it a pancake-and-syrup vibe without turning the whole thing into dessert. Chile Lime Pistachio Kernels Credit: Wikimedia Commons These dont come in shells, and that makes them easy to snack on. Each kernel gets a solid dusting of zesty chili-lime seasoning. The chopped format makes them perfect for tossing on a salad or in a trail mix, but they hold up just fine on their own. Raspberry Cheesecake Bites Credit: Reddit Find these chilled near the dairy section. The soft raspberry center lands somewhere between cream cheese frosting and actual cheesecake filling, with a thin layer of dark chocolate sealing it all in. No Graham cracker base, but it doesnt need one. Cheese Pizza Slice Credit: Youtube Its not New York, nor frozen. Its somewhere right in the middle, and thats why it works. The crust isnt rubbery, and the sauce has that slightly sweet school lunch tang. Catch one when its just been rotated into the warmer, and youll see why its stayed on the menu this long. Stuffed Meatball and Pepperoni Pastry Credit: Youtube It looks like a basic roll until you break it open and find meatballs, pepperoni, gooey cheese, and tomato sauce inside a doughy Pillsbury shell. Heated on request. The outside goes golden and pulls apart. Surprisingly, it holds together without dripping everywhere. Monterey Jack Taquito Credit: Wikimedia Commons This taquito balances chicken with Monterey Jack cheese inside a crisp tortilla. The flavor leans more authentic than most roller items, with real cheesiness instead of just salt and grease. It may not be thrilling, but its steady, satisfying, and dependable every time you pick one up. Hot Honey Boneless Wings Credit: Youtube Technically, theyre chunks of chicken on a stick, but dont let that stop you. The honey glaze isnt cloying, and the heat kicks in at the right time. When fresh, the coating stays crisp, and the inside is juicy enough to feel like real food. Kettle Barbecue Chips Credit: Youtube The barbecue seasoning leans savory over sweet, with paprika and onion powder showing up first. You can dip them, but you wont need to. These chips hold their own and avoid the sad fate of feeling stale halfway through the bag. 7-Select Hot n Spicy Pickle Bites Credit: Youtube Pickle fans, this one's for you. Thick slices soaked in tangy, slightly spicy brine, packaged with just enough juice to keep things juicy but not soggy. They're also high in electrolytes, so there's a real functional excuse if you need one. Double Cookie Dough Ice Cream Credit: Youtube If you judge store-brand ice cream by its mix-in density, this one overachieves. Each scoop is loaded with chocolate chip cookie dough chunks and soft chips. The vanilla base leans sweet with a brown sugar edge. Its not premium-level creamy, but the texture holds up. Jalapeno Cream Cheese Taquito Credit: Youtube This item turns into something better than the sum of its parts. The tortilla casing locks in the cream cheese and pepper filling, which manages to be slightly spicy and not greasy. Its more reminiscent of a fried appetizer than a roller snack. Maple-Flavored Bacon Jerky Credit: Youtube Each strip hits with smoky bacon flavor followed by maple sweetness that doesn't tip into candy territory. The jerky texture strikes a middle groundchewy with just a bit of crisp around the edges. Shelf-stable and protein-heavy, this one is hard to put down once opened. lb. Big Bite Hot Dog Credit: Youtube It still gets that signature snap when you bite into it. Load it with onions, mustard, or whatevers on the condiment bar, and it holds up without the bun disintegrating. This dog has staying power for a reason: its consistent, filling, and weirdly satisfying at any hour. 7-Eleven Buffalo Chicken Roller Credit: Youtube Among the endless options on the rollers, this one stands out. The chicken is packed firm and stays moist, while the buffalo seasoning delivers heat without tasting fake. A touch of cheese smooths it out, and the spice lingers just enough to keep you coming back. Yolande Makolo, spokeswoman for the Rwandan government, leads a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kigali, Rwanda on June 14, 2022. - Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images Seven migrants were transferred from the United States to Rwanda in August under a deportation agreement with the US, authorities in the East African country said Thursday. Rwanda said earlier in August it would accept up to 250 deportees from the US. Yolande Makolo, a spokeswoman for the Rwandan government, said in a statement that the first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August. Rwanda is one of four African countries that have reached deportation agreements with Washington. The others are Uganda, Eswatini and South Sudan. No information was provided about the identities of the deportees sent to Rwanda this month. They have been accommodated by an international organization with visits by the International Organization for Migration, as well as representatives of Rwandan social services, Makolo said. Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda, Makolo said. In addition to accommodation, those approved for settlement in Rwanda will receive workforce training and health care, she said. The Trump administration has come under scrutiny for the African countries it has entered into secretive deals with to take deportees. It sent eight men from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan in early July after a US Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for their deportations. The US also deported five men who are citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini, where the government said they will be held in solitary confinement in prison for an undetermined period of time. Uganda has also agreed to a deal with the US to take deported migrants as long as they dont have criminal records and are not unaccompanied minors. US officials have said they want to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a high-profile detainee, to Uganda. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com EQT Foundation opens applications for deeptech solutions grant, tackling transforming how we diagnose, treat, and manage rare conditions The program will award between EUR 25,000 to EUR 100 ,000 STOCKHOLM, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Foundation is launching a new call for proposals under its Breakthrough Science program. The program awards catalytic grants of 25,000 to 100,000 to researchers tackling urgent challenges in the field of rare diseases. Designed to accelerate bold scientific ideas with high potential for real-world patient impact, the program supports translational research that might be overlooked by traditional funders. The call is open to scientists affiliated with accredited nonprofit institutions globally. More than 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease, nearly half of them children. For most, the path to diagnosis is long and uncertain, and treatment options are limited or nonexistent. At the same time, the rare disease field has given rise to some of the most significant advances in medicine, from gene therapy to RNA-based modulation. This grant call aims to support the next generation of these breakthroughs, solutions that begin with the rare few but ripple across science and healthcare systems at large. The program seeks research at the intersection of deeptech innovation and clinical application, with a focus on: Novel therapeutic platforms: gene and RNA therapies, enzyme replacement, oral treatments, delivery innovations, and scalable approaches to individualized medicine Biomarker discovery and diagnostics: tools that accelerate early detection and improve trial design, especially in underserved settings Trial acceleration: registries, digital biomarkers, and AI-enabled evidence generation for faster paths to first-in-patient Access-enabling technologies: innovations that reduce cost or complexity of deployment in low-resource or remote settings Human-relevant disease models: induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids, or organ-on-chip platforms that deepen mechanistic insight and de-risk clinical development Cilia Holmes Indahl, CEO, EQT Foundation, comments: "Rare diseases often go unseen and unheard, leaving millions, many of them children, without effective treatments or timely diagnoses. Through this fast-track grant program, we're not just funding research, we're supporting bold scientists to make the leap from lab to clinic. We believe breakthrough technologies can help improve treatments for rare diseases in cost-effective ways, representing an interesting new area for impact investors looking to improve quality-adjusted life years." In addition to funding, the grantees will benefit from access to EQT's global network, connecting them with advisors, potential industry partners, and commercialization support tailored to the needs of translational science. Applications open on September 2, 2025, and close on October 1, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scientific and translational experts. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with the EQT Foundation team, with final decisions communicated shortly thereafter. To apply, visit: https://eqtgroup.com/eqt-foundation/grant-submission 1United Nations General Assembly, Addressing the Challenges of Persons Living with a Rare Disease and Their Families (A/RES/76/132), 2021 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-foundation-opens-applications-for-breakthrough-research-grant-in-rare-diseases,c4228486 The following files are available for download: Southwest Airlines passengers will soon begin seeing a new security device on the carrier's newest Boeing 737s. The airline announced Friday that its first plane with secondary cockpit barriers had gone into service, and Southwest expects to have 26 aircraft fitted with the device in service by the end of the year. This requirement actually goes all the way back to Sept. 11. Following that event, it was always looking for a path to make the flight deck more secure," Southwest Executive Vice President of Operations Justin Jones told USA TODAY. "Its just another layer of protection there to make sure no passengers who arent supposed to be in the flight deck ever get into the flight deck. A stowed secondary cockpit barrier on a Southwest Airlines 737. The device is a fold-away door on the cabin side of the forward galley. According to Jones, flight attendants will deploy it when a pilot exits the cockpit to use the lavatory or for any other reason. The barrier will be opened again once the cockpit door is closed, meaning it will only be deployed for seconds at a time on any given flight. Before the installation of the secondary cockpit barriers, Southwest Airlines' procedure required a flight attendant to stand and face the cabin while a beverage cart was used to block passengers from approaching the galley. The same procedures will be followed, but theyll close a secure door there, Jones said. Personally, I think it will be a better customer experience," because it will be clearer to customers that the area is off limits while the cockpit door is open. The requirement for secondary cockpit barriers was part of the Federal Aviation Administration's response to the Sept. 11 attacks, but was only passed in 2023. The FAA has given airlines the option of waiting until they get new planes with the devices delivered, and there's currently no requirement or approved option for retrofitting aircraft that are already in service. The Air Line Pilots Association, the largest pilots union in the U.S. has long supported the measure and has repeatedly called on airlines to implement the barriers "without delay." American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines were not immediately able to provide USA TODAY with details on their plans to implement secondary cockpit barriers. (This story was updated to refresh headlines.) Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest adds new cockpit barriers on Boeing 737s: See inside Amy Sussman/WireImage Nicholas Braun NEED TO KNOW Nicholas Braun was arrested on charges of a DUI and operating his vehicle without lights on Saturday, Aug. 30, according to the Moultonborough Police Department The alleged incident occurred in Moultonborough, New Hampshire at 11:15 p.m., the police chief told PEOPLE on Sept. 2 Braun is best known for his time playing Greg Hirsch on Succession, which earned him three Emmy nominations Nicholas Braun ran into some trouble with the law over Labor Day weekend. The actor, 37, was arrested at 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, in New Hampshire, according to a press release from the Moultonborough Police Department. Per the Chief of Police, Braun was pulled over and taken into custody on suspicion of "DUI-impairment" and operating his vehicle without lights. Per TMZ, who was the first to report the news, Braun was booked into the Carroll County jail and released on his own recognizance without bail with an upcoming court date. PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Braun for comment. Macall B. Polay/ HBO Nicholas Braun Braun is best known for his role as Greg Hirsch in the HBO hit Succession for its five-year run. His performance earned him three Primetime Emmy nominations, one Critics Choice nomination and two Screen Actors Guild awards. He also made a name for himself in several Disney movies in the early 2000s, including Sky High, Minutemen and Princess Protection Program. Recently, Braun portrayed Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson in the film Saturday Night, a biographical film telling the story of the now-iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. 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. Macall B. Polay/HBO Nicholas Braun In October 2024, he opened up to PEOPLE about life after Succession and shared rare details about his relationship with Hyunji Ward. My girlfriends family has a cottage on Lake Michigan, he explained when asked about his most recent blissful moment. Whenever we go, theres no cell service, and were just baking pies. Ive actually learned how to make a crust, everything. I can do it all. He also revealed that they got a puppy named Mia. Every time she pees outside in front of our house, we do a celebration, which consists of dancing, Braun laughed. I hope no one is seeing us. In March, the couple went Instagram official when Braun posted a sweet message for Wards birthday. Alongside a series of snapshots from throughout their relationship, Braun wrote: HBD to my sweet sweet DARLING of a girlfriend!!! You are the absolute joy of my life. You make me my best self!! he continued. Like when you said that I could pull off this shirt full of forks. You were right. Love you dearly Read the original article on People New reports from around the globe show that Teslas (TSLA) demand issues in August persist in key regions, including a new growth territory: India. In France, Tesla registered only 1,331 vehicles compared to 2,532 a year ago, representing a 47.2% drop, according to the PFA auto lobby. Meanwhile, overall August auto sales in France were up 2.2% in the month. Tesla sales in Sweden (down 84%) and Denmark (down 42%) tumbled as well, per Mobility Sweden and Mobility Denmark. EV-crazed Norway was a lone bright spot, with sales up nearly 22%. Germany and the UK, Teslas two other larger territories, will report August sales later this month. Tesla stock was down less than 1% in early trading on Tuesday. Weakness in Europe is not a new trend for the automaker, as the ACEA reported that overall July sales tumbled over 40% year over year, though Teslas early quarter shipments are generally for non-EU markets. Nevertheless, a drop of over 40% strongly hints at trouble. In Europe, the introduction of the revamped Model Y appears not to be enough to blunt rising competition and CEO Elon Musk's deep unpopularity. China's BYD (BYDDY), which sells both full EVs and hybrids, saw registrations surge 225% in July to 13,503, easily topping Tesla. Depressed demand is also an issue in China, though not to an extreme degree as seen in Europe. Tesla's China sales dropped 4% in August from a year earlier, following an 8.4% slip in July, per Reuters, though sales were up month over month. The sales environment in China is brutal, with heavy domestic competition from BYD, XPeng (XPEV), Li Auto (LI), Nio (NIO), and upstarts like Xiaomi (1810.HK). Tesla has tried to boost its aging product portfolio with the refreshed Model Y, which came out earlier this year, and the all-new Model Y L, a six-seater version of the Model Y that went on sale last month. But will he buy it? A customer tries a Tesla Model Y L electric SUV at a Tesla store on Aug. 20, 2025, in Chongqing, China. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images) (VCG via Getty Images) New markets like India, where Tesla was looking to plant a flag in a high-growth region, have not yet produced results. Per Bloomberg, Tesla received orders for 600 cars since launching sales in mid-July, which is well below the companys internal estimates, according to people familiar with the matter. Tesla now plans to ship 350 to 500 cars to India this year, and the first batch is slated to land from Shanghai in early September. Tesla originally aimed to utilize its full 2,500-car annual quota this year, Bloomberg News reported earlier. Foreign-made autos are tariffed heavily in India due to the country's protectionist measures, which means the Model Y will cost around $70,000. While Indias middle class is growing, those who can afford the $70,000 Model Y are still a small subset of that group. Elsewhere in Asia, Turkey remains a bright spot for Tesla. Reuters reports that Tesla sold 8,730 Model Y SUVs in August, up 86% from the previous month, which gave Tesla a 50% EV market share, according to industry data source EBS Danismanlik. Tesla sales year to date in Turkey surged more than 400% compared to a year ago to around 26,000 units. Tesla will release official delivery data for its second quarter in early October. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Pras Subramanian is the lead auto reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance WASHINGTON The battle lines are being redrawn literally and figuratively for Donald Trumps second and final midterm election, as the contest for the House of Representatives heats up this summer with showdowns over redistricting and the presidents big, new law pushing his domestic agenda. August saw the beginning of a heated national fight over attempts to redraw congressional districts in various states, after Texas Republicans moved to eliminate as many as five Democratic-held seats and California Democrats moved to counter them. It means that the 2026 battlefield of competitive House races is shrinking even as the fight for the majority intensifies. The GOP push has been led by Trump in a bid to insulate his partys congressional majority ahead of the midterms, which historically often favor the party out of power in Washington. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats to get a majority, and they are working to capitalize on voter angst that was expressed at numerous Republican town halls this summer. The number of competitive districts is slated to shrink slightly, said David Wasserman, an election analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, noting that some gerrymandered seats could still feature close races next fall. He estimated that redistricting alone could lead to a net pickup of anywhere from four to 12 seats for Republicans, impacting the larger fight to secure 218 seats and control of the House. The overall seat estimate hinges on California and Florida, Wasserman said. If California passes its map, then Democrats should still feel cautiously optimistic about [winning] the House. If it doesnt, and Florida redraws, then its a much closer call. U.S. congressional district maps displayed at the Texas state Capitol on Aug. 6. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images) As Texas approved a new map at Trumps request, California Democrats set up a ballot measure this fall to redesign the blue states House lines with the goal of neutralizing the GOPs gains in the Lone Star State. Egged on by Trump, Republicans are also considering new maps that could expand their power in red states such as Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and, perhaps, Florida. A court order in Utah could lead to a new battleground or Democratic-leaning seat there. And while Democrats in New York are exploring ways to retaliate, they may have to wait until 2028. It all points to the changing nature of the midterm landscape, with parties moving to stack the deck in their favor so they dont have to win more voters in competitive areas. Its my I told you so moment right now, said Adam Bozzi, a liberal activist and consultant who fought to ban partisan gerrymandering during the Biden administration, which Democrats embraced and Republicans opposed. It clearly was a missed opportunity that would have avoided this mess, he said. Had we passed this, it would have meant fair districts and made more sense to voters. For the last three elections, the House majority has been decided by a handful of seats. Both parties agree that the playing field is much narrower than at any point in the last decade, with Democrats carrying no expectation of another 40-seat pickup like they won in 2018 even if its another wave election. Wasserman said a hypothetical repeat of the 2018 environment would net out closer to 20 seats, given the smaller battlefield. Jacob Rubashkin, an analyst with Inside Elections, said that if both parties are maximally aggressive with their opportunities, Republicans would gain significant advantages in seven seats on net. There are plenty of historical examples of gerrymanders not going as intended due to candidate quality, political trends or the national environment, he said. Demonstrators in the rotunda of the Texas state Capitol on Aug. 20 oppose the redrawing of the Texas congressional map. (Eli Hartman / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Trump seeks to rebrand his big bill Trump and Republicans are trying to reshape not only the political map, but also public opinion of their big, beautiful domestic policy law, with the president saying he wants to rebrand the measure that extended his tax cuts and boosted immigration funding while slashing Medicaid and SNAP aid. Im not going to use the term great, big, beautiful that was good for getting it approved, but its not good for explaining to people what its all about, Trump said last week at a Cabinet meeting. Its a massive tax cut for the middle class. That's exactly how Republicans are selling it in TV ads already running in key races around the country. Meanwhile, Democrats are blasting it as a tax cut for the wealthiest earners, paid for in part by taking health care from working-class Americans. Even Donald Trump has realized that Republicans Big, Ugly Law is a political disaster thats lost the support of the American public, Justin Chermol, a spokesman for the House Democratic campaign arm, said in a statement that also accused Republicans of running scared and largely avoiding town halls. An analysis released last week by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the law would deliver a net resource increase of $13,600 on average for the highest one-tenth of U.S. earners, while causing a net decrease on average of $1,200 for the lowest one-tenth of earners. Democrats have made the law which public polling shows to be unpopular overall, though it contains some more popular elements a focal point of their pitch to voters to hand them power in the House next year. Theyre hoping that a backlash to Trump and GOP control of the White House and Congress will compensate for Democrats own problems, which range from an exceptionally weak brand to losses in voter registration. Democrats continue to overperform in low-turnout special elections, giving them hope of a favorable electorate turning out in 2026. Meanwhile, a new memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee advises candidates to tout their party-line domestic policy law especially its tax breaks for tips, overtime and parents with children. Citing an internal poll of 46 battleground districts, the NRCC encouraged candidates to criticize Democrats as voting to raise taxes and hike costs on working families. Stay on offense; this is the signature debate of 2026, and winning it means holding the majority, the NRCC memo concluded. Lexington Police Department Laken Snelling's mugshot NEED TO KNOW Laken Snelling was arrested on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant after her child was allegedly found dead in her closet Lexington Police confirmed that she was the biological mother of the child The infant's body was found in a trash bag in her closet A student and STUNT team member at the University of Kentucky was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 30, when her infant's corpse was discovered in her closet, according to police. Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested Sunday, Aug. 31, on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, the Lexington Police Department (LPD) said in a news release. LPD was called to a home in the 400 block of Park Avenue for a report of an unresponsive infant in Lexington, Ky., per local NBC affiliate Lex 18. Police say Snelling is the mother of the deceased infant, and "admitted to giving birth." The baby was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. The Fayette County Coroners Office will determine the infant's official cause of death. The arrest citation details that "infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag," Fox 19 Now reports. The college student competed on the university's competitive STUNT team for three years, and is originally from White Pine, Tenn., where she attended Jefferson County High School, according to an official team roster. We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police," the university said in a statement obtained by The Independent. 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. PEOPLE has reached out to the LPD and the University of Kentucky for comment. Read the original article on People A 21-year-old University of Kentucky athlete was arrested and accused of hiding her dead infant, wrapped in a towel, in a trash bag in a closet to conceal the recent birth, police said. Laken Ashlee Snelling, who a university spokesperson said was a senior and a member of the competitive cheer stunt team, is expected to be charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse, according to a police citation. She was arrested Sunday and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, Lexington, Kentucky, police said in a statement. The 21-year-old has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. On Tuesday, Snelling was released on $100,000 bond, according to court documents shared with NBC News. The court documents state that she was placed on house arrest at her parents' home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, roughly 200 miles from where she was arrested in Kentucky. The 21-year-old appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon. She largely held her head down throughout the hearing, wearing a red dress and saying little to her attorney. Photo of one of the buildings of the University of Kentucky, a public university in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. (Getty Images file) It's not clear if Snelling has a lawyer. The state Department of Public Advocacy, which provides some defendants with legal representation, did not immediately respond to a request for information Monday night. The Lexington police arrest citation for Snelling, obtained by NBC affiliate WLEX of Lexington, states officers were dispatched to her residence on Wednesday morning after receiving a report that a deceased infant was in a closet. "Infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag," the citation states. Police said Snelling agreed to be interviewed and told officers she had given birth and tried to conceal evidence of the birth. The Fayette County Coroners Office is investigating the infant's cause of death, police said. By Karen Freifeld and Wen-Yee Lee (Reuters) -Washington has revoked TSMC's fast-track status for U.S. chip manufacturing equipment exports to its main plant in China - a move that comes days after revocations of the same privilege for South Korean chipmakers. Keen for China not to benefit too much from advanced American technology, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has been re-examining export controls that it thought were too relaxed under the Biden administration. TSMC, which is the world's biggest contract chip manufacturer, and rivals SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have, until now, benefited from exemptions to sweeping restrictions that the U.S. has imposed on chip-related exports to China. The privilege known as validated end user status will end December 31, TSMC said, meaning shipments of American chipmaking tools to its plant in Nanjing after that date will require U.S. export licenses. The plant makes 16-nanometre and other mature node chips - not TSMC's most advanced semiconductors. TSMC said in last year's annual report that its Nanjing site generated about 2.4% of overall revenue. TSMC said it was evaluating the situation and communicating with the U.S. government, adding that it remains "committed to ensuring the uninterrupted operations of TSMC Nanjing." Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs also said it will continue to maintain close communication with the U.S. and with TSMC "to monitor developments and provide necessary assistance." The Commerce Department said Friday that the U.S. planned to grant license applications to allow foreign companies to operate their existing facilities in China, but not to expand capacity or upgrade technology. While shares in SK Hynix and Samsung, which have substantial production facilities in China, sank after their exemptions were revoked, TSMC shares were less affected, trading flat on Wednesday. The licensing change will likely reduce sales to China by U.S. equipment makers KLA, Lam Research and Applied Materials. Leslie Wu, an independent semiconductor analyst, said, however, that Chinese equipment makers such as Naura and AMEC were unlikely to benefit, as the plants have completed their expansion plans in China. Instead, "the revocation could benefit Chinese component suppliers when imported machines require maintenance or replacement of consumable parts," he said. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld in New York and Wen-Yee Lee in Taipei; Additional reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru and Che Pan in Beijing; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Edwina Gibbs) From left: New York mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo. - Getty Images Labor Day marks the traditional start of the sprint to Election Day. This falls marquee event: the contest to become New York Citys next mayor. Zohran Mamdani is vying to finish the job after his shocking victory in Junes Democratic primary. Mayor Eric Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are running as independents, trying to rescue their political careers from a torrent of scandals. And Republican Curtis Sliwa adds an unpredictable element to the mix. The winner on Nov. 4 will lead Americas largest city, but the results will resonate across politics. A victory by Mamdani, the 33-year-old state assemblyman and democratic socialist, would signal a sharp break within the Democratic Party from leaders who have refused to endorse him even after his primary win. Casting a shadow over the race is President Donald Trump, a Queens native and owner of several namesake properties in Manhattan. Trump has referred to Mamdani as a communist and said he would need to take over the city if Mamdani wins. Cuomo has used the threat to boost his campaign, saying only he knows how to battle with Trump, who has suggested the former governor should stay in the race despite his loss in June. Heres what to know about the race heading into the fall: Zohran Mamdani speaks during the March on Wall Street on August 28. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Democrats, democratic socialists and Mamdani Despite having the backing of much of the citys Democratic establishment, Mamdani has yet to secure the support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The pair recently met for a second time in Jeffries Brooklyn district, this time alongside clergy leaders and Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus who also represents parts of Brooklyn. As Jeffries holds out, Mamdani is facing added scrutiny over his connection to the Democratic Socialists of America. Cuomo is trying to tie Mamdani to the DSAs most controversial proposals including abolishing misdemeanors, disarming police officers, abolishing prisons and decriminalizing sex work. Its a tricky balance: The New York City chapter of the party has endorsed him and Mamdani has made it clear he is proud to identify as a member of DSA. But he also ran as a Democrat focused on affordability and has disavowed his previous calls to defund the police. He is putting some space between his campaign and the national arm of the DSA. If you cannot find a policy on my website, that is not a policy that I am running on, Mamdani told reporters last week. The national organization is helping him with distance too. While we are proud that Zohran works closely with NYC-DSA, we also understand his platform for mayor is not identical to the DSA National platform, DSA co-chair, Ashik Siddique, said in a statement. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press conference on August 21. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Cuomo tries to keep the focus on crime Cuomo, who is trying to revive his campaign through a mix of rebranded social media videos, pithy posts and frequent press conferences, is leaning into the public-safety focus of his primary campaign. Mamdani and Cuomos public safety proposals are vastly different. Cuomo is proposing to hire an additional 5,000 police officers while Mamdani has said he wants to change the way in which officers respond to certain emergency calls, particularly calls involving the homeless or mentally ill. Despite a decline in shootings and murders, Cuomo has remained focused on the citys crime rate and the NYPDs officer shortage. Standing near a memorial where a 69-year-old woman was killed by a stray bullet, he renewed his call to bring the NYPDs headcount which is already the largest in the nation to the same levels as the administration of former Mayor David Dinkins. Eric Adams announces his re-election campaign on June 26. - Kylie Cooper/Reuters Adams holds on Or at least thats what it looks like for now. The incumbent is staying in the race despite a constant stream of corruption allegations surrounding his inner circle, a lack of public funds to help his campaign and abysmal polling showing that a majority of New Yorkers disapprove of his performance. Adams, who has been endorsed by a handful of law enforcement unions got another boost of support after Teamsters Local 831 which represents the citys sanitation workers endorsed his campaign. Explaining the cash inside a bag of chips One of the more bizarre episodes in the campaign so far unfolded after one of Adams former senior staff members handed a bag of potato chips stuffed with cash to a reporter following a campaign event in Harlem. Winnie Greco, who previously worked as Adams liaison to the Chinese community and has been under investigation by federal authorities for months, handed the sour cream and onion potato chips bag to Katie Honan of THE CITY, a digital news outlet that has extensively covered Adams corruption scandals. After realizing the chips were not just an awkward snack offer, Honan tried to return the money to Greco, who insisted that she keep it. Honan declined, explaining she could not receive gifts. The incident was referred to the citys Department of Investigation. We dont give money to reporters. I dont know anything about what took place there, Adams said after the incident. Greco, who has since been suspended from her volunteer position in the campaign, denied the cash was a bribe to the reporter. Grecos lawyer told CNN it was meant to be a kind gesture. Hours later, Adams former senior adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin was indicted on state charges of corruption and bribery, accused in a wide-ranging scheme involving cash, television shows and moneyed donors opposed to a street redesign project in Brooklyn. Manhattan prosecutors allege Lewis-Martin who Adams has referred to as his sister traded influence and favors from her powerful perch at City Hall in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash bribes and even a cameo on the small screen. Lewis-Martin pleaded not guilty along with eight co-defendants charged in the scheme. While Adams was not accused of any wrongdoing, the ongoing corruption scandals affecting his inner circle persist, reinforcing the perception that Adams cannot get away from the accusations that have hobbled his administration. It also gave his opponents fodder. Mamdani, whose viral videos helped him catapult to national notoriety, posted a clip of himself eating from a bag of chips. 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